As the monks who had appeared in the square departed one after another, an unseen struggle began to unfold in the shadows. The various Major Sects started to work diligently to clarify the relationships among the major forces that had clashed during the trials. Each sect had its own hidden agendas, and schemes of deceit were rampant in Tiandong City, yet a strange calmness prevailed on the surface.
After five days, over two thousand seven hundred participants had faced three rounds of challenges, resulting in a staggering elimination count of more than a thousand. No one had anticipated such a brutal outcome before the Fei Tian Dong Jue began. It was not that the participants of this Sky East Tournament were weaker than those of previous years; on the contrary, with figures like Hong Yulong, Tenglan, known as Zhongshang, and Mu Qinglong among them, the strength of this year's competitors far surpassed that of the past. The number of Divine Cultivators had even reached double digits for the first time, making this Sky East Tournament arguably the most ruthless in a millennium.
"Someone is looking for me," said Han Yu softly outside Gu Ping's door, her delicate brows slightly furrowed. Though her strength was not weak, Gu Ping did not want her identity to be revealed, which was why she hadn’t participated in the Sky East Tournament. If she had, Jiang Anbo would have easily claimed first place in the third round without a second thought. Standing outside was a monk in blue robes whose depth she could not discern; for a moment, she was unsure how to proceed and chose to inquire first rather than let him in directly.
"Understood. Let him in," Gu Ping said. She knew that news about Jiang Ping must have reached Wen Shiren by now, but she wondered what Wen Shiren's current situation was like. Yan Dong would surely not allow him to remain in the World of Mortals any longer.
Adjusting her attire, Gu Ping led Jiang Anbo and the arriving Tenglan out of the Edge of the World Pavilion. They found a secluded spot in Smoke Willow Alley. Jiang Anbo quietly played a serene melody on his instrument while they sat by the window; no one dared to break the silence, creating an awkward atmosphere.
"Three guests, may I offer you something to drink? Our shop has fine brews from Youzhou," the waiter began.
Tenglan interrupted the waiter’s introduction with a gesture for him to leave. He then cast a soundproofing spell to ensure their conversation remained private.
"What brings you to Cangtian East Duel?" he asked.
Initially, he thought he would have much to discuss with someone he had only met twice—his rival's junior brother—but when they finally faced each other, he found that all his thoughts and words had vanished. Instead, there was an understanding between them that required no more than a glance to convey what lay within their hearts; no further explanation was needed.
He was about to enter the Light Path. Although they would meet again in the future as enemies, they were also fellow disciples now.
Gu Ping and Jiang Anbo, both shocked, opened the wine jar and took a big gulp. Then, Gu Ping laughed.
Jiang Anbo's shock was mixed with a hint of excitement, but more than that, it was an indescribable thrill—joy, hope, and a sense of responsibility. With Gu Ping's words, Jiang Anbo realized that his mission had been successfully completed. Now it depended on Gu Ping to bring back the Starlight Pen intact to the Sect.
Tenglan, known as Zhongshang, felt a deep sense of helplessness. The Master-Disciple Lineage did not want to provoke the Jade Void Sect, which was backed by the Daoist Sect. The Family Line could not bear to see the academy produce another Yin Tianheng. Therefore, no matter what, there would be no place for Gu Ping in the academy. Even if he tried to persuade them to stay, it would be futile. Once Qunqin Ping made a decision, Tenglan knew there was nothing more to say.
He thought he would be part of Mok Ming Academy's future, but it turned out otherwise.
The look in Tenglan's eyes was hard to conceal; even Jiang Anbo could see it. Beside them, Gu Ping wore a smile that stirred some resentment in their hearts, showing not even a hint of regret.
No matter what happened, the future of the academy would not involve him. The World of Mortals had stood firm for so many years without relying on one person or a few individuals. It was clear that his senior brother did not need to worry about that.
Gu Ping referred to Tenglan as his senior brother. Over the years, all the junior cultivators in the academy had grown accustomed to calling Tenglan by that title. Although Qunqin Ping and Tenglan had not spent much time together, that habit had naturally integrated into Gu Ping's life, just like eating and drinking.
From the moment they met, Tenglan had earned Gu Ping's respect. Regardless of whether they were enemies at that time or friends later on, Tenglan was such a person. Among all those Yuezi he encountered during his escape until now, if anyone truly possessed brilliant humanity, it had to be Tenglan.
The five virtues—Benevolence, Righteousness, Propriety, Wisdom, Trustworthiness—were words hung in every household in Lu State. Tenglan embodied these virtues perfectly. More importantly, he was someone with principles and boundaries who would never waver for any reason. That unwavering nature was what had supported Tenglan all the way to this point and provided him with the strength to move forward.
After the battle in the Eastern Extreme Secret Realm, Wen Tian had discussed some issues with him. Bu Luo probably wouldn't be able to answer my questions either since he wasn't clear on what those answers might be.
It seemed there was no one who could explain this confusion.
Gu Ping pondered the questions that Tenglan, known as Zhongshang, had raised about the complexities of human existence. Living in the World of Mortals, how many truly reflect on the meaning of life? Perhaps that itself was a realm one should contemplate.
Bu Luo understood why he lived. He poured a bowl of wine but did not drink it as Gu Ping did, gulping straight from the jar. The academy needed a pillar; the traditions built over the years could not falter. He felt he must be that pillar to support the academy as it continued its journey eastward. What did he think of that way of living?
At Mount Tai, it didn’t seem like much.
Gu Ping shook his head, and both burst into laughter. In that moment, Tenglan, known as Zhongshang, dispelled the sound barrier, and their laughter echoed so loudly that even the willows nearby shed their leaves in response.
"Miss, miss!"
At the entrance of Smoke Willow Alley stood a willow tree, where a maid dressed in a yellow apricot dress chased after a girl running through the crowd like a swarm of butterflies.
"What’s wrong, Xiao Xing?"
"Miss, may I ask if they are Da Chu Maids?" Xiao Xing suddenly felt uneasy and hesitated to speak. "May I go home to Bao'er? How could I go to such a filthy place? If anyone finds out, how will I ever face others again?"
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