Volume One: Youth Enters the World Chapter 106: The Reason

The spirit ship docked, and Fang Tian and Mu Qiaoqiao stepped out of the cabin. Gazing upon the scenery of Aoki Island, they disembarked. At that moment, a few people approached from not far away, their faces alight with excitement as they hastened toward Fang Tian and Mu Qiaoqiao.

Fang Tian looked closely and recognized them as disciples of Clear Stream Sect. As they came near, they spoke with excitement: "Senior Brother Fang Tian, Junior Sister Mu, we never thought you would return alive—it's truly wonderful. At first, we feared..."

Fang Tian replied with a smile, "Rest assured, we are lucky enough not to die."

Mu Qiaoqiao interjected, "Where are the others? I don't see them."

"They've already returned to Clear Stream Sect. We stayed behind just to confirm whether you two could make it back safely. Now that we see you unharmed, we can rest easy," one of the disciples exhaled deeply, though his expression still held some doubt. After all, Zhao Guangji was a cultivator of the Spirit Seed Realm; even if Fang Tian was extraordinary, returning so quickly seemed implausible. He asked, "By the way, how did you escape from that island?"

Fang Tian, hearing the question and noticing their skeptical looks, realized they might not entirely believe him. After pondering for a moment, he offered a suitable explanation: "It's a long story. To defeat the chief, we had to work hard. In the end, it was only by joining forces with Qiaoqiao and catching the chief off guard that we managed to overcome him. Otherwise, we wouldn't have returned safely."

Upon hearing Fang Tian's account, the disciples' faces turned somewhat pale, as if they could hardly believe it. One said, "Senior Brother Fang Tian, are you saying the chief and his deputy both perished at your hands?"

Fang Tian's gaze remained steady. "Yes. The pirate threat has been resolved. This time, I owe much to Qiaoqiao, who risked her life by my side. Had it been just me alone, I doubt I could have escaped."

"You two are truly prodigies in cultivation. So young, yet possessing such strength—we can only look up to you," they said in disbelief. The idea that just two people could dispose of the pirates meant their combined power matched that of the Spirit Seed Realm. With such prowess, they could walk unchallenged across the Northern Sand Archipelago—no one would dare provoke them.

Yet, they recalled that Mu Qiaoqiao had been captured alongside them earlier and had shown no sign of her abilities. Why, then, did she suddenly erupt with power when leaving the island and assist Fang Tian in defeating the pirates? This was something they could not quite fathom.

Mu Qiaoqiao, standing nearby, watched Fang Tian concoct his tale. Although her expression remained calm, she wondered privately how he could lie so shamelessly, even involving her in the story—it felt somewhat unprincipled.

After all, even she did not know how Fang Tian had dealt with the pirates; she suspected he simply did not want others to know the methods he used.

Though she felt uneasy, she did not wish to probe further—after all, she herself harbored secrets she could not reveal.

Having calmed their astonishment, the disciple who spoke to Fang Tian continued, "Since the matter is resolved, let us return to Clear Stream Sect. Surely they are anxious; it would be best to go back as soon as possible."

Fang Tian nodded slightly. "Yes, once I return, I'll report the events to the Sect Master."

With that, Fang Tian and the others made their way toward Clear Stream Sect.

Within Clear Stream Sect, upon their return, Fang Tian and his companions proceeded to the Elder's Hall. At that time, the Sect Master had already been informed by others of their arrival and the situation. He sent for Fang Tian and Mu Qiaoqiao to come to the Elder's Hall, intending to inquire about the details.

Stepping into the grand hall, Fang Tian saw Xie Qing present as well. They exchanged smiles and greetings before Fang Tian walked up to the Sect Master, waiting for him to begin.

The Sect Master deliberated for a moment, then looked at the assembled Fang Tian and Mu Qiaoqiao and spoke: "I've heard what happened on the island from Xie Qing. Seeing you both unharmed brings me great relief. Yet, I cannot easily accept the betrayal of Fu Cang. You are new to Clear Stream Sect and may not know—I have been brothers-in-arms with him for decades. Who could have foreseen he would disregard the bonds of our sect and commit such a treacherous act? It is truly unexpected and chilling."

Fang Tian, seeing the Sect Master so moved, could only say, "Sect Master, the human heart is like this. One can only discern a little; to see it all is impossible."

"I have lived many years and know well how fickle the heart can be. Still, I must thank you for resolving the pirate threat and allowing our disciples to return safely."

"Please, Sect Master, it was my duty," Fang Tian replied quickly, seeing the Sect Master so courteous.

"Hearing you say this makes me happy. As for how you dealt with the pirates, I won't ask for details. After all, with your talent and strength, you are destined to leave the Northern Sand Archipelago and venture into broader realms. I hope that when you look back in the future, you remember this remote sea and the sect known as Clear Stream," the Sect Master said, knowing Fang Tian and Mu Qiaoqiao were exceptional and could not be viewed in an ordinary light.

Fang Tian felt a surge of emotion at these words, and he smiled, saying, "Sect Master, rest assured. I am someone who cherishes the past—I will remember."

"Hahaha, Clear Stream Sect is blessed indeed to have two such prodigies," the Sect Master laughed, joy evident on his face. After a moment of happiness, he continued, "Before I let you return to rest, there is one more thing I must say."

Fang Tian replied, "Please speak, Sect Master."

"There is something I have never told you. You know that, as the Hundred Islands Festival approaches, Clear Stream Sect seeks disciples far and wide, accepting all who are capable, giving them a chance to participate. But do you know why only Clear Stream Sect does this?"

"I do not understand. Please enlighten us," Fang Tian said, bowing.

"It is because Clear Stream Sect is subordinate to Cloud Mist Sect, one of the four major sects across the Sea of Nether Neighbors," the Sect Master said slowly.

Fang Tian was taken aback, unsure what to say.

"Sect Master, are you saying Clear Stream Sect is an affiliate of those great powers?" Mu Qiaoqiao asked, evidently knowing something of it.

The Sect Master nodded gently and continued, "Yes, hundreds of years ago, this place was discovered by powerful forces across the sea. Seeing that cultivators lived in the Northern Sand Archipelago, they wished to bring it under their sway. However, the distance made management difficult—they could not send many people here. Moreover, more than one power had learned of this place, and monopolizing it was unrealistic. So, for fairness, those major powers decided to hold a festival here every ten years. On one hand, it was to recruit talent; on the other, it allowed the islands that qualified to participate to pay a certain amount of spirit crystals. This way, under the pretext of recruiting, they could gain wealth from these islands and, in effect, control them."

Xie Qing interjected, "Sect Master, do the islands not know of this arrangement?"

The Sect Master answered, "They do. But for the sake of their future, they must abide by the major powers. Simply living here is not enough to reach the highest realms of cultivation. So, rather than complain, they strive to cultivate their most gifted youth, hoping that one day their chosen will train with the great powers, succeed, and return to help them leave for better lands. Such things have indeed happened before; surely, you have heard of it."

Fang Tian spoke up, "Sect Master, are you referring to the Heavenly Sword Sect incident?"

The Sect Master smiled, "Yes, it seems you know much."

Mu Qiaoqiao then asked, "Sect Master, what does all this have to do with Clear Stream Sect being an affiliate?"

"I tell you this to help you understand the origins of the Hundred Islands Festival. As for why Clear Stream Sect is a subordinate, it is to keep constant watch over this area. Fu Cang and I came from across the sea twenty years ago. Now, my term is complete; after this festival, I may leave."

Xie Qing exclaimed, "Sect Master, you and Uncle Fu Cang came from across the sea?"

"Yes, we grew up together in Cloud Mist Sect, training side by side. Our cultivation aptitude was not the best, and we were chosen by the sect to be sent here."

"Sect Master, knowing he was about to leave, why did Fu Cang do such a thing?" Fang Tian asked, unable to understand Fu Cang's actions.

"I suspect he wished to gather more resources for cultivation before departing. After all, cultivators value such things. We spent twenty years here, never neglecting our training, yet our realms did not advance. He may have grown restless and greedy, leading him to collude with the pirates."

"I see. I suppose I can understand him," Fang Tian sighed softly.

Mu Qiaoqiao frowned and suddenly asked, "Sect Master, why are you telling us all this?"

The Sect Master smiled faintly, thinking to himself how many doubts the girl harbored. Still, he answered, "I tell you this so that, when it comes time to choose a sect, you will consider Cloud Mist Sect. During the festival, I will recommend you to them; I hope you think it over carefully."

Mu Qiaoqiao fell silent, lost in thought.

Xie Qing then said, "Since Sect Master wishes us to join Cloud Mist Sect, let's do so. After all, isn't cultivation the same anywhere? What do you say, Junior Sister Mu, Brother Fang Tian?"

Fang Tian's gaze was calm as he nodded. He had no strong opinions; as Xie Qing said, it made no difference to him where he trained, so long as he could leave.

Mu Qiaoqiao saw Fang Tian had no objection, so she nodded in agreement and asked no further questions.

"Excellent," the Sect Master said, seeing all three without objection, feeling deeply satisfied.