In that moment, an air of quiet solemnity lingered.
The old man, who had struggled to maintain his composure, finally turned to look at Chu Wuchen.
"Wuchen Tianjun, I am truly ashamed. This is my failure for not disciplining strictly, allowing you to witness such disgrace." His voice was low, weighed down by regret.
"Respected Elder, there's no need to reproach yourself," Chu Wuchen replied evenly, his eyes unwavering. "The contributions you've made to the family are known by all who bear the Chu name. It's just that I cannot stand the audacity of an outsider to act so brazenly in the very heart of my Changsheng Chu family."
Hearing these words, the elder's expression deepened with shame, and he heaved a remorseful sigh.
"How I regret it!" he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. "Had I known, I should have crushed Qin Ziyu with a single strike long ago and abandoned any illusions about Chu Haotian."
Yet, he straightened, his tone regaining strength as he vowed, "Rest assured, Wuchen Tianjun. I will ensure this matter is resolved to your satisfaction."
...
Soon, this incident spread through the entire Changsheng Chu family like wildfire, sending shockwaves across every hall and chamber. Whispers filled the halls, carrying a single declaration:
"Chu Haotian… will be stripped of his status as the family heir!"
This decision was truly unprecedented, for within the history of the Changsheng Chu family, heirs were rarely dethroned. Yet, few raised objections, and many even showed understanding. Chu Haotian had gone too far, and the animosity that had simmered against Qin Ziyu had finally reached a boiling point.
A man like Chu Haotian no longer deserved a place among the five successors of the Changsheng Chu family, even if he possessed extraordinary talent, even if he bore the honor of being a first-generation heir.
...
In the distant abode where Chu Haotian resided, a vast ethereal island hovered in the skies.
A strangled cry of rage broke the silence. "Ahhh!!!"
Chu Haotian, his long hair disheveled, seemed a man possessed. His piercing red eyes glowed with fury as he clenched his fists. The force of his blow shattered the mountainous terrain around him, sending fragments of rock and soil tumbling as if the very earth itself recoiled in fear.
"Chu Wuchen," he seethed, his voice a hoarse whisper, dripping with venom. "I will make you pay!"
Unyielding hatred twisted his features as he stared into the empty distance. His pride, his very identity, had been ground into the dust. As a first-generation heir, Chu Haotian was unaccustomed to humiliation; and now, his title itself was under threat.
"I will make you pay… I swear it!"
...
One early morning, as the sun rose in the eastern sky, spilling soft golden light over the land, Chu Ling'er approached, her eyes sharp with determination.
"Tianjun," she reported, "you were right. Someone left from Chu Haotian's residence – quietly, without attracting attention."
"Where did they go?" Chu Wuchen asked, glancing toward her.
"Eastward," she replied, her brow knitting with concern.
"Eastward…" His eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "That seems to be the direction of the ancient Peng Mountains."
"Tianjun," Chu Ling'er began, her tone tinged with apprehension, "do you think they might…"
"Don't worry about it," Chu Wuchen interrupted, offering a dismissive smile.
...
Meanwhile, within the vast halls of the Changsheng Palace, two figures were deep in conversation.
"This era," spoke the Ninth Ancestor, his voice rich with purpose, "is one of great contention. Wuchen should venture out to experience it firsthand."
An elder, standing respectfully before him, nodded solemnly. "An era of great contention indeed. The tribes vie for supremacy, kings rise in every direction, and many divine sons and saintesses have already embarked on their journeys. Our Changsheng Chu family should not lag behind."
The elder's eyes gleamed with fervor, his excitement barely restrained. "Then, Ninth Ancestor, shall I issue the Changsheng Decree and announce it to the Immortal Domain?"
The Ninth Ancestor shook his head slowly. "There's no need for that. Times have changed. The decree holds less weight now that the Heavenly Talents list has emerged."
Understanding dawned on the elder, and he gave a nod. "Indeed."
"Instead," continued the Ninth Ancestor, reaching out with a wave of his hand, as the space before him split open, revealing a collection of mystical, radiant talismans. "Take these and present them to Wuchen."
The elder accepted the talismans with reverence, his gaze shifting back to the Ninth Ancestor. "And convey this to Wuchen: he need not restrain himself in his journey."
...
Not long after, the elder made his way to the Hall of the Heavenly Lord.
"Tianjun," he began without preamble, "the Ninth Ancestor has decreed it's time for you to enter the world and temper yourself."
"Understood," Chu Wuchen replied simply, his anticipation evident in his gaze.
He glanced to his side, where a cloaked figure stood. This was a man shrouded in dark mist, his aura powerful and unfathomable.
"Allow me to introduce him," the elder said with a respectful nod. "This is one of the Ninth Ancestor's esteemed generals. He will accompany you on this journey, serving as your protector."
A protector – a formidable necessity on this perilous path.
The general bowed, extending a hand in greeting. Chu Wuchen returned the gesture with a smile.
The elder then handed Chu Wuchen several talismans that emitted an ethereal glow. "And here, take these. They're from the Ninth Ancestor."
Among the collection were a Boundary-Breaking Talisman and a Death-Substitute Talisman – valuable tools to safeguard his life. Chu Wuchen accepted them with gratitude, recognizing their importance. Although his strength was unmatched among his peers, even he could not overlook the lurking threats posed by powerful ancient figures.
Then, with a wave of his hand, the elder summoned a dazzling mist infused with vibrant purple light, swirling with potent energies.
Out of this radiant mist emerged nine majestic creatures, each with heads raised in regal defiance.
"Behold!" gasped Chu Ling'er, her eyes wide with awe. "White Jade Dragon Qilin!"
And there were nine of them.
To the eye, they appeared like magnificent creatures out of myth, their bodies covered in shimmering white jade scales that gleamed under the sunlight. Each was a rare blend of dragon and qilin, their sinewy forms surrounded by a halo of immortal mist, exuding an aura of boundless nobility.
The elder stroked his beard, a glint of envy passing through his eyes. "Tianjun," he said with a chuckle, "this is a gift from the Ninth Ancestor himself. The Nine-Headed White Jade Dragon Qilin – the highest of honors in the Immortal Domain."
Even as a revered elder of the Changsheng Chu family, he had never been granted a single White Jade Dragon Qilin. And here was Chu Wuchen, receiving nine as a mere mount. The Ninth Ancestor, he thought, truly favored this child beyond all measure.
Chu Wuchen's face broke into a wide smile. This chariot was beyond majestic – it was otherworldly. Even though he wasn't one to indulge in displays of grandeur, he couldn't help but revel in the sight.
Good looks, after all, were universally appreciated.
...
"Well then, Tianjun, if you wish, you may depart now," said the elder after explaining everything. He looked at Chu Wuchen with a gleam of pride and anticipation. The young man before him, this Chu Wuchen, felt like a nascent Kunpeng, ready to soar into the heavens and reach for the stars.
Chu Wuchen stepped onto the chariot, his gaze full of resolve.
With a resonant roar, the Nine-Headed White Jade Dragon Qilins unleashed a unified, earth-shaking cry, each one pulsing with a mighty vitality. Then, in one fluid motion, they leaped forward.
The wind howled as the chariot surged ahead, the nine dragon qilins cutting through the sky like bolts of white lightning.
In that instant, the entire world seemed to stop and stare in awe as the Nine-Headed White Jade Dragon Qilin Chariot streaked across the heavens, carrying the Changsheng Chu family's greatest hope out into the world.