Volume One: The Youth Enters the World Chapter Ninety-Five: A Trial Exercise

The crowd was perplexed. Did these two know each other? Tianyu—such a familiar name. After a moment, realization dawned, and everyone turned their gaze to Fang Tian.

On one side, the disciples of Clear Creek Sect thought, “Isn’t this the one who saved our sect’s people?” On the other, the members of Ice Spirit Island, like the Grand Elder, hadn’t expected him to appear here at all.

With a single sentence, the Grand Elder made Fang Tian the center of attention. The elder smiled and said, “Don’t worry. I haven’t come to seek vengeance. After all, this severed arm is thanks to you, so I wouldn’t dare invite hardship upon myself.”

Fang Tian sneered inwardly, thinking the old man was clearly still dissatisfied. “Since you’re not here to trouble me, Grand Elder, I can rest easy.”

“And did you obtain the qualifications for the Hundred Islands Tournament as you wished?”

“There’s no need for you to worry about that.”

“Indeed, with your abilities, it must have been easy.”

“This old fellow’s words are barbed,” Fang Tian mused.

After exchanging a few polite words, the two sat down.

The Third Prince and Wu Jie, seated beside the Grand Elder, were already shaken by Fang Tian’s sudden appearance. Neither expected to encounter him here. Despite their previous conflicts with Fang Tian, they dared not entertain any further schemes.

With the Grand Elder’s example before them, they could only remain silent, especially as the Third Prince was one of the parties involved and naturally held some fear of Fang Tian.

Next to the Third Prince sat another man dressed similarly to him. This man turned to the Third Prince and asked, “Is this the one you said held you hostage and threatened the Grand Elder?”

“Yes, Second Brother,” the Third Prince replied.

It seemed this man was the Second Prince, one of the two princes yet to show themselves.

“Third Brother, he’s just a cultivator at the fifth layer of Spirit Gathering. Is he really as formidable as you say? I find that hard to believe,” the Second Prince remarked, clearly unimpressed by Fang Tian.

“Second Brother, just look at the Grand Elder’s arm. Isn’t that proof enough? How do you not see such an obvious fact?” The Third Prince wondered if his brother’s closed-door cultivation had made him dull.

“Well, seeing how impressive he is, I’m itching for a challenge,” the Second Prince admitted.

“Forget it, Second Brother. Even the Grand Elder isn’t his match. What could you possibly do?”

“That may be true, but I can still ask him for pointers.” The Second Prince glanced at Fang Tian and smiled in greeting, as if there were no animosity between them.

The Third Prince’s face darkened. His Second Brother seemed oblivious to the situation, a true martial fanatic. The person before them had held his brother hostage, yet the Second Prince could still smile. Clearly, his mind was filled only with thoughts of cultivation.

Fang Tian frowned, puzzled by the Second Prince’s smile. Wasn’t he wanted by Ice Spirit Island?

At that moment, with Fang Tian’s identity revealed, Fu Cang, who had been sitting nearby, could no longer keep his composure. He walked over to Fang Tian with a smile and said, “So you are Tianyu. I hadn’t realized you were already among our sect. Please forgive me for not recognizing you sooner.”

Seeing Fu Cang’s politeness, Fang Tian quickly replied, “Uncle Fu Cang, you are too kind.”

“It seems there’s some misunderstanding between you and Ice Spirit Island. Perhaps I could speak on your behalf, help you resolve things.”

“No need, Uncle. What they say is true.”

“Very well, but if you encounter any difficulties, do let us know. Clear Creek Sect will stand behind you.”

“Thank you, Uncle,” Fang Tian nodded.

Fu Cang saw Fang Tian had no intention of mending ties with Ice Spirit Island and decided not to press further, returning to his seat and speaking a few words to the Clear Creek disciples nearby.

His meaning was clear: from now on, Fang Tian was to be treated with respect; words and actions should be mindful. After all, he had saved their fellow disciples and deserved proper honor.

The disciples of Clear Creek Sect all nodded in agreement, and their gazes toward Fang Tian grew more reverent.

Having confirmed that Fang Tian was indeed Tianyu, they realized his strength rivaled that of their own uncle. Earlier, they had heard Fang Tian’s conversation with the Grand Elder of Ice Spirit Island loud and clear.

Noticing the sudden change in the disciples’ attitudes, Fang Tian remained indifferent, though he felt somewhat uncomfortable. He knew that once his true identity was exposed, such reactions were inevitable. After all, what he had done was highly conspicuous, forcing him to abandon any hope of acting discreetly.

Just then, Mu Qiaoqiao, seated behind Fang Tian, poked him with her delicate, white hand.

Turning around, Fang Tian asked, “What is it, Grandma Mu?”

Mu Qiaoqiao smiled, “Fang Tian, I didn’t expect you to have another identity. Truly surprising.”

“Surprising? Your shout was the real surprise.”

“Oh, I didn’t mean to! Who knew you had another identity? Besides, it’s not my fault. If you hadn’t stepped on my foot, none of this would have happened. Isn’t that right?”

“All right, you’re correct. Complaining won’t help,” Fang Tian replied, not blaming her. It was his own bad luck. Fortunately, the Ice Spirit Island group didn’t seem inclined to act against him—at least for now. If they did, he would show no mercy and give them no quarter.

“That’s more like it. But you managed to sever the Grand Elder’s arm—surely your strength is at the ninth layer? Yet your current realm is only the fifth. Can you really cross four layers? My goodness, that would mean you possess something extraordinary,” Mu Qiaoqiao mused in disbelief.

“Stop guessing. If you shout again, I might lose my life.”

“Fang Tian, I feel you’re in danger. If their intentions are sinister, they may try to harm you,” Mu Qiaoqiao whispered, her slender figure leaning closer to Fang Tian’s ear.

A warm breath tickled Fang Tian’s ear, making him itch. As he turned his head, perhaps by chance, he nearly brushed Mu Qiaoqiao’s face.

The two were suddenly very close, appearing intimate. Mu Qiaoqiao was flustered, her cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked around before returning to her seat.

Fang Tian felt awkward and scratched his head, turning away.

He thought to himself that such mishaps were unavoidable, but Mu Qiaoqiao’s fragrance lingered pleasantly, leaving him oddly fascinated.

Lost in these thoughts, a smile unconsciously curved his lips, as if enchanted.

Sensing his own instincts getting the better of him, he quickly composed himself, returning to his usual calm demeanor. He didn’t want to be seen as some sort of lecher.

Those around them, witnessing the scene, assumed the two were flirting, casting disdainful glances. “At a time like this, and they’re still flirting?” If not for Fang Tian’s strength, someone would have spoken out.

Wu Jie, seated beside the Third Prince, saw Fang Tian embracing a beauty and felt jealous, gritting his teeth. He wondered why such fortune never befell him.

Just as Fang Tian thought nothing more would happen, Huo Chen, who had been sitting quietly nearby, suddenly stood up.

Clad in fiery red robes, Huo Chen exuded dominance and a powerful aura. His tall, imposing figure was like that of a wild beast, radiating raw strength.

Fang Tian observed Huo Chen and realized he was being watched in return. Sensing Huo Chen’s spiritual energy, Fang Tian’s expression grew serious. Huo Chen’s aura was denser than his own, likely at the Spirit Seed realm, comparable to the Clear Creek Sect leader.

Now, with Huo Chen’s gaze upon him, Fang Tian wondered what his intentions were. If Huo Chen meant harm, Fang Tian would need to be cautious, for this was the one person who could truly threaten him.

Initially, Huo Chen doubted that such a young man could defeat the Grand Elder. Seeing Fang Tian remain calm and composed, Huo Chen found it intriguing and said, “Boy, I heard your conversation with the Grand Elder. Seems you’re quite capable.”

Fang Tian rose and clasped his hands respectfully. “You flatter me, Island Lord. My abilities are insignificant.”

Huo Chen stroked his chin thoughtfully. “If that’s so, then the Grand Elder must be even less significant than insignificant?”

Fang Tian wasn’t sure what Huo Chen was up to and replied, “That’s not what I meant.”

The Grand Elder, listening to their conversation, was annoyed. Why did they have to drag him into it? Such words only made him lose face again.

He was angry but powerless against Fang Tian, and hadn’t expected Huo Chen to be so blunt, offering him no dignity.

To ease his embarrassment, he closed his eyes and withdrew his senses, thinking, “Out of sight, out of mind. Let them say what they will.”

Huo Chen glanced at the Grand Elder, then turned to Fang Tian with a smile. “Boy, the night is long and dull. Why don’t you spar with me for a bit? I’d like to see just how formidable you are.”

As soon as he spoke, the crowd perked up. Was Fang Tian about to be targeted by Island Lord Huo Chen?

The disciples of Ice Spirit Island were the most excited. If Huo Chen could make Fang Tian suffer, or even disappear, all the better.

The Grand Elder and the Third Prince wore expressions of schadenfreude, thinking, “Now someone will deal with you.”

Huo Chen looked at Fang Tian, half-smiling. Originally, this was supposed to be his stage, yet a young upstart had stolen the spotlight. Despite being the strongest present, the crowd praised the youth instead. This irritated him, and he was determined to teach Fang Tian a lesson—to show him who was master and who was guest.

Fang Tian surveyed the room before turning his attention back to Huo Chen. “Island Lord Huo Chen, perhaps this isn’t the best idea. Dawn is approaching, and sparring now might sap our energy.”

Huo Chen laughed loudly. “Don’t worry. With your Spirit Gathering cultivation, you can’t possibly drain a Spirit Seed cultivator like me. Or are you afraid I might injure you? If so, let’s pretend I never asked.”

Trying to provoke me? Fang Tian smiled coldly. Huo Chen was brazen, relying on his superior cultivation. But with such words, if Fang Tian refused, he’d be looked down upon. Even if he couldn’t win, he wouldn’t lose his dignity—he had to stand his ground.

With that in mind, Fang Tian’s gaze cooled, and a faint chill emanated from him. He looked at Huo Chen and replied, “Since Island Lord Huo Chen insists, I’ll exchange a few moves with you.”

Huo Chen chuckled loudly and commanded, “Clear the area, make space!”