Chapter 79: Chapter 79: When Love Rivals Meet, Their Eyes Are Red with Fury

Meanwhile, after leaving Yunxiao Peak, the Sect Master went to find Gu Qingyuan.

When he arrived, the Seventh Elder had just given Gu Qingyuan the Elixir Pills and finished explaining the challenge.

When Gu Qingyuan learned that Lu Xingyao had actually arrived, his fighting spirit instantly flared.

Their feud traced back to the Grand Prodigy Tournament. Both were top prodigies of the new generation, and neither would yield to the other. They fought a world-shaking battle that ended in a draw, with both sides gravely injured.

From then on, every time they met, a major battle was inevitable. With wins and losses trading back and forth, their relationship only grew worse.

It was safe to say that Lu Xingyao was the person he despised most, as well as the biggest obstacle on his path to renown.

He had just been injured, and now his rival had come sniffing for blood. ’This is outrageous!’

"Don’t worry, Senior Brother. I will recuperate as quickly as possible and face this challenge with my full strength. I will not let Lu Xingyao’s scheme succeed!"

Gu Qingyuan narrowed his eyes. ’The Heavenly Inquiry Sect is in a critical situation right now. If I can represent the Sect and defeat Lu Xingyao, I can definitely restore the reputation I lost because of Song Wanning.’

’And the Sect would surely feel awkward about collecting the Spirit Stones I owe for the Elixir Pills. It’s a win-win situation. I’m more than happy to do it.’

"Junior Brother Gu."

The Sect Master descended from the clouds, landing before Gu Qingyuan. His tone was grave as he said, "Junior Brother Gu, this matter is of the utmost importance. You must take it seriously. Countless powers have their eyes on us right now!"

"Lu Xingyao is merely the vanguard of the Ten Thousand Sword Sect. If our Heavenly Inquiry Sect loses, it will trigger an endless wave of trouble. The two Divinity Transformation Ancestors have yet to send word, leaving our Heavenly Inquiry Sect in a precarious state, its future uncertain!"

His heart was filled with anguish as he forced a smile that looked worse than a grimace.

"I originally thought that since you were injured, you wouldn’t be able to handle it. I was going to have him challenge Junior Sister Song instead, but who would have thought... he refused."

"He’s still on Yunxiao Peak right now, and who knows what he’s up to!"

He said this deliberately to provoke Gu Qingyuan.

Gu Qingyuan and Song Wanning were now like fire and water, utterly incompatible. By deliberately praising Song Wanning, the Sect Master was certain it would stoke the battle flames in Gu Qingyuan’s heart and help him in the coming fight.

But who could have predicted that upon hearing this, Gu Qingyuan would shoot to his feet.

"Where did you say Lu Xingyao is?"

His face darkened, so grim it looked like it could drip ink.

"On Yunxiao Peak..."

The Sect Master, startled, muttered the answer. In the next instant, he saw Gu Qingyuan shoot into the sky and fly toward Yunxiao Peak.

Sect Master: "..."

Seventh Elder: "..."

"He wasn’t this worked up when we told him Lu Xingyao was here to challenge him..."

The Seventh Elder rubbed his nose, speechless, a growing sense of unease filling him.

’How is Junior Brother Gu becoming so unreliable these days?’

’It’s quite worrying.’

The Sect Master was equally speechless. He huffed, "Who cares what he does! As long as it doesn’t affect the challenge, it’s fine!"

*

On Yunxiao Peak, Song Wanning and Lu Xingyao were locked in an awkward staring contest. Meanwhile, Li Rao was like a little mouse enjoying the show, her eyes darting back and forth as she stifled a giggle from time to time.

When Gu Qingyuan arrived, the sight that greeted him was the two of them gazing at each other "lovingly."

Rage instantly flooded his heart. Radiating killing intent, he descended from the sky, his aggression aimed squarely at Lu Xingyao.

The moment he appeared, all three people on the peak noticed him.

Li Rao immediately pouted. ’The most annoying person is here!’

Song Wanning, however, simply raised an eyebrow. "Well now, aren’t we eager for a fight?"

She glanced at Gu Qingyuan’s injuries; he clearly hadn’t recovered yet. ’Is he an idiot for rushing over here so impatiently, or just far too arrogant?’

Only Lu Xingyao’s expression darkened slightly.

He turned, and his gaze met Gu Qingyuan’s just as the latter’s feet touched the ground. Sparks flew instantly, and the air crackled with hostility.

"Lu Xingyao."

"Gu Qingyuan."

The battle was ready to ignite at any moment, and the atmosphere between them grew tense.

Looking at the man before him, Gu Qingyuan couldn’t help but recall the past.

’Lu Xingyao had coveted Song Wanning from very early on.’

’As a man, it was easy for him to sense his rival’s hostility and to notice Lu Xingyao’s attempts to win Song Wanning’s favor.’

’Back then, he had feelings for Song Wanning as well, so naturally, he couldn’t accept it. He often brainwashed her, making her believe that Lu Xingyao despised her and that his every action was aimed at defeating her.’

’The innocent Song Wanning believed him completely. Every time she saw Lu Xingyao, she’d give him a cold look, and their duels became increasingly vicious.’

’Besides, Lu Xingyao would occasionally injure him, which only deepened Song Wanning’s animosity toward his rival.’

’Later, once they were engaged, Lu Xingyao finally backed off and stopped appearing before them.’

’But he never imagined that the moment their engagement was broken, Lu Xingyao would come rushing back so eagerly.’

’His intentions were as plain as day.’

’Of course, Song Wanning had many suitors and admirers, most of them exceptional prodigies.’

’But what did that matter?’

’He had the advantage of proximity, winning Song Wanning’s heart early on.’

’Even though they were separated now, her heart would only ever belong to him. Other men could forget about it!’

All sorts of thoughts flashed through Gu Qingyuan’s mind. Just as he was about to open his mouth with a sarcastic remark, Lu Xingyao spoke first.

"I hear Gu has fallen in love with his own disciple? Why not bring her along so we old acquaintances can have a look?"

"Song Dao You, wouldn’t you agree?"

He glanced behind Gu Qingyuan with a sneer, as if genuinely trying to see who this legendary disciple was.

’To think Gu Qingyuan was willing to give up Song Wanning for her!’

"You—"

Gu Qingyuan glared at him, both shocked and furious.

’Lu Xingyao was famously reticent. Had he really just mocked him?’

’Was he that desperate to show off in front of Song Wanning?’

His expression turned even fouler. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"That precious disciple of his is still in the Erosion Wind Cave," Song Wanning chimed in coolly. "If you want to see her, I’m afraid you’ll have to stay at the Heavenly Inquiry Sect for a few days."

Hearing this, the corner of Lu Xingyao’s mouth lifted into a slight smirk.

’It seems Song Wanning is over Gu Qingyuan.’

’In the past, she would have exploded. She would never have been this calm and composed.’

A flicker of a smile appeared in his eyes. He was genuinely happy for her.

’A hypocrite like Gu Qingyuan was never worthy of Song Wanning.’

"Excellent. In that case, I’ll have to impose on Song Dao You for a few days."

Lu Xingyao seized the opportunity, making it clear he intended to stay right there on Yunxiao Peak.

Hearing this, Gu Qingyuan’s anger flared.

"The Heavenly Inquiry Sect has plenty of guest rooms. I’ll take you to one right now!"

"Song Dao You and I have been friends for years. What’s wrong with me staying on Yunxiao Peak? You and Song Dao You broke your engagement some time ago. Why are you trying so hard to obstruct this? Could it be that you still have lingering feelings for her?"

Killing intent surged in Lu Xingyao’s heart, and a ruthless glint flashed in his dangerous eyes.

’Gu Qingyuan wants to have his cake and eat it too!’

’He wants to have them both!’

’In his dreams.’

"Don’t talk nonsense!"

Gu Qingyuan immediately shot back, feigning a casual glance toward Song Wanning.