C17 Deterrence and the Spirit Selection

At that moment, an overwhelming pressure surged, enveloping Chiba City and leaving its inhabitants gasping for air. The more advanced the martial artist, the more intense the suppression they felt, while ordinary people were completely unaffected.

The elder, previously smug in his belief that no one in modest Chiba City could challenge him, now sported a waxen complexion, his legs shaking involuntarily, unable to move a muscle! He was practically at a loss for words. The turnaround was embarrassingly swift!

"Whoa, talk about a reality check!" Yang Rui said with a mocking laugh. "See, appearances can be deceiving. Mind your words when you're out and about; they could be the death of you!"

But how could the old man be in any state to argue with Yang Rui at a time like this? Wasn't it obvious he was too scared to even speak?

Yet, speak he must, for silence could very well mean death!

With great effort, the elder managed to plead, "Esteemed Senior, I was merely passing through with no bad intentions. I beg for your leniency!"

Yang Rui snorted in amusement. "Really? No bad intentions? You don't even bat an eyelid while lying!"

"Just passing through? Lingering for several days is hardly 'passing through.' And attempting to abduct my dear son! You call that harmless?" The voice thundered in his ears, though no one was in sight.

Hearing this, the elder broke out in a cold sweat. He was in deep trouble, having walked right into the lion's den. His face turned ashen.

"Oh, Sect Master, what a trap for the elders! This youngster's kin are not merely at the Profound Essence Stage; they're at the Sovereign Martial Stage," he lamented. Yet, the old man clung to his will to survive, insisting, "Esteemed Senior, I truly meant no harm to the young master. Seeing his potential for cultivation, I was merely intrigued and wished to take him on as my disciple, as heaven and earth are my witnesses."

Regardless of whether anyone else believed him, Yang Rui could only roll his eyes in disbelief. So, your curiosity alone justifies forcibly taking me away? I must say, I cannot condone such thuggish behavior.

"Heh, when did the Law Enforcement Elder of the Spirit Sword Sect start resorting to such sly arguments?"

The elder's face paled instantly! Oh no, he'd been spotted!

Meanwhile, Ximen Po of the Ximen family was also visibly shaken. When did Chiba City start harboring such a formidable presence? The oppressive aura was emanating from... the Yang family! Could it be that the old ghost, Yang Zhantian, was still around? Impossible!

The young man known as the Dark Envoy furrowed his brow thoughtfully, paying no mind to Ximen Po. After a moment, he burst into laughter, "Fascinating, truly fascinating. To think there's someone in this little Chiba City I wasn't aware of. This is most intriguing."

The various families all reacted differently, but they were undoubtedly intimidated by the emergence of this powerful figure.

Chiba City was, in fact, not large, merely a small city of about a hundred thousand people. As far as all the families were concerned, there were no other experts besides Yang Zhantian of the Yang family. Yet, the presence of this new expert disrupted the tranquility of the city. It seemed that Chiba City might be on the cusp of change.

Yang Rui, no longer under the elder's control, did the first thing that came to mind: he walked over to the elder and stripped him down to his underpants, leaving just enough to cover the essentials. Why wasn't he afraid? It was clear there was no ill will towards him. What was there to fear?

"You old fool, how does it feel to be someone's puppet? Still thinking of taking me away? You should take a good look at yourself!" Yang Rui said with a mischievous grin.

Under the weight of that oppressive force, the elder dared not retaliate, only managing to sigh in resignation at his lost dignity.

"Alright, Rui, time to head home!"

"Oh." With that, Yang Rui turned, somewhat reluctantly, and made his way back to the Yang family. As he turned, the elder, as if struck by a massive blow, was sent flying back and slammed into a wall, coughing up blood. His vitality had noticeably diminished.

"Consider this a lesson. I'll let it slide this time for the sake of your Sect Master. But make no mistake, there won't be a next time. If there is, it'll be your last!"

Yang Rui sprinted back to the Yang family residence, his mind replaying the mysterious voice he had heard. Despite his efforts, he couldn't discern whether it was male or female, nor could he recognize who it might be. After all, what if it was one of the family's ancient relics speaking?

Thankfully, today's events had been startling but not dangerous. As soon as Yang Rui stepped through the door, he saw Yang Zhantian and Sikong Jiao waiting for him in the hall.

"Oh, Miss Jiao, you're here too?" Yang Rui said with an awkward smile.

"Humph!" Yang Zhantian was not amused. This youngster had barely reached the Bone Tempering stage and already had the audacity to strut about. He was lucky he hadn't come to harm! But who had exerted that intimidating pressure earlier?

When did Chiba City acquire such a formidable person? Yang Zhantian was puzzled, failing to notice the flicker of concern in Sikong Jiao's eyes.

"Rui, Chiba City has been unsettled these past few days. You should stay in and focus on your cultivation! In half a year, the Spirit Selection will take place. You need to make the most of this time to train," Yang Zhantian advised. "By my calculations, Qingcheng should be returning soon, right?"

"Yes, Qingcheng mentioned she would return before the Spirit Selection," Sikong Jiao responded. "She should be alright. I'm confident in her abilities. As for Rui..."

"Miss Jiao, what exactly is the Spirit Selection?" Yang Rui interjected, clearly baffled by their conversation.

"The Spirit Selection?" Yang Zhantian explained, "It's an event held every three years by various sects in the Huang Capital, open only to those under the age of twenty. Its purpose is to scout local talent. Of course, the Spirit Selection isn't exclusively for joining the imperial forces; joining powerful sects is also an option. The choice is entirely yours." He rarely shared so much with Yang Rui. "Initially, we intended for Qingcheng and Yi Yi to attend the Spirit Selection together. But since you've embarked on the martial path, it would be beneficial for you to broaden your horizons. Half a year isn't much time, and with your talent, you should be eligible to participate."

"Right, Rui, you've reached the fifth level of Bone Tempering, haven't you? I noticed you've been quite vigorous during your training," Yang Zhantian said with a smile to Yang Rui.

"I've reached the Nine-forging level of the Bone Forging Stage," Yang Rui replied calmly.

"Indeed, you're at level five, not bad at all... What?! Level nine?!"

"..."

The atmosphere in the hall seemed to solidify, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Yang Yiyi, who had just come in, wore an expression of utter disbelief. Was she hearing things? Yang Zhantian and his wife were also staring at Yang Rui, completely stunned.

"Hold on, hold on, can you repeat that? What level did you say you're at?" Yang Zhantian asked, fixating his gaze on Yang Rui.

"Level nine!" Yang Rui was a bit bewildered. What was going on?

"What level?"

"Nine?"

"What level?"

"Nine!"

"What level?"

"Nine... Uh, level five."

"That's what I thought. There's no way Rui could jump to level nine overnight!" Yang Zhantian said, his eyes crinkling with mirth.

"Yes, exactly, I must have been hearing things. My brother couldn't possibly be that much of a prodigy... Ah!"

"You really are at level nine!"

All three of them gaped at Yang Rui, their faces a picture of shock. They were clearly struggling to come to terms with the news of Yang Rui's overnight leap to level nine. Yang Rui suddenly felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him. It was only level nine, after all. Was all this fuss really necessary?