Captive

The remaining three supreme beings chuckled as they finally relieved the guards, causing them to scurry away in fear.

"Kid, be on your best behavior or else..." one of the supreme beings warned Lan Wei.

Lan Wei's ears almost burst from the overwhelming pressure of their Qi. He quickly blocked both his ears with his hands, groaning in agony.

"That is just a taste of what you'll feel whenever you make us pass through unnecessary stress," another supreme being remarked, their voices resonating with power.

The four supreme beings closed their eyes in the darkness, entering into a deep meditation.

Fear gripped Lan Wei, but this time he had made up his mind. For the past three years, he had endured hardship alone, hoping his grandfather would come and save him. But now, he knew he had to take matters into his own hands. He started planning his escape, searching for any loopholes in the prison cave.

With a sense of urgency, Lan Wei began to cultivate using the single cultivation technique he had memorized from the Celestial Empowerment Cave.

Seated cross-legged in the prison cave, Lan Wei closed his eyes and focused his mind. He sought to cultivate his elemental Qi, a crucial step on his path to escaping that hellhole.

Taking deep breaths, he connected with the earth beneath him, grounding himself. He imagined roots extending from his body, sinking deep into the ground, drawing upon the nourishing energy of the earth. Slowly, he began to feel a warm sensation, like a gentle current, circulating within him.

Shifting his focus to the heavens above, Lan Wei raised his arms slightly and visualized himself as a tree reaching for the sky. He drew in the pure essence of the celestial realm, feeling his body tingle with an electric energy as the air charged around him.

With utmost concentration, Lan Wei merged these opposing forces, harmonizing the grounding earth energy with the expansive sky energy. In his mind's eye, he envisioned a swirling vortex forming within him, representing the perfect balance between yin and yang.

As the vortex spun faster, Lan Wei felt a surge of elemental Qi building within him. This energy coursed through his veins, awakening dormant potential and granting him a sense of connection to the natural order of the world.

Breath by breath, Lan Wei absorbed more of this elemental Qi, allowing it to permeate every cell of his being. A serene calm settled over him, and a newfound clarity filled his mind. He could almost hear the whispers of the wind, guiding him deeper into his cultivation.

Time seemed to stand still as Lan Wei continued his practice. With dedication and perseverance, he knew that he would unlock even greater power within himself.

...

"I also have a favor to ask of you," the sect master said, wearing a serious expression.

Xuan Ping wondered what the sect master wanted from him this time. Although he didn't consider it a true favor.

"Well... say it," Xuan Ping replied.

"The core disciples are still lacking in certain aspects. They believe that being chosen among tens of thousands makes them the best. I would like them to follow you, so they can gain experience," the sect master explained.

"That won't be a problem, but having all of them with me will mean having more burdens..." Xuan Ping sighed.

"I'd be satisfied with just the first four," the sect master stated.

"The first four?" Xuan Ping questioned.

"Yes, if they can gain experience from you, they will lead by example," the sect master elaborated.

Xuan Ping nodded, "Okay, let them know about the importance of the mission beforehand. I won't tolerate any mistakes from them. And make sure they understand that I will only be accompanying them to gain experience in the world of cultivation," he affirmed.

"Sure, I understand. Thank you..." the sect master said gratefully.

"For what?" Xuan Ping interrupted.

"I'm thanking you for everything," the sect master replied sincerely.

Five years ago...

Xuan Ping wandered aimlessly through the dense bamboo forest, feeling a bit disoriented. He watched as the bamboo shoots stretched endlessly in every direction. Pausing for a moment, he took a deep breath to calm his nerves.

In the clearing, Xuan Ping caught sight of something as he treaded gently.

Yun Tianxing ran hectically, constantly checking over his shoulder. His attempt to save his grandson had failed after the intervention of a supreme realm master. Although he was also a supreme stage master, the prolonged fight against the sect's minions had left him exhausted.

Determined to escape unscathed, Yun Tianxing wanted to return and rescue his grandson. But the might of the supreme realm cultivator was unfathomable.

Within no time, Yun Tianxing was caught. The sword aura released by the supreme realm cultivator was so oppressive that he could barely move his feet.

"Want to run after infiltrating our sect? You court death!"

Yun Tianxing felt it instantly, he could die if an attack touched him. The Supreme Realm cultivator began to control his sword remotely as it headed towards Yun Tianxing in one fell swoop.

The sword was an inch away from his eyes until he saw a smooth, fair hand stop the sword from progressing any further.

"Want some help?" Yun Tianxing heard as he slowly shifted his gaze only to see a young, handsome guy not even in his twenties smiling at him.

"Yes, yes, yes," Yun Tianxing stuttered.

"Consider it done!" he smiled at Mu Wei.

The figure used his bare palm to repel the sword.

"Holy shit!" Yun Tianxing exclaimed, "Is that even possible? Moreover, he hasn't even reached the Supreme Realm, yet he is capable of this?" Yun Tianxing thought.

"Right now, I'm infuriated and not in the mood for a Tom and Jerry chase, let's go straight to the point," the figure said, portraying confidence and arrogance.

"Who are you to get involved in this matter?" he said, while being cautious of who the figure was.

"Obviously, because you look like the bad guy," the figure replied.

"Hmm, it seems you've made up your mind, then get ready to die!"

"Wait! Wait! What is your name?" Xuan Ping asked, lifting Yu Tianxing up as they stood in the center of a bamboo forest.

"I am Li Shen," he said, with his aura calm and soothing.

"Hmm, Li for Strength, shen for God. In other words, you're a god of divine strength. Hmm, that's wonderful, you really portrayed it, but you won't be touching him," he said.

"Young man, what is your name?" Yu Tianxing asked.

"This humble me is called Xuan Ping," he said with a smile.

Yu Tianxing saw this and decided to butt in, "Please, I know you are stronger than your age, but I wouldn't like you to die in vain. I'll hold him back for you, but please help me save my grandson from their clutches whenever you're strong enough," he said, spouting blood out of his mouth.

Xuan Ping stood there, blankly staring at Yu Tianxing. "Now it's clear, you're the bad guy and what do we do with the bad guys… take them out!" he said, turning his gaze back to Li Shen.

"And yeah, you old man, unto whom are you imposing the task of saving your grandson? Me? Definitely can't be me, you better stand up strong on your feet and survive. I'm not that idle to be sent around, you know," Xuan Ping spouted.

Yu Tianxing just stood blank, unable to fathom who Xuan Ping really was.

"Argh! What a drag."

"Uhm, Li Shen, you know what? Let's end this unending talk. I really need to take a rest now."

Without much ado, Li Shen directed his sword towards Xuan Ping.

"Sword Qi, huh!" Xuan Ping said, letting out a sigh. "You aren't even holding back considering the fact that you're going against someone weaker than you… what a bad guy."

'Heaven Secret Movement.'

Xuan Ping moved away, placing Yu Tianxing in a safe place. At that same second, he got closer to Li Shen who was about to unleash a second attack.

He held on to his face and slammed him down with a thud sound, forming craters.

Yu Tianxing was surprised at what just happened. Immediately, a glint of hope brimmed in him, as he no longer fretted about saving his grandson.

"Damn! Supreme Realm cultivators really differ. I still can't believe this is all you amount to. I take back my words, you're nothing more than a failure."

Li Shen groaned in pain as Xuan Ping lifted him by his attire.

"Your actions… want to go for a second round?" Xuan Ping said.

Immediately, Xuan Ping's Qi sense picked up movements. They were few in numbers, just four. The aura they emitted exceeded that of the Netherworld Sect Master, and this time they were four.

Without much thought, Xuan Ping glared at Lu Shen. "It seems our meeting is until next time. I hope we meet soon," he said, dropping him.

He picked up Yu Tianxing and escaped from the area at his fastest.

'Heaven Secret Movement.'