Chapter 701 Master-Apprentice Conflict - I Became the Rich Second-Generation Villain
Hua Feixuan beamed with joy for her disciple, Hua Jieyu. Yet, her smile quickly faded, giving way to a deep furrowed brow. Hua Jieyu's sudden breakthrough at such a critical juncture was clearly linked to her emotional entanglement. Not only had Hua Jieyu failed to sever her emotional ties, but she had fallen even deeper, using her emotional breakthrough as a springboard to advance her Yin Moon Demonic Art to a great level of mastery. This approach was extremely radical. Within the Yin Moon Sect, some disciples with mediocre cultivation talent also adopted this method upon reaching a certain age to achieve breakthroughs. Yet, considering the examples, this method was perilously dangerous, almost certain to lead to death. It was apparent that Hua Jieyu was mimicking predecessors and had made a breakthrough only through sheer luck; had conditions been less favorable, she might have perished. "Jieyu, do you realize how dangerous this was?!" Hua Feixuan reprimanded sharply. Hua Jieyu was her only direct disciple, in whom great hopes were placed, with the anticipation that she might sustain the Yin Moon Sect in the future. But for Hua Jieyu to use this method to break through her cultivation realm was excessively extreme. As the sect leader's successor, this approach was certainly inappropriate. Moreover, Hua Feixuan had watched Hua Jieyu grow up, holding a deep familial affection for her beyond mere teacher-student relationship. Hua Jieyu's drastic action left Hua Feixuan understandably infuriated. "Master, it was a bit risky, but I’m alright now, aren't I?” Hua Jieyu said weakly. "You!" Hua Feixuan was furious, raising her hand, yearning to give her disciple a slap, but ultimately she couldn't bring herself to do it. "Master is the best," Hua Jieyu shrank back and, seeing her master's hand lower, gleefully clung to Hua Feixuan's arm, acting spoiled. "Jieyu, never gamble with your life like this again," Hua Feixuan admonished. “I acted impulsively at the moment, and in hindsight, it was frightening, but at least the result turned out well,” Hua Jieyu smiled, then tentatively asked, "Master, have you decided who will approach that young Wang family member?" Hearing this, Hua Feixuan’s expression turned peculiar. How could she not understand Hua Jieyu’s mind? This foolish disciple risked her life to break through because of her unresolved feelings. If her Yin Moon Demonic Art hadn’t reached mastery, approaching Wang Haoran would likely have been a death wish, causing her demise through the art's backlash. But now that the art has reached mastery, emotional involvements are no longer an issue. Hua Jieyu's question was an obvious hint. Had Hua Feixuan not met Wang Haoran, she likely would have gone along with Hua Jieyu's wishes, but now the situation was complex, and she chose not to answer Hua Jieyu directly, saying instead, “I met with Wang Haoran yesterday.” “Oh, did you? So, what do you think of him, Master?” Hua Jieyu asked. "This man has significant self-restraint but is neither a moral paragon nor a lustful libertine," Hua Feixuan replied. "To win him over, ordinary female disciples of our Yin Moon Sect certainly won’t suffice." Hearing this, Hua Jieyu grew increasingly delighted, continuing to imply, “I agree, to win over Wang Haoran, it would at least require a core disciple. He wouldn’t be interested in an ordinary disciple.” Her words nearly spelled out her intention for the sect leader’s only personal disciple to take action. "This man isn't simple; even a core disciple might fail to sway him," Hua Feixuan stated seriously. A smile spread across Hua Jieyu’s face, as she expected her master to continue. After a pause, Hua Feixuan added, "Therefore... I intend to go personally." "Alright, I will certainly complete the mission and ensnare Wang Haoran's very soul, making him utterly loyal to the Yin Moon Sect," Hua Jieyu chirped happily, but midway, she realized something was off. “Master, what did you just say?” She was dumbfounded. "This person is exceptionally complex, and even you might struggle to beguile him. Moreover, he isn't virtuous, possibly surrounded by other women. You are my good disciple, and I cannot bear to see you wronged, so allow me to handle this," Hua Feixuan declared with a bold veneer, though feeling guilty inside. “Master, I believe I can do it; I’m confident I can captivate him. As for other women, it's a slight discomfort I am willing to bear for the sect’s future!” Hua Jieyu hurriedly replied. "No, the future of the Yin Moon Sect rests on you. I'm afraid you'll fall too deeply. If Wang Haoran posed a threat to the sect, and you were led astray, it could spell doom for the sect," Hua Feixuan cautioned gravely. Hua Jieyu was taken aback but was still eager to argue. However, as she spoke, Hua Feixuan suddenly raised her voice solemnly: "Ninth generation disciple of the Yin Moon Sect, Hua Jieyu, listen to the order!" "Disciple here." Realizing her master’s severity, Hua Jieyu knelt respectfully. Hua Feixuan produced the sect leader's token and stated solemnly: "I hereby pass the position of sect leader to you, making you the ninth generation sect leader of the Yin Moon Sect." With that, Hua Feixuan handed the sect leader’s token to Hua Jieyu, then helped her up and seated her on a chair. Respectfully, Hua Feixuan then bowed, "Greetings to the new sect leader!" Hua Jieyu stood stunned for a moment before snapping back to consciousness, "Master, you mustn't! I cannot bear such a heavy responsibility, please retract your decision!" "The order has been passed, there’s no retraction. I’ll consult with the elders to soon choose an auspicious day for you to officially become sect leader," Hua Feixuan insisted. Her sleepless night had been spent fretting over entanglements of the heart. The Yin Moon Sect's Yin Moon Demonic Art was exceptionally unique; once emotionally involved, it was hard to extricate oneself, with sensitivity far exceeding that of ordinary women. Establishing that kind of intimate relationship with someone they grow feelings for would induce an inextricable attachment, completely drowning them in it. After leaving the cloud-sea spectacle, Hua Feixuan wished to give her heart and become Wang Haoran’s companion. But as the sect leader, she had to consider broader implications. If she truly got involved with Wang Haoran and things progressed, she would inevitably listen to him. If Wang Haoran harbored ill intentions towards the Sect, it would spell disaster. Hua Feixuan struggled between her duty and emotions. But now, with Hua Jieyu achieving mastery in the art, she qualifies to take over as sect leader. Once the leadership was passed to Hua Jieyu, her previous dilemma would vanish. Surrendering the position would relinquish her powers, and she planned to diminish most of her own cultivation. Even if the feared disaster occurred later, the damage to the sect would be minimized. However, Hua Feixuan envisioned ideally, but regrettably, Hua Jieyu had similar aspirations. Hua Jieyu even contemplated resigning as junior sect leader, let alone accepting the main sect leader position. "Master, I refuse to accept the sect leader position!" Hua Jieyu resolutely handed the sect leader’s token back to Hua Feixuan. (End of Chapter)