Celestial Refining Divine Scripture

"No matter what, as an Elder Golden Immortal, he wouldn’t take his anger out on me. Besides, it’s not my fault anyway."

If you’d just taken me as your disciple earlier, maybe I wouldn’t have joined Dan Feng.

When the sky falls, the tall ones hold it up.

Xu Yang thought that if Hong Wei found out the truth, any blame would fall on Dan Qi.

Dan Qi can take it!

"Thank you, Steward Chi Ning."

Xu Yang cupped his fist in salute.

Whatever the case, it was Chi Ning who resolved things today.

Yang Xiao and Ye Qingchen had a deal—if it turned violent, they absolutely wouldn’t hold back.

With only three to five days before the new disciple competition, getting seriously hurt now would be a huge problem.

Chi Ning glanced sidelong at the rankings on the fire pillar, unable to calm his heart.

First-rank Immortal Weapon, third trial of Fire Demon Cave—second place!

Elder, if you’re still not anxious now, you might just get beaten to it by someone else.

To be frank, he stepped in because he really couldn’t stand it anymore—he didn’t even notify Elder Hong Wei.

Ye Qingchen issued a duel challenge; if a fight broke out, the outcome was obvious.

In his opinion, with Xu Yang showing such extraordinary potential, once Elder Hong Wei found out, he’d have no reason to give up—Xu Yang would definitely be his future direct disciple.

And the one and only direct disciple, at that!

Unlike Duan Tianyang, whose master was also an Elder Golden Immortal, but had several direct disciples under him.

The difference in status and treatment was obvious.

Making an appearance today was building good karma!

"These youngsters are getting more and more out of hand."

"But with this matter settled, you can focus on preparing for the new disciple competition!"

Chi Ning’s face was kindly as he said in a deep voice, "This new disciple competition concerns the two seeded disciple slots—it’s extremely important. If you get one, your future will be limitless."

"Moreover..."

"That esteemed lord holds great hopes for you; don’t let him down."

Chi Ning thought to himself, he’d really done everything he could.

Xu Yang hurriedly bowed his head in reply, though his face was resigned with a bitter smile.

Great hopes?

My lord, I already belong to someone else.

But it’s impossible to explain that now—he could only grit his teeth and muddle through.

Soon after, Chi Ning floated away.

Xu Yang looked up and saw that in the time since, Yang Xiao and company had disappeared without a trace.

"From his actions just now, that guy may be arrogant, but he’s not stupid; he knows to be wary and step back when needed!"

Too bad, he thinks too highly of himself.

From start to finish, where did he go wrong?

Apologize to Yang Xiao and admit guilt?

Wouldn’t that be turning truth upside down?

"Now, everyone thinks the Golden Immortal values me and will accept me as a direct disciple. Yang Xiao might be wary, but the Yang Family and Yang Yuan—those guys probably won’t just give up for good!"

Still have to be careful!

At this thought, Xu Yang quickly left the scene as well.

The huge amount of immortal jade he’d gained was still inside the divine cauldron, not yet fully refined.

Once he fully recovered, his Primordial Spirit would also be improved.

With only a few days left, he had to use them to improve as much as he could.

Xu Yang left the Fire Demon Cave, thought for a moment, and decided not to sneak back to Dan Feng—in case someone was tailing him—he simply returned to Neifeng instead.

Just as Chi Ning said, after what happened today, there probably wouldn’t be many people daring to mess with him right before the competition started.

"This cave dwelling is really unnecessary."

Stepping inside, Xu Yang shook his head slightly.

The lowest-level cave dwelling had so little Immortal Spirit Qi it wasn’t much different from nothing.

He’d only have to endure it for a few days anyway.

He sat down cross-legged and glanced at the divine cauldron.

Inside, several massive pieces of immortal jade—six feet, seven feet, even nine feet—were still not completely refined. Once it all turned into Purest Essence Qi, the amount would be overwhelming. With just a bit more, he’d have enough for a thousand temperings.

"A pity I didn’t get first in the third trial—otherwise the century-old Seven Star Immortal Jade would be mine."

Xu Yang licked his lips, suppressing the thought.

There’ll be another chance later.

Better focus on cultivation for now.

Two days passed.

A sudden surge of energy erupted outside the cave dwelling.

Xu Yang’s eyes snapped open like lightning, his gaze sharpened, "Here we go again?"

He flicked his finger—the array of the cave dwelling split open.

Two figures appeared before his eyes.

When he saw who had come, Xu Yang’s pupils contracted sharply.

Yang Yuan and Yang Xiao!

The latter followed behind Yang Yuan, looking as meek as a sheep. Anyone who saw that would never connect this to his former brash arrogance.

A totally different person!

Proving how much Yang Xiao feared Yang Yuan.

"Not inviting me in?"

Yang Yuan spoke blandly.

"Mr. Yang’s visit brings light to my humble cave, please come in!"

Xu Yang’s expression didn’t change at all. He simply gestured, continuing to sit cross-legged on the mat without moving.

Yang Xiao lifted his head, saw Xu Yang’s posture, and snapped, "Xu Yang, you’re really arrogant! My brother’s here in person and you won’t even get up to greet him?"

"Hmm?"

Yang Yuan’s face darkened. He turned and gave Yang Xiao a flat look.

The muscles on Yang Xiao’s face twitched—he instantly shut his mouth.

Xu Yang chuckled, "We’re fellow disciples, Mr. Yang. You’re not an Elder Golden Immortal—no need for all that, right?"

Yang Yuan’s gaze was calm as he studied Xu Yang, half-smiling: "Meeting you today, Mr. Xu, you are indeed extraordinary."

"You flatter me, Mr. Yang."

"So, to what do I owe your sudden visit?"

Yang Yuan smiled, "It’s all about my useless brother."

He glanced at Yang Xiao, shook his head, and sighed, "I told him before he came—don’t cause trouble, keep a low profile. But before he even entered the Immortal Mountain, he’d already offended Mr. Xu."

"So I came today to apologize to you on his behalf."

Xu Yang’s heart gave a jolt.

Yang Yuan coming in person to apologize?

That was hard to believe!

"Come here."

"Apologize to Mr. Xu."

Yang Yuan barked the order, his expression severe.

Though Yang Xiao was frustrated inside, he didn’t dare disobey his brother. Gritting his teeth, he stepped forward and muttered, "Mr. Xu, it was all my fault before."

He cupped his fists in salute as he spoke.

If anyone else saw this scene, their jaws would drop.

The mighty Yang Yuan from the Immortal Pride List being so agreeable?

The notoriously arrogant Yang Xiao acting so meek?

Xu Yang glanced deeply at Yang Yuan and said slowly, "Since that’s the case, let’s call our past grudges settled!"

"Naturally!"

Yang Yuan laughed aloud, twisted his hand, and a scarlet-gold immortal blade appeared in the air.

Buzz!

The immortal blade gleamed intensely; the moment it appeared, a fierce, blazing aura flooded the cave dwelling.

"This is a second-tier immortal blade. Please accept it, Mr. Xu."

Yang Yuan flicked his hand, suspending the blade midair.

Xu Yang frowned, "I can’t accept unearned rewards, Mr. Yang. What’s your intention here?"

Yang Yuan narrowed his eyes, "To turn foes into friends—it’s just a second-tier immortal blade. Does Mr. Xu look down on it?"

An invisible edge of intent escaped from Yang Yuan’s body.

Xu Yang’s eyes flashed, and he suddenly grinned.

"Mr. Yang, since our grievance is settled, please forgive me—I can’t accept this blade!"

"You’re sure, Mr. Xu?"

Yang Yuan wore a faint smile, but it sent a chill through others’ hearts.

"I can’t accept unearned rewards!"

Xu Yang looked calm and composed.

"So be it."

Yang Yuan flicked his sleeve, retrieving the immortal blade. He gave Xu Yang a long, deep look, "Not bad, Mr. Xu. Hope to see you among the seeded disciples."

With that, he turned and walked out.

Yang Xiao glared at Xu Yang before quickly following.

"Brother, why bother giving him a second-tier immortal blade? That bastard—brother, you personally visited and he still didn’t give you an ounce of face! Why be so polite?" Yang Xiao spat through clenched teeth.

"Idiot!"

Yang Yuan scolded coldly, then said blandly, "He does have quite the spine. If he’d accepted the blade, it’d mean bowing to the Yang Family. Since he refused, don’t blame me for what comes next."

Yang Xiao froze, not expecting this hidden meaning.

"Brother, so...?"

"Go call Duan Tianyang and Wang Li here."

"Seeded disciple? Heh!" A cold smile flickered across Yang Yuan’s face. He was no soft-hearted man. If even he wasn’t given face, there would naturally be a price to pay.

...