Heavenly Blade Sect
Wei Tian staggered back to the sect, his robes tattered, his breathing ragged.
Lin Yufeng's smirk vanished. "You… failed?"
Wei Tian, still gasping, shook his head in terror.
"You don't understand… He didn't even try."
Silence filled the room.
The elder from before slowly stood up. His expression was grim. "We've severely underestimated him."
Lin Yufeng's hands trembled with rage and fear.
But the elder spoke again. "We can't act recklessly anymore. We must… handle this differently."
The reason Wu Chen was able to defeat his opponents so effortlessly lay in the unique advantages granted by his system, his abilities, and his unconventional path of cultivation.
Unlike the traditional and widely accepted methods of cultivation, Wu Chen's approach was anything but ordinary.
Humans, by nature, are divine creatures. They absorb divine spiritual energy from the environment to grow stronger, refining it through meditation, techniques, and external aids like pills.
However, there are strict limitations to this path. For instance, humans cannot directly consume beast cores, whether they are divine or demonic.
Divine beast cores, while powerful, must first be refined into pills or elixirs to be safely absorbed.
Consuming them raw would wreak havoc on the cultivator's body, causing severe damage to their meridians and spiritual foundation.
As for demonic cores, the consequences are far more dire.
If a human were to consume one directly, losing their cultivation would be considered a lucky outcome.
The more likely result is a complete loss of control, as the demonic energy corrupts their mind and body, turning them into a mindless, beast-like creature devoid of reason.
This is why demonic cores are treated with extreme caution, often even during concoction of some rare medicines and pills are treated very carefully .
Wu Chen, however, defied these norms. His system allowed him to bypass these restrictions entirely.
He could absorb demonic cores directly, converting their raw energy into power without suffering the usual consequences.
This ability, combined with his Supreme Intelligence, gave him an edge that no ordinary cultivator could match.
This was why Wu Chen could face opponents like Wei Tian and emerge victorious with little effort.
While others struggled with the limitations of their cultivation, Wu Chen's unique abilities and path allowed him to transcend those boundaries, making him a force to be reckoned with.
And also What truly set Wu Chen apart was his unparalleled combination of raw power and sharp intellect.
In terms of sheer physical strength, he rivaled—or perhaps even surpassed—demonic creatures, beings known for their overwhelming brute force.
Wu Chen, however, was different. He possessed the raw, unbridled strength of a demonic creature, but he also retained his human intelligence and sentience.
This made him a terrifying opponent, making opponents of the same cultivation level not his match.
He could match the brute force of a demonic beast in a direct clash, but he could also outthink, outmaneuver, and outwit his enemies.
His mind was as sharp as his strikes, allowing him to exploit weaknesses, predict movements, and adapt to any situation.
....
The Heavenly Blade Sect's grand hall was filled with heavy silence.
Wei Tian, the sect's trusted assassin, had failed. Worse yet, he had returned terrified.
Lin Yufeng's jaw was clenched, his nails digging into the wooden armrest of his chair. "You're telling me that brat didn't even use his full strength?"
Wei Tian lowered his head. "He caught my dagger… with his fingers."
The gathered elders exchanged glances.
One of them finally spoke. "This is no ordinary youth."
Lin Yufeng's anger burned, but the elder beside him remained composed. "We can't face him head-on."
A chilling smirk formed on his lips.
"But strength isn't the only way to destroy someone."
Lin Yufeng's rage twisted into intrigue. "What do you suggest, Elder Huang?"
Elder Huang leaned forward.
"We do what we do best—use the world against him."
.....
The next morning, the Azure Flame Kingdom was abuzz with new rumors.
"Have you heard? A young rogue cultivator is challenging the major sects!"
"He crushed the Heavenly Blade Sect's men and humiliated their assassin!"
"They say he has plenty fortunes in gold coins and elixrs! A massive gambling win!"
"Maybe he's connected to the underworld…"
Wu Chen, seated in a teahouse, calmly sipped his tea as whispers spread around him.
Li Wei leaned in. "Master… did you hear that?"
Wu Chen smirked. "I'd be surprised if I didn't."
The Heavenly Blade Sect had clearly started moving.
By using public rumors, they were turning every major power's attention toward him.
As Wu Chen walked through the market, he noticed more eyes on him.
Some belonged to curious merchants, others to wandering warriors.
But one gaze, in particular, stood out.
A man in golden robes, exuding quiet authority, stood in his path.
That's someone from the Golden Lotus Chamber… A high-ranked official.
Wu Chen didn't change his pace as the man stepped forward and bowed slightly.
"Young master Wu Chen, I presume?"
Wu Chen met his gaze. "And you are?"
The man's expression remained unreadable. "Someone interested in… opportunities."
Wu Chen chuckled. "What a coincidence. So am I."
The market was bustling, yet a strange tension filled the air. The golden-robed man standing before Wu Chen exuded a quiet authority.
Li Wei instinctively tensed beside his Teacher, uncertain of the man's intentions.
Wu Chen, however, remained calm. "And what kind of opportunity are we talking about?"
The man smiled slightly. "Let's not discuss business in the middle of the street. Would you care to join me for a drink?"
Wu Chen glanced at Li Wei, then back at the man. "Lead the way."
---
Inside the Golden Lotus Pavilion
The trio entered a luxurious private chamber inside one of the most expensive establishments in the city.
Golden Lotus Chamber was one of the largest merchant guilds, controlling trade routes and resources across kingdoms.
The man gestured for them to sit.
"I am Xu Rong, a senior representative of the Chamber. I hear you've made quite an impression recently."
Wu Chen smirked slightly. "I didn't know I had fans."
Xu Rong chuckled. "You're sharp. But you've also made powerful enemies."
He leaned forward. "The Heavenly Blade Sect is pushing your name into the public eye, turning every faction's attention toward you. Normally, a rogue cultivator who embarrasses a major sect would find themselves... isolated."
Li Wei frowned. "You mean they want others to deal with us?"
Xu Rong nodded. "By spreading rumors that you possess a massive amount of gold coins, elixirs and even Stone orbs, they're inviting mercenaries, bounty hunters, and rival factions to chase after you."
Wu Chen calmly poured himself tea. His eyes remained unreadable.
Xu Rong watched him carefully before continuing.
"That's why I'm here with a proposal."
Wu Chen set his teacup down. "Let's hear it."
Xu Rong smiled. "The Golden Lotus Chamber has no interest in petty sect rivalries. We deal in business, and I see potential in you."
He folded his hands. "We can provide temporary protection from the rumors and interference of other factions."
Wu Chen raised an eyebrow. "And what do you want in return?"
Xu Rong's expression remained neutral.
"There's an auction coming up in three days. A certain item will be up for sale, but our Chamber cannot publicly bid on it due to political reasons.
However, if an outsider—like you—were to purchase it for us, we'd be in your debt."
Wu Chen took a slow sip of his tea.
A favor from the Golden Lotus Chamber… That was worth something.
But Li Wei frowned. "How do we know this isn't just another trap?"
Xu Rong smiled slightly. "If we wanted to harm you, you wouldn't have made it past the entrance."
Wu Chen chuckled, but he didn't reply.
He placed his cup down and met Xu Rong's gaze directly.
"I'll consider it. But first, tell me—what exactly am I bidding on?"
Xu Rong's smile didn't fade.
"A very special ancient scroll, believed to be a lost relic of the Trinity Palace."
Wu Chen's fingers tightened slightly.