Infinite Awakening: My Exp Doubles Everyday novel Chapter 117

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Chapter 117: Love Rival

In the Azure Cloud Sword Sect, a large crowd had gathered in the main courtyard. Disciples, deacons, and deans who had been away on missions for extended periods mingled together, creating a buzz of excitement and confusion.

"What’s going on?" a disciple with travel-worn robes asked, glancing around at the unusual assembly.

"I don’t know, I just got here," another replied with a shrug, equally puzzled by the sudden summons.

Throughout the courtyard, cultivators exchanged greetings after long separations, clasping hands and trading stories of their adventures outside the sect. The atmosphere hummed with anticipation as more members continued to arrive.

Suddenly, a booming voice cut through the chatter. "Why am I not allowed in?"

The crowd turned toward the main gate where a massive shirtless man stood, his bulging muscles gleaming in the sunlight. His imposing frame towered over the guards who blocked his path. Beside him stood a shorter man, though his physique was equally impressive with well-defined muscles rippling beneath his robes.

This second man, Zhao Disheng, addressed the disciple guarding the entrance with poorly concealed contempt. "Can’t you see who stands before you?" When the guards merely stared back blankly, he elaborated with exasperation, "This is Zhao Tiangang, the Sect Master of Iron Spirit Mountain."

Zhao Tiangang nodded smugly at his subordinate’s introduction, arms crossed over his bare chest.

Murmurs spread through the gathered crowd. Everyone knew that Iron Spirit Mountain was one of the three dominant sects in the region, with its Sect Master equal in status to their own. Refusing him entry would be a grave insult, yet this gathering had been announced as sect members only. The disciples at the gate shifted uncomfortably, caught in their indecision.

"Hmph, how barbaric," a soft, melodious voice commented from behind the crowd.

Every head turned to locate the source of such a bold statement. Who would dare insult Zhao Tiangang so brazenly?

Standing there was a strikingly beautiful woman in flowing jade-colored robes, accompanied by an equally stunning female cultivator. Their elegant postures and refined auras provided a stark contrast to Zhao Tiangang’s rugged appearance.

"Are you insulting the Sect Master?" Zhao Disheng’s eyes narrowed dangerously, completely unmoved by the women’s beauty as he stepped forward with clenched fists.

"Zhao Disheng, how dare you speak directly to the Sect Master!" The beautiful attendant, Lin Binghe, vanished from her position only to reappear directly before Zhao Disheng. An ice sword materialized in her hand mid-swing, aiming for his throat.

But Zhao Disheng wasn’t to be underestimated. With ease, he raised his hand and caught the ice blade between his fingers. "Hmph, she dared to insult the Sect Master," he growled, applying pressure until the ice sword shattered in his grip.

"Looks like you’ve grown stronger since we last met," Lin Binghe acknowledged, not retreating a step despite her broken weapon.

"So have you," Zhao Disheng replied, muscles tensing as they prepared for another exchange.

Meanwhile, Zhao Tiangang approached the other woman, his massive frame casting her in shadow as he deliberately positioned himself to block the sun. "Yan Xuelian, what brings you here?" he demanded, looking down at her.

"Since when did my Lotus Jade Palace have to report to you?" she responded coolly, meeting his gaze without a hint of intimidation despite the significant height difference.

Zhao Tiangang simply stared at her, the tension between them almost palpable.

"Disheng!" "Lin Lin!" Both Sect Masters called out simultaneously.

The subordinates immediately ceased their confrontation and returned to their respective leaders’ sides, though they continued exchanging hostile glares.

Just as the situation threatened to escalate further, a familiar voice broke through the tension. "Sect Master Zhao, Sect Master Yan, you’ve finally arrived. The Sect Master has been waiting for you."

The crowd parted to reveal Elder Huang approaching with measured steps. When the disciples saw her, visible relief washed over their faces—an elder could properly handle this delicate situation.