“Yes, the Immortal Hero Conference,” Shi Jingyu noted, seeing the confusion on Jiang Xu’s face and naturally taking up the role of explainer. “Just as the Sect Leader said, the conference is held once every hundred years. Not only can those in the cultivation world participate, but even commoners who wish to come may do so. Some independent organizations also register. However, most victors of the conference receive generous rewards, so many people come specifically for those.”
Jiang Xu nodded while asking, “Senior Brother mentioned that people outside the cultivation world participate—what about the Demon and Devil races? Can they join as well?”
Shi Jingyu smiled and replied, “Certainly. Actually, the Demon and Devil races have been quite peaceful lately; I believe they don’t want to stir up trouble again.” After a pause, he continued, “However, some devils and demons are evil by nature, so we are exceptionally careful when screening applicants.”
“Oh, I see,” Jiang Xu nodded, though he secretly complained to himself—that guy Bai Liu was still trying to kidnap the Junior Sister not long ago; if the leaders are like that, the rest of the race probably isn’t much better. “Then, Senior Brother, is it mandatory for the disciples of our Lingyun Mountain to participate?”
As if guessing his thoughts, Shi Jingyu gave a shallow smile. “Not necessarily. The conference tests a disciple’s spiritual power and cultivation. If a disciple lacks confidence or has weak spiritual energy, they can choose not to participate. For instance, this year’s new disciples can sit out for now and watch the proceedings through the Spirit Mirror to observe and learn in advance.” As the Sect Leader continued discussing the details on stage, Shi Jingyu smiled and asked, “Are you planning not to go, Junior Brother?”
Jiang Xu immediately put on a weak expression, leaning on Shi Jingyu’s shoulder and letting out a few fake groans. “Senior Brother, isn’t my spiritual power damaged? If I enter the Spirit Realm, I might not even make it out alive.”
“Nonsense,” Shi Jingyu gave him a mock-annoyed look and lowered his voice. “I’ve practiced with you these past few days; you aren’t nearly that weak. However, while your injuries have healed, we don’t know if there are hidden complications. If you don’t want to go this time, it is fine.”
Jiang Xu immediately beamed with joy. “Senior Brother, you’re the best!” Noticing Shi Jingyu’s reddened ears, he said mischievously, “But Senior Brother, you get shy so easily. If you find a cultivation partner in the future, I’m afraid your face will be red every single day.”
Shi Jingyu’s face flushed deep red. “It is far too early to speak of cultivation partners. Junior Brother, say no more and listen to the Sect Leader.” Having said that, he turned away and straightened his back toward the stage.
Jiang Xu looked at his crimson earlobes and sighed. He scanned the area for Yan Huan’s figure and, once he found her, hurriedly waved to greet her, only to hear a light cough. He turned around blankly to see the white-browed Sect Leader Fu glaring at him.
“…” He curled his lip and withdrew his gaze. Just then, the Sect Leader closed the scroll and announced loudly, “This Immortal Hero Conference is largely the same as in previous years. However, a disciple has proposed that in order to temper one’s will, all disciples must participate this time.”
Jiang Xu, who had just finished calculating his escape: “…”
The other disciples were also shocked and began whispering. One disciple stood up and asked loudly, “But Sect Leader, the new disciples have no spiritual reserves yet. Wouldn’t it be dangerous for them to participate?”
Fu Yuchuan pressed his palms down to signal for silence, then said in a kind tone, “I haven’t finished. The safety of new disciples is naturally the primary concern. However, the Immortal Hero Conference happens only once a century; it is a rare and excellent opportunity to improve one’s cultivation. Therefore, the new disciples should also go and temper themselves. Participation for new disciples will be voluntary. Those who wish to challenge themselves may sign up. Should any disciple encounter danger, the Peak Masters and even the Elders will enter the secret realm immediately to protect them. Thus, there is no need to worry.”
Hearing this, the crowd nodded in agreement. After all, many people actually wanted to participate, and it truly was a great opportunity for growth.
Jiang Xu had a bitter face—which disciple was so “enthusiastic” as to suggest this?
“It seems you must participate this time after all,” Shi Jingyu said, not having expected this arrangement either. He patted Jiang Xu’s shoulder helplessly. “But when the time comes, you can stay with me.”
Jiang Xu’s eyes lit up. Senior Brother’s spiritual power was so vast; he’d definitely be safe following him! He looked at him gratefully and said, moved, “Senior Brother, you’re too kind! I’ll have to trouble you to protect me then!”
Protect? Hearing this word, Shi Jingyu’s expression froze before a light pink tinted his ears. He coughed lightly and whispered, “I will certainly keep you from harm.”
Once the Sect Leader finished speaking, the disciples dispersed. The Immortal Hero Conference would officially begin in half a month, bringing many disciples from other sects together for a grand event. Jiang Xu thought that since he couldn’t avoid it, he would just have to stick close to the Senior Brother.
A blue-clad figure flashed before his eyes. He paused and chased after her in a few steps. “Junior Sister Yan!”
Yan Huan slowed her pace and looked at him. “Senior Brother.”
Jiang Xu grinned and asked, “Will you be participating this time, Junior Sister?”
Yan Huan gave a slight nod. He continued, “Even though your talent is extremely high, you’ve only just arrived. I’m still worried about you.” He blinked and asked tentatively, “Why don’t you come with me?”
Yan Huan’s expression changed slightly, and she replied, “Isn’t Senior Brother Jiang going to be with the First Senior Brother? If I join, I’m afraid… it might not be appropriate.”
Jiang Xu looked at her in confusion. “What’s inappropriate about it? The Senior Brother is surely as worried about you as I am. There’s no problem with the three of us being together.”
“Senior Brother doesn’t mind?”
“What would I mind?” Jiang Xu was stunned. Wasn’t this a perfect chance to play matchmaker for her and the Senior Brother? A real man takes the chance when it’s there; who has time to mind this or that?
Yan Huan pursed her lips and deliberated for a moment before saying, “If Senior Brother doesn’t mind, then that is good.”
Her expression was a bit strange, but Jiang Xu didn’t think much of it. Hearing her say this, he said happily, “So you’re willing to go with us?”
Yan Huan nodded. “I am willing.”
Jiang Xu crossed his arms with a smile. “That’s great.” After a pause, he added, “In that case, go ahead with your business, Junior Sister.”
Yan Huan nodded and walked away. Looking at her back, Jiang Xu suddenly felt that participating in the conference might be a good thing. With him there, he wouldn’t have to worry about Yan Huan and Shi Jingyu failing to connect.
He shook his head happily, his long hair fluttering slightly.
“Hmph.” A cold snort came from beside him. Jiang Xu turned to see Chu Weiling walking past him, giving him a glare.
“…He really shows his hatred for me to the fullest,” he sighed. Suddenly remembering the events of last night, he clapped his hands. “I’m going to find Master right now.”
The Moonlight Pavilion was as peaceful as ever. When Jiang Xu entered, he specifically looked at the peach blossoms. Quite a few had fallen, and the branches were looking a bit bare. Even the most beautiful clusters of flowers cannot withstand the changing of the seasons.
Jiang Xu felt a strange pang of sadness for the constantly falling petals, thinking of the “old friend” Master had mentioned before.
Master had planted this tree a long time ago; he wondered if that old friend could even see it. Now the flowering period was almost over. When only green leaves and fruit remained without the flowers, wouldn’t it be a pity?
He sighed, wondering why he was becoming so sentimental. He pulled his gaze away from the peach tree and headed straight for the exquisite wooden door.
There was no response after he knocked. Confused, he knocked a few more times, but there was still silence inside. Was Master not in today?
As he was thinking, footsteps sounded behind him. Delighted, he turned and called out, “Master!”—only to freeze in his tracks.
Why was it Chu Weiling?
Chu Weiling was also very surprised to see him, his brow furrowed in a silent frown.
Jiang Xu looked at him and noticed he was holding several bamboo scrolls. Seeing that Chu Weiling had no intention of speaking, Jiang Xu took the initiative: “Are you here to see Master, Senior Brother?”
Chu Weiling glanced at him without answering. Jiang Xu gave a dry laugh and added, “I see you’re holding books. Are you here to deliver them to Master?”
“What are you doing here?”
Chu Weiling finally spoke, his tone full of impatience.
Jiang Xu blinked and walked down a couple of steps. “I came to see Master,” he said honestly, then gave Chu Weiling a cheerful look. “Senior Brother, you…”
“Why are you looking for Master?” Chu Weiling cut him off, asking with a cold face.
“…” Jiang Xu thought for a moment. He couldn’t exactly say he was there to report him. Communicating with this Senior Brother was beyond exhausting. He hesitated and eventually said, “Uh, to discuss some matters.”
Chu Weiling snorted coldly. “You pester Master all day long. What exactly is your goal?”
Jiang Xu was completely floored. He pointed at his own nose. “Me? Pestering Master?”
Chu Weiling looked at him with disgust. “Who else?”
Jiang Xu was stunned. He pointed at the books Chu Weiling was carrying. “But Senior Brother, you come here quite often too,” he muttered. “You even brought food for Master last time.”
“What did you say?” Chu Weiling’s voice sharpened instantly. He stared at Jiang Xu with a fierce, menacing look. “How do you know that?”
Jiang Xu waved his hands frantically. “I don’t know anything! I just happened to see you leaving Master’s place, that’s all.”
Hearing this, Chu Weiling’s brow furrowed slightly as if he didn’t quite believe it, but he stopped asking. He turned and left immediately.
“Hey, Senior Brother! Aren’t you going to wait for Master?” Jiang Xu called out, but Chu Weiling ignored him and left without looking back.
He shook his head, thinking that Chu Weiling must also admire their Master. Back in the Hall of Clarity when Master spoke up for him, he had thought from Chu Weiling’s attitude that he was different from other disciples and didn’t care much for Master.
But where had Master gone? If he didn’t return soon, how could Jiang Xu tell him about what he had seen…
Whatever, he would surely return tonight. He stepped down the stairs, bent over to pick up a peach blossom that had fallen by his feet, and twirled the delicate petal between his long fingers. He took a light sniff of the fragrance and thought: I’ll talk to him tonight.