Chapter Five: An Unexpected Granduncle Appears

At that moment, a voice came from behind. “Tianlang, bring him over.” Hearing these words, Burning Heaven Wolf curled his lip, withdrew the spiritual energy from his hand, turned, and bowed. “Yes, Sixth Martial Uncle.” Then he glanced at this supposed junior brother before him. “Come with me.”

Li Chengzhu paid no heed to Burning Heaven Wolf’s look. He had already anticipated such a situation before coming here, so he simply followed in silence.

After just a few steps, Burning Heaven Wolf stopped before a man and said, “Sixth Martial Uncle, I’ve brought him.”

Li Chengzhu sized up the man before him. This fellow, too, had the cultivation of the later stage of Ascension, on par with his own master.

“Was it you just now who claimed to be my Third Senior Brother’s disciple?” the man asked.

From the earlier conversation, Li Chengzhu had gathered that this was his master’s sixth junior brother. Not daring to be disrespectful, he replied respectfully, “Yes, Sixth Martial Uncle.”

The man waved a hand, interrupting him. “There’s no need for formalities just yet. As far as I know, Third Senior Brother did indeed take a disciple two years ago.”

At these words, Burning Heaven Wolf’s eyes widened, gazing at Li Chengzhu with unspeakable envy. The other disciples also roused from their meditation, their faces filled with confusion.

Would the Third Martial Uncle really take a disciple? That was as unlikely as imagining Third Martial Uncle would take an interest in women.

This news was like a stick thrust into a hornet’s nest, stirring everyone into excitement.

Sixth Martial Uncle cleared his throat, shifting everyone's attention, then said, “According to the jade slip sent back by Senior Brother, the man was originally a mortal in the human world, who, by a twist of fate, ascended to the Immortal Realm with an immortal. By another coincidence, he was taken as a disciple by Third Senior Brother.”

Burning Heaven Wolf’s jaw dropped so wide an entire handful of eggs could be stuffed in, as he stared at Li Chengzhu in disbelief.

Li Chengzhu’s face was full of discontent. He had thought that finding members of his own sect would fill him with excitement and anticipation, but now Sixth Martial Uncle referred to him only as ‘that man,’ clearly excluding him. It was like a bucket of cold water poured over his burning heart.

Yet, mindful of the senior’s status, Li Chengzhu could only swallow his frustration.

Sixth Martial Uncle continued, “However, three months ago, Third Senior Brother sent word again, saying his disciple wandered into the Forbidden Land of Immortals and hasn’t returned for days. He fears that the boy is already…”

Veins bulged on Li Chengzhu’s forehead. That old rascal actually thought he had died just like that! When he got out, he’d have to extort a good compensation from his master. As a teacher, he had never even given him a decent magical treasure. Luckily, he’d had good fortune in the forest, with his little companion to guide him—otherwise, he’d have been reduced to nothing but dust by those high-level immortal beasts.

Sixth Martial Uncle’s eyes flashed with anger as he demanded sternly, “What proof do you have of your claim?”

Li Chengzhu was frustrated. He’d been asked the same question by Cui Xiaosa before, but now, what could he use to prove his identity?

Helpless, Li Chengzhu could only shake his head. “I have none. My master never gave me anything.”

“Hmph!” Sixth Martial Uncle snorted, even more convinced that the man before him was an impostor.

Burning Heaven Wolf couldn’t help but sweat for this supposed junior brother. To dare trifle with Sixth Martial Uncle—what consequences would that bring?

The thought made Burning Heaven Wolf shudder.

“But I can describe my master’s appearance!” Li Chengzhu clung to a last glimmer of hope.

Sixth Martial Uncle sneered, “Third Senior Brother has wandered the Immortal Realm for years. Even if you’ve seen him, it’s nothing remarkable.”

Li Chengzhu was about to argue further when, suddenly, an overwhelming spiritual pressure swept down. Before he could react, a figure appeared before him—a woman dressed in pink, her beauty rivaling Gu Linglong’s.

Good heavens, another immortal! Li Chengzhu groaned inwardly.

The woman regarded Li Chengzhu with a gentle smile. “Why don’t you tell us—what does old Third look like?”

“Martial Aunt!” Sixth Martial Uncle, recognizing the woman, hurriedly stood and bowed.

The other disciples also chimed in, “Greetings, Grand Martial Aunt!”

Li Chengzhu’s head spun. This stunning beauty was actually his martial uncle’s martial aunt?

He quickly buried any impure thoughts and bowed respectfully. “Greetings, Grand Martial Aunt…”

The words sounded so awkward that Grand Martial Aunt laughed even more merrily. “Enough, little one, you’re quite obedient!”

Li Chengzhu gave a sheepish shrug.

“Squeak squeak!” The little creature on his shoulder, thinking that Grand Martial Aunt was calling it, bounced excitedly.

“How adorable this little pig is!” Grand Martial Aunt extended her jade-like hand to stroke the creature’s head, smiling. The little thing basked in her affection, so pleased it forgot to protest at being called a pig.

The lingering fragrance on Grand Martial Aunt’s hand made Li Chengzhu’s heart race even faster.

“Are you leading the team this time? What about Fourth and Fifth?” Grand Martial Aunt turned to ask Sixth Martial Uncle.

“Yes, Martial Aunt. Fourth and Fifth Senior Brothers are both in seclusion, and Seventh Junior Brother never concerns himself with worldly matters, so the task fell to me,” Sixth Martial Uncle replied respectfully.

Grand Martial Aunt glanced over the assembled cultivators, her brows knitting slightly. “Why is it that none of you have made any progress in all these years? No wonder the Phantom Sword Sect has been suppressed and dares not utter a word.”

Everyone lowered their heads in silence, Burning Heaven Wolf’s face flushing with shame.

“Enough.” Grand Martial Aunt waved her hand. “Affairs of the cultivation world are not for us immortals to meddle in. Still, Old Sixth, when you return, you must urge them to train harder. Otherwise, they won’t even know how they died when the time comes.”

At these words, cold sweat trickled down Sixth Martial Uncle’s forehead.

The eldest and second senior brothers had been assassinated two centuries ago, and the mystery remained unsolved to this day—a laughingstock among the great sects. Without its two leaders, the once-glorious Phantom Sword Sect had slowly declined.

Turning back, Grand Martial Aunt composed herself and smiled at Li Chengzhu. “Now, why don’t you tell us what Old Third looks like? It’s been centuries since I’ve seen him—I wonder if he’s become any more handsome?”

Faced with this beautiful and highly ranked woman, Li Chengzhu swallowed and described the image of the Celestial Guide Immortal.

He was barely halfway through when he noticed the other disciples bowing their heads, shoulders trembling as if suppressing laughter. Sixth Martial Uncle’s face was twisted, and even Grand Martial Aunt was beaming.

Li Chengzhu scratched his head. “Did I say something wrong?”

Seeing that no one answered, he cast a pleading look at Grand Martial Aunt.

“Old Third prides himself as the most handsome man in the Phantom Sword Sect. If he heard you describe him like that, you’d be in trouble,” Grand Martial Aunt said, giving Li Chengzhu a playful glare.

“But… I only told the truth,” Li Chengzhu replied in confusion.