WHAT! I Have To Kill Heaven's Son To Live!

Elder Nin Wing and Elder Quin Xulin emerged from the Secret Realm just moments after Reon had utterly overwhelmed Yi Ran with his Swirling Elemental Tempest.

They ascended to the Arena's most luxurious top floor—an exclusive space reserved solely for Elders—and settled comfortably into their seats.

Elder Jin Shin turned toward them with a welcoming smile.

"Oh! Elder Nin Wing, Elder Quin Xulin—you've finally returned. We've been waiting for you both."

"Indeed," Elder Nin Wing replied with a nod. "Thank you for your patience."

Elder Qin Shi leaned forward, curiosity gleaming in his eyes.

"So? Did you discover anything unusual… especially regarding that massive explosion we could feel even from here?"

Nin Wing's expression turned slightly grave.

"Quite a bit, in fact. But... it is not something to be discussed hastily. We shall speak of it in detail during the Monthly Elders' Meeting."

Monthly Elders' Meeting

It was one of the most important gatherings within the sect—a solemn occasion held once every month, where only the most trustworthy and loyal Elders were permitted to attend.

Presided over by a Great Elder, this assembly served as the nerve center for the Inner Sect's administration.

During this meeting, the elders entrusted with various responsibilities for the Inner Sect would present their reports in turn.

Matters discussed ranged from the allocation and management of resources, the financial health of the Inner Sect, and the cultivation progress of inner disciples...

to the handling of internal disputes and the investigation of suspicious activities within the Inner Sect's territory.

Every issue, from the mundane to the critical, was laid bare before the presiding Great Elder.

Once the discussions concluded, the Great Elder would compile and present a comprehensive report to the Sect Master for further review.

On rare occasion—should his schedule allow—the Sect Master himself would attend the meeting, lending his authority to the proceedings.

And should a matter of grave, unprecedented significance arise, he would convene with the sect's other highest-ranking authorities to determine the most appropriate course of action.

Elder Qin Shi raised his brows.

"Oh? Then it must be something serious indeed."

"Yeah, it is," Elder Nin Wing said with a grim nod.

Elder Qin Shi met his serious gaze and replied,

"Very well. We shall wait to hear the details at the Monthly Elders Meeting."

Meanwhile, down on the Grand Platform, Yang Lie had just launched a sudden strike at Reon—his anger flaring after seeing Yi Ran nearly moved to tears.

Trying to break the tension, Elder Qin Shi let out a small chuckle.

"Anyway… you two missed quite the spectacle."

Elder Nin Wing raised a brow.

"Oh? And how so? Did something noteworthy happen?"

"Yeah!!"

With a slight smile, Elder Qin Shi briefly recounted the fierce battle between Yi Ran and Xue Taiyang, ending with the shocking result.

The moment the outcome left his lips—

"WHAT?!"

The sharp cry rang out, echoing across the arena.

"Yi Ran… was defeated by Xue Taiyang—again?!"

Elder Quin Xulin had leapt to his feet, eyes locked on the Grand Platform, his face twisted with disbelief and barely restrained fury.

"Ohhh, now that is unexpected!" Elder Nin Wing remarked, a hint of laughter in his voice.

"And judging from the state of the stage… it seems the battle was nothing short of fierce."

"Yeah… it sure was," Elder Qin Shi agreed, his gaze flicking toward the Grand Platform. "But mark my words—it's about to get even more intense."

"I can see that," Elder Nin Wing replied, his eyes narrowing on the two figures now squaring off—Xue Taiyang and Yang Lie.

But then—

Elder Quin Xulin's voice trembled with disbelief as he turned toward the other Elders.

"Th-That's impossible! Tell me… how on earth did he pass the Second Round? Did he use his artifact or some other trickery?!"

Elder Qin Shi laughed, his tone dripping with mockery at Quin Xulin's incredulity.

"Hahaha… No, nothing of the sort. Xue Taiyang actually knocked out the Minor Elder assigned to assess his ability with nothing but pure Spiritual Pressure—raw strength alone! So rest assured, he didn't cheat."

The veins in Elder Quin Xulin's face bulged in anger, his fury growing.

"H-How can this be…? He was supposed to be nothing more than a loser with no real skill!"

Elder Qin Shi fixed him with a firm gaze, his voice resolute.

"He is no loser. He possesses genuine skill."

Elder Nin Wing's eyes widened slightly, surprised by Elder Qin Shi's rare and unusually high praise.

'Elder Qin Shi is known for his strict standards and harsh judgments toward disciples across the entire sect… and now, here he is, openly acknowledging Xue Taiyang's talent?'

He cast his gaze toward the Grand Platform.

'Xue Taiyang… it seems I've underestimated you far more than I ever imagined.'

"Hmph. I'll be the one to judge for myself," Elder Quin Xulin replied, turning his attention to Yang Lie and Xue Taiyang standing below.

Then—

Yang Lie's voice rang out.

"Absolutely. I want to settle this once and for all—challenge you to a Life and Death Duel."

At this moment, even Elder Nin Wing and Elder Quin Xulin were taken aback by Yang Lie's audacious challenge—

"Kids these days… growing bolder with each passing year," Elder Nin Wing muttered with a wry smile.

Elder Quin Xulin nodded thoughtfully.

"It seems that brat Yang Lie is making this move to impress Yi Ran. He's quite the daring one."

Elder Nin Wing chuckled heartily.

"Hahaha… Of course. He's almost a chip off the old block—like me."

Quin Xulin's tone turned a little cautious.

"But… isn't this dangerously risky? If Xue Taiyang somehow manages to pull off a victory and kills Yang Lie, won't the Tempest Sword Saint—Qin Jiran—be furious?"

Nin Wing smirked faintly, eyes glinting with amusement.

"Don't worry. This is exactly what everyone wants—to see their true potential unleashed."

"I'm certain all the Great Elders, Supreme Elders, even the Ancestral Elders watching from their residences are eager for this spectacle."

"Indeed! I share that sentiment," Elder Quin Xulin agreed.

On the Grand Platform—

"So, what's it going to be, Xue Taiyang? Do you have the courage to accept?"

Yang Lie's gaze bore sharply into Reon's.

Reon met his stare with equal intensity.

'The protagonist himself… challenging me to a life-and-death duel?'

'This must be the work of his system—that desperation in his actions!'

A faint, knowing smirk tugged at the corner of Reon's lips.

'But if the protagonist is offering himself up on a silver platter… how could I possibly refuse?'

Still, a quiet resolve settled within him.

'...Yet, I won't let this play out on his terms!'

"Yang Lie…"

Reon's voice softened, tinged with a sorrowful tone.

"You want to challenge me to a Life and Death Duel… Have I truly wronged you so deeply that you're consumed by such hatred?"

"W-What are you… trying to say?" Yang Lie stammered, caught off guard.

But Reon pressed on, eyes glistening as if struggling to hold back tears.

"I apologized… I even accepted punishment for what happened five months ago."

"I admit—I was reckless, blinded by jealousy of your talent back then."

"But Now, I'm working harder than ever to improve, to correct my mistakes that caused others pain."

His voice cracked, heavy with emotion.

"Am I truly such... an eyesore that... you wish to erase me from this world?"

"Always insulting me—calling me a coward, mocking my family… Can you not forgive a simple mistake from the past?"

He lowered his head, one hand trembling as it wiped at his eyes, carefully masking the anguish for all to see.

"Am I… really that… unforgivable to you?"

A profound silence fell across the Arena—disciples, Minor Elders, and Elders alike were stunned speechless.

Even the Great Elders, Supreme Elders, and Ancestral Elders watching from their distant residences were quietly taken aback, the weight of Reon's words lingering in the air like a sudden storm.

As the crowd erupted into a tumult of whispers and exclamations, even those who had once cursed Reon and idolized Yi Ran found themselves taken aback.

"I-Is it really… the same arrogant Xue Taiyang we once knew?!"

"H-He's been trying to better himself all along… for all the mistakes he made before?"

"And here we were, believing him to be nothing but a scumbag."

"So, he never wanted to be Goddess Yi Ran's manservant because…"

"He chose to resist temptation, to overcome his desires, and focus on his cultivation!"

"Xue Taiyang… No, Brother Xue Taiyang, I see you in a whole new light now!"

"Brother Taiyang, you truly are a dragon among men... unyielding against lust, even turning away from Goddess Yi Ran's Heavenly Beauty for your own growth!"

"We're truly ashamed... we couldn't see through your true character before."

"From this moment on, I pledge to call you my Master!"

Meanwhile, the female cultivators were bursting with cheers.

"Kyaaa~ I knew it! Brother Taiyang is the best person in the entire world!" Mei Lin screamed at the top of her lungs.

"He absolutely is!"

"Now, every Outer Disciple looks like a spoiled brat compared to Brother Taiyang!"

Even the Minor Elders murmured in astonishment.

"H-He's changed this much?!"

"I never viewed it from that perspective… but he really is like a new man!"

"Hmph! Though I can't forgive him for hurting one of our own, he does seem like a different person now."

"Hehe… I knew it all along, Xue Taiyang. You're destined to go far."

The Minor Elder whom Reon had first met after arriving in this world spoke with a knowing smile.

Among the Elders, admiration and surprise mingled.

Elder Ming Rong chuckled softly,

"I never expected Xue Taiyang to be so diligent and patient. Such a man is bound for greatness."

Elder Qin Shi laughed heartily,

"Hahaha… I did not misjudge you, Xue Taiyang. You are indeed a fascinating disciple."

Even Elder Nin Wing and Elder Quin Xulin looked visibly shaken by the unexpected speech of Reon.

Then—

Elder Bin Ming stroked his beard thoughtfully,

"Oh! This young disciple possesses incredible perseverance. I would be honored to take him as my guest disciple."

"W-What?! A Guest Disciple?!" an Elder exclaimed in shock.

A Guest Disciple is someone granted the rare privilege to visit the Peak of an Elder who has accepted them, allowing them to learn directly from that Elder—even though they do not officially belong to that particular Peak.

This honor is exceedingly rare—few disciples ever receive such an extraordinary opportunity.

"Me as well—I want him as a Guest Disciple, even if not as an official Direct Disciple!" declared Tian Sheng of the Night Veil Peak.

Several other Elders quickly voiced their agreement, each recommending the same.

Hearing all this, a sly, wide grin spread across Reon's face as he lowered his head, concealing it from view.

'Hehe… Yang Lie, oh Yang Lie, thank you very much.'

'Though I couldn't care less about what others think about me...'

'But today… thanks to you… I'll reclaim my infamy in this sect… and make you the bad person—the one everyone blames for always trying to take me down.'