The Cultivation Method of Junior Sister is Unscientific

Ma Hongyu took a deep breath and continued, “In any case, this is Yun Jin’s proposal. After careful consideration, I fear it may be our only option. Celestial Sword Peak has been remarkably unpredictable lately. They might not lose at the upcoming Sect-wide Assembly. You could be latching onto a golden opportunity. If they do lose…”

Ma Hongyu sighed, “Disciple, then it will be your fate. Your master has done all he can.”

A wave of sorrow washed over Ma Hongyu.

As a disciple of the Sect Leader, he now fervently hoped for Yun Jin’s victory. How laughable this situation had become.

But what choice did he have?

This was his senior disciple, whom he regarded as his own son!

How could he not feel conflicted when the Sect Leader wanted him dead?

If he could leave this place now, Ma Hongyu would be tempted to depart himself.

After all, a lifetime of hard work had led to this outcome. The very thought chilled him to the bone.

Ye Cheng remained silent for a moment, then said, “Disciple is reluctant to part with Master.”

Ma Hongyu was on the verge of tears. With reddened eyes, he said, “This is the last time you’ll speak such words. From tomorrow on, we’ll be at odds. Our master-disciple relationship ends here.”

Fearing Ye Cheng might not comply, Ma Hongyu added, “This concerns not only your safety but mine as well. If the Sect Leader discovers we’re putting on an act to send you to Celestial Sword Peak, I too will face certain death.”

Ye Cheng’s heart trembled. He immediately agreed, “Disciple understands.”

He said no more.

Instead, he kowtowed deeply to Ma Hongyu three times.

Ma Hongyu held back his tears and bade Ye Cheng to rise.

Master and disciple sat by the bed until dawn.

Ma Hongyu slowly produced the porcelain bottle given by the Sect Leader, took out two pills, and ground them to powder in his palm.

“If anyone asks, say you received medicine from the Sect Leader, took two pills in succession, and then recovered,” Ma Hongyu said quietly.

“Disciple understands,” Ye Cheng’s voice was hoarse.

After a moment of silence, Ma Hongyu said, “Sit a while longer, then go. Remember, follow the plan.”

Yun Jin had only outlined the basics. To execute the plan flawlessly, Ma Hongyu had refined some details.

They had to make this performance seem utterly convincing.

So, when the time was right, he brought Ye Cheng out. Before everyone, they expressed boundless gratitude to the Sect Leader. Naturally, someone would relay these words to him.

Afterward, Ma Hongyu made an excuse to leave temporarily.

The day before, due to the spirit fields being returned to each peak, the Sect Leader had specially sent people to collect the already planted spirit plants.

His intention was simple.

Since they wanted to cultivate independently, they shouldn’t keep what his people had helped grow.

The Sect Leader’s men were not only harvesting mature plants but also uprooting those that had barely sprouted.

Many herbs were extremely delicate. Such reckless action would lead directly to their death.

Ye Cheng, upon learning this by chance, rushed to various peaks to stop those collecting spirit plants.

Given Ye Cheng’s obsession with plants, this action seemed entirely reasonable and unsuspicious.

Previously, even Ma Hongyu had deliberately kept this information from Ye Cheng, fearing he might act rashly.

Now, this turn of events seemed natural and logical.

No one would find it odd for Ye Cheng to behave this way.

News of Ye Cheng desperately trying to prevent the Sect Leader’s men from uprooting spirit plants quickly reached Zhao Wuji’s ears.

Zhao Wuji flew into a rage!

What kind of bastard was this Ye Cheng? He had just expressed gratitude for saving his life, and now he dared to oppose him?

His decision to kill him was clearly justified!

“How could so many of you be stopped by one person?” Zhao Wuji said through gritted teeth.

His subordinates replied helplessly, “Wherever we try to dig, he throws himself down. We really can’t bring ourselves to use force.”

Zhao Wuji sneered, “Then throw him out! If that doesn’t work, tie him up!”

His men were about to obey when someone reported.

“Sect Leader, Uncle Ma has brought Senior Brother Ye to admit their fault.”

Zhao Wuji smirked. At least they were prompt in admitting their error.

This Ye Cheng might be clueless, but at least Ma Hongyu knew better.

Fine, Ye Cheng was a dead man walking anyway. No need to quibble with them.

“Let them in,” Zhao Wuji said coldly.

If Ye Cheng showed proper remorse, he’d let the matter slide.

Soon after, Ma Hongyu entered the hall with Ye Cheng.

As soon as they entered, Ma Hongyu berated angrily, “Unfilial disciple, kneel down at once.”

Ye Cheng fell to his knees with a thud.

Ma Hongyu sternly said, “I leave for just a moment, and you cause such a grave error! Now, immediately admit your fault to the Sect Leader.”

Zhao Wuji raised an eyebrow, calmly waiting.

Unexpectedly, Ye Cheng suddenly raised his head: “Master, I’ve done no wrong, why should I admit fault? Sect Leader, I must advise you face to face, these spirit plants are innocent. Why destroy so many immature plants out of momentary anger? Please retract your order and cease these regressive actions.”

Ye Cheng spoke with his characteristic stubborn expression.

Zhao Wuji, expecting an apology, was stunned by this response.

He looked at Ma Hongyu in disbelief: “Is this the fine disciple you’ve raised? Is this truly how he comes to admit fault?”

Ma Hongyu also flew into a rage. He turned and delivered a vicious slap to Ye Cheng’s face.

“You wretch, what nonsense are you spouting! You fainted earlier, and it was the Sect Leader’s bestowed medicine that saved your life. Not only are you ungrateful, but you dare speak such treasonous words!”

Ye Cheng clutched his face, saying softly, “These are separate matters. I must thank the Sect Leader for saving my life! But the spirit plant issue is different. Sect Leader, you are wise and mighty. Please retract your order and spare these innocent plants from harm.”

Ye Cheng genuinely believed the Sect Leader’s actions were inappropriate, so he spoke with particular conviction.

Zhao Wuji’s face darkened further. He was about to erupt when he noticed Ma Hongyu seemed even angrier.

Ma Hongyu trembled with rage. He raised his hand high and struck down hard once more.

This time, he hit with great force.

Deep finger marks appeared on Ye Cheng’s face, and he involuntarily coughed up blood.

Ma Hongyu glared at him furiously: “Disloyal and unfilial! I have no such disciple! Ye Cheng, you’ve grown arrogant. It’s bad enough you no longer respect me, but now you dare defy even the Sect Leader. I fear I cannot keep you any longer!”

Ye Cheng was stunned, looking at Ma Hongyu with trepidation: “Master… I…”

“I’ll ask you once more, will you admit your fault?” Ma Hongyu said sternly.

After a long silence, Ye Cheng said slowly: “Disciple is not at fault.”

“Good! Very good!” Ma Hongyu shook with anger. He kicked Ye Cheng in the chest, sending him flying.

As Zhao Wuji watched in bewilderment, Ma Hongyu strode to Ye Cheng. With a wave of his hand, he removed Ye Cheng’s storage bag and jade pendant.

“I have no such disciple! Everything you possess was gifted by the Sect Leader, yet at a critical moment, you side with outsiders! Since that’s the case, these items shall be returned to the Sect Leader. As for you… our master-disciple bond ends here. Go wherever you please.”

(End of Chapter)