The disciples were all too happy to see Yao Xi and Li Xiaoyao placed in the same group. Who wouldn't want to witness something thrilling from the very start?

  Moreover, when two strong contenders clash, one must inevitably fall. For the other participants, the advantages far outweighed the disadvantages.

  Only Elder Chen, watching from the sidelines, sighed when he saw the two of them facing off. Both Li Xiaoyao and Yao Xi had impressive talents and were likely to break through to Foundation Establishment.If both of them could enter the Five Elements Cave, it would undoubtedly be the best outcome for the sect.

  But then, there was the matter of Gu Yunyun suddenly taking on a true disciple this year. From Elder Chen's perspective, it was a waste of sect resources for Ye Chen to take the spot for the Five Elements Cave.

  What's worse, he had heard that the young man was a simp. He spent all his time running around the female disciples and never focused on his own cultivation. It was truly a disgrace.

  Elder Chen had made up his mind. When the sect's Grand Competition came around and he saw the Patriarch, he would propose that the sect put an end to this practice of taking on direct disciples due to personal favors, regardless of sect interests.

  As for Ye Chen, he must be expelled from the sect. Even if it meant offending Gu Yunyu, Elder Chen was determined to act. If other sects found out that Green Cloud Sect's direct disciples were this kind of trash, it would be a major embarrassment.

  Ye Chen, single-handedly, had dragged down the overall quality of Green Cloud Sect's direct disciples. The more Elder Chen thought about it, the more Ye Chen became an eyesore to him. If he weren't afraid of offending Gu Yunyun, he would have probably already kicked Ye Chen out of the sect by now.

  At that moment, the groups were finalized. The first group, naturally, was Li Xiaoyao and Yao Xi. The two entered the formation battlefield.

  Li Xiaoyao wore a confident smile, his sword flying into his hand: "Apologies, Junior Sister."

  Yao Xi's expression was grave as she summoned her magic tool. As Elder Chen declared the match to begin, the two immediately engaged in combat. In the blink of an eye, spells danced through the air, sword energy surged, and their battle became a fierce stalemate.

  "Li Xiaoyao's Green Cloud Sword Art is truly relentless. Even through the formation, I can still feel that overwhelming momentum."

  "Junior Sister Yao Xi seems to have improved a lot compared to last year. The way she casts her spells is so precise, and her light footwork almost avoids every attack."

  "I used to think Li Xiaoyao was certain to win, but now it seems like there's a bit of suspense."

  "Li Xiaoyao hasn't even revealed his trump card yet. Especially that one sword from last year's competition. I heard from the elders that it had the aura of a single strike that could break thousands of spells. Yao Xi couldn't possibly be his match."

  The disciples whispered among themselves, surprised by Yao Xi's performance. But most still weren't optimistic about her chances. A disciple looked over at Ye Chen and noticed his serious expression, with a hint of concern flickering in his eyes.

  Clearly, Ye Chen was worried about Senior Sister Yao. And indeed, Ye Chen was concerned, but not about Yao Xi losing. On the contrary, he was worried that Yao Xi might win.

  Li Xiaoyao was calm and composed, and he still had hidden trump cards. But the thing was, Yao Xi had her own trump cards. The Dragon Grasp and the exquisite magic tool hairpin he had given her—she hadn't used either yet. The outcome was still uncertain.

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  Ye Chen cursed under his breath. Had he really done all this just to help Yao Xi win? That would be a huge loss for him. In that case, he would have no choice but to give the spot to that twenty-fold Senior Sister.

  Though she seemed to have someone already, so giving her a grand gift wouldn't be the best move. But when he thought about it, it didn't seem so bad after all. It would only affect his reputation a little. Either way, Ye Chen was certain of one thing: he wasn't trying to steal anyone's girl.

  As for giving the spot to Sun Ruoxin? That was out of the question. The fifteen-fold Sun Ruoxin, in Ye Chen's eyes, was merely a backup to the backup. A precious thing like the Five Elements Cave spot would never be wasted on a low-multiplier disciple like Sun Ruoxin.

  …

  However, as if summoned by the thoughts of Ye Chen, a woman's furious voice suddenly rang out behind him.

  "Ye Chen, why haven't you come to find me? I only kept you out of my room to test you. But not only did you fail the test, you went and made another female disciple angry! You've truly disappointed me! You don't love me. If you really loved me, how could you bear to make me cry? Do you know how I've been living these past two weeks? Do you even care about me?"

  The explosive and heated exchange immediately drew the attention of the disciples who had been watching the battle intently.

  Betrayal? A third party? And it was all tied to their very own simp direct disciple?

  The disciples' curiosity peaked. While battles between strong opponents were thrilling, the drama between men and women was always more intriguing.

  Ye Chen turned around, and there, standing before him, was the livid Sun Ruoxin. This wasn't an act. She was genuinely furious. She had gone on a mission for two whole weeks.

  Originally, she had hoped to leave Ye Chen to stew in his own worries, hoping he would search for her desperately, regretful of his actions. But when she returned today and glanced at the visitor's talisman on the door, she realized—Ye Chen hadn't come to see her even once during the entire two weeks.

  It was as if she didn't even matter to him. After asking the neighbors, she confirmed that no one had visited her during her absence.

  Meanwhile, that newly minted direct disciple, who usually never showed up, appeared only to stroll around with Senior Sister Yao. It was clear to her now—Ye Chen had completely forgotten about her.

  Every day, Ye Chen surrounded himself with Yao Xi. This news stung Sun Ruoxin deeply, a mix of shame and anger boiling within her. When she learned that Ye Chen was in the sect's square, watching Yao Xi—the woman she despised—fight, she rushed over without a second thought.

  After venting her anger, Sun Ruoxin had calmed somewhat. But she also knew that dealing with men required a balance of firmness and softness. She would need to be tough when necessary, but also gentle. So, with tearful eyes, she looked at Ye Chen, her voice softening.

  "Junior Brother, I know how you feel about me. I understand that you've been with other female disciples just to make me jealous. But my cultivation method has restrictions. I truly can't bind with you as a Dao partner before reaching Foundation Establishment. But I swear, once I reach Foundation Establishment, I'll never disappoint you, Junior Brother. Look at this ring I got—it can cast three lightning spells. I spent all the spiritual stones I earned from my mission on this. Do you like it, Junior Brother? Let me put it on for you, alright?"

  As she spoke, Sun Ruoxin pulled out a ring and extended her hand, attempting to place it on Ye Chen's finger. The scene left the onlookers in stunned silence.

  There was no doubt that Sun Ruoxin was beautiful, especially her long, shapely legs, smooth and delicate as if sculpted from white jade. Few could rival her even in the entirety of Green Cloud Sect. And everyone had heard the rumors. It was Ye Chen who had helped Sun Ruoxin enter the sect.

  Now, with Sun Ruoxin saying these words, could it be that Ye Chen didn't actually care for Senior Sister Yao Xi? Had Senior Sister Yao Xi only been a means for Ye Chen to provoke Sun Ruoxin? Had she been nothing more than a pawn in their little drama? But was that really possible?

  The disciples were skeptical. After all, the gifts Ye Chen had given Senior Sister Yao Xi were far from cheap. Who would spend such fortune just to spite someone else?

  So, the crowd began to suspect. Perhaps Ye Chen had fallen for Sun Ruoxin instead. And sure enough, just as the rumors hinted,

  Ye Chen avoided the hand that reached for him, his gaze cold and indifferent. He didn't even glance at the ring.

  "Fellow Daoist Sun, please maintain your dignity…"he said, his voice unyielding. "I fear Senior Sister Yao might misunderstand."

  The entire area fell deathly silent.

  Sun Ruoxin, who had been so confident in manipulating Ye Chen, was now completely stunned, frozen in place.