Chapter 339 - 58: Changing Identity

Chapter 339: Chapter 58: Changing Identity

"Yes," Li Qingyan nodded.

"What’s his name? Where does he come from? What’s his Cultivation?" Qian Feng asked in rapid succession.

Before Li Qingyan could speak, Chen Ye stepped forward himself and said in a cool, detached voice, "Lin Xun. Loose Cultivator. Sea Condensation Early Stage."

Chen Ye’s attitude was neither humble nor overbearing, one might even call it arrogant. This made Qian Feng’s brow furrow even deeper.

’A mere Loose Cultivator dares to put on airs in front of me?’

"Sea Condensation Early Stage?" Qian Feng sneered. "Junior Sister Li, do you think the standards of our Blood Lotus Sect are so low that you can just grab any random Loose Cultivator at the Sea Condensation Realm and try to shove him in? Or do you think your current Identity gives you that kind of pull?"

Li Qingyan’s expression soured further as she hurriedly explained, "Brother Qian, you misunderstand. Young Master Lin... his Talent is extraordinary. His combat power far exceeds others at his level; he’s nothing like an ordinary Sea Condensation Realm Cultivator."

"Oh? Is that so?" The disdain on Qian Feng’s face deepened. "Extraordinary Talent? Just how extraordinary? Junior Sister Li, I advise you to think carefully. Deceiving the Sect is a serious crime. If you add another offense to your current situation, I’m afraid it won’t be as simple as being exiled to Black Water Lake."

This was a blatant threat.

Li Qingyan’s heart clenched. She was about to say more, but Chen Ye stopped her with a raised hand.

Chen Ye stepped forward, looked Qian Feng straight in the eye, and said flatly, "You’ll know once you test me."

His gaze was calm and confident, as if he didn’t even register Qian Feng, a mere Steward at the Sea Condensation Realm Middle Stage.

That look ignited a fire in Qian Feng’s heart. ’Some brat who crawled out of who-knows-where dares to provoke me?’

"Good! A fine ’you’ll know once you test me’!" Qian Feng was so furious he laughed. "I’d like to see what you’re capable of!"

Before the words had even faded, a powerful aura erupted from his body, pressing down hard on Chen Ye.

For an ordinary Cultivator at the Sea Condensation Early Stage, the pressure from Qian Feng’s aura would have been absolutely unbearable.

Yet Chen Ye stood his ground, his figure unmoving, as straight and unyielding as a spear.

Qian Feng’s aura washed over him like a gentle breeze, failing to stir so much as a ripple.

Qian Feng’s pupils contracted sharply.

’How is this possible?’

’I know the strength of my own pressure. Forget the Sea Condensation Early Stage; even a Cultivator at the same Sea Condensation Middle Stage couldn’t have faced it so nonchalantly. This kid named Lin Xun is definitely strange!’

"Is that all you’ve got?" Chen Ye looked at Qian Feng, the corner of his mouth curling into a perfectly measured sneer. "If the Stewards of the Blood Lotus Sect are all at this level, then this Sect isn’t worth joining."

Those words were simply adding fuel to the fire.

"You’re courting death!" Qian Feng was completely enraged.

He shot up from his seat, his right hand forming a sword with his fingers. A crimson streak of Sword Qi instantly coalesced, screaming through the air as it shot straight for the spot between Chen Ye’s eyebrows.

Li Qingyan’s face paled, and she was about to cry out in alarm.

She hadn’t expected Qian Feng to be so ruthless as to try to kill someone right here in the Guest Welcoming Hall.

However, Chen Ye’s reaction was faster than hers.

Facing the incomparably swift crimson Sword Qi, he neither dodged nor parried. He simply unleashed a sudden Sword Slash.

Although the Blood Fiend Sword Qi was extremely fast, in the view of Chen Ye’s Eye of Calamity and Fate, it was far too slow. Thus, his slash struck the absolute weakest point in its momentum, shattering it on the spot.

The rage on Qian Feng’s face instantly froze, replaced by utter shock.

’I’ve practiced the Blood Fiend Sword Qi for years. While I’m no match for the Sect’s chosen geniuses, I’ve still achieved a decent level of mastery. Yet this kid, Lin Xun, shattered it with a single slash. Is his mastery of the Sword Dao really that terrifying?’

"Now, am I qualified to see Elder Sun?" Chen Ye asked coldly as he sheathed his sword.

He was, after all, playing the part of a talented, proud, and unruly young Loose Cultivator, and he performed it to perfection.

Qian Feng’s face alternated between green and red, but in the end, he didn’t dare hide the matter. With a cold snort, he turned and left.

Soon, an old man in a gray robe arrived. He had a lean face and sharp eyes.

This was the Elder of the Guest Welcoming Hall, Sun Dehai.

As soon as Sun Dehai appeared, a pressure far more powerful than Qian Feng’s enveloped the entire hall.

Sun Dehai’s Cultivation had impressively reached the Inner Realm.

"Li Qingyan, is this the person you wish to recommend?" Sun Dehai’s gaze locked directly onto Chen Ye, his eyes holding a hint of scrutiny and curiosity.

A chill went down Li Qingyan’s spine. She quickly stepped forward and respectfully repeated the speech she had already prepared.

It was a simple story: while out on a mission, she had chanced upon the exceptionally talented Lin Xun. Deeply feeling that he was a diamond in the rough and unable to bear seeing such a bright pearl gather dust, she had boldly recommended him, hoping to recruit a genius for the Sect.

Sun Dehai listened without comment, his gaze returning to Chen Ye.

"You’re from the Lin Family of the Song Country?"

"Yes."

"As I recall, the Lin Family suffered an internal conflict fifteen years ago. The Direct Lineage was almost completely wiped out, with only a young son’s whereabouts unknown. Are you that child?" Elder Sun’s questions grew sharper with each one.

"Yes." Chen Ye’s reply remained curt, but when Sun Dehai mentioned "internal conflict," a flash of bone-deep hatred crossed his eyes.

This sliver of hatred was so real, so intense, that even Sun Dehai felt his heart stir.

"Then where have you been for the past fifteen years? And where did you acquire your Cultivation?" Sun Dehai continued to press.

"I stumbled into a predecessor’s Cave Mansion by mistake and was fortunate enough to receive some of their legacy," Chen Ye recited the story he had prepared long ago.

Sun Dehai nodded. The explanation was plausible enough. After all, such lucky individuals who stumble upon fortuitous encounters were not uncommon in the Cultivation Realm.

"If you have a legacy, why do you still wish to join our Blood Lotus Sect?"

"The legacy has run its course, and the path forward is severed," Chen Ye’s voice grew heavy. "Besides, I need power. I need a powerful backer to avenge my family!"

When he said the word "avenge," Chen Ye practically spat the words through gritted teeth, his aura fluctuating unsteadily.

Sun Dehai watched him in silence for a moment.

The reason was compelling and perfectly aligned with the principles of those who followed the Demon Dao.

"Was that Swordsmanship you used just now?" Sun Dehai suddenly changed the subject.

"Yes, this junior primarily cultivates the Sword Dao," Chen Ye replied.

Of course, he couldn’t say he was using a Saber Technique. The Saber Intent of the Ten Thousand Tribulations Blade Monarch was too overbearing; if he revealed it, his true identity would easily be exposed.

Moreover, he had dabbled in some Swordsmanship in the Saber Dao Realm before. With his Martial Dao Celestial Heart Talent as a Divine-Seeing Grandmaster, it wasn’t difficult for him to integrate the principles of Saber Technique into his Sword Techniques and simulate a high level of Swordsmanship.

"Perform a few moves for me to see," said Sun Dehai.

"Yes."

Without another word, Chen Ye walked over to a nearby weapons rack, casually picked up a Fine Steel Longsword, and moved to the center of the hall.

The next instant, a flash of Sword Light flared to life!

Chen Ye’s Swordsmanship had no flashy moves, no earth-shattering presence—only the purest form of speed, precision, and ruthlessness!

Every thrust seemed to be the result of a thousand calculations; the angle, force, and timing were all executed to perfection.

As the Sword Light flickered, it left clear white traces in the air.

Sun Dehai’s eyes widened, his expression shifting from initial nonchalance to gravity, and finally, to astonishment!

Amateurs watch the spectacle, but experts see the technique.

He himself was an expert with the sword, so he could naturally see the true skill behind Lin Xun’s Swordsmanship.

’If he is truly a Loose Cultivator who has never entered a Sect, as he claims, then this boy’s Talent for the Sword Dao is truly not to be underestimated.’

After completing the set of Swordsmanship forms, Chen Ye withdrew his sword and stood still, his breathing steady and his aura calm.

"Excellent! Excellent Swordsmanship!" Sun Dehai exclaimed, repeating the praise. "Li Qingyan, you have rendered a great service to the Sect this time!"

Li Qingyan was overjoyed to hear this and quickly replied, "I don’t deserve such praise. It is merely this disciple’s duty."

"Mm." Sun Dehai nodded in satisfaction, then said to Chen Ye, "I now understand your situation. Logically, with your Talent, you are more than qualified to become an Inner Sect Disciple directly. However, rules are rules, and we must still follow procedure."

He paused, then continued, "I will personally submit your report. However, the review from the Internal Audit Hall will be much stricter than usual. Are you confident?"

"This junior has a clear conscience and fears no shadows," Chen Ye said flatly.

"Good!" Sun Dehai clapped his hands and laughed heartily. "With such a Heart Nature, you can accomplish great things! For now, you may stay here and await the summons from the Internal Audit Hall."