Chapter Fifteen: The Dispute

Within the Dao Sect, with its multitude of disciples, the Hall of Enforcement stood as the chamber responsible for regulating the conduct and actions of its members. Over the years, as the new generation of disciples gradually matured, the elders and stewards who once presided over such halls had slowly retreated from the forefront, leaving these powers largely in the hands of the younger disciples.

Chen Jianzhi was one of the most outstanding among this new generation.

Their conversation quickly drew the attention of those nearby. The gathered disciples whispered among themselves, their expressions varied.

Shen Yu looked at the handsome young man with his chin still arrogantly raised, a trace of displeasure in his heart.

After all, he was seated while the other stood, and his demeanor was nothing if not proud.

When was the last time someone like this appeared? Back then, he’d dispatched such a person with a single stroke of his sword.

Yet the present circumstances were more complicated.

Chen Jianzhi, unaware of the many thoughts swirling in the youth’s mind, mistook his silence for intimidation by the Hall of Enforcement. This only deepened his disdain. He spoke coldly, “Senior Sister Yu is not someone you can aspire to. I don’t care what methods you used to get close to her before, but from now on, you’d best stay away.”

Shen Yu rose to his feet. With a casual sweep of his roasted chicken, a ripple of spiritual energy shivered through the air.

The crowd abruptly felt an icy chill settle around them. Not far off, Yan Qingshu, observing the scene, turned pale, her figure flashing away. In the next instant, she appeared between the two.

A faint, clear breeze emanated from Yan Qingshu.

She spoke, “The Hall of Enforcement oversees sect laws and customs. Yet now you meddle in personal matters? Isn’t that overstepping your bounds?”

Chen Jianzhi’s face was expressionless. “Such a lazy, frivolous person—how could he be allowed to attend the Treasure Cliff expedition?”

Yan Qingshu sneered, “Mind your own business.”

No one had ever imagined that this gentle, graceful aunt of theirs could curse so abruptly.

Chen Jianzhi’s face darkened, his gaze fixed intently on Shen Yu.

At some point, Shang Yingluo had appeared at Shen Yu’s side, white spirit weasel in her arms, her own eyes coldly focused on Chen Jianzhi.

Shen Yu ruffled the little girl’s hair and handed her the roast chicken.

He had never been a patient person; that casual sweep just now was simply his nature. But since Yan Qingshu had intervened, and since the lady herself had stepped forward, Shen Yu was unbothered.

“I want to make a wager with you,” Chen Jianzhi said through gritted teeth. “If you obtain the inheritance of the Spirit Treasure at Treasure Cliff, I’ll let you deal with me as you please. If you fail, you are never to approach Senior Sister Yu again in this life.”

Shen Yu said nothing.

A long silence passed. Just as Chen Jianzhi was about to jeer, the delicate youth nodded.

“Agreed.”

…

After Chen Jianzhi left, the crowd turned to Shen Yu, unable to fathom why he had accepted.

The journey to Treasure Cliff required both strength and fortune—one could not succeed with only one or the other. And to wager against a senior disciple—was he truly so confident in his victory?

Shen Yu appeared indifferent, unconcerned.

Yan Qingshu, on the other hand, looked at him with evident appreciation. She knew well how remarkable it was to endure the pressure of the Spirit Treasure on Treasure Cliff for so long with such ease. What surprised her even more was that, moments ago, the boy had chosen to make a move even against someone of a higher realm—something Chen Jianzhi himself had failed to notice.

Shen Yu was even prouder than Chen Jianzhi.

He glanced at Yan Qingshu. “Aunt Yan, you seem to have high hopes for me.”

The Hall of True Crossing never involved itself in sect disputes. Yan Qingshu’s intervention had, in a way, protected him.

Yan Qingshu smiled. “Someone asked me to look after you.”

Shen Yu pondered for a moment. “Yu Wenwen?”

Yan Qingshu nodded lightly, still smiling. “You should call her Senior Sister Yu.”

Shen Yu fell silent. He hadn’t expected that young woman to be so perceptive—she had foreseen that Chen Jianzhi would come to cause him trouble.

And Yan Qingshu, for her sake, had not hesitated to clash with the Hall of Pure Law.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen Wenwen asking someone for help—especially for a man.”

Yan Qingshu patted him on the shoulder. “I have faith in you.”

Shen Yu was bewildered. Faith in what?

…

Several days passed.

The pressure of the Spirit Treasure brought many benefits to the disciples—not only had their cultivation improved somewhat, but their physiques had grown more robust. Each day, they climbed more steps than the last.

Yet Shen Yu soon reverted to his old laziness. Even Shang Yingluo, in the following days, climbed the mountain several times with her white spirit weasel, while Shen Yu never again glanced at that peak.

During their leisure, news from the outer sect’s Emerald Bamboo Peak drifted over.

A girl named Yang Liu, once considered quite mediocre, had recently made astonishing progress in her cultivation. Her rapid advancement astounded the teaching stewards, who now praised her unstintingly and predicted she would soon reach the Path Entry Realm and join the sect’s inner circle.

Another matter was that a certain elder’s cherished Avalokitesvara bamboo had been mysteriously broken, prompting a string of curses from the old man.

Such tales provided fodder for conversation and amusement among the disciples, quickly forgotten after a few retellings.

…

By the cliff’s edge.

A woman in red stood with her hands behind her back. The flowing stream reflected her exquisite face; beside her stood another figure.

Yan Qingshu mused, “In several centuries of the Dao Sect, there’s never been a disciple as carefree and indolent as him.”

Yu Wenwen asked, “Is it possible to let him join the Hall of True Crossing?”

Yan Qingshu’s expression shifted; she wondered if this wasn’t too soon. Bringing a man back so easily—would her senior sister accept it?

Yu Wenwen spoke earnestly, “Aunt, his talent is extraordinary.”

Yan Qingshu was surprised. “Truly?”

Yu Wenwen nodded gently, her voice soft. “He’s pure. There’s no impurity in his eyes. I’ve only ever seen such a gaze on the Sect Leader’s face.”

It was a simple assessment, but a lofty one.

Yan Qingshu understood and replied solemnly, “The Hall of True Crossing has never admitted a male disciple, but I’ll ask my senior sister. Perhaps we can make an exception.”

“Good,” Yu Wenwen replied. She glanced toward the boy fishing by the stream and asked curiously, “Aunt Yan, why is he fishing? Is it really just out of boredom?”

Yan Qingshu sighed. “Shang Yingluo told me the mountain’s golden pheasant is too tough, so he’s looking for some fresh fish for a change.”

…

Hall of Pure Law. Hall of Enforcement.

Chen Jianzhi sat in a chair, sipped his tea, and addressed the short man beside him. “You’re telling me he’s spent all these days fishing?”

The short man nodded emphatically. “Absolutely. Without a doubt.”

Chen Jianzhi tapped the table, lost in thought. After a long pause, he asked, “Do you think he’s certain he’ll receive the Spirit Treasure’s legacy, or has he already given up?”

The short man snorted. “Inheriting the Spirit Treasure requires not only strength, but immense fortune. For a mere entry-level disciple with an Earth-grade Dao body, it’s no easy feat.”

Chen Jianzhi smiled at that. “True enough. Even Senior Brother Hen Zhi struggled greatly to obtain it in years past.”

He glanced out at the distant cloud-clad mountains. “It was a moment’s anger—wrangling with a new disciple. I’ve lost my dignity for nothing.”

The short man flattered, “Senior brother, your heart is broad indeed.”

Chen Jianzhi ignored him, stepping out of the Hall of Enforcement. Gazing out over countless peaks and valleys, he murmured, “In this coming Four Halls Debate, my name will not be forgotten.”

…