Chaotic Sword God Chapter 3: Refining the Body

Chapter 3: Refining the Body

Xiang Tian stared at his small, youthful hands, his expression shifting through a complex range of emotions. Throughout this past year, scenes from his previous existence had frequently flickered through his mind. Those memories remained so vivid that it felt as if the events had transpired only yesterday, etched permanently into the core of his soul. No matter his efforts, he couldn't shake those recollections; he now fully grasped that in his former life, he was known as Jian Chen. Following his demise, he had been reborn into this world, carrying the deep mysteries of his soul and consciousness with him.

Because he retained his full memory after reincarnation, he possessed the ability to speak from the moment he was born. By listening to the chatter of those attending his bedside, he gained a general understanding of the household he had been born into. More crucially, he realized he was no longer in his original world. This was a completely different realm, one Jian Chen had never heard of before.

The estate where Jian Chen resided was known as the Changyang Mansion. It was the home of one of the four most powerful families in Luo’er City, a clan with significant authority and reach. His father, Changyang Ba, served as the leader of the Changyang Sect. His mother, Bi Yuntian, was the fourth concubine of the clan leader. Although she was not the primary wife, she commanded great respect within the family due to her prestigious status as a Radiant Saint Master.

While the exact nature of a Radiant Saint Master was still a mystery to Jian Chen, he understood that his mother’s high standing and the reverence others showed her were direct results of this title.

As for Jian Chen, he held the position of the fourth Young Master of the Changyang clan, a status of considerable nobility. He had two older brothers and one older sister. His eldest brother was Changyang Hu, his sister was Changyang Mingyue, and his second brother was Changyang Ke. Though they shared the same father, each child was born to a different mother. With the exception of Changyang Hu, he had met his other siblings several times; they were only a few years his senior. The eldest among them present was Changyang Mingyue, who was four years old—three years older than Jian Chen—while Changyang Ke was two years his senior. Beyond these four, the family was filled with many other children.

Suddenly, an elderly butler approached Jian Chen from behind and whispered, "Fourth Young Master, the hour is late. Your mother is searching for you."

The voice snapped Jian Chen out of his deep thoughts. Glancing at the horizon, he realized the light was fading, signaling the arrival of dusk. He had been standing there lost in reflection for the entire afternoon without noticing. "I understand, Chang Bai. I'll return shortly."

Chang Bai served as the head housekeeper for the Changyang clan, managing nearly every internal affair. Consequently, his influence within the Sect was substantial. Despite being a servant, he received as much respect as the master of the house himself.

A faint smile touched Chang Bai’s lips as he looked at Jian Chen with great pride. Even at six months old, the boy had walked without assistance, and by eight months, he had mastered speech. He didn't just speak clearly; he could engage in full conversations. These feats had already earned Jian Chen the reputation of a prodigy, and many were curious to see what his future held.

That evening, Jian Chen joined his mother, Bi Yuntian, for a meal in the dining hall. This specific hall was reserved exclusively for the clan leader, his wives, and his children.

Upon their arrival, three beautiful women were already seated at the large round table. Each appeared to be in her twenties. Two of them held children in their laps—a boy and a girl. The boy, roughly three or four years old, was a sturdy, chubby child. He was Changyang Ke, the third son of Changyang Ba.

The moment Changyang Ke spotted Jian Chen, a look of pure animosity and resentment flashed in his eyes. It was obvious he was looking for a reason to cause trouble, harboring a clear grudge against his younger brother.

The four women noticed the hostility Changyang Ke directed at Jian Chen, but they paid it little mind. To them, it was simply a trivial rivalry between young children that wouldn't amount to much.

The other child was a girl of four or five with her hair in twin tails. She watched the glaring Changyang Ke and giggled, her bright eyes twinkling. With dimples flashing as she laughed, she was incredibly charming. Even at her young age, it was obvious she would grow into a beauty capable of rivaling the heavens. She was the second child and only daughter of Changyang Ba, named Changyang Mingyue.

"Fourth brother, you've arrived! Come sit by me!" She waved him over, her smile brightening further at the sight of him.

Jian Chen gave Changyang Mingyue a polite nod of acknowledgment before taking a seat beside his mother.

Bi Yuntian doted on Jian Chen, whispering gently, "Xiang’er, greet your aunts and your siblings."

Resigning himself to the social requirements, Jian Chen looked toward the refined ladies. "Greetings, First Aunt, Second Aunt, Third Aunt, Big Sister, and Third Brother." Since discovering his early ability to speak, his mother had been enthusiastically drilling him on etiquette. Jian Chen didn't resist; he chose to adapt. He knew that following the rules of this new world would be beneficial in the long term.

When he first arrived in this unfamiliar place, he struggled with the reality of his new body. Possessing his old memories made him feel as though he were still the original Jian Chen. In his heart, he initially felt like an outsider in this life, but as time passed, he slowly embraced his new identity. Regardless of his past, Bi Yuntian was his mother now. Though it was a mystery why he kept his memories of another world, they had no place here. Jian Chen decided to lock those memories away in the depths of his mind. It was time to fully accept this life and strive for greatness.

The three women smiled back at him. The one dressed in elegant golden robes chuckled, "Sister Yun Er, Xiang Tian seems to grow more brilliant by the day. Truly... it is hard to believe he is only one year old. I am quite jealous that you have such a clever son." This was Bai Yushuang, the second wife and mother of Changyang Mingyue.

"Indeed, younger sister Yun Er, Second Sister is right. I find myself liking Xiang Tian more every day," added Yu Feng Yan, the third wife, who sat nearby with a serene expression.

"Xiang Tian is undeniably a genius. Walking at six months and speaking at eight are miracles no other child could hope to match. I am eager to see the results of his Saint Energy test in two years. I hope he gives us a magnificent surprise," said the oldest of the women, Ling Long, the first wife, who carried a more stern and authoritative air.

Just as Ling Long finished speaking, a deep, resonant voice echoed through the hall. "I agree. I also look forward to the surprise Xiang Tian will bring us in two years." A man in his thirties walked in, possessing the aura of a true master. Wearing a white chang pao with gold embroidery and sporting shoulder-length black hair, he exuded a calm yet powerful presence.

"Husband!"

"Father!"

The seven people at the table rose instantly to greet him. Jian Chen followed suit, offering a soft greeting. This man was the head of the Changyang clan, Changyang Ba.

Changyang Ba walked to the table and sat down, a warm smile on his face. Looking at Jian Chen, he asked, "Xiang’er, are you happy living here?"

Jian Chen nodded. "Yes!"

Changyang Ba’s smile widened. "Xiang’er, if you ever feel bored within these walls, you are free to go out and see the world for yourself!"

"I understand, father," Jian Chen answered.

Changyang Ba was immensely pleased by Jian Chen’s intelligence, which far exceeded that of any normal one-year-old.

The family dinner was a pleasant affair and ended quickly. Afterward, Jian Chen retreated to his private quarters. Despite his age, he had insisted on having his own room rather than staying with his mother. He had been so adamant about this that Bi Yuntian eventually gave in to his request.

That night, Jian Chen sat in a cross-legged position on his bed, hands resting on his knees. With his palms turned toward the ceiling and his face tilted upward, he began to silently practice the fundamental breathing techniques of the Azulet Sword Law.

The Azulet Sword Law was the same Cultivation method Jian Chen had mastered over twenty years in his previous life, serving as his ultimate strength. It was an exceptionally rare and powerful path of Cultivation, containing profound truths and devastating techniques.

Jian Chen had discovered the Azulet Sword Law by chance as a child. After falling from a cliff while playing, he had survived by landing in a hidden pool. Trapped in a cave with only fish to eat, he found the manual and spent ten years dedicated to its study. Upon reaching a breakthrough, he gained the power to escape the cavern and return to civilization.

As a war orphan raised by his great-grandparents, he returned to find they had long since passed away. After mourning them, the solitary Jian Chen set out to wander the world.

Just as he had accepted his fate in his past life, he now embraced this new journey. With this resolve, he began the process of Cultivation and refining his body, determined to reclaim his former power after six months of preparation.