Volume One: The Youth Enters the World, Chapter 116: Poaching

Two days passed, leaving only one day before departure from the North Sand Islands.

Fang Tian went to visit Xie Qing, whose injuries had improved significantly. Upon reaching the door of Xie Qing’s room, Fang Tian knocked.

"Who is it?" Xie Qing asked from inside, still lying down.

Hearing Xie Qing’s voice, Fang Tian knew he was awake and that he wasn't interrupting his rest. "It’s me, Fang Tian."

"Oh, brother! Wait a moment, let me open the door."

A moment later, the door creaked open. Xie Qing looked a bit pale and weak, his steps slightly unsteady. Fang Tian stepped forward to support him and helped him back into the room.

Carefully settling him on the edge of the bed, Fang Tian asked, "How is your recovery coming along?"

"Not bad, though I still feel a bit of pain," Xie Qing said with a smile.

"That's good. Yin Tu was far too ruthless. I was worried you might have sustained some serious damage, but seeing you're alright, I'm relieved."

Xie Qing gestured for Fang Tian to sit down and smiled. "I heard from others what happened after I lost consciousness. I have to say, brother, you are a true friend. You really vented that frustration for me. I never expected that guy to strike so hard; I was caught off guard and knocked down before I could react. It’s quite embarrassing, really."

Fang Tian smiled gently, impressed by Xie Qing’s positive attitude; he hadn't let the incident leave him bitter. "There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. His strength is decent, and he fought with malicious intent. It’s understandable."

"Brother, where is he strong? I think he’s just a piece of trash—didn’t you defeat him easily?" Xie Qing laughed even louder, clearly delighted that Fang Tian had stood up for him.

"Stop laughing, or does it not hurt anymore?" Fang Tian teased, finding Xie Qing to be quite an interesting character.

Xie Qing frowned, realizing that his loud laughter had indeed made his body ache. "Alright, alright, I’ll stop. By the way, I heard the Elder gave you a Heaven-tier spiritual weapon. Could you show it to me?"

"Sure." Fang Tian, seeing the excitement in Xie Qing’s eyes, took out the weapon and handed it over.

Xie Qing clicked his tongue in amazement, his face full of wonder. "Tsk, tsk, tsk. This is dozens of times better than the heavy blade I bought! Is this the gap between different grades?"

Fang Tian agreed with Xie Qing’s assessment. The long sword was a deep, fiery red, radiating an aura of absolute purity. Although he hadn't used it yet, he could already feel the immense power it possessed.

"This sword is called Flying Rainbow. If you like it, I’ll give it to you," Fang Tian said with a smile.

Hearing this, Xie Qing quickly returned the sword to Fang Tian, shaking his head. "I can't accept this. This is the reward you earned for defeating them. No matter how much I like it, I know where to draw the line."

"You really don't want it?"

"No. Besides, I specialize in blade techniques; this isn't suitable for me. Keep it, brother. If you ever come across a treasure like a long blade, I’ll be shameless enough to ask for it then."

"Alright, I’ll keep it. I’ll find you a good blade when the opportunity arises."

"Hahaha, that’s the spirit, brother!"

Just then, a voice came from the doorway: "Is Brother Fang Tian here?"

Hmm? Who was that? Fang Tian was puzzled, not recognizing the voice.

However, Xie Qing seemed to know who it was. He said to Fang Tian, "Brother, that sounds like Ma Sheng, who passed the trials with us. He was there during the spiritual power test a few days ago—you saw him, and he passed as well."

"Oh, I remember now. I wonder what he wants." Fang Tian stood up to open the door.

Seeing Fang Tian, Ma Sheng quickly said, "Brother Fang Tian, Elder Li Wei wants to see you."

Fang Tian was surprised. "Me? Do you know what it’s about?"

"I'm not sure. I was just sent to fetch you."

"Very well, I'll go with you."

"Right."

Fang Tian looked back at Xie Qing and said, "I’ll head out now. Rest well."

After Xie Qing nodded, Fang Tian followed Ma Sheng out.

They walked for a while until they reached a hall on the first floor. Inside, there were several people, including Pu Mu and Yin Tu, whom he had fought, as well as Mu Qiaoqiao.

Fang Tian walked up to Li Wei and bowed. "Greetings, Elder."

"Hmm. I assume you recognize everyone here, but let me introduce them formally."

Fang Tian nodded.

Li Wei introduced the others: they were from the Red Sun Sect and the Dark Moon Valley, led by two elders named Wu Gao and Sha Hong.

Fang Tian bowed to each of them in turn. Afterward, Li Wei motioned for him to take a seat.

The atmosphere was quiet for a moment before Li Wei spoke. "Elder Wu Gao, Elder Sha Hong, say what you came to say. Let’s not waste time."

Elder Wu Gao of the Red Sun Sect stood up with a beaming smile. "I’ll go first! Young friends Fang Tian and Mu Qiaoqiao, would you have any interest in joining the Red Sun Sect?"

Fang Tian frowned, wondering how they could act as if the recent conflict hadn't happened. "My apologies, I have already promised to join the Cloud Mist Sect."

Wu Gao didn't seem surprised, nor did he look displeased. "I understand you have some grievances over what happened earlier. To apologize, I have brought them here to offer their regrets."

He gestured for Pu Mu and Yin Tu to speak. Though they looked reluctant, they were forced to step forward. "We offended you earlier. Please, do not take it to heart!"

Fang Tian waved his hand, signaling there was no need. "Elder Wu Gao, I am not a vengeful person, but since I have already committed to the Cloud Mist Sect, I cannot go back on my word."

"Don't worry about that. I have discussed it with Elder Li Wei, and he has no objections. It is entirely your choice."

Fang Tian found himself in a difficult position. He looked at Li Wei, whose expression remained calm and unreadable. However, having made his choice, he would not waver over a few words—that went against his principles.

He shook his head and refused. "I am truly sorry, but I cannot commit such an act of betrayal."

Wu Gao frowned, his voice rising. "Are you sure you won't reconsider?"

"Yes. Thank you for the honor, Elder Wu Gao, but my mind is made up."

At this, Wu Gao’s expression changed. He felt uncomfortable, his pride stung that his invitation had been rejected. He suppressed his irritation and smiled at Mu Qiaoqiao. "And you, young lady? What are your thoughts?"

"I am the same as him," Mu Qiaoqiao said coldly.

Seeing both of them refuse, Wu Gao’s brow furrowed. He was angry; he had lowered himself to ask, only to be rejected without room for negotiation. He asked again, his voice dropping, "Are you both quite certain?"

Fang Tian and Mu Qiaoqiao shook their heads in unison. Their resolve was unshakable.

Wu Gao sighed and turned to Li Wei. "It seems I cannot sway them. In that case, I will not force the issue."

Li Wei smiled and turned his gaze to Sha Hong. "Since Elder Wu Gao has had no luck, what about you, Elder Sha Hong?"

"No need. Their attitude is so firm that if I continue, I would only be making a fool of myself. Forget it, I'm leaving." Elder Sha Hong stood up and led his people away.

Seeing Sha Hong depart, Wu Gao felt there was no point in staying. With a wave of his hand, he beckoned Pu Mu and Yin Tu to follow him.

After they left, Li Wei beamed at Fang Tian and Mu Qiaoqiao. "I am very pleased that you remained unmoved. Rest assured, once you arrive at the Cloud Mist Sect, you will receive your full share of cultivation resources. You will be prioritized for training!"

"Thank you, Elder!" the two replied.

"Very well. Go back now, but do not wander off tomorrow. Our departure is set for tomorrow night!"

As they walked out of the hall, Li Wei stroked his beard, a satisfied smile on his face.

Outside the hall, Fang Tian and Mu Qiaoqiao walked together. Fang Tian suddenly asked, "Qiaoqiao, why didn't you consider it? I saw you being pestered by Gong Bin, and you seemed quite troubled these past few days."

Mu Qiaoqiao rolled her eyes at him. "If you aren't going, why would I?"

Uh... was that the reason? Fang Tian didn't press further, though he couldn't quite fathom what was on her mind.

Meanwhile, on the way back, Wu Gao looked grim. Pu Mu asked, "Elder, those kids are too arrogant. Relying on a bit of talent, they dared to ignore you."

"Hmph. If they refuse to take the grace I offered, then don't blame me for being ruthless. They brought this on themselves!"

"Elder, you mean...?"

"If I cannot have them, then no one will!"

"Elder, do you intend to...?" Pu Mu made a throat-slitting gesture.

"Yes. We'll discuss it when we get back. It's too crowded here; we don't want to be noticed."

Pu Mu nodded, a surge of excitement rising in him. He had been terrified of being defeated by Fang Tian during their duel, so he had been glad to end it early.

Back in his room, Fang Tian focused his mind to speak with Elder Tian.

"Elder Tian, do you think I should look for a place to learn spiritual arrays once we reach the other side?"

"That is possible. Spiritual arrays are difficult to master alone. I recall that over two thousand years ago, there was a faction on this continent composed entirely of Array Masters, called the Spirit Pattern Pavilion. You should keep an eye out for them."

"Two thousand years ago? Elder Tian, wouldn't they have disappeared by now?"

"Little Tian, you don't understand. Some factions can endure through generations, especially an organization of Array Masters. They are precious to this continent. Even if other factions vanish, they likely wouldn't, and they rarely involve themselves in power struggles. It is very possible they still exist on the other side."

"I see. I'll keep an eye out for them then."

"However, I noticed Elder Wu Gao was displeased today. Be careful; they might try to strike in the shadows."

"Why?"

"Sect politics are like that. They won't tolerate someone who could potentially disrupt their balance."

"Then I'm in danger?"

"Precisely, so stay cautious. You’ve seen that those Elders are at the late stage of the Spirit Seed Realm. With your current level, you cannot withstand them."

"I suppose I must hide my true strength then."

"Alas, the road of the strong is difficult. My former master was too dazzling, which drew the eyes of others, ultimately leading to his demise."

Fang Tian sighed, understanding the weight of Elder Tian's words. He cut the connection and began to meditate; he refused to waste any time he could spend cultivating.