Volume One: A Thousand Years of the Stream Chapter 29: Self-Verification

In the evening, Sect Master Cui Qingrui of the Yanming Sect specially gathered the sect leaders and core disciples in the assembly hall, stating that he wanted everyone to meet the two new disciples recently taken in by the sect leaders.

Ma Dairan and Ma Guanzheng walked together, while Ma Yuhong, Ma Kaiyu, and Yang Huanman followed ten paces behind.

Ma Guanzheng grumbled in a low voice, "That old man is really cunning. He took these disciples this morning and is already parading them around tonight. He clearly doesn't want us to interfere."

Ma Dairan understood Cui Qingrui's intentions perfectly, and Ma Guanzheng continued to complain, "Brother, why didn't you stop it? Didn't you find an opportunity?"

Ma Dairan replied, "I found one, but unfortunately, he escaped."

"Who bungled it? You couldn't even finish off a mere child?"

Ma Dairan said coldly, "What is there to fear? Even if he is brought into the light, can't we still destroy him?"

"I'm not afraid, I just think the kid is bizarre. At such a young age, he has killed thousands, and he caught over eight hundred rabbits in half an incense stick of time. Brother, this is a rare talent."

"If he is a rare talent, he naturally cannot be kept. It is just as well he cannot be won over; it is better to eliminate him early. You don't need to worry about this; I have already made arrangements."

As they spoke, the two entered the assembly hall. Everyone was already present. Yang Huanman froze when she saw Sun Zikai, and Ma Kaiyu was also stunned, but she quickly reacted and pulled Yang Huanman along to follow.

Qu Hanrong was speaking in a loud voice, teasing Fu Zhe, "You haven't taken a disciple in so many years, why did you pick someone like this for your first?" He felt that at Sun Zikai's age, being only at the first stage of Qi cultivation and looking quite ordinary was disappointing.

Wu Lanmu mocked him, "Indeed, you are so good at taking disciples. Your best disciple is only at the third stage of Qi cultivation, just like you."

Qu Hanrong was left speechless, suppressing his anger as he glared at her. Wu Lanmu poured oil on the fire, pushing Feng Yueyi forward, "This girl of mine is quite ordinary; she only just broke through to the second stage yesterday. I wonder, in another five or six years, will she reach the third stage? Oh wait, make that eight years."

Just as Qu Hanrong was about to erupt, Ma Guanzheng interjected, "A girl with good talent, she’s comparable to you back in the day."

Upon hearing this, Wu Lanmu’s expression changed instantly. She and Fu Zhe had both been outstanding talents in their youth; had it not been for the Ma family's persecution, they would not be at their current level of cultivation.

Qu Hanrong’s anger vanished after hearing this, replaced by a sinister smile. "Good girl, you must surpass your master, hahaha..."

Fu Zhe replied, "The younger generation should have their own fortunes. We who have passed our prime live only to protect them. Today, I, Fu Zhe, have benefited from the grace of Sect Master Hu, taking a beloved disciple alongside him. Thank you, Sect Master, for the honor of announcing it to the entire sect."

Cui Qingrui beamed and pushed Sun Zikai forward, saying, "Child, introduce yourself."

Sun Zikai bowed and said, "Junior Sun Zikai, from the Fourteen Cities behind the Ridge, a guardian of Ansheng Pass."

"Ansheng Pass?" Zhi Weici asked, "I have heard of it. What were you doing there?"

The other sect leaders did not know the details of Sun Zikai's background, and he replied, "Killing barbarians."

Ru Nan whispered to Zhi Weici, gesturing, "Master, that's him! He is the outer sect disciple I mentioned who has a connection with Yang Youshi."

Ma Dairan smiled broadly and said, "Little Nan, my Huanman has already changed her name. Hmm? You say there is a connection—what do you mean? Could it be that the disciple Elder Fu just took knows Huanman?"

Yang Huanman was wondering how to speak, but Ma Kaiyu cut in, "Grandfather, he and Huanman are friends."

"Oh?" Ma Dairan asked, "Since when?"

He asked Sun Zikai, but Sun Zikai was staring fixedly at Ma Guanzheng.

Ma Guanzheng felt the boy's gaze, but there was no emotion in those eyes. He snapped coldly, "Sect Leader Ma is asking you a question, are you deaf?"

Sun Zikai remained expressionless and turned to Ma Dairan, saying, "We met by chance."

Unexpectedly, Yang Huanman spoke up: "Master, I am also from Ansheng Pass. Sun Zikai is the older brother who raised me since I was young."

Everyone present was astonished. Cui Qingrui frowned for a moment, but quickly regained his composure. Fu Zhe looked down at Sun Zikai, trying to determine if it was true.

Sun Zikai nodded and said, "That is true."

"Heh heh heh, in that case, we are related by family," Ma Dairan laughed. "Huanman, you should go visit your brother often and discuss the path of cultivation together."

"Yes," Yang Huanman said happily. "Thank you, Master."

Sun Zikai felt no joy. He understood that the girl was too young and her mental maturity was far behind that of Feng Yueyi. Since the Ma family and he were mortal enemies, Yang Youshi should be kept as far away from him as possible.

At this moment, Sun Zikai felt a bit lost, as Hu Xincheng had not come, meaning he did not get to see Jiang Yujin.

Cui Qingrui explained, "My eldest disciple (Hu Xincheng) is obsessed with weapon techniques and footwork. He just sent a boy over with a message saying that the three of them are focusing on sword practice and won't be coming. Well, well, you've all met, so you may disperse."

"Really, Sect Master?" Ma Guanzheng said. "Just a quick meeting? I saw the banquet behind the hall and smelled the fragrance of Qinghua wine. Do you not intend to have us stay for a meal?"

Cui Qingrui laughed heartily, "You saw wrong. That was the medicinal recipe for my foot soak. If you want to drink, go home and drink."

Ma Dairan stood up with a meaningful look in his eyes and said, "Since the Sect Master has no intention of keeping guests, we shall take our leave."

The two brothers walked out, though no one knew what they were so pleased about. They had barely sat down before they left again. Zhi Weici and Qu Hanrong had actually assumed the Sect Master would host a grand feast, as the core disciples had recently gained great prestige in front of other sects at the Xiangshi Pavilion, and the Sect Master had promised a reward. They had indeed seen figures bustling behind the hall, but they did not ask and simply bid their farewells, leading their disciples out.

As soon as they left, without waiting for Wu Lanmu to depart, Cui Qingrui slammed the table. His calm expression finally gave way to anger. After a pause, he waved his hand, and all the doors and windows shut tight.

Ma Dairan and Ma Guanzheng had not walked far. The brothers looked at each other and laughed. Ma Guanzheng smiled maliciously, "That old man, hahaha, he didn't expect this, did he? He's lifted a rock only to drop it on his own feet. Little Huanman, you did a great service today."

Cui Qingrui had intended to host the banquet, but his mood was now foul.

Fu Zhe was the right-hand man he had personally promoted to counter the Ma family; this was an unspoken understanding. He had organized this evening to curb the Ma family’s underhanded tactics and protect Fu Zhe’s disciple, never expecting that Fu Zhe would play such a trick on him.

Fu Zhe had observed Sun Zikai and Yang Huanman talking in front of the Manqian Tower, but he never imagined they had this relationship. Before Cui Qingrui could speak, Fu Zhe knelt down.

Seeing his master kneel, Sun Zikai immediately knelt and kowtowed as well.

"Fu Zhe! What is this move? Are you making a statement to me?"

"Certainly not! I... I truly did not know of this!"

"Presumptuous!" Cui Qingrui tried to suppress his energy, but those present could still feel his terrifying spiritual pressure.

Wu Lanmu lost her playful demeanor and stood nervously to the side.

At this moment, Sun Zikai spoke, his forehead pressed to the ground, "Sect Master, do not blame my master. My relationship with Yang Huanman..."

"Is it your turn to speak!" Cui Qingrui was burning with rage. He was not an emotional man, but years of overt and covert struggle with the Ma family had left him deeply suppressed.

Fu Zhe turned his head and shouted at Sun Zikai, "Shut up! It is not your turn to speak." He bowed to Cui Qingrui again, saying, "Sect Master, he is too young and does not understand the gravity of the situation. It is my failure to teach him properly; it is my crime."

Sun Zikai said anxiously, "I did not deliberately conceal it..."

Cui Qingrui could bear it no longer. He reached out, and Sun Zikai was pulled into the air, his throat gripped. Cui Qingrui's eyes glinted with murderous intent as he scolded, "You dare to open your mouth again."

"I have a mortal feud with the Ma family. I will never be a running dog for them."

"Boy, you are courting death." Cui Qingrui felt deeply insulted by the junior and wanted to crush him on the spot.

Fu Zhe crawled over, grabbing Cui Qingrui's arm, "Sect Master, Sect Master! This child is innocent, the fault is mine! Please, spare his life!"

Sun Zikai felt his seemingly indestructible neck being permeated. The Sect Master could not crush his flesh, but he could fill his body with thick spiritual energy, blocking all his meridians.

He endured, waiting for a chance of survival. As a last resort, he had to take action.

At this moment, he remembered his promise. He called out "Master" with difficulty and asked, "Can I kill someone now?"

Fu Zhe was stunned, and Cui Qingrui actually stopped. Sun Zikai fell to the ground. Wu Lanmu breathed a sigh of relief, while Feng Yueyi trembled behind her skirts.

Cui Qingrui ultimately gave Fu Zhe a shred of trust, but his first reaction was suspicion toward Sun Zikai's nonchalant state. He had indeed intended to kill, and due to Sun Zikai's subtle reaction, Cui Qingrui had misjudged his own strength; his hand should have been enough to crush a boy at the Qi cultivation stage ten times over.

Yet, after falling, the boy didn't even touch his neck.

Cui Qingrui puzzled, "It doesn't hurt?"

"It's fine," Sun Zikai replied.

Cui Qingrui looked at his left hand, doubting himself.

Wu Lanmu wanted to do something but dared not speak. She didn't know whether to stand, kneel, or leave.

Cui Qingrui asked again, "You just said you have a feud with the Ma family. Heh, what kind of feud?"

"I cannot say. One day, it will be revealed to the world."

Fu Zhe shouted, "Presumptuous! Explain yourself! You have a feud with the Ma family, why hide it now!"

"I... I don't want to say." Sun Zikai kowtowed. When he lifted his head, his expression had become indifferent. "Anyway, whatever reason I give, the Sect Master will think it's made up."

"Scoundrel!" Fu Zhe grabbed Sun Zikai's shoulder, pressing him to the floor, and said to Cui Qingrui, "This child's talent is rare in a thousand years. Even Lanmu and I were not half as good as him in our youth. I beg the Sect Master to spare him."

Wu Lanmu quickly added, "He is telling the truth, Sect Master. The rabbits in the garden weren't caught by anyone else; it was this kid. The child is a beast, a beast king!"

"Absurd!" Cui Qingrui said impatiently. "The two of you, your wings have grown hard. It seems you have your own ideas now."

Wu Lanmu immediately knelt, and Feng Yueyi behind her collapsed onto the floor. Wu Lanmu said anxiously, "Sect Master, you surely don't think Fu Zhe and I would cling to the Ma family? You know what kind of feud we have with them! This child really is gifted. Would the Ma family let him fall into our hands? Why don't you see his abilities with your own eyes?"

"Heh, fine. Boy, come, let me see your abilities and show me how you expect me to believe you."

Sun Zikai lifted his head with an indifferent expression. Suddenly, he leaped up, and Cui Qingrui could not even raise his hand in time.

In an instant, Sun Zikai gripped the Sect Master's throat. His right eye met Cui Qingrui's right eye, and in that moment, killing intent flowed between their gazes.

No one present had expected this. Fu Zhe reacted, pulled Sun Zikai back, and threw him toward the door. The door shattered, and Sun Zikai rolled several yards away.

Fu Zhe still wanted to plead, but Cui Qingrui suddenly looked calm. "I believe you. This child is talented, and the Ma family indeed would not let such a seedling fall into your hands. It seems these two children have kept their secret well, but the connection still exists. You know what to do."

"I understand."

"Good. You may go."

"Sect Master, this..." The situation had turned too fast, and Wu Lanmu and Fu Zhe were at a loss.

"Go, I am tired."

"Yes." "Yes."

The two left with Feng Yueyi, and Sun Zikai followed.

When they were far away, Wu Lanmu whispered happily, "This kid is something! He even scared the Sect Master."

"Don't talk nonsense! What kind of realm is the Sect Master in!"

Inside the assembly hall, blood trickled from the corner of Cui Qingrui's mouth. As he opened his mouth, more blood surged out, staining his clothes. He looked at the receding figures in a daze, muttering to himself, "This child?"