Chapter 113: The Imperial City

As news of the sect competition gradually spread, soon everyone in the imperial city was aware of it. Many were speculating which sect would emerge victorious and ultimately claim the prestigious title of the First Sect.

It was well known that bearing the title of the First Sect brought countless benefits.

Bai Feiyu and his companions arrived at the designated inn. The entire inn had been reserved by the Gui Xu Sect, and all of its disciples were staying there.

There were still three days before the official start of the sect competition—ample time to prepare.

Glancing at the inn assigned to him, Bai Feiyu couldn’t help but acknowledge that, although he hadn’t exerted much effort on the journey, his rank spoke for itself. The Gui Xu Sect had arranged the finest accommodations for him.

His only dissatisfaction was that nearly everyone staying nearby belonged to the Eagle Alliance.

Those fellows looked at him as if he owed them a hundred thousand spirit stones, which left Bai Feiyu feeling quite helpless.

Why did these people make such a fuss? From start to finish, he had never provoked them. It was their own assumption that he should live according to their arrangements, and if he didn’t, they would wear sour expressions.

Truly, they were bringing this upon themselves.

Deciding the inn was too stifling, Bai Feiyu planned to step outside. He intended to uphold justice.

“Bai Feiyu!”

A deep voice called out from behind. Bai Feiyu turned to see an elder approaching.

Respectfully, he stepped forward and greeted, “Elder, you called for me? Is there something you need?”

“Bai Feiyu, where are you going? Off to fool around again?” The elder’s eyes swept over him coldly, and Bai Feiyu immediately felt a pressure—not from cultivation, but from the elder’s commanding presence.

Bai Feiyu forced a wry smile and nodded. “I just want to see what’s interesting in the imperial city. I’ve never been here before.”

Hearing this honest reply, the elder’s frustration showed as he chided, “While the other disciples train diligently, preparing for the sect competition and the honor of the sect, you treat it like a tour? Do you still care about the sect’s glory? Do you have any sense of belonging?”

Spitting sharp words, the elder pressed labels onto Bai Feiyu, who grew impatient but knew better than to contradict an elder in the Gui Xu Sect. No matter how dissatisfied he felt, he had to wear a conciliatory smile.

Nearby, several Eagle Alliance disciples scoffed at the scene.

“See? The brat’s getting scolded.”

“I told you, the sect wouldn’t let him slide forever. They’ll reign him in eventually.”

“Trying to cram at the last minute is pointless. He can only watch others shine this time.”

“He brought this on himself. There’s only one chance for the sect competition. By the next one, he’ll likely be a core disciple. He’s deliberately missing out—it’s nothing to do with us.”

Bai Feiyu frowned as he overheard their remarks. Why did these people make such a big deal? The endless mockery felt unwarranted—they bore him no real grudge.

He fixed a solemn gaze on the Eagle Alliance members and took a deep breath. He had initially treated the sect competition with a carefree attitude; after all, it wasn’t that important to him. With his system, he was destined to soar beyond the heavens in time.

But now, his mindset had completely shifted.

This time, he would put in his utmost effort. No matter what, he would surpass the Eagle Alliance, showing these braggarts what true prodigies were.

“Hey, Bai Feiyu! Are you even listening to me?”

Snapping back to attention, the elder suddenly tapped Bai Feiyu’s head with mild irritation.

“What kind of attitude is this? To be indifferent in front of an elder offering sincere guidance—and not even paying attention?”

“Oh, Elder, sorry about that, haha. Don’t worry, I’m just stepping out for a bit. I’ll be back soon!” Bai Feiyu apologized with a forced laugh.

“You… you still plan to go out? So all my words were just wasted on deaf ears?”

“Fine, fine. Since you want to go, I won’t stop you. But when the sect competition comes, you’ll realize how mediocre you truly are!”

With that, the elder turned away in a huff.

As he left, the elder couldn’t help but second-guess himself. Telling Bai Feiyu how mediocre he was—had he misspoken?

Though Bai Feiyu’s strength wasn’t yet unparalleled across the entire competition, it would be difficult to make him realize the vast gap between himself and the top contenders—how mediocre he really was.

At present, Bai Feiyu was simply outstanding.

The elder felt helpless. For ordinary disciples, he wouldn’t have cared so much. But Bai Feiyu was different. It was impossible to strike a blow to his ego—he was simply too exceptional.

This was truly a headache.

After leaving the inn, Bai Feiyu began wandering the city. The imperial city was undeniably magnificent—so much so that he nearly lost his way.

Moreover, the city’s public order was excellent, far better than smaller towns. There were hardly any privileged scions running wild, and even if there were, they dared not be arrogant.

After all, many influential figures resided here.

Ordinary people simply lacked the qualifications to act recklessly.

“Young master, you’ve finally returned to our imperial city. After years of cultivation in the Chi Xiao Sect, you must have endured hardship.”

At this moment, Bai Feiyu encountered a refined young man holding a folding fan. An old servant at his side greeted him with joy as if reunited with his own father.

“Yes, after so many years of rigorous cultivation in Chi Xiao Sect, I’ve finally come back.”

“I wonder how Xiao Ai has been all these years. Shortly after our wedding, I left for Chi Xiao Sect and have been gone ever since.”

The young man’s gaze swept over the imperial city, a wave of nostalgia briefly stirring in his heart.

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