Growth

Yuan's words continued to slice through the air like sharp knives, exposing the bitter truths that lay hidden beneath the surface of Scribe Peak. "The once prestigious Scribe Peak has fallen into disrepair, no longer producing individuals of merit or talent. Instead, it fosters mediocrity, allowing people like you and Chen to wallow in your self-pity and envy. You're like sightless rodents, struggling through a labyrinth of darkness, desperate for even the smallest taste of success. Rather than dedicating yourselves to personal growth and self-improvement, you rely on petty gossip and manipulative schemes in the hopes of dragging others down to your level."

As Yuan's scathing assessment continued, Wei's fury swelled, her face contorting with a mix of humiliation and rage. He had stripped away the facade, revealing the raw, painful reality that she and her fiancé were too afraid to confront.

Undeterred by the seething anger in Wei's eyes, Yuan pressed on, "You claim that I wanted Chen dead. Tell me, why would I wish to eliminate him? I have already achieved the rank of a scribe, while he remains a mere apprentice, grasping at the dream of becoming a scribe himself. He is nothing more than a delusional frog, coveting the unattainable. Why would I waste my precious time on such an insignificant rival? I have no motive to wish him harm. And so, your accusations crumble once again."

Unable to contain her fury any longer, Wei spat back, "How dare you lie through your teeth! You are the one responsible for this! You wanted to make him suffer!"

Yuan continued to prod her, "Suffer for what exactly? For possessing lesser talent than myself or for being engaged to someone as unattractive as you? What possible reason could I have to seek retribution? Stop fabricating lies."

No woman could endure the sting of being labeled as unattractive, especially when the insult comes from someone perceived as a sworn enemy of her fiancé. This remark cuts deep into her self-esteem, leaving her feeling vulnerable and exposed. It is a direct attack on her personal value, and a woman in such a situation is likely to feel a strong mix of emotions, including embarrassment, humiliation, and resentment.

This feeling was further intensified as the comment came from Yuan, who was considered to be in direct opposition to her fiancé, Chen. It seemed like a calculated move to provoke anger and hurt. The insult not only targeted Wei's self-worth but also had the potential to strain the relationship with her partner. It insinuated that Chen's choice in a partner was flawed, thereby questioning the foundation of their union.

Moreover, in many societies and cultures, a woman's physical appearance is often given undue importance, sometimes even overshadowing her intellect, accomplishments, and character. As a result, an insult targeting her looks can be particularly damaging, shaking her confidence and making her question her worth.

In this specific situation, Wei was already emotionally charged due to the tense circumstances surrounding Chen and his rivalry with Yuan. This added context made the derogatory comment even more provocative and challenging to bear. The combination of her loyalty towards Chen, the heightened emotions, and the direct attack on her appearance created an explosive mixture, causing her to lose control of her reasoning and, in this case, leading her to make a critical mistake.

Wei's rational thought was consumed by rage as she blurted out, "Don't think that you can deceive everyone with your lies. You sought vengeance. Chen was the one who hired the assassin, but you were able to recover within two days. Yet, after the demon's attack, Chen lost all of his essence, rendering him incapable of cultivating essence ever again. You have destroyed his future!"

The moment the words left her mouth, Wei's face paled as she realized the implications of her outburst. The educators fixed their gazes upon her, their expressions a mix of shock and disappointment. Cold essence radiated from Fairy Ling, while beads of sweat formed on Scribe Qin's brow. In her anger, Wei had inadvertently confessed to Chen's role in hiring the assassin to kill Yuan. Her and Chen's futures within the Huohui sect were now in jeopardy.

Even if, by some miracle, Chen were to regain his essence and ability to cultivate, he would undoubtedly be expelled from the Huohui sect, and she would likely share the same fate. The revelation of Chen's actions had irrevocably altered the course of their lives, and they could no longer escape the consequences of their own misdeeds.

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Spring left, and autumn came. In the blink of an eye, Yuan had spent five years in the Huohui sect.

Yuan spent his days like a machine waking up and following his daily schedule.

Yuan's once slim and unimpressive frame has grown broader and more muscular. His shoulders were now broad, and his chest was more defined. His biceps and triceps were more noticeable, and his abs were starting to show. His overall appearance had become more masculine, and his movements were more fluid.

In terms of height, Yuan had grown a few inches taller, now standing at about 5'8". His once soft and boyish face now appears more chiseled and defined, with a strong jawline and high cheekbones. His eyes, which were once bright and curious, were now more focused and intense.

Yuan's skin, which was once tan, had now turned rosy due to his rigorous training in the Frost Peak palace, where there was rarely any sunlight. His hair, which was originally a deep brown, has taken on a slightly reddish tint thanks to his flame bloodline. It's still kept in a short, practical style to prevent it from getting in the way during battle.

The golden AI panel showed his updated stats.

Age: 16

Gender: Male

Race: Human

Bloodline: Flame Immortal

Affiliation: Apprentice of Fairy Ling

Level: Adept Warrior 1 / Neophyte Arcanist 1 / Bloodline Adept 1

Health: 800/800

Essence: 1200/1200

Strength: 32

Dexterity: 30

Constitution: 30

Intelligence: 36

Wisdom: 34

Charisma: 33

Innate Abilities:

Purity Flame: 240/240

Skills:

Hunting: 70/100

Knife technique: 55/100

Mystic Warrior Art: 40/100

Gravity Rune Incantation: 50/100

Illusory Doppelganger: 100/100

Illusory flame Doppelganger: 25/100

Spatial Thread: 20/100

Equipment:

Adept Warrior Robes

Enhanced Knife

Sturdy leather boots

Sturdy leather gloves

As Yuan's cultivation levels have improved in all three aspects of Adept Warrior, Neophyte Arcanist, and Bloodline Adept, his overall stats have significantly increased. He now had better health and essence, and his strength, dexterity, constitution, intelligence, wisdom, and charisma had all grown remarkably.

Yuan's innate ability, the Purity Flame, had also become stronger, and his skill levels in hunting, knife technique, mystic warrior art, and gravity rune incantation had advanced. Additionally, his equipment has been upgraded to match his new cultivation levels, with Adept Warrior robes, an enhanced knife, and sturdy leather boots and gloves.

Yuan's strength has increased thanks to his intense training and daily exercises under high gravity, which helped build his muscles. He practiced the knife technique that the AI suggested, as he had a strong affinity for it and a history of practicing knife skills.

His dexterity also increased due to his continued practice of knife techniques and the combat techniques shared by the AI that require quick reflexes and nimble movements. Now if any assissn attacked him, he could escape without straining himself.

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We need golden tickets and power stones to help the book get more exposure.

If we reach 400 power stones, I will release a supplementary chapter.

If we reach 100 golden tickets, I will release a supplementary chapter.

Thank You