After Being Reborn, I Refuse To Be The Holy Son Of The Sect Anymore

Chapter 43:

In just one night, Jiang Ting’s cultivation had advanced to the Heavenly Martial Realm.

Xiao Yang was not the only one stunned; even the Five Great Elders were visibly shocked.

Sect Master Jiang Qitian sighed silently, while the other disciples of the sect were utterly astonished.

What had happened?

All eyes were fixed on Jiang Ting as she stood confidently on the dueling platform, her aura radiating strength and poise.

Xiao Yang noticed the disbelief on the faces of his fellow disciples. Could it be that none of them were aware Jiang Ting had broken through to the Heavenly Martial Realm overnight?

Within the confines of the Holy Son’s Residence, the isolation array had prevented him from sensing any changes in the flow of spiritual energy outside. But could it be that even the others on Azure Sun Mountain, including the elders, had failed to sense such a monumental breakthrough?

This was hard to believe unless…

Xiao Yang’s thoughts turned to a specific place.

Could it be that Sect Master Jiang Qitian had secretly taken Jiang Ting there?

That place, rich in spiritual energy, combined with the aid of the Water Spirit Pills, could indeed have enabled Jiang Ting to break through.

The Azure Sun Mystic Realm.

It was the most secretive and sacred site of the Azure Sun Sword Sect—a forbidden area.

The mystic realm held the sect’s most vital treasures, which were intricately tied to its legacy and survival. Only the sect master had unrestricted access.

Xiao Yang had only been allowed entry after defeating the Holy Maiden of the Fuyou Sword Sect, Li Xingyao, during a formal challenge on Azure Sun Mountain. That victory had earned him unanimous approval from the sect to train in the mystic realm as a reward.

What Xiao Yang could deduce, the Five Great Elders could as well.

The elders exchanged thoughtful glances.

This matter could be trivialized or escalated, depending on how it was handled.

As sect master, Jiang Qitian had violated the rules by taking his own daughter into the forbidden mystic realm. Yet, who among the elders would dare expose him?

Unspoken pressure fell on the Law Enforcement Elder.

Xiao Yang’s faint, mocking smile was directed at him.

Lei Lie, the famed Law Enforcement Elder, who prided himself on being impartial, incorruptible, and fearless—what would he do now?

Xiao Yang knew the inner workings of the sect like the back of his hand. The politics and power struggles were deeply ingrained in the Azure Sun Sword Sect.

Despite his authority, Jiang Qitian didn’t hold absolute control. Lei Lie and Elder Cang Xiao, who presided over the Hall of Transmission, were powerful figures who often restrained the sect master’s influence.

Sweat trickled down Lei Lie’s temple as he sat rigidly in his chair.

To publicly confront Jiang Qitian would mean a direct fallout, plunging the sect into chaos.

But if he stayed silent, it would validate accusations of partiality, tarnishing his reputation as the Law Enforcement Elder.

Xiao Yang’s piercing gaze only heightened Lei Lie’s discomfort.

Lei Lie had already been challenged by Xiao Yang multiple times, accused of bias and favoritism. If he ignored this situation, his reputation would be irreparably damaged.

If he spoke out, the consequences would be dire—especially with the Sixty-Year Tournament fast approaching.

The stress was enough to drive Lei Lie mad.

“Dear senior and junior disciples, please enlighten me with your guidance!”

Jiang Ting’s crisp, confident voice shattered the tense silence, pulling everyone back to the present.

Her cultivation breakthrough had filled her with newfound confidence.

Lei Lie ultimately chose to remain silent.

“Tch,” Xiao Yang scoffed softly. Another hypocrite.

So much for righteous impartiality. When it came to critical moments, even Lei Lie would weigh the pros and cons.

Xiao Yang refrained from exposing Jiang Qitian. He didn’t want to complicate matters further.

All he wanted was to leave the Azure Sun Sword Sect behind.

The endless scheming and politicking were exhausting.

Meanwhile, murmurs spread among the disciples gathered around the platform.

Everyone speculated about how Jiang Ting had managed to break through to the Heavenly Martial Realm overnight.

Xiao Yang knew none of the other disciples could stand against Jiang Ting now.

Among the younger generation of the Azure Sun Sword Sect, only Xiao Yang, Lei Renjie, Qin Fei, and now Jiang Ting were at the Heavenly Martial Realm.

Who would dare challenge her?

Aside from Lin Wangchuan, who had shocked everyone by defeating Qin Fei and Lei Renjie, no one else in the sect would dare take on a Heavenly Martial Realm opponent.

Lin Wangchuan was seen as an anomaly. His unexpected victories had positioned him as the frontrunner of the tournament.

The tentative rankings were clear:

First place: Lin Wangchuan.
Second: Lei Renjie, disciple of Lei Lie.
Third: Li Yuhu, disciple of Elder Fang Tang.
Fourth: Ye Qingyao, disciple of Elder Qinglian.
Fifth and sixth: Fang Ritian and Chu Haoran, both disciples of Elder Cang Xiao.
Seventh: Song Qiang, representing Jiang Qitian’s lineage.
Eighth: Zheng Fan, another of Jiang Qitian’s disciples.
Ninth: Qi Xuan, a black horse from the personal disciples, known for his Earth-element sword technique.
Tenth: Yun Qianxue, a young woman of royal lineage who had joined the sect five years earlier.

The top ten were nearly finalized, but Jiang Ting’s sudden breakthrough introduced a wildcard.

“Junior Sister, congratulations on achieving the Heavenly Martial Realm!” Xiao Yang said loudly, his tone cold.

“Senior Brother…” Jiang Ting’s expression was complicated as she looked at Xiao Yang.

She didn’t realize Xiao Yang had already severed all ties with her in his heart. The moment she used his grandfather’s jade pendant to threaten him, she had destroyed any lingering affection he had for her.

She believed Xiao Yang would always tolerate her antics. No matter how she acted, he had always been there, unyielding in his loyalty.

But now, she sensed a change in him.

Still, she clung to the belief that he was the same as before.

“The top ten have been decided. You can only challenge one of them to take their place,” Xiao Yang said, his tone indifferent. “Junior Sister, have you decided whom to challenge?”

“Or would you prefer to challenge me, the Holy Son of the sect?” Xiao Yang asked, his cold gaze locking onto Jiang Ting.