Chapter 111 (2/2)

But the middle aged man quickly stopped Claire.

“Wait!”

“What else is it?” Claire frowned, a little annoyed.

“Do you know of a hidden sect on this continent?” When the middle aged man said this, a proud expression surfaced.

Claire stopped for a moment, shook her head, then looked towards Camille.

“Hidden Sect*, a formidable secret sect, a powerful force towering at the peak of the continent. All disciples of this sect are unordinary, all people of ancient clans with their own ancient techniques. Hidden Sect has over a thousand ancient techniques. Many people wish to join and find an ancient technique suitable for them. After all, Dou Qi and magic has its limits but there are countless variations of ancient techniques. Also, once you join you must follow the regulation of not interfering with the outside world.” Camille’s words made them apprehensive because Camille never exaggerated. Since he had already described the secret sect this way, it could only be imagined how powerful it was.

*TL: gah there’s no way to tell when they are referencing A hidden sect or THE hidden sect, I asked my native Chinese friends but still, nope

Leng Lingyun’s expression also shifted slightly. He knew a little about them. Even the pope avoided the subject, but because the Hidden Sect paid no attention to the outside world, the pope never worried that it would become a threat to the Temple of Light. But just because the Hidden Sect didn’t pay attention to the outside world didn’t mean they weren’t capable. Rather, on the contrary, the Hidden Sect could decimate a country if they wanted to, and quite easily at that.

“Not bad, you actually know about our secret sect.” The middle aged man smiled proudly, then said to Claire, “I am Elder Huo* Xiyu of the Hidden Sect. Today, I was impressed by you, little lass, and I felt you were worthy. Are you willing to join our Hidden Sect and become my direct disciple?”

*Elder means a high position in the sect b/c filial piety Chinese culture, and Huo means fire (TINY SPOILER: he specializes in fire)

Becoming the direct disciple of an Elder of the Hidden Sect was definitely an opportunity many people would yearn for. Becoming part of the Hidden Sect would mean having an extra shield. Not even the temple of light would be able to harm the shield. It would mean walking the path (*dao) of the strong.

But Claire refused without any hesitation. “No. Thank you for your kind intentions. We are currently engaged in business and we’ll be taking our leave.”

Huo Xiyu’s expression changed. It was the first time he had offered to take on a disciple. Never did he think that this would be the result. The young girl had actually refused!

“Understand that by joining the Hidden Sect, your prospects will be limitless,” Huo Xiyu started to explain, holding back his temper. He felt that perhaps, the little lass didn’t understand how formidable the Hidden Sect was.

“I’m not interested,” Claire once again refused coldly. She did not wish to be bound by shackles, and she already had a master. Not interfere with the outside world? There was no way she could ignore the Hill family, her warm mother and headstrong yet likable Lashia. She had been been craving to join Claire on her journey but in the end, stayed behind to protect Mother.

Huo Xiyu finally could not control his temper.

“Ignorant fool, do you know how many people want to join the Hidden Sect but are unable to join? Even though you are not from an ancient clan, I was going to make an exception and accept you as my disciple, but you foolishly refused!” Huo Xiyu was finally angered. To his understanding, making an exception and accepting a someone who was not from an ancient clan was already a earth shattering favor. But this girl before him actually dared to refuse such kindness!

Hearing this, Claire frowned and retorted, “There must be mutual agreement for a master-disciple relationship. So what if I’m unwilling? Besides, I already have a master.”

But Huo Xiyu didn’t care. Instead, he flew up, reaching out with the intentions of grabbing Claire unreasonably.

“Your talents will grow best under my teachings. Come with me right now.”

Clang!

Jean stopped him with his sword and brandished it towards Huo Xiyu, but a terrifying power suddenly exploded. Huo Xiyu was scowled and immediately waved his hand. A visible Qi energy attacked towards Jean. Jean’s expression changed. Dou Qi bursted out as he parried with his sword.

Swoosh…

Jean had been pushed back very far. A visible straight line trailed on the dirt ground.

Huo Xiyu laughed coldly and said disdainfully, “Humph! A trifling Sage warrior, an ant.” In one moment, he had discovered Jean’s true strength, but his tone was disdainful.

“Don’t be unreasonable.” Claire’s expression hardened. According to Camille, the Hidden Sect was not simple, standing at the peak of the continent. How could a sect that even the narcissistic Camille praised be simple? She wanted to avoid any conflicts if it were possible.

“Making an exception and accepting you as my disciple as already a great favor! Go!” Huo Xiyu said coldly and arrogantly. He reached out to grab Claire again.

“Unreasonable and self aggrandizing! What bullshit Hidden Sect,actually daring to force someone to become a disciple! Is the Hidden Sect such a trashy sect?” Li Yuewen proclaimed angrily. She had already pulled out her dagger and was in front of Claire to protect her.

No! But before Claire could protest, Huo Xiyu had already exploded with fury.

“You dare!” Huo Xiyu roared. With one wave of his hand, a violent, large Qi energy attacked at Li Yuewen. Leng Lingyun immediately created a barrier, but Claire still pulled Li Yuewen behind her. The barrier wouldn’t be able to withstand the blow. The Qi attack would smash and pass through the barrier and attack straight at Claire.