Chapter 61: One Sword

"Second Master, what's the point of us squatting here like this?"

"If we want money and compensation, we should just charge in, break their defensive array first, then the Yu Family will be so scared they'll kneel before us — at that point, however much we demand they pay is entirely up to us."

"Right now we neither attack nor curse, just stand here stupidly — how boring."

Outside the Yu Family, a youth in his twenties spoke with a grass stalk between his teeth, a sword hanging at his waist, looking completely unconcerned.

His name was Chen Hai, the most promising of the Chen Family's new generation, already at the Qi Refining Seventh Layer realm.

In the entire Chen Family he could be called a heaven's favored child, highly valued — yet now he was dispatched to watch the Yu Family day after day, unable to cultivate, and his heart inevitably felt stifled.

Beside him stood an old man dressed in blue robes.

This old man was slight of build, yet his spirit was excellent; he toyed with nine flying daggers in his hand — one of the Chen Family's Qi Refining Peak cultivators!

"You understand nothing."

"The reason you were brought here is to temper your disposition. Obediently keep watch — don't let a single person enter."

Chen Yuanbai glanced at him and rebuked: "I'm not like your Eldest Young Master, speaking gently. If you fail, one day I'll send you to Luoqian Mountain Villa for painstaking cultivation!"

"No no no, I got it." Chen Hai hurriedly spat out the grass root and straightened his posture.

Luoqian Mountain Villa was no place for a human to stay — if it were Fan Yin Mountain Villa to see female cultivators, he wouldn't resist at all.

This zone, besides the various families and the Wanxiang Sect towering above them all, also had multiple gangs and mountain villas.

These forces were not like sects, but for disciples unable to enter Wanxiang Sect, they were a very good choice.

Chen Hai was a disciple of Luoqian Mountain Villa; in the past he had to constantly face cliffs and practice swordplay — those days were so dull they nearly drove him mad. Fortunately such forces didn't strictly discipline their disciples; if he wanted to return to his family he could go back.

And conversely, in Luoqian Mountain Villa's eyes, what they saw wasn't his talent, but the silver and spirit stones handed over for apprenticeship.

There were too many such disciples; if they died no one cared — as long as the money was paid.

Seeing Chen Hai's attitude improve, Chen Yuanbai nodded, his gaze returning to the Yu Family.

Actually, as for why the Chen Family targeted the Yu Family, he had doubts at first — he thought the Yu Family had obtained some unknown treasure.

Only after questioning the Family Head did Chen Yuanbai learn this was a transaction.

"Dongyang City, the Tang Family? Or Tang Xing acting on his own?"

"Whatever the case, he's a Jade Cauldron Peak disciple, and has connections with our family — this small favor, helping is helping."

Chen Yuanbai narrowed his eyes, knowing in his heart this likely involved some struggles within the Sect.

But the Chen Family could not refuse — only because that would offend the Tang Family and needlessly ruin their friendship with Tang Xing.

"Three days — today is already the last day. When the time comes we withdraw; whatever happens afterward has nothing to do with our Chen Family."

Chen Yuanbai raised his eyes and checked the sky.

As the sky gradually brightened, the third day's dawn was about to arrive; he stowed the nine flying daggers at his side, just about to call Chen Hai and leave.

Ahead, the Yu Family's defensive array opened.

"Oh? These turtles finally coming out? Second Master, attack or not?" Chen Hai excitedly drew the spirit sword at his waist.

Chen Yuanbai's mouth twitched; he thought darkly, how could the timing be so coincidental. To speak truthfully, he never really intended to demand compensation — this was originally just a door-blocking transaction. The Yu Family was that weak; stepping on them was stepping on them. Exterminating them was unnecessary.

And the Yu Family was indeed very cooperative, shrinking inside for three days.

But right at this final moment, they actually opened the gates! Chen Yuanbai wondered: to attack or not, to continue demanding compensation or not.

At this moment, a white-haired youthful-faced old man walked forward, three wooden swords on his back, a white robe, appearing extremely simple.

"Was it you who killed two Qi Refining cultivators of my Yu Family?"

Yu Tairan's expression was calm, his tone gentle, giving an elegant feeling — like a Daoist far removed from the secular world.

Chen Hai froze, then reacted, laughing loudly: "Old thing, so what if we did it? You still want revenge?"

"Since it is, then good."

Yu Tairan nodded slightly, raised his hand and slowly drew one wooden sword from his back.

At this, Chen Yuanbai's face changed; he shouted: "Hai'er, run!"

The next second, he flung out nine flying daggers, shooting them forward!

Both at Qi Refining Peak, but when the opponent drew that wooden sword, Chen Yuanbai felt a threat to his life. Though he didn't know why he had this feeling, that trembling heart, that fearful instinct, would never deceive him! This person was extremely dangerous!!! They had investigated the Yu Family long ago — only one Qi Refining Peak cultivator, and he hadn't appeared in a long time, possibly already passed away.

But why did this Qi Refining Peak seem a bit different! "It's Sword Intent!" Seeing the opponent swing the wooden sword, Chen Yuanbai instantly understood, horrified, dragging Chen Hai backward.

But Yu Tairan didn't even glance at them; the wooden sword slashed through the air.

"Bang bang bang!" Nine flying daggers were struck flying by a powerful force.

Midair, Sword Intent crossed hundreds of meters and landed on Chen Hai — that Sword Intent was like a sword cleaving at your forehead, nowhere to dodge, sharp edge fully revealed!

"Pfft!" Chen Hai's eyes widened; one hand still in Chen Yuanbai's grip, yet the other half of his body remained suspended in midair.

"This—"

At this moment, he realized he seemed to have been cut in two.

But how could this be — he was Qi Refining Seventh Layer, yet he died without even seeing clearly what the technique was?

Chen Hai couldn't believe it, but his consciousness had already fallen into darkness; the last thought to emerge in his mind was: what exactly was this one sword. "Pu!" Chen Yuanbai spat a mouthful of blood, staggered back several steps, staring at Yu Tairan in shock.

Then he saw Chen Hai's death, his eyes splitting with rage; he gritted his teeth, just about to roar in anger.

Then he saw the opponent raise the wooden sword again — frightened, he immediately turned and fled without pause.

He, a Qi Refining Peak, struggled to withstand even one sword from the opponent; if a few more came, he might die here. The Chen Family had only three Qi Refining Peak cultivators total — losing one would change the whole situation.

So Chen Yuanbai, having witnessed Yu Tairan's strength, dared not fight — he could only cowardly escape the scene.

And Yu Tairan did not pursue; in that raised palm, the wooden sword was slowly withering like a flower, turning to ash.

He withdrew his gaze, calmly turned, and returned inside the Yu Family.

"A pity — this wooden sword's tempering still isn't enough; couldn't kill that Qi Refining Peak."

"Ninety-nine left — should have the juniors temper them more."

(Chapter End)