I Can Gain One Skill Point Per Second Chapter 666: Is a Mighty Dragon That Doesn’t Challenge the Local Tyrant Still a Mighty Dragon?

Xiyue and Ao Shu remained silent, their gazes locked onto the person beside them, leaving the decision entirely to Lin Yi.

Both women possessed kind hearts, and faced with such a pitiable young girl, they could hardly stand idly by without offering assistance.

Moreover, with their own strength, what was there to genuinely fear in standing against local bullies?

"Hey, you there, what clandestine whispers are you exchanging behind my back? Are the three of you attempting to pilfer the cultivation techniques from our Dubhe Pavilion?"

Zhang Yun's voice cut through the air, her tone deliberately stern, instantly casting a pall of tension over the surroundings. Lin Yi, who hadn't yet found the right words to formally accept her as his master, received a sharp, appraising look from Zhang Yun, leaving him quite bewildered as to how to respond.

Just as the atmosphere thickened with unspoken words, a light, mocking laugh shattered the awkward silence.

"Hehe, why the long faces? I was merely having a bit of fun with you all."

"I mean, what's with the seriousness? Can't your Sect Leader afford to crack a joke, being so young?"

After all, she's merely sixteen; have you ever witnessed a Sect Leader engaging in such lighthearted banter?

Following a brief, informal ceremony for accepting a master, Lin Yi and the other two departed from Ah De's presence, accompanying Zhang Yun to Ciyun Peak.

More precisely, after a few pleasantries, Ah De was summarily dismissed by Zhang Yun, who showed no sign of gratitude for his assistance in recruiting disciples.

Not far from Ciyun Peak, perched on the expansive branches of towering, ancient trees, two middle-aged men clad in identical uniforms fixed Lin Yi's quartet with hostile stares.

"Brother, I can barely contain myself any longer."

"Where did this snot-nosed brat crawl out from, so clueless about the world, to dare interfere in the affairs of the Yunzhou Eight Halls? Isn't he far too audacious? Why not forgo the report; I'll simply beat the brat to death? And what about those two girls, hehe, what do you reckon, brother?"

"One possesses a unique and rare temperament, the other is delightfully charming; each has their own distinct merits. Truly, we brothers are fortunate indeed."

Before his companion could finish speaking, the middle-aged man beside him delivered a sharp slap to the back of his neck.

"Are you out of your mind? That fellow doesn't appear to be an easy opponent. Even with the innkeeper's introduction, he still dares to meddle in the Yunzhou Eight Halls' business. Do you believe he has no backing?"

"Don't be deceived by his lack of apparent aura; he could very well be concealing his true strength. For a paltry monthly wage of a few dozen silver coins, is it worth risking your life? Is this even our concern to manage?"

The man who had been struck took in his companion's words and, finding their logic sound, nodded in agreement. The pair then departed from their concealed vantage point.

A mere two breaths later, two other middle-aged men, also wearing the same uniform, returned to occupy the surveillance post.

The destiny of Yunzhou, no, the entirety of Xiang Wuxing's fate, quietly began to pivot at this very moment.

Within the Liuyun Hall of Dubhe Pavilion, the air was permeated with a rich sandalwood fragrance, imparting a sense of vibrant life.

The central altar proudly displayed 108 memorial plaques, representing distinguished individuals who had made significant contributions to Dubhe Pavilion throughout its history.

As for the disciples of ages past, any who had been part of the Pavilion had a small golden statue erected in their honor beneath the main altar.

"Master, doesn't our Dubhe Pavilion lack other disciples? How, then, is there sufficient funding to cover all these expenses? The sandalwood scent is of superior quality and surely cannot be inexpensive."

"These expenditures, surely they aren't being deducted from our entrance fees, are they?"

While Zhang Yun might not excel in discussions of martial arts or cultivation methods, when it came to shrewd dealings, her enthusiasm was boundless.

"How could that possibly be? Your joining Dubhe Pavilion has already resolved numerous pressing issues for me. I am simply too overjoyed to burden you with any arbitrary fees."

"Our Dubhe Pavilion possesses exceptional cultivation techniques and heart methods that outsiders, including the Yunzhou Eight Halls, covet daily. Ever since my father's departure, the Yunzhou Eight Halls and other influential forces have frequently paid visits, keenly inquiring about our Pavilion's Heart Skill and Cultivation Techniques."

"Your master, that is, I, the Sect Leader, have not let any of the benefits they offered slip through my fingers; I've gathered them all. After all, I haven't made any specific promises to them, leaving our Dubhe Pavilion quite affluent at present."

"Disciples, heed my command!"

.....

Zhang Yun, with her utterly charming and endearing demeanor, presented the very image of a young lady from an affluent and noble family.

Donning a formal robe lent a semblance of gravitas, yet the instant she issued a cheerful command, the sheer adorableness that radiated from her made it impossible for anyone to maintain a serious expression when meeting her gaze.

"Present!"

In deference to Zhang Yun's directive, Lin Yi and his group managed to suppress their amusement and responded with cheerful alacrity.

"Today marks a truly momentous occasion for our Dubhe Pavilion. And why is it so momentous, you ask? Because our Dubhe Pavilion, which once soared amongst the clouds only to plummet into the depths and face imminent destruction, shall now be revived through the efforts of its eighty-first successor, reaching heights previously unimagined."

"And my dear disciples, you will forge this supreme honor alongside your master!"

After an energetic declaration, Zhang Yun fell silent, her pronouncement hanging in the air.

A profound quiet descended upon the entire Liuyun Hall.

Shortly after, the faint sound of sobbing could be heard.

Wasn't the drastic fall from grace, from the clouds to the deepest abyss, a reflection of Zhang Yun's own circumstances?

At an age meant for carefree youth, she was burdened with the immense responsibility of reviving the Dubhe Pavilion.

This arduous journey lacked any trustworthy companion, and those who offered kind words were invariably plotting against her. Undertaking this path alone, who could fathom the depth of her inner sorrow?

This girl was merely sixteen years old!

Hearing the increasingly distinct sobs, Xiyue felt a pang of sympathy for this young girl, whose experiences bore a striking resemblance to her own.

Xiyue herself had once trod a similar path.

However, the crucial difference was that Xiyue had numerous steadfast companions by her side, ready to offer aid whenever she faced setbacks and tribulations.

Just as Xiyue contemplated stepping forward to console the young girl with words of unwavering support, like, "We will stand by you through thick and thin," Zhang Yun abruptly lifted her head. She quickly wiped away the tears that had begun to glisten in her eyes and then offered a radiant smile.

"Disciples, I became a little too emotional today and lost my composure. You are forbidden from remembering it, and absolutely not allowed to laugh!"

The Yunzhou Eight Halls and Xiang Wuxing were merely stepping stones on Lin Yi's ascent to greatness.

Lin Yi's original intention was to maintain a low profile, quietly achieve his objectives, and then depart from Xiang Wuxing. However, his plans took a turn today.

He resolved to become the very type of meddlesome individual he typically disdained.

The strong preying on the weak and the powerful oppressing the defenseless occurred without exception throughout the Three Realms and Six Paths.

The impetus for his action wasn't a saintly conviction within Lin Yi's heart. Rather, it stemmed from the fact that Zhang Yun, despite her dire predicament, resolutely maintained a benevolent spirit, treating Lin Yi and his companions as if they were family.

He could not simply overlook her plight.