challenge

A Month Later

Late at night, atop a tall mountain deep in the forest, a burst of azure light flickered across the summit. From a distance, it looked as if a star had descended from the sky.

To avoid the phenomena caused by his cultivation being discovered, Shen Xiang used herb collecting as an excuse to come deep into the mountains and train.

He climbed to the summit to absorb more spiritual energy and to better sense the wind and lightning between heaven and earth. At that moment, the clouds above the mountaintop churned violently as fierce winds howled. From time to time, streaks of lightning flickered through the clouds and struck down with a roar, as though intending to cleave the mountain in half.

This terrifying phenomenon was triggered by Shen Xiang cultivating the Azure Dragon Divine Art. The roaring winds and thunderous lightning were drawn by a whole day of cultivation. As the lightning struck his body, not only did it temper his physique, but it also allowed him to absorb powerful lightning energy into himself.

Such a method was truly insane. Lightning is one of nature's most destructive forces—even experts who had reached the True Martial Realm dared not face it lightly. Yet the Azure Dragon Divine Art required this very force to aid in cultivation.

This bizarre scene lasted until midnight before gradually subsiding. The twisted expression on Shen Xiang's face, formed from enduring immense pain, slowly relaxed. His clothes had long been shredded by the lightning, and his body was covered in charred, smoking wounds. Yet, from those wounds, azure light shimmered—rich in wood-attributed spiritual energy—quietly healing his injuries.

"This kind of pain is nothing! I must grow stronger!" Shen Xiang clenched his fists and roared inwardly, gritting his teeth as he endured the waves of lightning strikes that refined his body.

Worthy of being called a divine art—not only could it trigger such heavenly signs, but it also allowed his body to withstand the torment of lightning, forging his flesh to become stronger and tougher.

Days passed, and Shen Xiang's body had endured countless strikes of lightning. At this point, he had completed the foundational body refinement!

His eyes suddenly opened, and from them shot two bolts of lightning, fierce and shocking.

"Divine arts are truly divine! In just one month, I've reached the Fifth Level of the Mortal Martial Realm!"

Indeed, Shen Xiang had stepped into the fifth level of the Mortal Martial Realm.

He looked inward to his dantian, where five swirling true energy vortexes spun steadily. Once they were further refined and he could command them at will, he would fully grasp the True Qi Stage of the fifth level.

At sixteen years old, possessing strength at the fifth level—he could indeed be considered a genius.

Looking at his hands, he saw one red and one green stream of true energy—one was fire, the other wood—proof that he had now grasped both the Azure Dragon Divine Art and the Vermilion Bird Divine Art.

Shen Xiang felt as though he had been reborn. Both his body and his true energy were incredibly powerful. After all, his energy was condensed through divine arts, and his body tempered by them as well.

Only now did he understand why they were called divine arts—they were arts that could allow one to ascend to godhood!

"The spiritual energy here is too thin. If you want rapid progress, you must rely on pills. Now that you can summon flame-type true energy, you can start learning alchemy,"came Su Meiyao's voice in his sea of consciousness.

Su Meiyao and Bai Youyou both hoped Shen Xiang could grow stronger quickly. That way, they could also recover their strength sooner. Being without power made them feel extremely vulnerable.

"Yo, isn't this Young Master Shen? The genius alchemist from the Yao Family has issued a challenge—he wants to compete with you in both alchemy and martial arts."

Just as Shen Xiang stepped through the Shen family gates, a smug-faced youth mocked him.

"Challenge? When did this happen?" Shen Xiang was surprised—he had been away for over ten days.

The boy sneered. "So you really didn't know. We thought you were hiding in fear! It happened ten days ago. Your fiancée caught the eye of the Yao Family's prodigy. Tough luck for you."

Shen Xiang felt the urge to punch him but held back. He smiled coldly and said,"Shen Zhenhua, do you still remember how I threw you to the ground like a dog when we were kids? You're not here just to watch me make a fool of myself, are you?"

This youth, Shen Zhenhua, was the son of a branch leader of the Shen family. The Shen family had many branches scattered throughout the Southern Martial Kingdom. Those branch leaders were formidable and only gathered at the main estate for important matters.

Shen Zhenhua's face darkened, but he forced a sneer."Of course I came to see how you'll be humiliated by the Yao Family genius. I can't wait to watch you lose that fairy-like fiancée of yours."

With that, he laughed and walked away.

Shen Xiang snorted coldly and left quickly to find his father. On his way back, he had already heard rumors that something had happened in the Shen family—hence, the return of all the branch leaders.

In the Tianhu Courtyard, within a study...

Shen Xiang rushed in and anxiously asked,"Dad, is it true that Grandpa stepped down as clan leader?"

Shen Tianhu nodded gravely."It's true. Your grandfather has retired—he's likely gone to visit martial sects. The branch leaders are gathering to fight for the position of clan head."

The retirement of the Shen family's patriarch meant a new clan leader would be chosen, inevitably leading to conflict. Traditionally, the struggle for leadership was fierce—injuries were commonplace.

Becoming head of a martial family meant supreme authority and vast resources—many would risk their lives for it.

Shen Xiang's father was among the contenders, meaning Shen Xiang would be dragged into the storm. Without sufficient strength, it would be dangerous.

Leadership in the Shen family was never passed down by blood—it had to be won through strength. This was a world where might makes right. Only overwhelming power could win respect.

Seeing his father's grim expression, Shen Xiang cautiously asked,"Dad... is it going to be tough?"

Shen Tianhu sighed."Yes. There will be several strong contenders—two brothers in particular are my biggest concern... Anyway, forget that for now. The Yao Family genius has challenged you. Just refuse him."

Refuse? Shen Xiang had never once considered backing down since hearing about the challenge. He had already reached the fifth level of the Mortal Martial Realm and was cultivating divine arts. With the Tai Chi Divine Art concealing his aura, even Shen Tianhu couldn't detect his strength.

"Dad, I won't let the Xue and Yao families look down on us! I'll accept the challenge!"Shen Xiang's eyes were firm, filled with fighting spirit. A wave of rich and refined true energy surged from him, causing Shen Tianhu's pupils to shrink in shock—his son was clearly not the same as before.

Though curious, Shen Tianhu didn't pry. Seeing his son grow stronger filled him with pride.

He placed a strong hand on Shen Xiang's shoulder and laughed,"I support you! Show that Yao brat what true talent looks like!"

Shen Xiang chuckled."Then... Dad, can you support me with some money too?"

Though he had a powerful father, Shen Xiang himself was always broke. His father had deliberately raised him in a humble lifestyle to avoid turning him into a spoiled brat, which was why the grandson of a clan head often appeared so poor.

Shen Tianhu, despite his strength, spent heavily on his own cultivation and collecting herbs for Shen Xiang—so he forbade wasteful spending.

"What for?"

"I want to buy some spiritual herbs... to plant," Shen Xiang said, eyes shifting slyly.

Planting herbs required experience and patience. Most herbalists were old alchemists with white hair—very few young people dared to try. Not only was it time-consuming, but some herbs took years to mature.

Shen Tianhu was shocked to hear this coming from a teenager. But seeing the confidence in Shen Xiang's eyes, he reluctantly pulled out a storage pouch.

"If you're messing around, I'll tan your hide so bad you won't sit comfortably for a month," he said with a dark smile, making Shen Xiang shiver.

"Three thousand great spirit coins! If you can't at least double that, don't ask me for money again."He handed over a specially made spirit money note.

Shen Xiang accepted it with a grin."Don't worry. I'm going to become the youngest alchemist in Shen family history!"

Shen Tianhu was shocked but delighted. He knew his son was no longer the boy without spirit veins. If Shen Xiang could really become an alchemist, the Shen family's power would grow immensely. After all, it had been many years since they produced one.

Shen Tianhu laughed heartily."Then go make some waves! If you don't bring me some results, I'll beat you myself! I'll handle the Yao Family."

With the money in hand, Shen Xiang hurried off.