Chapter Seventeen: Unprovoked Hostility

Within the Hanchen District.

"Brother You Ao, thank you for stepping in to save us just now. If you have any requests, just say the word, and we’ll do our utmost to fulfill them!" Tianming looked at the elegant man beside him, a smile lighting his face as he spoke.

For those who had helped him, Tianming never liked to owe favors—he preferred to repay kindness with kindness and enmity with enmity, never mixing the two.

At these words, You Ao's expression turned a shade of surprise. He said nothing, but instead glanced at the two men beside him.

At the same time, Leng Yuansheng nodded in agreement, indicating his support for Tianming’s words. After all, You Ao had just risked danger to save them both.

“I didn’t expect such righteousness from the two of you. Those people were slandering you to no end. Weren’t you angry that I stood by and did nothing at the time? And now you’re letting me name a request—aren’t you afraid I might be your enemy?” You Ao asked curiously.

“My brother Sheng and I trust our instincts completely. Even though you didn’t speak for us at first, you didn’t kick us while we were down. That was the way the tide was turning, after all. But in the final, critical moment, you stepped out from the crowd of hesitant bystanders. That alone proves you are no enemy, does it not?” Tianming’s deep gaze held You Ao firmly, his voice unwavering.

“That’s right. Does our life not outweigh a simple request from you?” Leng Yuansheng added.

“You two…” You Ao waved his hand, a smile on his lips. “I only moved my lips, nothing more. Brother Tianming, you don’t owe me such gratitude. To be connected with Senior Wang Sheng is already a dream for many. Countless people would give anything just to meet him. To be honest, I had a bit of selfishness in my actions.”

He knew in that moment, when everyone else hesitated, his opportunity had arrived. By saving them, his own path of cultivation would be much smoother—just a word from them would open many doors within the sect.

But there were drawbacks too—standing out could easily draw envy, for the shot hits the bird that stands out. Tianming had not relied on his own strength, so he would inevitably offend many. That was precisely why the others had hesitated.

Leng Yuansheng…

Tianming…

Neither spoke, simply continuing to watch You Ao, the air growing a little awkward.

“Alright, alright. My only request is to be friends with you. Is that too much?” You Ao, unaccustomed to their stares, finally spoke with a helpless smile.

The two were momentarily stunned—never expecting such a simple request from You Ao. Even if he hadn’t asked, it was something easily done.

“Of course, you’re more than welcome. From now on, Brother You Ao, just call me Ming,” Tianming was first to recover, clapping his hands and smiling broadly.

You Ao nodded, then turned to Leng Yuansheng.

“Welcome to our group, Brother You Ao! By the way, let me introduce you—this is my younger brother, who uses the same seventh-grade martial weapon as you. No need for introductions for the two of us, I’m sure you already know us well enough.” Stopping in his tracks, Leng Yuansheng patted the shoulder of Leng Zhihde, who was walking behind with his head lowered, excitement in his voice.

You Ao had already witnessed their battle, so Leng Yuansheng saw no need for lengthy introductions—after all, everything was clear between them.

“Judging by age, Old Brother Yuansheng, you must be older than me. Just call me You Ao. But your brother seems a bit down, doesn’t he?” You Ao nodded, curiosity flickering across his face as he glanced at Leng Zhihde, who kept his head lowered.

Noticing someone silently following behind, You Ao couldn’t help but ask.

“Thank you for your concern, Brother You Ao. I’m fine!” Leng Zhihde, noticing everyone’s gaze, spoke quietly.

“As long as you’re alright,” You Ao replied, nodding.

He didn’t dwell on it. Perhaps the earlier events had left him with a guilty conscience, You Ao thought.

...

“Hey, isn’t that young brother Tianming?” Not far ahead, Han Kai’s face showed surprise as he watched several figures approach. What was he doing here?

As soon as he spoke, the people around Han Kai looked over, all wearing equally bewildered expressions.

“What a pity.”

As everyone looked that way, the elder seated on a chair slowly opened his golden eyes, uttering these words as indifferently as if a shooting star had flashed and vanished. He soon closed his eyes again...

...

...What?

As Tianming and his companions walked over, unharmed, Xie Xin’s expression was more exaggerated than anyone’s—his mouth agape in disbelief.

“How could he possibly have survived and made it here?” Clenching his fists, Xie Xin couldn’t help muttering under his breath.

He had been certain—he’d given strict instructions, and with two cultivators at the ninth stage of Foundation Establishment, how could they have arrived safely?

“What did you just say?”

Apparently catching something, Pei Xu turned to look at Xie Xin, his expression stern.

At that, both Zi Min and Han Kai looked toward the two.

“Sorry, I was just distracted,” Xie Xin replied, head bowed.

His eyes flickered. Xie Xin knew Pei Xu must have caught something, so he feigned ignorance.

“Brother Pei Xu, aren’t you surprised to see me?” At that moment, Tianming and his group reached them, while the other scattered cultivators moved to queue elsewhere. After all, they didn’t know these big names, so all they could do was line up obediently.

Hmph!

Noticing Xie Xin’s feigned ignorance, Pei Xu snorted but didn’t press further, turning instead to Tianming and his companions.

Yet none of them noticed the deepening darkness on Xie Xin’s face.

“Of course I’m surprised! Didn’t expect you to come. What, changed your mind and want to join our Heavenly Sword Sect?” Pei Xu laughed heartily.

“I’m glad to hear that, but I’m not here to join your esteemed sect today,” Tianming replied coolly.

He was already an inner disciple of the Heavenly Evolution Sect. If he joined the Heavenly Sword Sect as well, he’d please neither side.

“Hmph! Do you think you can just walk in here? Don’t think that just because you have Wang Sheng’s backing, I won’t dare touch you. What are you so smug about? I don’t believe he’d risk offending the number one sect in the world just for you!” Xie Xin, already irked, jabbed a finger at Tianming and cursed.

“Xie Xin!” Pei Xu barked angrily.

Han Kai shot Xie Xin a cold glance too. He’d already sensed something was off earlier, and now, seeing Pei Xu’s reaction, it was clear Xie Xin was behind it all. Perhaps Pei Xu had held back for the sect’s reputation, but Xie Xin couldn’t contain himself any longer.

“What do you mean? I should be asking you that. Is this your family’s territory? And when did I ever throw my weight around, or eat your family’s rice, or steal your woman—though with your narrow mind, I doubt you have one!” Tianming’s anger finally broke through his calm, and he sneered coldly.

There’s a saying—don’t hit a smiling face. He’d held back and even smiled, but Xie Xin just kept pushing.

“You… So what if I can’t stand you? Think I’m scared? If you’ve got the guts, let’s have a contest. Loser leaves!” Xie Xin’s face turned uglier, fury burning in his eyes, a vein throbbing at his temple.

“Hahaha… And what right do you have to challenge me? Just because you say so? Wouldn’t that make me look pathetic? Why should I leave if I lose, and what if I win—do we just let it go?” Tianming scoffed, utterly disdainful.

“Fine! If I lose, I’ll leave the sect!” Xie Xin, beside himself with rage, clenched his fists so hard they nearly bled, his voice hoarse from restraint.

“Xie Xin, don’t you dare!” At this, Pei Xu’s face transformed, his brows knitting tight in rage as he glared at Xie Xin, eyes wide as fists.