Chapter 5348 Rotten Melons
Master... Tang Wan-er was stunned. Feng Xinyue had always doted on her, treating her like a treasure. In the Wind Sect, Tang Wan-er was practically in charge, as her master rarely ever scolded her.
But today, Feng Xinyues words shook her to the core, leaving her mind blank. She couldnt figure out what she had done wrong.
Do you still remember what I told you when I accepted you as my disciple? asked Feng Xinyue.
Tang Wan-er immediately nodded. Of course I remember. You said that from now on, no one could bully meonly I could bully others. Otherwise, it would be a disgrace to you. If I couldnt defeat someone, I could ask my senior brothers and sisters for help. And if they couldnt win, I should come to you.
Tang Wan-er recalled that day perfectly, the day she officially became Feng Xinyues disciple.
If you remember, then how did you end up like this? Arent you being bullied? Did you ever come to find me? Feng Xinyues voice was calm, but her words pierced Tang Wan-er.
I... Tang Wan-er was at a loss for words.
When did it become acceptable for the disciple of Feng Xinyue to be bullied? Youve truly embarrassed me, Feng Xinyue sighed.
It was my weakness, Master. Ill work hard to cultivate and restore your honor, Tang Wan-er quickly promised, panic rising in her chest.
Feng Xinyue had always treated Tang Wan-er kindly, like a mother figure. Hence, hearing her disappointment was agonizing for her. Tang Wan-er hated herself for not being strong enough.
Foolish child, did I ever say I wanted you to carry the Wind Sect on your shoulders? All I ever asked was for you to be true to yourself, no matter the circumstances. But instead, youve burdened yourself with one thing after another, losing sight of the essence of cultivation. If you continue like this, youll end up like themblinded by greed, dragging others down for power, and bowing to profit. In the end, youll be completely inhumane, said Feng Xinyue, her gaze sweeping over the other elders.
Everyones expressions darkened. Feng Xinyue had essentially cursed them all. Only Long Chen nodded in agreement. Feng Xinyue was completely rightTang Wan-er had been carrying too much on her shoulders, constantly thinking about how to protect her people and avoid burdening her master. She had endured countless grievances, and over time, this had dulled her sharpness. Her once-clear Dao-heart was now clouded with dust.
Feng Xinyues words hit the nail on the head. The eight assistant pavilion masters, the three Divine Wind Elders, and the other higher-ups had all treated Tang Wan-er as an outsider. Their behavior stemmed from their desire to cling to power and suppress Feng Xinyue, who had suddenly joined their ranks.
Although they were powerful and had high cultivation levels, their positions had blinded them. In the end, people like that would never be able to grasp the true essence of the Grand Dao.
Feng Xinyues words were painfully accurate. Their minds were shrouded by selfishness, and their hearts were too small to understand the bigger picture. Worst of all, they didnt even recognize their own shortcomings. They genuinely believed that everything they did was correct.
Master, I was wrong, Tang Wan-er said, her eyes brimming with tears. Feng Xinyues expression softened as she wiped them away.
Good child. I know your intentions were to protect me, but you must have faith in your masters strength. Its more than enough to shield you. At the very least... Feng Xinyues gaze swept over the higher-ups, and her mouth broke into an arrogant smile. At the very least, its enough to handle this group of rotten melons.
Hearing Feng Xinyue refer to them as rotten melons, Tang Wan-er couldnt help but burst into laughter, though the higher-ups faces darkened like charcoal.
Feng Xinyue, youve gone too far! shouted one of the assistant pavilion masters.
You old fools, instead of focusing on your cultivation, you gang up on a little girl. And you say Ive gone too far? Feng Xinyue snorted. Dont worrythose who dare to humiliate my disciple will face retribution sooner or later. I wont forget this debt.
Without sparing them another glance, Feng Xinyue turned to Long Chen. I didnt step in while Tang Wan-er was being bullied. Do you blame me?
Long Chen hastily shook his head. How could I? Your wisdom is boundless. Im sure you had your reasons. In any case, every loss comes with a gain. Wan-ers character has been tempered by these challenges, which is invaluable for her future growth.
Most importantly, in her plight, she could see other peoples true characters and gain a group of sisters who would fight for her to the death. Thats the greatest blessing one can have. Just ask yourself, can any of those rotten melons entrust their lives to someone else? Just that point alone is a great blessing for Wan-er and the Hidden Dragon Legions warriors.
Feng Xinyue smiled. As expected of the High Firmament Academys youngest dean in all of history. Your insight is truly rare. I was thinking of how to explain it to Wan-er, but with this, any explanations would be superfluous.
Only then did Tang Wan-er fully grasp her masters intention. Feng Xinyue had stayed silent, letting Tang Wan-er face these struggles so that when she was at her lowest, she could see peoples true colors.
In just a few words, Tang Wan-er felt like she had grown a great deal, as if she had matured overnight.
Are you done yet? Were here for the competition, not to listen to your endless flattery, an impatient divine son finally interrupted.
Feng Xinyue ignored him, instead smiling at Long Chen. Do you understand why I asked Wan-er that question?
Long Chen was momentarily startled, but then he smiled knowingly. The two exchanged a glance of understanding before Feng Xinyue returned to her place.
Though she stood among the Divine Wind Elders, Feng Xinyue looked like a crane among chickens. Her aura was so grand. She was like a princess decked in wonder, standing amongst a group of beggars in tatters.
The ranking competition begins now! Bring out the roulette! one of the assistant pavilion masters announced, and a giant roulette appeared in the air.