Volume One: A Youth Enters the World Chapter Thirty: The Family Assembly

Time flew by, and several days passed in the blink of an eye. During this time, Fang Tian didn’t return to the martial training grounds; instead, he spent his days with Zhou Xiaodie. He accompanied her as they wandered through the town, chatting idly, their feelings for each other growing ever stronger with each exchange. Though neither spoke their true feelings aloud, to an outsider, they already appeared much like lovers.

The members of the Zhou family, upon seeing the two together, simply acted as though they hadn’t noticed, each returning to their own affairs. Such scenes were nothing new to them; they all knew their young lady had grown close to a young cultivator, so none wished to disturb them. Still, when word spread that Fang Tian would soon leave, a sense of regret lingered in everyone’s hearts. Many sighed at the ill-timed nature of this fate—after all, once he departed, Zhou Xiaodie would be left to endure a long and lonely wait. Unconsciously, they felt a growing admiration for her, moved by her courage in pursuing happiness.

And so, the day before the grand contest between the three clans arrived. At that moment, Fang Tian was still by Zhou Xiaodie’s side, as though the upcoming contest had nothing to do with him—which, indeed, it did not, for he would not be participating. He had already taught all he knew; the rest was up to them.

While Fang Tian accompanied Zhou Xiaodie, the younger members of the Zhou family remained immersed in their rigorous training. They knew the contest would begin the next day, and if they did not redouble their efforts, they would surely be outshone by the other two families, which would tarnish the Zhou family’s reputation. The thought of meeting members of the other clans on the streets of Red Maple Town and not being able to lift their heads weighed heavily on them. Only when night fell and it was time to leave did they finally breathe a long sigh of relief, knowing that no matter what happened, they had given their all.

Anyone observing the training grounds would have seen them drenched in sweat, exhaustion etched on their faces. Yet even with fatigue and bitterness in their hearts, their expressions remained resolute.

As the sky gradually darkened and the sun dipped below the horizon, night descended. Fires were kindled around the martial grounds to illuminate the area. Unlike before, the grounds were not empty; one after another, members of the Zhou family gathered until the place was full.

Voices rose and fell as people spoke in hushed tones, their conversation echoing across the grounds. Doubtless, they were discussing the morrow’s contest—the first in the history of Red Maple Town where the three great families would test their skills against one another.

An hour passed, and soon it seemed that all of the Zhou family—young and old, men and women—had arrived. Gradually, a hush fell over the assembly. On a high platform overlooking the martial grounds, the Zhou family patriarch, Zhou Yunshu, ascended, followed by several family elders. These elders, however, were not particularly advanced in cultivation—the highest among them had only reached the second level of Spirit Gathering, comparable to Fang Tian, though in truth their strength likely fell short of his.

As for why no more powerful elders were present, perhaps it was simply a matter of lifespan. In a small town such as this, it was difficult to extend one’s years through cultivation. Only those who reached the Seed of Spirit stage could gradually break through the limits of life and death. Most who remained in this place would never attain such heights.

At that moment, Fang Tian stood below with Zhou Xiaodie and Zhou Quan. Initially, Fang Tian had been reluctant to attend—after all, this was a family affair, and as an outsider, he felt no need to involve himself. But Zhou Xiaodie had insisted, saying she had not set foot in the martial grounds for a long time and that it would be a shame to miss the family assembly. Perhaps, deep down, she still harbored a trace of regret at not being eligible to compete in the contest.

Unable to refuse her, Fang Tian accompanied her to the martial grounds. As for Zhou Quan, he had not left the grounds all day, and upon seeing them arrive, quickly joined them to wait for the assembly to begin.

On the platform, Zhou Yunshu gazed down at the gathered youths of the Zhou family. Seeing their faces alight with spirit, his heart swelled with satisfaction. When his eyes landed on Fang Tian, he nodded and smiled in greeting. Fang Tian responded with a polite nod of his own.

Then Zhou Yunshu addressed the family below, his voice ringing out across the grounds. “I trust you all know the purpose of tonight’s assembly. Tomorrow, the contest between the three clans will be held—a grand event for the younger generation of Red Maple Town. The spiritual pool we discovered earlier will serve as the prize for the victors, and the rewards the family promised you will not be lacking.

“So, I hope you will give your utmost. No matter what, you must suppress the arrogance of the other families and win honor for our Zhou clan. Should anyone claim first place, I will consider grooming him as the next patriarch!

“Do you all understand?”

A resounding chorus of voices answered, “We understand!”

Zhou Yunshu nodded, pleased, and continued, “Very good. However, there is one more matter to address. Initially, the three clans agreed that only those above the fifth level of Spirit Gathering could participate. But given the disparities in cultivation, that seemed unfair. Those of lower rank would be at a disadvantage. After discussion among the three patriarchs, the rules have been adjusted.

“I will select the four most accomplished youths among you to compete tomorrow!”

No sooner had he finished speaking than the assembly erupted in protest.

“What? Then what was the point of all our training these past days? Was it all for nothing?”

“Exactly! I’ve trained so hard I’m as dark as charcoal—what a waste of my fair skin.”

“Oh, spare us! When was your skin ever fair to begin with?”

“…”

“…”

“I really don’t get it—why change the rules now? I was looking forward to testing my skills against the other clans.”

“Who wasn’t? But what can we do? The patriarch has spoken. Are you going to ask him to change the rules back?”

“If you ask me, it’s probably because they’re afraid those of us with lower cultivation will embarrass the family.”

“I think so too. Low-ranked ones would just be cannon fodder in the contest.”

“Don’t look at it that way. The patriarch is doing this for our own good—he doesn’t want us to get hurt by those from the Chen family. They’re not exactly known for their mercy.”

“When you put it like that, it does make sense.”

“Pushing to compete would be foolish, though I’d still like to try.”

“Better to follow the patriarch’s arrangements.”

“Absolutely.”

“I agree.”

“Let’s just do as the patriarch says.”

“Mhm.”

“Mhm.”

Zhou Yunshu stood on the platform, watching the commotion below without anger. He understood their frustration—after a month of training, being told they couldn’t compete would leave anyone disgruntled. Still, this was the first contest of its kind, and he knew little of the other families’ younger generation. His arrangements were for the best: to protect his own and conceal the family’s true strength. No doubt the other clans had made similar calculations, or they would not have agreed to change the rules.

Besides, those of lower rank had little chance of winning the spiritual pool. It was better to let the strongest compete for the glory of the family.

As these thoughts crossed his mind, Zhou Yunshu knew he could allow no further debate. It was time to calm the assembly, and he was well prepared for this moment.