Section 2: The White-Browed Alchemist’s Favor
Author: Gu Zhenren
Date: 2013-02-09
The Drunken Snow Saber brought about tremendous changes in Chu Yun, making his physique robust, causing him to stand out amongst the other young men. As he walked, both young men and women cast curious, solemn, and bewildered glances his way, more often than not, gazes filled with a desire to compare and challenge. They were all the most outstanding seeds of Monster Tamers from their respective islands. They were young geniuses, surpassing their peers, with an inherent pride in their bones.
“Just a bunch of arrogant brats… But, if it were me in my previous life, I’d probably behave the same way here? Heh heh.”
With that thought, Chu Yun smiled slightly. His steps didn’t falter. After ascending a few steps, his vision brightened as he reached the deck. Standing on the deck, he gazed out at the vast sky and sea, with white clouds drifting by. Seabirds glided gracefully through the blue expanse. It was a scene of picturesque oceanic beauty. Chu Yun couldn’t help but exhale a breath of stale air, then take a deep inhale. The sea breeze swept across his face, the air rich with the scent of the ocean, invigorating his spirit. The stuffiness from cultivating in his room dissipated completely.
“It seems all your hard work cultivating every day, day and night, has borne some fruit,” a steady voice called from his side.
Chu Yun turned his head and saw a man in a green robe, with white eyebrows and black hair. It was the White-Browed Alchemist, observing him. He was sitting on the ship’s railing, holding a long, greenish fishing rod, preoccupied with fishing. Having spent several days together on the ship, Chu Yun had a general understanding of this esteemed gentleman from Tiange Academy. The White-Browed Alchemist was steady, calm, rigorous, and possessed deep insight. He was a pillar of Tiange Academy, a man who wouldn’t flinch even if Mount Tai were to collapse before him. Such a person hid his emotions, his thoughts unfathomable. However, Chu Yun’s experience in dealing with people was profound, far beyond that of a typical thirteen-year-old. After a few interactions, he could sense a certain degree of goodwill from the White-Browed Alchemist.
“Student Chu Yun pays his respects to the Alchemist,” Chu Yun said from a distance, bowing slightly. He knew the man wouldn’t greet him without reason, and there must be something he wanted to say. Thus, he walked toward the White-Browed Alchemist. The latter, however, turned his head, his gaze returning to the sea. The treasure ship sailed on, waves churning on either side. The white spray engulfed the fishing line, obscuring the view below. The White-Browed Alchemist seemed deeply absorbed, as if he had forgotten Chu Yun beside him, his eyes fixed on the fishing line, lost in a state of self-forgetfulness. Chu Yun walked to his side, his gaze also following the fishing line. For a moment, both were silent. After a full quarter of an hour, the White-Browed Alchemist suddenly spoke, “The Drunken Snow Saber is good, but its potential is limited. The Sky Fox should be your primary focus for nurturing. Do you understand this, Chu Yun?”
This statement truly stunned him! The moment Chu Yun heard these words, it was as if a bolt of lightning had struck his mind. The identity of the Sky Fox had actually been discovered by the White-Browed Alchemist?!
“What should I do? Is he testing me with this statement, or has he already confirmed it? Should I continue to conceal it, or should I confess everything?”
For a moment, Chu Yun’s mind was in turmoil, and he felt a pang of panic. The Sky Fox was a Supreme grade Demonic Beast. If such an existence were known, the entire Archipelago would erupt. The sin of possessing a treasure would render even Shu unable to protect it. Chu Yun had originally intended to keep this secret hidden for as long as possible, believing that one should lay low when possessing a great treasure. Yet, he never imagined that the Sky Fox’s identity would be exposed so quickly! Hearing the White-Browed Alchemist’s words so suddenly, Chu Yun’s heart skipped a beat, his breathing grew rough, and countless thoughts swirled through his mind, his thoughts a jumbled mess.
“Yes, that is precisely my plan,” Chu Yun said, taking a deep breath. He had made up his mind, trusting his intuition, and chose not to conceal it any further, admitting it frankly.
“Hehehe,” the White-Browed Alchemist couldn’t help but chuckle. He turned his face towards Chu Yun, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration. This young man was truly interesting. He was the second most powerful figure in Tiange Academy, having encountered countless outstanding young talents from the Archipelago. Over the years, his standards had become increasingly high, and ordinary geniuses no longer caught his eye. However, even he had to admit that Chu Yun before him gave him a different feeling, making him appear exceptional, extraordinarily so.
Firstly, his aptitude. At the age of thirteen, he could control a Great Demon. This indicated ample innate Spirit, exceptional aptitude, and was uncommon among his peers.
Secondly, his disposition. He possessed courage, a fearless kind of courage, willing to act even when facing an opponent like the Savage Wolf with no hope of victory. Courage alone was understandable; the bravery of a newborn calf unafraid of a tiger was common among youths his age, driven by ignorance. However, Chu Yun was not only brave but also steady and diligent. Many young men on the treasure ship were noisy and boisterous upon arrival. Once the novelty wore off, they would often sit idly or sleep. Only Chu Yun remained calm, his mind and body at peace, unaffected by his surroundings. For the past few days, he had barely left his room, absorbing the spiritual energy from the Drunken Snow Saber and cultivating diligently. Such a character truly made the White-Browed Alchemist’s eyes light up. If he didn’t know Chu Yun’s background, he might have thought an unparalleled ancient master was masquerading as a youth, playing in the mortal world. Just now, the White-Browed Alchemist couldn’t resist testing him. He deliberately ignored Chu Yun, focusing on his fishing. To his surprise, Chu Yun remained patient and composed, waiting by his side. Such a mindset earned the Alchemist’s admiration.
Thirdly, his potential. The Supreme grade Demonic Beast, the Sky Fox, represented immense potential. Once it grew, coupled with Chu Yun’s disposition, his future achievements would undoubtedly be extraordinary. Yes, the White-Browed Alchemist had indeed discerned the Sky Fox’s true nature. He had felt suspicious upon their first meeting. The explanation of “mutated fire fox” might fool some, but not the discerning White-Browed Alchemist. Especially after observing it furtively several times later, his suspicion was further confirmed. To his shock, the White-Browed Alchemist initially believed Chu Yun was unaware of the Sky Fox’s true identity. However, after gradually interacting with him and understanding Chu Yun’s character, he realized that Chu Yun must know the truth and was merely using this excuse as a cover for his own protection. If any ordinary young man were in such a fortunate situation, they would likely shout it from the rooftops. By comparison, Chu Yun appeared even more composed, courageous, and resourceful.
Finally, his moral character. He disregarded his own safety to save his adoptive father. Facing an enemy dozens of times stronger than him, with no chance of victory, he was willing to abandon his bright future and face death with resolute courage. At that time, even his biological son and wife had given up… This was filial piety! Moral character is separate from talent; there are many talented individuals lacking virtue, and virtuous people lacking talent. However, moral character earns favor. A person so loyal and filial would be favorably viewed, even without talent. Even if they made mistakes, public anger would likely subside upon learning that the offender was a deeply filial son. The saying “Of all virtues, filial piety is the foremost” holds true; those who are filial are unlikely to be truly bad. This is human nature. Aptitude, disposition, potential, and moral character—a youth possessing all four, provided he doesn’t perish prematurely, will surely have a broad and bright future. This was almost a certainty.
