C17 Failing to Break Through

After a month of fruitless attempts, Ye Chen gathered all the usable resources and cultivation techniques of the Void Returning Sect into his Storage Bag. He and Hsu Qi then prepared to head back to Ye Family Village.

Traveling along the same road they had taken a decade earlier, the carriage rocked gently through the pine forest. Ye Chen used to gaze out the window at the passing scenery, but his mindset had shifted dramatically since then. Indeed, ten years can change many things.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Abruptly, the whizzing of arrows snapped Ye Chen back to the present.

"Not again, are they?"

Ye Chen and Hsu Qi exchanged glances. The barrage of arrows was brief, and they stepped out of the carriage to confront the hostile group surrounding them.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the Void Returning Sect has disbanded. There will be no more oppression from us. Why ambush us now?"

"Esteemed sir, we are from the Soaring Flying Sect. Our intention is merely to request your presence at our sect. With Northern Chu leaderless, it's time we discussed and selected a new head."

Ye Chen quickly grasped the situation. The Void Returning Sect's fall from its longstanding position as the premier sect in Northern Chu had set other sects scrambling for dominance.

"My brother and I have been away from home for many years, and we've only just extricated ourselves from that quagmire. We have no desire to be drawn into your sects' disputes. Perhaps..."

Before Ye Chen could finish, the man cut in, "Hahaha, if you're concerned about your family, we can bring all your friends and relatives to the Soaring Flying Sect. That would be an ideal arrangement."

At this, Hsu Qi's anger flared—this was an outright threat. He was about to react when Ye Chen held him back.

"I had always regarded the Soaring Flying Sect as a paragon of virtue. It's surprising to see you now adopting the tactics of the Flying Tiger Gang, straying from your usual principles."

With Hsu Qi's temper in check, Ye Chen sighed. He had no desire to escalate the violence, yet he found himself curious to visit the Soaring Flying Sect.

"Let's head out—I have an old friend at the Soaring Flying Sect. We can just consider it a leisurely visit."

Upon Ye Chen's acceptance, the leader chuckled heartily and brought over two fine horses, while his companions sheathed their weapons. "It's refreshing to see an immortal who conducts himself with dignity and understands the bigger picture, unlike those bandits who only know how to throw their weight around."

"My name is Hu Zhan. Thanks to the Sect Master's promotion, I've earned the position of deacon within the Soaring Flying Sect. From now on, we're all part of the same family."

Ye Chen nearly burst into laughter at these words, thinking to himself, 'This fellow sure has a way with words. What they're doing now, how is it any different from being high-handed?'

"By the way, could you share your current level of cultivation? It would help us introduce you properly to the Sect Master."

"I'm at the Fifth Empyrean of the Qi Refining Realm. I hope that won't bring shame to the Soaring Flying Sect," Ye Chen replied nonchalantly, knowing it was wise to keep some things to himself while traveling.

As he sat astride his horse, he could distinctly sense the presence of a hidden divine crossbow lurking deep within the neighboring woods. Had he not complied with their demands earlier, he was certain he would have faced a massive onslaught.

"Immortal, you're too modest. Having you join us is a privilege for our Soaring Flying Sect."

"After years of conflict, I presume the Soaring Flying Sect still holds its place at the forefront of the seven great sects. Why resort to these tactics?" Ye Chen inquired, expressing his subtle disapproval of their earlier ambush.

"Master, you may not be aware, but in recent decades, due to the Void Returning Sect's disturbances, all seven great sects have sustained some damage. Regarding the leading position, it seems it's now the Flying Tiger Gang's turn," Hu Zhan explained.

Just then, a distant voice caused the Soaring Flying Sect members to become alert.

"Hahaha, if you acknowledge that my Flying Tiger Gang is second to none, then make way and clear off!"

A young man wielding a colossal axe emerged from the forest, followed by a formidable entourage, causing Hu Zhan's brow to furrow. "Hu Xiaolin, what is the meaning of this? Are you attempting to provoke a war with the Soaring Flying Sect?"

The young man flashed a smile, clearly unimpressed by Hu Zhan, "No, no, no, you've got it wrong, Deacon Hu. We simply wish to extend an invitation to this young immortal to visit the Flying Tiger Gang as our guest."

Then, Hu Xiaolin turned to Ye Chen, offering a respectful bow, "My apologies for the late welcome. Lately, our Flying Tiger Gang has been hosting quite a few disciples from the Void Returning Sect. I'm sure these two young immortals would be delighted to join us."

Upon hearing this, Ye Chen grasped the majority of the situation. It appeared that things hadn't unfolded as he had anticipated. Instead, the disciples from the Void Returning Sect were far from idle, having become accomplices to the martial factions.

"What are you implying?" Hu Zhan drew his sword, aiming it at Hu Zhan, "The two immortals have already agreed to visit the Soaring Flying Sect. Are you planning to intercept us?"

"Let's be clear, the Flying Tiger Gang has always been hospitable to guests, but it seems you lot can hardly be considered as such," Hu Xiaolin retorted with a cold laugh, as the two factions stood at a tense standoff.

"Thanks for the offer, but I truly am on my way to the Soaring Flying Sect," Ye Chen addressed the crowd, making his stance clear.

"Did you hear that? Scram! Or do you intend to challenge the immortal?" Hu Zhan taunted triumphantly.

"There's no need to rush your decision, Immortal. Our Flying Tiger Gang has invited many immortals, surely some of them are your fellow sect members. Perhaps they could come and offer you some counsel?"

At that moment, a haughty voice echoed from the forest's depths.

"I'm curious to know which fellow disciple is here. With the Void Returning Sect in disarray, we should be supporting one another as brethren."

"Oh, it's you. What a coincidence. Senior Brother has found a path for you. The hospitality you'll receive with the Flying Tiger Gang will certainly be..."

The silhouette in the sky first noticed Hsu Qi and burst into laughter, but upon spotting Ye Chen, he tumbled down mid-sentence.

"It's Senior Brother Zhou!" Hsu Qi cried out in surprise, having had previous dealings with him in the Void Returning Sect, though they weren't closely acquainted. Hu Xiaolin hurried over to assist the fallen man, "Senior Immortal, are you alright?"

Ye Chen offered a relaxed smile. "Senior Brother Zhou, after parting ways with the Void Returning Sect, I thought we might never cross paths again. Yet, here we are, meeting so soon. Fate works in mysterious ways, doesn't it?"

"It's you, Junior Brother Ye Chen. I admit my mistake. A cultivator should not meddle in the disputes of the mortal world. I will take my leave now and henceforth steer clear of their quarrels."

The esteemed immortal, upon whom so much hope had been placed, departed right before Hu Xiaolin's eyes, vanishing at a speed visible to the naked eye. One could only guess at the look on his face.

Ye Chen merely sighed silently to himself. He was all too aware that there were many like Senior Brother Zhou, who, believing themselves to be somewhat skilled, sought to throw their weight around. As long as they refrained from provoking those who were truly powerful, they would enjoy wealth and influence. But now, even though this fellow had left, who's to say he wouldn't seek refuge with another sect?

Ye Chen knew he couldn't concern himself with these matters, nor did he possess the means to intervene. Instead, this only solidified his resolve to grow stronger. Only the strong can avoid oppression.