Chapter 63: A Part of the Plan

Chapter 63: Chapter 63: A Part of the Plan

The Black Robe Hall Master’s laughter was cut short by Cultivator Duan, a displeased expression instantly crossing his face.

"I was invited by Lin Jie and watched the entire process from the nearby Martial Arts Observation Tower," the Hall Master said. "It was clearly your disciple, Shi Tong, who tried to ambush and kill Yi Xiaoyao. Yi Xiaoyao only killed him in self-defense. What crime has he committed?"

The Black Robe Hall Master continued impassively, "As for what happened before, I couldn’t be bothered. I say Yi Xiaoyao is innocent, and that makes him innocent!"

Two of Cultivator Duan’s exceptionally talented nephews had already died at Yi Xiaoyao’s hands, and now his disciple had been killed as well. The hatred between them was irreconcilable. How could he not be consumed by it?

But hearing the Hall Master’s words, Cultivator Duan’s heart sank to the depths of despair, and he trembled with rage.

"Hall Master, are you really going to cross me for the sake of a new disciple?"

Cultivator Duan’s eyes narrowed. ’I am a respected elder. With my status, the Hall Master should at least give me some face.’

But to his surprise, the Black Robe Hall Master snorted coldly and shot back, "Cultivator Duan, are you trying to cross *me*?!"

Cultivator Duan’s face twitched. ’He’s right. If the Hall Master decides to cross me, what can I do? But if *I* try to cross the Hall Master... the consequences would be entirely different.’

The scene fell silent.

After a moment, Cultivator Duan shot a venomous glare at Yi Xiaoyao before turning and storming away in a rage.

This scene left everyone present in a state of unimaginable shock. Just moments ago, they had all believed Yi Xiaoyao’s punishment was inescapable. No one had expected the Hall Master to intimidate Cultivator Duan with such overbearing words to protect Yi Xiaoyao.

"Hall Master, although Cultivator Duan and I have never seen eye to eye, he is still an elder. You could have at least let him save some face in front of the junior disciples," Lin Jie said with a faint smile as he walked over to the Hall Master.

"Hmph! So what if he’s an elder? Compared to this Yi Xiaoyao you so strongly recommended, this boy’s future accomplishments will surpass those of ten, even a hundred, Cultivator Duans!"

The Black Robe Hall Master said, glancing at Yi Xiaoyao with admiration, "I’d like to think I have at least that much foresight."

Yi Xiaoyao felt a bit embarrassed by the praise and smiled. "Thank you for your high praise, Hall Master."

After that, the Black Robe Hall Master asked Yi Xiaoyao a few more questions before leaving the training grounds with Lin Jie.

Yi Xiaoyao also headed back to his residence with Luo Yi, Jin Sanbao, and the others.

As for the onlookers who had witnessed the entire event, they were all filled with envy for Yi Xiaoyao. First, he was close with their goddess, Luo Yi, and now he had earned the Hall Master’s favor. Who wouldn’t crave such opportunities?

In just a few short moments, news of what had transpired on the training grounds spread throughout the entire Seven Kills Star Hall.

...

Atop a pavilion, Lin Jie and the Black Robe Hall Master sat across from each other, cups in hand.

"Lin Jie, I think very highly of this Yi Xiaoyao. He’s the most talented newcomer I’ve seen in years. He’s like a flawless Sword Embryo; with a bit of time, he could be forged into a peerless blade," the Black Robe Hall Master said, his eyes glinting.

Lin Jie took a small sip and smiled. "The boy is indeed exceptional, but he’s still green. He needs more tempering."

"Indeed. For a flawless Sword Embryo to become a peerless blade, it must undergo intense hammering and polishing."

The Black Robe Hall Master nodded thoughtfully.

A glint appeared in Lin Jie’s eyes. "Don’t tell me you already have something in mind, Hall Master?"

"In a few days, the new disciples will be assigned their trial missions, won’t they?" the Black Robe Hall Master asked.

"That’s right. Every class of new disciples undergoes a mission trial after passing the fourth assessment," Lin Jie replied.

The Black Robe Hall Master said, "Set Yi Xiaoyao’s mission to the highest difficulty. That boy... I’ve already slated him for the plan. I hope he doesn’t disappoint me."

Lin Jie was inwardly stunned. He knew exactly what it meant to be "slated for the plan" by the Hall Master.

At that moment, Lin Jie finally understood why the Hall Master valued Yi Xiaoyao so much—and just how much he was staking on him.

...

「In the courtyard of Yi Xiaoyao’s residence.」

"Haha, I’m more and more impressed with Carefree! To think you just casually slaughtered Shi Tong, a fifth-level Foundation Establishment cultivator, and even blocked an attack from a Golden Core Powerhouse! You’re just too strong!"

Jin Sanbao pulled some Spirit Wine from his Storage Pouch, laughing as he poured drinks for the others seated at the table.

Yi Xiaoyao took a sip of the wine, smiling but saying nothing.

"Of course he is! How could my little junior brother be anything but strong? Come on, Senior Sister will reward you with a kiss!"

As she spoke, Luo Yi leaned in, her face moving closer to Yi Xiaoyao’s.

Jin Sanbao was so shocked he dropped the wine jug on the table. Even Xuan Mo couldn’t help but stare.

Yi Xiaoyao was taken aback. ’This Senior Sister really holds nothing back!’ He quickly stood up and cleared his throat twice.

"Oh, right! We still haven’t submitted our Star Points for the fourth assessment! Senior Sister, let’s save this wine for next time. I have to go to the Assessment Hall with Three Treasures and the others."

Yi Xiaoyao said, trying to change the subject, and started pulling Jin Sanbao and Xuan Mo away.

But Jin Sanbao pulled Xuan Mo aside, creating some distance between them and Yi Xiaoyao.

"Carefree, your situation is special because you killed Qi Yue. You need to go to the Law Enforcement Hall to submit your Star Points. Xuan Mo and I are heading to the Assessment Hall, so we’re taking different paths."

Then, Jin Sanbao gave him a suggestive smile. "If you don’t know the way, you could always ask Senior Sister Luo Yi to go with you."

Yi Xiaoyao shot the fatty a harsh glare, only to be immediately grabbed by an unhappy Luo Yi. "Little junior brother, did you just reject my kiss?"

’Are you kidding me? Countless male disciples in the Seven Kills Star Hall would die for a kiss from me, Luo Yi, yet this guy actually dodged it.’

Yi Xiaoyao forced a wry smile. "No, no, not at all! Senior Sister, how about you show me the way to the Law Enforcement Hall?"

And so, Jin Sanbao and Xuan Mo headed for the Assessment Hall, while Yi Xiaoyao, accompanied by Luo Yi, split off to go to the Law Enforcement Hall and submit his ten thousand Star Points.

After leaving the Law Enforcement Hall, Yi Xiaoyao and Luo Yi drew countless stares as they walked down the path.

It wasn’t just because of Luo Yi; it was mostly because Yi Xiaoyao’s name had now become famous throughout the Seven Kills Star Hall.

"That’s Yi Xiaoyao! He’s the only disciple in the history of the Seven Kills Star Hall to kill a fellow member and escape all punishment."

"What can you do? The guy’s a monster. His talent is the ultimate privilege!"

"Exactly. We can’t even be jealous of a privilege like that. It’s blatant favoritism from the Hall Master himself."

The chatter from the passing disciples brought a strange look to Luo Yi’s beautiful eyes.

’You have to understand, wherever I go, I’m always the center of attention. All the gossip is always about my beauty. I never thought my spotlight would be stolen by this little junior brother today.’

"Little junior brother, this is the first time I’ve ever played second fiddle to someone," Luo Yi said softly, pouting.

Yi Xiaoyao gave a helpless smile. "Senior Sister, you’re the most beautiful. No one could ever outshine you."

"Such a sweet talker."

Luo Yi smiled, satisfied, and casually linked her arm through Yi Xiaoyao’s.