Both Blown Apart

Cultivation knew no years; half a month slipped quietly by.

"Cultivation truly is a stairway climbed one step a day. At last, I've stabilized my cultivation at the peak of the sixth layer."

Shen Yun awoke from meditation and could not help sighing with emotion.

During this time, he had kept a low profile. Aside from cultivating, he had been studying the Black Jade Slip.

As time passed, he gradually came to understand the meaning behind Mister Fang's words.

"The Five Elements are not merely the way of mutual generation, but also the way of mutual restraint. Only through generation and restraint can the cycle repeat endlessly."

With another attempt, fire- and wood-attributed spiritual power intertwined in a strange fashion.

Within you was me, and within me was you. It possessed both the blazing intensity of fire and the vitality of wood. The mystery of it was profound.

"Two kinds of spiritual power can actually merge for a short time. How terrifying."

Shen Yun Took a Deep Breath, placing even greater importance on this nameless cultivation art.

After many attempts, he discovered that the two kinds of spiritual power could be layered together. However, the difficulty was immense. Even with his comprehension, he could only fuse thirty percent of the total amount.

Even so, the power of his Dao arts had risen by fifty percent. Though he had cultivated for only a short time, he understood just how terrifying that was.

"I should buy some gifts, then visit Mister Fang at the Scripture Pavilion."

Shen Yun gathered his scattered thoughts and suddenly remembered something.

"Oh no. I was supposed to pick up Sister Qianluo today. I hope I'm not too late."

Shen Yun straightened his clothes and hurried down the mountain without stopping.

At this moment, in the Market.

A luxurious carriage had been parked by the roadside for quite some time. Passersby looked over curiously, only to see a graceful young woman gazing out from the carriage window.

Four tall, cold-faced sabersmen surrounded the carriage. Warned off by their gazes, the pedestrians immediately withdrew their eyes.

When Shen Yun arrived, the woman's eyes lit up, and she stepped out of the carriage.

Only then did the surrounding people see her in full. Her brows were like mist-shrouded hills, seeming to frown yet not to frown; her eyes seemed joyful yet not joyful, brimming with affection. She wore a court dress with cloud-shaped shoulder adornments, as though she had emerged from a great noble household. Her dignified bearing was unforgettable at first sight.

Shen Yun immediately stepped forward. "Sister Qianluo, you didn't run into any trouble on the way, did you?"

Lin Qianluo smiled sweetly. "With Royal Guards protecting me, naturally nothing happened. But you—after two years apart, you've suddenly grown so tall."

Lin Qianluo and Shen Yun's mother both came from aristocratic families, descendants of the Great Zhou Imperial Family beyond Canglang Mountain.

Shen Yun had grown up on Falling Cloud Peak. When he was little, he had gone to Great Zhou twice with Shen Pingsheng. Lin Qianluo, meanwhile, would occasionally come to Canglang Mountain for leisure, and the two siblings got along quite well.

Shen Yun reached out to help her down from the carriage, then laughed softly. "Did Sister Qianluo come to Canglang Mountain for sightseeing this time?"

Lin Qianluo flicked his forehead and said irritably, "The family is thinking of arranging a marriage between us. Tell me honestly, was this your idea?"

"???"

Shen Yun's mind went blank. Recalling Shen Pingsheng's meaningful smile, he could not help rubbing his forehead with a bitter smile. "It was probably cooked up by my unreliable Old Dad. I have no idea what he's thinking. Sister Qianluo, please don't misunderstand."

Seeing his troubled look, Lin Qianluo burst out laughing. "I guessed it was something like that. By the way, where's Qingruo? She's liked following you ever since she was young. Why haven't I seen her this time?"

Shen Yun replied, "Qingruo is cultivating in the Main Branch now. I'm afraid we won't be able to see her for some time."

"So that's how it is." Lin Qianluo lifted her lashes and said brightly, "Enough of that. Take me around, will you? I'm about to die of boredom staying in the capital."

The two chatted and laughed. At the street corner, a young man in a Bright Yellow Dharma Robe watched the scene with such hatred that he nearly ground his teeth to pieces.

Such intense resentment immediately drew Shen Yun's attention, and he looked over at once.

Shen Yun asked in confusion, "Isn't that the Third Prince of Great Zhou? Why is he here too?"

Lin Qianluo glanced over and said helplessly, "He's like a sticky candy that can't be shaken off. Let's ignore him."

Shen Yun smiled knowingly. "Sister Qianluo, your charm is still as great as ever. Even your admirers have chased you all the way to Canglang Mountain."

Lin Qianluo shot him a look and said crossly, "Don't you know I have no interest in all this romance? I'm going to become a Sword Immortal."

Shen Yun shook his head. Lin Qianluo had loved reading legends as a child. She would imitate wandering heroes, wield a Wooden Sword, and challenge people everywhere, beating children her age until their faces were bruised and swollen.

That had to be traced back to the female Sect Master of the Lone Swan Sword Sect. With one person and one sword, she had defeated the three Golden Cores of Canglang, her glory unmatched for a time. The world reverently called her the Lone Swan Sword Venerable.

Across the three thousand li of Canglang Mountain stood the Three Great Golden Core Families—the Shen Family, Su Family, and Shangguan Family—in a three-legged standoff. Beyond them were many smaller forces dependent on the Three Great Families for survival, their roots and branches tangled beyond measure.

In the Cultivation World, strength reigned supreme. The Lone Swan Sword Sect was the foremost sect within ten thousand li. Every family had to submit tribute, and the Shen Family was no exception, handing over ten percent of its profits each year.

It seemed like exploitation, but in truth it protected the great families. The Cultivation World was nowhere near as peaceful as it appeared. Demon Sects and the Demon Race were countless. Without the shelter of a powerful force, one would become fish on the chopping block, left to be slaughtered by others.

The Lone Swan Sword Sect could already be considered upright and honorable. Foundation Establishment families submitted thirty percent of their profits, while Qi Refining families submitted fifty percent. Under certain ruthless forces, they might even be stripped of eighty or ninety percent, treated purely as oxen and horses.

The Shen Family's several centuries of peaceful development were closely tied to the Lone Swan Sword Sect. Many members of the Shen Family regarded the Lone Swan Sword Venerable as their idol, dreaming that one day they too would become great figures who ruled an entire province.

Lin Qianluo walked with light steps like a cheerful lark. Whenever she saw a spiritual shop that interested her, she rushed inside to shop.

Shen Yun followed at an unhurried pace. The Third Prince, who had been hiding in a corner, stepped forward and lowered his voice. "You're Qianluo's cousin, right? Could we speak somewhere private?"

Shen Yun glanced at him and stopped. "What is it?"

The Third Prince rubbed his hands, somewhat embarrassed. "To be honest, I've liked Qianluo for a long time. So, you see..."

When he heard that the Lin Family intended to arrange a marriage with the Shen Family, he had abandoned even his imperial studies and rushed over without stopping.

Shen Yun looked at him with amusement. "Don't worry. I've always regarded her as my older sister, and Sister Qianluo doesn't mean that way either."

Hearing this, the Third Prince's face lit up. "Today, I finally learned what it means to feel like old friends at first sight. From now on, if Brother Shen ever needs anything, I will never refuse."

Just then, Lin Qianluo emerged from the shop and cast him a warning look. "Don't you go leading my little brother astray."

The Third Prince warmly patted Shen Yun's shoulder, his face radiant with spring. "How could I? Your little brother is my little brother too. We were having a wonderful chat."

Lin Qianluo remained expressionless. Meeting her gaze, the Third Prince could not help shrinking his neck, looking Silent as cicadas in winter.

Shen Yun found it highly amusing as he watched the Third Prince run around before and after them, fighting to pay Spirit Stones and doing everything possible to curry favor.

After wandering around for two hours, Lin Qianluo grew somewhat listless. Seeing this, Shen Yun suggested, "It's getting late. How about we go to my home for lunch first?"

Lin Qianluo's eyes lit up, and she said happily, "Sure! I've always wanted to eat the dishes Little Yun makes. Let's hurry back."

The last time Shen Yun had cooked, Lin Qianluo had been skeptical. Only when she saw the feast, complete in color, fragrance, and taste, did she realize that people truly differed from one another. Remembering the charred black lumps she had made herself, she immediately decided never to enter a kitchen again.

Naturally, the Third Prince had no objections. He eagerly trotted after them.

When they returned to the Mountain Gate, however, they found the atmosphere somewhat tense. Guard Teams were everywhere, moving back and forth as they conducted inspections.

Shen Yun found it strange and used his Spiritual Sense to listen to the conversations around him.

"Some thief actually dared sneak into Misty Peak to steal. What audacity."

"I heard the thief is skilled in the Qi Concealment Technique. If the Second Elder hadn't discovered him in time, the consequences would have been unthinkable."

"Canglang Mountain hasn't been peaceful lately. He may very well be a spy sent by another force. We have to stay vigilant."

"..."

Shen Yun pieced together the full story. Recently, a rumor had spread through Canglang Mountain that Shen Changkong did not have much lifespan left and that his blood and qi had already declined.

The moment the news spread, other forces began to stir restlessly, probing without cease and causing many conflicts.

I never expected the spies to have already reached Misty Peak. These truly are troubled times.

Shen Yun's heart sank slightly. The Supreme Elder was undoubtedly the stabilizing pillar of the Shen Family. If he were gone, the Shen Family would immediately fall apart, and the consequences would be unthinkable.

Shen Kuangtao was on patrol. Ever since joining the Lightning Vein, he had successfully slipped into the Guard Team, earning an extra thousand Contribution Points each month. Everything had been going smoothly for him.

At this moment, he noticed Shen Yun's group and immediately suggested to Shen Qingshu ahead of him, "Shen Yun has brought back two strangers. Brother Qingshu, shouldn't we inspect them?"

Shen Qingshu's gaze narrowed. How could he fail to see that this kid wanted revenge? But it was indeed routine business at the moment, so he went along with it.

Shen Kuangtao jumped out and put on an official air. "Halt. Routine inspection."

Shen Yun paused and said calmly, "They are guests from Great Zhou. I assume they don't need to be inspected?"

Meeting his calm gaze, Shen Kuangtao's heart skipped a beat as he recalled the terror of being dominated.

I have the Lightning Vein backing me now. What am I afraid of!

Shen Kuangtao raised his head and said firmly, "There have been thieves causing trouble lately. We must investigate strictly."

Shen Qingshu stepped forward and said slowly, "That is indeed the case. Brother Shen Yun, please cooperate."

Shen Yun looked back. Lin Qianluo shook her head at him, so he said nothing further.

Shen Kuangtao took out a detection treasure resembling a compass. A drop of blood rested in its spoon, seemingly belonging to the thief.

He held the compass toward the two of them and scanned them repeatedly, yet there was no reaction at all.

Seeing him dawdling, Shen Yun frowned. "Can we go now?"

Shen Kuangtao looked unwilling, then said coldly, "Something was stolen from Misty Peak. Spatial Magic Tools must be inspected too."

As he spoke, he reached for the ring on Lin Qianluo's finger.

Shen Yun's expression turned cold. Spiritual power gathered in his hand, ready to break that filthy hand.

But someone moved even faster than he did. The Third Prince roared, "You bastard, what do you think you're doing?!"

He had not even managed to touch Lin Qianluo's hand after all these years. The other man's action filled him with righteous indignation.

The Third Prince erupted in fury and threw a punch. Spiritual power swept out like a tidal wave and smashed violently toward Shen Kuangtao. The latter could not react at all, and could only watch helplessly as the fist landed on him.

With a sound like shattering glass, Shen Kuangtao was struck spinning into the sky. Dozens of bones snapped with crackling pops before he crashed heavily to the ground, his eyes rolling white, taking in less air than he breathed out. It was impossible to tell whether he was dead or alive.

"You dare attack the Guard Team? Kill him!"

Shen Qingshu's expression changed. He seemingly had not expected anyone to dare commit violence right before his eyes. With a furious shout, he charged in to kill.

His Qi Refining Fourth Layer cultivation erupted. Shen Qingshu formed a Magic Seal with one hand, condensing a massive fireball that came crashing down.

The Third Prince neither dodged nor retreated. With a single punch, golden light instantly tore apart the fireball. Before Shen Qingshu's disbelieving eyes, it directly blew apart his protective spiritual power.

He had no time to react before his whole body flew backward. He landed beside Shen Kuangtao, the two lying side by side in perfect order.

"You dare cause trouble in the Shen Family? What audacity!"

The sudden change caused a tremendous uproar. Guard Teams rushed over one after another, surrounding the three of them completely.

"Captain Shen Li has arrived!"

A young man in a purple dharma robe appeared, imposing and magnificent, striding with the bearing of a dragon and the gait of a tiger. The guards immediately opened a path for him, their faces filled with respect.

He was one of the top five experts from the last Family Grand Competition. The moment he appeared, everyone found their backbone.

Seeing Shen Qingshu and the other man's miserable state, Shen Li stared fixedly at the Third Prince, his gaze incomparably cold.