Protect Our Clan Leader

“This sword is named ‘Cicada Chirp’,” he said, looking down at it in his palm. “It was a gift from my Master, Master Xuanyao. Its blade is nimble and sharp, capable of killing without leaving a trace. I urge you to be careful, dear brother Wang Shouzhe.”

Wang Shouzhe’s expression remained as placid as an ancient well. With a swipe across his storage ring, an aged, hefty long sword materialized in his palm.

The sword was about four-feet three inches long, its entirety a heavy copper color, the spiritual light within undisclosed. Old still-visible runes hinted at its humble origins, but strongly suggested its exceptional nature.

However, none of that was what drew most attention.

The most notable feature was its thickness, at least thirty percent bulkier than the standard long sword, and notably broader blade. While it lacked certain lightness, it made up for with heft and grandeur.

At first glance, it looked less like a sword and more of a double-edged knife.

It was clear this was a spiritual sword apt for both attack and defense, and excelled in slashing and chopping.

It was no wonder that the Old Ancestor Zhou, when he commissioned the creation of this sword, intended it for battling fierce beasts in foreign territories. A light sword would be ill-suited for such task.

“This sword is named ‘Zhou Xuan Sword’; it is a middle grade spiritual artifact passed down through my family. The sword’s power and dominance can break gold and move mountains.” Holding the Zhou Xuan Sword, Wang Shouzhe’s gaze gained intensity. “Dear brother Muyuanbai, be on your guard.”

Through the thick body of the Zhou Xuan Sword, he could almost envision the Old Ancestor slaying fierce beasts with it in his hands.

The Zhou Xuan Sword had been a reverential tribute in the Wang Family Ancestral Hall for many years. Only the Old Ancestor Xiaohan had ever used it in battle.

As the head of the Wang Clan, Wang Shouzhe was indeed the rightful heir to the Zhou Xuan Sword. This symbolized not just martial power, but also the family’s reverence and faith. It was a symbol of the family’s strength and prestige.

Almost without realizing it, the mysterious energy within Wang Shouzhe began to circulate, and his aura grew steadily more powerful.

Upon seeing the Zhou Xuan Sword, his two haughty younger sisters, Wang Luoqiu and Wang Luo Jing looked serious, their eyes filled with reverence.

If one would rate the fourth brother’s normal prestige in their eyes as six or seven out of ten, once he held the Zhou Xuan Sword, it instantly escalated to full ten.

At such times, neither of them dared to retort.

“A middle grade spiritual artifact?”

Apprentice Muyuanbai was oblivious to the profound implications imbued within the Zhou Xuan Sword, however his gaze instantly became solemn and envious.

A middle grade spiritual artifact is far more precious in terms of materials and more difficult to refine than a low grade artifact, its overall value many times greater.

Such an affluent heirloom, like Luoqiu’s elder brother’s storage ring and the middle grade spiritual artifact, was truly impressive.

Just as he prepared to formally announce the commencement of the challenge,

Suddenly,

With another flick of Wang Shouzhe’s hand, a shield materialized in his left hand. The shield, the size of a face basin and shaped like an upturned wok, was hefty yet light. Light shone from the circulating runes upon it, clearly indicating it was not ordinary.

“This shield is named ‘Heart Guardian’,” introduced Wang Shouzhe. “It is both physical and energy based spiritual shield, with an extremely robust defense. Brother Muyuanbai, be cautious.”

Two spiritual artifacts?

Apprentice Muyuanbai’s demeanor paused momentarily, his expression both solemn and filled with envy.

Being a member of an eighth-grade family, the family had invested plenty to enable him to become a core disciple at a young age. Asking for yet another spiritual artifact from the family would, however, be too much.

The remaining disciples were all chomping at the bit for Wang Shouzhe’s possessions, speculating that he must be the direct heir of the Tianren family – such wealth was envy-inducing.

“Brother Muyuanbai, please enlighten me,”

Wang Shouzhe, holding his sword and shield, adopted a combat stance.

“Very well, then. I won’t hold back.”

The moment Muyuanbai uttered those words, the spirit sword, “Cicada’s Wing” in his palm let out a sharp sword chime.

“Cling~~~~!”

It darted towards Wang Shouzhe before one could blink, aiming a swift strike.

Its speed was so fast that it was challenging for the human eye to follow.

But, would Wang Shouzhe be any ordinary man?

The moment the spirit sword lunged forward, the ‘Heart Guardian’ shield in his hand beamed with luminous brilliance and effortlessly blocked the attacking sword.

“Clang!”

Ripples of light showered, as if a wave had been born in emerald water, elegantly blocking the incoming spirit sword.

Don’t be foolish, ‘Heart Guardian’ is a top-grade spiritual artifact. How could a low-grade spirit sword breach its sanctity so effortlessly?

Muyuanbai had barely time to marvel when Wang Shouzhe, swift as lightning, enveloped him, the Zhou Xuan Sword following suit.

An exceptionally sharp sword energy instantly shattered the peace, lunging at Muyuanbai.

Domineering, assertive, and brimming with momentum!

The path the sword energy traveled torn the air asunder.

A sharp, piercing noise tore through the atmosphere and reverberated across the stage.

What an immense sword energy!

Muyuanbai’s countenance changed, mentally shouting out a warning.

Above in the sky, Master Changchun, Master Xuan Yao, and Lady Huandie, all wore expressions of puzzled intrigue.

…