Volume 3, Chapter 215 – Who Dares Call Themselves a Genius Before Me? (Part 1)

“Wh—what?! An outbreak?! When did it happen?! What’s the situation now?!”

Elder Ruan, being timid, immediately lost his composure.

“Right! How many evil spirits are there? How strong are they?”

“Why are we so unlucky? It didn’t break out earlier or later, but right in our generation!”

“What exactly is the source of the yin energy? If it’s too powerful, what should we do?”

The other high-ranking members of the sect also panicked.

Cheng Hongling’s expression turned grave upon hearing this. She hadn’t forgotten what Elder Zhou had said back at the Yuxiao Sect—the source of the evil was extremely powerful, likely beyond even the Incarnation Realm of cultivators.

Qi Huang, on the other hand, was the complete opposite. She had been worrying about where to find food for her cats. If this cursed land was teeming with evil spirits, wouldn’t that be a ready-made buffet?

“Mmm… finally, I won’t have to be killed.”

Qi Huang secretly sighed in relief.

“It broke out yesterday evening. We don’t know the exact situation inside yet, but according to the disciples stationed there, the spread of yin energy suddenly accelerated countless times, almost reaching the speed of an ordinary person running. At this rate, within a year or so, the Pingshan Mass Burial Ground will become the Meng County Mass Burial Ground.”

Qin Quan briefly explained the general situation.

“Then what should we do now?”

One of the high-ranking members asked.

“That’s exactly why I’ve gathered everyone here to discuss. After all, our Honghua Sect is quite democratic. Should we fight or… fight? Let’s hear your opinions.”

Sect Master Qin symbolically sought their input.

The high-ranking members exchanged glances, thinking to themselves, “You’ve already made up your mind, so why bother pretending to ask us? This is just too democratic.”

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“Of course we fight! Why even ask? With Hongling here, I believe she can defeat any demon or monster!”

Hu Bing, one of the sect’s managers, declared firmly.

Cheng Hongling froze. Her delicate face stiffened with awkwardness. She didn’t want to undermine an elder’s authority, but she also didn’t dare make reckless boasts. For a moment, she was utterly mortified.

“We all recognize Hongling’s talent—no one dares question that. But talent is talent, and strength is strength. Even the greatest talent needs time to grow. I’ve heard that the evil at the burial ground might be beyond even the Incarnation Realm of cultivators.”

“Beyond the Incarnation Realm? Could it be a Fiendish Specter, a Golden Zombie, or even a Golden Skeleton?”

“Then what do we do? Still charge headfirst? Wouldn’t that be like an egg smashing against a rock?”

“Shouldn’t we immediately seek help from the Immortal Alliance?”

After some discussion, the high-ranking members concluded that they should ask the Immortal Alliance for aid.

“Help? Don’t even think about it. If the Immortal Alliance was willing to lend a hand, how could our Honghua Sect have fallen to this state over the years? They’re nothing but frauds hiding behind a righteous banner.”

Elder Ruan fumed.

“In that case, why don’t we just relocate? There’s no point staying here anyway.”

A female manager suggested.

“Relocate? To where?”

Xu Mei sneered in response.

“The world is vast. Surely there’s a place for a small sect like ours?”

The female manager argued.

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“I’m afraid there really isn’t. If we abandon the common folk and flee at the first sign of trouble, we’ll be scorned no matter where we go. Once our reputation is ruined, our downfall won’t be far behind.”

Xu Mei rebuked.

“Not far behind? If we fight recklessly now, we might not even live to see tomorrow’s sunrise.”

The female manager shot back.

“Enough arguing!”

Sect Master Qin raised a hand to silence them, then turned to Cheng Hongling.

“Hongling, tell us honestly—do you have the confidence to deal with that cursed land?”

Cheng Hongling shuddered. She had remained silent precisely to avoid drawing attention, but now it seemed there was no escape.

‘What should I do?’

She glanced around, meeting the hopeful gazes of everyone present. Her heart twisted in turmoil. If she told the truth, she feared disappointing them all. If she lied, her conscience wouldn’t allow it.

‘Heavens! If only someone could help share this burden!’

She couldn’t help but wish for it. No matter how strong she was, she was still human—and a young girl at that.

“Of course she’s confident. She’s absolutely confident!”

At that moment, Qi Huang’s voice rang out again. To pass up a ready-made feast for her cats—what kind of irresponsible cat owner would flee now?

“Have—have you lost your mind?! This isn’t the time to boast! The lives of the entire county’s people are at stake!”

Cheng Hongling trembled in shock and quickly tried to stop her. She remembered clearly—this doppelgänger was nothing more than a professional actor whose divine sense had barely reached the Incarnation Realm. She wasn’t even as strong as Cheng Hongling herself. How could she dare make such claims?

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“When have I ever boasted? If I say I can do it, then I can!”

Qi Huang lifted her chin proudly. She was a Pseudo-Divine Realm expert, and with Yaoyao—a genuine Divine Realm powerhouse—by her side, how could they not handle a mere burial ground?

“Ahem… Hongling, maybe you should give it a try. Qi Huang has made plenty of bold claims before, but she’s always delivered. That’s not boasting—that’s just confidence.”

Xu Mei suddenly spoke up.

“Exactly! We trust her completely. If she says you can do it, then you can!”

“Right! Think about the Heyi Sect incident, the Blue-Scaled King Snake, and even this trip to the Yuxiao Sect. None of us had any hope, yet you found a way every time!”

“Don’t doubt yourself! A person must have confidence! That’s the attitude befitting the future leader of the Honghua Sect!”

The high-ranking members all chimed in, urging her on.

“Do you really believe in me? Or is it Qi Huang you trust?”

Cheng Hongling felt utterly helpless. Something felt off, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.

“See? You’ve got to be confident! With our strength, what’s there to fear from some cursed land? Even if ten of them came at us, we’d turn them all into sisters!”

Qi Huang rambled on recklessly.

Cheng Hongling gave her doppelgänger a long, deep look before turning back to Sect Master Qin.

“Then here’s the plan, Sect Master Qin. I’ll go scout the situation alone first. If I can handle it, everyone can stay. If I can’t… then you must lead the entire sect out of Huangtian County.”

“And what about you?”

Sect Master Qin asked in return.

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“Me? I won’t leave. If sacrificing myself can secure the Honghua Sect’s future, then it’ll be worth it.”

For the first time, a radiant smile bloomed on Cheng Hongling’s face—one of relief, as if a great weight had been lifted. Two adorable dimples appeared, something no one had ever seen before.

Qi Huang’s heart shook violently. An unprecedented surge of admiration welled up inside her. This sixteen-year-old girl was clearly prepared to sacrifice herself to preserve the Honghua Sect’s honor. Even if they had to flee, at least they wouldn’t be looked down upon elsewhere.

“……”

The high-ranking members in the hall wore complex expressions before lowering their heads in shame. A mere sixteen-year-old girl possessed far greater integrity than most of them. How could they not feel ashamed?

“Silly child, what are you thinking? Even if someone must sacrifice themselves for the sect’s reputation, it should be someone like your master—not you! You’re the future of the Honghua Sect!”

Xu Mei’s eyes reddened, moved to tears. She was proud to have raised such a disciple.

“What use is a mere elder’s sacrifice? As the sect master, I should be the one setting the example. So it’s decided—I’ll face the army of evil spirits. The rest of you must work with the local authorities to evacuate the people of Huangtian County.”

Sect Master Qin declared with finality.

“Are you all ignoring me?! I already said—we can turn that cursed land into our sister! No one has to die!”

Qi Huang spoke up again, agitated. She didn’t like being overlooked.

“Well said! Truly worthy of being the Honghua Sect’s top genius of this era! Such confidence!”

Just then, a voice thundered from outside the hall, shaking the room so violently that dust rained from the ceiling.

“Who’s there?!”

In an instant, Cheng Hongling vanished from her spot.