In Dongning Prefecture, on the third floor of a quiet restaurant, there was a single private room.
Yun Fuan reclined comfortably, sipping a small cup of wine while listening to soft music.
Beside him, a woman in a green robe gently plucked the strings of a zither while softly singing. Yun Fuan swayed slightly, thoroughly captivated.
When the song ended, he smiled warmly. "Xiangyin, your performance grows more enchanting each time. My heart might just melt from your singing."
"Brother Yun, you flatter me. I still have far to go. I need to learn more from my teacher," the green-robed woman replied modestly.
"No, no. Your teacher is skilled, yes, but his age limits his voice. It could never compare to yours. Talent matters most in this art, and your voice is truly exceptional. Everything you sing sounds beautiful," Yun Fuan praised.
"Then I shall sing another piece for you, Brother Yun." She covered her mouth and smiled, plucking the strings again. Of course, she had to please Yun Fuan.
The Yun family patriarch had five sons and a daughter. The eldest three had endured countless hardships growing up, facing calamities alongside their father. Now all three were Wu Lou Stage masters; two had even comprehended Stance, earning them the title of "Three Heroes of the Yun Family."
The youngest two sons and the daughter had led easier lives.
Yun Fuan, the youngest son, was somewhat special. As a child, he grew up among many young nobles and had become quite cunning.
He was adept at reading people, flattering or stepping on others as needed. He understood all manner of underhanded tricks… The three older brothers liked him, often entrusting him with tasks, which he executed flawlessly.
Thus, Yun Fuan wielded considerable power within the family. A single word from him could make a famed performer disappear or elevate a woman to stardom.
"Hmm~~" Yun Fuan hummed softly along with the melody.
Suddenly, a commotion arose below the restaurant, loud enough to make him frown.
The private room was soundproof, and the third floor had only this one room—it had been quiet until now. Yet the noise outside was unusually loud.
"What's going on?" Yun Fuan frowned. "Afu, go see what's happening."
"Yes, Master." The servant immediately went down.
Soon, he returned, whispering at the door, "Master, something major has happened."
Yun Fuan raised his hand, and the green-robed woman immediately stopped playing. When serious matters arose, nothing could disturb Master Yun—she knew her boundaries.
"Come in and speak," Yun Fuan instructed.
The servant entered quietly. "It's not just the restaurant. It seems all of Dongning Prefecture is abuzz, all because of Young Master Meng Chuan."
"What has he done?" Yun Fuan frowned, lips curling with a hint of disdain. He had little respect for the Meng family now. The Yun family was thriving, while the Meng family was declining.
"At Mirrored Lake Dao Academy, Meng Chuan unleashed the Fallen Leaves Blade secret technique Three Autumn Leaves, defeating the academy's original Senior Brother—Wu Qi, a perfected Birth-Transcended Stage disciple—and becoming the current Senior Brother of the academy. To unleash a secret technique and, at the Xisui Stage, defeat a perfected Birth-Transcended Stage opponent… he has clearly comprehended a blade secret, Master—"
"Out!"
Yun Fuan's face darkened completely as he barked.
The servant dared not speak further, obediently leaving and closing the door behind him.
Yun Fuan sat silently for a moment, then rose and went to the window. Opening it, the street noise outside seemed to grow even louder.
Words like "Meng Chuan" and "secret technique" could be faintly heard. Clearly, this had become the most talked-about event in Dongning Prefecture.
"This brat has truly advanced?" Yun Fuan's expression darkened. "Hmph. Mastering a secret technique—so what? Becoming a Godfiend is still far away."
With a clatter, he closed the window.
…
Across Dongning Prefecture, the other three Godfiend families found it intriguing. Recently, the Yun family had annulled an engagement—that between Yun Qingping and Meng Chuan.
Had they known that Meng Chuan could master a secret technique at fifteen, the Yun family might have made another decision.
Yet a prodigy of this caliber was exceedingly rare. The Yun family could not delay. Typically, an engagement meant marriage by eighteen, since military service came at twenty. The earlier the annulment, the better.
"Just mastered a secret technique… still far from Godfiend," the Yun family reassured themselves.
…
At the Meng residence in Mirrored Lake:
"Achuan, be honest. Did you already break through when you were making that bet with me?" Liu Qiyue fixed her gaze on Meng Chuan.
"You're sharp," Meng Chuan smiled. "But it was only just achieved."
"You… you…" Liu Qiyue was at a loss for words.
"I told you I'd get the slot. You didn't believe me and insisted on a bet. Who's to blame?" Meng Chuan said with a grin. "Planning to back out?"
Liu Qiyue lifted her head proudly. "Liu Qiyue's words are irrevocable!"
"Impressive, truly. I admire you, Qiyue," Meng Chuan complimented, "then I'll look forward to a month of dinners with you."
"Consider it a gift for your mastering the secret technique, Achuan," Liu Qiyue said, somewhat begrudgingly. "I never imagined you'd be so sly."
"Chuan'er," a distant voice called.
"My father's calling. I'll go." Meng Chuan dashed off immediately.
Liu Qiyue snorted. "Such a trickster… but impressive. He's already reached the Unification Stage with his blade technique."
…
In the training ground:
"Father," Meng Chuan stood before him.
"I'm glad your blade technique has broken through," Meng Dajiang said. "But do not be arrogant. The three major thresholds—Stance, Core Condensation, and the Life-and-Death Trial—lie ahead. Each is exceedingly difficult. Few can assist you; you must rely mainly on yourself."
"I understand, Father," Meng Chuan replied.
"You've trained diligently since childhood. I won't say more. Work hard and cultivate into a Godfiend!" Meng Dajiang encouraged.
"Yes," Meng Chuan nodded.
"It's been a while since our last sparring. Come, let's duel," Meng Dajiang smiled.
"Let's go!" Meng Chuan responded with determination.
Of course, his father was a Wu Lou Stage master who had comprehended Stance, one of the top-tier cultivators in Dongning Prefecture. Naturally, he could spar with his son as he pleased.
…
Evening came.
Meng Chuan sat in his study, painting a long scroll. He had started it the previous day after mastering Three Autumn Leaves, only completing a portion then.
The painting depicted his grueling training in the practice ground, his victory over Wu Qi in the academy arena, and the scene of his father and the elders greeting him upon leaving the academy. He even painted a surprised Liu Qiyue with her eyes wide.
Meng Chuan smiled as he painted, fully immersed, pouring his emotions onto the paper.
The more heartfelt the painting, the more obsessed he became.
After a long while, the scroll was finished. He looked up—the sky outside had darkened.
On the top left corner, he wrote: Three Autumn Leaves.
Thus, the painting was named Three Autumn Leaves.
Gazing at it, Meng Chuan felt a profound sense of calm and peace.
…
In bustling Dongning Prefecture, a youth in white walked along the street with an old servant.
"This city is quite lively," the youth remarked, expressionless.
"Of course, Master. With over a million residents, it's bound to be lively," the servant said. "Young Master, will we be staying in Dongning Prefecture for the next few years? Or should we go to the prefectural city?"
"This is my mother's hometown. I will stay here," the youth said coldly.
The servant sighed. The young master's temper was impossible to control.
Suddenly, passersby discussed Meng Chuan. "Young Master Meng Chuan is incredible—fifteen and already mastered a secret technique!"
"Yes, fifteen. I think he might become a Godfiend someday."
The servant chuckled softly. "Seems even Dongning Prefecture has prodigies. He's your age, Master."
"Meng Chuan…" the white-robed youth murmured.
"Master, follow this path. Ahead is Yu Yang Palace," the servant said. "We must first pay our respects to the Lord of Yu Yang Palace."
"Mm," the youth nodded.