The journey to Wucheng was uneventful; the two traveled straight through without delay and arrived in the city by the afternoon.
As soon as Chu Mingwei arrived, he received a transmission from Meng Fan. Meng Fan and his companions had reached Wucheng a day earlier and had already secured a small courtyard at the city’s largest inn.
Following the guidance of the sound-transmission talisman, the two headed directly to the inn Meng Fan had prepared. Xiao Lingyu paused outside the inn, gazing at the familiar sign. Memories from ten years ago surged—this was where he had advanced into the Refining Realm, encountered the ghost sect’s ambush, and where he had first found Zhu Yurun.
Thinking of Zhu Yurun, Xiao Lingyu glanced at the spirit beast pouch on his body. He was still quite pleased with Zhu Yurun’s initiative that morning to place himself inside the pouch. Considering how well-behaved the beast had been, and that this visit brought them back to the place of their first encounter, Xiao Lingyu decided the previous three-day snack penalty was sufficient.
Chu Mingwei, walking ahead, noticed Xiao Lingyu lagging behind. Reflexively, he turned back to extend his hand, but at that moment, a flash of Xiao Lingyu’s pale figure crossed his mind, and he immediately withdrew his hand. Seeing his junior seemingly lost in thought, Chu Mingwei could only smile wryly. He scolded himself silently for allowing his mind to wander and restored his focus to the role of the caring senior brother. Gently, he asked, “Lingyu, what’s wrong?”
Chu Mingwei’s words interrupted Xiao Lingyu’s scattered thoughts. Smiling faintly at Chu Mingwei, he said, “Ten years ago, it was Master who brought me to stay here.”
Walking against the light, Xiao Lingyu’s face was bathed in a gentle glow, his smile dazzling Chu Mingwei and stirring his heart. Sensing the sudden pulse of emotion, Chu Mingwei quickly suppressed it and smiled, “So this is where Lingyu advanced into the Refining Realm back then.”
Xiao Lingyu nodded; not only had he advanced here, but the spirit marrow he had secretly buried at Yilan Peak had also been obtained here. With a fleeting rush of memories, he quickened his pace to catch up with Chu Mingwei, heading to meet Meng Fan and the others.
No sooner had they walked ahead than a streak of light crossed the sky. Ying Jiuhua descended at the inn’s entrance with Xiao Hei, the young black-footed disciple, stepping lightly with a plain white paper fan floating beside him.
Xiao Hei’s face was alight with excitement as he read the inn’s sign. Turning to Ying Jiuhua, he said with sparkling eyes, “This is it! I heard that Boss Xiao advanced into the Refining Realm here at the age of six and made a name for himself!”
Ying Jiuhua, seeing his young disciple’s exuberance, inwardly wished the name Xiao Lingyu would never reach his ears again. His face, however, remained neutral. “A bright child is not necessarily a great adult,” he remarked.
Xiao Hei frowned in disagreement. “How can that be? I’ve asked around in the market before; Boss Xiao entered the Void Realm three years ago. He must be far more formidable now.” He then shifted to a dreamy tone, “At six, he already had such authority—he must have grown into a remarkable and impressive youth by now. I wonder if Boss Xiao still remembers me?”
Ying Jiuhua had no patience for Xiao Hei’s endless chatter about Xiao Lingyu but could not outright reprimand him, so he could only respond with a few dry acknowledgments. Immersed in his imagination, Xiao Hei failed to notice his master’s expression, chattering nonstop about Boss Xiao’s accomplishments. Despite Ying Jiuhua’s reputation as a fearsome overlord, he was powerless against this single stubborn disciple, unable to reprimand him without hesitation.
Unaware that his superfan and the resentful master were staying at the same inn, Xiao Lingyu and Chu Mingwei reached the small courtyard where Meng Fan and his companions awaited. Yet upon seeing some of the arrivals, Xiao Lingyu frowned slightly—why were Leng Hanyuan and Xu Xuan here?
Chu Mingwei was equally surprised but quickly replaced his expression with a calm, warm smile as he greeted them. “Brother Leng and Brother Xu, you’ve come as well?”
Leng Hanyuan, handsome and gentle, smiled warmly. “Master heard the news from Wucheng and specially sent me to assist Senior Brother. As for Brother Xu, being the son of Wucheng’s city lord, he could both visit family and help us gain information with his father’s support.”
Chu Mingwei nodded slightly and turned to Meng Fan. “Any new updates?”
Meng Fan cast a subtle glance at Leng Hanyuan, shook his head, and said, “No new news on the missing disciples of the Ancient Sword Sect. However, besides our Yuntian Sect and the Ancient Sword Sect, I heard that the Ghost Spirit Sect, Xuankun Sect, and the Immortal Longevity Hall have all dispatched disciples here.”
Chu Mingwei raised an eyebrow. “Even the Immortal Longevity Hall sent people?”
Meng Fan nodded while guiding them inside, adding, “Yes. This is strange. The Immortal Longevity Hall usually never leaves its Spirit Mulberry Realm, but this time they came to Wucheng. There must be something hidden here.”
Chu Mingwei frowned. “Previously, when the Ancient Sword Sect lost disciples concerning an ancient immortal’s tomb, it was normal for other sects to take part. But ten years ago, when Uncle Wu disappeared, we searched vigorously for him, and yet other sects ignored the matter. Why now is this incident so valued?”
Meng Fan and Bai Qian exchanged a glance but remained silent.
“Could it be that other sects are wary of Yuntian Sect’s power, and since the Ancient Sword Sect is small, they act without restraint?” A soft voice interjected timidly, drawing everyone’s attention. Xu Xuan, in pale blue robes, seemed slightly uneasy under the gaze of the group, cheeks faintly flushed.
Xiao Lingyu eyed Xu Xuan coldly, lowering his eyelids, uninterested in the performance. Chu Mingwei, recalling Xu Xuan’s docile childhood, smiled inwardly. Both Xu Xuan and his junior brother had obedient natures, but his junior’s innocence and lively spirit far surpassed Xu Xuan’s gentle demeanor.
Seeing Chu Mingwei glance at Xiao Lingyu, Meng Fan quickly suggested, “Little junior brother has traveled all day; perhaps he should rest with Senior Brother, and we can discuss matters tonight.”
Bai Qian agreed, “Right. Wucheng is calm for now; we should gather information before making any moves.”
Chu Mingwei, noticing all eyes on Xiao Lingyu, asked, “Lingyu, are you hungry? Why don’t we eat first?”
Xiao Lingyu, recalling memories of the Ghost Spirit Sect, nodded after a moment’s thought.
Xu Xuan, sensing the attention, timidly suggested, “I’ve informed my father of our arrival. He has a long-standing connection with Elder Wu Yunzi and will surely provide updates promptly. Perhaps we should stay at the city lord’s residence for a few days.”
Leng Hanyuan’s eyes lit up at the suggestion, but Chu Mingwei politely declined, “Xu Xuan has been away from home and longs for family. You may stay at the residence, while we remain at the inn.”
Xu Xuan’s face flushed in embarrassment. Meng Fan, sensing this, chuckled. “To accommodate Xu Xuan’s goodwill, Brother Leng can accompany him to the city lord’s residence. He can assist in gathering information while we focus elsewhere.”
Leng Hanyuan agreed with a warm smile, and Xu Xuan beamed in delight.
With arrangements made, Meng Fan winked at Xiao Lingyu, hinting that the irritating individuals had left. Xiao Lingyu chuckled, realizing Meng Fan’s true relaxed nature this time, in contrast to the tense version of him in his previous life. Despite Meng Fan’s laid-back demeanor, Xiao Lingyu still respected him, aware of his cleverness in navigating delicate social situations.
Chu Mingwei observed the interactions and felt a twinge of jealousy, but quickly chastised himself. Both Xiao Lingyu and Meng Fan were his cherished juniors; their camaraderie should bring him joy, not discomfort.
The group decided to dine at the inn’s tavern. Chu Mingwei had initially considered having the meal delivered to their courtyard, but Meng Fan insisted. After all, a trip to the mortal realm deserved enjoyment.
Choosing a window seat, they were quickly served several signature dishes. Meng Fan urged, “Little junior brother, eat quickly,” while Chu Mingwei gently asked, “Lingyu, is the food to your liking?”
Before Xiao Lingyu could reply, an excited shout rang out: “Boss Xiao!”
Startled, Xiao Lingyu looked up. A black-clad youth he had previously seen at Xianzong Residence was rushing toward him, initially full of awe, but his expression shifted to surprise upon recognizing Xiao Lingyu.
Chu Mingwei immediately tensed, wary. Meng Fan and Bai Qian were equally curious.
The black-clad youth arrived before Xiao Lingyu, his expression conflicted. “Are you really Boss Xiao?” he asked, introducing himself, “I am Xiao Heizi.”
Hearing the name triggered Xiao Lingyu’s childhood memories, but he could not reconcile the crying, snot-nosed child from ten years ago with the tall, handsome youth before him.
Before Xiao Lingyu could process, Xiao Heizi, now called Xiao Muyu, squeezed next to him. With a shy expression, he said, “Boss Xiao, I’ve always wanted to marry you. When you went to cultivate, I decided to pursue cultivation too, so I could follow your path. I didn’t expect you to grow into this form. I originally wanted to marry you, but now, perhaps you should marry me.”
Everyone froze in shock. Chu Mingwei’s reaction was the strongest, ready to strike the boy for attempting to steal his junior brother. Meng Fan and Bai Qian could only stare speechlessly at the youth’s heartfelt confession.
Xiao Lingyu’s face darkened. Before he could speak, a surge of killing intent swept over him, setting his guard to maximum.
At the tavern entrance, a man in ink-colored robes approached, expression calm, his gaze coldly sweeping the group. His eyes softened briefly upon seeing Xiao Heizi.
Xiao Lingyu’s heart leapt—the man was Ying Jiuhua. Chu Mingwei and the others recognized him immediately, tensing in alarm.
Ying Jiuhua, one of the Immortal Longevity Hall’s Supreme Elders, was famed for his cunning and unpredictable nature. How had he arrived here?
Xiao Heizi, clinging to Xiao Lingyu, noticed everyone’s alertness. Smiling, he called out, “Master, why are you so slow? Look, I found Boss Xiao! Truly, destiny has tied us together!”
Ignoring Xiao Heizi’s chatter, Ying Jiuhua approached with a domineering gaze. Chu Mingwei stepped forward instinctively, placing himself between Xiao Lingyu and Ying Jiuhua, sensing murderous intent directed at Xiao Lingyu.
Ying Jiuhua’s eyes scanned Chu Mingwei, the most outstanding disciple of Yuntian Sect and a genius who had entered the Elixir Realm before thirty. While the Elixir and Infant Realms were only one step apart, the difference was immense. His gaze then fell on the youth behind Chu Mingwei. Seeing Xiao Heizi gripping the boy’s sleeve, coldness flickered in Ying Jiuhua’s eyes. Yet he spoke nonchalantly, “Since Xiao Heizi likes you, prepare yourself to serve him.”
“What?” Voices rang out simultaneously. Brilliant flashes streaked across the room as Meng Fan’s dice, Bai Qian’s sword, and Xiao Lingyu’s Water Moon Wheel glimmered.
The tavern fell silent. Under the pressure of these powerful cultivators, the remaining patrons scrambled out, leaving the room empty in anticipation of an imminent clash.