13: threaten

Zhou Xuantong placed the small tripod on the table and chanted an incantation. Golden patterns on the tripod's body gradually lit up, and a scorching aura spread out. A crimson flame suddenly erupted from the tripod, transforming into a fire serpent in mid-air and lunging straight for Di Shenglong's face!

In the blink of an eye, Di Shenglong tapped his right index finger, and a streak of golden-red true essence shot out, hitting the fire serpent exactly at its seven-inch mark. The fire serpent let out a mournful cry and turned back into flames, but it was wrapped by that streak of true essence and swept back, falling into the tripod.

"Boom!"

The small tripod shook violently, and the golden patterns on its body flickered wildly, seemingly unable to withstand this power. Zhou Xuantong's expression changed drastically, and he hurriedly cast several hand seals to barely stabilize the small tripod.

"Clan Leader Di has such impressive methods!" Zhou Xuantong's forehead was beaded with sweat as he forced a smile, "This old man is filled with admiration."

Zhang Tianyou and Zhao Jun exchanged a look, both seeing the shock in each other's eyes. The Spirit Refining Tripod was a Profound Rank top-tier Magic Treasure, yet it was nearly destroyed by a casual strike from Di Shenglong. Such strength was likely no inferior to a Heaven-Reaching Realm powerhouse!

"I've embarrassed myself." Di Shenglong smiled indifferently, as if he had just casually brushed away a speck of dust.

At this point in the banquet, Zhang Tianyou knew there was no point in further testing, so he changed the subject and talked about the scenery of Xuantian City. After several more rounds of drinks, Di Shenglong stood up to take his leave.

"I shall see Clan Leader Di out." Zhang Tianyou personally escorted him.

As the two walked to the front gate of the manor, Zhang Tianyou suddenly whispered, "Clan Leader Di, once certain opportunities are missed, they will never come again. Prince Qi Your Highness---does not like to be rejected."

Di Shenglong's gaze turned cold. "Is City Lord Zhang threatening me?"

"I wouldn't dare." Zhang Tianyou's smile remained unchanged. "Just a friendly reminder."

Di Shenglong said no more and turned to leave. Luo Qingyue hurried to follow; the two remained silent all the way until they were far from the City Lord's Manor.

"Zhang Tianyou tried to recruit you, why didn't you go? If you had, your future would be bright," Di Shenglong looked at Luo Qingyue with a faint smile.

After failing to recruit Di Shenglong, Zhang Tianyou had begun to recruit Luo Qingyue, but she had flatly refused.

"I am not interested in this matter."

"What about you? Rumor has it that Prince Qi has connections with some major sects. If you could join him, you might be able to establish a connection with those major sects in the future."

"I have my own plans." Di Shenglong interrupted her. "You go ahead, I want to walk alone for a bit."

Luo Qingyue hesitated but finally nodded and left.

Di Shenglong strolled to the Star-Gazing Platform in the center of the city, overlooking the entire Xuantian City. The setting sun dyed the city in golden-red, a sight of immense beauty.

"Prince Qi---" he muttered to himself, golden-red light swirling in his eyes.

"I hope you don't fail to appreciate what's good for you---"

The sun sank completely below the horizon, and the lights of Xuantian City began to glow. Di Shenglong stood at the high point like a crouching Dragon, quietly watching this city where winds and clouds were surging.

Three days later, night fell.

Di Shenglong stood not far from the small courtyard, watching quietly. Di Chenyuan followed behind him and whispered, "Clan Chief, that kid is likely already ruined. I've sent people to observe him secretly these past three days; besides dazing off, he just sleeps, and he hasn't even quit drinking---"

Before he could finish, a faint light suddenly lit up in front of the courtyard gate. It was a simple oil lamp, its flame flickering but burning tenaciously.

Di Chenyuan was stunned. "He---"

The corner of Di Shenglong's mouth curled up slightly as he strode toward the small courtyard. This time, the gate was wide open. The weeds in the courtyard had been cleared, and the wine flask on the stone table was gone. Di Qianjie stood in the center of the yard; though still thin, the Death Qi in his eyes had dissipated, replaced by a sharp light.

He had changed into a clean gray robe, and his hair was tied up, making him look much more spirited. Most striking was the Thousand Tribulations Sword wrapped in seven golden chains on his back.

"It seems you have your answer." Di Shenglong smiled.

Di Qianjie knelt on one knee and performed a standard sword salute: "Please, Lord Clan Chief, teach me."

Di Shenglong helped him up. "Come with me."

The two arrived at a secluded cave in the back mountain of the ancestral land. This was where Di Shenglong usually went into seclusion; the cave was simply furnished, with only a stone bed and a prayer mat.

"Sit." Di Shenglong pointed to the prayer mat while he sat on the stone bed.

Di Qianjie sat down as instructed, his eyes full of anticipation and trepidation.

"First, I need to check your injuries." Di Shenglong signaled for him to hold out his wrist.

When Di Shenglong's fingers touched Di Qianjie's pulse point, a streak of golden-red true essence quietly flowed in. Di Qianjie only felt a warm current spreading from his arm throughout his body, finally gathering at his abdomen—where the Dantian should have been, but was now a ruined wasteland.

"As I thought---" Di Shenglong withdrew his hand. "Your Dantian isn't completely destroyed; a sliver of Foundation remains. This makes things much easier."

Di Qianjie's breathing quickened. "Does the Clan Chief really have a way?"

"I do, but the process is extremely painful." Di Shenglong said seriously, "And it requires you to trust me completely."

Di Qianjie did not hesitate. "As long as I can hold a sword again, Qian Jie will have no regrets even after ten thousand deaths!"

"Good." Di Shenglong nodded. "Before we begin, I have a few questions. First, have you ever had a dream related to swords?"

Di Qianjie's body jolted. "How did the Clan Chief know? Since I was a child, I've often had the same dream—in the dream, I stand on a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood, the Thousand Tribulations Sword in my hand having drunk the blood of ten thousand enemies, the sword body turning from black to red..." He paused, "But after my Dantian was destroyed five years ago, this dream never appeared again."

Di Shenglong was lost in thought. He could basically confirm that the Thousand Tribulations Sword was no ordinary object; it was likely the carrier of some ancient Legacy. And Di Qianjie was the chosen successor.

"Second question." Di Shenglong looked directly into Di Qianjie's eyes. "If you regain your cultivation, what do you want to do most?"

A blazing fire ignited in Di Qianjie's eyes. "Revenge! Kill all the scoundrels of the Black Fiend Alliance! Then revitalize the Di Clan's sword Dao! I will strive for the Di Clan for the rest of my life!"

His answer was decisive, without a hint of hesitation. Di Shenglong nodded with satisfaction. "Remember your words today."

In Di Shenglong's mind, there was a Cultivation Technique called the Nirvana Sutra. This was a supreme Divine Ability of the Phoenix Clan, an ancient Divine Beast Family within the Di Realm, which Di Shenglong had obtained.

"Close your eyes."

Di Qianjie closed his eyes.

Di Shenglong placed his finger on Di Qianjie's forehead, and passages of the incantation flooded into Di Qianjie's mind.

When he again opened his eyes, he found that this Divine Ability was already in his mind.

"Clan Chief?"

Di Shenglong explained, "This is the Nirvana Sutra, specifically used to reshape the Dantian and achieve Nirvana Rebirth. However, the process is incredibly difficult; you will endure pain like you've never experienced before. Success depends entirely on you."

"This method is extremely dangerous. During the process, it will feel like ten thousand ants are devouring your heart, an agony beyond words. You may choose not to Cultivate it."

"No, I want to try. What if it feels like ten thousand ants devouring my heart? I've endured these past five years; why should I fear this mere agony?"

"From today on, you will Cultivate here in seclusion. This is the place with the densest Spiritual Qi in the clan. I hope to see a brand-new Di Qianjie."

Qian Jie took a deep breath and said solemnly, "Qian Jie will surely not fail the Clan Chief's expectations!"

Di Shenglong nodded and was about to leave when he was called back.

"Clan Chief!" Di Qianjie untied the Thousand Tribulations Sword from his back and offered it with both hands. "This sword... please keep it for me, Clan Chief. On the day I emerge from seclusion, I will come to take it back."

Di Shenglong understood that this was Di Qianjie's way of expressing his resolve. He solemnly took the long sword. "I'll wait for you to come and get it."

Walking out of the cave, Di Shenglong looked up at the starry sky. Tonight, the stars were exceptionally bright, as if foretelling the new life the Di Clan was about to welcome.

"Di Qianjie---" he softly whispered the name, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. "Perhaps you will be another sharp sword for the Di Clan's future."

He hoped that everyone in the Di Clan could be like a Dragon!

The Thousand Tribulations Sword vibrated slightly in his hand, as if it too were looking forward to the day its master would be reborn.