Following the uproar caused by the duel, the crowd found itself divided. Some who had wagered on Mad Dog were dejected and enraged, casting furtive, hateful glances at Huang Di and the little girl celebrating beside him. Others, who had placed their bets on the ragged youth, were exultant, lauding his victory and engaging in animated discussions about the battle.
Amid the stirrings of the crowd, the young master stepped forward and kicked the unconscious Mad Dog with force, rousing him from his stupor. The man groaned in pain and immediately dropped to his knees, begging for mercy.
âYoung Master Ye Jue, please forgive me! I was wrongâplease, spare me!â he cried, his voice trembling with fear.
Ye Jue fixed him with a cold, imperious gaze, then turned toward Huang Di even as he continued to berate and strike the fallen servant.
âUseless wretch. You canât even accomplish a simple task. What good are you to me?â
High above, Elder Meng Lu watched the scene unfold, pondering how best to curry favor with the young master of the illustrious Ye Clan. He knew well that the Ye family had members embedded in powerful positions within the sectâpositions rivaling even the imperial household of the Azure Waters Continent. Resolute in his intent, Meng Lu sent a telepathic message to Ye Jue, flattering him and promising to share valuable intelligence.
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Initially pleased, Ye Jue responded curtly:
âIf you truly wish to earn my favor, then tell me about the test to become an inner disciple.â
Sensing opportunity, Meng Lu divulged the details of the upcoming trial, eager to secure the young master's goodwill.
Meanwhile, Huang Di remained oblivious to the elderâs maneuverings. With a calm smile, he turned to the young girl who had stood by him during the fight. Gratefully, he slipped the spirit stones he had won into his pouch.
The girl beamed and introduced herself with infectious energy.
âMy name is Lu Yi, and these are my elder sisters, Lu Sai and Lu Fi.â
Though dressed modestly, the three sisters stood out with their radiant smiles, spreading warmth wherever they went. Lu Yi, just fourteen, was brimming with vitality and charm. She favored pink and violet, and though her dress was simple, it was adorned with ribbons and frills that mirrored her joyful spirit.
Lu Sai, around eighteen, wore a green dress and possessed a mature, tranquil beauty. Lu Fi, the middle sister, was sixteen and clothed in red, her sweetness and youthful allure drawing admiring glances.
Those around them regarded the sisters with a mixture of emotions with envy, others with admiration, and still others with scorn for their humble appearance.