Prophecy Of The Stars

31.THE BEST DISCIPLE

Inside the cell, Wan Huang was kneeling on the floor within an array formation, her limbs bound by thick metal chains. In the centre of the array, a demonic beast core was suspended in the air that produced a faint thundering and rumbling sound.

The core, activated by the discipline master's spiritual energy, shot out a lightning bolt that struck Wan Huang.

Her face contorted as pain swept through her body. She belittled the power of the core.

Soon, one after another, a series of bolts struck her sending wave after wave of searing pain through her body. She ground her teeth to prevent crying out in pain while her forehead was netted with beads of sweat.

Since her spiritual energy was sealed, she couldn't move it either to minimize her suffering.

Finally, after taking the eleven bolts of lightning for the first day, she succumbed to her pain drifting in and out of consciousness.

..........

Ren Weilin was astounded by the attention she received today.

After the drama, most of their classmates surrounded her, expressing their sympathy and support for her. She couldn't drop the act yet, so she graciously received their concerns and at the same time expressed her disbelief over Li Huang's actions.

Wan Fang saw everything that eventuated today. Even if there was conclusive evidence against Li Huang, she subconsciously chose to believe her, while carefully deliberating over today's happenings.

She maintained her distance from Ren Weilin and her group of supporters, walking her way.

The gossip and rumours gradually faded as everyone once again returned to their normal lives.

Yun Shan and Ren Weilin were now popular as a matching pair in the sect, although they restrained themselves due to the sect regulations.

Wan Fang was now ignored by everyone including Ren Weilin and Yun Shan who jumped the ships to the followers' group. But that didn't bother the former not even a little bit as she solely focused on her cultivation, occasionally worrying about Li Huang.

...........

Today, in the outer sect of the Celestial Jade sect, a rare incident happened.

One among the five new genius disciples, Wan Bei was accepted as an in-name disciple of Master Cang, a grandmaster level pill refiner from the inner sect.

This news caused quite a sensation in the whole sect as it was rare for an outer sect disciple to gain the recognition of an inner sect master.

Suddenly, Wan Bei's status was elevated and, everyone flocked towards her to sing her praises, trying to get on her good side to create a chance to enjoy many benefits in the future.

It was said that the subject of admiration tried to refine a primary level pill from a discarded pill formula which she succeeded. This captured elder Cang's attention, and after testing a few more pill formulas, he was astounded by her talent. He hurriedly claimed her as a disciple-in-name lest she is snatched away by the other pill refiner elder of the inner sect.

As she was still in outer sect she could only be a disciple-in-name. Elder Cang promised to take her as his disciple if she could get into inner sect in the upcoming sect trials.

Even after gaining such an honour, Wan Bei didn't become arrogant but maintained a modest and calm attitude, earning the praises of many.

But who knew the girl was now at the highest peak of her arrogance and pride inside her heart.

Well, the girl advanced into a whole new level of pomposity. Her life in the Celestial Jade sect for the past six months opened her eyes to a whole new world different from her past immature and narrow world view.

She now understood what to choose --between a crown princess position of a small country that will eventually enslave her or a strong independent cultivator who has free rein over her life, that provides her with chances to explore beyond the limits and horizons.

With her superior ability, it would only be a matter of time when she can catch up with the top hundred disciples of the outer sect.

She enjoyed this life of fame, admiration and worship, so her flame with Chu Tianyin started cooling down.

She didn't want her life to be dictated by others, so she gave up on the crown princess title.

After all, when she grows stronger, she would have her share of suitors so why should she cling onto to some measly title in exchange for her freedom?

With this attitude, Wan Bei started to mould herself into a new version of herself.

Her beauty was rarely seen, so she adopted a modest, less spoken and mysterious but strong and independent personality. She wanted others to admire her and hold her in awe, not the other way round.

It can be said that she succeeded in transforming herself. She became the talk of the sect, a subject of envy and jealousy among her peers. Many wanted to woo her but still held back fearing the power behind her.

She became the idol for all female disciples, who then strived hard to cultivate themselves. Watching their female friends working hard to become something, how could the male disciples sit back?.

The overall change brought about was appreciated by the masters of the sect who were happy to see their wards working very hard.

They, appreciated Wan Bei's influence on the sect unanimously giving her the titles of the best disciple, once in a decade talent, and modest beauty of the sect.

Chu Tianyin realized the growth of Wan Bei. Even though he loved and admired her potential, it could be said that his love for her was built upon the foundation of ulterior motives.

He ditched the trash Wan Huang and wooed Wan Bei mainly for her talent. Moreover, he needed the alliance of the Wan manor to sit stably upon the throne.

Wan Bei was the pawn. Blessed with looks, talent and family background she was the perfect candidate.

So he went against the old marriage agreement set by the Late emperor, framed Wan Huang and got together with Wan Bei to consolidate the alliance.

Everything went smoothly according to his plans. Both he and Wan Bei were selected together as Celestial Jade sect disciples.

Although his talent was inferior to hers, he carefully masked his inferior complex and magnanimously praised and encouraged her.

She was already trapped in his web of love and he was confident that he could clip her wings once they were together. But..

Things started going a bit out of his control from their first sect mission. Want Bei gained the recognition of many masters, so he had to manipulate her very carefully. 

Then she became the disciple-in-name of elder Cang. Her momentum was unstoppable and this threw Chu Tianyin into anxiety.

Before, he always hovered around her and took care of her like a responsible fiancee, released rumours about their engagement even though she wanted to keep it undercover. She too spoke sweet words to him and always fantasized about their future.

Now as she rose to fame, she started distancing from him. Whenever they met, she maintained a lukewarm attitude and rejected his advances with excuses.

He became anxious. Was she burning the bridge after crossing it?

He quickly penned a letter to his father emperor explaining the recent developments. He also reminded the Emperor of the consequences if the Wan family gained another powerful cultivator.

This reminder spurred the emperor to take actions to keep the Wan manor in check by releasing the decree for marriage between Wan Bei and the current crown prince Chu Tianyin on the first month of winter.