Chapter 102: You've Changed!

At this moment, Liu Guang could no longer contain himself. Until now, he had kept silent, his reticence born from a newfound apprehension after learning of Bai Feiyu’s true combat strength. He understood well that he was no longer a match for Bai Feiyu.

Yet what truly shocked him was Bai Feiyu’s unchanging aloofness—even now, he refused to join the Eagle Alliance. This left Liu Guang deeply dissatisfied, convinced that the boy’s arrogance had swelled beyond measure. Bai Feiyu must think himself invincible within the sect, that no one could restrain him, and so he simply ignored the Eagle Alliance’s invitation.

Liu Guang, hot-tempered and reckless by nature, was not one to fear death. In the end, he spoke up.

Bai Feiyu frowned at his words and replied calmly, “Is that so? Forgive me, but I have always been wild—incorrigibly so. There’s nothing I can do about it; it’s in my nature, and it will never change. No one has ever managed to curb my arrogance, which is why I remain as I am.”

As he spoke, Bai Feiyu cast a provocative glance at Liu Guang. He knew that a league like the Eagle Alliance cared deeply about its reputation. If he were to step into their territory, they might try to force him to stay, but as long as he kept his distance, they were powerless. If word spread that the Eagle Alliance had to mobilize en masse just to recruit a prodigy, their prestige would be shattered. Other disciples would mock them: was this so-called alliance of peerless talents nothing more than a desperate group, willing to drag someone in by force simply because they couldn’t defeat him? Where was their former pride—where was that aloof indifference they displayed when others sought membership?

Moreover, Bai Feiyu’s fame was already immense. He had no fear of the alliance dispatching its true experts.

Liu Guang was on the verge of exploding; if not for Liu Qing and Zi Yan restraining him with all their might, he would surely have launched an attack, regardless of Bai Feiyu’s strength.

Having finally managed to hold Liu Guang back, Liu Qing forced a bitter smile and addressed Bai Feiyu, “Brother Bai, don’t be so heartless. Our Eagle Alliance has treated you well—at least grant us the courtesy of a visit…”

Bai Feiyu merely chuckled in response.

Even Liu Qing was resorting to pretense now—it was clear that the alliance leader had issued a direct order.

Their patience was wearing thin.

Bai Feiyu replied coolly, “You needn’t concern yourselves. I have a new plan. For now, I’ll remain alone—no one dares provoke me anyway. When I’ve had my fill of wandering, I’ll form my own alliance, open to the entire Returning Ruins Sect. In this life, a man must always look out for himself.”

Hearing this, Liu Qing—no matter how genteel—was truly angered. He cried, “Brother Bai, I never imagined you’d be that sort of person. I once believed you were above worldly ambition, seeking only the Dao, free of desire. Yet now you covet power like any other. With such a mindset, how far can you go? You will never know how vast the world truly is, never witness its wonders, nor become a true master, for your character dictates your achievements. You are one who craves glory, vanity, and authority. Let me tell you: what you call power is worthless before true strength. When you encounter a real powerhouse, you’ll realize how insignificant you are—a mere ant. No matter how superior power makes you feel, it cannot fill the emptiness within.”

With these words, Liu Qing’s anger seemed genuine. He pulled Zi Yan and Liu Guang along, intent on leaving. There was no point in further discussion.

When Liu Qing respected someone, he treated them as a guest, offering genuine esteem. But once he grew disgusted, he could not abide their presence, much less share an alliance with them. Clearly, Bai Feiyu had disappointed him.

“If this brat weren’t so damned formidable—able to defeat those in the Shackles Realm—I’d have taught him a lesson myself,” Liu Guang muttered coldly as they departed, expressing his dissatisfaction.

Bai Feiyu responded with a hearty laugh, stopping Liu Qing and the others in their tracks.

“Liu Qing, I must say your perspective is far too shallow,” Bai Feiyu declared.

“Sometimes, even if one covets power, so what? Those without talent will never enter the world you speak of. As for the truly gifted—even if they commit murder or indulge in unsavory habits—what does it matter? They will still venture out, leaving critics helpless. In this world, strength reigns supreme; your outlook is naive. I hope one day you will witness a true master. Then you’ll see how rare your ideal is, and realize the world remains corrupt.”

As Bai Feiyu spoke, Yang Fan emerged from his dwelling, ready to intervene if necessary. After all, he and Bai Feiyu were now bound by life and death. Even if Bai Feiyu could handle things alone, Yang Fan would stand by him, helping drive the others away.

Upon hearing Bai Feiyu’s words, Liu Qing appeared stunned, lost in thought. Bai Feiyu’s argument was not without merit, and Liu Qing had pondered the question before.

“Gentlemen, I suggest you take your leave. If my brother does not wish to join your alliance, do not force him. Let us all preserve our dignity,” Yang Fan said, offering a respectful gesture to Liu Qing and Liu Guang.

Now possessing a new understanding of Bai Feiyu, Yang Fan dismissed Liu Guang and Liu Qing from his mind entirely. To him, Bai Feiyu’s prospects were too vast for any so-called prodigy alliance to contain.

With this, Yang Fan made their position clear. He had no fear of offending the Eagle Alliance; formidable as they were, the number of Shackles Realm disciples in the inner sect was only thirty-two—thirty-three including Shi Yuan.

Hardly enough to warrant concern.

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