Sword Son of Zong Clan

Sword Son of Zong Clan...

In a dimly lit study room within the heart of the Zong Clan, a middle-aged man sat in silence, engrossed in a scroll spread before him.

Standing nearby, a young figure could be seen, none other than Qin Wentian. Zong Qian had fulfilled his promise and secured an audience for Qin Wentian with the Zong Clan's patriarch.

After a few moments, the middle-aged man raised his head slowly. Streaks of silver mingled with the black in his hair at the temples, lending him an air of dignified reserve. Yet, beneath his tranquil facade, Qin Wentian detected a concealed, formidable sharpness.

A single glance from this man seemed capable of piercing the very depths of one's soul.

"I heard from Zong Qian that you've gained some notoriety in Sword Reverence City recently. Mastering the first level of the Mandate of Swords to perfection in just three months?" The Zong Clan's patriarch, known as Zong Yi, inquired calmly as he appraised Qin Wentian.

"Yes," Qin Wentian replied with a nod, and an enigmatic gleam flickered in Zong Yi's eyes. "To reach the Perfection Boundary of a first-level Mandate in three months... curious. Could it be that you possess a fourth Astral Soul?"

"Senior is perceptive," Qin Wentian replied with a smile. As the words left his lips, Zong Yi's gaze became even sharper. "You've already reached the Heavenly Dipper Realm. What is your name?"

"I am Qin Wentian."

The simple declaration caused Zong Yi's gaze to intensify, now resembling piercing sword beams aimed directly at Qin Wentian.

"A year ago, Qin Wentian, the first-ranked Heavenly Fate in the rankings, was still trapped within the Vermilion Bird Formation in Ginkou," Zong Yi accused.

"I arrived in Sword Reverence City around three months ago. By that time, I had already escaped the formation world," Qin Wentian calmly explained. Zong Yi abruptly stood, his once-sharp gaze now clouded with gravity. Why had the top-ranked Heavenly Fate cultivator come to the Zong Clan?

"Do you not realize the number of people who want you dead? Are you not concerned that I might capture you instead?" Zong Yi fixed a penetrating stare on Qin Wentian, his study now filled with an overwhelming aura of sword energy.

"Sword cultivators should follow their hearts, do as they please, and hold their heads high, laughing at the heavens. Clan lord, has the blood in your veins cooled, causing you to keep the Zong Clan hidden, concealing your true strength?" Qin Wentian refrained from answering directly and instead posed a counter-question. Zong Yi furrowed his brows deeply. "What are you implying? What is your purpose here?"

"To claim the sword belonging to the Zong Clan," Qin Wentian declared, his gaze locked onto the patriarch's eyes. He stretched out his arm, revealing an authority token firmly clutched in his hand.

In that moment, Zong Yi trembled as if struck by countless bolts of lightning within his mind. Despite the formidable sword energy pressing down on Qin Wentian, he met the patriarch's gaze with unwavering determination etched across his face.

A sudden gust of sword-infused wind whirled through the room as the study door slammed shut, enclosing the two men in an intimate chamber.

Zong Yi, his aura surging, took a step forward, his eyes riveted on the authority token now held firmly in Qin Wentian's grasp.

"What if I were to kill you right now?" Zong Yi's words hung heavy in the air, and the threat was palpable. If he had harbored malevolent intentions, Qin Wentian would undoubtedly meet his demise.

"Does Clan Lord know why I decided to enter the Heavenly Fate Rankings?" Qin Wentian inquired.

"No," Zong Yi replied.

"Before reaching the Zong Clan, I approached another hidden faction. Much like Clan Lord, they too shared the same sentiments. We struck an agreement that if I secured third place in the rankings, they would pledge allegiance to me, following my every command. I ended up claiming the first position."

Qin Wentian's explanation left Zong Yi deep in thought. Even the Zong Clan, residing within Sword Reverence City, paid close attention to Grand Xia's significant events. Zong Yi had read a scroll that contained information on the Heavenly Fate Rankings from a year ago. The recent ranking battle had witnessed the emergence of an incredibly strong group of participants, even leading to the appearance of an enigmatic power attempting to assassinate some of the Heavenly Fate rankers.

After reading this report, Zong Yi couldn't help but sigh. If the Zong Clan harbored a figure of such caliber, they would wholeheartedly support that individual, even if it meant their collective demise, all for the sake of Grand Xia's conquest. And now, that person stood before him, clutching the Azure Emperor Token.

Zong Yi questioned whether the fiery spirit within him had cooled, and whether his earlier vow to gain control of the Zong Clan's sword remained intact.

"The Zong Clan has no need for your control," Zong Yi responded, unsheathing a formidable ancient sword. With a swift movement, he drew closer to Qin Wentian, pointing the blade's tip directly at the center of Qin Wentian's brow. Death loomed, yet Qin Wentian's unwavering resolve remained etched on his face.

"Aren't you afraid that I'll kill you?" Zong Yi inquired coldly.

"Do you know of the Celestial Lake Palace?" Qin Wentian asked, unfazed.

"Fairy Qingmei," Zong Yi muttered, his expression shifting momentarily. There were numerous rumors circulating about Fairy Qingmei and the Azure Emperor.

"If I die within the confines of the Zong Clan, the consequences will be catastrophic," Qin Wentian stated concisely. Zong Yi scrutinized him carefully. "Are you suggesting that Fairy Qingmei is the guardian of the successor?"

Qin Wentian maintained his silence, his eyes gleaming. All three of his Astral Novas ignited, causing the very void to tremble with their might.

"What formidable Astral Novas," Zong Yi marveled, astounded by the display. He then witnessed Qin Wentian's fourth astral soul materialize above his head. Encircled by a dazzling golden corona, a pitch-black sword emitted an aura that compelled all who beheld it to submit.

"The 6th Heavenly Layer," Zong Yi murmured, awed by the nearly inconceivable talent before him.

"Clan Lord, if you are opposed to me leading the Zong Clan, you have two options. First, you can kill me, and we shall face the unknown consequences. Second, you can let me leave. If I survive and unite the other hidden factions in the future, I will return to cleanse the Zong Clan," Qin Wentian proposed methodically. His determination and words gave Zong Yi pause.

For the first time, the Zong Clan's patriarch trembled when confronted by someone of the younger generation.

Zong Yi had never anticipated that a young man would exert such pressure on him.

The sword was retracted with a swift movement, and the oppressive sword energy that had filled the room dissipated completely. Zong Yi gazed at Qin Wentian, a smile playing on his lips. "It appears that the Azure Emperor has found a true successor. However, Wentian, despite your remarkable talent, challenging the various powers directly with your current strength is akin to using an egg to crack a stone."

"Do you think I'm the rash and impulsive type, Clan Lord?" Qin Wentian replied, mirroring Zong Yi's warm smile. He had not been fazed by Zong Yi's earlier actions, understanding the rationale behind them.

In Zong Yi's shoes, Qin Wentian would likely have acted the same way.

As the leader of a clan, one shouldered the weighty responsibility of their members' well-being. How could they allow a mere authority token to dictate the lives and destinies of those under their care? At the very least, the successor had to possess such exceptional talent that the leader could have unwavering confidence in them.

And if earlier, Qin Wentian had faltered in the face of death, how could Zong Yi entrust him with this monumental responsibility?

Zong Yi waved his hand, conjuring a small sword that hovered before Qin Wentian. The ancient character 'Zong' was elegantly etched onto the sword's blade.

"Since the Azure Emperor has found a successor, my Zong Clan will offer unwavering support on your journey. This sword represents a Sword Son of my Zong Clan. All members, save for the elders, will be bound to follow your commands. Qin Wentian, do you accept this responsibility?" Zong Yi asked solemnly.

Qin Wentian received the sword with a nod. "I do."

A smile graced Zong Yi's face. "Excellent, Wentian. But remember, this matter must remain a secret until the appropriate time. In public, you may address me as Uncle Zong. However, when there are no witnesses, you can call me Zong Yi."

Qin Wentian respected the customary hierarchy and replied, "Uncle Zong jests. As a junior, it would be improper to address my seniors by their names."

"Very well." Zong Yi patted Qin Wentian's shoulder. He spoke earnestly, "Sword cultivators should follow their hearts, doing what they desire, holding their heads high as they laugh defiantly at the heavens. The blood of the Zong Clan still flows fervently!"

"Let's go; I'll accompany you around." Zong Yi stepped out, and Qin Wentian followed suit, smiling.

The Zong Clan differed significantly from the White Deer Institute. According to Zong Qian, Clan Lord Zong Yi held sway over all matters without needing the approval of other elders. With the clan lord's support, Qin Wentian's mission in Sword Reverence City had been an undeniable success. At least, it had been far smoother than when he joined the White Deer Institute.

Though he now had two factions under his influence, the White Deer Institute and the Zong Clan, it was imperative to nurture these groups before they could truly stand against the other mighty powers in Grand Xia. Both clans were powerful in their own right, but they had remained hidden for so long that they needed time to flourish.

Subsequently, the Zong Clan made a public announcement that their clan lord had personally chosen a candidate to become the next Sword Son of the Zong Clan. That candidate was none other than Qin Wentian.

The previous generation's Sword Son had already ascended to the status of an elder. For this generation, seven young talents had initially vied for the prestigious title. However, the clan lord had made his decision and selected Qin Wentian.

This news rippled through the Zong Clan, sparking intense curiosity. In the annals of their clan's history, this marked the first instance in which an outsider had been designated as a 'Sword Son.' The significance of this event could not be understated.

Many were eager to meet the enigmatic Qin Wentian and understand how he had earned this unprecedented honor. Some from the younger generation even sought to challenge him, determined to ascertain the worthiness of the newly appointed Sword Son.

Strangely, not a single elder-level figure ventured forth to seek out Qin Wentian. It was highly likely that after the clan lord had chosen him, he had conveyed specific instructions to the elders. The matter concerning the Azure Emperor was of utmost importance, and while Zong Yi could dictate the course of events within the Zong Clan and chart its future direction, he still required the silent cooperation of the other elders.

Upon learning of this development, Zong Qian found himself at a loss for words. His gaze, previously filled with admiration for Qin Wentian's extraordinary sword comprehension, now held a sense of bewilderment.

"Brother Qin, you managed to comprehend the Mandate of the Sword in just three months. Your level of comprehension is beyond exceptional, but who could have imagined that you would become the Sword Son of our Zong Clan? I must admit, I'm envious of you," Zong Qian confessed.

Zong Qian had been one of the seven nominees vying for the coveted title of 'Sword Son.' Unfortunately, none of the seven had succeeded in winning the clan lord's approval. Currently, his curiosity about what had transpired during Qin Wentian's meeting with the clan lord was insatiable.

"What did you and the clan lord discuss?" Zong Qian couldn't help but ask.

"We talked about securing the rights to the sword range," Qin Wentian replied with a smile. Matters related to the Azure Emperor were extremely confidential, and he had no intention of sharing them with others.

"It seems the clan lord has great confidence in your abilities and intends to harness your strength to aid our cause. However, in the upcoming contest between the three powers, each of them will be represented by three members. While I believe you have the capability to win your own battle, I'm not very optimistic about the other two, especially the Heavenly Dipper-level fight—it's likely we'll face defeat there. I don't have high hopes for our overall success this time," Zong Qian sighed, expressing his concerns about the Zong Clan's prospects in obtaining the rights to the sword range.

As they strolled through the Zong Residence, their conversation was interrupted when several individuals approached them, emanating a palpable air of hostility directed at Qin Wentian.

Zong Qian's gaze swiftly shifted to these newcomers, and he furrowed his brows in annoyance. "Zong Hong, what's the meaning of this?"

"Not too long ago, I heard rumors that someone from the Li Clan claimed you brought an outsider here with intentions of recruiting him to fight for our clan. Yet, this person apparently lacked the courage to accept Li Nian's challenge. And now, all of a sudden, he's been appointed as a 'Sword Son' of our Zong Clan. Zong Hong, out of sheer curiosity, I'd like to see just how exceptional this individual really is, to have earned the title of Sword Son," Zong Hong sneered as he stepped forward, pointing his sword directly at Qin Wentian.

"Zong Hong, Brother Qin was personally chosen by the clan lord as the Sword Son," Zong Qian snapped, coming to Qin Wentian's defense.

Zong Hong scoffed. "So what? If he doesn't have the guts to fight, he isn't worthy of being a Sword Son."

His disdainful gaze remained fixed on Qin Wentian. "Rest assured, since the clan lord personally picked you, I won't take your life today."