Beneath the deepening night, Liu Yunche walked through lingering snow and returned to the small courtyard where Qinglü, High Cultivator, was staying in the Provincial Capital.
The courtyard was tranquil. A thin frost coated the branches of several old trees, and lamplight shone brightly in a meditation room.
Liu Yunche stood outside the door, straightened his clothes, and bowed as he knocked lightly on the wood.
"Come in."
Qinglü's calm, gentle voice drifted from inside.
Liu Yunche pushed the door open, entered, and respectfully bowed before recounting every detail of the day's gathering at the Immortal Abode Pavilion.
He began with everyone's casual conversation, then described how Hai Wuya had secretly tested him under the guise of offering a toast.
Next came their contest of strength through the jade cup, which he had shattered with a counterforce, humiliating Hai Wuya in front of everyone.
Finally, he explained how he and Zhan Lingyun had left together after a disagreement. He related everything in full, concealing nothing.
When he finished, silence settled over the meditation room for a moment.
Qinglü sat upright behind her desk, gently rolling a jade slip between her fingertips. After listening, she nodded slightly and raised her eyes to Liu Yunche. Her tone was mild, yet carried a deeper meaning.
"Yunche, the youthful edge you showed today was nowhere near enough."
Liu Yunche paused in surprise, then lowered his head and listened quietly.
"If you want to establish your presence, you must be more flamboyant, more unruly." Qinglü smiled leisurely and continued:
"You must act like someone who uses his backing to bully others. There is no need to spare the pride of these prodigies in the Provincial Capital."
"They cherish their families' reputations and the dignity of their circles. You need not do the same."
"I did