Bloodline Tree – [Clan Building]

“You’ve worked hard,” Shu Yang said as he stepped forward and embraced his wife when she came out of the bedroom.

“You’re back,” Qianyue said with a smile, leaning against his chest.

“Dad, this is my son Shu Xingu,” Tianzheng stepped forward with the newborn boy in his arms, a wide smile on his face.

“Good,” Shu Yang said, “He looks healthy.”

“That…good, good,” Tianzheng said. Shu Yang could spot his disappointment.

Shu Yang rolled his eyes, “He’s more talented than you, if that’s what you're worried about. He should keep the same pace as Tianyi in the future.”

“Seriously?” Tianzheng asked, surprised.

“Why are you so concerned about that? What matters most is his character, not his talent. Make sure he grows up right,” Shu Yang said.

“Of course,” Tiannzheng said, nodding heavily, “Don’t worry, Dad.”

Ever since Tianren started having children, Shu Yang would say a few words about his grandchildren when he saw them. His children had long noticed that Shu Yang seemed able to tell what their talents were early on, so when Shu Yang didn’t mention it, they assumed they didn’t have any.

Shu Yang hadn’t thought about it much at first, but then he noticed that the ones he said were talented were, probably unknowingly, treated differently than their siblings.

Shu Yang didn’t believe that was quite right, so he had decided not to say anything about their talents too early. But seeing Tianzheng’s dejected look, Shu Yang caved in.

‘This is the last one. In the future, I refuse to say anything.’

“Let me look at my nephew,” Tianyue said, taking the baby in her arms.

“Doesn’t it make you want one of your own?” Qianyue asked.

“Not this again, Mom,” Tianyue said, rolling her eyes, “You already have over 20 grandchildren, why nag me about it?”

“You’re not getting any younger,” Qianyue muttered.

“Alright, let’s not argue over this. If you find someone suitable for Tianyue, we can talk about it,” Shu Yang interrupted the old argument between mother and daughter. 

Shu Yang didn’t really feel that his daughter needed to have children. But it was true that she was getting older. She was 31 already. 

If she could really remain happy without a husband and a child of her own, Shu Yang wouldn’t mind. But could she? 

‘I need to get my family out of here, not just for my grandchildren, but Tianyue as well. It’s not strange that she isn’t interested in anyone here, but it’s possible that there is someone out there for her.’

After everyone took turns holding Xingu, they left the small family to their own. There would be a celebration later in the evening for the new Shu family member.

“Do you think your dad can make it?” Shu Yang asked as he and Qianyue walked arm in arm to their house.

“He wouldn’t miss it. He’ll probably at least stop by. If he’s too tired, we can bring Xingu over to him,” Qianyue answered.

Shu Yang hadn’t just taken his direct family to the Black Beast Mountains; he had brought the extended family along as well. He even went back to Baishu Village and offered to take away anyone who was willing to leave.

But most didn’t dare leave their land. Even if the Lishen Empire took over, it didn’t make much difference to them.

Shu Yang didn’t really think those ordinary villagers would be killed or anything either, so he hadn’t tried to convince them.

He did manage to get Zhangye’s family to go along, though.

‘I wonder if he’s still alive out there somewhere.’

Shu Yang had developed his Bloodline Ability to pierce through the vast distance separating him and his children. But it didn’t work on Zhangye or Jiangxi when he tried to look for them, so he had no idea how they were doing.

‘I’ll keep experimenting with it, I’m sure I’ll be able to see anyone I want one day.’

“I’m afraid he’s getting worse,” Qianyue said after a moment of silence.

“Well, he’s getting old,” Shu Yang said. His father-in-law was only a 2nd-grade martial artist. To have lived past 80 was already quite a blessing.

“I know, but it’s still hard,” Qianyue said, her eyes turning red.

“Don’t be sad. Your old man has lived better than most, and his family is prospering. Why don’t we bring some of the more talented grandchildren to him tomorrow to cheer him up?” Shu Yang suggested. 

“That sounds nice,” Qianyue said, “Xinjiang and Xinxi are so full of life, I’m sure they’ll make dad more energetic too.”

As if summoned by Qianyue, the two little girls came running around the corner, each carrying a stick in their hand as always.

“Grandma! You have to help us!” Xinxi called out.

“Grandpa, you’re back! You have to help too!” Xinjiang tuned in.

“Who has made you two cuties upset this time?” Qianyue asked with a smile, squatting down and pinching the girl’s cheeks.

“It’s brother Xinmo!” Xinjiang said, “He has a sword. A real sword!”

“Dad said we can’t have one, and Xinmo won’t lend us his. Isn’t it unfair?” Xinxi questioned.

“You’re only four years old,” Shu Yang said, “You have to wait until you’re older. When you’re as old as your brother, I’m sure your dad will give you real swords too.”

“But, but, but,” Xinxi stammered, and tears actually started falling from her eyes.

“We want swords,” Xinjiang said, pouting, “We want them now.”

Shu Yang sighed and rubbed his forehead. He was a little conflicted. This pair of twins were obsessed with swords, just like their brother. But while Xinmo had inherited his father’s steady and patient temperament, these girls were a little more wild in their nature. 

It would have been fine, but Shu Yang was a bit afraid of their talent. Xinmo would have to take his father’s approach to understanding sword intent, gradually learning everything, taking his time, and being aware of the power that comes with comprehending sword intent. 

But these girls were different. Shu Yang was afraid they might comprehend sword intent naturally, perhaps as soon as they started using real swords. 

Being four years old, with their personality, and having the power to cut down Masters…

Shu Yang felt that it was just an accident waiting to happen. It was better to grow up and mature a bit first.

But would that stunt their growth?

‘I’ll talk to Tianhu about it. He should know what he’s dealing with.’

Shu Yang had only revealed that the girls should have a talent for swords when they were born, but he hadn’t made clear just how different that type of talent was from the usual talent for martial arts he commented on.

“I’ll go talk to your father for you,” Shu Yang said, grasping the girls’ hands. “Do you want to come along, Qian’er?”

“I’ll rest,” Qianyue said with a smile, “There is a lot to prepare for tonight.”

“Alright, I’ll come help out once I’m done,” Shu Yang said.

He took the twins with him and walked to the house Tianhu and Xiaoshi had built for themselves. It was very close by, so it wasn’t a long walk.

“Grandpa, if Mom and Dad won’t give us swords, will you?” Xinjiang asked with hopeful eyes.

“If your Mom and Dad don’t want you to have swords yet, you should listen to them,” Shu Yang said, “It’s important to be filial.”

“But they should be filial to you!” Xinxi exclaimed, “So if you tell them to give us swords, won’t they have to or be unfilial?”

Shu Yang was thinking about how to answer when he spotted Tianhu swinging his sword next to his son Xinmo in their yard. 

“Tianhu! A word,” Shu Yang said, gesturing with his head. He looked down at his granddaughters and told them, “Wait with your brother while I talk to your dad.”

“Okay. Good luck, grandpa,” Xinjiang said, clenching her fists.

The girls ran to their brother, looking at his sword with envious eyes. Tianhu came over and stepped to the side with Shu Yang.

“They came to you about the swords?” Tianhu asked.

“Yeah,” Shu Yang said.

“They’re four years old. They can play with sticks for now,” Tianhu said.

“Probably for the best,” Shu Yang agreed. 

“So why did they seem to think you’d convince me otherwise?” Tianhu asked.

‘Yeah. Didn’t I make things clear already?’

“Either way, you should be able to tell they’re pretty obsessed with swords, right?” Shu Yang asked.

“Is that strange?” Tianhu asked.

“No,” Shu Yang said. With Tianhu as their father, it was only natural.

“What do you want to say?” Tianhu asked.

“Do you think Xinmo has any talent for the sword?” Shu Yang decided to ask.

“When it comes to swordsmanship, there isn’t anything that makes you talented or not; it’s about hard work and cultivating the proper state of mind,” Tianhu said, speaking as an expert on the subject.

Shu Yang smiled slightly, “Of course, those things are important. Crucial even. But talent definitely exists, even for swordsmanship.”

“Do you think Xinmo has that talent?” Tianhu asked, his tone shifting slightly.

“He doesn’t,” Shu Yang answered.

“Oh,” Tianhu said.

“I thought you didn’t believe in talent, so why so disappointed?” Shu Yang asked.

“Since you said it exists, of course, I hope Xinmo has been blessed with it,” Tianhu said.

“Well, having you as a father, he should still be able to grasp sword intent in the future,” Shu Yang said, “Even if he doesn’t, reaching the Foundation stage should be fairly easy for him.”

“Foundation stage? Fairly easy?” Tianhu asked, shocked.

Shu Yang was quiet for a moment, contemplating. 

‘Just let him know everything. The other grandchildren can live good lives here, but Tianhu’s children might be held back in this environment. It might not be off the table to travel north in the future, and Tianhu needs to be able to make an informed decision.’

“Your bloodline is just a single step from advancing to a Founding Bloodline. I’m suspecting Xiaoshi is the same. Not many years from now, Xinmo will reach that ceiling as well,” Shu Yang said.

“Right,” Tianhu nodded. Shu Yang had talked about this with him and Xiaoshi before, trying to help them advance their Bloodline Power somehow, but even Tianhu’s advancement to the Master stage hadn’t helped him break through the 10.0 mark. 

It seems that it’s very difficult for most people to advance their bloodline before they reach the Foundation stage themselves. 

“Anyway, Xinmo has inherited as powerful a Mortal bloodline as can be; he’s also inherited his mother’s talent for martial arts, or body cultivation, and he has the Shen family trait,” Shu Yang continued, “Actually, his trait isn’t quite the same as the Shen family’s; it should be slightly different, but still stronger. It’s a trait called ‘Sharp mind.’”

Tianhu didn’t say anything; he just looked at Shu Yang, a bit dazed.

“How do you know that, Dad?” Tianhu finally asked.

“You should have long guessed that I have a secret,” Shu Yang revealed with a smile, “I’m afraid I need to keep it that way. Maybe one day I can tell you more about it, but not now.”

“...Alright,” Tianhu said, not questioning him. “What does this trait do other than being able to tell truth from lies?”

Tianhu and Xiaoshi had, of course, noticed long ago that their son had inherited his mother’s bloodline trait. It was even stronger than Xiaoshi’s, as he could tell when even Tianyue, Tianzheng, his mother, and even his grandfather Shen Ye were lying. 

The only one who eluded him was Shu Yang. 

But it was cheating a bit, since Shu Yang had managed to advance his trait Clear mind to Sharp mind with Xinmo’s birth. 

Shu Yang actually didn’t really understand what was different between Clear mind and Sharp mind; he just knew that Sharp mind was a step above, like good talent was above slight talent. 

“I don’t know, maybe he will have it easier understanding sword intent in the future,” Shu Yang said with a shrug.

“That’d be nice,” Tianhu said, “Then what about the girls?”

“Not quite as strong Bloodline Power, but they should still be able to reach the peak of Mortal by the time they’re Masters,” Shu Yang answered.

“Any traits you want to tell me about?” Tianhu asked.

Shu Yang could see he was a little excited, but trying to hide it. 

“Slight talent for martial arts,” Shu Yang answered.

“That’s it?” Tianhu questioned.

“A lot of your siblings would be overjoyed by that confirmation,” Shu Yang said, rolling his eyes.

“Is there more?” Tianhu urged.

“Remember that cultivator from the Qing family we captured?” Shu Yang asked.

“Of course. What about him?” Tianhu asked.

“Remember what he said about Common Traits and Founding Traits?” Shu Yang asked.

Tianhu swallowed audibly, “Yeah.”

“Sword bone. Founding Trait. Both of them,” Shu Yang said, smiling slightly as he looked at his son’s shocked expression. 

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