Free Web NovelChapter 12: Chapter 12: A Heinous Waste
And so, the group headed for the Shen Family’s estate.
Shangguan Yiran’s arrival at the Shen Family estate caused an immediate sensation. Not only did the Matriarch personally come out to greet her, but even the three teachers from the academy rushed over upon hearing the news.
The Matriarch was wreathed in smiles. "Commandery Princess, your presence brings great honor to our humble Shen Family. We are truly blessed. Quickly, please, come inside."
"Commandery Princess!" "Commandery Princess!"
The three academy teachers chimed in with hurried greetings.
After all, the woman before them was Shangguan Yiran, destined to become a pillar of the Martial Kingdom.
Even though the Shen Family had grown powerful, becoming the number one family in Baiyun City, compared to the forces backing Shangguan Yiran, they were as insignificant as mayflies.
It was only natural, then, that Shangguan Yiran’s personal visit would make the Shen Family ecstatic.
Shangguan Yiran waved a hand. "There’s no need for such ceremony. I am here to see Shen Shaotian."
"He is here."
The Matriarch nodded eagerly upon hearing this. "Quickly," she ordered, "have Shaotian come here at once."
A Shen Family elder scurried off toward the rear courtyard.
The group made their way to the Shen Family’s main hall.
Shangguan Yiran asked casually, "Does your Shen Family have a disciple by the name of Shen Daoxing?"
Hearing this, the Matriarch’s heart seized. "What? Did that bastard offend you, Commandery Princess?"
’She was genuinely worried that Shangguan Yiran already knew something.’
Shangguan Yiran shook her head. "No. I was just asking."
The Matriarch breathed a silent sigh of relief and immediately began to slander him. "Commandery Princess, you may not be aware, but this Shen Daoxing is just a stray our Shen Family took in. His aptitude is mediocre, and his character is utterly rotten. Despite this, our Shen Family treated him as one of our own, caring for him meticulously. But when Shaotian awakened the Venerable Bloodline and received a blessing from the heavens, Daoxing grew jealous and resentful. He went so far as to murder one of our Shen Family elders and a young master from the Zhang Family. However, because the competition for the White Cloud Order is imminent, we have not yet subjected him to our family’s justice."
’Mediocre aptitude?!’
’Utterly rotten character?!’
Fu’s expression grew odd as he listened to this.
’He’d seen Shen Daoxing’s aptitude for himself. The man was a Swordsman cultivating the Sword Dao. Such talent should be considered first-rate in Baiyun City.’
’And as for his character... that boy’s eyes were terrifyingly cold from start to finish, like a pool of stagnant water. He was definitely a ruthless individual.’
Shangguan Yiran also sounded doubtful. "Is he really of mediocre aptitude?"
The Matriarch’s heart hammered in her chest. "Shen Daoxing’s aptitude is indeed abysmal. To this day, he hasn’t even opened nine acupoints. The gap between him and Shaotian is like the difference between the clouds and the mud. When they both participate in the competition for the White Cloud Order, you’ll be able to see the difference for yourself, Commandery Princess."
Shangguan Yiran said nothing. ’Perhaps the Matriarch is telling the truth.’
’Compared to Shen Shaotian, this Shen Daoxing really isn’t worth mentioning.’
At this thought, her anticipation for Shen Shaotian grew.
Before long, Shen Shaotian came rushing over. He froze the moment he saw Shangguan Yiran.
’What a beauty!’
Snapping out of it, Shen Shaotian quickly stepped forward and offered a cupped-fist salute. "I am Shen Shaotian. Greetings, Commandery Princess!"
Shangguan Yiran’s delicate brows furrowed. From the look in his eyes just now, she could already tell he had a frivolous nature.
’A quick scan revealed he had only opened a little over twenty acupoints in his cultivation.’
’Although he was at the first level of the Profound Platform realm, it was obvious his acupoints had been forced open by external means. His foundation wasn’t solid at all.’
’For a Martial Artist, the later stages of cultivation become exponentially more difficult. With an unstable foundation, it’s nearly impossible to make any further progress.’
The main reason she had come to Baiyun City was to find the person who had triggered a heavenly blessing and possessed the Venerable Bloodline. But now, looking at Shen Shaotian, she couldn’t help but feel disappointed.
’In contrast, that Shen Daoxing has a steady temperament, a deep and solid foundation, and is even a Swordsman.’
Shangguan Yiran asked, "Were you really the one who triggered the heavenly blessing?"
Liu City said from the side, "He’s the only genius in Baiyun City. Who else could it have been?"
Just then, Wang Hu added with a smile, "I heard that His Majesty once performed a divination for you, Commandery Princess. It was foretold that your future husband would be the one who possesses the Venerable Bloodline..."
The members of the Shen Family were ecstatic to hear this.
If Shen Shaotian could marry Shangguan Yiran, the Shen Family would ascend to unimaginable heights, immediately joining the ranks of the Martial Kingdom’s first-class families.
Such was the value of Shangguan Yiran!
Meanwhile, Shen Shaotian gazed at Shangguan Yiran’s exquisite face, his heart pounding with excitement.
"Divinations are nothing but smoke and mirrors. The man I, the Commandery Princess, seek must be an indomitable hero, upright and honorable. At the very least, his strength must surpass my own."
Shangguan Yiran shot Shen Shaotian a look, then turned and left with Fu in tow.
’What is happening!?’
’Why is Shangguan Yiran leaving!?’
Seeing this, the Matriarch hurried after them. "Commandery Princess, Shaotian received the heavenly blessing and possesses the Venerable Bloodline! He is surely a match made in heaven for you..."
A cold glint flashed in Shangguan Yiran’s eyes. "Silence. Him? Is he even worthy?"
The moment she finished speaking, an icy chill descended upon the entire Shen Family estate.
The Matriarch and the experts behind her felt as if they had been plunged into an ice cave, a chill shooting up from the soles of their feet to the crowns of their heads. Shen Shaotian’s expression was ghastly.
Blatant humiliation!
Ever since becoming the Young Master of the Shen Family, when had he ever suffered such a humiliation!?
Especially after taking Shen Daoxing’s Venerable Bloodline, he had gotten everything he ever wanted.
While everyone stood stunned, Shen Shaotian charged forward. Abruptly, a fierce and overwhelming power surged from Shangguan Yiran.
’Is this Sword Intent!?’
Shen Shaotian turned pale with fright. His advance halted, and he was even forced back several steps.
The disappointment in Shangguan Yiran’s eyes deepened as she looked at him. "To have the Venerable Bloodline in your possession... what a colossal waste. How disappointing."
With that, Shangguan Yiran and Fu vanished from the Shen Family’s estate.
"You!"
Shen Shaotian started to speak but was pulled back by the Matriarch. "Shaotian, don’t be rash! Wait for the day of the White Cloud Order competition. When you display the power of the Venerable Bloodline, you will definitely make the Commandery Princess see you in a new light..."
Shen Shaotian’s fists clenched, his face flushing and paling by turns. He swore to himself, ’I will make her regret this.’
「Outside the Shen Family estate.」
Shangguan Yiran shook her head. "The members of the Shen Family are a pack of useless fools. It’s laughable. Truly a case of casting pearls before swine."
Fu shook his head but said nothing.
’His Commandery Princess had been brilliant and exceptionally talented since childhood, and was deeply favored by His Majesty. She had seen far too many geniuses. Naturally, someone like Shen Shaotian, all flash and no substance, could never meet her standards.’
’He wondered what kind of man her future husband would be.’
Fu asked in a low voice, "Commandery Princess, shall we return now?"
A faint smile touched Shangguan Yiran’s lips. "No. On the contrary, I’m quite curious about this Shen Daoxing."
....
