Dust Settles

Those words had already given the two stewards plenty of face. Within the sect, the Grand Elder's status was second only to the masters of the three palaces, and in seniority, he stood a generation above them. After all, Steward Liu and Steward Zhang were only sixth-realm cultivators. The Grand Elder merely wanted to settle this matter as quickly as possible, then keep Chen Fan by his side in the name of personally teaching him cultivation arts and see how he could stir up trouble afterward. He had not considered at all that one hand could not make a clap—could Qin Ziyan truly be entirely without fault?

Qin Ziyan, however, was over the moon upon hearing this. With the Grand Elder stepping in, the matter was settled. Not only could Chen Fan remain in the Sword-Imperial Pavilion, he would also become her junior brother. Their relationship would become even closer.

Seeing this, Chen Fan also sensed that things were going awry. Even if his comprehension of swordsmanship was decent, it should not have warranted the Grand Elder personally coming to take him as a disciple. Qin Ziyan must have been behind this. Ah, fooling around with Little Witch had ultimately brought him trouble.

At this moment, the stewards from Swordheart Hall and Soaring Heavens Palace did not dare say another word. The Grand Elder himself had arrived—what else could they do? Even if they were to ask Chen Fan for his own wishes, he presumably would not refuse. Refusing would mean offending the Grand Elder, and besides, becoming the personal disciple of the Sword-Imperial Pavilion's Grand Elder was something countless people dreamed of. Who would give up such an opportunity?

Yet Chen Fan truly wanted to give it up. Still, he considered that refusing would be far too disrespectful toward the Sword-Imperial Pavilion. He already had a conflict with Swordheart Hall's Third Elder. If he also formed a grudge with the Sword-Imperial Pavilion's Grand Elder, how was he supposed to get by in the inner court later?

Better to agree. At the very least, the Sword-Imperial Pavilion should not harm him. At worst, he could behave himself a little better from now on.

Just as Chen Fan was about to speak, another streak of sword light suddenly flashed over at extreme speed, seemingly coming from the direction of the inner court as well. Judging by its speed, it was even faster than the Grand Elder's earlier arrival. Everyone present, including the Grand Elder, turned pale in alarm. Many of the weaker cultivators instantly felt as though some sharp sword might cut them down at any moment. Clearly, it was the suppression brought about by the newcomer's overwhelmingly high cultivation.

Yet in the next instant, all of that cultivation pressure vanished without a trace. The sword light slowly subsided, revealing an elegant-looking middle-aged man in white robes, his long silver hair flowing loose behind him. He stood suspended in the air atop a slender treasured sword. Then, as he withdrew his cultivation art, the sword slipped into its sheath. He took a single step through the air and arrived at the edge of the training grounds, stopping directly beside the Sword-Imperial Pavilion's Grand Elder.

At this moment, the Grand Elder had completely lost his earlier lofty demeanor. His mouth hung open, and for a time, he did not know what to say. Nor was he the only one. Among those present, anyone who recognized this man was stricken with alarm.

The man's gaze was icy and his expression proud, as though no one else existed in his eyes. Looking at Chen Fan, he said flatly, "What? After learning the Cloud-Rising Art, are you still planning to join another palace?"

The moment those words were spoken, some people at the scene felt themselves on the verge of collapse. The Cloud-Rising Art?! Had they really heard correctly? The Soaring Art Chen Fan had used earlier was actually the Cloud-Rising Art?! Heavens! When Chen Fan had repeatedly cast it to evade attacks before, most of them had snorted in disdain and had not even bothered to watch that battle. Thinking back now, what had they missed?!

Chen Fan hurriedly gave a deep, respectful bow. That was right—the newcomer was Yun Zhongjun. Though Chen Fan was still somewhat lost in the clouds and mist, it was obvious that Yun Zhongjun held a higher position in the sect than even the Sword-Imperial Pavilion's Grand Elder. It seemed he had learned Yun Zhongjun's Soaring Art, so he could only follow him.

Qin Ziyan and Ye Wan both cried out in surprise. They had long been astonished by Chen Fan's Soaring Art, and now they immediately understood. Their eyes burned with eagerness.

The Sword-Imperial Pavilion's Grand Elder opened his mouth even wider. He suddenly seemed to think of something, and his jaw began trembling incessantly.

"Very well. The list for this inner court selection has been decided." Yun Zhongjun looked at the Grand Elder, his expression utterly calm. "This child already has a master. You should know what to do, correct?"

The Grand Elder finally calmed down. He cupped his hands in acknowledgment, his manner exceedingly respectful.

Then Yun Zhongjun rode his sword away once more, vanishing from everyone's sight in the blink of an eye.

Before the crowd had recovered their senses, the Sword-Imperial Pavilion's Grand Elder announced loudly, "Chen Fan is admitted to Soaring Heavens Palace. The other disciples shall be assigned to the inner court according to the roster. Do any of you have further objections? If not..."

"This one has another matter to raise." Steward Liu suddenly cut in. Everyone looked over to see that Steward Liu's face had turned ashen, clearly having summoned all his courage.

"Hm? What does Steward Liu have in mind?" The Grand Elder was not overly angered by the interruption, but he could not understand it. Since that person had already spoken, did Steward Liu still dare to voice an objection?

Steward Liu had no desire to contend with the Grand Elder either, but he had come at Hall Master Liu Ruyu's instruction to secure Chen Fan if possible. Chen Fan now appeared out of reach, but Swordheart Hall could not suffer too great a loss.

"This one has no objection whatsoever to Junior Nephew Chen entering Soaring Heavens Palace. However, if that is the case, the number of disciples recruited by our Swordheart Hall this time has not reached the expected quota..." Steward Liu said, cupping his hands toward the Grand Elder.

So that was it. Steward Liu truly refused to suffer even the slightest loss. The Sword-Imperial Pavilion had selected five people, while Swordheart Hall had only four. Even Soaring Heavens Palace had taken four this time.

"If you have something to say, spit it out!" The Grand Elder was growing impatient. He had failed to accomplish the purpose of his visit and had already lost enough face. If not for Yun Zhongjun's instructions, he would not have wanted to stay a moment longer.

"Our hall wishes to take one more disciple: Murong Zhu." Steward Liu did not beat around the bush and spoke directly.

"Fine. That settles it. Handle the rest yourselves." The Grand Elder had no interest in dealing with such matters. He had come only for Chen Fan in the first place. With that, he immediately stepped into the air and departed, quickly disappearing from everyone's sight.

In the end, the dust settled, and the spectators scattered like birds and beasts. Chen Fan had been assigned to Soaring Heavens Palace, and he did not particularly resent it. Meanwhile, Murong Zhu was already weeping uncontrollably. At the very last moment, he had miraculously been selected by Swordheart Hall. It felt like a dream, and even now, he dared not believe it was real.

Yet many people understood perfectly well that Swordheart Hall had accepted Murong Zhu partly to fill its quota, and partly because he had a good relationship with Chen Fan. Perhaps Swordheart Hall intended to use Murong Zhu to befriend Chen Fan. Many people muttered among themselves, wondering what virtues and abilities Chen Fan possessed to make all three palaces value him so highly. But those who recognized Yun Zhongjun had long since seen through the truth of it.

That afternoon, all disciples entering the inner court followed the elders of their respective palaces there. They completed the necessary procedures and were assigned new inner court residences. Chen Fan received Soaring Heavens Palace's disciple token. It was a square piece of green jade, carved with exquisite patterns, with a cloud design at its center. Chen Fan was delighted. He turned the token over in his hand for a long while before returning to the outer court to pack and prepare for his move.

Three days later, within the inner court of Swordcry Mountain, inside Soaring Heavens Palace's cultivation chamber, Chen Fan sat in meditation with the other disciples of Soaring Heavens Palace. Over the past two days, he had gradually adjusted to life in the inner court. The cultivation of inner court disciples truly differed from that of the outer court as greatly as heaven and earth. Every day's cultivation tasks were packed to the brim. Mornings were generally spent cultivating External Force or Soaring, while afternoons were reserved for group meditation to cultivate Internal Qi. It was fixed at three hours each day, quite dull indeed. This also showed how much importance Soaring Heavens Palace placed on nurturing its disciples' Internal Qi cultivation. Without sufficient Internal Qi, what Soaring Art could one speak of?

Chen Fan was quite adept at seated meditation. Back at Golden Wheel Temple, for more than ten years, he had cultivated Internal Qi every day alongside his monk senior brothers, while also meditating and chanting sutras. It had been no easier than this.

Soaring Heavens Palace had not specially prepared any unique Internal Qi cultivation arts for Chen Fan and the other newly promoted disciples. After all, they had not yet reached the fourth realm. At their current stage, they merely needed to continue cultivating the arts they already possessed. Once they broke through to the fourth realm, the palace would distribute corresponding mid-grade Internal Qi arts. Besides, many people knew Chen Fan's circumstances. Who would dare casually give him another cultivation art to practice? Would that not be courting death?

Two hours later, with a "Duang," a bell in the cultivation chamber was struck, signaling the end of the day's Internal Qi cultivation. The disciples slowly withdrew their cultivation and departed one after another. Chen Fan also rose and was about to leave.

"Junior Nephew Chen, please wait." Someone called out to him. It was Steward Zhang from the earlier inner court selection.

"Martial Uncle Zhang, what are your instructions?" Chen Fan stopped and asked.

Steward Zhang wore a broad smile. "How would I dare give you instructions? Someone wishes to see you. Come with me."

Chen Fan understood at once and guessed who it was. Not daring to delay, he quickly followed Steward Zhang.

After passing several great halls within Soaring Heavens Palace, they came upon a narrow path paved with uneven stone slabs. It stretched up the mountain, winding and twisting out of sight. It seemed Yun Zhongjun lived here. He truly did not follow the usual rules.

The two climbed the stone steps and soon arrived before a thatched cottage. Before Steward Zhang could announce their arrival, a voice came from inside. "Let him enter."

Upon hearing this, Steward Zhang bowed slightly. Then he nodded to Chen Fan, signaling that he could go in, before swiftly heading back down the mountain.

Chen Fan pushed open the door and entered, somewhat nervous. Thinking back to the day he had brought Yun Zhongjun back, Yun Zhongjun had still been unconscious. Furthermore, after being affected by Spirit-Drunken Incense, he had apparently lost his memories. Chen Fan did not know what the situation was now. What if, relying on his profound cultivation, Yun Zhongjun had completely recovered his memories? Some matters would become difficult to explain.

Inside the cottage, Yun Zhongjun sat cross-legged atop a meditation cushion, his eyes closed and his lips silent, seemingly still meditating to recuperate. Chen Fan did not dare disturb him and waited quietly to one side.

After a moment, Yun Zhongjun slowly opened his eyes and said, "Spirit-Drunken Incense truly lives up to its reputation..." There was a faint helplessness and melancholy in his voice.

Chen Fan's heart stirred. "Senior, have you still been unable to recover your memories?" Judging by his appearance, that was most likely the case.

Yun Zhongjun let out a long, soft sigh. "After returning that day, I began cultivating with all my strength to recover. Yet even now, there has not been the slightest sign of my memories returning. It seems I can only give up. So be it. When one grows old, being able to forget some things may count as a kind of release."

It seemed this man's cultivation was indeed extraordinarily high, and he had not forgotten everything. Chen Fan hurriedly asked, "Senior, do you still remember this junior?"

Yun Zhongjun looked at Chen Fan, then finally shook his head. "I do not. I have forgotten many things. I remember only events from a very long time ago, as well as certain people I met long ago." Yun Zhongjun was surely an expert who had lived for several centuries. After a pause, he continued, "However, I can at least still remember receiving my master's inheritance in those years, as well as later taking charge of Soaring Heavens Palace."

Chen Fan was shaken to the core. So Yun Zhongjun was the master of Soaring Heavens Palace. It was said that the Soaring Heavens Palace Master's strength was no weaker than that of the two sect masters. Though the might of his swordsmanship was somewhat inferior to theirs, his Internal Qi cultivation stood wholly on the same level, while his Soaring Art was acclaimed as the finest in Xiling. Though Chen Fan had not known Yun Zhongjun's identity before, he had been able to infer some of it.