Ten days later.
As dusk fell, the majestic gate of the Azure Profound Sect cast a long shadow in the setting sun.
Two disciples guarding the mountain gate stood idly on either side of the gate, chatting casually.
"Have you heard? Senior Brother Luo has returned from the Imperial Capital."
"I've heard about it before. I also heard that Fang Han is at the Martial Arts Tournament that gathers the geniuses of all 108 prefectures of the Great Chu Dynasty— "
Before he could finish speaking, the disciple suddenly widened his eyes.
At the end of the mountain path, a colossal creature was striding towards them.
The monster was covered in fiery red mane and was several times larger than an ordinary tiger. Every step it took caused the ground to tremble.
A pair of Dark Gold vertical pupils gleamed with a chilling light in the setting sun, and the fierce aura emanating from him made the two disciples on duty instantly feel a chill run down their spines.
" First Grade... demonic creature?!"
One disciple cried out in alarm, frantically drawing his longsword from his waist, while the other turned pale and stood frozen in fear.
Just then, a calm voice came from the lion demon's back.
It's me.
The two disciples froze, only then realizing that a figure in a green robe was sitting upright on the broad back of the lion demon.
The setting sun gilded the figure with a golden edge, and the robes fluttered gently in the evening breeze.
Fang Han leaped off Redfire's back and landed in front of the mountain gate.
"Fang... Fang Han!"
The two disciples were taken aback at first, then their eyes blazed with barely suppressed excitement and admiration.
The disciple who had drawn his sword quickly sheathed it and bowed with his companion, his voice trembling slightly with excitement.
"Senior Brother Fang, you're back..."
"Sorry, I startled you."
Fang Han glanced at the two of them and said apologetically.
The two disciples straightened up, their gazes sweeping back and forth between Fang Han and the majestic crimson lion demon, their eyes almost overflowing with awe.
They had learned from Luo Yuntian, who had returned earlier, that Fang Han had fought his way through the Martial Arts Tournament that gathered the geniuses of all 108 counties of the Great Chu Dynasty, and ultimately won a place in the top four.
That was a competition among the most outstanding talents of the entire dynasty, and their Fang Han, with his cultivation at the Second Grade Late Stage, actually managed to break into the top four, even defeating Mid First Grade stage of the first rank.
Such a record is enough to make the entire Azure Profound Sect proud.
Fang Han led Redfire through the mountain gate and headed towards the True Transmission Courtyard along the bluestone path.
The disciples they encountered along the way were all frightened by Redfire's enormous size and fierce aura, and took several steps back.
Upon realizing that Redfire was standing next to Fang Han, they all looked at him with even greater admiration than before and bowed respectfully.
"Senior Brother Fang."
"Fang True Disciple."
Fang Han nodded in response, his steps composed.
Redfire followed behind him, his Dark Gold vertical pupils curiously surveying everything around him.
Ancient trees shade the bluestone path, the palaces and pavilions are scattered in a well-organized manner, and the martial arts training ground can be vaguely seen in the distance...
This lion demon, who had grown up in the secret realm since childhood, was filled with both wariness and curiosity towards this unfamiliar human sect.
After navigating several Corridor, the gate to No. 35 Annex came into view.
The servants guarding the courtyard gate saw Fang Han from afar and hurriedly came forward to greet him.
When the Fang Han, he froze in his tracks, his face turning deathly pale.
"Don't be afraid, it's my mount."
Fang Han spoke.
The servant swallowed hard and said in a trembling voice:
"Senior brother... you're back."
Fang Han nodded slightly and stepped into the courtyard with Redfire.
Hearing the commotion, the Maid Qui Lan quickly came out from the Side Hall to greet them.
She was also startled by the Redfire, but quickly regained her composure and bowed respectfully, saying:
"Senior brother."
"Go and clear out the open space next to the bamboo grove in the backyard; it will be kept there from now on."
Fang Han pointed at the Redfire.
Qui Lan acknowledged and withdrew. Soon after, she and several Servant cleaned up the open space in the backyard.
Fang Han settled Redfire in place and had Servant fetch several large pieces of fresh meat from the kitchen, which he then tossed to Chi Huo.
Redfire let out a satisfied whimper, lay down on the open ground, and began to feast.
Fang Han reached out and patted its enormous head before turning and walking towards the front yard.
Back in his bedroom, he changed out of his dusty blue robe, took a bath, and put on a clean blue robe.
The moisture had not yet dissipated, and his hair was still slightly damp, which made his face appear even more handsome.
He walked to the Side Hall and sat down at the table.
Qui Lan had already prepared Tea and was about to inquire about dinner when Fang Han spoke.
"Go to the Zi Courtyard and invite Junior Sister Yun over for dinner. Just tell her I'm back."
"Yes."
Qui Lan withdrew upon hearing this.
Fang Han picked up his teacup and took a small sip.
The sky outside the window had completely darkened, and the faint chirping of insects could be heard in the distance. He put down his teacup and took out two items from his Storage Ring.
A Purple Jade Hairpin.
The hairpin is entirely light purple, with a warm and delicate jade texture. The head of the hairpin is carved with an exquisite orchid, its petals unfolding and lifelike.
This was specially selected in the Imperial Capital. Although it is not a Dharma Weapon or treasure, it is exquisite and elegant.
A Three-Leaf Sword Grass.
It lies quietly in a wooden box, its leaves are sword-shaped, divided into three parts, and its whole body exudes a restrained luster.
This was a rare and precious material he specially exchanged for Yun Qianyue to enhance her Sword Technique talent, so that Yun Qianyue's Sword Technique talent would be stronger and she would have more ability to protect herself.
Fang Han closed the wooden box and placed it on the table along with the Purple Jade Hairpin.
Before long, light footsteps could be heard outside the courtyard gate.
Fang Han got up and walked towards the courtyard gate.
In the setting sun, a pale blue figure stood quietly beside the clump of Emerald Bamboo in front of the courtyard gate.
Yun Qianyue wore a light blue dress, her face covered by a pale purple veil, revealing only a pair of clear, cool eyes.
Fang Han eyes, with a hint of almost imperceptible anticipation and joy hidden within.
"You're back."
She spoke, her voice cool and clear, yet less aloof and more gentle than usual.
"Um."
Fang Han stopped in front of her, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment.
The two walked side by side through the courtyard and into the Side Hall.
Qui Lan had prepared a steaming hot dinner, including several delicate side dishes, two bowls of Blood Rice, and a pot of warm fruit wine.
Fang Han and Yun Qianyue sat facing each other.
"Did you encounter any trouble on your trip to the Imperial Capital?"
Yun Qianyue's cool eyes fell on Fang Han, with a hint of concern.
"There's not much trouble."
Fang Han shook his head, picked up a piece of meat, and put it into Yun Qianyue's bowl.
"However, I encountered quite a few masters at the Martial Arts Tournament."
Yun Qianyue put down her teacup, looked at Fang Han, and waited for him to continue.
Fang Han then told her about some things that happened at the Martial Arts Tournament.
Speaking of the Sword Technique sparring with Bai Yan, the fierce battle with Blazing Sun, the confrontation with Zhen Feixuan where almost all her trump cards were revealed, and the crushing defeat with that earth-shattering strike against Qin Yuan.
He spoke calmly, without any boasting or resentment, as if recounting an ordinary experience.
Yun Qianyue listened attentively.
When she heard that Fang Han, with his Second Grade Late Stage cultivation, had fought against Zhen Feixuan, who Mid First Grade, her fingers tightened slightly as she held the teacup.
When she heard that Fang Han had ultimately been defeated by Qin Yuan's single strike that Break Three Passes, a barely perceptible trace of heartache flashed across her clear, cold eyes.
" Qin Yuan has cultivated for several more years than you. Given time, you will definitely be able to surpass him."
Yun Qianyue spoke, her voice still cool, yet filled with concern and comfort.
Fang Han smiled but didn't reply.
He picked up the Purple Jade Hairpin and wooden box from the table and handed them to Yun Qianyue.
Yun Qianyue was slightly taken aback, then reached out and took the Purple Jade Hairpin.
The pale purple light flowing across the hairpin danced on her fingertips, and the exquisitely carved orchid came to life under the lamplight.
I saw this by chance in the Imperial Capital and thought it would suit you perfectly.
Fang Han said.
Yun Qianyue didn't speak, but looked down at the Purple Jade Hairpin. A very faint ripple appeared in her eyes, which were exposed outside the light veil, before returning to silence.
But the fingers holding the Purple Jade Hairpin gently caressed its body, the movements slow and tender.
"This is the Three-Leaf Sword Grass, Low-Grade Heavenly Treasure that can improve Sword Technique talent."
Fang Han pushed the wooden box in front of Yun Qianyue.
Yun Qianyue paused slightly, raised her eyes, and looked at Fang Han.
For the first time, a noticeable fluctuation appeared in those clear, cold eyes—surprise, hesitation, and an indescribable complex emotion.
"It's too valuable."
She spoke softly, her voice lower than usual.
"You should keep it for yourself."
Fang Han shook his head.
"I have already consumed four of these rare and precious herbs, and further consumption would have little effect. Rather than wasting them on myself, I'd rather leave them to you."
He paused, his tone becoming more serious.
"Your Sword Technique talent is already extremely strong. After consuming this Three-Leaf Sword Grass, you will surely reach an even higher level."
Yun Qianyue was silent for a moment, then nodded gently and put the wooden box away.
Those eyes lingered on Fang Han's face for a moment before shifting to the bright moon that had already risen outside the window.
With no outsiders present, she removed the pale purple veil from her face, revealing an exquisitely beautiful face.
Her face was beautiful and ethereal, with exquisite eyebrows and eyes, and her skin was as white as jade, gleaming faintly in the lamplight.
Fang Han's gaze lingered on her face for a moment before he looked away.
The two dined under the lamplight.
Qui Lan cleared away the bowls and plates, served tea and snacks, and the two chatted for a long time.
They discussed the current situation of their sects, the movements of various sects, and their recent insights into Sword Technique training.
The topics were scattered and disjointed, yet they didn't feel boring.
As night deepened, Yun Qianyue glanced at the bright moon hanging high in the sky outside the window and finally stood up.
"It's getting late, I should head back now."
Her voice remained cool and clear, but it carried a subtle hint of reluctance compared to when she arrived.
Fang Han escorted Yun Qianyue to the courtyard gate.
Under the moonlight, the pale blue figure gradually walked away and soon disappeared around the bend in the mountain path.
Fang Han stood with his hands behind his back in front of the courtyard gate, watching the figure disappear into the night before turning back into the courtyard.
The next morning, after having breakfast, Fang Han left Azure Profound Sect and headed towards Azure Profound City.
The doors of the Azure Profound City Hundred Treasures Pavilion branch were wide open, with customers coming and going, indicating that business was booming.
Fang Han stepped through the gate, and a Maid came forward to greet him.
Upon recognizing Fang Han, the Maid's face immediately became respectful, and she bowed and said:
"Young Master Fang, Miss is in the back room. I'll take you there."
Fang Han followed the Maid through the Corridor and into the inner hall.
Inside the back room, Lan Yuexin was sitting at a rosewood table, flipping through a thick ledger.
Today she wore a light blue dress, her long hair flowing smoothly over her shoulders, which made her already beautiful face appear even more ethereal and otherworldly.
Hearing footsteps, she looked up, her bright eyes lingering on Fang Han for a moment before a hint of surprise appeared on them.
" Fang Han"
She put down the ledger and stood up.
When did you get back?
"Yesterday."
Fang Han nodded slightly and sat down opposite Lan Yuexin.
After the Maid served fragrant tea, she quietly withdrew, leaving only the two of them in the hall.
Lan Yuexin looked at Fang Han, her bright eyes filled with concern.
"I've heard about the Martial Arts Tournament. Congratulations on reaching the semi-finals."
Fang Han shook his head. "In the end, I didn't get first place."
"The geniuses of all 108 prefectures of the Great Chu Dynasty have gathered here, and you are not even at an age advantage. It is already extremely remarkable that you were able to enter the top four."
Lan Yuexin said earnestly, her tone devoid of flattery, only sincere admiration.
Fang Han took out an exquisite brocade box from his Storage Ring and handed it to Lan Yuexin.
"I saw it by chance in the Imperial Capital, thought it would suit you, so I brought it back."
Lan Yuexin was slightly taken aback, then reached out and took the brocade box, gently opening it.
A pair of sapphire earrings lay quietly in the box.
The gemstone is teardrop-shaped, crystal clear, and under the light, it shimmers with a deep and pure blue, just like the purest drop of seawater in the deep ocean.
Lan Yuexin's gaze lingered on the pair of earrings for a long time before she raised her bright eyes and looked at Fang Han.
"Thanks."
She spoke softly, her voice carrying an undisguised joy.
Lan Yuexin carefully put on the earrings. The blue gemstones swayed slightly on her snow-white earlobes, making her bright eyes even more clear and captivating.
She looked at Fang Han, a slight smile appearing on her lips.
The two chatted for a long time in the back room.
Lan Yuexin spoke about the recent business situation of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, mentioning the many conveniences brought about by its formal affiliation with the Azure Profound Sect.
Fang Han listened quietly, occasionally interjecting a few words.
It wasn't until nearly noon that Fang Han got up to say goodbye.
Lan Yuexin escorted Fang Han to the gate. The two exchanged a slight nod, and Fang Han turned and walked away.
at the same time.
East Foothills Prefecture, Thunderlight Pavilion.
Inside an antique-style side hall, Lei Qianting, the master of the Thunderlight Pavilion, sat at the head of the table, his face as calm as still water.
Several Elder sat on either side of the lower seat, and the Internal Qi was so oppressive that it was almost suffocating.
"Still no news of Elder Lei Zheng and the other two?"
Lei Qianting spoke, his voice low and deep.
Judging from the timeline, the Martial Arts Tournament had ended long ago, and Lei Zheng and the other two had not returned for a long time, which made him feel somewhat uneasy.
"Reporting to the Pavilion Master."
An Elder bowed in response.
" Elder Lei Zheng and the other two have not sent back any news since they set off, and more than a month has passed since then."
Lei Qianting frowned and remained silent for a moment.
"Send people to other sects in East Foothills Prefecture who participated in the Martial Arts Tournament tournament to find out whether Lei Zheng and the other two had been to the Imperial Capital and whether they had appeared at the Martial Arts Tournament."
"Yes."
The Elder accepted the order and withdrew.