Chapter 1071: Mutual Understanding

The sea of clouds rose, and the morning sun ascended in the east.

Bathed in the golden rays of the rising sun, the surging waves of clouds transformed endlessly, as if all the wonders and extremes of the world were manifesting within this sea of clouds, creating a scene of a fairyland.

At the center of the sea of clouds, a towering peak rose from the ground, piercing through the clouds and reaching into the heavens, standing opposite the morning sun, overlooking the sea of clouds and all living beings.

At the summit of the peak stood layers of palaces.

The Cangyun Heavenly Palace had stood here for countless years, and every brick and tile bore the lingering charm of the Great Dao, as if it could rival the sun and moon.

The sky was filled with radiant light, and auspicious sounds echoed.

As the sound of celestial music and drums rang out, Fu Haotian, dressed in luxurious attire, walked steadily with his hands behind his back, passing through several palace gates and standing outside the main hall, waiting quietly.

Behind him were fellow disciples, including many young female disciples who cast admiring glances his way.

Whether in terms of family background, cultivation, appearance, or demeanor, Fu Haotian was among the best of the current generation in the Cangyun Heavenly Palace. He had long been famous, rivaling only the senior sister, Zhongli Meng.

In terms of background and talent, he even surpassed Zhongli Meng.

His early return from the competition for the position of a personal disciple had already sparked much discussion among his peers.

Just as the murmurs of the crowd grew louder.

A graceful figure also stepped into the square, walking towards the palace.

She wore a light yellow dress, her hair cascading like a waterfall.

As the dignified and elegant Zhongli Meng appeared, many disciples turned to look at her, their eyes filled with admiration and reverence. Though their numbers were few, their expressions were resolute!

The appearance of this senior sister made it difficult to suppress the heated discussions.

Eyes continuously gathered, watching the figure in the long dress walk towards the palace.

She stood directly at the door, parallel to Fu Haotian, her presence not inferior in the slightest.

Fu Haotian smiled faintly and glanced sideways, his eyes filled with even more arrogance.

"Senior Sister, it's been a while."

"You must be tired from your journey, returning to the Heavenly Palace only now. It seems your trip was not smooth. One should act within their means, Senior Sister, there's no need to force things."

His words, though soft, carried a hidden sting, causing many fellow disciples to show signs of displeasure.

Even before the demon corpses were counted, Fu Haotian already exuded an air of confidence, adopting a condescending attitude, more arrogant than ever.

His gentle and refined facade made Zhongli Meng's eyes turn cold.

In terms of background, magical treasures, connections, and origins, she could not compare to this second-generation heir. This was an inherent gap in starting points, an unchangeable fate.

If it were only a matter of effort and talent, Zhongli Meng was confident she was not inferior to him.

However, reality was cruel.

This competition for the position of a personal disciple was determined solely by the number of demons slain.

She was almost completely outmatched, even the flying vessel she rode had a noticeable difference in grade. The stark contrast almost declared the outcome.

But Zhongli Meng believed she had done her best and was unwilling to accept this fate!

She also calmly raised her eyes and coldly retorted.

"Junior Brother Fu is right, everything has its destined outcome."

Her soft voice resonated, and many fellow disciples stood behind Zhongli Meng. Even if they were unwilling, they could not stand Fu Haotian's haughty demeanor.

As the two factions stood in opposition, an elder finally emerged from the palace.

With his hands behind his back, he looked down at the crowd, exuding an extraordinary aura.

Immediately, the disciples stood quietly in their places, bowing their heads and waiting.

A weathered voice echoed through the palace.

"In three days, we will count the demon corpses in front of the main hall to determine the selection of the personal disciple. You may all withdraw now!"

Thousands of disciples bowed in unison.

Zhongli Meng and Fu Haotian also respectfully acknowledged the order.

"Disciples obey."

As they rose again, the elder's figure had already disappeared.

Fu Haotian's eyes grew even more arrogant, glancing sideways with a faint smile, then he left holding a cloud-patterned fan, his back straight and full of confidence.

Behind him, a group of disciples followed, flattering and making noise.

As the flattery and noise faded, only a few remained at the palace door.

The square suddenly became quiet, and Zhongli Meng also left with a solemn expression.

Passing through several palace gates.

The fellow disciples behind her continued to complain, filled with indignation.

"Fu Haotian is truly shameless, relying on his family background and external help, yet he dares to put on airs in front of everyone!"

"Hmph! He's always been like this, a domineering second-generation heir!"

"I think he's very confident, he must have slain a lot of demons."

"Ah, he has the help of a Heaven-rank expert, even Elder Eight tacitly allowed it, what can we do to compete!"

"So unfair!"

Whispers continued to rise, the eight fellow disciples all looked discontented.

But no matter how much they discussed, Zhongli Meng did not say another word, and no other brothers spoke up in support. Even the fellow disciples who followed gradually dispersed.

The hearts of the people were cold, such was the world.

A sense of desolation spread around them.

Until they walked out of the inner courtyard of the Heavenly Palace, Wei Zhenfang, who had been squatting in a corner, finally showed a look of joy and hurried forward, quietly bowing and blocking their path.

"Miss Zhongli, greetings!"

The sudden appearance of a strange old man, politely bowing before them.

Zhongli Meng and the others were all surprised.

"Esteemed elder, you are..."

Only the second senior brother whispered beside her.

"He is one of the experts Fu Haotian invited. I saw with my own eyes, this person once rode the same flying vessel as Fu Haotian, and they set off before us."

The whisper made everyone's expressions turn cold.

Zhongli Meng also wore a cold expression, even though she knew he was an expert, her presence did not falter.

"May I ask what advice you have, sir?"

Wei Zhenfang was not angered, instead his smile became even more amiable.

He spread his divine sense, sensing that no one was around.

Only then did he step closer, smiling and congratulating.

"Congratulations, Miss Zhongli, on your victory. I have come to offer my congratulations. Miss, you are the people's choice, the future master of the Heavenly Palace, truly well-deserved!"

The inexplicable words made Zhongli Meng and the others look surprised.

Zhongli Meng's eyes showed a hint of anger as she probed.

"Sir, there's no need for sarcasm. If Fu Haotian has any instructions, please speak directly!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Wei Zhenfang was stunned, then he laughed heartily.

"Ah, hahaha!"

"Miss, you jest. How could a scoundrel like Fu Haotian dare to mock you? What does he amount to, not knowing the height of the heavens, how could he compete with you?"

The curses were satisfying, but Zhongli Meng was already confused.

This person...

Wasn't he one of the experts Fu Haotian invited?

Why was he suddenly cozying up to her?

Before she could ask, Wei Zhenfang had already restrained his smile and mysteriously presented a storage ring.

"Please, Miss Zhongli, accept this ring!"

"My mission is complete, I congratulate you on your victory!"

Looking at the storage ring floating before her, Zhongli Meng was completely bewildered.

Her clear eyes widened in surprise, filled with doubt.

"Sir, what do you mean by this? What victory are you talking about? We are strangers, not fellow disciples, why are you giving me a storage ring?"

A series of questions, but Wei Zhenfang did not answer.

He smiled and stroked his beard with his left hand, his eyes filled with the wisdom of seeing through everything.

His face showed admiration and respect, casting a meaningful look.

"Even now, you can still endure to this extent, Miss, you truly act with low profile."

"However, the situation is now settled, you need not endure any longer. I already know everything, we understand each other. From now on, I am your subordinate, if you have any orders, I will not hesitate to die for you!"

Then he bowed deeply.

Wei Zhenfang, as if meeting a wise ruler, was full of submission.

Before Zhongli Meng could speak, he had already firmly left. After this brief encounter, the gap between Fu Haotian and this lady was like heaven and earth in his heart.

He left with a carefree and open-minded demeanor.

At the entrance of the inner courtyard of the Heavenly Palace.

Zhongli Meng, bewildered, took the floating ring, her face filled with confusion.

"Mutual understanding?"

"What exactly is going on, how do I understand anything?"

When she turned back in confusion, the other fellow disciples were also in disarray, looking at each other in bewilderment, scratching their heads in frustration.

"I don't know..."