Su Jen

Jiang Chen forced his breathing to steady, masking the fury bubbling within him. The revelation that Wu Shu had orchestrated the massacre of his clan left a bitter taste in his mouth. Yet, he knew better than to act impulsively. Patience was key—patience and strategy.

The masked man finally spoke, breaking the tense silence. "You've heard enough, Jiang Chen. But there's more to this tale than you realize."

"More?"

The masked figure nodded solemnly. "Wu Shu isn't just any ordinary heir—he is the current crown prince."

Jiang Chen's eyes narrowed, his expression hardening. "And what else?"

"From what I've gathered, neither Wu Shu nor his father holds a favorable position in the court right now. The old case from a thousand years ago has resurfaced, and many clan elders are using it as leverage. There's growing support for the reinstatement of the Jiang lineage. In fact, some elders have begun openly condemning the emperor's decision to exile your ancestor all those centuries ago."

Jiang Chen's jaw tightened at the mention of his family's history, an unreadable emotion flickering across his face. "So, they're finally acknowledging the truth... though not out of principle, but convenience."

The masked man continued, his tone shifting slightly. "What you must understand is that Wu Shu's hatred runs deeper than mere politics. His father, Emperor Wu Cheng, engineered the fall of your ancestor, Wu Jiang, a thousand years ago. That decision created the Jiang Clan—and ensured its eventual destruction."

A chill ran down Jiang Chen's spine. He'd suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed solidified his resolve. Revenge wasn't just about avenging his immediate family; it was about restoring justice to a lineage wrongfully exiled.

"But why?" Jiang Chen asked aloud, his voice tinged with confusion. "Why does Wu Shu feel so threatened by the Jiang Clan? We're nowhere near what we used to be. Even if we were to return to the Wu Imperial Clan, there's nothing we could do to challenge them."

The masked man paused, hesitating for a moment before responding. "To be honest, I'm not entirely sure. But right now, I don't think that matters as much as you might believe it does."

Jiang Chen absorbed this information, his mind racing. If Wu Shu saw him as such a significant threat, then perhaps his survival thus far hadn't been due to luck alone. It was because he posed no genuine danger to the Wu Imperial Clan's dominance.

"Enough talk," the masked man said abruptly. "Your presence here today serves a purpose beyond learning truths. Wu Shu plans to use Su Jen as leverage to draw you into a trap. Once isolated, they intend to eliminate you once and for all."

Jiang Chen's heart sank at the mention of Su Jen. She had risked everything to protect him after the initial assassination attempt. Now, she was being used as bait in a deadly game. He couldn't let her suffer because of him.

"I won't allow them to harm her."

The masked man chuckled darkly. "That's exactly what they're counting on. Your loyalty to her makes you predictable. But perhaps... perhaps you can turn the tables on them."

"How?"

"By anticipating their moves and striking first," the masked man replied cryptically. "But beware—this path is fraught with peril. One misstep, and both you and Su Jen will perish."

Before Jiang Chen could press further, the ground beneath them trembled slightly. A faint hum filled the air, signaling the activation of the concealment formations surrounding the mountain peak.

"They're coming," the masked man warned, stepping back into the shadows. "Choose wisely, Jiang Chen. Your next move will determine not only your fate but also the future of your legacy."

And with that, he vanished, leaving Jiang Chen alone amidst the swirling light of the formations.

Above, Wu Shu floated silently, observing the scene, His expression remained calm, but his thoughts churned furiously.

"Are you certain this plan will succeed? Jiang Chen is no ordinary cultivator."

Mie Lin sneered. "Ordinary or not, he's still a Nascent Soul Realm practitioner at the initial stage. Against two great Nascent Soul Realm Powerhouses—one of whom is you—he stands no chance. Besides, if he truly cares for Su Jen, he'll walk straight into our trap without hesitation."

Wu Shu smiled coldly. "I've waited long enough to end this nuisance once and for all."

Two days later...

A figure emerged from the shadows at a small mountain peak at the heart of the vally—a woman cloaked in black robes, her face obscured by a veil. Her aura betrayed her identity: Mie Lin, the new Shadowclaw Sect Master.

"Jiang Chen, You've finally arrived."

He inclined his head slightly, maintaining his composure "Mie Lin. I assume you're here to deliver your final message?"

She chuckled softly, stepping closer. "Oh, there's no need for pretense between us. You know why I'm here. Your little friend Su Jen… she means a great deal to you, doesn't she?"

Jiang Chen's grip tightened imperceptibly on the hilt of his sword, though he didn't respond. Instead, he waited, allowing her to continue.

Suddenly, a soft shimmer broke through the concealment formation—a figure materialized before him. It was Su Jen, bound by chains of dark qi, her face pale but defiant.

"Jiang Chen!" she called out weakly, her voice trembling despite her efforts to remain calm. "Don't… don't come closer!"

The sight of her filled Jiang Chen with rage, but he forced himself to stay still. This was exactly what they wanted—to provoke him into acting recklessly. Instead, he spoke in a measured tone.

"Su Jen, stay silent. I won't let them harm you." His gaze then shifted to Mie Lin, " You have asked me to come and here I did, Now release her."

From above, Wu Shu observed the scene below, his smirk growing wider. "Huh? Predictable as always."

As if on cue, the formations around the peak erupted into life, creating a barrier that sealed off any chance of escape.

"You've come far, Jiang Chen," Mie Lin said, her voice dripping with mockery. "But even the strongest blade needs proper handling. Today, you'll meet your end."

"We aren't sure who will meet his end today!"

Before anyone could respond, a burst of azure light illuminated the peak as Jiang Chen figure suddenly appeared beside Mie Lin.

His speed was nothing short of astonishing, a blur that left Mie Lin momentarily stunned. Before she could react, Jiang Chen's palm struck her chest with the force of a collapsing mountain. 

The air cracked with the impact, and Mie Lin was sent flying backward, crashing through a cluster of ancient trees.

"Su Jen!" Jiang Chen roared, his voice laced with concern and fury. He moved like lightning, shattering the chains that bound her with a single, precise strike.

Su Jen stumbled back, her eyes wide with a mixture of relief and disbelief. "Jiang Chen, how…?"

A sudden flicker of apprehension crossed Jiang Chen's eyes as he sensed imminent danger.

Looming behind him, a colossal palm materialized in the sky.