Chapter 115: Visitors from the Hall of Rewards and Punishments

Ye Jiuyao gazed at the Star Rod in his hand, an inexplicable joy flickering across his face. The pattern of the seven stars seemed to resonate with a certain power, one strikingly similar to the energy within him.

More precisely, it resembled the power of Sun Qigang. Especially since Ye Jiuyao had merged the strength of Sun Qigang with the Heavenly Demon Fire, his perception of this force had sharpened considerably.

“Power of the stars, huh? Intriguing,” he murmured.

The energy within Ye Jiuyao surged into the Star Rod, then penetrated it, awakening the latent force inside. In an instant, a terrifying power erupted.

“Star Rod Technique!” he roared fiercely.

The unleashed force tore across the void, launching an offensive in mere moments. Behind him, the sky filled with countless stars.

A giant version of Ye Jiuyao materialized instantly, his form gradually rising, legs stepping on nothingness, wielding the long rod in his hands with sweeping might.

The Star Rod transformed into a towering pillar, crashing thunderously toward a mountain peak within the Qianye Sect. In a blink, the mountain was shattered to rubble.

“Not bad, quite handy,” Ye Jiuyao said with satisfaction, withdrawing his momentum. Yet the earth-shaking roar sent tremors through the hearts of those who heard it.

“What just happened?!”

“The mountain… the peak is gone?”

“What’s going on outside?!”

Inside Qianye Sect, panic swept through the disciples. Such a devastating blow—leveling a mountain peak—could not have been wrought by anyone but a core disciple of immense power.

Yet, three elders exchanged sly grins, their familiarity with the aura causing them to remain indifferent. Otherwise, such a disturbance would have drawn attention from other elders or stewards.

But none came. When Ye Jiuyao left, these three elders had already anticipated the consequences and issued orders accordingly. Otherwise, enforcers would have been alerted by now.

This destructive power was not ordinary—it bordered on absurdly immense—so an investigation was warranted. No sect could tolerate such a threat; it would stifle the growth of its disciples.

Ye Jiuyao, content, sheathed the Star Rod and headed toward the Newcomer Area. Upon his return, he found Ning Ling, Cao Sisi, and others standing at the entrance, their expressions guarded.

“You’re here?” His tone held a trace of rejection, clearly unwilling to be disturbed. Their intentions needed no guessing.

“You want me to teach you? To seek my guidance?” he asked.

“Uh-huh…” they nodded eagerly.

“Not a chance. No lessons,” Ye Jiuyao replied bluntly, showing no courtesy. He barely had time to cultivate himself, let alone teach others.

Burdened by vengeance, he could not afford a moment’s slack; to falter would mean losing all progress.

“You scoundrel! If you won’t teach them, then what about me, given our relationship?” Cao Sisi stepped forward gracefully, closing the distance a little, pressing her full bosom against his arm. The onlookers smirked knowingly.

“Get lost!” Ye Jiuyao snapped, yanking his arm free and scolding her sharply before retreating into the room.

“Bang!” The door slammed shut behind him.

The group stood dumbfounded. Such unyielding straightforwardness was rare—especially considering Cao Sisi’s use of seduction, a closeness few dared attempt. Yet one sharp rebuke sent her away with a flick of his sleeve.

“Impressive!”

“Very impressive!”

“Absolutely formidable!”

If three phrases could encapsulate it, these would be them.

If that wasn’t enough, then these:

“Respect!”

“Great respect!”

“Deep admiration!”

The crowd looked at Cao Sisi’s flushed, aggrieved expression, involuntarily swallowing hard. Many felt an urge to console her, but seeing her fierce demeanor, they hesitated.

“Ye! Jiu! Yao!” Cao Sisi shouted angrily at the door.

The others instinctively stepped back, Ning Ling retreating like lightning as if fleeing for his life. Wild Bear, Foolish Dog, and the others followed suit, all well aware of Cao Sisi’s temperament.

“I swear, I’m tearing down your room today!” she declared, her internal energy surging violently. As she raised her jade-like leg, a terrifying storm gathered.

“Begone!” she growled, fury erupting like a volcano. All her strength seemed to focus in her legs as she delivered a powerful kick.

“Hum…”

A ripple spread across the door’s surface, instantly dissipating her force. She stared in disbelief.

She hadn’t sensed any shift in Ye Jiuyao’s energy, yet the blow was silently blocked—even Ning Ling was equally baffled.

“Genius,” Ning Ling muttered under his breath.

Yet Cao Sisi did not relent. Gathering strength again, fiercer than before, she showed no hint of feminine frailty, aiming to shatter the door with a palm strike.

“Try it again, I dare you,” Ye Jiuyao said coldly. The threat in his voice was unmistakable—any fool could understand.

“Hmph! You… you’re threatening me!” Cao Sisi halted abruptly, snorting coldly toward the room, unwilling to advance another step. She was genuinely frightened.

“Don’t disturb me without cause. Those three elders keep a close watch on me. If you provoke me, you’ll be in serious trouble,” he warned.

The group exchanged glances, understanding Ye Jiuyao’s significance. If truly angered, even if he harmed someone, those elders might cover for him, given his prodigious talent.

“We can’t afford to provoke him,” they thought in unison, gradually dispersing. But the newcomers were less willing to give up, having to live nearby.

As the saying goes: “The pavilion nearest the water enjoys the moonlight first.”

They wanted to cling to power. Though they had been rebuffed once, persistence would break through, so they entered the room.

“Um…”

“No need to ask or hope. Hard work beats all,” Ye Jiuyao cut them off mercilessly. The newcomers wore bitter expressions but had to admit the truth of his words.

***

The next morning, a voice called out early and clear.

“All who have successfully advanced, and those with eighth-grade talents, follow me to the Hall of Rewards and Punishments!”

The disciples waited eagerly, having already learned the details.

“Yes,” they replied in unison.

Among the servants and newcomers with eighth-grade talents, one by one stepped out—everyone except Ye Jiuyao.

The disciple who announced this became irritated, knowing Ye Jiuyao’s prowess but aware the Hall of Rewards and Punishments was different. He snapped sharply at him.