Chapter 11: The Source Pearl

Teacher looked just as shocked, as if he’d seen a god.

“From distant lands I come, my heart pure as ice. Beyond the Nine Heavens lies my sole dominion.”

Yu Wuchen’s words carried unshakable arrogance, yet Cheng Lingyu didn’t question them.

He’d never met someone like her—an expert whose Realm and power he couldn’t even guess.

“Miss Yu, you’re peerless, the only one under heaven deserving respect. But Ruo Xue’s revenge… Let me claim it myself. This is my life’s greatest wish. Grant me this.”

Seeing his desperation, Yu Wuchen frowned. “Teacher says he can’t wait forever.”

Cheng Lingyu turned to Teacher. “Please. Ruo Xue died for me. Even in death, she’d want me to wield the blade—not hide behind others. My love for her demands this.”

Teacher sighed. “I understand. But two years? I might not live to see that day.”

Desperation tightened Cheng Lingyu’s throat. “A year! Give me a year. If I fail to kill Cheng Zhaolong, Miss Yu can act.”

“Too long,” Yu Wuchen countered. “My journey here spanned thousands of miles. Time slips like sand.”

“Miss Yu, I beg you! This isn’t just my wish—it’s Ruo Xue’s. Let me hunt him down. I’ll bring his Head to her grave within a year!”

Yu Wuchen glanced at Teacher’s resigned nod.

“Earn this chance. Show me something worth acknowledging.”

Confusion flashed across Cheng Lingyu’s face.

“Your strongest strike. Surprise me, even slightly, and you’ll have your opportunity.”

Understanding dawned. “I’m at the Eighth Layer’s Fusion Phase in the Ordinary Martial Realm. Fight me at that level, and I’ve got half a chance. Same Realm rules—else I’d stand no hope. If I somehow win…”

“A same-Realm duel?” Yu Wuchen’s lips curved. “Interesting. Very well.”

Her aura dimmed until it matched his Fusion Phase.

“Begin.”

Cheng Lingyu steadied his breath. Everything hung on this punch—Ruo Xue’s vengeance, his life’s purpose.

“One strike decides it. Highest explosive power wins.”

Yu Wuchen stood relaxed, arms loose.

Cheng Lingyu gathered every shred of energy, Thousand Layers of Snow humming through his veins.

“Now!”

His fist tore forward, air screaming as if the sky itself would split.

Yu Wuchen’s eyes narrowed. She met his strike with a pale jade fist.

BOOM!

The collision rang like thunder. Cheng Lingyu staggered back seven steps, airflow ripping his clothes.

Yu Wuchen retreated seven and a half steps. A rosy flush bloomed across her beautiful face, mesmerizing as twilight. When she steadied, genuine shock lit her gaze.

“I didn’t expect you to have some skill. You really shocked me.”

Yu Wuchen released the restrictions on her body. Countless strands of spiritual energy surged from the void into her, calming her shaken body instantly.

Cheng Lingyu was stunned. He had unleashed explosive power four thousand times his normal limit, yet barely managed a slight advantage. Yu Wuchen was monstrously talented.

His ability to reach such heights stemmed from his true energy not being stored in his meridians or dantian—a unique advantage. Yet Yu Wuchen, with a normal physique, matched him. It was unbelievable.

“Miss Yu’s integrity is admirable. I’m in awe.”

Yu Wuchen laughed. “Don’t downplay yourself. In the entire Tianyang Empire, you’re the first to challenge me evenly within the same Realm. Train hard—I’ll return in a year.”

Cheng Lingyu’s voice hardened. “I’ll use this year to kill Cheng Zhaolong and avenge Ruo Xue.”

Yu Wuchen glanced around. “This remote region lacks resources. A year will pass swiftly. For Ruo Xue’s sake, take this trinket.”

A stone pearl materialized in Cheng Lingyu’s palm, its surface etched with three intricate patterns.

“What is this?”

“The Source Pearl. Borrowed, not gifted. Prove yourself worthy in a year, and I might let you keep it.”

“What does it do?”

“The patterns represent animals, plants, and minerals—all natural resources. It detects spiritual herbs, monster cores, mineral veins, and more. Useful, but dangerous if misused. Choose wisely.”

Cheng Lingyu gaped. The pearl was Extremely Mysterious, a treasure beyond value.

“This is too precious. I can’t—”

“Lose it, and you’ll regret it.” Yu Wuchen cut him off. Holding her umbrella, she grasped Teacher’s arm. Raindrops coalesced into a misty path beneath her feet as she vanished into the distance.

Long after she left, Cheng Lingyu turned to Ruo Xue’s tombstone. “I’ll avenge you within a year,” he swore.

He walked away through the drizzle. One year. One chance.

…

“The Chongyang Martial Arts Festival starts tomorrow. Excel there, and you might join the Xuanhuo Sect,” Cheng Yun said, hope brimming in his eyes.

Cheng Lingyu frowned. “Joining would do more harm than good. Cheng Zhaolong would make my life hell, slowing my progress.”

“True. He’s stronger and already entrenched there. Avoiding him would be impossible.”

“I have one year. Revenge comes first.”

Cheng Yun gripped his son’s shoulder. “Do what you must. I’ll stand by you, no matter what.”

“I’ll win tomorrow but refuse the sect. Instead, I’ll secure mining rights in Shiyang Town.”

“Why?”

“The mines hold resources to strengthen my Physical Body and advance Thousand Layers of Snow.”

“Mineral sources are rare,” Cheng Yun warned.

“I have a way.” Cheng Lingyu pulled out the Source Pearl. “If I decline the sect, can you get me access?”

“Easily.”

Alone later, Cheng Lingyu studied the pearl. Without it, he’d have joined the sect. Now, it anchored his plans.

Pricking his finger, he dripped blood onto the pearl. Patterns glowed, absorbing the blood. A connection snapped into place—the pearl had analyzed him.

“One year,” he muttered. “Kill Cheng Zhaolong. Heal Father’s wounds. Escape the Cheng family and Xuanhuo Sect.”

Murdering Cheng Zhaolong would enrage Family Head Cheng Feng. Staying meant bloodshed. Leaving was safer but riskier.

Three steps: power, escape, survival. One misstep meant doom.