Bloodline Tree – [Clan Building]

“Greetings, senior. This one is Fugi Weng, an Elder of the Green River Sect,” The older woman of the trio who had attacked Shu Yang introduced herself. 

“Chen Chang greets the senior.”

“Chen Longren greets the senior.”

The two other cultivators introduced themselves.

Shu Yang was a bit surprised by their deference. While the young man in the sky was obviously strong, Shu Yang didn’t get the sense of power that he had felt from the wisp of will True Person Jiami had left behind. He was probably just at the peak of the Foundation stage, but the three Elders from the Green River Sect shouldn’t be much weaker.

‘Is he an actual member of the Sword Sect?’

The young swordsman turned to look over at Shu Yang, apparently waiting for him to introduce himself.

‘Damn. I guess if they don’t know my origins already, they will figure it out after this.’

Still, Shu Yang’s only hope right now was to somehow get assistance from the newcomer. So he decided not to try to deceive him with a fake name.

“My name is Shu Yang. This is my daughter, Shu Tianyi. Thank you for saving us just now, senior,” Shu Yang said, clasping his fist and bowing slightly.

“Nice to meet you all,” The man responded with a carefree smile. “Does the Shadow Fox have a name?”

‘He can see her? I guess she couldn’t hide as well while saving Tianyi, but still.’

Shu Yang felt relieved he hadn’t tried deceiving the man with a fake alias.

“Her name is Xiaorong,” Shu Yang said, and Xiaorong appeared on his shoulder, visible to all.

“A long way from home, isn’t she?” The man asked.

“It’s a long story,” Shu Yang answered with an awkward smile.

“I guess it’s none of my business. Anyway. I’m Bian Fenglin. I was just wondering what you all were fighting over? Did you find anything good?” Bian Fenglin asked.

“Are you from the Bian Family of the Sword Sect?” Elder Weng asked, looking thoroughly shocked. 

“I’m afraid so,” Bian Fenglin answered with a carefree laugh.

“It’s an honor to meet you, young master Fenglin,” Elder Weng said, bowing a full 90 degrees.

‘No need to ask for a disciple token?’ Shu Yang thought to himself, feeling a bit slighted.

‘I guess if you’re powerful enough, whatever you say goes.’

“No need for any formalities,” Bian Fenglin said, waving his hand. “My aunt told me that my Golden Core opportunity could be found in Yuanchi Immortal Land; that’s the only reason I’m here. And just a moment ago, I felt a great sense of auspiciousness in this area. You wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”

“I’m sure it’s to meet us here,” Elder Weng said, patting her chest in excitement. “I’d love to take you over to our sect and host you there. Our Peak Master is a once-in-a-century genius who is more beauti-”

Before Elder Weng could even begin her pitch, Shu Yang took out the Core Condensing Pill from his storage ring and threw it to Bian Fenglin.

Elder Weng choked on her words when she saw Shu Yang’s actions, and her expression darkened.

“This is a Core Condensing Pill I received in an inheritance recently. It’s the reason I’ve been hunted by these people. Perhaps it’s because it was fated with you that it has brought me so much trouble. Please help me take it off my hands,” Shu Yang said, bowing slightly.

The pill was certainly valuable, but it couldn’t compare to the favor of someone like Bian Fenglin. Especially in the current situation. 

Shu Yang bet on the righteous reputation of the Sword Sect and just gave the pill away without making demands first. It would certainly make a better impression than trying to make a deal for it. It wasn’t like Shu Yang could stop Bian Fenglin from just taking it from him either way.

“Everlasting Jade? This is rare stuff,” Bian Fenglin said with a smile as he examined the bottle. He opened it and took a look at the pill inside. “A high-quality pill? It’s not far from reaching supreme quality!”

Bian Fenglin hurriedly closed the bottle again and turned to look at Shu Yang with a much friendlier look than earlier. “You said you’ll give this to me?”

“Of course,” Shu Yang replied.

“I like your style.” Bian Fenglin said with a smile. “I won’t take it for nothing, though. Tell me, what do you want in exchange?”

“Well, since both my daughter and I are about to be killed, I won’t be coy,” Shu Yang answered with a smile.

Bian Fenglin laughed and flew over to Shu Yang’s spirit ship. “Good. Do you want me to escort you home? I can make sure the Green River Sect won’t hunt you down even after I leave.”

‘He can?’ 

Shu Yang assumed Bian Fenglin had an impressive background, but to speak so casually about the Green River Sect was still surprising.

Shu Yang looked back to the people from the Green River Sect. They were watching everything intently, with deep frowns.

‘I should make this quick. If those Golden Core cultivators get here, things could get complicated.’

“Do you have a way so we can speak without being overheard?” Shu Yang asked.

Bian Fenglin nodded, took out a formation plate from somewhere, and waved his arms.

“Alright. It’s done,” Bian Fenglin said.

“Thank you,” Shu Yang said. “It’s like this. I come from a place south of the Desolate Mountains.”

“South of the Desolate Mountains? You can reach the Foundation stage in that place?” Bian Fenglin asked.

“It’s rare, but with body cultivation, it’s possible. Either way, about ten years ago, the Qing Family of Shenchu Immortal City arrived and kidnapped a bunch of people, including my daughter. I just came to get her back, and in the process, got my hands on an inheritance that was a bit beyond my strength to possess. 

“Now, I just want to return home with my daughter without being hunted down, and hopefully live there in peace from now on. If you have a way to make that happen, I would be forever grateful.”

Bian Fenglin had a carefree smile on his face and answered, “That’s no issue. If you gave the inheritance to me, they have no reason to hunt you down. I’ll tell those people from the Green River Sect to stay out of the area south of the Desolate Mountains from now on. Don’t worry, they’ll give me face.”

“Good,” Shu Yang said, relieved. “But I should probably tell you that it was a formation inheritance. That pill was just a part of it.”

“It’s fine,” Bian Fenglin said. “I just came for the Golden Core opportunity; I have no use for anything else.”

‘Is that pill really so valuable? He can’t get one even in the Sword Sect?’

“By the way, are you a sword cultivator?” Bian Fenglin asked, looking at Shu Yang’s sword curiously.

“Somewhat,” Shu Yang said.

“You’ve comprehended a sword intent, right?” Bian Fenglin asked.

“Yeah,” Shu Yang said. He released some of it for Bian Fenglin to feel.

“4th-tier? You’re not bad at all. You truly managed to get this far in that desolate place?” Bian Fenglin asked.

“I only took that final step once I arrived here,” Shu Yang said.

“It’s a very direct sword intent. It reminds me of that old geezer Jiansu. ‘Just cut it!’ Right?” Bian Fenglin asked.

“Basically,” Shu Yang said. His sword intent had taken a lot of inspiration from his son, but it was mainly built upon his Sword Bone.

“I say you’re all too simple-minded, but whatever works, I guess,” Bian Fenglin said with a laugh. “I suppose I’m just jealous of how easy it comes to some people. Either way, I can’t help thinking you’re wasting your potential in a place like the Desolate South. Are you really planning on heading back there?”

“My family is there. So at least for now, yes,” Shu Yang answered.

“You’re a bit too old to join the Sword Sect, unfortunately. At least I have no way to get you in. But there is certainly a place for you over there. Someone with a 4th-tier sword intent can grow very wealthy in the eastern part of the province,” Bian Fenglin advised. 

‘Settle all the way there? That doesn’t sound bad at all.’

“I’ll definitely consider it,” Shu Yang said seriously.

“Take this,” Bian Fenglin said, throwing Shu Yang a token of some sort. “This will let anyone you encounter along the way know that you’re one of my people. It might help you get out of some trouble; you never know.”

‘Awesome.’

“Thank you,” Shu Yang said, genuinely excited about the sudden windfall.

“It’s nothing compared to that Core Condensing Pill,” Bian Fenglin said with a laugh. “Either way, I should get going. I have to meet up with those people chasing after you and let them know that there is no need to bother any longer.”

“Right,” Shu Yang said, a bit dazed as he looked at the token.

Just as Bian Fenglin was about to leave, Shu Yang asked him one more question. “What are the criteria to enter the Sword Sect, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Why? Do you have a recommendation?” Bian Fenglin asked.

Shu Yang absolutely wanted to bring up his son Tianhu, but he was also older now, and his sword intent might not impress someone like Bian Fenglin.

“Would two girls, six years old, who have already comprehended sword intent suffice?” Shu Yang asked. He had felt an increase in their Bloodline Power during his journey across the Desolate Mountains, so he knew they had to have taken that step already.

“Only six years old? Are you sure?” Bian Fenglin asked, slightly surprised.

“I am,” Shu Yang said. He hesitated for a moment before revealing, “They were both born with a Sword Bone.”

Bian Fenglin paused for a moment before bursting out laughing. “You should have said so. If they don’t qualify, who will?” He crossed his arms and looked at Shu Yang a little more closely. “Not only do they qualify, they should be quite popular among the Peak Masters. I imagine I might even be rewarded if I bring them back to the sect. They wouldn’t happen to be close by, would they?”