Chapter 256: Monsoon’s Provocation

Chapter 256: Monsoon’s Provocation

The pleasure is all mine, Huali, Monsoon replied, standing in the skies above her estate. I just heard youve gotten a new batch of million-leaf tea. I couldnt stop myself from coming to get a taste!

Of course, a pot of million-leaf tea is nothing before such a distinguished guest, she replied diplomatically, not inviting him to her manor. However, I am not used to Elder Monsoon visiting me for such a trivial matter. Is there something else, too?

Monsoon smirked. He raised both open palms and said, Ah, you got me. There is another reason, of course, but nothing too important.

He was a charismatic man, Monsoon. He displayed confidence and assertion, joking around with Huali like they were alone instead of watched by hundreds of eyes. He seemed almost perfectif not for the clear malice hidden in his sudden arrival. After all, Monsoon and Huali were opponents for the Grand Elder position; there had to be a reason for this sketch.

And what could that be, Monsoon? Huali asked, clearly not willing to play the other elders game. For it to coincide with Elder Mahadajis visit, it cant anything too small.L1tLagoon witnessed the first publication of this chapter on Ñøv€l--B1n.

Oh, just a coincidence. If I knew Elder Mahadaji would be present, I would have brought that gift I owe him as well.

The scholarly man dressed in white and black nodded. While he was positioned next to Huali, as a guest should, he didnt seem inclined to participate in this discussion.

Jack! A voice came from the side. Turning, Jack found Auburn flying beside him, her auburn robes and hair fluttering in the wind. Shit! This is bad!

How so? he asked, eager to know more.

Well, thats eElder Monsoon, and that man over there is his head disciple, Qian. If they came here together, they probably want to cause trouble and force a duel between Qian and brother Shol She bit her lip.

Jack, however, wasnt convinced. If forcing a duel was so easy, why havent they done it already?

I dont knowbut there has to be a reason. Maybe Monsoon has a new card up his sleeve.

Hmm. What about that other man? Elder Mahadaji?

Hes one of the neutral elders, but he has some clout. Huali and Monsoon have both been trying to swing him over. Since Monsoon chose to arrive while Mahadaji was here, too, he probably plans to use him to put extra pressure on our master. After all, refusing a duel in front of Mahadaji will certainly make him see Master Huali asthe least favorable candidate to support.

I see. Jacks eyes narrowed as he looked at the sky. In any case, there is nothing we can do. Lets just wait and see.

Yes.

Up there, Monsoon suddenly smiled as he spread both hands apart. I heard some wonderful news the other day, Huali. You took in a brilliant disciplesomeone who can jump a tier to defeat other personal disciples.

Every immortal at low altitude turned to look at Jack. He wanted to curse. His words just now, that there was nothing he could do, had been tossed back at his face.

Indeed, Huali responded, showing athe rare smile. Jack is a talented young cultivator. If nothing goes wrong, I trust he will be a great asset to our faction in a few centuries.

Talented youth is always nice to have, Monsoon agreed, nodding. I only hope the price was worth it.

Hmph. With a second snort, her aura disappeared like it had never been there. Shed made her point. Spare me the acting, Monsoon. Just get to the point.

Very well. As I said, I am here to take a good look at this disciple of yours, so I can ascertain whether his talent is as great as you make it to be. Could he rise so we can all see him?

Jack did not move. He glanced at Huali, who met his eyes and nodded. Fly higher, Jack Rust, she commanded, and he obliged.

As he rose, he met Auburns worried eyes, as well as the eyes of all surrounding immortals, some of whom hed never met before. Many held accusation in their gazesothers, curiosity, and a few more, amusement.

When he finally reached an altitude close to that of the two elders, he flew behind and below Shol, who was behind and below Huali. He had no idea if this was the right etiquette, but it felt appropriate. He also positioned himself low enough that Elder Monsoon had a clear view.

Say nothing about the ninth ring, Shols voice rang in Jacks mind. I will explain the reason later. For now, just stay quiet.

Jack did not reply, remembering how the planetary overseer had demonstrated the ability to spy on his telepathic conversations. If she could do it, so could Elder Monsoon.

Instantly, the eyes of both Elder Monsoon and Elder Mahadaji landed on him, inspecting him thoroughly. He felt naked and vulnerable. It took all of his concentration to keep his face calm, pretending to feel nothing.

Interesting, Monsoon spoke up. A perfect foundation You dont see that often. What ring of Trial Planet did you reach?

Jack tried to reply. Honored Elder, I reached the eighth

Silence, disciple! Qian, the head disciple of Monsoon, whod remained quiet up to now, berated him. You will not speak before the elders.

Jack held his tongue. Hed just been asked a direct question. What was he supposed to do, ignore Monsoon?

Asshole.

In any case, he understood that this was not his field. He looked to Shol and Huali for guidance.

He reached the eighth ring, Huali replied in Jacks stead.

Decent. However, a good foundation doesnt guarantee success. I believe a direct demonstration would be more convincinghow about we let Jack prove his prowess by sparring against my disciple, Qian?

And there it was.

The other shoe had finally dropped, and Jack could see the core of Monsoons ploy. If he and this peak D-Grade guy sparred, it wouldnt even be a demonstration. Jack would lose instantly, which was obviously the expected result, but it would give Monsoon the grounds to keep pressing the issue. Most importantly, it would be humiliating for Elder Huali to submit her own disciple to a beating just because Monsoon asked her to.

On the other hand, if she declined this duel, he would have grounds to ask for other things. Somehow, he would reach the point of Qian challenging Shol, and that would be the end of things.

Not to mention that Elder Mahadaji, an important person, was present.