"Um… I know this might be rude, but this one would like to ask the Fairy something."

Van spoke up nervously, fidgeting under the pressure given off by Fairy Meirong's furious aura.

Stopping in her tracks, she stood silently. The guard discreetly glanced at Van with an imploring gaze before returning back to normal.

Assuming that this was silent assent from the Fairy, Van spoke up.

"Why are we not using a carriage and instead walking through the streets? All the pedestrians are looking at us."

They had stopped in a less crowded area, but the gazes of all the pedestrians were trained on them. There was even a group of fans, dominantly male, that had formed to follow the Fairy. They had seen her at a distance before, but never in such close contact. Someone with as high a status as Fairy Meirong would never walk on the streets with the others. She would draw too much attention. Of course, they didn't dare to approach within 30 feet of her so as to not to disturb her.

In reply to this, Fairy Meirong turned around and gave a chilling smile to Van before moving on as if nothing happened. Seeing her smile, the adoring fans gave a loud united cheer at the Fairy's stunning disposition. On the other hand, Van stood there stunned.

A chill ran down his spine. His horrible intuition had finally done him some service and gave him the right signs.

A few moments later, he came to himself and hurried off after her. Recomposing himself with his head held low, Van matched his pace with the Fairy once more.

I must not embarrass myself again.

This phrase was repeated in Van's mind, like a mantra, as he walked along. With high hopes that it would adjust his mentality, Van calmed his mind and focused on the words that repeated through his mind. Although it was probably a placebo effect, Van felt refreshed and ready to confront his next challenge. His state of mind was restored and the previous embarrassment he had faced seemed insignificant. He was a mighty cultivator, a young hero. Such minor matters couldn't hold a noble warrior like him back.

This unfounded confidence led to Van once again lifting up his head. He was confident and determined to prove himself to Fairy Meirong in whatever task lay ahead of him.

They continued to trudge along towards the clan compound. At this point, the crowd had become rather large in size and attracted the attention of some notable figures in the city. Fairy Meirong's appearance was a rarity even among the upper class. Seeing her in public just waltzing around was a sight never seen before. The reason for this occurrence, of course, was following just a few steps behind Fairy Meirong's pale complexion, not that anyone in the crowd knew that.

After making it through the winding roads of Jade Bamboo City, they finally made it in front of the clan compound. The Liu Clan's compound was a large and luxurious display of power. Of course, it wasn't anything compared to anything within the Flowing River Sect. But, it was certainly more impressive than anything that Van had seen in the Great Gan Country.

Although calm, Van's gaze scanned over the exterior of the Clan Compound with sincere admiration. The tall white brick walls, the intricately carved stone lions at the gate, and the red lanterns that would be used to light the compound at night. All of this was a show of power to deter anyone from crossing one of the five great clans of Jade Bamboo City.

Seeing the large crowd of people, the Liu Clan's guards standing at the gate were intimidated, but held their chins up and puffed their chests out. Seeing their Young Mistress at the gate, having traveled on foot, they were surprised but didn't show any of it while still opening the gate. Mei Rong continued on and calmly moved through the gate entrance.

Van, on the other hand, had hesitated in his steps. Although he had a strong cultivation, a clan of this strong was guaranteed to have at least one practitioner at the Inner Discovery level. There was also the case of enough ants being able to bite an elephant to death.

Sensing Van's hesitation, Mei Rong turned around and signaled for him to follow. Although he was rather distasteful, she still hadn't put him to use yet. She was unwilling to let all her hard work go to waste.

It was at this moment that his youthful arrogance and boldness won him over.

Nothing ventured, nothing earned.

With that, Van took his first step into the compound. It was the start of a new journey. He only had himself to depend on and he was going to take his place in the world.

Well… that's what he told himself anyways. This was his 2nd start as his true start was when he had left the Flowing River Sect. It was at that moment he had assumed responsibility. But, seeing as he had screwed up so badly recently, we should probably spare him the technicalities.

And with that confidence, he took a look around himself, taking in the sight. It was a wonderful start. There was a nice breeze, a beauty in front of him, and an adventure awaiting his presence.

His joy was short-lived as a commotion came from the crowd, which caught the attention of both Mei Rong and Van. A few moments later, the crowd split to reveal and a set of 5 carriages. Engraved on these carriages were the crests of the 4 other families. Two of the carriages were from Li, one from Wang, one from Zhang, and one from Chen. The door of the carriage from the Zhang family burst open.

Arrogance exuding with every step, a youth with flame-kissed hair made his presence known to everyone.