Chapter 94: What Pride!
Chapter 94: What Pride!
The disciple guarding outside Xu Ziyan’s door heard her loud laughter inside and knew she had emerged. He quickly stood up, walked to the door, and gently knocked.
“Who is it?” Xu Ziyan’s laughter stopped abruptly as she called out.
“Boss Ziyan, it’s Xu Tieniu. The Clan Leader ordered me to wait here for your emergence. He wants you to go to the clan’s Council Hall immediately. They’re all waiting for you there.”
Xu Ziyan stepped out, glanced at the sky—it was already night—and said through the door:
“Tieniu, I understand. Go back first. I’m exhausted right now. I’ll go see the Clan Leader tomorrow!”
“Oh!”
Xu Tieniu replied with a dull grunt, stretching lazily as he walked toward his quarters. Guarding Xu Ziyan’s door all those days had worn him out. Yet his heart swelled with joy and pride. The Clan Leader had personally entrusted this task to him—to notify the respected Boss Ziyan! This meant the Clan Leader valued him! While walking, Xu Tieniu muttered in awe:
“The boss always acts like the boss! Even the Clan Leader’s summoning can’t make her hurry. She’ll rest first before going! Amazing! Truly amazing! Way more impressive than my own name, Tieniu!”
After Xu Tieniu left, Xu Ziyan returned indoors. She counted the talismans on the table: eight each for Sixth-Grade to Eighth-Grade Talismans, and only one Ninth-Grade Talisman. Why? Because when she had succeeded in crafting her first Ninth-Grade Talisman, she burst into laughter and made only one. Picking up the Talisman Brush, she crafted a Breath-Concealing Talisman for herself, absorbed it internally, and lowered her aura to that of someone at the First Level of Qi Refining Stage. Still not satisfied, she produced a set of Third-Grade Talismans and finally set down her brush.
Admiring them briefly, she stored the talismans within her Kunpeng’s Heart and put the brush and Talisman Paper into her Storage Pouch. Gazing outside at the dark skies, she felt a sudden urge. Pushing open the door, she soared into the night, flying towards Floating Snow Peak.
Fog engulfed Floating Snow Peak. Xu Ziyan landed softly near the summit’s edge. At its center, a figure twisted and whirled. A blazing sword released tongues of fire, melting snow patches that turned to vapor as they steamed upward.
Standing quietly, Xu Ziyan observed Xu Lin amid the rising mist. His presence expanded, growing heavier. Her heart jumped. Was Xu Lin about to break through again? Hadn’t he advanced not long ago? What was happening? Had he encountered fortune like her, or was his talent just monstrous?
Indeed, Xu Lin’s pressure intensified continuously—like gas trapped in a sack with no escape. Suddenly, he halted his sword’s motion. He thrust its blade into snow before him, spreading his arms wide, and screamed skyward. His eyes turned blood-red. A shadow of a Qilin rose behind him, also screaming toward heaven.
Boom!
Xu Ziyan felt space tremble. But stunned, she stared at Xu Lin’s summoned Qilin-shadow, recalling the Qilin she’d seen in the valley where the Scarred One-Armed Man lived.
“So alike! Almost an exact copy!”
The Qilin-shadow faded after three breaths. Xu Lin stood motionless after, his expression caught between delight and confusion. A breakthrough—he’d reached the Fourth Layer of Qi Refining Stage! But… how? Ever since his Second Uncle told him a Qilin-shadow briefly emerged during the Tongyou Valley battle, his cultivation soared inexplicably. Did he carry Qilin Bloodline, dormant until now? Was its awakening causing this rapid growth?
Xu Ziyan’s certainty hardened immediately: Xu Lin and the Scarred One-Armed Man were connected. But Xu Lin came from Xu Clan through Xu Ziyan’s Eldest Uncle. That man couldn’t be Xu Clan… his cultivation was too high, more suited for a Sect member. What relationship linked them?
Xu Lin snapped from contemplation. Xu Ziyan, also lost in thought, regained focus. Both became aware of each other and turned simultaneously.
“Ziyan!” Xu Lin’s eyes flashed joy before hiding deep.
“Senior Brother,” Xu Ziyan answered softly.
“Ziyan, our fathers were brothers. You needn’t call me ‘Senior Brother.’ Use my name.”
Xu Ziyan paused briefly before nodding. “Alright, Senior Brother Lin.”
When ‘Senior Brother Lin’ left his lips instead of ‘Brother Lin,’ Xu Lin could only offer a silent, bitter smile. He quickly recomposed himself and asked gently:
“Ziyan, what brings you here?”
“Here,” Xu Ziyan gave a light nod, pretending to pull something from her Storage Pouch—but actually retrieving it from Kunpeng’s Heart. She approached Xu Lin and held out a Storage Ring.
“You… giving me a ring?” Xu Lin stared in shock and disbelief.
“No… not like that!” Xu Ziyan suddenly felt clumsy. Mentally, she wondered if she should’ve kept the ring herself and given him a bracelet instead. Hurriedly, she explained:
“An old man told me to give this to you!”
“An old man gave this for me?”
Xu Lin took the ring, feeling its plain surface suspiciously. He raised doubtful eyes to Xu Ziyan.
Xu Ziyan smiled faintly. Pointing at it, she whispered:
“It’s a Storage Ring. Blood-bind it, then you’ll understand.”
Xu Lin’s eyes sharpened. He knew Storage Rings belonged solely to legends in the Mortal World. Owning a Storage Pouch already marked achievement. This Storage Ring betrayed nothing as a treasure—mundane to a fault. Why would someone ever gift such rarity? But Xu Ziyan claimed it was meant for him; he trusted her.
Biting his finger, Xu Lin dripped blood onto it. Instantly, spiritual connection flowed. Probing inside with his Spiritual Power, he froze instantly. Countless types and amounts of Elixirs dazzled his sight. His heartbeat raced, cheeks unnaturally flushed like drunkenness. After long seconds, he mumbled as if waking:
“What is happening?”
Xu Ziyan contemplated then locked keen eyes on Xu Lin. Low, she queried:
“Senior Brother Lin, did you know? During your breakthrough, you created a Qilin-shadow.”
“I sensed it.” Xu Lin nodded softly. “Second Uncle said it happened once during Tongyou Valley. Since returning, my Cultivation Level has been soaring unusually.”
“Hmm!” Xu Ziyan nodded, continuing: “The old man who gave you this ring kept a Qilin—exactly matching your vision—by his side. Real, alive. You and he share kinship, I suspect.”
Xu Lin stared bewildered at her. “I know no such person! Zhongdu City raised me around Second Uncle’s care. How? And a Qilin companion? I’ve never seen a Qilin in Xu Clan! What did he look like?”
Remembering the Scarred One-Armed Man’s warnings, Xu Ziyan lied: “A mighty old man. He told me: Never speak of your Storage Ring—not even to your father, the Clan Leader. These Elixirs fuel your Cultivation alone. Remember: One whisper risks both our murders. Guard this secret until the time comes for explanation.”
Finally sensing danger beneath immense reward, Xu Lin nodded gravely:
“Little Sister Ziyan, fret not. I won’t breathe a word! But…” Suddenly, Xu Lin pointed at her Storage Pouch.
“Open your pouch. Have half my Elixirs! Countless are here. They’ll help your Cultivation.”
Warmth touched Xu Ziyan’s heart. Shaking her head softly, she lifted her Storage Bracelet and dangled it before Xu Lin.
“That old man already gifted one to me. Keep yours.”
“Oh!”
Xu Lin murmured faintly, her playful gesture leaving him dazed. Xu Ziyan observed his changed expression. Sighing inwardly, she said softly:
“Senior Brother Lin, I must go. Rest well.”
Without waiting, she leaped off Floating Snow Peak. Mid-air, her Flying Sword circled from her pouch. She stepped upon its blade, piercing night with Sword Flight into the distance.
Upon Floating Snow Peak, Xu Lin stared dumbfounded at darkness where Xu Ziyan vanished. Briefly, surprise crossed his face as he whispered:
“Ziyan… has she decided to join the Inner Hall?”
Xu Ziyan flew instantly over her residence. She plunged from air into her courtyard, the Flying Sword returning to her Storage Pouch. She entered indoors, calmed herself—then shook her head hard, shaking Xu Lin’s image from her mind. Planning next-day tasks, she finally slept peacefully.
Next dawn after washing and breakfast in the clan’s canteen, Xu Ziyan ambled casually toward the Council Hall. Instantly she left, the quiet hall burst to life:
“Did you see? Xu Ziyan broke through to Innate Realm—her Aura Pressure terrifies!”
“Exactly! Her cultivation stage is unclear, but that aura screams Qi Refining Stage!”
“How long was she even in Outer Hall? Does she allow others life?”
“Senior Sister Ziyan’s amazing! She reached Innate Realm so swiftly! Sixteen this year, right?”
“Not even sixteen—New Year soon, she becomes sixteen then!”
“Gods alive! If I had half—no! one-tenth her speed!”
Xu Huniu sighed lightly. Xu Ziyan would enter Inner Hall—wouldn’t become the Plum Blossom Gang Leader. Pride mixed with loss as she watched.
Xu Gan, Xu Wen, and Xu Tianxiao silently exchanged relieved looks nearby. Xu Ziyan’s departure to Inner Hall eased their Outer Hall pressures significantly.
Xu Ziyan heard every canteen utterance despite striding beyond—heightened cultivation made it effortless. She shook her head smiling, collected her thoughts, and sighted the tallest building: the Council Hall. Straightening her posture proudly, an assured smile bloomed as she walked forward. Internally, contemplation spun:
“Will I enter Council Hall today? Is this step toward clan core? Or just questions? Heheh! My Talisman Crafting Art distinguishes me from ordinary Qi Refining Stage disciples! Remember—I’m Guest Elder too! Therefore, this couldn’t merely be query…”
Xu Ziyan stepped closer. Heart calmed steadily as confidence swelled within. One word echoed silently:
“Family core? Heheh… I’m coming!”
At the Council Hall entrance, disciples spotted Xu Ziyan from afar. Glances toward her layered complexity:
For a youth still in Houtian Realm, her Tongyou Valley battle had etched legend—making her the clan’s beacon!
A Houtian disciple making high elders wait outside her door for a day?
A Houtian disciple holding all direct elders present inside?
Such honor! Such pride!
Xu Ziyan neared steadily—each measured pace consistent. Her tranquility betrayed no tension.
The guards—all Inner Hall Disciples—watched her calmness in silent respect. Clan’s chosen, undoubtedly. Were they summoned before seated clan elders like Xu Ziyan, could they reflect her unshaken poise?
Her approach thickened the guards’ shock next:
“What?! She broke through! Already First Level of Qi Refining Stage? How long since Outer Hall enrollment?! That… monstrous talent!”
Xu Ziyan stopped steady before them. Cupping fists, she announced:
“Brothers, report my arrival to Clan Leader. Xu Ziyan comes upon his summoning.”
Before guards answered, Clan Leader Xu Haoran’s voice boomed past doors:
“Yan’er, enter!”
Xu Ziyan nodded politely. The Inner Hall Disciples smiled warmly back. Watching her walk past them, complicated awe colored those gazes.
The moment she entered Council Hall, her footing stuttered: two rows full sat upon the dais! Some faces were familiar: Clan Leader Xu Haoran, Second Uncle Xu Haobo, Third Uncle Xu Haolang, Fourth Uncle Xu Haomiao, Ninth Uncle Xu Haoliang, and Twelfth Uncle Xu Haoyang.
Xu Haoran, Xu Haobo, Xu Haomiao—obviously known. Xu Haolang and Xu Haoyang fought beside her at Tongyou Valley—known as well. Xu Haoliang killing Monster Beasts alongside Clan Leader outside Zhongdu City? Witnessed, thus vividly remembered. Others? Only faint traces remained—perhaps from the High Platform assembly preceding Tongyou Valley. Standing behind Xu Haoran, they drew impressions then—but names? None.
After initial shock, Xu Ziyan calmed immediately. So many elders signified clan attention! Deep bowing to all, her crisp voice declared:
“Xu Ziyan greets Clan Leader and all elders.”
“Yan’er, meet your uncles: Second, Third, Fourth, Ninth, Twelfth Uncles you know already. Presenting your Fifth Uncle Xu Haocang…”
Following introductions, Xu Ziyan met nine more uncles and three aunts. Among them, only Xu Haoran and Xu Haoliang’s Cultivation Level hid from her sight; others’ stood exposed. Weakest cultivation: aunt Xu Yinlai—Tenth Layer of Qi Refining Stage! Five reached Twelfth Layer’s peak, bordering Foundation Building Stage! Others—all above Eleventh Level!
Unable to gauge Xu Haoran and Xu Haoliang, she grumbled internally: Back home, use Kunpeng Tears to cleanse my eyes. See then who conceals strength!
After courtesies, Xu Haoran granted Xu Ziyan the lowest seat. She refused politely thrice before properly sitting—gaze downcast and silent.
Xu Haoran exchanged glances with others, speaking kindly:
“Yan’er, your father said a Female Immortal met once taught your Cultivation Method and Talisman Crafting Art?”
“Truth,” Xu Ziyan answered softly.
“Can you pass it to clan disciples?” Xu Haoran’s tone pleaded.
“The Cultivation Method? No. The Female Immortal forbade her method’s sharing. But regarding the Talisman Crafting Art? She never forbade it—thus possible.”
Xu Ziyan’s mind raced instantly:
The Cultivation Method? Never! A high-level method defines one’s fate. Leak its secrets? Invite enemy exploitation!
Talisman Crafting Art? Certainly not whole either! A weak clan possessing such rare knowledge? The crime of possession! Full disclosure risked genocide!
She decided: Hand over Talisman Crafting Art only below Fifth-Grade Talisman level. When disciples comprehend Fifth-Grade crafting, reconsider further transmission.
“Hmph!”
Xu Haoliang snorted coldly beneath Xu Haoran. “Xu Clan gives you everything! Now you refuse? Hand it forth! Obey immediately!”
Xu Ziyan snapped vision toward Xu Haoliang! Eyebrows raised sharply—anger pierced through!
Clan affinity? Minimal! She’d accepted Guest Elder position only—refusing the Offering Elder role outright. But this? Naked coercion? Unbearable!
Since choosing to remain earlier, she’d pledged: reciprocation if clan kindness arrived; departure if not. Xu Haoguang’s clan nostalgia troubled her resolve. Though not biologically his descendant, Xu Haoguang offered genuine devotion—defying the Village Chief foolishly to shield her, enduring Zhongdu City return disgracefully because of her. His actions deeply moved her.
Therefore, Xu Ziyan tried fostering kinship gradually. Clan Leader Xu Haoran, Second Uncle and others? Genuine warmth won her over slowly. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have intervened in critical moments repeatedly.
But giving everything? No! Neither did all seated here—including Xu Haoliang himself—sacrifice wholly unto clan!
Thus, Xu Ziyan’s aura erupted violently! Sparks ignited toward Xu Haoliang! Simultaneously, Xu Haoliang blazed seeing this junior dare glare defiance…