Chapter 114: Three Sword Energies

Qi Han looked at us and spoke, "Tan Boqing, what exactly do you mean by this? Breaking into my Qi family estate is one thing, but now you come here demanding an explanation? It seems to me that you are the one who owes me an explanation."

My master was taken aback and looked at him, asking, "What kind of explanation could you possibly want from me?"

Qi Han pointed at Li Muyang, who was standing behind us. "You abducted a member of my Qi family for days, and now you have the audacity to storm my estate. Do you truly think there is no one left in the Qi family?"

As Qi Han finished speaking, people began to surround us. They all exuded a flow of spiritual energy, but to my master and me, these people were nothing more than mere rabble. Master smiled and said, "Abducted a member of your family? Does this boy even carry the surname Qi?"

At these words, Qi Han's expression darkened. My master’s remark left him at a loss for words, so he resorted to petulance. "Hmph! Don't try to deflect. If you don't give me an explanation today, you won't be leaving the Qi estate."

As the crowd closed in, my master let out a cold laugh but said nothing. The Azure Lotus Sword suddenly appeared in his hand. With a fierce swing, a blade of spiritual energy shot toward Qi Han. Caught off guard, Qi Han barely dodged, but a lock of his hair was sliced clean off. The energy continued, striking the roof of the building behind him with a thunderous crash, shattering roof tiles and splitting a support pillar in two. Another roar followed as the house collapsed, sending dust billowing into the air.

Qi Han frowned deeply, touching the spot where his hair had been shorn. He pointed at my master in a rage, shouting, "Tan Boqing, how dare you..."

"How dare I? Didn't you want an explanation? I'm giving you one."

Before Qi Han could finish, my master cut him off. Without pausing, he swung his sword again, and a second building collapsed with a deafening thud. Qi Han’s face turned ghastly pale as he glared at my master. "Stop! I told you to stop! You villain!"

Master ignored him and unleashed a third strike, bringing down another house. Only then did he stop. Qi Han looked at his ruined property with genuine heartache, then turned his gaze toward my master, snarling, "Tan Boqing, you go too far! Men, seize him!"

At Qi Han’s command, the people surrounding us surged forward. My master and I blocked their paths on either side. I summoned the Heaven-Singing Spear and swept it forward; arcs of silver electricity crackled, sending everyone in front of me flying backward. Those struck by the bolts lay on the ground, paralyzed and limp, some even frothing at the mouth. My master glanced at me and said lightly, "Easy on them, lad."

I nodded. Intimidated by our display of power, the remaining onlookers dared not charge again, watching us warily from a distance. My master, still holding the Azure Lotus Sword, smiled faintly. "Qi Han, I tried to be reasonable, but you refused to see the truth until it was too late. I will ask you only one thing: you gave me your word, so why did you renege on it? And to send a mere boy to deal with me—is this some childish game of sacrificing the small to protect the big?"

Qi Han’s expression stiffened. "I never promised you anything, Tan Boqing. Don't make false accusations."

Hearing this, my master chuckled again. "Still playing games? Are you determined to destroy the Qi family with your own hands? Very well, I will give you that opportunity, but do not blame me for playing rough."

***

My master finished speaking and, without waiting for a response, twisted the Azure Lotus Sword in his hand. He wiped his palm across the blade, and a terrifying aura emerged. Upon feeling this force, Qi Han’s heart raced, his face turning rigid. Just as my master prepared to swing a wave of energy, he suddenly stopped, looking past Qi Han with a puzzled expression. "Old master, you've been watching for a long time; you certainly have patience."

As soon as he spoke, everyone present grew confused and turned in the direction he was looking. I followed their gaze and heard a laugh emanating from the pile of rubble. A figure emerged from the dust—a slightly hunched old man with his hands behind his back. His hair was jet black and impeccably groomed. He walked toward us step by step. When Li Muyang saw him, he cried out, "Grandfather!"

He ran to the old man’s side, and the elder smiled, patting him on the head. "Lad, have you had enough fun these past few days?"

Li Muyang nodded obediently. My master then spoke up, "Senior Qi Luotian, I have long heard of your reputation."

The old man looked at my master and waved his hand with a laugh. "Tan Boqing of Beiming Pass, your fame far exceeds mine. I am unworthy of such praise."

My master bowed, saying, "Not at all, not at all."

Qi Luotian nodded, surveying the wreckage around them. "Tan Boqing, I know why you came today. Qi Han has only recently taken the head of the house and is young and hot-headed. I do not blame you for your anger today. If Qi Han has offended you, I apologize on his behalf. What do you think?"

My master smiled upon hearing this. "Senior Qi Luotian is indeed a man of reason. However, one must bear the consequences of one's own actions. I understand Qi Han’s youthful arrogance, but his petty tricks—appearing to act for the family while actually ruining it—are unwise. My actions today were perhaps a bit extreme, and I will not be stingy with compensation. I hope you will be understanding, Senior. And Qi Han, let me give you a word of advice: the world of the supernatural runs deep. Your little tricks have no place here; they only bring shame upon the Qi family."

Qi Han’s face was livid. He wanted to attack my master but feared the loss of face should he be defeated, especially with the elite of the Qi family watching. Senior Qi Luotian nodded and said, "That is indeed true. No compensation is needed; Qi Han’s folly was the cause, so let this be a lesson to him. I am old now and do not interfere in public affairs, but in private, I can still offer some guidance to the younger generation."

My master nodded and bowed. "With someone like you, the Qi family’s future is secure."

Qi Luotian smiled and waved his hand. "Too early to say, too early."

Master laughed heartily and sheathed the Azure Lotus Sword. I did the same with the Heaven-Singing Spear, standing silently as I watched the Qi family members opposite us. Master then said, "Senior Qi Luotian, there is one more matter I wish to discuss, if I may."

Qi Luotian looked at him, puzzled. "Speak freely."

My master nodded and said, "I wish to take Li Muyang with me."

***

At these words, everyone present was stunned. I looked at my master in shock as well. Qi Luotian smiled slightly and asked, "Why?"

My master looked at the ground and smiled. "Li Muyang is a good lad. If he stays solely within the Qi family, he will struggle to achieve anything great. A man should have grand ambitions; how can he hide under the eaves like a tortoise? What do you think, Senior?"

After my master finished, Qi Luotian’s smile deepened. He looked at Li Muyang and then at my master. "Tan Boqing, I understand your intentions. This is for the best. The boy has talent but lacks a proper guide. The world is changing, and undercurrents are shifting. The burden on the shoulders of the head of the Lin family is heavy; if he had a capable assistant, it would be ideal."

My master was startled. "Senior, you already know?"

Qi Luotian nodded without speaking. My master smiled. "Then, thank you."

My master bowed, and Qi Luotian returned the gesture. Standing beside my master, I naturally knew who the head of the Lin family was, but the second half of his statement left me confused. What did he mean by the burden being heavy? Could it be that my current life was merely the beginning?

My master and Qi Luotian straightened up, and the elder turned to Li Muyang. "Lad, do you wish to go out and gain experience?"

Li Muyang looked at Qi Luotian, wanting to nod but hesitant. "Grandfather, I... I want to, but if I leave, there will be no one left to talk to you."

Qi Luotian ruffled Li Muyang’s hair. "Silly boy, with so many people in the Qi family, do you think I have no one to talk to? If you want to go, then go. You are a man, and a man must strive for self-improvement. You cannot live under the protection of others forever. If you miss me, you can come back and visit. But when you do return, you must make me proud of you, or I won't let you through the door. Do you understand?"

With that, Senior Qi Luotian affectionately tousled Li Muyang’s hair.