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[T/N: Tianzun Empire: Heavenly Sovereign Empire
Tianshang Sect: Heavenly Ascendant Sect
Divine Abyss Empire - Divine Abyss Empire
Tianxing - Heavenly Imperial Empire]
Chapter 40: The Breakup of the Protagonist, New Troubles Arise:
Half a month later, at the Azure Cloud Sect.
The sect's grand hall was splendidly decorated, with bright lights and magnificent decorations. In the distance, flying ships could be seen coming through the void.
The Tianhuang Empire, the Heavenly Sovereign Empire, the Divine Abyss Empire... People from countless empires and sects gathered at the Azure Cloud Sect, traveling long distances. Thousands came to pay them respect, almost bringing together the entire elite of the Qingyun Domain.
This time, they came not only to celebrate the Azure Cloud Sect gaining a new Holy Son but also to discuss the upcoming secret realm journey and the gathering of geniuses from various families and sects in the Qingyun Domain, scheduled for a month later.
(On one side of the grand hall)
Lu Ming, the protagonist destined by fate had made a breakthrough into the 8th stage Core Formation Realm, he successfully became a direct disciple and qualified to attend the Holy Son's promotion ceremony. However, due to his status, he could only stand at the very back of the crowd.
Looking into the distance, Lin Ang was the center of attention. He wore a blue robe and was accompanied by a blind little girl. He drew the attention of the crowd, with the emperors of various empires and the sect masters stepping forward to offer their congratulations.
"Congratulations to Holy Son Lin Ang."
"Congratulations to Holy Son Lin Ang..."
"Our Heavenly Sovereign Empire offers a gift of ten bottles of superior fourth-grade spiritual medicine..."
"Our Heavenly Ascendant Sect offers..."
"And we, blah blah blah..."
Among them was Xing Cailian, the current princess of the Heavenly Imperial Empire, who wore a deep golden robe and exuded an extraordinary aura. It was rumored that her talent was also at the top level, and she had been fiercely courted by various Dao Sects, including being promised a position as the chief disciple by the White Moon Sect. However, over the years, she had remained attentive, not hastily choosing a Dao Sect for her cultivation.
Upon seeing Lin Ang from afar, Xing Cailian paused, her beautiful eyes lingering on him for a long time. She had always considered herself to be exceptionally talented due to her imperial lineage, but now, in front of Lin Ang and his transcendent aura, she felt a twinge of inferiority. Nevertheless, she mustered the courage to approach.
"Holy Son Lin Ang, in the upcoming secret realm journey, may I form a spiritual bond with you and accompany you?" Xing Cailian bowed slightly, her tone respectful.
Forming a spiritual bond was a significant commitment, allowing both parties to sense each other's presence. However, Lin Ang simply waved his hand dismissively. "I am not considering forming any bonds at the moment."
Hearing this, Xing Cailian wasn't disheartened. Instead, she became more determined to join the Azure Cloud Sect. "Holy Son Lin Ang will surely notice me in the future." she said seriously.
In the distance, Lu Ming watched this scene with gritted teeth.
Moments earlier, he had tried to curry favor with Xing Cailian, only to receive an indifferent nod. He couldn't believe that the princess, whom he couldn't win over, was actively seeking Lin Ang's attention and didn't even seem upset by his refusal.
Moreover, a few days ago, Lu Ming had confronted Li Chan'er, only to be questioned about his intentions to sow discord among the chief disciples. Her attitude toward him had grown colder.
"Damn it... Why do all the women gravitate towards him? Why is everyone betraying me?"
Inside his necklace, the illusory figure of his beautiful master sat in a dark space, boredly playing with her hair.
Hearing Lu Ming's complaints, she smiled helplessly.
Competing with Lin Ang? Lu Ming still didn't recognize his own limitations.
Thinking so, she sighed.
To be honest, she even wished Lu Ming hadn't awakened her.
At that moment, the grand hall erupted in commotion again.
"Holy Maiden Ruohan has arrived." announced a maid's voice.
"Holy Maiden Ruohan has come out of closed-door cultivation?"
"Wow, the most beautiful woman in the Northern Realm..."
"In terms of talent, she's probably not inferior to the geniuses from those sacred lands. Years ago, the elders of the Great Holy Land selected two girls from the Azure Cloud Sect. One was Ye Cangxue, and the other was Qiu Ruohan. However, Ruohan declined their offer."
Amidst the discussions, countless gazes turned toward the entrance of the hall.
A stunning woman in a light blue veil entered. Her veil partially concealed her face, revealing only her clear, cool eyes. But the perfect contours hinted at her extraordinary beauty beneath. Her beauty was serene, like a lotus quietly blooming.
"So this is the most beautiful woman in the Northern Realm, ranked first among so many Dao Domains and empires..."
"To see her in person is a blessing of three lifetimes..."
Qiu Ruohan's arrival drew everyone's attention. Lu Ming, witnessing this up close for the first time, felt a flutter in his heart.
He staggered forward and addressed her, "Holy Maiden Ruohan, it has been some time. How have you been?"
Qiu Ruohan nodded politely but distantly. "Thank you for your concern, Lu Ming. I am well. I heard you have reclaimed your position as a direct disciple. Your cultivation must have been difficult; don't be reckless as before."
As a Holy Maiden, Qiu Ruohan showed concern for every disciple of Azure Cloud Sect. However, Lu Ming misinterpreted her concern, thinking his hard work had moved her. When he saw her turning to leave, he hurriedly said, "Holy Maiden Ruohan, you haven't chosen a spiritual bond partner for the secret realm journey, have you?"
A spiritual bond with Qiu Ruohan in the secret realm would undoubtedly deepen their relationship. Lu Ming, confident in his master within the necklace, believed he could impress her and gain her favor. According to the original storyline, it should have played out this way.
With confidence, he said, "Holy Maiden Ruohan, bond with me. We can look out for each other in the secret realm."
Qiu Ruohan paused, her expression indifferent. The onlookers were equally stunned. They didn't expect an ordinary direct disciple like Lu Ming to request a bond with a Holy Maiden. It was too overbearing.
Qiu Ruohan's impression of Lu Ming worsened at this moment.
He was now not only blindly arrogant but also intrusive. Still, she didn't want to embarrass him in front of everyone.
"Thank you for your offer, Lu Ming. Let me consider it," she replied calmly.
Qiu Ruohan intended to leave quickly, especially since Lin Ang was nearby. She didn't want to converse with Lu Ming for long.
Sensing the unfamiliarity in her tone, Lu Ming panicked. As she moved away, he impulsively reached for her wrist.
"You!"
In an instant, Qiu Ruohan's eyes turned cold, a killing intent flashed within.
She swiftly dodged and reached for her Autumn Water Sword. The killing intent made Lu Ming feel an immediate threat of death, realizing his behavior had crossed a line due to jealousy.
"I'm sorry... the Holy Maiden Ruohan..."
He retreated a few steps. "Call me Holy Maiden," she corrected coldly. She had intended to kill him but decided against it to avoid ruining Lin Ang's ceremony. She sheathed her sword, warning, "Next time, you will lose your hand."
"Take him out," she ordered. Several inner disciples dragged Lu Ming out of the hall.
Nearby, Lin Ang noticed messages floating before him:
[Qiu Ruohan's favorability towards Lu Ming: -50, reaching dislike]
[Qiu Ruohan's favorability towards Lu Ming: -50, reaching loathing]
[Qiu Ruohan and Lu Ming have severed the 'Fated Male and Female Lead' bond, Lu Ming's luck: -300]
[Lu Ming's favorability towards you: -100, reaching hatred]
Lin Ang saw Lu Ming being dragged out like a clown.
[Name]: Lu Ming
[Luck]: 200 points
[Golden Halo - Protagonist]: Protagonist of the Rise of the Underdog trope. Severely injured years ago and expelled from the inner sect, he awakened a beautiful master in a necklace and gradually rose to the top of the fantasy world. His luck will continue to refresh until it reaches zero.
[Golden Luck - Chaos Spirit Treasure]: In a month, he will obtain the Chaos Spirit Treasure in the secret realm of the extreme north, reaching the Crimson Profound Realm and becoming the 10th chief of Azure Cloud Sect.
[Black Luck - Master-Disciple Rift]: The beautiful master feels disheartened by his changes, believing she chose the wrong person. Their relationship is no longer as before.
[Invalidated Luck - Fated Partner]: Forming a spiritual bond with Qiu Ruohan in the secret realm would have earned significant favor from the female lead. Due to her deteriorating impression, this luck is void.
Seeing the luck attributes, Lin Ang smiled faintly. Fresh troubles were sprouting again.
-To be continued!
....
T/N: Thanks for reading!