Chapter 50: Returning to the Imperial Capital

Lin Xuan was eager to return, but he did not rush blindly. His cultivation base had greatly advanced, and he was now adept at using "Shrinking the Earth into an Inch," making it effortless to travel thousands of miles a day. He would occasionally use his divine ability to traverse through forests, or blend into merchant caravans, or take short-distance teleportation arrays. By constantly changing his methods, he not only saved spiritual power but also better concealed his tracks, all while keeping an eye on news from across the Imperial Dynasty.

The closer he got to the central region of the Imperial Capital, the more rumors he heard about "Mu Xuan." After months of fermentation, these rumors had become bizarre and outlandish.

Some said he was the reincarnation of an ancient mighty figure, possessing heaven-defying secret treasures.

Some said he had a deep connection with the Four Seas Trading Firm and might be the direct disciple of some reclusive Elder.

Even more exaggeratedly, they added fuel to the fire regarding his feat of killing a gold-medal assassin from the Shadow Pavilion, painting it as a legendary tale of him single-handedly overturning a branch of the Shadow Pavilion, molding him into a mysterious expert who was both righteous and evil, with unfathomable strength.

Lin Xuan just smiled and dismissed these rumors upon hearing them. Fame was a double-edged sword; it could deter the petty, but it could also attract greater trouble. His strength had increased significantly, and while he was not afraid, he still needed to be cautious.

Half a month later, that familiar yet strange, magnificent giant city appeared on the horizon once again. The Tianyuan Imperial Capital—he, Lin Xuan (Mu Xuan), had returned!

Unlike when he left, when he had to sneak away, Lin Xuan did not overly conceal himself this time. He changed into a green robe embroidered with gold-edged cloud patterns, unique to core guest Elders of the Four Seas Trading Firm, maintained his aura at the late-stage Golden Core, and walked toward the city gate with composure.

When the city guards verified his identity token and saw the two characters "Mu Xuan" along with that unfathomable late-stage Golden Core aura, they immediately became respectful and let him pass, not even daring to question him further.

Upon entering the Imperial Capital, the bustling, prosperous atmosphere filled with spiritual energy rushed toward him. The streets were crowded with carriages and horses, cultivators were as numerous as weaving threads, and various shops stood side by side, forming a sharp contrast to the desolate outskirts of the Southern Wilderness.

Lin Xuan did not return directly to the Four Seas Pavilion; instead, he strolled leisurely through several main streets first. He keenly sensed that many gazes in the shadows were lingering on him, filled with surprise, scrutiny, wariness, and even... killing intent.

"It seems that my 'dead' self suddenly coming back alive, and having broken through to the late-stage Golden Core, has made many people unable to sit still." Lin Xuan sneered in his heart, completely unconcerned.

He first went to the Tianbao Pavilion to purchase some rare auxiliary medicines for stabilizing his realm and nourishing his nascent infant, spending lavishly without any hesitation. He wanted to tell everyone that he, Mu Xuan, had not only returned alive but was still wealthy!

Sure enough, the news of his appearance at the Tianbao Pavilion and his extravagant spending spread like wildfire to all major forces in the Imperial Capital.

"What? Mu Xuan is back? Late-stage Golden Core? How is this possible!" Inside the Zhao Clan mansion, the Third Master, Zhao Song, jumped up from his chair upon receiving the news, his face turning pale instantly. He had seen with his own eyes the jade slip of the Shadow Pavilion's gold-medal assassin shatter! Under such a lethal strike, not only did this person not die, but his cultivation base had advanced? This was simply a monster!

"Go investigate immediately! Where exactly has he been these past few months!" Zhao Song was both shocked and angry, and the sense of unease in his heart grew stronger.

In the Ye Clan, inside a quiet practice room, Ye Chen slowly finished his cultivation. The lightning around his body retracted, and his aura was more condensed and profound than before, clearly having gained something from his seclusion. When he heard his subordinate report that Mu Xuan had returned and was already at the late-stage Golden Core, his brows furrowed slightly, and a flash of sharp fighting intent flickered in his eyes.

"Late-stage Golden Core... It seems you are indeed my formidable rival." He whispered to himself, not only not discouraged but rather more stimulated in his fighting spirit.

Deep within the Imperial Palace, a certain Third Imperial Prince who was reviewing memorials paused his brush, a meaningful smile curling at the corner of his mouth: "Mu Xuan... Interesting. It seems the waters of the Imperial Capital are about to become even more lively."

At the Piao Xue Palace residence, Saintess Yun Yao stood quietly by the window. Her expression behind the veil was unreadable, but she simply gave a soft order: "Closely monitor this person's movements."

In the shadows, some forces and individuals who had coveted the "treasure" on "Mu Xuan" now had to reconsider. A ruthless person who could kill a gold-medal assassin from the Shadow Pavilion and return with a surge in strength after disappearing for several months was definitely not someone to be trifled with.

Lin Xuan felt the atmosphere quietly changing due to his return and remained calm in his heart. This was the effect he wanted. Rather than being targeted in the dark, it was better to stand in the light, show his muscles, and let those demons and monsters not dare to act rashly.

After circling the city and fully demonstrating his presence, Lin Xuan returned to the Four Seas Pavilion at a leisurely pace.

As soon as he stepped into the gate of the Four Seas Pavilion, Qian Duoduo, who had received the news and had been waiting for a long time, excitedly rushed up to him, his face full of surprise and disbelief.

"Elder Mu! It really is you! You finally returned! We all thought you..." Qian Duoduo looked Lin Xuan up and down, and upon feeling that deep-as-the-sea late-stage Golden Core spiritual pressure, he gasped, "You... you broke through again?!"

"I was lucky to have some gains." Lin Xuan smiled slightly and patted his shoulder, "You've worked hard during this time."

"Not hard, not hard at all!" Qian Duoduo waved his hands repeatedly and said excitedly, "It's good that you're back! You don't know, in the few months you were gone, quite a lot happened in the Imperial Capital! Regarding the Zhao Clan..."

Just then, a steward walked over quickly and bowed respectfully to Lin Xuan: "Elder Mu, the Ninth Elder requests your presence."

Lin Xuan nodded and said to Qian Duoduo, "We'll talk in detail later." He then followed the steward toward the Ninth Elder's courtyard.

The courtyard remained the same. At the stone table under the ancient tree, the Ninth Elder was playing a game of chess by himself. Sensing Lin Xuan entering, he slowly placed a piece before looking up. His turbid yet profound gaze landed on Lin Xuan, and after examining him carefully, a trace of imperceptible surprise flashed in his eyes.

"You're back." The Ninth Elder's tone was calm, as if Lin Xuan had only gone out for a few days of travel.

"Junior Mu Xuan greets the Ninth Elder." Lin Xuan bowed respectfully.

"Sit." The Ninth Elder pointed to the stone stool opposite him, "It seems you've gained quite a bit from this trip."

"Thanks to the Trading Firm's blessing, I've made a little progress." Lin Xuan sat down, his attitude neither humble nor arrogant.

The Ninth Elder nodded, did not pursue the details, and instead said, "You've returned at just the right time. There will be a grand event in the Imperial Capital soon, which may concern you."

"Oh? Please enlighten me, Elder."

"Three months from now, the 'Tianyuan Mystical Realm' will open." The Ninth Elder slowly uttered these four words.

Tianyuan Mystical Realm! Lin Xuan's heart stirred. He had heard of this name; it was an important Mystical Realm controlled by the Tianyuan Imperial Dynasty, said to be formed from the ruins of an ancient sect, containing countless opportunities but also filled with dangers. The Mystical Realm only opened once every few decades and only allowed Golden Core stage cultivators to enter. It was an important place for the young generation of the Imperial Dynasty's geniuses to compete and seek opportunities for breakthroughs!

"Within the Mystical Realm, there are not only 'Spirit Fruits for Nascent Soul Transformation' that help people break through to the Nascent Soul stage, but also many ancient inheritances and rare materials. Even... it is rumored that it hides ancient secrets related to the 'Youming'." The Ninth Elder looked at Lin Xuan meaningfully.

Lin Xuan's gaze sharpened. Secrets related to the Youming? This instantly made him think of the Youming Soul-Suppressing Token and the ruins in the Black Wind Mountain Range.

"All major forces of the Imperial Dynasty, including the Imperial Family, the four great Guardian Clans, the ten great sects, and some reclusive forces, will send their most outstanding Golden Core disciples to enter. Our Four Seas Trading Firm also has quotas." The Ninth Elder continued, "Given the strength and potential you have shown, the Trading Firm has decided to give you a quota."

Tianyuan Mystical Realm! This was undoubtedly a huge opportunity, but also a huge challenge! There, he would face the top Golden Core geniuses of the entire Tianyuan Imperial Dynasty, including Ye Chen, the Third Imperial Prince, and others! Danger and opportunity coexisted!

"This Junior is willing to go!" Lin Xuan did not hesitate at all, and a burning fighting spirit ignited in his eyes. He needed such a training ground to thoroughly consolidate his cultivation base and find the opportunity to condense a true Nascent Soul! Moreover, he might even find clues related to the Youming!

"Good." The Ninth Elder nodded with satisfaction, "Prepare yourself well during these three months. The Trading Firm will provide you with the necessary resources. As for the storms and rains outside..." He paused, his tone calm but carrying an unquestionable power, "The Four Seas Trading Firm can still protect its own people."

With the Ninth Elder's words, Lin Xuan felt more settled. This meant that, at least on the surface, the Four Seas Trading Firm would be his solid backing.

Leaving the Ninth Elder's courtyard, Lin Xuan returned to his small building. Qian Duoduo had already prepared spirit wine and delicacies, waiting for him.

"Elder Mu, are you really going to enter the Tianyuan Mystical Realm?" Qian Duoduo was both excited and worried, "The competition inside is incredibly cruel; every time it opens, people fall, and furthermore..."

He lowered his voice: "I've received wind that the Zhao Clan, the remnants of the Youming Sect, and even the Shadow Pavilion might target you inside! As for Ye Chen's side, I'm afraid they won't let it go either."

Lin Xuan picked up his wine cup, drank it in one gulp, and cold light flickered in his eyes.

"Target me? Then let them come."

"Just right, new grudges and old debts, let's settle them all at once!"

The winds and clouds of the Imperial Capital rose again because of his return. And the Tianyuan Mystical Realm three months later would surely become the most intense center of this storm!

(End of Chapter 50)