Chapter 73: Nangong Wentian’s Source of Confidence

“So Lian’er, there’s no need for you to worry about any of this. Just relax. As your father, I’ll take care of everything!” Nangong Wentian instantly brimmed with confidence. “As long as we have that senior, even if the whole continent comes to besiege Tianwu Academy, I won’t be afraid in the slightest! That’s the real strength of our academy!”

Nangong Lin quickly pressed, “Father, who exactly is this senior you’re talking about? What level of cultivation does he have to earn such respect from you? Can I meet him?” Hearing her father’s words, Nangong Lin’s disbelief shifted into pure admiration. She became genuinely curious about this senior her father revered so much.

“Since you’re so interested, let me tell you a bit about this senior. Do you know which realm is considered invincible beneath the Sword God Realm?” Nangong Wentian gave a symbolic cough, trying to hide his hesitation. He held his nose high with pride.

“Beneath Sword God Realm? That must be the Sword Saint Realm! Could this senior be a master at the Sword Saint Realm?” Nangong Lin blurted out after a moment of thought.

“This senior’s cultivation is far stronger than mine. How could it just be the Sword Saint Realm? Try aiming even higher, Lian’er,” Nangong Wentian shook his head, unsatisfied with her answer.

……….

“If he’s even stronger than you, Dad, could it be… Sword Saint Realm Fifth Level?” Nangong Lin rested her cheek on her hand, thinking hard. Suddenly, her eyes lit up.

“Lian’er, hahaha, you’re still being too conservative! Sword Saint Fifth Level is rare even across the whole continent, but it’s still not invincible!” Nangong Wentian laughed heartily, pulling Nangong Lin into his embrace. “There are even higher realms beyond that. Go ahead, try guessing bigger.”

“Father, I really can’t think of any higher realms.” Nangong Lin shook her head, her mind going blank. She stood frozen, unable to come up with an answer.

“You give up? Let me give you a hint. Do you know what’s above the Sword Saint Realm, just below the God Realm? The Demi-God Realm,” Nangong Wentian said with a sigh, glancing at Nangong Lin’s dazed look. Then his expression turned sly. “I tell you to study more, but you slack off. Now look, you can’t even answer this.”

“D-Demi-God Realm? You mean it’s one step above Sword Saint Peak? Father, are you talking about the Demi-God Realm that’s only mentioned in the ancient scrolls?” Nangong Lin froze, staring at Nangong Wentian in disbelief.

“Hahaha, that’s right, Lian’er! It really is the Demi-God Realm. Impressed?” Nangong Wentian grinned, affectionately ruffling Nangong Lin’s hair.

“I can’t believe Dad’s hidden trump card is this strong. With no Sword Gods appearing, a Demi-God is truly unbeatable!” Nangong Lin gasped, staring at her father in shock. “Even if there’s a nearly impassable divide between Demi-God and Sword God Realms, a Demi-God already stands unrivaled if no Sword God is present.”

Everyone on this continent had their memories of the upper world erased by the heavens. That’s why on the Sword Qi Continent, no one had ever heard of someone reaching the peak of Sword Saint Realm, let alone that there’s a Demi-God Realm between Sword Saint and Sword God.

So, everyone just calls it the Sword God Realm and skips over this so-called Demi-God Realm entirely.

…………….

“With a Demi-God sitting in Tianwu Academy, why would I worry about anyone attacking us? All thanks to Young Master Gu for sending this powerhouse our way!” Nangong Wentian gazed off into the distance, his eyes deep with thought. “What a priceless treasure, truly an amazing trump card!”

“Although that senior didn’t succeed in becoming a true Sword God, by an incredible coincidence, she reached the Demi-God Realm!” Nangong Wentian shook his head, a touch of admiration on his face before bursting into laughter. “That’s why Tianwu Academy is truly formidable. With the senior and me here, who on Sword Qi Continent could possibly stand against us? If that senior agreed to help, I could take the throne in a heartbeat!”

“But honestly, I have no interest in being emperor. I heard it’s nothing but endless trouble and stifling routines—always reviewing reports and documents. Just thinking about it gives me a headache. I’d much rather stay a City Lord and enjoy my freedom!” Nangong Wentian visibly shivered, as if the very idea scared him.

“Dad, is this senior really as amazing as you say?” Nangong Lin grew even more curious and starstruck about the mysterious figure her father kept mentioning, eager for a chance to meet her.

“Dad, can’t you introduce me to this senior? I really admire her!” Nangong Lin grinned at the delighted Nangong Wentian, clearly trying to fish for more information.

“Lian’er, that’s a secret I can’t reveal. You’ll have to figure it out for yourself—some things just can’t be said!” Nangong Wentian’s laughter suddenly stopped, his face turning serious. “Otherwise, what would be the point of having a secret trump card? But anyway, you’ll meet soon enough. Go discover for yourself!”

“You’re so stingy, Dad! Hiding things from your own daughter! I’m not talking to you!” Nangong Lin broke free from his arms, stomped her foot and huffed in protest.

“I’ll give you one tiny hint: this person is someone we see around regularly, and she’s a beautiful woman. The rest is up to you. Remember—not a word about this to anyone!” Nangong Wentian grinned, pulling the sulking Nangong Lin back into a hug.

“Thanks, Dad! That’s all I needed to know.” Nangong Lin nodded, satisfied she’d finally gotten something useful. Now it would be much easier to track down the mysterious senior!

“So, my good daughter, aren’t you going to reward your dear old dad?” Nangong Wentian chimed, pressing his cheek playfully against hers.

“Ugh, seriously, Dad—you really need to shave! Your whiskers are poking me!” Nangong Lin gave Nangong Wentian a quick kiss, only for his bristly beard to prick her cheek, leaving it stinging.

“Next time, next time!” Nangong Wentian roared with laughter, darting away, leaving Nangong Lin stunned where she stood.

“Hey! Don’t run away!” Nangong Lin snapped back to her senses, stomped her foot again, and chased after him.

[Sword Practitioner Realm, Sword Qi Realm, Sword Sea Realm, Sword King Realm, Sword Emperor Realm, Sword Saint Realm, (Demi-God Realm), Sword God Realm]

[The Demi-God Realm has never appeared in the world, so people have forgotten about it. The Demi-God Realm is also called the False God Realm, and there are clear records of it in the ancient cultivation manuals.]