The Swordsman's Experiment

"Wu Yuan." Patriarch Wu Qiming still wanted to persuade him.

"Patriarch." Wu Yuan directly interrupted, "I understand what you mean. The main clan is also part of the Wu Clan. If I go there, they will still value me and provide me with abundant resources for my cultivation, which is better than cultivating alone."

"Then why?" Wu Qiming was confused.

"I don't like trouble." Wu Yuan shook his head. "The Martial Academy Grand Competition is just over nine months away. Even if I go to the main clan, how many resources can they provide me?"

"Not enough, it won't be of much use to me."

"Too much, and it might cause arguments within the main clan. Not everyone might welcome me. Why bother?" Wu Yuan said, "It's better to go directly to Cloud Martial Hall then."

"The resources in Cloud Martial Hall are also limited." Wu Qiming frowned. "In the coming years, the main clan can still support your cultivation."

"Patriarch, when cultivating Martial Dao, resources are secondary; one's self is most important." Wu Yuan smiled. "Besides, the resources in Cloud Martial Hall are limited only to ordinary disciples. What if I am dazzling enough?"

"It's only been over three months, and I already have the strength of a Martial Master."

"In another nine months, who knows if I can't go further? Wouldn't it be better to receive the sect's best training directly then?" Wu Yuan said with a half-smile.

His current strength would eventually need to be revealed once he reached a certain level. He was already thinking of challenging the peak of Martial Dao in this region!

Moreover, his trip to Nine Cloud Mountain had also given Wu Yuan the idea of joining a major power.

Joining Hengyun Sect might not be a bad option.

"Go further?" Wu Qiming's pupils contracted.

He knew very well that the Wu Clan's higher-ups had only disclosed a portion of Wu Yuan's strength externally, and that alone was enough to shock people.

Going further meant becoming a Proficient Expert?

A Proficient Expert at fifteen? Wu Qiming found the thought terrifying.

He instinctively felt Wu Yuan was a bit arrogant, but considering the young man's usual steady demeanor and his progress over the past few months, he didn't dare to outright dismiss it.

After a long pause.

"Alright." Wu Qiming suddenly said with emotion, "Wu Yuan, you've always had your own opinions. From now on, you'll make your own decisions regarding your cultivation. If you need anything from the family, just ask."

"Also."

"Starting this month, the family will provide you with one thousand taels of silver every month until you enter Cloud Martial Hall." Wu Qiming said in a low voice. "How you spend it is up to you; the clan won't interfere."

"Patriarch, that's too much..." Wu Yuan frowned.

"Don't refuse!" Wu Qiming glared. "This thousand taels isn't just my decision; it's the result of discussions among the entire family's high-ranking members. Don't think it's too little; it's the limit the family can offer."

"This help isn't without obligation. When you become powerful in the future, remember to give back to the family," Wu Qiming added.

Wu Yuan looked at the Patriarch, who was covered in injuries but had a serious expression.

He immediately understood that if he refused the silver, it would truly worry the Patriarch and make him feel misunderstood.

"Alright, Patriarch, I'll accept it." Wu Yuan agreed.

"That's more like it." Wu Qiming smiled.

After Wu Yuan left the ancestral home, the Patriarch Wu Qiming's room welcomed a large group of people. Wu Long, Sixth Master Wu, Wu Dongyao, and others were all present.

"Wu Yuan is unwilling to go to the main clan," Wu Qiming said softly.

"Really?"

"Good!"

"A bit of a pity." The expressions of the many people varied; some seemed relieved, while others showed a hint of regret.

"I've explained the pros and cons to Wu Yuan."

Wu Qiming's gaze swept over everyone. "But this child Wu Yuan is sentimental. He doesn't want to move his family registry to the main clan."

"This is a sacrifice he's making for the family."

"From now on, I don't want to hear any dissenting voices in the clan," Wu Qiming said sternly.

"Haha, don't worry, Patriarch," said the white-bearded Sixth Master Wu with a smile. "We're not as insightful as you, Patriarch. It's precisely because of your unwavering support that we can await Wu Yuan's moment of blooming."

"If he doesn't join the main clan, then when Wu Yuan becomes powerful, our Li City Wu Clan is destined to rise," Wu Dongyao said with a smile.

"In the future, our branch can also become a great clan, no less than the main clan," someone said.

Once a great clan branches out, although they share common ties, if the main clan doesn't provide enough help or exert strong control over its branches, estrangement is inevitable.

It's like the saying, 'First cousins are close, second cousins are distant, third and fourth cousins don't even know each other.'

Within the Li City Wu Clan, many people felt indifferent towards the Nanmeng Wu Clan, viewing it merely as a distant name.

"Nanmeng Wu Clan?" Wu Yuan shook his head slightly.

He felt a sense of belonging to the Li City Wu Clan.

This stemmed from his father's earnest teachings in his memory, from the family's long-standing support for his widowed mother and himself, and from the Patriarch's guidance throughout his journey.

The main clan? What was that?

And have me move the ancestral records?

Wu Yuan knew very well that bloodline inheritance was extremely important in this world.

Ancestral records were sacred and vital, and even powerful Martial Dao experts couldn't escape this reverence.

"In the future, if I become powerful, the main clan can leverage my influence, and that will be my repayment," Wu Yuan thought calmly.

Wanting me to labor for the main clan? Dream on!

"Strength!"

"I've only been lucid for a few months. I feigned awakening my Martial Dao and now, by revealing my Martial Master strength and still being labeled a genius, I'm already quite dazzling," Wu Yuan saw things clearly. "But if I were to completely expose myself, letting the world know I possess first-rate strength?"

Anyone who saw it would suspect something was wrong.

This couldn't be explained away by the word 'genius'.

"There's still plenty of time. I'll reveal my strength step by step, until I'm strong enough to act without restraint," Wu Yuan mused.

If he had the strength of a legendary Heavenly Ranking Expert, roaming freely, who would dare question him?

If his strength wasn't enough, he had to follow the rules of this world to live more comfortably.

"However."

"I didn't expect this matter to truly involve the Xu Manor. They were so aggressive even when I backed down," a cold glint flashed in Wu Yuan's eyes. "This debt will be settled eventually."

Since returning from Nine Cloud Mountain and seeing the ways of the world clearly, Wu Yuan's last few hesitations and restraints had also vanished unconsciously.

He went straight home.

"Mom!"

His sister, Wu Yijun, rushed out, shouting back in surprise, "Mom, brother's back!"

"Little Yi."

Wu Yuan smiled, continuing their sibling game. He skillfully picked up his sister with one hand and walked into the kitchen. "Mom, I'm back."

"You're back?"

His mother, Wan Qin, who was busy, was pleasantly surprised. She chided him gently, "Cultivation is important, but you should at least let someone know if you're not returning from the Martial Arts Academy for days."

"Alright, your son remembers," Wu Yuan chuckled.

It sounded like a complaint, but it was actually concern.

"Now that you're back, I'll make more pastries," Wan Qin busied herself.

"Okay, I want to eat your shredded meat noodles too, Mom," Wu Yuan smiled.

"The house is much cleaner than before," Wu Yuan's gaze swept across the kitchen.

The walls had been repainted and looked much more cohesive. Even his mother's spirit and complexion were better than when he had first regained consciousness.

The family of three had a warm breakfast.

"Mom, the clan leader is back," Wu Yuan put down his chopsticks. "I just came from the ancestral home this morning."

"I guessed as much."

Wan Qin sighed emotionally, "You're close to Martial Master strength now. The clan values you, so they wouldn't have failed to summon you immediately."

"Mom, you knew?" Wu Yuan was slightly surprised.

"I'm your mother," Wan Qin glanced at Wu Yuan, then smiled again. "The news has spread throughout the clan. How could I not know?"

Wu Yuan smiled.

"Yuan'er, your Martial Dao talent is high, even frighteningly so. I've heard from other clan members that you're probably the most gifted Martial Dao genius in Li City Prefecture in the last ten years. You'll likely achieve great things in the future, and that's a good thing. I'm happy for you," Wan Qin looked at Wu Yuan. "However, you must pay attention to your safety."

"Your mother doesn't ask you to become a general or a marquis, or to bring glory to a region. I only wish for your safety," Wan Qin's face showed a hint of worry.

"Your son understands," Wu Yuan said solemnly.

He understood his mother's worries.

Become a general or a marquis? His father had been the youngest Martial Master in the clan back then and had great potential to become a Proficient Expert.

To earn military merits and bring glory to the family, he had voluntarily enlisted in the main army.

Soon after, news of his death arrived.

The world saw the carefree spirit of martial artists galloping through the land, but how many truly saw the bloody swordplay behind it?

Out of a hundred who entered the martial world, few returned.

"Mom, your son will be in seclusion for cultivation frequently during this period, so I might not be home often," Wu Yuan added. "Please don't worry."

"Mm," Wan Qin nodded.

She also knew that Martial Dao cultivation was arduous and required great determination and perseverance to succeed. Seclusion was a common occurrence.

After leaving home, Wu Yuan returned to the Martial Arts Academy to handle any loose ends. He packed his belongings, found a street alley, performed Bone Shifting, and then headed towards the southern part of the city.

It wasn't until dusk that he arrived.

In a deserted alleyway in the southern part of the city, few pedestrians passed by.

"Sir, this is a residence selected according to your instructions. It's quite spacious!" the agent, wearing a felt hat, said flatteringly.

"Where is what I asked for?" Wu Yuan, disguised with a tall stature exceeding 1.9 meters and carrying a battle saber on his back, exuded an imposing aura.

"Everything is ready in the backyard."

The agent continued, "As you instructed, I've also prepared an extra portion of various fodder and food. For the next ten days, someone will be arranged to deliver a portion daily."

"Good!"

Wu Yuan nodded, flipped his palm, and handed over a silver note. He said coldly, "Remember, if you handle your duties well for the next ten days, I'll have further rewards. But don't try any tricks with me, or else..."

Swish!

The agent felt a cold glint flash before his eyes.

A deep gash suddenly appeared on the bluestone ground. As he was still astonished, he then realized his chest clothing had also been torn open.

An expert!

The agent inwardly marveled.

He was also a high-level warrior and had seen much in his years in Li City. It wasn't difficult for a Proficient Expert to split bluestone with a saber.

But to be so fast? To cut his chest without him even noticing?

This was the first time he had encountered such a thing.

He's likely a Second-class Expert!

"Sir, I will certainly handle everything perfectly," the agent said with increased respect, not daring to harbor any other thoughts.

He had automatically categorized Wu Yuan as a wandering swordsman!

Agents like him favored these chivalrous figures the most, as they were the most generous with their money.

But they also feared them the most.

Laws and royal decrees couldn't bind them; these chivalrous figures mostly believed only in the swords in their hands.

After the agent left.

"It's time to try my foolish plan." Wu Yuan strode towards the depths of the dilapidated courtyard. This was an abandoned residence.

Unremarkable.

The rental price was also very cheap.

He arrived at the last row, which contained a stable and pigpens, all cleaned up by the agent's men.

There were four horses in the stable.

In the pigpens, ten robust pigs were lowering their heads to eat.

"When conducting this kind of experiment, pigs are the most suitable," Wu Yuan said with a slight smile, taking out a cyan jade bottle from his backpack.