Chapter 6: Fanning the Flames

A surge of intense jealousy welled up in the hearts of Qingfeng and Qingyue. Years ago, they had endured countless hardships to gain entrance into the Azure Cloud Sect. Relying on their exceptional talent and relentless cultivation, only after great effort did they finally become inner sect disciples, a privilege earned through sweat and perseverance.

To ordinary people, the Azure Cloud Sect was a sanctuary of immortals, a place of cultivation shrouded in mystery and awe. Yet only those who truly understood knew how merciless the sect could be. Just like the two menial servants whose lives and deaths were not their own, survival here required not merely caution but vigilance a hundredfold and diligence a thousandfold compared to the outside world.

To stand out among the masses was not a matter of cautious diligence alone; extraordinary talent was essential. Without it, one might as well be an ordinary mortal, lost in the dust of the mundane world.

The pursuit of immortality was far from the idyllic vision imagined by the common folk.

Fortune finally smiled upon them when they were unexpectedly noticed by the Grand Elder Wuchen and accepted as his disciples. From that moment, they soared within the sect. Yet all of this was hard-won, the fruit of endless toil. And now, a youth who had made no effort at all had been personally brought back to the sect by their master and accepted as a disciple. What was more, he would receive the master's personal guidance in the future.

Even after all their time in the sect, they had never been treated with such favor. Why should a newcomer, ignorant and untested, enjoy privileges denied to those who had given so much? What a bitter injustice!

Ye Tianxing’s expression remained calm, but within, he was far from at ease. He knew that the one taken in as a disciple by the Grand Elder was Yin Tianfang. Yet, no matter his discomfort, he dared not reveal a trace of it. From the elder’s words and the expressions of Qingfeng and Qingyue, he understood that the Grand Elder favored Yin Tianfang even more than them.

If he were to show any dissatisfaction now, it would only incur the elder’s displeasure and might forever bar him from the path to immortality. Thus, he had no choice but to swallow his resentment and bury it deep within his heart.

“Master, allow us to settle our junior brother in first. We will return shortly to pay our respects,” Qingfeng and Qingyue said to Daoist Wuchen.

“Go on, then,” Daoist Wuchen replied with a nod.

Qingfeng and Qingyue led Ye Tianxing away, bowing as they retreated. Soon, they had left the elder’s abode far behind and arrived in a picturesque spot within the sect.

There, a modest courtyard stood, simple yet refined. The garden bloomed with rare flowers and exotic grasses, and at its heart, a phoenix tree spread its graceful branches like a canopy.

“Junior brother, this is where Qingyue and I reside. From now on, you’ll live here as well,” Qingfeng said with a smile.

“Thank you, senior brother!” Ye Tianxing’s face lit up with delight. “I must ask for your guidance in the days to come.”

“There’s no need to stand on ceremony,” Qingyue replied, smiling. “We’re all brothers here, cultivating together. Make yourself at home. Once you’ve settled in, I’ll show you around the sect and help you get familiar with everything.”

“Very well, senior brothers. Please wait a moment,” Ye Tianxing replied, saluting them with a clasped fist before entering a room.

The furnishings inside were simple but complete; only a little tidying was needed before he could settle in. Soon enough, Ye Tianxing finished arranging his things and surveyed the place he would now call home. The realization that he was now an immortal’s disciple brought a smile to his face.

But as soon as he remembered that Yin Tianfang—who had been a figure of no consequence in the Ye family, someone of low status and little regard—had also become a disciple and was now his sect brother, even more favored than himself, his smile vanished instantly.

“Yin Tianfang, your luck is truly extraordinary. But just wait—I’ll make you regret it.” Jealousy rose within him, his fists clenching and a cold gleam flickering in his eyes.

“Junior brother, are you ready?” Qingfeng’s voice called from outside. Ye Tianxing quickly composed himself, put on a smile, and exited the room.

“Sorry to have kept you waiting, senior brothers.”

“There’s no need for that; we’re all family here,” Qingfeng and Qingyue replied cheerfully, though inwardly they were pleased to see him so deferential. “Come, let’s show you around the sect and take you to the Treasure Pavilion to register and collect the essentials for your cultivation.”

“Thank you, senior brothers,” Ye Tianxing replied, following them toward South Peak.

“By the way, there’s something I’m not sure if I should ask,” Ye Tianxing ventured cautiously as they walked.

Qingfeng and Qingyue exchanged a glance, then Qingfeng said, “Speak freely, junior brother. There’s no need to be so reserved—we’re not outsiders.”

“In that case, I’ll be frank. That boy the master brought back, Yin Tianfang—he was of low standing in the Ye family and shunned by all. It’s said he was born under a calamitous star, bringing death to his parents at birth. Why would the master bring him to the sect and accept him as a disciple?”

“Junior brother, it’s better not to mention this matter again,” Qingfeng and Qingyue’s expressions grew serious, their voices heavy.

“I only feel it’s unfair to you two. I know exactly what kind of person Yin Tianfang is. You both have been in the sect for a long time, and even so, the master has never shown you such favor. That boy—he’s certainly not as gifted as you—”

“Enough, junior brother!” Qingfeng cut him off, his face darkening, Qingyue’s expression equally grim. Clearly, Ye Tianxing’s words had struck a nerve. Their resentment at Wuchen’s favoritism and jealousy toward Yin Tianfang only grew stronger with his prodding.

“We are, after all, his senior brothers. If that boy knows his place, so be it. If not, we’ll make sure he understands that even with the master’s favor, he cannot rest easy,” Qingfeng said coldly.

Ye Tianxing lowered his head, a fleeting, satisfied smirk crossing his face. Qingfeng and Qingyue pressed on in silence, their expressions stony. Ye Tianxing said no more; he had said enough. Any further would only be unbecoming.

…

Within the cave dwelling, Yin Tianfang slowly opened his eyes. Not far away, the familiar figure of his master stood, stirring something deep within him. He called out, “Master.”

Daoist Wuchen turned at the sound, his previously stern face softening into a rare smile. “You’re awake. Don’t move—just rest for now.”

“What about those two?” Yin Tianfang asked.

“They’re fine. I’ve brought them back to North Peak. From now on, they’ll serve you, taking care of your daily needs,” Wuchen answered with a smile.

“Thank you, master.” Warmth filled Yin Tianfang’s heart as he thought of all his master had done for him. “Master, what about my illness…”

“Don’t worry. As long as I am here, nothing will happen to you,” Wuchen reassured him. “Tomorrow, I’ll begin teaching you the way of cultivation. Once you make some progress, your illness will gradually heal.”

“Really?” A light shone in Yin Tianfang’s eyes, brighter than ever before.

“Of course. Do I look like someone who would deceive you?” Wuchen said with a kindly smile, ruffling his disciple’s hair.

“No, you don’t,” Yin Tianfang replied with a shake of his head, a joyful smile blooming on his face.