Chapter 116: Antecedents

The visitor appeared to be around thirty years old, tall and imposing with a cold, stern countenance. He wore a long cap and kept his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

He was dressed in a dark, grayish-brown deep robe, with "flowing cloud" shoes upon his feet. His attire was exceptionally elegant and luxurious, and his skin exuded a faint, golden-fiery luster that cast a piercing, flame-like radiance under the bright sun.

On the mountain walkway outside the cave entrance, Yan Feichen cast his eyes toward Chen Heng.

One of his eyes was a deep purple, while the other was of a normal, black-and-white clarity, giving him an eerie appearance. To someone seeing him for the first time, it might have been quite shocking. Chen Heng, however, knew that this was not some heaven-sent omen, but the result of a failed attempt to cultivate a spirit-eye technique; the internal energy had gone awry, and baleful qi had rushed into his pupil, permanently altering the color of his vision.

"You are quite different from before," he said, his eyelids drooping as he looked Chen Heng up and down, his tone indifferent. "Whenever you looked at me in the past, you seemed to wish you could strip my skin and eat my flesh, not even bothering to hide your intentions. If it weren't for Zhen'er's fondness for you, my own nature would never have allowed you to live until now."

Yan Feichen scrutinized Chen Heng deeply. "But now, you have changed? It seems your cultivation has borne fruit, and even your temperament has shifted far from what it used to be?"

"May I ask, Elder Yan, what instruction brings you here today?" Chen Heng replied, his expression calm. "The time for our departure to the Earth Abyss is near. Surely, a man of your status would not come all this way just to trade insults?"

"You know my purpose well; there is no need to play the fool," Yan Feichen snorted. His purple eye stared fixedly at Chen Heng for a long moment before he continued. "I do not know what opportunities you have encountered to achieve the Embryonic Breath state in just a few months and then reach the Qi Refining stage—it is as if you have been reborn! But if you intend to continue this feud with me, you, Chen Heng, lack the weight to see it through! You will not be able to endure."

"I hear that old ghost Gu Jun thinks highly of you? That is one thing, but even that Xie fellow from the Flower God Mansion intends to take you as a disciple? It seems, congratulations are in order; following Zhen'er's death, you have truly soared to the heavens."

"I am in no mood to dwell on the past," Yan Feichen said flatly. "Tell me, what will it take for you to let go of this grievance? Talisman coins, artifacts, or Daoist arts? Though I do not fear you, I have no desire to create another enemy."

"Zhen'er is dead; she cannot be brought back." He spoke without emotion. "There is no need to ruin the cultivation of the living for the sake of the dead, don't you agree?"

After hearing this, Chen Heng raised an eyebrow, feeling a sense of mockery in his heart. Although he was not the original owner of this body—having only inhabited this shell after a lucky second chance at life—the original Chen Heng had been cruelly tormented by this father and daughter for years, only finding peace once he had drawn his final breath.

Whether it was being abducted to Little Gan Mountain, the use of a fake elixir to kill his widowed mother, or being kept like a bird in a cage—these humiliations and shames were etched deep. How could Yan Feichen think that a few words and a promise of wealth could settle such a debt?

Regardless of the past, ever since Chen Heng arrived in this world, he had been subjected to Yan Feichen’s displaced anger, forced to endure in a water prison until he nearly lost his life again. This grudge was already set in stone.

Seeing that Chen Heng remained silent, Yan Feichen’s impatience grew, assuming Chen Heng was merely holding out for a higher price.

"Though you were abducted to Little Gan Mountain, you have never lacked for food, clothing, or shelter these past years. You had access to wealth and glory that even the noble families of the mundane world could not match!" He glanced at Chen Heng’s cave dwelling, noting its simplicity, and sneered, "It was your own pretense of nobility that led you to reject such earthly riches; you cannot blame others! Zhen'er loved you dearly; such small amounts of gold and jade were nothing in her eyes."

"There is no need to ruin the cultivation of the living for the sake of the dead... Elder Yan, those words are well-spoken," Chen Heng said calmly. "But why did you not hold such a sentiment in your heart before? In the end, I should actually thank you."

Yan Feichen frowned.

"If I had not feared your continued spite, I would not have rushed down the mountain to hide the moment I attained the Embryonic Breath stage," Chen Heng laughed. "And if I had not left the mountain, I would not have killed the Daoist of Yang Mountain to obtain his artifacts, nor would I have traveled to Floating Jade Lake to participate in the trial at Huaiwu Cave, where I chanced upon the secret plot of that evil Yin-Overcoming Demon. And because of that, I gained the favor of Master Xie Tan of the Flower God Mansion."

"Everything is so interconnected; it is quite interesting," Chen Heng said. "Thinking about it carefully, Elder Yan, your contribution has been significant. You have helped me a great deal."

Yan Feichen’s expression turned hideous at these words, but because he was within the Xuanzhen Sect, he was constrained and could not lash out. In truth, if it were not for the fact that he and the Xuanzhen Sect Master, Ai Jian, were at odds—with the Master constantly looking for an excuse to punish him—Chen Heng would not be alive today. Back when Yan Zhen died, Yan Feichen had intended to have everyone who had accompanied her on the trip executed to accompany her in the grave. It was only because Ai Jian had sent people to reprimand him using sect rules that the punishment was commuted to imprisonment in the water prison.

Even after Chen Heng descended the mountain, Yan Feichen had often contemplated killing him. Lanliang City was not far from Little Gan Mountain; at Yan Feichen’s speed, he could have taken Chen Heng’s head and returned with ease. But Ai Jian had been watching closely, like a vigilant jackal, constantly summoning Yan Feichen to report on trivial matters to keep him occupied.

Yan Feichen knew that Ai Jian did this not because he valued Chen Heng, but simply because he wanted to make things difficult for him. If not for the fact that Ai Jian still harbored some respect for their past relationship, they would have already come to blows.

"Do not waste your breath with clever talk. Cultivation does not rely on a sharp tongue, and I will not waste more energy on you here." Yan Feichen extended a finger. "You are now at the Qi Refining stage, but after reaching the Foundation Establishment stage, you will need a Purple Mansion Daoist text to open your inner and outer realms and continue your path."

"I can give you a middle-to-high-grade manual for opening the mansion to aid your cultivation," Yan Feichen said meaningfully. "You know well what kind of garbage is recorded in the Elder's library here. Our Sect Master has no interest in the sect; he only dreams of returning to the Yuchen Sect. He could not care less about the cultivation path of you disciples."

"Well? A middle-to-high-grade manual for opening the mansion is quite profound, rare even within the Flower God Mansion!" He stared at Chen Heng. "Take this book, and let us consider our grievances settled. What do you say?"

"Where did Elder Yan obtain this manual?" Chen Heng asked.

"I have my own methods! What business is it of yours?" Yan Feichen snapped. "Do you accept or not?!"

Chen Heng raised his sleeve and simply smiled, saying nothing.

Yan Feichen was suddenly seized by rage, the golden-fire luster on his body surging like a volcanic pool about to erupt. He opened his mouth, as if to speak, but at that moment, a clear, piercing whistle echoed through the clouds, approaching rapidly.

Upon hearing this sound, Yan Feichen’s face changed, and his murderous aura vanished. He cast one deep look at Chen Heng, said nothing, and turned into a streak of light, vanishing into the depths of the sky, clearly unwilling to cross paths with the owner of that whistle.

Only a few dozen heartbeats later, a clear light descended like a cascading wave from the heavens, possessing a formidable presence.

Looking closely, it was a jade-like child with a red mark between his brows. He stood on a nearby boulder with his hands behind his back, looking old beyond his years, his brows furrowed in displeasure.

The child stared coldly at the direction where Yan Feichen had fled, then curled his lip in a sneer. "A spineless wretch. Were it not for the Sect Master’s lingering affection for the past, you would not be allowed to swagger about here!"

He turned his gaze to Chen Heng, lifting his chin arrogantly. "You are the Daoist favored by Master Xie of the Flower God Mansion? What is your name—Chen Heng?"

"That is I, Disciple," Chen Heng replied. He did not recognize the child and, unsure of his standing, chose to bow and address him as "Disciple."

"The Sect Master saw that Yan Feichen came looking for you and feared he might act out of desperation, so he sent me to protect you." The child looked Chen Heng up and down, then nodded. "Since you are unharmed, that is good. The Sect Master wishes to see you. Come, I will lead you to the hall for an audience."

*See me?* Chen Heng was surprised.

The child had appeared out of nowhere, frightened away Yan Feichen, and now claimed to be sent by Ai Jian. Although he could not verify the truth, he could not refuse. After a moment of thought, before Chen Heng could speak, the child produced a large bronze seal and shook it. "I know you may not believe me, so I specifically brought the Sect Master’s seal from his study. How is that? Is it real?"

This bronze seal was the personal seal of the Xuanzhen Sect Master. It was not just a symbol of authority but a top-grade artifact; once activated, it could easily crush a small mountain. Chen Heng had seen it a few times in his predecessor’s memories, and upon seeing it now, his doubts vanished.

"I have troubled you to make this trip," Chen Heng said, bowing.

"Let’s go! Let’s go!" The child hopped off the boulder, came to Chen Heng’s side, and tapped him on the shoulder.

Before Chen Heng could react, he felt the world blur. The heavens and earth seemed to flip, and when he opened his eyes again, the scenery had changed entirely.

He was standing in a grand hall. Columns carved from thousand-year purple profound wood stood around him, and a few steps away sat a massive dragon-headed incense burner, from which fragrant mist slowly billowed. The floor was covered in agate, and exotic flowers drifted through the air.

Looking ahead, he saw a row of jade steps ten zhang high, covered by curtains that obscured the view, save for a low, rumbling vibration echoing through the hall. The child had disappeared, leaving Chen Heng alone.

Chen Heng waited patiently. After half an hour, the vibration ceased, and Ai Jian’s voice drifted from behind the curtains.

"Chen Heng? You have waited long; forgive me."

"I would not dare, Sect Master," Chen Heng replied.

"I hear that fool Xie Tan has taken a liking to you and intends to take you as a disciple? Congratulations... Although Xie Tan is a simpleton with an incomplete Daoist nature, he is, at least, a Dongxuan Master. If you can cultivate under him, it would be more suitable for you than staying here."

Without waiting for a reply, Ai Jian continued, "Since that fool did not beg me to exempt you from the Earth Abyss decree, he clearly respects my position. Since he has offered a peach, I must return the favor. Someone, come here—"

At his call, a beautiful handmaiden lifted the curtain, carrying a jade tray, and walked gracefully down the steps.

"The Earth Abyss is treacherous; do not go too deep and lose your life, or I will have a hard time explaining it to that fool, Xie Tan. I grant you three 'Martial Spring Violent Thunder Talismans' for protection, and a gourd of 'Great Origin Creation Pearls' for your Qi cultivation."

Chen Heng was slightly stunned, then offered his thanks and accepted the items. As he reached for them, the handmaiden’s porcelain-like hand brushed against his, but he pulled back quickly, avoiding the contact. She glared at him with a sultry look, twisted her waist, and gave a deliberate, coquettish huff.

"Time flies; it seems she is at the age of blossoming youth... Chen Heng, I will bestow her upon you. How about that?" Ai Jian laughed softly from behind the curtains. "Do not worry, she is still pure. I brought her here to the Southern Region from the Yuchen Sect. She has a unique constitution; if you can obtain her Yin essence, your cultivation will surely reach a higher level."

"Sect Master, please do not jest. How could I dare to be so presumptuous?" Chen Heng bowed respectfully.

"What is presumptuous about that?" Ai Jian laughed heartily.

After a few more attempts to persuade him, seeing that Chen Heng remained steadfast in his refusal, Ai Jian stopped. He then inquired about Yan Feichen’s visit. Chen Heng told him the truth, and upon hearing that Chen Heng had rejected the "Manual for Opening the Mansion," Ai Jian chuckled behind the curtain, seeming quite satisfied.

"Since Xie Tan has promised to take you in, you need not worry about Daoist texts," he said. "I will not keep you any longer. In the Earth Abyss, do not be overly ambitious; preserve your life, and you will have a future."

With that, the handmaiden escorted Chen Heng out.

Shortly after Chen Heng left, a flash of clear light appeared, and the child materialized. "Sect Master, the beauty trap failed. You’ve truly miscalculated!" He sat down on the floor, clapping his hands and laughing. "That Yan Feichen is becoming increasingly arrogant. In my opinion, why not just get rid of him after the Daoist lineage examination?"

"Do you think Yan Feichen has no one behind him? Otherwise, how would he dare to oppose me?" A long sigh came from behind the curtains. "Besides, though he is fierce and stubborn, he once saved my life. I have sworn an oath: as long as he does not show genuine murderous intent, I will not tear the mask off our relationship."

The child rolled his eyes and remained silent.

"Have you found any news regarding the matter I asked you to investigate?" Ai Jian asked.

"The Daoist lineage examination? That Sima Lingzhen appeared at Floating Jade Lake once, but there has been no word since," the child shook his head. "Sect Master, he is clearly the inspection official responsible for this examination, yet he keeps delaying his visit to our sect. What is his intention?"

"Does the Sect Master still have connections in the Yuchen Sect?" the child tested. "Why not have someone from the main sect come forward? Surely that is better than me running around like a headless fly?"

A cold laugh came from behind the curtain, and then silence. The child waited for a long time, and realizing he had overstepped, he sighed, bowed, and took his leave.

...

"The main sect? What face do I have left there now?! I can only count on Senior Brother Wang Shu. He is the one with the greatest chance of achieving a First-Grade Elixir among my master’s disciples. If he succeeds in forming his core..."

Behind the curtains, after a long while, Ai Jian sighed, his thoughts complex. If Wang Shu achieved a First-Grade Elixir, he could return to the Yuchen Sect with his head held high! No one would be able to stop him.

But if something happened to Wang Shu...

Thinking of how he had been unable to contact Wang Shu for months, Ai Jian’s gaze sank. While it was common for cultivators to spend months or even years in deep meditation, Ai Jian felt an unease he could not shake.

"I cannot possibly yield to that Chen Ying and follow him to the Primordial Demon Sect, can I?"

In the curling incense smoke, he looked up and sighed again, his expression fraught with complexity.

...

Several days later.

Watching Chen Heng and the others board the "Luo Xian Lead Boat" bound for the Earth Abyss, Yan Ping finally withdrew his gaze and said to those beside him:

"As long as he lives, my hatred remains! Are the things I ordered prepared?"