Infinite Awakening: My Exp Doubles Everyday novel Chapter 15

Chapter 15: Your Opponent Is Me

The cheerful atmosphere of their outing contrasted sharply with Xiang Yu's internal turmoil. While Li Yao bounced with unbridled enthusiasm, pointing excitedly at various stalls and attractions in the mortal town, Xiang Yu couldn't shake the ominous feeling weighing in his stomach. Every cultivation novel he'd ever read flashed through his mind—the protagonist venturing outside the sect's protection inevitably triggered some calamitous encounter.

"Isn't this fun, Senior Brother?" Li Yao asked, her eyes sparkling as she clutched a sugar figurine purchased from a roadside vendor.

"Absolutely," Xiang Yu replied with a manufactured smile, all while mentally reciting every possible disaster scenario. Just once, could the universe not follow narrative convention? he silently pleaded, maintaining his facade of enjoyment as they wove through the crowded marketplace.

For several more hours, this charade continued—Li Yao delighting in the simple pleasures of mortal life, Xiang Yu vigilantly scanning for threats while pretending to share her enthusiasm. His tension only mounted as the day progressed, each passing moment without incident somehow making him more anxious rather than less.

Finally, as the afternoon sun began its descent, Li Yao sighed contentedly. "I think I've had enough fun for today. We should head back before Master notices we've been gone too long."

Relief flooded through Xiang Yu's body. They were going home! He had survived an entire day outside the sect without triggering some protagonist-centered crisis. Perhaps his paranoia had been unfounded after all.

As they followed the mountain path back toward Azure Cloud Sect, Xiang Yu allowed himself to relax slightly. His shoulders loosened, his breathing deepened, and a genuine smile began to form.

"Come out! I know you're out there!" Li Yao's sudden shout shattered his momentary peace.

Xiang Yu's heart plummeted like a stone dropped from the mountain's peak. I fucking knew it, he thought bitterly, exasperation overwhelming his fear. Not even choosing a mortal town—deliberately selected for its minimal cultivation presence—had spared him from the narrative's relentless machinery. He should've just stayed home, cultivating in blessed solitude.

Within moments, six figures emerged from the dense forest surrounding the path. Five disciples, led by none other than Dean Gu Hanming of the Scripture Pavilion. The sight confirmed Xiang Yu's worst fears—trouble had indeed found them.

"Hehehe! You're quite sharp, kid," the dean chuckled, his voice carrying artificial levity that failed to mask his malice. "But this doesn't change anything."

Li Yao immediately positioned herself in front of Xiang Yu, a protective gesture that touched him despite the direness of their situation. He genuinely appreciated her consideration, but anxiety gnawed at his confidence. Yes, she was a Foundation Establishment cultivator—impressive for someone her age—but the dean operated in an entirely different league. For one to become a dean in the sect, the had to have at least Core Formation cultivation, a full realm above Li Yao's level.

The power disparity was astronomical—like comparing a candle to the sun. Still, Xiang Yu clung to a shred of hope. After all, what's a protagonist if the cant fight beyond a realm or two? And if anyone matched the protagonist archetype, it was certainly Li Yao.

"What do you want?" Li Yao's voice remained steady, betraying no fear.

The dean's eyes narrowed, hatred radiating from him in palpable waves. "Don't try to act like you don't know!" he snarled. "I know you were the one who killed my little brother." His fingers twitched with barely contained rage. "I know he wasn't the best of people, but—"

"Wait, wait, wait!" Li Yao interrupted, her head tilting in apparent confusion. "I think you have the wrong person. I don't remember seeing your brother."

The dean's face contorted with fury. "What? My little brother came to your pavilion to challenge your senior brother, but you killed him!" His voice grew increasingly shrill. "And now you're acting as if you don't know him?"

Li Yao's expression suddenly shifted, her mouth forming a perfect "O" of realization.

"Remember now?" the dean asked, noticing her changed expression.

Xiang Yu watched the unfolding confrontation with a mixture of resignation and exasperation. Why did she have to antagonize him? he wondered. Couldn't they have at least attempted diplomacy before jumping straight to mortal combat?

Xiang Yu watched this display with incredulous disbelief. You just fell for it though, he thought, wisely keeping this observation to himself as he edged slowly backward.

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