Chapter Fifteen: Companions

Shen Qingyun’s words left a lingering concern in Zhou Weiqing’s heart, one that he could not easily dispel. He could not help but think, “He’s just a newly initiated disciple, and I am about to enter the inner sect! He will never catch up to me. What do I have to fear?” With this thought, the inexplicable unease within Zhou Weiqing’s heart faded away.

The flying ark traveled thousands of miles each day and soon hovered above the city of Yueyang. By this time, every household in the city had set up incense and offerings, awaiting the arrival of the immortals. The city lord’s mansion was especially extravagant—a whole pig was offered before the altar.

As the ark descended, the city lord, the guards, and the city’s dignitaries all gathered below.

“People of Yueyang, from north to south, are grateful for the mercy of Cangyun, for the immortals’ aid in subduing demons. We are deeply thankful!” The city lord, Fang Lu, called out in a loud, clear voice as figures began to appear on the ark.

“It is the order of the sect: to subdue demons and uphold justice is our duty. There is no need for such formality, Lord City Master!” Fang Qiyang, representing the disciples of Cangyun Sect, smiled at Fang Lu.

The inner sect disciples stepped lightly from the ark, descending gracefully. Their robes fluttered with an air of extraordinary presence.

Seeing that his own son was among the group, the city lord’s face blossomed with joy. That his son was the one to rid the city of demons would only further enhance his own standing in Yueyang—who would dare oppose him now?

“Please, come inside, honored guests. I have prepared a banquet in the city lord’s mansion to welcome you all!” Although they were still father and son, with the son now a disciple of the immortal sect, the formality was that of receiving esteemed guests—especially since these disciples now bore the hopes of the entire city.

“Please wait, Lord City Master. There are still two junior sisters and one junior brother who have not yet disembarked,” Fang Qiyang said.

“Oh?” Fang Lu’s thick brows rose. “In that case, let us wait a little longer.”

Fang Qiyang nodded and turned to the silent Qiao Shangyan standing nearby, smiling, “Uncle Qiao, it has been a long time!”

Qiao Shangyan’s body trembled. Forcing himself to remain calm, he replied with a smile, “Nephew Fang, you flatter me.”

Fang Qiyang, as if seeing through Qiao Shangyan’s thoughts, changed the topic abruptly. “Are you perhaps worried for the two Miss Qiaos?”

Qiao Shangyan fell silent. It is said that a daughter’s fate is tied to her father’s in a past life—how could a father not worry? Whether they suffered in cultivation, whether they were living well.

“Father!”

Two voices called out in succession, making Qiao Shangyan start in disbelief as he looked up. Two elegant figures leapt down from the ark, transforming his disbelief into alarm. The height was nearly three times that of a man!

Just as the sisters were about to land, two streams of energy appeared out of thin air, cushioning their descent so they landed safely.

With a lingering sense of dread, Qiao Shangyan patted his chest, glaring at his daughters. “What were you thinking, jumping from such a height? Do you think you can compare to these immortal friends?”

The two sisters instinctively shrank their necks and playfully stuck out their tongues.

Seeing their familiar antics, Qiao Shangyan paused, then remembered they were still out in public. He shot them another glare, “I’ll deal with you once we’re home!”

The sisters were not intimidated by his words; instead, they laughed and each took one of his arms.

Fang Lu was taken aback by the sight and turned to Fang Qiyang, asking, “And your junior brother?”

Before Fang Qiyang could reply, Shen Qingyun’s voice drifted down from the ark, “City Lord, I need to remain and watch over the ark. There’s no need to wait for me.”

Fang Qiyang was momentarily stunned, then smiled, “That’s how it is, City Lord. Please, after you.”

“Very well, let us proceed!” Fang Lu saw no reason to question the matter further—after all, his son had made him proud.

Before entering the city lord’s mansion, Zhou Weiqing looked up at the ark, his eyes full of mockery and amusement. Perhaps Shen Qingyun knew he would make things difficult for him and so chose to stay on the ark to avoid confrontation.

“So, in the end, you’re nothing but a useless braggart,” Zhou Weiqing muttered under his breath.

On the ark, Shen Qingyun gazed northward, a rare look of gravity in his eyes.

“The demon tribes?” His brows knitted slightly, then relaxed. He murmured, “Let me see what you are capable of,” before turning and returning to the ark to cultivate.

Within the city lord’s mansion, music and dancing filled the halls.

Suddenly, Fang Qiyang stepped forward to where Fang Lu sat, dropped to one knee, and said, “Your son pays respects to Father. Having joined the immortal sect, I can no longer serve you at your knee—my apologies for the hardship you have endured…”

“Haha, my son, there’s no need for such words! Focus on your cultivation and on eradicating demons and evil spirits. How could that bring hardship to me?” Fang Lu lifted his son up, his face beaming with pride.

Among the disciples of Cangyun, there was one whose eyes grew ever more entranced watching Fang Qiyang’s gesture.

The other dignitaries, seeing this, were filled with envy, whispering among themselves and singing his praises. With all attention on Fang Qiyang, and the subtle deference of the other Cangyun disciples, it was clear he was their leader.

“We must build ties with the city lord,” someone thought to himself.

As some set their sights on Fang Qiyang, others naturally turned to the twin daughters of the Qiao family, as they too were the pride of Yueyang.

Those of wealth and standing who were on good terms with Qiao Shangyan naturally shifted their conversation to the two graceful sisters.

“Heh, who would have thought both young ladies would enter the immortal sect so smoothly. From now on, their path will surely ascend without limit!”

“Exactly. Unlike my own son, who claimed he was seeking the Way, but came back after just a few days!”

“Haha, old Wang, yours isn’t so bad. Mine thinks of nothing but marrying a wife all day long!”

At this, laughter erupted all around.

When it comes to marriage, it has always been a matter that concerns parents most. Someone with ulterior motives turned to Qiao Shangyan, “Old Qiao, have your daughters been matched yet?”

At this, the room fell silent as everyone strained to hear his answer.

Qiao Shangyan knew all too well what these old foxes were thinking. He replied, “How could it be so simple? My daughters are my treasures—held in my palms for fear they might fall, held in my mouth for fear they might melt!”

“Now that they’ve embarked on the path to immortality, seeking longevity, how could their companions be chosen lightly?”

Everyone present was shrewd enough to catch the veiled meaning in his words. His daughters would likely live long, perhaps never die. If they were to find ordinary husbands, in decades or a hundred years, would they not be left widowed?

At this, many abandoned the thought, inwardly cursing their own sons for their lack of ambition.

As for the Qiao sisters, though seated among the disciples of Cangyun, every word their father and the others spoke about them reached their ears. It was as though their marriage prospects were being discussed right before them. Yet, rather than feeling shy, a hint of anticipation stirred in their hearts, and an indistinct figure appeared in both sisters’ minds at the same time…