The Glory of the Tribe

Jiang Xuan sensed a possibility, but he wasn't concerned about becoming "Elder Strange Stone's" test subject. Without Elder Strange Stone's guidance and teachings, not only would Jiang Xuan have long been dead, but the Jiang Tribe would have also fallen to the Shentu Tribe.

"Hengsha Po Heart Sutra... The earlier it's cultivated, the better!" Jiang Xuan couldn't contain his excitement.
He stood up and left the back mountain.
He was going to find Chen Yuanxuan.

In the Jiang Tribe's Earth City, after Chen Yuanzhou and his people left, the city became much quieter. Without the need for the Black Armored Guards at the gate to announce him, Jiang Xuan walked into Lei Hong’s residence—he already had this "privilege."
Inside the courtyard.
Chen Yuanxuan, dressed in light combat attire with her long hair tied up and disguised as a man, was practicing her swordplay, her movements light and agile, filled with grace! It was pure sword technique practice, and Lei Hong, sitting by the stone table, sipped his tea while watching her.

Lei Hong had indeed been mentoring Chen Yuanxuan.
This had happened before.
Earlier this morning, Chen Yuanxuan had purposely gone to Lei Hong, saying his guidance had helped her improve significantly. She wanted to stay in the tribe’s Earth City for a while longer and continue her lessons every afternoon, which Lei Hong had agreed to without exposing the real reason she stayed.

Jiang Xuan walked into the exquisite courtyard.
Chen Yuanxuan continued her practice, not pausing despite his presence. In front of Lei Hong, Jiang Xuan and Chen Yuanxuan had just become acquainted and weren’t exactly friendly yet.
Lei Hong gave Jiang Xuan a glance and then gestured for him to sit.

Jiang Xuan sat across from Lei Hong at the stone table, both of them observing Chen Yuanxuan’s swordplay.
Soon, Chen Yuanxuan finished her practice and nervously looked toward Lei Hong.
"The problem is still the same. For the Robbery Realm sword technique itself, you've grasped a little of the essence. But what you lack now is not understanding the sword technique itself—it's strength! A Robbery Realm cultivator uses far more power to control it. There’s no question of whether it’s exhausting; it's a matter of whether you can use it, not whether you can use it with ease. Right now, you've somewhat grasped the rules of the Robbery Realm sword technique, but being at the Innate realm means you simply don't have enough power!" Lei Hong’s gaze was serious as he stared at Chen Yuanxuan. "So, what you can improve on is control over the sword itself! You could also think of it as improving your mastery of the basic sword techniques!"

"The deeper your mastery of the basics, the less power you'll need to use for the same move! Between brute force and finesse, focus on improving finesse and precision!"
"On the other hand, with the same burst of power, the more deeply you master the basics, the more basic sword moves you’ll be able to use instantly. Whether it's Innate sword techniques or Robbery Realm sword techniques, they’re essentially made up of basic sword moves—it's just that Robbery Realm sword techniques are far more complex, more than a hundred times more complex."
Jiang Xuan listened and thought about it.

The reason he could master the "Illusionary Wind Chase Style" wasn’t just talent; there were two key factors.
First, the "Illusionary Wind Chase Style" was derived from the "Wind Chase Style", incorporating elements from "Illusionary Ghost Slash". Before creating this move, Jiang Xuan had already understood the basic principles of the Wind Chase Style.
The second reason was... what Lei Hong said—mastering Robbery Realm sword techniques requires not only understanding the technique but also enough power to wield it. Since the Innate realm didn’t provide enough power, one had to master the basics more thoroughly, allowing them to execute the Robbery Realm sword techniques more efficiently with less power.
Jiang Xuan hadn’t improved his swordsmanship fundamentals; he had only reached a normal level after completing the Wind Chase Sword. But still, he could perform Robbery Realm sword techniques.

Why? Because his power was sufficient!
He could expend vast amounts of Innate energy instantly to forcefully activate Robbery Realm sword techniques!
Only Jiang Xuan could do that. He had cultivated Black Abyss Power! Others didn’t have nearly as much Innate energy, and even if they did, it would be far less than his!

"Your sword technique foundation is too weak!" Lei Hong finally gave a stern evaluation. That was the kind of person he was: if you asked him for advice, he'd give it directly, no matter who you were. He’d say exactly what was needed. This was responsible teaching!
It was the first time Chen Yuanxuan had been told her "sword technique foundation is too weak."
She lowered her head in silence.

Whether she liked it or not, she had to show respect to Lei Hong on the surface.
"In fact, this is a common issue for geniuses," Lei Hong continued. "When I was at the Innate realm, I was the same. With high talent and fast learning, once I mastered the basics, I immediately sought breakthroughs in cultivation techniques. I didn’t need to perfect the basics anymore—it didn’t provide enough improvement."
"On the other hand, those with lower talents, once they reach Innate completion, can’t pursue higher realms because they lack the talent. They are forced to keep refining the basics, and that’s how they grow stronger."

Lei Hong looked at Chen Yuanxuan. "You’ve suffered an injury to your meridians, and your talent is not as it once was. But you can still surpass the Innate realm by the time you’re thirty. You don’t need to focus on comprehending Robbery Realm sword techniques at the Innate level. When your realm reaches Robbery Realm, you’ll immediately understand them, no problem!"
"I won’t give up, Master!" Chen Yuanxuan raised her head with a serious expression. "Please don’t advise me otherwise."
Lei Hong gazed at her silently for a while.

Finally, he spoke again. "Are you afraid of becoming mediocre after you enter the Robbery Realm?" It was as if he could see through Chen Yuanxuan. He had sensed this hesitation before, but today, it became clear.
"Master, what are you saying?" Chen Yuanxuan’s pupils contracted slightly.
"Reaching Robbery Realm at thirty. In others’ eyes, you’ll still be a genius, a prodigy!" Lei Hong’s gaze sharpened as he fixed it on her. "But in the Starry Pavilion, this is just average. Compared to your brother, Chen Yuanzhou, who will likely reach Robbery Realm at twenty-five, you’ll be far behind! You might even fall behind Xie Hanjie! You are Chen Yuanxuan, the one with the godly talent!"

"Your talent has been compromised... The higher your realm, the more it affects you!"
"When you enter the Robbery Realm, your progress in cultivating techniques will slow down even further. By then, the only thing left to admire about you will be your swordsmanship talent!"
"That’s why you want to make a big breakthrough in your swordsmanship now! To prove your overall potential, to show you still have the potential to reach godly heights! You can’t bear the thought of becoming mediocre, of being just another Robbery Realm expert!"

"Am I right?" Lei Hong’s tone was sharp as he delivered this hard truth.
"I..." Chen Yuanxuan found it hard to deny.
"I’m not trying to discourage you," Lei Hong said, his tone softening slightly. "But since you’ve come to me for advice, I have to speak frankly. I don’t want you to feel discouraged after seeing Jiang Xuan’s breakthrough in Robbery Realm swordsmanship. Don’t rush to achieve it—rushing might cause you to fall into a trap where you cannot surpass the Innate realm! You’ll regret it later."

While speaking, Lei Hong cast a side glance at Jiang Xuan.
He suspected that Chen Yuanxuan’s relationship with Jiang Xuan was largely influenced by the fact that Jiang Xuan had mastered a Robbery Realm sword technique at such a young age! Adding to that were other factors, like Jiang Xuan’s youth and good looks...
But the key point was Jiang Xuan mastering a Robbery Realm sword technique at sixteen!

That must have been a huge stimulus for Chen Yuanxuan!
Chen Yuanxuan felt a bit uneasy. She had never been spoken to like this! All the pride and frustration she had kept hidden were exposed! It was difficult for her to argue with Lei Hong; he made a lot of sense.
She couldn’t go against him either.

"I speak plainly," Lei Hong added, "You might find my words unpleasant, but I’m saying them for your benefit! Right now, given your situation, no matter how hard you try, it will be very difficult to comprehend the Robbery Realm sword technique before entering the Robbery Realm. Your talent isn’t high enough yet, and time is running out! You should focus all your energy on cultivating your realm instead! Maybe you can reach the Robbery Realm a year or two earlier."
Chen Yuanxuan stood there, her head slightly lowered, not speaking. Her left fist clenched, her knuckles whitening from the pressure.
She was clearly suppressing her emotions.

Lei Hong was too harsh! Even a little bit cruel! Saying her swordsmanship talent wasn’t up to par! Chen Yuanxuan, proud as she was, had never faced such humiliation.
Jiang Xuan couldn’t watch any longer.
"Master, I don’t think you’re correct," Jiang Xuan interjected.

"I think with Miss Chen’s talent, she can definitely comprehend Robbery Realm sword techniques within a few months, at least! She doesn’t need a year! Especially in our Jiang Tribe, which is rich in outstanding talent. This place will greatly help her in comprehending her cultivation!"
Lei Hong turned to look at Jiang Xuan, his brow furrowing.
Chen Yuanxuan, shocked, turned to stare at Jiang Xuan, her eyes filled with disbelief!

What was Jiang Xuan doing?!
He was challenging the Inspector?!
Was he out of his mind?!

"Do you think my judgment is worse than yours?" Lei Hong asked, displeased.
"No!" Jiang Xuan shook his head seriously, "I think you’ve completely misunderstood!"
Lei Hong narrowed his eyes.

Chen Yuanxuan was so anxious that she stepped forward, her eyes wide in shock, "Jiang Xuan, don’t be rude—" Chen Yuanxuan felt like she might explode! What was Jiang Xuan doing?!
The atmosphere in the courtyard became tense.
"Ha!" Lei Hong sneered, "You’re really willing to risk everything for her, huh? You’ll say anything to defend her, even against me?"

Chen Yuanxuan froze completely.
She was utterly stunned.
Did Master Lei Hong... know about her and Jiang Xuan's relationship?

"Master, you came back last night, and went to the back mountain to see me, didn’t you?" Jiang Xuan asked, showing no pressure, even casually pouring tea from the pot on the table. "I always thought you were a man of few words, but today you’re so chatty, even giving me a sideways glance."
"Hmph!" Lei Hong grunted, displeased. "You’re clever, but that doesn’t mean you can just say anything! Want to win her over? Fine, but don’t just blurt things out! Don’t mess with my cultivation!"
As he spoke, Lei Hong picked up his tea cup and took a sip.

"I’m not just saying things," Jiang Xuan said, "I’m serious. You’ve completely misunderstood!"
Lei Hong scoffed again, "What’s the bet?"
"This afternoon, Aunt Cuiyun came to the back mountain to find me... Some Black Armored Guards want to marry into our tribe! If I win, you mustn’t interfere with this matter. Don’t make any objections, and if anything bad happens, you’ll take the responsibility!" Jiang Xuan declared.

Chen Yuanxuan was stunned.
She realized there was a secret between Lei Hong and Jiang Xuan that had been hidden from everyone else! The truth was that their relationship was far closer than anyone had imagined!
Also—

Some Black Armored Guards wanted to marry into the tribe?!
"You little... planning to mess with my Black Armored Guards?" Lei Hong squinted at Jiang Xuan, "Then if you lose... What will you give me?"