Love & Redemption
Chapter 163: Dream of Splendor Broken into 4 Pieces - 20 Eve (2)

Chapter 163: Dream of Splendor Broken into 4 Pieces Chapter 20 Eve (2)

Four years ago, during the Flower Pinning Conference, Xuanji and the others were still children, only able to sit on the cold bench and watch from the sidelines, while Linglong fantasized more than once about growing up and participating in the conference herself, defeating all her opponents one by one and basking in the glorious limelight. Who would have known that four years later, the very uninterested Xuanji would be the one to participate in the new round of the Flower Pinning Conference, all because the Xuanyuan Sect needed extra disciples and she was selected as an alternate.

On the journey to Fuyu Island, Linglong could not contain her excitement, constantly talking to Xuanji about the conference. She hadn’t changed at all, somehow gathering gossip on the participating disciples, investigating everything from their choice of weapons to even the foods they disliked, and reciting it all to Xuanji like a treasure trove of knowledge.

"This year, well, Fuyu Island’s Dual Swordsmanship has reached the age limit so they can’t participate. The new disciples coming out aren’t much to worry about. But there are a few from Lize Palace with exquisite swordsmanship... Hehe, speaking of Lize Palace, wasn’t Si Feng also supposed to participate? But it’s better that he’s not, otherwise if you and your little husband fought for supremacy on stage, wouldn’t it hurt your relationship?"

Ever since Linglong found out about Xuanji’s relationship with Si Feng, she loved to tease her with it.

Upon hearing the words "little husband," Xuanji blushed and gave Linglong a glare, whispering, "Stop talking nonsense! But where on earth did you get all this information..."

Linglong patted her chest proudly, laughing, "I have my ways! Hehe, Dad has the list of participating disciples, and I’ve stolen and practically worn it out! Originally, your name and Si Feng’s were on it, but now Si Feng’s name has been crossed off. Apart from me, everyone from the Min Generation of the Shaoyang Sect is on it! First Senior Brother, Third Senior Brother... Xiao Liuzi... Ah..."

Her voice trailed off when she mentioned Zhong Minyan. Fearing she would become sad, Xuanji quickly changed the subject, "They’re all familiar faces; this conference is going to be lively! I’ll definitely win the flower pin for you to see!"

Linglong burst out laughing, tapped Xuanji on the forehead, and said, "Shameless! Are you that confident you can win? Humph, if Sixth were here, it wouldn’t be your turn to brag!"

This woman, always forgetting her family when she’s got a lover... Xuanji looked at her helplessly and said, "First Senior Brother is also quite formidable. Speaking of which, I haven’t even seen what he’s capable of yet! Dad always says he’s talented and capable. If I happen to face him, I might actually lose."

Since she had returned to Shaoyang Peak, she hadn’t seen Du Minxing. Now, as they set off for Fuyu Island together, he stayed in the back of the crowd and didn’t show himself, as if deliberately avoiding her. Why wouldn’t he want to come out and laugh and joke with everyone like before? How nice would that be.

"He’s been in seclusion for cultivation in Mingxia Cave for most of the past half year, right? He’s just come out, probably doesn’t even know how to speak. But since you are his junior sister, if you do end up facing each other, he’ll probably go easy on you, right?"

What’s the fun in that if he holds back? Xuanji turned to glance at the back of the crowd and caught a fleeting view of that light blue figure before it disappeared into the throng, leaving her to turn back around with a sense of loss. Strange, where had that gentle and kind First Senior Brother gone?

******

In the afternoon, the group arrived at Fuyu Town by Sword Control. Due to the Flower Pinning Conference, the town was almost overflowing with crowds, filled with disciples from other sects who came to watch. Fuyu Island, unlike other places, was enveloped by a sword net that couldn’t be entered lightly, so many people were stopped by the guarding disciples at the town. Arguments, disputes, and noise... there were all kinds of people, but Dongfang Qingqi seemed to have made up his mind — apart from the Four Great Sects, no one else was allowed on the island.

"Sect Leader, look..." Chu Yinghong said, frowning slightly upon seeing the commotion in the town.

Chu Lei nodded slightly and spoke in a low voice, "The Island Master must have his reasons for this decision. Although it may offend friends from other sects, it is also a good strategy to avoid trouble."

After all, with the previous attack by demons that damaged the Sea Stabilizing Iron Chain, the Flower Pinning Conference was a gathering of mixed company where anything could happen. If they opened the gates to all, Fuyu Island — an isolated island in the sea with a vulnerable location — could easily descend into chaos.

As the group approached, they indeed heard the arguing, with the troublemakers being two emerging sects that had gained momentum in recent years. In previous Flower Pinning Conferences, they had always attended as spectators and had even tried to curry favor with Chu Lei, hoping to join the ranks of the conference’s hosts, but Chu Lei had tactfully refused each time. Now they had come to watch the conference on Fuyu Island, only to be denied entry, and here they were, quarreling incessantly with the guarding disciples.

"... The Flower Pinning Conference is a martial arts event, not exclusive to Fuyu Island! Even the Shaoyang Sect doesn’t turn away people like this; you’re really overestimating yourselves!"

The speaker, sporting a full beard, was an elder from one of the new sects. The Fuyu Island disciples facing him remained composed, speaking kindly, "The Island Master’s orders have been given in advance: until the Flower Pinning Conference officially begins, aside from the participating Four Great Sects, no one else may enter. We ask everyone to wait in the town for a few days, and then we will allow groups to enter the island in turns. Please forgive any offense."

The few troublemakers didn’t care for their carefully worded statements and kept shouting loudly, frustrating Chu Lei, who frowned and called out in a clear voice, "The Shaoyang Sect has arrived to visit, please report our arrival."

The words "Shaoyang Sect" silenced the crowd instantly. The arguing people quickly moved aside, opening a path for them. The Fuyu Island disciples, seeing that it was Chu Lei and the others, immediately smiled warmly. When Fuyu Island had been attacked by demons, it was thanks to Sect Leader Chu and Valley Master Rong from Dianjing Valley lending a hand that they managed to survive the ordeal; naturally, the disciples felt special gratitude towards them.

The disciples immediately filled out the visitor forms and sent two people to lead them onto Fuyu Island. Though the surrounding onlookers were unwilling to defer, they also dared not act recklessly under the name of the Shaoyang Sect. They grumbled among themselves, watching with wide eyes as the party passed through the checkpoint with ease.

Liu Yihuan followed behind Yu Sifeng, chuckling, "What grandeur, this Fuyu Island is really making enemies. Life won’t be easy for them in the future!"

Yu Sifeng didn’t say anything; nearby, Linglong, whose ears were sharp, heard the comment and snorted disdainfully, "Afraid of these wandering folks from the world? So what if we offend them? What can they do!"

Liu Yihuan sneered lecherously, "Nothing much, what Miss Linglong says is always right. I’m always wrong."

Seeing his shameless behavior, Linglong was annoyed but remembered that he was a friend of Xuanji and refrained from lashing out. She tossed her head and ignored him.

Yu Sifeng remarked, "Although Fuyu Island is one of the Five Great Sects, offending people as they did today will make their journey through the world fraught with difficulty. For instance, their disciples used to travel for experience and local sects would accommodate them. That might not be the case anymore."

Linglong was surprised, "You mean to say that the ease of our past experiences wandering down the mountains was also because others were accommodating?"

Yu Sifeng nodded, "Exactly, being considerate to others benefits oneself too. Besides, they weren’t just accommodating us juniors but the reputation of the Five Great Sects. Yet, even with a great reputation, an arm can’t twist a thigh. If you really incite the wrath of the masses, being the only big shot won’t work either."

Linglong fell silent, having never considered these issues before.

Yu Sifeng continued, "Right now, everything depends on how the Dongfang Island Master handles those staying in Fuyu Town. If they’re treated well, mutual respect will prevail, and if he opens up Fuyu Island for guests once the conference begins, that’s a wise move. But if there’s any conflict, even a minor one, Fuyu Island will find it hard to get along with others."

Tengshe, who had been quiet beside them, suddenly snickered, "Afraid of what? Just kill them all! Strength is the only capital that speaks."

He was always so rash... Xuanji shot him a glare, "Si Feng is talking, why are you interrupting!"

Tengshe was extremely irritated, cursing her countless times in his mind. "If you love listening to him, let him talk forever. Hope he talks himself to death!" He muttered, but didn’t dare to let her understand him clearly.

Yu Sifeng said, "Shouting about fighting and killing all day is not a cultivator’s duty. People show you respect by regarding you as one of the Five Great Sects. If they don’t, and treat you as nothing, would you really go and fight to the death?"

What’s so difficult about that... The world is vast, but nothing is bigger than face. Tengshe could only mutter to himself, to avoid clashing with Xuanji again.

While they were conversing, a loud voice suddenly called from behind, "Master! Wait for me!"

Hearing the voice, Xuanji recognized it immediately; turning around, she gasped in shock. Her mind buzzed as if a string had suddenly snapped, leaving her speechless.

Zhong Minyan!

He had reverted to his usual casual clothes, standing behind the crowd, quietly watching them. Everyone was stunned, even Linglong was dumbfounded, wondering if she was dreaming.

Zhong Minyan slowly walked out from behind the crowd, approached Chu Lei, knelt down with one knee, touched his forehead to the ground, and said solemnly, "Minyan, the errant disciple, greets Master!"

Chu Lei was still stunned, unable to react, when Linglong suddenly sobbed and rushed out of the group, throwing herself on him, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck, crying so hard she couldn’t speak. (To be continued. If you want to know what happens next, please visit www.qidian.com. More Chapters are available, support the author, support genuine reading!)