Chapter 24: Strange

But Elder Zhou truly does possess some strength this time, to be able to squeeze Zhou Yichen in like this,” Qingyun remarked disdainfully. “He must have promised another elder something, which is how they struck a deal. With both elders petitioning together, even the sect leader can't openly refuse, so Master had no choice but to agree. Still, this trip to Tianyu Mountain is fraught with danger, and if something happens to his son, he won't be able to blame anyone else.”

Lin Hao understood Qingyun's meaning and nodded.

Suddenly, Qingyun remembered something, tapped his forehead, and said, “Ah, look at my memory. I just recalled something.” He stretched out his hand to Lin Hao and, out of nowhere, produced a box from his empty palm. Handing it to Lin Hao, he watched as Lin Hao curiously examined it.

“What is this?” Lin Hao asked as he opened the box, discovering a map inside.

“What kind of map is this? It's so small,” Lin Hao wondered aloud.

“This is a map I came across by chance during my travels. It marks the inner region of Tianyu Mountain. Earlier I told you about the outer and middle regions, but said nothing of the inner area—truthfully, I’ve never been there myself, so I can’t vouch for the map’s authenticity. It’s been sitting in my storage ring all this time; if I hadn’t cleaned it out yesterday, I’d have forgotten I even had it. Today, it seems fate brought us together, so I’ll give it to you. With this map, in desperate moments, you might find an opportunity to escape, or perhaps increase your chances of survival if you encounter danger. But don’t rely on it too much—use your own judgment,” Qingyun advised.

Lin Hao listened and examined the map with curiosity. It was no bigger than his palm, densely drawn with numerous routes, making it dizzyingly complex. Several routes were marked in red.

“What do these red lines mean?” Lin Hao inquired.

“I’m not entirely sure myself, whether they indicate danger or treasure. That’s for you to discover. If you’re interested, you can use the map to explore. There’s a legend of a secret realm hidden within Tianyu Mountain, but no one has ever seen it. The place is truly strange—though the spirit beasts are powerful, they’re no match for skilled cultivators. Yet, many who venture into the inner region never return. So people suspect something odd lurks inside. But that’s just a legend, not particularly ancient. Normally, the outer and middle regions are where our sect’s inner disciples train; no one goes to the inner area. If not for the great upheaval, our sect wouldn’t have organized this expedition,” Qingyun explained.

“Tianyu Mountain is so sinister! Why is the sect sending only inner disciples and just one elder along? Isn’t this putting everyone at risk, making a joke out of those sent on this mission?” Lin Hao protested.

“And I’m just a newcomer to the inner sect, weaker than the others. Qingyun, are you asking me to wager my life?” Lin Hao teased, his eyes flashing with interest.

Qingyun merely raised an eyebrow. “Opportunities belong to those prepared. Success is never guaranteed. Though Tianyu Mountain is perilous, challenge and fortune go hand in hand, don’t they? I trust your strength and your luck. If you lack both, how would you have boarded this great ship of cultivation and set sail for your future?”

His words struck a chord in Lin Hao’s heart, echoing his own beliefs. Lin Hao hadn’t truly complained—he was simply jesting with Qingyun.

“Since you have such faith in me, I won’t disappoint. I’m quite interested in investigating the legend—perhaps luck will favor me and I’ll discover the secret realm,” Lin Hao promised.

Qingyun’s eyes lit up with interest, and, moved by a sudden thought, he handed Lin Hao two memory crystals.

Lin Hao examined them with fascination—they were indeed convenient, and he had none on hand himself.

“What’s the meaning of this?” Lin Hao asked, puzzled.

“I agree, you might have some remarkable encounters in Tianyu Mountain’s inner region. To be honest, I’m curious about it myself. If you experience anything extraordinary, please record it for me—let me witness it through your eyes,” Qingyun explained.

“Oh, I see. That’s easy enough,” Lin Hao replied, nodding in understanding. He fiddled with the crystals, then slipped them into his pocket, covertly storing them in his system’s storage space.

“Also, among those on this mission, two or three belong to Elder Zhou’s faction, and some are neutral. Be mindful when forming alliances. You can befriend Wu Wen, Elder Wu’s disciple—I have some rapport with him. He’s genuine, loyal, and strong,” Qingyun advised.

Wu Wen? Lin Hao repeated the name in his mind, then nodded. “Alright, I’ll remember and watch for him.”

“Good. By the way, barring accidents, you should return within a month. Our sect will hold the Inner Disciple Advancement Ceremony then. If you distinguish yourself on this mission, your reputation will soar, and you’ll become a fully-fledged inner disciple. Make sure you hurry back—I’ll ask the sect leader to announce your advancement personally,” Qingyun said.

“Thanks. Don’t worry—I’ll see you at the ceremony in a month. I won’t let you down,” Lin Hao promised, then rose to his feet.

Qingyun, noting the late hour, stood to see Lin Hao off. “Brother, come back safe.”

Lin Hao said nothing, simply waved and strode away with unwavering resolve.

Leaving Qingyun’s residence, Lin Hao checked the time—it was nearly the hour. He had packed everything, storing it in his system’s space. He headed straight to the training ground where the mission party was assembling.

He saw a flying ship waiting. Boarding it, everyone introduced themselves, and Lin Hao spotted Zhou Yichen among them.

Zhou Yichen was chatting with two or three friends, keeping to his circle.

Seeing Lin Hao arrive, they ignored him. Lin Hao, unfazed, likewise ignored them and found a seat.

After the accompanying elder confirmed everyone was present, the flying ship set off.

As soon as it started, Zhou Yichen approached Lin Hao.

Lin Hao paid him no mind, closed his eyes, and sat quietly.

Zhou Yichen, feeling slighted, stood before Lin Hao, annoyed. He punched Lin Hao’s shoulder: “Hey, are you dead? Don’t you know to greet me when you see me?”

Hearing his words and feeling the blow, Lin Hao opened his eyes, cold light flashing, and glanced at Zhou Yichen with a hint of murderous intent, startling him.

Lin Hao’s expression remained icy. Since he’d already severed ties with Elder Zhou’s faction, he saw no reason to endure further. He spoke harshly: “Why should I greet you? Because you’re Elder Zhou’s son? Or because you advanced to the inner sect thanks to your father’s influence? I, as the top candidate in this inner advancement, shouldn’t you politely call me senior brother?”

He spoke without reservation.

Zhou Yichen’s face flushed and paled in turn, anger flickering in his eyes. He pointed at Lin Hao: “You—you’re talking nonsense! Why should I call you senior brother? My father is Elder Zhou—shouldn’t you respect me for that? Our sect is known for its rules. Someone like you, with no discipline or respect, shouldn’t remain in the sect.”

“No discipline? No respect? That’s still better than your conduct—stealing pills from others for your own gain. Should someone like you stay in the sect? It’s only because you have Elder Zhou as your father. But if the sect leader learned what you did, do you think your father could protect you?” Lin Hao retorted, openly referencing Zhou Yichen’s theft of his Xuan Yuan Pill.

At Lin Hao’s words, Zhou Yichen’s face turned momentarily panicked, then embarrassed. He stubbornly replied, “What pill? Who can prove your claim? Don’t speak nonsense here. You know that words have consequences—haven’t you heard that disaster comes from the mouth?”

“‘Disaster comes from the mouth’? I don’t know what that means, but I do know that a shameless villain once tried to steal my Xuan Yuan Pill, nearly cost me my life, shattered my qi sea, and sent his minions to ensure my death. Unfortunately for you, I survived. You must be disappointed, hmm? Zhou Yichen, Young Master Zhou, now you understand what I mean?” Lin Hao mocked, exposing the truth for all to hear.

The others listened and glanced at Zhou Yichen—not surprised. Such deeds were not uncommon for him.