19 In the Shadows (3)

Ping Tian Continent's Education Exchange Conference is held once every five years, and the next conference is in three months' time. The month-long event involves both Gold and Silver People. For Gold People, only Inner sect disciples that have never participated before are required to attend.

For the next three months, training was intense across the Sect. Whenever Ye Chen went to get breakfast at the food hall, there would already be disciples on the field - some training with their spiritual beasts and some without. The number of inner sect disciples from GongCi participating in the conference this time was only 25, and yet it seems like the field was already somewhat crowded - Perhaps due to the size of some beasts. Ye Chen is somewhat thankful that for direct disciples, they could train in their peak's exclusive field.

Time flew and it was just a month away from the conference. Ye Chen was eating and watching some of the disciples training at the inner sect common field when a tap landed on his shoulder.

"Hello my friend, Ye-Xiong, it's been two weeks since I last saw you."

"Oh." Ye Chen's eyes rolled to the back of his head and continued his poker face.

"What do you mean "Oh?" Two weeks ago when the Mu Brothers were here, I wanted to get to know Mu Yaa--- I mean, the Mu brothers and you more. But you dragged them away right after lunch."

"Yes, we have family stuff to discuss. Next time." Ye Chen irritatedly answered.

As much as Ye Chen feels indifferent about Wen Jun. He still prefers to spend time with the Mu Brothers alone. The Mu Siblings came by to visit Ye Chen two weeks ago during lunchtime so they had their meal at the inner sect food hall. It was a great day for Ye Chen until an uninvited guest decided to have his meal together with them - that was Wen Jun. To shake him off, they retreated to Sea Peak where Wen Jun was not given access, much to Wen Jun's anger. He was still salty about it even after a few weeks.

"Fine. Seeing that I'm in a good mood today, I shall believe you since you say next time." Wen Jun placed his food tray in front of Ye Chen's and sat opposite of him.

"..."

"..."

"...What?" Ye Chen broke the silence after Wen Jun stared at him without talking for a good few minutes.

"The last I remember you didn't manage to contract a beast during the hunt."

"Yes."

"Not really sure if you're living in a hole all this time, but do you know you're not allowed to go to the conference if you do not have a spiritual beast?" Wen Jun gave a rare look of concern.

"Yes, I know."

"...So you're saying you already have a spiritual beast?"

"Yes."

"Oh good. I was even thinking of giving you one of my spare spiritual beasts my family bought me but have yet to contract."

"Why would you do that?"

"Because you are now my friend... Even though you're no fun at all."

"..."

Friend? It feels a little strange hearing that word and having someone who would consider him a friend. Especially since Ye Chen has been a very private person ever since he enrolled in GongCi. His so-called "friends" that he briefly made when he was still in the outer sect, distanced themselves from him after the incident where he was accused of beating up a Shi-Xiong just to "steal his spiritual beast". He still remembered the look in their eyes even after attempting to explain to them.

It was quite hurtful for Ye Chen at that period of time and even though he said that it didn't matter, the Mu Brothers knew it affected him, thus they made an effort to drop in more often.

"Speaking of which....why would you have a spare one?" Ye Chen shook off the unpleasant thoughts.

"Oh, my parents bought it just in case my hunt didn't go well - Nevermind… You don't have to know since I did exceptionally well, much better than you during my hunt."

"..." Ye Chen sometimes feels conflicted about Wen Jun. He could tell Wen Jun's boasting and arrogance is not intentional and almost naturally born. But at the same time some things he says really makes people want to punch him right in the face. But this time Ye Chen was also slightly moved at the notion of him wanting to give him a spiritual beast.

"So, when is Mu Yang, no, I mean the Mu Brothers coming to visit you again?"

"Not anymore because the conference is just a month away now."

"Oh..."

Before giving Wen Jun more time to think of new questions, Ye Chen bid his goodbye and made his way back to the Sea Peak.

---------------

After watching Ye Chen disappear from the food hall, the female disciple that was seen with Wen Jun when they bumped into the trio outside the theatre, walked over.

"Shi-Xiong!"

"Ah. It's you Ning-Shimei...what brings you here? I thought all direct disciples of Earth Peak are on a specialized diet and are not allowed to come to the food hall?"

"Hmmph, I came here because I miss… I miss hanging out with Shi-Xiong!" Ning Ning pouts as she whines about the crazy vegan diet that Elder Huang put them on just to prepare for the conference.

"All right, all right, once the conference is over Shi-Xiong will bring Ning-Shimei to eat her favourite candy in town."

"Shi-Xiong is the best! Promise?"

"Yes, I Promise." Wen Jun laughed as he patted the cheerful-looking girl on the head. They spend the next few minutes catching up on the happenings as they have not seen each other for quite a while since they were from different peaks.

"By the way..." Ning Ning looked around before whispering into Wen Jun's ear "I hope you are closer to gaining his trust" The female disciple whispered excitedly as her ponytail danced with the wind.