The saying 'Thirty years east of the river' is not something to be taken lightly.

Though the Qingyun Sect couldn’t compare to a supreme force like the Dragon Emperor Palace, it ranked among the top five in the second-tier factions of the Central Heaven Domain.

For such an existence to widely distribute invitations now, it certainly wouldn’t be for a trivial matter.

"Brother Chen, how have you not heard of such a major event involving the Qingyun Sect?"

For some reason, ever since learning about Chen Chang'an’s relationship with Lu Qingyun, Fang Yunxi found immense satisfaction in addressing him as "Brother Chen."

"Hmm, I haven’t heard anything."

"Is it that big of a deal? Did Lu Qingyun die?" Chen Chang'an asked curiously.

The moment these words left his mouth, Fang Yunxi nearly fainted on the spot. Good heavens, only you would dare say something like that!

Besides, what a guess—someone of Lu Qingyun’s strength wouldn’t die so easily.

"Brother Chen, watch your words, please!"

"You might not fear the consequences, but I do!" Fang Yunxi said, his face pale with lingering dread.

"Then just tell me what’s going on," Chen Chang'an replied helplessly.

"There are two major events."

"The first is related to the Human Ranking."

"The Qingyun Sect has invited young elites from all over to participate in a martial gathering."

"I’ve heard they’ve extended invitations far and wide—whether they’re genius disciples from major factions or those without backing, all are welcome to join."

"Given the Qingyun Sect’s prestige and strength, many will surely be drawn to this event. But I can’t quite figure out their purpose in doing this."

"However, that’s not the most important part. The real highlight is that the son of the Qingyun Sect’s sect master is set to marry the eldest daughter of the Fengming Cao Family."

"Honestly, I don’t know what kind of luck the Fengming Cao Family stumbled upon to curry favor with the Qingyun Sect."

"Ah, why don’t the women of my Fang Family have such fortune?"

"Though I’ve heard that the Cao Family’s eldest daughter was previously engaged to someone else."

Hearing this, Chen Chang'an frowned. The situation felt oddly familiar.

Back in the Great Zhou Kingdom, the Liu Family had pulled a similar stunt. The only question was whether there’d be another family like the Chen Family this time—and if so, would they dare reclaim their dignity in a place like the Qingyun Sect?

"That young man who was engaged to the Cao Family’s daughter seems to hold a grudge over this."

"He even declared, ‘Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west—do not mock the youth for his poverty!’"

"Tsk, tsk, such youthful ignorance. Even if he’s given thirty years, what can he do? This is the Qingyun Sect we’re talking about."

Fang Yunxi shook his head with a laugh, dismissing the boy’s words as sheer arrogance.

Thirty years east of the river, thirty years west?

"Hmm, that phrase sounds familiar. Da Huang, have you heard it before?" Chen Chang'an asked.

"Of course I have. Back in Black Rock City, some kid from the Xiao Family spouted the same nonsense."

"Tsk, tsk, who’d have thought we’d hear it again after all these years?" Da Huang chuckled, seemingly reminiscing about the past.

Fang Yunxi was stunned. Was this phrase really that common?

"So… what happened to that Xiao Family kid in the end?" Fang Yunxi asked curiously.

"Oh, he died horribly."

"The day after he made that declaration, his entire family was wiped out—even the stray dogs passing by were skinned alive."

Huh?

What?!

Fang Yunxi had expected a tale of a humiliated youth rising to power. Instead, the abrupt twist left him speechless.

He talked big, and then his whole family was exterminated?

In comparison, the Fengming Cao Family seemed almost merciful—at least they didn’t humiliate the boy and then slaughter his entire clan.

By that standard, the Cao Family could be considered downright benevolent.

"Brother Chen—"

"Can you speak properly? Why are you shouting ‘Brother Chen’ so loudly?"

Chen Chang'an shot Fang Yunxi an exasperated look. The way he practically yelled "Brother Chen" was grating.

"Ahem, got a little carried away there."

"So, Brother Chen, are you planning to visit the Qingyun Sect?"

"Given your history with Lu Qingyun, it might be worth a trip," Fang Yunxi asked.

Should he go?

Chen Chang'an pondered for a moment. It had been thousands of years—perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to see Lu Qingyun again.

"Xian’er, do you want to test your skills against these so-called young elites?" Chen Chang'an asked, turning to Gu Xian'er.

"Them?"

Gu Xian'er frowned slightly. Truthfully, she wasn’t interested. She doubted any of them could pose a challenge, making the trip hardly worthwhile for training.

"Wouldn’t they be too weak?" she said hesitantly.

At this, Fang Yunxi finally took proper notice of Gu Xian'er—and her words struck him as downright audacious.

"Hmm?"

"Nascent Soul Realm?"

"Brother Chen, who is this?"

"Senior Fang, this junior is the young master’s maidservant," Gu Xian'er replied respectfully.

A maidservant?

Why would Chen Chang'an keep a Nascent Soul Realm maidservant by his side? It didn’t match his status.

Lu Qingyun wasn’t even deemed fit to be his servant—so what made this woman so special? Was it simply because she was female?

"Gu Xian'er, twenty years old this year."

Twenty? So young?

Wait—something’s off.

"A Nascent Soul Realm cultivator at twenty?"

"Gu Xian'er? That name isn’t on the Human Ranking."

"If she’s at the Nascent Soul Realm, wouldn’t that put her on par with Nie Haotian and the others? And she’s even younger than them."

"This…"

Fang Yunxi’s mind reeled. How could someone like her not be on the Human Ranking?

Had the ranking made an error? Impossible—the Human Ranking was a manifestation of the Heavenly Dao. The only explanation was that Gu Xian'er’s cultivation had skyrocketed only after the ranking was established.

"You can’t judge their strength without a fight. The world is vast, and prodigies emerge endlessly—never underestimate anyone."

"Yes, Young Master. This junior was presumptuous."

"Since we have nothing pressing at the moment, we might as well pay the Qingyun Sect a visit."

"As you wish, Young Master."

"Great! Haha, this works out perfectly—we can travel together. Brother Chen, I’ll take my leave for now. I’ve got some juniors to check on," Fang Yunxi said with a smile.

"Go ahead."

Fang Yunxi nodded and turned to leave—only for Da Huang to block his path.

"Hmm? Brother Da Huang, is something the matter?" Fang Yunxi asked, puzzled.

"You… ever been to a brothel?"

A brothel?!

Da Huang’s question left Fang Yunxi utterly dumbfounded. A man of his stature would never set foot in such a place!

This was an insult—a blatant affront to his dignity!

"Brother Da Huang, why would you insult me like this? Have I offended you in some way?" Fang Yunxi demanded indignantly.

"Chill, I’m just asking. Ever been?"

"No, never."

"Oh. Wanna go?"

"No." Fang Yunxi’s refusal was absolute.

"Too bad. Anyone in your family ever go?"

"Brother Da Huang! Have some decency!"

"Alright, alright, I get it. You can go now."

"Honestly, can't even find someone to accompany me to the brothel. What a letdown. Ah, if only Wu Mingdao were here—no, wait, Xuan Wudao would be better."

Da Huang sighed helplessly. Why was it so hard to just visit a brothel?

Fang Yunxi was stunned by Da Huang's words, finally understanding the reason behind the persistent questioning.

"Brother Chen, this is..."

"A disgrace to the family, a disgrace to the family," Chen Chang'an sighed in resignation.

"His... tastes are quite unique," Fang Yunxi replied awkwardly before turning to leave.

After Fang Yunxi had gone, Chen Chang'an snapped irritably, "Utterly shameless!"

"Food and lust are human nature."

"Are you even human?"