Chapter Fifteen: Come Here, Let Me Show You a Treasure

Fighting within the city would be unwise—ordinary people filled the surroundings, and Chen Xiang had no desire to harm innocents. Thus, he lured the group outside the city. Unexpectedly, a mere mention of an illusory, legendary earth-grade spiritual artifact was enough to bait them; it was a testament to the artifact’s rarity and allure.

Chen Xiang obediently followed them to the eastern outskirts, which was, conveniently, the direction he intended to take. Fearing that Chen Xiang might escape, the golden core-stage man used his spiritual power to bind Chen Xiang’s body tightly. Chen Xiang tested the restraint and found that he could easily break free if he chose.

The golden core cultivator moved swiftly and reached the city gates in no time. The other two golden core men trailed just a step behind, while the rest of the cultivators raced desperately to catch up.

“Speak. Where have you hidden it?” The middle-aged man released Chen Xiang and asked in a low voice. Trees flanked both sides outside the city, and he had no intention of searching personally.

Chen Xiang stepped calmly outside the city walls. With so few people around, it was the perfect chance to test the power of the Emperor’s Seal technique.

“Oh? I’ve hidden it in a secluded spot. But tell me, which of you three should I hand it to?” Chen Xiang smiled.

The three golden core cultivators exchanged wary glances. They knew Chen Xiang’s words were meant to sow discord, yet each represented his own sect. If the artifact landed in another’s hands, it would be difficult to negotiate.

“Gentlemen, let’s not argue over who will claim the artifact just yet. The priority is to make this brat hand it over. We can decide its ownership afterwards,” suggested the middle-aged man who had brought Chen Xiang.

The other two nodded their agreement—after all, they weren’t even certain the earth-grade artifact truly existed.

Chen Xiang observed their reactions and shook his head with a sigh. “Ah, I was hoping to stall until the others arrived, so I could deal with all of you at once. Why must you be so unpredictable?”

At these words, the three men’s faces darkened. This brat actually wanted to catch them all at once? How brazen could he be?

The middle-aged man snapped, “Arrogant fool! Even if you weren’t bound by my power, what could you possibly do? For those words alone, I ought to kill you a hundred times over! Hand over the artifact now, and perhaps we’ll spare your life.”

He still couldn’t quite believe Chen Xiang might possess such a treasure—why else would the youth boast so boldly?

“Oh? You want an artifact? I have one. Come here, I’ll show you something precious,” Chen Xiang replied with a grin, slipping a hand inside his robe.

The middle-aged man waved dismissively, eyes narrowing with suspicion. “Enough tricks. I warn you—produce it now, or I’ll take it by force!”

Chen Xiang feigned indignation. “Come now, uncle. Do you lack even this much courage? Won’t even look at the treasure I offer? Here, why not let this uncle have a look instead?” He smiled at another of the golden core cultivators.

The man hesitated, a hint of longing in his expression—what if it truly were a treasure?

The other two also frowned slightly.

In the end, the middle-aged man couldn’t resist. He warned Chen Xiang, “Boy, don’t try any tricks, or you’ll suffer a miserable end!”

“Relax, uncle. My spiritual power is locked—you’ve left me no means to resist.” Chen Xiang beamed. “Come, I’ll truly show you something precious.”

The man approached cautiously, stopping a mere meter away. “What is it? Show me now!”

Chen Xiang grew solemn. “Alright, uncle, watch closely—this is the treasure I promised.”

He withdrew his hand from his robe, and his palm blazed with a dazzling yellow light.

“This is the treasure for you: the Mountain-Cleaving Seal!” Chen Xiang shattered his bonds in an instant and struck with his palm.

“Not good!” the middle-aged man cried, startled, attempting to evade. But he was too close, and Chen Xiang’s speed was too great. He was struck squarely.

A massive energy seal, tens of meters wide, sent him flying. His body soared through the air, crashing into a boulder before coming to a stop.

“Ding! Congratulations, Host ‘Chen Xiang’ has slain a level-three golden core cultivator. You have gained 10,000 experience points and a storage pouch.”

“Ding! Congratulations, Host ‘Chen Xiang’ has slain a golden core cultivator. You have obtained one golden core.”

“Ding! Congratulations, Host ‘Chen Xiang’ has leveled up. Current stage: Foundation Establishment, level four.”

“Ding! Congratulations, Host ‘Chen Xiang’ has leveled up. Current stage: Foundation Establishment, level five.”

“Ding! Congratulations, Host ‘Chen Xiang’ has slain a golden core cultivator for the first time. Special reward: ‘Mysterious Grand Gift Pack.’”

“…”

Chen Xiang was a little stunned. He hadn’t expected the Mountain-Cleaving Seal to be so powerful. Even though he’d caught his opponent off guard, to instantly kill a level-three golden core cultivator was extraordinary.

Heh, another mysterious gift pack—how delightful! Here’s hoping for something good.

The other two were shocked by the scene. They hurried forward to check, only to find the middle-aged man lifeless. Their shock deepened.

By now, the group of Foundation and Qi Condensation cultivators had arrived, along with five or six more golden core cultivators, all drawn by the rumor of the earth-grade artifact. Whether true or not, such news could not be ignored.

Seeing the newcomers, Chen Xiang hastily disguised his condition to avoid arousing suspicion. His face turned deathly pale, sweat beaded his brow, his steps grew unsteady, and he nearly collapsed—propping himself up with the Clearwind Sword he drew from his storage pouch.

He moved with such speed that no one noticed a thing.

The crowd, unaware of what had transpired, were delighted by Chen Xiang’s apparent state.

“Look, that brat is hurt!”

“He must have tried to resist and been struck by that senior.”

“Haha, serves him right for his arrogance.”

...

But the leading golden core elders paid no attention to him—their concern was elsewhere.

“Elder Li, Elder Liu, what’s happened to Elder Zhang?” one of the golden core men inquired as they approached, only to discover Elder Zhang already lifeless.

Elder Li and Elder Liu wore bitter expressions. “Elder Zhang… he was killed by that boy.”

“What?”

Everyone was stunned. Elder Zhang, an esteemed golden core cultivator of the Azure Luo Sect, widely regarded as one of the most formidable figures in Mistwood City, killed by a mere Foundation Establishment youth?

For a moment, their minds could not process it, and disbelief was widespread.

“That boy lured Elder Zhang forward, then unleashed an incredibly powerful attack—one move, and Elder Zhang was gone. It seemed to consume a great deal of spiritual power, as the boy now appears spent,” Elder Li recounted the events.

Eyes brightened throughout the crowd. They seized upon certain words: incredibly powerful, spent!

Could it be that this youth truly possessed an earth-grade artifact? Otherwise, how could he kill a golden core cultivator in a single move?

Excitement rippled through the assembly.

Chen Xiang stood amid the crowd, his expression grave, though inwardly he was thoroughly amused. What marvelous allies—such timely assistance!

“To be continued...”