NOVEL NEXT Chapter 19: Chapter 19: Journey to Dongping Prefecture
Morning light spilled over Yanhe City like molten gold, gilding the rooftops, trees, and stone walls. The eastern gates opened slowly with a groan, and out rode a solemn procession—twelve riders in total, flanked by elite guards in silver-laced armor. Their expressions were grave, yet there was fire in their eyes. These were no ordinary cultivators; they were the chosen—the top ten victors of Yanhe City's martial competition, now bound for Dongping Prefecture to participate in the prestigious semi-finals.
At the head of the group rode five respected figures—Old Bai, dean of Bai Martial Academy, and the patriarchs of the four dominant clans: Gu Jinghai of the Gu Clan, Lei Wanshan of the Lei Clan, Zhao Yufeng of the Zhao Clan, and Han Tiesheng of the Han Clan. All were peak Blood Opening Realm experts, each with a legacy of fierce battles and unshakable pride.
"This generation is decent," muttered Lei Wanshan, the corners of his sharp eyes creasing. "But Dongping has cultivators who've begun to condense qi threads. They'll crush those without strong foundations."
"Then let them try," Han Tiesheng grunted. His body was a mountain of muscle, and his eyes shone with stubborn fire. "Han Jue won't back down. He was born to crush his limits."
"Still, we can't afford arrogance," Zhao Yufeng said in a low tone. "Dongping's sects don't care for Yanhe's reputation. Our disciples may be mere stepping stones to them."
Old Bai's voice was calm, measured. "This is the beginning of their path, not the end. Victory is less important than awakening their spirit."
Suddenly, a gust of wind stirred dust along the roadside. From the shifting haze emerged a cloaked figure clad in black, his silver mask glinting beneath the rising sun. His appearance silenced even the patriarchs.
The Mysterious City Lord of Yanhe had arrived.
"City Lord," Old Bai greeted, dismounting and bowing slightly. The other patriarchs followed suit. Behind them, the disciples stiffened, gazes snapping to attention.
No one knew his true name. No one knew where he came from. But it was whispered that he had ruled Yanhe City with invisible hands for over two decades. Never had he shown open hostility, yet none in the city dared provoke him.
Today, for the first time, he spoke at length.
"I came to see them off," the City Lord said, voice smooth and emotionless, yet layered with unseen weight. "The Dongping Semi-Finals are more than a competition. They are a doorway—one that opens into a world far greater than this city."
The wind shifted, and in that moment, every elder felt it—an invisible pressure, dense and controlled, radiating from his body. Peak of Early Stage Meridian Expansion Realm.
The patriarchs exchanged subtle glances. So the rumors were true. The City Lord had already stepped beyond Blood Opening. Though his cultivation wasn't overwhelming, his control over it was flawless. The restraint alone was terrifying.
"You think our youths are ready?" Gu Jinghai asked.
"No," the City Lord replied, his gaze resting briefly on the group of disciples. "But readiness is a lie. Greatness begins where comfort ends."
His masked eyes paused on Gu Tianshen, the cold and precise prodigy of the Gu Clan.
Then on Han Jue, bold and unrestrained, bursting with talent.
Then Li Yuan Tian, whose steady progress had now brought him to the late stage of Blood Opening, hidden fire glowing in his gaze.
And Li Zhu, the unassuming dark horse who had claimed fifth place with elegance and discipline.
Finally, the City Lord addressed all ten disciples.
"You are no longer Yanhe's children. You are its blades. At Dongping, you will be measured. Not just by strength—but by resolve. Those who survive will grow. Those who falter… may not return."
He stepped back. In the blink of an eye, the wind howled—and he was gone.
For a long moment, no one spoke. Even the normally proud Lei Wanshan remained quiet, lips pressed tight.
By mid-morning, the group had passed the city walls, riding into open grasslands veiled by drifting fog. The sun barely pierced through it. Stone paths, wild shrines, and distant forest lines blurred like dreams.
Li Yuan Tian looked sideways at Han Jue. "Do you think we can compete?"
Han Jue grinned. "Not sure. But we'll damn well try."
Li Zhu, riding just behind, murmured, "We aren't chosen because we're strong. We're chosen because we refuse to give up."
Ahead, Old Bai turned slightly. "Tonight, we camp by the Silverleaf River. After that, we'll be halfway to Dongping. Rest your bodies and sharpen your spirits."
And so, the journey began.
The flames of youth flickered as the road to Dongping opened—wide, uncertain, and full of destiny.