From a loser to an immortal sage

Chapter 211 Returning to the Dust: Xiao Yao's Dazzling Arrival

Before the dazzling light of the immortal realm had faded, I sensed countless gazes piercing me like needles.

These gazes contained curiosity, envy, greed, and even...

With undisguised hostility.

They were like an invisible net, tightly wrapping me up, making it almost impossible for me to breathe.

I tried to remain calm and quietly leave this public spectacle, but that was just wishful thinking.

The crowd began to surge, surrounding me like a tide.

The air became stagnant, and breathing became difficult.

I felt Wen Chen's hand gripping mine tightly, conveying silent support.

Even so, the oppressive atmosphere still made my heart pound.

Those greedy eyes seemed to want to skin me alive and tear me apart, taking away everything I had gained in the Immortal Realm.

"Xiao Yao, I heard you've acquired quite a few treasures in the Immortal Realm. Why don't you show them off to everyone?" A sharp voice pierced the suffocating silence.

Then more voices joined in, like a swarm of buzzing flies, disturbing my peace of mind.

Anger burned fiercely in my chest.

These so-called cultivators only care about profit; where is even a trace of their ethereal and otherworldly demeanor?

My opportunity was earned with my blood and sweat, why should I just hand it over to someone else?

"Want my opportunity?" I sneered, my voice as cold as ice. "Then let's see if you have the ability!" Golden light swirled around me, and a powerful spiritual pressure erupted instantly, forcing those clamoring cultivators back several steps.

The greedy glint in their eyes remained, but now tinged with a hint of apprehension.

"Hmph, you won't listen to reason, so you'll have to suffer the consequences!" A burly cultivator stepped forward, holding a huge axe in his hand, exuding a chilling killing intent.

"Since you're unwilling to hand it over obediently, don't blame us for being impolite!"

He grinned maliciously and approached me step by step.

I gripped Wen Chen's hand tightly, my eyes resolute, showing no sign of backing down.

"If you want to take my things, then bring it on!"

"Wait!" a voice suddenly rang out...

The sound was like a thunderclap, exploding through the crowd.

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw a woman dressed in white, as white as snow, riding a sword, like a goddess descending from the heavens.

She was surrounded by a faint aura of ethereal beauty, making it difficult for anyone to look directly at her.

I recognize her; she is the guardian of the Celestial Realm—the Ethereal Fairy.

"The ethereal fairy!" A gasp of surprise erupted from the crowd.

Even the burly cultivator suppressed his fierce expression.

The ethereal fairy descended slowly, her gaze sweeping over everyone before finally settling on me.

She nodded slightly, her voice clear and cool as jade: "Xiao Yao, are you alright?"

I shook my head to indicate that I was fine.

The appearance of the ethereal fairy undoubtedly put my mind at ease.

With her around, those petty scoundrels will probably not dare to act recklessly anymore.

“Fairy, this girl…” The burly cultivator was about to say something, but was stopped by a single look from the ethereal fairy.

“I am aware of this matter,” the ethereal fairy said coldly. “What Xiao Yao obtained in the Immortal Realm was all earned through her own abilities, and no one is allowed to take it away.”

Her words were powerful and carried unquestionable authority.

Those cultivators who were originally itching to make a move immediately fell silent and dared not act rashly again.

The burly cultivator gritted his teeth reluctantly, but ultimately chose to back down.

He glared at me fiercely, then turned and disappeared into the crowd.

Seeing this, the others also dispersed, leaving behind a mess on the ground.

"Thank you, fairy." I bowed gratefully to the ethereal fairy.

She smiled faintly and reached out to help me up: "No need for formalities. You are now recognized by the Immortal Realm and have nothing to fear from anyone."

I nodded, my heart filled with strength.

"Let's go back to the sect," Wen Chen said softly, holding my hand.

We smiled at each other and left this noisy place hand in hand.

However, just as we were about to leave, a dark figure silently appeared at the edge of the crowd.

He was draped in a black cloak, which concealed his face, revealing only a pair of cold eyes that stared at my back like a venomous snake.

A strange smile crept across his lips as he whispered, "Xiao Yao, the game has only just begun..."

Wen Chen held my hand, and we flew on our swords, the crowd below gradually shrinking into tiny black dots.

I could have pressed my advantage and taught those greedy people a lesson, but I didn't.

My trip to the Immortal Realm taught me that true strength is not about bullying the weak, but about protecting and embracing.

"Why don't you take this opportunity to establish your authority?" Wen Chen's voice rang in my ears, tinged with doubt.

I smiled slightly, my hair fluttering in the wind.

"It may feel good to kill the chicken to scare the monkey, but when will the cycle of revenge end? What I want is not temporary power, but true respect."

A commotion arose from the crowd below, and I vaguely heard them discussing my "kindness" and "foolishness."

Some say I'm being overly sentimental, some say I'm putting on an act, and some even say I'm showing weakness.

As I listened to these discussions, I felt no ripples in my heart; instead, I felt a thrill of challenging tradition.

Shouldn't the cultivation world break with convention and forge its own path?

Suddenly, several powerful auras approached from afar.

I looked up and saw several elderly men with an air of otherworldly grace riding their swords. Their auras were as vast as the sea, inspiring awe in all who beheld them.

"Young friend Xiao Yao, I am Xuanjizi, and I have long admired your name." The elderly man at the head of the group stroked his long beard and looked at me kindly.

I quickly bowed and said, "Greetings, Senior Xuanjizi."

“I have heard of your remarkable deeds in the Immortal Realm, young friend,” Xuanjizi said with a smile. “Your actions today further demonstrate your magnanimity and character, making you a true role model for us all.”

The other elderly men nodded in agreement.

Their appearance was undoubtedly a great affirmation for me, and it also silenced those who had previously mocked me.

I sensed a shift in the gazes around me, from initial greed and hostility to awe and admiration.

I became the focus of the cultivation world, a legend.

This feeling is like standing on a mountaintop, looking down on all living beings.

However, just as I was enjoying this moment of glory under the spotlight, a cold gaze followed me like a shadow, making me feel like I had a thorn in my side.

I turned my head to look, but I didn't see anything.

"What's wrong?" Wen Chen noticed my unusual behavior and asked with concern.

I shook my head. "It's nothing, maybe I'm just overthinking it."

But that feeling of unease wouldn't go away, as if something was lurking in the shadows, waiting for its chance to strike.

"Let's go," I said softly.

Wen Chen nodded and continued flying forward with me.

Just as we were about to disappear into the horizon, a hoarse voice suddenly rang out: "Xiao Yao, do you think you're safe now?"

Flying on my sword, the wind howled, but it couldn't dispel the gloom in my heart.

The appearance of the ethereal fairy did indeed intimidate those villains, but I know that this is only a temporary peace.

I am like a star that suddenly shines, breaking the original pattern of the cultivation world. How could those forces hidden in the shadows let me go so easily?

Wen Chen's hands were warm and strong, as if they could dispel all my unease.

I turned to look at him; there was a hint of worry in his eyes, but he still gave me a reassuring smile.

I shook his hand back, feeling a little relieved.

When I returned to the sect, I was greeted with cheers and admiration.

Those disciples who used to mock me now wear fawning smiles and rush to greet me.

I responded calmly, but my heart remained completely unmoved.

I have long seen through these false compliments.

At night, I sat alone on the rooftop, gazing up at the starry sky.

My experiences in the Immortal Realm granted me immense power and allowed me to see a much wider world.

I know I can no longer be content with the status quo as before. I must become stronger to protect myself and the people I care about.

A sudden chill ran through me, and I turned around abruptly, but saw nothing.

Is it my imagination?

No, I could clearly sense a powerful presence lurking in the shadows, watching me.

I took a deep breath, slowly closed my eyes, and spread my consciousness outwards.

Everything around me was vividly presented in my mind: the rustling of leaves, the chirping of insects, even the sound of melting snow on the distant mountain peaks...

Wait, what is that?

A black figure flashed past on an ancient tree a few hundred meters away from me.

Although it was only for a moment, I still caught the chilling aura emanating from him.

It was him! The mysterious man who appeared at the edge of the crowd!

I opened my eyes abruptly. It seemed my premonition was right; my troubles had only just begun.

“Come out,” I said coldly. “I know you’re there.”

All around was silent, with only the sound of the wind whistling in my ears.

"What, too afraid to show yourself?" A cold smile curled at the corner of my lips. "Or are you waiting for the right moment?"

A chilling laugh suddenly rang out, and the black figure slowly emerged from behind the ancient tree.

He was still wearing a black cloak, which concealed his face, revealing only a pair of cold eyes that stared at me like a venomous snake.

"Xiao Yao," his hoarse voice seemed to come from hell, "do you really think you can escape my control?"

I gripped the sword tightly, and a powerful spiritual force surged within me.

"Then give it a try!"

He walked towards me step by step, each step feeling like it was treading on my heart, making me feel suffocated.

"You can't escape..." he whispered, "Everything you have will belong to me..."

His hand slowly reached out towards me, his withered fingers like eagle claws, emanating a nauseating stench…

Suddenly, a figure blocked my way.

"You dare to touch her!"

Warm dust...