Chapter 15: Misunderstanding

In Chen Zhao’s eyes, though he hadn’t known Zhang Yujun long, she had always given him an impression of serene elegance. This was the first time he’d seen her like this.

He nodded stiffly.

“Everyone in the sect knows of Wudao Holy Son; champion of the last Heavenly Star Assembly. Even in the lower sect, I heard rumors about him.”

Zhang Yujun nodded with a faint smile.

“The Heavenly Star Assembly is a grand event led by the three upper sects. He barely took first place last time, but this time it won’t be close. He’ll crush everyone and claim the top spot.”

Chen Zhao blinked, puzzled.

“Why? Wudao Holy Son is indeed strong, but the leaders from the other two sects aren’t to be underestimated. You have that much faith in him?”

“Of course.” Zhang Yujun almost said something, then stopped awkwardly. “He’s the benchmark on the immortal path. Naturally I support him.”

“Hehe, your junior sister seems to really like Zhang Wudao.” The snake demon said faintly. “Makes sense. Though Zhang Wudao is eccentric and violent toward other disciples, he’s strong. Strength covers everything else.”

“Senior, is he really as strong as you say?”

Seeing even the snake demon and Zhang Yujun show such reverence for Zhang Wudao, a ripple finally stirred in Chen Zhao’s usually calm heart.

“It’s not a question of strong or not. Let me put it this way: he began cultivating in the womb. Born with a complete top-tier Dao Body awakened. Any technique he sees once, he masters. Resources and treasures are delivered without him asking. Born with an enlightened dao heart. For someone like him, not achieving greatness would be difficult.” The snake demon sighed.

“The Golden Core and Nascent Soul we strive for might just be small steps to the upper realm for him. Chen Zhao, comparing yourself to him is meaningless.” The snake demon seemed to see through Chen Zhao’s thoughts.

Chen Zhao fell silent.

The snake demon’s words gave him a direct sense of what a true immortal dao genius was.

But the snake demon misunderstood one thing. He wasn’t comparing himself to Zhang Wudao; he just wanted to understand the real gap. Having a target motivated him to keep striving.

“Immortal dao rewards diligence; everything is possible through effort. Wudao Holy Son shall be my goal on the immortal path.” Chen Zhao said with feeling.

“You think so too?”

For some reason, Zhang Yujun’s gaze toward Chen Zhao softened. In her heart, Zhang Wudao had always been the benchmark she set for herself since childhood. Reaching Foundation at sixteen owed much to that drive.

She had no doubt about Chen Zhao’s words. In the Ask Immortal Sect, who wouldn’t learn from Zhang Wudao? Otherwise, sweep dust as outer disciples forever?

Chen Zhao felt Zhang Yujun’s attitude change most clearly.

During their exploration of the heavenly rings, this usually aloof junior sister frequently spoke to him. Though mostly about Zhang Wudao, it still left him feeling flattered.

He didn’t know much about Zhang Wudao personally, but with the Golden Core snake demon, no matter what Zhang Yujun mentioned, he had something to say. This gave her a rare sense of finding a kindred spirit.

After all, cultivating alone so long, Chen Zhao was the first sect disciple she’d spoken this much with.

“Chen Zhao, your junior sister looks aloof, but she’s quite the talker.” The snake demon was the first to surrender. If not for its long life and vast experience, it might not have kept up.

“Senior, thank you for your hard work. I didn’t expect… well, worthy of Wudao Holy Son.” Watching Zhang Yujun’s side profile with its faint smile, Chen Zhao smiled bitterly inwardly.

“Kid, she wouldn’t be in love with Zhang Wudao, right?” The snake demon grew excited. “Makes sense. Though eccentric and violent, he’s strong. Strength excuses everything.”

Chen Zhao jolted awake, looking at Zhang Yujun.

“What’s wrong?”

Zhang Yujun turned back. Her pure, flawless gaze stirred an odd feeling in Chen Zhao’s heart.

“Nothing.” Chen Zhao shook his head, but asked the snake demon, “But I heard Zhang Wudao already has a dao companion. She and him… shouldn’t be possible, right?”

“What’s that matter? No rule says only one dao companion. You’re young; your thinking is too outdated.” The snake demon shook its head like an elder. “This girl reached Foundation at sixteen; definitely a core in aristocratic lineage. Zhang Wudao is the top youth there. Perfect match. If possible, aristocratic faction would definitely push them together. Families; taking a few more isn’t a big deal.”

So I’m the outdated one?

Chen Zhao frowned. In his view, dao companions should be like-minded partners pursuing the immortal dao together; not mixed with too many impurities.

Junior Sister… really likes Zhang Wudao?

In their terms, that’s a married man.

“You overthink. Why not ask her directly?” The snake demon said lightly.

Chen Zhao hesitated, then called to Zhang Yujun.

“Junior Sister, what do you think of Zhang Holy Son?”

Zhang Yujun paused. “What could I think?”

Chen Zhao organized his words. “I mean… do you like him?”

Zhang Yujun answered without hesitation. “Of course I like him. He’s one of the few people in this world I trust most.”

Chen Zhao’s voice rose. “But he already has a dao companion…”

“Dao companion?” Zhang Yujun froze. Just as hope sparked in Chen Zhao, she said nonchalantly, “What does his dao companion have to do with our bond? I don’t mind.”

“Hm? Didn’t expect your junior sister so young yet so open-minded about relationships.” The snake demon said surprised.

Chen Zhao persisted. “Why do you like him?”

Zhang Yujun looked at him oddly. What’s wrong with admiring and liking her brother?

But why…

Zhang Yujun said softly, “Because he’s strong enough, I suppose.”

“No issue. The strong deserve everything. This answer resonates with me.” The snake demon nodded.

Chen Zhao fell silent a moment. “If… I become stronger than him, would you change your mind?”

What does that mean?

Zhang Yujun looked at Chen Zhao puzzled. Seeing his steady, determined eyes, she suddenly understood, surprise flashing in her gaze.

This guy wouldn’t think I like Brother, right?

Honestly, she only felt familial closeness and respect for Zhang Wudao. Besides, days ago he was a man; how could she have such thoughts?

What was this guy thinking earlier?

Zhang Yujun felt helpless inwardly but showed interest outwardly. “If you really achieve that, I’ll consider it.”

Fine, let the misunderstanding stand. If it truly motivates Chen Zhao to strive, using Brother as target; it’s good for him.

That was her reason for treating Chen Zhao specially.