Seizing Destiny From Heavens Hands

Chapter 242: Where's My Weapon?

The Heavywater Python trembled uncontrollably as it gazed at the enormous creature before it. In its entire life, it had never encountered such a powerful fellow serpent. Its quaking appearance only made the old flood dragon's heart itch with anticipation.

Seeing this scene, Ye Yan's heart brimmed with satisfaction. It seemed that his plan was about to succeed.

Unable to contain his excitement, the old flood dragon raised his head and let out a triumphant roar. The exhilarating sound reverberated through the gates of the Jade Cauldron Sect, leaving the disciples in utter confusion.

Usually, the guardian dragon's roars were tinged with anxiety and melancholy. But today, it sounded as if it had been injected with adrenaline, ready to soar into the heavens at any moment.

Then, just as the old flood dragon prepared to engage, he suddenly felt something was amiss beneath him. Curious, he lowered his head.

"Damn it. Where's my weapon? My great weapon, where is it?!"

In an instant, his earlier excitement turned into dejection.

"Forget it, forget it," the old flood dragon muttered to himself, his spirits plummeting. "Looks like I'll never pass on my bloodline in this lifetime."

At that moment, the Heavywater Python had collapsed weakly in the old flood dragon's embrace, its serpentine form lying limp like a delicate blue flower, seemingly offering itself up. Yet, it was a case of unrequited affection—the flood dragon had no interest.

The more the old flood dragon thought about it, the angrier he became. "You bring a python here, knowing full well I can't reproduce? Are you mocking me?!"

He waved his claw, sending a gust of wind that blew the Heavywater Python away. Ye Yan, caught in the crossfire, was also expelled from the valley.

"Scram! All of you, get the hell out of here!" The old flood dragon's irritated roar echoed through the valley, followed by another earth-shaking dragon roar that startled the entire Jade Cauldron Sect.

The Heavywater Python was dumbfounded. "I was all set up, and now you're telling me to leave?"

Ye Yan was equally stupefied. "I went through so much trouble to bring you this Heavywater Python, only for you to change your mind at the last moment and kick me out. What the hell is this supposed to mean?!"

Even a clay figure has its limits. Ye Yan was no clay figure—he was a peerless genius. How could he tolerate such humiliation?

Taking a deep breath, Ye Yan collected the confused Heavywater Python into his beast pouch and left immediately.

The two stewards guarding the valley entrance were also bewildered. They had no idea what had transpired.

"Why did Elder Ye leave in such a rage after coming here so happily?" they muttered to each other.

On the Second Peak

A streak of light landed at the summit. It was Ye Yan, his face as cold as ice.

Not far away, Second Elder Yang Qiye was casually chatting with the Fourth Elder.

The Fourth Elder remarked, "...Yang Elder, I heard that the Pill River Sect recently pieced together two ancient alchemy recipes. They've already started producing Pure Nascent Transformation Pills. If they succeed, our Jade Cauldron Sect's alchemy market will be entirely overtaken."

Yang Qiye sighed. "Indeed, Pure Nascent Transformation Pills are only known to the Nine-Turn Pill Sect. None of the four major factions have mastered them yet. If the Pill River Sect succeeds…"

The Fourth Elder shook his head. "If this continues, alchemy will follow in the footsteps of beast taming, declining year after year. What should we do?"

Yang Qiye's expression turned grave. "Hesitation leads to ruin. We should have abandoned both the alchemy and beast-taming industries long ago, focusing all our resources on the forging industry."

"Unfortunately, someone like Shen Mo appeared out of nowhere, hindering my plans. And the Sect Master, too—so softhearted, still dreaming of restoring the glory of our beast-taming industry."

At this point, Yang Qiye snorted in frustration.

"Hmm? Isn't that your disciple, Ye Yan?" the Fourth Elder pointed out as he noticed Ye Yan approaching with his usual icy demeanor.

The Fourth Elder chuckled, "I guess he's back to share the good news about delivering the Heavywater Python to the old flood dragon."

However, given Ye Yan's perpetually frosty expression, those unfamiliar with him found it hard to distinguish whether he was in a good or bad mood.

Yang Qiye Felt Something Was Off

Ye Yan's expression did not resemble joy.

However, Yang Qiye couldn't imagine what might have gone wrong. Even if the Heavywater Python couldn't help the old flood dragon pass on its bloodline, at the very least, it should have improved the old flood dragon's impression of Ye Yan. No matter how one looked at it, this was supposed to be a sure-win situation.

The Fourth Elder greeted Ye Yan with a smile. "Ye Yan, congratulations! Gaining the guardian's trust today marks the beginning of a boundless future for you. Who knows, in the future, when the next Sect Master is chosen, the guardian might recommend you for the position!"

Yang Qiye felt deeply comforted by these words. If his disciple became the future Sect Master, wouldn't that make him the Sect Master's mentor? Perhaps even the de facto emperor of the Jade Cauldron Sect!

But Ye Yan stopped in his tracks upon hearing these words. His icy expression became even more grim. Taking a deep breath, he suppressed the urge to act out.

Ye Yan said in a cold tone, "Fourth Elder, enough."

The Fourth Elder was taken aback, not understanding what had happened.

Yang Qiye instinctively furrowed his brow, faintly sensing that something was amiss.

"You go on ahead," he said, signaling the Fourth Elder. "I need to discuss the old flood dragon's situation with Ye Yan."

"Alright." Though confused, the Fourth Elder nodded and left.

Once they were alone, Yang Qiye asked in a low voice, "Ye Yan, what happened?"

Ye Yan took a deep breath and looked directly into Yang Qiye's eyes. "Master, the old flood dragon insulted me."

"I brought him the Heavywater Python, and not only did he fail to show any gratitude, but he also inexplicably kicked me out, speaking with extreme aggression. Such an unbearable humiliation—how could I possibly accept it?!"

By the end of his account, Ye Yan's tone was brimming with fury.

Throughout his life, anyone who dared treat him in such a way had long since become nothing but bones in their grave.

Yang Qiye frowned deeply. "How could this be?"

He knew the old flood dragon's temperament well. Although foul-mouthed and fond of scaring people, it was ultimately a creature that repaid kindness. What could have caused such behavior today?

"Could someone have spoken ill of you?" Yang Qiye speculated in a low voice.

Ye Yan's eyes flickered as a thought crossed his mind. "As far as I know, Shen Mo also has a token granting him access to that valley. Moreover, he has been frequenting it often recently. The old flood dragon seems to have a good relationship with him."

Yang Qiye's eyes turned sharp. "What?!"

"No wonder the old flood dragon treated you so harshly—it must have been influenced by Shen Mo's provocations! He's clearly trying to gain the old flood dragon's trust before you."

"That boy Shen Mo is far more cunning than he appears!"

Yang Qiye abruptly stood, pacing back and forth in frustration.

Ye Yan's expression was equally grim. If Shen Mo managed to win the old flood dragon's trust, his standing in the Jade Cauldron Sect would rise significantly, far surpassing Ye Yan's own.

There was something else weighing heavily on Ye Yan's mind, something he had never shared with anyone. It was their first encounter on the Suspended River.

Back then, Ye Yan had deliberately issued a commission, using Guo Long and others as bait to lure out the Yin Specter in hopes of obtaining the Yin Fiend Pearl. It was not an honorable act.

His original plan had been to kill all witnesses, ensuring that no one would ever know.

But unexpectedly, Shen Mo had been on that boat. Not only did Ye Yan fail to obtain the Yin Fiend Pearl, but Shen Mo and the others had also escaped. Although Ye Yan had masked his face, he hadn't concealed his aura. With Shen Mo's abilities, it was likely he had already identified Ye Yan.

The persona Ye Yan presented to the world was one of cold authority and ruthless power, not one of someone willing to use any means to achieve his ends. Even if this was his true nature, it was something he could never allow to surface.

He knew Sect Master Li Zhendao well. Li Zhendao would never entrust the Jade Cauldron Sect to someone who used underhanded means without principles.

If Shen Mo revealed that incident to Li Zhendao, the consequences would be disastrous.

Ye Yan exhaled deeply. "Master, what should I do?" His expression was grave.

Yang Qiye stopped pacing and shook his head. "There's no need to worry. No matter how hard Shen Mo works to curry favor with the old flood dragon, at most, the old flood dragon will only remember him.

"Unless he can bring back a flood dragon egg, there's no way the old flood dragon will truly trust him."

"If you couldn't win the old flood dragon's trust and support, Shen Mo has no chance of doing so either!"

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