They Regretted It After the One Everyone Hated Proved the Way

Jiang Zhuoyu, the Martial Star Immortal Venerable, sealed the Kunlun Mirror, a divine artifact, and spent half his cultivation. The backlash struck him, sending a wisp of his soul into the lower realm, where he had to endure three tribulations before he could return.

That wisp of his soul became the most hated disciple in a sect in the lower realm.

The most hated disciple had no name. Born in a patch of wild grass, he was given the name "A Xing." He wore old clothes, ate coarse bran, and lived in a woodshed.

He cultivated day and night, but never got the hang of it. His progress was negligible, and people mocked him.

He loved and revered his master, but his master never appreciated him, instead humiliating him as a sycophant and schemer.

Everyone's affection went to the junior disciple. As long as the junior disciple asked, the master and fellow disciples would give him every rare treasure in the world, just to make him smile.

Only Xie Wuning, a disciple of the outer sect, treated him gently and granted his every request. Jiang Zhuoyu was touched. He thought he would pick an auspicious day to confess his love, and perhaps they could flee the sect and live among mortals together.

Then one day, the junior disciple found him. His voice was as gentle as ever, but every word cut to the bone.

"A Xing, Senior Brother Xie and I have been in love for a long time. Once he passes his tribulation and enters the inner sect, we'll become cultivation partners."

"You have a spiritual bone in your body. It's just what we need to refine the pill he needs to pass his tribulation."

"I know you like him, A Xing. You wouldn't want to see him lose his soul and vanish, would you?"

On the day the lightning tribulation descended, Jiang Zhuoyu took all nine strikes head-on. His soul scattered, but his mind was clear.

So the three tribulations were the tribulation of master and disciple, the tribulation of brotherhood, and the tribulation of love.

Now that all three were over, the Martial Star Immortal Venerable's soul returned to his body.

Years later, a newly ascended immortal from the lower realm reported to the Martial Star Palace.

Jiang Zhuoyu had just captured a demon that had been wreaking havoc among mortals. He lowered his head to wipe his spiritual sword, his long hair loose, reclining lazily against the bedside.

He waited for the new immortal to introduce himself. After a long while, there was still no word. He looked up in confusion and met a pair of eyes filled with wild joy.

"A Xing, I've spent thirty years piecing your soul back together."

Xie Wuning's voice choked with emotion. He reached out to him, trembling. "A Xing, I've missed you so much."

Jiang Zhuoyu's expression turned cold. He sneered. "Guards, teach this new immortal lord the rules of the Heavenly Realm."

He left without sparing Xie Wuning a glance, leaving behind only a resolute figure.

"I have only ever had one name: Jiang Zhuoyu. Who is this A Xing you speak of?"

Theme: Treat others with sincerity.