Chapter 18: Not the Son of Luck
Often, one’s stance isn’t their own to decide.
In a clan obsessed with bloodlines and profit, no one can stay neutral forever.
In the room, Luo Chen stood firm, his expression cold: “I thought you’d be smart enough to comply, but you’re just asking for trouble.”
He dropped the pleasantries: “The clan meeting is coming. Who holds the power, who controls the resources—you know the stakes.
If you refuse to cooperate, I don’t mind cutting your branches’ share.”
“You…” Luo Yuanshan clenched his fists, voice simmering with anger. “You’re threatening us?”
“I’m just making things clear,” Luo Chen lifted his chin, unapologetic. “If persuasion fails, there’s no need for face.”
“Outrageous!”
Luo Yuanshan’s temper flared. He slammed the table, standing abruptly.
In a flash, he lunged, fist aimed at Luo Chen’s face.
But Luo Chen merely flicked his sleeve. Without visible force, Luo Yuanshan’s attack froze.
He was pinned midair, as if gripped by an invisible hand, face paling, unable to move.
“Think about the cost before you act,” Luo Chen said calmly, his eyes devoid of emotion.
Luo Yan, nearby, frowned but didn’t intervene.
After a few breaths, Luo Chen released his power. Luo Yuanshan crashed to the floor, breathing steadying.
Silence returned to the room.
Luo Chen’s gaze swept over them, his tone softening: “Leave room for future dealings. Cooperate, and you’ll be rewarded.”
Luo Yuanshan stayed silent, and Luo Yan didn’t respond.
Luo Chen said no more.
He pulled two round jade tokens from his sleeve, flicking them to land before them.
“Once in the secret realm, everyone’s teleported randomly. These sense each other’s positions—stronger the closer you are. Use them to regroup, don’t wander.”
He walked to the door, pausing to glance back: “As for Luo Jiutian… I’ll find him myself. No need for your concern.”
Only then did Luo Yan speak: “Aren’t you afraid we’ll warn him?”
Luo Chen smiled faintly: “I trust you’re smart enough to know what to say and what to keep quiet.”
With that, he pushed the door open and left, leaving Luo Yuanshan and Luo Yan stunned.
…
Back to the present.
The Qingyun Secret Realm was about to open, and the Luo family stood ready.
Luo Yuanshan and Luo Yan, in the middle of the group, remained listless.
“Skinny, what do we do?” Luo Yuanshan sent a voice transmission, his expression anxious.
Luo Yan, stone-faced, replied: “What else? Take it step by step.”
His gaze drifted to the back of the group.
Luo Jiutian stood there, hands behind his back, staring at the teleportation array, seemingly lost in thought.
But his focus wasn’t on the surroundings.
“System, what’s going on? Still no Child of Destiny detected?”
[Ding! This system hasn’t detected a Child of Destiny nearby.]
[Host, are you mistaken?]
“You saw that Xiao Yan, right?”
The system paused.
[You mean… he’s a Child of Destiny? He’s not.]
[Besides, he’s never appeared in any simulated worlds this system constructed. How’d you decide that?]
“Read his name again.”
The system went silent, then its mechanical voice sounded:
[Xiao… Yan…]
[Ohhh! I see—]
“Hm?”
[Cough, uh… Ding! This system believes he’s not a Child of Destiny now but might become one.]
“If I snatch his ‘ring grandpa’ early, can I get destiny points?”
[No. Only confirmed Children of Destiny yield destiny points.]
Luo Jiutian dropped the topic.
At that moment, the teleportation array flared.
“The secret realm’s opening!” someone shouted.
Before the words settled, the array’s light surged, enveloping everyone.
In an instant, the light retracted, and the crowd vanished.
The Qingyun Secret Realm officially opened!
…
Meanwhile, elsewhere.
In the Tianheng Sect.
Sunlight spilled over the mountain path, where several female disciples walked together, carrying storage boxes filled with herbs and pill bottles, heading toward Jingyu Peak.
They chatted as they went, steps light.
“By the way,” one at the front said, “where are we delivering these? These pills and talismans seem meant for Golden Core or Foundation Establishment cultivators.”
Another replied: “Jingyu Peak. They need emergency supplies.”
“Jingyu Peak?” someone paused. “Isn’t that where only Peak Master Dugu lives? With her cultivation… does she need these?”
Before she finished, another chimed in: “You’re behind on news. I heard Peak Master Dugu plans to take a disciple at the upcoming recruitment assembly.”
“What? For real?”
“Absolutely.”
Their chatter grew lively.
“Sigh, who’s lucky enough to become her disciple? Their status would skyrocket.”
“Forget status—just having her name attached is worth it.”
They turned a corner, approaching the final stone steps to Jingyu Peak.
Suddenly, their steps slowed in unison.
A thin mist veiled the peak’s entrance, like gossamer around the gate.
Plum blossoms lined the path, blooming like snow, with spirit birds perched quietly, their occasional chirps fading into silence.
The once desolate gate now held an indescribable elegance and solemnity.
“Is… this the right place?” someone whispered.
“It’s so beautiful,” another said, voice hushed, as if afraid to disturb something.
“Didn’t they say Peak Master Dugu ignores worldly affairs and never tends the peak?”
“Probably… for her direct disciple.”
The words hung, and the group fell silent.
One thought united them—
Envy.
Deep envy.
“Peak Master Dugu… she spoils her disciple,” one sighed softly.
“No kidding,” another agreed. “She barely acknowledges sect elders, yet she’s personally decorating her estate. That’s next-level care.”
“Sigh, we’re just fated to be jealous.”
They shook their heads, resigned, and quickened their pace with the supplies toward the peak’s summit…