Chapter 40 Whether to Go or Stay Is Entirely Up to Them to Decide

Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Whether to Go or Stay Is Entirely Up to Them to Decide

Not long afterward, the setting sun gradually descended toward the horizon, painting the vast sky in shades of crimson and gold.

Taking advantage of the remaining daylight, the Mercer Family members finally arrived at Crownfall Mountain.

The moment they saw the magnificent complex of palaces and pavilions before them, everyone stood stunned.

Hadn’t they heard that Crownfall Mountain was surrounded by ferocious beasts throughout the year and that no one dared to live there?

Then what were these magnificent buildings doing here?

And who could possibly have constructed them?

Seeing the confusion on everyone’s faces, Julian Mercer offered no explanation. Instead, he instructed the Elders to gather the entire clan.

After explaining several arrangements concerning their new residence, he spoke in a firm voice.

"From this day onward, Crownfall Mountain will be the new residence of the Mercer Family!"

"Whenever you venture outside, you may also identify yourselves as members of the Crownfall Mercer Family!"

The announcement stirred everyone’s hearts.

They immediately bowed together and answered in unison.

"Understood, Patriarch!"

Seeing their disciplined response, Julian nodded with satisfaction.

He then waved his hand, formally bringing the clan meeting to an end and instructing everyone to return to their quarters and rest.

...

The following day.

Wexford City.

A middle-aged man dressed in blue suddenly arrived at the City Lord’s Mansion.

Darius Fenwick had been sitting comfortably in the courtyard, enjoying tea while watching the fish in his pond. When he noticed the visitor, he couldn’t help looking surprised.

"Brother Cedric?"

The newcomer was none other than his old acquaintance, Cedric Whitmore.

Years ago, after Cedric successfully joined the Silvercrest Order in Crownspire Province, the two had gradually lost contact. The Order was a powerful force with a Moon Wheel Realm expert overseeing it, and Cedric’s life had taken a different path ever since.

Darius had never expected that, after so many years apart, his old friend would suddenly visit him in person.

"Brother Darius, it has been a long time. I hope you’ve been well."

Cedric cupped his hands with a smile.

Darius immediately rose from his wooden chair.

"Brother Cedric, why did you arrive so suddenly without sending word ahead? Had I known you were coming, I would have prepared a proper welcome banquet!"

He continued warmly, "Since you’ve finally come to Wexford City, you must allow me to fulfill my duties as host. Tonight, we’ll drink to our hearts’ content and won’t stop until we’re thoroughly drunk!"

Cedric shook his head apologetically.

"It’s my fault for not informing you beforehand. Under ordinary circumstances, I would gladly spend the evening drinking with you. Unfortunately, I have important Order business to attend to, so I’ll have to decline your kind offer."

"Oh? May I ask what brings you here?"

Darius immediately realized that his old friend had come for a serious reason. His expression grew more composed as he asked.

Cedric considered his words for a moment before speaking.

"Brother Darius, you must have heard about the Grand Competition of a Hundred Sects, which will take place three months from now, correct?"

Darius’s eyes flickered slightly.

"Of course."

The Grand Competition of a Hundred Sects was a major event held throughout Crownspire Province under the supervision of the Provincial Governor.

The leading sects were required to send their most promising young disciples, provided their bone age did not exceed twenty.

Those who secured a place among the top ten would qualify for further studies at Crownspire Academy. Their achievements would also benefit the sects behind them, allowing those sects to obtain greater resources within the province.

The rewards for the top three were even more extraordinary.

They would earn the opportunity to travel to the Aurelian Dynasty’s Imperial Capital and study at the Black and White Palace, where they could receive guidance from powerful cultivators at the Star Wheel Realm, Moon Wheel Realm, or even the Sun Wheel Realm.

Such an opportunity could change the course of a young cultivator’s life.

Seeing that Darius understood the competition’s significance, Cedric continued.

"Since you already know how important this event is, I’ll speak frankly. The Silvercrest Order has sent me out to recruit promising young talents who might participate in the Grand Competition of a Hundred Sects."

"I’ve spent several days searching without finding any particularly suitable candidates. Then, not long ago, I heard about the famous Mercer Family Twins in another city. After making some inquiries, I discovered that their family resides in the city under your jurisdiction. That’s why I’ve come specifically to see you."

He paused briefly before adding, "I’d appreciate it if you could introduce me to them."

Darius froze for a moment.

His expression gradually became peculiar.

After all that, his old friend had come here because of that troublesome Mercer Family!

Seeing Darius fall silent, Cedric frowned slightly before continuing.

"Brother Darius, we’ve known each other for many years. If you help arrange this introduction, I’ll consider myself indebted to you."

"If the Mercer Family Twins eventually secure a place among the top ten in the competition, the Silvercrest Order may remember your contribution and reward you with a valuable opportunity of your own."

Those words immediately caught Darius’s attention.

The Silvercrest Order was a formidable organization backed by a Moon Wheel Realm cultivator.

If he could obtain a valuable opportunity from such a force, it would undoubtedly be a tremendous stroke of fortune.

After considering the matter, Darius promptly pushed aside the unpleasant memories of his previous encounter with Julian.

However, remembering Julian’s domineering attitude, he couldn’t resist offering a warning.

"I can introduce you to the Mercer Family. However, their Patriarch, Julian Mercer, has a rather domineering personality. He’s not someone you can casually provoke. You should be careful when dealing with him."

Cedric’s eyes flickered.

"Julian Mercer? You mean Sword Grandmaster Julian? I’ve heard his name mentioned quite frequently recently."

He paused before asking, "What do you think of his strength?"

Cedric had heard that Julian had comprehended Sword Intent while cultivating at the Purple Mansion Realm.

Even with his own cultivation at the Ninth Layer of the Purple Mansion Realm, he couldn’t help feeling a measure of admiration for such a talent.

Someone capable of comprehending Sword Intent at that level could potentially rank among the Silvercrest Order’s true disciples.

Darius recalled the humiliating experience of being struck down by Julian. Not wanting to lose face in front of his old friend, he avoided explaining the details.

Instead, he adopted a mysterious expression and uttered four words.

"His strength is unfathomable."

Cedric looked slightly surprised. Nevertheless, he waved his hand dismissively.

"It doesn’t matter. I’ve come to offer the younger generation of the Mercer Family a better future, not to make things difficult for them. What is there to fear?"

"Would he really kill me over a minor disagreement?"

Cedric chuckled confidently before continuing.

"Besides, although he has comprehended Sword Intent, he hasn’t spent very long at the Purple Mansion Realm. That alone won’t be enough to threaten me."

His words carried an unmistakable confidence, accompanied by a faint but powerful aura.

Darius’s eyes suddenly widened.

"Brother Cedric, you’ve actually reached the Ninth Layer of the Purple Mansion Realm? At this rate, you have a genuine chance of breaking through to the Origin Sea Realm! Congratulations!"

At last, the anxiety in his heart began to fade.

Although Julian had mastered Sword Intent and possessed the strength to fight cultivators above his own level, Darius believed he was no match for Cedric.

After all, Cedric had reached the Ninth Layer of the Purple Mansion Realm.

Moreover, as a member of the Silvercrest Order, he had access to numerous high-grade cultivation techniques and powerful combat arts. His strength far exceeded that of an ordinary cultivator at the same level.

In Darius’s estimation, Julian, who had only begun rebuilding his cultivation relatively recently, couldn’t possibly compare with someone like Cedric.

Cedric smiled.

"I was fortunate enough to receive a reward from the Order and broke through not long ago. Now, are you reassured?"

"Completely reassured!" Darius replied immediately. "Come, I’ll lead you there myself."

"Very well."

...

Not long afterward, Darius led Cedric through the air toward Crownfall Mountain.

Since their purpose was to recruit promising disciples, neither man wanted to force his way into the Mercer Family’s residence.

They descended at the mountain gate instead.

The Mercer Family guards immediately noticed their arrival and dispatched someone to report the visitors.

After learning that the City Lord had arrived once again, an Elder at the Heavenly Origin Realm came out to receive them and escorted them to the reception hall.

"Please wait here for a moment, City Lord. I’ll inform the Patriarch immediately."

After speaking, the Elder instructed several younger disciples to bring them freshly brewed tea.

Darius, however, had little interest in drinking.

He sat upright in his chair, waiting for the person whose arrival would determine how this meeting unfolded.

Cedric, meanwhile, quietly surveyed the surroundings.

As he sensed the cultivation levels of the Mercer Family members nearby, the corners of his mouth gradually curled into a faint sneer.

The Mercer Family’s foundation is much weaker than I expected.

How did a family like this produce a Purple Mansion Realm cultivator who comprehended Sword Intent? Their ancestors must have been extraordinarily fortunate.

Still, Cedric considered the situation rather convenient.

Once I reveal the name of the Silvercrest Order, that Julian Mercer will surely be delighted. He’ll probably rush to send his clan’s talented youngsters into my care.

The thought made his smile widen.

...

A short while later, Julian Mercer finally entered the reception hall.

The instant he appeared, a razor-sharp Sword Intent swept through the surrounding space.

Cedric was caught off guard.

He immediately raised his head and looked toward the refined, elegant man approaching them. Julian’s bearing was extraordinary, carrying an otherworldly presence that made him seem almost detached from the mortal world.

Cedric’s heart stirred.

Meanwhile, Darius kept his head lowered, unwilling to meet Julian’s gaze directly.

His previous encounter had left a deep impression on him. Even with Cedric sitting beside him, he couldn’t entirely suppress the unease rising within his chest.

Julian casually glanced at both visitors.

Using his Insight Eye, he immediately discerned Cedric’s cultivation.

Purple Mansion Realm, Ninth Layer.

After confirming this, Julian paid the matter little attention.

He walked to the main seat and settled into the grand chair before speaking casually to Darius.

"City Lord, it has been a while. You seem to be doing well. However, you’ve brought an outsider to my residence today. What exactly is the purpose of your visit?"

Darius didn’t dare answer directly.

Instead, he glanced at Cedric, silently leaving the explanation to him.

By now, Cedric was hardly oblivious. Even a fool could sense the tension between the two men.

Realizing that his old friend was unlikely to be of much help, Cedric took the initiative.

"Sword Grandmaster Julian, I’ve wanted to meet you for quite some time. People often say that seeing is believing, and after meeting you today, I can say the rumors hardly do you justice. Your bearing is far more impressive than the stories suggest."

Julian’s expression remained indifferent.

"Spare me the empty pleasantries. I’m not interested."

Cedric raised his eyebrows, immediately feeling displeased.

However, remembering the purpose of his visit, he suppressed his irritation and forced a laugh.

"Hahaha! Sword Grandmaster Julian certainly gets straight to the point. Very well, I’ll dispense with the formalities and explain my purpose."

"My name is Cedric Whitmore, and I’m a deacon of the Silvercrest Order. I’ve heard that the Mercer Family Twins possess exceptional aptitude, so I’ve come on behalf of my Order to recruit them."

He studied Julian’s expression before continuing.

"I wonder whether you would be willing to let them join the Silvercrest Order?"

"If you agree, please summon Adrian Mercer and Ethan Mercer. I’d like to examine their aptitude and bone structure personally before making a decision."

Cedric spoke with growing confidence.

"If they pass the assessment and their talents live up to the rumors, then I can say with confidence that both have a considerable chance of becoming true disciples of the Silvercrest Order."

"Once they become true disciples, the Mercer Family will have the opportunity to rise beyond this remote corner of the world and enter a much broader arena."

He paused, then added with a knowing smile.

"And you, Sword Grandmaster Julian, might even receive a valuable opportunity to advance your own cultivation. This is an arrangement with countless benefits and practically no drawbacks. What do you say?"

Cedric stared intently at Julian, carefully observing every change in his expression as he waited for an answer.

Julian, however, remained completely unperturbed.

He casually picked up the cup of hot tea resting on the table and took a small sip.

Then he gave a faint chuckle.

"I have absolutely no interest in what your Silvercrest Order has to offer."

Cedric’s smile stiffened slightly.

Julian set down his teacup and continued in an unhurried voice.

"However, everyone has their own path to walk. I won’t stand in the way of my clan members’ futures."

"If the younger generation of the Mercer Family wishes to seek opportunities elsewhere, then whether they go or stay is entirely up to them to decide."

___________________________________

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