WDQK: Divorcing Ling Qingzhu

"Qingzhu, don't worry. As long as I'm here today, no one will harm you!" Shen Qing grabbed a long sword glowing with a faint green light.

She realized she couldn't win back Chen Xuan, nor could she likely acquire his secret power-up technique.

But if she failed to protect Ling Qingzhu, her sect, the Nine Heavens Supreme Purity Palace, would be thoroughly disgraced, turning into a total loss.

"Chen Xuan, I'll give you one last chance: a repentant bastard is worth more than gold!" Shen Qing tried persuading him, unsure if she could overpower him.

[Ding, Shen Qing experiences uncertainty + increased hostility. Emotion points +100]

[Ding, Ling Qingzhu feels hopeful. Emotion points +200]

But this wasn't a case of a bastard returning—it was inviting Chen Xuan to be the "victim" again!

He wasn't going back.

Pointing his sword at his former master, Chen Xuan said, "Palace Master, why don't you ask my sword if it agrees?"

It was then Shen Qing noticed the rusty sword in his hand exuding a potent spiritual energy, even surpassing that of a supreme artifact.

Could it be… a divine item?

A flash of greed crossed her gaze. "Chen Xuan, that sword is a sacred relic of the Nine Heavens Supreme Purity Palace. When did you steal it?"

"??"

Even Ling Qingzhu looked stunned. What did her master mean by this?

Chen Xuan, surprised by this accusation, replied, "Palace Master, are you really going to rob a junior?"

"This sword has belonged to the Nine Heavens Supreme Purity Palace for over a thousand years. How is it robbery?"

"When did the Nine Heavens Supreme Purity Palace have such a sword?" Chen Xuan demanded coldly.

It was outrageous enough that she defended Ling Qingzhu, but now she was claiming his sword that was bought in the system!

Unfazed, Shen Qing replied, "This treasured sword has been in the palace for centuries. Hand it over, or don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Just then, a voice interjected.

"The esteemed Palace Master of Nine Heavens Supreme Purity Palace, resorting to snatching from her former disciple—what thick skin you have!"

Two figures appeared in the ruins, and one spoke again. "A disciple's belongings are his own, regardless of their value. Why are you trying to take them?"

"Ah, yes, former disciple indeed!" the other echoed mockingly.

Recognizing them as members of the Dao Sect, Shen Qing scanned for others nearby.

As she suspected, strong figures surrounded them.

Seeing the situation escalate, Chen Zhen, a Dao Sect elder, advised, "Palace Master Shen, since Chen Xuan doesn't wish to return with you, why insist?"

"Exactly—this is coercion," Wu Dao nodded in agreement.

Shen Qing sneered, "He's my disciple. I'll handle this without Dao Sect's interference!"

"Funny, because I heard he left your sect already," retorted Chen Zhen.

"Who said that?"

"Heh, who can say? But it sure seems that way."

"So, you all plan to stand against me?" she asked dismissively, disregarding the weaker cultivators around her.

"Now that he's unaffiliated, let's let him decide," Chen Zhen said, attempting to win Chen Xuan over.

As his words fell, other voices from around the ruins chimed in.

"Haha, I agree with Chen Zhen's stance!"

"Why not let him choose for himself?"

"Exactly—our Great Precipice Cave would suit him well."

"He wields a sword, so Sword Sect is a natural fit!"

"The Desolate Hall is perfect for someone like him!"

"Chen Xuan, if you join the Divine Sect, our female disciples will be yours to choose from!"

And so, all the major factions in the Eastern Xuan Region voiced their support, even promising him female sect disciples.

Seeing so many factions rallying around Chen Xuan, Shen Qing grew increasingly enraged. "You're all just ordinary cultivators, yet you dare defy me! Are you tired of living?"

As she unleashed her internal energy, the surrounding sect representatives began contemplating summoning reinforcements.

But Chen Xuan intervened, saying, "This is my business with the Nine Heavens Supreme Purity Palace; you all don't need to get involved."

[Ding, Shen Qing feels angered. Emotion points +200]

[Ding, Ling Qingzhu feels terrified. Emotion points +200]

Shen Qing found her excuse. "You little brat, today I'll take back that sword you stole!"

…