Chapter Sixteen: Borrowing Power

Miao Shilin was taken aback—he had just been called a fool by a little simpleton. The members of the Che family all smiled at Che Wuyou’s scornful expression toward Miao Shilin, while the Miao family could only look on with embarrassment.

The aggressive situation Miao Shilin had orchestrated was disrupted in an instant by Che Wuyou’s single remark. The Che family’s chief steward seized the moment to say with a smile, “Master Miao, I advise you to let our young master Wuyou go. First, our young master is afflicted with a strange illness and is on the brink of death—he may not live out the week. Second, with his status and background, your humble Miao family is in no position to provoke him.”

Just moments ago, Miao Shilin had been using Che Wuyou’s life as a threat, and now the tables had turned—his opponent was using Che Wuyou to threaten him. He found the situation absurd and couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh? Are you saying this child is the favored disciple of some great power?” Miao Shilin’s tone dripped with mockery. How could a major power take a liking to this half-wit?

He intended to ridicule the Che family, but the chief steward replied earnestly, “Master Miao is indeed clever. You may not have hit the mark, but you’re not far off. While our young master is not the chosen disciple of a great power, he has been named by the head of the Ye family, one of the ten ancient immortal clans, as their ideal son-in-law.”

The words struck the crowd like a stone cast into a lake. To be the chosen son-in-law of the Ye family’s head was a status far beyond that of any disciple of a major sect. Yet, who could believe it? The Che family was so insignificant compared to the Ye family that they were like ants beneath a giant’s foot. Even the most powerful sects in the southern regions would not lightly offend the Ye family, and the notion of an alliance by marriage was simply laughable.

If the Ye family were to ally with the heir of the Huashan Sword Sect or the direct descendant of a grand elder, that would be understandable. Even with Wu Haotian’s talent and identity as one of the thirteen sword inheritors of Huashan, he would be considered beneath notice for such a union—unless he became truly exceptional.

The Miao family was thrown into an uproar by these claims, and even the Che family members exchanged bewildered glances. Wu Haotian himself was visibly shaken and couldn’t help but warn, “Be careful with such talk. If the Ye family hears that their daughter’s name is being sullied, they may issue a celestial bounty on everyone present.” He thought bitterly that he too might be drawn into disaster.

Che Hongshi saw the disbelief on everyone’s faces and felt a pang of bitterness himself, for even he found it hard to believe. But the truth could not be denied. With a sigh, he said, “I had no wish to speak of this, but for the sake of Wuyou’s life, I have no choice.” He drew something from his robes and had it handed to Wu Haotian.

Wu Haotian examined the object closely, his expression changing as he realized what it was—a marriage contract between Che Wuyou and Ye Li. He nodded in disbelief, “Indeed, this is the Ye family’s unique seal and script. It would be all but impossible to forge.”

He glanced curiously at the bewildered Che Wuyou, unable to fathom what made this sickly child so extraordinary as to be favored by the Ye family. If it had been Che Yeming, it would still be astonishing, but at least conceivable. But Che Wuyou? He could see nothing remarkable.

Hearing Wu Haotian’s confirmation, Miao Shilin’s face fell. He had meant to keep a hostage to force the Che family’s hand, but now the hostage had become a burning coal—impossible to hold, impossible to let go.

The mere thought of the Ye family made Miao Shilin shiver. In the southern territories, only a handful of powers dared to disrespect the Ye family. Even the region’s strongest sect, the Azure Lake Sword Sect, would not risk their ire. This alone spoke volumes about the dreadful might of the ten ancient immortal clans.

He stole a glance at Che Wuyou’s frail, vacant face, still finding it hard to believe this child was so closely tied to the Ye family. But he could not bring himself to simply let Che Wuyou go—his thirst for vengeance had him riding a tiger, unable to dismount. With his own end approaching, he knew this might be his last chance for revenge.

Wu Haotian saw the storm on Miao Shilin’s face and thought, “Today Miao Shilin is mad with vengeance; he dares defy even the Huashan Sword Sect. He won’t be cowed by the Ye family’s name. But with someone as talented as Che Yeming here, I cannot let the Miao family ruin everything.”

Glancing at Miao Shilin, Wu Haotian’s lips curled into a cold smile. Once again he was acting as peacemaker for his sect, and yet Miao Shilin would dare challenge the authority of the Huashan Sword Sect? It was time to make him pay for his arrogance. The dignity of the great sects was not to be mocked by the likes of the Miao family.

Wu Haotian saw that Miao Shilin was about to speak and cut him off, saying, “It’s a pity about young Wuyou here—he’s suffered a spiritual attack that nearly shattered his soul-sea. Whoever did this was truly vicious. If he does not receive treatment, he may not survive another two months.”

The Che couple both paled. “A spiritual attack?” they cried in unison.

Wu Haotian nodded. “Only a cultivator at the Core Formation stage or above can project their spirit. And those who use spiritual attacks are either madmen or monsters in the cultivation world.”

Everyone nodded in agreement. Cultivators treasured their spiritual power, for any harm to it would halt their advancement forever. Once one’s spirit left the body, it became extraordinarily fragile, easily harmed without the protection of the soul-sea. Only a madman would attack another’s spirit unless they were certain of overwhelming superiority. Even then, combat within another’s soul-sea is to fight on enemy ground—dangerous and rarely attempted.

Wu Haotian continued, “Now that young Wuyou is in your hands, I ask that the Miao family care for him for three years. After that, whether the Che and Miao families reconcile or renew their feud, the Huashan Sword Sect will no longer intervene. Let this matter end here. If anyone objects, they may test my sword themselves.” He unfastened his sword, holding it in hand as he surveyed the crowd with icy pride.

Ye Hongyu felt a pang as Wu Haotian so easily consigned Che Wuyou to the Miao family. She glanced anxiously at Che Hongshi, who shook his head, warning her not to anger Wu Haotian further. They all understood—the reputedly gentle Wu Haotian was truly enraged this time, and if anyone defied him now, he would not hesitate to kill to assert his authority.

The Miao family, seeing Wu Haotian’s impassive expression, dared not challenge his authority. Though not as bloodthirsty as demonic cultivators, righteous sects still respected strength. It was not unheard of for someone to kill in a fit of anger—though the righteous path was more subtle, they were no less deadly.

Seeing their response, Wu Haotian nodded with satisfaction. But then Lin Feng spoke: “Young Master Wu, Che Wuyou’s soul-sea is already nearly destroyed—he may not survive two months, let alone three years. Elixirs that nourish the soul are rare and priceless. With such an injury, it’s a death sentence. Even if we wished to help, there’s nothing we can do.”

The Miao family all nodded in agreement, but Wu Haotian only sneered, “That’s your problem, not mine. But remember this: if any harm comes to this child in the next three years, the Miao family will cease to exist.” His voice was cold as steel, and for the first time, a killing intent flickered in his eyes, chilling all who heard him.

The crowd was stunned—Wu Haotian, usually so mild, now revealed a ruthless side and spoke with utter disregard for reason. It reminded them all of the willfulness of the great powers: argue facts and they speak of principles; argue principles and they show you their fists.

Lin Feng’s face flushed with anger. He was ready to risk everything—better to fight and die than live in humiliation.

As he prepared to draw his sword and strike at Wu Haotian, Miao Shilin shouted, “Lin Feng!”

Eyes blazing, Lin Feng cried, “Brother!”

“Stand down! I said stand down!” Miao Shilin sighed inwardly. He had thought that with Miao Zongbao dead, he had no more attachments in this world and could act without restraint. But was it truly so easy to be without care?

Looking at Lin Feng’s proud young face, he was reminded of another time, fifty years ago, on a stormy night, when a stubborn child trudged alone through wind and rain.

“Uncle, you saved me and my mother. I will repay you one day,” the child had said solemnly.

“There’s no need for repayment. Your home has been destroyed. Why not come to Miao Manor—”

“You have already saved us once. I could never accept another debt—” In the end, the child, as proud and wounded as a lone wolf, vanished into the stormy night.

Some twenty years ago, Lin Feng, having reached the Returning Origin stage, arrived at Miao Manor to seek refuge. From then on, he became Miao Shilin’s right hand, loyal and devoted, the second-in-command and a pillar of the family.

Miao Shilin looked carefully at this sworn brother who would die for him, at this young man with such a promising future. How could he bear to see him throw his life away in vain?

Shaking his head, he said firmly, “Lin Feng, if you still regard me as your elder brother, if you remember our oath, then stand down.”

Lin Feng’s proud face went ashen. “Brother, I—” he stammered.

Miao Shilin ignored him, though his heart was cold with dread. Wu Haotian was cunning and ruthless. For a mere slight, he would disregard the alliance of the righteous path and push the Miao family toward destruction. But Miao Shilin was not about to give him an excuse. Wu Haotian might think highly of his schemes, but he could not know that the Miao family was descended from the legendary King of Medicine. Though Miao Shilin could not cure Che Wuyou completely, he was confident he could prolong the boy’s life for three years.

With that in mind, he looked up at Wu Haotian and sneered, “Since you have given your orders, how could we dare disobey? We shall take our leave.” He turned to his family and called, “Let’s go!”

Just as the Miao family was about to depart, Ye Hongyu hurried forward and shouted, “Wait!”