The City Lord Mansion stood imposingly at the heart of Lian, surrounded by the wealthiest district in the city. Wide cobblestone roads led up to its grand gates, flanked by intricately carved stone lions, and the air was filled with the faint scent of incense and polished wood. Gardens stretched along the perimeter, and the rooftops gleamed under the sun, signaling the immense wealth and power housed within.

  The lord himself, Xu Haoran, was no ordinary noble. A distant cousin of His Majesty Emperor Shengyu, his ties to the imperial family certainly granted him status, but his authority in Lian extended far beyond mere pedigree. Xu Haoran was the city’s only Innate Realm expert, a distinction that alone commanded respect and fear. In a city full of ambitious martial artists and powerful clans, his mastery of innate martial arts placed him above all others, and his word carried absolute weight. No law, no faction, and no dispute dared to challenge him—not merely because of his lineage or title, but because his strength and skill made him an unassailable force in his own right.

  The mansion, luxurious and serene as it appeared, was more than a residence; it was the epicenter of power in Lian, where decisions could shift trade, influence martial schools, and even sway the fortunes of the city’s underworld. And within its halls, Xu Haoran moved with the quiet authority of someone whose strength was unquestioned, respected by all, feared by many.

  Inside the mansion, in a spacious hall adorned with gilded columns and screens depicting the Hua Kingdom’s landscapes, Sect Master Han Zhen sat patiently, his posture straight, hands resting lightly on his knees. A few streaks of white threaded through his black hair, marking both his age and the countless years spent navigating the treacherous waters of martial politics. His expression was calm, yet his eyes held the sharpness of a hawk—ever aware of the weight of the conversation to come.

  Not long after, the doors opened quietly, and City Lord Xu Haoran entered. Middle-aged, yet still radiating the presence of an Innate Realm expert, his white-streaked hair caught the light as he moved with a measured, deliberate pace. Though his features were composed, there was no mistaking the aura of power that hung around him like a living thing.

  Han Zhen rose slightly as a sign of respect, but the gesture was subtle—enough to acknowledge Xu Haoran’s status without overstepping. Xu Haoran merely nodded in return, taking his seat opposite Han Zhen, his gaze steady and calculating, as if weighing the man before him not only by words but by the hidden depths of his mind and connections.

  For a moment, silence filled the room, broken only by the soft clink of porcelain as Xu Haoran sipped his tea. Two middle-aged men, white threads in their hair, sitting across from each other in the heart of the city’s power, both aware that the decisions made in this room could ripple through schools, factions, and the undercurrents of Lian itself.

  City Lord Xu Haoran leaned back slightly, his white-streaked hair catching the light as he surveyed Han Zhen with a calm, yet penetrating gaze.

  City Lord Xu Haoran: Old Han, it has been a long time since you graced this master with a visit.

  Han Zhen smiled wearily, his expression carefully measured. He knew the man across from him was not someone to provoke, not even slightly.

  Han Zhen: My lord, you jest… it is only the school’s responsibilities and managing hundreds of disciples that leave me so little time. I would never dare trouble you with trivial visits.

  The city lord chuckled, the sound echoing gently through the high-ceilinged hall.

  City Lord Xu Haoran: You are a friend, Han Zhen, and this lord values the service your martial heart offers to the city—and to His Majesty.

  Han inclined his head respectfully.

  Han Zhen: It is what we ought to do, my lord, as loyal subjects of His Majesty…

  The city lord nodded approvingly, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

  City Lord Xu Haoran: Well said.

  He paused, letting the weight of his gaze settle on Han Zhen before continuing.

  City Lord Xu Haoran: Now, tell me… what brings you here today? When the mansion received your letter requesting a meeting, I did not hesitate. As a lord, I must support you.

  Han Zhen straightened subtly, aware that the words he chose next would set the tone for everything that followed.

  Han Zhen: My lord, you know that since the martial halls were established in the city, we have all depended on your grace to maintain peace and safeguard the trade routes. However, lately, the river trade routes have been effectively blocked for my Silver Crane School. We have suffered countless covert attacks, forcing us to rely on the land routes, which are both costly and inefficient. The situation worsens with every passing day, and I fear it may spiral out of control.

  City Lord Xu Haoran frowned, his gaze sharpening. An invisible pressure settled over the room, making Han Zhen sweat lightly.

  City Lord Xu Haoran: Escalate… how so?

  Han Zhen quickly bowed his head, careful with his words.

  Han Zhen: Please do not misunderstand, my lord. I refer to the lawless Iron Fang Gang entrenched at the docks and along the river.

  The city lord leaned back slightly, restraining the aura of authority he radiated.

  City Lord Xu Haoran: Hmm… as far as I know, they operate entirely within the law now. Would they dare break the peace and block the river route? And it does not appear that the other two martial halls have suffered any issues with them.

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  Han Zhen: My lord, you may not know, but the Silver Crane School has been targeted by covert attacks from the gang. We lack evidence, of course, but the pattern is clear: they control the river route.

  The city lord’s gaze grew deliberate, studying Han carefully.

  City Lord Xu Haoran: Mm… I understand. But without evidence, the Lord Mansion cannot interfere. Justice must be served, yes, but proof is required.

  Han Zhen felt the subtle demand behind the words—he would have to demonstrate value.

  Han Zhen: My lord, the Silver Crane School has always been loyal and will remain at your service. We ask only that you signal your stance; that alone would be enough to support your faithful subordinates.

  The city lord’s face softened into a rare smile.

  City Lord Xu Haoran: Old Han, what subordinates? We have always been friends. Helping a friend is only natural.

  Han Zhen allowed himself a small, respectful smile.

  Han Zhen: Then I shall be depending on your lordly grace.

  The city lord shifted the subject, leaning slightly forward.

  City Lord Xu Haoran: I have heard that the Silver Crane legacy is deep and not ordinary.

  Han Zhen: It cannot compare to the imperial family’s legacy, my lord. It is merely a second-rate cultivation method.

  City Lord Xu Haoran chuckled, shaking his head.

  City Lord Xu Haoran: Old Han, do not be so modest. Any legacy with an innate diagram is extraordinary.

  Han Zhen: Yes, my lord… but reaching innate is so difficult.

  He sighed, a note of regret in his voice.

  City Lord Xu Haoran: Even this lord, having reached Innate decades ago, remains frustrated by the scarcity of resources. Spiritual items are exceedingly rare.

  Han Zhen’s expression subtly changed, a thought crossing his mind. He knows… Inwardly, he gritted his teeth, then quickly composed himself.

  Han Zhen: What your lordship says makes sense. We were unaware that you sought such items… Perhaps our hall can offer assistance and share information to help you advance further along the path of cultivation.

  City Lord Xu Haoran leaned back, his calm demeanor never faltering.

  City Lord Xu Haoran: That would indeed be most helpful. If your hall could procure information about such items, this lord would be immensely grateful.

  Han Zhen: My lord, you jest. It is our duty. And we can offer more than mere information. Years ago, our herb-gathering department stumbled upon a pearl deep in the mountains. It has lain unused since then… If it can aid your lordship, we will gladly present it.

  The city lord laughed heartily, a rare, full-throated sound.

  City Lord Xu Haoran: Good! Good! That is unexpected—and happy news indeed.

  Han Zhen rose from his seat, bowed slightly, and departed. His face was unreadable, revealing nothing of his thoughts or intentions as he left the city lord’s hall.

  As Han exited, Lord Xu Haoran remained seated, sipping his tea in calm silence. The quiet was broken moments later by the sound of soft footsteps. A man in black, his features partially shadowed beneath a hood, entered the room.

  City Lord Xu Haoran: How is the search progressing?

  Black-Clothed Man: We are doing our best, my lord, but the mountains are vast and perilous. Our manpower is limited.

  Xu Haoran: Then request additional men from the martial halls. They cannot shirk their duties.

  Black-Clothed Man: Understood, my lord. And what of the Silver Crane School? Shall we continue pressing them?

  Xu Haoran leaned back slightly, his gaze sharp.

  Xu Haoran: No need, for now. I have given my word. But do not lose sight of them. If it turns out they are concealing anything related to the Immortal Legacy, do not hesitate to be ruthless.

  Black-Clothed Man: Yes, my lord.

  The man bowed slightly, then silently exited, leaving Lord Xu Haoran alone with the faint flicker of candlelight reflecting in his eyes, as though the city—and its hidden intrigues—lay entirely within his grasp.

  Chen Mo made his way through the outer courtyard toward the Transmission Hall, his footsteps light but purposeful. As a newly minted Skin Refining Realm expert, he was entitled not only to increased resources and monthly quotas but also to claim a free martial skill from the hall’s collection—a rare opportunity that could shape the direction of his cultivation.

  He had already given it thought. Among all the options, he knew exactly which skill would complement his Silver Crane Body Refining method, enhancing his speed, agility, and control over qi circulation. Choosing wisely now could give him a head start over most peers, especially in the coming months of intensive training.

  Passing the stone steps of the hall, Chen Mo glanced at the open library section nearby. The Transmission Hall’s library was accessible to any formal disciple, though most only came to check basic martial texts or rare alchemy recipes. Today, Chen Mo planned to take a quiet look at the library, browsing techniques that might synergize with his cultivation, while also formally claiming his new martial skill.

  As he stepped inside, the sunlight spilling through the high windows reflected off the polished floors, and the faint scent of aged scrolls and ink filled the air. A sense of calm precision enveloped him—an ideal place for studying, choosing, and planning his next move.

  Chen Mo’s mind was already working ahead, calculating how this new skill and the library’s resources could accelerate his progress, all while staying unnoticed enough to avoid drawing the attention of the more ambitious and calculating disciples in the hall.