Chapter 78: Chapter 78: Disciple greets Master
The next day, Aric returned to meet Ru Shenshen, his thoughts focused on his next target: Su Ling. He knew that to fully control the sect and further his plans, he needed to bring her under his influence as well. As he entered Ru Shenshen's chambers, he found her gazing out of the window, the soft morning light casting a warm glow on her serene face.
She turned to him, a smile spreading across her lips as she saw him approach. "Husband, you're here early. Did you miss me already?"
Aric's expression softened as he walked over to her, taking her hand in his. "I'll always miss you, Shenshen. But today, there's something else on my mind."
Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she tilted her head slightly. "Oh? And what might that be?"
Aric paused for a moment, considering how to phrase his request. "It's about your disciple, Su Ling. I want her to be my woman as well."
Ru Shenshen raised an eyebrow, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "Husband, do you want another wife? Are you not satisfied with me?"
Aric chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair away from her face. "How could I ever be dissatisfied with you? But the question is, could you handle me alone?"
She laughed lightly, the sound like music to his ears. "That's a challenge, indeed. Perhaps I could use some help in that regard. And as they say, the more, the merrier."
Aric's eyes gleamed with approval at her response. "You're a wise woman, Shenshen. So, what do you suggest?"
Ru Shenshen tapped her chin thoughtfully before her eyes lit up with an idea. "I'll arrange an something where the two of you can be together."
Aric nodded, his admiration for her growing. She was not only loyal but clever, capable of thinking ahead and aiding in his plans without hesitation. "Thank you, my love. I knew I could count on you."
She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Anything for you, husband. I want you to have everything you desire."
They shared a lingering kiss, then they parted and aric left the place.
Meanwhile, Ye Chen slowly opened his eyes in some unknown location, his vision blurry as he tried to focus on his surroundings. He found himself lying on a soft bed, the warmth of the blankets a stark contrast to the cold, hard ground he had last remembered.
His body ached as he attempted to sit up, a wave of dizziness washing over him. He glanced around the room, recognizing it as a simple but comfortable space, with minimal furnishings and a faint scent of incense in the air. He tried to recall how he had ended up here, but his memories were hazy, disjointed.
"I met an old man… and then… I fainted," he muttered to himself, the fragments of memory slowly coming together. "He must have brought me here. This must be his house."
Ye Chen swung his legs over the side of the bed, testing his strength. His limbs felt heavy, his movements sluggish, but he was determined to regain his composure. But for now, he needed to understand where he was and who had helped him.
Soon, there was a knock on the door, and the old man who had saved Ye Chen entered the room. His presence was calming, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern as he approached the bed.
"Oh! You must have woken up," the old man said with a gentle smile.
"Yeah, I just woke up a few moments ago," Ye Chen replied, his voice still hoarse from exhaustion.
The old man nodded, his gaze assessing Ye Chen's condition. "How are you feeling?"
"Not really good," Ye Chen admitted, the weariness evident in his tone. His body was still weak, and the remnants of the battle had left him drained.
The old man reached into his robe and produced a small, jade bottle, from which he took out a gleaming recovery pill. He extended it toward Ye Chen with a kind expression. "Here, take this. It will help you recover from your wounds."
Ye Chen accepted the pill, a wave of gratitude washing over him. "Thank you for your kindness," he said, his voice sincere as he looked up at the old man.
The old man simply smiled and nodded, indicating for Ye Chen to consume the pill. Without hesitation, Ye Chen swallowed it, feeling its potent effects almost immediately as a warm sensation spread through his body. The pill worked quickly, mending his internal injuries and restoring some of his strength.
As he felt his energy slowly returning, Ye Chen closed his eyes, focusing on the healing process. His breathing steadied, and the pain that had been gnawing at him began to fade away, replaced by a growing sense of vitality.
After finally healing from his injuries, Ye Chen opened his eyes, feeling a newfound strength coursing through his veins. The memories of his ordeal flashed through his mind, but there was a sense of clarity now that his body had recovered. He turned to the old man who had saved him, gratitude evident in his gaze.
"Thank you for saving my life," Ye Chen said, bowing his head in respect. "But I must ask, how did you manage to save me from those people? And more importantly, why did you protect me? Who are you, really?"
The old man, whose presence exuded an air of ancient wisdom, gave a small, enigmatic smile. "My name is Fu Hong. I am an elder of the Heavenly Dragon Sect, though my role within the sect is one that few know of. But more importantly, I have known about your family long before you were even born."
Ye Chen's brow furrowed in confusion. "My family? What do you mean? How could you possibly know about my family? They never mentioned anything about someone like you."
Fu Hong's eyes softened as he regarded the young man before him. "Ye Chen, the locket you wear around your neck is no ordinary trinket. It holds a special meaning, one that is tied to your very existence."
Ye Chen instinctively touched the locket that hung around his neck, a simple piece of jewelry that he had always taken for granted. "What's so special about this locket?"
The old man's gaze turned serious, his tone measured. "This locket was crafted to conceal your true potential from the prying eyes of those who would wish you harm. It was created with ancient techniques, meant to hide your true nature and keep you safe. The name inscribed on it, 'Ye Chen,' was not chosen at random. It was the name given to you at birth, and I was the one who named you."
Ye Chen's eyes widened in disbelief. "But my parents never told me this. How could this be? How could you have named me?"
Fu Hong sighed, his expression tinged with sorrow. "Your parents died when you were just born, Ye Chen. Or rather, your entire clan was annihilated on that fateful night. The parents you knew were not your biological parents—they were the ones who raised you after your true parents were killed."
Ye Chen felt as if the ground beneath him had crumbled away. "What…? But… my parents were recently killed. How could they have died before I was born?"
The old man's voice was gentle as he continued, "Those were not your real parents, Ye Chen. Your true parents, members of the illustrious Ye Family of the Zhungong Dynasty, perished shortly after your birth. They entrusted your safety to others, hoping to shield you from the dangers that sought to extinguish your life before it even began."
Ye Chen's heart pounded in his chest, his mind reeling from the revelations. "My family… was annihilated? How could this happen? What happened to them?"
Fu Hong's gaze grew distant as he recalled the events of the past. "It all began somewhere around two decades ago, on the day you were born. The heavens themselves reacted to your birth. The skies were filled with celestial phenomena—thunderous roars, blazing stars, and the resonance of ancient forces.
These signs were not just random occurrences; they heralded the arrival of someone destined for greatness."
The old man's voice carried the weight of history as he spoke. "I was in pursuit of a formidable enemy of our sect when I sensed the disturbance in the heavens. The source of that disturbance was the Ye Family. When I arrived, I found that the chaos was centered around your birth."
Ye Chen listened, his emotions a tumultuous storm within him. "What does that mean? Why did my birth cause such a disturbance?"
Fu Hong's eyes narrowed as he revealed the truth. "Your bloodline and physique are extraordinary, Ye Chen. You possess the Heavenly Dragon Physique, a rare and powerful constitution that marks you as someone of immense potential. Your very existence was enough to threaten the balance of power among the great sects and clans.
The major powers of the world took notice, and they coveted the power you represented."
The old man continued, his voice heavy with regret. "Your family's ancestor, Ye Mozang, was an old friend of mine. He asked me to name you, hoping that your name would one day herald a new dawn for your family—a chance for them to rise to greatness once more. But as you know, things did not unfold as we had hoped."
Ye Chen's voice trembled as he asked, "What happened to my family? How did they meet their end?"
Fu Hong's expression darkened. "The moment your Heavenly Dragon Physique was revealed, the powers that be saw you as a threat. They could not allow such potential to exist outside their control. The Lei Family, among others, spearheaded a campaign to wipe out your family.
They spread rumors that your clan possessed powerful weapons, spiritual treasures, and elixirs that would elevate anyone who obtained them. And they did all that very meticulously. Such that very few people outside know about this."
He continued, his voice filled with sorrow, "The Shen, Wu, Qiao, Han, and many other families fell upon your clan like vultures, driven by greed and fear. They found nothing of value, but they slaughtered every member of your family in their mad quest for power. Your parents managed to flee with you, but they were ultimately hunted down and killed. I thought you had perished with them."
"But when I saw you and this locket. I immediately understood that you must be that guy."
Tears welled up in Ye Chen's eyes, his heart breaking as he absorbed the old man's words. "My family… all of them… gone because of me…"
Fu Hong placed a comforting hand on Ye Chen's shoulder, his voice steady. "It was not your fault, Ye Chen. The cruelty of the world took your family from you. But you survived, and that means you have a chance to reclaim what was lost. "
Ye Chen's tears flowed freely as he grieved for his lost family. His heart burned with rage, each tear a testament to the deep sorrow and anger that consumed him. Clenching his fists tightly, he glared at the distant horizon as if he could already see the enemies responsible for his suffering.
"The Lei Family! How dare they slaughter my family?" Ye Chen's voice trembled with fury. "Have they no honor? I will make them pay! I will avenge my parents, my clan, and I will bring their downfall!"
Fu Hong watched him with a solemn expression, letting the young man express his grief. When Ye Chen's voice finally wavered and he took a breath, Fu Hong continued. "Your fury is justified, but you must understand the depths of this enmity.
Let me ask you something,"Why do you think those assassins were after you?"
Ye Chen's brows furrowed in thought. "I don't know for sure, but I suspect there's a plot against me. Someone framed me as a demonic cultivator, and someone killed my adoptive parents too. I used to wonder why all these forces were targeting me, but now it's starting to make sense."
Fu Hong nodded. "And why do you think the demonic sects are so eager to accept you as their leader?"
Ye Chen hesitated, his mind racing. "It's confusing, but it could be that they see potential in me and want to sway me to their side by severing my ties with the orthodox sects. Or perhaps… someone has orchestrated this, using the demonic sects to further a more sinister plan."
"Both theories hold merit," Fu Hong agreed, his voice grave. "But the second one rings truer. The timing of these events suggests a well-laid plan, one that was set into motion long before you were aware of it."
Ye Chen's eyes hardened, his resolve solidifying with each passing moment. "I won't rest until I uncover the truth and destroy those responsible."
Fu Hong placed a firm hand on Ye Chen's shoulder, his grip steady and reassuring. "You're still young and your strength is not yet enough to challenge these forces. But I, Fu Hong, Elder of the Heavenly Dragon Sect, will take you as my disciple. I will personally train you to become strong enough to take your revenge."
Ye Chen's anger surged again, but this time it was tempered with purpose. "I will kill them all," he declared fiercely. "I will destroy anyone who had a hand in my family's demise."
With newfound determination, Ye Chen knelt before Fu Hong, bowing his head in respect. "Disciple greets Master," he said with unwavering resolve. Fu Hong accepted his gesture, recognizing the fierce spirit within the young man.
After the master-disciple ceremony was complete, Fu Hong led Ye Chen to the Heavenly Dragon Sect, one of the most prestigious sects in the cultivation world. As they approached, Ye Chen's breath was taken away by the sight before him.
The Heavenly Dragon Sect was located in the heart of the Great Celestial Valley. The valley was vast, its lush greenery punctuated by the towering peaks that surrounded it. These peaks stood like ancient towers, each one belonging to an elder of the sect, with their disciples residing upon them.
The Sect's main hall stood at the centre of the valley, a tall and imposing structure of unparalleled grandeur. The hall's roof gleamed with golden tiles, reflecting the sunlight like the scales of a divine dragon. Majestic stone pillars, each carved with intricate dragon motifs, supported the hall, giving it an air of invincibility and grace.
The main hall seemed to float above a crystal-clear lake, its waters so pure they mirrored the entire sky, creating the illusion of a world suspended between heaven and earth.
Streams of spiritual energy flowed through the air, nourishing the flora and the atmosphere. The sounds of distant waterfalls could be heard within the sect.
As they walked through the valley, disciples of the sect, clad in robes of deep azure and silver, trained in various martial techniques. Their movements were swift and precise, a testament to the rigorous training they underwent under the watchful eyes of their masters.
Ye Chen's awe only deepened as they ascended towards Fu Hong's peak. The path was lined with rare and exotic plants, each exuding a fragrance that invigorated the soul.
Fu Hong glanced at Ye Chen, noting his disciple's wide-eyed wonder. "This is just the beginning, Ye Chen. The Heavenly Dragon Sect is a place of unparalleled opportunities. Here, you will learn, you will grow, and one day, you will be strong enough to seek the justice you desire."
Ye Chen's heart swelled with determination as he looked out over the vast expanse of the Great Celestial Valley.
"I won't disappoint you, Master," Ye Chen vowed quietly, his voice filled with conviction.
Fu Hong smiled faintly. "I know you won't, my disciple. Your journey is just beginning. But remember, strength alone is not enough. You must also have the wisdom to wield it, the heart to guide it, and the resolve to see it through."