Chapter 79

Shen Xian’er craned her pale neck and scanned the crowd, her bright eyes darting anxiously in search of her senior brother.

But to her disappointment, Han Luo was nowhere in sight—because he was still lounging comfortably atop Luoxian Mountain, not the least bit interested in leaving his sanctuary.

At that very moment, Han Luo lay lazily on a rocking chair, eating ice cream and enjoying a rare moment of peace. He didn’t need to be at the event physically; he could watch it all live through the ancient bronze mirror.

Still, watching Xian’er search for him with such longing stirred a pang of guilt.

He had promised her he'd come to cheer her on. And considering how few people belonged to Wudao Peak, his absence would be far too noticeable.

What to do?

Han Luo frowned. He truly didn’t want to descend the mountain. First, because Du Ming had already read his fortune and warned of impending bloodshed—something Han Luo took seriously. Second, with over 100,000 people attending the tournament, chaos was inevitable, and danger could strike from anywhere.

He sighed as he bit into his ice cream—it suddenly tasted better, oddly enough. After much thought, he finally came up with a compromise.

Meanwhile, on the high platform at the tournament grounds, the peak masters were seated in full view of the bustling crowd.

“Senior brother,” Yun Ding spoke up, “do you remember when we attended the Ten Thousand Sects Tournament in the Imperial Capital? We marveled at how lively the event was and wondered if Luoxian Sect would ever see something similar. Looking at this crowd today, I’d say we’ve not only matched it—we may have surpassed it.”

His words brought a warm nostalgia to the group.

Yun Qianren, Lei Xing, Hongniang, and even Sect Master Yun Yangzi all smiled faintly, their thoughts drifting to their younger days, when they too had stood on such a stage to face geniuses from across the realm.

“Indeed,” Yun Yangzi said, gently stroking his white beard. “That tournament remains fresh in my memory. Our eldest senior brother made it into the top ten that year and won Luoxian Sect great honor.”

Yun Qianren’s expression was filled with admiration. “Of all of us, only eldest brother Yun Wanli had the strength to stand toe-to-toe with those monstrous geniuses.”

Lei Xing added with a hint of sorrow, “It’s a shame no one knows where he is now. If he could see Luoxian Sect today, I’m sure he’d be proud.”

Back then, Yun Wanli had left the sect on a long journey, seeking rare techniques and spells to enrich the sect’s library. Thanks to his efforts, the sect’s once modest collection of a few hundred scrolls had grown to over a million. Despite the whispers that painted him as a wanderer or escapist, he had given everything for the future of Luoxian Sect.

“Enough reminiscing,” Hongniang interjected, bringing the group back to the present. “This is the younger generation’s time. Let’s simply sit back and enjoy the show.”

They all nodded and began discussing the promising new disciples.

Elsewhere, in the back row of Luoxian Plaza, Han Luo sat dressed in a light cyan robe typical of Yunding Peak, wearing enchanted glasses to obscure his identity.

Watching the event live and in person was indeed different. He couldn’t deny it—he was getting swept up by the crowd’s energy.

For a fleeting moment, a rush of heat surged through him. He imagined donning battle robes, leaping onto the stage, and clashing with the likes of Li Jun and Chi Xiao, claiming the championship and becoming a ten-thousand-strong crowd’s hero.

But after those three seconds of fantasy passed, he exhaled and returned to reality.

Forget it.

Showing off wasn’t his style. Let Chi Xiao and the others take the spotlight. He preferred to be the shadow behind the giant, hidden beneath their radiance, unseen but ever-present.

His dream was too delicate to risk for glory. He would not allow a single mistake to jeopardize it.

That’s why he would always walk the path of caution.

On the way to the staging area, Shen Xian’er pouted, her head low and her steps heavy.

“Senior brother, you big liar. You said you’d come and cheer for me when I take first place, but the match is about to begin and you're still not here.”

She felt a mix of disappointment and betrayal. She had trusted her senior brother so much—always sharing her best snacks with him—and now, it seemed he had broken his promise.

“You big liar! Just wait. When I win and get that heavenly delicacy, I won’t give you even a single bite! You’ll drool all you want, but I won’t share a crumb!”

Just as she was about to swear vengeance with a pout, a familiar voice sounded from her side.

“Who exactly aren’t you sharing food with after you win first place?”

Shen Xian’er turned her head with a start.

“Senior brother!”

She immediately beamed, rushing forward to hug his arm like a koala. “I knew you’d come! Just now I was only pretending to be mad, really!”

Her gloom vanished like morning mist in sunlight, and her face returned to its usual brightness.

Han Luo smiled and gave her a gentle pat on the head. “How could I miss my junior sister’s big match? I even brought a banner just for you.”

He pulled out a custom banner that read: “Go, Junior Sister Xian’er! You’re the best!”

“Mm-hmm! Senior brother is the best!” Shen Xian’er twirled with glee.

“Here,” Han Luo said, handing her a storage ring. “This might come in handy.”

The ring was a universal-use storage artifact, no ownership binding required. Xian’er slipped it onto her finger and peeked inside, her eyes lighting up.

“Wow! So many talismans!”

“All prepared just for you,” Han Luo said. “You’re too kind-hearted. When the fighting starts, you’ll probably panic. So just remember—grab the talismans and throw them like crazy until the enemy gives up. Simple as that.”

He leaned in and added seriously, “Also, the first round’s likely a free-for-all. Don’t stick your head out. Find a corner, hide, and let the others duke it out. When they’re all half-dead, you go in and clean up the mess. Got it?”

“Got it!” Shen Xian’er nodded earnestly, repeating his instructions in her mind.

Han Luo held out a fist. “You’ve got this.”

Shen Xian’er bumped her tiny fist against his.

Han Luo turned and walked away.

Shen Xian’er skipped happily into the contestant holding area, a spring in her step and a plan in her mind.