Chapter 10

City Lord’s Residence of Tai’an City 

A handsome young man looked at the middle-aged man in front of him, his expression full of confusion. 

“Father, why did you let Lin Xuan act so recklessly in the marketplace within our City Lord’s jurisdiction, without sending anyone to arrest him?” 

This young man was Wang Shaoming, the young lord of Tai’an City. The middle-aged man before him was his father, Wang Jun, the city’s lord and the only martial artist in Tai’an City who had reached the Qi Sea Realm. 

Wang Shaoming was perplexed. His father was known for his strictness and adherence to rules. Once he made a decision, nothing could change it. He wouldn’t hesitate to punish offenders harshly, whether they were young members of prominent families or even family patriarchs. Yet, Lin Xuan had acted without consequence. 

Wang Jun glanced at his son, noticing how much he resembled him, though unfortunately lacking his intelligence. 

With a stern expression, Wang Jun spoke: “Shaoming, you must remember this—rules are rigid, but people are not.” 

“Chu Yang from the Chu family has broken a centuries-old record in Tai’an City, becoming the youngest Grade-One Alchemist in our city’s history. His future is limitless.” 

Hearing this, Wang Shaoming’s expression shifted as if he had grasped something. 

Seeing his son’s reaction, Wang Jun nodded in satisfaction. 

“Father… Are you saying we can’t openly support the Chu family but should wait for them to approach us for favors?” 

“As expected of you, Father.” 

Wang Shaoming’s face lit up with admiration. If they acted directly against the Lin family, the rewards would be minimal. However, by biding their time, they could leverage the situation and demand a higher price from the Chu family. 

“Indeed, the older generation is wiser!” 

Wang Jun smiled “affectionately” at his son. As his aura surged, a whip formed from energy appeared in his hand. 

“I told you not to hang out with those useless friends, but you wouldn’t listen!” 

Snap! Snap!

“Father, I was wrong! Please, spare me! I won’t do it again!” 

“What? I, Wang Jun, a man of honor, somehow raised such a fool?” 

“Father, stop! If you keep hitting me, who’s going to carry on the family line… Aahhh!” 

A moment later, Wang Jun dispersed the energy in his hand, looking down at his son, whose face was swollen like a pig’s and whose backside was bruised. 

“I’ll write to the elder responsible for admissions at the Dayan Academy. You’ll go there to study soon.” 

“Now get out.” 

Wang Shaoming crawled away as if granted amnesty, muttering under his breath. 

“That old man must’ve lost his mind. My handsome face! He really didn’t hold back.” 

“Did I say the wrong thing? Or was the correct answer to align with the Lin family?” 

“What’s so special about that Lin kid that even the old man favors him?” 

As Wang Shaoming hobbled away, deep in thought about his father’s “hidden meaning,” Wang Jun watched his son’s retreating figure with a complicated expression. After a moment, he gazed out the window at the bustling Tai’an City and murmured to himself: 

“You don’t understand, kid. This was just a good excuse to send you off to the Dayan Academy.” 

“Lin family… The first martial genius in a thousand years of Tai’an City. Chu family… The greatest alchemy prodigy in centuries. Why should I align with anyone?” 

“Rules? They’re nothing more than human constructs. And as long as it doesn’t involve the City Lord’s estate, what do these rivalries matter to me?” 

“I’ll watch from the sidelines as the high towers rise… and as they fall.” 

— 

That evening, Lin Xuan and Lin Yanran wrapped up a busy day. 

As the setting sun cast its final light and the evening breeze stirred, the girl quickened her pace toward the boy. Her eyes sparkled like autumn water, and she smiled warmly. 

“Brother Lin Xuan.” 

“Hmm.” Lin Xuan’s heart began to race as he looked at the girl’s youthful but breathtakingly beautiful face. He tried to remain composed, though the subtle shift in his gaze betrayed his feelings. 

Lin Yanran, her angelic face tilting slightly, leaned closer and, in a moment of boldness, pecked him on the cheek like a chick pecking grain. 

Before Lin Xuan could react, she turned away and said playfully, “That’s your reward for today, Brother Xuan. See you!” 

“Don’t get any ideas now!” she added with a blush, her steps light as she hurried away. 

Lin Xuan touched the spot on his face where her warmth still lingered, a faint fragrance remaining. He couldn’t help but smile. After a moment, he muttered to himself: 

“Did… did that girl just flirt with me?” 

“It doesn’t feel too bad, actually.” 

His eyes sparkled with ambition. As the reflection of her figure faded from his pupils, he turned his gaze elsewhere. 

“First step… conquer the Xuantian Continent!” 

— 

For the next few days, Lin Xuan focused entirely on alchemy. He borrowed the alchemy furnace from the fifth elder of his family. 

When the elder heard of Lin Xuan’s interest, he didn’t hesitate to offer his prized second-grade furnace—a treasure that had accompanied him for decades. It was normally kept out of sight, even from family members, but for Lin Xuan, it was worth the gift. 

Little did Lin Xuan know that rumors of him defeating the Chu family prodigy, Chu Yang, with just a glance had spread throughout Tai’an City. Some even speculated that Lin Xuan had broken through to the True Essence Realm. 

If true, it would be terrifying! 

A sixteen-year-old at the seventh level of Qi Condensation wasn’t unheard of in the Dayan Dynasty, but a sixteen-year-old at the True Essence Realm was unprecedented. 

Throughout the dynasty’s thousand-year history, only three individuals had ever reached such heights at that age. 

Lin Xuan could very well become the fourth. 

— 

Chu Family

“Father! I want that Lin kid dead!” 

“I am the greatest alchemy prodigy in centuries—the youngest Grade-One Alchemist! How dare he hit me? Is there no law, no justice?” 

Chu Yang cried out to his father, Chu Xiong, the head of the Chu family, with tears streaming down his face. 

“Don’t worry, son. I’ll make sure he pays. You are the future of our family, and no one can insult you!” 

“In a short while, the elders from the Alchemist Guild of the Dayan Dynasty will come to accept you as their apprentice. That will be our chance to strike back!” 

“Only alchemists hold true power in this world. How dare a mere third-rate martial artist oppose an alchemist?” 

Chu Xiong’s eyes gleamed with malice. 

Thinking about the recent developments, his killing intent deepened. 

That Lin kid is far too dangerous. He must die!