The Villain Spoiled the Female Leads Too Much, Isn’t It Only Natural They Fell? - Chapter 22:

Chapter 22:

As Ye Bufan began displaying his sword techniques, everyone’s attention gradually shifted to him. Even Su Wan’er slowly stopped her own movements to observe.

Though she disliked Ye Bufan, Su Wan’er had to admit that he indeed had unique insights into the Sword Dao. In fact, his comprehension today even surpassed her own. She snorted coldly, yet still said with disdain, “Talent is talent, but unfortunately, he doesn’t walk the righteous path.”

Even Li Yunchuan, the Grand Elder, couldn’t help but be surprised. Unexpectedly, aside from Gu Yun and Su Wan’er, another top-tier Sword Dao genius had appeared in the sect. Although Ye Bufan’s talent was far inferior to Gu Yun’s, it was on par with Su Wan’er’s. If he were allowed to grow, he too would surely become a formidable figure in the Sword Dao.

Moreover, compared to Su Wan’er’s elegance, Ye Bufan’s swordsmanship was fiercer and more domineering, aligning closely with Li Yunchuan’s own understanding of the Sword Dao. For a moment, he even developed an appreciation for Ye Bufan.

Seeing the admiring gazes of those around him, Ye Bufan grew even more proud. The humiliation he had suffered earlier finally felt balanced. After completing a full set of sword techniques, he sheathed his sword and respectfully said, “This disciple has finished his demonstration. I ask the Grand Elder for his critique.”

Li Yunchuan chuckled softly and said in a warm tone, “Not bad. To be able to bring out the Linghua Sword Technique to this level, your Sword Dao talent may have already surpassed mine when I was young.”

Hearing this, everyone couldn’t help but gasp. Who would have thought that Ye Bufan would receive such high praise from the Grand Elder? It seemed his future in the Primordial Holy Land was limitless.

Ye Bufan was ecstatic, and he proudly cast a glance at Gu Yun and Su Wan’er. However, Li Yunchuan added, “But, the murderous aura in your sword techniques is too heavy. This shows your heart still needs tempering.”

Ye Bufan quickly responded with false humility, “Thank you, Elder, for your guidance. I understand.” Inwardly though, he dismissed Li Yunchuan’s words entirely. What he truly wanted was to embarrass Gu Yun.

Thus, without waiting, he looked straight at Gu Yun and raised his voice, “This disciple has heard that the Holy Son is the foremost among our Primordial Holy Land’s inner disciples, his cultivation talent being unmatched. Therefore, I ask the Holy Son to also demonstrate what he has comprehended, so that we may broaden our horizons!”

As soon as these words fell, everyone was stunned. Especially the ordinary disciples—they looked at Ye Bufan in disbelief.

“This guy’s crazy, openly provoking the Holy Son?”

“Exactly. The Holy Son’s cultivation talent is indeed extraordinary, but it’s said he’s not skilled in the Sword Dao. Isn’t this deliberately trying to embarrass him?”

“But with so many people watching, if the Holy Son refuses, won’t that also look bad?”

Su Wan’er frowned deeply, worry flashing in her eyes as she looked toward Gu Yun.

Zhao Tiande immediately stood up, glaring coldly at Ye Bufan, “What kind of thing are you, daring to ask the Holy Son to demonstrate swordsmanship for you?”

Ye Bufan sneered, his eyes filled with mockery as he looked at Gu Yun, who had been sitting quietly without a word. With a smirk he said, “I am indeed nothing, just an ordinary disciple of the Primordial Holy Land. But even someone like me dares to display my comprehension before everyone. Could it be that the Holy Son doesn’t dare?”

Zhao Tiande’s face darkened, his anger boiling. To say any more would be to disgrace the Holy Son.

Yet through all of this, Gu Yun simply smiled without speaking, neither arguing nor showing any anger. His calm composure made even Li Yunchuan nod inwardly in admiration. Gu Yun not only had astonishing talent but also an exceptionally steady mind. Rare, truly rare.

In contrast, though Ye Bufan possessed some talent, he was restless, arrogant, and filled with hostility—instantly making him appear much dimmer in comparison. Still, Li Yunchuan felt an odd fondness for him and wanted to show him some care.

Just as Zhao Tiande was about to act, Li Yunchuan suddenly spoke, “Ye Bufan, restrain yourself. The Holy Son’s comprehension of the Sword Dao far surpasses yours. If he were to demonstrate, it might crush your confidence and damage your state of mind.”

Li Yunchuan could clearly see that while Ye Bufan had talent, his heart was unsettled and his hostility too heavy. He thought he could embarrass Gu Yun, but he didn’t realize Gu Yun’s Sword Dao understanding was far beyond his own. If Gu Yun truly displayed it, the blow to Ye Bufan’s heart would be devastating, hindering his cultivation.

Thus, Li Yunchuan spoke up to protect Ye Bufan. In truth, he was already considering taking Ye Bufan in as his personal disciple after the lecture.

But to the others, his words sounded like nothing more than an excuse for Gu Yun. After all, wasn’t it common knowledge that Gu Yun wasn’t skilled in swordsmanship? Where did this talk of “far surpassing” come from? Even if Gu Yun had talent, it wouldn’t be to the extent of shattering everyone else’s confidence. Unless… he had truly comprehended Sword Intent?

The disciples all kept their doubts silent, showing no outward disagreement.

Ye Bufan, however, felt that Li Yunchuan was deliberately protecting Gu Yun. Since they were clearly siding together, offending one or offending both made no difference. Grinding his teeth, he looked at Li Yunchuan and said, “Grand Elder, if the Holy Son has no comprehension and no ability, he should simply admit it openly. Why would you try to cover for him, pretending there’s something profound? I’ve always heard you were upright and fair, never currying favor, but today you lie for the sake of Gu Yun’s face?”

The moment he said this, everyone’s eyes widened in shock. Was this guy tired of living? Not only did he provoke Gu Yun, but he also publicly accused the Grand Elder?

Li Yunchuan trembled with fury. He had only spoken out of appreciation for talent, worried Ye Bufan might suffer a blow. Yet this boy dared to say he was lying for Gu Yun’s sake? To think he had just considered taking him as a disciple—what blindness! His earlier fondness vanished completely, replaced with disgust.

He snorted coldly, his voice sharp, “Fine. Since you don’t know what’s good for you, then I’ll stop meddling. Holy Son, as the foremost of the inner disciples, you bear the duty to guide your juniors. Step forth!”

Gu Yun chuckled lightly. This was precisely the moment he had been waiting for. Only after letting Ye Bufan make a fool of himself would his own display leave him dumbstruck. The only surprise was that Ye Bufan had gone so far as to insult the Grand Elder directly.

In the original novel, Li Yunchuan cherished Ye Bufan’s talent and often gave him extra care. But after today, that bond was surely severed. The old man had been utterly enraged. As Li Yunchuan had said, Ye Bufan truly didn’t know what was good for him.

Gu Yun slowly rose to his feet and said calmly, “Yes, this disciple accepts.”