Chapter 16: The Question

“Enough. If they wished to listen, then let them,”

As soon as the voice commanded, everyone shut their mouth. It was Grand Elder Rizhi’s voice.

From just his simple command, the entire hall became silent. The core disciples, who were murmuring just now, now locked their eyes onto the said person. Many of them, eyes glittering when they were looking at him. As if he was not at a human, but the rising sun itself.

An Shan observed his surroundings. The unrest before turned into order in a mere second, proof of their admiration and respect to this person. A person who, while saying so, had the face of one siding with justice, fully righteous. Somehow, he recalled seeing such a face before, but where exactly, he could not relate.

Seeing elder Tu Li looking at him for confirmation, Rizhi smiled, putting on the air of an aloof sage, completely unbothered by this hassle. Caressing his beard, he explained a little more;

“It’s just a pair of troublemakers. If they are adamant of hearing my lecture, let them.”

“Yes! Indeed, the beloved’s love is boundless!”

Elder Tu Li cupped his hands while bowing to him. Turning to look at An Shan a bit more, he harrumphed. Waving his hand, he warned;

“Brat, you’re lucky this time. The beloved’s love saved you. If it’s up to me, hmph,”

“…”

An Shan no longer paid this side character any heed. He looked at Yang Rizhi. Since he sealed most of his soul to avoid overexertion, he could not use Soul Technique at such a distance. The sliver of it was maintained mainly for him to stay awake. Still, seeing this Rizhi’s face right now…

Within him, he felt like throwing up out of disgust. Though this Rizhi had bright skin, An Shan could see dark shade on his face. His face was full of tranquility, but this ancestor felt as if something hideous was hidden within. While he could not use Soul Technique on him, he knew what it was.

Intuition.

His very own intuition he polished for 200 years. From seeing millions of persona, observing people of different professions, of different characters, it reached a high level. There were signs on everyone’s face, and for eyes especially, one could see a part of what was within their mind. And this Yang Rizhi… Regardless, he did try to end this farce. With this, An Shan had to keep his manner fitting for his role.

“I’m thankful then, Grand Elder.”

He addressed him, maintaining a basic respect one expected from a core disciple. However, this made Tu Li made a surprised face. For a second, An Shan wondered if he said something wrong again—

“What Grand Elder! You’re speaking directly to him, address him as Your beloved!”

“…”

The hell? You’re still continuing this farce?

An Shan frowned, wondering what the hell he uttered before. It was his old habit, to at least try to understand things before refuting or answering. Yet what Tu Li said before made no sense to him whatsoever. Seeing his face, the elder knew immediately he was confused. The corner of his eyes turned to his master, and seeing him kept being aloof, he knew what to do.

“Hmph! Truly ignorant, let this elder teach you ignorant young un’ manner,”

Nose almost at the same height as his eyes, he explained. The Grand Elder was not the same as the other Grand Elders. He was one of the few Divine Scholars here, an absolute expert in the Divine Scripture, even the Patriarch and Ancestors had to show him respect. Being a Divine Scholar, he held the right to interpret the Divine Scripture left by the Founding Ancestor.

One might ask, why would it matter? Well, the scripture held all cultivation techniques used in the sect, and it truly entailed details of how to achieve enlightenment. Being the sole party to interpret such an important book, each Divine Scholar was important!

Tu Li related a quote;

“Our Supreme Ancestor the exalted An Shan said, ‘Follow them no matter what, no matter what, do not deviate from their path.’ His loyal followers asked, ‘Who’re they, O’ Supreme Being?’ And he said, ‘They are the Divine Scholars, my true successors, my beloved, my beloved. If you love me, then love them, for they are my beloved.’ This account was related by Bu Ri… Hm, now you understand brat?”

What Tu Li related was one of the more famous An Shan’s saying, the one specifically called for loyalty to the Divine Scholars. As he did, his eyes kept looking at An Shan with pity, almost sympathizing with his lack of knowledge.

“So you see, even the Supreme Ancestor called them My Beloved, for he truly loved them Divine Scholars. They are the sole successors of our Supreme Ancestor! What right do you think you have, to avoid calling him so! Hmph, how arrogant, you don’t even give our Supreme Ancestor face?”

This time, elder Tu Li was holding his chin up. He felt like he did his ending sentence very well. It was ingenious! To him, it was as if him handing this youngster in front of him a decisive blow, a death sentence!

Hmph, do not blame me. Who told you to be so arrogant!

Hearing him quoting An Shan’s saying, the audience held their breath. Truly, the Supreme Ancestor’s reputation was legendary. Within the sect, it was divine, holy! It was related he even stood side by side with the One in the Heaven!

Even when elder Tu Li merely said something so simple like this, the audience could not help but be excited. The Founding Ancestor was the one they called Supreme, the Heaven’s Chosen One. And this man in front of them, the successor of such an exalted person?

How amazing was that!

Tu Li observed.

Their admiration to the Divine Scholar in front of them seemed to increase. With just a simple quote from An Shan’s saying, the wind started to be blowing on his favor, for admiration was clear on the audience’s face. Seeing An Shan’s petrified look, he laughed inwardly. Now he truly felt like he had slapped this youngster’s face, now he truly felt like an exalted elder!

Huhuhu, that’s what you get for going against me! Hmph, ignorant upstart!

Tu Li did not observe wrong, for An Shan was truly petrified. He could not muster anything to refute. Ling Shuren and the rest of the core disciples looked at him, but he seemed lost for words this time.

The girl sighed.

While she was glad he did not continue being offensive anymore, she also felt a bit pity for him, being accused of not respecting the Founding Ancestor. Should the public take such accusation seriously, he would hold no more future in the sect. Seeing him being thoroughly silent, Tu Li felt it was enough to regain what face he lost before.

‘Hm, now you see, the last to laugh is the winner!’

While the elder was smirking in triumph, An Shan was busy deliberating. Hearing him said so just now, he seemed to recall reading something similar from those books An Hong gave him. However, since it was so ridiculous, he buried it at the back of his mind. Never in the life of him, to see someone actually believed in that crap, right in front!

Right in front of him!

‘So that beloved thingy, they said An Shan said it… They said An Shan said it… They said An Shan said…? Who’s this stupid An Shan? He had the same name as me, wait—’

That was truly a shock for him. In that moment, for the first time, he thought of making a barbeque of something he would not eat. While others might see it as a waste of time, he felt that kind of social activity was absolutely necessary… Fun, even.

‘For the fire… Phoenix fire, yeah, only Phoenix fire would suffice. That would thoroughly burn their soul, burn their soul… Yes, nothing less would suffice. Feng Huang Zhi, it seems I’ll have to trouble you young lady,’

While he was thinking, his body trembled. Ling Shuren could feel his hand gripping hers tightly, thus she looked at him, pondering whether he realized the foolishness of his action… Huhu, better late than never. Let’s apologize together later, okay?

Unknown to her, he…

‘Huhu, these suckers! My beloved, eh? Yep, I’ll love you alright. I’ll pour you all my love for one whole day, and make sure I’ll love that day for the rest of my life… Pour you with Phoenix’s love, no less!’

Within, he kept busying himself barbequing those responsible for this utter rubbish. None of them was aware of this, so they took his silence as his admission of defeat. Seeing An Shan turned completely silent, someone felt like being a savior, granting him his grace.

The Divine Scholar in front, spoke in his stead.

“Elder Tu Li, enough. It’s clear he’s ignorant, he’s young afterall. Who haven’t been ignorant while they’re young? Do not bully our junior generation,”

Hearing him, elder Tu Li turned and bowed while saluting. Expression of utmost respect and awe was on him, as if amazed of his master’s grace. Witnessing this, the audience came to a realization. The exalted Divine Scholar, even towards a young one who was lacking respect…

Such compassion!

Such a big heart!

“Yes, Your Beloved. Your love truly is limitless, even to this rude one… Un! Subordinate will keep your words in mind,”

“Hm, then let’s go on with the lecture. We’ve wasted enough time,”

“Yes!”

“…Please wait, Grand Elder. I’ve a question,”

As Rizhi was about to stand start, An Shan spoke. This startled elder Tu Li. He was about to reprimand him, but Rizhi raised his hand, stopping him.

“…What is it?”

“I was not here previously, so I was not quite clear. About this girl, Miss Ling…”

He directed his gaze towards Ling Shuren, prompting others to direct their attention to her as well. His hand kept holding hers, so it was awkward to those who noticed. She put her head down, whimpering. Rizhi looked at her for a passing, then closed his eyes.

“So…?”

“Grand Elder, I’ve heard you turn her away during the last lecture. Yet this time, you let her be. May I ask you the reason?”

“…So that’s your question?”

He did not answer him immediately. Slanting himself on his throne-like seat, he sighed. It was a long sigh, as if expressing regret. The audience observed, his sigh was as if saying he was suffering injustice, as if the youngster misunderstood his intent. Seeing him taking his time, An Shan closed his eyes as well.

…

After some time, Rizhi shook his head, sighing again.

“…You misunderstand. Last time, my lecture was too deep. Unless you have at least the cultivation of a Sub-Star Stage, it could very well harm you. Before, I told Miss Ling to leave, it was so that her cultivation would not go astray. For both of you to think I meant ill, aii,”

Hearing this, the crowd widened their eyes. Ling Shuren trembled. She could not believe her ears, but then again, considering the exalted status of a Divine Scholar… The others reacted;

“So that’s what it was!”

“So it was not because he hated her or anything,”

“Ah, for me to think of the beloved the same way as myself, aii,”

“The beloved’s love indeed transcends us,”

“He did not even care the other think ill of him, only thinking of her welfare,”

“What a big heart, I’m touched!”

It was only a short answer from Rizhi, but the wind already blew in his favor. These youngsters’ admiration of him only seemed to increase. Smiling with all sincerity, he added;

“This time, my lecture is also deep. Nevertheless, it was about the origin of our beloved Supreme Ancestor, so it shouldn’t harm her cultivation too much. Still, I wouldn’t recommend it, but if she insists… I would say no more. However, should any mishaps happen, aii…”

After Rizhi finished, the hall turned quiet. The audience could see the regret on his face, and many turned to the young man. Expression of discontent on their face, as if demanding An Shan to offer the Grand Elder apology.

Asking such a question to the esteemed elder, what was he implying?

Even if the Grand Elder was a bit frank in shooing the girl out before, should you complain? The man in front of you was not your equal, not your peer. He was a Grand Elder, a senior one at that. Moreover, he was one of the esteemed Divine Scholars, successor to the Supreme Ancestor!

And you?

Who do you think you are!

“This youngster, hmph, even if the beloved pardon him, I shall teach him manners, hmph!”

“That’s right! A newcomer out of the country, dares to be so presumptuous,”

“Did he think he’s some big shot? This is not a branch headquarter in some countryside,”

Murmurs filled the hall.

The saddened reply from the Divine Scholar, invoked discontent within the audience. Not a few disciples already made up their mind. Even if the beloved one pardoned this new guy, they shall teach this presumptuous one a lesson!

How dare he, to imply that their idol, their esteemed idol, the Divine Scholar, treated Ling Shuren unfairly? He was thinking of her well-being, yet you…

How narrow-minded you are!

Tu Li harrumped, his gaze towards them was unkindly. The others had similar expression. As the gazes upon them became more hostile, Ling Shuren whimpered in fear. She turned to An Shan, her hand locked tightly on his.

Looking at him, he got his eyes closed, seemingly thinking…

“Brother An, let’s…”

She called him, yet he did not respond. Growing agitated, she patted his shoulder.

“Brother An, let’s apologize!”

“…”

“I-if we apologize now… At the very least, we won’t be punished too much. Un, Brother An, can’t you hear me? Oii,”

An Shan stayed there, in silence.

Ling Shuren was puzzled. Did he just realize his mistake, thus regretting his action? Well, whatever it was, she knew they ought to apologize first, and then accept punishment later. That way, they would at least appease the public.

She shook him for a bit more.

Still, no response.

He was akin to a dead man, not responding to her at all. Ling Shuren was a girl with considerable patience, yet the pressure from her peers was overwhelming. She was only sixteen, and could very well be the youngest one here. While she had talent in cultivating, she could not harden her heart to ignore such a pressure. The hostile gazes were on her for only tens of seconds, yet she felt as if a lifetime.

She knew how much the audience adored the Divine Scholar.

His fame throughout the realm was heaven-shaking. Divine Scholars were reputed as ‘The Way to Heaven’, representatives which could help others achieved greatness in the next life. Due to this, many people wished for a favor from them. Not few were willing to spend a fortune just for the Divine Scholar to do a ceremonial pray for them, beseeching the Heaven for blessings. This way, they believed they would achieve greatness in the next life.

Or at least, to be in a better position than they should be.

As people who held their fate in the afterlife, representatives of Heaven, insulting them was akin to dooming one’s own fate. It was akin to insulting Heaven, insulting the Supreme Ancestor… The chosen one of Heaven!

Towards Divine Scholars, one must pay respect!

Towards Divine Scholars, one must never disrespect!

Respect was compulsory, disrespect was felony!

Those who disrespect, would be bashed publicly!

And Ling Shuren knew, An Shan’s simple question offended the esteemed elder. While it could still be accepted that he refuted elder Tu Li… To be so frank with the Divine Scholar, with a question which implied that what he did to her before was injustice?

Injustice?

Who did, the Divine Scholar?

This guy! He did not just offend one person, he in fact offended the crowd!

And as a bonus, he implicated her too! With her by his side, and being the subject of his objection, she would suffer together, no doubt. After answering the question, the Divine Scholar simply sat in front. His eyes closed, seemingly having no care.

Why should he? The crowd would administer justice for him, he need not lift a finger. With just a few words, he turned them all to his sides. While they did not take matters into hands yet, their eyes were on these two. Ling Shuren could feel the enmity coming from their eyes.

She continued to shook An Shan.

Yet, no matter how much she shook him, he remained silent.

She had cold sweat, her tender neck was wet.

This pressure!

Heaven-damn it!

Tears in her eyes, she was unable to stand it anymore! Her patience broke, she did something she never do before. Lifting her right hand, she gritted her teeth…

“Brother An!”

Pa!

She slapped his cheek!

Hard!

…

The entire hall grew silent.

The young girl just slapped her companion in front of almost 2000 people, so… Ehem, for a man to be slapped so hard in front of so many, by a girl…

The heck!

Aren’t you two friends? Don’t you care for his face? Where should he hide his face from now on?

In this continent, people put much importance in maintaining face. Most of those from good family would claim proudly that they would rather die than to have their face sullied. And while the culture had considerable respect for ladies, it was still a male-dominant one.

Thus, this girl…

While they were not satisfied with this new guy they knew nothing of, her action was awful, too much! Even if he was at fault, he was defending you, yet you…

“Eh, ah…”

Realizing what she had done, Ling Shuren turned awkward…

...

At the time above them in the attic, someone kneeling in black assassin-like outfit turned dizzy. Seeing the scene through her spirit search, she almost threw up blood. She managed to hold it in, but still, she felt like her innards was making a complete turn. Witnessing what Ling Shuren did, all her limbs went numb.

Fortunate enough, she stopped her head from falling just in time, else her presence would be exposed. Able to hide from so many people, her concealment ability was truly top-notch. Not to mention the core disciples below, even the Grand Elder could not detect her.

Yet due to Ling Shuren’s action, she almost revealed herself.

“…”

Her hand was on her chest, holding some black metal. Shivering, she felt like killing someone. Feeling light-headed, she rubbed her chest, consoling herself. Even if the girl’s action was outrageous, that did not justify killing…

Or so she convinced herself.

‘Ancestor is forgiving, forgiving… Huhu, you! What are you doing, you little girl… Who do you think he is?!’

Her face, hidden by black clothes, twitched along with her red eyes. She was Ru-er, the Blood Warrior in charge of backing up An Shan during the day. Already a Mid-Heavenly Star stage cultivator, her spirit view was more than enough to see what was happening below her, even beyond physical barrier.

Within, she was screaming;

‘That’s the bloody Supreme Ancestor, the ultimate existence in our sect! And you slapped him?!’

Ru-er trembled, having difficulty keeping her killing intent in. While she was thinking of skinning Ling Shuren alive, everyone below thought An Shan would be disappointed with ‘his friend’. Well, at the very least, shocked…

Yet at the time, they only heard a grumbling.

A low grumbling, as if a spoiled son protesting his mom in the early morning…

…

…

The heck? Why did that sound so familiar…?

Following it, was a sound of deep breathing. Both sounds were familiar to the crowd, but still, they could not believe their eyes… actually, ears. Ling Shuren’s legs turned weak. She could not believe it, even when she was so close to him.

Much less the crowd;

“T-that guy, is he…”

“Is it…?”

“Could it be...?”

“Isn’t this too…”

At the time, the same thing crossed everyone’s mind…

This guy... He, he--

By the heavens!

What on earth!

He's asleep!

He’s fucking asleep!

Chapter 16 The Question Ends