Protection

She clutched her head in intense pain, but to avoid causing more trouble for everyone, Wan Ru stood up, bowed respectfully, and said, "This humble girl is truly to blame. If I have offended you, please forgive me, or you may command me to do anything."

The young master sized her up, and she inwardly cursed his gaze. She pursed her lips and clenched her fists to endure the humiliation, but anger welled up in her chest until the brat spoke: "I am the Yun Zun of the Da Ci'an Sect Leader. Which sect are you from?"

She said timidly and respectfully, "This humble girl is a disciple of Master Wang Yizhe on Zhongxia Mountain, and our sect is called Zhongxia."

An older man beside the brat said, "I didn't see you guys in previous years and thought you wouldn't participate in the competition here. Why have you come now?"

She explained, "My Master takes very few disciples; currently, there are only three of us. My Eldest Senior Brother is only eighteen this year and is participating for the first time, which is why we didn't come in previous years."

Although she was humble and reserved on the outside, she was cursing them in her heart: *If you weren't from a major sect, I wouldn't act like this. I'm only afraid you'll make things difficult for my Eldest Senior Brother. Why on earth should I respect people who abuse their power to bully the weak?* The brat smirked and said, "Consider yourself let off this time."

Then, the group departed, leaving her with a stomach still throbbing with pain from being kicked. She could only clutch her stomach and walk away, not wanting to stay in this troublesome spot any longer.

*I wonder where those two went. Could they be waiting for me by that tree?*

From a distance, Wan Ru spotted a temple. Strolling over, she peered inside from the entrance. Finding nothing of interest, she walked back out. A series of drumbeats echoed, and dozens of people rushed in crowds toward the judging platform.

*Has it already started?*

There were three arenas here. She searched the central arena but couldn't find her companions, so she went to look at a further platform.

*This is the last place, yet I still don't see them.*

As she was still looking around, a hand slapped her shoulder with a pat. Wan Ru turned around and said, "Eldest Senior Brother."

Hao Qian stepped up from behind their Eldest Senior Brother and put his arm around her shoulders, saying, "Eldest Senior Brother and I couldn't find you anywhere. So you were here, Junior Sister."

Eldest Senior Brother was about to say something but stared at her dirty clothes instead. "Why are your clothes so dirty?"

Not wanting them to worry about her, she lied absentmindedly, "Ah, I just tripped and fell, Senior Brother."

Eldest Senior Brother wanted to press further, but she turned to look at the arena and asked, "Senior Brother, which sects are fighting?"

Hao Qian, acting like a know-it-all, explained to her, "That's the Sha Lan Sect and the Zi Taixuan Sect."

"Oh, their techniques are so unusual."

Eldest Senior Brother looked at her for a moment, sighed, and walked over to join the lively conversation with the two of them.

Wan Ru curiously asked Lun Peng, "So when is your match, Eldest Senior Brother?"

"I'm in the final match."

While they were watching, someone suddenly bumped into her from behind. She turned around—it was that brat again.

Seeing her shocked expression, Eldest Senior Brother asked, "Junior Sister, do you know him?"

She quickly denied it, "No, I don't."

But those guys wouldn't have it. They turned back and walked toward her, saying, "Really, you don't know us?"

Sensing that trouble was brewing, Hao Qian said, "If our little sister has caused any offense, please forgive our young Junior Sister."

Eldest Senior Brother was usually a refined man who would defuse heavy atmospheres, but today, he only stood by and watched silently.

Not wanting to clash with this crowd, she pulled Eldest Senior Brother's hand and said, "Let's leave this place."

Hao Qian turned to lead the way, and Eldest Senior Brother held her hand as they walked. The brat was infuriated by her ignoring him.

"Hey, stop right there, brat!"

She kept walking without a word.

"I said stop!"

Enraged, the brat began to get physical, reaching out to yank her hair. The wind blew, and Eldest Senior Brother's hand firmly grabbed the brat's wrist. Perhaps it was the first time the rogue had been treated this way; he was both terrified and threatening toward Lun Peng.

"Let go of me, you bastard! Let go! If you don't, don't even think about leaving this place alive, and that goes for your fellow disciples too!"

At the mention of "fellow disciples," Eldest Senior Brother finally let go, saying calmly, "Apologies for my rudeness, but we must leave. Please do not trouble us further, Young Master."

After that, we departed peacefully. Eldest Senior Brother had been holding her hand the entire time. Only when Hao Qian pulled her over to a tree did Eldest Senior Brother release his grip.

"Hey, did something happen between you and that guy? Tell Senior Brother."

Eldest Senior Brother stood with his arms crossed and said, "Indeed. Speak up, there is no need to fear them."

She finally recounted everything to her two Senior Brothers. Both were furious at the brat's actions. Hao Qian said, "That guy is too much. Didn't you already apologize, Junior Sister?"

Eldest Senior Brother walked up to her, patted her head, and smiled gently. "You don't have to suffer this grievance alone. You can always tell us."

She shook her head. "Even so, if they harbor a grudge against our sect, it will make the competition very difficult for you, Eldest Senior Brother."

"I don't care about those rewards or privileges. Didn't I only come because you and Junior Brother wanted to? Don't worry about it."

Hao Qian nodded in agreement. Even so, if things escalated, it would affect the reputation of Zhongxia. She didn't want that to happen at all. Not wanting to talk about this anymore, she said, "Alright, alright, Eldest Senior Brother should prepare for his match. You've been slacking off all day."

"You're lecturing me today? Haha, if you say so, Junior Sister, remember to cheer for me."

Eldest Senior Brother turned and walked toward arena number two near the temple entrance. She and Hao Qian held hands and wandered around. Hao Qian held her hand and said, "I wonder if Eldest Senior Brother can make it to the next round."

"Of course he will. Our Eldest Senior Brother is very skilled."

The sun rose high, and it was already noon, the sunlight harsh. Hao Qian and she waited until this moment.

Eldest Senior Brother stepped onto the arena to face the Tian Luo Sect.

Eldest Senior Brother said respectfully, "This humble one is Rui Lun Peng. May I know your esteemed name?"

The opponent was also very open, cupping his hands. "And this one is Xie Guangxian. I look forward to your guidance."

A gong sounded, signaling the start of the match.

Surprisingly, Eldest Senior Brother didn't strike first, letting his opponent make the first move. Xie Guangxian brandished his sword in a few flourishes and slashed horizontally at Lun Peng.