Volume One: A Young Man Enters the World Chapter Thirty-One: Preparations

Watching the commotion below, Zhou Yunshu raised his voice and declared, “Everyone, quiet down!”

The people beneath him fell silent at his command, turning their gazes toward Zhou Yunshu.

Seeing their attention, he continued, “I understand that this sudden change has left those younger members who have diligently cultivated over the past month feeling dissatisfied.”

“But this competition among the three clans is not a one-time event; you will have more opportunities to participate!”

“The heads of our three families foresaw this, and to facilitate regular exchanges and challenges among our younger members, we've decided to hold the tri-clan competition every year to encourage your cultivation.”

“Though this time the use of the Spirit Pool is at stake, the three clans will still provide generous rewards to motivate you.”

“So, do not lose heart just because you’re unable to take part in this year’s competition. If you train hard, next year you’ll surely have your chance.”

“I believe the descendants of the Zhou family will not give up over missing a single competition, am I right?”

Zhou Yunshu fell silent, observing their reactions.

At these words, the young members of the Zhou family suddenly saw hope rekindled in their eyes. The gloom from missing the competition faded, replaced by renewed vigor.

Seeing their spirits revived, Zhou Yunshu spoke again,

“Moreover, I hope that whoever participates in this competition will bring me a great surprise. Make the other two clans understand that the Zhou family is always stronger than they are, no matter the time. Is that clear?”

His words filled the young members with confidence, and they responded loudly, “Yes, understood!”

“Good. Now, I will select four people. If you are confident in your abilities, you may step forward yourself.”

After waiting a moment and seeing no one volunteer, Zhou Yunshu proceeded, “Since that’s the case, I’ll choose based on cultivation and strength. Zhou Quan, step forward. Zhou Lin, you as well. Zhou Feng, Zhou Shan, all of you come forward.”

Zhou Quan signaled to Fang Tian and Zhou Xiaodie before stepping forward, and the other three followed suit.

The four chosen stood before the assembled crowd, and the rest of the clan, seeing who had been selected, felt unanimous approval.

Indeed, these four were the most outstanding among the Zhou family’s younger generation; the lowest among them had reached the eighth stage of Spirit Induction, and Zhou Quan’s strength was nearly ready to break through to the Gathering Spirit realm.

They owed much to Fang Tian’s guidance. Without his serious instruction, their progress would not have been so swift; in just a month, each had nearly advanced by an entire stage.

Such advancement in just one month was almost unthinkable to others. Their respect for Fang Tian deepened further.

Zhou Yunshu watched as the four stood before him and said, “You four will represent our Zhou family in the tri-clan competition. Whether you can win the right to use the Spirit Pool depends on you.”

The four responded in unison, “Rest assured, Clan Leader, we will give our all to win the Spirit Pool.”

“I believe in you. No matter the outcome, do your utmost.”

“Yes, Clan Leader!”

Zhou Yunshu then turned to Zhou Quan and addressed him, “Zhou Quan, among our younger generation, your cultivation and strength are the highest. Judging by your progress, you’re about to break through to the Gathering Spirit realm, rivaling that young man from the Chen family.”

“You have a strong chance of taking first place. I hope you won’t take this lightly. Treat the competition seriously, set an example, and outperform them all. Can you do that?”

Zhou Quan patted his chest and answered, “Don’t worry, Clan Leader. I’ll defeat them so thoroughly their own parents won’t recognize them! I’ll show them the might of our Zhou family.”

Zhou Yunshu smiled and nodded, then addressed the rest, “Next, I will explain the competition rules to these four. The rest of you may leave.”

Knowing there was nothing more to announce, the remaining clan members began to disperse. Fang Tian, joining the crowd, accompanied Zhou Xiaodie back home. Soon, only Zhou Yunshu and the four remained in the martial arena.

With the competition tomorrow, Zhou Yunshu wanted them to rest early. The announcements had already delayed them, so he succinctly explained the rules and the location, then each departed to rest.

While the Zhou family held their assembly, the other two major clans conducted similar gatherings, bringing their members together, announcing the rules, offering encouragement, and concluding in much the same way. They too saw the competition as crucial for asserting dominance over the other two clans.

Outwardly, the three families maintained a facade of harmony, but beneath it, none truly accepted the others. Given the chance, they would seize any opportunity to elevate their own status.

If their younger members took first place, it would mean their clan would become the foremost family in Maple Leaf Town, overshadowing the others.

The merchants traveling to Maple Leaf Town would mostly choose to do business with the clan of highest local prestige. Likewise, those from higher authorities arranging affairs would prefer the leading family.

Thus, each clan harbored its own calculations regarding this competition.

After escorting Zhou Xiaodie home, Fang Tian did not return to his own quarters. Instead, he wandered alone through the Zhou family estate, eventually finding himself by the pond.

He stood in the pavilion where he had previously chatted with Zhou Xiaodie, lost in thought. Gazing at the moonlit water, he picked up a small stone and tossed it into the pond, watching the ripples spread. He threw another, and soon the surface grew calm again.

He ceased tossing stones and sat on a stone bench. A sense of loss slowly enveloped him. In a few days, once the competition ended, he planned to leave.

He had lingered here too long already.

During this time, keeping Zhou Xiaodie company had even made him neglect his cultivation, prompting Elder Tian to warn him.

Fang Tian understood Elder Tian’s concern, but emotions, once stirred, were not so easily dismissed.

After sitting quietly in the pavilion and soothing his thoughts, he prepared to leave. But just as he stood up, he realized someone stood before him.

Looking carefully, he saw that it was Zhou Xiaodie who had arrived.