"I will do as you say, Ancestor. I'll join Xian Tiandi's journey."
"Good," Zhou Wuji said with satisfaction.
"Remember, pride is the enemy of growth. Set aside any resentment about your match with him. Focus on the opportunities ahead."
"Yes, Ancestor," Zhou Kang said firmly.
Later that same day, after the meeting with his ancestor, Zhou Kang made his way toward the area where he knew Xian Tiandi's courtyard was located.
He had decided to approach Xian Tiandi directly rather than send a messenger. This matter required a personal conversation.
He spotted Xian Tiandi walking along one of the main paths, apparently returning to his courtyard after some errand.
"Xian Tiandi, wait a moment," Zhou Kang called out, quickening his pace to catch up.
Tiandi stopped and turned around, recognizing Zhou Kang approaching. "Zhou Kang. What is it?"
Zhou Kang came to a stop a respectful distance away and spoke directly. "I want to make a humble request."
Xian Tiandi raised an eyebrow, "Okay, I'm listening."
Zhou Kang continued, "I want to join your journey when you leave the city. I've heard you're planning to travel to Crimson Lotus City for the Four Symbols Sect selection. I'm also planning to attempt entry into that sect."
Xian Tiandi studied him for a moment, his golden eyes assessing. He could easily guess that Zhou Wuji had likely advised or ordered this.
The timing was too convenient to be coincidence. 'The old man sensed something and wants his descendant to benefit,' Xian Tiandi thought.
'These old foxes are too cunning. But why should I agree?'
'Of course I will. Having a talent like this on my side will be beneficial in forming a power of my own.'
"If you come along with us, you'll need to follow my instructions during the journey," Tiandi said clearly. "No reckless actions. No causing unnecessary trouble. Can you agree to these conditions?"
"Yes, I agree," Zhou Kang said firmly without hesitation. "I'll follow your lead."
"Then you can join us," Tiandi said with a slight nod. "We're departing the day after tomorrow at dawn. Be ready."
"I'll be there," Zhou Kang confirmed.
---
That evening, as the sun was setting and painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, Xian Tiandi was in his courtyard organizing his preparations for the journey.
He was checking his storage ring's contents and making mental notes of what else needed to be arranged when a servant knocked at his courtyard gate.
"Young Master, you have a visitor," the servant announced. "A lady from the Moon Jade Pavilion requests to see you."
Xian Tiandi was mildly surprised but instructed the servant to show the visitor to his courtyard's receiving room. He made his way there and waited.
A moment later, the door opened and a woman entered with elegant, practiced movements.
She was stunningly beautiful, with delicate features and an aura of refinement. Her robes were expensive silk in shades of deep blue and silver.
Her hair was arranged in an intricate style. This was Chu Fei, the vice president of the Moon Jade Pavilion's Xianling City branch.
Chu Fei bowed politely, the gesture graceful and appropriate. "Young Master Xian, thank you for agreeing to see me on such short notice."
"Vice President Chu Fei, what brings you to my courtyard this evening?" XianTiandi asked directly but politely.
He recognized her immediately. Who in the city wouldn't have seen or heard her this beauty with powerful cultivation.
She produced a small storage pouch from within her robe and placed it carefully on the table between them.
"My master, President Lanyue, was quite impressed by your performance at the arena yesterday. She asked me to deliver this small gift as a gesture of goodwill and to establish friendly relations between yourself and the Moon Jade Pavilion."
Xian Tiandi extended his spiritual sense into the pouch briefly, examining its contents without touching it physically.
Inside were several valuable alchemical herbs that would be useful for his cultivation. There was also a set of high-quality throwing knives, each crafted with expert precision. These were expensive items, not given lightly.
"Please convey my thanks to President Lanyue for her generosity," Tiandi said formally. "I appreciate this gesture."
"There is also another matter I wish to discuss, if Young Master has time," Chu Fei continued, her tone becoming slightly more serious.
"Please, speak freely," Tiandi gestured for her to continue.
"In approximately six months from now, our pavilion will be undertaking a special mission," Chu Fei explained. "It involves accessing the legacy of a reclusive expert, specifically a master who specialized in Martial Body Cultivation. This expert left behind a trial that guards his inheritance."
She paused to ensure Tiandi was following. "The trial has strict requirements. Participants must be under twenty years of age, and they must possess exceptional combat capability. My master believes you might be suitable to participate in this endeavor."
Xian Tiandi's expression remained neutral, but internally his mind made an immediate connection.
'The Golden Martial Saint Inheritance Trial!' His thoughts raced.
In his past life, this inheritance had been acquired by a famous Martial Cultivation genius named Tie Wuming. That man had risen to incredible heights using the techniques and resources from that legacy.
Tie Wuming had become known throughout multiple regions as a peerless martial cultivator.
Xian Tiandi had heard many stories about how Tie Wuming's life had changed after obtaining that inheritance. He never imagined the opportunity would present itself to him instead in this life.
"What are the specific details of this trial?" Tiandi asked, keeping his tone neutral and mildly curious rather than overly interested.
"The complete details will be provided closer to the actual date," Chu Fei replied. "For now, my master simply wishes to gauge your interest in such an opportunity. She believes your capabilities make you a suitable candidate."
She shifted topics slightly. "Additionally, I wanted to ask if you will be in Crimson Lotus City approximately two months from now? That's where the Four Symbols Sect will be holding their disciple selection."
"Yes, I plan to be there," Tiandi confirmed without hesitation. "I intend to attempt entry into the Four Symbols Sect."
"Excellent," Chu Fei smiled, and her expression became warmer. "My master will also be in Crimson Lotus City during that time. She would very much like to meet you in person and discuss matters further."
"I'll look forward to that meeting," Tiandi said politely.
They continued with some more polite conversation about general topics, establishing a cordial relationship.
After about fifteen more minutes, Chu Fei took her leave with another graceful bow. "Thank you for your time, Young Master Xian. I hope our next meeting will be equally pleasant."
After she departed, Tiandi sat alone in his receiving room for a while.
His mind was actively calculating the new opportunities that had just appeared before him.
The Golden Martial Saint Inheritance. The meeting with Lanyue. The journey ahead with Zhou Kang joining them.
Everything was falling into place in ways that even he, with all his past life knowledge, hadn't fully anticipated.
The butterfly effect was creating new opportunities alongside the expected ones.
'Interesting,' he thought. 'Very interesting indeed.'