Heart-of-the-Lake Pavilion.
Qinglü, High Cultivator, nodded slightly and said with a faint smile:
"Good. Now that you've reached the Dragon Tendon Realm, come back to the Provincial Capital with me."
Liu Yunche cupped his hands. "I will follow your guidance, Master."
After taking leave of Qinglü, High Cultivator, Liu Yunche returned home. In the main hall, he bowed deeply to his parents and told them he was leaving.
His father, Liu Wangzhou, fell silent for a moment. Looking at his son, who had already entered the Dragon Tendon Realm, he felt both pride and a measure of worry.
He sighed. "The Prefecture City is prosperous, but dangerous currents run beneath it. It's no easy place to live."
"I ventured there in my younger days. I saw prodigies gather and factions tangled together like roots. One wrong step could send you into a ten-thousand-fathom abyss."
"Once you're there, don't try to force your way through everything. Watch your words and tread carefully."
"Even with Qinglü, High Cultivator, at your side, stay alert. No kindness comes without a reason. Keep your wits about you."
With that, Liu Wangzhou took a yellowed ancient text from a wooden box and handed it to Liu Yunche.
Five words were written on its timeworn cover: Ancient-Reversal, Sect-Forsaking Blade.
"This is the Liu Household's blade manual, passed down through our family. I'm giving it to you today. Your martial foundation is strong. Study it when you have time. One more skill means one more way to protect yourself."
Liu Yunche accepted the manual with both hands and put it away carefully. He bowed once more, thanking his father for the advice.
After leaving home, he went to the Rolling Stone Martial Arts Hall.
Shi Qingyue was practicing punches in the training ground. When he heard Liu Yunche