Chapter 29：Moonlit Heart to Heart Talks

The Martial Arts Alliance is situated in the northern region of the Divine Martial Continent, forming a square with the Taifu Sect, Yin-Yang Sect, and Flying Sword Sect. Throughout history, the Martial Arts Alliance has maintained its position at the pinnacle of the four sects, renowned for its unparalleled strength, rivaled only by the ancient martial families, royal dynasties, and some secluded realms of cultivation.

On that fateful morning, Sun Shennan accompanied Tianfan and Li Yunyang, among others, to the Martial Arts Alliance, which is perched atop the majestic Hongshan Mountain in the northern domain. The mountain, adorned with lush greenery, exuded a formidable presence, radiating an aura of sovereignty.

"Who approaches? State your name!" 

As the group arrived at the mountain's base, two disciples from the Martial Arts Alliance stepped forward to inquire. Although merely sentinels, their attire was far superior to that of the Taifu Sect's disciples, clearly highlighting the disparity between the sects.

"The leader of the Taifu Sect, Sun Shennan, has come with his disciples to participate in the Four Sects Martial Arts Gathering," Sun Shennan replied casually.

"Ah, so it is Senior Sun! My apologies for the lack of decorum; please forgive us," the two disciples of the Martial Arts Alliance immediately changed their demeanor, bowing in deference. Though they hailed from the foremost sect, the presence of a sect leader was not something they could easily contend with.

"No harm done; I understand it is your duty," Sun Shennan reassured them before leading his party up the mountain. The two disciples exchanged nervous glances and wiped the sweat from their brows, clearly shaken.

"Hehe, you're quite impressive, old man!" Ziying teased, linking arms with Sun Yueying, a playful smile gracing her face.

"I'm not old at all, young lady! Don't call me that!" Sun Shennan retorted, earnestly correcting Ziying.

"Over five hundred years old and still claiming youth!" Ziying pouted, unimpressed.

Sun Shennan could only respond with silence. Observing his predicament, Tianfan couldn't help but feel a sense of amusement. This old fellow had the audacity to threaten him—how outrageous!

"Haha, Brother Sun, your esteemed presence is a welcome surprise! I apologize for the inadequate reception!" An elderly man approached with a beaming smile, clasping his hands in greeting—it was Liu Duanqing, the Martial Arts Alliance leader's senior disciple.

"Ah, no need for such formality, Brother Liu. You're too kind! Everyone, come forth and pay your respects to Elder Liu," Sun Shennan chuckled, gesturing for his companions to step forward.

Sun Yueying, Tianfan, and Li Yunyang promptly approached, bowing respectfully to Liu Duanqing, while Ziying curiously surveyed her surroundings. Liu Duanqing scrutinized the newcomers, his eyes widening with astonishment.

"Brother Sun, it seems you've come well-prepared this time. Each of your disciples is brimming with vitality and exceptional talent—truly rare gems! At this Four Sects Martial Arts Gathering, I suspect many will turn their attention to the Taifu Sect!" Liu Duanqing remarked with admiration.

Sun Shennan chuckled humbly, responding, "You flatter us, Brother Liu. In comparison to your Martial Arts Alliance, we cannot claim the same prowess. I merely hope we do not place last; that would suffice for me. By the way, have the other sects arrived?"

As Liu Duanqing guided Sun Shennan, he replied, "Indeed, the Flying Sword Sect has already arrived; only the Yin-Yang Sect remains. The disciples from the Flying Sword Sect are also quite impressive!"

After arranging accommodations for Sun Shennan in the Eastern Pavilion, Liu Duanqing excused himself, for there were many matters to attend to in preparation for the upcoming gathering.

That night, Tianfan sat atop the roof, gazing at the full moon and reflecting on the recent events that felt surreal, as if he were caught in a dream. It had been quite some time since he left that place. He looked southward, pondering whether everyone believed he was dead. Would anyone mourn him? No, probably not; perhaps only Long Tengyun would shed tears for him. He wondered how his beloved younger brother was faring, whether he had already erected a memorial plaque in his honor. A faint smile crept across his face at the thought.

"Hehe, little Tianfan, what are you smiling about? Plotting something?" At that moment, a sweet, melodious voice floated in from behind him. Tianfan turned to see Ziying standing there, having quietly approached.

"Uh, nothing. Why aren't you asleep?" Tianfan asked, watching as Ziying settled beside him.

"Oh, I couldn't sleep, so I got up to admire the moon," Ziying replied, resting her chin on her hand, her eyes sparkling as they scanned the night sky. Then, she mischievously teased, "Hehe, Sister Ying said you and Brother Li Yunyang are both wolves in sheep's clothing."

"Uh…"

Tianfan turned back, adopting a serious expression. "Ziying, don't listen to her wild claims! I am pure of heart!"

"Oh, please! Hehe, usually, wolves claim to be pure as well. And don't call me little sister; I'm all grown up!" Ziying said with a sly smile, revealing her pearly white teeth.

"By the way, Ziying, who were those people pursuing you that day?" 

Tianfan still felt puzzled about the incident; the group had impressive cultivation levels, especially the leader, who, while not openly exuding his strength, had a palpable aura of power.

"I don't really know; they're definitely not good people, hehe," Ziying replied with a slight smile. Then she turned to Tianfan and asked, "Hey, little Tianfan, if given the choice, would you prefer to be born into a powerful family or an ordinary, impoverished one?"

Tianfan was taken aback, seemingly unprepared for such a question. He looked at the moon, reminiscing, and replied, "If it were up to me, I would prefer the latter."

Ziying gazed at him in surprise, clearly not expecting his answer. "Why? Being born into a prominent family offers many advantages—power, status, wealth; all within reach."

Tianfan met her gaze and smiled, "True, but don't you think being born into an ordinary family brings greater freedom and joy?"

"Greater freedom and joy," Ziying pondered his words, a smile blossoming on her face, revealing her charming dimples. "Hehe, you truly are different from other wolves."

"Of course… Uh, wait, I'm not a wolf!" 

"Hehe, you've just admitted it! Hahaha!"

"Tonight's moon is exceptionally round, isn't it, Ziying?"

"Stop calling me that! I'm not your little sister!" 

"Alright, fine, Ziying." 

"That's more like it!" 

"…"

The moon shone brightly, casting a gentle glow over the two as they shared joyous conversation atop the roof, punctuated by Ziying's delightful laughter, until dawn broke and they finally returned to their respective rooms.

As the sun gradually rose, painting the world in its refreshing beauty, a booming voice suddenly echoed from outside, "Sun Shennan, come out! You must give me a reasonable explanation today!"