Chapter Thirty-One: The Hidden Yan Clan

“The old monster has left.”

In the dense forest atop the mountain peak, hushed whispers could be heard. Shifting the gaze inward, it was Ye Zihan and Yan Chen.

The two had not been a match for the old monster and feigned an escape, but instead of fleeing far, they changed direction and slipped up to the summit. Given the vast disparity in strength between them and the old monster, a straight escape would almost certainly have led to pursuit, resulting in a bitter battle or even casualties. Thus, they chose a risky method: pretending to flee into the distance, only to double back and conceal themselves atop the peak, suppressing any fluctuations in their aura to avoid detection.

This method was both risky and safe—yet the two, bold as newborn calves, dared to attempt it.

“Phew!”

Watching the old monster give chase down the mountain, Yan Chen let out a long sigh of relief and collapsed to the ground. Though he had taken a restorative elixir, he was still utterly exhausted. Crossing realms in battle was not something just anyone could endure.

Ye Zihan also flopped down, though his condition was much better. With Blue Rain’s secret assistance, his wounds were no longer an issue. Still, the recent fight had made him realize just how forced his struggle against a Four Symbols expert truly was. He had not drawn upon Red Flame’s power, knowing that relying on it every time would only stall his cultivation, making true greatness unattainable.

“Brother Ye, your skills are extraordinary—may I ask where you hail from?” After a short rest, Yan Chen’s curiosity got the better of him.

“Just an ordinary commoner’s son,” Ye Zihan replied with a chuckle, his answer tactful.

Naturally, Yan Chen did not believe such modesty. Leaving aside Ye Zihan’s cultivation, the sheer courage to challenge a Four Symbols expert across realms was not something a commoner’s child could possess. Besides, his true strength was clearly deeper than it appeared. Yan Chen himself was gifted, had cultivated diligently for over a decade, and was nurtured by his family—only now reaching the mid-stage of the Three Talents realm. Even a prodigy among commoners, lacking support and resources, could hardly reach such heights at this age!

Moreover, dual-attribute cultivation and a night-tier chain-attack technique would never be found among ordinary folk.

Ye Zihan’s reply was obviously a polite refusal to reveal more. Yan Chen, being perceptive, did not press further.

“And you, Brother Yan? Your cultivation surpasses mine,” Ye Zihan asked in turn.

Savoring the layered meaning in Ye Zihan’s words and catching the interest in his gaze, Yan Chen smiled faintly. “Since you aided me so valiantly, I’ll not be evasive. To be honest, I am a member of the Yan family of the West.”

“One of the three hidden clans?” Ye Zihan was a little surprised. The name of the Hidden Clans was renowned throughout the mortal realm.

“Indeed.” Yan Chen could not hide his pride—such a lineage was enough to inspire envy in anyone.

The three Hidden Clans—Yan, Ming, and Yunmeng—had existed since ancient times, their origins concurrent with the birth of spirit beasts and demons. They were, in many ways, the ancestors of humanity itself.

These ancient clans once flourished, their bloodlines strong, talents of all disciplines gathering under their banners. For a time, their power shook the heavens and earth, holding the peace of the mortal and even the Three Realms in their grasp.

But everything changed with the Great Ancient War ten thousand years ago.

To protect the mortal realm, the three clans sent forth their elites to battle the mightiest of beasts and demons. Though they emerged victorious, the cost was ruinous—countless experts perished, their bloodlines waning, and the new generations saw a dearth of talent, as if cursed by war. The clans began to decline, their fame now overshadowed by the newly risen four sects and five great families. Still, the three clans lived in quiet seclusion, hidden from the world, their names fading into legend.

Yet, though they were no longer at their peak, even a dying camel is larger than a horse. With ten thousand years of heritage, none dared to underestimate their foundation, nor challenge their authority openly. The Hidden Clans still commanded respect.

“My apologies,” Ye Zihan said, but showed little envy for such a lofty identity. Status was but an empty symbol. He had once been a scion of one of the Five Great Families, yet after falling from the cliff and vanishing for four years, not a single clansman had come searching for him.

Such families—so rich in reputation.

Seeing Ye Zihan’s indifference, Yan Chen felt his companion was truly exceptional. Most cultivators, upon learning his background, would have scrambled to curry favor and seek shelter. Ye Zihan, it seemed, was not among them.

“What an intriguing fellow,” thought Yan Chen, his fondness growing. Instinctively, he felt this was someone worth befriending. He asked, “Now that the old monster is gone, what are your plans?”

“To go home,” Ye Zihan replied without thinking. But as the words left his mouth, he hesitated. Could that place still be called home? He amended, “To see someone very important.”

Yan Chen did not notice the shift in tone, but asked eagerly, “Are you in a hurry? If not, would you be interested in joining me at the famed Five Elements Assembly, and meeting heroes from across the lands?”

“The Five Elements Assembly?” Ye Zihan was startled. Was it time for the grand gathering that occurred once every fifty years?

“Yes! This assembly will be held in half a month, in Ten Directions City—the largest and most prosperous town in the mortal realm!” Yan Chen’s excitement was palpable. It was his first time venturing out in sixteen years, drawn by the weight of this grand event.

The Five Elements Assembly was the largest competition in the mortal realm, held every fifty years. Young heroes aged fifteen to eighteen gathered to compete, with no other requirements—not even identity. Only strength mattered.

If you possessed the power, it did not matter your name or origin. Claiming the championship brought high-grade cultivation manuals, secret treasures, and other rewards of immense value.

Records of past assemblies showed that every prize awarded was at least wind-tier—manuals, techniques, or elixirs, each enough to make hearts race. The last champion had received a moon-tier cultivation manual, driving the world mad with envy.

Such a renowned event, with such incredible stakes, made all cultivators wild with anticipation. Even experts from the Beast and Demon Realms would be drawn by the news.

To win fame and fortune at the Five Elements Assembly was every young man’s dream.

Though his clan had withdrawn from the world, what man did not yearn for victory and recognition?

Furthermore, the assembly, filled with formidable opponents, was an ideal place to broaden one’s horizons and gain experience. The Yan family had agreed to let Yan Chen travel for this very purpose, to hone himself at the grand gathering of the Three Realms.

“Teacher, what do you think?” As Yan Chen continued to extol the virtues of the assembly, Ye Zihan silently sought the opinions of Red Flame and Blue Rain.

“It would do no harm to go. Participating in such contests not only broadens your experience but also greatly benefits your cultivation,” said Red Flame.

“I agree. A grand event held only once every fifty years—missing it would be a shame. Once it’s over, you can return to the Ye family without delay,” Blue Rain added.

With both teachers in favor, Ye Zihan had no objections. After all, he had waited four years—what was another half month?

“Very well, I’ll go with you and see for myself the assembly that stirs the world!” Having made up his mind, Ye Zihan spoke to Yan Chen.

“Excellent!” Yan Chen laughed heartily. The journey to Ten Directions City would take at least ten days, and having a companion was certainly preferable, especially one he wished to befriend.

“Let’s go,” Ye Zihan suddenly stood.

“Where to?” Yan Chen asked, puzzled. There was no need to rush; with their current condition, it would be wiser to rest and set out tomorrow.

“I don’t know. But we must leave here first,” Ye Zihan replied, somewhat irritably. “The old monster may have gone, but your ‘Azure Dragon Devour’ has drawn another group here.”

Yan Chen blinked, sensing a number of people approaching the peak. He quickly understood and laughed, leaping to his feet. “Your chain-attack technique is none too subtle either!”

“Moonlit Chain-Strike, mid-tier Night-rank,” Ye Zihan replied blandly. Without further delay, he swept down the mountain.

Smiling, Yan Chen followed.

Their voices faded into the darkness as two agile figures slipped down the mountain under the cover of night.