C17 Returning

Vast Dragon City was alive with a buzz of excitement. Crowds had gathered outside the City Lord's Mansion, engaged in lively discussions. Today marked the annual Moon God River Purification hosted by the Azure Cloud Sect.

Within the borders of the Vast Lifting Empire, there were three sects, and the Azure Cloud Sect was among them. While all were situated within the empire, the true power lay in the hands of four entities: the three great sects and the Vast Lifting Empire's royal family.

These sects divided the empire into thirds, each year drawing new recruits from their designated territories. Moreover, they would make small sacrifices to curry favor with the populace.

Take, for instance, the Azure Cloud Sect's Moon God River Purification. In reality, it was nothing more than a few drops of the Moon God River Essence, brought by the sect's elders and dispersed into the water.

Yet, this simple act sparked a fervent desire among many to undergo the purification. It was believed that the spirit veins became more receptive post-purification, which was crucial for advancing through the major spiritual realms, as opening the meridians was key.

Inside the City Lord's Mansion, an elder in a white robe stood by a modestly sized pool. City Lord Mo Zhen and the heads of the four major families were in attendance, alongside a gathering of younger members like Du Zheng of the Du family and Mo Ruxue of the Mo family. Among them was an unfamiliar young face.

This youth, like the elder, was clad in white, but with a distinct cyan character emblazoned on his chest—a member of the Azure Cloud Sect.

The elder glanced skyward before turning to City Lord Mo Zhen with a genial expression.

"City Lord Mo, the hour grows late. Are all present? If so, I shall commence," he inquired.

"Certainly!" Mo Zhen replied, bowing respectfully to the elder. He then addressed the family patriarchs behind him, "Esteemed leaders, have your selections for this year's candidates arrived? If so, let us begin."

Upon hearing the words, the heads of the Du, Yun, and Sun families all nodded in agreement.

"City Lord Mo!"

It was then that Lu Yuanmo of the Lu family stepped forward, bowing slightly with his hands clasped together.

"My family's disciples have yet to arrive. I request that you, City Lord Mo, grant us some leniency."

"Hmm?"

Mo Zhen gave Lu Yuanmo a curious glance. Lu Yuanmo was known for his punctuality, never once having made others wait on him.

"Oh? Well then! Could it be that the young prodigy of your Lu family overexerted himself in training last night and overslept this morning?"

Mo Zhen chuckled and nodded, signaling his consent.

"City Lord Mo, you've got it wrong. The person from the Lu family isn't some young prodigy; it's the Lu patriarch's own son, Du Chun, who is unable to cultivate!"

Du Chun of the Du family let out a cold snort, his gaunt frame making his robes billow in the wind. Though only in his early forties, his face was etched with wrinkles, as if life itself had been drained from him, giving him an aged appearance.

"You!"

Lu Yuanmo's gaze towards Du Chun was filled with fury.

"Hahaha, Patriarch Lu, please, no need for anger. Each Moon God River Purification by the Azure Cloud Sect provides enough Moon God Essence for only four individuals. Yet, the four great families combined with the City Lord's Palace make up five. If your son doesn't show, doesn't that solve the problem?"

Du Chun's sneer, though blunt, sparked a glint of interest in the eyes of the other family heads.

There had been precedents. The five candidates for the purification ritual would resolve the issue through a martial contest, with the four victors claiming a greater share of the Moon God River Essence.

"Indeed, indeed. The three great families can offer compensation to your young master. He can simply wait until next year!"

The Yun family patriarch interjected with a cheery tone, addressing Lu Yuanmo.

"He's only just begun to cultivate. Isn't this a bit like bullying?"

Mo Ruxue, overhearing the argument, furrowed her brow in disapproval.

"Miss Mo's compassion is genuine. I hold great admiration for you!" The young man in white next to her gazed at Mo Ruxue, his eyes filled with esteem.

"I'd heard from Senior Brother Tianqing that his sister was both intelligent and sharp, as well as exceedingly kind. Now that I've met her, I see it's true!"

He was a disciple of the Azure Cloud Sect, here to accompany his master on a journey to various cities for the Moon God River Purification. Yet, upon arriving in Vast Dragon City, he encountered Mo Ruxue. It was surprising to find such a beautiful and poised woman in such a modest place.

"You flatter me, Young Master Ren. I'm merely speaking my heart," Mo Ruxue replied, her brow furrowing slightly as she took a subtle step to the right, maintaining her polite demeanor as she continued the conversation.

As time ticked away, Lu Yuanmo's face grew darker with each passing comment from the other three family patriarchs, until he could barely contain his anger.

Du Zheng, watching from the sidelines, saw an opportunity and quipped, "Maybe Lu Chen has gone to find his mother? Dilly-dallying, hahaha!"

"You!"

Lu Yuanmo, unable to restrain himself any longer after Du Zheng's taunt, unleashed his Spirit Force in a burst of energy, the powerful presence of the Soul Controlling Stage emanating from him.

The topic of Lu Chen's mother was a sore point; she had vanished when Lu Chen was born over a decade ago!

"Hmm?"

The elder in white robes, already restless with impatience, frowned at the display of power. "Patriarch, this is the Azure Cloud Sect's Moon God River Purification. Do you really think we're playing games here by resorting to violence?" he chided.

"I'm sorry for being late!"

Just then, a young voice rang out from outside the City Lord's Mansion, drawing everyone's attention. A refined-looking young man emerged from within.

"Lu Chen!"

The newcomer was none other than Lu Chen, who had spent nearly a month in the Roaring Forest. His appearance was disheveled, his clothes torn and hair unkempt, yet his face remained clean-cut and handsome.

Lu Yuanmo finally exhaled in relief when he saw Lu Chen approaching. For the past month, he had no idea what the young man had been up to, almost fearing that his son had fled the scene of battle!

With a smile, Lu Chen walked up to his father and cheerfully announced, "Father, Chen has returned!"

"Hmph, good that you're back," Lu Yuanmo huffed, yet a hint of a smile betrayed his stern facade.

"You're not just a disappointment; we've all been waiting for you for so long. Do you really think you're the top prodigy of Vast Dragon City?" scoffed a disciple from the Yun Family, present for the Moon God River Purification.

"Elder Huang," interjected Du Zheng, standing to the side with a respectful bow to the white-robed elder, "I have a bold request. Du Zheng and Young Master Lu Chen had a wager previously. Why not settle it before the Moon God River Purification? If Young Master Lu loses to me, he should forfeit his spot, which would be a boon for us four!"

"Hmm?!" The suggestion piqued interest.

"What a splendid idea!" exclaimed the disciples from the Yun and Sun families, quick to voice their support. They were clearly eager for a chance to gain without a fight.

"Indeed, there was such a matter, but we need the consent of the parties involved," the white-robed elder stated, nodding thoughtfully. Although Du Zheng had made a better first impression than Lu Chen, he wasn't about to show outright favoritism.

Lu Chen turned his gaze to Du Zheng. His body showed no sign of Spirit Force Fluctuation, and his clothes were so tattered he looked worse off than a commoner. After a brief pause, Lu Chen flashed a roguish grin and nodded, "It's possible, but what's at stake for you if I lose?"

"If you lose," Du Zheng replied with a glint in his eye, "you'll not only relinquish your spot but also the stone you wear on your chest. I've taken quite a liking to it. If you lose, it's mine!"