Chapter 19: No Misunderstanding
The moment Elder Lü Yan's measured words faded, a subtle aura unique to a Core Formation Stage powerhouse rippled outward like invisible waves across the third floor of Baiwei Zhai.
The floor, which had been buzzing with chatter moments before, fell noticeably quiet.
Those who could afford to dine here all had a measure of discernment — the Liuyun Sword Sect was a name that carried real weight in the lands surrounding Wanggu City.
A sect Elder appearing in person, his words polite on the surface, yet the word "misunderstanding" carried an unmistakable undertone of accusation no matter how one heard it.
What's more, a Core Formation Stage powerhouse was already a remarkable figure in Wanggu City. This was a rare spectacle, and more than a few diners set down their chopsticks, letting their gazes drift toward the scene.
Under everyone's watchful eyes, Si Chen set down his teacup, raised his head, and studied Lü Yan with genuine attentiveness before offering a correction:
"There was no misunderstanding."
Before Lü Yan could react, Si Chen raised a hand and pointed at Zhao Qinghe, who stood to one side, his tone matter-of-fact: "He drew his sword and attacked me first."
Zhao Qinghe's face flushed crimson in an instant. His lips parted as if to say something. A single glance from Lü Yan silenced him immediately, though his fists quietly clenched at his sides.
Si Chen seemed entirely unaware of the silent exchange between them. He then pointed at the cluster of tense disciples standing behind:
"Then, a whole group of them drew their swords and attacked me together."
The disciples he swept his gaze over instinctively lowered their heads, not daring to meet his eyes.
Si Chen recalled the events of that time and decided it was best to lay things out clearly.
He organized his thoughts and attempted to help this elder — who appeared to be the other party's senior — understand that the matter had already reached a perfectly satisfactory conclusion:
"In the end, I asked him whether he still wanted to attack me. He said no."
He paused, then delivered his verdict: "Therefore, the grievance is settled."
The third floor fell so silent that the street vendors' calls drifting in from outside the windows could be heard clearly.
In Si Chen's own understanding, this was a perfectly logical account — a clear-cut explanation of the incident's beginning, middle, and end.
But to the ears of everyone else, especially Lü Yan and the onlookers around them, the meaning had shifted entirely.
This was no explanation.
This was a calm, unhurried recounting of Zhao Qinghe and the others' embarrassment, their defeat, and their final capitulation — delivered in the most tranquil of tones, with just a hint of "I already gave you a chance" woven through it.
The veneer of warmth Lü Yan had been straining to maintain finally began to crack.
He was a Core Formation Stage powerhouse, an Elder of the Liuyun Sword Sect — wherever he went, he was met with reverence.
When had he ever been so thoroughly… "summarized" by a junior at the Foundation Establishment Stage?
This was no longer mere disrespect. This was treating the Liuyun Sword Sect as though it were beneath notice entirely.
Yet he was, after all, a seasoned old monster who had weathered great storms. Fury churned within him, but his outward expression remained composed.
He suppressed his anger and shifted to probing: "You speak plainly, young friend — it is I who misspoke. Might I ask where you studied? To have produced such a… remarkable disciple, your master must be no ordinary figure."
He still wanted to sound out the young man's background first.
"Rogue Cultivator. No master." Si Chen's answer was just as direct.
A Rogue Cultivator?
A flicker crossed Lü Yan's eyes.
Even now, he refused to reveal his origins? Could it truly be that he had stumbled upon some extraordinary stroke of luck — perhaps the Inheritance of a senior who had passed away in meditation?
A young Rogue Cultivator with no roots, carrying great treasures, with terrifying talent…
In a fleeting moment, a thought took shape in the depths of Lü Yan's mind.
If he could recruit this young man into the Liuyun Sword Sect, not only would the sect gain a disciple of limitless potential, but he himself would earn great merit!
And perhaps there would be an opportunity to uncover the secrets this young man carried…
As for the earlier unpleasantness — what did that amount to, weighed against such tangible gain?
A smile returned to Lü Yan's face, this time carrying a touch more sincerity: "To think you are entirely self-taught — that makes it all the more remarkable!"
"But wandering alone is inevitably arduous. Our Liuyun Sword Sect has earned a modest reputation in these lands, and we have always had a deep appreciation for talent."
"With your gifts, should you be willing to join, I can personally make the introduction. You would receive focused cultivation and guidance, and the path to the Core Formation Stage would be well within reach. What say you, young friend?"
He believed the terms he offered were generous enough that no Rogue Cultivator could refuse.
"No."
Si Chen refused without a moment's hesitation.
If he were to join a sect, he would find one himself — not be recruited like this.
Besides, he did not particularly like the look in this elder's eyes. Beneath that smile, something else was hidden.
Having been rebuffed twice in succession, a cold glint flashed through Lü Yan's eyes before vanishing. His face broke into a laugh as though it were of no consequence: "To each their own — one cannot force these things. I have yet to ask your name, young friend. Meeting today is a kind of fate in itself."
He needed to confirm the name — whether for investigation afterward, or for… other plans.
Si Chen glanced at him, thinking this person certainly had a lot of questions.
Still, considering he was already far enough from home, giving his name seemed harmless enough. There were plenty of people with the surname Si in the world — his family was hardly the only one.
"Si Chen," he said.
Si Chen? Lü Yan rapidly ran through the notable Si-surnamed clans and forces in the surrounding region and found nothing that matched this young man. The last trace of caution in his heart dissolved.
It seemed he truly was nothing more than a Rogue Cultivator with exceptional luck.
Just then, a waiter came over, trembling slightly, carrying dishes that steamed with fragrant heat.
An enticing aroma drifted through the air.
Si Chen's attention was immediately drawn over. For him, savoring a good meal was the most important matter at hand.
The spirit beast meat that had been brought out was braised to tender perfection, and the jade-green spirit vegetables glistened with a freshness that stirred the appetite just to look at.
He picked up his chopsticks, glanced at Lü Yan still standing beside the table, and wondered why the man hadn't left yet.
So he offered a gentle reminder: "I'm going to eat now."
The meaning could not have been clearer — you may leave, don't interrupt my meal.
But to Lü Yan's ears, this was the height of contempt and arrogance. He was a Core Formation Stage powerhouse, and in front of him, this Foundation Establishment junior's mind was occupied with nothing but eating?!
The smile on Lü Yan's face finally vanished entirely. He fixed Si Chen with a long, penetrating look:
"Very well, young friend Si Chen. Enjoy your meal."
"We… shall meet again."
Those last words were laden with meaning.
With that, he swept his sleeves and turned to leave. Zhao Qinghe and the others hurried after him, not daring to linger a moment longer in that suffocating atmosphere.
The surrounding diners, seeing that no fight had broken out, were visibly disappointed. They turned their gazes away one by one, and the restaurant gradually returned to its former noise.
Si Chen paid no further attention to any of it and focused entirely on the food before him. The meat was tender and flavorful, rich with Spiritual Energy — it was genuinely excellent.
He ate with complete peace of mind, unaware that the name "Si Chen," along with his manner of dealing with the Liuyun Sword Sect today, had already begun to spread quietly through Wanggu City like a breeze carried by those with keen interest.
Down below the restaurant, stepping into the street, Lü Yan's smile vanished in an instant, replaced by a cold, dark expression.
Out of one final measure of caution, he leaned toward a disciple behind him and murmured:
"Go and investigate. I want to know exactly where this Si Chen comes from."