C11 The Sect Has Someone Picking a Fight!

Since a disciple had achieved a breakthrough, Su Yinjian realized that all the effort he had poured into his scheme might be for naught.

He clenched his jaw in frustration, forced to feign joy on his face, though the situation was far from pleasing. Then, the system alert chimed in once more.

"Ding! A sect disciple's cultivation has advanced, mastering the ancient array. The sect's power has surged, and 700 Desperate Points have been deducted."

Su Yinjian mulled over this for a moment, his expression a mix of relief and loss. At least it was only the 700 points he had previously gained that were deducted—nothing more than a miscalculation on his part.

He thought bitterly.

Yet, when Chen Ping had his breakthrough, no Desperate Points were deducted. Was it a system glitch or something else at play?

But now, Su Yinjian's will to fight was waning. No matter his strategy, the sect members always managed to turn things around.

What was the point of playing this game? Like this time, he had exerted so much effort to undermine the sect, causing many disciples to squander their spirit stones and energy.

Still, many had broken through, undoubtedly aided by that genius. Su Yinjian had to admit, despite his intentions not being to assist them, he had overlooked the presence of a true genius within the sect.

The Great Elder glanced his way, prompting Su Yinjian to smile.

"Congratulations are in order, Great Elder. With such an accomplishment from your disciple, you must be overjoyed. Having a genius like that in our sect is indeed a cause for celebration for all of us."

Su Yinjian's smile was tinged with insincerity as he spoke, buttering up the Great Elder while internally seething with resentment. Yet, he maintained a cheerful facade, even as the Great Elder responded with modesty.

"Sect Leader, you flatter me. It is the disciples' responsibility to bring honor to the sect. There's no need for false modesty. He's delighted to have deciphered the array for the sect, and frankly, the credit largely belongs to you."

Hearing this, Su Yinjian felt deflated and decided to retreat to his residence for some time off. He was done exerting himself for thankless tasks.

Everything had gone awry, diverging wildly from his original plans.

As he was about to leave, Chen Ping appeared before him, his eyes alight with excitement. He addressed Su Yinjian earnestly.

"Sect Leader, the disciples have all achieved breakthroughs to varying extents, all thanks to your painstaking efforts. Without your strategic guidance, how could they have succeeded so smoothly? And a few who have grasped the array formations are eager to meet with you."

Su Yinjian fell into contemplation, questioning the purpose behind his actions.

For the sect's elders, the disciples' breakthroughs were a thrilling success, a reason for collective joy.

But for Su Yinjian, who was not one of those elders and whose mission was to bring down the sect, the news was infuriating.

Yet the disciples' excitement and the resultant jubilant atmosphere left Su Yinjian feeling isolated. He needed a moment to cool off and gather his thoughts, especially since all his efforts had seemingly gone to waste.

He was aware that he needed to maintain a facade. Revealing his true thoughts in front of the disciples would spell disaster.

"There's no need to rush their cultivation. Let them take it easy. A breakthrough should be a joyous occasion, but cultivating under stress won't do. I have matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave. Don't bother me unless it's urgent."

Su Yinjian gave Chen Ping a resigned look before retreating to his quarters. Was he truly withdrawing from everyone?

Chen Ping watched Su Yinjian leave, puzzled. He sensed a hint of discontent in the sect master, but quickly dismissed the thought. Why would Su Yinjian be anything but pleased with the disciples' progress?

Without dwelling on it, Chen Ping cheerfully joined the Great Elder and others in their celebration.

Meanwhile, Su Yinjian felt the need for seclusion, not for cultivation's sake, but to find solace in solitude.

As he mulled over his need for rest, Elder Xu of the Brass Plunderers arrived at their gate with the Son of God, causing a commotion.

"What brings you here? We didn't receive any notice of your visit and are unprepared. Please excuse any shortcomings. Why don't you rest first? After a brief respite, we can discuss your intentions."

The sect's disciples attempted a warm reception but were swiftly overpowered by the Brass Plunderers, who clearly came looking for trouble, their arrogance palpable.

The disciples rushed to inform the Great Elder. In his room, Su Yinjian brooded over when he would accumulate enough Omni Points when Chen Ping burst in, frantic.

"Sect Master, the Brass Plunderers have instigated a conflict, injuring several of our disciples. The Great Elder has sent for your counsel. They've issued a challenge, but the Great Elder hesitates to accept without your input."

Su Yinjian frowned in frustration, rubbing his forehead. Why bother with discussions when a direct confrontation would suffice?

"Let's go see the Great Elder. I want to see who dares to provoke us on our own turf."

With feigned fury, Su Yinjian strode to the meeting hall with Chen Ping. The elders sat there, their faces etched with concern.

"Sect Master, it's good you're here. The Brass Plunderers are the culprits. They're known for their lack of reason, and this time they've gone so far as to injure our gatekeepers, who are now unconscious!"

Su Yinjian's mouth twitched. He glanced at the Great Elder, puzzled by his hesitation.

They were under attack; there was no mistaking the intruders' intentions. Why the need for a discussion? Was there fear of defeat lurking behind the hesitation?