Suddenly, Song Daren felt as if he had been struck by a heavy blow. The sound echoed in his ears like celestial music. After a moment, he snapped out of his daze and swiftly turned around, only to see five or six female disciples standing behind him. From their attire, it was clear they were from the Small Bamboo Peak, a sect of the Azure Ethereal Conclave that only accepted female disciples.
At the forefront of the group stood a beautiful woman with an oval face, her hair flowing like a cloud, her skin as fair as snow, and a faint smile on her lips.
Zhang Xiaofan glanced at the woman, intending to ask which sect she belonged to. However, when he turned back, he saw Wu Dayi, Zheng Dali, and He Dazhi all wearing strange smiles. A thought struck him, and he looked at Song Daren, who, despite usually being sharp and capable, now wore a silly grin, seemingly at a loss for words.
He thought for a moment and then guessed the woman’s identity.
Sure enough, He Dazhi and the others were about to watch the show, but Song Daren had suddenly fallen into a daze. His blank expression was not only unbearable for the disciples of the Big Bamboo Peak, but also caused the female disciples of the Small Bamboo Peak to cover their mouths and giggle.
The beautiful woman standing in front of Song Daren blushed slightly and called softly, “Senior Brother Song.”
Song Daren, still in a daze, failed to react, and the impatient He Dazhi immediately chimed in, “Haha, Senior Sister Wen Min, it’s been a long time! How have you been?”
Wen Min’s lovely eyes lingered on the lean man for a moment before she smiled, “This must be Senior Brother He Dazhi, right?”
He Dazhi nodded repeatedly, “That’s me. It’s amazing you remember me, Senior Sister Wen. We only met once, a century ago. I’m truly honored.”
Wen Min smiled, “How could I forget? Senior Brother He’s prowess in the last competition was quite impressive.”
He Dazhi blushed, recalling how he had been defeated in the first round by a powerful opponent from the Longevity Peak. Yet, he managed to laugh it off, saying, “Let’s not dwell on the past. My modest skills are far inferior to yours and our master. Speaking of which, our master has been thinking about you a lot since the last trial.”
Wen Min blushed again but didn’t respond, glancing at Song Daren. Her younger sisters, however, burst into laughter.
Song Daren, a rough and hearty man, now looked as awkward as a bashful youth. He quickly defended himself, “No, no, I haven’t been…”
“Really?” A young woman behind Wen Min interrupted, “So, you don’t miss Senior Sister Wen Min?”
Song Daren’s heart skipped a beat. He stole a glance at Wen Min, who was looking at him, her beautiful eyes unblinking.
Panicking, he blurted out, “No, no, I do miss her…”
“Haha!”
Both the Big Bamboo Peak and Small Bamboo Peak disciples laughed, especially the young women behind Wen Min, whose laughter was particularly loud, drawing the attention of other sects nearby.
Once the laughter subsided, He Dazhi addressed the Small Bamboo Peak disciples, “Ladies, what our senior brother meant was that he doesn’t always think of Senior Sister Wen, but he does remember her often.”
“So what is it then?” one of the Small Bamboo Peak disciples asked, still laughing.
He Dazhi smiled, “He thinks of Senior Sister Wen every moment, so he says he doesn’t constantly miss her.”
Everyone roared with laughter, and Song Daren glared at He Dazhi, while Wen Min merely smiled, showing no sign of anger. Song Daren felt a hint of joy and stammered, “Senior Sister Wen, they just like to joke. Don’t take it seriously.”
Wen Min chuckled, turning to quiet her giggling sisters before looking at Song Daren, “So, what do you really think?”
Song Daren grimaced, muttering, “I, I, I…” but unable to say more. The girls couldn’t help but laugh again.
Wen Min shook her head, gave him a look, and walked to Tian Ling’er, taking her hand and examining her. “You must be Junior Sister Ling’er, right?”
Tian Ling’er was surprised, “Yes! How did you know, Senior Sister Wen?”
Wen Min smiled, “You often visit our Small Bamboo Peak with Aunt Su Ru. We’ve known you for years. You’ve grown even more beautiful.”
Tian Ling’er held Wen Min’s hand, smiling, “No, I can’t compare to your beauty, Senior Sister Wen.” She leaned in and whispered, “Our senior brother is smitten with you, Senior Sister Wen.”
Wen Min glanced at Song Daren, who broke into a silly grin. Shaking her head, she said, “Your senior brother, what a thick-headed man.”
Tian Ling’er burst into laughter, feeling an instant connection with Wen Min. With a gentle pull, Wen Min led Tian Ling’er into the group of women, and they chatted happily, their laughter echoing around them, leaving Song Daren and the others sidelined.
Song Daren stood there, yearning to talk to Wen Min but unsure how to start. Zhang Xiaofan, watching, shook his head.
Just then, Du Bishu beside Zhang Xiaofan exclaimed, “Wow, there are more people coming!”
Zhang Xiaofan, curious, turned to see a group of thirty or so men in white robes, exuding a confident, almost arrogant, aura. But the few at the front were particularly impressive, especially the one in the lead, a handsome, snow-white-clad figure—Qi Hao.
Qi Hao!
Zhang Xiaofan repeated the name in his mind, and heard He Dazhi mutter, “The Dragon Summit sect truly has many followers.”
Qi Hao spotted the Big Bamboo Peak disciples and approached, followed by his group.
“Senior Brother Song, good to see you again,” Qi Hao greeted with a bow.
Song Daren returned the greeting, “Senior Brother Qi, I see you’re here. Are you participating in the trials?”
Qi Hao smiled, “Originally, I didn’t want to, but my master thought I needed more practice and ordered me to participate. So, I’m here.”
Song Daren nodded, “That’s great. With your talent, victory is certain.”
Qi Hao shook his head, “You flatter me, Senior Brother Song.”
As they exchanged pleasantries, Zhang Xiaofan scanned the group and saw Lin Jingyu, who was also looking around, clearly searching for something.
Their eyes met, and they were overjoyed, walking towards each other and grasping hands, speechless with emotion.
After a while, Lin Jingyu asked, “Xiaofan, are you participating in the trials?”
Zhang Xiaofan nodded, “Yes, my master was kind enough to let me join. What about you?”
Lin Jingyu replied, “I am too. Hmph, what’s so great about that short master of yours? When I visited you two years ago, he treated you so poorly…”
Zhang Xiaofan quickly defended, “No, he’s not like that. That day, he was just angry.”
Reunited, the friends didn’t want to dwell on such topics. Lin Jingyu changed the subject, “You’ve grown so much, Xiaofan. I barely recognize you!”
Zhang Xiaofan playfully punched him, “What, only you can grow tall? Not me?”
They laughed, talking freely, nothing held back. But Zhang Xiaofan, looking back, saw Qi Hao approaching Tian Ling’er and Wen Min. A sudden pain gripped his heart, and his face paled.
Lin Jingyu noticed, “What’s wrong, Xiaofan?”
Zhang Xiaofan forced a smile, “Nothing.” But his eyes were still fixed on Qi Hao.
Qi Hao, now in front of Tian Ling’er and Wen Min, greeted Tian Ling’er, “Junior Sister Tian, do you remember me?”
Tian Ling’er, who had been happily chatting with the Small Bamboo Peak women, blushed and said quietly, “Yes, Senior Brother Qi, hello.”
From a distance, Zhang Xiaofan saw Tian Ling’er’s blushing face, her big, watery eyes, and it felt like a knife to his heart.
“Xiaofan, what’s wrong? Why are you so pale?” Lin Jingyu asked, concerned.
“It’s nothing. I’m fine,” Zhang Xiaofan mumbled.
Wen Min, perceptive, understood. She turned to Qi Hao, “Senior Brother Qi, do you only recognize Junior Sister Tian and ignore us, the sisters of the Small Bamboo Peak?”
Her words prompted the other women to protest, and Qi Hao quickly replied, “Of course not, Senior Sister Wen. I would never be so disrespectful.”
Wen Min smiled, “Are you aiming for the title this time, Senior Brother Qi?”
A flash of determination appeared in Qi Hao’s eyes, “Senior Sister Wen, you passed three rounds in the last trial, only to be defeated by Senior Brother Xiao Yicai. I’m sure you’ve improved greatly under Master Water Moon. You must be here to win, right?”
Wen Min smiled, “I’m not as skilled as you, Senior Brother Qi. And the title of the best disciple of the Small Bamboo Peak is not mine to claim.”
Qi Hao frowned, “You’re too modest…”
Wen Min laughed, “Not at all. Master Water Moon’s wisdom is beyond mine. There are other talented sisters in our sect. Be careful, Senior Brother Qi.”
Qi Hao’s eyes shone, but he smiled, “Even better. Whoever can defeat you, Senior Sister Wen, must be extraordinary. I look forward to meeting them.”
Wen Min nodded, letting go of Tian Ling’er, who was reluctant to leave.
Suddenly, a sharp, thunderous cry echoed across the square, startling everyone.
Hundreds of Azure Ethereal Conclave disciples looked up, seeing a red light streaking across the sky. It stopped above the square, revealing a red celestial sword emitting divine energy, with a Longevity Peak Taoist standing on it. He addressed the gathered disciples, “Fellow disciples, the sect leader and the heads of the sects request all participants to gather at the Jade Purity Hall.”
The wind blew, and the clouds drifted. The square buzzed with activity as disciples began to move.
Zhang Xiaofan, expecting the highly skilled disciples to fly, was surprised to see them walking. He and Lin Jingyu walked together, noticing Tian Ling’er and Wen Min chatting cheerfully, while Song Daren and the others followed behind.
The Dragon Summit sect sent seven or eight disciples, including Qi Hao, who greeted the other sects warmly, calling out names and shaking hands. His charm was evident, and everyone greeted him warmly.
“Senior Brother Qi is very sociable,” Lin Jingyu observed, noting Zhang Xiaofan’s gaze. “He’s also highly skilled and respected by Master Cangsong. Everyone in the conclave respects him.”
Zhang Xiaofan nodded, his expression unreadable.
As they reached the end of the square, they came to the Rainbow Bridge, a magical structure. Zhang Xiaofan and Lin Jingyu had walked this path five years ago, and now, they felt a mix of nostalgia and wonder.
As they stepped onto the bridge, the clear water on either side shimmered with a rainbow, reminding them of their journey from unknowing boys to Azure Ethereal Conclave disciples.
Lin Jingyu sighed, “Five years, huh?”
Zhang Xiaofan remained silent, his thoughts on the unchanged scenery. As they ascended, the clouds fell below, and the clear blue sky stretched above.
“Why don’t you fly up there?” Zhang Xiaofan suddenly asked.
Lin Jingyu looked surprised, “Don’t you know? In the vicinity of the Longevity Peak’s main hall, we are not allowed to fly. Senior Brother Qi told me that it’s to show respect to the main peak and to walk the sacred ground of the Jade Purity Temple. Also, it’s said that the Azure Ancestor set a powerful restriction, the ‘Immortalbane Nexus,’ on the peak. Anyone who dares to fly over it will be attacked.”
Zhang Xiaofan was shocked, “No wonder no one is flying. Is the ‘Immortalbane Nexus’ that powerful?”
Lin Jingyu gazed at the towering peak, “I’ve never seen it, but it’s said to be extremely potent. The Azure Ancestor created it, and a thousand years ago, the Master Qingye enhanced it. Since then, no one has dared to cause trouble on our mountain.”
Zhang Xiaofan looked at the majestic peak, “Amazing!”
As they walked, Zhang Xiaofan observed the young elites. Most were male, with only about thirteen or fourteen female disciples, mostly from the Small Bamboo Peak. Each, whether male or female, exuded a remarkable aura, making it clear that the future of the conclave was bright.
After the Rainbow Bridge, they reached the Blue Water Pool, home to the conclave’s spirit beast, the Water Kirin. Unlike five years ago, the ancient beast, revered as the ‘Spirit Venerable,’ was basking in the sun, though it still looked as lazy as ever.
The disciples bowed to the giant creature, then ascended the steps to the Jade Purity Temple.
Lin Jingyu whispered to Zhang Xiaofan, “Do you remember our first encounter here?”
Zhang Xiaofan nodded, “Yes, we got soaked, but that was nothing compared to seeing such a huge beast. It scared me to death.”
Lin Jingyu smiled, “In the Grass Temple Village, we never saw anything like it. I thought the biggest animal was the bear on the mountain!”
Zhang Xiaofan laughed, drawing the attention of others. Startled, he stopped, and Lin Jingyu coughed, blushing.
The others turned away, and Zhang Xiaofan relaxed, sharing a smile with Lin Jingyu.
As they walked down the Rainbow Bridge, they reached the Blue Water Pool and bowed to the Water Kirin. But the beast, fast asleep, showed no reaction.
After bowing, they ascended the steps.
Zhang Xiaofan said, “Jingyu, when you came to the Big Bamboo Peak, I didn’t get to congratulate you. I can’t believe how much you’ve improved in just a few years.”
Lin Jingyu smiled, “It’s all thanks to Master Cangsong and the other senior brothers. But for the first few years, every time I trained, I thought of the bloody corpses in the Grass Temple Village. I was determined to avenge my parents and the villagers.”
Zhang Xiaofan felt a pang and patted Lin Jingyu’s shoulder. Lin Jingyu composed himself, “Enough of the past. How is your training?”
Zhang Xiaofan shook his head, “I’m not as smart as you. On the Big Bamboo Peak, my master and the senior brothers have been kind, but I’m too slow in my progress. I feel I’m letting them down.”
Lin Jingyu snorted, “You’re not slow. Your short master probably hasn’t taught you the true methods of the Azure Ethereal Conclave.”
Zhang Xiaofan was surprised that Lin Jingyu still held a grudge against Master Tian, “No, he’s not like that. Forget it. What about your weapon, the ‘Dragon Slaying Sword’?”
Lin Jingyu nodded, “It’s a treasured sword, and Master Cangsong bestowed it upon me. It’s powerful and has a spirit, greatly aiding my cultivation.”
Zhang Xiaofan envied him, “That’s wonderful.”
Lin Jingyu smiled, “And you, Xiaofan, do you have a weapon?”
Zhang Xiaofan hesitated, feeling the coolness of the ‘Burner Stick’ in his pocket, “No, I’m not skilled enough to use a weapon.”
Lin Jingyu reassured him, “Don’t worry, Xiaofan. Just keep practicing. We’re young, and this is a chance to learn.”
Zhang Xiaofan’s lips twitched, but he felt no comfort. Learn? Everyone thought he was here just to learn. Suddenly, a surge of anger burned within him, but it quickly faded.
He lowered his head, not speaking, not even blaming his friend, because he realized he thought the same way.
Suddenly, the ‘Burner Stick’ in his pocket reacted, sending a chill through his body, but it was soothing. Lin Jingyu didn’t notice.
As Zhang Xiaofan breathed a sigh of relief, a deafening roar erupted from behind them.
Not only Zhang Xiaofan, but even Lin Jingyu, who was far more skilled, was startled. The other disciples in front of them also froze, turning to see the Water Kirin, which had been sleeping, suddenly awake. Its eyes glowed with malice, its fur bristling, and its mouth wide open, revealing sharp fangs. It was in an attack stance, and its target was the disciples on the steps.
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