Chapter 9: Chapter 9: A New Path
Liang Chen sat on his bed, contemplating the decisions he had to make.
Young Master Xiao Lang's offer wasn't the only one he had received. Shortly after, Young Master Xiao Yuan had made a similar proposal.
Both had promised him the same benefits—removing his status as a Blood Warrior and granting him direct entry into the inner sect, where he would receive resources and support to grow rapidly.
But the price? Becoming their subordinate.
Liang Chen sighed silently.
"Is this my fate? To always be someone else's follower?"
Before he could dwell on his thoughts further, a knock on the door interrupted him.
He slowly lifted his head, his gaze filled with suspicion.
"Who could it be?"
He had no friends or acquaintances in this world, having deliberately kept his distance from everyone since his arrival.
Nevertheless, he stood up from his bed and walked toward the door, opening it to find his master standing there with a cold expression.
With an emotionless tone, the master said, "Follow me. An important figure wants to see you."
Liang Chen froze for a moment, then nodded and followed in silence.
His master led him through several corridors before they arrived at a vast courtyard, where an elderly man stood, an imposing aura surrounding him despite his simple appearance.
Upon their arrival, the master bowed respectfully, yet the old man didn't even spare him a glance. Instead, his closed eyes seemed to be focused entirely on Liang Chen.
It was as if he was studying him, trying to see through him.
After a moment of silence, the old man spoke in a deep yet calm voice:
"Boy, is it true that you managed to master my Blood Demon Sword and Blood Steps techniques in just three months?"
Liang Chen felt an invisible pressure weigh down on him, but he bowed slightly and replied, "Yes, Senior."
The old man chuckled, his tone carrying a hint of admiration.
"A good child, but hearing it is not enough. Show me yourself. Attack me with everything you have."
Liang Chen hesitated.
"Attacking a sect elder? Will they kill me if I land a hit?"
But his thoughts scattered when he felt the sinister aura emanating from the elder, pressing down on him like a mountain.
He realized retreat was not an option.
Gripping his sword tightly, he charged forward!
Using Blood Steps, his body glided across the ground with unnatural speed, his sword gleaming as he unleashed Blood Demon Sword.
His inner energy surged into his limbs, increasing both his speed and the power of his strikes.
But the old man?
He didn't even move.
He effortlessly dodged all of Liang Chen's attacks, as if the sword's edge was nothing more than a passing breeze.
The battle continued in this manner—Liang Chen attacking with his full strength, while the old man evaded every strike with a bright smile, as if enjoying a child's attempt to hit him.
After several minutes, the old man suddenly stopped in place.
Seeing an opportunity, Liang Chen lunged forward with his fastest strike.
But…
Before the sword could reach him, the elder simply raised two fingers and caught the blade with ease!
"Your talent is greater than I expected."
The elder's voice carried a rare trace of excitement, his eyes gleaming with appreciation.
"You have already reached the proficient level in both techniques, and your inner energy is developing well. Your energy control isn't perfect, but it's far better than most in your generation. Perhaps… you're not far from becoming a true martial artist."
Liang Chen was shocked.
"How? How did he analyze all that in mere moments?"
He hadn't even realized that he had completed half of the Blood Technique himself, yet he felt that if the elder wanted to, he could see right through him.
Liang Chen cautiously stepped back, his eyes watching the old man warily.
The elder laughed heartily before saying:
"What's wrong? Are you afraid of an old man like me?"
Liang Chen hesitated for a moment before bowing slightly and asking respectfully, "What does a great figure like you want from someone as insignificant as me?"
The old man nodded, seemingly pleased with his question, and said:
"A great figure? You sure know how to pick your words!"
Then, his tone turned serious.
"What I want is simple… I want you as my disciple."
Liang Chen's eyes widened.
The elder smiled and added:
"This is a much better option than following those two fools who are fighting for power while their father is still in his prime with half a lifetime ahead of him."
Liang Chen immediately realized that this elder was no ordinary person.
He didn't need to think twice.
Dropping to one knee, he firmly declared, "This disciple greets his master."
The old man smiled in satisfaction and said:
"Good. Now go and pack your belongings. You'll be moving to a private residence in the sect's library."
As Liang Chen turned to leave, the old man added:
"Ah, I forgot to introduce myself. I am the third elder of the sect—Fang Tai."
Liang Chen returned to his quarters, excitement surging within him.
He had become the disciple of the sect's third elder!
He knew that the Nine Elders were all at the Grandmaster Stage of Martial Arts, second only to the Sect Master, who was at the Martial Dao Ancestor Stage.
In other words, Fang Tai was one of the most powerful figures in the entire sect!
But when Liang Chen arrived at his room, he realized that his belongings consisted of only three old robes he had received upon his recruitment.
He had no other possessions.
Packing them into a small bundle, he returned to where Elder Fang Tai awaited him.
"This disciple is ready to depart."
Fang Tai gave him a glance before turning around and saying, "Follow me."
Liang Chen followed, stepping into the sect's inner region—a place he had never been allowed near before.
"New doors are opening for me..."