The Shen Clan's outer estate sat like a fortress atop misty hills — towering walls, crimson banners, and spirit beast carvings guarding the gates. Cultivators in silver-blue robes patrolled the perimeter with practiced pride.
As Li Qingyu's group approached, one of the guards narrowed his eyes.
"State your name and purpose."
Shen stepped forward. "Shen Yu, third son of Shen Weimin, branch family head. I've returned to report."
The guard nodded respectfully — until his gaze landed on Li Qingyu and Ziyan.
"…And them?"
"My companions," Shen said evenly. "This is my sect master."
The guard's brow twitched. "Sect master? Of which sect?"
Li Qingyu stepped forward, hands behind his back, chin slightly tilted like he was considering whether to buy the entire estate.
"Eternal Radiance Divine Sect," he said, voice calm and confident.
The guard blinked. Then snorted.
"I've never heard of it."
Ziyan muttered, "Oh boy."
Shen winced.
The guard looked Li Qingyu up and down with a smirk. "You look like a street rogue playing sect master. That's a bold title for someone with one disciple."
Li Qingyu smiled.
That kind of smile that made people nervous.
"One disciple?" he repeated. "You're right. I only brought one here."
He gestured to Shen. "But don't worry. The others were busy — rebuilding a destroyed sect, defending kidnapped children, hunting third-tier beasts, earning spirit stones, and casually becoming stronger than your patrol captain."
The guard's smirk vanished. "You—!"
"Also," Li Qingyu cut in, tone turning sharper, "I've never heard of your face either. But I assumed that's because I don't keep track of stepping stones."
The second guard hissed. "How dare—!"
"Enough!" A deeper voice rang from behind the gates.
The heavy iron doors creaked open, revealing a young man with a fan tucked in his belt, long hair tied with a jade pin, and a crescent-shaped clan token on his robe. Shen Yu's older cousin — Shen Liang.
Li Qingyu's system pinged quietly.
> DING! Scanning Target…
Cultivation: Peak Qi Consolidation
Estimated Threat: Minor Nuisance. Suitable for ego polishing.
"Shen Yu?" Shen Liang raised a brow. "You're back… with these people?"
Shen bowed stiffly. "Elder Brother. This is Sect Master Li Qingyu of the Eternal Radiance Divine Sect. I've officially joined as an inner disciple."
Shen Liang's gaze flicked to Qingyu.
And he… laughed.
"A sect with a reputation worse than beggars. You always had a strange sense of humor, Shen Yu."
Ziyan reached for her sword.
Li Qingyu raised a hand.
"I'm used to rats barking," he said casually. "It means they think they're lions."
Shen Liang's eyes flashed. "You think you can insult me in my clan's territory?"
"I don't think," Li Qingyu said. "I do."
The air grew tense. Qi rippled. The guards tightened their grips on their weapons.
But Li Qingyu just tilted his head.
"Go on, bark louder. It won't make you stronger."
Shen Liang's smile disappeared.
And in that moment, Shen Yu stepped forward.
"I brought my sect master here to speak with Father," he said firmly. "You don't have the authority to bar us."
"…Fine," Shen Liang muttered. "Let's see what Father thinks of this ridiculous 'sect.'"
He turned sharply, leading the way into the estate.
Ziyan whistled low. "That guy's definitely compensating for something."
Li Qingyu smirked. "Let's hope it's not his cultivation."
They stepped into the lion's den — or rather, the peacock's palace — with heads held high.
Because even if their sect was small, ragged, and barely standing...
It had him.
And that meant it was already above the rest.