Cai Zhao woke up near evening, and Fan Xingjia personally came to summon them to the banquet.
After a good nap, Chang Ning was especially amiable—so much so that he even poured Fan Xingjia a cup of water himself. Fan Xingjia was so flattered he nearly choked on the drink. After all, this bitter and resentful orphan of the Chang family had never shown a friendly face to anyone on Myriad Waters, Thousand Mountains Cliff except his master, as if everyone owed him the deed to an eighteen-room mansion and was refusing to transfer ownership.
"Senior Brother Fan, you've worked hard. While we rested here, you've been bustling about like a grasshopper on a hot pan, never stopping for a moment..." In just one afternoon, Chang Ning seemed like a completely different person—warm and full of concern—though the analogy made one’s lips twitch.
"Senior Brother Chang, not a grasshopper—ants are the ones on hot pans," Cai Han interjected, rubbing his eyes.
Chang Ning affectionately patted the child’s head. "Good boy, Xiao Han, how could you say Senior Brother Fan is an ant? You can easily crush dozens of ants underfoot, but could you crush Senior Brother Fan? So he definitely isn’t an ant."
Cai Han stopped rubbing his eyes. "But but... Senior Brother Fan isn’t a grasshopper either, because because..."
"With a grasshopper, forget crushing it—you wouldn’t even land a step, because grasshoppers jump away."
The little boy looked confused. The logic seemed sound.
"Both of you, stop talking. Senior Brother Fan is neither a grasshopper nor an ant—he’s a person!" Cai Zhao, still groggy from sleep, slapped the table to settle the matter.
Fan Xingjia clutched his cup: "..." Please, just stop.
The three of them followed Fan Xingjia into the newly rearranged main hall of Dusk Micro Palace’s rear hall.
...Or rather, its side hall.
The entire Dusk Micro Palace was symmetrically designed, with each main hall flanked by east and west side halls.
This time, Fan Xingjia had taken precautions early, seating Cai Zhao and the other two at an elongated table by the window in the west side hall. To their left, at the head of the table, were two young monks from Evergreen Temple—junior disciples of Cai Zhao’s uncle, Master Juexing. To their right, at the lower end, sat a thin, silent girl named Yang Xiaolan, daughter of the Four Stallions Gate’s leader. She was extremely shy, barely lifting her head even when greeting others.
—The former were amiable, the latter harmless. As for Qi Lingbo, Dai Fengchi, and the like, they had been seated in the east side hall, separated by the bustling main hall in between. Forget "misunderstandings"—even if one side started belting out mountain songs, the other wouldn’t hear a thing.
Amitabha, surely peace would reign now. Temporarily reassured, Fan Xingjia let out a long breath and pulled up a stool to chat with them.
Cai Zhao quickly spotted her parents in the crowd. Cai Pingchun and his wife sat below Vast Heaven Gate’s leader, Song Shijun. Both wore expressionless faces, mechanically responding to the comings and goings of fellow martial artists.
Unable to resist, Cai Zhao asked, "Senior Brother Fan, tomorrow is the grand ceremony. Has everyone arrived?"
Fan Xingjia thought for a moment. "Aside from Evergreen Temple’s abbot, Venerable Fakong, and the Grand Beginning Temple’s delegation, everyone else is here."
"I know about Venerable Fakong—his senior brother, Venerable Fahai, just passed away, so he’s staying behind to chant scriptures for the funeral rites. But why is Grand Beginning Temple also arriving only tomorrow morning?" Cai Zhao was puzzled."Of course it's to show off their importance," Chang Ning lowered his voice. "Three years ago when your aunt passed away, martial heroes from all over came to pay respects. My father said Grand Beginning Temple arrived last that time—what a grand display it was."
"I was ill then and knew nothing about it," Cai Zhao also whispered. "If arriving last makes them seem more important, then wouldn't not coming at all make them the most important of all?"
Fan Xingjia leaned in too: "If Grand Beginning Temple really didn't show up for the Ancestor's death anniversary, they'd be giving others grounds to criticize them. These past years, Qiu Yuanfeng, the leader of Grand Beginning Temple, has been making quite a name for himself, meddling in every affair of the Martial World. Quite impressive!"
"Does no one comment on Grand Beginning Temple acting this way?" Cai Zhao asked softly.
"Of course they do," Fan Xingjia chuckled. "It's just—"
"—Brother Yunke." Song Shijun of Vast Heaven Gate sat imposingly in the seat second only to the head seat, as usual wearing a golden crown and robes embroidered with gold, though his expression was far from pleased. "Tomorrow morning is the grand ceremony for the Ancestor's death anniversary. Isn't it inappropriate that Grand Beginning Temple still hasn't arrived?"
He deliberately amplified his voice, making every word boom through the hall, instantly drawing everyone's attention to the head seat.
Qi Yunke, seated at the head, replied amiably, "Sect Leader Qiu wrote that there were matters at the temple delaying them, but they'll definitely arrive before tomorrow morning's ceremony."
Song Shijun grinned. "Brother Yunke, I know you're mild-tempered, but there are times when you should assert some authority. Venerable Fakong is a guest—his attendance is a courtesy, and his absence wouldn't matter much. But we of the Big Dipper Six Sects are the Ancestor's descendants. While putting on airs might be tolerated in other matters, how can anyone dare neglect something as significant as the Ancestor's bicentennial death anniversary? Shouldn't Azure Tower Sect say something?"
At his words, the hall fell even quieter, everyone waiting to see how Qi Yunke would respond.
Though the Big Dipper Six Sects presented a united front to the outside world, internally they operated independently, only requiring the Azure Tower Sect Leader to speak when uniting against the Demonic Cult. But times changed—sometimes, if the Azure Tower Sect Leader was particularly strong, they could even discipline disciples from other sects despite the boundaries.
By suddenly bringing up Grand Beginning Temple now, Song Shijun was clearly trying to put Qi Yunke in a difficult position.
Cai Zhao murmured, "Isn't Sect Leader Song deliberately making things hard for Uncle Qi? What's he supposed to say? If he says, 'It's fine, being a little late doesn't matter,' Sect Leader Song will surely accuse him of disrespecting the Ancestor's death anniversary. But if Uncle Qi flies into a rage, is he supposed to immediately gather forces to punish Grand Beginning Temple? Whether other sects would laugh or not, the Demonic Cult would certainly split their sides."
Chang Ning: "Obviously, the point is to put the Sect Leader in a dilemma—otherwise, why bother saying it? But without any grudge, why would Song Shijun want to make things hard for Sect Leader Qi?"
Both turned their gazes to Fan Xingjia, who sighed. "These years, Vast Heaven Gate has been recruiting talents from all over, their influence nearly rivaling our sect. Sect Leader Song once proposed to Master that the Ancestor's bicentennial ceremony be held at Vast Heaven Gate. Even Master, mild as he is, couldn't agree to that. Fortunately, Jade Pendant Mountain Manor and Fallen Blossom Valley firmly supported us, so the matter was settled. Sect Leader Song didn't get his way—naturally, he must be displeased.""Pah!" Cai Zhao scoffed lightly. "Nine Conch Mountain's Dusk Micro Palace has always been the ancestral master's place of quiet cultivation. How could the memorial ceremony possibly be moved elsewhere? He's just taking advantage of Uncle Qi's good nature to push his luck!"
Chang Ning asked with interest: "Third Senior Brother Song Yuzhi is Sect Leader Song's son. By openly stirring trouble like this, isn't he worried his son might face difficulties in the sect later?"
Fan Xingjia sighed: "Our master is fair-minded—he judges matters, not people. No matter what Sect Leader Song does, he wouldn't take it out on Third Senior Brother. Besides, besides..."
"Besides, there's Madam Sulian," Cai Zhao curled her lip. "Her elder sister Qinglian Furen was Sect Leader Song's late wife. No matter how much they quarrel, who in the sect would dare trouble the nephew of the madam? In the end, it's just bullying Uncle Qi for being too kind."
"Mother's speaking, everyone look!" Young Cai Han suddenly called out, making Fan, Chang and Cai all turn their heads.
Ning Xiaofeng had raised her voice, but lacking the internal energy to make each word thunder like Song Shijun, the crowd had to quiet down further to hear her clearly.
"...Even blood brothers live separately after dividing the family. Though Azure Tower Sect leads the Big Dipper Six Sects, it can't dictate every little thing the other five sects do. As long as Grand Beginning Temple doesn't delay tomorrow's memorial ceremony, it can't be considered wrong." Ning Xiaofeng had disliked Song Shijun for over a decade and wasn't about to be polite now.
"I said years ago—to be in-laws, one must play deaf and dumb sometimes. Being leader of Azure Tower Sect is truly difficult. Luckily Brother Qi is honest and tolerant by nature, never nitpicking over trivial matters. Otherwise, with such overwhelming authority pressing down, having to consult Azure Tower Sect over every sesame-seed-sized matter would make the other five sects miserable."
Though her analogy was somewhat crude, the logic held. If they really had a domineering leader who accounted for every penny, life would be hard for the other sects. Many present nodded subtly in agreement. With Song Shijun's cultivation, how could he miss the murmurs? His face grew tauter.
A middle-aged gentleman seated opposite Song Shijun noticed his dark expression and smiled, speaking loudly: "Well said, Xiaofeng. They say Azure Tower Sect is the world's foremost sect, but few know how hard it is to lead. Fortunately Brother Yunke is magnanimous and rarely disputes with others, allowing the Big Dipper Six Sects to remain close as brothers. Elder Brother Song meant well today, but he's always been blunt among family—let's not take offense."
Yin Sulian had been torn between husband and brother-in-law since Song Shijun spoke. Now hearing this elegant gentleman mediate, she quickly added: "Zhi...ahem...Master Zhou speaks wisely. We're all family here—no need for quarrels. Servants! Bring wine and dishes, quickly!"
The speaker was none other than Master Zhou Zhizhen of Jade Pendant Mountain Manor, renowned in the martial world for his refinement and mastery of both literature and swordsmanship. Immediately, everyone laughed and joked, trying to smooth things over.
Song Shijun's anger lingered, so he shot a glance at Four Stallions Gate's leader Yang Heying beside him. The two were close—the look clearly meant 'your turn.'
But Yang Heying thought: If even you, Song Shijun, failed to corner Qi Yunke directly, what good would my rash words do? Why invite humiliation? His eyes darted to Cai Pingchun and his wife nearby, and an idea struck him. Raising his voice, he called: "Valley Master Cai, it's been years—how have you been?"Cai Pingchun was slightly startled before replying, "You flatter me, you flatter me."
Yang Heying smiled. "Ah, the heroic bearing and smiling face of Lady Cai Pingshu remain vivid in my memory. To think that at such a young age, she dominated the Martial World, crushing Demon lairs and bandit strongholds, upholding justice—everyone in the Martial World admired her. Now that she is gone, seeing Valley Master Cai carry on her legacy, it truly brings joy to know that Fallen Blossom Valley has worthy successors." His words ostensibly praised Cai Pingshu, but the underlying implication was that without her, Fallen Blossom Valley had lost its former glory.
Chang Ning frowned. "Why does this man speak with such a twisted tone?"
"Not just his words—his actions are just as twisted," Cai Zhao ground her little tiger teeth. "I saw this man when I was a child."
Both Chang Ning and Fan Xingjia were surprised.
Young Cai Han interjected, "Then why haven’t I seen him?"
Cai Zhao scolded softly, "Idiot, I was four years old then—you didn’t even exist when I was four. Stop interrupting and eat your pastry!"
After pressing her little brother’s head down, she continued, "That year, some so-called 'Three Heroes of Shahe' came, loudly proclaiming they wanted to challenge my father in a friendly martial contest— cough —who even knows how they got into the valley. Those three shameless men claimed that whether they faced one person or a hundred, they would fight together as brothers, so even against my father alone, they insisted on attacking as a trio."
Chang Ning sneered. "If it were me, I’d actually gather a hundred people to fight them three. Exhaust them to death—I wouldn’t stop until their strength and essence were completely drained."
"Then what happened? Did Valley Master Cai win?" Fan Xingjia pressed.
"Isn’t it obvious? Of course Valley Master Cai won, otherwise this would’ve spread throughout the Martial World long ago," Chang Ning scoffed.
Fan Xingjia was puzzled. "What do you mean?"
Chang Ning explained, "When Nie Hengcheng was alive, the Demonic Cult was at its peak. In several major battles, many skilled fighters from the Big Dipper Six Sects perished, with Fallen Blossom Valley suffering the most. This incident was clearly those three scoundrels taking advantage of the chaos, seeing that Valley Master Cai’s uncle had died and his sister was injured, while he himself was young and unknown, so they came to seek easy gains. Had they won, they would’ve boasted about it far and wide, claiming they defeated the Valley Master of Fallen Blossom Valley and the younger brother of Lady Cai. Since no one has heard of this, it’s obvious Valley Master Cai won."
Cai Han gaped. "Wow, Senior Brother Chang, you’re so smart! Big Sister, is that what happened?"
Cai Zhao rolled her eyes at Chang Ning. "Exactly as Senior Brother Chang said—Father won. Sigh, Mother said Father trained day and night those years just to guard against such things."
Fan Xingjia also praised, "Junior Brother Chang is indeed sharp-witted. I fall far short."
Chang Ning ignored him and continued, "What does this have to do with Yang Heying?"
"Actually, two years before those three scoundrels came, Father had already broken through to a higher realm. Dealing with those three weaklings wasn’t difficult at all. What was hateful was that Yang Heying, pretending to uphold justice with his words, stood by watching the show. When the Three Heroes of Shahe attacked Father, he neither moved nor spoke. But just as Father was about to cripple those three scoundrels, he stepped in to stop it, saying something like 'Martial comrades should know when to stop.' Ugh!" Cai Zhao seethed.
Chang Ning nodded. "Hmm, it seems Yang Heying was there to test your father’s limits."
Cai Zhao was confused. "Test his limits? Yang Heying? Why would he test Father’s limits?"Chang Ning: "Your aunt Cai Pingshu was like a thunderbolt from the heavens, renowned throughout the Martial World, invincible in her travels. She acquired many rare treasures, precious medicines, and secret manuals. Powerful sects like the Azure Tower Sect and Vast Heaven Gate wouldn't covet them, while aloof factions like Jade Pendant Mountain Manor and Grand Beginning Temple wouldn't stoop to taking them. But the Four Stallions Gate? Hmph. Their sect rules are outdated, stuck in their ways, and now they're in decline with dwindling talent across generations. How could they not covet such things?"
Hearing this, Cai Han couldn't help but interject: "Actually, Mom said Fallen Blossom Valley had already been in decline for generations before Auntie..."
"If you say another word, no midnight snack for you!" Cai Zhao wished she could sew her little brother's mouth shut.
Chang Ning chuckled: "Yang Heying went to test the waters. If your father proved to be highly skilled, he'd shut up and leave. But if your father's cultivation was lacking, he'd see an opportunity. If I'm not mistaken, those Three Heroes of Shahe were his way into Fallen Blossom Valley. After your valley's entrance array was changed, few could enter, right?"
As Chang Ning spoke eloquently, he noticed Fan Xingjia's charming dimples while he served Cai Zhao food. His tone shifted meaningfully: "Even with Sect Leader Qi protecting Fallen Blossom Valley, distant water can't quench a nearby fire. As long as Valley Master Cai himself remains weak, petty villains will always find openings. Don't you agree, Junior Sister?"
Cai Zhao lowered her head in silence.
Losing his audience displeased Chang Ning: "Why aren't you speaking?"
Cai Zhao seemed distracted: "Your father, the renowned hero Chang Haosheng, roamed the Martial World for many years—longer than my aunt. Rarely was he defeated. So, the Chang family must have accumulated many rare treasures, precious medicines, and secret manuals too, right?"
Fan Xingjia's eyes lit up, as if no one had ever considered this, and he quickly looked at Chang Ning.
Chang Ning stared at Cai Zhao: "Correct. My father did accumulate much. I can't speak for medicines or manuals, but treasures and wealth? Plenty. Stored in various places, and now only I know their locations."
Fan Xingjia, ever the pragmatist, immediately regarded the wealthy man with newfound respect.
Cai Zhao felt a sour pang of envy. Her aunt Cai Pingshu treated wealth like dirt, only collecting oddities during her adventures—valuable, yes, but hardly convertible to money.
Chang Haosheng was different. Even in youth, he was mature and practical, amassing gold bars, silver ingots, pearls, and gemstones without hesitation—or so Ning Xiaofeng had mentioned in passing.
Delighted by Cai Zhao's shifting expressions, Chang Ning smiled: "Next time, I'll buy hairpins for Junior Sister. Do you prefer eastern pearls, southern pearls, or jadeite?"
Cai Zhao snorted and turned her head away proudly.
She wouldn't bow for mere material gain—if pushed, she'd just open her own rice shop.
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