The wind carried a cold chill through the high cliffs where Taixuan stood. Below him, the faint lights of the clan's estate twinkled like distant stars, unaware of the tension brewing just beneath the surface. It had been two days since his conversation with his grandfather, Jin Wei. Since then, Taixuan had been restless, unable to shake the nagging feeling that something bigger was at play—something he had yet to uncover.
The Heavenhammer floated silently beside him, its energy core now a pulsating heart that resonated with his own. The warship, an extension of his power, hummed quietly in the cold air. Taixuan could feel the bond between them growing stronger every day, but something still felt incomplete. He had unlocked new capabilities in both his personal cultivation and the warship's core systems, but the true test would come soon—when the Main Family finally made its move.
It was clear that his grandfather's return to the Main Family would not be as simple as just entering their fold. The shame of his past had left a deep scar, one that could not be erased by mere power. If Taixuan was to succeed, if the Jin Clan was to rise once more, they would have to prove their worth beyond the family's past mistakes.
But beyond the internal conflicts of the clan, there were greater forces at work. Forces that Taixuan had yet to fully understand.
---
The Morning After
The sun had barely begun to rise when Taixuan arrived at the training grounds once more. The Heavenhammer was already hovering in place, waiting for his command. His mind was sharp today, more focused than it had ever been before. The past few days of isolation had given him a chance to clear his thoughts. The pressure from the Main Family had weighed on him, but now it was time to focus on what mattered most—his training.
The sound of footsteps interrupted his concentration.
"Master Taixuan," a voice called from behind. It was Lian, his closest confidant within the clan. She had been by his side since his childhood and was one of the few who truly understood the weight of his responsibilities.
Turning, Taixuan gave her a nod. "What brings you here this early, Lian?"
Lian was dressed in her training garb, ready for another round of lessons. She was a talented disciple, but her path had been different from Taixuan's. She was the daughter of a lower-ranking elder, and though she had much potential, her family had not been able to provide her with the resources to rise as quickly as Taixuan had. Still, she had earned his respect. Lian was loyal, and in this family, loyalty meant more than any amount of talent.
"I've come to spar," she said with a playful smile, though her eyes were serious. "I've heard you've been spending time alone in these caves, and I think it's time to test your skills. Perhaps I'll be the one to challenge you today."
Taixuan raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure? You've seen my progress with the warship."
Lian laughed softly, stepping forward. "I'm aware. But let's see how you fare without relying on that ship of yours."
---
The Sparring Match
It had been a long time since Taixuan had sparred with Lian, and though she was no slouch, he knew her abilities well. She was a Dao Forger in her own right, a strong fighter who specialized in swift movements and precise strikes. Her cultivation base was solid, and while she didn't possess the raw potential that Taixuan did, she had honed her skills with intense dedication.
Taixuan lowered his stance, allowing the natural flow of energy to guide him. He wasn't interested in defeating her outright. No, he wanted to test his focus, to see how much his recent breakthrough in cultivation had affected his martial abilities.
Lian wasted no time. With a burst of speed, she launched herself at him, her movements blurring in the air. Her footwork was flawless, and she closed the distance in an instant, aiming a sharp strike at Taixuan's chest.
Taixuan sidestepped with ease, his body moving with a fluidity that came from his enhanced control over his cultivation. His eyes followed her every move, his senses heightened to the point that he could predict her attacks before they happened.
Lian, however, wasn't discouraged. She altered her attack mid-strike, using her agility to twist and spin, delivering a swift kick to his side.
Taixuan's body reacted instinctively. He raised his arm, catching her kick with a clean block. The force behind the blow caused him to take a small step back, but his balance remained firm. He smirked, impressed.
"Not bad, Lian. But you'll have to do better than that to catch me off guard."
Lian's eyes gleamed with determination. She wasn't backing down. Instead, she launched a flurry of attacks, each faster and more complex than the last. Taixuan countered every one with precision, blocking and dodging with ease.
Yet, despite her best efforts, Taixuan could feel his own strength growing. His Core-Bonded Disciple abilities had taken him to a new level of focus and power. He could feel the pulse of his warship, its energy flowing through him and aiding his every movement. But even so, Lian was a worthy opponent. She had made him work for every move he made.
---
The Unexpected Visitor
As the sparring match reached its peak, a sudden noise interrupted their focus. The distant sound of a ship's engines grew louder, a distinct hum that vibrated through the air. Taixuan's eyes narrowed. The sound was unmistakable.
A large warship—not one of their own—was approaching the estate.
"Do you hear that?" Lian asked, pausing mid-strike.
Taixuan nodded. "It's not one of ours. Stay alert."
The warship grew nearer, its silhouette appearing against the morning sky. It was an unfamiliar design, sleek and angular, with red markings along its hull. This was no ordinary vessel. It had the markings of a rogue faction, one that had been causing trouble in the region for some time.
The warship hovered above the training grounds, and within moments, a group of elite warriors disembarked. They were clad in dark armor, their faces hidden beneath helmets. The leader, a tall figure with a deep voice, stepped forward, his eyes scanning the area.
"Taixuan," he called, his voice carrying over the winds. "We've been watching your progress. You've become quite the force within your clan."
Taixuan's heart skipped a beat. He recognized this voice. It belonged to Zhao Xian, a notorious figure who led a faction of mercenaries known for their ruthless business dealings and underhanded tactics.
"What do you want, Zhao Xian?" Taixuan asked, his tone cold. He didn't trust the man, nor did he trust the mercenaries who followed him.
Zhao Xian smirked. "What I want is simple. I've heard rumors of your warship. The Heavenhammer, I believe it's called. I think we can strike a deal. We provide you with the resources you need to advance, and in return, you assist us in some... delicate matters."
Lian stepped forward, her expression hard. "You're nothing more than a bandit, Zhao Xian. Stay away from our clan."
The mercenary leader's smile grew wider. "I think you misunderstand. We're not here to ask. We're here to demand."
Before Taixuan could respond, the mercenaries raised their weapons, surrounding him and Lian. Tension crackled in the air.
But Taixuan's eyes burned with an inner fire. He wasn't about to let these mercenaries intimidate him. Not now. Not after everything he had worked for.
"Leave now," he said, his voice unwavering. "Or you'll regret it"