Chapter 05: Covert Warfare

In the shadowed depths of ancient mountains, a failed ascension yields a priceless relic—and ignites a web of royal intrigue, where bows of legend become pawns in a deadly game.

The giant serpent’s transformation faltered in tragedy. As its inner core shattered, golden sparks exploded outward. Unseen amid the chaos, a single beam streaked into the distance, piercing trees until it fell, coalescing into a dazzling orb at Chen Nan’s feet.

A Priceless Relic

Crouched in hiding, Chen Nan watched it all. Excitement surged as he scooped the shimmering golden pearl. Its serene glow soothed his mind, flowing with radiant light. Legends of dragons were etched in his bloodline—no secrets hid from him.

Though the serpent failed full ascension, it had reached the half-dragon realm. Its core crystallized vital essence: half serpent, half dragon. The serpent essence dispersed, but the dragon power condensed into this pure pearl.

“A dragon pearl! Truly a dragon pearl!” Chen Nan whispered in awe.

Small yet potent, it brimmed with formidable dragon energy—a treasure beyond price.

He knew its secrets: active for one hour post-formation. Swallowed then, and if one endured the surge, three to four-tenths of its essence could be absorbed, granting supreme prowess. Untouched, it would dim, hardening impenetrably—its power sealed forever without divine-grade force.

Ten thousand years ago, his lineage marked him for greatness. Yet cultivation stalled, tormenting him. He craved power, but hesitation gripped him now. Not fear of rupture, but his father’s words:

“Celestial treasures grant instant might, but at a cost. They shackle innate potential, barring the path to true supremacy.”

Chen Nan had argued, but Chen Zhan’s warning lingered: The strong fear of stagnation more than solitude.

“Swallow it—become a powerhouse or explode. Either forfeits ultimate strength.”

Sneering at himself, “For a stagnant cultivator like me, this leap from carp to dragon is ideal. Heaven’s blessing?”

Yet resolve hardened. “I, Chen Nan, need no handouts!”

Recalling his past filled him with loss. A prodigy until sixteen, then stagnation struck. Family arts regressed; peers surpassed him. Mockery crushed him under legacy’s weight. From sixteen to twenty, despair nearly claimed him—yet belief in breaking shackles fueled relentless practice.

Reborn after eons, pressure lifted. Integrated into this era, he reclaimed his spirit.

“Missed a lifetime chance? No regrets!”

The pearl dimmed, shifting to emerald green—an ordinary gem. Chen Nan pocketed it, fleeing the princess’s potential pursuit. From a peak, he spotted her group at the crater. “Phew… Rid of that nightmare demon.”

Lost in the Wilds

Three days wandering left Chen Nan lost in endless ranges. Smoke rose distantly—hope ignited. Approaching cautiously, he confirmed strangers seeking exit. He trailed quietly for two days.

Luck evaded him. On the third afternoon, seven figures encircled him, killing intent sharp. Over twenty more turned back, led by a dominant young man.

“Who are you? Sneaking behind us?” the leader demanded.

“A lost hunter, following to escape.”

“A hunter ventures this deep?”

“Chasing a white deer.”

The noble gestured. A burly man attacked with a broad sword, blue glow erupting—solidified energy.

“Master-level! Serving another?” Chen Nan dodged, puzzled by the weak force. Western fighting energy?

Close combat ensued, peril mounting. The noble sneered: “Ordinary hunter? Ten moves, or no burial.”

“Stop! I’ll confess!”

The burly man halted. “Impressive—over twenty strikes.”

Chen Nan muttered ancient tongue: Strength reigns. Fallen tiger, bullied by dogs.

“Prove you’re a hunter.”

Scooping sand, sniffing: “No large beasts within three li but a female tiger.”

Search confirmed—a dead tiger dragged back.

“Hunter indeed. But three days chasing a deer?” Tone iced. “Tie him!”

Blades pressed; resistance futile. Captive again—better treatment, at least. Strict discipline; whispers only between nobles and aides.

Royal Encounter

Two days later, fate twisted: the princess reappeared, entourage reduced to ten. Battle losses: four guards, two mages dead; survivors wounded gravely.

Spotting the noble, she startled, then smiled radiantly. “Tianyuan Continent is small. Third Prince here?”

“Princess Yu—unexpected.”

Her chuckle sharp: “Leaving Moonworship’s comforts for Chu’s border? Embassy? Unusual for mountains.”

Chen Nan eavesdropped, emotions stirring—princess and prince in days.

“This central range belongs to none.”

“Suspicious proximity to Chu.”

“Rumors of qilin in Luofeng Mountains—seeking the sage-heralding beast.”

“News spreads fast.”

“Wish to see it, but Master insists return—dangerous.” Resentment flared.

“Venerable Zhuge Chengfeng?”

“That old codger.”

Admiration exchanged; banter on discipleship.

“He follows, distrusting my sneak-back.”

“Cares deeply.”

Guards’ pallor noted: “Injured? Ancient giant? Escort you out.”

Gratitude feigned: “Unnecessary—Master protects.”

Insistence won: “Trouble Your Highness.”

Chen Nan marveled: Imperial schemers—psychological duel in moments.

Princess uneasy—ambush likely. Aggressive probe, Zhuge mentions for apprehension. Prince unyielding, probing back. Mutual nonsense.

Groups merged toward the exit. Chen Nan trailed, relieved—until guards spotted him. Whisper to the princess; excitement genuine.

“Demons, reclaim your spawn!” Chen Nan inwardly wailed.

Eunuch’s Plight

Princess approached, grinning heartily. The Third Prince puzzled, then saw the captive.

“Lurking suspect. Know him?”

“My palace eunuch—fled during the giant attack. Little Li, unexpected reunion?” Teeth gritted, eyes threatening cooperation.

Dizzy, Chen Nan bowed head: “Punish as fit.”

“Your servant—punishment yours.” Prince departed.

“Hehehe…” Her amusement chilled him.

“Deal?” he whispered.

Rage at past insults: “Right? Dreaming!”

“Zhuge’s absent. Prince targets you.” Hand lowered.

“Underestimated you, thief. Wit? Mood foul—vent first!”

“Ah…” Wretched cry; triumphant laughter. Distant, bewildered glances—new respect for the witch.

Moonlit Intrigue

Full moon bathed the grove in silvery haze, the breeze carrying floral whispers.

In a tent, bruised Chen Nan whispered with the princess. Encounter premeditated—ambush on the exit route.

“Gut said harm, motive unclear.”

“Chu-Moonworship relations good?”

“No incidents.”

“Abduction?”

Punch landed. “Analysis? Implausible.”

“Gift to another?”

Fury: “Vile scum!” Composed: “Near zero.”

“Houyi Bow!” Simultaneous realization.

“Golden arrow seen—scheming our treasure.” Fist clenched. “Plan, scum?”

“Wounded guards, no troops. Hand it over—wise man…” Cold smile halted him.

“Useless! Searched days to skin you.”

“Didn’t mean to peek… bathing…”

Flames in eyes: “Ah! Damned scum! Mention it… I’ll kill you!”

In the moonlit tent, alliances fracture and reform—covert warfare brewing under royal facades, with the Houyi Bow as the ultimate prize.