In the vast expanse of the Western Sea, Ji Wudi flew alongside Zhu Yu.
Zhu Yu, with his sword-like eyebrows, starry eyes, and a face like a jade crown, appeared radiant and full of spirit. His every move exuded an ethereal grace.
Ji Wudi, in stark contrast, was built like a barrel, his arms wide enough to gallop a horse. A scar across his face gave him a somewhat ferocious appearance, a result of his prolonged body refinement.
He trailed Zhu Yu, grumbling unhappily.
"Zhu Yu, I've misjudged you. I always thought your cultivation was a result of diligence and arduous practice.
Turns out, you've just been relying on your looks to freeload everywhere."
Ji Wudi now regretted following Zhu Yu on his wanderings.
They had traveled the Central Continent for over a hundred years, gaining much knowledge and encountering various opportunities.
But what astonished Ji Wudi the most was how Zhu Yu, simply by virtue of his appearance, managed to secure good fortune wherever he went.
He, following Zhu Yu, was envious, yet such good fortune never fell to him.
Each time Zhu Yu finished his feast, he wouldn't even leave him a drop of soup.
Thus, his initial admiration for Zhu Yu gradually turned into envy, then into disdain and contempt.
Humans are often like this; only when they lack certain abilities do they vehemently condemn such behavior.
"How dare you slander me!"
Zhu Yu's expression turned serious.
"I, Zhu, am a man of integrity, standing tall and upright. Everything I have achieved today is through my own efforts."
Then, Zhu Yu looked at Ji Wudi with eyes that conveyed both disappointment in his lack of ambition and pity for his misfortune.
"As a fellow disciple, I have a duty to correct your flawed thinking. Your current mindset is utterly wrong.
We cultivators should strive for progress, train diligently, and overcome all difficulties with great wisdom and willpower to reach the pinnacle. This is the righteous path.
Never resort to shortcuts, lest you stray from the right way!"
As Zhu Yu spoke, he shook his head and sighed repeatedly, as if deeply regretful.
Ji Wudi clenched his fists, the sound of his knuckles cracking like a breaking branch, wishing he could disfigure Zhu Yu with a single punch.
Was this even human speech?
As Ji Wudi seethed with resentment, a burly man, comparable in build to Ji Wudi himself, flew towards them.
"Father! I've finally found you!"
Both men froze. They had traveled far and wide, seen much of the world, but had never encountered someone who, upon meeting, directly addressed them as "Father."
"Father!"
The burly man approached and affectionately called out "Father" again.
Both were certain they hadn't misheard, and were completely stunned.
Logically, upon arriving in any new place, one should adapt to local customs to foster harmonious relations with the inhabitants.
Otherwise, it might lead to unnecessary misunderstandings or conflicts.
"Father!"
Ji Wudi scratched his head, forcing a bright smile, and also called out "Father" as a gesture of politeness.
Zhu Yu, however, remained much calmer. He simply nodded and returned a charming smile that could captivate anyone.
The burly man was taken aback by Ji Wudi's address, wondering where this fool had come from, calling everyone father.
Ignoring Ji Wudi, he quickly strode towards Zhu Yu.
"Father, my mother has been waiting for you. Why are you so late?"
Ji Wudi now realized he had been tricked.
"Are you out of your mind? Why are you calling everyone father?"
"Are you out of your mind? I don't have a foolish son like you!"
The burly man retorted, then addressed Zhu Yu again.
"Father, please return to our clan with me. Mother is waiting for you."
Zhu Yu also realized at this moment that the two "Father" calls were directed at him.
However, after racking his brain, he couldn't recall ever leaving a son in the Western Sea.
Could he have wandered from somewhere else?
He had no recollection of any other place.
Rubbing his head, he concluded that his memory was indeed not very good.
"What is your name? And who is your mother?"
"My name is Cai Jian. My mother is Cai Jingjing, the matriarch of the Cai clan."
Upon hearing Cai Jian's introduction, Zhu Yu fell into deep thought and self-doubt. He truly couldn't remember.
He felt he couldn't continue like this; it was wrong.
In the future, he would need to keep a detailed notebook and, for better organization, perhaps assign numbers.
Fearing he might hurt Cai Jian's feelings, Zhu Yu hesitated to admit he couldn't remember and cautiously asked,
"Where is your mother now? Please take me to her."
"My mother is on the island. Father, please follow me."
Cai Jian turned and flew ahead, leading the way for Zhu Yu.
As Zhu Yu looked at Cai Jian's short and stout figure ahead, he continued to ponder.
Does this child resemble his father more, or his mother?
He didn't look like himself at all. If he resembled his mother, how could he have possibly...
Fortunately, Cai Jian was talkative, and through subtle inquiries, Zhu Yu pieced together the entire story.
It turned out Xiao Fei had played matchmaker, arranging everything without his knowledge.
Judging by Cai Jian's appearance, his mother might not be particularly attractive, perhaps even an elderly woman with white hair.
Of course, he wasn't a casual person. Even if she wasn't an old woman, he wouldn't have agreed.
He desperately wanted to turn and flee, but they had already arrived at the island inhabited by the Cai clan.
A group of beautiful women lined up in two rows, approaching them, and behind them, a lotus throne was carried, upon which sat a dignified and elegant woman.
Zhu Yu felt it would be impolite to flee now, so he decided to observe first and then react accordingly.
Ji Wudi, following behind Zhu Yu, stared with wide eyes.
"There's actually such a thing as luck falling from the sky! Why have I never encountered it?"
Just then, the bevy of beauties in front had arrived close by.
The dignified woman alighted from the lotus throne and bowed gracefully towards Zhu Yu.
"Greetings, my lord!"
"Husband, you are indeed true to your word, coming to see me in person."
Cai Jingjing gazed at Zhu Yu, finding him even more handsome and distinguished than the puppet she had seen last time.
She was very pleased with this destined husband.
"Junior Zhu Yu pays his respects to senior!"
Zhu Yu cupped his fists in return.
"Husband, you are too kind. We can discuss other matters at home."
Following this, a large group of alluring Cai clan women surrounded Zhu Yu and flew back.
As for Ji Wudi, he was completely ignored. The Cai clan was matriarchal, with men holding a low status.
Someone as burly as him was of no interest to anyone.
Ji Wudi followed alone, inwardly cursing Zhu Yu for his luck, the heavens for their unfairness, and women for their blindness...