Inside the Cave
Chen Mo ventured deeper into the cave, the damp air thick with the scent of earth and blood. "We've been going so deep already. Are we close yet?" he asked the system, his voice echoing faintly.
The system's mechanical voice replied confidently, "It's here!"
Chen Mo's eyes widened as he spotted a glowing red flower blooming amidst the rubble. "That… that's a Fire Lotus!" he exclaimed, his tone filled with a mix of joy and surprise. "I didn't expect this python to be hiding such a treasure."
He carefully approached the flower, its petals radiating warmth and emitting a faint, fiery glow. "With this, my father can finally heal the old wounds he suffered back then!"
Memories surfaced in Chen Mo's mind, his expression darkening. If my father hadn't been injured while defending our family during the Great War against the demons ten years ago…
He clenched his fists tightly. Huo wouldn't have dared to act so arrogantly. My father was a peak Martial Spirit powerhouse, the top genius of the Sword Sect, shattering every record in the sect's history. But after he was injured, his strength was reduced to the Martial Master realm. The sect abandoned him, casting him out without hesitation. Only recently has he managed to recover to the Grandmaster realm.
Chen Mo's gaze softened as he plucked the Fire Lotus carefully. "Alright. Let's pick this and head back."
Back at the Chen Residence
Chen Huo sat in the courtyard, sipping tea leisurely, though his eyes betrayed his frustration. The men I sent still haven't returned. It seems they've failed. Useless trash.
He sighed, setting his teacup down. No matter. It seems I need to proceed with my plan earlier than expected.
Chen Huo retrieved a bead from his robe, its surface shimmering faintly. It was a communication bead. Standing up, he activated it and spoke with a tone of respect and nervousness. "Greetings, Prince Tianlong."
A voice filled with arrogance echoed from the bead. "Oh? Why did you call me?"
"Your Highness, my plan to take over as family head using the competition has failed," Chen Huo admitted, bowing slightly as if the prince could see him. "I ask for your assistance. Even though Chen Ye is injured, I'm still no match for him."
"Failed, you say?" Tianlong's tone turned cold. "I helped your son enter the Sword Sect in exchange for your rise as family head, with your family falling under my control. And now you've failed me?"
Chen Huo gritted his teeth. "Everything was going according to plan… but it's all because of that bastard Chen Mo! He was rumored to be a useless trash with no cultivation, but it turns out he was pretending to be a pig to eat the tiger. Please, give me one more chance! Once I become the family head, all the treasures left by our ancestors will be yours!"
"Ho… treasures, you say?" Tianlong's interest was piqued. "Fine. I'll give you one more chance. If you fail again, you know the consequences."
Chen Huo's heart raced as Tianlong continued, "I'll send three Martial Grandmasters to assist you in dealing with Chen Ye."
Chen Huo's tone brightened immediately. "Three Martial Grandmasters? With such a force, you needn't worry. I will definitely succeed this time!"
The bead's light dimmed, and the prince's presence faded.
Chen Huo clenched the bead tightly, his expression twisting into a sinister grin. Chen Ye, Chen Mo… you both dared to stand in my way. The position of family head can only belong to me.