C6 I Have to Help Him Break the Engagement

"It's over," Yeh Hongchen declared, having sheathed his sword at some unknown moment. He stood with his back to Yeh Lingyun, a self-assured smile gracing his features.

Hiss!

No sooner had the words left his mouth than a sword wound materialized on the white garment covering Yeh Lingyun's chest!

A searing pain shot through Yeh Lingyun's neck, prompting him to touch it instinctively. His fingers came away stained with blood.

Unbeknownst to him, Yeh Hongchen had managed a swift cut at his neck! Had Yeh Hongchen harbored any lethal intent just moments before, Yeh Lingyun would now be nothing more than a lifeless body.

Yeh Lingyun harbored no doubts about Yeh Hongchen's sword strike.

It was fast! Incredibly fast! So fast that he hadn't even seen Yeh Hongchen move!

The onlookers had also witnessed the sword wound on Yeh Lingyun and erupted into excited chatter. "Ahh! A single sword strike! Senior Brother Hongchen needed only one!"

"Yeh Lingyun was actually bested by a single sword strike from Senior Brother Hongchen. The speed was just too..."

"Hehe, Senior Brother Hongchen's prowess is no mere facade, befitting his title as the Mortal World Young Master!"

Turning to face Yeh Hongchen's retreating figure, Yeh Lingyun managed a wry smile. "I've lost, to just a single sword strike..."

"No, you lost to speed," Yeh Hongchen corrected, turning to offer Yeh Lingyun a smile.

With those words, he walked away, leaving Yeh Lingyun to ponder his back amidst the admiring stares of the Inner Sect disciples.

"Lost to speed? Yes, speed! Yeh Hongchen, I will defeat you fair and square," Yeh Lingyun murmured to himself, sensing he was on the cusp of an epiphany, yet the clarity eluded him.

...

Red Dust Palace!

Upon returning to his quarters, Yeh Hongchen lay down on his bed and drifted off to sleep.

Cultivation? He wouldn't dare risk it now, not when even the elders might come looking for him with grievances.

The following day dawned.

Early in the morning, Elder Shui Xian arrived at the Red Dust Palace with a stunningly beautiful woman in tow.

Yeh Hongchen was already up, practicing his swordsmanship in the courtyard. With the realization that he might be cast as the villain, he couldn't afford to let his guard down.

You see, those protagonists are the type who'd resort to extraordinary means at the drop of a hat! The moment they face a setback, they make incredible strides forward.

When they say they'll crush you, they mean it—no joking around. The protagonist's aura is just that overpowering!

Elder Daffodil, having observed that Yeh Hongchen's training was nearing completion, cut in, "Hongchen, about the matter we discussed yesterday, how are your preparations coming along?"

With a nonchalant gesture, Yeh Hongchen passed the heavy sword he had been using for practice to Ahu, who stood nearby, and replied with a grin, "All set. I can head out whenever."

"Excellent, excellent. Oh, and this is my direct disciple, Yun Qingxue. Xue Er, won't you pay your respects to Senior Brother Hongchen?" Elder Daffodil motioned to the beautiful woman behind her.

Yun Qingxue stepped forward, her bright eyes filled with curiosity as she regarded Yeh Hongchen, "Qingxue pays her respects to Senior Brother Hongchen."

"There's no need for formalities," Yeh Hongchen responded with a slight nod, then turned to Ahu, "Ahu, fetch Yihu for me, will you? I have to step out for a bit."

"Understood." With a brief nod, Ahu took the heavy sword and departed.

Seizing the moment, Yun Qingxue took the opportunity to take a closer look at Yeh Hongchen.

Clad in white, with a slender white sword at his waist, he had a refined and extraordinary countenance, eyes that sparkled like stars, and a unique scent that clung to him, giving him an ethereal quality.

To Yun Qingxue, Yeh Hongchen seemed flawless, a stark contrast to anyone she knew from Luoyang City.

With this realization, determination filled Yun Qingwu's eyes. She was resolute—the marriage had to be called off!