The announcement of Wen Chen's promotion did not end in the training courtyard.
It spread.
By noon, the news had slipped beyond the inner compound, passed through servant gossip, disciple murmurs, and finally reached the outer streets of Greenstone City.
The Chen Clan had produced a Stage 3 Spirit Initiate.
And he was young.
Chen Estate – Council Hall
The atmosphere was heavier than usual.
Patriarch Chen Zhenghong sat at the head of the long stone table, flanked by three elders. Incense burned low, its fragrance sharp and grounding.
"Stage 3 at his age," Elder Mo said slowly, stroking his beard. "It's impressive. But it also paints a target."
Elder Lin nodded. "Greenstone City may be small, but we are not isolated. The Zhao Clan watches us closely."
Chen Zhenghong's gaze was steady. "They would not dare act openly."
"Openly?" Elder Mo chuckled dryly. "No. But the younger generation… challenges, provocations, 'accidents.'"
Silence followed.
Finally, Chen Zhenghong spoke again. "I will not hide my son. But I will not let him walk unguarded either."
He turned to an attendant. "Summon Wen Chen."
Wen Chen's Courtyard
Wen Chen had just finished a slow circulation cycle when the messenger arrived.
"Patriarch requests your presence."
Wen Chen rose immediately.
By the time he entered the council hall, the elders were already studying him with new eyes. Not curious ones.
Measured ones.
Chen Zhenghong gestured for him to sit.
"Stage 3," the patriarch said simply. "How do you feel?"
"Stable," Wen Chen replied. "But heavier."
Elder Lin's eyebrow twitched. "Explain."
Wen Chen considered his words. "The Qi isn't harder to control. It's… more demanding. Every mistake costs more."
Elder Mo laughed softly. "Good. That means you understand."
Chen Zhenghong leaned forward slightly. "From today onward, you will accompany the clan's outer trade convoy."
Wen Chen looked up.
"A test?" he asked.
"A message," the patriarch replied. "To the city."
The elders nodded in agreement.
"You will not fight unless provoked," Elder Lin added. "But you will be seen."
Wen Chen understood immediately.
Show strength. Invite response.
"I'll go," he said.
Status Check – Quiet Adjustment
That evening, Wen Chen stood alone near the estate's outer wall, overlooking the city lights.
He summoned the panel.
[Status Panel]
Name: Wen Chen
Realm: Spirit Initiate
Stage: 3
Progress: 41 / 400
Condition: Stable
Evaluation: Adaptation ongoing
Progress was steady.
Not fast.
But real.
Stage 3 refined him constantly, even when he wasn't actively cultivating.
He dismissed the panel.
Movement stirred below.
Two figures lingered near the wall's shadow.
Wen Chen's gaze sharpened—and then softened.
They weren't hiding their presence well.
Outer disciples.
Watching.
Measuring.
He said nothing.
But he remembered their faces.
The Trade Convoy – Departure Day
The convoy assembled at dawn.
Carriages loaded with herbs, spirit stones, and refined goods lined the road. Guards stood alert, hands resting near weapon hilts.
When Wen Chen stepped forward, the guards straightened unconsciously.
Not out of fear.
Out of instinct.
A tall man with a scar across his cheek bowed slightly. "Young Master Wen. I'm Qin Hu. I'll be leading security."
Wen Chen nodded. "I'll follow your command on the road."
Qin Hu blinked, surprised by the humility. "Then… thank you."
They departed.
The city gates creaked open, revealing the winding forest road beyond.
Midday – On the Road
The convoy moved smoothly for hours.
Wen Chen sat atop one of the rear carriages, eyes closed, senses extended. Stage 3 awareness allowed him to feel the forest's rhythm—the sway of leaves, the movement of distant creatures, the subtle fluctuations of Qi.
Then—
A disturbance.
Faint.
But deliberate.
He opened his eyes.
"Stop," he said calmly.
Qin Hu raised a hand. The convoy halted.
"What is it?"
"Guests," Wen Chen replied.
The forest rustled.
Figures stepped out from the trees—six of them, dressed in mismatched armor, cultivation levels uneven.
Bandits.
But not ordinary ones.
Wen Chen's vision sharpened.
Bandit Leader — Spirit Initiate, Stage 2 — 289 / 300
Others — Stage 1 to Stage 2
Near peak Stage 2.
Strong for roadside raiders.
"Hand over the goods," the leader said with a grin. "And no one gets hurt."
Qin Hu tightened his grip.
Wen Chen stepped forward.
"Leave," he said simply.
The bandit laughed. "Kid, you think—"
He stopped mid-sentence.
Because the air shifted.
Wen Chen released just a fraction of his aura.
Not an attack.
A presence.
The bandit leader's grin faltered.
"You're"
"Last warning," Wen Chen said.
The bandits hesitated.
Then the leader snarled. "Kill him!"
They charged.
Wen Chen moved.
One step.
One palm strike.
The leader flew backward, crashing into a tree with a bone-cracking impact, unconscious before he hit the ground.
The others froze.
Wen Chen did not pursue.
"Leave," he repeated.
They ran.
Silence returned.
Qin Hu stared.
"Y-Young Master… you didn't even—"
"Use full force?" Wen Chen finished.
He shook his head. "No need."
Aftermath
The convoy resumed, but the atmosphere had changed.
Word would spread.
Not of slaughter.
Of control.
That night, Wen Chen sat beneath the stars, cultivating quietly.
The Ancient Refining Pot hummed faintly, steady and patient.
Far away, in Greenstone City...
A message was delivered to the Zhao Clan.
"A Stage 3 Spirit Initiate has emerged in the Chen Clan."
The waters had begun to stir.