A week slipped by after the upheaval that had shaken the Sanatan Flame Sect. The scars left behind had yet to fade completely, but life within the mountain gates had already returned to its rhythm. Disciples trained from dawn until dusk, hammers rang from the workshops, and streams of spiritual energy drifted through the valleys like invisible currents.
Morning sunlight spilled across the training grounds, painting the stone courtyard in gold. Shaurya stood at its center with his hands clasped behind his back, his gaze sweeping across the gathered disciples. Their expressions carried varying shades of curiosity and anticipation. Few words had been spoken regarding today's assembly, yet everyone sensed something was about to happen.
A faint smile touched his lips.
"The time has come."
The moment the words fell, the surrounding spiritual energy stirred violently.
A deep rumble echoed through the courtyard.
Heads snapped upward.
Two immense pillars of aura erupted from opposite directions of the sect, surging skyward like dragons breaking free from the earth. The pressure rolled across the training grounds in visible waves, causing robes to flutter and loose gravel to skitter across the stone floor.
Several younger disciples involuntarily took a step backward.
The disturbance lasted only a few breaths before the energies converged and dispersed.
Two figures emerged.
The first was Elder Wu.
His once-aged appearance seemed noticeably revitalized. The wrinkles lining his face had softened, while the spiritual fluctuations surrounding him had become deeper and more refined. Every movement carried a newfound confidence. Foundation Builder Level Twelve.
Beside him stood Hee Ta.
The difference was even more striking.
The guard's broad frame appeared as immovable as a mountain. The spiritual pressure leaking from his body was heavy enough to make nearby disciples feel as though an invisible weight rested upon their shoulders. Although he made no attempt to intimidate anyone, the aura of a Core Formation cultivator naturally commanded respect.
A ripple of excitement spread through the crowd.
"They succeeded..."
"Elder Wu broke through again."
"Senior Guard Hee Ta feels terrifying now."
Whispers rose from every direction.
Both men approached before stopping several paces from Shaurya. Their expressions remained respectful despite their newfound strength.
"Sect Master."
They bowed.
Shaurya nodded, satisfaction flickering across his face.
"You've both done well."
Neither man attempted false humility. Their smiles alone revealed their excitement.
After years of stagnation, such progress had once seemed impossible.
Elder Wu straightened first. "Sect Master, the assembly today... does it concern your departure?"
A hint of surprise appeared among the disciples.
Shaurya did not deny it.
"It does."
The courtyard immediately grew quieter.
"I'm leaving the sect for a period of time."
Elder Wu frowned slightly.
"Where will you be going?"
"The capital."
The answer caused several expressions to change.
Even among ordinary people, the capital represented the center of power. For cultivators, its significance was even greater. Clans, sects, merchants, and hidden experts gathered there like stars surrounding the moon.
Shaurya lifted his gaze toward the distant horizon.
"We destroyed the Gu Ancestor."
His voice remained calm.
"The Gu Family will not forget that."
Understanding dawned on the faces around him.
"Their roots lie within the capital. Before they make their move, I intend to see their strength with my own eyes."
A faint smile appeared.
"And perhaps I'll find a few talented seedlings worth bringing home."
The atmosphere lightened slightly.
That sounded far more like their Sect Master.
Elder Wu and Hee Ta exchanged glances before nodding.
Neither attempted to stop him.
The current Sanatan Flame Sect no longer depended entirely upon one person.
Shaurya stepped forward.
Spiritual energy gathered around him.
The air trembled.
Golden light spread beneath his feet, racing across the ground in countless glowing lines. Ancient runes surfaced one after another, intertwining throughout the sect like rivers of molten gold.
The disciples stared with widened eyes.
"Five Beast Guardian Formation."
The words echoed across the mountain.
A distant roar suddenly rang out.
Then another.
And another.
The phantom images of five colossal beasts emerged around the sect. A tiger prowled through the clouds. A serpent coiled around distant peaks. A tortoise stood beneath flowing currents of spiritual energy. A crimson bird spread blazing wings across the sky. A massive dragon opened its eyes among the heavens.
The entire mountain shook.
Golden light surged upward.
A vast barrier unfolded over the sect before gradually fading from sight.
Although invisible once completed, everyone could still feel its presence.
Like a sleeping giant.
Shaurya lowered his hand.
"This formation is sufficient to stop Golden Vein cultivators."
The disciples collectively inhaled.
Their gazes toward the sect master became increasingly reverent.
Only after ensuring everything was prepared did Shaurya look toward the crowd.
"Wang Tian. Luo Chen. Xiao Rui. Xiao Lian. Muo Qian. Su Quan. Xu Ran. Lee Bie. Zong Bu. Wei Bailey."
One by one, the named disciples stepped forward.
"You'll accompany me."
Excitement immediately appeared on their faces.
The capital.
For most of them, it was a place they had only heard about in stories.
The remaining disciples showed traces of disappointment, but Shaurya merely smiled.
"Continue cultivating diligently. Opportunities won't disappear."
The disappointment quickly transformed into determination.
A moment later, Shaurya raised a hand toward the sky.
Darkness gathered overhead.
The sunlight dimmed.
Countless heads lifted simultaneously.
A colossal shadow emerged from the clouds.
The Dark Pearl descended slowly, its black hull gleaming beneath the morning sun. Spiritual runes pulsed across its surface while streams of energy flowed beneath the vessel like rivers of starlight.
Gasps echoed throughout the training grounds.
Even after seeing it before, many disciples still found the sight breathtaking.
The ship hovered above the courtyard before settling into place with majestic calm.
A powerful wind swept outward.
Shaurya stepped aboard first.
His black robes danced in the breeze as he moved toward the bow.
Behind him followed the chosen disciples.
Below, the sect members watched in silence.
Standing at the front of the Dark Pearl, Shaurya looked toward the distant horizon where the capital lay beyond countless mountains and rivers.
The Gu Family, the kingdom's capital, and perhaps the next destined disciple. As the vast spirit ship cut through the clouds, Shaurya stood at the bow with his hands clasped behind his back, a faint smile tugging at his lips. After everything that had happened, it finally felt as though the real journey was beginning.
Thanks to the vessel's astonishing speed, the capital's towering walls appeared on the horizon in less than half a day. The colossal city stretched across the plains like a sleeping giant, its white stone ramparts gleaming beneath the afternoon sun.
"Master," Luo Chen asked as the ship slowed to a halt several miles from the gates, "why are we stopping here? There are designated ports for flying vessels."
Shaurya glanced toward the distant docks where dozens of spirit ships hovered above enormous platforms. "Exactly why we're stopping here. Have you seen this ship? The moment we dock, every major faction in the capital will start asking questions. I'd rather avoid that headache."
The disciples exchanged knowing looks. When their master said he wanted to avoid attention, it usually meant he was about to attract twice as much.
Leaving the ship concealed outside the city, the group continued on foot. The moment they passed through the gates, even Shaurya found himself staring.
The capital was magnificent.
Grand avenues paved with polished stone stretched as far as the eye could see. Towering buildings rose layer upon layer toward the sky, their roofs adorned with jade ornaments and golden carvings. Crystal fountains stood at major intersections, sculpted in the likeness of spirit beasts whose mouths continuously released streams of glowing water. Merchants, cultivators, nobles, and commoners filled the streets in endless waves.
Compared to this place, Blue Stone City felt little different from a remote village.
As they wandered through one of the busiest market districts, Lee Bie suddenly pointed ahead. "Something's happening over there."
A crowd had gathered around an open square. Curious voices echoed from every direction.
Before Shaurya could investigate, a familiar notification appeared before his eyes.
[Ding!]
[Sect Mission: Save the bullied person and recruit them as a disciple.]
[Reward: 3 Lottery Draws.]
[Reward: Emperor-Level Technique — Nine Spiritual Formation Attack.]
Shaurya's eyes lit up.
A disciple mission.
In the capital.
His instincts immediately began tingling.
"Attack," he declared.
Xiao Lian blinked. "Attack what?"
Unfortunately, Wang Tian had already sprinted toward the crowd.
The others followed without hesitation.
By the time they arrived, the situation had become clear.
A young man lay on the ground, bruised and bloodied. His clothes were dusty, his breathing ragged, yet stubborn defiance still burned in his eyes. Surrounding him were dozens of spectators who watched without interfering.
Opposite him stood an ornate chariot adorned with gold and precious jade. Reclining atop it was a beautiful young woman dressed in luxurious robes. Her features were attractive, but the contempt in her expression ruined any elegance she possessed.
She held a scroll between two fingers.
"Chen Fang," she said coldly, "did you honestly believe someone like you was worthy of marrying me?"
Spiritual flames ignited across the parchment.
"From this moment onward, our engagement is void."
The contract burned into ashes.
Shaurya stared.
Then he stared a little longer.
His expression became increasingly strange.
Engagement cancellation.
Arrogant young mistress.
Bullied protagonist.
The more he looked, the more familiar the scene became.
"There's no way..." he muttered.
The young woman raised her hand.
"Cripple his cultivation."
A large guard stepped forward immediately, spirit energy gathering around his fists.
At the same moment, Chen Fang gripped the necklace hanging around his neck. A soft female voice echoed from within.
"I can lend you my power long enough to escape. However, once I do, I will enter a deep slumber."
"No," Chen Fang whispered desperately. "I won't allow it, Master."
Shaurya's expression froze.
Mysterious old master?
Hidden treasure?
Bullied genius?
His eyes widened.
This wasn't merely a protagonist.
This was a premium-grade protagonist.
The guard's fist descended.
Before it could connect, a hand appeared from nowhere and caught it effortlessly.
Silence swept across the square.
Chen Fang stared blankly.
Shaurya smiled down at him.
"You alright, kid?"
Without waiting for an answer, he twisted his wrist.
Crack.
The guard screamed as his entire body flew through the air and crashed directly into the golden chariot. Wood shattered. Decorations exploded. The arrogant young woman stumbled backward in shock.
"You dare?!" she shrieked. "Do you know who I am?!"
Shaurya looked genuinely curious.
"No."
"I am the young lady of the Gu Family!"
The moment those words left her mouth, Shaurya's expression changed.
"The Gu Family?"
The woman lifted her chin proudly.
"That's right."
Shaurya pointed at her.
"The Gu Family again? Seriously? First an old ancestor, now an arrogant young mistress. Are all the other clans on vacation?"
Nobody understood what he was talking about.
The young woman certainly didn't.
Her face reddened instantly.
"Guards! Kill them!"
More than ten cultivators rushed forward simultaneously.
"Behind you!" Chen Fang shouted.
"Relax."
A gust of wind swept through the square.
Sword light flashed.
Before anyone could react, the charging guards froze in place.
One breath later, blood erupted.
Bodies collapsed.
A young man stood where they had fallen, sword lowered calmly at his side.
Luo Chen flicked the blood from his blade before returning it to its sheath.
The entire marketplace fell silent.
Even the spectators forgot to breathe.
The young woman trembled.
"You... you'll regret this. The Gu Family will never let this go."
Shaurya sighed.
"Do all of you practice that line in advance?"
Her face paled.
"What?"
"Your ancestor said something very similar right before I killed him."
The square became deathly quiet.
The young woman's eyes widened.
"W-What did you say?"
Shaurya adjusted his black sunglasses and smiled.
"My name is Shaurya. Sect Master of the Sanatan Flame Sect. If the Gu Family wants revenge, tell them they're welcome to come find me."
The confidence in his voice left no room for doubt.
The young woman's courage shattered instantly.
She turned and tried to flee.
Luo Chen took a step forward, only for Shaurya to stop him with a raised hand.
"No."
Everyone looked toward him.
Including Chen Fang.
Shaurya pointed at the fallen youth.
"This matter concerns him. Whatever happens next should be his decision."
The crowd exchanged strange looks.
Meanwhile, Shaurya's attention had already shifted elsewhere.
His gaze settled on the necklace.
A moment later, the system window appeared.
[Name: Chen Fang]
[Realm: Qi Initiate Level 6]
[Physique: Immortal Sword Body (Locked)]
[Artifact: Ancient Spirit Necklace]
Another panel appeared immediately afterward.
[Name: Mo Liya]
[Title: Fairy Empress]
[Current State: Remnant Soul]
[Peak Cultivation: Immortal Realm Level 3]
Shaurya nearly choked when he saw the system's evaluation. The remnant spirit residing within the necklace was actually an Immortal Realm expert in her prime. His gaze slowly shifted toward Chen Fang, and the more he looked, the stranger his expression became.
A locked supreme physique, a mysterious master hidden within an ancient artifact, a humiliating broken engagement, and enough tragic experiences to fill an entire novel—this fellow possessed every hallmark of a heaven-defying protagonist.
By the end, Shaurya was barely suppressing his grin. Unfortunately for Chen Fang, that grin looked less like admiration and more like a predator discovering rare prey.
An inexplicable chill ran down his spine. He had no idea why, but the Sect Master staring at him seemed considerably more dangerous than the Gu Family.
To Be Continued....