Chapter 21: An Unforeseen Calamity
Chapter 21: An Unforeseen Calamity
"Xiao Shiye truly is a man of exceptional bearing", Lv Yang remarked, clapping his companion's shoulder as they walked. "I'm Lv Yang—we should’ve entered cultivation around the same time. I’m no senior to you."
"Same generation?" Xiao Shiye blinked in surprise, then grinned. "In that case, Brother Lv’s talent must be extraordinary to reach such cultivation."
"Not at all", Lv Yang waved a hand, well aware his progress relied on pills rather than innate skill. Without those aids, he’d still be stuck at the third layer of Refining Qi Foundation.
Learning they were peers, Xiao Shiye relaxed. Soon, he ventured, "I’ve just broken through a cultivation bottleneck. I’m returning to my cave to stabilize my gains. What about you, Brother Lv?"
"I’m heading to the Merit Pool", Xiao Shiye smiled. "They say fortune favors those who dare. I’ve had a streak of luck lately—I’d like to test it."
Lv Yang hesitated, curiosity stirring. "Mind if I join? I’ve nothing better to do."
Unseen by them, beyond the Ten Thousand Treasures Peak, a dozen figures emerged from swirling clouds. At their head stood Liu Xin—a debonair young man in white robes, his aura refined and almost ethereal.
"He’s here", one disciple suddenly whispered.
Liu Xin opened his eyes, mist parting to reveal his striking features. His gaze sharpened as he sensed Xiao Shiye’s presence—and the Refining Qi Foundation late-stage cultivator beside him.
"Refining Qi Foundation late-stage?" Liu Xin frowned. This complication demanded adjustments to his plan.
Behind him, Qingchen Immortaless, once Zhao Xuhe’s concubine but now Liu Xin’s paramour, sneered, "That’s Lv Yang—the one who cashed out early during the Soul-Stealing Yin Puppet scheme. He’s got at least ten thousand Contribution Points."
Their losses from speculating on the Yin Puppets had been catastrophic. Now, they preyed on disciples who’d exited early with profits—like Xiao Shiye. And Lv Yang? He’d just become their latest target.
"Now!" Liu Xin ordered.
The ambush closed in. Lv Yang’s Sword Core throbbed a warning as multicolored light surrounded them—a formation trapping them in a mirage.
"Three cultivators at Refining Qi Foundation mid-rank, one late-stage", Lv Yang calculated grimly. "At best, a thirty percent chance to break free."
Xiao Shiye stepped forward. "This is my fault. They want my treasures and Contribution Points. I thought they’d given up months ago." He handed Lv Yang a sharp, cone-shaped artifact. "A Treasure Piercer. Use it to escape. I’ll hold them off."
Lv Yang weighed the device, sensing its power. "You want me to leave you here?"
Xiao Shiye smiled, facing the oncoming attackers. "Farewell, Brother Lv. May our paths cross again."
Above the Cloud Sea, Lv Yang hesitated, his Sword Core pulsing warnings. The choice loomed: survival—or loyalty?
(End of Chapter)
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