Chapter 086: Ground into the Dust

Upon hearing these words, Xiao Jihan glanced at Yan Shu. One could divine fate to glean opportunities, but no divination would ever reveal every detail with perfect clarity. Seeing his silence, Yan Shu took it as tacit agreement and addressed the group: “Let’s do this, then. Meng Yu, Sun Changfeng, and I will stay behind to hunt demon cores and search for treasures. The two of you go with Xiao Jihan.”

“There are still six days before the boundary closes. We won’t be late if we head there in the final two days.”

Qiu Shuoran was delighted at this. With the group halved, his chances of seizing the opportunity increased greatly. If, once inside the forbidden ground, he could find a way to force Pang Feiyan and Xiao Jihan out of the secret realm, the chance would be his for the taking. A flicker of ruthlessness flashed in Qiu Shuoran’s eyes, but he lowered his gaze without responding.

Pang Feiyan looked hesitantly at Meng Yu. “Isn’t this unfair to Master and Grandmaster? It was Grandmaster and Uncle Xiao who discovered the clue. How can we exclude Grandmaster? If we’re to go, we should all go together.”

Yan Shu was about to reply when Xiao Jihan suddenly spoke: “There’s no need to worry about the sect ranking. Master is exceptionally gifted, and she has already obtained the Red Lotus of Karma in this secret realm. We have already taken the lead.”

At these words, the group gasped in astonishment. All knew the Red Lotus of Karma was the treasure of Master Kongwu, a preeminent spiritual item of both offense and defense. The world believed Master Kongwu had already ascended, and since this was the Brahma Heaven Secret Realm, it was no wonder the Red Lotus had been left here.

Apart from Meng Yu, who was genuinely happy for Yan Shu, the others could not help but feel a mix of envy and jealousy. Yet this was Yan Shu—a figure they could only look up to but never hope to catch. Even jealousy could not turn to resentment.

Only Qiu Shuoran muttered under his breath, “Grandmaster Yan’s fortunes truly outstrip others. Even the treasures of the Brahma Heaven Sect fall into her hands.”

It sounded reasonable enough. After all, Master Kongwu had belonged to the Brahma Heaven Sect, and this was their secret realm. Logic would dictate that sect members would have the greatest chance of claiming the Red Lotus, yet Yan Shu had managed to obtain it.

Yet, upon reflection, his words also implied something else. He suggested that Yan Shu’s luck far exceeded the rest, and by extension, their chances of gaining the next opportunity would be greatly diminished with her present. Moreover, as a senior and one of the four peak masters, it was almost as if he was accusing Yan Shu of robbing the younger generation of their fate.

However, Qiu Shuoran’s words, cloaked as admiration or envy, left no room for reproach.

What’s more, his sentiments were shared by several others.

Yan Shu cast Qiu Shuoran a light, indifferent glance. “Rest assured. My talent surpasses yours by far, even without any good fortune. I wouldn’t stoop to compete with the likes of you.”

Such arrogant words could only come from Yan Shu, and she alone had the right to utter them in the cultivation world. Of course, that did not include Xiao Jihan, the secret favorite of heaven, whose identity was unknown to most.

Her words laid bare everyone’s hidden thoughts—especially that line about surpassing others even without good fortune, which was a direct slap to Qiu Shuoran’s face. He turned red with embarrassment, opening his mouth to defend himself but finding nothing to say. Sun Changfeng and Pang Feiyan, who harbored similar thoughts, stood awkwardly to the side.

Xiao Jihan glanced at Yan Shu and sent a message: “Is Master so willing because she knows the opportunity is the Medicine King’s legacy, or does she truly disdain such fortunes?”

Maintaining her aloof demeanor, Yan Shu replied, “If it were you, I would not only refrain from competing, I would offer it up with both hands. But if it’s Qiu Shuoran, of course I’ll take it if I can.”

At this, Xiao Jihan’s long lashes fluttered as he lowered his gaze, falling quiet.

Favorability: 13 (Acquaintance)
Favorability: 14 (Acquaintance)

Yan Shu raised her brows slightly. She knew the protagonist enjoyed hearing such open declarations of loyalty.

Meng Yu, noting Yan Shu’s cool and proud expression, smiled faintly and cleared his throat. “Opportunities are determined by fate; there’s no point overthinking. Let’s set out.”

The group moved deeper toward the heart of the realm, encountering disciples from other sects along the way. With only the Taichu Sect still able to field a complete team, the rest began to cooperate. They received many invitations, all of which Meng Yu declined gently yet firmly.

To refuse in such a way that no one took offense was an art in itself, and Meng Yu was clearly a master. Yan Shu observed this and resolved to discuss with her senior brothers upon returning—any dealings with outsiders could be left to Meng Yu, who was a born diplomat.

Favorability: 13 (Acquaintance)

Yan Shu quickly averted her gaze, rolling her eyes inwardly at the childish jealousy of these “kindergarteners”—how immature!

As they neared the location described by Qiao Yueru, they encountered disciples of the Brahma Heaven Sect. Unlike others, these Buddhist cultivators not only had to seek spiritual treasures but also to purify demonic energy, an arduous task. Upon reaching the heart of the realm, they appeared more haggard than the rest, their spiritual power drained and their robes in tatters.

Meng Yu discreetly asked Yan Shu whether they should inform the Brahma Heaven Sect about the opportunity, since this was their secret realm. Yan Shu was about to decline but reconsidered and asked Xiao Jihan for his thoughts.

Xiao Jihan looked at her and replied via spiritual voice, “Of course. This is the Brahma Heaven Secret Realm. If not for the sect’s generosity, no one else would have gained entry. Since we’ve met, it’s only right to inform them.”

Yan Shu could not fathom his reasoning. If it were her, she would have kept the secret tightly guarded, just like Qiao Yueru, lest anyone snatch it away. Xiao Jihan, however, seemed intent on inviting everyone, as if afraid the world wouldn’t know.

Was this what it meant to be heaven’s favored child?

But in the original novel, he hadn’t acted this way at all!

Unable to make sense of it, and feeling something was amiss, she nevertheless relayed Xiao Jihan’s message to Meng Yu, who immediately extended an invitation to the four disciples of the Brahma Heaven Sect.

At this, Qiu Shuoran’s face darkened, and he could not help but sneer, “Uncle Meng is truly noble and selfless!”

Sun Changfeng was dissatisfied, but he was far more tactful than Qiu Shuoran. He immediately rebuked, “Shuoran, mind your manners! It is the Brahma Heaven Sect who are truly noble. Without their permission, none of us would be here. And besides, it’s just an opportunity—who knows if we’ll even obtain it!”

With these words, he had effectively placed the Brahma Heaven disciples right on the spot.