Chapter Twenty-One: Chuqing Chen, the Inner Sect Disciple

With Elder Yue’s assistance, not only did Tianming gain a thorough understanding of the token, but Leng Yuansheng, You Ao, and the others successfully joined the Heavenly Sword Sect. Ordinarily, with their talents, it would have been impossible for them to become even outer disciples, but for Tianming’s sake, they were granted this privilege. Moreover, Han Kai promised Tianming that he would look after them well.

Central Divine Continent!

The most important thing Tianming learned from Elder Yue was that this continent was only one of four on the Divine Star. The Southern Wilderness, already occupied by the Black Demon Clan, could be excluded from consideration. The Central Divine Continent, where Tianming currently resided, had its own detailed division of powers.

The major factions were referred to as the Four Sects, Eight Gates, and Twelve Branches.

From this, Tianming could discern the status of the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Heavenly Evolution Sect. Such prestigious sects were not open to just anyone, and yet they had allowed Leng Yuansheng and his companions to join, granting them positions as outer disciples. This kindness was something others would spend a lifetime seeking in vain. Unconsciously, Tianming felt increasingly grateful to Elder Pei Xu and the others—for this was a favor few could ever hope for.

“Little Black, stop right there!”

Just as Tianming was lost in thought, gazing at the distant Chang’an City, a voice rang out urgently from behind him.

Before he could turn, a small, gray creature darted into his arms.

The soft, fluffy sensation left Tianming bewildered.

A howl!

Looking down at his hands, Tianming discovered a little gray wolf, its large, adorable eyes blinking up at him. It bore a striking resemblance to the little Gray from the prairie. The wolf’s owner had chosen the name “Little Black”—an odd choice, Tianming thought.

The young man running over was flushed, sweat streaming down his face. Seeing his pet so comfortably cradled by someone else, his mouth hung open in shock, unable to speak. He knew his pet was notoriously unruly; otherwise, such an awkward scene would not have occurred.

“Hey, is this your pet?” Tianming stroked Little Black a few times, not bothering to look at the young man as he spoke with his head lowered.

What?

Not only was his pet being held, it was being petted as well! The young man could only accept this with a resigned expression.

“Yes, Little Black is mine. May I know your name, friend?” Despite his surprise, the young man responded politely.

“Brother, if you want to know someone’s name, shouldn’t you introduce yourself first?” Tianming replied calmly.

Sizing up the young man before him, Tianming sensed a profound aura—no weaker than Pei Xu’s. The youth wore no sword, meaning he was not a disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect.

“Oh, look at me—I was so flustered I forgot. My name is Chu Qingchen, an inner disciple of the Heavenly Evolution Sect!” The young man nodded, his words now composed, betraying none of his earlier anxiety.

Looking at the youth, who was even younger than himself, Chu Qingchen showed no hint of condescension.

So that’s how it is.

Tianming, realizing he had met a fellow sect member right outside the city gate, adopted a respectful demeanor.

“Hahaha… So you’re Senior Brother Chu! I am Tianming, your junior. Please take care of me in the future!” Tianming cupped his hands and laughed heartily.

“No need for formalities; we should look out for each other,” Chu Qingchen replied, waving his hand.

Tianming smiled and nodded.

“By the way, Junior Brother Tianming, could you show me your token? It’s not that I don’t trust you, but these days, too many people masquerade as sect members to deceive others,” Chu Qingchen said, puzzled by Tianming’s cheerful demeanor. When had the sect recruited such a young disciple at the Qi Drawing stage? Was he an impostor? That seemed unlikely—no one would dare pretend to be an inner disciple in front of a real one. Chu Qingchen judged Tianming to be intelligent, so he dismissed the suspicion and decided to ask directly.

“Of course—a genuine inner disciple’s token!” Tianming nodded, reaching into the dimensional space and retrieving a gleaming golden token without hesitation. He understood Chu Qingchen’s caution; after all, no one could fathom how a Qi Drawing stage cultivator could become an inner disciple—it was simply too incredible.

“My apologies, Junior Brother Tianming!” Chu Qingchen cupped his hands.

Seeing the two bold characters on the token, Chu Qingchen finally relaxed. Though still surprised, he didn’t dwell on it. Perhaps this youth possessed some unique skill that had caught the sect’s attention.

“But your token is quite extraordinary, isn’t it?” Chu Qingchen asked, his brows furrowing slightly.

“Hush! The secrets of fate must not be revealed,” Tianming replied, his lips curling into a serious expression.

Tianming wasn’t surprised that Chu Qingchen noticed the difference—anyone would, comparing the two tokens. But Tianming had no intention of explaining; this was his trump card, for who could know if the person before him might become an enemy in the next moment?

“Very well. Everyone has their secrets—I won’t pry,” Chu Qingchen nodded.

This youth was wise enough to hide his true abilities; it seemed he was the type to conceal his strength. Best not to provoke him.

“Little Black!”

With a gentle call from Chu Qingchen, Little Black leapt from Tianming’s arms and returned to his shoulder.

Tianming…

It seemed this pet called Little Black had a personality of its own. Tianming guessed it had been sulking for some reason earlier, but now, having calmed down, it returned to Chu Qingchen’s side.

“Senior Brother Chu, regarding Chang’an City…”

Fearing that Chu Qingchen was on a confidential mission, Tianming asked vaguely instead of probing further.

“What about you, Junior Brother Tianming?” Chu Qingchen replied, turning the question back.

Curious, Chu Qingchen looked at Tianming expectantly.

“I just joined the Heavenly Evolution Sect, so I wanted to take a look around,” Tianming answered, nodding. He did not hide anything, his sincere gaze meeting Chu Qingchen’s. Tianming believed that deception was unnecessary among fellow sect members.

Uh…

Upon hearing this, Chu Qingchen fell silent for a moment. He had originally planned to carry out his mission, but now it seemed he would have to abandon it.

“Then let me accompany you, Junior Brother. It’s good to have someone to look after you—and you can ask me anything you don’t understand,” Chu Qingchen said, glancing at Tianming with what seemed like a resolute decision.

His smile grew warmer. Chu Qingchen couldn’t help but look at Tianming again. To have just joined the Heavenly Evolution Sect and possess such privilege—there could be only one explanation.

“Thank you, Senior Brother Chu!” Tianming said gratefully.

Compared to Chu Qingchen’s surprise, Tianming was even more delighted. He hadn’t expected people on this continent to be so friendly. In truth, he was unaware that these blessings were the result of his grand destiny and protagonist’s aura—each fortune stronger than the last, all interconnected.

“It’s nothing; it’s only right,” Chu Qingchen replied, smiling with satisfaction.