A week had passed since the intense events that shook the Sanatan Flame Sect. The morning sun cast a golden hue over the training grounds as Shaurya stood at the center of the courtyard, surrounded by his disciples. His expression was calm yet expectant.
"The time has come," Shaurya declared with a faint smile.
Suddenly, two colossal bursts of energy surged through the air, and with a radiant flash, two figures appeared before the gathered disciples—Elder Wu and Guard Hee Ta. The energy rippled around them like heat waves. Elder Wu now stood proudly at Foundation Builder Level 12, and Guard Hee Ta radiated immense pressure at Core Formation Level 6.
Shaurya smiled proudly. "Congratulations, both of you. You did well."
They bowed respectfully. "Sect Master."
"Now that you’ve emerged from seclusion, I’ll entrust the sect to your care," Shaurya said.
Elder Wu’s eyes widened slightly. "Master, are you leaving?"
Shaurya nodded. "Yes. I’m heading to the capital city of this kingdom."
"Capital city? Is there a particular reason?"
Shaurya’s gaze turned serious. "We’ve killed the ancestor of the Gu family. Naturally, they’ll seek revenge. The Gu family resides in the capital. I want to see their power for myself—and who knows, I might find a worthy disciple there. And I will also visit the capital city."
Both Elder Wu and Hee Ta nodded, understanding the weight of the decision. Shaurya stepped forward, raising his palm.
"Five Beast Guardian Formation, activate!"
A powerful surge of spiritual energy engulfed the sect, forming a radiant golden dome that crackled with mystic runes. The disciples stared in awe.
"This formation will protect the sect from cultivators up to Golden Vein level," Shaurya explained.
Turning to his disciples, he announced, "Wang Tian, Luo Chen, Xiao Rui, Xiao Lian, Muo Qian, Su Quan, Xu Ran, Lee Bie, Zong Bu, and Wei Bailey—you’ll accompany me to the capital. The rest of you, continue training hard."
With their team assembled, Shaurya summoned the Dark Pearl, their majestic spiritual ship. Standing at the bow, his robe fluttering in the wind, Shaurya looked every bit the heroic sect master. Thanks to the ship’s immense speed, they reached the outskirts of the capital in less than half a day.
"Master," Luo Chen asked, "why did we stop outside the city? There are designated ports for such ships."
Shaurya grinned. "Exactly why we won’t dock there. Our ship is far too majestic. It would attract too much attention."
The group nodded and continued on foot. Upon entering the city, even Shaurya, who had seen many grand sights, couldn’t help but gape like a child. The capital was breathtaking—its buildings towered like ancient temples, paved roads gleamed, and spirit beasts adorned fountains. It made their home city feel like a humble village.
As they wandered into the bustling marketplace, Lee Bie pointed toward a large crowd. "Hey, something interesting seems to be happening over there."
As Shaurya glanced over, his system abruptly chimed:
Ding! Sect Mission: Save the bullied person and recruit her as a disciple. Reward: 3x Lottery Draw + Emperor-Level Technique: Nine Spiritual Formation Attack (Nine Levels of Destructive Power).
Shaurya’s eyes widened, a mischievous grin forming. "Attack!"
"Huh?" Xiao Lian blinked in confusion. "What does he mean by ’attack’?"
But Wang Tian, used to Shaurya’s randomness, had already dashed ahead, with the rest following.
At the center of the crowd, a battered boy lay on the ground surrounded by onlookers. Atop an ornate open chariot sat a girl dressed in regal robes, her smile twisted with arrogance.
"Chen Fang," she said coldly, holding up a scroll, "did you truly believe you were worthy of marrying me? Consider our engagement nullified."
She ignited the scroll with spiritual fire.
Shaurya blinked. "Wait—an arrogant girl canceling an engagement? This is literally the start of every chosen one’s plot arc."
The girl raised her hand. "Destroy his cultivation."
A burly man stepped forward, fists glowing with spirit energy.
Chen Fang stood shakily, clutching a glowing necklace. A gentle voice spoke from it, "I can lend you power to escape, but I will fall into deep slumber."
"No! I won’t let you sacrifice yourself, master" Chen Fang whispered.
Just as the guard’s fist was about to land, Shaurya appeared midair and grabbed it with ease. Chen Fang stared in disbelief.
Shaurya smiled. "You okay, kid?"
With a twist, Shaurya sent the guard flying, crashing him straight into the chariot. The girl fell, barely regaining balance.
"You dare to attack the young lady of the Gu family?!" she shrieked.
Shaurya blinked, his voice rising. "Gu family?! AGAIN?! First that old guy, now this Arrogant girl? Did all other families go extinct?!"
Ignoring her, Shaurya knelt beside Chen Fang. Behind him, the girl’s face twisted with rage. "Guards, ATTACK!"
"Behind you!" Chen Fang shouted.
"Relax," Shaurya replied calmly.
A sudden gust of wind—slash! All ten guards fell before even reaching Shaurya. Standing before their corpses was Luo Chen, sword in hand, cloak fluttering.
He sheathed his blade slowly. The crowd gasped in silence.
The girl trembled. "Y-you’ll regret this. My family—will not leave you."
Shaurya turned to her with a smirk. "Is that your Gu family’s favorite line? Your ancestor said the same thing right before I killed him."
Her eyes widened in pure horror. "W-what?!"
"That’s right. I am Shaurya, Sect Master of the Sanatan Flame Sect from Blue Stone City. If your family seeks revenge, I welcome them—anytime, anywhere, anyone."
With a flourish, he donned his og black sunglasses.
The girl, white as a sheet, tried to run.
Luo Chen stepped forward, but Shaurya raised a hand. "You will don’t do anything to her. He will do whatever he wants to do with that girl."
He pointed to Chen Fang.
"You decide her fate."
Chen Fang looked confused,
Then shaurya ask system about Chen Fang info, then system spoke:
Level: Qi Initiate Level 6
Physique: Immortal Sword Body (Locked)
Artifact: Necklace containing remaining spirit of ancient empress
Name: Mo Liya (Core Formation Level 1, known as Fairy Empress, same era as Wang Tian)
Shaurya’s jaw dropped. "Fairy Empress?! If her remnant spirit is this strong, what was she in her prime?"
System: Immortal Realm Level 3.
Shaurya’s eyes sparkled with mischief. He slowly turned toward Chen Fang, a devilish smile playing on his lips.
Chen Fang, unaware of Shaurya’s thoughts, He have no idea"what’s going on in this shameless master’s mind?"