C11 His Fiancee Cheated on Him!

Zhao Yu had once believed that finding the person responsible for poisoning him would pave the way for his revenge. However, upon uncovering the truth, he realized the complexity of the situation far exceeded his initial expectations.

Should he seek retribution against Zhang Xuemeng, he knew that Zhang Daoming and Ma Qiuping would not stand idly by. Currently, he was no match for the might of the Sky Profound Sect and the Pill Sect.

"It appears I must bide my time and build my strength before I can act. It's imperative to devise a contingency plan," Zhao Yu mused.

Yet, he was at a loss for how to craft such a plan.

Common sense dictated that leaving the Sky Profound Sect was the most prudent course of action.

But outside the protection of the sect, he would be a solitary cultivator, struggling to procure cultivation resources such as pills, techniques, and martial skills on his own—a path fraught with hardship.

Just then, Light chimed in, "Master, there's no need for concern. Have you forgotten about the Martial Meeting of Seven Sects?"

A surge of excitement washed over Zhao Yu.

The Seven Sects, including the Sky Profound Sect, Yin Yang Sect, and Pill Sect, were the preeminent martial arts factions within a thousand-mile radius.

The Martial Meeting of Seven Sects was a grand event where young disciples from these factions vied for supremacy and recognition.

A standout performance at this gathering could catapult one's reputation to new heights and promise a limitless future.

Of even greater significance was the attendance of warriors from White Cloud Mansion. Exceptional talent could catch their eye, leading to an invitation to White Cloud City, or even the honor of becoming a direct disciple of the Mansion's Palace Lord.

White Cloud Mansion, ruling over the preeminent White Cloud City, boasted a strength that eclipsed the combined might of the seven sects.

Rumor had it that Qin Tianyun, the Palace Lord of White Cloud Mansion, was an Innate Warrior who had transcended the Martial Tao's pinnacle. To be mentored by him would mean access to unparalleled cultivation resources, far outstripping what the seven sects could offer.

Indeed, this was an excellent strategy. Should Zhao Yu gain entry to White Cloud City, his concerns about the Sky Profound Sect and the Pill Sect would dissolve into irrelevance.

Zhao Yu pondered deeply and couldn't help but shake his head with a wry smile. "Standing out at the Martial Meeting of Seven Sects isn't going to be easy. The Sky Profound Sect is considered one of the weaker ones among the seven major sects. I've only just regained my strength, and even within our sect, I'm not particularly remarkable. Securing a spot to compete in the martial gathering could be quite a challenge."

Light, the super smart-brain, chimed in, "Master, there's no need for despair. There's still over three months until the Martial Meeting of Seven Sects. With my assistance, you can surely enhance your strength significantly during this time. Besides, as a martial artist, confronting challenges is part of your path."

Indeed, Light lived up to its name as a super smart-brain. It could not only analyze situations but also offer comfort and encouragement to Zhao Yu.

Bolstered by Light's words, Zhao Yu felt a surge of motivation. "You're absolutely right. We have a few months ahead of us. With hard work, anything is possible."

Hours later, Zhao Yu made his way back to the Sky Profound Sect and headed for the Merit Hall, intent on trading the Black Wind Tiger and other materials for Tao points.

Approaching the hall, he noticed a lengthy queue stretching from the entrance. "Why are there so many people?" he wondered, briefly taken aback before it clicked—today was the end of the month.

Many disciples made it a point to return at month's end to exchange their recent gains for Tao points and to collect the next month's disciple benefits. It reminded Zhao Yu of collecting a monthly paycheck back on Earth before his transmigration. No wonder the place was bustling with disciples.

"Have you heard? The young lady returned this morning," one disciple whispered to another. "And she brought back a young man from the Pill Sect. They seemed quite close, though I'm not sure of their relationship."

"Yes, I saw them too," another disciple confirmed. "That young man is Hsiao Fengyun, the chief inner sect disciple of the Pill Sect. Rumor has it he has a mysterious background. He and the Sect Master's daughter are apparently a couple. He's probably here to meet with the Sect Master, wouldn't you say?"

"A couple? But wasn't the young lady once betrothed to Zhao Yu?"

"Zhao Yu is gravely ill. He could pass away at any moment. Naturally, the Sect Master's daughter would end things with him."

"True, but her engagement to Zhao Yu hasn't been officially called off. Isn't it somewhat improper for her to be in a relationship with this young man already?"

Zhao Yu had just neared the queue when he overheard the disciples' murmurs.

His expression shifted upon learning that Zhang Xuemeng was back and now romantically involved with a Pill Sect disciple.

He wasn't the Zhao Yu of the past, so his feelings for Zhang Xuemeng weren't as profound.

Still, Zhao Yu couldn't shake off a feeling of discomfort.

"Quiet, Zhao Yu's here," a disciple warned upon spotting him.

The chatter ceased, and all eyes turned to Zhao An, creating a palpable tension in the air.

Zhao Yu strode forward, his demeanor composed as if he hadn't caught a word.

A friendly disciple deftly steered the conversation, "Senior Brother Zhao, are you here to submit this month's findings?"

That's when they noticed Zhao Yu's bulging pack, suggesting a significant haul.

"Yes," Zhao Yu replied with a light laugh. "I've just returned from Mount Taibai. Fortune was on my side, and I've made some finds. I plan to exchange them for Tao points."

The group was taken aback, not expecting the ailing Zhao Yu to have ventured into the mountains, let alone return successful.

Yet there he stood, the picture of health, his complexion far from that of someone at death's door.

Some skeptics sneered, convinced Zhao Yu had merely gathered some valueless herbs, puffing up his pack as a ruse.

Then, a somewhat cheeky voice cut through, "Zhao Yu, word is you bested Tian Feng last month. To display such prowess while battling illness is astounding."

Zhao Yu turned to see a lean young man with sharp, angular eyes sizing him up.

"You're too kind, Senior Brother Liu," Zhao Yu responded with a smile. "Defeating Tian Feng was a matter of his underestimation and my reliance on a Spirit Weapon's edge."

This young man, Liu Guang, was another inner sect disciple of the Sky Profound Sect, known for his selfishness and penchant for petty gains. Zhao Yu was not particularly close to him.

Liu Guang shook his head with a chuckle, "It doesn't matter whether Tian Feng underestimated you or if you had the advantage of a Spirit Weapon. What matters is that you won. As the sect's once top prodigy, your talents demand respect, even in the face of serious illness. I'd like to challenge you to a match. What do you say?"

The crowd cast surprised glances at Liu Guang.

Despite Zhao Yu's victory over Tian Feng, no one believed it was a testament to his true strength.

Yet here was Liu Guang, an inner sect disciple, challenging a gravely ill Zhao Yu to a fight. It was a move that could only diminish his own standing in the eyes of others.

Zhao Yu let out a cold laugh, "Senior Brother Liu, are you pulling my leg? Or do you think that a victory over a sick man would be some kind of badge of honor for you?"

Unfazed by Zhao Yu's sarcasm, Liu Guang simply nodded in agreement, "You make a fair point. It would be unjust to have a sick man fight. Let's not spar, then. How about a simple wager to compare what we've each achieved? What do you think?"

"Compare our achievements?" Zhao Yu was taken aback.

"Yes, exactly," Liu Guang said with a smile. "We're both here to present our hauls at the Merit Hall. Why not see who has gathered more? Are you up for the bet?"

Zhao Yu saw right through him, realizing Liu Guang had been eyeing an easy win from the start.

"Senior Brother Liu, you've amassed your gains by completing various missions. On the other hand, Senior Brother Zhao has only been to Mount Taibai once, and given his illness, it's unlikely he's collected much. You're clearly trying to take advantage of him."

Before Zhao Yu could respond, several disciples who couldn't bear the injustice spoke up in his defense.