Chapter 37: Name on wall

The news spread like wildfire throughout the Outer Sect of the Fiery Fire Sect. You see, Elod was on the verge of breaking through to the Sixth Level of the Earth Spirit Realm, which made him quite respected and powerful among the Outer Sect Disciples. Reaching the Sixth Level of the Earth Spirit Realm could have given him a chance to shine at the Outer Sect Disciple Conference and catch the attention of Inner Sect Elders, paving the way for him to become an Inner Sect Disciple and soar in strength. But who could have imagined that he would meet such a tragic end in Fiery Fire City? Some Outer Sect Elders carefully examined Elod's body. "Before he died, he had been hit several times, with multiple fractures." "The person who killed him must have been physically strong!" "He was ultimately pierced through the forehead, not by something sharp, but by brute force!" The Outer Sect Elders concluded that Elod's killer must have been quite powerful, likely around the Sixth Level of Earth Spirit Realm. After killing him, the perpetrator had covered their tracks very carefully, showing themselves to be quite meticulous! Of course, conflicts and even deaths among disciples were not uncommon in such a large sect. And considering Elod's relatively low status, after some investigation, the matter was left at that. But some Outer Sect Disciples sensed that something was amiss. Elod had been cursing Iwao outside his courtyard during the day, yet he was ambushed and killed on his way back to the sect at night. Wasn't that a bit too coincidental? Could it be Iwao who did it? But that didn't make sense. If Iwao had the strength to do it, why didn't he accept Elod's challenge earlier? He endured being cursed for so long and was even labeled as a "coward." What was the point? In the courtyard, Tammy knocked on Iwao's door with some pastries. "Sis!" Iwao opened the door. He was shirtless, and sweaty, his muscles bulging, exuding immense strength. "Iwao, have some pastries first." Tammy walked into the room. "Have you heard? Elod was killed last night on his way back to the sect. It was a gruesome sight!" "What? Elod is dead?" Iwao showed a perfectly timed shock, his eyes filled with surprise and disbelief. Tammy stared at him for a while, then looked away. She had suspected her brother at first, but seeing his genuine shock, it was clear he had just learned about it too and probably wasn't involved. Besides, her brother had always been obedient and kind-hearted. How could he stoop to secretly killing someone? Tammy thought for a moment. "It must be his enemies. He was arrogant and domineering in the sect, making enemies was inevitable." "What a pity!" Iwao shook his head. "The reason I've been cultivating so hard is to challenge him myself and make him pay for humiliating our sister. But I didn't expect him to die before I could even do anything!" Die before he could do anything? That's an interesting way to put it... Tammy looked serious. "Iwao, you came to the sect to cultivate, not to cause trouble. Promise me, don't pick fights with others outside. We don't have any backing and can easily be bullied. We need to keep a low profile!" "Great!" Iwao nodded obediently. "So sweet." Tammy smiled contentedly, reaching out to ruffle Iwao's hair. "Last time, when Rana was treating me, she said that once I recover from this bout of influenza, I can start practicing again. Even though I won't be able to become a Beast Tamer without an Illusionary Beast, I can still embark on other paths of cultivation!" "Really?" Iwao looked surprised. Could his sister, who missed the prime age for cultivation, really start again? But if Rana said so, there must be some truth to it! He would ask her again next time. "The pastries you made are delicious, sis." Iwao smiled as he ate the pastries. "What, pastries?" Swallow dashed out of the training room, looking excited, which amused Tammy. "Here, plenty of pastries for you!" Tammy handed him the tray to taste. Swallow took a bite and his eyes lit up! "Mmm, delicious!" He didn't even bother to lift his head, just kept eating. "Damn, are you a pig? Save some for me!" Not wanting to be left behind, Iwao joined in the scramble with Swallow. Tammy watched the scene quietly, a gentle smile spreading across her face. If they could just live peacefully like this forever, it would be wonderful. ... ... Noon arrived. Benny came to Iwao's courtyard again, hurling insults once more. He believed that if he insulted Iwao enough, Iwao would eventually come out and fight him! After all, who could endure such unbearable insults? Even the other Outer Sect Disciples watching felt uncomfortable hearing them. And Iwao, even more so. For Benny, this fight was necessary! Iwao was the only Outer Sect Disciple who attracted so much attention. If he could defeat Iwao, he would instantly become the focus of attention among the Elders in the sect. Maybe he could even enter the Inner Sect because of it! His plan was well thought out. Except for one thing... He shouldn't have insulted Tammy along with Elod yesterday! "Bro Benny, Senior Elod was found dead on the streets of Fiery Fire City yesterday. You, you didn't hear about it?" An Outer Sect Disciple approached, looking puzzled. "I know, do you think that trash Iwao did it?" Benny raised an eyebrow, then chuckled. "If he had the guts, he would have come out to face the challenge yesterday. Why hide and avoid showing up? Enduring insults all day long, does that feel good?" "Huh, that makes sense." The Outer Sect Disciple nodded in agreement. In the training room, Iwao stood by the wall, lost in thought. After a moment, he reached out and crossed out the name "Elod" on the wall. After pondering for a while, he added a dash next to Elod's name and rewrote the words "Clark Family"! The Clark Family was one of the four major families in the Great Cyan Empire, quite influential. But for Iwao now, they weren't that intimidating! The strongest in the Clark Family should be the patriarch, Sean Clark! It was said that Sean had reached the Sixth Level of the Earth Spirit Realm in his early years, but Iwao wasn't sure if he had progressed in recent years. Even if he had, the strongest would only be at the Seventh Level of Earth Spirit Realm! The Clark Family already had deep-seated enmity with him, and now with Elod dead at his hands, they would surely seek revenge. He needed to find an opportunity to eliminate them! Then, Iwao continued writing. Hevel! Doris! Elian! The royal family of the Great Cyan Empire! ... Julio! Mateo! Anyone who had crossed him had their names written on the wall. This was Iwao's way of reminding himself never to forget his blood-like hatred. It also served as a motivation to keep moving forward, and never to retreat! After finishing writing all this, Iwao turned his gaze to Benny's name on the wall. A smirk formed at the corner of his mouth. "Next, it's your turn!"