Kong Dong

There were a total of ten children and three adults dressed in white ascetic robes. The children obediently waited in a line as Mao Nianzu divided the rest of his meal, including white tea.

The adults sat awkwardly on the edge of the gazebo. At the same time, Tian Shen calmly sipped his tea, watching everything in utmost silence.

Remember that Mao Nianzu worked two hours in children-related volunteering? This was not much different. However, no pressure and no formality. Like playing with innocent neighboring kids.

Mao Nianzu released a sincere smile. He ran while the children rushed to him, trying to snatch the last piece of meat in the bowl in his hand.

The large and empty yard was only filled with giggles for a few moments. Serene and peaceful.

"See you later, big brother!"

"Bye bye~"

"Thank you, big brother!"

After they emptied the food, they bid their farewell. Even after the distance was very far, the children occasionally looked back at Mao Nianzu and waved their little hands.

Seeing this pure part of the vast world, Mao Nianzu felt gratitude for living. He stood and waved in case the children looked at him until they were out of sight.

Sucking the cold fresh air, he turned around and sat inside the gazebo again. The silent Tian Shen spoke out, "Young Master is kind."

"Kind... It's just when I was a kid, I was in different shoes." Mao Nianzu said. "After staying three days here, I have a little bit of envy and pity at the same time. Envy to this great environment and pity those children who strive for nothing."

Tian Shen gave a glance and put his cup down. He stood up with a faint smile, then strode at a constant pace. Mao Nianzu couldn't help but step shoulder-to-shoulder with Tian Shen.

"Tian Shen, you said I am a True Sage of Myriads Academy. Where is this academy?" asked Mao Nianzu.

"It's not in this region. I will take you there once things are settled. As for services, you have the best service anywhere you go." Tian Shen replied.

Mao Nianzu paused and slightly titled his body while giving a side-eye to Tian Shen that kept walking. He said, "Wait! What can I do to these services?"

"Whatever you want, Young Master." Walking farther, Tian Shen replied.

"Even if I tell your servants to die?" Mao Nianzu sneered.

"As long as you wish," Tian Shen didn't play along with him.

"Hey, hey, wait!" Mao Nianzu slightly jogged. He touched Tian Shen's shoulder. "What kind of servant are you? I said wait. Why did you leave me behind?"

"Because we have a meeting that we should attend. Please, young master." Tian Shen smiled, stretching his hands out, so Mao Nianzu walked upfront.

Moments later.

Mao Nianzu walked for a long time. To his surprise, Tian Shen led him to the exit gate. He then walked downstairs, eventually having footwear prepared in advance at the base of the stairs.

After that, a small golden carriage embellished with exquisite decorations stayed near the base, pulled by golden-armored horses. Mao Nianzu then entered and sat while facing Tian Shen. The carriage departed right away.

The interior was narrow but undoubtedly had priceless materials: soft pads, a small wooden plank beneath the window to put something.

Pleasant scents struck Mao Nianzu's nose as he enjoyed the scenery along the journey through the window.

"Do you want a partner?" said Tian Shen with a flat expression.

"No, thanks." Mao Nianzu replied immediately, without taking his eyes from the window. "Why do you ask?"

"We'll visit a place owned by a sect named Misty Flowery Palace. This is a seclusive sect with a deep heritage. Most importantly, it's known as a sect full of beauties." Tian Shen replied.

Mao Nianzu paid no attention. Spending time in silence.

Soon, he arrived at a grand building—many stairs before reaching the building and walls surrounding it. The carriage passed the gate easily.

When he thought the road would be narrow behind the gate, it was a large yard. The pavement was smooth and wide. He noticed people in the finest dressing sorted themselves as many young cultivators led them to their respective position.

Blocks of people surrounded the grand building, neatly arranged based on their clothes' color. It created a rectangular U with a gap at each angle.

The carriage stopped right in front of a group of guards that crossed their spears, blocking the road. One of the guards bowed and opened the carriage door carefully.

And as the door was opened, heat air struck Mao Nianzu's face.

'The summit and this place are like two different worlds. It's so hot here.' Nonetheless, he stepped in.

All eyes were on him.

The noises died down significantly - no one uttered a single word, even the young cultivators who guided people stopped their activities.

Tian Shen walked in front of Mao Nianzu, then led him to pierce the crowd of people straight to the grand building above.

Looking closer differed from peeking through the carriage window. The building had at least 10 feet ceiling. People stood in two lines. In the middle of the lines, laid out a space like a hallway but with human walls.

'This... I feel like I've gone through the same event.'

However, there were three chairs and older people at the end of this hallway: one white-haired woman and two white-haired men.

"Welcome to the Misty Flowery Palace." The older man in the middle spoke.

Mao Nianzu twisted his neck and saw no one besides him and Tian Shen walking in this way. He swore he wanted to kill Tian Shen for not explaining a thing to him!

"How's your journey? I hope my service can satisfy Young Master. Please, this seat is yours." The older man smiled.

'Seems like an important seat..' Internally dumbfounded, Mao didn't lose his composure. He safely landed his body on the chair pointed by the older man.

"We are honored to be chosen as a resting place for the Young Master. I am Kong Dong, the first elder of the Misty Flowery Palace. Please ask me anything. I'll be at your disposal," said the old man.

Mao Nianzu gave a slight nod, then stared at the crowd. Intensely engaged with strangers in many workplaces before, he didn't find it nervous about making eye contact with this crowd.

"Young Master, the geniuses would like to welcome you. Hope you enjoy it," said Kong Dong.

After saying this, the first elder, Kong Dong, sat in the middle chair, then glanced at a line of people who held various weapons. The crowd moved, leaving a spacious platform on the right side of the hallway.

One youth, around eighteen years old, came forth from the line of people, carrying a scabbard with its sword intact in front of his chest, lifting it like a baby.

He introduced himself, then drew the sword, and it immediately emitted a brilliance light. Showing a solo performance.

One genius to another showed their utmost technique, flexing with great concentration. Some carried out a solo performance, and others executed a duel.

The crowd chattered, gossiping about the geniuses' fame and rumors.

However, their performances couldn't change Mao Nianzu's expression. His eyes stared at the genius, looking rather calm and ethereal. He put both palms on the armrest majestically.

Tian Shen stood next to him on the right side. His uninterested eyes were visible, and he didn't even bat an eye at the geniuses.

The first elder caught both expressions. He exchanged a glance with the second elder afterward.

As though there was a tacit understanding, the second elder subconsciously stole a glance at Mao Nianzu. The latter felt itchy on his left neck.

Mao Nianzu twisted his head to the left, rubbing the itchy part with the skin. As soon as he lay his gaze on the second elder accidentally, the second elder flinched and hurriedly pulled her head towards the geniuses.

'The elder is looking at me?' Mao Nianzu let himself in this gazing state for a moment while thinking about the question.

After that, Mao Nianzu looked at two ladies who performed dances with a sword. A ribbon was on the edge of their sword. Every time they moved, violet petals fell around them.

Then he turned back to the second elder.

'It's not because of this dancer? What could possibly happen?'

Numerous thoughts floated through Mao Nianzu's mind. It wouldn't make him suspicious if the second elder didn't pull her shoulder abruptly. That motion was unnatural, added by a visible flinch, like she was about to trip over something.

'I can't think well. It's too hot!'

Mao Nianzu looked indifferent because he was not in a good mood; the hot weather annoyed him. In a way, he also worried about the blocks of people outside.

"Are people outside still staying under the sun?" Mao Nianzu whispered, slightly leaned to the right side.

"Yes."

"Until when?" Mao Nianzu rolled his eyes at the entrance.

"Until we enter the carriage again," said Tian Shen.

Throwing a quick glance at every corner, Mao Nianzu decided that he would use those people outside as the reason. He could escape from this suffocating room if he said it this way, breathing the air.

He glanced at the first elder. Thankfully, the first elder noticed Mao Nianzu's eyes and smiled at him.