Dare to Threaten This Young Master, You Deserve to Die

The Pristine Way Sect was founded a thousand years ago. From its humble beginnings as a small school, it has grown into a top-tier powerhouse with incredibly deep heritage. Its peak was three hundred years ago, when it produced a peerless Martial Saint at the summit of the sect.

But one hundred eighty years ago, the Human Race and the Devil Race fought a world-shaking war. The battle was earth-shattering, with countless deaths and injuries. The Human Race lost a total of eleven Martial Saints in that conflict.

Among the eleven fallen Martial Saints, one belonged to the Pristine Way Sect.

Of course, the Human Race suffered greatly, but the Devil Race also took heavy losses. With the Demon Race watching from the sidelines, both sides wanted to wipe each other out, but in the end, they had no choice but to call a truce.

Since that war, aside from the occasional clash, the Human, Demon, and Devil races have maintained a relatively peaceful coexistence.

Back to the main topic—let's continue with the Pristine Way Sect.

This world is extremely hierarchical, and the Pristine Way Sect is no exception. Its disciples are strictly divided into ranks.

The lowest rank is menial disciple—these are the ones who failed the entrance assessment. If they can break through to Qi-Refining tier five before age twenty-five, they have a chance to be promoted to outer sect disciple.

Above menial disciples are the outer sect disciples. The Pristine Way Sect recruits new disciples from outside every three years.

Anyone who passes the assessment can become an outer sect disciple.

Above the outer sect disciples are the inner sect disciples.

Above the inner sect are the elite disciples.

Above the elites are the core disciples. Once you become a core disciple, you can take part in managing the sect.

At the same time, the sect master is chosen from among the core disciples.

The Pristine Way Sect is located in Yan State. Three days later, Song Yan's group had already entered Yan State territory.

By tomorrow evening, they would reach the foot of Pristine Way Mountain.

After entering Yan State, the official road grew crowded with travelers—all heading toward the Pristine Way Sect.

According to Yellow Mountain, three years ago when the Pristine Way Sect recruited disciples, the response was overwhelming. At least ten thousand youths at Qi-Refining tier one and above went to take the assessment, but in the end, only a little over nine hundred passed—the elimination rate was over ninety percent.

"Young Master, the nearest city is still over a hundred li away. Tonight, we'll have to camp in the wild!"

Sean Xiao spurred his horse to Song Yan's side, but out of respect for rank, still kept half a horse's length behind.

"In that case, just find a spot and set up camp," Song Yan said with a casual wave.

Sean Xiao continued, "There's a small river five li ahead, and the land there is flat. It's a good spot to camp. What do you think, Young Master?"

"You handle it. I have no objections," Song Yan nodded.

"As you command!"

Half an hour later, the convoy from New Dawn City had set up camp by an unnamed river, with seven or eight campfires burning.

Listening to the crackling of the campfires, Song Yan stretched lazily in his tent, then pulled out a novel from his Storage Ring to pass the time.

Not long after, Little Wu brought over steaming hot meat soup and two golden, crispy flatbreads.

After dinner, Song Yan stepped out of the tent to walk around and help digest.

"Young Master, there may be Demonic Beasts roaming the wilds. Please don't wander far," Sean Xiao reminded him.

The Demon Race lives in the Demon Domain, but there are still plenty of Demonic Beasts in human territory. Demonic Beasts are simply unawakened members of the Demon Race. Once they reach a certain level, they can take human form and enter the Demon Domain.

Their hides can be used for armor, and their blood, flesh, and bones can be made into medicinal materials.

For example, some of the bone-refining medicinals Yellow Mountain prepared for Song Yan contained powdered Demonic Beast bones.

In terms of true cultivation, Song Yan had already reached peak Grandmaster. Even if he encountered an early Great Grandmaster, he could still retreat unscathed.

Still, he listened to Sean Xiao's advice and stayed close, just strolling nearby.

Suddenly, the sound of weapons clashing and shouting came from nearby.

Led by Sean Xiao, the guards instantly grabbed their weapons and rushed to Song Yan, forming a tight protective circle around him.

Soon, two people appeared, running straight toward Song Yan.

It was a boy and a girl—the boy was about fifteen or sixteen, holding a blood-stained black longsword in one hand and tightly gripping a girl in coarse clothing with the other.

Seeing this pair, Song Yan couldn't help showing a look of surprise.

Because the boy and girl were none other than Nate Moore and Lynn Ning.

What surprised Song Yan even more was that Nate Moore was already a Qi-Refining tier five martial artist. He couldn't help but sigh—damn, protagonists really do have luck on their side.

Soon, the people chasing the siblings appeared.

Three Qi-Refining tier six martial artists, all clad in black iron armor.

"Sean Xiao, I know these siblings. Go save them!" Song Yan ordered directly. Although he had traded curing Lynn Ning's eyes for Nate Moore's artifact ring, he still felt a bit indebted. Since they were in danger, saving them would balance the scales.

"Yes, Young Master!"

Sean Xiao, honest and straightforward, let out a shout and shot into the air like a giant bird. His sword swept out, sending a golden sword light three zhang long crashing down, forcing the three pursuers to retreat in fear.

"Impressive!"

Seeing this, Song Yan thought to himself that even a ninth-tier Innate martial artist in the real world couldn't compare to Sean Xiao's skill.

Sean Xiao landed, pointing his sword at the three men and coldly shouted, "Leave now and I'll spare your lives. Otherwise, my next strike will take your heads!"

"So domineering!"

Song Yan silently gave Sean Xiao a thumbs-up.

The three martial artists looked uneasy. One mustered his courage and said, "Friend, that little thief stole my young master's treasured sword. If he hands it over, we'll let him go for your sake!"

Sean Xiao hesitated.

Seeing this, the martial artist grew hopeful and pressed, "Friend, my young master is the direct heir of the Wu Clan in Snowsun City. Please do us this favor!"

On the other side, Song Yan glanced at the black sword in Nate Moore's hand and asked, "Did you steal that sword?"

Nate Moore's eyes flashed with anger. "No. I was gathering herbs in the mountains and found it in a cave!"

"Good, as long as it wasn't stolen! Don't worry, I'll handle this for you." With that, Song Yan strode forward. "Brother Sean, these three are twisting the truth—cut off one of their arms and send them packing!"

"How dare you!"

The three men grew furious and instinctively backed away.

But Sean Xiao was faster. With three quick slashes, three arms fell to the ground.

"You've got guts! The Wu Clan won't let you get away with this!" the leader spat, clutching his severed arm.

"Oh? You dare threaten me? Brother Sean, kill them!" Song Yan sneered.

"Ah!"

Hearing Song Yan's words, the three men froze in shock and terror.

As for Sean Xiao, he struck again—one sword, and all three were dead.