"Sister Chu Yue, why are you out here?" Chu Feng asked, puzzled.
Chu Yue came skipping over to Chu Feng with a grin on her face, lightly punching his chest with her fair, delicate hand, her face brimming with delight.
"You're something, you know that? I was wondering why you seemed so at ease staying in the Outer Sect — turns out you'd already caught up to me."
Chu Feng scratched his head awkwardly. "Sister Chu Yue, I really caused you trouble today. I'm afraid your Chu Alliance gathering is going to end on a sour note."
"That's fine. It'll do them some good to learn a lesson, so they'll stop bullying you all the time."
"Oh right, Brother Chu Feng, let's go together for the Spirit Herb Hunting tomorrow. Those things are really hard to catch on your own."
"Forget it. You know how things stand between me and them. Even if I were willing to join the Chu Alliance, they'd never agree." Chu Feng shook his head.
"Leave that to me. Just show up here tomorrow and find us — that's all you need to do." Chu Yue pressed another bamboo slip into Chu Feng's hand. It bore the gathering location for the Chu Alliance the next day.
"Alright." Seeing how insistent Chu Yue was, Chu Feng really couldn't bring himself to refuse.
After settling Chu Feng's concerns, Chu Yue bounced her way back toward the residence. She was genuinely happy — Chu Feng had given her a wonderful surprise today.
Everyone in the world respected strength above all else. Now that Chu Feng had demonstrated such impressive ability, she felt the Chu family might finally acknowledge him.
And for the Chu family to stand united, treating one another as equals — that was her greatest wish.
"Brother Chu Wei, you all—" But the moment she reached the entrance of the residence, Chu Yue found that all the members of the Chu Alliance had already come outside.
"Hmph!" Chu Cheng and Chu Zhen glared at Chu Yue furiously, then turned and stormed off without a word.
"Chu Yue, I say this as your elder brother — you were far too biased toward that Chu Feng today."
"Now look what happened. Not only did that Chu Feng walk away with two Spirit Herbs for nothing, but he humiliated every one of us in the process. Now everyone's stormed off in a rage. Are you satisfied?" Chu Wei reprimanded her sternly.
"Brother Chu Wei, can't you just say I was wrong and leave it at that? Chu Feng is still family, after all."
"And look — you've seen his strength for yourself. He's not the waste you all thought he was. The Chu Alliance could really use more people. Why not let him join us too?"
The moment Chu Wei heard this, his expression shifted. He was about to speak when something crafty flickered through his eyes, and then he let out a helpless sigh.
"Ah, you really have me wrapped around your finger, don't you, girl?"
"Fine. For your sake, I'll give Chu Feng one chance. Bring him along tomorrow."
"That's wonderful! I knew you were the best, Brother Chu Wei!" Chu Yue jumped up in excitement, her smile radiant.
"Alright, get some rest early." Chu Wei shook his head and headed toward his own residence.
"You rest early too, Brother Chu Wei." Chu Yue waved at him cheerfully, watching him leave.
Chu Wei had agreed to let Chu Feng join the Chu Alliance — this left Chu Yue overjoyed. But she didn't see the sinister smile that crept across Chu Wei's lips the moment he turned away.
"Sister Chu Yue, that guy Chu Feng really kept a low profile. I've been in the Outer Sect for ages and never even heard his name. He must be gunning for first place in the Inner Sect entrance exam."
Just then, a young man walked over. Like Chu Feng, he was a new disciple who had only joined the Chu Alliance that very day.
"You're right. Brother Chu Feng staying in the Outer Sect must have been for the exam rewards. I wonder if he actually got them." Hearing this, the realization dawned on Chu Yue.
"Sister Chu Yue, you're overthinking it. A fierce character showed up in the Outer Sect this year — that first place was taken long ago."