Elsewhere in the Dan Clan compound, a new guest room had been prepared for Xiao Wei. After the lightning had destroyed his previous quarters, the clan had been quick to accommodate him again—though this time with far more respect and caution.
Xiao Wei now lay quietly on the bed, one arm resting behind his head, his eyes fixed on the wooden ceiling above. The room was plain, but comfortable, with soft light filtering in through the paper windows.
But even in this calm setting, his mind was not at peace.
Suddenly, Shadow Ming voice echoed inside his consciousness. His tone wasn't angry, but carried a distinct edge of worry.
'Brat, you shouldn't have told them about me. Although that woman's soul let it slide, don't think everyone will. Some people would try to rip you open just to see what kind of technique lets you hide a soul like me inside your shadow.'
"I know what I'm doing. If I hadn't told her something, she might have gotten suspicious. At least now, she's satisfied with a name and a story. Better that than letting her wonder."Xiao Wei said slowly, his voice quiet and even.
'Still, brat… her soul was so strong, but even she didn't know I was in your shadow, watching and listening. Just what is that technique you used on me?'
Xiao Wei didn't respond immediately.
"Stop talking, I need to think. We need to decide what to do next."Xiao Wei said finally.
Shadow Ming went silent for a few moments, giving Xiao Wei the space he asked for. But then, his voice returned, quieter this time.
'Boy… why didn't you take the Cultivation Technique she offered you? That was a rare chance. It could have helped you increase your Cultivation much faster.'
Xiao Wei gave a small, tired smile.
"You still don't understand, Shadow Ming. Nothing in this world is free. She wasn't giving me that technique out of kindness—she was buying loyalty. Debt. Gratitude. And I don't want to owe anyone. Not now, not ever."Xiao Wei said as he sat up slowly, his eyes gleaming with clarity.
"Besides, a strong foundation is more important than fast growth. I'd rather move slower and build my base right. That's the only way to climb high without crumbling later."Xiao Wei added.
Shadow Ming gave a dry chuckle.
'Heh. Maybe you're not as foolish as you look. Still, most Cultivators would kill for a shortcut like that.'
"I'm not most cultivators"Xiao Wei said calmly, then stood and walked to the window.
He pushed it open, letting the cool night breeze drift into the room.
Outside, the stars shimmered like silver dust across the vast night sky. A faint scent of flowers from the Dan Clan gardens reached his nose.
Half an hour later, the silence in Xiao Wei's room was broken by a polite knock.
"Come in"Xiao Wei called out.
The door opened, and Old Ti entered, his face as calm as ever but his eyes carrying a hint of urgency.
"What happened, Old Ti?"Xiao Wei asked, sitting up from the bed where he had been resting.
Old Ti gave a slight bow.
"Young Master Wei, representatives from the Sword Pavilion have arrived in Kin City. They are here to recruit potential disciples. I thought you might be interested in meeting them."Old Ti asked.
Xiao Wei blinked. Sword Pavilion?
Though Sword Pavillion is a prestigious sect known for producing powerful sword Cultivator, he had no intention of joining the Sword Pavilion as he already decided to join from Cloud Village or Mystic Mountain.
Besides, he was growing restless staying inside the Dan Clan estate.
"Alright, let's go."Xiao Wei agreed.
As they began walking through the bustling streets of Kin City, Xiao Wei took the opportunity to ask a few questions that had been lingering in his mind.
"Old Ti, where is Lady Li's daughter? I haven't seen her since I arrived."Xiao Wei asked casually.
Old Ti glanced at Xiao Wei with a knowing smile.
"Young Lady Dan Ling is currently training at Mystic Mountain. She is a disciple of Mystic Mountain"Old Ti replied.
Xiao Wei nodded thoughtfully. He had expected as much. He had already suspected as much, especially considering the formidable talent that seemed to run in the Dan Clan's bloodline. It was only natural that their Young Lady Dan Ling would be sent to a reputable sect.
They continued in silence for a few minutes, weaving through the crowded marketplace and heading toward the City Lord's Mansion. The streets were already abuzz with excitement. Rumors of the Sword Pavilion's arrival had spread like wildfire.
Old Ti cleared his throat and spoke again.
"Young Master Wei, I believe you should consider choosing a weapon."Old Ti adviced.
Xiao Wei raised an eyebrow.
"Why do you say that?"Xiao Wei asked.
Old Ti's expression turned serious.
"A weapon amplifies one's strength, especially in battle. Your Martial Techniques are impressive, and your control over Spiritual Energy is outstanding—but even the greatest Cultivators benefit from wielding a weapon. It makes your attacks more lethal and grants you an edge against enemies of similar Cultivation."Old Ti said and paused and gave a small smile.
"As you saw back in the Dan Clan, I wield a sword. Among all weapons, the sword is perhaps the most balanced—graceful, swift, and deadly. And for those who reach a certain level of mastery, it unlocks the concept of Sword Intent. A Cultivator who can grasp Sword Intent can easily defeat Cultivators of the same realm—or even a realm higher."Old Ti added.
"But I never saw you use Sword Intent"Xiao Wei said curiously.
Old Ti laughed softly, a hint of self-mockery in his tone.
"Young Master Wei, you must be joking. Me, use Sword Intent? I'm not that fortunate. Before one can even touch the concept of Sword Intent, they must walk the path of the sword step by step. The first step is called 'One Sword, One Body'—where the Cultivator and their sword become inseparable in rhythm and motion. The second step is 'Sword Inside the Body'—when your Spiritual Energy naturally aligns with your sword. The final step before comprehension of intent is 'Sword and Body Unification'—where you and your sword are one entity. I've reached that third step, but I've remained there for years. I simply cannot cross that threshold."Old Ti explained and sighed.
"Many geniuses reach the third step and stay there forever. Comprehending true Sword Intent requires not only talent but a rare insight into the very essence of the sword."Old Ti added.
Just then, Shadow Ming voice echoed in Xiao Wei's mind.
'Brat, don't get the wrong idea. Comprehending a weapon's intent isn't easy. Each weapon has its own nature, its own will, and its own difficulty. Back in my time, before I died, I had reached the same stage Old Ti described—the final step before true intent. And yet, even at my dying breath, I couldn't grasp the Bow's Intent. It's that elusive.'
Xiao Wei listened to Shadow Ming's words with quiet reflection.
"I see, I will think carefully about which weapon best suits me. I won't rush the decision."Xiao Wei finally said to Old Ti.
Old Ti nodded approvingly.
"That's wise, Young Master Wei. Each Cultivator has a path that is theirs alone. A weapon is not just a tool—it becomes part of you, reflects your heart, your spirit. Choose well."Old Ti said.
Their conversation dwindled as they reached the main boulevard, the scene before them became increasingly chaotic. The City Lord's Mansion, a grand fortress-like estate at the heart of Kin City, loomed ahead. Its gates were wide open, and a massive crowd had gathered, clamoring to get inside.
Shouts echoed through the air. People jostled, shoved, and argued, desperate for a chance to glimpse the Sword Pavilion envoys. Some were hopeful Cultivators eager to be noticed, others were opportunists hoping to ride the wave of excitement.
"So many people..."Xiao Wei murmured as he observed the chaos.
Old Ti smiled knowingly.
"The Sword Pavilion is one of the top sect in the Mo Empire. Their Martial Techniques are powerful, and joining them guarantees prestige, resources, and powerful guidance. Everyone here is trying to grasp that sliver of opportunity."Old Ti said.
Several guards in dark armor struggled to maintain order, forming lines and pushing people back. Despite their efforts, the atmosphere felt like it could erupt at any moment.
Old Ti turned to Xiao Wei.
"Young Master Wei, let me handle this. Stay close."Old Ti said.
Xiao Wei said nothing, simply observing the crowd with calm eyes.
Old Ti and Xiao Wei walked through the bustling crowd toward the grand City Lord Mansion.
Then Old Ti stopped a few feet before the gate and pulled out a palm-sized token carved from dark jade. The token bore the Dan Clan's emblem—a blooming lotus. He presented it to the guard with a calm, practiced motion.