Evening at the Gu Clan
As dusk settled over the Gu Clan estate, the atmosphere within the main ancestral hall grew tense.
Gu Chen Wei spoke with evident fury,
"Gu Fei Yi, are you suggesting that I mobilize the clan's forces to attack the Wu Clan? Have you lost your mind? Do you value that so-called treasure more than your own family-more than your father and the Gu Clan itself?"
Gu Fei Yi clenched his fists.
"It is not as you think, Father-Gu Chen Wei."
"You should know better than anyone what kind of power that treasure possesses. It was powerful enough to stir the heavens and earth themselves. Such a phenomenon does not occur lightly-it must be a rare artifact that appears only once in tens of thousands of years!"
At that moment, the Grand Elder of the Gu Clan, Gu Nan, stepped forward and spoke solemnly.
"Young Master Gu Fei Yi, no matter how extraordinary or valuable that treasure may be, the Gu Clan cannot act so openly. Even if we were to deploy our trained forces to surround or annihilate the Wu Clan, such an action is absolutely unacceptable."
"You-!"
Gu Fei Yi was about to hurl an insult at the Grand Elder when a calm but firm voice cut him off.
"Do you intend to drag the entire clan into catastrophe?"
Gu Fei Yi's face darkened.
"Shut your mouth, Gu Yi Fan!"
Gu Yi Fan, standing tall and composed, replied coldly,
"As your elder brother, I expect at least a shred of respect. You speak of plundering another's treasure when the Empire itself has explicitly forbidden such acts. Or do you intend to defy imperial law?"
"Not only that-this prohibition was personally issued by Marshal Mu Chen. If I did not warn you now, our Gu Clan would inevitably be placed under imperial scrutiny and punished, its reputation ruined beyond repair."
Gu Fei Yi fell silent.
What Gu Yi Fan said was not wrong-every word was true.
Yet the desire burning within Gu Fei Yi refused to fade. The treasure in Wu Ming's possession resonated deeply with his innate Spatial Talent, calling out to him from the depths of his being.
Gu Chen Wei sighed and spoke once more,
"Your senior brother is correct. No matter how precious that artifact may be, it is not worth exchanging the lives, legacy, and tens of thousands of years of history of the Gu Clan."
"Moreover, our intelligence network has confirmed that the Wu Clan's young master is one of the candidates selected to participate in the Grand Imperial Ranking Competition. If you cause trouble now, the individuals personally nurtured by the Empire will undoubtedly strike us without mercy."
"For the time being, we must remain low-profile and focus on cultivation. You, too, will be one of the representatives competing for imperial ranking. When the time comes-if you encounter him in a secluded place, far from witnesses-that will be your opportunity."
As the clan leader finished speaking, a glint of realization flashed through Gu Fei Yi's eyes.
A sly smile tugged briefly at the corner of his lips-quickly concealed, yet not fast enough to escape Gu Yi Fan's sharp gaze.
Gu Yi Fan knew exactly what his junior brother was thinking.
However, he did not interfere.
He, too, had plans of his own.
Inside Quan Dian City
Wu Ming continued his exploration of the city, with Yong Ye following closely behind.
Since leaving the Imperial Trade Pavilion, Wu Ming had noticed that Yong Ye had been kneeling at the entrance for quite some time, uncertain when Wu Ming would emerge. This strange behavior drew curious glances from passersby and quickly became fodder for whispered rumors.
Wu Ming spoke calmly,
"If you intend to follow me, you must not kneel or bow your head so easily. Otherwise, you are unqualified to be my follower-or my business partner."
"Remember this well. If you cannot uphold it, you will never become one of my transactional counterparts."
Yong Ye nodded solemnly.
"I understand, Young Master Wu Ming. From this day forth, I will not disgrace you by behaving like one who abuses power to force others to kneel. I will stand upright-and never bend easily."
Wu Ming smiled in satisfaction.
Following Yong Ye's guidance, they soon reached the outer perimeter of Quan Dian City-a region shrouded in dense, mysterious forests filled with danger and fearsome demonic beasts.
Standing at the forest's entrance, Wu Ming frowned slightly.
"So this is the outer boundary of Quan Dian City... Why does this place feel so unsettling? The surroundings are saturated with illusionary formations-no... this isn't artificial."
"These are naturally formed Illusionary Laws."
"What a marvel... To think such a phenomenon exists in a place like this."
Yong Ye stared at him in shock.
"Young Master-you can recognize naturally formed Illusionary Laws?!"
Wu Ming replied casually,
"There is nothing strange about it. In fact, I know more than that."
"Naturally formed Illusionary Laws originate from the Essence of the Demonic Dao-a path meant solely for demons. If ordinary humans recklessly attempt to cultivate it, the Dao will inevitably devour them, transforming them into mindless demons."
"Of course, there are rare exceptions-half-demons, hybrids, or those who truly comprehend the essence of absolute evil."
"What puzzles me is this: in a place where Heaven-and-Earth energy is so scarce, how could such terrifying laws exist... unless this forest conceals a Primordial Demon Spirit Source."
Yong Ye was stunned.
Some of what Wu Ming spoke of went far beyond his own knowledge, deepening his awe and reverence.
"Yes-yes, that makes sense! Long ago, tens of thousands of years in the past, the Tian Men Realm was engulfed in chaos-a war between humans and demons, before the era in which the two races learned to coexist."
"In that great war, hundreds of millions perished-mortals and cultivators alike. There are rumors that near Quan Dian City, the Son of the Demon God fell in battle, betrayed by his own kin and manipulated by human forces."
"Though the details are unclear, it is said his body remains here... If so, the demonic essence may have permeated these mountains for tens of thousands of years, giving rise to such phenomena."
Wu Ming fell into silent contemplation.
In his past world, humans and demons could never coexist. Every race stood rigidly apart, divided by absolute hierarchy.
He himself was born of the Supreme Godline, standing far above even Demon Gods of equal rank. To him, demons were nothing more than savage, mindless creatures-unworthy of regard.
Yet now...
If he could harness demonic essence, it would greatly accelerate the stabilization of his cultivation foundation. Demonic energy-condensed from evil and death-was both potent and pure in its own way.
Still...
Whether a true Primordial Demon Source existed here remained uncertain.
Wu Ming asked, "Does this place have a name of its own?"
Yong Ye replied respectfully, "Yes. This place is known as the Illusory Valley. The name originates from the illusions that are born from this mountain. Its influence does not stop at the valley alone-within a radius of one hundred thousand li, the surrounding forests are all shrouded in the aura of the Illusory Valley. That is how it came to be named."
Wu Ming gazed at the Illusory Valley for a moment before withdrawing his sight and turning back toward the outskirts of the city together with Yong Ye.
As they made their way back toward Quan Dian City, Wu Ming grew increasingly impatient as Yong Ye once again brought up matters of deals and contracts discussed earlier.
Wu Ming said, "Let me be clear in advance. I have no interest in business partnerships outside of the Imperial Commerce Pavilion. Other than that, nothing else truly concerns me. However, if you wish to join the Wu Clan as an internal aide handling various affairs, I am willing to accept you. The choice is yours."
Yong Ye responded immediately, without the slightest hesitation, his tone firm and resolute.
"I am willing. I am willing to become a member of the Wu Clan and assist in managing its affairs. Once I pledge my loyalty, I am not a man who is picky or wavering."
Wu Ming smiled faintly in satisfaction.
"Good. I like people who are decisive and sharp-minded. I despise those who hesitate and lack conviction. Return with me to the Wu Clan today. Coincidentally, we are in need of someone to oversee internal matters, and you will be appointed as the first elder."
Yong Ye was momentarily stunned before joy surged through him.
"This is an immense honor! I will fulfill my duties to the utmost, no matter what tasks you assign me!"
As they continued walking, their conversation shifted to the ancient place Yong Ye had mentioned earlier-a mysterious and perilous realm. It was not a physical structure visible upon the surface of the world, but rather one contained within a hereditary scripture passed down through Yong Ye's family.
That scripture allowed its inheritor-or anyone who entered it-to break through into an entirely different dimension, one whose temporal nature could not be discerned as past, present, or future. That realm was vast like a world of its own, filled with ancient ruins and strange civilizations. It was saturated with formation arrays carved with incomprehensible archaic runes, and dangers far beyond the imagination of ordinary cultivators.
Even for Yong Ye, possessing such a relic was nothing short of a nightmare. No matter how desperately he devoted his life to cultivation, entering that place again seemed utterly hopeless. Thus, it had remained a secret for countless years.
Wu Ming pondered deeply before saying, "From what you've described, it seems you have already entered that scripture once before."
"Yes, Young Master," Yong Ye replied. "The first time I entered, I was utterly terrified. The entire world inside was dyed red, as if soaked in blood. The stench was overwhelming-I vomited repeatedly. There were also strange creatures resembling demonic beasts, yet not quite the same. I fled immediately, as I felt my vitality draining rapidly, as if my body were deteriorating."
Wu Ming's eyes sharpened.
"I believe I understand the nature of that world now."
"Y-You do, Young Master?!"
Wu Ming explained calmly, "The world within that scripture can be called a demonic world. The blood-red environment is not an illusion-it is real blood. However, it is not blood from external beings, but from the creatures native to that world. Their blood has been refined into a vast blood formation, anchoring the flow of time and preventing that world from decaying too quickly. It is a method of preservation."
Yong Ye was deeply shaken by this explanation, struggling to fully comprehend it.
"Then... what does that mean, exactly?"
Wu Ming glanced at him, then closed his eyes briefly before speaking.
"It means that within that world sleeps a powerful being. It has enveloped itself-and the entire world-in immense quantities of blood energy to prevent time from erasing its existence. It awaits a successor like you-or anyone else-so that it may either possess their body or use them as a tool to escape that sealed dimension."
Yong Ye was horrified. He could scarcely believe that the ancestral treasure his family had safeguarded for generations concealed such terror.
Panicking, he blurted out, "Young Master, then you should take that scripture away! It's hidden in the cellar beneath my residence. I don't want something so terrifying near me-even if it's an ancestral relic. I don't want to die or become its victim one day!"
Wu Ming slowly opened his eyes, sunlight falling gently upon his face. "There is no need to worry. That scripture cannot harm anyone outside it. Though dangerous, it poses no immediate threat. Powerful laws still imprison that being within. Without those constraints, it would have escaped long ago. Let us return to the Wu Clan first and handle our affairs. We will deal with your inheritance afterward."
"Yes, Young Master!"
They continued onward until they finally arrived at the Wu Clan's residence.
Upon seeing its condition, Yong Ye's shoulders slumped. He had imagined a mighty and illustrious clan, yet the place before him looked dilapidated, like an abandoned estate long devoid of life.
"T-This is... the Wu Clan?"
Wu Ming nodded calmly.
"Though it appears rundown, it will soon regain its vitality. I will entrust you with overseeing its reorganization."
Wu Ming placed a hand on Yong Ye's shoulder and smiled faintly. Yong Ye briefly wondered if he had been deceived-until Wu Ming handed him a scroll.
"Eh? What is this?"
"Open it. You'll understand."
As Yong Ye read, his expression froze in shock.
This... this is a supreme method for becoming a high-level Alchemy Grandmaster?!
It contained techniques exclusive to advanced alchemical fusion paths -knowledge unseen in any conventional alchemy manuals. Every line was of the highest tier.
Overwhelmed with awe and joy, Yong Ye realized this would define his future path and potentially elevate him to one of the greatest alchemists in the entire realm.
He looked up at Wu Ming, then clasped his hands and bowed deeply, his respect absolute.
Wu Ming then outlined his plans to restore the Wu Clan, handing Yong Ye resources and treasures to recruit servants and oversee reconstruction.
At that moment, a shout echoed across the estate.
"YOUNG MASTER WU-!!! YOU'VE RETURNED?!"
Wu Ming and Yong Ye followed the sound and found Wu Feng, flustered and panicked.
"You're finally back! I thought you'd gotten lost!"
Wu Ming asked calmly, "What happened that required such shouting?"
After explaining the situation, Wu Ming nodded.
"I understand. I'll handle it. Wu Feng, you may rest easier now. I've found someone I trust to manage internal affairs. Introduce yourselves."
Yong Ye bowed respectfully.
"My name is Yong Ye. From this day forth, I will oversee internal management for the Wu Clan. It is an honor to meet you."
Wu Feng smiled.
"Wu Feng. I am Young Master Wu Ming's personal guardian. No need for formalities."
Yong Ye said respectfully,
"I understand. It is a great honor for me to serve by Young Master Wu Ming's side. From this moment onward, I shall consider myself a member of the Wu Clan and devote myself to it with absolute loyalty."
Wu Feng nodded slightly.
"That is precisely the quality every member of a clan should possess.
Since you have already received your assignment from the young master, you should attend to it at once. I, too, have my own duties to handle. For the time being, do not disturb Young Master Wu-he has personal matters to attend to. If there is anything within the clan that you do not understand, you may consult me first to avoid unnecessary mistakes."
Yong Ye clasped his hands and bowed.
"Thank you for your guidance. I shall take my leave."
After the two had finished their introductions, they parted ways to carry out their respective responsibilities. Yong Ye immediately began drafting structural layouts and organizational plans. He was not a martial expert blessed with extraordinary powers; surviving in this world required more than mere cultivation guidance. One needed practical skills-construction, contracting, and various forms of labor that could generate wealth and sustain life.
In this regard, Yong Ye was no different from a capable artisan or architect. He devoted himself wholeheartedly to designing and reorganizing the Wu Clan's foundations, striving to establish balance, order, and standardized structures. Immersed in his work, he carried out his duties with steady focus and efficiency.
.....
......
Within Wu Ming's Residence
Wu Ming arrived at his private quarters and noticed the maidservant he had assigned to care for Wu Yue standing at the entrance, waiting for him.
"You may leave," Wu Ming said calmly. "I will speak with her myself."
"Yes, Young Master Wu," the maidservant replied respectfully before withdrawing.
Wu Ming gently turned the door latch and stepped inside. He saw Wu Yue seated by the window, her gaze fixed upon the beautiful sight of the setting sun.
A soft, cool breeze drifted through the open window, lifting strands of her hair as they swayed gently in the air. The flowing locks brushed lightly against her delicate, pale face. Slowly, she parted her faintly dry lips and turned toward the door that had just opened.
"You've returned... Xiao... Wu..." she whispered.
Wu Ming found himself momentarily speechless.
His thoughts grew tangled and chaotic-yet only for an instant. He closed his eyes, then opened them once more, calm and composed. His gaze settled gently upon Wu Yue's eyes, never wavering.
He felt neither intimacy nor affection toward this woman. To him, she was no different from a stranger he had only just encountered. In such a situation, who could avoid inner turmoil?
He asked softly,
"Have your injuries improved?"
Wu Yue replied weakly, her voice barely above a whisper,
"Yes... I'm much better now..."
She attempted to rise from the chair, but her strength failed her. Unable to support her own weight, her body swayed as she began to fall.
In an instant, Wu Ming moved. He caught her gently, his hand resting at her waist as he steadied her. Wu Yue instinctively wrapped both arms around his neck. For a brief moment, their eyes met directly.
Wu Ming then lifted her carefully and laid her upon the bed so she could rest. Placing two fingers upon her wrist, he examined her spiritual pulse once more, thoroughly assessing her condition.
"Hm," Wu Ming murmured.
"Your injuries have indeed improved. Your weakness stems only from emotional exhaustion and prolonged depression. Rest well and consume the pills I gave you. They will strengthen your body and restore your meridians, allowing your qi to return to its peak in a short time."
He gently cupped her hands with both of his, warming them. Wu Yue slowly turned her gaze toward him, a faint smile forming on her lips.
"Thank you... Xiao Ming..."
As soon as she finished speaking, she lost consciousness once more, her body utterly spent. Wu Ming refined the medicinal pills into formless energy and guided it into her body, accelerating her recovery. It took little time for her to fully absorb the medicinal essence.
Gradually, color returned to her skin. Vitality flowed through her once more, no longer resembling the deathly pallor she had worn before.
Wu Ming looked at Wu Yue's soft, pale face and gently touched it. It was entirely different from before-no longer gaunt and lifeless like someone who had starved for years, but now filled with vigor and pure vitality.
Wu Ming sighed quietly.
"Women are the weakness of nearly every man," he murmured.
"They possess the power to shake even the greatest Dao Hearts of formidable cultivators. Even supreme gods have fallen under the bewitching allure of women. They, too, walk the path of cultivation-whether brutal or serene. Yet reaching the pinnacle requires more than tranquil seclusion. One must endure trials that shake the heart and soul, refining the spirit to ascend to a higher realm... Only then can it truly be called the path of cultivation."
"All men are the same. Each must walk a different road to reach the summit. Everyone has their own path, their own story. No one truly cares about another's."
He tightened his grip around Wu Yue's hand.
What he had not expected was this-despite knowing that this body and soul were no longer the one she once knew, she continued to treat him exactly the same, as her younger brother.
Such steadfastness transcended common sense, even among high-level cultivators. An ordinary person with an unsteady heart would have long since descended into madness, harming others without restraint.
Yet this was different.
No matter how savage and brutal his previous life had been, he had never encountered an experience that struck the heart so profoundly. And even now, it failed to shake his resolute will.
Instead, it filled him with admiration for the woman before him, whose heart remained unwavering, unbroken, and unyielding.
......
.........
The Following Morning
At the Wu Clan - within Wu Ming's residence
"Ah... mm... eh...?"
Wu Yue slowly awakened from the state of exhaustion and unconsciousness that had claimed her the previous day. Sunlight streamed through the window into Wu Ming's residence, bathing both of them in its gentle glow. The rays fell upon their bodies, forming a morning scene of rare and tranquil beauty.
Outside, melodious birdsong echoed through the air, as if heralding the arrival of a bright new day.
Wu Yue soon discovered that Wu Ming was asleep beside her bed, one hand still gently clasping hers. She did not overthink it. Instead, the sight stirred memories of the past-of the younger Wu Ming she once knew, the little brother with whom she had adventured and laughed freely, just like any ordinary pair of siblings.
Those familiar emotions surged back into her heart... only to shatter once more.
She knew all too well that the soul inhabiting her brother's body was no longer the one she had grown up with. And yet-she did not understand herself either. Why, at this very moment, did she still feel such an inexplicable sense of familiarity toward the man before her, even knowing he was no longer the same person?
Slowly, she reached out and gently brushed her hand through Wu Ming's hair, her touch filled with quiet affection. She watched him sleep for a while, until she sensed that he was about to wake.
Startled, she quickly lay back down and pulled the blanket over herself, pretending to remain unconscious.
Wu Ming awoke with the languid demeanor of someone roused early in the morning. He yawned openly, then glanced at Wu Yue-who still appeared unconscious. He checked her pulse and heartbeat, confirming that they had fully stabilized. Observing her more closely, he noticed that she looked noticeably more spirited today.
Rising from his chair, he quietly left the residence.
After walking through the garden for a while, he let out a long sigh, his thoughts drifting freely.
Hah... why is it that women always pretend to be asleep when they're already awake? Even I don't understand it. Women truly are difficult to fathom. Still... at least I managed to get some rest. Even though it was only a short nap, my body continued to circulate and absorb energy throughout the entire night. I feel refreshed-no trace of fatigue at all.
Since a full day has already passed, I should check on the situation within the clan. Let's see what's changed.
Eventually, he arrived at the clan's central courtyard. There, he saw more than ten laborers working tirelessly, as if possessed, their movements swift and unrelenting. His attention was soon drawn to the one overseeing the work-Yong Ye, who was carefully arranging blueprints and structural designs.
This reconstruction effort also involved Elder Wu Feng, who had joined in personally. At the very least, it allowed him to stay active instead of spending his days idly dusting shelves like an old steward.
Yong Ye noticed Wu Ming approaching and immediately clasped his hands in greeting.
"Good morning, Young Master Wu Ming."
Wu Ming nodded slightly in response.
"Mm. Good morning. There's no need to call me Young Master. Just call me Young Master-no, Young Lord is fine. 'Young Master' sounds overly formal. You're already considered part of my clan, so 'Young Lord' will suffice. It sounds better."
Yong Ye nodded seriously.
"I understand, Young Lord."
Wu Ming nodded again.
"It seems you're handling the work exceptionally well. I didn't expect those run-down areas to look as if they'd been rebuilt from scratch."
Yong Ye smiled modestly.
"You flatter me, Young Lord. This is only a small matter compared to the overall plan for reintegrating and rebuilding the Wu Clan. Please take a look at the designs I prepared and offer your thoughts."
Wu Ming examined the blueprints and detailed layouts carefully. The structure was orderly, refined, and impressively coherent. He could not help but praise Yong Ye inwardly.
(This man is no different from a master designer-or even a formation architect. If he possessed the aptitude for cultivation, he would surely rise far on the path of alchemy or array formation.)
"It looks excellent. I like it very much. It seems I truly chose the right person," Wu Ming said calmly. "Continue your work. I'll be entering seclusion for cultivation for a while. Oh-and take this."
Whoosh.
Yong Ye caught the item with both hands. "This small pouch... what is it, Young Lord?"
"It's a spatial treasure. You can store items inside it. Within, you'll also find manuals on alchemy and array formations, as well as methods that can guide you onto the true path of cultivation. There are three such manuals, and one additional scripture related to martial arts. Don't forget to pass that one to Wu Feng. I'll be leaving now."
Yong Ye was overwhelmed with excitement and awe at the prospect of cultivation. He hurriedly bowed toward Wu Ming's departing figure.
"Thank you, Young Lord! I swear I will not waste the opportunity you've granted me!"
Wu Ming smiled faintly at the corner of his lips and walked away.
Outside Quan Dian City - the Illusory Valley
......
...........
........
?????? murmured coldly,
"It seems I must hasten my preparations and set a contingency plan in motion. First... I'll begin by establishing a formation here!"