C14 Corpse Sect

"Ling Er, it's not yet time for you to learn who your mother is."

A shadow of sorrow passed over Su Yunshan's eyes at the mention of Su Ling's mother. He forced a smile, shook his head, and asked with gravity, "First, tell me what exactly happened just now?"

Su Ling recounted the events, omitting his pill refining. Given his Soul Force was only first grade, claiming he could produce Second Grade Pills, even top-grade ones, would be met with disbelief.

"The Phantom King? Him of all people!"

Su Hai's expression darkened upon hearing the story. "The Su Family has no dealings with the Corpse Sect."

"Indeed, there's no feud between our family and the Corpse Sect. The Phantom King's attack likely means someone is out to kill Ling Er."

Su Yunshan's tone was heavy with foreboding. "This has the Zhang Family's fingerprints all over it!"

"The Zhang Family?"

Su Ling's surprise gave way to a fierce glint in his eyes. The Zhang Family's treachery was well-known; they had conspired with Steward Su to murder him, seize Su Xiaomei, and claim the Su Family's assets.

Now, they had stooped to colluding with the Corpse Sect to kill him. Unforgivable!

"This vendetta is etched in my memory. The Zhang Family will pay. I swear, one day, I'll raze their entire house to the ground," Su Ling vowed, his voice icy with rage.

"Revenge is due, but that's not our immediate concern, Ling Er."

Su Yunshan paused thoughtfully before continuing, "In a few days, Danwu Academy's selection officers will arrive in Qingyang City. They plan to recruit three students, an unprecedented number for our city."

"Danwu Academy? Father, remember how Han Feng shamed our family? I refuse to even consider their examination."

Su Ling recalled the haughty Elder Han Feng's recommendation letter for Danwu Academy, which he had rejected after Lu Xueyao's engagement cancellation. He had vowed never to set foot in Danwu Academy.

"You're as stubborn as your father, Ling Er! But rest assured, he didn't intend for you to join Danwu Academy. Instead, he wants you in the Sword King Pavilion. Not only is Danwu Academy recruiting here, but the Lanqing Empire's premier Sword Sect, Sword King Pavilion, is also seeking disciples in Qingyang City."

Su Hai chuckled at the father and son's similar dispositions.

"Sword King Pavilion?"

Su Ling's interest was piqued. His past life's training in swordsmanship made the prospect of joining the Sword Sect appealing, though he wondered if their expertise could match his own.

"Yes, Qingyang City is modest, and the Sword King Pavilion seldom recruits here. They're only taking one disciple this time. I wouldn't have held out hope for you before, but with your meridians now clear, I urge you to try and secure that spot in the Sword King Pavilion."

Su Yunshan wasn't concerned with the specifics of why Su Ling's meridians had cleared; his only wish was for Su Ling to improve.

Since Su Ling had no interest in joining Danwu Academy, the opportunity to join Sword King Pavilion represented his best shot at leaving their small town behind.

"Alright! Father, I promise you, I will join Sword King Pavilion," Su Ling vowed, his heart buoyed by the steadfast look in Su Yunshan's eyes. Though not related by blood, Su Ling felt the depth of Su Yunshan's care and couldn't stand the thought of letting him down.

After his conversations with Su Yunshan and Su Hai, Su Ling felt the weight of his situation. With his strength at the Sixth Level of Body Refinement Stage, joining Sword King Pavilion seemed nearly impossible.

"I need to boost not just my strength but also my Soul Force. I've only got enough ingredients left for two more Body Tempering Pills. My plan is to craft two Top Grade Body Tempering Pills, auction them at Lanqing Pavilion for Profound Crystals, and buy more ingredients. Plus, I'm still missing a proper weapon. How can I practice swordsmanship without a sword?"

Back in his room, Su Ling scribbled a 'Do Not Disturb' sign and hung it on his door. He then pulled out the Floating Fire Furnace and the last of his medicinal herbs, setting to work on the Second Grade Pills and Body Tempering Pills. His recent experience had honed his skills, and within an hour, two enticingly radiant pills rested in his palm—Top Grade Body Tempering Pills.

"These should fetch enough Profound Crystals at the Lanqing Pavilion auction to purchase the ingredients for the Spirit Soul Pill," he mused, stashing the pills in his black robe before departing the Su Family home.

In a quiet alley, Su Ling cloaked himself in the black robe, leaving only his eyes visible. Assured his identity was concealed, he wasted no time heading to Lanqing Pavilion.

"Welcome to Lanqing Pavilion! What medicinal herbs can I assist you with today?" a bright voice inquired as he stepped inside.

Su Ling glanced at the attendant and, disguising his voice, stated, "I need to speak with the Pavilion Master."

The attendant blinked in surprise. This cloaked figure was demanding an audience with the Pavilion Master? Quite the audacious request.

"Our Pavilion Master is with a VIP right now. If you're here for herbs, I can help you," the attendant replied, his warmth replaced by a cool detachment.

"I'm not here for herbs. I've come to see the Pavilion Master. Please inform him that Dan Wuchen has arrived," Su Ling said, his tone icy.

The attendant frowned, annoyance flaring. "Look, I told you the Pavilion Master is busy. Are you really going to be this persistent? Do you think I won't throw you out?"

Before Su Ling could respond, a commanding voice cut through the tension. "Silence!"

The attendant froze, and Elder Leng approached with a grave look on his face.

"Elder Leng!"

Upon seeing Elder Leng, the young servant instantly wilted and didn't dare raise his voice.

"Hmph! This gentleman here is Mr. Wu Chen, a man of distinguished status. Even the Pavilion Master wouldn't dare address him so rudely. Now, apologize to him at once!"

Elder Leng, catching the icy glint in Su Ling's eyes, immediately realized the servant had crossed Su Ling and wasted no time scolding him sharply.

"My apologies, Mr. Wu Chen. I was blind to your eminence, like a dog that fails to recognize the grandeur of Mount Tai. I implore your forgiveness, please have mercy on me."

His legs gave out beneath him, and with a thud, the servant fell to his knees before Su Ling, pleading for leniency.

"Let it be."

Su Ling spoke with a dismissive air, clearly uninterested in squabbling with the servant.

"Now, get out of here!"

Elder Leng barked with authority.

Fully aware of his blunder, the servant scrambled to his feet and made a hasty exit.