C11 Sima Wan'er

The Spirit Beast Continent is home to three empires and one duchy: the Thunder Empire, the Greencloud Empire, the Skyfrost Empire, and the Spirit Beast Kingdom. Of these, the Thunder Empire boasts the largest territory and the strongest military might, while the Greencloud and Skyfrost Empires are evenly matched in power. The Spirit Beast Kingdom, a nation established by Orcs, stands as a sovereign entity, holding its own against the human empires and claiming a significant place on the continent.

Within the Greencloud Empire, the Sword Sect is recognized as one of the top three sects, wielding influence that permeates the entire empire, to the extent that even the imperial family must defer to its authority.

In contrast, Emergence City is considered a third-tier city within the Greencloud Empire, a stark contrast to the prestigious Sword Sect. This disparity is precisely why Shen Lang harbors such a deep-seated fear of the sect.

The vastness of the Spirit Beast Continent is beyond comprehension, a fact that fills Shen Xuan with excitement rather than fear. For him, the continent's sheer size promises a wealth of opportunities and thrilling adventures, exactly what he desires.

"The Han family seems to have already gained a step ahead with the Sword Sect," Shen Lang mused to Shen Xuan, his thoughts heavy with implication. A seemingly minor advantage, yet enough to elevate the Han family above all other clans in Emergence City.

"At the succession ceremony, don't hold back. But be cautious—Han Feng may challenge you. His skills are at the Intermediate Rank of a Martial General, but his strength could very well approach the Advanced Rank or even the peak. Your goal, if you cannot defeat him, is to ensure your survival," Shen Lang warned Shen Xuan. With the resources at his disposal as the Young Patriarch of the Han family, Han Feng had the means to boost his strength to such formidable levels.

"Thank you, Grand Elder. I'll be vigilant," Shen Xuan replied, nodding in acknowledgment. The two spoke at length about the upcoming succession ceremony before Shen Xuan retreated to his room to meditate and focus on his cultivation.

Having reached the Abstention Stage, Shen Xuan had already surpassed his initial expectations. The harvesting of the Chalcedony Lingzhi would have to wait until the ceremony's conclusion. In the meantime, he devoted himself to meditation, solidifying his newfound stage of cultivation. Advancing beyond the Abstention Stage would not be as straightforward as his previous progress.

It wasn't until the eve of the succession ceremony that Shen Xuan managed to peak at the early phase of the Abstention Stage. He opted for solitude, partly in anticipation of a visit from a mysterious individual. Yet, no one appeared.

Suddenly, a knock at the door broke the silence. Shen Xuan's soul power extended outward, revealing a young Shen family disciple, about fifteen or sixteen years old, standing at the courtyard entrance.

Shen Xuan recognized the youth as Shen Wansi, a member of the Shen family's business-oriented Wan generation. Tasked with overseeing the family's extensive enterprises, their collective efforts had significantly bolstered the Shen family's wealth. Despite their business acumen, they all shared one limitation: an inability to cultivate, leaving them to focus solely on commerce.

Despite his youth, Shen Wansi had already demonstrated remarkable business prowess, successfully managing two highly profitable shops. His financial prospects seemed limitless.

Before Shen Xuan's imprisonment, he had considered Shen Wansi not just a relative but a true brother within the Shen family.

Shen Xuan rose to his feet and stepped out of the house, his eyes landing on Shen Wansi who stood in the courtyard. With a warm smile, he greeted, "Fourth brother, what brings you here?"

It dawned on them that it had been three years since their paths last crossed.

"Xuan, Brother Xuan, father sent me to find you," Shen Wansi said, a complex emotion stirring within him. He was aware that Shen Xuan had been confined to the back mountain by Shen Wentao, who claimed to the public that Shen Xuan was ill and convalescing in the backyard, forbidding visitors. As an ordinary man with no cultivation skills, Shen Wansi felt powerless against a formidable figure like Shen Wentao.

The news of Shen Xuan's emergence from seclusion had been both shocking and delightful to Shen Wansi. Yet, facing Shen Xuan now, he couldn't shake off a sense of unfamiliarity.

Shen Xuan regarded Shen Wansi thoughtfully, piecing together the fragments of his memory, and realized the depth of their bond. Without hesitation, he stepped forward, ushering Shen Wansi into the courtyard.

"My dear brother, spare the explanations; I understand it all," Shen Xuan said, clapping Shen Wansi on the shoulder, his words encompassing a world of meaning.

"Xuan, Brother Xuan, I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you," Shen Wansi confessed, the weight of the past three years heavy in his heart.

"What's the matter? Why did you come to find me?" Shen Xuan inquired, looking at Shen Wansi with concern.

"My father... he's ashamed to face you. He sent me to offer his apologies. He also wanted you to know that he'll support you, Brother Xuan, no matter what the future holds," Shen Wansi hurriedly relayed.

"I appreciate that. You're a true brother," Shen Xuan acknowledged, nodding. It was comforting to know he still had allies within the Shen family.

"There's more. Wan'er has returned. Father wants us to go together to welcome her back," Shen Wansi added.

"Wan'er!" The name prompted Shen Xuan to sift through his memories, searching for any trace of her. The name didn't ring a bell at first.

After a lengthy search, it clicked. Sima Wan'er was related to them through the Shen family. Shen Wansi's aunt, and thus Shen Xuan's distant relative, had married Si Ma Zhe, an outsider who had been taken in by the Han family in his youth. Together, they had Sima Wan'er. Shen Xuan, Shen Wansi, and Sima Wan'er had shared a childhood, growing up together with many fond memories.

Sima Wan'er had left Emergence City with her parents at the age of seven, and since then, there had been no word from her. Shen Xuan puzzled over the scarcity of memories he had of Wan'er, as if they had been intentionally forgotten.

"Wan'er is arriving by boat in Emergence City tonight. Father suggested we both go to meet her. Will you come, Brother Xuan?" Shen Wansi asked, a hint of uncertainty in his voice, mindful of Shen Xuan's status as the Young Patriarch compared to his own position as a mere branch of the Shen family.

"Of course, let's set out now," Shen Xuan replied eagerly, curious to see how the Sima Wan'er who had been away for eight years had grown. If the childhood memories were anything to go by, she would have blossomed into a true beauty.

"Great, let's go," Shen Wansi said, relieved and excited.

Shen Wansi nodded enthusiastically, his head bobbing in excitement.

Without taking time to tidy up, the pair left straight from the backyard and made their way to the docks of Emergence City.

Nestled against the banks of the Si Water River, which cut across the entire Greencloud Empire, Emergence City was naturally home to one of the river's bustling ports.

At the dock, Shen Xuan gazed out at the Si Water River, its expanse stretching hundreds of meters wide, teeming with an endless stream of boats. The scene was vibrant with activity. If even a third-tier city like Emergence City boasted such vibrancy, one could only imagine the bustle of the major cities.

"Xuan, check this out. That's the Gang's ship. I've struck a deal with them to transport Sky Orchid Ganoderma from Si Water City directly to our Shen family's medicine shop. We're looking at a fifty percent profit margin. Over there is the Noble Consort's ship from Ling Long Arch—I've got a partnership with her too. And that one over there..."

Shen Wansi's eyes sparkled with excitement as he surveyed the merchant ships crisscrossing the dock, his enthusiasm palpable, as if commerce ran in his veins.

"Xuan, quick, look! Wan'er's ship is coming in."

Pointing toward the middle of the Si Water River, Shen Wansi drew attention to an approaching vessel. Its flag bore the name "Sima," marking it as a ship from the Sima family's fleet.

Following Wansi's gesture, Shen Xuan's eyes landed on a young woman in green standing at the ship's railing. With a sword at her side and a figure that was both graceful and poised, she stood there looking toward Shen Xuan.