Chapter 971 - Chapter 971: A Warning
Chapter 971: A Warning
Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
In the Ye family, Ye Yikun waved his hand, dismissing the disciple who had come to deliver the message.
Inside the courtyard, Ye Yikun sat, a faint smile on his lips, devoid of warmth, his demeanor cold and ruthless. If anyone were to witness it, they might find it chilling.
After an unknown period, Ye Yikun slowly wiped the smile from his face and summoned Ye Wanwan.
With a nervous heart, Ye Wanwan approached Ye Yikun’s courtyard.
During this time, she had been fairing well in the Ye family. Despite her father’s mild reproach after the banquet incident, her mother’s care remained constant. Yet, her grandfather’s favor was the crucial factor for her well-being in the Ye family.
Her injuries had long healed thanks to her grandfather’s healing pills. Moreover, he often mentored her in her cultivation. Indeed, the entire Ye family could perceive that her grandfather highly valued her. Consequently, her position as the young lady of the Ye family was stable. Within the Ye family, not a single person dared to underestimate her, even though she did not bear the bloodline of the Ye family.
However, she was aware that her grandfather was her greatest support within the Ye family. Yet, each encounter with him filled her with apprehension, especially when alone with him, a chill creeping from the depths of her soul.
Nevertheless, she felt gratified whenever summoned by her grandfather, as it solidified her position in the Ye family.
Soon, Ye Wanwan stood before Ye Yikun, addressing him respectfully, “Grandfather.”
Ye Yikun raised his gaze, his cold eyes scrutinizing Ye Wanwan, his brow furrowing slightly. “Wanwan, your recent progress seems lacking. Despite the considerable time passed, why haven’t you reached the Golden Core Stage yet?”
To an outsider, such words would be astonishing. Despite being under eighteen, Ye Wanwan was already in the late Foundation Establishment Stage, a rarity in the Hidden World. Yet, Ye Yikun’s tone betrayed disdain.
Ye Wanwan’s heart skipped a beat. She swiftly offered her apologies, “Grandfather, I will redouble my efforts.”
She knew she was no longer the peerless talent among her peers; she had reached the pinnacle. However, even so, her grandfather’s dissatisfaction puzzled her. She couldn’t comprehend why his expectations or discipline had become stricter.
“Wanwan, I’m not concerned with your process, but the result.” Ye Yikun’s tone remained grim. “Let me ask you, do you believe you can defeat Ye Leng’an now?”
Ye Wanwan hesitated, longing to answer affirmatively. Yet, the memory of her previous defeat at Ye Leng’an’s hands silenced her.
Ye Yikun’s voice lowered dangerously. “Wanwan, you must be aware that despite your current status as the Ye family’s young lady, you lack our bloodline. If you cannot prove yourself more worthy than Ye Leng’an to be the young lady, then you should step down!”
Ye Wanwan was shaken by his words, feeling a coldness enveloping her, as if plunged into an icy abyss.
For a while, she had believed her position in her grandfather’s heart was secure. Yet, reality dealt her a harsh blow, forcing her to acknowledge a stark truth. In her grandfather’s eyes, one’s position in the family was secure only if one benefited the family. Those who posed a threat would be cast aside.
Lowering her head, Ye Wanwan vowed, “Grandfather, I will reach the Golden Core stage before the Elite Competition.”
Yet, Ye Yikun remained unsatisfied with her assurance. “You not only need to elevate your cultivation but also defeat Ye Leng’an. Wanwan, this time, I care not for the means. You must prevail against Ye Leng’an.”
Though unspoken, Ye Wanwan discerned the implicit threat in his words. Failure against Ye Leng’an would jeopardize her standing in the Ye family.
With a nod, uncertain whether in approval or displeasure, Ye Yikun added, “Apart from the Elite Competition, do not forget the Murong family. It’s prudent to expedite your engagement to avoid further complications.”
Ye Wanwan dared not protest. “I understand.”
“You may leave now.”
As Ye Wanwan departed from Ye Yikun’s courtyard, she hastened back to her own, avoiding any delay. Her hurried footsteps puzzled the disciples and servants she encountered.
However, being the Ye family’s young lady and favored by the old master, none dared question her actions.
Only upon reaching her room did Ye Wanwan slump onto the sofa, feeling drained.
Regaining her composure, her gaze fell upon a wooden box on the dressing table nearby. It contained the medicinal pills her grandfather had provided to enhance her cultivation.
These pills differed from previous ones. Their effects were superior. Almost every intake saw her cultivation soar, making her training significantly more efficient.
Yet, this newfound efficacy also instilled in her a sense of unease. Since the inception of her cultivation, she had been taught that there were no shortcuts, only diligence yielded progress.
These pills contradicted everything she knew, leaving her feeling disoriented as if walking on air.
Despite her apprehensions, she couldn’t disregard these pills, knowing they were her sole means of rapid improvement. The memory of her repeated defeats by Ye Leng’an compelled her to act swiftly, to elevate her cultivation and triumph over her in the Elite Competition.