Chapter 12 - "The Unfathomable Hansu Zhenren"

Hearing her father shift the conversation to formal matters, Fu Qu stopped clinging to him and stood obediently to the side. She reminded herself to choose her words carefully when discussing the Tianyao Gorge incident—she had to help Senior Brother Xiao Yu keep his secret.

“Master, Daoist Qingwei is in excellent health. He also asked me to send you his regards,” Xiao Yu said respectfully.

In this world, countless mighty figures from various sects coexisted—heroes whose names were known far and wide, all living within this vast cultivation realm.

“The demonic path has grown increasingly audacious of late. You and Fu’er travelled tens of thousands of miles on this journey. Surely, you encountered many people and events along the way? Share what you saw and heard,” Hansu Zhenren said, pouring himself a pot of spirit tea. A calming, ethereal aroma filled the room as he leisurely sipped, exuding serenity.

“Father, we were ambushed by a Golden Core cultivator! We nearly didn’t make it back…” Fu Qu’s voice quivered, and she shuddered as she recalled the battle at Tianyao Gorge.

“What did you say?! A Golden Core ambush?”

Hansu Zhenren’s relaxed expression hardened in an instant. He put down his teacup and turned to Xiao Yu, his voice sharp with concern. “Yu’er, what happened? Tell me everything.”

“Master, it happened like this…” Xiao Yu recounted the carefully prepared version of events. He described how they were ambushed at Tianyao Gorge by demonic cultivators, emphasizing their narrow escape thanks to

One Leaf Obscures the Eye.

Xiao Yu concealed nothing—except for the existence of the system.

Once Xiao Yu finished, Fu Qu chimed in: “Father, everything happened just as Senior Brother described. I think that Wu fellow planned this attack. He may even have accomplices. You can’t let this go unchecked.”

Hansu Zhenren’s expression darkened.

“The audacity!”, A mere Golden Core cultivator, someone of negligible status in his eyes, dared to lay a hand on his daughter. Had it not been for her defensive artifact and Xiao Yu’s protection, he might have lost both his beloved disciple and his precious daughter.

“Have you told anyone else about this incident?” Hansu Zhenren asked.

“No, Master. I feared alarming our enemies, so I kept it to myself. Other than you, no one else knows,” Xiao Yu replied honestly.

“Good. You did well, Yu’er.”

Hansu Zhenren nodded approvingly, a trace of satisfaction on his face.

“You’ve performed a great service this time. You’ve long wanted access to the Heavenly Sword Pavilion. I’ll make an exception and allow you to choose one technique of your liking. But remember—you may only select one. I don’t want others accusing me of favouritism.”

“Thank you, Master!” Xiao Yu exclaimed, his face lighting up with joy.

The

Heavenly Sword Pavilion

was Tianyong City’s greatest treasure vault, housing everything from magical artefacts and sword techniques to talismans, formations, and legendary swords. For ordinary disciples, entry was strictly forbidden. Even Xiao Yu, the esteemed Senior Brother, had never been allowed in. Only those who rendered significant contributions to the sect could earn that privilege.

[Heavenly Sword Pavilion (天剑阁, Tiānjiàn Gé): The sect’s treasure trove, where the most powerful techniques and artefacts are stored. Access is a privilege granted only to those who contribute greatly to the sect.]

In his heart, Xiao Yu silently thanked Wu Laoda and Mad Dog for their role in this “achievement.”

“Father!” Fu Qu interjected, tugging on Hansu Zhenren’s sleeve. “Since you’re rewarding Senior Brother, shouldn’t I get something too? I’ve been so well-behaved on this trip—ask him if you don’t believe me! I’m your daughter, after all. You can’t play favourites!”

Fu Qu clung to Hansu Zhenren’s arm, shaking it relentlessly. Her childish antics, though endearing, left him helpless.

“You little troublemaker—you’re far too spoiled!” Hansu Zhenren said with a chuckle, pinching her chubby cheek affectionately. “Fine. I’ll give you

One Leaf Obscures the Eye.

It’s a priceless artefact that many would covet, so don’t flaunt it recklessly. Do you understand?”

“I knew you loved me the most, Father! Heehee!”

Fu Qu hugged Hansu Zhenren’s neck with a beaming smile, her happiness bubbling over.

“Alright, enough of this. If there’s nothing else, you two should go rest. I’ll have someone investigate the matter of the traitor. You’ve been travelling for days—it’s time for a break. Let me enjoy a bit of peace,” Hansu Zhenren said with a dismissive wave.

“Yes, Master. I’ll take my leave,” Xiao Yu said, bowing respectfully before leaving the study.

“I’ll go too! I’ll come back later to see you, Father,” Fu Qu chirped as she skipped out after Xiao Yu.

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Once outside, Fu Qu flashed Xiao Yu a mischievous smile.

“Senior Brother, I helped you so much today. How are you going to thank me?”

From childhood until now, Fu Qu had never lied to her father. Helping Xiao Yu keep his secret this time felt like a monumental act of sacrifice—she deserved a reward.

“How do you want me to thank you?” Xiao Yu asked, glancing at her as they walked.