C12 Lan Zheng Decided to Kill Ye Yun

After a spirited contest, it was clear to all that, aside from the Sect Master and the Eldest Senior Brother, no one could best Ye Yun.

Despite their reluctance to accept him, they were compelled to concede outwardly.

A few disciples stepped forward, bowing respectfully to Ye Yun.

"We apologize. We were mistaken. From now on, we will heed your commands," they said in chorus to Ye Yun.

With a mischievous smirk, Ye Yun cast a glance at Leng Wuyan.

"Thank you, Sect Master, for allowing me to stay. I will heed your commands as well," he said, then cheekily tousled Leng Wuyan's hair.

Leng Wuyan seethed internally, "This jerk, he has the nerve to openly flirt with me."

She cleared her throat, signaling Ye Yun to be mindful of the setting.

Ye Yun caught on to Leng Wuyan's cue instantly.

Feigning nonchalance, he shrugged and folded his arms.

Leng Wuyan modulated her voice and continued, "The duel has settled the matter. Henceforth, no one is to give Ye Yun any trouble."

"Understood?" she raised her voice for emphasis, snapping everyone to attention. In unison, they responded, "Yes, Sect Master."

Then, Faang Qingzhuo interjected, "Sect Master, Ye Yun may have triumphed in the duel, but his lowly status makes it hard for us to trust him."

"Indeed, Sect Master. Please reconsider!" chimed in the disciples who often ingratiated themselves with Faang Qingzhuo.

Lan Zheng remained silent, pondering, "Ye Yun seems unfazed."

Seeing that a significant number still opposed the Sect Master's marriage to Ye Yun, Lan Zheng couldn't help feeling a bit smug.

He was hoping for the issue to escalate; if it did, Ye Yun wouldn't be able to wed the Sect Master.

With so many disciples discontent with Ye Yun, his life would be challenging if the Sect Master went through with the marriage.

If only the Sect Master would call off the wedding, all would be well!

But Lan Zheng was oversimplifying things.

Leng Wuyan's decision to marry Ye Yun was resolute. She certainly wouldn't call off the wedding over a few dissenting voices.

Recognizing the crowd's persistent skepticism, Leng Wuyan found herself at an impasse.

With urgency in her voice, she declared, "Ye Yun and I have exchanged our wedding vows. Your objections are now moot. Rest assured, the Wicked Sky Sect will continue to thrive, not falter!"

"This isn't right, Sect Master," Faang Qingzhuo protested, his voice tinged with reluctance.

By this point, Leng Wuyan's patience with Faang Qingzhuo had worn thin.

Her gaze icy, she warned, "Utter one more word, and you'll find yourself cast out of the sect!"

"Sect Master, this isn't just!" the elder implored, his voice quavering as he gripped his staff.

"The decision is final. Elder, please hold your peace," Leng Wuyan replied, her tone dismissive.

Moments later, Leng Wuyan sensed her harshness towards the elder might have been misplaced, yet her status as Sect Master compelled her to swiftly moderate her stance. "Today, out of respect for the elder, I will let this pass."

"Remember, it is only out of respect for the elder that I am sparing you today," she reiterated to Faang Qingzhuo with a frosty detachment.

"Sect Master," Faang Qingzhuo managed, his voice breaking, though his heart seethed with discontent.

"Stay away from me!" Leng Wuyan bellowed.

Startled by her outburst, Faang Qingzhuo hastily retreated to a safer distance.

Lan Zheng, witnessing the unfolding drama, recognized the formidable challenge in sabotaging the union.

Unable to prevent the marriage, he fixated on a singular, dark resolve: to eliminate Ye Yun.

A twisted sneer contorted Lan Zheng's face. His previous attempt had been thwarted, but this time, he was determined to succeed.

"Piercing Eyes, activate!"

"Host, there is a threat to your life."

Ye Yun's attention snapped to Lan Zheng. His features were twisted in malice.

Yet, Ye Yun was unfazed. He relished the sight of Lan Zheng's futile rage.

"Host, by accepting the challenge, you've earned three Vajra Flames."

Internally, Ye Yun queried the system, "What is Vajra Flame, and how do I wield it?"

"In times of crisis, you can unleash the True Samadhi Fire."

Ye Yun marveled to himself, "Incredible!"

"Everyone, come and celebrate with a drink. Today marks the grand celebration of the Sect Master and myself. Drink to your heart's content!" Ye Yun announced earnestly, lifting his cup to invite all to partake.

Yet, Faang Qingzhuo intentionally let his wine cup drop, shattering it on the floor.

Feigning regret, he said, "My apologies. I didn't have a good grip on my cup."

He then turned and gestured for the other disciples to follow suit.

The disciples seated behind and beside Faang Qingzhuo nodded knowingly.

As the clatter of wine cups hitting the ground echoed, all eyes turned to Faang Qingzhuo's direction.

Leng Wuyan watched him, her face void of emotion, silent.

She was curious to see how Ye Yun would respond.

Ye Yun had sensed the brewing trouble but chose to remain silent.

Instead, he boldly downed the wine in his hand.

Shortly thereafter, Ye Yun collapsed, coughing up blood.

The sight startled even Leng Wuyan.

She rushed to his side, cradling his head, tears welling up in her eyes involuntarily.

"How are you? Don't frighten me. We're already wed. You belong to me, and I won't let you die like this."

The crowd was taken aback. "Our Sect Master, known for her pride and icy demeanor, speaking so tenderly to someone deemed worthless?"

Lan Zheng and Faang Qingzhuo were especially incredulous, their hatred for Ye Yun intensifying.

At least Ye Yun was finished; he couldn't be haughty anymore. The risk of being expelled from the sect was irrelevant now that they had achieved their objective.

Leng Wuyan, however, was full of questions. She had clearly seen Ye Yun's assuredness, his ability to see through Lan Zheng's plot. How then did he fall for it so easily?

"As the Sect Master, do you think I have lost my authority in your eyes? You dare to poison Ye Yun right before me? Do you truly believe I wouldn't take your lives?" Leng Wuyan finished, her gaze fixed fiercely on Lan Zheng.

In that moment, Lan Zheng found himself locked in Leng Wuyan's piercing gaze, sending a chill down his spine.

But he quickly composed himself and spoke with conviction, "Sect Master, even if you decide to take my life, I have no regrets about my actions."

Faang Qingzhuo stepped forward, bravely admitting his role in the plot to poison Ye Yun.

Seeing Ye Yun on the brink of death, the disciples gathered their courage and said, "Sect Master, the Senior Brothers did this for your benefit."

"If Ye Yun is to die, so be it. Our brotherhood is what truly matters."

"Exactly, Lan Zheng and Second Senior Brother did nothing wrong."

"Sect Master, you deserve someone truly worthy of you."

The disciples, who had only recently feigned submission to Ye Yun, were now openly changing their tune, rallying behind Lan Zheng and Second Senior Brother.

The elders too weighed in, "Sect Master, this turn of events might actually be for the best."

Leng Wuyan ignored the chorus of disciples.

She propped Ye Yun up to sit face to face with her, intending to expel the poison from his body using her Inner Energy.

But after several attempts, there was no response from Ye Yun, and Leng Wuyan's composure began to falter.

She thought to herself, "Is Ye Yun really going to die like this? What will I do about the decisive battle in a month's time? Given the current circumstances, it's doubtful I'll find another Devil Body like his."

"Quick, take the antidote, host!"

Ye Yun thought with relief, "Thank goodness you're here. A moment later, and I might have been dead!"

"Don't worry, host, you're not going to die!"

Without hesitation, Ye Yun took the antidote.

Seconds later, Ye Yun's eyes flickered open. He casually wiped the blood from his face and announced, "I'm afraid I've disappointed you. I'm still very much alive."

In that instant, the expressions of those around him were as if frozen in time, their eyes wide with astonishment as they stared at Ye Yun.