Chapter 112: The Du Clan

"Again!" he challenged, voice low and unyielding.

With a growl, Dao Wei instantaneously released his Sword Avatar. Its towering body stood behind him wielding an unbridled Saber Shadow.

The terrifying shadow manifested as a black dragon, its scales rippling with energy as it roared, a sound so menacing that it resonated like thunder across the level…

The Sword Puppet lunged, but this time, Dao Wei was going all out. 

Rumble!

Like a black dragon, the shadow roared, charging toward the puppet with unrestrained ferocity. It crashed into the puppet, knocking it back with sheer, unrestrained force. 

Bang!!!

The puppet staggered back, and Dao Wei seized the moment, launching a relentless barrage of attacks. Each strike thundered, shaking the very air and pushing the puppet further and further back.

Without giving it a chance to recover, Dao Wei pressed his advantage, delivering a relentless torrent of slashes. The Sword Puppet stumbled, its once intimidating form now visibly weakened.

Bang! Bang! Bang! 

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Dao Wei sent the puppet crashing to the ground with a final, thunderous blow. He stood amidst the wreckage, his chest heaving. 

Wiping sweat from his brow, he let his gaze fall upon the flame-engraved door leading to the third level. 'So that's the second level,' he thought, letting a wry smile.

Meanwhile, a short distance away, Lu Shen and Wei Jun had both exhausted nearly all their strength. Lu Shen, undeterred, let his sword sweep forward with unyielding precision, each slash radiating with a fierce, iridescent luster. His blade, blood-red and blazing, tore through the air with such intensity that even the wind seemed to quake under its power.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Each of Lu Shen's attacks was a masterpiece of destruction, fueled by his mastery over both Sword and Fire Essences. The fusion of these two forces made his strikes unpredictable and explosive. Flames licked the edges of his blade as he cut through the puppet's defenses, his attacks burning through layers of the puppet's strength with frightening speed.

Wei Jun, observing his First Brother's power, couldn't contain his awe. "Holy shit!" he exclaimed, wiping sweat from his brow.

Dao Wei, glancing at Lu Shen's battle, blinked in amazement. "Is that the strength of the First Brother?" he muttered, unable to hide his admiration.

Wei Jun nodded solemnly, still catching his breath from his own fight. "Extremely terrifying. First Brother is too strong. Each of his moves looks like it could tear apart heaven and earth. Even though I'm also in the Nirvana Realm, I doubt I could withstand his attacks."

Lu Shen, despite his indomitable prowess, began to feel the toll of the relentless combat. He could sense the puppet's indomitable spirit growing by the minute, sensing his own energy waning, he made the tactical decision to pause his advancement. With a heavy sigh, he chose a lava pool and sat down cross-legged, allowing his energy to recuperate.

Wei Jun, who had already taken a similar break, watched his First Brother with respect. "Even for Lu Shen, advancing beyond the second level right now is almost impossible," he thought. His eyes drifted to Dao Wei, who'd just butchered his puppet with unrelenting ferocity.

Just then, Dao Wei's gaze drifted to the flame door leading to the third level. 

Pausing there, he tilted his chin thoughtfully, a sinister grin spreading across his face as he considered his next move. The sight of it made Lu Shen and Wei Jun exchange uneasy glances.

"What's he planning now?" Lu Shen wondered aloud.

Wei Jun shook his head, a smirk forming on his lips. "Knowing Second Brother, it's going to be insane. But attempting the third level…" He trailed off, his expression a mix of awe and concern. For most, taking on the third level was suicide. But for Dao Wei, who had just conquered the second level with sheer force and an indomitable will, the idea seemed like an inevitable next step.

Lu Shen crossed his arms. "Don't tell me he's thinking of moving to the third level. Is it even his first time here?"

Wei Jun shook his head, exasperated. "You really have a death wish, don't you, Second Brother?"

Lu Shen and Wei Jun watched him, both wondering what Dao Wei's next move would be, a mix of admiration and worry on their faces as he disappeared through the door to face the unknown. Yet, as they looked into his fierce, unyielding eyes, they knew the answer.

Unfazed, Dao Wei took a slow and deliberate step toward the flaming door, Wei Jun and Lu Shen watched, tension filling the air. 

The unspoken question lingered between them: would Dao Wei truly attempt the impossible, or would he opt for a moment's respite to cultivate further?

Meanwhile…

Within the expensive and extravagant confines of the Du Mansion's clan hall. Tall ceramic pillars stretched toward a domed ceiling painted with images of mythical beasts locked in eternal battle. Golden lanterns hanging from the rafters cast long, flickering shadows across the polished marble floor. At the far end of the hall sat Clan Leader Du Yan, his sharp features illuminated in the dim light. He leaned heavily on the armrest of his throne-like seat, fingers drumming against its surface, his expression a mask of cold calculation.

A heavy knock on the large double doors broke the silence, followed by the creak of hinges as a figure stepped inside. The guard, clad in dark crimson armor with the Du family crest emblazoned on the chest, dropped to one knee before his master.

"Master," the guard said, his head bowed low. His voice echoed faintly in the cavernous hall.

Du Yan straightened, his steely eyes narrowing at the interruption. "Speak."

"News just arrived from the Sword God Sect. The Sword Childe has been detained in the sect for the next two days. After that, he will be allowed entry into the Ancestral Lands," the guard reported, his tone calm yet deferential.

Du Yan's eyes flashed with interest, his fingers pausing mid-tap. "And what of Chen'er? Where is my son?"

The guard hesitated, glancing down at the floor. "Young Master Chen has been summoned back, my lord. However, he is currently at the Imperial Capital. It will take several days before he returns."

"What?" Du Yan rose sharply from his seat, his robes flowing around him like a stormy tide. His voice turned harsh, each word biting. "What is he doing in the Imperial Capital without my approval?"

The guard shifted uncomfortably, his gaze fixed firmly on the ground. "My lord… Young Master… He—"

"Spit it out!" Du Yan's voice thundered through the hall, the sound reverberating off the high walls.

The guard winced but quickly complied. "Young Master Chen was last seen near the Lotus Pavilion with… Master Yen."

Du Yan's face darkened, a vein throbbing visibly on his temple. He took a step forward, his imposing figure casting a long shadow over the kneeling guard. "That foolish boy! Does he not understand the precariousness of our situation? Call him back immediately! I don't care what methods you use—drag him back if you must!"

"Yes, my lord!" The guard bowed deeply before scrambling to his feet and hurrying out of the hall, the sound of his footsteps fading into the distance.

Du Yan let out a low growl of frustration as he returned to his seat, gripping the armrests tightly. He closed his eyes briefly, inhaling deeply to calm his seething temper. When he opened them again, his gaze had regained its cold focus.

"Now," he said, his voice steady but laced with menace, "what of the plans?"

Another guard stepped forward from the shadows, his armor glinting faintly in the lantern light. Unlike the first, this one carried an air of composure, his movements precise and deliberate. He knelt before speaking. "The elders within the Sword God Sect have already begun preparations. They are coordinating with the Hall to execute the Sword Childe once the Ancestral Lands are sealed."

Du Yan's lips curled into a faint smirk. "Go on."

The guard continued, "There are many within the sect who disapprove of the Sword Childe's sudden rise. The Hall intends to exploit this dissent. They will orchestrate the attack to appear as an internal clash among the sect's young elites. By the time anyone suspects foul play, it will already be too late. The Sword Childe's death will be blamed on a rival genius."

A low chuckle escaped Du Yan's lips, growing into a full-throated laugh that echoed sinisterly through the hall. "Excellent! Those self-righteous fools in the Sword God Sect won't even realize what hit them. Once the Sword Childe is eliminated, their precious balance will collapse. And with it, their influence."

The guard inclined his head. "Indeed, my lord. The Hall has also requested additional resources to ensure their operatives remain undetected."

Du Yan waved a dismissive hand. "Granted. Spare no expense. This opportunity is too critical to let slip through our fingers."

"Yes, my lord."

Leaning back in his seat, Du Yan steepled his fingers, his mind already racing with the possibilities. The Sword Childe, a figure of prophesy destined to inherit the legacy of the ancient Sword God Sect, was both a threat and a prize. His elimination would not only destabilize one of the most powerful sects in the Southern Jiangling but also pave the way for the Du family to sink its claws into their coveted secrets.

"Soon," Du Yan murmured, his voice low but brimming with malice. "Soon, the Sword God Sect will fall, and the Du family will rise to claim its rightful place at the top."

The guard remained silent, waiting for further instructions.