Volume One, Chapter 12: I Simply Have No Shame

The old man laughed heartily and said, "Come now, stop being so coy, lad. Although this spear art differs from the sword techniques you excel in, its power is not to be underestimated. Besides, you gain a combat weapon by cultivating this martial art—why wouldn't you?"

Ye Chen felt a slight stir in his heart. He was indeed drawn to the power of this spear art. Moreover, as a martial artist, he knew well that a weapon was merely a tool; a true powerhouse should be able to command any weapon to unleash maximum combat potential.

"Very well," Ye Chen finally conceded to the old man's suggestion. "I will cultivate this spear art diligently."

The old man nodded with satisfaction. "Good, study this martial art well! This old man is tired and will retreat into the Azure Blood Bead to rest."

With those words, the old man’s figure transformed into a stream of light and vanished into the bead.

Ye Chen sat quietly in the room, his gaze fixed firmly on the Azure Blood Bead in his hand, while the ambition surging within him burned like a raging fire. He understood that from this moment on, his path of cultivation would leave the past behind, opening a brand new chapter filled with unknowns and challenges.

He took a deep breath, struggling to calm his turbulent emotions, and then focused all his attention on the enigmatic "Heaven-Defying Blood Spear Art." He savored and pondered every word and sentence, attempting to grasp the essence of this martial art.

However, just as he became immersed in the world of martial arts, forgetting the passage of time, a powerful ripple of energy suddenly surged from outside the room. The intensity of this disturbance was no less than that of a master in the Transformation Realm, which startled Ye Chen. He was all too familiar with the aura of the Transformation Realm. Had it not been for the calamity that caused his cultivation to plummet, he might have already stepped into the ranks above that realm himself.

"Who is there?" Ye Chen snapped his head up, his gaze sharp as a torch, piercing through the obstacles of the room to focus on the outside. His voice was low and powerful, filled with vigilance and authority.

Before his words had even faded, a familiar yet long-unheard voice brushed against his ears like a spring breeze. "Senior Brother Ye."

Ye Chen knew this voice all too well. He froze for a moment, an expression of disbelief washing over his face.

"Jiang Wu?" he blurted out, his voice laced with unmistakable astonishment and suspicion, as if the name had stirred ripples in his heart. "Why has he come?" Ye Chen muttered to himself, his brows furrowed. After a brief moment of thought, his expression shifted drastically as he recalled that Jiang Yun seemed to have some subtle connection with Jiang Wu.

"It seems he must have learned that I have recovered my cultivation and came to test me. Is it a probe? Or..." A thousand possibilities flashed through his mind, each one making him more alert.

Just then, light, rhythmic footsteps from outside the room interrupted his thoughts. Ye Chen grew tense, immediately realizing it was likely his younger sister, Ye Yao. The living room was just outside his door, and on the other side of the living room was Ye Yao's bedroom.

"No," Ye Chen exclaimed inwardly, realizing that if Ye Yao stepped out now, she would likely be dragged into an unknown conflict. He leaped from his bed and rushed to the door like a gust of wind, intercepting Ye Yao just as she was about to exit.

"Yao Yao, go back to your room. No matter what happens, do not come out," Ye Chen said with undeniable seriousness, his eyes locked onto hers.

Seeing the unprecedented firmness and worry in his eyes, Ye Yao knew she could not be a burden to her brother. "Alright... brother," she replied softly. Although filled with curiosity and unease, she turned back to her room.

"Oh, and brother, be careful," Ye Yao called out before closing the door. Her small hand clenched slightly, and for a fleeting moment, a strange aura seemed to emanate from her, making Ye Chen’s heart tremble.

"I will," Ye Chen nodded, his eyes resolute. Yet, as he turned to leave, a doubt arose in his mind. "Strange, why did I sense a burst of power from Yao Yao just now? That's impossible; she is an ordinary person unable to cultivate..." He shook his head, trying to dismiss the absurd thought, and stepped out of the room.

He collided directly with Jiang Wu, who stood there with a meaningful smile, as if everything were within his grasp.

Perhaps intentionally, as Jiang Wu met Ye Chen, he suddenly unleashed an aura no weaker than that of the Pulse-Opening Realm—powerful and overbearing. It ruffled the hair on Ye Chen's forehead and caused his clothes to snap and flutter.

Ye Chen’s heart sank. He understood this was Jiang Wu’s "welcome gift," a silent provocation and probe. He stared at Jiang Wu with cold, piercing eyes, and an invisible contest began between them.

"Senior Brother, it has been so many years; I have come to visit you," Jiang Wu said with a trace of playfulness. Since Ye Chen had entered the Qingyang Sword Mansion earlier than him, Jiang Wu had addressed him as "Senior Brother" when they were both Sword Seed candidates. Now, he deliberately used the title again to evoke memories of Ye Chen’s glorious past and to mock his current fallen state.

Ye Chen curled his lips into a faint smile. Ignoring his current standing, he replied directly, "Junior Brother Jiang." His tone carried a hint of mockery, as if he were completely indifferent to the provocation. Since the other party dared to call him Senior Brother, he dared to accept it with ease. This composure and confidence caused Jiang Wu’s expression to darken instantly.

Jiang Wu had never expected Ye Chen to be this "shameless," daring to treat him, a high-and-mighty Sword Seed, as a mere junior. Even the true disciples and elders of the sect usually gave him face, addressing him with the title of Sword Seed. However, to maintain his own dignity, Jiang Wu had to swallow his pride and force a nod of acknowledgment.

But how could he admit defeat? A flicker of ruthlessness flashed in Jiang Wu’s eyes. "Senior Brother, I heard that you have recovered your cultivation. I would like to see it for myself."

As he spoke, he gripped the air with his right hand, and with a flash of golden light, a brilliant, dazzling longsword appeared in his grasp. The blade was slender and sharp, with several sparkling gemstones embedded in the hilt, radiating a faint spiritual aura. It was clearly a rare spirit sword, enough to highlight Jiang Wu’s status and strength as a Sword Seed.