Inside the Residence of the Xue Clan Patriarch
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Xue Jing was lying asleep upon his bed.
Slowly, his eyes fluttered open. He rose into a seated position and pressed a hand against his temple, a dull pain throbbing within his head. After a moment, his eyes suddenly widened in shock, as memories surged back to him-memories of the most terrifying and humiliating ordeal he had ever experienced in his life.
He hurriedly scanned his surroundings. Only then did he realize that he was inside his own chamber, within the residence of the Xue Clan Patriarch.
Xue Jing:
"Ah... oh? Could it be that everything was merely a dream? Just a nightmare?"
He let out a long breath, his heart finally settling.
"That dream was far too vivid... but fortunately, it was nothing more than a dream-"
Before he could finish rejoicing, the doors to his chamber were suddenly flung open with violent force.
Bang!!!
Xue Jing:
"Hmph! Who dares intrude upon my quarters without permission-!"
He paused, narrowing his eyes.
"Oh? Is that you, Xue Tian Yun? Why are you in such a hurry, and why do you look so flustered? Has something serious occurred?"
Xue Tian Yun:
"Clan Patriarch... it seems you truly do not remember what happened yesterday! Do you honestly recall nothing at all?!"
Xue Jing:
"Yesterday? What incident are you speaking of? I have no recollection of anything of the sort."
Xue Tian Yun:
"It appears you have yet to recall it. Yesterday, we discovered you and Young Master Xue Ying lying unconscious at the front courtyard of the Xue Clan. We initially believed you had been attacked by some malicious group and might have suffered grave injuries. Yet you appear unharmed now... however, as for Young Master Xue Ying..."
His voice dropped noticeably, trembling with unease. His expression stiffened, and he did not dare continue.
The moment Xue Jing saw this reaction, his heart sank.
He instantly understood-everything he had experienced before had not been a dream.
His mind was dragged back to that moment, when he had rushed to rescue his son from captivity... only to witness a scene so grotesque and horrifying that it carved itself into his soul: his own son, driven mad with depraved lust, copulating with a pig like a frenzied demon.
Xue Jing:
"...I remember now."
His voice grew low and hoarse.
"I remember it all... far too clearly."
Before Xue Tian Yun could speak again, a terrifying aura of rage and killing intent erupted violently from Xue Jing's body. It surged through the residence and spilled beyond the boundaries of the Xue Clan itself, causing civilians in the surrounding area to tremble in fear beneath the oppressive murderous pressure.
Xue Jing clenched his fists tightly, his entire body trembling with restrained fury. Though hatred and rage burned within him to the extreme, he forced himself to suppress it. The present situation demanded composure.
He swiftly examined his body, checking for poison or signs that any treasured items had been stolen. To his astonishment, nothing was missing. This revelation eased his heart slightly.
Xue Jing:
"Hah..."
He exhaled deeply.
"I must prepare for what is to come. That incident will undoubtedly trigger a massive upheaval. It will draw the attention of countless forces and great clans, all seeking to act upon it. Our Xue Clan will inevitably be dragged into this turmoil. I must devise a way for us to distance ourselves from the coming chaos."
His eyes darkened.
"The shameful affair of my son has yet to be exposed... but that is not necessarily good news. It means that brat Wu Ming holds the upper hand. With this alone, he could destroy the reputation of my clan and humiliate us throughout the entire city."
His expression twisted with frustration.
"Even if he does nothing, the fact that he holds such leverage is infuriating beyond words!"
Xue Tian Yun:
"Clan Patriarch... what are you thinking? Has something truly grave occurred?"
Xue Jing:
"Indeed, something grave has occurred. But you need not concern yourself with the details. Summon all division heads of the clan at once. We will convene and prepare countermeasures for the future."
His gaze sharpened.
"We begin this evening."
Xue Tian Yun clasped his fists and bowed deeply.
Xue Tian Yun:
"This subordinate obeys!"
....
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....
Within the Territory of the Wu Clan
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At the heart of a lotus-filled water garden stood a small wooden pavilion. Lotus blossoms and vibrant flowers surrounded it on all sides, creating a tranquil and serene scene-perfect for sipping tea and discussing worldly affairs.
Inside the pavilion sat two men, leisurely drinking tea as they spoke of the recent events that had transpired within the Wu Clan.
One was a handsome youth, his expression calm and indifferent, yet clear and serene. His attire was simple, resembling that of an ordinary clan heir of modest means.
The other was a middle-aged man with a thick beard and a robust, imposing build. His garments were adorned with symbols of honor and authority, making his presence strikingly different from the youth beside him.
They were none other than Wu Ming and General Mu Chen.
General Mu Chen:
"Mmm... this tea is truly remarkable. Despite having resided within this empire for many years, I have never encountered such an exquisite brewing method."
He took another sip, eyes gleaming.
"It is not merely flavorful-it accelerates the absorption of vital energy and refines it with astonishing efficiency, as though such effects were natural. For ordinary cultivators, this tea is immensely beneficial to cultivation. However, for someone at my realm, it is little more than a fine-tasting beverage."
Wu Ming:
"General, you flatter it too much. In my eyes, this tea serves only to please the palate. It offers little benefit to the body or to cultivation."
He spoke calmly.
"If I were given sufficient time, I could cultivate a tea with truly unique properties-one that would leave even you astonished. I can confidently say that within this entire empire, no tea like it exists."
General Mu Chen:
"Then I shall eagerly await the day I may taste such a marvel."
He set his cup down.
"Now, let us speak of matters at hand. I have already fulfilled our previous agreement. All hidden threats and disturbances within the Wu Clan's territory have been dealt with."
His gaze grew serious.
"However, this does not mean that no one will seek to harm you in the future. Thus, I wish to invite you to serve the empire. Under its protection, you would receive full support-resources, wealth, treasures -whatever you require. You should consider this carefully."
Such an offer was the highest honor within the Tian Men Empire.
For General Mu Chen to personally extend such an invitation was unprecedented.
Yet Wu Ming showed no excitement, no interest at all. He calmly took another sip of tea, then set his cup down.
Wu Ming:
"I am deeply grateful that General Mu Chen would extend such a generous offer."
He met Mu Chen's gaze steadily.
"However, I must decline."
General Mu Chen rose abruptly, slamming his hand onto the table.
General Mu Chen:
"Why? Is my offer insufficient? The empire can provide even greater resources-divine weapons, rare treasures-"
Wu Ming:
"Please, calm yourself."
His voice remained composed.
"It is not that the offer is lacking. Rather, I value freedom above all else. I do not wish to bind myself to any place or power."
His eyes sharpened.
"When I wish to leave, I shall leave. When I wish to stay, I shall stay. Nothing may restrain me. No oath can bind me."
A faint smile appeared.
"Even if the heavens themselves sought to confine me, they would fail."
His words carried absolute confidence and unshakable resolve-an authority rarely seen in one so young.
General Mu Chen sighed deeply, regret evident in his eyes, yet his respect only grew.
General Mu Chen:
"A pity... a great pity indeed. That the empire cannot claim a genius such as yourself."
He paused, then continued.
"However, I have another proposal. It bears no shackles nor restrictions. I wish for you to participate in the Grand Ranking Tournament of all realms. What do you say?"
Wu Ming:
"The Grand Ranking Tournament? I have never heard of such a thing. Would you care to explain?"
General Mu Chen:
"It is natural you would not know. This tournament exists to rank the empires and forces, to demonstrate their strength, authority, and influence."
His tone grew solemn.
"It is supported by the Five Sacred Valleys."
Wu Ming:
"The Sacred Valleys?"
Interest flickered in his eyes.
"I have never heard of them. Please, explain in detail."
Delighted at having captured Wu Ming's attention, General Mu Chen began explaining.
There existed five supreme powers, collectively known as the Five Upper Sects (五上宗)-the Sacred Valleys. Though little was known of them, they were acknowledged as the strongest forces within the Kun Lun World, standing at the absolute pinnacle, the ultimate goal of nearly every cultivator.
Every ten years, each empire was required to send no fewer than ten geniuses to compete. Those who passed all trials and emerged victorious would receive unimaginable benefits and earn the right to join one of the Sacred Valleys.
If a cultivator's talent proved extraordinary beyond measure, the Sacred Valleys would contend for them directly-leaving no choice necessary.
Only three years remained before the next tournament's recruitment began. It was, in essence, an entrance trial to the supreme sects.
Wu Ming (inner thoughts):
"So this world is known as the Kun Lun World..."
His gaze remained calm, yet deep contemplation stirred beneath the surface.
"In my previous life, I traversed countless lands across the martial realms, stepped into innumerable kingdoms and minor worlds scattered like dust among the stars. I have crossed vast universes, wandered through unfamiliar worlds of strange laws, and even torn open dimensional voids to reach places unknown and unseen."
A trace of curiosity flickered within his eyes.
"Yet, despite all that, I have never once heard the name Kun Lun."
He paused, then slowly exhaled.
"But that is hardly surprising. The heavens and the myriad worlds are boundless beyond measure. What I have witnessed is but a fraction of existence itself. There will always be worlds that lie beyond one's knowledge... and powers that surpass one's imagination."
His expression gradually grew resolute.
"If this world truly conceals forces such as the Sacred Valleys, then entering one of them is inevitable. Only by standing at the summit of this world can I uncover its truths and understand the laws that govern it."
A cold, confident glint surfaced.
"Three years... that should be more than sufficient for me to firmly establish my footing within the Kun Lun World."
General Mu Chen grew increasingly uneasy, fearing that Wu Ming might believe himself unqualified and choose to refuse. Unable to hold back any longer, he spoke up at once.
General Mu Chen:
"Boy, you are the most outstanding genius I have ever encountered in the entire Tian Men Empire. Do not harbor any doubts or fear. On the path of cultivation, there has never been a road that was easy or comfortable."
At once, Wu Ming's expression darkened, as though clouds and mist had gathered upon his face.
Seeing this, General Mu Chen's heart sank. He assumed that his words had only deepened Wu Ming's apprehension. After all, the Imperial Ranking Tournament gathered only cultivators of terrifying caliber-those whose realms stood incomparably high. Even the weakest among them had reached the Essence Condensation Realm, standing on the verge of breaking past their limits.
Yet, in the very next moment, something entirely unexpected occurred.
Sudden laughter erupted.
Wu Ming:
"Hahaha! General, there is no need for such concern. I have no intention of refusing. I will participate-without question."
Upon hearing this, General Mu Chen could hardly contain his joy.
General Mu Chen:
"Hahaha! Excellent! Truly excellent! At last, the Tian Men Empire shall rise to glory once more!"
Wu Ming:
"However..."
His tone shifted slightly.
"As for the resources required for cultivation, the Empire must be the one to provide them. Otherwise, I would be unable to participate in this Imperial Ranking Tournament."
General Mu Chen raised his hand at once, signaling Wu Ming not to worry.
The provision of cultivation resources was already the Empire's responsibility. In selecting talents of exceptional potential, it was only natural for the ruling power to invest heavily in such geniuses-this had always been the established norm.
General Mu Chen spoke in a steady voice, his tone resolute.
General Mu Chen:
"I shall personally consult the Imperial Court regarding the allocation of cultivation resources to be granted to you. However, you must accompany me to the Empire as well, so that your identity and capabilities may be formally verified."
Wu Ming nodded in understanding.
Afterward, the two continued their discussion at length. Wu Ming inquired about many matters he had yet to understand-about the current situation within the Tian Men Empire, the surrounding kingdoms, and the shifting balance of power. At times, their conversation turned toward the Dao itself, exchanging insights and interpretations, each seeking a deeper comprehension of the Path.
Five watches later, Wu Ming personally escorted General Mu Chen to the exit of the Wu clan.
They had already agreed that the verification of Wu Ming's identity would take place two months later. This would allow the Empire time to settle the recent turmoil, while also granting Wu Ming sufficient time to prepare himself.
Wu Ming:
"I can only escort you this far, General Mu Chen. I hope you will not take offense."
As he spoke, Wu Ming clasped his hands and bowed respectfully.
General Mu Chen:
"There is no need for such courtesy. This is more than enough. I must return at once and report these matters to the Empire so that the allocation of resources may be approved. Two months from now, I expect you to be fully prepared for the aptitude assessment. Farewell."
With that, General Mu Chen leapt into the air, soaring skyward before vanishing at an astonishing speed.
Wu Ming let out a long breath.
The injuries he bore-both to his body and his will-were not light.
He spoke calmly.
Wu Ming:
"You two may come out now. General Mu Chen has already left Quan Dian City."
From within a meticulously arranged formation, two figures emerged.
The formation-constructed personally by Wu Ming-had been refined to such a degree that even General Mu Chen's perception had been completely blocked.
The two were none other than Wu Yue and Wu Feng.
Wu Feng hurried forward and bowed deeply.
Wu Feng:
"This subordinate failed to protect Young Master. I am truly a useless servant. I beg Young Master to punish me-otherwise, I will never grow stronger, nor will I be able to protect Young Master Wu... and Miss Wu Yue!"
Wu Ming could sense the sincerity of Wu Feng's guilt-it came straight from the depths of his heart. He did not rebuke him. Instead, his gaze shifted toward Wu Yue, who remained silent, standing motionless.
Wu Ming:
"Senior Sister Wu Yue, why do you look at me like that? Have I changed so much that I am no longer recognizable to you?"
His words struck Wu Yue's heart like a blade.
She concealed it well, yet how could the emotions of a young woman remain hidden from one who had witnessed countless lives and deaths? With a single glance into her eyes, Wu Ming already knew what thoughts tormented her.
After all, no cripple was ever meant to awaken, let alone rise and create miracles that shook heaven and earth. Such a thing should have been impossible.
Wu Ming:
"Wu Feng, leave for now. I will deal with you later. There is a private matter I must settle."
Wu Feng did not argue. He clasped his hands in respect and departed without hesitation.
Wu Ming then walked toward Wu Yue, his steps calm and natural, as though nothing had occurred.
Yet the moment Wu Yue saw him approaching, panic surged through her heart. She instinctively leapt backward, creating distance between them. Confusion and turmoil flooded her mind.
Wu Ming:
"There is no need to be so alarmed. I am neither a demon nor some malevolent being come to claim lives. If we refuse to speak openly and honestly, how can we ever come to understand one another? Or is it that you do not wish to know the truth?"
His gaze sharpened.
"The one who lay in a coma, whose awakening was deemed impossible -how did he rise once more and stand before you? Do you truly not wish to know the truth behind this?"
Each word pierced deeper into Wu Yue's heart.
Her body trembled as sorrow and fury intertwined. Her hands clenched tightly as she drew her sword. Tears streamed down her gentle, beautiful face.
Any man who witnessed such a sight would feel his heart ache and wish to do anything to stop her tears.
Wu Yue spoke, her voice trembling, filled with grief, rage, and countless tangled emotions:
Wu Yue:
"You... you are not Wu Ming, are you?! You bastard! How dare you seize my younger brother's body?! You are nothing but a despicable soul-some wicked old monster reborn, or a vile spirit that steals another's body to continue existing! You are truly vile!"
She shouted in anguish and fury.
Yet Wu Ming remained unmoved.
His expression was cold and indifferent-like an iceberg that could not be shaken by even the smallest spark.
Wu Ming:
"If that is the case... then what will you do to me?"
The moment those words left his lips, Wu Yue understood.
The one standing before her was no longer the younger brother she had cherished and protected since childhood.
Without hesitation, she lunged forward, unleashing her full speed as she slashed toward Wu Ming with her sword.
Wu Ming did not move.
He stood still-unwavering, like an unyielding glacier.
Slash!
The blade halted.
Her attack stopped abruptly. The sword, swung with all her strength, froze midair-its edge resting against Wu Ming's throat.
Wu Ming:
"Do you no longer wish to kill me? Why does your hand tremble before the one who has seized your brother's body-no different from a ghost possessing the living?"
Wu Yue:
"Shut up!"
Her voice broke.
Wu Yue:
"You... you despicable bastard! You know full well that I cannot bring myself to kill my own brother-and yet you toy with my heart as his elder sister!"
She truly could not do it.
Even though they shared no blood ties...
Even though Wu Ming's body had been overtaken by another...
She could not raise her hand against the younger brother she had raised since childhood with pure devotion.
The sword slipped from her grasp and fell to the ground.
Clang-clang.
Her body collapsed as well.
All strength left her limbs. She no longer had the power even to stand.
Severe injuries wracked her body, while her spirit plunged into the deepest abyss.
At last...
Wu Yue lost consciousness.
Just before Wu Yue's body collapsed helplessly onto the ground, Wu Ming stepped forward and caught her in his arms, his movements gentle and unhurried.
Wu Ming:
"...Sigh. To think I would have to deal with emotional entanglements as well. This is far worse than being poisoned."
Wu Ming muttered softly, a trace of guilt lingering in his voice-though he knew this was not truly his fault. His reaction did not stem from irritation, but from empathy.
To become a knot in another's heart-to leave behind an unresolved obsession-was to risk birthing a heart demon within them, one that could hinder their progress upon the path of cultivation. Some were capable of letting go and advancing regardless. Yet others would cling desperately to certain emotions buried deep within their hearts, unable to cast them aside.
Such things were not easily erased...
And at times, they could unknowingly destroy another's future.
Wu Ming carried Wu Yue back to her chambers, where female attendants were arranged to tend to her and monitor her condition.
Before leaving, he fed her a medicinal pill-one he had personally refined during the time he hid within the Void Expanse while confronting General Mu Chen.
Within that boundless void, there existed no laws of time.
It was akin to entering a realm where time itself stood still-a place frozen in absolute stillness, where one could move freely while the outside world remained suspended. One could even observe others, motionless beyond the void, depending entirely on the user's mastery and ability.
Within that private dimensional space-nested inside Wu Ming's Tower of Will Creation-the absence of time posed no hindrance to him.
There, Wu Ming had refined a large quantity of medicinal pills in preparation for countless contingencies.
Not long after, Wu Ming arrived at the grand main hall of the Wu clan.
Dust and cobwebs filled the space.
It resembled a ruin abandoned for decades-desolate and lifeless.
Wu Ming:
"So this place truly hasn't been used for a very long time... Wu Feng!"
Wu Ming called out.
Wu Feng appeared almost instantly. He clasped his hands, bowed deeply, and knelt on one knee.
Wu Feng:
"Young Master, what are your orders? This subordinate has yet to receive punishment."
Wu Ming:
"The time has come. Prepare yourself-both body and mind."
Shock!
One full week later.
Wu Feng:
"Huff... huff... I-I can't take this anymore! This is hell itself!"
Wu Ming spoke leisurely, seated comfortably upon a chair, his tone relaxed.
Wu Ming:
"Stop complaining. Before long, this hall will be put to use again. This is merely one part of the plan I have prepared."
Wu Feng cried as he spoke, his voice filled with despair.
Wu Feng:
"Is that truly so, Young Master? But why must / be the one to clean all of this? Do you not possess countless treasures? Why not simply hire servants?"
Wu Ming:
"Even if our clan's treasury holds great wealth, that does not mean it should be squandered without restraint. The foundation of the Wu clan is still weak. Before recruiting servants, we must first establish stability."
"No servant would willingly join a clan with no future and no tangible assets to secure their livelihood."
He paused slightly.
"And besides... my current cultivation progression is proving more difficult than expected."
Wu Ming thought silently to himself:
This world's cultivation system feels... incomplete.
Wu Ming frowned imperceptibly.
The hierarchy of realms is astonishingly shallow-far too shallow for a world governed by such dense and oppressive heavenly laws.
No... that is not quite accurate.
What I sense is that the laws of heaven and earth here are strangely defined-far more intricate and convoluted than those of other worlds I have traversed.
This suggests that the cultivation system of this world is not limited to merely nine major realms.
A vast gap exists... an enormous blank space hidden between realms.
Wu Ming's eyes narrowed slightly as his thoughts deepened.
But where does that missing boundary lie?
Above the known realms? Or concealed between them, deliberately severed from mortal perception?
A faint ripple stirred within his Dao Heart.
If such a gap truly exists, then it means the so-called limits of this world are nothing more than an illusion imposed upon its cultivators.
Interesting...
Perhaps there is something far more magnificent hidden beyond what this world allows one to see.
If I wish to advance further-to truly grasp the laws governing this realm-I will need access to a far greater repository of knowledge.
It seems... my curiosity has been awakened.
But for now... it is time to explore this city and see what it has to offer.
Wu Ming informed Wu Feng that he intended to go out and explore the city, returning by dusk.
Wu Feng immediately offered to accompany him as a guard, but Wu Ming refused.
Wu Ming:
"Continue cleaning this place-and don't forget the clan courtyard as well. It's overgrown beyond reason. I'll return by dusk. Do not worry-l can protect myself."
Wu Feng had no choice but to resign himself to his fate.
He continued cleaning endlessly, sorting through piles of debris and discarded objects. The monotony threatened to drown him in boredom.
Wu Ming:
"Do not feel disheartened. When I have the time, I will teach you a technique that allows one to fight across realms. It will also greatly strengthen your foundation."
Wu Feng's spirit surged instantly. He replied with fervent respect.
Wu Feng:
"Thank you, Young Master Wu! This subordinate will await that day eagerly!"
Wu Ming:
"Good. Then I shall take my leave."
Wu Feng:
"Please take care, Young Master!"
Wu Ming waved his hand lightly, signaling that there was no need for concern.
Then-
His figure vanished down the corridor, leaving no trace behind.