Chapter 50: Forgive Me for Loving Freedom

The Toba Ruins lay a great distance from the Gui Xu Sect, far beyond its sphere of influence. This place was little more than a wilderness, yet legend held that in ancient times, it had been the bustling heart of a mighty sect. No one knew what catastrophe befell it in those days, but its downfall had been swift and utter, leaving only remnants of its former grandeur.

Bai Feiyu and his companions journeyed by flying vessel for more than ten days before they finally reached the outskirts of the Toba Ruins. Throughout their travels, they did not neglect their cultivation. For prodigies favored by the sect, every moment was precious; to waste such time would be a cause for lifelong regret. These gifted ones understood the necessity of seizing every second, striving relentlessly in their training so that they might flourish within Gui Xu Sect. The more progress they made while under the sect's protection, the better their chances of survival in the wider world.

After all, countless talents emerged every year in this realm, but those who went on to become true powerhouses were very few. Many fell to unexpected misfortune along the path of cultivation; others grew complacent and were quickly surpassed by their peers. Gui Xu Sect was considered a major sect among those nearby, but in the vast world, it was barely a drop in the ocean—insignificant and unknown. The so-called prodigies of Gui Xu Sect were but a handful among multitudes, and many with similar gifts worked harder than they did. Any lapse in diligence would see them overtaken.

Upon reaching the edge of the Toba Ruins, Bai Feiyu and his group settled in a small city. The appointed time for the opening of the ruins had not yet arrived. According to their calculations, after gathering the necessary herbs, they would arrive just as the ruins began to open. Now, because Bai Feiyu had finished his task early, they had a few days to wait. This, at least, gave them extra time to devote to cultivation.

After disembarking, Liu Guang led them to an inn to settle down. At this point, the city was not crowded with cultivators, as the opening of the ruins was still some time away. Typically, the sects sent their elite disciples first to temper themselves, only dispatching their elders later.

“Alright, we’ll stay here for the next two days. Everyone, focus on your cultivation,” Liu Guang instructed after arranging their lodgings. “When the time comes, we’ll set out for the Toba Ruins.”

For now, Liu Guang had to postpone any plans to discipline Bai Feiyu, waiting until the ruins opened.

Learning they had days to spare, Bai Feiyu's eyes lit up. He began to head outside. Though this city was small, it belonged to the world of cultivators. It was possible he might encounter some reckless individuals—an excellent opportunity to collect attributes. He did not wish to miss such chances. Although he had plenty of spirit stones, to use them all at once would be unwise; it was better to conserve them for the journey home. For now, the priority was to stir things up.

“Bai Feiyu, where are you going?” Liu Guang asked, puzzled by Bai Feiyu’s eagerness to leave. Did he have relatives in this city?

“Oh, I’m just going out for a stroll, to experience the local culture and scenery,” Bai Feiyu replied offhandedly.

Liu Guang frowned at his answer and rebuked him, “Bai Feiyu, you may be exceptionally talented and have bested Li Zikun, but that’s no excuse for complacency. Look at yourself, then look at your peers. They’re all returning to cultivate, while you’re eager to play the moment you arrive. This is unacceptable. As your senior, I have the right to command you: return and cultivate now!”

His words carried no personal grievance, only genuine concern that Bai Feiyu was squandering his potential and the sect’s investment in him.

“Indeed, Brother Bai Feiyu, it’s best to prepare for entering the Toba Ruins,” urged Ziyan and Liu Qing. “There will be plenty of time to enjoy worldly sights in the future. Our priority now is to pursue the Dao.”

Bai Feiyu shook his head, looking at them with a playful expression. “Forgive me—I have always yearned for freedom and poetry, for distant horizons. I must follow where my heart leads!”

With that, he ignored their protests and strode out of the inn, leaving the Eagle Alliance members stunned.

They truly hadn’t expected Bai Feiyu to be so playful; this was hardly appropriate. Yet, since Bai Feiyu was not a member of the Eagle Alliance and was merely assisting them, they had no authority to order him back. All they could do was watch helplessly.

“Let him be. If he wants to waste his talent, that’s his business,” Liu Guang said, though inwardly he was considering whether to petition the sect master to command Bai Feiyu to join the Eagle Alliance upon their return. Without someone to watch him, the boy’s penchant for mischief was simply too great.

……

Bai Feiyu wandered out into the city’s most bustling street—not for the excitement, but to create opportunities for chance encounters. He feared no one would come looking for trouble; in another life, this attitude would have marked him as a born fighter. Here, though, such inclinations were rare, so Bai Feiyu had no concern that people would view him as odd.

After all, even the strongest must care for their reputation; in any world, a good name mattered greatly.

As he walked down the street, Bai Feiyu adopted a lordly air, never stepping aside for passersby. The people here were simple and unassuming, however, and quickly made way for him without complaint—a source of frustration for Bai Feiyu.

Vendors lined the road, hawking their wares. The market offered everything from toys and household goods to cultivation resources and weapons. Yet, the quality was mediocre; Bai Feiyu, given his standing in Gui Xu Sect, would never consider buying anything here.

His aim was always to seek out those in positions of power and provoke them.

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