Chapter 61: Not a Hothouse Flower

After the members of each sect went their separate ways, the group from the Returning Ruins Sect collectively headed in one direction. Along the way, everyone remained vigilant, wary of any danger they might encounter.

Bai Feiyu followed among them, sighing at the situation. At this rate, he would likely have no opportunity to act alone. The compass in his hand could detect the presence of danger, allowing him to avoid hazards during the treasure hunt and secure valuable artifacts. However, if the sect learned of this, the other disciples would surely demand he hand it over immediately, so the entire Returning Ruins Sect could benefit. He would be credited with the achievement, but Bai Feiyu cared little for such recognition. Most of the spoils would be taken, leaving him only a small share as a reward. Originally, all these treasures would have been his.

“Senior brother, at this pace, when will we find the opportunities of the Toba Ruins?” someone asked.

“Why don’t we split up? Whoever finds their fortune, let them claim it,” Bai Feiyu suggested, seeing no sign that the others intended to disperse. He gently reminded them, determined not to return empty-handed because of these burdens. With the compass in hand, it would be wasted if he couldn’t use it. What good was it then? All his effort protecting the city’s residents would have been for nothing. The thought made Bai Feiyu a little frustrated.

Upon hearing his suggestion, the senior brothers immediately cast displeased glances his way. One said, “Junior brother, you are too greedy. Such greed can lead to danger.”

“These Toba Ruins are strange. I hope you value your life and don’t wander off. Stay behind us.”

“After all, the sect has invested greatly in you. If anything happens to you, not only will you suffer, but we would feel we’ve failed the sect.”

“So, this time, we don’t seek riches, only safety. If we gain nothing, it’s just a trip for sightseeing.”

Bai Feiyu was dumbfounded. Was this how things worked? Entering the ruins not for fortune, but for tourism? Just to keep numbers intact? Were these people truly the pride of heaven? Why were they as cautious as old dogs? Especially since they seemed to want to care for him like a precious baby, Bai Feiyu was on the verge of exploding. Were they treating him like a delicate flower in a greenhouse?

He glanced at the other senior brothers, but every member of the Returning Ruins Sect appeared utterly unhurried, as if they were on a group tour. It was a stark contrast to how they had entered, full of fervor as if injected with adrenaline.

“Feiyu, don’t overthink it. I suspect it’s not just our sect acting this way; the others won’t let their disciples run off either,” Liu Qing quietly explained. “After all, every disciple here is a prodigy. Losing one would be a heavy blow to their sect, and no one wants mass casualties. Everyone may have acted hot-blooded at first, but it was likely for show—to make other sects think they’re eager for quick gains and likely to fall into traps.”

Bai Feiyu could only think, born at the wrong time, stuck with a bunch of cowards. How did people of such temperament come to risk themselves here? How did they become the pride of heaven? Suddenly, Bai Feiyu felt these so-called prodigies were nothing special.

Yet, it made sense. The world was vast, and the Returning Ruins Sect, though large, was a mere speck compared to the wider world. How many such sects existed? No wonder the likes of the Returning Ruins Sect and the Golden Light Sect would never become dominant powers. They simply couldn’t bear to risk their people, and without risking the child, the wolf isn’t caught.

With this in mind, Bai Feiyu resolved not to remain with these people. Otherwise, his trip would be wasted. He looked at his senior brothers and declared solemnly:

“Senior brothers, I have a different perspective. We cultivators contend with heaven and earth, starting as insignificant beings and growing step by step into true giants, enduring countless hardships. The path of cultivation is about defying fate itself. If we fear for our lives, we will forever compete in this corner of the world, never seeing what lies beyond. Only those willing to risk everything and fight bravely can become truly strong. We must not be flowers sheltered in a greenhouse!”

His words were spoken with righteous fervor, and many disciples nearby found them compelling. Some realized that Bai Feiyu’s rapid rise must have its reasons—at least, what he said could not be uttered by ordinary people.

However, to Liu Guang and other senior brothers who truly controlled the situation, such reasoning became a joke. Liu Guang sneered, “Junior brother Bai Feiyu, you’re not wrong, but have you considered that most people, including you and me, will never become lone powers. Most never have such destiny. Most geniuses fall on the path of growth, which is why so few rise to prominence.”

“If we follow your logic, most of us wouldn’t survive. If we all perished, and the remaining disciples acted the same, throwing their lives at every challenge, do you think the Returning Ruins Sect would still exist?”

Bai Feiyu was left speechless. He had never expected Liu Guang to argue so eloquently. Clearly, this one had read many books and possessed such insight. Bai Feiyu, deep down, agreed—after all, not everyone had a golden finger like he did.

But naturally, Bai Feiyu would never admit his agreement. His only thought now was to escape the group by any means and seek his own fortune alone. With the compass in hand, what could he not find?

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