Xiao Xuan glanced at the lifeless body of Chen Damrong and slowly drew the hilt of his own sword.
He wasn't surprised he had managed to kill Chen Damrong.
Ever since his spatial attribute Spiritual Roots were discovered when he was five years old, Xiao Xuan had been thinking about how to fully utilize this unique gift.
The technique he used today was something he had found buried among the forgotten items in his family's Scripture Pavilion. For the past ten years, he had been training relentlessly to master it. Only in the last year or two had he managed to use it skillfully in battle.
Space Shift!
This ability allowed Xiao Xuan to harness his spatial attribute Spiritual Roots, enabling him to teleport within a one-meter radius around himself. With this, he could change his position unexpectedly, catching opponents off guard and delivering a lethal counter.
"Huuh!"
Xiao Xuan exhaled heavily as he reached for his Spirit Gathering Pills. He popped four or five into his mouth, the bitter taste biting his tongue, but he didn't sit down to restore his Spirit Power immediately.
Instead, he walked to Chen Damrong's body and tore the storage bag from his waist, securing it on his own.
Storage bags couldn't be placed inside other storage bags, so they had to be carried separately.
After securing the bag, Xiao Xuan rummaged through it and pulled out a fiery red talisman.
It was a Fireball Talisman, a first-tier top-grade item that could summon flames using fire Spirit Power.
"Boom!"
Xiao Xuan activated the talisman, holding it between his index and middle fingers. A blazing fireball, the size of a football, appeared instantly in front of him. With a flick of his wrist, he hurled it at the corpse.
Flames engulfed Chen Damrong's body in seconds, burning it to ashes. Xiao Xuan watched silently, his expression calm and emotionless.
Xiao Xuan lived by a simple principle: If no one offends me, I won't offend them. But if someone dares to harm me, I'll repay them a hundredfold.
In the Immortal World, where the strong preyed on the weak, showing even a hint of vulnerability would invite bullying—or worse, death.
Xiao Xuan understood this cruel reality all too well.
"Ding!"
Chen Damrong's long knife was kicked straight into the deep pool by Xiao Xuan.
Although he coveted the idea of owning a top-grade Magical Item, he knew this long knife was a potential threat.
Xiao Xuan believed in eliminating all unstable factors before they could grow into bigger problems.
If he tried to sell the long knife, there was a risk the Chen family could track him down using it. That would be far too dangerous and not worth the gain.
He watched as the flames consumed Chen Damrong's remains, reducing them to ashes. Only after confirming that nothing recognizable was left did he retreat into the woods. Finding a secure spot high in a tree, Xiao Xuan perched quietly, keeping an eye on the deep pool.
Half an hour later, Xiao Xuan finally allowed himself to relax.
The Immortal Sword Mountains were filled with adventurers and treasure hunters searching for elixirs or Spirit Stones.
Some of these explorers earned a living not just from treasure but also by selling information. If any of them had seen the earlier scene, they might investigate or even sell the news.
This would pose a serious risk, not only to Xiao Xuan but to the entire Xiao family.
The Chen family from Lanling City was a Foundation Establishment family, with rumors of an ancestor who had been at that level for many years.
If they discovered Xiao Xuan had killed Chen Damrong, the consequences would be disastrous. The Xiao family, a modest Qi Refining family, stood no chance against a powerhouse like the Chen family.
---
Qinghe Town
Situated on the edge of the Immortal Sword Mountain Range, Qinghe Town was a bustling stopover for travelers heading into or out of the mountains.
Its location made it lively and prosperous, though it wasn't unique. At least a dozen similar towns surrounded the Immortal Sword Mountain Range.
It was said that Qinghe Town had a history stretching back over three hundred years.
The town was home to three prominent Qi Refining families:
The Wang Family, known for their expertise in crafting weapons.
The Li Family, specializing in talismans and seals.
The Xiao Family, dealing in the trade of Medicine Pills.
Each family had carved out a niche for itself, ensuring the town's steady growth and reputation over the years.
The Xiao Family
Situated in the northwest corner of Qinghe Town, the Xiao family's estate spanned a vast, towering mountain range.
This range stretched high into the sky, its steep cliffs and rugged terrain forming a natural barrier, extending all the way to the edge of the Immortal Sword Mountain Range.
At the heart of the Xiao family's territory stood a grand palace, solemnly perched atop the mountains like a guardian of the clan's legacy.
Through the massive entrance gates, one could glimpse the interior of the Great Hall.
Inside, two rows of men sat on either side of the hall, their expressions heavy with worry. There were four in total, each exuding the presence of authority, though a cloud of unease hung over them.
In the main seat at the head of the hall sat an elderly man. His white hair framed a face that still held the vibrancy of youth, and his aura commanded respect. This was the patriarch of the Xiao family, clearly far more imposing than the others.
Some time ago, he had gone into **Closed-Door Training**, attempting to break through to the Foundation Establishment realm. Yet, despite his efforts, success had eluded him.
Now, having emerged from seclusion, he had intended to check on his grandson—only to learn that his grandson was missing.
"My eldest grandson! Where is he?"
"Answer me! Do any of you know where he is?"
The roar carried the powerful aura of a cultivator at the peak of the ninth level of Qi Refining, shaking the hall and intimidating everyone present.
The four men seated below instinctively lowered their heads, not daring to meet the patriarch's furious gaze.
However, three of them subtly turned their eyes toward a middle-aged man among them. This man, whose features bore a striking resemblance to Xiao Xuan, seemed to be the focus of their silent accusations.
Xiao Liangting, the middle-aged man, raised his head slowly. His face betrayed an awkward expression as he hesitantly glanced at the old man sitting in the main seat.
(End of chapter)
(Please add this to your collection and give power stones. For a new book exposure is good and will be recommended by webnovel algorithm)