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墨書 Inktalez
The Head of the Su Family was utterly astonished upon hearing this. This secret was known only to a few high-ranking members of the Heavenly Shadow Sect, and it served as a protective talisman for their family.
The Heavenly Shadow Sect could mediate some conflicts for allied Martial Arts Sects or families, but they rarely intervened directly. This was partly due to the reputation of the Heavenly Shadow Sect, which made other sects hesitant to defy them. Additionally, the Heavenly Shadow Sect had a principle of not interfering in martial arts disputes. However, if the Su Family were to rely on the Heavenly Shadow Spike, they would certainly seek assistance from the Heavenly Shadow Sect.
When the Head of the Su Family heard Xunuo make this request, he was completely shocked. Although the Heavenly Shadow Spike was renowned, other sects would never dare to hold back. Xunuo's request was tantamount to openly provoking the Heavenly Shadow Sect.
Seeing the Head of the Su Family's face change dramatically, Xunuo realized there had been a misunderstanding. He took out the token that Jiao Nantian had given him.
Although the Su Family had long since distanced themselves from the Heavenly Shadow Sect, each head of the family would still visit the sect regularly to maintain this connection and seek protection from them. Therefore, he understood the authority and significance of this token within the Heavenly Shadow Sect.
However, seeing this token in the hands of a Wuhua Sect youth left him confused about the situation. The Head of the Su Family could only cautiously ask, "This token belongs to... Hero Lu?"
Xunuo chuckled and replied, "A few days ago, I visited the Heavenly Shadow Sect and sparred with Master Jiao Nantian in swordsmanship. By chance, I managed to win a round. Master Jiao also gifted me something."
As he spoke, he pulled out a Heavenly Shadow Spike for the Head of the Su Family to see. The Head of the Su Family stared blankly at Xunuo, his mind reeling.
Xunuo put away the Heavenly Shadow Spike and continued, "Before I left, Master Jiao gave me this token as a gesture of friendship. He also informed me that your Su Family possesses another Heavenly Shadow Spike."
With that, he looked meaningfully at the Head of the Su Family, implying that Jiao Nantian had told him this information so that he could come and claim it.
Although the Head of the Su Family could not ascertain whether Xunuo's words were true or false, he knew that if this youth intended to seize it by force, the Su Family would have no means to resist. Furthermore, given that this youth held a Heavenly Shadow Spike and a black gold token from the Heavenly Shadow Sect—regardless of how he obtained them—the Su Family would face dire consequences if anything went wrong. They would not receive any help from the Heavenly Shadow Sect if trouble arose.
After weighing his options carefully, the Head of the Su Family decided it was better to sacrifice a pawn than risk harm to his clan members. However, he did not want to give up something so valuable without gaining something in return; ideally, he wanted to resolve one of their current crises.
Seeing that the Head of the Su Family was hesitant, Xunuo smiled and said, "I won't take your item for free; how about we exchange it for something?"
As he spoke, Xunuo offered him a vial of Reattachment Ointment.
Xunuo certainly did not intend to use any Sword Flower techniques here to trade for the Heavenly Shadow Spike. To the Su Family, One Sword with Five Flowers and One Sword with Eight Flowers were indistinguishable; they simply did not understand them. It would be better to exchange for something practical instead. Of course, Xunuo also did not want to resort to high-pressure tactics or threats.
After explaining the effects of Reattachment Ointment, the Head of the Su Family found it hard to believe and asked a servant boy to conduct an experiment before realizing its true value as a miraculous medicine.
However, despite recognizing its worth, the Head of the Su Family awkwardly stated, "While this item is indeed valuable, it does not address an urgent crisis facing my Su Family."
Xunuo's eyes flickered as he slowly began to speak.
In Zhaosheng City, there were two prominent families with a rich heritage: the Su Family and the Jin Family. Both families were known for their martial arts traditions. The Su Family had ties to the Heavenly Shadow Sect, while the Jin Family's background was somewhat mysterious and showed little regard for the Su Family.
Initially, both families had their own lands and businesses, competing with each other without any serious conflict. However, a few years ago, a copper mine was discovered in the mountains. The Su Family was the first to find it, but the Jin Family got wind of it and quickly purchased the land. This led to an escalating rivalry that eventually turned violent.
The official stance on such disputes between martial arts sects and families was clear: as long as no outsiders were involved and no one reported them, it was best if they fought to their mutual destruction.
Martial artists were known for their fierce tempers. If they were pushed too hard, they might retaliate violently, even attacking officials in their homes without fear of repercussions.
Both families had valid points in their arguments, which is why neither reported the matter to the authorities. They merely occupied territories near the copper mine, engaging in constant skirmishes and underhanded tactics. Recently, however, the Jin Family had hired two formidable swordsmen who decimated the Su Family's forces, forcing them into a small stronghold.
The Head of the Su Family held the Heavenly Shadow Spike but was hesitant. Delivering it to the Heavenly Shadow Sect would guarantee their assistance. Yet, while losing the copper mine would tarnish the Su Family's reputation and profits, it wouldn't threaten their very existence. If he surrendered the Heavenly Shadow Spike now, seeking help from the Heavenly Shadow Sect in future crises would be nearly impossible.
When Xunuo came to claim the Heavenly Shadow Spike, seeing that it was at risk made the Head of the Su Family lose all reservations. He directly requested Xunuo's help in reclaiming the copper mine.
Xunuo firmly rejected this request. In his view, assisting the Su Family in defeating the Jin Family to obtain the Heavenly Shadow Spike would yield the same outcome as directly seizing it from them.
The Head of the Su Family was taken aback by Xunuo's blunt refusal; his face flushed with embarrassment.
After a moment of thought, Xunuo said, "I can attempt to mediate between your two families. I cannot guarantee success or that I will intervene directly. However, I can identify a talented individual among your ranks and help them unlock their potential. This will allow your Su Family to produce an extraordinary master within ten years."
The Head of the Su Family's eyes lit up at these words. He understood that having a master emerge from the Su Family would be far more beneficial than any immediate assistance. Still skeptical, he asked, "If Hero Lu can indeed help my Su Family produce an extraordinary master, that would be ideal. But how can I be sure this person will succeed within ten years?"
Xunuo chuckled softly. "I can assure you that I have my reasons for believing they will become great."
The Head of the Su Family nodded decisively and pointed below him. "Very well then; please choose one from among these younger members of the Su Family."
In fact, in this reception hall, besides several elders from the Su Family accompanying him on either side, many descendants stood behind them. This display was meant to show respect for Xunuo's visit and allow these younger members to gain experience by witnessing such a renowned swordsman in person.
Xunuo smiled and pointed to a young boy at the back of the group. "This one."
The Head of the Su Family quickly called for that boy to step forward. Upon closer inspection, he turned out to be a junior member of the family with average talent—hardly someone who should have been chosen for such an occasion; he had merely come along for curiosity's sake. Unexpectedly, those carefully selected to make an impression ended up overshadowed by this unassuming boy who had become the center of attention.
Xunuo then said to the Head of the Su Family, "Prepare the secret chamber. I will help him channel his energy today."
Seeing Xunuo so straightforward, the Head of the Su Family quickly sent away the other younger members and led Xunuo to the back hall.
Moments later, in a secret chamber deep within the Su Family estate, Xunuo sat cross-legged on the floor with a young member of the Su Family.
The Head of the Su Family hesitated and asked, "Do you need me to be your Guardian?"
Xunuo smiled and replied, "You can just watch from the side."
The Head of the Su Family finally relaxed and sat down on the ground nearby.
Xunuo first inquired about the cultivation method that this young man had learned before connecting his palm with his to help channel energy.
Upon entering the Su Family, Xunuo noticed something unusual about this young man. It wasn't that he had exceptional martial arts talent; rather, he possessed a Spiritual Root.
Since learning about cultivation and Spiritual Roots, this was the first time Xunuo encountered a mortal with a Spiritual Root. While there may be other limitations for those with a Spiritual Root, they could easily channel True Qi to expand their Dantian. As long as he could expand his Dantian enough to hold sufficient Inner Strength, this young man would find it a hundred times easier to circulate energy and open meridians compared to others.
Moreover, when channeling energy for someone with a Spiritual Root, it only required slight dilution of True Qi. This is because those with a Spiritual Root can absorb True Qi. Unlike when he helped Liu Yunfei, where he had to dilute True Qi multiple times until it was comparable to an ordinary martial artist's Inner Strength; otherwise, it would have resulted in fatal consequences for Liu Yunfei.
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