Night had fallen, and the evening breeze drifted softly. At the dinner table stood only Lie Feng and Zhao Dun, waiting for their master to join them.
When Chang Qingzi entered the hall and saw that one person was missing, he asked,"Where is Qin Fen?"
Zhao Dun quickly answered, "Eldest Senior brother is in his room cultivating."
Chang Qingzi let out a faint sigh and instructed Zhao Dun,"Later, bring him some food. Tell him not to be too obsessed with his training."
Zhao Dun nodded obediently. "Yes, Master."
The three of them then ate together, and the meal quickly came to an end.
Zhao Dun, carrying the prepared dishes, went to Qin Fen's door and knocked lightly."Senior brother, Master told me to bring you dinner."
After a moment, Qin Fen's voice came from within,"Come in, the door isn't locked."
Zhao Dun pushed the door open. Qin Fen was sitting cross-legged on the bed with his eyes closed, completely focused on cultivation.
Helpless, Zhao Dun set the dishes on the table and reminded softly,"Master said not to be too stubborn… the food is on the table, don't forget to eat."
Qin Fen did not move or respond, as if lost in another world. Zhao Dun shook his head, and before leaving he turned back to warn, "Don't forget." Still no reply. He could only close the door gently.
Back in his room, Zhao Dun tossed and turned, finding it utterly boring. He had no mood to train at all. After a while he jumped off the bed."I'll just go find second brother. At least talking to him won't be so dull."
He went straight to Lie Feng's room and pushed the door open without hesitation.
"Second senior brother, what are you doing?"
Lie Feng was reading the Essence-Devouring Demonic Scripture. Seeing Zhao Dun, he put down the book and asked,"Why aren't you cultivating Returning Origin Breathing Technique? What are you doing here?"
"It's boring training alone, so I came to keep you company."
Lie Feng chuckled. "You memorized the scripture already?"
"Of course. You picked it out for me—I wouldn't dare slack off."
Glancing at the stuffy room, Lie Feng suggested, "It's too stifling in here. Let's go to the roof."
Under the dark night sky, a bright moon hung above. The two lay side by side on the roof tiles, letting the cool breeze brush past.
Zhao Dun stared upward for a long time before asking, "Second brother, have you started cultivating your new technique yet?"
"Not yet. I was halfway through reading when you barged in."
"But don't you usually read very fast? Why so slow this time?"
"Because I've skimmed through most other techniques before, so I only need a rough look. But this Demon Scripture is new to me. I have to study it carefully."
"Oh." Zhao Dun hesitated, then asked again, "Does eldest senior brother dislike me?"
Lie Feng blinked. "Why do you say that?"
"He's always cold to me. Just now when I brought food, he didn't even answer me properly—like I wasn't there at all."
After a short silence, Lie Feng replied, "He treats you coldly because he hates me. And since you're close to me, he dislikes you as well."
Zhao Dun widened his eyes. "Why does he hate you?"
"I don't know."
"Then… do you want to get along with him?"
"No."
Lie Feng's blunt answer stunned Zhao Dun. "But… wouldn't it be better if everyone lived in harmony?"
Lie Feng laughed lightly. "Relationships aren't that simple. He and I have never gotten along since we were young. Some things can't be solved just because you wish it. No one can please everyone, but piss everyone off is a piece of cake. Since that's the case, why waste time trying to win his favor? I only need to be true to myself."
Zhao Dun stared blankly, then burst out laughing. "Second brother, you always say such funny things."
Lie Feng raised a brow. "What's funny? Am I wrong?"
"It's too reasonable! But who would go around deliberately offending everyone?" Zhao Dun shook his head. "You look so serious most of the time, yet sometimes you say things that sound crude but make perfect sense. I don't get you at all."
Lie Feng laughed loudly. "That's called simple truth, something only people with life experience can say."
"Not true. Master has way more experience than you, yet he never says things like that."
"Hey, why are you dragging me into this?"
A familiar voice came from behind them. Chang Qingzi stood with his hands behind his back, stroking his beard, a faint smile on his lips.
Lie Feng sat up with mock indignation. "Master, were you eavesdropping on us like a cat?"
The three of them always had a close relationship. Though they followed etiquette before outsiders, in private they were casual and easygoing.
Chang Qingzi waved his hand and said seriously, "Zhao Dun, it's late. Go back and rest. I have something to discuss with your second senior brother."
"Yes, Master." Zhao Dun, feeling relaxed after laughing, obeyed and went back to his room.
Now only master and disciple remained. Chang Qingzi stood silently, frowning, twisting his beard.
Lie Feng finally asked, "Master, is there something troubling you?"
Chang Qingzi looked at him, then sighed deeply. "If one day I had no choice but to do something that wronged you, would you forgive me?"
Lie Feng was taken aback, then said firmly, "Why would Master say such things? If not for you taking me in back then, I would have starved on the roadside. For that kindness, I could never repay you, much less resent you."
A hint of guilt flickered in Chang Qingzi's eyes. "These years, I've only taught you basic cultivation and alchemy skills. Your strength now is mostly from your own effort. You don't owe me anything."
Lie Feng shook his head solemnly. "A single drop of grace should be repaid with a spring. As long as what you ask of me does not go against morality, I will do it without hesitation."
Chang Qingzi's gaze softened, but his sigh grew heavier. "You are loyal and righteous, and sometimes I fear that will bring you suffering. Yet for now… I have no better choice, so I must entrust this matter to you."
Lie Feng's heart tensed. "What is it that Master wants me to do?"
"In the Zhongzhou Grand Competition one month from now, you must earn the qualification to enter the secret realm. Once inside, I need you to retrieve something for me."
Lie Feng asked, "What is it?"
Chang Qingzi slowly breathed out three words—
"A single ring."