Chapter Thirty-Seven: A Blind Date?

He had only just returned for a few days when Chen Fan received a summons from his master.

Dong Guzhi didn’t ask about Chen Fan’s cultivation progress, but instead frowned as he looked at Chen Fan dressed in a gray Daoist robe, saying, “Go home and tidy yourself up. Change into something suitable for formal occasions. I’m taking you to meet some important people.”

Chen Fan was momentarily taken aback, then looked down in surprise at his attire. Among martial artists, when did the pursuit of fine clothing become a concern?

“Forget it. Judging by your appearance, you must have devoted yourself entirely to cultivation and don’t have any proper clothes. This afternoon, I’ll have your senior sister take you shopping for something more dignified.”

Chen Fan was bewildered. “Master, who are you taking me to see that requires such fine attire?”

Dong Guzhi narrowed his eyes and smiled, deliberately keeping him in suspense. “Someone whose acquaintance will bring you immense benefit…”

Chen Fan wasn’t exactly a boor. It was just that, in this world, his priorities lay elsewhere, so he never paid much attention to clothing. Besides, his features were handsome and could easily rival his previous life; he hardly needed fine clothes to enhance his appearance.

But since his master had instructed him, he could not disobey. He spent half the afternoon shopping with Senior Sister Yun Wei, bought three or four sets of clothes, yet she still felt it wasn’t enough.

The nature of women to enjoy shopping is universal, and Chen Fan obediently played the role of a clothes rack. He couldn’t help but wonder: how did someone so typical in her interests manage to reach the fifth tier of martial arts at such a young age?

“Senior Sister, do you know who Master wants me to meet?”

Chen Fan’s curiosity was piqued. They were all martial artists; no matter how eminent the person, surely there was no need to dress up so deliberately. As long as he wasn’t too shabby, what he wore shouldn’t matter.

Yun Wei chuckled, “Who else could it be? He must be arranging a match for you!”

Chen Fan was startled. “How could that be? I’m not yet fifteen…”

Yun Wei shook her head. “You’re already fifteen! In Yandu City, among those who don’t practice martial arts, there are plenty who marry at this age.”

Chen Fan replied awkwardly, “But I am a martial artist.”

“Martial artists can arrange engagements early too. With your talent, favored by Master, wouldn’t it be good to find you a suitable match?”

Yun Wei laughed merrily, then suddenly paused. “But… I haven’t heard of any banquets lately, and Master isn’t one to get involved in worldly affairs.”

Chen Fan had no words and could only continue playing the clothes rack. By the end of the afternoon, he had gained seven or eight sets of clothes, including belts and accessories.

Yun Wei propped her chin, grinning as she looked at him. “Hmm, you’ve always had good looks—rosy lips and white teeth. Dressed up, you look even more distinguished. If only I weren’t so much older than you, I wouldn’t let anyone else take you away.”

Chen Fan only smiled in silence.

Night fell.

Chen Fan, dressed formally, followed his master out of the Daoist hall. They returned once again to Yunshui Courtyard in Yandu City.

This was the most understated of the high-end restaurants in Yandu City, and also Master’s favorite.

Chen Fan followed his master straight into a private room called “Elegant Fragrance Suite.”

Inside, two people were already waiting—a middle-aged man and a young girl.

The elder, in his forties or fifties, exuded a commanding presence merely by sitting there. The younger was a girl of thirteen or fourteen, porcelain-doll-like in appearance.

Seeing Dong Guzhi and Chen Fan arrive, the middle-aged man’s gaze lingered on Chen Fan for a moment before he rose and approached Dong Guzhi.

“Hahaha, Master Dong, you’re finally here!”

Dong Guzhi smiled and shook his hand, exceedingly polite. “I’ve kept Master Ye waiting.”

Master Ye?

Chen Fan’s heart stirred, and he couldn’t help but take another look at the man.

Both parties sat down.

Chen Fan soon noticed the porcelain-doll girl stealing glances at him several times, and each time he looked back, she blushed and quickly looked away.

“Chen Fan, let me introduce you. This is Master Ye of the Pure Jade Sect in Yandu City!”

As expected, Chen Fan thought.

The Pure Jade Sect was one of the four sects and two halls of Yandu City, a power equal to the White Cloud Daoist Hall. Its master, Ye Wushuang, was one of the rare grandmasters in Yandu.

“Greetings, Master Ye!” Chen Fan quickly clasped his hands in salute.

Yet he felt puzzled. Each faction had its own backing. The Pure Jade Sect was closest to the city administration and the court, while Master Dong Guzhi only had connections with the Green Python Army and had always avoided involvement with other court factions.

Previously, the White Cloud Daoist Hall had organized exchange meetings with the Pure Jade Sect. And now, a private meeting with its master. It seemed that the trip to the Divine Spirit Sect had made Master lose faith in the sect and turn wholly toward the Great Qian court…

But this wasn’t necessarily a good thing. Senior Brother’s family’s Green Python Army was powerful and independent, and its relationship with the court was only average. If Master allied himself with the court, he would likely need to distance himself from the army, leaving Senior Brother caught in the middle—what would his standing be?

Chen Fan, sharp-witted, formed countless thoughts in a short time, but outwardly played the part of a naïve youth, showing nothing.

Ye Wushuang smiled and turned to the girl beside him. “This is my daughter, Yunxin… Yunxin, greet Uncle Dong and your brother Chen Fan.”

The girl, cheeks flushed, stood and said softly, “Uncle Dong, Brother Chen Fan!”

Her voice was gentle and sweet, with a hint of innocent charm. She displayed none of the arrogance often seen in the disciples of powerful families.

Chen Fan’s reputation had already spread throughout Yandu City during the Demon-Slaying Tournament, and Yunxin had certainly heard of him. Now, seeing him in person—with his handsome appearance and gentle demeanor—how could the young girl not be charmed?

Chen Fan smiled back, “Hello, Yunxin.”

Everyone took their seats.

The dishes soon arrived one after another.

Dong Guzhi and Ye Wushuang chatted amiably, discussing only trivial matters, nothing of importance. The younger pair occasionally exchanged words.

The meal lasted a full two hours before finally ending.

Afterward, the two parties parted ways.

Ye Wushuang and his daughter shared a carriage. He smiled at the young girl, “What do you think of Brother Chen Fan? Do you like him?”

Yunxin’s face turned red as an apple, and she nodded shyly.

Chen Fan was no longer an unknown figure. His fame from the Demon-Slaying Tournament had spread throughout Yandu City, and Yunxin had heard of him. Now, seeing him in person, his handsome features and gentle temperament made him all the more appealing.

Ye Wushuang laughed heartily, “Should I betroth you to Brother Chen Fan, then?”

“Father, you’re teasing me again!” The girl, face flushed, reached out to playfully hit her father, bashful and embarrassed. But she had only just begun her martial training—how could she possibly harm a grandmaster like her father?

On the other side,

Chen Fan followed his master in silence.

Dong Guzhi suddenly stopped in his tracks. “Chen Fan, what do you think of Yunxin?”

Chen Fan was speechless.

He wasn’t a fool; he had already guessed the purpose behind this orchestrated meeting. So Senior Sister’s prediction had been spot on…

He quickly replied, “Yunxin is lovely, but she is still young, and I have no plans for marriage at the moment…”

Dong Guzhi shook his head. “You don’t need to marry now. But you can spend time together, nurture feelings, and arrange an engagement. It would be a tremendous boon for you.”

Chen Fan felt his head ache. “Master, I…”

Dong Guzhi, seeing Chen Fan’s hesitation, spoke earnestly, “Though I’ve reached the eighth tier of martial arts and may be a notable figure in Yandu City, in Qinghe County or the entire Great Qian Dynasty, I am nothing. Within the Martial Academy, there are disciples stronger than me. Your talent and insight are extraordinary, but I am alone, and the resources I can provide are limited…”

Chen Fan sighed, “Master, please don’t speak like that.”

Without the resources and skills of the White Cloud Daoist Hall, he would never have advanced so quickly.

Dong Guzhi shook his head and continued, “I once yearned to return to the sect, and so distanced myself from the court and the Martial Academy. Now, it seems laughable. Your Second Senior Brother insisted on joining the Martial Academy because it offers not only more resources, but also a unique environment and countless rivals—things I cannot provide.”

“And in three months, the Martial Academy will hold its admissions once again…”

Martial Academy…

Chen Fan had heard the term before, and it always carried an air of unfamiliarity and expectation.

“Master wants me to enroll in the Martial Academy? With my abilities, passing the entrance exam shouldn’t be difficult, right?”

Chen Fan frowned.

Dong Guzhi said solemnly, “Joining the Martial Academy isn’t hard. All top-ranking disciples of the White Cloud Daoist Hall have that potential. But to become a disciple of the highest tier, the ‘Bright Moon Pavilion,’ is extremely difficult.”

“Today, I brought you to meet Ye Wushuang and his daughter because Ye Wushuang’s elder brother is a deputy director of Qingming Martial Academy. If you can gain the Ye family’s support, not only will the White Cloud Daoist Hall and Pure Jade Sect become united, but you will also have a chance—a chance to enter the ‘Bright Moon Pavilion’ of the Martial Academy directly!”