Chapter 2 The Call of the Assembly Horn

Ten years later, Zhuang Yunzheng was seventeen, Liang Xi fifteen, both grown into youthful lads. "Little Mat, take this!" Zhuang Yunzheng swung his fists, and instantly, his aura transformed dramatically, like a wild beast charging toward Liang Xi. This move was the Fierce Tiger Vajra Fist, which Zhuang Yunzheng had practiced for years. Throughout the decade, he had never once slackened in his cultivation, focusing exclusively on his boxing technique. Now, his fists were formidable, his physique robust and imposing, so much so that Liang Xi seemed to lose half the battle in sheer presence alone. Yet, Liang Xi showed not the slightest fear.

A faint red dot appeared at the center of his brow, glowing softly, while the air around him seemed to ripple like a balloon swelling without wind. Clearly, he was preparing his strongest defensive technique. "Senior brother, we've sparred for so many years, and neither of us has ever won. You know my moves, I know yours. If we keep fighting like this, we'll only end up hurting ourselves."

"Didn't Master say that if we truly fought, the consequences would be dire? Have you forgotten that today is Master's birthday? I think we shouldn't fight anymore. Let's celebrate his birthday—that's the most important thing!" In these ten years, Liang Xi had grown strikingly handsome, his name known by all the female disciples of the Cloud Realm. In the Cloud Palace, there was a young man named Liang Xi, admired by all.

Yet, he seemed indifferent to the praise surrounding him, pouring all his focus into cultivation. He had trained tirelessly for a decade, never forgetting Master’s words from his childhood: "If I am gone, no one will protect you." Now, ten years later, his skill was considerable, and he possessed not only the power to protect himself but also the strength to protect his master.

Each birthday was cherished by Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng. "That's right, that's right, look at my muddled brain. These days I don't know what I've been thinking, I almost forgot Master's birthday! He always says I'm careless, and I never believed it, but now I see it's true. Master has always favored you, and rightly so. Let's go, if we’re late, the old man might really be upset."

"Ten years ago, I vowed never to let him be sad again. So, we really have no time to waste," Zhuang Yunzheng said. "You two seem so anxious—where are you off to? It’s been ten years since we last met, and you both are more annoying than ever!" Mu Chenyuan appeared at this moment, provoking Liang Xi’s ire. "Move aside, I don’t have time to fight with you!"

"I’m not interested either. I just came to tell you—the mission to eliminate the Thunder Gang has begun. You’ve been in Cloud Palace for ten years, so you know how much harm the remnants of Thunder Gang have caused Cloud State City. This time, Master is determined, selecting the best to wipe them out. After ten years, Liang Xi, you’ve become more handsome, making me quite jealous. I must take first place in this mission—it’s always been mine."

Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng ignored him, giving him only a faint glance, which made Mu Chenyuan feel a subtle killing intent—surely just his imagination. The two had never left the Cloud Palace in ten years, their talents unremarkable. Mu Chenyuan was different; even ten years ago, he had shown great potential, now counted among the Realm’s elite, which is why Master made him team leader.

Mu Chenyuan had always bullied Liang Xi, simply because Liang Xi was good-looking. Why wasn’t that beauty his? As senior brother, Zhuang Yunzheng often fought Mu Chenyuan to defend Liang Xi—were it not for Master Qi Ying’s decree forbidding the use of Cloud Tome techniques before outsiders, Mu Chenyuan would have been dead years ago, unable to be so arrogant now.

Today was Master’s birthday, and they couldn’t let anyone spoil his mood. "Mu Chenyuan has become stronger over the years; I fear the Thunder Gang mission won’t go smoothly. Little Mat, don’t wander off—stay by my side and I’ll protect you. That’s my duty as senior brother." How much can ten years change a person?

At seven, Zhuang Yunzheng was already steady, but still quite adorable. Now, as Liang Xi looked at his brother, he saw a transformation from a cute child to a composed man. "Zhuang, we grew up eating the same meals, so how did you end up like this? Your name’s Zhuang, but you should be called Wooden Post!" Of course, this was a jest. Liang Xi knew well that since his brother began cultivating the Sky Volume of the Cloud Tome, his character would inevitably become so. Every move in that tome was fierce and dominant; with his brother present, Liang Xi always felt secure.

"You two, do you know what day it is? Daring to waste time—do you want to be punished again?" Over the years, Master Qi Ying had become like an old child, notably capricious. Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng laughed together, calling out, "Master, don’t be angry, we’re coming!"

Qi Ying watched his approaching disciples, a smile slowly spreading across his face. These two truly were good, always keeping his teachings close to heart, now achieving some power—that was his greatest joy, the best gift he could receive today. Pretending to be angry, he said, "Have you forgotten my birthday? No need to say more, your teacher’s fate is too bitter—why did I take you two in?"

Liang Xi always believed his master was a master hidden from the world—at least, he used to be. Now, however, Master had learned all sorts of tricks, sometimes making Liang Xi wonder who was really the teacher among the three. Whenever this happened, Zhuang would always use his best skill—cheering people up—and always managed to make Master feel thoroughly comfortable. "Master, please, you’re joking again. Who are you? We’re known as good-for-nothings, but now everyone gives us a thumbs-up!"

"It’s all thanks to your teaching and hard work, otherwise how could we have achieved what we have today? Now everyone says you have a keen eye for talent, taking in two outstanding disciples. Isn’t that right, Little Mat?" As he spoke, Zhuang Yunzheng signaled desperately to Liang Xi, who was already well-versed in this routine. "Absolutely, Master. People say I resemble you in youth, but I don’t see it. You were far more handsome."

What is tacit understanding? This is tacit understanding! Finally, Master Qi Ying couldn’t help but laugh and scold, "You two little devils, always making fun of your master. Still, this flattery is quite comfortable. Since your apology seems sincere, I’ll let you off this time. You ran into Mu Chenyuan earlier, didn’t you? I can sense his lingering aura on you. The mission to eliminate the Thunder Gang remnants is finally starting!"

"You’ve studied with me for ten years; it’s time to show what you can do. But remember: 'Never display the Cloud Tome before outsiders.'" The latter phrase was spoken in unison by Zhuang Yunzheng and Liang Xi. "Master, you’ve repeated that so many times our ears have grown calluses." Liang Xi, unlike his timid self at five, was now lively and energetic.

Though Liang Xi was spirited, this was only among those he knew well; facing outsiders, he was calm and composed. He knew the power of the Cloud Tome they had cultivated for ten years, and Master’s refusal to let them leave was a kind of protection. Now, however, they had to learn to protect themselves.

Qi Ying’s smile faded, his eyes shining with a peculiar light. He spoke gravely, "You’ve never left this place. Mu Chenyuan is now the chief disciple of the sect leader, a powerful figure in Cloud State City. During this mission, do not confront him directly. I know he’s troubled you over the years—you’ve endured much. But you must endure, no matter how hard it is. I want you to return safely, above all else! Can’t you promise me that?"

"Especially you, Zhuang, as senior brother—your first duty is to protect your junior, not to fight recklessly!" Zhuang Yunzheng dutifully replied, "Master, I understand, and I will always protect my junior, never letting him be harmed."

Qi Ying’s expression softened, then he turned to Liang Xi. He cared deeply for this young disciple, wishing he could take Liang Xi’s place in the mission if possible, but knew that was impossible. "Little Mat, these ten years I only taught you the Earth Volume’s true energy, never any techniques. Do you resent me? Even if you do, it’s understandable—there are many exquisite techniques here. Sometimes I wonder, if you’d learned those, what might have happened?"

Liang Xi, just as he was in childhood, nestled against his master’s embrace. "Master’s kindness is as great as a mountain. I was frail as a child, unable to train, but thanks to the Earth Volume’s protection, I became what I am today. I’ve never blamed you, only felt deep gratitude."

Qi Ying laughed, "You’re grown now, still acting like a child. Get up! I know your temperament well. This mission passes by your home—you may visit. I’ve spoken with the sect leader; he agreed. You’ve been my disciple for ten years, never returned home. I feel I owe you. Your father and I are old friends—when you visit, please convey my apologies."

Liang Xi was overjoyed—he could go home! For him, it was truly the happiest news. He wrapped his arms around Qi Ying’s neck, singing and dancing. "Enough, enough, if you shake me any more, I’ll fall apart. But you haven’t been home in ten years—have you thought about what to bring?"

Liang Xi’s handsome face fell, just as it had when he was five. Zhuang Yunzheng chuckled beside him; his junior was simply too amusing, ten years passed and he hadn’t matured in this respect at all. Liang Xi shot his brother a murderous look. Zhuang Yunzheng feigned fear, complaining, "Master, look at Little Mat’s murderous glare—aren’t you going to do something?"

"Little Mat, don’t worry, I’ve prepared everything. Just take them with you when you leave. I’m sure my old friend will be delighted to see you again. Now the business is settled—can we celebrate my birthday?"

Qi Ying and his two disciples always interacted this way, which shaped their characters. They knew the coming mission would be perilous, so they cherished this tranquility.

"So, you returned from Cloud Palace in a foul mood? Did Uncle Qi Ying trouble you? I doubt it; though his power isn’t what it once was, his temperament is excellent. If anything, I suspect Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng bullied you. But even that seems unlikely—you’re their senior, and those two never practiced martial arts. If you didn’t trouble them, I’d be pleased."

Yan Shiyu, the sect leader of the Cloud Realm, smiled softly at his disciple. Despite his position, he had no trace of authority, like a friendly elder next door. His true age was over a hundred, his power unfathomable. Mu Chenyuan always felt awe before his master, for the absence of intimidation made him even more terrifying.

"I’ve always told you—do the right thing at the right time. Now, the mission to wipe out the Thunder Gang remnants has begun."

"This mission will determine who can participate in the Realm’s great tournament. You’re my chief disciple—your every word and deed represents me. I know you have many grievances with Zhuang Yunzheng and Liang Xi. If you truly wish to deal with them, the opportunity is here—but you should not show anger in Cloud Palace."

"I’ve told you before, my life was saved by Uncle Qi Ying. In Cloud State City, he is the one I most respect. Though I am now sect leader, I was never his equal in martial arts." His tone grew ever quieter, barely audible at the end. Qi Ying’s injury had left Yan Shiyu feeling deeply lonely.

Mu Chenyuan broke out in cold sweat, his body trembling. Everyone said Yan Shiyu was a great master who had made huge sacrifices for Cloud State City. Yet, as his disciple, Mu Chenyuan knew his master valued reputation, especially never losing to Qi Ying in presence. Though he had been sect leader for many years, disciples of the nine palaces still cherished the days when Qi Ying was sect leader.

Qi Ying, Qi Ying—wherever one went, his name was heard. After all these years, why was his influence still so vast? Yan Shiyu’s expression flickered, then returned to normal. Even if Qi Ying retained influence, so what? Qi Ying no longer shone as before; now, Yan Shiyu was the leader. What was there to be upset about?

"Chenyuan, you are my disciple, so I hope you are always first, always the best. You know this well. Why are you trembling now? My tone was harsh—please don’t take it to heart."

Mu Chenyuan kept his head bowed, not daring to meet his master’s gaze. In just a moment, his master had mastered his emotions perfectly—an impressive feat. "If you have no further instructions, Master, I’ll take my leave. I have much to prepare. Though Thunder Gang is reduced to remnants, I hear its leader Lei Pengfei is among them. If I can eliminate him, the gang will never rise again!"

"Very well, then go. You’re the team leader, so do as you wish. You need some real experience; otherwise, I wouldn’t trust you with the Cloud Realm." The last words were spoken softly, but Mu Chenyuan heard them, though he hardly believed his ears.

Leaving the Silent Palace, Mu Chenyuan found his back damp with cold sweat, his face relaxing as he exhaled deeply. "Senior Mu!" A graceful female disciple ran toward him, dressed in azure, her hair tied at her waist. She was breathing slightly from her run. "Junior Xu," he greeted.

It was obvious to all—this Junior Xu greatly admired Mu Chenyuan. Among female disciples, her skill was the strongest and her master’s favorite. She was also part of the mission. "Junior Xu, if there’s nothing you need, I’ll go. I have much to do."

The truth was quite different; Junior Xu had many things she wished to say to Mu Chenyuan, but when she actually stood before him, she couldn’t utter a single word. Strange, indeed. In the end, she could only watch him leave—this was not the first time such a thing had happened. She stomped her foot, "Stupid, stupid, so stupid!" The stupidity was her own.

Liang Xi liked to sit alone on the steps of Cloud Palace, watching the bustling street below. He had entered the palace via those very steps years before. Whenever he had free time, he sat there, and over time, it became a habit.

"Little Mat, it’s late—why aren’t you sleeping? Sitting here again, watching the city below. Haven’t you tired of it after all these years? Or are you nervous about returning home to see your parents?"

Zhuang Yunzheng was as sensitive as Liang Xi, which explained his knack for comforting people. Of course, in Zhuang Yunzheng's own words, it was talent—something others couldn’t learn.

"Senior, I used to be a crybaby; I know it. That’s the nickname you and Master gave me in secret. At the end of the city below is my home. Though ten years have passed, I still dream of the jujube tree at our door. As a child, when I wanted jujubes, Father would fetch them immediately, and I’d watch. I could watch all day and never tire. I also liked shopping with Mother—yes, right there in that market."

Zhuang Yunzheng sat beside Liang Xi, preferring to listen. He was the best listener in the world. "I didn’t know you had such a good life before entering the sect. Tell me—did you ever sneak down the mountain when Master and I weren’t paying attention? Otherwise, how could you know the market hasn’t changed at all over the years?"

"Senior, you’re so annoying! I was thinking about happy childhood memories, and your words ruined it all." Of course, Liang Xi knew his brother was trying to ease his nerves. Yes, returning home after so many years, he felt anxious—were his parents well? His breathing quickened at the thought. If his parents saw him now, surely they’d be surprised.

"All right, when we return, I’ll show you around my home. After all, over the past ten years, you’ve taken good care of me, but now you’re coming to my territory, so you needn’t worry. Leave everything to your little brother."

"My, that’s impressive! Well, dear brother, whether I eat well and have fun depends on your arrangements. If I’m dissatisfied, beware—I’ll tan your hide!"

"Don’t worry, Senior, I won’t give you that chance. But honestly, leaving Master now, I do feel reluctant. Do you feel the same?"

Zhuang Yunzheng didn’t agree; he put his arm around Liang Xi’s shoulder. "Not at all. I’m eager to go down the mountain! I hear the Thunder Gang was formidable in its heyday, yet it was wiped out. Now only remnants remain—why send so many elite disciples?"

"You two are truly clueless. The Thunder Gang remnants are holed up in Sky Cloud—the most dangerous place in Cloud State. That’s why so many elites are needed. Sky Cloud sounds beautiful, but it’s a lawless zone, home to many factions. No one can say for sure how much the Thunder Gang remnants have grown over the years!"

Qi Ying knew the Thunder Gang well. Decades ago, it was Cloud State’s most vicious force. Nine-tenths of the city’s wrongdoing could be traced to them, a testament to their audacity. The gang leader Lei Fei wielded powerful lightning skills, but after his death, his son Lei Pengfei disappeared. The mission’s core was to find Lei Pengfei, but that would not be easy. "Promise me—return safely. As for the Cloud Realm tournament, it has nothing to do with you!"

"I don’t want you to stand out; let Mu Chenyuan handle it. That’s best. You two possess divine skills—be careful. Sometimes, I regret teaching you these techniques. Once you learn them, you’ll always be caught in turmoil. Everything I’ve done seemed for your sake, but really, it was for myself. I am a truly failed master!"

Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng said nothing; the three sat together, gazing at the city below. "To be honest, I’ve spent so many years in Cloud Palace and never really admired the scenery. The children have grown; fledglings must grow. I know the truth about your Cloud Tome skills can’t be hidden forever, but until you have absolute ability to protect yourselves, never reveal it."

"Oo-oo-oo..." The morning calm was broken by a deep horn, a signal to assemble. "It’s been ages since I heard that horn. I haven’t been to the Silent Palace in so long. Come, let’s show everyone how powerful my disciples are!"

Qi Ying was a proud man, though his power had waned. His disciples were the best in the Realm, and he cared little for rules, believing nothing mattered more than their healthy growth.

Descending the steps from Cloud Palace, turning past the suspended stone, they arrived at the Silent Palace. The square was already filled with disciples. When they saw Qi Ying and his disciples arrive, they were stunned—so many years had passed, yet Qi Ying’s appearance was unchanged. Had his power recovered? They glanced from Qi Ying to Yan Shiyu, who had rarely left his chambers. Yan Shiyu’s voice echoed across the square, "Brother Qi, after so many years, you remain as impressive as ever. I envy you greatly."

"Brother, you are truly the best. The Cloud Realm flourished under your leadership, becoming the strongest sect in Cloud State. I could never achieve that. Your reputation is unmatched. Now you say you envy me? I am a cripple—my days are spent tending flowers, teasing dogs, and chatting with my two useless disciples. There is nothing to envy."

"Look at your disciples—so spirited. Mine are unruly, but what can I do? Their master is equally unruly." The disciples were stunned; they had long heard that Qi Ying and Yan Shiyu were the most powerful in the Realm. Even after all these years, Qi Ying’s character hadn’t changed.

"Brother, if you truly envy me, I’ll be sect leader and you can tend flowers. I think that’s very fitting. What do you say? Ha ha!" Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng were silent, thinking, Master, you must have prepared this speech long ago—how else could you say so much at once?

"Brother Ying, you finally came out! Seeing you recover so well, I’m truly happy." Zhu Feixue was delighted to see her old lover restored. They had been classmates for years, and such friendships easily blossomed into admiration or infatuation. Unfortunately, Qi Ying loved Feixue deeply, but knew that after his injury, their love was forever marked by a full stop.

"Feixue, after so many years, you’ve grown even more beautiful and enchanting—truly captivating!" Liang Xi and Zhuang Yunzheng were shocked. Was this their master? Master, have you changed your temperament? How can you say such frivolous things? What happened to your composure and dignity?

Zhu Feixue’s smile was radiant, her gaze the loveliest scenery. She teased, "I thought Brother Ying would have changed after all these years, but you’re still the same. But that’s who you are."

The other brothers congratulated Qi Ying, and he was delighted—so many years, so many words to share. Since there was still time, they let Qi Ying bask in past glory. It seemed he was adapting quickly. "You must be the disciple of our senior brother. Very good—truly outstanding. Senior brother, I have a request—could we exchange disciples? Yesterday, your nephew came to my palace without greeting me, and my little disciple mentioned some friction between them!"

"Mu Chenyuan, that’s your fault. As senior brother, you should guide your juniors, not resort to violence." Qi Ying placed his hand on Mu Chenyuan’s shoulder, releasing a surge of power that cracked the ground beneath. Mu Chenyuan could barely withstand it; his meridians nearly shattered!

"Brother, you’re right. Chenyuan needs to be disciplined. Now that I know of it, I’ll make sure to deal with him properly!" Suddenly, Yan Shiyu soared from the Silent Palace, using equal force to diffuse the energy, and strengthened Mu Chenyuan’s meridians. Was Qi Ying intent on destroying Mu Chenyuan, fearing he’d become a hindrance in the mission? Clearly, he was thinking far ahead.

"Chenyuan, you may go. Remember what your uncle said—my life was saved by your uncle. If he wants to teach you, I have no objection."

"Master, uncle, your lessons are taken to heart. I will remember them." Mu Chenyuan withdrew his power, feeling faint. Qi Ying’s skill was truly formidable—it seemed his power had recovered.

"Recovered? Not at all. I was just itching to move. You know, brother, I have no other talent but protecting my own. What, do you want to spar now? If so, I’d be delighted."

Yan Shiyu was gracious. "No, we haven’t seen each other in years; I miss you deeply. I don’t want to fight, just to talk. Besides, if we fought now, whoever lost would be mortified!"

Qi Ying withdrew his energy, smiling. "I don’t mind—my reputation is already lost, everyone knows it. But you, brother, have always cared about your reputation. Don’t worry, I won’t let you lose face. Liang Xi, Zhuang Yunzheng, come here and apologize to your senior uncle. You two really are trouble!"

Everyone thought, the real troublemaker is you, master. And though it was called an apology, Qi Ying was smiling, not angry at all. It was clear—the real purpose of today's gathering was to make Yan Shiyu uncomfortable, for Qi Ying’s pleasure.

"Dear nephew, your power is impressive—you can withstand true energy. Clearly, I am old now. If you want to bully my disciples in future, don’t bother them—come straight to me. My palace is always cold and quiet; another person to enliven it would make me happy."