Chapter 50: Number Six

Excluding Zhou Tong, Zhou Shuo had previously accepted a total of five disciples.

For Zhou Shuo’s grand birthday celebration this time, those who had been in seclusion and those out on training all hurried back to the sect.

The eldest, Leng Yanbing, appeared gentle and refined on the surface, but at his core was a fiercely competitive spirit. Apart from alchemy, he devoted all his energy to studying swordsmanship, wandering around daily with a long sword, challenging others everywhere.

After being defeated by the top disciple of Jianfeng, he returned to Danfeng and began seclusion, determined to break through to the Nascent Soul stage in one go.

The third disciple, Pei Qingyuan, was rugged in appearance and straightforward in personality; he had just returned from training outside the sect along with the fourth and fifth disciples.

As for the fourth and fifth, Wan Yi was quite surprised. These two turned out to be a pair of twin sisters, beautiful yet not alluring, radiating a bold and spirited aura from within.

Previously, Wan Yi had heard much about these senior brothers and sisters from Zhou Tong and Zhou Zihao, but hearing is never as good as seeing.

Meeting them today, he had to admit that Zhou Shuo’s eye for disciples was truly exceptional.

Thanks to Zhou Zihao’s mediation, the newcomers quickly became familiar with each other.

As the eldest senior brother, Leng Yanbing was especially generous and gave Wan Yi a generous gift.

Watching his junior brother repeatedly express thanks, Leng Yanbing smiled and said, “Sixth brother, remember, although we are disciples of Danfeng, we are not pushovers for anyone to pick on. If anyone dares to cause you trouble, don’t back down—fight them outright! If you can’t win, come back and call for backup. With me as your eldest brother, you have nothing to fear!”

Wan Yi’s expression turned peculiar upon hearing this. It wasn’t that he was surprised his eldest brother was a warmonger, but rather he felt an inexplicable weariness. He hadn’t even shaken off the label of “fat official” yet, and now he had to carry the title of “sixth brother” on top of that.

Seeing his silence, Zhou Zihao thought he was intimidated by the eldest brother’s words and quickly came to his rescue: “Eldest brother, you don’t know. Our little junior brother is no pushover. While you were in seclusion, some disciples from Danding Sect came to pick a fight, and our Sixth brother took down seven of them! It was a battle that shook heaven and earth...”

Zhou Zihao embellished the story, describing the scene, leaving everyone amazed.

Leng Yanbing’s eyes flickered with interest, a strong curiosity about this newly joined junior brother growing within him.

Pei Qingyuan laughed heartily, stepped forward, and patted Wan Yi on the shoulder, saying heartily, “Sixth brother, you’re quite something, just my type—a true disciple of Danfeng. I came back in a hurry and didn’t prepare a proper gift for you, but take this little thing and have some fun with it.”

His large palm landed on Wan Yi’s shoulder, nearly sending him stumbling to the ground.

But when Wan Yi saw the storage pouch handed to him, his displeasure instantly vanished.

Grinning foolishly, he said, “Thanks, third senior brother.”

After putting away the gifts from the two senior brothers, Wan Yi turned his gaze to the twin sisters, as if to say, “Eldest and third senior brothers have given their gifts—what about you two?”

The fourth sister, Wu Tong, smiled and took out a storage pouch, handing it to Wan Yi: “Junior brother, this is a little token from me and your fifth senior sister. Don’t dislike it, okay?”

Seeing her teasing, Wan Yi wasn’t offended and laughed, “Not at all, not at all. You two senior sisters are as beautiful as flowers. Even without a gift, just looking at you is a pleasure.”

Wu Tong blushed and retorted, “Smooth talker, looking for a beating, huh?”

Beside her, Wu Shuang giggled, “Sister, this little guy dares to tease both of us? He must have a bold heart. How about we team up and teach him a lesson?”

As she spoke, Wu Shuang rolled her beautiful eyes at Wan Yi.

Seeing this, Wan Yi hastened to explain, “Senior sisters, please don’t misunderstand. I have no intention of being disrespectful. You both are not only beautiful but also talented and spirited. I just spoke frankly in the moment.”

The two sisters burst into clear, ringing laughter at Wan Yi’s embarrassment.

Wu Shuang, more lively by nature, laughed as she circled Wan Yi, clicking her tongue: “Oh ho, just now the second senior brother said you were brave. Is this it?”

Wan Yi’s face flushed red, scratching his head awkwardly, “We’re all on the same side. Sometimes you have to admit when you’re beaten.”

His words prompted another round of soft laughter from the twin sisters.

Even the three older male disciples nearby couldn’t help but smile.

As they chatted, a graceful figure entered.

The moment Zhou Tong appeared, Wan Yi immediately noticed her.

The young girl’s expression seemed off, her eyes holding a trace of melancholy.

Yet she masked this feeling expertly, hiding it as soon as she saw everyone.

Still, Wan Yi caught it.

“She’s not right,” he thought.

Upon seeing Zhou Tong, the senior brothers and sisters brightened at first but then quickly showed shock.

Wu Tong and Wu Shuang hurried forward, staring at Zhou Tong’s pretty face in astonishment: “Tong Tong, is your face healed?!”

Zhou Tong shook her head and smiled, holding the hands of the two sisters: “Not yet. It’s Junior Yi Yi who made me a concealer cream to cover the scars on my face.”

Hearing this, everyone looked toward Wan Yi with grateful eyes.

They knew Zhou Tong was not only Zhou Shuo’s cherished treasure but also the apple of their eyes.

Since the little girl’s face was injured, she had changed completely; everyone felt both heartache and helplessness.

Now that she had regained her confidence, she was much brighter and no longer self-conscious, her eyes full of light.

After many days apart, even a brief encounter revealed her transformation.

At that moment, Wu Shuang seemed to have discovered a huge secret. She grabbed Zhou Tong’s soft hand and teased, “Tong Tong, what did you just call Sixth brother?”

Upon hearing this, everyone seemed to catch on to something unusual.

Zhou Zihao smirked, imitating Zhou Tong’s tone in a high pitch: “She called him Junior Yi Yi!”

“Fatty, you’re asking for a beating!” Zhou Tong blushed fiercely, breaking free of the sisters’ hands and swinging her small fists at Zhou Zihao.

He cried out and ran, his exaggerated expression making everyone laugh.

As the two chased each other around the hall, Pei Qingyuan leaned toward Wan Yi, chuckling foolishly before giving a thumbs-up: “Sixth brother, you’re really impressive!”

Wan Yi’s face flushed red. Just as he was about to explain, he noticed the playful glances from Leng Yanbing and the twin sisters.

The three wore expressions that said, “No need to explain, we understand,” causing his words to stick in his throat.

Just then, an inner sect disciple came in.

“Senior brothers and sisters, the sect head sent me to relay a message. The guests for the birthday visit have arrived. The sect head wants you to go greet them.”

Hearing this, everyone hurried out without delay.

Wan Yi walked behind with Zhou Tong, lowering his voice to ask, “Little girl, I saw something was troubling you just now. Can you tell me about it?”

Zhou Tong’s eyes darkened with sadness once more as she sighed softly, “I’m afraid my face won’t heal.”

To be continued...