Cheat God
21. Preparations

After two long months, the stone doors of the Jade Spiritual Nectar Cave finally opened with a soft rumble. Liu Chen stepped out, dressed in fresh white robes, his figure lean and graceful, his gaze deeper than before. A faint purple glow pulsed between his brows—normally hidden unless summoned. The Ghost Eye mark. But it was quiet now, resting in his soul sea like a loyal beast. He had made incredible progress.

His cultivation had reached the High-Level Soul Foundation Realm, his body now even more refined, his soul sea vast and calm. More importantly, he had succeeded in forming the Master Soul Mark—the core requirement for creating a Soul Protector. Now, he only needed a soul worthy of becoming the first.

The Land of Bliss would soon open. And there… he would find it. But first, it was time to greet his family.

The Liu Clan Manor was peaceful under the morning sun. Birds flew across spiritual clouds drifting through the sky, and the sound of flowing water echoed gently from distant ponds. Liu Chen walked toward the main residence, where his parents were waiting. Inside the quiet hall, his mother—still elegant as a moon goddess—smiled as soon as she saw him.

“You stayed long enough,” she said, walking forward. “I was starting to think the cave swallowed you.”

Liu Chen gave a soft smile. “Almost. But I came back stronger.”

His father nodded approvingly from the side, his gaze sharp and quiet. “I can feel it. Your soul… is much more solid now. You’ve crossed a threshold.”

Liu Chen bowed lightly. “Thanks to the clan’s resources.”

His father waved his hand. “No need to be modest. You earned them. But now, it's time for something else.”

Liu Chen raised an eyebrow.

“The nine warriors,” his father said. “The other direct descendants of our clan who will accompany you to the Land of Bliss. You’ll be there for half a year, so you should at least know their faces.”

A short walk later, Liu Chen followed his father through a stone path into another grand hall.Waiting outside were nine figures, young men and women, dressed in high-grade spirit robes, each carrying a unique aura. They stood at ease, but each bore a calm pride—true elites.

When they saw Liu Chen, they straightened slightly. They had all heard of him, but rarely met him. Liu Chen had always kept a low profile, even among the clan’s core lineage.The man standing closest stepped forward first. He had bright eyes and a confident smile.

“I’m Liu Feng,” he said. “Grandson of the Third Elder, the chief alchemist of the Liu Clan. I guess I follow in his steps—I’m decent at pill-making, too.”

Liu Chen gave a polite nod. “I’ve heard your name.”

Liu Feng laughed. “That’s rare. I thought you didn’t listen to rumors.”

Another stepped forward. This one had a broad frame and a powerful aura. “Liu Jian,” he said shortly. “Grandson of the Seventh Elder, the best weapon refiner in the clan. I… like building swords more than talking.”

Liu Chen smiled lightly. “Swords are honest.”

Liu Jian looked surprised, then nodded with a faint grin. Two young men with similar faces came next, both with sharp, intelligent eyes.

“We’re twins,” said the first. “Liu Han and Liu Ming. Grandsons of the Tenth Elder.”

“We train together, fight together, and win together,” said the second.

Liu Chen tilted his head. “And lose together?”

Both laughed. “Sometimes.”

One by one, the others introduced themselves. Five more warriors, all between twenty and thirty years old. Some focused on battle, others on formations, some even studied beast taming or spirit herbs. But one thing they shared—all were direct descendants of the clan’s top elders, from the First to the Tenth.

In the Liu Clan, the top ten elders were not ordinary people. They were Immortal Venerable Realm powerhouses—one whole major realm beyond the Emperor level. Each could shake a continent with their presence. To be born in their bloodlines was to carry immense expectation. Liu Chen had long been seen as a rising genius, but he’d spent most of his life avoiding clan politics. This was the first time he stood side by side with his peers. Still, his presence felt different. He was calm. Polite. But distant. They felt it, too.

One of the others, a tall girl with icy eyes, finally asked, “Liu Chen… are you really planning to lead us?”

Liu Chen blinked. “Was I supposed to?”

She snorted. “With your power and the Clan Leader personally backing you, it seems obvious.”

Liu Chen smiled faintly. “I’ll protect who needs protecting. Fight when needed. But I’m not interested in being anyone’s general.”

Liu Feng grinned. “That works. Less pressure for the rest of us.”

The others chuckled. His father finally stepped forward. “You’ll all leave for the Land of Bliss in three days. Prepare well. Once you’re inside, there are no second chances.”

His gaze sharpened. “You are the hope of the Liu Clan. Don’t waste it.”