Chapter 56: Hostile Intentions

After Elder Xuan Yin departed, Ge Bin immediately let out a breath, hurried over to Yin Tianfang’s side, and asked curiously, “Junior Brother Yin—no, I should start calling you Senior Brother Yin now. What exactly is your relationship with Elder Xuan Yin that he would go so far as to build such a separate courtyard just for you? Even the inner disciples aren’t treated this well.”

“I originally thought it must be some scion from a great family who’d become Elder Xuan Yin’s disciple, and that’s why he had such a courtyard built.”

Before Yin Tianfang could reply, a figure suddenly appeared in the courtyard—it was Qian Chuan.

“Master,” Yin Tianfang immediately saluted. At these words, Ge Bin turned pale with shock. The Grandmaster of Xuandao Sect was a legendary figure, rarely seen by anyone except his own disciples, let alone a lowly outer disciple like Ge Bin.

He hurriedly knelt and respectfully called out, “Greetings, Master!”

“Rise.” Qian Chuan glanced at Ge Bin, his tone indifferent, then walked over to Yin Tianfang’s side. “The people from Azure Cloud Sect have arrived. You will remain here for the next few days. Though your cultivation is now sufficient, you haven’t yet mastered many spells. Here are some techniques—read and practice them whenever you have time. If there is anything you do not understand, wait until after the Azure Cloud Sect’s delegation leaves and come ask me.”

Qian Chuan handed Yin Tianfang a storage pouch and then vanished from the courtyard as swiftly as he had come. It was only long after Qian Chuan had left that Ge Bin finally came to his senses. Wiping the cold sweat from his brow, he looked at Yin Tianfang with newfound awe.

Elder Xuan Yin was well known in the sect for his affable nature and was seen often enough, but there were very few whom he favored so highly. As for the sect master, there was no need to say more—apart from his own disciples, no one else was ever personally guided by him.

Yet Yin Tianfang had been given a separate courtyard by Elder Xuan Yin, and even the sect master showed concern for his cultivation. In all of Xuandao Sect, there likely wasn’t a second such person.

“Just who are you, really?” Ge Bin asked in a daze.

“I am myself—Yin Tianfang. Who else could I be?” Yin Tianfang replied helplessly. Just then, Nuolan and Qingluo arrived, and Yin Tianfang eagerly went to greet them.

Nuolan looked around the courtyard. Compared to where she had lived before, this place was far superior—elegant surroundings, perched atop the North Shore Peak, with few people ever coming by.

“What is your relationship with Elder Xuan Yin?” Nuolan asked, her expression odd as she studied Yin Tianfang.

“He must be your illegitimate son,” Qingluo blurted out before Yin Tianfang could answer, completely without restraint. Yin Tianfang’s face darkened, and he shot Qingluo a fierce glare.

Then he smiled at Nuolan and said, “Settle in first. I’ll explain everything later. For now, why don’t you pick out your room?”

“I get to choose? I want to stay with Senior Sister!” Qingluo cried out joyfully. She and Nuolan had been like sisters ever since they joined the sect, always living together. Now that Nuolan was moving here, Qingluo would naturally follow.

Qingluo rushed off to pick a room, bubbling with excitement. At that moment, Ge Bin approached and said, “Junior Brother Yin, Elder Xuan Yin asked me to look after your daily needs from now on. Where should I stay?”

Yin Tianfang was taken aback—he hadn’t expected that Ge Bin had been assigned by Elder Xuan Yin to take care of him.

“Choose any room you like,” Yin Tianfang replied. At these words, Ge Bin could hardly contain his delight. Though he’d always gotten along well enough with Yin Tianfang, he hadn’t been sure whether he’d be allowed to stay. As an outer disciple with grand ambitions, he’d always been limited by the lack of resources. Elder Xuan Yin’s assignment felt like a golden opportunity. If he handled it well, he might just rise high in the future.

Learning that Yin Tianfang was the master of the courtyard made Ge Bin even more joyful, for he knew Yin Tianfang’s character and their relationship was amicable. With Yin Tianfang’s approval, Ge Bin hurried off to select a room for himself.

“Now will you tell me?” Nuolan looked at Yin Tianfang expectantly.

“Elder Xuan Yin knew my father, so he’s looked after me a bit. I only learned of the connection after meeting him,” Yin Tianfang replied, scratching his head.

“And the sect master?”

“That, I really don’t know,” Yin Tianfang said, shaking his head. He was as curious as Nuolan as to why the sect master of Xuandao Sect would show him such favor.

“Never mind, let’s not talk about this. Why don’t we take a walk outside? The scenery here is lovely, and there are hardly any people around,” Yin Tianfang suggested with a smile.

Nuolan’s cheeks flushed a little. “A stroll is fine, but don’t get any ideas,” she warned, her phoenix eyes narrowing in mock severity.

“I won’t, I won’t, I promise!” Yin Tianfang replied sheepishly.

The two wandered along the secluded path, strolling into the lush forest.

On the main peak of Xuandao Sect, halfway up the mountain, a massive platform stood—the Welcoming Terrace. Dozens of figures were arrayed upon it. Here, the sect welcomed visiting delegations and then led them up to the main peak.

If outsiders from other sects attempted to fly their swords straight to the summit, it would be seen as a grave provocation and disrespect. Such an act would be met with the wrath of the sect’s protective formation and the combined might of its elders. Yet such incidents were exceedingly rare.

After all, Xuandao Sect was one of the four greatest powers in Qingshui Kingdom. The Azure Cloud Sect was nearly equal in strength. If the two ever clashed in earnest, both would only be left wounded. Otherwise, given their long-standing enmity, one would have vanished from history long ago.

The Xuandao Sect delegation did not have to wait long. Soon, a brilliant stream of light streaked across the sky—a colossal flood dragon appeared, its back crowded with figures braving the wind. As it descended over the Welcoming Terrace, the immense creature landed. Once all the disciples of Azure Cloud Sect had disembarked, the flood dragon instantly transformed into a long sword, which fell into the hands of an elder.

“So it’s Fellow Daoist Huang Long himself leading the group this time! Forgive us for not coming out sooner,” the leading elder of Xuandao Sect laughed heartily, stepping forward with his entourage.

“Elder Yu Feng is too polite. It has been many years. Today, I bring our young disciples for an exchange. Forgive us for the disturbance,” Huang Long said, cupping his fists.

“Not at all, please, this way!” Elder Yu Feng replied with a smile, gesturing for Huang Long and the Azure Cloud elders behind him to proceed.

More than a dozen elders, and a hundred disciples—the formidable display made Elder Yu Feng’s heart grow heavy. “It seems the sect master was right—the Azure Cloud Sect did not come with peaceful intentions. If this were merely a friendly exchange, why bring so many? Clearly, Azure Cloud has other designs…”