C18 Tenth Power Skysplitting Sword Sect

"I've finally made it!"

After a month's journey, Ling Dao at last reached the outskirts of the Sky-splitting Sword Sect. He swiftly retrieved Jiang Zhong's letter from his Universe Ring and tucked it securely into his pocket, careful to keep the ring's existence a secret from prying eyes.

Through his inquiries, Ling Dao learned that the Sky-splitting Sword Sect was merely a tenth-rate power. In contrast, both the Great Luo Dynasty and the Celestial Sect were formidable eighth-rate powers, towering two levels above the Sky-splitting Sword Sect. To these higher echelons, a tenth-rate power was as fragile as glass against a hammer.

"Sky-splitting Sword Sect!"

The sect's name was boldly inscribed on a massive stele, exuding an impressive aura. While the Sky-splitting Sword Sect couldn't hold a candle to the might of the Celestial Sect, it was nonetheless a tenth-rate power in its own right. Across the world, numerous forces didn't even qualify for a ranking. In Anshan County, the Sky-splitting Sword Sect was considered quite a formidable presence.

"Who goes there? Do you have an invitation to enter the Sky-splitting Sword Sect?"

Four young disciples approached from a distance. Each appeared to be in their early twenties, yet they radiated the presence of Zhenqi realm martial artists. Advancing into the Genuine Qi realm marked the true beginning of one's cultivation journey, and within the Sky-splitting Sword Sect, these individuals had already attained the status of inner sect disciples.

The realm of the physical body was merely the starting point. Even those ignorant of cultivation techniques would train their bodies for combat. Without a proper cultivation method, however, one might remain stuck at the basic level of body refining for a lifetime, never progressing to bone tempering or blood coagulation.

"I don't have an invitation, but I do carry a letter for Jiang Ren of the Sky-splitting Sword Sect. It was penned by his brother, and I would greatly appreciate it if you could deliver it to him."

Smaller forces had their advantages. The disciples of the Celestial Sect often carried themselves with an air of arrogance, as if they were above everyone else. But these four disciples of the Sky-splitting Sword Sect seemed far more approachable. Upon hearing Ling Dao's request, they nodded in agreement.

"Informing the other elders would indeed be a hassle, but dealing with Jiang Ren? That's straightforward."

The four Sky-splitting Sword Sect disciples fixed their gaze on Ling Dao, showing no signs of leaving. Ling Dao could tell from their expressions what they were expecting. Nobody does a favor without expecting something in return.

"Here's a little something for your trouble. Could you pass on the message?"

With a knowing smile, Ling Dao handed each disciple a tael of gold. Their eyes sparkled as they felt the weight of the gold, their smiles broadening and their demeanor towards Ling Dao warming considerably.

"Kid, follow us. We'll take you straight to Elder Jiang Ren!"

The saying goes, 'money talks,' and the disciples were clearly delighted with their share of gold. Had Ling Dao not offered them anything, they might have given him a hard time or even sent him packing. And don't underestimate the value of a tael of gold; in today's market, it's worth over ten thousand yuan.

The Sky-splitting Sword Sect might be a tenth-rate power, but it's well-equipped despite its size. After a lengthy walk, the four disciples finally halted outside a courtyard, the residence of Jiang Ren.

"This is Elder Jiang Ren's place. Hold on a moment."

One of the disciples headed inside to deliver the message, having accepted Ling Dao's gold. It wouldn't have been so easy with any other elder, but Jiang Ren was an exception.

"Elder Jiang Ren, there's someone outside looking for you. They claim to have a letter from your brother!"

As soon as the young disciple spoke, the courtyard echoed with the sound of a door opening. A man in his fifties with a strong brow and large eyes emerged, bearing a resemblance to Jiang Zhong.

"Where is he? Where's the person?"

Jiang Ren had only one brother, Jiang Zhong, and it had been many years since their last meeting. The prospect of a letter from him stirred excitement in Jiang Ren, who quickly strode out to the courtyard and soon laid eyes on Ling Dao. The other three disciples, clad in the Sky-splitting Sword Sect's attire, went unnoticed by Jiang Ren.

"Is that you? Where's my brother's letter?"

Upon seeing Jiang Ren, Ling Dao was reminded of Jiang Zhong and felt an inexplicable warmth. However, Jiang Ren was puzzled; Ling Dao didn't seem like someone who'd deliver a letter. Could something have happened to Jiang Zhong?

"Senior, this is the letter Grandpa Jiang entrusted me to deliver to you!"

Ling Dao produced the letter from Jiang Zhong, but Jiang Ren eagerly snatched it from him. Ignoring everyone else in the room, he tore open the envelope. He recognized Jiang Zhong's handwriting instantly. The content, however, darkened Jiang Ren's expression.

"My elder brother... has he passed?"

It took a moment for Jiang Ren to lift his head, shocked to find that it was indeed Jiang Zhong's final words. Jiang Zhong had written that by the time Jiang Ren read the letter, he would no longer be among the living. The loss of his only brother deeply grieved Jiang Ren.

"Mm..."

Ling Dao nodded, a flicker of sorrow passing through his eyes. Jiang Ren saw Jiang Zhong as family, and Ling Dao felt the same. Even in his final moments, Jiang Zhong's thoughts were with Ling Dao, not himself.

"You four, leave us. This doesn't concern you."

With a wave of his hand, Jiang Ren dismissed the four disciples of the Sky-splitting Sword Sect. Now alone in the courtyard, Jiang Ren, still reeling from the devastating news, stood frozen at the entrance. Ling Dao remained silent, empathizing with Jiang Ren's turmoil.

"Come inside with me."

After what felt like an eternity, Jiang Ren finally broke the silence and headed into the courtyard. Ling Dao nodded and followed. Jiang Ren took a seat on a stone bench and turned his gaze to Ling Dao.

Jiang Zhong's letter was filled with directives for Ling Dao, barely touching on his own life and death. He implored Ling Dao to take good care of himself and urged him to join the Sky-splitting Sword Sect to master their skills.

The letter made it clear how deeply Jiang Zhong valued Ling Dao. To Jiang Zhong, Ling Dao was more precious than his own life. He had confided Ling Dao's true heritage as Crown Prince Xiao Yao, lamenting that the once-great Free and Unfettered Wangfu had fallen.

"Crown Prince Xiao Yao, our humble Sky-splitting Sword Sect simply cannot accommodate a figure of your stature," Jiang Ren spoke with deliberate slowness. Ling Dao's brow furrowed momentarily before smoothing out. He understood that Jiang Ren was not Jiang Zhong. If Jiang Ren did not wish for him to remain within the sect, then he would depart. There were other places where he would be welcomed.

"I only came to the Sky-splitting Sword Sect to deliver this letter to you. Since the sect is not inclined to take me on as a disciple, I'll take my leave now. My apologies for the intrusion."

Ling Dao spared Jiang Zhong no further glance, turning on his heel to leave. Without having sworn allegiance to the Sky-splitting Sword Sect, he felt no attachment to it. Being accepted into the sect would have been a boon, but being rejected was of little consequence to him.

"Hold on, I haven't finished speaking!"