Whispers erupted throughout the small, one-story inn. Among the arranged tables, the echoes of "It's the Yang clan's Ten Thousand Sword Tempering Skill" reverberated.
Those who had caught sight of the wondrous and mysterious skill felt a sense of satisfaction.
Witnessing such a rare technique was like glimpsing a piece of immortality.
They knew better than to dismiss it as a mere wind movement, as old Yan Yan would be foolish to speak nonsense and mislabel such a profound skill.
Yet, a sliver of doubt lingered in their hearts. How could such a skill manifest in this tiny hall, in this secluded village on the edge of nowhere?
Without hesitation, Tian Wei swiftly moved towards the young man, Wang Fei, who had launched the sword attack. His hand reached out and firmly gripped Wang Fei's neck before he could react.
Lifting him off his feet, Tian Wei applied pressure, constricting his airway. The icy coldness in Tian Wei's voice sent shivers of fear through the entire inn as he spoke.
"Give me one reason why you shouldn't die," Tian Wei demanded coldly, his grip tightening around Wang Fei's throat.
Gasping for air, Wang Fei struggled to find his voice, but the hand around his throat left him breathless. His attempts to speak were futile as his lungs screamed for oxygen.
Tian Wei finally released his hold, allowing air to rush into Wang Fei's starved lungs. As the woman accompanying Wang Fei stepped forward, she interjected, "He is Wang Fei, the young master of the Wang clan." Wang Fei continued gasping, trying to regain his breath.
The woman bowed respectfully, her voice filled with deference as she spoke, "Our Wang family does not wish to offend the esteemed Yang clan and sect. Please, show mercy."
She understood all too well the formidable power of the Yang clan. They could obliterate their little clan effortlessly. If this young man truly belonged to the Yang clan, the only logical explanation for his knowledge of the Ten Thousand Sword Tempering skill, they had to humble themselves, even if it meant kowtowing.
Wang Fei seethed with anger, his pride wounded, but he also comprehended that the strong ruled this world. Tian Wei had no intention of explaining the misunderstanding regarding his origin.
Xuan Yi, who had also recovered from his near brush with death for the second time that day, was now terrified to learn that the person he had previously offended, but was now his companion, was a member of the legendary Yang clan—the clan that had elevated numerous individuals into the celestial realm.
"I don't care about your Wang family, nor am I scared of them," Tian Wei declared, his voice filled with indifference.
"Thank you, sir, for coming to my rescue," a young lady said as she approached Tian Wei, cupping her hand in gratitude. She appeared to be the target of the attack that had missed her and ended up threatening them. With a Yang clan member on her side, she felt confident in escaping the clutches of the Wang clan.
Tian Wei paid little attention to their controversy. He moved towards a nearby table, searching for something to eat. Since having transformed from a sword into a human form, he possessed the vulnerabilities and weaknesses of a mortal.
"Regardless, I am grateful. May I know your name, kind sir, so that I can properly express my gratitude?" the young lady persisted. If she could stay in their company, she believed she would have a better chance of surviving the wrath of the Wang clan.
Tian Wei, perhaps unaware of the significance, didn't seem particularly interested in all of this anymore. He considered the entire situation an accident, and besides, he didn't feel indebted to Xuan Yi to the extent of excessively caring for his safety—after all, Xuan Yi was merely his guard.
Xuan Yi, on the other hand, understood the strategy of the young lady all too well. If he were in her position, he would have done the same.
"I can show you around the city," Qing Fu offered, hoping to find a place within their company.
Xuan Yi, observing Tian Wei's disinterest, decided to engage with Qing Fu. "What is your name, miss?" he inquired, diverting his attention from Tian Wei, who had already started walking towards the stairs, possibly heading to the tables on the second story.
"Qing Fu," she replied with a bright smile, pleased that Xuan Yi showed interest in her presence.
"I'm Xuan Yi, and the good sir over there is Tian Wei," he introduced, intentionally providing a false name for Tian Wei. "Please, sit with us."
As Qing Fu settled into their company, a newfound sense of security enveloped her. She couldn't help but feel grateful for the protection and support offered by the Yang members. Meanwhile, the Wang clan members who had witnessed the display of power from Tian Wei were both intimidated and intrigued.
Though their pride had been wounded, the Wang clan recognized the importance of establishing a connection with someone as influential as Tian Wei.
They decided to temporarily set aside their animosity and focus on investigating him. They saw an opportunity not only to learn the reason behind his unexpected visit to the village but also to potentially forge an alliance.
In their minds, befriending Tian Wei could prove advantageous, whether it be through mutual benefits, acquiring powerful connections, or gaining insights into the Yang clan's secrets. Their plan was to find a suitable moment to approach him, offering their assistance or forming an alliance under the guise of common interests.
However, the Wang clan also knew they had to tread carefully. The Yang clan's reputation and strength preceded them, making the Wang clan fully aware of the potential consequences if they were to act rashly or antagonize the Yang members further.
They understood the delicate balance they needed to maintain—simultaneously demonstrating respect and demonstrating their own worth.
With their intentions set, the Wang clan members departed from the inn, their minds filled with schemes and strategies to be implemented in their pursuit of a connection with Tian Wei.