Chapter 132: Severely Wounded, Xiao Tian's Quick Wit

"So, Master Li Ningyan and Young Master An are still missing—alive or dead, we don’t know?" Wei Shanhai frowned.

Just moments ago, Wei Xinghe had recounted everything that had happened over the past days. That included their attempt to secretly send his wife and children away—only to be discovered.

"But The Lady of the Wei Family and the young master should be safe," Wei Da Zong Guan reasoned. "Otherwise, the enemy would’ve used them to threaten us already. We just don’t know where they are now—whether they’ve already reached Zhou Fu, or are hiding somewhere in secret."

"Regardless," Wei Shanhai said, "we must confirm their safety first. Xiao Hai, send someone to check Zhou Fu immediately. Then dispatch others to scout the outskirts of the city."

"Yes, Ancestor. I’ll arrange it right away." Wei Da Zong Guan bowed.

In truth, they’d wanted to do this for a long time. But with Tian Cang Sect’s presence still looming, they hadn’t dared send anyone out. Now that Ancestor had returned, with a firm leader at their side, they could finally act without fear.

After Wei Da Zong Guan left to organize the search, Wei Xinghe turned to Ancestor.

"Ancestor, are you truly alright? How long before you recover?"

"My wounds... I fear I may never fully heal," Wei Shanhai replied.

At that moment, exhaustion suddenly washed over his face. His breath faltered, his body seemed to wither, and he slumped heavily into his chair—his frame appearing years older in an instant.

"Ancestor!" Wei Xinghe cried out in alarm.

"Keep your voice down," Wei Shanhai waved weakly. "Wang Cangyi’s Xian Tian sword qi was truly formidable. I dodged most of the blow, but the sword energy still pierced my heart meridian. The injury is deep."

"Even with your strength, Ancestor, you can’t expel it?" Wei Xinghe asked, dread creeping into his voice.

"By myself? Nearly impossible," Wei Shanhai shook his head. "Wang Cangyi’s Xian Tian sword qi is insidious—like a venom that eats away at bone and flesh. It’s entrenched in my heart meridian. Because our cultivation levels are nearly equal, I can’t risk removing it without damaging my own meridian. All I can do is suppress it with my true qi, preventing it from erupting."

Wei Xinghe’s heart sank. "So there’s no other way?"

"Only if another Xian Tian Jing joins me from within—using gentle true qi to shield my heart meridian while I focus on purging the sword qi completely."

Hearing this, Wei Xinghe felt a wave of despair.

Xian Tian Jing masters were legendary figures—rare, elusive, seldom seen by ordinary people. In a remote place like this, finding one in such a short time was impossible. Even if they somehow did, the risk was too great. Allowing another Xian Tian Jing’s true qi into Ancestor’s meridian? That was playing with fate. One moment of betrayal, one malicious thought—Ancestor’s heart would be shattered in an instant. No divine power could save him then.

Wei Shanhai understood the gravity of the situation. Yet, his resolve remained firm. Seeing Wei Xinghe’s pale face, he offered reassurance: "Don’t lose hope yet. As long as I still breathe, I’ll protect the Wei Family."

"Ancestor," Wei Xinghe pressed, "if we keep suppressing the sword qi, what will happen?"

Wei Shanhai paused, then said quietly, "The suppression places immense strain on my heart meridian. I estimate... no more than a year before it fails completely. Then, my life will end."

Wei Xinghe fell silent.

He had believed Ancestor’s return meant safety. But now, this hidden danger loomed—like a storm beneath calm waters. All his earlier joy had vanished.

After a long moment, he asked again, voice strained: "Ancestor, if we use that artifact... could it heal you?"

"Unlikely," Wei Shanhai shook his head. "That artifact is beyond ordinary understanding. The fact that I managed to decipher Yin Yue Zhan Zhen and unlock the combat technique that allowed me to reach Xian Tian cultivation was already a miracle. These past decades, I’ve gained nothing further from it. I can’t afford to waste the spiritual reserves I’ve accumulated over the years."

Otherwise, his cultivation level wouldn’t have remained stuck at the peak of Xian Tian Initiate for so long.

"But it’s still a possibility," Wei Shanhai added quickly. "Perhaps this trial of life and death will awaken something deeper within you. Maybe you’ll finally unlock a higher realm."

Wei Xinghe sighed, then nodded. "Alright. I’ll try it."

As the Wei Family breathed a temporary sigh of relief at Wei Shanhai’s return, another story was unfolding in the city.

Rumors were spreading—about the battle between the Tian Cang Sect and the Wei Family.

It was unavoidable. Though both factions were far beyond the city’s other powers, their clash had shaken the very foundations of the town. Normally, such battles would send smaller factions fleeing into hiding, too afraid to even look.

But the world always has its fearless souls—those who thrive in danger. And every faction had its own hidden assassins and spies. So, despite the silence, the truth leaked out.

Especially the moment the clothed youth had spoken openly with the two Xian Tian Jing masters—his voice echoing through the entire city.

Now, everyone knew: there was a strict prohibition on Xian Tian Jings attacking anyone below their level.

"Who would’ve thought? Xian Tian Jings are actually bound by a rule—no fighting against those beneath them."

"Who is this Sheng Shan? What kind of power can bind such mighty warriors?"

"Thank goodness for this rule. Otherwise, we’d all be dead. That earlier pressure... it was unbearable."

"Right? My heart was pounding so hard I thought it would burst. If those two had fought, half the city would’ve been destroyed."

"And that Tian Ji Lou—what exactly is it?"

Still, under the shadow of the Tian Cang Sect’s lingering presence, citizens dared not speak too loudly. But whispers filled the alleys, spreading like wildfire.

Within days, the entire city buzzed with talk.

And with every passing moment, the people felt a deep, collective relief.

The sheer force of the two Xian Tian Jings clashing had left the whole town frozen in fear—no one dared breathe. No one wanted to be caught in the aftermath of such a battle. Now, knowing that such fights were forbidden within the city walls, they could finally relax.

Among the murmurers, one man listened closely. A small smile tugged at his lips—then vanished instantly, replaced by a neutral expression as he joined the crowd.

The next morning, after disguising himself, he slipped out with the crowd, blending into the flow of people leaving the city.

Once outside, he changed his route several times. He even stayed overnight at his sister’s home in the countryside, only leaving after confirming he was not followed.

Finally, he headed toward Jiu Li Village.

When he arrived, he found Lu Qing training in the courtyard.

"Lu Xiao Langjun!" he called.

"Xiao Tian brother?" Lu Qing looked up, surprised.

According to Ma Gu’s orders, Xiao Tian and the others should have scattered and hidden after disposing of the Black Wolf Gang corpses. Why was he here?

"Xiao Tian brother, what brings you here?" Lu Qing tensed. Something must have happened.

"Lu Xiao Langjun," Xiao Tian said, excitement in his voice, "big news from the city. I came straight to tell you."

Lu Qing’s expression darkened. "Come inside. We’ll talk in private."

Inside, Xiao Yan was still asleep. The breakfast—steaming food on the table—filled the air with warmth and scent. Xiao Tian’s stomach growled instinctively.

"You haven’t eaten yet?" Lu Qing noticed. "Have some food while you’re here?"

"No, thank you," Xiao Tian shook his head. "First, I need to tell you what happened."

"Alright," Lu Qing said, seeing the urgency in Xiao Tian’s eyes. Clearly, something important had occurred.

Was it the Tian Cang Sect and Wei Family finally at war?

Then Xiao Tian spoke.

"Two days ago, the foreign martial artists finally declared war on the Wei Family. They gathered a massive force and launched a full assault on the Wei Residence..."

Lu Qing’s heart jolted.

But as Xiao Tian continued, his expression shifted—first shock, then disbelief.

"Yet in the end, the two Xian Tian masters never fought. We were spared. I took the chance to slip out and come here to warn you."

Lu Qing fell silent.

The information was overwhelming. He needed time to process.

Xiao Tian didn’t speak. He knew Lu Xiao Langjun was no ordinary man—his mind was sharp, his knowledge deep. He didn’t need words. Just patience.

But as he waited, the smell of food grew stronger. His stomach rumbled—loudly.

The sound broke the silence.

Lu Qing glanced at Xiao Tian, who looked slightly embarrassed. He smiled. "Don’t be shy. Eat something first."

"Yes, Master." This time, Xiao Tian didn’t refuse. He grabbed a steamed bun and began eating.

After two buns and a bowl of porridge, Lu Qing asked, "Xiao Tian brother, you’re certain about this? That Xian Tian Jings can’t attack those below them, and that they’re forbidden from fighting within the city?"

"Absolutely certain," Xiao Tian said firmly. "The Tian Ji Lou elder himself said it—right when the two Xian Tian masters were about to clash. He shouted the rule—Sheng Shan Jin Ling—loud enough for everyone to hear. And they didn’t fight. The foreign Xian Tian Jing left, furious, but they didn’t strike."

Lu Qing tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

He hadn’t known such a rule existed.

Sheng Shan... What was this place?

A power so vast it could bind all Xian Tian Jings? And they obeyed—openly, without defiance.

What kind of force could command such awe?

This world was full of secrets—hidden powers beyond imagination. Even Xian Tian Jings weren’t free to do as they pleased.

But for Lu Qing, this rule was a blessing.

It gave him a sliver of confidence against Wang Cangyi.

Still, he didn’t underestimate the man. A cornered dog will bite. Xian Tian Jings were not clay. Those who reached such heights were proud, independent—each a storm in their own right. If truly provoked, no rule could stop them. One thought, one breath—death could come in an instant.

Could even Sheng Shan bring back the dead?

No. Respect for Xian Tian Jings was still necessary.

"Lu Xiao Langjun," Xiao Tian asked, "now that Ancestor has returned, the Wei Family’s crisis is over. When can my master, Ma Ye, come back?"

Xiao Tian was sharp. Though he hadn’t seen Wei Fu Ren and Young Master An in person, the clues—what he’d seen, what had happened afterward—led him to suspect a connection.

"Patience," Lu Qing replied. "You said the mysterious Xian Tian Jing warned they wouldn’t let this go. The situation is still tense. It’s not safe for Ma Ye to return yet. He’s in a secure place. For now, that’s enough."

Xiao Tian nodded. He understood. As long as Ma Ye was safe, he didn’t need to press further.

After finishing his meal, Xiao Tian left.

He wanted to return to the city to gather more news. Lu Qing couldn’t stop him, only urged him to be careful.

Once Xiao Tian was gone, Lu Qing went to wake Xiao Yan, helped her wash, and fed her breakfast. Then he took her and Xiao Li to the Half Mountain Small Courtyard.

The news Xiao Tian brought was vital—especially the rule about Xian Tian Jings.

He needed to tell Master.

At the Half Mountain Small Courtyard, Master was just spreading herbs to dry.

Lu Qing relayed everything Xiao Tian had said.

Then he asked, "Master, you’ve traveled far and wide. Have you ever heard of this rule? What is Sheng Shan? And what is Tian Ji Lou?"

Old Doctor listened, his expression one of deep surprise.

When the question came, he paused, then shook his head.

"I’ve never heard of either name. And I’ve never heard of such a rule."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end