Threats and Farewells

A fledgling eagle must one day spread its wings and fly to its own sky, far from its parents and kin. From then on, it soars alone into the distance.

So too must a person grow. Each has their own path. For ideals, for the future, they must carve out their own domain. The day of parting from family and friends will always come.

For cultivators, the age of twenty-three or twenty-four marks the golden years. To leave home without hesitation is to temper oneself, to grow stronger, to undergo both physical and spiritual transformation, to realize self-transcendence.

“Perhaps… I will stay in Great Shang for a long time. Three years ago, during the Southern Wastes Beast Tournament in Heavenly Emperor City, the Third Princess of Great Shang was there in person. I met her then, though I did not know she was a princess. Now that I have come to Yin Capital, she invited me to stay for a few months.” Yan Qingcheng’s features were pure and ethereal, her skin like congealed fat, her eyes like autumn waters. A faint ripple of emotion crossed her face. “I wonder if we will ever meet again.”

Indeed, nothing was certain. The Eternal Continent was too vast, and who could guarantee that no mishap would befall them on the path of cultivation?

“My first stop will definitely be Great Shang.” Qilao wished to become a troubadour, traveling the world. He said, “Great Shang is one of the five hegemonic kingdoms, occupying sixteen percent of all the land. I think I might stay in Shang for a very long time.”

“We as well.” A Shui, A Bing, and Huo Niao nodded in unison.

“I will walk through various parts of Great Shang.” Dugu Jianmo spoke, then faced Xiao Chen. “Xiao Sishui, you should leave now. The Tiger family has a ‘Fierce Tiger’ in Yin Capital. If you delay, there may be trouble.”

“I already know. When I ascended the Moon-Gazing Pavilion, I heard people discussing it.” Xiao Chen drank a cup of wine alone. “What of the Fierce Tiger? If he dares to come for me, this time I will take his head.”

At these words, the expressions of everyone in the private room changed.

Dugu Jianmo looked at him without speaking.

The blue-haired handsome man Qilao’s expression grew grave. “I heard that person may have already stepped into the Demigod realm. Even if you possess rare divine abilities, if the gap in realm is too great, it will be extremely difficult for you to defeat him.”

Yuwen Feng nodded. “Better to retreat for now. The Tiger family is very poisonous. Three years ago, Xiao Chen was a lesson.”

Hearing the name ‘Xiao Chen’, Yan Qingcheng was somewhat uncomfortable, recalling old memories.

“No matter. The two of us, Dugu Jianmo and I, should be enough.”

“The two of you joining forces?” Everyone present was surprised. Even Dugu Jianmo was stunned, not expecting Xiao Chen to say this.

“What? This trouble was caused by you. How can you just wash your hands of it?” Xiao Chen smiled as he looked at Dugu Jianmo.

“Good. I will not leave Yin Capital for a month.” Dugu Jianmo agreed without hesitation.

Yuwen Feng and the others spoke as well. “Do you need help?”

Xiao Chen shook his head. “The two of us should suffice.”

“No hurry anyway. We won’t be leaving for a short time. Killing a Demigod before we depart would be a fine tale.” Qilao said.

Xiao Chen replied, “All of you have sects and families. Dugu Jianmo and I are alone—our deeds done, we disappear into the night. A thousand li without a trace.”

“Heh, no matter. Let us see what happens.”

This matter instantly diluted the faint melancholy of parting.

All feasts must come to an end. Finally, everyone was somewhat drunk. Even the two great beauties Yan Qingcheng and A Bing had rosy cheeks and bright, watery eyes, as if ripples flowed within them and mist lingered.

The time to part had come. But when they pushed open the door and stepped out of the private room, they were stunned. The staircase leading downstairs was packed with people. Bo Shi, Chen Hangjin, Yin Feng, and others had been waiting for a long time.

Xiao Chen even spotted Chu Xingkuang at the back of the crowd, alongside a handsome young man whose cultivation was unfathomable—the one with the rare divine ability of the Twin Destinies—and another standing shoulder to shoulder with him.

“Brother Xiao, stay a moment. Come over here.” Bo Shi walked over.

“Brother Dugu, fate has brought us together. This way, please.” Chen Hangjin approached.

“Lady Qingcheng, Lady Bing, you are true celestial maidens descended to the mortal world. Please sit with us for a while.” Yin Feng also greeted warmly.

…

A crowd surrounded them, clearly intent on keeping Xiao Chen and his group.

“Heh heh…” Chu Xingkuang laughed and pushed forward with Yan Lingkong. The other aristocratic young masters parted for them involuntarily. The Four Heroes of Yin Capital shook the imperial city—who dared not fear them?

“No enmity cannot be resolved. Come to my residence and sit for a while.” Chu Xingkuang was calm and composed, showing no shame from his earlier defeat.

“It can be arranged, but not today.” Xiao Chen politely declined.

Yan Lingkong looked at Xiao Chen, then at Dugu Jianmo, his eyes shooting out two sharp beams. In the end, he said nothing, merely nodded. Instead, he showed great interest in the two beauties Yan Qingcheng and A Bing, having gifts prepared and delivered to them.

“Brother Xiao…”

Just then, someone pushed forward, even passing Chu Xingkuang and Yan Lingkong.

“You.” Xiao Chen’s eyes flashed coldly. He recognized the man—Yu Tong, the deputy commander of the Third Princess’s guards. That night, he had led men to intercept Xiao Chen in the air, acting with great arrogance.

“Brother Xiao, forgive me.” Yu Tong awkwardly made a deep bow. “Please let go of past unpleasantness. I have come today on orders from the Third Princess, inviting you and Brother Dugu and the others.”

Dugu Jianmo remained silent, saying nothing.

Xiao Chen shook his head. “We still have matters to attend to. Another day.”

The deputy commander became anxious and nearly kneeled. “Brother Xiao, I was wrong. Three days ago, I was too rude. I apologize here. Please help me, or the Third Princess will kill me. She only wants a simple gathering, nothing more.”

Seeing Xiao Chen unmoved, Yu Tong lowered his voice. “The Third Princess has already made the ‘Fierce Tiger’ back off. I know you can handle it yourself, but this is the Princess’s goodwill. Please…”

This news surprised Xiao Chen. He finally nodded. “Very well.”

“Brother Dugu…” Yu Tong then walked over to Dugu Jianmo and whispered a few words.

“Hmph. I need no sword manuals!” Dugu Jianmo snorted coldly.

“Not a sword manual, but…” Yu Tong quickly explained.

“Alright.” To everyone’s surprise, Dugu Jianmo agreed.

Clearly, Yu Tong had made preparations. Next, he secured the agreement of Qilao, Yuwen Feng, and the others.

The crowd of Yin Capital aristocrats was stunned. Third Princess truly had methods, sweeping everyone up in one net.

In truth, the Princess valued Xiao Chen and Dugu Jianmo most. Inviting Yuwen Feng and the others was a means to keep these two.

Even a detached villa was grand and imposing. The residence of the Third Princess of Great Shang could not be otherwise.

Walking along a cobblestone path, passing pavilions and bridges over flowing water, crossing a small stone arch bridge, Xiao Chen and his group arrived at a lotus pond. They followed a winding corridor level with the water’s surface and entered a pavilion on the lake.

A woman in white sat alone before a zither. Though her face was veiled, her tall, graceful figure and clear, bright eyes suggested she was a very moving woman, likely of the kind that topples kingdoms and brings down cities.

Xiao Chen and Dugu Jianmo did not offer formal greetings. The Third Princess did not take offense. Smiling, she invited them to sit, and warmly brought Yan Qingcheng to her side.

“I once thought to recruit you as retainers, but I changed my mind. All of you are outstanding talents; why would you be willing to work for another? I, Yin Ying, wish to be friends with you.”

“You flatter us, Princess. To be friends with Your Highness is truly our honor.” The blue-haired handsome man Qilao laughed with a face so beautiful it would drive ordinary women mad, his expression calm. He was from a great family in the Southern Wastes and was very familiar with this tactic of retreating to advance.

“Heh, Brother Qilao is truly extraordinary. If you were to visit the great families of Yin Capital, you would undoubtedly raise the standards of many ladies’ matrimonial expectations.” The Third Princess smiled lightly. “I have a piece of news that Brother Qilao will find especially interesting. The peerless genius Lan Nuo once appeared in Great Shang. I have already invited someone who knows the details. If you wish to inquire, you may do so at your leisure.”

“Thank you!” Qilao was genuinely grateful. Under the guidance of a maidservant, he departed. Even Xiao Chen’s heart stirred. Had it not been for his identity, he too would have followed to ask.

“Yuwen Feng is a hero among men. Though you suffered a bitter defeat in Yin Capital, please believe that the young men of Yin Capital bear no malice. Their methods are merely somewhat crude. Please forgive them. I know you are exceptionally gifted, rarely matched, and have cultivated the Ten Thousand Beasts Demonic Art—the very heart method of a once-tyrannical demon king who ruled the world. All you lack is a supreme beast soul. If you had a top-quality beast soul to aid you, you would likely have swept the younger generation with few rivals. My residence coincidentally holds a rare beast soul in captivity. Do not refuse. Go take a look. Perhaps you will gain something.”

Yuwen Feng bowed deeply and left.

Xiao Chen could not help but admire the Third Princess’s methods.

The Third Princess chuckled lightly. Turning to Huo Niao, she said, “I know you come from the Blazing Cloud Hall in the Western Borderlands. Not long ago, someone gave me a treasure said to be a divine pearl from your hall.”

Huo Niao shot to his feet. “Could it be the Blazing Cloud Divine Pearl?”

“It seems so. You may go see for yourself.”

Huo Niao also bowed deeply and left hurriedly.

“Sister Bing, I have several Nourishing Beauty Jade Fungi that can preserve eternal youth.”

“Really?” A Bing’s pretty face immediately showed envy.

“Of course. Come here, sister. I will give you and Sister Qingcheng three each.” A Bing stepped forward gracefully, beaming, and walked over to the Third Princess.

A Shui frowned slightly. He wanted to scold his sister, but it was awkward in front of so many people. This girl… bribed by three fungi. He felt quite speechless.

“Brother A Shui, I have a complete section of the Water-Cutting Divine Art…”

“Really?”

A Shui no longer blamed his sister. He quickly followed a maid out.

The Third Princess smiled as she looked at Xiao Chen, then at Dugu Jianmo. She sighed. “Both of you are extraordinary talents with limitless futures. I truly wish I could keep you in my service, but I know your ambitions lie not in worldly wealth and honor. What a pity.”

Neither spoke.

“Three years ago, I went to Heavenly Emperor City and asked a man if he would come north with me, that I could give him immense fortune. Seeing you, I recall how he refused without hesitation. A pity—a promising young powerhouse. I think if he were still alive, he would be no less than you…”

As she spoke, the Third Princess seemed somewhat moved.

Dugu Jianmo remained silent. Xiao Chen felt a mix of emotions. Now he was certain—the Third Princess was the master of Gold, the descendant of the Heavenly God. The events of three years ago flashed through his mind.

Yan Qingcheng, guessing whom the Princess was referring to, opened her mouth but said nothing.

"Thank you, Your Highness, for stopping that Fierce Tiger on my behalf." Xiao Chen clasped his hands in thanks.

"No need to thank me. I simply did not wish to see a repeat of the tragedy three years ago. Speaking personally, I detest that certain family." The Third Princess sighed.

Xiao Chen had to admit that whether the Third Princess was sincere or simply highly skilled, her simple words had dissolved his reservations and greatly increased his goodwill.

Of course, this had nothing to do with romance. It was merely appreciation for her ability.

A golden light flashed. Gold, the descendant of the Heavenly God, appeared in the lakeside pavilion as if passing through space. It circled Xiao Chen three times, then scratched its ears and cheeks, a puzzled expression on its face—somewhat comical.

Xiao Chen was immediately on guard. He quickly made his mind as still as an ancient well, concealing all his aura.

"Heh heh..." Seeing it, the Third Princess laughed. "Gold, come here..."

In a flash, Gold appeared before the Princess, took a purple-gold ginseng king she handed it, and began to gnaw.

Xiao Chen was silent. No wonder Gold had not only recovered his Nine Lives Undying Body but grown even more terrifying—the Princess fed him such spiritual treasures every day. Even Keke’s snacks were no better.

Looking at Gold, he truly missed Keke. He hoped the little beast would return soon.

"Brother Xiao, though I have warned that Fierce Tiger, please still take care. That family acts without scruple. You must be cautious."

"Thank you. I understand." Xiao Chen nodded.

"Brother Dugu, I know the sword is your entire world." The Third Princess smiled. "I know you care nothing for any sword technique, so I have specially gathered three sword meanings left by the True Man Zhang Sanfeng."

Hearing that they were left by Zhang Sanfeng, not only Dugu Jianmo was moved, even Xiao Chen’s interest was piqued.

"They are three stone statues, each with three sword marks." The Third Princess clapped her hands. Two warriors carefully carried a stone statue into the pavilion.

The statue bore the marks of time, clearly weathered by endless ages.

The three sword marks on the head, chest, and legs immediately captivated Dugu Jianmo. He strode over.

"Heh, once a swordsman spent thirty years contemplating a single stone statue. So today, I have brought only one. Brother Dugu may go see the other two whenever he wishes."

Dugu Jianmo had already ceased to heed the outside world, absorbed in his study.

Xiao Chen knew that Dugu Jianmo, too, was bound here. The Third Princess’s methods were indeed formidable.

The Third Princess, Yin Ying, smiled softly. Then she turned to Xiao Chen. "Brother Xiao, you are currently training your heart through worldly experience, are you not?"

"Yes."

"My master once said that a man’s worldly heart-training is incomplete if he does not taste the battlefield. For a man of spirit, to never have charged through a million-strong army is a lifelong regret."

"Heart-training is not limited to the battlefield. Regret… life is full of regret. No one can avoid it. My path requires no deliberate paving. I need only advance unwaveringly."

That said, Xiao Chen had to admit that charging through a battlefield was a dream every man once had. He felt that his next stop might indeed be a battlefield, but he did not want to arrange it through the Third Princess.

Xiao Chen left the Princess’s detached villa alone. The others had all been detained by the ingenious Third Princess of Shang, Yin Ying. Because he owed her a great favor, he could not simply leave immediately.

Just then, someone ran up quickly. "Sir, someone gave me a letter for you."

Xiao Chen unfolded the note. It bore a single sentence: The day you leave Yin Capital will be the day you die.

The signature was a tiger image.

Xiao Chen laughed loudly, then his expression turned cold. He said to the messenger, "Tell him not to wait outside Yin Capital. Within ten days, I will cut off his head inside the city!"

A similar scene had played out before, but Xiao Chen was no longer the Xiao Chen of old. At worst, he would strike and retreat far, change his appearance, and vanish into the vast sea of humanity.