第四章 三雄结义
天玄皇朝，天骄争霸战落幕后的第七天。
叶辰没有急着离开这座名为“天玄城”的皇朝都城。他在等一个人。
吞天阁的架子刚刚搭起来，沈如霜和顾倾城忙得脚不沾地，一个负责招揽人手，一个负责打通各路关系。叶辰反倒清闲下来，每日在城中闲逛，看似漫无目的，实则是在观察这座皇城的格局与暗流。
这天清晨，他照例来到城西的“听风茶楼”，要了一壶清茶，坐在二楼临窗的位置，望着街面上渐渐多起来的行人。
茶楼里，说书先生正唾沫横飞地讲着天骄争霸战的段子。
“……要说这届天骄战，最出人意料的黑马，当属来自边荒之地的叶辰！此人不过洞虚境初期，却一路杀入前十，连洛家的冰仙子都被他逼得底牌尽出！更离谱的是，此人在遗迹之中，竟与那散修之王司空明月打成平手，还联手破了上古禁制，得了合击之术的传承！”
茶客们听得津津有味，不时发出惊叹。
叶辰低头饮茶，充耳不闻。
就在这时，楼梯口传来一阵不紧不慢的脚步声。
一道修长挺拔的身影走了上来。来人一袭玄色长袍，面容刚毅，剑眉星目，周身气息内敛到了极点，若非叶辰的感知异于常人，恐怕也察觉不到此人身上那深不可测的灵力波动。
叶辰握着茶杯的手微微一顿。
这个人，很强。强得离谱。
他抬起头，与那人对视了一眼。
那人也看到了他，目光微微一凝，随即嘴角扬起一个意味深长的笑容，径直朝叶辰走了过去。
“这位朋友，拼个桌？”他嘴上问着，屁股已经坐了下来。
叶辰没有拒绝，也没有答应，只是看着对方。
“叶辰，天骄争霸战第十。”那人自顾自地倒了杯茶，“久仰大名。”
“你认识我？”叶辰挑了挑眉。
“你的战斗，我看过。”那人抿了口茶，说道，“吞天魔功，以战养战，越打越强。你在决赛中对战司空明月时的那一手‘吞天噬灵’，威力之大，连场外的护阵都差点被震碎了。天玄皇朝现在不知道你叶辰的人，恐怕不多了。”
叶辰不置可否。
“不过，我看你出手的时候，功法运转还有些滞涩。”那人放下茶杯，目光锐利，“如果我没猜错的话，你修炼这门功法的时间并不长，很多地方的运用还不够圆融。”
叶辰瞳孔微缩。
此人的眼力，竟如此恐怖。
“你是何人？”叶辰沉声问。
“在下萧炎。”那人微微一笑，报出了自己的名字。
叶辰心头一震。
萧炎。
这个名字，他在天玄皇朝的这段时间里听到过不止一次。
天玄皇朝有十大天骄，个个都是绝顶天才。但在这十大天骄之上，还有几个更加恐怖的存在，他们不屑于参加天骄争霸战，因为那对他们来说毫无意义。
萧炎，就是其中之一。
此人十五岁便已踏入洞虚境，二十岁时突破化神，如今不过二十出头，据说实力已经深不可测。他无门无派，独来独往，却连天玄皇朝的皇室都不敢轻易招惹。
这样的人物，为什么会来找他？
“萧炎。”叶辰重复了一遍这个名字，不动声色，“萧兄找我，恐怕不只是为了喝茶聊天吧？”
“痛快。”萧炎哈哈一笑，“我喜欢和聪明人打交道。不过，在说正事之前，我得先等一个人。”
“等谁？”
萧炎神秘一笑：“一个朋友，或者说，一个对手。他应该快到了。”
话音未落，街面上忽然传来一阵骚动。
叶辰转头望向窗外。只见茶楼下方的大街上，一个男子正缓步走来。他身着一袭金色长袍，面容俊秀，气质儒雅，乍一看像一位翩翩公子。但他的眼神深处，却藏着一种俯瞰众生的傲然。
最引人注目的是，他的双瞳之中，隐隐有紫金色的光芒流转不息。
萧炎看到来人，嘴角的笑意更浓了：“来了。”
那金袍男子抬头望了一眼茶楼，目光精准地锁定了二楼窗口的萧炎和叶辰。下一秒，他的身影在原地一闪，消失不见。
叶辰只觉得眼前一花，一道身影已经出现在了他对面的座位上。
缩地成寸。
而且快到连叶辰的感知都差点跟不上。
“唐三，唐门的唐，八卦的八……开个玩笑，唐三的唐，唐三的三。”金袍男子微微一笑，朝叶辰伸出了手。
叶辰握住那只手，感觉对方掌心的温度如春风般和煦，但叶辰的吞天魔功却本能地躁动了一下，仿佛在警告他——这只手的主人，危险程度丝毫不亚于萧炎。
“叶辰。”他报上了自己的名字。
“我知道。”唐三收回手，端起萧炎给他倒的茶，轻轻吹了吹，“天骄战第十，以洞虚境初期打平司空明月。说实话，如果不是萧炎拉我来，我自己也想见见你。”
“所以，二位今日找我，到底有何贵干？”叶辰不再拐弯抹角。
萧炎和唐三相视一眼，同时笑了。
“叶辰，你这个人，很特别。”萧炎说，“你的功法，和我们不是一条路，但你的道心之坚，是我这么多年见过的年轻人中，数一数二的。”
唐三接过话头：“更重要的是，我们都从你身上，感觉到了一种不属于这个时代的气息。很古老，很强大。你身上有秘密，但谁没有秘密呢？我们看重的，是你这个人。”
叶辰沉默了片刻。
“我不喜欢被人绕弯子。”他的声音冷了下来。
“好，那我们就直说。”萧炎放下茶杯，正色道，“叶辰，你想必也已经察觉到了。天玄皇朝看似平静，实则暗流涌动。皇室这些年一直在暗中培养死士，扩充军备，各大宗门表面上相安无事，实则各怀鬼胎。更远的地方，还有比天玄皇朝更强大的势力在虎视眈眈。”
“这乱世之中，一个人再强，终究势单力孤。”唐三接着说，“我和萧炎，都是独来独往惯了的人。但时代变了，光凭一个人，走不远。”
叶辰心中渐渐明悟。
“你们想拉我入伙？”
“不是入伙。”萧炎摇了摇头，“入伙，太生分了。我们是来跟你做兄弟的。”
叶辰一愣。
唐三放下茶杯，站起身来，目光炯炯地看着叶辰：“叶辰，我和萧炎都是孤儿，从无兄弟。但我们都从你身上，看到了和自己一样的影子。从底层爬上来的人，最懂的彼此。”
萧炎也站起身，伸手拍了拍叶辰的肩膀：“别婆婆妈妈的。就问你一句，你这个兄弟，我们认了。你认不认？”
叶辰看着眼前这两个人。
萧炎，霸气果决，如一团燃烧的火焰。唐三，深不可测，如一片无边的瀚海。
他，叶辰，吞噬万物，逆天而行。
火、海、天。
若是三人联手……
叶辰缓缓站起身来，伸出右手。
“我叶辰，不拜天，不跪地。”他的声音平静，却带着一种斩钉截铁的力量，“但兄弟二字，我认。”
萧炎和唐三对视一眼，哈哈大笑。
“好！今日就在这茶楼之中，以茶代酒，结为异姓兄弟！”萧炎率先伸出手，搭在叶辰的手背上。
唐三也伸出了手，压在萧炎的手上。
叶辰看着压在手上的两只手，感受到他们掌心传来的温度和信任。他深吸一口气，将左手也覆了上去。
三只手，紧紧握在了一起。
“我，萧炎。”
“我，唐三。”
“我，叶辰。”
“今日结为异姓兄弟，从此有福同享，有难同当。若有违背，天诛地灭！”
三人的声音不大，却仿佛带着某种奇异的力量，在这小小的茶楼中回荡。
窗外，一道惊雷毫无征兆地划破晴空，如天公作证。
茶楼里的其他茶客被这突如其来的雷声吓了一跳，纷纷抬头望天，却见万里无云，晴空如洗。
只有叶辰三人知道，那一瞬间，他们体内某种无法言说的东西，产生了共鸣。
“大哥，三弟，我们三人的年龄怎么排？”萧炎率先开口，“我今年二十三，你们呢？”
“我二十二。”唐三说。
叶辰想了想：“我十八。”
萧炎和唐三同时愣了一下。
“好家伙，我最老。”萧炎摸着下巴，露出一个无奈的笑。
“你是老大，我是老二。”唐三看向叶辰，“三弟。”
叶辰张了张嘴，想反驳什么，最终还是闭上了嘴。
确实，他最小。
“大哥，二哥。”叶辰叫了一声。
“三弟。”萧炎笑着，用力拍了拍他的肩膀，“以后有什么难处，尽管跟你两个哥哥说。别的不敢保证，替你出头，我们还是做得到的。”
唐三则冷静得多：“三弟，天玄皇朝的皇室，最近是不是找过你了？”
叶辰瞳孔一缩。
唐三没有等他回答，继续说：“你建立的吞天阁，发展太快了。天玄皇朝皇室的眼睛，已经盯上了你。他们不会容忍一个不受控制的新兴势力在他们的眼皮底下壮大。”
“我知道。”叶辰淡淡说。
“你打算怎么办？”萧炎问。
“他们不动，我便不动。他们若敢动，我便让他们知道，我叶辰的吞天阁，不是泥捏的。”
萧炎大笑：“好！有血性！果然是我萧炎的兄弟！”
唐三却摇了摇头：“三弟，实力差距还是太大了。你现在不过洞虚境初期，天玄皇朝皇室中，化神境强者不下十位，更不用说，还有一位合道境的老祖宗坐镇。光凭血性，不够。”
叶辰没有反驳。唐三说的是实话。
“所以，我和大哥会帮你。”唐三继续道，“不过，我们只能给你争取时间和资源，真正要变强，还得靠你自己。”
“有你们这句话，够了。”叶辰的目光，前所未有的坚定。
萧炎突然一拍桌子：“择日不如撞日！三弟，带我们去你的吞天阁看看。让大哥二哥给你把把关，看看你那个小势力，还缺些什么。”
三人起身，离开了茶楼。
叶辰走在前面带路。萧炎和唐三一左一右，与他并肩而行。
三人走在天玄城宽阔的大街上，所过之处，行人纷纷侧目。
萧炎的气息虽然内敛，但那股与生俱来的霸气，让人不自觉地让开道路。唐三则如闲庭信步，每一步都恰到好处地落在叶辰身侧，看似随意，实则暗合某种玄妙的步法。
而叶辰，在这两人中间，丝毫不显逊色。
那股若有若无的吞噬之力，让他整个人的气息如同一汪深潭，看不到底。
“叶辰，吞天阁现在有多少人手？”萧炎问。
“核心人员不到三十。”叶辰如实说，“加上外围的，大概一百出头。”
“太少了。”萧炎摇头，“要想在天玄皇朝站稳脚跟，至少需要一千名以上的战斗人员，还得有几名化神境级别的强者坐镇。三十个人，连天玄城里的一个小帮派都比不上。”
“我知道。”叶辰沉声道，“所以我在等。”
“等什么？”唐三问。
“等天骄争霸战的影响发酵。”叶辰说，“那一战，我进入前十。来投奔我的人，已经在路上了。”
萧炎和唐三同时点头。
“眼光不短浅。”萧炎赞许道，“不过，光等别人来投靠还不够。你得主动出击。”
“大哥的意思是……”
“天玄皇朝北境，有一处被称为‘乱星海’的地方。那里流寇横行，大小势力林立，是天玄皇朝统治最薄弱的区域。”萧炎眼中精光一闪，“如果你能在乱星海打下一块地盘，吞天阁就有了一片真正属于自己的根基。”
“乱星海……”叶辰默念着这个名字。
“三弟，乱星海不是善地。”唐三接过话头，“那里卧虎藏龙，化神境的散修也不在少数。以你现在的修为去了，九死一生。”
“但若能在那里站住脚，得到的好处也是无法想象的。”萧炎补充道，“乱星海中有不少上古遗迹和灵脉矿藏，甚至连破碎的洞天福地都有。我和三弟在天玄城还有些事情要办，等办完了，我们可以陪你走一趟。”
叶辰心中涌起一股暖流。
这两个刚刚结拜的兄弟，竟已开始为他的未来谋划。
“多谢大哥，二哥。”他认真地说。
“自家兄弟，说这些干什么。”萧炎摆了摆手。
唐三微微一笑：“三弟，乱星海的事先不急。眼下，有件更重要的事。”
“什么事？”
“你的修为。”唐三停下脚步，认真地看着叶辰，“你体内的经脉，虽然已经重塑，但根基还是太浅。洞虚境初期到中期，看似一步之遥，实则是天壤之别。你需要在最短的时间内突破。”
“我明白。”叶辰点头，“资源、机缘，我都需要。”
“资源，我们可以帮你。”唐三手腕一翻，掌心多了一枚玉简，“这里有一处上古遗迹的地图，里面的东西应该对你有些帮助。”
叶辰接过玉简，神识探入，顿时浑身一震。
这处遗迹中标注的，赫然是一处“吞天池”——万古之前，吞天神主用来淬炼肉身的无上宝地！
“这……你们怎么找到的？”叶辰难以置信。
“二哥我可是费了不少功夫。”唐三笑了笑，“其实我一直在研究上古时期的一些遗迹。这处地方，是我在一个古族的残卷中偶然发现的。那古族的祖先，似乎与一个叫‘吞天神主’的存在有关。”
叶辰的心脏剧烈跳动起来。
“三弟，你身上那门功法，如果我没猜错的话，就和这位吞天神主有关吧？”唐三的目光意味深长，“遗迹的位置在西北方向，距离天玄城大约三天的路程。我和大哥可以陪你去，但进去之后能拿到什么，就看你自己的造化了。”
“好。”叶辰将玉简收好，眼中燃起了炽热的光芒。
三人继续前行。
一路上，叶辰将吞天阁的现状详细说了一遍。萧炎和唐三听得很认真，不时提出建议。
“云紫烟负责刺杀和暗线，这个安排不错。”萧炎说，“但你的情报网覆盖面太窄。天玄皇朝九大州，你只覆盖了天玄城附近。”
“这正是我最头疼的地方。”叶辰叹了口气。
“这个不难。”唐三说，“我认识天机阁的人，顾倾城那丫头对你好像也不错。以你和她的关系，要借天机阁的渠道铺开情报网，不难。”
“她对我……”叶辰欲言又止。
“三弟，儿女情长的事，你自己把握。”萧炎挤眉弄眼，“大哥我不懂这些，但有人惦记着你，总归是好事。”
叶辰苦笑。
三人一路走一路聊，渐渐深入了吞天阁所在的街区。
远远地，叶辰便看到沈如霜站在门口张望。她的气色比之前好了许多，一袭浅蓝色的衣裙，衬得肌肤胜雪。
看到叶辰带着两个人回来，沈如霜先是一愣，随即快步迎了上来。
“阁主，这二位是？”
“我大哥，萧炎。二哥，唐三。”叶辰介绍道。
沈如霜瞳孔骤缩。她在天玄皇朝长大，这两个名字，她当然听过。这可都是站在天玄皇朝年轻一辈最巅峰的存在！
“沈如霜，见过二位。”她连忙行礼。
“弟妹不必多礼。”萧炎笑呵呵地摆摆手。
沈如霜的脸“唰”地红了，低着头不再说话。
唐三则环顾了一下四周，微微点头：“这宅子选得不错，闹中取静，易守难攻。三弟，你有心了。”
叶辰带着两人走进院子。阿瑶正在院中的梧桐树下修炼太阴玄水诀，淡淡的蓝色灵光在她身周萦绕。听到脚步声，她睁开眼睛，好奇地打量着萧炎和唐三。
“叶辰哥哥，他们是谁呀？”阿瑶跑过来，拉着叶辰的袖子。
“我的结拜兄弟。”叶辰揉了揉她的脑袋，“叫人。”
阿瑶乖巧地叫了声：“大哥，二哥。”
萧炎蹲下身，看着这个古灵精怪的小丫头，笑道：“小丫头，你叫什么名字？”
“阿瑶。”
“阿瑶，你叶辰哥哥平时有没有欺负你？”
“没有，叶辰哥哥对我最好了！”阿瑶认真地说。
“那就好。”萧炎站起身，对叶辰说，“三弟，这丫头不简单。天灵根啊，整个天玄皇朝都找不出几个来。”
“所以我要保护好她。”叶辰说。
唐三一直没有说话。他的目光落在阿瑶身上，双瞳中的紫金色光芒微微闪烁。
“三弟。”他突然开口，“阿瑶体内的天灵根，已经快要觉醒了。”
叶辰脸色微变：“什么意思？”
“最多三个月，她的天灵根就会完全苏醒。到时候，会有天地异象。整个天玄皇朝，甚至更远的地方，都会感知到。”唐三沉声道，“到那时，你护不住她的。”
叶辰的拳头骤然握紧。
唐三说的，他其实早有预感。阿瑶的天灵根太过纯粹，随着修为提升，那股力量迟早会压制不住。一旦天灵根完全觉醒，引来的将是无数觊觎的目光。
“二哥，你有办法？”叶辰问。
唐三沉默了片刻，缓缓点头：“办法有一个。在天玄皇朝东北方向，有一片名为‘隐灵谷’的地方。那里有一种特殊的天然禁制，可以遮掩任何气息。你若在阿瑶的天灵根觉醒之前，将她送入隐灵谷修炼，便可保她安全。”
“隐灵谷……”叶辰眼中闪过一丝挣扎。
“当然，这只是权宜之计。”唐三继续说，“真正的解决之道，是你自己变得更强。强到没有人敢打你身边人的主意。”
叶辰深吸一口气，目光恢复了平静。
“我知道了。”
他看向阿瑶，眼神中满是温柔与坚毅。
“阿瑶，相信哥哥。哥哥一定会变得很强，强到让所有人都不敢伤害你。”
阿瑶仰起头，看着叶辰的眼睛，用力地点了点头：“嗯！阿瑶也相信，叶辰哥哥一定会成为最厉害的人！”
萧炎和唐三相视一笑。
“好了，带我们看看你的吞天阁吧。”萧炎拍了拍叶辰的肩膀，“等看完了，我们哥仨好好喝一顿。今晚不醉不归！”
叶辰看着这两位刚认识没多久，却已如同一家人的兄弟，心中百感交集。
从被废修为、逐出家门的那一刻起，他以为自己再也不会相信任何人了。
但此刻，他忽然觉得，这条逆天之路，似乎不再那么孤单了。
“好。”叶辰笑了，这是阿瑶之外，他第一次在人前展露如此真诚的笑容，“今晚，不醉不归。”
夕阳如血，将三个人的影子拉得很长很长。
那影子交织在一起，如同一幅无声的誓言，刻在了天玄城的石板路上，也刻在了彼此的灵魂深处。
Chapter 3: Three Heroes Sworn as Brothers
Seven days after the conclusion of the Heavenly Pride Contest in the Tianxuan Imperial Dynasty.
Ye Chen had not left the imperial capital, Tianxuan City, in a hurry. He was waiting for someone.
The framework of the Heaven-Devouring Pavilion had just been set up. Shen Rushuang and Gu Qingcheng were so busy they barely had time to rest—one was recruiting personnel, the other was opening up connections through various channels. Ye Chen, by contrast, found himself with time to spare. He wandered the city each day, seemingly aimless, but in truth he was observing the patterns and undercurrents of this imperial city.
That morning, as usual, he arrived at the "Listening Wind Tea House" in the west of the city. He ordered a pot of clear tea and sat at a table by the window on the second floor, watching the gradually thickening flow of pedestrians on the street below.
Inside the tea house, a storyteller was regaling the patrons with tales of the Heavenly Pride Contest, spraying saliva as he spoke.
"...And when it comes to the most unexpected dark horse of this year's Heavenly Pride Contest, it has to be that Ye Chen from the borderlands! A mere early-stage Cave Void Realm cultivator, yet he fought his way into the top ten! Even the Ice Fairy of the Luo family was forced to reveal all her trump cards against him! And what's even more absurd—inside that ancient ruin, he actually fought the King of Rogues, Sikong Mingyue, to a draw! Then the two of them joined forces to break an ancient restriction and obtained the inheritance of a joint attack technique!"
The tea drinkers listened with great interest, occasionally letting out exclamations of amazement.
Ye Chen lowered his head and sipped his tea, deaf to it all.
Just then, unhurried footsteps sounded from the top of the stairs.
A tall, straight figure walked up. The newcomer wore a dark-colored long robe, his face resolute, with sword-like eyebrows and star-bright eyes. The aura around his body was restrained to the absolute limit. Had Ye Chen's perception not been extraordinary, he likely would not have detected the unfathomably deep spiritual energy fluctuations within this man.
Ye Chen's hand, holding the teacup, paused slightly.
This person was strong. Absurdly strong.
He raised his head and met the man's gaze.
The man saw him too. His gaze flickered slightly, then the corner of his mouth curled into a meaningful smile as he walked straight toward Ye Chen.
"Friend, mind if I share the table?" he asked, though he was already seating himself.
Ye Chen neither refused nor agreed, simply watching the man.
"Ye Chen, tenth place in the Heavenly Pride Contest." The man poured himself a cup of tea unceremoniously. "I've long heard of your reputation."
"You know me?" Ye Chen raised an eyebrow.
"Your battles—I've watched them." The man took a sip of tea and said, "The Heaven-Devouring Demon Art, growing stronger with every battle, feeding on combat itself. That move you used against Sikong Mingyue in the final—'Devouring Heaven and Spirits'—its power nearly shattered the protective formation outside the arena. There probably aren't many people in the Tianxuan Imperial Dynasty who haven't heard of you, Ye Chen."
Ye Chen neither confirmed nor denied it.
"However," the man set down his teacup, his gaze sharp, "I noticed when you attacked, your art's circulation was still somewhat sluggish. If I'm not mistaken, you haven't been cultivating this art for very long. There are still many places where your application lacks fluency."
Ye Chen's pupils contracted sharply.
This man's insight was terrifyingly keen.
"Who are you?" Ye Chen asked in a low voice.
"Xiao Yan," the man replied with a slight smile, announcing his name.
Ye Chen's heart jolted.
Xiao Yan.
He had heard this name more than once during his time in the Tianxuan Imperial Dynasty.
The Tianxuan Imperial Dynasty had Ten Great Heavenly Prides, every one of them a peerless genius. But above these ten, there existed several even more terrifying existences—people who disdained participating in the Heavenly Pride Contest because it meant nothing to them.
Xiao Yan was one of them.
This man had entered the Cave Void Realm at fifteen, broken through to the Spirit Transformation Realm at twenty, and now, at just over twenty years of age, his strength was said to be utterly unfathomable. He belonged to no sect or faction, traveled alone, and yet even the imperial family of the Tianxuan Dynasty did not dare provoke him lightly.
Why would such a person come looking for him?
"Xiao Yan." Ye Chen repeated the name, keeping his expression neutral. "Brother Xiao surely didn't come here just for tea and small talk, did you?"
"Straightforward." Xiao Yan laughed heartily. "I like dealing with smart people. But before we get to business, I have to wait for someone."
"Who?"
Xiao Yan smiled mysteriously. "A friend—or rather, a rival. He should be arriving soon."
The words had barely left his mouth when a commotion arose from the street below.
Ye Chen turned to look out the window. On the main street beneath the tea house, a man was approaching at a leisurely pace. He wore a golden long robe, his features handsome and refined, his bearing elegant—at first glance, he seemed like a gentleman of noble birth. But deep within his eyes lurked an arrogance as if he looked down upon all living things.
Most striking of all, within his twin pupils, traces of violet-gold light swirled ceaselessly.
Xiao Yan's smile widened when he saw the newcomer. "He's here."
The golden-robed man looked up toward the tea house, his gaze locking precisely onto Xiao Yan and Ye Chen at the second-floor window. In the next instant, his figure blurred on the spot and vanished.
Ye Chen only felt a flash before his eyes, and a figure had already materialized in the seat across from him.
Shrinking the earth into inches.
And so fast that even Ye Chen's perception barely kept up.
"Tang San. Tang as in the Tang Clan, San as in... well, just Tang San." The golden-robed man smiled slightly and extended his hand toward Ye Chen.
Ye Chen grasped the hand, feeling the warmth of the other's palm, as gentle as spring breeze. But Ye Chen's Heaven-Devouring Demon Art instinctively stirred, as if warning him—the owner of this hand was no less dangerous than Xiao Yan.
"Ye Chen." He gave his name.
"I know." Tang San withdrew his hand, picked up the tea Xiao Yan had poured for him, and blew on it gently. "Tenth place in the Heavenly Pride Contest, fought Sikong Mingyue to a draw at the early stage of the Cave Void Realm. To be honest, even if Xiao Yan hadn't dragged me here, I would have wanted to meet you myself."
"So, what exactly do the two of you want with me today?" Ye Chen stopped beating around the bush.
Xiao Yan and Tang San exchanged a glance, then both smiled.
"Ye Chen, you're a special person," Xiao Yan said. "Your cultivation path is different from ours, but the firmness of your Dao heart is among the best I've seen in young people all these years."
Tang San picked up where he left off: "More importantly, we both sensed something from you that doesn't belong to this era. Very ancient, very powerful. You carry secrets—but who doesn't have secrets? What we value is you, the person."
Ye Chen fell silent for a moment.
"I don't like being led in circles," he said, his voice turning cold.
"Fine, we'll be direct." Xiao Yan set down his teacup and said solemnly, "Ye Chen, you must have noticed by now. The Tianxuan Imperial Dynasty may seem peaceful on the surface, but dark currents churn beneath. The imperial family has been secretly training death warriors and expanding its military. The major sects appear to coexist peacefully, but each harbors its own schemes. And farther away, powers even stronger than the Tianxuan Dynasty are watching with eager eyes."
"In these chaotic times, no matter how strong one person is, they're ultimately alone," Tang San continued. "Xiao Yan and I are both used to being solitary. But times have changed. Relying on just one person won't get you far."
Understanding gradually dawned in Ye Chen's heart.
"You want to recruit me?"
"Not recruit." Xiao Yan shook his head. "Recruiting is too distant. We came to become brothers with you."
Ye Chen was stunned.
Tang San set down his teacup, rose to his feet, and looked at Ye Chen with burning eyes. "Ye Chen, Xiao Yan and I are both orphans. We've never had brothers. But we both see in you the same reflection as ourselves. People who crawled up from the bottom understand each other best."
Xiao Yan also stood, reaching out to pat Ye Chen's shoulder. "Don't dilly-dally. Just answer one question—we've decided to call you brother. Will you accept us or not?"
Ye Chen looked at the two men before him.
Xiao Yan, domineering and resolute, like a blazing flame. Tang San, unfathomably deep, like a boundless ocean.
And him—Ye Chen, devouring all things, defying heaven itself.
Fire, sea, and heaven.
If the three of them joined forces...
Ye Chen slowly rose to his feet and extended his right hand.
"I, Ye Chen, do not bow to heaven, nor kneel to earth." His voice was calm, yet carried an unbreakable force. "But the word 'brother'—I accept."
Xiao Yan and Tang San exchanged a look and burst into laughter.
"Good! Today, right here in this tea house, with tea in place of wine, we become sworn brothers!" Xiao Yan reached out first, placing his hand on top of Ye Chen's.
Tang San extended his hand as well, pressing it on top of Xiao Yan's.
Ye Chen looked at the two hands pressing down on his own, feeling the warmth and trust flowing from their palms. He took a deep breath and placed his left hand on top as well.
Three hands, clasped tightly together.
"I, Xiao Yan."
"I, Tang San."
"I, Ye Chen."
"Today we become sworn brothers. From this day forth, we share blessings and hardships alike. If any of us breaks this oath, may heaven strike us down!"
Their voices were not loud, yet they seemed to carry some strange power, reverberating through the small tea house.
Outside the window, a thunderclap tore across the clear sky without any warning, as if the heavens themselves were bearing witness.
The other patrons in the tea house were startled by the sudden thunder. They looked up at the sky, only to see a cloudless expanse of blue.
Only Ye Chen and his two companions knew—in that instant, something indescribable within their bodies had resonated.
"Eldest Brother, Second Brother, how should we arrange our ranks?" Xiao Yan spoke first. "I'm twenty-three this year. What about you two?"
"I'm twenty-two," Tang San said.
Ye Chen thought for a moment. "I'm eighteen."
Xiao Yan and Tang San both paused.
"Well, I'll be damned. I'm the oldest." Xiao Yan rubbed his chin with a helpless smile.
"You're the eldest, I'm the second," Tang San looked at Ye Chen. "Third Brother."
Ye Chen opened his mouth to protest, but ultimately closed it.
Indeed, he was the youngest.
"Eldest Brother, Second Brother." Ye Chen called out.
"Third Brother." Xiao Yan grinned, patting his shoulder firmly. "If you ever run into trouble, don't hesitate to tell your brothers. I can't promise much, but standing up for you—that we can do."
Tang San, meanwhile, was far more composed. "Third Brother, has the imperial family of the Tianxuan Dynasty approached you recently?"
Ye Chen's pupils contracted.
Tang San didn't wait for his answer. "Your Heaven-Devouring Pavilion is growing too fast. The eyes of the imperial family have already locked onto you. They won't tolerate an uncontrolled new power growing right under their noses."
"I know," Ye Chen said flatly.
"What do you plan to do?" Xiao Yan asked.
"If they don't move, I won't move. If they dare to move, I'll show them that my Heaven-Devouring Pavilion isn't made of clay."
Xiao Yan laughed loudly. "Good! That's spirit! Truly my brother!"
Tang San, however, shook his head. "Third Brother, the gap in strength is still too great. You're only at the early stage of the Cave Void Realm. Within the imperial family of the Tianxuan Dynasty, there are no fewer than ten Spirit Transformation Realm experts, not to mention an old ancestor at the Dao Integration Realm. Spirit alone isn't enough."
Ye Chen didn't argue. Tang San was speaking the truth.
"That's why Eldest Brother and I will help you," Tang San continued. "However, we can only buy you time and resources. Truly becoming stronger—that's up to you alone."
"With your support, that's enough." Ye Chen's gaze was more resolute than ever before.
Xiao Yan suddenly slammed the table. "No time like the present! Third Brother, take us to see your Heaven-Devouring Pavilion. Let your brothers take a look and see what your little force is still lacking."
The three of them rose and left the tea house.
Ye Chen led the way. Xiao Yan and Tang San flanked him, walking shoulder to shoulder.
The three men walked along the broad main street of Tianxuan City. Everywhere they passed, pedestrians turned to stare.
Though Xiao Yan's aura was restrained, that innate domineering presence made people unconsciously step aside. Tang San strolled as if taking a leisurely walk, each step landing precisely beside Ye Chen—seemingly casual, yet concealing a profound and mysterious footwork technique.
And Ye Chen, walking between these two, was not overshadowed in the slightest.
That faint, lingering devouring power made his entire presence like a deep pool—bottomless.
"Ye Chen, how many people does the Heaven-Devouring Pavilion have now?" Xiao Yan asked.
"Fewer than thirty core members," Ye Chen said truthfully. "Including the outer circle, just over a hundred."
"Too few." Xiao Yan shook his head. "To gain a foothold in the Tianxuan Imperial Dynasty, you need at least a thousand combat personnel, plus several Spirit Transformation Realm experts as anchors. Thirty people—that's smaller than some random street gang in Tianxuan City."
"I know." Ye Chen's voice was heavy. "So I'm waiting."
"Waiting for what?" Tang San asked.
"Waiting for the impact of the Heavenly Pride Contest to spread." Ye Chen said. "I placed in the top ten. The people who want to join me are already on their way."
Xiao Yan and Tang San both nodded.
"Not short-sighted," Xiao Yan said approvingly. "But passively waiting for others to come isn't enough. You need to take the initiative."
"What does Eldest Brother mean?"
"North of the Tianxuan Imperial Dynasty, there's a place called the 'Sea of Chaotic Stars.' Bandits run rampant there, and forces of all sizes are entrenched. It's the region where the dynasty's control is weakest." A sharp glint flashed in Xiao Yan's eyes. "If you can carve out territory in the Sea of Chaotic Stars, the Heaven-Devouring Pavilion will have a foundation that truly belongs to you."
"The Sea of Chaotic Stars..." Ye Chen murmured the name.
"Third Brother, the Sea of Chaotic Stars is no kind place." Tang San took over. "It's teeming with hidden dragons and crouching tigers. Even rogue cultivators at the Spirit Transformation Realm are not uncommon. At your current level, going there would be a brush with death nine times out of ten."
"But if you can stand your ground there, the benefits are unimaginable," Xiao Yan added. "The Sea of Chaotic Stars contains many ancient ruins and spirit vein mines—even shattered pocket worlds can be found. Second Brother and I still have some matters to handle in Tianxuan City. Once we're done, we can accompany you on the journey."
A warm current surged through Ye Chen's heart.
These two brothers, sworn only moments ago, were already planning for his future.
"Thank you, Eldest Brother, Second Brother," he said earnestly.
"Family doesn't need thanks," Xiao Yan waved it off.
Tang San smiled slightly. "Third Brother, the Sea of Chaotic Stars can wait. Right now, there's something more important."
"What is it?"
"Your cultivation." Tang San stopped walking and looked at Ye Chen seriously. "Your meridians have been rebuilt, but your foundation is still too shallow. From early to middle stage of the Cave Void Realm—it may seem like one step, but it's actually a world of difference. You need to break through in the shortest possible time."
"I understand." Ye Chen nodded. "I need resources and opportunities."
"Resources, we can help with." Tang San flipped his wrist, and a jade slip appeared in his palm. "This contains a map to an ancient ruin. What's inside should be of some help to you."
Ye Chen took the jade slip and probed it with his spiritual sense, and his entire body jolted.
What the ruin marked was a "Heaven-Devouring Pool"—a supreme treasure ground used by the Heaven-Devouring Sovereign countless eons ago to temper his physical body!
"This... how did you find this?" Ye Chen asked in disbelief.
"Your Second Brother put in quite some effort." Tang San smiled. "I've been researching ruins from the ancient era for a while. I found this place by chance in the remnants of an ancient clan's records. The ancestors of that clan seemed to have some connection to an existence called the 'Heaven-Devouring Sovereign.'"
Ye Chen's heart pounded violently.
"Third Brother, that art you cultivate—if I'm not mistaken, it's related to this Heaven-Devouring Sovereign, isn't it?" Tang San's gaze was meaningful. "The ruin is to the northwest, about three days' journey from Tianxuan City. Eldest Brother and I can go with you, but once inside, what you gain depends on your own fortune."
"Good." Ye Chen put away the jade slip, a blazing light igniting in his eyes.
The three continued on their way.
Along the road, Ye Chen gave a detailed account of the Heaven-Devouring Pavilion's current state. Xiao Yan and Tang San listened carefully, occasionally offering suggestions.
"Yun Ziyan handling assassinations and covert operations—good arrangement," Xiao Yan said. "But your intelligence network's coverage is too narrow. The Tianxuan Imperial Dynasty has nine major provinces, but you only cover the area around Tianxuan City."
"That's precisely my biggest headache," Ye Chen sighed.
"That's not difficult," Tang San said. "I know people from the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion. That girl Gu Qingcheng seems to treat you quite well too. Given your relationship with her, borrowing the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion's channels to spread your intelligence network shouldn't be hard."
"She treats me..." Ye Chen trailed off.
"Third Brother, matters of the heart—you handle those yourself." Xiao Yan winked. "Eldest Brother doesn't understand such things, but having someone who cares about you is always a good thing."
Ye Chen smiled wryly.
The three chatted as they walked, gradually entering the neighborhood where the Heaven-Devouring Pavilion was located.
From a distance, Ye Chen spotted Shen Rushuang standing at the entrance, looking around anxiously. Her complexion was much better than before. Dressed in a light blue dress, her skin looked like snow against the fabric.
Seeing Ye Chen returning with two people, Shen Rushuang was momentarily stunned, then hurried forward to greet them.
"Pavilion Master, who are these two?"
"My eldest brother, Xiao Yan. My second brother, Tang San," Ye Chen introduced them.
Shen Rushuang's pupils shrank sharply. She had grown up in the Tianxuan Imperial Dynasty—of course she had heard these names. These were existences standing at the absolute peak of the dynasty's younger generation!
"Shen Rushuang greets the two honored guests." She hurriedly curtsied.
"Sister-in-law, no need for such formality." Xiao Yan waved his hand cheerfully.
Shen Rushuang's face instantly turned crimson. She lowered her head and said nothing more.
Tang San surveyed the surroundings, nodding slightly. "This residence is well chosen—quiet in the midst of noise, easy to defend and hard to attack. Third Brother, you have good judgment."
Ye Chen led them into the courtyard. A'Yao was sitting cross-legged beneath the wutong tree, cultivating the Taiyin Profound Water Art. Faint blue spiritual light swirled around her body. Hearing footsteps, she opened her eyes and looked curiously at Xiao Yan and Tang San.
"Brother Ye Chen, who are they?" A'Yao ran over, tugging at Ye Chen's sleeve.
"My sworn brothers." Ye Chen ruffled her hair. "Say hello."
A'Yao obediently called out, "Eldest Brother, Second Brother."
Xiao Yan crouched down, looking at this clever little girl, and grinned. "Little girl, what's your name?"
"A'Yao."
"A'Yao, does your Brother Ye Chen ever bully you?"
"No! Brother Ye Chen is the best to me!" A'Yao said seriously.
"That's good." Xiao Yan stood and said to Ye Chen, "Third Brother, this girl is no ordinary child. A Heavenly Spiritual Root—you'd be hard-pressed to find a handful in the entire Tianxuan Imperial Dynasty."
"That's why I must protect her," Ye Chen said.
Tang San had remained silent. His gaze was fixed on A'Yao, the violet-gold light in his pupils shimmering faintly.
"Third Brother," he suddenly spoke, "the Heavenly Spiritual Root within A'Yao is about to awaken."
Ye Chen's expression changed. "What do you mean?"
"In three months at most, her Heavenly Spiritual Root will fully awaken. When that happens, there will be a heaven-and-earth phenomenon. The entire Tianxuan Imperial Dynasty—and even farther—will sense it." Tang San said gravely. "At that point, you won't be able to protect her."
Ye Chen's fists clenched tight.
What Tang San said, he had actually suspected for some time. A'Yao's Heavenly Spiritual Root was too pure. As her cultivation advanced, that power would eventually become impossible to suppress. Once the Heavenly Spiritual Root fully awakened, it would attract countless covetous gazes.
"Second Brother, do you have a solution?" Ye Chen asked.
Tang San was silent for a moment, then nodded slowly. "There is one. Northeast of the Tianxuan Imperial Dynasty lies a place called 'Hidden Spirit Valley.' It contains a special natural restriction that can conceal any aura. If you send A'Yao into Hidden Spirit Valley before her Heavenly Spiritual Root awakens, it will keep her safe."
"Hidden Spirit Valley..." A flicker of inner conflict crossed Ye Chen's eyes.
"Of course, that's only a stopgap." Tang San continued. "The real solution is for you to become stronger—so strong that no one dares to harm the people around you."
Ye Chen took a deep breath, his gaze returning to calm.
"I understand."
He looked at A'Yao, his eyes full of tenderness and determination.
"A'Yao, trust your brother. Brother will become strong—so strong that no one will ever dare to hurt you."
A'Yao lifted her head, looking into Ye Chen's eyes, and nodded firmly. "Mm! A'Yao believes Brother Ye Chen will definitely become the strongest person ever!"
Xiao Yan and Tang San exchanged a smile.
"All right, show us your Heaven-Devouring Pavilion." Xiao Yan patted Ye Chen on the shoulder. "After the tour, the three of us are going to have a proper drink. Tonight, we don't stop until we're drunk!"
Ye Chen looked at these two brothers—people he had only just met, yet who already felt like family—and a surge of emotions welled up in his chest.
From the moment his cultivation was crippled and he was cast out of his clan, he had thought he would never trust anyone again.
But at this moment, he suddenly felt that this path of defying heaven was no longer quite so lonely.
"Good." Ye Chen smiled—a smile so genuine that, aside from A'Yao, no one had ever seen it on his face before. "Tonight, we drink until we drop."
The setting sun was like blood, stretching the three men's shadows long, long across the ground.
The shadows intertwined, like a silent oath carved into the stone-paved streets of Tianxuan City—and into the depths of each other's souls.
