Chapter 114: Failure
Shaohua Mountain, Jingyue Peak.
The moon lit up the scene, and the sound of water babbled through the stream.
The flowing water merged into a crescent-shaped lake, splashing crystalline droplets that looked like stardust under the night sky. Floating above the lake was a beautiful octagonal pavilion, with light curtains billowing in the gentle breeze.
A table set with sandalwood incense and fine tea stood inside the pavilion, where two people sat facing each other.
One of them was a middle-aged man in a brocade robe. His face was square, with sharp brows and piercing tiger-like eyes, exuding an aura of authority without needing to display anger. He was none other than Dong Yangbo, the only Spiritual Infant grandmaster of Shaohua Mountain.
Seated across from him was an elegant woman, as ethereal as a celestial fairy, untouched by the dust of the mortal world, appearing out of place in this tainted realm. She wore a veil and kept her head slightly lowered, gracefully brewing tea with delicate hands. Her gaze, like starlight, lingered on the rippling water in the tea cup, emanating an aura of otherworldly tranquility and loneliness.
Dong Yangbo placed both hands on the edge of the table and leaned forward slightly, his sharp eyes fixated on the woman in front of him. In a low voice, he said, "Ms. Chenyan, after your last failed breakthrough, your retreat path has been cut off. Time is running out, and you can no longer afford to cultivate slowly."
The tea in Chenyan’s hand trembled slightly, and a trace of heartbreaking confusion flickered in her eyes.
Dong Yangbo ignored her reaction, his tone and expression carrying an unmistakable sense of pressure. Although his words seemed like gentle persuasion, there was a clear force behind them. "This secret art indeed originates from a demonic sect, but arts themselves are neither righteous nor evil—everything depends on how they are used. Moreover, this secret art has been proven to yield results. It only requires some preparation. If you are concerned about the risks or her reputation, I can handle the aftermath. I assure you, everything will be clean, and you won’t be troubled."