Lei Xiuyuan remained composed as he slowly stepped forward and bowed respectfully. "Disciple Lei Xiuyuan pays his respects to Master."
To his surprise, Guangwei Zhenren appeared amiable and asked gently, "Did you have some disagreement with the disciples of Long Mingzuo?"
This disciple of his was entirely different from Hu Jiaping in temperament—always steady and reliable, never giving him any cause for concern. He believed Lei Xiuyuan would never harm others without reason. Even if he had injured someone in a dispute over the Demon Vermilion Fruit, it must have been unintentional. The Metal element immortal technique was indestructible, and accidents were inevitable during sparring. As a master who always shielded his own, especially a beloved disciple like Lei Xiuyuan, he was determined to protect him from blame.
Lei Xiuyuan replied calmly, "That day, these senior and junior brothers came to seize the Demon Vermilion Fruit. When words failed, they initiated magical combat. My Flying Sword Technique was still unrefined, and in the heat of the moment, I accidentally injured them. I deeply regret it."
Guangwei Zhenren chuckled. "You’re too stubborn. If your Flying Sword Technique isn’t yet mastered, you shouldn’t have used it. Go and apologize to them."
Noticing Zongli Zhang Lao’s grim expression, he added with a smile, "Elder Zongli, injuries are unavoidable in immortal technique sparring. Our No Moon Court’s Zheng Xu Zhang Lao excels in water-based healing methods. He will ensure all four of them recover fully."
Guangwei Zhenren’s favoritism was glaringly obvious, making it clear he had no intention of punishing his own disciple. Zongli Zhang Lao sneered, "Truly worthy of the prestigious No Moon Court—such a renowned sect produces disciples with remarkable skills in Slaying Demons and Exorcising Evil! To use the Flying Sword Technique, meant for demon-slaying, in mere sparring—how impressive!"
Guangwei Zhenren smiled faintly. "You flatter us, Elder Zongli. To have forced my humble disciple to resort to the Flying Sword Technique, your four esteemed disciples must be quite extraordinary themselves."
Zongli flew into a rage and said coldly, "Zheng Duo, recount the events of that day in full detail to Guangwei Zhenren—without omitting a single word!"
The tall disciple of Long Mingzuo immediately complied. "The four of us, along with over a dozen Mountain Sect disciples, formed a team and happened upon Junior Brother Lei and his group. We initially intended to spar for the Demon Vermilion Fruit, but unexpectedly, Junior Brother Lei and his companions struck first, severely injuring Junior Brothers Sun and Wang. As we angrily surrounded them, Junior Brother Lei unleashed his Flying Sword Technique, severing the limbs of both me and Junior Brother Jiang."
Zongli scoffed. "If their immortal techniques are inferior, we have nothing to say. But to ambush with a flying sword in the chaos—utterly despicable!"
Seeing their unyielding stance and realizing they were determined to escalate the matter, Guangwei Zhenren frowned. Suddenly, a young voice spoke coolly from behind, "It was I who injured those two with the Fire-type Celestial Spell."
Everyone turned to see Ji Tongzhou walking gracefully behind a Star Rectitude Hall elder. Guangwei Zhenren and Zongli immediately cupped their hands in greeting. "So it’s Wuzheng Zi of Star Rectitude Hall."
Wuzheng Zi returned the courtesy and said calmly, "This incident was caused by my disciple’s momentary impulsiveness, leading to unfortunate consequences. Tongzhou, go and apologize."
Another apology?! Zongli’s expression darkened further as Ji Tongzhou stepped forward expressionlessly, bowed, and said coldly, "Disciple Ji Tongzhou did not intend to harm anyone. That Sun fellow was once my servant. His provocations made me lose my temper. I beg Elder Zongli’s forgiveness."These words caused all the members of Long Mingzuo to change their expressions. Wuzheng Zi continued, "My disciple is mischievous. Having been accustomed to being a prince, he is somewhat arrogant and cannot tolerate provocation. Elder Zongli, considering his young age, please do not take offense."
The words spoken by this master and disciple from Star Rectitude Hall were a hundred times more unpleasant than those of Guangwei Zhenren. It was said that Wuzheng Zi of Star Rectitude Hall was arrogant and aloof, and today, his arrogance was truly witnessed. Zongli's face turned livid with anger. However, despite Ji Tongzhou's young age, the spiritual energy around him was turbulent, and he had already broken through the third bottleneck. He was bound to be highly valued by Star Rectitude Hall. Moreover, as a member of the Yue royal family with past conflicts with Long Mingzuo, if Zongli insisted on demanding an explanation, it might lead to unnecessary speculation.
Zongli could only force a smile and say, "Elder Wuzheng, your disciple is indeed young and promising. Congratulations to Star Rectitude Hall for gaining another prodigy."
Wuzheng Zi smiled faintly. "You flatter us. He cannot compare to the eloquent and clever disciples of Long Mingzuo."
Zongli could no longer contain himself and suddenly changed his expression. "Your disciple injured others first and then spoke insolently! Who is the eloquent one here? As a master, not only do you fail to distinguish right from wrong and set an example, but you also act so haughtily. Are you using the reputation of Star Rectitude Hall to intimidate others?"
Wuzheng Zi sneered. "What is distinguishing right from wrong? Long Mingzuo sent over a dozen disciples to surround just seven people. In the exchange of Immortal Techniques, there is no room for mercy! If they couldn't win and fled, that's one thing, but afterward, they even played the victim. As an elder, you take their side without asking for the reason—is that what you call setting an example?"
Their argument grew so heated that many disciples nearby gathered at a distance to watch, quickly drawing the attention of elders from other Mountain and Ocean Sects.
Another elder from Star Rectitude Hall, Nan Xingzi, stepped forward to mediate. "We are all from the Mountain Sect. Why cause such unpleasantness here? It will only make the Ocean Sect laugh at us."
Other Mountain Sect elders also came forward to mediate. Li Fei looked from one to another, thoroughly engrossed in the spectacle, when suddenly someone tugged her sleeve. Turning around, she saw a dark-skinned, pretty face—it was Yan Fei, her long-lost fellow disciple.
"Li Fei!" Yan Fei hugged her cheerfully and planted two kisses on her cheeks. Her senior sister, seemingly still embarrassed about the previous incident, gave an awkward smile and a slight nod.
"Are your Mountain Sect elders quarreling?" Yan Fei also leaned in to watch the commotion. "Huh? Why is Junior Brother Lei standing over there?"
Li Fei quickly grabbed her. "The elders are speaking. Don't—"
Ye Ye suddenly patted her shoulder and gave her a meaningful look. Li Fei was startled but quickly understood his intention and let go. Yan Fei happily ran to Lei Xiuyuan's side, arms outstretched to hug and kiss him—this passionate woman from the Eastern Sea clearly hadn't forgotten her failed attempt last time.
Lei Xiuyuan hastily took two steps back and smiled at her, merely cupping his hands in greeting. Yan Fei grinned and was about to speak when she suddenly noticed four Long Mingzuo disciples standing opposite them. She froze, then immediately raised her delicate eyebrows and pointed at them angrily. "It's you bunch of scoundrels!"
The arguing elders immediately fell silent. Mountain Sect disciples were trained to be extremely polite and would never dare to make such a ruckus. Seeing her strange attire and the black markings on her forehead, everyone realized she was a Sea Sect disciple.Guangwei Zhenren was already troubled by Long Mingzuo's relentless demands for Lei Xiuyuan and Ji Tongzhou to give an explanation. When this Ocean Sect female disciple suddenly lashed out angrily at the four from Long Mingzuo, his quick-witted mind immediately responded with gentle words: "Oh? Do you recognize them, young lady?"
Yan Fei angrily replied, "Of course I recognize them! My senior sister and I kindly teamed up with them, but after obtaining the Demon Vermilion Fruit, they suddenly attacked us, severely injuring both my senior sister and me, and stole the fruit!"
The crowd erupted in uproar. Yan Fei's senior sister also stepped forward to accuse those Long Mingzuo disciples. The Ocean Sect elders, who had initially planned to stay out of it, found themselves dragged into the matter. Soon, two elders from Wenji arrived. After clarifying the situation, one of them couldn't help but sneer coldly: "What a splendid justification—stealing doesn't violate the rules! Truly eye-opening!"
Seeing the situation suddenly involve the Ocean Sect, Zongli realized they might not gain any advantage if this continued. He immediately cupped his hands and said, "This incident is due to our lax discipline at Long Mingzuo. Upon our return, I will severely punish those responsible. Farewell!"
With that, he and another Long Mingzuo elder led their four disciples away in a huff. As they passed Ji Tongzhou, they noticed him standing tall and proud, his spiritual energy fluctuations from breaking through the third bottleneck making him stand out among the disciples like a crane among chickens. Zongli frowned slightly and remarked indifferently, "Please convey my regards to Master Xuanshan, Your Highness. I wonder if his cultivation has recovered."
Ji Tongzhou immediately turned his sharp, sword-like gaze toward him. Zongli merely smiled, disdaining further words with a young disciple. The Long Mingzuo group soared into the air and departed directly.
Ji Tongzhou's expression darkened, and he stood silently for a long time until Ye Ye came over and patted his shoulder, whispering, "Tongzhou, let's have a good drink tonight."
Gradually, Ji Tongzhou's expression softened. He turned and smiled at him. "We won't return until we're drunk."
By the time they returned to the Guangshenghui town, it was just past noon. After settling into their respective inns, the elders announced they would depart for their sects the next day, meaning this gathering would soon come to an end.
This extraordinary journey to the Eastern Sea had broadened the disciples' horizons, leaving them reluctant to part. Many made plans to drink and chat, and soon every tavern in town was packed, with everyone intending to drink from day to night.
Li Fei now dreaded the mention of alcohol. Among their group of six, Ge Lin and Ji Tongzhou used to be the ones who collapsed after a cup or two. Unexpectedly, after five years, she had become the one who couldn't hold her liquor.
After a quick wash and changing into a clean disciple uniform, Li Fei pushed open her door and saw a young man in a Star Rectitude Hall disciple uniform leaning against the railing of the inn's corridor, lost in thought. Hearing the door, he turned—it was Ji Tongzhou.
"Why didn't you go to the tavern first?" Li Fei walked toward him.
Ji Tongzhou pulled a paper package from his sleeve and handed it to her. "Consider this my apology. See if you like it."
An apology? Puzzled, Li Fei unwrapped the package to find an exquisitely crafted lacquer wood comb inside. Only then did she remember how he had thrown away her comb and couldn't help but laugh. "You actually remembered? I'd already forgotten about it."
Ji Tongzhou gave a faint "Mm." "Of course I remembered."Li Fei noticed that the lacquer wood comb was exquisitely crafted, adorned with a golden phoenix-and-birds motif, exceptionally ornate. The comb was heavy, its texture far superior to ordinary wooden combs, and when brought closer, it emitted a faint, elegant fragrance—undoubtedly a piece of considerable value.
She was about to refuse when Ji Tongzhou suddenly murmured, "Don't say no. You know I’m not trying to flaunt wealth."
Li Fei ran her fingers over the comb. She hadn’t expected Ji Tongzhou to remember an offhand remark she’d made that day. Could this young prince actually be attentive? In truth, she understood—accustomed to luxury and refinement, his standards for possessions were naturally far beyond hers. One couldn’t expect a prince to buy the cheapest comb from the market as compensation; he probably didn’t even know where the market was.
Smiling, she tucked the comb into her sleeve. "Alright, thank you then. I really like it."
The tension in Ji Tongzhou’s brow eased slightly. "Good, as long as you like it."
He turned to leave, but Li Fei suddenly called out, "Wait."
She retrieved the Purple Jade Cricket and handed it to him with a smile. "Here, take this back. We’re returning to the sect tomorrow, and I might not see you. Thanks—it was really fun."
Baili Gelin’s voice rang out from downstairs. Grinning, Li Fei hurried down ahead of him. Ji Tongzhou pensively turned the cricket over in his hands. Fresh from her embrace, it still carried a lingering warmth. Slowly, he brought it to his nose—a faint, intoxicating fragrance clung to it, mesmerizing.
When he looked up, he saw Lei Xiuyuan leaning against the opposite corridor, arms crossed. Between men, there was no need for the endless chatter of women. A glance, an expression—that was enough to convey intent. Men understood each other far better than women ever could.
Ji Tongzhou pressed the Purple Jade Cricket to his lips in a light kiss. Without another glance at Lei Xiuyuan, he descended the stairs.
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