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Chapter 5 - Chapter 5: Envoy from the Xu Clan

The morning mist clung to the Chen estate's courtyards, wrapping the plum trees and tiled roofs in a veil of pale silver. From his meditation beneath the old plum tree, Chen Lu Tian opened his eyes slowly. The scent of dew and blossoms filled his lungs, and the Qi Refining Realm's steady hum resonated through his meridians.

Today would be the first open clash between himself and the Xu Clan since his rebirth.

The Heaven-Devouring Emperor System pulsed in his vision.

[Status: Qi Refining Realm – Stage 1]

[Essence Reserves: 12% toward Stage 2]

[Recommendation: Higher-tier opponents advised for optimal progression.]

Lu Tian smirked faintly. "Don't worry. They'll come to me."

Arrival of the Envoy

The Chen clan's front gates opened shortly after sunrise, and the clatter of hooves echoed down the stone road. A small retinue entered the courtyard six armored guards in black-and-gold, and at their head, a man in flowing white robes, his black hair tied back with a golden clasp.

Even without his inherited memories, Lu Tian would have recognized him.

Xu Wenqian, eldest cousin of Xu Lianhua, and one of the Xu Clan's rising stars. Qi Refining Realm, Stage 3. A favorite in the younger generation's tournaments.

Behind him, a carriage of lacquered wood bore the Xu Clan's emblem a silver lotus in bloom. Two guards flanked it, their eyes scanning the courtyard with casual arrogance.

Chen Guang, the Chen patriarch, stood at the top of the stone steps, flanked by two elders. Lu Tian took his place slightly behind his grandfather, hands clasped behind his back.

Xu Wenqian dismounted with a smile that didn't reach his eyes.

"Patriarch Chen," he said smoothly, bowing just low enough to avoid insult, "it's been too long."

"Too long indeed," Chen Guang replied, his tone neutral. "What business brings the Xu to our gates so early?"

Wenqian's gaze swept the courtyard and landed on Lu Tian. His eyes narrowed slightly. "We've heard interesting tales from the Azure Cloud Mountain Range. Tales of a certain Chen Lu Tian, who, despite his recent 'illness,' now slays Ironhide Panthers and defeats Body Tempering Stage 9 cultivators."

The murmurs among the Chen clan members grew louder. Lu Tian met Wenqian's gaze without flinching.

"And?" he asked lightly.

Wenqian's smile sharpened. "And the Xu Clan wishes to confirm whether these tales are truth or lies meant to inflate your clan's reputation. After all, the Eastern Continent frowns upon deception."

Lu Tian stepped forward. "If you've come to measure me, Xu Wenqian, then stop wasting words and draw your blade."

Gasps rippled through the Chen clan's younger disciples. Wenqian's eyes glinted with amusement and something darker.

"So bold," he said softly. "Very well."

Duel in the Courtyard

The two men stepped into the center of the courtyard. Servants cleared away benches and braziers. The air was heavy with anticipation.

[Optional Quest: Defeat Xu Wenqian before the Xu Clan Envoy]

Reward: 500 SP, Lotus-Severing Sword Technique, +15% Qi Circulation Efficiency

"Don't hold back," Lu Tian said, drawing his dagger. "Or you might not get another chance."

Wenqian chuckled then his qi flared. A pale golden aura rippled around him, and the courtyard tiles shivered under the pressure. His sword, a slender jian with a lotus-engraved guard, whispered as it left its sheath.

Lu Tian's system immediately began analyzing.

[Opponent: Xu Wenqian]

[Cultivation: Qi Refining Realm – Stage 3]

[Estimated combat style: Swift Precision Strikes, Lotus Bloom Swordsmanship]

Wenqian struck first, with a blur of motion, and his blade darting toward Lu Tian's throat. Lu Tian twisted aside, his dagger deflecting the strike with a metallic clang.

Fast. But predictable.

Lu Tian's counterattack came low and sudden, aiming for Wenqian's knee. Wenqian pivoted back, his sword sweeping in a crescent arc that forced Lu Tian to retreat two steps.

"You've improved," Wenqian said mildly. "But your weapon is short. You'll lose in the long game."

"Then I'll make it a short game."

Lu Tian surged forward, his qi compressing into his legs. The world seemed to slow the ripples of Wenqian's sword aura, the shift of his feet, the minute tightening of his grip.

He struck with the dagger not at Wenqian's body, but at the joint of his sword hand. The blade bit into flesh, and Wenqian's sword wavered.

Lu Tian didn't hesitate. His free hand slammed into Wenqian's chest, qi erupting like a thunderclap. The Xu disciple flew backward, skidding across the courtyard tiles before landing hard on one knee, blood at the corner of his mouth.

[Target essence absorbed: Xu Wenqian – Qi Refining Realm Stage 3.]

[Cultivation base: Qi Refining Realm – Stage 2 achieved.]

The influx of refined qi made Lu Tian's senses sharpen further the taste of the morning air, the minute shifts in the crowd's breathing, the faint metallic tang of Wenqian's blood.

Wenqian's eyes burned with disbelief. "You advanced again?!"

Lu Tian's smile was thin and dangerous. "Tell your clan," he said softly, "that the cripple they scorned is gone. If they still seek my head, they'd better send someone stronger."

Ripples Beyond the Chen Estate

By the time the Xu Envoy departed, escorted by silent guards, the Chen estate was buzzing. Disciples whispered of Lu Tian's impossible speed of cultivation, elders argued in low voices, and Chen Guang simply stroked his beard with a contemplative expression.

In his quarters, Lu Tian sat cross-legged as the system processed his new gains.

[New Technique Unlocked: Lotus-Severing Sword (Basic Mastery)]

[Passive Effect: +10% Speed when using sword-type weapons.]

The faintest knock came at his door. When he opened it, a servant bowed deeply.

"Young master, a message has arrived sealed with the Mei family crest."

Lu Tian broke the seal. Inside, written in a precise, bold hand:

Bandits are not the only danger in the Azure Cloud Range. If you seek greater prey, meet me at the Northern Cliff at moonrise. -- Mei Xinyue

A slow grin spread across his face.

"Looks like fate is in a hurry," he murmured.

The hunt would continue tonight.

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