Since the Patriarch had made his decision, everyone quickly agreed to it. The meeting was swiftly dismissed and everyone had started to leave and make preparations.

This wasn’t the first time that the Xu Clan found ancient ruins from the Chaotic Star Era. If a clan wished to explore any ancient ruins, a huge price would have to be paid. Whether the rewards would be better than the risks would never be known until the ruins were completely explored.

Xu Ken waited for his father to finish before he decided to strike a conversation with him.

“Ken! Have you been feeling better lately?” Xu Gong asked.

“Yes father. Honestly I’ve never felt better.” Xu Ken replied.

Xu Gong was overjoyed that Xu Ken’s recovered fast and started laughing, “Hahaha! Good, very good! So what do you need? You must have come here for a reason. Just ask your father for anything you need!”

Xu Ken could only smile at Xu Gong. Xu Gong reminded him of his Immortal father very much.

“I simply came here to let you know that I’m doing fine and you don’t need to worry about my health anymore.” Xu Ken said.

“Maybe you being bedridden may have been a good thing afterall. You came to visit your father for the sake of comforting me instead of asking for your father’s money. Hahaha!” Xu Gong said while joking.

Xu Ken was definitely acting different from before, but Xu Gong thought it was because he was bedridden and had a change of heart.

Xu Ken laughed with Xu Gong, “So have you seen where my two siblings went?”

“Those two rascals? I think they’ve already traveled back to the Star Sword Sect since you recovered. You should hurry up and catch up with them. Maybe in two years you could also join us in rummaging through the ancient ruins.” Xu Gong replied.

Xu Gong had high hopes for his son. No matter what anyone said, he would always believe in Xu Ken.

Xu Ken and Xu Gong continued to have a small conversation before Xu Gong was pulled away by some other elders for important work.

Xu Ken decided to stay for another night before returning to the Star Sword Sect.

I must reach reach or surpass the Soul Martial Stage by the next two years and enter those ruins. I may actually find something useful, Xu Ken thought.

Xu Ken walked back to his courtyard and told his subordinates that they were going to be accompanying him back to the Star Sword Sect the next day. Once they heard the news, they were extremely excited for the chance to enter the number one sect in the empire.

Xu Ken quickly entered his room and started to cultivate towards the next martial stage. Since he was already at the peak Martial stage, it wouldn’t take too long with both him and his spiritual body cultivating at the same time to reach the next stage. He proceeded to enter a meditative state and slowly built the required energy to advance.

The qi inside Xu Ken’s body began to grow violent. The energy began to rush and circulate through his body and Xu Ken knew that he was about to break through to the next stage.

Xu Ken started to grit his teeth and forced his qi to condense and assimilate into his body. Suddenly, his body began to glow slightly red and his power began to rise.

Xu Ken had finally advanced to the Great Martial Stage! Soon his body returned to normal and he began to relax. He started to examine his body and noticed that the Blood Qi technique was already halfway to completion. The advancement in martial stage must have progressed the technique by quite a bit.

Xu Ken ended up staying in his room cultivating for the rest of the day. He didn’t really have any other friends to talk to in the clan so he’d much rather spend the rest of his time cultivating.

It wasn’t until it was near midnight that Xu Ken realized that he must have a storage ring somewhere in his room with all his treasures. What kind of rich kid wouldn’t have a storage ring?

Xu Ken looked through his memories and quickly went to find it. As it turns out, the storage ring was inside a chest next to his bed.

Greedily, Xu Ken put the storage ring on his finger and began to look through the chest itself. Inside the chest was a huge assortment of items.

“Hmmm. Most of these things would be considered trash in my realm, but they’ll have to do for now.” Xu Ken muttered to himself.

Xu Ken grabbed anything that was useful and finally closed the chest. Examining his storage ring, he found that it was mostly filled with money, food, and booze. Xu Ken couldn’t help but be disappointed at the previous Xu Ken. Of course there was also plenty of medical and cultivating pills that would definitely be useful. Compared to the amount of food and booze though, the pills were greatly outnumbered.

Deciding to not bother with this issue anymore, Xu Ken proceeded to use a basic cultivating pill and continued to cultivate silently through the night.

Once dawn had approached, Xu Ken began to prep for the journey towards the Star Sword Sect. It would take around two days to get there.

He had sent Xu Jin to acquire a carriage to carry their things and allow them to relax on the way there.

Xu Ken then went to visit his father one more time to say goodbye.

“Xu Ken, make sure you stay safe okay.” Xu Gong said.

“Yes father. I promise you that I’ll become an extremely powerful man the next time you see me!” Xu Ken replied.

Xu Gong smiled and patted Xu Ken’s back, “Good son, that’s the spirit! Before you leave, let me give you some items that will be very helpful for you at the sect.”

Xu Gong proceeded to give Xu Ken three items. The first item was a bracelet.

“This bracelet is a defensive treasure. It can defend against any attack from a Supreme Martial Stage cultivator and lower. Be extremely cautious when you use it though. This bracelet can only be used three times.”  Xu Gong said.

The next item was a small bottle containing about fifteen pills.

“These pills are known as the ‘Phoenix Fire Pill’. They will instantly heal all your injuries. These were extremely difficult to obtain so you must use them sparingly.” Xu Gong said.

The last item was a red egg. It was only the size of a man’s fist, but it gave off a profound feeling.

“Honestly, I have no idea what this egg is. I obtained this in the last ruin we managed to find. I was hoping that you could find my friend Ji Feng at the Star Sword Sect and ask him to examine the egg. If it’s good, then keep it. If it’s bad, then sell it haha!” Xu Gong said.

Xu Ken felt warmth fill his heart as Xu Gong gave these items to him. These aren’t items that even the Xu Clan could easily obtain, but Xu Gong easily gave them to his son.

“Thank you father.” Xu Ken replied.

Xu Gong laughed and quickly motioned for him to leave. Xu Gong would always become teary every time his son left for the Star Sword Sect and he didn't want Xu Ken to see him in this state.

Once everyone was gathered outside the Xu Clan’s gate, they all started to set off towards the sect. Xu Gong assigned a couple of bodyguards to make sure their journey went smoothly.

Xu Ken decided to develop his relationship with the others and did some small talk. 

“So why did you three become slaves in the first place?” Xu Ken asked.

The three slaves were startled by Xu Ken’s sudden question, but they began to answer him one by one.

Cao Tao was the first to answer, “I had come here from another empire to gain riches and fame. I ended up getting into a fight with a young master of a powerful clan and sent into slavery. Honestly it was lucky that I wasn’t killed on the spot.”

“That’s rather unlucky.” Xu Ken replied.

Cao Tao sighed, “The world hasn’t been too kind to me recently.”

Next Guo Zheng answered with his eyes being filled with hatred, “I had come here with my fiancee to enter a good sect. Unfortunately some powerful men had taken an interest in my fiancee and they had ambushed her while I was away in a town. When I returned, my wife was already dead. The men used their influence and pinned the crime on me. All I know is that they were from the Wang Clan.”

Xu Ken couldn’t help but be slightly touched by the look in Guo Zheng eyes. Xu Ken looked into Guo Zheng eyes and replied, “If you want the chance at having revenge in the future, I can give it to you. My family is very powerful and I doubt the Wang Clan can hide from me.”

Guo Zheng and the others were stunned. Guo Zheng never believed his new master would give him the chance to gain revenge.

Guo Zheng immediately kowtowed, “If you could ever give me the chance for revenge, I’d forever be in your debt.”

“Don’t worry, I treat my own people well. If you wish to have revenge, I’ll give it to you.” Xu Ken replied.

Guo Zheng felt extremely thankful and excited.

“Thank you Master. The only thing I request is I personally avenge my wife.” Guo Zheng asked.

“Of course, that is only right. Now quickly sit back down.” Xu Ken said.

Guo Zheng quickly got up and sat back on his seat and Wu Xiu quickly began to speak.

“I was originally a part of a small clan and was married off to another, more powerful clan. Not even three days after I arrived, the clan was apprehended by the government and we were all put into prison or slavery. I honestly hope to never meet my clan again. I hated living there.” Wu Xiu said.

“That’s rather unfortunate. You all have such very bad luck.” Xu Ken said bluntly.

The three of them could only smile wearily. Xu Ken quickly moved the topic onto more positive things while their journey continued.

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When night was steadily approaching, Xu Ken decided it was finally time to stop and set up camp.

Inside his own tent, Xu Ken finally decided to take a look at this mysterious red egg. After observing the egg for a while, Xu Ken began to tremble with excitement. This egg was from a creature that could only be found in the fourth realm!

Xu Ken knew exactly how to make it hatch as well. The egg required extremely powerful qi to develop. Once Xu Ken finished his Blood Qi technique, it should be possible to start giving the egg qi.

Xu Ken decided to put aside the egg for now and focus on cultivating. By the time the sun was up, Xu Ken had barely gain any progress with his cultivation stage. While it is to be expected, Xu Ken decided that he’d have to concoct some pills that increases one’s latent talent soon.

Xu Ken was, after all, rather proficient in alchemy. Once his father died, he didn’t have anyone to get him what he wanted. Fueled with revenge, he began to learn many different things that could make him more powerful as fast as possible.

Without stressing too much over it, Xu Ken left his tent and had everyone pack up for the rest of the journey.

It took until around midnight before they reached the Star Sword Sect. When they were within viewing range, the three slaves and Xu Jin were all astonished by how big it was. Xu Jin had never been to the Star Sword Sect before because he wasn’t even a cultivator. The Xu Clan viewed him as unimportant once they found out his latent talent was only average. Xu Ken, however, had other plans for Xu Jin now that he was there.

Xu Ken decided to wait until morning before actually entering the sect since it wouldn’t be too good to enter in the middle of the night.

When morning came, Xu Ken and everyone entered the Star Sword Sect. Once inside, they were confronted by two guards. The guards were disciples of the sect and the two disciples actually knew Xu Ken.

“Brother Ken!” They shouted.

Xu Ken looked at them and easily recognized them. They were fellow spoiled brats of other powerful Clans! Peng Meng and Shi Seng were kids similar to Xu Ken. They didn’t care too much about cultivating and spent their time having fun. While their character wasn’t amazing, they were loyal brothers that Xu Ken could appreciate and depend on.

“Brother Meng and Brother Seng! How have you been?” Xu Ken said.

“Ever since you left, it’s been extremely boring.” Shi Seng said.

“Yeah, ever since you left, we have had nothing to do! We tried to have some fun last night, but we got caught by one of the outer sect elders. We’ve been assigned guard duty as punishment.” Peng Meng said.

Xu Ken started to laugh, “Hahaha that’s to be expected. You shouldn’t fool around too much.”

“Like you’re one to talk, you party more than us!” Peng Meng replied while laughing.

“Well has there been anything interesting since I was gone?” Xu Ken asked.

Shi Seng eyes began to shine when he heard Xu Ken’s question, “Yes! You should of been here yesterday!”

“What happened yesterday?” Xu Ken asked.

“You really do not know what happened yesterday? Well, let this good brother tell you what happened yesterday. Apparently, all the outer sect members will be participating in a martial tournament. The good part is, two other sects will be joining us! The only important sect that matters is the Heavenly Blade Sect!” Peng Meng said excitedly

“The Heavenly Blade Sect? Isn’t that an all female sect?” Xu Ken said.

“Yep! I must start practicing soon and show off to all the beauties that will be coming hehehe.” Peng Meng said.

“Haha the only thing that can motivate you to cultivating is women huh?” Xu Ken said.

Peng Meng looked at Xu Ken like he was mad man, “Of course! Everything I do in this world is for women!”

Xu Ken couldn’t help but burst into laughter when he heard this. Shi Seng and even Xu Jin were silently nodding their heads in agreement. Wu Xiu couldn’t help but sigh at the conversation they were having.

Peng Meng and Shi Seng of course wouldn’t let any woman escape their presence.

“Who is this beauty Brother? Is she one of your concubines?” Shi Seng asked.

Wu Xiu blushed when she heard this, but she didn’t say anything.

“Haha no brother, these three are my new subordinates. I plan on training them.” Xu Ken replied.

“Ahh I see. While we may be lazy, we still need power! You’ll be using them to have some authority around here brother?” Shi Seng asked.

“Hmm, that’s one of the reason that I have them. You’ll find out the other reasons in the future.” Xu Ken said.

“Hahaha, I might need to go and get me some subordinates too! Preferably an all female squad hehe.” Peng Meng said.

“Haha, good luck with that brother. Well let’s get back to the main topic, when will this tournament take place?” Xu Ken said. 

“Hmm, I think it’ll take place next week. I can’t wait!” Peng Meng said.

“What’s the reward for winning?” Xu Ken asked.

“Reward? I think the reward is ten high quality cultivation pills and the chance to be promoted to the inner sect without having to take the promotion test. Sadly, these things are only a dream for us.” Shi Seng said.

When Xu Ken heard about what the reward would be, he couldn’t help but be slightly curious as to why the other sects would be joining.

“Why would these other sects also join the tournament then?” Xu Ken asked.

“Honestly we have no idea either. Rumors are circulating around that perhaps the sects have some deal between them in the shadows.” Shi Seng said.

“A deal between them? Hmmm. Well it’s better to not worry about it too much. We aren’t important figures in the outer sect anyway haha.” Xu Ken said.

Xu Ken and the others proceeded to continue with some small talk before they said their goodbyes. Xu Ken brought his subordinates to the sect’s management office and had them go through the process of becoming a disciple of the sect. With his family’s influence and their talent, it didn’t take long.

Once they were all assigned rooms near Xu Ken, they all went to unpack and settle into their new homes. Xu Ken on the other hand, went to find a place to cultivate.

While Xu Ken was walking towards the cultivating rooms, he saw Xu Chen and Xu Li.

Xu Chen and Xu Li were currently talking to some of their friends when they noticed Xu Ken walking towards them. Xu Chen smiled and motioned for Xu Ken to join them.

“Brother Ken! Glad to see that you’re doing better.” Xu Chen said.

Xu Li continued to be indifferent before Xu Chen nudged her to say something.

“Hello Brother.” Xu Li said.

Xu Chen could only show a slight smile, “Hello Brother Chen and Sister Li. It’s good to see you two. I’ll be seeing you around since I have urgent business to attend.”

“Okay Brother, if you ever need something, just let us know.” Xu Chen said.

Xu Li didn’t say anything and this made Xu Chen wearily smile. Xu Ken quickly left and found a vacant room to enter.

Inside the room, Xu Ken felt that his cultivation speed nearly doubled. The resources this sect had were indeed not shabby.

Once Xu Ken examined his body, he felt that he was already at the initial stages of the Blood Qi Technique and the Beetle Body Technique had just entered the initial stages as well.

Xu Ken was delighted and he began to work on another simple technique. The technique he chose was called Soul Searching. It was only a Soul Martial Stage level technique and could easily be cultivated in a hour or so with Xu Ken’s cultivation speed.

Wasting no time at all, Xu Ken quickly cultivated this technique until he entered the initial stage. The Soul Searching technique would allow the user to obtain information from another person’s soul. Not only that, this technique would also let the user search for a person’s location anywhere in the world for as long as they could recognize the person’s soul.

Suddenly Xu Ken heard a loud bang outside his room and decided to investigate what the sound was.

When Xu Ken opened his door, sitting there was a young man drinking booze from a bottle. Xu Ken recognized the man and sighed. This man was an elder named Zhang Fei. He was the youngest and only sect elder that got wasted everyday.

Zhang Fei looked at Xu Ken and started laughing.

“This must be fate little boy. There was only one time when I fell on my butt while drinking. It was when I met the man that would become my older brother haha! Little boy, from now on, I’ll be your younger brother too haha!” Zhang Fei said while his head was slightly spinning.

Xu Ken decided to leave him alone since it was just the ramblings of a drunk person. Zhang Fei probably wouldn’t remember the words he said in the next few hours anyway.

“Xu Ken!”

Xu Ken heard his name being called out from the crowd and saw that it was an outer disciple named Wu Xue. Xu Ken and Wu Xue never got along from the moment they both entered the sect.

“It seem you have returned! I was waiting for someone to exchange pointers with!” Wu Xue said.

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Author's Note : I don't plan on releasing every day. Just whenever I finish a chapter. Also is my story going too fast? I feel like in ATG or ISSTH, the characters don't even leave the same room in one chapter lol