Volume One: The Youth Enters the World Chapter Twelve: The Lady of the Zhou Family

The contest had already determined its winner and loser. Fang Tian withdrew his fingers from beneath Zhou Quan’s throat and looked at him thoughtfully. Fang Tian understood that today’s match would leave a significant mark on Zhou Quan. Considering himself a guest, he intended to say a few words; but just as he was about to speak, Zhou Quan interjected again. Fang Tian couldn’t help but twitch his lips—this man truly had an endless tongue.

“I lost. I never imagined the gap between us would be so vast. From now on, you’re the strongest among the younger generation of our family. When the time comes, you must seize first place in the Three Clans Tournament and bring honor to the family.”

“You must live up to our expectations!”

At last, Fang Tian couldn’t hold back any longer and raised his voice, “Brother! Will you let me finish? I’m not from your Zhou family! I’m just a guest passing through, and you insisted on challenging me without rhyme or reason. You’re truly something else! I must admit, you have my respect!”

Zhou Quan’s eyes widened in disbelief at Fang Tian’s words. He stood there stunned for a moment before finally recovering and asking in astonishment, “You’re saying you’re not from the Zhou family?”

“That’s right, I’m not.”

“Good heavens, why didn’t you say so sooner! If I’d known you were a guest, I never would have acted this way. Now I’ve raised my hand against a guest—the clan leader will have my head! This is terrible, what should I do? What am I supposed to do now?”

The people around them were already doubled over with laughter at their exchange, realizing this had all been a colossal misunderstanding.

“Haha! My goodness, Big Brother Zhou Quan has offended our guest.”

“I doubt the clan leader will let him off so easily.”

“I think Zhou Quan should really work on his habit of talking too much. Every time, he never lets others speak and just goes off on his own.”

“Haha! You’re absolutely right.”

Hearing the comments around him, Fang Tian instantly understood—it wasn’t really Zhou Quan’s fault; the man was simply born this way. What else could he do? Considering he was a guest, Fang Tian decided to offer some comfort. “Zhou Quan, don’t worry about it. Let’s just treat it as a friendly sparring match. It’s no big deal, and I won’t tell your clan leader. You have nothing to worry about.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“You’re not lying?”

“I’m not.”

“Then I’m relieved. You truly won’t tell?”

“I swear, I really won’t.”

“All right, I believe you.”

“Thank you for your trust!”

“You’re welcome!”

By now, Fang Tian was nearly traumatized by this man’s relentless talking. Taking advantage of a distraction, he slipped away—he really couldn’t handle this brother any longer.

By the time Zhou Quan realized what had happened, Fang Tian was already gone. Scratching his head, Zhou Quan dismissed the rest, urging them to return to their training. The others quickly scattered, fearful they’d be caught and subjected to a lengthy lecture.

At that moment, Zhou Quan resolved to find time to visit Fang Tian and formally apologize; he truly felt guilty for today’s misunderstanding.

If Fang Tian knew of this, his head would surely ache.

After the episode at the martial arena, Fang Tian felt helpless—a strange series of events seemed to follow him everywhere. Unable to help himself, he gulped down a large jug of water. Once his spirits steadied, he began his cultivation anew.

Later that evening, just as Fang Tian was deep in his practice, the Zhou family sent someone to invite him to a banquet in his honor. He declined repeatedly, but the Zhou family’s hospitality was insistent, and in the end, he had no choice but to accept and follow the maid to the dining hall.

When Fang Tian arrived, he saw that the Zhou family had prepared an ample feast—several tables laden with fine wine and sumptuous dishes. The seats were nearly filled, but no one had touched their chopsticks; all were waiting for him.

At that moment, Zhou Tianshu noticed Fang Tian’s arrival and called out, “Xiao Tian, come here, we’ve saved a seat for you.”

Fang Tian responded and sat down beside Zhou Tianshu. He noticed that on Zhou Tianshu’s other side sat a young woman, seemingly about his own age. He guessed she must be Zhou Tianshu’s daughter.

Scanning the room, Fang Tian also spotted Zhou Quan, to whom he offered a friendly smile. Zhou Quan, catching Fang Tian’s gaze, looked slightly embarrassed—as if still uneasy about what had happened earlier—but returned the greeting politely. As for why the clan leader’s wife was absent, Fang Tian had no idea.

Once everyone was present, Zhou Tianshu addressed the gathering. “Now that we’re all here, allow me to introduce the young man at my side.”

Those seated at the table, noticing Fang Tian’s place of honor beside Zhou Tianshu, realized at once he must be someone extraordinary. All eyes turned to Fang Tian, and though he felt a touch self-conscious under their gaze, his expression remained calm and composed.

Zhou Tianshu continued, “This young brother is my invited guest. He’s already reached the Gathering Spirit Realm at such a young age—his future is boundless. Since a guest is among us, I hope you’ll all make him feel welcome.”

Knowing he could not simply sit in silence, Fang Tian rose, lifted his cup, and said, “I am deeply honored by Uncle Zhou’s invitation and your warm hospitality. Allow me to offer this toast to everyone!” With that, he drained his cup.

The others responded in kind, raising their cups and showering Fang Tian with praise.

Zhou Tianshu then introduced the members of the Zhou family seated at the table. When he came to his daughter, he said to Fang Tian, “This is my daughter, Zhou Xiaodie. You young people have much in common—get to know each other and become friends.”

Fang Tian and Zhou Xiaodie exchanged a smile, their acquaintance thus made. After the introductions, the family continued to toast Fang Tian, their compliments unceasing, and he returned each gesture in turn.

As the wine flowed and the compliments multiplied, Fang Tian began to feel a little lightheaded. Truth be told, it was his first time drinking, and his tolerance was low. Before long, he slumped over the table, completely unconscious.

Seeing that Fang Tian was drunk, Zhou Tianshu asked his daughter Zhou Xiaodie, seated nearby, to escort him back to his room. It seemed he was intentionally giving the two a chance to interact. Zhou Xiaodie called her maid, and together they helped Fang Tian up.

Fang Tian, dazed and muddle-headed, felt someone guiding him but did not resist, allowing himself to be led away to his quarters.

Once there, Zhou Xiaodie helped him onto the bed and made sure he was lying comfortably before preparing to leave. Unexpectedly, Fang Tian suddenly seized her hand. She tried to pull free, but his grip was unyielding.

In one swift motion, Fang Tian drew her onto his body, startling her out of her wits.

Now the two were pressed closely together. Zhou Xiaodie’s face flushed a deep red. She could clearly hear Fang Tian’s heartbeat; breathless, she wondered how someone could act so outrageously after just a little wine. Here she was—a maiden—now in such a compromising position.

The maid stood frozen, equally stunned by the scene before her, her thoughts a mystery.

Zhou Xiaodie, both embarrassed and indignant, struggled mightily to free her hand. Sitting at the bedside, she saw her wrist had turned red. She raised her hand, intending to slap Fang Tian, but stopped short just before his face.

She noticed tears glistening at the corners of his closed eyes and paused, gazing at him in a daze. After a moment, she gently covered him with a quilt and, once everything was settled, left the room with her maid.

Meanwhile, deep in his drunken sleep, Fang Tian once again relived that day’s events—a memory that, try as he might, he could never truly forget.