Chapter Eighty: He Is That Su Ye

What do I understand? Do you know who created the "True Human Severed Meridian"? Do you know who, without regard for personal gain, made it public in the Spirit Cultivation Hall? When Su Ye heard Shi Hao's scornful outburst, he only sneered inwardly. Rather than anger, he felt a certain contempt for Shi Hao. Who would have thought that someone like Shi Hao, not even at the Qi Gathering Stage, would have the gall to question the very martial artist who invented this technique?

"What I understand is something you'll never grasp in your lifetime. As for your so-called insights into 'True Human Severed Meridian,' they're laughably childish! You failed to master it yourself, and now you blame the technique for harming others? How ridiculous!" Su Ye was not one to endure humiliation indefinitely. Since everyone seemed eager to debate, he might as well join the fray.

Shi Hao’s face flushed with embarrassment at being publicly rebuked by Su Ye. He shot a glance at Jiang Liuying, unwilling to lose face before such a beauty. Slamming his palm on the table, he stood up and shouted angrily, "And who do you think you are? How many meridians have you opened? By what method? The 'True Human Severed Meridian' promises some lofty, illusory realm, claiming that anyone who trains according to it can attain the meridian mastery of the ancient true humans. Tell me—is that not unrealistic, pure fantasy? If you know nothing, then keep your mouth shut!"

Many martial artists nodded in agreement. In the Spirit Cultivation Hall, this was the most hotly debated topic: could following the "True Human Severed Meridian" truly lead one to the achievements of the ancients? Some claimed it was impossible; others believed it might be. Yet only half of the original text existed, and the originator, the "Azure Thunder Guide," had not been seen for ages, leaving all of Huaxia’s martial artists in anxious anticipation.

Su Ye smiled faintly. "There are always those in this world who, unable to do something themselves, stubbornly believe no one else can either. And when others try, they leap out to lecture them with tales of their own failures, posing as benefactors on the road of others! How utterly absurd!"

The crowd murmured, unable to fathom Su Ye’s identity or why he would mock Shi Hao so openly. Everyone knew that Shi Hao and Yin Chao were Ouyang Man’s subordinates. Was he seeking conflict with Ouyang Man?

Yin Chao, unable to bear Su Ye’s arrogance, called out, "So, you’ve trained in the 'True Human Severed Meridian'? Then tell us, what have you achieved? What qualifies you to lecture us on opening meridians? Who do you think you are—a mere boy, barely grown!"

Only then did the others realize that everyone present was a young talent from their own circle, all in their twenties at least, and yet Su Ye—a delicate youth—dared to boast before them.

"Where did this kid come from?"

"He probably doesn’t even know how many meridians are in the body, yet here he is playing the teacher!"

The room erupted in ridicule. Everyone pointed at Su Ye, mocking his ignorance and wondering if he was merely seeking attention in such a setting.

But suddenly, Ouyang Yunfeng, who had remained silent, stood up. Though he sat apart from most, he was visible to all. The room fell silent, save for the gentle murmur of the nearby stream.

"Allow me to introduce him," Ouyang Yunfeng announced. "He is my lifesaver—his name is Su Ye..." He paused, noting the surprise on everyone’s faces, then emphasized, "Yes! The very Su Ye with the thunder meridian, who slew Yu Xingkun!"

A stir swept through the crowd. Regardless of their previous opinions, they were forced to reassess. Su Ye’s name was on everyone’s lips these days—his feats had become the stuff of legend, even the Yu clan’s patriarch had fallen to him.

Who would have thought he was here before them?

From a three-year laughingstock to a force of nature, the savior of the Jiang family—none of it would have been possible without Su Ye.

"That’s Su Ye? He’s really this young?"

"Could the Young Alliance Leader be mistaken? Is this boy truly the one who slew Yu Xingkun, Master Ou, and the Zhou patriarch?"

"We’d best not provoke someone like that. If he loses his temper... Clearly, he has every right to speak here!"

Many martial artists changed their tune on the spot. In just over three months, he had gone from trash to the most brilliant genius in Yangcheng. If he was not qualified to speak about opening meridians, who among them was?

A young man beside Su Ye, suddenly flustered, asked, "Su Ye, how were you able to restore your cultivation?"

Su Ye remembered him well—this fellow had just been jeering alongside Shi Hao, and now wanted advice? Su Ye shot him a cold glance and ignored him.

Most people dared not speak further, but Ouyang Man was not so easily cowed. She removed her glasses lightly and said with a smile, "No matter your luck, you only succeeded thanks to the Martial Alliance. Without their intervention, you’d be nothing! Even entry to the Pill Pavilion required someone to bring you. Your seat was a last-minute addition—what’s there to be proud of?"

Indeed, everyone knew that although Su Ye had played the role of catalyst in the fall of the Yu, Ou, and Zhou families, it had been the Martial Alliance who ultimately swept them away. In truth, everything he had achieved was by leaning on the Martial Alliance’s power; there was nothing truly fearsome about him.

At that moment, joyful commotion erupted from the courtyard—clearly, someone important had arrived. The martial artists hurrying in were all from the Pill Pavilion, so the true host of the Pill Unveiling Feast must be about to appear.

"They’re coming!"

"Will it be Master Chen or Old Master Chen presiding? This has been the longest alchemy process yet—wait, could it be Chen Jiayi herself?"

Along a winding path, as gentle as flowing water, a delicate girl emerged, seemingly only fourteen or fifteen, her long hair cascading nearly to her hips. She walked with languid grace, more like an invalid than an alchemist.

While the guests were all martial artists dressed in modern attire—many in suits—the girl’s clothing was strikingly different, resembling gauzy Hanfu. Still, everyone knew that at a Pill Unveiling Feast, tradition required the alchemist to bathe and change into ceremonial dress.

"It really is Chen Jiayi—she’s here in person!"

"She’s a genius alchemist! This Pill Unveiling is even grander than we expected, if Chen Jiayi is appearing herself!"

Most present knew Chen Jiayi’s reputation. The Pill Pavilion housed many alchemists, but only she was truly deemed a genius. Gifted from the age of seven, she had been healing the sick ever since, often excelling where even the most complex maladies baffled others. Now, even veteran alchemists respected her skill.

Yet, as fate would have it, "the healer cannot heal herself." To this day, she had only opened nine meridians, unable to progress further. Otherwise, with her talent, she would be a contender for Yangcheng’s top prodigy.

Chen Jiayi approached with a gentle, traditional grace, her eyes first landing on Ouyang Yunfeng at the place of honor. She paused briefly, then swiftly asked, "Young Alliance Leader Ouyang, you’re here as well! What a pleasure!"

Ouyang Yunfeng replied with a hearty laugh, "With such a grand occasion and your kind invitation, how could I refuse?"

Chen Jiayi glanced around and, with a hint of surprise, inquired, "Is your sworn friend here too? Who is Teacher Su Ye?"

Teacher Su Ye?

Everyone was taken aback. While it was common to address someone as "teacher" out of respect, to hear it from Chen Jiayi herself, and in search of Su Ye—what did this mean?

Ouyang Yunfeng laughed and looked Su Ye’s way. "He’s here! Of course he’s here!"

Knowing he had come to seek medicine, Su Ye would not miss such a chance. He stood and declared, "I am Su Ye."

Chen Jiayi smiled sweetly, gestured invitingly, and said, "Since Teacher Su Ye is here, the seat of honor is yours! Please!"