Grandpa Wang Lan looked straight at Wang Yan, his expression far more serious than before, as though he were seeing him anew.
"You said there was something else," he said. "What breakthrough?"
Wang Yan didn't avoid his gaze.
"It happened during the fight," he replied calmly. "I didn't plan it. In that moment, my breathing and my sword stopped being separate."
Chen Yu frowned slightly, trying to connect it to what he had seen.
Wang Yan continued, his tone steady and precise.
"That strike wasn't about raw power. The force didn't remain on the surface. It passed through the beast's hardened skin and struck inside its body. Its organs were injured—that's why it weakened and slowed."
The change in Wang Lan's expression was immediate.
"…Show me."
Wang Yan stepped forward into the open space of the courtyard.
He didn't assume any deliberate stance. His sword rested naturally in his hand. Slowly, his breathing deepened—smooth, even, unbroken. With each breath, his posture adjusted on its own. His shoulders relaxed, his grip refined, his entire body settling into a strange, instinctive harmony.
There was no surge of soul power.
Yet something unmistakably sharp rose instead.
The air around him tightened. An invisible pressure spread outward, quiet but oppressive, making the courtyard feel narrower.
To those watching, it no longer felt like Wang Yan was holding a sword—
it felt as though the sword was part of him.
Wang Yan moved.
The sword swept forward in a simple, clean arc.
There was no explosion. No brilliant light.
Only a sharp wind tore through the air, carrying an overwhelming presence. The ground ahead split open cleanly, the cut deep and precise. Even after the strike ended, the pressure lingered, pressing against their chests.
Chen Yu swallowed hard.
"…So that's what we felt back then."
Grandpa Wang Lan inhaled sharply. His eyes widened, disbelief breaking through his composure.
"…Impossible."
He took a step forward, staring at Wang Yan as if confirming what he had just seen.
"This isn't a technique," he said slowly.
The courtyard went completely still.
"If I'm not mistaken," Wang Lan continued, his voice lowered, heavy with certainty, "this is Body–Sword Unity."
He paused, then added deliberately,
"By body, I don't mean only the physical form. It includes your body, soul, breathing, and will. When all of them move in complete harmony with the sword, there is no separation left."
His gaze locked onto Wang Yan.
"I have a sword spirit myself, but I never reached this step. Normally, only sword cultivators with powerful spirits, exceptional innate talent, and cultivation far beyond this level can even touch this realm."
His voice turned grave.
"In this state, sword intent is born naturally. The deeper this unity becomes, the sharper that intent will grow. When that day comes, even an ordinary strike—without soul skills—will be enough to make enemies far stronger than you feel fear."
Silence swallowed the courtyard.
Chen Yu finally let out a low, breathless laugh, shaking his head.
"…Monster."
His eyes fixed on Wang Yan.
"You really are a monster."
No one disagreed.
Grandpa Wang Lan looked at Wang Yan steadily, pride clear in his eyes.
"Yan… you have exceeded all my expectations," he said. "To have a grandson like you, I can truly say I have no regrets."
He let out a quiet breath, the tension in his shoulders easing.
"The heavens have been kind to me."
Wang Yan bowed his head respectfully.
After a short pause, Wang Lan said,
"It's getting late. Let's go inside and prepare dinner."
They turned and went inside, leaving the courtyard empty and quiet once more.
The dinner had quieted, the last morsels of food pushed aside. Wang Yan set his chopsticks down and looked across the table at his grandfather, his eyes calm but filled with determination.
"Grandpa… I've made a decision," Wang Yan began. "We can't just stay in Grey Stone Village forever. If we want to grow stronger, we need to step outside. See the world… face challenges we can't find here."
Grandpa Wang Lan's eyebrows lifted slightly. "Step outside? You mean… beyond Green Pearl City? That's not a small matter, Yan."
"I know," Wang Yan said, nodding. "That's why I've been planning carefully. We're not rushing to the big cities yet. First, we'll start small… create a group of our own. A mercenary group."
Chen Yu blinked. "A mercenary group?"
"Yes," Wang Yan said, leaning forward slightly. "We'll set up in Green Pearl City. There are traders traveling between villages, towns, and smaller cities. We'll offer protection, escort their goods safely. We'll take missions, travel, and grow stronger along the way. It's practical—and it will give us real experience in the outside world."
Liu Ming's eyes lit up. "So, we'll be our own team… take on jobs, test ourselves, and gain real strength?"
"Exactly," Wang Yan replied. "It's the safest way to improve, understand the world, and prepare for bigger challenges later. By the time we aim for major cities, we'll have strength, skill, and a reputation."
Zhao Qing grinned. "Fantastic! It'll be the perfect way to truly understand the outer world."
Grandpa Wang Lan leaned back slightly, a mixture of pride and concern in his eyes. "You've thought this through… carefully. It is a wise path. Strength alone is not enough—you must also understand the world and its people. And you will have your friends with you?"
"Yes, Grandpa," Wang Yan said firmly. "We'll stick together. Start small, grow step by step, and make sure no one underestimates us."
The old man's expression softened, a faint smile breaking through his serious demeanor. "Then I am proud of you, Yan. You have vision… and courage. Just remember, the world outside is full of dangers. Be smart, and take care of one another."
Wang Yan nodded decisively. "We will. And we'll make this path our own, Grandpa. One step at a time."
Dinner had ended, and the plates were cleared. The friends leaned back in their chairs, stretching and rubbing their eyes, already thinking about their rooms.
Wang Yan stood and brushed his sleeve. "Alright, everyone. Tomorrow we begin our journey into the wider world. This is the first step toward the life we want to build for ourselves."
Chen Yu's eyes lit up, practically bouncing in his seat. "Finally! I've been waiting for this forever! Mountains, rivers… travelers to meet… maybe even some bandits to scare!"
Zhao Qing laughed. "You'd scare them off just by yelling, Chen Yu."
Chen Yu puffed up proudly. "Good! That's perfect! Then I'll protect all of you! Nobody touches me—or they'll regret it!"
Chen Yu jumped up dramatically, pointing at himself. "I declare myself the… Invisible Chicken! Fear me!"
Zhao Qing and Wang Yan groaned, but Wang Yan chuckled. "Invisible Chicken? Really, Chen Yu?"
Chen Yu stomped a foot. "Fine! Fine… how about Thunder Fists? Or… Flying Pancake!?"
The room erupted in laughter. Even Liu Ming shook his head, smiling. "Chen Yu, you're hopeless. But at least you're entertaining."
Wang Yan leaned forward, smiling. "Enough joking. We need something serious for the group. Strong, clear, something traders will trust."
Liu Ming's expression turned thoughtful. "How about… Iron Guard? Simple, solid, and it shows we protect people. Fits perfectly."
Wang Yan nodded. "Yes. Straightforward and powerful."
Chen Yu pouted, crossing his arms. "Fine… Iron Guard. But I'm still the Invisible Chicken!"
Zhao Qing laughed. "Deal. You can be the Invisible Chicken. But the group is Iron Guard."
The friends continued to chuckle, their laughter echoing through the quiet village. Slowly, they headed to their rooms, the excitement of tomorrow still buzzing in the air. Gray Stone Village lay silent under the stars, unaware that tomorrow four young adventurers would take the first true step toward shaping their future.
End of chapter.