Chapter Eighteen: This Child Is Extraordinary!

Northern shore of the Only Me Sect.

Most of the elders and stewards reside in this area. It is also the place where the sect leader and other high-ranking members handle the affairs of the sect, as well as the location of the Fire Array within the grand protective formation, alongside the Wind and Thunder Arrays.

If the southern shore is the foundation for training disciples—the bedrock of the sect—then the northern shore is its true core, where all the upper echelons gather. Even Nascent Soul cultivators are stationed here, and precisely because of their presence, the Only Me Sect has earned its reputation across the continent, its name reverberating throughout Yun Province.

At this moment, two streaks of light shoot rapidly across the river separating the north and south shores.

Inside the streaks are two middle-aged men, one clad in a purple robe, the other in red.

The red-robed man respectfully addresses the purple-robed elder, “Grand Elder, the Enlightenment Ceremony at First Mountain on the southern shore is nearly ready. Once we arrive, we can commence immediately.”

The purple-robed man nods slightly, pondering, “Ansheng, the southern shore owes much to your management these years. I hear you’ve cultivated many outstanding disciples for the sect.”

Liu Ansheng hastily waves his hand, “Not at all, Grand Elder. It’s all thanks to your wise leadership.”

The purple-robed man flicks Liu Ansheng’s forehead lightly, rebuking him, “Enough, no need for empty pleasantries with me. I don’t buy it.”

Liu Ansheng immediately bows his head, not daring to speak further.

The purple-robed man thinks for a moment and asks, “By the way, I recall the southern shore has several promising juniors. That thousand-year sacred physique, Ye Cang—how is he lately?”

Elder Liu Ansheng smiles, “Ye Cang is currently one of the top disciples in the inner sect, with the greatest potential to inherit the Only Me Sect’s legacy and become a true disciple.”

“Good, that is well.” The purple-robed man nods approvingly, then suddenly seems to recall something, asking with doubt, “I remember when Ye Cang entered the sect, there was another youngster who joined at the same time, right? Supposedly a rare prodigy, a genius body unseen for a hundred years.”

Liu Ansheng certainly knows he’s referring to Wang Ran. He bows again, “Grand Elder, you’ve been in seclusion for years and are just out, so you’re not yet aware of the changes within the sect. Wang Ran is now no longer comparable to Ye Cang, not even close.”

Worried about affecting the Grand Elder’s impression and his own performance—since he’s managed the southern shore for the past decade—Liu Ansheng is careful not to speak too harshly, lest it seem he’s failed at nurturing disciples. He only says Wang Ran is not as good as Ye Cang.

But to the Grand Elder, this sounds different. Ye Cang is a thousand-year sacred body, a sensation throughout the Only Me Sect; few could ever rival him. So if Wang Ran is not his equal, the Grand Elder still assumes Wang Ran is a genius.

He immediately pats Liu Ansheng’s shoulder, speaking earnestly, “Ansheng, you’ve managed the southern shore for decades. If there are disciples with potential, it’s no harm to personally nurture them. All must be considered for the sake of the sect.”

“Absolutely, Grand Elder. Your guidance is precious,” Liu Ansheng flatters, bowing his head.

“So less perfunctory with me… Also, I heard the Second Elder’s daughter is on the southern shore, learning life skills at the Mission Hall. Recently, she’s made some progress and discovered an extremely rare prodigy for the sect. Yesterday after I emerged from seclusion, I visited the Second Elder, and the girl praised that disciple to the heavens. Today, I must see for myself.”

As the purple-robed man finishes, Elder Liu’s face darkens, for he’s completely forgotten about the Second Elder’s daughter’s training on the southern shore.

With so many internal affairs lately—especially the mysterious disappearance of a four-member squad from the Enforcement Hall—Elder Liu has been overwhelmed, and neglected to keep an eye on the girl.

When did she find an extraordinary genius for the sect?

If there were such a prodigy, how could he, the southern shore elder, not know?

A faint sense of unease rises in Elder Liu’s heart. He wants to warn the Grand Elder, but seeing his eager expression, doesn’t dare say more.

As the two converse, the First Mountain of the southern shore comes into view…

Meanwhile.

On the plaza of the Enlightenment Ceremony.

Wang Ran’s carefree and unruly entrance immediately stuns many, leaving mouths agape.

“What is Wang Ran up to now?”

“Bringing his junior sister to dance for him? How shameless can he be?”

“Utterly disgraceful!”

“Right, how could he do this?!”

Righteous indignation fills the voices of disciples around him, but their envy is barely concealed.

After all, Junior Sister Yan Wanrou’s beauty is outstanding and utterly adorable; anyone would feel tenderness upon seeing her. Yet now, this lovely girl willingly follows Wang Ran as his attendant, inciting jealousy among the other disciples.

Wang Ran pays no mind, his face bearing the loneliness of a master. After surveying the crowd, his gaze lingers briefly on Ye Cang, and then he bursts out laughing, “Well, if it isn’t Senior Brother Ye Cang! How have you been? My goodness, you look even uglier than before!”

Ye Cang’s expression freezes, and a flicker of murderous intent flashes silently in his eyes as he looks at Wang Ran.

Even with his eyes closed, Wang Ran knows Ye Cang would love nothing more than to see him dead, but he remains unfazed, continuing, “But don’t worry, Senior Brother Ye, though you’re a bit ugly, you won’t have trouble finding a wife. In our village, there’s a young widow named Murong Cuihua—do you remember her? I’ll introduce you two; you’re well matched. And don’t let the widow part fool you—she’s actually never been married, still a maiden at forty-something. A real bargain for you!”

As Wang Ran speaks, his eyebrows dance with delight.

Ye Cang has never suffered such taunts, and immediately begins to tremble with rage, icy aura spreading from him.

The surrounding disciples are startled.

Before Ye Cang can react, another streak of light whistles through the crowd.

It is Bei Minglie!

“You! The aura of the formation talisman is unmistakable. You bullied my brother—prepare to die!” Bei Minglie throws a punch, unleashing overwhelming force straight at Wang Ran’s face.

Wang Ran’s playful expression vanishes instantly; he frowns, “Beiguo Xia’s brother? Inner sect prodigy Bei Minglie? He actually figured out I stole his brother’s talisman?”

No time for more thoughts. Seeing the fist inches from him, Wang Ran’s body shines with brilliance as his Vajra Glass Body explodes forth, meeting the attack with his own punch.

Boom!

In an instant, a shockwave ripples out from the two, forcing many nearby to retreat several steps. Cracks appear under Wang Ran’s feet; Bei Minglie fares slightly better, but is equally shocked.

He hadn’t expected Wang Ran, at peak Qi Condensation, to withstand a strike from his own Foundation Establishment sixth-layer power. Though he hadn’t used his full strength, it was still astonishing.

Wang Ran’s right fist trembles, blood seeping from it. His face darkens, annoyance toward Bei Minglie rising. Secretly, he purchases a reinforced grenade from the system shop, ready to let Bei Minglie taste the burn, when his eyes accidentally catch two black dots hovering in the distant sky.

His eyes flicker, and he quickly puts the grenade away, feigning gratitude, and calls out loudly to Bei Minglie, “Many thanks, Senior Brother Bei, for sparring with me and helping me grasp the true essence of martial arts. Though you gritted your teeth and unleashed your full strength, as if trying to kill me, I know you were really pushing me to unlock my potential. It’s all for my benefit. I managed to block your attack, but I see you’re now drawing darts from your sleeve, likely to instruct me that one must never let their guard down in the martial world. Your thoughtful guidance has truly enlightened me, a neglected genius!”

Wang Ran’s words ring out with clarity, ensuring everyone within a kilometer can hear.

Bei Minglie is dumbstruck.

I used my full strength?

I have darts hidden in my sleeve?

What the hell are you talking about??

While Bei Minglie stands bewildered, in the sky behind him, the two late arrivals witness the entire scene.

The Grand Elder’s eyes gleam as he looks at Wang Ran, praising, “Excellent! So young, yet at peak Qi Condensation, able to withstand a full-powered strike from Foundation Establishment sixth-layer, and afterwards so modest and magnanimous. Truly a talent! As for that Senior Brother Bei, not only did he strike his fellow disciple with such force, but immediately tried to use a hidden weapon—such cruelty! Fortunately, this junior has a generous heart and bears no grudge. Hmph, dock Bei’s salary for half a year, send him to Beast Mountain for reflection, and as for Wang Ran—he is indeed a neglected genius. Elder Liu, you must nurture him carefully. This child… is exceptional!”

The purple-robed man finishes, oblivious to the fact that Elder Liu beside him is already gaping in shock.

Wang Ran exceptional?

Wang Ran blocked Bei Minglie’s full-powered strike?

Good heavens!

Is this really the Wang Ran I know?

Did I open the wrong door to this world?