Chapter 46: Liu Guang

Liu Guang watched Bai Feiyu with keen interest, making no further move to attack. The reason he had struck out was twofold: to express his dissatisfaction with Bai Feiyu’s persistent refusal to join the Eagle Alliance, and to see if the man truly possessed the strength that rumors claimed. On the day Bai Feiyu fought Li Zikun, Liu Guang had been in seclusion, unable to witness the battle himself. In his mind, if Bai Feiyu were not as formidable as people said, perhaps force could be used to compel him into the Eagle Alliance. But now, Liu Guang had to abandon that notion. Though confident he could defeat Bai Feiyu at present, it was clear from the man’s potential that using force would only backfire. There was no choice but to showcase his own strength.

Beside Liu Guang, the remaining members of the Eagle Alliance watched Bai Feiyu with amused expressions, paying little heed to the previous exchange. They were all elite talents of the sect, hardly troubled by such matters.

“So this is how you treat your guests? I came to help you, and before I could do anything, you attacked me?” Bai Feiyu said coldly, “If you don’t give me an explanation for this, I’ll leave immediately—and I will never join the Eagle Alliance.”

This was not arrogance or swelling pride, but a demand for accountability. If they could not provide it, Bai Feiyu would not simply let the matter pass. For if one made a fuss, the others would truly regard them as someone of importance. But if you were bullied and dared not defend yourself, such a person would inevitably be looked down upon.

“Junior Brother Feiyu, don’t be so irritable. Liu Guang means no harm,” another Eagle Alliance member intervened. “He’s simply fond of fighting and wanted to see if you were as strong as the rumors say. It was nothing but curiosity…”

“Hmph!” Bai Feiyu snorted, “If I were just as curious and attacked you at will on the road, how would you react?”

He made no effort to conceal his displeasure, the sharp edge of his words clear.

“Junior Brother Feiyu, let me apologize to you. I’m sorry, but that’s just how I am. Today, I acted rashly; all the Eagle Alliance members know this is my way of greeting newcomers,” Liu Guang finally spoke, unable to remain silent. If matters continued in this way, Bai Feiyu might truly leave.

Should the leader hold him accountable then, Liu Guang would not be able to bear it.

Bai Feiyu did not pursue the matter further, ignoring Liu Guang and turning to Liu Qing. “What is this task?”

There was no point in prolonging the dispute; among all the Eagle Alliance members, only Liu Qing was approachable. The others could not be reasoned with.

“It’s like this, Junior Brother Feiyu. When the Eagle Alliance takes on a mission, it’s never just one, but many,” Liu Qing explained. “Many tasks are easily handled, and there’s no reason not to earn a little extra. However, this time, there are some particularly challenging missions.”

“Our first task is to go to Great Mang Mountain and gather spiritual herbs!”

He continued, “Don’t underestimate this herb gathering. Great Mang Mountain is not easy to enter, and it’s fraught with danger. Some herbs there have developed intelligence and can attack people.”

“So we must work together if we are to succeed.”

Implicit in his words was a hope that Bai Feiyu and Liu Guang could put aside their recent quarrel.

Bai Feiyu nodded, “Let’s go then.”

He watched as Liu Qing drew a flying vessel from a storage pouch. It was not especially large, meant for long journeys and piloted by the strongest cultivator. After all, everyone’s cultivation was different, so their speed would inevitably vary.

“This time, we’re heading to Great Mang Mountain not only with our own Gui Xu Sect, but also with elite disciples from the Golden Light Sect,” Liu Guang explained, showing goodwill toward Bai Feiyu. “We’ll be gathering herbs, but we must also beware of the Golden Light Sect. Their disciples and ours have a long history of conflict.”

Bai Feiyu nodded. As a former outer disciple, he had never seen the world outside and was unfamiliar with sects like the Golden Light Sect. Still, he was used to such scenarios—and relished them. Without rivals, whom would they battle? How else could one sharpen their strength? The presence of competitors was, after all, necessary.

Liu Qing explained much to Bai Feiyu, and then everyone boarded the flying vessel. Liu Guang took charge of piloting, steering them toward Great Mang Mountain.

“Junior Brother Feiyu, we didn’t know much about you before. I hope this time, we can work together and become good friends,” said Ziyan suddenly to Bai Feiyu.

Her mind had turned; since Bai Feiyu agreed to cooperate, he must be considering joining the Eagle Alliance. Perhaps, for now, some reason kept him from doing so, but in the long run, he was surely destined to be one of them. Earlier, her temper had been somewhat harsh, and Bai Feiyu likely had little fondness for her. But Bai Feiyu was no longer the novice he once was; his potential was immense. Even if he didn’t surpass her in the future, he already held a position in the sect that she could not match.

It was necessary to resolve their past discord.

“Very well, no problem. Rest assured, when it comes to important matters, I’m not one to sulk,” Bai Feiyu replied with a gentle smile, responding to Ziyan’s gesture of goodwill.

He had been pondering how to ease relations with Ziyan and the others. Things had grown rather tense. But it wouldn’t do to offend every Eagle Alliance member just for temporary growth. Otherwise, he would be left friendless.

Within the Gui Xu Sect, the future would surely center on Ziyan and the Eagle Alliance’s members. If Bai Feiyu wished to explore greater worlds, he would need companions like Ziyan who had grown alongside him. If relations soured too much, it would be unfortunate.

“Junior Brother, once we reach Great Mang Mountain, be wary of the Golden Light Sect,” Ziyan said abruptly. “They have an alliance not inferior to our Eagle Alliance—consider it their Eagle Alliance. There’s much friction between us. As a newcomer, you’ll surely be targeted; try to avoid unnecessary conflict where you can.”

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