Myth Beyond Heaven-Chapter 2786: Classic Drama

Linlin, noticing his expression, tilted her head. "Big Brother Yun, what's wrong?"

Yun Lintian shook his head. "Nothing. Just... reminiscing."

He listened further as the cultivators continued.

"Tch. The Ye Clan used to be so powerful, but now? Pathetic. Without Ye Xiu's talent, they're nothing."

"Still, canceling the engagement so publicly is humiliating. I heard the Nalan Clan even sent elders to formally sever ties in front of the entire Ye family!"

Yun Lintian shook his head. Yep. Textbook.

He almost expected to hear about a mysterious ring next.

Still, as amusing as it was, this had nothing to do with his mission. He turned his attention back to finding clues about the God of Death's torso.

The teahouse chatter grew more animated as another cultivator slammed his cup down. "You think that's the end of it? Zhang Weigou from the Zhang Clan just issued a public duel challenge to Ye Xiu!"

Laughter erupted at the table. "What? Fighting a cripple? How shameless!"

"Even crazier—Ye Xiu accepted!"

Yun Lintian's eyebrow arched. Accepted?

A crippled young master boldly accepting a duel from a rival suitor? That wasn't just pride—that was the confidence of someone who'd already found their golden finger.

Linlin licked pastry crumbs from her paws. "Big Brother Yun, why are you smiling?"

"Just appreciating the classics," Yun Lintian murmured. He tossed a spirit stone on the table. "Let's stay another day. I want to watch this duel."

The Next Day - Dueling Grounds

The arena was packed. Nobles, commoners, and even Profound Sky Academy disciples crowded the stands, buzzing with anticipation.

Yun Lintian observed from a secluded corner, his divine senses scanning the area. His gaze settled on Ye Xiu, who stood calmly in the center of the ring. The young master's aura was still weak—outwardly, a cripple. But Yun Lintian noticed a strange power similar to a death energy from Ye Xiu.

Could it be…?

At this moment, a sneering voice cut through the noise. "Ye Xiu! Still pretending to be unbroken?" Zhang Weigou strutted into the arena, his embroidered robes fluttering. "After today, even your own clan won't recognize your face!"

The crowd roared.

Ye Xiu merely smiled. "Begin whenever you're ready, Young Master Zhang."

Zhang Weigou's face darkened. With a flourish, he summoned a gleaming sword—a Earth-grade spiritual weapon. The audience gasped.

"First move!" Zhang Weigou lunged, his blade aimed straight for Ye Xiu's throat.

A collective wince rippled through the crowd—

Clang!

Ye Xiu's hand shot up, catching the blade bare-handed.

Silence.

Then—

Crack.

The Earth-grade sword shattered in Ye Xiu's grip.

Zhang Weigou stumbled back, eyes wide. "Impossible! You're—"

Ye Xiu's previously weak aura erupted. The sky darkened as a massive phantom—a towering, ancient figure—materialized behind him.

The crowd screamed. "Sky Profound cultivation! How!? Isn't he a cripple?"

Yun Lintian nearly applauded. Grandpa soul possession? System cheat? Doesn't matter—this kid's got style.

Zhang Weigou paled. "Y-you—"

Ye Xiu flicked his wrist.

Boom!

Zhang Weigou was sent flying out of the arena, crashing through three walls before embedding himself in a distant bell tower.

The silence was deafening.

Then—chaos.

"Nalan Clan canceled their engagement with this!?"

"Ye Clan's rising again!"

Yun Lintian chuckled as he watched Nalan Yanran's face turn ashen in the VIP seats. Ah, the sweet taste of regret.

He quietly followed Ye Xiu back to his clan.

Yun Lintian watched as Ye Xiu basked in his clan's praises, his previously despondent family members now looking at him with renewed hope. The young master maintained a calm demeanor, but Yun Lintian could see the quiet satisfaction in his eyes.

This kid really pulled off the classic comeback, Yun Lintian mused.

When the celebrations died down and Ye Xiu finally retreated to his private chambers, Yun Lintian followed silently, his presence completely undetectable.

Inside the dimly lit room, Ye Xiu let out a long exhale. His composed facade dropped slightly as he rubbed his temples. Then, with careful movements, he reached into his spatial ring and withdrew—

A black breastplate.

The moment it appeared, Hei Shou—hidden beneath Yun Lintian's sleeve—jerked violently, its fingers pointing urgently at the armor.

Yun Lintian's eyes narrowed. Without a doubt, this must be the God of Death's torso!

He hadn't expected to find it so easily—and certainly not like this. All because he'd wanted to watch a cliché cultivation drama unfold.

Ye Xiu ran his fingers over the breastplate's surface, his voice soft with gratitude. "Thank you... without you, I would still be that useless cripple."

The armor pulsed faintly in response, its dark surface shimmering with hidden power.

At that moment, Yun Lintian stepped out of the shadows.

Swoosh!

Ye Xiu's reaction was instantaneous. He whirled around, the breastplate clutched tightly in one hand while the other lashed out with a palm strike infused with Sky Profound Realm energy—

The attack froze midair.

Yun Lintian hadn't even raised a hand. The space around Ye Xiu simply solidified, locking him in place.

"Apologies for the intrusion," Yun Lintian said mildly. "I mean no harm."

Ye Xiu's eyes burned with defiance, but a flicker of fear lurked beneath. This level of suppression—it far surpassed anything he'd ever encountered.

Yun Lintian gestured to the breastplate. "I'm here for that. It belongs to... an old friend of mine."