Chapter 220: Chu Feng — The World Is So Vast, Shouldn’t We Go See It?

Chapter 220: Chu Feng — The World Is So Vast, Shouldn't We Go See It?

"Master, this disciple has finally comprehended the Yin-Yang Intent!"

Before Han Ping even arrived, his voice reached them first.

Inside the main courtyard, Chu Feng sat calmly sipping tea, composed like an immovable figure atop a fisherman's platform.

Everyone around him had long grown used to such scenes. They stood behind him like stars surrounding the moon, waiting for Han Ping to approach.

Moments later, Han Ping entered, full of excitement, and bowed toward Chu Feng. "Thank you, Master, for your guidance."

"No need for courtesy."

Chu Feng spoke indifferently, "Now that you've comprehended the Longevity Technique, have you gained any new insights regarding spiritual plants?"

Han Ping was momentarily stunned and looked at Chu Feng in confusion. "This disciple is dull-witted and has not gained much insight regarding the Dao of spiritual plants."

Chu Feng took a sip of tea, then said, "All things in heaven and earth grow by absorbing heaven and earth's essence. Have you never thought about sharing some of that essence with the spiritual herbs during your cultivation?"

Only then did Han Ping reveal a look of realization. In his mind, he recalled the treasured manual his master had given him about cultivating spiritual plants, especially the section on accelerating their growth. He immediately responded:

"Thanks to Master's guidance, this disciple has seen the light. I will surely be able to cultivate more spiritual herbs for our Miscellaneous Dao Institute."

Chu Feng nodded in satisfaction and praised, "You are teachable. Come, join us for the meal."

"Yes, Master."

Han Ping responded and joined the others at the table.

After the meal—

He bade farewell to Chu Feng and hurried toward his spiritual field, eager to try out the planting method his master had just instructed.

Within less than the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Han Ping arrived at his field. He sat cross-legged and began circulating the Longevity Technique, drawing in the essence of heaven and earth.

But this time, unlike before, he didn't greedily absorb all the essence into his body. Instead, he allowed the energy to envelop the entire field, absorbing only a portion himself.

As time passed, the spiritual herbs in the field also began absorbing the ambient essence in the air.

Meanwhile, in Wendao Academy—

Many people were buzzing with discussion about Han Ping of the Miscellaneous Dao Institute, wondering who he really was.

In previous Outer Sect Grand Competitions, the disciples sent from the Miscellaneous Dao Institute were all well-known. Even if some carried a poor reputation, at least everyone knew who they were. But Han Ping was, to everyone, completely obscure.

If he hadn't become one of the top ten seeded contestants in this competition—

No one would have known his name at all.

But no secret remains hidden forever. Before long, someone had dug up Han Ping's past.

"Han Paopao—he's the infamous Han Paopao of old!"

"Is he actually famous?"

"Not exactly famous, but his escape skills were unrivaled among the younger generation."

"So he's not like those senior brothers and sisters we had before?"

"We'll know when the time comes."

Soon, the day of the Outer Sect Grand Competition arrived. That morning, Han Paopao finished his cultivation and opened his eyes. Looking at the thriving spiritual herbs in the field, a look of joy appeared in his eyes.

"I did it. I finally succeeded!"

After shouting in excitement, Han Paopao began tending the field with great enthusiasm.

Before long, two figures appeared before the spiritual field.

Seeing them, Han Paopao quickly and respectfully greeted, "Greetings, Uncle-Master Nie, Senior Sister Caiyi."

Nie Xiuyuan said, "No need for formalities, Junior Brother. We're here to inform you that today is the first day of the Outer Sect Grand Competition. Although you're not fighting today, as one of the top ten seeded contestants, you're still expected to make an appearance."

Han Paopao revealed an awkward yet polite smile. "I nearly forgot. Please wait a moment, Uncle-Master, Senior Sister—I'll change and be right there."

Nie Xiuyuan and Chu Caiyi both nodded and said no more.

Soon after, the three of them flew toward the competition venue.

Chu Caiyi and Han Paopao were both quiet by nature, so Nie Xiuyuan had to be the one to break the silence.

"Junior Brother Han, I didn't expect you to be a hidden hard worker."

???

"I don't think it's suffering at all," Han Ping said with a confused face. "Cultivating in the Miscellaneous Dao Institute feels like cultivating in the heavens. This life is something I never even dared to imagine."

Nie Xiuyuan: "…"

Just what kind of hardship had this kid gone through in the past?

At that thought, he suddenly felt like maybe his own life wasn't so tragic after all.

The three arrived at the competition venue to await its commencement.

This year's Outer Sect Grand Competition was hosted by an elder from the Internal Affairs Hall. With a loud command, the event officially began.

After several days of intense battles, Han Ping secured first place without even feeling the slightest pressure.

No one from the other branches of Wendao Academy was surprised by this.

After all, even the various heads of each courtyard had been so agitated by Chief Chu's presence that they shut themselves in seclusion. All they could do now was strive to surpass the other institutes.

In any case, the Miscellaneous Dao Institute only ever sent one or two disciples to each competition, which hardly affected the resource distribution for the rest of the academy.

Having taken first place, Han Ping felt as if he were dreaming. He couldn't quite believe he had actually won the Outer Sect Grand Competition.

Though Chu Feng hadn't attended the competition, he still arranged a special celebration banquet for Han Ping.

It had been a long time since Han Ping had drunk to the point of intoxication. In the end, it was Nie Xiuyuan who carried him back to the private courtyard to rest.

Everyone enjoyed the banquet in high spirits—everyone except Chu Caiyi, who sat sulking in silence.

She had made up her mind: once she returned, she would enter seclusion and not come out until she made a breakthrough.

With the competition concluded, recruitment followed. This time, Chu Feng had Nie Xiuyuan and Qin Qin lead the disciple selection. They followed his personal standards, and with Qin Qin's heterochromatic eyes, there was no risk of missing anyone who fit the criteria.

Three days later, Nie Xiuyuan and Qin Qin came to Chu Feng looking ashamed. "Master, we didn't find any suitable candidates. Please punish us."

Chu Feng waved it off without concern. "Taking disciples is a matter of fate. It's normal not to find any—no need to blame yourselves. Continue your cultivation."

Nie Xiuyuan stepped forward. "Master, this disciple would like to go down the mountain for some training."

"Oh?"

Chu Feng looked at him with some surprise. "Is it really just for training?"

Nie Xiuyuan said, "Of course nothing escapes Master's eyes. Truth is, I want to search for new wine."

Chu Feng gave him a look that clearly said, "I knew you were going for wine," and replied, "Then it's fine. Before you leave, come see me."

"Thank you, Master."

With that, Nie Xiuyuan turned and left.

That night, Chu Feng finally finished reading all the books stored in the Miscellaneous Dao Institute. He slipped the last book under his pillow, propped his chin up with his hand, and stared off into space.

After a long pause, he murmured to himself, "The world is so vast… shouldn't I go out and see it for myself?"

Just as he finished speaking, Elder Bing's voice came from outside the door. "Master, are you planning to travel?"

"…"

Chu Feng froze. "Elder Bing, when did you start eavesdropping at the door?"

Creak—

The door was gently pushed open from the outside. Elder Bing said, "Master, if I said I just happened to overhear, would you believe me?"

Chu Feng looked at the foot basin in her hands and nodded. "I believe you."

Elder Bing said nothing more. As always, she placed the basin in front of him.

Soaking his feet, Chu Feng asked, "Do you want to go on a journey?"

Elder Bing replied softly, "If Master takes me, I'll go."

Chu Feng was never one to hesitate. He made the decision then and there. "Alright. I'm tired of staying on Miaomiao Mountain anyway. Once Caiyi finishes her seclusion, we'll set off."

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