Chu Ge, of course, had no idea that his aloof and proud master was currently watching him, as well as the movements of everyone outside the Punishment Hall.
Facing Ye Chen, who had now stepped close, Chu Ge felt a ripple of emotion stir within him.
This was the first time this so-called "villain" was confronting the Child of Fate head-on.
Although up until now, his actions had hardly aligned with those of a villain—the title seemed almost undeserved.
"Chu Ge!"
Before Chu Ge could speak, Ye Chen called out, his tone thick with hatred. Even those unfamiliar with the history between them could sense the intensity of the emotion in his voice.
"This Ye Chen is truly audacious! His attitude is so insolent, daring to call Senior Brother Chu Ge by name!"
"Don't you understand? This guy, having just entered the sect, dares to offend the Dantai family. He's obviously lawless and reckless!"
The surrounding voices buzzed with discussion. Chu Ge, however, merely smiled.
"Junior Brother Ye Chen, is there something you wish to discuss?"
His tone was calm, yet his eyes looked down on Ye Chen with disdain. Seeing the deep hostility burning in Ye Chen's gaze, the smile on Chu Ge's lips gradually turned icy.
Though he was smiling, it instilled an inexplicable unease in those watching!
Ye Chen's insolence naturally meant Chu Ge would not bother with polite pretenses or surface civility.
He was tall and imposing, older than Ye Chen, and even among peers, his presence was naturally commanding.
Now, looking down at Ye Chen, an overwhelming pressure emanated from him, spreading across the space.
'Ye Chen! What exactly are you trying to do? This person is far beyond your ability to confront!'
The voice in his mind continued to echo, but Ye Chen ignored it entirely.
Chu Ge's eyes, brimming with contempt, were like a spark dropped onto kindling—fanning the flames of Ye Chen's anger ever higher.
Fortunately, he still retained a shred of reason, and did not act impulsively.
"Chu Ge, you're also a newly inducted disciple. One month from now, at the Grand Competition, I'll be waiting for you."
Suppressing his rage, Ye Chen spoke in a low, tense voice.
"The Grand Competition?"
Chu Ge raised an eyebrow and glanced at Su Lingyuan beside him; he was unaware of the event.
"Hmm, I think there's something like that, but you're already a direct disciple now. You don't need to participate."
Seeing Chu Ge's puzzled expression, Su Lingyuan explained.
Chu Ge nodded at her words.
Seeing him not respond immediately, Ye Chen grew somewhat impatient: "Chu Ge, could it be that, as a direct disciple, you're afraid to spar with us newly inducted disciples?"
His words caused many inner sect disciples nearby to frown, though some eyes gleamed subtly, quietly observing Chu Ge.
Ye Chen stared directly at Chu Ge, waiting for an answer.
He needed an opportunity to face Chu Ge head-on—to prove himself and dispel the obsession gnawing at his heart.
He had begun to realize that recently, Chu Ge had become a shackle on him, turning his once-smooth path of cultivation into obstacles. He had to break this.
"Junior Brother Ye Chen, you seem rather impatient."
Ye Chen's frustration was evident, but Chu Ge remained composed, like a fisherman patiently waiting.
When someone becomes anxious, they easily lose reason and make mistakes. Chu Ge was more than happy to see Ye Chen in such a state.
"You seem eager to seek instruction from me, Junior Brother. But as for me, my recent training has all been arranged by our master. Participating in the Grand Competition isn't part of the plan. I'm afraid you'll be disappointed."
Chu Ge smiled lightly, unfazed by Ye Chen's furrowed brow and unwavering gaze.
"Chu Ge, don't make excuses! You're also a newly inducted disciple. Even as a direct disciple now, that fact doesn't change. Participation in the Grand Competition is only natural!"
"Or are you afraid? Afraid of failure? Afraid your current status will be shattered by defeat?"
Ye Chen's voice suddenly rose, sharp enough to make people flinch.
Many inner sect disciples were stirred by his words, their gazes toward Chu Ge subtly shifting.
Chu Ge took everything in, his expression unchanged.
'Heh, the aura of the Child of Fate, I see?'