Chapter 28：Go to the King of Fighters Gate

The Taifu Sect's training grounds had transformed; no longer did they resemble the past, as every disciple now poured their effort into rigorous practice, each glistening with genuine sweat—a testament to their hard work. 

"Ah, Xiao Fan, there you are! I've been searching for you everywhere!" 

Sun Yueying's voice echoed from behind Tian Fan, with Zi Ying following closely and flashing him an adorable smile. 

"Oh, is there something you need?" Tian Fan inquired. 

"My grandfather wants you to come by shortly; he has something to discuss." 

"What? That old fossil is looking for me again!" Tian Fan exclaimed, only to awkwardly grin when he caught Sun Yueying glaring at him. "Heh, just a slip of the tongue." 

"Don't speak ill of my grandfather! Or else, humph!" Sun Yueying threatened, and Tian Fan understood her words all too well—failure to comply would mean no good meals ahead. Poor fellow indeed. 

"He's so adorable," Zi Ying remarked, watching Tian Fan's retreating figure with a cheerful grin. Sun Yueying rolled her eyes at her. 

"Miss, where do you see any cuteness? When I first met him, he was all serious, but now, perhaps after spending so much time with Li Yunyang, he's become somewhat less so." 

Zi Ying blinked, maintaining a serious demeanor as she looked at Sun Yueying. "Sister Ying, there's nothing wrong with that. In life, one should not strive to be virtuous in the eyes of heaven and earth. A martial artist must possess a grand spirit, unbothered by the world while nurturing a steadfast heart." 

Sun Yueying stared at Zi Ying in astonishment; the more she pondered those words, the more profound they became, as if uttered by an elder who had lived for centuries. 

"I never would have guessed you could articulate such wisdom." 

Zi Ying playfully stuck out her tongue, a bit bashful. "Hehe, that was something my father said." 

Sun Yueying sighed in resignation; she knew all too well that Zi Ying could hardly grasp such depth. 

… 

In the courtyard of the Taifu Sect, outside a study, Tian Fan was about to knock when Sun Shennan's voice called from within, "Is that you, Xiao Tian Fan? Come in!" 

Tian Fan inwardly acknowledged the old man's profound cultivation before pushing the door open. Sun Shennan sat at his desk, two cups of tea before him. Tian Fan, not one to be polite, walked over, sat opposite him, and lifted a cup to drink. 

"I wonder what the Sect Leader needs from me," he mused. 

Sun Shennan regarded Tian Fan with a warm smile, exuding familiarity. "Xiao Fan, are you settling in well at the Taifu Sect?" 

"Pfft…" 

Seeing Sun Shennan's demeanor and listening to his words caused Tian Fan to spray tea everywhere. 

"Hey, hey, young man, what are you doing? No one is competing with you, drink slowly," Sun Shennan said, carelessly wiping the tea off his clothes. 

"Enough! Just tell me directly what you want!" 

"Well, it's nothing serious. I've heard about the situation with my junior brother. It's not a big deal, is it? The Taifu Sect has lost several times already. Although I don't think it matters much, it can't go on like this. So…" Sun Shennan continued while sipping his tea. 

"Stop, stop, stop! Just say what you need to!" 

Tian Fan could no longer hold back. 

"Alright then, I want you to participate in the martial arts tournament as a disciple of the Taifu Sect," Sun Shennan said, rubbing his hands together with a grin. 

"Absolutely not! Don't even think about it!" Tian Fan firmly refused. 

"Think carefully; this is also an opportunity for you to train. I see you are on the verge of entering the Yun Tian secret realm, just lacking a catalyst. This tournament is a perfect chance," Sun Shennan coaxed, presenting the matter as a favor to the Taifu Sect. 

"I'm not going!" Tian Fan remained resolute. 

"Really not going?" 

"Not going!" 

"Are you sure?" 

"A man stands by his word; if I say I'm not going, then I'm not!" Tian Fan declared with firm resolve! 

"Alright, fine then. Just now, the Yin Yang Sect leader sent a message via carrier pigeon. You seized his Yin Yang sword and told the Taifu Sect not to concern themselves with matters between you and the Yin Yang Sect. I was considering covering for you, but now…" Sun Shennan looked at Tian Fan with a regretful expression. Tian Fan felt a shiver; he had forgotten all about the Yin Yang sword. Without the protection of the Taifu Sect, he would indeed be in dire straits. After all, the leader of the Yin Yang Sect was at the mixed element realm; killing him would be as easy as squashing an ant. 

"Ahem, well, old man, I was just joking. I will definitely participate in this tournament; you can rest assured!" 

"Wait, didn't you just say a man stands by his word?" 

"How could that be? You must have misunderstood. I've been at the Taifu Sect for so long that I consider myself a part of it. The honor of the Taifu Sect is my honor; I must uphold its dignity." 

Tian Fan's face was solemn, speaking with a righteousness that might lead an outsider to believe he held a deep affection for the sect. 

"Alright, I see through your little tricks. Just focus on the competition; as for the Yin Yang Sect, don't worry, I, Sun Shennan, will handle it for you!" 

"Hehe, that's what I like to hear! Well, old man, I'll be on my way now." 

Tian Fan chuckled. 

"Go on, go on," Sun Shennan waved him off, watching him depart. Suddenly, he recalled something: 

"Damn, I clearly look like a middle-aged man; why does everyone call me old man?" 

However, Tian Fan couldn't hear that last remark. During the following two weeks, Tian Fan once again solidified his cultivation. 

On that morning, a crowd gathered before the Taifu Sect's main hall, as the martial arts tournament was about to commence. Those with sufficient cultivation from the Taifu Sect assembled here, ready to head to the Fist King Sect, while others came to bid farewell. 

"Xiao Fan, over here!" 

Li Yunyang waved at Tian Fan. 

From behind, Sun Shennan approached slowly, accompanied by Sun Yueying and the charming Zi Ying. This time, Sun Shennan personally led the team. 

"Little junior sister, Miss Zi Ying!" 

Li Yunyang greeted them. 

"Hehe, hello, Senior Brother Li," Zi Ying replied with a smile before turning to Tian Fan, tilting her head with her big eyes blinking. "Hello, Xiao Tian Tian, thank you for what you did last time." 

"Uh…" 

Tian Fan was at a loss for words; although he didn't consider himself particularly imposing, did he really need to be called 'little'? 

"Alright, everyone is here. The other two will head directly to the Fist King Sect; let's set off!" 

Sun Shennan announced with a wave of his hand, leading the way. Behind him, Sun Yueying, Zi Ying, Tian Fan, and Li Yunyang followed closely, their destination—the Fist King Sect!