C10 Sword Sect

"He?"

Young Master Jian watched Shen Xuan battle Han Feng, a flicker of confusion in his gaze. Uncle Bones had never lavished such praise on anyone in his memory. He had witnessed Shen Xuan's combat prowess; respectable, yes, but certainly not to the extent that would warrant Uncle Bones's commendation.

Meanwhile, Shen Xuan, engaged in the fight, had recently sensed that terrifying surge of soul power again. It seemed as though the source was deliberately eluding him, yet he had managed to detect a faint trace. This was precisely why he hadn't unleashed his full might.

"Brother!"

Shen Xiaomei, seated in her wheelchair, gripped her hands tightly, dreading any harm that might befall Shen Xuan. She might not have been familiar with his capabilities, but she was well aware of Han Feng's reputation as Emergence City's top prodigy in recent years, having achieved the Intermediate Rank of Martial General by the tender age of twenty.

As the battle intensified, Han Feng, noting Shen Xuan's evasive maneuvers, grew even more assured of his impending victory, his strikes growing increasingly fierce.

Shen Xuan, for his part, remained evasive, offering no counterattack.

The clash escalated to a fever pitch.

"Cease."

At that moment, Young Master Jian, who had been observing from the sidelines, commanded. Han Feng, brimming with combat zeal, abruptly halted his assault and retreated several steps, creating distance.

"Young Master, what's this about?"

Han Feng turned to Young Master Jian, his confusion evident. Victory seemed within his grasp. Shen Xuan might be enigmatic, but surely this was the extent of his strength. Han Feng felt certain of his triumph, yet he dared not countermand Young Master Jian's will.

"My friend, I am Jian Wuchen. And you are?"

Jian Wuchen paid no heed to Han Feng, instead introducing himself to Shen Xuan.

Han Feng gaped at Jian Wuchen's gesture. To him, Jian Wuchen had always been aloof, the esteemed last disciple of the Sword Sect's Sect Master, and a future contender for the Sect Master's mantle. How could such an exalted figure take an interest in Shen Xuan?

"Shen Xuan," he replied, locking eyes with Jian Wuchen. Moments before, he had ascertained that the soul power did not emanate from Jian Wuchen, but from another. Faced with this latent threat, Shen Xuan opted to sidestep the danger for now.

After all, he had been granted a second chance at life; he wasn't about to let it slip away prematurely.

"Brother Shen Xuan, it seems there's been some misunderstanding between you two. Why don't I mediate, and we turn this conflict into a chance for reconciliation? What do you say?"

Jian Wuchen offered, a smile gracing his lips. Had it not been for Uncle Bones's instruction, he wouldn't have bothered with the matter.

To him, everyone in Emergence City was but an ant, some merely larger than others.

"A truce? I have no objections. But what say you, Young Master Han?"

Shen Xuan deftly passed the decision to Han Feng.

"You—"

Han Feng's instinct was to refuse, but catching sight of Jian Wuchen's icy demeanor, he choked back his retort. Offending Jian Wuchen was out of the question; a single display of displeasure could dash the Han family's hopes of aligning with the Sword Sect.

"I will abide by Young Master Jian's decision," Shen Xuan conceded, bowing slightly to Jian Wuchen.

"Indeed, the world of martial arts thrives on bonds and etiquette, not endless strife and bloodshed."

Jian Wuchen said with a light chuckle, exuding an air of authority as if he were the leader.

"Since neither of you is hurt, why not join me for a meal and a drink?"

He added.

"Hehe, I appreciate the offer, Young Master Jian, but I'll have to pass on the drink. I've got matters to attend to. Should you have any questions, feel free to consult Han Feng."

After addressing Jian Wuchen, Shen Xuan pushed Shen Xiaomei's wheelchair and made their way out of the restaurant.

The guards flanking them gave Shen Xuan a look that could kill. It was a rare sight to see someone snub Young Master Jian so blatantly.

As Shen Xuan and his sister exited, the smile on Jian Wuchen's face solidified, giving way to an awkward chuckle.

"It seems some people are just not meant to walk the same path. Let's move on."

"Yes, right this way, Young Master," Han Feng hastily replied, casting a lingering, venomous glance at the retreating figure of Shen Xuan.

...

Shen Xuan, pushing Shen Xiaomei, swiftly departed from the Su family's establishment, not lingering on the streets but hastening back to the Shen residence. After ensuring Shen Xiaomei was settled in her room, Shen Xuan sequestered himself in his own quarters.

In just two days, he had come to understand the critical role of power. Despite the abundant energy of this place, it was insufficient for the pace at which he wished to enhance his strength. He had a premonition that the soul power he'd detected earlier would inevitably seek him out.

Against such a formidable opponent, he knew he'd be powerless to retaliate.

Shen Xuan pulled out the map given to him by Shen Zhang and, merging it with his internalized memories, attempted to make sense of it. But after a short while, he abandoned the effort, recognizing none of the marked locations, having never encountered them before.

Now, his priority was to find someone capable of deciphering the map—a trustworthy individual.

His first choice: the Grand Elder, Shen Lang.

Without delay, Shen Xuan made his way to Shen Lang's chambers.

...

In Shen Lang's room, Shen Xuan sat quietly as the Grand Elder studied the map, his brow furrowing. Looking up, Shen Lang inquired, "I've heard of the Chalcedony Lingzhi, but are you certain you wish to harvest it?"

His tone was tinged with both curiosity and gravity.

"Absolutely, it's essential," Shen Xuan affirmed with a decisive nod.

"Do you even know what has become of the place depicted on this map?"

"I'm not sure, but I trust it won't pose a challenge for the Grand Elder!" Shen Xuan replied with a confident grin.

"Hehe, Young Patriarch, no need for flattery. That area is fraught with peril, and I can't guarantee your safety there, especially not near the volcano," Shen Lang said, shaking his head. From his interactions with Shen Xuan, he could tell that despite his youthful appearance, Shen Xuan was as seasoned as a veteran of many years.

"The volcano has been active, with the last major eruption occurring just two years ago. And even with my cultivation level and physical condition, I can only escort you to the volcano's rim. Entering it would be as arduous as reaching the heavens."

"Just get me there, Grand Elder. I'll handle the rest," Shen Xuan quickly interjected, anxious that the Grand Elder might refuse. Securing the Chalcedony Lingzhi was crucial for him to rapidly advance to the Nascent Infant stage. For a cultivator, achieving the Nascent Infant is akin to being reborn, and with it, even if his physical form were to perish, his Nascent Infant could endure in this world.

"Sure, but even if I do go, it'll have to be after the Clan Leadership Succession Ceremony. What's your take on the ceremony, anyway?"

"Well, I guess we'll just have to leave it to fate! But there's something I need to discuss with the Grand Elder."

"Today, I encountered Han Feng escorting someone who claims to be Jian Wuchen from the Sword Sect into Emergence City. Have you ever heard of the Sword Sect?"

"What! The Sword Sect has arrived already?"

Upon hearing Shen Xuan's words, Shen Lang immediately stood, his gaze heavy with concern and tinged with fear. He seldom paid attention to external affairs, only aware of the Sword Sect's looming presence, never anticipating their arrival so soon.

"Young Patriarch, remember, never cross anyone from the Sword Sect, no matter the time or place," Shen Lang urgently advised Shen Xuan, worried that the Young Patriarch might inadvertently provoke them.

"Understood, I'm well aware of the gravity of such matters. But what's the story behind the Sword Sect?" Shen Xuan assured him, though if Shen Lang were to witness Shen Xuan's earlier brazen demeanor in front of Jian Wuchen, he might be petrified with fear.

"The Sword Sect is one of the top three sects within the Greencloud Empire, wielding influence across the entire empire."

Shen Lang inhaled deeply, feeling insignificant in the face of the Sword Sect's might, despite his own considerable strength.