Volume One: A Young Man Enters the World Chapter Thirty-Three: Visitors from the Chen Family

In the early morning, Zhou Xiaodie nestled in Fang Tian’s arms, her slender, pale arm wrapped around him as she slept sweetly. After last night’s intimate exchange, the two now lay together with nothing between them.

Fang Tian opened his sleepy eyes, gentle and tender, glancing at the beauty still lost in dreams beside him. He carefully shifted toward the edge of the bed, easing himself from the drowsiness. Memories of the night before flooded his mind—it had been wild, his first attempt at such intimacy, and the sensation left him addicted, unable to break free.

His knowledge of such matters came mostly from idly leafing through old texts in the Sword Space, learning only in theory. Now, his hand gently caressed Zhou Xiaodie’s face, a smile curling at his lips, his expression full of affection.

After a while, Zhou Xiaodie seemed to sense something, and slowly opened her eyes to find Fang Tian’s hand resting on her face, gazing at her.

“Brother Fang Tian, you’ve been awake for a while, haven’t you? Is it morning already?”

“No, I just woke up too. The sun’s already up.”

“Oh, then we should get up. Today is the tri-family competition—we must hurry and see.”

She spoke without realizing she hadn’t dressed, sitting up, the quilt sliding down her skin and revealing a sweep of snowy whiteness.

Fang Tian, mesmerized by her graceful form, sat upright, eyes fixed on Zhou Xiaodie, his breath growing heavier.

Zhou Xiaodie looked at him strangely, feeling as if he wanted to devour her. Thinking back, she realized this was the same look he’d given her last night. She glanced down and saw she was uncovered, her skin exposed. Understanding Fang Tian’s gaze, she quickly pulled up the quilt to cover herself, embarrassed despite having been seen fully just yesterday.

Fang Tian’s mind stirred with desire, and he looked at Zhou Xiaodie, saying softly, “Xiaodie, why don’t we go again?”

“Ah! Again?”

Fang Tian didn’t hesitate, lying down and pulling the quilt over them both, indulging once more in shameless pleasure.

Meanwhile, preparations for the tri-family competition were underway. The three great families had chosen a clearing not far from the Spirit Pool to hold the event, pooling resources to quickly erect a martial stage.

They intended this spot to be used for future competitions, so they spared no effort in its construction. The stage was large, three feet high, and around fifteen hundred feet in length and width. Its surface was paved with sturdy blue stone, able to withstand most impacts from cultivators’ spiritual energy.

And since most competitors were at the Spirit Attraction realm, there was little worry the stage would be easily damaged; participants could freely display their skills.

Moreover, this ensured the stage would last longer. If it were easily damaged, repairs would be troublesome and not worth the effort. Because of the preparations, few people were present at the stage, only a handful busy with the final touches—these were the best craftsmen in town, not cultivators, whose skill had constructed the arena. Otherwise, the three families would not have chosen them.

Their wages had been paid, and so they worked diligently to finish the preparations. Once done, the craftsmen sat together, chatting idly.

“At last, it’s finished. I can finally go home and sleep soundly.”

“That’s right. With our pay, I’ll head to Springview Pavilion, order a table full of fine dishes and wine, and celebrate.”

“Springview Pavilion? You’re dreaming. That pay barely fills your belly.”

“Haha, just saying. I’d be content with a small tavern, two dishes, and a pot of wine.”

“You lot only think of eating and drinking. Better to go home and spend time with your wives and children.”

“That’s true. Eat first, then head home.”

“……”

“Haha!” “Haha!”

“So, who do you think among the younger generation will win the tri-family competition?”

“I believe it’ll be Chen Yufeng from the Chen family.”

“No, no, I think it’ll be Zhou Quan from the Zhou family.”

“I believe the Sun family has a shot as well.”

“If you ask me, whoever wins doesn’t matter to us common folk. We’re just here to watch.”

“That’s true, but I hope the Zhou family takes the lead. They’re good people, and it’d be good for us if they win.”

“I agree.”

“Yes, the Chen family is too domineering. If they win, they’ll become even more unrestrained.”

“That’s enough talk. If someone overhears, it won’t be good. Later, I’ll treat you all to a feast. How about it?”

“That sounds great—free meal!”

“I’m eager! Let’s go, let’s go. Later I’ll challenge you all to three hundred rounds.”

“Three hundred rounds? Don’t end up under the table after two drinks.”

“Don’t worry, I can hold my liquor.”

“Alright, let’s go.”

Ending their discussion, the craftsmen headed toward town.

Meanwhile, as they discussed the competition, at the entrance of the Chen family manor, Chen Shikang, Chen Shiqing, Chen Yufeng, and several attendants stood waiting for someone.

Now, Chen Shiqing and Chen Yufeng had mostly recovered from the injuries Fang Tian inflicted upon them, their faces showing renewed vitality.

After being frozen solid by Fang Tian, Chen Shiqing hadn’t suffered fatal harm, but the cold energy lingered within him. He had rested for over ten days before expelling the residual spiritual power.

Even now, he shuddered at Fang Tian’s terrifying sword technique, never expecting to lose to a mere youth. It had forced the Chen family into an unusually low profile, avoiding trouble. The thought left him frustrated, deepening his hatred for Fang Tian.

As for Chen Yufeng, his arm had healed two weeks ago, and he’d trained hard for the competition ever since. He knew he stood no chance against Fang Tian—his own uncle had been defeated by him. So he no longer dwelled on it; if he couldn’t deal with Fang Tian himself, perhaps he could target others from the Zhou family. Since the Zhou family always protected him, he planned to teach them a lesson at the tri-family competition.

Moreover, today the Chen family expected a distinguished guest. This person would help them become the foremost family in town. No matter how powerful Fang Tian was, he would not match this guest. Soon, Fang Tian would be forced to kneel and beg for mercy.

As they waited, Chen Yufeng’s lips curled into a sinister, venomous smile. He glanced at his uncle, noting their shared impatience.

He turned to Chen Shikang, “Father, when will the honored guest arrive?”

“Don’t fret. They’ll be here soon. Wait a little longer.”

“Alright.”

After a while, a carriage approached from the east, heading toward the Chen family.

“They’re here. Prepare to welcome them.”