Volume One: The Young Man Enters the World Chapter Thirty-Six: The Banquet Invitation

After the second round of matches ended, only two were left—those between the Chen and Sun families. Fang Tian figured there was still some time before the Zhou family’s match, and since he wasn’t particularly interested in the other contests, he thought he might as well wander around and take in the scenery, something he had wanted to do for a while.

He mentioned this briefly to Zhou Xiaodie and Zhou Quan before getting up to leave. Neither of them questioned his intentions, their attention wholly absorbed by the matches, for these competitions were important to them—they needed to study their opponents carefully.

So Fang Tian strolled about alone, enjoying the tranquil views, feeling at ease in the harmonious world around him. As he relaxed, it suddenly occurred to him that the Spirit Pool was nearby; perhaps he could take a look. He had always been curious about this Spirit Pool, and now that he had the opportunity, he thought it would be a shame not to see it for himself—a place of spiritual essence said to aid in cultivation. He had heard Old Tian speak of it, but had never seen it with his own eyes.

Driven by curiosity, Fang Tian glanced around and noticed a small valley ahead where a few figures seemed to linger. He walked toward the valley, and soon reached its entrance. There, he could clearly see a spring-fed pool in its depths, the spiritual energy flowing across its surface, rising in misty swirls that drifted throughout the valley.

He was instantly captivated and moved closer for a better look, but the guards stationed by the Spirit Pool barred his way.

“No one is allowed to enter here. Leave at once,” one guard said sternly.

Fang Tian smiled and replied, “I’m not going in, just looking from here.”

But the guard was unmoved, his voice growing harsher: “Looking is not allowed either. Leave now, or I won’t be so polite.”

“All right, I’m going,” Fang Tian answered with a helpless shrug, waving his hand as he turned to leave. He could have forced his way in, but he saw no reason to trouble those men—they were only carrying out their orders.

When the guards saw Fang Tian depart, they relaxed their stance. Soon, idle, they began to chat.

“Funny, isn’t it? Some kid from who-knows-where managed to wander over here.”

“Good thing he knew his place.”

“Still, I wish I could watch the Three Clans’ competition. But as things stand, no chance.”

“We were assigned here, so we’d better just do our duty.”

“No point complaining—it only makes it worse.”

“Ha, you’re right. Back to our post, then.”

On his way back, Fang Tian seemed lost in thought. After a moment, he reached out with his mind and asked Old Tian,

“Old Tian, do you think the Spirit Pool could serve as the core of a spirit array?”

“It could—and it would extend the array’s duration as well.”

“That’s a pity. If only I could study the Spirit Pool for my array research.”

“Little Tian, if you tried that, the three great families would surely come after you.”

Fang Tian laughed. “True enough.”

He went on to ask Old Tian about other matters, and before long, he returned to the tournament grounds. He noticed Zhou Quan was absent and, looking toward the arena, saw him in the midst of a match. Fang Tian walked a few paces and sat down in his seat.

Zhou Xiaodie glanced at his return and said with a feigned scowl, “Brother Fang Tian, you’re finally back! If you’d come any later, you’d have missed my cousin’s match entirely.”

He chuckled. “Well, I’m here now. By the way, who won the previous two matches?”

“They both went to the Chen family. The Sun family lost two in a row.”

“So three from the Chen family have won their matches—it seems they’re determined to claim the Spirit Pool this time.”

“Just about,” she agreed.

In the arena, Zhou Quan struck his opponent down with a Crimson Flame Palm. The match didn’t last long—his opponent wasn’t very strong, so Zhou Quan claimed an easy victory. He stepped down from the stage toward Fang Tian.

“Well, Brother Fang Tian, how did I do?” he asked.

“Excellent. Judging by your level, you’re nearly at the Gathering Spirit Realm. I imagine it won’t be long before you break through.”

Zhou Quan smiled. “It’s all thanks to you. Without your help, I wouldn’t have progressed so quickly.”

“That’s your own diligence at work.”

“Ha! Don’t praise me too much, or I’ll get a big head.”

Fang Tian only smiled and said no more. Zhou Quan sat beside him, and together they watched the next match.

Before long, the following contest ended as well. Zhou Shan of the Zhou family was defeated by a member of the Sun family. However, no one could blame him; the Sun family’s remaining fighter was at the ninth level of the Spirit Induction Realm, while Zhou Shan was only at the eighth. His loss was hardly unexpected.

With the last match concluded, the first round of the Three Clans’ Competition was over.

The next round would be held the day after tomorrow. To ensure fairness, the winners were given a day to rest, as the matches had inevitably depleted their spiritual energy.

As the matches ended and the various families began to prepare to leave, Chen Shikang spoke up.

“A moment, if you please, Clan Leaders,” he called.

Zhou Yunshu and Sun Zhengyun looked at him in puzzlement.

Chen Shikang smiled and continued, “Our Chen family won three matches today, and to be honest, I’m quite pleased. With an extra day to spare, I plan to host a banquet tonight to reward the younger generation for their efforts. I would be honored if you and your families would join us as well. What do you say?”

Zhou Yunshu considered for a moment, realizing that with a day free, he might as well accept. “Since you are so gracious, I can hardly refuse.”

“So, you agree, Brother Zhou?” Chen Shikang asked.

“I do.”

“Excellent. And you, Brother Sun?”

Sun Zhengyun, frustrated by having won only one match, was in no mood for celebration. But seeing Zhou Yunshu accept, he couldn’t very well refuse. He replied gruffly, “All right, I’ll be there.”

Satisfied, Chen Shikang said, “In that case, I’ll prepare the banquet at the Chen residence and await your arrival.”

With that, the families made their departures.

As Fang Tian and his companions walked along, chatting, Chen Shikang came directly over to him and said, “Young Brother Fang Tian, previously our Chen family failed to recognize your true worth. I hope you won’t hold it against us.”

Fang Tian found this a little odd but replied politely, “No worries. I was a bit heavy-handed myself before—I should apologize as well.”

Chen Shikang laughed. “In that case, you must come tonight. I owe you an apology.”

“You’re too kind, Clan Leader Chen. I’ll do my best to attend.”

“Very good.”

With that, Chen Shikang turned and left.

Fang Tian pondered Chen Shikang’s words as he walked on. The more he thought about it, the more he sensed there was more beneath the surface. His expression gradually grew thoughtful.