Chapter 267: Cao Youqian – Who Are You? What Fortuitous Encounter?
Silence fell. After hearing Elder Chen's words, everyone present went quiet for a few breaths. Then, laughter erupted.
"Hahaha…"
"Elder Chen, if you believe he's a disciple of Half-Saint Chu, you might as well believe I'm Xiao Chen."
"Brother Chen, you've misjudged this time."
"…"
One remark after another, not a single person believed that Fang Mu had become a disciple under Chu Feng.
Just then, a loud voice echoed from afar.
"Senior Brother Cao, Senior Sister Song have arrived!!!"
Hearing this, everyone turned their attention away from Fang Mu and his companions, looking toward the entrance of the banquet hall.
A tall, stern-faced young man with an arrogant air entered the hall with unrestrained steps. Beside him was a beautiful woman in a violet celestial dress.
They were none other than tonight's main figures—Cao Youqian and Song Zhaoyi.
Although neither deliberately released their aura, the senior members of Yunlan Sect present were visibly shocked upon sensing their cultivation levels.
After only a few years, Cao Youqian had stepped into the Spirit Nurturing realm, and Song Zhaoyi had reached the mid-stage Heavenly Origin realm—far outpacing their Yunlan Sect peers.
Elder Fang, seeing this, turned to Elder Chen and said, "Brother Chen, this is the bearing of a disciple of Half-Saint Chu. Though we are both in Spirit Nurturing, you and I wouldn't dare compete with him."
As soon as he finished, the elder beside him added, "What's most remarkable is that not only has this Cao prodigy cultivated rapidly himself, but he has also brought along Junior Niece Song in his progress."
Elder Chen wasn't a fool. He could clearly hear the implication: they were saying Fang Mu wasn't qualified to be called a disciple of that man. But he remained convinced he hadn't misjudged Fang Mu.
Fang Mu said nothing. Seeing Cao Youqian arrive, he silently took out the jade pendant left by his master and fastened it to his waist. Though he didn't know this senior brother he had never met, he firmly believed that no one could go against their master's will.
Song Zhaoyuan sneered. "Fang family servant, didn't you claim to be a disciple of Half-Saint Chu? Why don't you go greet your senior brother now? Or should we help you do it?"
Clutching the jade pendant, a newfound confidence appeared on Fang Mu's face. Smiling, he said, "Why wouldn't I dare? I just hope you don't try to run when the situation turns. Otherwise, this play won't be any fun."
"Hmph!"
Song Zhaoyuan snorted. "Whoever runs is a dog!"
"I was waiting for you to say that."
With that, Fang Mu took a step forward. He felt the hand holding his tighten. He turned instinctively.
Fang Linglong gave him a knowing smile. The two of them stepped forward together under the gaze of the crowd.
The onlookers began murmuring at the scene.
"Didn't think Fang Mu would be this bold. If that Cao prodigy denies him, the consequences will be obvious."
"Be more confident—drop the 'if'. How could Half-Saint Chu take a servant as a disciple?"
"…"
Their discussions quickly drew everyone's attention to the pair approaching. Even Cao Youqian and Song Zhaoyi noticed them.
Cao Youqian turned to Song Zhaoyi. "Xiao Yi, is this the special welcome Yunlan Sect arranged for us?"
Song Zhaoyi shook her head. She didn't recognize the two approaching. She was sure they weren't from the Song family.
"Interesting."
Cao Youqian's lips curled slightly. He became curious about what trick the two were about to pull.
These years of cultivation in Gale Rift had been unbearably dull. At first, a few fools still dared to provoke him. But as the number he killed grew, fewer and fewer came.
"Fang Mu greets Senior Brother Cao."
Fang Mu stepped forward and cupped his fists in greeting.
This scene was clearly seen by all present. Especially a few Yunlan Sect elders who didn't know the full story—they looked particularly displeased to see an inner disciple step out like this to offer such a gesture.
"This is it?"
Cao Youqian looked confused. "It's not shameful for a young man to admire me, but there's no need to block my way in front of everyone."
Fang Mu replied in a calm, composed tone, "Senior Brother has misunderstood. A few days ago, I passed Master's trial and was accepted into the Miscellaneous Dao Institute. I was preparing to head north, but upon hearing that Senior Brother would be visiting Yunlan Sect, I came to pay my respects."
When he mentioned the Miscellaneous Dao Institute, his eyes gleamed with longing.
The onlookers, unaware of the full story, showed mixed expressions—some were envious, others surprised, and a few puzzled.
Cao Youqian chuckled. "Such a coincidence? But I can't acknowledge you as a junior brother so easily. Before that, I have a few questions for you."
Hearing this, everyone pricked up their ears. After all, not just anyone could become a disciple under a Half-Saint.
Song Zhaoyuan smirked, clearly ready for a show. "Does this guy really think a few words will convince my cousin-in-law?"
Fang Mu cupped his hands. "Please ask, Senior Brother."
"What was your status when you met Master?"
Cao Youqian asked directly, in line with how their master selected disciples.
But to those familiar with Fang Mu's background, this question was clearly meant to humiliate him.
Even Fang Linglong couldn't help but tighten her grip on Fang Mu's hand, signaling him to stay calm.
Fang Mu responded without a hint of shame or anger. "At that time, I was merely a humble household servant."
Cao Youqian's eyes lit up at the answer. He asked with interest, "Did you have any fortuitous encounter?"
His shift in expression left Fang Mu stunned, and even the surrounding crowd couldn't make sense of it.
Fang Mu hadn't intended to speak of it, but now he had no choice. "Yes, I did. It began when Senior Sister Qinghe battled a villain…"
A moment later, he recounted in detail how he had stumbled upon a treasure and later encountered the Golden-Winged Eagle King by the riverside—word for word.
When he finished, the crowd's gaze was filled with envy. Not admiration—envy. How could a servant have such fortune? Only Fang Linglong gave him a gentle smile.
"Not bad," said Cao Youqian. "Though your background and opportunity aren't the most remarkable among our junior brothers and sisters, they are sufficient to earn Master's recognition."
He paused briefly, then added, "Now for the final and most important question—show me Master's sword jade."
Without hesitation, Fang Mu removed the jade pendant from his waist and handed it over.
"Please verify, Senior Brother."
Cao Youqian took the jade, swept it with his divine sense, and saw the two strands of sword aura left behind by their master within. Smiling, he returned it.
"Junior Brother, allow me to reintroduce myself—I am your Second Senior Brother, Cao Youqian."
With those words, the entire room fell silent…
Hey readers! If you're eager to dive into advanced chapters, consider joining our Patreon. By joining, you'll get access to 20 chapters ahead and enjoy 8 new chapters per week. Plus, we have 2 more exciting fics with the same chapter release rate, giving you a total of 32 chapters per week! Join now and keep the adventure going!
Patreon: https://patreon.com/Alex_Cruise