Chapter 34: Turbulence

In the dead of night, Xuan Yin waited here, and Yin Tianfang did not believe for a moment that Xuan Yin was simply warning him to be careful. The elder must know something—so why did he not speak? This question gnawed at Yin Tianfang's mind, and his wariness toward Xuan Yin deepened further. Such behavior could only mean that Xuan Yin had his own designs, though Yin Tianfang could not fathom what those were.

Returning to his room, Yin Tianfang gently laid the little one he carried onto the bed; the child was already fast asleep. Yet, as he gazed at the sleeping form, a fierce murderous intent welled up within his heart.

"Heaven's Severance Hall!" Yin Tianfang clenched his fists tightly. No matter what, the adult demonic bird had done him a favor. If not for that creature, he would likely have died at the hands of those from Heaven's Severance Hall.

But the true culprit was Lin Tian. If not for him, none of this would have happened. Yet tonight, he had failed to kill Lin Tian; clearly, his opponent must now be on guard.

"It seems I'll have to remain in the Profound Dao Sect for some time yet," Yin Tianfang mused. It would be unwise to make another move so soon. If he acted rashly, he might well fall into someone else's trap.

He sat cross-legged on the bed, but as soon as he settled, he noticed something beneath the quilt. Curious, he lifted the covers and found a booklet placed there, looking utterly unremarkable. Opening it, Yin Tianfang was momentarily taken aback.

The booklet described a minor technique for concealing one's cultivation. The Concealing Breath Art he had acquired previously was useful for hiding his presence, but it could not mask his true level of power.

"What is that old man up to, giving me this?" Yin Tianfang frowned. There was no need to guess—the booklet had certainly been left by Elder Xuan Ying. Yin Tianfang had reached the fourth level of Qi Condensation, and was but a step away from the fifth. Anyone more advanced could easily see through his cultivation. He had long pondered how to hide his true strength; now, this minor technique seemed to solve his pressing dilemma.

"If danger comes, I’ll simply counter it; if water floods in, I’ll build a dam. Worst comes to worst, I can simply leave—this world is vast; surely there’s a place for me somewhere." With his mind made up, Yin Tianfang began to practice the art described in the booklet. It was not a spell, but a minor method, and thus far simpler than cultivating true techniques. By dawn, he had mastered it. Now, his outward cultivation appeared to be only at the first level of Qi Condensation. Even an old monster at the Foundation Establishment stage, without careful scrutiny, would not see through him.

Sunlight streamed through the window at dawn as Yin Tianfang opened his eyes, stretched lazily, and rose from bed.

"Little one, wake up—it’s time for breakfast." He called out over his shoulder, but as he turned, his expression changed drastically: the little one was gone.

"Little one!" Yin Tianfang searched the room frantically, turning everything upside down, but found no trace. In a panic, he dashed out the door.

“Hey, Brother Yin, why are you in such a rush so early in the morning? Has something happened?” A young man approached, curiosity in his tone at seeing Yin Tianfang’s anxious expression.

This youth was named Ge Bin, and he generally got along well with Yin Tianfang. In fact, it was from Ge Bin that Yin Tianfang had learned where Lin Tian lived. Seeing his friend so flustered, Ge Bin asked, “Brother Ge, have you seen a little silver bird anywhere?”

“A silver bird?” Ge Bin paused, uncertain. “Actually, I did see a group of outer sect disciples chasing a bird earlier, but I don’t know if it’s the one you’re looking for.”

“Where? Where is it?” Yin Tianfang seized Ge Bin’s arm, demanding excitedly.

“It seemed to fly toward the south side of the main peak,” Ge Bin replied. At once, Yin Tianfang sped off in a blur, racing toward the main peak before Ge Bin could react, disappearing from sight.

“This fellow, why is he so reckless? Oh no, I forgot to tell him—the sect tournament is in just a couple of days.” Ge Bin slapped his forehead and muttered, “Hey, Brother Yin, wait for me!”

Halfway up the southern slope of the main peak, near the female disciples’ residences, a little silver bird flitted about joyfully, wings fluttering in its first taste of flight. The little one was utterly delighted.

“After it! Don’t let it get away!” a group of Profound Dao Sect disciples shouted, eyes gleaming. That morning, they had stumbled upon the little one. Its body, about a foot long, gleamed with silvery feathers and was undeniably adorable. Yet their pursuit was not for its cuteness—they had sensed a strong spiritual energy emanating from it.

This made them realize that the bird was no ordinary creature!

Hearing the shouts behind it, the little one paused in midair, glanced back, and, terrified, shot away in a streak of silver light.

“How is it so fast?”

“Enough talk! After it!”

Unwilling to let it escape, the group picked up their pace. The little one darted over courtyard after courtyard, chased relentlessly by the shouting disciples. The spectacle of so many male disciples rampaging through the southern peak drew the interest of many female disciples, who, upon realizing the commotion was over a mere bird, couldn’t help but stifle their laughter.

Suddenly, the male disciples halted, stopping just outside a courtyard, exchanging uncertain glances.

“Senior brother, what should we do?” someone in the group asked the young man at their head. He was about twenty, handsome, though his eyes were somewhat narrow and occasionally glinted with cold arrogance. There was an air of pride about his brow.

His name was Liu Feng, an outer disciple from the northern shore of the Profound Dao Sect. Though only an outer disciple, he was untouchable on the northern shore, for his elder brother was a member of the inner sect.

“What should we do? Of course we go in and get it,” Liu Feng barked, unmoved by the fact that female disciples lived inside.

Just then, the door creaked open, and two young women appeared before them: Nuolan and Qingluo. Seeing the crowd blocking the entrance, both wore expressions of annoyance.

“Senior brother, look,” someone beside Liu Feng pointed to Nuolan’s shoulder.

Liu Feng’s eyes lit up and he strode forward, reaching toward Nuolan—not for her, but for the little one perched on her shoulder. Yet to the onlookers, it seemed as if he meant to take liberties with her.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Nuolan raised her hand and struck at Liu Feng. His expression hardened and he countered, the clash sounding dull and heavy. Nuolan’s face went a shade paler as she staggered back.

“I’m not Lin Tian. Don’t think I’ll show mercy. Hand over the bird on your shoulder!” Liu Feng demanded coldly.