Chapter 17: Warnings.

Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Warnings.

Chen Meilan continued to call the names of the remaining talented younger generation. One after another they stepped out from the crowd and stood at the front in a proper line.

Some appeared nervous as he was being watched under the attention of the whole clan, while others tried their best to maintain a calm expression.

Most of them were clearly aware that being selected meant they had been recognized as among the more talented members of their generation.

Soon, only three names remained.

Chen Meilan glanced toward the crowd before narrowing down to a specific area. She located the three figures standing farther back.

"Chen Yichen."

The young man immediately stepped forward.

"Yes."

His voice was calm, and unlike the others, there was no nervousness in his expression nor movement.

He stood tall with his long black hair tied neatly behind his head. His dark-blue robe was simple, without unnecessary decorations as he stood out from the other talented young clan members at the front.

Chen Meilan continued, "Chen Yuexin."

"Yes."

A graceful young woman stepped forward. Her voice soft and crisp.

Her long back hair flowed naturally down her back, and her expression remained calm throughout the walk to the front of the crowd.

Finally, Chen Meilan called the last name, "Chen Minghao."

A young man walked out from the crowd with his hands behind his back, "Yes."

His expression remained cold and indifferent, earning him the nickname of the Chen Family’s "Frost sculpture."

With thet hree of them stepping forward, all twelve selected younger members now stood together at the front of the crowd.

Chen Meilan turned toward Chen Yuan as she respectfully clasped her hand together, "Ancestor, these are the most talented younger members of our clan."

Chen Yuan nodded lightly and his gaze swept across the twelve young clansmen.

The moment his eyes hovered over them, their bodies instinctively shuddered as they noticed his attention.

Several of the younger clansmen subconsciously straightened their backs. A few lowered their gazes slightly, unsure of what the newly recognized Ancestor thought of them.

Chen Yuan’s gaze lingered briefly on each person before moving to the next.

Most of them were nervous.

Yet the three standing at the very end remained composed.

Chen Yuan was secretly delighted at their composure. Not because of humility, but because of their own unique personalities.

Chen Yuan found them to be rather amusing.

Chen Yichen’s expression was steady.

Chen Yuexin’s posture remained graceful.

And even Chen Minghao kept the still face throughout the second as he watched over them.

Chen Yuan smiled.

The weakest is at the fourth layer, while the strongest is at the fifth.

He hummed inwardly as his gaze moved toward the twelve once more, ’And that little girl is quite interesting.’

His eyes settled briefly over Chen Yuexin’s body.

She seems to be practicing a rther peculiar spiritual technique. There’s a certain allure to her that shouldn’t be there. More like a charm.

Chen Yuan noticed the strangeness on her but he didn’t bother to call it out. He had no intention of exposing the technique she practiced.

Everyone possesed their own path that they wanted to pursue in the world.

Though, if the girl herself did not understand its value yet, then there was even less reason for him to explain it in front of everyone.

His gaze eventually returned to the entire crowd.

Then, seemingly the right time, he spoke.

"Not bad, three of are actually in the fifth layer of Qi Condensation."

The three instinctively straightened their back as they heard the praise. After all, the praise was coming from a suspected and perhaps, confirmed Foundation Estbalishment expert, their Ancestor.

"Since you are all the younger generation that our clan considers talented, I have something to announce."

The courtyard gradually quieted down as the younger clansmen looked towards him over the air.

Chen Yuan didn’t mind the gazes and his voice remained calm, "Today, I will open an inheritance trial cave for the younger generation of my Chen Family."

The words dropped silently.

Silence came.

Then...

It was almost like a fuse being pressed as the crowd detonated after comprehending what the words meant.

"An inheritance trial cave?"

"What?"

"An inheritance?"

The courtyard immediately erupted.

The sudden announcement caught nearly everyone off guard. Even the elders exchanged surprised glances with each other as the other clansmen began whispering among themselves.

An inheritance trial cave?

Our Clan actually possessed such a thing?

Since when?

After all, from the youngest to the oldest, all of them knew the significance of an inheritance test for a cultivation family!

Those words carried considerable weight in the cultivation world. An ordinary cultivation technique could be passed down or sold through books, jade slips, or direct instructon.

An inheritance was different. It represented the knowledge and techniques accumulated by a powerful cultivator througout their lifetime.

If someone obtained such an inheritance, their future could be completely changed.

Chen Yuan raised his hand, and the uproar immediately quieted down.

"But there is... one requirement."

His gaze silently swept over the gathered clansmen.

"Anyone who wishes to participate in the inheritance trial cave must possess at least the strength of the fourth layer of the Qi Condensation realm."

The words immediately caused another wave of discussion.

"Fourth layer?"

"That means only the stronger members of our younger generation can enter."

"Then those twelve..."

Several gazes naturally turned toward the selected younger clansmen standing at the front.

All twelve met the requirement.

The three prodigies, however, reacted somewhat differently.

Chen Yichen’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Chen Yuexin’s expression remained composed, but curiosity appeared in her eyes.

Even Chen Minghao’s cold expression shifted subtly.

Clearly, none of them had expected such an opportunity to appear so suddenly.

Chen Yuan noticed their reactions but said nothing.

Instead, he continued. His voice carrying a faint of solemnity that had not been there before.

"However, this inheritance trial cave was not created by me."

Chen Yuan’s gaze swept across the open ground as he continued, "It was left behind in remembrance of one of our Chen Family’s greatest Ancestors."

He paused briefly, "Ancestor Chen Feng."

The name instantly caught everyone’s attention.

Some of the older clan members exchanged glances, while the

Some of the older clan members exchanged glances, while the younger generation looked at one another with confusion.

Although they had heard the name repeatedly over the past week, most of them still knew very little about the supposed Ancestor Chen Feng.

Chen Yuan continued.

"Many of you may have heard stories about him recently. Some of you may even believe that those stories were nothing more than something I deliberately spread to strengthen the morale of our clan."

A few younger clan members lowered their heads awkwardly.

They had indeed thought that way.

After all, the Chen Family had never had any records of such a powerful ancestor being spoken of publicly before.

Chen Yuan’s expression remained calm.

"But I can tell you now."

His voice carried across the entire courtyard.

"The inheritance trial cave is real."

The words struck the crowd harder than the previous announcement.

The murmuring that had just begun immediately disappeared.

Chen Yuan looked toward the twelve selected youths.

"And so is the inheritance that lies within it."

Several elders’ expressions changed.

Even Chen Haoran, who already knew the truth, remained silent as he listened.

Chen Yuan slowly continued.

"Ancestor Chen Feng was a swordsman."

"He dedicated his life to the sword, and the inheritance he left behind is therefore related to the sword as well."

His gaze shifted briefly toward Chen Yichen, Chen Yuexin, and Chen Minghao.

"The trial within the cave will test your compatibility with his path."

"Those who possess sufficient talent, comprehension, and determination may obtain something from it."

Chen Yuan’s voice became slightly heavier.

"And among the things that may be obtained..."

He paused deliberately.

"Is a second-grade sword technique."

The courtyard became completely still.

A second-grade technique.

Even the elders could not help showing a trace of excitement.

For the current Chen Family, a second-grade technique was an inheritance that could not be measured simply by spiritual stones.

It could become the foundation upon which the clan rebuilt itself.

Chen Yuan looked at the younger generation.

"Whether you can obtain it is another matter."

"There is no guarantee."

"Entering the cave does not mean you will receive anything. You will have to rely on your own talent and ability to obtain the inheritance left behind by Ancestor Chen Feng."

The three prodigies remained silent.

Yet their eyes had clearly changed.

Chen Yichen’s hand unconsciously moved closer to the sword at his waist.

Chen Yuexin’s curiosity deepened as she listened carefully to every word.

Even Chen Minghao’s usually indifferent expression had become noticeably more serious.

Chen Yuan noticed their reactions.

A faint smile appeared on his face.

"This inheritance trial cave exists as a means of remembering Ancestor Chen Feng."

"His path should not be forgotten."

"His sword should not be forgotten."

"And neither should the Chen Family that he once left behind."

His words slowly settled over the courtyard.

"That is why, from today onward, the inheritance of Ancestor Chen Feng will once again be opened to the Chen Family."

Chen Yuan’s words slowly settled over the courtyard.

His gaze then shifted toward Chen Haoran.

"Haoran."

Chen Haoran immediately stepped forward and clasped his hands.

"Ancestor."

"Call out everyone who meets the requirement and wishes to participate."

Chen Haoran nodded immediately, as he turned around and looked toward the enormous crowd gathered below.

"Understood."

He gathered his breath and spoke.

"Anyone who has reached the fourth layer of the Qi Condensation Realm or above and wishes to participate in the inheritance trial, step forward."

His voice spread across the courtyard.

At first, the clansmen exchanged glances and for several breaths, nobody moved. Nobody dared to enter the group at the front.

Although Chen Yuan had already explained the opportunity awaiting them, many still hesitated. Sure, an inheritance sounded enticing. However, none of them knew what awaited them inside.

What if they entered and failed? Would they be injured? Would they lose the opportunity to cultivate?

Or perhaps they would simply leave empty-handed after embarrassing themselves before the entire clan?

The twelve younger clansmen who had already been selected remained at the front, naturally becoming the first group eligible to enter.

Then, an older clan member finally stepped forward. His movement seemed to break an invisible barrier as another person followed.

Then another.

Soon, the initially hesitant crowd began to move. One after another, clansmen walked out from among the gathered crowd and made their way toward the front.

Chen Haoran carefully watched them as they approached.

"Stand over here."

He directed the clansmen toward the same open area where the twelve talented younger members were standing.

The number continued to increase.

Ten.

Twenty.

Thirty.

Then fifty.

The elders who had initially remained among the crowd also began exchanging glances. An inheritance left behind by a powerful sword cultivator was simply too tempting to ignore.

Although they were no longer part of the younger generation, Chen Yuan had never said that the inheritance was restricted exclusively to them.

As long as they met the requirement, they could participate. Chen Guanshan eventually stepped forward. Similar to Chen Haoran, he too was a swordsman, and as such, he was extremely tempted to undertake the trial.

Seeing this, several others followed. Soon, nearly half of the elders who possessed sufficient cultivation had gathered together at the front.

Chen Haoran looked toward them but did not say anything. After all, the opportunity belonged to the entire Chen Family. There was no reason for the elders to give it up merely because they were older.

Chen Yuan silently watched everything unfold before him as the crowd continued growing. Almost forty percent of the entire Chen Family had stepped forward.

The sight surprised even Chen Yuan slightly.

So nearly forty percent of the clan has already reached the fourth layer of the Qi Condensation Realm or above.

His gaze swept across the enormous group. More than two hundred people had gathered.

Although most of them were only at the fourth or fifth layer of Qi Condensation, such a number was still considerable for the current Chen Family.

It also gave Chen Yuan a clearer understanding of the clan’s actual strength.

He nodded inwardly.

’Not bad.’

At least the foundation of the Chen Family was not as weak as it appeared on the surface. Chen Haoran eventually finished counting those who wished to participate.

He turned toward Chen Yuan and respectfully clasped his hands.

"Ancestor, everyone who wishes to participate and meets the requirement has gathered."

Chen Yuan nodded.

His gaze passed over the enormous group standing before him. There were young men and women, middle-aged clan members, and several elders.

Their cultivation levels varied, their personalities were different, and their understanding of the sword was certainly not the same. Some looked excited, others were nervous, and a few appeared determined.

There were even several who seemed uncertain whether they had made the right decision.

There were fear over their faces, evident through their gestures, and uncertainty filled their eyes.

Chen Yuan understood their thoughts.

An inheritance was an opportunity. But an opportunity did not mean success. He looked toward them and spoke.

"Before we begin, there is something you must understand."

The courtyard gradually quieted, "Not everyone who enters the inheritance trial will obtain anything."

"Some of you may obtain an inheritance."

"Some may obtain nothing."

"And some may not even be able to withstand the trial."

The expressions of the clansmen became more solemn. Chen Yuan continued, "I have already told you that the inheritance belongs to Ancestor Chen Feng."

"His path was the sword."

"If you wish to obtain what he left behind, then you must prove that you are worthy of receiving it."

"I will not guarantee success for anyone."

"So, if you are unwilling to accept the possibility of failure, you may still withdraw."

Nobody moved and the courtyard remained completely silent. Not a single person dared to step backward.

Seeing this, Chen Yuan nodded in satisfaction, "Very well."

His voice suddenly became deeper.

"Then prepare yourselves."

The instant those words fell—

The sky changed.

The countless flaming fireflies that had been floating peacefully above the courtyard suddenly began to move. Their tiny flames flickered simultaneously.

Then they began swirling. Hundreds became thousands. Thousands became tens of thousands. The countless points of crimson-golden light gathered into a vast vortex above Chen Yuan.

The spectacle was breathtaking as the entire sky seemed to have been transformed into a sea of fireflies. The flames revolved around Chen Yuan’s body, following an invisible pattern that caused the surrounding spiritual energy to tremble.

The clansmen at the front raised their heads, some stared in astonishment, and others instinctively took a step backward.

Even the elders could not hide their amazement as Chen Yuan stood calmly in the center of it all.

His loose robe fluttered beneath the swirling spiritual energy, while his long hair moved gently behind him. His figure appeared almost insignificant beneath the enormous sea of flaming fireflies.

Yet at the same time, he seemed to be the very center of the entire phenomenon. Then Chen Yuan raised one hand.

The enormous vortex above him suddenly split apart as countless flaming fireflies descended. They poured downward like a river of stars falling from the heavens.

The clansmen standing at the front looked up as the brilliant flames approached. Some instinctively raised their hands.

Others simply stood there in awe.

The flaming fireflies passed around them without burning them.

Instead, each tiny flame dissolved into their bodies.

One.

Then another.

Then hundreds.

Then thousands.

In an instant, the entire group was enveloped beneath a vast curtain of crimson-golden light.

Chen Yuan’s eyes remained calm.

"Go."

His voice sounded majestic across the courtyard.

The next instant—

Boom!

The spiritual energy in the air erupted. The countless flaming fireflies surrounding the group flashed brilliantly. Then the entire group vanished.

More than two hundred Chen Family members disappeared from the courtyard at the same time. They were simply gone from the spot.

The enormous spectacle that had covered the sky also began to dissipate. One by one, the flaming fireflies disappeared into the air until the vast sea of crimson-golden light completely vanished.

The sky returned to normal and the courtyard became strangely empty.

Chen Haoran stood where he had been, staring at the space where more than two hundred clan members had stood only moments ago.

Beside him, Qingxue also looked toward the empty area.

Several elders who had chosen not to participate remained behind as well, their expressions still carrying traces of astonishment. The remaining clansmen stood scattered throughout the courtyard.

Nobody spoke.

They had just witnessed more than two hundred members of the Chen Family being transported away in a single instant.

"It seems the Ancestor is truly intending to guide the clan’s future from now on." Qingxue spoke from the side as Chen Haoran continued gazing toward the sky.

Chen Haoran remained silent for a few breaths before a faint smile appeared on his face.

"Just like when he was young."

Qingxue turned toward him.

Chen Haoran lowered his gaze toward the empty courtyard.

"The Ancestor has always been like this."

His smile deepened slightly.

"As long as that fire remains, the Chen Family will never truly fade."