Chapter 204 - People from Meng Quewei’s Family

"Twenty thousand Spiritual Source."Jiang Man looked at the Spiritual Source he had obtained, overcome with emotion.

A master’s touch truly couldn’t compare to simply raising one’s hand.

’This Evil God has given me quite a lot of Spiritual Source, time and time again.’

’Logically, I should thank him the next time we meet. But more importantly, I should report him again.’

’After all, the reward is substantial.’

"Aren’t you afraid he’ll find out?" the Old Yellow Ox asked.

"If he finds out, he finds out. What’s the worst that could happen?" Jiang Man said softly. "The Evil God can’t come here himself; he can only dispatch his subordinates."

"And since they’ve become subordinates to an Evil God, can they really compare to an Unparalleled Celestial Pride?"

The Old Yellow Ox fell silent for a moment.

It had many thoughts, but ultimately, it chose to remain silent.

An Unparalleled Celestial Pride could not be measured by ordinary standards.

Afterward, Jiang Man headed for the Seventh Courtyard.

「The first day of classes for the Seventh Courtyard.」

Everyone was filled with a certain anticipation.

They could see the fellow cultivators they had been thinking about, show off their own progress, and leave everyone else in awe.

For example, Zhao Yaoyao, feeling her progress had been swift thanks to her increased resources, wanted to make a grand showing and secure the number two spot.

Then there was An Rong, who hadn’t slacked off at all and was determined to reclaim the sixth-place ranking.

Wei Beichuan, ranked fifth, had his sights set on Lin Qingshan.

He was confident he could surpass him, and after that, he would contend for the top three.

But everyone was also eager to discuss the matter of cultivating through the night.

They had all heard the news: Mr. Yan had been arrested.

When Jiang Man arrived, Cao Cheng asked if he’d been arrested.

After all, he was the one who had started the all-night trend.

The question was a bit tactless.

And so, Cao Cheng’s name was jotted down in the notebook.

Flipping through it, Jiang Man noticed that the names Zhang Bai and Bai Qing were still there.

’I’d almost forgotten about those two.’

’I wonder if they’ve learned their lesson.’

’They probably have.’

"Has Mr. Yan been released?" Lin Qingshan asked.

"She’s been released. I heard it wasn’t anything serious," Zhuo Bufan said.

"Will cultivating through the night be restricted from now on?" Zhao Yaoyao inquired.

They had grown accustomed to pulling all-nighters, and the practice had many advantages.

It would be a shame for it to be stopped.

"It won’t be. The Sect doesn’t really manage all-nighters, especially since many people on the Seven Peaks have started trying it. It’s unstoppable now," Wei Beichuan said.

Ever since Mr. Yan was arrested, the number of people cultivating through the night had only grown.

Everyone knew that the top genius of the Third Courtyard was still cultivating at night.

This made it difficult for them to sleep.

Especially on Cloud Mist Peak; anyone who stepped outside could easily spot that lone figure.

And so, they too felt compelled to contribute to the nighttime scenery of Cloud Mist Peak.

"Oh, right. I heard the Sect unearthed a Secret Realm in the back mountains," Zhuo Bufan said in a low voice. "Have any of you heard anything?"

"I’ve heard rumors, but I heard they found an Immortal Mansion inside the Secret Realm," said Wei Beichuan.

"So something like that really was unearthed," Zhao Yaoyao commented.

"I heard this Secret Realm is better suited for another Sect, so they might come to fight for it in a few days," said Zhuo Bufan.

As he spoke, everyone turned to look at Wei Beichuan, hoping he had more information.

"I didn’t hear the details," Wei Beichuan said, shaking his head.

Zhuo Bufan continued, "That means there will be a grand competition."

"A Sect competition? Can we participate?" Lin Qingshan inquired.

"Of course not." Zhuo Bufan shook his head. "Foundation Establishment disciples aren’t qualified to participate. We can only ask around for news in our free time and enjoy the show from the sidelines."

Jiang Man was a little curious about this.

’I wonder if I can participate.’

’If it’s possible, Senior Sister Yu would definitely find a way to get me in.’

’But since I haven’t heard anything, it’s probably a no-go.’

He didn’t really mind, though.

’First things first, I need to get the Cloud Mist Peak Secret Technique. I can ask Mr. Yan for it today.’

Soon, Yan Yiqiu entered.

With a placid expression, she walked onto the platform, looked down at the students, and said, "Your all-nighters have been reported."

The crowd fell silent.

"Fortunately for you, I took the fall. I was locked up for twelve days," Yan Yiqiu stated calmly.

No one below dared to speak.

Jiang Man also listened in silence.

’I have a feeling Mr. Yan is holding quite a grudge today.’

’Even though her expression is placid, it’s like a raging storm underneath.’

Jiang Man felt this was vaguely similar to Meng Qiewei. Meng Qiewei’s tone was always flat, yet it carried a terrifying chill.

One that could freeze a person solid and shatter them at any moment.

Only the Old Yellow Ox could be frozen by it and suffer no harm.

Yan Yiqiu looked at Jiang Man. She truly hadn’t expected that he wasn’t just first in the annual rankings.

He was also number one in the Third Courtyard for the year.

He had defeated all the other geniuses in one fell swoop.

Such a dazzling performance inspired envy and jealousy, while also making others lament their own losses.

That was why they had taken their anger out on her, his Instructor.

She had known that once Jiang Man participated in the annual assessment, he was bound to make a name for himself.

But she hadn’t expected it to be so complete.

In a single moment, he had completely overshadowed the likes of Wei Ran.

No matter how talented they were, could they have defeated everyone in one go back when they were in the Eighth Courtyard?

Although, some people claimed it was only because those three weren’t present, and that five other geniuses from the Seventh Courtyard had also been absent.

That was what gave Jiang Man his chance.

Otherwise, how could he have achieved such a thing?

In response to this, Yan Yiqiu felt they were just deluding themselves.

It wasn’t even worth the effort to explain.

"Your investor was also arrested. She’s still locked up," Yan Yiqiu added helpfully.

Jiang Man froze.

’Senior Sister Yu was arrested?’

’She hasn’t been released yet?’

’But the Inner Sect has classes to attend, right?’

"Was it also because of the all-nighters?" Jiang Man asked.

"That was the initial reason. But upon further investigation, they discovered she’d done a number of things that harmed the Sect, so her detention was extended," Yan Yiqiu said wistfully.

Jiang Man: "..."

’Good thing I’ve already earned plenty of Spiritual Source. I can still improve just fine without Senior Sister Yu.’

"Mr. Yan, will cultivating through the night be forbidden?" Zhao Yaoyao asked.

Yan Yiqiu answered truthfully, "The Sect does not encourage cultivating through the night."

’So they don’t encourage it, but they don’t forbid it either?’