Chapter 42: Uncertain

Juns words echoed in the grand living room, causing Elder Lili and her disciples to be confused.

"Your done? As in you gave up done?" she asked, her voice tinged with incredulity.

Jun placed the book aside and turned his gaze directly into Elder Lili's caramel eyes head on.

"You misunderstood me, I meant I'm done with our little challenge" he clarified, his tone even but firm.

"You mean..." Elder lili couldn't even complete her sentence from what she was hearing. He was done? Thats absolutely impossible! If he took at least 1 day, it would be possible to believe him as a monster genius never before seen but this? This is just not humanly possible.

Elder Lili's heart skipped a beat. "Then show me, I've seen plenty of brats like you who like to brag" she demanded, though her voice wavered slightly, betraying her growing unease. Deep down, a nagging fear began to sprout—the fear of facing something utterly beyond her comprehension.

Jun smirked and ran the Scarlet rage technique but only to the elementary understanding. If he were to show that he completely mastered the technique in less than a minute...

Running the technique, Jun felt the energy in his body start to move rapidly, holding immense power as if vibrating at a much higher rate than normal attack energy which inspired him for future ideas. 

Slowly, Jun saw his body outline start to glow a deep scarlet red color which showed exactly where the name derived from. Feeling the strong energy coursing through his body, Jun felt his strength had doubled, unfortunately, no wind came from this power so nothing was knocked over to demonstrate just how amazing it was.

"Satisfied?" Jun asked, a smirk playing on his lips.

Elder Lili got up and walked past Jun who was glowing a scarlet red and snatched the book off the couch wanting to confirm if she gave him the correct one. Her hands trembled as she pored over the pages, searching for any sign of trickery. But the book was just as she remembered it.

Jun could already anticipate her reaction, heck he enjoyed this part very much. The look of pure shock on people's faces, once he did the impossible right in front of their faces was intoxicating.

Jun couldn't really see the expression on her face since she was so close to the book, trying to analyze every single detail.

Setting the book down, Elder Lili's face was no longer just shocked; it was etched with pure terror. Her eyes, once confident and commanding, now mirrored the fear of a child who had stumbled upon a nightmare.

Her breath hitched, and she took an involuntary step back, whispering in a voice barely above a gasp, "Mo... monster..."

This wasn't the reaction he was expecting, turning to look at Yinling, her reaction mirrored his.

Yinling, echoing Jun's confusion, spoke. "Elder Lili?" she inquired, her voice laced with concern.

In a whisper, Elder Lili spoke "What the... what the hell are you!" 

Jun's heart pounded against his chest, the unexpected terror in Elder Lili's eyes sending a chill down his spine.

Yinling, sensing Jun's shock, reached for his hand, intertwining her fingers with his. Jun clutched her hand tightly, drawing a small measure of comfort from her touch.

Back to Elder Lilis disciples, Yu Zhu saw everything happen, and at first, he was skeptical of Juns boasting and doubted whether he could complete the challenge. Yet not even a minute had passed and he said has done. Yu Zhu wanted to call Jun out for lying but then suddenly his body started to glow a scarlet red which signified the hallmark of this technique.

Just this sight alone shattered his worldview, he couldn't believe what he was seeing. Was he sent here by other peaks to laugh at them? So many questions were rattling his mind yet it was his master's words that brought him back to reality.

"master..." Yu Zhu spoke weakly.

Elder Lili, her usual composure shattered, collapsed back onto the couch. Her body seemed to fold in on itself as she grappled with the reality unfolding before her. "How... how did he..." she murmured, her voice laced with horror.

The sight of Jun, a mere foundation establishment cultivator, gaining an understanding of the Scarlet Rage in under a minute was beyond her grasp. It defied everything she knew about cultivation, about the natural order of their world.

Noticing the concerned glances from her disciples, Elder Lili quickly collected herself, straightening up with a forced smile. "Forgive me, that was...unexpected," she said, her voice tinged with a mix of embarrassment.

Jun kept holding Yinlings hand but didn't know how to respond so he just nodded.

"if you need me, ill be on the 4th floor" and with that Elder Lili walked away leaving her disciples and Juns group stunned at what had happened.

Yu Lu, sensing the need to ease the tension, stepped forward with a respectful bow. "Please excuse our master; she's just...overwhelmed."

"Well..." Jun, slightly uncomfortable with the formal gesture replied "shes also our master now, so no need for formalities"

"Understood" Yu Lu stood up straight "Would you like for me to guide you around the sect to let you become familiar?

"Actually, just showing us to our room would be great," Yinling interjected, her voice weary from the day's events.

Yu Lu nodded and led the way through the quiet corridors, his own thoughts a tumult of confusion and dread.

Zhanshi saw Jun and Yinling walk away but it didn't register with him. Why did their master react this way? Thoughts like this riddles not just him but their fellow disciples.

---

Their footsteps echoed off the walls of the grand hallway as they followed Yu Lu who hadn't spoken a word since the event. Finally after a little while, they arrived to a large door. 

"Thank you," Jun said as Yu Lu nodded and hurried off, clearly still processing the day's revelations.

Turning to Yinling, Jun offered a wry smile. "Well, that was... an experience."

Yinling squeezed his hand gently, her eyes reflecting a mix of concern and affection. "Jun..."

They entered their new quarters, greeted by the luxury of finely crafted furniture and a comforting aroma that filled the room. Settling onto the plush couch, Jun's eyes suddenly sparkled with determination.

"Alright, enough of this! Time to start cultivating!" he declared, his usual enthusiasm returning.

Yinling's face lit up at his words, her beautiful face echoing a gentle smile at seeing Jun back.