Fishing and reading were both ways to find inner peace.

Just as Chang Xing was about to ask again, a voice cut in. "Junior Sister Chang, so you’re here. Brother Shi is discussing tomorrow’s martial arts demonstration arrangements with Senior Sister Nie and wanted to hear your opinion."

Fang Rui had walked over at some point, a hearty smile on his face. He inserted himself directly between the two, cleverly separating Chen Qing and Chang Xing.

His gaze swept over Chen Qing, carrying a hint of imperceptible wariness.

Interrupted, a flash of displeasure crossed Chang Xing’s eyes, but she couldn’t show her anger in front of everyone.

She gave Chen Qing an apologetic smile. "Brother Chen, it was a pleasure speaking with you today. The night view of Dingbo Lake truly lives up to its reputation, and talking with you has been a breath of fresh air. If there’s another chance, I’d like to ask for your guidance again."

She deliberately emphasized the words "next time," her gaze lingering on Chen Qing’s face for a moment.

Chen Qing remained as unruffled as ever, nodding slightly. "You’re too kind, Junior Sister Chang. You’re welcome anytime."

Only then did Chang Xing follow Fang Rui over to where Nie Shanshan and Shi Ziyi were.

Fang Rui, falling half a step behind, glanced back at Chen Qing one more time.

Chen Qing acted as if he hadn’t seen a thing.

’He’s just a defeated underling of Xiao Bieli’s. Competing with him would be beneath me.’

He was never one for such social gatherings anyway. The pleasantries were over, he had seen the lake view, and now he felt bored.

Chen Qing turned and walked toward Nie Shanshan and Shi Ziyi, who were chatting and laughing with disciples from the Xuanjia Sect.

"Senior Sister Nie, Brother Shi,"

Chen Qing cupped his hands, his voice steady. "The night grows late, and the lake wind is getting chilly. You have all traveled a long way and need to rest early. If there is nothing else, I will take my leave now so as not to disturb your enjoyment."

With that, he turned and disembarked from the Treasure Ship.

Hearing this, Nie Shanshan seemed to have expected as much from Chen Qing.

Shi Ziyi, however, was a little surprised. ’This Chief Chen is leaving so early?’

He looked at Chen Qing’s retreating back and asked with concern, "Chief Chen, why the hurry? Is there urgent sect business to attend to? We’ve only just arrived; we should get to know each other better."

Li Wang, who was standing nearby, chimed in with a smile, "Don’t mind him, Brother Shi! Junior Brother Chen is just extremely diligent in his martial arts practice. He’s definitely gone back to meditate and regulate his breathing."

The few Xuanjia Sect disciples chuckled at this and asked no more questions.

The chatter and laughter on the deck resumed, but Chang Xing’s gaze involuntarily drifted toward the direction where Chen Qing’s small boat had disappeared. The lake wind stirred the ends of her hair as a thoughtful look filled her eyes.

.....

「Deep within Lake Heart Island, Wutai Sect.」

A waterside pavilion stood against the wind, overlooking a vast, misty expanse of waves.

He Yuzhou and Shi Kaishan stood side by side, leaning on a railing and gazing into the distance.

The night wind from Dingbo Lake carried the chill of late autumn, rustling the two men’s robes.

"Brother He."

Shi Kaishan broke the silence, his voice tinged with a barely perceptible gravity. "I’ve received confirmed intelligence. ’Heart Devourer’... was not at the Yunlin Sub-Pavilion previously. Now, he’s about to return."

"Heart Devourer..."

He Yuzhou had already learned of this, but his face now took on a grave expression. "The Altar Master of the Demon Sect’s Yunlin Sub-Pavilion. Infamously ferocious, his methods are cruel and bizarre, and his power is unfathomable. With his return, I fear Yunlin Prefecture will know no more peace."

"That is why I wholeheartedly agree with forming the Four Sects Alliance, unifying our command, and joining forces to resist the Demon Sect."

Shi Kaishan nodded heavily. "Exactly! That fiend, Heart Devourer, is ruthless, merciless, and as cunning as a fox. No one can guarantee victory against him in a one-on-one fight, let alone completely eradicate his foundation. Our only hope is to combine the strength of the four sects and act as one."

He Yuzhou gave Shi Kaishan a deep look. The hatred and resolve in his old friend’s eyes could not be faked.

He was well aware of the grudge between Shi Kaishan and the Infinite Demon Sect.

"Brother Shi, your righteousness is commendable. Resisting the Demon Sect together is our common understanding, but..."

He Yuzhou paused before continuing, "Once this alliance is established, its commands will affect the entire situation. This position of Alliance Leader..."

He didn’t finish, but his meaning was already clear.

The position of Alliance Leader not only meant the right to command but also represented dominance over the future landscape and resource allocation of the Yunlin Martial World.

"Brother He!"

Shi Kaishan turned his head and looked He Yuzhou straight in the eye. "You and I have known each other for decades; we know each other inside and out. The Xuanjia Sect and the Wutai Sect have a deep friendship, always watching out for and helping one another. On the matter of the Alliance Leader, I, Shi Kaishan, support you, He Yuzhou!"

"Oh?"

He Yuzhou smiled.

He didn’t respond immediately, just watched Shi Kaishan quietly, waiting for him to continue.

Based on his understanding of Shi Kaishan, this sudden and clear support was definitely not just because of their old friendship.

Shi Kaishan said in a low voice, "Cold Jade Valley... has been domineering for too long! Leng Qianqiu has always acted with imperious self-regard, treating our three sects as mere vassals. If she takes the position of Alliance Leader, I’m afraid the Xuanjia Sect will be constrained at every turn. We might not even get a sip of the warm soup!"

"Fortunes change! It’s time for someone else to hold up the sky in Yunlin! Brother He, since you took charge of the Wutai Sect, you have strived to build it up, recruited talented people, and brought a new air to the sect. Its strength grows by the day and is far beyond what it once was. If you lead the alliance and command the four corners, I, Shi Kaishan, will be thoroughly convinced!"

He Yuzhou listened quietly, his face calm, but in his heart, he understood perfectly.

Shi Kaishan’s support was certainly born of dissatisfaction with Cold Jade Valley’s domineering ways, but on a deeper level, it was a calculation based on the Xuanjia Sect’s own interests. Rather than be completely suppressed by their powerful neighbor, Cold Jade Valley, it was better for the Wutai Sect to rise.

Only then could the Xuanjia Sect gain more room to survive and a greater say, caught in the crack between two competing powers.

This was an overt scheme, and also the smartest choice based on the current reality.

"Brother Shi..."

He Yuzhou wore a smile that wasn’t quite a smile. "What you say is truly interesting."

He neither pointed out the calculation in Shi Kaishan’s words nor did he offer a false refusal.

Both were sect leaders who had been in charge for many years; some things were best left unsaid.

Shi Kaishan paused briefly, then said, "As for Qixia Manor... that one is still in seclusion, biding his time and hiding his capabilities. His thoughts have always been difficult to fathom. As far as I know, only He Yueting is attending this time. From my perspective, they most likely have no interest in the position of Alliance Leader."

He Yuzhou raised an eyebrow. "I’ve received news as well..."

The Great Manor Master of Qixia Manor had not left the mountain since entering seclusion seven years ago.

Shi Kaishan said faintly, "The rumor is that something went wrong with his cultivation. No one knows the specifics."

He Yuzhou remained impassive. "He Yueting’s attendance is enough."

He Yueting’s daughter was married to Yan Yaoyang, so his attendance was naturally more advantageous for the Wutai Sect.

"Although I do support you, Brother He..."

Shi Kaishan’s tone shifted. "Leng Qianqiu is coming this time with great momentum. She’s coming with ill intent and is determined to win. When the time comes, it will all depend on your methods, Brother He, and whether you can withstand the thunderous force of this ’old friend.’"

He Yuzhou’s eyelid twitched slightly, but he did not reply.

....