The Fist Emperor Sect was located in the northern region of the Divine Martial Continent, alongside the Great Sealing Sect, Yin-Yang Sect, and Flying Sword Sect. These four sects formed a quadrilateral shape, with the Fist Emperor Sect always reigning supreme among the four due to its absolute strength. Its power was unmatched, second only to the ancient martial families, the royal dynasties, and some immortal cultivation estates.
On this particular morning, Sun Shennan led Tian Fan, Li Yunyang, and others to the Fist Emperor Sect. The sect was situated atop a grand mountain in the northern region, where lush greenery thrived and an imposing, kingly aura emanated from the surroundings.
“Who goes there? State your name!”
As they reached the base of the mountain, two disciples of the Fist Emperor Sect guarding the entrance stepped forward to question them. Although these disciples were mere gatekeepers, their attire was noticeably superior to that of the disciples of the Great Sealing Sect, highlighting the evident disparity between the two sects.
“The sect master of the Great Sealing Sect has brought his disciples to attend the Four Sect Martial Competition,” Sun Shennan replied calmly.
“Ah, it’s Senior Sun! Please forgive us, disciples, for our rudeness.” The expressions of the two Fist Emperor Sect disciples changed immediately, and they quickly bowed, apologizing repeatedly. Although they were disciples of the sect at the top of the four, they knew better than to offend the head of another sect.
“It’s no problem, you’re just doing your duty. It’s understandable.”
After saying that, Sun Shennan led the group up the mountain, while the two disciples behind them exchanged nervous glances, wiping sweat from their foreheads.
“Hehe, old man, you sure look impressive!” Zi Ying, holding Sun Yueying’s hand, teased with a smile.
“Hey, girl, I’m not that old! Don’t call me old man!” Sun Shennan protested, seriously correcting her.
“You’re over 500 years old and you’re still not old?” Zi Ying pouted, clearly unimpressed.
Sun Shennan: “…”
Seeing his embarrassment, Tian Fan felt a surge of joy. This old guy had the nerve to threaten him—too despicable!
“Haha, Brother Sun, your grand arrival deserves a better welcome. I apologize for the delay!” A figure approached from the front with a smile, cupping his hands in greeting toward Sun Shennan.
It was Liu Duanqing, the junior brother of the Fist Emperor Sect Master.
“Not at all, Brother Liu, you’re too kind. Everyone, come and greet Senior Liu.” Sun Shennan chuckled, turning to call the group forward for introductions.
Sun Yueying, Tian Fan, and Li Yunyang respectfully greeted Liu Duanqing, while Zi Ying, on the other hand, was curiously looking around as if everything intrigued her. Liu Duanqing studied the group carefully, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes.
Turning to Sun Shennan, Liu Duanqing sighed, “Brother Sun, it seems you came well-prepared this time. These disciples of yours are truly exceptional—full of vitality and brimming with talent. I suspect this Four Sect Martial Competition will have everyone’s attention focused on your Great Sealing Sect!”
Sun Shennan smiled nonchalantly and replied in a light tone, “You flatter me, Brother Liu. Compared to your Fist Emperor Sect, there’s nothing more to say. I’d be content just not placing last this time, haha. By the way, have the other sects arrived yet?”
As Liu Duanqing guided Sun Shennan further, he responded, “The Flying Sword Sect has already arrived. We’re just waiting on the Yin-Yang Sect now. The disciples from the Flying Sword Sect are also quite impressive this time!”
Liu Duanqing arranged for Sun Shennan and his group to stay in the Eastern Pavilion before excusing himself, as there were many preparations to handle for the upcoming exchange.
That night, Tian Fan sat on the rooftop, gazing at the full moon in the sky. Reflecting on everything that had happened recently, it all felt like a dream. He had left that place long ago, and as he looked toward the south, he wondered if everyone thought he was dead by now. Would anyone grieve for him? No, probably not. The only person who might shed tears for him was Long Yuyun. He wondered how his adorable younger brother was doing now—had he already erected a memorial for him? A faint smile appeared on his face at the thought.
“Hehe, little Tian Tian, what are you smiling about? Are you plotting something?” A sweet, crisp voice suddenly sounded behind him. Tian Fan turned his head and saw that at some point, Zi Ying had appeared behind him.
“Uh, it’s nothing. Why aren’t you asleep?” Tian Fan asked, watching as she sat down beside him.
“Ah, I couldn’t sleep, so I came out to admire the moon.” Zi Ying propped her chin on her hand, her eyes blinking as she gazed into the distance. Then she turned her gaze to Tian Fan, grinning mischievously.
“Hehe, Sister Ying said that you and Senior Brother Li Yunyang are both perverts.”
“Uh…”
Tian Fan turned back, his face serious and composed. “Zi Ying, don’t listen to her nonsense. I’m pure!”
“Oh please, hehe, perverts always claim they’re pure. Also, don’t call me little sister—I’m quite grown up, you know.”
Zi Ying gave him a sly smile, showing two rows of pearly white teeth.
“By the way, Zi Ying, who were those people chasing you the other day?”
Tian Fan still felt puzzled about that day. Those people were strong, especially the leader. Even though he hadn’t deliberately revealed his aura, Tian Fan could still sense how powerful he was.
“Those guys? I don’t know, but they definitely weren’t good people, hehe.”
Zi Ying smiled faintly, then turned her head toward Tian Fan. “Hey, little Tian Tian, let me ask you something. If you had a choice, would you rather be born into a powerful family or a poor farming household?”
Tian Fan was stunned, not expecting her to ask such a question. He turned to look at the moon, recalling his past, and said, “If it were me, I’d prefer the latter.”
Zi Ying looked at him in surprise, not expecting that answer. “Why? Being born into a powerful family comes with so many benefits—power, status, wealth—everything is within reach.”
Tian Fan turned to her and smiled. “That may be true, but don’t you think being born into a poor farming family would be much freer and happier?”
“Freer and happier,” Zi Ying repeated the words, her face lighting up with a smile. Two small dimples appeared on her cheeks. “Hehe, you’re not like the other perverts.”
“Of course not… Wait, no! I’m not a pervert!”
“Hehe, you admitted it yourself, haha!”
“The moon is really bright tonight, isn’t it, Zi Ying?”
“Stop calling me that, I’m not your little sister!”
“Okay, fine, Zi Ying.”
“Good, that’s better!”
“…”
The moon was bright and full, and the two of them chatted happily on the rooftop, Zi Ying’s cute laughter ringing out every now and then. It wasn’t until dawn broke that they both returned to their rooms.
As the sun rose higher into the sky, fresh and beautiful as ever, a loud shout came from outside, “Sun Shennan, come out here! I demand an explanation today!”