Chapter Five: Enmity Forms

Yang Nan watched as this so-called Grand Elder struck with ruthless force, his anger surging within him. Yet he knew clearly that even if he summoned the Shade Devourer, he would not be its match; his own life-bound weapon might even suffer damage as a result! At this moment, his supernatural abilities were not yet fully formed, and the gap in magical power could not be bridged by a single divine weapon. The enormous palm descended upon him, imbued with powerful magic—how could Yang Nan possibly resist?

“Water Escape!” Yang Nan activated his water-based magic to its fullest, sending streams of water shooting out in all directions. Propelled by these currents, his figure darted and ricocheted about, barely evading the man's attacks. Unable to contend with his opponent, he could only rely on his water magic to dodge repeated strikes. Yet Li Changqing’s magical power was formidable, his supernatural skills astonishing, and the earth-elemental giant palm covered a vast space. Yang Nan, newly initiated into the path of Daoist arts, could hardly hope to avoid it.

When the giant palm struck the ground, stones and sand flew everywhere, its momentum terrifying. Yang Nan, in his evasions, was increasingly disheveled; it was clear that in a short time, he would be wounded by this middle-aged man. The group of outer sect disciples, seeing their senior brother take action, drew their swords, ready to join the attack.

In that moment, sword lights flashed in all directions. Yang Nan was as precarious as an egg upon a pile of rocks, his situation perilous indeed.

Nearby, Yuanna saw Yang Nan’s danger and, unable to help, cried out anxiously, “So many against one—does your Kunlun Sect have any sense of shame?” Witnessing the Kunlun Sect’s unreasonable and violent conduct, Yuanna’s indignation grew; he no longer considered himself a disciple of Kunlun.

Suddenly, the myriad palm shadows vanished. Li Changqing withdrew his giant palm, a flash of murderous intent crossing his face. He rebuked the sword-wielding disciples irritably, “Did I tell you to act? This mere brat—do you think I can’t handle him?”

The disciples, realizing their flattery had backfired, awkwardly sheathed their swords and retreated. Li Changqing turned to Yang Nan, his expression cold, his palms raised as he sneered, “Yang Nan, who exactly are you? How dare you use such paltry tricks to make trouble in Kunlun? If I don’t subdue you today, where is Kunlun’s honor?”

Yang Nan saw that this Grand Elder was intent on framing him as a spy. He reached into his robe to produce the Jade Token of the Void as proof of identity, but Yuanna snorted derisively, “I’ve long heard Kunlun is the greatest sect in the world. I spent years ascending this mountain to seek the Dao, only to witness such despicable behavior. If this is your Dao, I’d rather not pursue it!”

That the world’s foremost sect would so humiliate a mere registered disciple at its gates deeply disappointed Yuanna. He resolved that, even if it meant his death today, he would loudly mock this lofty but ridiculous Kunlun Sect.

Li Changqing’s face flushed red; Yuanna’s words pierced his heart like a sword. Using his status as Senior Brother to bully a newly initiated disciple was not the Kunlun way, but his nephew—his family’s most promising youth—had been wronged, and he could not stand idly by.

“You impudent child, how dare you criticize our sect’s conduct? If you seek death, don’t blame me!” A flash of cruelty appeared in Li Changqing’s eyes. He rubbed his palms and strode toward Yuanna.

Yuanna, lacking any magical arts, could only retreat again and again before Li Changqing’s overwhelming presence. Yang Nan sneered coldly, his black serpent weapon buzzing to shield Yuanna. At this point, words were useless; it was time to cause a commotion.

“How dare you, madman! Does Kunlun need a brat like you to teach us how to conduct ourselves?” A cold voice sounded from the sky. A beam of sword light descended, and a young man in white Daoist robes appeared before the crowd.

Li Changqing immediately stepped forward to greet him respectfully, “Uncle Ren An, so it is you.” The disciples all bowed to the newcomer, addressing him as “Uncle.”

The young man in white robes had fair features, slanted brows, and eyes filled with boundless arrogance. He gazed at Yang Nan and Yuanna with clear displeasure. Hearing the outer sect disciples address him as Uncle, Yang Nan understood that this was an inner sect disciple of Kunlun. Inner sect disciples ranked above the outer sect, so such a form of address was appropriate.

Yet it was clear that Uncle Ren was familiar with Li Changqing; they shared a common stance. Yang Nan sighed inwardly—Kunlun, grand in appearance, truly acted as Yuanna described, cold and contemptuous.

Ren An studied Yang Nan and immediately discerned that the youth had reached the rank of a weapon-bearer. Though he was proud by nature, he would not act recklessly. Pointing at Yang Nan, he frowned, “You’ve only just entered Kunlun, so how can you show such disrespect to your senior in the outer sect?”

Yang Nan saw that Ren An preferred reason to violence and replied calmly, “The Grand Elder falsely accused me of being a spy without evidence and struck at us registered disciples with excessive force—how could I respect him?”

Ren An frowned and turned to Li Changqing, “Is this true?”

Ren An had not known the cause of their dispute, but Li Changqing dared not deceive a sect uncle and replied reluctantly, “The boy’s actions are suspicious. Though he bears magical weapons and Daoist arts, he joined Kunlun as a registered disciple. I meant to detain him to investigate, but did not expect to disturb Uncle.”

His words were strained; though registered disciples learn only martial arts, who could say that possessing Daoist arts disqualified one from joining? What could a junior weapon-bearer do in Kunlun Mountain?

Ren An understood at once: if possessing magical weapons and Daoist arts made one suspect, who would dare seek knowledge in Kunlun? No wonder the young monk was indignant. Yet Li Changqing’s elder was the true heir, Master Changxu; Ren An could not scold him directly. But if Li Changqing’s conduct were known outside, Kunlun would become a laughingstock.

He pondered briefly, then asked Yang Nan, “Though Nephew Li was a bit rash, his question is reasonable. You could explain your origins.”

Yang Nan recognized Ren An’s intent to absolve Li Changqing. He did not answer, but instead wore a cold smile and produced the Jade Token, handing it over. Ren An, seeing the characters “Voidwalker” engraved on the token, was startled. He inwardly lamented—this token shimmered with spiritual energy, impossible to forge, and the golden dragon on its face exuded a fierce, peerless aura, imposing enough to command the world.

Such true energy could not be faked by anyone! Only the Voidwalker in Kunlun possessed such formidable magic. With this token, entry into the inner sect was assured.

Voidwalker was notorious for her fierce protection of her own, her temperament proud and volatile. Should she learn someone bearing her token was bullied, even inner sect disciples would suffer! The world knew Voidwalker as a ruthless killer; even if Yang Nan were at fault, for her sake, even Master Changxu would concede, let alone Li Changqing who had acted so arrogantly.

“Disaster… This person has powerful backing and cannot be provoked…”

Ren An, quick-witted as befits an inner sect disciple, made his decision in a flash. He put away his pride and smiled amiably at Yang Nan, “So it is you, Brother Yang! Instead of entering through the Heavenly Gate, you arrived by the Seeking Immortal Path—no wonder the juniors were confused.” Ren An’s arrogance vanished, replaced by genuine warmth.

The disciples watched as the proud Uncle Ren, upon receiving the token, transformed into a congenial figure. They were astonished; Li Guo stared, wondering if Yang Nan truly had powerful elders in Kunlun. In an instant, he seemed to go from a mere registered disciple to an inner sect uncle or even ancestor!

Li Changqing realized at once, giving Li Guo a slap that drew blood from his lip, berating him, “You fool! You don’t even recognize an uncle and dared to speak out of turn? I’ll beat you to death!” Li Changqing was nothing if not clever; otherwise, how could he become the Grand Elder of the outer sect?

If he didn’t punish Li Guo, Yang Nan would surely cause trouble, and it would be hard to resolve if it reached the inner sect. Even though Li Guo now knew Yang Nan’s extraordinary background, being beaten by his uncle in front of everyone left him resentful. He cried out, “So what if he’s an inner sect disciple? My great-grandfather is Master Changxu. Are we supposed to fear him?”

Li Guo glared at Yang Nan, his hatred unconcealed. He did not realize that even if his great-grandfather came, he would have to defer to Voidwalker!

Li Changqing, seeing his nephew’s lack of discernment, struck harder, though not leaving a mark—clearly a performance for Yang Nan. The blows were vigorous but harmless. Yang Nan, seeing the uncle and nephew putting on such a show, merely sneered. He didn’t believe Li Changqing would truly beat his nephew to death; it was all for appearances. Now that enmity had been established, there was no need to play the good man.

Ren An watched coldly from the side, quickly realizing that Brother Yang was not easy to deal with. He could only act as mediator. “Brother Yang, since you have Voidwalker’s token, why not let me report to the Sect Leader and await his decision?”

Yang Nan saw Ren An was tactful and had not offended him, so he returned a friendly smile, “Then I’ll trouble you, Brother.”

Ren An nodded, summoned his sword light, and soared into the sky. The outer sect disciples, seeing that someone among them had become an Uncle, crowded forward to offer greetings and curry favor. The status of an inner sect disciple far surpassed that of the outer sect—who would dare neglect such a person?

To enter the inner sect by traversing the Seeking Immortal Path was exceedingly rare. Yang Nan, now a treasure among them, was surrounded by eager disciples, an annoyance he could barely tolerate. One person’s rise elevated all around him; even Yuanna and Ai Muyun received special treatment.

After a few slaps, Li Changqing saw Yang Nan remained indifferent to him and felt reassured. Having received several blows from his uncle, Li Guo was still aggrieved and asked, “Uncle, who is this Yang Nan? Why are you and Uncle Ren afraid of him?”

Li Changqing shook his head and replied quietly, “Do you know what kind of person Uncle Ren is? If Yang Nan didn’t have powerful backing, would someone as proud as him act so humbly? You arrogant child, remember—the world is full of hidden dragons and tigers, talents everywhere. Kunlun is not the Seeking Immortal Hall. If you provoke the wrong person, even your great-grandfather Master Changxu won’t be able to protect you!”

Li Guo cast a venomous glance at Yang Nan and muttered, “If Yang Nan truly has powerful backing, so be it. If not, I’ll make him suffer one day!”

Li Changqing sneered, “If he can’t become an inner sect disciple, you won’t have to lift a finger—he’ll suffer plenty. Our Li family is a clan of cultivators; if we can’t handle a mere brat, we’d be the laughingstock of the world.”

Both uncle and nephew cast unfriendly glances at Yang Nan. Unless he became an inner sect disciple, survival in Kunlun Mountain would be difficult.

As they spoke, Ren An returned swiftly, arriving once more at the Pavilion of Immortal Reception. He solemnly addressed the crowd, “By order of the Sect Leader: Li Changqing has abused his position for personal gain and tarnished Kunlun’s reputation; effective immediately, he is stripped of his title as Grand Elder of the outer sect. Affairs of the outer sect will now be managed by Nephew Yuan Lan. Yang Nan, upon passing the Mirror of Divine Illumination, shall, if found without suspicion, be admitted as an inner sect disciple.”