Chapter 04
Author: Jajajuba
last update2025-08-18 13:25:35

A small child could be seen digging a deep hole using only his physical strength and makeshift tools. He scooped the soil bit by bit, his hands repeating the motion over and over, lifting and tossing the dirt out of a hole that spanned about three meters wide and had an immeasurable depth.

Half a day passed. The sun climbed higher, and at last, he managed to finish the task with great difficulty. Yet, he was still happy to offer this as a final resting place.

Then he entered the cave, bringing with him several rattan vines as thick as his thumb.

The child was very clever; he tied the coffin securely and dragged it with his body, alone, without using inner energy. Even though his inner energy had already been restored, he deliberately chose not to use it. He did this solely because he wanted to give the best offering.

Piercing through the heavy waterfall, the coffin exited the cave, sliding along with the swift and far leap made by the boy.

After burying the coffin in the earth, Chen Nian picked up a stone the size of his head. He then retrieved a brush and ink from his ring, which he could now access again. With a calligraphic flourish, he inscribed words onto the stone and placed it atop the grave.

He kowtowed three times, then sat there for quite a long while.

A ten-year-old boy had done all of this. If anyone were to hear this story, they would never believe it and would outright deny the truth—even if it were fact.

Chen Nian rose to his feet.

"I must have a strong physique. At the very least, physical strength should be able to balance my inner strength. This will protect me when facing formidable opponents and in times when my energy runs dry. I do not want the regrets of the past to repeat, when losing my energy center left my body utterly weak."

The bare-chested boy immediately sought out beach sand, stuffed it into a piece of clothing he had cut apart, then tied it to his back and both legs.

Chen Nian ran as far as he could while carrying the weight. He was utterly focused. When tired, he rested; when strong enough, he resumed running. He repeated this day after day for a week under the sun, while at night he devoted himself to absorbing inner energy and calming his mind.

Weeks turned into months, months turned into years.

Two years passed under this grueling training regime. Not a single day was wasted on laziness or delay—Chen Nian was diligent, constantly repeating his routines, interspersed with training in sword techniques, unarmed strikes, and archery.

Nor did he lack food, for the great river provided abundant fish, and the land was home to animals like deer and mousedeer that he could hunt.

Throughout those two years, he never strayed far from the place where he had first arrived. Other than sleeping in the cave, he always trained by the shore.

His body had now grown larger compared to children of his age. He had a fine stature, standing at two meters tall, making him appear more handsome and mature in appearance.

"It has been two years since I began training. The time I spent struggling doesn’t feel so long. The resources left behind by Master are now exhausted, and my cultivation has stalled at the Earth Realm, middle stage. For one and a half years, there has been no improvement, and it is beginning to slow. It seems I must find more resources to feed this blue flame," Chen Nian said as he summoned the fire into his palm.

"Thank you for accompanying me in training all this time, for healing every wound and restoring my depleted energy. I am truly happy to have you!" Chen Nian spoke to the blue flame that leapt about in his hand as if it, too, was joyful.

Chen Nian stored the blue flame—which he named the Skyfire—into his dantian, where it found the best place to reside.

"It seems I should be grateful that my energy center was destroyed. Otherwise, how could I possibly possess the Skyfire as a source of energy that surpasses even the core energy itself—twice as powerful, in fact?"

Chen Nian resumed cultivation while waiting for dawn.

Two years passed in Dashan City, and many changes took place. The clan that had once been honorable and well-mannered had now become ambitious, even cruel to rivals whenever their proposals were rejected by other clans in the city. Dozens of small clans had been crushed under the hand of the Han Clan. Now they thrived atop the suffering of others.

Many despised the leadership of Chen Rui. However, none dared to rebuke, let alone rebel against him. The Chen Clan had become a terrifying menace.

"Hahaha! I am very pleased with your performance. Claim your bonuses from the Clan administration. The more clans we subjugate in this city, the wider our dominion will be. Also, make sure that our clan becomes truly feared."

"Patriarch, rest assured—no one will dare challenge us in this city. Our clan will become number one and utterly invincible!"

"Chen Zhi! You are indeed eloquent. Now tell me, have you found the Dragon Bracelet I asked you to retrieve?" Chen Rui’s gaze turned serious.

"Up to now, I still have not found it, Patriarch. There is no hidden chamber in Chen Long’s room. Most likely it was only with that child, but he also perished in the belly of a crocodile. May I ask, besides being a symbol of leadership, what use does this bracelet have?"

"Because you are a loyal man who has contributed greatly to the Clan—and because of Chen Long’s death—I will share with you a portion of the secret. The bracelet is called the Dragon Bracelet not merely because its shape resembles a dragon, but because an actual dragon is sealed within it. Whoever uses it may wield tremendous power. Most likely, even Chen Long did not know of this!"

"Then how does Patriarch know of this secret?" Chen Zhi looked puzzled.

"I discovered a record in the library concerning the origins of the Dragon Bracelet. It is said to be passed down from generation to generation. However, only those of the bloodline—or those whom the bracelet itself chooses—can wield its power."

"To be honest, this is the first time I’ve heard such a secret about the bracelet I had thought to be merely symbolic. To think it holds such a great secret."

"You are right. That is why it is crucial to obtain it. Hopefully that child survived and comes to us, bringing it here." Chen Rui chuckled softly.

Chen Zhi frowned slightly. "If he comes, that would mean he is ready for revenge, Patriarch."

"Hahahaha! How strong could he possibly be to take vengeance on a great Clan? If he comes, he will only deliver his life! Now, how is my son faring in the Heavenly Sword Sect?"

"He is doing well. Over these past two years, his cultivation has advanced, and now he has reached the peak stage of the Core Energy Realm. Perhaps in half a year, he will break through to the Earth Realm. Your son is considered a genius within the sect, ranked second overall!"

"Very good. I have not yet had a chance to visit him there. It seems your son is no less talented than mine, am I wrong?"

Chen Zhi smiled. "You are not wrong, Patriarch. My son is now at the middle stage of the Core Energy Realm as well."

"Cultivation is divided into nine realms, and each realm is further divided into three stages. The cultivation levels, from the lowest to the highest, are as follows.

Note: Cultivation is divided into nine realms, and each realm is further divided into three stages. The cultivation levels, from the lowest to the highest, are as follows:

The Black Realm, the Fighter Realm, the Core Energy Realm, the Earth Realm, the Earth King Realm, the Sky Realm, the Sky King Realm, the Emperor Realm, and the Sacred Realm."

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