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Chapter 21 - Chapter 21: A Father’s Secret

Lei Chen's journey toward finding his father began with a heavy heart. As he ventured deeper into the wilderness, memories of his childhood returned—memories of his father's lessons, his strength, and the day he disappeared. But now, everything had changed. His father was alive, and the Black Veil Sect held him captive. The name alone sent a chill down Lei Chen's spine. He had heard whispers of this faction, a group notorious for delving into forbidden techniques that corrupted both body and soul.

The Black Veil Sect specialized in dark cultivation, a path that warped qi into something monstrous. The disciples of this sect were known for their twisted abilities—controlling shadows, manipulating corrupted spiritual energy, and devouring the qi of other cultivators. Lei Chen knew he wasn't ready to confront them head-on, but the burning need to rescue his father fueled his determination.

As he traveled, Lei Chen's thoughts turned to his own cultivation. Having broken through to the second sub-stage of the Essence Gathering Stage, he could feel the profound difference in his qi. His essence was purer now, allowing him to draw on greater power. The War God's legacy granted him not only strength but also an enhanced connection to the natural world around him. He could manipulate the essence in the environment to fortify his attacks and defenses, a skill that would soon be tested.

Late one night, as Lei Chen camped under the stars, he was ambushed by a group of rogue cultivators. These were no ordinary thieves—they were members of the Iron Fang Clan, a group of mercenaries who sold their services to the highest bidder.

"Hand over your treasures, boy," one of them sneered, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Or we'll take them from your corpse."

Lei Chen rose to his feet, his eyes cold. "You don't know who you're dealing with."

The rogue cultivators laughed, but Lei Chen's expression didn't change. With a swift motion, he unleashed one of the War God's techniques—Heaven's Fury Strike. His hand glowed with golden light, and the earth beneath him trembled. Before the rogues could react, a wave of essence surged forward, blasting them off their feet.

The fight was over in moments.

As Lei Chen stood among the unconscious bodies, he felt the power surging within him. His control over his essence was growing, but the path ahead would be far more treacherous. He needed allies, and fast.