Volume One: The Youth Steps into the World Chapter Ninety-Three: Purge

Mu Qiaoqiao, seeing that Fang Tian had already left, paid him no further mind and followed the others to the ancestral hall. She reasoned that, since she had joined the sect, she could not turn a blind eye to such a sorrowful event.

As he walked along the path, Fang Tian reached out with his mind to consult with Elder Tian. He was puzzled as to how the Clear Creek Sect could so swiftly, in just three days, communicate with other islands and arrange everything so efficiently.

Elder Tian explained that the sect likely possessed a special communication artifact, allowing them to connect across the vast sea with other islands. Fang Tian was familiar with these communication artifacts; he even had one in the space within his sword. The reason he had never used it was simply that, since coming out, he had not encountered such devices and had not thought to bring it out.

Judging by this, it seemed these items were quite rare. If everyone had one, it would be easy to inform others of any mishap promptly, though whether that opportunity would arise was another matter altogether.

Regarding the pirate-clearing expedition, Fang Tian preferred not to go if he could avoid it; he had little desire to be involved. Moreover, with the three islands joining forces, he was certain they were confident in their ability to deal with the pirates. From the sect leader’s words, it was clear they already knew the location of the pirates’ hideout; otherwise, they would not have announced it so decisively.

With these thoughts in mind, Fang Tian decided to wander down the mountain, hoping to find a suitable place to test his own array formations.

He headed downhill. At this hour, the mountain gate was still enshrouded in mist. The disciples guarding the gate nodded in acknowledgment as he passed; they had witnessed his skill in the training grounds, and now, assigned to guard duty, recognized him at once.

Fang Tian smiled in return and continued down the steps.

After an hour’s walk, he arrived at the town he had previously visited. He did not go in, but pressed onward, passing through dense forest until he finally found an ideal spot by a river. The area was open and deserted, with no sign of human presence. If he were to test his array here at night, he would surely not be discovered.

The reason he concealed his identity as an array master was because, in prior conversations with Lin Shuang and the others, he had learned that array masters were held in high esteem; their words were full of praise. Yet, in the Northern Sand Islands, those who could set up arrays were exceedingly rare.

Those few who could set up arrays were treated as honored guests, for the uses of array formations were many, and every island desired a master of arrays.

Fang Tian did not want to be targeted by such people. If he stayed, it would be fine, but if he left, it might bring mortal danger; what they could not obtain, they would not let others have either. Elder Tian had warned him of this many times, and Fang Tian had taken it to heart.

But Fang Tian was not the kind to stay on an island for a lifetime. He had greater ambitions. For safety’s sake, at least while in the Northern Sand Islands, he would not reveal his identity as an array master.

He memorized the place, then began his journey back—the search for a suitable site had taken most of the day, and he needed to return before nightfall.

Elsewhere, after paying respects with the others, Mu Qiaoqiao returned to her quarters. She knocked at Fang Tian’s door but, finding no response, gave up and went back to her own room.

As dusk settled, Fang Tian had already returned to the mountain gate. He planned to test his array the following night, but first needed to see whether he would be selected for the expedition. If chosen, he would have to comply; it would not do to defy the sect’s orders.

After a night’s rest, early the next morning, he went to the sect’s council hall. Xie Qing had said the list of those chosen for the expedition was posted on the wall, and many had already checked it.

Fang Tian stood at the hall entrance, watching the bustling crowd. He slowly squeezed his way forward, finally making it to the front. He scanned the list from top to bottom but did not see his name. Just as he thought he had escaped selection, he spotted his name in an inconspicuous corner at the lower right. It was as if fate had willed it—what one tries to avoid always comes to pass; such odds could not be evaded.

Since he had been assigned to clear the pirates, testing his array would have to wait. For now, he would follow the sect and resolve the pirate issue first.

He looked over the list again and saw Mu Qiaoqiao’s name as well. Whether by coincidence or intention, all those who had won places that day were on this list. Was there some special purpose?

Though somewhat perplexed, Fang Tian did not dwell on it. Perhaps the sect wanted them to gain experience and make an impression before the other islands.

He returned to his quarters, intending to meditate, but was interrupted by a knock at the door. Fang Tian got up and opened it; Mu Qiaoqiao stood outside, evidently with something to say.

“Please come in,” Fang Tian said, inviting her inside.

Mu Qiaoqiao did not stand on ceremony; she went straight to the table, sat down, and said, “Fang Tian, have you seen the list?”

“I have,” Fang Tian replied.

“Looks like our contest will have to be postponed.” Mu Qiaoqiao sighed softly; being unable to compete with Fang Tian left her somewhat dissatisfied.

“It’s nothing. We can do it once we’re back,” Fang Tian said calmly.

“You don’t understand. With every day I wait, I grow more restless inside.”

“But…it’s just a contest. What does a little delay matter?” Fang Tian could not comprehend Mu Qiaoqiao’s sentiment.

“Oh, forget it. You wouldn’t understand anyway. Once the pirates are dealt with, I’ll challenge you immediately. That’s settled.” With that, Mu Qiaoqiao rose and left, leaving Fang Tian alone, bewildered and confused.

“Is Mu Qiaoqiao perhaps impatient by nature?” Fang Tian shook his head, closed the door, and began his meditation.

Meanwhile, in the elder hall of Clear Creek Sect, the sect leader was discussing their departure with Fucang and several elders.

“Brother Fucang, are you certain you want to send those four young ones on the expedition? If anything goes wrong, our sect will lose rare talents. Shouldn’t we revise the list?” the sect leader asked.

“Brother Sect Leader, the reason I want all four to go is twofold. First, if clearing the pirates takes too long, we can forgo returning to the island and head straight to Qiyi Island for the Hundred Islands Conference, ensuring we don’t miss it. Second, I want them to show themselves in front of people from other islands, to bring honor to our Clear Creek Sect,” Fucang replied calmly.

“That makes sense. Nearby Ice Spirit Island and Blazing Fire Island are almost ready. We can set out tomorrow. However, when I asked Zhao Guangran, ruler of the Zhao Dynasty, about the person who rescued our disciples, he claimed it was a notorious fugitive, who caused havoc on Ice Spirit Island while in seclusion. He said if we encounter him, we must capture him, promising a generous reward. I just can’t make sense of it.”

An elder spoke up: “Sect Leader, if that young expert named Tianyu really is as they say, why would he rescue our disciples? There must be some misunderstanding.”

The sect leader nodded, “I agree. If we meet him, our sect should thank him properly and help resolve the misunderstanding.”

“Sect Leader, where are the three islands to rendezvous?” Fucang asked, for only the sect leader had contacted the other islands and knew the details.

“To the north of Greenwood Island, there is an uninhabited small island. That’s where the three islands will gather. Blazing Fire Island’s leader, Huo Chen, will personally lead his group. We and Ice Spirit Island need only send people. With Huo Chen in charge, dealing with pirates should be effortless.”

“Sect Leader, do you mean that hot-tempered Huo Chen?”

“Yes. Oddly, the pirates have repeatedly attacked Blazing Fire Island’s spirit ships. When I approached him, he immediately agreed and said he would handle it himself, asking us to send as many people as we wished.”

“Looks like Blazing Fire Island suffered the most from the pirates. They’ll be in for it—when Huo Chen’s temper flares, his actions are ruthless.”

“Those pirates are truly brazen. If we don’t eliminate them, the seas around the three islands will never be peaceful.”

“Indeed. That’s why Huo Chen plans to leave none alive; otherwise, he wouldn’t take matters into his own hands.”

“That’s best.” Fucang and the elders nodded.

“If there’s nothing further, go and make preparations. Remind the disciples to be ready and cautious in all things.”

“Yes, Sect Leader.”

With that, they left the elder hall to prepare for the pirate-clearing expedition.

The next day arrived. Clear Creek Sect’s disciples and Fang Tian were already waiting at the mountain gate. When Fucang and the elders arrived, everyone knew it was time to depart.

Before setting out, Fucang addressed them: “This voyage will be led by me. Remember, do not overexert yourselves. If danger arises, stick close to your fellow sect members. Understood?”

“Understood!”

“Good, let’s go.”

The group marched down the mountain toward the spirit ship docking site. Unlike Fang Tian’s previous arrival, this time they headed in another direction, much closer to Clear Creek Sect, reducing travel time and allowing for an earlier embarkation.

They walked for nearly two days, resting little, mostly pressing ahead. Upon reaching the sea, they saw the spirit ships already docked. Under Fucang’s guidance, they boarded one by one. With over a hundred people and only two ships, most crowded together at the bow, and even the cabins were packed—Fucang and the elders included.

After all, this was not a pleasure trip but a mission to clear pirates, so no one complained; such inconveniences were of little consequence.

Fucang confirmed everyone was aboard and ordered the shipworkers to set sail.

Upon receiving the command, the shipworkers loaded the prepared fuel and spirit crystals into the power furnace. White smoke billowed from the stern, the propellers began to spin.

Soon, the spirit ships moved forward, heading toward the uninhabited island for their rendezvous.