I Just Wanted To Live but I Somehow Became Better Than the Protagonist

“Of course I know.” How could Ye Yong forget? That sect competition was a pivotal event in the story, where the arrogant “Ye Yong” was defeated by Long Tian, leading to a gradual collapse of his mindset and the unraveling of his character, culminating in a dramatic fallout with Long Tian that resulted in ruin and tragedy.

After the sect competition, there would be a joint contest, hosted by various major sects to test the strength of newly recruited disciples.

The contest would feature many talented prodigies, a grand affair with rich rewards. But to put it plainly, it was merely a setting for the novel to establish

“Will you participate?”

“I have no intention of joining.” Ye Yong shook his head, was he not already conspicuous enough? Just stepping outside, even the Demon Sect had come knocking. If he continued to draw attention, forget about transcending the divine, he might even attract the Void Realm. By then, he wouldn’t even know how he met his end.

“I see.” Mu Qingyin pondered for a moment, as if she had anticipated this: “I actually hope you will take part.”

“Why?” Ye Yong understood that the one before him was not merely Hua Ming, but Mu Qingyin, who had split her consciousness. He straightened up, eager to hear her counsel.

“I can sense that you wish to keep a low profile, but standing at the forefront and then trying to step back is no easy feat. The sect competition is essentially a selection for the joint contest in half a year. If you avoid participating, it implies you are opting out of the joint contest.

Perhaps those around you only mention your positive rumors, but in truth, the controversies surrounding you are far from trivial. You have yet to engage in a formal battle. The incident at the Sword Pavilion doesn’t count; you merely intimidated your kin with your sword intent, without any real combat. Naturally, the prodigies from other sects cannot acknowledge you.

You might think you don’t need their recognition, but rumors are like sharp blades. Avoiding battle will only embolden them further. By then, it won’t just be your reputation at stake; even your Ye family and the Tianluo Sect will be dragged into the fray.”

Ye Yong began to grasp Mu Qingyin’s meaning. Ordinary cultivators might respect him, even admire him, but those prodigies from other sects would not. They had their own pride. Since joining the Tianluo Sect, Ye Yong had not appeared in any formal competition; no one had witnessed his battles. With his growing fame, it was only natural for envious whispers to arise, secretly undermining him.

—

07 The Alpha Wolf

Having read so many novels, Ye Yong had a deep understanding of most prodigies: they were arrogant, dismissive of others.

“Ye Yong” was a classic example. If he could be a bit more humble, reflect on himself after battling the protagonist, and not seek to annihilate him, his future could be quite prosperous.

However, the influences surrounding him since childhood had shaped his character; he wouldn’t shed tears until he saw the coffin. By the time regret set in, it would be too late.

Mu Qingyin’s suggestion deepened Ye Yong’s awareness of his current environment. Since entering the Tianluo Sect, his reputation among the common folk had soared, leaping from the seventh prodigy of the Great Zhou Dynasty to the foremost prodigy of the Eastern Continent.

What does it mean to be the foremost prodigy? It is a weight that presses down on all the young.

Though it was merely idle chatter among the common people, lacking official recognition, those proud prodigies would still feel irked upon hearing it.

Especially since this so-called foremost prodigy spent most of his time holed up in the Yinhua Hall, refining pills and training, only to emerge and stir up nationwide discussions. It was no wonder their competitive spirits were ignited.

If Ye Yong refrained from participating in the competition, it would deny them the chance to prove themselves, to show that they were not inferior to Ye Yong, and perhaps even capable of surpassing him.

There is a saying: better to provoke a gentleman than to offend a petty person.

Many so-called geniuses from prestigious sects are, in truth, nothing more than narrow-minded hypocrites. Once they set their sights on you, they will come at you openly or in the shadows, and it is truly repulsive.

Ye Yong may not care for his own reputation, but the honor of the Ye family and the Tianluo Sect cannot be tarnished. Thus, his duty is to make the disparity clear to his adversaries.

Perhaps he cannot intimidate all who oppose him, but if he can daunt eight out of ten, that would be a considerable success.

Moreover, the events that transpired at Lingyou Mountain have made Ye Yong acutely aware that he has been thoroughly targeted by the demonic sects. Remaining low-key is futile; rather than cowering and allowing others to twist his actions into mockery, it would be better to make a bold display and silence them.

“I know what I must do now. Thank you for the reminder, sister.”

“Don’t push yourself too hard, and don’t carry too much weight on your shoulders.” Mu Qingyin, unaware of Ye Yong’s decision to put on a grand show during the duel, still kindly sought to offer him guidance.

Though not officially recognized by the major sects, being called the number one prodigy of the Eastern Continent in the secular world is still an easy way to lose oneself. If Ye Yong were to strive too hard to protect this title, seeking to prove his worth, it could lead to disastrous consequences.

Due to the nature of the duel, participants are not allowed to wield weapons above the Earth grade. Aside from weapons, no other treasures, regardless of their rank, may be used, nor can any elixirs be consumed. The process and outcome of the duel aim to showcase the participants’ true abilities.

Mu Qingyin believed that even with Ye Yong’s exceptional talent, he was at most at the second level of crystallization. In two months, during the sect competition, with a focus on solidifying his foundation, he might reach the fourth level at best. If he disregarded his foundation and forced his cultivation, he might push to the sixth level, but that would undoubtedly be a foolish approach. An unstable foundation would harm him, leading to severe negative impacts on future breakthroughs—akin to focusing solely on immediate, trivial gains while neglecting the greater benefits that lie ahead.

Mu Qingyin personally held high hopes for Ye Yong, but she also feared that her expectations might become a burden, causing him to feel anxious and seek shortcuts to strength. This was why she suggested he participate through Hua Ming’s words, rather than in her capacity as the head of the Yinhua Hall.

“If you need anything, just let me know… my master, though her background may not match the Ye family, can still provide what you need for your crystallization breakthrough.”

“Then please thank the hall master on my behalf.” Ye Yong saw through her pretense but found it amusing to watch Mu Qingyin feign as Hua Ming.

Time was slipping away, and soon a senior sister came to inform Ye Yong that it was time to head to the main hall for the banquet.

Mu Qingyin had once thought banquets were dull affairs, but after her last experience, her perspective shifted. She now saw it as an opportunity to bridge the gap between them. Of course, she would not easily join; the disparity in status between the hall master and the disciples was still quite apparent. With her presence, the disciples could not fully relax. Instead, she would send the beautiful Hua to experience the joys of the banquet.

—In the hall;

“Wow… this is amazing.” Hua Ningyan sat alone at a small table, gazing in awe at the array of spiritual fruits and meats laid before her. The spirit fox clan fills their bellies with fruits, and being inherently gentle, they do not hunt other creatures. Hua Ningyan had never eaten meat in her life. Arriving here for the first time, she had been busy cultivating last night, and Ye Yong had not prepared dinner for her, so this was her first close encounter with spiritual meat.

Foxes are omnivorous by nature, and Hua Ningyan cautiously took a bite of the delicious, juicy cooked meat. The fresh burst of flavor overwhelmed her senses, leaving her utterly astonished.

Yet, even with such a delightful first experience, Hua Ningyan controlled her impulses, savoring each small bite. She understood that food would not run away; taking her time would allow her to truly appreciate the taste.

And beside her.

“Pitter-patter.” Xia Shiqi devoured the food before her with a ravenous fervor, likely unaware of the flavors dancing upon her tongue. The once neatly arranged dish was now a chaotic jumble, a haphazard mix that she relished with unrestrained delight.

Xia Shijia was somewhat more composed, yet her pace remained swift.

For spirit beasts dwelling in the secret realms, mealtime was of utmost importance; danger could strike in the very next heartbeat. They had long since adapted to this reality.

Having ravaged the food in front of her, Xia Shiqi glanced over at the neighboring Huaying Yan, a mischievous glint in her eyes as she trotted over, her large wolf head nudging Huaying Yan’s small fox head aside, resuming her gluttonous feast.