Chapter 56: A Formidable Rival on the Path to Pretension

Fifth Mountain.

As the seat of the Enforcement Hall of the Only-Me Sect, the Fifth Mountain was vast beyond compare. Upon its towering peaks and rugged terrain stood countless awe-inspiring palaces, constructed through the power of the mighty.

Among all these structures, the most magnificent was found at the southernmost end. There, palatial buildings rose layer upon layer in imposing grandeur. The cultivators who came and went were all renowned geniuses of the sect. Ordinary disciples who passed by would gaze upon the place with deep reverence and fervor, especially when their eyes fell upon the banner standing before the great hall—the effect was overwhelming.

On that banner was written a single word: Chu!

Within the hall, Chu Yingxuan, the ruler of the Chu Alliance, was sitting with her delicate brows furrowed, listening to the reports from her subordinates. Only after a long while did she look up with interest, a radiant smile blossoming on her face. “I was just troubled by Ye Cang’s unchecked dominance in the sect, with no one able to keep him in check. But now, things are different—Wang Ran has emerged from nowhere, and he has past grievances with Ye Cang. This is perfect; we can sit back and watch the tigers fight.”

“Pass my order: all disciples are to restrain themselves and not provoke this Wang Ran.” With a graceful step, Chu Yingxuan made her way toward the door as she spoke.

Behind her, the disciple watched her figure with profound respect, offering a deep salute before hurrying off to carry out her command.

At the same time—

In the Jiangshui Alliance, one of the Four Great Alliances.

This was Meng Jiang’s territory. Though not as ostentatious as the Chu Alliance, it had a unique charm. A small stream ran right through the heart of the mountain here, teeming with fish and crabs—a marvel that gave the Jiangshui Alliance its name.

Today, by the usually tranquil stream, many disciples had gathered. Each exuded an extraordinary presence—they were the prodigies of the sect, second to none. Yet at this moment, they appeared rather restrained, their respectful gazes fixed on a seemingly unremarkable young man. He wore simple white robes, his appearance plain, eyes narrowed, basking in the sun as he fished.

“Meng, that Wang Ran is formidable. Should we try to draw him to our side?” asked a sharp-looking disciple in a hushed tone. From his words, it was clear that this quietly imposing man was the famed Meng Jiang.

Meng Jiang shook his head, adopting the air of a master strategist. “Even someone like Xu Ke was defeated by him. Do you think a man like that would pledge allegiance to me? Though I haven’t met him, from your descriptions alone, I can tell he’s not someone who’d ever settle for being subordinate.”

“He’s not only capable but shrewd. You think his fight with Xu Ke was just a simple duel? No, it was his way of commanding others—he wants to subdue Xu Ke and solidify his footing.”

The surrounding prodigies were astonished at Meng Jiang’s analysis, suddenly enlightened. “So that’s how it is—if not for your guidance, Meng, we’d never have figured it out!”

“Exactly! Meng, you’re truly the sect’s greatest strategist. Such insight into human nature is incredible!”

“Meng, you’re sure to win the seat of True Disciple!”

Their admiration overflowed in a chorus of flattery.

Meng Jiang simply waved his hand, feigning indifference with a light laugh. “It’s nothing. With a bit more thought, you’d have seen through it yourselves. I’ve only worked a little harder than you, that’s all.”

His humility only made their respect grow. If Wang Ran had been present, he would have cursed under his breath at such blatant posturing. Meng Jiang was exactly the type who, after scoring perfectly on an exam, would claim to the worst student that he hadn’t done well at all.

Wang Ran despised such posers. Crushing them had always been his guiding principle in life.

Fortunately, Wang Ran had yet to meet Meng Jiang, or a fierce confrontation would have been inevitable.

After putting on his act, Meng Jiang nodded in satisfaction and advised, “For now, let’s leave Wang Ran alone. In an alliance as vast as ours, we don’t need to play the hero—others will test the waters for us.”

The crowd seemed to understand and took their leave one after another.

Meng Jiang maintained his leisurely pose, continuing to fish with great composure. Yet anyone who glanced at the stream would notice—not only was there no fish on his hook, there wasn’t even any bait. Clearly, he was just striking a pose.

As each of the Four Alliances took their stance regarding Wang Ran, his name soon shook the entire sect.

Though Wang Ran had never been obscure, his reputation as a ten-star Foundation Establishment cultivator and as the champion of both the literary and martial examinations was little more than empty fame. People only knew he was gifted, but no one had witnessed his true strength.

Thus, despite his renown in both the Inner and Outer Gates, in the Enforcement Hall, he was dismissed by most.

But this time, Wang Ran had moved with decisive force, stunning everyone—it was the first time he had revealed his power in the open.

Unrivaled momentum, overwhelming Xu Ke!

Such a feat left countless jaws agape, awestruck by his might.

Wang Ran’s status soared, and he became a major power within the Enforcement Hall.

Naturally, Wang Ran was pleased with this outcome, for fame brought more than just prestige—it provided a surging tide of Dao Validation Points.

That afternoon, his system notifications barely ceased. By dusk, Wang Ran calculated that his Dao Points had increased by over a thousand!

He was overjoyed, feeling that his coffers had finally been filled.

Just as he had anticipated, Xu Ke was left in a state of deep turmoil after the duel, dispirited for quite some time. Each time he closed his eyes, he saw the gleaming blade Wang Ran had wielded, poised to gouge out his eye—a memory that sent chills through his body.

Wang Ran’s final act of mercy stirred both gratitude and a knot in his heart.

He knew that if he didn’t resolve this inner turmoil, he would never advance further in his cultivation.

Thinking of Wang Ran’s character, Xu Ke gritted his teeth and a bold idea sprang to mind.

To submit to the one who bested him—surely that was no disgrace?

This fearsome, untamed beast of the sect finally laid down his fangs and bowed his head to the hunter.

…

When Wang Ran heard that Xu Ke was seeking an audience outside the door, he was not surprised; it was all within his expectations.

He set aside his affairs and rose to greet him.

To truly make Xu Ke his own, there remained one final, crucial step—playing hard to get.

If he executed this correctly, Xu Ke would follow him with unwavering loyalty.

Straightening his robes, Wang Ran knew—it was time to put on a grand performance.