Chapter 53

In a grand hall somewhere in the City of Nexus, silence draped unbroken to await the decision of one person. The lesser occupants was of course not stupid enough to mistake this stillness for acceptance.

They were only too aware of how this person loved and doted upon someone so undeserving for his care. But since it was family, irrational emotions like this one was totally a common scene for most.

“Stay here. I’m going to have a talk with the Patriarch.” the man on everyone’s sight finally said after a few minutes of contemplation.

This man was garbed in golden robes that had the distinct Yan Family insignia on its sleeves.

He looked old and weak like a man who has already one foot on the grave and the other one still stubbornly holding on to mortality on these earths.

But even if his appearance may have been too unseemly for wear, no man, woman or beast could mistake this old man as incapable and powerless. For this was exactly Yan Kun, Yan Kang’s father.

An esteemed Elder of Yan and one of the 5 Mortal Shedding 4th Stage Experts of the Family.

“Why waste anymore time, Elder Yan Kun?!”

“We should just go to the Lu Clan and force them to give that hateful Lu Chen for us to punish!”

“Yes indeed! A no name brat that has just acquired this kind of power from out of nowhere must have some great secrets hidden on his body!”

“We should gain much from prying that bastard’s mouth open, Elder Yan Kun!” a group of old men suggested in the privy of these august halls.

Although they numbered no more than 18 but it was impressive to see that everyone of them were all at the 3rd Stage of Mortal Shedding Realm.

“Are the lot of you fools?! The Lu Family would not lightly give up Lu Chen!”

“I can only request support from the Patriarch right now. If that also brings me no success then I can only be heartless in my choices.”

Yan Kun said these words and swiftly visited another part of the Clan’s Domains. In no time, he arrived at a dilapidated house.

There were no tall buildings around and not even a lone ancient courtyard to be seen but only this simple home at the center of the Yan Family formation array.

In a single glance, it can be seen that this humble residence was only made out of bamboo and its meager byproducts.

And for at least a kilometer to all directions, there was nothing else but the natural ways of the world around its vicinity.

Wild grass, scattered rocks, and the beauty in chaos manifested in lieu of the eccentricity of the Yan Patriarch.

“Forgive my impudence, Patriarch. Yan Kun wishes to discuss something with you.”

Yan Kun greeted softly as he cupped his fist and bowed deeply towards the dwelling of the strongest man of the Yan Family.

“Come in.” a tired voice invited from inside the modest bamboo hut.

Chapter 54

“Thank you, Patriarch!” Yan Kun took a deep breath before proceeding. Inside, he saw the bedridden form of Yan Rong. The current Yan Family Leader.

“Sit.” Yan Rong offered without getting up nor did he open his eyes. He just laid there in comfort like a man past beyond his time.

“Yes, Patriarch!” Although there was a chair nearby but Yan Kun opted to sit where he was and took a lotus position stance thereafter.

“I know why you have come, Yan Kun. But i can offer no help in your plight.” Thus, the unexpected meeting ended before it had even truly begun.

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“But Patriarch! We can’t let the Lu Family step over our heads just like that! We will be the laughingstock of all the people in Nexus City.

We have lost our face already! So we must avenge our fallen kin!”

Yan Kun’s emotions exploded in the scene. The anger that he held barely on its reign was finally let out at this moment. Alas, Yan Rong remained unmoved through it all.

“It’s no use, Yan Kun. If i act against whoever murdered your son, do you think that the rest of the 13 Clans would just take that lightly?

There is a reason why all of you at 4th Stage remains untouched no matter how much rape and plunder you do on the mortal citizens of this city.

It is because you and your counterparts will be the next hope to take on the leadership of the 13 Families once we, old souls, perish in time.” Yang Rong replied gravely.

He knew that Yan Kun understood well enough what he wanted to say. The reason why they chose to stay within the confines of Nexus was not of their own making.

The Demonic Sword Sect has a mandate that whosoever enters the sect for 1 year already and still has not broken through towards the 6th Stage of Mortal Shedding will have to be removed from the premises of the sect without fail.

In simpler terms, the old men and women in this city were basically outcasts and talentless fools in the ways of the Dao.

Since they had no natural aptitude to rise in the cultivation ranks then the Demonic Sword Sect would also not spare any more resources towards them.

Investing in wastes doesn't create glittering treasures after all. At least not inside an evil sect like the Demonic Sword Sect. Such was the cruel reality of this cultivation world.

“I understand, Patriarch.” Yan Kun sighed in lament. He bowed his head in hate because, same as Yan Rong, this conversation made him recall his time inside that merciless sect.

The competition was extremely steep and very much unforgiving!

Two old men were caged on each other’s thoughts and kept the silence for some minutes. In the end, it was still Yan Kun who opened another avenue for discussion.

“What about Emissary Duan Ru, Patriarch? Is he a man that’s likely to be swayed with beautiful women?” Yan Kun asked.

Chapter 55

Duan Ru was the Demonic Sword Sect’s representative in Nexus City and perhaps the most powerful man even above the 13 Families combined. A true 6th Stage of Mortal Shedding Realm!

“I don’t advise you to disturb the Emissary, Yan Kun. You’ll only have your head decapitated in reward for your efforts to see him.

Master Duan Ru particularly doesn't want to be distracted in his closed door cultivation.” Patriarch Yan Rong answered frankly.

“I see. Thank you for your time, Patriarch.” Yan Kun prostrated sincerely in place and left right after.

‘Seems like I really have no other choice but do that...’ Yan Kun still hasn’t given up yet.

“Hmmm...” Yan Rong moaned contentedly and continued to sleep the last five years of his life in peace.

* * *

In a secluded alley near the city slums, Yan Kun found himself an ally of sorts. Perhaps the last card he has left on his pockets.

“I want to hire a 5th Stage Expert to kill Lu Chen. Preferably in secret and would not alarm any of the 13.” Yan Kun said in a much deeper voice than he was used to.

He had a hood and a mask on as his purpose was solely for anonymity and nothing else.

“That will cost you 100 virgin maidens. Not one body less.” a man replied. This person was also heavily camouflaged in black robes with no clan insignia whatsoever.

“Deal.” Yan Kun agreed.

“Lu Chen will die tonight. The women must be ready by tomorrow.” the nameless man instructed and swiftly left the shady meeting place behind.

“They will.” Yan Kun muttered at no one and he was not the least bit concerned about the outcome of this mission.

‘Nobody ever escapes the League of Shadow Assassins.’

* * *

“Ahhhh... That feels so great!”

“It’s really good to be so loved and appreciated by the clan!”

“I even have my own hot spring just a few steps away from my room.”

“Now this is convenience at its finest indeed!” Clark commented in satisfaction as he dried himself for some precious seconds.

He spent swimming in the relaxing small pool for a good 30 minutes or so before he finished the bath to attend to more important business.

“Must be good to have my fiancee bathe together with me. Hmmm... Maybe next time.” Clark grinned and got himself a new cultivator’s robe.

This time he chose a red one which was the color for passion and love. Very apt for the occasion indeed!

“How many skeletons do I have in my army, Nancy?” Clark asked while dressing.

“You now have 66 skeletons, host.” Nancy replied.

“Oh, really? How much time do I need to wait to arrive at Foundation Establishment Realm?” Clark queried once more.

“You will be level 11 in approximately 2 minutes, host.” Nancy answered.

“Wow! That was fast! And I only got a quick swim to show for my efforts in attaining this level!” Clark laughed his heart out and threw a couple of punches in the air.

‘If the old hopeless cultivators in the city would know how easy it was for me to reach this current height, there’s no doubt in my mind that everyone would cry unfair and collapse in comatose shock afterwards.’

Clark's smile was limitless at the moment. Some indeterminate breaths later, the system’s notification finally resounded on Clark’s ears.

"Congratulations, host. You have gained a new level. Please visit the system menu for further details." Nancy announced with her usual lovely voice.