Del Mo began to walk toward Yu Hao. As soon as Yu Hao saw her approach, he instinctively prepared himself for a fight. Around him, the other elders subtly tensed as well, ready to intervene at the slightest sign of aggression.
"Relax. I'm not here to fight," she said with a faint smile. "And I'm sure you don't want the others overhearing what I'm about to tell you."
As she finished speaking, she came to a halt and leaned in, her face inches from Yu Hao's ear. In a soft whisper, she continued.
"It wasn't me, Yu Hao… it was always you. Your body was born like that—thirsty. Not because I manipulated you, but because you craved it yourself. I was the one swept into your hunger, not the other way around. You're built for dual cultivation. Once you experienced it, you wanted it morning, noon, evening, and night. Even now, I am sure you're likely relying on some method just to stay sane—but you're still not satisfied, are you? You and I are already bonded. That sensation, that satisfaction… you'll never find it anywhere else. I'll be waiting. I never harmed you, so why do you hesitate?"
She stepped back, her expression calm, her voice returning to its usual volume.
"Yu Hao, tell me—when you were with the Moonlight Sect, did you ever feel mistreated? No, right? I never harmed you. So why do you still treat me like a villain? Yes, I control others. Yes, I use strange methods to survive. But did I ever do that to you? Or would you rather I give it all up and die? I only know one way to live, Yu Hao. I was raised this way. If I don't use what I've learned, I won't survive. I didn't choose this path… it was given to me."
She turned to leave, her steps slow and deliberate. But just before vanishing from view, she looked over her shoulder and said one last thing.
"If you don't believe me, go ask your previous sect master. Ask him how your companions died."
And with that, she disappeared into the distance.
Yu Hao stood frozen in place, his expression unreadable, lost in deep, churning thoughts.
Only after several silent moments did he regain control of himself. He turned away and walked up to Zuh Qil.
"Zuh Qil, you've impressed me today," he said sincerely. "Your strength is exceptional. I have no doubt you'll bring great benefit to the Iron Clad Sect and become one of its top disciples."
Then, turning to Li Min, he added, "Li Min, I'm exhausted. I'll take my leave now."
Li Min nodded and replied gently, "That's fine. Just remember—we're always here for you. Don't let anyone shake your faith so easily."
Yu Hao nodded and left without another word.
Li Min watched him go and thought, Del Mo is a truly clever woman. She's shaken him. I just hope Yu Hao can clear his mind, even though… it doesn't look likely.
She had understood everything, but chose not to interfere. This was Yu Hao's burden to carry. His personal matter. Interfering foolishly might worsen it.
Yang Zhai also watched Yu Hao's fading silhouette, his expression thoughtful.
It's only a matter of time now. The wolf will turn on its master. Del Mo has already sown the seed of doubt in his mind. If I ever end up standing against the Iron Clad Sect, this could become a valuable card to play—assuming he still stays in the sect by then.
That night…
Mil Do Nim's eyes fluttered open slowly. His head throbbed as he glanced around, taking in his surroundings. The room was unfamiliar, and the damaged walls hinted at recent chaos. In the corners, two boys sat silently, lost in deep cultivation.
"Where… am I? Wait—" His voice trailed off as fragments of memory returned. The bet between Yu Hao and Del Mo... the fight…
Min Ho, sitting nearby, opened his eyes and smirked. "You're in a room of the Iron Clad Sect's residence. And by the way, congratulations—you're now also one of us disciples of the Iron Clad Sect."
"Don't tell me I… lost?" Mil Do Nim blinked, still unable to accept it. "But… how?"
"Isn't it obvious?" Min Ho scoffed. "You were taken down in just two punches—by that guy sitting outside." He gestured toward the door, referring to Zuh Qil.
Mil Do Nim looked outside. Two cultivators sat side by side under the light glow, meditating silently.
Yang Zhai, hearing the commotion, also opened his eyes. He glanced over at Mil Do Nim and offered a slight, knowing smile.
But Mil Do Nim didn't notice. His eyes were locked onto Zuh Qil, as if trying to understand how this was even possible.
"I still can't believe Del Mo called you the strongest of her newly recruited disciples," Min Ho continued with a mocking tone. "And yet you crumbled in just two strikes? Maybe she sent her weakest on purpose to gauge Elder Yu Hao's side's strength. Can a rank 5 body cultivator really be that pathetic?"
Mil Do Nim turned toward Min Ho and said evenly, "I think there's something you don't understand."
"Oh? And what's that supposed to mean?" Min Ho replied, raising an eyebrow.
"You clearly don't know your own companion."
"Hmph."
"If you did, you wouldn't be mocking me like this. It's not that I'm weak—it's that he's overwhelmingly strong. Had you fought him even once, you'd be keeping that mouth of yours shut."
Min Ho's expression darkened. His eyes narrowed. Is Zuh Qil really that strong? It's possible… but still, two punches?
"Sigh… I was meant to join the Moonlight Sect, not this place," Mil Do Nim muttered, leaning his head back. "I was overconfident. I thought no one at rank 5 could beat me so easily. And even if someone could, I assumed I'd have time to respond—time to use my trump cards. But I forgot… just as I become stronger, others do too. I don't even remember the second punch. Just… this tidal wave of pain that filled my head before I blacked out. Two punches... Just how strong is he?"
He let out a heavy breath and rested against the quilt that had been laid out beneath him.
Jin Su, on the other hand, said nothing. He simply stared at Mil Do Nim in silence, deep in thought.
!|!*****!*****!|!