But before he could even touch that prohibition, a streak of golden fire and black light flew out, twisting around the white black light and grinding it away. At the same time, a calm voice sounded from within the Treasure Pavilion: "Daoist Fu, as a guest here, if you wish, you may stay aboard this ship for a few days. I am currently refining a Dharma treasure and thus unable to meet you in person."
Brother Fu slightly furrowed his brows and said in a deep voice, "Master Guo intends to have this person rescue Junior Brother Shen for him?"
Dai Huan nodded and replied, "Exactly."
Brother Fu closed his eyes, then opened them again, slowly nodding as he said, "Master Guo’s Dharma Eye never errs."
Dai Huan asked, puzzled, "Oh, Brother, what is unusual about this person?"
Brother Fu let out a cold laugh and spoke no further. A man like him, honed through countless battles, need not meet his opponent face-to-face; merely sensing their spiritual breath was enough to discern their general strengths and weaknesses, and whether he could contend with them. Yet, after witnessing that domineering black light, he found himself unable to gauge its depth. How could the wielder of such a skill be an ordinary figure?
He said in a deep tone, "The person chosen by Master Guo is indeed not weak, but he has erred in doing so. This matter pertains to our Qingyu Sect, and how could we allow outsiders to handle it?"
All four present nodded in agreement. Apart from Brother Fu, no one else could push back against Guo Lie’s intentions while remaining steadfastly justified. If someone else had made such remarks critical of their elders, Dai Huan would have surely stood up to rebuke them.
However, Dai Huan noticed that Brother Fu had uttered the words "Qingyu Sect" and could not help but quiver as he said in a trembling voice, "Qingyu Sect... Could it be... the Sect Leader and Founder..."
He grew so excited he could barely speak clearly, and the others quickly realized, turning their fiery gazes toward Brother Fu.
Qingyu Sect was the name of the sect established by Tao Zhenhong. Previously, though he had attempted to found the sect several times, he always instructed disciples not to utter the sect’s name, even in private. Now that Brother Fu openly declared it, it could only mean he had obtained Tao Zhenhong’s approval.
Brother Fu glanced around and solemnly declared, "Fellow disciples, the Ancestor Master has set the date for the official founding of the sect to be the first month of the lunar year. From now on, when we walk the world, we may proudly call ourselves disciples of Qingyu Sect. I hope each of you will strive together and never tarnish the reputation of the sect."
Upon hearing this, including Dai Huan, all four disciples displayed expressions of excitement and fervor, shouting their agreement in unison.
Previously, although they possessed cultivation, they had always felt like rootless drifting weeds, following the Ancestor Master in endless wanderings without a place to call home. Now, with Tao Zhenhong’s announcement of the sect name, it was evident he had genuinely resolved to establish this foundation firmly.
Brother Fu cast his gaze toward the Dragon Country’s Ship and said deeply, "Fellow disciples, no matter how fine this vessel may be, it belongs to someone else. Due to Master Guo’s connection with the ship master, we have been allowed to remain here, but you must not linger any longer. Quickly make your preparations and follow me to rescue Junior Brother Shen."
However, when he said this, Dai Huan and the others revealed looks of difficulty.
Brother Fu stiffened his expression and asked, "What’s the matter?"
Dai Huan smiled bitterly and replied, "Brother, all our spirit bird mounts have been lost at the hands of Shen Minggu. Now, even if we wish to accompany you, we are unable."
Brother Fu remained silent for a long moment and said, "That was indeed my oversight."
Just then, a cooing sound rang out in the air as a sharp-beaked, red-mouthed spiritual pigeon flew in from nowhere, landing on his shoulder.
Brother Fu’s expression remained unchanged as he reached out to take a letter tube from the pigeon’s leg. Effortlessly dismantling the seal, he unfolded the letter and scanned its contents. Gradually, a gleam of sharp light appeared in his gaze. He muttered, "This Shen Minggu truly is formidable. Five days ago, he defeated Nanhua Sect’s disciple Qiu Ju, Taihao Sect’s disciple Chu Jiu, and Peng Yuan Sect’s disciple Shan Huizhen. Excellent, truly excellent! With such a record, if I can defeat him and rescue Junior Brother Shen, it will surely elevate the prestige of our Qingyu Sect."
Seeing his intent to act immediately, Dai Huan quickly advised, "Brother Fu, please tend to your injured arm first and recover for a few days before heading out."
Brother Fu realized this would surely be a grueling battle, and carelessness was not an option. After contemplating earnestly for a moment, he nodded in agreement. He took out an item from his sleeve and said, "Take this to the ship master."
Dai Huan saw it was a token engraved with a Vermilion Bird and was startled. He asked, "Brother, isn’t this the token Master bestowed upon you? Why give it to him?"
Brother Fu sternly commanded, "Go as I say. Why ask so many questions!"
Dai Huan had no choice but to take the token and transform into a streak of rainbow light, heading toward Zhang Yan’s location.
At this moment, within the Treasure Pavilion, Zhang Yan stood by the window, observing the actions of this group with complete clarity.
Upon witnessing this situation, he understood that Brother Fu intended to borrow his sea boat for a few days to heal his severed arm. However, being inherently proud, he was unwilling to request assistance directly, and thus sent this item to signify a fair exchange.
Zhang Yan smiled faintly and commented to Guo Lie, who stood beside him, "Daoist Guo, with your nephew here, it seems I won’t need to intervene after all."
Guo Lie snorted and replied, "Fu Yuqing, that kid, is stiff and tight-lipped. Back when Master brought him in, I didn’t like him. Though he’s somewhat capable, Grandpa Guo doesn’t think highly of him. If he loses to that Shen Ming fellow, you’ll still need to step in, Brother Zhang!"
Zhang Yan gave Guo Lie a surprised glance and smiled, "Daoist Guo, do you have so little confidence in your own nephew?"
Guo Lie chuckled darkly and said, "If that kid Fu managed to master Ancestor Master’s True Martial Battle Technique, then of course I would be confident. But when he first began cultivating, he relied on his high aptitude and simultaneously practiced three Daoist Skills, believing himself invincible among his peers. He grew prideful, and later Ancestor Master admonished him, guiding him back to the Right Path. Yet, he’s still half a novice. As for that Shen Minggu of Chongyue True Temple, he has practiced the Yin Yang Separation Flying Saber since childhood, single-mindedly honing this Dharma technique to its peak. Unless he steps into the Hua Dan Realm, there’s no further improvement he can achieve. Hence, in my view, the odds for this fight are sixty-forty, with Fu losing being the more likely outcome."
...(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)