In the fortified hall of the Liu family estate—cloaked in spirit-repelling seals and reinforced by soul-blocking jade—the heads of five noble families convened in secrecy. Each man sat on a throne carved with his clan's emblem, adorned in ceremonial robes, yet none looked at ease. Despite their wealth and power, a shadow loomed over them—one cast by a single name: Jun Mo Xie.
Before them stretched an intricate map of the capital and its surrounding districts. Red pins stabbed into locations representing markets, guard posts, training camps, and merchant routes. Every pin marked a growing influence of the Jon family, a spread that had accelerated unnaturally fast.
Liu Xiang, patriarch of the Liu family, leaned forward. Though his frame was aged, the aura of a Stage 8 – Heavenly Lord cultivator pulsed from him like a coiled dragon.
> "In less than a year, they've monopolized three trade sectors, overtaken two strategic districts, and formed a private military division. Meanwhile, we have bickered over petty land disputes."
Han Zhao of the Han family, an equally formidable Stage 8 cultivator, responded, his tone sharp:
> "It is not the old general nor the crippled brother we should fear—it is the grandson. Jun Mo Xie. That boy is not merely gifted; he is calculated. He foresaw every step. Even his injuries last winter... were they truly an accident?"
Chen Rui, whose cultivation level was rumored to be Stage 7 – Luminary Adept, nodded solemnly:
> "His movements are surgical. The markets he took were weak links. The officials who blocked him mysteriously vanished or switched sides. This is no coincidence."
A younger patriarch from the Zhao clan—new to the circle but ambitious—spoke next:
> "We need to act. Defame him. Cut his finances. Buy out his mercenaries. And if that fails—send assassins from the Western Wastes."
A long pause followed. Then Liu Xiang murmured, more to himself than anyone:
> "We've let a snake grow in the dark. Now it's time to crush its head."
---
Meanwhile, in the vibrant heart of the capital, Jun Mo Xie walked through the Floating Flower Market. The scent of jasmine, incense, and street food filled the air. Laughter echoed, silk banners fluttered, and the hum of spiritual energy drifted from talisman vendors.
At his side were the three most eye-catching women in the city:
Princess Li Xuan: Imperial nobility, and a Stage 4 – Spiritual Master cultivator, known for her keen intellect and calm presence.
Yi Yi: The stoic sword-maiden, whose training placed her at Stage 5 – Golden Core Saint, a level that made her one of the capital's most fearsome bodyguards.
Ling Hua: A cold but brilliant healer and alchemist, hovering at the cusp of Stage 4, with rumors of a breakthrough close at hand.
The four of them made a captivating group. Whispers trailed in their wake.
> "Isn't that the princess...?" "Who's the man with her?" "That's Jun Mo Xie! I heard he took down five assassins last month with a poisoned needle and a tea cup."
Jun stopped at a vendor's stall lined with rare spirit jewelry. Without a word, he selected three items:
A crimson pendant with phoenix fire essence for Li Xuan.
A bracelet etched with silver healing runes for Ling Hua.
A rune-inscribed dagger with reflective steel for Yi Yi.
> "A token of my gratitude," he said, offering them with a soft smile.
But their peace shattered when a group of four drunken mercenaries approached.
One, emboldened by drink, stepped too close to Li Xuan.
> "Pretty little princess. Want a real man tonight?"
He reached for her wrist.
CRACK.
His hand twisted in midair as Jun Mo Xie appeared beside him in a blur. The man screamed as his wrist snapped backward. Yi Yi stepped forward and kicked another in the gut, sending him flying into a pile of fruit baskets. Ling Hua calmly flicked a needle into the third's neck, paralyzing him in place.
The fourth turned to run but collapsed from fear.
Gasps echoed.
> "He didn't even draw a weapon..." "That's a Luminary Adept-level reflex!"
Li Xuan clutched Jun's arm. Her voice trembled.
> "You... you didn't have to—"
> "No one touches what's mine," he said, his voice icy.
---
Later that evening, the group gathered in Jun's private estate—a towering mansion gifted by the emperor himself. Its halls shimmered with spiritual wards and quiet luxury.
Ling Hua prepared calming tea from Moonroot blossoms. Yi Yi stood silently near the balcony, scanning the distant rooftops. Li Xuan sat beside Jun on a plush sofa.
> "You do too much for us," she whispered.
Jun looked at each of them in turn.
> "What I give is not out of debt. It's investment—in those who believe in me. Together, we're building something... something greater."
Li Xuan leaned in closer.
> "Then I'll never leave your side."
---
Back in the Liu estate, the conspirators circled their map again. This time, a portrait of Jun Mo Xie was placed at its center.
> "He's untouchable through direct force," one said. "Let's try the oldest trick in the scroll: love. Seduce him. Use his heart against him."
Liu Xiang smirked.
> "Send Lan Yue. No man has resisted her yet."
---
Cultivation Hierarchy:
1. Root Initiate (Beginner)
2. Core Stabilizer
3. Essence Riser
4. Spiritual Master
5. Golden Core Saint
6. Celestial Ascendant
7. Luminary Adept
8. Heavenly Lord
9. Near Perfection
10. True Perfection
Jun Mo Xie: Currently Stage 7 – Luminary Adept, but his experience from another world and unconventional techniques allow him to overpower even Stage 9 opponents in certain conditions.
General Jun (Grandfather): Stage 9 – Near Perfection, a war hero known across the empire.
Uncle Jun: Recently hea
led and rising quickly, approaching the late stages of Stage 9.
Together, they form a force too large to ignore—and too dangerous to underestimate.
---
End of Chapter Eleven.