Next Morning — Forest Path — En Route to Sen City
The golden light of morning sun filtered gently through the forest canopy, casting long shadows across the quiet path. By the lakeside, dew still clung to the grass, and the air was crisp and cool.
Shu Yu and Gao Tian stood side by side, having just finished their morning cultivation. The lake behind them shimmered with tranquil reflections.
Behind them, the ruler dog dashed forward and effortlessly leapt onto Gao Tian's shoulder.
Gao Tian let out an exasperated sigh.
"Why do you always sit on my hand or shoulder?"
The ruler dog snorted inwardly, eyes half-lidded in disdain.
Gao Tian thought. "Huh, you bastard dog... I'm just tolerating you. If Shu Yu hadn't tried to protect you, I would've killed you long ago."
Without a word, Shu Yu reached behind her back and pulled forth her sword. The slender blade responded to her spiritual energy and floated steadily at her side. She stepped gracefully onto it, her robe fluttering slightly as the blade steadied midair.
Gao Tian hesitated for a moment before stepping on behind her. As he tried to raise his hand to grasp her waist for balance, he froze mid-motion.
But before he could withdraw, Shu Yu turned her head slightly, reached back, and gently placed his hand around her waist herself.
Gao Tian blinked, stunned, his heart racing. His hand, now resting lightly on her waist, trembled with hesitation.
Why am I blushing so much? he thought as his face turned bright red.
Still, he didn't pull back. Instead, he gently adjusted his grip, trying to appear calm.
Shu Yu said nothing. Her expression remained composed, but a faint blush crept up her ears—subtle, yet real. With a smooth surge of energy, she lifted the flying sword into the air. The two soared into the skies, riding swiftly toward Sen City, the wind brushing past them like an invisible river.
---
Meanwhile — Wai City — Gao Residence
In the vast and grand main hall of the Gao Clan, the atmosphere was calm but cautious. The hall's pillars towered into the ceiling, decorated with hanging banners and the ancient emblem of the Gao family.
The second body sat casually on one of the guest chairs, now disguised under the name "Gu Ye." His features were altered by spiritual means—his aura suppressed and masked to perfection.
Six guardians stood silently at the corners of the hall, eyes sharp, postures straight. Guardian Xuan stood near Gao Hai, the clan leader, ready to protect him at a moment's notice.
Gao Hai, seated on the elevated throne-like chair of the clan head, looked down at the newcomer with sharp but thoughtful eyes.
"So, you are saying you're a friend of Gao Tian's?" he asked, his voice carrying a tone of cautious authority.
Gu Ye, the second body, stood up respectfully and cupped his hands.
"Yes, Clan Leader. Gao Tian asked me to stay for a while and protect the Gao family on his behalf."
Gao Hai's brows furrowed. "And why would you want to protect us?"
The second body smiled calmly, his tone honest.
"He once did me a great favor. I owe him, and I'm repaying that debt through this."
As the words hung in the air, Guardian Xuan took a step forward. A ripple of spiritual energy began to emanate from his body, not hostile but testing.
"If our young master ordered you to protect us," Xuan said slowly, "then surely… you have the strength to spar with us?"
Gu Ye looked at him with a dry expression, inwardly sighing.
This guy… always so eager to test others. If I use any of my unique techniques or even a fraction of my true power, they'll recognize me instantly.
He forced a friendly laugh.
"Of course, I can spar. I could even defeat you," he said, his tone light but confident.
But I'll avoid using my spiritual energy. No need to scare anyone.
The corner of Guardian Xuan's mouth twitched.
This guy is either crazy or truly powerful…
Gao Hai tapped his fingers on the armrest of his seat.
"Very well. A spar would help everyone understand your intentions."
The second body smiled again, though his thoughts were already working ahead.
Time to put on a little show—just enough to convince them, but not enough to expose myself.
Gao Residence — Backyard Arena
A clear sky hung over the expansive courtyard behind the Gao Residence. The stone tiles were cool underfoot, framed by ornamental trees and spiritual lanterns hanging from tall wooden beams. At the center of the yard, a makeshift dueling platform had been formed.
The entire Gao Clan had gathered—elders, disciples, servants, and protectors—all forming a wide circle around the space. In the center stood two figures: Guardian Xuan, tall and expressionless, and the second body of Gao Tian, now known under the alias Gu Ye.
Gao Hai, the clan leader, sat upon a raised stone seat at the edge of the courtyard, his brother Gao Chi seated beside him. They watched intently. Each of the remaining six guardians took their positions—one beside Gao Hai, one beside Gao Chi, three spread evenly atop the residence wall to observe from height, and one— Guardian Luo on the ground to serve as referee.
The air was thick with anticipation.
Guardian Xuan stepped forward and spoke with calm confidence, "Gu Ye, I'll give you the first three attacks."
A wave of shocked gasps spread through the crowd.
"Did he say three free attacks?"
"Isn't that too much?"
"Even for Guardian Xuan... that's—"
Murmurs swelled as eyes turned toward the quiet man in black.
The second body smiled lightly, unphased by the attention.
"Very well, then. Here I come."
Before anyone could fully register the movement, Gu Ye burst forward. He didn't channel spiritual energy, but his speed shocked everyone. In mere seconds, he had crossed the arena, his steps soundless yet forceful, body flowing like a tightly wound spring released all at once.
Guardian Xuan stood still, arms folded, a calm expression on his face.
He's fast, Xuan thought, eyes narrowing slightly. But if he doesn't use spiritual energy, this won't even scratch me.
The punch came swiftly, aimed directly at his abdomen. Gu Ye's form was perfect, the motion fluid and deliberate—but it was all physical strength. No aura. No visible qi.
Guardian Xuan prepared to absorb the blow like swatting away a breeze.
But the moment the fist connected, a dull thud resounded through the air.
Crack.
A moment later, Xuan's body twisted unnaturally as he was sent flying like a broken kite. Blood burst from his mouth mid-air. His body slammed into the far wall of the Gao residence with a force that cracked the stone and trembled the structure.
A stunned silence fell over the courtyard.
Guardian Xuan slumped to the ground moments later, unconscious. The fight was over in a single strike.
Around the arena, mouths hung open. Family members and disciples stood frozen. The six remaining guardians stared at Xuan's crumpled form with disbelief etched across their faces.
Even Gu Ye stood there, wide-eyed, mouth slightly open, his posture stiff.
I didn't even use my full physical strength...
The guardian luo looked toward Gao Hai with visible hesitation. "He... he is unconscious," he stammered. "Victory goes to Gu Ye."
The silence finally broke as murmurs erupted all around.
"He didn't use any spiritual power!"
"That was pure body strength?!"
"Just who is this man?"
From his seat, Gao Hai narrowed his eyes slightly and leaned forward. He said nothing, but a glint of intrigue sparked in his gaze.
Gu Ye stood quietly at the center of the courtyard, expression calm, but mind racing.
I have to be more careful. Even holding back, this body's strength... it's still too much for normal Foundation Establishment cultivators.
In Sky — En Route to Sen City
The sky stretched in all directions, painted in shades of orange and soft gold as the sun began its descent toward the horizon. Clouds drifted lazily across the open expanse while wind rushed past Shu Yu and Gao Tian, who stood balanced upon a flying sword. Below them, a dense forest canopy swayed like an emerald sea, untouched by civilization.
They had been flying for hours, and the silhouette of Sen City was still far in the distance.
As they soared forward, Shu Yu's sharp eyes narrowed. Two flying ships loomed ahead, slowly cutting through the air like massive wooden birds. Their formation was wide but deliberate, likely merchant-class vessels used by lesser sects or clans.
Gao Tian tilted his head to the right, glancing forward. His expression remained calm, though his tone carried the faintest edge of disdain.
"Hm. Those ships are barely reinforced. Their arrays must be low-grade—no real threat."
But Shu Yu's expression was no longer calm.
Her crimson eyes locked onto something fluttering on the main mast of the first ship. A black-and-gold banner, its edges tattered by the wind, bore the insignia of a leaping tiger enclosed in a broken circle—an unmistakable symbol.
The Ao Clan.