Chapter 82: Inappropriate

Ye Yan, Xu Si and the others climbed steadily upward along the winding mountain path, their destination the very summit above them.

Before they could reach the top—indeed, only halfway up the mountain—they spotted a small gathering of people. Among them were several contestants from the current tournament, some of whom were rather well-known, such as Lu Linglong and Wang Ergou.

“Well, quite a crowd here,” Xu Si remarked with a wave from afar, greeting the group. The others nodded in return.

Though this was a three-way collaboration, secrecy was paramount; none of the parties knew in advance who would participate from the others. Even facilitators like Xu San and Xu Si were kept in the dark. Compared to their unfamiliarity with Xu San and Xu Si, the assembled group seemed somewhat acquainted with Zhang Chulan, Feng Baobao, and Ye Liangchen, at least to a certain extent.

Led by Lu Linglong, several greeted them, “Chulan, Feng Baobao, Ye Liangchen… you’ve finished on your side as well?”

“It’s done,” Zhang Chulan replied with a nod, his gaze sweeping the crowd before settling curiously on Bai Shixue, who stood before him. “Hey, where’s Canglong?”

In his impression, these people usually stuck together, but today the fat Canglong was missing, which puzzled him.

“Fatty got hurt pretty badly in his duel with Zhang Lingyu yesterday. He’s in the hospital now,” someone explained.

“Is that so?” Zhang Chulan was momentarily taken aback. His own match had been earlier, so he knew nothing of what befell Canglong afterward.

After a few brief exchanges, everyone’s eyes inevitably fell on Ye Yan—curiosity and respect apparent. Ye Yan, however, paid them no mind, as if oblivious to their stares.

“All right, enough standing around. Let’s not keep the elders waiting,” Xu Si chimed in, breaking the awkward tension. The crowd promptly turned and began the final ascent together.

They passed through a narrow mountainside stairway, arriving at a secluded two-courtyard residence. Under Lu Linglong’s guidance, they crossed the tranquil outer court and entered the inner yard.

From a distance, they saw a young Daoist waiting by the doorway. “The old master is expecting you inside. Please, follow me,” he announced, opening the door to admit the group.

The throng poured in like a flock of sheep, quickly filling what had been a rather empty room to capacity.

The chamber was modest, with three chairs upon which sat the old Celestial Master, Tian Jinzhong, and Lu Jin—the principal figures of this alliance.

Once everyone had settled, the Celestial Master, seated at the head, was the first to speak. “Misters Xu San and Xu Si, and young friend Ye, welcome.”

“Chulan, come in,” he called to Zhang Chulan, his face softening into a kindly smile. “Chulan, come and show your respects. This is your grand-master, Tian Jinzhong. In our days on Dragon Tiger Mountain, no one was closer than myself, Jinzhong, and your grandfather Huaiyi.”

“Grand-master Jinzhong? Then I must bow to you,” Zhang Chulan replied, immediately dropping to his knees with a sycophantic grin.

His shameless display amazed Zhijin Hua, Wang Ergou, and the others—now they truly understood the meaning of ‘bootlicking.’

Zhang Chulan was nothing if not audacious. After kowtowing twice to Tian Jinzhong, he turned to Lu Jin, eager to ingratiate himself further. “And this must be Old Master Lu Jin? I must pay my respects to you as well.”

He bent forward to bow, but Lu Jin waved him off. “No need. I’m not worthy of your salute.”

“Oh, come now, without your contribution of the Celestial Register, the Luo Tian Grand Tournament wouldn’t be half as lively as it is,” Zhang Chulan pressed.

Lu Jin laughed heartily at this. “Old Zhang, Old Tian, this rascal’s got quite the tongue on him.”

The Celestial Master joined in the laughter. “What do you expect? He is my disciple’s grandson, after all.”

Seeing their easy camaraderie, Lu Jin slapped the armrest of his chair and said, “Well, let’s say I’ve taken advantage of you this time, lad.”

He then added, “But I won’t take advantage for nothing. I’ll promise you one thing—so long as it doesn’t violate heaven and earth, no matter how difficult, I shall see it done for you.”

Hearing this, Zhang Chulan’s smile grew ever brighter. “Ah, thank you, Old Master Lu!”

The conversation meandered on amiably for a while, until the Celestial Master suddenly looked toward Ye Yan. “Will you be joining the operation against the Quanxing faction this time, young friend Ye?”

“He will,” Xu Si replied for him.

Just then, Tian Jinzhong spoke. “I’ve heard, young friend Ye, that you have some involvement with a woman from Quanxing. Is there any truth to these rumors?”

At his words, a heavy silence fell over the room. All eyes landed on Ye Yan.

“Does it matter?” Ye Yan did not evade the subject of Xia He, but answered directly.

“This concerns Dragon Tiger Mountain. I hope you will answer truthfully, young friend Ye. Otherwise, I cannot judge whether your presence is a threat to us. This is a matter of great importance,” Tian Jinzhong said gravely.

His words were not unreasonable. Anyone connected to Quanxing was rarely able to remain uninvolved. As the second-in-command of Dragon Tiger Mountain, Tian Jinzhong’s authority was equal to the Celestial Master’s; though his strength had waned, he was still responsible for many of the mountain’s affairs.

That he raised this question meant he clearly knew of Ye Yan’s identity and his relationship with Xia He.

Ye Yan saw no need for further concealment and admitted frankly, “What you’ve heard is more or less true.”

“Indeed.” Tian Jinzhong frowned deeply. “In that case, I’m afraid we cannot allow you to participate in this operation…”

“Old Tian—” the Celestial Master interrupted, surprised that his junior would voice such concerns in this setting. He glanced apologetically at Ye Yan, about to persuade his brother, when Lu Jin interjected as well. “I also think it’s inappropriate for him to take part…”