Chapter Sixty-Five: Poise

Ye Sansi stared intently at the shadowy figures in the distance. Though cautious, he knew these newcomers were not enemies, for the sky remained calm, unmarred by any hint of murderous intent.

As the black dots drew closer, the group could finally make them out: five cultivators clad in blue robes with white patterns, clearly from the Square Inch Immortal Island. Each rode upon their swords, their pace unhurried but their formation impeccable.

Soon enough, the five swordbearers hovered above the prow of the boat, then leapt down to the deck, sheathing their blades. The leader approached and bowed, saying, “Are you here to seek cultivation and enlightenment at our Immortal Island?”

Ye Sansi and his companions returned the courtesy, and Taiyi replied, “Indeed, we are.”

“Very well. Join us, then. The five of us can cast spells upon this vessel, hastening your journey considerably. Since the island lies not far ahead, we should arrive before noon.” With that, the five disciples moved to the center of the boat, facing the bow, forming a circle. They sat cross-legged, closed their eyes, and began their incantations.

Their spellcraft proved effective: the boat sped swiftly and smoothly, as if gliding atop tranquil waters. The four drew near, wary of disturbing them, but the leader sensed their approach and spoke first: “Is there anyone named Lu aboard?”

Lin Nian’er replied, “Brother Lu, he…”

“No need to say more,” the disciple interrupted. “To be candid, we were sent by the Island Master to welcome you, especially any bearing the surname Lu. But if Master Lu is not present, we are not to inquire further. My name is Fang Yuan, eleventh-generation disciple of Square Inch Immortal Island; these four are my pupils. As you have yet to formally join our sect, and as I am only a few years your senior, just call me Brother Fang.”

They bowed again, feeling an instant kinship with Fang Yuan. There was an honest righteousness in his brow, and his words and actions were courteous—truly a disciple of a renowned, upright sect.

Ye Sansi and his companions were surprised that Fang Yuan, at his age, already had disciples. Clearly, he was extraordinary; the spell he used to guide the boat surely was no simple technique, attesting to his exceptional talent.

Li Taiyi asked, “Brother Fang, are there requirements for joining the Immortal Island? Could you tell us in advance so we might prepare ourselves?”

“Admission to Square Inch Immortal Island is a major event, shaping the island’s future. It is overseen personally by the masters and the Island Master. We disciples assist only with trivial matters and are not privy to the selection criteria. Besides, if I knew and told you, it would be unfair to the others. You have come at a fortuitous time; the day after tomorrow is our grand disciple selection. Some have arrived early to learn the arts of our island, living here for some time, but you need only wait a single day.”

Li Taiyi scratched his head and asked with a smile, “Does the Immortal Island set specific dates for recruitment?”

“Of course. Our reputation is well known, and our rules are strict. Only the rarest talents are chosen. Many journey here by boat, but if the Island Master is unimpressed, they are sent away. If their aptitude is extraordinary, they are given rooms and await the selection, competing with others for the chance to become disciples.”

Liu Lingshuang exclaimed, “Wow, Square Inch Immortal Island truly lives up to its fame! Even disciple selection is so rigorous—can the four of us withstand such a test?”

Fang Yuan smiled, “Miss, no need to worry. Take things as they come. If you miss this opportunity, simply return next time. The gates of our island are always open.”

Lin Nian’er asked, “Brother Fang, when is the next selection?”

“We hold our disciple selection every three years.”

---

“Three years?” Ye Sansi said, “If we fail this time, we must wait three years—that’s too long.”

Li Taiyi chuckled, “Brother Sansi, it’s nothing. I came to accompany you; if you don’t stay at Square Inch Immortal Island, I won’t either. Besides, in terms of strength, comprehension, and intelligence, you are the best among us. If your talents cannot pass the test, what hope do we have?”

Ye Sansi scratched his head with embarrassment, grinning foolishly. Fang Yuan smiled, “Well then, let me wish you all good luck.”

With the spell of Fang Yuan and his companions, the boat sped swiftly and smoothly, without the slightest jolt or bump. The group returned to the cabin, where Wang and Zhao had prepared a meal.

On the table, aside from several seafood dishes, lay a sheet of yellow paper piled high with dried fish. The flavors weren’t as rich as yesterday’s, but the dried fish was still crisp and delicious.

After eating, drowsiness overtook them. Yet with the Immortal Island so near, falling asleep would be disrespectful. The four agreed to leave the cabin, not wishing to disturb Fang Yuan and his group, so they wandered the deck to clear their minds and shake off their fatigue.

The sun rose higher and grew hotter. Fang Yuan stood and said, “Everyone, Square Inch Immortal Island is just ahead.”

At his words, not only Ye Sansi and his friends but Wang and Zhao grew excited and curious, crowding to the prow. Ahead, an island emerged from the vast blue—a patch of green, no different in appearance from any other sea island, lacking any sign of a celestial realm.

As the boat advanced, they felt themselves pass through a soft barrier, and when they looked again, the island had transformed. It appeared as a magnificent palace, like the legendary dwellings of immortals—truly spectacular.

The boat slowed, gliding to the shore, and only then did they realize the island’s vastness. Encircling its perimeter was a forest, clearly not natural, but shaped by immortal magic—lush and vibrant, its scent fresh and invigorating, clearing their minds and dispelling all fatigue.

Fang Yuan and his companions rose and addressed Ye Sansi, “Let’s not delay—follow me into the island.”

The four nodded and bid farewell to Wang and Zhao, then followed Fang Yuan ashore, passing through the woods. Soon, rows of houses came into view, apparently encircling the island.

Fang Yuan explained, “What you see now is the residence for those deemed to have potential by the island. By order of the masters, with the selection approaching, those brought here are given rooms. Wait until the day after tomorrow, then you’ll proceed into the inner island. I’ll come for you then.”

Ye Sansi smiled, “Thank you, Brother Fang. Can we consider this as passing the first round?”

Fang Yuan pondered for a moment and laughed, “Compared to those who arrived earlier, you do have an advantage. But consider this: when the day comes, there will be many outsiders seeking admission, including children of prestigious families sent here. The competition will be fierce, and who knows if you’ll succeed?”

Speaking as he led them, Fang Yuan brought them to a house, opened the door, and the four entered. Inside were six beds. Fang Yuan said, “You can stay here.”

Liu Lingshuang asked, “Isn’t it wasteful for four of us to use six beds?”

Fang Yuan laughed heartily, “Don’t worry—there are plenty of empty rooms on the island. Though there’s only one row, they circle the whole island, and most are vacant.”

---

Ye Sansi asked, “Now that we have a place to stay, where do we eat?”

“For meals, go to the barrier at the inner island—food will be distributed there. Since those in the outer ring are not disciples, a fee is required. Just follow others and you’ll find the place. It’s getting late; I must report to my master. Farewell!” With those words, the five left the house, drew their swords, and departed.

Ye Sansi approached a bed, lay down, stretched, and said, “Looks like these beds are no different from those outside—hardly comfortable. And the house isn’t much to look at, far inferior to Ling Shuang and Nian’er’s homes, nothing like I imagined.”

“Hey, wild man!” Liu Lingshuang came over and said, “Didn’t Brother Fang say this is only the outskirts, for mortals with potential? How could it be grand? Didn’t you see from the boat how the island looked like a celestial palace? Once we enter the inner island, you’ll see it properly.”

Ye Sansi crossed his legs, pouted, and muttered, “Alright, I hope so…”

They chose their beds, when suddenly a knock came at the door. Peeking out, they saw a young girl standing at the threshold, lovely and a little shy—just the type Ling Shuang liked. She hurried over, and the girl said, “Are you new arrivals?”

Ling Shuang replied, “Yes, yes! Don’t stand at the door—come in and sit.”

“Thank you.” The girl bowed, entered, and found a chair. She said, “My name is Jin Sun, but my family calls me Little Sun. If you don’t mind, I prefer that name.”

Ling Shuang moved a chair beside Jin Sun and asked, “So, Little Sun, what brings you here?”

“I heard that you were allowed to stay without going through the Island Master’s selection—so you must be special. I wanted to make friends. I’ve been at Square Inch Immortal Island for two months. Though I passed the aptitude test and live in the outer ring, I’m constantly harassed by others who fear I might become their rival, always finding excuses to trouble me. When I saw you, I felt you were kind, so I came…”

“Little Sun, you don’t need to say more.” Ling Shuang took Jin Sun’s hand. “From now on, stay with us. Those bullies won’t dare bother you. Makes me angry—such a sweet girl shouldn’t be bullied. If I get the chance, I’ll teach them a lesson!”

“Thank you, sister. I’m grateful you’re willing to protect me. There’s no need to fight—I don’t want trouble that might affect the selection day.”

Ling Shuang gestured, introducing her friends, “I’m Liu Lingshuang. That’s Ye Sansi, Li Taiyi, and Lin Nian’er. Your safety is our responsibility now—you won’t be bullied. Besides, since you’ve been here longer, we’re new and unfamiliar with the island, so we hope you’ll guide us.”

Jin Sun stood and bowed, “In a while, I can take you to the barrier for a meal—would you like that?”

Ye Sansi, still lounging on the bed with his leg up, opened his eyes at the mention of food. “Great! It’s nearly noon—I’m starting to get hungry.”