Volume One: Youth Enters the World Chapter 111: The Arrival of a Visitor

A sharp reprimand left the few men visibly startled; they dared not breathe a word, sitting silently, one even hesitant to swallow the food still in his mouth.

Yin Tu, seeing their state, pressed his palm against his forehead, overwhelmed with helplessness. He sighed, thinking to himself what a hopeless bunch of incompetents they were.

At that moment, a companion beside him glanced at Yin Tu with a smile and said, “Yin Tu, enough. It’s not some huge matter. Look at how you’ve cornered them.”

Sighing, Yin Tu replied with worry, “Senior Brother Pu Mu, I have no choice. If I don’t take this approach, they’ll surely cause more trouble.”

Pu Mu sneered lightly, “At this rate, you’re no better than cowards. You guard Light Island, after all—it’s a subsidiary sect of our Red Sun Gate. What’s there to fear?”

Though Yin Tu felt somewhat uneasy hearing this, he did not retort, merely nodding. “Perhaps I’m holding back because of the island lord succession issue.”

“I’m telling you, there’s no need to be so cautious. Acting timidly only invites others to think we’re easy to bully. Do you understand?” Pu Mu’s tone was admonishing.

“You’re right, Senior Brother. Let’s not talk about this anymore. Here, I’ll drink to you.” Yin Tu smiled outwardly and raised his cup, though inwardly he wondered at Pu Mu’s reckless attitude. He began to doubt how Red Sun Gate had trained him—such arrogance, without protection, would surely lead to disaster.

Unaware of Yin Tu’s thoughts, Pu Mu nodded slightly and raised his cup as well.

The two drank down their wine and resumed enjoying the delicacies before them.

Meanwhile, after returning from the sect leader of Clear Stream Sect, Fang Tian had remained in his room. With only a few days left, he wished to pass the Hundred Islands Assembly peacefully. He feared that going out might bring trouble, so he resolved to focus entirely on cultivation and avoid leaving his quarters, sparing himself unnecessary complications.

The next day, while Fang Tian was still cultivating in his room, there came a knock at the door—not from Xie Qing this time, but from the Clear Stream Sect leader himself.

Fang Tian sighed in resignation; his well-laid plans disrupted by outside interference, he ceased his cultivation, got up, and opened the door.

Seeing the sect leader, Fang Tian greeted, “Sect Leader, what brings you to see your disciple?”

“Fang Tian, people from the Cloud Mist Island have arrived. Come with me to receive them,” the sect leader said directly.

Fang Tian nodded, understanding that such an occasion demanded proper etiquette.

Together, they descended the stairs.

Downstairs, most guests had arrived, except for Mu Qiaoqiao.

Curious, Fang Tian approached Xie Qing, “Has Qiaoqiao arrived? Have you seen her?”

Xie Qing shook his head, “I don’t know, but the innkeeper said Senior Sister Mu left early this morning and hasn’t returned yet.”

“When do you think the Cloud Mist Sect people will arrive?” Fang Tian asked.

“The sect leader said soon; they should be here shortly.”

“Alright.” Fang Tian took note but refrained from further questions.

Suddenly, Xie Qing leaned in and whispered, “Brother, do you know who owns the Cloud Cover Inn?”

“Isn’t it obvious? From the name alone, it belongs to the Cloud Mist Sect,” Fang Tian responded calmly.

“Oh, never mind,” Xie Qing quickly shut his mouth.

About fifteen minutes later, the Clear Stream Sect leader at the entrance turned and said to everyone, “They’re here. Come, let’s go out to greet them.”

Everyone nodded and followed the sect leader outside.

Not far off, several figures in pale blue and white robes approached. The Clear Stream Sect leader stepped forward, bowing with hands clasped, “Greetings, Elder Li Wei.”

Fang Tian and the others bowed in return.

Elder Li Wei’s gaze was calm as he nodded slightly before turning to a young man behind him. “Gong Bin, why aren’t you coming to pay respects to your Senior Brother Fu Xin?”

“Uncle, this senior brother’s cultivation level is way too low. After all these years, still stuck at the first level of the Spirit Seed Realm. Honestly, I don’t know how Master accepted such a disciple,” came a sneering, disdainful voice from behind Elder Li Wei. The young man looked at them arrogantly, full of contempt.

Fu Xin, the Clear Stream Sect leader, frowned lightly at the disrespectful words. Though displeased, he restrained himself to avoid losing composure.

Elder Li Wei glared at Gong Bin, scolding, “Silence! That is your senior brother. Show him respect.”

Gong Bin ignored the rebuke and continued, “He’s nothing special anyway. Look at those people—what a bunch of misfits. Some even at the sixth level of the Spirit Gathering Realm. I don’t see the point in recruiting these kinds of disciples.”

Fang Tian felt a flash of anger. This fellow truly had no filter and was even dragging him into the insult.

Elder Li Wei sighed helplessly and apologized to Fu Xin, “Fu Xin, Gong Bin has been spoiled by your master. Please don’t take it to heart.”

Fu Xin composed himself and smiled, “It’s nothing. I suppose he’s one of the master’s recent disciples.”

“Yes, this boy has incredible talent. The master dotes on him, but his blunt nature often offends others. With the Hundred Islands Assembly starting, the master thought it best for me to bring him out for some experience.”

“I see. Senior Uncle, you all must be weary from the journey. Why don’t you rest inside? I have already prepared rooms for you.”

Elder Li Wei nodded, “After such a long trip, we are indeed tired. Lead the way.”

“Very well.” Fu Xin led them toward the inn.

Just then, Mu Qiaoqiao, returning from outside, saw the group gathered at the inn entrance. Wearing a puzzled expression, she approached.

“Sect Leader, who are these people?”

Fu Xin smiled, “Come over here.”

Mu Qiaoqiao walked up and looked at Elder Li Wei and the others curiously.

After a brief introduction from Fu Xin, she respectfully cupped her hands and said, “Disciple Mu Qiaoqiao greets Elder Li Wei.”

Elder Li Wei appraised her briefly and, impressed that she was so young yet had reached the seventh level of the Spirit Gathering Realm, praised, “Not bad at all, young lady. You are quite impressive.”

“Thank you for the compliment, Elder,” Mu Qiaoqiao replied with a gentle smile.

“I did not expect to find such a promising talent here. Fu Xin, you have truly done a great service to the sect,” Elder Li Wei said with a smile directed at Fu Xin.

“It is merely my duty,” Fu Xin replied respectfully.

“This means the Cloud Mist Sect has gained another rare talent. What wonderful news. I must report this promptly. Once the Hundred Islands Assembly concludes, I will depart. To have such a prodigy is truly unexpected.”

Seeing Elder Li Wei’s excitement and joy, Fu Xin was pleased as well. With this recognition of his discerning eye, the sect would surely reward him, ensuring better cultivation resources in the future.

“Senior Uncle, perhaps we should go inside first?” Fu Xin suggested, feeling it awkward to remain outside with so many onlookers.

Elder Li Wei laughed awkwardly, “I am so pleased that I’ve forgotten my fatigue. Let’s go in.”

With that, Elder Li Wei and Fu Xin led the way, followed by the others into the Cloud Cover Inn.

As they ascended the stairs, a smiling figure approached Mu Qiaoqiao.

“Senior Sister Mu, hello.”

Mu Qiaoqiao looked over, a little puzzled. “Senior Brother, hello.”

“My name is Gong Bin. You may call me Senior Brother Gong. Sister Mu, do you have time tomorrow? I’m not familiar with this island. Could you accompany me for a walk?”

Mu Qiaoqiao frowned and politely declined, “Sorry, I do not wish to go out these days. Please ask someone else.”

“Don’t be like that, just a short stroll,” Gong Bin pressed.

“Senior Brother, please don’t make it difficult for me. I truly don’t want to go,” she said, shaking her head.

“Alright, since Sister Mu is unwilling, I won’t force you,” Gong Bin smiled.

“Thank you for understanding, Senior Brother,” Mu Qiaoqiao replied courteously.

They had reached their rooms, and under Fu Xin’s guidance, Elder Li Wei and his party entered their assigned chambers. Before entering, Gong Bin lingered, gazing longingly at Mu Qiaoqiao’s retreating figure. Only after she disappeared did he follow inside.

The others continued on, having been assigned rooms on the third floor. Fang Tian had witnessed the entire scene.

Beside him, Xie Qing glanced at Fang Tian and chuckled quietly before quickly stifling his laughter.

Fang Tian turned to him, a trace of annoyance in his eyes. “Is that so funny?”

“No, no, it’s just that seeing Gong Bin speaking directly to Senior Sister Mu caught me off guard,” Xie Qing said, trying to appear composed.

“There are always people like that everywhere,” Fang Tian muttered displeased.

“As long as there are beauties around, how could such people be missing? Brother, you’re in danger,” Xie Qing teased with a grin.

“Cut it out,” Fang Tian shot him a glance.

“All right, I won’t say anymore. Heh heh,” Xie Qing chuckled.

Mu Qiaoqiao seemed to sense something and glanced back.

Seeing her look toward him, Xie Qing panicked a little, quickly wiping the smile from his face and turning his gaze aside, appearing somewhat contrived.

Mu Qiaoqiao’s eyes cooled; she shot Fang Tian a sharp glare and quickened her pace upstairs, soon disappearing from sight.

Fang Tian was momentarily stunned, then glanced at Xie Qing with disbelief, thinking, If you were going to pretend, you might as well do it better. With that act, she immediately knew you were talking about her.

Xie Qing, feigning ignorance, continued walking calmly. After Mu Qiaoqiao vanished, he whispered to Fang Tian, “Brother, she didn’t notice, right?”

“Yeah, she glared at me. How could she have noticed you?” Fang Tian replied dryly.

“Good, good,” Xie Qing said, relieved.

Fang Tian sighed and shook his head, then headed toward his room.