Chapter Forty-Five: The Violet Void

However, among them was also an old acquaintance of Tianling—a disciple from the Haotian Sect, her junior brother. The young man was of striking appearance, refined and handsome, his cultivation having reached the realm of Earth Repository. He carried a sacred weapon, and after these past two days of competition, he had amassed quite a number of female admirers. Though he had been in the imperial capital for quite some time, for some unknown reason he had never come to see Tianling. It was only after securing a spot among the final sixteen that he sought her out, and there was a small episode concerning him.

That day, as Zhou Tian and Tianling returned from the tournament grounds—the last match to decide the top sixteen had just concluded. From this day forward, the matches would no longer be conducted in such a hasty manner; each would be arranged with much greater ceremony, for now the tournament was about to become truly interesting.

Inside the carriage, Zhou Tian and Tianling were wrapped in each other’s affection, when suddenly they heard a servant outside call out in a loud voice:

“Why are you blocking my master’s path?”

At these words, Zhou Tian’s body tensed. He let go of Tianling in his arms. Was this the start of one of those dramatic, face-slapping moments?

With mounting excitement, he lifted the carriage curtain. There, before the two thundering Crimson Blaze Steeds, stood a youthful figure in azure robes and white garments, a longsword slung across his back. The stopped Crimson Blaze Steeds snorted, and the red flames from their nostrils nearly licked the youth’s face, curling the hair upon his brow. His expression was a little tense—after all, these were beasts of the Manifestation Realm, their presence formidable—but still, he did not move aside.

The residents of the capital pointed and whispered, faces full of schadenfreude. To block the carriage of the Prince of Qin’s residence—did this youth have a death wish?

The divine steeds, endowed with spirit, would not attack without cause, even if this youth blocked their way. The Prince of Qin’s residence was not a den of bullies who killed at the slightest provocation.

As Zhou Tian pondered how to speak in a manner both dignified and impressive, Tianling beside him suddenly exclaimed:

“Junior brother!”

Zhou Tian was left with a face full of confusion, glancing at Tianling, then at the youth below. Tianling continued:

“Zhou Tian, this is my junior brother…”

“Junior brother?”

Zhou Tian scratched his head in frustration. “Since we’re all family, come up and speak with us!”

When would that dramatic, face-slapping scene ever arrive!

The youth, a little nervous, climbed aboard. Upon entering the carriage, the sumptuousness of its furnishings left him stunned for a moment before he managed to speak:

“Greetings, senior sister! Greetings… Young Lord Zhou!”

Tianling was visibly delighted. After all, this was a reunion with an old friend in a foreign land. It was her first time seeing someone familiar since arriving in the capital—how could she not be pleased?

Grabbing the youth’s arm, she asked, “Zixu, what brings you here? Are you alone? Has Uncle Ling come too?”

Zhou Tian, watching Tianling’s hand upon the youth’s arm, narrowed his eyes.

“I came to compete in the Youth Tournament. An elder from the sect brought me. My master had pressing matters and couldn’t come this time,” Zixu replied softly, gazing at his long-lost senior sister, a deep, hidden affection flickering in his eyes.

“Then why did you only come to find me now?” Tianling’s bright eyes sparkled with innocence. She meant nothing by it—she simply saw him as the junior brother she hadn’t seen in a long time.

“How could I face senior sister if I didn’t achieve a good result in the tournament?” Zixu scratched his head and smiled.

“You’ve entered the top sixteen too?” Tianling asked in surprise, every movement and smile possessed of a rare grace, her voice as gentle as celestial music, her eyes radiant as the moon.

“Mm, I was lucky enough to make it,” Zixu answered, humility on his lips but a trace of pride in his eyes. After all, making the top sixteen meant he was among the very best of his generation in Futian Province.

Zhou Tian curled his lip, muttering inwardly: Using a sacred weapon—what’s there to be so proud about?

Tianling’s eyes curved with her smile. “Uncle Ling will be so happy!”

Then, as if remembering something, her smile faded and she asked, “By the way, how has my master been lately?”

Zixu fell silent for a moment before replying, “The Sect Master misses you greatly and wishes for you to return…”

Return?

Zhou Tian shot a glance at the youth, his gaze meaningful.

Tianling lapsed into silence.

Zhou Tian took up the thread, “Zixu, is it? Where are you staying? I’ll see you there myself.” His intention of sending the youth away was barely concealed. Tianling looked at Zhou Tian, hesitating to speak, but in the end said nothing.

Zixu lowered his eyes, his expression unreadable, and said softly, “No need to trouble you, Young Lord. I can find my own way back.”

“Senior sister, farewell!” With that, he stepped out of the carriage.

After Zixu had gone, Tianling’s eyes shimmered as she looked up and asked, “Zhou Tian, are you upset?”

Zhou Tian was briefly taken aback. Was his Tianling truly so perceptive? Though he felt a twinge of jealousy, how could he let it show?

“No, of course not. Why would I be upset?”

Three denials in a row!

“Your face is so dark it’s almost raining, and you still say you’re not upset…” Tianling muttered just loudly enough for Zhou Tian to hear.

Zhou Tian’s face flushed with embarrassment. Was he really that obvious?

“All right, I admit it—I’m jealous! So what?”

Zhou Tian, both angry and embarrassed, cupped Tianling’s delicate face and spoke with mock ferocity.

“Zixu is my junior brother; we grew up together and are very close. I’ve always regarded him as my little brother.” Tianling’s cheeks flushed as she explained, looking up at Zhou Tian, who was so near.

“Grew up together—childhood sweethearts?” A jealous man is beyond reason. Zhou Tian latched onto her words instantly.

“……”

Tianling was speechless. Of all I’ve said, that’s what you focused on?

“In the future, you’re not allowed to see him. Understood?” Zhou Tian said with mock severity.

“But he’s my junior brother…” Tianling mumbled softly.

Smack!

Zhou Tian landed a palm on a particularly soft part of Tianling, relishing the feeling.

“Ah…”

A shiver of sensation ran through Tianling, her face flushing deep red. She glared at Zhou Tian in exasperation, “Zhou Tian… you… shameless!”

Now she understood—everything Zhou Tian had said before was just a pretext to take advantage of her.

“Did you hear me?” Zhou Tian said with a straight face. So what if I’m shameless? I’m happy to be so!

“I… heard you…” Tianling wanted to protest further, but as Zhou Tian raised his hand again, she could only submit to his domineering will.

“That’s better. Here’s your reward!” Zhou Tian nodded with satisfaction, his palm once again finding that tender spot, kneading it firmly…

Another gasp escaped Tianling as her body went limp, strength leaving her as she collapsed into Zhou Tian’s embrace. A rosy hue bloomed across her skin, her lovely face like sunset clouds, her bright eyes misted with tears.

Upon returning to the Prince of Qin’s residence, Zhou Tian ordered his servants to look into this so-called Zixu. He couldn’t shake the feeling that the youth was not as simple as he seemed.

Jealous? How could he possibly be jealous—that wasn’t why he’d told them to investigate. As if the illustrious Young Lord of the Prince of Qin’s household could be so petty!