I'm a major player in a parallel universe

The figure who appeared before them was of similar age to Yang Haoxuan. Dressed in white, his tall frame and neatly tied hair framed a face so smooth and flawless it seemed carved from jade—truly a beauty that could be compared to that of the legendary Pan An. An air of deep mystery surrounded him, an intangible presence that drew the attention of all who looked his way.

Yang Haoxuan immediately became alert upon his appearance. He could sense that this person was no ordinary individual. Even the sword in his hand seemed to exude an aura of strength.

Yang Haoxuan examined both the person and his weapon closely.

Weapon: Spiritual Sword

Grade: Low-grade Spiritual Artifact

Power: 345

Agility: 214

…

Character: Yang Jian

Level: 21

New World Level: Martial Master 1st Layer

Class: Warrior

Health: 3124/3124

Mana: 2410/2410

Strength: 2541 + 345

Wisdom: 241

Spirit: 167

Agility: 1741 + 214

Class Skills: Tidal Technique, Three Yuan Secret, Inner Essence of Yuan Sect

Life Skills: Six Wu Stealth Method

"Good heavens!" Yang Haoxuan gasped in shock upon seeing the stats. His confidence took a major blow—this person was the same age as him! As Yang Jian stepped forward, he effortlessly pushed Yang Haoxuan back without even sparing him a glance, before reaching into a bottle to take out a pill and placing it into Yang Ying's mouth.

As soon as the pill touched Yang Ying's tongue, his eyes flew wide open. He suddenly regained his vitality, jumped up, and began checking his body. His gaze quickly fell on Yang Jian, and with a look of disbelief, he exclaimed, "Brother?!"

"Is this person really Yang Ying's older brother? How have I never heard of him before?" Yang Haoxuan was even more astonished.

"Wait, what? He's Yang Ying's older brother, Yang Jian? I've heard rumors that when he was six years old, he received a great opportunity. A senior from a martial world sect took notice of him and brought him to the martial world to cultivate. And now, he's returned!"

"Martial world?! That's the place everyone dreams of going. Did you see that? He pushed Yang Haoxuan back with a single strike—he's incredibly powerful!"

"And that sword! Did you see it? It's emitting spiritual energy. That must be a spiritual artifact!"

"Spiritual artifact?! No way! Spiritual artifacts are exceedingly rare in our world. Yang Jian must truly be someone from the martial world!"

A spiritual artifact in the mortal realm was indeed a rare treasure. The value of such a weapon was unimaginable. If one were to sell it, they could live comfortably for ten generations, akin to a royal family.

The crowd of disciples began to whisper among themselves.

On the stage, Yang Ying excitedly grabbed his brother Yang Jian's shoulder, his voice filled with excitement as he asked, "Brother! What are you doing back?"

"Heh! Master knew that after the Yang family's eighteen-year coming-of-age ceremony, I would be returning to the ancestral grounds. Also, I recently broke through to the Martial Master realm, but I realized pushing too fast wasn't good for my future progress. So, I decided to come back and check on you and Father," Yang Jian replied, his tone softening. "How are you and Father doing?"

The crowd once again fell into stunned silence, as this revelation shocked them further. The difference between the sixth and seventh layers of cultivation was already a huge gap, and the difficulty of breaking through to the tenth layer pinnacle was legendary.

Although Yang Jian was Yang Ying's elder brother, they were born just a few seconds apart, making him only a year older, at seventeen. This age and cultivation level were nothing short of terrifying.

"Father's fine! He's just been brooding over the position of clan leader," Yang Ying replied, suddenly glancing at Yang Haoxuan with venomous eyes. "As for me, if it weren't for you, I would have been long dead."

"Hmph!" Yang Jian coldly snorted and shifted his gaze to Yang Haoxuan.

Although Yang Haoxuan didn't want to admit it, the look in Yang Jian's eyes struck fear in his heart. It was like a sharp sword, repeatedly stabbing into his chest.

"A simple spar, and yet you want to take someone's life? Who are you?" Yang Jian's voice was cold, as if he were speaking from a position of authority.

Yang Haoxuan's face darkened. How could he have been trying to kill anyone? But he refused to explain himself to this person. After a moment, he forced a calm smile. "Oh, you mean that? I didn't hold back enough, sorry about that."

"Then you will pay the price for your actions!" Yang Jian's tone was chilling, and it was clear that he was about to make his move.

Yang Haoxuan had just begun to summon his battle knife when Yang Jian's movements were as swift as lightning. With a flick of his wrist, a golden light shot toward him and struck his body.

"What's happening?" Yang Haoxuan was horrified. Immediately, he felt his body grow weak. His legs gave out, and he collapsed to the ground, unable to move.

"This is my Binding Charm from the Chongxuan Sect," Yang Jian sneered. "It renders the body immobile and restricts internal energy for a full day. And I've made a few modifications—expect some brief mental torment as well. Consider it payback for my brother's misfortune."

The Chongxuan Sect was one of the top ten sects in the martial world. The Binding Charm was a unique talisman made by the sect, effective only when the user's strength surpassed their opponent's.

Yang Jian approached and, noticing Yang Haoxuan's lips trembling, crouched down in curiosity. "What are you saying?"

"You... wait for it, I'll make you pay back for this..." Yang Haoxuan spoke weakly, his mind bombarded by tragic memories from both his past and present lives.

"Haoxuan! I love you, but we're not kids anymore. The life I want, you can't give me," the words of his ex-girlfriend echoed in his mind. Along with them, his father's disappointment filled his thoughts.

Every memory was a wound, each one sharper than the last. Even his mother's death seemed to haunt him endlessly.

"Ah..." Yang Haoxuan tried to cry out, but only a faint sound escaped his lips. His eyes burned with fury. His only thought was: "I will make you pay! I swear, I will make you pay!"

"Haha! Thirty years in the East, thirty years in the West, huh?" Yang Jian looked down at Yang Haoxuan's tortured form, clearly enjoying the sight. He spoke with an air of superiority, "Nice saying. You should consider becoming a poet! Also, I'll be heading back after my adult trial, so take your chance."

Then, turning to the crowd of disciples, he called out, "I, Yang Jian, just returned from the martial world. I bring gifts for all of you—a Qi Gathering Pill for everyone! It's first come, first served!"

He walked over to Yang Ying and said, "Let's go. I haven't seen Father yet!"

"Mm!" Yang Ying cast one last glance at Yang Haoxuan, his gaze filled with scorn. He almost wanted to kick him again but soon realized it wasn't necessary. He followed Yang Jian away.

The disciples below watched in shock as Yang Haoxuan was taken down in a single move. They were further excited by Yang Jian's announcement. A Qi Gathering Pill—just the thought of it was enough to stir them up. As for Yang Haoxuan, they no longer cared about him.

Now, Yang Jian was their idol, the one they truly revered—like a star who had returned from overseas. As for Yang Haoxuan, though his actions today had shocked everyone, compared to Yang Jian, he was but a speck of dust.

Yang Haoxuan's mood was grim. What had started as a good day had been shattered the moment Yang Jian appeared. But now wasn't the time for curses. The mental torment had finally subsided, but he didn't want to remain there, lying defeated.

Suddenly, two slender legs appeared in his vision. They belonged to a woman.