《Da Xuan Martial Saint》


 Chapter 1: Chapter 1 Corvée Duty

    A wisp of dawn broke through the night, casting its light upon the walls of an ancient city, majestic in its bearing.


    Nearly a thousand years since the Da Xuan Dynasty was founded, the administration had become corrupt, the bureaucrats decayed. A pale golden light illuminated this Prefecture City, its every glorious or dilapidated building, but it could not brighten the dark and rotten hearts of its people.


    Chen Mu, clad in the standard attire of a lower-ranking law enforcement officer, a wide-bladed saber hanging from his waist, walked through the narrow lanes, the pungent scent of blood pervading the air, causing him to frown slightly.


    He walked on a bit further.


    Opening onto a somewhat wider road, he saw seven or eight bodies lying haphazardly on both sides, their state quite ghastly. It seemed they had been hacked by indiscriminate blades, almost beyond recognition as human, with chunks of flesh and blood even plastered against the wall of a house.


    "Sigh, it''s the Black Sand Gang''s men; looks like they''ve been wiped out this time," another lower-ranking officer standing beside Chen Mu sighed and said, "A year ago, no one in these parts dared to mess with the Black Sand Gang. But ever since their boss fell, they''ve been declining day by day, and now even a few small cats have managed to wipe them out completely."


    "Shh, don''t talk about it, it''s none of our business. Just sweep!"


    A third officer gestured for silence and then picked up his tools, ready to clean the street.


    Chen Mu looked at the horrific scene, his brow furrowed, but in the end, he just shook his head.


    Having been in this world for two years, he had seen such scenes more than once. This seemingly magnificent Prefecture City was in reality a chaotic land, rife with strife and slaughter.


    Gang conflicts that resulted in annihilating entire clans were common occurrences, even in the seemingly dignified and solemn ''Inner City''. Every day bodies were thrown out from there, and these officers, who were said to be on duty, were actually just in charge of cleaning up afterward.


    Chen Mu had seen a colleague who spoke a few too many words while drunk, and the next day, his body mysteriously appeared in a roadside ditch, with the authorities above not bothering to intervene or even ask a question.


    Clean up!


    Chen Mu rolled up his sleeves to fan away some of the nauseating stench of blood and followed his colleagues.


    In the chaotic Prefecture City, the work of a lower-ranking officer was actually quite good. As long as one didn''t speak out of turn, mind one''s own business, didn''t talk back to superiors, and stayed honest and compliant, one could basically remain safe. Not like those poor commoners who lived in constant fear.


    Chen Mu could thank his scarcely-seen old father for securing this job as an officer for him; his father was an old enforcer who knew a bit of the right people. On his deathbed, he went to great lengths to arrange this job for him, and then he passed away.


    But.


    This job as an officer didn''t allow ''Chen Mu'' to live much longer, either; he later fell ill and died, and the current Chen Mu was no longer the original person, but a soul also named Chen Mu from Earth, who had inherited this identity.


    The Chen Mu of his previous life was also a nobody, but after years of struggling at the bottom, he at least possessed the ability to read people and know what to say, which allowed him to quickly stabilize, even after suddenly arriving in this unfamiliar world, and safely get through two years.


    The officers quickly got to work, each attending to the corpses.


    Chen Mu, like his colleagues, pretended to sweep while casually searching the bodies... This form of body-searching was an unspoken agreement among them. Although they hardly ever found anything valuable, for the most part, any silver would have been taken long before, but with some luck, they might occasionally find something overlooked.


    For those bottom-ranking officers, even finding a few copper coins was a reason to be happy.


    Fumbling through the clothing of the body he was dealing with, Chen Mu found nothing. At the same time, he noticed his colleague Liu San not far away, seemingly pocketing something into his own clothes.


    "Why is it always me who finds nothing?"


    Chen Mu felt somewhat puzzled. In these two years, he must have dealt with nearly three hundred bodies, if not two hundred, but he had not once found any silver. Silver coins were also nearly non-existent, amounting to only two or three times, and then only a few scattered copper coins.


    Since everyone had an understanding, he wouldn''t ask Liu San what he found, but it was clear that Liu San had found something of value.


    Chen Mu, somewhat incredulous, continued to search the body he was working on and felt something unusual. It turned out to be some sort of item, seemingly a small, paper booklet.


    Chen Mu immediately tensed.


    Taking silver coins was acceptable, and if there were valuables like jade pendants, those were fair game as well, but one should be cautious with strange items, particularly those made of paper¡ªit was impossible to know if they might bring trouble.


    Still, after hesitating for a moment, Chen Mu slightly lifted the cover to peek into the booklet through the crack, and saw it was a somewhat tattered yellow paper booklet with the words ''...Wind Blade Technique'' faintly visible.


    "Hmm." S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu''s heart stirred, but he kept his movements discreet, covertly tucking the small booklet away.


    If anything like a ledger or a map was found on the corpse, it would be best to pretend ignorance. Firstly, it would be of no use to him; secondly, it might attract trouble. However, if it was a damaged Blade Technique, it likely wouldn''t pose much of a problem. After all, if it had any value, it would have been taken by the killer long ago during the night.


    Liu Song and others also noticed Chen Mu''s actions, but after exchanging glances, they tacitly chose not to come over and inquire.


    "Let''s go!"


    The group bustled for a while, moving the corpse onto a small wooden cart and then pushing the cart towards the city outskirts.


    Not far north of the city lay the Mass Burial Mound.


    Chen Mu, Liu Song, Li Liu, and others transported the corpse all the way there and simply threw it on the ground; there was no need for burial. At night, wild wolves roamed the area¡ªfeeding them with the corpse was convenient. If there was time the next day, hunting a few wolves and selling their pelts for some wine money was an option.


    Of course, the truth was that none of them wanted to linger outside the city. Inside, their status as servants still held some weight, but once they stepped outside, where chaos reigned, no one cared who was who. Staying any longer than necessary only increased the danger.


    The group hurriedly dumped the corpse and made their way back to the city, only exhaling in relief after they had entered its gates.


    "Chen Er, how about it, shall we go for a drink together today?"


    Liu Song looked at Chen Mu with a smile and asked.


    He wasn''t actually called Liu San; his family name was Liu, with the given name ''Song'', but being the third child at home, that was the nickname he went by. Chen Mu had an older brother who had passed away early, so he was the second child, hence others occasionally called him Chen Er.


    "No, thanks."


    Chen Mu waved his hand.


    Drinking and feasting, visiting brothels, listening to music¡ªhe certainly desired these things, but he was simply too embarrassed by the emptiness of his purse.


    Being a servant was supposedly a stable job, but in reality, he hardly earned any Silver. Most of it was skimmed off by the officials above him, and what little he received was barely enough for daily food and drink. If he wanted to indulge in a bit more luxury, like enjoying fine liquor, the money was far from sufficient.


    Moreover, at Chen Mu''s house, there was his sister, seven years his junior, who had to stay hidden at home and couldn''t go out to work, which meant another mouth to feed. This made his situation much more difficult than that of people like Liu Song, whose families were relatively well-off.


    Seeing Chen Mu about to leave, Liu Song laughed and said, "Chen Er, your sister is reaching marriageable age. How about I find a way for her to marry into a wealthy family? Then she would be well-cared for, and you would receive a sum of Silver to make your life much more comfortable. What do you think?"


    Having worked with Chen Mu for several years, he knew Chen Mu''s circumstances well. Chen Mu''s father had spent the family''s entire savings on medical expenses during his severe illness. Now, working as a servant and earning so little, Chen Mu needed to support a sister who wasn''t able to work outside.


    Compared to even lower-class citizens, they weren''t going hungry, but in every other respect, life was far from satisfactory.


    Upon hearing Liu Song''s words, an image of a bubbly and innocent young girl surfaced in Chen Mu''s mind. He cracked a slight smile and said, "Let''s wait another two years. She''s still too young."


    When he arrived in this world, he was suffering from a serious illness, and the only person by his side was his twelve-year-old sister, Chen Yue, who took care of him. Her diligent care allowed his ailing body to slowly recover.


    Although he did not have the emotional connection from the previous twelve years, after two years of living together, he had long accepted her as his sister. Moreover, as a newcomer to this world, he could not contemplate trading her for silver¡ªit was an act no different from that of a beast.


    "Alright, if you ever have any ideas, just tell your older brother."


    Liu Song didn''t press the matter further, slapping Chen Mu''s shoulder with a chuckle before taking Li Liu to enjoy a drink.


    Having temporarily parted ways with Liu Song and the others, Chen Mu walked down the alley, first reaching the main street. At the corner, he took out ten Xuan Money to buy two coarse pancakes, and then he headed home.


    "These prices¡­"


    Chen Mu weighed the few Xuan Money left in his pocket and shook his head slightly.


    From what he could remember, more than a decade ago, one Xuan Money could buy a pancake, but now the price had risen to five per cake. It was not that the pancakes had gotten more expensive; rather, the value of Xuan Money had diminished due to various private and chaotic minting, gradually becoming less valuable.


    This directly impacted the lowest-ranking servants like him, because the Silver they were paid was always calculated in Xuan Money. Although there had been a nominal increase in his wages over recent years, it did not compensate for the devaluation of Xuan Money.


    He wondered whose pockets the missing difference had ended up in.


    Soon.


    Chen Mu returned to his home in this world.


    Located on the outskirts of the South City District in an area akin to a slum, it was made up of a row of somewhat rundown tile and mud houses. Calling it a row was a stretch; there were only two rooms¡ªone for storing firewood, cooking, and piling up miscellaneous items, and the other was a bedroom for living.

 Chapter 2: Chapter 2 Blade Technique

    The two old and battered wooden doors, tightly secured from the inside, creaked as Chen Mu knocked and announced his return with the words "I''m back." Only then did he hear sounds of movement and a delighted voice from within the house.


    Gudong gudong.


    It sounded like the pitter-patter of bare feet scurrying across the ground, growing closer, until the wooden bolt slid open.


    "Brother!"


    A little girl appeared in the doorway, wearing a rough cotton jacket, her small stature reaching only to Chen Mu''s chest. She stood barefoot on the ground, craning her neck to look up at Chen Mu, her face breaking into a naively charming smile.


    Chen Yue was already fourteen years old this year. For most girls her age, it would be time to blossom, but she had always been slightly malnourished, leaving her thin and frail, and her skin was a bit sallow, not quite like that of a fourteen-year-old maiden.


    In these tough times, it was clearly impossible for an ordinary family to raise a singular beauty. However, Chen Mu thought, if they could become wealthier and provide better nourishment for her, it was likely she''d grow into a pure and lovely lotus flower emerging from the water. But for now, she would have to endure hardship alongside him.


    "Why are you running around barefoot again?"


    With indulgent affection, Chen Mu tousled the little girl''s hair. He had not had a sister in his previous life, so having a naive, obedient, and endearing sister here was his only solace in this chaotic and cold city.


    Chen Yue replied with a giggling smile, looking up, "I''ll put shoes on when I go out. If I wear them too much at home, they''ll wear out, and that would be such a waste."


    Chen Mu picked up Chen Yue and placed her on the kang, a traditional heated bed, in their home''s inner room. He reached out and touched her small feet, which felt icy to the touch. He couldn''t help but chastise her, "Winter is coming. What if you get frostbite? If shoes wear out, we can mend them."


    He knew all too well the reason Chen Yue was reluctant to wear her shoes. Her previous pair was completely worn out, and as her feet had also grown, they no longer fit. So Chen Mu had bought her a new pair. The joy she found in them was such that she treated them like treasured possessions, too precious to wear, especially since she wasn''t going out anyway.


    "Alright, fine," she replied with some hesitation.


    Indeed, if she got frostbite, they would have to buy medicine, which would be yet another expense.


    Chen Mu handed her a steamed bun and sternly instructed her to wash her hands before eating. But as the little girl was about to run off barefoot to wash up, he decided to bring the basin to her instead.


    After washing her hands and feet, Chen Yue, her cheeks flushed, took the steamed bun eagerly and began to eat, looking at Chen Mu with adoration. He hadn''t always been so kind to her. It was only after he fell seriously ill that he began to treat her increasingly well. No matter how he treated her, he was her only brother, and she naturally preferred her life now.


    Even though she was confined to the house and could not go out, even though she was eating only the plainest white steamed buns, she was still happy.


    "It''s been a long time since I''ve taken you out, hasn''t it?" Chen Mu said, watching Chen Yue and then musing aloud.


    Ever since he arrived in this world and discovered the chaos and danger outside, he had strictly forbidden Chen Yue from running out and even threatened to disown her if she dared, which once terrified her into crying for half a day until he finally calmed her down.


    "Four months," Chen Yue said with her mouth full of steamed bun, counting on her fingers.


    Chen Mu gave a gentle smile and said, "Alright, in a little while, I''ll take you out to have some fun."


    To confine a little girl of her age to the house was something he found difficult to bear. He could take her out, provided he smeared their faces with mud, tousled their hair, dressed in ragged clothes, and carried her on his back, preferably alongside a few familiar peers like Liu San and Li Liu. That was how he had managed to take her out the last time.


    Although there was still a bit of risk, it was very different from being locked up at home, a feeling not dissimilar to imprisonment.


    "Really?"


    Chen Yue''s face brightened with delight as she heard Chen Mu''s words.


    But after the initial joy, she looked at Chen Mu warily and hesitated, "Wouldn''t it... wouldn''t it cause trouble for you, brother, if you let me go out to play?"


    Chen Mu ruffled her hair but didn''t answer, instead saying, "Once you finish eating, stay inside the house, I''m going to the firewood room."


    "Okay," Chen Yue nodded obediently.


    ...


    The firewood room was spacious.


    Since there was barely any dry firewood, the place was mostly empty with only a few scattered pieces. Firewood was gradually becoming more expensive as a group of woodcutters had reportedly vanished in the mountains to the west of the city, frightening the other woodcutters away from venturing there.


    Now, only those bold enough to take advantage of the rising price of wood and eager to make a quick profit would venture out of the city to chop and carry wood back. As a result, the supply decreased, and ordinary households were economizing wherever possible.


    Chen Mu carefully took out a small booklet he had found from his pocket.


    The cover of the booklet was quite worn, and only the words "¡­ Wind Blade Technique" could be made out. Chen Mu scrutinized the illegible character at the beginning for a while and concluded that it ought to be "Raging," making the incomplete title "Raging Wind Blade Technique."


    "A Blade Technique..." Chen Mu looked at the manual in his hands and fell into deep thought.


    The idea that someone could obtain a secret fighting technique manual and, with solitary practice, become a martial master was entirely nonexistent in this world. Such old manuals were not valued highly even if taken to the market.


    The reason was simple: to learn any form of martial arts, whether it involved fists, palms, legs, fingers, or weapons like swords, spears, staffs, or clubs, one needed guidance from a genuine martial practitioner. Attempting to train oneself based on a manual alone could lead to injuries with no one to take responsibility.


    As a constable,


    Chen Mu had indeed practiced some blade technique at the City Defense Division.


    However, the head instructor at the division only taught the basics of chopping and slashing and did not impart any advanced techniques. Therefore, having practiced for two and a half years since arriving in this world, Chen Mu was at most competent against ordinary folks who did not know proper weaponry skills.


    Chen Mu had once asked Liu Song, Li Tie, and others for clarification, and the answers were all the same: it was not hard to come by some Blade Technique secret manual, nor was it expensive. You could buy one for around a dozen silver coins at a pawnshop.


    But to rely on a manual alone, learning only the fixed patterns and sequences illustrated within and expecting to master the art was nothing but a fool''s dream.


    One must go to a martial arts school in the Inner City and receive guidance from a martial master to learn the proper ways of channeling strength and the right stances.


    But the problem is¡­


    The fees charged by martial arts schools are extraordinarily expensive.


    One could easily spend dozens or hundreds of silvers, not to mention the extra cost of medicinal powders for bruises and injuries.


    The saying goes, "The rich pursue martial arts while the poor pursue letters." Even Liu Song and Li Tie, who had a decent family wealth, couldn''t afford to train in martial arts in the Inner City, let alone him, who currently did not even have two silvers to his name.


    "Sell it at the pawnshop, maybe? Could probably get two or three silvers for it, it''d be like unexpected windfall."


    Chen Mu pondered in his heart.


    Yet he felt somewhat reluctant.


    In such chaotic times, intelligence and wit mean nothing; using them often endangers one''s life instead. Living cautiously is the key to survival. But with no money to his name and no societal influence, he saw almost no hope of rising above his lowly status.


    If he could master a blade technique and possess the strength of arms, the situation would be entirely different. Not to mention that local gentry and the powerful would hire him as a Protector, even the gangs would respect him. Just in the City Defense Division alone, there was a chance to catch the eye of the superiors and rise up from a lowly servant to Head Constable.


    The roles of Head Constable and servant were different. Strictly speaking, servants were not even considered officials; they were merely employed by the government for routine patrols. But a Head Constable was another concept entirely.


    Head Constables, promoted by the Prefecture Chief of various City Defense Divisions, belonged to the official class, even considered as ''Ninth Grade'' minor officials, worlds apart from commoners and different in status from servants. Even some of the weaker gangs would need to offer some silvers to curry favor, hoping to avoid troubles with them.


    "Still, I should give it a try."


    Chen Mu thought it over and then opened the booklet in front of him.


    After all, practicing a martial art like a blade technique, if not mastered, would at worst result in sprained muscles, which could heal with a few days of rest without causing any serious trouble. If it really didn''t work out, he could always copy down the contents and sell it to the pawnshop for some silver.


    ¡ª¡ªThe Raging Wind Blade Technique belongs to one of the eight lines of Qian Heaven Kun Earth, specifically the Xun Wind category. The movements may seem chaotic, but the intent is not; with a thousand winds passing, ensnaring sinews and scraping bones, if cultivated to Perfection, one could develop a strand of ''Chaotic Wind'' Blade Momentum.


    The first page of the Secret Manual had no illustrations, only this description.


    Chen Mu flipped to the next page thoughtfully. On it, a silhouette holding a knife in a standing position leapt off the yellowed paper, guided by a dotted line that seemed to zigzag upward from below. The small script at the bottom described it as ''Chaotic Wind First Form''.


    Chen Mu scrutinized it for a moment then stood up, withdrawing his Servant''s Knife and swung it according to the depicted motions.


    Having practiced random hacking and slashing for two years, his execution of the stance was decent, yet it felt very odd to him. The force he exerted was even less than during his regular straightforward hacking and slashing.


    "Just as Li Tie and the others said, relying solely on a manual will at best yield the right posture, but as to how to properly exert force or change and adapt, without a martial master''s direct guidance, the difficulty is far too great."


    Chen Mu sighed inwardly.


    Though the challenge was formidable, having resolved to try, he wasn''t about to give up immediately at the start. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He continued flipping through the booklet and saw that the following three pages each detailed subsequent modifications of the ''Chaotic Wind First Form.'' There were three in total, involving different diagonal slices, horizontal cuts, and vertical chops in response to various defensive methods of the opponent.


    After memorizing each variation, Chen Mu began practicing them. After a short while, he managed to perform the movements at a basic level. He only had a slight sense of how to exert force and wasn''t clear if it contradicted the proper techniques.


    Thus, he bumbled through the first stance and its three variations halfheartedly for half a day. Afterwards, he vaguely felt that it might be less effective than his usual slashing and chopping, random as it was. If he were to use these half-baked moves in a fight, not only would he likely gain no advantage, but he might also suffer a severe loss at his opponent''s hands.


    "It must be the issue of exertion and direction of force. A single page of instructions truly doesn''t provide much information."


    Chen Mu thought to himself.


    This round of practice confirmed that he was clearly not a martial arts prodigy who could instantly understand all the key points of a technique just from a few diagrams, much less practice it out of thin air.


    If the rest of the techniques were also half-baked like this one, even if he reluctantly mastered them, their effectiveness would not differ much from common hacking and slashing. Perhaps the Blade Technique was only good for buying a couple of silvers'' worth of meat.


    "Brother, here''s some water."


    Just as Chen Mu stopped practicing and sighed, a voice came from the side.


    Chen Yue approached quietly in a pair of clean floral shoes, holding a coarse pottery jug filled with clear water in her hands.


    She looked up with an adorable expression, "It''s boiled."


    Chen Mu smiled gently, took the jug from her, and drank a few sips. He had cautioned Chen Yue a few times that they must not drink carelessly; the water had to be boiled before it was safe. In this primitive world, one''s lifespan had a direct correlation with what they consumed.


    After taking a few sips from the jug and handing it back, he patted the little girl''s head.


    "Are you practicing martial arts, brother?"


    Chen Yue, seeing the booklet on the stove and the illustrated moves on it, asked curiously.


    "Mhm."


    Chen Mu nodded.


    He had thought it might be an opportunity to change his fate, but now it seemed a bit optimistic. To truly master martial arts, perhaps he''d still need to gradually save up some silvers, gather a substantial amount, and then seek apprenticeship at a martial arts school in the Inner City.


    However.


    Just as Chen Mu was about to put the booklet away, he suddenly froze.


    In his vision, a few floating characters had appeared out of nowhere, and they remained there as he blinked in surprise, hovering before his eyes.


    [Martial Skill: Raging Wind Blade Technique (Uninitiated)]


    [Experience: 2 points]


    After confirming that this was not a hallucination, Chen Mu''s face eventually broke out in a smile.

 Chapter 3: Chapter 3 Introduction

    Chen Mu had always believed that everything in life had its causes and effects.


    Ever since he arrived in this world, he became the lowest rank of serf, living a hard life with his younger sister, who was seven years younger, and for over two years, aside from the meager salary that was heavily docked by his superiors, he had never stumbled upon sudden wealth.


    The perennial accumulation of bad luck finally brought him a reward, allowing him to find a Blade Technique manual, and subsequently, a small modifier that could enhance his martial skills.


    "Hmm, it should require consuming Experience Points to add points, but I might not have enough Experience Points right now."


    Chen Mu studied it for a while and roughly understood the functionality of the device.


    As long as he practiced the Raging Wind Blade Technique, even without someone to guide him, and even if his practice wasn''t correct, as long as he was practicing, he would gain ''experience,'' and then, with enough experience, he could directly enhance the Realm of the Raging Wind Blade Technique.


    That meant that even without guidance from a martial master, through solitary hard practice, he could slowly refine this skill to perfection.


    "Brother?"


    Chen Yue watched Chen Mu confusedly from the side.


    She just saw Chen Mu, not knowing why, suddenly waving his hands towards the empty space in front of him, then pondering a bit and chuckling occasionally, which made her feel a bit scared.


    "Oh, I''m fine, just thinking of some things."


    Chen Mu looked at Chen Yue and smiled, then couldn''t resist stretching out his hand and vigorously rubbing her face, saying, "Yue''er, maybe it won''t be long before we don''t have to live these hard days anymore."


    Chen Yue looked at Chen Mu with wide eyes, blinked twice, not quite understanding where Chen Mu''s confidence was coming from.


    "Alright."


    But she still smiled and agreed softly.


    Whether life was hard didn''t really matter to her, she thought it was all okay as long as Chen Mu was safe; with both parents gone, she was a sliver of solace in Chen Mu''s heart, and wasn''t Chen Mu her only bright light as well?


    After sending Chen Yue back to the bedroom, Chen Mu picked up the Servant''s Knife and began to practice again, but unlike the previous hesitant attempts, this time his practice was uninterrupted, not caring whether the force was applied correctly, just focusing on following the moves to practice.


    After practicing for a while.


    Chen Mu indeed saw the words ''Experience +1'' appear in his vision.


    "Very good."


    Chen Mu showed a smile, everything was essentially in line with his judgment.


    He didn''t know how much experience would be needed to elevate the Raging Wind Blade Technique from ''Unskilled'' to a higher level, but as long as it was effective, over time, there would come a day when he could perfect this Blade Technique, unlike before when he had no direction at all.


    ...


    Time passed quickly.


    In the blink of an eye, seven days had passed. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In these seven days, apart from his normal duties in the City Defense Division and patrolling in teams with Liu Song and others, Chen Mu devoted almost all of his time to the practice of the Raging Wind Blade Technique.


    The experience from the Raging Wind Blade Technique was hard to come by; one could say that almost every point of experience was earned through sweat. He almost had to bury himself in tough practice for nearly an hour to gain two or three points of experience.


    But no matter how slow it was, this was genuine experience, not aimless practice without direction.


    Finally.


    That afternoon, as Chen Mu was practicing until he was drenched in sweat, the experience of the Raging Wind Blade Technique accumulated to exactly one hundred points.


    [Martial Skill: Raging Wind Blade Technique (Unskilled/+)]


    [Experience: 100 points]


    As expected, there was a change on the modifier, a ''+'' symbol appeared next to the Unskilled Blade Technique.


    Chen Mu took a deep breath, his gaze solemn as he looked at the interface, then with a thought, he pressed the ''+''.


    Buzz!


    A fleeting dim golden light flashed by.


    [Martial Skill: Raging Wind Blade Technique (Entry Level)]


    [Experience: 0 Points]


    As the interface changed, Chen Mu instantly felt a massive influx of information into his mind. The specifics of force application and the direction of each move for the previously vague Raging Wind Blade Technique were being corrected one by one through this information.


    It was as though he had followed the most correct practice path and had trained arduously for several months.


    When all the changes ceased.


    Chen Mu took a deep breath, grasped his Servant''s Knife, and immediately felt a completely different sensation emerge; the twelve forms of the Raging Wind Blade Technique, including every single alteration, were now thoroughly familiar to him.


    How to exert force and how to adapt were all crystal clear¡ªunlike before when he knew nothing.


    "I''ve entered the gate."


    "Just with this light touch, it''s probably equivalent to others training under the guidance of a martial master in a dojo for a month or two... But I''ve actually also been training hard for seven days."


    Chen Mu murmured to himself and then swung his knife forward fiercely, executing the first form of Chaotic Wind.


    This execution was utterly different from his prior attempts. The previously somewhat awkward moves suddenly became extremely refined¡ªtensing legs, tightening the abdomen, and slashing diagonally... This swing of his knife even produced a whooshing of the wind!


    "Indeed, it''s vastly different from ordinary freehand fighting."


    Chen Mu nodded to himself.


    Just this initial move, with every part of his body performing to standard, was already stronger than the crude hacking and slashing he had practiced before. Not to mention, this move was followed by several variations, each linking smoothly to the next, unlike ordinary freehand moves that relied solely on brute force after the first strike.


    According to the description within the Raging Wind Blade Technique, this technique was divided into Entry Level, Minor Achievement, Major Achievement, and Perfection.


    Following the correct practice methods, an average person could reach Entry Level within a few months, attain Minor Achievement within a year or two¡ªby then, armed with a blade, one could overcome two or three unarmed bandits; within five to six years, one could achieve Major Achievement, often making it difficult for five or six opponents to get close.


    As for Perfection...


    This level was extremely challenging, requiring mastery of the true essence of the raging winds and cultivation of "Blade Momentum." Once achieved, one would be at least a match for ten men and could easily pass the "Martial Examination" and qualify as a "Martial Scholar."


    Nowadays, with the administration corrupted and the world in disorder, the literary examinations have practically become nominal. Not to mention the lower-level scholars, even those who have reached the rank of Scholar, have mostly fallen into the practice of buying and selling offices, with no power or influence to even contend for such ranks.


    By comparison, Martial Examinations are different because they involve martial power. Even if the quotas are controlled by influential clans, as long as one possesses that level of capability, one can still rise and even attract support from various parties.


    "If I could qualify as a ''Martial Scholar,'' I''m basically guaranteed to be promoted to Head Constable. Even if I don''t pass, just by demonstrating that level of skill, I can still become a Head Constable."


    Chen Mu pondered in his mind.


    With an external skill like the Raging Wind Blade Technique, achieving Major Achievement usually offered a chance at becoming a Head Constable. If a position became vacant or if admired by superiors, rising to that position was nearly assured; or, at the very least, one could slowly accrue enough seniority to assume it eventually.


    If one could reach Perfection and cultivate Blade Momentum, then becoming a Head Constable was a certainty, for as far as he knew, even among the many Head Constables, very few could cultivate "Momentum" in their blade or sword techniques.


    It is known that those who achieved this level of skill could have easily passed the official Martial Examination and become a "Martial Scholar" centuries ago, directly entering the service under the Imperial Court.


    Nowadays, only the traditional route of promotion within the Court has been disrupted due to corruption, resulting in more instances of buying and selling offices, although the official examinations have nominally continued.


    "To cultivate a blade technique to Major Achievement, a person of average talent and perception could achieve it with over ten years of hard training, but to cultivate ''Momentum'' is one in a hundred."


    Several days ago, Chen Mu had chatted with a few close colleagues from the City Defense Division and learned that of the five Head Constables in his Division, only one had cultivated Momentum and had been promoted based on real skill.


    Among the other four, the oldest, Zhao Zong, was already over sixty and had practiced the blade all his life without ever grasping Blade Momentum. The Zhao Family had considerable influence locally, and if Zhao Zong could have cultivated Blade Momentum, he would likely have had the chance to become Prefecture Chief.


    "They fail to grasp that essential insight and thus cannot advance, but I am different. As long as I patiently continue practicing, I will eventually reach Minor Achievement, Major Achievement, and then Perfection... and it will probably take me no more than a year to reach Perfection."


    A spark flickered in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    Now that he had entered the gate of the blade technique, reaching Minor Achievement would require three hundred Experience Points. According to his previous practice method, it would take about a month; thereafter, Major Achievement and Perfection might require progressively more Experience Points, but it should still be within a year.


    Once he had perfected his blade technique, cultivating Blade Momentum, whether he participated in a Martial Examination to obtain an official qualification or quietly demonstrated some of his skills in the City Defense Division to be promoted to Head Constable, both were assured. After that, his status would be entirely different from now.


    He had been in this world for over two years now.


    In these peril-ridden lower strata, he had lived cautiously for so long and didn''t mind enduring another year, especially compared to the previous days when he saw no hope, this mindset of having a goal felt completely different.

 Chapter 4: Chapter 4: Prison

    Days passed by, day after day.


    Soon it was two months.


    Chen Mu still followed the routine, normally patrolling and then returning home to practice his blade technique.


    The identity of a constable was still quite important to him; on the one hand, it was his only source of income, and on the other, that very status protected him from the local thugs and even gang members causing trouble. It was simply not feasible to quit his job to practice blade technique.


    One day.


    Chen Mu finished his patrol and returned home.


    But unexpectedly, he found that besides Chen Yue, there was another person at home.


    "Aunt Third? Why have you come?"


    Chen Mu stepped forward in surprise and asked the middle-aged woman with a worried face.


    His father was the eldest child, having a younger brother and a sister, that is, his uncle and Aunt Third. His uncle was typically lazy and had even been chastised by his father. He scarcely came by, not even when his father passed away.


    Aunt Third was closer; she used to often visit and, after his father''s death, would sometimes bring rice, flour, and soybeans, so Chen Mu always respected Aunt Third, Chen Hong.


    Usually, when he was not at home, only Chen Hong would come over, and Chen Yue would let her in.


    "Little Mu... I have no other choice; I must ask for your help..."


    Chen Hong, her face sallow and wrapped in a headscarf, grabbed Chen Mu and couldn''t help but start crying.


    Chen Mu asked carefully and learned that it was about Chen Hong''s son, his cousin ''Zhang Hai'', who had gotten into trouble. Like his uncle, Zhang Hai was lazy and spent his days idly loitering on the streets. This time, he had seen a beautiful woman in an alleyway and couldn''t help teasing her, which provoked her anger.


    First, he was beaten up, and then the City Defense Division was alerted, who arrested him without a word and threw him directly into prison.


    "Aunt Third, I have said before that the world is chaotic nowadays. With cousin''s temperament, he should be more restrained. How dare he still engage in such rash actions? I''m afraid I can''t do much to help with this matter."


    After listening to Chen Hong''s rambling, Chen Mu couldn''t help but frown.


    From the sounds of it, Zhang Hai had annoyed someone significant, effortlessly involving the City Defense Division and getting thrown straight into jail. This connection must at least be at the level of the Head Constable or above. As a mere constable, cautious and generally avoiding petty acts, thinking of rescuing someone from the prison was utterly delusional without significant influence.


    Chen Hong sobbed and said, "I know, I know. The person that Xiao Hai offended is said to be the South Family young master''s concubine from the fourth house. I have already pleaded with some people, but none are willing to speak on our behalf...


    I came here to ask if you could perhaps speak to the prison, just to get us through this rough patch until everyone forgets about the incident and another solution can be found."


    While talking.


    Chen Hong trembled as she pulled out two silver ingots from her bosom, roughly about twenty taels in total.


    Chen Mu knew that his aunt''s family was relatively well-off, her husband being a butcher, but twenty taels of silver was certainly not a small sum, suggesting she had dug deep into her savings. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing the tearful look in Chen Hong''s eyes and recalling the grains and flour she had brought in the past, Chen Mu sighed inwardly and finally accepted the silver, saying, "I can only try to ask, but I cannot guarantee any success."


    This silver was not for him, or rather, he did not have the influence to make the prison officials show leniency to Zhang Hai. The scarce twenty taels of silver could only be forwarded by him to the prison head, to see if he was willing.


    The prison head and the guards were also under the aegis of the City Defense Division, belonging to one of the three units.


    However, he seldom interacted with them.


    In this troubled era, those who were thrown into prison hardly ever came out alive. They needn''t be explicitly tortured; simply withholding food and water would suffice to end lives within days. Without any incentives, the guards seldom bothered to provide food or water.


    Chen Hong''s hope for Zhang Hai to endure a few months in prison until the matter blew over seemed slim, but he couldn''t offer any advice since Chen Hong had only this one son.


    "Thank you, thank you so much..."


    Chen Hong trembled in response, already unable to speak properly, slumping there and weeping.


    Chen Mu sighed softly in his heart.


    If he were already the Head Constable, this situation would be much easier to handle; he could at least ask a prison head about the specifics. But currently, with his blade technique only just reaching minor achievement, becoming a Head Constable was far beyond his reach.


    It must be that Zhang Hai has this tribulation to face. Usually idle and unable to control his tongue, it was fortunate that he had only spoken inappropriately and had not physically attacked anyone. Otherwise, he would likely already be dead.


    "Yue''er, keep Aunt Third company. I have to step out for a bit."


    Chen Mu said to Chen Yue at his side, then took the opportunity while it was still early and left the house again.


    ...


    The South City District prison was located behind the City Guard General headquarters.


    Chen Mu seldom visited this place, and even though he was a constable of the City Defense Division, he belonged to the Ninth District City Defense Division and not the City Guard General. Moreover, the City Guard General and the Ninth District City Defense Division were quite far apart.


    Compared to the Ninth District City Defense Division, where constables sometimes idly played dice and bet large coins, the City Guard General was much more stern, and such sights were unseen there.


    "It is said that the Chief Constable of the South City District is a woman, said to be strikingly beautiful, though I have never seen her."


    As Chen Mu entered the City Guard General headquarters, he glanced at the towering central tower. It had been two years since he came to this world, and even the number of times he had seen the Prefecture Chief of the Ninth District City Defense Division could be counted on one hand, let alone the Chief Constable above him.


    In the spacious City Guard General headquarters, constables occasionally passed by, but all of them walked with their heads down and a solemn demeanor, not whispering or looking around.


    Chen Mu also lowered his head slightly and discreetly bypassed the front half of the General headquarters, making his way to the prison located at the back.


    Upon reaching the prison, however, the atmosphere changed.


    In a room next to the prison, a few guards were gathered, playing dice.


    Compared to the solemn City Guard General office, the prison was much more relaxed, and it was rare for anyone to visit on any ordinary day.


    "Brother, is there something you need?"


    A prison guard, upon noticing Chen Mu in his officer attire, raised his head and asked.


    Chen Mu, pretending not to notice several others gambling, said, "I''m looking for the head guard."


    "Oh, Head Wei is inside,"


    the prison guard said, pointing in a particular direction.


    Chen Mu thanked him, the man simply waved his hand nonchalantly and continued his dice game with his colleagues.


    Walking along the corridor and passing a few steps, Chen Mu entered a rather clean and tidy room, but the room was filled with rows of shelves loaded with various torture instruments, which was somewhat intimidating.


    Head Guard Wei Nan was sitting in a chair, eyes closed in meditation. Hearing someone enter, he opened his eyes slightly.


    "Officer Wei."


    Chen Mu greeted the head guard with a bow.


    The head guard''s position was essentially equivalent to that of a Head Constable, also ranking as his superior.


    "Hmm."


    Upon seeing Chen Mu in his officer''s garb, Wei Nan casually acknowledged him.


    Chen Mu stepped forward, briefly explained Zhang Hai''s situation, then handed over the twenty taels of silver that Chen Hong had given him.


    "Oh."


    Wei Nan took the silver, weighed it in his hands for a moment, and after thinking, he slipped it into his sleeve, saying, "There has been a word from above regarding this Zhang Hai, to give him a hard time. However, seeing as his family are so sensible, I''ll ensure his meals are kept aside. But I can''t guarantee what might happen to him after a month or two."


    In those chaotic times, most notorious criminals caught outside were usually executed on the spot. Very few made it to prison, where mostly those from wealthier families who constantly sent bribes were kept.


    As a head guard, unlike the officers who worked outside, he mostly relied on such dealings to earn silver.


    "Your word is enough,"


    Chen Mu said with a smile.


    Had he not come today, Zhang Hai''s situation would likely have been more than just suffering; with random application of torture and starvation for several days, he might have lost half his life, or even faced death.


    Although these twenty taels of silver could not free the man, they ensured he wouldn''t lack food or water for at least a month. But even after this storm passed, freeing him would still be a challenge for the Chen Hong family and wouldn''t be easy.


    "The man is inside, let Liu Si take you to have a look."


    After taking the silver, Wei Nan gestured dismissively, seemingly unwilling to converse further with Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu bowed and excused himself. After exiting, he quickly found Liu Si, who without a word, led him deeper into the prison. As they descended several more steps, the environment turned significantly darker and damper, a fetid, moldy stench pervading the air and causing great discomfort.


    "Here."


    Liu Si pointed to the fourth cell.


    The first three cells each held a man, ghostly and emaciated, who didn''t speak or move upon seeing Liu Si and Chen Mu. Were it not for their oil-green eyes moving, they might have been mistaken for dead.


    In the fourth cell, a figure lay in a pile of tattered straw, rather portly, with numerous bloodstains on his body.


    "Cousin?"


    Chen Mu approached and called out softly.


    The figure, previously motionless in the straw, finally stirred weakly, looking confusedly at Chen Mu for a while before recognizing him, and weakly said, "Is...is that you, Chen Mu? Quick, get me out of here..."


    "Aunt asked me to relay a few messages to you."


    Chen Mu, not reacting immediately, relayed the messages from Chen Hong first, then explained the current situation, "...For now, you''ll just have to endure here for a bit."


    Upon hearing this, Zhang Hai immediately showed a look of despair, "You, you can''t just leave me to die...my family has sent you quite a bit of rice and flour, I never stopped them, and my mother was even considering match-making for you recently, you can''t do this..."


    Chen Mu remained silent.


    He actually wasn''t very fond of Zhang Hai. Even the original ''Chen Mu'' didn''t get along well with him, as it seemed Zhang Hai never thought highly of ''cousin Chen Mu,'' and even after becoming an officer, he regarded him as doomed to a poor officer''s life just like his father.


    But thinking of Aunt Chen Hong, Chen Mu stayed silent for a while before saying, "You''ve offended someone powerful, I can''t do much, and neither can your aunt and uncle. You just have to get through this moment, and maybe you can hope for a turnaround."


    With that,


    Chen Mu turned and walked away.


    Zhang Hai was left lying there, listlessly muttering, ''What use was sending them all that rice and flour, what use is it being a poor officer these days...''


    Chen Mu''s father had been an officer all his life and died poor, unable to even afford his own funeral expenses, which had to be managed by his mother, Chen Hong. Her side of the family, all impoverished and broken, had long advised her against maintaining contact.


    If only they had saved more money to bribe the right people, perhaps they could have rescued him.

 Chapter 5: Chapter 5 Youying

    Having left the prison,


    Chen Mu hurriedly walked out.


    He didn''t want to stay at the City Guard General''s office any longer than necessary; the atmosphere there was somewhat oppressive.


    However, as Chen Mu made his way back to the front courtyard and returned in front of the towering City Defense Tower, an inadvertent glimpse of movement caught in the corner of his eye on the fourth-floor balcony revealed the presence of someone clad in a white flying fish robe.


    Despite the distance, he could still make out that it was a woman, and likely quite young. Judging by her appearance, she could well live up to the adulation of ''sinking fish and falling geese''; even flattery would not be entirely without basis.


    "Is that the Chief Constable of the South City District?"


    Chen Mu only glanced briefly with the corner of his eye before swiftly turning his gaze away.


    Of the four city districts¡ªeast, south, west, north¡ªonly the South City District''s Chief Constable was a woman. However, no one dared to underestimate her for this fact alone.


    After all, Head Constables might rise to their position through connections, and Prefecture Chiefs might be mediocre, but as the Chief Constable overseeing the South City District City Guard General, one couldn''t possibly hold such a title without genuine personal strength, regardless of the power behind them.


    In his heart, he couldn''t help but think of the world''s various external skills like Blade Techniques and Swordsmanship, as well as the rumored ''Internal Techniques.''


    To his knowledge, Internal Techniques did indeed exist, but whether it was the difficulty of practice or the various requirements, they were far beyond external skills. A single Medicinal Powder could cost dozens of Silver, and practicing Internal Techniques was almost synonymous with burning money, hence their scarcity.


    But the true powerhouses were those who cultivated Internal Techniques. By relying on external skills alone, one might reach the zenith and display Blade Momentum, facing ten enemies, but that would be the limit. Whereas cultivating Internal Techniques could lead to prolonged Inner Breath and stamina, and it was said they could even face a hundred, or even a thousand opponents!


    "This Chief Constable must be a formidable practitioner of Internal Techniques; pity that I can''t get my hands on the methods to practice them,"


    Chen Mu shook his head.


    He wasn''t interested in how beautiful the Chief Constable looked; it was the Dharma Doors to Internal Training that he cared about. He wondered if the system could force experience to stack up in the practice of Internal Cultivation Methods.


    His thoughts drifted for a moment, but Chen Mu soon steadied himself. He shouldn''t aim too high just yet; he needed to perfect the Raging Wind Blade Technique first, then find a way to advance further. Once he had a certain level of strength and status, he could then attempt to seek out Dharma Doors to internal training.


    Chen Mu quickly left the City Guard General''s office.


    Meanwhile, Xu Hongyu, the Chief Constable standing on the balcony of the City Defense Tower, looked down at the City Defense Division with a hint of worry. Her gaze crossed over Chen Mu''s fading figure but did not pause; like many Prefecture Officers who hurriedly passed by every day, he didn''t attract her attention.


    ...


    Chen Mu did not stop his steps and hurried all the way home. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Because the City Guard General''s office was quite far from his home, and the day was already growing late. Once night fell, even though he was dressed as an officer, walking at night would still be unsafe. A careless encounter could drag him into trouble, landing him as an unnoticed corpse in a gutter the next day.


    Chen Mu quickened his pace and arrived home while it was still light out. Chen Hong had been waiting anxiously as if the days were like years.


    As soon as Chen Mu finally arrived, she quickly greeted him.


    "Third Aunt,"


    Chen Mu nodded to Chen Hong, saying, "The head jailer accepted the Silver, and said that he wouldn''t torment my cousin too harshly for the next month or two. But after that, we''ll need to think of something else."


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s words, Chen Hong finally breathed a sigh of relief and said, "That''s good, that''s good..."


    These past few days, she had been trying to find a way to get someone out of prison but had hit a wall at every turn, unable to find anyone to plead with. Now, taking a step back was fortunate enough, since the head jailer was approachable. At the very least, this could save Zhang Hai''s life. As for what would happen in a month or two, they would have to take it one step at a time.


    Chen Mu helped Chen Hong sit down.


    "Third Aunt, don''t worry too much about this; we''ll cross that bridge when we get there. Perhaps in a few days, there might be a turning point."


    In truth, if Zhang Hai could have delayed his misfortune, and he had become a Head Constable, he would naturally have some influence. Moreover, at his age, if he could manifest Blade Momentum and catch the eye of a figure like the Chief Constable, there might indeed be a chance to fish Zhang Hai out of prison.


    Maybe it was just his fate to face this tribulation, and for now, there wasn''t much Chen Mu could do about it¡ªhe was even reluctant to get involved, in case it disrupted the plans he had in mind.


    Chen Hong composed herself after sitting down.


    With her age, after hearing that Zhang Hai was temporarily out of danger, she quickly calmed down.


    "Yes, we can only take it one step at a time."


    Chen Hong also let out a sigh, adding, "It''s my fault for spoiling him since he was young... Xiaomu, it''s getting late. Why don''t you and Yue''er come to my place and have a simple meal?"


    Chen Mu saw a glimmer of hope in Chen Yue''s eyes, but he still shook his head and said, "No, it''s getting a bit late, and by the time we finish eating, it will be nightfall. Then we would have to spend the night at Third Aunt''s, which is too troublesome."


    Chen Hong waved her hand, saying, "It''s not bothersome, not at all. It''s good that you come to my place... umm..."


    As she spoke,


    Chen Hong suddenly paused, as if she remembered something, hesitated for a moment, and then continued, "Xiaomu, do you remember Youying? She''s the girl from little Hai''s fourth uncle''s family. She used to visit your house when she was a child."


    Chen Mu felt somewhat bewildered.


    That memory was quite distant, belonging to events before he came to this world. However, he retained all previous memories, though they were a bit vague.


    When Chen Hong brought it up, he searched his mind and managed to find the image of a young girl.

 Chapter 6: Chapter 5 Youying_2

    "Do you still have some impression, what''s the matter?"


    Chen Mu asked.


    After pondering for a moment, Chen Hong said, "Youying''s father passed away last year, and now she''s living with me. She''s also reached the age for marriage, and you haven''t settled down yet. I was thinking we could discuss a marriage proposal for you two, what do you think?"


    Chen Yue listened on the side, blinking her eyes.


    Chen Mu had intended to decline, but after giving it some thought and recalling some memories about "Zhang Youying"¡ªshe seemed to have been quite a cute little girl when they were young¡ªhe said, "I don''t want to settle down in the next two years, and I haven''t seen her for many years. I don''t even know what she looks like now."


    Chen Hong laughed and said, "She''s a grown young woman now, and no less impressive than Yue''er. Hmm... It''s good that you don''t go today. I haven''t mentioned this to Youying yet; I''ll go back and bring it up to see how it goes."


    At this point,


    seeing that it was indeed getting late, Chen Hong stood up to take her leave, and Chen Mu pulled Chen Yue along to see her to the door.


    Once Chen Hong''s figure had disappeared,


    Chen Yue tilted her little head and looked at Chen Mu, saying, "Brother, it''s about time you found yourself a wife."


    Chen Mu closed the door and reached out to touch her head.


    "No rush."


    In fact, now was not the right time for him anyway. Once he had perfected his blade technique and become a Head Constable, then even if he had desires, he could be choosy without issue. But then again, once he held that position, there would be many who would gravitate to him for his status, so taking a look now wouldn''t hurt.


    Chen Yue whispered, "Once Brother has a wife, he won''t want me anymore."


    Upon hearing this, Chen Mu couldn''t help but laugh, "How could I not want you? Yue''er is the most important."


    After coaxing the little girl back into the house, Chen Mu went into the firewood room and continued practicing his blade technique.


    ...


    The sky had grown dim.


    Chen Hong quickened her steps and soon arrived at a spacious street and alley and entered a courtyard.


    The courtyard was not large, just a "single-entry" yard. Besides the main entrance, there were three rows of houses forming a circle, each row consisting of four rooms, making a total of twelve. Although they looked somewhat old, they were still clean.


    The residents in such a courtyard were generally not people of power or prestige, only slightly more affluent than the impoverished lower class, usually inhabited by families of four or five people.


    As soon as Chen Hong entered the courtyard,


    a rather greasy-looking middle-aged man came over with a worried expression and asked:


    "How did it go?"


    He was the father of Zhang Hai, also known as "Butcher Zhang" on the streets, quite famous for his craft of slaughtering pigs and butchering meat, a profession that provided him with a comfortable life. But this issue with Zhang Hai had left him completely at a loss.


    After all, he was just a butcher, at most someone who regularly delivered meat to some "masters." Although he knew some low-class characters, dealing with the City Defense Division and matters of prison was beyond his reach. After all, no riffraff, thief, or even gang member could have the influence to extract someone from prison.


    As for those who really wield power and influence, he was not qualified enough to ask them to speak on his behalf.


    "Alas."


    Chen Hong sighed, first following Butcher Zhang into the house, then explained the situation.


    Upon hearing this, Butcher Zhang initially breathed a sigh of relief, but then he sighed again and said, "Alas, your nephew has been a constable for so many years and still doesn''t know any nobles who could say a good word for him... Back when your elder brother was still alive, I said that your nephew shouldn''t become a constable.


    In this world, without family background, without money or influence, being a constable won''t bring in any silver, nor will it lead to promotions. It''s not as good as taking a chance in the gangs, fighting tooth and nail¡ªmaybe even making a name for oneself."


    Chen Hong wiped away her tears, "Being a constable is at least a stable job. We don''t ask for much silver; living safely is enough. Besides, without Mu, the silver couldn''t even be delivered into the jailer''s hands."


    Butcher Zhang shook his head and said, "Enough, let''s not talk about this. Call Youying to have dinner."


    Before Chen Hong could leave, a young girl about sixteen or seventeen years old walked in. She looked rather valiant, with a teardrop mole under her eye, and as soon as she entered, she asked, "Auntie, you''re back. How is Brother Hai doing?"


    Chen Hong recounted Zhang Hai''s circumstances once more.


    Zhang Youying sat listening, offering reassurance, "At least for now, he''s out of trouble."


    But she kept the second half of her thought to herself¡ªgiven Cousin Zhang Hai''s heftiness, this stint in jail might actually be a blessing in disguise, allowing him to slim down. Of course, such insensitive comments were best kept unsaid.


    She also shook her head internally; she had long felt that Zhang Hai, being uneducated and loafing around daily, would inevitably get into trouble. She had once kindly warned Zhang Hai, but he didn''t take her words to heart, and she let the matter rest, never expecting trouble to arise so abruptly.


    Fortunately, it hadn''t implicated her family or herself. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Hong sat there, grieving over Zhang Hai''s situation for a while, until Zhang Youying brought the food to the table. Only then did she come back to her senses, and remembering something, she asked Zhang Youying, "Youying, you haven''t seen Mu for many years now, have you?"


    Zhang Youying pondered for a moment, recalling the image of a young boy, Chen Mu, from her childhood. She had not seen him since then, but she could vaguely imagine what he might look like grown up, probably better-looking than Zhang Hai, though not particularly bright. She had asked him a simple question about counting chickens and ducks, and it had completely stumped him.


    When Chen Hong suddenly brought up Chen Mu, Zhang Youying quickly grasped her aunt''s intention.


    So she said nothing, just watching Chen Hong, waiting for what would come next.


    Sure enough, Chen Hong continued, "Mu is really a good kid. Even though his family is poor, he''s a constable with a steady job. You are of age now, and I think..."


    "Auntie, I''m not ready to marry just yet,"


    Zhang Youying blushed slightly as she said, "Plus, I know a bit of reading, writing, and arithmetic, and I was hoping to be in charge of accounts in the future. I don''t think a constable like Brother Mu needs someone to handle the accounting, right?"


    Although she led a sheltered life, she knew a bit about the ways of the world. For the lower echelons'' constables, if they had clout in the family that could buy connections to slowly climb the ranks, or if they went to the Inner City to learn martial arts and develop real skills, they would have a chance.


    But without any backing, there was hardly any opportunity for advancement, and their salary would only allow for a modest living.


    Knowing reading, writing, and arithmetic, and possessing beauty, she figured that even if she didn''t marry into a powerful family, she could at least marry an innkeeper or a pawnshop owner. She''d rather handle some writing and accounting daily... It''s best not to get involved with relatives.


    "This..."


    Chen Hong, hearing this, was suddenly a bit embarrassed.


    Butcher Zhang shook his head and said, "Youying''s skill in reading, writing, and arithmetic is truly not bad; she''s never made a mistake in the accounts when helping me sell meat. What could she possibly do by marrying your nephew? You should stop worrying about it. I''ll look around when I have time, see if there''s a suitable family. She shouldn''t be shortchanged."


    Zhang Youying obediently hung her head, saying nothing.


    Seeing this, Chen Hong could only sigh helplessly and drop the subject for now.

 Chapter 7: Chapter 6 City Defense Division

    Dawn was breaking.


    The woodshed.


    Chen Mu wielded a knife, flipping it up and down, stirring up a whistling wind.


    He didn''t know how long he had been practicing, until the system panel flashed a notification that read ''Experience +1.'' Only then did he stop, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and revealed a faint smile.


    A month had passed since the incident with Zhang Hai, during which Butcher Zhang and Chen Hong had been continuously trying to find a way to get Zhang Hai out of prison. But there was still no news, and the man remained locked up, although for the time being, he was safe.


    As for the matter of the sister ''Youying'' that Chen Hong mentioned, it was never brought up again. Chen Mu didn''t ask either, figuring either Butcher Zhang had blocked the idea, or the girl simply didn''t think highly of him. He didn''t feel upset about it; after all, he really was just a lowly servant, and it was normal for her to look down on him.


    Although he was now on the right path, he hadn''t made a name for himself yet and certainly wasn''t arrogant enough to expect the respect of the high and mighty.


    Everyone has their aspirations and he did not insist.


    Anyway, after nearly a month of practicing the blade, his experience points had accumulated bit by bit to finally reach a total of one thousand.


    Elevating the Raging Wind Blade Technique to the Novice level had consumed one hundred experience points, and from Novice to Minor Achievement took three hundred. As for the leap from Minor Achievement to Major Achievement, it required a full thousand points, which had cost him almost two months of hard cultivation.


    "In fact, I''m now on the right track with my knife practice. Even without anyone to guide me, I know how to practice, and with time to hone my skills, even without the system, I could slowly achieve Major Achievement. However..."


    Chen Mu shook his head.


    He could actually save some experience points and try to use them later, but he chose not to do that.


    On the one hand, just by practicing the blade technique every day, it would take him years to reach Major Achievement on his own, which was too long a timespan. On the other hand, he desperately needed strength now.


    The Raging Wind Blade Technique at Minor Achievement didn''t give him much confidence in this chaotic world. But once it reached Major Achievement, he would at least be able to handle the assault of five or six armed robbers, and even during the most dangerous night patrols, he would feel more confident.


    After all, many head constables, including some of the gang enforcers, and even the protectors hired by wealthy families, usually only reached Major Achievement in their respective skills. Those who had developed ''Momentum'' were considered quite skilled and held considerable status.


    Taking a deep breath.


    Chen Mu concentrated, spending all one thousand accumulated experience points.


    Hum!


    In an instant, his entire mind went blank.


    Moving from Novice to Minor Achievement in the Raging Wind Blade Technique, he had at least been instilled with memories of practicing hard throughout the seasons. But this time, from Minor Achievement to Major Achievement, the experience was equivalent to several years of training through all the seasons.


    It felt as if he were truly there, practicing day after day, month after month, through the spring winds, under the summer sun, atop the autumn frost, amid the winter snow... years passed in the cycle of seasons in the blink of an eye.


    When Chen Mu''s consciousness fully returned, his entire back was soaked in sweat, and he had no idea how long he had been standing there in a daze.


    But when he gripped the servant''s knife in his hand once more, a sense of innate control emerged naturally.


    The Blade Technique at its entrance level was merely about learning the correct direction and details of utilizing strength, mastering the basic moves.


    With the Blade Technique at Minor Achievement, not only the moves but the subsequent variations were mastered. One could adapt to real combat and fluidly execute various moves, marking the first meaningful step in a practitioner''s journey.


    And with the Blade Technique at Major Achievement...


    It meant complete mastery of the Raging Wind Blade Technique. It was no longer about sticking to moves and variations, but rather, having the capacity to improvise, flexible and versatile during combat.


    Whether in one-on-one fights, against multiple opponents, or against different types of enemies such as melee or sword fighters, all could be skillfully handled ¨C the mark of a truly competent practitioner.


    Once put into action, common thugs wielding weapons would be swiftly defeated, and even five or six robbers would struggle to get close.


    "At last, I have some real strength."


    Chen Mu, feeling the power he now possessed, couldn''t help but smile.


    Strength is the foundation for surviving in troubled times. With this ability, he could handle many more situations. Even if he were to lose his servant status, he wouldn''t fear those ruffians or gangsters causing trouble.


    This level of skill also fully qualified him to work as an enforcer for some power or act as a protector to earn some Silver Coin.


    Of course.


    Chen Mu wouldn''t become complacent over this small achievement. Major Achievement in blade technique provided just enough self-defense and means to live on his own merit, but it wasn''t enough to drastically change his status.


    Only by mastering the Raging Wind Blade Technique to Perfection, and cultivating the ''Momentum'' that only one in a hundred martial artists could comprehend, would he truly stand on solid ground. Whether he aspired to become a head constable or leave the City Defense Division to make his own way, he would have the capability to do so.


    "Huff."


    Chen Mu steadied his breaths for a moment before reaching under the stove to grab a piece of jerky, chewing it and washing it down with water.


    He had really splurged over the past three months.


    All the little Silver Coin he had barely managed to save over the past two years was spent on meat. After all, practicing the Blade Technique was exhausting, and he needed not only to gain Experience Points but also to strengthen his physique, which required more nutrients.


    The effects were rather significant.


    At least, under Chen Mu''s clothes, after more than three months of arduous practice supplemented by occasional meat intake, his physique had expanded a circle. While not transformed into a figure of protruding muscles, he at least looked less frail than before.


    But the Silver Coin he had painstakingly accumulated was nearly depleted, and Chen Mu was mulling over finding time to pawn his ''Raging Wind Blade Technique'' manual since he had memorized all its content and it no longer held any value for him.


    Even more so.


    He pondered if he got a chance, he would buy a few more martial arts manuals from the pawnshop and see if the system could decipher them for him... Sadly, such items weren''t expensive, but you''d still need at least ten Silver for a purchase, a sum he currently could not afford.


    Selling, on the other hand, would only fetch two or three Silver at most. One could only say that pawnshops had hearts as black as coal.


    "Alright, it''s getting late, better head to the City Defense Division," he thought.


    Chen Mu decided to put away the manual for the Raging Wind Blade Technique and cut off a piece of the leftover jerky. He stashed the rest well, lifted the pot lid, prepared the porridge, and went into the inner room to wake Chen Yue for breakfast.


    While he ate meat, he couldn''t let his sister go hungry, but he couldn''t provide too much either. The time hadn''t come yet, so the siblings had to be frugal, waiting for the day when they no longer had to worry about such matters.


    Chen Yue woke up groggily, stretching lazily before reaching out her small arms for Chen Mu to hug her, but as she grew older and began to develop, despite their poor nutrition, Chen Mu had ceased such intimate gestures.


    But Chen Yue clung to him, leaving him no choice but to oblige with a hug, urging her to eat well.


    Afterward.


    He changed into his servant''s uniform, strapped on his Servant''s Knife, and walked out the door. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Yue secured the door from behind, watched through the crack until Chen Mu''s figure disappeared, then reluctantly slipped back into the house.


    ...


    The Yu City where Chen Mu lived was quite large, divided into the Inner and Outer City, with the Outer City further partitioned into eastern, southern, western, and northern sections, each of which was divided into ten districts, with each district being about the size of a rural township outside the walls.


    Inside the city, they were referred to as ''districts'', while outside, they were known as townships.


    Therefore, in addition to the four main City Guard Generals, each district had a City Defense Division, managed by a Prefecture Chief, with several Head Constables and dozens of city guards under their command.


    Chen Mu lived in ''Ninth District,'' which belonged to the Ninth District City Defense Division.


    In these times of corrupt bureaucracies and rampant disorder, the City Defense Division was almost like a private army for some Inner City powers, often neglecting public safety unless ordered otherwise.


    The Ninth District City Defense Division was situated on the north side of a spacious square.


    The square served as Ninth District''s marketplace during the day, often bustling with life. Years ago, it occasionally held public beheadings of notorious criminals, but such events had grown rarer over the years.


    Heading north from the marketplace led to a row of tall, blue stone walls with visible cracks showing signs of disrepair. Compared to the City Guard General''s establishments, it was distinctly more modest, yet still somewhat imposing compared to a common household''s residence.


    The Ninth District City Defense Division, enclosed by blue stone walls, had no tall buildings, just some relatively tidy houses.


    Chen Mu entered the City Defense Division, exchanged his Duty Badge to sign in for the day, and then went to the yard behind the houses in search of his squad mates like Liu Song and Li Tie.


    But as he turned into the yard behind the houses, he noticed that today seemed different. Where in the past, the multitude of city guards quietly drank their bitter tea, quite a few were now gathered around a younger city guard, creating a lively buzz.


    Chen Mu arched an eyebrow slightly.


    The young city guard at the center of attention was Ren Yan, someone he knew but rarely interacted with as they were not from the same squad. Ren Yan was two years his junior, making him the youngest officer here.


    "Chen Er, you''re here! Come on, have some tea and take a break," Liu Song and Li Tie invited with a smile upon seeing Chen Mu approaching.


    Chen Mu went over, took a seat beside them, and noticed that the guards flocking around Ren Yan were some of the younger ones. The older guards, around forty years old like Liu Song and Li Tie, were not joining in the crowd.


    Taking a sip of the bitter tea, Chen Mu observed the scene and asked, "What''s this about?"


    With a chuckle, Liu Song answered, "Ren Yan has come into some good fortune. His father recently made the acquaintance of a patron and managed to pull some strings. Just the other day, Ren Yan was sent to train in the Blade Technique at an Inner City martial arts school, the ''Mount Kai Martial Arts Gym''. Now everyone young around here wants to cozy up to him, hoping he might share some tips."

 Chapter 8: Chapter 7 Patrol

    "So that''s how it is."


    Chen Mu revealed a look of sudden realization.


    In those days, any opportunity for advancement naturally led to fierce competition, with people practically breaking their heads over it. For older constables like Liu Song and Li Tie, who had grown in age, there might be less interest. With declining energy and strength, they didn''t feel capable of making much progress in martial arts.


    However, younger ones naturally harbored dreams of soaring to the heavens and rising rapidly through the ranks.


    However, Chen Mu wasn''t very interested in this. On one hand, with the system, even the most skilled martial master couldn''t compare. On the other hand, Ren Yan had only just begun learning himself, and what skill did he have to guide others? Even if he really had some skills, it''s another matter whether he could teach others. Teaching others and practicing oneself were two different things after all.


    Thinking that by fawning over Ren Yan, and seeking a few tips from him, one could master martial arts was nothing less than a pipe dream.


    But in this world, as long as there was even a glimmer of hope, people would flock to it eagerly.


    "Chen Er, with your age, if you could have a chance to practice the blade, maybe you could make something of it. We older folks don''t have such aspirations anymore. Won''t you go have a look?"


    Li Tie said to Chen Mu with a smile.


    Chen Mu shook his head and said, "Martial arts aren''t that easy to learn. If not practiced well, it''s no different than any common brawler."


    Before, he didn''t understand the true techniques of martial arts, but now that he had achieved Major Achievement in Blade Technique, he understood quite a bit. At least at the ''entrance'' level, the difference between them and those who randomly chopped and hacked was not that big.


    Even if it was a bit stronger than the brawlers, in a real fight, with the blade blind to loyalty, a graze could cause injury, and life and death were still unpredictable.


    At least, one had to achieve Minor Achievement to be considered somewhat proficient.


    And achieving Minor Achievement generally required a year or two of effort. If one''s talent were lesser, it could take many years. Although he wasn''t sure about Ren Yan''s talent, reaching that step was still a rather distant matter for the time being.


    "Heh, indeed, martial arts aren''t that easy to practice."


    Liu Song also said with a chuckle. He was older and knew some people who had learned martial arts in the Inner City dojos. After one or two years of practice, they indeed developed some skill, but there were many among them who were slain by wild blades, the difference was not that great.


    The conversation among the group was in low voices, inconspicuous in the noisy corner of the yard. However, Ren Yan, who was surrounded and flattered by everyone in the middle, had noticed Chen Mu as soon as he entered the yard.


    Although distant, and unable to hear clearly what Chen Mu and Liu Song were specifically saying, the scattered words and lip shapes gave him enough to discern, and he felt somewhat displeased inside.


    Chen Mu was the youngest in the Ninth District City Defense Division, besides him. Ren Yan had invited Chen Mu several times to drink together and each time, Chen Mu declined, never giving him face. This made him very upset, feeling that Chen Mu was belittling his youth.


    Now,


    fortune had smiled upon his house, presenting him with the opportunity to learn Blade Technique at the dojo, and after the news spread, all the constables in the yard sought to get close to him, flattering him. Even the older constables showed more smiles towards him, all except for Chen Mu. Upon entering the yard, he didn''t come over and there was no respect in his gaze.


    Ren Yan felt a wave of displeasure at that moment, but he kept a smile and took a few steps towards Chen Mu, saying, "Brother Chen thinks that without good practice, there''s no difference from a common brawler. I just started learning not many days ago, how about Brother Chen gives me some pointers?"


    Chen Mu naturally had no interest in competing with Ren Yan. Besides, Ren Yan was younger than him. To Chen Mu, who had lived two lifetimes, he was akin to a child, so he shook his head and said, "It was just some layman''s jokes. For Brother Ren Yan to have such an opportunity, mastering a blade technique in the future will surely lead to a meteoric rise."


    That sounded like a reasonable person. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ren Yan''s expression improved somewhat, and he nodded at Chen Mu before turning back to chat and laugh with the other constables.


    In the future, he was to learn the Blade Technique and rise rapidly, aiming to become a Head Constable or even a Prefecture Chief. Indeed, it wasn''t necessary for him to take a common constable like Chen Mu seriously. It was said that Chen Mu''s family was very poor, and they wouldn''t be on the same level in the future.


    The constables in the yard didn''t dwell much on the brief exchange between Chen Mu and Ren Yan, each only offering a smile. Only some younger constables glanced at Chen Mu, thinking he didn''t understand the opportunity at hand, not taking the chance to get in Ren Yan''s good graces now. When Ren Yan later rose to power and became a true Head Constable, where would he have the time for them?


    But no one would remind Chen Mu of anything; after all, everyone had their own ambitions. If one preferred to spend a lifetime as an ordinary constable amongst the older folks, living each day at the bottom, there wasn''t much to say.


    Even Liu Song and Li Tie didn''t say anything.


    Both were slightly surprised since they knew Chen Mu well and were aware that he usually acted with caution, seemingly harboring some ambitions. Yet today his attitude was so indifferent. Perhaps he had encountered something that made him see the light, willing to live a mundane life from now on?


    That was probably for the best.


    If he had no great ambition, then he wouldn''t engage in risky endeavors. Even if these lowly constables were living in poverty, they could still go about their days in peace, not lacking food, with a job they could do until old age.


    "Alright, time to go on patrol, otherwise we''ll catch an earful from Leader Qin if he sees us," Liu Song said after finishing his bitter tea and stood up to signal Chen Mu and Li Tie.


    "Alright."


    Chen Mu had drunk half his tea when he too stood up, joined by Li Tie and Liu Song as they left the courtyard to patrol.


    With the three of them leading, the other constables in the yard quickly dispersed in small groups, though many shook their heads secretly as they watched Chen Mu''s retreating figure.


    ...


    The Ninth District was by no means small, particularly the bustling stretch of street, brimming with restaurants and teeming with noise.


    The patrol led by Chen Mu, Liu Song, and Li Tie was mostly limited to the major thoroughfares, aimed merely at deterring local ruffians from causing trouble in broad daylight on the busy restaurant streets.


    After all, aside from paying the local gangs, many restaurant streets also paid protection money to the City Defense Division. They weren''t seeking protection so much as maintaining face.


    Of course.


    None of that money ended up in the hands of low-level constables like Chen Mu.


    Most of it went to the Prefecture Chief, with the Head Constables taking their share of the remainder.


    After a casual patrol, Liu Song, caught by a sudden whim, pulled Li Tie and Chen Mu into a restaurant for a drink. However, Chen Mu declined and they eventually settled for tea.


    In the current times, it wasn''t unusual for constables to openly have a couple of drinks in a tavern. Being caught by a Head Constable might at worst result in a scolding, and nothing more. But Chen Mu was always cautious, choosing to abstain rather than make a mistake that might give others leverage against him, especially if made an example of over a trivial matter.


    Convinced by Chen Mu, Li Tie agreed, and Liu Song didn''t press the matter. They arrived at a tavern and, with a bowing and scraping waiter attending them, sat down by the window. They ordered a pot of tea and some peanuts and fennel beans.


    While chatting leisurely,


    They heard a commotion outside.


    Chen Mu looked out the window and saw a group of people fighting not far away, causing passersby to scatter.


    One group was clearly outmatched and retreated in disarray, while some nearby vendors who had not packed up in time also suffered in the chaos, not knowing who was being attacked or robbed¡ª it was a mess.


    Despite this scene, neither Chen Mu, Liu Song, nor Li Tie¡ªone constable after another¡ªmoved from their spot in the tavern, merely observing from a distance while sipping their tea.


    Such incidents were all too common.


    Usually, if the fighting didn''t involve the roadside restaurants and markets, they would not intervene unless someone was killed in broad daylight, prompting the City Defense Division to step in.


    Besides, both Chen Mu and Liu Song could tell at a glance that the brawlers belonged to gangs, and such disputes were even less likely to draw the attention of the City Defense Division''s constables.


    "Looks like the Black Snake Gang is in trouble,"


    Liu Song squinted at the distant skirmish, identifying the retreating group.


    "Oh? How come?"


    Li Tie, popping a fennel bean into his mouth, looked over curiously and asked, "Wasn''t it said that the Black Snake Gang had over a hundred people and a slew of formidable fighters? They''ve been thriving for nearly a year now."


    Chen Mu also turned to Liu Song, waiting for more information.


    He was familiar with the Black Snake Gang, a formidable gang in the Ninth District. Even the street where he lived, as well as several nearby alleys, were under their control, and they collected ''protection money'' each month.


    Of course, as a legitimate constable, the Black Snake Gang did not extort him, and their members nodded in recognition when they saw him.


    "Heh, you guys don''t know? The Black Snake Gang recently suffered a disaster. The Gang Leader was seriously injured along with several chiefs either killed or wounded. Now, it likely won''t last much longer,"


    "Those chasing after them, I believe they''re called the Red Gold Gang¡ªit wasn''t known much a few months ago, but now, it''s said to have taken a lot of territory from the Black Snake Gang. I reckon it won''t be long before it completely replaces them,"


    Liu Song chuckled and took a sip of his tea.


    Li Tie, listening to Liu Song, was visibly moved and said, "So the Black Snake Gang is finished? Their Gang Leader was quite an extraordinary figure, known for his lethal and fierce spear technique, comparable to a venomous snake. He''s a practitioner of Spear Momentum and once killed dozens single-handedly. Even in our City Defense Division, probably only the Prefecture Chief could surpass him."


    Not just Li Tie, even Chen Mu remembered the Black Snake Gang Leader, who had once come to the City Defense Division to claim someone. At that time, the Head Constables were unable to restrain him, and it took the Prefecture Chief''s personal intervention to resolve the issue.

 Chapter 9: Chapter 8 Murder

    Liu Song shook his head and said, "Who knows what really happened. Maybe it was a sneak attack or something else... Regardless, from now on, we''ll likely have to deal with the Red Gold Gang."


    Upon hearing this, Chen Mu couldn''t help but ponder for a moment.


    To be honest, he was not interested in gang rivalry, but if the Red Gold Gang were to take over the Black Snake Gang, then the area where he lived would fall under the new gang''s control, which was indeed something he couldn''t just ignore.


    The Black Snake Gang had always been reasonable with him, a mere servant. They never looked for trouble on his doorstep nor demanded protection money from him. But if it were to change to the Red Gold Gang, it was uncertain what their attitude would be.


    However, now that he possessed some strength of his own, coupled with his status as a servant of the law, he was not overly afraid, merely unwilling to get involved in trouble.


    "The ways of the world change; that''s just how it is," Chen Mu said, shaking his head.


    If he were not a city guard and had no personal strength, such a change in gang leadership would directly impact his livelihood.


    "Brother Liu, do you know any details about the Red Gold Gang?"


    Li Tie lowered his voice, cautiously looked around, and then asked quietly.


    Liu Song shook his head. "I don''t know much either, just that the Red Gold Gang doesn''t have many members, but the gang is filled with skilled fighters. It is said that they have two or three Deputy Gang Leaders alone who have reached ''Major Achievement'' in their martial arts. It''s not suitable to inquire any further."


    Li Tie also knew when to stop. Getting too well informed could spell trouble. It was enough to know just a little. At least, from what he could tell, the Red Gold Gang''s open strength was no less impressive than that of their City Defense Division.


    Of course,


    above the City Defense Division was the Chief Officer, while the Red Gold Gang was merely one gang in Ninth District. Even if its strength surpassed the City Defense Division, at most it would just maintain a non-interference policy with the City Defense Division, each giving the other face.


    After some more casual conversation and finishing their fennel beans, the men left the tavern, patrolled another round, and finally returned to the City Defense Division to submit their tokens for shift change.


    At this time,


    the City Defense Division was also seeing several servants returning to change shifts.


    But just as Chen Mu and Liu Song had exchanged greetings and were about to leave, they saw a man wearing a blue uniform approach. This uniform was conspicuously more refined than the ''grey'' ones of the ordinary servants¡ªit was made of higher quality fabric, and the embroidered patterns were distinct.


    This was the attire worn by a Head Constable of the City Defense Division, and in the Ninth District''s City Defense Division, there were currently only five Head Constables.


    The man arriving was named Qin Bei.


    He was the direct supervisor of Chen Mu''s watch, in charge of the men in his team.


    "Lord Qin,"


    As Qin Bei made his way over, all the servants present respectfully saluted him.


    Qin Bei had a stern gaze as he walked with a step that was measured and stable. Afterward, he turned to face the gathering of servants and said, "I have something to say, and for those not here, pass on the message to each other."


    As soon as he spoke, everyone fell silent, waiting for him to continue.


    "Firstly, concerning the dispute between the Red Gold Gang and the Black Snake Gang, everyone is to remain uninvolved and not to interfere, regardless of whether or not it results in casualties¡ªit''s none of your concern. Secondly, if any abnormal activities by the Red Gold Gang are noticed, you may report to me or the Prefecture Chief."


    Qin Bei''s tone was grave as he spoke.


    Upon hearing this, the numerous servants present showed different reactions; some looked surprised, while others remained indifferent, as if they had expected this news. For example, Chen Mu and Liu Song had already known some details in advance and were not surprised.


    However, with Qin Bei announcing this, it signified that the Red Gold Gang was indeed starting to take over the Black Snake Gang''s position.


    The first point, about not interfering, was as good as giving tacit approval to the gang takeover.


    The second point was a stance towards the new gang taking control, not genuinely expecting them to perform surveillance but rather to convey a message through them, indicating to the Red Gold Gang that although the City Defense Division would turn a blind eye, they shouldn''t act too recklessly, or else the City Defense Division would still intervene.


    "Yes,"


    Everyone, including Liu Song, responded in unison.


    Seeing all the servants respond respectfully, Qin Bei nodded and then relaxed his stern expression. He turned to look at Ren Yan, who had just returned, and called out with a smile: "Ren Yan? Come here; I have something to talk to you about."


    Feeling flattered, Ren Yan quickly approached and followed Qin Bei into the duty room, but as his gaze swept over the other servants outside, he couldn''t completely hide a trace of smugness.


    Although they were all servants, it was clear that Head Constable Qin Bei''s attitude toward him was quite different from his attitude towards the others.


    The envy was palpable amongst the other servants when they saw this, but all they could do was watch with longing as none had the connections Ren Yan had¡ªsomeone from his family knew a person of status from the Inner City, granting him the opportunity to study martial arts in the Inner City''s academies.


    Even with average talent and understanding, after a few years of learning, he would undoubtedly become a formidable fighter, and his status would enormously differ. Perhaps he would be the new Head Constable one day, so it was only natural for Qin Bei to treat him differently.


    Some of the young servants who had previously been close to Ren Yan harbored hopes that once he had mastered his martial arts and soared in rank, he would look after them and give them a chance to change their own fates.


    ...


    Having left the City Defense Division,


    Chen Mu was still contemplating the matter of the Red Gold Gang.


    ```


    Seeing Qin Bei''s attitude, it seemed likely that the Head Constables above had already had dealings with the Red Gold Gang. Anyway, regardless of what changes might come, for now, as a mere low-ranking servant, he thought it best to each go their own way without getting involved or making connections.


    At this time, the sky was gradually darkening, and Chen Mu quickened his pace towards home.


    But when he reached an alley he frequently used, Chen Mu suddenly wrinkled his nose, detecting a faint smell of blood.


    Considering the day''s strife between the Red Gold Gang and the Black Snake Gang, he guessed it could be the aftermath of a brawl between them. He didn''t delve into it too much, instead hastening his step, wanting to quickly pass through.


    However, just as Chen Mu was about to cross the alley, a glint of cold light flashed in the corner of his eye.


    Almost instinctively,


    Chen Mu drew his Servant''s Knife in an instant, executing a Furious Wind Slanted Slash toward the right, sweeping across.


    His skills, which he had enhanced through experience, were not unfounded or superficial; they were the result of genuine rigorous training. Even the techniques that had appeared out of thin air included many experiences of fighting against others, making his Vision Power and hearing far sharper than before, and especially sensitive to weapons like swords and knives.


    "Ah!"


    The attacker from the right wielded a bloody cleaver, seemingly skilled in blade techniques as well, but he hadn''t expected Chen Mu to be so fierce and decisive, nor had he anticipated the proficiency and depth of Chen Mu''s Blade Technique.


    It was just a glimmer of cold light, a brief clash of blades, and the opponent had received a slash across his chest and abdomen.


    Now Chen Mu could see the face of his adversary ¨C a stout man in a coarse long shirt. He actually recognized the man, who seemed to be an Incense Master of the Black Snake Gang. But the man''s condition was dire, with multiple wounds on his shoulder and arm, and even his left eye was bleeding, apparently blinded.


    "Mis... misunderstanding..."


    The Black Snake Gang''s Incense Master struggled to bear the pain, speaking with difficulty.


    In his sole remaining eye, a trace of terror was evident; he never expected a minor ''grey-clothed servant'' to demonstrate such blade skills. He felt that even at his peak, uninjured, he might still not be able to best Chen Mu.


    Originally, he had been pursued and heavily wounded by the Red Gold Gang, blinded and on the brink of death. Now, driven by desperation, he had intended to drag someone down with him in his final moments, not caring who it was.


    It had seemed even better that it was a servant ¨C perhaps he could frame the Red Gold Gang and drag the City Defense Division into the mess, creating trouble for the Red Gold Gang. But instead, he had struck iron.


    "Misunderstanding?"


    Chen Mu''s gaze was icy cold.


    If not for his highly accomplished blade technique and quick reflexes, he might have been decapitated, or even severed in two, had he made the slightest mistake. His attacker was clearly intent on taking his life.


    This was the closest to death he had come since arriving in this world. Had it not been for the awakening of his system, he would already be a corpse. Regardless of his usual calm and collected demeanor, he now felt a chill and squinted as he eyed the man intently.


    "Cough... I thought you were... from the Red Gold Gang..."


    The Black Snake Gang''s Incense Master coughed up blood as he attempted to explain with some difficulty, but in the middle of his words, suddenly and viciously, he swung his cleaver in another attack towards Chen Mu.


    Already severely injured, and having just suffered another blow from Chen Mu''s counterattack, he nearly had no chance of survival. In moments, even if not found by the Red Gold Gang, he would die from blood loss. Upon seeing how young Chen Mu was and yet how his blade technique could compare with his own years of hard training, he was filled with jealousy and malice.


    Seizing the element of surprise, he aimed to strike Chen Mu down as well.


    "Hmph."


    However, Chen Mu snorted coldly, already on guard, easily sidestepping the treacherous attack. He immediately counterattacked with a slanted slash from his knife, employing the second position of the Furious Wind Technique, ''Reverse Strike.''


    The Incense Master of the Black Snake Gang, grievously injured and at the end of his strength, could not dodge after exerting his last bit of energy. A bloody line instantly appeared across his neck.


    "Heh..."


    The Black Snake Gang''s Incense Master stared resentfully at Chen Mu, a hint of spite lingering in his eyes, but then he collapsed, twitched his legs in convulsions, and soon lay still.


    Looking at the body lying before him, Chen Mu''s hand clutching the Servant''s Knife trembled slightly.


    Although he had encountered hundreds of corpses over several years in this world, some exceedingly brutal, and had grown accustomed to the sight, this was the first person he had personally killed, and previously they had no grievances.


    But Chen Mu quickly got over it.


    That''s just the way of this world; people kill to rob even when there is no enmity, or seek to destroy you on a mere whim. Without strength, his corpse would now be lying there instead. If they sought to kill him but they died by his knife, there was no need for rationale or justification.


    After swiftly calming his emotions, Chen Mu became even more composed than usual. After all, dealing with corpses was routine for him; no longer discomposed, he bent down and quickly began looting the body.


    Sure enough.


    Chen Mu found five Silver ingots and two Gold leaves in the man''s bosom, with the Silver amounting to approximately fifty taels and the Gold leaves likely worth twenty to thirty taels. Altogether, it totaled around seventy or eighty taels¡ªa fortune he had never handled before.


    "As expected of an ''Incense Master''s'' body, it''s my first time encountering such a windfall in these years."


    After all, the man was an Incense Master of the Black Snake Gang, a position with some standing. After years of accumulation, it seemed all his money was hidden on his person as he planned to flee. However, he ended up being pursued by the Red Gold Gang, and now his belongings had fallen into Chen Mu''s hands.


    Having finished searching the body, Chen Mu looked around to ensure no one was watching and quickly disappeared into the alleyways.


    ``` sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 10: Chapter 9 Peace and Stability

    About a moment later.


    Several shadows appeared at the entrance of the alley, looking at the Black Snake Gang Branch Leader lying in a pool of blood, they fell into a silent, ponderous hush.


    Someone crouched down to examine the wound and whispered, "Traceless as the wind... this seems to be the Blade Technique of the Xun Wind lineage from the Qian Heaven Kun Earth eight styles. Judging by the force and accuracy, at least a Major Achievement level practitioner is behind this, and we don''t have such a person in our gang."


    Rising to his feet, he addressed another person, "Branch Leader Qu, shall we investigate this?"


    The man referred to as the ''Branch Leader'' contemplated the corpse before him for a moment, then shook his head and said, "A Blade Technique of Major Achievement... Let it be, it''s better not to meddle in more affairs. After all, the man''s already dead, and we can report this and be done with it."


    In these chaotic times, if the assailant had been some minor figure who had gotten lucky, it might indeed require some looking into, but if they had encountered someone of Major Achievement in Blade Technique, then there was no need for further entanglement.


    After all, someone who achieved Major Achievement in Blade Technique could either be a Branch Leader of a gang, a Protector martial master of some power, or even a Head Constable of the City Defense Division; without any cause for enmity, they saw no reason to provoke such an individual.


    It was just that they didn''t know who this person was.


    ¡­


    Chen Mu quickly returned home and shut the door behind him.


    Chen Yue looked at Chen Mu, who had rushed into the house without saying a word. She sniffed lightly, catching a faint scent of blood, and with a thoughtful expression in her large eyes, she quietly followed him inside and asked quietly,


    "What''s wrong, Brother?"


    "I ran into a bit of trouble, but it''s fine now."


    Once Chen Mu secured the door and listened intently for a while, his mind finally calmed down.


    Feeling the Silver and gold leaves, nearly seventy or eighty taels worth, hidden in his pocket¡ª-a fortune that a common family couldn''t earn in a lifetime. In these troubled times, many were driven to sell themselves into servitude out of sheer desperation. Often, the life of a girl of eight or nine could be worth less than ten taels of Silver, and the price for males was even cheaper.


    With fifty taels of Silver, one could afford to buy a small courtyard in the more tranquil area of Ninth District, close to the City Defense Division. Normally, only the likes of tavern and pawnshop owners, small gang leaders, or Head Constables could afford to live there.


    To say that suddenly coming into such an amount of money didn''t stir his heart would be impossible. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Chen Mu was different from his past self now. His Mastery of the Blade Technique and strength provided him confidence and composure, allowing him to hold onto such a sum without being overwhelmed by the urge to splurge, instead analyzing his situation calmly first.


    "He tried to kill me, and I killed him in self-defense. It''s only natural. Even if they track it back to me, it doesn''t matter. Besides, others may not even know he was carrying such a large sum of money... And even if they do find out and come for me, it''s not an issue. With my current abilities, I can handle trouble over seventy or eighty taels of Silver."


    If he were just a common low-level officer who had stumbled upon this fortune, keeping it would be incredibly risky. If discovered, not only would he be forced to surrender the money, but he could also face plenty of other troubles, perhaps even consider giving most of it to a higher-ranking Constable for protection.


    But now, it was different.


    He possessed Mastery of the Blade Technique, enough to be a Branch Leader in a gang, or qualified to be a Patrol Head Candidate in the City Defense Division. A mere seventy or eighty taels of Silver were well within his ability to manage.


    And importantly, it was the other party who attempted to kill him first, and he killed in self-defense. Morally, logically, and in terms of brute force, his actions were justifiable.


    With that in mind, Chen Mu felt even more at peace.


    "This money is enough for me to move Yue''er to a better house. Our lives will improve significantly in the future. However, it''s best not to attract too much attention for now. I need to keep a low profile and see how things unfold. I made sure there was no one around when I killed him, and nobody knows of my true strength.


    They only think of me as an ordinary constable, so it''s unlikely they will suspect me. It''s better to avoid unnecessary trouble."


    He had lived in this old house since arriving in this world. Its condition had deteriorated over the years, lacking windows and occasionally leaking rain. He had always dreamed of moving Chen Yue to a better place should he ever come into fortune, and now the opportunity had finally arrived.


    But to avoid trouble, it would be better to wait a while longer.


    As for their daily sustenance, which would not be noticed if improved at home¡ª-they could afford to live more comfortably. Now, he could ensure the little girl ate meals with rice, flour, and meat regularly while he himself could eat better to strengthen his physique and health.


    While Chen Mu was contemplating all this, Chen Yue walked around him, and finally, beside the hem of his garment, she discovered some blood that had not yet dried.


    Her gaze paused slightly, but she said nothing. Instead, she turned back and playfully sniffed at Chen Mu with feigned innocence, saying, "Brother, there''s a smell on you. Take off your robe; I''ll wash it for you."


    "Okay."


    Caught up in his thoughts, Chen Mu didn''t notice Chen Yue''s actions and casually took off his servant''s robe, handing it to her.


    Chen Yue then ran off to the woodshed with the robe.


    As Chen Mu was thinking back on the dangerous encounter in the alley, he touched the blade of his Servant''s Knife and murmured, "I indeed possess some strength now. That Branch Leader of the Black Snake Gang was considered skillful, and yet he didn''t last many rounds against me.


    Granted, he was severely wounded and his Blade Technique was scattered and weak, but it was also due to the power and refinement of my Raging Wind Blade Technique. The ''Major Achievement'' forcibly boosted by the system is, in a sense, perhaps purer than the Major Achievement recognized by the outside world."


    Chen Mu had always considered whether the system''s evaluation of Blade Technique at Major Achievement corresponded with the broader assessment made by the outside world. Now, it seemed that the system''s standards were likely higher than those of the outside.


    That is to say, his mastery of the Blade Technique was more solid than the average person.


    Upon this thought, Chen Mu became even more eager to see what it would be like once he achieved Perfection with his blade technique and unleashed a strand of the Raging Wind Blade Momentum. He wondered how much his blade technique would improve and into what kind of formidable expert he would transform.


    Perhaps in the whole of Yu City, he might not amount to much, but in the Ninth District of the Outer City, there would probably be few who could best him.


    Practice the blade!


    Chen Mu exhaled, drew his Servant''s Knife, and glanced at it, noticing some bloodstains. He promptly cleaned off the blood, then began his daily cultivation at dusk.


    ...


    The night passed without incident.


    Chen Yue, as usual, washed clothes for Chen Mu, cooked meals, and at bedtime, as always, clung to Chen Mu asking for stories. She fell asleep amidst the tall tales of bizarre and supernatural stories he conjured up.


    During the night, Chen Mu did not sleep soundly, faintly hearing some noises outside, but it was only the passing footsteps of people. No one paid any attention to the small house he lived in, nor did they care about a City Defense Division constable residing inside.


    By daybreak,


    Chen Mu also breathed a sigh of relief, basically certain that nothing was amiss, and then went about his day as usual, exchanging his duty plaque at the City Defense Division.


    As it happened, when he was at the City Defense Division to exchange his plaque and patrolling with Liu Song, Li Tie, and the others, they passed the alley from last night and saw a corpse lying there, almost untouched. It seemed like the Red Gold Gang hadn''t done much.


    "Eh, this guy seems to be an incense master of the Black Snake Gang."


    Liu Song looked at the body with a slight surprise, then approached and searched the body, but found nothing. He spat out in discontent, "Tsk, it''s been cleaned out completely, not a single coin left."


    Had it been in the past, he would not have dared to casually spit on an incense master of the Black Snake Gang, even if it were just a corpse, but nowadays, the Black Snake Gang was on its last legs, with almost all its incense masters and gang leaders nearly wiped out, and its former glory long gone.


    Chen Mu remained silent and, together with Liu Song and the others, picked up the body and took it outside the city to be discarded at Mass Burial Mound.


    "Looks like the Black Snake Gang won''t survive this."


    On the way back, Liu Song sighed, "That''s how it is with gangs, always fighting and killing, never knowing when one''s head might be lost. Sure, you can make some Silver, but you never know when your time''s up. It''s nothing compared to our peace as patrolmen, though we may not have many chances to make money or get ahead, at least our lives are more peaceful."


    Li Tie said, "I have a distant cousin who also joined a gang. For the first few years, he fought bravely and earned a good deal of Silver, but then one day he just never came back, neither alive nor dead. In my opinion, it''s better to have a steady job as a patrolman than to live on the edge, right Chen Er?"


    He looked at Chen Mu with a smiling face.


    Liu Song laughed and patted Chen Mu on the shoulder, saying, "You''re not married yet, are you? When we get a chance, I''ll look into a match for you, so you can settle down and live a steady life."


    "No hurry, no hurry,"


    Chen Mu chuckled.


    Liu Song winked at Chen Mu, "What''s the rush? You''ve probably never...hmm, you know, never experienced that pleasure. How about today, I take you out for some fun?"


    Li Tie burst into laughter upon hearing this and said, "Old Liu, you sure are bold. I have to go and talk to your wife about this."


    Liu Song discontentedly said, "I''m kindly making arrangements for Chen Er, what are you adding to the chaos for? Come on, you dare mess with me, I''ll reveal that time you got drunk and pulled down the widow''s pants in the west side of town."


    "You wouldn''t dare!"


    Li Tie''s eyes bulged, then he looked around guiltily.


    Chen Mu simply smiled at Liu Song and Li Tie''s bickering. Before he had no Silver to visit places of pleasure, and now, though he had the Silver, he had more important things to do; he didn''t want to delay his blade practice for even a moment.


    If he could achieve Perfection with the Raging Wind Blade Technique sooner, he would have a much stronger foundation. Everything that needed to come would come in time. There was no need to rush.


    The situation unfolded just as Chen Mu had anticipated.


    The Black Snake Gang was swiftly crushed by the Red Gold Gang and vanished completely within days and nights, with not a single gang member in sight anymore. The power that gradually took control of this large area of streets and alleys shifted from the Black Snake Gang to the newly rising Red Gold Gang.


    Throughout this process, the death of that incense master didn''t cause the slightest ripple; no one even looked for him, and the incident was hardly mentioned, just like any beggar who dies in the gutter, unnoticed.


    Chen Mu continued to act with caution, not using the money to make any significant changes like moving to a new house. Instead, on a daily basis, he bought more rice, flour, and dried meat to improve the family''s diet. He also got Chen Yue a new cotton-padded coat, delighting the little girl so much she could have jumped onto the roof beams.

 Chapter 11: Chapter 10: Half a Year

    Just like that.


    In a blink, another half-month had passed.


    Chen Mu was somewhat surprised to hear news that his aunt had bailed Zhang Hai out of jail.


    It was said that Butcher Zhang had found a significant person from his side of the family, and through some hard pleading, finally managed to have an effect. After nearly two months, Zhang Hai was released from jail.


    Chen Mu hadn''t been involved in this, so he only found out a few days later when Chen Hong came to visit him.


    "Auntie, you don''t need to bring rice and flour every time you visit. I haven''t really done much to help you."


    Chen Mu invited Chen Hong into the house, looking at the bag of rice she was carrying.


    Zhang Hai came along with Chen Hong. Compared to over a month ago, he had lost a considerable amount of weight, but having rested at home for several days after being released from jail, his complexion had improved significantly.


    Upon entering the small and dilapidated house with Chen Hong, he glanced around and looked at Chen Mu, his eyes revealing an unspoken meaning as he shook his head secretly. After he returned, he heard that Chen Hong wanted to propose a marriage between him and her young niece Youying, but how could his cousin marry into such a place without even a proper yard? Fortunately, Youying hadn''t agreed.


    Chen Hong insisted he come to thank Chen Mu in person, but he didn''t feel there was much to be thankful for. Chen Mu might have made a bit of effort, but besides passing some silver to the jail head, he hadn''t done much else.


    Chen Mu noticed Zhang Hai''s different attitude, but he didn''t mind. Now, with his steadily increasing strength and an improving life, his mindset was naturally becoming more solid and calm, paying little regard to others'' views.


    "Can''t I bring some rice and flour to see my niece? You might not fear starving, but I fear Yue''er might lose weight."


    Chen Hong said cheerfully.


    Zhang Hai had been rescued, and she was clearly in a better mental state, unlike her previously listless state.


    "Auntie,"


    Chen Yue came around from behind and called out sweetly.


    During this time, because Chen Mu had improved the food at home, her complexion was clearly much better than before. She even seemed more vibrant, and her face had filled out, which surprised Chen Hong and made Zhang Hai pause for a moment.


    "Yue''er is getting prettier. What good food have you been eating?"


    Chen Hong joked as she cupped Chen Yue''s face with a laugh.


    Chen Yue, sitting there innocently, didn''t respond.


    Chen Hong with Zhang Hai didn''t stay long at Chen Mu''s house, leaving after a short while. This visit was mainly to inform Chen Mu about Zhang Hai and to thank him for the previous help.


    Chen Mu saw Chen Hong and Zhang Hai out, and after he closed the door, he looked at Chen Yue and said with a smile, "Your aunt asked what good food you''ve been eating recently. Why didn''t you tell her about the fish and meat we''ve had these days?"


    Chen Yue ducked her head and said, "What if Cousin finds out and decides to stay at our house to eat? Auntie is fine, but Cousin might eat five times what Yue''er does in one meal."


    Chen Mu heard this and couldn''t help but laugh and cry.


    Although he thought Chen Yue might be exaggerating, it was good that the little girl could resist boasting about it.


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    After leaving Chen Mu''s house, as soon as Zhang Hai followed Chen Hong into an alley, he couldn''t help but complain, "Mom, how could you think of proposing Youying as a wife for him? Look at his house, it''s impoverished. What kind of good life could Youying lead with him?"


    He paused, thinking of Chen Yue, "Well, the little sister Yue''er is becoming quite beautiful. If she could marry into a good family, maybe she could be fortunate to receive some help..."


    Having a sister who was quite attractive was not entirely without merit.


    "Nonsense."


    Chen Hong glared at Zhang Hai and said, "Your cousin is a constable. Even if he doesn''t have much silver, but he lives a stable life and doesn''t fear any thugs or hoodlums. Yue''er is still young, don''t harbour any crooked ideas."


    "Yes, yes, yes."


    Zhang Hai responded nonchalantly.


    Although he had no personal grievances with his cousin Chen Mu, he felt dissatisfied, believing Chen Mu hadn''t made full efforts for him during the jail incident.


    However, if Chen Mu had been a Head Constable or even Prefecture Chief, speaking even a few words on his behalf about the incident might have earned Zhang Hai''s immense gratitude, but because Chen Mu was just a low-ranking constable, Zhang Hai felt that Chen Mu hadn''t really done anything, even if he had tried his best.


    Life is often like this. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    The days passed by, one by one.


    Chen Mu practiced the Blade Technique every day, rain or shine, slowly accumulating experience points.


    The journey from Major Achievement to Perfection in the Raging Wind Blade Technique required a lot of experience points ¡ª a total of three thousand. For him, it meant at least six months of accumulation, a long and arduous task. But the direction was clear, and there were no obstacles. As long as he worked hard and persevered, he could steadily overcome this threshold.


    Although the Outer City was as chaotic as ever, in the past he had managed to navigate safely through it by being observant and cautious. Now with strength on his side, as long as he neither sought trouble nor meddled in affairs, naturally, no trouble would come his way.


    In the woodshed.


    The Servant''s Knife in Chen Mu''s hand fluttered up and down, its movements seemingly carrying a trace of wind, causing dust to swirl within the woodshed. Yet, all the dust revolved outward from him as the center, seeming chaotic yet orderly.


    He practiced unknowingly for a long time, and as ''Experience +1'' popped up in his field of vision, Chen Mu slowly sheathed his knife and stopped.


    "It''s been six months."


    He sighed.


    Unnoticed, it had already been almost six months since he achieved a major achievement in his blade technique.


    Since he had acquired the Raging Wind Blade Technique and activated the system, he had already been practicing the blade technique for about nine months.


    Chen Mu summoned the system interface.


    [Martial Arts: Raging Wind Blade Technique (Major Achievement)]


    [Experience: 2917 points]


    "Just a little bit more."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly as he looked at the accumulated experience.


    Nowadays, he could gain about ten or more experience points each day. He was not far from reaching three thousand points; at this rate, he could collect enough in just seven to eight more days.


    "Brother, you''re up so early again."


    Chen Yue appeared at the woodshed door, yawning.


    "It''s not early anymore."


    Chen Mu moved aside and said, "Rest a bit more, then it''s time to go to duty."


    "Alright, out you go."


    Chen Yue pushed Chen Mu out; she needed to start the fire to cook.


    As Chen Mu was pushed out of the woodshed, he smiled inwardly. Instead of returning to his bedroom to rest, he opened the door to step outside and stretched his body, breathing in a few gulps of fresh air.


    He stood at the door for a while, listening to Chen Yue busying herself in the woodshed. Just as he was about to go back inside, he suddenly heard a commotion not far down the alley, mixed with crying and shouting.


    "So early in the morning¡­"


    Chen Mu shook his head.


    Listening to the noise, it seemed to be Old Man Wang from the south of the alley and his granddaughter''s voices.


    This Old Man Wang''s life had actually been decent, having raised a son together with a daughter-in-law. The couple ran a small business, ensuring they were well-clothed and well-fed. However, not long ago, both his son and daughter-in-law mysteriously vanished without a trace.


    With a granddaughter to support, Old Man Wang had no choice but to pick up his old trade and went outside the city to chop wood, but age had caught up with him, and after not having chopped wood for several years, he accidentally broke his leg on one of his few trips.


    Then came the takeover of the Black Snake Gang by the Red Gold Gang.


    They started aggressively collecting "protection money."


    "In these times, a common family hit by one or two disasters can hardly ever recover," Chen Mu thought.


    As he listened, he stood at the door, looking in the direction of the commotion, vaguely seeing two men dragging a young girl around ten years old outwards.


    An old limping man clumsily followed them out and, with a push from one of the men, fell straight to the ground.


    "Old fool, your family has been behind on the protection money for four months, thinking we are made of mud? If you can''t pay today, taking your granddaughter as debt collateral is only just and natural," one of the men shouted from down the alley.


    Although the nearby households heard the ruckus, not one opened their door¡ª the most anyone did was peek through a crack in the door, and even more didn''t bother looking at all, staying motionless inside their homes.


    Old Man Wang''s granddaughter screamed and struggled desperately, but there was no way she could outmatch the strength of two burly men, and she was dragged away even further.


    "Such a sin¡­ such a sin¡­"


    Old Man Wang fell to the ground, struggled to get up, but his cane had flown off to the side. Limping and unable to stand, he could only watch helplessly as his granddaughter was dragged away, tears streaming down his face.


    Chen Mu was also very displeased by this sight.


    Although the Black Snake Gang had been quite tyrannical, they generally did not push those who truly could not afford to pay to desperation, but the Red Gold Gang was much harsher, cornering people to death, even blatantly causing trouble in broad daylight.


    The order in the Outer City was getting worse; the Red Gold Gang''s actions had become so vile, and the City Defense Division seemed to ignore it altogether.


    Although he had seen quite a bit of this sort of thing, guided by the cautious tenet of ''when poor, one must first safeguard oneself,'' he had always kept out of it, but this time it was different since they were neighbors from the same alley.


    Just then,


    Amid her struggling and crying, Old Man Wang''s granddaughter saw the only door that was open in the alley and the man standing in it. She cried out, "Chen Big Brother, save me."


    Enough was enough.


    Chen Mu shook his head and walked forward a few steps.


    In the end, they were fellow villagers and neighbors. If he were still poor and struggling to just get by, he would have had to remain indifferent, but now, things were quite different.

 Chapter 12: Chapter 11 Hanging

    "In broad daylight, what kind of behavior is this?"


    Chen Mu directly confronted the two men from the Red Gold Gang, saying to them in a stern voice.


    Although Chen Mu was not wearing his constable uniform at the time, both men recognized him; after all, he was the only constable in the two nearby alleys, and since the Red Gold Gang had occupied the area for some time, they were quite familiar with him.


    "Brother Chen, it''s only natural to repay a debt. You can''t expect us not to collect what''s owed."


    The two men smirked insincerely, their tone lacking any real fear.


    If they had encountered the Head Constable, it would have been a different story, but Chen Mu was just a lowly patrolman, and they generally didn''t interfere with each other''s business, acknowledging one another with a nod as they passed by daily.


    "How much is owed?"


    Chen Mu asked indifferently.


    The two men looked at each other; one of them shrugged and said, "Not much, just half a piece of Silver."


    "Fine, let her go, and you can leave."


    Chen Mu raised his hand and threw out a Silver coin, roughly half an ounce in weight.


    The two men were surprised at first, but after exchanging a look, they picked up the Silver coin and bowed to Chen Mu, saying, "Since Brother Chen has spoken, we naturally have to show respect. We''ll leave the girl to you."


    Selling Wang Laohan''s granddaughter to someone else would have earned them more Silver Coin, but after all, they were just low-level thugs in the Red Gold Gang. Starting trouble with Chen Mu likely wouldn''t end well for them.


    They dared to bully the common people in the alleys, but a constable was a different matter altogether.


    With that,


    they released Wang Laohan''s granddaughter, nodded at Chen Mu, and then turned away.


    Chen Mu stood quietly, watching the scene unfold. These two had enough sense, and he was not interested in probing further.


    "Chen, Brother Chen..."


    Wang Laohan''s granddaughter stood still, her face tear-stained and completely at a loss.


    Chen Mu waved his hand at her, saying, "It''s all right, go back."


    The little girl stood there, dazed, and upon hearing Chen Mu''s words, she stiffly turned around, only to see her grandfather Wang Laohan, having retrieved his crutch, hobbling towards her.


    "Grandfather..."


    Finally snapping back to reality, she burst into tears and flung herself into Wang Laohan''s arms.


    But Wang Laohan, tears streaming down his face, knelt before Chen Mu, trembling, "Little... Little Chen, I truly can''t thank you enough this time..."


    Chen Mu sighed inwardly, stepped forward to help Wang Laohan up, and said, "Uncle Wang, there''s no need for this."


    With trembling hands, Wang Laohan grabbed Chen Mu''s hand, then pulled his granddaughter''s hand over as well, stuffing it into Chen Mu''s hand, with tears flowing he said, "I''m old, and now crippled, I really can''t take care of my granddaughter anymore. If your household needs someone to tend the fire and cook, please keep her. Old man me, I only trust you now..."


    Having lost his children, his means of livelihood, and no longer able to work, not to mention struggling to get food, he had thought of securing a future for Wang Ni. But the distant relatives were all like wolves, and entrusting his granddaughter to them likely meant a dire fate.


    Having been truly desperate, the scene that had just unfolded gave him a glimmer of hope. Although Chen Mu''s own circumstances seemed humble, he had stopped the people from the Red Gold Gang, saved Wang Ni, and let her go without asking for anything in return; truly it was in times of crisis that one''s true character showed.


    "This..."


    Chen Mu hesitated, looking at Wang Laohan''s state.


    Honestly, he hadn''t anticipated this outcome before. In the past, he would have flatly refused; struggling already to take care of his own sister, how could he have the means to care for another unrelated little girl?


    But now, on one hand, Silver Coin was no longer a concern, and on the other, before long, with his new abilities and a move to a new residence, his household indeed would need a maid or helper of sorts.


    Chen Mu was not the type to be excessively proud; his hesitation was due to two reasons: first, Wang Ni was quite young, only about ten years old, and second, he was unsure of what kind of temperament she had and whether it might lead to trouble.


    Seeing Chen Mu''s hesitation, Wang Laohan actually became even more determined. After all, if Chen Mu had any ulterior motives, he could have simply agreed on the spot, then turned around and sold his granddaughter elsewhere for a good amount of Silver; there would be no reason to hesitate. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Little Chen, I know times are hard, and it''s tough living in this world. I don''t have much money or property, but the deeds to those two houses are still there, and they can be worth a few pieces of Silver. Once I pass away, they will all be yours..."


    Wang Laohan said uninterrupted, tears streaming down his face.


    The neighbors, who had been eavesdropping by the door, looked on enviously at this scenario. At Wang Laohan''s age, he didn''t have many years left, and once he passed away, not only would Chen Mu get the house deeds, but his granddaughter would have grown up as well. With a little maneuvering, all of that would equal Silver Coin.


    Envious but unable to bear any jealousy, after all, in their place, they wouldn''t have been able to fend off the Red Gold Gang themselves. They could only say that Chen Mu, the poor constable, had finally had a stroke of luck.


    "That won''t be necessary."


    Chen Mu, seeing Wang Laohan push the issue to this extent, thought it over and came to a decision. Having already helped, he might as well help to the end.


    Whether she became a sister to Chen Yue or a maid didn''t matter; the important part was giving her someone to keep her company. There was no need to fuss over it.


    "No, no... it is needed, it is."


    Wang Laohan, shaking, placed Wang Ni''s small hand into Chen Mu''s and then staggered back home with his crutch.


    Chen Mu thought it over and said nothing more; he wasn''t about to covet the old houses of Wang Laohan''s family. He would save them for Wang Ni; there were many changes ahead, and he would deal with the future when it came.


    Wang Ni stood there trembling, her sobbing had stopped, and her tears gradually dried. She didn''t comment on her grandfather''s previous words, being too young to have a say, she passively let Wang Laohan make the decisions for her, her small hand was placed into Chen Mu''s and she didn''t even dare to pull it back.


    "Yue''er, how would you like living with Sister Ni from now on?"


    Chen Mu released Wang Ni''s hand, turned around and saw Chen Yue, who had been peeping through a gap in the door.


    Chen Yue blinked, looked at Wang Ni, and replied, "Okay, whatever brother decides."


    "Hmm,"


    Chen Mu nodded and looked at Wang Ni, whose emotions had already stabilized quite a bit, and said gently, "What about you, little sister Ni''er?"


    He had actually never seen Wang Ni before; the meal at Old Man Wang''s house had occurred before he arrived in this world. At that time, Wang Ni was even younger, only six or seven years old, but she still remembered him.


    "I... I will listen to Grandpa..."


    Wang Ni said softly, her head lowered.


    Chen Yue, who was behind the door, heard this response and revealed a smile that no one noticed. If Wang Ni had answered ''I will listen to everything my brother says,'' she would have had to be more cautious with this little sister. Now, this was good.


    Chen Mu also slightly nodded at this response. Taking in someone was no trifling matter. Though she was still young, having no scheming mind was best, and she would be a good companion for Chen Yue.


    He stood at the door and waited for a while.


    But no matter how long he waited, Old Man Wang''s figure was nowhere to be seen.


    Gradually, Chen Mu sensed something was wrong and his face changed color. He immediately walked towards Old Man Wang''s house. Upon reaching the doorstep, he noticed the door was ajar. Pushing it open, he was confronted by a pair of legs hanging in the air. One of the legs had a bare ankle that was shriveled and purple. On the broken old chair beside it lay a yellowed house deed.


    Chen Mu stood still, looking up with a complex expression in his eyes.


    "Grandpa!!!"


    A heart-wrenching voice came from behind him.


    The little girl rushed into the room, tightly hugged Old Man Wang''s dangling legs, and began to wail inconsolably.


    Old Man Wang was dead.


    "Why go to such lengths,"


    Chen Mu sighed internally.


    Perhaps he hadn''t wanted to think it before, but Old Man Wang really couldn''t go on living. His children were gone, he had no livelihood or income, and he was crippled. But Chen Mu hadn''t expected Old Man Wang to be so resolute in his decision.


    Perhaps Old Man Wang feared that he wouldn''t want to take in Wang Ni, so he ended his life like this, leaving the house deed to him as well.


    Maybe he was too selfish. If he had talked a bit more, given some silver to Old Man Wang, perhaps Old Man Wang wouldn''t have chosen death... After all, the three years he had spent in this world had completely changed him.


    Chen Mu patted Wang Ni''s shoulder, a look of apology in his eyes, "I didn''t anticipate that Uncle Wang would get such thoughts. If I had come to see him earlier, things might have been better."


    Wang Ni didn''t speak, only crying non-stop.


    She cried for a long time, then, finally, she forcefully wiped her tear-reddened eyes and said, "No, it''s not Brother Mu''s fault. Brother Mu saved Ni''er, Brother Mu is a good person..."


    A good person?


    Perhaps.


    Chen Mu shook his head, touched Wang Ni''s little head, and then stepped forward to lower Old Man Wang''s body.


    Old Man Wang''s burial was extremely simple, just wrapped in a straw mat and then taken out of the city to find a place to bury him. The only difference from the Mass Burial Mound was that he wouldn''t be gnawed on by wild wolves. And there was a small mound of earth, so one could recognize the spot in the future.


    After Old Man Wang was wrapped in the straw mat, Wang Ni stopped crying, but her eyes remained red. After that, she followed everything Chen Mu said, including the silent funeral and staying with Chen Yue instead of following him out of the city.


    In fact,


    the people of this era had strong endurance.


    Even a ten-year-old child, in just half a day''s time, had already accepted the reality of losing all her parents and grandparents.


    After all, for ordinary families, living to fifty was a happy funeral. Old Man Wang had lived to be fifty-nine, which made him considered quite elderly in the neighboring alleys.


    At home,


    "Alright, don''t be sad anymore. Little sister Ni''er, from now on you''ll have to sleep with me,"


    Chen Yue sat on the edge of the bed, observing Wang Ni with her big eyes.


    Wang Ni nodded lightly.


    Chen Yue smiled slightly and said, "But you have to remember a few things, which I''m going to tell you. First, don''t cause trouble for Brother. Whatever Brother says goes, and when Brother is not around, you listen to me."


    "Second, don''t ask too much about anything. If you see something strange, just pretend you didn''t see it. Unless Brother talks about it, don''t ask or interfere. Did you hear me? Otherwise, I will get angry."


    When she said the last sentence, Chen Yue still had a smile on her face, revealing two small tiger teeth, but it somehow felt a little intimidating.


    "Yue, Sister Yue..."


    Wang Ni felt a bit scared, shivering slightly.


    But Chen Yue immediately hugged her, touching her head with a gentle voice, "It''s okay, don''t be afraid. Sister is just speaking in advance. As long as you listen to Sister, there won''t be any problems. Brother works very hard. We cannot cause trouble for Brother, and Brother is very capable. Following Brother, you will have a good life in the future."


    "Hmm,"


    Wang Ni''s nose tingled, and thinking of something, she shed a few more tears.


    Chen Mu was unaware of what transpired at home.


    After dealing with Old Man Wang''s corpse, he continued to his duties with the City Defense Division.

 Chapter 13: Chapter 12 Perfection

    Chen Mu had anticipated some trouble from taking in Wang Ni, but the trouble arrived even faster than he expected.


    Just on the third evening after he had taken in Wang Ni, someone came knocking at his door.


    "What brings you here?"


    Upon opening the door, Chen Mu saw a man with a shifty appearance standing at the entrance.


    Seeing Chen Mu, the man rubbed his hands and said with a smile, "You must be Constable Chen. I''m Wang Zhao. I heard that my uncle passed away a few days ago and that it was Constable Chen who helped bury him. I''ve only just learned about it, and I''m truly neglectful. I need to thank Constable Chen for not letting my uncle''s body be exposed in the wilderness."


    While speaking, he managed to squeeze out a mournful expression.


    Chen Mu responded indifferently, "Just call me Chen Mu. Wang Bo and I were neighbors, so there''s no need for formalities."


    With Old Man Wang having died so suddenly, Chen Mu had handled it quietly without causing much disturbance in the neighborhood. Yet, within less than three days, Wang''s distant relatives had come knocking, likely having heard the news and rushed over.


    From what Chen Mu had learned from Wang Ni, none of those so-called distant relatives, including the present Wang Zhao, visited after the old man''s house incident. The man had died, and immediately they showed up; Chen Mu didn''t need to think too hard to guess their intentions.


    As expected.


    After feigning grief for a while, Wang Zhao immediately began to peer into the house, "My niece is only ten years old, and now she''s lost her parents. I can''t let her be left adrift. Thank you for looking after her these past days."


    While speaking,


    he shouted into the house, "Ni''er, I''m your distant cousin, here to take you back home."


    Wang Ni had been staying with Chen Yue and upon hearing Wang Zhao''s words, she shivered slightly and looked hesitantly at Chen Yue. Chen Yue appeared contemplative and then whispered something into her ear.


    Wang Ni nodded somberly and then walked to the door, softly calling out ''Cousin''.


    Watching this scene, Chen Mu''s expression didn''t change much. He looked at Wang Ni kindly and said, "Sister Ni''er, would you like to go back with your cousin, or would you prefer to stay with Sister Yue''er?"


    Although he had taken in Wang Ni, Chen Mu had not gone through many formal procedures, such as changing her household registration. Under normal circumstances, the process would involve either adoption or servitude, but with current corrupt administration, these rules had virtually become obsolete¡ªmeaning, in other words... the ultimate interpretation rested with the powerful.


    Chen Mu had a good idea of what distant cousin Wang Zhao was plotting. He had hurried over probably to snatch Wang Ni away before Chen Mu had a chance to register her. After all, he was merely a constable, not one of the powerful.


    "Grandpa told me to listen to Brother Mu,"


    Wang Ni half-hid behind Chen Mu, revealing only a partial view of her small head, and softly spoke without daring to look at Wang Zhao.


    At her age, she couldn''t discern much, but she knew that Wang Zhao and the other distant relatives had never visited Old Man Wang and she had barely seen them in her life. They were practically strangers compared to Chen Mu who had saved her in her time of need, and given the words Old Man Wang had said to her, her young heart had its clarity.


    Chen Mu smiled slightly upon hearing Wang Ni''s response.


    Wang Zhao''s expression, on the other hand, turned sour.


    Chen Mu looked at Wang Zhao and said calmly, "Wang Bo entrusted me to look after Sister Ni''er before he passed away, and I agreed. Yue''er is quite fond of the child, and has been treating her like a sister ever since."


    Wang Zhao''s face turned stern as he responded, "Since Uncle said so, I''ll trouble Constable Chen to take care of Ni''er for a while longer. However, I remember Uncle should have left a deed to a house..."


    With Old Man Wang''s dying request and Wang Ni''s attitude, forcibly taking her would indeed be improper. After all, Chen Mu was still a constable. But the two old houses left by Old Man Wang''s family¡ªthose couldn''t possibly be given to outsiders.


    Seeing Wang Zhao drop his facade, Chen Mu chuckled coldly, "The deed left by Wang Bo will naturally go to Ni''er. What is it, are you planning to take it by force as her cousin?"


    At these words, Wang Zhao''s face went from pale to flush, and he cast a sideways glance at the constable''s knife at Chen Mu''s waist. Ultimately, he dared not raise his voice in a commotion and left in a huff.


    Watching Wang Zhao''s retreating figure disappearing down the alley, Chen Mu closed the door with an indifferent gaze.


    Then he turned to Chen Yue who had come running from inside the house and asked with a smile, "Was it you who told Ni''er to respond like that?"


    "Not at all."


    Chen Yue chuckled as she pulled Wang Ni into her arms and into the house, saying, "I just told Sister Ni''er not to be afraid and to speak what''s on her mind."


    "Is that so."


    Chen Mu shook his head with a chuckle, looking at the somewhat dazed Wang Ni and the naive-looking yet adorable Chen Yue. He felt reassured. He hadn''t realized before that aside from being gentle, Chen Yue also possessed some cleverness.


    But that was for the best, as it meant she wouldn''t be at a disadvantage.


    After having dinner with Chen Yue and Wang Ni, Chen Mu sent the two to the bedroom and stayed alone in the woodshed. He planned to practice the blade technique throughout the night.


    It wasn''t entirely due to the sudden visit from the troublesome Wang Zhao. He was now less than thirty experience points away from reaching full experience, and one night''s time was more than enough. He had been waiting for this day for over half a year.


    ```


    Under the pitch-black night sky, there was no light in the firewood room, and one could not see their own hands before them, but Chen Mu, even without sight, was intimately familiar with the room''s stove, water vat, and more. His knife danced up and down in his hand, stirring up gusts of Chaotic Wind, yet it was steady as a rock, never once touching the stove or the walls.


    There was no sight of the blade''s gleam, only the continuous whooshing of the wind.


    "Momentum..."


    Chen Mu murmured in his heart.


    Having achieved Major Achievement in Blade Technique, he wanted to advance further, to fully master the Raging Wind Blade Technique to Perfection. To do this, he needed to comprehend a touch of ''Momentum,'' a concept so mysterious it wasn''t clearly explained in the Secret Manuals.


    In reality, since reaching Major Achievement, Chen Mu had practiced intensely for nearly six months, hoping to leverage his effort and perception to grasp this elusive ''Momentum'' and thereby breakthrough, but the truth was that his daily practice over these six months had only resulted in increased strength in his arms and more abundant stamina, with no other changes.


    The Blade Technique''s proficiency had reached its peak at Major Achievement.


    "Momentum is the momentum of wind, the momentum of raging wind, but exactly how to grasp it is no longer just a matter of changing moves."


    Chen Mu knew that even those of average perception who practiced the Blade Technique diligently for ten years could achieve Major Achievement, but reaching Perfection was a step that could confound countless blade practitioners¡ªit was indeed an extraordinary step.


    Perhaps what he needed was not only practice and understanding but also real combat with countless opponents, honing his skill in all kinds of situations, experiencing the brink of life and death and the unpredictable, to finally catch that glint of inspiration, then to transform and stand out.


    Time slipped away, minute by minute.


    Until the next day, when the first ray of dawn shone through the crack of the door into the firewood room, Chen Mu had already put away his knife and stood quietly in the center of the room, basking in the sliver of sunlight that filtered in.


    "It seems that, after all, I cannot enlighten myself."


    This night of intensive practice had not enabled him to touch the subtlety of ''Blade Momentum,'' but considering that many spend their entire lives practicing the blade and remain stuck at this point, he was able to let go and thus summoned the system panel.


    [Martial Skill: Raging Wind Blade Technique (Major Achievement)]


    [Experience Points: 3000]


    In fact, upon reflection, these three thousand Experience Points, the fruits of his six months of labor, could be used to break through to Perfection in Blade Technique, which wasn''t much different from his own understanding; both relied solely on himself and did not involve the help of others.


    Chen Mu closed his eyes slightly, his mind moved, and he chose to upgrade.


    Hum!


    Three thousand Experience Points were consumed in an instant.


    In their place were countless vivid images that flooded his mind, scenes of bloody battles, grappling with death, encounters with bladesmen of the martial world, soldiers on the battlefield, escapes from traps, fights on mountain peaks... a myriad of experiences.


    Each scene felt as if he were right there, as if he had truly lived through them, yet they were condensed into an instant, propelling him to the finish line. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In fact.


    The combined experiences of these scenes did not add up to as many as those he gained when his Blade Technique jumped from Minor Achievement to Major Achievement, years'' worth of memories practicing the blade unfazed by the harshness of the seasons, but each was filled with alarm!


    Nearly every engagement was a brush with death, every memory skimmed past mortality, and on the edge of countless life-and-death moments, his Blade Technique finally burst forth with a flash of brilliance.


    All the meticulously crafted moves that had formed a coherent pattern in his eyes now seemed to break down into countless ''threads of essence,'' chaotic yet immense, weaving together yet highlighting a consistent path through them all.


    That was... Momentum!


    Chen Mu suddenly opened his eyes.


    He grasped the Servant''s Knife in his hand once more and casually spun it in the air.


    This was not any move from the Raging Wind Blade Technique, just a casual flick of his wrist, but it still raised a swirl of blade wind, lifting a few pieces of straw from the ground.


    The Blade Technique was no longer bound to any fixed form. Each movement embodied the momentum of the raging wind. He had finally managed to break free from the cocoon and soar, achieving Perfection.


    Perfection in the Raging Wind Blade Technique!


    Dozens of people practicing the blade for over a decade achieve Major Achievement, but very few step into Perfection and comprehend the Blade Momentum. Now, Chen Mu, having spent just under nine months, had also reached this level.


    With Blade Technique at Perfection and Blade Momentum achieved, it wasn''t to say he was invincible, but at least in the Outer City, in the Ninth District, there weren''t many who could defeat him. Even ten armed martial men would find it hard to get close; with a knife in hand, he was an enemy to dozens!


    In the past, this mastery would have easily earned him the title of a scholar in martial arts.


    In the present, it would just as easily secure him the position of Head Constable and a rank among the top ranks in an aggressive Gang like the Red Gold Gang, boasting hundreds of members and dominating a whole district.


    If Blade Technique at Major Achievement meant having some strength, then Blade Technique at Perfection truly represented a power that could change one''s status, even providing a certain degree of freedom. How to change and what choices to make were all up to him.


    ```

 Chapter 14: Chapter 13: Internal Cultivation Method

    ```


    "It''s finally come to this after nine months."


    Chen Mu slowly exhaled.


    He summoned the system interface again, but noticed the system panel had changed.


    [Martial Skill: Raging Wind Blade Technique (Perfection)]


    [Experience Points: 0]


    The Raging Wind Blade Technique had indeed reached the realm of Perfection, and the experience points were reset to zero.


    "I wonder if there is a realm beyond Perfection."


    An idea suddenly flashed through Chen Mu''s mind, and he tentatively tried to add more points to the already perfected Raging Wind Blade Technique, but this time there was no response, as if dropping a stone into the sea.


    Even if there weren''t enough experience points before, the system would still prompt how many experience points were needed for the next upgrade, but this time there wasn''t even a prompt, as if the realm of Perfection was indeed the peak of the Raging Wind Blade Technique.


    "Blade Technique perfected, forming Blade Momentum, is that the pinnacle?"


    Chen Mu furrowed his brows slightly.


    Although he wasn''t sure whether there was a higher realm beyond Blade Momentum, he knew that there were existences stronger than those who had formed Blade Momentum; it seemed, however, that he could no longer forcibly enhance the technique through additional upgrades of the Raging Wind Blade Technique.


    Perhaps the Raging Wind Blade Technique was not profound enough, and its level was limited to this. If he wanted to reach higher levels, he would need to seek more advanced Blade Technique skills to cultivate.


    "If that''s the case..."


    Chen Mu fell into deep thought.


    Perhaps it was time he paid the Pawnshop a visit to inquire whether there was a higher-level Sword Manual of Blade Technique skills available.


    He also wanted to ask about ''Internal Cultivation Methods,'' because in addition to external skills like Blade Techniques, there were also Internal Training methods in this world.


    If refining the skill to form Blade Momentum was the peak, then to become stronger, he needed to find a true Internal Cultivation Method to practice¡ªlike the Prefecture Chief of the City Defense Division, who was most likely an individual practicing Internal Training.


    Having made up his mind, Chen Mu put away the system panel.


    After breakfast.


    Chen Mu went to ''Ji Family Pawnshop,'' the largest Pawnshop in the street market.


    To his knowledge, the Ji Family was one of the great families of the Inner City, and they held considerable power. This branch of the Ji Family Pawnshop was just an extension of the one in the Inner City, and even as a branch, it was still the largest Pawnshop in the Ninth District.


    "Hey, Officer, are you here to pawn, or to conduct business?"


    As soon as he entered the Pawnshop, a clerk seated behind the counter stood up and greeted Chen Mu with a cupped hand smile.


    Chen Mu walked in, approached the counter, first took out the Raging Wind Blade Technique manual from his bosom, placed it on the table, and said, "If I were to pawn this permanently, how much Silver would it fetch?"


    The clerk picked up the Sword Manual, flipped through a page, then let out a ''hmm'' and said, "It''s a Blade Technique. Hmm, among all Martial Arts manuals, Blade Techniques are the most common and circulated. Officer, please wait a moment... Xiao Sun, pour the Officer some tea!" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Right away!"


    A voice came from the back room, and after that, a boy hurried out to serve Chen Mu tea.


    The clerk then lifted the deep blue curtain and went into the back room.


    Given that it was the Ji Family Pawnshop, a substantial establishment, Chen Mu accordingly sat down calmly by the side, not in a rush.


    After a short wait.


    The clerk returned with the Raging Wind Blade Technique manual, placed it back on the table, and said with a smile, "The expert inside said there''s no problem with the Blade Technique. It belongs to one of the eight branches of Qian Heaven Kun Earth, Xun Wind lineage. If the Officer wants to pawn it permanently, it can be exchanged for about five Silver pieces."


    Five Silver pieces.


    That was a bit more than Chen Mu had expected.


    Hearing the clerk''s statement, Chen Mu, curiously asked, "Qian Heaven Kun Earth''s eight branches?"


    The clerk smiled and did not inquire about the source of the Raging Wind Blade Technique, instead explaining, "All of today''s mainstream Martial Arts originate from the eight branches of Qian Heaven Kun Earth, originally the official standards of the Imperial Court, but they have now spread to the common people."


    "It is said that these eight branches were conceived by ancient Martial Arts Grandmasters inspired by the forces of nature: wind, thunder, mountains, swamps, water, and fire. Many people have since extended various different changes based on that, and this Raging Wind Blade Technique is affiliated with the Xun Wind lineage."


    Chen Mu, with a thoughtful expression, asked, "Does that mean there are higher levels of the Xun Wind Blade above this Blade Technique?"


    The clerk laughed and said, "The Officer might not understand. The Qian Heaven Kun Earth''s eight main branches spread into various skills and techniques. The overarching tenets are not limited to any one weapon, such as swords or staves. What has been passed down is ''Artistic Conception,'' but if you, Officer, are asking what Artistic Conception is, I''m afraid I don''t understand it either."


    Artistic Conception?


    Chen Mu had an insight.


    Perhaps beyond Blade Momentum lies the so-called Artistic Conception, but the level of the Raging Wind Blade Technique was not sufficient to touch upon that layer.


    Since he had already started inquiring, Chen Mu didn''t mind asking more, and after a brief moment of contemplation, he further inquired, "Then, do you have the Cultivation Methods corresponding to the main branches of the eight branches?"


    ```


    Before he had finished speaking, the accountant said helplessly, "Prefecture Chief, you jest. Such an item, where could a small shop like ours possibly have it? Perhaps the main store in the Inner City might have some news of it, but even if it indeed exists, it cannot be compared with the Blade Technique; its value is not something mere hundreds or thousands could measure."


    After listening,


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly.


    Techniques like the Raging Wind Blade Technique, being relatively widespread manuals, are not very highly valued. But if one were to consider what the accountant mentioned, the Qian Heaven Kun Earth Eight Methods, which were once the orthodox martial arts origins of the Imperial Court, then that''s a different story. Their value is immeasurable, and the gap is simply too vast.


    At the very least, he currently lacked the ability to access them.


    "Then, how about the Internal Cultivation Method?"


    Chen Mu continued to inquire.


    At this point, he didn''t care about being seen by the accountant as a complete novice; since he had already asked some questions that could be considered foolish common knowledge, he didn''t mind asking a few more.


    Upon hearing this, the accountant smiled and replied, "Internal Cultivation Method... Well, you might not know much, Prefecture Chief, but actually, the so-called ''Internal Cultivation Method'' is a generic term. When it comes to specifics, it is divided into the Body Tempering Method and the Inner Breathing Method."


    "Let''s not even talk about the Inner Breathing Method for now. You can''t get it in a small shop like ours, let alone in the Inner City."


    Chen Mu listened thoughtfully but did not speak, simply waiting for the accountant to continue.


    The accountant didn''t mind elaborating further and continued, "As for the Body Tempering Method, it starts with Skin Toughening, followed by Body Refinement, Sinew Refinement, step by step. This is commonly referred to as ''first skin, second flesh, third sinew, fourth bone''."


    "Each step has its corresponding Tempering Method, so whether it''s the Skin Toughening Method or the Body Refinement Method... they are all called Internal Cultivation Methods, and naturally, their prices vary accordingly."


    Upon hearing this, Chen Mu felt a surge of contemplation.


    He had originally thought that the Internal Cultivation Method was a fixed Cultivation Technique, but it seems that wasn''t the case. There was a specific method for Skin Toughening, and a different one for Body Refinement; they were simply collectively referred to as the Internal Cultivation Method.


    This was actually better.


    Because if he wanted to purchase just the most basic Skin Toughening Method, it was likely not to be too expensive.


    While Chen Mu was pondering this,


    the accountant smiled faintly and said, "What you seem to be asking about is the most fundamental Skin Toughening Method, right? We have three Practice Methods here. The cheapest one, ''Iron Sand Skin Toughening Method,'' is only one hundred and fifty Silver."


    Cough.


    A twitch involuntarily grasped the corner of Chen Mu''s mouth; it turns out he previously thought he was a ''wealthy man'' with a strong back.


    A technique like the Skin Toughening Method, clearly being something that could be copied over and over again, dared to be sold for one hundred fifty Silver¡ªtruly an outrageous price. He had already spent quite a bit of the Silver he had obtained before and could only afford a fraction of it now.


    Luckily, compared to Inner Breathing Method, one hundred fifty Silver was still a reasonable amount. Now that his Blade Technique had reached Perfection and he had mastered the Raging Wind Blade Momentum, there were many ways to make money, and earning enough for a Skin Toughening Method wouldn''t be difficult.


    ...


    After leaving Ji Family''s Pawnshop,


    Chen Mu touched the ''Gale Blade Technique'' manual in his pocket, feeling a twinge of pain in his heart.


    He couldn''t afford the Internal Cultivation Method for the time being, and having already cultivated his Raging Wind Blade Technique to Perfection, he couldn''t just sit idle. So, he ended up buying another sword manual within the same lineage as the Raging Wind Blade Technique but a different kind, the ''Gale Blade Technique.''


    Fortunately, his intention had been to sell the Raging Wind Blade Technique, so this sale and purchase were akin to a trade, with only an extra five Silver expended.


    According to the accountant from the pawnshop, the fundamental methods of the Qian Heaven Kun Earth lineage, apart from the Imperial Court, were not circulated anywhere else, nor did any forces dare to circulate them. However, derivative techniques such as the Raging Wind Blade and the Gale Blade were widely disseminated.


    Rumors held that one in ten thousand rare geniuses could deduce the foundational method from the derivative ones.


    Although whether such rumors were true remained unknown, they gave Chen Mu a direction. His Raging Wind Blade Technique had reached Perfection, and the system was unable to improve it any further, but he could practice other branches of the same type.


    Mastering two blade techniques and cultivating two different Blade Momentums would certainly be stronger than mastering just one.


    And perhaps,


    Chen Mu had a feeling that it wasn''t that the system couldn''t further elevate his skills but that the conditions were not sufficient.


    If he could cultivate all the branching techniques of the Xun Wind lineage to Perfection and master their Blade Momentums, perhaps he could use the system to integrate them and thereby deduce a higher-level foundational method, stepping into a higher realm.


    Of course, physical cultivation was also significant. Currently, figuring out how to acquire a Skin Toughening Method was also key.


    "The Inner Breathing Method is not something commoners can access, maybe not even the Prefecture Chiefs, but as for the Body Refining... I wonder which step that Prefecture Chief Min has reached, whether it''s Skin Toughening or Body Refinement."


    Chen Mu murmured to himself.


    Without a doubt,


    the Prefecture Chief of the City Defense Division must know the Body Tempering Method, otherwise relying solely on a Perfection-level technique''s Blade Momentum, he couldn''t possibly secure his position as Prefecture Chief. It was just unclear to what extent he had practiced the Body Tempering Method.


    From the partial information Chen Mu gleaned through indirect queries with the accountant, the Body Tempering Method was also quite difficult. It could literally be described as tempering the body with ''gold and silver.'' Any Prescription for any of the Body Refining Methods devoured massive amounts of money. To maximize progress, one would need to spend several hundred Silver in a year.


    Without a vast amount of gold and silver to back it up, the first step, Skin Toughening, would be ample for a lifetime''s worth of practice.


    Chen Mu guessed that Prefecture Chief Min, who administered the Ninth District City Defense Division, had possibly only attained the Body Refinement Realm. If it were any higher, he likely wouldn''t just be an Outer City Prefecture Chief but would have already been promoted.

 Chapter 15: Chapter 14: Wanted

    While reflecting on matters, Chen Mu arrived at the City Defense Division.


    As per the usual practice, he hung up his tag, flipped it, and then went to the backyard to drink tea and wait for people.


    Before he practiced the Blade Technique, he always arrived at the City Defense Division quite early, but after he started practicing, he arrived later, usually around the time when his fellow constables were almost all present.


    As he entered, he just happened to pass by Ren Yan. Over the past six months, Chen Mu hadn''t had much interaction with Ren Yan nor had he paid much attention to him, but this time, as he passed by, he scrutinized him with an imperceptible glance.


    "This change... is it Skin Toughening?"


    Chen Mu mumbled to himself.


    Comparatively, since half a year ago, Ren Yan''s complexion had noticeably darkened and seemed rougher, but also more rugged. Initially, he thought it was all because of Blade Technique practice, but now it appeared that Skin Toughening might also be involved.


    But as far as he understood, whether Skin Toughening or mastery of Blade Technique, both required a painstaking effort, not achievable in a single day. The accounting desk even mentioned "three years of Skin Toughening, ten years of Body Refinement" such phrases.


    "I wasn''t aware of these things before but now that I think about it, among the five head constables at the City Defense Division, four seem to have practiced the Skin Toughening Method, but I don''t know to what extent exactly."


    Chen Mu thought again about the several head constables of the City Defense Division.


    Although only one of them had accomplished Blade Momentum, if the others had all practiced the Skin Toughening Method and possessed a sturdier physique than ordinary people, with their Major Achievement in the Blade Technique, they would perhaps not be much weaker.


    Upon further reflection, it made sense, one could become a head constable with Major Achievement in Blade Technique, surely they had some background and origins, and with such backgrounds, they certainly wouldn''t be strangers to the practice of Internal Cultivation Method, it''s just that most hadn''t practiced it to a great depth.


    "This Ren Yan indeed has an extraordinary encounter, I thought he only learned the Blade Technique, but it turns out he also learned the Internal Cultivation Method."


    Chen Mu slightly shook his head.


    He was still pondering how to afford to buy an Internal Cultivation Method.


    He soon arrived under the familiar sophora tree, where Liu Song and Li Tie were already sitting early, happily greeting Chen Mu as he approached.


    After pouring some bitter tea and making simple small talk for a while, a constable suddenly entered the yard, holding several yellow papers in his hand and waving his arm, he said: "New Arrest Warrants are here."


    The constables scattered around the courtyard went over to check.


    Liu Song also got up and quickly brought back one of the yellow papers. The paper had a roughly sketched face, but there was a distinctive black patch on the right side of the face, and the bottom of the paper contained a few scrawly descriptions.


    "...The wicked thief Tang Quan, stole properties in the Inner City, now roaming the Outer City, offering thirty silver for accurate clues, one hundred silver for killing him, and three hundred silver for capturing him alive."


    Seeing the content of this Arrest Warrant, many constables in the yard made a racket.


    Li Tie also exclaimed in surprise, "Goodness, three hundred silver for capturing him alive, what exactly did this guy do in the Inner City to warrant such a bounty."


    There were many similar Arrest Warrants at the City Defense Division, but a typical live capture would already be highly rewarded with thirty or forty silver; three hundred silver at this level were scarce, maybe just a few each year.


    "Stealing properties, heh, I guess whatever he stole must have been worth far more than three hundred silver..." S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Liu Song chuckled and casually tossed the Arrest Warrant back onto the stone table, not really caring much.


    Thieves of this caliber weren''t really their piece of cake; three hundred silver wasn''t just money, it was a coffin board, and anyone who dared to be tempted would likely end up lying in it, being veterans they wouldn''t get their hopes up for silver that''s out of their league.


    After all, one would know even by thinking with their toes, a notoriously fierce thief worth three hundred silver as a bounty was akin to something that could explode with just one more glance for these low-level constables.


    Chen Mu did take a closer look, but he wasn''t very interested in reality.


    If it was those being offered a bounty of twenty or thirty silver, he might consider his capabilities if he actually encountered one, but for this level, even though he had achieved Perfection in his Blade Technique and developed Blade Momentum, he wouldn''t want to meddle with it. There was no need to take such a high risk; no one knew the true strength of such characters.


    "Probably only the head constables themselves would be interested."


    Li Tie shook his head and took a sip of bitter tea.


    At this point, Liu Song looked around mysteriously, then whispered :


    "Did you hear, Zhao Zong is going to retire."


    "Hmm?"


    Both Chen Mu and Li Tie were a bit startled.


    Zhao Zong, they were probably referring to the oldest head constable, seemingly in his fifties, near sixty.


    "What happened?"


    Li Tie asked in a surprised low voice.


    Normally, a position like head constable, no matter how old one was, one would hardly want to step down, as every day in position meant benefits, and all the external gangs and factions would try to curry favor.


    But once someone stepped down, they became just another ordinary old man. Even if they still had some capabilities, age and the decline in Qi-Blood meant losing their power soon afterward, they would quickly be forgotten.


    "An old injury from his youth flared up, he can''t hold up any longer."


    Liu Song spoke softly.


    Hearing this, both Chen Mu and Li Tie nodded slightly; it seemed Zhao Zong was also reluctant to give up his position as head constable, but if his body couldn''t keep up, the higher-ups indeed wouldn''t keep an aged head constable with significantly reduced mobility.


    Li Tie looked reflectively at the many constables in the courtyard and whispered, "With Zhao Zong stepping down, a position will be up for grabs."


    The City Defense Division currently had five head constables, each with their own responsibilities and leading different teams. If Zhao Zong left, either his subordinates would be redistributed to other head constables, or a new head constable would have to be appointed.


    At that moment, Liu Song glanced toward Ren Yan''s location in the distance and said with a slight sigh, "That position will mostly likely be his. I reckon Zhao Zong might last another six months, and even if Ren Yan''s skills aren''t sufficient by then, a word from someone above should prevent any major issues. When one''s fate arrives, it truly cannot be blocked."


    Originally, he, Li Tie, and many other veteran servants were reluctant to curry favor with Ren Yan, not just because Ren Yan was too young, but also because Ren Yan aspired to become a Head Constable, for which he would need to practice the Blade Technique for many more years and develop true strength.


    But now,


    with Zhao Zong''s ill health, a position was about to open up¡ªit was like a sleepy person being offered a pillow.


    "Truly a stroke of good fortune."


    Li Tie couldn''t help but sigh as well.


    Just over six months ago, Ren Yan was indistinguishable from the other servants, but he had suddenly come into good fortune, gaining the opportunity to train in martial arts in the Inner City. And now, after just over six months, his skills were just beginning to be decent enough, and an opportunity to become a Head Constable presented itself.


    Hearing this, even Chen Mu couldn''t help but cast a distant glance at Ren Yan.


    Such good fortune indeed seemed to carry a hint of someone with a Heavenly Mandate.


    However...


    Chen Mu slightly shook his head internally but said nothing, sipped his tea, then stood up and said, "Alright, Brother Liu, Brother Li, let''s get moving."


    Seeing this, Liu Song and Li Tie also set down their tea bowls, picked up the Servant''s Knife beside them, and got ready to move.


    After Chen Mu and the others had left, some of the other servants also began to leave in twos and threes. But quietly murmuring among themselves, they all showed a great deal of surprise, and many of them frequently glanced in Ren Yan''s direction.


    Obviously, Zhao Zong''s condition was not a matter of a day or two, but gradually it became an open secret. Almost the entire yard of servants had begun to hear about it and, connecting this to the soon-to-be-vacant position of Head Constable, their thoughts immediately turned to Ren Yan.


    As for Ren Yan, the subject of everyone''s frequent glances, he seemed wholly unconcerned at the moment, calmly sipping his tea. After a while, he leisurely stood up and began to patrol with an unhurried stride.


    ...


    Chen Mu was unconcerned about Zhao Zong''s situation.


    He and Ren Yan were different. Currently, his Blade Technique was perfected, embodying the Blade Momentum, and he did not need a vacancy to become a Head Constable; with his capabilities alone, there were no issues whatsoever in assuming the role directly.


    Even if the Ninth District Division dared to say there were no Head Constable positions available, the other divisions of the City Defense Division would likely immediately extend an olive branch to Chen Mu, inviting him to become a Head Constable in another division.


    After patrolling with Liu Song and others, Chen Mu returned home and bought some fresh meat and vegetables. These days, there was meat at every meal at home, improving Chen Yue''s complexion significantly, and Wang Ni, the little girl, also enjoyed better meals.


    After the family had eaten, Chen Mu went to the storeroom by habit and took out the Gale Blade Technique.


    "I need to schedule the Skin Toughening Method soon and try to get it earlier. Before that, I''ll practice the Gale Blade Technique a bit more."


    As his strength continued to grow, Chen Mu''s temperament became increasingly steady.


    He opened the manual.


    The Gale Blade Technique, like the Raging Wind Blade Technique, belongs to the Xun Wind lineage, but the techniques of execution are completely different. The Raging Wind Blade Technique emphasizes the chaos and entanglement of the wind, whereas the Gale Blade Technique emphasizes its ''fierceness.''


    Now that Chen Mu had achieved Perfection in his Blade Technique and developed Blade Momentum, he could understand the focus and direction of the Gale Blade Technique just by flipping through it once, and immediately started practicing with his knife.


    "The Gale Blade Technique, characterized by wide swings and fierce momentum."


    A glint flickered in Chen Mu''s eyes. As the sky was not yet completely dark, he swung his knife in the storeroom, casting a streak of knife shadows on the old walls, violent and fierce, as if they could tear the walls apart at any moment.


    With the foundation of the Raging Wind Blade Technique, practicing the Gale Blade Technique indeed felt different. Chen Mu did not use the system panel, relying only on himself. After practicing for just two or three hours, he felt that he had already begun to understand this technique.


    He then checked the system interface.


    There was indeed a change.


    [Martial Arts: Raging Wind Blade Technique (Perfection), Gale Blade Technique (Minor Achievement)]


    [Experience Points: 7]


    "Hmm, I can easily grasp the basics without relying on the system, and it probably won''t take long to reach Minor Achievement. However, achieving Major Achievement might still be faster with the consumption of Experience Points. As for Perfection..."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly.


    Today, while patrolling, he subtly inquired about Zhao Zong''s matter with Liu Song and Li Tie. Although Liu Song had not practiced martial arts, his age and broad experience gave him knowledge surpassing Chen Mu''s.


    For example, in this era, very few people master both Blade Technique and Swordsmanship because mastering one technique alone is difficult enough. Learning more tends to be counterproductive rather than focusing on perfecting one technique and developing its Momentum.


    However, equally,


    those rare individuals who have mastered multiple techniques of both Blade and Swordsmanship to Perfection indeed seem like monsters. Such existences, even if they are in the Inner City, are considered prodigiously talented, and are virtually unheard of in the Outer City.


    But for Chen Mu, as long as he has enough time, whether it''s two, three, or even more techniques, he could master them all to the realm of Perfection, grasping their intrinsic Momentum. This capability was uniquely his own.


    Setting down the Servant''s Knife,


    Chen Mu walked over to the stove and picked up the kettle on it. The water inside was heated by Chen Yue before she went to sleep.


    "Tonight, I should just rest well."


    Because he hadn''t slept at all the previous night, even though Chen Mu''s spirit was more resilient than most, he still felt a bit tired and decided not to practice with the knife all night. He should have a good rest tonight.


    But just as Chen Mu was about to return to his bedroom to rest, his movements suddenly paused, his ears twitched slightly as if he had heard something, and he immediately looked outside through the door crack, showing a hint of vigilance.

 Chapter 16: Chapter 15 Tang Quan

    Looking down from a high vantage point, the entire Yu City was enveloped in darkness. The night sky showed no stars, and even the moonlight appeared only dimly through the thick black fog, while the Inner City and the Outer City stood distinctly apart like two banks of a river.


    In the Inner City, many places still shone brightly with lights, some pleasure districts were even bustling with activity, but the Outer City was cloaked in darkness and deathly silence, with hardly any lights visible, and everything within sight was pitch black.


    Among them.


    A vast corner of the South City District.


    In the dimness, under the faint and intermittent moonlight, two figures were engaging in combat.


    "Hey, to think that taking some Silver Coins would provoke the Chief Constable herself to chase me down personally, I, Tang Quan, am truly honored," one of them said.


    One of the figures, clad in black clothing, seemed somewhat gaunt. Occasional flashes of moonlight illuminated his face, revealing a distinct black mark on his right cheek, and he was letting out a strange laugh.


    The person chasing him from behind was dressed in a white uniform, strikingly conspicuous under the moonlight. Her face was cold yet pretty, and the occasional moonlight that spilled over her gave her the appearance of a Moon Palace Fairy descending from the heavens. She was none other than the renowned Chief Constable of the South City District, Hongyu Xu.


    "Silver Coins are nothing but external possessions, yet there are certain things that, even if merely glimpsed at once, bring great disasters. You should understand this principle," Hongyu Xu said faintly.


    With a light tap, she seemed to transform into a fleeting shadow and suddenly closed in on Tang Quan''s back, her soft sword stirring up dim moonlight.


    Tang Quan swung his blade in an attempt to block, but could only slightly parry before failing to withstand her attacks. Several cuts instantly appeared in his black robe, revealing a somewhat coarse iron-colored soft armor underneath.


    "I haven''t seen anything I shouldn''t have seen. Why falsely accuse me?" Tang Quan said with an unsightly expression.


    "Perhaps," Hongyu Xu said somewhat listlessly.


    Some things, not to mention actually seeing them, even the mere possibility of seeing them can be an unbearable menace for some people. They will invariably investigate thoroughly, and she, the Chief Constable, had been coerced into this chase.


    Seeing that Hongyu Xu was unwavering, with every move of her swordsmanship aimed lethally, Tang Quan inwardly cursed his plight. He had initially underestimated the Chief Constable of the South City District, thinking a woman would mostly rely on her background to ascend to her position, lacking substantial skills. However, the moment they clashed, he realized he had underestimated her.


    Her Body Tempering method might have already reached the level of ''Tendon Changing''. Her movement technique and sword force were both far superior to his own, which was still struggling at the ''Body Refining'' level.


    Even more.


    Her swordsmanship was flawless, a true and complete form of the ''Qian Heaven Kun Earth'' out of the Kan Water Sect. She had already mastered it to Perfection. The Sword Momentum flowed freely like water; if this swordsmanship did not prioritize defense over aggression, he would have been dead on the spot even with his Iron Scale Armor. And yet, he still found it difficult to shake off her pursuit.


    After a few more exchanges, Tang Quan had accumulated seven or eight wounds. Some were blocked by the Iron Scale Armor, but parts of his legs, shoulders, and upper arms were slashed open, the wounds deep and shocking.


    "Hongyu Xu! Do you really want to make an enemy out of me?" Tang Quan roared in anger.


    Hongyu Xu did not reply, continuing her advance with her sword. The sword light, complemented by the moonlight, thrust forward. Although it was an extremely soft sword, in that moment it appeared like a flowing rainbow and felt like persistent drizzle melding into a single thread, forcefully breaking through Tang Quan''s blade momentum.


    Hiss!


    The Iron Scale Armor, which could withstand swords and blades, could not block this thrust, and was forcefully penetrated!


    Tang Quan spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, his face a ghastly pale, but his eyes flashed with a ruthless hue. With a flick of his right hand, he mysteriously produced a sinister black sphere and fiercely threw it to the ground.


    Hongyu Xu''s expression changed dramatically. Without hesitation, she swiftly backed away several meters with a light tap on the ground.


    Bang!


    The black sphere hit the ground and exploded, instantly bursting into a dense, gray fog that spread around, quickly covering an area nearly ten meters in diameter. Nearby weeds wilted rapidly as the gray fog enveloped them, visible to the naked eye.


    "Corpse Poison Jade?"


    Xu Hongyu''s expression turned somewhat ugly.


    As she knew, this item was made from corpse poison, and extracting it required at least tens of thousands of bodies. It was one of the most brutally malicious hidden weapons, so much so that the Imperial Court had strictly forbidden its manufacture, and discovery of such would lead to severe punishment.


    However, the Imperial Court''s power was now waning, and its control over various regions was nowhere near what it had been in its heyday. As a result, such previously banned venomous weapons had resurfaced, truly a sign of chaotic and disordered times.


    As the gray fog thickened, Xu Hongyu dared not get close.


    Once the fog dimmed somewhat, she swung her sword, cutting through the thin mist, but Tang Quan''s figure had already disappeared.


    "You won''t get far." S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xu Hongyu''s gaze was ice-cold as she discerned the direction and moved forward.


    Tang Quan had been struck by her sword, a thrust that went through his chest and abdomen, a fatal wound for an ordinary person, and certainly a severe one for someone who had achieved a certain realm in the Body Tempering Method. Even with meticulous care, recovery was uncertain, and if he didn''t tend to his injuries, he would soon die.


    ...


    Under the night sky.


    The streets were silent and dim, devoid of even a flicker of light; coincidentally, the moonlight was completely obscured by clouds, rendering the streets almost pitch black to the point of blinding.


    In one such alley, Tang Quan staggered forward, clutching the wound on his chest and abdomen.


    "Damn woman, just wait till I get the chance, I''ll eventually..."


    He gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with resentment.


    The wounds on his shoulder and leg were bearable; though deep, his almost perfected ''Body Refinement'' allowed him to forcibly close his muscles and temporarily stop the bleeding. However, the sword wound between his chest and abdomen was serious.


    Even though he had managed to avoid vital organs, the injury was not light, and he now dared not exert force for fear of tearing the wound completely beyond repair.


    He definitely couldn''t run far, and without tending to his wound, he would pass out and die within half an hour.


    A dim beam of moonlight shone down.


    Using this bit of moonlight, Tang Quan hastily scanned the alley, his eyes settling on two unremarkable, dilapidated low houses not far from him, obviously homes of the very poor.


    Tang Quan stumbled over, reached the door, and first pushed it. It was bolted from inside. Without much hesitation, he shook his left hand and pulled out a piece of wire from his bosom, deftly inserting it into the door crack to unlatch the bolt silently.


    Then, he carefully pushed the door and moved inside.


    But just as the door was halfway open.


    A sudden change occurred.


    Phut.


    A handful of white ash unexpectedly spurted out from the dark interior of the door.


    Caught off guard, Tang Quan, who was attempting to make no noise and had his attention focused more outside and in other directions, hadn''t anticipated a half-open door causing such an incident. In fact, as a seasoned thief, he had long abandoned such rudimentary tactics, but he never expected to encounter it at that moment.


    Tang Quan hurriedly closed his eyes and retreated, but it was still a step too slow. A small amount of white ash got into his eyes, causing an immediate, burning pain. He guessed it was likely not poison powder but something like lime.

 Chapter 17: Chapter 16 Hongyu

    This wasn''t over yet.


    Following that handful of white ash, a blade of light swung from the darkness. Just as the dark clouds dispersed a bit, revealing a crescent moon, the moonlight illuminated the blade of light as if it were a demon''s sharp claw.


    Tang Quan couldn''t open his eyes, but he could hear the piercing sound of the air being cut, instantly realizing that the attacker was certainly not an ordinary troublemaker, but a genuine practitioner of martial arts. He hurriedly swung his blade forward to block.


    Clang, clang, bang, bang!!


    Within just a brief moment, the two blades collided more than a dozen times.


    The dozens of collisions made Tang Quan''s heart grow colder; although he felt that the opponent''s blade did not possess much strength, as if they had never practiced the body refining techniques, the moves were exceptionally exquisite. There was even a lingering momentum that wrapped around his blade, making it difficult for him to break free.


    This was undoubtedly the perfection of blade technique, skills only attainable through cultivating blade momentum!


    Not many could cultivate their skills to the level of ''momentum''. In fact, many who reached the ''body refinement'' realm through body tempering methods hadn''t advanced their skills to the stage of ''momentum''.


    After all, body tempering can be forcibly enhanced through various supplements and medicinal powders, a process that takes time and is unrelated to wisdom, whereas skill cultivation requires insight.


    A person who had achieved ''momentum'' in ''body refinement'' was capable of rivalling ten others at the same level, a gap as vast as that between heaven and earth.


    His own blade momentum had been realized only after surviving death countless times.


    How had this person in front of him managed to achieve this?


    Moreover, what was strangest was that this person had mastered the blade momentum but seemed not to have practiced body refining techniques, which was bizarre. For someone who could cultivate blade momentum, advancing to the second step of body refining should be absolutely effortless.


    After only a short bout of about a dozen exchanges, Tang Quan inwardly lamented his situation.


    If this were a normal time, he would not fear facing ten opponents skilled in perfected techniques and cultivated momentum, even if they hadn''t practiced internal cultivation techniques. But now, he was gravely injured and didn''t dare to exert force. Seventy percent of his strength was already gone.


    Moreover, it was like adding insult to injury, compounded by the opponent''s sneak attack and his eyes being painfully swollen shut, rendering him completely blind, putting him at an even greater disadvantage.


    All he had wanted was a place to hide and heal his wounds, yet he had unexpectedly bumped into such a formidable person.


    "Brother, cease your attack,"


    Tang Quan parried a few more strikes with difficulty, his voice hoarse as he called out.


    "What do you want?"


    Chen Mu''s blade slightly slowed down.


    Tang Quan sensed Chen Mu''s attacks slow and heard his response, his heart slightly eased, knowing it wasn''t his enemy pursuing him. Annoyed at his bad luck, he still pleaded, "I am injured and only want to find a place to heal. There is no grudge between you and me, why not stop here?"


    As these words fell.


    Tang Quan could feel the techniques from the other side slow down a bit more, apparently pondering something.


    About a few breaths later, a voice came from the other side.


    "Alright."


    Tang Quan''s heart relaxed slightly.


    But, in the next moment, the initially slowing blade momentum from the opposite side suddenly burst out more ferociously than before!


    "You!"


    Tang Quan, caught off guard, barely managed to block a strike with his blade, then immediately felt a sting in his left shoulder.


    Chen Mu''s eyes were cold, his blade momentum fierce as he took the Raging Wind Blade Technique to its limits, slashing several more times.


    With his left shoulder injured, Tang Quan, who was already down to using only his left hand to hold the blade, felt his strength weaken further. He could no longer withstand Chen Mu''s standard-duty saber. After a few strikes, his blade was completely knocked away, followed immediately by a sharp pain at his neck.


    ...


    Tang Quan staggered back several steps, clutching at his neck, struggling to force open his burning, painful eyes, wanting to see who was in front of him. But he only managed to make out a blurry figure even in his forced attempt to open his eyes.


    Ultimately, he displayed a look of unwillingness, fell backward into a pool of blood, twitched a few times, and then lay still.


    "Phew..."


    Chen Mu breathed lightly.


    Familiarity grew with the second killing; now, his heart didn''t hesitate at all. All those niceties about ''no grudges'' were, of course, just pleasantries. Previously, there were no grudges, but attempting to break into his house and being blindsided by his handful of quicklime and his consecutive pressuring left no room for the discourse of grievances.


    Besides, his adversary was ferociously formidable; it was a rarity in his life. Clearly, the opponent was riddled with scars, appeared to have a horrifying through-and-through wound on his torso, and he had blinded his eyes. Under these conditions, he had still managed to forcefully withstand dozens of his strikes.


    A dim moonlight broke through the dark mist.


    Focusing on Tang Quan''s body, Chen Mu could barely discern his features, but the distinctive black mark on the right cheek immediately reminded him of the arrest warrant he had seen during the day.


    "This man... is he the villainous thief Tang Quan?"


    Chen Mu took a few steps toward the corpse and looked closely, his eyes suddenly revealing a hint of surprise.


    He had been practicing his blade techniques until exhaustion and was about to sleep when he heard noises outside. He immediately took out the lime and other items he had prepared long ago to guard against thieves. As the other party opened the door, he ambushed him, initially thinking it was just some petty thief, but during the fight, he realized he was dealing with a dangerous man.


    Only now did he recognize that this was the villainous thief Tang Quan, who was on the Arrest Warrant!


    The intruder clearly hadn''t come to steal. Looking at the injuries on his body, it was very likely that he was being pursued by someone and, in his panic, had tried to sneak into Chen Mu''s home to hide. Unfortunately, he ran into Chen Mu who had not yet slept from his blade practice and fell victim to his ambush, thus dying unclearly under his blade.


    In a flash.


    Numerous thoughts crossed Chen Mu''s mind.


    This villainous thief Tang Quan was not like the last Black Snake Gang leader he could easily take advantage of; this case involving Tang Quan was clearly substantial and not something that could be easily dismissed. There might be a thorough investigation afterwards.


    Just as Chen Mu was rapidly considering how to handle the body.


    Suddenly.


    A somewhat cold voice sounded.


    "Which division''s head constable are you? I haven''t seen you before."


    Following the source of the voice, he saw a figure clad in a white flying fish robe appearing under the faint moonlight at the corner of the roof, unnoticed until now.


    Because the moonlight was dim and hazy, he couldn''t see the person''s face clearly, but the white flying fish robe was strikingly conspicuous, which made Chen Mu slightly startled and immediately made him realize the identity of the newcomer, as in the entire South City District, only one person could wear this uniform. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chief Constable of the City Defense Division in South City District.


    Xu Hongyu.


    Although Chen Mu was not wearing his uniform at the moment, the saber in his hand was clearly a standard duty saber, making it not surprising that Xu Hongyu recognized him as a member of the City Defense Division.


    "Chen Mu, a constable from the Ninth District City Defense Division, greets the Chief Constable."


    Chen Mu immediately saluted Xu Hongyu respectfully. His mind swirled with surprise, seemingly realizing that the person who had been pursuing Tang Quan was none other than the Chief Constable herself. He wondered just what trouble Tang Quan had gotten himself into.


    Xu Hongyu''s figure swayed, and she landed in front of Chen Mu from the corner of the roof, inspecting him with some surprise as she spoke, "A constable from Ninth District? No wonder I haven''t seen you. Are you practicing the Xun Wind blade technique?"


    With her discerning eye, she would not mistake it; Chen Mu''s technique was certainly of the Xun Wind lineage, and he had practiced the Blade Technique to perfection, achieving formidable blade momentum, otherwise he would not have been able to kill Tang Quan, even if Tang Quan had been severely injured.


    Upon closer inspection.


    She was even more surprised to find that Chen Mu looked quite young, only in his early twenties, not much different in age from her. For someone of his age to have perfected his blade technique and developed such momentum was quite rare.


    "Yes, milady, you have a discerning eye,"


    Chen Mu cautiously replied.


    At this moment, Xu Hongyu stood less than two meters in front of him. By the dim moonlight, he could already make out the features of the renowned beauty of the South City District Chief Constable, who seemed like a Fairy of the Moon Palace, proving that the rumors were not false.


    Xu Hongyu looked thoughtfully at Chen Mu and asked, "How old are you this year?"


    "Twenty-two."


    Chen Mu replied.


    Xu Hongyu nodded slightly upon hearing this.


    Although she had been practicing the sword since childhood and had mastered sword momentum by the age of twenty, far earlier than Chen Mu, Chen Mu had never practiced the Body Tempering Method and was clearly a low-level constable who had climbed his way up solely through his own talents, reaching this level was truly not easy, and he was indeed a talent.


    "Chen Mu..."


    Xu Hongyu mused briefly before walking over to Tang Quan''s body, lifted it up, and said, "I''ll remember the bounty money for Tang Quan''s arrest. Come to the Chief Officer tomorrow afternoon."


    "Yes."


    Chen Mu immediately responded.


    He also felt a slight relief in his heart.


    The matter with Tang Quan was clearly a major problem, one that currently he was in no position to be involved with. Now that Xu Hongyu, the Chief Constable, had intervened, it was certainly the best outcome for him. Moreover, this incident had brought him prematurely into her sight, which was also beneficial.


    After all, if he aspired to become a head constable, he would indeed need the approval of Xu Hongyu, the Chief Constable.


    Xu Hongyu, carrying Tang Quan''s body, leaped up and disappeared into the night after a few bounds, leaving Chen Mu shaking his head and turning to head back through his home''s door.

 Chapter 18: Chapter 17: Zhao Zong

    Upon entering the bedroom,


    although it was pitch-dark inside the room, the scattered clouds had parted slightly, allowing moonlight to stream in and make everything within more discernible. Chen Mu caught a clear glimpse of the situation inside.


    He saw that both Chen Yue and Wang Ni had been awakened by the earlier commotion, but their demeanors were quite different.


    Wang Ni appeared unmistakably terrified, huddling at the foot of the bed, shivering uncontrollably. Although it was hard to see clearly, one could vaguely sense the fear in her eyes amidst the dimness.


    But despite her fear, she did not make a sound, the reason being that another small hand was tightly covering her mouth. It was Chen Yue who was leaning beside her, embracing her partly while one hand firmly muzzled Wang Ni to prevent any noise.


    Upon closer inspection,


    one could see that Chen Yue''s body was trembling slightly, but she bit her teeth together tightly, forcibly steadying herself. Not only was she covering Wang Ni''s mouth, but she was also keeping herself from making any noise.


    These were all things that Chen Mu had taught her; to remain silent no matter what happened at night. She remembered it well and understood why. If something bad were happening, panicking and screaming would only make things worse.


    She was unaware of what had occurred outside, but she knew this much: if anyone were to harm Chen Mu, just like in the stories he had told her, she would endure it, strive with all her might to survive, and then... with all her capabilities, seek revenge and make the person who hurt her brother pay.


    "Brother?"


    Seeing that the person who entered the room was Chen Mu, Chen Yue''s jumbled thoughts finally eased somewhat, but she still dared not make a sound. Instead, she mouthed silently toward Chen Mu, forming the shape of a word.


    Chen Mu closed the door and nodded slightly towards her, saying, "It''s all right now."


    Hearing Chen Mu''s words, Chen Yue finally breathed a sigh of relief. Letting go of Wang Ni, she could no longer hold back and rushed to embrace Chen Mu tightly, bursting into tears.


    No matter what, she was just a fifteen-year-old girl, startled from her sleep in the dead of night by an intruder''s invasion, and with her brother charging out with a knife. It was quite enough strength that she had held back until now.


    "Alright, alright."


    Chen Mu patted Chen Yue''s back and placed her on the bed, feeling internally that his little sister had indeed grown up.


    Yes, she had matured in various senses.


    When he had first come to this world, Chen Yue had not possessed the alertness and strength she displayed now. It was through his persistent teaching of various ideas from his own world that she had rapidly matured inside.


    The age from twelve to fifteen is indeed the most critical period for psychological growth.


    His efforts had not gone to waste. Although tonight had been a close shave, Chen Yue''s reaction still brought him great comfort.


    Even now, as she couldn''t help but cry, she tried hard to keep her voice down, simply sobbing softly. Wang Ni, on the other hand, had not made a sound, but she had been so frightened that she was dazzled by fear, still not recovered.


    "Don''t cry now. In a few days, we''ll move to a new place."


    Chen Mu comforted Chen Yue while pondering his next steps.


    Although tonight seemed to bring an unprovoked misfortune without gaining anything or a chance to examine Tang Quan''s corpse, in reality, there were benefits. For starters, he had entered the radar of Xu Hongyu, the Chief Constable. Not being able to inspect the body didn''t matter since Tang Quan''s bounty, with Xu Hongyu''s esteemed status, wouldn''t be pocketed unfairly.


    Plus, with the initial approval of his power from Xu Hongyu, he predicted he would soon be promoted to Head Constable. By then, earning some Silver and obtaining a Skin Toughening method would be no problem, and moving to a new home would naturally follow.


    Chen Yue and Wang Ni had both been frightened significantly.


    Chen Mu continued to console the two girls well into the night, until he managed to soothe them to sleep together, only then lying down himself.


    ¡­


    The next day,


    Chen Mu woke up early in the morning.


    Upon awakening, he found himself lying in the middle, with Chen Yue clinging onto him like a koala, her four little paws hooked on his body, while Wang Ni curled up into a small ball by his side, like a little chick.


    Chen Mu moved Chen Yue''s limbs to the side and stepped out the door, glancing at the spot not far away where he had fought with Tang Quan the night before. The ground there still bore spatters of blood, but they had completely dried.


    "Seems like there''s no trouble now."


    Chen Mu nodded to himself slightly.


    Although Xu Hongyu had taken Tang Quan''s body away last night, there was no guarantee that further troubles wouldn''t follow. Therefore, he had a light sleep, but as nothing else happened overnight and no one came to check around, it seemed that the matter had indeed stopped with Xu Hongyu.


    Both little maids had been quite frightened last night, so he didn''t wake them, choosing instead to make a fire and cook in the firewood room. After the hustle and bustle, he called the two awake to eat; then, after comforting them for a moment, he put on his constable uniform and went to the City Defense Division.


    The routine was to hang and flip the tags.


    Last night''s incident seemed to have caused no ripples, with no news spreading of the wanted Tang Quan''s death. Walking along, he also heard no discussions about it.


    The numerous constables were still talking about various personal matters, as well as the widow on West Street and the top courtesan of the Flower Pavilions on East Street.


    "Chen Er has arrived."


    Seeing Chen Mu arrive, Liu Song and Li Tie both smiled and then called him over to set off.


    But Chen Mu shook his head, saying, "I have to go to the Chief Officer at noon, so I won''t join the patrol today."


    Upon hearing this, Liu Song and Li Tie were a bit surprised, but it wasn''t uncommon for constables to go to the Chief Officer, possibly to deliver official documents on behalf of the Head Constable. Thus, they jestingly teased him for a bit before the two of them headed out.


    As the day grew late, the constables in the courtyard quickly dispersed in dribs and drabs, leaving only Chen Mu, Ren Yan, and a few other constables lingering in the yard. Ren Yan had rarely patrolled lately, claiming he was left at the City Defense Division to organize documents, but in actuality, there wasn''t much to do.


    He would even occasionally practice his blade technique in the small courtyard behind the division.


    Just as Chen Mu was calculating the time, almost ready to head to the Chief Officer, Head Constable Qin Bei, dressed in blue, and Zhao Zong, who had long not visited the City Defense Division, arrived side by side.


    Zhao Zong used to visit the City Defense Division often. Because he was getting older, he no longer frequented the pleasure quarters. However, several months prior, when word got out that his old wounds had flared up, it caused many to understand why his visits had dwindled.


    "Lord Qin, Lord Zhao."


    The scattered few constables in the courtyard immediately stood up and paid respects.


    Chen Mu closely observed the veteran Head Constable Zhao Zong, noting that his complexion was indeed much more deteriorated than before, with sparse black hair now turned wholly white and his face added with many wrinkles.


    Compared to the past, he had lost some of his grimness and deadliness, instead gaining more kindness and a sense of desolation.


    "The Arrest Warrant for the villain Tang Quan can be retracted now."


    Qin Bei, with his hands behind his back, entered and declared in an even tone.


    Hearing this, Chen Mu''s gaze flickered slightly, it seemed the news had spread quickly, probably issued by Xu Hongyu. However, it seemed to have little to do with him, as Qin Bei didn''t even glance in his direction but announced the news and then walked over to Ren Yan together with Zhao Zong.


    "Head Qin, Old Zhao."


    Ren Yan was very respectful to both Qin Bei and Zhao Zong.


    Although the constables in the courtyard mostly believed he would be Zhao Zong''s successor as the next Head Constable, he was not yet appointed. He behaved very casually in front of the other constables, but he maintained respect when facing the two Head Constables.


    Zhao Zong was quite pleased with Ren Yan''s attitude, stroking his beard and saying with a chuckle, "Well done, ''Blue is extracted from the indigo but is more vivid than it''... How far have you gotten with your Skin Toughening technique?"


    Ren Yan replied with a smile and a bow, "Old Zhao, I''ve achieved Minor Achievement."


    Zhao Zong nodded and said, "Hmm, then your Blade Technique is also about right. Give it another year or two, once your Skin Toughening reaches Perfection and Blade Technique reaches Major Achievement, you''ll basically have made it."


    In those days, it was difficult for Blade Technique to reach Perfection, but the combination of Skin Toughening Perfection and Blade Technique Major Achievement was strong enough as well, able to handle a dozen or so armed villains without issue, making for a very reliable Head Constable.


    Of course.


    If the Blade Technique could reach Perfection, that would be an exceptional talent, since even with just the Realm of Skin Toughening, as long as one masters the technique of ''Momentum,'' they can match some who have just started Body Refinement, and whose martial skills are limited to Major Achievement.


    To put it simply, whether it''s Skin Toughening or Body Refinement, it''s all a matter of gradual improvement. With sufficient resources for nurturing, anyone can be developed in this way, including achieving Major Achievement in Blade Technique. Those large forces in the Inner City can train such private soldiers if they have Silver, but mastering a technique to the level of ''Momentum'' is different.


    If one also cultivates the Body Tempering Method to Body Refinement, they can challenge ten martial men of the same realm, easily defeating tens or hundreds of ordinary bandits. That is the skill necessary to become a Prefecture Chief.


    "Join this old man for a drink?" S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhao Zong said to Ren Yan with a chuckle.


    Ren Yan quickly replied, "If Old Zhao requests it, how could I refuse to comply?"


    Qin Bei also smiled slightly before he and Zhao Zong departed with Ren Yan, paying no attention to the other constables in the courtyard.


    Watching Ren Yan leave with the two Head Constables, the scattered constables couldn''t help but show a touch of envy, while Chen Mu remained composed throughout. Once everyone had left, he glanced at the position of the sun and rose to his feet, leaving the City Defense Division to head to the Chief Officer.

 Chapter 19: Chapter 18: Gold and Jade

    The day was past noon.


    He visited the Chief Constable of the South City District once again.


    It had been more than half a year since his last visit, which had been about the matter concerning Zhang Hai. At that time, he had been extremely cautious, bowing his head, unwilling to draw the slightest attention, trying to lower his presence and sneaking into the prison behind.


    But this visit was different, as he was summoned by Xu Hongyu, the Chief Constable. Even if he wanted to lower his presence, it would be impossible. He had to report to the front desk first and then go to the central building of the Chief Constable''s office, being led all the way to the highest floor, the fourth.


    The officer who led him upstairs was a member of the staff at the Chief Constable''s office, casting many curious glances at him. Along the way, he wore a smiling face, greeting him and asking various questions, clearly eager to make his acquaintance.


    An officer who worked at the Chief Constable''s office generally had some connections or abilities, different from the lower-level officers in the various district offices. They were more experienced and had broader perspectives.


    Meeting someone like Chen Mu who had been summoned by Xu Hongyu, regardless of the reason, definitely wasn''t an ordinary individual, and naturally, people were willing to make his acquaintance.


    "Alright, I''ll leave you here. Upstairs is the Hall Office of the Chief Constable. Brother Chen, you should go up on your own. When you''re free, you must come find me. I insist on treating you to the famous drunken duck from the best restaurant in South City."


    The officer who had led Chen Mu upstairs escorted him to the third floor, then stopped and smiled, bowing his hands.


    Chen Mu returned the gesture, then continued upstairs.


    The fourth floor.


    This was the highest floor of the City Guard General''s main building, from which one could overlook the most bustling markets of the South City District.


    The entire floor was expansive, yet tranquil. As Chen Mu walked along, he only encountered one female officer, dressed in light armor, who led him to the Hall Office at the very end.


    "Come in."


    Xu Hongyu''s voice did not come from the front Hall Office, but rather from the side hall adjacent to it.


    The female officer who had led him here gestured for him to enter.


    The side hall was not as spacious as the main hall but was nevertheless very elegant, furnished with several wisteria-wood tables adorned with some official papers or one or two pots of flowers and plants.


    Xu Hongyu wasn''t wearing the white flying fish robe but was dressed in a slightly loose casual outfit, sitting behind a table near the window. Half of her body was leaning against the window sill, one hand forming a fist to support her chin, as she looked out over the cityscape.


    "Chief Constable."


    Chen Mu stopped about two meters away and gave a salute.


    Xu Hongyu slowly turned her head, looked Chen Mu up and down, then said, "Your father, Chen Feng, is an old officer from the Ninth District. He used his relationship with Liu Ming to arrange for you to join the City Defense Division. At that time, you didn''t know any Blade Technique. All these years, you have no connections whatsoever, and haven''t learned the blade from anyone else.


    It must be that you came across a Sword Manual by chance and have been practicing on your own for three to four years?"


    With just one sentence, Xu Hongyu clarified Chen Mu''s background distinctly.


    Chen Mu wasn''t too surprised, as Xu Hongyu''s position made it too easy for her to investigate all his information, probably just taking one morning''s work.


    Asking him to come in the afternoon meant it was very likely that she had ordered someone to gather his background information that morning.


    This background was basically accurate, and they might even have investigated his daily patrol duties. The only detail they were unclear about was¡­ that he had actually only practiced the blade for just over nine months, and not three to four years.


    Of course, Chen Mu would not correct this misconception. Xu Hongyu thinking that he practiced for three to four years actually made more sense.


    "Yes."


    Chen Mu bowed again, showing an appropriate amount of reverence.


    Xu Hongyu took another few glances at him, then suddenly stood up, walked in front of Chen Mu, and extended her hand. Her small hand, clear and lustrous as jade, bent her index and middle fingers to tap swiftly three times on Chen Mu''s ribs, chest, and the middle of his back.


    These taps were as fast as lightning. Chen Mu only saw a blurred afterimage before feeling a tingling pain in the three areas. Following that, his body slightly softened, and he staggered, nearly unable to maintain his stance.


    "Hmm... it seems so."


    Xu Hongyu withdrew her hand, returned to her table, and looked at Chen Mu calmly. She pushed forward a stack of items on the table, indicating for Chen Mu to take them.


    Chen Mu, having been prodded thrice by Xu Hongyu, still felt a numbing and sore sensation in his body. Although he guessed she might be probing his physical condition in some way, he couldn''t help but grumble inwardly.


    Shifting forward somewhat laboriously, he picked up the items on the table to take a look.


    To his discovery, there were several sheets of paper.


    The first sheet had a note handwritten by Xu Hongyu saying ''Withdraw 300 taels of Patterned Silver.''


    The sheet underneath held rows of densely packed small characters, with a few larger and more eye-catching words at the top¡ªGolden Jade Skin Toughening Technique.


    "My lady, this..."


    Chen Mu showed surprise in a timely manner, looking towards Xu Hongyu.


    But his mind was already as clear as a polished mirror. It seemed his talents, revealed through self-taught blade skills despite his age, were possibly higher than even he had anticipated, such that Xu Hongyu, the Chief Constable, was willing to bestow her favor and win his loyalty.


    "Although you killed Tang Quan, I was nearby at the time and can count it as you having captured him alive. The 300 taels of Patterned Silver is his bounty reward. As for this Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique... have you heard of the Internal Training Body Refining Method?"


    Xu Hongyu looked at Chen Mu with a calm demeanor.


    Chen Mu nodded and said, "Responding to your query, I have heard of the saying, ''first skin, then muscles, then tendons, then bones.'' I''ve always been interested, but the price is steep, and I''ve had no opportunity to engage with it."


    Xu Hongyu nodded slightly and said, "First Skin Toughening, then Body Refinement, followed by Tendon Changing, up to Bone Tempering... This is the most stable sequence in cultivating the Body Tempering Method. Generally speaking, if you''re able to perfect Skin Toughening, dealing with four or five scoundrels bare-handedly should pose no problem.


    If you can further refine the Body Refinement technique to perfection, even a dozen scoundrels won''t be able to get close."


    "You''ve managed to self-learn Blade Momentum, which shows you have good comprehension. Even though your talent is average and you began learning the Body Tempering Method relatively late, you still have a good chance to refine Body Refinement to Perfection. By then, you can consider yourself somewhat skillful."


    "Oh, right, the Tang Quan you killed had achieved Body Refinement Perfection and was a Martial Man. At that time, I had severely injured him, but the remaining strength he had was still extraordinary, which you must have experienced."


    It was more than an experience for Chen Mu; he still vividly remembered it to this point.


    In terms of skill, he wasn''t far off from Tang Quan; they were probably both at the level of having cultivated ''Momentum''. But the gap in physique was too great. If Tang Quan had not been gravely injured, Chen Mu would have had trouble lasting even two or three moves against him.


    "If Tang Quan hadn''t been injured, I would have been no match for him."


    Chen Mu shook his head and said.


    Xu Hongyu nodded slightly and continued, "That''s right. You have the skill of ''Momentum'', but without the physical support, you''re like a rootless duckweed.


    You can handle some third-rate characters with ease, but once you face someone who has cultivated the Body Tempering Method to a certain level, you''ll have a hard time dealing with them, even if their skills haven''t reached the level of ''Momentum''."


    "With your current level, you''re probably on par with someone who has perfected Skin Toughening but hasn''t mastered ''Momentum''.


    However, if you also reach Skin Toughening Perfection, you could easily crush those at the same level who also haven''t mastered ''Momentum'', and you might even be able to handle some who have achieved Minor Achievement in Body Refinement, but whose skills stop short of ''Momentum''."


    Chen Mu had never had a clear understanding of his own strength, but now, hearing Xu Hongyu''s words, he finally had a rough idea.


    Blade Technique is skill, and Body Tempering Method is strength.


    Only when strength and skill are fused can one be on the right path, the grand avenue to heaven.


    On the other hand, cultivating ''Momentum'' depends entirely on comprehension, while the Body Tempering Method relies more on an accumulation of resources. Hence, those who have mastered Momentum are regarded as a class of talents. If they are young enough, it''s even more remarkable.


    As Xu Hongyu was saying, even among some who have achieved Major Achievement or Perfection in Body Refinement, many have not been able to cultivate ''Momentum'' and are thus, at best, second-rate.


    For someone like Chen Mu, who had mastered Momentum at a young age, if he could just cultivate his physique to Body Refinement Perfection, he would be able to take on ten of those who have relied on resources to reach Body Refinement Perfection but lacked adequate skill level.


    That kind of person is truly elite.


    In the Outer City, they could serve as a Prefecture Chief of Ninth District, managing two to three hundred officers.


    In the Inner City, within the major forces, they could also be mid-level elites, serving as martial masters and Protectors, leading some troops.


    "The most difficult ''Momentum'' you have already cultivated. This Body Tempering Method just requires daily hard work and perseverance, allowing you to accumulate progress layer by layer. My ''Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique'', though not the most efficient, causes very little harm to the body, and even as you grow older, there''s no need to worry about latent injuries flaring up.


    If it were available outside, it would be worth its weight in gold."


    "Now, I am awarding you this Skin Toughening method as well. Do you... understand?"


    Xu Hongyu quietly watched Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu, of course, knew what he was supposed to say and immediately responded, "I am merely a subordinate, acting upon the commands of my superiors. With the great kindness you''ve shown me, I''ll definitely follow your lead from now on."


    The powers within Yu City were complex and intertwined; even the City Defense Division wasn''t solely under Xu Hongyu''s control, as forces from both the Inner City and other powers tried to influence it, through bribery or planting their own. Xu Hongyu saw Chen Mu as a talent worth nurturing, requiring his clear loyalty in return.


    "Very good." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xu Hongyu nodded slightly, satisfied with Chen Mu''s attitude. "You can go back now. I''ve informed Chief Constable Min to take good care of you. Once you have made progress with this Skin Toughening Technique, I''ll transfer you to the Chief Office."


    Chen Mu bowed again, "Thank you for your high regard, sir. I will heed your instructions."


    Xu Hongyu said no more but waved him off.


    Chen Mu respectfully placed the several pages into his bosom and then left the side hall.


    After Chen Mu left, Xu Hongyu gazed at his retreating figure with a trace of regret in her eyes.


    "To self-learn the Blade Momentum in just three or four years is indeed a mark of talent. It''s a pity he has low origins and wasn''t able to start learning the Body Tempering Method earlier. It isn''t difficult for him to reach the First Realm of Body Refinement, but hoping to reach the ''Tendon Changing'' level seems to be a faint prospect."


    Children from wealthy families often start learning skills from a young age, and at the most suitable age of fifteen or sixteen, they begin to cultivate the Body Tempering Method concurrently.


    After ''three years of Skin Toughening and five years of Body Refinement'', they can achieve Body Refinement Perfection before the age of twenty-five, giving them a good chance of entering the Third Realm of ''Tendon Changing''.


    If Body Refinement Perfection coupled with skill Perfection defines the mid-level elite, then reaching the Tendon Changing Level marks the true upper echelon.


    As a Chief Constable like her stands on this level.


    She didn''t get her position as Chief Constable just because of her background, as strength is one of the fundamentals.


    But...


    Chen Mu''s introduction to the Body Tempering Method had come somewhat too late.


    She had just tested Chen Mu''s talent, which was untapped until now in Body Tempering Method, but he was already over twenty-two years old. Even with dedicated and intense training, it would be hard for him to reach Body Refinement Perfection before thirty.


    That''s because the ideal age to train in the Body Tempering Method is from sixteen up until twenty-five, a period when a young person''s vitality is at its peak, so progress comes twice as fast. After that, it''s pretty much fixed.


    Once you''re past thirty, the process inversely becomes more and more challenging, and advancement is hard to come by.


    With Chen Mu''s innate ability, had he been born in an affluent family, his accomplishments might not be much lesser than hers right now. Even if he wouldn''t have reached the Tendon Changing level, he would at least have achieved Body Refinement Perfection. But now, starting to chase after it from scratch, he''s more than just a step behind.


    All she could feel was regret.


    After all, talents like Chen Mu were quite rare in the Outer City; he could have had the potential to stand shoulder to shoulder with her.

 Chapter 20: Chapter 19: Disturbance

    The warrant from the Chief Constable Xu Hongyu was indeed effective immediately.


    Chen Mu, carrying the warrant for a three-hundred Patterned Silver reward in his arms, made his way to the Chief Officer''s warehouse. The Head Constable in charge merely glanced at it before promptly fetching six large silver ingots, each weighing fifty taels for a total of three hundred taels, and handed them to Chen Mu.


    He was also exceptionally polite to Chen Mu, subtly probing the relationship between Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu and, just like the officer who had led him there, he was beaming with smiles as he took the initiative to make acquaintances.


    It was common for people to come to the City Guard General''s office to claim capture rewards, but those presenting personally endorsed notes by Xu Hongyu himself were exceedingly rare, let alone for three hundred Patterned Silver taels concerning Tang Quan, who was somewhat renowned. Naturally, this prompted speculation.


    After handing over the silver taels,


    the Head Constable even laughed as he personally escorted Chen Mu outside.


    The entire process was effortless and straightforward, vastly different from the last time he went to jail to handle Zhang Hai''s affair, making Chen Mu reflect on how power and influence could effect such changes.


    He had gained strength, thus winning Xu Hongyu''s favor, and from there on, thanks to this connection, he rubbed shoulders with Xu Hongyu''s "influence," ensuring smooth proceedings everywhere within the City Guard General.


    He weighed the heavy silver in his arms.


    Three hundred silver taels was a lot, but perhaps even more precious was the "Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique." Coming from Xu Hongyu, it was bound to be of a higher caliber than anything found in pawnshops. The most expensive at the pawnshops could go for three to four hundred taels, so this one, as Xu Hongyu claimed, could indeed be worth its weight in gold.


    "First, I''ll go back home, secure the silver, and then make another trip to the City Defense Division to meet Prefecture Chief Min."


    Chen Mu''s thoughts were clear.


    Prefecture Chief Min Baoyi, who oversaw the Ninth District''s City Defense Division, ranked above the five Head Constables and was arguably a major figure in the Ninth District and even throughout the whole South City District.


    For someone like him, a low-ranking officer, the number of times he had seen the other party over the past few years was very limited. Usually, any orders were conveyed by the Head Constables, and it was rare for Min Baoyi to make a personal appearance.


    Xu Hongyu had mentioned greeting this Prefecture Chief, likely arranging many subsequent matters for him.


    Looking at the still early sky,


    Chen Mu pocketed the silver and returned home.


    ...


    At his cousin Chen Hong''s home.


    Today happened to be the day when Zhang Hai''s son was born. Butcher Zhang had brought a set of intestines and some offal, and Chen Hong, cooking, had prepared a table full of dishes, a feast by common standards, seldom enjoyed more than once in a few years.


    Butcher Zhang, along with Chen Hong and Zhang Youying, were already seated. However, Zhang Hai had gone out in the morning and hadn''t yet returned, causing them to wonder about his whereabouts at mealtime.


    "Where has that boy run off to again?"


    Butcher Zhang, looking at the table full of dishes, spoke somewhat displeased.


    It would have been fine on any regular day, but today he had gone through the trouble of getting some meat and liquor, partly to celebrate his son''s birth, and partly because the frightful jail ordeal from a few months ago had been narrowly avoided; it was fitting to celebrate the anniversary, yet the man of the hour was nowhere to be found.


    "This child really, I already told him this morning, asked him not to wander off." sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Hong helplessly shook her head.


    Zhang Youying glanced outside, silently worrying if her cousin had gotten into trouble again.


    Just as Butcher Zhang was growing increasingly impatient, hurried footsteps were heard outside, and Zhang Hai came bounding into the house, plopped down in his seat, and immediately grabbed a cup and gulped down its contents.


    "So restless, what''s the meaning of this!"


    Butcher Zhang slammed the table and rebuked.


    Zhang Hai was not intimidated by his father; after quenching his thirst, he grinned and said, "Mom, guess what I just heard outside?"


    Chen Hong placed a slice of meat on Zhang Hai''s plate, asking, "Did you come across some good news?"


    Grinning, Zhang Hai replied, "Your nephew has abducted someone''s granddaughter and taken over their residence. He''s even alleged to have killed someone. Right now, they''re gathering a group to confront him in a grand manner."


    Nephew?


    Which nephew?


    Chen Hong was initially startled, then suddenly her face changed as she said, "Little Mu? You child, talking nonsense. I know Little Mu''s character; he couldn''t possibly do such a thing."


    Zhang Hai waved his hand and said, "Mom, haven''t you heard that saying, what''s it again..."


    "You can know someone''s face but not their heart."


    Zhang Youying, sitting on the side, blinked and quietly added a line.


    "Right! You can know someone''s face but not their heart. How can you be so sure he''s not a villain? Are there any good people these days who work as officers? I felt that he was hoping something bad would happen to me last time, and this time it''s his turn to be in big trouble."


    With a grin, Zhang Hai continued, "That family in the south with the surname Wang, though they''re all destitute, can easily gather a group of ten or twenty people. For him, just a minor officer, to dare do such heaven-defying and immoral acts, he''s probably in over his head now."


    Chen Hong, hearing this, was alternately shocked and frightened, and seeing Zhang Hai laughing non-stop, she couldn''t help but scold, "What''s there to be happy about? You''re just laughing away; think of a solution!"


    "Think of what solution? He didn''t think of any solutions for me last time! I''m going to go enjoy the show."


    Zhang Hai hastily gulped down a few bites of rice and stuffed some meat into his mouth before rushing out.


    "This... this..."


    On the other side, Chen Hong stood up anxiously, at a loss for what to do.


    Butcher Zhang, however, showed a thoughtful expression. Looking at Chen Hong, who was eager to rush out, he said, "Alright, you better not go. This is your nephew''s matter; it''s not your place to interfere. If he truly did something so heaven-defying and immoral, he won''t be justified even if it reaches the district head. You''d better not add to the chaos."


    "But how could Little Mu possibly do such a thing... "


    Chen Hong looked towards Butcher Zhang urgently.


    With deliberate slowness, Butcher Zhang said, "If he didn''t do it, then there''s even less need for you to go. What''s there to fear from mere rumors?"


    Zhang Youying silently sat in a corner, putting a piece of meat in her mouth and chewing slowly, without joining the conversation. She appeared thoughtful; she actually didn''t believe Chen Mu could engage in such actions either. In fact, if he truly had the nerve to act this way, she might even respect him more.


    But given Zhang Hai''s attitude, whether true or false, Chen Mu seemed to be in big trouble.


    Fortunately, last time Chen Hong spoke to her about the matter, she had found ways to refuse.


    Otherwise, if she were now married to Chen Mu, wouldn''t she be caught up in this trouble as well?


    ...


    In the alley.


    Twenty to thirty people gathered mightily, heading towards Chen Mu''s home.


    Leading them was Wang Zhao, with a stern face, accompanied by two individuals who resembled him slightly, followed by a large group of men, some of whom were carrying axes, poles, and pickaxes.


    "Old Four, I''ll ask you one more time, are you sure about what you said? He''s an officer; if we don''t have the upper hand, it''ll look bad if this goes to the district head," someone asked Wang Zhao in a deep voice.


    Wang Zhao hesitated for a moment and then said, "Uncle''s death might not be related to him, but he did steal the property deed and has taken over my cousin granddaughter; that''s indeed a fact. I checked earlier; Ni''er wasn''t officially recorded at the city government office, she''s neither a slave of his family nor is there any adoption document."


    "Then that''s enough!"


    Upon hearing this, Wang Zheng immediately snorted in response.


    Seizing the granddaughter, killing the old man, taking over the house¡ªwhether these accusations were true or false didn''t matter; all that was needed was a justifiable reason to proclaim.


    As long as Wang Ni currently wasn''t registered as a slave of the Chen Family nor had any adoption paperwork, she was still rightfully a member of the Wang Family, and the two old houses should likewise belong to them.


    As long as they had justification, they need not fear; he had also inquired before, Chen Mu was merely relying on his father''s influence to become a low-level officer, without power or wealth, even impoverished.


    What does it matter even if he is an officer then?


    As long as they don''t kill or cripple anyone, even if this reaches the district head, it wouldn''t matter. If worse comes to worst, they could also seek help from the clan elders; after all, he is just a minor officer, how much influence could he have?


    The group moved mightily through, leading to every family within the neighborhood shutting their doors, with many peering through the cracks, unsure of what Wang Zheng and Wang Zhao''s group was up to. Though not resembling members of a gang, their menacing demeanor clearly indicated they were up to no good.

 Chapter 21: Chapter 20 Prefecture Chief

    "That''s the one!"


    Wang Zhao led the crowd and finally arrived at the alley where Chen Mu''s house was located, then pointed to the two houses in the distance.


    Wang Zheng''s face immediately darkened as he gestured with his hand, leading the crowd over to the door, where he stretched out his hand and fiercely ''bang bang'' knocked on the door.


    "Chen Mu, come out!"


    "Where is he!"


    He called out to the inside of the house twice in a row.


    But there was no response.


    Wang Zhao said from the side, "Chen Mu is probably off on duty, but he has a sister who should be at home, and Ni''er is likely there as well. They have nowhere else to go. Should we wait for someone to come back, or..."


    "Hmph."


    Wang Zheng snorted and said, "Wait for what, smash the door! If we are going to wait, we''ll do it inside!"


    No sooner had his words fallen, than the few men beside him darkened their faces in response and picked up their staffs and sticks, slamming hard against the decrepit wooden door in front of them.


    The wooden door was already decayed and on its last legs, and even the bolt inside was a piece of rotten wood. After a few intense smashes by the men, it immediately emitted a creaking sound of being overwhelmed, then the bolt was directly shattered by the force!


    Bang!


    Wang Zhao kicked open the door with his foot. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But just as he rolled up his sleeves and was about to charge in, a cold reprimand came from afar.


    "How dare you!"


    This cold reprimand brought everyone to a halt as they turned and looked back. They saw Chen Mu, wearing his City Defense Division uniform and carrying his Servant''s Knife, appearing at the mouth of the alley, walking toward them with a cold expression on his face.


    Even though he was just one man facing twenty or thirty others, he showed no sign of retreat. With each step he took, a faint trace of Evil Qi was revealed - a Momentum born naturally from having personally killed people and having bloodied his hands.


    "Who gave you the audacity to cause trouble here?"


    Chen Mu walked forth step by step, his gaze coldly sweeping over the people in front of the door, then settling on Wang Zhao.


    Wang Zhao''s anticipation of having everyone come together to force Chen Mu into submission and hand over the deed and Wang Ni did not occur. Instead, Chen Mu''s arrival, with knife in hand and brimming with threatening Qi, intimidated everyone on their side.


    But he was quick to recover.


    With more than twenty people having come together, what could Chen Mu do alone with a knife? It was nothing more than a bluff.


    "Hmph! Don''t think that just because you''re a constable, you can bully the old and frail! You took advantage of my uncle''s old age, seized his house deed, and even snatched away my uncle''s granddaughter. Even if we have to make a fuss at the City Defense Division or the district head''s office, we must have this dispute settled!"


    Wang Zhao stared at Chen Mu and rebuked harshly.


    If this had happened in the past, Chen Mu might have had no choice but to yield in the face of such a situation. But now, he was not someone who could be easily forced into submission by the mere summoning of twenty or thirty men ¨C that was nothing but a pipe dream.


    As Chen Mu pondered whether to assert his authority or take some other action, suddenly another calm voice came from a distance.


    "Oh? For such a trivial matter, I don''t think there is any need to trouble the district head. How about you all explain yourselves to me first?"


    "Who?!"


    Wang Zhao frowned, not expecting someone to meddle. He immediately turned his head to look.


    But the sight that met his eyes nearly made him sit down on the ground from shock.


    Together with the other twenty or thirty men, including Wang Zheng and the others who were initially full of menace, all widened their eyes when they saw the figure striding toward them from the far end of the street.


    They saw a middle-aged man in a dark green flying fish robe approaching steadily, with a square face and large ears, hands clasped behind his back, walking step by step. Behind him, two men in blue City Defense Division uniforms followed.


    City Defense Division.


    Gray uniforms were for constables, blue for head constables, and the dark green robe could only be worn by one person in the Ninth District''s City Defense Division ¨C the Prefecture Chief who commanded nearly two hundred constables... Min Baoyi!


    Min Baoyi approached leisurely as if taking a casual stroll, but as he moved forward, the entire scene fell into a deadly silence. Even the onlookers from nearby households and the ruffians who had come for the spectacle stared in fear.


    Prefecture Chief of the City Defense Division!


    He was a true important figure in the Ninth District. Even the leaders of the local Gangs had to behave respectfully when they saw him, and the local gentry and power brokers had to greet him with a smile. In the current state of affairs, to call him the ''Emperor'' of this small territory of the Ninth District was no exaggeration ¨C his word could send someone to hell!


    "Goodness, the Prefecture Chief Min actually came. What''s going on here..."


    Some members of the Red Gold Gang, who were stealthily peeking at the commotion after hearing the noise, looked at each other with faces full of confusion and a sense of dread.


    For such a significant figure like Min Baoyi to personally come to this run-down alley was as bizarre as encountering a ghost outside one''s own doorstep.


    In the deadly stillness.


    Min Baoyi arrived with a tranquil demeanor, turning to the petrified Wang Zhao and the others and speaking indifferently, "Well then, am I not qualified enough to hear your disputes, or do you insist on having the district head come over personally?"


    Upon hearing these words, Wang Zhao and the others jolted and quickly knelt down en masse, "Prefecture... Prefecture Chief, we wouldn''t dare, we wouldn''t dare..."


    "You claimed to have a case to make, so go on, let''s hear it."


    Min Baoyi stood with his hands behind his back, speaking indifferently.


    Wang Zheng and Wang Zhao among others didn''t dare mention anything about Wang Ni and Old Man Wang at this time; although they bragged about making a fuss at the City Defense Division or the district head''s place, it was merely a bluff to bolster their Blade Momentum.


    In the presence of an important figure like Min Baoyi, what mattered was not arguments or reason¡ªit would have been a disaster if they misspoke and displeased Min Baoyi.


    "This humble one... this humble one was just... some misunderstanding..."


    Wang Zhao spoke, trembling with fear.


    Min Baoyi glanced indifferently at Wang Zhao and the others, and seeing that their speech had become unsteady, he finally shifted his gaze. He then looked towards Chen Mu, who stood aside, and a genial smile finally appeared on Min Baoyi''s indifferent face: "Young Chen, you truly hide your light under a bushel, such that even I, the Prefecture Chief, had not the slightest inkling."


    Chen Mu bowed to Min Baoyi and said, "Prefecture Chief."


    By now, he had realized that probably after receiving Xu Hongyu''s message, Min Baoyi had immediately started investigating his case, and then just happened to catch wind of the news about Wang Zhao and his group assembling to cause him trouble. After some consideration, Min Baoyi had personally come.


    On the one hand, the gesture from Xu Hongyu held significant weight; on the other hand, perhaps Xu Hongyu had also revealed some details about his abilities. For him to have mastered the Blade Momentum at his age, it wouldn''t be difficult to achieve Body Refinement by the age of thirty. Once he reached that standard, he would be fully qualified to hold the position of a Prefecture Chief.


    It was not surprising that he was being groomed by Xu Hongyu as a prospective Prefecture Chief.


    This status naturally warranted a personal visit from Min Baoyi.


    "Heh heh, no need for such formality; from now on, just call me Big Brother Min," said Min Baoyi as he walked over, reached out to pull Chen Mu''s arm, and patted his shoulder.


    The two blue-clad Head Constables who followed Min Baoyi glanced at Chen Mu with hints of envy in their eyes. They had been close to Min Baoyi for some time and had thus come to know a bit about the situation.


    Although Chen Mu currently only had the status of a servant, even the Head Constables, who followed Min Baoyi around, did not have the privilege of being treated so intimately by him, let alone the honor of addressing Min Baoyi as ''Big Brother''. Such an honor was extraordinary.


    Meanwhile.


    Watching this scene, Wang Zhao, Wang Zheng, and the rest were petrified.


    Two or three dozen men stood rigid, their eyes wide open as if they were turned to stone. Some of them sweated profusely, and Wang Zheng even felt his back turn ice-cold as if winter had suddenly arrived.


    However, at this moment, neither Chen Mu nor Min Baoyi paid them any attention.


    Chen Mu looked at Min Baoyi: "Prefecture Chief, this..."


    "Hmm?"


    Min Baoyi intentionally put on a stern face.


    Chen Mu had no choice but to say helplessly, "Big Brother Min... this is just a small matter, it''s really troubling that you had to come all this way."


    "Hahaha, I had nothing else to do, so it''s no bother," Min Baoyi laughed heartily and then took a look at Chen Mu''s humble abode. "This dwelling place is a bit unfit for living. I have a spare compound behind Zhengli Street, with two courtyards and three rooms. Although it''s not spacious, it''s clean enough. I''ll give it to you as a gift, little brother.


    It''s conveniently close to the City Defense Division too, making it easier for me to find you for a drink or a chat."


    "This..."


    Chen Mu hesitated for a moment.


    But Min Baoyi didn''t give him a chance to refuse and insisted on giving the gift, leaving Chen Mu no choice but to reluctantly accept.


    It seemed like he had just gained a two-courtyard compound, but in reality, it was a favor from Min Baoyi. In the future, if Min Baoyi asked him for anything, it would be hard for him to refuse. This Prefecture Chief, as genial as he might seem, was also a man of subtle calculation.


    At this point.


    Min Baoyi finally glanced at Wang Zhao and the others, smiling as he said, "These people are so rude and offensive; I think grabbing them and giving each thirty strokes at the yamen should suffice. If little brother is not satisfied, we can also throw them in jail."


    Though he spoke casually of throwing them in jail, it was essentially an off-handed sentencing of twenty or thirty lives.


    In the current times, twenty or thirty lives really didn''t mean much to someone like Min Baoyi¡ªan issue resolved with a single utterance.


    Hearing Min Baoyi''s words, Chen Mu inwardly sighed; a year ago, he was nothing but a lowly servant whose life hung by a thread, and now, with just a single word, he could easily determine the life and death of twenty or thirty people.


    "Mercy, my lord, mercy..."


    Wang Zhao and the others had gone pale, collapsing on the ground one by one, knocking their heads on the floor until they bled without daring to stop, bereft of any prior bluster.


    A servant with no connections or powerful background wasn''t intimidating to them, but a Head Constable was an entity they couldn''t afford to provoke, let alone the Prefecture Chief. In Ninth District, the Prefecture Chief was among the most powerful figures, second only to the district head.


    The crowd of men cursed Wang Zheng and Wang Zhao to their core¡ªif only they had known Chen Mu could call the Prefecture Chief ''brother'', not even ten times the courage would have made them dare to make trouble.


    Chen Mu indifferently glanced at the crowd and then bowed to Min Baoyi: "I''ll leave them to Big Brother Min to deal with as he sees fit."


    Min Baoyi chuckled and said, "Good, the repairs on the South City wall are in need of laborers soon, so let''s put them to good use."


    Upon hearing this, Wang Zhao and the others immediately collapsed weakly to the ground, their faces ashen, with only one thought rising in their hearts.


    It''s over.


    Wall repairing was infamously the most burdensome corvee labor in the whole city. Hardly anyone sent to do it ever returned¡ªa task not meant for living souls, with most laborers being sentenced prisoners.


    Min Baoyi, however, didn''t care at all. He signaled with a look to the Head Constables behind him to take care of it and then turned to Chen Mu: "The day is still early, little brother. How about you accompany me to the City Defense Division?"


    "I obey Big Brother Min''s order. However, my sister was probably frightened; I must console her a little," Chen Mu bowed to Min Baoyi.


    Min Baoyi waved his hand, saying, "All right, then I''ll go ahead and wait for you at the City Defense Division."


    Having said that.


    He turned and strolled away.

 Chapter 22: Chapter 21 Stagnation

    "Brother Chen, I will be counting on your care in the future."


    The two head constables who had come with Min Baoyi only began to speak to Chen Mu with smiles once Min Baoyi had turned to leave, their tones not daring to be presumptuous in the slightest.


    Although both men were older than Chen Mu, they both addressed him as ''Brother Chen'' and didn''t dare to do so in Min Baoyi''s presence. After all, Min Baoyi was the one Chen Mu had to call ''big brother'', and they certainly didn''t have the status to be on brotherly terms with the prefecture chief.


    "You are too kind."


    Chen Mu returned the gesture with a clasped-hands salute to the two head constables.


    He naturally recognized these two--one surnamed Wang, and the other surnamed Zhong. As they were not the head constables in charge of him, they hadn''t had much interaction in the past, and he even had to bow his head in greeting to them occasionally. But now, not only were they actively showing goodwill, they even lowered their attitudes.


    "Brother Chen, if you have matters to attend to, you may go ahead. I will handle things here."


    Head Constable Wang said to Chen Mu, his face all smiles.


    Chen Mu didn''t bother with further niceties, returned the salute, and walked straight into his own home.


    And once he left,


    Head Constable Wang turned his head to look at Wang Zhao and the others. The smile on his face immediately turned icy as he raised his hand and slapped Wang Zhao across the face, saying, "Blind fool, you think you''re kin to me? Is Brother Chen someone you can afford to offend? Get up, all of you!"


    Wang Zhao and the others were all pale-faced and trembling, but they didn''t dare to resist. They staggered along following Head Constable Wang.


    At that moment,


    the entire street, which seemed to have frozen over, slowly thawed out. As the tightly shut doors behind them opened, pairs of eyes peeking through the cracks shifted, looking at each other, still filled with shock.


    As neighbors from the same street, they naturally recognized Chen Mu. The past image of him was nothing but that of a poor and hapless constable. Who would have expected that today a bolt from the blue struck, leaving them to wonder what act this could be?


    Although they were unclear about how Chen Mu had become acquainted with someone as high and mighty as Min Baoyi, they all knew that from now on, Chen Mu would likely be a completely different person.


    In the distance,


    several members of the Red Gold Gang who had come upon hearing the news witnessed the whole fiasco and then looked at each other before simultaneously turning away and quickly leaving.


    They needed to report this matter to the incense master and the gang leader. A person who had suddenly emerged and managed to be on brotherly terms with Min Baoyi was definitely extraordinary, an event of no small significance.


    "Old Chen''s son is set to soar high,"


    muttered a skinny old man sitting at the mouth of the alley with a dry pipe in his mouth. Watching the doorway to Chen Mu''s home return to its calm state, he exhaled a puff of smoke and sighed, then stood up and walked away, tapping the board with his pipe stem as he hummed:


    "Year by year, the flowers look similar... year by year, the people change..."


    His figure gradually disappeared into the alley.


    ...


    At the mouth of another alley,


    Zhang Hai''s somewhat bloated body was concealed behind a mud wall. He seemed to be plastered to it, frozen and unmoving, his small eyes lost in a vacant stare.


    His mind was a complete blank and chaotic mess.


    He had arrived early, seen everything from start to finish, and had intended to witness Chen Mu''s embarrassment. However, the turn of events had taken a sharp dive with the arrival of Min Baoyi.


    He was already amazed that Min Baoyi, the distinguished prefecture chief, would appear in such a place. Then he was even more astonished to the point that his eyes nearly popped out and his jaw almost shattered on the ground.


    What had he just seen?


    Min Baoyi... and Chen Mu were addressing each other as brothers!


    Min Baoyi was an eminent figure, the prefecture chief of South City District, exalted above all, almost a world apart from the ordinary destitute. Even the respectable old gentry living in Ninth District had to be polite and respectful when meeting Min Baoyi.


    Impossible to comprehend.


    Not even in his dreams could such a thing occur.


    This scene had shaken Zhang Hai to the core, his heart in turmoil, to the extent that he could neither hear nor see what happened afterwards. His ears seemed stuffed with cotton, his eyes smeared with pitch.


    He stood there so blankly, not knowing how much time had passed, legs numb from standing, when finally, a stagger jolted him back to his senses. But even after vigorously shaking his head, his mind still felt like a mushy paste, confused and at a loss.


    ...


    Stepping into the house,


    Chen Mu first caught sight of Wang Ni, clearly frightened and on the verge of tears, and Chen Yue, who seemed to be listening intently to the noises outside and was blinking at him.


    "Brother?"


    Chen Yue called out.


    Although she and Wang Ni were hiding in a corner of the room, unable to see the scene outside, they could hear the sounds outside. The sounds were baffling, especially since even Chen Yue was a bit perplexed about how Chen Mu had become acquainted with someone like Min Baoyi.


    Head Constable of the Ninth District''s City Defense Division... She knew that this title bore the responsibility of patrolling and maintaining public order for tens of thousands of households in the Ninth District. Chen Mu had even told her that in these chaotic times, the Head Constable was almost like a local emperor over his domain.


    Although Chen Mu had mentioned ''moving'' and ''better days are coming'' over the past few days, he had always made such comments, so she hadn''t felt anything too intensely.


    But¡­


    Today''s events had finally made her perceive the difference in her daze.


    The Head Constable of the City Defense Division had personally arrived, addressing Chen Mu as a brother.


    What once seemed like merely a dream, a hope, a thread supporting their journey forward, had suddenly come within arm''s reach, and it felt as if by simply stretching out her hand, she could touch it. This suddenness made her little head spin.


    Chen Mu walked over to Chen Yue, smiled and tapped on her delicate nose, then looked around with some sentiment. His eyes lingered on the bare mud walls and the faded, decayed tables and chairs, as well as the patched-up cotton quilts.


    In this place, he had memories of more than ten years.


    And life for three years.


    Eating coarse rice, gnawing on tough buns, huddling together... In winter, without enough thick quilts, he had to share a bed with Chen Yue, hugging her to keep warm as they slept.


    Unable to afford new clothes or add thick layers because the times were unstable, they could only keep Chen Yue indoors and not let her step outside.


    They had to be exceedingly cautious in every aspect, never daring to offend anyone, to get involved in any trouble. They kept their heads down and were careful in their actions, diligent and earnest, day after day, year after year. Finally, from some days before, they had silver, strength, and confidence. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And now, today, it was time for a complete transformation.


    Chen Mu stepped forward, held Chen Yue in his arms and hugged her tightly. Then, he exhaled and patted her head, saying, "I''m going to the City Defense Division for a bit, and then tomorrow... we''ll move."


    "...Okay,"


    Chen Yue nodded vigorously twice, looking up while in Chen Mu''s arms.


    In her lovely big eyes glittered the light of ''hope and joy''.


    The past two days had been a roller coaster of emotions, from the fright of the night to the chaos of the day. Yet she had always believed in Chen Mu, trusted every word he said. No matter how scared or panicked she was, she endured, holding back her fears.


    Finally.


    The dawn of such days had come.


    After comforting Chen Yue and Wang Ni, Chen Mu didn''t delay for too long. He hid the silver tael securely, placed the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique close to him, and then set out for the City Defense Division.


    The door latch was broken.


    But Chen Mu didn''t care, for now just leaving the door ajar was more ''secure'' than the previous latch.


    Wang Zhao and the others were no longer seen outside. The two Head Constables were also gone, just a few people scattered around the distant alley, gathered in small groups, seemingly discussing something.


    When they saw the door open and Chen Mu stepping out, everyone immediately fell silent.


    As Chen Mu walked by, people along the way made way for him, whether it was nearby neighbors or a few idle ruffians, all cautiously stepped aside. Even upon catching Chen Mu''s gaze, they immediately offered up a smile.


    Chen Mu paid them no mind and simply walked straight through the alley, quickly disappearing into the distance, leaving behind a mix of respectful and envious looks.

 Chapter 23: Chapter 22 New Appointment

    The sun had just passed its zenith.


    But the sky gradually darkened, and before anyone knew it, dark clouds covered the sky and a fine drizzle began to fall.


    The number of pedestrians on the road immediately decreased significantly. By the time Chen Mu arrived at the City Defense Division, the square outside was in disarray with the stalls closing up, and his uniform was also somewhat drenched.


    The drizzle fell onto the walls of the City Defense Division, slowly dripping down along some of the old, unrepaired cracks.


    Though it was raining, Chen Mu''s spirits were inexplicably clear, and the dense clouds did not affect him at all. As he entered the City Defense Division, he saw that the place was bustling with people.


    The chaotic crowd numbered around a hundred or two, seemingly the entire force of the Ninth District City Defense Division''s three squads had gathered, now cramming under every awning and gatehouse to take shelter from the rain.


    "Chen Er!"


    Liu Song and Li Tie were also mixed in there, with Li Tie''s keen eyes immediately spotting Chen Mu as he entered through the main gate. He called out to Chen Mu and waved, "Over here!"


    Chen Mu had intended to go straight to Min Baoyi, but upon seeing all three squads assembled in such a manner, he had an inkling of what was going on, so he headed inside, passing by Liu Song, Li Tie, and the others.


    "Why have you only just arrived?"


    Liu Song gave him a slightly reproachful look.


    He and Li Tie had been called back while on patrol, and although they didn''t know the reason, such a converge of three squads usually happened only a few times a year and was always for something significant. Failing to show up without good reason, and getting singled out, would be a serious issue.


    They had waited a long time for Chen Mu, and both were a bit worried; luckily, Chen Mu managed to arrive just before the Head Constables, which was a relief. It wouldn''t have looked good if he had arrived after all the Head Constables.


    "I was held up by some matters."


    Chen Mu, knowing Liu Song and Li Tie were worried about him for good reason, smiled at them but did not stop, continuing his way into the building, making his way through the crowded gatehouse.


    "Huh? Where are you going?"


    Liu Song looked puzzled at his actions.


    But with the nearby crowd being noisy and congested, he didn''t hear Chen Mu''s response and saw only Chen Mu''s figure disappearing among the throng of constables, losing sight of him.


    Liu Song exchanged a glance with Li Tie and then shrugged; as long as Chen Mu had managed to get to the City Defense Division in time, he wouldn''t be targeted by the superiors, and that was all that mattered.


    Chen Mu did not return.


    Almost half an hour passed, and Liu Song and Li Tie did not see Chen Mu come back. They were somewhat baffled about what he could be doing, but with such a crowd, they didn''t feel like looking for him. Moreover, having gathered all three squads here and waited for so long, they still had no idea why.


    After another moment, a commotion came from the gatehouse near the main entrance of the City Defense Division.


    "Prefect Qin!"


    "Prefect Zhao!"


    From the crowded throng, a path was cleared, revealing three figures making their way from outside.


    Leading them was Head Constable Qin Bei, along with Zhao Zong stroking his beard, and Ren Yan by their side, all three showing signs of having enjoyed a few drinks. It seemed they had been called over in a rush after finishing their drinks.


    Qin Bei''s cheeks bore a flush from alcohol as he scanned the crowded City Defense Division and looked puzzled. It must be an important matter to gather all three squads like this, yet he, the Head Constable, had not been informed in advance.


    Although he had been out drinking with Zhao Zong and Ren Yan, he should have been informed sooner about the matter, but the person who had come to notify him had only told him to return quickly.


    "Prefect Qin, this..."


    Ren Yan also looked towards Qin Bei hesitantly.


    His way of addressing Qin Bei had already shifted from ''Head Constable Qin'' to ''Prefect Qin,'' indicating that their relationship had gotten closer after the meal.


    Qin Bei stroked his chin and said, "It''s either some sudden incident, or it''s about Zhao''s and your matter... but it seems a bit too early for that. No hurry, I''ll find out once I inquire inside."


    He guessed it was a sudden event that left no time to inform him of the details, but he would find out soon after talking to the Prefecture Chief.


    Zhao Zong also nodded slightly, "Ren, you just stay here for now."


    With that,


    the two headed towards the City Defense Division''s main hall.


    Each constable they passed by moved out of their way and respectfully saluted.


    At the same time, they looked at Ren Yan, who was following behind Qin Bei and Zhao Zong, with some envy. Now, in the City Defense Division, he was the only one who had such a close relationship with the two Head Constables.


    Qin Bei and Zhao Zong made their way to the outside of the main hall; just as they were about to enter, they saw someone coming out to meet them.


    Hm?


    Qin Bei paused for a moment, recognizing the person as one of the constables under his command.


    "Chen Mu?"


    Not understanding how Chen Mu had come out from the inner hall, Qin Bei''s eyes flashed with confusion. He called out, intending to inquire further.


    At this moment, the previously noisy outside had quieted down significantly with the arrival of Qin Bei and Zhao Zong. Now, many constables'' gaze turned towards them, including Liu Song and Li Tie, who noticed Chen Mu emerging from the main hall and were puzzled. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However,


    just as Qin Bei was about to question Chen Mu,


    three more people came out from the inner hall, all wearing the blue uniforms of the City Defense Division constables. They were the other three Head Constables of the Ninth District City Defense Division, including Wang Gong and Zhong Chang, who had recently gone on a trip with Min Baoyi.


    "Old Zhao, Old Qin, you''re here too," greeted Wang Gong, smiling as he saw Qin Bei and Zhao Zong arriving from outside.


    Zhong Chang also beamed, "Where did you go for a drink? Why didn''t you call me too?"


    Qin Bei was slightly taken aback.


    The summoning of all three squads should indicate serious business, yet Wang Gong and Zhong Chang''s demeanor seemed rather casual, as they had time to joke and greet him. This made Qin Bei feel somewhat strange, and without concerning himself with Chen Mu anymore, he turned to Wang Gong and bowed, "I was delayed on my way, and I''m late. May I know what the Prefecture Chief has summoned us for..."


    "Oh that, you''ll know very soon."


    Wang Gong said with a smile, but did not explain.


    At this, not only did Qin Bei''s brow furrow slightly, feeling somewhat puzzled, but Zhao Zong beside him also felt it strange. As he pondered and was about to go in and ask, he saw a figure stride out from the inner hall with a square step.


    The person was dressed in ink-green official attire, with a towering figure and an imposing gaze. It was none other than Prefecture Chief Min Baoyi.


    "Prefecture Chief."


    Along with Qin Bei, Zhao Zong, Wang Gong, and several other Head Constables all bowed slightly to Min Baoyi and saluted him.


    Below the steps, and under the eaves of the gatehouse corridor at the back, a large group of constables similarly prostrated themselves on one knee, greeting him unanimously.


    Chen Mu stood next to Qin Bei and Zhao Zong and also bowed to Min Baoyi, but the term of address that came out of his mouth caused Qin Bei, Zhao Zong, and some of the nearby constables to stumble.


    "Brother Min."


    This term of address caused Qin Bei''s gaze to almost instantly shift from Min Baoyi to Chen Mu, his eyes widening slightly in utter astonishment.


    Brother... Min?


    How dare he address Min Baoyi like that? Even a Head Constable like himself wouldn''t dare to be so presumptuous!


    It wasn''t just Qin Bei, but aside from a few individuals like Wang Gong and Zhong Chang, Zhao Zong beside him also stared at Chen Mu in a daze, and the closest kneeling constables almost dropped their jaws in shock.


    Immediately afterward.


    An even more astonishing event unfolded. Min Baoyi, rather than getting angry at being addressed in such a way, instead smiled and nodded at Chen Mu, then swept his gaze across the assembly and spoke in a deep voice.


    "Head Constable Zhao Zong, due to his advancing years, can no longer handle the various affairs within the Division. Now, the Division has ruled, and after review by the Chief Constable, to grant Zhao Zong''s request for retirement. The position of Head Constable will temporarily remain, but its accompanying duties will be transferred to the newly appointed Head Constable Chen Mu."


    As these words were spoken.


    The entire place suddenly fell silent.


    Countless eyes turned toward Chen Mu, filled with shock, surprise, disbelief, and confusion!


    Especially those familiar with Chen Mu, like Liu Song and Li Tie, whose eyes widened in astonishment as if their jaws were about to shatter into pieces on the ground.


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    At Butcher Zhang''s home.


    Having finished lunch, Butcher Zhang was contentedly sitting in the courtyard, basking in the sun, while Chen Hong was cleaning the yard nearby. Her eyes, however, were full of worry as she occasionally glanced outside, waiting for news from Zhang Hai.


    Finally, after a while, the round and chubby figure of Zhang Hai entered from outside. The entire person seemed dispirited, and as he came through the door, he nearly tripped over the threshold, staggering a few times, almost falling face-first to the ground.


    "So flustered, what a sight!"


    Butcher Zhang, squinting in the sunlight, turned his attention to the commotion and scolded.


    But Zhang Hai seemed not to hear and continued to walk inside in a daze.


    "Xiao Hai?"


    Chen Hong, on the other hand, put down the broom and walked over, her voice full of concern, "How is it over there? Has something happened?"


    Zhang Hai, still in a trance, walked forward, nearly bumping into Chen Hong. After a slight touch, he finally stood still, somewhat disoriented.


    Seeing Butcher Zhang sit up and frown at him, along with the worried Chen Hong and Youying, who was washing clothes at the west side of the courtyard and also curiously pricking up her ears to listen, Zhang Hai''s lips moved, but no sound came out.


    He seemed unsure where to start, his expression still as if he were in a dream.


    It was only after Butcher Zhang scolded him a few more times that Zhang Hai began to speak brokenly, with a still incomprehensible tone, about what he had just witnessed, leaving Chen Hong in shock, Butcher Zhang in a daze, and Youying at a distance feeling as if she had heard something utterly preposterous.


    This...


    What on earth is going on?


    Why would the City Defense Division''s Prefecture Chief stand up for Chen Mu, even referring to him as a brother?


    Youying''s mouth hung open, disbelievingly staring at Zhang Hai. Had it not been for Zhang Hai''s dazed and dispirited demeanor, she would have thought he was babbling nonsense just for a laugh.


    But...


    Was Chen Mu not merely a low-ranking constable without a penny to his name?


    Forget a significant Prefecture Chief, even if an ordinary Head Constable called Chen Mu his brother, that would be incredibly astonishing; it wouldn''t be something one would expect from someone so destitute.


    "Did you see everything clearly, Brother Hai? Was it really the Prefecture Chief?"


    Youying still couldn''t believe it.


    Zhang Hai''s cheeks bunched up together as he said, "I... I didn''t see clearly, but in this world, who would dare impersonate the Prefecture Chief..."


    Indeed.


    In the Ninth District, let alone the entire South City District, no one would dare to impersonate a Prefecture Chief to con others. That would be tantamount to courting death.


    Youying also felt at a loss after hearing this.


    Just when the courtyard was engulfed in silence, Butcher Zhang slammed his hand on the armrest and sternly said to Zhang Hai, "This is good news. Why the long face? Get out of the way!"


    Then, turning to Chen Hong, he said seriously, "I''ve always said your nephew is an exceptional talent. Being a mere constable is a waste. Give him the slightest opportunity, and he would rise up immediately. Tomorrow, you take some pork, some cartilage, and I will accompany you to pay a visit and offer congratulations."


    Upon hearing these words.


    Chen Hong finally seemed to wake from a dream and acknowledged.


    Zhang Hai and Youying beside her still wore a baffled expression on their faces.

 Chapter 24: Chapter 23: Conclusion

    ``` S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Inside the City Defense Division''s Hall Office.


    The lower-ranked officers in the City Defense Division didn''t have separate places for conducting official business or resting, only a spacious yard at the back, along with several commonly used and quite dilapidated low buildings.


    However, as a Head Constable, it was different; each of the five Head Constables had a separate room behind the Main Hall Office, usually used for handling official matters or resting. The one belonging to Zhao Zong had not been occupied for a long time.


    After Zhao Zong''s old hidden injuries flared up, he hardly ever spent time in the Hall Office, but his room was still regularly cleaned and remained spotlessly tidy. Now, after many years, this room welcomed a new occupant.


    Chen Mu stood at the doorway, examining the room.


    The room wasn''t large, containing only a long table placed horizontally with some books stacked on it, as well as a set of clean teaware. Behind the table stood a yellow wooden chair, the armrest slightly damaged but still functional.


    Both the table and the chair were dust-free, and the pavement made of bluestone was devoid of mud.


    It wasn''t spacious, but it was clean.


    Such an assessment should be fair enough.


    Zhao Zong stood next to Chen Mu, hands clasped behind his back, and lamented, "Us martial artists, with the wear and tear on our Qi-Blood, even without fighting others, will always accumulate some old hidden injuries. When we get old and can''t suppress them anymore, they start to act up..."


    While speaking, he slightly reluctantly touched the table, being the most senior person in the City Defense Division of Ninth District, including the Prefecture Chief Min Baoyi. Were it not for his deteriorating health making it near impossible to fight others, he wouldn''t willingly resign from the position of Head Constable.


    To temporarily retain the status of Head Constable and remain at the City Defense Division as an instructor was a satisfactory outcome for him.


    He had intended to get to know the promising newcomer, Ren Yan, to curry favor in advance, so when he stepped down from his position in a few years, he could rely on goodwill to keep some of his influence. However, Chen Mu''s appearance had taken everyone by surprise.


    Having heard from Wang Gong and the others that Chen Mu had been personally recommended by the Chief Constable Xu Hongyu from above, Zhao Zong immediately gave up all his schemes, and he also understood why Min Baoyi had suddenly become friendly with Chen Mu.


    "Does this Skin Toughening Body Refinement Technique also harm the body?"


    Listening to Zhao Zong''s words, Chen Mu asked thoughtfully.


    Zhao Zong smiled and said, "Yes, whether it''s the Skin Toughening or Body Refinement Technique, both involve tempering the body in various ways, supplemented by Medicinal Powder, and naturally, they cause harm. Wanting to practice martial arts and wishing for longevity, there''s no such good thing in the world.


    Nowadays, I suffer from piercing back pains every day, a result of focusing too much on the effects when I was young, employing the Skin Toughening Method, which caused great internal damage. Sometimes, circumstances dictate choices, and having anything to practice is already good enough; how many want to learn martial arts but don''t have the opportunity."


    Hearing Zhao Zong''s words, Chen Mu thought of the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique given to him by Xu Hongyu.


    Xu Hongyu had mentioned that this technique may not be the fastest but was more gentle and mild, causing less harm to the body. If Zhao Zong had learned this method in his youth, perhaps he wouldn''t have ended up in such a state.


    "Alright, I''ve told you all that needs to be said, and it''s time for me to leave. If there''s anything else, go ask Wang Gong or Qin Bei and the others." Zhao Zong slowly withdrew his hand, nodded at Chen Mu, and walked outside.


    "Old Zhao, take care."


    Chen Mu watched Zhao Zong leave, then slowly walked over to the table, picked up a few of the books to have a look, and found them to be maps of the district distribution in Ninth District and some demographic documents, among other paperwork.


    Putting down the booklet in his hand, Chen Mu walked to the window to look outside.


    The drizzling rain had stopped, and with the skies clearing after the rain, a ray of sunset light shone through the window into the room, revealing Zhao Zong''s receding figure in the afterglow, as well as the many officers gathered in groups of twos and threes, still discussing the recent events with visible shock in their eyes.


    Being promoted to Head Constable was no surprise to Chen Mu, but he did not expect Min Baoyi to act so swiftly. It had been only a day since Xu Hongyu had sent word, and the transition of authority had already been finalized.


    Even.


    His blue uniform and Waist Token were still being made and were not yet ready.


    But from this moment on, he was already the Head Constable of Ninth District, in charge of the division of men that Zhao Zong used to manage, totaling about thirty to forty people. Additionally, if he felt short-staffed, he could also freely recruit more from outside.


    That''s how it was with lower-ranked officers, easy to enlist, easy to dismiss. Within a certain limit, the Head Constable could make the decisions.


    He took another look around the room.


    Chen Mu turned and walked out, and upon reaching the outside of the Hall Office, he ran into Qin Bei who was also coming out.


    "Head Constable Chen."


    Qin Bei looked at Chen Mu with a complex expression and greeted him.


    Chen Mu had previously been under his command, and suddenly, he had forged a connection with the Chief Constable, not only rising to the rank of Head Constable but also becoming Min Baoyi''s honored guest. This inevitably left Qin Bei feeling uncomfortable.


    It was different with Ren Yan, who had already been rumored for a while and whom Qin Bei had been actively mentoring for over half a year. Even with his promotion to Head Constable, Ren Yan still had to address him as ''Brother Qin,'' whereas Chen Mu silently leaped ahead, becoming someone on par or even superior to him, a fact that Qin Bei found hard to shake off in the short term.


    ```

 Chapter 25: Chapter 23 Settle_2

    "Head Constable."


    Chen Mu also clasped his hands in respect. He bore no special feelings towards Qin Bei. When working under Qin Bei, though Qin had been neither cold nor overly friendly, he had never deliberately made things difficult for him, so Chen felt quite calm and composed.


    As someone who had been the Head Constable for many years, Qin Bei soon suppressed the discomfort in his heart and said, "Congratulations on your promotion, Chen. If you are free in a few days, I would like to invite you for a drink. I hope you will honor me with your presence."


    "Certainly, certainly."


    Chen Mu responded with a smile before walking out.


    Upon arriving outside,


    some scattered constables in the yard, seeing Chen Mu approaching, initially paused before realizing who it was, and then hurriedly greeted him with respect:


    "Lord Chen!"


    Compared to Qin Bei, they were much more nervous. After all, they had worked in the same division as Chen Mu for many years. Even if there had been no interactions, they had at least discussed him behind his back.


    Everyone had previously thought that Ren Yan''s promotion to Head Constable was a certainty; they had all been flattering him, but now it was Chen Mu who had unexpectedly risen rapidly, which inevitably made them uneasy.


    "All rise."


    "I have just taken over as Head Constable and am not yet familiar with everything, so continue as usual for now."


    Chen Mu casually addressed the constables.


    "Yes."


    The many constables responded in unison.


    Chen Mu then walked past the crowd to the outermost side where Liu Song and Li Tie were standing. Seeing Chen Mu approaching, the two lost their usual ease and greeted him a bit stiffly.


    "No need to be so formal, you two."


    Seeing this, Chen Mu said half-jokingly.


    But Liu Song still replied carefully, "My Lord, now that you''ve been promoted and have crossed the Dragon Gate, we common folk dare not act familiar in your presence. Just give your orders, and that will be fine."


    In this world, though chaotic, the stricter the hierarchy, the stronger the rules. Now that Chen Mu was a Head Constable, even addressing them informally as ''brothers,'' as before, wouldn''t be fitting. They knew that if people like Qin Bei saw this, they would think ill of them, and it would undoubtedly spell trouble.


    "I have already redrawn the roster with the Prefecture Chief and assigned you two under my direct command. Starting tomorrow, you need not patrol the streets; just stay in the Hall Office and await my instructions."


    Chen Mu said to Liu Song and Li Tie seriously.


    The two had been acquaintances for several years. While their friendship wasn''t deep, they were the constables whom he knew best in the City Defense Division. Now that he had become Head Constable, he still needed some trusted aides.


    At this declaration, some other constables cast envious glances at Liu Song and Li Tie.


    Staying in the Hall Office to follow orders meant transitioning from ordinary patrolling constables to close aides who only needed to assist Chen Mu and follow his commands. Though it wasn''t a formal promotion, the treatment was fundamentally different. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Working for a Head Constable meant becoming one of his trusted aides. First and foremost, they no longer had to deal with troublesome patrols or take part in the bi-monthly night patrols.


    "Thank you for your appreciation, sir!"


    Liu Song and Li Tie, upon hearing this, were equally surprised and repeatedly expressed their thanks.


    Although the two had been whispering to each other, speculating whether Chen Mu, after his rapid rise, would remember old ties and give them a boost, they had been extremely anxious. Now that the matter was settled, they naturally thanked him jubilantly.


    Chen Mu nodded slightly and then said no more, leaving the City Defense Division, leaving behind a crowd of officers with complex expressions, some envious and some sighing, watching his retreating figure disappear.


    ...


    The news that Chen Mu had taken over as the Head Constable of the Ninth District spread quickly throughout the area, becoming known to various parties within just half a day, given that the locals'' most frequent interactions were with either the gangs or the City Defense Division.


    If it were just an officer, it wouldn''t matter much, as the City Defense Division changed dozens of officers each year, if not at least several. But a Head Constable was different¡ªthere were only five in total. Offending one could indeed be troublesome, especially since it was rumored that Chen Mu was close to Prefecture Chief Min Baoyi, necessitating even more cautious handling.


    The above reactions came from some local gentry, prominent families, and gang powers within the Ninth District.


    Beyond the Ninth District, looking over the entire South City District, the scene was quite different.


    Night fell.


    South City District City Guard General''s office, the lights were still bright here.


    In a spacious and clean hall office, a fair-skinned man sat beside a desk, holding a document in his hand.


    He was He Mingxuan, the Deputy Head Officer of the South City District City Guard General, ranking second only to Xu Hongyu, and his background was in no way inferior to that of Xu Hongyu. Mentioning the surname ''He'' in the Inner City Area was indeed like a clap of thunder.


    "Ninth District... Chen Mu... Interesting."


    "Twenty-two, mastering the Blade Momentum on his own, indeed a talent. No wonder Xu Hongyu would take special care. However, your Yu Family now faces both internal and external troubles, and still hopes to continue supporting its loyalists in the City Defense Division. I''m afraid that won''t be so easy."


    He Mingxuan revealed a cold smile and set the page he was holding above the candle flame to burn.


    Ordinary people were unaware of Xu Hongyu''s background; to them, the surname ''Xu'' was relatively unfamiliar. However, those with some power knew that Xu Hongyu''s mother was a Yu, she took her father''s surname, and she was from the direct line of the Inner City Yu Family.


    The struggle between the He Family and the Yu Family over control of the City Defense Division had not been a matter of just a year or two.


    The City Defense Division, with nearly two hundred people in each sector, and ten sectors in the entire South City District, including the City Guard General, totaled nearly three thousand people. The other three city districts in the East, South, and West were not much different, altogether totaling close to twelve or thirteen thousand men.


    With such a large number of personnel, there was no doubt that it was a significant force. Although they could not match the elite private soldiers cultivated by various families in terms of quality, due to their large numbers and their legitimate authority from the Imperial Court to carry out many actions openly, if concentrated in the hands of one power, it inevitably posed a threat.


    Thus, there was mutual restraint between the families.


    Xu Hongyu had been the Chief Officer for only two years and, despite her high position and power, did not have many trusted loyalists under her command.


    Chen Mu had shown a bit of potential and caught the eye of Xu Hongyu, who provisionally marked him as a loyalist to be nurtured in the future. In the small Ninth District, he naturally rose rapidly, but there were many who did not wish to see Chen Mu grow into a main assistant for Xu Hongyu.


    "Hmm, a mere Head Constable, not yet practicing the Body Tempering Method, certainly not worth my personal ''attention.''


    He Mingxuan pondered for a moment, then called someone over and gave a few instructions before calmly picking up a teacup and slowly sipping his tea.


    In these two years, Xu Hongyu had offended many. He needed only to leak some information about Chen Mu, then sit back and drink tea. In a few days, naturally, someone would do what he wanted done, and even if it caused Xu Hongyu great anger afterward, it would not be traced back to him.

 Chapter 26: Chapter 24 Moving House

    The next day.


    Fortuitously, the continuous drizzle from the day before had cleared up, making this day from early morning dazzlingly sunny. The bright sun dispelled the gloom of the city, forcing all filth to disappear without trace.


    Chen Mu was unaware of the underlying currents that surged through the night.


    However, he always prepared for danger in times of safety, well aware that opportunities and crises coexist. While being promoted to Head Constable certainly placed him in a higher position, it also meant facing more difficult troubles and dangers. To overcome these obstacles and rise above, he could only rely on his own strength.


    Therefore, he did not slacken in his cultivation even for a single night, waiting only to move houses before he began practicing the Skin Toughening Method.


    Moving to a new home is generally a troublesome affair, but for Chen Mu, it was quite simple since there was almost nothing in the house worth moving. The only ones he needed to take along were Chen Yue and Wang Ni.


    Dressed in new clothes and freshly washed, Chen Yue followed Chen Mu out of the house.


    Since the age of twelve, Chen Mu rarely took her out, and even when he did, he would disguise her to appear dirty and unkempt, indistinguishable in gender, short and ugly. Now, at last, she could go out wearing new clothes.


    Chen Mu held no particular attachment to the two old houses. Outside, the constables were already waiting. Once he came out with Chen Yue and Wang Ni, a few constables escorted them to the back streets of Ninth District.


    Very soon.


    They arrived at the place.


    It was a residence located just two streets behind the City Defense Division. Although not a deeply hidden luxurious home, it featured proper redwood doors and a front that was cleaned thoroughly, with rows of clean and tidy houses inside.


    This residence consisted of a front and rear yard with three rooms each, lengthwise and crosswise, offering ample space. Even if he housed three to five old servants and maids, it would not feel cramped¡ªit wasn''t a house ordinary families could afford.


    "My lord."


    An elderly servant waited outside. Upon seeing Chen Mu, he respectfully bowed and then led Chen Mu inside while explaining the layout of the residences to him.


    "Master Min doesn''t usually come here, so it''s only me, an old servant, sweeping the dust and fallen leaves daily. My lord, if you feel there are not enough hands to help out, buying from the market is also very easy."


    Having finished introducing the house, the old servant stood aside cautiously.


    In these chaotic times, serving a powerful person was a highly sought-after position. Though it meant entering servitude, it liberated one from various heavy taxes and harassment by gangs. Even without regular pay, at least there was no worry about food, making life relatively easy.


    Towards Chen Mu, this new master, he naturally did not dare neglect any detail, fearing that displeasing Chen Mu could lead to his expulsion and leave him without refuge.


    "I prefer quiet; there''s no need for extra personnel for now," said Chen Mu, waving his hand to the old servant.


    The residence was neither small nor particularly large; one old servant to clean the yard was enough. Chen Yue now had Wang Ni with her, so there was no need for a maid either; maintaining the status quo was best.


    Upon moving into the spacious new home, Chen Yue became very lively. She examined every corner of each room, while Wang Ni obediently followed her, not interrupting.


    Chen Mu, however, did not join in Chen Yue''s play but went to the backyard by himself.


    The backyard was reserved for residing, consisting of a main house and two side rooms. Chen Mu let Chen Yue pick any room she liked. After looking around, she chose the western side room, while Chen Mu took the main house. Previously, the siblings had been forced to squeeze into one room, even sharing a bed during winter; now, at last, they had separate rooms.


    "This finally looks decent."


    Chen Mu entered his main house, nodding slightly as he observed the spacious and bright outer room and inner bedroom. He then sat down on a yellow wooden chair, pondered for a moment, and took out a stack of yellow papers from his chest.


    On the papers was the ''Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique''.


    He had closely inspected and memorized it last night; however, unlike the Blade Technique, the Skin Toughening Method relied on external materials for practice. Therefore, he hadn''t been able to start last night and still needed to purchase items today.


    Rather than calling it the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique, calling it the ''Golden Sand'' Skin Toughening Technique was more apt. The method involved digging a pit, lying down in it, and then covering oneself with fine sand particles before pouring over a medicinal powder concoction repeatedly.


    It stated that typical Skin Toughening Methods often used coarse salt for abrasion or wooden logs for impact, either grinding the skin repeatedly to encourage regeneration or enduring repeated impacts and beatings. Each method could cause some hidden injuries to the body, which might not be noticeable when young but could lead to various problems in old age.


    On the other hand, the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique was significantly gentler, relying more on specially prepared medicinal powders and using cool sand to temper the intensity, achieving a balanced and mild effect, making it one of the least harmful methods.


    "The Skin Toughening Method is a cumulative endeavor, one year to Minor Achievement, another year to Major Achievement, and another to Perfection ..."


    Chen Mu muttered as he read the description on the paper.


    Specifically, it generally took three years for an ordinary person to achieve Perfection, but this time frame was not fixed and depended on each individual''s skeletal foundation and compatibility. Often, the higher the quality of the skeletal foundation, the faster the Skin Toughening progressed.


    Compatibility was about the ''Medicinal Powder''s alignment; after all, some have a cold constitution, others hot, some are Yin, and others are Yang.


    If one could completely match the Yin Yang and Five Elements to the Medicinal Powder, adapting extremely well to the body, one could even practice excessively, moving from training twice a day at dawn and dusk to three times a day, which would naturally speed up the progress significantly.


    "My foundation seems to be just above average, I wonder how the compatibility is." Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu showed a contemplative expression.


    Having a foundation that''s above average sounds good, but in reality, as long as one isn''t born with deformities, hunchbacked, or lacking in bones, it''s considered a ''medium'' foundation; above average is just slightly better than that of an ordinary common person.


    However, what Chen Mu was most concerned about wasn''t the issues of foundation and compatibility, but whether the Skin Toughening Method, like the Blade Technique, could also rely on the system to accumulate Experience Points?


    Thinking about it, he acted.


    The prescription for the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Method had two parts, one for internal use to strengthen Qi-Blood and one for external application to toughen the skin. The two prescriptions used different medicinal herbs, and although neither was of the exceptionally rare sort, anything related to medicinal herbs was generally quite expensive in these times.


    After personally purchasing them at the pharmacy and roughly calculating, Chen Mu found that if he followed the twice-a-day regimen, it would require nearly two hundred taels of silver a year, an amount most ordinary families couldn''t afford.


    Fortunately, he was now fairly wealthy, possessing at least three hundred and some taels of silver, and having become a Head Constable, he naturally had ways to earn silver, so he could afford it.


    Busy the entire day, it was nearly dusk.


    Chen Mu sent Chen Yue to the front yard to play, and then lay down in a dugout pit in a corner of the backyard, covering his body with sand. He then picked up the water jug placed beside him and poured the prepared medicinal soup from his feet up to his chest.


    Lying in a sand pit was something Chen Mu had enjoyed doing at the beach in his previous life, but the sensation was immediately different when the half jug of Skin Toughening Medicinal Soup poured down. The warm medicinal soup seeped into the cold sand grains, mixing together and coming into contact with the skin, immediately triggering a burning sensation that rolled all the way up from his feet.


    For a moment.


    Chen Mu couldn''t even tell if it was painful or exhilarating.


    It felt like countless ants were trying to burrow into every part of his skin, a mix of subtle pain, itchiness, and a faint feeling of relief, creating an indescribably strange sensation.


    About a quarter of an hour later, this feeling gradually began to subside.


    Chen Mu picked up the jug and poured the medicinal soup again... repeating this three times, he finally used up the first batch of the medicinal soup.


    He climbed out of the sand pit.


    Chen Mu didn''t feel much stronger physically; instead, he felt a general numbness and weakness, so weak that he couldn''t muster any strength. He called for Chen Yue, and with Wang Ni''s help, he returned to the house and climbed into a wooden tub to wash off.


    "Brother, why did you bury yourself in the pit? Are you training some kind of technique?"


    Chen Yue asked curiously as she poured water for Chen Mu.


    Leaning weakly against the tub, Chen Mu let Chen Yue add water and responded with a smile, "Yes, how about Yue''er also practices some techniques?"


    "No way."


    Chen Yue made a face at Chen Mu and said, "I won''t be silly enough to bury myself like that."


    With that, she ran out.


    Chen Mu laughed and shook his head, lying comfortably in the warm water. He then summoned the system panel and noticed a new addition under the Raging Wind Blade Technique and Gale Blade Technique.


    [Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique (Incomplete)]


    [Experience: 11]

 Chapter 27: Chapter 25: Medicinal Power

    ```


    "The experience from the Skin Toughening Method is separate from the blade technique skills,"


    Chen Mu looked at the changed system interface, showing a contemplative expression. His previous Raging Wind Blade Technique and Gale Blade Technique shared experience, but Skin Toughening did not.


    But on further thought, he wasn''t surprised, as Skin Toughening and Blade Techniques were indeed different, having no connection between them. Perhaps only techniques of the same type could share experience, while Skin Toughening, in comparison to Blade Techniques, belonged to an entirely different category.


    Moreover,


    the increase in experience for the Skin Toughening Method also caught Chen Mu off guard because the time he spent practicing this time around did not exceed one hour, yet he gained a total of 11 Experience Points.


    To advance the Skin Toughening Method to Minor Achievement, only 100 Experience Points were needed!


    This means if he practiced once at dawn and dusk each, he would only need five days to bring the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique to Minor Achievement!


    "The Skin Toughening Method is indeed different from the blade techniques; the entire learning process purely toughens internally and externally with the medicinal powder. The accumulated experience might come from the medicinal power of those decoctions...,"


    Chen Mu suddenly had an epiphany.


    Normally, even someone with top-notch talent and perfect adaptability wouldn''t be able to absorb all of the medicinal power when practicing Skin Toughening, nor could they make perfect use of every bit of it.


    But if the system could disregard this concept and directly convert all the medicinal power he endured during the process into ''Experience Points'' for accumulation, then it would make perfect sense.


    The adage goes, "All medicines have their toxins."


    Ordinary people might be doing well to absorb one-tenth of the medicinal power from the inner and outer medicinal powders. He, having above-average talent, might only manage to absorb twenty to thirty percent of it.


    And that twenty to thirty percent of medicinal power is then affected by the body''s adaptability, exhibiting varying degrees of effectiveness based on the level of adaptability. The average person''s adaptability would probably only manage to use one or two-tenths of the medicinal power for ''Skin Toughening,'' while the rest would be metabolized by the body, serving no real purpose.


    Therefore, the process of Skin Toughening is extremely long for ordinary people, and the saying "three years of Skin Toughening" is not an exaggeration.


    But if the system interface could directly convert medicinal power into Experience Points, that would undoubtedly equate to one hundred percent absorption and one hundred percent adaptability to the medicinal power.


    Perhaps in the entire Da Xuan Dynasty, among a population of hundreds of millions, there was no constitution bizarre enough to achieve this. Still, he could achieve such effects with the system interface.


    "Very well,"


    Chen Mu revealed a smile.


    He had previously worried whether the system interface would work with something as different from blade techniques as Skin Toughening.


    If it didn''t, then he would have had to rely solely on mastering various advanced blade techniques through the system interface to improve his strength, while he would need to progress slowly step by step with Skin Toughening and the subsequent Body Refinement methods. Now, it seemed much better.


    And logically speaking, this isn''t considered cheating. After all, every bit of advancement in realm comes from genuine ''Medicinal Power,'' not from nothing, and even these ''Medicinal Powers'' were bought with the silver he earned himself.


    Just like the blade techniques, they are all hard-earned.


    Chen Mu was quite at peace with this.


    ...


    Four days flew by quickly.


    In these four days, aside from some visits by the local gentry to congratulate him on his move and Butcher Zhang who came to ''reminisce,'' everything was uneventful. Chen Mu still went to the City Defense Division every day, but as Head Constable, he no longer needed to collect or hang up his plaque, and it didn''t matter if he didn''t go to the City Defense Division; it was just a title in name.


    As for the gifts from many gentry congratulating him on his new residence, Chen Mu accepted them all without refusal. Knowing that the experience of Internal Training was related to ''Medicinal Power,'' and that Medicinal Power was directly linked to financial resources, he naturally did not turn away from silver.


    ```


    As for the impact of accepting silver, he wasn''t particularly concerned.


    He was no longer a low-level constable now.


    He was one of the five serving head constables in the City Defense Division, a direct subordinate under the care of Min Baoyi, and even if he took those gentry''s silver, should any troubles arise in the future, he could calmly decide whether to deal with them or not based on the gravity of the situation.


    Then there was Butcher Zhang, an uncle who hadn''t visited for many years, who was much more polite than Chen Mu''s distant memories of him, even lowering his voice when speaking, appearing somewhat cautious and careful. It just made Chen Mu reflect on how fickle human relationships could be; when his old father had died, Butcher Zhang had also only made a token visit.


    Now, however, he was trying by all means to ingratiate himself with Chen Mu as a relative.


    "We can talk about Youying''s issue another time," he said.


    In response to Butcher Zhang bringing up the past and mentioning Zhang Youying once again, Chen Mu simply replied calmly.


    He truly had no interest in such matters now, his focus was much more on cultivation. If his physique hadn''t been able to withstand it, limited to enduring Skin Toughening only twice during dusk and dawn, he would have even considered increasing the frequency of his practice sessions.


    The rest of his time was almost entirely spent practicing his blade technique, planning to quickly elevate the Gale Blade Technique to Perfection and master a second Blade Momentum, thus further enhancing his own strength.


    Sensing Chen Mu''s disinterest, Butcher Zhang tactfully changed the topic and after some time, along with Chen Hong, stood up to take his leave from Chen Mu, who along with Chen Yue, escorted them to the door.


    After leaving Chen Mu''s house.


    On the way back, Butcher Zhang still cautiously reminded Chen Hong to carefully maintain this uncle-nephew relationship. Now that Chen Mu had risen high in status, there was no telling if a single word from him in the future could greatly support their family. They absolutely couldn''t spoil the relationship.


    Chen Mu did not watch Butcher Zhang and Chen Hong as they left; after seeing them out, he returned to the backyard to boil water and prepare medicine.


    The process of Skin Toughening was still the same.


    After five days of Skin Toughening, he could still feel some changes. First, his skin seemed to have become tougher, similar to when touching rough stones, the sensation of pain from friction had noticeably decreased.


    Secondly, inside his body, it was as if there was a faint flame that made him stronger when exerting force. According to the Skin Toughening Method, this was the Qi-Blood becoming more solidified after undergoing the Body Tempering Method.


    "Huff..."


    He climbed out of the sandpit.


    Chen Mu sat beside the pit, his limbs feeling a bit sore and weak, taking a short breath.


    Compared to the first day of cultivation when he could hardly walk after completing Skin Toughening, he was now much better. Although his whole body was still somewhat weak and sore, he could barely move on his own, without needing Chen Yue''s assistance anymore.


    "Just five days of cultivation and there''s already an effect, if only I reached Minor Achievement..."


    Chen Mu murmured.


    He then summoned the system interface.


    [Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique (Unachieved)] sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Experience: 108]


    On the system interface, under the entry for the Skin Toughening Method, the experience had accumulated to 108 points, enough to advance to ''Minor Achievement''.

 Chapter 28: Chapter 26 Minor Achievement

    "Very well."


    Chen Mu looked at the system panel, his heart at ease.


    At this moment, the sore numbness in his body had not yet disappeared, but he didn''t rush to enhance himself. Instead, he waited until his body recovered some strength, then went to take a bath first, washing off the mud and sand, before returning to his bedroom.


    After he had adjusted his state to good condition and his body had fully recovered, feeling the abundant qi-blood in his body, he took a deep breath, called up the system panel again, and with a thought, he consumed experience points and enhanced the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique.


    Buzz!!!


    This feeling was different from enhancing Blade Technique before. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When enhancing Blade Technique, it was as if countless springs, summers, autumns, and winters had suddenly merged with numerous memories of fierce battles as if he had experienced it firsthand, and everything was infused into his consciousness in a very short time.


    However, when enhancing the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique, it was instantaneous, as if his body had turned into a cauldron, filled with boiling qi-blood, and then a drop of hot oil tumbled into it, instantly causing thousands of blood vapors to rise.


    "Hiss..."


    This feeling was indescribable.


    It was as if the experiences of several months or even a month of Skin Toughening were all stacked into that moment, causing Chen Mu''s consciousness to fall into a standstill immediately. The word "pain" was far from enough to describe this sensation.


    This had completely surpassed the upper limit of what human consciousness could endure, causing Chen Mu to faint immediately. But whether he fainted or not, the transformation of his body didn''t pause at all.


    His skin visibly changed, his originally wheat-colored skin silently gained a jade-like glossiness, which lit up several times before fading away slowly, returning to normal.


    It was uncertain how much time had passed.


    Chen Mu slowly regained consciousness.


    Merely moving slightly, he felt pin-prick pains across his skin, making him want to cry out, but he immediately clenched his teeth and endured, remaining absolutely still.


    "This Skin Toughening Technique enhances much more intensely than the Blade Technique..."


    Chen Mu endured the changes in his body, slowly adapting while grimacing slightly.


    Although Blade Technique also involved a sudden influx, it was ultimately just immaterial memories and insights. However, the Skin Toughening Technique was different¡ªthe sudden emergence of tangible medicinal power, the system panel had forced his body to absorb this power in an instant and transformed rapidly within a very short time.


    For ordinary people, suddenly withstanding all the medicinal power needed from the initial phase of Skin Toughening to minor achievement could likely result in qi-blood reversed flow and death from vomiting blood. However, the system panel was extremely dominant, sparing his flesh and viscera by affecting only the skin.


    It seemed like it accelerated the transformation by thousands of times in an instant, allowing his skin to change rapidly.


    Although he was in such intense pain that he dared not move, Chen Mu could clearly feel that his qi-blood was much more vigorous than before.


    This pain was not a side effect, but because the increased toughness of his skin in such a short time was difficult for him to adapt to.


    As time passed,


    the piercing pain finally began to subside, and Chen Mu slowly sat up.


    He carefully examined his arms; there were no clear changes in color or appearance, but when he gently touched with his fingers, he could clearly feel that the toughness of his skin had greatly improved.


    "So this is minor achievement in Skin Toughening."


    Chen Mu slowly stood up and clenched his fists, swinging them through the air a few times.


    Skin Toughening, Body Refinement, Tendon Changing, Bone Tempering.


    Each step was a process of forging his own physique from the outside in, step by step. The most crucial aspect was his own "Qi-Blood"; those externally applied and internally consumed Medicinal Powders were, after all, external substances and could not fully replace the body''s natural Qi-Blood, otherwise there wouldn''t be sayings about failing to benefit from excessive supplementation.


    After the age of thirty, a martial artist''s progress in Body Tempering slowed down because at that age Qi-Blood reached its peak. Prior to thirty, it was more about "strengthening", employing various methods to bolster Qi-Blood and stimulate its enhancement, whereas after thirty, it turned more to "nurturing", figuring out ways to nourish the Qi-Blood to prevent it from declining.


    The step of Skin Toughening was the most basic, the outermost layer, but it was also fundamental in laying the foundation.


    At this moment, Chen Mu could distinctly feel the "warm flow" inside his body, which he had only faintly sensed before, had become much clearer. This was the Qi-Blood generated naturally by a robust physique.


    "The increase in the power of punches and kicks isn''t much, but the stamina has definitely improved a lot. When swinging the blade at full strength, I might be able to last a quarter of an hour longer than usual..."


    Chen Mu estimated roughly.


    Don''t underestimate that quarter of an hour; many times, in life-and-death situations, having an extra bit of stamina, swinging one more blade, might be the difference between life and death.


    In terms of explosive power, a Skin Toughening martial artist might not differ much from an ordinary strong man, but in terms of endurance, the Qi-Blood solidified through the practice of the Skin Toughening Technique far exceeded that of an ordinary person.


    Another aspect was the strengthening of his own skin and membranes.


    Chen Mu remembered the changes in Ren Yan, whose skin had evidently become rougher and more textured, which was undoubtedly due to the practice of the Skin Toughening Technique, whereas he himself was completely different.


    The Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique, with the words ''Golden Jade'' clearly indicating minimal damage to the body, was starkly different from the ordinary Skin Toughening Method. Considering Chief Constable Xu Hongyu, whose muscles were like jade, clear and transparent, where there was not the slightest hint of rough Skin Toughening, it was obviously a unique aspect of this technique.


    The changes might not be visible on the surface, but the strength of the skin was genuinely enhanced.


    Chen Mu went outside, picked up a handful of coarse gravel, and rubbed it over his arm.


    If it were before, such action would have at least scraped up a large white mark and felt painful even if it didn''t break the skin and bleed, but now he felt only a slight friction without any pain at all, and the sharp and jagged edges of the coarse gravel stones hardly left any marks on his skin membrane.


    "Endurance, resistance,"


    Chen Mu muttered as he tossed the stone aside.


    This first step of the Body Refining Method, Skin Toughening, clearly focused on enhancing these two aspects. Now that he had achieved Minor Achievement in Skin Toughening, his skin had become toughened. While it couldn''t block sharp blades, it could certainly withstand hits from common sticks and blunt weapons, if they were not too powerfully driven.


    Unlike in the past, although his Blade Technique was sharp, his own body was very weak. If he faced an attack by several criminals and got hit once or twice by mischance, he might have been immediately knocked out. Now, the likelihood of that happening had greatly reduced.


    "Technique and physique complement each other. With a tougher physique, you can be more unrestrained in battle and bring the Blade Momentum''s skill into full play,"


    Chen Mu looked thoughtful.


    Thinking back, the day he killed Tang Quan was really fortunate; not only had the opponent been fatally wounded by a sword through the chest from Xu Hongyu and blinded by his limestone, but he also couldn''t perform his moves.


    Additionally, his Blade Technique had reached the Realm of Blade Momentum, and only then he could break through Tang Quan''s skin and slit his throat with that final lethal strike. Otherwise, he might have been easily massacred by the severely injured Tang Quan even if there were ten of him wielding sharp blades.


    Achieving Minor Achievement in Skin Toughening was just the first step, but for Chen Mu, it was also a brand-new beginning.


    Having a system panel to enhance efficiency, the path of Skin Toughening, which would take ordinary people two to three years, could be significantly shortened for him!

 Chapter 29: Chapter 27 Momentum

    ```


    The Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique advances to Minor Achievement with one hundred points of experience, and to Major Achievement with three hundred points.


    "Now that my Skin Toughening has reached Minor Achievement, both my Qi-Blood endurance and stamina have increased. If I change my practice from twice at dawn and dusk to thrice daily, I should be able to bear it. If so, in roughly another ten days, I can step into the Major Achievement of Skin Toughening."


    Chen Mu thought to himself.


    Major Achievement of Skin Toughening!


    It would take an average person at least a year of hard work to achieve this level, yet he could do it in less than a month. Such progress was unimaginable to ordinary people, but for him, it was just right.


    Currently, his publicly known strength was that of someone who hadn''t undergone the Body Tempering Method, having only practiced Blade Momentum. Hence, it would be best to remain cautious and lie low, accumulating his foundation quietly until he could perfect his Skin Toughening, or even advance to Body Refinement.


    While he was deep in thought.


    Suddenly, the voice of the old servant came from outside.


    "Master, Elder Min has come to visit."


    "He has arrived."


    Upon hearing this, Chen Mu immediately gathered his thoughts, quickly dressed, stood up, and went to the door.


    He saw Min Baoyi wearing casual clothes, standing outside. Seeing Chen Mu emerge, he smiled and said, "Would you be free to join this old brother for a few cups today?"


    "How could I refuse an invitation from big brother?"


    Chen Mu bowed his hands in greeting, instructed the old servant briefly, then followed Min Baoyi out the door.


    Min Baoyi hadn''t brought anyone else with him, just himself, leading Chen Mu along the clean and tidy bluestone alley. While they walked, he sniffed slightly and said, "It seems you have been practicing the Skin Toughening Technique. Have I interrupted your practice?"


    "I just finished."


    Chen Mu didn''t hide it, as practicing the Skin Toughening Technique was naturally no secret.


    Min Baoyi chuckled and said, "The Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique is excellent. If I had started with this technique when I was young, perhaps I could have stepped into the ''Tendon Changing'' Realm by now. It''s just a pity that I received the Yu Family''s support only later on."


    "The Yu Family?"


    Chen Mu was slightly startled upon hearing Min Baoyi''s words.


    Min Baoyi''s reference to the ''Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique'' indicated that his relationship with Xu Hongyu was more than just that of a subordinate; he was likely one of Xu Hongyu''s trusted aides. However, Chen Mu was somewhat puzzled by the subsequent mention of the Yu Family.


    But Min Baoyi soon cleared up his confusion.


    "Although the Chief Constable''s last name is Xu, she is a direct descendant of the Yu Family..."


    Min Baoyi briefly illuminated Xu Hongyu''s background. The Yu Family''s power was vast in the Inner City, spreading throughout the entire city. He was able to hold the position of Prefecture Chief because of the Yu Family''s support. Naturally, after Xu Hongyu became the Chief Constable, he was part of her direct lineage.


    Quickly.


    Min Baoyi led Chen Mu to a tavern located on Central Street. With the shopkeeper personally welcoming them, they took a private room on the second floor. Once seated, Min Baoyi began to elaborately discuss the various forces of Yu City.


    In the several days since Chen Mu had become a Head Constable, although most of his time had been spent practicing Blade Technique and Skin Toughening, he had also gained some understanding of Yu City''s powers through various channels. However, much of this was unclear, and not as detailed as Min Baoyi''s knowledge.


    "In the Inner City, there are four major families: the Yu, He, Xie, and Xue families. The City Lord''s last name is Xue, but I don''t need to elaborate on that...


    The other three families control the city''s businesses: the Xie Family handles nearly ninety-nine percent of the city''s medicinal materials¡ªanything the martial artists need for their cultivation has to go through them; the He Family monopolizes the iron and cloth trade; and the Yu Family controls the salt business."


    Min Baoyi spoke effortlessly, evidently these details were not secrets to those with any status.


    Chen Mu had a vague understanding of this information before, but he was not surprised by the clear description now. A large city like Yu City, with a population over a million, controlling salt, iron, cloth, and medicinal materials, was essentially controlling ninety-nine percent of the city''s economy.


    As for the most critical item¡ªgrain¡ªthat naturally couldn''t be controlled by a single family. It was probably like the City Defense Division in the Outer City, not under the control of just one family.


    "Salt business..."


    ```


    Reflecting on the salt trade, Chen Mu had his thoughts, but alas, in his former life, he hadn''t been a talent in the field of chemical engineering, nor had he ever considered collecting any salt and iron refining methods for times of ''unexpected need.'' There was no profit to be made in this area for him.


    Min Baoyi only touched briefly upon the four families of the Inner City, before moving on to speak about the City Defense Division.


    "With a population of over a million, Yu City has four major City Defense Divisions to the east, south, west, and north, totaling over ten thousand men. Now, basically, all four families want to control this division, turning it into their private armies. Because of this, there is covert competition.


    The Deputy Head Officer of South City District, He Mingxuan, is from the Inner City''s He Family and doesn''t get along with the Chief Constable. When you''re in the City Defense Division, be cautious of this man."


    Upon hearing this, Chen Mu''s gaze flickered, revealing a thoughtful expression, and he bowed his hands, saying, "Thank you for the heads-up, Elder Brother Min."


    This was news to him. Although he had always vaguely guessed that the City Defense Division was not a monolith, now it seemed to be true indeed. Xu Hongyu didn''t transfer him directly to the Chief Division, but rather let him stay in the Ninth District City Defense Division to ''train,'' which might also be intended for him to grow further.


    After all, the Ninth District City Defense Division belonged to Min Baoyi''s territory, where he could almost single-handedly dictate terms, providing a relatively safe environment for Chen Mu.


    Once in the Chief Division, being directly wrapped up in the conflict between two major powers¡ªwith various schemes and machinations¡ªit would be easy to slip up and face total ruin, becoming not only unable to serve Xu Hongyu but also possibly a burden.


    Seeing Chen Mu''s solemn expression, Min Baoyi laughed and said to lighten the mood, "You don''t need to worry too much, in the end, the Chief Constable is still above that man. And since Ninth District is my turf, as long as you''re careful, there won''t be much trouble."


    "Besides, there''s the ''Red Gold Gang'' and the ''Black Crow Sect'' in Ninth District. Try not to provoke these two powers. As for who''s behind the Red Gold Gang, I haven''t figured out yet, but it''s one of those families. As for this Black Crow Sect..."


    At this point.


    Min Baoyi showed a hint of wariness and said, "The Black Crow Sect seems to only bewitch some ordinary folk, to revere their doctrine and worship some black crow deity. In reality, they''re also using it as an opportunity to amass wealth, and behind the scenes, there is a ruthless and vicious person."


    Chen Mu was quite clear about the forces of the Red Gold Gang and the Black Crow Sect. Two days earlier, as Head Constable, he had been visited by a Deputy Gang Leader from the Red Gold Gang, who presented him with a ''housewarming gift.''


    This housewarming gift was quite interesting, consisting of some Silver along with two men. These were the same gang members who had previously tried to abduct Wang Ni and then took his Silver and left. Beaten black and blue, they were dumped there.


    Chen Mu hadn''t taken the matter to heart from the start. Since the other party was so deferential, he also gave them a way out, accepting the Silver and considering the matter completely settled, with no further consequences.


    As for the Black Crow Sect...


    In chaotic times, any similar forces are quite dangerous.


    It seems like this world is dominated by martial artists and that even if ordinary refugees and rioters group up into tens and hundreds of millions, they cannot stir up much trouble. But in fact, it''s not the case at all.


    Their approach is to amass a fortune through such forces, then use the acquired wealth to nurture elites.


    In the Body Tempering Method, the two steps of Skin Toughening and Body Refinement can, in essence, be forcefully achieved with resources. If one doesn''t consider the side effects and the wear and tear on the body, using the worst quality prescription wouldn''t even cost two hundred taels of Silver to create a Body Refinement Martial Man.


    Although the quality of such forcibly created beings is extremely poor in all aspects, their sheer number makes them quite formidable. A few hundred people, outfitted with armor and military equipment, would be terrifying indeed, and it''s even possible for some among them to grasp ''Momentum.''


    In fact.


    Nowadays, anyone with a bit of power and influence nurtures such private soldiers in secrecy.


    "Apart from these two forces, the other sects and factions basically have no significant background and aren''t worth concern. Ninth District doesn''t have any notable powerful and influential people worth mentioning either.


    Those with a bit of power either move to the Inner City or are in the Central Area of South City District," Min Baoyi added a simple overview of the situation in the Ninth District.


    "Understood."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly.


    Min Baoyi picked up his wine cup, drank another round, and said smilingly, "Alright, I''ve pretty much explained everything to you. Just focus on your training for now. With two or three years of hard work and a breakthrough to the Body Refinement Realm, you''ll be able to be transferred to the Chief Division and assist Lord Xu."


    While speaking, Min Baoyi couldn''t help but feel a sense of regret. As someone who came from a subordinate family of the Yu Family, he had practiced martial arts from a young age, but he struggled many years with the Blade Momentum and only barely grasped it at the age of thirty-four. If only he had realized it earlier and received more attention, things might be different for him now.


    Chen Mu, on the other hand, had first attained Blade Momentum and caught Xu Hongyu''s eye, but starting the Cultivation of the Body Refining Method now was rather late. He had lost a lot of time. In three to four months, he estimated that he could reach Minor Achievement in Skin Toughening, then Major Achievement within the next year or so, and Perfection in two to three years.


    Before he was thirty, reaching his current Realm wouldn''t be difficult.


    But to go further and make a breakthrough to the Third Realm of Tendon Changing, that would be much more challenging. If you''re slow in one step, you''re slow in every step.


    A Body Refinement Martial Man who has mastered Blade Momentum is quite an individual in the Outer City, but across the whole of Yu City, he''s merely mid-tier. Only by stepping into the Third Realm of Tendon Changing, and having the power to unleash immense strength with every move, does one enter the higher echelons, capable of wielding power in the Inner City. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 30: Chapter 28 Ambush and Kill

    After three rounds of drinks.


    Min Baoyi was slightly tipsy, and with a hearty slap on Chen Mu''s shoulder, he laughed and said, "We''ve had enough food and wine, and I hear you''re not yet married. Would you like big brother to take you to a good place? The delights there are quite remarkable."


    Once he uttered these words, it was naturally understood what kind of place he was talking about. Even though Chen Mu''s thoughts had not yet stirred, the qi-blood within his body surged tumultuously ahead of him.


    Just when he was about to act upon his impulses, he suddenly recalled the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique, which mentioned that before cultivating had succeeded, one must strictly guard their qi-blood. Immediately, he forcefully suppressed the restlessness in his heart.


    "While I should certainly accompany brother Min in such cultured pursuits, I''ve just begun my Body Refining, and my Cultivation is not yet complete¡­"


    Chen Mu tactfully refused.


    Min Baoyi immediately slapped his thigh, exclaiming, "Ah, I forgot about that! Indeed, the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique requires one to lock down their qi-blood tightly. You''re focusing on cultivating this technique; I''m afraid you''ll have to postpone matters of marriage for several years."


    "No rush, no rush."


    Chen Mu said, shaking his head with a smile.


    In fact, just yesterday, through Wang Gong, someone had tried to arrange a match for him. After all, he was Ninth District''s newly appointed Head Constable, highly regarded by those above, his prospects broad, and only twenty-two years old. There were plenty of local gentry willing to offer their daughters in marriage.


    However, Chen Mu''s heart was not set on this for the time being, and given that he wanted to practice the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique, he tactfully refused all proposals.


    "Alright, there''s plenty of time in the future."


    Min Baoyi stood up, accompanied Chen Mu down from the tavern, and watched him leave. Then he stroked his chin and said, "His resolve is also not bad¡­ Well, it makes sense, at his age to have comprehended Blade Momentum, how could his willpower be lacking?"


    At this point, he couldn''t help but think back to when he was cultivating Skin Toughening. The slightest temptation had made him unable to resist heading to the pleasure houses. From there, things escalated beyond control, and as a result, the process of his Skin Toughening was delayed by a full three years!


    Otherwise, he might have stepped into the Tendon Changing Level by now.


    The past, however, cannot be spoken of.


    In any case, Xu Hongyu has taken a liking to this young man. His perceptiveness is without question, his prudence and determination in his actions are noteworthy, and his background is extremely clean. Indeed, he is worth developing, and Min can give a detailed report to Xu Hongyu.


    ¡­


    Having parted ways with Min Baoyi.


    Chen Mu had no interest in aimlessly wandering about and hurried home.


    While drinking with Min Baoyi, he deliberately restrained himself. He hadn''t drunk much, and his natural capacity for alcohol was good. Now, with the addition of practicing Skin Toughening, his qi-blood was abundant and he felt essentially unaffected.


    Yu Family, He Family, Red Gold Gang¡­


    Chen Mu pondered the multitude of news he had received from Min Baoyi. For now, it seemed the most prudent thing to do was to stay quiet in Ninth District, practice martial arts, occasionally deal with a few petty thieves, and collect tax silver.


    In fact, after understanding the general structure of the City Defense Division and the overt and covert struggles between various powers, he even thought that if he did not become the Head Constable and remained an inconspicuous government officer, it would be a better plan.


    Although the Head Constable was just a small role to the truly powerful, he was, after all, involved with Xu Hongyu, which would inevitably put him on others'' radar and attract some trouble.


    But with opportunity comes hardship, such is the way of the world.


    If he had not caught Xu Hongyu''s attention, he would not have obtained the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique, and hundreds of silver would be a fanciful dream. Likewise, it would not have been possible to receive relocation gifts from various local gentry and powers within such a short few days.


    Although each gift was not very valuable, the total still amounted to a hundred taels of silver in income.


    And it had only been a few days.


    With money, power, and a path for advancement, his entire life had flipped upside down. Even if it involved some trouble, Chen Mu had no complaints¡ªafter all, there''s no such thing as a free lunch.


    "The practice of Skin Toughening will be quick, but to develop Momentum with the Gale Blade Technique will take a much longer time."


    Chen Mu had learned this earlier from Min Baoyi.


    Above Blade Momentum indeed lies a realm known as ''Blade Intent'', also referred to as Artistic Conception. However, such a thing is even more nebulous and elusive than Momentum¡ªit''s extremely difficult to leap to that all in one go, which is why there is an intermediate stage of accumulation between Momentum and Intent.


    It''s called Multiple Momentum.


    As the name suggests, after mastering one Blade Momentum, one can simultaneously cultivate other Blade Techniques. If one could develop a second Blade Momentum, then integrating the two would result in ''Dual Momentum,'' which is somewhat more powerful than a single Momentum.


    However, for Martial Artists to master a single Momentum is already difficult, many spend their entire lives in hard practice and still cannot reach that Realm. To master Multiple Momentum is even more challenging.


    As for the higher Triple Momentum, Quadruple Momentum...


    The number of people who can achieve such a level is few and far between, generally important figures, and even Min Baoyi knew only a handful.


    "Ordinary people don''t have the energy and time to study multiple Blade Momentums, but I don''t have this problem with the system panel. At most, it will take me half a year to master a second Blade Momentum."


    Chen Mu nodded inwardly at this. At least the path he had chosen before was not wrong.


    Even if one cultivates various Blade Techniques without reaching a higher level of Artistic Conception, at least one can steadily master ''Multiple Momentum,'' always maintaining an advantage in the domain of skills. This would be his extraordinary strength.


    He pondered this in his heart.


    Unknowingly, Chen Mu walked into a somewhat secluded alleyway.


    By the time he came back to his senses, he was already in the middle of this quiet alley.


    Since it was broad daylight, still around noon, Chen Mu didn''t mind and continued straight ahead.


    But after walking further, several figures suddenly emerged from the nearest corner ahead. These men were dressed in tight-fitting, old clothes, some holding clubs, others wielding shiny machetes, and their eyes revealed traces of ferocity.


    "Hmm?"


    Chen Mu''s eyebrows furrowed slightly.


    Suddenly, he heard a noise from behind, turned his head to look back, and saw more shady figures approaching from the rear of the alley, all dressed in shabby clothes, yet each radiated a vicious aura.


    With villains appearing both in front and behind, Chen Mu finally confirmed that these were not gangsters just passing by; they were targeting him!


    Although he had gone out with Min Baoyi for drinks without wearing his government officer uniform, to say that these people who came at him didn''t recognize him would be a big joke... To attack a Head Constable with weapons in broad daylight within the Ninth District was outrageously bold.


    Not to mention ordinary villains¡ªeven a gang with a formidable reputation like the Red Gold Gang, if they dared to act this way, would surely enrage Xu Hongyu, the Chief Constable. Even if she led a direct charge to eliminate the Red Gold Gang, she would be justified!


    He didn''t recall offending anyone in recent days.


    Chen Mu''s face grew stern, but he didn''t stop. Instead, he continued walking forward, his right hand already gripping the handle of the Servant''s Knife at his waist. Now, he was never without his most critical weapon at any time.


    The number of villains coming towards him increased.


    At least seventeen or eighteen people turned out of the corner of the alley, further deepening Chen Mu''s frown.


    With at least thirty or forty people in front and behind, even in these chaotic times, it would be impossible to mount such a large ambush here in broad daylight without alarming various parties.


    These men didn''t speak but walked straight towards him. As they came within four or five meters of Chen Mu, the leaders simultaneously threw something white and powdery at him, accompanied by a pungent odor.


    Chen Mu, ever vigilant, reacted quickly. He immediately closed his eyes and leaped backward, avoiding the lime powder thrown at him. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Just a few days ago, I used this very trick on Tang Quan, and now someone has used it against me so quickly. Truly, what goes around comes around..." Chen Mu thought to himself.


    And Min Baoyi had just told him that as long as he was cautious in this territory, nothing would happen. It had not been long since they parted, and the contradiction came as fast as it could be.


    This time the distance was very close, but Chen Mu ultimately dodged most of it, only a bit touched him, not greatly affecting him. After the dodge, he immediately surged forward again, his Servant''s Knife in hand sweeping through the air like a wild whirlwind and brutally striking down!


    The winds were chaotic, the western wind howled!


    Crack!


    The leader, who met him with a knife, was only able to clash once before Chen Mu''s ferocious blow overpowered him. The Servant''s Knife pressed against the opponent''s blade, sparking as it slid downward, slicing open the man''s throat and causing blood to spurt out instantly.


    "Attacking a government officer in broad daylight, do you all wish to rebel?"


    Chen Mu shouted coldly, his voice echoing through the alley. With the intimidating force of his murderous blow, he momentarily stunned all the villains present.

 Chapter 31: Chapter 29: Fierce

    "Ha, these days, what difference does it make if one''s a government officer or not? They''re just someone else''s lapdog." S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Amidst the many villains, a cold laugh echoed, followed by a chaotic clattering. In the daylight, one could see some shimmering objects flying over, accompanied by a handful of white quicklime sprinkled down from the walls on both sides of the alley.


    Chen Mu remained calm amidst the sudden change. He shouted explosively, and with a sweep of his right hand, he tore off his robe. Then, with the "Raging Wind Momentum," he swung it vigorously, enveloping a large amount of quicklime and also wrapping up the shimmering darts and other hidden weapons.


    Hiss!!


    The shimmering, sharp darts, even when swept up by the robe with the Raging Wind Momentum, still managed to puncture the robe slightly, falling onto Chen Mu''s body, but most of their force was dissipated, and they were repelled one after another.


    Without the slightest hesitation, Chen Mu flipped and swept his robe, and in an instant, he vanished beneath it, transforming into a violently rising figure that charged forward, brutally breaking into the crowd of many villains!


    The alley was narrow.


    If he had been continuously doused with quicklime and bombarded with various thrown objects, even if he had the strength of three people, he couldn''t catch them all. A martial man can fight ten, provided it''s a fair fight.


    But if he were ambushed unprepared by treacherous attacks, even a seven-year-old child with a poison-tipped sharp dagger could take the life of a skilled Blade Momentum practitioner!


    Chen Mu charged into the crowd, his blade sweeping through, and wherever the blade light reached, several people were instantly struck down. Although the situation seemed even more perilous, with sticks and sharp blades coming from all directions targeting him, this close combat allowed him to avoid those threats.


    At the same time.


    Chen Mu also secretly felt fortunate that he had achieved Minor Achievement in Skin Toughening. The quicklime and mixed hidden weapons had mostly lost their effect after being wrapped by his sweeping move.


    Otherwise, after being continuously ambushed, reacting hastily might have also resulted in injuries. Once blinded or seriously hurt, the consequences would have been unimaginable.


    "Kill!"


    Upon entering the crowd, Chen Mu wielded a Servant''s Knife, like a tiger entering a flock of sheep, killing indiscriminately. In no time, he had struck down four or five bandits on the spot.


    With Blade Momentum at Perfection and Minor Achievement in Skin Toughening, it was like adding wings to a tiger. Now, whether in terms of physique or speed, Chen Mu was much faster than before, and he could bring out the power of the Blade Momentum even more. His strength was more than just a little improved.


    If he hadn''t achieved Minor Achievement in Skin Toughening, relying solely on Blade Momentum, being ambushed and subjected to low tactics like quicklime, he might indeed have been killed on the spot. But now, with these low-level thugs trying to kill him, it was nothing short of a fantasy!


    In just a moment.


    The evil men lying dead around Chen Mu numbered seven or eight, with more than a dozen injured, retreating while moaning. Some of the villains looked at Chen Mu with shock in their eyes.


    Today, he was not wearing his official uniform, and being young, he didn''t have an imposing appearance, but now, covered in blood with a cold gaze and bodies strewn under his feet, a strong oppressive force emanated from him.


    "Don''t be afraid of him, he''s just one man!"


    A villain roared from the crowd.


    Following that, nearby, someone picked up various objects and threw them at Chen Mu, including more quicklime powder and harmful weapons like stones and daggers, not caring if they hurt their own people.


    Chen Mu reacted extremely quickly. Facing the incoming quicklime and bricks and daggers, he immediately bent over and lunged forward, crashing into a villain''s arms with his knife, causing all the quicklime powder to splash onto his back and the villain''s body.


    "Where did these vicious villains come from? So ruthless..."


    Chen Mu dodged the threats, frowning slightly.


    Typically, even gang criminals who have experienced some brawls would lose heart and retreat after he struck down more than a dozen of them consecutively.


    However, this group not only did not retreat but also intensified their efforts, risking injuring their own to scatter quicklime in the crowd, showing a level of ferocity that shocked Chen Mu, who had rarely seen such reckless brutes while serving as an official.


    At that moment, Chen Mu had no interest in fighting to the death with these people. He eyed a direction and charged straight ahead, slashing five or six people as he tried to break out of the enclosure. He was about to rush out of the alley when suddenly, a large amount of quicklime was thrown, enveloping the alleyway ahead in a thick white fog.


    The scene became even more chaotic. Some of the thugs accidentally inhaled some of the lime and immediately cried out in pain, but even so, their ferocity did not diminish, and their sharp weapons continued to target Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu also had no choice but to hold his breath and was even unable to open his eyes. He could only back against the wall and unleash the Raging Wind Blade Momentum. The Servant''s Knife flew up and down like a thousand winds howling, continuously slicing through the nearby thugs.


    He had to break out!


    A thought flashed through Chen Mu''s mind, that even if the air in front was filled with lime powder, he still had to hold his breath and charge through. Otherwise, in such a chaotic situation, swords and sharp weapons were no joke, and overturning in the ditch was not something he wanted to experience.


    But just as Chen Mu was about to gather his breath and forcefully charge.


    A voice, filled with fury, drowned out the roars of the many thugs.


    "How dare you!"


    Upon hearing this voice, Chen Mu immediately steadied himself, brandishing the Servant''s Knife up and down around him, and half-jokingly said, "Brother Min, if you had come any later, maybe I wouldn''t see tomorrow''s sun."


    Chen Mu heard calls of "Min Baoyi," "Withdraw," "Tight wind," and so forth. The multitude of thugs scrambled to flee, no longer bothering with surrounding him, followed by a fierce gust of knife wind charging from one end of the alley.


    Even though he was temporarily unable to open his eyes, the sound alone made it clear,


    It was Min Baoyi''s knife!


    A strong Martial Man who had achieved Body Refinement Perfection, his muscles solidly refined and tough. Having mastered the Blade Momentum and being a peak performer, his Blade Technique was ruthlessly unparalleled. Everywhere he went, there was no adversary who could match him, rampaging through like a fierce beast.


    When Chen Mu used some bloodstained water to slightly clean the lime powder off his face and managed to open a small slit in his eyes, what he saw resembled a scene from hell¡ªvarious kinds of flesh and organs smeared all over the alley, many thug bodies torn apart as if by a wild beast!


    Min Baoyi was very angry.


    As the Prefecture Chief of the City Defense Division in the Ninth District, he boasted over drinks with Chen Mu that peace could be maintained in the Ninth District, naturally, because he was confident¡ªnot just in his own strength but, beyond the two hundred men under him, he also had many ''informants'' constantly reporting to him the activities within the Ninth District.


    No sooner had Min Baoyi finished his drink and conversation with Chen Mu than trouble erupted here. Had it not been for his informants, who were closely monitoring and reported the anomaly straight away, and since he was nearby, it would have been unclear how to explain the situation afterward.


    "So many people to stir up such a scene without alerting me..."


    Min Baoyi was very clear in his heart.


    This was not targeted against Chen Mu but against him, or rather against Hongyu. It was meant to kill Chen Mu on his turf, to shock him and give Hongyu a lesson.


    Min Baoyi, holding a bloody Servant''s Knife, stopped beside Chen Mu and said solemnly, "How are you?"


    "It''s nothing, just got splashed with some lime, a wash will do."


    Chen Mu shook his head and asked, "Brother Min, do you know who these people are?"


    "Not yet."


    Min Baoyi, with a stern face, said, "But I deliberately let some go. We just need to follow these people to find the source. Don''t worry, brother, I will sort this out for you."


    Hearing Min Baoyi say this, Chen Mu did not ask further. He followed Min Baoyi back to the City Defense Division to clean up the mess on his body.

 Chapter 32: Chapter 30 Compensation

    The news of Chen Mu being ambushed by a villain spread quickly throughout the City Defense Division, shocking countless prefects.


    Although the current world was chaotic and criminals had no regard for the law, with government officers being killed from time to time, it was still unprecedented in recent years for a Head Constable to be brazenly attacked in broad daylight.


    After cleaning himself up at the City Defense Division and changing into a new long gown, Chen Mu waited for news from Min Baoyi until the afternoon when he finally received an update.


    "The villains from City West?"


    Chen Mu raised an eyebrow.


    He had only been appointed Head Constable for a few days and had just become familiar with the gangs in Ninth District. He wasn''t quite familiar with the mixed forces in South City District, let alone City West, a completely different area.


    But as far as he knew, City West was even more chaotic than South City District. In the most remote areas, fights and conflicts were a daily occurrence, where almost everyone was a fierce thug. Even ten-year-old children could pick up a cleaver and fight for their lives, naturally breeding even more brutal and overbearing gangs.


    The problem was.


    The villains from City West should have nothing to do with him.


    Min Baoyi didn''t care about formalities and sat directly in front of Chen Mu. He then let out a sigh, "I''m not familiar with these villains from City West either, we don''t really cross paths, so I went to ask Chief Officer Xu."


    Chen Mu handed over a cup of tea and asked, "What did Chief Officer Xu say?"


    Min Baoyi shook his head, "She didn''t say much, just mentioned that you were implicated and asked me what compensation you wanted. Also, she said to leave the matter at that and advised you not to mess with West City Area for now."


    Chen Mu was not surprised upon hearing this.


    He had absolutely nothing to do with City West or any villains there. To be ambushed out of the blue, the only connection he could think of was Xu Hongyu.


    Indeed, good things do not come for free. He had just taken Xu Hongyu''s money and the Skin Toughening Method, and trouble had already found him.


    Xu Hongyu was also very straightforward, directly telling him that he was caught up in something and fearing that he wouldn''t be able to restrain his anger. She warned him not to pursue it any further. Then, she suggested he think about what kind of compensation would be appropriate... In his past life, he was used to dealing with such situations.


    Now, facing the backlash in this life, it was a woman using the same tactic on him, and he had no choice but to obediently consider what compensation would be suitable.


    The first thing that came to mind was to ask for the Body Refinement method after Skin Toughening.


    For him now, achieving Perfection in Skin Toughening wasn''t going to take long, and he would need the Body Refinement method afterward. However, Xu Hongyu didn''t know this, and she might think he was being overambitious and not only refuse but also reprimand him.


    He couldn''t argue with her because he couldn''t exactly announce that he was a Skin Toughening genius who achieved Minor Achievement in one month.


    "Hmm... this could be a good opportunity."


    Chen Mu''s thoughts shifted, and a contemplative expression appeared on his face as he considered something.


    Today''s ambush was a close call but ultimately due to the attackers underestimating his strength. Had he not achieved Minor Achievement in Skin Toughening, the outcome could have been uncertain. This kind of incident could happen again, which meant that Chen Yue staying with him was not safe.


    If he could use his connection with Xu Hongyu to send Chen Yue to a martial arts school in the Inner City Area, it would be most appropriate. On one hand, the Inner City Area was safe, and on the other, it was about time for the young girl to learn martial arts given the state of the world and her age.


    With that in mind.


    Chen Mu displayed a look of ''concern'' and said, "To share the worries of the Chief Constable is my duty. A little danger is nothing, but my younger sister at home is still young. I worry about her being implicated. And if something were to happen to me, leaving her with no one to rely on, it would be hard for her to survive.


    If the Chief Constable could do me the favor of sending her to the Inner City to learn martial arts, whatever the future holds, she would at least have a skill to depend on."


    Min Baoyi laughed upon hearing this, "That''s no problem at all. The Yu Family runs a martial arts school in the Inner City, training a considerable number of people every year, and they have separate institutes for males and females. If Chief Officer Xu makes a request on your behalf, there will be no issue."


    As a major family from the Inner City, they generally trained their own private soldiers, partly selected from a vast number of slaves, servants, and family retainers, but also by recruiting some disciples with good potential through their martial arts schools.


    In fact.


    Once Chen Mu reached Min Baoyi''s level and assumed the position of Prefecture Chief, he could then send his own children or relatives to the Yu Family''s martial arts school to train. Nepotistic ties were something the Inner City''s major families were keen on.


    "That''s great."


    Chen Mu smiled.


    Arranging a good place for Chen Yue to go settled one of his concerns. As for the villains and the West City... he kept them in mind. Time would tell.


    ...


    South City District, City Guard General''s office.


    Bang!


    On the third floor of the main building, in a certain hall office, two doors were violently pushed open.


    Xu Hongyu''s figure appeared in the doorway.


    He Mingxuan was sitting leisurely on a wisteria wooden chair, sipping tea. Seeing Xu Hongyu storm in furiously, he smiled unperturbed and said, "Chief Xu graces us with her presence, what brings you here? If you needed me, a simple summons would have sufficed."


    Without a word, Xu Hongyu strode directly to He Mingxuan''s desk, her delicate hand lightly lifted, and with a slap on the table, the solid yellow-wood desk trembled violently. Starting from where Xu Hongyu''s palm hit, a dense array of cracks burst forth, and finally, the entire desk shattered and collapsed.


    The tea cups and tea on the table likewise scattered and shattered on the floor.


    The loud noise echoed through the main building. All the Head Constables and Prefecture Chiefs could hear it clearly. Everyone''s actions nearly came to a halt, they exchanged glances and then went back to their duties as if nothing happened, not even bothering to look upstairs.


    He Mingxuan''s previously composed face suddenly stiffened, his smile fading into a cold expression:


    "What exactly do you mean by this, Chief Xu?"


    "..."


    Xu Hongyu did not answer, just coldly staring at him.


    He Mingxuan naturally knew why Xu Hongyu had come. Although those men didn''t even manage to kill a minor Head Constable ¨C which was indeed quite incompetent ¨C he was delighted to see Xu Hongyu so infuriated. However, he hadn''t expected Xu Hongyu to come looking for him directly without even investigating after learning about the incident.


    "Chief Xu seems to be overstepping her authority a bit too much. I believe I haven''t made any mistakes in my duties these past days. If you really dislike me, you might as well file a complaint with the Metropolitan Commander and have me transferred out of the South City District," He Mingxuan said with a cold laugh.


    He wasn''t afraid of Xu Hongyu causing trouble, because, to be frank, this matter had nothing to do with him, nor was it orchestrated by him in secret. He merely quietly released some information. Not to mention that Chen Mu had no real issues, but even if he had died, it would have been the gang''s doing, and no investigation would lead to him.


    Xu Hongyu continued to stare coldly at He Mingxuan, not responding to his words, and indifferently said, "Listen well. If anything else happens in the Ninth District, no matter the reason, I will only come for you. This time it was in your hall office; next time it will be on the Life and Death Platform!"


    With those words, Xu Hongyu turned and left.


    He Mingxuan''s face turned completely dark as he sat there, still holding half a cup of tea, watching Xu Hongyu''s figure disappear out the door, leaving only a mess on the floor.


    This is outrageous!


    That madwoman¡­


    To risk a confrontation on the Life and Death Platform over a mere subordinate, she must be seriously deranged!


    And what kind of ridiculous logic is it to blame him for any trouble in the Ninth District!


    Is there no reason left?!


    The teacup in He Mingxuan''s hand was crushed to pieces, water splashing everywhere, his chest heaving with rage, yet he had to forcefully suppress his anger¡­


    Because he was no match for Xu Hongyu.


    If Xu Hongyu truly went mad and insisted on dragging him to the Life and Death Platform to face the City Guard General as a witness, he would inevitably be put in a difficult position. If he had to fight her out of sheer necessity, there was a real chance he might die by her hand.


    And besides¡­


    What kind of times are these, to still talk about the Life and Death Platform.


    That thing hadn''t been used by anyone for decades, ever since the Imperial Court''s influence began to wane.


    "Forget it." S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He Mingxuan took a deep breath, pushing down the anger in his heart.


    He himself had lost his wits, trying to play games and reason with a madwoman. It was truly asking for trouble. After all, with the Yu Family facing internal and external troubles, their downfall was inevitable. Once the Yu Family''s influence was in jeopardy, Xu Hongyu would be nothing but a plaything in his hands, to be manipulated at will. It wasn''t worth it to provoke her now.


    As for Chen Mu, since Xu Hongyu cared so much, it was better to let him live a bit longer.

 Chapter 33: Chapter 31: Internal and External

    Xu Hongyu returned to her Hall Office with a cold expression.


    Indeed, she did not have any intelligence or evidence pointing to He Mingxuan, yet such a suspicion was unnecessary as Chen Mu, whom she had promoted to Head Constable and had not even temporarily transferred to the Chief Constable, would not draw any attention.


    Additionally, the fact that so many could silently enter Ninth District, even bypassing Min Baoyi''s surveillance, indicated that there were collaborators within the City Defense Division.


    Apart from He Mingxuan, she could think of no one else. Nowadays, with various matters becoming more tangled and complex, she truly had no inclination to play the calculating games with He Mingxuan. Employing such a forceful approach to deter him was a move of desperation.


    "Miss, a message from Head Constable Min,"


    Upon Xu Hongyu''s return to her private side hall, a servant girl dressed in a short green robe approached her, holding a slip of paper. The servant girl did not address Xu Hongyu as Chief Constable or even as Lady Xu.


    This servant, Xiao He, had been with Xu Hongyu from a young age and had grown up alongside her. She had trained in martial arts with Xu Hongyu and now held no rank or position in the City Defense Division, yet she was one of Xu Hongyu''s closest confidantes.


    "So you want your sister to go train in the Inner City?"


    Xu Hongyu took the note from servant Xiao He, glanced at it, and nodded slightly, "That seems fine, approved. You handle this matter, send her to the Yu Family Martial Arts Gym and say she''s my person."


    Xiao He replied softly, "Yes, ma''am."


    "All right, you may leave now. I need to rest a while,"


    Xu Hongyu waved her hand, and Xiao He bowed slightly before leaving.


    Xu Hongyu was left alone, lying quietly behind a low table, her eyes revealing a hint of weariness. She was really not adept at engaging in these power maneuvers, manipulating various parties, and constructing power bases. It was far simpler to fight and kill, and sometimes she truly wished she could slash away the insincere smiles of He Mingxuan and others.


    Yet, holding her position as Chief Constable, she couldn''t just act on these impulses.


    Killing someone with a sword was easy, but explaining the aftermath was impossible without resigning and stepping down from her position as Chief Constable, which would mean handing over the entire South City District City Defense Division to someone else and failing to account to the Yu Family.


    Often, to avoid being exploited as a pawn, she had to keep a low profile and pretend to be profoundly deep.


    Fortunately, Xiao He was there to help her strategize.


    When the time came, when a more suitable person from the Yu Family took over as Chief Constable, she would be relieved. After that, she would rather escort salt transport fleets, trek through mountains and waters, fight robbers, and vanquish demons than do this kind of work.


    She was tired in her heart.


    ...


    Meanwhile


    Chen Mu had returned home.


    He mentioned to Chen Yue the possibility of arranging for her to train in the Inner City.


    The young girl agreed readily. Although she did not enjoy martial arts, since it was arranged by Chen Mu, she would make sure to follow through, with the principle of not making trouble for Chen Mu even if she couldn''t be of help to him.


    Chen Mu did not realize what Chen Yue was thinking and assumed that she was also keen on practicing martial arts, having fed her stories for two to three years about Hua Mulan taking her father''s place in the army, the Empress who chose not to seek immortality but to wait for her brother''s return in the mundane world...


    Essentially, he wanted to cultivate a spirit within the young girl that was no weaker than anyone else''s, making it easier for her whether she pursued literature or martial arts in the future.


    The next day.


    After Chen Mu had finished practicing the Skin Toughening Method in the morning, the old servant reported that a woman had come to visit.


    He had thought it was Xu Hongyu herself who had come, and was remarkably surprised, but when he reached the door to welcome her, it turned out to be a young girl dressed in a simple green outfit, not as coldly beautiful as Xu Hongyu, yet possessing the delicate charm of a jade lotus.


    Furthermore, from her every move, one could tell that she was skilled in martial arts, her steps were steady and her breathing was long and smooth, giving Chen Mu the impression that she was no less capable than Min Baoyi from the Prefecture Chief, a rarity in the Outer City District, let alone a young woman.


    "I am Chen Mu, and this young lady is..."


    "I have served the Chief Constable from a young age and hold no official position, Lord Chen can just call me Xiao He. The young lady sent me to escort your sister to the Inner City." Xiao He gave Chen Mu a slight bow, her demeanor confident and gracious.


    Seeing this, Chen Mu returned the bow, inwardly marveling that Xu Hongyu truly came from a noble family, with even her maids standing out so brightly, their behavior calm and polite, and deeply skilled in martial arts, profoundly unfathomable.


    "Yue''er!"


    Chen Mu turned his head and called out.


    When the old servant had come to report earlier, he had already asked Chen Yue to prepare.


    After calling out, Chen Yue arrived at the doorway, first glancing at Xiao He, then blinking and saying, "Sister, are you the Chief Constable? You''re so pretty."


    Xiao He smiled slightly, saying, "I am merely the young lady''s maid, with a modest appearance hardly comparable to hers. Your sister has charm and grace. This age is not too late for starting martial arts practice, and you might achieve something extraordinary in the future."


    While discreetly observing Chen Mu and Chen Yue, she inwardly nodded slightly, thinking that the young lady really had an eye for people. The siblings each had their virtues; Chen Mu''s demeanor was calm and his eyes bright, his actions and behavior showed no overstepping, and his perceptiveness was extraordinary, having mastered Blade Momentum on his own, promising a significant future.


    As for Chen Yue, although currently she showed no aptitude for martial arts, and one couldn''t see her inherent potential, she seemed na?ve and cute yet her eyes were lively.


    The words that had just innocently popped out seemed like a na?ve girl''s genuine expression, but having followed Xu Hongyu for many years and having seen countless characters as a maid, she could vaguely discern that it was partly genuine and partly intentional.


    If the mistress could be just a bit¡­


    Alas.


    Xiao He shook her head slightly inwardly, but on the surface, she smiled and said to Chen Yue, "If you are ready, then follow me. I have some rules of the Yu Family Martial Arts School to explain to you on the way."


    Chen Yue, with her naive and adorable big eyes, said, "Can I¡­ can I still come back to see my brother after I go to the Inner City?"


    Before Xiao He could respond, Chen Mu reached out and flicked Chen Yue''s forehead, saying, "You focus on practicing martial arts well in the Inner City, and I will visit you when I''m free. Once you''ve mastered your skills, you can go wherever you want."


    The Inner City and the Outer City are truly two different worlds.


    According to what Chen Mu has learned so far, martial arts schools in the Inner City, especially those like the main hall of the Yu Family that adhere more closely to the chivalric code, reflect a certain style of worldly wandering.


    To practice martial arts in an Inner City school, you must either belong to a powerful family or be wealthy and capable, often unexposed to the Outer City''s fierce struggles over mere scraps of bread, thus perceiving the world quite differently. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Like the Outer City.


    Occasional homicides happen, like a certain gentry brutally killed at home.


    Sometimes it is not marauders who murder during the night, but young martial artists from the Inner City "practicing chivalry."


    Many young martial artists also frequently travel together out of the city to hone their skills by hunting demons and beasts, clearing bandits from outside the city, all vying for fame; Xu Hongyu was once among them.


    Having experienced the harsh reality of the Outer City''s lower strata, stepping into the Inner City to grow and experience such an environment was, in Chen Mu''s view, a good thing. It would allow her to develop a broader understanding of the world and gradually form her own perspectives.

 Chapter 34: Chapter 32: Ten Days

    "Okay, brother must keep his word."


    Chen Yue giggled.


    Although it''s said that the children of the poor take charge early, she was still just fifteen, and having been basically raised single-handedly by Chen Mu since their father left a few years ago, she still retained some childish innocence.


    Chen Mu patted Chen Yue''s little head, chatted with Xiaohao for a while, and then watched as Xiaohao took Chen Yue away.


    Turning around,


    he saw half of Wang Ni''s little body hiding behind the door.


    As Chen Yue went to the Inner City to learn martial arts, taking Wang Ni as a maid would require more influence than Chen Mu had, not to mention Wang Ni was still too young, only ten years old.


    "Your sister Yue has left, go back to the house."


    "...Yes."


    Wang Ni timidly responded and returned to the courtyard.


    Chen Mu stood at the door, watching the direction Chen Yue had left in for a while, before returning inside.


    He wondered whether Chen Yue could exhibit any talent in her martial arts training in the Inner City. He didn''t quite understand the concept of innate talent; though he had briefly assessed Chen Yue''s physique the previous night and felt it was probably better than his, he wasn''t sure if it was exceptional.


    Of course, Chen Mu hoped that Chen Yue would achieve something on the path of martial arts. Although he wouldn''t mind keeping Chen Yue as a sister always under his protection, like a delicate vase, standing out would certainly be better.


    Actually,


    no matter how exceptional Chen Yue might become, truly stepping out of his shadow would be difficult because, in this world, even the most talented and brilliant figures, those who surpass the entirety of the Da Xuan Dynasty, likely couldn''t compare to his system panel.


    Unless someone managed to thwart him in his infancy, as was attempted in yesterday''s assassination, given enough time, he would inevitably climb higher and eventually dominate the world.


    "Time to train."


    Chen Mu took a deep breath, went back to the courtyard, and began practicing his Blade Technique.


    Now that he had achieved Minor Achievement in Skin Toughening and his physique had significantly improved, he could handle doing the Skin Toughening process three times a day instead of twice, and he spent the remaining time practicing his Blade Technique.


    As for the City Defense Division, he planned to merely drop by occasionally over the next few days; there wasn''t much for him to do anyhow, and Minister Min Baoyi probably didn''t want him involved in tasks.


    Min Baoyi thought it crucial for Chen Mu to reach Major Achievement and even Perfection in Skin Toughening as soon as possible.


    With Chen Mu''s skill in understanding Blade Momentum, once he reached Major Achievement or Perfection in Skin Toughening, even without stepping into Body Refinement, ordinary people would no longer pose a threat to him, like those who attacked in alleyways targeted individuals who had not yet succeeded in Body Refining.


    Once he achieved Perfection in Skin Toughening, even quicklime would be useless against him, and ordinary thugs who had not trained in martial arts would find it impossible to cut through his toughened skin; they would pose no threat whatsoever.


    And so,


    Ten days passed in the blink of an eye.


    During these ten days, all was tranquil. The previous murder attempt had faded into obscurity, and Ninth District remained utterly peaceful ¡ª though, of course, this tranquility applied only to someone of Chen Mu''s standing. For the marginalized poor, their lives were still plagued by government taxes, gang extortion, and the nuisance of thieves and bandits.


    As a Head Constable, Chen Mu was acutely aware of these facts, but he felt no righteous fury nor a sudden resolve to change the state of the world. This wasn''t due to a lack of compassion but rather because he avoided doing things outside his duty.


    If one day he achieved unprecedented success and became a dominant figure in the Da Xuan Dynasty, then perhaps he would act on his desires to reform society, but for now, as just a Head Constable, he lacked the capability to do so.


    "Enough."


    He rose once again from the sand pit.


    Chen Mu summoned his system panel, saw that his accumulated Experience Points had finally broken through three hundred, and he nodded slightly.


    Three hundred Experience Points were enough for him to break through from Minor to Major Achievement in Skin Toughening. This pace and progress would probably make even the most dazzling prodigies in the Inner City sigh in inferiority.


    He was in no hurry.


    First, he washed the sand off his body, then returned to the house and, after his body recovered, he calmed his thoughts and breath before he summoned the system panel and chose to upgrade the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique.


    This time, the sensation was not as violent as the last; although the surging changes still exploded within his body all at once, as if a group of hot blood burst from his heart and surged towards all parts and membranes of his body, the indescribable pain erupted, but Chen Mu did not pass out like the last time, instead he endured it forcefully.


    Of course.


    In his view, passing out might have been better, for the pain was much more intense than when enhancing his skills. His whole body curled up, almost biting through the pillow, he endured the unknown length of time, and the pain of feeling like thousands of needles pricking throughout his body gradually subsided.


    All his clothes were almost soaked with sweat, even the mattress below was wet over a large area.


    His body felt somewhat limp and nearly collapsed.


    "Huh..."


    Chen Mu released the pillow, exhaled a breath of stale air, and stretched his body weakly, it took him a while before he gathered a bit of strength to sit up from the bed.


    Only when his body recovered a bit did Chen Mu get up, poured a bowl of blood-replenishing soup he had prepared beforehand, and gulped it down, then he called Wang Ni over to change the wet bedding.


    Wang Ni, well-disciplined and obedient as Chen Yue raised her, did not ask what happened; she just changed the sheets and blanket, somewhat curious about why Chen Mu would ''wet the bed,'' but the smell was not that strange.


    Chen Mu didn''t care what Wang Ni might speculate.


    He went to the next room to rest and breathe properly, and after about half an hour, the soup that replenished qi-blood and moisture gradually took effect, and his body''s strength slowly recovered. When he clenched his fists, they were once again stable and strong.


    "Perfection."


    By then, Chen Mu was able to feel the changes in his body more clearly.


    Compared to before, the qi-blood inside his body was more vigorous. If he exerted his full strength to employ the Blade Momentum, the breath would be even longer. Even if faced with the attack of thirty to forty thugs, he could still rely on his strength to cut them all down without running out of breath or needing to pause for rest due to exhaustion.


    Additionally, his skin membranes had become much tougher. Though it appeared there was not much change on the surface, only that his skin had darkened slightly to a healthier wheatish color, in reality, its toughness was now comparable to the hide of a robust bull.


    How tough is a bull''s hide?


    Even a slightly dull blade, when chopped down forcefully, might only leave a white mark, unable to cut it open.


    As his body''s skin became as tough as bull hide, its resistance and endurance naturally became far stronger than that of ordinary people. It could be said that now, even if Chen Mu did not know any Blade Technique, just randomly swinging a blade against ten thugs without Body Refinement, he would be the one left standing after a fierce fight.


    "Blade Momentum can nearly compensate for a difference of one whole realm during the Skin Toughening and Body Refinement phase," Chen Mu muttered to himself.


    Some days ago, he had consulted Min Baoyi about martial arts techniques and heard from him that a person who had achieved Major Achievement in Skin Toughening and mastered Blade Momentum could even compete against a foe with a Minor Achievement in Body Refinement, provided that the opponent had not mastered Blade Momentum. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    People who had mastered Blade Momentum were even rarer than those who had stepped into the Body Refinement Realm.


    However, moving beyond that, the differences in physique would gradually become more significant. For example, Min Baoyi said that he, having perfected Body Refinement along with Blade Momentum, would find it difficult to win against someone who had achieved Tendon Changing Minor Achievement, even if that person did not know Blade Momentum.


    In fact, those capable of refining the Body Tempering Method to the Third Realm ''Tendon Changing'' who did not know Blade Momentum were relatively rare.


    The reason is simple, between Body Refinement and Tendon Changing, there is a unique gap that must be bridged using a special "Muscle Strengthening Powder," which is extremely expensive; usually, someone who had not mastered ''Momentum'' would find it difficult to acquire this medicinal powder, unless they were direct descendants of major families.


    These were the things Chen Mu learned from Min Baoyi, and to him, they seemed both near and not too far away, as he would soon step beyond the Skin Toughening realm, and after Body Refinement, he would consider Tendon Changing.


    "With Major Achievement in Skin Toughening, even an ambush by dozens of people means little to me; ordinary foes can hardly harm me now. But against someone like Min Baoyi, I still couldn''t block even a single round."


    Chen Mu was very clear about his own standing and did not secretly rejoice over his current minor achievements.


    Even without reaching the level of Min Baoyi, he at least needed to achieve a Minor Achievement in Body Refinement and master the ''Dual Momentum''; only then could his strength in this Outer City area be considered top-tier. Until then, he still needed to be extremely cautious.


    "To reach Perfection in Skin Toughening, I need a thousand Experience Points."


    With my current physique, I could perhaps perform Skin Toughening four times a day, absorbing an extra portion of medicinal power each time; thus, the thousand Experience Points might be gathered within a month.


    Chen Mu nodded to himself; although the prices for both internal and external Medicinal Powders were quite high, his consumption was not excessive. The maximum cost would be a few dozen Silver, and he could completely afford it, even saving much more compared to others.

 Chapter 35: Chapter 33: Copper Skin

    With the perfection of his Skin Toughening, Chen Mu felt much more at peace. In the following days, he spent most of his time practicing the Skin Toughening Method and Blade Technique in his own backyard, rarely visiting the City Defense Division or meddling in its affairs.


    And just like that, nearly half a month flashed by.


    As Chen Mu was about to buy more Medicinal Powder after running out again, he had just stepped out of the door when he saw several servant enforcers hurrying by, busily transporting corpses.


    Upon seeing Chen Mu come out, although he was not dressed in his servant''s uniform, they immediately recognized him and paid their respects.


    "My lord."


    "What has happened?"


    Chen Mu asked with a slight frown as he glanced at the corpses being carried by the men.


    This area belonged to the central region of the Ninth District, not only was it very close to the City Defense Division, but there were also patrol enforcers day and night. Furthermore, the locals were all fairly wealthy and influential gentry, and homicides were generally not expected to happen here.


    "It''s the family of Zhang Xiangshen, all twenty-three of them dead."


    One of the enforcers whispered.


    Chen Mu knew Zhang Xiangshen, who had visited him not long ago and brought some gifts to congratulate him on his new residence. It was said that his ancestors were government officials, though the family fortune had declined over the last two generations, they were still considered a prosperous household in the area.


    Moreover, they lived just across the street from him. The sudden death of the entire family couldn''t help but make Chen Mu frown. Had the chaos of the world reached his doorstep?


    Just as he intended to ask for more details.


    Suddenly, a familiar figure appeared.


    "Brother Chen." S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Min Baoyi, dressed in his servant''s uniform, walked over leisurely from not too far away, apparently also here because of the incident with Zhang Xiangshen''s family. He greeted Chen Mu as he walked up.


    Chen Mu responded and then walked side by side with Min Baoyi, asking, "Brother Min, this family of Zhang Xiangshen..."


    "Nothing serious, they probably angered someone, I guess."


    Min Baoyi spoke casually, then waved at the enforcers carrying corpses by the roadside to beckon them over.


    The four enforcers were carrying a very robust corpse, whose skin was a bronze color, appearing quite tough. There were no visible blood stains on the body, except for a slight one around the heart on its chest.


    "Look."


    Min Baoyi pointed at the wound and said to Chen Mu, "This man was Zhang Xiangshen''s third son, born with Copper Skin. After achieving perfection in his Skin Toughening, it was three times stronger than that of an ordinary person, making him hard to injure with sharp blades and swords.


    Such naturally strong individuals could often withstand attacks from five or six peers of the same level without faltering."


    Chen Mu''s gaze was grave as he observed the wound, saying, "And yet, he was killed with a single blow."


    "Yes."


    Min Baoyi sighed, "This is a sword wound, a lethal strike without hesitation or delay. It must have been inflicted by someone at least proficient in Sword Momentum and whose muscles had reached the state of Perfection, capable of unleashing fierce and unrivaled power to achieve this."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly.


    This was a feat for someone of Min Baoyi''s level, not something some wandering bandits or criminals could achieve. After all, if they could choose to serve any power, they would be treated with respect. The modest fortune of Zhang Xiangshen was unlikely to attract such a formidable foe.


    Chen Mu stepped closer to the corpse and drew his Servant''s Knife to slash casually. Although he did not use any Blade Momentum, nor did he exert much force¡ªa cut that would ordinarily slice through cowhide and tendon easily¡ªit only left a white mark on the body.


    "Such a tough membrane of skin."


    Chen Mu sheathed his Servant''s Knife, his eyes flickering slightly.


    He had achieved perfection in his Skin Toughening, but compared to the toughness of this person''s skin, he was far from a match. He feared that even if he perfected the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique, he would still fall short. Min Baoyi''s mention of ''Copper Skin'' was indeed no falsehood.


    "Right?"


    Min Baoyi smiled and said, "This is a natural gift, difficult to replicate. For common people like us who practice martial arts, unless we cultivate several kinds of Skin Toughening Methods, we can never achieve this true Copper-Steel Skin."


    ```


    "But practicing multiple Skin Toughening Methods is indeed more formidable after stepping into Body Refinement. However, it takes up a lot of time and effort. If one lingers too long at the Skin Toughening level, it might become even harder to enter the Tendon Changing Realm."


    Min Baoyi said this as he patted Chen Mu''s shoulder and then waved his hand, signaling several servants to carry away the corpse.


    Upon hearing this,


    Chen Mu showed a thoughtful expression.


    For ordinary people, pursuing the Skin Toughening, Body Refinement, Tendon Changing, and Bone Tempering path is desperately urgent, fighting against every minute and second. Once they pass the age of thirty, they start getting diminishing returns, and beginning from forty, it''s basically harder to make any progress, and they even gradually decline.


    Practicing several Skin Toughening Methods and delaying for a few more years, one might never have the chance to step into the Tendon Changing Realm.


    However, because of the existence of the system panel, age doesn''t affect him much, and his cultivation speed is far beyond ordinary people by an unknown factor. This means he has more spare time to push each realm to its limit.


    Just as Min Baoyi said.


    With a natural physique, cultivating a Copper-Steel Skin, one cannot withstand a strike from someone with Body Refinement Perfection, but if facing someone with only Major or Minor Body Refinement Achievement, they might find it difficult to deal with such robust Copper-Steel Skin.


    But because no one would spend their precious time on cultivating Copper-Steel Skin or Iron Muscle, delaying their progress in Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering, such individuals are rare. Those who do exist, like Zhang Xiangshen''s third son, have innate talents that do not delay the regular progress of Body Refining.


    But he...


    could cultivate a Major Achievement in Skin Toughening in half a month, and reach Perfection in just over a month!


    "Maybe I can also refine each realm to the extent that man has, achieving Copper Skin and Iron Bones, a Mysterious Golden Body."


    Chen Mu entertained some thoughts vaguely.


    After making up an excuse to take his leave from Min Baoyi, Chen Mu hurried to the pharmacy, bought more internal and external Medicinal Powder needed for the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique, and then returned home to continue practicing his Blade Technique and Skin Toughening.


    The extinction of the Zhang Xiangshen family seemed indeed to be an accident. Over the following half a month, no similar incidents occurred. The people, who initially talked about it frequently, gradually put it out of their minds and forgot about the Zhang family.


    Chen Mu, on the other hand, stayed at home, only occasionally visiting the City Defense Division, spending the rest of his time in closed-door diligent practice, Skin Toughening, and practicing his blade.


    ...


    "This Gale Blade Technique has now reached Major Achievement."


    Chen Mu swung a Servant''s Knife in the backyard for a while and, after exhaling a breath of white mist, slowly stopped and nodded.


    He hadn''t used experience points to improve the Gale Blade Technique since he obtained it, preferring to rely purely on his own ability for practice. As he had already mastered the Raging Wind Blade Technique and was an individual who had achieved Blade Momentum, learning another Blade Technique and mastering it to Major Achievement with his own skill was quite easy.


    [Martial Arts: Raging Wind Blade Technique (Perfection), Gale Blade Technique (Major Achievement)]


    [Experience Points: 1246]


    "With the foundation of Raging Wind Blade Technique Perfection, my experience points increase much faster when practicing this Gale Blade Technique. In just over a month, I''ve accumulated over a thousand points of experience. This means, at most, it won''t take three months to master another Blade Momentum."


    Chen Mu looked at the data on the system panel and nodded internally.


    It took him nearly half a year to raise the Raging Wind Blade Technique from Major Achievement to Perfection originally, but now to bring the Gale Blade Technique to Perfection would take at most three months. This indicates that the increase in experience points is also related to his own Realm.


    With a thought,


    he switched the system panel to another section.


    [Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique (Major Achievement)]


    [Experience: 996 points]


    In this short period, the experience for the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique also soared quickly, now just one session short of a thousand points.


    Chen Mu looked up at the sun hanging high in the sky and estimated the time. He had practiced the blade for half the day, and it was about noon now, the right time for another round of Golden Jade Skin Toughening Method practice.


    ```

 Chapter 36: Chapter 34 Perfection

    "Master, you have a letter."


    Just as Chen Mu was about to boil water to brew medicine, preparing for his noon Skin Toughening cultivation, the voice of the old servant echoed from outside the courtyard.


    A letter?


    Chen Mu paused slightly in surprise.


    Then he walked outside and took a piece of yellow paper from the old servant''s hand. After a glance, he couldn''t help but laugh in spite of himself.


    The yellow paper was scrawled with crooked characters.


    [Big brother, you lied. You haven''t come to see me for more than a month.]


    [But I know big brother must be busy training, so I''ll forgive you.]


    [I''m doing very well at the martial arts school. All the sisters here like me. Oh, and the master who teaches me martial arts says I have good aptitude and very high comprehension. He says I will become very strong in martial arts in the future, maybe even stronger than big brother, hehe.]


    [But don''t worry, big brother. I won''t bully you, hehe.]


    "This girl..."


    Looking at the words on the paper, Chen Mu felt a mix of amusement and affection.


    Chen Yue had learned to write from him. During the years when there was nothing much to do, he would tell Chen Yue stories and teach her to write. Since they couldn''t afford proper writing materials, they would just scratch the characters with sticks in the dirt.


    So, this dog''s scratch of handwriting was unmistakable; it was undoubtedly written by Chen Yue.


    Moreover, his previous judgment seemed correct; this girl''s aptitude was indeed slightly better than his, and he never felt that Chen Yue was lacking in comprehension. The child often appeared slow-witted and honest but was actually quite sharp on the inside.


    Although the little girl''s words might be an exaggeration, overall, she seemed to be doing well, got along well with her fellow disciples, and even had the leisure to write him a letter and send it over, which indicated her situation was very good.


    This put Chen Mu at ease.


    Indeed, although he had not visited Chen Yue in the Inner City Area, he had always paid attention to her situation and learned that everything was safe.


    Now that he had received a letter from Chen Yue, he felt even more relieved.


    After some thought, Chen Mu took the letter into the inner room, folded it carefully, and put it away. Then, he went to boil the water to prepare the medicine. Once the medicinal soup was ready, he went to his usual spot, the sand pit he used for Skin Toughening.


    The sand in the pit had now turned a reddish hue, filled with a strong medicinal scent; it had been completely permeated by the medicinal soup. The stronger the smell, the better the effect.


    Chen Mu dug into the sand again, then lay down inside the pit, covering his body with sand. He then poured the medicinal soup over his lower body before burying his upper body, leaving only his head exposed. Following that, he poured the medicine over the upper body too.


    A burning sensation immediately spread throughout his body.


    A tingling numbness.


    Until the medicine cooled, he poured again, repeating the process several times until the medicine was fully used up. Then, Chen Mu abruptly climbed out of the sand pit.


    Since reaching Major Achievement in Skin Toughening, the internal and external application of the medicinal soup no longer had as strong an effect on him as at first. Initially, his entire body would be so numb that he could barely move for a short time, but now, after enduring and refining, he could easily get up, feeling only a slight soreness and weakness.


    Once Chen Mu had washed the mud and sand off his body, he was fully recovered.


    "That should do it."


    Chen Mu took a deep breath and returned to the bedroom to adjust his state.


    After about a month, he was finally about to bring the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique to perfection. It was the perfect time to see how much of a gap there was between the perfection of his Skin Toughening and the natural Copper Skin of Zhang Xiangshen''s son.


    Hum!!


    As he chose to advance on the system panel, a surge of hot Qi-Blood exploded inside Chen Mu''s body.


    It felt like a boiling wave radiating from within to outward, penetrating every bit of his skin, moving in and out as if billions of steel needles were continuously piercing through every pore.


    This was already the third time enduring such excruciating pain. Chen Mu was much more resilient than the first two times; the first time, he had passed out, and the second, he nearly bit through a pillow, tormented to the point where he couldn''t move his body at all, unable to make a sound.


    But this time, he could bear it.


    Billions of scorching steel needles, penetrating continuously through every part of the skin, left a burning sensation on the skin''s surface, making his entire skin sizzle with heat to the point of turning red, gaining a faint glimmer like reddish jade.


    After an indeterminate amount of time, that excruciating pain finally began to gradually subside.


    It was as if all impurities had been washed away, and the mercury had been sublimated. Every inch of his body seemed to emit a sound of pleasure, as if after enduring the difficult Skin Toughening, he had finally broken out of his cocoon into a butterfly, undergoing a transformative change.


    When Chen Mu sat up from the bed and looked at his body, he could see that his skin, unlike before, didn''t have a hint of roughness, but it did possess a sturdiness comparable to that of stone.


    Bang!


    Chen Mu raised his hand and fiercely slapped down on the table, his palm sounding like it was covered with a thick layer of leather, emitting a dull thud, while the table shook and even began to crack at the edges!


    "This is Skin Toughening Perfection."


    Chen Mu let out a long breath, able to feel his own transformation. The change was much greater compared to Major Achievement in Skin Toughening. Although his skin looked unchanged on the surface, it now concealed the toughness of gold and jade, as if he were wearing a suit of Gold and Jade Soft Armor.


    Those bandits who had never trained in martial arts, or those who only knew a few disorganized moves, would find it very difficult to cut through his skin, not to mention that materials like quicklime powder, unless it got into the eyes, could basically be ignored.


    Skin Toughening Perfection!


    It meant that the strength of the skin could now withstand the enhancement of muscle power.


    Skin Toughening first, then Body Refinement. This order wasn''t arbitrary; if Body Refinement came first and the muscles suddenly became too strong, then upon exerting force, it was likely that one''s own skin would not be able to withstand and would tear apart.


    Thus, it was essential to have resilient skin to support further hardening and strength enhancement of muscles to unleash power freely.


    This realm was actually quite formidable outside, and reaching this level in a gang would place one''s status on par with having a Blade Technique at Major Achievement, or perhaps even higher than just Major Achievement.


    Those who could train their Skin Toughening to Perfection usually had some practice in Blade Technique or Swordsmanship as well, whereas those who were skilled in techniques might not have the opportunity to train their Skin Toughening to Perfection, as the former only required a blade to practice, while the latter needed a significant investment of Silver Coin.


    "However, indeed, I can''t compare to someone like Zhang Xiangshen''s son, born with Copper Skin¡­"


    Chen Mu clenched his fists, felt the strength of his skin, and then shook his head slightly.


    If one considered Zhang Xiangshen''s son''s Copper Skin to have a strength of ''ten,'' then his own skin''s strength was probably only around ''seven.'' The difference was quite noticeable.


    This difference was determined by physical constitution and had little to do with the Skin Toughening Method itself. With something like the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique, this level was the limit. Chen Mu estimated that even if he continued to cultivate according to this practice method, internally and externally, it probably wouldn''t have any effect anymore.


    Because his skin had completely adapted to the two types of medicinal baths from the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique.


    Chen Mu summoned his system interface to test it out, and sure enough, Perfection was the limit for the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique, and he couldn''t advance further. At most, this technique could only refine his skin to this extent.


    Having reached this step.


    If he wanted to train his skin further, the only option left was to switch to a different recipe.


    But most people would not do so because even if one found another Skin Toughening Method to cultivate and spent another two or three years to reach Perfection, it might only improve the strength of the skin to ''nine.''


    It might seem like a significant improvement, but for them, devoting two or three more years could mean that they would never have the chance to break through to realms like Tendon Changing or Bone Tempering.


    Usually, only those who were naturally endowed with Copper Skin, or those with exceptional roots and rapid progress, the heaven-sent prodigies unconcerned about future advancement, would be willing to spend extra time solidifying their foundation. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The next step for Body Refinement, I don''t have a method at hand yet, but for Skin Toughening¡­"


    Chen Mu took out a small booklet from his house.


    "Iron Sand Skin Toughening Method"


    For him at present, it was somewhat troublesome to find a Body Refinement method, but getting a basic Skin Toughening method was very easy. He had directly obtained one during his spare time at the City Defense Division.


    "It''s still worth a try."


    For the average person, practicing multiple Skin Toughening methods meant slower progress as the strength of their skin increased because trying to achieve results with another method when the skin was already tough often led to diminishing returns.


    He, however, was different.


    Looking at his cultivation progress with the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique, his speed of advancement was only getting quicker. The stronger the skin, the more powerful the medicinal effects it could withstand, even to the point of force-feeding in a single day!


    If that were the case, it was unquestionably worth a try, for even those who had achieved Minor Achievement in Body Refinement might not fare well against someone who had developed Copper-Steel Skin.


    Take someone like Zhang Xiangshen''s son with his innate talent and formidable Copper Skin; such a person would be very difficult to kill unless confronted with someone who had reached Body Refinement Perfection and had deadly Sword Momentum, enough to break through his defense with a single strike.

 Chapter 37: Chapter 35: The Limit

    The Ironsand Skin Toughening Method requires one to dig a deep pit and bury rough ironsand around it. After ingesting a dose of Medicinal Powder and applying a certain medicinal lotion externally, one would strike against the ironsand surrounding the pit, hammering the skin membrane.


    When first practicing this technique, the skin membrane is easily damaged, leaving bloodstains. An additional dose of Qi and Blood Powder is necessary. After repeated practice, the skin gradually heals until one can freely collide with and scrape against the ironsand in the pit without any damage to the skin membrane, eventually mastering the technique.


    "It''s indeed much cruder compared to the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique,"


    Chen Mu thought to himself.


    Practicing the Skin Toughening Method in such a rough way will certainly leave hidden injuries and chronic diseases, even with the support of Qi and Blood Powder and internally taken medicinal soups for protection. These won''t be noticeable when young but will cause full-body pain in old age, which is far inferior to the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique.


    It''s clear that this Medicinal Powder is less efficient than the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique. Simply burying sand and pouring cannot allow the medicinal power to permeate the skin membrane; it has to be supplemented with striking and enduring the harsh ironsand to take effect.


    No sooner said than done.


    Chen Mu was highly efficient and quickly modified the sand pit he had used for practicing the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique, turning it into an ironsand pit and preparing several Medicinal Powders for refinement. Then, he took off his clothes, ingested the powder and applied the lotion, and jumped into the pit.


    The manual for the Ironsand Skin Toughening Method states that a beginner should only practice for a quarter of an hour each day. As the skin membrane grows tougher, the practice time should be extended. Once Minor Achievement is reached, one could practice for an hour daily, and with Major Achievement, one could endure for two hours each day.


    For the present Chen Mu, such restrictions are non-existent.


    His Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique has reached Perfection. In terms of skin membrane toughness, even someone who had perfected the Ironsand Skin Toughening Method would be at most on par with him. The coarse ironsand in the deep pit cannot cause any wear to his skin membrane whatsoever.


    Chen Mu wasn''t too concerned about wear and tear. As a man, he had no need to cultivate a body as delicate as ice or bones like jade. What he cared about was the efficiency of practicing the Ironsand Skin Toughening Method with the strength of his current skin membrane.


    Very soon.


    An hour of extended practice passed.


    Chen Mu felt his entire skin membrane... with no noticeable change.


    Obviously, given the foundation of the perfected Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique, the effects of the Ironsand Skin Toughening Method were negligible. Even if it still had an effect, it would be hard to see any significant results without years of cultivation.


    However, Chen Mu wasn''t concerned about that. He directly summoned the system panel, which did not disappoint him.


    [Ironsand Skin Toughening Method (Uncompleted)]


    [Experience Points: 27]


    Although he couldn''t feel any effect, an hour of enduring practice, along with repeated application of the medicinal lotion, had accumulated a total of 27 Experience Points. Furthermore, Chen Mu currently felt no discomfort whatsoever.


    Obviously, for him, an hour of enduring this practice was akin to sprinkling a little water.


    "As expected."


    A slight smile appeared on Chen Mu''s face, and he continued to refine the Medicinal Powders and persist in his practice within the ironsand pit.


    After nearly four more hours of practice, with continuous application of the medicinal lotion, he finally started to feel a numbing discomfort in his skin membrane, reaching the limit of what he could endure.


    Summoning the system panel again, the Experience Points had climbed to a full 132!


    Chen Mu leaped out of the pit, took a short break, then spent the accumulated Experience Points to instantly elevate the Ironsand Skin Toughening Method to Minor Achievement!


    Whir!!!


    It was as if several months'' worth of accumulated practice in the ironsand pit had exploded all at once. Inside his body, a wave of heat surged and exploded, rising continually and spreading to every part of his skin membrane.


    This was different from when he improved the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique, which felt like being pricked by a thousand needles. This technique felt like rough ironsand vigorously rubbing against every part of his body.


    But for the current Chen Mu, this rubbing sensation wasn''t particularly painful.


    In fact, it was even slightly comforting.


    After all, compared to the process of improving the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique, the degree of pain was incomparable. This was also because of the foundation built with Perfection in the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique, which greatly increased the resistance of his skin membrane to such stress.


    A moment later.


    The surging Qi-Blood within his body returned to stability.


    Chen Mu clenched his fists; this time, he did feel a slight change. The Ironsand Skin Toughening Method at Minor Achievement, layered on top of the perfected Golden Jade Technique, still had some effect, making his skin membrane somewhat tougher.


    "Good, it seems I''m on the right track."


    Within just one day, he had achieved Minor Achievement in the Sand-Iron Skin Toughening Technique, and this was on top of already achieving Perfection in another Skin Toughening Method. If word of this got out, who knows how many jaws would drop in astonishment.


    But this made perfect sense for Chen Mu because with the current strength of his skin and membranes, he was able to withstand five hours of the Sand-Iron Skin Toughening Technique within a single day.


    His skin and membranes were already at full strength, and the medicinal juice that was repeatedly applied during those five hours was fully converted into Experience Points by the system panel without any waste.


    What would take an ordinary person two or three months to slowly endure and absorb, he had done in a much shorter time span.


    As it neared midnight.


    Chen Mu did not continue with his cultivation, instead he cleaned himself and rested in his room.


    When dawn broke the next day, he resumed his practice of the Sand-Iron Skin Toughening Technique. This time, he endured even longer. Apart from meal and rest breaks, he withstood six hours of membrane toughening, accruing nearly two hundred Experience Points including what was left from before.


    On the third day.


    After another four hours, the Sand-Iron Skin Toughening Technique reached Major Achievement!


    Since starting the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique, the appearance of Chen Mu''s skin had not changed much, but with the Major Achievement in the Sand-Iron Skin Toughening Technique, his skin color finally became a shade darker, gaining a hint of bronze luster.


    Just as Chen Mu had expected, practicing multiple Skin Toughening Methods not only didn''t diminish his progress but actually accelerated it as the strength of his skin and membranes gradually increased. It took only three days to advance from Minor Achievement to Major Achievement, and just five more days to reach Perfection!


    At this time.


    Chen Mu''s skin was a deep bronze, showing a thick and solid color, very similar to the Copper-Steel Skin that the son of Zhang Xiangshen possessed. When he slid a slightly dull kitchen knife across his arm, it left only a white mark.


    "Even though I still can''t compare with him, I have achieved at least ninety percent of his level. Moreover, the Qi-Blood within my body has become even more vigorous. Although the increase in sheer strength isn''t large, my stamina has at least doubled compared to before," he said.


    Chen Mu let out a breath.


    In a fight between martial men, at the lower realms, what counts is courage¡ªthe brave prevail in a narrow path. But as one ascends in realm, the essence of the competition becomes who can take more hits, whose Blade Technique is sharper, whose strength is more vast, whose stamina lasts longer!


    Having both Skin Toughening Methods perfected and their effects overlaid upon each other brought resistance and even more abundant stamina, which meant that once he stepped into the Body Refinement Realm, his bursts of strength would be much more enduring.


    What were the limits of the strength of his skin?


    Chen Mu soon found the answer to this question.


    Because after reaching Perfection in the third ''Coarse Salt Skin Toughening Method'' within just seven short days, his inner Qi-Blood was as vigorous as a blazing flame, reaching the limit that his body could withstand, and his skin and membranes had reached their limits as well.


    After achieving Perfection in the Sand-Iron Skin Toughening Method, his skin turned into a deep bronze color. But after practicing the Coarse Salt Skin Toughening Method, his complexion was gradually whitened again, reverting back to the wheat color of his youth, and even a bit lighter.


    "Copper-Steel Skin."


    Feeling the formidable nature of his skin, Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile.


    For most people, it would either take an exceptional talent or years of time to cultivate such Copper-Steel Skin. Yet for him, it took him less than a month to perfectly master it!


    If anything, this level must be the limit of the first Realm of Skin Toughening. In terms of natural Copper Skin, it was in no way inferior, and perhaps even stronger in terms of the richness of Qi-Blood! S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Once Skin Toughening reaches Perfection, one can withstand the strain brought on by a surge in muscular strength in the Body Refinement Realm. With my current Copper-Steel Skin, once I step into the level of Body Refinement, the strength I can bear will undoubtedly be much more substantial," he thought.


    Chen Mu took a deep breath.


    Slowly, he retrieved a booklet from the bedroom.


    "Fierce Ox Body Refinement Method"


    This was what he had asked Min Baoyi for three days ago. Although he could have also requested it from Xu Hongyu, with Min Baoyi, a person who had achieved Body Refinement Perfection, being close by, he didn''t need to go further afield; he just needed a suitable reason.


    In fact, Min Baoyi didn''t even care about Chen Mu''s reason. Upon hearing that Chen Mu wanted to study the technique of Body Refinement in advance, he casually agreed, bringing the Body Refinement Method the next day and handing it over to Chen Mu, even more readily than Chen Mu had expected.


    Clearly for someone like Min Baoyi, the Practice Method of Body Refinement was nothing extraordinary, especially since Chen Mu was already someone Xu Hongyu intended to train.


    However.


    When handing the Body Refinement Method over to Chen Mu, Min Baoyi still warned him not to rashly begin practicing it unless he had first achieved Perfection in Skin Toughening.


    Due to the progressive nature, starting to practice Body Refinement before Skin Toughening was perfected would make them work against each other, hindering further Skin Toughening progress and potentially preventing Body Refinement from being brought to Perfection.


    Skin Toughening is the foundation for Body Refinement, just as Body Refinement is also the basis for the subsequent Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering.


    This realization helped Chen Mu understand the necessity of toughening his skin to the Copper-Steel level; if there was a limit for Body Refinement, Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering, then firm and steady progress at every step was crucial to fully exploit the advantages of his system panel.

 Chapter 38: Chapter 36 Body Refinement

    Fierce Ox Body Refinement Method.


    The so-called Fierce Ox is not the domesticated oxen or water buffalo used in agriculture, but rather a kind of ferocious creature akin to ''monsters''.


    There is a garrison of nearly ten thousand soldiers stationed outside Yu City, directly governed by the Commander-in-chief of Yu City, responsible for clearing the poisonous insects and fierce beasts that damage the farms outside the city, including the ferocious Fierce Ox.


    However, the garrison''s jurisdiction is limited to only tens of miles around Yu City. Beyond that, they do not manage, making the world beyond a harsh environment scarcely suitable for commoners to survive, where bandits rob openly and monsters roam freely.


    "In a world where there are Martial Men capable of slicing through metal and jade, then the existence of monsters is not at all surprising."


    Chen Mu murmured to himself as he looked at the description in the Fierce Ox Body Refinement Method.


    This Body Refinement Method primarily depicts the musculature of the Fierce Ox, which is drastically different from that of ordinary cattle. Every muscle is as hard as iron, and even a fully-strength spear thrust by a soldier would hardly pierce through.


    The Fierce Ox itself possesses immense strength, easily capable of toppling a tree, and with a toss of its horns, it could tear apart tigers and wolves!


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    the Fierce Ox evolved from a common ox. An ancient being once observed this transformation process and studied the various grasses consumed by it. After countless experiments, a prescription effective for people as well was derived, and this became the Fierce Ox Body Refinement Method.


    "Accumulate the Qi-Blood during the Skin Toughening, use several specific endurance postures to fully integrate it into all the muscles, achieving a unity of skin and flesh, and then assist it with a special internal Prescription for refining the muscles, slowly tempering every muscle to be as tough as iron..."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly as he looked at the various postures.


    The Practice Method is actually quite simple, comprising only two postures in total, namely Fierce Bull Tossing Horns and Fierce Bull Trample.


    Fierce Bull Tossing Horns trains the upper body''s skin and muscle technique, arching the back and bending forward, keeping the lower body stationary, with each lift and toss, incorporating the waist, hips, shoulders, elbows, and even the neck into a combined upward force-generating movement.


    Fierce Bull Trample, on the other hand, keeps the upper body still. The torso lowers and suddenly, the legs are retracted, stomping down, alternating between left and right, training the muscles and skin of the thighs, calves, and even feet of the lower body.


    The Practice Method also mentions,


    once the Body Refinement reaches Minor Achievement and the skin and flesh begin to unite, the difficulty of the practice is increased. One should find a suitable large rock, support it with both fists, and then revisit the two movements, Fierce Bull Tossing Horns and Fierce Bull Trample.


    It is indeed similar to some weighted training from his previous life, but there were no such unique ''prescriptions'' then, which could refine one''s skin and muscles to be as naturally hard as iron, as tough as cast.


    Chen Mu went to buy the Prescription himself.


    He was always cautious in his actions, buying medicinal materials from several different pharmacies, purchasing various kinds separately. After returning home, he followed the proportions specified in the Body Refinement Method, measured out in parts and cents, dividing them into small portions, mixing and boiling them together.


    "The saying ''Poverty to literature, wealth to martial arts'' is indeed true; this prescription for Body Refinement is much more expensive than the Skin Toughening."


    Chen Mu shook his head to himself as he simmered the medicinal concoction.


    He had brought all three Skin Toughening Methods to Perfection, and the entire process was essentially force-feeding himself surplus Medicinal Powder. But the whole set of procedures did not even cost a hundred taels of Silver.


    In comparison, the Prescription for Body Refinement contains a herb called ''Blood Herb'' that is so expensive it is astonishing ¨C just a small section costs ten taels of Silver, and that amount would last at most three or four days.


    Which means,


    an ordinary person practicing this Fierce Ox Body Refinement Method would spend nearly a thousand taels of Silver just on the Prescription in a year.


    Of course, different Body Refinement Methods have different Prescriptions with varying prices. Perhaps some with lesser effects have much cheaper prescriptions, costing two or three hundred taels of Silver a year. But this Fierce Ox Body Refinement Method is indeed costly.


    Even with Chen Mu''s current wealth, after purchasing a portion, it still somewhat pained him.


    The medicinal concoction was ready.


    A few taels of herbs ultimately yielded only a small bowl of dark red medicine.


    Chen Mu, uncaring about the bitterness, downed it in one gulp and then proceeded to adopt the posture required by the Fierce Ox Body Refinement Method. He planted his feet firmly on the ground, slightly bent his upper body, lifting and thrusting, while channeling his strength, causing Qi-Blood to naturally churn and surge within his body.


    At the same time, the medicine he had ingested, like a blazing flame, roiled hotly within him. With the movement, it rose within him, reaching the region between his lungs and him to spurt out from his mouth and nose.


    "Hmph!"


    Having completed a set of the Fierce Bull Tossing Horns maneuver, Chen Mu let out a muffled grunt as if it were the snort of a fierce bull after exerting its strength, and at the same time, a visible white mist burst forth from his mouth and nose.


    Immediately after stabilizing his upper body, he sank his knees, his Qi-Blood surged from top to bottom, cascading down to his legs. He then grasped his thighs and yanked them upwards sharply on both sides, before trampling down hard, the impact resounding dully upon the ground.


    Another syllable escaped his mouth and nose at the same time.


    "Ha!"


    The dense white mist spilled out from his mouth and nose, shooting straight ahead like a wave of air.


    Just one complete cycle was enough for Chen Mu to immediately feel a difference¡ªperhaps his Qi-Blood, having been repeatedly toughened by the Skin Toughening, was too thick and robust, because just this one round seemed to have seeped into his skin and flesh.


    However, Chen Mu was not overly delighted by this small change. His expression remained composed as he returned to the initial posture and once again slightly bent his torso to perform another Fierce Bull Tossing Horns, followed by the Fierce Bull Trample.


    "Hmph." "Ha."


    His breathing was rhythmic and disciplined, producing a muffled rhythmic sound of alternating grunts and gasps.


    Though he was alone in conditioning his body, in that moment, he seemed to transform into a fierce bull-like creature, lifting its head and stamping its feet, grunting and gasping, thrusting and lifting, stomping and treading.


    Just like that.


    Chen Mu kept on conditioning tirelessly, and in the blink of an hour, the surging Qi-Blood within him began to flag, while the effects of the ingested medicinal concoction were also gradually exhausted.


    When Chen Mu finished his routine and steadied himself, ceasing the conditioning exercises, he felt the changes in his body, and indeed, within just the span of an hour, his strength had clearly improved. It was evident that the first cultivation session had the most noticeable effect.


    Not to mention his profound foundation and solid roots.


    "Huff..."


    Chen Mu exhaled another mouthful of white mist.


    He then called up the system panel.


    [Fierce Ox Body Refinement Method (Incomplete)]


    [Experience: 5 points]


    "This Body Refinement Method and the Skin Toughening Method do differ somewhat; it''s not entirely due to the effects of the medicinal concoction. The actions of Fierce Bull Tossing Horns and Fierce Bull Trample are also crucial, and the accumulation of experience is likely due to both factors."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly as he looked at the system panel.


    The requirements for advancing the Body Refinement Method were the same as with the Skin Toughening and the Blade Technique: one hundred experience points to reach Minor Achievement. This meant that at most, within twenty days, he could thoroughly break through the first realm of the Skin Toughening Method and step into the Minor Achievement stage of Body Refinement.


    And with his Copper-Steel Skin and profound foundation, once he entered the Minor Achievement in Body Refinement and practiced the two Heavy Saber Momentums, his strength would leap dramatically. Even compared with a character like Min Baoyi, he would not be far behind.

 Chapter 39: Chapter 37: Seizing Wealth

    Ninth District.


    North Street.


    This is the northernmost area of the Ninth District. It might not be as bustling as the streets in the center of the district, but it''s closer to the Inner City, making it the residence of some wealthy and influential families as well.


    As night fell, walking along this wide North Street, one could see high walls and large courtyards on both sides, some of which were brightly lit, appearing as a completely different world compared to the pitch-black slum areas.


    The roads here were smooth, and the blue stone courtyard walls were clean and tidy.


    Inside one of the large courtyards.


    A few burly men were present, one of whom was carrying a sack. The sack was constantly writhing, as if some living creature was inside. He effortlessly carried it with one hand to the inner yard and knocked on the room door.


    The door opened, revealing a young master in his late twenties or early thirties dressed in fine silk, who indifferently asked,


    "Have you brought it?"


    "Here it is."


    The subordinate grinned, placed the sack on the ground, and then opened it.


    What emerged was not a wild boar or some other animal, but a girl around thirteen or fourteen years old, with a face full of terror. Her clothes were old and patched, obviously from a common family, her complexion slightly sallow. She was not particularly beautiful, but in these times, such girls were rare among the poor.


    "Hmm, not bad, better looking than the last one."


    Wei Lun forcefully pinched the girl''s chin, examining her with a scrutinizing look, then released his grip, seemingly satisfied and nodding his head.


    The brawny subordinates laughed, "We spent quite some days searching for this one, especially difficult to find anything good from those peasants'' homes."


    "Good, I''ll remember your merit."


    Wei Lun chuckled, saying, "Wait until I''m done, then she''s yours. But be gentle, if you kill her like last time, there''s no chance to sell her in the East City for money, and the Silver will be deducted from your monthly salary!"


    "Of course, of course, we will be careful this time."


    The brawny men smiled as they rubbed their hands together, showing a hint of anticipation.


    The girl, bound hand and foot and with a cloth stuffed in her mouth, listened to the conversation between Wei Lun and the guards, her eyes of horror gradually turning desperate.


    Wei Lun grabbed the rope tied on the girl, lifting her up and dragging her into the house, the girl straining desperately, her feet kicking against the ground, but no match for Wei Lun''s strength, soon she was pulled inside the house.


    Bang!


    The door shut abruptly.


    The guards outside walked away, laughing and talking in filthy language, waiting for their later reward.


    However.


    The scene unfolding inside the house at that moment was not as lustful as the guards imagined.


    Wei Lun carried the girl into the house and had just shut the door, about to say something, when he suddenly stopped. A steel sword had unknowingly been placed against his neck.


    In an instant, cold sweat poured down, and he involuntarily released the girl, not daring to speak loudly, "Sir¡­ Great sir, whatever you want, if it''s Silver, I''ll bring it to you right away¡­"


    Wei Lun was terrified.


    With so many guards outside, in just the time it took to open a door, a masked bandit had managed to enter the room and place a sword against his neck, how could the security in the Outer City have deteriorated to this extent?


    "Hand it over."


    Standing behind Wei Lun was a man wearing a black cloak and a mask, who spoke in a cold tone.


    "Yes, yes."


    Wei Lun repeatedly agreed, carefully walked to the inner room, opened a chest, and from it, he took out about thirty Gold leaf pieces and roughly a hundred taels of Silver.


    The man in the black cloak coldly said, "Is this it?"


    Wei Lun said with a mournful face, "That''s all there is, the old man only cared about his own pleasures. When he died, he didn''t leave me much. This is what I''ve saved by cutting corners. Others go to the pleasure districts every day, but I can''t bear to spend like that..."


    "Oh."


    The man in the black cloak nodded, and suddenly his iron sword loosened and thrust directly into Wei Lun''s throat, causing his words to abruptly stop as blood splashed instantly.


    Wei Lun clearly hadn''t anticipated that despite handing over all his Silver Coins, the robber would still kill him. He couldn''t help showing a reluctant expression, making choking sounds, intending to call for the Protector outside, but he was already unable to make a sound.


    Thud!


    He fell to the ground, twisting and struggling for a while before gradually becoming still.


    The girl who was brought in bound watched this scene in horror. She did not show any sign of joy; for her, both Wei Lun and the murdering, money-stealing robber were terrifying villains.


    "..."


    The man in the black cloak didn''t look at the girl beside him but slowly collected the Silver and Gold leaf, weighing them and summing them up, translating into approximately four to five hundred taels of Silver in total value.


    Only after collecting all the Silver did he glance at the girl beside him, but that was it, and he did not bother any further. Lifting his iron sword, he lifted a window and climbed out through it.


    Leaving behind the girl still bound hand and foot, collapsed next to Wei Lun''s body, breathing heavily.


    About the time it takes for one cup of tea to brew.


    Sounds of chaos came from outside, it seemed like a fight had broken out, but it lasted only a short while, roughly the duration of a dozen breaths, and then silence returned, with no one able to shout out.


    The girl lay there curled up in fear and terror next to the body of Wei Lun all night until dawn the next day when the door was kicked open, and a group of government officers walked in.


    "Hey, there''s someone still alive!" sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Liu Song looked surprised.


    Li Tie, observing the situation inside the house, appeared thoughtful and walked over, using the Servant''s Knife to remove the gag from the girl''s mouth.


    At that moment, the girl who had spent the night in terror and fear burst into loud crying.


    ...


    After a while.


    City Defense Division.


    In Chen Mu''s Hall Office, Liu Song and Li Tie quietly reported the matter.


    "...It was in the River Street area, a girl from the Zhao family was taken by Wei Lun''s servants at night, intending to do evil deeds when they were attacked by robbers during the night, killing all the Protectors cleanly."


    "The Prefecture Chief also personally arrived, examined the bodies, and said that they were all sword wounds, but the Swordsmanship seemed not quite professional, yet the force was very remarkable, different from a few incidents a while ago, likely done by the same person, either by a notorious bandit or someone from the Inner City coming over ''to act heroically and exterminate villains,'' letting us put an end to this case here."


    Liu Song and Li Tie relayed the details once more.


    Chen Mu listened with a calm expression, waved to them, and said, "Alright, I understand."


    This incident had already been decided by Min Baoyi to be closed without further investigation, and there was no need to inform him, but Liu Song and Li Tie often spent their days sharing the events occurring in his absence at the City Defense Division with him.


    "If there''s nothing else, I''ll be going now, just carry on as usual."


    Chen Mu stood up and walked out.


    Liu Song and Li Tie both made a bow.


    Shortly after.


    Chen Mu returned home alone, went to his bedroom, and from a bundle beneath the bed''s bottom panel and beneath several floor tiles, he took out a bundle containing about sixty to seventy Gold leaf pieces, as well as two to three hundred taels of Silver.


    There was also a crude iron sword without a scabbard, standing inserted into the ground.


    "Finally getting wealthy, hmm, I should also send some Silver over to Yue''er, she needs some expenses over there now."

 Chapter 40: Chapter 38 Major Achievement

    Indeed.


    Wei Lun was killed by Chen Mu.


    The protectors and the servants in that household had all perished by his hand as well.


    Since the time Chen Yue went to Inner City to practice martial arts until now, a total of five months had passed. It seemed like a long time, but in reality, it was not even as long as the time he had previously spent advancing his Wind Blade Technique from Major Achievement to Perfection.


    However, during this period, his strength had soared tremendously, climbing rapidly.


    The system panel now was also considerably rich.


    [Martial Skills: Raging Wind Blade Technique (Perfection), Gale Blade Technique (Perfection), Spirit Wind Sword Technique (Major Achievement)]


    [Experience: 1125 points]


    Having perfected both the Raging Wind and Gale Blade Techniques, his current swordplay could simultaneously execute the ''ferocious'' momentum of both techniques. Since Raging Wind and Gale Wind were similar in nature, the two momentums were quite compatible, and their execution was smooth and unforced.


    As for the Spirit Wind Sword Technique, it was another martial skill from the ''Xun Wind'' lineage he had found later. Though it was a sword technique, firstly, the sword was not separate from the saber, and secondly, with the system panel, the problem of being unaccustomed to different weapons did not exist for him.


    Moreover,


    Compared to the Wind Blade and Gale Blade Techniques, the Spirit Wind Sword Technique could be said to be his very secret method. Just like when he killed Wei Lun and a group of protectors, he used only the Spirit Wind Sword Technique, so no one could associate it with him.


    After personally inspecting the injuries, Min Baoyi concluded that the assailant was likely a strong swordsman whose swordsmanship had not yet reached the level of Momentum, but whose physique was extremely robust¡ªat least having achieved Body Refinement Perfection.


    Such individuals with a physique stronger than their skill often had significant backgrounds, as building one''s physique just required money and could be continuously improved. With several thousand silvers, even someone with average talent could cultivate a body to the level of Body Refinement Perfection, although it was not feasible for lesser families without such wealth.


    However, precisely because of this,


    Min Baoyi''s judgment was only a hair''s breadth from the truth, yet missed by a thousand li.


    [Fierce Ox Body Refinement Method (Major Achievement)]


    [Experience: 243 points]


    Chen Mu''s current Body Refinement had merely reached the level of ''Major Achievement'', still some distance away from Perfection.


    But because he had mastered three types of Skin Toughening Methods to Perfection, his skin like copper and steel added significantly to his abilities in the first realm of Body Refinement. Even with just a Major Achievement in Body Refinement, he was comparable to the average practitioner with Body Refinement Perfection when exerting his full strength!


    This was the essence of Min Baoyi''s misjudgment.


    In fact, with Chen Mu''s current martial arts skills and methods, even against someone like Min Baoyi, he would not be at a disadvantage. Once he exerted ''Dual Momentum'', winning the battle wouldn''t be difficult.


    It was precisely with such strength and confidence that Chen Mu gradually became active. Because practicing Body Refinement and Skin Toughening Methods consumed too much silver, leaving him somewhat financially embarrassed, he straightforwardly embarked on the path of killing and plundering.


    In the current times,


    What brings in money the fastest?


    That, of course, would be robbery.


    And such incidents could be said to be happening one after another, almost daily, with no way to clearly differentiate. The City Defense Division would receive similar reports every day, but they essentially showed little interest in investigating, unless a prominent family was victimized by thieves.


    If pressures were exerted through connections on the City Defense Division, only then would they seriously look into the matter.


    As a head constable in the City Defense Division, Chen Mu knew the Ninth District very well, even if not like the back of his hand. Finding a suitable target was quite easy for him, and people like Wei Lun were precisely his targets.


    It wasn''t entirely because the other party had committed heinous crimes too numerous to record, though.


    Chen Mu had always been a man who disliked hypocrisy and had no interest in fabricating a facade of punishing the wicked to justify his killings; to kill was to kill. He targeted Wei Lun mainly because the man had no other complex background or connections. Once dead, everything would end there.


    Min Baoyi''s reaction to the incident matched what Chen Mu had anticipated.


    As for the unfortunate girl who had found a stroke of luck last night, he didn''t have much thought about her. After all, his place wasn''t a refuge, and he had no interest in bringing people home casually¡ªa single old servant and a young maidservant were enough.


    Killing Wei Lun along with his protector, servants, and all, was sufficient. He had not untied her bonds as a precaution to prevent her from running about; as long as she stayed inside the house, she would naturally be discovered by the City Defense Division the next day.


    Having heard from Liu Song and Li Tie that she had already returned home, Chen Mu felt no commotion in his heart and didn''t need the girl to know him and later come to offer her thanks.


    That was how the Outer City was.


    The homes of commoners were insecure at all times.


    Even wealthy families lived in constant fear, hiring many protectors and martial men, worried about bandits entering to kill and rob.


    It could be said that only the Inner City offered a land of peace, not only patrolled day and night by the City Lord''s guards but also regularly surveyed by the major families'' protectors and the numerous martial arts schools and martial men.


    Should an incident occur, the perpetrator could be caught almost immediately.


    Just like Tang Quan.


    A man of Body Refinement Perfection who had mastered Momentum, Tang Quan was not inferior to Min Baoyi in the slightest and had even fled to the Outer City after committing his crime. Yet, in the end, he was forcefully dragged out.


    Even if that day he hadn''t encountered Chen Mu and had lived a bit longer by chance, ultimately, he wouldn''t have been able to escape.


    "Hmm¡­"


    Chen Mu thought for a moment, pulled out twenty gold leaves from that pile of silver, put them in a small pouch, then reburied the rest of the gold leaves and nearly two hundred taels of silver under the floor tile.


    He then pressed the floor tile down with a box and placed about thirty or forty taels worth of loose silver ingots and nuggets inside the box.


    Silver was heavy.


    That''s why rich people generally didn''t carry silver with them; they carried gold leaves instead. One leaf was worth about ten taels of silver, so twenty leaves would be two hundred taels. At most, they would let their servants carry ten or so taels of silver for petty expenses.


    Chen Yue was now studying in the Inner City at the Yu Family Martial Arts School. Although she got in through Xu Hongyu''s connections, all her living expenses and medicinal powders were provided by the Martial Arts School.


    Nevertheless, she needed some silver on hand for emergencies, such as accidentally injuring her muscles and bones during practice, which would require purchasing some high-quality Muscle and Bone Injury Medicine.


    Chen Mu had previously had someone send a few dozen taels of silver to Chen Yue. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Back then, they were rather poor, but now they were slightly better off. He planned to go to the Inner City in person to deliver these twenty gold leaves to Chen Yue, to save her from any embarrassment in certain situations.


    Two hundred taels of silver might seem like a lot, but in reality, it wasn''t much for Chen Yue. After all, those who could train at the Yu Family Martial Arts School were either direct or side members of the Yu Family, external forces with some status like Min Baoyi, or wealthy families with tens of thousands in their coffers.


    A few hundred taels of silver were nothing but a drop in the bucket for them.


    Therefore, he wasn''t worried that this amount of money would cause any trouble for Chen Yue.


    After a simple tidy-up,


    Chen Mu changed into casual clothes but still kept his servant''s knife at his side. He then took the gold leaves and left the house, heading to the Inner City.


    It had been nearly five months since his last visit to the Inner City to see her; by this time, the young girl''s grudge against him was probably as endless as a torrential river.

 Chapter 41: Chapter 39 Inner City

    Yu City was enormous.


    If one were to travel from the edge of the Outer City to the Inner City, it would even necessitate horseback riding.


    The Ninth District, where Chen Mu resided, was neither too far nor too close to the Inner City Area, striking a perfect balance. With his strong legs, he naturally walked quietly, avoiding drawing attention, and soon crossed several streets and alleys.


    The closer he got to the streets of the Inner City, the cleaner and more spacious they became, bustling with even more vitality.


    Of course.


    This was only during the day.


    During the day, the areas near the Inner City were generally patrolled by government officers, and households with even a slight amount of wealth and power would hire Protectors, making it hard for riffraff and thugs to linger.


    But at night, these wealthier areas became more attractive to thieves. After all, though close to the Inner City, it was still technically part of the Outer City and at night, all oversight was abandoned, including by the City Defense Division.


    "The Inner City..."


    Chen Mu continued north, walking swiftly along the streets and alleys. After what felt like a long time, he finally arrived at the Inner City of Yu City for the first time.


    Previously, he had only heard people talk about it and had no direct impression. Now, at first glance, he was somewhat shocked; the walls of the Inner City were much thicker and taller compared to the Outer City, far surpassing the walls he remembered from his previous life!


    The entire wall was constructed of an unknown material, which under the sunlight, even glimmered with a metallic luster, and there was a deep moat dug around the outside.


    "No wonder the Inner City Area is a completely different world. With such towering, solid walls, even if the Outer City were to be thrown into chaos and burnt to ashes, it wouldn''t affect the inside."


    After looking up at the towering walls for a moment, Chen Mu slightly shook his head.


    He then went straight toward the city gate of the Inner City Area.


    The city gate of the Inner City Area was also heavily guarded, and anyone entering or leaving had to be thoroughly scrutinized. Ordinary people had no right to enter, and commoners who wished to enter had to spend a great deal of money to purchase a special Inner City Waist Token.


    Chen Mu approached the city gate and showed the Head Constable''s Waist Token from the City Defense Division to the gatekeeper.


    The gatekeeper glanced at the Waist Token, then handed it back to Chen Mu with an expressionless face, saying, "Go in, but remember to come out before night falls; you can''t stay overnight."


    Chen Mu nodded to acknowledge his understanding.


    He had learned from Min Baoyi that the Head Constable''s Waist Token allowed entrance to the Inner City, but didn''t permit buying a house or a prolonged stay in the Inner City. During times of enhanced security, Head Constables were only allowed to enter and exit within the same day.


    Only when promoted to Prefecture Chief could one have the right to live in the Inner City indefinitely and purchase property¡­ Of course, if Chen Mu really wanted to access the Inner City and had enough Silver to buy a property there, getting help from Xu Hongyu was also very feasible.


    For now, Chen Mu merely entertained the thought of purchasing property in the Inner City.


    The astronomical prices of even a modest estate, costing tens of thousands of Silvers, meant he could only long for it from a distance.


    Once inside the Inner City.


    At first glance, it truly seemed like a different world from the Outer City.


    The streets were wide and even, without a single pothole in sight. On both sides, there were elegant restaurants and shops, bustling with people, either dressed in fine silks and satins or wearing neat long robes, all appearing relaxed and leisurely.


    Chen Mu was also dressed in a decent blue long robe, his best outfit, which he had purchased for ten Silvers, a common sight in the Inner City, allowing him to blend seamlessly into the crowd without drawing any attention.


    He continued further inside.


    No single isolated cottages could be seen; all the residential areas in the back street were grand courtyards, each roughly comprising at least three or four sections of residences, and some even occupied large swathes of space.


    Although it was his first visit to the Inner City, Chen Mu had not lost his way. The Yu Family Martial Arts Institute was easy to find, located on Yu Family''s grounds, which encompassed a large part of the eastern side of the Inner City Area, as he had long been aware.


    Soon.


    Chen Mu found the Yu Family Martial Arts Institute.


    Called a martial arts institute, it was actually a vast area composed of many complex courtyards nested together, and the east and west sides were divided; a large area on the east was for males, and the much smaller opposite side was for females.


    Chen Mu walked around and came to the main gate of the women''s section, then went over and knocked on the door.


    "Who is it?"


    After a while, someone opened the door halfway. It was a woman in her thirties with a solemn expression, who frowned as she eyed Chen Mu standing outside.


    Chen Mu quickly explained his purpose.


    "Oh, Chen Yue, huh?"


    The woman nodded her head, her frown easing slightly, but she didn''t allow Chen Mu inside, asking him to wait by the side of the door.


    Another moment passed.


    The door opened again, and a familiar figure appeared at the doorstep, it was Chen Yue, whom he had not seen for five months.


    In just five short months, the changes had been significant; not only had she grown taller by half a head, her previously somewhat childish face had matured, still showing some naivety but more a young girl''s look, and in every aspect, she looked better than before.


    "Brother!"


    Chen Yue walked over happily, but unlike before, she didn''t throw herself onto Chen Mu immediately. Instead, she maintained a bit of girlish reserve, joyfully looking at him.


    Chen Mu looked Chen Yue up and down, smiling faintly, and felt inwardly relieved that the little girl had indeed grown quite a bit. Seeing her complexion and demeanor, it was clear she was doing well in the Yu Family Martial Arts Institute, so he felt much reassured.


    "The Outer City has been too chaotic, I''ve been unable to find free time. How have you been staying here?"


    Chen Mu habitually touched Chen Yue''s head and then led her toward a big banyan tree nearby.


    Chen Yue, still retaining some of her naive demeanor, looked up and said, "It''s been alright, training is very tiring, but I''ve met a lot of people, and Master Yu has taken good care of me... Brother, training with the saber must have been tough for you too."


    Back then, she had watched Chen Mu practising with the saber, not thinking much of it, only aware that he worked very hard.


    Now, as she studied Swordsmanship in the martial arts institute, she felt the struggle. After nearly five months of training, she had only reached Minor Achievement with her sword technique, still lagging behind Major Achievement, and she had heard that the transition from Major Achievement to Perfection was the most difficult hurdle, which few could surpass. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If she could cultivate her Swordsmanship to Perfection and develop Sword Momentum before turning twenty-five, she would hold a different status within the Yu Family Martial Arts Institute, becoming a so-called "Inner Institute Disciple," with access to more resources.


    "Hmm."


    Listening to Chen Yue, Chen Mu said calmly, "There''s no easy way to train, takes sweat to reap rewards. I could reach today''s level only through enduring the heat and cold."


    From what Chen Yue shared, she had been practicing the Dripping Rain Sword Technique and had reached Minor Achievement, and her Skin Toughening Method was also cultivated to the realm of Minor Achievement. She was steadily progressing toward Major Achievement, estimating that in another two or three months, both her Swordsmanship and Skin Toughening Method could reach Major Achievement.


    This progress was indeed commendable.


    Being able to reach Major Achievement in both Swordsmanship and Skin Toughening Method within a year was relatively rare. For instance, Ren Yan from City Defense Division, who had started martial arts training early in the Inner City, had also been at it for over a year but had not yet achieved Major Achievement in both techniques.

 Chapter 42: Chapter 40: Return

    "It seems your talent is indeed impressive, it''s not just an exaggeration," Chen Mu smiled.


    Chen Yue shook her head, blinked her big eyes, and looked at Chen Mu, "Brother is truly amazing, to be able to develop Blade Momentum on his own. I didn''t realize before how difficult that is..."


    She didn''t finish her sentence. Only after listening to the martial masters and sisters at the institute did she understand that Chen Mu was of extremely high comprehension. Unfortunately, he started learning the Body Tempering Method later in life, making it quite difficult for him to enter the Tendon Changing Realm in the future.


    If Chen Mu had started training at the age of fifteen or sixteen like her, he would not only have achieved Blade Momentum by now, but he would''ve at least reached a Major Achievement in Body Refinement. Certainly, by the age of twenty-five, he would have reached Body Refinement Perfection, giving him a great chance to step into the Tendon Changing Realm.


    Regrettably.


    At that time, Chen Mu and she were impoverished settlers, curled up together under a quilt for warmth, without the financial means or opportunity to learn Body Tempering. Only now has he somewhat made a name with his Blade Technique, but he had already lost the prime time.


    Her training at the martial arts institute here is probably the most diligent of all the women''s division, not only because she knows how hard it is to get a chance to train at the Yu Family Martial Arts Institute, but also because she is aware of the effort Chen Mu put into sending her there.


    Chen Mu had missed many years, yet her timing was just right.


    Perhaps Chen Mu felt some regret too, she thought, so she wasn''t just training for herself, but also carrying Chen Mu''s regrets and expectations in her cultivation, certainly making every moment count.


    Of course, these thoughts could not be voiced to Chen Mu.


    "Didn''t you say in your letter that you have a good comprehension and even the masters in the institute praised you? Don''t you have confidence in developing Sword Momentum?" Chen Mu asked, smiling.


    Not knowing Chen Yue''s internal thoughts, Chen Mu would likely just laugh it off if he knew. It was good to give her an extra push, as he watched Chen Yue confidently say.


    Chen Yue straightened her modest chest and responded, "Of course I''m confident! Don''t underestimate me, brother, in a few years I might even surpass you!"


    "Alright, I''ll wait for that," Chen Mu smiled slightly, then took a small pouch containing Gold leaves out of his chest pocket and handed it to Chen Yue.


    Chen Yue knew what it was as soon as she took it, hesitantly saying, "I... actually don''t need much Silver here. The Martial Arts Institute provides resources for training, you should keep it..."


    As she tried to give it back to Chen Mu,


    Chen Mu simply shook his head slightly and said, "I''m not very familiar with the affairs of the institute, but even if they provide resources for training, it''s surely in a fixed schedule and amount. They won''t hand out extra supplements. This amount of money isn''t much for me now, just use it first. If it''s not enough, just write to me again."


    His reserves of Silver were sufficient for the moment, and compared to the assistance of a systematic panel for cultivation, it was more important for Chen Yue to establish a solid foundation. At the age of fifteen or sixteen, even an extra nourishing recipe for Qi-Blood at each meal could make a difference. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Really?"


    Chen Yue fiddled with the small pouch, sounding somewhat hesitant.


    She knew Chen Mu was now a Head Constable and had changed compared to before, but she could tell by squeezing the pouch that it contained Gold leaves, worth at least two hundred taels of Silver. Although she often saw others casually using Gold leaves in the institute, she had only come out of poverty a few months ago.


    "Why would I lie to you?"


    Chen Mu chuckled, patted Chen Yue''s small head twice, and said, "Alright, go now. I''ll come to visit you when I''m free, or if you become highly skilled, you can come to find me yourself."


    Generally, achieving Major Achievement in Skin Toughening and skills were considered a decent level in the Outer City; many Head Constables in the City Defense Division probably possessed similar skills. However, Chen Yue''s situation was more challenging as a girl in this world. She had to achieve Skin Toughening Perfection or higher to have some power to protect herself.


    He wasn''t worried about the Martial Arts Institute on that part; Chen Yue also well understood prioritizing safety and wouldn''t roam around carelessly.


    "Okay then..."


    Chen Yue hesitated for a moment but finally put away the small pouch and reluctantly said goodbye to Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu watched Chen Yue return to the Martial Arts Institute until the door shut behind her. Then, he turned around and quickly disappeared into the streets.


    Meanwhile.


    In the Martial Arts Institute.


    Just as Chen Yue entered, a girl about her age but with fair and delicate skin, clearly from a wealthy family, was peering through the door crack and whispered to Chen Yue, "Yue Yue, was that your brother?"


    "Yes, it was."


    Chen Yue pulled Yu Ru back inside.


    Yu Ru let herself be pulled by Chen Yue and, tilting her head, said, "Did he really cultivate his Blade Momentum on his own? Here in our institute, and even in the one next door, lots of people are forced by the master to train for years and still can''t achieve it. No wonder Hongyu sister values him so much."


    Unfortunately, Chen Mu wasn''t an early trainee in this institute; otherwise, he would certainly be in the Inner City now. In the future, he might become a figure like Xu Hongyu, capable of handling things on his own. And even though she only sneaked a peek just now, Chen Yue did indeed bear some resemblance to him, and his demeanor also seemed to carry a hint of heroic spirit.


    "Come on, it''s time to train, or we''ll get a scolding from the master soon."


    Chen Yue led Yu Ru deeper into the courtyard.


    ...


    Chen Mu had given Chen Yue some silver coins and, seeing that she was doing well in the Yu Family Martial Arts Institute in the Inner City, finally felt completely at ease. He didn''t linger any longer in the Inner City and quickly returned to the Outer City.


    However, Yu City was truly vast, and by the time he made his back and forth trips, it had already grown dark.


    But Chen Mu nowadays was not afraid of much. Let alone the darkening skies, even the night in the Outer City; he had wandered it more than once in his night attire. After all, there were very few people in the Outer City District now who could truly threaten him.


    At the level of Body Refinement, he almost feared no one.


    Only those like Xu Hongyu, who had entered the Tendon Changing Realm, could pose a threat to him.


    But how many such individuals were there?


    Xu Hongyu!


    The towering figure of the City Guard General of the South City District!


    In the whole South City District, she was essentially the only one.


    As for those mixed gangs below, and various forces, their leaders being at Body Refinement Perfection and were skilled in martial arts, were almost the best you could find. Those who reached the Tendon Changing Realm were virtually nonexistent.


    The reason was simple. With the Tendon Changing Realm and skills achieved to maturity, one could stand on their own anywhere, and would not deign to be just a gang leader. Such individuals could openly join forces with those in the Inner City. Even if they couldn''t be the Chief Constable, they could still land a position like Deputy Head Officer or other roles.


    Walking through the dim alleys, Chen Mu strode with confidence, his demeanor indifferent.


    At this time, the streets were nearly devoid of pedestrians. The occasional ones were members of thieves'' and gangsters'' gangs that lurked at night. Seeing Chen Mu, dressed in a clean robe and with a blade at his waist, swaggering confidently through the alleys, all showed a wary expression and made way for him.


    Although it''s challenging to determine strength and weakness at a glance, the presence exuded by a person did indeed exist. With his current strength and confidence, Chen Mu naturally emanated an aura that was enough to inspire fear in others.


    And these mixed ganged members, who mostly survived on their keen sight, could instantly tell that Chen Mu was not someone to be trifled with. They harbored no superfluous thoughts and cleared the way on their own accord.

 Chapter 43: Chapter 41: Disappearance

    "I wonder how long this chaos will last."


    Chen Mu muttered to himself.


    In the past, his status was low and his understanding not deep enough. Now, as a Head Constable, he was able to chat casually with Min Baoyi and naturally knew much more.


    For instance, places like Yu City had almost completely slipped from the control of the Imperial Court. The only reason a semblance of order was maintained was due to a tacit agreement among the major families of the Inner City.


    The sky grew darker.


    Chen Mu quickened his pace.


    He wasn''t particularly worried about encountering any danger, but as he swiftly traversed several streets, suddenly, a gray shadow flashed by, lunging towards his face.


    Chen Mu reacted quickly, his hand drawing the Servant''s Knife from its sheath in a swift motion, its blade slicing through the air. The gray shadow was split in half from the center, its blood splattering as it fell to the ground.


    It turned out to be a giant gray-haired rat.


    Chen Mu slowly lowered his knife, looking at the twitching halves of the rat''s corpse and shaking his head slightly. It was astounding to see such a large gray rat these days, making one wonder what it had eaten to grow so large and even dare to attack a human.


    Just as Chen Mu was deep in thought, a squealing noise came from nearby. He saw seven or eight rats, each only half the size of a fist, emerge from some crack and pounce on the corpse of the large rat, gnawing at it without hesitation, making a crunching sound.


    This scene made Chen Mu feel uncomfortable.


    Putting away his knife, he quickly left.


    By the time the sky had completely darkened and night had set in, Chen Mu finally reached his home. He knocked on the door and called out twice, prompting the old servant to cautiously open the door from inside.


    "Master."


    Seeing that it was indeed Chen Mu, the old servant fully opened the door and carefully bowed.


    Chen Mu stepped over the threshold and said, "Nothing happened today, right?"


    Usually, people would still visit him, like other Head Constables such as Wang Gong, sometimes coming to drink with him, though he would generally turn them away if possible.


    The old servant, while closing the door, cautiously recounted the day''s events. Chen Hong had come looking for him today, apparently with some matter, but he had already left for the Inner City by then.


    "Didn''t you ask what it was about?"


    Upon hearing that Chen Hong had visited, Chen Mu asked.


    The old servant bowed his head and said, "Master, how dare I pry into your affairs."


    "Hmm, alright, we''ll talk about it tomorrow."


    Chen Mu nodded, then headed towards the inner courtyard. He had barely reached the door leading there when a shrill scream, filled with terror and sobbing, came from inside the courtyard.


    Whoosh!


    Chen Mu''s expression changed slightly, and he quickly quickened his pace, darting into the inner courtyard. There he saw Wang Ni retreating in fright, facing a gray rat at least the size of two fists, seemingly ready to leap.


    Relieved to see the scene was not as serious as he had feared, Chen Mu quickly raised his hand and swung his knife, decapitating the large gray rat, which jerked wildly in its death throes.


    "Clean this up."


    Chen Mu ordered the old servant.


    The old servant hurried to comply.


    Chen Mu then turned to the still visibly shaken Wang Ni, slightly amused, "I thought something serious had happened. How could you be frightened by this thing?"


    How could a child from a poor family never have seen a rat? Even a young girl shouldn''t be so easily scared.


    "I... I..."


    Wang Ni''s face was still somewhat pale, hesitating for a moment before catching her breath, murmuring, "I''ve never seen such a big one, and¡­ and it even damaged the broom."


    Uh-huh.


    It did seem a bit too large, almost like the one he had encountered previously in the alley.


    Chen Mu''s smile faded when he heard Wang Ni''s words, his brow furrowing slightly. Such large grey rats were not particularly unusual, but encountering two in one day was a bit too much.


    Along with the litter of smaller mice earlier, it subtly gave him an uneasy feeling.


    Could it be that the Outer City was about to suffer a ''rat plague''?


    But in these times, poor families had no food to spare for rats, and the rats themselves often ended up on the dinner table, especially in a world with armed forces unlike his previous life. He probably was worrying over nothing.


    With that thought, Chen Mu shook his head, walked over, and gently patted Wang Ni''s head, comforting her, "Alright, let''s go back inside. It''s all right now."


    Wang Ni nodded timidly, then followed Chen Mu into the house, serving him by helping him change and fetching water for him to wash his feet. After busying herself, she still seemed a bit uneasy because of the incident, so Chen Mu let her rest on a small couch nearby. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After Chen Yue went to the Inner City, Wang Ni stayed with him, sleeping on the small couch outside his room, partly because she was too young and timid, and partly because the couch outside was actually meant for maidservants to rest.


    Chen Mu didn''t really care much about these arrangements, but Chen Yue insisted that it didn''t matter when the household had few people; however, if Chen Mu rose in rank, and their household staff increased, then there must be proper rules, so Chen Mu followed Chen Yue''s arrangements.


    The next day.


    It was barely dawn.


    Chen Mu had just woken up and was washing up when an old servant came to report that Chen Hong had arrived.


    "It seems there really is trouble," he thought.


    Chen Mu pondered for a moment, then instructed the old servant to let the visitor in, and he went out to meet him.


    Soon, Chen Hong entered the courtyard, his face filled with worry, and started, "Xiao Mu, Youying went missing yesterday. We searched all day and didn''t see her, and she didn''t come home last night. These days, for a young girl¡­"


    "She''s missing?"


    Chen Mu was slightly startled, then replied, "Let''s not panic, Auntie. I''ll ask around for you."


    These days, it was all too common for people to go missing - not just women, but even slightly effeminate men could disappear. For ordinary families, when someone went missing, they were usually gone for good.


    But for families with some influence, finding a person was still possible, like Chen Mu now, he had at least several ways to search for someone, though not having returned for a day and a night, the situation might not be good, but he could only reassure Chen Hong outwardly for now.


    Shortly after.


    Chen Mu dressed in his servant''s uniform, left Chen Hong at home waiting for news, and went straight to the City Defense Division.


    Upon arriving and inquiring at the City Defense Division, his brows furrowed at the information he received, as the cases of disappearances had been happening quite frequently, starting roughly over the past two to three months.


    Those from impoverished and broken households would come to report missing persons, and often the City Defense Division would just take note and nominally send people out to patrol, but really, they would just stroll around aimlessly, not truly looking for anyone, showing no real concern for such matters.


    "The number of disappearances has increased so much over the last two or three months?"


    Chen Mu, holding the file in his hand, pondered, then said, "Come on, bring a few people and follow me to question the thieves'' gang."


    Among all the different social classes and mixed characters, there was specifically a line of business involved in human trafficking, abducting people from the South City District to East City, where they would instantly be turned from legitimate citizens into slaves or lowly registries. The City Defense Division often turned a blind eye to these activities.


    To put it bluntly,


    they had received benefits from these groups, maintaining a mutual understanding.


    If those people kidnapped someone they shouldn''t have, especially someone with a bit of background or someone who had connections, then the City Defense Division would also go there to look for the person and inquire. Normally, there was still a chance to find them.


    But this was traceable if it were about the thieves'' gang of kidnappers. If it were like Wei Lun who randomly kidnapped people on his own, it was often hard to trace unless they mobilized the entire network of the City Defense Division to carefully search.

 Chapter 44: Chapter 42 Black Crow

    A moment later.


    Chen Mu, accompanied by Liu Song, Li Tie, and seven or eight servants, arrived at an alley located on the west side of Ninth District.


    This was a territory where thieves'' gangs were active.


    The thieves'' gang might sound like a unified gang, but in reality, it was very chaotic inside; there were thieves, kidnappers, and their activities were not confined to Ninth District¡ªthey were completely different from comparatively cohesive gangs like the Red Gold Gang and the Black Crow Sect.


    In fact, the thieves'' gang was always suppressed by gangs like the Red Gold Gang because the latter collected "protection silver," which is protection money. The activities of the thieves'' gang could ruin the Red Gold Gang''s revenue.


    The gang that occupied this territory had to offer a hefty sum to the Red Gold Gang in order to operate here.


    "Yo, Head Constable, good morning!"


    An outsider with a sneaky appearance had already seen Chen Mu and his party approaching, but did not run away. Instead, he stood up with a smile, performed a salute, and clasped his hands towards Chen Mu and the others.


    Chen Mu did not speak. Liu Song, who was next to him, asked with a cold face, "Where''s your leader?"


    "Boss Wu is inside. May I ask if the Head Constable is here to find someone or something..."


    The man asked in a low voice, head bowed.


    Liu Song cursed, "Who are you to be in charge? Lead the way!"


    "Yes, yes."


    The man glanced at Chen Mu in his blue clothes, smiled obsequiously, and responded repeatedly, saying, "Please, this way."


    In fact, he wasn''t really trying to find out the purpose of Chen Mu and others'' visit; it was just a ploy to buy some time to alert and allow a response from people inside. After all, it is never good news when law enforcement shows up at your door.


    And since a Head Constable had arrived with a group of men, they had to be even more cautious.


    The man cautiously led Chen Mu and the others into the alley, which was very narrow and complex, like a labyrinth. They turned here and there, and after several twists and turns, they finally arrived at a spacious courtyard.


    In the courtyard.


    A man around forty or fifty years old with white at his temples and a tobacco pipe hanging from his waist came out to meet them. He smiled and clasped his hands towards Chen Mu, "Is this Head Constable Chen from the City Defense Division? If there is anything you need, just call for me. There was no need for you to take the trouble of coming here in person."


    Others might not be well-informed, but as Boss Wu of this sector''s thieves'' gang, he knew that Chen Mu was not just on good terms with Min Baoyi; he even had connections with Xu Hongyu from the City Guard General, and his prospects were boundless.


    A normal constable, even a Head Constable, he could deal with. But Chen Mu was someone he absolutely did not want to offend.


    "It is Boss Wu, I have heard of you. I have a relative who has gone missing, and I need your help to find someone."


    "The person''s name is Zhang Youying, a girl, not yet twenty years old."


    Chen Mu spoke in a calm tone.


    Upon hearing this, Boss Wu immediately smiled, "A small matter. Just give the order, and we''ll get right on it... Xiao Liu, go, find someone, see which blind fool has messed with Head Constable Chen''s relative!"


    Someone on that side immediately responded, then hurried off.


    Meanwhile, Boss Wu clasped his hands towards Chen Mu, saying, "Finding the person might take a little time. This place is humble, but I''ve hidden a few bottles of good wine. Head Constable Chen, why don''t you sit and rest, moisten your throat?"


    "No need,"


    Chen Mu replied indifferently.


    "Alright, then please rest."


    Boss Wu responded with a smile, and everyone waited in the courtyard for news.


    About half an hour passed. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The skinny man who had run out earlier sneaked back, hesitating when he saw Chen Mu. But he still went to Boss Wu''s side first and whispered a few words in his ear.


    Upon hearing this, Wuye''s brow furrowed slightly, and he let out a wry laugh before saying, "Head Constable, Xiaoliu has already asked around among the people of the kidnappers, and nobody has seen your relative. The people there wouldn''t dare to defy my wishes; most likely, they genuinely have no idea."


    "No idea?"


    Liu Song stepped forward and asked in a deep voice, "In the Ninth District, things and people go missing. Is there anything you, Wuye, don''t know about?"


    Wuye was momentarily at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond. He glanced at Chen Mu, and after much hesitation, he finally said, "The Head Constable must have also noticed that over these past two or three months, quite a few people have gone missing. But actually, most of these cases have nothing to do with us. As for where these people have gone, we truly have no clarity.


    But if I had to say, well... we do have a vague suspicion about the direction."


    "Speak."


    Chen Mu said indifferently.


    Wuye looked around, and after briefly hesitating, he still stepped forward a few paces to Chen Mu''s side, and said in a lowered voice, "It seems that there''s something going on with the Black Crow Sect, but this is just our guess..."


    He didn''t want to offend Chen Mu or the Black Crow Sect, but with Chen Mu having come to him, he really had no choice.


    The Black Crow Sect?


    Upon hearing Wuye''s words, Chen Mu''s eyebrows immediately knitted together.


    Compared to the thieves'' gangs and a character like Wuye, the Black Crow Sect was a much more troublesome affair.


    According to what Chen Mu had learned recently, the Black Crow Sect''s territory and influence in the Ninth District was somewhat inferior to that of the Red Gold Gang. However, the issue was that the Red Gold Gang was based solely in the Ninth District, whereas the Black Crow Sect had its reach and infiltration in several nearby districts.


    If this had been a normal situation involving the Black Crow Sect, he would have preferred not to get involved. But since Chen Hong had come to him for help, he felt obliged to lend a hand.


    Chen Mu thought for a moment, then turned to Wuye and asked, "Are you sure?"


    Wuye responded with an embarrassed smile, "This is precisely our line of work..."


    He actually had no evidence and wasn''t very certain, but, at his level of operation, various bits of intelligence had reached his ears. In these last two or three months, the most suspicious activity had indeed been linked to the Black Crow Sect.


    "Fine."


    Chen Mu nodded and turned to leave with Liu Song and the others.


    Wuye only breathed a sigh of relief once he saw Chen Mu depart.


    The thin man beside him edged closer and said, "Wuye, why were you so polite to him? He''s just a Head Constable, not the Prefecture Chief."


    "You know nothing."


    Wuye slapped the man on the forehead in annoyance.


    From his perspective, Chen Mu was not only a man of considerable background and heritage, but his abilities were also far from ordinary. In the future, he was certain to be somebody important, at least capable of reaching the position of Prefecture Chief and unlike those other Head Constables who did nothing but loaf around and wait for death.


    Otherwise, he would not have revealed any information about the Black Crow Sect just now; if the sect found out and came after him, it would be like inviting disaster for no reason at all.


    ¡­


    "Head Chen, where to now?"


    Once out of the alley, Liu Song quietly asked beside Chen Mu.


    Wuye''s voice had been very low earlier, and although he was quite close, Liu Song hadn''t heard exactly what had been said. However, judging by the expressions, he could guess that some useful information had been passed to Chen Mu, otherwise Chen Mu wouldn''t have left so readily.


    After a brief moment of contemplation, Chen Mu said, "To the Red Gold Gang."


    That''s right.


    Instead of looking for the Black Crow Sect, they were going to seek out the Red Gold Gang.


    The reliability of the information provided by Wuye was still unclear, yet the Red Gold Gang had always been in conflict with the Black Crow Sect, with many encounters between them. The most knowledgeable about one''s adversary is often the adversary themselves.


    If the Black Crow Sect was secretly abducting people and causing some trouble, the Red Gold Gang would definitely know something about it, perhaps even more than Wuye''s group. Moreover, they would definitely not conceal it from him, considering they would be all too pleased with him causing trouble for the Black Crow Sect.

 Chapter 45: Chapter 43 Conspiracy

    Somewhere.


    An ancient-looking temple.


    There were no gods or Buddhas in the temple, only a black statue with the body of a raven and the face of a human.


    Some raggedly dressed poor people, with numb and defeated expressions, knelt before the statue to pray, one after another, a continuous stream. The incense burner in front of the statue was also constantly alight with offerings.


    In a corner, some gray rats squeaked, scurrying back and forth in the shadows.


    Behind the temple, in a yard that was neither large nor small, many people in black, strange attire hurried back and forth.


    "Vice Sect Hierarch, there''s been a problem."


    In the most secluded room on the farthest side, a member of the Black Crow Sect, cloaked in black, was prostrate on the ground, reporting to a man also clad in black but with the silhouette of black crow wings embroidered in red silk thread on his clothing.


    The Vice Sect Hierarch sat there, opened his eyes, and looked over calmly, saying, "What happened?"


    "Among the people we captured this time, there seems to be someone with a connection to a Head Constable of the City Defense Division..."


    Prostrate on the ground, the member cautiously reported the situation: "It appears to have alarmed them already, and that person is dispatching men to investigate the matter."


    The Vice Sect Hierarch furrowed his brow slightly and asked, "Where is the person?"


    The member whispered his report: "Already sent over to the Main Altar."


    After hearing this, the Vice Sect Hierarch showed a pensive look and said, "Then let''s pretend we know nothing of this matter."


    Once a person had been sent to the Main Altar, there was absolutely no possibility of letting them go again. Even a tiny leak of information from the Main Altar would be a huge problem. As for it involving a Head Constable from the City Defense Division... that wasn''t really an issue.


    If that certain thing could be accomplished, not to mention a mere Head Constable from the Ninth District, what would be the South City District Chief Officer''s significance?


    "Okay, don''t tell anyone else about this matter, you may leave now," said the Vice Sect Hierarch, waving his hand.


    The member responded heavily, got up, and left.


    ...


    Red Gold Gang''s territory.


    Compared to the twisting, narrow, and crowded alleyways where the thieves'' gang resided, the Red Gold Gang''s location was much more spacious. They occupied a large area, with several adjoining courtyards nearby.


    When Chen Mu arrived with his men, he could even hear the shouting of people practicing their swordsmanship in the back courtyard.


    The gang members outside, upon hearing Chen Mu''s intentions, immediately went inside to report. Moments later, someone came out, respectfully led Chen Mu and his company into the courtyard, and then along the way to the west side, where a small courtyard was noticeably more exquisitely decorated.


    "Lord Chen, truly a talent with impressive demeanor, young and promising," said a man in a dark robe standing in the courtyard. Hearing the commotion behind him, he slowly turned around. He appeared to be around forty years old, with piercing eyes. He was Yin Hong, the Gang Leader of the Red Gold Gang.


    As the leader of the largest gang in the Ninth District, commanding hundreds of members and a power comparable to the City Defense Division, with backing from the Inner City, his status was on par with that of Min Baoyi.


    "I have long heard of the great reputation of Gang Leader Yin."


    Chen Mu walked into the courtyard, signaling Liu Song and the others to wait outside.


    The Red Gold Gang was evidently also very concerned with the matters of the Black Crow Sect. Upon hearing his purpose, Yin Hong, the Gang Leader, personally met him instead of sending a Deputy Gang Leader or someone similar, which was telling of the matter''s importance.


    Chen Mu didn''t waste words, explaining his purpose in just a few short sentences.


    After listening, Yin Hong pondered for a moment, then said, "If it has nothing to do with the thieves'' gang and wasn''t caused by anyone else, then it is most likely related to the Black Crow Sect. I won''t lie, even my Red Gold Gang has had members disappear without a trace while investigating them." S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Oh?"


    A hint of surprise flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    After a brief moment of contemplation, Yin Hong said, "The Black Crow Sect has invented some ''Black Crow God'' to deceive the public and extort money from them, which has always been looked down upon by us. Recently, there have been numerous disappearances vaguely connected to them, including relatives of my gang members.


    Then, my subordinates went to investigate and they too vanished without a trace."


    "Because of this, I personally went to negotiate with the Black Crow Sect, but they fobbed me off. For the sake of peace in the Ninth District, I can''t just start a fight with the sect since I have no real evidence."


    Yin Hong said with some embarrassment.


    Chen Mu naturally took Yin Hong''s words with a grain of salt. All that talk about peace in the Ninth District and having no evidence was just hot air; Yin Hong simply didn''t want to engage in a destructive conflict with the Black Crow Sect that could leave both sides damaged and others taking advantage.


    Yin Hong looked intently at Chen Mu as he continued, "The Black Crow Sect is audacious, daring to meddle with even the City Defense Division personnel. I suspect they have a greater conspiracy behind them. Lord Chen could report this to Prefecture Chief Min. If the City Defense Division steps in, my Red Gold Gang will surely cooperate in the investigation."


    The intent behind those words was crystal clear.


    Disappearances, conspiracies; these were probably nonsense. Yin Hong simply wanted to use this opportunity to join forces with the City Defense Division to clear out the Black Crow Sect''s presence in the Ninth District.


    The influence of the Black Crow Sect spanned several districts and was openly more significant than the Red Gold Gang. Even though the Red Gold Gang was supposedly backed by influential figures from the Inner City, in reality, they were just like dogs raised by those great figures¡ªuseful when needed and ignored otherwise. If Yin Hong wanted his gang to develop, he had to rely on himself.


    If they could use this chance to provoke the City Defense Division into action, then the Red Gold Gang could easily follow suit and give the Black Crow Sect a severe beating, expelling them from the Ninth District.


    "A conspiracy? That''s hardly certain,"


    Chen Mu was well aware of Yin Hong''s intentions and was not about to be manipulated by a few words into becoming the Red Gold Gang''s pawn. He responded flatly, "It''s just a small sect involved in human trafficking. What impact could it possibly make?"


    Upon hearing this, Yin Hong chuckled and said, "Lord Chen, being in the City Defense Division, you might not be as well-informed as us. Perhaps you haven''t noticed that recently this city has had... an unusual increase in grey-skinned rats?"


    Hmm?


    A flicker of curiosity crossed Chen Mu''s eyes upon hearing Yin Hong''s remark.


    As Yin Hong mentioned, Chen Mu had indeed noticed an unusual number of grey-skinned rats recently. They were not only numerous but also large and aggressive, daring to attack humans¡ªvery abnormal, although he had not connected this to the Black Crow Sect.


    With a deep look in his eyes, Yin Hong continued, "Though my people have all mysteriously disappeared, they did manage to gather a bit of information. In the Black Crow Sect, besides worshiping the Black Crow God, there''s an unknown ''Protector God,'' whose likeness is that of a grey-skinned rat."


    This revelation made Chen Mu''s eyes flash with intrigue.


    Disappearances,


    Protector God,


    Grey-skinned rats,


    ...


    The information provided by Yin Hong seemed mostly credible. If it were only one or two incidents connected to the Black Crow Sect, it would be less concerning, but the combination of the disappearances, grey-skinned rats seen everywhere, and the hidden so-called Protector God painted an ominous picture.


    Especially regarding the grey-skinned rats, Chen Mu had seen them with his own eyes and understood their peril. In his previous world, they were often the source of numerous plague outbreaks.


    If the Black Crow Sect planned to use these rats for some purpose, it would undoubtedly be a vile act.


    Investigating the disappearance of Zhang Youying had unexpectedly led to such a revelation. It made Chen Mu unprecedentedly serious. After a brief period of contemplation, he immediately bowed to Yin Hong, saying, "I will report all this to Prefecture Chief Min and take my leave now."


    Yin Hong also raised his hand and smiled, "Then I''ll await the good news. Please also inform Prefecture Chief Min that if there''s any action from the City Defense Division, I will certainly comply."

 Chapter 46: Chapter 44 Investigation

    "My lord, what has happened?"


    Liu Song and the others saw Chen Mu come out of the courtyard, his expression unusually grave, and they all gathered around him.


    Chen Mu, however, did not say much, only shaking his head, and led the people back to the City Defense Division, while sending someone to find Min Baoyi.


    Fortunately.


    Min Baoyi had not been drinking with anyone today, he was listening to music at a teahouse on the back street. When he learned that Chen Mu was looking for him, he smiled, casually threw a few copper coins on the table, and followed the messenger back to the City Defense Division.


    Upon reaching the City Defense Division, Min Baoyi saw Chen Mu waiting for him at the entrance, with a somber face. Min slightly stunned, realizing that there must be some serious matter, gave Chen Mu a slight nod. Without asking anything right at the entrance, he directly led Chen Mu into the Hall Office.


    Very soon.


    In the most interior part of the City Defense Division''s Hall Office, after dismissing everyone else, Min Baoyi asked Chen Mu:


    "What has happened."


    "It''s like this¡­"


    Chen Mu quickly reported his successive investigations, as well as various situations.


    After hearing this, Min Baoyi''s expression also turned grave, "The protector deity¡­"


    In fact, whether it was the disappearance case or the sightings of the grey-skinned rats, he was fully aware of them. After all, his eyes and ears permeated the Ninth District. Yet, the disappearance of over a hundred people in a few months, in his view, did not constitute a big deal, so he had not paid attention to it, and as for the grey-skinned rats, he had paid even less mind.


    However, now from Chen Mu''s information, both the grey-skinned rats and the disappearance case might very well be related to the Black Crow Sect, and that insinuated an ominous feeling.


    After a brief moment of contemplation.


    Min Baoyi stood up, his voice deep, "This matter is indeed out of the ordinary, I must first report this to Prefecture Chief Xu, you stay here at the City Defense Division and wait for news."


    Having said that, he hurriedly left.


    All sorts of clues pointing to the Black Crow Sect meant that this was not a decision he, the Prefecture Chief, could make alone. After all, the reach of the Black Crow Sect extended through several districts and was not a local gang exclusive to the Ninth District.


    If it were just a matter of mobilizing some people to investigate the Black Crow Sect, it would be nothing serious, but if a large-scale operation was to be launched, reporting up the chain of command was absolutely necessary.


    Once Min Baoyi left, Chen Mu sat alone and quietly in the Hall Office. His eyes, however, were sharper than usual. Ordinary matters he could disregard, but if the Black Crow Sect really harbored some perverse and vicious scheme, then it must be nipped in the bud.


    After all, just preemptively considering a few scenarios was quite terrifying, and if one of them should occur, it could potentially turn the entire Outer City into a living hell.


    After waiting for half a day.


    Min Baoyi finally returned to the City Defense Division.


    The news he brought to Chen Mu was that Xu Hongyu took this matter very seriously, but instructed the Ninth District to not make any big moves for the time being. It was best to keep an eye on the Black Crow Sect in secret, as she would send more people to thoroughly investigate.


    With this directive received, Chen Mu also breathed a sigh of relief. His biggest concern was that Xu Hongyu might disregard the matter, which was something people in this world might do in the face of such a disaster¡ªthey wouldn''t necessarily react as strongly as he did.


    Even though Xu Hongyu did not immediately order the Ninth District City Defense Division to take action and chose to send people for further investigation instead, as long as there was attention paid to the matter, it wasn''t ignored.


    This matter was no longer just about Zhang Youying''s simple disappearance.


    Chen Mu''s level of concern was much higher than usual.


    "Rest assured, a mere Black Crow Sect cannot cause too much turmoil," Min Baoyi said, seeing that Chen Mu still maintained a solemn face, and patted his shoulder with a laugh, "And about your distant cousin, I''ve also had my people help you look into it. As long as she''s within the bounds of the Ninth District, she can''t just vanish without a trace."


    Upon hearing this, Chen Mu bowed to thank Min Baoyi. Min Baoyi waved his hand, not minding, and said, "There''s no need to thank me between us¡ªsimply invite me for a drink when you''re free."


    Seeing that it was getting late, Min Baoyi stood up, spoke with Chen Mu for a while, and then they both left the City Defense Division together.


    Chen Mu quickly returned home.


    Chen Hong was still waiting at his house, and upon seeing him return, she hurried forward to ask about the news.


    Finding it unsuitable to say too much about the Black Crow Sect, Chen Mu only mentioned that there was some progress, and he had asked the Prefecture Chief to order an investigation. Now they had to wait for news. After reassuring Chen Hong for a while, he sent her home.


    ¡­


    That night.


    Darkness enveloped, the moon''s glow faint.


    The Black Crow Sect''s quarters were shrouded in pitch darkness, not a single candlelight visible¡ªit seemed as though everyone had gone to sleep.


    A silent shadow appeared on the outskirts of the buildings, its traces nearly invisible against the night, the figure''s movements were swift, navigating the eaves and corners with ease, scrutinizing every building in the area.


    "Strange."


    Chen Mu stopped on a rooftop, looking down at the dark expanse of the Black Crow Sect''s quarters, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes.


    To him, with his strength, the most reliable thing was himself; after nightfall, he had stealthily made his way to the Black Crow Sect''s quarters to investigate, but after a full round, he detected no signs of abnormality.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t trust Xu Hongyu''s actions; rather, the Black Crow Sect had territory in several districts and was quite entangled. He was unclear which part Xu Hongyu was investigating. It seemed better to conduct his own covert investigation.


    The whole area was dim, as if everyone had long since gone to bed. Compared to gangs active at night, the Black Crow Sect even lacked sentries, as if they truly were just an ordinary sect that prayed during the daytime.


    Chen Mu, with his acute senses, could hear even the slightest noise. Lying at the edge of the roof, he could almost hear the breathing of someone deeply asleep in the room below.


    After a brief contemplation.


    Chen Mu moved swiftly, finding a secluded room. With a slight exertion of his palm, he shook open the window and flipped inside. There was only a bed inside, where a follower of the Black Crow Sect was sleeping. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu immediately grabbed the person''s throat, startling him awake but rendering him unable to make a sound.


    Then, without asking questions, he lifted the person, flipped back out the window, and quickly left the Black Crow Sect''s quarters until he reached a deserted alley. Only then did he throw the person down and said coldly, "Answer my questions, or die."


    The Black Crow Sect follower was already sweating profusely and ashen-faced from fear. Having seen how Chen Mu effortlessly moved from rooftop to rooftop, he knew that the individual before him was at least a Martial Man of the Body Refinement level, and within the Black Crow Sect, he must be a leader or possibly even a Vice Sect Hierarch. There was no chance of resistance.


    "Yes... Yes..."


    His voice trembled as he quietly responded.


    Chen Mu asked gravely, "The people you caught, where have they been taken?"


    "What... What people?"


    The follower answered, trembling and seemingly confused.


    Chen Mu''s eyebrows knitted, seeing that he wasn''t pretending to be dumb, and continued, "What are you planning to do with all these grey-skinned rats you''ve rounded up?"


    "Grey-skinned rats?"


    The follower was even more confused, his face blank, and he said with a shaky voice, "These days, we''ve seen a lot of grey-skinned rats around, Wang Liu from next door even caught and ate one."


    Hearing this, Chen Mu calmed down and continued, "I heard that your Black Crow Sect, in addition to worshipping the Black Crow deity, also reveres some kind of protector deity?"


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s question, the follower appeared even more bewildered, as if completely in the dark, not knowing anything about any protector deity.


    As expected, the average follower knew nothing.


    Chen Mu looked at his reaction and was not very surprised; it was impossible for Yin Hong to make up a protector deity¡ªafter all, it was meaningless. Since such information had been disclosed, it must be true.


    And now that the ordinary followers of the Black Crow Sect had no idea, it suggested that matters involving the so-called protector deity were a closely hidden secret within the Sect, which only made it all the more suspicious.


    "This, esteemed sir, I¡ªuh."


    The follower shakily looked at Chen Mu but abruptly stopped speaking, his throat already crushed.


    Chen Mu indifferently tossed the body aside.


    The ditch now harbored one more nameless corpse.


    There was a time when his daily task was to deal with such corpses, but now he had also become a creator of nameless bodies, unaware of who would come to clean up and dispose of them the next morning.

 Chapter 47: Chapter 45: Converging Attack

    In the quiet deep of night, the Black Crow Sect lost an ordinary member, which didn''t raise any alarm.


    Or rather, the Black Crow Sect''s residence was just like any common household. When Chen Mu returned, he still saw nothing unusual; it was all in pitch darkness without a candlelight in sight, nor any suspicious movements.


    Chen Mu took another person out for questioning but still, he met with responses of ignorance. He then knew that most likely all the people living in this area were the same, and even if he questioned each one, there would probably be no one with information¡ªperhaps those in the know were no longer here.


    But.


    From the second person, Chen Mu learned something; to these ordinary members of the Black Crow Sect, it was common for higher-ups, even Protectors and Vice Sect Hierarchs, to mysteriously vanish and reappear without warning.


    This was not some bizarre world where people simply appear and disappear out of thin air. Chen Mu immediately surmised that there must be hidden passages or chambers beneath the Black Crow Sect''s compound.


    The ordinary member, however, was utterly clueless about this.


    "No wonder all the people the Red Gold Gang sent to investigate the Black Crow Sect disappeared into thin air."


    Chen Mu''s expression became thoughtful.


    Thereupon.


    Having made up his mind, he no longer wandered around but knelt discreetly in the corner of a high rooftop, waiting quietly. He did not know how much time passed until the sky began to brighten with the first light of dawn.


    At last, on the western side of the Black Crow Sect''s residence in a very secluded courtyard, there suddenly came a disturbance. A number of figures wearing the Sect''s black robes rustled as they emerged from a house.


    Chen Mu had already scouted that yard before and had been certain that no one was inside. Now, suddenly, a dozen or more people appeared out of nowhere, and they were clearly high-ranking members of the Sect, such as Protectors and Vice Sect Hierarchs. The abnormality was obviously there.


    ...


    Chen Mu just stole a glance, memorized the location of that courtyard, and then quietly slipped away. Making use of the still-dim light, he leapt away and vanished amidst the Black Crow Sect''s compound.


    Because he was far away and exceedingly cautious, without making any sound, none of the high-ranking members who had emerged from the courtyard noticed him, even as they spoke quietly among themselves while walking.


    "...Someone from Wutong Grove District was captured last night, a spy for the Government. The City Defense Division seems to be onto us now, so be more careful in your actions moving forward. If you end up in the hands of the Government, you know what to do."


    The Protectors exchanged glances, their eyes all numb and vacant.


    The Vice Sect Hierarch continued in a grave voice, "Keep a close eye on Ninth District too. If the Government makes any significant moves, we may abandon this place, but we cannot reveal the location of the Main Altar. Just give us a little more time. Once the Protector descends, the entire Outer City will belong to us.


    With the power to take everyone down with us, even the powerful figures in the Inner City won''t be able to do anything to us."


    "All for the Black Crow God..."


    The Protectors murmured in their numb tone, then scattered and exited the courtyard.


    ...


    The existence of something substantial beneath the Black Crow Sect''s compound was an important piece of information. Chen Mu immediately reported it to Min Baoyi, who trusted Chen Mu''s intelligence and didn''t inquire further about the source. It was soon relayed to Xu Hongyu of the City Guard General.


    In the following days, Chen Mu refrained from taking any further action. He had done almost everything he could; it was not practical for him to risk his life alone by exploring the underground of the Black Crow Sect. Providing a clear direction and entrance had already made it significantly easier for the authorities.


    And Xu Hongyu was decisive.


    Only three days later.


    The order from the Chief Officer was given. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ```


    Mobilize three teams of constables from the City Defense Division of Ninth District and coordinate with other two City Defense Divisions to launch a raid on the Black Crow Sect''s residence!


    ...


    The sky was dusky, with a continuous drizzle falling.


    The entire City Defense Division in Ninth District was eerily silent as nearly two hundred constables had gathered there. The three teams were basically all present. Some constables, unaware of what was happening, were chatting amongst themselves, their expressions tense and solemn.


    Meanwhile, inside the Hall Office, Prefecture Chief Min Baoyi and five Head Constables including Chen Mu had also arrived. They were gathered around a square table that displayed a very rough and simple map.


    On the map.


    The regions of Ninth District, Second District, and Wutong Grove District were roughly drawn, with the positions of the Black Crow Sect''s residences marked within them. It was clear that these three residences were all located on the edges of their respective districts, adjacent to each other.


    "According to the intelligence from the City Guard General, these three residences of the Black Crow Sect all have hidden underground areas, but at present, these underground parts are completely unknown to us. Looking at the map, it is possible that the three residences are interconnected by underground tunnels.


    Therefore, this operation will involve coordinated action from all three Divisions to ensure nobody can escape from any of the sites," Min Baoyi stated solemnly, pointing at the map.


    Wang Gong gazed at the map and sneered, "A bunch of rats from the gutter really know how to burrow."


    Despite the sarcasm in his voice, everyone, including Min Baoyi, knew that the Black Crow Sect would probably not be easy to deal with. The real problem lies in the completely unknown underground sections.


    The aboveground areas were almost no threat, as the forces from the three Divisions could easily overrun them. The enemy had no strength to resist openly, especially since the Chief Officer''s side would always send reinforcements, and even Hongyu might personally take charge.


    The problem, however, was the underground.


    Just how extensive these underground sections were, whether they were independent or interconnected, if there were more exits or entrances, and whether many traps and mechanisms were hidden within - these were the more serious issues.


    With such underground structures, if any traps like poison gas or water were laid out, not to mention the ordinary constables, even someone at Body Refinement Perfection like Min Baoyi would struggle to deal with them. One misstep could lead to being caught unawares.


    "There''s no issue with the aboveground part, but this underground... to my knowledge, the Black Crow Sect has been in existence for at least seven or eight years. If their lair is hidden underground and has been established over many years, then it will be quite troublesome," Qin Bei said, frowning.


    Zhong Chang also nodded, "Therefore, our operation this time is to first occupy their aboveground residences."


    In fact, the people sent by Xu Hongyu, after confirming the hidden underground passages of the Black Crow Sect, had tried to investigate further. However, all spies who entered the underground passages directly lost contact.


    In such circumstances, sending more people to investigate would be meaningless, which led to Hongyu deciding to launch a total assault.


    With the currently known intelligence, the missing personnel, and the unknown underground structure along with the gray-furred rats, it already posed a significant threat. After the threat was exposed, not only the districts of the Outer City but even some upper echelons of the Inner City were also somewhat dissatisfied.


    Therefore, this operation faced no resistance, and even He Mingxuan did not try to obstruct it but instead watched from the sidelines.


    "If there are no objections, then let''s set out," Min Baoyi said indifferently. "Once we''ve taken their aboveground residences, we''ll discuss the underground issues."


    As his voice fell.


    All the Head Constables responded in unison.


    Then they each left the Hall Office, leading nearly two hundred constables in a mighty procession out of the City Defense Division, heading towards the Black Crow Sect''s residence.


    ```

 Chapter 48: Chapter 46 Goals

    City Guard General.


    Xu Hongyu, dressed in a white flying fish suit, led a group of dozens of people and went straight out of the Chief Officer, disappearing into the alleys of South City District in the drizzling rain.


    Meanwhile, on the third floor of the Chief Officer, He Mingxuan stood by the window, watching Xu Hongyu''s departure with a cold and indifferent expression, standing with his hands behind his back.


    "Sir, are we not going to intervene in the matter of the Black Crow Sect?"


    A man dressed in a dark green Prefecture Chief''s uniform stood beside him, watching Xu Hongyu''s disappearing figure, and couldn''t help asking He Mingxuan in a low voice.


    Gazing at South City District through the drizzle, He Mingxuan said indifferently, "Let her do it if she wants to, I also have some clues about the Black Crow Sect. I can guess their intentions to some extent, and this has already caused dissatisfaction among some people above. Intervening abruptly will do us no good."


    "Besides, the Black Crow Sect has been entrenched for many years, and their Main Altar is located underground, making it not so easy to deal with."


    Although destroying the power of the Black Crow Sect would definitely provide some profit, being a force that had taken root over many years, knowing its troublesome aspects made He Mingxuan decide not to intervene.


    If it might turn out to be a thankless task, there was no need to compete for it. Now that Xu Hongyu utilized mostly her own forces, if the Black Crow Sect turned out to be sneakier and craftier, Xu Hongyu might even suffer a heavy loss this time. Her influence in the City Defense Division could be further weakened, making it even harder to suppress him as the Deputy General.


    ...


    In the drizzling rain.


    The large troop of the City Defense Division moved solemnly, with evil Qi surging. For a moment, every household almost panicked, closing their doors where the troops passed and the streets instantly emptied, not showing a single soul.


    However, this large-scale operation was neither a search for bandits nor a collection of taxes; it was aimed at capturing the headquarters of the Black Crow Sect. The city guards headed straight for the Black Crow Sect''s headquarters almost without stopping.


    Soon.


    Headed by Min Baoyi, the city guards of Ninth District reached the headquarters of the Black Crow Sect.


    This stretch of alley still had scattered figures, some civilians with numb expressions, holding incense sticks in their arms and hurrying to the temple of the Black Crow Sect to offer incense. Seeing a large number of city guards appear, they remained numb and unresponsive for a moment.


    "Go!"


    With a clanging sound, Min Baoyi pulled out his Servant''s Knife, pointed towards the Black Crow Sect''s headquarters, and said in a deep voice, "The Black Crow Sect deceives the common people, extorts Silver Coin, kidnaps people, and is utterly inexcusable... By the order of the Chief Officer, take down all members of the Black Crow Sect!"


    Following Min Baoyi''s command, including Chen Mu and five Head Constables, early on had led their respective forces to swiftly encircle the entire headquarters of the Black Crow Sect, and then fiercely stormed in.


    Chen Mu walked through the drizzle, encountering hardly any substantial resistance along the way; he did not even need to draw his sword. His fellow city guards, including Liu Song and Li Tie, swiftly finished off the battle.


    In just a moment.


    About a hundred members of the Black Crow Sect, either died or were captured, along with some poor civilians who had been deluded by the Black Crow Sect, were temporarily detained in a courtyard under the guard of Qin Bei.


    Min Baoyi, along with Chen Mu, Wang Gong, and others, then arrived at the courtyard Chen Mu had scouted earlier, which was also the location of the secretive underground passage leading to the Black Crow Sect, and ordered the city guards to thoroughly search the area.


    The courtyard was quickly turned upside down.


    Soon, in a wall inside the inner room, they found a hollow, but they did not locate any mechanism.


    "Everyone step back."


    After carefully examining the area, Min Baoyi waved his hand, signaling the still-busy search team to step back, then, with a clanging sound, he suddenly swung his Servant''s Knife twice, chopping at the wall.


    Accompanied by cracking sounds, the hard, thick wall was shattered by Min Baoyi''s blade as if it were tofu, revealing a dark, slanting passage behind it.


    "It seems this is the place."


    Min Baoyi squinted into the depths of the passage, but it was too deep to see what was at the end.


    Wang Gong said in a grave voice, "This place is unknown, and there might be dangerous traps; I suggest we first interrogate those members of the Black Crow Sect to see if we can extract some useful information before proceeding."


    Min Baoyi sheathed his Servant''s Knife and nodded slightly, saying, "Well reasoned."


    Chen Mu also looked thoughtful at the passage, hardly encountering any resistance along the way, and the many members of the Black Crow Sect captured were merely ordinary members, not even a single incense master among them.


    The easier it went, the more it underscored the importance of this underground passage. The high ranks of the Black Crow Sect must have retreated into this passage, completely abandoning the above-ground part.


    "Zhong Chang, Wang Gong, you two guard this place; Chen Mu, you take people to search other areas for clues. I''ll go to Qin Bei''s side to see if interrogation can reveal some clues."


    Min Baoyi quickly arranged the deployment.


    The people responded in unison and immediately sprung into action.


    Chen Mu, having once explored the Black Crow Sect''s base at night, was quite familiar with the place. He led Liu Song and others to search room by room, but to no avail.


    When they returned to the courtyard, they happened to see Min Baoyi walking over with a grim face, clearly, the interrogation had yielded nothing. The captured members of the Black Crow Sect didn''t even know about the existence of the main altar underground or the secret passages; just like the two people Chen Mu had randomly picked up that night, they knew nothing.


    "Wang Gong, arrange for some people to go down and investigate,"


    Min Baoyi said solemnly.


    Since there were no clues and nothing was revealed through interrogation, the only option was to send people down to explore; after all, there were many members of the Black Crow Sect who could be sent ahead as cannon fodder to explore step by step. Sooner or later, they would be able to thoroughly scout out the underground area.


    Wang Gong, also with a somber face, nodded. He certainly didn''t like the idea of heading underground without knowing anything, but there was no other choice at the moment. He soon grabbed a few members of the Black Crow Sect, commanded people to drive them, and began the investigation batch by batch.


    A while later.


    The first group that went down returned, all covered with blood stains. Among the four constables, one was severely injured and another slightly wounded, having been attacked by hidden crossbows in the tunnels. As for the Black Crow Sect members driven ahead, they were all dead.


    After understanding the details, Wang Gong waved his hand, signaling the persons to go down, rest, and heal their injuries, and then he sent another group of Black Crow Sect members ahead and went down to explore again.


    This continued repeatedly.


    After a considerable time, about a dozen constables were injured, and over thirty members of the Black Crow Sect were dead, and the general situation of the underground passage gradually surfaced, yet the end of the pathways was still not found.


    According to the clues, this passage was long, having already strayed far from their current location, approximately directed towards "Second District." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    According to the map, it precisely connected the centers of Second District, Ninth District, and Wutong Grove District.


    "It seems their main altar is indeed located at the center of these three places."


    Min Baoyi spoke gravely.


    Just as he was about to have this message conveyed to all parties, suddenly, footsteps were heard from outside.


    "What''s the situation?"


    A cold voice sounded, one that Chen Mu was very familiar with.


    Turning his head, he saw a woman wearing a white robe and a broad hat walking into the courtyard through the drizzle, accompanied by a dozen constables. It was Xu Hongyu, the South City District Chief Constable, unseen for quite some time.


    The continuous drizzle seemed like a curtain, adding a layer of hazy beauty to the cold visage under the broad hat.


    "Greetings, Chief Constable."


    The constables in the courtyard did not dare to stare, offering their respects solemnly.


    Min Baoyi also paid his respects, then swiftly briefed her on the current situation.


    Xu Hongyu listened and nodded slightly, saying, "I will immediately reallocate personnel to guard this site, also halt the exploration in other areas, just open a breach from your side and then breach in."


    Since each of the three channels had traps and mechanisms, it was naturally unnecessary to waste manpower to advance on three fronts. It was sufficient to break through the passage on the Ninth District''s side and invade the enemy''s main altar.


    But at that moment.


    Suddenly, a figure dressed in a raincoat hurried over, it was Xu Hongyu''s personal maid, Xiaohe, whom Chen Mu had seen several times before. She approached Xu Hongyu with a serious expression and whispered something into her ear.


    "Is that true?"


    Xu Hongyu''s expression shifted slightly.


    "Ninety percent certain."


    Xiaohe nodded gravely.


    Xu Hongyu''s expression darkened immediately, and she said solemnly, "Stop the investigation, gather everyone, and follow me in to attack immediately!"


    Min Baoyi and the others nearby also heard Xiaohe''s whispered report, and their expressions changed in response.


    Chen Mu also heard it, his gaze turning icy.


    The intelligence reported by Xiaohe was... the Black Crow Sect was using some secret technique to breed and control a type of grey-skinned demonic rat, referred to as ''protector deities.'' These rats were not very strong in themselves, but their bite could cause mild spasms and seizures, or at its worst, drive people into maddening frenzy, attacking others, acting like a source of plague.


    Currently, these grey-skinned demonic rats were not fully bred yet; only their offspring were spotted around the city. Once fully developed, they could quickly spread throughout the entire Outer City, where the fate of a million people could be controlled at their whim, potentially causing utter devastation!


    At that time, even the major families of the Inner City could only act cautiously, and the Black Crow Sect would thus leap to become a power that could negotiate with the major families of the Inner City and seek influence.

 Chapter 49: Chapter 47: Main Altar

    "Indeed."


    At this moment, Chen Mu felt no surprise at all; he had already anticipated that the Black Crow Sect wanted to cause a major disturbance, yet their actions were indeed ruthlessly insane.


    If they kidnap the entire population of a million in the Outer City as leverage and bargaining chips, it could indeed force the major forces of the Inner City to make some concessions. After all, although the aristocrats of the Inner City might not care about a few lives in the Outer City, the entire Outer City was a completely different concept.


    Moreover, this method was something that mere martial force could hardly prevent. Even the existences at the Tendon Changing or Bone Tempering levels were unable to completely annihilate all the gray-skinned rats roaming around the entire Outer City.


    Hongyu also realized the severity of the problem. She could no longer care about the situation and mechanisms within the underground passage. It was imperative to kill the Black Crow Sect''s delusion in the cradle before things became unmanageable.


    Whoosh!


    Hongyu was the first to rush into the underground passage; immediately afterward, someone carrying a torch followed, along with Min Baoyi and a group of people from the Ninth District City Defense Division, as they boldly entered the tunnel.


    The passage was not too narrow, comfortably accommodating two people walking side by side, but the entire tunnel was filled with a putrid, bloody stench. After hurrying along for a while, soon some bodies appeared in the tunnel.


    These were members of the Black Crow Sect who had gone down earlier to explore the passage and had been struck by several sharp arrows.


    Hongyu merely glanced briefly and ignored them, continuing forward. After advancing further, two divergent paths appeared ahead; Min Baoyi immediately said, "Left, the right is a trap and a dead end."


    This had been found out at the cost of lives in the past while.


    Based on the partially explored conditions of the tunnel, the group avoided many traps, but because Hongyu''s pace was very fast, they soon reached an entirely unfamiliar section.


    Hiss!


    Unknown what mechanism they triggered, a sudden whooshing sound came from the front, accompanied by a burst of cold light rushing towards them.


    "Be careful!"


    Someone shouted a warning.


    However, Hongyu, leading the group, did not retreat; with a flick of her wrist, her soft sword unsheathed, displaying bursts of sword light within the cramped tunnel, forming a semi-circular barrier like countless converging raindrops.


    The sound of metal clinking filled the air as all the incoming darts were knocked down by Hongyu.


    With a Tendon Changing Realm expert clearing the path, ordinary traps were almost negligible; whether flying darts or secret arrows or mechanisms spewing poison water and fog, many were cut off by Hongyu''s swift sword before they could activate. Even poison water sprayed directly at them was completely blocked by her deft swordplay, clearing the way forward.


    Thus, they advanced further.


    Finally.


    A very spacious stone chamber appeared ahead, still with some scattered footprints ¡ª clearly, people had just been here, but had now completely evacuated.


    Besides the passage they entered from, the chamber had four other diverging paths leading to different directions.


    "We should already be near their Main Altar," Min Baoyi said gravely, as he had been estimating the distance they had covered all along.


    Each of the four paths showed clear, messy footprints, obviously leading to different internal areas.


    "Don''t delay, split up to act; anyone who resists, kill without mercy!"


    Hongyu spoke firmly, her figure flashing as she dashed alone into the leftmost tunnel.


    As Little Lotus was about to say something, seeing that Hongyu had already disappeared, a hint of helplessness flashed through her eyes, but she quickly looked at the others and said sternly, "Prefecture Chief Xu, you take people down the second path; Prefecture Chief Min, you split some people to take the third path."


    The one addressed as ''Prefecture Chief Xu'' was the Chief Officer''s prefecture chief and belonged to Hongyu''s forces. He immediately responded and led his people into the second tunnel; following that, Min Baoyi also quickly said, "Wang Gong, Zhong Chang, you take your men with me; Chen Mu, Qin Bei, you follow Deputy Officer Lotus."


    As he finished speaking, he led people into the third passageway.


    Qin Bei evidently knew of Xiao He''s identity, who was not some junior officer but Xu Hongyu''s personal maid, holding a status even higher than Min Baoyi and with strengths no less formidable. Thus, he had no objections, and Chen Mu was even more certain.


    Xiao He, too, had a serious expression at this moment; with a wave of her hand, she took Qin Bei, Chen Mu, and the others into the fourth passageway. After walking several tens of steps forward, they came upon a suddenly expansive area, only to find it was a dim dungeon.


    Gaunt and half-dead prisoners could be seen moaning in the dungeon.


    "Those people who have gone missing these past few months are probably all here."


    Such thoughts flashed through Chen Mu''s mind.


    Although it was still unclear what the Black Crow Sect specifically wanted with these people, judging from the current scene, they were likely using these individuals to cultivate those gray-skinned rats, either by drawing their blood or some other brutal means.


    But just as Chen Mu''s gaze was scanning each cage in an attempt to find someone familiar, suddenly a squeaking noise rang out. It quickly grew into a continuous sound, merging into a rustling wind-like noise that sent shivers down one''s spine.


    Everyone''s expressions changed instantly.


    Their gazes all turned toward the depths of the dungeon ahead.


    But just as everyone''s attention was focused on the dungeon, a sudden loud ''bang'' echoed from the passageway behind them, as if something heavy had fallen, accompanied by a muffled sound. When they turned to look, they saw a large rock had fallen, blocking their way back.


    Some officers began to panic at this sight.


    "Don''t panic!"


    Qin Bei and Chen Mu spoke at the same time.


    Both voices were calm and powerful, showing no signs of panic. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Qin Bei, an old head constable who had served many years in the City Defense Division and was the only other person besides Chen Mu among the head constables who mastered Blade Momentum.


    Although Qin Bei was now over thirty-five and his Body Tempering Method could go no further than Minor Achievement in Body Refinement, hindering his chances of promotion to Prefecture Chief, his strength still made him one of the strongest in the Ninth District''s City Defense Division, second only to Min Baoyi.


    With realms of Body Refinement and mastery in Blade Momentum, seasoned in numerous battles, he naturally did not panic amidst changing situations.


    Needless to mention, Chen Mu''s strength was his greatest confidence. Like earlier in the corridor, if he had been leading the way instead, he might not have been able to bulldoze through all the traps as Xu Hongyu had, but most of the traps posed no threat to him at all.


    With skin as tough as copper-steel and a Major Achievement in Body Refinement, he was nearly impervious to hidden weapon triggers and virtually immune to poisonous waters. Poisonous gases were more troublesome, but with his skills in Blade Technique, he could disrupt the source of the spray before it dispersed.


    Traps all along the tunnels posed little threat to him, let alone in such an open area.


    Both head constables spoke up, immediately stabilizing the panicking officers behind them, while Xiao He remained silent, her eyes reflecting a hint of approval as she observed the reactions of Chen Mu and Qin Bei.


    Qin Bei was fine, after all, an experienced head constable of the Ninth District with strong capabilities, whose background she knew well. However, for Chen Mu of such a young age to remain composed under change showed a stable temperament, aligning closely with Min Baoyi''s evaluation.


    Given time,


    he would surely become a reliable subordinate.


    If there was even a slight possibility of breaking through the constraints of the Tendon Changing and stepping into the Third Realm of Body Refining, Tendon Changing Level, then he could hope to become crucial to Xu Hongyu, a significant force to be reckoned with.


    "That must be the ''Protector God'' that the Black Crow Sect refers to."


    Xiao He said slowly, looking ahead.


    As her words fell, a large number of gray-skinned rats surged out from deep within the dungeon, with sizes great and small, the largest nearly twice as large as any rat Chen Mu had seen before, no longer resembling the size of regular rats.


    These gray-skinned rats surged like a tide, completely overwhelming the cells. The half-dead prisoners barely had time to scream before they were submerged, accompanied by a disturbing chorus of crunching and gnawing sounds, sending chills down anyone''s spine.

 Chapter 50: Chapter 48 Poisonous Water

    "Kill!"


    Qin Bei raised the Servant''s Knife in his hand and coldly shouted.


    Immediately following, he took a step forward, proactively meeting the oncoming barrage of rats.


    With his physique achieving Minor Achievement, and his Blade Momentum perfected, he naturally wasn''t afraid of mere gray-skinned rats. No matter how mutated and seemingly larger they were, they remained just rats. His blade flashed, and blood immediately splattered everywhere.


    At the same time,


    Xiao He also moved into action. The soft sword in her hand, similar to Xu Hongyu''s, flicked and flipped gracefully, like a spattering drizzle. Each glimmer of light that flashed resulted in gray-skinned rats having their heads precisely exploded, precise and fierce.


    On the other hand, Chen Mu appeared quite ordinary. Compared to Xiao He and Qin Bei, who had plunged directly into the rat tide, he merely held his position, unfolding the Raging Wind Blade Momentum and crushing all the approaching gray-skinned rats.


    At a glance,


    In the chaos of the prison, Xiao He stood out the most. Her sword light scattered like raindrops, bursting open the heads of many rats. Within a radius of ten feet, not a single rat could get close.


    "That must be the Dripping Rain Sword Momentum. The Body Tempering Method must also have reached Body Refinement Perfection... truly not inferior to Min Baoyi. If I do not deploy the Multiple Blades Momentum, facing someone like her wouldn''t be easy for me to win,"


    Chen Mu silently observed Xiao He''s movements.


    His assessment of his current strength was primarily based on the ambush he had faced earlier in an alley, particularly the intervention of Min Baoyi. In fact, his understanding of figures who had perfected their techniques and Body Refinement was very limited.


    Now, seeing the power of the sword technique Xiao He was using, his evaluation concluded that she should be on par with him in strength and agility, but he possessed Copper-Steel Skin, making him much tougher than ordinary people. Were it a fight to the death with only one Momentum used, he would likely be the one to survive.


    But if he were to employ Dual Momentum... even if not overwhelming, it would be absolute suppression!


    Chen Mu had a clear understanding of his current strength level. His strength and agility were not much different from a common Body Refinement Perfection, but in terms of technique, possessing Dual Momentum, very few at the Body Refinement level could overcome him.


    The three Skin Toughening Methods had developed the Copper-Steel Skin along with abundant Qi-Blood, bringing extraordinary changes that allowed him, at the Major Achievement of Body Refinement, to possess strength comparable to the likes of Xiao He and Min Baoyi, who were at Body Refinement Perfection.


    Although the number of gray-skinned rats was large, it could not withstand the onslaught of Xiao He, Qin Bei, and Chen Mu. The attendants following them, though of average strength and mostly skilled only in crude hacking and chopping, were nonetheless capable of dealing with the gray-skinned rats with a Servant''s Knife in hand.


    But just as the number of gray-skinned rats started to sharply decline,


    About a dozen individuals clad in Black Crow Sect cloaks, each carrying a device crafted from metal and wood, appeared behind the countless gray-skinned rats and approached while directing their devices at Xiao He and the others.


    "Not good!"


    Upon seeing the devices in the opponents'' hands, Xiao He''s expression instantly altered. She leaped forward, abandoning the rats, her sword blade trailing a streak of light as she charged toward the members of the Black Crow Sect.


    But before she could get close, those Black Crow Sect members sprayed a mixture of black and red liquid from their devices overhead, accompanied by a pungent smell, which turned out to be the poison water they had encountered earlier in the tunnels.


    Swish!


    Without hesitation, Xiao He immediately retreated, her sword creating a curtain-like barrier while she dodged, blocking some of the black-and-red poison water.


    This black-and-red poison water fell to the ground, splashing on some gray-skinned rats, which immediately began squeaking as their bodies twisted and gradually turned a dark black color.


    The dozen or so Black Crow Sect followers continued to advance, wielding their poison water devices.


    "This is trouble."


    Seeing this, Qin Bei''s face instantly soured,


    But Xu Hongyu wasn''t here.


    His mastery of the solid Mountain Opening Sword Technique, characterized by its heavyweight momentum, was ill-suited for dealing with this kind of poison water. Lotus, sharing a master with Xu Hongyu, seemed unable to directly charge through the poison water either, judging from her just now.


    About a dozen members of the Black Crow Sect closed in step by step, while Lotus and Qin Bei grimly retreated. They soon aligned with Chen Mu in a straight line, with dozens of City Defense Division servants behind them.


    There wasn''t much nearby that could shield their bodies. Qin Bei''s expression fluctuated wildly, and he began to consider using the servants behind him as human shields if absolutely necessary. If they could just block a portion of the poison water with their bodies, he could push through and scatter the enemy.


    "Qin Bei, Chen Mu, attack!"


    Seeing no way to retreat, Lotus called out sternly and once again charged forward.


    Her swordsmanship couldn''t hold off the poison water sprayed by over a dozen people like Xu Hongyu''s could. But if Chen Mu and Qin Bei could each draw off some attackers from the sides, taking a risk might allow her to break through. And once they broke through, they could attack from both sides, throwing the enemy''s formation into chaos, ripe for slaughter.


    Qin Bei hesitated for just a moment before immediately attacking from the left, drawing the poisonous spray from several people in front. Chen Mu likewise charged from the right, drawing away some of the focus, while Lotus waved a swath of sword light through the center.


    Qin Bei was the first to retreat.


    Almost as soon as the poison water sprayed his way, he made a few symbolic slashes with his sword before quickly dodging backward, unable to face it head-on. Still, his action had served to draw some of the fire off Lotus, who blocked many sheets of the dark red poison with the umbrella of her sword light. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With a swashing sound, countless drops of poison water scattered from Lotus''s sword screen, and she forcefully broke through the enemy''s ranks. Her sword flashed, and the two closest individuals were instantly dismembered.


    Simultaneously.


    Lotus also felt a sudden numbness at her waist followed by a burning pain. A bit of poison water had not been completely blocked, but with her Body Refinement Perfection in the Body Tempering Realm, a small amount wasn''t too serious.


    What surprised Lotus, however, was that as she swung her sword, she caught a glimpse from the corner of her eye of Chen Mu''s figure, who, like her, had also forcefully charged into the enemy''s ranks. His blade drew blood with each strike, quickly leaving several bodies on the ground.


    "Rash¡­"


    A slight sinking feeling came over Lotus''s heart.


    Even she hadn''t managed to block all the poison water and got a little on her. Chen Mu''s situation likely wasn''t much better.


    Moreover, while she had achieved Body Refinement Perfection, which could withstand a little poison water, Chen Mu had only been practicing the Body Tempering Method for half a year. His Skin Toughening hadn''t even reached perfection yet, and getting some poison on him might be very serious.


    Even if he was quickly treated afterward, it would still greatly delay his Skin Toughening cultivation, dimming his future.


    Swish! Swish!!!


    As Lotus wielded her sword light, now within the ranks of the poison water squad, close combat made the poison much less threatening, and soon seven or eight men lay dead by her hand, while a few remaining members also fell to Chen Mu''s blade.


    After annihilating the Black Crow Sect''s poison water squad, Lotus immediately tore off the piece of her clothing that had been soaked in poison, swiftly dealing with the contaminated area. Seeing that the fair skin underneath only showed a small patch of redness, she breathed a sigh of relief. The injury wasn''t severe, and it wouldn''t require any special treatment or detoxification afterward.


    Immediately after,


    she quickly moved in front of Chen Mu, and upon inspection, she paused, taken aback.


    Chen Mu''s body showed only a few traces of black-red poison, one on the upper part of his thigh and another on his lower abdomen, much better than she had anticipated.


    Feeling relieved, she didn''t wait for Chen Mu to react and immediately reached for the clothes covering those areas.


    "Wait¡­"


    Seeing Lotus start tearing at his clothes, Chen Mu''s lips twitched as he dodged the grab towards his thigh, but she managed to rip off a piece of clothing from the lower abdomen, revealing the skin underneath.


    The exposed skin there, a healthy wheat color and no different from other areas, showed almost no significant changes or damage. Only by staring intently could one barely notice a faintly red outline.


    This completely stunned Lotus on the spot.

 Chapter 51: Chapter 49: Talent

    Body Refining Perfection?


    No!


    Not just the ordinary perfection of Skin Toughening, even when she faced the poisoned water, it wasn''t so easy. After taking the Poison-Avoiding Pill she always carried, a red mark still lingered, whereas Chen Mu showed hardly any change, the effect was minimal.


    This kind of skin membrane, which even the poisoned water could hardly corrode, was not something a common man could achieve even at the perfection of Skin Toughening. It required an inherently gifted individual to develop Copper-Steel Skin, the ultimate limit of the Skin Toughening Realm.


    Although Xiao He followed Xu Hongyu out of the Inner City and had seen all kinds of uniquely gifted individuals, some with incredibly high comprehension, some naturally had Copper Skin, Chen Mu''s progress, who had developed his Skin Toughening to this extent in merely half a year, was a very rare presence in her view.


    What was key was that Chen Mu''s comprehension was not low either, as he had also mastered Blade Momentum!


    "..."


    Xiao He took a deep look at Chen Mu and, after snapping back to reality, did not immediately pursue the matter but suppressed the shock in her heart. She then turned to Qin Bei, "Head Constable Qin, there is a survivor here. Interrogate him. The rest should search around to see if there are any other exits. We don''t need to release those in the cells for the time being."


    Qin Bei was also somewhat surprised by Chen Mu''s bravery. Even he didn''t dare to charge through the poisoned water like Xiao He did, yet Chen Mu had dared to join her in attacking the formation of the poisoned water team. This elevated Qin Bei''s respect for him.


    Seeing Xiao He handling the spots on Chen Mu touched by the poisoned water, he took a deep breath, quickly stepped forward, grabbed the survivor from the poisoned water team, and with a fierce look in his eyes, pulled him aside for interrogation.


    The rest of the officers, under orders, carefully explored the area.


    It was then that Xiao He walked aside with Chen Mu and handed him a white pill, saying, "This is a Poison-Avoiding Pill. It disperses most poisons. Taking one should do you no harm."


    "Thank you."


    Chen Mu expressed his gratitude. Actually, from what he felt, the poisoned water was basically unable to penetrate his skin membrane, which completely blocked it outside, but taking a Poison-Avoiding Pill was still a good precaution.


    A moment later.


    The interrogation by Qin Bei yielded results. After all, as a Head Constable specialized in interrogation, he finally learned most of the details about the Black Crow Sect''s Main Altar.


    The Main Altar was divided into multiple areas: besides the central Forbidden Land, there were prison areas, storage areas, and the usual living areas¡ªfour parts in total. They were currently in the prison area, responsible for incarcerating people brought in from outside and periodically drawing some of their blood to send to the Forbidden Land.


    Beyond the entrance they came through, there were two other paths leading to the living area and the Forbidden Land, but both of those paths were currently blocked. Their mission was to trap and eliminate Chen Mu and his group.


    Having learned the situation.


    Neither Chen Mu nor Xiao He were panicked. Such a setup could trap them temporarily at most. Just like the path they had come through was blocked, but it would only take some time to clear it for them; being trapped to death was impossible.


    Xiao He quickly had Qin Bei lead the officers to rapidly clear the route to the Forbidden Land.


    At the same time.


    Chen Mu received a report from the officers saying that on the inner side of this section of the prison, there was another area separated by thick iron plates, also containing some cells, but these held only women.


    He immediately followed the officers to check it out and saw about a dozen women imprisoned in a cell constructed from iron sheets, all fairly young, with none more than twenty years old, and contrary to what might have been expected, their clothing was not disheveled.


    At that time.


    All the women, visibly excited, clustered together.


    Initially captured thinking they were being trafficked to some brothel, they ended up in a more terrifying situation, locked in a sunless underground place. Although their bodies hadn''t been violated, someone came daily to draw their blood, leaving them in constant fear and near-despair.


    The arrival of the officers from the City Defense Division almost felt like a ray of dawn streaming into the depths of the earth.


    Chen Mu glanced over them and his eyes stopped on one woman who looked somewhat familiar. He then asked, "Zhang Youying?"


    "It... it''s me."


    Zhang Youying responded with a trembling voice amidst the crowd.


    She didn''t recognize Chen Mu, as she only had a vague recollection of him from when they were very young and hadn''t seen him since. Especially in such circumstances, with Chen Mu, knife in hand and an imposing manner, the nearby officers all remained silent, not daring to speak any more.


    Chen Mu looked her over and seeing that Zhang Youying''s mental state was still quite good, he nodded slightly and turned to the nearby officer, saying sternly, "Count the people, names, and guard them well!"


    Now was not the time to release anyone, as being outside was a certain death trap. It would be safer to stay within these iron-like cells until they had completely defeated the Black Crow Sect, and then rescue everybody all at once.


    Compared to others outside who were half dead or even had perished during the previous rat infestation, the condition of these women was much better, probably because they were being regularly fed and watered.


    "Yes, Lord Chen."


    The nearby officers respectfully complied.


    Chen Mu nodded, then turned and walked away.


    Hidden among the crowd, Zhang Youying watched as the constables didn''t open the prison cells to release them, feeling increasingly uneasy. At that moment, upon hearing the constable''s response to Chen Mu, she suddenly felt a jolt and figured something out.


    Was it him?


    It was.


    Otherwise, why would he specifically ask for her name?


    Thinking back now, Chen Mu''s appearance did bear some resemblance to a faint memory from long ago.


    "..."


    Having deduced that the man was indeed Chen Mu, Zhang Youying finally felt a small relief. Since Chen Mu was here, there likely wouldn''t be any problems, and they should be rescued soon.


    Only...


    A tinge of resentment rose in her heart.


    Chen Mu had asked for her name, surely recognizing her, yet he didn''t stop to talk more before leaving.


    She then thought regretfully that had she agreed to Chen Hong''s previous suggestion to discuss marriage with Chen Mu, perhaps she wouldn''t be in this situation now, nor would she have been caught and lived in fear these past few days.


    In a whirlwind of thoughts watching the back of Chen Mu as he walked away, Zhang Youying ultimately remained silent.


    ...


    Arriving at the passage leading to the Forbidden Land.


    There, Qin Bei was leading a group of constables in clearing the passage filled with a massive accumulation of rocks. With a few strikes from Qin Bei, large rocks were shattered, and then several constables began moving the smaller pieces out.


    "Found the person?"


    Xiao He turned to Chen Mu and asked.


    The City Defense Division''s investigation into the Black Crow Sect began with the disappearance of a relative of Chen Mu. Following clues along the way led them to the Black Crow Sect. Xiao He, who usually handled all kinds of intelligence information for Xu Hongyu, naturally knew this.


    Chen Mu nodded, "Yes, no major issues."


    "That''s good."


    Xiao He nodded slightly.


    In reality, she knew much more, including who Zhang Youying was, and even that Chen Mu''s aunt Chen Hong had once tried to arrange a marriage between Zhang Youying and Chen Mu. However, she just shook her head faintly at this.


    It was naturally expected that the marriage arrangement hadn''t been finalized at that time. Chen Mu''s now apparent abilities and talents were simply not something a common girl like Zhang Youying could match. Not only was his temperament steady and his perception exceptional, but his physical talents were also extraordinary, having developed Copper-Steel Skin in just half a year.


    Although Chen Mu''s Copper-Steel Skin, developed later in life, was not as naturally gifted as those born with Copper Skin, the most precious aspect was that Chen Mu also possessed great insight. However, among those she remembered who were born with Copper Skin, most never mastered "Momentum", and even among those who reached the Tendon Changing Level, many still lacked the skill of Momentum.


    And those who managed to master Momentum at a young age rarely also possessed a body of Copper-Steel Skin.


    Undoubtedly. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even though Chen Mu started practicing the Body Tempering Method later than ideal, missing the best few years, having developed a Copper-Steel Skin in just half a year had already compensated for much, and, in addition, he also mastered Blade Momentum. Once he steps into the Tendon Changing Realm later on, he would be nearly invincible at the same level.


    With such talents and abilities, even a match with a Yu Family daughter would be worthy.


    Thinking of this.


    Xiao He couldn''t help but sigh lightly, recalling Xu Hongyu''s father¡ªan extraordinary talent, mastering two kinds of Sword Momentum by the age of nineteen, and entering the Tendon Changing Realm at twenty, stunning the Yu Family. Afterward, he married Xu Hongyu''s mother, a direct daughter of the Yu Family, and even named Xu Hongyu after his own family name.


    However, even such a figure had gone missing in an incident eventually, leaving his whereabouts unknown to this day.


    Otherwise, Xu Hongyu''s current status would have been much higher, and with such a person supporting, the Yu Family might not have faced such internal struggles and external troubles in recent years, struggling to advance.

 Chapter 52: Chapter 50 The Demon Rat

    Black Crow Sect Forbidden Land.


    Your story continues on m_vl_em_p_yr


    This is a very spacious and wide cave, with even several thick pillars supporting the dome above.


    The thick smell of blood was extremely pungent; looking towards the center, a blood-red Blood Pool was visible, with something inside it wriggling incessantly, sending shivers down one''s spine.


    Not far away, numerous followers of the Black Crow Sect were besieging a lone figure.


    The one being besieged was none other than Xu Hongyu.


    To say she was besieged, however, one wouldn''t find the slightest wound on her body. Instead, beneath her feet lay corpses everywhere, and from time to time someone would die under her sword. Relying on her own strength, she battled many of the Black Crow Sect''s higher-ups and even gained the upper hand!


    "Underestimated her..."


    The Sect Master of the Black Crow Sect wielded an iron staff, dancing airtight, standing right in front of Xu Hongyu, but his expression was significantly ugly.


    His plan had been to separate and defeat Xu Hongyu''s group by using traps to isolate them and then to gather the strength of his followers to besiege her, aiming not to kill her but to heavily injure and repel her, rendering her incapable of attacking again.


    However, the Chief Constable of the South City District had strength that completely exceeded his expectations!


    He had thought that Xu Hongyu was merely at the Tendon Changing Minor Achievement level. His own strength was not inferior to hers, and with the additional support of many Black Crow Sect followers, he was confident they could put her in a difficult position. But unbeknownst to him, Xu Hongyu had quietly reached the Tendon Changing Major Achievement.


    Minor Achievement, Major Achievement.


    A single word''s difference signified a world of difference.


    In the Tendon Changing Realm, even a small step represents a significant disparity. With Xu Hongyu''s realm at Tendon Changing Major Achievement, she was holding her ground against the high-ranking members of the Black Crow Sect, even gaining momentum, while they barely managed to impede her progress.


    "Xu Hongyu! No matter how powerful you are, your subordinates are nearly dead or injured. Our Sect''s Protector deity is about to emerge. You alone cannot stop it! Why persist in this futile struggle? Withdraw quickly and think of another plan," the Sect Master of the Black Crow Sect said gravely.


    Xu Hongyu''s timing to strike was impeccable¡ªany later and the Protector deity would have emerged, spreading rapidly throughout the city, unstoppable. However, right now was the most critical moment.


    "My subordinates are not so incompetent," Xu Hongyu responded coldly, her sword play never ceasing. Her sword light was like myriad raindrops, continuously cascading down, resulting in a continuous clashing sound of metal and sporadically casting up sprays of blood.


    "Do you think your schemes are guaranteed to succeed? Mere vermin, even if they truly spread throughout the city, there are plenty of ways to deal with them. What you believe is merely wishful thinking," Xu Hongyu said indifferently.


    Although the Sect Master of the Black Crow Sect was a figure in his own right, he still fell short compared to others. There was a gap in both strength and vision. If a few mere vermin could dominate the Outer City and coerce the major forces of the Inner City, then the powers within the Inner City were not worthy of governing Yu City.


    However.


    While it wasn''t an insoluble issue, it was still a headache. Some casualties were inevitable, and if the resolution of the matter ultimately fell upon the Inner City, it would indeed be a joke at the expense of her, the Chief Constable of the South City District.


    Hearing Xu Hongyu''s words, the heart of the Black Crow Sect''s Sect Master sank slightly. For some reason, he felt that what she said might be true; otherwise, the Inner City Area shouldn''t be sitting so still at this point.


    But things had progressed to this point, and he was on a bridge of no return, with nothing to do but see it through to the end.


    "Even if you can cope with the Protector deity, at what scale of casualties are you willing to accept? Won''t it all just be polishing the rodent''s mirror?" he replied coldly.


    Even if the Protector deity couldn''t use the entire Outer City District''s populace as hostages, as long as they could affect a third, there would still be some room for negotiation amidst such heavy casualties.


    Just as the Sect Master of the Black Crow Sect and Xu Hongyu were locking horns with their words, suddenly, bubbles began furiously bubbling in the Blood Pool behind them.


    "It''s happening!"


    The Sect Master of the Black Crow Sect was the first to notice the change in the Blood Pool, a hint of joy flashing across his eyes.


    But at that very moment, from a nearby passage came the sound of numerous footsteps, followed closely by many constables led by Xiao He and including Qin Bei and Chen Mu, all arriving at the Forbidden Land.


    "All Black Crow Sect members are to be executed on sight, destroy that Blood Pool, Bounty Money one thousand taels!"


    Xu Hongyu''s cold voice echoed through the Forbidden Land of the Black Crow Sect.


    After a brief pause, the crowd of constables suddenly boiled with fervor, their eyes alight with zeal as they charged towards the center of the Forbidden Land where the Blood Pool was located. While a thousand taels of Bounty Money might be modest for people like Qin Bei and Chen Mu, it was almost life-changing for the average constabulary officer.


    The fact that Xu Hongyu, the Chief Constable, had personally declared it caused an uproar.


    "This is bad, stop them!"


    The Sect Leader of the Black Crow Sect''s face changed, not expecting such a large force to charge into the Forbidden Land at this time.


    The constables rushed to fight, mixing instantly with the Black Crow Sect members in battle.


    "A thousand taels of Bounty Money..."


    Qin Bei''s gaze narrowed slightly as he too raised his Servant''s Knife and headed towards the Blood Pool in the center of the Forbidden Land.


    To him, a thousand taels of Bounty Money was also a considerable sum, but more importantly, as the Head Constable of the City Defense Division, he knew that Xu Hongyu''s words signified the importance of that Blood Pool, which was most likely the thing used to cultivate so-called Protectors of the Sect. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He, Qin Bei, also had a large family living in the Outer City District and lacked the ability to relocate them all to the Inner City. He couldn''t tolerate the spread of such dangerous things.


    Whoosh!


    Chen Mu''s eyes were equally cold as he brandished his Servant''s Knife and charged towards the Blood Pool.


    Originally, Xu Hongyu alone was enough to put the Black Crow Sect members on the defensive, unable to win. Now with the entry of Minor Achievement and Qin Bei, along with many other constables, the tide of battle turned in an instant, with the Black Crow Sect retreating at every turn.


    The Sect Leader of the Black Crow Sect and several Vice Sect Hierarchs were also beginning to struggle against Xu Hongyu''s sword edge, retreating continuously, but they had no choice but to resist stubbornly, knowing they absolutely could not let her get past.


    Gurgle gurgle.


    Bubbles continuously emerged from the central Blood Pool, and the blood within it rapidly diminished, revealing the small mice inside. Their gray skins were dense with bloodlines, presenting a ghastly sight.


    These Monster Mice kept sucking the blood from the Blood Pool, stretching their limbs, and gradually started to squirm.


    Just as some constables had almost reached the Blood Pool, at that moment, a group of Black Crow Sect members carrying poisonous water equipment surged forward, spraying the equipment towards them and preventing their advance.


    "Ah!"


    Some constables were splashed with the poisonous water, letting out agonizing screams as they fell to the ground, writhing in pain.


    The arrival of the poison water team immediately curbed the fervor of the many constables, forcing those who had almost reached the Blood Pool to retreat, watching helplessly as the Monster Mice in the now emptying pool grew bolder and faster.


    Finally.


    One of the Monster Mice expanded its limbs and crawled out of the Blood Pool, ready to scamper away and vanish.


    But at this very moment, Chen Mu broke through from the back of the constables, his Servant''s Knife swinging through the air with a gust of wind that howled, lifting the incoming poison water and scattering it aside. His figure surged forward in a rush and, at the same time, he hurled his Servant''s Knife forward.


    Crack!


    The Servant''s Knife flew in an arc, landing squarely and slicing the escaping Monster Mouse in two!


    He then passed the poison water team, arriving at the dry Blood Pool and picked up his Servant''s Knife, chopping down repeatedly and cutting the remaining six or seven Monster Mice trying to crawl out into two pieces each.


    The impact of the Servant''s Knife against the Blood Pool emitted a crisp sound.


    For a moment.


    Both the Black Crow Sect members and the many constables paused their motion, their gazes converging in unison.


    And they saw Chen Mu, standing with his knife across his chest.


    His mouth slightly open, revealing a set of pearly white teeth.

 Chapter 53: Chapter 51 Post-war

    This...


    The adherents of the Black Crow Sect were dumbfounded.


    The divine protector beast, meticulously nourished by the sect with all its might and sustained with human blood, had just vanished... gone...


    For a moment.


    Countless gazes converged on Chen Mu as a hush fell over the crowd, which was followed shortly by the ashen faces of the Black Crow Sect members.


    Conversely, the City Defense Division was greatly invigorated, with many not even hoping for the bounty money of a thousand taels, but simply wishing to quickly resolve the battle. Witnessing the instant collapse of the Black Crow Sect''s morale, their own spirits naturally soared.


    "Well done."


    Xu Hongyu''s expression remained cool, her eyes unrippled, but her soft sword suddenly grew three times sharper, creating a sword rain that completely engulfed the sect leader of the Black Crow Sect, blocking any escape.


    Experience the best from m|v|l|e|mp|y|r sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She had originally planned to rush over and destroy the blood pool, but now her sword has changed its target.


    "Damn it!"


    The face of the Black Crow Sect leader twisted in ugliness.


    He hadn''t expected that among Xu Hongyu''s subordinates, there would be someone so brazenly fearless of death, braving the poison water line and charging over, and it wasn''t even Min Baoyi or the other Prefecture Chiefs, but a blue-clad Head Constable.


    With the death of the blood-thread demon rat, his entire plan had collapsed, and the Black Crow Sect members were already in disarray. Even trying to escape was difficult now; with a grit of his teeth, a fierce light flashed in his eyes as he flipped his left hand and pulled out a black orb.


    Bang!


    The black orb exploded, instantly spreading a gray fog. Wherever it reached, the vice sect hierarchs and others affected didn''t even have time to scream; their faces quickly turned pitch black, and they thudded to the ground.


    Xu Hongyu had already retracted her sword and stepped back the moment the gray fog erupted.


    "Corpse Poison Jade again."


    She furrowed her brows.


    She had seen one at Tang Quan''s place six months ago, and today, encountered another one with the sect leader of the Black Crow Sect, but didn''t know from where they had come.


    But just as Tang Quan had used it to escape from her the last time, the same trick wouldn''t work twice. As she leaped to avoid the gray fog, Xu Hongyu''s gaze had already locked onto the fleeing sect leader of the Black Crow Sect. She swung around the spreading fog at the blink of an eye and charged into a passageway after him.


    The explosion of the Corpse Poison Jade caused a momentary pause in the battlefield; members of the Black Crow Sect and the City Defense Division alike were pulling back to escape, all retreating towards the distance from the frightful fog.


    When the fog ceased to spread.


    What remained of the Black Crow Sect members looked around in panic, and seeing the ever-watchful Qin Bei and others who had lost the will to fight, surrendered one after another, abandoning their weapons; those who did not surrender were quickly killed by Qin Bei, Xiao He, and the others.


    On the other side.


    Chen Mu''s eyes were currently fixed on the blood-thread demon rats he had chopped in two, paying no attention to the cleanup of the Black Crow Sect''s remaining forces.


    He had already made his presence felt, and the bounty money wouldn''t escape him; there was no need to rush over for the leftover tasks.


    In front of him, even decapitated, the demon rats'' body halves were still writhing and struggling, squeaking eerily, their vitality far surpassing that of ordinary rats.


    "Monsters..."


    Chen Mu murmured in his heart.


    Now that his status was different, although he had never seen a monster with his own eyes before, he understood this world much more clearly through various records of the City Defense Division and many idle talks, such as the existence of monsters.


    Monsters were intimately related to martial arts. Not only were some martial practices, like the ''Fierce Ox Body Refinement Method,'' modeled after the monsters, but also many medicinal recipes required parts of monsters as a medicinal primer.


    Outside Yu City, there was an elite garrison army stationed, responsible for eliminating monsters that approached Yu City. Of course, occasionally some would slip through the net and enter the city, often causing some disasters.


    Among the duties of the City Defense Division, apart from maintaining security in major areas and daily taxation, handling wanted criminals, there was also the monitoring and handling of monsters. However, Ninth District in the Outer City was fairly central, and Chen Mu over the years hadn''t encountered such incidents.


    Still, it was said that areas closest to the city outskirts would sometimes have monster sightings.


    These bloodline monster rats should be classified among the weakest, possessing almost no strength besides their tenacious vitality, which of course was related to them being newly born. Yet, even if they were well-fed and grew to a tremendous size, a Skin Toughening martial man could still handle them.


    As far as Chen Mu knew.


    The Imperial Court once classified the monsters of the world into ten ranks.


    Monsters like the bloodline monster rat would at most be considered First Rank, whereas the Fierce Ox described in the Fierce Ox Body Refinement Method, which could easily lift giant boulders with a slight toss, would be at least Third Rank.


    While it may sound terrifying, in the end, monsters could not stir up major trouble. On one hand, they were a resource valued by martial artists, their flesh, tendons, bones, and skin all treasures, subjects to be hunted. On the other hand, no matter how chaotic the world was, it was always the era of martial artists, as martial arts had never declined from ancient times to the present.


    Clang! Clang!


    Chen Mu struck again, chopping the corpse of the bloodline monster rat into a mushy mass, and then, along with the other constables, they kept their distance from the spreading gray fog, dealing with the remaining Black Crow Sect followers one by one.


    Soon, other passageways were also cleared, and constables who entered from different directions arrived at the Forbidden Land. Min Baoyi was covered in blood, seemingly affected by some kind of explosion, with multiple bloodstains on his body, though most were superficial wounds.


    The situation for the other, Xu Chasi, was not as good. Also covered in blood, his complexion was somewhat darkened, seemingly poisoned, and he was staggering into the Forbidden Land with the help of others.


    After a moment.


    Hongyu, carrying her sword, returned with a blood-covered, unconscious leader of the Black Crow Sect in tow, throwing him to the ground. Then noticing the situation on this side, she immediately approached Xu Chasi.


    Xu Feng had already taken the Poison-Avoiding Pill from Xiao He, but it seemed not to be very effective. He now forced a wry smile and said, "I was careless and fell into a trap..."


    Hongyu quickly checked Xu Feng''s wounds. The injury itself was not serious, but the key issue was that the poison had entered his body. If Xu Feng were not a martial man with Body Refinement Perfection, full of Qi-Blood and with a vitality far exceeding ordinary people, he would either be dead or already unconscious by now.


    "Immediately carry Xu Chasi out."


    Hongyu spoke with a grave voice, commanding some subordinates to escort Xu Feng out of the Black Crow Sect''s Main Altar.


    She did not have many people she could trust in the City Guard General, and Xu Feng was one of them. Now that he was poisoned, it was uncertain whether he would recover. Although they had achieved a great victory over the Black Crow Sect, it was not as clean-cut as expected.


    But just at that moment, Xiao He leaned close to Hongyu and whispered a few words in her ear, causing a hint of surprise to flash across Hongyu''s eyes. Her gaze swept over the crowd and landed on Chen Mu''s figure.


    The limit of Skin Toughening?


    No wonder he charged forward boldly without fear of the poison.


    Reaching Skin Toughening Perfection in just half a year was enough to amaze her, but to develop a Copper-Steel Skin impervious to poison was even more astonishing, especially since when she had checked Chen Mu''s innate qualities before, she had found nothing unusual, nor was he inherently of the Copper Skin constitution.


    Initially thinking that Chen Mu had missed some cultivation time, reaching Body Refinement Perfection was not difficult, but the chance of breaking through to the Tendon Changing Level seemed small. Now, him completing the Skin Toughening Realm''s cultivation in just half a year meant he had caught up a lot.


    With Blade Momentum in hand and Copper-Steel Skin, if he could break through to Tendon Changing, even just reaching Minor Achievement, his strength might very well rival her current Major Achievement. Even in the Inner City, he would be considered a person of exceptional talent.


    In an instant.


    All sorts of thoughts flashed through her mind.


    In the end, Hongyu said to Xiao He, "Once this is over, have him come to see me at the Chief Officer''s office."

 Chapter 54: Chapter 52 Yu Family

    Revealing a portion of his strength was the outcome Chen Mu desired.


    In fact, what he actually wanted to reveal wasn''t the "Copper-Steel Skin" but rather the double Blade Momentum. By demonstrating his exceptional insight, he hoped to gain more attention from Xu Hongyu in order to later obtain the Body Tempering Method above Body Refinement.


    However, at that time the poison water was approaching, and he was uncertain if Xiaohu could handle it, so he met it head-on, but overall it was all within his expectations.


    When Xiaohu found him again and told him to visit the Chief Officer once the matter with the Black Crow Sect was concluded, it was also entirely within his expectations. The next task was to lead his men to clear out the Black Crow Sect''s Main Altar.


    They found quite a bit of silver, roughly a few thousand taels.


    They also found some resources such as medicinal materials.


    After organizing these resources and the silver, Xiaohu set aside a portion as Bounty Money to distribute, and Chen Mu also received twenty taels of silver, which was better than nothing.


    It''s worth mentioning that at the Black Crow Sect''s Main Altar, some Martial Arts techniques were also found, including Blade Technique and Swordsmanship, among which were two Skin Toughening Methods and one Body Refinement Method, all of which Chen Mu carefully reviewed.


    The Body Refinement Method was named "Sky Wolf Body Refinement Method."


    It was of a different type compared to the Fierce Ox Body Refinement Method. The latter focused more on a power-oriented, robust, and solid type of Body Refinement, while the Sky Wolf Body Refinement Method leaned towards a "speed-oriented" type, lithe and flexible.


    Considering that he had previously used various Skin Toughening Methods to develop his Copper-Steel Skin, Chen Mu quietly noted this Sky Wolf Body Refinement Method. Now that he wasn''t short on silver, and with the additional thousand taels of Bounty Money promised by Xu Hongyu, practicing multiple Body Refinement Methods was not a burden to him.


    ...


    Two days later.


    Chen Mu arrived at the City Guard General''s office.


    Compared to his previous visit, marked by caution and unfamiliarity, this time he was much more composed.


    It was still the small resting room beside the fourth-floor Hall Office. Xu Hongyu, wearing a loose casual outfit, stood by the window. When Xiaohu led him inside, she turned around and carefully sized up Chen Mu.


    Then, she gently pushed forward a piece of paper on the table, which still bore the elegantly written words, "Withdraw one thousand taels of silver."


    "I heard you obtained the Fierce Ox Body Refinement Method from Prefecture Chief Min, and you must have already started practicing. That Body Refinement Method is also considered a high-quality practice, and there''s no need to change it," Xu Hongyu said.


    Chen Mu took the note Xu Hongyu handed to him and respectfully thanked her.


    Xu Hongyu watched Chen Mu and shook her head slightly, saying, "There''s no need to be so formal with me in the future. With your talent and ability, you could catch the eye of many even in the Inner City. If you can step into the Tendon Changing Level, I could give you my younger sister Xiaoru, or a girl from a side branch of the Yu Family; you could choose freely."


    Tendon Changing...


    Only at this step would he truly enter the sphere of influence of the Yu Family.


    Chen Mu''s thoughts shifted. Officials like Min Baoyi, who claimed to be members of the Yu Family, could only be considered as twigs on the branches of a large tree. Only by reaching the Tendon Changing Level could one truly enter the vision of the Inner City gentry.


    After all, no matter how strong the Body Refinement Realm is or how many layers of Momentum it controls, it couldn''t match a person in the Tendon Changing Realm like Xu Hongyu. If Skin Toughening was about toughening one''s skin to withstand the burst of subsequent Body Refinement, then Tendon Changing was about making those toughened muscles as hard as steel, unleashing even more extreme power.


    Without strong tendons to lead, the burst of muscle power was always limited.


    Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering would progressively enhance one''s strength while gradually integrating the previously toughened muscles and skin.


    "There''s no need for thanks,"


    Xu Hongyu interrupted Chen Mu''s motion to bow and thank her again, instead looking at him calmly and saying, "In fact, with your current abilities, it''s not that you have no other options. Joining another faction would also receive their acceptance. The situation for my Yu Family is actually not great, as you may have heard.


    Hence, if you wish to join another ship, seek a different path, I won''t blame you."


    Chen Mu was slightly startled, but he quickly recovered and calmly said, "A man without trust cannot establish himself. Having received such favor from the Chief Constable, it is only right for me to alleviate his worries."


    For him, working for the Yu Family or the Imperial Court made no difference; both were merely ladders for him to climb steadily. As for the situation of the Yu Family, he had indeed heard a little about it, but that was not important.


    Seeing Chen Mu''s clear eyes, without any evasion, Xu Hongyu finally nodded slightly.


    "To progress from Body Refinement to Tendon Changing requires the Body Tempering Method of the Tendon Changing Realm and the corresponding ''Tendon Changing Pill''. However, regardless of the type, Tendon Changing Pills are resources that are priceless and not for sale, mostly controlled by the City Lord, with each family having only a fixed quota...


    This year''s quota is temporarily gone, and you don''t need it yet, but I will reserve a quota for you next year. When the time comes, you can come to me to collect it."


    "Isn''t that a bit too early?"


    He Lotus, standing by the side, suddenly spoke ''timely''.


    Xu Hongyu shook her head and said, "The quotas change every year; if we don''t reserve in advance, who knows what changes might occur later? Even though his Body Refinement may need two to three years, it''s still better to collect it in advance."


    At this moment, He Lotus turned her head towards Chen Mu, flashing a look of gratitude at him.


    Chen Mu had reasons to suspect that He Lotus and Xu Hongyu were coordinating their efforts, but he had indeed heard about the Tendon Changing Pills from Min Baoyi and knew that it seemed to be the case, so he thanked Xu Hongyu, saying, "Thank you, Chief Constable, for your cultivation." Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xu Hongyu nodded and continued, "Actually, the Inner City and the Outer City are two completely different worlds. The people of the Outer City struggle for survival, where in the past the lower classes could change their destiny through literacy and writing, but not anymore. Those mixed gangs are rampant and domineering, but they are the only opportunity for some people to advance."


    "Starting from the gangs, daring to fight and compete for the opportunity to practice martial arts, then furthering their skills to improve their status, earning Silver, and then practicing Body Tempering Methods..."


    "For them, reaching the Perfection of Body Refinement requires all-out effort."


    "But in the Inner City, it is not difficult for any family to practice up to Body Refinement Perfection. It is only from Tendon Changing onward that competition begins, and the intensity of this struggle is no less fierce than the chaotic Outer City."


    As Xu Hongyu started talking about the Inner City, Chen Mu listened carefully. Although he already knew something about the Inner City, it was indeed not enough, mostly just snippets of information he had heard from various people.


    Inner City.


    The descendants of the martial arts schools, if they only wanted to achieve Body Refinement Perfection, there is no need to struggle, but if they wanted to step into Tendon Changing, the competition within the schools is very fierce because the quotas are fixed. Afterwards, the families must also compete against each other for those quotas.


    These quotas originate from the acquisition of resources outside the city, such as killing a specific demon beast or harvesting a particular type of spiritual medicine. These are calculated as merits by the City Lord, who then distributes the rightful quotas to each family annually.


    The Yu Family now faces two problems.


    The first problem is that their greatest reliance, the only person above the Bone Tempering Realm, has reached his twilight years, and the person who could have potentially taken up the mantle, Xu Hongyu''s father, disappeared many years ago, his life and death unknown.


    The second problem is that this generation lacks successors everywhere; there is a shortage of manpower everywhere. Positions like the South City District Chief Constable should not have been taken by someone as young as Xu Hongyu, but there was simply no one else available.


    Last time Xu Hongyu did not tell Chen Mu much, but this time she not only talked about the situation in the Inner City but also broadly mentioned the current predicaments of the Yu Family.


    This mostly matched with some of the true-or-false news that Chen Mu had heard before.


    "Above Bone Tempering, what realm is there?"


    After hearing Xu Hongyu''s narration, Chen Mu asked curiously.


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    He had long known that Bone Tempering was not the deepest of the Body Tempering Realms, but he was unclear about what lay beyond. If he were to guess, considering the progression from the outer layer to the bone, the next step should involve the ''Viscera''.


    Xu Hongyu''s answer was not surprising.


    "It is the Viscera."


    "One skin, two flesh, three tendons, four bones, and then it is the Five Viscera and Six Viscera!"

 Chapter 55: Chapter 53 The Path Forward

    ```


    Indeed, it is the Viscera Realm.


    Chen Mu nodded slightly in his heart. Now, he still had quite a few other questions. Seizing this opportunity, he asked them all, "I''ve heard that besides the Body Tempering Method, there is also the Inner Breathing Method?"


    Xu Hongyu glanced at Chen Mu and then said, "Yes, that is the method to cultivate Inner Breath True Qi. However, before reaching the Viscera Realm, practicing the Internal Cultivation Method is mostly for regulating the body and doesn''t have much effect.


    Only after reaching the Viscera Realm, when you have something to rely on, can Inner Breath circulate continuously, converting into invisible Qi Force that can strike objects through the air, and every move you make carries tremendous power."


    "I see."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly, showing a look of sudden realization.


    From Xu Hongyu''s explanation, the Inner Breathing Method, before mastery in the Viscera Realm, seems to be merely a method of maintaining health, with far less direct impact on strength enhancement than Skin Toughening and Body Refinement.


    Only after entering the Viscera Realm and strengthening the internal organs and the Five Viscera, when the Inner Breath circulates endlessly, can a qualitative change occur, transforming Inner Breath into the so-called Qi Force, thus possessing great power all at once.


    It seems that in the journey of Martial Arts, Skin Toughening and Body Refinement is one stage, Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering is another stage, and the Five Viscera and Six Viscera represent an entirely different level, with a vast disparity in strength and status between each.


    Skin Toughening and Body Refinement are merely the struggles of the bottom dwellers in Yu City, Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering are the backbone of various families, and stepping into the Viscera Realm allows one to become a mainstay of a great family, maintaining a great family''s prosperity and status in Yu City for decades.


    Since it''s something temporarily out of reach, there''s no need to inquire too much about it. Chen Mu thought for a moment then brought up another issue that he had been concerned about:


    "I heard that above Blade Momentum, there is Artistic Conception."


    "Yes."


    Xu Hongyu nodded and looked thoughtfully at Chen Mu, "I remember you practice the Blade Technique from the Qian Heaven Kun Earth eight branches, the Xun Wind line. My Yu Family indeed has the Artistic Conception Map of Qian Heaven Kun Earth, but we only have the Kan Water Diagram..." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Upon hearing this answer, Chen Mu couldn''t help feeling a bit disappointed.


    He thought with the two types of Blade Momentum he currently mastered, as well as the Dripping Rain Sword Momentum he would soon grasp, if the Yu Family had the ''Xun Wind Diagram'' for him to comprehend, he might be able to directly break through the pathway of Blade Technique Artistic Conception.


    Seeing Chen Mu''s reaction, Xu Hongyu said, "At the City Lord''s place, apart from the two diagrams of Qian Heaven and Kun Earth, the other six diagrams should all be there. If you want to comprehend Artistic Conception in the future, it''s not impossible."


    "However, Artistic Conception is very difficult. I suggest that you master at least three or more types of Blade Momentum from the Xun Wind branch before considering Artistic Conception. It''s still quite far off for you."


    Xu Hongyu added another sentence.


    She had only mastered the Dripping Rain Sword Momentum in her Swordsmanship practice and had always remained at a Major Achievement level with the second swordsmanship, ''Long River Sword,'' never comprehending the Long River Sword Momentum. She had also viewed the Artistic Conception Map but didn''t feel anything at all.


    Knowing that the City Lord very likely has the Xun Wind Artistic Conception Map was useful information for Chen Mu. If after mastering many Momentums he still couldn''t develop Artistic Conception, it provided a clearer path forward.


    For the system panel, he probably just needed one glimpse of the Xun Wind Diagram and he could learn the Artistic Conception with his Experience Points.


    "Alright, let''s not talk about this for now. There''s another key issue I called you here for."


    Xu Hongyu looked at Chen Mu and continued, "Xu Chasi has been poisoned. Although he was promptly treated, his physical condition isn''t great, and therefore, after some time, you may need to take over his position."


    Xu Feng was already in his mid-forties, with declining Qi-Blood. Although he was promptly treated after being poisoned, the impact was significant. Although he wasn''t yet at the point of Zhao Zong with declining Qi-Blood and acting internal injuries, without gradual recuperation, after reaching fifty, he would most likely end up the same.


    Thus, Xu Feng proposed to Xu Hongyu the hope of stepping down early for recuperation.


    The position of a Head Constable is somewhat important. Currently, Xu Hongyu has only a few trustworthy Head Constables under her command. Previously, when cultivating Chen Mu, the plan was to try to promote him to Head Constable after three to five years, but now they had to consider doing it sooner.


    ```


    Chen Mu was stable-minded, valued trust and righteousness, and had the merit of eradicating the Black Crow Sect. Coupled with his own considerable strength, having reached the extreme in Skin Toughening and stepping into Body Refinement, his power would be even greater than others at the same level.


    "Endowed with your favor, my lord, I shall certainly not fail to meet your expectations."


    Chen Mu naturally would not refuse at this time.


    Although serving as a Prefecture Chief compared to being a Head Constable meant stepping into the limelight and dealing with various mixed gangs and forces, he now had strength to his name, and would soon achieve Perfection in Body Refinement, thus naturally bolstering his confidence.


    "Very well, you may go."


    Xu Hongyu nodded slightly towards Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu then took his leave, carrying the missive from Xu Hongyu with him.


    Xu Hongyu gazed thoughtfully at Chen Mu''s retreating figure for a while before turning to Xiao He and asking, "Xiao He, what do you think?"


    Xiao He blinked her eyes and said, "No problems at all. I saw him bow down in reverence once you flexed your authority, miss. His loyalty is evident."


    Xu Hongyu gave Xiao He a sideways glance, unamused, and sat down. She picked up a fruit from the table and took a bite, "Speak properly."


    Xiao He smiled faintly, "He must be hiding quite a few concerns, but the loyalty he expressed just now was sincere. However, people''s hearts can change, so it would still be best if we made him a member of the Yu Family."


    Xu Hongyu heard this.


    She stared at the fruit in her hand that she had bitten into and pondered for a while before saying, "Yu Ru is almost sixteen too."


    Pfft.


    Xiao He couldn''t help but let out a laugh.


    Xu Hongyu gave her a puzzled look and said, "What are you laughing at?"


    "Nothing."


    Xiao He coughed twice and composed herself.


    She just thought it was somewhat comical for the twenty-four-year-old Xu Hongyu to speak about arranging marriage for her cousin Yu Ru, who was nearly sixteen, in a tone suggesting match-making, but she dared not voice this for fear of being scolded.


    Her thoughts shifted, and she couldn''t help but think of Chen Mu again. She hadn''t considered it before, but now¡­


    If Chen Mu could reach the Tendon Changing stage before turning twenty-five, there might be hope for him to step into Bone Tempering in the future. Although he lacked a prestigious background, he would just about be worthy of the young miss, but that was still years away.


    "If only we could find a young and outstanding man like the old master."


    Xiao He murmured to herself.


    To cultivate Dual Sword Momentum at nineteen, Tendon Changing by twenty, Bone Tempering by twenty-five, grasping an Artistic Conception by twenty-seven, and achieving Perfection in Bone Tempering by twenty-nine... What remarkable talent and spirit that would take, but Yu City had not seen another such person in more than a decade since then.


    It even seemed like after reaching a peak there had been a decline. At that time, the Yu Family suppressed the other families to the point where they could barely lift their heads. However, since the disappearance of Xu Hongyu''s father more than a decade ago, no other geniuses had emerged within the Yu Family. The martial arts schools, targeted by various other families, failed to recruit any talent.


    A few years ago, there was one hopeful, but within a year, they met a cruel fate at the hands of one of the families.


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    In a rage, the Yu Family searched everywhere, but in the end, no results were found, and the matter was dropped.

 Chapter 56: Chapter 54: An Inch of Light

    He walked down from the fourth floor of the main building.


    Chen Mu slowly digested all the information and gains he had acquired from his visit to the Chief Officer.


    Firstly, he had clarified the path ahead¡ªafter Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering, the Five Viscera and Six Viscera were next. These stages symbolized the ultimate power in the vast Yu City, standing above a million people. This might be insignificant in the grand scheme of Da Xuan, but it was enough to dominate a territory. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then, there was the Artistic Conception Map of Qian Heaven Kun Earth. According to Hongyu, besides the two maps of Qiankun, the other six maps were likely with the City Lord. However, he could not meet the City Lord at his current level, at least not until he entered the realm of Tendon Changing.


    Lastly, there was the matter of his promotion within the Prefecture.


    Contemplating these matters deep in his mind, Chen Mu descended the stairs and suddenly met a stranger in dark green constabulary attire, who smiled faintly at him and gave a small bow with his fists.


    Although he didn''t recognize the man, Chen Mu reflexively returned the gesture out of respect for a fellow officer.


    "I am Fu Linjiang from the Division, I''ve long heard of Officer Chen''s young and promising reputation. Seeing you today confirms that you indeed carry an impressive demeanor,"


    Fu Linjiang said with a smile.


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    Unsure of the man''s intention, Chen Mu responded in a subordinate''s manner, "My lord flatters me. I am merely riding a fleeting wave of success."


    Fu Linjiang looked at Chen Mu meaningfully and said, "As the saying goes, ''Once you catch the wind, you can soar up to ninety thousand miles. As long as the wind continues, you can rise rapidly, reaching the heights effortlessly... Would Officer Chen be free tonight to gather at Tianxiang Lane? There''s a lord who would also enjoy meeting a young talent like yourself."


    With that said, Chen Mu realized what was going on.


    Min Baoyi had told him that Fu Linjiang was a man of Deputy Head Officer He Mingxuan, so it wasn''t hard to guess that "that lord" he mentioned was none other than He Mingxuan himself.


    "I apologize, but I have urgent matters tonight,"


    Upon understanding, Chen Mu calmly refused with a bow.


    Whether He Mingxuan invited him to the banquet to recruit him or to show off, Chen Mu was not interested. He might find the He Family a better option compared to the Yu Family, but he only needed a stable environment to practice martial arts, uninterested in power struggles.


    In this world, it was always a martial artist''s domination; military power always outweighed political power. Like the elite army of tens of thousands outside the city, they might prevent a person in the Viscera Realm from charging into battle alone, but they posed no threat to his life. Therefore, individuals in the Viscera Realm could hold their positions as pillars of a great family.


    With the aid of the system panel, he would eventually reach that realm. Both the Yu Family and He Family were merely stepping stones in his eyes. Moreover, he felt more favorable towards Hongyu than the completely unfamiliar He Family, as Hongyu had provided tangible benefits from the beginning, whereas He Mingxuan might even be linked to the assassination attempt he had recently survived.


    He hadn''t forgotten that incident.


    "..."


    Fu Linjiang watched Chen Mu''s retreating back as he walked away, maintaining his smiling expression. But once he walked up to the third floor, entered the Hall Office, and closed the door, his face immediately turned cold and stern: "Ungrateful!"


    It was said that Chen Mu was not only highly perceptive in mastering Blade Momentum but possibly had a unique talent that pushed the Realm of Skin Toughening to rare limits. With a clear background and only slight favor from Hongyu, he was considered worth drawing over to serve the He Family¡ªa very favorable prospect.


    However, the other party was decidedly unappreciative.


    He had already subtly hinted that He Mingxuan, the Deputy Head Officer, wanted to meet with them, but the other party still pretended not to hear and rejected the offer casually before leaving.


    The Yu Family was now in internal and external troubles; that old thing was nearing his twilight years, and once he fell, the Yu Family''s ship would immediately risk capsizing. At such a time, having the chance to board the He Family''s ship but not seizing it firmly, instead choosing to stick to Hongyu''s path till the end, was truly short-sighted.


    Fu Linjiang entered the resting room to the side of the Hall Office with a cold face and briefly relayed the situation to He Mingxuan.


    After listening, He Mingxuan frowned slightly and then shook his head, "Forget it, initially I did somewhat misjudge. If I knew he had a talent in Body Refining, I should have tried to snatch him from Hongyu then. Now, he is utterly enchanted by Hongyu, even willing to board a sinking ship, so it''s useless to have any more concerns about it."


    "Speaking of which, Xu Feng''s condition is really not good?"


    He Mingxuan picked up a new green jade glazed tea cup, fiddled with the lid twice, and took a sip before asking.


    Fu Linjiang nodded slightly, saying, "It''s said that he has been thinking about resigning to recuperate."


    "Hmm..."


    He Mingxuan revealed a pensive look, "Then, unless there''s an unexpected turn, Hongyu will probably have Chen Mu step in Xu Feng''s position, although that might still take some time."


    While speaking, he carefully calculated, his eyes revealing a thoughtful expression.


    ...


    Returning from the City Guard General.


    Chen Mu first went back to the City Defense Division and greeted Min Baoyi, summarily reporting his visit to the Chief Office. Although he might soon have to take over Xu Feng''s Prefecture Chief position, equating to Min Baoyi''s rank, he was still his subordinate for now, and hence he followed protocol in reporting.


    Of course, Min Baoyi was indeed one of Hongyu''s men, thoroughly knowledgeable about the various reasons involved, including Xu Feng''s health condition. He also speculated that Hongyu might let Chen Mu take over.


    In such circumstances, Chen Mu still reported methodically to him, making Min Baoyi admire him even more - having such an unimpassioned temperament at such a young age is rare. Moreover, his talents and capabilities surpassed those of Min Baoyi in his younger days.


    Undoubtedly, his future would certainly surpass Min''s, and at the very least, he would truly be able to step into the doors of the Yu Family.


    As for the Yu Family''s situation in the Inner City being unfavorable, that wasn''t within his considerations; after all, the Yu Family was an enormous entity to Min Baoyi. Even if it faced any disaster and gradually declined in the future, it was still a force that a Prefecture Chief like him would look up to. The struggle between such powers was beyond his concerns.


    Soon after.


    Chen Mu bade farewell to Min Baoyi and left the City Defense Division.


    Min Baoyi escorted Chen Mu to the outside of the Hall Office, paused, and watched his figure disappear, feeling a bit reflective. Chen Mu had risen from Head Constable to Prefecture Chief in just half a year; this rapid promotion was indeed meteoric. But the world was such - the essence lay in the talents of Martial Arts.


    In the past, when the Imperial Court was in its prime, commanding utmost authority, all the martial men in the world had to undergo successive martial examinations to serve the court. Those who could pass and become Martial Scholars, or even Martial Laureates, were renowned figures.


    Upon appointment, they were high-ranking officials and generals, and after earning merits, they could even be made dukes and marquises, blessing several generations.


    But now, with the declining clout of the court, martial examinations had long since lost their former glory. Compared to being ennobled, many of today''s powerful martial artists preferred to establish their own territories and become independent forces.

 Chapter 57: Chapter 55: Entering Winter

    It was deep winter.


    Beneath the eaves, droplets of water had frozen into a line of smooth icicles, and the roof was covered with thick white snow, as if it were wearing a hat of snow color. From a high viewpoint, one could only see a vast expanse of white throughout the city.


    In the cleared area of the backyard, Chen Mu stood in the center, wearing only a short-sleeved shirt, his arms bare, but his body showed no signs of coldness. Instead, he kept emitting a steaming white heat.


    This heat slowly melted the nearby ice and snow.


    "Fierce Bull Tossing Horns," "Fierce Bull Trample."


    As Chen Mu breathed in and out, the hot breath turned into thick white mist spewing from his mouth and nose. He resembled a fierce bull charging through the snow, robust and heavy, each movement filled with a sense of power.


    When he stood still, his muscles were tightly bound by the tough skin, hardly showing any significant change in shape, just slight muscle bulges, seemingly only the stance of an ordinary household. However, once he moved, his muscles tensed upon exertion, and a buzzing sound could faintly be heard, stretching the firm skin as tough as copper steel.


    Suddenly.


    Chen Mu''s technique changed, from the original heavy and steady Fierce Bull stance, it abruptly shifted, turning agile and keen, his head raised towards the sky, in one pounce he was nearly two yards off the ground.


    "Sky Wolf Wail at the Moon," "Sky Wolf Chase Sun."


    This was another Body Refining Method called ''Sky Wolf Body Refinement,'' mimicking the mythical creature, the sky wolf. It was said that with one pounce and bound, a sky wolf could easily leap ten yards high, freely moving between cliffs.


    At night, running as if stepping on the moon, and by day, chasing as if circling the sun, the body refined in its likeness, although not as heavy and mountainous as the Fierce Bull, was agile and could move about freely.


    It had been nearly five months since the eradication of the Black Crow Sect.


    Currently, Chen Mu''s Fierce Ox Body Refinement Method had reached perfection; occasionally practicing a few moves was only to better integrate it with the Sky Wolf Body Refinement Method. Now, the focus was more on the latter.


    During this period, Chen Mu had attempted to gather the Tendon Changing Method, but no matter the type, the method was easy to find, but the medicine was hard to obtain.


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    The Tendon Changing Method was even simpler than Body Refinement, hardly considered a technique. Thus, its core was not in the method but in the corresponding ''Tendon Changing Pill,'' crucial for entering the first realm of cultivation. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    According to Chen Mu''s knowledge, no matter the type of Tendon Changing Pill, the required medicinal ingredients varied, but they all needed one crucial main ingredient, named ''Jiao Blood.'' Currently, this main medicine was distributed annually in a certain quantity only by the City Lord.


    Jiao Blood!


    It was said to come from a very powerful mystical creature, the Jiao, ranked at least seventh rank or higher in the Da Xuan Dynasty, far surpassing the Fierce Bull and Sky Wolf.


    Chen Mu had flipped through some records, real or fake, of Da Xuan Dynasty events where the Imperial Court, to eradicate a Jiao, had mobilized its most elite Sky Dragon Guard. In the end, nearly a thousand were killed or injured before it was subdued.


    The small amount of Jiao Blood the City Lord released annually was from an unknown source.


    "Huh..."


    After nearly two hours of practice, Chen Mu slowly stopped.


    He turned and walked inside the house.


    Inside, Wang Ni was huddled by the stove for warmth. Seeing Chen Mu come in, she quickly ran over to help, but as soon as she left the stove, she couldn''t help but shiver.


    As she helped Chen Mu change his clothes, her small hand touched his body and instinctively jerked back.


    "Big brother Mu, your body is even hotter than the stove."


    Chen Mu listened and laughed heartily, taking the towel from her hand and wiping himself off before sitting down lazily by the stove to warm himself by the fire, meanwhile calling up his system panel to check.


    [Martial Arts: Raging Wind Blade Technique (Perfection), Gale Blade Technique (Perfection), Spirit Wind Sword Technique (Perfection), Chasing Wind Blade Technique (Major Achievement)]


    [Experience: 2825 points]


    ...


    [Sky Wolf Body Refinement Method (Major Achievement)]


    [Experience: 4 points]


    Now, compared to five months ago, his strength had taken a significant leap forward. Although he hadn''t yet reached the Tendon Changing Level, he had perfected the Fierce Ox Body Refinement Method and nearly achieved major accomplishment with the Sky Wolf Body Refinement Method.


    Cultivating two body refining methods had made him far stronger and more agile than a regular martial man skilled in body refinement.


    In terms of skills, he had achieved perfection in three momentums, including one sword technique. Though both sword and blade stem from the same family, in the realm of ''Momentum'', using the blade as a basis could similarly execute sword techniques, what mattered were not the weapons themselves, but the realm of ''Momentum'' he had comprehended.


    The Chasing Wind Blade Technique was the fourth skill he found, belonging to the lineage of ''Xun Wind'', and with accumulated experience, he was not far from reaching perfection.


    "I''m almost capable of harnessing Quadruple Momentum."


    Chen Mu shook his head.


    In truth, very few people possess Quadruple Momentum. This isn''t to say that cultivating four types of momentum is particularly difficult, but typically, those capable of mastering three types of momentum would start to delve into comprehending Artistic Conception through diagrams, rarely cultivating additional types.


    Chen Mu''s choice was motivated by the absence of the ''Xun Wind Diagram'', and since the system panel couldn''t generate something from nothing, without a diagram, he was obliged to use a rather rigid method¡ªcultivating multiple sword and blade techniques from the lineage of Xun Wind, integrating them, and tracing back to their origins.


    Of course.


    The method was somewhat rigid, but now possessing three types of momentum, and nearly a fourth, Chen Mu could say he had deeply comprehended the Xun Wind lineage, far from his initial naive understanding.


    He was certain that this method of cultivating multiple types of momentum to trace back to the origins was one correct approach, though compared to direct comprehension using the ''Xun Wind Diagram'', it was a roundabout way. But with the system panel, when it came to speed, the difference was negligible.


    He anticipated that upon mastering the fourth type of momentum, the system panel should be able to extrapolate the Artistic Conception based on that.


    This judgment wasn''t baseless; relatively speaking, he could feel that integrating the three types of momentum was already brushing an extremity. If he could cultivate the fourth type, even he would slowly deduce some aspects of ''Artistic Conception''. For the system panel, it was even simpler.


    "Compared to that, entering the Tendon Changing Stage is a higher threshold,"


    Chen Mu contemplated.


    Body Refinement Realm and Skin Toughening were different. By his estimation, perfecting the Sky Wolf Body Refinement Method was about the limit of the First Realm of body refinement. It seemed unlikely to cultivate three body refinement methods simultaneously. To further enhance his power, the only step remaining was the third phase, Tendon Changing cultivation.


    And entering the Tendon Changing Level required Tendon Changing Pills. Although Xu Hongyu had promised him a share for next year, in half a month it would be next year, and there would definitely be none at the beginning of the year. It was dubious if he could obtain it when the Sky Wolf Body Refinement Method was perfected.


    As for other sources...


    The City Lord''s place would provide direct access, but that required Merit; the sole source of Merit involved hunting demons outside the city and exchanging their parts. Money alone couldn''t make the purchase.


    Of course, if one were to speak hypothetically, with an unlimited amount of gold and silver, one could hire manpower to form teams to hunt on one''s behalf, and then make the exchanges themselves, but that would be too costly.


    The share of the major families within the Inner City, the City Lord''s rewards for Merit... Beyond these, there were only the occasional glimpses in the black market. Firstly, their authenticity was uncertain; secondly, the source was unknown; thirdly, their emergence would surely trigger a bloody storm, with factions fighting fiercely, something not resolved by money.

 Chapter 58: Chapter 56 Comparing Skills

    The option to leave the Inner City to hunt demons in exchange for merits was immediately ruled out by Chen Mu.


    On one hand, it was too chaotic outside the city, with extremely low safety, and on the other, it took too long and was not worth the effort. Moreover, if he had truly relied on his Body Refinement Realm to earn merits by slaying demons in order to exchange for a Tendon Changing Pill, it would have been too shocking and unconventional.


    Because such tasks were typically carried out by warriors above the Tendon Changing level from the Inner City, individuals like Xu Hongyu would occasionally go outside the city to hunt demons in exchange for merits.


    "Let''s consider it further, there''s no hurry for now, I can still practice the Sky Wolf Body Refinement Method for at least two more months."


    After all, even in the worst case, he had Xu Hongyu''s baseline support; it would just be a waste of time, but his strength wouldn''t stagnate. In terms of skills, he could also make rapid progress, as he was not far from the Artistic Conception.


    As Chen Mu was pondering this, an old servant suddenly came to report.


    Little Lotus has come.


    Chen Mu immediately got up and went out to meet them.


    If it were Min Baoyi coming to find him, he might be invited for drinks and music, and it might not be anything urgent, but if Little Lotus came looking for him, it was highly likely a message from Xu Hongyu, and usually not a trivial matter.


    When Chen Mu arrived at the door, he saw Little Lotus clad in a grey commoner''s garb, with a bamboo hat standing there. If one did not look at her delicate face, but only at her silhouette, she was the very image of an old farmer.


    Chen Mu greeted Little Lotus and invited her in.


    Little Lotus usually delivered a message and left, but this time she did not refuse. Following Chen Mu inside, she took off her bamboo hat at the door, shook off the snow on it, and then spoke seriously, "You should prepare for your appointment."


    "Appointment?"


    Chen Mu''s expression shifted slightly, "Wasn''t it supposed to wait until next year?"


    Speaking of the appointment, it naturally referred to replacing Xu Feng to assume the position of Prefecture Chief of the Wutong Grove District Division of the City Defense. It was supposed to be a matter for next year, but apparently, something had changed.


    Wang Ni came over with a teapot to pour tea. Little Lotus took the tea cup and while looking at Chen Mu said, "The Deputy Chief Officer also wants to place someone to replace Xu Chasi. If we wait until next year, there might be many unforeseen complications."


    "I see,"


    Chen Mu nodded and replied, "I don''t have any problems with that."


    Little Lotus looked at Chen Mu and blinked, "Even though Wutong Grove District isn''t a great posting, it''s still a promotion to become a Prefecture Chief. Why do you seem like you''ve been demoted?"


    Chen Mu chuckled, stood up, and made an insincere bow towards the direction of the City Guard General, "Thank you, Chief Officer Xu, for cultivating me, and thank you, Sister Little Lotus, for recognizing my worth. I am eternally grateful and will certainly not disappoint your expectations..."


    Chen Mu chuckled.


    Little Lotus couldn''t help but laugh out loud, her expression turning coy as if ice and snow were melting, "A bit overdone, but it should be enough to fool the young lady."


    After briefly jesting, Little Lotus returned to a serious tone, "You''ll probably receive your official appointment in a couple of days. However, the Wutong Grove District is quite different from Ninth District.


    Ninth District is more remote, essentially Min Baoyi''s territory, and although the Red Gold Gang is backed by an Inner City power, they don''t have significant conflicts with the Yu Family, so it''s quite stable."


    "Wutong Grove District is closer to the center of South City District and is much more prosperous than Ninth District. There are six or seven more influential gangs, and their connections are intricate. When you first take office, it''s best to proceed with caution."


    With that,


    Little Lotus conveyed to Chen Mu a general overview of the situation in Wutong Grove District and the interrelationships between the various gang powers.


    Chen Mu memorized the details and assessed the threat levels, ultimately concluding... there was no one worth fighting. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although the gang influences in Wutong Grove District were complex and many had various background relationships, none of those mattered as much as his direct connection as a Prefecture Chief of the City Defense Division.


    In public, the Prefecture Chief of the City Defense Division is officially under the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, a ''Eighth Grade'' government official of integrity.


    In private, he was a subordinate of Xu Hongyu and a part of the Yu Family''s forces. Regardless of any internal or external troubles the Yu Family faced and their waning influence, they were still one of the largest family powers in Yu City, not someone any tom, dick, or harry could easily provoke.


    In terms of strength, although each gang was similar to the Red Gold Gang in numbers and had many skilled fighters, the best of them only reached Body Refinement Perfection, which posed no threat to Chen Mu''s current level.


    In conclusion.


    He was going to Wutong Grove District to do three things... Oops, got sidetracked.


    "Thanks for the guidance."


    Having listened patiently to Little Lotus''s explanation, Chen Mu thanked her.


    His current interest was only in martial arts; once he arrived in Wutong Grove District, as long as those various forces didn''t act rashly, he would mostly refrain from getting involved. But if anyone became too arrogant and decided to misbehave, challenging his authority, then they could come and test whether his Servant''s Knife was sharp enough.


    After finishing her speech, Little Lotus looked at Chen Mu, blinked, and observed, "Seeing your confidence, it seems your Body Refinement has progressed well. Why don''t you let me test your level?"


    "Okay."


    In the past few months, Chen Mu hadn''t had much opportunity to spar with others, so he was feeling a bit restless. As soon as he heard Xiao He speak, he readily agreed and added with a smile, "Sister Xiao He, you''ll have to go easy on me."


    "Come on then."


    With a smile, Xiao He walked into the courtyard.


    Indeed, her visit this time was also to test Chen Mu''s strength. After all, the position of Prefecture Chief couldn''t be held without real power. Although five months were enough for Chen Mu to reach Minor Achievement in Body Refinement, coupled with his extreme Skin Toughening, his strength was certainly not weak. Nevertheless, it still needed to be tested.


    Chen Mu stood across from Xiao He and then drew his Servant''s Knife, waving it lightly. It seemed feeble, but the pieces of snow falling from the sky were caught in the induced gust of wind, turning into a wild torrent that surged forward.


    Clang!


    Xiao He, with a flick and a tap of her soft sword, struck straight at the tip and middle of Chen Mu''s knife. These two moves were as fast as lightning, and the metallic clangs almost overlapped, merging into one long sound.


    The surging snow caught up in the momentum of the knife dissipated in the air instantly.


    "That''s not quite good enough," Xiao He said with a teasing smile.


    Seeing Xiao He''s reaction, Chen Mu laughed and suddenly added more force to his knife. This time, it wasn''t just the falling snow that was swept up by the wind; even the accumulated snow on the ground was caught in it, creating a massive surge that moved with the blade''s momentum.


    Chen Mu had previously used less than one-fifth of his strength, which was about the full strength of a typical Martial Man with Minor Achievement in Body Refinement. He had now increased his force a bit more, to about one-third, comparable to Major Achievement.


    This time, Xiao He found it not so easy to deal with.


    Her gaze grew more intense, and with a swing of her soft sword, she created a myriad of sword lights formed by rain droplets. The sword light collided with the snow swept up by the blade wind, shattering massive chunks of snow.


    "Pushing Skin Toughening to the limit and stepping into Body Refinement is indeed different; the strength is much stronger than average. If I hadn''t reached Body Refinement Perfection and mastered the Dripping Rain Sword Momentum, it would''ve been quite difficult to fend off," she mused.


    "Your strength is indeed quite impressive now," Xiao He said, while parrying attacks.


    Upon hearing her comment, Chen Mu laughed and said, "What about this, then?"


    This time, he didn''t increase his strength but, as his Servant''s Knife flipped and flew, it suddenly transformed from wild chaos to fierce intensity. The chaotic wind, now with the infusion of fierce, raw momentum, melded together, turning the situation completely upside down.


    The snowflakes that were already wild now moved even faster, adding three parts of fierceness to the chaos, resulting in the Dual Momentum formed by the merging of Raging Wind Blade Momentum and fierce Blade Momentum!


    "Eh?"


    Surprised flickered in Xiao He''s wide eyes as she recognized that this was no longer a single blade momentum, but a skill that blended two similar Blade Techniques.


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    Caught off-guard, and with no time to inquire further, the combination of Dual Momentum was nothing to trifles with. The pressure from the technique suddenly increased by who knows how much. Although Chen Mu''s applied force on the Servant''s Knife was still less than hers, the gap in skill widened, and she had to go all out, no longer able to handle it with ease as before.


    Can she still block this?


    Seeing Xiao He still managing to fight him to a draw, a thought flickered through Chen Mu''s mind, and he altered his knife technique. If his previous technique had added three parts of fierceness amid the chaos, this time, it included three parts of agility!


    The already chaotic and fierce technique, carrying countless snowflakes, surged and fluttered like a torrent. Suddenly, amidst the surging, it gained some flexibility, making those currents of snow seem like agile living creatures, like snowy dragons twisting and turning.


    Crash!!!


    This onslaught of momentum, carrying along the pervasive snow, proved too much for Xiao He to block. She was engulfed by the surge, entirely submerged in it, and from within came a startled cry of ''Ah!''


    Chen Mu quickly stopped swinging his knife and shook his head inwardly, wondering why he let Xiao He stir up his competitive spirit. Why did he feel the need to beat her?


    As the knife momentum ceased, so did the snow.


    It was then revealed that Xiao He had become a snowman, covered in snow from head to toe, with only half a face and a pair of somewhat confused eyes visible; she stood there looking dazed.


    "Ahem."


    Chen Mu gave a cough.


    Only then did Xiao He seem to snap back to reality. She shook her body fiercely a few times to shake off all the snow and stared at Chen Mu with eyes as if she had seen a ghost, her words stuttering, "You... you... "


    What had she just witnessed?


    Three different Momentums?!

 Chapter 59: Chapter 57 Promotion

    Triple Momentum!


    How could this not shock Xiaoha''s heart.


    For Xu Hongyu had only last month finally grasped the Momentum of a second technique, cultivating another swordsmanship to Perfection, unlike Chen Mu.


    Xu Hongyu had been practicing martial arts since childhood, going through more than a dozen springs and autumns, and in the process, had experienced countless battles, emerging as a star from the martial arts training hall of the Yu family in the Inner City.


    And what about Chen Mu?


    As far as she knew, he had been practicing with the Servant''s Knife for no more than four or five years and without any mentor''s guidance, relying entirely on his own exploration.


    What does it mean to achieve Triple Momentum in just four or five years!


    Although in the past Xiaoha and Xu Hongyu had felt that Chen Mu had decent comprehension and managed to grasp a Momentum through self-discovery, now it seemed they had somewhat underestimated him. With such talents, placed in the Inner City, that would also be considered top-notch natural ability.


    "You...when did this happen?"


    Xiaoha opened her mouth, taking a good while before she could barely suppress the shock in her heart. Stay updated with m-v le-mpyr


    Chen Mu carried the Servant''s Knife back under the eaves and said, "Just these past two years, that''s all."


    In truth, he had always intended to reveal some of his innate talents for techniques to gain more attention and facilitate access to resources later on. It was just that during the last battle with the Black Crow Sect, he had accidentally revealed his limit in Skin Toughening, rather than his technique.


    "How did you manage that?"


    Xiaoha''s gaze was somewhat complex as she spoke.


    Being a martial artist herself and having cultivated the Dripping Rain Sword Momentum, she understood very well the difficulty of bringing one technique to Perfection. Although having one technique as a foundation made sharpening a second technique somewhat easier, that was still only comparative.


    To grasp a different Momentum, one still needs the effort of constant hammering and the flash of sudden enlightenment.


    "Diligent practice and hardship, not deterred by cold or heat."


    Chen Mu gently began as he watched the snowflakes falling in the courtyard.


    Xiaoha shook her head, her tone still somewhat shaken, "It''s not something that can be achieved just by diligent practice and hardship. Your natural ability in the realm of Blade Technique, among the people I know, may well be no less than that of the old master."


    Xu Hongyu''s father had mastered Dual Momentum at nineteen and mastered Artistic Conception at twenty-seven. With Chen Mu''s talents, if he now had the chance to study the Xun Wind Artistic Conception Map from Qian Heaven Kun Earth, there''s no doubt he too could cultivate an Artistic Conception.


    Artistic Conception!


    Even among those at the Bone Tempering level, very few could grasp such power.


    By now Xiaoha had also stepped under the eaves and once again scrutinized Chen Mu carefully. Watching him put away the Servant''s Knife and stand with his hands behind his back enjoying the snow, she felt his entire aura had changed from before. He seemed to possess an unnoticed charm and elegance previously not seen.


    She and Chen Mu were now quite familiar with each other. She had given him evaluations such as ''not bad'', ''very good'', and so on, but looking back, all those evaluations still underestimated him.


    Although he started his cultivation journey somewhat late, given time, his name would surely spread throughout the grand Yu City.


    "Does anyone else know about this?"


    Xiaoha steadied her emotions once more and asked Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu shook his head and replied, "This is the first time I have demonstrated the Triple Momentum before someone else."


    Xiaoha took a deep breath, "That''s good. It''s best not to casually reveal the Triple Momentum before you enter the Tendon Changing Realm. Otherwise, it might bring about some complications."


    If the Chen Mu of the past, with his displayed talents, would at most get some additional glances from people in the Inner City, then the current Chen Mu, having self-actualized Triple Momentum and displaying both extreme innate ability and limit in Skin Toughening, would cause a massive uproar just by being in the Inner City.


    "Thank you for the heads up, Sister Xiaoha. I''ll be careful."


    Chen Mu turned his head to look at Xiaoha and smiled at her.


    Actually, revealing the Triple Momentum in front of Xiaoha was not entirely because she had stimulated him, but rather because lately, their relationship had grown closer, with Xu Hongyu and Xiaoha fully considering him ''one of their own,'' so showing a bit of his true strength wasn''t an issue.


    Moreover, this sparring session had allowed Chen Mu to roughly assess his own strength. With the overlay of Triple Momentum, he only needed to use about one-third of his power to defeat Xiao He.


    If he exerted his full strength...


    Body Refinement Martial Men would stand no chance, and even Martial Artists in the Tendon Changing Realm would have to fight it out to see the outcome.


    The Tendon Changing Level in Yu City was already not considered weak, and within the major families of the Inner City, it was counted as the backbone and elite. Such strength in itself was a kind of confidence.


    "Pfft."


    Xiao He couldn''t help but smile upon hearing Chen Mu''s words and said, "Just call me Xiao He in the future, no need for the ''sister''."


    Strength and talent symbolize status. Previously, when Chen Mu sometimes called her ''Sister Xiao He'', she didn''t find it strange, but now that she heard this term again, it felt a bit unusual, and her heart was filled with all sorts of messy thoughts.


    After stealing a glance at Chen Mu, her cheeks involuntarily blushed with a faint rosiness, but it quickly faded away as she said, "Alright, I came here to test your strength, only to be bullied by you. It''s time for me to go back and report."


    Chen Mu couldn''t help but laugh in amusement at Xiao He''s words.


    What bullying? If someone overheard that, they might think he had improper designs on Xiao He. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And obviously, Xiao He''s attitude towards him had changed. Previously, she more or less carried a bit of an ''elevated status'' aura, but now it was completely gone, replaced with the charm and coquettishness of a young girl.


    "Next time I''ll definitely prepare a banquet and apologize properly to Xiao He."


    Chen Mu gave Xiao He a bow.


    "No need for apologies, I''m just a maid by my lady''s side, destined to be bullied... Okay, I''ll be taking my leave first." Xiao He waved her small hand at Chen Mu and blinked playfully, looking quite adorable.


    Chen Mu escorted Xiao He all the way to the door, watching as she disappeared into the snow while wearing her bamboo hat.


    ...


    Two days later.


    City Defense Division, Ninth District.


    Prefecture Chief Min Baoyi, alongside Chen Mu, Qin Bei, and five other Head Constables, were all in attendance. Everyone''s expressions were solemn, with Min Baoyi standing at the front, followed by the five Head Constables lined up in a row and Chen Mu standing on the far left.


    In front of them stood a man in a black uniform. This was not the uniform of the City Defense Division, but belonged to the ''Governor''s Guard''. The man before them was an Imperial Guard of the ''Outer City Metropolitan Commander'', who had jurisdiction over the four major City Guard Generals of the east, south, west, and north.


    Appointing a Prefecture Chief was no jest.


    Even Xu Hongyu, the Chief Constable, couldn''t decide with a single word. She could unilaterally remove other Prefecture Chiefs, but she couldn''t appoint them at will. The appointment of a Prefecture Chief always had to go through a higher authority, the Outer City Metropolitan Commander.


    Although the Imperial Court was on the decline, Yu City still retained many official positions and systems.


    For instance, the South City District Chief Constable was of the Seventh Grade.


    The Outer City Metropolitan Commander was of the Sixth Grade.


    Further up was the ''Yu City Commander-in-chief'', of the Fifth Grade, second only to the City Lord and also the Great Commander of the city''s military, holding total command over all military affairs both inside and outside of Yu City.


    "...Chief Min Baoyi, there is a man named Chen Mu who is diligent in his duties and skilled in martial arts. He has earned considerable merit in the battle against the Black Crow Sect.


    Now, with the position of Wutong Grove District Prefecture Chief vacant, after the nomination by Xu Hongyu, Chief Constable of the City Defense Division, with the approval of the Metropolitan Commander, Chen Mu is appointed as the new Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove District."


    "Thank you, Chief Xu and Metropolitan Commander, for your support."


    Chen Mu performed a respectful bow.


    Qin Bei and the others at his side couldn''t help but look towards Chen Mu, their eyes filled with a hint of envy. Although they more or less knew that Chen Mu was favored by Xu Hongyu and was likely to be promoted to Prefecture Chief in the future, they didn''t anticipate it would come this quickly.


    It had been less than a year since he was promoted to Head Constable, and now a vacancy for a higher Prefecture Chief position had emerged.


    With the recent eradication of the Black Crow Sect and the considerable support from Xu Hongyu, everything fell into place naturally.


    While Chen Mu was respectfully bowing, the Imperial Guard of the Metropolitan Commander didn''t put on airs. After representing the Metropolitan Commander and accepting the bow, he put down the scroll in his hand, and then with a smile, said, "Brother Chen has a promising future ahead. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Brother Chen on your promotion."

 Chapter 60: Chapter 58: The New Prefecture Chief

    When the envoy came to the City Defense Division to convey the decree on behalf of the Metropolitan Commander, it was, of course, necessary to maintain a dignified presence. After delivering the decree, he was merely one of the commander''s Imperial Guards.


    For someone like Chen Mu, who was greatly supported by Xu Hongyu and rumored to have notable innate talent, the envoy naturally wouldn''t put on too many airs. After all, given Chen Mu''s age, the position of Prefecture Chief was likely not his final destination.


    With the support from Xu Hongyu and the Yu Family, he could at least rise to the position of Deputy Head Officer in the future.


    Smack.


    Min Baoyi firmly patted Chen Mu on the shoulder, revealing a smile without saying anything, yet his heart was quite pensive.


    Although he had long known that Chen Mu was not one to be confined to a small pond and had early on regarded him as someone at his own level, affectionately referring to him as a younger brother, he did not expect Chen Mu''s promotions to outpace his expectations.


    He had thought it would take at least two or three years, but it coincided with Xu Feng''s illness, requiring a successor, and so Chen Mu was promoted ¨C indeed, it seemed as though fortune had favored him.


    "Lord Liu, your elegance remains unchanged after all this time. It''s rare for you to visit Ninth District, so let me play host today and treat you to a hearty drink."


    Min Baoyi then turned his gaze toward the Governor''s Guard.


    Speaking of official rank, the Governor''s Guard was actually only equivalent to the Head Constables under his command, but their positions were different, so naturally, their status was different too. Being a guard for the Outer City''s Metropolitan Commander, his identity naturally elevated by a notch, and Prefecture Chiefs also treated him as an equal.


    Liu Hong smiled and said, "Prefecture Chief Min, you are too kind, but I am merely here to convey the Metropolitan Commander''s order and still have official duties to attend to. Once I have some free time, I will certainly join you."


    "Official duties take precedence, then I''ll see you off, Lord Liu," Min Baoyi said with a smile. Your story source m_v lem|p-yr S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Then, along with Chen Mu, he escorted Liu Hong out of the City Defense Division.


    The numerous other Head Constables did not have this privilege and remained inside the Hall Office, watching as Chen Mu and Min Baoyi left with the envoy. Wang Gong sighed and said, "A golden scale is not a common thing, transformed into a dragon as soon as the wind and cloud meet ¨C the notion of destiny truly is not false."


    He had been following Min Baoyi for many years, yet he could only watch as Chen Mu ascended to the role of Prefecture Chief.


    Not that his heart was completely devoid of thoughts ¨C but at most, there was a bit of envy. After all, the position of Prefecture Chief had to be earned through strength, and he was currently only at Minor Achievement in Body Refinement. Moreover, already past thirty years of age, it was extremely challenging for him to advance to Major Achievement.


    Furthermore, he had not even mastered Blade Momentum, so his capabilities were far from sufficient to assume the role of Prefecture Chief.


    Very soon.


    Chen Mu and Min Baoyi returned.


    The order brought by the Governor''s Guard was not the only thing; it also included a dark green Prefecture uniform, which belonged to the Prefecture Chief. Chen Mu quickly changed into it in the inner room. He was no longer just a Head Constable of Ninth District, but now the new Prefecture Chief of City Defense Division in Wutong Grove District.


    In these current times, the power of a City Defense Division Prefecture Chief was immeasurable. If one said their power was great, it truly was vast enough to manage almost everything and deal with issues in the name of ''public security.''


    If one argued their power was small, the reality was that the local scene was a mixed bag, with numerous gang forces and noble scions, making it not always easy for a Prefecture Chief to exercise authority.


    For instance, in Ninth District, Min Baoyi''s commands were almost absolute, but when dealing with the Red Gold Gang, compromises had to be made on both sides, and in case of large-scale conflicts, it was not certain that he would come out on top.


    This was also because the overall strength of the City Defense Division was not sufficient to easily suppress a large gang like the Red Gold Gang.


    "Brother Min, my trip to Wutong Grove District is headed to unfamiliar territory. Although Xu Chasi promised to introduce some men to me, I still wish to bring two men with me. Could you accommodate this request?" Chen Mu said to Min Baoyi, cupping his hands in a courteous manner.


    Min Baoyi laughed heartily and said, "You¡­ such a small matter, why be so polite? Pick whoever you want, just say the word. However, I can only spare you one of my Head Constables at most; I still need people to get things done."


    Chen Mu also laughed and said, "I wouldn''t dare. There''s no need for a Head Constable ¨C two familiar Prefecture officials will do."


    Liu Song and Li Tie had been handling tasks for him all along; over the past year at the City Defense Division where they served as his informants. Although he rarely visited the City Defense Division, having the two there meant he was mostly informed about the various happenings in Ninth District.


    Going to take up his new position in Wutong Grove District, he naturally preferred to work with people he knew, especially since they were just ordinary officials who could be easily transferred.


    Had they been Head Constables, he would have to ask for Xu Hongyu''s permission.


    Min Baoyi nodded and said, "Alright, today''s your day to take office, so I won''t delay you any longer. Remember to come and drink with me when you''re free."


    After thanking Min Baoyi, Chen Mu walked outside, promptly selecting Liu Song, Li Tie, and others, then set off toward Wutong Grove District.


    For Liu Song and Li Tie, who were named to accompany him, their feelings were naturally mixed with excitement.


    Being excited to follow a Prefecture Chief to a new post, even though their own strength was not sufficient to ever become Head Constables, serving as ''Imperial Guards'' to Prefecture Chief Chen Mu would elevate their status significantly¡ªthey could expect even Head Constables to treat them with due respect.


    The complexity came from the fact that just a year earlier, Chen Mu was just like them, a lower-tier official working the daily grind. Now, in a mere year, he had been promoted time and again, from Head Constable to Prefecture Chief ¨C a height they now had to look up to completely.


    This sense of disparity still felt somewhat dreamlike and unreal.


    Walking along the streets.


    Many of the shops and pedestrians along the way caught sight of Chen Mu and his entourage, and although they were not officials, they all recognized the dark green uniforms belonging to the City Defense Division''s Prefecture Chief, signifying high and mighty figures, and they all promptly made way and paid their respects.


    "Hey, who''s that coming?"


    Mixed in the crowd, Zhang Hai held a skewer of meatballs, and as he saw the people in front parting and making way, a flicker of puzzlement crossed his eyes.


    "Shh."


    Dressed in plain clothes, Zhang Youying was by his side, tugging at Zhang Hai''s sleeve and pulling him aside, saying, "It must be some big shot. Cousin, be careful not to be disrespectful."


    Zhang Hai, having suffered greatly before, naturally harbored fear in his heart towards such important figures and hastily bowed his head while hiding the meatballs behind him among the crowd.


    The bustling street thus became silent in an instant as the pedestrians made way.


    Only the footsteps of a few people could be heard, thudding as they passed by and gradually fading into the distance.


    Only after the sound had passed and moved away did Zhang Hai lift his head, looking at the receding figure in the distance, took another bite of his meatball, and muttered, "That outfit looks like a Prefecture Chief''s..."


    He remembered that the dark green uniform was something that only a Prefecture Chief could wear, so the person just now must have been Min Baoyi.


    "Let''s go."


    Zhang Hai called out to Zhang Youying as he saw the crowd beginning to disperse.


    But when he called out, he got no response.


    Turning his head, he saw Zhang Youying standing there in a daze, still looking off into the distance, with a hint of confusion in her eyes.


    "What''s the matter, got hysteria?"


    Zhang Hai waved his chubby, short hands in front of Zhang Youying''s eyes.


    Zhang Youying came out of her daze and, looking at Zhang Hai, said quietly, "I remember... only a Prefecture Chief in the City Defense Division is allowed to wear the dark green uniform, right?"


    "Yeah, what about it?"


    Zhang Hai asked curiously.


    Zhang Youying opened her mouth as if to speak, then hesitated and finally shook her head, saying, "Nothing."


    With that, she turned and walked away, her figure slightly forlorn.


    ...


    Chen Mu''s promotion to Prefecture Chief of the Wutong Grove District was something that couldn''t be hidden in the Ninth District. In just one day, the news spread through all the streets and alleys.


    Some said Chen Mu had hit the jackpot, with his ancestral tomb emitting blue smoke and having made the acquaintance of an important figure from the Inner City.


    Others said Chen Mu wasn''t actually Old Chen''s son but the illegitimate child of a big shot from the Inner City, with whom he had recently reconnected.


    There were also whispers that Chen Mu had earned his position as Prefecture Chief through merit, although this rumor was the least common.


    But whether it was Chen Mu''s former neighbors or some of his past colleagues, their feelings were a mix of shock and complexity.


    Among them, a major figure who now ruled over a district with tens of thousands of households had emerged so suddenly.


    In just one short year, everything had been turned upside down!

 Chapter 61: Chapter 59: Making Trouble

    Wutong Grove District. Find additional tales at m,vl-em,py-r


    Compared to Ninth District, Wutong Grove was not significantly larger in terms of overall jurisdiction, but its proximity to the center of South City District made it much more prosperous. It rarely featured the narrow and congested alleys; instead, it boasted more spacious streets.


    Due to the larger population and greater prosperity, the City Defense Division of Wutong Grove was also somewhat larger than that of Ninth District, with its three squads totaling more than three hundred personnel, overseen by seven Head Constables, surpassing Ninth District in both number and other aspects.


    Despite this.


    The authority held by the Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove paled in comparison to Min Baoyi of Ninth District.


    One reason was the complex forces within Wutong Grove, similar to the Red Gold Gang, it housed six or seven major gangs, and numerous powerful local forces were present. Moreover, being close to the center of South City District, it was often subject to the constraints of the City Guard General.


    Unlike Ninth District, where the emperor''s reach was weak, there were only a few significant gangs. Min Baoyi was almost like an emperor there, his word was law. Even the Red Gold Gang did not dare to confront him openly, which was why Chen Mu, during his days as Head Constable in Ninth District, encountered little trouble apart from that fierce ambush.


    City Defense Division of Wutong Grove.


    The whole Division seemed much more spacious compared to that in Ninth District, at its center stood a two-story building that appeared to have been recently constructed within the past few years. The other buildings also showed no signs of wear and were well-maintained.


    When Chen Mu walked into the City Defense Division with Liu Song and others, the seven Head Constables had already gathered the three squads in the open space in front of the central building, waiting for them. Upon his arrival, they immediately bowed in salute.


    "Wutong Grove City Defense Division, three squads, totaling three hundred and sixty-one people, all present, greet the Prefecture Chief."


    The seven Head Constables, along with the three hundred personnel, all bowed down together.


    The scene was rather impressive.


    Chen Mu stood in front of all the constables, looking down with a sense of reflection in his heart. He had been in this world for nearly two years, achieving nothing remarkable, but once the opportunity arose, he seized it immediately. In just over a year, he had risen from a lowly constable to the position of a Prefecture Chief, commanding hundreds.


    Perhaps outside in Wutong Grove, his orders could not move unobstructed as Min Baoyi''s did in Ninth District, with no one daring to defy him, but within this City Defense Division, all constables were under his command.


    "Rise."


    After surveying the group, Chen Mu spoke calmly.


    Now that he was a Prefecture Chief, he no longer needed to treat other constables and Head Constables with the same courtesy as before. Instead, he needed to establish the authority of a Prefecture Chief, whose will could not be defied, even though he was significantly younger than the seven Head Constables.


    "Yes."


    The constables answered in unison and then stood up, carefully observing their new leader, Chen Mu.


    The first reaction was youth.


    Too young!


    Chen Mu''s appointment as Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove was an open matter for Min Baoyi, Xiaokou, even He Mingxuan, and others. However, for the ordinary constables and even Head Constables below them, it wasn''t so easily discerned.


    Indeed, until the day before, they had no clear idea who would replace Xu Feng as Prefecture Chief.


    "How can he be so young..."


    "He must be from the Inner City, probably has an extraordinary background."


    "Heh, you don''t know, this Prefecture Chief is not from the Inner City. I know a bit; he''s from Ninth District, and was a Head Constable there, gradually promoted up, apparently caught the eye of the Chief Constable."


    "Is that so?"


    Constables farther away whispered in very soft voices.


    Their gazes towards Chen Mu were filled with surprise, admiration, and also envy. They sighed inwardly that this is how the world works; being favored by an influential figure could skyrocket one''s career, and at such a young age, he was able to rise and become a Prefecture Chief.


    However, compared to the constables behind, the few Head Constables at the front treated Chen Mu with utmost respect. After all, they were different, being on a higher level. Some of them had previously worked with Xu Feng in the crackdown on the Black Crow Sect, and they knew all too well that Chen Mu''s promotion was not as simple as just being favored by Hongyu.


    "Has Xu Prefecture Chief already left?"


    Chen Mu looked towards the Head Constable nearest to him and asked.


    Normally, when he came to take over as Prefecture Chief in Wutong Grove District, his predecessor, Xu Feng, would hand over the responsibilities to him, but Xu Feng was not being promoted this time, instead he had opted to retire due to illness, which made it a bit different.


    "Reporting to Prefecture Chief, Sir, Mr. Xu said he was unwell and did not want to cause any trouble by staying,"


    Shang Qinglai bowed and responded respectfully.


    After hearing this, Chen Mu''s expression did not change. He immediately said, "Disband the three groups right here, follow the usual practices, and the seven of you come with me to the Hall Office to report on the situation in Wutong Grove District."


    Xu Feng was indeed ill, but it was not so severe that he would leave before Chen Mu arrived. Chen Mu surmised that Xu Feng probably did not want to meet him, and he was indifferent to this.


    As both were subordinates of Hongyu and affiliated with the Yu family, it wouldn''t hinder him¡ªperhaps, he simply did not want to face the new prefecture chief in the City Defense Division in his weakened, retired state.


    Chen Mu was indifferent to this as well, since Xu Feng had already prepared everything before his arrival. He had assembled the teams and clearly briefed Shang Qinglai and the other Head Constables, fulfilling the necessary formalities sufficiently on a superficial level.


    Soon,


    the many constables disbanded, each attending to their duties, while Shang Qinglai and the other seven Head Constables, along with Liu Song and Li Tie who had come with Chen Mu, followed him into the Hall Office for an internal meeting.


    In practice, Chen Mu had already learned about the situation in Wutong Grove District from Hebe, so wanting to hear reports from Shang Qinglai and others was more about evaluating the seven Head Constables to assign them tasks later.


    From what he could tell so far, it was Shang Qinglai who led the seven Head Constables. He was closest to Xu Feng and, as Chen Mu knew, seemed to be a distant relative by marriage of Xu Feng, but he managed his duties well. He showed great respect to him, the new prefecture chief, with neither word nor deed showing any disrespect based on his connections.


    "Crocodile Gang, Quicksand Gang, Thieves Gang... these seven gangs have intricate and complex relationships, some with conflicts, others in alliance. Then there are the Nan Family and Zheng Family, both with relatives working in Inner City, and themselves having been powerful magnates for generations, with dozens of martial masters hired as protectors, and even more servants..."


    Shang Qinglai stood to the side, outlining the many forces in Wutong Grove District.


    While Chen Mu already knew much of this from Hebe''s explanations, what Shang Qinglai provided was more detailed, specific to which family''s daughter became someone''s concubine, and which gang was involved in what kind of business and had allied with whom.


    However, Chen Mu wasn''t actually very interested in these details, to be honest. When he came to Wutong Grove District to serve as Prefecture Chief, he was just filling a position and did not intend to do much actual work, focusing more on his Martial Arts cultivation.


    In fact,


    with his current strength, even though the forces under the seven gangs and two powerful families were strong, none were less influential than the City Defense Division, and he was fully justified in saying, "I have spoken; who agrees, who objects."


    When one reaches the level of Tendon Changing, it represents a completely different realm.


    Yet, just as Chen Mu was reflecting on these reports, suddenly a noisy disturbance came from outside, with what seemed like a large number of people, so much so that the noise reached inside the Hall Office.


    Shang Qinglai, who was in the midst of reporting, paused and glanced outside.


    "Sir, I will go have a look."


    Another Head Constable nearby quickly reacted, bowed to Chen Mu, and then hurried out.


    But only a moment later, he returned to the Hall Office with a rather troubled look on his face: "Prefecture Chief, it''s people from the Zheng family and some from the Quicksand Gang, it seems there are also people from the Thieves Gang."


    Upon hearing this,


    the other many Head Constables exchanged looks of concern. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Today was Chen Mu''s first day as the new Prefecture Chief, and it was coincidental that the Zheng family and Quicksand Gang appeared together, mixed with people from the Thieves Gang. It certainly couldn''t be to welcome Chen Mu with open arms.


    "It seems I still have some reputation; just my arrival has caused quite a stir."


    "Let''s go."


    With a calm demeanor, Chen Mu slowly stood up and walked outside.


    Seeing this, Shang Qinglai and the many head constables exchanged glances before hurrying to follow him, all of them leaving the Hall Office together.

 Chapter 62: Chapter 60: Murder Case

    Outside the main gate of the City Defense Division.


    Hundreds of people crowded the spacious street outside the gate, blocking it completely.


    A person was seen tightly bound with rope, kneeling at the main entrance of the City Defense Division with a bruised nose and a swollen face, while a female corpse lay prostrate beside him. The woman appeared to be about twenty years old and looked as if she had just recently died.


    The outer perimeter was a large mixed crowd of various individuals, from a middle-aged man in a luxuriant brocade robe surrounded by a group of Protector martial masters, to a rugged brute with a steel blade on his hip and a fearsome scar on his face.


    The Head Constables guarding the entrance to the City Defense Division were somewhat intimidated at this time.


    For them, had it been commoners causing trouble, they would have kicked them out long ago. It would''ve never come to this point where the incident grew so intense that it alarmed their superiors inside.


    But this situation was completely different, as the man with the steel blade and the scar had a notorious reputation locally. He was the Gang Leader of the Quicksand Gang, known to almost everyone in Wutong Grove District, with a presence even said to silence the cries of children at night.


    The man surrounded by bodyguards in brocade clothing was Zheng Hong, the master of the Zheng Family from South Street. The Zheng Family''s local influence was even more significant; they were more domineering than the Quicksand Gang. It was trivial for them to abduct local women, and Zheng Hong''s eldest son, Zheng Yi, once had a minor dispute with someone in a tavern.


    He ordered his house servants to beat the man to death in the street and then left without further concern.


    Even when Head Constables of the City Defense Division were patrolling nearby, Zheng Yi had killed the man right in front of them. He further instructed the constables to "clean the street," and afterwards, the incident sank like a stone in a deep sea without causing the slightest ripple¡ªa testament to the Zheng Family''s brazenness.


    Being a Head Constable in the City Defense Division meant first and foremost to discern those who could be provoked from those who could not. In Wutong Grove District, the Zheng Family and the Quicksand Gang were not to be trifled with. Find more adventures at m-v-l-e-m-p-y-r


    The Head Constable at the gate wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.


    He kept looking into the City Defense Division, and finally saw Chen Mu leading a group of people out. He promptly greeted Chen Mu with respect, "Prefecture Chief."


    Both the Gang Leader of the Quicksand Gang and Zheng Hong of the Zheng Family were not figures that mere Head Constables could handle.


    Upon seeing Chen Mu emerge with a group of people, Zheng Hong offered a slight smile and cupped his hands towards Chen Mu, "A reputation is better seen than heard. Lord Chen is truly a young talent. When I was your age, I was still indulging in the pleasures of the Flower District, struggling even to manage a common shop owned by my family, yet Lord Chen has already become the head of a division."


    The statement appeared to be complimentary, but it sounded quite awkward, causing Liu Song and Li Tie among others to frown quietly.


    Chen Mu''s expression remained unchanged. He glanced at Zheng Hong and then turned his attention to the corpse in front of the gate and the person bound and kneeling beside it. At this glance, his eyebrows slightly furrowed.


    Because he recognized the kneeling person.


    "H-head... Prefecture Chief, you must uphold justice for me. They deliberately framed me..."


    The person kneeling on the ground raised his head to look at Chen Mu and then spoke with a grieving face.


    The halfway uttered address of ''Little Mu'' was something only two people besides Chen Mu''s aunt Chen Hong could use to refer to Chen Mu.


    It was his second uncle, Chen Mao.


    Chen Mao had always been ignorant and uninformed. His relationship with Chen Mu''s father was quite average, and he had been scolded repeatedly by Chen Mu''s father. So much so that when Chen Mu''s father passed away, he didn''t even show up. Afterwards, hearing that Chen Mu had suddenly risen to a high position, he thought of reconnecting with his nephew but hesitated and didn''t have the face to visit.


    Despite this, as Chen Mu''s second uncle, his circumstances had still changed significantly. Many gang members who once looked down on him began to greet him initiatively, and some even sought to make his acquaintance. Chen Mao was naturally pleased to see this and gradually rose in influence.


    Chen Mu had actually heard of this, but considering Chen Mao did not explicitly use his name for personal gain, nor had he heard of Chen Mao committing any evil deeds, he hadn''t paid it much attention.


    Today, in fact, was their first meeting after many years.


    His second uncle, Chen Mao, who had stormed off resentfully after being scolded by Chen Mu''s father, was now kneeling on the ground, bound and swollen-faced right at the entrance of the City Defense Division.


    From the moment he recognized Chen Mao, Chen Mu knew with crystal clarity that someone was deeply dissatisfied with his appointment in Wutong Grove District. They had chosen his first day to make a statement, and it looked like they''d been planning this for some time.


    Without any delay,


    Chen Mu disregarded Chen Mao''s pleas and turned to Shang Qinglai, "Since a life has been taken, bring all concerned into the division for interrogation. Chief Head Constable Shang, I entrust you to ensure justice is strict and impartial."


    Shang Qinglai wasn''t aware of Chen Mao''s identity, but he understood someone was trying to make things difficult for Chen Mu, intending to humiliate the newly appointed Prefecture Chief on his first day.


    "Yes."


    After a brief hesitation, he promptly responded.


    No matter the current situation, with the Zheng Family and the Quicksand Gang possibly uniting against him, he had to stand by Chen Mu. Not only because of Xu Feng''s instructions before he left, but more importantly, Chen Mu''s current status as the unequivocal Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove District, overseeing the entire City Defense Division.


    Just as Shang Qinglai was about to step forward and take Chen Mao and the others into the City Defense Division, Zheng Hong spoke out.


    "Hold!"


    Zheng Hong''s initial greeting had been ignored by Chen Mu, resulting in his expression turning cold. Now, he spoke firmly, "A life has been lost, and it indeed calls for strict and fair judgment. However, I am aware that the main suspect seems to be a relative of Lord Chen. If the case were to be tried within the City Defense Division, it might lead others to question Lord Chen''s impartiality.


    Perhaps it would be better to conduct the interrogation here on the spot, to convince the onlookers."


    With these words,


    Suddenly, many faces showed a slight change of expression.


    Shang Qinglai''s mouth twitched with a hint of a headache as he looked towards Chen Mu. Aside from Zheng Hong''s clear intention to stir up trouble, finding out that the main suspect was Chen Mu''s relative was giving him an even bigger headache.


    In today''s world, it wasn''t a big deal for a relative of the high-ranking Prefecture Chief to be implicated in a homicide case¡ªunless someone used the incident as a pretext to cause trouble. And when the person seeking to create issues was a powerful figure like the Zheng Family, it inevitably turned into a troublesome matter.


    "Very well."


    Chen Mu gave Zheng Hong a faint glance.


    This look sent a chill down Zheng Hong''s spine, but he quickly regained his composure. He knew all about Chen Mu''s background, simply an underling cultivated by Xu Hongyu, there to replace Xu Feng''s position. Even if Chen Mu might have a bit of a future, that presupposed he had a future to speak of.


    The Yu Family''s situation wasn''t too good at the moment, and today''s events were hinted at by some higher-ups.


    Moreover, Zheng Hong was no ordinary figure himself, not only distantly related to the He Family in the Inner City but also had people serving in the Inner City. Compared to Zheng Hong''s own connections and background, Xu Hongyu, who backed Chen Mu, really wasn''t much. And as for authority, Chen Mu was a newly appointed Prefecture Chief, newly arrived and young.


    It was doubtful he could easily control the City Defense Division''s men and horses. What ability did he have to compete with Zheng Hong?


    "I implore the lords present," one person stood out and knelt to the ground, speaking, "Chen Mao acts willfully and despotically and indulges in wanton pleasure. Drunk, he forced himself upon our house concubine, and afterwards, in a violent rage, brutally murdered her. I hope the lords will administer justice impartially and restore what''s just."


    "Utter nonsense!"


    Chen Mao nearly jumped up, arguing, "My Lord, they are in this together. That day I drank a little, and this woman deliberately seduced me. Afterwards, they framed and accused me, saying I marred her reputation and wanted to report me to the City Defense Division. We had an argument and in the heat of the moment..."


    "Lies, clearly you took advantage of being drunk with lustful intent, with both human and physical evidence present, how can you still deny it!"


    "Clearly it''s your deliberate plot..."


    The scene quickly erupted into a commotion.


    "Silence!"


    Chen Mu''s voice was calm, but it carried an undeniable force that quickly quieted the agitators.


    Chen Mu glanced at the female corpse lying beside, clear signs of strangulation on her neck. He then looked at the so-called eyewitnesses and other physical evidence and shook his head slightly.


    The case wasn''t complicated.


    With a little deliberation, it all became quite clear.


    It should have started with the Zheng Family intentionally contriving a rape case. However, during the struggle, when threatened, Chen Mao, driven by desperation, committed murder. He didn''t know the Zheng Family''s men were lying in ambush nearby; he just thought to destroy the corpse after the murder and suppress the matter with his connections.


    But when the Zheng Family''s men saw the rape case turn into a homicide, they did not intervene, just watched as the woman was choked alive by Chen Mao before finally stepping out to capture him.


    Only then did Chen Mao realize something was amiss, but it was too late. There was no room for struggle or argument; he was apprehended and brought here.


    A farce.


    This was Chen Mu''s assessment.


    The deceased woman, the murderer Chen Mao, and the Zheng Family... This case had neither a completely innocent victim, culprit, nor deceased.


    What was more ludicrous was that all this was just to serve him, the new Prefecture Chief, a lesson on his first day in office.


    Very well.


    The surprise on his first day in office was truly received.


    Chen Mu slightly closed his eyes for a moment, then looking at Chen Mao, said in a calm tone, "So you''re saying you indeed killed the person?"


    Chen Mao suddenly fell silent, his eyes darting around frantically, his argumentative tone weakening, he stuttered, "I... I was just furious, it was an accident... And it was their deliberate scheme, to frame me, it was them..."


    Chen Mu turned his head toward Zheng Hong and said indifferently, "The laws of the state brook no personal feelings. Man does, heaven watches. If evil is done, regardless of the reason, a price must be paid. What do you think, Shopkeeper Zheng?"


    Zheng Hong, who had been watching the drama play out, found these words grating, frowned, and was about to say something when he saw Chen Mu had already waved his hand:


    "With eyewitness and physical evidence present, take him to the Chief Officer''s prison."


    "Yes."


    Shang Qinglai immediately responded and stepped forward.


    Chen Mao''s complexion stiffened, and he began to struggle, opening his mouth to shout something, but before he could speak, Shang Qinglai struck him with a hand chop to the back of his neck, causing him to collapse limply, unable to utter another word.


    Several constables immediately came forward to assist, escorting Chen Mao away.


    "The Zheng Family, the Quicksand Gang, and those thieves over there... any further business?"


    Chen Mu no longer watched as Chen Mao was taken away but instead swept his gaze across the many factions present in the scene, his voice still as tranquil as an undisturbed ancient well, betraying no emotion.


    The various factions exchanged looks of bewilderment. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zheng Hong''s brow also furrowed.


    In truth, he knew that Chen Mu and Chen Mao''s uncle-nephew relationship was not very good. The purpose of today''s events was not to use Chen Mao to force Chen Mu into submission but merely to undermine Chen Mu''s authority.


    However, this whole scheme didn''t seem to have the desired effect. Chen Mu had remained composed from beginning to end, conducted himself with steadiness, and exhibited a detached attitude.


    Furthermore, his ability to enforce discipline had his Head Constables obeying on the very first day, with Shang Qinglai handling matters sharply, acting swiftly to control the increasingly unruly Chen Mao and immediately suppressing the situation.


    This farce, far from damaging Chen Mu''s reputation, had instead inadvertently built up his authority.


    To think he was barely in his twenties and it was his first day as Prefecture Chief, yet his conduct was so steady, without a single fault to be found. Truly strange indeed.

 Chapter 63: Chapter 61: The New Residence

    "Since there''s no trouble, let everyone who''s not involved disperse."


    Chen Mu''s gaze swept around, and when he saw that no one spoke, he calmly spoke, followed by a stroll back to the City Defense Division.


    The group of Head Constables and subordinates glanced left and right, hurrying to follow Chen Mu, leaving only the several hundred people from the Zheng family and the Liusha gang still gathered in the streets, momentarily unsure what to do, each looking to their respective leader for direction.


    The Gang Leader of the Liusha gang squinted his eyes slightly and stared at the City Defense Division for a moment before turning to Zheng Hong, giving a respectful hand gesture, and said, "Master Zheng, I still have urgent matters to attend to, so I will take my leave first. Another day, I shall invite Master Zheng for a drink."


    Having said that,


    he turned and left.


    As soon as he departed, the several hundred people on the street immediately scattered, most of whom were members of the Liusha gang, and soon only a few dozen Protectors and house servants brought by Zheng Hong remained.


    He had been invited by Zheng Hong to watch an exciting event and to support the Zheng family, to prevent any conflict between the City Defense Division and the Zheng family members. But the thrilling event hadn''t materialized, and instead, he saw that the newly appointed young Prefecture Chief was not a simple character, so he lost interest in staying any longer.


    Zheng Hong stared at the City Defense Division with a fluctuating expression, then flung his sleeve.


    "Let''s go."


    The group of Protectors also followed Zheng Hong and left.


    However, just at this moment, among the scattered bystanders who had been watching the excitement from the outer perimeter, some of the thieves'' gang members hefted their smoking pipes and chuckled, "Master Zheng ought to be careful."


    The thieves'' gang and the Zheng family were not allies, and their presence today was not to provide support but purely out of curiosity, having received the news and wanting to see what kind of person the newly appointed Prefecture Chief was.


    "Hmph!"


    Zheng Hong cast a glance at the members of the thieves'' gang and coldly snorted before flouncing off.


    Today''s attempt to trouble Chen Mu had not yielded any results, and there was no doubt that it was a direct challenge to the new Prefecture Chief. However, he was unafraid of anything. If it had been Xu Hongyu, he might have had some fear, but the Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove District? With at most a few hundred subordinates, how could he pose any threat to him?


    ...


    In the Hall Office,


    following the ruckus, there was a noticeable shift in the atmosphere.


    Apart from Shang Qinglai, who had left with the prisoners, the other six Head Constables were clearly preoccupied with varying thoughts.


    Content from m-vl|em|p,yr


    Some believed that Chen Mu''s first day in office bringing trouble from the Zheng family and the Liusha gang meant that there would likely be endless problems to come, leading to a troublesome period and worry about threats from the Zheng family and the Liusha gang.


    There were also those who believed Chen Mu was composed and unruffled, young yet truly possessing the authority of a District Prefecture Chief, showing that he could govern his territory, and that faithfully serving under Chen Mu would probably not be the wrong choice.


    The subsequent report was made much simpler.


    Chen Mu did not ask the Head Constables to do anything further, and after listening to some reports, he dismissed everyone, leaving the Hall Office with only himself and the trusted followers he brought from the Ninth District.


    "The Zheng family and the Liusha gang are becoming too brazen."


    Li Tie spoke softly.


    Liu Song was pouring tea for Chen Mu and upon hearing Li Tie''s words, immediately glared at him, signaling him not to speak out of turn.


    Chen Mu had risen from Head Constable to Prefecture Chief in just a year, and though it was only a short period, his authority had steadily increased, leaving Liu Song no longer daring to speak casually in front of Chen Mu as he used to. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said, "It''s not that these two families are too brazen, but that someone wishes to use them to test the waters with me, the new Prefecture Chief."


    The Zheng family and the Liusha gang may seem to be influential in Wutong Grove District, but in reality, they aren''t significant at all.


    And they have never been considered a threat by him.


    "..."


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s words, Liu Song and Li Tie exchanged glances, neither daring to speak.


    As Chen Mu''s trusted followers now, they could raise a voice against the Zheng family and the Quicksand gang, but when it came to matters above them, like the power struggles within the Inner City, that was not something they dared to intervene in.


    Chen Mu looked at his teacup and pondered for a moment.


    If it had been in the past, he might have ignored such matters, but now, he was no longer the lowly functionary he''d been on the first day he took office, a day that brought him a surprise. How could he not return the favor?


    While the struggles of those above were beyond his control for the time being, the Zheng family and the Quicksand gang were merely two forces in the Wutong Grove District. No matter how powerful the local bullies, they still fell under the jurisdiction of the city''s City Defense Division. Even if acting on orders from above, they should first weigh their own capabilities.


    "Liu Song, go investigate the Zheng family; Li Tie, go check on the Quicksand gang... I shouldn''t need to tell you how to conduct the investigations, nor do they need to be too detailed," Chen Mu instructed as he set down his cup.


    He was the Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove District, officially responsible for the public security of the region. Thus, while the Zheng family had to find ways to create trouble for him, he did not need to reciprocate the gesture.


    Even with Chen Mu''s current status, he disdained doing things like killing and looting in the night as he had done initially. As the Chief Officer in charge of a district, he held both power and authority without the need to tread lightly.


    "Yes."


    Liu Song and Li Tie felt a chill in their hearts and immediately responded.


    Although they suspected the Zheng family and the Quicksand gang had staged this play, and Chen Mu would certainly not let it slide without consequences, they hadn''t expected Chen Mu to set them to work right away, before they had fully acclimated to the operations of the City Defense Division.


    The two quickly took their leave from the City Defense Division.


    Chen Mu walked out of the Hall Office at a leisurely pace, heading to the ear chamber next to the main hall. It was essentially a more rudimentary version of the "City Guard General''s main building." The ear chamber also contained two low tables, with the windows open and at the very back, a small couch for resting.


    He went to the window and glanced outside. The second-story building was indeed much smaller than the main building of the Chief Officer, as from here he could only take in the scene of the City Defense Division. The streets just beyond were out of sight.


    A moment later,


    Chen Mu changed into a green casual robe and quietly left the City Defense Division.


    It wasn''t to secretly investigate the Zheng family or the Quicksand gang; there was no need and he considered it beneath him. It wasn''t something a Prefecture Chief should bother with. He simply slipped through several streets and alleys to arrive at his new home in Wutong Grove District.


    Having been promoted to Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove District, he naturally couldn''t continue to live in Ninth District. A couple of days before taking office, he had already arranged for a new residence to be purchased in Wutong Grove District.


    This time it was a residence with three courtyards and three sets of rooms: front, middle, and back. It had the appearance of a wealthy family''s residence, but in actuality, it was just decent enough for a Prefecture Chief.


    As a Prefecture Chief, living in an even larger "four-courtyard" residence, or even a luxurious mansion with gardens, was not at all unusual. However, Chen Mu felt he might not stay in Wutong Grove District for long and there was no need for a larger estate.


    Despite being a Prefecture Chief, he had no intentions of establishing his family''s wealth there.


    "My lord."


    The old servant who had followed him here bowed even lower than before upon seeing Chen Mu enter the courtyard.


    There was a world of difference between being a Head Constable and a Prefecture Chief. In Ninth District, although Chen Mu and Min Baoyi talked as brothers, Chen Mu was not a true Prefecture Chief. The higher one''s position, the more imposing one naturally becomes.


    The old servant, one of Chen Mu''s first followers and who had moved from his old home, felt even more reverence towards Chen Mu. His bow was lower when by his side.


    There were now more than one servant in the courtyard.


    Apart from the old servant, two younger servants had joined, overseen by the old one. One was responsible for cleaning the residence and the other for running errands. In the innermost courtyard, a young maid of nine had been added, entrusted to Wang Ni''s care.


    With Chen Mu''s current position, having people to wait on him was all too easy; he didn''t even need to shop himself. Many were willing to offer themselves for service, and others wanted to curry favor by volunteering their services.


    The young maid was someone Chen Mu had taken pity on, so he bought her along the way. She was skinny and pale, hardly pretty.


    In truth, a family poor enough to sell their daughter could hardly raise someone truly beautiful. If they were, in these times, they would hardly have the fate of a maid; they''d be more likely to be snatched by a rich family or sold to a pleasure district.

 Chapter 64: Chapter 62 Training

    ```


    "Master." Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The new little maid was fetching water when she saw Chen Mu entering the inner courtyard and timidly greeted him with a bow.


    "Big Brother Mu."


    Wang Ni rushed out with a joyful face.


    The addition of a little maid in the house had naturally elevated her status, making her the senior maid. In the future, if the house became bigger and there were more people in the courtyard, her status would rise step by step.


    Although Wang Ni was only eleven years old now, she had gradually come to understand these things. A term of endearment like "Big Brother Mu" was something that only she could uniquely call out in this courtyard.


    "Ni''er has grown taller again."


    Chen Mu patted Wang Ni''s head with a gentle smile.


    Speaking of which, Wang Ni had changed quite a lot over the year. After enjoying good food and clothing, she had slowly started to blossom and now had a touch of delicacy in her appearance. However, looking at her current growth rate, she probably wouldn''t grow as tall as Chen Yue.


    Because of her martial arts training, Chen Yue practiced the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique, which did not harm the skin and maintained an abundance of Qi-Blood. Although she was not yet sixteen years old, she already completely looked like a young lady, and even if she might not grow into the same level of beauty as Xu Hongyu, she would be comparable to a young lotus.


    Now a man of much experience, Chen Mu still found Xu Hongyu to be the most beautiful woman he had ever seen thus far. On one hand, she was a legitimate descendant of a great family, born into luxury, and on the other hand, she showed talent in martial arts and Internal Cultivation, possessing abundant Qi-Blood and supple muscles and tendons. It could be said that she was outstanding in every aspect.


    It''s not that all daughters of rich families are beautiful, nor that all female martial artists are stunning. But the most exquisite among them tend to come from these groups.


    Moving to a new residence hadn''t changed Chen Mu''s daily routines.


    It was still eating, practicing, until nightfall.


    His skills and Internal Cultivation Method were currently in a rapid phase of advancement. Ever since acquiring the system panel, he had not slacked for a single day in his practice. It could be said that his current level owed much to his own hard work; the system panel merely acted as a minor catalyst that prompted a ''qualitative change'' from these efforts.


    ...


    The following day.


    Chen Mu rose early as usual, practiced with his saber, and then headed to the City Defense Division.


    Liu Song and Li Tie had been waiting in his Hall Office from early on, and after respectfully greeting him, they each reported on the information they had previously gathered about the Zheng Family and the Flowing Sand Gang.


    After listening for a while, Chen Mu let out a soft "Heh" and said, "It seems the Zheng Family really treats Wutong Grove District as their own backyard."


    Normally, one would expect the gang forces, mingling good and evil, to be more vicious, but according to the reports from Liu Song and Li Tie, the Zheng Family''s deeds were far worse than the Flowing Sand Gang.


    There were matters like killing people in the streets and abducting young women that went without saying, and the Zheng Family''s regular behaviors included forcibly seizing properties and acting with complete impunity, which were almost staples of their existence.


    The former Prefecture Chief Xu Feng hadn''t ignored these issues but was powerless to address them.


    On one hand, the Zheng Family had extensive assets and power; even if he assembled all three divisions of the City Defense Division, they would still struggle against the Zheng Family''s dozens of martial masters and hundreds of house servants. Furthermore, the Zheng Family''s roots in Wutong Grove District were deep, their influence complex.


    They had close ties not only with the Flowing Sand Gang but also with the Nan Family. Mishandling the situation could lead to being trapped in an unmanageable predicament.


    The saying "civilians should not quarrel with officials" refers to commoners without any background or power. For a family like the Zhengs, with their tangled power and background in the Inner City, they did not count as "civilians" and had no fear of the City Defense Division. Thus, they were unafraid and brazen in their local dominance.


    Even more so.


    Among the information Liu Song had gathered were some other illicit activities.


    For instance, the unauthorized sale of medicinal materials and the clandestine suspicion of storing crossbow bolts and armor, these two issues were likely not unfounded rumors.


    ```


    The Da Xuan Dynasty Court maintained strict control over medicinal herbs, especially those needed for practicing martial arts and various materials from demonic creatures, which were often strictly prohibited from being traded privately.


    For instance, the materials required for martial arts practice produced in Yu City, especially those involving demonic creatures, were mainly first handed over to the hunters and herbalists, and then to the Commander-in-chief outside the city, who in turn delivered them to the Inner City Medicine Bureau before they were distributed throughout the city.


    It could be said that,


    during the heyday of the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, the martial power of the common folk was very scarce, after all, the resources they needed were essentially controlled by the court.


    But now things were different, although in name, the business of martial arts-related medicinal herbs was still prohibited by the court from private trading, that was only in name. In reality, the business of medicinal herbs in Yu City was actually controlled by the Xie Family of the Inner City.


    Because Yu City''s Commander-in-chief, whose position was second only to the City Lord, was this generation''s family head of the Xie Family, including almost all the forces within the Inner City Medicine Bureau.


    However...


    The business of medicinal herbs involved too many interests, and many resources were fundamental to martial artists, so the Xie Family couldn''t fully control everything, just like the City Lord who controlled the critical part of the ''Tendon Changing Pill.''


    Other families also had their own channels to obtain some medicinal materials directly from outside the city.


    As for hidden crossbow bolts, armor... there was no need to mention those, as such imperial prohibitions were essentially dead in name only, and in reality, many of the court''s orders no longer reached down to the level of Yu City, and naturally no one bothered about these matters.


    "Go call for Shang Qinglai and Zhang Tong."


    Chen Mu thought for a moment and instructed Liu Song.


    Although the Zheng Family had great influence, the previous Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove City Defense Division was Xu Feng. He couldn''t handle the Zheng Family, but he had thoroughly organized the inside of the City Defense Division. At least the seven Head Constables were basically Xu Feng''s own people.


    Of course, now that Xu Feng had retired, some of the Head Constables might have been bought by other powers, but Chen Mu didn''t care. He had no interest in playing this kind of house game with the various families.


    Soon.


    Shang Qinglai and Zhang Tong arrived at the Hall Office.


    "From now on, during the morning and evening shift change, the three groups of soldiers in the City Defense Division will, as usual, practice for an hour, starting today,"


    Chen Mu issued an exceptionally simple order.


    The City Defense Division oversaw hundreds of constables, and daily practice was quite common, but in practice, whether it was the Ninth District City Defense Division or the Wutong Grove side, they seldom practiced as a matter of routine, often not even once a month.


    Plainly put, practicing troops required Silver Coin. From Prefecture Chiefs down to Head Constables, everyone would skim off as much of the stipend as they could, unwilling to spend extra Silver Coin on the constables below, after all, even if they trained hundreds of skilled soldiers, those were not their own private troops.


    With that Silver Coin, it was better to keep it for themselves.


    "Yes." Discover chapters at m-vl-em|p-yr


    Shang Qinglai and Zhang Tong bowed and answered, then exchanged a glance with each other.


    Although somewhat surprised in their minds, they didn''t find Chen Mu''s order strange. As the saying goes, a new official will make changes on taking office; as the new Prefecture Chief, if he made no moves after assuming office, that would be quite bizarre.


    Practicing the constables was a common occurrence, starting with a great momentum for a few months and displaying an imposing manner was normal.


    "Go."


    Chen Mu waved his hand, dismissing the two.

 Chapter 65: Chapter 63: Zheng Family

    In the northwest direction of Wutong Grove District, a large section of the neighborhood belongs to the Zheng Family, featuring a variety of storefronts.


    Behind these blocks lies the Zheng Family estate, which occupies a vast area consisting of multiple compounds; such an establishment was not built in one generation but developed gradually over several.


    In one of the slightly lower courtyards, there is an arrangement of sandpits, cloth bags, and stone locks for martial arts training, where several men were practicing their skills. Some were from the Zheng Family, and many others were protectors and martial masters hired by the family.


    In another quieter courtyard in the distance.


    Zheng Hong sat behind a stone table, holding a smoking pipe; he took a puff and said, "A new officer has taken post, and the City Defense Division merely conducts daily drills. There''s no need to make a fuss. You may leave." Find more tales at m-vl-em,py-r


    In front of him was a house servant who had hurried over to report; hearing this, he quickly bowed his head in response and left.


    Having been established in Wutong Grove District for many years, the Zheng Family naturally had informants spread throughout the area. Although they might not be aware of every trivial matter happening within the City Defense Division, they could quickly learn of any major movements; routine head constable drills were certainly not a minor matter.


    However, Zheng Hong was not concerned about this.


    Although the City Defense Division had a considerable number of officers, no matter how much they trained, could they really produce a group of elite soldiers adept at Skin Toughening and Body Refinement like the imperial guards? That would require a lot of money, and not just a small amount.


    No matter how much the ordinary officer trained, they remained merely house servants. Among them, very few possessed real strength; perhaps only seven head constables and a few trusted followers were capable of fighting ten enemies each.


    In his Zheng Family, the hired protectors and martial masters included numerous such skilled individuals.


    Frankly speaking.


    Even if there were a direct conflict with the City Defense Division, his Zheng Family would not fear anything.


    Just then, a young man with a bare chest walked into the courtyard, saying from a distance, "Uncle, I heard you had some friction with the new prefecture chief? This dawn and dusk drill seems like a show of force."


    Zheng Hong looked at the approaching young man and exhaled a puff of smoke, saying, "This new prefecture chief and Xu Feng are cut from the same cloth; we were bound to clash eventually¡­ Why have you come over? Have you perfected your skills?"


    Zheng Yong, his muscles exposed and not feeling the cold in the dead of winter, walked up to Zheng Hong and shook his head, saying, "I have accumulated enough Qi-Blood, but I just can''t get past that barrier."


    Zheng Hong looked up at the sky and said solemnly, "The Tendon Changing step is ultimately not like Skin Toughening and Body Refinement. You mustn''t be impatient. Avoid arrogance and restlessness. In this generation of the Zheng Family, you have the best understanding and talent, so no matter how many resources it takes, we must help you reach the Tendon Changing Level.


    If you can step into that realm, the Zheng Family might have the chance to move to the Inner City and ascend to the next level."


    Although Skin Toughening and Body Refinement could be achieved through sheer resource accumulation, the Tendon Changing step represents a significant bottleneck. It''s not just the Zheng Family; even among the prominent families of the Inner City, like the Yu Family, it''s not something easily achievable.


    Firstly, the resources are limited, and the shares of Tendon Changing Pills are fiercely contested among the Inner City families.


    Secondly.


    Obtaining a Tendon Changing Pill doesn''t necessarily mean one can break through the barrier and enter the Tendon Changing Realm. The pill only serves the crucial role of ''guidance'', directing one''s Qi-Blood to flow throughout the body''s tendons. Whether or not one can truly transform depends on the martial artist themselves.


    A single Tendon Changing Pill could usually only be used for about three months before turning completely to residue. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Moreover, under normal circumstances, the effectiveness and the likelihood of breaking through decrease with each subsequent pill. The third pill marks the last opportunity.


    Most people in the Outer City don''t even get a single opportunity, and even for a power like the Zheng Family, obtaining a Tendon Changing Pill requires a significant sacrifice.


    "Uncle, rest assured, I will do my best no matter what."


    Zheng Yong said.


    He knew that the Zheng Family had also relied on years of accumulation, family wealth, and connections to obtain a Tendon Changing Pill, which was a hard-earned opportunity. However, human effort sometimes reached its limits. At the age of twenty, he had grasped the Blade Momentum, and by twenty-one, he had achieved Body Refinement Perfection.


    His journey in cultivation had been smooth sailing, and he was at his most proud, but the threshold of Tendon Changing had stubbornly remained out of reach.


    Now, that Tendon Changing Pill had gradually turned into mere medicinal slag, and could only be processed a few more times, yet he still could not breakthrough the bottleneck.


    Zheng Hong looked up at Zheng Yong and, after a long contemplation, finally said slowly, "Actually, there is something I didn''t want to tell you at this time, but since you have only a few days left for your first Tendon Changing attempt, I might as well tell you... The Tendon Changing Pill you used was left by the Zheng Family many years ago, in fact, there is still a new pill in the house."


    Upon hearing Zheng Hong''s words,


    Zheng Yong was immediately stunned, then his eyes lit up.


    "Another one?"


    He had thought that this was his only chance. Seeing more than two months go by, the opportunity was gradually slipping away, and he had been somewhat discouraged, but upon suddenly hearing about a second Tendon Changing Pill, his spirit was invigorated in an instant.


    "If I could have a second one, I would definitely be able to cross that threshold!"


    Zheng Yong said to Zheng Hong excitedly.


    Zheng Hong spoke indifferently, "I didn''t tell you earlier because I wanted you to be fully determined in your effort. Now I tell you to boost your morale. Although there is a second pill, it would be better if you could enter the Tendon Changing Level in these last few days."


    Saying this,


    Zheng Hong tapped his pipe on the stone platform, saying, "Now go practice quickly; even I didn''t have this fortune back in my day!"


    "Yes, Uncle Three."


    Zheng Yong turned away with a chuckle.


    Zheng Hong watched Zheng Yong''s receding figure, his head shaking slightly.


    It was true that there was a second Tendon Changing Pill, but his prior silence was not solely to spur Zheng Yong on with all his might. The main reason was that Tendon Changing Pills were exceedingly rare.


    He had also paid a great price to acquire it from Inner City, and for martial artists, the effects of the first pill were usually the most potent, the second pill would be significantly less effective in comparison.


    Thus, even descendants of large families in Inner City might not have the chance to use two pills, especially since if the first pill didn''t lead to a breakthrough, the chances with a second pill weren''t much better.


    Zheng Hong had considered that if Zheng Yong exhausted the medicinal power of the first pill and still failed to succeed, he would keep the second pill for other descendants of the Zheng Family.


    However, unfortunately, this generation of the Zheng family was mostly incapable, with Zheng Yong being the only one of any talent and aptitude.


    Waiting for the next generation would be too many years away.


    "We''ll see."


    Zheng Hong sighed.


    If Zheng Yong could advance to the Tendon Changing Level, the difference would be immense. Even in the eyes of the major families in Inner City, he would be a significant figure, and there would even be a chance to relocate the Zheng Family to Inner City.


    Therefore, after much deliberation, he still decided to place his hopes on Zheng Yong, as there might not be a more promising candidate for many years to come. It was too far in the future, and unpredictable events could occur along the way.

 Chapter 66: Chapter 64 Consignment

    City Defense Division.


    "Have you gathered clear information?"


    Chen Mu listened to Liu Song''s report and spoke lightly.


    Liu Song said from the side, "Reporting to my lord, the news comes from the Black Water Gang, it should be true."


    "Good."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly.


    What he had asked Liu Song to investigate was the Zheng family''s smuggling of medicinal materials.


    Among the deeds of the Zheng family, smuggling medicinal materials was not the most serious crime, but it involved the widest net; by uncovering this, they could uproot the Zheng family entirely, instead of merely catching two or three cats, big or small, for bullying or other minor offenses.


    Indeed.


    Chen Mu had never been interested in playing slow games of deception with the Zheng family.


    In fact, something like smuggling medicinal materials in the current times had long been neglected by everyone, even the Imperial Court itself could not control this part; it was simply a way to make money, which the Zheng family had been doing for many years.


    Chen Mu was the Prefecture Chief of the City Defense Division; to deal with the Zheng family, he did not need to bother arranging traps or deceptions, just grab any handle that was enough, and the real key was not what crimes the Zheng family had, but to cut through the mess quickly.


    After all, the Zheng family also had Momentum behind them, and they were wealthy and well-established in Wutong Grove District.


    Dealing with such forces, you either let them be or strike like thunder, pulling them up by the roots in one swift move, not giving any chance for the associated powers or the people behind the Zheng family to react.


    Normally, this would not be easy; after all, the Zheng family was powerful. There were dozens of martial masters as Protectors and hundreds of house servants; they even didn''t fear a direct conflict with the City Defense Division, plus they had informants spread throughout the city. Any big move by the City Defense Division would often be met with swift reactions from them.


    But...


    Having just taken office, Chen Mu put up a large exercise regimen every morning and evening, causing chaos. After several days passed, all the families had gotten used to the activities of the City Defense Division.


    Even though the number of people patrolling the streets had doubled within a few days, and the frequency of the three shifts of government officers assembling was even more numerous, these were merely seen as the blazes ignited by the new Prefecture Chief on duty, and not much attention was paid to them.


    Chen Mu slowly walked to the window sill, looking out with his hands behind his back at the outer courtyard of the City Defense Division.


    In the outer courtyard, a large number of government officers held Servant''s Knives as they practiced in unison; their shouting could be heard continuously, even several streets away, and it indeed looked quite impressive.


    "Let it be tonight," Chen Mu''s eyes flashed with a glimmer.


    It was the fifth day since he took office, the perfect time when Wutong Grove had become familiar with him as the new Prefecture Chief, and had grown accustomed to the City Defense Division''s activities over the past few days.


    ...


    Night fell.


    Wutong Grove was busier than Ninth District during the day, but at night, it was pretty much the same; every household shut their doors tightly, and no one could be seen in the pitch-black alleys.


    Two carts crawled slowly along the alley, approaching Wutong Grove. The carts were man-powered, trying their best to make no sound, with twenty or thirty people escorting the carts through the darkness.


    Suddenly.


    Under the cover of night, figures stirred, and about a dozen silhouettes appeared in front of the carts.


    "What are you doing?" the group blocking the carts inquired in a hushed tone.


    Among those escorting the carts, one person stepped forward slowly, revealing his face under the dim moonlight. He gestured with a slight bow to the dozen men in front and said, "Zheng family''s convoy; brothers, please let us pass."


    "Oh, I wonder who it is¡ªit''s from Master Zheng''s residence..."


    The dozen or so people who were stopping the cart all bowed with their fists and then made way for a passage.


    The group escorting the cart was also used to it; they each gave a greeting and then resumed pulling the cart through the streets and alleys. Once they had fully entered the territory of Wutong Grove District, the expressions of everyone visibly relaxed.


    "That''s better."


    The leader, Zheng Fu, let out a breath.


    The name of the Zheng family might not carry as much weight in other parts of South City District, but once back in Wutong Grove, there was hardly any trouble, as few gangs were willing to cross the Zheng family.


    The dozen or so people from before belonged to the Crocodile Gang, and once they saw it was a Zheng family cart, they let it pass without issue.


    All who escorted the cart were the Protectors of the Zheng family. Now back in their familiar territory, they too relaxed considerably, even beginning to chat amongst themselves in hushed tones, gossiping about the taste of some widow in town.


    However. Exclusive content from m,v lem|p,yr


    As the group was passing through an alleyway.


    Suddenly, figures stirred, and twenty or thirty people emerged from both ends of the alley, blocking the entrance; turning to look back, another few dozen people appeared, blocking off the rear as well, their faces indistinguishable in the pitch darkness.


    The people from the Zheng family were startled by this scene.


    However, the leading Zheng Fu was not panicked. He walked forward a few steps, bowed with a fist to the figures, and in a low voice said, "I am Zheng Fu. Are you brothers from the Quicksand Gang, or the Black Water Gang? Please, let us through."


    This place was already within the territory of Wutong Grove, where the gangs active at night were only those few.


    The Zheng family had partnership dealings with the Quicksand Gang, and other gangs such as the thieves'' gangs did not interfere with each other''s business; the only one that had some conflicts, the Black Water Gang, did not have the foundation to have a hard confrontation with the Zheng family, so usually a simple greeting was enough to pass by.


    However.


    Zheng Fu''s words received no response.


    The dozens of figures at both ends of the alley stood motionless, a somber gathering that seemed like a horde of specters in the darkness.


    At this scene, Zheng Fu''s brow furrowed and he couldn''t help but speak in a stern voice, "Do you intend to cross the Zheng family? This is the territory of Wutong Grove. Think carefully, everyone." S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Generally speaking, when they were escorting carts, they would only run into trouble outside of Wutong Grove. Some gangs that were unfamiliar or newly risen might cause conflicts, but almost never inside of Wutong Grove.


    However, at that very moment.


    Torches suddenly ignited.


    In an instant, the pitch-dark alley was illuminated, revealing a sight that made Zheng Fu''s pupils contract and a look of horror flash across his face.


    He saw that the row of dark figures blocking the way in front and behind were all uniformly dressed in grey uniforms¡ªthey were dozens of government officers, with several blue-garbed Head Constables among them.


    "Zheng Fu?"


    Shang Qinglai, holding a torch, slowly walked out from among the crowd, his gaze deep as he looked at Zheng Fu and said, "Could you tell me... what exactly are you escorting on this cart?"


    Zheng Fu''s face turned incredibly ugly.


    He had never imagined that the ones stopping them in the middle of the night would be government officers from the City Defense Division. If it had been some other gang, it would have been one thing, likely a fortuitous encounter. But so many government officers were obviously targeting them directly.


    Thinking of the events from some days prior, Zheng Fu''s complexion grew even uglier. This was clearly retaliation from that newly appointed Prefecture Chief, and the night was likely not going to end well. The key was to inform the family back home as soon as possible.


    For now, he could only say in a deep voice, "Just some ordinary goods, nothing special. Perhaps Master Shang could do us the courtesy of turning a blind eye?"


    "Ordinary goods, I think not."


    Shang Qinglai let out a cold laugh, waved his hand, and said, "Men, arrest them all!"

 Chapter 67: Chapter 65: Strength

    "Defiers will be killed without question!"


    Following Shang Qinglai''s order, the government officers quickly moved to attack Zheng Fu and his men.


    However, Zheng Fu and his companions did not just wait to be killed; those escorting were all skilled individuals who, having faced fierce and ruthless gang forces along the way, held no fear against government officers either.


    Yet, since Shang Qinglai''s group was numerous, and included several skilled Head Constables, the battle escalated quickly. Zheng Fu and his men were soon forced into retreat, and within moments, bodies lay sprawled across the ground.


    Only a short while had passed.


    Only a few, those skilled in the Body Refinement Realm, including Zheng Fu, were still fiercely fighting.


    Yet, these individuals were also extraordinary; not only was Zheng Fu in the Body Refinement Realm, but his Blade Technique also wielded significant Momentum, making him no less powerful than Shang Qinglai. The others, though lacking in Blade Momentum, also possessed physiques refined by body cultivation and were equally fierce in combat against the other Head Constables.


    "Shang Qinglai, such bold recklessness from you all will surely be remembered by the Zheng family!"


    Blood-stained, Zheng Fu confronted Shang Qinglai with a knife, his voice chillingly cold.


    "Then remember it,"


    Shang Qinglai scoffed coldly.


    No man serves two masters; as a Head Constable of the City Defense Division who had decided to serve under Chen Mu, he would not hesitate or falter in his actions. The threat invoking the Zheng family was insufficient to deter him.


    However, compared to Shang Qinglai, the other Head Constables, upon hearing Zheng Fu''s threatening words, slightly slowed their attacks. The Zheng family had a fearsome reputation, and these officers were also worried about reprisals. Yet working for the City Defense Division meant they could not remain uninvolved in such incidents unless they wished to abandon their posts.


    Seeing several Head Constables visibly restrained by the threats, Zheng Fu''s eyes gleamed as he searched for a gap, looking for a chance to break out. At this point, protecting the cargo was no longer possible¡ªit would be taken by Chen Mu, but for the wealthy and influential Zheng family, the loss of one shipment would not be devastating.


    If Chen Mu and the City Defense Division dared to act this way, they would see what comes next!


    Thinking this.


    Zheng Fu suddenly unleashed a whirlwind of blade light, struggled fiercely to push back Shang Qinglai''s attack, then leapt, attempting to escape through a gap in the battle.


    Shang Qinglai''s eyes shifted subtly, trying to block him but it was slightly too late; his strength was roughly equal to Zheng Fu''s, both being in the Minor Achievement of Body Refinement and possessing Blade Momentum. Once an opportunity arose, stopping one who wanted to escape was challenging.


    Whoosh!


    In the dim moonlight, Zheng Fu''s figure soared, reaching the top of a high wall beside the alley, then leaping again, about to disappear into the darkness.


    But almost at that same moment, a flash of light came from the darkness, and suddenly, a heavy object fell from the sky and thudded into the battlefield. To their shock, it was Zheng Fu''s headless body!


    A gasp of horror.


    The remaining Protector martial masters of the Zheng family were utterly horrified, looking in the direction from which Zheng Fu had fallen, only to see a figure dressed in dark green official attire, casually landing on the high wall with a head in hand.


    "Finish it quickly."


    Chen Mu spoke evenly, tossing the head into the alley.


    "Yes, my lord!"


    Seeing this, Shang Qinglai was profoundly shaken and immediately responded.


    Although he had heard from Xu Feng about Chen Mu, the new Prefecture Chief and his remarkable strength despite his young age, it was all hearsay until today, when he truly witnessed Chen Mu''s capabilities.


    Zheng Fu, whose power was comparable to his, being in the Minor Achievement of Body Refinement and possessing Blade Momentum, seemed not to have lasted a single round under Chen Mu''s hands, without even a chance to cry out, and was struck down head from body!


    Even Xu Feng, the former Prefecture Chief, was probably only about as capable.


    It was not only Shang Qinglai.


    Many other government officers were also shocked as they looked at Zheng Fu''s corpse and severed head. Initially, they thought that Chen Mu was merely filling in for Xu Feng''s position begrudgingly, mostly owing to his background connections.


    But the scene before them now showed that Chen Mu could hold the position of Prefecture Chief based solely on his strength; no wonder he was unafraid of the Zheng Family and dared to retaliate just days after assuming office.


    Having a superior with such formidable strength was undoubtedly a good thing. Several Head Constables who were still wavering internally now had fierce light in their eyes. They became exceptionally ruthless in their attacks, cooperating with Shang Qinglai to quickly dispose of the last few Protector martial masters.


    At that moment,


    Chen Mu had already approached the two carriages, reached out to lift the tarp covering them, revealing several large wooden boxes, which he opened to let out a strange mix of medicinal scents.


    Through practicing various Skin Toughening Methods and Body Refinement Methods, Chen Mu had come into contact with many herbs. Though not an expert, he could still basically identify them. At a glance, he noticed many "banned" medicinal ingredients.


    The Da Xuan Dynasty Court had regulations: all crucial primary ingredients for a Martial Artist''s Body Tempering cultivation could not be privately traded; they must be arranged through the Medicine Bureau. First, the Court sought to control Martial Arts; second, it was, inherently, a gigantic profit.


    During the zenith of the Court, aside from the Imperial Court itself, many sects were destroyed again and again, and loose martial artists were at most a few here and there; those who practiced Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering dared not cause trouble in the city. Otherwise, they would immediately attract a siege from the Court.


    But that time of splendor had long passed.


    However, these two carriages of medicinal ingredients were just right for Chen Mu.


    According to Court orders, the private sale of banned medicinal ingredients warranted confiscation of property and exile!


    Chen Mu was not interested in investigating cases of bullying and murdering in the streets, because the Zheng family could easily pin the crime on someone else, which wouldn''t hurt them deeply. However, this crime was different, as confiscation and exile would uproot the Zheng family completely!


    Just as Chen Mu was inspecting the two carriages of medicinal herbs,


    The battle on the other side had finally ended. The remaining Protector martial masters dared not resist and surrendered.


    "My lord, it''s all taken care of,"


    Shang Qinglai, holding a bloodied Servant''s Knife, came up to Chen Mu and respectfully reported.


    Chen Mu turned to look, then waved his sleeve and said, "Dispatch a team, take the people and the goods, and escort them back to the City Defense Division for interrogation. The rest of you, follow me."


    With that statement, Shang Qinglai looked slightly stunned. It was necessary to escort the people and the goods back to the City Defense Division; an interrogation would bring considerable distress to the Zheng family, if not deep damage.


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    However, the latter part of Chen Mu''s statement seemed to indicate that he wasn''t planning on pulling back.


    If they weren''t pulling back, where could they go?


    Seeming to perceive what was on Shang Qinglai''s mind, Chen Mu spoke somberly, "Head Constable Shang, according to the Da Xuan laws, what is the punishment for illegally selling banned medicinal ingredients?"


    With these words, Shang Qinglai was immediately alarmed and understood what Chen Mu intended to do, but he still promptly responded, "The sale of banned medicinal ingredients warrants confiscation of property and exile for three thousand miles."


    Chen Mu''s actions that night were not merely about seizing a batch of goods from the Zheng family; he intended to leverage this point to uproot the entire Zheng family in one night!


    This newly appointed Prefecture Chief, merely in his twenties and appearing untroubled when the Zheng family first instigated trouble, had retaliated so swiftly and fiercely! S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When he made a move, it was set to turn the world upside down.


    No matter the outcome tonight, tomorrow all of Wutong Grove District, and perhaps even the entire South City District, was bound to experience a seismic shift.


    "Proceed!"


    Chen Mu spoke in a deep voice.


    Shang Qinglai dared not hesitate any further and instantly responded, organizing a small squad to escort away the scattered Zheng family Protectors along with the goods. The others then moved again, heading towards the Zheng family''s residence.

 Chapter 68: Chapter 66: Narrow Path

    Zheng Family.


    In the smallest courtyard on the far west, the lights in the main hall were still shining brightly.


    Family head Zheng Hong sat on a Taishi Chair, with a young consort carefully massaging his shoulders from behind, another one kneading his legs in front, and a third standing by, holding a teapot ready to serve at any moment.


    Zheng Hong closed his eyes and enjoyed the service of the three consorts. After a while, he opened his eyes to look outside.


    "Why haven''t they arrived yet?"


    He furrowed his brows slightly.


    The reason he hadn''t gone to bed so late was naturally to wait for the batch of goods being escorted.


    The Zheng family''s method of smuggling medicinal herbs wasn''t particularly clever; they had people go to the rural areas outside the city to purchase during the day, then gathered the items bit by bit at the edge of the Outer City in ''Zawu District.'' That area was the most chaotic place in the entire South City District, close to City West, and had almost become a battleground for gang factions that fought endlessly every day.


    The sporadic herbs would go through a round of transactions there, and as a result, their origins were essentially obscured. Then, these goods would be collected together, transported every so often from Zawu District back to Wutong Grove District. The two locations were merely a dozen miles apart, not too far by any means.


    If there hadn''t been any trouble on the way, they should have arrived by now.


    Just as Zheng Hong was frowning and pondering, a sudden knock on the door was heard, followed by the entry of a house servant.


    "Master, there seems to be some commotion on the western side."


    The house servant reported with a hint of hesitation.


    Upon hearing this, Zheng Hong sat up straight and looked over, speaking in a deep voice, "What''s going on?"


    "Someone has already gone to check. It seems like a fight has broken out, and the noise is not small,"


    the house servant responded cautiously.


    After hearing the report, Zheng Hong''s gaze sharpened, he then calculated with his fingers, and thought that the carriage convoy escorted by Zheng Fu and the others should have already returned to Wutong Grove by this time if they had encountered no trouble.


    Normally, once they reached Wutong Grove, they were basically safe; the various gangs would all show some respect to the Zheng family. Even if they happened to come across members of the Black Water Gang, the Black Water Gang would most likely not want to clash directly with the Zheng family, and a bit of Silver could be enough to resolve the issue.


    Wait a minute...


    Suddenly, Zheng Hong''s face changed.


    In Wutong Grove, there was another group of people that could easily overpower Zheng Fu and the others¡ªgovernment officers from the City Defense Division!


    And when he thought about the military drills and the pomp and ceremony the City Defense Division had been displaying these past days, it occurred to him that it might not have been the new Prefecture Chief merely showing off but rather a deliberate act, secretly moving and positioning troopes...


    With that thought.


    Zheng Hong abruptly stood up, and a cold glint flashed through his eyes as he said, "Very well, I''ve underestimated you. Coming to Wutong Grove for just a few days, yet you dare make a move against my Zheng family."


    In an instant, the atmosphere within the room turned icy cold. The consorts all trembled and dared not speak, and the house servant also stood by somewhat frightened and careful.


    Yet Zheng Hong paid them no attention and walked straight out the door, pushing it open with a bang.


    As he left the courtyard and made his way to the main hall, another house servant rushed over and reported, "Master, two groups have started fighting in the west, one of them appears to be government officers, and the other seems to be Uncle Fu and his group."


    "I know,"


    Zheng Hong replied with a cold face, saying, "Quickly summon our men."


    It wasn''t too far from there; if the fight had started not long ago, there was still a chance to get there now. Even if they couldn''t save Zheng Fu and the others, there was still a chance to seize back the carriage and the goods. In any case, they could not let them fall into the hands of the City Defense Division so easily.


    Since Chen Mu wanted to clash with his Zheng family, then let''s give it a try. Zheng Hong had never regarded the City Defense Division of Wutong Grove as anything significant!


    The Zheng family moved swiftly.


    In just a moment, lights were lit in several courtyards, and numerous house servants gathered, each brandishing clubs, sticks, and blades. In addition, more than twenty Protectors, martial masters, hurried over.


    "That bastard Chen Mu is asking for it, daring to sabotage our goods. Does he think he can do whatever he pleases just because he''s a Prefecture Chief? Tonight, I''m going to twist his head off!"


    With a menacing blade in hand, Zheng Yong hurried to the front courtyard and barked at Zheng Hong.


    Snapping at him, Zheng Hong said, "Nonsense... Remember this, someone audaciously impersonated a government officer, committing theft under the cover of night. Our Zheng family is out to exterminate bandits!"


    Even if the Zheng family was arrogant, they couldn''t openly attack a Prefecture Chief. If they went too far and provoked Xu Hongyu''s wrath against the Zheng family, even the backers of the Zheng family would find it difficult to intervene.


    In any case, Chen Mu could not be killed, but everyone else was insignificant. If they could wipe out most of the elites from the City Defense Division, they could simply claim a misunderstanding tomorrow. After all, the City Defense Division had not notified anyone of their large-scale operation tonight; it would be a matter of quibbling at most.


    "Right, right, right, someone impersonated a government officer and committed theft, and I''m going to exterminate these bandits,"


    Zheng Yong''s eyes lit up when he heard Zheng Hong''s words, and he chuckled sinisterly.


    Looking over the gathering forces in the courtyard and seeing that most of the Protectors were there along with hundreds of house servants, Zheng Hong decided not to wait any longer and waved his hand, commanding, "Let''s go!"


    Hundreds of house servants immediately followed a crowd of Protectors, surging out of the main gate. As they left, they extinguished their torches, leaving only a menacing silhouette barely visible under the dim moonlight.


    They had only gone halfway down the road.


    Zheng Hong suddenly narrowed his eyes and gestured, prompting Zheng Yong and others behind him to stop.


    In the distance, at the end of the alleyways, one could see, in the faint moonlight, another dark mass of figures approaching from the opposite direction. As they got closer, the dim moonlight faintly revealed their uniformed attire.


    The two groups faced each other head-on in the street!


    "Now that they''ve arrived, Zheng Fu and the others must be dead. But why would these officers take this route..."


    Zheng Hong''s gaze darkened. His mind raced. This route did not lead to the City Defense Division; it led to the Zheng family. Clearly, the other side had a formidable number of men¡ªhundreds, just like his own.


    This meant that the City Defense Division intended to capture not only Zheng Fu and his men tonight but also had intentions against the Zheng family!


    "Very well, very well," Enjoy stories on m_v lem|p-yr


    A murderous flash crossed Zheng Hong''s eyes. He really hadn''t expected Chen Mu, a young and newly appointed Prefecture Chief, to deploy such a cunning strategy and take such swift and formidable action. He did nothing until he moved¡ªand when he did, he targeted the entire Zheng family.


    Such boldness was indeed underestimated. Had he known earlier, perhaps he shouldn''t have been the first to try to teach Chen Mu a lesson. But in order to obtain the Tendon Changing Pills from the Inner City, the Zheng family had no choice but to be his pawn.


    "Halt! Who goes there!"


    Under the dim moonlight, Shang Qinglai, leading in front, confronted the Zheng group with his blade and loudly demanded.


    Narrowing his eyes, Zheng Hong replied with a cold tone, "How dare you masquerade as government officers and commit theft at night? You''ve got some nerve, but you won''t make it through Wutong Grove District alive!"


    With an order,


    The impatient Zheng Yong sneered, brandishing his steel blade as he lunged forward, swiftly approaching Shang Qinglai. He brought his blade down with a force like splitting mountains.


    Shang Qinglai''s expression shifted slightly as he cried out, "Impudence! Dare to assault a government officer? Is the Zheng family looking to rebel?"


    Clang!


    He raised his Servant''s Knife to intercept Zheng Yong''s blade. As the blades collided, he felt a massive force hit him, and he was immediately pushed back more than a dozen steps, his palms split open, arms numb, and his heart shocked. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He recognized Zheng Yong of the Zheng family, notorious for his ferocity. He had also witnessed Zheng Yong in combat before, but back then, Zheng Yong had only achieved Major Achievement in Body Refinement. Now, the momentum of this blade was nearly unstoppable, which likely meant he had reached Body Refinement Perfection.


    In the Outer City, it was rare to encounter individuals at the Tendon Changing Realm. Those who managed to cultivate the Body Tempering Method to Body Refinement Perfection and also mastered a Perfection level Blade Technique, gaining control over Blade Momentum, were the cream of the crop among the many Martial Men¡ªa select few at the very top.

 Chapter 69: Chapter 67: Taking Action

    "Zheng Yong..."


    Shang Qinglai''s face hardened as he knew that he could not possibly stand against Zheng Yong, who differed not just a little from him with his Body Refinement Perfection compared to Shang Qinglai''s Minor Achievement.


    If only he had achieved Major Achievement in Body Refinement, he might have been able to hold him off for a short time.


    "Die!"


    Zheng Yong, his face twisted in ferocity, forced Shang Qinglai back with a swipe of his blade, then showed no mercy, his murderous intent fully revealed.


    The man was ferocious and didn''t care that Shang Qinglai was dressed in the blue uniform of a government officer; indeed, slaughtering government officers wasn''t new to him, but this was his first time striking at a Head Constable.


    "How dare you!"


    Head Constable Zhang Tong, witnessing this, roared angrily and rushed forward with his blade to aid Shang Qinglai.


    Together with Shang Qinglai, he was one of Wutong Grove District City Defense Division''s strongest members, their core elite. Shang Qinglai had developed Blade Momentum and Minor Achievement in Body Refinement, whereas Zhang Tong lacked Blade Momentum but had reached the realm of Body Refinement Perfection.


    In terms of strength, he was not much inferior to Zheng Yong, but there was a clear gap in skill when it came to possessing Momentum.


    Clang! Clang!


    With several clear metallic clangs, Zhang Tong''s swung blade deviated off course under Zheng Yong''s guidance. Even together with Shang Qinglai, they still couldn''t match Zheng Yong.


    Zheng Yong himself burst into a wild laugh, fighting against two with ferocious blade skills, pressing them back step by step until the third Head Constable stepped forward with his blade, and only then, with three of them fighting like swirling lanterns, were they barely able to hold him back.


    "Go!"


    Zheng Hong watched the scene, his eyes cold and worried that Zheng Yong might venture too deeply alone and suddenly face danger, thus he waved his hand.


    Behind him, a group of Protector martial masters and house servants immediately showed their cruel intentions and surged forward.


    Common characters, upon seeing a government officer, even if somewhat capable, would usually restrain themselves, not daring to strike with full force, but the people of the Zheng Family, used to acting cruelly and overbearingly, cared not at all that they faced government officers; nor did the Protector martial masters or those house servants show any fear.


    For a moment,


    Hundreds of men from both sides clashed right there on the street.


    Though the street was broad, it was not spacious enough for hundreds from both sides to line up in a single row; rather, they were entirely mixed up in a brawl.


    Zheng Yong, fierce in strength, matched three without falling behind. Another such powerful figure in the Zheng Family was Zheng Hong, who, wielding a Beheading Knife, saw that the situation favored the Zheng Family as the most formidable government officers engaged Zheng Yong, leaving other Protector martial masters unobstructed.


    Thus, he did not rush into the crowd but intensely monitored every movement.


    And just then,


    A figure clad in dark green officer''s uniform descended from the sky, landing directly in the midst of the battlefield where Zheng Yong was.


    "Step back,"


    Chen Mu, holding his Servant''s Knife, spoke lightly. Enjoy reading at m v-lem-pyr


    Overall, the conflict between the City Defense Division and the Zheng Family showed no advantage for the City Defense Division, even Zheng Hong, the family head, had yet to make a move; no wonder the previous Prefecture Chief Xu Feng had always been unable to deal with the Zheng Family in Wutong Grove District.


    The Zheng Family, inherently stronger than the City Defense Division and backed by the Inner City, excelled not only in open conflict but also in shady schemes. If it weren''t for the City Defense Division ultimately embodying the nature of the ''Government'', Xu Feng might have struggled even to stand in the complex situation of Wutong Grove District.


    But,


    The current Prefecture Chief was no longer Xu Feng, but him, Chen Mu!


    "Yes, sir!"


    Seeing Chen Mu take action, Shang Qinglai and Zhang Tong, along with the third man, finally breathed a sigh of relief. After respectfully responding, they immediately stepped back.


    Zheng Yong did not continue pursuing Shang Qinglai and the others, but glanced sidelong at Chen Mu. Though he did not recognize Chen Mu, he recognized the dark green uniform of a City Defense Division Prefecture Chief. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Are you Chen Mu?"


    Zheng Yong sneered coldly, his eyes brimming with ferocity as he suddenly charged at Chen Mu.


    He had heard that the new Head Constable was a man of the Chief Constable Xu Hongyu and was about the same age as him, which greatly displeased him. He had seen Xu Hongyu from afar a few times and was stunned by her beauty, harboring some unusual thoughts deep within.


    However, first, the Zheng Family was nowhere near the Yu Family in terms of status, and second, he himself was no match for Xu Hongyu, so he could only endure it in silence.


    Now here was Chen Mu, young and already gaining the favor of Xu Hongyu¡ªZheng Yong was naturally very displeased. By what merit did he deserve Xu Hongyu''s attention?


    Clang!


    The two blades collided, sparking in the dim moonlight.


    This time was distinctly different; previously, when Zheng Yong drew his blade, he could generally overpower one of the trio¡ªShang Qinglai or Zhang Tong¡ªwith the other two needing to team up just to barely fend him off.


    But this time, Zheng Yong''s blade, infused with the force of opening mountains, was effortlessly intercepted by what seemed to be an unremarkable Servant''s Knife in Chen Mu''s hand.


    "Hey, there''s quite some skill there."


    Zheng Yong''s blade had no effect, he snorted coldly, but his demeanor had already turned solemn.


    At this moment, Zheng Hong realized something was amiss here. Worried that Zheng Yong would be endangered by Chen Mu and Shang Qinglai and others'' joint attack, he swung his blade and rushed over. Meanwhile, Shang Qinglai and his group quickly engaged him in combat.


    Compared to Zheng Yong, Zheng Hong was older and his Blade Technique was more solid. Facing three opponents alone, he seemed even more oppressive than Zheng Yong, giving off a nearly invincible impression.


    However.


    Just as the situation seemed very unfavorable for the City Defense Division, something that no one had anticipated occurred.


    Chen Mu stepped forward with his blade, his expression calm, right as the dim moonlight was obscured by dark mist, plunging everything into darkness.


    In the darkness, Zheng Hong instinctively parried with three blades, repelling Shang Qinglai and his men, protecting himself while only the clear, loud clash of metal was heard from Chen Mu''s side. Then, it all suddenly fell silent.


    The obscured crescent moon soon reappeared slightly.


    A streak of moonlight shone down, revealing the scene. Chen Mu stood there with a calm demeanor, the tip of his Servant''s Knife faintly stained with blood.


    Zheng Yong stood before him, his eyes wide as if seeing a horrifying and unbelievable scene, freezing on the spot.


    Clang!


    The knife in Zheng Yong''s hand dropped to the ground.


    A line of blood slowly emerged on his neck, his hands reached up to grasp his throat tightly. As blood spurted from between his fingers, he collapsed.


    Before he died, his gaze at Chen Mu still held a hint of disbelief.


    "This is impossible!"


    Zheng Hong couldn''t believe what he saw, his eyes filled with shock.


    Zheng Yong was almost equal to him in all aspects, just slightly less experienced in actual combat, trained in the Qian Heaven Kun Earth''s thick and strong Gen Mountain Blade Technique, known for its formidable defense. How could he just die so abruptly on the spot!


    In shock,


    Zheng Hong''s eyes swiftly swept around, searching for the hidden enemy who had dealt the blow, but found no trace. Moreover, only a single blade clash was heard amidst that total darkness.


    At this moment, it wasn''t just Zheng Hong.


    Shang Qinglai and his men were also taken aback.


    Everyone looked at Zheng Yong''s body, their expressions turning to shock.


    Zheng Yong!


    Such a man of Body Refinement Perfection, commanding Blade Momentum, had died so abruptly and inexplicably on the battlefield. Moreover, his startled expression before his death made the circumstances even more bizarre.


    What exactly happened in that moment when the moonlight was obscured?

 Chapter 70: Chapter 68: Annihilation

    "The Blade Technique of Gen Mountain does have some merits, but it''s still not enough."


    Chen Mu held his knife as he looked at Zheng Yong''s corpse, his expression unchanging as if he had just done something trivial.


    The Blade Technique of Gen Mountain was normally supposed to suppress that of Xun Wind. The mountain''s momentum is inherently difficult for the wind''s momentum to shake, but the prerequisite is that the levels of the skills are comparable.


    What level was Chen Mu at?


    He had achieved Momentum in three skills, mastering what was almost the strongest Blade Technique just below the realm of Artistic Conception.


    Extreme Skin Toughening, his Qi-Blood was thicker and more abundant than that of an ordinary person, combined with two Body Refinement techniques, he could fully utilize the advantages of his bodily membranes. Even against a character of the Tendon Changing Realm, he was more than capable of a fight.


    One should know that the gap between Tendon Changing and Body Refinement was even greater than that between Body Refinement Perfection and Minor Achievement in Body Refinement.


    Even though Zheng Yong harnessed the momentum of Gen Mountain, defending stubbornly from his position, he couldn''t withstand the ravaging forces of the ''Thousand Winds Passing, Soul Devouring Bone Scrape''. Even the toughest of rocks would be eroded by the incessant winds, permeated into a sieve.


    "You... you..."


    Seeing Zheng Yong die abruptly on the spot, Zheng Hong could no longer maintain his earlier composure. In a moment of utter confusion, he was repeatedly put in danger by Shang Qinglai and three others.


    Chen Mu glanced at Zheng Hong, but he did not retract his Servant''s Knife. Instead, his figure flickered, reaching in front of a Zheng Family Protector martial master, swinging his knife.


    The Protector who had witnessed Zheng Yong''s death was already horrified. Seeing Chen Mu''s knife fall, he was utterly petrified, using all his strength to swing out a sword in an attempt to block Chen Mu''s knife.


    But only a crisp crack was heard.


    The man immediately stiffened on the spot, a clear line of blood tracing from between his eyebrows down, he was split into two halves, together with his knife!


    Once Chen Mu had made his move, he naturally did not stop. Under the dim hazy moonlight, his dark green uniform made him seem like a specter, invincible wherever he went, with only splashes of blood to be seen.


    Although the Zheng Family''s Protector martial masters were numerous and powerful, they could not withstand such a slaughter. Soon, they were utterly routed. By contrast, the spirits of the City Defense Division officials were greatly lifted. As the situation evolved, the entire battle line began to collapse bit by bit.


    It was over.


    Watching this scene, Zheng Hong''s face had already turned ashen.


    With Zheng Yong''s inexplicable death, the others couldn''t muster an effective joint defense against Chen Mu, already completely succumbing to utter defeat.


    Even now, he still couldn''t believe how Chen Mu had stealthily struck down Zheng Yong, but at this point, it was meaningless.


    No wonder Chen Mu dared to strike against his Zheng family just days after taking office and dared to clash with him in the night. Had he known it would come to this, he should have waited for backup from the Quicksand gang, but now it was too late.


    "Those who resist stubbornly shall be shown no mercy."


    Seeing the Zheng family completely routed, a Head Constable shouted as he swung his knife, some house servants, seeing the dire situation, began to flee.


    Now, the collapse accelerated, and soon only Zheng Hong was left stubbornly resisting.


    But under the joint assault of several Head Constables, and his spirit utterly disoriented, he had no chance to escape; suddenly, he was struck by a knife from behind by Chen Mu. In a rush to defend himself, he let out a loud shout as a deep, bone-revealing gash appeared on his back.


    Shang Qinglai and the other Head Constables, not hearing Chen Mu call for a halt, continued their cold-faced slaughter, quickly hacking the severely wounded Zheng Hong to death.


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    All the main forces of the Zheng Family''s Protector martial masters were utterly annihilated!


    Only when Zheng Hong involuntarily swallowed his last breath did Shang Qinglai and the others stop their hands, looking at the streets littered with corpses, their hearts also fluctuating wildly.


    Zheng Family¡­ really defeated by them!


    Initially, when Xu Feng served as the Prefecture Chief, the City Defense Division could only match the Zheng Family in court and even had to give way at times, but now that Chen Mu had taken office, in just a mere five days, the Zheng Family, which had dominated Wutong Grove District for decades like the midday sun, was on the verge of collapse tonight!


    Especially when cleaning the streets and disposing of Zheng Yong''s body, Shang Qinglai and others were tremendously shaken, because there were no other excess wounds on the body, only a fatal wound on the neck.


    It seemed to be just a simple, single slash.


    The more so, the more it made people feel the inscrutability of Chen Mu, the Prefecture Chief, far beyond his youthful and simple appearance.


    It''s understandable, after all, being the person valued by Chief Constable Xu Hongyu to replace Xu Feng, he must be no ordinary man. Shang Qinglai even felt secretly fortunate that on the first day he had, without hesitation, obeyed all of Chen Mu''s commands. If he had hesitated at that time and been ambiguous, he probably would have never gained Chen Mu''s trust again.


    "Leave some people to clean the streets, the rest follow me."


    Chen Mu flicked the blood off his Servant''s Knife, sheathed it, and scanned the streets indifferently before speaking.


    "Yes."


    Shang Qinglai and others quickly responded, their demeanor more respectful than ever.


    Shortly after leaving a few squads to clean the streets, the rest of the crowd followed Chen Mu, and soon they arrived at the residence of the Zheng Family.


    At that moment, the residence of the Zheng Family was bright with lights. The news that Zheng Hong''s troops had been annihilated had already reached them, plunging the whole residence into chaos, with many house servants already packing up trying to escape.


    "Surround the Zheng residence. To those who resist or attempt to flee, show no mercy."


    Chen Mu pointed at the Zheng residence and ordered sternly.


    Then, he arrived in front of the mahogany gate of the Zheng residence, his Servant''s Knife swiftly unsheathed, and with a couple of cracks, he shattered the thick mahogany gates.


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    Shang Qinglai and others immediately responded, quickly leading their troops to encircle the Zheng residence front and back, and some house servants trying to flee were overpowered before they could even leave.


    More troops invaded the Zheng residence.


    The residence of the Zheng Family was large, and there were still hundreds of house servants inside at that time, but the elite had all been taken away by Zheng Hong. Some tried to resist stubbornly, only to lie dead moments later.


    Meanwhile, as Shang Qinglai and others led troops to invade the Zheng Family, ardently starting the raid¡­


    In the dim streets a distance away.


    There suddenly came a surge of footsteps, followed by a large number of troops approaching the Zheng residence, easily in the hundreds. They were unmistakably gang members from the Flowing Sand Gang, and apparently, there were also forces from the Nan Family and other groups mixed in.


    The recent intense confrontation between the City Defense Division and the Zheng Family was too loud, and even though the factions in Wutong Grove were slow, they had already reacted by now.


    However.


    Looking at the situation at the Zheng residence, both the Flowing Sand Gang and the people from the Nan Family were utterly baffled.


    They had received news that the City Defense Division was taking action against the Zheng Family and were locked in conflict, but at this moment, it seemed the City Defense Division had already broken through the Zheng Family!


    How could this be?


    The strength of the Zheng Family in Wutong Grove was top-notch. Neither the Flowing Sand Gang nor any other forces were confident they could overcome the Zheng Family, and the City Defense Division should not have been able to do much either.


    But what was happening before their eyes?

 Chapter 71: Chapter 69: Tendon Changing Pill

    After a moment of mutual stares, many quickly surrounded them.


    At the Zheng Family side, early on, the constables guarding the door went inside to report, while others blocked the entrance.


    "Stop!"


    "What are you doing?"


    "The City Defense Division is handling a case, do not disturb."


    If it had been in the past, three or five isolated constables facing such numerous groups from various factions would mostly lack confidence, not to mention speaking out to question.


    But now, with the mighty Zheng Family destroyed overnight and their property confiscated on the spot, it gave the constables an unprecedented confidence, making everyone feel that the City Defense Division had drastically changed from before!


    These shouts were not only confident but also carried sternness.


    "Humph!"


    However, the Black Sand Gang did not take this lightly, and the gang leader, Sha Xiangtian, with a fierce scar on his face, spoke grimly, "What have you done to the Zheng Family?"


    As soon as the words fell, a voice came from inside.


    "The Zheng Family smuggled medicinal herbs and resisted with force. Now the resisters have been executed and their property confiscated. Does Gang Leader Sha also plan to rebel with the Zheng Family?"


    Shang Qinglai walked out from the Zheng house with a cold face, his tone carrying a chill and severity.


    Although the scene before him largely explained everything, hearing Shang Qinglai personally declare that the Zheng Family had been annihilated and their property confiscated still made Sha Xiangtian and others stiffen.


    The first reaction was disbelief.


    How could the City Defense Division have such capability?


    But if the Zheng Family''s main forces were still present, how could they possibly end up in this state of having their property confiscated?


    "Lord Shang wields great authority, smuggling it is if you say so¡­"


    After calming down, Sha Xiangtian was not yet ready to be intimidated by a head constable, replying coldly.


    However, upon observing the situation and being unable to grasp the depth of the City Defense Division, feeling the strangeness of tonight''s events, he pondered for a moment with a grim face. Looking over at Shang Qinglai and others with cold faces, he finally waved his hand.


    "Let''s go!"


    The downfall of the Zheng Family was a foregone conclusion, and with no clear understanding of the current situation, there was no need to conflict with the City Defense Division anymore.


    It was better to probe more thoroughly tomorrow.


    Following Sha Xiangtian''s command, a large number of Black Sand Gang members and horses left one after another, leaving some from other factions who, after exchanging looks, also suppressed their astonishment and quickly left to report back to their respective leaders.


    Watching the once aggressive hundreds of people leave cleanly, Shang Qinglai''s expression relaxed, feeling an unprecedented sense of clarity.


    That was the authority the City Defense Division should have!


    In the past, none of the gang forces feared the City Defense Division, but after tonight, Wutong Grove District would be turned upside down!


    Any gang facing the City Defense Division from now on would probably step back in fear!


    And all this was brought about by Chen Mu, the new Prefecture Chief who had been in office for only five days. Despite being much younger, his strength, tactics, and courage had already made him genuinely submit.


    At this moment, Chen Mu was not concerned about the noise outside. Although he had also received reports from his subordinates, he clearly knew that those outside, unclear of the situation, would not dare to act rashly and would soon retreat.


    Moreover.


    Even if the Black Sand Gang really dared to confront the City Defense Division with their main force, it was of no consequence to Chen Mu. It would just cause a bigger commotion and destroy another power tomorrow.


    "Prefecture Chief, everyone from outside has withdrawn,"


    Shang Qinglai appeared behind Chen Mu, reporting to him respectfully.


    Chen Mu nodded slightly, not particularly concerned.


    By now, the raid on the Zheng Family had been underway for quite some time, the captured house servants were all tied up in one courtyard, while the women were confined in another.


    A moment later.


    Zhang Tong came to report, "Prefecture Chief, we have found some prohibited bows, arrows, armor, and medicinal herbs, but only a few hundred Silver Taels..."


    Chen Mu spoke indifferently, "Keep searching, look for any hidden chambers."


    It was impossible for the vast estate of the Zheng Family to have only a few hundred Silver Taels.


    His decision to target the Zheng Family, setting his first fire there as soon as he took office, was not solely because they tried to undermine him on his first day, but also because the wealth and foundation of the Zheng Family were certainly more substantial than that of powers like the Quicksand Gang.


    The Quicksand Gang and other gangs were merely gangs; rising in just a few years, mostly composed of desperate outlaws. However, the Zheng Family had been entrenched in Wutong Grove District for decades.


    "Yes."


    Zhang Tong responded, immediately taking people down to search thoroughly, also ordering the interrogation of the Zheng family members.


    A moment later.


    Zhang Tong reported back, discovering something unusual in the Zheng Family''s study, which seemed to have a hidden chamber, but he could not find the mechanism.


    Upon hearing this, Chen Mu immediately asked Zhang Tong to lead the way. They quickly bypassed several courtyards to a different courtyard within the Zheng estate. The modest study, well decorated, was filled with spotlessly clean books, evidently well-maintained and frequently cleaned.


    Some constables were inside, knocking and tapping around, searching for the mechanism.


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    Ultimately, someone tried to move a flowerpot, only to find it unusually heavy and immovable. After shifting it a few times, the bookshelf suddenly loosened and slid open on both sides, revealing a hidden passageway.


    "Sir, the hidden chamber has been found."


    Seeing this, Zhang Tong and others immediately returned to Chen Mu''s side to report, but did not go down to inspect themselves.


    Chen Mu nodded slightly, and then immediately stepped into the hidden passageway, while Zhang Tong and Shang Qinglai and others did not immediately follow but stood silently by the door.


    The passageway led down a slightly sloping staircase, and after walking a short distance, they arrived at a not very large underground chamber, filled with many crates.


    Chen Mu casually opened one.


    Inside, bars of snowflake silver were revealed.


    With a quick glance around, if all the numerous wooden crates contained Silver Taels, the total would almost certainly amount to tens of thousands, which was several dozen times his current entire estate.


    However, Chen Mu was not particularly interested in these miscellaneous silver pieces. He took a few more steps inside and, after bypassing a large crate, found several smaller wooden crates. On opening them, he found sheets of Gold Leaf, also in substantial quantities.


    "Hmm?"


    Just as Chen Mu was casually opening several small crates, expecting them all to contain Gold Leaf, he suddenly saw in one crate a stack of items wrapped in oil paper. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Upon opening one, he found some kind of unknown medicinal herb.


    Stored here specially, it must be no ordinary item, likely very precious.


    He opened a few more oil paper packets, finding more of the same inside.


    But as Chen Mu opened the last oil paper packet, what was revealed inside was a pill that looked like a Black Pearl, emitting a strange medicinal fragrance.


    "Ah, this is..."


    Chen Mu''s eyes shifted slightly, showing a hint of surprise.


    He couldn''t recognize those few medicinal herbs, but he had never seen this kind of pill before. However, because he had specifically learned about many others before, from its shape and scent, he immediately thought of something.


    Tendon Changing Pill.


    Such a fine item was even found among the Zheng Family''s hidden treasures.

 Chapter 72: Chapter 70 Vibration

    "Although there are many types of Tendon Changing Pills, they are not difficult to distinguish. This one''s color and appearance should be the Black Jade Tendon Changing Pill."


    Chen Mu muttered to himself.


    After thinking for a moment, he put the Tendon Changing Pill back carefully and closed it up, then opened the last small wooden box.


    Inside were one volume after another of classical texts.


    These included some on the Skin Toughening Method and Body Refinement, as well as many Blade Techniques and Swordsmanship, plus a work on Spear Technique.


    The blade is the easiest thing to learn and also the most common, so most lower-class Martial Men generally practice Blade Technique; Swordsmanship and Spear Technique are rare among them.


    "Mountain Opening Sword Technique, Mountain Splitting Sword Technique, and Rainfall Spear Technique... Hmm, they seem of no use."


    After a quick inspection, Chen Mu put down the texts.


    A moment later.


    Chen Mu returned from the secret room to the study. At the entrance of the secret room, Shang Qinglai, Zhang Tong, and others were still standing by, waiting without any other movements.


    "Prefecture Chief."


    Seeing Chen Mu ascending, they all performed a salute.


    "Next is the Zheng Family''s private vault, go down and tidy it up."


    Chen Mu said calmly and then stepped out.


    With his permission, Shang Qinglai and the others finally cast eager glances toward the dark passage.


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    After responding, they quickly led people down to clean and transport.


    The Zheng Family''s private vault had many Silver Taels, which Shang Qinglai and his people dared not neglect; after cleaning up, they reported the total amount to Chen Mu and then transported batch after batch to the City Defense Division.


    All assets converted into Silver Taels amounted to about seventy-six thousand taels.


    In an age where a single Silver Tael was enough for a family''s food for half a year, seventy thousand taels undoubtedly constituted a huge sum, even enough to train several dozen elite Body Refinement Martial Men, forming a significant force anywhere in the Outer City.


    Thus it was.


    Cleaning, sweeping, and questioning during transportation, the Zheng Family residence was lit with torches all night until the break of dawn, when it was finally nearly all cleaned up.


    By this time, news about the Zheng Family had already spread rapidly throughout Wutong Grove District and South City District, causing a massive stir throughout both!


    The Zheng Family didn''t just dominate Wutong Grove District for many years; they were also a strong force throughout South City District, having interactions with various groups, and their overnight destruction was shocking to many.


    ...


    Ninth District.


    Hearing the report, Yin Hong, the Gang Leader of the Red Gold Gang, was silent for a long time, his eyes showing deep shock which only gradually subsided a bit. He shook his head and said:


    "This Head Constable Chen... No, Prefecture Chief Chen, I felt he was no ordinary person when I met him last time, but I did not expect him to reach this point so soon."


    Although he had information that Chen Mu was an officer trained by Xu Hongyu, he did not expect Chen Mu to be promoted to Prefecture Chief so quickly, and even more so, to cause such a big stir so quietly in just a few days.


    That was the Zheng Family!


    A force stronger than his Red Gold Gang was annihilated overnight, which was terrifying.


    "Wutong Grove District, after today, is probably going to be turned upside down."


    Yin Hong muttered to himself.


    With such a vigorous new Prefecture Chief like Chen Mu rising up, the power dynamics in Wutong Grove were bound to change. And since Chen Mu was still very young, he had many possibilities, it was not impossible for him to become the figure in charge of the entire South City District in the future.


    Fortunately, when Chen Mu was in the Ninth District, he had not offended the other party and had even sent some gifts to express goodwill.


    ...


    A spacious mansion.


    In the bedroom.


    Min Baoyi stretched his body and got up from between two fair and delicate maidservants; the maidservants also woke up at this time, each helping Min Baoyi dress.


    Just then, a knock on the door suddenly came from outside.


    "Master, someone has come to report that something has happened in the Wutong Grove District."


    "...Hmm?"


    Min Baoyi was enjoying the service of the two maidservants, and upon hearing the voice outside, his expression changed slightly, pushed the two aside, quickly dressed, and walked out the door.


    Looking at the servant standing by the door, Min Baoyi asked in a deep voice, "Where is the person? What has happened?"


    If it had been any other place, he might not have been so serious, but the Wutong Grove District¡­ he knew that it was now Chen Mu''s territory, and the situation there was much more complicated than his in the Ninth District.


    It was said that on Chen Mu''s first day in office, one of the local powers, the Zheng family, gathered people to challenge him, which was really provocative, even making him annoyed.


    But he could not help Chen Mu with anything, after all, Chen Mu was no longer his subordinate in the City Defense Division and had taken over such a mess in the Wutong Grove District; he had no choice but to cope with the pressure.


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    Yet trouble had arisen just a few days later.


    Min Baoyi even doubted whether Xu Hongyu''s decision to have Chen Mu replace Xu Feng had been appropriate.


    "The person is in front¡­"


    "Call him over."


    "Yes."


    The servant bowed his head and left, quickly bringing in a person, one of Min Baoyi''s informants.


    When the person approached Min Baoyi, he quickly reported, "Sir, last night a major incident occurred in Wutong Grove District, the City Defense Division suddenly moved against the Zheng family, resulting in a severe clash, killing the family head Zheng Hong, Zheng Yong, and others; the Zheng family''s residence has now been raided¡­"


    Min Baoyi initially had a grave expression, as he thought that any major incident so soon after Chen Mu took office was probably not a good sign, but halfway through the report, he was stunned.


    "What did you say?"


    He looked at the man somewhat astonished.


    The City Defense Division clashed with the Zheng family, and the Zheng family''s main forces were wiped out, their property confiscated and detained until now¡­meaning Chen Mu had led people to eradicate the Zheng family overnight?!


    How could that be possible!


    A wave of disbelief surged in Min Baoyi''s heart, even though he knew that Chen Mu was a talent with superior understanding, aptitude, and temperament, destined to be a prominent figure in time, but Chen Mu had just taken over as the local Prefecture Chief.


    In just a few days, he had annihilated what was almost the largest power in Wutong Grove District that had been entrenched for many years, which was astonishingly shocking.


    And it was done quietly, overnight.


    This was vastly different from the way Chen Mu conducted himself in the Ninth District; if back then Chen Mu seemed steady to Min Baoyi, now he was not only steady but also resourceful and decisive!


    After inquiring in more detail, Min Baoyi gradually regained his composure, his heart still fluctuating.


    Initially, lightly letting the Zheng family''s challenge on the first day pass as if cautiously yielding, then leveraging the name of being newly appointed, exercising morning and evening, repeatedly showing off, numbing all parties, followed by a sudden strike that eradicated the Zheng family overnight¡­


    Min Baoyi pondered for a long time, finally letting out a breath.


    In just one year''s time, Chen Mu had transformed from a fledgling needing his protection to a capable figure stirring up significant events, undoubtedly deserving the position of the local Prefecture Chief, earlier he worried whether Chen Mu could handle the chaotic situation in Wutong Grove District, but it now seemed he had been overly concerned.

 Chapter 73: Chapter 71: Reaction

    Inner City.


    Located at the very center was an ancient and majestic set of pavilions, with towering bluestone walls around the courtyard. This was the heart of Yu City, the seat of the City Lord''s Mansion and various Yamen offices.


    In a small building on one side, a plainly dressed middle-aged man stood by the window with his hands behind his back, gazing out at the courtyard.


    Although not in official attire, there was an inherent majesty in his facial expressions that set him apart from ordinary men.


    He was the Metropolitan Commander of the Outer City, Yan Guang.


    Beyond managing the four divisions of the City Defense Division, all Yamen under the Outer City also came under his jurisdiction¡ªnot only was he the immediate superior of Xu Hongyu, but he was also a towering figure in Yu City.


    Above him, there were only a few figures such as the Commander-in-chief and City Lord.


    "I heard there was some disturbance in South City last night?"


    Suddenly, someone walked in. Yan Guang did not turn around but casually asked while standing in front of the window.


    The person behind laughed and said, "A minor incident, I didn''t expect even you would have heard about it."


    Yan Guang turned his head and said indifferently, "The Zheng Family really isn''t significant, just a distant relative of the He Family. However, that young man Hongyu promoted has some skills."


    "Yes, this child was unexpectedly discovered by Xu Hongyu. Originally just a lowly figure, but he possesses insight and self-taught a set of Blade Techniques gaining Blade Momentum. He''s especially talented, having developed extreme Skin Toughening in a short time, and has now reached the Body Refinement level,"


    Xue Xiang nodded and said.


    Yan Guang mused, "Both his insight and talent are rather extraordinary. Even though he started late, if he can reach the Tendon Changing Level, he would indeed be worth recruiting."


    Xue Xiang thought for a moment and then said, "Chen Mu was practically brought up from the bottom by Xu Hongyu''s own hands. It won''t be easy to bring him under the Xue family''s banner, and it''s not worth a major struggle. I think it would be better to let the Yu Family handle it and let them continue to contend with the He Family."


    Upon hearing this, Yan Guang showed a contemplative expression.


    Although Chen Mu had been promoted by Xu Hongyu, if he wanted to intervene, it wouldn''t be difficult; he could directly promote Chen Mu to work in the Inner City, pulling him out of the mire of the Yu and He Family feud in one step.


    He could even bestow Tendon Changing Pills, and find a suitable candidate among the children of the Xue Family to betroth to Chen Mu, among other measures.


    There were plenty of ways to recruit him.


    The main issue was weighing the pros and cons.


    According to current intelligence, Chen Mu indeed had notable insight and talent, but he had started late, and currently was only in the Body Refinement Realm. Whether he could cross the threshold of Tendon Changing was unknown to anyone.


    If various methods were used to woo him over, yet Chen Mu failed to enter the Tendon Changing Level, it would be a joke.


    After all, there were plenty of martial practitioners in the Skin Toughening and Body Refinement Realms. Without reaching Tendon Changing, they couldn''t really be considered significant.


    "Let it be,"


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    Yan Guang thought, then still shook his head slightly.


    Indeed, as Xue Xiang had said, it wasn''t worth a major struggle. Even if Chen Mu could later step into the Tendon Changing Level, he would only be regarded as a talent worth recruiting, not indispensably so.


    The Yu Family was currently in a difficult situation, and there was no need to target them deliberately. If they could cause a bit more trouble for the He Family, that would also serve a purpose.


    ...


    South City District.


    City Guard General.


    Garbed in dark green constable attire, Chen Mu arrived at the base of the main building.


    It was nearing noon, and the intense Taiyin made it difficult to keep one''s eyes open.


    Although he had ordered someone to report last night''s events to the Chief Officer early in the morning, after handling various matters at the prefecture, he still needed to come in person to report his duties.


    Chen Mu, now, whether entering the Chief Office or the chief building, no longer needed anyone to report his arrival or lead the way.


    He proceeded upwards along the staircase.


    But just as he passed the third floor, a cold voice came, "Prefecture Chief Chen, such a grand air, not reporting to the Chief Officer beforehand and rallying troops to tackle the Zheng family. Could it be that the constables of Wutong Grove District have already become Prefecture Chief Chen''s private soldiers to command at will?"


    Approaching was a man with a cold expression and an unfriendly tone, exactly Deputy Head Officer He Mingxuan.


    Although the Zheng family meant little to the He family, they were, after all, a faction raised in the Outer City for decades, delivering up to ten thousand taels of silver to the He family every year.


    And now, they had been wiped out overnight!


    This shocked He Mingxuan, who had heard the news early in the morning. He had intended for the Zheng family to lead the trouble against Chen Mu while he created difficulties from the Chief Office''s side, looking for an opportunity to kick Chen Mu out of the City Defense Division of Wutong Grove District and place his own people in charge.


    Yet, before the Zheng family could act, Chen Mu, just five days into his office, had unexpectedly struck like thunder and uprooted the Zheng family entirely.


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    He Mingxuan, upon realizing this, was even more furiously shaken.


    However,


    The next scene made He Mingxuan even more furiously enraged.


    There stood Chen Mu, his expression indifferent, saying,


    "Who are you?"


    Faced with Chen Mu''s response, He Mingxuan was stunned momentarily, then a surge of rage rose, "Damned fool!"


    Although it was their first meeting, how could Chen Mu possibly not recognize his rank!


    Chen Mu indifferently said, "If you have no business, please do not block the way."


    He of course knew who the man before him was, but since He Mingxuan did not announce his identity, he naturally couldn''t be bothered to acknowledge it, especially since the conflict between Hongyu and He Mingxuan was well-known. He needed to give even less face.


    "You..."


    For a moment, He Mingxuan was fuming, he, the dignified Deputy Head Officer, a direct descendant of the He family, Hongyu was one thing, but since when could a mere Prefecture Chief be so disrespectful to him.


    Just as He Mingxuan was furiously enraged, unable to hold back any longer and about to explode, a crisp voice suddenly arrived.


    "This gentleman is Deputy Head Officer Lord He."


    The figure of Xiao He appeared on the stairs.


    "Oh, so it is Lord He."


    Chen Mu bowed slightly to He Mingxuan.


    He Mingxuan''s face stiffened there, feeling a belly full of rage with nowhere to vent, coldly said, "You still haven''t explained the incident with the Zheng family''s clash last night."


    Xiao He took over the conversation, "The Zheng family was smuggling banned medicinal materials, warranting a family raid and exile. Lord Chen had already reported to the Chief Constable beforehand, and last night''s actions were approved by the Chief Constable. Lord He, if you have any questions, you may inquire with the Chief Constable."


    "...Very well."


    He Mingxuan glowered, his gaze cold as he glanced at Xiao He and then at Chen Mu, before leaving with a flick of his sleeve.


    Xiao He watched He Mingxuan turn around, the corners of her eyes curving into a cute arc, then turned to Chen Mu and said, "Alright, hurry upstairs. The lady is waiting for you."


    Chen Mu and Xiao He exchanged a knowing look, both resuming their calm expressions, and then they continued upstairs together, soon disappearing on the fourth floor.


    It was a long while before some silent constables cautiously glanced this way, then quickly withdrew their gazes.

 Chapter 74: Chapter 72 Harvest

    A moment later.


    Chen Mu left the main building and walked away into the distance.


    Xu Hongyu stood by the windowsill, her gaze fixed on Chen Mu as he walked out of the main building, watching his figure disappear into the streets and alleys.


    "Miss, what are you thinking about?"


    Xiao He suddenly leaned in and asked.


    Xu Hongyu turned around, pondered for a while, and said, "Not many people know about his understanding and talent in martial skills yet, the clan should plan ahead."


    Previously, when she learned from Xiao He that Chen Mu had mastered Triple Blade Momentum, she was quite shocked because she had been practicing the sword since she was young and had only managed to grasp two types of Sword Momentum so far.


    And for Chen Mu to possess such high comprehension in Blade Technique and cultivate Triple Blade Momentum entirely on his own without guidance, that was indeed astonishing.


    If someone with such high understanding of Blade Technique didn''t enter the Tendon Changing Level, it would be forgivable, but once he reached that level, even if he were to stop at Tendon Changing Perfection, he would still be a figure capable of standing on his own ¨C someone definitely worth further consideration by the Yu Family.


    Because of this, she had made a special trip back to the Yu Family to discuss this matter, but several days had passed, and there was still no movement from the Yu Family.


    "Miss, do you think he would like sister Xiao Ru?"


    Xiao He suddenly asked.


    Xu Hongyu shook her head slightly, saying, "It doesn''t matter if he doesn''t like her. Once he steps into the Tendon Changing Level, he can choose any of the Yu Family''s fourth-generation girls he likes."


    Xiao He looked at Xu Hongyu, blinked, and then snickered, "What if he has his eyes on you, Miss?"


    "Me?"


    Xu Hongyu was slightly taken aback, seemingly pondering the question carefully before eventually responding, "That might be a bit far-fetched?"


    Her status was different after all; she was not only at the core of the Yu Family''s legitimate lineage but also one of the most exceptional among the fourth generation. If Chen Mu were to fancy her, even if he entered the Tendon Changing Level, in the eyes of the Yu Family, it might still not be enough.


    Xiao He watched as Xu Hongyu, after serious contemplation, came up with such an answer and couldn''t help but tremble her lips, covering her forehead with her hand.


    Miss.


    You should listen to what you are saying.


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    Xu Hongyu looked at Xiao He curiously.


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    Xiao He let out a silent sigh.


    ...


    After returning from the Chief Officer, Chen Mu did not go back to the City Defense Division, but went straight home to sort out his gains from this time.


    First was the Silver Coin that came from searching the Zheng Family''s property.


    The total came to 76,400 Silver Taels.


    If it were during the past times when the governance was strict and the Imperial Court was prosperous, then almost all of it would have had to be surrendered, but in the current state of affairs where the Silver Coin and benefits were all about contention and plundering, keeping most of it in one''s own pocket was not a problem. However, Chen Mu still chose to consult with Xu Hongyu.


    After considering, Xu Hongyu decided that the ledger of the confiscated Silver Coin should be changed to 16,400 Silver Taels, with 10,000 taels submitted to the Chief Officer and the remaining 6,400 Taels to be deposited into the treasury of the City Defense Division in Wutong Grove District.


    As for the 60,000 Taels that vanished into thin air, they were to be temporarily kept by him.


    Chen Mu naturally had no objections to this.


    When the opinions of the superiors and inferiors are unified, naturally, no one else gets to have a say. In fact, if the Chief Constable were not Xu Hongyu, others might have tried to get involved, but with Xu Hongyu, who is a direct descendant of the Yu Family and also the Chief Constable of South City District, standing in the way, no one could reach down.


    In fact, Xu Hongyu could have taken all the Silver Coin for herself, but firstly, she herself did not lack Silver Tael, and as for the Yu Family, they had to consider how to further win over and incorporate Chen Mu into the Yu Family''s sphere, so there was no need to take Silver Tael from Chen Mu.


    For Chen Mu, sixty thousand Silver Tael was undoubtedly a huge sum of money. Normally speaking, even a government officer who has been embezzling for decades might not accumulate much more wealth.


    Even if he wanted to purchase a luxury house deed or even a manor outside the city, he had enough, but he had no plans to invest in property for the time being, so he gradually exchanged them for gold leaf to keep.


    Next was that Black Jade Tendon Changing Pill.


    Based on Chen Mu''s repeated investigations, it was basically confirmed, and the corresponding "Black Jade Tendon Changing Method" was not difficult for him to find. He didn''t even hide this from Xu Hongyu. Xu Hongyu, surprised, said that the Yu Family had that method and she could probably get a copy for him in a few days.


    Xu Hongyu even pointed out the origin of this Tendon Changing Pill, saying that the Zheng Family must have expended a lot of effort to obtain it from the He Family, and before they got a chance to use it, it ended up in his hands.


    Finally, there were those few unidentified herbs.


    After careful examination, Chen Mu found the sources of all of them. Some were main ingredients for nurturing Qi-Blood, some were medicinal catalysts for nourishing yin and yang and regulating internal harmony; in short, they all had one thing in common¡ªthey were expensive.


    Each one was worth several thousand Silver Tael or more.


    Chen Mu took them all into his possession accordingly.


    Of course.


    After sorting out the benefits that belonged to him, he also set aside some to reward the officers and men of the City Defense Division.


    "Thanks to the Zheng Family for the resources provided."


    Standing in the house, Chen Mu looked at his gains this time and silently thanked them in his heart. In any case, for a long time to come, he would not be lacking in resources.


    Even the most needed Tendon Changing Pills were already in his possession, and stepping into the Tendon Changing Level was only a matter of time for him.


    Skin Toughening and Body Refinement were just inferior methods. It would only be after reaching Tendon Changing that he would be considered to be moving towards the level of a true strongman within Yu City.


    Although the current Chen Mu, in terms of strength, was no less than the common Tendon Changing entities, he was still very eager for an improvement in strength. After all, with the obliteration of the Zheng Family, he had thoroughly entered into the He Family''s sight.


    With this one time, the He Family wouldn''t use an ordinary Outer City power like the Zheng Family to trouble him in the future. If they decided to make a move against him, it would inevitably be from a higher level.


    Only by stepping into Tendon Changing as soon as possible, and even mastering Artistic Conception, would he have some confidence in the face of threats from the He Family and not rely entirely on the protection of the Yu Family and Xu Hongyu.


    ...


    The fall of the Zheng Family caused a huge stir in Wutong Grove District, and even caused some shock in South City District, but the reaction was minimal in the Inner City; after all, compared to the Inner City, the Zheng Family was just an insignificant force.


    Gangs such as the Flowing Sand Gang, the Robber Gang, and many others entrenched in Wutong Grove District, almost all restrained themselves the day after, including the Nan Family, which had been on par with the Zheng Family, toned down significantly.


    Even.


    The very next day, the head of the Nan Family paid a personal visit to Chen Mu and said that he had been in seclusion for several days and hadn''t managed to welcome Chen Mu on the day he took office.


    After that, various gangs showed good will or weakness. In a short time, the citizens of the entire Wutong Grove District realized that the government officers of the City Defense Division seemed to be more assertive. In the past, officers would at most nod to gang members, but now, members of the gangs would greet the officers with a smile.


    Chen Mu was roughly aware of these changes, but he did not really care, nor did he have any interest in dealing with gang forces. Instead, he resumed the training routine he had in the Ninth District.


    Time flew by.


    The first to undergo a change was his Blade Technique. The cultivation of the fourth form of Momentum led to a new change in the system panel.

 Chapter 75: Chapter 73 Artistic Conception

    ```


    [Martial Techniques: Raging Wind Blade Technique (Perfection), Gale Blade Technique (Perfection), Spirit Wind Sword Technique (Perfection), Chasing Wind Blade Technique (Perfection)]


    [Experience: 11 points]


    [Deduction Attempts Available: 1]


    ...


    When all four blade and sword techniques reached perfection, culminating in four different momentums, a new command ''Deduction'' suddenly appeared below the skills section on the system panel, but there was only one deduction attempt available.


    Chen Mu looked at the changes on the system panel and couldn''t help but reveal a thoughtful expression.


    As expected, after mastering the various momentums of the same school, it was like assembling building blocks to complete a staircase; the system then directly presented him with the path to a higher level without needing him to accumulate a large amount of experience, instead giving him one opportunity to deduce and integrate all his skills upward.


    "Artistic Conception, huh..."


    Chen Mu murmured to himself. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His understanding of artistic conception had also grown much greater than before.


    Compared to ''momentum'', artistic conception was yet another completely different level. There were rumors that artistic conception was like an invisible blade¡ªthe stronger one''s own strength, the greater the power that the artistic conception could exert.


    There were also rumors that artistic conception was like another realm, already detached from the techniques themselves. In front of artistic conception, any ''momentum'' seemed as insignificant and fragile as a floating cloud, not on the same level.


    However, these statements were also very vague.


    After all, looking across the entire Yu City, those who could comprehend and master artistic conception could be said to be few and far between.


    Not to mention individuals in the Tendon Changing Realm, even those great figures standing at the pinnacle within the Inner City, those who had stepped into the Bone Tempering level, the number who had mastered artistic conception was still a minority.


    He had longed for the level of artistic conception for some time, and now he finally had the chance to touch that height.


    Chen Mu closed the system panel, first calmed his thoughts, then bathed and changed, ate and drank his fill before returning to his bedroom. He adjusted his mindset to the utmost tranquility, and only then did he summon the system panel once more.


    [Prompt: Would you like to use 1 opportunity to deduce and integrate all martial techniques?]


    The system panel popped up the prompt.


    Chen Mu calmly confirmed.


    As the thought fell, an invisible force began to spread from the depths of his consciousness, swiftly encompassing his entire body. Wherever it passed, his physical body seemed to vanish inch by inch like a bubble.


    In just a brief moment of mental distraction, when he came back to his senses, Chen Mu could no longer feel his body, nor could he hear or see; it was as if only a tiny bit of consciousness remained, floating in the vast emptiness of the world.


    This was completely different from the past improvements in his blade technique skills.


    Chen Mu was caught off guard in his heart, but he still maintained calmness. Soon, he felt a faint sensation; in the pitch-dark and unknown void that seemed utterly empty, a wisp of ''thread'' appeared and wound its way towards him.


    This ''thread'' was wild and ferocious, giving him an extremely familiar sensation


    ¡ªthat was the momentum of the raging wind.


    Following that,


    came the second thread, the third thread... Join the journey at m-vl-em-py-r


    Threads wound around his intangible consciousness, giving off violent, lively, and various other kinds of sensations. As they twisted and entangled with each other, they wrapped around his entire consciousness in circles.


    At first, Chen Mu could only sense the four momentums he had mastered, but as time passed, the bit of consciousness he possessed seemed to slowly merge into those four threads, becoming indistinguishable from them.


    Then,


    his vision suddenly broadened!


    The originally pitch-black, hazy and vague world suddenly brightened, with countless threads appearing before his eyes, each crisscrossing and interconnected, entwined and enmeshed.


    Every thread was a breeze, a different kind of breeze.


    ```


    "This is what artistic conception is,"


    Chen Mu realized in this moment.


    Or rather, from the instant he "saw" those thousands of winds transform into endless threads, he had understood what artistic conception was. It indeed was not the so-called technique he had imagined, but rather pointed towards something far more essential, directed at the very nature of this world itself.


    It''s like a fish in water, the force it can exert is utterly different from when it is stranded on shore.


    When he grasped the artistic conception, it was as if he gently lifted a wisp of the hazy and chaotic veil that shrouded the world, allowing a glimpse of its true nature. Before that, it seemed he had always been a fish stranded on the beach, but afterward, he leapt into the water and from then on, he sensed two entirely different worlds.


    "No wonder they say artistic conception and momentum are two completely different realms, a qualitative transformation..."


    Chen Mu murmured.


    Blade Momentum and Sword Momentum, even when practiced to the ultimate, no matter how skillfully mastered, remain on the surface of mere ''techniques,'' always seeking how to perfectly exert one''s own strength, how to perfectly borrow and guide the enemy''s force.


    But artistic conception already stands at another height, contemplating a new world through a different perspective, no longer pursuing the exertion of one''s strength, but how to make one''s strength more in tune with the ''world'' itself, transforming the decayed into magical.


    There is a fundamental gap between the two.


    "To lift this layer of the veil, to see this layer of the world, means I have already grasped the artistic conception,"


    Chen Mu''s consciousness floated along with those threads of a thousand winds, and suddenly, with a thought, he tried reaching out with an invisible hand, aiming to grasp those unseen threads swirling around him.


    However, as this hand reached out, it grabbed nothing but air, and with that attempt, all the threads began to dissipate and disappear, afterward, the world before his eyes plunged into darkness.


    When he opened his eyes again.


    Everything had returned to the bedroom.


    Chen Mu slowly lifted his hand, clenched his fist, and for a moment felt out of place. Although his consciousness had returned to his own body, it felt so heavy and lethargic.


    When he had become one with the myriad winds, it had seemed as though his body merged with the world, unobstructed by anything. That agility and freedom, so light it seemed like a fish entering water, but now he had once again ended up stranded on the dry beach.


    It took him a while.


    But gradually, Chen Mu recovered the feeling of his body.


    He took a deep breath, rose to his feet, and walked out into the courtyard, looking up at the sky, finely sensing the wisps of breeze that occasionally swept across the world.


    To an onlooker, he might appear unchanged from before, but having seen the world of artistic conception, even just a glimpse, he was already at a completely different height.


    Chen Mu just looked up at the sky for a while, then suddenly raised his right hand.


    He turned his hand into a blade and lightly slashed downwards towards the ground.


    Whoosh!


    It was as if he had plucked a string; a mere wave of his bare hand produced a slice of wind, seemingly material, that when it hit the ground, it split the dirt open with a crack!


    Looking at the mark his hand blade had made in the ground out of thin air, Chen Mu was momentarily stunned, and then silently marveled. After mastering the artistic conception, he indeed found himself in a completely different domain¡ªthe transformation far exceeded his expectations.


    It was safe to say that the gap between artistic conception and momentum was much greater than the gap between Tendon Changing and Body Refinement.


    It was simply immeasurable.


    First, every gesture and motion naturally conformed better with the essence of the world, the power he could wield far surpassed his past by several folds, and he could easily execute attacks that were almost like invisible Qi Force.


    Secondly, he was no longer confined to the blade itself. Anything¡ªgrass, wood, bamboo, stone¡ªcould be utilized, reaching a level where the rotten is turned into something wondrous, and every plucked flower or leaf could harm an enemy.


    "I wonder how my strength now compares to that of Xu Hongyu,"


    Chen Mu looked up at the sky again.


    He has yet to begin the practice of Tendon Changing, and his Body Tempering Method is still only at the Body Refinement Realm, but the changes brought by the artistic conception were so dramatic that he couldn''t clearly judge his current level of strength.


    After all, looking across the entire Yu City, only a handful have mastered the artistic conception, and almost all of them are above the Bone Tempering Realm.

 Chapter 76: Chapter 74: Cold Winter

    Xu Hongyu is still quite strong.


    Chen Mu hadn''t become arrogant just because he had grasped the Artistic Conception; after all, Xu Hongyu was one of the outstanding members of the fourth generation of the Yu Family. At under 26 years of age, she had already reached Major Achievement in Tendon Changing and had mastered two types of Sword Momentum.


    With a bit more time, there would be nothing to hinder her from achieving Perfection in Tendon Changing. At this age, the possibility of breaking through to the Bone Tempering Realm was quite significant, and purely in terms of strength, she would become a core member of the Yu Family in the future.


    Chen Mu thought for a while and then summoned the system interface.


    All the various skills listed under the martial arts category had disappeared and were replaced by a new description.


    [Martial Arts: Xun Wind Artistic Conception]


    [Experience: 11 points]


    [Number of Deductions Available: 0 times]


    The description ''martial skills'' was replaced by ''Martial Arts'', indicating that the previous Blade Techniques and Swordsmanship still fell within the category of martial skills, while reaching Artistic Conception meant entering the domain of Martial Arts.


    Chen Mu also tried and found that the number of deductions was exchanged for Experience Points, with one deduction requiring a total of ten thousand Experience Points, which was much higher than the previous requirement.


    "Ten thousand points, I''ve got to accumulate them slowly again," Chen Mu shook his head.


    Artistic Conception is not the endpoint.


    As far as he knew, Artistic Conception itself had three levels, the first step being ''seeing'' it as he was doing now.


    The second step is ''touching'' it.


    He had attempted to touch and grasp the threads of a thousand winds between heaven and earth, but he couldn''t catch them at all, which was because his Realm was still one level short. If he could hold all the threads of the winds in his hands, that would be the second step of Artistic Conception.


    The last is the third step of Artistic Conception ''Body-Mind Union''.


    Not only seeing and touching it, and being able to grasp it, but also integrating oneself into it seamlessly and flawlessly. It is said that at this level, one could even directly harness The Power of Heaven and Earth with a simple gesture, a nearly legendary technique.


    And as far as Chen Mu knew at present, no one in Yu City had reached this level; even whether the City Lord had stepped into the second level of Artistic Conception remained unknown, let alone the third step, which was nearly mythical.


    "It''s also about time to enter the Tendon Changing Realm," Chen Mu whispered to himself.


    His Sky Wolf Body Refinement Method was just a bit away from reaching Perfection, at most a matter of a few days. Now that he had mastered the Artistic Conception, once his Body Tempering Method also stepped into Tendon Changing, his strength would leap forward significantly.


    By then, there would hardly be an opponent under Bone Tempering that could challenge him, and he would have a certain capability to protect himself within the entire Yu City.


    ...


    In the courtyard.


    Shirtless, Chen Mu stood at the center, constantly exerting force in his arms and legs. With each stamping motion, the heat visibly radiated off his body as if waves of white heat were dispersing, which melted the nearby snow into water.


    Wang Ni, wearing a cotton-padded jacket with her small face flushed, huddled behind the bedroom door, leaning against the stove. The occasional cold wind that blew through the door crack still made her rub her small hands together from time to time.


    It was almost the coldest time of the year now.


    The icicles hanging from the eaves of the wall had formed long lengths, and the white breath exhaled quickly turned into ice crystals.


    "Master is really amazing; it''s so cold, and he can still practice boxing without wearing any clothes," Wang Ni, with her face flushed and looking slightly heated, watched Chen Mu practice his punches in the snow.


    Soon she would be twelve years old, and girls of her age generally start understanding more, especially in a world where it''s common to marry at the age of thirteen or fourteen.


    Ku''er, the little maid one ''size'' younger than Wang Ni, didn''t understand much yet. She watched with adoring eyes for a while and then, as a gust of cold wind made her shiver, said softly, "Speaking of which, this year''s winter seems much colder than in previous years."


    "Yes," Wang Ni said, her gaze fixed unblinkingly on Chen Mu. Even she couldn''t help but rub her hands together at that moment.


    Indeed, this year''s winter was much colder than before. The last two or three years had not been this cold, and she hardly dared to stay outside the house for long, because her hands would freeze stiff in just a short while and become unresponsive.


    The whispering of the two servant girls was almost entirely audible to Chen Mu, but he continued to focus only on practicing his punches, not minding the girls sneaking peeks. When Wang Ni was a bit older, he would also allow her to practice some martial arts.


    After all, a servant girl couldn''t be too frail.


    He practiced for a while longer.


    Then, Chen Mu stopped and walked toward the house.


    Wang Ni and Ku''er hurriedly poured the hot water from the kettle into the basin and brought over a towel, busily attending to Chen Mu as he entered the house. Chen Mu let the two servant girls serve him, and he walked over to the table and sat down, drinking a cup of hot tea.


    Speaking of which, this winter was indeed much colder than in previous years. In this world, there was no such thing as a ''thermometer,'' but by his estimation, the temperature had dropped at least ten degrees more than in past years, and it felt like it was continuing to drop these days.


    "The weather is severely cold. Perhaps there is a reason for it," Chen Mu mused to himself.


    If it were in his previous life, he would most likely consider it a climate issue and move on quickly, but this world was, after all, different, with many extraordinary things. Experience exclusive tales on m v|l e-NovelFire


    According to the City Defense Division''s records, there had been instances of extreme cold or heat before, and these atmospheric changes often brought nothing good, such as reduced crops making it harder for the poor to survive, and sometimes even leading to monster disturbances.


    While Chen Mu was pondering this,


    Suddenly the voice of a servant reached him. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Master, Miss He has arrived."


    "Mm."


    Chen Mu nodded, put down his teacup, simply threw on a long gown, and then went outside.


    At the entrance, he saw Xiao He wearing a bamboo hat standing in the snow, wearing a light yellow dress. In Chen Mu''s memory, Xiao He always wore modest casual clothes and hardly stood out next to Xu Hongyu, rarely wearing silk or gauze dresses. This time was an unusual sight, but he had to admit that she looked charming in the dress.


    "What''s the matter?" he asked when he saw Xiao He''s gaze linger on her.


    Xiao He asked with a smile, "Why, can''t I come to see you if there is no official business? You even said last time that you would prepare a feast to apologize to me..."


    Chen Mu chuckled and extended his hand in welcome, "I will have someone take care of that right away."


    Xiao He waved her hand dismissively, "Never mind that. I came to tell you, there''s been monster activity in the Green Lotus Mountain Range outside the city. The City Lord and various families have sent people to deal with it. Miss Xu will be going too, so she will have very little time in the city recently.


    You should be more cautious these days to prevent anyone from causing trouble during this period."


    Hearing Xiao He''s words, Chen Mu was not too surprised. Just now, he had been considering the abnormal weather and whether it could lead to any monster disturbances, which were often recorded in the City Defense Division''s logbook.


    "Alright, I understand," Chen Mu nodded to Xiao He.


    Xu Hongyu needed to leave the city, which meant that the He Family might take the opportunity to cause trouble. In the past, he would indeed need to be more cautious, but now, he was not too concerned.


    With his current strength, it no longer was easy to mess with him, especially since his mastery of Artistic Conception was still unknown to others. If someone thought to take advantage of the chaos to strike at him, they were definitely mistaken.


    "There''s no need to worry too much. I will stay at the City Defense Division during this time, temporarily taking care of the Miss''s affairs. If you need anything, just come find me directly. I am now a high-level expert of the Tendon Changing Realm as well," Xiao He winked at Chen Mu.


    "Congratulations," Chen Mu said, smiling at the news, and gave her a respectful bow as a gesture of congratulations.


    Xiao He had followed Xu Hongyu for many years, and her talent was good. She undoubtedly had access to the Tendon Changing Pill, so it was not surprising that she could cross the threshold of Tendon Changing, although it was still no easy feat to do so. With the foundation of Tendon Changing and possession of a Sword Momentum, she could hold her own from now on.

 Chapter 77: Chapter 75: The Limit

    No wonder Xiao He had changed into a skirt and blouse she rarely wore. It was much more convenient to wear plain clothes during chaotic times, but now with the strength and confidence of the Tendon Changing Level, these concerns were trivial in the Outer City. Wearing the attire of a young lady posed no issue.


    "I looked over the records of the City Defense Division, and it seems that disturbances by monsters occur every few years. Has it always been like this in past years?"


    Chen Mu led Xiao He into the courtyard, ordered people to prepare some tea and pastries, and then sat down with her beside the stove.


    Although he had been in this world for a few years and retained memories from the past, he had not been exposed to matters at this level before.


    Xiao He took a seat gracefully and said, "Essentially, yes. Monster disturbances are both a trouble and an opportunity. With more monsters emerging, the threat increases, but so do the chances of obtaining various demon bones and demon blood."


    "Even though there are elite troops guarding the most important locations outside, and the Inner City has the dedicated ''Demon-Slaying Office,'' families still dispatch people to get their share of the action during monster disturbances."


    Xiao He explained.


    Around Yu City, vast estates and farmlands lay outside, most of which were owned by Inner City powers. Almost none belonged to the farmers themselves anymore; instead, they were typically operated by tenant farmers and servants who specialized in cultivation.


    For this reason, these estates and farmlands were generally guarded by people from each powerful family. In addition, there were elite troops stationed outside the city. Normally, no monster could invade and wreak havoc, being blocked far beyond the vast mountains.


    However, when monster disturbances occurred, the number of monsters in the mountains would suddenly increase. Even though elite troops guarded some crucial places, a considerable number would still infiltrate.


    At such times, families would generally send out forces to purify the monsters outside the city¡ªboth to protect their lands and because the monsters themselves were valuable resources worth hunting in abundance.


    "I see."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly.


    From Xiao He''s description, it was clear that not only did families send out many individuals above the Tendon Changing Level, but also many private soldiers who had achieved Body Refinement Perfection.


    Xu Hongyu was strong and, as the Chief Constable of South City District, naturally led a group into the fray. However, he, the Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove District, wasn''t included in her group.


    The reason was simple. Hunting monsters outside the city came with both rewards and risks. In Xu Hongyu''s view, Chen Mu was still better off staying in the safer city to slowly cultivate for the time being, still within the category of those needing protection.


    For this purpose, she had specifically left Xiao He, who had broken through to the Tendon Changing Level, in the city. One reason was to control the situation in the City Defense Division while she was away, and the other was to take extra care of Chen Mu''s side.


    "I wonder how long it will last."


    Chen Mu picked up the tea cup and took a sip.


    Indeed, he had little interest in demon slaying. So far, the farthest he had ventured outside the city was to transport corpses to the Mass Burial Mound.


    Rather than deal with such troubles, he would prefer and was happier to stay in the city and continue practicing his martial arts.


    "The shortest would be a month, the longest several months," Xiao He said. "But Miss will still come back regularly. She won''t stay outside the city all the time."


    "Mm-hmm."


    Chen Mu nodded.


    He then asked Xiao He about some other matters, and she answered them all one by one.


    After sitting for a while, Xiao He stood up to take her leave of Chen Mu. As she reached the courtyard, she suddenly smiled and said, "Do you want to spar again?"


    But before Chen Mu could reply, she walked out of the courtyard with a smile, saying, "Never mind, let''s wait until you''ve reached the Tendon Changing Level. Right now, it would be too much of a bullying." Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing this, Chen Mu chuckled inwardly.


    Little Lotus seemed to have a bit of "the wind stopped, the rain ceased, and I went on my own" about her, but Chen Mu didn''t think of bullying her again this time. He just smiled and showed Little Lotus out the door.


    Once back in the courtyard, Chen Mu summoned the system panel.


    [Sky Wolf Body Refinement Method (Major Achievement)]


    [Experience Points: 1001]


    Today was, in fact, his last day of vigorous Body Refinement training because, having accumulated enough experience points for a breakthrough to Body Refinement Perfection with the Sky Wolf Body Refinement Method, he was next to step into the Tendon Changing Level.


    He had already gathered the necessary number just before, and if it weren''t for Little Lotus''s sudden visit, he would probably have started practicing the Tendon Changing Method by now.


    At that moment,


    Chen Mu didn''t waste more time; with a thought, he spent the experience points to elevate the Sky Wolf Body Refinement Method to Perfection in one go.


    Hum!!!


    A surge of dense energy exploded deep inside his body and then permeated every muscle, deeply ingraining into them, scorching hot as if it were lava, refining each and every muscle fiber.


    His muscles, already hardened like iron under the perfection of the Fierce Ox Body Refinement Method, now reached the perfection of the Sky Wolf Body Refinement Method. The two refinement methods complemented each other, making every muscle more perfect and flawless, a hundred times refined into steel.


    Chen Mu just stood there, barely moving, as continuous white heat waves surged from his body. Visible to the naked eye, they dispersed in all directions, melting the snow that had just frozen again.


    No one knew how long had passed.


    Chen Mu stretched his body forcefully, straightened up again, and practiced a set of the Fierce Ox and Sky Wolf Body Refinement Methods. With a light tap of his right foot, he made the ground in the courtyard buzz with a dull hum, shattering layers of ice and snow in the distance, causing rows of icicles hanging from the eaves to fall off by seven or eight.


    "Body Refinement has also been pushed to its limits," Chen Mu said.


    Feeling the changes in his body, Chen Mu exhaled a white heat wave, which shot straight out for three feet, like a white Qi Sword.


    The Fierce Ox Body Refinement Method emphasizes strength and explosive power, while the Sky Wolf Body Refinement Method values agility and flexibility. Now having the effects of both, his muscles had become like a membrane, tempered to the hardness of steel.


    It could be said,


    even if someone had brought the Skin Toughening Method to Perfection, as long as they had not entered Body Refinement, even their full-strength strike would struggle to break through Chen Mu''s defense.


    Even more, as his muscles expand and contract, they could offset the force and even shatter the attacker''s blade!


    His muscles, hammered to steel-like resilience and paired with his copper skin, underwent a transformation far more complex than simply adding one plus one.


    After all, if one only had copper skin, a slash from a sword might not leave them entirely unharmed, but with muscles as hard as steel and with added flexibility, their strength would increase manifold.


    "With this copper skin and steel muscles alone, I''m afraid I could even compete with the average Tendon Changing practitioner," Chen Mu clenched his fists.


    For him, raising both the Skin Toughening and Body Refinement to their limits through the system panel presented benefits beyond mere enhancement of his strength; once he transitioned to Tendon Changing, the power that his steel-like body could unleash would also far exceed that of an ordinary person.


    "It''s time," Chen Mu said, Find your next read on m_v l|e-NovelFire


    He returned to his bedroom and cautiously took out the Black Jade Tendon Changing Pill he had obtained not long ago.


    Having reached the limits of Skin Toughening and Body Refinement, naturally, the next step was to embark on the path of Tendon Changing.

 Chapter 78: Chapter 76 Tendon Changing

    Black Jade Tendon Changing Pill.


    Tendon Changing Pills are not the kind that one swallows in one go. They are instead tough, pearl-like objects that need to be refined with high heat, gradually extracting the medicinal power within.


    Chen Mu had recently obtained the "Black Jade Tendon Changing Method" from Xu Hongyu. By now, he was basically familiar with the Tendon Changing cultivation techniques. Holding the egg-sized Black Jade Tendon Changing Pill, he walked towards the furnace.


    "Wang Ni, fetch me some water. I need to bathe," Chen Mu instructed.


    The way to use the Black Jade Tendon Changing Pill was to boil it over high heat for about an hour, then pour the boiled medicinal juice into a bath, immersing oneself completely.


    Yes.


    Because the medicinal power of the Tendon Changing Pill was too fierce, it was not only unsuitable for direct consumption but even the boiled medicinal juice needed to be diluted with water. Moreover, one also had to take a corresponding herbal decoction to protect the heart and lungs.


    Skin Toughening, Body Refinement, Tendon Changing¡ªeach step had to be taken one at a time and could not be skipped.


    Without well-tempered skin and muscles full of Qi-Blood to withstand the overwhelming medicinal power of the Tendon Changing Pill, one would fail to achieve Tendon Changing. Worse still, one''s own flesh and skin would break down under the strain.


    He placed the Black Jade Tendon Changing Pill he was holding into the medicine pot and started to boil it.


    "The medicinal power of the Tendon Changing Pill is so terrifying, it''s likely because it mostly comes from that essential ingredient, Jiao blood," Chen Mu pondered while staring at the medicine pot.


    In the Da Xuan Dynasty Court''s Myriad Demon Atlas, the Black Jiao, rated as Seventh Rank, is undoubtedly an extremely terrifying demon.


    Jiao blood is an essential catalyst for Tendon Changing, which means that long, long ago, before Body Tempering Methods even reached the Tendon Changing stage, ancestors of the Human Race''s Martial Arts had already fought with such creatures. Read latest chapters at m_v-l''e-NovelFire


    Such a feat is not impossible to achieve, but in Chen Mu''s view, it is extremely difficult, probably requiring at least the third step in the Stage of Martial Arts Artistic Conception, or even the legendary realm above that, to fight a creature like the Black Jiao without a strong physical body as a foundation.


    Then, numerous Martial Arts ancestors sorted out the path of the Body Tempering Method. Compared to the abstract aspects of Martial Arts Artistic Conception, the Body Tempering Method was more grounded. Only after the two complemented each other did the Human Race ultimately secure their footing.


    The saints of successive generations defeated those nearly mythical demons, becoming the rulers of this land.


    Compared to that long and magnificent history, the Da Xuan Dynasty that has ruled the mountains and rivers for a thousand years is just a minor and insignificant part of it.


    Of course.


    That''s about all Chen Mu knew since the Da Xuan Dynasty had erased much of the past history since its founding, to the point where even the name of the previous dynasty was blurry.


    Now, the Da Xuan Dynasty was also in decline. Unless a great rejuvenating leader emerged, given the current momentum, it would not be long before the kingdom changed hands again.


    Chen Mu''s thoughts drifted for a while, but after a moment, his mind returned to the present. He didn''t have the power to ponder those issues now; his current goal was simply to establish a firm foothold in Yu City as soon as possible.


    Gurgle, gurgle!


    The medicine pot boiled and boiled on the furnace for a full hour before the medicinal juice inside finally began to boil, making a gurgling sound.


    Lifting the lid, Chen Mu saw that the water inside had turned into a black, viscous liquid, which was now bubbling.


    He took a spoon and gently scooped out the Black Jade Tendon Changing Pill, which by then had become clear and translucent, looking like a black pearl, with steam continuously rising from it.


    He packed the Black Jade Tendon Changing Pill into a medicine pouch, stored it carefully, then picked up the medicine pot and headed to the side room.


    Inside the side room.


    A large wooden bathing tub was placed there, filled with some cold water. Seeing Chen Mu come in, Wang Ni hurried to move the boiled hot water together with Ku''er.


    However, both of them were too young and lacked the strength. Chen Mu shook his head and didn''t wait any longer. He went straight to the boiler room, grabbed the edge of the large pot of boiling water with one hand, lifted the entire pot, and in front of the wide eyes of Wang Ni and Ku''er, took it back to the side room, pouring the pot of boiling water directly into the tub.


    "Alright, you two go ahead," sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu put down the pot and then poured the boiled Black Jade medicine juice into the barrel.


    Sizzling!


    The medicine juice made a sizzling sound, quickly turning the entire barrel of water black.


    Wang Ni and Ku''er dumbly followed Chen Mu back to the side room, where they looked at the pot that was still emitting steam, then looked at each other, and upon hearing Chen Mu''s voice, finally snapped out of it, hurriedly responded in a low voice, and slipped out.


    Chen Mu took off his clothes, revealing a body that didn''t seem particularly muscular. After reaching Perfection in the Sky Wolf Body Refinement Method, the bulging muscles produced by the Fierce Ox Body Refinement Method were counterbalanced, making his muscles less pronounced, but in reality, as soon as he exerted force, the muscles beneath the skin would bulge in layers.


    He stepped into the wooden barrel.


    As soon as he entered, Chen Mu couldn''t help but let out a slight hiss.


    Even when he had grabbed a pot of boiling water with his bare hands, he hadn''t reacted at all, but soaking in the medicine juice was a completely different experience.


    The medicine juice wasn''t too hot, but it felt like it hid millions of tiny needles that incessantly burrowed into every pore of his body, making it seem as though even his Copper-Steel Skin could hardly block this erosion.


    But Chen Mu, after all, was not a beginner in practicing martial arts, and soon endured the discomfort, sitting down directly, submerging everything below his head in the water.


    Sizzling!


    A sizzling noise came from within the barrel.


    Chen Mu only felt the scorching heat in the medicine juice, which spread into countless needle-like pinpricks, permeating every corner of his body into the inside, quickly passing through the skin and reaching into the muscles. Then slowly squeezing through the muscles, eventually reaching deeper to the body''s tendons.


    The Tendon Changing was a minor leap for the practice of Body Refining Methods because the previous Skin Toughening and Body Refinement, despite also enhancing Qi-Blood strength, left the muscles disconnected without the linking tendons throughout the body.


    Once Tendon Changing cultivation was complete, all the muscles could be connected as one, thereby the explosion of strength compared to before could almost double.


    A Martial Man who had reached Body Refinement Perfection might be able to leap two or three zhang in a single bound, landing atop a high wall, but after entering the Tendon Changing Level, a mere jump of four or five zhang becomes quite easy. Whether it''s the burst of strength or the agility, it''s a qualitative change compared to before.


    Seven or eight Minor Achievement Body Refiners might stand against one at the Perfection level, but even seven or eight at Perfection would struggle to block someone who has stepped into Tendon Changing, even if it''s just a Tendon Changing Minor Achievement.


    The vast disparity in status between Body Refinement Martial Men and those who have undergone Tendon Changing lies not only in the difficulty of Tendon Changing but also in the span of strength it provides.


    The scorching medicinal power gradually melded into the body''s tendons, making Chen Mu feel as if all the tendons in his body were being scorched by fire, turning incandescent and red. This sensation lasted nearly two hours before it finally began to subside.


    When all sensation vanished.


    The pitch-black medicine juice in the barrel had somehow turned a dull grey color.


    Chen Mu slowly opened his eyes and stood up from the water, then clenched his fist.


    "Hmm... doesn''t seem like there''s any change,"


    He had previously asked Hongyu in detail about Tendon Changing, knowing that the process involves using medicinal power to temper and remodel the body''s tendons, transforming them into ''Jiao Tendons,'' but not everyone could achieve this step.


    Some people might not be able to permeate the medicine after three months of refinement and end up back at square one, while others with exceptional talents might complete the transformation after just four or five attempts, thoroughly entering the Tendon Changing Level.


    At this moment, Chen Mu could feel that after the medicinal power faded, it didn''t linger within the body''s tendons and quickly dispersed completely, his body returning to its previous state.


    It seems the breakthrough wasn''t achieved in one go.


    But he still had the system.


    Chen Mu silently called out the system panel.

 Chapter 79: Chapter 77: Year of Disaster

    [Black Jade Tendon Changing Method (0%)]


    [Experience: 11 points]


    What surprised Chen Mu was that the progress of the Tendon Changing Method in the system panel was no longer distinguished by Minor Achievement and Major Achievement, but had become a more explicit set of data.


    Chen Mu surmised that perhaps at this stage of Tendon Changing, every small step appeared more noticeable, unlike during Skin Toughening and Body Refinement, where only a jump from Minor to Major Achievement marked a significant increase in strength.


    He had learned this from Hongyu.


    Although Tendon Changing was generally divided into Minor Achievement, Major Achievement, and Perfection, the whole process was a smoother and steadier enhancement without overly abrupt steps.


    How one judged their progress depended on certain characteristics, such as a mild burst in the body''s main tendons producing a clear sound indicated the start of Tendon Changing Minor Achievement.


    When swinging the limbs and moving the arms could produce a sound as sonorous as a long whip, that was the Tendon Changing Major Achievement.


    Chen Mu looked at the system panel and, after a brief contemplation, moved his thoughts and attempted to advance.


    [Black Jade Tendon Changing Method (1%)]


    Explore stories at m,v l''e-NovelFire


    [Experience: 1 point]


    Enhancing the Black Jade Tendon Changing Method by one percent had instantly used up 10 experience points, but the effect it brought was remarkably noticeable.


    Chen Mu felt an intense heat originating from within the main tendons of his body, radiating outward, scorching and forging every major tendon, sending a tingling and numbing sensation throughout his body. For a while, he couldn''t muster any strength, and his body felt limp as he sat back down in the wooden barrel.


    After about a quarter of an hour, the intense heat and tingling sensation gradually receded, and his strength slowly returned.


    When Chen Mu stood up again, he immediately noticed a distinct difference; it felt as if the main tendons throughout his body had undergone some change. Stretching his limbs, he felt as if all the muscles and membranes across his body were more tightly interconnected.


    "Is this the entrance to Tendon Changing?"


    Feeling the changes in his body, Chen Mu showed a thoughtful expression.


    Many people seek without success, exhausting the medicinal power of a Tendon Changing Pill without making any progress, remaining at 0%.


    While 1% was just the very beginning, its substantive impact was revolutionary because it equated to crossing that most difficult threshold. Chen Mu could continue to make steady advancements even without relying on the system panel, until he perfected the Tendon Changing.


    This step could be said to have crossed.


    It was a radically different watershed, one that numerous Martial Men in the Inner City were pursuing.


    Meanwhile, on the system panel, it was merely a light tap.


    Chen Mu glanced at the dark water in the barrel, got out, and grabbed a towel to briefly dry off, then he went straight out the door.


    He didn''t call Wang Ni to heat the water again, but instead directly broke the ice on the water tank and washed himself off with the ice water. Then, he returned to the room and put his clothes on again.


    Next.


    Chen Mu picked up a Black Jade Tendon Changing Pill and carefully weighed it in his hand.


    "If I perform Tendon Changing once daily and gain 11 experience points, I might only need one month to reach the Tendon Changing Minor Achievement. The progress is not too slow,"


    Chen Mu pondered.


    At this step of Tendon Changing, the Body Tempering Method, regardless of which phase, focused more on the digestion and absorption of medicinal power. In fact, the fixed postures in the Tendon Changing Method were mainly to guide the body''s main tendons to absorb the medicinal power better and accept the tempering.


    The Body Tempering Method emphasized more on the ''tempering'' process.


    Martial Arts Techniques focused more on ''practice'' and ''understanding''.


    "I wonder what stage Hongyu has reached now?"


    Chen Mu suddenly thought of Hongyu. During the battle with the Black Crow Sect, Hongyu had displayed the Tendon Changing Major Achievement, but now there was likely still some gap from Perfection.


    When he first met Hongyu, he had not yet started practicing the Body Treasures Way of Cultivation. Ironically enough, he had already stepped into Tendon Changing. Although it had taken almost a year and a half, the progress could only be described as startling.


    Now,


    With such a pace in Body Tempering, it might not take long before he could catch up with Body Treasures Way of Cultivation. At that time, it might still be uncertain who would reach Tendon Changing Perfection first.


    Thinking of this, Chen Mu couldn''t help but show a slight smile.


    He held no ill will towards Hongyu, after all, he was the first woman with the highest Martial Arts Realm he had encountered. Although he had long surpassed her in terms of techniques, now that he was catching up in Body Treasures Way of Cultivation, he naturally felt an unusual sensation. For a moment, Chen Mu just wanted to see what kind of expression would appear on Hongyu''s cool face.


    In fact, he didn''t know much about Hongyu, and they had minor contact. Unlike with Xiaohe, he never harbored any improper thoughts towards Hongyu in the past. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Upon deeper reflection, being cold also had its own beauty, but ultimately it lacked a sense of vitality. It would be more interesting if there were some contrasting changes.


    Well.


    That went a bit off track.


    Chen Mu regained his senses, laughed to himself, and refocused his thoughts. Then, he went out to the courtyard, casually picked up a bamboo stick, and started practicing.


    Now that he had grasped the Artistic Conception, he no longer needed to practic


    Until the scattered snowflakes gradually melted into countless raindrops, these raindrops were still swept by the invisible wind raised by the bamboo branches, following the turnover and adjustment of the bamboo branches.


    Finally, Chen Mu abruptly thrust the bamboo branch forward in his hand.


    Crack!


    The fragile bamboo branch forcibly pierced into a large stone placed in the corner of the courtyard for practicing, entering three inches into the stone!


    ¡­


    Time flew by.


    In the blink of an eye, more than a month had passed.


    The cold of winter had not become warmer but had become even colder instead, causing the overall situation in the Outer City to continually decline.


    The severe cold itself was manageable, as every household had stored firewood for the winter; in the bitterly cold late winter, everyone shut their doors and huddled around the stove. Those with insufficient firewood also huddled together for warmth; as long as there was a place to lean on, one was generally not frozen to death.


    However, the problem was that the prolonged severe cold, coupled with heavy snow, caused many old and dilapidated houses that were in disrepair to collapse under the weight.


    On the streets.


    In the thick snow, amidst the snowstorm, several figures walked forward, each step sinking deep to the knees.


    The person in the lead wore a wide bamboo hat and dark green prefecture uniform; it was the Prefecture Chief of the Wutong Grove District City Defense Division, Chen Mu.


    Following by his side were Shang Qinglai and other head constables.


    The group passed through the streets and alleys to a slightly more dilapidated district. Amidst the wind and snow, one could faintly hear wailing.


    Looking forward, one could see that in the rundown old houses, sections of them had collapsed, and in the corners where the remains of bricks and tiles piled up, people could be seen huddled in quilts, trembling from the cold.


    Shang Qinglai stepped quickly across the street alley, leaped onto an external wall, surveyed the surroundings from a high position, then came back to report,


    "Sir, the snowstorm last night was fierce. Sanhuai Alley was severely damaged. From a rough estimate, at least a hundred households are affected."


    "¡­"


    Chen Mu did not speak and walked further along the street alley.


    Next to a collapsed old house by the roadside, a little girl in patch-covered worn cotton clothing and disheveled hair, was curled up into a ball in a corner.


    Apart from her, no other people were visible, but under the debris of the old house, one could faintly see a piece of tattered clothing.


    Chen Mu walked up, reached out to touch the little girl''s heart, feeling a bit of warmth, then lifted her entirely into his arms, held her close, and said, "Bring some medicinal soup."


    "Yes."


    Shang Qinglai acknowledged and quickly exited the street alley.


    The little girl was only about six or seven years old. Chen Mu opened his uniform and buried her completely in his embrace to warm her. After a while, Shang Qinglai brought a bowl of steaming medicinal soup, pried her mouth open and poured some down; a bit of life finally returned to that gray face.


    "Sir, the initial count of affected people in Sanhuai Alley is over one hundred and twenty households, with two to three hundred people either frozen to death or buried last night, and roughly another three hundred survivors,"


    Zhang Tong came over and reported on the investigation.


    Chen Mu pondered and said, "What about other places?"


    Zhang Tong replied, "Other areas are slightly better, but apart from the main street and back street, almost all have been affected. The total number of disaster victims could multiply several times over."


    Thousands of people ¡ª not a small number, considering the entire population of Wutong Grove District was only about twenty to thirty thousand households, totaling around a hundred thousand people.


    "How much space is left in the City Defense Division''s office?"


    Chen Mu asked.


    Half a month earlier, as the disaster situation gradually worsened, he had ordered that most of the City Defense Division''s courtyards be cleared to temporarily accommodate the disaster victims.


    Zhang Tong replied grimly, "At most, a few dozen more can be accommodated."


    Chen Mu looked at the distant disaster scene and thoughtfully said, "It seems we''ll need to build some temporary shelters."


    Zhang Tong''s face showed a hint of difficulty. "Sir, recently, the public treasury has spent a lot due to accommodating those disaster victims. Although there is Silver Coin from the previous Zheng Family confiscation, if we take in this batch of victims, I''m afraid it won''t last half a month."


    "You don''t need to worry about that."


    Chen Mu indifferently said, "Go contact the leaders of the Flowing Sand Gang, Thief Gang... all six gangs for me. Tell them I need to see them, right after noon at Heavenly Arrival Restaurant on Main Street."


    Zhang Tong, upon hearing this, paused, said, "Sir, are you thinking of..."


    "Go."


    Chen Mu did not elaborate further.


    Zhang Tong immediately understood, nodded, and left.


    At that moment, Shang Qinglai came closer and whispered, "Sir, making those gangs contribute might not be easy. Perhaps we could ask the Nan Family to exert some effort."


    Chen Mu gently stroked the forehead of the girl in his arms, feeling the warmth slowly return, then glanced at Shang Qinglai and said, "There''s no need to negotiate with the Nan Family; they will contribute on their own. As for the six gangs... let me ask you, if they are unwilling to contribute at a time like this, then what is their purpose of existence?"


    His tone was flat, but mixed in the winter chill, it seemed to make the air even colder, causing Shang Qinglai to feel a chill in his heart and lower his head without speaking again.

 Chapter 80: Chapter 78: One Cut

    "Nier, let this child sleep at your place for the next few days. Once she''s better, you can take her around, to keep Ku''er company," Chen Mu said as he carried a girl into the backyard and instructed Wang Ni.


    "Yes, Brother Mu," Wang Ni replied softly, eyeing the little girl in Chen Mu''s arms with a slight curiosity, but she asked nothing about her origins.


    Chen Yue had taught her not to ask too many questions. All she needed to do was follow Chen Mu''s orders, a lesson she had well remembered over the years.


    The girl had woken up, but still looked extremely weak, curled up in Chen Mu''s arms, her barely open eyes lifeless.


    Chen Mu carried the girl all the way to the side hall and placed her on Wang Ni''s small bed, saying, "Rest well for the next few days. Once your health improves a bit, I''ll talk to you about other things."


    Weakly, the girl nodded her head with great effort.


    After Chen Mu left the bedroom and returned to the courtyard, he shook his head helplessly. He had promised himself not to randomly pick up people and bring them home, yet here he was, having done exactly that, with both Ku''er and this girl.


    But indeed, it wasn''t a big issue to take in a few more maids or young female servants in his courtyard, especially considering this girl was even younger than Ku''er.


    He sighed softly again at the thought.


    A snowstorm had left her with nothing. If he hadn''t rescued her, she might not only have frozen to death amidst the ruins, but at such a young age and with nowhere to go, she would likely have starved to death outside eventually.


    In fact, the situation in Wutong Grove District was already quite good. On one hand, as the Prefecture Chief, he didn''t take the silver from the public treasury for himself. Instead, he had even added a substantial amount to it previously, allowing the City Defense Division to have plenty of silver for disaster relief.


    On the other hand, before the New Year, he had strictly ordered several gangs to restrain their actions and slightly reduced the annual taxes, using the Zheng Family''s confiscated silver to cover part of it. Additionally, since Wutong Grove District was one of the better areas of the city, the disaster remained controllable despite the severe cold.


    This time, he planned to use some of his own silver taels, along with contributions from the six major gangs and the Nan Family, for disaster relief.


    Judging by the abnormal weather, this severe cold was likely to continue for almost another month.


    Chen Mu''s instructions were quickly carried out.


    It wasn''t long before the Crocodile Gang, the Black Water Gang, and the other four powers heard the message from their respective Gang Leaders.


    Due to the sudden downfall of the Zheng Family, all the gangs were wary of Chen Mu, the new Prefecture Chief.


    "What do you think?" Sha Xiangtian of the Crocodile Gang asked his Deputy Gang Leader.


    The Deputy Gang Leader pondered before saying, "I heard last night''s blizzard was severe. Many places suffered. The Prefecture Chief is summoning people from all six gangs now; he probably wants us to contribute to the disaster relief efforts."


    "Ha, I''ve got no time to save those peasants. That''s the job of his City Defense Division, not our concern," Sha Xiangtian sneered upon hearing this.


    However, the Deputy Gang Leader thoughtfully said, "You may not want to go, but I think we still should. He''s calling all six gangs. If you''re the only one absent, wouldn''t that give him the perfect opportunity to cause trouble for us?"


    "Besides, I reckon the others aren''t too keen on putting in free work either. If all six of us go, even if the new Prefecture Chief is imposing, would he dare to pressure all six of us at once?"


    His words made Sha Xiangtian fall into thought.


    After stroking his chin and considering carefully, he said, "That makes sense. Avoiding it would seem like we''re afraid of him. When all six are present, if push comes to shove, we could just give a hundred or eighty silver taels as a gesture, to save face."


    ...


    "Heavenly Arrival Restaurant, huh? Alright, I''ve got it," said ''Fifth Master'' of the Black Water Gang, chuckling as he put down his smoking pipe.


    He too was a ''Fifth Master,'' but unrelated to the one from Fifth District. In each territory, the Black Water Gang had significant influence and its leaders were commonly called ''Fifth Master.''


    "Fifth Master, are you really going? It doesn''t seem like anything good," someone said.


    "Go? Of course, we must go. How could we not when our new Prefecture Chief invites us to drink... There may not be anything good, but not necessarily anything bad either. And with the others present, it would look bad for this old man to be left out," Fifth Master tapped on his smoking pipe with a chuckle.


    To him, not going would only invite trouble, as being isolated and targeted could turn out to be quite problematic. He would likely have to pay a hefty price afterwards, but as long as he attended, with all six gangs present, there wouldn''t be much to fear.


    ...


    The reactions of the other gangs were more or less the same as the Crocodile Gang and the Black Water Gang. After receiving the news, there was an initial calm before they all began to make their moves.


    People from various factions could be seen gathering, escorting some individuals toward the main street of Wutong Grove District.


    ...


    Sun past noon.


    In the main street of Wutong Grove District, Heavenly Arrival Restaurant was among the largest restaurants there. It was bustling on a regular day, filled with clientele even in this harsh winter.


    But today, Heavenly Arrival Restaurant was a place that both the local gentry and the wealthy hurried past with tense expressions, afraid to linger or look too closely. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Inside, the restaurant was packed, but not a dish in sight¡ªjust some tea. The patrons were all rough and fierce-looking, clearly dangerous ruffians.


    Even outside the restaurant, there were those who couldn''t find a spot, divided into several groups, each eyeing the others warily.


    "Crocodile Gang, Black Water Gang... even the people from the Black Water Gang are here. What''s the occasion today?"


    "Even the fragrance chiefs from our gang can only sit on the first floor. Are the bosses upstairs? Are they negotiating something?" Enjoy exclusive adventures from m-v l''-NovelFire.net

 Chapter 81: Chapter 78: One Cut _2

    From a distance, people whispered while looking towards the direction of Heavenly Arrival Restaurant.


    "Hush, I heard that it was the Prefecture Chief who called for them, wanting to discuss matters."


    "No wonder then. Apart from the Prefecture Chief, probably no one else could have such clout."


    Upon hearing this, some revealed a look of sudden understanding.


    Although Chen Mu had only been assigned to the Wutong Grove District for a few months as Prefecture Chief, his prestige had already deeply entered the hearts of the people, even surpassing the former Prefecture Chief, Xu Feng.


    Not only did he eradicate the Zheng Family within his first few days, but his actions during the time of the cold disaster also marked him not as a corrupt official who only cared about hoarding Silver, but rather as a government officer who was a rare figure willing to do work.


    In private, people from other areas even envied the residents of Wutong Grove District for their luck in getting a good Prefecture Chief.


    "Look, the Prefecture Chief, Lord Chen, has arrived."


    Suddenly someone spoke in a low voice.


    Not far down the street, Chen Mu, dressed in dark green official attire, appeared, only bringing along Shang Qinglai, the Head Constable, as they made their way through.


    "Prefecture Chief!"


    Along the way, many greeted Chen Mu carefully and respectfully, not daring to show the slightest negligence.


    Chen Mu did not respond much, walking directly towards Heavenly Arrival Restaurant with a calm expression, accompanied by Shang Qinglai.


    Even before entering the restaurant, the gazes from the crowded factions outside and from the first floor of the restaurant had already converged upon them fiercely.


    However, the oppressive presence of the numerous and powerful figures seemed to mean nothing to Chen Mu; without so much as a glance, he entered the restaurant directly.


    "Prefecture Chief, you''ve arrived. The others are waiting for you on the second floor..."


    The Shopkeeper of the restaurant came out to greet him, carefully staying by his side, also looking somewhat nervous.


    Heavenly Arrival Restaurant, as the largest restaurant in Wutong Grove District, actually belonged to the Nan Family, a Nan Family enterprise, which on regular days feared no troublemakers. But the problem was that the people who came this time were too influential.


    Just look at who had arrived?


    The Gang Leader of the Sand Gang, Sha Xiangtian!


    Shen Qi from the Thieves Gang!


    The Gang Leader of the Crocodile Gang, Ren Naifei!


    ...


    And now, here was the new Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove District, Chen Mu!


    Which one of them wasn''t someone whose stamp of the foot could shake the entire Wutong Grove District? Even the Nan Family would need to handle them with care. It would be manageable if it was just one family, but now six families had arrived all at once.


    The Nan Family had long been aware of the situation here, and their instructions to the Shopkeeper were to serve them cautiously. The slightest mistake could cost him his own head.


    Naturally, the Shopkeeper was nervous.


    "Your business is done here; you may go."


    Chen Mu did not trouble the Shopkeeper, and after reaching the second floor, he waved his hand, indicating for the Shopkeeper to leave, then entered the central private room on the second floor.


    As soon as he walked in, six pairs of eyes converged upon him.


    In the few months since Chen Mu''s arrival at Wutong Grove District, he had actually only met face to face with Sha Xiangtian of the Sand Gang and Shen Qi of the Thieves Gang among the six gangs. He had yet to meet face to face with the others.


    "Lord Chen."


    "Prefecture Chief."


    Besides Sha Xiangtian and Shen Qi, the rest eyed Chen Mu before each greeted him in turn.


    Chen Mu, composed and at ease, walked forward directly to the only vacant seat of honor and sat down. Then, he glanced at everyone in the room and said indifferently, "I think we can forgo the introductions; you all recognize me, and I can identify each one of you. I''ve called you here today as there is a matter we need to discuss."


    "The Prefecture Chief is too polite. We''re all good citizens of Wutong Grove District. Of course, we are here to listen to your command," said Shen Qi of the Thieves Gang, smiling heartily.


    The others did not reply, and Sha Xiangtian, sitting to Chen Mu''s right, silently sipped his tea and said, "We''re all crude men, Lord Chen. Just speak plainly."


    Chen Mu''s gaze swept over the six people present, he picked up the teapot on the table, and poured tea with a light hand, meanwhile stating in an even tone, "This year is a disaster year. Last night''s wind and snow were severe, damaging many homes. To provide relief, we need all families to unite and overcome this difficulty."


    "Each of your families will contribute a thousand taels of Silver and a hundred or so able-bodied men. In the next few days, work together with the City Defense Division to construct temporary shelters. I believe this shouldn''t be difficult for you."


    After finishing his speech,


    the teacup was just perfectly filled.


    Chen Mu set down the teapot and looked over the crowd again, "I''ve finished speaking. Who''s in favor, and who''s against?"


    The private room fell silent.


    The leaders of the Black Water Gang and the Crocodile Gang, among others, all squinted their eyes.


    One thousand taels!


    Such an enormous appetite!


    They didn''t believe any of this talk about disaster relief for snow, regarding it as nothing more than an excuse to extort money from them. Demanding a thousand taels from each family, this new Prefecture Chief really had the nerve to ask.


    The gangs and noble families ultimately differ. The Zheng Family, when raided, could yield several ten thousand taels, but even stripping a gang bare wouldn''t necessarily produce a few thousand, as a gang with that kind of money wouldn''t be a messy amalgamation of fish and dragons but a noble family.


    "Lord Chen, don''t treat us like we''re the Zheng Family."


    In the midst of silence, Sha Xiangtian, the leader of the Sands Gang, spoke up with an unfriendly and icy tone, "If it''s manpower you want, that''s no issue. But silver, that we don''t have." Explore hidden tales at m,v l''-NovelFire.net


    Chen Mu looked at Sha Xiangtian indifferently, "So, Gang Leader Sha is opposing?"


    Sha Xiangtian looked at Shen Qi and the others, seeing the displeased expressions on the faces of the leaders from the other five gangs, he felt bolstered and replied coldly,


    "Completely out of the question!"


    "Alright."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly and took a sip from the teacup on the table.


    Then,


    Whoosh!


    A flash of knife light blazed like sudden thunder, slashing straight at Sha Xiangtian''s head.


    Sha Xiangtian was alarmed, never expecting Chen Mu to be so bold and impetuous, to attack so suddenly in the presence of the six gangs. Fortunately, he had been on guard all along and drew his knife at the first instance to meet the attack.


    At the same time,


    Shen Qi, Gang Leader Ren Naifei of the Crocodile Gang, and others also changed color, having not anticipated Chen Mu to act so suddenly.


    Everyone knew that the elites of the six families were almost all gathered here, and aside from a Head Constable, Chen Mu had not brought anyone else. To act in such a manner under these circumstances, did he truly disregard all the families present? sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But in the next instant, everyone''s actions came to an abrupt halt as if a pause button had been pressed.


    Clang!


    A sound like metal tearing rang out.


    Chen Mu calmly sat back down and placed the Servant''s Knife back on the table.


    Next to him, the Sands Gang Leader, Sha Xiangtian, was frozen in his defensive stance, his face, etched with a vicious scar, now devoid of ferocity. Instead, there was only shock and disbelief.


    Clang!


    The knife in Sha Xiangtian''s hand broke in two, with half of the blade falling to the floor.


    Simultaneously, a line of blood spread from between his brows all the way down.


    His body swayed and eventually, he crashed down with a thud, as blood quickly spread along the floor.


    One knife.


    Sha Xiangtian was dead on the spot!


    Shen Qi, Ren Naifei, and the other leaders, upon witnessing this scene, were rooted to the spot, feeling a chill rising up their spines, taking a sharp intake of breath, their eyes filled with shock.


    Chen Mu calmly picked up the two halves of Sha Xiangtian''s broad knife, examined the broken edge, and then rubbed his hands together, the grating sound ensuing as the sharp edge was roughly ground to a curled blade, the broken knife was ultimately twisted into an iron ball.


    "The Sands Gang has had a hard time, so add two thousand taels; the rest still pay one thousand taels each,"


    Chen Mu looked at the other five people in the room, "Any objections?"

 Chapter 82: Chapter 79 The Wicked

    Not until Chen Mu rose and left the private room did his figure disappear.


    Shen Qi and Ren Naifei, among others, still had deep fear in their eyes, each staring at the corpse of Sha Xiangtian on the floor, as well as the iron ball that had been forcibly squeezed out onto the table.


    "Copper-Steel Skin, Fine Iron Pure Body¡­"


    Shen Qi felt a bitter taste in his mouth.


    To knead a knife into this state with bare hands wasn''t something that could be done with mere strength. Both the epidermis and muscles had to be extraordinarily strong, such a Copper Skin Pure Body was simply too terrifying.


    Even three or five individuals who had achieved Body Refinement Perfection would have trouble dealing with it, not to mention how much more fearsome it was to be fearless in group fights, rampaging through crowds like a ferocious beast.


    Years ago, he had seen such a figure, who hadn''t even stepped into Tendon Changing, but with a fearsome physique alone, had dominated and fought over a hundred men single-handedly.


    No wonder the Zheng Family collapsed overnight. It wasn''t because Chen Mu had used some sneaky tricks. It was his terrifying physique that almost made him invincible under Tendon Changing.


    "His Blade Technique... is not just Single Momentum."


    Ren Naifei also spoke with a dry tone.


    Just now, in that instant when Chen Mu turned hostile, he had even subconsciously thought about stepping forward to stop it. However, Sha Xiangtian, whose strength was comparable to his, didn''t even manage to take a single move!


    That strike had at least combined Dual Momentum, and it might even have been Triple!


    A physique refined to the limit, coupled with Blade Momentum of two or three layers, what kind of monster was this new Prefecture Chief? This was probably enough to contend with ordinary Tendon Changing beings.


    No wonder there were rumors that he was highly valued by Chief Constable Xu. With such an exaggerated physique and Blade Technique at this age, even if he stopped progressing at Tendon Changing, he would still be a figure of significance.


    "Old Liu, what do you think..."


    Ren Naifei looked towards the leader of the Black Water Gang not far away.


    The gang leader of the Black Water Gang said irritably, "What do I think? We should go back and give up our Silver! I still want to live for a few more years!"


    With that said,


    he paid no further attention to the others and turned to walk out directly.


    Seeing this, the others exchanged glances and laughed bitterly at each other.


    With such a formidable Prefecture Chief looming over them, life was likely to become more difficult. However, with such skills, he wouldn''t always be serving as a Prefecture Chief in Wutong Grove. Sooner or later, he was bound to be promoted.


    Thinking this, Shen Qi and the others felt a bit better and shook their heads as they walked out.


    ...


    "Sir, should we take this opportunity to eliminate the Quicksand Gang?"


    Shang Qinglai followed beside Chen Mu, heading back towards the City Defense Division, and asked with caution.


    He looked at Chen Mu with full respect. Although he wasn''t in that room just now, he had been quite close by and generally knew what had happened based on the commotion.


    Just like that night when Chen Mu resolved Zheng Yong with a single strike, Sha Xiangtian, the long-standing leader of the Quicksand Gang, couldn''t withstand a single blow from Chen Mu either.


    However, compared to the previous time, they had finally caught a fleeting glimpse of Chen Mu''s techniques this time. It was a fierce Copper Skin Pure Body and a Mysterious Golden Physique, equipped with Blade Momentum of two or three layers, killing individuals who had reached Body Refinement Perfection almost as if slaughtering chickens.


    "No need,"


    Chen Mu shook his head and said, "The disaster is severe. Focus on disaster relief first. Don''t waste manpower. Without Sha Xiangtian, the Quicksand Gang will disintegrate on its own soon enough. We don''t need to bother with it."


    "Yes,"


    Shang Qinglai responded, with a tone of reverence, "With the sir''s strength, I doubt anyone would dare stir up any trouble now."


    Chen Mu neither confirmed nor denied, and continued to walk forward.


    In truth, even though he had deliberately shown off his Triple Blade Momentum and a Pure Gold Body that had achieved Major Achievement today, it was still far from a tenth of his full strength.


    A few days ago, his Tendon Changing had crossed the 30% threshold, and now when he flexed his tendons, there was a buzzing sound, solidly reaching Tendon Changing Minor Achievement.


    With the realm of Tendon Changing Minor Achievement harnessing a Physique of Copper Skin Steel Flesh Pure Gold Body, coupled with the Artistic Conception of a thousand winds... if he were to exert his full strength, not just one Sha Xiangtian but a whole group of them would fall far short to bear the brunt, as it was a completely different level.


    Once he stepped into Tendon Changing Major Achievement and even Perfection, challenging those in the Bone Tempering Realm was not out of the question.


    In Yu City,


    the Bone Tempering Realm was already the level of individuals who stood at the pinnacle of a city. Even the heads of the four major families were only at Bone Tempering Realm.


    As for the individuals at the Viscera Realm, the foundational pillars and reliance of the four major families, they were not often in Yu City. More often, they worked on behalf of the Seven Profound Sect.


    The Seven Profound Sect.


    This sect, which governed the entire State, including seven prefectures like Yu County and Yu City, was also a genuinely massive force established across the entirety of the Da Xuan Dynasty.


    The reason why the Da Xuan Dynasty Court wielded little influence in this State was not unrelated to the Seven Profound Sect, since the court''s edicts couldn''t get past the Sect. Officially, the Seven Prefectures of Yu State were under the court''s jurisdiction, but in reality, whether it be taxes or tributes, they were all intercepted by the Seven Profound Sect.


    The four major families in Yu City, with the Xue Family at the forefront, were all subsidiary forces of the Seven Profound Sect. The uppermost pillars of each family all came from the Seven Profound Sect.


    These were all things Chen Mu had heard of before, but he hadn''t deliberately delved into the details. After all, a place encompassing a whole State was still somewhat distant for him, and the Seven Profound Sect was a level he couldn''t reach for the time being.


    Soon.


    Chen Mu and Shang Qinglai returned to the City Defense Division.


    They could see a large, open space behind the City Defense Division where many people were clearing snow, moving bricks and tiles, and preparing to erect temporary shelters.


    "My lord." S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Upon seeing Chen Mu, whether it was the constables or some of the civilians helping out, they all bowed respectfully.


    This respect was not solely due to Chen Mu''s power and influence; it now included a sincerity that had never been seen from the City Defense Division in the past during disaster relief efforts.


    The constables did not complain about the extra work, as their salary had increased significantly this year, with no deductions; furthermore, they received additional allowances for tasks such as building temporary shelters.


    Chen Mu inspected the progress of the construction of the huts and, upon returning to the main hall of the City Defense Division, found someone already waiting for him.


    It was Nan Hui, the old steward of the Nan Family.


    "This humble one pays respects to the Prefecture Chief,"


    With his head bowed, Nan Hui greeted him with utmost respect, his tone filled with deep reverence, "The old master heard about last night''s severe snow disaster and was very concerned. He ordered me to deliver one thousand taels of silver, along with thirty sacks of rice and two hundred bundles of firewood, to lend a hand to Wutong Grove District."


    The idea that a family would volunteer to donate money upon hearing about the disaster is something to be taken with a grain of salt. The appearance of the Nan family''s steward here could only be due to the news of Sha Xiangtian being slashed with a single blow.


    "Good, please convey my thanks to Old Master Nan. This deed will be remembered as a meritorious contribution from the Nan family. I shall visit personally to express my gratitude another day,"


    Chen Mu said calmly.


    The reason he did not specially invite the Nan Family was that they were quite discerning. Besides, the Heavenly Arrival Restaurant was originally their property, so there was no need for a formal summons.


    As for the Nan Family not reacting at all, he might indeed have to visit them in a few days.


    "Yes, I will surely relay your words. The old master said he would welcome you with open arms should you visit,"


    The old steward Nan Hui responded meticulously.


    After Chen Mu nodded slightly, he watched Nan Hui depart and then proceeded into the main building, heading to the innermost part, his own hall office.


    "My lord."


    Liu Song and Li Tie were already waiting for him inside his hall office. As he entered, they both bowed.


    Chen Mu took a seat in the hall office, poured himself a cup of hot tea, and then asked, "How goes the investigation?"


    "Reporting back to you, my lord, the disaster victims from a few days ago all came from the west. The moat to the west is frozen solid, allowing people to walk right over from City West,"


    Liu Song reported from the side.


    A few days ago, unexpectedly, a large number of disaster victims appeared in Wutong Grove District, pushing their way towards the City Defense Division. Although they were admitted in small groups, the influx was eventually discovered, prompting Chen Mu to order an investigation.


    Since Wutong Grove was well-managed under his supervision, it was natural for refugees from other jurisdictions to come, and though they were not directly turned away, it was necessary to ascertain the specifics of the situation instead of disregarding it.


    "The west?"


    Chen Mu paused briefly.


    Extending westward from Wutong Grove is the moat, and across that is City West.


    That area is a different jurisdiction from South City District and is, indeed, completely outside his authority; even Xu Hongyu, the Chief Constable of South City District, has no jurisdiction over the western territories.


    "Yes, the investigation reveals that the Black Crow Sect seems to have deliberately driven the disaster victims away, and some here were driven to our district."


    "Additionally, Black Crow Sect has apparently conspired with several groups to inflate the prices of firewood during the snow calamity, which is also related to the surge in prices in Wutong Grove District,"


    Liu Song continued.


    Chen Mu sipped his tea, his eyes narrowing slightly.


    Black Crow Sect...


    This name, though from a distant past, was still very clear in his memory, as he had once been ambushed by members of the Black Crow Sect in Ninth District. Fortunately, no truly skilled individuals were involved that time, just common thugs, otherwise, it would have certainly been a life-threatening crisis for him.


    After the incident, Xu Hongyu told him to temporarily forget about it. He roughly understood her meaning and didn''t follow up. However, once he became Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove, he made sure to learn more.


    The Black Crow Sect is a major gang lurking in City West, establishing their rule over several districts, larger than gangs like the Flowing Sand Gang, with complex underlying connections. They even tried to extend their reach to South City District but were unabashedly driven back by Xu Hongyu.


    As a result, the Black Crow Sect developed a grudge against Xu Hongyu, leading to the attempt to assassinate him in retaliation against her.


    Nowadays.


    This power had again surfaced.


    But he was no longer the same man as before; with the Artistic Conception achieved and stepping into Tendon Changing, he was now strong enough to dominate the Outer City and even most of Yu City, with few capable of threatening him.


    "During years of disaster, with continuous and prolonged heavy snowfall, firewood becomes naturally scarce and expensive. Now to hoard and inflate the price of firewood to seize money, they truly live up to the name ''Black Crow Sect''." Continue reading stories on m|v-l''-NovelFire.net


    "All right, I am now aware of this situation, and there is no need for you two to continue the investigation,"


    Chen Mu waved his hand dismissively.


    Since it was the work of the Black Crow Sect, it was no longer appropriate for Liu Song, an ordinary constable, to continue investigating, especially as this was a matter for the western side, outside not only his jurisdiction but also outside that of South City.


    Yet, he would not let this matter slide easily.


    Setting aside old grudges, the fact that they wanted to extend their reach to Wutong Grove, exploiting the snow calamity to inflate prices and extract silver, showed how little regard they had for him.


    Additionally, given the vast power of Black Crow Sect, stationed on the western side and not in the scope of South City District, even Xu Hongyu wouldn''t intimidate them, let alone him, a mere Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove.

 Chapter 83: Chapter 80: Traveling by Night

    Along Wutong Grove District, heading west.


    After passing through countless streets and alleys, a very wide moat appeared ahead, usually large enough to accommodate large ships, but now the entire river surface was solidly frozen.


    This was also the border between the west and south of Yu City. Across the river was City West, under the jurisdiction of the City Guard General of the West City District, and as Chen Mu knew, the Chief Constable on the west side had the surname He.


    Originally, when the gang of villains tried to reach beyond their bounds to fish for benefits in the South City District, and incurred the wrath of Xu Hongyu, the reason they could pull back was obviously due to the interference and obstruction from another Chief Constable from the west.


    Otherwise, although the gang of villains was powerful, Xu Hongyu, as a Chief Constable, should have been able to handle it. They even dared to bounce around under her watch and at times tried to retaliate.


    In the situation where she could not mobilize manpower freely, could not invade other territories, and even faced interference from the City Guard General across, Xu Hongyu indeed had no effective means to deal with the gang of villains unless she went alone with a sword to kill them ¨C a gang that certainly included a Tendon Changing expert.


    Under the cover of night.


    The city''s snow-covered ground reflected the dim moonlight.


    A figure, cloaked in a black cape, quietly reached the riverbank of the moat and then effortlessly crossed over to the other side.


    Ever since being promoted to Prefecture Chief, Chen Mu rarely moved about at night. After all, a Prefecture Chief was a man of status, commanding hundreds of troops. Any investigation required could be assigned to subordinates.


    As for matters like murder and plunder, those were hardly befitting of a Prefecture Chief''s dignity and image¡­ of course, the key reason was that there was no shortage of silver.


    "Gang of villains¡­"


    Chen Mu lightly stepped ashore and walked into the streets and alleys, his eyes sweeping across the distance.


    This was his first visit to City West. After all, Yu City was vast; some people might live their whole lives without ever circling around the entire city.


    Based on his judgment, even if the Gang of Villains was not a force cultivated by the He Family, they were certainly rabid dogs that had thrown in their lot with the He Family. Therefore, investigating and handling them through the official status of the City Defense Division would meet with constant obstructions and bring no benefits.


    But this was not a problem for Chen Mu.


    He simply needed to resolve the problem under another identity.


    "The Gang of Villains is different from the Black Crow Sect, although their influence also spans multiple districts in the west, the headquarters of the gang is quite clearly placed in the open," he noted.


    Chen Mu continued forward with ease, appearing to walk slowly, but in reality, each step he took made him move quickly like a streak through the streets and alleys.


    He was not familiar with the Gang of Villains and did not have much intelligence; even City West was new terrain for him, but these were not key issues. At worst, he would just have to make a few more trips ¨C his only real target was the Gang Leader of the Gang of Villains, Zhang Lang.


    Zhang Lang.


    Rumored to have risen from an insignificant figure who struggled to survive in the most desolate and chaotic fringes of City West, he got involved in a gang, learned Blade Technique, and quickly skilled up.


    In addition, he was ruthless and cruel, quickly securing his position, and after skirmishing among various gangs, he eventually acquired the chance to practice the Body Tempering Method, climbing from a minor leader to a major leader, and finally establishing the Gang of Villains as its Gang Leader.


    Later, by a stroke of luck, he obtained a Tendon Changing Pill from who knows where; nearing his thirties, he vaulted into the realm of Tendon Changing. Since then, the Gang of Villains not only rapidly established itself but also turned into a power holding sway over multiple locations and commanding over a thousand troops within just over a decade.


    These were the circumstances Chen Mu had come to understand.


    To many commoners in City West, Zhang Lang could be considered a legendary figure. After all, there were not many who could rise from obscurity, but the Gang of Villains not only engaged in flesh trade and operated gambling dens, but covertly engaged in all types of nefarious deeds, hence Zhang Lang was more infamous than famous.


    Although Chen Mu did not know much about the finer details, merely based on the Gang of Villains'' actions during the great disaster, from price-gouging to exploiting misfortune for profit to driving out disaster victims, their deeds were indeed too numerous to recount.


    An influence of up to a thousand people was impossible to eradicate in one fell swoop, after all, even if it were a thousand pigs, the City Defense Division wouldn''t be able to catch them all in three days.


    In Chen Mu''s view, such extreme measures were not necessary. As long as Zhang Lang and some of the Gang of Villains'' leaders were dealt with, the gang would quickly disperse like monkeys fleeing a falling tree, vanishing into dust in no time.


    Gangs, even after being entrenched and mingling for over a decade, lacked any real foundation.


    "Hope this won''t be a wasted trip."


    Chen Mu murmured.


    He knew where the headquarters of the Gang of Villains was located, but Zhang Lang might not necessarily be there. If he wasn''t, to avoid stirring things up, Chen Mu would have to return tomorrow.


    Though he didn''t mind making the trip each night, he preferred to resolve matters sooner rather than later for peace of mind.


    ¡­


    The headquarters of the Gang of Villains.


    The entire station occupied a rear street and covered a large area of bungalows, where hundreds of gang members gathered on ordinary days.


    At this moment, as far as the eye could see, almost every alley in the distance was pitch dark, all the households had already turned off their lights and closed their doors, yet a few candles still flickered within the territory of the Black Crow Gang''s main station. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In a clean and spacious courtyard at the center of the station.


    A room glimmered with dim candlelight, casting several shadows through the paper-covered windows.


    "Gang Leader, the Liu and Wang families from the north sent word today that they are also willing to cooperate with us," said a man dressed in commoner''s gray, seated at the lower end of the table, speaking softly.


    "Hmm, good that they know their place," replied the man seated at the head of the table.


    The man at the head was about forty years old and dressed in a clean brocade robe, appearing like a wealthy country squire. However, in City West, there were hardly any who did not know his name.


    It was the leader of the Black Crow Gang, known by the moniker ''Black Blade'', Zhang Lang.


    The others beside him, who were the deputy gang leaders, laughed and said, "It''s a business that makes money together; what reason would they have to refuse, unless they want to lose out on the profit over some stubborn commoners?"


    "Speaking of which, I heard today that the new prefecture chief in Wutong Grove District cracked down on all six gangs over there, extorting quite a silver tael amount. Yet, he actually used this silver to build shelters and provide firewood and porridge for those disaster victims," Sun Jiuli said, shaking his head.


    "Wasting good silver on charity, truly sinful, we''re still in need of silver taels ourselves, too bad they didn''t give some to us," lamented Wei Sihai, clicking his tongue and taking a drink from the liquor on the table.


    Sun Jiuli chuckled, "After all, he''s the prefecture chief of Wutong Grove. He has to do something, even if it''s just for appearances. But wanting to save those disaster victims is good for us too. We can push ours over there, let him save them all, saving us the trouble of keeping them around, dead or alive."


    "You both shouldn''t underestimate that new prefecture chief from Wutong Grove. I heard about the commotion he caused today; he took down Sha Xiangtian of the Flowing Sand Gang with a single blade strike. You all know Sha Xiangtian; none of us are likely much better than he was," Liu Lanshan suddenly said with a grave tone.


    On hearing this, Sun Jiuli''s expression grew serious, "Hmm, not much to say about the man, but his martial skills are indeed remarkable. It''s said he has mastered more than one blade momentum and has developed a body as tough as copper armor with a pure gold physique. Against him, a common martial man who practices body refinement stands no chance." Experience exclusive tales on m v|l e''-NovelFire.net


    "Also, I remember some time ago, didn''t our gang try to deal with him once? It was Elder Wei who assigned the men, right?"


    As soon as Sun Jiuli finished, everyone in the room turned their gaze toward Wei Sihai.


    Wei Sihai showed a look of helplessness and said, "Back then, news from outside suggested that this man was a talent Xu Hongyu wanted to groom. Thinking of giving that lady some trouble, I sent people to test him. But who knew the rumors were false? Not only had he mastered blade momentum by that time, but he had also developed toughened skin, and it happened in Ninth District''s turf.


    Not only did it fail, but it also brought us a lot of trouble."


    While saying so, Wei Sihai shook his head continuously.


    If he had known earlier, he might have deployed more men, sent some capable subordinates, or even gone in person.


    But then again, Ninth District is deep into South City District, an unfamiliar place. Even if you manage to take down a chief constable there, it''s hard to come out unscathed afterward.


    This was also why he had sent merely a group of ordinary ruffians from the gang, considering Chen Mu as just a minor talent at the time.


    Who would have thought.


    In just a year or two, Chen Mu had become the prefecture chief of Wutong Grove, governing an entire region across the river.


    And now, this man was formidable enough to wipe out the Zheng Family, kill Sha Xiangtian¡­ If he had known this was such a troublesome character, he would have either not acted at all or taken the risk to eliminate him early on.


    "It''s all in the past, no need to mention it anymore,"


    Zhang Lang, who had been sitting at the head watching his subordinates converse, finally spoke indifferently, "He is Xu Hongyu''s man; there''s no offense in it. We were not on the same path to begin with. At the time, the fact that Sihai didn''t act personally did indeed miss an opportunity."


    "What the Gang Leader said is true,"


    Liu Lanshan agreed, "This man was never one of us. Holding a grudge isn''t necessary. He''s just a southern prefecture chief, not daring enough to come west. Not to mention him, even Xu Hongyu''s reach doesn''t extend here."


    Wei Sihai grinned, "Anyway, I''m not going to the south, why bother so much about him? Speaking of which, this time he''s actually helping us make some silver. He wants to build shelters for those disaster victims, but he can''t do without firewood. If really need be, I might even give him a discount," he said.


    At this, everyone in the room couldn''t help but laugh.


    This kind of money-making opportunity didn''t exist in previous years, but this year, not only was there heavy snow, but the cold winter season was longer. It looked to last at least another month, and the firewood at each household was running short.


    The Black Crow Gang, using its name to collaborate with a few families to control several district''s firewood businesses, was making a good sum every day, which was another profitable business they had added.


    Just as the men in the room made merry.


    A cold breeze suddenly blew through the window gap, gently snuffing the flickering candle on the table without sound, leaving only a wisp of blue smoke.

 Chapter 84: Chapter 81: Annihilation

    "Why did the light go out?"


    "Maybe we ran out of lamp oil. I''ll add some more."


    Wei Sihai picked up the extinguished oil lamp, took a brief look, and then, shaking slightly, stood up and walked outside.


    The others didn''t mind either, for despite the pitch-black darkness, they all had robust physiques honed by Skin Toughening and Body Refinement and abundant qi-blood in their bodies. Even in utter darkness, they could still make out wine cups and teapots, and continued drinking and chatting.


    However,


    After waiting a while, Wei Sihai still hadn''t returned.


    "Why hasn''t Old Wei come back yet?"


    "It''s just adding some lamp oil in the dark. He couldn''t have fallen into the privy, could he?"


    Sun Jiuli drank a sip of liquor, laughed as he spoke, but slowly, his laughter ceased.


    Because at some unknown moment,


    through the window paper on the door, dim moonlight cast from outside revealed a vague shadow that seemed to have just appeared, yet felt as if it had been there for a long time.


    "Old Wei, what are you doing standing at the door?"


    Liu Lanshan frowned and shouted at the shadow outside.


    Bang.


    The door was pushed open, accompanied by a rush of cold wind. Wei Sihai''s figure appeared at the doorway, standing straight, then... his body slowly leaned forward and with a thud, he fell straight into the room, the impact sounding like ice colliding and shattering.


    This shock was no small matter, Sun Jiuli and Liu Lanshan both suddenly stood up, their faces showing horror.


    "Who!"


    "Who''s there?!"


    Both men didn''t even attempt to check Wei Sihai, who fell straight and stiff like an icicle to the floor; instead, they each swiftly drew the weapons that were laying beside them.


    Being figures of the Martial World, mingling amongst fights and killings, they weren''t easily scared, but at this moment, there was also a hint of horror in their hearts, because from the looks of it, Wei Sihai was probably already dead!


    You have to know, Wei Sihai had achieved Body Refinement Perfection and mastered Blade Momentum, a well-known figure; yet, he died silently in the darkness, without even knowing who had struck him, how shocking that was.


    If it weren''t for Zhang Lang, the Gang Leader of the villainous gang behind them, the two might not have been able to remain composed as they were now.


    But precisely because Zhang Lang was there, aside from horror, there was also a surge of fury within them. How dare someone sneak into the villainous gang''s headquarters at night and assassinate a Deputy Gang Leader!


    In the brief silence,


    only the whistling of the wind could be heard.


    "I don''t know which friend this is, uninvited; indeed, I have failed in extending my hospitality."


    Zhang Lang, who sat at the head of the table, finally spoke faintly.


    In the snowy night outside the door, a figure cloaked in black quietly appeared. Under the dim moonlight, he stepped over Wei Sihai''s corpse and walked into the room.


    "You are ''Evil Blade'' Zhang Lang?"


    Chen Mu''s gaze was indifferent as he looked towards Zhang Lang.


    Zhang Lang slowly stood up, his eyes flashing with a trace of light, and said, "Indeed, what brings you here?"


    "To kill."


    Chen Mu''s voice fell softly, and then he suddenly shook and vanished on the spot. In the next moment, like a specter, he appeared in front of Sun Jiuli.


    Sun Jiuli''s pupils contracted, showing a look of fear, but ultimately, as someone who had survived countless life and death situations, he abruptly roared and swung his saber horizontally forward, while his entire body recoiled backward.


    This strike wasn''t meant to be effective but was only intended to stall Chen Mu for a moment, hoping for Zhang Lang to rescue him.


    However,


    An astounding scene unfolded.


    Chen Mu directly caught Sun Jiuli''s swinging blade with his bare hand, his fingers gripping the steel blade tightly, instantly warping it out of its shape. Then, with a slight push forward, this twisted steel blade carried an irresistible force, shattering the metacarpals in both of Sun Jiuli''s hands, breaking from the hilt section by section until it impaled his chest.


    Bang!


    Sun Jiuli flew backwards, hitting the wall directly, pinned there by his own saber, twitching a few times before going still. His dying eyes still held shock and disbelief.


    Experience tales with m v|l -NovelFire.net


    When Chen Mu suddenly attacked, Sun Jiuli had anticipated that Chen Mu''s moves would be fierce and hard to defend against, but he hadn''t imagined them to be so brutally direct. He hadn''t even brandished a weapon. This terrifying force was clearly not something a person trained only in Skin Toughening and Body Refinement could possess, not even Zhang Lang could match it!


    From Chen Mu''s attack to Sun Jiuli''s death, it might sound complicated, but it all happened in an instant. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing that Sun Jiuli couldn''t withstand even a single strike, the horror in Liu Lanshan''s heart was overwhelming; he dared not stay a moment longer in the room and rushed outside.


    However,


    Just then, Chen Mu nonchalantly turned around, casually scooped up a wooden chopstick from the table with his left hand, twisted it in his palm, and with a flick and a push, accompanied by a terrifying sound of rushing air, the raw wooden chopstick shot towards Liu Lanshan like a sharp arrow.


    Liu Lanshan felt a terrifying sense of crisis engulf his entire body and almost instinctively twisted his body, putting the steel knife he held in his arms in front to block.


    Clang!


    The sound of metals clashing exploded.


    The splinters of the wooden chopstick flew everywhere, the front half shattering inch by inch, but ultimately it forcefully penetrated the steel knife, with the latter half directly burying itself into Liu Lanshan''s chest.


    "Pfft."


    Liu Lanshan spat out a mouthful of blood, his body flung out the door, kneeling down in the accumulated snow.


    He wasn''t fully dead yet, struggling to lower his head to look at the steel knife in front of him, which the wooden chopstick had forcefully pierced through, his eyes filled with disbelief.


    Inside the house.


    Zhang Lang had frozen in place, the Crescent Moon Saber in his hand also stiffened there, his gaze towards Chen Mu filled with terror, no longer the composure and depth from before.


    "Who... who are you?"


    Unlike Liu Lanshan and Sun Jiuli, as the gang leader of the villains and someone who had stepped into the Tendon Changing Realm, though he had never truly climbed the social ladder of Yu City, he had seen the upper world.


    Chen Mu''s method of eliminating Sun Jiuli was still fine, but the scene where he killed Liu Lanshan with a wooden chopstick afterward sent chills down his spine in an instant.


    Artistic Conception!


    A mere piece of wooden chopstick penetrating steel, such a miraculous feat could only be performed by someone who had mastered Artistic Conception.


    And throughout Yu City, how many people had mastered Artistic Conception? Each one of them was an important figure in the Inner City, far beyond entities he could provoke.


    How could he have caught the attention of such a figure?!


    Zhang Lang''s thoughts raced wildly, but he could not think of anything he had done that would provoke such a figure to take action.


    "Where has all the Silver Coin the gang made recently been kept?"


    Only then did Chen Mu look at Zhang Lang, still empty-handed and asked indifferently.


    Zhang Lang barely squeezed out a stiff expression, saying, "Most of it was given to Chief Constable He, and some is still here¡­"


    "Oh."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly.


    Zhang Lang clenched his right hand around his Crescent Moon Saber, seeing that Chen Mu remained silent, his heart gradually sinking, his left hand slowly moving towards his chest.


    Bang!


    The next moment Zhang Lang erupted violently, his hand flipping out a black sphere, hurling it abruptly, and with a bang, a gray smoke instantly enveloped the entire room.


    By that time, Zhang Lang was already retreating rapidly, his back smashing through the wall, his body directly disappearing into the night, not looking back as he fled madly.


    In front of someone who had mastered Artistic Conception, he had absolutely no thoughts of resistance, only hoping that his Corpse Poison Jade could delay for a moment, giving him a chance to escape.


    However.


    Just a few hundred meters into his desperate flight under the dim moonlight, a gloomy light shot from behind, reflecting off the snow as if it was a meteor streaking across hell.


    Zhang Lang''s body tensed up sharply, his muscles suddenly swelling, all the strength drawn through the major tendons to a single point, his hand wielding the Crescent Moon Saber fiercely swinging backward.


    Clang!!!


    Sparks flew.


    The figure of Chen Mu silently passed by Zhang Lang, a trace of blood appearing on the rough Rusty Sword in his hand.


    Zhang Lang''s whole body stiffened, the Crescent Moon Saber falling to the ground, his hand covering his neck, struggling to look back at Chen Mu, but eventually, he couldn''t see Chen Mu''s face clearly, his body swaying before collapsing into the snow with a thud, the blood quickly staining the snow red.


    "Tendon Changing Minor Achievement¡­"


    Chen Mu turned around, the Rusty Sword in his hand lowered slightly, looking at Zhang Lang''s corpse and slightly shaking his head.


    Both at Tendon Changing Minor Achievement, Zhang Lang, known as ''Evil Blade,'' was just so vulnerable under his method, unable to even withstand a single move.


    This was indeed partly due to his Pure Gold Body, which in terms of physique, explosive strength, and speed was almost comparable to Tendon Changing Major Achievement, but more so because of Artistic Conception, which compared to Blade Momentum, is completely a difference between heaven and earth, almost like the gap between immortals and mortals.


    Without Artistic Conception.


    Even a Tendon Changing Perfection would not kill Zhang Lang so easily and casually, finishing him off within a single move.


    Chen Mu put away the Rusty Sword, looked down at Zhang Lang''s corpse, quickly searched the body but didn''t find any Silver Coin, only finding a thin ledger with something-seemingly sandwiched inside, unclear under the dim moonlight.


    Chen Mu shook his head, not looking closely, and put it away, then headed back, quickly returning to the gang''s headquarters.


    At that time.


    The courtyard of the gang''s headquarters had already gathered more than a dozen figures, the noise from earlier having awakened many people.


    However, those who reached the courtyard were now all in shock, not understanding what had happened, their faces horrified as they looked at the body of Liu Lanshan, who was already dead in the snow.


    Silently.


    Chen Mu appeared among the crowd, his gaze indifferent as he swung up the Rusty Sword.


    A cloud covered the dim moonlight, completely darkening the courtyard, and by the time a faint moonlight finally penetrated the edge of the clouds, the courtyard was left only with bodies on the ground, the blood flowing and melting some of the snow, then freezing together with the snow into pieces of blood-stained ice, with the figure of Chen Mu already disappeared.


    Only by the next morning.


    News that the headquarters of the gang had been slaughtered, with the gang leader ''Evil Blade'' Zhang Lang and several deputy gang leaders, and over a hundred gang members all dead, finally spread swiftly.


    For a time, the entire City West was shocked!

 Chapter 85: Chapter 82 Suspicion

    The sun rose high into the sky.


    The cold wind persisted, with the ice and snow still refusing to melt, and the corpses on the ground fused with the snow, maintaining their last expressions from the previous night.


    A large number of constables encircled the headquarters of the Evil Men Gang, and in the courtyard full of corpses at the very center, there were many clad in blue uniforms and even those donned in dark green constable outfits.


    They came from the City Guard General of the Western City District.


    Following the trail of corpses westward and crossing several hundred meters, the body of Zhang Lang, the leader of the Evil Men Gang, lay horizontally by the roadside.


    Next to the corpse, a man dressed in a white constable uniform stood with several others in dark green uniforms. Wearing the white uniform was He Guangzong from the City Guard General of the Western City District, a third-generation member of the He Family, belonging to the "Light" generation, a generation senior to He Mingxuan''s "Ming" generation.


    But at this moment, the Western Chief Constable, whose power and position surpassed He Mingxuan, appeared extremely solemn.


    "Sword wound, a lethal blow..."


    He Guangzong bent down to examine the only wound on Zhang Lang''s body and surveyed the surroundings, his eyes revealing deep doubts.


    This strike was unquestionably one of Artistic Conception''s force, and judging from the wound, it likely belonged to the ''Thousand Winds'' Artistic Conception under the Qiankun lineage of the Qiankun and Five Elements.


    But the problem was,


    Throughout all of Yu City, there were only a handful of people who had mastered the Thousand Winds Artistic Conception, most of whom had no direct connections with Zhang Lang, making it hard to determine which one might want to kill Zhang Lang.


    But if not them, then who?


    He Guangzong pondered for a long time without coming to a conclusion, and he finally shook his head, saying, "Let''s clean up the bodies."


    "My lord, the murderer..."


    "Let it end here, no need to investigate further."


    He Guangzong waved his hand.


    Someone who had mastered an Artistic Conception had killed Zhang Lang, whether because Zhang Lang had inadvertently offended someone or for some other reason, it was unnecessary to pursue it further; Zhang Lang wasn''t worth raising such a furor over.


    ...


    South City District.


    Inside a tavern located in the central street district.


    Chen Mu was sitting and drinking with another person, facing an older man whose temples were touched with gray, who was none other than Xu Feng, the former Prefecture Chief from Wutong Grove District.


    "Lord Chen is truly a pillar of talent. I heard earlier that the Chief Constable hoped Lord Chen would take over Wutong Grove District. I was worried that the mess there would hamper his efforts. Little did I think that in just a few months, Lord Chen would have revitalized Wutong Grove District completely. This old man is truly ashamed."


    Xu Feng picked up his wine cup and proactively toasted Chen Mu, then exclaimed, "Now that disasters are striking everywhere, Wutong Grove District has suffered the least, all thanks to Lord Chen. If only Lord Chen had governed Wutong Grove District earlier, perhaps it would have become even better sooner."


    Chen Mu responded with a calm demeanor, "Lord Xu flatters me. Earlier, I was merely a commoner. Even if I had governed a region, there wouldn''t have been much I could do. Now, it just so happens that I am in the right position to seek the right policies."


    Yesterday, after the news spread that he had manipulated six gangs to eliminate Sha Xiangtian, Xu Feng, the former Prefecture Chief, took the initiative to invite him for a meeting today at noon.


    Since he took over the position of Prefecture Chief for Wutong Grove District, Xu Feng had made all the arrangements properly and had generally passed on his duties. However, beyond that, he had not met with him again¡ªpossibly still harboring some thoughts about his young age for the role. But after all, both were subordinates of Hongyu, and the work proceeded as instructed.


    Only a few days after Chen Mu took office and thunderously eliminated the Zheng Family did Xu Feng''s view of Chen Mu, the new Prefecture Chief, dramatically change, realizing that Chen Mu was not just a young man forcibly pulled in by Hongyu, but a man of strength, authority, and skill.


    As of yesterday, with all six gangs being intimidated, Sha Xiangtian dead, and the Nan Family proactively donating Silver Tael for disaster relief... all these developments had thoroughly convinced Xu Feng of Chen Mu, the new Prefecture Chief, prompting him to actively invite him to a feast, both as an overture of friendship and as an apology for past doubts.


    Chen Mu held no grudges against Xu Feng. After all, Xu Feng might have had some reservations about his taking over as Prefecture Chief, but during the handover, he did not cause any obstacles and had fully cooperated, handing over the necessary manpower. This had led to first-day situations wherein figures like Shang Qinglai and other Head Constables were deferential to him.


    "Lord Chen need not be modest. Now, the entire Wutong Grove District strictly enforces laws, an outcome visible to all."


    Xu Feng began with a cheerful tone and then lowered his voice, "However, one must be cautious of the He Family... now that Lord Xu is out hunting monsters, some troubles might arise in these days."


    "Thank you for the warning, Lord Xu. I will be cautious."


    Chen Mu thanked Xu Feng.


    With Hongyu away, it indeed was a suitable time for the He Family to stir trouble. Recently, though, since the disaster continued extensively without much turmoil, the current Chen Mu was not actually afraid of the He Family causing trouble underhandedly. Anyone daring to meddle would need to be prepared to have their claws cut off.


    Xu Feng nodded and said, "Hmm, if there''s anything, I am also able to lend a hand. Although I am no longer in office, I can still wield a knife a few times if needed."


    At this point, he paused and suddenly remembered something. He continued, "Speaking of which, the He Family will likely have to deal with the west side soon. I heard that last night, in one fell swoop, the villainous Evil Blade Zhang Lang, along with several Deputy Gang Leaders and hundreds of gang members, all died tragically.


    I do not know who they offended, but now only a few ''big cats and kittens'' remain... "


    Chen Mu, listening to Xu Feng''s words, maintained a calm demeanor and took a sip from his wine cup.


    Xu Feng, shaking his head, continued, "Although the Villainous Gang is not under the He Family''s influence, they essentially look only to the He Family in the west, offering many Silver Taels each year. Now that they have offended a big personage and collapsed overnight, it''s all a big mess that will take time to clean up."


    Xu Feng couldn''t help but sigh at that moment.


    The Villainous Gang.


    It was not an ordinary power. It dominated the west. In the beginning, it even dared to overstep its boundaries and clashed with Hongyu, who, although she ultimately pushed them back, could not subdue them entirely.


    Yet now, they silently perished overnight, a testament to the fact that even someone as notorious as Evil Blade Zhang Lang, when facing the real powerhouses from the Inner City, was merely an ant easily crushed. It remains unknown whose hand laid them to ruin this time, but it certainly belonged to one of the major figures from the Inner City families.


    "Villainous Gang, apart from running gambling dens and engaging in forced buying and selling, went as far as to try inflating prices during a disaster year to plunder the riches of the people, thereby deserving their fate."


    Chen Mu said indifferently,


    "Indeed."


    Xu Feng also smiled and said, "The villains of the Evil Gang truly deserved to die, their death is satisfying. Let''s drink to that."


    After three rounds of drinks, Xu Feng began to make conversation under the influence of alcohol, discussing that Chen Mu had not yet taken a wife. He mentioned he had a distant niece who was quite charming and could be married off to Chen Mu as a concubine.


    Having reached the Tendon Changing Level in his martial practice, Chen Mu had no taboos. However, his strength and status were rising day by day, and his perspectives had changed. He had encountered many such attempts to curry favor and had rejected most of them.


    Just as he was about to say something,


    suddenly a familiar voice entered the private room.


    "What are you two discussing?"


    Chen Mu and Xu Feng both reacted and turned to look, seeing a graceful figure pushing the door open, with a light smile on her face.


    Xu Feng was slightly surprised and then greeted with a bow, "Miss Ning, what brings you here?"


    The newcomer was Little Lotus.


    However, Xu Feng''s address to Little Lotus was much more respectful, partly because she was the personal maid of Xu Hongyu, and partly because Little Lotus had also reached the Tendon Changing Level, elevating her status from before.


    "I just happened to be passing by."


    Little Lotus stepped forward and said, "Mr. Xu, how has your health been recently?"


    Xu Feng bowed slightly and said, "Thanks to Lord Xu, I have been resting comfortably since my retirement and have recovered from some old injuries. However, I''m no longer fit for conflict and competition."


    Little Lotus nodded and said, "Mr. Xu, you have worked hard for many years. You should rest well here in the South City from now on. There''s no need to worry about the issues in Wutong Grove District anymore."


    Xu Feng smiled and said, "If I had known Lord Chen would handle it, I should have retired earlier... Miss Ning, were you looking for Lord Chen? I''ll take my leave now and invite you another day."


    With that,


    Xu Feng left, leaving Chen Mu and Little Lotus alone.


    Chen Mu looked at Little Lotus with a hint of suspicion. Although they were close to the City Guard General''s office, it was too coincidental to just be passing by.


    "Did you come here earlier?"


    "I happened to be free and heard that you and Xu Feng were here, so I came over to check on you,"


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    Little Lotus blinked and said, "Miss mentioned recently that when she returns, she wants to take you to see Sister Yu Ru."


    Chen Mu thoughtfully said, "Yu Ru... She seems to get along quite well with Yue''er. I saw her a few days ago when I visited the Inner City."


    Little Lotus''s eyes sparkled as she said, "Did you find Sister Yu Ru pretty? When Miss returns, perhaps she could propose a match for you."


    "Not really."


    Chen Mu picked up his wine cup and took a sip, saying, "Yu Ru and Yue''er practice martial arts together in the inner courtyard. They are still so young."


    Yu Ru was slightly younger than Chen Yue and indeed looked charming, but in many ways, she was still too young. Additionally, Qi-Blood could impact those crossing the Tendon Changing threshold; if one wanted to achieve martial arts success, it would be better to focus on cultivating one''s body and spirit before the Tendon Changing.


    Hearing Chen Mu''s words, Little Lotus''s heart skipped a beat.


    Studying Chen Mu''s features for a moment, she suddenly said, "Zhang Lang of the Evil Group in the west died last night. Did you hear about it?"


    "Yes, he got what he deserved."


    Chen Mu responded nonchalantly.


    Little Lotus looked at Chen Mu with a hint of suspicion and said, "They say he died under the Artistic Conception of Thousand Winds, killed in one strike."


    "Impressive,"


    Chen Mu lifted his wine cup and took another sip.


    Little Lotus looked at Chen Mu and tilted her head, saying, "The destruction of the Evil Group, though far in the west, is close enough to cause some ripples. Just handle it normally."


    "Okay."


    Chen Mu nodded.


    After talking for a few more moments about the situation, Chen Mu got up and left with Little Lotus, and they parted ways at a street alley.


    As Chen Mu walked away, Little Lotus''s eyes revealed a hint of suspicion.


    Could it be him?


    It wasn''t that she was fanciful, but the death of Zhang Lang was abrupt and unexpected, and he died from a strike of Thousand Winds Artistic Conception. Of those in Yu City who mastered this conception, none matched the description. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But eventually, Little Lotus shook her head, feeling it strange. Artistic Conception seemed too far-fetched,


    after all, Chen Mu likely hadn''t even encountered the basic theory of Xun Wind''s Artistic Conception yet, making it impossible for him to grasp such a conception out of thin air.

 Chapter 86: Chapter 83 Eight Phases Diagram

    "Master."


    Ku''er, carrying a water jug, was coming out from the inner courtyard, and upon seeing Chen Mu walking into the yard, he hurriedly asked in a quiet voice.


    As Chen Mu walked into the yard, he asked, "How is the child now?"


    "To answer the master, she is still very weak, but by noon today, she has gotten a bit better, able to sit up and drink medicine and eat porridge by herself," Ku''er responded softly from beside.


    Chen Mu nodded slightly and walked into the side room. There was a stove burning inside, and Wang Ni was sitting by the bedside sewing something. The girl they had brought back previously was propped up in bed, watching Wang Ni work, still looking a bit frail.


    "Brother Mu."


    When Wang Ni saw Chen Mu come in, she gladly got up to greet him.


    Chen Mu reached out and touched Wang Ni''s little head, then walked over to the bedside. The little girl on the bed was somewhat at a loss, she twisted her body slightly, thinking of getting up to salute Chen Mu.


    Despite being young, children from poor families mature early. After waking from her confusion, she had learned quite a few things from Wang Ni and knew that Chen Mu had saved her and was the kind of official lord her parents had often talked about, an important figure whom one must bow to upon meeting.


    "It''s fine for you to stay lying down."


    Chen Mu placed a hand on her, preventing her from getting up, and said in a gentle tone, then asked, "What is your name?"


    The little girl replied weakly, "I, I don''t have a name¡­ Dad and Mum always called me ''girl''."


    In those times, it was common for very young girls to not have names as children from impoverished families often died young, and parents sometimes did not name them, hoping to keep them off the ledger of death.


    Chen Mu thought for a moment and said, "Then from now on you''ll be called Yue''er. Ni''er should have told you that you''ll live here from now on. I''ve arranged for your parents to be buried outside the city, and when spring arrives for the ancestral worship, I will take you with me then." Stay connected with m-v l|e''-NovelFire.net


    The little girl bowed her head, silently shedding tears, but soon forcibly held them back.


    "Thank you, master¡­"


    Seeing this, Chen Mu gently patted her forehead as a gesture of comfort, then instructed Wang Ni to take good care of her before turning and leaving the room.


    For Chen Mu, taking in Yue''er was a minor matter, but for her, it was enough to change her fate, at least allowing her to continue to live on well, without having to struggle in misery anymore.


    However, the snow disaster had wide-reaching effects, and he couldn''t lend a hand to everyone; he could only do what was within the duties of the Prefecture Chief.


    He went to his own bedroom.


    Chen Mu quickly took out a large bundle. Inside the bundle were some gains he had acquired after dealing with the gang of villains last night, which he had yet to sort out carefully.


    There were about three to four thousand Silver Taels inside, along with some Gold Leafs. In total, it should be close to five thousand taels. Compared with the Zheng Family''s fortune, it was much less, but that was to be expected. After all, though the gang of villains was powerful, the Silver Taels they had snatched were basically taken by the He Family.


    The remaining Silver Coins were spent over the years by Zhang Lang, and there might be some hidden elsewhere. Having a few thousand was already quite substantial. In fact, he would have trouble carrying much more.


    However.


    Compared with these Silver Taels, what was most important was something else he obtained from Zhang Lang''s body.


    After sorting and storing away the Silver Taels from the bundle, Chen Mu took out an account book. This book was not the main point; it was just the usual account of the gang of villains. Inside it, however, was something sandwiched that was like leather yet not leather, like paper yet not paper, something extraordinary.


    Chen Mu extracted the yellow page resembling oily paper and slowly unfolded it, revealing a painting.


    This painting was very peculiar; it seemed to depict a dark sky filled with dense clouds that were quite indistinct, yet amongst them were dozens of sharp, dazzling thunderbolts, so striking that it felt like facing Heavenly Thunder itself!


    "Qian Heaven Kun Earth Eight Phases Map¡­"


    Chen Mu muttered to himself as he looked at the Thunderclap Diagram.


    After returning last night and examining it in detail, Chen Mu had basically confirmed its origin, and today he had specially looked into some additional information, further confirming that this was indeed one of the Qiankun Eight Phases Maps, the ''Thunderclap Diagram''!


    "In Da Xuan''s Martial Arts, the Qiankun Eight Phases Map is supreme, almost endless in the variety of moves and techniques derived from it, whether it''s techniques involving knives, spears, or swords, all evolved from it."


    "It is said that the initial maps of the Eight Phases were created long before the founding of Da Xuan, during an ancient era, by numerous Martial Arts saints who stood at the pinnacle of the world, who jointly deduced and drew them, known as the ''Primordial Eight Phases Maps'', which are now mythical and unknown to exist."


    "Later on, these maps circulated within the Imperial Court of Da Xuan, intended for use only by the royal disciples for their cultivation, which were the versions replicated by the celebrated painter of the time, known as the second generation ''Replicated Eight Phases Maps''. It''s rumored that these were damaged later on.


    Descendants and Martial Arts masters then cooperated to try and recreate and restore them, which became the third generation maps."


    "As the ages passed, Da Xuan flourished and then waned, and the third generation maps ultimately shattered, spreading into the world."


    Chen Mu stared at the Thunderclap Diagram in his hand, recalling the history of the Eight Phases Maps he had come to understand.


    The Eight Phases Maps circulating in the world today are mostly reprints or engraved versions of the third-generation maps. The closer they are to the ''Primordial Version'', the deeper the Artistic Conception contained within, the closer to the essence of heaven and earth, and the higher their quality.


    After all, Artistic Conception is an understanding of nature; copies upon copies, engravings upon engravings, naturally become more and more distorted over time.


    It is said that the Primordial Eight Phases Maps are the true treasures of the world. Even the most ordinary person, if granted a glimpse, could ascend beyond the mundane and pass the gates of heaven, comprehending the profundity of Artistic Conception from them.


    "The quality of this map should be a multiple-time engraved version of the third generation, belonging to the lowest tier."


    Chen Mu assessed in his mind.


    Although the Thunderclap Diagram he had in his hand had been copied and printed countless times, its value was still extraordinary.


    To the average person, possessing an Artistic Conception Map meant that they could meticulously ponder and figure it out, even if it was just a remote copy. The artistic conception contained within might be minuscule, but it ultimately pointed to the path ahead.


    Not everyone was like him, able to deduce on their own using various Blade Momentum, achieving a forceful breakthrough and grasping the artistic conception without the guidance of an Artistic Conception Map.


    For the vast majority of people, without an Artistic Conception Map to study, it was basically impossible to comprehend the artistic conception.


    "Thunderclap Diagram... Sadly, it''s not of the same vein as the one I practice. If only it were an Xun Wind Diagram."


    Chen Mu felt a bit regretful in his heart.


    But this Thunderclap Diagram was not useless to him because he had tried yesterday. Under the study of the Thunderclap Diagram, the experience points gained were at least several times more than what he got from his daily blade practice!


    Now that he had mastered the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, to elevate the artistic conception to a higher and deeper level, the accumulation of experience points he required was no small matter. Over ten thousand experience points were something he would need many years to accumulate.


    However.


    Focusing on the Thunderclap Diagram for comprehension, he could gain hundreds of experience points every day!


    That is to say, to amass ten thousand experience points, he only needed three months at most, which was much faster than by practicing with his blade.


    Only...


    On the system panel, the experience gained from studying the Thunderclap Diagram was not compatible with the Xun Wind conception; thunder is thunder, and wind is wind.


    "Given my current situation, if I continue to accumulate the experience of the Xun Wind conception, it will take at least a year to gather ten thousand points, but studying the Thunderclap Diagram is much faster."


    "Although I have not comprehended the Thunderbolt Artistic Conception, in at most three months, I could accumulate a chance to deduce the Thunderbolt Artistic Conception and naturally master it directly," he thought.


    Chen Mu pondered deeply in his heart.


    He was now facing a minor problem: whether to choose to ''overtake on a bend.''


    With the Thunderclap Diagram, the efficiency of studying the Thunderbolt Artistic Conception far exceeded that of the Xun Wind conception. Even though he had just started, with the help of the system panel, he needed only a few months to completely surpass it.


    "If I had obtained the Xun Wind Diagram, I wouldn''t be so conflicted. It''s not possible now to exchange this Thunderclap Diagram for an Xun Wind Diagram," Chen Mu shook his head.


    Both the origin of this Thunderclap Diagram and his current identity were not suitable to bring up.


    After much thought.


    Chen Mu still decided to study the Thunderclap Diagram.


    On one hand, with the diagram, the efficiency gap was just too great. Even if he happened to obtain an Xun Wind Diagram in a few months by chance, it would still be a win-win situation.


    On the other hand, comprehending more than one type of artistic conception was not a bad thing in itself. Wind and thunder belonged to similar conceptions, and possessing both the Wind Thunder Artistic Conception was inherently much stronger than just one.


    Besides...


    As far as he knew, the strongest Martial Arts Artistic Conception in the world today was the Heaven and Earth Artistic Conception, which brought together the Qiankun Eight Phases.


    But this was currently only a legend. It was extremely rare to comprehend more than two of the six phases like wind, thunder, fire, mountain, marsh, and water, let alone the most difficult ''heaven'' and ''earth'' in the Qiankun Eight Phases.


    Chen Mu''s lack was not in his comprehension but in time.


    Given enough time, he could naturally deduce each artistic conception to the ultimate level and step into the Third Realm one by one, then pursue that legendary supreme Martial Arts afterward.


    Right now, he didn''t want to think too much, only to rely on this Thunderclap Diagram to grasp the Thunderbolt Artistic Conception as quickly as possible, and then to elevate it to a higher second level. That would bring the greatest enhancement to his strength.


    Having made his decision.


    Chen Mu calmed his mind, adjusted his state, and sat cross-legged on the small couch beside his bed, placing the Thunderclap Diagram in front of him. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He carefully looked at the Thunderclap Diagram, observing the beams of light that seemed to leap out of the paper and turn into real thunder. Gradually, he immersed himself in it.


    ...


    Time flew by.


    In the blink of an eye, more than a month had passed.


    The cold winter finally began to recede, and the climate started to warm up. The poverty-stricken people who had suffered immensely from this cold disaster finally saw the dawn of hope.


    Many lives were taken away by the cold disaster. Wutong Grove District, which Chen Mu governed in South City District, had the smallest death and injury toll. The temporary shelters built with Silver Taels and the hot porridge cooked daily had allowed many poor people whose homes had collapsed in the snowstorm to survive.


    During this time,


    The Chief Constable Xu Hongyu was still out.


    The Deputy Head Officer He Mingxuan had been trying to find trouble with Chen Mu, but his attempts were repeatedly thwarted by Xiao He''s vigilance and interventions at the very onset, not even reaching Chen Mu''s ears.


    In Xu Hongyu''s absence, Xiao He''s ''battle'' with He Mingxuan actually seemed to be gaining the upper hand. After all, she was fully in charge of all Chief Constable affairs and, with the Tendon Changing Realm''s foundation and confidence, she became even more bold than before.

 Chapter 87: Chapter 84 Xue Lin

    The morning sun fell upon the city.


    Under the wall, the icicles that lined up had melted quite a bit, leaving only pieces the size of fingertips.


    Chen Mu, dressed in dark green official robes, was followed by several head constables as he walked down the spacious main street of Wutong Grove District. He noticed between the streets there were still small amounts of snow yet to melt, but most places had been swept clean.


    "Prefecture Chief, Sir."


    "Prefecture Chief, Sir."


    Passersby who saw Chen Mu hurriedly greeted him with respectful salutations.


    If before this holiday season, the common people of Wutong Grove district harbored more fear toward Chen Mu, the newly-appointed Prefecture Chief of the City Defense Division, now they felt more awe. Just the act of dispatching soldiers to aid disaster victims had spread his good deeds throughout the lower echelons of Wutong Grove.


    "It seems that in a few days, the rest of the snow will also melt away."


    Chen Mu, inspecting the streets and alleys, spoke evenly to Shang Qinglai and the others following him.


    Shang Qinglai said, "The days ahead are warming up over time. This bitter winter has passed. I''ve heard that the ice on the protective moat to the west has already broken, and some pleasure-boats have begun to attract customers."


    After saying this, he suddenly felt he might have said something inappropriate and cautiously glanced at Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu didn''t mind, however. Pleasure boats and song and dance, brothels and music halls¡ªthere were always those who enjoyed them, as long as it wasn''t a business of coercion and force, then there was no issue.


    Speaking of which,


    in the past he did entertain some notions of revelry, but as his strength and status gradually improved, his interest slowly waned. Though he had socialized a few times and experienced it twice.


    After inspecting another neighborhood and marketplace with Shang Qinglai and others, Chen Mu then dismissed the group and headed home.


    In the backyard,


    two little maids were frolicking, chasing each other happily.


    When Chen Mu walked in, Ku''er, who was running towards him, failed to dodge in time and crashed straight into him.


    "Mas¡­ Master¡­"


    The impact made Ku''er feel like she had hit a wall, but upon seeing Chen Mu, she was even more startled and hurriedly knelt down.


    Chen Mu kept a stern face, saying, "Clumsy as you are, go to Ni''er and take five strikes on the palm of your hand."


    "Yes¡­"


    Ku''er''s little face showed bitterness as she uttered a compliant voice and headed inside.


    Chen Mu shook his head, thinking that if Chen Yue were here, she would probably say that he spoiled the maids around him too much, letting them off with just a light punishment for bumping into their master. But in truth, he really didn''t want to punish the little maid too harshly, although to prevent spoiling her too much, strictness was sometimes necessary.


    However, the few little maids in his courtyard, though young, were all sensible and well-behaved. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Master."


    Le''er, who had been playing chase with Ku''er, also greeted Chen Mu timidly.


    Chen Mu raised his hand, tapped her forehead gently, and then walked past, "Alright, get up, go boil some water."


    Back in his bedroom,


    Chen Mu took out the Black Jade Tendon Changing Pill from the cabinet.


    Almost two months had passed, and the Tendon Changing Pill was still the size of an infant''s fist, but its color was no longer the deep black but had turned much duller.


    This indicated that the medicinal power inside had been nearly exhausted and was gradually turning into dregs.


    "It probably can be used for about ten more days,"


    Chen Mu carefully examined it.


    He had already entered the stage of Tendon Changing, and in the subsequent refinement, the Tendon Changing Pill was no longer essential. Without Jiao blood, gathering several other medicinal powders to refine was equally effective; of course, the Tendon Changing Pill was always one of the best ingredients.


    However, Chen Mu had not been able to obtain a second Black Jade Tendon Changing Pill recently.


    With a thought, he summoned the system interface.


    [Black Jade Tendon Changing Method (45%)]


    [Experience Points: 8]


    Since the Black Jade Tendon Changing Method reached over 30% and passed the threshold of Tendon Changing Minor Achievement, the progress of improvement had slowed down, requiring 20 experience points for each percent increase.


    Chen Mu wasn''t surprised by this, as Body Refining and Tendon Changing have always become more difficult with increased intensity; otherwise, people like him, who achieved the limits of Skin Toughening and Body Refinement Perfection and cultivated a Pure Gold Body, would not be so rare.


    Even so, his cultivation progress remained very fast, advancing from 30 to 45 percent in just over a month, almost halfway through Tendon Changing.


    In fact, as the Tendon Changing progressed, his power could be said to grow every day, and the cumulative change was quite significant. On the other hand, nothing would change in Martial Arts Artistic Conception until he accumulated enough experience points.


    "With an estimated month or so at most, I should be able to step into Tendon Changing Major Achievement, followed by Tendon Changing Perfection,"


    Chen Mu closed the system panel.


    With his physique and Martial Arts Artistic Conception, once he stepped into Tendon Changing Major Achievement, he was confident he could compete with Bone Tempering martial masters who hadn''t grasped any Artistic Conception. And upon reaching Tendon Changing Perfection, the Bone Tempering Realm would actually be within reach.


    Without considering the ''Viscera'' Realm big players from the four major families of the Inner City, in reality, grasping Artistic Conception and stepping into Bone Tempering was reaching the true pinnacle of Yu City.


    Metropolitan Commander of the Outer City District!


    Chief Officer of the Demon-Slaying Office!


    Commander-in-chief of Yu City!


    One by one, truly high-ranking and powerful individuals were situated within that realm.


    Since the last time he killed the notorious Zhang Lang of the Villains Guild, Chen Mu hadn''t engaged in fights anymore. He always acted prudently, striking fiercely when needed without hesitation, and keeping low-profile when it was time to hide his abilities, avoiding showing off even the slightest bit.


    Boiling water, refining medicine, Tendon Changing.


    After completing the routine Body Refining practice, he then immersed himself in the contemplation of the Thunderclap Diagram, sitting in the bedroom until evening.


    Chen Mu had thought that the day would pass like any other, but just as he came back to his senses from a moment of insight, gathered his thoughts, and stepped out of the room to call for someone to prepare a meal, a young servant from the front yard came to report.


    "Master, Liu Song has arrived."


    A stir passed through Chen Mu''s expression as he said, "Let him in."


    Liu Song was still holding a post in the City Defense Division, but in secret, following Chen Mu''s orders, he had organized a group of people specifically responsible for gathering various kinds of intelligence.


    This was something he had learned from Min Baoyi, who, while in charge of the City Defense Division of the Ninth District, also had his own network of informants keeping him updated about everything happening in various places, working both overtly and covertly in collaboration with the City Defense Division.


    Soon enough.


    Liu Song appeared in the courtyard, and after hurrying over, he quickly reported several matters to Chen Mu.


    Upon hearing this, Chen Mu''s brows knitted slightly as he asked, "Is there any news from the Chief Officer''s side?"


    Liu Song shook his head.


    After a brief pause, Chen Mu waved his hand and said, "Alright, I understand."


    For more than a month, he had been peacefully situated in Wutong Grove District, facing no obstacles in disaster relief or other affairs. He had only heard that there had been quite a few overt and covert struggles on the Chief Officer''s side, with He Mingxuan trying to stir things up in Xu Hongyu''s absence, but all were suppressed by Ning He.


    This time too, the matter was not directed at him but at Ning He. Compared to him, a Prefecture Chief, He Mingxuan clearly preferred to completely remove Ning He from the picture.


    However.


    This time, the situation seemed quite unfavorable for Ning He, yet she hadn''t notified him, likely wanting to handle it on her own.


    Nonetheless, now that he was aware, he couldn''t just turn a blind eye. Since he had nothing pressing at the moment, he might as well sneak over and see for himself.


    ...


    At the westernmost bank of Wutong Grove District.


    The city''s moat.


    The surface of the water still bore some broken ice floes, not yet navigable for boats, but some ornate pleasure boats had already opened for business. The sky had darkened, and lights were shining brightly inside several pleasure boats.


    Because the moat itself belonged to neither City West nor South City and was not under the jurisdiction of any party, pleasure boats and gambling dens thrived here. Although the cold winter had not fully passed, a small part had already begun to do business.


    The backgrounds of these pleasure boats were basically directly linked to the Inner City, and the visitors here weren''t just the local gentry and lords from the South City District and west side, but also included dignitaries from the Inner City.


    Inside one of these pleasure boats.


    In a brightly lit cabin ornately and luxuriously furnished, the most eye-catching features were the four red, round beads embedded around the room. They continually radiated visible heat, filling the entire cabin with warmth. Despite the snow and ice outside not having completely thawed, it felt as though one had entered the warmth of spring here.


    Several lightly-veiled, lithe women danced to the sound of zithers, a spectacle of extreme opulence.


    He Mingxuan sat in a corner of the room.


    But he was not in the main seat, and seemed to be merely an accessory, occasionally engaging in light-hearted banter.


    The man these people, including He Mingxuan and several youths with the air of aristocrats, surrounded and seated in the main position was a young man in his late twenties. He casually embraced a young girl, sipped from a cup of wine, and then tilted the cup against the girl''s cheek to let a drop of the crimson beverage fall.


    The girl dared not resist and drank the single drop of wine. But as soon as it touched her mouth, her body trembled, and visible heat rose from her forehead amidst slight shivering.


    The young man laughed heartily and tossed the girl aside. She tried to leave hurriedly but couldn''t get up, only managing to crawl a few steps before collapsing to the floor.


    "This fiery wine is indeed potent. Brother Xue, it seems that this batch you brought has something special about it?" He Mingxuan said with a chuckle.


    The young man known as ''Brother Xue'' grinned and replied, "Indeed, I happened to hunt a red-scaled demon serpent a few days ago and used its gall to brew a few jars of this new fiery wine. Its potency is several times stronger than ordinary fiery wine. Even a Martial Man with Body Refinement Perfection would fall after no more than two cups."


    The others around him lavished praises, saying all manner of flattering things, and looked at the young man with a hint of awe in their eyes.


    Xue Lin!


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    A stand-out figure among the fourth generation of the Xue Family, not only the most distinguished amongst the Xue family''s younger generation but also the undisputed top figure amongst the young generation in the Inner City, towering over those from other families.


    He was now the Deputy Governor of the Demon-Slaying Office in the Inner City and had already stepped into the Bone Tempering Realm.


    He Mingxuan, even the more direct and core members of the He Family, would have to humble themselves in front of Xue Lin and couldn''t compete with him.


    At this moment.


    Aside from Xue Lin and He Mingxuan and their company, there was a young man about twenty years old, who bore some resemblance to Ning He and was in a rather sorry state, soaked from head to toe, tied with ropes, and kneeling not far away, shivering continuously.


    Both Xue Lin and everyone else ignored him, with only He Mingxuan occasionally glancing at him with a cold smirk passing through his gaze.


    Ning He...


    Just a servant following Xu Hongyu, yet daring to oppose him at every turn. How would you end things today?


    Today''s incident was actually quite unforeseen. He had only come to the pleasure boat with Xue Lin to enjoy himself when by chance, they encountered Ning Yu, Ning He''s brother. With a little scheming, Ning Yu fell into the trap and offended Xue Lin directly!


    Ning He, holding authority on behalf of Xu Hongyu, indeed made him hard to handle, but after all, Ning He''s surname was Ning, not He.


    Finally.


    The music came to an end.


    Someone pushed open the door of the pleasure boat and walked in slowly. With a somber face, dressed in a simple gray outfit, was Xu Hongyu''s maid, Ning He.


    "Sister..."


    Seeing Ning He enter, Ning Yu, who was tied up on the ground, showed a look of shame and bowed his head deeply, clenching his fists.


    He knew that he was the one who caused trouble for Ning He today.


    He even wished that Ning He wouldn''t come to save him, but now that Ning He had already arrived, all he could do was keep his head down and not cause any more chaos.


    Ning He''s gaze quickly swept across the room. She saw He Mingxuan and her brother Ning Yu but did not linger on them. Eventually, her eyes settled only on Xue Lin, as she stepped forward and bowed respectfully.


    "Your humble servant Ning He pays respects to Demon-Slaying Officer Xue."

 Chapter 88: Chapter 85 Ning He

    "Ning He? I have some impression of her."


    Xue Lin looked Ning He up and down once, and then smiled faintly, "She''s that little follower by Xu Hongyu''s side, right?"


    "For your lordship to remember this humble girl is my good fortune."


    Ning He once again bowed in courtesy.


    As Xu Hongyu''s maidservant, when Xu Hongyu was not around to issue orders, Ning He didn''t have to be afraid of or defer to He Mingxuan, but it was not the same with Xue Lin.


    Let''s not talk about her, even Xu Hongyu herself, when in front of Xue Lin, still had to defer with the courtesy owed by a subordinate.


    In terms of both capability and official rank, Xue Lin was above Xu Hongyu, and even within the Xue family, his status was higher than that of Xu Hongyu.


    Among the orthodox descendants of the Inner City''s four major families, there is actually a hierarchy as well.


    Take He Mingxuan, although he is also an orthodox descendent of the He Family, firstly, his martial arts talent and aptitude were quite ordinary, only barely stepping into the Tendon Changing Level at the age of twenty-seven, and secondly, he was not the eldest son among He Family''s four generations, but born later, and thus in almost all aspects from status to strength, he was beneath Xu Hongyu.


    On the contrary, Xue Lin belonged to the very top descendants of the orthodox families within the Inner City; he even had a high status and say within the Xue family lineage, not on the same level as He Mingxuan at all.


    Because of this.


    After learning about what had generally happened here, Ning He pondered for a long time and still came, but she didn''t bring anyone with her, nor did she tell anyone, coming here all by herself.


    With Xue Lin involved, she could only try to solve it herself; let''s not even say Xu Hongyu was not in the city, even if Xu Hongyu was around, she couldn''t drag Xu Hongyu into it.


    After all, Ning Yu was her own younger brother, the only male in her family, so even knowing how difficult a person Xue Lin was, she still had to come.


    "Hongyu''s demon slaying this time was quite impressive, she didn''t let down the name of the Yu Family."


    Xue Lin withdrew his gaze and casually picked up a fruit from the table, chewing on it.


    Ning He slightly lowered her head and kept silent; Xue Lin was commenting on Xu Hongyu, and she, as Xu Hongyu''s maidservant, clearly had no place to interject.


    Xue Lin seemed to be pondering about Xu Hongyu''s matters and after a while, turned back, his gaze drifting lazily over to Ning Yu, who was tied up and kneeling in the distance, and said, "Is that your brother?"


    "Yes."


    Ning He replied, and added in a low voice, "My brother didn''t mean to offend, I hope Lord Xue can spare him this once."


    Xue Lin gave Ning He a cold look and said, "Whether to forgive or not, do you have the right to intercede?"


    His words, along with the chill, seemed to make the air in the entire room much colder, and the Inner City''s young nobles who were accompanying them didn''t dare to speak at this moment, including He Mingxuan, who was sitting stiffly on the side, but giggling inwardly.


    That lowly woman, relying on Xu Hongyu''s power, dares to act high and mighty in front of him every day. If she angers Xue Lin now, not even Xu Hongyu would have the ability to plead for mercy.


    Xue Lin''s words also caused Ning He to tremble slightly; the gap in status was too great, and the pressure in his words made one feel nearly suffocated, even though she herself was at the Tendon Changing Level.


    However.


    Just when everyone fell into a silent tension, uncertain of Ning He''s fate, Xue Lin suddenly shook his head.


    "There''s no point in troubling a maidservant like you, so here''s what we''ll do..."


    Raising his hand, he threw the liquor jar that was beside him over to Little Lotus, saying, "This jar is Fire Cloud New Wine, its nature is extremely fierce."


    Little Lotus stretched out her hand and caught the liquor jar. After all, she was a person of the Tendon Changing Realm, and as soon as she took the jar in her hand, without Xue Lin saying anything, she knew that this wine belonged to the type with extremely fierce medicinal power, but she kept her composure at that moment.


    With a gentle lift of her hands, the deep red wine inside the jar turned into a thread-like stream and flowed down. The songstress had passed out from just a drop earlier, but now it was flowing steadily like a babbling brook, and in no time at all, the jar was completely emptied.


    With her cheeks slightly flushed, Little Lotus put down the liquor jar and looked at Xue Lin.


    "Good."


    A trace of appreciation showed on Xue Lin''s face as he said, "You are truly Hongyu''s maid, having a nature that''s quite like hers. You may go."


    Even though a martial artist of the Tendon Changing Level could withstand his Fire Cloud New Wine, drinking an entire jar of such fiery wine in one go was akin to drinking liquid fire, yet Little Lotus remained unchanged in expression from beginning to end.


    "This servant shall take her leave."


    Little Lotus bowed respectfully, and then walked over to Ning Yu, lifting him up and walking outside.


    She never once glanced at He Mingxuan from beginning to end.


    Watching this scene, He Mingxuan hadn''t expected Xue Lin to let her off so easily, and even more, he was irritated by Little Lotus''s disregard, watching her disappearing figure helplessly, he couldn''t help saying, "Brother Xue, even a maid of Xu Hongyu dares to be so disrespectful."


    "You''re drunk."


    Xue Lin took his gaze back from Little Lotus and gave He Mingxuan a light glance.


    That one look instantly sent a chill through He Mingxuan, sobering him up, leaving him frozen in place, not daring to speak again for the moment.


    The air fell into silence once more.


    Xue Lin slowly poured himself another cup of wine, and a light smile suddenly appeared again on his indifferent face, saying, "Alright, let the music play on, let the dance continue."


    He didn''t just let Little Lotus off because he was in a good mood or to give Xu Hongyu face, but because there was a hint of He Mingxuan''s involvement in today''s incident.


    He had no interest in meddling in the affairs of the He Family and the Yu Family.


    In fact, just now, he had only made Little Lotus drink an entire jar of wine as an apology because Ning Yu had spoiled his mood, and as for anything more, he wasn''t interested.


    If He Mingxuan still wanted to use his influence for something and remained so oblivious to the situation, Xue Lin wouldn''t mind having one more person thrown into the moat.


    Accompanying Xue Lin''s instructions,


    The songstresses in the room quickly came to their senses, lifted their smiling faces, and started playing the music and singing again.


    Some young masters from the Inner City started chatting and laughing again, flattering Xue Lin, while only He Mingxuan was left coldly out of the loop.


    His gaze turned somewhat cold as he glanced towards the door and made a hand gesture.


    A figure quickly disappeared outside.


    ...


    Outside the pleasure boat.


    Little Lotus, with one hand, half-dragged and half-carried Ning Yu, pulling him from the boat to shore, then she suddenly exerted strength in her fingers and snapped the ropes tied around him.


    "Sis... I today..."


    Still trembling, Ning Yu finally could not hold back and whispered as they reached the shore.


    However, Ning He cut him off.


    "Let''s go!"


    Her voice was grave.


    It was only then that Ning Yu noticed Ning He''s fingers trembling slightly, and beads of sweat glistened on her forehead, while her neck appeared reddish as if it were burnt.


    "Sis, you..."


    "No more words, let''s go."


    Ning He said in a low voice, rapidly walking ahead while Ning Yu hurriedly followed. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She glanced at the pleasure boats by the riverbank and quickly led Ning Yu into the alleys, striding swiftly in the darkness.


    After passing through several streets and alleys in succession, Ning He suddenly swayed and staggered, reaching out to support herself against a nearby exterior wall.


    Ning Yu was shocked and quickly wanted to support her, but Ning He shook her head.


    "I''m alright, just a bit of disordered qi-blood. This place isn''t safe; we need to return to the south quickly."


    When in a normal state, she could have easily crossed over the river surface to Wutong Grove District on the other side. Even with the ice growing thin and carrying Ning Yu, it wouldn''t have been an issue.


    But after drinking that jar of Fiery Cloud Liquor, her qi-blood was in complete chaos, and she could only travel by land. They had to pass through ''Ancient Camphor Alley'' in City West, cross the Zhengxin Bridge, and return to the South.


    "This liquor is actually quite good, it''s just that..."


    Ning He inwardly gave a bitter smile.


    If sipped slowly, the liquor''s effect was no less than that of precious medicinal wines that could greatly nourish one''s qi-blood. But guzzling a whole jar in one go meant she had to suppress its medicinal power.


    What was more critical was that this area belonged to City West, and now that night had fallen, it was not at all safe.


    In fact, she could have easily dealt with any common thug, but she was more worried about He Mingxuan. The He Family''s influence in City West far exceeded that of the south, and it was doubtful whether He Mingxuan would kick them while they were down, especially since today''s events were likely orchestrated by him.


    "Mhm."


    Ning Yu bowed his head and responded, following Ning He who had resumed her swift pace through the alleys.


    After crossing several more streets and alleys,


    Two figures emerged from the darkness ahead.


    "Oh, it''s a lady."


    "What is the young miss doing out so late at night, and where might she be going?"


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    Two shabbily dressed thugs squatting at the street corner, upon seeing Ning He and Ning Yu rushing through the streets, maliciously blocked their path.


    In the middle of the night, a woman venturing outside was certainly unusual. But the two appeared to be in a hurry, and the man seemed panicked, which was a different story.


    "Scram."


    Ning He spoke coldly.


    The two ruffians exchanged glances, and one of them immediately grinned and said, "Whoa, feisty indeed. Upon closer look, the lady''s quite the beauty..."


    As they eyed Ning He, the other one leered and reached out his hand.


    But before his hand could even get close,


    Crack! Crack!


    Two crisp sounds of bones breaking echoed.


    Ning He quickly withdrew her hand and led Ning Yu through the middle of the two fallen thugs.


    Both thugs'' eyes bulged out as their necks twisted into contorted shapes. After a few spasms, they collapsed by the roadside with a thump.


    My sister is really amazing...


    Ning Yu looked back at the two motionless bodies of the thugs and felt a deep respect for Ning He.


    For generations, his family had served as house servants for the Yu Family. Fortunately, in his generation, Ning He was selected to be a maid for Xu Hongyu, and while she took care of Xu Hongyu''s daily needs, she also had the opportunity to practice martial arts with her. Their family''s fortunes improved gradually, and they even managed to buy some properties in the Outer City.


    He had come to the pleasure boat today to deliver alcohol. On a whim, he boarded the boat to see the excitement and accidentally collided with someone. When he found out the other party was an important figure from the Inner City, he was filled with regret.


    The Deputy Governor of the Demon-Slaying Office, Xue Lin, was such an important figure.


    Having offended him, Ning Yu had little hope of luck. He thought he might not die this time but would surely lose half his life.


    But then Ning He arrived, safely leading him away from the pleasure boat, navigating the dark alleys with him at night. Any thug or ruffian who dared to cause trouble was instantly dispatched with a flick of her hand... His admiration for his sister grew even stronger.


    However,


    What Ning Yu didn''t notice was Ning He, who had just nonchalantly killed two thugs, now had her fingers trembling more noticeably, and even the skin on her arms seemed to be tinged with a slight redness.


    Continuing their journey, they crossed dozens more alleys without encountering anyone else, enjoying an uneventful travel, with only a short distance left to the nearest ''Zhengxin Bridge''.


    From a distance,


    They could already see the bridge spanning over the moat.


    In her heart, Ning He felt a slight relief. Once over the bridge, they would be in the South City District, and more importantly, Wutong Grove, which was Chen Mu''s territory.


    But,


    Just as the two were rapidly approaching Zhengxin Bridge, finally getting close,


    Stomp, stomp, stomp.


    A sequence of footsteps resounded from the darkness, heavy and stable, the kind that revealed a person trained in martial arts with just the sound of their steps.


    Ning He stopped in her tracks and looked toward the emerging group of figures from the darkness, her expression growing more somber.

 Chapter 89: Chapter 86: Complete Annihilation

    I miscalculated.


    Xiao He sighed inwardly.


    To avoid involving more people, she had gone alone, but she hadn''t expected that Xue Lin would let her off so lightly in the end. Instead, it was she who, in a fit of stubbornness, had downed a jar of fiery cloud liquor. Now, her Qi-Blood was surging uncontrollably, and it was at this moment she found herself ambushed by a group of people.


    The group before her was vastly different from the thugs she had easily slain earlier. Just from their build and footsteps, she could tell that nearly all of them were elite Martial Men above the Body Refinement level!


    Dozens of elite soldiers skilled in Body Refinement were no laughing matter. If she were in her prime, confident in her ability to fight her way out alone, but burdened with Ning Yu would be a hefty liability, and it was uncertain whether she could make it out unscathed.


    Not to mention now her Qi and Blood Powder was scattered, her full strength barely able to muster seventy percent of its capacity, which made her barely different from an ordinary practitioner of Body Refinement.


    This group was undoubtedly assembled by He Mingxuan. He Mingxuan was determined to prevent her return this time.


    If she had known earlier, she would have arranged for some backup in advance, and wouldn''t have fallen into this predicament.


    However.


    What''s done is done, and there is no point in dwelling on it.


    She would not just sit and wait for death, after all, she was someone of the Tendon Changing Level.


    "Stay close to me."


    Xiao He spoke in a deep voice, and at the same time, her wrist flicked¡ªher Soft Sword instantly unsheathed, glinting with cold light under the hazy moon.


    Ning Yu, trembling slightly, followed closely behind Xiao He, his face showing fear as he looked at the dozens of figures closing in.


    Fight!


    Without much talk, the dozens of figures looked fierce as they surrounded her, their eyes sharp and blades flashing, and then they bravely attacked Xiao He.


    In an instant, four or five steel blades came slashing down, aiming to chop Xiao He and Ning Yu to pieces.


    "Sweeping Rain..."


    Xiao He took a deep breath, suppressing the restlessness of her Qi-Blood, her Soft Sword suddenly swung up a beam of light like countless raindrops interwoven into a net of swords, clashing with the descending blades. There was a continuous sound of ringing and clanging, like raindrops falling on a copper basin.


    After forcibly blocking these killer moves, Xiao He did not retreat but advanced, heading straight in the direction of Zhengxin Bridge. Explore more at m,v l''e-NovelFire.net


    Amidst the flashes of swords and shadows of blades, Ning Yu turned pale with fright, shrinking his neck and sticking close behind Xiao He; for a moment, he dared not even look at the surrounding blade lights.


    Clang! Clang!!


    Another series of collisions between blades and swords followed.


    Xiao He suddenly let out a grunt; her Soft Sword became disordered and upon colliding with a steel blade failed to deflect it. Instead, the sword itself was struck and bent, exposing a flaw.


    The steel blade chopped diagonally downward, leaving a wound on Ning Yu''s shoulder, from which blood immediately flowed.


    Ning Yu groaned, pain piercing his heart, but he bit his teeth without screaming. Xiao He saw this scene, and her heart was thrown into disarray. Her Qi-Blood became even more scattered, making her sword moves even more chaotic.


    Another four or five steel blades descended from all around.


    Just as they were about to be overwhelmed, suddenly a sharp sound of tearing through the air resounded as if a Strong Bow and hard crossbow had been shot explosively.


    Under the moonlight.


    A streak of arc-light traveled from afar, entering the battlefield in an instant. Accompanied by a sound that buzzed in the ears, the steel blades attacking Xiao He were struck and broke into several pieces, scattering into the air like shattered pieces.


    And that piercing cold light that came soaring through the air, breaking several blades, was shockingly a rusty iron sword!


    Tracing an arc in the sky, after severing several steel blades, it continued to fall, nailing itself into the green stone slab one foot ahead of Xiao He, the entire sword quivering slightly.


    "This is..."


    Xiao He was first taken aback, then subconsciously looked up, gazing towards the side and behind her.


    There stood a figure draped in a black cloak, their features unseen, who had appeared at some unknown time by the side of Zhengxin Bridge, standing quietly there.


    The scene fell silent.


    Dozens of elite martial masters exchanged glances for a moment, and those closest, whose steel blades had been shattered in mid-air, were even more shocked.


    "Go!"


    Xiao He was the first to snap out of it, and she immediately reached out to grab Ning Yu, who was behind her. Taking advantage of the momentary stun of the crowd, she pulled Ning Yu away by a dozen meters in a flash, heading straight for Zhengxin Bridge.


    By this time, the dozens of elite Martial Men had come to their senses. After a brief hesitation, they quickly chased after her, attempting to intercept Xiao He at the bridge. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But at this moment.


    The shadow that had stood by the bridge had vanished silently into the dark; when it reappeared, it was already in front of the most advanced among the elite martial masters, with a casual right-hand-chop motion.


    The elite Martial Man reacted quickly, immediately swinging his blade in a slash, but while the blade was still in mid-air, his vision began to spin as his head, along with a spray of blood, rolled onto the ground.


    Subsequently.


    The shadow casually reached out to grab the headless corpse''s steel blade, swinging and thrusting it horizontally.


    With a flash of cold light, the entire steel blade flew out, bringing up a shower of blood wherever it passed, piercing through the bodies of four or five men in one blow, and finally disappearing into the distance along the riverbank.


    Thump! Thump!!!


    A series of four or five people stiffly fell down, accompanied by blood splattering everywhere.


    This sudden turn of events left the many martial masters chasing Xiao He utterly astonished. Dozens of men abruptly halted before the bridge, watching with wide eyes as Xiao He approached the bridge. The lone black shadow standing there deterred anyone from taking a single step forward!


    "Sister..."


    Ning Yu, who had been dragged onto the bridge by Xiao He and was clutching the wound on his shoulder, had now forgotten about the pain and looked at the black shadow on the bridge with some shock, "He, he is..."

 Chapter 90: Chapter 86 Total Annihilation_2

    Ning He did not respond. Once they had crossed the bridge, she could no longer suppress her completely disordered Qi-Blood. Her breathing became rapid, and she released Ning Yu, staggering for a moment but still managing to stand firm.


    "Go, don''t look back."


    She whispered to Ning Yu and then continued forward, quickly crossing the bridge.


    She hadn''t seen clearly who had saved her just now.


    But in that moment, the effortless display of skill was something she could still recognize¡ªit was the power of Artistic Conception.


    This was someone who had mastered Artistic Conception, perhaps a member of the Yu Family, or maybe...


    Ning He glanced back. Under the pitch-black night sky, she could no longer see any figures, but she still felt a vague sense of familiarity.


    Could it really be him?


    Had he mastered Artistic Conception too?


    But Ning He knew that now was not the time to delve into such matters.


    Whether it was him or not, she could not afford to make it known... because if Chen Mu had truly mastered Artistic Conception at his age and in such a short time by his own talents, it would cause a tremendous stir in the Inner City and would surely make him a target of the He Family, a thorn in their side. Nothing would remain calm as it was now.


    Since Chen Mu had always been silent about it, she too must keep his secret, not only refraining from prying but also pretending not to know.


    Hopefully,


    it would really be him.


    ...


    At the edge of the bridge.


    Dozens of elite martial masters dared not step forward.


    The leader, looking at the front of the bridge and seeing Chen Mu draped in a black cloak blending into the night, couldn''t help but speak in a deep voice.


    "This is a matter of the He Family. Sir, do not mistake yourself!"


    "..."


    He had been better off silent; at that statement, a hint of coldness flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    The He Family?


    Although the situation was vastly different from back then, it still brought some rather unpleasant memories to mind.


    And although that past incident was perpetrated by a gang, it invariably involved the shadow of the He Family, or perhaps one could say, the shadow of the Deputy Head Officer He Mingxuan.


    Chen Mu closed his eyes slightly.


    When he opened them again, his gaze had turned indifferent, and his body suddenly flickered, disappearing from the spot and reappearing amidst the crowd. With a sweep of his right hand, a head flew up.


    "Watch out!"


    "Kill!"


    The crowd immediately descended into chaos. Various steel blades were swung at Chen Mu, but he was already too quick to bother with a blade, smashing another man''s head with a wave of his hand, snapping his fingers to shatter another''s skull.


    His movements were as fast as lightning, weaving through the crowd in an instant.


    It was almost in the blink of an eye.


    One by one, the elite martial masters froze in place, then either their heads shattered or their chests caved in, dropping to the ground with thumps.


    Pop!


    Chen Mu pulled his fingers out of the last man''s forehead, stepped slowly to the riverbank, broke the thin ice at the edge, and gently washed his hands in the river water.


    Afterward, he stood up, looked far upstream along the riverbank, and could faintly see the distant lights of a painted boat.


    Then.


    Chen Mu''s figure silently disappeared into the darkness, leaving behind only a messy scene of bodies by the bridge.


    ...


    On the painted boat.


    He Mingxuan stepped out of the pavilion to the back of the boat, blew the cold wind, and gradually calmed down a bit.


    At this moment, he somewhat regretted using Xue Lin''s influence against Ning He. Not only had it not worked, but it had also distanced his relationship with Xue Lin.


    A loss far outweighing any gain.


    She was nothing but a maid by Xu Hongyu''s side. Even if she was eliminated, it wouldn''t really matter; it was just that these days he had been distracted by Ning He''s tactics.


    In the end, he was the one who sent someone to kill. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He Mingxuan felt secretly annoyed in his heart.


    To kill Ning He, he could have done it at any time; it was only because he was worried about Xu Hongyu that he hadn''t made his move. Now, making his move like this, what difference did it make from taking direct action? Once Xu Hongyu returned, there was no guarantee she wouldn''t go mad, and then it would be another big trouble.


    Enough!


    It wouldn''t be a big deal not to be the Deputy Head Officer.


    Upon calming down, He Mingxuan even found himself somewhat ridiculous for having gone so far as to consider giving up his position as Deputy Head Officer to avoid Xu Hongyu over dealing with a mere maid by her side.


    When did it start, one blunder after another?


    Yes.


    It seems it all started when that Chen Mu showed up.


    Thinking of this, He Mingxuan''s eyes grew colder. Since it had come to this, why not get rid of that Chen Mu as well!


    After a brief moment of contemplation.


    He Mingxuan waved his hand, summoning a subordinate, ready to have someone take care of Ning He and then deal with Chen Mu as well.


    The subordinate complied and then hurried away.


    He Mingxuan leaned on the railing, looking at the dark, lightless banks of the moat, stood for a moment, and then turned to walk back inside the painted boat.


    However.


    Just then, a subordinate came rushing over, his face filled with panic, and quickly conveyed a few sentences.


    "What did you say?"


    Upon hearing this, He Mingxuan was immediately stunned and showed a look of astonishment.


    The subordinate, looking distressed, said, "The Chief Constable has been alerted, sir... he wants you to come immediately."


    The ''Chief Constable'' referred to by the subordinate was naturally not him, the Deputy Head Officer of the South City District, but the Chief Constable over all of City West, his uncle He Guangzong.


    He Mingxuan wore a bewildered expression.


    And also a disbelief.


    He had deployed part of the He Family''s elite personnel; even if Ning He had drunk a jar of fiery liquor and her Qi-Blood was in chaos, even at the peak of her strength, she might not have escaped alive.


    Yet now the news was... that group of personnel had been wiped clean on Zhenxin Bridge!


    How could this be!


    With bewilderment and incredulity, He Mingxuan hurriedly left the painted boat, heading towards Zhenxin Bridge. When he arrived, he saw a large group of officers surrounding the vicinity of Zhenxin Bridge.


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    The man in white official attire at the forefront was exactly the Chief Constable He Guangzong.


    He Mingxuan, seeing the corpses scattered on the ground, walked over somewhat confusedly.


    Slap!


    He Guangzong, with a cold face, raised his hand and delivered a resounding slap.


    "Do you see the mess you''ve made?"


    "You gathered a group of elite bladesmen from the family to kill a maid of Xu Hongyu, and this is what you, a dignitary Deputy Head Officer, have done?!"


    He Guangzong scolded him furiously.


    Upon learning that a fierce fight had taken place near Zhenxin Bridge, resulting in the deaths of dozens of people, he first thought it was a gang clash, but soon found out that the dead were elite martial masters nurtured by the He Family, and he was nearly infuriated to death upon hearing more details.


    "I..."


    He Mingxuan, having received a slap on the face, didn''t dare to speak and still seemed somewhat in disbelief.


    He Guangzong, observing his demeanor, grew even angrier.


    Actually, rounding up the manpower to kill Ning He wasn''t really a big deal; killing her wouldn''t be too severe, as the conflict between the Yu Family and the He Family had long been ongoing. Killing a maid wasn''t anything major.


    But the problem was.


    He had gathered a group of people, yet not only did they fail to kill Ning He, but his own men were also wiped out completely!


    No matter the process or the reason, judged purely on the outcome, this act was simply foolish, especially since there had been an attempt to utilize Xue Lin... Who was Xue Lin, someone to be manipulated easily?

 Chapter 91: Chapter 87 Spring Begins

    He Guangzong''s chest heaved with rage.


    In fact, He Mingxuan was not one of those utterly worthless descendants of the He Family, after all, he had stepped into the Tendon Changing Level. Otherwise, the He Family would not have let him serve as the Deputy Head Officer of the South City District, harboring the idea that he would eventually take over as the Chief Constable.


    If he were truly the type who only knew how to indulge in pleasure, He Guangzong might not have become so infuriated. After all, with the He Family''s vast business and wealth, what would be the harm in having a few more prodigals? They would still have their utility in spreading the family''s branches.


    "Fourth Uncle, I acted impulsively without giving it enough thought..."


    He Mingxuan fell silent for a while and gradually calmed down before speaking softly.


    Seeing He Mingxuan''s reaction, He Guangzong finally managed to suppress some of his anger and said sternly, "Do you know where you went wrong?"


    "I shouldn''t have made such a fuss over a mere maid."


    He Mingxuan said softly.


    "It seems you still don''t understand."


    He Guangzong sighed and said, "If you wanted to kill Ning He, why go through such a big detour? Since you were able to lead people to the west side, just kill her directly. Why borrow Xue Lin''s hand to act?"


    "Ning He is just a maid of Xu Hongyu, not Xu Hongyu herself, what would it matter if you killed her directly? You fear Xu Hongyu causing you trouble, but don''t forget your surname is He!"


    He Guangzong sneered as he got to this point and said, "Since when does the He Family need to fear the Yu Family?"


    He Mingxuan was slightly startled.


    Indeed.


    Ever since Xu Hongyu arrived in the South City District, he had been restricted and hesitant, always because he was no match for Xu Hongyu, afraid that she would take drastic action against him.


    But if Xu Hongyu did take action against him, would the He Family just sit by and do nothing? It would simply lead to a fight between the two families.


    It was precisely because he had been wary of Xu Hongyu that he had continually looked for various means, resorting to underhanded tactics in hopes of driving Xu Hongyu out of the South City District. Even when Xu Hongyu was not in the city for a long time, he felt hamstrung dealing with a mere Ning He.


    Just as He Guangzong had said, if he felt that Ning He was too much of an obstacle, then he should have just eliminated her. The He and Yu families had been fiercely contending with each other for ages, so why worry about Xu Hongyu? On the contrary, if Xu Hongyu went mad and took action against him, it would give him a perfect reason to drive her out of the South City District.


    He had been cowed by Xu Hongyu''s unreasonableness, always apprehensive in his heart.


    "I understand."


    He Mingxuan nodded.


    He Guangzong looked at He Mingxuan and let out a light sigh before turning to look at the corpses all over the ground.


    Such martial masters with Body Refinement Perfection were elite, and the He Family had to invest considerable resources to cultivate each one, spending thousands of taels of Silver Coin and many years. Losing dozens of them at once was indeed painful.


    "Fourth Uncle, who are these people after all..."


    He Mingxuan also approached, his eyes revealing a trace of doubt.


    He Guangzong slowly said, "All killed by the hand of one person, who possesses a strong Physique, at least beyond the Tendon Changing Major Achievement, and also masters the Artistic Conception of a Thousand Winds."


    "Artistic Conception of a Thousand Winds?"


    He Mingxuan was startled, no wonder so many experts had died just like that.


    He suddenly thought of something and said, "I have heard that some time ago, Zhang Lang was killed by the hand of a master of Artistic Conception, also the Artistic Conception of a Thousand Winds, could it be the same person?"


    "Hmm, it probably is."


    He Guangzong nodded slightly, squinting his eyes and saying, "It wasn''t clear last time, this time... it''s definitely someone from the Yu Family, just that it''s unknown when the Yu Family gained such a person, and we do not have any intelligence on them at present."


    Masters of Artistic Conception are not common folks you can find just anywhere.


    That can be said. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In Yu City, those who have mastered Artistic Conception are even rarer than those in the Bone Tempering Realm, since not all who have reached the Bone Tempering Level possess Artistic Conception.


    The ones the Yu Family has openly, who have mastered Artistic Conceptions, are just that few.


    Now, suddenly, a completely unknown person has appeared, making He Guangzong have significant concerns, but the Yu Family, after all, is a power with deep roots that stands shoulder to shoulder with the He Family, so it is normal for them to have hidden experts.


    "Although we have suffered significant losses this time, being able to confirm that this unknown master of Artistic Conception comes from the Yu Family, or has close ties with them, means their deaths were not entirely meaningless."


    He Guangzong spoke slowly, "Anyway, I have already sent people to inform the clan, and we will specifically investigate this person."


    "Hmm."


    He Mingxuan nodded as well, understanding the seriousness of the matter.


    Compared to any minor characters like Ning He, or even Xu Hongyu, a suddenly emerging master of Artistic Conception was far more important.


    If such a figure were to hide in the shadows and cause sudden trouble, it would be extremely vexing, but now that they have revealed themselves, even without any additional intelligence, at least it is possible to prepare in advance, to avoid a sudden and severe setback to the He Family.


    He Guangzong looked at He Mingxuan and said gravely, "Keep a low profile for a while, and avoid causing any more trouble."


    "Yes, Fourth Uncle."


    He Mingxuan bowed his head in acknowledgement.


    At the same time, he felt slightly relieved inside. It seemed his actions weren''t entirely foolish after all, since they inadvertently played a key role in revealing the presence of an unidentified master of Artistic Conception within the Yu Family.


    ...


    Beneath the night sky.


    Chen Mu''s figure silently leaped between rooftops.


    He followed Little He and Ning Yu from a distance, only stopping outside after he saw the two enter the City Guard General''s headquarters.


    "I wonder if Little He recognized me."


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly.


    Knowing Little He, even if she recognized him, she would probably pretend not to. After all, she was smart and sensible, and it was also possible that with the dark and windy night, she didn''t truly recognize him.


    Once inside the City Guard General''s headquarters, safety was certain, and he felt mostly relieved.


    Little He''s condition had been strange before, with her qi-blood churning unstably, as if she had taken an excessive dose of some powerful tonic¡ªshe must have encountered something on the pleasure boat, but, thankfully, there were more scares than dangers.


    But as for He Mingxuan...


    Chen Mu''s heart turned cold, and piecing everything together, He Mingxuan was as good as dead in his eyes.


    If not for the fact that He Mingxuan was a legitimate descendant of the He Family and the Deputy Head Officer of South City District, with far-reaching implications, he would have become a corpse just like Zhang Lang.


    "I have already used the Artistic Conception of Thousand Winds twice."


    "This identity must have entered the sights of the other families."


    "But the next time I make a move, it won''t be with the Artistic Conception of Thousand Winds."


    Chen Mu''s figure slowly disappeared into the darkness.


    ...


    "Big Brother Mu! You''re back."


    "Master."


    Chen Mu quietly returned to the backyard. The lights were still on there, and as soon as he arrived, Wang Ni, along with Ku''er and Le''er, quickly came out to greet him.


    The few maids were all very well-behaved and didn''t ask Chen Mu what he had been doing outside. Some helped him remove his clothes while others brought pitchers and basins with water to help him wash.


    As Wang Ni helped Chen Mu undress, her delicate nose twitched twice, picking up a slight scent of blood. Following the source, she found a spot of blood on Chen Mu''s cloak, but quietly she took it away to wash without a word. Enjoy new stories from m-v l''e|-NovelFire.net


    Served by Ku''er and Le''er, one on each side, Chen Mu removed his shoes and socks and placed his feet in the basin, inwardly remarking, ''What a decadent life.''


    In fact, when he first came to this world, his ambitions were modest. He hoped only to change the fate of a lowly constable, to have enough to feed and clothe his sister Chen Yue and provide a peaceful home. But as he acquired the system panel and worked his way up, gaining strength and status, his goals had imperceptibly shifted, now far exceeding mere sustenance and leisure.


    What he wanted was to stand firm in Yu City, to have a place of his own without depending on anyone else''s favor to survive.


    And now.


    He was getting closer to that goal.


    After enjoying the care of the little maids, Chen Mu sent them to rest in the side chamber and then he took out the Thunderclap Diagram to sit cross-legged on the bed and continue his meticulous contemplation.


    ...


    Time flew by swiftly.


    In the blink of an eye, over a month had passed.


    Since the incident with Little He, the South City District once again became peaceful, and even He Mingxuan had not caused any trouble in this past month.


    The remaining snow had completely melted, and the season had finally transitioned into spring, bringing with it a gradual rise in warmth, prompting some to shed their winter coats.


    Early morning.


    After breakfast, Chen Mu did not dress to go to the City Defense Division but returned to his bedroom to continue pondering over the Thunderclap Diagram.


    Over a month had passed, and with the aid of the Thunderclap Diagram, his experience points in comprehending Artistic Conception had soared. Now, he was only a little short of 10,000 points. By noon today, he would complete it, so he set aside all other matters.


    Mastering an additional Artistic Conception was not as significant as advancing to the second step of a single Artistic Conception, but it was nonetheless much stronger than a singular one.


    In fact.


    In all of Yu City, there were few who could take Artistic Conception to the second step, and equally few who could comprehend two Artistic Conceptions. Within the domain of Yu City, they were extremely rare beings.


    Having pondered over the Thunderclap Diagram for nearly three months, it may seem as though he was just gaining experience points on the system panel, but in reality, Chen Mu''s own understanding of the Thunderclap Sect was also deep. For example, he now mastered two types of Momentum derived from the Thunderclap Diagram.


    He named these two Momentums ''Shake'' and ''Cry.''


    Indeed, if he carefully studied and considered them, he could use these two Momenta as a foundation to derive two kinds of Blade Technique or Swordsmanship of the Thunderclap Sect.


    However, for him, who had already grasped Artistic Conception, there was no need to derive Blade Technique or Swordsmanship, as he had no intention of taking disciples or opening a martial arts school.


    One must admit, understanding Artistic Conception elevated him to a different level.


    Although he had not grasped the Thunderclap Artistic Conception, gleaning Momentum from the Thunderclap Diagram was quite simple. Without reaching the exalted level of Artistic Conception, deriving Momentum would not have been an easy task.


    Chen Mu sat still in meditation until the sun was three rods high.


    "That should be enough," he said.


    He glanced at the sun through the window, gradually gathered his thoughts, and then summoned the system interface.


    [Martial Arts: Thunderclap Artistic Conception (Unmastered)]


    [Experience: 10,002 points]


    [Available Derivation Attempts: 0]


    As Chen Mu''s thoughts moved, the accumulated 10,000 experience points vanished, and the available derivation attempts went from 0 to 1.

 Chapter 92: Chapter 88 Thunderbolt

    "Extrapolation."


    Chen Mu settled his mind, cleared away distracting thoughts, and then hesitated no further.


    In recent days, he had tried to comprehend the Thunderclap Artistic Conception with his own intuition, but it was ultimately like looking at flowers through the fog, not truly discernible. Now, he wanted to carefully feel the difference between the Thunderclap and Xun Wind Artistic Conceptions.


    Hum!


    With the start of the system extrapolation, it was as if a spring thunder exploded outside the window, buzzing in one''s ears, and as if the first thunder that opened the heavens and earth burst in his consciousness, immediately shattering Chen Mu''s concentrated thoughts into disarray. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Thoughts scattered into countless fragments, drifting in every direction, beyond description. It felt as if his thoughts were suddenly in utter chaos, with myriad circuits, unable to discern where he was.


    Boom!


    Another rumble of thunder sounded, further scattering the already jumbled multitude of thoughts into dust. Originally, his mood seemed like a whirlwind of dust; now it became quieter, with only a few pieces of dry soil still churning until all turned into a dead silence.


    It was unclear how long had passed when suddenly another crack of thunder fiercely struck the pile of ''dust'' that was all that remained of his thoughts, instantly rejuvenating everything, rising anew from the silence with a trace of vitality, and rapidly churning until all the chaotic thought-dust reconvened into a complete consciousness.


    At this moment,


    All distractions were gone, leaving only an emotionless, serene consciousness.


    Chen Mu''s sensation was extraordinarily peculiar at this time. He felt as if he had separated from all emotions, observing everything from an impassive, almost heavenly perspective.


    In his vision, he saw an endlessly murky darkness, but within that darkness, bolts of lightning would flash by occasionally, creating ripples in the pitch-black chaos.


    "Thunderclap Artistic Conception..."


    Chen Mu murmured softly in his heart.


    Seeing those bolts of lightning blossoming in chaos, lighting up the world, meant that he had grasped the Thunderclap Artistic Conception and had attained a profound understanding of it.


    Lost in this mysterious sensation of peering into the secrets of the universe for who knows how long, the various emotions that had been outside of his consciousness finally began to attach themselves, gradually restoring Chen Mu''s spirit to normality.


    The scene before him, of a dark world amidst the simultaneous peals of thousands of thunders, also slowly faded, and when he opened his eyes again, his consciousness had returned to his bedroom.


    Chen Mu composed himself, stood up, and walked out to the courtyard.


    He looked at the training stake placed in one corner of the yard and walked towards it, standing brief before it. Then he lifted his right hand, his index and middle fingers coming together to form a sword finger gesture, and made a sweeping motion across the stake.


    Thump!


    A dull sound.


    His fingers did not come into contact with the stake; they merely grazed the edge, yet they left behind a sharp mark, as if it had been sliced by a knife.


    This was the might of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception.


    Right after this,


    Chen Mu''s eyes twinkled with light as if a streak of lightning burst in the depths of his pupils. It was the same sword finger motion sweeping across the stake.


    Crack!


    But this time, the mark left behind was not a sharp cut; instead, there was a suddenly charred imprint.


    "Hmm..."


    Chen Mu looked at his two fingers, showing a contemplative expression.


    This was the essence of the Thunderclap Artistic Conception. Once one could ''see'' the artistic conception of thunderclap in the universe, a mere gesture could slightly induce a trace of the power of thunder.


    However, the lightning induced between his fingers was very faint. After all, it was a forced act, more akin to static electricity. Using it to harm someone would be difficult, though it might serve to amuse a girl.


    Pfft!


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    Chen Mu suddenly lifted his hand again, brought his fingers together to stab towards the stake. The hard stake was penetrated as easily as tofu, leaving a charred smell behind.


    After withdrawing his fingers, the punctured hole showed a layer of pitch-black charring.


    The lightning emerging from the fingertips was not very powerful, but once coupled with a substantial medium, like swinging a blade, that induced power was entirely different, surpassing any technique or momentum of the Blade Technique from the Thunderclap Sect.


    After all, artistic conception is the true essence of power, while momentum is merely a faint imitation of that essence.


    "If I could cultivate the artistic conception to the third step, reaching the so-called Heart Unity Realm with the universe, would I be able to induce heavenly thunder with a mere gesture? However, in a world where creatures like Flood Dragons exist, and martial arts can subjugate all demons and evil, achieving such heights is not so surprising," thought Chen Mu reflectively.


    In fact, as far as he knew, neither Tendon Changing nor Bone Tempering could truly harness the might of an artistic conception. To step into the higher Five Viscera Realm, to transform the ethereal Qi-Blood into the substantial Inner Breath Yuan Gang, only then could one truly materialize the artistic conception.


    And not like now, barely able to conjure a faint Thunder Arc or an invisible Wind Blade.


    "However, there doesn''t seem to be much interference between the Xun Wind and Thunderclap Artistic Conceptions," Chen Mu concluded.


    He raised his hand again and slapped towards the wooden stake. This time, his entire hand shattered and exploded the top half of the stake into fragments, with the edges of the broken parts crisp and even as if they had been cleaved by a sharp blade, while the neat edges also showed blackened charring similar to charcoal.


    At the same time, mastering both Xun Wind Artistic Conception and Thunderclap Artistic Conception, a strike yielded far greater power than a single conception could afford, and because it encompassed an additional attribute, it was comparatively more difficult to resist.


    Witnessing this scene, Chen Mu nodded slightly as well.


    His original decision to switch to practicing Thunderclap Artistic Conception was a considered one. Within the realms of artistic conception, Xun Wind and Thunderclap were closely related, and cultivating both was a rather fitting choice. Apart from this combination, there were also Wind-Fire and Thunder-Fire.


    Xun Wind, Thunderclap, and Separating Fire, these three veins overall bore a similarity and skewed towards the aspect of ''Qian Heaven'' in the dualities of heaven and earth.


    Gen Mountain, Dui Ze, and Kan Water, these three veins also shared overall similarities and leaned towards the ''Kun Earth'' aspect within the dualities of heaven and earth.


    "It is said that the Xue Family has someone who commands both Gen Mountain and Kan Water conceptions, and the head of the Yu Family seems to possess both ''Lake and Water'' aspects... Well, at least in terms of artistic conception, I''m now on the same level as them."


    Chen Mu picked up the bits of broken wood from the ground and tossed them into the stove.


    In the vast Yu City, those who mastered artistic conceptions were few and had well-known names, especially within the Inner City. Those who commanded two conceptions were even fewer, not exceeding the number you could count on two hands within the entire Inner City.


    After grasping the Thunderclap Artistic Conception, just in terms of Martial Arts prowess, Chen Mu had reached the uppermost echelon in Yu City, even though his Body Tempering Method was not yet comparable to those individuals.


    The few he knew of had at least achieved Major Achievement in Bone Tempering.


    And he was slightly short of Tendon Changing Major Achievement.


    Yet, the stronger he became, the more composed Chen Mu felt. With his current mastery of both conceptions and nearing Major Achievement in Tendon Changing, even though his power was not yet considered top-tier in Yu City, he was certainly ranked among the noteworthy. Once his Tendon Changing reached Perfection, there would be very few who could best him.


    Even those in the Bone Tempering Realm posed no threat to him without their own conceptions.


    "Tendon Changing Major Achievement, just a matter of a few days."


    Chen Mu watched as the chunks of wood gradually burned into charcoal in the stove, then stood up and returned to his bedroom. He took out the nearly gray Black Jade Tendon Changing Pill, ready to leverage its last vestiges of medicinal power to its fullest extent.


    ...


    With the arrival of Warm Spring, each day grew warmer than the last.


    After a spring rain, the following sunny day shone bright and dazzling. By noon, some of the pedestrians on the streets had shifted to lighter clothes.


    The main street of Wutong Grove District was one of the more prosperous streets in South City District, second only to the bustling market in the Central District. With spring''s arrival, the street market gradually grew lively, and by noon, it swelled with people coming and going.


    "Xiao Yue, look at this."


    In a corner of the marketplace, a charming girl about sixteen or seventeen years old picked up a light jade-colored hairpin from a vendor''s stall, placed it on her head, and giggled to another girl beside her, "Does it look good?"


    "Here, see for yourself."


    Chen Yue handed a bronze mirror to Yu Ru, smiling.


    Yu Ru tilted her head, looking left and right, her expression one of satisfaction. She turned to the vendor and asked, "How much for this?"


    The vendor sneaked a peek at Chen Yue and Yu Ru, swallowed hard, his eyes rotating surreptitiously before he spoke, "Not expensive, just three taels of Silver."


    "Here."


    Yu Ru carelessly took out a silver bean from her bosom.


    The vendor''s eyes nearly bulged out; he hurried to reach for it, but before he could, a fair, delicate hand gently swept in and snatched the silver bean from Yu Ru''s hand.


    "Hold on a second."


    Chen Yue, holding Yu Ru''s silver bean, rolled her eyes at the vendor and said, "Three taels of Silver, who are you trying to fool? How much is it really worth?"


    The vendor forced a smile and said, "Ladies, truth be told, it''s three taels... Just before, someone wanted to buy it for two taels, but I didn''t sell. Though, seeing how well this young lady suits the hairpin, alright then, two taels and it''s yours. It''s a loss for me, but I don''t mind."


    "Oh, but that wouldn''t feel right."


    Yu Ru, somewhat dazed, spoke apologetically.


    The corners of Chen Yue''s mouth twitched involuntarily; she sighed quietly, then suddenly raised her voice, "Hey, a hairpin for just two taels of Silver, is it really that cheap?!"


    Her crisp, melodious voice rippled through the crowd, immediately drawing the attention of many passersby, including the neighboring stallholders.


    When the crowd saw the two young girls in light-colored dresses, both fair and lovely, many eyes brightened instantly.


    After a brief silence.


    Laughter emerged from the crowd, "Don''t get fooled, the items on Liu Si''s stall aren''t even worth two taels of Silver when combined."


    "Liu Si, you''re really dishonest, even trying to cheat young girls."


    Laughs spread among the onlookers.


    Vendor Liu Si''s face alternated between shades of green and red as he shouted back at the crowd, "What are you meddling for, it doesn''t concern you, busybodies... Hey, ladies, don''t go. One tael is fine, no, twenty coins, I''ll sell it for twenty coins!"

 Chapter 93: Chapter 89 Yu Ru

    ```


    The vendor watched helplessly as Chen Yue and Yu Ru walked away, then glared resentfully at his nearby competitors before turning to take the jade hairpin back to his stall. However, a sudden flick of a folding fan came horizontally, striking him squarely on the wrist.


    "Ouch."


    The vendor cried out, the jade hairpin flying from his hand, only to be deftly caught by someone with the folding fan.


    Just as he was about to erupt in anger, he saw the appearance of the person with the folding fan, and his rage dissipated instantly. He stepped back twice, tremblingly saying, "Nan... Young Master Nan..."


    The one called Young Master Nan was dressed in an ornate brocade robe, holding a purple wooden folding fan in his hand, the hairpin lightly resting on the fan''s ribs. He didn''t even look at the vendor but thoughtfully watched the retreating figures of Chen Yue and Yu Ru.


    He then stepped forward and followed them.


    The trembling vendor watched his figure but dared not speak, nor did he dare to ask for payment. After all, the newcomer was too powerful, being the third son from the Nan family of Wutong Grove District, the most powerful and influential family there¡ªof course, except for the Prefecture Chief of the City Defense Division.


    Chen Yue, leisurely walking with Yu Ru, suddenly saw a figure appear in front, dressed in a white brocade robe, clearly the likeness of a rich young master. He bowed with a smile, "I am Nan An, at your service. Are the ladies visiting Wutong Grove for the first time? There was a vendor trying to cheat you earlier, which I have already dealt with; consider this item as his way of offering an apology."


    With that.


    He presented the jade hairpin he had caught earlier.


    Yu Ru, unsure how to react, nervously moved closer to Chen Yue. Chen Yue, however, blinked her eyes and very composedly accepted it, saying, "Thanks."


    She then continued walking forward with Yu Ru. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing this, Nan An raised an eyebrow and stepped aside to block them again, saying with a smile, "It''s unfamiliar territory for the ladies. I happen to know the area well and am free at the moment. If the ladies have a place in mind, I can show the way."


    Chen Yue hummed playfully, "That would be great, we''re heading to the City Defense Division, and we don''t know the way, actually."


    The City Defense Division?


    Nan An''s brow furrowed slightly, and shaking his head with a wry smile, he said, "What fun is there at the City Defense Division for the ladies to visit there?"


    "I have a brother working at the City Defense Division, and we''re going to find him. Aren''t you familiar with the place?"


    Said Chen Yue with an innocent look in her eyes.


    Hearing this, Nan An chuckled, "I am rather well-acquainted with the City Defense Division. May I ask the name of the lady''s brother?"


    Chen Yue''s eyes betrayed a trace of innocence as she said, "Um, my brother''s name is Chen Mu, does the gentleman know him?"


    Chen Mu?


    Cough cough!!


    Nan An''s expression suddenly stiffened, and upon closer inspection of the girl in front of him, she indeed resembled that person. His lips twitched as he said, "Of course, who in Wutong Grove wouldn''t recognize the Prefecture Chief? So the lady is his sister, my apologies. Then, this young lady must be..."


    If it had been when Chen Mu first arrived in Wutong Grove and wasn''t well-known, it would be normal not to recognize the new Prefecture Chief, but now, all powers in Wutong Grove clearly understood Chen Mu''s origins and background.


    This included having knowledge of a sister studying at the Yu Family''s Martial Arts Institute in the Inner City.


    Now that the girl before him was identified as Chen Mu''s sister Chen Yue, the other girl, whose appearance and dress were no different, could only be from an even more prominent background.


    "My name is Yu Ru,"


    Said Yu Ru in a tentative voice.


    Indeed!


    A person from the Inner City Yu Family.


    Nan An''s lips twitched again. Luckily, he had sensed earlier that Chen Yue and Yu Ru were no ordinary young ladies and had committed no offense. The Nan family might be powerful in Wutong Grove, but before the Yu family, they were no different from ants.


    "We''re indeed unfamiliar with the place, so we would appreciate it if the gentleman could show us the way,"


    Chen Yue said to Nan An, smilingly.


    Nan An inwardly groaned but dared not refuse, putting on a forced smile. He opened his folding fan and fanned himself before saying, "Certainly, then I shall guide the ladies."


    ¡­


    The City Defense Division.


    In the innermost hall office, within the quiet side room, Chen Mu was holding a book titled ''Da Xuan Calendar'', flipping through it while occasionally lifting the teacup on his right to take a sip.


    Suddenly someone entered the side room and quietly reported, "Prefecture Chief, Young Master Nan An of the Nan family has arrived, bringing two young ladies with him. One of them claims to be your sister, named Chen Yue..."


    Chen Mu''s hand holding the teacup paused slightly.


    He looked curiously at the officer who had reported the news.


    Nan An?


    He had some recollection of this third young master of the Nan family; not quite a good man, but not too bad either. Although fond of women, he generally married those he fancied. Since Chen Mu took up his post as Prefecture Chief, his conduct had become much more restrained.


    But when did Chen Yue come to Wutong Grove, and why was she sent here by Nan An? This was a strange combination.


    Did Nan An have designs on Yue''er?


    ```


    ```


    Hmph.


    Chen Mu set down his teacup, his gaze turning cold. He gave a light snort in his heart and stood up to walk outside.


    In the Hall Office of the City Defense Division near the entrance, used to receive outsiders, both Chen Yue and Yu Ru, as well as Nan An, were present. The attendants of the Hall Office dared not neglect their duties. Some were busily offering tea and water, while others followed close by.


    The fact that Chen Mu had a sister was well-known even among the bottom rungs of the City Defense Division. No one would dare to impersonate such a status, so Chen Yue could only be Chen Mu''s sister. Moreover, Nan Family''s third son, Nan An, was with her, which solidified the credibility of her identity.


    Chen Yue leisurely strolled about, her small hands clasped behind her back, looking left and right.


    Ever since she had been sent to train at the Yu Family''s Martial Arts Institute in the Inner City, she had not left it. This was her first return to the Outer City. She had come to play in the South City District, having been brought out by someone from the women''s institute.


    If she wanted to travel between the Inner and Outer Cities on her own, and come and go freely from the Yu Family Martial Arts Institute, she had to reach the Body Refinement Realm in the Body Tempering Method and achieve Perfection in her swordsmanship. With such strength, she was essentially safe in the Outer City.


    Common thugs could be easily dealt with, and the more troublesome figures, recognizing the prestige of the Yu Family, dared not lay hands on them.


    My brother has already become a Prefecture Chief...


    Chen Yue looked up at the ceiling of the Hall Office, her heart suddenly filled with indescribable emotions. Just a few years ago, she and Chen Mu were poor siblings huddled under a cotton quilt for warmth during winter. Now, everything had changed dramatically.


    A Prefecture Chief, who controlled hundreds of attendants and governed over a hundred thousand commoners.


    In the past, such a figure was so high above that one couldn''t even hope to look up to them.


    Yet now, Chen Mu himself held that position, and anyone with discerning eyes could see that with his age and talent, he would not stop there. The future held broader prospects for him, perhaps even reaching the position of Deputy Head Officer or higher.


    In comparison, her own changes were significant as well. In just a little over a year, she had reached Perfection in Skin Toughening and Major Achievement in swordsmanship. At the women''s division of the Martial Arts Institute of the Yu Family, she was considered one of the foremost in talent. This was also related to her diligence in practice, which far surpassed that of the others.


    It wouldn''t be long before she too could step into the Body Refinement Realm.


    The days of longing just for a new piece of clothing or a hearty meal were long gone.


    "Yue''er?"


    Just as Chen Yue was lost in a silent reverie, a familiar voice reached her ears.


    A glimmer of joy flashed in Chen Yue''s eyes as she turned around and saw a familiar face in dark green official''s robes, approaching with a gentle smile.


    "Brother."


    Chen Yue bounced cheerfully in front of Chen Mu, her voice ringing clearly as she called out to him.


    Chen Mu''s expression was gentle as he reached out to touch her head, saying, "Hmm, you''ve grown a bit taller."


    Having said that.


    He then turned to Yu Ru, smiling amiably and said, "Yu Ru is here too? Why didn''t you tell me in advance so I could arrange for someone to pick you up?"


    This was the third time he had met Yu Ru. He didn''t harbor much in the way of other thoughts towards her; he simply saw her as a young girl yet to grow up. Although she was pretty and lovely, she seemed even more immature than Chen Yue.


    "Chen Mu."


    Yu Ru called out his name shyly, not daring to look at Chen Mu directly.


    This was mainly because Xu Hongyu had commented on a marriage discussion involving Chen Mu and her during a visit to the Yu Family. By then, Yu Ru had met Chen Mu once with Chen Yue and found him a gentle and steadfast brother, without any other thoughts in mind. However, Xu Hongyu''s sudden mention of marital arrangements left her unsettled.


    Ever since Xu Hongyu brought up the matter, thoughts of Chen Mu would appear in her mind and she''d become daydreamy. Being pulled by Chen Yue to visit Chen Mu, she wasn''t sure how to feel. All she knew was that upon seeing Chen Mu, her heart would thump wildly, leaving her at a loss for words.


    Chen Mu noticed Yu Ru''s evasive eyes and the faint blush on her ears, guessing the reason with just a thought. He couldn''t help but chuckle, finding her shyness rather adorable upon a second glance.


    "...I see, so that''s why you came to find me."


    After hearing Chen Yue''s account, Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile and say, "Wutong Grove District doesn''t have much to offer. After a while, I''ll take you both to the main street of South City District instead."


    Speaking of which.


    He finally turned his head to look at Nan An, who stood to one side, his expression awkward and uncertain whether to sit or stand.


    Chen Mu''s eyes grew cold as he said, "Considering my two sisters are strangers here and needed escorting, I suppose I have to thank Young Master Nan for his protection on the journey?"


    Nan An grimaced and said, "It''s... it''s part of the job, no need for the Prefecture Chief to thank me."


    "Part of the job?"


    Chen Mu narrowed his eyes, his tone less than friendly.


    Nan An, usually quite articulate and carefree when teasing girls, suddenly seemed as if his throat was clamped, stumbling over his words, unable to come up with a suitable response.


    Yu Ru, watching from the side and peeping at the situation, blinked. With Nan An draped in a white brocade robe, handsome enough and possessing a suave demeanor, he was quite the dashing young master. Yet in front of Chen Mu, he seemed like a loach coming face to face with a flood dragon, his confidence deflated. This made Yu Ru''s gaze towards Chen Mu twinkle with additional brightness.


    Chen Yue, watching Nan An''s stiff appearance from the side, had a mischievous gleam in her wide eyes.


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    "Hmph."


    Observing Nan An''s lack of a coherent response, Chen Mu finally gave a cold snort, waved his sleeve, and said, "Guards, take him to the holding cell to sober up. Also, send someone to the Nan Family for them to come and collect him!"


    "Yes."


    Immediately, an attendant complied and took Nan An away.


    Chen Mu turned his head towards Chen Yue and Yu Ru, his previous sternness dissolving back into warmth. He smiled and said, "Let''s go, I''ll change into casual clothes first."


    ```

 Chapter 94: Chapter 90 Conflict

    South City District''s Main City Street.


    In Yu City, the most bustling areas are actually the Main City Streets of the East, South, West, and North districts.


    In terms of luxury, spaciousness, and environment, these areas naturally can''t compare to the Inner City, but if we talk solely about lively atmospheres, the Main City Streets are actually much busier than the Inner City. After all, although the Inner City is prosperous, it is ultimately a place for the wealthy and noble.


    The total population of the Inner City doesn''t even match the population of any one of the four outer districts.


    "Candied hawthorns, get your sweet candied hawthorns..."


    The wide market street was filled with the sound of vendors hawking their wares.


    Chen Mu, dressed in an unremarkable simple blue shirt, walked through the market streets with Chen Yue and Yu Ru, passing by a candied hawthorn vendor. He turned his head to Chen Yue with a smile, "Want one?"


    Chen Yue rolled her eyes in a childish manner and said, "I''m not a child anymore."


    But after a pause,


    She added seriously, "Yes, I do!"


    Chen Mu laughed, unable to help but feel nostalgic for the sweet little girl who clung to him all day years ago. In the blink of an eye, she had been training in martial arts in the Inner City for over a year and had changed from a well-behaved and lovely girl to somewhat quirky and spirited.


    "Two sticks, please."


    Chen Mu took out a string of copper coins to pay and handed a stick of candied hawthorn each to Chen Yue and Yu Ru.


    "Thank, thank you, Brother Chen."


    Yu Ru took the candied hawthorn with a soft voice, her cheeks turning a slight red.


    "No need to be so formal, just think of me as your brother."


    Chen Mu gave a small smile and continued to lead them forward. After walking around, he came to a somewhat quieter side street off the Main Street. The flow of people here was much less, but correspondingly, it was cleaner and tidier.


    The reason for the sparse crowd in the side street was that the shops were essentially not what ordinary poor people needed. Either they sold high-end silks and satins, or various jade ornaments and trinkets, mostly higher-class shops.


    "I noticed you both liked those accessories earlier, but the jade on the stalls outside is mostly low quality. The craftsmanship here is much more exquisite. Actually, if we talk about class, the Inner City shops are the highest quality."


    Chen Mu looked up and saw an ''Ancient Jade Pavilion'', so he stepped in.


    Chen Yue followed closely behind Chen Mu. As soon as they entered the shop, she began to eye the exquisite jade ornaments with wide eyes. Yu Ru, on the other hand, didn''t show much reaction. As a wealthy daughter of the Yu Family, she wasn''t too concerned about whether things were expensive or not.


    Now, following Chen Mu into the shop, her gaze was mostly stealing glances at Chen Mu, seemingly indifferent to the ornaments in the shop.


    "Lord Chen graces our humble shop with his presence; it''s truly an honor."


    The shopkeeper of the Ancient Jade Pavilion personally greeted the guests and recognized Chen Mu instantly. After all, there weren''t many Prefecture Chiefs in the South City District, and though Chen Mu had only been promoted not long ago, his reputation had already spread throughout South City.


    An ordinary person might not recognize Chen Mu in casual clothes at a glance, but as the shopkeeper of the Ancient Jade Pavilion, his business was recognizing people.


    Chen Mu waved his hand and said, "I want to pick out some jade ware for my two sisters. Show me what''s suitable."


    The shopkeeper glanced at Chen Yue and Yu Ru, and with a smile, suggested, "The young ladies are as beautiful as celestial beings. The few common jade ornaments in my shop can only serve as modest adornments. Ah, this red jade hairpin here is made of high-quality ''Flame Jade,'' which remains warm even in the cold of winter, suitable for wearing during winter days.


    And this black jade bracelet here is made of superior ''Black Jade,'' which retains a cool feeling even amid the heat of summer."


    While speaking, the shopkeeper began to take out various ornaments suitable for ladies to wear.


    Chen Yue, a bit dazzled by the selection, eventually asked for the price and then stuck out her tongue, running back to whisper to Chen Mu, "They''re so expensive, it''s not worth it."


    Chen Mu chuckled and said, "Didn''t you say before that you wanted to be dressed up beautifully? Go ahead and choose; I think that red jade hairpin is quite nice. If it''s top-quality Flame Jade, a hundred and eighty silver isn''t too expensive."


    Had Brother already become so affluent that a hundred and eighty silver was no longer of concern to him?


    Chen Yue blinked her eyes.


    She sneakily returned to Yu Ru''s side, "Yu Ru, which one do you think looks good?"


    "Ah, I... um, this one is nice."


    Yu Ru, who had been secretly looking at Chen Mu, was startled by Chen Yue''s sudden question and commented in a fluster.


    Chen Yue looked at Yu Ru, then at Chen Mu not far away, and couldn''t help but purse her lips.


    But she said nothing.


    She continued to peruse the jade ware.


    After a while, Chen Mu came over and asked, "How is it going?"


    Chen Yue''s face showed a troubled expression, "This red jade hairpin is nice, but it would be uncomfortable in the summer. Plus, this green jade bracelet is a bit chilly to wear now, this..."


    "..."


    Chen Mu was at a loss for words.


    The scene reminded him of some not-so-pleasant long-ago memories from a previous life. What was he thinking, bringing two girls to roam the market streets? Wouldn''t it have been better to enjoy the scenery somewhere else?


    Chen Mu''s gaze swept over various pieces of jade ware, finally resting on a pair of delicate small white jade pendants made of ''Spirit Jade'' of low grade. Spirit Jade was a highly valuable and rare type of jade known for its calming and spirit-quieting effects. Even a low-grade Spirit Jade was worth more than a high-grade Flame Jade or Black Jade.


    "These Spirit Jade pendants are quite nice."


    Chen Mu held them in his hand, feeling their texture, and then turned to hand one to Chen Yue, saying, "Ever since father passed away, I''ve been thinking that I must take good care of you. As you''re practicing martial arts in the Inner City, this Spirit Jade pendant can calm the mind. It complements the Kan Water Sect''s swordsmanship you''re learning, suitable for comprehending sword momentum.


    Your birthday is coming up soon, so let''s consider this the first gift I''m giving you."


    Chen Yue dazedly took the Jade Pendant, staring at Chen Mu''s face, and without realizing it, her big eyes brimmed with a mist of tears. She pursed her lips, vigorously rubbed her eyes, and mumbled, "Brother is really mean, always saying things that make people want to cry."


    As she spoke, her hand gripped the Jade Pendant tightly.


    Chen Mu smiled, then turned to Yu Ru, handing over another Jade Pendant, and said, "Xiao Ru, you and Yue''er are as close as sisters, and I regard you as my own sister too. This Jade Pendant isn''t anything particularly precious, just take it as a plaything."


    "Ah, I..."


    Yu Ru''s face flushed red all at once, as if emitting steam, and her mind was suddenly filled with a jumbled mess of words like ''token of affection.'' By the time she regained her composure, the Jade Pendant was already in her hand, but it seemed she hadn''t yet thanked Chen Mu, so she bolted out the door in a panic.


    The result was that in her haste, she collided with another young girl coming from the opposite direction.


    Chen Mu stood by the doorway, watching as Yu Ru ran out flustered and bumped into the unfamiliar girl, a look of helplessness crossing his face. Just as he was about to say something, he noticed Chen Yue''s expression froze, her eyes suddenly changing.


    "Ouch, who''s that?!"


    The girl who ran into Yu Ru was dressed in a luxurious silk dress; after being collided with, she immediately shoved hard, pushing Yu Ru back, making her stagger several steps and nearly fall.


    After seeing Yu Ru''s appearance more clearly, the girl also started, and then snorted, "I was wondering who it was, turns out to be you, who grew up without a mother and thus lacks manners, not even watching where you''re going."


    Yu Ru was already somewhat bewildered, and hearing this, she stood rooted to the spot, her face flushing with anger and her eyes misting over:


    "You..."


    "Yu Yun! Mind your words!"


    Chen Yue could not hold back any longer, she stepped forward, pulling Yu Ru to her side, and scolded the girl across from them angrily. Your journey continues on m v|l--NovelFire.net


    Chen Mu had initially wanted to see what was going on, but upon seeing this scene, he immediately understood and watched pensively from behind with a thoughtful expression.


    With a family as large as the Yu''s, it was naturally impossible for there to be complete unanimity and brotherly respect. Moreover, the martial arts ethos inherently encouraged competition, particularly in the Martial Arts Institute, where both the male and female divisions were rife with overt and covert struggles.


    The girl called Yu Yun was clearly a member of the Yu Family, and the fact that she dared to speak harshly to Yu Ru meant she wasn''t from a side branch; no doubt, she was a direct descendant of the Yu Family, and not on the same side as Yu Ru.


    "Since when is it your place to speak here, being an outsider?"


    Yu Yun looked at Chen Yue with arrogance, her gaze seemingly condescending despite being shorter in stature.


    After she spoke,


    several girls immediately stepped out from behind her, blocking Chen Yue off to one side.


    "Chen Yue, you don''t have the right to talk back to Sister Yun. Don''t think that just because you''re favored by the instructors at the Martial Arts Institute, you can strut around. In the end, you''re still just an outsider."


    "Would the three of you like to try and see if you can overcome me, ''just an outsider,'' when joining forces?" S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Yue, facing the three girls of her age, was not afraid, speaking only in a cold tone.


    "Arrogant."


    The three opposite her immediately showed their annoyance.


    As both sides seemed on the verge of clashing, Chen Mu finally spoke up.


    "Enough."


    Chen Mu stepped forward calmly, eyes sweeping indifferently over Yu Yun and the others: "Quarreling in the street, is this how the institute''s instructors teach you?"


    Yu Yun frowned, but she didn''t recognize Chen Mu, and asked, "And who are you?"


    "I''m just another outsider."


    Chen Mu said indifferently.


    Yu Yun looked back and forth between Chen Mu and Chen Yue, and then it dawned on her, "So you''re Chen Yue''s brother."


    She examined Chen Mu more closely and then a proud look appeared on her young face, tilting her chin up slightly, she sneered, "I heard Hongyu holds you in high regard, but I don''t see anything outstanding about you. What kind of talent could possibly come from some poor place in the Outer City."


    After speaking,


    she turned around and walked away.


    The several girls from the Yu Family''s collateral branches looked at Chen Mu curiously. Although they lived in the Inner City Martial Arts Institute, they were not completely ignorant of the outside affairs; they had heard Chen Mu''s name numerous times, rumored to be favored by Xu Hongyu with the intention of arranging a marriage between him and one of the Yu Family''s young ladies.


    But to them, besides his handsome appearance, he didn''t seem all that special, and just as Yu Yun said, what can one expect from someone from the remote and impoverished areas of the Outer City?


    The girls quickly turned away, following Yu Yun.


    Chen Yue watched this scene, frowning, and then turned to Yu Ru, whispering, "Xiao Ru, she''s always been spiteful with her words, just ignore her..."


    Yu Ru bit her lip, her eyes still glistening with tears. Hearing Chen Yue''s words, she raised her sleeve to forcefully wipe away the tears, and said,


    "Yeah."


    Chen Mu watched as the group of Yu Family''s young ladies departed, shaking his head slightly. He wasn''t interested in getting angry with a few young girls, but this Yu Yun did indeed leave a bad impression on him.


    That kind of pride inherent in family scions, as if etched in their bones, was similar to He Mingxuan, full of condescension and disdain for everything, very much resembling a certain kind of spoiled brat.

 Chapter 95: Chapter 91 Intelligence

    Xu Hongyu held a high position within the direct descendants of the Yu family''s four generations. Having stepped into the Tendon Changing Realm and able to stand on her own as a powerful figure, Yu Yun knew that she and Yu Ru could cause a ruckus without issues, but they couldn''t interfere with Xu Hongyu''s matters.


    Otherwise, at the very least, they would face a scolding, and at worst, they might have to face the punishment of reflecting upon their actions in solitude.


    Therefore, after recognizing Chen Mu, Yu Yun didn''t linger but left directly.


    After all, this was South City, and stirring trouble to catch Xu Hongyu''s attention would lead to no good.


    Mainly because Xu Hongyu herself was quite partial to Yu Ru. On the one hand, Yu Ru''s father and Xu Hongyu''s mother were siblings; thus, Yu Ru and Xu Hongyu were almost like sisters, while Yu Yun''s relation to them was more distant.


    On the other hand, Xu Hongyu''s father disappeared in her early years, and Yu Ru''s mother succumbed to an incurable disease, passing away quite early. As a result, Xu Hongyu had taken great care of Yu Ru since childhood... Of course, much of Yu Yun''s displeasure towards Yu Ru stemmed from this. When Yo Ru would cause trouble in her childhood, the adults would always side with Yu Ru.


    Of course.


    The elders of the Yu family didn''t mind these things; it was normal for the younger generation to have good and bad relationships. The bickering between Yu Yun and Yu Ru could even promote a competitive atmosphere in the Martial Arts Institute.


    Chen Mu didn''t know much about the internal affairs of the Yu family. The only people he was familiar with were just a few, including Xu Hongyu, Little Lotus, and Yu Ru. He was meeting Yu Yun for the first time and had only a rough idea of her after hearing some statements from Chen Yue.


    So he cared even less.


    Of course.


    If he were an elder of the Yu family, he would probably give a girl like Yu Yun a stern lesson, for although Yu Ru''s temperament was a bit too meek, Yu Yun seemed a bit too arrogant for her young age.


    However, Chen Mu was impressed by Chen Yue''s prior reaction. Facing Yu Yun and her several henchmen, Chen Yue''s presence didn''t falter at all. If Yu Ru''s temperament meant her martial arts pursuits were only for strengthening her physique, then Chen Yue, if she continued to train to a certain level, indeed had the potential to be a formidable individual.


    Having observed both the changes in Chen Yue and the situation of Yu Ru in their brief interaction, Chen Mu quickly changed the topic. After a light conversation, he made Yu Ru laugh, allowing her to cast aside the sorrow she felt moments before.


    He led the two young girls around, enjoying their time together.


    Both Yu Ru and Chen Yue wore exquisite dresses. Although they still looked very youthful, their blossoming adolescent beauty was evident, particularly when they smiled and played, which drew many admiring glances along the way.


    Some of those glances were not well-intentioned, but when those watching noticed Chen Mu leading Yu Ru and Chen Yue, most quickly looked away. Those few who did not, discreetly following for a while, also soon vanished without a trace.


    Although Chen Mu was not wearing official attire, making him unrecognizable to ordinary citizens, gang members, who made their living by recognizing people, were rarely unaware of the prominent Head Constable from Wutong Grove District.


    A Prefecture Chief,


    without a doubt, was not someone to be trifled with.


    Chen Mu also noticed the covert gazes but didn''t pay them any mind. He was no longer the ignorant man he used to be. In earlier days, when he wished to take Chen Yue out for fun, he would have to cover her delicate face in dirt and disguise her ugliness. Now, he could walk proudly and openly in the streets and alleys, still feeling composed and self-assured.


    After circling the main street for a while, the group made their way to the back of the main street. Walking forward, they soon came upon a line of tall, imposing bluestone walls, beyond which stood a four-story building. The atmosphere was solemn and dignified.


    "This should be the City Guard General of South City District, right?"


    Chen Yue looked up at the sprawling, expansive area ahead of them.


    "Mmm-hmm."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly and said, "Speaking of which, Xu Hong... I mean, Chief Constable Xu might have returned. Little Ru, do you want to go in and see?" Discover hidden content at m,v l''e-NovelFire.net


    Yu Ru glanced in the direction of the City Guard General and said, "I haven''t seen Hongyu for a long time now. I heard that Hongyu went out to hunt demons and should be returning during these days."


    "Let''s go."


    Chen Mu led Chen Yue and Yu Ru towards the City Guard General''s office.


    He hadn''t seen Xu Hongyu for quite some time and had only heard from Little Lotus that she would probably return within a day or two. If she had returned, it would be a good opportunity to update Xu Hongyu on recent events and make a simple work report.


    Sbefore long,


    they entered the City Defense Division and made their way up to the fourth floor.


    "Is that Little Ru, what brings you here?"


    Little Lotus was browsing a document in the Hall Office on the fourth floor. Seeing Chen Mu, Chen Yue, and Yu Ru, she showed no sign of surprise, and instead, she smiled at Yu Ru.


    If it were any ordinary maid or servant girl, they would have to address Yu Ru respectfully as "Miss," but Little Lotus was an exception. Not only was she Xu Hongyu''s personal attendant from childhood, but she was also within the Tendon Changing Realm herself.


    In Xu Hongyu''s absence, Little Lotus could manage the affairs of the City Guard General, and if Xu Hongyu were promoted, Little Lotus even had the qualifications to succeed as the Chief Constable.


    In fact, Little Lotus and Yu Ru had a very good relationship as well.


    "Sister Lotus."


    Yu Ru greeted Little Lotus politely, and then said, "I came to see Hongyu."


    Little Lotus patted Yu Ru''s head and said, "Miss has encountered some issues and can''t return to the city for the next few days. Whenever she returns, she will certainly visit Little Ru in the Inner City."


    As she said this,


    she looked at Chen Mu and gave him a meaningful glance.


    Understood the cue, Chen Mu patted Chen Yue''s shoulder, then followed Little Lotus into a side chamber of the Hall Office.


    "What''s happened?"


    Chen Mu asked as he entered the side hall, directing the question at Little Lotus.


    Little Lotus shook her head and said, "It''s nothing serious. You know that the Yu family has always managed the ''Salt Affairs Bureau,'' responsible for salt distribution throughout Yu City. Yesterday, a shipment of salt was hijacked just outside the city. Miss was on her way back, but after this incident, she diverted to pursue the investigation. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    According to some leads, it''s likely that the ''Black Cloud Bandits'' are involved."


    "The Black Cloud Bandits..."


    Chen Mu fell into contemplation.


    He had heard of the name before. The Black Cloud Bandits were reputed to be a vicious gang holed up in the mountains north of Yu City, known for their frequent raids and robberies. Yu City had dispatched troops several times to suppress them, but to no avail.


    Several of the gang''s leaders were listed on the City Defense Division''s wanted lists, with hefty bounties on their heads. The bounty for the Family Head alone was as much as five thousand taels of Patterned Silver, and the second-in-command had a bounty of three thousand taels!


    "Actually, the Black Cloud bandits have always had some unclear connections with the He Family."


    Xiao He added another sentence.


    This statement made Chen Mu nod slightly, after all, if they were just a group of ordinary bandits, it wouldn''t be possible for them to have entrenched themselves outside Yu City for many years without being resolved, even when troops from Yu City were sent to suppress them, they couldn''t be taken down.


    If behind them, they had ties with the forces within the Inner City, or were outright used by the He Family to do certain unsavory deeds as an external force, then it would be understandable, after all, who would dare to kill Old Master Huang''s horse?


    Chen Mu thought for a moment and asked, "So, does the Yu Family plan to mobilize troops to eradicate the Black Cloud bandits?"


    "No."


    Xiao He shook her head, "For the sake of a group of bandits, it''s not worth making a big fuss. Besides, even if troops were really mobilized, the Black Cloud bandits are slippery, and with the He Family tipping them off, it would be difficult to catch them red-handed. Catching a few stragglers is just wasteful."


    At this point, Xiao He looked at Chen Mu and whispered, "I have some intelligence here. The He Family has a shipment of prohibited goods that will be transported in the next few days, and they are likely to avoid your Wutong Grove District and go through ''Hui Ditch'' instead. The possible route is... You take your men and see if you can seize this shipment.


    I can''t send troops to assist you on this side. The He Family''s informants are everywhere, and you must also take strict precautions on your side, be careful that the City Defense Division has He Family''s eyes as well."


    "Hmm, I got it."


    Chen Mu nodded calmly.


    This should be the clash between the Yu Family and the He Family, with the He Family using the Black Cloud bandits to intercept a shipment from the Yu Family, and the Yu Family''s immediate counterattack was to target a shipment from the He Family as retaliation.


    Xiao He stared at Chen Mu, then suddenly leaned in a bit closer, whispering, "Be careful, if it''s not feasible, then give up first."


    Chen Mu, smelling the faint fragrance coming from her, turned to look at her and asked, "Is this an order from above, or is it... something you wanted to tell me yourself?"


    Xiao He''s cheeks blushed, she stepped back, and with a light laugh said, "I''m just a minor maid, without my mistress''s permission, I wouldn''t dare flirt with Lord Chen..."


    Chen Mu watched Xiao He leave the side hall, his eyes scanning the still-clean side room, where he faintly recalled Xu Hongyu wearing her tight white flying fish robe, graceful and poised, standing by the window overlooking South City District.


    Hmm.


    She just looked a bit too aloof.


    ...


    After leaving the side room, Xiao He spoke with Yu Ru about some things, then led the group out of the Chief Constable''s office.


    Seeing that it was getting late, Chen Mu escorted Chen Yue and Yu Ru back to the Inner City, and at parting, Chen Yue looked reluctantly at Chen Mu, a bit wanting to throw herself into a hug as in the past, but felt a bit embarrassed and ended up just waving her hand.


    Yu Ru seemed a bit too shy to look at Chen Mu, and, with her head lowered, bade him farewell before running into the Inner City with Chen Yue.


    Chen Mu watched Chen Yue and Yu Ru leave with a gentle gaze.


    As their figures disappeared from sight, he slowly turned around, his expression once again becoming indifferent, and quickly he returned to the City Defense Division, issuing an order.


    Not long after.


    The seven Head Constables of the City Defense Division gathered together.


    "In the next few nights, there will be action. No need to mobilize the lower constables, nor to ask too many questions, just follow my instructions."


    Chen Mu looked at Shang Qinglai and the others, speaking in an even tone.


    "Yes."


    Shang Qinglai and the others responded in unison.


    They then exchanged glances, not knowing what the action entailed, but since all seven of them were to follow, it must be something important.


    Chen Mu''s authority within the City Defense Division was growing day by day, his orders were carried out without question. When an order was given, Shang Qinglai and the others didn''t even dare to ask for details, they simply complied.


    "Alright, go back and change into civilian clothes now, meet at the Three-Way Intersection at midnight."


    Chen Mu gave the instruction, then waved his hand.


    Shang Qinglai and the others retreated in response.


    Walking out of the Hall Office, someone whispered, "Dressed in civilian clothes for an outing, I wonder what it''s about..."


    Shang Qinglai whispered back, "Don''t ask, if the Chief doesn''t say, there''s a reason for it."


    The group nodded to each other, left the City Defense Division, and went their separate ways.


    However.


    One of the Head Constables, upon getting some distance from the City Defense Division, had a glint of light flash in his eyes, quickly turned into an alley ahead, shifted direction, and headed for a desolate area.


    A moment later, Zhang Tong arrived at the end of a secluded alley, at a dilapidated tile-roofed house, knocked on the door, and then said in a deep voice to someone inside, "The City Defense Division is making a move tonight."


    "Got it."


    A low voice responded from inside.


    Zhang Tong nodded, then looked around nervously before quickly turning to leave.


    He didn''t really want to tip anyone off, revealing internal movements of the City Defense Division, but... they gave him so much that just by quietly doing this for a year or two, he could get more Silver Coins than he could earn in ten years otherwise.


    However.


    Just as Zhang Tong quietly slipped back to the entrance of the alley and stepped out, he suddenly froze in place.


    There at the alley entrance, Chen Mu was standing quietly, just watching him.

 Chapter 96: Chapter 92 Ambush

    Midnight.


    Moonless and windy.


    At the three-way junction of Wutong Grove District, several figures quietly converged. It was Shang Qinglai and his companions, each dressed in plain casual wear. Even the servant''s knives they carried were wrapped in coarse cloth, barely recognizable unless drawn.


    Suddenly.


    The blowing wind paused briefly.


    It was in this moment of still air that a figure silently appeared in the darkness ahead of the group, startling Shang Qinglai and the others so much that they nearly drew their blades. But they quickly recognized the newcomer as Chen Mu.


    "Sir."


    Shang Qinglai and the others sighed in relief and lowered their voices to greet him.


    Chen Mu glanced at the six men and said, "Let''s go."


    "Yes."


    Shang Qinglai and the others responded and followed Chen Mu.


    But soon, someone looked around, a peculiar expression flashing in his eyes, and nudged Shang Qinglai.


    Shang Qinglai also noticed and after a brief hesitation, caught up to Chen Mu and whispered, "Sir, Zhang Tong hasn''t arrived yet."


    "We don''t need him anymore."


    Chen Mu responded indifferently.


    Shang Qinglai''s expression slightly changed, sensing that something might have happened. He quietly agreed with Chen Mu, then moved back among the head constables, signaling the others with a glance and a shake of his head.


    Seeing Shang Qinglai''s reaction and hearing Chen Mu''s earlier words, everyone felt a chill.


    "We don''t need him anymore."


    A simple phrase¡­ yet deeply unsettling upon reflection.


    For a time, no one dared to speak; they all followed Chen Mu in silence through the dark night. Before long, they left the Wutong Grove District and entered Huigou Lane to the southwest.


    Compared to Wutong Grove, Huigou Lane was much more secluded, with overgrown paths, and many dilapidated alleys with numerous crumbling, gaping-open houses, clearly uninhabited.


    It turned out they were going to Huigou Lane for the case.


    Shang Qinglai and the others could not help but inhale sharply.


    They were no fools. Without orders from the Chief Officer, the City Defense Division had no authority to cross into Huigou Lane for cases. Chen Mu leading them here implied sanction from higher-ups.


    Everyone knew the City Guard General was not a cohesive unit, constantly embroiled in open and secret conflicts between the He Family and the Yu Family. Chen Mu, being a man of Hongyu and belonging to the Yu Family, was well known. Hence, tonight''s actions likely circumvented the He Family, and might even pertain to the feud between the He and Yu families.


    Regrettably.


    These head constables, although somewhat significant, had no choice in such affairs; they lacked even the right to take sides, only to follow orders.


    Out of the seven head constables, only Zhang Tong was absent, leading to suspicion that he might have done something untoward.


    ...


    Under the cover of night.


    A carriage slowly passed by.


    About a dozen figures surrounded the carriage, each holding a bright saber, walking steadily with somber expressions, broadcasting an intimidating presence, clearly not to be trifled with.


    The carriage threaded its way through the deserted alleys and was about to cross a rugged path, when a figure suddenly blocked its way in the dark ahead.


    The carriage did not stop but continued forward.


    The person in front facing the shadow in the darkness coldly said,


    "He Family business."


    "Get lost!"


    However, the retort did not make the shadow retreat.


    Usually, such a shout would clear the path of scores of gang ruffians, but this time, the figure in the dark advanced instead of retreating, walking towards the carriage and said lightly, "Looks like my luck is good, caught you right in time."


    As the encounter drew nearer.


    The figure in the dark became visible, holding a servant''s knife, unmistakably Chen Mu.


    "Courting death."


    The leader of the He Family convoy, not recognizing Chen Mu and seeing him dressed in coarse linen, mistook him for a reckless thug from a local gang. A fierce glint flashed in his eyes, and without further words, he slashed directly at Chen Mu.


    Blocking the He Family''s convoy, truly courting death.


    Although there were only about a dozen escorts, they were all elite sabermen of the He Family, each powerful enough to compete with gang leaders such as those from the Sand Gang in the Outer City. Ordinary gangs, even in the hundreds, would be no match for them.


    However.


    The anticipated quick resolution of cutting down Chen Mu did not occur.


    In the dim moonlight, only a flash of the saber was seen, followed by a dull clash of metal. Chen Mu''s servant''s knife forcefully held off the He Family saberman''s saber, sparks flying, and a grating friction noise filled the air.


    "Ah!"


    Accompanied by the spray of blood, the He Family saberman cried out in pain as his fingers clutching the saber were severed.


    Swiftly.


    Chen Mu swung his servant''s knife in return, and a head soared into the air, its face still marked with horror and disbelief.


    The two He Family blade practitioners nearest to Chen Mu were caught completely off guard, unable to react as Chen Mu killed one of their companions within two moves. It was only when a head flew into the air that they each showed a look of shock.


    "Servant''s Knife? Who are you!"


    "Such strength and blade technique... I''ve heard that the newly appointed Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove District once killed the Gang Leader Sha Xiangtian of the Flowing Sands Gang with a single strike. It must be you, huh? Come on, anyone else, show yourselves!"


    One of the He Family blade practitioners coldly spoke.


    Which ordinary person would dare to attack the He Family''s convoy, let alone possess such remarkable strength, capable within two moves of killing an elite blademaster? In the Outer City, the only ones who would dare to ambush their convoy would be forces from the Yu Family.


    "To kill you, why would I need anyone else."


    Chen Mu spoke indifferently, stepped forward with his blade drawn, and advanced step by step.


    "Just you alone? No wonder there was no information beforehand. However, even if you are a practitioner of Tendon Changing, thinking you can stop us all on your own is a bit too arrogant."


    The He Family blade practitioners sneered, as more than a dozen of them simultaneously raised their blades.


    "Indeed, it is somewhat troublesome..."


    Chen Mu''s gaze swept across the group, and then a fierce light flashed in his eyes. Suddenly erupting in movement, his Servant''s Knife swung down on the nearest He Family blade practitioner, with the dual overlay of wild and fierce Blade Momentum sending up a vicious gust of wind as the blade descended. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Indeed, it was somewhat troublesome... because he had to slightly control his strength, not too simply wipe out the dozen men in front of him all at once, as that would scare too many people. After all, the one taking action tonight was only Chen Mu from the Prefecture Chief.


    Clang! Clang! Clang!!!


    Suddenly, Chen Mu was battling with over a dozen of the He Family blade practitioners.


    Though surrounded and attacked by more than a dozen, all of whom were elite blade practitioners of the He Family with Body Refinement Perfection, the battle that erupted completely failed to contain Chen Mu''s offensive. He charged into their midst like a tiger amidst a flock of sheep, cutting a swath of destruction through their ranks.


    "Damn it! This guy really is a practitioner of Tendon Changing!"


    "No, he hasn''t reached Tendon Changing yet; it''s just that his physique is extraordinary. He has an Iron Body... No wonder such a formidable person as Sha Xiangtian was killed by him with a single strike."


    One of the He Family''s blade practitioners exclaimed in shock.


    The Copper-Steel Skin and Iron Body combined to result in strength far surpassing that of an ordinary practitioner with Body Refinement Perfection, nearly comparable to someone with Tendon Changing Minor Achievement, and even in such a melee, he could leverage his advantages more than a Tendon Changing practitioner could.


    After all, a strong practitioner of Tendon Changing is still made of flesh and might get hurt, or even severely wounded, from a blade strike in a melee, but Chen Mu''s Horizontally Trained Body was such that ordinary attacks hardly breached his defenses.


    "He hasn''t reached Tendon Changing, but he can still be killed! Strike at his groin, throat, eyes!"


    Someone shouted loudly.


    Even a Horizontally Trained Body has weaknesses. No matter how you train, the groin and eyes are always vulnerable, unable to be turned into steel and iron. Otherwise, some might focus only on training these areas intensively.


    "Hmph!"


    However, this remark merely elicited a cold snort from Chen Mu. His Servant''s Knife suddenly turned, slashing downwards at the speaker, pressing him so hard he nearly collapsed to the ground. Then, with a swirling blade motion, he blocked several attackers from various directions before lifting his blade upwards in a sweeping arc.


    The He Family blade practitioner hit by this attack didn''t even have time to scream before falling to the ground, convulsing and writhing in agony.


    Hiss!


    A blade struck down, hitting Chen Mu''s shoulder, tearing open his garment, and revealing the skin underneath, yet it left only a white mark on the surface of his skin.


    Chen Mu counterattacked with his blade, and the blade practitioner groaned, blood spurting from his lower back as he staggered back and fell to the ground.


    One person,


    Two people,


    Three people,


    ...


    Bathed in blood, Chen Mu freely slaughtered through the crowd, and soon, seven or eight of over a dozen He Family blade practitioners lay dead, with the remaining ones all heavily injured. Despite the copious amounts of blood on him, there were no visible injuries.


    Crack!


    With another slice, Chen Mu killed another man.


    The remaining few He Family blade practitioners looked horror-struck, terror finally rising in their eyes. After another was cut down by Chen Mu, the remaining four exchanged glances and finally abandoned the fight, turning to flee.


    "Act now!" Read exclusive chapters at m_v-l''-NovelFire.net


    Just then, Chen Mu let out a cold snort and pursued one of them with his blade.


    As his words fell, six figures darted out from the darkness. It was Shang Qinglai and five other Head Constables who had been hidden and watching the fight for a while. Shock filled their eyes at this moment.


    All these elite He Family blade practitioners, each no weaker than notorious gang figures like Sha Xiangtian, yet not even their combined efforts could stand against Chen Mu!


    "Stop running!"


    "Stay where you are!"


    As Shang Qinglai and others shouted coldly, two by two, they blocked the others attempting to escape.


    The He Family''s blade practitioners were all very strong, but with injuries on several of them, when suddenly confronted by Shang Qinglai and the others, they were unable to charge through quickly.


    Meanwhile, Chen Mu had already caught up with the fourth man, killing him with a single strike, then swiftly returned and in quick succession, cut down the three He Family blade practitioners who had been briefly stalled by Shang Qinglai and the others.


    Finally.


    The scene was left with only a lonely carriage frame and bodies scattered on the ground.


    Chen Mu slowly sheathed his blade, approached the carriage frame, lifted the burlap cover to glance at the goods underneath, his eyes flashing slightly before covering it again. He spoke solemnly, "Take it back."


    "...Yes."


    Shang Qinglai and the others took one last deep look at the bodies strewn across the ground.

 Chapter 97: Chapter 93 Sleepless Night

    South City District.


    A vast, elegant, and secluded courtyard.


    This was He Mingxuan''s residence in the South City District, a complex of four nested courtyards, even featuring a private back garden.


    Inside one of the rooms.


    Several bright lanterns illuminated the entire room as if it were daylight. In the center stood a round table, laden with various dishes. Two figures sat beside it, one of whom was none other than Deputy Head Officer He Mingxuan.


    The other, a middle-aged man with a stout and imposing build, square face, and large ears, looked like a government official. However, his name evoked fear in many¡ªZhuang Ge.


    Black-Clothed Bandit''s second in command!


    The Black-Clothed Bandits were notorious beyond the city boundaries, causing countless merchants to tremble at the mere mention of their name. Although the group was small, around a hundred men, it included three notorious leaders, each having stepped into the Tendon Changing Realm.


    Zhuang Ge, the second in command, had a bounty of three thousand Patterned Silvers on the City Defense Division''s wanted list, far surpassing the rewards for lesser thieves.


    "Elder Brother Zhuang has outdone himself this time. I toast to you,"


    He Mingxuan said with a faint smile, lifting his cup.


    With a smirk, Zhuang Ge lifted his cup and said, "It''s just family business, killed a few men and looted some goods, nothing deserving such high praise from Young Master He."


    The Black-Clothed Bandits weren''t initially fostered by the He Family. In fact, Zhuang Ge had started them himself after he committed crimes in Yu City and was put on the wanted list, forcing him to flee the city and turn into a bandit.


    Sometime later, by chance, he obtained a Tendon Changing Pill and successfully stepped into the Tendon Changing Realm, making the Black-Clothed Bandits grow significantly stronger. He Family noticed this and didn''t send forces to annihilate them but chose to incorporate them. Now, the current Family Head was a figure cultivated by the He Family.


    Zhuang Ge was well aware that in comparison to the He Family, his own influence was insignificant. Though officially under the He Family''s control which seemed like a loss of power, managing a hundred or so bandits wasn''t much power anyway.


    With the He Family''s intervention, Zhuang Ge could even return to Yu City occasionally, stroll through the pleasure district, snatch a few women for fun, a far better life than hiding in the mountains all day.


    Therefore, he naturally complied with every command from the He Family.


    "To have caused the Yu Family to suffer a loss, that is an achievement in itself. Besides, you chose the perfect time and place this time. The Yu Family knows it was you but can''t do anything about it, having to swallow their losses silently,"


    He Mingxuan said calmly, "There''s no need for formalities with me. You rarely come to the city, Zhuang Brother. Enjoy yourself these few days. My backyard is full of servant girls; I''ll have a few come over later, pick anyone you like."


    Zhuang Ge drained his cup, "Good, very good."


    Seeing this, He Mingxuan casually called out, "Someone, bring over a few girls to keep Elder Brother Zhuang company."


    "Yes."


    Someone immediately responded from outside.


    He Mingxuan leisurely lifted his cup, clinking it against Zhuang Ge''s once more.


    Zhuang Ge, although a figure shunned by proper society, had undeniable strength, making him very convenient to use. Moreover, he wasn''t greedy for wealth, just somewhat lascivious - which, in He Mingxuan''s view, was actually a good thing. After all, it''s just women.


    If it kept Zhuang Ge, a master of Tendon Changing Major Achievement, willing to work for the He Family, even killing a few girls each time was not a big deal.


    A while later.


    Someone knocked.


    He Mingxuan called out, ''Come in'', but instead of the expected servant girls, a black-clothed attendant hurried in, whispering something urgently in his ear.


    Upon hearing this, He Mingxuan''s expression immediately darkened.


    "Good, very good..."


    Anger flashed in his eyes.


    The Yu Family had just suffered a setback, and their retaliation came swiftly. A shipment belonging to the He Family had been intercepted directly by the City Defense Division. Yet, what truly angered him wasn''t that, since the value of those goods couldn''t compare to the Yu Family''s recent losses.


    The real issue was that this incident had happened not only within South City District but also in Wutong Grove District, where the Prefecture Chief was owned by He Family. The entire area was supposedly under the He Family''s control.


    And still.


    The goods had been stolen right under their noses!


    Even more infuriatingly, he, the Deputy Head Officer, hadn''t heard a whisper of it beforehand!


    "What''s troubling Young Master He so,"


    Zhuang Ge turned to look at He Mingxuan.


    He Mingxuan waved his hand, signaling the attendant to leave, then spoke with a cold tone, "The City Defense Division from Wutong Grove District crossed boundaries to intercept a shipment I had arranged."


    Zhuang Ge raised an eyebrow, "I don''t understand the affairs of the city well, but aren''t you the Deputy Head Officer of this South City District? How could your subordinates pull one over on you?"


    "Ha."


    He Mingxuan snorted coldly.


    That was obviously a leak, letting Chen Mu know, who then intercepted the goods in the middle of the night. The entire process was likely only disclosed to Chen Mu himself, with no movements noted at the Chief Officer''s, and even his placed men and spies in Wutong Grove didn''t deliver any messages.


    He could almost imagine that even if he approached the City Defense Division tomorrow to confront Lotus or question Chen Mu, the latter would likely counter with ''The Metropolitan Commander had previously approved the cross-jurisdiction operation.''


    In this affair, he, the Deputy Head Officer, was virtually suspended in mid-air.


    Of course.


    The crux was that Chen Mu actually had the capability to ease through a squad of elite Blade Momentum practitioners of the He Family!


    This suggested that Chen Mu''s prior deed of killing Sha Xiangtian of the Flowing Sand Gang with a single slash wasn''t just a scheming ambush, but indeed as reports suggested, a manifestation of exceptional talent, having developed an Iron Body in just over two years.


    "No wonder Xu Hongyu holds him in such high regard. If he truly steps into the Tendon Changing Realm, it certainly will become a thorny issue."


    He Mingxuan briefly pondered, and finally a killing intent emerged in his eyes.


    This man must not be left alive!


    Regardless of whether Chen Mu could overcome the hurdle of the Tendon Changing Realm, it was necessary to deal with him sooner rather than later. Otherwise, if he really made it past, he would be even harder to deal with than the usual practitioners of the Tendon Changing Realm.


    He had previously been concerned about completely falling out with Xu Hongyu, but with the He Family and Yu Family going back and forth, it was only a matter of time before real flames of war were kindled. Chen Mu, this character, might as well be the first sacrifice!


    With that thought in mind,


    He Mingxuan turned his head to Zhuang Ge and said, "Brother Zhuang, there is a matter I need to entrust to you."


    Zhuang Ge said, "Just command, young master Xuan." Discover exclusive content at m,v l''-NovelFire.net


    He Mingxuan slowly said, "I need you to kill someone, the Prefecture Chief of the City Defense Division in Wutong Grove District, Chen Mu - this man is said to have mastered two levels of Blade Momentum, and possesses a Copper-Steel Body from extreme Body Refinement."


    Zhuang Ge pondered and said, "Two levels of Blade Momentum, a Horizontally Trained Body... If it''s an assassination, I can kill him with one spear thrust; if it''s a direct confrontation, provided no one interferes, I should be able to handle it within twenty moves."


    "Then that will do."


    He Mingxuan said indifferently, "This man has no backing forces, nor does he have any followers with him. As long as you don''t strike inside the City Defense Division, no one will be able to come to his aid."


    Zhuang Ge said solemnly, "Then there''s no problem, young master Xuan. When would you like me to make my move?"


    He Mingxuan''s eyes were cold as he looked out the window, "Tonight!"


    "They have just taken the merchandise I arranged; they must still be gloating over their success and won''t be on their guard. Tonight is the most suitable time. As long as he is not in the City Defense Division, you can make your move. Since they dared to tamper with the He Family''s goods, let there be more deaths tonight." S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    At the City Defense Division in Wutong Grove District,


    the officer in charge of the night patrol was leaning against the wall, yawning.


    Suddenly, he heard some noise from afar, immediately alert, he hurriedly looked towards the direction of the sound, only to see a slowly approaching carriage in the darkness, accompanied by a scent of blood.


    The officer''s complexion changed, and just as he was about to call others, he saw that the carriage had already arrived at the gate. The person in the front was covered in blood, looking very frightening, and on closer inspection, it turned out to be the Prefecture Chief Chen Mu!


    "Prefecture Chief?!"


    The gatekeeping officer was startled, finally reacting.


    "Open the gate."


    Chen Mu waved his hand, signaling the gatekeeping officer to open the gate, then directed Shang Qinglai and others to push the carriage into the City Defense Division.


    "No need to patrol tonight, call back all the night patrol staff and guard the City Defense Division."


    Chen Mu issued an order.


    With the carriage back in the City Defense Division, it was basically settled. Even the He Family wouldn''t dare lead a team to raid the City Defense Division for the goods. Although Yu City''s security was chaotic, it hadn''t reached the point where the City Defense Division was practically non-functional.


    After all, the City Defense Division itself belonged to the forces under the City Lord, and the Metropolitan Commander of the Outer City District belonged to the Xue Family, not the He Family. If things were done excessively, causing the Metropolitan Commander to become furious, the He Family would have to pay a price.


    After arranging various matters,


    Chen Mu then headed home, he needed to change his clothes first.


    Since his place was just a street away from the City Defense Division, he basically emerged from the back door of the City Defense Division, crossed the street, and arrived at his home. Too lazy to knock, he directly jumped into the yard and walked to the backyard.


    In the backyard,


    inside the hall, the stove was still lit. Wang Ni and the two little girls, Ku''er and Le''er, were leaning by the small table next to the stove, all with their heads down, looking as if they had waited until late into the night and had just fallen asleep.


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly, not wanting to wake the three little girls. He went directly to the water tank in the backyard, took off his clothes, and poured cold water over his head, quickly washing himself.


    However, the noise of washing still woke Wang Ni, who was the lightest sleeper. She rubbed her eyes and walked out of the room. Though it was dark all around, she still hesitantly called out seeing the silhouette by the water tank from a distance,


    "Brother Mu?"


    "Go sleep in the bed with Ku''er and Le''er. I still have to go out tonight,"


    Chen Mu said to Wang Ni.


    Though the carriage''s entrance into the City Defense Division essentially ended the matter, he still needed to stay at the Hall Office tonight.


    "Okay."


    Wang Ni, rubbing her sleepy eyes, didn''t go to call Ku''er and Le''er. Instead, she first ran into the house to fetch clean new clothes and a towel for Chen Mu, helped him clean up, and then helped him change into his clothes.


    Chen Mu gently touched Wang Ni''s head with his hand, then walked to the front yard and left the house again.


    It was deep into the night.


    Apart from the distant lights of the City Defense Division, everywhere else was pitch black, and not a single soul was seen. At this time, even the gang forces that roamed at night had ceased their activities.


    Chen Mu walked through the streets, all around him was silent, the only sound was the echo of his footsteps on the bluestone pavement.


    Step, step, step,


    Chen Mu moved forward, heading towards the City Defense Division, step by step through the streets.


    Just as he reached the end of the alley, and was turning out of the alley¡­ a flash of cold light suddenly appeared. It was the head of a silver spear, suddenly piercing the air, and under the dim moonlight, it seemed like a streak of light tearing through the night.


    The entire quiet alley seemed to boil in an instant, from the previous silence, suddenly turning into an overwhelming killing intent!

 Chapter 98: Chapter 94 Mingxuans Death

    The assassination attempt in this instant was the most ferocious Chen Mu had seen so far. There were almost no signs or forewarnings, and the moment the attack was made, it was a spear thrust executed with utmost ferocity. The spear, known as the king of all weapons, is an extremely difficult technique to master, which is why few choose to train in it.


    Now, taking advantage of the dim moonlight, the strike carried a murderous intention that seemed to boil over.


    If Chen Mu had only achieved Body Refinement Perfection and his skills had not yet entered the Artistic Conception, then even with his Copper-Steel Horizontally Trained Body, he would have either died or been severely wounded under this spear thrust.


    But, unfortunately.


    Not only had he already grasped Artistic Conception by now, but he had also wholly transcended the realm of moves with his skills. Even earlier, his Body Tempering Method had reached the Tendon Changing Major Achievement.


    Any one of these aspects would make him a considerable force to be reckoned with in Yu City, and possessing both a Horizontally Trained Body and the realm of Tendon Changing Major Achievement, along with two Artistic Conceptions... it meant there were few in the entire Yu City who could kill him.


    Clang!!!


    A sound reminiscent of metal striking metal erupted.


    This was not the sound of a sword clashing with a spear, but rather Chen Mu''s right hand, shaped like a blade, forcefully chopping onto the incoming silver spear''s head, sending sparks flying everywhere as if it had been struck by a real blade, effectively deflecting it!


    "This..."


    An incredulous exclamation sounded.


    Zhuang Ge was dumbstruck as he witnessed this scene, feeling the ferocious force transmitted through the silver spear, causing violent vibrations in his palms and almost making him lose his grip. He stood there, stunned, his eyes nearly popping out of their sockets.


    Whoosh!


    After coming to his senses, Zhuang Ge didn''t hesitate for a fraction of a second; he immediately retracted his spear and retreated, blending into the darkness and fleeing away as if his life depended on it.


    He Mingxuan!


    What the hell is this joke you''re playing?!


    Is this just a person with only two types of Blade Momentum and a body trained to the limits?


    Zhuang Ge still couldn''t believe his eyes until now, let alone the terrifying force that far surpassed his own. The simple, seemingly effortless movement of chopping with an open palm undoubtedly bore the might of Artistic Conception, and he even felt there weren''t just one kind; there was the sharpness of a Thousand Winds and the shocking roar of a Thousand Thunders.


    Two Artistic Conceptions!


    What kind of monster is this?!


    Even in the entire Yu City, how many exist who have mastered two Artistic Conceptions?


    Zhuang Ge cursed himself for not having more legs, and in his full-speed flight, he escaped from one end of the alley to the other in an instant. Yet, a voice that sent chills down his spine followed him like a shadow.


    "You, were trying to kill me?"


    The voice was cold, so devoid of emotion it was like three feet of ice in midwinter.


    Zhuang Ge felt an overwhelming sense of impending doom, his entire body''s hair standing on end. The instincts honed from countless life-or-death fights compelled him to sweep his silver spear with all his might, aiming to his left.


    Crack!


    His swinging spear seemed to hit something, but the feedback felt oddly strange, and as he forcefully tried to pull the spear back, he couldn''t. Turning his head, he could only see the spearhead gripped firmly in a hand, slightly deformed from the impact.


    Making a split-second decision, Zhuang Ge let go of the spear, vaulted over the wall, and tried to make his escape.


    But the next moment.


    A ray of silver light fell from the sky, bringing with it an unmatched force that blocked every escape route he had.


    Zhuang Ge managed to raise his arms in a desperate attempt to block, but his bones snapped in an instant, and both arms broke. He was then hurled backward by an irresistible force, spitting out blood as he flew through the air.


    "Cough... spare me, spare me..."


    Zhuang Ge crashed to the ground in the distance, feeling as though every bone in his body was about to come apart. He coughed up blood and looked up at Chen Mu approaching with a pleading, beggarly expression.


    Chen Mu said indifferently, "Why did you try to kill me? Who sent you?"


    "If I tell you, can it save my life?"


    Zhuang Ge spoke with difficulty.


    Chen Mu narrowed his eyes and scrutinized Zhuang Ge for a moment, then suddenly recognized him, finding him somewhat familiar. He was reminded of a figure in his memory: "So it''s you, the second-in-command of the Black Cloud Thieves, Silver Spear Zhuang Ge?"


    "He... He Mingxuan, it was He Mingxuan who sent me..."


    Zhuang Ge''s eyes betrayed his panic.


    Pfft!


    The sound was abruptly cut short as the spearhead plunged directly into Zhuang Ge''s throat, causing his eyes to bulge out, filled with unwillingness as he gurgled twice. After a few convulsions, he breathed his last.


    Chen Mu looked down at Zhuang Ge''s corpse, his eyes filled with cold indifference, then slowly raised his gaze to the sky.


    The pale crescent moon was quietly obscured by dark clouds, plunging the earth into complete silence and darkness.


    "He Mingxuan..."


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    Chen Mu slowly lifted the silver spear, vigorously flicking it to shake off Zhuang Ge''s body, which was instantly torn into pieces, scattered on the ground beyond recognition.


    Then Chen Mu picked up the spear and disappeared into the darkness.


    ...


    South City District.


    He Family.


    In the deepest courtyard, a candle was lit in the main hall. He Mingxuan sat quietly by the table, holding a book, idly flipping through it.


    After flipping through it several times, a trace of unexplained irritation emerged, and he tossed the book onto the table.


    "Chen Mu... Ning He..."


    He Mingxuan stood up and went to the window, murmuring to himself in a low voice.


    If you''re going to do it, might as well go all the way.


    Since the decision had been made to deal with Chen Mu, it wouldn''t hurt to take care of Ning He while they were at it, especially with Zhuang Ge present, who was the most suitable candidate for the job.


    Though Ning He was also at the Tendon Changing Realm, just entering it in fact, Zhuang Ge stood firmly at the Tendon Changing Major Achievement and mastered three Spear Momentums, far surpassing Ning He in all aspects.


    As for Xu Hongyu''s return, it didn''t matter how it played out, at worst, he could simply have the clan send some more men to his side. If Xu Hongyu lost her mind and wanted to kill him, then it would be an excellent opportunity to move her out of the way and take the position of Chief Constable for himself.


    Hmm.


    Not bad at all.


    Chen Mu''s death was trivial, but if Ning He were to die, Xu Hongyu would likely not be able to restrain herself. She would inevitably disregard the bigger picture and go for a fight to the death with him. Creating such a disturbance would actually make things easier to handle.


    Once he became Chief Constable of the South City District, his status in the family would also rise a notch, as would his say in matters. By then, he could gradually turn the South City District into his own backyard.


    Upon this thought,


    He Mingxuan felt his mood lift significantly.


    He couldn''t help but reveal a trace of a smile.


    But.


    The very next moment, that faint smile froze on his face.


    He saw a gray light, accompanied by a terrifying and piercing sound of cutting through the air, coming from afar, reaching him in an instant. It was a simple-looking cleaver, seemingly the kind commonly used by the elite assassins of the He Family, but there seemed to be faint arcs of electricity intertwining on it.


    Its speed was so fast, it was as if it slashed through the night in the blink of an eye.


    Thunderclap Artistic Conception!


    The thought flashed across He Mingxuan''s mind.


    He exerted all his effort to dodge, but still couldn''t avoid it. Even though he, too, was at the Tendon Changing Minor Achievement Realm, he found himself utterly unable to face the lethal intent of the cleaver that had cut through the air toward him.


    Thud.


    The cleaver pierced through He Mingxuan''s chest and abdomen, sending him flying backward, crashing through three layers of walls and two layers of house walls, finally flying into the courtyard and hitting the stone wall, where he came to a halt.


    There he was, nailed to the wall, hanging there.


    "Gurgle..."


    Clutching the handle of the cleaver tightly with both hands, He Mingxuan suddenly spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, his eyes filled with disbelief as he stared in the direction from which the cleaver had come. However, all he could see was pitch blackness; there was nothing to see.


    He was He Mingxuan!


    He was a direct descendant of the He Family!


    How could someone want to kill him, how could someone dare to kill him!


    This cleaver... at least had the power of Tendon Changing Perfection, and also the Thunderclap Artistic Conception... Within Yu City, those who practiced the Thunderclap Artistic Conception were almost exclusively from the Xie Family, but why on earth would someone from the Xie Family want to kill him... If not from the Xie Family, then who could it be?!


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    "Assassin!"


    The loud noise alarmed everyone around, and a large number of servants and Protectors converged from all directions. Seeing the scene before them, almost everyone was shocked.


    He Mingxuan kept a death grip on the handle of the cleaver, trying to pull it out, but the strength in his body was rapidly fading. His eyes gradually dimmed, his gaze flashed one last time with unwillingness, and finally, his body slumped, lifeless.


    The guards and servants who arrived in the courtyard.


    At that moment, all fell silent, exchanging glances and seeing the fear in each other''s eyes.


    A serious incident had occurred!


    He Mingxuan... was not only the Deputy Head Officer of the South City District but also a direct descendant of the He Family!


    Just as He Mingxuan had only dared strike at those around Xu Hongyu and never considered killing Xu Hongyu herself, because killing a few outsiders was a completely different matter from killing a direct descendant of the Yu Family.


    Although the He Family and the Yu Family were at odds, they were not yet ready to escalate to full-on warfare. After all, the Xue Family was still in Inner City, as well as the Xie Family. If the He and Yu families fought to the death, the other two families would undoubtedly pick up the spoils.


    But today.


    He Mingxuan was dead.


    He died inexplicably in his own courtyard.


    Without a doubt, Yu City would be shaken to its core tomorrow!


    ...


    In the night.


    Chen Mu quietly left.


    As he hurled that cleaver, he didn''t look to see the result, nor did he need to. After all, he would know soon enough.


    Had there been a powerful person by He Mingxuan''s side, then throwing that cleaver and leaving would have allowed him to escape with ease; the other party would have had no chance to catch him. If not... it would be very hard for He Mingxuan to survive.


    Although he had only used the Thunderclap Artistic Conception, not coupling it with the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, his current state of Tendon Changing Major Achievement allowed him to unleash a burst of strength that was even stronger than that of the average Tendon Changing Perfection.


    Such strength, along with the speed maximized by the Thunderclap Artistic Conception, would be difficult for anyone to face, let alone He Mingxuan or even the Black Cloud Bandits'' second boss from before.


    Killing He Mingxuan would inevitably cause a huge commotion.


    But in fact, from the moment He Mingxuan had sent the second boss of Black Cloud Bandits to kill him, the matter had already become irretrievable... Even if Chen Mu did nothing, after Zhuang Ge inexplicably disappeared, He Mingxuan would still surely suspect him, and more troubles would follow inexorably.


    Since that was the case,


    It might as well make tonight utterly sleepless, stirring up an even more significant uproar!


    He had attacked with the Thunderclap Artistic Conception, and almost all in Yu City who mastered this conception came from the Xie Family. This not only raised suspicions towards the Yu Family but also put the Xie Family in the spotlight.


    The situation would inevitably turn chaotic; after all, as the He and Yu families fought, the Xie Xue duo had always entertained the idea of sitting on the fence, and both families were wary of them.


    Once the situation became complicated, the attention falling on him, a minor Prefecture Chief, would likely diminish.

 Chapter 99: Chapter 95 He Guangxun

    The sky had not yet brightened.


    Large numbers of government officials on horseback came from City West and arrived in the South City District, surrounding the residence of He Mingxuan so tightly that not even water could leak through.


    In the courtyard, the body of He Mingxuan had been taken down from the wall. The broad knife that had pierced through his chest was placed beside him. The crimson blood stains on it had dried up and a faint scorch could be seen.


    Standing next to the body of He Mingxuan was the Chief Constable from the West City District, He Guangzong; he was the first to arrive at the news and simply stood there, his face gloomy and silent without uttering a word.


    Time seemed indeterminate.


    As the sky began to lighten slightly.


    Another large group of men arrived from the Inner City, enclosing the courtyard completely.


    A man dressed in a green long robe, who bore some resemblance to He Mingxuan but looked significantly older, walked into the yard with a cold gaze that quickly swept over the surroundings.


    "Second brother,"


    He Guangzong said gravely as he saw the newcomer.


    The man in the green robe was He Mingxuan''s father, He Guangxun, the Deputy Governor of the Smelting Bureau in the Inner City, in charge of all iron smelting in Yu County, similar to the Salt Affairs Bureau controlled by the Yu Family.


    The Smelting Bureau was almost completely controlled by the He Family; from the "Servant''s Knives" used by all government officials and workers up to the common people''s kitchen knives and servant''s knives, and even the strong crossbows, arrows, and iron armor used by the army¡ªall equipment passed through the hands of the He Family.


    He Guangxun had many sons, three from his legitimate wife and more than twenty from concubines, making him prolific among the third generation of the He Family. However, he didn''t pay much attention to many of them except for the three legitimate sons and a few talented ones among the illegitimate children.


    He Mingxuan was one of the legitimate sons, the second in line. His talent and ability were not the best among his siblings but were considered front-line since he had entered the Tendon Changing Realm. Although it took him three Tendon Changing Pills to barely break through and a lot of resources to nourish his Qi-Blood and ease the difficulty of Tendon Changing, he had still made it through.


    Even though it was almost impossible for him to enter the Bone Tempering Realm in the future, making it to Tendon Changing Perfection by the age of thirty-five was not a big issue. In the He Family, he was still considered one of the prominent younger members, capable of holding his own.


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    Appointing He Mingxuan as the Deputy Chief Constable of the City Defense Division was largely for the purpose of training him.


    Although the position of Chief Constable was occupied by Xu Hongyu, there were plenty of Seventh Grade official positions corresponding to Chief Constable in Yu City. As a martial artist in the Tendon Changing Realm, He Mingxuan was qualified for many of these Seventh Grade positions.


    It wasn''t necessary to wrestle Xu Hongyu''s position, but the He Family would have preferred him to compete with Xu Hongyu. If he could outdo Xu Hongyu and squeeze him out, that would be best; failing that, it was still a form of training, and after all, he could still maintain the momentum in the South City District.


    But.


    He Mingxuan was dead.


    He died in the townhouse he had purchased in the South City District, right under the eyes of all the Protector servants.


    "How is the investigation going?"


    He Guangxun walked slowly to the side of He Mingxuan''s body, sweeping his gaze over it without showing any sorrow, only indifference visible.


    Having many sons, and He Mingxuan not being the most outstanding, his death aroused more anger than sorrow in him. However, as a dignified Deputy Governor of the Smelting Bureau, he was adept at keeping his emotions in check, still appearing detached even now without any emotional fluctuation.


    He Guangzong spoke solemnly, "It was a violent snatch of a Protector servant''s broad knife, thrown from a distance of twenty to thirty meters in the dead of night. The attack was powerful and weighed heavily, at least to the extent of Tendon Changing Perfection, and even involved the use of Artistic Conception..."


    With He Mingxuan''s capabilities, being ambushed by a mere Tendon Changing Perfection strike could likely have been unavoidable, especially since the attacker had a clear intent to kill, emerging suddenly in the night and even invoking the power of Artistic Conception aimed to leave no chance for He Mingxuan to survive, ensuring a fatal blow.


    He Guangxun bent down slowly, picked up the blood-stained broad knife, and inspected the marks on the blade closely. Narrowing his eyes, he said,


    "Thunderclap Artistic Conception?"


    "Yes,"


    He Guangzong nodded, his eyes revealing a trace of instability, "From any perspective, the Yu Family had the most reason to want Mingxuan dead, but this is very peculiar. Most of the Yu Family''s proficient members are from the Kan Water Sect, and I''ve never heard of anyone mastering Thunderclap Artistic Conception except for a few individuals from the Xue Family, mostly found in the Xie Family."


    He Guangxun stood up and threw the broad knife to the ground, then slowly closed his eyes and said, "Recently, the Yu Family lost a batch of salt goods and, in a fit of rage, sought revenge. Thus, they did not hesitate to hire someone to assassinate Xuan''er as a stern warning to the He Family."


    Listening, He Guangzong slightly furrowed his brows.


    However.


    He Guangxun suddenly opened his eyes again, changing his tune, "The Yu Family lost a batch of goods, and the He Family lost a batch last night too. The Yu Family''s influence is still prominent, but someone wants us, at this moment, to fight the Yu Family to death. Thus, they took the opportunity to kill Xuan''er in the chaos, hoping to incite a full-blown feud between our families."


    He Guangzong''s expression eased slightly; this seemed a bit more plausible.


    But he then thought of something else and said, "If so, why not hire someone to attack using the Kan Water Artistic Conception instead of the Thunderclap Artistic Conception? Wouldn''t it be more obvious to use the Kan Water Artistic Conception."


    He Guangxun said dismissively, "That would be too deliberate!"


    "The Yu Family just lost a batch of goods, and someone using the Kan Water Artistic Conception to assassinate Xuan''er... Do you think the Yu Family really wants an all-out war with us? Being too deliberate would only make it more suspicious."


    "Instead, the current situation, being mixed with truth and falsehood, even leaves me unsure whether it was really the Yu Family, the Xie Family, or perhaps the Xue Family."


    He Guangxun spoke up to here, his expression turning somewhat grim.


    It was clear.


    Someone intentionally wanted to muddy the waters.


    Using the Thunderclap Artistic Conception to kill could mean several things: it could be the Yu Family who hired someone to act and then disassociate themselves from it, it could intentionally point towards the Xie Family, and hence even the Xue Family was highly suspicious, as both families would love nothing more than to see the He and Yu Families destroy each other.


    He Guangzong also fell into deep thought and after a while said, "Then, what should we do?"


    "Open confrontation, secret investigation."


    He Guangxun spoke indifferently, "Mingxuan is dead, no matter who acted, someone must pay the price, and they must give an explanation to our He Family. In the face of the He Family''s wrath, at the very least, they from the Yu Family must yield South City District."


    "Exactly."


    He Guangzong nodded as well, a flicker of coldness passing through his eyes.


    Mingxuan''s inexplicable death in South City District meant that Xu Hongyu was at least guilty of neglect. Using this opportunity to strip Xu Hongyu of his position as Chief Constable was no issue.


    If the Yu Family did not want to face the He Family''s wrath directly, they would most likely yield, and the City Lord, too, would need to compensate for the death of Mingxuan, and would probably go with the flow.


    No matter what, Mingxuan''s death could not be in vain; he must at least serve the He Family in death.


    Then came the secret investigation.


    Secretly investigating the matter thoroughly to ascertain which family was involved. Whoever dared to strike at a direct descendant of the He Family couldn''t be overlooked!


    An individual who had at least achieved Tendon Changing Perfection and mastered the Thunderclap Artistic Conception wasn''t ordinary. Such a person was recognized as a formidable entity in the whole of Yu City, even a typical Bone Tempering Realm martial artist without any Artistic Conception would find it difficult to match him.


    Such a character couldn''t be left unchecked; it was essential to unearth some leads.


    In Yu City, though the He Family''s intelligence network wasn''t as extensive as the Xie''s or Xue''s, it had basically infiltrated everywhere. A person who mastered the Thunderclap Artistic Conception couldn''t remain unnoticed unless they suddenly popped out of a stone without any previous traces of action, otherwise, some clues would surely be found.


    Thinking of this.


    He Guangzong shook his head and said, "Speaking of which, not long ago the Yu Family revealed an individual who mastered the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, and so far, we still haven''t figured out their identity."


    "Oh?"


    He Guangxun looked towards He Guangzong, "I seem to remember this matter."


    So He Guangzong briefly recounted some previous events.


    After listening, He Guangxun shook his head slightly and said, "Hmm¡­ then this time, the Yu Family''s suspicion is actually the smallest. I don''t think the Yu Family has the capability to hide two individuals who have mastered Artistic Conceptions; otherwise, the Yu Family wouldn''t have needed to make so many concessions over the years."


    "Indeed."


    He Guangzong nodded again.


    The possibility of two previously unknown, traceless Artistic Conception level existences suddenly appearing is too terrifying for the Yu Family; there might even be a third or a fourth, which is highly unlikely.


    After all, the key point is, the foundation of the Yu Family''s strength is a Kan Water Diagram, imitated by a disciple of a great ancient artist. Though it isn''t one of the original three generations of diagrams, just being an imitation by the disciple, in today''s age, it''s still considered middle-grade.


    Because of this diagram, the Yu Family was able to nurture so many individuals who achieved the Kan Water Artistic Conception.


    As for other Artistic Conceptions?


    Without a middle-grade or higher imitative diagram for reference, it''s not easy to achieve enlightenment!


    Like their He Family, they possessed a Gen Mountain Diagram of comparable quality, which is why over the years, the family had accumulated individuals who had achieved the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception.


    Whereas the lower quality stamped and printed diagrams, their He Family also possessed several, including ones of Separating Fire and Dui Ze, but no one had ever been able to draw real Artistic Conception from those lower quality diagrams.


    These foundational diagrams, the closer they are to the original, the clearer the essence of the universe within them, and the easier it is to touch upon them. Those imitations and further printed copies, degraded many times over, barely retaining a trace, are unlikely to enable ordinary people to glean any Artistic Conception from them.


    At most, they help someone better appreciate the profundities of ''Momentum''.


    In Yu City.


    The Xue Family controlled the most foundational diagrams.


    The Xue Family had these resources because generations ago, one of their ancestors was an Elder of the Seven Profound Sect, a formidable figure by the standards of the entire state, said to have crossed the Viscera Realm.


    Later, as the Xue Family gradually declined, falling to an external force of the Seven Profound Sect, they still managed to oversee the entire Yu County on behalf of the Seven Profound Sect. Their relationship with the Seven Profound Sect was significantly closer than with the other three families.


    This was the heritage of the Xue Family.


    It was something the other three families couldn''t match.

 Chapter 100: Chapter 96 Turmoil

    City Lord''s Mansion.


    Yu County was one of the Seven Prefectures of Yu State, and the City Lord of Yu City was also the Prefectural Governor of Yu County, a Substantive Fifth Grade official of the Imperial Court. Even during the golden era of the great Da Xuan, a Prefectural Governor was a powerful local official with immense authority.


    As it is now, the situation is much the same. The Xue Family is the most powerful clan in Yu City. In terms of foundation and overall strength, they surpass each of the other three families, unequivocally taking first place among the four leading families of the Inner City. The Xie Family comes next, followed by the He Family and the Yu Family, with smaller clans barely worth mentioning.


    Nowadays.


    With the decline of the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, its edicts barely reach the localities. The annual tax silver and various tributes from Yu County are no longer delivered to the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, but to the Seven Profound Sect, which governs Yu State. Officially, Yu State is part of the Da Xuan territory, but in reality, it has long since fragmented.


    Xue Huaikong, the City Lord, is the second generation of the Xue Family currently in power. Although there still are even older first-generation members, in terms of strength, Xue Huaikong is at his prime, having entered the Five Viscera Realm, making him three parts stronger than the previous generation''s elderly head of the Xue Family.


    This is another reason why the Xue Family is stronger than the other three.


    After all, the Xue Family does not have just one person in the Five Viscera Realm, and moreover, Xue Huaikong just crossed his fifties and is still in his prime, unlike the other three families. The Yu Family''s earlier generation head is already at a very advanced age, and although the other two are somewhat better off, they too are of venerable age.


    It can only be said that upon entering the Five Viscera Realm, the transformation of Qi-Blood into Yuan Gang bestows longer life and the ability to maintain strength longer, ensuring they can still exert strength far superior to those in the Bone Tempering Realm even into their seventies and eighties.


    In contrast, the Bone Tempering Realm does not have this capability. Its peak period is around fifty, and after sixty, their Qi-Blood begins to decline. After seventy, their condition deteriorates significantly, and they no longer possess their former capabilities.


    In the solemn and dignified central hall of the City Lord''s Mansion, made entirely of purple locust wood.


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    Xue Huaikong sat on a Grand Preceptor''s chair, looking neat with his sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, a short beard, appearing to be only in his thirties or forties. He currently held a green jade-colored glazed teacup, revealing a thoughtful expression.


    "Thunderclap Artistic Conception? Interesting."


    Standing respectfully in front of him was the Metropolitan Commander of the Outer City District, Yan Guang, who was reporting various matters one by one.


    Xue Huaikong held the green jade teacup in one hand and gently flicked the lid to stir the tea a couple of times with the other hand, then raised his head to look at the ceiling, "The Xie Family? Doesn''t seem like it. The Yu Family... doesn''t seem like it either."


    Regarding He Mingxuan''s death, he knew nothing. The only certainty was that it definitely wasn''t the Xue Family who made the move. As to whether it was the Xie Family or the Yu Family, or if the He Family had gone insane? That was unknown.


    None of the families seemed likely, yet all seemed possible.


    Even.


    Xue Huaikong thought deeper.


    He not only considered the possibility of the Xie Family, the Yu Family, or even the self-sabotage of the He Family but also thought about potential external influences from outside Yu County. After all, his Xue Family had rivals too, and plenty of people would like to see Yu City thrown into chaos.


    If they could instigate a dispute between the He Family and the Yu Family, they might succeed in stealing chestnuts from the fire and get a share of the pie in Yu City.


    "City Lord, the He Family has submitted a plea accusing Xu Hongyu of malfeasance. She oversees the highly disordered South City District, which led to the overnight assassination of the Deputy Head Officer. We hope to remove Xu Hongyu from her position as the Chief Constable of South City District..."


    Yan Guang reported in a low voice.


    Xue Huaikong returned to his senses, took a sip of his tea, and said, "Hmm, the plea is reasonable."


    He put down the cup and said indifferently, "A legitimate heir of the He Family has died. It''s natural for them to make an issue out of it. This matter doesn''t require favoring any family. Handle it neutrally. You can assign the position of the Chief Constable of South City District to the He Family, but the Deputy Head Officer''s position must be taken over by someone from the Yu Family."


    The death of He Mingxuan from the He Family left Xue Huaikong unclear about the situation for now; thus, he did not wish to get involved. It was better to stay passive, but he couldn''t let the He Family act out uncontrolled either.


    Control needed to be kept within a certain range, such as the positions of the Chief and Deputy Constables of South City District, which should not all be managed by the He Family. If the He Family insisted on displacing Xu Hongyu, then a position for the Deputy Head Constable would have to be offered.


    "Understood."


    Yan Guang acknowledged.


    Xue Huaikong''s reaction and handling did not surprise him. In fact, he only wondered if this incident was related to the Xue Family or if Xue Huaikong was involved. But judging by Xue Huaikong''s reaction, it seemed he was unaware.


    So it must be the doing of the Xie Family or the Yu Family.


    After a brief contemplation, Yan Guang said, "Speaking of which, last night He Mingxuan seemed to have ordered Zhuang Ge, the second in command of the Black Cloud Bandits, to strike. It is suspected that he went to assassinate Chen Mu, the Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove District, but was ambushed on the way and died in the streets of Wutong Grove District, his body nearly beyond recognition."


    "Zhuang Ge?"


    Xue Huaikong casually said, "A bandit, dead is dead, no big deal. What''s so different about this Chen Mu that He Mingxuan would target him?"


    Yan Guang thought for a moment and said, "Last night, Chen Mu and his men intercepted a shipment of contraband belonging to the He Family across jurisdictions. It seems he has exceptional talent. At just twenty-five, he has perfected the limit of Skin Toughening and Body Refinement, mastering two forms of Blade Momentum.


    He is a talent Xu Hongyu uncovered from the lower ranks, with a background that is very clean. I had previously considered whether to recruit him to serve the Xue Family..."


    "Perfected Skin Toughening and Body Refinement, you say? And he also possesses two forms of Momentum. That is indeed quite impressive, but since he was personally brought up by Xu Hongyu, there''s no need for us to interfere. We shouldn''t meddle too much in this matter."


    Xue Huaikong spoke indifferently.


    From what Yan Guang said, while the young man had some talent, to the Xue Family, it wasn''t anything special; after all, the Xue Family rules over an entire prefecture which is abundant with talents. Furthermore, the Xue Family is also responsible for bringing various talented individuals to the Seven Profound Sect, and they have seen countless prodigies.


    After all, the Seven Profound Sect''s requirements for a True Disciple are to comprehend Momentum by the age of sixteen and Artistic Conception by the age of twenty-four!


    There are also those who are naturally born with Copper Skin and Iron Bones, possessing immense strength and a Vajra Body!


    And such outstanding talents, in the Seven Prefectures of Yu State, emerge every year. Compared to these truly exceptional and naturally perceptive individuals, Chen Mu may sound impressive, but still doesn''t compare and wouldn''t catch the eye of the Seven Profound Sect.


    Of course, the Xue Family isn''t as discerning as the Seven Profound Sect, and a talent like Chen Mu is still within their range of interest. But there''s no need for a forceful recruitment against the Yu Family, who undoubtedly places a much higher value on Chen Mu.


    After all, in the last few years, the Yu Family has had no one to follow in their footsteps, and most of the local talents have been scooped up by the Seven Profound Sect and the Xue Family. They have also been constantly targeted by the He Family, making such talents quite rare for them.


    "Yes."


    "Then I will take my leave."


    Yan Guang responded with a sound, bowed, and then retreated.


    Xue Huaikong''s gaze shifted to the cyan jade glazed teacup on the table:


    "The Yu Family... what a pity."


    In fact, the Yu Family has not been without talent over the years. Originally, Xu Hongyu''s father, Xu Yichuan, had unmatched talent and intelligence and was considered a missed genius. Even if he had gone to the Seven Profound Sect, he would have had the ability to be admitted to the Inner Sect.


    If he hadn''t disappeared without a reason, he would have likely stepped into the Five Viscera Realm by now, becoming someone who could match him.


    The Yu Family currently has some disciples under the Seven Profound Sect, but all are from the Outer Sect. Only one has barely managed to enter the Inner Sect, and that person, to his knowledge, is not as good as Xu Yichuan was back then.


    Looking at it now,


    it seems the Yu Family will no longer have such individuals.


    ...


    Wutong Grove District City Defense Division.


    In the Main Hall Office, Chen Mu sat quietly in the chair, flipping through the basic records and account books on the desk.


    After dealing with He Mingxuan, he returned to the City Defense Division immediately and, along with Shang Qinglai and a group of Head Constables and constables, guarded the cargo overnight. So far, no one has come knocking.


    Obviously, compared to this batch of goods, the commotion caused by He Mingxuan''s death was much bigger, drawing all attention to that matter. To his knowledge, the main area of South City District, surrounding the residence where He Mingxuan lived, was being turned upside down by the people of the He Family in their investigation.


    For the time being, the He Family''s people have not come to Wutong Grove.


    But early this morning, an order from the Outer City Metropolitan Commander in the Inner City came, bypassing the City Guard General of South City District, demanding that the three shifts of constables in Wutong Grove City Defense Division as well as the Head Constables and Prefecture Chiefs, be on standby at all times.


    Thus, Chen Mu didn''t need to return home and had an early meal casually at the City Defense Division. When he had nothing else to do, he would read various records and miscellaneous books in the Division. With the chaos outside, it had nothing to do with him anyway.


    The He Family is out to capture a villain who masters the Thunderclap Artistic Conception and has achieved Tendon Changing Perfection ¡ª what does that have to do with him, a mere Prefecture Chief?


    However,


    this matter will sooner or later spread to his end.


    If the He Family cannot find the person, they will likely take their anger out on others. Since he intercepted a batch of the He Family''s goods last night, which are still stored in the courtyard behind the Hall Office of the City Defense Division, it''s inevitable that there will be trouble once the He Family''s investigation leads here.


    The He Family''s investigation is slower than Chen Mu expected, or perhaps they are facing some pressure from higher ups, preventing them from taking advantage of the situation to act recklessly. It wasn''t until the sun was high and noon had passed that finally, someone arrived at Wutong Grove City Defense Division.


    "Prefecture Chief, people from the Inner City have come."


    Shang Qinglai walked into Chen Mu''s Hall Office and reported in a low voice, his heart silently filled with bitterness.


    With such a big commotion in South City District, naturally, it couldn''t be hidden for long. By now, these Head Constables knew what had happened ¡ª the Deputy Head Officer of the City Guard General, He Mingxuan, was assassinated by a villain at his own home last night!


    It was an earth-shattering event!


    Who was He Mingxuan? He was not just a Deputy Head Officer, but also a direct descendent of the He Family from the Inner City!


    A direct descendant of the He Family was killed. Wouldn''t that turn South City District inside out? The key point was that they had done something last night, intercepting a shipment of the He Family''s goods...


    If it weren''t for the death of He Mingxuan, intercepting a shipment might not have been a big deal, but now that a serious incident had occurred, their place was inevitably going to be drawn into the whirlpool of conflict between the Yu Family and the He Family!


    When the city gate catches fire, the fish in the moat suffer.


    These mere Head Constables, how could they bear the wrath of the He Family?


    "Hmm, I see," Chen Mu replied upon hearing Shang Qinglai''s report, calmly setting down the book in his hand.


    Looking at Chen Mu''s demeanor, Shang Qinglai couldn''t help but grimace and said, "Sir, you might not know yet... the Head Officer of the Chief Constable died last night, in his own house. It''s going to be a big deal."


    Chen Mu glanced at Shang Qinglai and replied indifferently, "What''s there to panic about? We were acting on orders last night, and what the He Family''s carriage was carrying was contraband. What does it have to do with other matters?"


    As his voice fell,


    a rush of footsteps was heard, and then a group of people wearing Inner City City Defense uniforms streamed in. The leader, clad in armor and holding a red-tasseled short spear, sneered, "Prefecture Chief Chen sure is calm. But you said that you crossed the border to capture criminals last night on someone''s orders. I would like to know ¡ª on whose orders?"


    Before Chen Mu could speak, an armored soldier on the side said coldly, "This is Deputy Governor Zhang from the Inner City City Defense Division! Aren''t you going to pay your respects?"


    "Greetings to Deputy Governor,"


    Shang Qinglai and the Head Constables who followed him in promptly sweated profusely and hurriedly knelt to pay their respects.


    The City Defense Division is divided into Inner and Outer Divisions, with four Chief Constables in the Outer City and only one in the Inner City, but also with four Chief Officers and two Deputy Governors, plus one Governor.


    A Deputy Governor of the Inner City City Defense Division holds a Substantive Seventh Grade official position. Although not the direct superior of the Deputy Governors of the Outer City, and not directly ruling over the Outer City, he is still a rank higher than Xu Hongyu. For people like Shang Qinglai and the Head Constables, he is an immensely important figure.


    Furthermore, the Inner City City Defense does not appoint ordinary constables; each of these armored soldiers is strictly trained elite military personnel, far surpassing ordinary constables in capability. Although their number is much less than that of the Outer City City Defense Division, their strength is far superior. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 101: Chapter 97: The Return of the Jade

    "Head Constable Chen Mu of Wutong Grove District, I have met the Deputy Governor," Chen Mu said politely as he walked out from behind the Hall Office, his demeanor calm. He then extended his hand and produced a document, saying, "Last night''s cross-border capture was naturally by the orders of the Chief Officer, with an official document here in my hand."


    Setting aside He Mingxuan''s death for a moment, the interception of the He Family''s goods last night was a scheme that Ning He and he had long agreed upon. Naturally, all aspects were well-prepared, including the subsequent response and the instructions in the documents.


    Including the City Guard General''s office, there is also a corresponding document there, filed in the Chief Officer''s orders.


    The Deputy Governor Zhang Heng before him came storming in as soon as they met. Obviously, he was not one of the Xie Family or Xue Family''s men, but most likely from the He Family, seemingly here specifically to pick a fight.


    "...Hmph."


    Zhang Heng took the document from Chen Mu and after only glancing at it, threw it on the ground and shouted harshly, "You people have the audacity to forge Imperial Court documents and mobilize troops without authorization for cross-border actions. What should your punishment be!"


    "Bring people here, take him away!"


    Following Zhang Heng''s order, two soldiers immediately stepped forward and restrained Chen Mu by the shoulders.


    Unperturbed by the sudden change, Chen Mu allowed the soldiers to hold him down and calmly said, "What do you mean, Governor Zhang? The order for the document was personally received by me yesterday at the Chief Office. There is evidence for it. How can you speak of forgery?"


    Zhang Heng scoffed and replied, "The City Guard General of South City District has never issued such an order. If it were a secret order, it would need to be personally signed by Chief Constable Xu Hongyu. Xu Hongyu was not in the city yesterday. Could it be that South City District has another Chief Constable?"


    Ning He, acting on behalf of Xu Hongyu in handling the City Guard General''s office, was not officially managing it in name; she held no official title and was, in essence, coordinating with Xu Hongyu through correspondence, still taking orders from Xu Hongyu but just executing them on her behalf.


    Due to Xu Hongyu''s absolute trust in her, Ning He could issue orders and make ad-hoc decisions freely. All she needed to do was send a letter to Xu Hongyu afterward to have the official document backdated and added, and there would be no issues.


    Although many documents were backdated.


    But the issue is that such matters could not be investigated outright, as others couldn''t possibly know the contents of the letters in advance.


    Even if they did know beforehand, they couldn''t use it as evidence and claim it was a post-decision document ordered by Ning He because it would first require clarifying how they had ''stolen a look at the official document'', which would be accusing themselves of a crime¡ªa complete nonsense.


    Zhang Heng was well aware of this too. He found it difficult to use Ning He''s execution of orders on behalf of Xu Hongyu to make an issue; after all, Xu Hongyu could immediately "produce" a document from yesterday.


    Therefore,


    his actions were more about intimidation now, hoping that the young Chen Mu would argue and refuse to comply, choosing to violently resist, giving him a clear reason to arrest Chen Mu on the spot and even potentially execute him for resisting.


    Even if nothing was found later, it was no big deal to release him; after all, there was no impact on him. As the Deputy Governor, he had the authority to investigate; the saying goes, a higher-ranking official can easily suppress a lower one, and he outranked Chen Mu by not just one level!


    Chen Mu, merely a Head Constable from a district office, held the rank of Eighth Grade.


    Chief Constable Xu Hongyu also was only of Seventh Grade.


    And he, as the Deputy Governor, held a substantive rank of Seventh Grade!


    Moving up the ranks, the Officers of both the Inner and Outer Cities are of the Sixth Grade, followed by the Substantive Sixth Grade Deputy Commander-in-chief, and finally, the Commander-in-chief Xie Jin overseeing all military affairs within Yu County, holding a rank of Fifth Grade. Higher than that are just the City Lord and Prefectural Governor, both of Substantive Fifth Grade.


    Despite Zhang Heng''s aggressive pressure, Chen Mu remained very calm and said, "There is indeed only one Chief Constable, Xu Hongyu. Yesterday''s document was certainly the official correspondence from Lord Xu."


    "Is that so, then where is that official document?" Zhang Heng huffed coldly.


    He knew well that all it would take was stalling for time and Ning He could produce a document; if necessary, even forging Xu Hongyu''s handwriting wouldn''t be a problem, as Xu Hongyu could directly confirm it, and even now, the Chief Office might have such a document.


    Therefore, his reliance was still on intimidation, just waiting to catch any slip in Chen Mu''s words that could immediately become evidence to accuse him of forging official documents, which would then justifiably convict Chen Mu directly.


    "Governor Zhang, aren''t you from the Chief Office?" Chen Mu, fully aware of the entire process of Ning He issuing orders on behalf of Xu Hongyu, was not afraid of Zhang Heng. He wouldn''t show any faults under such fear and intimidation and calmly retorted, "If you are from the Chief Office, then you should have checked there first for the order and the document."


    Zhang Heng, upon hearing this, immediately gave Chen Mu a cold, sweeping look.


    He indeed wasn''t from the Chief Office; he came directly from the Inner City to retrieve the cargo and wanted to hold Chen Mu directly and lock him away. Just detaining him for a couple of days and ruining him was easy. If he could catch Chen Mu in a discrepancy or if Chen Mu attempted to resist and was killed on the spot, all the better, and the reasons were completely justified.


    If it wasn''t for the Outer City Officer Yan Guang speaking out, demanding that the He Family not cause trouble in the City Defense Division, he would have already fabricated a reason and executed Chen Mu on the spot.


    Yan Guang''s words could not be ignored, after all, as not only was he the Officer of the Outer City, he was also from the Xue Family. His words could also reflect City Lord Xue Huaikong''s intentions; no one dared to defy this command in Yu City.


    Even though the He Family could wreak havoc across South City District, turning it upside down, they could not murder indiscriminately within the City Defense Division.


    "You and Ning He are in cahoots, and the documents from the Chief Office were also forged by you. There''s no need for further investigation; the evidence is conclusive now. If you confess willingly, you might be spared a charge. If you resist, do not blame the relentless law of Da Xuan!" Zhang Heng declared solemnly.


    There''s no need to go to the Chief Office; checking or not, it''s all the same.


    "I have always acted upon orders, sir. I truly do not comprehend what you are implying," Chen Mu responded, his demeanor still composed.


    He had figured it out; Zhang Heng clearly had some concerns, likely because someone higher up in the City Defense Division had instructed the He Family not to overstep their bounds. Otherwise, Zhang Heng would probably have directly harmed him already.


    If it came to that, it would in fact be more complicated. Being at least at the level of Tendon Changing Perfection to hold the position of Deputy Governor, his overt power was not something Chen Mu could withstand. Of course, if he were really pushed too far, killing everyone and then fleeing the city was an option.


    With his current strength, there were many places outside Yu City where he could go, but that was indeed a last resort.


    After all, if that were the case, Chen Yue would have been trapped in the Inner City.


    Although, once he truly revealed his strength and fought his way out of the city, the Yu Family would most likely protect Chen Yue, and additionally, there were Hongyu and Xiao He, he ultimately couldn''t gamble on such matters.


    After all is said and done, his power was still not enough to smooth over everything.


    If he had already entered the Five Viscera Realm by now, what would killing a mere He Mingxuan amount to?


    Even.


    He didn''t need to enter the Five Viscera Realm; if he had achieved Bone Tempering Perfection with the Artistic Conception within him now, he would also be the strongest existence in Yu City aside from a few in the Five Viscera Realm. Even facing He Mingxuan directly and killing him, he wouldn''t fear anything from the He Family.


    "Very well."


    Zhang Heng''s expression turned completely cold, and he said in a chilling voice, "It seems that you have set your heart like stone, preferring punishment wine over a toast! Guards, take him to the Inner City Yamen, put him under severe interrogation, but if he dares resist, slay him without exception!"


    Unexpectedly, Chen Mu, despite his young age, turned out to be a hard nut to crack, impervious to oil and salt, and no weakness could be nibbled out of him; as such, they could only take him down by force and directly take him to the Inner City Yamen to thoroughly roast him through interrogation. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although instructions had come down from above not to mess around, just taking away a small Prefecture Chief for supervision and questioning didn''t count as messing around, as long as they didn''t kill the person, anything was within permissible limits.


    "¡­"


    Chen Mu slightly narrowed his eyes.


    Zhang Heng intended to take him to the Inner City Yamen, not to the Chief Officer in the South City District, indicating that he was set on putting him to death. The actions of the He Family were indeed consistently overbearing. Last night they had first assigned the Black Cloud Thieves to secretly assassinate him, and today a Deputy Governor from the Inner City Area had come to kill him outright.


    Although he had known he would get involved in the confrontations between the He and Yu families ever since he boarded Hongyu''s ship, their frequent threats against his life, often trying to kill him, were no longer merely the affairs of the He and Yu families.


    The He Family,


    Hmph!


    A glint of coldness flashed through Chen Mu''s eyes.


    Shang Qinglai and several Head Constables, up till this moment, were still kneeling on the ground, each shivering and not daring to raise their heads, silently bemoaning their misfortunes in their hearts, just hoping that the matter wouldn''t implicate them too, seeing how even this Prefecture Chief couldn''t withstand it.


    However. Your adventure continues at m v|l-e''-NovelFire.net


    Just as a few armored soldiers menacingly stepped forward to shackle and take Chen Mu away.


    A cool and clear voice came from outside.


    "As the Deputy Governor of the Inner City, what right do you have to arrest someone in the Outer City?"


    Chen Mu''s slightly curled fingers relaxed upon hearing that voice enter the Hall Office.


    In the Hall Office,


    Everyone was taken aback.


    The numerous armored soldiers of the City Defense Division hesitated in their movements and looked toward the direction of the voice, only to see a woman dressed in tight, plain clothes, with a clear and stunning appearance like a lotus emerged from water, walking into the Hall Office.


    It was none other than Hongyu, the Chief Constable who had gone out of the city to slay demons and had not been seen for a long while!


    On her clothes, there were still some signs of damage, and there was a bloodstain on her shoulder, seemingly having rushed back from outside the city nonstop, not even having time to tidy her dress, and headed directly to Wutong Grove District.


    Following closely behind Hongyu was Xiao He, also dressed in plain clothes. She stealthily winked at Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu''s expression became calm, and he looked downward, not speaking any further.


    On the other hand,


    Zhang Heng''s face grew somewhat ugly as he looked at Hongyu with a grave face, saying, "Chief Constable Hongyu, mind your attitude. Are you questioning this Commander?"


    As soon as Hongyu appeared, he knew that today he wouldn''t be able to deal with Chen Mu. He could forcibly take Chen Mu away, but not Hongyu; even if it was very likely that Hongyu''s position as Chief Constable would be revoked, it didn''t matter whether she was Chief Constable or not. Her identity was that of a direct descendant of the Yu Family, and her capabilities were apparent as well.


    Recently, she had even made considerable merits while demon hunting outside the city.


    If it weren''t for the incident with He Mingxuan, it would have been likely for Hongyu to get a promotion, especially since rumors suggested that she was close to achieving Tendon Changing Perfection, and her background and status were adequate. Plus, with her recent merits, moving up to Deputy Governor was also natural.


    At most, it wouldn''t be too likely within the City Defense Division as Deputy Governor since those positions were already filled. It would be more likely for her to be transferred to another department, such as the Demon-Slaying Office, the Salt Affairs Bureau, or another Yamen.


    But now, it was hard to say; more likely, it would be a lateral move.


    "Zhang, all the affairs of the South City District''s City Defense Division are under my supervision as Chief Constable. Even as a Deputy Governor of the Outer City, if you want to deal with a subordinate Prefecture Chief, you should notify me. Besides, the Inner City Area has no jurisdiction over the Outer City Area''s matters," said Hongyu coldly to Zhang Heng.


    "Since Zhang has acted so presumptuously and does not regard me, the Chief Constable, with respect, I have no attitude left to speak of. Please return to the Inner City."


    "You..."


    A flash of anger passed through Zhang Heng''s eyes.


    Hongyu indifferently said, "If Zhang still wants to take my person, go ahead. I have been hunting demons outside the city for months, and I am indeed in the mood to test out Zhang''s spear technique. However, I still need to report to the Commander of the Demon-Slaying Office. It will be okay if I go there a bit late; I suppose Zhang will explain on my behalf, right?"


    This remark made Zhang Heng even more uncomfortable. Finally, he snorted angrily and stormed off, flicking his sleeve as he went.

 Chapter 102: Chapter 98: Choice

    Chen Mu watched Zhang Heng leave, casting a deep glance at his retreating figure before shifting his gaze to Xu Hongyu and lightly bowed to her.


    "Thank you, officer, for your assistance."


    His gaze faintly swept over Xu Hongyu, even though dressed in plain clothes and dusty from travel, without having had a chance to freshen up, her skin was as white as jade and her beautiful, unadorned face remained as cold and stunning as before.


    Xu Hongyu had also been watching Zhang Heng leave with a cold gaze, but then she turned to look at Chen Mu, her expression much softer, and slightly nodded, "Last night, He Mingxuan was assassinated and died; you were merely caught up in this incident¡ªdon''t worry too much about it. It has nothing to do with the Yu Family, and I won''t let the He Family act recklessly."


    No.


    It wasn''t just being caught up, but the perpetrator was right in front of you, Chief Constable.


    A thought flashed through Chen Mu''s mind, "The batch of goods from last night is in the backyard; Zhang Heng probably came to retrieve it. How would you like to handle it, Officer Xu?"


    Xu Hongyu shook her head, "These are minor matters. Just send someone to escort it to the Chief Officer''s headquarters. I need to go there to rest anyway. You should come with me to avoid any further attempts on you by the He family."


    "Alright."


    Chen Mu immediately waved his hand, ordering Shang Qinglai and the others to deal with the transport of the cart.


    Shang Qinglai and the others, already drenched in cold sweat from the series of sudden changes, hurriedly left on hearing the orders, leaving only Xu Hongyu, Xiao He, and Chen Mu in the hall office.


    Only then did Xiao He finally turn to Chen Mu and ask, "You seem to be alright? I received sudden news last night and immediately sent an urgent message to Miss, fearing that the He Family might be driven to desperate acts. Miss rushed back all the way."


    "I''m fine, thanks to Officer Xu''s timely arrival."


    Chen Mu smiled.


    Xiao He sighed, "I was worried that if it were a little bit later, it might have been irreversible. The He Family took the opportunity to erupt, and it might affect the miss. Originally, upon returning to the city, she might have been promoted, but now she''ll probably be reassigned to some clean-water bureau, and she probably won''t stay in the South City District."


    As she spoke, she couldn''t help but steal a glance at Chen Mu, but seeing that his expression remained unchanged, she shook her head slightly.


    Though the information was scarce, she knew that He Mingxuan was killed by someone possessing the Thunderclap Artistic Conception.


    Thunderclap Artistic Conception?


    That had nothing to do with Chen Mu.


    The biggest possibility for Chen Mu was that he had grasped the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, and that was merely a possibility, just some traces pointing towards Chen Mu, coupled with much of her own conjecture.


    She didn''t even mention these thoughts much to Xu Hongyu, because He Mingxuan''s death by Thunderclap Artistic Conception clearly had nothing to do with Chen Mu, and with the situation already very chaotic, there was no need to consider other matters.


    "It seems that his death has indeed had a significant impact."


    Chen Mu looked at Xiao He, then turned his gaze back to Xu Hongyu.


    He felt a slight sense of apology; after all, in his act of killing, he felt rejuvenated, but Xu Hongyu had ended up carrying some of the burden for him, although it really didn''t matter much; he wouldn''t share the blame in the future.


    And he guessed that Xu Hongyu was more or less relieved by He Mingxuan''s death.


    Indeed.


    Xu Hongyu casually remarked, "He deserved to die, using his status in the He Family to act so despicably and detestably. I had thought of drawing my sword against him several times before. Now, there''s no need to deal with him anymore... As for promotions and the like, in the current world, strength is respected. Martial Arts is the foundation.


    If they assign me to a clean-water bureau, it allows a good opportunity for quiet cultivation."


    Power and martial force, which is heavier or lighter, depends on whether the Imperial Court is flourishing or declining.


    During the flourishing period of the Da Xuan Dynasty, the empire commanded respect far and wide. The highest martial force was almost all in the hands of the Imperial Court. The legendary Blood Garment Guards and Heavenly Dragon Guards were feared by all under heaven.


    Even those who had stepped into the Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering Realms, if they dared to act recklessly within the bounds of Da Xuan and violated the laws, they would face relentless pursuit by the Imperial Court.


    Then, power was of greater significance than strength: an Imperial scholar or even a local County Magistrate, though lacking in personal strength, faced no challenges from any Martial Men.


    And now?


    Not just those in the Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering Realms, even those in the Skin Toughening and Body Refinement Realms could act wildly. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In Yu City, from the powerful Demon-Slaying Office to the various departments handling mundane affairs such as the Miscellaneous Affairs Bureau, as well as the Salt Affairs Bureau and Smelting Bureau, strength ruled.


    Stepping into the Tendon Changing Realm ensured a position as Deputy Head Officer or even Chief Constable, and stepping into the Bone Tempering Realm made taking the post of Deputy Governor effortless, and even becoming the Governor wasn''t difficult.


    Therefore, Xu Hongyu wasn''t particularly interested in promotions; rather than relying on merits and background to get the Yu Family to push her up, she would prefer to cultivate quietly for a while, reaching Tendon Changing Perfection, and naturally rise through her own strength.


    Moreover.


    The death of He Mingxuan had indeed pleased her greatly, and she had already grown tired of the position of Chief Constable. Now, seizing this opportunity to relinquish the position suited her intentions. Although the Yu Family might take a step back, they would still ensure that the position of Deputy Head Officer, left vacant by the death of He Mingxuan, would fall into their hands.


    At this point, Xu Hongyu suddenly turned to look at Chen Mu, thoroughly sizing him up.


    While Chen Mu was slightly puzzled.


    He heard Xu Hongyu say, "This time, I will most likely leave the position of Chief Constable. Perhaps someone from the He Family will succeed me, but the death of He Mingxuan also leaves a vacancy for Deputy Head Officer. If you are willing, I could recommend you for the promotion. Xiao He mentioned that your strength should be sufficient...


    However, I have another option, which is to relinquish this official position and stay in the Inner City with me for a while."


    Upon hearing Xu Hongyu''s words, Chen Mu understood that Xu Hongyu was already considering his future options.


    In Xu Hongyu''s view, once she left, the position of Chief Constable of the South City District would fall into the hands of the He Family, and keeping Chen Mu in Wutong Grove District as Prefecture Chief was clearly untenable; his situation would become increasingly difficult even if someone from the Yu Family took over as Deputy Head Officer.


    Unless Chen Mu took up the role of Deputy Head Officer himself, with his methods and strength, he might be able to contend. However, in Xu Hongyu''s consideration, that wasn''t the best choice either.


    After all, as she saw it, what Chen Mu needed most now was some time for secluded cultivation, to focus all his energy on breaking through to the Tendon Changing Realm. Once he passed that threshold, it would be a world of difference, and it was not suitable for him to dissipate his energy in conflict with the He Family.


    A brief silence fell in the Hall Office.


    Xiao He didn''t speak either, just quietly looking at Chen Mu, but she knew there was only one choice he would make.


    "I will follow your instructions, my lord."


    Without much thought, Chen Mu bowed gently to Xu Hongyu.


    Xiao He pursed her lips and smiled, looking at Xu Hongyu, "See, Miss, I told you he''s not a man greedy for power."


    On the way here, she had analyzed various matters and discussed them with Xu Hongyu, including Chen Mu''s subsequent arrangements, and suggested that Xu Hongyu temporarily place Chen Mu in the Inner City.


    Xu Hongyu thought about it but still decided to let Chen Mu choose. In her view, it was normal and very common for men to covet power. Having made his way to the position of Prefecture Chief, Chen Mu might aspire to go even further rather than giving up power to seek solitary cultivation in the Inner City. Your adventure continues at m v|l-e''-NovelFire.net


    Observing Chen Mu''s reaction, Xu Hongyu was slightly startled.


    Then she turned to look at Xiao He, noticing Xiao He was still smiling, she reached over and gently pinched Xiao He''s cheek, saying, "You¡­ were... right..."


    Her voice was still cool, but the delicate, rosy lips slightly curled up, like the chilly winter air thawing slightly, insignificant yet presenting a completely different scene.


    It turns out she could also smile.


    Chen Mu appreciated this scene; it seemed to be the first time he''d seen it, although it was nearly imperceptible.


    "Ouch, ouch, ouch, Miss, I was wrong¡­"


    Xiao He, her cheek being pinched, did not dare to resist, looking pitifully at Xu Hongyu.


    Seeing this, Xu Hongyu released her hand in annoyance, considering Xiao He was also in the Tendon Changing Realm, surely pinching her cheeks couldn''t hurt that much, then suddenly realizing Chen Mu was also there.


    This had let Chen Mu see these not-so-dignified actions of hers as Chief Constable.


    "Let''s go."


    A slight awkwardness crossed Xu Hongyu''s face, but she quickly regained her usual cool composure, and calmly spoke, then turned and walked away.


    Xiao He rubbed her cheeks, watched Xu Hongyu walking away, covered her mouth to sneak a laugh, then looked at Chen Mu, "Let''s go, the Miss has to report to the Demon-Slaying Office later."


    Xu Hongyu only showed such undignified behaviors when she was alone with her.


    In fact, she knew it was not Xu Hongyu''s nature to be like this; Xu Hongyu used to play and laugh with her when they were children, but ever since the year Xu Yichuan, her father, disappeared, Xu Hongyu gradually lost her smile and became increasingly cold, decisive, and resolute in her actions.


    She knew Xu Hongyu wanted to uncover the truth behind Xu Yichuan''s disappearance, but when even the entire Yu Family could not find a clue, what could she, a mere ten-year-old girl, do? She could only practice swordsmanship, train in martial arts, day in and day out.


    Only by continually climbing the ladder of martial arts and rising step by step could she have the chance and possibility.


    Moreover.


    With Xu Yichuan gone, although she was still a legitimate member of the Yu Family, she had to rely on herself for everything thereafter; she had to fight, struggle, and snatch to secure her position ¨C and her efforts were fruitful.


    Although she hadn''t reached the heights of Xu Yichuan, she was still among the foremost of the fourth generation of the Yu Family, and even more so, she was the top among the women of her generation.


    Thus, in the women''s section of the Yu Family martial arts school, whether it was Yu Yun or Yu Ru, all the Yu Family girls respected and revered Xu Hongyu, always addressing her as ''Sister Hongyu''.

 Chapter 103: Chapter 99 Demon-Slaying Office

    Dozens of City Defense Division officers, escorting a carriage, were on their way to the City Guard General.


    Discover exclusive tales on m,v l''e-NovelFire.net


    Xu Hongyu put on a conical bamboo hat, its dangling silk veil covering her face, walking at the very front, with Chen Mu and Little He following by her side. Although she wasn''t wearing the official uniform of the Chief Constable, pedestrians along the way recognized Chen Mu, the Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove District, and guessed Xu Hongyu''s identity.


    They all moved aside with respectful fear on their faces.


    Of course, there were some who stole glances discreetly, only to feel regret that they couldn''t see clearly through the hazy veil. After all, it was said that the Chief Constable of the South City District was as beautiful as a celestial, and now that they had the chance to meet her but couldn''t get a glimpse, it felt like a missed opportunity.


    Along the way.


    Little He moved closer to Chen Mu and quietly told him a few things, to which Chen Mu listened and responded from time to time.


    All the while, he cast his gaze toward the passing streets and alleys, sighing lightly in his heart. He had governed Wutong Grove for less than half a year and now was about to leave this place. The Prefecture Chiefs who would come after him probably wouldn''t act like he did, taking extra care of the livelihood of the common people.


    Just as Little He thought, he certainly wasn''t a person greedy for power and position.


    Let alone the fact that he now possessed strength and confidence in himself, even if he were just a regular Prefecture Chief, he would behave the same. At times like this, he wouldn''t choose to stay in the Outer City but would instead follow Xu Hongyu to the Inner City.


    He Mingxuan is dead, and the South City District won''t find peace in the days to come; it will become a land of disputes. He has never been willing to involve himself in such matters, having come this far often out of helplessness.


    Xu Hongyu nurtured and promoted him all the way, and naturally, he had to share her worries and undertake tasks. As a Prefecture Chief responsible for his jurisdiction, it was right for him to plan for the welfare of the people who suffered, including taking covert actions to kill some extremely vicious criminals. It was inevitable to come head to head with the He Family.


    The position of the Deputy Head Officer was no easy job.


    Staying in the Inner City for a while was very suitable, and it was also a good opportunity to spend more time with Chen Yue. Although they had met not long ago, since Chen Yue went to the Inner City to study martial arts one and a half years ago, the chances for them to see each other had been few.


    He was relatively at ease with the instruction provided by the Yu Family Martial Arts Institute, but since he cultivated her himself, he was more particular about her not developing any bad habits.


    In the past, he didn''t have the ability to do so, but now there were no problems.


    Soon.


    The group arrived at the City Guard General.


    The City Guard General was bustling at this time. In addition to the people from the original City Defense Division of the South City District, there were also a group of the He Family''s men, and another group from the West City District, including the Chief Constable He Guangzong.


    Xu Hongyu walked into the City Guard General with a cold expression, ignoring the He Family''s men and the officers from the West City District. She directly called over South City District personnel and ordered them to take charge of the contraband Chen Mu had escorted, to be delivered to the back hall of the Chief Office.


    "Xu Hongyu issuing orders as soon as she returns, truly is busy," He Guangzong remarked as he descended from the main building, followed by a group of Prefecture Chiefs from the South City District, his gaze chilly as he looked at Xu Hongyu.


    Xu Hongyu stood with her hands behind her back, facing He Guangzong and the group confidently with her usual cold demeanor, "Do you have any problems with how I handle the affairs of the South Prefecture?"


    He Guangzong replied in an even tone, "A Deputy Chief Officer of the South City District was attacked and killed under unclear circumstances during the night. As the Chief Constable, don''t you think you owe an explanation?"


    Xu Hongyu responded coldly, "He Mingxuan collaborated with the villains of the Black Cloud Bandits. If he got involved with some malefactor and was killed, what does it have to do with the South City Chief Office? Moreover, I believe He Guangzong doesn''t have the authority to meddle in the affairs of the South City District." S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hmph!"


    He Guangzong''s expression darkened upon hearing this, and he uttered a cold "hmph," saying, "Be careful with your words. As the Chief Constable of the South City District, you claim my nephew colluded with the Black Cloud Bandits, do you have any evidence? Making such baseless accusations without evidence, where does that leave the laws of the Da Xuan Dynasty?"


    Xu Hongyu swept her eyes over He Guangzong coldly and said, "I can''t be bothered to argue with you. If you are dissatisfied, you''re free to file a complaint with the Metropolitan Commander. The South City Chief Office is not under your jurisdiction, so please leave."


    "..."


    He Guangzong gave Xu Hongyu a cold look.


    But in his heart, he shook his head slightly.


    Judging by Xu Hongyu''s reaction, she indeed seemed unrelated to He Mingxuan''s death, and was most likely completely unaware. Although he had not had much interaction with Xu Hongyu, he knew that she didn''t possess a deeply scheming nature but merely put on a cold front. Her speech and reactions gave no signs of inconsistency, which likely meant she truly had no connection to the incident.


    He Guangzong shifted his gaze away, giving Little He a frosty glance, then noticed Chen Mu standing beside her. After looking him over, he said, "This must be Chen Mu, the Prefecture Chief from Wutong Grove, right? Quite a paragon of impartial justice."


    "You flatter me, He Guangzong, I''m simply fulfilling my duties," Chen Mu replied indifferently.


    "Hmph."


    He Guangzong snorted and, without saying anything further, turned and left.


    Following him, Fu Linjiang and the other Prefecture Chiefs exchanged glances, then hurriedly followed He Guangzong. With the situation becoming clear, they all understood that Xu Hongyu would most likely no longer serve as the Chief Constable of the South City District. The He Family would take over, with a high probability that He Guangzong would be transferred in.


    Although Xu Hongyu was still officially the Chief Constable, given the current state of affairs, they naturally decided to side with the He Family.


    Xu Hongyu watched indifferently as Fu Linjiang and the others took their leave.


    She never had much interest in power struggles. Fu Linjiang and his group had always been He Mingxuan''s men, and now that they followed He Guangzong away, she wasn''t inclined to use her remaining influence to reprimand or punish them.


    Soon.


    After giving several commands and dealing with the previous affairs in a straightforward manner, and sorting and storing the seized goods, she readied her belongings.


    Then, changing into her white uniform, Xu Hongyu, accompanied by Chen Mu and Little He, headed for the Inner City.


    ...


    Chen Mu had been to the Inner City many times before; however, each time he visited, he usually only went to see Chen Yue at the Yu Family Martial Arts Institute and never wandered around or delved deep into the Inner City.


    This time,


    led by Xu Hongyu, he went straight into the Inner City and headed directly to its center.


    The various areas of the Inner City in Yu City were quite distinct, with the central area being the residence of the City Lord, which also serves as the central Yamen for all the offices of the city. All the Chief Offices were located here.


    Behind it, a large area was occupied by the residence of the Xue Family, which was very expansive.


    Just by counting their surnamed members, the Xue Family had several thousand individuals, and including servants, maids, followers, etc., their numbers almost reached nearly one hundred thousand, making up the largest population in the Inner City.


    The other families like the Xie Family, He Family, and so forth, had at most a few tens of thousands of people, each occupying a different corner.


    Besides,


    there were smaller clans such as the Ji Family, the Fan Family, etc.; these Inner City families could not be compared with the four major families. Most of them existed by depending on the four families, like the Ji Family, which were distant relatives of the Yu Family with many generations of marital alliances.


    Of course, the influence of these families, if placed in the Outer City, would still far exceed that of the Zheng Family or the Nan Family. The Zheng Family longed to enter the Inner City and become one of the great hereditary families based there, to become related to the He Family by marriage, but this hope had not shown any signs of dawn before it was destroyed by Chen Mu.


    As they approached the center of the Inner City,


    the architecture began to change, becoming more solemn and majestic. The blue stone walls were two to three zhang high and were inaccessible even for martial men who had undergone body refinement, with structures inside featuring three or even four-story pavilions.


    Each building''s size and grandeur were no less than that of the main building of the City Guard General in the South City District.


    Along the way,


    armored soldiers stood guard at regular intervals, and from time to time, there were patrols of troops.


    These were all members of the Inner City Area''s City Defense Division. In reality, they were not considered ''prefecture staff'' but more like ''elite troops.'' Not only were they all trained, they were martial men who had undergone skin toughening and body refinement, wearing iron armor, and even a small detachment sent to the Outer City could easily crush gangs like the Liusha Gang.


    Soon,


    Xu Hongyu, leading Chen Mu and Xiao He, arrived in front of a complex of buildings on the northern side of the center.


    The complex consisted of a row of three-story pavilions, with a five-story tower in the center. Outside the pavilions stood a towering blue stone stele with the gilded characters "Demon-Slaying Office."


    "We''ve arrived. I''ll go in first; you two wait here for a moment,"


    Xu Hongyu instructed Chen Mu and Xiao He before stepping inside.


    Demon-Slaying Office!


    Chen Mu looked up at the stone stele.


    The gilded characters seemed to possess a peculiar power; staring directly at them gave off an electrifying sensation, as if they were fiercely ablaze.


    He had long heard of the Demon-Slaying Office. During the heyday of the Da Xuan Dynasty, the Demon-Slaying Office was one of the most prosperous divisions in terms of martial power, filled with experts and even boasting elite heavy-armored troops like the "Vermilion Bird Guard."


    Wherever they went, demons would offer their heads in submission. The number of eighth-rank and ninth-rank demons slain by the Demon-Slaying Office was innumerable, and their authority almost overshadowed all other offices. Wherever the Demon-Slaying Office went, all other offices had to assist to their fullest.


    Although the Da Xuan Dynasty has declined, the Demon-Slaying Office remained the foremost Yamen in Yu City. Led by the Xue Family, strong figures from the Xie, He, and Yu families all held positions there, including others from smaller Inner City clans and a very few individuals who rose to power on their own.


    One could tell by looking at the structure of the Demon-Slaying Office.


    It had one Bureau Head, three Metropolitan Commanders, and twelve Deputy Governors, each of whom was above the Bone Tempering Realm. Even someone like Xue Lin, who got the position of Deputy Governor due to the influence of the Xue Family, had firmly entered the Bone Tempering Realm.


    The Demon-Slaying Office, high above, was not responsible for any of the civil matters inside or outside the city. Their sole duty was to ensure the stability of Yu County, exterminating demons wherever they caused trouble.


    As for Xu Hongyu,


    although she was the Chief Constable of the Outer City Area, when she went out of the city to hunt demons, she did so under the name of the Demon-Slaying Office. After returning, she would first report to the Demon-Slaying Office, and then head to the City Defense Division.


    The Demon-Slaying Office also concentrated nearly all the resources that could be accessed in Yu City, such as Tendon Changing Pills, Bone Tempering Pills, and even the Qian Heaven Kun Earth''s Eight Phases Artistic Conception Map; one could come into contact with all of these at the Demon-Slaying Office!


    Here, only merit mattered, nothing else.


    One could exchange merit for anything.


    However, it was very difficult to enter the Demon-Slaying Office. The minimum requirement was to have achieved Body Refinement Perfection and to have mastered Momentum, meaning that someone who could be a Prefecture Chief outside was merely a low-level soldier in the Demon-Slaying Office.


    If a commoner''s child wished to rise up, they would have to cultivate the Body Tempering Method to Body Refinement Perfection, master Momentum, and then enter the Demon-Slaying Office to gain merit, exchange for Tendon Changing Pills, or have a chance to comprehend an Artistic Conception Map, step by step climbing upward.


    But this was nearly impossible.


    During the prosperous times of the Da Xuan Dynasty, this path was somewhat feasible, but now almost all the positions in the Demon-Slaying Office were in the hands of the Inner City families. Moreover, the casualty rate of the lower-ranking troops of the Demon-Slaying Office was high. Below the Tendon Changing Realm, fighting against demons was extremely dangerous.


    Without any backing, commoner''s children, even if they entered, were often relegated to cannon fodder.

 Chapter 104: Chapter 100: 2 Coins

    "It''s said that the stela of the Demon-Slaying Office was inscribed with the blood of a Sixth Rank Great Demon. The one who penned it was the previous Bureau Head of the Demon-Slaying Office, and even more so, it contains a strand of the might of the second step of the Separating Fire Artistic Conception. Ordinary people would be shocked at a mere glance and cannot gaze upon it for long."


    The soft voice of Xiao He reached him from the side.


    Chen Mu came back to his senses, slightly narrowing his focus.


    The second step of the Separating Fire Artistic Conception.


    No wonder it feels almost like being scorched.


    But the difference between the second step and the first step of Artistic Conception is actually so huge. With his current first-level Artistic Conception, even if he were to combine the forces of wind and thunder, he couldn''t produce such strokes that, by mere observation, could shake and intimidate the heart.


    Of course.


    The blood of that Sixth Rank Great Demon must play a key part, after all, the blood of a Seventh Rank Jiao is an indispensable catalyst in the Tendon Changing Pill. The blood of a Great Demon of the Sixth Rank, even if slightly less potent, would not be considered ordinary, and holds great value in itself.


    "The second step of the Separating Fire Artistic Conception, how profound is it?" Continue your adventure with m|v-l''e -NovelFire.net


    Chen Mu turned to look at Xiao He.


    Xiao He spoke softly, "I''m not sure either, but it''s said that the prowess of the second step of Artistic Conception is akin to the qualitative change when practicing the Body Tempering Method to the Five Viscera Realm, producing Inner Breath Yuan Gang. If someone in the Bone Tempering Realm could master the second step, they would then possess some of the power of the Five Viscera Realm."


    Listening to Xiao He''s description, Chen Mu inwardly felt that perhaps not even one iteration from the system panel would suffice to directly step into the second phase, because based on this, the gap between the first and second steps seemed even larger than what he previously understood.


    Above the Bone Tempering Realm, the Five Viscera Realm involves the accumulation of Qi-Blood, and the internal cultivation of Yuan Gang is a qualitative change. It''s said to transform intangible Qi-Blood into a form of tangible Vigor, which has no attribute in itself, but can evolve along with Artistic Conception.


    This is also the rumored reason why only upon reaching the Five Viscera Realm can one fully unleash the true potential of Artistic Conception.


    With such a vast leap, to directly display power close to that of a Five Viscera Realm strongman propelling Artistic Conception with their own ''Yuan Gang'' at the second step of Artistic Conception ¨C hence its formidable nature. No wonder there are so very few in Yu City who have stepped into the second phase of Artistic Conception.


    "Five Viscera and Six Viscera, Seven Marrows and Eight Bloods."


    Chen Mu once again looked towards the stela of the Demon-Slaying Office, murmuring softly to himself.


    A martial artist entering the Five Viscera Realm brings not only a revolutionary increase in strength but also the regulation of the Five Viscera cycle, healing various hidden injuries gradually, solidifying Qi-Blood to prevent its dissipation. Even at the age of seventy or eighty, their strength does not decline, and they can usually live up to a hundred years or more.


    There''s not much change after advancing into the Six Viscera Realm; one still refines and nurtures Yuan Gang, but if one can practice step by step to perfection, crossing that threshold into the seventh step of Body Refining ¨C the Marrow Cleansing Realm, a new world unfolds.


    In the heyday of the Da Xuan Dynasty, such beings were powerful enough to hold the office of an Inspector for a whole State!


    And only at this level does one truly qualify to set their sights on the whole world.


    Of course.


    For him at the moment, even for Yu City as a whole, such existences seemed very distant.


    As he was deep in thought.


    The solemn silence of the Demon-Slaying Office was broken by a series of footsteps; a young man in an embroidered robe walked out, followed by several attendants.


    Upon arriving outside the Yamen of the Demon-Slaying Office, he immediately noticed Xiao He and Chen Mu standing in front of the stela. He glanced briefly at Xiao He, and as he passed by, he said indifferently,


    "Xu Hongyu has returned?"


    "Miss is with the Metropolitan Commander..."


    Xiao He seemed somewhat restrained, responding cautiously.


    The person she least wanted to meet in the Demon-Slaying Office was this man in front of her¡ªXue Lin, the Deputy Governor of the Demon-Slaying Office.


    "Oh."


    Xue Lin didn''t pause, simply passing by, casting another glance at Chen Mu before withdrawing his gaze and walking past without concern, disappearing at the end of the road.


    Chen Mu watched Xue Lin walk away and turned to look at Xiao He, noticing her forehead was covered in fine beads of sweat. He slowly said, "Who is that person?"


    "Xue Lin, the Deputy Governor of the Demon-Slaying Office."


    Xiao He, seeing Xue Lin''s figure had disappeared, let out a slight breath of relief and quietly replied.


    So, it was him.


    Chen Mu nodded slightly.


    He had certainly heard of Xue Lin, the direct descendant of the Xue Family, the foremost among the young generation of the four major families of the Inner City. Already having advanced into the Bone Tempering Realm, he was quite renowned.


    The most capable among the other families'' younger generation were only at the Tendon Changing Perfection.


    Xu Hongyu was even farther behind, still some distance from Tendon Changing Perfection.


    Moreover, the incident last time when Xiao He nearly got ambushed by someone sent by He Mingxuan, it seemed to involve this man too. But at the time, Xiao He did not speak of it in detail to him. Now, seeing her reaction, it seemed there was probably some conflict. Otherwise, with Xiao He''s character, she wouldn''t become so cautious merely upon seeing him.


    However, since Xiao He wouldn''t say, Chen Mu didn''t inquire further. He lacked any great interest in Xue Lin; there weren''t any direct conflicts or connections between the Xue Family and him.


    Titles like "the number one of the younger generation" were even less of interest to him to scramble over with someone else.


    After a while,


    Xu Hongyu finally appeared within the Demon-Slaying Office''s Yamen, making her way over to Chen Mu and Xiao He. Just as she was about to say something, she suddenly noticed Xiao He''s expression was somewhat strange and asked, "What''s wrong?"


    Xiao He shook her head, "I just ran into Deputy Governor Xue."


    "Xue Lin..."


    Xu Hongyu pondered for a moment.


    This person was indeed formidable. Only a little older than her, he had already stepped into the Bone Tempering Realm. Although he hadn''t grasped the Artistic Conception yet, he was still among the best of the younger generation, currently unmatched by others.


    If he could comprehend the Artistic Conception in the future, he would greatly distance himself from the others and leap to become one of the core figures of the Xue Family.


    "Try to avoid conflict with this person as much as possible; yielding three points will suffice."


    Xu Hongyu didn''t dwell long on the matter of Xue Lin. She soon turned her head to look at Chen Mu. With a gentle flip of her jade hand, she took out a light-colored embroidered pouch from her person and passed it over to Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu was slightly startled and reached out to receive the light-colored embroidered pouch with lotus patterns on it, which still faintly retained some warmth. Upon opening it, he found a pitch-black pill, the size of a baby''s fist, inside.


    This object was all too familiar to Chen Mu.


    Tendon Changing Pill.


    And, with a slight sniff, detecting that familiar medicinal scent, he knew that it was the very Black Jade Tendon Changing Pill he had already completely used up; it was identical in every aspect.


    "This is..."


    Chen Mu looked towards Xu Hongyu in astonishment.


    Xu Hongyu gave him a slight nod and said, "I said last year that I would give you a Tendon Changing Pill this year. Although you happened to get one from the Zheng Family by chance, having an extra one when breaking through Tendon Changing always increases your chances."


    Xiao He had regained her composure by now and looked at Chen Mu, blinking, "This pill was exchanged by the lady with the merit from this demon hunting mission; but for you, you''ll definitely be able to step into Tendon Changing, right?"


    Her own advancement into Tendon Changing had been extremely difficult, and the first Tendon Changing Pill hadn''t been enough for her to make the breakthrough. Afterwards, she had struggled to accumulate Qi-Blood and strengthen her foundation. Last year, having obtained a second pill, she was finally able to break through.


    The first pill was achieved through her own efforts, and the second one was given by Xu Hongyu. Without Xu Hongyu, she most likely wouldn''t have had the chance to get a second one.


    Now, Chen Mu also had two pills in his possession.


    Given Chen Mu''s physical constitution and his extraordinary talent, the difficulty of advancing to Tendon Changing would definitely be much lower than hers. In any case, having two Tendon Changing Pills should be more than enough to cross that threshold.


    Chen Mu felt the slight warmth of the embroidered pouch in his hand. He wanted to say that he had actually already stepped into the Tendon Changing Realm, but ultimately he didn''t speak up.


    After all, the effects and medicinal power of the Tendon Changing Pill were far superior to ordinary medicines and would help him move faster from Tendon Changing Major Achievement to Tendon Changing Perfection, which he indeed needed at the moment.


    Although he had been working for Xu Hongyu all this time, she had genuinely put a lot of effort into cultivating him.


    This expectation... would not go unrequited...


    Chen Mu accepted the second Black Jade Tendon Changing Pill.


    "Alright, I still need to make a trip to the City Defense Division to resign from the position of Chief Constable, as well as your position at Wutong Grove District Prefecture Chief; I''ll resign on your behalf as well. After you go back and pack, you will move to the Inner City to quietly cultivate for the next few months, striving to step into the Tendon Changing Realm as soon as possible."


    Xu Hongyu nodded to Chen Mu, then immediately turned to Xiao He and instructed, "Xiao He, take him to the Yu Family residence to find a suitable courtyard. It''d be best to move there within the next day or two."


    Having said that,


    without waiting for a response from Xiao He, she walked straight ahead and swiftly disappeared among the towering bluestone walls.


    "Let''s go."


    Xiao He watched as Xu Hongyu left, then turned her head towards Chen Mu and whispered, "I''ll take you to find a suitable courtyard first. It''s already a bit late today, so you''ll stay for one day, and then go back tomorrow to pack your things."


    "...Alright."


    Chen Mu''s gaze still lingered in the direction Xu Hongyu had left. He now turned his attention to Xiao He, nodded slightly to her, and followed her away from the Demon-Slaying Office, heading toward the Yu Family''s residence. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    The Yu Family''s residence was very large.


    Chen Mu had only come here before by following the perimeter to reach the Martial Arts Institute''s location, but in fact, the area the Yu Family occupied, although not as large as the Xue Family''s, still encompassed a large expanse of houses and courtyards, any of which could be considered the size of a small town on its own.


    This time, as they walked along, Xiao He led the way while introducing the structure of the Yu Family''s residence to Chen Mu. She had never gone into detail with Chen Mu before, but since he was to stay in the Yu Family residence for a while, things were naturally different.


    "...That area to the west is where the older generation of the Yu Family rest and recuperate, basically all from the first generation. They were all pillars of the Yu Family in their youth, but now with advanced age, their Qi-Blood has declined. They mostly spend their days playing chess and relaxing. If you have martial arts queries, you can consult with them.


    Occasionally, they also visit the Martial Arts Institute to give guidance to the young."


    Xiao He pointed to a section of streets near the western part of the Yu Family''s premises and said.


    The Yu Family now actually already had a fifth generation, but the eldest of the fifth generation wasn''t even over ten years old yet, so generally, they didn''t mention the fifth generation, still focusing on the previous four generations as the main.


    This situation was somewhat different from what Chen Mu had imagined. He thought that the first generation of the Yu Family would all be the elders, including that almost senile figure from the Five Viscera Realm, but in reality, aside from that one, the living first-generation members of the Yu Family had mostly declined in Qi-Blood and no longer concerned themselves with worldly affairs.


    Moreover, this group''s status wasn''t the same; some were direct ancestors from the Yu Family''s current direct lineage, while others were from side branches that had persisted from that time, with not much of their bloodline remaining.


    "The east side is where the Yu Family''s main court is located. The current higher-ups of the clan, including the main lineage and the lineage of the family head, all live there. Try to avoid going to the east side if it''s not necessary; it''s actually the smallest area."


    Xiao He continued her introduction as she led the way forward.

 Chapter 105: Chapter 101: Leaving Office

    "Finally, the south and the north sides are where the branches of the Yu Family reside, and most of the family servants are also here. You know about the Yu Family Martial Arts Institute; it''s over on the north side... Right, your sister is now living with Yu Ru, you should know that, right?"


    As Xiao He spoke, she glanced at Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu smiled and said, "Hmm, they do get along very well."


    Chen Yue had initially lived in the Martial Arts Institute but got along better and better with Yu Ru as time went on and eventually moved into Yu Ru''s house. They shared a bed, and had informed Chen Mu about it previously.


    Yu Ru was a direct descendant of the Yu Family, and Chen Yue got along with her as if they were sisters. Chen Mu had been happy about it before because, with the relationship between Chen Yue and Yu Ru, even if he suddenly left Yu City one day, Chen Yue could still stay with the Yu Family. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Unbeknownst to everyone, Yue''er had actually developed some ability to stand on her own.


    "Yu Ru is just a bit soft-hearted by nature," Xiao He said softly.


    Chen Mu did not seem to have any particular feelings for Yu Ru, but after Yu Ru''s visit to the Outer City last time, she seemed to have developed feelings for Chen Mu. Initially, Xu Hongyu had planned to arrange a marriage between Chen Mu and Yu Ru, but now the situation had changed somewhat.


    Mainly because Chen Mu was indeed very reserved, hardly revealing any of his thoughts, so much so that Xiao He could not figure out what he was thinking. But since she could not tell, she did not guess because she knew that Chen Mu always behaved with proper measure, never doing anything presumptuous. In this world, strength was always revered.


    If Chen Mu had the talent and remarkable abilities to shock the world, let alone Yu Ru, even Xu Hongyu or both sisters together... the Yu family would not obstruct it at all.


    And if Chen Mu really took an interest in Xu Hongyu...


    Xiao He couldn''t help but steal a glance at Chen Mu. After all, she would follow her lady for the rest of her life.


    A moment later.


    Xiao He led Chen Mu to a courtyard in the southern part of the Yu estate and found an old steward, dressed in the attire of a housekeeper, with whitening temples, looking to be in his sixties or seventies.


    "Oh, it''s Xiao He... Did I hear the young miss has returned?"


    The old steward looked at Xiao He with a kind smile.


    With a sweet voice, Xiao He said, "Yes, the young miss has gone to the City Defense Division. She''ll be back soon. Oh right, Grandfather Yu, this is Chen Mu. He came back with the young miss. She asked if there are any suitable empty courtyards available."


    "Empty courtyards, there should be some. I''ll go ask around," the old steward said cheerfully, then walked away with hands clasped behind his back.


    Xiao He turned to Chen Mu and whispered, "This is Elder Yu. He was brought back by the old master when he was very young. He was allowed to take the Yu surname. In his youth, he stepped into the Bone Tempering Realm. Now, nearly seventy, he doesn''t deal with external affairs anymore, just manages various household chores and the personnel matters of the servants."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly.


    After all, the Bone Tempering Realm was not the Five Viscera Realm. Approaching seventy, his Qi-Blood had largely deteriorated. The strength he could exert now was probably only about twenty to thirty percent of his past ability, and he might not even be able to defeat a young Tendon Changing Perfection.


    But having once stepped into the Bone Tempering Realm, even in old age, his status was still different. According to Xiao He''s description, he essentially served as the ''head steward'' of the Yu Family, managing everything except for the family affairs.


    A moment later.


    Elder Yu returned with hands behind his back and said with a smile, "There''s an empty two-section courtyard in the north that''s quite suitable. It''s close to the Martial Arts Institute. Your sister could also stay there with you. I''ve already had someone arrange it, and it''ll be ready shortly."


    "Thank you, Elder Yu," replied Chen Mu, giving Elder Yu a cupped-fist salute.


    Elder Yu replied amiably, "Xiao He, you can take him there. It''s the third room in the north-facing courtyard of the locust trees. You should know where it is. If there''s anything else, just come and find me."


    As he spoke, he gave Chen Mu an extra glance, nodding slightly in his heart.


    Setting aside other matters, his demeanor was composed and proper; at such an age, there was little to criticize. As for talent and aptitude, since Xu Hongyu took notice of him and even brought him back to the Yu Family''s residence, it must be quite exceptional, and he had also heard a little about him before.


    If Chen Mu could step into the Tendon Changing Realm within the next year or two, then reaching the peak and achieving Tendon Changing Perfection in the future would not be a problem. Combined with his rare and naturally strong Horizontally Trained Body, he could hold his own against a standard Bone Tempering Realm opponent.


    Indeed, he was a talent worth recruiting.


    If there were a slight chance for him to comprehend Artistic Conception, or to step into Bone Tempering... then he could become an important strength for the Yu Family. However, both were very difficult to achieve.


    "Thank you, Grandfather Yu. Next time, I''ll bring some wine for you," Xiao He said sweetly to Elder Yu.


    Elder Yu waved his hand and replied, "I''m too old for good wine now, it can only cause trouble..."


    "But you have the vitality to live a hundred years, you''re not old at all," Xiao He said giggly, then led Chen Mu out, leaving Elder Yu behind with a chuckling shake of his head.


    ...


    Before long.


    Xiao He led Chen Mu to a courtyard that had been cleaned already.


    The courtyard was located to the north of the Yu Family Martial Arts Institute and consisted of two lesser yards, one in front and one behind. It was smaller than the three-yard, three-room courtyard where Chen Mu had lived in Wutong Grove District, but this was the Inner City, and moreover, the Yu Family''s residence.


    Being able to live alone in a two-section courtyard was actually not very common in the Yu Family and was indicative of a certain status.


    "Thank you for your efforts,"


    After inspecting the courtyard, Chen Mu smiled at Xiao He.


    Little Lotus chuckled and said, "What hardships could a maid like me have? You''ll be able to help Miss more once you break through to the Tendon Changing Realm. For the coming period, Miss and I should both be staying in the Inner City."


    "Alright."


    Chen Mu smiled.


    In fact, he had already achieved Tendon Changing Major Achievement, but meditating for a while suited him just fine.


    Little Lotus quickly waved her hand and then left the courtyard, leaving only Chen Mu alone. He walked into the bedroom, which had been cleaned and the bedding made, though no other servants or maids were present in the entire yard.


    "A two-entry courtyard is a bit small, but I only have three maids by my side, not many servants, so bringing them over is just right... Hmm, the room on the eastern side will be for Yue''er."


    Chen Mu pondered briefly.


    The most valuable Thunderclap Diagram was always carried on his person, but the rest of the silver taels and gold leaves were still at home; he would need to bring them over tomorrow. There was nothing else.


    Seeing that it was gradually getting dark outside, Chen Mu thought about it and decided not to light a lamp to study the Thunderclap Diagram. Instead, he went to bed early. The next morning, he left the Inner City and made his way back to Wutong Grove District.


    The City Defense Division acted quickly.


    Early in the morning, someone went to the City Defense Division and announced that Chen Mu would no longer hold the position of Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove District, which astonished everyone there. The conflict the day before was clearly resolved by Xu Hongyu, but unexpectedly, Chen Mu still lost his position and was stripped of his office.


    Many constables sighed again and again. Although Chen Mu had made several major moves in the few months he had been in Wutong Grove District, these lower-level constables had benefited a lot each time, and ever since Chen Mu arrived, their salary silver had been paid in full without any deductions.


    "In this world, it''s hard to be a good official," said an old constable, unable to help but sigh.


    It was rare for Wutong Grove District to get a good Prefecture Chief, but he had not even completed a year in his position.


    As for Shang Qinglai and other senior constables, they all secretly felt relieved that the incident had not implicated them.


    Getting involved in the struggles between the He and Yu families was ultimately not a good thing. The key issue this time was the sudden death of He Mingxuan. Chen Mu was mostly likely made a sacrificial lamb for the death of He Mingxuan.


    This departure probably left his future uncertain.


    The news spread quickly.


    It took just a short while for the news of Chen Mu''s departure to spread throughout Wutong Grove District.


    Right around the time Chen Mu returned home and had Wang Ni, Ku''er, Le''er, and the others pack up the household, loading everything onto the carts in preparation to leave, a large crowd gradually gathered outside the courtyard.


    Many of them were survivors of the year-end snow disaster that Chen Mu had rescued.


    "Prefecture Chief!"


    "Prefecture Chief..."


    As Chen Mu stepped outside to look at the gathered crowd, he saw people of all ages kneeling down to greet him, some even shedding tears. Heaven help them, it had been so many years since Wutong Grove District had a good Prefecture Chief.


    "Everyone, please rise. I am no longer the Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove District; the new Prefecture Chief should arrive in a couple of days," said Chen Mu as he looked at the scene before him, feeling somewhat reflective.


    But for a moment, no one stood up.


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly, sighing softly to himself. He was no saint; like the time he had given up the position of Prefecture Chief for a more stable environment for himself.


    Up to now, everything he had done as Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove District was nothing more than his duty.


    Only.


    In today''s world, few people are willing to do their duty.


    The City Defense Division was just a place to make money, to exploit the people''s fat and marrow, in cahoots with local gangs and powerful forces. Such situations were not uncommon.


    By contrast, he appeared to these common people as a clean official rarely seen over many years.


    After a long sigh.


    Chen Mu gestured with his hand, signaling the carts to move on.


    Several old servants watched the people kneeling all over the ground, men and women, young and old, feeling somewhat reflective themselves but silently respected Chen Mu''s command, escorting the slowly moving carts out of the alley.


    Wang Ni followed beside Chen Mu, looking at the kneeling figures behind her, her eyes sparkling with light, while Ku''er and Le''er, still somewhat confused, followed along slowly walking out.


    Finally.


    Chen Mu and the carts slowly arrived at the end of the alley.


    Behind, the kneeling crowd of the poorly clad common people silently stood up and followed along. More and more people joined along the way, soon numbering in the thousands.


    Years in the Ninth District, with no one to care.


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    A term in Wutong Grove District, escorted by the people!


    Finally, after crossing the boundaries of Wutong Grove District and gradually seeing fewer and fewer people, only Chen Mu, Wang Ni, a few maids, and the servants pushing the carts remained. They reached the city gate of the Inner City and entered, disappearing into the Inner City.

 Chapter 106: Chapter 102: Accident

    In the courtyard.


    "Brother, I''m going to see Xiao Ru. I might stay at her place tonight and won''t be coming back."


    Chen Yue, wearing a light purple dress, stood at the door of Chen Mu''s room, waving her small hand at him inside.


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    "Go ahead."


    Chen Mu was sitting behind a square table, reading a book. Hearing Chen Yue''s words, he looked up at her, nodded slightly, then returned to reading his book and took another sip from the teacup beside him.


    As he continued reading, he suddenly felt two cool small hands touch his back.


    "What is Brother reading... oh, ''Da Xuan Demon Beast Chronicles''?"


    It was Chen Yue, who had quietly approached from behind and suddenly wrapped her arms around Chen Mu''s neck, then tilted her head to look at the book in his hands.


    Chen Mu''s movements didn''t pause; he calmly took another sip of tea, set down his cup, and said, "The Yu Family has many useful books in their collection. This ''Da Xuan Demon Beast Chronicles'' recounts the physical characteristics of many kinds of demon beasts. You should take a look when you have the time; it will be very useful if you travel outside."


    Compared to the City Defense Division in Wutong Grove District, the Yu Family''s library was far richer, containing not only various annals and records from Da Xuan but also books like ''Da Xuan Demon Beast Chronicles,'' which listed an immense number of demon beasts.


    However, according to the book, there are thousands of strange and numerous demon beasts in the world, and the author of this book has only compiled a fraction of the information to form this volume. The number of demon beasts recorded in the book is less than a tenth of those in the entire world.


    "Hehe, I don''t like reading books. When we go out, as long as Brother is there to protect me, that''s good enough."


    Chen Yue stuck out her tongue playfully, then let go of him and dashed out the door, disappearing from sight.


    Chen Mu watched her leave, shook his head slightly, and returned his gaze to the book.


    Recalling the soft touch that had just come from his back, he couldn''t help but sigh. The girl was truly growing up.


    It had been over four months since he had come to the Yu Family, time had flown by.


    In these four months, he had been living here peacefully, with almost nothing noteworthy happening. On regular days, aside from practicing cultivation, he would watch Chen Yue go to the Martial Arts Institute to learn martial arts.


    He himself rarely went out, except to borrow books from the Yu Family''s library to read. He hardly had much interaction with members of the Yu Family, only slightly familiar with a few neighbors who lived close by, just across the yard.


    Ever since Chen Mu had mastered Blade Momentum and had been noticed and promoted by Xu Hongyu, it had been a long time since he had lived such a steady life.


    Of course.


    These days seemed calm as still water, but for him, changes were constantly occurring subtly.


    For example, his understanding of this world had expanded from just the Outer City to encompass Yu County and even beyond, gaining some understanding of the situation throughout the entire Yu State.


    He also learned a lot about the various demon beasts that roamed the world and the Seven Counties of Yu City, no longer just hearing scattered names of a few demon beasts with little other knowledge.


    Furthermore.


    His progress in Body Refining Method had also changed.


    Now, after more than four months, he had solidly stepped into the Tendon Changing Perfection stage!


    [Black Jade Tendon Changing Method (96%)]


    [Experience: 41 Points]


    These were the statistics displayed on the system panel. Although Tendon Changing had not reached 100%, Chen Mu was able to determine that he had stepped into Tendon Changing Perfection because all aspects of his body met the various characteristics of that stage.


    For instance, he could suddenly exert force from his trunk, causing his body''s major tendons to bulge, spreading from his waist and abdomen to his limbs, producing five loud buzzing sounds. This is known as the ''Five Echoes,'' one of the signs of Tendon Changing Perfection.


    At Tendon Changing Minor Achievement, the body''s major tendons could slightly bulge, producing a muted echo. At Tendon Changing Major Achievement, the limbs could move to produce clear and loud cracking sounds. Upon reaching Tendon Changing Perfection, without moving the body and just by exerting force in place, one could directly cause Five Echoes.


    Moreover,


    after reaching 90% in the Tendon Changing Method, the system''s requirements for further advancement increased significantly. To improve by another 1%, now 50 experience points were needed, a clear threshold.


    From 0% to 30%, only 10 points were needed. Once the 30% barrier was crossed, it became 20 points, and after surpassing 60% for Major Achievement, it required 30 experience points to progress another 1%.


    Otherwise, it wouldn''t have taken him three months to cultivate from Major Achievement to Perfection.


    The medicinal power of the second Black Jade Tendon Changing Pill that Xu Hongyu had given him had now been exhausted. Currently, he was using ''Black Jade Tendon Changing Powder,'' which was essentially the same as the prescription for the Tendon Changing Pill without the Jiao blood, resulting in a lesser effect.


    Thus, in the following month, he had only just managed to push the Tendon Changing progress to 96%.


    "At 90%, already possessing the distinct characteristics of Tendon Changing Perfection, perhaps reaching 100% in Black Jade Tendon Changing Method correspond to the limit of the Tendon Changing Realm, equivalent to the limits I had previously trained in Skin Toughening and Body Refinement, all at the pinnacle of the First Realm."


    "For now, since I am unable to temper my bones, I can only continue to train in this realm."


    Chen Mu flipped the ''Da Xuan Demon Beast Chronicles'' to the last page, finished reading, and then placed it on the table.


    In fact, as soon as martial artists reach Tendon Changing Perfection, they can attempt Bone Tempering. However, the indispensable element is the Bone Tempering Pill, which differs from the Tendon Changing Pill. Instead of acting as a mandatory guide, it serves as a medication to protect the "marrow".


    Because martial artists have not yet cultivated the Five Viscera and Six Viscera, nor have they developed Yuan Gang to protect their marrow on their own, they are far from reaching the "Marrow Cleansing" standard.


    Therefore, the step of Bone Tempering first requires the protection of the bone structure with Bone Tempering Pills, followed by a specific regimen with Medicinal Powder to toughen the bones. Once Minor Achievement in Bone Tempering is reached, and a body of "iron bones" is cultivated, Bone Tempering Pills are no longer needed.


    Currently,


    the Bone Tempering Method that Chen Mu needed was available in the Yu Family''s library. There was more than one method, all readily accessible, including the corresponding Medicinal Powders for Bone Tempering. Although the ingredients were quite expensive, they could all be purchased.


    The only thing missing was the Bone Tempering Pill. He temporarily did not have any and although he could forcefully start the Bone Tempering Realm cultivation without them, any carelessness resulting in marrow damage would certainly be a case of losing more than gained.


    "Hongyu hasn''t come to ask about my Tendon Changing progress these days. Once I push my Black Jade Tendon Changing Method to the 100% limit, I''ll go inform her proactively. It''s also a good time to start looking for some Bone Tempering Pills." S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu pondered in his heart.


    He had initially thought that Bone Tempering Pills were the kind of elixir counted by the ''piece,'' but later learned that although precious, they were actually counted by the ''handful.'' A pill or two was of little use; at least dozens were needed for several months of usage. The pills were very small, each less than one-tenth the size of a little finger, like a slightly larger grain of sand.


    Moreover, there was no variety in Bone Tempering Pills, there was only one type, effective for any Bone Tempering Method, as their sole function was to protect the bone structure. Currently, the only channels to obtain Bone Tempering Pills in Yu City were through the City Lord''s share and... the Demon-Slaying Office.


    Chen Mu rose and went to the courtyard.


    Since moving to the Yu Family, he hadn''t sparred with anyone, and now that he had entered Tendon Changing Perfection and even made significant strides toward the limits of Tendon Changing, he was somewhat itching to know just how strong he had become.


    With a body horizontally trained to the limits of Skin Toughening and Body Refinement, having reached Tendon Changing Perfection, he was as formidable as those just entering Minor Achievement in Bone Tempering, based solely on his physical strength. If his Tendon Changing was also tempered to the limit, probably even those with Minor Achievement in Bone Tempering couldn''t stand against him.


    And he possessed two kinds of Artistic Conception.


    It could be said that he had already stepped with one foot into the top echelon of warriors in all of Yu City.


    Just as Chen Mu was contemplating, a servant quietly walked into the courtyard, reporting in a low voice, "Master, the neighboring Old Master Yu''s family has sent someone to invite you."


    "Oh, I see," Chen Mu replied.


    Chen Mu was slightly startled, then remembered that the neighbor, Yu Zhen, had recently added a daughter and had invited him to celebrate her full month, which seemed to be today. He had forgotten about it.


    Otherwise, he would have asked Chen Yue to stay, and brought her along to offer congratulations.


    Since Chen Yue had already left, it wouldn''t make sense to fetch her back. Chen Mu then turned to summon Wang Ni, who assisted him in changing into a luxurious and presentable brocade robe before heading out the door.


    "Master Chen, please," the person who had come from outside was Yu Zhen''s steward, greeting Chen Mu respectfully as well.


    Yu Zhen''s family was not a direct branch of the Yu Family but was related by blood. Even as secondary members, they naturally also had many servants and even a steward. Their courtyard was actually a bit larger than Chen Mu''s, consisting of a spacious compound with three entrances and four chambers.


    Although part of the Yu Family, Yu Zhen showed no hint of condescension to the newly arrived Chen Mu. He visited the next day to greet him, making him one of the few acquaintances Chen Mu had in the area. Yu Zhen himself was only in his early thirties, not much older than him.


    Shortly after,


    Chen Mu arrived at Yu Zhen''s courtyard.


    At this time, the courtyard was already set with various festive items, and the house was prepared with banquet tables.


    Yu Zhen was busy welcoming guests, and upon seeing Chen Mu approach, he immediately came over with a smile, "Brother Chen is here. It''s been many days; your bearing seems even more dashing. When will you settle a marriage?"


    He knew Chen Mu was highly regarded by Xu Hongyu. If Chen Mu was to marry, it would likely be with a girl from the Yu Family.


    "There''s no rush, no rush," Chen Mu smiled and followed Yu Zhen into the inner room. He observed his newly one-month-old daughter, who was quite adorable and unafraid of the crowd, neither crying nor fussing, just blinking her big eyes and looking around, with a small dab of rouge on the corner of her eye.


    Chen Mu praised her cuteness, then casually took out a pale yellow Jade Pendant, saying, "I don''t have anything rare, and this Warm Jade Pendant isn''t particularly valuable, but it carries a good implication. Let it be a keepsake for the little girl."


    "Eh, this item is somewhat valuable," Yu Zhen hesitated in accepting before finally taking it, then smilingly arranged a seat for Chen Mu.


    Most of the guests did not recognize Chen Mu and, after a bit of murmuring among themselves, they came to know that Chen Mu was the young talent brought back by Xu Hongyu and treated with high regard. Thus, some approached to greet and acquaint themselves. Some Yu Family descendants, however, merely glanced from afar and didn''t pay much attention.


    Chen Mu didn''t have the interest in making acquaintances. Being unnoticed suited him better, and he soon sat in a corner, quietly eating, and left unnoticed.


    The banquet at Yu Zhen''s house didn''t have too many guests as it was just a side branch of the Yu Family celebrating a newborn daughter, who was neither the first child nor a boy. As evening deepened, the banquet gradually ended.


    And so it continued until nightfall.


    A silent shadow appeared on the courtyard wall, slipping into Yu Zhen''s home and, after a short while, reappeared, leaping nimbly out of the courtyard, swiftly disappearing into the night.


    Meanwhile, Chen Mu who was standing in his own courtyard, looking up at the fading moonlight, suddenly twitched his ear.

 Chapter 107: Chapter 103: 50 Steps

    "Hmm?"


    Chen Mu slightly narrowed his eyes as he looked towards the courtyard entrance.


    When a martial artist advanced to the Tendon Changing Perfection, it wasn''t merely about cultivating a strength strong enough to twist steel. The abundant Qi-blood also rendered their senses, especially hearing and sight, much keener than an ordinary person''s. They might not be able to hear a mosquito flapping its wings, but they could detect nearby rustling in the grass with relative ease.


    The strange noise was coming from the direction of the Yu family''s residence.


    If it were during the day, Chen Mu might not have cared, but at this point in time, it was deep into the night. He had been in his bedroom comprehending the Thunderclap Diagram and hadn''t rested until now. He had come out to the courtyard merely because he was a bit fatigued from the intense focus and wanted to look at the moonlight to relax, planning to rest afterward.


    A glint of light flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes, and without any signal, he effortlessly leaped several meters in a single bound and landed outside the courtyard, then vanished into the darkness.


    ...


    Under the dim moonlight.


    A figure swiftly moved through the darkness, stealthily avoiding a patrol team from the Yu Family. Heading north, it wasn''t long before he reached the outermost area of the Yu residence.


    He wore a black headband and donned pitch-black nightwear. Seeing he had reached the outer edge of the Yu family''s area, he glanced back with a sneer in his eyes before quickening his pace to swiftly exit the Yu family''s territory.


    But.


    Just as he was about to step over the last alley surrounding the Yu residence.


    A figure suddenly appeared in the darkness ahead, standing silently as if they had been waiting for him for a long time.


    "Hmm?"


    The black-clothed man''s gaze shifted slightly.


    His first instinct was to avoid them immediately, but at that moment, the clouds obscuring the moonlight parted slightly, brightening the moon''s glow, which illuminated the figure in the darkness.


    The person was dressed in a thin sleeping robe, appearing to have just woken up, and looked quite young, in his early twenties at most, with an odd and perplexed expression as he looked on.


    The black-clothed man''s heart settled.


    It''s handled.


    He had thought it was some skilled expert from the Yu family that had appeared, which had given him a fright, but it turned out to be, seemingly, just a younger member of the Yu family who had gotten up in the middle of the night.


    Although he wondered why someone would wander about in such flimsy attire at this late hour, whether for romance or other reasons, it clearly seemed like an accident, not a threat.


    Once past this street, it would no longer be Yu territory. He could then hide with ease, and by the time the Yus realized what had happened and turned their residence upside down, they would not find him. Moreover, the person he had kidnapped was merely an infant girl from a collateral branch of the Yu family.


    It was unlikely that they would muster all their forces, facing pressure from other families, to conduct a widespread search throughout the Inner City.


    Right then.


    The black-clothed man stopped avoiding confrontation and confronted the young man head-on. As he reached the young man, he suddenly lashed out with a palm strike, accompanied by a fierce gust of wind, intending to kill his opponent with a single blow.


    However, his sudden attack only caused a sharp gleam to flash through the young man''s perplexed eyes, and his face instantly turned icy cold.


    In the moonlight.


    The young man counterattacked with a palm strike of his own.


    Bang!


    The palms collided in midair, producing a dull, resonant buzz.


    The black-clothed man''s expression changed drastically.


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    He felt an unstoppable formidable force rush through the point of contact, numbing his hand instantly. The force continued to travel and radiate, cracking the bones in his entire arm. Instead of sending his whole body flying back, the force exploded inside his arm only.


    In the blink of an eye, the black-clothed man''s arm twisted grotesquely, going limp.


    "You..."


    He looked at Chen Mu in shock, hastily leaping back, attempting to flee.


    In his heart, disbelief surged.


    Bone Tempering!


    Such a terrifying force undoubtedly belonged to someone in the Bone Tempering Realm. His own level of Tendon Changing Major Achievement couldn''t withstand even one strike, but how was it that the man looked so unfamiliar, someone he had never seen before, and clearly under thirty?


    Where did the Yu family get such a young Bone Tempering Realm character?!


    In his frantic escape.


    But before he could get far, Chen Mu''s figure once again appeared before him. Chen Mu looked at him coldly and said, "Speak. Who are you, and what have you come to the Yu family for?"


    Chen Mu had followed him the whole way. Previously unsure of the black-clothed man''s intentions or actions, he had refrained from making a move, driven more by curiosity. But since the man attacked without a word, his malicious intent was clear.


    "Hehehe..."


    With his left arm twisted and dangling uselessly, the black-clothed man maintained a composed face and let out a chilling laugh, resting his right hand at his bosom as he said viciously, "Don''t move, or I''ll kill her!"


    Chen Mu''s brow furrowed.


    Then he saw the black-clothed man open his bulging nightwear, revealing the small infant girl hidden within.


    Now quite close, and with the moon providing sufficient light, Chen Mu immediately recognized the baby''s face, and the familiar birthmark below the eye. It was indeed Yu Zhen''s daughter, who had just turned one month old, Yu Yao.


    Although he didn''t know why the man would want to kidnap an infant girl, the malice no longer required discerning.


    "Who is she?"


    Chen Mu saw the black-clothed figure holding the infant girl in his right hand, slowly retreating into the darkness, so he calmly took steps to follow.


    The black-clothed figure let out a cold laugh, "There''s no need to play innocent with me. You can''t possibly not recognize her, and even if you truly don''t know, you can guess that she is of the Yu Family''s bloodline. If you don''t want her to die, stay back."


    As he spoke, he continued to retreat into the darkness.


    However, Chen Mu did not stop, but continued to follow, and said indifferently, "Put her down, and I''ll let you go. Otherwise, you won''t be able to leave."


    At such a time, hesitating because of worry was the most foolish act. The black-clothed figure before him was an unknown factor, and if out of concern for Yu Yao''s life he simply let the figure go, the likelihood that the Yu Family would be able to find Yu Yao later was slim.


    After all, the fact that the other party dared to do such a thing meant that they had certainly planned it in advance and it might even be someone from the He Family giving instructions from the shadows.


    "Stop!"


    The black-clothed figure repeatedly shouted coldly, but was unable to scare Chen Mu. Seeing that Chen Mu was not trying to pursue him quickly, but just keeping a distance, the expression beneath the mask suddenly turned extremely ugly.


    The man before them was not only young in appearance but also astonishing in strength, and he handled himself in such a shrewd manner. He neither acted rashly, forcing the figure into a corner, nor allowed him to escape, just continually blocking his path.


    Just then.


    In the distance, a faint light of fire appeared; it was the Yu Family''s night patrol arriving nearby.


    Seeing the situation growing increasingly dire, once surrounded by the Yu Family''s forces, there would be utterly no chance to escape. The black-clothed figure''s gaze sank, and through gritted teeth, he said, "Thirty steps! Give me thirty steps, and I''ll put her down. Otherwise, she and I will die together!"


    "...Fine."


    Chen Mu glanced at the firelight not far away.


    The black-clothed figure''s judgment was indeed shrewd. From the palm strike a moment ago, he determined that Chen Mu had nearly the strength of a Martial Artist in the Bone Tempering Realm, and the thirty steps he requested were a delicate distance¡ªjust inside the range that he could pursue.


    As expected.


    The black-clothed figure first retreated slowly backward, stopping at a position approximately thirty steps away, then slowly placed the infant girl down. He picked up a pebble and looked coldly at Chen Mu while continuing to retreat.


    Thirty steps¡ªChen Mu would definitely be able to catch up to him. But by putting the girl thirty steps away from Chen Mu and holding onto a tiny pebble, within fifteen steps, his pebble would undoubtedly be faster.


    Therefore, before he continued to retreat to a distance about fifteen steps away, Chen Mu would certainly not dare to chase.


    And like this.


    Adding another fifteen steps to the distance, making it a total of forty-five steps, even if Chen Mu was a Martial Artist in the Bone Tempering Realm, it would be difficult for him to catch up in the dark of night, let alone take his life from a distance beyond forty-five steps.


    Indeed, observing this, Chen Mu narrowed his eyes slightly and stood still.


    Meanwhile, the black-clothed figure''s heart grew certain. Clutching the pebble in his right hand, he aimed it at Yu Yao and kept retreating step by step, until he was about fifteen steps away from Yu Yao¡ªthat is, forty-five steps away from Chen Mu.


    Swish!


    He suddenly hurled the pebble at Yu Yao and, at the same time, his entire body swiftly turned and bolted into the darkness.


    "Hmph!"


    Chen Mu let out a cold snort, having already grasped a pebble in his hand. He now hurled it fiercely, and the stone emitted a sharp whizzing sound as it sailed through the air, traveling thirty paces to strike the black-clothed figure''s thrown pebble first, despite being released later.


    The two stones collided in midair and exploded with a crack, like the pop of a firecracker.


    "Waaaah!!!"


    A cry sounded out under the night sky.


    It was unclear whether the little stones flying about had scratched her, or if the loud noise had finally woken Yu Yao.


    Hearing Yu Yao''s cry, Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. Originally intending to check on Yu Yao first, he suddenly spun around, his right hand flipping to produce a second pebble.


    Following that.


    A flash of murderous intent in his eyes, he looked towards the black-clothed figure who had managed to flee fifty paces away, almost invisible in the darkness. With the pebble positioned between his index and middle fingers, he suddenly threw it with a backhanded flick.


    This time, the stone did not emit a loud, piercing sound as it was launched, but rather an eerily silent one. It was like a streak of light cutting through the night, and in the blink of an eye, it vanished into the darkness, with only a slight ''pfft'' sound heard faintly in the distance.


    Afar.


    The black-clothed figure was running for his life, inwardly rejoicing at his desperate wit that had allowed him to see another day, the pain in his left arm seemingly lessened.


    But as he sprinted, a feeble ''swoosh'' from behind sent a chill through his heart, hinting at a sense of immense danger approaching - as if the terror of life and death was descending upon him.


    Almost without looking back, and without any thought, his body instinctively twisted, strenuously shifting slightly to the left. But right after, he saw a spray of blood suddenly appear before his eyes, along with a bloodstained pebble tracing a crimson arc before penetrating a bluestone wall dozens of steps ahead of him.


    The black-clothed figure''s pace slowed down.


    He slowly looked down at his chest, only to see a hole, clean through from front to back, that had completely pierced his right chest, with blood continuously gushing out.


    He came to a complete stop, coughing up blood that spilled from the corner of his mouth. Feeling the life and strength gradually draining from his body, his eyes revealed despair and incredulity. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "How..."


    Using the last of his strength, the black-clothed figure laboriously turned his head to look behind him, but Chen Mu was too far to make out his features, barely discerning a faint outline in the night.


    Thump.


    He finally fell to the ground, his eyes growing dim.


    A small pebble, a Martial Artist with Tendon Changing Major Achievement... struck dead from fifty steps away!

 Chapter 108: Chapter 104 Reaction

    Chen Mu gazed coldly at the black-clothed person who had collapsed in the distance.Without hesitation, his figure flashed and he quickly reached the side of the crying Yu Yao. He bent down to check on her and found no wounds on her body, nor had the black-clothed person done anything to her. The crying was loud and powerful, which somewhat set his mind at ease.


    In the distance,


    Several trails of firelight approached rapidly.


    Chen Mu glanced in the direction of the firelight, thought briefly, then took a step back. He gently set down the still-crying Yu Yao and quickly vanished into the darkness.


    ¡­


    The next day.


    Early morning.


    A series of knocking sounds echoed.


    Soon, a servant came to report in the inner courtyard that many people from the Yu Family patrol had arrived.


    Chen Mu yawned as he got out of bed, threw on a robe simply, and went outside, only to see many people dressed in Yu Family patrol uniforms gathering his servants in the yard, questioning them one by one about any disturbances they heard during the previous night.


    Furthermore,


    Chen Mu also saw a familiar face¡ªit was Xiao He, who he hadn''t seen for several days.


    Xiao He quickly walked up to Chen Mu and whispered, "Last night, thieves broke into your neighbor Yu Zhen''s house and kidnapped his month-old daughter, but the thief is now dead and Yu Yao has been rescued. Everything is alright now. Speaking of which... did you just get up?"


    "Yeah, slept in a bit,"


    Chen Mu said with a smile.


    Xiao He blinked and examined Chen Mu closely, expressing her suspicion, "With your personality, you''re usually so diligent. How could you suddenly sleep so late? There must be something."


    As she spoke, she tilted her head and said, "Let me guess, hmm... it''s because you''ve had a breakthrough in your realm, and you''ve achieved Tendon Changing!"


    At this point,


    She beamed a smile at Chen Mu, "How did I guess?"


    Chen Mu gave Xiao He a glance.


    He thought she had guessed something significant.


    "What do you think?"


    Chen Mu responded with a question.


    Seeing Chen Mu''s reaction, Xiao He was even more convinced and said, "Definitely, it has been almost four months. You must have had a breakthrough. With two Tendon Changing Pills and if all the medicinal power was absorbed, you''d be close to Minor Achievement."


    Seeing Xiao He''s smug look, Chen Mu finally let out a chuckle.


    "Fine, let''s say you guessed right."


    He indeed had a breakthrough in his realm, only it wasn''t to Tendon Changing Minor Achievement, but rather to Tendon Changing Perfection, and it wouldn''t be long before he would reach the limits of Tendon Changing.


    "That''s great!"


    Xiao He''s face lit up with joy, "I knew you could do it!"


    Although she had also stepped into the Tendon Changing Realm, Chen Mu was different from her. Not only did he have exceptional talent and a Horizontally Trained Body, but he also mastered at least Triple Blade Momentum. Once he entered the Tendon Changing Realm, it would be a massive qualitative change.


    She was well aware that even though they were both in the Tendon Changing Realm, it was almost impossible for three or five individuals like her to defeat Chen Mu together. Even someone with Major Achievement in Tendon Changing would likely not fare well against him.


    Furthermore,


    As long as Chen Mu successfully entered the Tendon Changing Realm, given his age, he would eventually be able to reach Tendon Changing Perfection. Coupled with his comprehension in martial arts, he would at least be on par with a Bone Tempering expert in the future.


    Bone Tempering Realm.


    Even just reaching Minor Achievement, one would be a notable figure in the entire Yu Family. If Chen Mu''s strength was on par, then being considered as having Bone Tempering Minor Achievement wouldn''t be a problem.


    It could be said that as Xu Hongyu had mentioned, if Chen Mu was interested in marriage, the collateral female members of the Yu Family were essentially at his pick, and even direct members like Yu Ru and others would not be a problem.


    Even for Xu Hongyu, Chen Mu now could take more than just a look. Despite her different status and her talents ranking her high among the Yu Family''s four generations, as long as she was willing, the opposition from the Yu Family wouldn''t be substantial.


    Whether one could step into Tendon Changing,


    Was a huge watershed for the Yu Family.


    "Looking at how happy you are, anyone would think you''ve achieved Major Achievement in Tendon Changing,"


    Chen Mu said with a shaken head and a chuckle, observing Xiao He''s joy. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao He smiled radiantly, blinking and saying, "You are so calm because you are confident, but we are all watching. Tendon Changing and Body Refinement are completely different levels... Alright, since you''ve entered Tendon Changing, the young miss''s plan can also begin, and you have a part in it too."


    "Plan?"


    Your next chapter is on m v|l-e''-NovelFire.net


    Chen Mu asked Xiao He curiously.


    Xiao He smiled softly, saying, "The young miss will be able to reach Tendon Changing Perfection after at most one more month of quiet cultivation. Then, she is going to take up a post at the Demon-Slaying Office, and I will join the Demon-Slaying Office to assist her."


    "The Demon-Slaying Office, huh..."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly.


    In fact, he had previously speculated that Xu Hongyu would likely go to the Demon-Slaying Office after resigning her position as the Chief Constable of the South City District, as a person of her caliber would not be suitable for the Salt Affairs Bureau, which was essentially a place for the older generation of the Yu Family to retire.


    The other government offices had little interference from the Yu Family, and Xu Hongyu probably didn''t want to engage in those bureaucratic struggles anymore.


    Therefore, after all considerations, there were only four must-compete-for places, and the Demon-Slaying Office was the most suitable destination for Xu Hongyu.


    Looking at it now.


    Xu Hongyu was not only planning to go to the Demon-Slaying Office herself, but she had also planned for him to join her there when he was asked to step down from his position.


    "That sounds quite good."


    In Chen Mu''s view, the Demon-Slaying Office was indeed a good destination, including for himself.


    There, he would be able to obtain various scarce resources, such as Bone Tempering Pills, and even the opportunity to comprehend more Artistic Conception Maps. The Thunderclap Diagram he held was, after all, only a very low-grade rubbings version. If he had the opportunity to comprehend a better middle-grade or even superior-grade diagram, the effects would certainly be much better than now.


    Just like not long ago when he had accumulated enough experience points for a second deduction of Thunderclap Artistic Conception, but as he had expected, a single deduction was not enough to directly advance the Thunderclap Artistic Conception to the second step.


    That deduction,


    merely deepened his understanding of the Thunderclap Artistic Conception.


    However, there were still some changes; for instance, when he now employed the Thunderclap Artistic Conception, the sparks of electricity were a bit more pronounced. Last night, when he killed the black-clothed man with a single blow, he had used only the Thunderclap Artistic Conception.


    If it were the past, just using the sole Thunderclap Artistic Conception, and with the opponent fifty steps away and prepared in advance, there would still be a slim chance of evading it. But after a deeper understanding of the Thunderclap Artistic Conception, there were no such accidents.


    "Let''s go, we''ll see the young miss."


    Xiao He smiled and spoke, then she turned around and said to the Yu Family patrol team in the yard who were questioning the servants, "Alright, that''s enough. You don''t have to ask any more; let it be."


    The Yu Family patrol team was just going through the motions, as they already knew all there was to Chen Mu''s background; thus, they did not question Chen Mu at all but instead questioned the servants. Hearing now that Chen Mu had stepped into the Tendon Changing Realm, some looked at Chen Mu with different eyes, with a markedly more solemn attitude.


    "It''s settled then."


    "The person was rescued last night, and the evildoer is dead. Indeed, there wasn''t much; it was just a routine inquiry. I hope Brother Chen won''t mind the slight disturbance," the leader greeted Chen Mu with a smile and then waved his hand, leading the people away.


    Seeing this, Chen Mu shook his head slightly and instructed Wang Ni and the others, before following Xiao He out of the yard.


    ...


    In the eastern part of the Yu Family.


    Main courtyard.


    In the quite spacious yard, where many exotic flowers and plants were growing, all trimmed to please the eye.


    At this moment, in one area of the yard, a bamboo mat was laid out with a corpse on top, dressed in night clothes, with a penetrating wound in the chest¡ªit was the black-clothed man who had committed the crime last night.


    His mask had already been removed, revealing the face of a man who looked to be in his thirties, with a dark spot on his forehead.


    At this time.


    Several solemnly dressed figures surrounded the corpse, all appearing to be in their forties or fifties. They were both second and third generation members of the Yu Family, those currently wielding power within the clan.


    At the forefront was a man dressed in a green brocade robe, the current patriarch of the Yu Family, Yu Zuyi!


    He belonged to the second generation of the Yu Family and was the maternal grandfather of Xu Hongyu, having reached Perfection in the Bone Tempering Realm and mastered the Kan Water Artistic Conception. Aside from the old ancestor who had stepped into the Five Viscera Realm, he was a pillar of the Yu Family.


    But now nearly sixty years old, he was gradually reaching the age where his Qi-Blood would decline, able to sustain only a few more years before he would have to relinquish the position of patriarch to the younger third generation.


    Although the highest in the Body Refining Realm of the third generation had also reached Perfection in the Bone Tempering Realm, they had yet to comprehend the Kan Water Artistic Conception.


    The people were all watching the corpse at this time.


    In the midst of silence, suddenly, a graceful figure entered the yard¡ªit was Xu Hongyu.


    As Xu Hongyu approached, she glanced at the corpse, her expression slightly concentrated, but she quickly shifted her gaze to Yu Zuyi.


    "Grandfather."


    "Hongyu has come."


    Yu Zuyi looked at Xu Hongyu, his eyes softening a bit.


    This was the Yu Family''s main courtyard. During discussions, even direct descendents of the Yu Family couldn''t enter without permission, but Xu Hongyu was one of the few fourth-generation members who could participate.


    Xu Hongyu nodded slightly and said, "Grandfather, I had considerable success in my demon-hunting this time. After four months of quiet cultivation, I am not far from reaching Tendon Changing Perfection. In another month or so, I should achieve it, after which I would like to take up a position at the Demon-Slaying Office."


    "Hmm, Tendon Changing Perfection, the Demon-Slaying Office would indeed be suitable," Yu Zuyi nodded slightly.


    A regular Yu Family youngster stepping into Tendon Changing Minor Achievement and going to the Demon-Slaying Office wouldn''t be a problem, but he hoped Xu Hongyu could grow more steadily, so at the beginning of her breakthrough, he did not arrange for her to go to the Demon-Slaying Office but instead allowed her to serve in South City District as Chief Constable, which was also considered a way for her to temper and refine herself.


    Xu Hongyu continued, "There''s also Xiao He; I plan to have her accompany me to the Demon-Slaying Office as well. And Chen Mu has also achieved Tendon Changing; the two of them assisting me would be most appropriate."


    "Oh, Chen Mu, yes, I remember you have mentioned him," mused Yu Zuyi, recalling what he knew about Chen Mu, "The young man stepping into Tendon Changing is indeed praiseworthy, and your judgment is good too. It seems his background is clean, so having him accompany you to the Demon-Slaying Office as an aide is good."


    At that point,


    Yu Zuyi nodded and said, "Alright, I have taken note of this matter. I will make arrangements in a few days."


    Upon hearing this, Xu Hongyu also responded, then moved to the side.


    At this moment, Yu Zuyi once again glanced at the corpse on the bamboo mat, then directed his gaze at the people present and said in a solemn voice, "Enough of you have arrived. Regarding the incident last night where ''Spot-faced'' Tian Jifeng attempted to steal a Yu Family bloodline in the night and was killed by an unknown assailant outside the residence on North Street...


    what are your thoughts on this matter?"

 Chapter 109: Chapter 105 Thunder Sound

    The high-ranking members of the Yu Family in the courtyard were either wearing stern faces or had a hint of unusual color in their eyes. At this time, upon hearing Yu Zuyi speak, someone pondered briefly, then said, "This ''Spotted Face'' Tian Jifeng has been wanted for many years.Suddenly making a move against the Yu Family''s bloodline in the Inner City indicates someone must be behind it, and I suspect it''s the actions of the He Family in secret."


    "Indeed, ever since that He Mingxuan died, the He Family has become even more overbearing, insisting on pinning the blame on our Yu Family. Now, they''re targeting our Yu Family''s bloodline; it''s most likely out of retaliation."


    Someone by their side voiced agreement, their tone cold.


    "No, I think that Tian Jifeng has no connection with the He Family. Our Yu Family''s intelligence hasn''t found any evidence that he was a plant raised by the He Family. It''s likely that one of the other two families is intentionally causing strife, for all we know."


    Another person spoke up in dissent.


    What happened last night was extremely strange. Tian Jifeng, the bandit who''d been on the wanted list for years, suddenly sneaked into the Yu Family stronghold at night to target a distant relative, kidnapping a baby girl. It was all very perplexing no matter how one thought about it.


    Such an incident didn''t cause much harm to the Yu Family, other than provoking their fury, there was no other effect.


    "Hah, Third Brother is right. I think if it weren''t for last night... in a few days, Yu Yao might ''suddenly'' appear on the He Family''s turf, then directly spark conflict between us and the He Family."


    Another person spoke with a cold laugh.


    The He Family lost a member of their direct lineage and insisted on blaming the Yu Family. If the Yu Family were to lose a member, turning up on the He Family''s territory, there would inevitably be a clash given the animosity between the two families, even if they were aware it might be a deliberate scheme.


    After a brief silence,


    An elderly man with gray temples standing to the right of Yu Zuyi looked at Tian Jifeng''s body on the bamboo mat with a hint of puzzlement.


    "Speaking of which, the person who acted last night to thwart this affair and kill this man... who could it possibly be?"


    At this point, the courtyard fell even quieter for a moment, and many eyes turned to the blood hole on Tian Jifeng''s body and a stone beside his body, soaked with blood and slightly blackened, their expressions changing.


    Yu Zuyi''s expression also grew more solemn.


    According to the traces at the scene.


    Last night, the unknown figure must have been at least forty steps away, flinging a pebble through the air in the pitch-black night, killing Tian Jifeng on the spot.


    What was most astonishing was that this pebble not only pierced through the chest of someone with Tendon Changing Major Achievement but also did not shatter. It flew straight out dozens of steps and embedded itself into a thick stone wall!


    The force behind it, unquestionably, was at the Bone Tempering level.


    The skill displayed, was undoubtedly an Artistic Conception!


    Moreover, from various traces, it was evident that the person had practiced the Thunderclap Artistic Conception, and it was not just a superficial entry. It seemed as if the Artistic Conception had been honed for many years, demonstrating the might of the initial steps to its fullest extent.


    In Yu City, everyone who mastered the Thunderclap Artistic Conception was a well-known individual, and those who reached such a level were even fewer. They could be counted on two hands, and the Yu Family certainly did not possess such a person.


    At this moment.


    Xu Hongyu also bent down to examine Tian Jifeng''s body closely, with gravity reflected in her gaze.


    She had already heard about some aspects before she came, but upon a closer inspection, the horrifying notion became clearer: from a distance, a small pebble had been thrown to kill a person with Tendon Changing Major Achievement, and even the pebble itself remained undamaged.


    This level of terrifying power and skill, if intended to kill her, would likely be just as easy¡ªin the blink of an eye!


    This strength was something only possessed by the very topmost echelon in Yu City.


    "Could it be someone from the Xie Family?"


    After a silent moment, someone spoke out solemnly.


    "Your reason?"


    An adjacent person asked slowly.


    The position of the Xie Family should be that they would prefer a more intense conflict between the Yu and He families, to fish in troubled waters. They wouldn''t normally intervene in such a matter; in fact, it''s more likely that the Xie Family is behind this.


    Similarly, it was improbable for the Xue Family; thus, the He Family was even less likely. Even if the He Family was aware someone was trying to set them up, they wouldn''t quietly handle the problem for the Yu Family. More likely, they would take advantage of the situation to make things worse for the Yu Family.


    The members of the Yu Family discussed among themselves.


    But considering the positions at play, they couldn''t find any rational suspects.


    Furthermore, some were reminded of He Mingxuan''s death about four months earlier, also at the hands of an unknown person who mastered the Thunderclap Artistic Conception. However, these two incidents appeared very odd and seemed to be unrelated.


    "Could there be another force at play in Yu City? In recent years, the Corpse Poison Jade has appeared several times..."


    Someone said in a grave voice.


    This comment caused Yu Zuyi''s eyes to flicker slightly.


    Even though the four major families had essentially divided Yu County among themselves, if another external force wanted to meddle, it wasn''t out of the realm of possibility. After all, if the waters of the Inner City were to be muddied, there would be an opportunity to profit from the chaos.


    Furthermore, the Yu Family had been keeping a close eye on the He Family. Indeed, there were some abnormalities regarding the He Family that suggested the possibility of their collusion with forces beyond Yu County. This included the frequent appearances of the deadly covert weapon, Corpse Poison Jade, within Yu City in recent years, which most likely wasn''t an internal product of Yu City.


    However, this made the situation far more complex.


    After the Yu Family''s top echelons discussed for a moment,


    they ultimately didn''t come to any conclusion, but in the end, they inadvertently avoided some troubles and decided not to pursue the investigation further. Instead, the focus shifted to Tian Jifeng''s background and the He Family, which required thorough investigation.


    ¡­


    "Brother, you''re back!"


    Chen Yue looked at Chen Mu returned to the courtyard and jogged over to him, her expression a bit tense as she said, "I heard that someone broke into the house next door yesterday... Even the Yu Family''s residence has had such an incident."


    She had spent the previous night at Yu Ru''s home, sleeping together with Yu Ru, but the thought that such a crime had happened so close to her own home made her somewhat nervous and uneasy.


    "It''s alright, it''s all taken care of now. The villain who dared to cause trouble in the Yu Family''s residence is already dead." sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu, who had just returned from Xu Hongyu''s place and had pretty much finalized the matter of joining the Demon-Slaying Office in a month, was considering some issues on his way back. Seeing Chen Yue, he gently patted her head with an easygoing demeanor to comfort her.


    Seeing that Chen Mu seemed completely unconcerned, Chen Yue couldn''t help but puff up her cheeks and said, "Brother, I heard that the thief was a very powerful one, named Tian Jifeng or something, and that he was already in the Tendon Changing Realm."


    "Hmm, Tendon Changing... it''s not that big of a deal."


    Chen Mu couldn''t help but laugh at Chen Yue''s reaction.


    Hearing Chen Mu''s words, Chen Yue blinked rapidly, suddenly thinking of something and said with some surprise, "Brother, could it be that you have already... "


    Chen Mu smiled and pinched Chen Yue''s cheek without answering, simply walking into the inner courtyard and back into his own room.


    Chen Yue, watching Chen Mu''s back, felt a surge of joy in her heart. She was keenly aware of the gap between Tendon Changing and Body Refinement; if Chen Mu had crossed that boundary, it would mean a groundbreaking transformation, and she would feel even more confident in the Yu Family thereafter.


    Her mind wandered back to a few days ago.


    When Yu Yun and others had argued with her and Yu Ru, they had mocked that even though Chen Mu might be talented, if he couldn''t cross the hurdle of Tendon Changing, he was nothing special after all. Now, she could hold her head high and push back against them.


    Her brother had always been very impressive!


    Inside the room.


    Chen Mu, however, was unaware of the small pride Chen Yue felt at the moment and would probably just smile it off even if he knew. He wasn''t too interested in her and the other young girls of the Yu Family''s squabbles.


    As long as it didn''t escalate to a contest of ''my brother dares...'' ''my brother dares...'' it was inconsequential.


    For the Yu Family to arrange for Xu Hongyu and him, along with Xiao He, to enter the Demon-Slaying Office was an easy task and unlikely to encounter any accidents, so his quiet cultivation would be coming to an end in a month.


    He could also use this month to bring his practice of the Black Jade Tendon Changing Method to 100% and reach the limit of Tendon Changing.


    ¡­


    Time flew by.


    After the theft incident at the younger daughter of Yu Zhen''s house, the situation had calmed down again.


    The security of the Yu Family''s residence naturally far surpassed that of the Outer City. The occurrence last time was because Yu Zhen belonged to a collateral branch of the Yu Family and lived in a more remote northern area. If it were a little closer to the inner streets, such incidents would be basically impossible, as the Yu Family''s patrols day and night were all cultivated elite personnel.


    Any one of them could become a leader of a gang in the Outer City, not even inferior to the He Family''s elite knife-wielding guards.


    A month''s time passed in an instant.


    In a side room.


    Chen Mu sat quietly in a barrel of water. As the color of the water gradually changed from black to gray, his eyes also slowly opened, and he immediately summoned the system panel.


    [Black Jade Tendon Changing Method (99%)]


    [Experience: 51 points]


    "Enough."


    Chen Mu took a deep breath, closed his eyes slightly, and slowly cleared the distractions in his mind before investing the last 1%.


    Buzz!


    Accompanied by a burst of dense medicinal power exploding inside his body.


    Continue your saga on m|v-l''e -NovelFire.net


    The tendons throughout his body, which had been tempered and transformed to the point of becoming like flood dragon sinews, suddenly twisted on their own, making a series of crackling sounds. The medicinal power extended from top to bottom, penetrating layer by layer, reaching the tips of his limbs.


    At this moment.


    If Chen Mu''s flesh and blood were dissected to extract the large tendons, it would be seen that the large tendons throughout his body had now turned a pale golden color, with a toughness that almost surpassed that of the bowstrings of strong bows and crossbows!


    No, more accurately, if his large tendons were stripped out now, they could be compared to the sinews of the beast capable of making a Nine Stone Bow!


    The Nine Stone Bow, known as the Thousand Catties Bow, indicates that if one''s own tendons are comparable to the bowstrings of such a strong bow, it naturally implies that every movement could effortlessly exert the force of a thousand catties, or even stronger.


    "This is the limit of the First Realm of Tendon Changing."


    Chen Mu slowly rose from the water.


    Then he stepped out of the barrel, arms outstretched, body motionless, with a sudden release of force, he faintly heard a sound like the beating of drums emanating from within his body, which was the sound of the large tendons stretching and tensing up.


    This was the Tiger and Leopard Thunder Sound, a sound realm clearly documented in the ''Major Achievement Martial Canon.'' According to the Martial Canon, it is only when one has trained the Skin Toughening, Body Refinement, and Tendon Changing to their respective limits, connecting muscles and tendons to their peak, that one can emit the Tiger and Leopard Thunder Sound.


    And those who can train to this extent are one in ten thousand!


    "Phew..."


    Feeling the strength of his body, Chen Mu exhaled a breath as sharp as a Qi Sword.


    Tomorrow would be the day to join the Demon-Slaying Office, and he had finally reached the endpoint of the Tendon Changing Realm the day before.

 Chapter 110: Chapter 106: Joining the Company

    ```The next morning dawned.


    Chen Mu slowly opened his eyes, stretched his body, and gradually sat up.


    Having completed the final step of Tendon Changing Realm cultivation yesterday, he had given himself a rare day off. He didn''t continue the arduous practice and contemplation and had gone to bed early. Now, waking up after a long sleep, he felt extraordinarily refreshed.


    Dressed in a thin white sleeping robe, Chen Mu stepped out of bed and strolled to the door, only to see a delicate figure in the courtyard practicing with a Soft Sword. Morning light spilled from the distant east, casting the sword in a pale golden hue like petals of pear blossoms, an elegant sight to behold.


    The one practicing was Chen Yue.


    In just over a year, Chen Yue had managed to cultivate Skin Toughening to Perfection, particularly due to her innate talent. Additionally, her significant progress in mastering swordsmanship was no less remarkable than Chen Mu''s own dedication to cultivation.


    Every day when Chen Mu rose, Chen Yue would already be up early, practicing her swordsmanship in the courtyard; today, she even started before him, having been at it for a while.


    "Brother, you''re awake."


    Chen Yue, catching sight of Chen Mu at the door, revealed an incredibly sweet smile amidst the golden morning rays. The little girl was gradually maturing, her childlike cuteness now accompanied by the delicate beauty of a young lady.


    "Mhm."


    Chen Mu walked slowly into the courtyard.


    Putting away her sword, Chen Yue ran over and looked up at Chen Mu, biting her lip slightly, "You, you''re going to the Demon-Slaying Office today. You''ll rarely come back after that. I''ve heard that the Office doesn''t just hunt demons frequently to maintain the peace of the region, but that there''s also a lot of competition, both overt and covert, among the families.


    Brother, please be very careful..." Read exclusive content at mvl


    Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile warmly at her words.


    In the past, Chen Yue had always been extremely caring towards him, such as looking after him tirelessly by his bedside when he was ill, and always considering his convenience in everything she did. She even suppressed her own desires for outings, just to avoid bothering him.


    Now, Chen Yue had grown up a lot and was even beginning to understand the disputes between families and some matters concerning the Demon-Slaying Office, most likely having made an effort to learn about these after hearing he would be going there.


    "Don''t worry, there aren''t many people who can harm me anymore."


    Chen Mu lifted his hand, intending to pat Chen Yue''s head, but she had grown taller¡ªher head now above his chin¡ªmaking it awkward to do so. Instead, he patted her shoulder lightly.


    "Okay!" S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Yue beamed with a smile.


    She was aware that Chen Mu had reached the Tendon Changing Realm, and indeed, the number of people who could harm him had greatly diminished. Ordinary villains, even in dozens or hundreds, posed little threat to him.


    But what she didn''t realize was that the "not many" Chen Mu referred to encompassed the entire Yu County, where indeed there weren''t many people left.


    "Come, show me how much your swordsmanship has improved."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly and walked a few steps forward, gesturing to Chen Yue with his hand.


    Chen Yue, with a joyful expression, lifted her Soft Sword and said,


    "Watch the sword!"


    Immediately, she flicked the Soft Sword, pointing out three glints of light towards Chen Mu, like raindrops falling.


    Chen Mu had guided her swordsmanship more than once before, and as previously, he would do so barehanded. Knowing full well she couldn''t hurt him even with all her might, she executed her sword moves without much hesitation.


    Facing the three-fold Sword Rain from Chen Yue''s flick of the Soft Sword, Chen Mu calmly raised his left hand, his index and middle fingers together as if they were a sword. A tap to the left, another to the right, and finally, his index finger flicked upwards, bent.


    Ding ding dong!


    The two bursts of sword light on either side were extinguished by Chen Mu''s fingertips; and then the body of Chen Yue''s Soft Sword was flicked by his finger, bending upward into an arc and redirecting back towards herself.


    However, Chen Yue showed no surprise or panic. She ducked swiftly, dodging the rebound of her Soft Sword while sweeping it in an arc bathed in the morning light''s pale gold, drawing a light arc.


    From back to front, from below upward, a slanted upward stroke targeted the lower body.


    It was a close call, narrowly attacking the vulnerable spot.


    Chen Mu, seeing this stroke, revealed a hint of amusement in his eyes but remained stationary. His fingers flexed and struck down three times in succession. Chen Yue''s Soft Sword trembled violently under the impact, and she lost her grip, causing it to fall to the ground.


    "Your adaptability has improved since last time, knowing to strike at vital points¡ªthat''s good. After reaching Major Achievement in swordsmanship, you should gradually move beyond the confines of the moves themselves. However, right now, you should still focus on mastering swordsmanship, understanding how to inflict harm and find openings. You can refine these aspects further later on."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly to Chen Yue and offered a few pointers.


    Though not very familiar with the Kan Water Sect techniques, his current standing was such that even many longstanding instructors at the Yu Family Martial Arts Institute paled in comparison to him. Naturally, he was more than capable of guiding Chen Yue in her swordsmanship.


    Chen Yue listened attentively by his side, and after Chen Mu finished analyzing and commenting on her sword techniques, she watched him return to the house. After Chen Mu had changed his clothes and come out again, they went to the main hall for breakfast. Afterwards, she escorted Chen Mu all the way to the doorway.


    Chen Mu waved his hand to her.


    Then he set forth, quickly disappearing into the distant streets.


    Chen Yue looked at the receding figure of Chen Mu, took a deep breath, lowered her gaze to the Soft Sword in her hand, and her eyes gradually steadied with determination. These leisurely days would soon come to an end. It had been over five months, and as Chen Mu set off to do what he must, she too should practice her swordsmanship more earnestly.


    She aimed to enter Minor Achievement in Body Refinement and grasp Sword Momentum at an early stage so she could be of some help to Chen Mu in the future.


    ...


    Although Chen Mu had rarely wandered around during the more than five months at the Yu Family residence, his memory was excellent. He had a clear recollection of every street in the Yu Family''s territory and the general layout of the Inner City.


    Now walking towards the center of the Inner City, he quickly left the Yu Family''s residence behind and arrived at the outer gates of the Demon-Slaying Office''s Yamen.


    ```


    However, he didn''t go in.


    Instead, he stood silently in front of the towering stone monument, waiting.


    The Demon-Slaying Office''s Yamen was solemn and quiet, with no guards at the main entrance, only the occasional person coming and going. Passersby who saw Chen Mu standing silently in front of the monument merely glanced at him briefly before indifferently walking past.


    Within the Demon-Slaying Office, from the Deputy Governor down, are all titled ''Demon Slayer Guards'', but they are also divided into three different levels, from high to low: ''White-Clothed'', ''Green-Clothed'', and ''Black-Clothed''.


    Among them, the Black-Clothed are the lowest-ranked Demon Slayer Guards, usually people whose Realm has not reached Tendon Changing. They often only deal with low-level demons that do not pose a significant threat, with more of them being responsible for passing on intelligence and information.


    Green-Clothed and White-Clothed Guards above them are the main force of the Demon-Slaying Office in hunting demons.


    Most of those coming and going from the Demon-Slaying Office are Black-Clothed, all hurrying by with solemn expressions, with only the occasionally passing Green-Clothed and White-Clothed Guards appearing a bit more leisurely. Some of them looked at Chen Mu, but since they didn''t recognize him, they quickly moved on.


    Chen Mu didn''t have to wait long, just a quarter of an hour, when two familiar figures appeared in the distance and walked towards him; it was Xu Hongyu and Ning He.


    "Chen Mu."


    Ning He waved at Chen Mu from afar, calling out to him, but only her lips moved without any sound.


    Chen Mu waited for the two to come closer before he looked at Xu Hongyu, seeing she still had that unadorned appearance, yet her complexion, like that of white jade, seemed to need no embellishment from rouge or powder, her Qi-Blood full and her lips rosy and luscious. She wore a white, neutral longshirt, which, more than beauty, imparted a distant and cool feeling.


    Xu Hongyu nodded slightly at Chen Mu, saying, "Our hometown and names were registered yesterday. You can just go to the Yamen over there to get your identity waist token and guard uniform. Since you''re not familiar with the Demon-Slaying Office, it''s better to go in together."


    "That was my intention as well."


    Chen Mu smiled.


    Xu Hongyu gave a slight nod and then headed into the Hall Office of the Demon-Slaying Office, followed by Chen Mu and Ning He. Soon, Xu Hongyu led them through the familiar halls to an office on the east side within the Yamen of the Demon-Slaying Office.


    The Hall Office was quiet and not very spacious, only an old man dressed in Black-Clothed sat inside.


    "Xu Hongyu, Ning He, Chen Mu."


    Xu Hongyu spoke calmly to the elder.


    The elder looked up, glanced at Xu Hongyu, then turned to examine Chen Mu and Ning He beside her. He then raised his hand and tossed three waist tokens, which arced through the air toward each of them.


    Chen Mu deftly caught his with one hand and upon closer inspection, saw ''Demon-Slaying Office''s Green-Clothed Guard Chen Mu'' inscribed on it.


    He glanced sideways.


    Ning He''s waist token read ''Demon-Slaying Office''s Green-Clothed Guard Ning He''.


    And Xu Hongyu''s read ''Demon-Slaying Office''s White-Clothed Guard Xu Hongyu''.


    It was then that the elder spoke in a slow voice, "Take the waist tokens and go to the back for assessment, then collect your guard uniforms."


    Xu Hongyu, without much talk, led Chen Mu and Ning He through the Hall Office and towards the back, saying calmly, "Here in the Demon-Slaying Office, everything is direct and quick; there''s no need to be as cautious as on the outside."


    Chen Mu played with the new waist token in one hand, asking, "This assessment is?"


    "Just a formality."


    Xu Hongyu casually replied, "In earlier years, there would first be an assessment, and after a few days, the waist tokens and corresponding guard uniforms would be issued. Nowadays, the registration is done first; the waist tokens are prepared in advance, and the assessment is just a formality."


    While speaking, the three of them arrived at a much more spacious but even darker and silent Hall Office.


    Hisss.


    It sounded like the striking of a match, followed by a lamp lighting, brightening the dark Hall Office slightly. The entire Hall Office was very spacious, with only an iron post in the center bearing many chopping marks.


    Beside the iron post was a rough wooden block with many wooden swords stuck into it.


    "Xu Hongyu."


    A voice came from inside the Hall Office, belonging to the person who had lit the lamp, another expressionless, elder-faced man who sat not far from the iron post.


    At the sound of her name, Xu Hongyu casually approached, drew a wooden sword, and then stretched and tensed her limbs, immediately producing five crisp and clear noises from her tendons, a sign of Tendon Changing Perfection known as the ''Five Rings''.


    Then she snapped the wooden sword in her hand.


    Crack!


    The wooden sword struck the iron post, instantly shattering, but at the same time, it left a deep mark on the post.


    The elder nearby, still showing no change in expression, looked at the scene, then nonchalantly drew a circle on a piece of yellow paper before calling out, "Ning He."


    Ning He stepped forward lightly, drew a wooden sword with one hand, then stretched her body, producing a clear tendon noise. She swung the sword at the iron post.


    After the wooden sword shattered, it too left a mark, but it was much shallower than Xu Hongyu''s.


    "Chen Mu."


    The elder''s expression remained unchanged as he drew another circle, and now it was Chen Mu''s turn.

 Chapter 111: Chapter 107 Green-Clothed

    Chen Mu approached with a calm expression.Raising his right hand, he also drew a wooden sword, and then flicked his arm, eliciting a crisp sound akin to a whip crack. Following that, he swung the sword, striking the iron column. Along with the wooden sword breaking, a mark appeared on the column.


    "Indeed, it''s quite good."


    This remark wasn''t made by the elder responsible for the assessment but muttered by Xu Hongyu, her eyes revealing a hint of appreciation.


    Although they both demonstrated Tendon Changing, the quality of Tendon Changing varied greatly. Chen Mu''s sinew popping revealed that his muscles and membranes were extraordinary, allowing for such crisp sounds. Moreover, the strike he delivered demonstrated Triple Momentum, showing remarkable power. The mark left on the iron column was noticeably deeper than Little Lotus''s.


    The elder who observed Chen Mu''s performance showed a fleeting glint in his turbid, impassive eyes, but there was no further reaction¡ªonly a circle drawn indifferently on the paper.


    "That''s enough."


    As the words were spoken.


    Xu Hongyu nodded slightly and directly led Chen Mu and Little Lotus past the Hall Office, continuing to walk to the area further back.


    As they walked, Xu Hongyu turned to Chen Mu and said, "Actually, just revealing your realm of Tendon Changing would have sufficed for you to pass, as most of the assessments nowadays are a mere formality; they won''t intentionally make things difficult. There wasn''t a need to reveal Triple Momentum... but it''s no matter.


    You''ll need to display your true strength eventually when carrying out various tasks to accumulate merit."


    Little Lotus had long ago told her about Chen Mu achieving Triple Momentum, but he rarely showed it in front of others. Xu Hongyu admired this aspect of him. Despite being younger than herself, he maintained such composure and humility, never flaunting his power before others and always acting low-key, only unleashing his might like thunder when necessary. Enjoy more content from mvl


    His maturity and depth of character were hardly characteristic of a man in his twenties.


    Therefore, initially, she viewed Chen Mu with a sense of seniority, but that feeling gradually dissipated. In her interactions with Chen Mu, she didn''t perceive him to be someone two years younger than her.


    Compared to those geniuses of her own age from various families she had encountered, Chen Mu''s strength and realm aside, he felt decidedly different to her.


    This, in fact, was also why she became increasingly invested in Chen Mu¡ªnot solely because of the talent he showed. After all, in this world, although strength is the most crucial part of standing one''s ground, mentality and conduct are also very important.


    True strength...


    Chen Mu stroked his chin but said nothing, instead pondering aloud, "Hmm, this Demon-Slaying Office follows rules quite strictly, somewhat different from other Yamen."


    Xu Hongyu nodded and said, "Of course. Although it''s been a long time since the Imperial Court has issued any decrees down to Yu County, the Demon-Slaying Office is currently not fully controlled by any one family, and the Bureau Head is a person from the Seven Profound Sect."


    "I see."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly.


    He had heard a bit about this. Yu City''s Demon-Slaying Office, where prominent martial artists from various families were stationed, was also a battleground for their struggles. Although nominally under the jurisdiction of City Lord Xue Huaikong, in fact, the Seven Profound Sect also had a hand in it.


    However, as far as he knew, the Bureau Head from the Seven Profound Sect didn''t intervene in any disputes among the families, nor did he favor any side, maintaining fairness and impartiality, only intervening in major demonic calamities occasionally.


    In reality.


    By maintaining neutrality, he was implicitly favoring the Xue Family.


    After all, in the entire Yu City, the Xue Family was dominant, with City Lord Xue Huaikong also being the Xue Family head. The Xue Family''s control over the Demon-Slaying Office was stronger than other families, even controlling the sources of the Tendon Changing Pill and the Bone Tempering Pill.


    Originally, his position wasn''t high enough for him to understand much, but now he could basically see clearly that the source of the Tendon Changing Pill and Bone Tempering Pill was likely the Seven Profound Sect.


    Soon.


    The trio walked through the corridor and reached the final Hall Office, a place that was no longer dark but quite bright instead. Inside, several officials clothed in bureaucratic attire were chatting leisurely, but immediately became reserved upon seeing Chen Mu and his companions arrive.


    Xu Hongyu took out her waist token and showed it to the officials.


    Chen Mu followed suit, taking out his waist token along with Little Lotus.


    The officials respectfully took the tokens, gave them a quick examination, and promptly handed them back, saying deferentially, "The uniforms for the three distinguished officers are ready, along with customized knives and inner armor. Please follow me to collect your items."


    Chen Mu followed one of them and soon acquired a set of Green-Clothed Guard uniform, a long knife, and inner armor. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Setting aside the Green-Clothed Guard uniform for a moment, Chen Mu picked up the knife and unsheathed it with a clang, revealing a blade shimmering with cold light. It was similar in overall design to the Servant''s Knife but of a much higher quality, being forged from fine iron.


    The inner armor, however, was of more common quality, consisting of two connected pieces of hard armor covering the chest and back. Yet, wearing ''armor'' itself denotes a different status as secretly possessing crossbow bolts and armor was a serious crime in the past.


    After considering briefly, Chen Mu put on the armor to test it. It didn''t hinder his movements, so he decided to wear it.


    However, the effectiveness of this armor for him was rather low. Essentially, his muscles and membranes were now tougher than the iron armor. Nevertheless, an extra layer of armor ultimately provided a bit more defense.


    "If I could get my hands on soft armor, that would be nice, but the soft armors that would be significantly effective for me now are basically priceless, extremely valuable..."


    Chen Mu shook his head, then donned the Green-Clothed Guard uniform and took up the fine iron knife.


    For him now, a Fine Iron Knife was still a low-quality Servant''s Knife, and using it made no real difference. Only the divine weapons forged from Mysterious Iron, or the legendary famous swords, could be somewhat effective.


    But those were just as rare and extremely expensive, and not easy to obtain.


    He stepped out of the room.


    He saw that from another room on the inside, Xiao He also emerged, having changed into her Green-Clothed Guard uniform. It looked like it was indeed tailored to fit her body shape, and the one she wore also fit perfectly.


    Chen Mu''s gaze swept past her chest but saw a sudden decline downwards, wondering if she had put on the cast iron inner armor. In truth, Xiao He wasn''t lacking, but today, outside, he hadn''t seen any slope, most likely because she knew about the iron inner armor beforehand and wrapped it with silk or something like that.


    A Martial Artist who had reached the Tendon Changing stage overflowed with Qi-Blood, circulating freely throughout the body, so there was no need to worry about tight wrapping causing blood flow problems. Either way, it wouldn''t be a big issue.


    "It really fits well."


    Xiao He approached and walked a circle around Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu smiled faintly, saying nothing.


    The Green-Clothed Guard uniform of the Demon-Slaying Office indeed seemed decent, having fewer patterns than the dark-green uniform he wore as a Prefecture Chief but made of a noticeably higher grade of material, and the embroidered patterns were made of fine silk weave... Of course, all of this was actually irrelevant.


    The main point was that if an individual had a certain level of personal charm and appearance, then any clothing would seem to fit well.


    As for Xiao He...


    The same Green-Clothed Guard uniform somewhat diminished her demeanor.


    It wasn''t that Xiao He wasn''t pretty, it''s just that the Green-Clothed Guard uniform didn''t really suit a young lady.


    However.


    When Xu Hongyu emerged from the innermost room, she indeed caught one''s eye. The white uniform of the Demon-Slaying Office seemed on par with the white flying fish uniform she wore as Chief Constable, and both suited her temperament very well.


    The main thing was that at a glance, the cut was moderate, clearly Xu Hongyu hadn''t worn the inner armor. Chen Mu guessed that with Xu Hongyu''s status, she likely had better soft armor and didn''t need that low-end iron armor, nor the trouble Xiao He went through.


    "Let''s go."


    Xu Hongyu walked over with a calm expression.


    The few officials watched Chen Mu and the others as they left, respectfully saluting and watching as the three of them disappeared into the darkness, until Xu Hongyu and Chen Mu''s figures were completely gone. Only then did someone speak in a low voice with a glimmer in their eyes:


    "Xu Hongyu... she''s the one from the Yu Family, as beautiful and fair-skinned as the rumors say. Even in that White-Clothed Guard uniform, she looks absolutely stunning. I doubt even the Oiran of the Tasty Fragrance Pavilion could compare."


    "Shh! Do you have a death wish?"


    The person beside him was startled and glared at him, saying, "Comparing the great Xu to a brothel courtesan, you''ve got some nerve."


    The other person shrugged his shoulders and sighed, "I heard she is twenty-seven this year and has yet to marry. It''s true that women who practice martial arts tend to marry later, but still..."


    "Most likely she hasn''t seen anyone she likes."


    Another person shook their head, saying, "For someone like Officer Xu, someone who could match her in Yu City is probably one of those few individuals, and with her status, it''s not just a personal matter."


    It was understood by everyone that with Xu Hongyu''s status as a legitimate member of the Yu Family, if she were to marry, it would either be with a young prodigy or with direct heirs of other central families through marital alliances.


    Either way, it would definitely be a major event that could affect Yu City''s landscape.


    Naturally, it couldn''t be rushed.


    "Maybe that''s why, after all these years..."


    "Enough, get back to work."


    ...


    After Xu Hongyu exited from the eastern Hall Office, she headed directly for the central main office.


    Chen Mu followed calmly behind.


    As a White-Clothed Guard of the Demon-Slaying Office, at Seventh Grade, she held a position equivalent to the Chief Constable. For Xu Hongyu, serving as a White-Clothed Guard was a lateral transfer, but in reality, the status of the Demon-Slaying Office was superior to all other Yamen, with a so-called rule of ''half-a-grade higher for officials seen.''


    Put simply, now that Xu Hongyu had received information about the presence of a demon in South City District and was on her way there for demon-slaying, the Chief Constable of South City, even if holding an equivalent rank, had to fully cooperate and obey her commands ¡ª this was the ''half-a-grade higher for officials seen.''


    Similarly.


    As a Green-Clothed Guard, officially at Eighth Grade, my status was on par with a Deputy Head Officer of the City Guard General, which was essentially a half-grade promotion from my previous role as Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove District, and my actual standing was even higher. In any locality, I could directly command cooperation from any City Defense Division.

 Chapter 112: 108 chapters task

    "The Demon-Slaying Office is different from other Yamen," Chen Mu explained as they walked, "unless there is some large-scale demon chaos, it generally does not govern from the top down like other Yamen. On usual days, it''s relatively free, and individuals can take on tasks independently."Xu Hongyu was introducing the Demon-Slaying Office''s situation while they walked.


    Having previously hunted demons outside the city under the name of the Demon-Slaying Office and with her identity, Xu Hongyu naturally knew much more about the Demon-Slaying Office than Chen Mu, who now understood quite a bit more after her explanation.


    Firstly, outside the prefecture city, there are elite Guard Armies stationed at Yu City, and the seven counties of Yu County also each have a Guard Army stationed at their county government. Unless there is a large-scale demon chaos, the prefecture city and county governments are usually as stable as Mt. Tai.


    Therefore,


    on regular days, the personnel of the Demon-Slaying Office are mostly scattered across Yu County, hunting demons.


    Frankly, when there isn''t a large-scale demon chaos, the Demon-Slaying Office functions more like a loose organization. From the Metropolitan Commander, the Deputy Governor, all the way down to the White-Clothed and Green-Clothed Guards, everyone can independently undertake tasks related to demon slaying, exchanging demon corpses for corresponding merits.


    The various tasks of the Demon-Slaying Office are then based on intelligence from all around Yu County, which, after being analyzed and organized, is placed inside the Main Hall Office. They are generally divided into four levels: Black, Green, White, and Purple.


    ''Black Level'' tasks generally involve First and Second Rank demons, which pose relatively minor threats. Normally, a Martial Man with Body Refinement Perfection can kill any Second Rank demon, as long as their numbers are not too large, typically handled by the Black-Clothed Guard.


    Then there are the ''Green Level'' tasks, which often involve a few Third Rank demons, requiring the Green-Clothed Guard of the Tendon Changing Realm to handle them. These generally have clear intelligence indicating the type and number.


    Following that are the ''White Level'' tasks, which still involve Third Rank demons, but often with unknown numbers and types, significantly increasing the danger and difficulty. Either numerous Green-Clothed Guards are dispatched, or a White-Clothed Guard leads the team.


    Finally, there are the ''Purple Level'' tasks, which involve Fourth Rank demons, necessitating the involvement of people at or above the Deputy Governor level.


    Shortly thereafter,


    Chen Mu followed Xu Hongyu into the Demon-Slaying Office''s Main Hall, which was very spacious and crowded, housing about a dozen officials either arranging documents or moving something else, yet it remained rather quiet. Occasional entry and exit by Green-Clothed and Black-Clothed Guards were hurried.


    Xu Hongyu walked all the way to the innermost part, showed her waist token, and calmly said,


    "A White Level task."


    An elderly man in charge of task distribution glanced at the waist token then turned around to retrieve a document and handed it to Xu Hongyu.


    "Let''s go,"


    Xu Hongyu turned and called out to Chen Mu and others, then they headed out.


    It was all too simple and straightforward.


    Chen Mu watched this scene feeling somewhat surprised; the entire process of the Demon-Slaying Office was extremely streamlined. This included the assessment part, which was all very simple¡ªjust presenting the waist token, changing clothes, even task allocation was merely a matter of speaking a sentence.


    No wonder the whole atmosphere of the Demon-Slaying Office was so solemn. The seen Green-Clothed and Black-Clothed Guards outside all rushed by, none stopping or idling for chats.


    No need to meet with a superior, nor to manage any subordinates, just a point-to-point direct process.


    No wonder Xu Hongyu seemed much more relaxed after arriving at the Demon-Slaying Office; perhaps such a Yamen was more suitable for her than the City Defense Division, where she had to engage in constant intrigue and strife with others.


    Xu Hongyu led Chen Mu and Xiao He out of the Demon-Slaying Office.


    They walked until they reached a secluded and uninhabited area, where she then took out the document, carefully read through it, before handing it over to Chen Mu. Chen Mu reached out to take it, with Xiao He leaning in to look as well.


    The content of the document was very straightforward.


    [Northwest of An Yu County, one hundred and fifty miles out, a demon has been seen. It entered a village to feed on people, suspected to be a Wolf Demon.]


    The document contained a general direction, with no specific location and scant details on the demon, only suspecting it to be a Wolf Demon, with unknown strength and quantity.


    "This information is rather vague."


    Chen Mu said as he shook his head slightly after reading.


    Xu Hongyu, however, calmly responded, "White Level tasks are mostly like this. If the information were very clear, it would likely be a Green Level task instead, and the merit earned would be much less... We should not delay, let''s set off now."


    "Okay."


    At this moment, Chen Mu''s gaze was quite calm.


    Although in the past, the furthest he had ventured outside the city was just to the Mass Burial Mound, this time he would be going far away from the prefecture city, to the county government below. Yet, there was no turbulence in his heart.


    After all, he was no longer the small subordinate who lived ca...


    In Yu City, people from the Demon-Slaying Office must never be obstructed from handling emergencies; otherwise, anyone who tried would often be killed on the spot¡ªa meaningless death.


    They swiftly moved through, quickly arriving at a territory familiar to Chen Mu.


    "Ninth District..."


    He leaped several meters off the ground, following behind Xu Hongyu and casting his gaze around. Right on their path lay his former home. From a distance, seeing the familiar streets and the dilapidated rooms where he had lived for many years, a sense of nostalgia welled up in him.


    Once, he had struggled in hardship in this place, sparing even the meat on his plate. Now in just a few short years, he had gone from Head Constable to Prefecture Chief and now a Green-Clothed Guard of the Demon-Slaying Office, as if soaring through the clouds.


    The emotion in Chen Mu''s eyes was but a fleeting moment.


    The figures of the group quickly vanished among the streets, and many of the locals living there didn''t even notice someone had passed by, except for a man standing stupefied in an alley outside, watching the direction in which Chen Mu and the others were disappearing.


    He was dressed in the uniform of a Head Constable, significantly more mature and with a fuller beard compared to a few years ago; he was once Chen Mu''s colleague, Ren Yan, who had also ascended to the position of Head Constable after several years.


    "That person¡­"


    Ren Yan stared blankly in the direction Xu Hongyu and the others had gone, standing still.


    Xu Hongyu had passed too swiftly and at too great a distance for Ren Yan to see. Chen Mu and Xiao He moved even faster and appeared somewhat blurry, but he eventually caught a glimpse of a familiar profile.


    Was it Chen Mu?


    He remembered that Chen Mu had long ago been promoted to Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove District but had left his post without a clear destination a few months ago.


    Some said Chen Mu might have lost his future prospects, but recalling the clothing he just saw.


    "A Green-Clothed Guard of the Demon-Slaying Office..."


    Ren Yan silently shook his head, a self-mocking expression crossing his face.


    This was a level he couldn''t even hope to touch, able to crush a person like him effortlessly. Not to mention himself, even Min Baoyi, the Prefecture Chief of Ninth District, had to act reverently in front of the Green-Clothed Guards, not being on the same level.


    Back then,


    he had actually aspired to compete with such a figure for fame and profit.


    If he recalled his own rudeness from those days, just a single word might cause him irreversible destruction, but to the likes of Chen Mu today, he probably couldn''t even remember such an insignificant person.


    ... S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu did not notice Ren Yan.


    Even if he had, he likely wouldn''t have paid much attention, nor did he have any interest in doing so.


    Only those who had followed him like Liu Song and Li Tie held some importance to him; when he left his post, he had also reassigned Liu Song and Li Tie back to Ninth District, placing them under Min Baoyi¡ªthough secretly he still controlled a group of spies in Wutong Grove District. With his former confidants, their status now was entirely different and even Min Baoyi treated them with respect.


    They soon left the city.


    Xu Hongyu took out a map, glanced at it briefly, and said:


    "An Yu County is located to the southwest of Yu County, quite remote. Between it and Yu County lies the Qiulin Mountain Range. Merchants and transporters usually travel by water or take the highway, going around the Qiulin Mountains. However, our movement needs to be faster; let''s just cross the Qiulin Mountains directly."


    Chen Mu looked at the map.


    He saw a long water route connecting An Yu County with Yu City, perfectly aligning with the river that ran through Yu City, though this waterway was winding and turned back on itself due to the complex terrain.


    As for the marked highway, that went around the expansive stretch of the Qiulin Mountains, taking quite a detour. The road''s length was at least doubled, but compared to merchants, they preferred the longer route on the highway.


    After all, the highway was smooth and every segment had a posting station. Each station was guarded by army soldiers, making travel on the highway much safer with much lower chances of encountering bandits, robbers, or fierce demons.


    "Qiulin Mountain Range..."


    Chen Mu pondered over the mountain range marked on the map, his mind abuzz with information.


    During his time with the Yu Family, he read various books: not only the records of Da Xuan but also maps and detailed descriptions of Yu County, including the Qiulin Mountains. For instance, the periphery of the mountain range supported many local woodcutters and hunters and was not much dangerous.


    As for the inner area, because it wasn''t too far from Yu City, there were no particularly fierce demons, and occasionally, scions from noble families in the Inner City would be led by their elders to the Qiulin Mountains for demon-slaying and training.


    Even though he wasn''t familiar with this place, given Xu Hongyu''s strength, she could easily cross through.


    Xiao He, seeing Chen Mu deep in thought, thought he had some suggestion and looked his way, and Xu Hongyu also paused, their eyes fixed on Chen Mu. It was Chen Mu''s first time leaving the city, but they both, seemingly without prior agreement, valued his opinion.


    However, Chen Mu simply shook his head and said, "I have no objections, Commander Xu, lead the way."


    Xu Hongyu, after looking closely at Chen Mu with her expressive eyes, suddenly said, "No need to be so formal. There isn''t much difference between us anymore; you can call me by my name from now on."


    Having said that,


    she led the way toward the Qiulin Mountains.

 Chapter 113: Chapter 109 Corpse Refinement

    The Autumn Woods Mountain Range was not very far from Yu County, but neither was it very close. By the time Chen Mu followed Xu Hongyu across and reached the foot of the Autumn Woods Mountain Range, the sun had already passed noon and was gradually leaning toward the western bank."It seems we will have to rest in the mountains for the night."


    Xu Hongyu glanced at the sun and estimated the pace of the group.


    Xiao He hesitated slightly, "Is spending the night in the mountains a bit¡­"


    "No matter,"


    Xu Hongyu shook her head, "There are no dangerous demons in the Autumn Woods Mountain Range, and entering the mountains we can also conveniently hunt some meat. In fact, traveling through the night wouldn''t be an issue, but in that case, once we reach An Yu County, we would need to rest in the city for a night."


    For martial artists in the Tendon Changing Realm, as long as there was meat and water, staying awake for two or three days was no issue. However, since this trip involved dealing with demons, it was essential to maintain a state of abundant vitality and Qi-Blood before reaching the destination.


    Chen Mu had no objections to Xu Hongyu''s proposal.


    Although sleeping in the wild and barren hills seemed somewhat poor and meager, having two women by his side, both pleasing to the eyes, mattered a lot; he had grown somewhat bored of his days in the city over the years.


    Seeing that Chen Mu and Xiao He had no other objections, Xu Hongyu then set off into the Autumn Woods Mountain Range, with Chen Mu and Xiao He following closely behind.


    As their figures disappeared into the mountain range,


    from within the bushes,


    some grey insects lying on the dry rotten wood noiselessly flapped their wings and vanished into the woods.


    ...


    The sky gradually darkened.


    The group had ventured deep into the heart of the Autumn Woods Mountain Range.


    Along the way, they hadn''t encountered any demons, and they had seldom seen any beasts. Only Chen Mu always had a faint feeling of being watched, but climbing up the trees to look around, he saw no trace of any person or demon, as if it was just an illusion upon first entering the dense forest.


    "Let''s stop here."


    Xu Hongyu glanced at the sky, slowed her pace, and then drew her sword from its sheath, casually swinging it a few times, cutting down several nearby trees as thick as bowls, which fell with a loud crash.


    Seeing Xu Hongyu efficiently setting up a temporary shelter, Chen Mu said, "I''ll go hunt some meat."


    With that,


    he leapt up and disappeared among the trees.


    After Chen Mu had left, Xiao He looked toward Xu Hongyu and smiled lightly, "He still follows Miss Xu''s commands as always, without any different proposals all day."


    Xu Hongyu appeared calm, "This is his first time leaving the city, he doesn''t know much about the outside and lacks experience dealing with demons, so he naturally wouldn''t interfere in unfamiliar situations. He knows how to act appropriately."


    Youthful frivolity was never seen in Chen Mu.


    This was one of the reasons she only brought Xiao He and Chen Mu to carry out this mission¡ªXiao He was inevitably obedient to her, and Chen Mu knew how to measure his actions, ensuring he wouldn''t act rashly or burden the team.


    ...


    Away from where Xu Hongyu was,


    Chen Mu looked up and spotted the tallest tree, swiftly leaping onto its top, his gaze surveying the area below. Even though dense leaves obscured his view, he could still see some movements.


    Soon, his gaze settled on a direction in the distance, and he promptly leapt from the tree, quickly reaching the spot. Raising his right hand, he fetched a stone and flung it downward. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Crack!


    In the woods below, a gray bear foraging for food was struck directly in the skull by the stone in his hand.


    "Not a demon¡­"


    Chen Mu dropped from the tree and examined the bear''s corpse, shaking his head slightly.


    While demons were great evils that plagued mankind, they were also full of preciousness. Even lower-rank demons had valuable skins and bones, and the Qi-Blood contained in their flesh far exceeded that of normal beasts.


    If one regularly consumed the fresh flesh of demons, their own Qi-Blood would be much more vigorous than others, potentially accelerating the Body Refining process and making it easier to reach the Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering Realms.


    Xu Hongyu had previously hunted demons before reaching Tendon Changing Perfection after a period of quiet cultivation, which was also due to the frequent occurrences of demons during that time; they served both as practice and a means to accumulate Qi-Blood, aiding her rapid progression.


    However,


    demons weren''t commonly seen under normal circumstances.


    Although not as intelligent as humans, demons were somewhat sharper than regular beasts and were very good at concealing themselves; they usually only appeared frequently when some anomaly occurred in the natural world, making them somewhat agitated.


    Like during the previous winter, it was due to changes in the celestial phenomena that many demons were affected.


    The gray bear weighed seven to eight hundred pounds.


    Chen Mu reached out and lifted it with one hand, as his physical strength after reaching the limit of the Tendon Changing Realm far exceeded ordinary human imagination.


    "Mmm¡­ what is that?"


    Just as Chen Mu was about to carry the gray bear back, his gaze suddenly sharpened, looking toward a direction not far off.


    He didn''t see anything specifically, but as his Qi-Blood circulated, he faintly sensed a decaying, corrupt aura from that direction, causing him an uncomfortable sensation.


    Chen Mu furrowed his brows, and after a moment of pondering, he put down the gray bear and headed in that direction.


    A short while later,


    a marshland appeared before him.


    The marshland emitted a thick, putrid stench, with some eerie gray insects fluttering above it, buzzing loudly, making Chen Mu increasingly uncomfortable, furrowing his brow even more. He turned to leave.


    But suddenly, a thought struck him; he stepped back a few paces, drew his Fine Iron Knife, and swung it out.


    Whoosh!


    A few gray bugs were torn apart by the strong wind picked up by the knife, while the putrid swamp exploded all at once, splashing countless decaying mud and murky water.


    As soon as Chen Mu swung his knife downward, he leaped into the air and landed atop a tree, untouched by the filthy water and decayed mud, while his gaze turned toward the rotten swamp, and immediately he slightly narrowed his eyes.


    "As expected..."


    His complexion turned somewhat ugly.


    In the exploding putrid mud, a corpse appeared startlingly upright in the mire, its entire body covered in filth and sludge.


    No wonder he felt extremely uncomfortable, vaguely sensing something off about that stench. It turned out to be the smell of a corpse!


    His sudden action was because he recognized those strange gray bugs as a species known as Corpse Bugs, which he had seen in a ''Record of Bugs.'' These bugs, considered lowly monsters, often lurk near corpses.


    Additionally, having worked as a constable for many years and frequently handled corpses, he was extremely sensitive to the smell of decay. Now, with his increased realm and abundant Qi-Blood, his senses were much sharper than before. Even the corpse stench mixed with the mire and filth could still be keenly detected by him.


    That a body was buried in the swamp in the deep mountains was indeed surprising, especially as it appeared not yet to have rotted.


    Chen Mu examined the body carefully before shaking his head.


    In the depths of the Autumn Forest Mountains, an ordinary person would not venture, and he was no longer a constable required to investigate a case just because of a corpse. Hunting monsters was more important.


    With this thought.


    Chen Mu prepared to leave the tree.


    But he suddenly thought something was amiss, turning his head back, squinting at the corpse in the swamp about to be submerged again, and suddenly took out a pebble and threw it with force.


    Clang!


    The pebble hit the corpse''s head, but instead of exploding, a strange clang of metal echoed as if it didn''t strike a corpse but rather a metal-cast statue!


    Watching this strange scene, Chen Mu immediately narrowed his eyes.


    A corpse hard as metal reminded him of a sorcery from the forbidden records of the Da Xuan, known as the ''Corpse Refinement Technique,'' which could render a corpse impervious to weapons and immensely strong. However, this technique was forbidden by the Da Xuan, with its practitioners condemned to severe punishment, including being cut at the waist!


    "Corpse Refinement Technique..."


    Chen Mu murmured, recalling a passage.


    ¡ª¡ªIn the year 458 of the Da Xuan Calendar, the Monster Sect ''Heavenly Corpse Sect'' emerged. Its disciples caused chaos around the world through Corpse Refinement. Later, the Da Xuan Dynasty Court reacted, ordering the Azure Dragon Army and White Tiger Army to obliterate it, broadcasting a decree that anyone found refining corpses would be severely punished; their deaths need not be reported...


    This was a record he had seen in the annals of the Da Xuan.


    Though merely a brief mention, each incident in these annals shook the world, and this so-called ''World Chaos'' was surely no trivial matter, likely causing great turmoil and leading the entire Da Xuan to send an army to obliterate it completely.


    After all, being meticulously recorded, the direct extermination of a sect by the Da Xuan Dynasty Court and even issuing such a decree was extremely rare in over a thousand years of history.


    Swish!


    Chen Mu''s figure flickered, landing from the tree next to the corpse and suddenly brandished his Servant''s Knife, chopping down fiercely.


    A clang resounded, another loud metallic sound, but this time Chen Mu''s blade momentum ferociously beheaded the corpse''s head.


    The whole corpse was indeed not a metal-cast statue but truly a body, yet its insides shone with a bizarre black luster, akin to raw iron.


    This was an Iron Corpse.


    Reportedly, within the Heavenly Corpse Sect''s Corpse Refinement, Iron Corpses were the lowest quality but still retained bodies as tough as iron, and once refined, could be manipulated through secret techniques much like puppets.


    "Who would be so bold as to refine corpses here?"


    Chen Mu said to himself as he looked at the corpse.


    In these times, with the weakening of the Da Xuan Dynasty Court''s might, indeed various demons and creatures had begun to emerge. He had already encountered the forbidden ''Corpse Poison Jade'' several times in Yu City, and now, even more forbidden, came across Corpse Refinement.


    It was said that ''Corpse Poison Jade,'' apparently also a relic of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, was somehow not completely eradicated by the court, which later specifically decreed to strictly ban its production, punishing violators with death. Now, it seemed, this substance did not appear in Yu City by chance.


    Thinking of this, Chen Mu shook his head again.


    The Heavenly Corpse Sect had been destroyed for hundreds of years, yet some remnants had reemerged, further indicating that the deterrent power of the Da Xuan Dynasty Court no longer existed. In the future, amidst chaotic times, perhaps the past forbiddances could reappear.


    "I wonder if Xu Hongyu is aware of this."


    After briefly pondering, Chen Mu no longer went to retrieve the hunted gray bear but discerned the direction and quickly returned the way he came.


    ...


    The sky was growing dark.


    In the dense forest, a clearing that had been chopped down appeared. The clearing was formed by thick tree trunks stacked against each other to make a somewhat rough but spacious shed.


    A fire was burning in front of the shed, and Xu Hongyu stood quietly in front of it.


    Meanwhile, Xiao He busied herself covering the shed with leaves to complete its construction.


    Suddenly.


    Xu Hongyu shifted her gaze to one side, hearing some noises.


    "He''s back... no, that''s not right."


    At first, she looked on calmly with her hands behind her back, but soon detected something, her expression changing as she swiftly placed her hand on the sword at her waist and sternly called out to the woods, "Who''s there? Show yourself!"


    Chen Mu was alone.


    But at this moment, the approaching footsteps in the forest were numerous and exceedingly heavy.

 Chapter 114: Chapter 110: Silver Corpse

    The campfire flickered.Under the dim night sky, it barely pushed back some of the darkness.


    Xiaohao stopped moving with one hand already resting on the soft sword at her waist, her gaze alertly scanning the surroundings.


    Finally.


    The figures in the dimness gradually emerged.


    About dozens of figures appeared from all directions, surrounding the makeshift wooden shelter the two had erected. The movements of these figures were very strange, as they moved rigidly and with a faint stench of decay.


    As the first figure slowly approached and was illuminated by the campfire, its body showed a strange copper color, its eyes rotten and sunken, emitting bursts of decay, and its limbs seemed unable to bend as it moved.


    Seeing this scene,


    Xu Hongyu''s pupils narrowed slightly, but then her gaze swept around coldly, saying, "Corpse Refinement? Indeed, the Corpse Poison Jade that flowed into Yu City was not lost in ancient times but was made in recent years... Did you by chance acquire the secret technique of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, or has the sect been hidden in the world all along?"


    Initially, the villain Tang Quan had infiltrated the Yu Family under the guise of a servant, concealing his identity for many years. He finally seized the opportunity to steal a Thunder Seismic Inscription, which the Yu Family had obtained by accident. Though he managed to flee to the Outer City, the Yu Family quickly uncovered his hiding place.


    She personally went to capture him; during the escape, Tang Quan used a Corpse Poison Jade in front of her.


    That was the first Corpse Poison Jade she ever saw.


    Although she had heard of the appearance of Corpse Poison Jade in Yu City before, the news was not from South City, and hearing is not as good as seeing; hence, she did not pay much attention until she encountered one herself, prompting her to investigate the matter.


    After the battle at the Black Crow Sect Main Altar, when she encountered the second piece, she returned to the Yu Family, mobilized some of their informants, and further investigated the matter. However, all these investigations came to nothing, only knowing that the Corpse Poison Jade had likely come from outside the city.


    At that time, she did not consider the Heavenly Corpse Sect, given it had been extinguished hundreds of years ago and had vanished, with only historical records remaining. But later, when she personally seized one and had it thoroughly investigated, they discovered that this particular piece of Corpse Poison Jade was not left from ancient times but was recently refined.


    Thus, she suspected that the secret technique of the Heavenly Corpse Sect had resurfaced.


    And now,


    with the appearance of refined corpses, there was no longer any doubt.


    The only uncertainty was whether those who dared to use this method to refine corpses had coincidentally acquired the secret techniques buried by the Heavenly Corpse Sect, or if they were remnants of the sect that had been hiding since hundreds of years ago.


    These two possibilities were quite different. If it was the former, it was not too surprising, as the Heavenly Corpse Sect''s influence had spread to various areas of the Da Xuan Dynasty hundreds of years ago. Some broken inheritances buried underground that were later discovered by descendants were quite normal.


    But if it were the latter...


    That the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect had evaded the encirclement and suppression of the Da Xuan Dynasty Court for hundreds of years, only to emerge now when the Court was weakening, was undoubtedly a much more serious situation.


    "No comment."


    From within the dark forest, a dry, hoarse voice replied indifferently, "You don''t have anything you need to know, Demon-Slaying Office White-Clothed Guard, huh... it just so happens to be perfect for making two new corpses."


    As the voice fell, the nearby copper corpses that were gradually approaching suddenly moved, all at once surging with stiff bodies but terrifying force, creating gusts of wind as they lunged towards Xu Hongyu and Xiaohao.


    However,


    Both Xu Hongyu and Xiaohao remained calm, swinging their soft swords in an instant, casting sheets of sword light like raindrops under the reflection of the campfire, instantly colliding with the corpse puppets attacking from all sides.


    The sword light struck the multiple corpse puppets, sparking sounds of metal clashing and sending sparks flying. Yet, even as the corpse puppets, with heads and arms as hard as copper and iron, charged, they were still forcibly slashed at by the soft swords of Xu Hongyu and Xiaohao, chopping notches all around them and being consecutively repelled.


    However,


    These corpse puppets, despite being mutilated, seemed not to be too affected. After being repelled, they immediately lunged again, their bodies strong as copper and iron and seemingly ignoring their wounds.


    Xu Hongyu, however, still maintained a cool gaze, suddenly wielding her soft sword and sweeping out a lingering sword light that abruptly slashed through, severally cutting off the neck of another approaching corpse puppet, thus decapitating it.


    Thud!


    The beheaded corpse puppet finally paused, like a kite with its string cut, and fell to the ground.


    "Just as recorded in the books, to fell a corpse refined with a copper head and iron arms, impervious to knife and spear, one must either sever its neck or destroy its head, breaking the connection with the corpse controller," she thought to herself, looking at the fallen corpse puppet.


    Seeing Xu Hongyu dispose of a corpse puppet with a single strike, Xiaohao immediately followed suit. She swung her sword, though with slightly less force, not completely severing the head of the corpse puppet but cutting off most of it.


    However, even so, that corpse puppet also exhibited problems, staggering a few steps and falling to the ground, beginning to wave its limbs randomly as if out of control.


    Having identified the vulnerability of the corpse puppets, Xu Hongyu and Xiaohao''s sword techniques became even sharper, targeting vital spots. In a moment, they caused five or six corpse puppets to either be decapitated or fall and not get up.


    But just at that moment.


    That dry, hoarse voice from the dense forest once again transmitted, "The skills of the White-Clothed Guard from the Demon-Slaying Office are indeed not ordinary, my Copper Corpses seem to be of no use¡­ Hmm, those with insufficient foundation can only be refined to this extent."


    There seemed to be a hint of a sigh in the tone.


    Whoosh!


    A trace of cold harshness flashed in Xu Hongyu''s eyes, discerning the direction from which the voice in the dense forest originated. She suddenly leapt up, lightly touched the trunk of a large tree, borrowed force in mid-air, and transformed into a beam of flowing light, heading straight towards the source of the voice.


    Although it was her first encounter with corpse refinement and corpse controllers, she had thoroughly researched various materials beforehand. Not only did she understand the classification of ''Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron'' in corpse refinement, she also knew that the strength of the corpse controller''s original body was usually not strong.


    If she could kill him, all the refined corpses would lose control, falling down like disconnected puppets.


    However, before her figure could penetrate into the dense forest, a gray-white corpse puppet with a hint of silver light and markedly more agile movements suddenly appeared in the darkness ahead. It swung a punch with immense force and ferocity. Even before it reached her, a fierce gust of wind rushed towards her face.


    Silver Corpse!


    Xu Hongyu''s expression slightly changed.


    In corpse refinement, the four types of Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron corpses roughly corresponded to the Four Realms of a martial artist''s flesh, skin, tendons, and bone.


    Unlike the previous Copper Corpses, which, though as tough as copper and iron and far stronger than a regular Body Refinement Perfection, could match a Horizontally Trained Body, they were not agile and had no technique mastery to speak of, let alone Momentum.


    They didn''t even have basic boxing techniques and purely relied on their tough physiques, so in a one-on-one situation, a legitimate Martial Man with Blade Momentum who had reached Body Refinement Perfection could handle them.


    And naturally, it would be very easy for someone like her, who had reached Tendon Changing Perfection, to kill them.


    But Silver Corpses were different.


    According to the books she had read, Silver Corpses were not only physically stronger than Copper Corpses, but the power they could unleash was also much greater than that of Copper Corpses, and they were also a bit more agile.


    Whoosh!


    Xu Hongyu, agile in her movements, changed her Sword Momentum in mid-air, turning it from a pointed stab to a circular arc. The two types of Sword Momentum interwoven, forming a pattern, collided with the punch thrown by the Silver Corpse.


    Accompanied by a dull humming sound, the sword light unleashed by Xu Hongyu burst open.


    "Indeed a bit tricky."


    Xu Hongyu''s attack didn''t achieve the desired effect, so she borrowed momentum to leap backward, returning beside Xiaohu, and glanced at her. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The earlier attempt to assassinate the corpse controller was more of a probe since anyone daring to target her, a White-Clothed Guard of the Demon-Slaying Office, would naturally have some confidence. Now with the Silver Corpse stepping in, she immediately retreated back to the campfire.


    Xiaohu repelled a corpse puppet right in front of her, and her gaze also turned to Xu Hongyu. The two didn''t speak. Years of master-servant tacit understanding allowed them to understand each other''s intentions just by eye contact.


    Chen Mu still hadn''t returned¡­


    In the darkness of the night, the situation in the mountains was utterly unclear, and they didn''t know where Chen Mu was. Since they had been attacked, it was possible that some ambush had happened to Chen Mu as well, albeit more likely on his way back.


    The best strategy now was to regroup with Chen Mu and then seek an opportunity to retreat. After all, they were outnumbered and completely unaware of various aspects of the situation. There was no need to hazard continuing the battle. If they were to retreat now, they would be safe, but if Chen Mu returned later alone and fell into an ambush, his situation would be perilous!


    However.


    Before the two could make any decision, a dull thud suddenly came from the pitch-dark dense forest.


    They saw a Copper Corpse from within the forest, its whole body flying horizontally like a cannonball, its body bending and bowing as if it had borne the brunt of an exceptionally fierce attack.


    This Copper Corpse, wrapped in a gust of wind, crashed across the battlefield, straightforwardly and forcefully smashing through the three Copper Corpses in front of Xiaohu, and then tumbled chaotically to the sides.


    "Has the world become so chaotic that the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect dare to attack the Demon-Slaying Office?"


    Along with this cold voice.


    Chen Mu''s figure appeared from the direction from which the Copper Corpse had flown.


    Seeing Chen Mu appear, Xu Hongyu and Xiaohu immediately felt assured. Xu Hongyu, without any hesitation, immediately leaped towards Chen Mu, with Xiaohu quickly following her.


    "Let''s go!"


    Xu Hongyu said calmly.


    No sooner had her words fallen than she and Xiaohu had already passed by Chen Mu''s side.


    Now that Chen Mu had returned, there was no need to entangle with the opponent any further. A swift retreat was the best option. The Demon-Slaying Office was not responsible for this kind of situation. They just needed to quickly report the information back to Yu City, and naturally, personnel from the Bone Tempering Realm or even higher would come to handle it.

 Chapter 115: Chapter 111 Chen Mus Knife

    However.Just as Xu Hongyu and Xiao He passed by Chen Mu and fled into the darkness, suddenly another gust of wind came head-on, and two nearly identical gray-white Silver Corpses appeared, attacking Xu Hongyu and Xiao He.


    Xu Hongyu reacted quickly, her sword light flared, and she swung out a "Sword Rain," colliding with the attacking gray-white Silver Corpses. Accompanied by the explosion of sword light, the Silver Corpses were forcibly repelled by her head-on strike, but she also fell downward.


    On the other side.


    Xiao He, facing the suddenly attacking Silver Corpse, did not have it as easy as Xu Hongyu. Her soft sword also waved a circle of sword light, but when it collided with the opponent''s fist, the sword light was shattered and she was sent flying backward.


    Although neither of them was injured, this collision made the gap between their strengths clear. Xu Hongyu faced the Silver Corpses head-on with a full-strength attack after having some understanding and did not probe but was able to repel a Silver Corpse directly.


    However, Xiao He was unable to do so. Although she essentially blocked and deflected all the force of the Silver Corpse''s punch and was not injured, she clearly fell into a disadvantaged position and would have to rely on her own agility to engage in a tangled battle if she were to fight it.


    Bang!


    Just as Xiao He was sent flying backward, another Silver Corpse emerged from the dense forest and ferociously pounced toward her, throwing a fierce punch. At that moment, Xiao He was in mid-air, her old strength exhausted and new strength not yet arisen, immediately falling into peril.


    Seeing this scene, Xu Hongyu had no time to help, as another Silver Corpse appeared on her left side, intercepting her horizontally, and the one that initially chased her was coming from behind. There were already a total of five!


    "Not good..."


    Facing the attacking Silver Corpse, Xiao He held her soft sword, her heart slightly sinking. Although as a Tendon Changing Realm martial artist she was not completely unable to handle this attack, the momentum suggested that a hasty response would likely result in inability to fully absorb the attack, and she might get injured.


    But her heart did not panic, although Silver Corpses appeared one after another, there were still people on their side who hadn''t made their move and were right behind her.


    Indeed.


    In the next instant, a hand supported her back from behind, first pushing up to help her unload the force she had received from the previous collision with the Silver Corpse, then lifting her by the collar and tossing her upward.


    Xiao He did not resist, allowing the hand to throw her upwards, her body soaring high and landing on the treetops. Looking down from there, she saw Chen Mu taking her previous position, facing the attacking Silver Corpses head-on.


    Chen Mu''s expression was calm, seemingly interested in testing the abilities of the Silver Corpses. He clenched his right hand into a fist and swung it down mid-air, directly colliding with the fist of the Silver Corpses.


    Whoom!!!


    A sound like a bronze bell ringing.


    The roaring sound wave caused visible ripples in the air, spreading in all directions and turning into a dull bell toll, echoing throughout the valley under the dark night sky, startling a flurry of birds.


    "Fierce..."


    Xiao He watched this scene and quietly formed a word in her heart.


    Chen Mu evidently did not only take his Skin Toughening to the limit but probably also reached the peak of the First Realm of Body Refinement before entering the Tendon Changing Realm, possessing such a terrifying Horizontally Trained Body that he could withstand a head-on collision with a Silver Corpse.


    Moreover, judging by the way the Silver Corpses fell backward after the collision, it seemed that Chen Mu subtly held the upper hand.


    At the same time.


    The initial Silver Corpse that Xu Hongyu engaged also rushed over while Xiao He leapt down from the tree, swinging her sword to meet the approaching Silver Corpses. This time she changed her swordsmanship to Soft Entanglement, barely managing to block it.


    It was also around this time that a voice carrying surprise came from the dim forest.


    "A Horizontally Trained Body?"


    "And he has entered the Tendon Changing Realm. Good, very good indeed."


    Suddenly, a thread of moonlight pierced through the clouds, illuminating the forest and revealing a gaunt figure standing among several large ancient trees, holding something that resembled an infant''s skull in his hand.


    His eye sockets were sunken, his eyeballs nearly shriveled, but his pupils emitted a strange gleam, seemingly excited as he watched Chen Mu from afar, continuously sizing him up.


    Corpse Refinement.


    For a typical martial artist in the Skin Toughening Realm, among ten individuals, it''s nearly impossible to refine a Copper Corpse, though refining an Iron Corpse might be achieved.


    For a martial man in the Body Refinement Realm, roughly seven or eight out of ten could refine into a Copper Corpse.


    The Tendon Changing Realm corresponds to a Silver Corpse, which also is not a guaranteed success, and there''s still a chance of failure, resulting in the corpse''s decay.


    However, for someone like Chen Mu with a Horizontally Trained Body who has also entered the Tendon Changing Realm, using him for Corpse Refinement would almost certainly result in a Silver Corpse, with both strength and quality surpassing regular Silver Corpses, and even granting a slight chance of refining into a Golden Corpse!


    At this time.


    The five Silver Corpses encircled Chen Mu, Xu Hongyu, and Xiao He in the center, blocking any direction of escape.


    Xu Hongyu stepped back two steps, coming closer to Chen Mu and Xiao He, whispering, "Although these Silver Corpses are hard to injure, they aren''t very fast. The terrain here is to our advantage, and we might find a chance to escape from above."


    Xiao He also looked around with a flickering gaze, continuously assessing the situation.


    But just then.


    In the distance among the ancient trees, the gaunt figure who had been continuously sizing Chen Mu up, as if appreciating a new piece of merchandise, suddenly let out a raspy, eerie laugh, saying, "Escape?"


    As his words fell.


    Sounds of footsteps echoed from within the dense forest.


    Noticing this noise, Xu Hongyu and Xiao He''s expressions changed drastically, and when they hastily looked, they saw a procession of gray-white figures stepping out from the pitch-dark forest, a total of more than a dozen, all of them Silver Corpses!


    Counting the original five, this made a total of twenty Silver Corpses completely surrounding them from all directions, each emanating a rotting stench and under the moonlight, their skin emitting a sinister silver glow!


    "Escape?"


    The dessicated figure repeated the word again.


    Then he lifted the object that resembled an infant''s skull in his hand, gently shaking it.


    Hum!


    It was as if some terrifying thing had moved, causing the ground to tremble slightly.


    In the somewhat frozen gaze of Xu Hongyu and Minor Achievement, they saw behind the withered figure, a grand body more than two meters tall, stepping out from the ancient trees, its muscles emitting a faint golden luster.


    "Escape?"


    The withered figure grimaced.


    His shriveled eyeballs looked toward Xu Hongyu, saying, "It''s just a bit too boring, just playing with you. When did you get the illusion that you could escape?"


    Xu Hongyu remained silent.


    Minor Achievement''s body also stiffened slightly.


    Their gazes were now fixed on the slowly advancing golden corpse puppet, resembling a small mountain. Although they hadn''t directly felt its power, the appearance, form, and the intense oppressive feeling were evident.


    Golden Corpse!


    Recorded in the archives, capable of confronting those in the Bone Tempering Realm!


    Even considering the strength of a Silver Corpse, an ordinary minor Bone Tempering could not handle one.


    Not to mention twenty Silver Corpses...


    Minor Achievement couldn''t help but let out a bitter laugh. With such a lineup, even someone like Xue Lin would take to their heels. It''s obvious that since the other party dared to disclose their corpse refinement techniques and attack them, they were certain of their victory.


    As for all that talk about being too bored and just playing, it''s unnecessary to listen further. The opponent did not mobilize so many Silver Corpses initially, clearly delaying on purpose, waiting for Chen Mu to return, and then encircle all three of them to capture them in one fell swoop!


    After all, the speed of these Silver Corpses was not fast enough. As long as they were not surrounded, they could leave them far behind. Even the Golden Corpse was probably not very fast, and chasing them in the dark might easily cause unforeseen problems.


    All was silent.


    Finally.


    "I am Xu Hongyu. If I disappear in the Autumn Forest mountains, Yu City will dig three feet into the ground to find you. Facing your Golden and Silver Corpses, the Yu Family will not consider them much of a threat,"


    Xu Hongyu said, her tone cool.


    "So you are Xu Hongyu¡­ Hmm, I have indeed heard this name, but the Yu Family''s reputation isn''t enough to scare me. Apart from that one person in your family who could be considered significant, the others are just so-so. But even that one, in the presence of my master, isn''t much either. Alright, enough talk, isn''t it time to peacefully go on your way?"


    The withered figure uttered a few guttural, unpleasant laughs.


    As his words fell.


    He raised the infant''s skull in his hand, and immediately ten Silver Corpses took steps forward, slowly advancing.


    But just at that moment.


    Chen Mu, who had been standing quietly, finally sighed lightly and slowly drew the Fine Iron Knife from his waist, stepping forward, positioning himself in front of Xu Hongyu and Minor Achievement.


    Xu Hongyu and Minor Achievement''s gazes instantly fell on Chen Mu. Xu Hongyu bit her lip corner slightly. She knew Chen Mu was very strong, probably not much weaker than her. Previously, she had intentionally spoken of looking for a chance to escape, which was rather to surprise and directly coordinate with Chen Mu to break out of the encirclement and deal directly with the corpse controller.


    But now¡­


    Twenty Silver Corpses encircled the area tightly, not to mention there was also a Golden Corpse.


    Perhaps they should have camped outside the Autumn Forest for the night and then crossed directly through the mountains tomorrow, or initially choosing to take the official road wouldn''t have been a problem. However, no one would have expected that remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect were hidden in Autumn Forest, and past efforts to hunt in these mountains had never encountered them.


    Ultimately, it was her moment of misjudgment that led her into a deep abyss.


    As her gaze fell, Xu Hongyu suddenly recalled something, a matter that made her body involuntarily shiver¡ªthe unexplained disappearance of her father, Xu Yichuan. Although outside the city lay many dangers, her father was at the peak of Bone Tempering and mastered Artistic Conception. In Yu City, fewer than ten people could surpass him then. How could he have disappeared without a trace?


    Even the Yu Family had found no clues afterward.


    Could it be¡­ Read exclusive chapters at mvl


    Xu Hongyu looked bewilderedly at those Silver Corpses, in a daze, as if she saw her father''s figure, also surrounded by numerous corpse puppets, but those corpses were stronger and more terrifying.


    But just at the next moment.


    The fleeting scene shattered.


    The shattering of the scene was brought about by a brilliant arc of light under the moonlight, like that of a silver moon¡ªa flash of knife light which seemed to make the slight breeze in the dense forest pause and solidify.


    Whoosh.


    The silver light flashed and swept across.


    Chen Mu''s figure quietly stood before a group of Silver Corpses, his right hand holding the Fine Iron Knife.


    The several Silver Corpses directly in front of him froze in place, each with a fine line appearing on their necks, and then their heads gently slid forward and finally rolled onto the ground with a thud. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Rustle.


    The briefly paused breeze blew again, causing the leaves in the dense forest to rustle.

 Chapter 116: Chapter 112: Are You Really Chen Mu?

    Seven Silver Corpses, all annihilated with a single slash!Even though there were still as many as thirteen Silver Corpses left, this was no longer a matter of quantity. The momentum of that slash had already revealed itself; mere Silver Corpses posed no threat whatsoever in front of Chen Mu!


    Xu Hongyu was stunned.


    Minor Achievement was also slightly taken aback.


    Then, looking at Chen Mu''s back, a bright light flickered in her eyes... That just now was the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, no doubt about it, absolutely! That meant the person by the side of the bridge that day really was Chen Mu!


    Having finally confirmed this, Minor Achievement had no time to ponder how Chen Mu had comprehended the Xun Wind Artistic Conception.


    What shocked her more was the momentum of Chen Mu''s slash, which was not only about the power of the Artistic Conception; the terrifying strength of the blow, and the exquisite control, had reached an indescribable level, even Xu Hongyu, who had achieved Tendon Changing Perfection, was inferior!


    Such a slash.


    It couldn''t be executed by someone who had only reached Tendon Changing Minor Achievement, even with mastery over Artistic Conception!


    Chen Mu... His Body Tempering Realm had surpassed Tendon Changing Minor Achievement, it must have at least reached Major Achievement, and it could even be possible that, like Xu Hongyu, he had reached the height of Tendon Changing Perfection!


    How did he do it?


    Minor Achievement was filled with shock. Continue your journey on mvl


    In contrast, Xu Hongyu was completely frozen in place. The slash that had suddenly appeared was so different from her long-standing impression of Chen Mu that for a moment, she almost felt as if she was experiencing an illusion.


    Was that truly Chen Mu?


    From the first time she met Chen Mu, when he had not yet started practicing the Body Tempering Method, and although her method of measuring one''s constitution and talent wasn''t completely accurate, it couldn''t have been too far off. Chen Mu''s physique should not have been of a special type. Later, when Chen Mu pushed Skin Toughening to its limit, she was somewhat surprised by her initial judgment.


    After that, Chen Mu reached the limit in Body Refinement, forging a Horizontally Trained Body, which made her even more doubtful, but she kept these thoughts to herself. After all, every person in this world is different, and perhaps Chen Mu indeed had a special physique she hadn''t noticed.


    But now.


    The force of that slash was so solidifying, so terrifying, so exaggerated... In her impression, even someone who had achieved Tendon Changing Perfection would struggle to execute such a slash, it was comparable to one at the Bone Tempering Realm.


    Not to mention the profound subtlety of that slash, which was undoubtedly the power of Artistic Conception!


    Only such a terrifying slash could so easily annihilate seven Silver Corpses, almost as if in a flip of the hand.


    In a daze.


    Xu Hongyu felt Chen Mu''s figure seemed a bit blurry, as if overlapping with another silhouette ¡ª that of her father, Xu Yichuan, who once single-handedly eclipsed the third-generation descendants of all families in the Inner City within Yu City.


    "Escape?"


    In a rustling wind, Chen Mu finally spoke. His tone was very calm as he looked at the withered silhouette under the ancient tree and said, "Since when did you get the wrong impression that I needed to flee?" sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The withered silhouette''s face stiffened.


    His shriveled eyes were now fixedly staring at Chen Mu, as if hooks, attempting to pierce into Chen Mu''s body and clearly see everything inside and out.


    "You''re not from the Demon-Slaying Office''s Green-Clothed Guard... Who are you?!"


    His voice hoarse, his tone now revealed an unprecedented solemnity.


    A Horizontally Trained Body?


    No! Not at all!


    The person before him was someone of the Bone Tempering Realm, who also possessed the Xun Wind Artistic Conception from the Qiankun Eight Phases!


    A member of the Demon-Slaying Office''s Green-Clothed Guard?


    Simply ludicrous!


    With such a level and strength, in the Demon-Slaying Office he would at least be a Deputy Governor, and very likely he was a Metropolitan Commander!


    In the whole of Yu County, there were not many who could cause him apprehension, and Chen Mu before him was definitely one of them.


    "I?"


    Chen Mu, holding his sword, slowly walked forward, "I''m just a swordsman, a Green-Clothed swordsman of the Demon-Slaying Office."


    Hiss!


    Another slash was swung.


    The closest Silver Corpse, before it could even make any move, was instantly frozen in place, a black line spreading from its forehead down its body, which then split into two halves right down the middle!


    "Stop!"


    The withered silhouette spoke in a deep voice, raising the infant''s skull in his hand, as the nearby Silver Corpses quickly retreated in a circle.


    He stared intently at Chen Mu and said, "Since you have such strength, it was my oversight. You three may leave now and stop killing my Silver Corpses, or else you might escape, but those two women won''t survive."


    As his words fell.


    From behind the ancient woods he emerged from, another heavy silhouette stepped out slowly, standing guard beside him, his skin faintly golden. Although not tall, it was undoubtedly another Golden Corpse!


    The withered silhouette that had summoned two Golden Corpses did not command the corpses to attack but only watched Chen Mu with a sullen face.


    He couldn''t keep such a person as Chen Mu.


    Even with two Golden Corpses given to him by his master, which he could control, he could at most protect himself; they posed no threat to the opponent. The Silver Corpses he had painstakingly refined were invaluable; each one lost was one fewer in his arsenal.


    If it weren''t for the presence of Xu Hongyu and Minor Achievement, he would have had no leverage over Chen Mu. But now, using the lives of the two women as a threat, he still had some confidence to face Chen Mu directly, since Chen Mu, despite his strength, was not more powerful than his two Golden Corpses.


    However.


    Hearing the withered silhouette''s threat, Chen Mu sighed.


    "You still don''t understand."


    As his words finished, he began to walk step by step towards the withered silhouette.


    The withered silhouette''s eyes flashed with coldness, and the infant''s skull in his hand was slightly raised. The Golden Corpse, over two meters tall, with a sturdy body like a small hill, suddenly blocked Chen Mu''s path.

 Chapter 117: Chapter 112: Are You Really Chen Mu?_2

    But Chen Mu merely shook his head.Then,


    he leaped up, abruptly swinging his blade. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Golden Corpse moved fast, not attacking Chen Mu, but instead immediately placing its thick arms, emanating a faint golden luster, in front of its neck and head, shielding its vital parts.


    Yet, Chen Mu''s expression remained unchanged. In the depths of his eyes, amid that pitch darkness, a breeze emerged, gently attaching itself to the blade of the Fine Iron Knife. In an instant, amidst a whirlwind, a flash of lightning appeared, illuminating his eyes and causing a streak of lightning to spread rapidly amidst the mingling breezes on the blade.


    A Startling Wind-Thunder blade!


    Hisss!


    The combined forces of wind and thunder passed by in a flash.


    Chen Mu''s figure swept past the Golden Corpse, appearing directly behind it, continuing towards the desiccated figure.


    Behind him,


    the Golden Corpse stood frozen, black lines simultaneously appearing on the two raised arms before the neck, spreading backward, past the neck, then its entire head along with both arms slowly slid forward along the black line.


    Thud, thud, thud.


    A massive head and two arm sections fell to the ground, making muted thuds, their surfaces smooth and glowing with a faint golden light, as if they were not made of flesh but forged from gold and iron.


    The headless Golden Corpse remained upright, not falling over, but no longer moving; only Chen Mu''s figure continuously moved forward with calm steps.


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    A deathly silence.


    Whether it was Xia He or Xu Hongyu, they were frozen in place, watching Chen Mu''s figure as if they were statues.


    Apart from the rustling of the wind in the forest, only Chen Mu''s footsteps could be heard, his expression indifferent as he took steps forward.


    Actually, at first,


    he felt that Xu Hongyu''s judgement had no issues - in the quiet deep night of the dense forest, there was no need to tangle with unknown enemies, unclear in both number and origin, let alone knowing if there were other ambushes.


    Not until twenty Silver Corpses appeared, including a Golden Corpse, forcing him to take action to break the siege, did everything come to an end... He had always been one to strike decisively.


    The Golden Corpse was strong.


    According to records, ordinary Bone Tempering Minor Achievement might not be able to overcome it; at least Bone Tempering Major Achievement was needed to contend with it.


    But that was all.


    Corpses were unversed in Technique, Momentum, or Artistic Conception; even though their Physique could compare with horizontal Bone Tempering training, in Chen Mu''s eyes, they were merely passive targets. The only difference lay in whether he could penetrate their defenses.


    And the answer was clear. Perhaps the opponent could block one strike with the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, but they could not block his combination of Xun Wind and Thunderbolt Artistic Conception in the "Startling Wind-Thunder."


    This was also the strongest Blade Technique he had created to date.


    He had always wanted a suitable target to test its power, and today, his wish was finally fulfilled. A Physique as strong as horizontal Bone Tempering training, yet still unable to withstand this strike!


    "Thunderbolt?"


    The dehydrated figure''s shriveled and sunken eyeballs were almost bulging out of their sockets, and his withered face even displayed an expression as if he had seen a ghost.


    Xun Wind! Thunderbolt!


    The young man before him, no older than thirty, not only had refined his Body Tempering Method to such an extent but even mastered two of the Qiankun Eight Phases Arts. What kind of monster was this!


    Not to mention in Yu County, even in the entirety of Yu State, he was a true prodigy, capable of being listed among the true teachings of the Seven Profound Sect!


    Cold sweat drenched his back in an instant. Watching Chen Mu stride forward, he suddenly realized and without hesitation, turned and desperately fled into the ancient woods behind him.


    Amid terror,


    he sprinted hundreds of feet under the night sky.


    Then his speed slowed down, and he began to breathe heavily... As a Corpse Refiner, using his vitality to refine and control corpses naturally left him weak.


    "Those Silver Corpses attacking the two women, he has to save them, I still have a Golden Corpse, he can''t just bypass it to kill me; as long as I can delay him for a moment, I can escape. I''m familiar with these mountains, and it''s nighttime, he will find it hard to locate me."


    The desiccated figure gasped heavily but dared not stop, forcing himself to continue forward, his thoughts in utter disarray.


    Having fled some distance,


    he slowly stopped, clutching his violently heaving chest, twisting his head to look back.


    He saw only darkness behind him, no figures in sight.


    He let out a slight sigh of relief, then turned his head back around.


    Then, his entire body suddenly stiffened on the spot.


    Only to see.


    Less than three feet in front of him, among the ancient trees, the dim moonlight shone on a face. The expression was indifferent and bland, merely staring at him¡ªit was none other than Chen Mu.


    "You mentioned your master earlier, so it seems you truly are a remnant of the Heavenly Corpse Sect. How many people are in your group, and besides your master, who else is there?" Chen Mu slowly began.


    The withered figure''s dry, bark-like face twitched slightly. Hearing Chen Mu''s words, a look of fear suddenly appeared in his sunken eye sockets as if he recalled something extremely terrifying.


    "I..."


    He looked at Chen Mu, struggling to squeeze out a word, then suddenly black, tainted blood flowed from his mouth.


    His whole body softened and collapsed to the ground, his life force swiftly fading.


    Chen Mu''s figure flickered to his side, bent down to examine him, and slightly furrowed his brows.


    Dead.


    It was unclear what method he used to commit suicide; it seemed to be some kind of poison.


    Such a figure, who could command two Golden Corpses and twenty Silver Corpses and dominate any lesser place, displayed a look of fear from just a few questions and died so cleanly and neatly by suicide. It was hard to imagine what sort of terrifying person his master must be.


    However, thinking about the Heavenly Corpse Sect''s cruel and evil methods, one could somewhat understand.


    After a brief contemplation.


    Chen Mu still stretched out his hand and picked up the withered figure''s corpse. After swiftly moving through the dense forest, he quickly returned to the earlier clearing and threw the withered figure''s body amidst the pile of Golden and Silver Corpse Puppets.


    "Dead, committed suicide, didn''t get anything out of him."


    Chen Mu shook his head as he spoke and looked towards Xu Hongyu and Xiao He.


    All was silent.


    At this moment, both Xu Hongyu and Xiao He were speechless, with their eyes wide open, staring directly at him.


    Seeing this, Chen Mu picked up the Fine Iron Knife in his hand, walked towards Xiao He, and sighed heavily.


    "You''ve discovered my secret. To keep it from leaking, it seems I have no choice but to silence you."


    Whoosh.


    A stroke of the knife wind swept past, cutting off a branch above Xiao He''s head.


    "!"


    With a scare, Xiao He stepped back twice, revealing an expression that screamed ''are you serious?''


    Chen Mu sheathed his knife and chuckled lightly.


    Xiao He sneaked behind Xu Hongyu, looked at Chen Mu with blinking eyes, and still said nothing.


    Chen Mu turned his gaze to Xu Hongyu, who was also looking at him. For a moment, it was unclear what her gaze meant¡ªwas it confusion, shock, or something else? It remained silent for a while until Xu Hongyu finally spoke in a low voice:


    "He Mingxuan... did you kill him?"


    "Mmm."


    Chen Mu replied, his expression serene.


    Perhaps his progress in power was somewhat astonishing, but by now, he was no longer a person without the means to protect himself, especially not in front of Xu Hongyu and Xiao He. There was nothing he particularly needed to conceal.


    "Then, Yu Yao also..."


    "I saved her."


    Xu Hongyu looked at Chen Mu, murmuring, "Also, Xiao He''s earlier dangers, you also intervened to help... No wonder these incidents all seemed abrupt and seemingly unlinked. It was you all along... now it all makes sense..."


    Chen Mu examined Xu Hongyu carefully for a moment, then turned and said, "This is not the place to talk. Let''s leave the mountains quickly tonight. This person is highly likely a remnant of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, and there might be other accomplices around."


    "...Alright."


    Xu Hongyu slightly bowed her head and responded.


    Chen Mu briefly checked the withered figure''s body, but found nothing on him except a strange object shaped like an infant''s skull, presumably a tool used to control the corpse puppets. So, he tucked it away.


    Throughout the process, Xu Hongyu kept her head down, lost in thought, while Xiao He stayed by her side, sneaking peeks at Chen Mu until he finished sorting things out and began walking away. Only then did she finally whisper her first words:


    "Are... are you really Chen Mu?"


    "Probably."


    "Uh, you''re not really going to silence us, right?"


    "I''ll consider it."

 Chapter 118: Chapter 113: Response

    Among the mountains and forests.As a ray of dawn rose from the east and illuminated the quiet mountain forest once more, Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu, with three others, had arrived at the edge of the Autumn Forest Mountain Range. Stepping out of the last patch of dense woods, they could see a range of hills in the distance.


    Between the hills, some farmlands were faintly visible, and distant villages could be seen.


    "So, it turns out that the Thunderclap Diagram ended up in your hands after all."


    Xu Hongyu turned to look at Chen Mu, somewhat dazedly saying, "Could this perhaps be fate?"


    Having come all the way from the Autumn Forest Mountain Range, she harbored many questions in her heart, the greatest puzzle being how exactly Chen Mu had comprehended the Thunderclap Artistic Conception. Chen Mu had not hidden it from her and had directly informed her of the origin of the Thunderclap Diagram.


    With his current strength and realm, a copied version of the Thunderclap Diagram was something he could certainly hold in his hands, and even revealing it openly wouldn''t matter much. Compared to comprehending the Thunderclap Artistic Conception out of nowhere, having a diagram to study was far more plausible.


    "What do you mean by that?"


    Chen Mu looked towards Xu Hongyu.


    At this moment, the dawn at the horizon shone on her cheek, dyeing half of her profile a golden-red hue. Her willow-shaped eyes sparkled with a touch of bemusement, shedding some of her usual aloofness and adding a bit of charm.


    "Originally, Tang Quan had disguised himself as a servant and infiltrated the Yu Family, hiding for several years. Later on, he seized an opportunity to steal the Thunderclap Diagram from the Yu Family and escaped to the Outer City. After I received the news, I went after him... Later, he died by your hand, but the diagram wasn''t on his person, and my men didn''t find it in his hideout either."


    "Moreover, Tang Quan was once from the West City, vaguely seeming to have connections with the Evil Men Gang. However, I had no evidence and had no jurisdiction over West City. Eventually, the diagram ended up in the hands of Zhang Lang of the Evil Men Gang, and after several turns, it came into your possession."


    Xu Hongyu shook her head.


    If Tang Quan had possessed the diagram then, Chen Mu, with his capabilities at the time, wouldn''t have been able to obtain it. Even if she had seen it, she would have taken it back and not entrusted it to Chen Mu, who was then just a lower-level servant.


    But years passed, and after Chen Mu infiltrated West City and killed Zhang Lang, he obtained the Thunderclap Diagram from Zhang Lang. By then, Chen Mu had the capability to possess the diagram. What stupefied her the most was that within less than a year after obtaining the Thunderclap Diagram from Zhang Lang, Chen Mu had managed to comprehend the Thunderclap Artistic Conception.


    She would often study the Kan Water Diagram while at the Yu Family and had only managed to develop two types of Sword Momentum. She was still somewhat short of the third type.


    Even though Chen Mu already had a foundation in the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, comprehending the Thunderclap Artistic Conception within a mere year, a fundamentally different Artistic Conception, still shocked her with the height of his perceptiveness. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If it weren''t for Chen Mu''s impoverished background, had he had any opportunity to test his comprehension talents, he might have long been admitted into the Seven Profound Sect, passed through the Inner Sect, and become a True Disciple. He wouldn''t be growing step by step in Yu City as he is now.


    Xu Hongyu couldn''t help but speculate.


    If that were the case, perhaps when Chen Mu returned to Yu City one day, he would appear as a True Disciple of the Seven Profound Sect. Back then, all four major families in the Inner City would have had to welcome him formally; she might have only been able to watch him from a distance, instead of being involved in his journey as she was now.


    After all, the status of a True Disciple of the Seven Profound Sect was equivalent to that of a Sect Executive, a figure like City Lord Xue Huaikong.


    Of course.


    Now, because Chen Mu came from a humble background and only began to learn the Blade Technique in his twenties, he had delayed too much time. Even though the talent he was now displaying was phenomenal, catching up to the likes of a True Disciple of the Seven Profound Sect was still very challenging.


    After all, those true disciples of the Seven Profound that she had only heard about were the cream of the crop among numerous heroes in the state of Yu, either possessing monstrous talents or having forcefully fought their way out from the Inner Sect.


    Upon such reflection.


    Xu Hongyu couldn''t help but look at Chen Mu with a touch of regret.


    Yet even so, with Chen Mu''s peerless talent, although he might not be able to reach the top tiers of the wider world above this state, he was bound to roam freely and dominate the local region eventually.


    "So it is."


    Chen Mu showed a sudden realization.


    Back then, Xu Hongyu hadn''t elaborated much about Tang Quan''s incident, and indeed, the Artistic Conception Map wasn''t something suitable for him to touch at that time. However, after several changes of hands, the diagram had ended up in his possession, aiding him in mastering the Thunderclap Artistic Conception.


    If he hadn''t acquired this diagram, he most likely would have mastered only the Xun Wind Artistic Conception and wouldn''t act as freely as he does now.


    Laughing softly, Xiao He said, "So you see, your current realm is deeply connected with Miss Xu."


    However, Xu Hongyu who was deep in thought, heads down, shook her head upon hearing Xiao He''s words and said, "With such talent, once he embarked on the path of Martial Arts, reaching this stage was just a matter of time. Whether or not I was involved wouldn''t make much of a difference.


    The insights into the Xun Wind Artistic Conception and the breakthroughs in the Tendon Changing Realm were all due to his own abilities."


    Chen Mu listened to the dialogue between the maid and the young lady, finding it amusing for a moment. Xiao He was already beginning to devise ways to earn merits for Hongyu in his presence. Hongyu, on the other hand, remained her usual aloof self, although when she occasionally looked at him, her gaze was no longer as clear as before, but carried something else.


    Chen Mu did not pick up on this thread of conversation but glanced into the distance and said, "We have already left the Autumn Forest Range. What do you think we should do next, Hongyu?"


    Xiao He heard Chen Mu addressing Hongyu without her surname and couldn''t help sticking out her tongue from the side. However, Hongyu found nothing strange about it. In her view, Chen Mu''s abilities had far surpassed hers. Although he was still just a Green-Clothed Guard, in the current world, power reigned supreme. Chen Mu walking ahead of her meant that he was no longer her subordinate.


    After briefly pondering, Hongyu said, "Actually, I don''t think we should make a big fuss. We can go directly to the Yu Family''s nearest stronghold and send back the news about the Heavenly Corpse Sect. As for your matter... it''s probably best not to let more people know just yet, including the Yu side. What do you think?"


    She looked at Chen Mu, a slight peculiarity surfacing in her cold, willow-leaf-shaped eyes. If her father had also kept a low profile like Chen Mu, without revealing any clues in those days, perhaps the later troubles might never have occurred.


    Currently, Chen Mu, relying on two types of Artistic Conceptions and a Horizontally Trained Body with Tendon Changing Perfection, ranked among the top in strength within the region. Yet, he was still quite a distance away from the Five Viscera Realm.


    The gap between the Bone Tempering Realm and the Viscera Realm was vast.


    Just like the gap between Tendon Changing and Body Refinement.


    Skin Toughening and Body Refinement are one level, Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering another, while the Five Viscera and Six Viscera represent a different elevation altogether.


    There are many in the Bone Tempering Realm who haven''t grasped Artistic Conceptions, and there are even a few with poor comprehension who haven''t grasped any even at the peak of Bone Tempering... but to step into the Five Viscera Realm, Artistic Conception is fundamental.


    Thus, even ten who have perfected Bone Tempering and cultivated Artistic Conception stand no chance against someone who has crossed into the Five Viscera Realm and solidified their Inner Breath Yuan Gang.


    The only possibility for someone in the Bone Tempering Realm to compete with someone in the Five Viscera Realm is to move to the second step of Artistic Conception. But that is also extremely difficult, not lesser than Viscera Refining and returning to the origin. Often, only those who have stepped into the Five Viscera Realm have the opportunity to touch the second step of Artistic Conception.


    Although Chen Mu was extremely gifted and cultivated two types of Artistic Conception, achieving the second step of Artistic Conception was still a heavenly barrier not easily crossed in a short time. So, prior to that, it was best to continue as before, keeping a low profile and not drawing attention.


    "..."


    Xiao He blinked from the side, her gaze towards Hongyu curious for a moment.


    The words from Hongyu earlier seemed to completely side with Chen Mu, even setting aside the Yu Family for the time being¡ªa thought process she had not seen in Hongyu over the years.


    Could it be that the young lady is using this approach to show goodwill towards Chen Mu? But it looked too flawless, too natural, without any cracks. Her young lady''s interpersonal skills should not have reached such a high level yet.


    "Hmm, that sounds good."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly at Hongyu.


    After revealing his strength, he had a complete plan in mind: first, the residual members of the Heavenly Corpse Sect had to die, for he couldn''t afford to come into the sect''s radar too soon.


    Next was Hongyu and Xiao He''s side. Whether or not to inform the Yu Family about him did not really make a difference for him. From the Yu Family''s perspective, if they knew about his circumstances, they would only pull him in with greater effort.


    The only issue was that there were many eyes within the Yu Family. If he chose to reveal some information, it should be conveyed directly to the Yu Family''s head by Hongyu, keeping the matter among a small number of people, which would likely allow him to obtain more resources for cultivation from the Yu family.


    As for the worse scenarios, he hadn''t thought about them, nor did he care.


    With his current strength, he already had the capability to travel far to another county or find a remote valley to stay for a year and a half, elevating his Thunderclap Artistic Conception to the second step before re-emerging. However, this would mean pausing his Body Refining for a while.


    "What you need most now is probably the Bone Tempering Pill, right?"


    Hongyu looked at Chen Mu and said softly, "The control over Bone Tempering Pills is very strict. Besides the annual allotment, only those above the White-Clothed Guards in the Demon-Slaying Office can exchange for them, and each person has a limited quota. I just stepped into Tendon Changing Perfection this year and need to accumulate one more year of Qi-Blood before attempting Bone Tempering.


    The quota can all be used by you first."


    Chen Mu indeed needed Bone Tempering Pills, but using up Hongyu''s quota... upon consideration, there was really nothing wrong with that. Hongyu, just entering Tendon Changing Perfection, indeed needed some time to consolidate, while he was already at the limit of Tendon Changing, having cultivated to the peak without the need for consolidation.


    Moreover, once he stepped into Bone Tempering, how could he not obtain something like the Bone Tempering Pills?


    Especially since Hongyu had already put it so clearly.


    Chen Mu looked at Hongyu and suddenly chuckled, "I remember before, you said you would secure a marriage for me within the Yu family. Now, who do you think is suitable?"


    Hongyu was momentarily stunned, slow to react to the abrupt change of topic. When she looked at Chen Mu again, she saw that he had already turned and was walking away.


    Suddenly feeling an itch at her waist.


    She saw Xiao He standing beside her, gently poking her with a finger, her eyes seemingly sparkling, whispering, "The day has brightened. Hurry up and follow, miss. Don''t be dazed." Stay connected with mvl

 Chapter 119: Chapter 114 An Yu County

    An Yu County.County Government.


    Compared to Yu City, the An Yu County Government was much smaller. Overall, it appeared to be even less extensive than a single South City District, with a clear difference in prosperity. The county walls were conspicuously damaged in some places, and no one had repaired them.


    Chen Mu''s gaze swept over the distant walls of the County Government and then lifted his head to glance at the sky. Seeing the darkening sky, he said, "We''ve been on the road for two days and a night. I think we should rest for the evening."


    "Mm."


    Xu Hongyu followed behind, lost in thought and not quite hearing Chen Mu''s words clearly, so she just hummed in agreement.


    Chen Mu didn''t mind; Xu Hongyu was naturally a cool and indifferent person, who occasionally daydreamed. There had been no change in her all along the way, except that after last night, she seemed to daydream more often.


    On the other hand, the little maid took up the conversation and said, "We can just enter the city directly. The County Magistrate of An Yu County is Miss''s cousin."


    The seven counties under Yu City''s jurisdiction mostly had representatives from various families, and An Yu County just happened to have the largest controlled share by the Yu Family, from the County Magistrate down to some officials in the county government.


    The group of three entered the County Government.


    They were soon met with Xu Hongyu''s cousin providing an official reception.


    The man wore the official robes of the County Magistrate, but his appearance was quite different from what Chen Mu had imagined: short and chubby, with a round face, he looked like a wealthy local gentleman unversed in Martial Arts. However, his steady and powerful stride revealed that he surely possessed martial skill.


    "Cousin."


    Xu Hongyu called out to Yu Rong.


    With an amiable expression, Yu Rong chuckled and said, "Hongyu, what brings you to An Yu... Ah, I''ve heard you''re serving as a White-Clothed Guard in the Demon-Slaying Office. You must be here for hunting demons. I''ve had people prepare a room. And this person is?"


    He said this while turning towards Chen Mu with an inquisitive look.


    He recognized the little maid, but he had not seen Chen Mu before.


    "This is Lord Chen Mu, a Green-Clothed Guard from the Demon-Slaying Office¡ª one of us," the little maid introduced with a sweet voice.


    Since they needed to enter the city without mobilizing troops, everyone was wearing plain clothes at the moment.


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    Yu Rong looked at Chen Mu with a slight surprise and then smiled amiably, saying, "I didn''t recognize you at first, but being a Green-Clothed Guard at such a young age, Lord Chen is truly accomplished, far surpassing me when I was your age."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly towards Yu Rong. As a Green-Clothed Guard of the Demon-Slaying Office, he didn''t need to adhere to strict formalities with a County Magistrate below him.


    However, after a moment''s thought, Chen Mu remembered something and thus spoke with a bow, "Speaking of which, I might need to seek County Magistrate Yu''s assistance. My mother was originally from An Yu County and had drifted to Yu City in her early years. I''m not sure if I still have any relatives alive here."


    He then mentioned his mother''s name, Liu Ping.


    His memories of Liu Ping were not very clear. She had passed away when Chen Yue was about eight years old, and because it was a long time ago, the details were somewhat blurred. Only upon arriving at An Yu County did he remember that Liu Ping seemed to be from this county. She had apparently become enslaved and ended up in Yu City, working for a local gentry''s household.


    According to his fragmentary and distant memories, Liu Ping was later driven out of the gentry''s home due to her advancing age, after which she met Chen Mu''s father, married him, and then had him and Chen Yue.


    Not long ago, Chen Yue had spoken to him about this. He mentioned that Liu Ping had always wanted to return home to take a look, but in the end, she never fulfilled that wish. Chen Mu understood that Liu Ping''s journey from An Yu County to Yu City had been due to her enslavement, facilitated by a gang specialized in this trade.


    For an ordinary woman, the prospect of leaving Yu City to return to An Yu County would have been exceedingly difficult.


    "Alright, I will have someone look into this immediately," Yu Rong readily agreed.


    Although events from decades ago were quite distant and they only had a name, he was, after all, the County Magistrate of An Yu County. There were still leads to follow, though it would require some effort.


    However, considering Xu Hongyu''s demeanor towards Chen Mu and the little maid''s reaction, Chen Mu was clearly not just any subordinate. Being a Green-Clothed Guard of the Demon-Slaying Office, he certainly warranted the extra effort.


    "Then I''ll leave it in County Magistrate Yu''s hands," Chen Mu replied with another bow.


    Given that the matter stretched back decades and considering the present chaotic times where many of the records and genealogies were in disarray¡ªlike in the Wutong Grove District under his previous jurisdiction¡ªlet alone in the local county offices, he did not harbor much hope.


    If they could find some trace, he would see what the situation was, offer some help, and thereby settle a karmic debt as well as Chen Yue''s lingering concern. If they could find nothing, it would simply mean that was fate.


    ...


    Yu Family.


    "Heavenly Corpse Sect remnants?"


    Looking at the intelligence report passed on by Xu Hongyu, Yu Zuyi displayed a contemplative expression.


    If it were years ago, when the Da Xuan Dynasty Court was powerful and ruled over all, the emergence of remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect would certainly have been a major issue. After being reported up through the ranks, even the existence of a state-level official might dispatch troops to suppress them.


    But now¡­


    The current world is divided by Sects, with the orthodox Sects standing off against each other, and Demon Sects vying for prominence. In the past, those crushed by the Imperial Court and forced to hide, like the ''Blood Hidden Pavilion'' and the ''Hehuan Sect,'' are now said to be acting openly in some states and counties, with branch temples set up in the open.


    Several centuries ago, the Heavenly Corpse Sect was just one among the Demon Sects. The emergence of a handful of its remnants, occasionally encountered and even killed by Xu Hongyu, doesn''t have that big an impact, and moreover, the Imperial Court is mostly powerless to govern them.


    However, the Seven Profound Sect might respond to this incident, as Yu State has always been under their jurisdiction.


    The only thing to consider is.


    Whether this news should go through City Lord Xue Huaikong.


    The Heavenly Corpse Sect being able to hide in Yu County for so long must mean there are other forces concealing their tracks for them.


    The Xue Family has a far greater influence than the Yu Family. If the Yu Family could suspect some connections through the Corpse Poison Jade, the Xue Family couldn''t possibly be ignorant of this; they might even know more than the Yu Family.


    "Hmm, the Xue Family should not have any connection with the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect. With the power and influence of the Xue Family, there is no need for any cooperation with the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect. Instead, the He and Xie families are worthy of suspicion."


    Yu Zuyi pondered for a moment.


    In the end, he decided to report this matter through City Lord Xue Huaikong''s hands, so he personally left the Yu Family residence and headed to the City Lord''s mansion in the Inner City. After some time, a spy set out quietly from the Inner City to the Seven Profound Sect.


    ¡­


    An Yu County Government.


    Since the County Magistrate was from the Yu Family, the courtyard prepared for Chen Mu and others was certainly without neglect. The courtyard was located behind the county government office, not large, but could be considered clean and elegant, with oil lamps already lit in all the rooms.


    Chen Mu walked into the eastern room to check, while Xu Hongyu headed to a west room. Xiao He stealthily glanced at Chen Mu and then followed Xu Hongyu into the west wing.


    After a while.


    Chen Mu knocked on the door to the west room.


    "Chen Mu, you, what are you here for..."


    Xiao He opened the door, a bit flustered as she spoke. Although the current Chen Mu, if he wished to propose to the Yu Family like Xu Hongyu''s father once did, would surely face no resistance from the Yu Family, and it seemed Xu Hongyu was also acting somewhat oddly now, tonight was... just too soon.


    "What are you flustered about?"


    Chen Mu looked at Xiao He with surprise, then flicked her forehead with a finger, annoyed, saying, "I''m here to ask about--how much do you and Hongyu know about the Seven Profound Sect?" S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This incident with the Heavenly Corpse Sect would surely be reported to Yu City, which would most likely not take action on its own but would report it upstream. Previously, the report would go to the State Government Office, that is, the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, but now it would only be passed to the Seven Profound Sect.


    He did not have much understanding of the Seven Profound Sect.


    Xiao He was clearly letting her imagination run wild, and even though he was curious about how Xu Hongyu, the cool beauty, would react after being treated, it was certainly not the time for that. Besides, Xiao He, running around during the day, seemed desperate to be a bridal maid, and now she became flustered when he arrived, all her usual shrewdness gone, which amused him somewhat.


    Xu Hongyu was sitting by a soft couch in the inner room, her expression as usual", saying, "The Seven Profound Sect, the so-called Seven Profound, refers to the seven peaks under the Sect, which are Great Profound, Upper Profound, Lesser Profound, Heavenly Profound, Earth Profound, Spirit Profound, and Correct Profound...


    Each peak has a Peak Master as well as a True Disciple, dozens of Inner Sect members, and hundreds of Outer Sect members."


    The overall number of people seemed not to be many.


    Chen Mu wore a thoughtful expression.


    But compared to Yu City, any one of the Seven Peaks of the Seven Profound Sect was far beyond what the entire forces of Yu County could match.


    "Within the Seven Profound Sect is the Affairs Hall, responsible for handling various affairs of the Sect. Each Steward of the Hall is at the Viscera Realm. The three families, Xue, He, and Xie, as well as my Grandfather, have all served as Stewards of the Seven Profound Sect."


    "True Disciples hold a slightly higher status than Sect Executives but are not responsible for affairs. Generally, only those who have stepped beyond the Five Viscera Realm are sent on behalf of the Seven Profound Sect for external activities. The seven Peak Masters are also Elders of the Seven Profound Sect, all above the Viscera Realm."


    Xu Hongyu continued to state.


    "Marrow Cleansing Realm..."


    Chen Mu pondered for a moment and then suddenly asked, "Does the Seven Profound Sect have anyone in the Blood Exchange Realm?"


    This time Xu Hongyu shook her head, "This I am not clear about, but the Seven Profound Sect occupies an entire state''s land, managing to sideline even the Da Xuan Dynasty Court. One would think they must have such individuals."


    Saying this,


    Her eyes also showed a trace of longing.


    Five Viscera, Six Viscera, Seven Marrows, Eight Bloods; at the end of this path lies the ultimate realm of Martial Arts!


    Every Martial Artist yearns for the pinnacle of Martial Arts, but looking across the Da Xuan Dynasty, how many can truly reach such heights? The road is lined with the fallen.


    Hearing Xu Hongyu''s response, Chen Mu also could not help but marvel at the great power of the Seven Profound Sect.


    It is the major Sect that dominates an entire state''s land, gathering almost all of the top resources of Yu State, nurturing just a mere few True Disciples and a few thousand Inner and Outer Sect members. Indeed, in any aspect, the families'' powers in Yu County are incomparable.


    A power standing at such a level, if it wished to deal with some remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, the task would probably be as easy as flipping one''s hand, unless the Heavenly Corpse Sect could return to its glory days several centuries ago, but that clearly seems very unlikely.

 Chapter 120: Chapter 115 Seven Profound

    After Chen Mu left.Xu Hongyu sat beside the soft couch, lost in thought, and after a while, she suddenly turned her head towards Minor Achievement and said, "Minor Achievement, you have been with me for eighteen years, haven''t you?"


    Minor Achievement brought Xu Hongyu some clear water, smilingly said, "Yes, it has been a long time indeed, miss. You remember so clearly."


    "Have you taken a liking to anyone in the Yu Family?"


    Xu Hongyu looked at Minor Achievement, then suddenly spoke softly.


    "Not at all."


    Minor Achievement gently served Xu Hongyu as she washed and dressed, saying, "In this lifetime, I will only follow the miss."


    Although she was but a servant girl in the Yu Family, in the current era, once one stepped into the Tendon Changing Realm, their status would differ. If Xu Hongyu approved, she could marry into the Yu Family as well, but she never planned such a thing.


    Even without the appearance of Chen Mu, she would have followed Xu Hongyu all along.


    "Hmm..."


    Xu Hongyu stared at the basin of clear water, reflecting her own fair face, lost in thought.


    Minor Achievement quietly said, "Miss, if you... I think it''s better to decide earlier. Sooner or later, he will become a man of significance in Yu County. Even the family head would be pleased if he knew."


    "What are you talking about?"


    Xu Hongyu turned to look at Minor Achievement and shook her head, saying, "It''s not like that, I was just thinking..."


    Ever since last night, she had been thinking about her father, Xu Yichuan, but she had always been afraid to delve deeply into those thoughts. Moreover, whenever she thought about it, Chen Mu''s figure would appear, perhaps because Chen Mu and her father were alike, both having humble origins, but ultimately, they surpassed everyone through their own talents and efforts, step by step.


    At this moment, Minor Achievement, however, pursed her lips and stifled a giggle: "You are thinking about it; you really are intrigued."


    "Minor Achievement!"


    Xu Hongyu finally couldn''t hold back, reached out, and pinched Minor Achievement''s cheek, "Always talking nonsense, tonight you are punished to face the wall and reflect, no sleep allowed."


    "Ouch... Miss, we are going to hunt demons tomorrow; how will I protect you if I don''t rest well? Spare me this time, I won''t dare anymore," Minor Achievement looked pitifully at Xu Hongyu.


    Xu Hongyu sighed and said, "Alright, no more fuss, let''s rest early."


    As Xu Hongyu went to bed, Minor Achievement also sighed softly, barely perceptible. Having served Xu Hongyu for many years, she understood Xu Hongyu''s feelings all too well, and how could she not know what Xu Hongyu was thinking.


    But the old master had ultimately been missing for seventeen years already.


    It might not necessarily have been the deed of the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect.


    Dwelling on these thoughts now would only add to her troubles, so she always tried to lighten the mood with jokes. Although she had other thoughts, her main intent was to help Xu Hongyu recover soon.


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    ...


    The next day.


    Chen Mu woke up early.


    Xu Hongyu and Minor Achievement also got up very early. Minor Achievement went early to prepare food. For martial artists who had reached the realms of Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu, although they could go several days without food or drink, doing so would deplete their Qi-Blood.


    Ordinarily, they needed much more food than normal people, and a mere vegetarian meal would hardly be enough for them to feel satiated.


    Even ordinary meat could hardly keep up with their consumption; they needed to add some demon meat.


    After having breakfast.


    Chen Mu inquired about Liu Ping''s matter and, unsurprisingly, there were no results as yet. Thus, he and Xu Hongyu along with Minor Achievement left the city and headed northwest towards An Yu County.


    Among them, Minor Achievement, who was at the Tendon Changing Minor Achievement Realm, found the journey of over one hundred fifty li easy to manage in less than an hour, although they paced themselves to avoid exhausting her too much.


    Upon arriving at their destination.


    There was only a small village of about a hundred households, and several houses on the outskirts of the village were heavily damaged and collapsed. In the traces of the collapse, terrifying claw marks could be seen, obviously not the work of humans.


    "Are you sure what you saw that night was a wolf-like demon?"


    Xu Hongyu stood in front of several villagers, asking them.


    After exchanging glances, all the villagers simultaneously turned to look towards the person on the far left, about forty years old, the village head Wang Gensheng.


    Wang Gensheng seemed to recall something terrifying, fear apparent in his eyes, he said, "Yes... yes, I heard a noise and sneaked a peek. I saw a wolf as tall as my chest tear open the house of Widow Zhang at the village entrance with one swipe, then it... swallowed Widow Zhang..."


    "Then the demon rushed towards Blacksmith Li Tie''s house and..."


    Xu Hongyu interrupted him, asking, "Where were you at that time, and why didn''t the Wolf Demon target you?" Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Wang Gensheng immediately scratched his head, looking embarrassed, and said, "I, I was in the latrine..."


    "Where?"


    Xu Hongyu continued to ask.


    Wang Gensheng finally quietly pointed at one of the collapsed houses, one of which had a latrine that had collapsed halfway.


    Chen Mu glanced in the direction, which seemed to be Widow Zhang''s latrine.


    However, Xu Hongyu did not dwell on this issue. Instead, she walked up to the collapsed latrine, looked it up and down, and then continued to ask, "Did the Wolf Demon see you?"


    "It seemed..."


    Wang Gensheng scratched at his sparse hair.


    At that moment, Xu Hongyu nodded slightly, looking towards Chen Mu, and Chen Mu also looked at her, nodding slightly in response.


    "White Wolf Demon, rated Third Rank in the Da Xuan Demon Record, a common kind of demon, dislikes filth."


    Hearing Chen Mu''s words, Xu Hongyu showed slight surprise. She hadn''t expected that on his first trip outside the city, Chen Mu would already be so knowledgeable about demons. She also nodded and said, "I think so too, and moreover, it appeared in the village only on that night, and hasn''t shown up the past two days.


    It must be because that night was the night of the full moon, when wolf-like demons become uncontrollably restless."

 Chapter 121: Chapter 115 Seven Profound_2

    "Hmm."Chen Mu said, "Then either we actively search for its trail, or we''ll have to wait another month."


    Xu Hongyu shook her head and said, "Let''s search. A month is too long, and I have ''Rosemary'' here, which can drive the beast into a frenzy. As long as we can find the traces of its lair nearby, it will be forced to come out."


    "That sounds good."


    Chen Mu nodded.


    After all, Xu Hongyu had a lot of experience hunting demons, with essentials like rosemary mostly readily available. Chen Mu had only read some books on demonic creatures and lacked such items, but after learning about them this time, he would prepare them for the next time.


    Seeing Xu Hongyu turn to leave, Wang Gensheng couldn''t help but step forward and grab Chen Mu, swallowing his saliva before saying, "This little... no, this lord, are you really here to hunt demons? That wolf demon is extremely ferocious; just now, that young girl..."


    "Village Chief Wang, just be at ease."


    Chen Mu spoke to Wang Gensheng in an even tone.


    In such remote small villages, even the Demon-Slaying Office was hardly recognized; it seemed they doubted Xu Hongyu and Xiao He''s capability because they were young girls, leaving them even less confident.


    Chen Mu then flicked his finger, and a gust of wind burst forth, instantly piercing through a half of a mud wall not far away, kicking up a large cloud of dust that spread around.


    Village Chief Wang watched this scene, his eyes widening slightly, before he hurriedly stepped back, his face showing a look of awe.


    Chen Mu stepped forward to catch up with Xu Hongyu, quickly disappearing into the outskirts of the village, following the wolf demon''s trail as they searched.


    ...


    While Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu were chasing the wolf demon...


    Yu State.


    The Seven Profound Sect was located in the northern part of central Yu State, less than a few hundred miles from the State City.


    The sect was situated between a majestic mountain range, not deep within but only occupying the edge. Beyond its borders lay a series of towns under its control, which, despite being called towns, were no less prosperous than a county due to the proximity of the Seven Profound Sect.


    The intelligence from Yu City, after several transmissions, still safely arrived at the Seven Profound Sect.


    The matter was not minor.


    After successive reports, it reached the Affairs Hall of the Seven Profound Sect.


    "Heavenly Corpse Sect?"


    The few stewards who heard this furrowed their brows slightly.


    After a round of discussions, unable to decide, they escalated the matter to higher authorities, all the way up to the main peak of the Seven Profound Sect, and into a courtyard behind the grand hall on the main peak, where the Seven Profound Sect Elders resided. Read latest chapters at §Þ??


    "Troublesome times..."


    A man in his forties, wearing a flowing, blue robe, shook his head after hearing the steward''s report. He looked towards the mist-veiled mountains and said, "The land of Han State is in chaos with demons, Qing State is filled with the smoke of war, North State is in complete disarray, and Yu State will inevitably follow into turmoil."


    The current world situation had the Da Xuan Dynasty Court''s orders not extending out of Central Prefecture, with each state either under the control of nobles or partitioned by various sects. After decades of development, up until ten years ago, a relatively peaceful coexistence had been maintained.


    However, as the saying goes: prolonged peace breeds trouble.


    It started with the King of the North Garrison from North State, who led his troops in an uprising against the Tao Ran Sect, which held three jurisdictions in North State. Within a short ten years, all of North State was plunged into chaos, and the flames of war spread.


    The neighboring states each underwent changes, with sects intervening and regional powers acting in the shadows, leading to a state of disorder in the four states adjacent to Yu State starting three years ago.


    Only Yu State, under the governance of the Seven Profound Sect for decades, remained relatively stable. The Seven Profound Sect had closed its doors and kept to itself, avoiding involvement in the affairs of outside states, so Yu State remained comparatively peaceful up to the present day.


    "Elder Qi, what do you think we should do..."


    "First, send someone to Central Prefecture and report to the Imperial Court. We must still follow the procedures."


    Elder Qi Zhiyuan in his blue attire slowly opened his mouth.


    Yu State''s relative stability up to now was also related to the Seven Profound Sect''s consistently prudent actions. Despite governing a state, they did not disrupt the imperial system, still using the Court''s rules for local governance.


    "Yes." S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The steward bowed his head in acknowledgment.


    But just as he turned to handle the situation, a lingering voice suddenly echoed through the entire mountains.


    "Heavenly Sword Sect''s true disciple, Zuo Qianqiu, has arrived to pay respects to your mountain."


    Though not particularly loud, the voice clearly traversed the mountain range, echoing through the valleys, with an indescribable sharp edge as if a giant sword loomed overhead, unsheathed and imposing.


    For a moment,


    numerous Inner Sect and Outer Sect disciples of the Seven Profound Sect all looked up, stunned, towards the sect''s gate.


    Before anyone could react, a charming, feminine voice softly spread through the valleys: "Why are you in such a hurry, Elder Brother Zuo? You didn''t even wait for your junior sister... Hehe."


    The voice, both tender and alluring, merely reached the ears and stirred the soul, causing some outer disciples of the Seven Profound Sect to become dazed, flames of desire rising within them to see the source of the voice.


    But immediately after,


    a voice devoid of emotion poured cold water on all the excitement.


    "Blood Hidden Pavilion, Si Kouzhi, has arrived to pay respects to your mountain."


    "Hey, Hehuan enchantress, if you want to pay respects, just do it. Showing off your charms at another''s mountain gate could rile up the host. If they all come out against you, you''ll have to take them on alone. See how many holes you have and how many spikes you can take? Oh, and Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s true disciple, Jiang Yifei, has come to pay respects to your mountain.


    Just for the record, I''m not with the enchantress; I just want to spar with your true disciples."


    The last voice was very talkative, seemingly never-ending, but as the prolonged speech concluded, every word still resonated through the valleys, clearly reverberating around the Seven Profound Sect''s gates.

 Chapter 122: Chapter 115 Seven Profound_3

    Atop the main peak.The steward''s figure suddenly stopped in its tracks, a look of astonishment on his face, as he turned to look behind him at Qi Zhiyuan.


    Paying homage to the mountain...


    How many years had it been since such an event occurred?


    Moreover, with Heavenly Sword Blood Hidden, Mysterious Mechanism Hehuan¡ªrepresentatives of both righteous and demonic paths¡ªhow could they all come together?


    Qi Zhiyuan sighed softly and said, "In the end, they still came."


    In times of peace, with the Seven Profound Sect occupying a state''s worth of territory, coexistence could indeed continue without issue. But now, with all states in chaos, only Yu State remained peaceful, and it had long become a thorn in the eyes of many forces from the Outer States. Countless overt and covert attempts to drag the Seven Profound Sect into the fray were unknown.


    The inevitable would eventually come.


    True Disciples coming to pay homage to the mountain¡ªif it were decades ago, when the world was still relatively stable, it would mostly have just been to exchange martial arts knowledge and inquire into the path. But now, with True Disciples from each of the four sects arriving together, their purpose was no longer simply to discuss martial arts or contend for the Way.


    The goal of these four houses was one and the same.


    That was to station themselves in Yu State.


    Two years ago, Blood Concealment and Hehuan had already sought to set foot in Yu State but were repelled by the Seven Profound Sect. This time, however, with all four houses arriving together, the situation would likely not be resolved so easily.


    Qi Zhiyuan took leisurely steps down the mountain, with each step, his figure seemed to move like a phantom, instantly appearing dozens of yards away. In no time, his entire figure vanished, reappearing outside the gate of the Seven Profound Sect in just an instant.


    The gate of the Seven Profound Sect was located at the base of the mountain peak.


    On the rocks beside it, the words ''Seven Profound Sect'' were engraved in golden characters. At a single glance, they emanated a power that could shake one''s heart, accompanied by the towering peaks that pierced the clouds, giving off an imposing and solemn aura.


    However, at this moment.


    In front of the gate of the Seven Profound Sect, there were several people standing in different directions. Some were in white, wielding swords with indifferent eyes, some in light veils with graceful figures, lips curved into seductive smiles, dripping with charm.


    There were also those in black cloaks, wearing masks, with their features completely obscured, and others with strange baskets on their backs, each with different auras flickering on and off.


    Qi Zhiyuan''s figure quietly emerged on the inside of the gate and with another step forward, appeared outside of the mountain gate.


    His gaze swept over the four young figures before him, then cast towards the people behind them. Soon after, he narrowed his eyes and said, "I am Qi Zhiyuan. With the Sect Leader of Seven Profound in seclusion, I will be taking charge temporarily. If our guests have come to pay homage, please ascend the peak."


    "The junior has seen Elder Qi."


    The young man with the basket was the first to respectfully salute, then grinned and said, "Elder, this visit to pay homage is by the order of my sect, to exchange Martial Arts knowledge with the True Disciples of the Seven Profound Sect... If I manage to win a few moves, the Seven Profound Sect must allow Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion to station in Yu State. I wonder what the elder thinks of this."


    "If I win, Heavenly Sword Sect enters Yu State," the white-clothed man carrying a long sword said indifferently.


    The man in the cloak said in a deep voice, "Blood Hidden Pavilion enters Yu State."


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    Lastly.


    The woman standing not far away, wearing a light veil, with a graceful figure like a young girl, gently smiled, "Hehuan Sect also wishes to station there."


    Qi Zhiyuan replied indifferently, "If that''s the case, please proceed. However, even if you defeat our sect''s True Disciples, it is impossible for Yu State to be occupied solely by you. How about... we take Yu County as the boundary? If you lose, you shall not enter Yu State for two years."


    "Yu County, it''s a bit remote, but that should work, right?"


    Jiang Yifei stroked his chin, looking behind him. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Behind him was an empty expanse, completely void of anything.


    But at that moment.


    "Agreed."


    "Alright."


    "It''s acceptable."


    Several indifferent voices came from different directions behind them, but looking over, no figures were to be seen.

 Chapter 123: Chapter 116 Monster Hunting

    An Yu County Northwest.Between a slightly sparse forest.


    Chen Mu stood atop a towering tree that one could wrap arms around, his entire body perched on a slender branch that seemed like it would snap at any moment, his gaze sweeping across the seemingly endless forest below.


    After careful observation, he extended a finger toward a certain direction in the west and said, "There."


    Not far away. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Atop the crown of another ancient tree, Xu Hongyu also stood among the fragile branches, meticulously observing the forest below. Hearing Chen Mu''s words, she immediately turned her gaze in that direction and after closely scrutinizing, said, "Correct, it should be there."


    As her words fell.


    She and Chen Mu concurrently leapt, not descending from the tree, but moving forward by hopping along the treetops.


    Xiao He stood atop a slightly shorter tree behind them, similarly scrutinizing the surroundings in detail, and quietly followed Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu as the three of them moved forward together.


    The wolf demon''s act of consuming humans had taken place several days prior. Finding its traces within the secluded forest was not an easy task, and for an average person, it was nearly impossible.


    But Chen Mu and his companions were different.


    Having reached the Tendon Changing realm, the enhancement of their Qi-Blood made all their senses far sharper than an average human''s, allowing them to quickly find faint traces even in the sparse jungle.


    The wolf demon, after all, was a demon. Especially in a state of frenzy, its actions were often violent and reckless, sometimes leaving footprints, breaking small trees, or tearing through shrubs along its path¡ªall remnants of its passage.


    Along the way.


    Xu Hongyu exhibited extremely keen observational skills and clear judgment. After all, her demon hunting experience wasn''t limited to just once.


    Even before taking up the position of Chief Constable in the South City District, she had experiences of hunting demons accompanied by elders from the Yu Family, thus her expertise far outstripped that of Chen Mu, who was venturing outside the city for the first time.


    Throughout the journey, Chen Mu listened to Xu Hongyu''s explanations about tracking, observing, and other aspects. Although he understood quickly, it was still his first experience, and there was an inevitable unfamiliarity¡ªnot instincts etched into his bloodline.


    However.


    After about half a day of tracking, Chen Mu''s experience in other areas might still be rough, but his observational skills had already surpassed Xu Hongyu''s. The range of his vision was wider, and he could catch traces more sharply, often discovering remnants left by the wolf demon before Xu Hongyu.


    The group tracked the demon to the top of an ancient tree. The tree wasn''t particularly thick, but beneath it was a bush that had clearly been battered into a shattered mess.


    These vines and shrubs still retained their green hue, having grown well before being snapped. The plants were quite resilient, and even the grey bears and wild boars in the mountains wouldn''t have been able to forcefully break through them. Such evidence of destruction, reduced to a broken state, could not be the work of a normal beast but only that of a demon.


    "Over there."


    After closely inspecting the bushes, Xu Hongyu pointed in a direction to the south.


    Chen Mu, contemplative, carefully observed the traces on the bush and then glanced in the direction Xu Hongyu had judged, nodding slightly, "Mm, that should be it. Let''s continue the pursuit; this creature is running all over the place, making it quite the challenge to find." Stay connected via §Þ??


    Xu Hongyu took the lead, once again climbing atop the treetops, continuing to travel through the trees while adding, "Given that it''s frenzied from its demonic nature during the full moon night, its trail would naturally be chaotic, zigzagging erratically. Its intrusion into the village was just a coincidence."


    "Mm."


    Chen Mu followed beside her.


    A Third Rank White Wolf Demon couldn''t have just appeared out of nowhere; it must have been living in the woods for a long time. It never entered the village to eat humans before, so this time it could only have blundered in due to its frenzy.


    Nevertheless, they had to deal with it. Even if it didn''t specifically target the village and simply blundered in during its frenzy, there could be a second time after the first. As long as it lived, it posed a significant threat to the villagers near this mountain range. Eliminating these threats was the very reason for the Demon-Slaying Office''s existence.


    Of course.


    A Third Rank White Wolf Demon also had considerable value in itself. If its fur was intact, its worth would be at least a thousand taels of silver, not to mention the medicinal value of its bones and blood, and its meat was of a type rich in Qi-Blood and edible.


    As the sky grew dark and night approached, the group was not in a hurry. It was difficult to discern traces at night, so they found a place to settle down and rest for the evening. The next morning, they continued their pursuit.


    After two days of pursuit, although they were constantly twisting and turning, still, they progressively ventured deeper into the woods.


    "It''s very close."


    Xu Hongyu stood in the midst of a thicket, her eyes fixed on a dried pool of blood and some scattered bone fragments.


    From the shattered bones and the remaining traces of fur, it looked like it was a creature similar to a grizzly bear, large and ferocious. Although not a demon, creatures of this sort could sometimes be just as dangerous as a First Rank demon.


    For instance, the bloodline demon rats that the Black Crow Sect had once attempted to cultivate were not particularly strong and, even fully grown, could not hunt large beasts like grizzly bears, often opting to avoid them instead.


    From the signs at hand, it was clear that this large beast was overpowered without a chance to fight back, crushed, then devoured alive; and judging by the dryness of the bloodstains, this had happened within the last two hours.


    Having confirmed this,


    Xu Hongyu took out a small jade vase from her pocket, gently tipped out a drop of pale cyan liquid, then clapped her hand in the air, turning the drop of ''Rosemary Essence'' into a mist. She then pulled out a ribbon and lightly shook it, causing the mist to swirl and be absorbed into it.


    "Let''s go."


    Xu Hongyu held the ribbon in her hand, "Although this should be the territory of the White Wolf Demon, and there should be no other demons around, it''s still best to use the Rosemary Essence sparingly. Moderate concentration is key, to avoid attracting other trouble... Why are you looking at me like that?"


    Chen Mu smiled and said, "I''m just impressed by your adeptness and attentively listening to your guidance."


    "... It''s just a bit more experience, that''s all."


    Xu Hongyu''s gaze shifted slightly, and she spoke a tad unnaturally, "These are just common strategies for hunting demons. If we encounter extreme weather conditions, like ''Great Cold'', ''Great Drought'', ''Great Tide'', or even ''Dual Suns'' and ''Endless Night'', the whole Earth would be thrown into chaos, with evil demons likely to appear everywhere, rendering these techniques useless."


    After hearing Xu Hongyu''s words, Chen Mu pondered, "The ''Great Cold'' phenomenon occurred at the end of last year, right? And the last ''Great Drought'' was five years ago... It has been decades since the last occurrence of ''Dual Suns''. I remember that there is no clear pattern for these celestial phenomena mentioned in the records of unusual events in Da Xuan."


    He had personally experienced ''Great Cold''.


    The most recent ''Great Drought'' occurred four years ago. This phenomenon wasn''t about a prolonged absence of rain but rather about rivers drying up and wells running empty within an extremely short period.


    In contrast, ''Great Tide'' resulted in rising river levels, well water overflowing, and was often accompanied by dense fog. Moisture-laden mist saturated the environment, making it difficult to find anything dry, let alone start a fire.


    Of course.


    These were relatively common celestial events, typically occurring every few years and not lasting very long. The main issue was the chaos they caused amongst the demons, some of which were provoked by the cold, others by the drought, leading to aggressive behavior and wreaking havoc in their surroundings. Although the Demon-Slaying Office would suppress them, disasters still frequently occurred.


    Compared to these, ''Dual Suns'' was a more severe situation. According to the records, when this happened, another sun resembling a reflection in water would rise into the sky, affecting a broader range of demons and a wider area.


    The most frightening, however, was ''Endless Night''.


    The archives described a complete darkness enveloping the land during ''Endless Night'', with no sun or moon in sight, plunging the Earth into nightfall. Demons roamed during this extended darkness, which lasted for months or even half a year.


    "Hmm, the last ''Dual Suns'' phenomenon was fifty-seven years ago, and ''Endless Night'' was two hundred and forty-one years ago. Speaking of patterns, events like ''Great Cold'' and ''Great Drought'' typically happen every few years, but ''Dual Suns'' and ''Endless Night'' are much rarer. Many people may never witness them in their lifetime, and we might not see them either... Ouch!"


    Lotus, who was following behind Chen Mu, began to speak but suddenly cried out in pain.


    Thump!


    A red mark appeared on Lotus''s forehead as she held her head, tears welling up in her eyes as she looked at Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu, slightly irritated, withdrew his finger, "Don''t talk nonsense! What if the heavens hear you and decide to punish you?"


    Lotus replied, hurt, "If the heavens would punish me just for something I said, I must have committed some terrible sins in my last life..."


    Xu Hongyu, seeing Lotus''s expression, almost laughed, "Alright, Lotus, stop talking nonsense; don''t joke about the heavens."


    Among the diverse characters of all walks of life, there seemed to be fortune-telling swindlers who claimed that bad things shouldn''t be mentioned, as speaking of them could make them come true. However, she had never believed in such things. Even if fate did exist, it wasn''t something that could be divined by some pretentious Taoists.


    Rumors said there was a sect in the neighboring state called ''Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion'' that could glimpse the mysteries of heaven and earth, but its authenticity was uncertain.


    "Miss..."


    Lotus looked pitifully at Xu Hongyu, then at Chen Mu.


    However, at that moment, Chen Mu''s ears twitched; his demeanor shifted from amiable to solemn, and he abruptly stopped walking. Turning his head in one direction, he said, "There''s movement, it seems to be coming."


    Lotus immediately became serious as well, shedding her playful tone.


    Xu Hongyu also stopped in her tracks and, sensing something, lightly swung her right hand, drawing the Soft Sword and holding it ready, her expression growing earnest and solemn.


    Finally.


    Noise came from the distant jungle.


    It seemed a fierce creature was making its way towards them, charging through the underbrush. Though it had not yet appeared, an aggressive momentum could already be sensed, causing the birds in the nearby forest to take flight, screeching as they soared into the sky.

 Chapter 124: Chapter 117 Continuation

    "Here it comes."Chen Mu''s expression was calm, and his body remained still, but his gaze first fixed on what lay ahead, rapidly moving to his left.


    Almost at the next moment.


    Accompanied by a fierce and evil gust of wind, a huge white wolf with silvery white fur, almost reaching a man''s chest, suddenly appeared. It didn''t charge from the ground, but leapt downwards from above, diving from a large ancient tree at Chen Mu''s left, viciously pouncing directly toward Xu Hongyu who was standing to Chen Mu''s left.


    Whoosh!


    Xu Hongyu, with a placid expression, stood her ground. With a flick of the soft sword in her hand, the blade quivered, shaking out a flower of swords in the air, creating a curtain of light that resembled a spray of rain, meeting the diving White Wolf Demon.


    The White Wolf Demon raised its right limb, its fore-end suddenly flashing with a large and luminous claw, ferociously slashing down, clashing with the curtain of swords raised by Xu Hongyu, instantly sparking off flashes and producing sounds like the clashing of swords and knives.


    The curtain of swords exploded apart.


    The entire right limb of the White Wolf Demon shook, seemingly unable to bear the force, recoiling back in midair, and falling to the ground a distance away, while Xu Hongyu stepped back two paces, her soft sword retracting and sweeping backward at an angle, unloading the residual force and slicing a trench in the ground.


    Immediately following that, Xu Hongyu again swung up a beam of sword light, taking the initiative to attack, and clashed with the White Wolf Demon.


    Xiao He held the soft sword tightly but didn''t rush forward. She saw that the White Wolf Demon was not particularly strong, and Xu Hongyu was sufficient to handle it. It also served as a suitable opponent for Xu Hongyu to refine her Qi-Blood Swordsmanship.


    Martial artists cultivate martial arts, whether it''s Body Refining or Technique Training. Often, they can''t reach the pinnacle through solitary practice. Xu Hongyu stepped into Tendon Changing Perfection, sparring with an opponent of comparable strength not only invigorated her own Qi-Blood but also honed her swordsmanship and momentum.


    Her rapid advancement from Tendon Changing Major Achievement to Tendon Changing Perfection was inseparably connected to continually hunting demons outdoors through the ''Great Cold'' period.


    At this thought,


    Xiao He couldn''t help but steal another glance at Chen Mu, her eyes slightly perplexed.


    Only Chen Mu ¡­ in her memory, seemed to either work at the City Defense Division or was cultivating behind closed doors. Under such circumstances, he still advanced tremendously, even grasping Artistic Conceptions¡ªthe difference between individuals was indeed immeasurable.


    Chen Mu stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes tranquilly watching Xu Hongyu fighting the White Wolf Demon. Compared to the previous encounter with the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, Xu Hongyu was now demonstrating her strength even more, interweaving two types of sword momentum, nearly flawless.


    Although the White Wolf Demon was slightly stronger than Xu Hongyu in speed and power, she constantly managed to overpower it.


    The two, one human and one wolf, swiftly engaged in more than a dozen fierce rounds.


    Xu Hongyu''s cold eyes flashed subtly as she altered her sword momentum amidst the fierce battle, turning the curtain she had been waving into a flung fine mist, instantly threading through the gaps of the White Wolf Demon''s claws and striking its eyeball.


    "Ahhh!!!"


    The White Wolf Demon let out a painful roar as its right eyeball burst into a spray of blood.


    Struck by this blow, the manic violence in its remaining left eye diminished significantly, and its look at Xu Hongyu now conveyed a humanized wariness and hatred. Then, with a fierce swipe of its claw, tearing through Xu Hongyu''s curtain of swords, it twisted its body and bolted into the depths of the forest.


    It fled as fast as the wind, quickly escaping beyond Xu Hongyu''s range of attack.


    Xu Hongyu exhaled a turbid breath and immediately set off with her sword in pursuit, but she was not as fast as the White Wolf Demon. Despite chasing at full speed through the dense forest, she could only watch its figure get farther and farther away.


    Just when it seemed she would not catch up, a figure silently swept over from above, arriving directly above the White Wolf Demon, and descended in an arc.


    Boom!!!


    Chen Mu did not draw his sword, but merely raised his fist in the air with a calm gaze. He fiercely smashed his fist down directly onto the White Wolf Demon''s forehead. The giant wolf, with its large bulk, had its head forcefully plummeted downward, planting headfirst into the ground with a thunderous crash, its running torso stiffly jutting upwards as if it had been wedged straight into the earth.


    Little Lotus silently covered her eyes with both hands.


    It was too brutal.


    To knock down the White Wolf Demon with mere physical strength... How could Miss endure this in the future?


    Shuashuashua!


    The head of the White Wolf Demon was planted in the ground, its limbs rigid, but it was not dead. It quickly started moving again, its limbs flailing wildly in the air, which looked quite comical. Finally, it managed to pull its head out but still seemed to be in a daze, not knowing whether to run or what to do, just constantly shaking its head to shake off the dirt in its fur.


    By this time, Xu Hongyu''s figure had already approached closer, her entire body quietly crouched down, and she slid under the White Wolf Demon''s skull. Her soft sword struck straight at the White Wolf Demon''s throat, and a thread of blood silently blossomed.


    The large body of the White Wolf Demon briefly froze, then wobbled twice before finally falling down.


    Whoosh.


    Xu Hongyu sheathed her sword and walked straight to the corpse of the White Wolf Demon. With skilled movements, she stabbed her sword into its chest area. With a light flick of the sword tip and a thrust of her right hand, a blood-stained crystal-like object the size of a baby''s fingertip appeared between the tips of her bloody fingers.


    "Here."


    Xu Hongyu flicked her hand, and the blood-colored crystal object flew towards Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu caught it and inspected it closely, "Is this the Blood Essence of a demon?"


    Blood Essence is the most quintessential part of a demon''s Qi-Blood, generally found only in Second Rank demons and above; those of the Third Rank and higher mostly possess it. Martial Artists who have surpassed Body Refining can directly consume and refine it to nourish their own Qi-Blood.


    It can only be consumed directly, because Blood Essence dissipates quickly. If not separated immediately, it will quickly dissolve into the demon''s heart''s blood. Even if separated immediately, without top-quality Cold Jade, it cannot be stored and will dissipate into the environment after a while.


    This thing probably won''t be of any use to me.


    This thought flashed through Chen Mu''s mind, but since it was his first encounter, he thought for a moment and still swallowed it. Soon, a warm current spread from his belly throughout his body, enveloping his whole body in this warmth.


    However, it was a long while before the warmth faded, and his Qi-Blood didn''t become more vigorous; it remained at the same level, merely replenishing some of the lost energy, making his Qi-Blood slightly more active.


    He shook his head slightly.


    Chen Mu was not surprised.


    His Skin Toughening, Body Refinement, and Tendon Changing had reached the limit of the Three Realms, achieving the Tiger and Leopard Thunder Sound where his muscles resonated in unison. His Qi-Blood had already reached the ultimate capacity it could hold, far surpassing ordinary people.


    Only people like Xu Hongyu and Xiao He, whose Qi-Blood had not been solidified to the limit of the First Realm, could slightly improve their Qi-Blood by taking such Blood Essence, making their Body Refining cultivation a bit faster and reducing the difficulty of reaching higher realms.


    Xu Hongyu quickly processed the White Wolf Demon''s corpse. Her hands moved so swiftly and skillfully that Chen Mu found it somewhat breathtaking. In an instant, she had neatly arranged everything, using an entire piece of the White Wolf Demon''s hide to make a large bundle, with all wolf bones and claws neatly packed inside.


    Then, with a flick of her wrist, she hoisted the bundle, larger than herself, onto her back and said to Chen Mu,


    "Alright, we can go back to report."


    "..."


    Chen Mu''s lips twitched slightly, finding Xu Hongyu''s current appearance somewhat comical, although she herself seemed completely unaware, turning around and walking back the way they came.


    Watching Xu Hongyu''s figure walking further away, Chen Mu couldn''t help but shake his head and followed her. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xiao He covered her mouth and snickered quietly, not daring to say anything, and discreetly followed by their side. The group trekked through the forest, and it wasn''t long before they emerged from the woods; the intense sunlight finally unobstructed by the dense foliage fell on the three of them.


    "How much Merit is a White-Level mission?"


    Chen Mu asked about the Demon-Slaying Office''s Merit affairs as he walked beside Xu Hongyu.


    "The mission itself awards one hundred Merit. Furthermore, depending on the demon slain, a White Wolf Demon would yield an additional five hundred Merit."


    Xu Hongyu opened her mouth slightly after a moment of thought.


    Chen Mu looked pensive. He had researched before that exchanging for Bone Tempering Pills from the Demon-Slaying Office cost twenty thousand Merit for a batch, roughly thirty pills, enough for three months'' use, and each member of the Demon-Slayer Office could exchange up to three times.


    This was actually a continuation of the Da Xuan Dynasty Court''s past regulations.


    The threshold for Bone Tempering, compared to Tendon Changing, was not as difficult. The biggest issue for martial artists here was often being over thirty years old, and the vitality of their Qi-Blood gradually not being as vigorous as in their youth, which was a barrier to entering Bone Tempering.


    If one failed to overcome the barrier after three exchanges of Bone Tempering Pills, their Qi-Blood would begin to decline further, leaving little chance to advance into Bone Tempering; instead, more exchanges would just be a waste of resources.


    Earning six hundred Merit from a mission to slay a White Wolf Demon,


    and needing twenty thousand Merit,


    seemed a bit much.


    Creatures like the White Wolf Demon required the slaying of over thirty to accumulate that amount, representing thirty missions.


    Judging by about six or seven days to complete a mission as this time, Xu Hongyu, a Tendon Changing Perfection White-Clothed Guard of the Demon-Slaying Office, would need over six months to exchange for a batch of Bone Tempering Pills, ensuring she could complete every mission without incidents.


    Of course, encountering a large group of ten to twenty all at once would yield a large amount of Merit in one go... But typically, if a regular White-Clothed Guard encountered ten to twenty White Wolf Demons while leading a team, not only would slaying them be out of question, but even escaping would be problematic.


    However, he could easily handle it. For him, facing one or ten White Wolf Demons made no difference.


    It''s just that this time, they had to traverse mountains and valleys to track down just one.


    Unless there was severe cold or drought that induced large-scale frenzied behavior in numerous demons, it was difficult to earn a vast amount of Merit in a short time. It''s no wonder that during last year''s severe cold, everyone from the Inner City went out demon slaying, even Xu Hongyu, who was temporarily off-duty from serving as the Chief Constable of the South City District.


    Meanwhile, as Chen Mu was deep in thought,


    Xiao He, walking beside, suddenly fanned herself with her little hand, saying, "Ah, why does today feel so much hotter than yesterday?"


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    Chen Mu snapped back to reality, looked into the distance, and slowly said, "I fear it''s more than just a bit hotter."


    In the distance,


    a river was flowing vigorously.


    Just a day before when they passed by here, the river was quite wide, around two to three zhang, but now it had shrunk by almost half, revealing a large stretch of exposed riverbank.


    Xu Hongyu looked at this and suddenly paused slightly, saying, "A severe drought..."


    Chen Mu shook his head and said, "Severe colds at the beginning of the year followed by a severe drought mid-year¡ªthis year is marked by multiple disasters."


    The upcoming severe drought was indeed a continuation of a disastrous year. Although it wouldn''t last as long as the severe cold did, it would still last at least half a month to a month. Families had prepared water tanks in advance, so there was no risk of dehydration, but the crops planted would be destroyed, and the increased activity of demons.


    However, since it occurred every few years, it wasn''t considered an extremely severe condition. Just as during the previous severe cold, forces including the Demon-Slaying Office would be mobilized.


    With that said,


    Chen Mu glanced at Xiao He and said, "Look, Heaven''s punishment is upon you; your past life must have been quite sinful."


    Xiao He opened her big innocent eyes wide, moved closer to Xu Hongyu, and stuck out her tongue.


    "Let''s go. Let''s head back to An Yu first,"


    Xu Hongyu withdrew her gaze and said solemnly, "The severe drought is imminent; there''s no need to rush back to Prefecture City. Let''s stay in An Yu for now. More personnel from Prefecture City will be sent here as well."


    With the severe drought approaching, the situation wasn''t extremely grave but wasn''t minor either; apart from the crops that would be nearly completely ruined, the rampant demons would also require more manpower to suppress¡ªmuch like the situation at the beginning of the year during the severe cold, temporarily conscripting personnel under the name of the Demon-Slaying Office, including organizing forces from various families.

 Chapter 125: Chapter 118: Drought

    The trio hastened their step,Chen Mu directly picked up the huge bundle of the White Wolf Demon from Xu Hongyu''s back.


    On their way back to An Yu County, along the way they saw a scattering of villages where villagers were busily fetching water, households attempting to draw water rapidly, even children as young as six or seven carrying small wooden buckets wavering by the well, waiting for water while it was still available before the wells and rivers ran dry.


    Villages by the river were better off since the river had not dried up and fetching water was swift, but for those remote ones reliant on a single well, it was quite troublesome. However, everyone maintained order, with village chiefs directing water distribution.


    This series of scenes,


    made Chen Mu, watching from afar, nod slightly.


    He wasn''t present in this world during the severe drought five years ago, and having lived in Yu City where households reacted quickly by storing water in two large urns and tightly covering them, his only memory was of the air being particularly dry, causing his lips to crack, apart from that, there were no other significant changes.


    The outskirts of the city were more directly affected, but as such disasters occurred every few years, no matter the size, most areas had a complete plan to cope, which was far more orderly than Chen Mu had expected.


    Soon,


    the group rushed back to the Country Government of An Yu.


    There, it was all hustle and bustle as well; nearly every street and alley saw hurried figures, most carrying buckets, some heading out of the city to fetch water, others crowding around the wells, waiting in long queues. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Everyone stay calm, don''t push! Hey, you... get back!"


    At one well, five or six officers were managing the order, but behind them, some burly men who appeared to be gang members were forcibly pushing forward, directly clashing with the officers.


    An elderly woman in her sixties with graying hair was knocked to the ground amid the conflict.


    A younger woman nearby hurriedly reached out to help her,


    "Aunt Liu, are you alright?"


    "..."


    The old woman was helped to her feet, shook her head, but her gaze fell on the wooden bucket she had failed to grasp properly during the fall, which was being kicked around by the gang members and officers amid the conflict.


    Just then, Xu Hongyu and Xiao He hurried past, and Chen Mu, carrying the large bundle of the White Wolf Demon with one hand, saw this and glanced over, saying, "What''s going on?"


    The thugs from the gang and the burly men who were about to start a scuffle upon seeing Chen Mu carrying the White Wolf Demon, and wearing the neat uniform of the Demon-Slaying Office Green-Clothed Guard, immediately calmed down.


    "Sir, just now..."


    The officers quickly reported to Chen Mu.


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    Although they did not recognize who Chen Mu was, that attire and the clearly blood-stained White Wolf Demon bundle were unmistakably from the Demon-Slaying Office, to them, a highly esteemed figure.


    Chen Mu listened, frowned, and with a wave of his hand, a gust of wind knocked the gang members to the ground, bruising and bloodying their faces, but the group did not dare to wail and hastily got up to kowtow repeatedly.


    "During this crucial period, anyone who disturbs the order will be thrown directly into jail,"


    said Chen Mu coldly.


    Though he was no longer an official of the City Defense Division, and An Yu wasn''t his jurisdiction, as a member of the Demon-Slaying Office Green-Clothed Guard, he still held the authority to directly command local officers during the unusual period leading up to the drought, and could disregard rank and chain of command.


    If orders from the City Defense Division conflicted with those from the Demon-Slaying Office, the latter would prevail.


    "Yes, yes..."


    Both the gang members and the burly men were now terrified, kowtowing while repeatedly responding.


    Once Chen Mu turned and walked away, everyone expressed a look of having narrowly escaped great danger, and no one dared to cause further trouble, each slinking back into the crowd. The officers they had clashed with each heaved a sigh of relief, and with renewed confidence, began to sternly manage and arrange the fetching of water.


    "Aunt Liu, here''s your bucket."


    Seeing that order had been restored, the woman picked up the bucket and handed it to the old woman,


    who received it with trembling hands, "Okay, okay..."


    The woman, observing the orderly scene at the well, couldn''t help but look in the direction Chen Mu had gone, saying, "Ah, that young man just now, with a wave of his hand, sent people flying through the air, just like those highly skilled heroes that Old Wang at the alley''s end talks about in his stories. I wonder what high rank he holds at such a young age."


    Liu Rong examined her own bucket for any damage, relieved that it was intact. Hearing the nearby woman''s remark, she nodded emphatically, "Mhm, mhm, I remember, people have mentioned it before, that official uniform seems to be from the Demon Something Office, even higher than the lords in our City Defense Division."


    Speaking of which,


    that young man just now seemed somewhat reminiscent of her sister when she was young, but it must have been a mistake.


    Her sister had been abducted by human traffickers decades ago and had never been found since; it was unlikely she could have any connection to an important figure who held a higher rank than the City Defense Division''s lords.


    With this thought,


    Liu Rong silently sighed.


    Her health had been declining in recent years, and she didn''t know how much longer she would live. Liu Ping was frailer than her since childhood, and it seemed unlikely in this lifetime that she would ever see her sister again. She wondered if Liu Ping was still alive and how she was faring.

 Chapter 126: Chapter 118: Drought_2

    ...An Yu County Government. Enjoy exclusive adventures from M V L


    When Chen Mu, Xu Hongyu, and Little Lotus returned, the county government was also bustling with activity. County Magistrate Yu Rong was not in the county government, and the one who came out to welcome them was the county deputy, who led Chen Mu and the others to the courtyard at the back of the county government.


    Many people from the Demon-Slaying Office had already arrived in the county government''s courtyard. Most of them were executing tasks near An Yu County, and upon detecting the celestial sign of a severe drought, they immediately rushed to An Yu County''s county government to convene, waiting for further instructions from the Demon-Slaying Office.


    "An Yu is your Yu Family''s territory. Aren''t your family supposed to take charge of the demon-slaying matters here?"


    Chen Mu asked as they walked.


    "Yes."


    Xu Hongyu nodded and said, "At least one Deputy Governor from the Demon-Slaying Office will come to command and oversee the operations. It will either be my third uncle or my grandfather on my mother''s side of the family."


    Little Lotus, with a hand over her mouth to suppress a giggle, leaned close to Chen Mu and whispered so quietly:


    "Actually, I think it would be very good for you to take charge."


    The Yu Family had two deputy governors in the Demon-Slaying Office, one at Major Achievement of Bone Tempering, and the other at Bone Tempering Perfection. However, the one at Bone Tempering Perfection was Xu Hongyu''s grandfather, who was already over sixty.


    His Qi-Blood was declining, and his strength was about the same as that of someone with Major Achievement, and neither of them had comprehended Artistic Conception. In Little Lotus''s opinion, their abilities were certainly not as good as Chen Mu''s.


    Chen Mu tapped Little Lotus on the head and reminded her that he was just a Green-Clothed Guard whose only task was to hunt more demons. Besides, this girl had been increasingly audacious lately; it was time for a proper lesson.


    In the courtyard.


    Some Black-Clothed and Green-Clothed Guards from the Demon-Slaying Office were gathered here, mostly people from the Yu Family. When they saw Xu Hongyu come in, they all greeted her respectfully as "Lord Xu."


    Even though some among them were from the Yu Family''s branches that were one generation older than Xu Hongyu, they were from distant and non-direct lines and their relationship was far-removed. Moreover, their own strength and status were far inferior to Xu Hongyu''s, so they usually addressed each other by official titles.


    "Did you come from the Demon-Slaying Office, or...?"


    Xu Hongyu asked.


    "We were hunting demons nearby An Yu County. After noticing the abnormal celestial phenomena, we rushed over to gather here."


    Someone responded to Xu Hongyu.


    The Demon-Slaying Office had many operatives who were usually spread out across Yu County. There were various family forces hunting demons in An Yu County, but apart from people from the Yu Family, operatives from other families certainly wouldn''t gather in An Yu County.


    This was the Yu Family''s territory and under their control; coming here meant one might disappear without even knowing how it happened.


    Also, because of the conflicts between the four major families of the Inner City, each time there was a demon outbreak, apart from the large area directly governed by the prefecture city, the Demon-Slaying Office would assign one particular family''s forces to handle each county separately.


    "This time the celestial signs started early, there were signs a day before. The Demon-Slaying Office will probably respond quickly; everyone should be on their way. By the time the drought completely settles in, they should have arrived."


    Someone said to Xu Hongyu.


    Xu Hongyu nodded, then turned to look at Chen Mu with an inquiring gaze in her eyes.


    Chen Mu merely nodded slightly back at her, signaling that she could make the decisions.


    "Then let''s all rest for a moment, and wait for the superiors to arrive."


    Xu Hongyu said to everyone before she, Chen Mu, and Little Lotus headed towards the inner rooms of the back courtyard.


    Upon entering the room.


    Xu Hongyu took out a map of the vicinity of An Yu County and said, "An Yu County is located in the southwest of Yu County, bordering Jinyu County to the north. Jinyu County is the most populous and flourishing in Yu County and is under the Xue Family''s jurisdiction. To the east is Huaiyu County, which is governed by the He Family and will surely be under their responsibility this time."


    Chen Mu was quite familiar with the map of Yu County and didn''t need to look at it, but Xu Hongyu''s map was more detailed, marking many places such as mountains, hills, and dangerous areas with red ink, which were usually surrounded by miasma and wasteland with no human inhabitants, inhabited by fierce demons.


    Those few dangerous areas were all far from where people lived.


    Chen Mu carefully examined the map and pondered, "During the drought, demons will penetrate the county government. The elder or uncle from your family who will come will surely be stationed at the county government. Therefore, the ten townships under the county government''s jurisdiction should at least be managed by a White-Clothed Guard like you. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When the time comes, I''ll accompany you to one of them. With me there, we can reduce the manpower needed."


    Chen Mu spoke with firm assurance. Although in terms of personal strength, even the Deputy Governor of the Demon-Slaying Office was no match for him, the large-scale demon chaos required more manpower, with people spreading out to different areas to hunt demons. After all, the scope was too vast to handle alone, only suitable for his intervention if a large number of demons gathered.


    Xu Hongyu quietly glanced at Chen Mu.


    At the end of last year, during the great demon chaos of the bitter cold, she had also come to An Yu County. That time, a clan uncle had been in charge. Now, with Chen Mu present, she felt an immediate sense of ease, allowing herself to relax a little instead of being constantly tense.


    At this thought, an unusual glimmer emerged in Xu Hongyu''s eyes. When she first started cultivating Chen Mu, she only hoped for a capable subordinate to help her establish a foothold in the South City District, at the very least to secure a larger territory. However, things had developed completely differently from what she expected.


    Now, Chen Mu had become someone who could hold down an entire area, even protect her.


    "An Yu, Huaiyu... Donghong Township, Xiaxia Township, Shuanggou Township..."


    Chen Mu pondered as he looked at the map.


    And Xu Hongyu watched him in a daze, while Xiao He remained silent, glancing at the map, then at Chen Mu, and finally at Xu Hongyu, lightly covering her mouth to stifle a laugh, though making no noise.


    Just like that.


    Time passed.


    Suddenly, there was a disturbance outside.


    "Deputy Governor!"


    "Greetings, Deputy Governor."


    A chorus of footsteps could be heard from the courtyard, accompanied by numerous respectful voices.


    Xu Hongyu abruptly snapped back to reality, only to find Chen Mu no longer looking at the map, but at her. Seeing that she had regained her composure, he gently smiled and said, "All right, it''s time to go outside, Lady Xu."


    This slightly amused address of ''Lady Xu'' caused Xu Hongyu''s heart to skip a beat, yet her face still maintained its serene expression as she nodded subtly and rose to leave.


    Chen Mu watched Xu Hongyu exit the room and turned to look at Xiao He beside him, giving her a wink.


    Xiao He covered her mouth to conceal a giggle, winked back, and they both rose to head outside.


    "Uncle Three."


    Xu Hongyu entered the courtyard, looking towards the middle-aged man dressed in the official garb of the Deputy Governor of the Demon-Slaying Office, who carried an air of authority. She bowed slightly and called out.


    Yu Jun nodded slightly towards Xu Hongyu and said, "I''m already briefed on the general situation. The manpower I''ve brought this time is roughly the same as last time. I think we should follow the previous arrangement. What do you think, Hongyu?"


    Now completely composed, Xu Hongyu pondered briefly and replied, "I have reached Tendon Changing Perfection, so I can also oversee a township. Let me take charge of Donghong Township."


    "I had forgotten you''re now a White-Clothed Guard capable of operating independently..."


    Yu Jun let out a chuckle; of course, he hadn''t forgotten, but he didn''t mind if Xu Hongyu wanted to follow the troops like before to hunt demons. The Yu Family had enough manpower for that. However, if Xu Hongyu wanted to take charge on her own, that was also good. Although she had only recently reached Tendon Changing Perfection, martial artists need to be honed to become effective.


    If she could gain some further experience and benefit from this demon hunt, advancing to the Bone Tempering Realm wouldn''t be far off. Then, after understanding three types of Sword Momentum, she would start trying to comprehend the Kan Water Diagram from the family. She might even become someone who could carry the weight of the Yu Family in the future.


    "Good."


    Yu Jun smiled and said, "Then Donghong Township is yours to handle. As for manpower, you can pick them yourself."


    "Thank you, Uncle Three."


    Xu Hongyu nodded slightly and walked outside to view the troops Yu Jun brought.


    The people brought by Yu Jun were not all from the Demon-Slaying Office; only a small part comprised its officials, with many more being the Yu Family''s forces, even including hundreds of Yu Family swordsmen.


    Xu Hongyu quickly selected a group of troops, reported to Yu Jun, and then set off with Chen Mu.

 Chapter 127: Chapter 119 Donghong Township

    In the secluded wasteland, a group of over a hundred people hurried along.Leading the group were Xu Hongyu and Chen Mu, with Xiao He walking on the right rear side, surveying the terrain ahead on the right while occasionally glancing covertly at Xu Hongyu and Chen Mu.


    Following them were various Green-Clothed Guards and Black-Clothed Guards from the Demon-Slaying Office mixed with some of the Yu Family''s people. Further back were the Yu Family''s elite knife fighters, essentially trained Protectors, and at the very rear were a number of officials drafted from the county government.


    Although these officials lacked the ability to fight monsters, they were needed for passing messages and handling other tasks.


    "Ding bro, that Chen... is getting a bit too close to Miss Xu, isn''t he?"


    Within the second echelon consisting of the Yu Family''s retinue and the Demon-Slaying Office''s personnel, a Black-Clothed Guard couldn''t help but whisper to a Green-Clothed Guard beside him while watching Xu Hongyu and Chen Mu''s backs ahead.


    Ding He''s eyebrows furrowed as he replied in a low voice, "Don''t talk nonsense!"


    As he spoke,


    he too cast a deep glance at Chen Mu''s back, slowly adding, "Lord Chen is a confidant personally promoted by Miss Xu and also possesses a Horizontally Trained Body. He is different from you and me."


    The Black-Clothed Guard Wu Pu whispered back, "What''s the difference? We are all outsiders, not members of the Yu Family. Chen Mu only recently stepped into the Tendon Changing Realm; Brother Ding, you''ve long since achieved Tendon Changing Major Achievement. Even though he has a Horizontally Trained Body, how would that compare to Brother Ding?


    Yet the young lady values him so highly, we might have to take orders from him."


    His tone carried a hint of jealousy.


    If it were a member of the Yu Family walking so closely with Xu Hongyu, that would be one thing, or perhaps someone of the White-Clothed Guard rank too, but Chen Mu was but a Green-Clothed Guard, yet he got to walk at the very front, alongside Xu Hongyu, and the two even occasionally discussed matters.


    It no longer looked like the relationship between a subordinate and superior, but rather too intimate.


    Hearing Wu Pu''s words, Ding He did not respond, but he too cast a deep look at Chen Mu, knowing that Chen Mu''s attainment of the Tendon Changing Realm and Horizontally Trained Body were not of an ordinary nature, possessing much more potential than himself.


    It was normal for Xu Hongyu to value him so highly, but witnessing the informal behavior between Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu, there inevitably arose some speculation in his heart.


    Could it be that Xu Hongyu''s interest in Chen Mu was more than simple appreciation, but something deeper?


    That would be rather...


    He knew that Xu Hongyu was unmarried and part of the direct lineage, one of the few with the highest status among the younger generation of the Yu Family. If Chen Mu could climb the social ladder by becoming closely associated with her, there was no doubt it would be a sky-high ascent for him.


    However, even if Chen Mu, leveraging Xu Hongyu''s trust, could sweet-talk his way into her good graces, the Yu Family side was likely still unaccepting, as Xu Hongyu''s status was far beyond any side-branch member of the Yu Family. Even among the direct lineage, her position was extremely prominent, destined not to be with an ordinary person.


    "Miss has her own judgment; it''s not our place to comment. Don''t discuss this matter further,"


    after his eyes flickered a few times, Ding He admonished Wu Pu in a stern voice.


    Seeing Ding He deep in thought and remaining silent, Wu Pu could only respond reluctantly. Actually, as a Black-Clothed Guard, he did have a lower status than Chen Mu; he just felt that if Chen Mu could do it, why couldn''t Ding He? If Ding He could also gain Xu Hongyu''s trust, or even catch her eye, then with his and Ding He''s childhood friendship, his own status would also rise.


    ...


    Chen Mu walked alongside Xu Hongyu, discussing the details of garrisoning Donghong.


    He was aware that there were some gazes coming from behind him. Some were scrutinizing, while others conveyed jealousy and displeasure. However, this was normal since he was currently in the rank of Green-Clothed Guard, yet walking at the very front with Xu Hongyu, which would naturally draw some disapproving looks. He didn''t care about this, simply continuing the discussion with Xu Hongyu.


    Xu Hongyu might not excel in scheming or covert confrontations, but her insight into troop deployment and tactics was substantial. Coupled with her abundant experience in demon slaying having participated in more than one monster disturbance, many of her thoughts made Chen Mu nod in agreement.


    While it was called a discussion, it was more of him listening to Xu Hongyu''s arrangements and occasionally offering a few suggestions.


    Chen Mu had risen from the bottom to his current status, and deep down he too had his own pride, but he never let that turn into complacency. When it came to unfamiliar things, things he didn''t understand, he always refrained from being overly critical.


    Just like during his term at the Yamen in Wutong Grove District, he was merely executing tasks, cooperating with the Chief Officer, and aiding disaster victims, without ever trying to change the entire district''s ecology.


    For one, his status was not high enough to single-handedly transform a district into a completely different world, and secondly, meddling recklessly without sufficient knowledge and understanding could easily cause a mess, as quelling a disturbance is one thing, while governing is another.


    The strategy for dealing with the monster troubles...


    ...was not simply to station troops everywhere across Donghong Township and the nearby villages. Even with thousands of troops, it was not feasible due to the vastness of the world map, far greater than in Chen Mu''s previous life. Donghong Township alone spanned a hundred square miles, and not all these vast lands were inhabited.


    Xu Hongyu opted for the Yu Family''s traditional methods, selecting critical points and lines outside the populated villages, forming patrols of two or three individuals to scout these locations.


    If there were monster appearances, with few and not very powerful creatures, they could be dealt with on the spot.


    However, if there were large numbers or higher-level beasts, then an immediate retreat was necessary, with the news relayed upward for deploying troops to confront the threat.


    The devices they carried were also quite ingenious, including special incense that could mask their scent to avoid detection by monsters, as well as ''sound whistles'' for communication across distances. Like fireworks, the sound could travel ten miles, thereby creating a network, layer by layer, to pass messages.


    There was much less known about these Chen Mu matters, and now, having learned everything from Xu Hongyu, one couldn''t help but sigh that, irrespective of the environment, the human race always manages to create various strategies to cope.


    Perhaps in the very ancient times, before martial arts reached the heavens, it was by virtue of such wisdom that they survived in the cracks of existence, gradually taking over this land step by step, ruling the world, making those terrifying monsters that once dominated the land decline. Today, they can only hide in various deep mountains and poisonous swamps.


    Very soon.


    A group of people arrived at the township pavilion of Donghong Township.


    This was also a significantly large settlement, even seemingly larger than the County Government in terms of area and housing clusters; the only difference was the lack of towering city walls here, unable to withstand the invasion of monsters.


    There was a head of the township, yamen, and constabulary in abundance, all of whom had been awaiting the arrival of the Demon-Slaying Office. As soon as Chen Mu and his group arrived, the head and others from Donghong Township were already impatient to greet them.


    "The lords have finally arrived, please come inside. I''ve already arranged a feast to welcome and cleanse the dust from the journey," said the head, greeting Xu Hongyu and others with a bow and a smile.


    Xu Hongyu spoke with a cool demeanor, "There''s no need for a feast, let''s keep things simple. Starting now, Donghong Township will follow my directives; have all the yamen''s constables and official personnel quickly accounted for and report to me."


    Having served as the Chief Constable of the South City District, Xu Hongyu was well-versed in controlling a territory. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes, yes."


    The head immediately responded and ordered his subordinates to get to it.


    He couldn''t help but steal a glance at Xu Hongyu, then at Chen Mu beside her, his expression unwittingly becoming a bit tense. Mainly because the high officials from the Demon-Slaying Office who had come this time seemed far too young.


    As a township head, he was acutely aware that identities like the White-Clothed Guard and Green-Clothed Guard were bound to have corresponding capabilities, but when managing a territory against monster chaos, the use of personnel and experience was also key, where often a single command could reduce many losses.


    However. Explore hidden tales at M V L


    The township head soon eased his mind, because once Xu Hongyu arrived at the township hall, she immediately began enquiring about the status of different places in Donghong, whether there were discrepancies with the map, and other arrangements and matters.


    As long as those dispatched by the Demon-Slaying Office weren''t the type that were young and arrogant, stubborn, and unwilling to listen to advice, there wouldn''t be an issue. After all, they were unquestionably strong and strategies could be discussed together.


    In the Council Hall.


    Xu Hongyu, Chen Mu, the township head, and Xiao He were gathered around the map, discussing and devising strategies in harmony.


    However, outside there was quite a bit of disorder, with some of the Green-Clothed Guard from the Demon-Slaying Office and people from the Yu Family lines all frowning slightly towards the direction of the Council Hall.


    It was understandable for Xiao He to be present since she was Xu Hongyu''s personal maid, but for Chen Mu, also a Green-Clothed Guard, to enter the hall was different from the past arrangements. It was almost clear he was being granted a central position of control.


    It wasn''t just Wu Pu, Ding He, and others who were concerned; even members of the Yu Family frowned occasionally, after all, they shared the Yu surname and had to wait outside for orders.


    After a short while.


    The township head stepped out and gave orders to the people of the township.


    Only Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu remained in the Council Hall.


    "Both of us staying in the township would be a waste of our force. There will be no issues with you maintaining control here; I''ll take a few people to patrol around the Wasteland Mountain area later. What do you think?" Xu Hongyu asked Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu looked at the map and after a moment of thought replied, "No, you should stay and take charge of the township. After all, I''m just a Green-Clothed Guard, and it''s inconvenient to coordinate personnel. Besides, I''m not very familiar with handling monster chaos. It''s proper for you to stay here in the township to react centrally, while I will take care of the Wasteland Mountain area.


    Plus, if there are problems in other directions, I can arrive quickly."


    Though it would be easy to settle the murmurs from outside by showing off some strength, after seeing Xu Hongyu''s whole process of coordination, Chen Mu felt it was more appropriate for her to continue central coordination.


    Moreover.


    The township was the center of Donghong, and staying there was the safest place.


    In comparison, the area around Wasteland Mountain was more dangerous, being a place that was barren and uninhabited even on normal days, and the area around Wasteland Mountain was also on the border between Anyu and Huaiyu counties.

 Chapter 128: Chapter 120: The Demon Snake

    The Wasteland Mountains.To call it a mountain was an understatement; the massive mountain body was more accurately described as a sprawling mountain range.


    From afar, one could see that the entire Wasteland Mountains range was a deep brown color; vegetation was scarce, mainly found at the foothills and within the valleys, and the types that did grow were those typically resistant to drought.


    "The Wasteland Mountains..."


    Chen Mu stood on a high slope, hands behind him, gazing into the distance at the Wasteland Mountains.


    The barrenness of this range was due to the extremely arid soil throughout the region, from the surface down to the depths. Even in the rainy season, this area would see little rain and little water, hence there were no villages nearby.


    "You should form into groups and patrol along the line," Chen Mu instructed the two Black-Clothed Guards from the Demon-Slaying Office, along with some of the Yu Family Protectors and county constables behind him.


    As there were no villages near the Wasteland Mountains, patrols did not need to approach the mountains closely. They only needed to station fixed personnel on some high grounds with clear views and have mobile patrols in more complex areas.


    Chen Mu''s current location was about ten miles from the nearest village, a distance that would allow for tiered reporting should any demon creature emerge from the Wasteland Mountains, and a quick response could be made. Explore stories at M V L


    "Yes, my lord," replied the two Black-Clothed Guards respectfully, leading the group of Yu Family swordsmen and constables in two different directions towards the left and right sides into the distance.


    Only Chen Mu remained at the location, along with one Yu Family swordsman and one county constable, standing on the high slope.


    Because the vegetation wasn''t dense in this vicinity, standing on this high slope allowed one to take in a vast area at a glance and spot any demonic creatures that might appear almost immediately.


    The county constable stood carefully to one side.


    "There''s no need to be too tense. Keep your sight broad, and don''t overlook any demon creatures that might pass by," Chen Mu advised the constable, his tone gentle.


    "...Yes," the constable quickly responded.


    His nervousness wasn''t surprising; the status gap between him and Chen Mu was significant. However, he was also excited at the prospect of serving alongside Chen Mu. If he could earn some merit, catching Chen Mu''s eye, it would be a rare opportunity in his life.


    Thus, he was fully alert, his gaze sweeping across the land from his high vantage point, careful not to miss anything.


    In contrast,


    The Yu Family swordsman was much more at ease. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu watched from the high slope for a while until the two Black-Clothed Guards he brought with him had disappeared from view, only then did he turn around to look towards the distant Wasteland Mountains.


    Suddenly,


    The Yu Family swordsman spoke softly, "My lord, it seems to be a demon creature."


    "Mmm, I see it," replied Chen Mu calmly, his gaze also following the direction where, at the far end of his sight, a blurry shadow could be vaguely seen repeatedly leaping through a sunken ravine.


    Although it wasn''t clear, the creature''s movements were unlike those of ordinary beasts; it was more likely a demon of some kind. However, it was still quite far away, so Chen Mu only took a few glances before turning his attention away.


    During times of demon unrest, there is often no need to be overly proactive, as demons, agitated and enraged, will approach on their own.


    Chen Mu continued to survey the area, while the Yu Family swordsman occasionally glanced towards the demon creature. About an hour later, the shadow that had been leaping around in the wilderness ravine suddenly disappeared.


    When he caught sight of it again, he saw that it had left the ravine and was advancing towards the high ground.


    The Yu Family swordsman''s gaze sharpened.


    Soon,


    he saw the demon creature approaching ¨C it was a Leopard Demon with a reddish-orange body and black spots, blending in well with the colors of the Wasteland. It was incredibly fast, and if one didn''t pay close attention, it would be easy to lose track of it.


    "My lord, it seems to be a Fire Rock Leopard. Should I go and handle it?" The Yu Family swordsman didn''t shift his gaze, focusing intently on the Leopard Demon that was rapidly approaching, and spoke softly to Chen Mu.


    Fire Rock Leopard.


    It was a Second Rank demon creature, something within his ability to handle.


    However, his words received no response. A moment of surprise later, from the corner of his eye, he saw that Chen Mu had vanished from the rocks on the high slope.


    By the time his gaze returned to the Fire Rock Leopard charging towards them, he saw Chen Mu, now dressed in green clothes, already standing in its path.


    "ROAR!!!"


    The Fire Rock Leopard''s demonic eyes were wild with fury as it let out a ferocious roar at Chen Mu. It then leaped into the air, rushing at Chen Mu with a gust of wind and swinging its sharp claws, attempting to tear Chen Mu apart.


    Click!


    A very faint noise was heard.


    Chen Mu''s right hand formed into the shape of a blade, and he deftly struck at the Fire Rock Leopard''s neck. With just one blow, the creature''s pouncing form stiffened mid-air. After crashing to the ground, its body began to twitch and gradually lost all signs of life.


    Chen Mu reached out and picked up the twitching, not yet fully dead Fire Rock Leopard as if lifting a small cat. He carried it back to the high slope and tossed it aside.


    "Prepare it for roasting, we''ll keep it for tonight''s meal," Chen Mu said indifferently.


    The Yu Family swordsman quickly agreed and started to process the Fire Rock Leopard''s body.


    Once the Yu Family swordsman had finished with the Fire Rock Leopard, Chen Mu casually picked up a piece of cooked meat to taste. The flavor was somewhat average, causing his brow to furrow slightly, but he still ate the entire piece.


    As the sun set low and night gradually fell,

 Chapter 129: Chapter 120 Demon Snake_2

    The blade wielder from the Yu family felt somewhat relieved.During the drought, the stimulated demons would become agitated, yet they often calmed down at night. Thus, night patrols didn''t require too much worry. However, he and the other officer still took turns patrolling the high slopes.


    Chen Mu''s figure occasionally disappeared into the darkness until the next morning, when the sun rose again, the blade wielder from the Yu family came to the high slope and looked out, but couldn''t see Chen Mu anywhere.


    "The master has left,"


    said the county officer quietly.


    Feeling slightly relieved, the tense feeling dissipated, and he felt regret that he hadn''t achieved anything notable, but he was sure that Chen Mu must have gone to patrol the area and would probably return after some time.


    ...


    Among the wilderness hills.


    Chen Mu strolled along, and occasionally when a demon approached from a distance, launching a sudden attack from behind, he simply waved his hand, and these low-rank demons were killed on the spot.


    After sorting out only the most valuable items, he discarded the rest, not having the time to bring everything back.


    "High-ranking demons are even rarer than I thought," sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    said Chen Mu after removing a piece of velvet from a demon deer, slightly shaking his head while looking at the corpse of the deer.


    He had patrolled for a day and a night, and had mostly dealt with first and second-rank demons. So far, he hadn''t encountered any third-rank demons, which was not quite what he had expected; however, it might just be due to the early stage of the demon chaos.


    As he was pondering,


    suddenly,


    a sharp whistle that broke through the clouds came from the horizon, piercing upwards.


    "A single whistle?"


    Chen Mu glanced in the direction of the sound and then quickly changed direction, heading towards where the whistle had come from.


    A message whistle was needed generally for deeply troubling situations that were completely unmanageable. A single whistle represented a demon that couldn''t be dealt with, often of a higher rank, and such a whistle would only spread locally, handled by the Green-Clothed Guard leading a team.


    A double whistle meant a large number of demons that couldn''t be stopped, crossing the patrol line. This situation would cause continuous responses, with double whistle signals transmitting from segment to segment until reaching the local authorities, who would deploy troops to suppress it.


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    The last was a triple whistle.


    It represented the most severe situation, gathering personnel from an entire locality, and depending on the severity, might even necessitate requesting reinforcements from the county government.


    Chen Mu moved very quickly, his feet barely touching the wasteland before leaping out a great distance, his whole figure like a fleeting shadow speeding across the ground, quickly nearing the direction of the message whistle.


    At this time.


    On a high rock terrain, a member of the Demon-Slaying Office dressed in black was tensely crouching behind a rock, staring intently at the hills in the distance. He saw a yellow-brown snake meandering its way forward.


    It was a third-rank demon, a Rock Scale Demon Snake, its scale armor nearly as hard as the rocks themselves, with weaker attacks barely leaving a mark on its surface, a type that the Black-Clothed Guard couldn''t handle.


    Even,


    the Green-Clothed Guard might not be able to defeat it, only able to continually stand off against it to deplete its energy, looking for a way to make it retreat.


    He had already used "Camouflage Incense," hiding tightly without making a sound¡ªa method generally effective against normal demons. Unfortunately, his luck was poor this time, encountering a snake-like demon, the Rock Scale Demon Snake.


    Among all demons, aside from those that could fly, snake-like ones are almost always particularly troublesome. Depending on the type, their senses vary; some have extremely acute hearing, others rely on scent, and some can even detect body heat.


    Hiss, hiss.


    The rock-scale demon snake approached the vicinity of the black-clothed guard and flicked its forked tongue, seemingly hesitating.


    The black-clothed guard''s body stiffened, daring not to make any sound.


    But just at this moment, another servant lying on the ground behind him, nervously clutching a rock, accidentally snapped off a corner of the rock and made a ''snap'' sound.


    Damn!


    The face of the black-clothed guard changed.


    The hesitant rock-scale demon snake suddenly arched its body, and darted towards the direction where the men were hiding, bouncing like a brown arrow along the rocks, moving at a startling speed.


    Just as the black-clothed guard''s expression turned ugly and the servant behind him turned pale with fright, a sharp breaking sound came from behind. A beam of blade light coming from afar drew a long arc, slashing towards the swiftly moving rock-scale demon snake.


    Whoosh!


    The movements of the rock-scale demon snake were extremely sharp, being straight one moment and suddenly arching upwards the next, lifting nearly a third of its body, including its head.


    Accompanied by a crack, that beam of blade light finally fell, landing less than three inches in front of the snake. It was a fine iron knife hurled through the air, now completely piercing through the rock.


    "Hiss, hiss!"


    The rock-scale demon snake stood up straight, its tongue trembling, appearing extremely infuriated.


    Ignoring the black-clothed guard and the others, it immediately turned its head and lunged towards the figure below the rock.


    "Hmph."


    Chen Mu snorted coldly, and although unarmed, he showed no fear. He formed his right hand into a sword strike, hitting the charging snake right at the top of its head, causing its swiftly moving body to momentarily recoil.


    "The hardness is sufficient."


    Chen Mu looked at the rock-scale demon snake, which only paused slightly after his strike and showed no obvious injuries, and commented indifferently, then he quickly moved and was soon atop the rock, grabbing the handle of the knife, the tip of which protruded out of the rock.


    With a clang, he drew out the fine iron knife then suddenly turned around and struck, colliding again with the oncoming rock-scale demon snake, slashing directly on its head, sparking a shower of sparks accompanied by a crisp clanging of metal.


    In the shocked gaze of the black-clothed guard, Chen Mu''s fine iron knife blade thrust forcefully into it!


    "Hiss!!!"


    The rock-scale demon snake let out a painful, long hiss as its body recoiled back, with blood pouring from its head and its frenzied, savage gaze significantly receding. It tried to flee.


    But Chen Mu''s movements never stopped. With an indifferent look in his eyes, he stepped forward, stomping on its tail, and with a horizontal swipe of his fine iron knife, a snap resounded as he brutally severed its body into two halves!


    The lower half of the rock-scale demon snake twisted around his ankle, while the upper half burst forth with ferocity, biting menacingly at Chen Mu, albeit ineffectually, as he swiftly hacked it into several pieces.


    So powerful!


    The black-clothed guard from the Demon Slaying Office nearby gasped as he witnessed this scene. Having encountered a rock-scale demon snake before, he knew that because of their tough scale armor, even a Tendon Changing Perfection-ranked White-Clothed Guard might find it hard to breach their defense with a subpar weapon, at best only wearing it down and forcing it to retreat.


    Yet Chen Mu, with the Demon Slaying Office''s standard fine iron knife, had chopped it into several pieces in a few strokes; no wonder Xu Hongyu valued him so highly and even decided to transfer him in the council hall.


    "Thank you, sir, for your rescue!"


    The black-clothed guard climbed up from the rock, bowing respectfully to Chen Mu, his eyes filled with awe.


    Chen Mu was busy handling the corpse of the rock-scale demon snake, extracting its gall, heart, and blood, and finally leaving the least valuable meat on the ground. He looked at the black-clothed guard and said indifferently, "Continue your patrol."

 Chapter 130: Chapter 121: Meeting on a Narrow Road

    After killing a Rockscale Snake.Chen Mu did not linger long, quickly leaving to continue his patrol along the line.


    Those with weaker strength observed from fixed points serving as sentinels responsible for communication, while the stronger ones naturally patrolled along the line, tasked with reducing the number of demons in the Wilderness Mountains as much as possible, preventing any from slipping by.


    While inspecting along the way, after killing a few more demons, Chen Mu sat down on a high slope, pulled out a piece of roasted demon meat from his pack, and ate it. Then, he took out a flask filled with demon blood and drank most of it down.


    During severe drought, it was difficult to find water, but demon blood was a viable alternative for martial artists to drink.


    It just tasted average.


    Chen Mu stood up, holding the blood flask, and looked out at the distant Wilderness Mountains. Suddenly, he cracked a smile, and for a moment, he felt as if he embodied the very essence of those that roamed the Martial World, leading a nomadic life, which made his heart throb with satisfaction.


    But just as Chen Mu was about to drink the remaining demon blood, a dull roar emanated from the distant Wilderness Mountains, accompanied by slight tremors, spreading its way here.


    "Hmm?"


    "What''s that¡­"


    Chen Mu set down the flask, his gaze sharp, looking in the direction of the Wilderness Mountains.


    ...


    Donghong Township.


    Although it was called Donghong Township, it was actually located to the east of Donghong Township, named such because it lay on the westernmost edge of Huaiyu County, adjacent to Donghong Township, with the Wilderness Mountains acting as a dividing line.


    At this moment, in a certain place in Donghong Township, several figures gathered. Anyone from Yu County would be surprised at the presence of these individuals as they were not unknown in Yu City.


    The newly appointed Chief Constable of the South City District, He Guangzong!


    A prominent member of the fourth generation of the He Family, elder brother to He Mingxuan, a White-Clothed Guard of the Demon-Slaying Office, He Mingzhen!


    Deputy Governor from the City Defense Division of the Inner City Area, Zhang Heng!


    ...


    It could be said that any of the five or six people gathered here were significant enough to be in charge of the demon-slaying matters in Donghong Township.


    "Everyone has worked hard," He Guangzong said with a faint smile to Zhang Heng and the others.


    Zhang Heng chuckled and responded, "It''s nothing, just burying some trinkets¡­ But Brother He, can this object truly be as effective as said?"


    He Guangzong laughed, "Actually, I do not know either. It was given to me by the family head, just for a trial. Even if it doesn''t work, it only means we took an extra trip, but if the unique ''corpse energy'' within it does act up and truly causes the demons over there to become more frenzied, then this time the Yu Family''s demon hunting will be well worth it."


    He Mingzhen''s expression was cold as he looked westward. Not far in the distance, he could still see the Wilderness Mountains, and said with a grave voice, "Mingxuan''s death was unclear, and this debt is eventually owed by the Yu Family."


    He Guangzong watched He Mingzhen and shook his head, "Actually, Mingxuan most likely wasn''t harmed by the Yu Family¡­ But to say he died because of the Yu Family is also not wrong. Without the Yu Family, no one would have killed Mingxuan."


    "And Xu Hongyu¡­"


    He Mingzhen coldly said, "I hope she survives this time and doesn''t die amidst the demon chaos, so I can personally take her life later and pay respects in front of Mingxuan''s tomb."


    He Guangzong looked at He Mingzhen and then said, "Alright, the job is done; we should also leave to prevent the Yu Family from noticing."


    Zhang Heng and the others exchanged glances, nodding to one another.


    However.


    Just as the group was about to turn around and leave, a sound like thunder erupted from far away in the Wilderness Mountains, resembling a mountain collapsing and an earth-shattering event, followed by a strong sensation of shaking that spread.


    He Guangzong, He Mingzhen, and the others all looked stunned, hastily turning their gazes towards the Wilderness Mountains.


    Soon.


    They saw a corner of the Wilderness Mountains where one of the elevated parts of the mountain showed a pitch-black crack running up its side, followed by the collapse and crumbling of that portion of the mountain.


    Although it was still some distance away, the sight of a mountain crumbling was still strikingly impactful.


    Zhang Heng quickly reacted, a spark of realization flashing in his eyes, "Under the great drought, Wilderness Mountain is already dry, and its unstable earth veins caused the collapse¡­"


    As the words fell.


    He Guangzong and the others also came to the same realization.


    The collapse of part of the Wilderness Mountain indicated instability in that mountain''s earth veins. This situation could easily lead to the production of high-quality Rock Jade and possibly other heavenly materials and earthly treasures.


    "Let''s go!" Enjoy new chapters from M V L


    He Guangzong''s eyes flashed as he spoke immediately, without hesitation, heading straight towards the Wilderness Mountain.


    Seeing this, He Mingzhen and the others swiftly followed. There was no time to go back and call for more people. They just brought a few Green-Clothed Guards from the Demon-Slaying Office and a few Blade Masters from the He Family who had stepped into the Tendon Changing Realm.


    Because they were already not far from Wilderness Mountain, the group soon arrived at the edge of the mountain range, then delved deeper. Along the way, they encountered some frenzied demons attacking, and everyone casually took them down, one by one. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Among them, there were five at Tendon Changing Perfection.


    As a top talent of the younger generation of the He Family, He Mingzhen could even be said to be the first in terms of talent, having already caught up to Xue Lin''s progress, stepping into the Bone Tempering Realm. Even some Third Rank demons could be easily killed by him.


    Although Wilderness Mountain itself was quite dangerous, the area of the mountain''s break was not deep within its interior, merely on the outer area. Moreover, the extensive damage often caused many demons to flee far away.


    Soon.


    The group reached the periphery of the damaged mountain.


    After a series of leaps along the fractured rock layer, they arrived inside the mountain, immediately noticing, embedded in the solid rock layer in the middle of the mountain, a massive yellow jade nearly several meters in radius.


    All these jade stones belonged to Rock Jade. The lower quality Rock Jade had a pretty average value, and at a glance, this Rock Jade spanning several measures essentially had poor quality. However, the eyes of He Mingzhen and his comrades lit up at this moment.


    Because.


    In the center of this large expanse of inferior Rock Jade, there was a huge, nearly three feet wide and seven feet long, piece of red jade that looked like glass... It was indeed a large piece of superior quality Flame Jade!


    Superior Flame Jade alone was quite valuable; even a small piece made into a jade pendant could be worth hundreds of Silver. And this piece in front of them could almost be made into a ''Flame Jade Bed,'' making it incredibly valuable and difficult to estimate!


    Good!


    A cry of joy nearly escaped He Guangzong''s heart.


    What stopped him from speaking out loud was that directly in front of them, amidst the shattered rocks, stood another figure also closely examining the large piece of Flame Jade.


    Though the sunlight was blocked inside the mountain belly, one could faintly discern that he was dressed in green.


    Demon-Slaying Office Green-Clothed Guard?


    After recognizing the green clothes, He Guangzong instantly relaxed. A mere Green-Clothed Guard was nothing to worry about, and most likely belonged to the opposition Yu Family.


    With this in mind, He Guangzong immediately gave Zhang Heng a meaningful glance.


    Zhang Heng caught on quickly.


    A treasure as valuable as the Flame Jade Bed could not possibly be shared with the Yu Family. No matter who it was, they would deal with them first.


    Silently, carrying a short spear in his hand, he quickly advanced through the darkness.


    However.


    Before Zhang Heng could get close, the figure in green stepped out of the shadows at a leisurely pace.


    "City Defense Division Commander Zhang, it has indeed been a while since we last met."


    The figure in green looked toward Zhang Heng, who walked in the shadows, and spoke in a somewhat light tone.


    Zhang Heng was startled.


    He then looked at the figure in green, feeling a certain familiarity with the face, and soon recognized:


    "Who could it be but you?"


    His eyes stared oddly at the figure in green. He suddenly chuckled and said, "I remember that Xu Hongyu was supposed to be guarding Donghong, so your presence here is not surprising. Last time Xu Hongyu arrived just in time to save your life, but it seems your luck has run out; today you''ve fallen into my hands again."


    The person emerging from the shadows was Chen Mu!


    Initially, when the mountain shattered, his first reaction was to wonder if some earth-shattering demon had appeared. But he quickly realized that it wasn''t the case; it seemed to be due to unusual earthquakes and severe drought, causing a part of the Wasteland Mountain to fracture.


    Recalling some books he had read, such as accounts in ''Da Xuan Chronicles'' describing similar situations of mountain collapses possibly revealing heavenly treasures, he then approached quietly to investigate.


    Chen Mu didn''t give Zhang Heng much attention.


    After a brief word, he continued to examine the large piece of Flame Jade and then slightly furrowed his brows.


    This large piece of superior Flame Jade, although precious in quantity rather than quality, was not easy for him to carry or hide. If it were some smaller type of heavenly material and earthly treasure, it would have been better.


    He wondered if there were things like the ''Sumeru Ring'' or ''Qiankun Bracelet'' in this world, storage items he hadn''t heard about or seen mentioned in any texts so far.


    Zhang Heng noticed Chen Mu''s gaze.


    Thinking Chen Mu was captivated by the large piece of superior Flame Jade and not paying attention to the situation, he shook his head internally. People unable to discern the situation might not even manage to return alive, yet he was still fixated on the treasure in front of him.


    It seemed the Yu Family''s so-called talents were nothing special after all; his last trip to Wutong Grove District had been unnecessary.


    But this time, running into them was uncomplicated.


    His thoughts drifted.


    Zhang Heng could no longer bother to mock or even torment Chen Mu. With a flip of his right hand, his long spear pierced through the air towards Chen Mu, flashing a streak of silver brilliance in the darkness.


    The rest of the He family, some were admiring the piece of superior Flame Jade, yet some were watching Zhang Heng''s side, like He Guangzong. He knew that Chen Mu possessed a Horizontally Trained Body and had now reached the Tendon Changing Realm. Although Zhang Heng had achieved Tendon Changing Perfection, a swift resolution might not be possible.


    To avoid complications, it seemed more appropriate for him to act too.


    However.


    He Guangzong had just taken a couple of steps when he suddenly stopped.


    He looked in Chen Mu''s direction, his pupils suddenly contracting as if he had seen something unbelievable.


    Only to see!


    Zhang Heng''s fierce and wild thrust, containing Dual Momentum and fully unleashing the power of Tendon Changing Perfection, which could penetrate even metal and iron, was now shockingly clamped between the index and middle fingers raised by Chen Mu. The spear tip was less than three inches from Chen Mu''s forehead, yet it could not advance a fraction further!


    "Sigh¡­"


    Chen Mu''s sigh echoed through the mountain belly.


    Bang!


    In Zhang Heng''s eyes filled with shock and disbelief, Chen Mu''s two fingers suddenly twisted, forcibly distorting the entire spear body. He then released it.


    Zhang Heng could no longer hold the spear handle. Startled, he tried to dodge but was too close to react in time. Accompanied by a spray of fresh blood, the twisted spear shaft pierced through his chest, leaving a clear blood hole right in the center!


    "You¡­"


    Zhang Heng looked at Chen Mu in utter disbelief, barely managing to utter a word before a gush of blood poured from his mouth, feeling his strength rapidly drain away. His body went limp, stumbling a few steps before collapsing onto a vertical rock nearby.


    Even as his consciousness completely faded away, his eyes still showed an incredulous expression.


    This is impossible.


    He was a notable Deputy Governor of the Inner City Area, with Tendon Changing Perfection, mastering two types of Spear Momentum. His all-out strike was astonishingly intercepted by Chen Mu with just two fingers, and with a counterattack, crushed all his physical strength and bone structure completely!

 Chapter 131: Chapter 122: Kill One Person in One Step

    Within the belly of the mountain.A deathly silence.


    He Guangzong, having witnessed Zhang Heng''s death, along with several others from the He Family, was frozen in place, their eyes filled with shock and disbelief as they looked towards Chen Mu.


    The Black-clothed Guards and Blade Master who had been admiring the Flame Jade hadn''t seen what had just happened; at this moment, they could only blankly stare at Zhang Heng''s twisted corpse and Chen Mu, who still stood in his original position as if he hadn''t moved, not knowing what had transpired.


    "Sigh¡­"


    Chen Mu''s sigh fell once again.


    His entire person had silently, like a specter, suddenly arrived at He Guangzong''s left side.


    He Guangzong was terrified, feeling a chill run down his spine as he swung his knife without hesitation. In this life-or-death moment, he nearly unleashed the strongest strike of his decades-long career, channeling all the power from his muscles and skin into it.


    However.


    Despite such a strike, it was still caught by the right hand that Chen Mu had extended from above the blade, the Fine Iron blade feeling as if it were rotten wood, his fingers even sinking directly into the knife body!


    Puchi!


    The flash of the blade.


    He Guangzong''s entire body froze in place, a line of blood trailed from his forehead down, his eyes still filled with fear and disbelief as he stared dead at Chen Mu. Eventually, his body split into two, blood splattering everywhere.


    One step, one kill!


    "Fourth uncle!"


    He Mingzhen watched in horrified rage as he violently drew a short spear from behind him, erupting with the power of Minor Achievement in the Bone Tempering Realm. He stomped the ground, causing shards of Rock Jade to shatter, and charged straight towards Chen Mu.


    However, Chen Mu''s figure flickered, vanishing from the spot, only to reappear behind one of the He Family Black-clothed Guards. Without caring for any tactics his opponent could deploy, he effortlessly crushed and broke the guard''s neck.


    Immediately following.


    His right hand swung obliquely, hitting another Black-clothed Guard trying to come to the rescue with a blade, sending him flying out, his body making crackling noises, his bones breaking into numerous pieces.


    "Damn it!"


    He Mingzhen''s eyes were about to burst with rage, spear in hand he furiously pursued, but was utterly unable to catch up or come to the rescue.


    Bang!


    Another person''s head was smashed by Chen Mu''s palm, directly caving into his chest.


    The remaining members of the He Family were utterly horrified, everyone had already drawn their weapons, but now neither fleeing nor attacking was an option, the closest ones even hurried to group together.


    But as Chen Mu''s figure swept past, the grouped He Family Blade Masters and Black-clothed Guards all froze in place, and then exploded into showers of blood before collapsing one after another.


    "Enough!"


    He Mingzhen roared furiously, suddenly raising his short spear and bringing it down, but it still struck nothing but air, instead smashing a standing rock behind Chen Mu into utterly shattered pieces.


    Chen Mu paid no heed, his figure flickering, arriving before the last He Family Blade Master. This time not fighting empty-handed, he now had a Fine Iron Knife in hand, a flash of blade light sweeping by in an instant.


    Crack!


    The Tendon Changing Realm Blade Master of the He Family, his entire body along with his blade, froze in place, his blade directly breaking and flying away in pieces, a line of blood spreading from his left shoulder across to his right abdomen, his eyes full of fear as he looked at Chen Mu.


    He Mingzhen stopped chasing, slowing down his steps, coldly looking towards Chen Mu.


    At that moment.


    Inside the belly of the mountain, he was the only one left alive amid a field of corpses, each death more horrifying than the last!


    He Guangzong, Zhang Heng, and others were all cleanly slain.


    "Who exactly are you? How dare you kill the members of my He Family so ruthlessly¡­"


    He Mingzhen stared intensely at Chen Mu.


    According to what Zhang Heng had mentioned before he died, Chen Mu seemed to be a subordinate of Xu Hongyu, but that was clearly nonsensical; with such skills and strength, at least the level of Minor Achievement in Bone Tempering Realm, possibly even Major Achievement. Even now, he had no assurance of victory, at most he could only hope to escape from Chen Mu''s hands.


    But for someone who dared massacre the He Family''s people like this, there was no way he could let it go now. Even if it meant calling upon that retired great-grandfather from the He Family, he must pursue this man to the death!


    Chen Mu slowly turned around, gazing at He Mingzhen.


    In his eyes, there was no murderous intent, nor any ferocity, only calmness: "I''ve been told by Zhang Heng, as for you... being in the Bone Tempering Realm, you do have some skill. Who from the He Family are you? State your name."


    "He Mingzhen!"


    He Mingzhen snorted coldly.


    Chen Mu nodded slightly, saying, "Yes, I have heard he is the leading figure of the younger generation of the He Family, having already stepped into the Bone Tempering Realm, comparable to that Xue Lin from the Xue Family."


    He Mingzhen scoffed, "Xue Lin merely started a year earlier, who can truly say which one of us will reach the Realm of the Five Viscera? Moreover, he hasn''t grasped any Artistic Conception all these years, hardly a genius, whereas I am not far from achieving one."


    "Then you are quite impressive indeed."


    Chen Mu remarked with a slight sigh, "To step into Bone Tempering, and not far from an Artistic Conception, truly worthy of the name of the He Family."


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    Speaking,


    Chen Mu stepped forward.


    Seeing Chen Mu approach, He Mingzhen was not afraid, a flash of coldness flickering in his eyes. Lifting the spear in his hand, despite Chen Mu''s terrifying power, as a prominent youth of the He family, it was impossible to first fail to catch up and then flee without a fight. He was determined to test Chen Mu''s skills no matter what.


    Clank!


    Chen Mu slowly drew his knife, and with a slash,


    He Mingzhen countered with his spear, then the entire mountainside fell into dead silence.


    He slowly lowered his head to look at the spear in his hand, seeing a straight diagonal mark appear at the head of the spear, followed by the silent falling of the tip.


    In the slow descent of this spearhead, a blood line appeared silently between his chest and abdomen.


    "You..."


    He Mingzhen looked at Chen Mu incredulously, slowly collapsing.


    He, a proud Bone Tempering Minor Achievement, compounded by four layers of Spear Momentum, still couldn''t withstand the opponent''s single strike. Chen Mu had refrained from attacking him previously, not wanting to startle the other He Family members until he had eliminated them all. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Cough!


    He Mingzhen fell to the ground, coughing out a mouthful of fresh blood, feeling his life rapidly fading away, his eyes filled with reluctance.


    He was He Mingzhen; he still wanted to grasp an Artistic Conception, enter the Realm of the Five Viscera, revitalize the He Family, surpass the Xue Family, and become the number one clan in Yu City. How could he die here¡­


    Clank.


    Chen Mu gently sheathed his knife.


    Then he looked at He Mingzhen''s body, ensured he was dead, searched him briefly finding nothing, shook his head, and turned to walk away, a soft sigh dispersing in the air.


    "Actually, I do not enjoy killing."


    He did not relish killing, nor did he derive any joy from slaughter; he was just an ordinary person. But the He Family, time and again, had sought his life, forcing him eventually to take action. To date, he had killed countless, his hands drenched in blood.


    Especially during chaotic times, martial artists were a line of defense for the common people, but in times of danger, he could only prioritize his own safety, unable to consider others.


    In these troubled times, one inevitably either kills or gets killed.


    Chen Mu cleared all the corpses in the mountainside, but found nothing of value, obviously, as those who hunted demons during chaotic times wouldn''t carry valuables with them.


    He then slowly approached a huge block of premium Flame Jade embedded in Rock Jade, which if craftsmen wished to remove intact without damage, they must slowly chisel it out from the edges. However, Chen Mu did not need such trouble. His knife gleamed; with a couple of sweeps, he neatly cut the entire Flame Jade out.


    "It really isn''t easy to carry, but I must take it away for now," he said.


    Chen Mu touched it, feeling its warmth. A Flame Jade bed made from it would be far more useful than any warm brick bed in winter, and such a large piece of Flame Jade might even contain a Flame Jade Core, potentially even aiding those who cultivate the Separating Fire Artistic Conception.


    But currently, he was cultivating the Wind Thunder Artistic Conception, having not yet encountered Separating Fire, thus, its significance was limited.


    After a moment''s thought,


    Chen Mu held the huge Flame Jade in one hand and forcefully hoisted it, which proved much heavier than the demons he had previously hunted, so much so that even with his current strength, it was no easy feat.


    Thus, he carried the huge Flame Jade all the way outside, then looked up at the mountain, half-collapsed and the remaining parts unstable. After a brief deliberation, he decided against spreading the fragrant herbs inside, instead approached a collapsed, weak spot in the rock and fiercely kicked it several times.


    The already loose mountainside, under successive powerful kicks from Chen Mu, saw the weak section of rock finally break, causing the rocks above to start making unstable noises.


    Seeing this,


    Chen Mu quickly hoisted the massive Flame Jade and moved away.


    Just as he had moved about a hundred meters away, the mountain rocks behind him started showing more cracks, spreading upwards until, with a thunderous roar, half of the mountainside gradually collapsed once again, burying the entire mountainside.


    Chen Mu turned back to look at the collapsed mountain, shook his head, then turned and walked away, disappearing into the mountains.

 Chapter 132: Chapter 123: The Great Battle

    Donghong Township.On the dried-up riverbed, seven or eight elite blade fighters of the Yu Family, two Blade Masters from the Yu Family, and a Green-Clothed Guard from the Demon-Slaying Office were besieging a relatively small demon beast covered in black markings. It looked like neither a leopard nor a wolf.


    However, even the combined strength of all these people was still insufficient to subdue this beast. It kept dashing from left to right amidst the crowd, occasionally swinging its claws and splashing blood.


    Black-striped Demon Leopard!


    To handle so many people attacking it and even include three Tendon Changing Realm beings, it was undoubtedly a Third-Rank demon.


    "Don''t fight it head-on, just entangle it, and make sure it doesn''t escape!"


    Ding He of the Green-Clothed Guard shouted loudly.


    If everyone jointly fought to the death, even if they could kill this black-striped demon leopard, several people would at least die or get injured, including a few of them in the Tendon Changing Realm might not come out unscathed.


    However, since they were very close to the town of Donghong Township, they didn''t need to fight to the death but just needed to keep it confined here since support would soon arrive.


    Despite arrangements for patrols at key locations all over Donghong Township, there were inevitably still some that slipped through the net, like the black-striped demon leopard. With its small size and fast speed, it sneaked in during the night, making it impossible to prepare in advance.


    "Roar!"


    Seeing that the nearby people did not engage in a direct fight and were only led by three Tendon Changing individuals to confine it in the center, the demon leopard let out a deep roar when they did not attack as long as it did not move.


    Ultimately, it was a demon and not an ordinary wild beast. It had already sensed the adverse situation and with a sudden roar, it lunged towards the right side, bearing a hit from Ding He''s blade and breaking through the encirclement forcefully.


    "Not good."


    Ding He''s expression changed slightly.


    If this demon beast escaped, it would be very troublesome to chase after it later.


    But his speed was not as fast as the opponent''s; once the black-striped demon leopard forcibly charged past, his swung blade could no longer catch up.


    However.


    Just as the black-striped demon leopard was about to break out of the encirclement and flee, a figure in white suddenly appeared, and a beam of sword light swept across diagonally, forcing the demon leopard to pause its motion abruptly and get driven back into the encirclement.


    The person who arrived was indeed Xu Hongyu.


    "The master has arrived!"


    Seeing this, many of the Yu Family blade fighters were heartened and brandished their swords to move forward and assist.


    Xu Hongyu''s strength was originally enough to handle any Third-Rank demon, and she was capable of killing most of them independently. Now, with many subordinates assisting her from the side, it only took a few moves before she pierced through the throat of the black-striped demon leopard.


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    Ding He breathed out softly and flattered as he looked at the body of the black-striped demon leopard.


    Xu Hongyu, however, did not respond but quickly dealt with the body of the demon leopard, took its Blood Essence, and gazed into the distance just as Xiaohe''s figure hurriedly approached from not too far away.


    "Miss, there''s been a disturbance in the direction of the Wasteland Mountains. A messenger reports that there has been an earthquake that collapsed a mountain range."


    Xiaohe quickly reported as she arrived next to Xu Hongyu.


    Earthquakes, mountain collapses...


    Xu Hongyu hesitated slightly and then thought of something. "Is it caused by severe drought altering the terrain? It might bring some rare treasures to the surface, but with the current demon chaos, the Wasteland Mountains are not safe."


    She then thought of Chen Mu, who was in the area of the Wasteland Mountains, and he might go to investigate. However, compared to any treasure, Chen Mu''s safety was more important. After all, the Wasteland Mountains were located on the border between two counties.


    If they could get the news here, the He Family in Huaiyu County would as well, but Chen Mu was always cautious in his actions, so there should not be any trouble.


    Xiaohe whispered, "Shall I go and have a look.."


    Even though she couldn''t help much in terms of strength and would even be a burden if she ventured into the Wasteland Mountains, she was still in the Tendon Changing Realm and at least capable of monitoring the situation from the outskirts.


    Xu Hongyu pondered for a while. She also wanted to make the trip, but from today onwards, reports from various places had been coming in, indicating that demon appearances were much more frequent than yesterday, seemingly more agitated. Even a demon like the black-striped demon leopard had sneaked into the township at night.


    If she left the township, the threat from Third-Rank demons would increase significantly.


    If she went without care and not only failed to help Chen Mu but also caused more trouble, it would undoubtedly be a reckless move.


    As she was contemplating.


    Suddenly.


    A loud whistle resounded in the southern sky. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xu Hongyu, Xiaohe, and Ding He, along with all the others present, simultaneously looked up.


    After the whistle soared into the sky sharply, it did not gradually cease but instead curved and sounded long again, followed by a third long blast, echoing through the heavens.


    Three blasts of the whistle!


    Everyone''s faces inevitably changed!


    In the midst of chaos from demons, three blasts of the whistle represented the most severe situation, even if the whistle alone could not completely determine the situation, and it required a messenger to know the details.


    But whatever the situation, three blasts in a row meant that all the people from that area had to gather.


    "Let''s go!"


    Xu Hongyu reacted quickly and immediately commanded sternly, "Gather the remaining forces in the township, notify the surrounding areas, and all residents of the villages in the direction of the three blasts should retreat immediately. Once specific news arrives, report it to the County Government immediately..."


    As she returned to the township, she rapidly issued commands, and soon, the stationed personnel in the township and others from nearby areas where there was temporarily no trouble, came together from all directions toward the south, where the three blasts had originated.


    On the southern road.


    Groups arriving from various directions, also alerted by the three blasts, gathered together, the number quickly reaching nearly a hundred. It consisted not only of the forces Xu Hongyu brought but also some proficient individuals from the township who were mobilized.

 Chapter 133: Chapter 123 Great Battle_2

    Along the way and without venturing too far south, the team led by Xu Hongyu directly encountered the messenger coming to report the news. That person was a member of the Black-Clothed Guard, seemingly having run at full speed the entire journey. When he arrived in front of Xu Hongyu, he was already gasping for breath.Find exclusive content at M V L


    "My lord... there''s been unusual activity towards Nangou Mountain in the south, a large number of monsters, seemingly converging from all directions, with hundreds of them, including both Third Rank and Second Rank. They are fighting amongst themselves, and currently, they have not advanced northward..."


    Hundreds of monsters!


    Xu Hongyu''s gaze instantly sharpened upon hearing this. No wonder there had been three blasts of the whistle. In a normal village, such a congregation of monsters was very rare, even during a severe drought, because monsters, unlike humans, do not form orderly societies. When hundreds of monsters gather together, they often end up fighting each other to the death first.


    However, since such an unusual gathering of hundreds of monsters had occurred, it was highly possible that they would cause chaos and then attack from the north. Indeed, it was necessary to mobilize reinforcements in advance to respond to the situation.


    "Keep moving."


    Xu Hongyu, after receiving the report, immediately spoke in a deep voice.


    The team continued on its journey southward, traveling about seven or eight more miles before encountering another messenger. This time it was a runner from the County Government, so out of breath he could hardly get his words out and pale-faced. Upon meeting the team, he gasped out:


    "My lord... monsters, from the south, they''re attacking..."


    "Let''s go!"


    Xu Hongyu maintained a calm demeanor and continued forward.


    Finally, after traveling another two or three miles, they reached the top of a high slope. Looking towards the south, they saw a vast expanse of gently rolling land, upon which a large number of bizarrely shaped monsters were charging from afar.


    Although they weren''t organized into troops and maintained a fair distance from each other, at a glance, the area was swarming with them, and to say there were hundreds was by no means an exaggeration.


    "All units, follow me to meet the enemy. Do not spread out your forces, focus on breaking their strength one by one!"


    Xu Hongyu''s cool voice resonated across the wilderness.


    The scale of monsters was indeed large, numbering in the hundreds. Even the First Rank ones were quite few, with the majority being Second Rank, and upon a closer look, a significant number of Third Rank could be seen. If they were to completely gather and crash together like an army, Xu Hongyu''s forces would be at least two to three times outnumbered and completely unable to contend with them.


    But, after all, the monsters did not form an orderly formation; their ranks were scattered, and the distances between them were great.


    Even with a modicum of intelligence, it was not high, and despite the deficiency in troops, as long as they could concentrate their forces locally to fight from a position where there were more of them against fewer of the enemy, they still had the chance to gradually shatter the monsters'' ranks.


    "Yes!"


    The many experienced demon slayers from the Demon-Slaying Office, both Green-Clothed and Black-Clothed Guards, all responded with a deep voice at this time. However, there were also some without experience, those facing a monster attack for the first time, who felt somewhat uneasy at the sight of monsters covering the mountains and plains.


    Fight!


    Xu Hongyu, dressed in white, stood at the forefront atop the high slope and charged down towards the nearest Second Rank monster. With a flash of her sword, she decapitated it with a single strike.


    The group of followers behind her, including the maidservant Xiao He, the Green-Clothed Guard Ding He from the Demon-Slaying Office, and others, also charged down. They quickly collided with the incoming monsters on the wilderness.


    The importance of decisive action was indisputable at this moment.


    If one were to disperse their troops in an attempt to stretch into a line, aiming to block all the monsters'' paths and create scattered skirmishes, they could only obstruct temporarily. They would quickly be thoroughly routed. However, Xu Hongyu''s command to concentrate superior forces to strike where they had the advantage allowing to quickly take down many monsters one by one. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And those monsters at a great distance, not in the path of their blockade, did not take this opportunity to cross the defensive line on the high slope. Instead, they all noticed the battlefield where Xu Hongyu and the others were and began to converge from all directions voluntarily, making it unnecessary for her forces to divide and confront them.


    Soon.


    In no great amount of time, after a fierce battle, Xu Hongyu''s team, though having sustained some casualties, had lost less than one-tenth of their number, while the losses on the monsters'' side were several times higher. At least fifty or sixty Second Rank monsters and more than a dozen Third Rank monsters were slain, with quite a few others wounded and fleeing.


    But even so, those on the battlefield like Xu Hongyu and Xiao He did not show the slightest relief or joy but instead became even more solemn as the battle went on.


    Because.


    The number of monstrous creatures that were dead, injured, or fleeing had surpassed a hundred. Yet, upon the barren wilderness sprawled out before them, the approaching horde of creatures seemed nearly unchanged from the outset of the battle¡ªit was as though they constantly emerged from all directions.


    This was by no means just over a hundred; the number was at least two or three hundred or more!


    "How can there be so many?!"


    With another sword strike, Xu Hongyu killed a Third Rank monstrous creature with the cooperative restraint of Xiao He and the others. Her chest rose and fell slightly, and for a moment, she caught her breath while gazing at the distant wilderness, a hint of incredulity in her eyes.


    The accumulating numbers were undoubtedly too many. Most bizarrely, the creature she had just killed was a type that would typically become frenzied from the stimuli of severe cold. Yet, at present, it was clearly a time of drought, and yet this creature also seemed to be in a frenzied state as it emerged.


    Something was off!


    Xu Hongyu instinctively felt that something was wrong, but for the moment, she could not determine the cause. Looking at the creatures that continued to swarm in as before, her heart grew increasingly heavy.


    The situation was dire.


    Even though the creatures lacked order, their side maintained a numerical advantage in focused combat, always keeping up the tactic of attacking in greater numbers. But the problem was that such intense fighting was incredibly draining.


    After this fierce battle, she was still capable of fighting on, but for some of the Martial Men who were merely in the Body Refinement Realm, their Qi-Blood was severely depleted, and their physical strength was clearly on the decline.


    To defeat over a hundred creatures while suffering less than ten percent casualties was one thing, but another hundred would definitely not yield the same figures.


    It was even questionable whether they could withstand another wave.


    Thud!


    Ding He was covered in bloodstains, his knife piercing through the body of a Second Rank creature, he then took two heavy breaths, letting out a thick white mist, and glanced at the distance with a somewhat ugly expression. Retreating quickly, he moved back a bit and approached Xu Hongyu.


    "My lord, the number of creatures is overwhelming. Continuing the battle could be disadvantageous. Shall we retreat for now?"


    In such a scenario, failing to retreat and regroup for a respite meant that casualties would inevitably rise steadily, and the situation would undeniably get progressively worse, possibly leading to a complete collapse.


    At this moment, Xu Hongyu''s gaze flickered. The closest village had already been preemptively instructed to evacuate, so there was indeed room for a brief retreat. However, the current circumstances allowed little chance for rest, even if they did retreat, as the creatures continued to pour in relentlessly; retreating would merely push the frontlines back.


    Ding He probably meant to temporarily forgo resistance, letting all the creatures through, waiting for reinforcements from the County Government to arrive before counterattacking. But that would have a significant impact; with over a hundred creatures scattering into the countryside, at least several villages would be ravaged, and even the town could fall into disaster.


    But if they did not retreat, it was hard to say how much longer they could hold on.


    As Xu Hongyu''s eyebrows knit together, unable to make an immediate decision, Xiao He suddenly reached out and poked her.


    Xu Hongyu was startled, then followed Xiao He''s gaze and noticed on the high slope in the distance, a figure clad in Green-Clothed attire coming from the east, a Fine Iron Knife in hand, casting a long shadow under the setting sun, appearing to step over rivers and wearing mountains on his head as he descended from the high slope, arriving at the frontlines.


    "Ran into some trouble and got held up a bit, but it looks like I''ve still made it in time."


    Chen Mu arrived at the front of the battle line, nodded lightly to Xu Hongyu, and then stepped forward.


    Watching Chen Mu''s figure advance towards the frontline to meet the unending tide of creatures, a trace of light flickered in Xu Hongyu''s clear eyes. She then glanced at Ding He beside her and said, "No need for panic, continue to engage the enemy."


    "But..."


    Ding He was taken aback, about to argue further, but noticed Xu Hongyu had already charged forward again.


    Just moments before, Xu Hongyu had considered retreating, so why the sudden change of heart? Could it be because of the newly arrived Chen Mu? But at this point, even if Chen Mu possessed a degree of strength, how much could one man''s reinforcements...


    His thought abruptly stopped.

 Chapter 134: Chapter 124 Stabilization

    Ding He was stunned as he looked towards the nearby battlefront.He saw. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu standing on the wasteland, walking alone at the very front of the battle line, casually swung his fine iron knife and decapitated the head of a fierce beast that lunged at him. And the beast that attacked Chen Mu had black patterns all over it, a third-rank monster, the black-patterned leopard!


    A third-rank monster,


    Killed in one strike!


    Ding He even couldn''t help but want to rub his eyes, doubting whether he had seen something wrong.


    Wasn''t Chen Mu new to the Tendon Changing Realm? Even though he had a horizontally trained body and his strength was much stronger than others of the same rank, killing a third-rank monster with one strike was somewhat too exaggerated. After all, even someone at Tendon Changing Perfection like Xu Hongyu couldn''t possibly kill a third-rank monster with one move¡ªit was almost a crushing of strength!


    Triple Blade Momentum?


    Quadruple Blade Momentum?


    No.


    Although he was too far away to see the previous strike clearly, he didn''t feel the distinct Blade Momentum. It seemed more like a natural whole, as if heaven-sent. Could it be... Artistic Conception?!


    Impossible!


    Ding He found it hard to believe in his heart.


    Artistic Conception was such an advanced level, even in the entire Yu Family, from the first generation to the fourth generation, there were only about a dozen people who mastered it, only three or four per generation, and many only achieved understanding after years, not until their forties or fifties.


    Chen Mu was about his age, it was well enough that he had a talent for developing a Horizontally Trained Body, but how could it be possible for him to have such high comprehension and master Artistic Conception at this age? He must know that he, with Tendon Changing Major Achievement, had only mastered one Momentum so far!


    At the battle line.


    Chen Mu was seen with a calm expression, holding a fine iron knife in his hand, wherever he went, there was bloodshed. Whether second or third rank monsters, none lasted more than one round under his hand and were buried under his knife.


    In an extremely short period of time, the pressure from all directions had almost plummeted.


    Black-clothed Guards like Wu Pu were looking at the figure shuttling above the battle line as if they had seen a ghost, with shock and disbelief in their eyes.


    Swish!


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    Chen Mu sliced again, killing another third-rank monster, and he shook his head as he felt the contact beneath the knife.


    "Third-rank monsters, after all, do have some strength."


    On his way here, he had already learned of the general situation on this battlefield through successive transmissions relayed by personnel. Judging by the timing, they would probably be able to fight or even gain the upper hand for a while, but after a long time, the manpower here would definitely be insufficient.


    Therefore, he had been in a rush to get here, mainly because dealing with the huge piece of Flame Jade had taken too much time.


    Upon arriving at the battlefield, he indeed saw Xu Hongyu and several warriors in a tough fight. Naturally, he needed to cut through the confusion and quickly resolve the pressure on the whole battle line, and the greatest pressure came from the third-rank monsters.


    Against third-rank monsters, someone with Tendon Changing Perfection could win, but not easily.


    Only by stepping into the Bone Tempering Realm could one quickly kill a third-rank monster within a move or two.


    However, this time Chen Mu wasn''t overcoming the beasts with raw power. Rather than showing off a Body Refining Realm beyond Tendon Changing Perfection or revealing pure strength comparable to the Bone Tempering Realm, it was better to use the Xun Wind Artistic Conception.


    After all, considering the current situation with countless beasts everywhere, relying solely on force would consume more energy.


    After this monster upheaval, he would be able to obtain a Bone Tempering Pill no matter what, and improve his strength in a short period of time. Showing the Xun Wind Artistic Conception wasn''t an issue, as it wasn''t a method he needed to conceal for now.


    Of course.


    The Thunderclap Artistic Conception was not suitable for public display, at least not for now.


    With Chen Mu''s thunderous moves, slaying third-rank monsters as if slaughtering chickens, the casualties on the entire battle line were quickly controlled. Those who had too much Qi-Blood depletion and were nearly exhausted also finally got the opportunity to catch their breath and rest.


    But at this moment, whoever looked at the figure speeding among the monsters, a figure so formidable that no beast could withstand a single blow, felt nothing but shock.


    No wonder Xu Hongyu''s attitude towards Chen Mu had not been that of a superior from the start, no wonder Chen Mu was able to confidently enter the Council Hall and partake in all kinds of decisions regarding this monster chaos and hunt.


    In this chaotic world, strength is paramount!


    Having such strength left no room for doubt!


    Wu Pu, in the crowd, looked at the scene before him and felt stiff all over. He had previously thought that Ding He wasn''t much different from Chen Mu, but now it seemed like a joke, and what made him most uneasy was... when he saw Xu Hongyu and Chen Mu getting too close, he had secretly sent someone back to the County Government to report to Deputy Governor Yu Jun.


    Now, all he wanted to do was to smack himself in the face. Why did he speak out of turn? Someone who could comprehend Artistic Conception naturally had the status and qualifications to match Xu Hongyu. Although he was a spy for Yu Jun, rashly reporting when he had only seen half the story would likely lead to criticism from Yu Jun afterwards.


    Swish! Swish! Swish!!


    Chen Mu wielded his knife, continuing to fight along the battle line.


    He also didn''t push forward, as that would be meaningless; after all, the monsters were scattered all over the mountains, and they continually emerged and actively converged on Xu Hongyu and the others.


    In this situation, one only needed to stay put and wait for the monsters to come to them, reaping them one by one, without expending too much effort.

 Chapter 135: Chapter 124 Calming Down_2

    The disparity between strength and status was fully revealed at this moment. A figure in the Bone Tempering Realm, or one who had grasped an Artistic Conception, could butcher hundreds of second and third rank demons as easily as slaughtering chickens; if one were to preside over a township, it would certainly be as stable as Mount Tai.However, the reality was that it was almost impossible for those in the Bone Tempering Realm to merely preside over a single township. Even for the entire An Yu County, having someone like Deputy Governor Yu Jun attend to it was already showing significant attention.


    After all.


    In the Bone Tempering Realm, even for a grand clan like the Yu Family of the Inner City, counting those over sixty whose Qi-Blood and Realm strength had deteriorated, there were at most thirty people; only about twenty were truly at their peak.


    Moreover, fewer than half of those held command over an Artistic Conception.


    Compared to An Yu County, which was almost completely under the control of the Yu Family, other counties like ''Si Yu'' and ''Qing Yu,'' where the Yu Family only had partial control, were in more desperate need of manpower.


    On one hand, they needed to deal with demons, and on the other hand, they had to guard against other major families like the He Family and the surrounding areas directly under the jurisdiction of Yu County City, not to mention the vast privately-owned estates and farmlands, which, more than the villages below, could not afford any mishaps.


    Finally.


    As the sunset dipped, and the afterglow gradually turned golden red.


    The swarms of demons on the mountains finally began to thin out, appearing less and less. Some demons even seemed to have sobered up, no longer charging towards the battle lines but instead started to flee backwards.


    And with the final retreat of the demons, across the wilderness, the view of scattered corpses reached at least two to three hundred!


    Among them.


    More than a hundred had died at the hands of Chen Mu!


    And most were third-rank demons!


    Chen Mu looked at the few remaining scattered demons, along with the many members of the Demon-Slaying Office''s Green-Clothed Guard and Yu Family personnel who had started to counterattack, and finally slowed down his Fine Iron Knife, then looked towards Xu Hongyu, who was not far away.


    At this moment.


    Xu Hongyu''s Demon-Slaying Office''s white robes were also stained with specks of blood, like blossoming plum flowers, and she was not unscathed herself. Behind her back, two claw marks could be vaguely seen, tearing through her outer white robe and revealing a layer of pale golden soft armor beneath.


    As Chen Mu had guessed before, Xu Hongyu indeed wore valuable soft armor inside. In contrast, He Mingzhen, who died by his hand, had nothing, but indeed, in the Bone Tempering Realm, ordinary quality soft armor was useless.


    "Cough..."


    Xu Hongyu stood with her sword, her complexion slightly pale. Despite having reached Tendon Changing Perfection, the prolonged battle had greatly drained her stamina, and she couldn''t help coughing lightly twice, showing a hint of discomfort.


    Chen Mu approached her, "How are you, are you hurt?"


    Xu Hongyu shook her head, "I''m slightly shaken up, but it''s nothing serious. A couple of days of rest should suffice... You mentioned earlier that you encountered some trouble, did something happen?" Read exclusive chapters at M V L


    "A minor issue, I''ll tell you about it later. It''s getting dark, I''ll take you back to the township first."


    Chen Mu looked at Xu Hongyu''s complexion, knowing she was not seriously hurt, but still spoke out.


    "Hmm."


    Xu Hongyu softly responded and sheathed her sword.


    ...


    An Yu County.


    Nan Gou Township, west of the Wilderness.


    Demon corpses littered the ground, numbering two to three hundred. Some of the Demon-Slaying Office''s Green-Clothed and Black-Clothed Guards were slightly gasping for air. Apart from the bodies of demons, there were also many corpses of Yu Family personnel, and even a Green-Clothed Guard had died.


    In front of everyone, Yu Jun stood with his knife, gazing towards the horizon, his expression as somber as water.


    "Something is off about this demon chaos."


    He spoke gravely.


    As the Deputy Governor of the Demon-Slaying Office and a significant figure in the Yu Family who had been hunting demons for many years, he was very familiar with the habits of demons. He knew that many of the rampaging demons in this batch were not the type to be affected by drought.


    Otherwise, it was impossible for such a large number, reaching three to four hundred, to gather and directly threaten an entire township, forcing him, the Deputy Governor, to leave the county government temporarily to come and lend support.


    "Indeed, something''s not right."


    A Demon-Slaying Office White-Clothed Guard covered in blood also spoke gravely, then looked at Yu Jun, "Third Brother, do you think it''s because of this year''s odd celestial phenomena, or... is someone causing trouble behind the scenes?" S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I''m not sure yet, but I''ve heard from my sources that there have been unusual movements from the He Family."


    Yu Jun snorted coldly.


    If it indeed had something to do with the He Family, that would be truly detestable. To target the Yu Family, they even threatened the safety of tens of thousands of ordinary people in a township, a truly reckless and ruthless move, mainly since such actions were difficult to prove with evidence.


    The White-Clothed Guard pondered briefly, then said, "Since the He Family wants to stir up trouble, with the demon chaos in Nan Gou Township having increased nearly twofold, then Donghong Township, which borders Huaiyu County... Hongyu might still be there."


    Yu Jun''s expression instantly changed upon hearing this.


    Indeed.


    If Nan Gou Township had issues, Donghong Township was likely not to be spared either.


    "Let''s go, to Donghong!"


    Yu Jun didn''t ponder much; he immediately spoke gravely and turned his steps towards the direction of Donghong Township.


    If the He Family was causing trouble, then something definitely must be amiss in Donghong Township. They could only hope that by moving quickly, the situation could still be salvaged to some extent without resulting in complete devastation.


    Speaking of.


    He had previously received reports from his spies that Xu Hongyu and the Green-Clothed Chen Mu seemed to have grown quite close and might be overstepping boundaries; he also frowned a bit upon this because he was familiar with Chen Mu.


    He knew he was raised and promoted by Xu Hongyu herself and indeed possessed some natural talent, having trained his body through Horizontal Training and stepping into the Tendon Changing Realm.

 Chapter 136: Chapter 124: Pacification_3

    Being only twenty-five years old when he stepped into Tendon Changing, the difficulty for him to later enter the Bone Tempering Realm was substantial, yet Xu Hongyu had already achieved Tendon Changing Perfection. After some trials, it was quite possible for her to step into the Bone Tempering Realm.Although Chen Mu, once he reached Tendon Changing Perfection, relying on his Horizontally Trained Body wouldn''t be too far behind a typical Bone Tempering Minor Achievement, but Bone Tempering and Tendon Changing are ultimately two different realms after all.


    Moreover, Xu Hongyu was a direct descendant of the Yu Family.


    With Chen Mu''s innate talent and qualifications, if he were to be betrothed, a woman from a collateral branch would more than suffice; in fact, even a common main branch member would be suitable, like Yu Ru. But Xu Hongyu... that still wouldn''t be quite appropriate.


    As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Yu Jun hastened his pace. Nangou and Donghong were neighboring townships, and although a mountain range separated them, it would not take long for someone of his stature in the Bone Tempering Realm to cross it.


    However.


    Just as Yu Jun and some men were finally nearing the territory of Donghong Township.


    Off in the distance, figures hurried towards them, dimly visible in the attire of the Yu Family, were the Yu Family''s Protector Blade Masters.


    Seeing Yu Jun and his party from afar, the Protector Blade Masters seemed somewhat surprised, but they quickly approached. Soon they arrived and saluted Yu Jun, "Lord Yu."


    "What''s the situation in Donghong and how is Hongyu?"


    Yu Jun asked in a deep voice.


    The Protector Blade Master promptly reported, "Hundreds of monsters have gathered to the south of Donghong Township. Early warning signals were sent three times, and messengers have reported to the County Government. But my lord, you were not at the County Government at that time, so the dispatched troops then detoured to Nangou, but they lost contact en route, perhaps encountering..."


    Yu Jun frowned and interrupted, "Get to the point! What''s the situation in Donghong now?"


    The Protector Blade Master, startled by the interruption, hurriedly spoke with caution, "Lord Xu has assembled troops and headed south to confront them. They encountered the monsters around the southern slope of Liu Family Village, rallying forces within a small area to fight against many, slaying hundreds of monsters. However, the monsters kept coming without end.


    Soon after, Lord Chen arrived, slaying hundreds more monsters and stabilizing the front line, eventually crushing the monster incursion."


    Yu Jun nodded inwardly upon hearing the first part. Rallying forces in such a situation, without dispersing to intercept, was the right decision. Xu Hongyu''s troop deployment was quite remarkable, and it wasn''t in vain that he had previously brought Xu Hongyu along for guidance.


    But when he heard that the monsters kept emerging endlessly, his expression darkened, not even that surprised, since Nangou Township faced the same issue. Clearly, Donghong also had problems. If Huaiyu, Jingyu, and other County Governments were all normal, then it''s very likely that the He Family was causing trouble behind the scenes, and it couldn''t be divorced from them.


    However.


    Upon hearing the last part, Yu Jun was immediately taken aback.


    "Lord Chen?"


    He looked at the Protector Blade Master with a slight furrow of his brows.


    Being able to slay hundreds of monsters, stabilizing the situation, and crushing the monster chaos, that strength must not differ much from his own, but he didn''t recall a Chen with such a level... Hm? S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Suddenly, a thought flashed through his mind and he revealed a glimmer of astonishment.


    He then heard the Protector Blade Master continue to report in a low voice, "It was Lord Chen Mu. Lord Chen has comprehended the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, and Third Rank monsters aren''t a match for Lord Chen in a single move. Thus, when Lord Chen arrived, the monsters couldn''t breach the battle line."


    Hearing this, Yu Jun came to an abrupt halt.


    The accompanying White-Clothed Guards and some Yu Family men-at-arms were also stunned.


    The entire scene fell into silence momentarily, as if even the breaths of everyone could be clearly heard.


    Artistic Conception?


    After a moment of silence, Yu Jun turned to the Yu Family Blade Master and said, "Is everything you say true?"


    The Protector Blade Master replied, "I saw it with my own eyes."


    As he spoke, there was also a hint of awe in his eyes. As a practitioner of the blade, and an elite of the Yu Family with Body Refinement Perfection, having developed a Blade Momentum, he was all the more aware of the lofty height of Blade Techniques that reached the level of Artistic Conception. Stay connected with M-V-L


    "So that''s how it is. Then it makes sense," Yu Jun murmured, gazing in the direction of Donghong.


    He retracted his earlier judgment.


    If Chen Mu was interested in Xu Hongyu, then indeed, they would be a very suitable match. He would mention it to Yu Zuyi later on.

 Chapter 137: Chapter 125: Tremor

    Da Xuan Calendar, year 1427, June.In Yu State''s Yu County, there was a severe drought and disturbances, stretching over half a month.


    ...


    Amidst pitch darkness,


    warmth rippled as if bathing in the spring breeze.


    Suddenly a lamp was lit, dispelling the nearby darkness, and a jade hand placed the lamp to the side.


    "It''s huge..."


    Xu Hongyu was slightly stunned.


    In the cellar before her sat an enormous block of Flame Jade, about seven feet long, three feet wide, and nearly a foot thick.


    Even for her, a direct descendant of the Yu Family who had been spoiled since birth and had seen many treasures and rarities, this was the first time she had encountered such a colossal piece of top-grade Flame Jade. Even if it was sold off slowly in pieces, it would be worth hundreds of thousands of taels.


    "Well, that''s pretty much the situation, what do you think about sneaking it into Yu City?"


    Chen Mu asked from aside.


    Since it involved the He Family, there was no need to hide too much from Xu Hongyu, especially since in a few days when the He Family noted the disappearance of He Guangzong and He Mingzhen, it would certainly stir up some turmoil; in conjunction with events like wilderness mountain movements and landslides, Xu Hongyu would be able to guess that he was behind it.


    The main issue was that Chen Mu could sneak this block of Flame Jade back to Yu County, but he had no way to quietly get such a massive block into the city; after all, he wasn''t yet so powerful that he could carry such a heavy object and still scale walls.


    That wasn''t martial arts; it was an Immortal Technique.


    "Let me think..."


    After briefly losing focus, Xu Hongyu soon regained her senses and began to ponder silently, quickly coming up with an idea, and she exclaimed to Chen Mu, "I have a plan, we just need to do this... then this... and it will be done."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly after listening.


    He couldn''t manage it, but Xu Hongyu could; after all, she was a direct descendant of the Yu Family, and even the methods to quietly bring it into the city were not limited to one, and this involved power, not martial prowess.


    After explaining, Xu Hongyu pondered again, saying, "However, we can''t move it for now; the disturbances have not yet ended, and in Yu City, every family is on high alert, with patrols everywhere at night. It should first stay in An Yu County for some time, then we can transport it back. I do have a safe place; if you trust me, you can keep it there first."


    Chen Mu chuckled, responding, "There''s no need to question trust between you and me, not to mention that the esteemed young lady of the Yu Family wouldn''t covet just a small piece of Flame Jade."


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    Although this Flame Jade was worth at least hundreds of thousands of taels, an enormous sum for Chen Mu, for one of the four great families of Yu City, governing tens of millions in Yu County, it was probably just a medium value, maybe slightly higher.


    "Hmm."


    Xu Hongyu nodded gently, adding, "But your revealing of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception this time may cause some waves in Yu County. Previously, you hadn''t directly entered the highest echelons of the other families'' focus, but this time, whether it''s the He Family or the Xue and Xie Families, their attention will be on you, watching you more closely."


    "Eventually, I was bound to be known."


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly, then looking towards Xu Hongyu, he said, "After this, the Demon-Slaying Office might promote me to the White-Clothed Guard, but I still want to use your merits to exchange for Bone Tempering Pills, which means I''ll need your help again."


    Although he was likely to directly become a White-Clothed Guard, he was now in the view of several families. According to the families'' intelligence, he had recently broken through to the Tendon Changing Realm, so maintaining that perception, using Xu Hongyu, who had reached Tendon Changing Perfection, to exchange for Bone Tempering Pills would be flawless.


    "Between us, there''s no need to talk about helping or not helping..."


    Xu Hongyu quietly spoke, suddenly feeling her words mirrored Chen Mu''s earlier, and she momentarily felt a peculiar emotion rise within her and involuntarily shifted her gaze away.


    Chen Mu watched Xu Hongyu, and though they were in a dim cellar, the lamp illuminated the Flame Jade and allowed him to clearly see Xu Hongyu''s face. He was somewhat surprised to discover that her porcelain, jade-like complexion seemed to have taken on a faint, barely perceptible blush. If his vision wasn''t many times sharper than the ordinary, he might not have noticed it at all.


    Surprised, he couldn''t help but grin.


    He had always felt her name, Hongyu, somewhat out of place, as she seemed more like a piece of cold White Jade. Now he realized that the ''Hongyu'' was meant to be seen here, though the color of the jade still seemed too faint; he wondered if he would ever see a more vivid shade of jade in the future?


    ...


    The drought gradually receded, and the disturbances gradually ceased.


    Reports and intelligence from around Yu County streamed into the Prefecture City like snowflakes, each finding its way among the various families within the Inner City, until news from An Yu County spread, eventually causing some shakes.


    The He Family.


    In a luxurious and opulent hall, decorated with jade, gold, and silver, and with doors made of valuable gold-threaded wood intricately carved with complex designs and patterns.


    Deputy Governor of the Smelting Bureau, He Guangxun, was currently standing respectfully to the side, while seated on the Taishi Chair was an old man with long gray whiskers, holding a purple Dragonwood cane, appearing to be around his fifties or sixties.


    He was the current patriarch of the He Family, representing the second generation,


    He Zhengya! S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He was also the father of He Guangxun, He Guangzong, and others, appearing to be in his fifties or sixties but actually nearing seventy. Despite his age, he had once consumed a very rare spiritual treasure that preserved Qi-Blood, and his cultivation was at the complete Realm of Bone Tempering. Practicing the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception, he stood unyielding.


    Unfortunately, despite his attempts to maintain his realm, he was near retirement.


    However, the transition of leadership was delayed as none of his sons, including He Guangxun or He Guangzong, were capable of assuming the patriarch''s duties, necessitating the patriarch to hold his position while considering passing the responsibilities to another family branch.

 Chapter 138: Chapter 125 Shock_2

    "Humph, the Yu Family is really lucky!"He Zhengya leaned on his cane, tapping it on the bluestone brick, which emitted a sound akin to metal colliding. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He Guangxun stood by his side and whispered, "Even at the brink of death, there is a flickering of returning light; it''s nothing significant. Xu Hongyu managing to find such a person in the Outer City is indeed a matter of luck. Initially, Mingxuan underestimated him, and I also paid him no heed.


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    Unexpectedly, this person has cultivated the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, and today he has become a formidable character."


    He Zhengya said indifferently, "In this world, who dares to claim they can foresee everything? If you had known of this person''s capabilities earlier and eliminated him, who else but you would be the next heir of the He Family?"


    Listening to He Zhengya''s words, He Guangxun could not help but lower his head and say, "It is my lack of ability."


    He Zhengya looked at He Guangxun lowering his head and sighed, "You have the capability, but it''s simply not enough. With your current age, even using more spiritual treasures, it would be impossible for you to reach Perfection in Bone Tempering. As for Artistic Conception, you''ve always been lacking that final layer... Martial Arts and Body Refining are complementary.


    If the Body Tempering Method is successful, Qi-Blood will be abundant, naturally leading to keen hearing and sharp eyes, and wisdom will arise, naturally enhancing the enlightenment in Martial Arts."


    Few in the Tendon Changing Realm comprehend Artistic Conception.


    For Minor Achievement in Bone Tempering, there are slightly more, then more in Major Achievement, and half of those at Perfection in Bone Tempering grasp Artistic Conception. For the Five Viscera Realm, Artistic Conception is basically their foundation.


    "Father, should I..."


    A trace of fierceness suddenly flashed in He Guangxun''s eyes.


    He Zhengya leaned on his cane, tapping the ground again, his voice solemn, "Chen Mu has grown somewhat formidable. It is now somewhat difficult to kill him. It is a time of crisis, and mobilizing forces is absolutely not advisable."


    Upon hearing He Zhengya''s instruction, He Guangxun slightly started, because He Zhengya had mentioned ''a time of crisis.'' Indeed, there was chaos due to a great drought and demons, but such matters were not enough to make He Zhengya mention ''a time of crisis'' so seriously.


    Noticing He Guangxun''s puzzled gaze,


    He Zhengya looked at him with a profound gaze and slowly said, "You might not yet know, but not long ago, Heavenly Sword, Hehuan, Blood Concealment, and the Mysterious Heavenly Sect, four Sects with true disciples, visited the Seven Profound Sect to challenge, and in seven contests, they faced seven defeats!"


    "This..."


    He Guangxun was suddenly somewhat dumbfounded.


    He knew that even among true disciples, there were disparities. In the Seven Profound Sect, the Great Profound Peak was the leader, and its True Disciples were considered like the stars in the sky, exceptional figures. Yet they were defeated by someone from the Outer Sect.


    "Four Sect''s true disciples came to pay homage, and naturally, they were leaders in their respective Sect''s true disciples. It''s not surprising that the other peaks'' true disciples in Seven Profound Sect were defeated, but I did not expect that a True Disciple from Great Profound would lose to someone from the Heavenly Sword Sect..."


    He Zhengya slowly shook his head, his eyes also bore a hint of peculiarity, "True Disciple of Heavenly Sword, Zuo Qianqiu, is truly like the bright moon in the sky. In front of such a person, Chen Mu is but an ant, and the Yu Family is as easy to obliterate as flipping one''s palm."


    He Guangxun felt tumultuous waves in his heart but soon showed a hint of confusion.


    Before such figures, the He and Yu families really amounted to nothing, but the question was, what did this have to do with them.


    And just then,


    He Zhengya said indifferently, "This battle among the four Sect''s true disciples was to agree on settling in Yu State, and the winner may enter Yu State, with a promise made to the Seven Profound Sect to limit their scope within Yu County of the Seven Prefectures!"


    He Guangxun finally showed a look of shock, no wonder He Zhengya was so solemn, so grave. If the Four Great Sects intervened in Yu County, once they entered, it would completely overturn the entire structure of Yu County!


    If the Four Great Sects stationed in Yu County, the Seven Profound Sect would certainly not stand idly by; they would definitely deepen their control and governance of Yu County. That means Yu County would likely become the frontline where the major Sects contend against each other!


    At this moment,


    Indeed, it was not the time for rash actions.


    After all, in front of such great Sect forces as the Seven Profound Sect or the Heavenly Sword Sect, the four major families of Yu County were truly nothing. Should they misjudge the situation, they could be directly ground into dust.


    "Therefore, from this very day, all matters between the He Family and the Yu Family must be put aside for now, do you understand clearly?"


    He Zhengya slowly looked at He Guangxun.


    "Understood."


    He Guangxun nodded solemnly.


    Indeed, at this moment, even if there were deep-seated feuds between the He and Yu families, it was not the time for rash actions. No matter what, they had to first retract and observe, being especially cautious not to get pulled into the Sect disputes.


    "By the way Father, Huaiyu sent a message saying that Light Sect and MingZhen have lost contact two days ago and don''t know their whereabouts, and there was also a quake in the direction of the Wasteland Mountains, collapsing a mountain peak..."


    He Guangxun remembered there was another matter to report.


    He Zhengya frowned, saying, "Why wasn''t this reported earlier? Send people to investigate immediately."


    "Yes."


    He Guangxun responded and walked out.


    He Zhengya, leaning on his cane, watched He Guangxun''s departing figure with a furrowed brow, thinking that it was troublesome to have incidents at this time, and compared to that, he had even more troublesome matters to handle, needing to quickly clear some traces.


    And for a while, he must avoid any contact with people from the Heavenly Corpse Sect.


    ...


    In the South City of Yu County City,


    Xue Huaikong, dressed in inconspicuous gray clothes, stood on the city wall, his gaze looking into the distance.


    Suddenly, a subordinate approached him and quietly reported a few words.


    "Chen Mu?"


    Xue Huaikong was slightly startled, then quickly recalled a name from his memory, lowering his head and muttering, "This person actually has such comprehension; perhaps initially, we should have competed with the Yu Family over this person?"

 Chapter 139: Chapter 125 Tremor_3

    "Enough, at this time, an Artistic Conception figure cannot change anything; the future trajectory of Yu County now depends entirely on the Seven Profound and the four sects. Human calculations can never match the calculations of heaven, but fortunately, I have also taken some precautions."Xue Huaikong sighed.


    It was estimated that the Seven Profound Sect would send someone down in a few days, and the four sects'' setup would certainly not take long. By then, his role as City Lord would no longer be like before, commanding the power across the county; instead, it would become very awkward.


    However, for this situation, he had no solution; he couldn''t possibly abandon the Xue Family''s influence in Yu County. He could only quietly observe the situation and go with the flow.


    After all, the Xue Family had laid out plans in advance, establishing their bloodline and foundation in several other counties and also having many family members inside the Mysterious Heavenly Sect, which was a lot better compared to some other families.


    ...


    Yu Family Martial Arts Institute.


    Clang!


    Chen Yue''s sword blade slanted, sweeping through an arc, striking simultaneously with Yu Yun''s sword, sending sparks flying. However, Yu Yun''s expression subtly changed, sensing something was amiss, and she was forced to retreat.


    But a flicker of light passed through Chen Yue''s eyes, her sword technique transformed, from chopping to lifting, suddenly picking on the side of Yu Yun''s sword, sending it flying out of her hand, while her own sword thrust forward, hovering before Yu Yun''s throat.


    "You..."


    Yu Yun looked at Chen Yue, her face turning from white to red.


    "Chen Yue wins."


    An elder female martial master spoke calmly from the side.


    Yu Yun glared at Chen Yue, annoyed, "That doesn''t count, you cheated!"


    Chen Yue had just used the same sword move as her. If the two had continued, most likely both would have been injured. She withdrew and evaded, but Chen Yue changed her move to pursue, how could there be such a cunning person.


    "Chen Yue won by technique, Yu Yun, when you face an enemy, would you only expect a contest of strength?"


    The female martial master spoke indifferently.


    Being scolded by her master, Yu Yun felt wronged. Although her realm was higher than Chen Yue''s, she still lost. Tears welled up in her eyes as she said to Chen Yue, "You country bumpkin, don''t think you''ll be so lucky next time..."


    "Yu Yun."


    The female martial master''s tone grew stern, "Underestimating skills because of high expectations is a great taboo for a Martial Artist, regardless of your prestigious background. Over the past decade or so in our Yu Family, has there been any new talent comparable to Yi Chuan? Even Chen Yue here, her brother Chen Mu not long ago hunted demons in An Yu County.


    In a single battle, he killed over a hundred demons and has entered the Realm of Artistic Conception. How about that compared to you?"


    Upon hearing the first part of her martial master''s statement, Yu Yun still hung her head in sorrow, but upon hearing the latter part, she suddenly froze, looking incredulously at the female martial master, "Artistic Conception?"


    "My brother he..."


    Even Chen Yue looked at the female martial master in surprise.


    The female martial master nodded slightly, saying, "The news just came in."


    After her initial shock, Chen Yue''s face revealed a look of surprise and excitement. She was no longer a novice in Martial Arts. Although Artistic Conception was still a height far beyond her reach, it didn''t prevent her from understanding its significance.


    In the entire Yu Family, there were not many who had comprehended the Realm of Artistic Conception.


    Even.


    Among those of the same age as Chen Mu, and even the entire younger generation of the Yu Family, including Hongyu and others, no one had yet achieved the Artistic Conception Realm. This was a completely different height from those Martial Artists still practicing to achieve Blade Momentum.


    Yu Yun stood there dumbfounded, momentarily as still as a statue. Her brother was also an outstanding member of the Yu Family Martial Arts Institute. Although he was not one of the most outstanding amongst the men of the fourth generation, he had also entered the Tendon Changing Major Achievement realm, of similar age to Hongyu.


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    However, her brother had only mastered two types of Blade Momentums and was still far from reaching the Artistic Conception Realm.


    She couldn''t help but recall the figure she''d seen one day in South City District¡ªChen Yue''s brother, that man, had entered the Realm of Artistic Conception? That seemingly simple and good-looking young man, was he really such a character?


    Not far away.


    Yu Ru also stood frozen, her eyes flashing with light.


    Chen Mu... had grasped Artistic Conception?


    It was even more formidable than she had imagined.


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 Chapter 140: Chapter 126 Admiring Jade

    Enjoy exclusive chapters from M-V-LEast of An Yu County.


    The ''Lin''an River'', which meandered through nearly half of the county, lay exposed, stretching dozens of meters with its riverbed barren and dry, reminiscent of cracked farmland, devoid of any hint of moisture.


    Yet after an indeterminate period, the parched air that threatened to crack lips, began to moisten subtly, spreading slowly and pushing back the dryness.


    At the exhausted end of the riverbed.


    Somehow, a trickling stream had appeared silently, flowing gently downstream.


    "It''s over."


    Chen Mu walked along the riverbank, watching this scene unfold and let out a sigh of relief.


    The air became humid again, the desiccated riverbed was once more alive with flow, even if it was just a slender trickle, indicating the end of the drought that had persisted for over half a month.


    Though the fatalities in Yu County were fewer compared to the severe cold earlier in the year¡ªthanks to stored water supplies, as opposed to the poor who could not afford cotton quilts or sturdy homes to withstand the cold¡ªChen Mu felt that droughts were far more terrifying than cold spells.


    Water is the essence of life; a prolonged drought lasting two or even three months could have unimaginable consequences, sparing neither commoners nor martial artists.


    Fortunately, this drought, like others before it, had come to an end.


    "The highest goodness is like water."


    "Water benefits all things without contention, dwelling in places that none desire... hence, it''s almost akin to the Tao."


    Chen Mu''s mind was suddenly filled with these words from the Tao Te Ching of his previous life. He contemplated them as he gazed at the revitalizing stream snaking its way through the landscape.


    At this moment.


    Xu Hongyu stood beside him, also fixated on the winding stream. Upon hearing his words, she paused as if struck by a realization and remained motionless.


    Chen Mu swiftly noticed Xu Hongyu''s expression, glanced at her, then quietly stood aside, not making a move or uttering a word to disturb her.


    After a while.


    Xu Hongyu, as if roused from reverie, delicately drew her Soft Sword from her waist, the fine blade shining like White Jade. Facing the stream''s direction, she unleashed a stroke, its gleam soft and white, devoid of aggression or defense, untargeted, merely flowing with the stream like an embodiment of pure momentum.


    She effortlessly attained enlightenment on the third Sword Momentum that had eluded her grasp, scaling new heights in her mastery.


    After a few more sword swings, Xu Hongyu thrust forward, her blade splitting into three lights, each depicting a different Sword Momentum that then unified into one, slicing off a section of the riverbank. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Good."


    Chen Mu smiled slightly at the sight, whether in admiration of Xu Hongyu''s Swordsmanship or the graceful figure she cut in her pale yellow dress as she wielded the sword.


    Since the battle in the Wilderness, Donghong Township had been quiet for nearly a week. The occasional large-scale beast turmoil was swiftly quelled by him, until this morning when Xu Hongyu, more attuned to the aura of Water due to her practice with Kan Water Sect techniques, sensed the end of the drought before Chen Mu did.


    Recalling that Xu Hongyu had not quite grasped her third form of Swordsmanship, ''Floating Water Sword'', Chen Mu had suggested she walk by the riverbank to observe the water, perhaps to gain some insight.


    However, now.


    It seemed Xu Hongyu''s breakthrough in grasping the third Sword Momentum was more related to his statement "The highest goodness is like water"; such profound words seem to have guiding power in this world. Regrettably, he hadn''t been interested in such texts in his previous life, leaving only fragmented memories of various scriptures.


    If only the phrase "The highest goodness is like water" could lead Xu Hongyu to instant enlightenment, transcending realms, but that was a bit too fanciful; after all, scriptures, however close they might be to the Tao, are not as direct as Artistic Conception Maps.


    Whoosh.


    Xu Hongyu sheathed her sword, a glint of joy in her eyes.


    Having finally grasped the elusive third Sword Momentum, she could now fully immerse herself in studying the Kan Water Diagram to unravel the Kan Water Artistic Conception.


    With this thought, she again turned to Chen Mu, her eyes shimmering, "No wonder you were able to understand two Artistic Conceptions in such a short span, even without having seen the Artistic Conception Map, you could deduce the Xun Wind Artistic Conception..."


    The highest goodness is like water, benefiting all things without contention, dwelling in places all shun, thus near to the Tao.


    Without having practiced Kan Water Artistic Conception, merely witnessing the drought''s end and the return of the stream allowed for a realization that nearly touched the essence of Tao. She wondered just how many more steps he had advanced in his understanding of the Way of the world.


    Chen Mu knew Xu Hongyu misunderstood his quote as his own enlightenment, but he chose not to clarify, instead observing her joyful and slightly less icy countenance. Suddenly, he reached out and touched her cheek with a gentle caress feeling the smoothness, cool like jade.


    Two years had passed since they first met, from strangers to acquaintances to trust, from subordinates to comrades to standing before one another, from appreciation to affection to action. If he had not yet understood her feelings, he would be truly oblivious, as some matters required him to be proactive.

 Chapter 141: Chapter 126: Evaluating Jade_2

    Xu Hongyu stood still, only gazing at him with a pair of clear, elegant eyes, which held a trace of confusion, seemingly unaware of how she should react at this moment.Your next journey awaits at M-V-L


    Watching Xu Hongyu''s naive, confused, and somewhat helpless appearance, Chen Mu felt a slight stir in his heart and, curious to see the reaction of a piece of Cold Jade, he leaned in closer, tentatively lowered his head, and gently captured her soft, tender lips.


    The touch was still cool, but now it carried a hint of moistness. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He distinctly felt the pretty person before him stiffen for a moment, but her demeanor remained largely unreactive; her eyes widened slightly more, still conveying a sense of helplessness and incomprehension, like a piece of jade without any movement.


    Chen Mu gently probed, feeling that although the pretty person before him had no reaction, she also showed no sign of repulsion or resistance. Facing his advances, she almost offered no resistance, letting him take the lead.


    Years ago, he was just a minor official in the South City District, knowing of Xu Hongyu only through hearsay.


    Years later, he was able to win her affection, savoring this piece of jade gently, a scene not from a dream but a result of his concrete steps¡ªpracticing martial arts, battling the He Family, providing disaster relief, rescuing others, suppressing rebellion, slaying demons, protecting, instructing, and finally arriving at this moment.


    A moment later,


    Chen Mu lifted his head again, looking at the beauty in his arms. He saw that her eyes remained clear and elegant, not the least bit hazy, and she even blinked at him twice, "What...what''s wrong?"


    "Um... nothing."


    Chen Mu watched Xu Hongyu, feeling an urge to scratch his head. White Jade was indeed very white and smooth, but trying to turn White Jade red seemed to really require some thought.


    However, this was not the right place for other actions.


    Chen Mu gently let go of the beauty in his arms and reached out to touch her head, met again with those clear, large eyes blinking twice.


    "Come out, no need to hide."


    Chen Mu glanced at the small mound not far away.


    A figure emerged from behind the small mound, with small hands covering her face and eyes tightly shut, saying, "Deputy Governor is asking for you, I just came to deliver the message, I just arrived, I didn''t see anything."


    Chen Mu, looking at Xiao He''s demeanor, said with annoyance, "Little maid, you''re too easily distracted. Go reflect against the wall for three days when you return."


    Xiao He''s face fell, and then she looked pitifully towards Xu Hongyu, saying,


    "Miss..."


    "Yes, that''s appropriate, three days it is."


    Xu Hongyu nodded slightly.


    Xiao He ran off crying.


    But thinking back to the scene she had inadvertently spied on, it didn''t seem so bad after all. Although Chen Mu had finally made a move, her own mistress''s reaction was a bit... still, observing Chen Mu''s demeanor, he didn''t seem displeased.


    Maybe she should think of a way to help?


    ...


    Lin''an River was not far from the county government.


    The group quickly returned to An Yu County Government.


    "You''ve arrived."


    Deputy Governor Yu Jun looked at Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu as they walked into the courtyard and smiled, saying, "Chen Mu, for this monstrous chaos, I have tallied the merit you''ve gained and reported it to the Demon-Slay office. The total is 67,500 merit. After the Demon-Slay office''s review, even if there''s some fluctuation, it should still be around 65,000."


    67,500 merit.


    This was not far off from what Chen Mu had previously estimated.


    "Thank you for your troubles, my lord."


    Chen Mu gave a fist and palm salute to Yu Jun.


    Yu Jun chuckled and said, "There''s no need for such formality. You and Hongyu support each other; we''re all family. I''m several years your senior, so if you don''t mind, just calling me ''Uncle Jun'' is fine. With your battle achievements this time, once you return, the new appointment from the Demon-Slay office should be issued.


    There''s no vacancy for a Deputy Governor at the moment, so you''ll likely need to continue acting as a member of the White-Clothed Guard for a while."


    Chen Mu was not surprised by Yu Jun''s words. Although the Demon-Slaying Office was different from other yamens, the positions of Deputy Governor and even the Governor could be temporarily increased, but the strength he had previously shown was only between that of the White-Clothed Guard and the Deputy Governor.


    It indeed seemed unlikely to step directly into the position of Deputy Governor.


    Unless he revealed the extreme limit of Tendon Changing, the Body Tempering Realm of Tiger and Leopard Thunder Sound, or the Artistic Conception of Wind and Thunder Attributes, he could indeed skip the White-Clothed Guard stage altogether. Even if there was no vacancy for a Deputy Governor, an additional position could be temporarily created.


    However, for him, there wasn''t much difference between serving as a White-Clothed Guard or a Deputy Governor. After all, in today''s world, where order had collapsed, position and authority were far less important than personal strength. He now only wished to obtain the Bone Tempering Pill smoothly, cultivate quietly for a period, and step into the Bone Tempering Realm as soon as possible.


    "With the monstrous turmoil ended, may we return to Yu City now?"


    Xu Hongyu looked at Chen Mu, then spoke up from the side.


    She knew that what Chen Mu wanted now was probably an environment where he could cultivate steadily for a while. Although staying in An Yu County was an option, it was still safer to return to Yu County to prevent the He Family from stirring up trouble.


    "Hmm, you can return in the next few days. There''s no harm in you two going back today," Yu Jun said with a slight nod. However, his expression became serious immediately after, as he solemnly stated, "But upon returning to Yu County, you must act with caution. Any conflict with the He Family must also be set aside for now; in extraordinary times, prudence is paramount."


    Seeing Yu Jun''s grave demeanor, Xu Hongyu was momentarily taken aback before she asked,


    "Has something happened?"


    "According to recent news, in Qing State, Han State, and other states adjacent to Yu State, the true disciples from the Heavenly Sword, Hehuan, Blood Concealment, and Mysterious Heavenly Sects based there have visited the Seven Profound Sect to challenge the border covenant by proposing their sects'' settlement in Yu State.


    Using Yu County as the boundary, they emerged victorious in all four challenges. The forces of these four sects will soon be entering Yu County."


    Yu Jun spoke with a grave tone.


    Upon hearing this.


    Not only did Xu Hongyu pause for a moment, but Chen Mu also showed a flash of surprise.


    Heavenly Sword, Hehuan, Blood Concealment, Mysterious Heavenly... He had heard of these four sects, and although they had never before encroached upon Yu State''s territory, they were nevertheless major sects based in the states neighboring Yu State, with influence not inferior to the Seven Profound Sect.


    What surprised him was that these four sects'' true disciples had come to challenge the Seven Profound Sect and had won all four battles. However, upon reflection, it seemed to make sense.


    After all, in contrast to the continuous conflicts that had started outside years ago, the Seven Profound Sect had always adopted a policy of ''seclusion'', closing off its borders and avoiding any contact with other states without taking the initiative to step out, only seeking development within the territory of Yu State.


    While this strategy undoubtedly allowed the sect to flourish overall, accumulating considerable foundation, the true disciples that grew up in such a stable environment could not be expected to match those from the Outer States who had experienced battles all over. This was not difficult to comprehend.


    Thinking this way.


    The decision of the Seven Profound Sect to close its doors might not be considered correct, but it was precisely such a decision that kept the seven prefectures of Yu State, including Yu County, at peace for over a decade.


    If Yu County had been drawn into sectarian strife over ten years ago, in those even more chaotic times, he might not even be alive today, and Chen Yue might not have been born.

 Chapter 142: Chapter 127: The Change

    ```Quite soon.


    Leaving Yu Jun''s side,


    "With the four sects settling in, I fear the entire Yu County''s situation is about to undergo a major change,"


    Xu Hongyu''s eyes revealed a hint of worry as she involuntarily looked towards Chen Mu.


    If it weren''t for the matter of the four sects, given Chen Mu''s talent and understanding, with several more years of stable cultivation, he would likely become unparalleled in Yu City, and the Yu Family''s dangers would naturally be resolved.


    Although the current generation is still inadequate, as long as there''s someone who steps into the Five Viscera Realm, even a powerful force like the Xue Family would be reluctant to engage in conflict.


    After all, a master of the Five Viscera Realm moves freely and is not easily threatened unless ambushed by a large group of peers. If such a person were pushed too far and sought revenge far and wide in a fit of rage, any family would find it hard to bear. Discover exclusive content at M-V-L


    This is also why the Yu Family''s great-grandancestor, who had long ago retired as a steward of the Seven Profound Sect and returned to the Yu Family to spend his latter years, even though he had passed the age of decrepitude, the He Family still didn''t dare to fight the Yu Family too fiercely.


    After all, no one was certain how far the great-grandancestor''s Qi-Blood had declined or how much his strength had diminished. If he still possessed the power of the Five Viscera Realm and took ruthless revenge ignoring all consequences, undertaking a fight to mutual destruction, then no one could accept that.


    But now,


    the Heavenly Sword, Hehuan, Blood Concealment, and Mysterious Heavenly, the four great sects, are about to settle in Yu County. These are all not inferior to the Seven Profound Sect, standing proudly in the land of a state, and even the Xue Family would have to restrain its sharpness and act cautiously, lest they face the disaster of annihilation.


    "Let''s just wait and see how things unfold,"


    Chen Mu shook his head.


    In fact, he had predicted such a day would come, as these are tumultuous times, the Da Xuan Dynasty is in decline, and each state in the world is dividing and war is breaking out everywhere. The so-called grand trends of the world, prolonged division will lead to unification, and prolonged unification will lead to division.


    In the face of this grand trend, no single state can remain unaffected. Even a great sect with power over a state and millions of people, ruling a region, cannot remain aloof from the world forever.


    Now that the four sects are settling in, in a certain sense, it might actually be a good thing.


    After all, in his view, the four sects of Heavenly Sword, Hehuan, Blood Concealment, and Mysterious Heavenly would not necessarily be a united front amongst themselves. Their unity against the Seven Profound Sect is only in search of benefits, and once they obtain them, they will probably divide them amongst themselves.


    The arrival of the four sectial powers in Yu County will likely focus on control rather than turning Yu County into a land of war and gunpowder, so in actuality, the situation wouldn''t be too different from the previous one where the four Yu County families fought each other openly and covertly.


    At least, that''s the case for him.


    Of course,


    for the He, Yu, Xue, and Xie families, it''s a complete upheaval. Originally, all standing at the pinnacle of Yu County, wielding power and influence, now they have to act cautiously and seek a livelihood between the cracks of the four sects.


    In short, in the days to come, he would also observe the changes. Even with the settlement of the four sects, many matters no longer require his consideration, such as the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect.


    Even,


    Chen Mu suspected that the reason the Seven Profound Sect set the boundary at Yu County and allowed the four sects to settle might be because of the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect. After all, it was unclear how much strength the Heavenly Corpse Sect had hidden away.


    Bringing the four great sects in to clash with the Heavenly Corpse Sect was a situation the Seven Profound Sect could still accept.


    After walking forward with Xu Hongyu for a while, Chen Mu soon arrived at the front courtyard of the county government.


    Currently, the inner courtyard of the An Yu County Government is temporarily controlled by Yu Jun, the Deputy Governor of the Demon-Slaying Office, while Yu Rong, the County Magistrate of An Yu, is temporarily handling affairs in the front courtyard. With Chen Mu''s arrival, the magistrate quickly came out to meet him personally.


    "I welcome Lord Chen''s triumphant return. In this recent demonic turmoil, you poured your heart and blood for the millions of commoners of An Yu County. On behalf of the people of Donghong Township and An Yu, I offer my thanks to Lord Chen,"


    Yu Rong started speaking even before getting close, and promptly bowed deeply to Chen Mu. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A bit too ostentatious.


    Chen Mu muttered to himself, looking at Xu Hongyu''s maternal uncle with a strange expression, mainly because Xu Hongyu was still standing beside him, so he stepped forward to help prevent Yu Rong from actually bowing.


    Unable to bow, Yu Rong smoothly got up, and with a smiling face looked at Chen Mu, saying, "I''ve instructed people to prepare a top-quality banquet to celebrate Lord Chen''s achievements."


    If prior to this, he regarded Chen Mu as just a subordinate of Xu Hongyu but worth befriending due to some capabilities, his attitude this time had completely changed, even placing himself at a very lower status.


    After all, compared to Yu Jun, though Yu Rong could also be considered a member of the Yu Family''s main lineage, within the family his strength and status were far less than Yu Jun''s, and even less than Xu Hongyu''s.


    Chen Mu, who reached the Tendon Changing Level and comprehended Artistic Conception, if in the future he stops at Tendon Changing Perfection and unable to proceed with Bone Tempering, with Artistic Conception and his Horizontally Trained Body, will still be one of the top figures in the Yu Family.


    Although the situation in Yu County is about to change greatly with the entry of the four great sects and will change the state of affairs, the Yu Family after all remains one of the four ruling families of Yu City, and Yu Rong is still a member of the Yu Family.


    "There''s no need for a banquet, the disaster has just passed, there''s no need for fanfare and wastefulness,"


    Chen Mu shook his head, saying, "I don''t know if there has been any progress in the matter I asked the County Magistrate to investigate last time?"


    ```


    Yu Rong couldn''t help but reveal a hint of shame as he said, "To my embarrassment, the An Yu County Government suffered from a bout of thievery seventeen years ago, where a fire was set and burned many of the genealogy records. Although we found a few with the same name and surname as Lord Chen''s mother in the remaining parts, none had any significant connection."


    "I have already ordered my men to conduct a thorough investigation within An Yu County, though it may take some time. However, as long as the person in question is indeed a resident of An Yu County, we will certainly be able to give Lord Chen a proper explanation in the end."


    Upon hearing what Yu Rong had said, Chen Mu sighed faintly but wasn''t too surprised.


    After all, with so many years passed, and not to mention the fire that burned the records as Yu Rong mentioned, just the recurring disasters such as severe colds, droughts, and floods had caused chaos every time. Over the years, even powerful families could have vanished or declined, let alone Liu Ping, who ended up enslaved, likely came from a very ordinary lineage.


    Whether any descendants are still alive remains unclear.


    He was about to tell Yu Rong to spare the trouble, but considering the aftermath of the disasters and the need to tally the losses, sending the government officials to check a bit more thoroughly would only be taking advantage of the situation. So, he didn''t refuse but merely said to inform him once there was news.


    After confirming there was currently no news about Liu Ping, Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu left the county government and went to the backyard where they had stayed before.


    "We should leave tomorrow."


    Chen Mu said to Xu Hongyu.


    "Mm."


    Xu Hongyu responded softly.


    Looking at her demure and graceful demeanor, Chen Mu felt a stirring in his heart and the urge to tease her arose again, but it quickly passed.


    Mainly because this exquisite piece of White Jade, usually unresponsive to playful advances, was obedient but lacking a certain charm when wooed. It required a more leisurely appreciation to truly appreciate its elegance.


    Chen Mu turned his gaze toward the quietly following Little Lotus.


    Little Lotus was startled and hurriedly said, "I... I''m going to fetch water..."


    With that, she ran off.


    As she fled, the scenes she had witnessed by the Lin''an River flashed through her mind, and her cheeks flushed with a rosy hue while her body started to feel warm. She was Xu Hongyu''s maid, and if Xu Hongyu and Chen Mu... then naturally, she would also be part of the dowry.


    In fact, she was quite willing to get closer to Chen Mu and did not want to run away; she even hoped Chen Mu would do something to her. But she could never overstep Xu Hongyu, so she had no choice but to flee in silence.


    Watching Little Lotus take to her heels,


    Chen Mu found it amusing for a moment. This little maid of Hongyu''s could be considered both literate and martially capable. Although sometimes impulsive, she was always proper and faithful to Xu Hongyu, who trusted her completely. So much so that when they left the city for demon-hunting, Xu Hongyu entrusted everything in South City District to Little Lotus.


    Inside Xu Hongyu''s room, Chen Mu did nothing more than discuss the potential situation in Yu County after their return and his plans after reaching the Prefecture City. After briefly consulting about these matters, he returned to his own bedroom.


    Little Lotus, hiding aside, watched Chen Mu leave and couldn''t help but blink, feeling a slight disappointment mixed with a little smile appearing at the corners of her mouth.


    Though the Yu Family was a prestigious and wealthy household, both Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu were considered "children of the martial world" and didn''t adhere to many conventions; otherwise, in an age where girls were married off at fourteen or fifteen, Xu Hongyu would not still be unmarried.


    She knew Xu Hongyu too well. Although her mistress could sometimes be na?ve, she was by no means ignorant. Allowing Chen Mu to act freely by the river showed that her heart had long belonged to him, and she would refuse nothing of his doing. However, Chen Mu didn''t take any further action, instead ultimately saying she was weary from the journey and insisting she should rest well this night.


    The more he behaved this way, the more it implied that Chen Mu didn''t just regard Xu Hongyu as an object of desire to be discarded after use; he had always acted with composure and measure. His talent and insight were unmatched in his generation.


    Little Lotus was even pondering how such fate could have brought Chen Mu, such an individual, into her mistress''s life from the secluded Wutong Grove District in the Outer City.


    In the seven or eight days following the battle in the wilderness, Xu Hongyu''s injuries weren''t severe, but Chen Mu insisted that she rest and recuperate properly. He took over all of her duties and personally dealt with matters to ease her burdens.


    All of this she had seen with her own eyes.


    Thus, by the Lin''an River, seeing Chen Mu make his moves towards Xu Hongyu only filled her heart with joy and happiness for her mistress. With such innate talent and character, who also genuinely wished to treat Xu Hongyu well, it would be hard to find another like him.


    Even if something more were to happen today, she would only rejoice for her mistress.


    Little Lotus entered the room, brought the heated water, and assisted Xu Hongyu in removing her shoes and socks. She delicately placed the pair of dainty feet, carved like white jade, into the water, gently washing them while whispering,


    "Miss, he''s really good to you."


    "Mm-hmm."


    Xu Hongyu nodded lightly to Little Lotus''s words.


    She wasn''t clueless. Though she was curious about the feelings Chen Mu''s actions could arouse, and though she couldn''t quite articulate her own feelings, she understood what those gestures signified. It was just that because it was Chen Mu, she had no thoughts of resistance at all in the depth of her heart.


    Knowing what kind of person Chen Mu was, because of all he had done, and because of the vague yet distinctly different feelings she held for him in her heart, as well as the words he spoke... she didn''t understand her own heart completely, she just knew she couldn''t muster any desire to refuse him now.

 Chapter 143: Chapter 128 Qiankun

    Outside Yu City.Within a patch of desolate woods, Chen Mu followed his memories, weaving his way through. After passing the familiar Mass Burial Mound, he reached a slightly more even area within the forest.


    His gaze swept across the surroundings, looking over each low grave until he quickly found a relatively newer grave hill.


    That was the grave of his father, as well as his mother, Liu Ping.


    Originally, the two graves were not located together. When Liu Ping was buried, Chen Mu''s father, who was then a Prefecture Chief, made proper arrangements. By the time Chen Mu''s father passed away, the burial was done rather hastily.


    It was not until Chen Mu became the Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove District that he finally found some time to relocate and bury both in the same place and erected a stele in his name.


    Although he came into this world after both had passed away and, in a sense, he didn''t feel the parental affection for either, having only memories, he was living as Chen Mu, and thus inevitably had to face the consequences.


    Chen Mu brought along wine and water.


    He walked up to the new grave and paid his respects.


    Xu Hongyu followed by his side throughout and, after everything was done, she looked at the grave and whispered softly, "You''ve changed so much since those days. Do you want to move them to a better place later on?"


    Chen Mu shook his head and sighed lightly, "Let''s leave it as is; there''s no need to disturb them further." Stay tuned to M-V-L


    In today''s chaotic world, what was the point in refurbishing a tomb? It might even attract grave robbers. It was better to leave the graves here undisturbed, especially since the two were already buried together.


    Xu Hongyu nodded gently and followed Chen Mu out of the woods.


    Looking not far away, they could see the towering walls of Yu City. Standing rooted to the spot and looking up, Chen Mu felt rather contemplative. In the past, when he carried bodies in and out of Yu City as a Prefecture Chief, he only marveled at the height of the walls, which almost surpassed that of some old Imperial Cities he saw in his previous life.


    Now, looking at the towering walls once more, they no longer gave him a sense of awe.


    Little Lotus and a group of people were waiting outside. Seeing that Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu had come out, they all followed along. The group soon entered the city through the southern gate and went straight into the Inner City.


    They arrived at the Yu Family residence.


    Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu parted ways for the time being, with Xu Hongyu going to the main family compound in the east, whereas Chen Mu headed north and soon returned to the small courtyard where he had previously lived.


    The servants along the way seemed to have already heard about his deeds in safeguarding Yu County, and their gazes towards him were even more respectful.


    "Brother is back."


    In the yard, Chen Yue was practicing swordsmanship. Suddenly, seeing Chen Mu walking in, her face lit up with joy. The sword in her hand was put away, and she ran towards Chen Mu.


    With a faint smile, Chen Mu was about to say something when he saw Chen Yue suddenly leap onto him, clinging to him as she did when she was younger. Only now, she was a full-grown girl and it was somewhat awkward, especially since she hadn''t done this for the past two years.


    "A young lady ought to be more composed," Chen Mu admonished as he let her down with slight irritation.


    Chen Yue grinned and said, "No one will see us here anyhow... Oh, by the way, I''ve entered the Body Refinement Realm." S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hmm, good," Chen Mu nodded slightly, which explained why she felt more solid when she threw herself at him just now.


    It took her just over two years to progress from Skin Toughening to Body Refinement, which was relatively fast among many martial artists. After all, she was at the Yu Family Martial Arts Institute where resources were plentiful. Moreover, she was his sister and regularly used some precious tonics and medicines.


    If she could perfect the First Realm of Body Refinement within two years and then enter the Tendon Changing Realm within another year, her progress would be comparable to Xu Hongyu''s ¨C except her swordsmanship lagged far behind.


    After all, Chen Yue, who began Body Refining Techniques around the age of fifteen¡ªmuch like other children from prominent families¡ªcouldn''t match Xu Hongyu, who had been practicing swordsmanship from a much younger age and only started Body Refining alongside it.


    "You didn''t get into any trouble while I was away, did you?" Chen Mu asked as he walked into the house, glancing at Chen Yue.


    Chen Yue blinked and said, "Well... I made Yu Yun cry a while ago."


    Chen Mu quickly remembered who Yu Yun was, shook his head with a chuckle; he knew Chen Yue was not the type to cause trouble. Even though she had grown up and became livelier than before, like him, she had a solid sense of what was important. Having experienced hardship, she knew the value of even a single grain of rice.


    His question was mostly to check whether Chen Yue was being bullied at the Yu Family''s residence. It seemed she was doing fine, so he didn''t need to worry much. Besides, after this incident, it was unlikely anyone at the Yu family would dare to bully Chen Yue again.


    After catching up on what had happened during his absence from the Inner City,


    Little Lotus came to the courtyard.


    "Sister Ning."


    Chen Yue ran out of the room excitedly and greeted Little Lotus. When Chen Mu initially brought her to the Yu Family, she knew no one and was led by Little Lotus, who introduced her to Yu Ru and had been taking care of her ever since.


    Little Lotus cupped Chen Yue''s cheeks in her hands and gave them a gentle squeeze, then she looked at Chen Mu and nodded slightly, "The family head invites you."


    "Yue''er, I''m going over there for a bit," Chen Mu said calmly to Chen Yue, and then he followed Little Lotus out of the courtyard.


    On the way, Chen Mu inquired about Xu Hongyu and learned that she had already left the Yu Family residence and gone to the Demon-Slaying Office to tally her merits, which essentially meant she was going to exchange them for Bone Tempering Pills while Yu County was still relatively stable.

 Chapter 144: Chapter 128 Qiankun_2

    Xu Hongyu''s merits were not as numerous as his, but being in charge of a region, coupled with her early savings and some leftovers, was sufficient to exchange for two Bone Tempering Pills. She had come through the demon chaos with stable Qi-Blood, and it wouldn''t be long before she could attempt Bone Tempering.Soon enough.


    Chen Mu arrived at the main courtyard on the east side of the Yu Family.


    Xiao He signaled Chen Mu to enter the courtyard and then stood quietly beside.


    Chen Mu strode into the courtyard with a composed expression, and instantly saw the figure standing inside, temple hair tinged with gray, dressed in a green brocade robe. The man''s identity went without saying; it was none other than the current Yu Family patriarch, Yu Zuyi.


    Yu Zuyi was not only Xu Hongyu''s maternal grandfather but also the Metropolitan Commander of the Yu County Salt Affairs Bureau, overseeing the salt affairs of an entire county, a rank equal to that of the Metropolitan Commanders of both Inner City and Outer City. In his youth, he had also served as the Metropolitan Commander of the Demon-Slaying Office.


    This individual, besides the Yu Family''s first-generation ancestor, was the one with the highest realm of strength, standing at the peak of Bone Tempering and mastering both the Kan Water and Dui Ze Artistic Conceptions. He was a household name in Yu City''s Inner City.


    "Lord Yu."


    Chen Mu gave Yu Zuyi a bow, still addressing him by his official title.


    Yu Zuyi had already turned around and now, as he looked at Chen Mu, his eyes lacked the dignity of the head of the Yu Family, showing instead the kindness of an elderly man. He said, "No need for formalities. Your sister is practicing martial arts at the Yu Family Martial Arts Institute, and you and Hongyu support each other, having long become one family. I have also been informed of everything.


    I, this grandfather, will decide on your marriage to Hongyu."


    The head of the Yu Family was quite direct.


    Chen Mu, looking at Yu Zuyi, was about to say something when he heard Yu Zuyi continue in an even tone, "In today''s world, birth is irrelevant; what matters are one''s capabilities. You stepping into Tendon Changing and perceiving an Artistic Conception, you''re no different from the likes of Hongyu''s father.


    You are already a significant figure in Yu City, among its millions of people, influential wherever you go. Thus, in marrying Hongyu, there is no need to change your surname or to marry into the family. Your descendants can also carry your surname."


    Was this the treatment that Xu Hongyu''s father had received in the past?


    Chen Mu couldn''t help but murmur inwardly.


    Xu Hongyu''s status as the legitimate part of the Yu Family''s core lineage, despite her surname ''Xu,'' was not solely because her mother was the direct daughter of the family head, Yu Zuyi, but rather, what was crucial was the talents her father, Xu Yichuan, revealed in the past and his status within the Yu Family.


    Now, Chen Mu was given the same treatment.


    Even then, Chen Mu realized that Xu Hongyu probably hadn''t told Yu Zuyi more about him; otherwise, if Yu Zuyi knew he not only comprehended an Artistic Conception but had also cultivated Wind and Thunder and had reached the stage before Bone Tempering with the Body Refining Method, his attitude might have had even more changes.


    But Chen Mu had no desire to boast, so he didn''t volunteer any additional information.


    "However..."


    Yu Zuyi''s words dipped slightly, as he continued, "You must know that when the four Sects will be stationing in Yu County, now is no ordinary time. The Yu Family should not attract too much attention, so your marriage to Hongyu will not be a grand occasion. This is for your own good and for the Yu Family''s. Do you understand the importance of this?"


    If it had been the past, a marriage of the Yu Family''s legitimate lineage, especially an influential one like Xu Hongyu''s, would have been celebrated with grand feasts and miles of bridal decorations, but now in an extraordinary time, such conspicuous actions were to be avoided at all costs.


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly, responding, "I don''t mind at all. It''s just that Hongyu will be wronged by such a simple arrangement."


    Upon hearing this, Yu Zuyi smiled and said, "Although the Yu Family can barely count as a noble clan, it still rose from obscurity, starting from the martial world itself. A hundred years ago, the patriarch of the Yu Family also once used the heavens as his cover and the earth as his bed. Later, after being mentored by the Seven Profound Sect, he gradually rose and finally took root in Yu County.


    In reality, we are all children of the martial world, with no need for such grandeurs. If you feel you are wronging Hongyu, then treat her well in the future."


    With that said,


    Yu Zuyi paused before adding, "I heard from Hongyu that you need the Artistic Conception Map of the Xun Wind lineage. Unfortunately, the Yu Family doesn''t have this map at present. We only have a Superior Grade Kan Water Map, as well as the imprint maps of Separating Fire, Dui Ze, and Gen Mountain lineages.


    If you wish to advance further on the path of Qiankun Eight Phases, you can try the Separating Fire Map. If that doesn''t suit you, then you might attempt the Kan Water Map."


    Chen Mu fell silent, reflecting upon hearing this.


    He had no immediate plans to cultivate additional Artistic Conceptions, as, according to his current understanding, even cultivating three different Artistic Conceptions at their first stages combined would still not compare to advancing a single Artistic Conception to the second stage.


    Therefore, for him, focusing on cultivating the Thunderclap Diagram, advancing the Thunderclap Artistic Conception to the second stage as soon as possible, was the most critical step for increasing his strength.


    Of course.


    By now, he had also learned many things about the Qiankun Artistic Conception.


    For example, within the Qiankun Artistic Conception, wind, thunder, and fire belong to ''Qian Heaven''; mountains, marshes, and water belong to ''Kun Earth''. To cultivate the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception, one must cultivate the three phases of wind, thunder, and fire. Similarly, to cultivate the Kun Earth Artistic Conception, one must master the three phases of mountains, marshes, and water.


    The reason lies in


    the Qiankun Eight Phases Map, where the Qian Heaven Diagram and the Kun Earth Diagram are not standalone diagrams. They are comprised of a ''general Qian Heaven map'' as the main part, with the additional collection of wind, thunder, and fire diagrams to complete the Qian Heaven Diagram.


    It can be said that the six phases of wind, thunder, fire, mountains, marshes, and water are themselves included within Qian Heaven and Kun Earth, belonging to a part of Heaven and Earth.


    In Yu Zuyi''s view, since he had mastered the Xun Wind Artistic Conception and Xun Wind was similar to Separating Fire, he had suggested that he first try to comprehend Separating Fire. If the quality of the Separating Fire Diagram was too poor¡ªbeing merely an imprint version¡ªand he could not apprehend it, then he should attempt to understand the Kan Water Diagram.


    "I want to try if I can cultivate a single artistic conception to the second step..."


    Chen Mu thought for a moment and still replied with a sentence.


    As of now, he could contemplate any of the Yu Family''s various Artistic Conception Maps whenever he wanted; there was no need to rush.


    "Ambitious."


    Yu Zuyi smiled kindly, then sighed and said, "Cultivating multiple artistic conceptions certainly makes it harder to step into the second phase. In fact, many people are trapped before the threshold of the second step, utterly unable to make any progress, and are forced to cultivate various artistic conceptions."


    "However, in truth, for the truly elite geniuses, cultivating multiple artistic conceptions is also a path. In the end, they all proceed towards the convergence of the Qiankun Eight Phases, touching the path of Heaven and Earth...


    But even in the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, the most orthodox Qiankun Eight Phases is among the most difficult of all artistic conceptions, even during the prime days of the Imperial Court, not many could truly cultivate all eight phases, master the Qiankun Artistic Conception.


    Even for those who did, each step forward was as difficult as eight steps for others; each step was as hard as ascending to the heavens, and even fewer could reach the pinnacle."


    Continue reading on M-V-L


    Chen Mu listened quietly to Yu Zuyi''s explanation.


    After browsing through many of the Yu Family''s classics, he understood that the Qiankun Eight Phases was not the only Martial Arts Artistic Conception in the world, but it was the most widely spread, the most official, and the most orthodox one¡ªand undeniably, it was also the strongest artistic conception without dispute.


    But this ''strongest'' doesn''t refer to a single artistic conception; at the very least, one had to cultivate Qian Heaven or Kun Earth to dominate all directions, and only by cultivating the complete Qiankun Artistic Conception was one truly the strongest in the Martial World''s Martial Arts.


    Rising above all other artistic conceptions such as ''Yin Yang'', ''Five Elements'', and so on!


    Of course,


    Yin Yang, Five Elements, and other such artistic conceptions are also quite difficult, each being divided into several parts. For instance, the Five Elements are divided into five different artistic conceptions; one has to cultivate each one individually to master the complete Five Elements. Yin Yang Artistic Conception also has many extended branches.


    This includes those focused exclusively on the Sword Dao, like the Heavenly Sword Sect, with ''Sword Dao Artistic Conception'', which has many branches such as Heart Sword, Heavenly Sword, and so on; those focused on the Slaughter Dao''s ''Slaughter Artistic Conception,'' and so forth.


    However, these are generally held within Great Sects and never circulated in the Martial World, unlike the Qiankun Eight Phases Map, which after thousand years have passed, has split again and again and circulated among the common people, even evolving countless blade techniques and sword techniques.


    For the present Chen Mu,


    it was much more advantageous to cultivate a single artistic conception to an advanced level. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But when one''s artistic conception is cultivated step by step to the extreme, reaching the third step of the ladder, then in the measurement of superiority and inferiority between contemporaries on the third step, it''s the ''quality'' of the artistic conception itself that counts.


    As for why the Qiankun Artistic Conception is acknowledged as the strongest in Martial Arts, Chen Mu indeed knew about it¡ªthat is the still-standing Da Xuan Dynasty!


    The Da Xuan was able to sweep across the wastelands, pacify the four seas, and achieve universal recognition, eventually establishing a unified dynasty that prospered for nearly a thousand years, keeping numerous sects from raising their heads. Its origin lay with the founding ancestor who cultivated the Qiankun Artistic Conception, reaching the pinnacle of Martial Arts!


    But a thousand years have passed.


    Today''s Da Xuan Dynasty no longer had such figures.

 Chapter 145: Chapter 129: Son-in-law

    ```After a while.


    Chen Mu walked out of the courtyard.


    Little Lotus, who had been waiting outside the courtyard, saw Chen Mu emerge and quickly bowed to him, then said with a sneaky smile, "Maid Ning He pays respects to the young master."


    Smack.


    Chen Mu kept a straight face and gave Little Lotus a smack on the buttocks.


    Little Lotus''s pretty face immediately turned a shade of shy red. She hurriedly looked around, saw no one else, and then said with grievance, "Young master is bullying me; I''m going to tell Miss."


    "How am I bullying you?"


    Chen Mu looked at Little Lotus and teasingly asked in reply.


    Little Lotus''s face turned even redder, unable to utter a word. Seeing Chen Mu walking away, she quickly followed with small steps and said, "Miss should be back soon. I''ll take you to wait at Miss''s place."


    "Alright."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly.


    What he needed most now was an Artistic Conception Map of higher quality, as well as Bone Tempering Pills. As soon as he got his hands on the Bone Tempering Pills, he would immediately start his Bone Tempering Realm cultivation.


    With the system panel''s rate of improvement, his Bone Tempering would most likely progress quickly as well, far surpassing ordinary people. As long as he reached the Perfection of the Bone Tempering Realm and practiced the Thunderclap Artistic Conception to the second step, even those in the Five Viscera Realm wouldn''t be a match for his might.


    Soon.


    Little Lotus led Chen Mu eastward, along the main courtyard and through several other courtyards, finally arriving at a somewhat small but very exquisite courtyard with flowers, water, and a pavilion.


    Inside was a boudoir built entirely of Zilin Wood. Although the Zilin Wood was not as valuable as golden-threaded wood, it was still top-grade material, impervious to water and fire, indestructible for a thousand years, and more suitable for a girl''s boudoir than golden-threaded wood.


    This was indeed Chen Mu''s first visit to Xu Hongyu''s residence.


    Previously, he had stayed nearly half a year at the Yu Family residence, spending most of his time indoors, practicing martial arts and pondering techniques. On the rare occasions he went out, he had never visited Xu Hongyu''s boudoir.


    Mainly because this eastern section of the main courtyard generally wasn''t accessible to just anyone and would be guarded by Protectors, especially the area towards the back, which was where the direct descendants of the younger generation of the Yu Family lived.


    When Chen Mu previously came to see Xu Hongyu, it was the servants outside who would first go in to notify, and then the maids inside would find Little Lotus, who would finally report to her own Miss. It was a multi-tiered process, but now Chen Mu was allowed to come and go from here freely.


    "Are you the one tending to the flowers and plants in this courtyard?"


    Chen Mu observed the scenic courtyard and the pond dotted with lotus flowers, noticing the crystal-clear water that surely required regular maintenance, something only truly affluent families could afford.


    Little Lotus covered her mouth and giggled lightly, shaking her head, "I only take care of them occasionally; there are people who specialize in maintaining them."


    Of course, Xu Hongyu wouldn''t have just one maid by her side. Other maids were there to serve daily needs and manage the courtyard, unlike her who could accompany her outside and assist like a lady''s maid.


    There was a difference between a maid and a lady''s maid. In fact, after she entered the Tendon Changing Realm, she already had a certain status. Even if she left Xu Hongyu''s side, she wouldn''t be reduced to a common servant''s position.


    Chen Mu walked into the pavilion.


    His gaze swept across the entire courtyard.


    Whether in his previous life or this one, he didn''t come from a wealthy family where he could live in such a scenic courtyard from birth, not worrying about clothing or food. But now, such wealth and glory didn''t mean much to him.


    The only slight regret was that, unlike in his previous life, there were no extraordinary artifacts to record the past, so he had little chance of seeing what Xu Hongyu looked like as a child. As Little Lotus said, before Xu Hongyu''s father disappeared, she had also been a very lively and smiley little girl.


    Only later did she gradually become as reserved as she is now, hardly ever showing any liveliness or smiles.


    In the past, Xu Hongyu''s cool demeanor gave off a sense of indifference and detachment, and Chen Mu simply felt appreciation for the beauty of the Ice Jade Fairy. But now, he felt a deeper sense of pity.


    Such a person seemed unreachable and cold on the outside, but in reality, her heart longed for care and attention more than others. It was only due to fear and the necessity to appear strong that she had to maintain such an indifferent facade.


    After all,


    he would just have to sacrifice a bit.


    While Chen Mu stood pondering in the pavilion, thinking about what Xu Hongyu might have looked like as a child, Little Lotus''s voice suddenly sounded from the entrance of the courtyard, "Miss, you have returned. Chen... the young master is waiting for you inside the courtyard."


    Chen Mu turned to look, just in time to see Xu Hongyu entering the courtyard. Upon hearing Little Lotus''s words, she was momentarily disoriented, then glared at Little Lotus, "What nonsense are you spouting?"


    Little Lotus grinned and said, "Family head has decided; he has arranged the marriage between Miss and the young master. Congratulations, Miss! After all these years, finally... ouch."


    A faint blush appeared on Xu Hongyu''s cold, white-jade-like face as she lifted her hand to pinch Little Lotus''s cheek.


    Little Lotus shrunk her head back, slipping out from Xu Hongyu''s fingers, then backed out of the courtyard, giggling, "I''m going to take care of some chores for Miss."


    With that,


    she disappeared from sight.


    Xu Hongyu stood there, awkwardly turning back to face Chen Mu inside the pavilion, momentarily at a loss for words.


    ```


    Son-in-law¡­


    Previously, when Yu Zuyi asked her about Chen Mu, she didn''t mention anything else and simply recounted Chen Mu''s deeds, praising what deserved praise. How could it suddenly¡­


    "You''re back?"


    Chen Mu walked toward Xu Hongyu, his expression gentle as he spoke, "Everything went smoothly on your way back, right?"


    Xu Hongyu slightly lowered her head, whispering, "When I left the Demon-Slaying Office, I ran into He Guangyi. He asked me if I knew about the disappearance of He Guangzong and He Mingzhen, but I ignored him, and he didn''t dare to stop me."


    He Guangyi.


    The eldest legitimate heir of the third generation of the He Family, and also one of the Deputy Governors of the Demon-Slaying Office.


    Xu Hongyu''s explanation was simple, but Chen Mu could easily imagine the scene of He Guangyi encountering Xu Hongyu, questioning her with a stern face, only ultimately letting her go due to the changing situation in Yu County and the need to avoid excessive conflicts. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I should have accompanied you to the Demon-Slaying Office."


    Chen Mu shook his head.


    He Guangyi¡­


    A trace of cold light flashed in his eyes; his grudge with the He Family was only getting deeper. Now, it was not only a matter of the Yu Family and the He Family being incompatible like fire and water - sooner or later, he would have to settle all accounts with the He Family.


    When Chen Mu spoke, Xu Hongyu felt a warm current surge into her heart. She raised her head to look at Chen Mu, then as if remembering something, she took out a bulging sachet from her bosom and handed it over, saying, "For you, these are sixty Bone Tempering Pills."


    Chen Mu took the sachet, feeling a slight warmth in his fingertips, then glanced inside the sachet to see tiny silver-white pills within, heavy and substantial when gathered together.


    It was twice the amount, Xu Hongyu had exchanged all her merits at once.


    "You should keep some; I don''t think I''ll need this many," Chen Mu said after a moment''s thought.


    Xu Hongyu shook her head, "I still need to consolidate my Qi-Blood. I won''t attempt Bone Tempering in the next few months. You take them all and use them; whatever is left can be kept for later."


    Chen Mu knew that Xu Hongyu had absorbed quite a bit of Monster Blood Essence during the recent demonic upheaval. Although her Qi-Blood had greatly increased, she needed time to stabilize her condition and indeed would need about two or three months. However, to exchange all her merits and hand them all to him - it wasn''t a question of his aptitude; she just wanted to help him as much as possible.


    Looking into the clear, large eyes of the beauty in front of him, that seemed to have stars twinkling in them, Chen Mu''s heart stirred gently. He suddenly moved closer to her ear and said softly, "Hongyu, I want to kiss you."


    Swish.


    The beauty''s body trembled slightly, her crystalline earlobes silently blushed with redness.


    "What¡­ what are you saying¡­"


    Xu Hongyu''s voice was unsteady, her gaze shifting away.


    They had already shared such an intimate moment by the Lin''an River, but her reaction back then wasn''t even a fraction of what it was now, filling Chen Mu''s eyes with tender warmth. Indeed, this piece of White Jade was clumsy in actions but words could bring out that touch of crimson within the White Jade.


    Blushes of embarrassment spread down her crystal-clear earlobe, Chen Mu watched her pretty face from mere inches away, his mind slightly bewildered. She usually had a cool, unattainable aura, like the moon, but now, accompanied by that slight blush, it felt as if she had descended from Mortal Dust, like a blooming ice lotus, more beautiful than he had ever seen before.


    Xu Hongyu''s heart raced like a frightened deer, wanting to flee, yet her feet were rooted to the ground, unable to take a step. Her eyes wandered, unable to meet Chen Mu''s, but the anticipated intimacy did not come.


    When her panic-stricken gaze finally returned to Chen Mu, she saw he was still gazing at her intently.


    For some reason,


    Xu Hongyu suddenly felt a sense of peace, and her evasive eyes settled on him, her voice soft, "What are you looking at?"


    Her voice seemed to regain its usual calm and coolness, though the blush on her cheeks remained.


    Chen Mu snapped out of his daze.


    Looking at the beauty so close at hand, he refrained from going any further and gently captured her delicately soft hands, holding them between his own in front of his body, "The situation in Yu County has changed, and the Yu Family won''t make a big fuss about our wedding. I feel it''s unfair to you. If you wish, we can wait another two years, and I''ll lay out a ten-mile bridal procession for you."


    Xu Hongyu was taken aback.


    She looked intently at Chen Mu''s earnest gaze. Experience more on M-V-L


    For some reason, her heart felt overwhelmed with joy and happiness.


    Chen Mu then saw the beauty''s eyes gently curving upwards, like an explosion of hundreds of flowers amidst snow and ice, revealing a smile that might have not appeared for over a decade, indescribably beautiful at that moment.


    "I don''t want to."


    She looked at Chen Mu, smiling brightly.

 Chapter 146: Chapter 130: Bone Tempering

    ```Chen Yue stayed in Xu Hongyu''s courtyard for a long time.


    It wasn''t until past noon that Chen Mu quietly left.


    However, before he could return to his own residence, just as he had stepped out of the eastern main courtyard, a figure who seemed to have been waiting for a long time approached him. Dressed as a steward, he was advanced in years, and was in fact the Yu Family''s old housekeeper.


    "Young Master Chen, this old servant has been waiting for you for quite a while. The master has said that the northern courtyard is no longer suitable for your stay, so we''ve arranged a new residence for you in the east. It''s a bit more spacious and has been cleaned thoroughly. If it''s not to your liking, you''re welcome to choose another,"


    the old housekeeper said, the age-weathered face wearing a kind smile.


    As an elder who had served the previous generation''s head of the Yu Family, he had watched the children from the fourth and even the third generations of the main lineage grow up. He felt comforted that Xu Hongyu had found a suitable husband.


    When he last saw Chen Mu, he thought the young man had a good temperament and behavior, albeit not the topmost in talent. However, he didn''t expect Chen Mu to have grasped the artistic conception, which indeed made him a well-matched partner for Xu Hongyu.


    "Thank you for the trouble, Elder Yu."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly.


    Although his marriage with Xu Hongyu wouldn''t be settled anytime soon, it really wasn''t appropriate to continue living in the previous two-section northern courtyard. In fact, he had considered whether or not to move out of the Yu residence, but the environment in the Inner City was somewhat unique.


    Virtually every habitable area was occupied by one of the four great families or their vassal families. So, aside from the Yu Family compound, there really wasn''t another place to go within the vast Inner City, unless he went to the Outer City District or built his own manor outside the city, but those options were out of the question.


    Although staying within the Yu compound felt oddly like ''moving in with the bride''s family,'' as Yu Zuyi had said, such concerns were put aside in the Martial World, especially during extraordinary times. He also definitely wouldn''t limit his future to just Yu City or this region. Regardless of where he was, it would only be a temporary residence.


    Whether he would become a lone wanderer who roamed the lands or a lord who ruled over a territory, Chen Mu hadn''t considered; such thoughts were far beyond his current reach. Anticipating things a step or two ahead was prudent, arranging strategies ahead of time. But pondering dozens of steps ahead was mere fanciful speculation, meaningless.


    A short while later.


    Chen Mu followed the old housekeeper to the new eastern residence, located behind East Main Street in a duplex nested courtyard. It was much larger than the previous one, big enough to require at least a dozen servants for daily maintenance and care.


    And this place was not too far from the main Eastern residence, as it was part of the core area of the Yu family''s compound. The neighbors tended to either be direct descendants of the Yu family or valued collateral members.


    "Some staff from the outer courtyard have been prepared for Young Master. You can purchase maids and matrons for the inner courtyard, or instruct Xiao He to select some people; you would likely trust those she chooses,"


    said the old housekeeper with a smile after leading Chen Mu on a tour.


    The servants for the outer courtyard were of little concern, but as the maids and attendants of the inner courtyard would be close personal servants, random arrangements were not suitable. It was better for Chen Mu to make the selections personally.


    After surveying the inner courtyard, Chen Mu pondered briefly, then decided there was no need to employ additional staff; the three maids Wang Ni, Ku''er, and Le''er would suffice. He didn''t need much attendance, and more people could even lead to troubles.


    What followed was the move.


    As it was all within the grounds of the Yu residence, the relocation wasn''t considered a major transitional move and didn''t require selecting an auspicious day. Chen Mu didn''t have many possessions to transfer, which were moved to the new residence before long.


    "So, is the marriage between Brother and Sister Hongyu settled?"


    Chen Yue, naturally, followed the move to the new house. As the new residence was a duplex nested courtyard with several inner courtyards, she had one to herself. After settling in, she ran to Chen Mu''s room and blinked at him with inquisitive eyes.


    "Yeah."


    Chen Mu was organizing his room when he heard Chen Yue''s query and smiled, "Weren''t you always concerned about who your future sister-in-law would be? Now you finally know, right?"


    Chen Yue glanced at Chen Mu, then muttered softly, "Sister Hongyu is wonderful, but... what about Xiao Ru?"


    She had grown as close to Yu Ru as sisters. She knew Yu Ru might not have had feelings for Chen Mu initially, but after Xu Hongyu inquired about the marriage and visited the South City District, Yu Ru became somewhat preoccupied with thoughts of Chen Mu.


    Now, ironically, Xu Hongyu, who might have intended to arrange a marriage between Yu Ru and Chen Mu, was marrying him herself. This left Yu Ru out in the cold, and Chen Yue didn''t know what Yu Ru''s feelings would be upon hearing the news.


    Chen Yue''s murmuring also reached Chen Mu''s ears.


    Or rather, that may have been exactly why she murmured, to give voice to Yu Ru''s unspoken concerns.


    "Xiao Ru... she''s still young,"


    Chen Mu paused for a moment, then continued.


    He was quite calm about it; after all, he had always felt more brotherly towards Yu Ru. Moreover, Xu Hongyu treated Yu Ru almost no different from a real sister, and he would naturally protect Yu Ru a lot in the future.


    As for Xu Hongyu, he figured she might struggle to break the news to Yu Ru.


    Thinking this, Chen Mu couldn''t help but chuckle to himself. After all, he wouldn''t be the one to help in explaining; it was Hongyu who initially didn''t consider him, only wanting to arrange a girl from the Yu family for him.


    Finally.


    After tidying up the room, Chen Mu looked at Chen Yue, saying, "Alright, enough about that. I''m off to practice my martial arts."


    ```


    Chen Yue stuck out her tongue and left Chen Mu''s courtyard.


    After sending Chen Yue away, Chen Mu came to the cluttered room next to the entrance of his courtyard. Inside the room, there was a burning stove. Chen Mu approached the stove, took out various herbs one by one, and placed them into the stove following the sequence from the Bone Tempering Method''s prescription.


    Compared to the Tendon Changing Technique, the Bone Tempering Method has fewer types, but it''s slightly more complicated. It not only requires the internal consumption of Bone Tempering Pills and the external application of medicinal baths for bone tempering, but also the practice of a set of fist techniques to refine the bones, which would allow the medicinal power to be better absorbed.


    Tiger Demon Bone Tempering Fist.


    This was what Chen Mu meticulously researched while watching the furnace.


    The entire Bone Tempering Method, also known as the Tiger Demon Bone Tempering Technique, is considered one of the best methods for bone tempering. It was created based on the fourth-rank beast ''Tiger Demon''. One of the medically powdered ingredients used for bone tempering was the Tiger Demon Marrow, which was also quite expensive. With Chen Mu''s current wealth, purchasing it was a bit painful.


    After all, that large piece of Flame Jade could not be readily liquidated, and the actual amount of money he had at hand was only a few ten thousand Silver. The value of a portion of Tiger Demon Marrow cost several hundred Silver pieces alone. With this prescription, the monthly expenses would almost reach nearly ten thousand Patterned Silver.


    Poor in literature but rich in martial prowess¡ªit''s indeed true.


    Actually, there were also Bone Tempering Methods that were a bit cheaper and simpler, but when compared to the Tiger Demon Bone Tempering Technique, they were somewhat inferior. Presently, Chen Mu certainly wouldn''t choose a practice method that was of lesser quality. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Bone Tempering Realm, just like before, is divided into Minor Achievement, Major Achievement, and Perfection."


    "And similar to Skin Toughening and Body Refinement, the Bone Tempering Realm also has a limit. Although this part is not detailed in the Tiger Demon Bone Tempering Technique, I have seen it described in the Da Xuan Martial Canon. It''s said that if one cultivates the Bone Tempering Realm to its limit, one could cultivate ''Jade Bone''.


    The bones would be flawless and crystal clear as jade, and even if one''s body were to lie in the wasteland, exposed to wind and sun, the bones could remain intact and undecayed for a thousand years!"


    A glint of light flickered in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    The bones of ordinary people after death, if not processed and buried, would quickly decay to dust. Only those at the Bone Tempering Realm would have bones that could exist for an extended period after the body decays.


    However, to achieve the level of being undecayed and immortal for a thousand years, one must practice the Bone Tempering Realm to its limit and transform the bones into Jade Bone.


    Yet.


    For ordinary people to achieve that step is extremely difficult. Among all those in the Bone Tempering Realm, the ones who could cultivate Jade Bone were one in ten thousand, and reaching this level inevitably meant stepping into the Five Viscera Realm!


    Whether a martial artist could step into the Five Viscera Realm is greatly related to their own Qi-Blood. Generally, the younger they were and the more abundant their Qi-Blood, the easier it would be to break through the Five Viscera Realm; the converse would make it more difficult.


    Usually, after reaching the age of thirty-five, the likelihood of stepping into the Five Viscera Realm would greatly decrease, and by the age of forty, it would be nearly impossible to enter the Five Viscera Realm.


    Yet, accumulating Qi-Blood requires time.


    Either constantly hunting monsters, consuming the Blood Essence of beasts, and then refining and solidifying it to improve one''s Qi-Blood, or like Chen Mu, methodically cultivating each Realm to its limit, solidifying one''s Qi-Blood to the extreme.


    The vast majority of martial artists in the world often have no choice but to choose the former path and cannot take a path like Chen Mu''s because refining any realm to its ultimate limit is extremely hard. Unless one has a special physique, it often requires a lot of time, typically three to five years or even seven to eight years.


    If so, one might delay the progress of Body Refining and ultimately fail to cultivate Bone Tempering, let alone step into the Five Viscera Realm.


    "In the state of Yu City, there are always some individuals born with Copper Skin in each generation, but those born with Copper Skin and robust flesh, and the physique of Vajra, are extremely rare. Only once in a long while one will appear, and they are usually recruited by the Seven Profound Sect."


    "Only those who can refine Skin Toughening and Body Refinement to the limit with just a bit of Cultivation are qualified to spend extra time at the Tendon Changing or Bone Tempering stage, attempting to reach the realms of Tiger and Leopard Thunder Sound or Jade Bone."


    Chen Mu contemplated in his heart.


    In the state of Yu City, these individuals are very rare. His practicing of Tiger and Leopard Thunder Sound alone could surpass the ordinary Bone Tempering Minor Achievement, comparable to Bone Tempering Major Achievement.


    But for inheritors of great sects like the Heavenly Sword Hehuan and Blood Concealment Mysterious Technique, their top talents naturally possess both gifts and aptitudes far above countless others. What they compete in is the depth of each Realm.


    After all, as the Martial Canon states, whether Skin Toughening, Body Refinement, Tendon Changing, and Bone Tempering¡ªthe Four Realms¡ªcan be cultivated to the limit not only affects the difficulty of entering the Five Viscera Realm but also significantly influences the martial artist''s strength after stepping into the Five Viscera.


    In Yu City, those who can step into the Five Viscera Realm are already extraordinary individuals, so these differences in strength aren''t very significant.


    However, when looking at a whole state or even several states, among the inheritors and prodigies, as well as those capable of reaching even higher levels, these foundations and depths become overwhelmingly important.


    "All right."


    Chen Mu put down the booklet in his hand and turned his gaze towards the furnace, where he saw that the pot for boiling medicine had already produced a grey substance that looked like mercury.


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    Chen Mu picked up the medicine pot and went into the room on the west side of the courtyard, and walked all the way to the most interior part, where he was separated by several partitions into a windowless, dimly lit silent chamber. This was the practice room he had set up, which was usually off-limits to anyone.


    He quickly got undressed.


    He took out a Bone Tempering Pill and swallowed it.


    Then he plunged his hand into the medicine pot and scooped out a handful of the mercury-like, silver-grey liquid while it was still hot, feeling extremely thick, almost like an ointment.


    Without any pause, Chen Mu quickly applied this viscous silver-grey ointment inch by inch to specific parts of his body according to the illustrations in his memory. Soon his entire body, apart from a few uncovered parts, was covered as if he had turned into a grey wax statue, motionless.


    From every inch that was applied, white vapor rose.

 Chapter 147: Chapter 131: Ten Days and a Month

    Blistering heat.When Chen Mu swallowed the Bone Tempering Pill, it instantly dissolved and transformed into a hot stream that surged through his entire body, permeating deep into his bones and adding a layer of warmth that flowed within.


    Then there was the silver-gray sticky medicinal paste applied all over his body, whose heat was comparable to that of boiling oil. But more crucially, after being layered on, the medicinal power penetrated crazily into his body, like needles piercing through every pore.


    Through the skin membrane.


    Across the muscles.


    Finally reaching the bones. S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The anticipated pain of piercing needles did not exist; instead, it was a dull feeling, like a hammer striking compacted material, started emanating from every inch of his bones.


    Even with Chen Mu''s current endurance, he was momentarily unable to make a sound and could only forcefully bear it.


    "This is Bone Tempering..."


    Indeed, this medicinal power was also affecting the skin membrane and muscles, but the already maximally tempered skin and muscles, under the impact of this medicinal power, stayed immovable like steel bodies, unaffected.


    This is why at least Perfection in the Tendon Changing Realm is necessary before one can attempt Bone Tempering, as merely Tendon Changing Major Achievement''s membranes cannot endure the shock of Bone Tempering medicinal power and would get directly damaged.


    Only with Skin Toughening, Body Refinement, and Tendon Changing all at Perfection, can one withstand the erosion of the Bone Tempering medicinal power.


    Moreover.


    The process of resistance still consumes some Qi-Blood.


    This is also why the more plentiful a Martial Artist''s Qi-Blood, the less difficult it is to step into the Bone Tempering Realm.


    In Chen Mu''s case, with his foundation at the extreme limits of the Three Realms, the impact of the Bone Tempering prescription on his muscles and skin membrane was almost negligible, hardly consuming any Qi-Blood. All of his Qi-Blood was mobilized, focusing between his bones, cooperating with the medicinal power to temper and forge every inch of his bones.


    Finally.


    About a quarter of an hour later.


    The pain that spanned his entire body gradually subsided.


    Chen Mu took a deep breath, feeling the heat that still filled his body, and following the moves of Tiger Demon Bone Tempering Fist, he suddenly threw a punch, creating a gust of wind in the practice room.


    With the punch thrown, he staggered, the discomfort from all over his body nearly causing him to fall, but he eventually steadied himself. Then, with a composed demeanor, he threw a second punch.


    This time he staggered again.


    The third punch,


    The fourth punch,


    ...


    With each punch thrown, Chen Mu''s stance gradually stabilized, no longer shaky or staggering, each punch firmer than the last, until every punch whipped up a strong wind, turning him into a hunting Tiger Demon, swiping his claws, adeptly and ferociously maneuvering through the forest.


    So completed one full set of Tiger Demon Bone Tempering Fist, Chen Mu didn''t stop but started over, performing the second and third set continually, faster and more fiercely with each repetition.


    Just like this.


    Until several hours passed and the sky outside had completely darkened, with the Silent Chamber turning pitch black, Chen Mu finally slowly ceased his movements.


    His eyes shone brightly in the darkness, as even a pitch-black, lightless Silent Chamber appeared clearly visible to him, barely affecting his vision at all.


    "Whew..."


    Chen Mu slowly exhaled.


    He felt all the heat within his bones subside, and his ample Qi-Blood had also been consumed a lot by the medicinal forging and practice of the fist technique, requiring meat replenishment for recovery.


    He did not rush to leave the Silent Chamber.


    Upon a thought, Chen Mu summoned the system panel. Stay updated through M-V-L


    Soon, he found a few new lines of text appearing at the bottom of the panel.


    [Tiger Demon Bone Tempering Technique (0%)


    Experience: 11 points]


    "It feels like my bone strength has significantly increased, and my Qi-Blood limit has expanded, but still not even one percent..." Chen Mu looked at the data on the system panel, shaking his head slightly.


    Previously during Tendon Changing, not all his enhancements relied on the system panel; the power of the medicines he absorbed while training was effective too, and once, he saw a one percent increase on the system panel right after training.


    With his foundation at the extreme limits of the Three Realms, Tiger and Leopard Thunder Sound, his muscles harmonizing,


    the threshold for Bone Tempering should essentially be nonexistent for him, normally achieving one percent directly through Bone Tempering should be expected, but it seemed he had slightly overestimated himself.


    However, Bone Tempering looked not much different from Tendon Changing after all, being able to enhance was good enough.


    Upon a thought, Chen Mu directly attempted to enhance.


    As expected, just like during Tendon Changing, consuming ten experience points led to a change.


    [Tiger Demon Bone Tempering Technique (1%)


    Experience: 1 point]


    Buzz!


    Rich medicinal power exploded within the bones around his body, instantly enveloping him, causing Chen Mu to be unable to keep standing, staggering a couple of steps and sitting down on the ground, soon unable to maintain even a sitting position, he was forced to lie back.


    It felt as if in an instant, his bones withstood a forging intensity multiple times stronger than before; normally, even Bone Tempering Pills would not protect the marrow from being damaged, but the power of the system panel was still inconceivable, forcibly controlling the medicinal power to stay on the surface of the bones without affecting the fragile inner marrow at all.


    Just like this.


    Almost a quarter of an hour went by quickly.


    When Chen Mu sat up again, slightly staggering as he stood up, he felt a more pronounced change in his bones compared to before. After swinging Tiger Demon Bone Tempering Fist for a while and adapting to the changes in his body, he looked at an iron plate set behind him, picked it up from the ground, raised his middle finger, and knocked it upwards with his knuckle.

 Chapter 148: Chapter 131 Decade Month_2

    Bang!A muffled sound echoed.


    The metal plate caved inward, showing a distinct indent.


    This was different from the past when Chen Mu would break steel bare-handedly, relying more on the strength of his muscles. This time, it was the strength of his finger bones that collided.


    Chen Mu slowly set down the metal plate, stepped back two steps, and then rubbed his middle finger.


    "Hmm, it still hurts a bit, that was careless."


    One percent of the Bone Tempering strength, when compared with before he had entered the Bone Tempering Realm, indeed showed a significant change. However, it hadn''t reached the level of iron bones and steel muscles¡ªit was just harder. If it hadn''t been for his abundant Qi-Blood protecting his finger bone during the strike, he might''ve been injured.


    However.


    Chen Mu soon put down his hand and revealed a smile.


    According to the progress, his one day of Bone Tempering cultivation had improved his progress by one percent. That meant, in less than a month, his Bone Tempering could be completed to thirty percent!


    Bone Tempering Realm and Tendon Changing Realm were similar¡ªthirty percent was considered Minor Achievement, and this pace was even faster than he had anticipated!


    "Bone Tempering Minor Achievement in one month, very good."


    Chen Mu exhaled lightly, shook his hand, and then walked out of the Silent Chamber.


    ...


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    Time hurriedly passed by.


    In the blink of an eye, nearly a month had passed.


    As the four major families of the Inner City were all restraining themselves, the first change from Yu City finally arrived. It started with a significant figure from the State Government Office descending into Yu City.


    City Lord Xue Huaikong personally went out to welcome the figure respectfully into the Inner City Lord''s Mansion and quickly set up a new area among various offices in the Inner City, designated as the ''Inspectorate''.


    The figure from the State Government Office was a Fourth Grade Inspector from the Yu State Government Office!


    In the Da Xuan Dynasty''s hierarchy, the highest official position, ranked at First Grade, held only three positions, known as the ''Three Dukes'': Grand Preceptor, Grand Tutor, Grand Protector. The positions just below them, known as the ''Three Solitudes'', were Junior Preceptor, Junior Tutor, Junior Protector.


    All six positions were honorary titles and often held concurrently. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That is to say, the Second Grade was the pinnacle of officialdom during the peak of the Da Xuan Dynasty.


    The Fourth Grade official position, the Yu State Inspector, in the past was indeed considered a real ''high official'', one who could enter the Central Prefecture and meet the Emperor!


    Of course.


    Nowadays, as Yu State was governed and divided by the Seven Profound Sect, the Inspector was not from the Da Xuan Dynasty but was still a person of the Seven Profound Sect, however, holding a position higher than that of a Steward.


    Without a doubt, this was a person sent by the Seven Profound Sect to control the situation in Yu County, by establishing an ''Inspectorate'' there, its purpose quite clear¡ªit was to oversee the four Sects soon to enter Yu County.


    And just after the establishment of the Inspectorate.


    The methods of the four Sects also immediately came into play.


    In a deep alley located at the southeastern corner of the Inner City, there was once a pavilion selling Jade Ware. Overnight, it changed entirely. Black curtains were hung all around the pavilion, concealing its interior and making it impossible to see inside.


    Its entrance also underwent a complete transformation from welcoming guests to exuding a sinister, blood-fiendish atmosphere. A plaque seemingly written in fresh blood was hung on the pavilion, each blood character seemingly containing a terrifying power that made one''s heart palpitate.


    Blood Hidden Pavilion!


    Actually, in comparison with the other three sects, the Blood Hidden Pavilion is the most unique. Heavenly Sword Sect, Hehuan Sect, and Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion each hail from different State Government Offices, governing distinct territories. Yet no one knows where the main pavilion of the Blood Hidden Pavilion is.


    It is only known to have branches in many State Government Offices and Prefecture Cities.


    "Traceless Blood Concealment, heaven leaves no one..."


    "A sect that specializes in assassination can so openly establish its presence."


    In the elegant pavilion, Chen Mu held a red fruit in his hand and was gently peeling its skin with a small knife in his left hand, while shaking his head slightly. "With this move, who knows how much chaos it will cause."


    As long as there is money, one could hire an assassin from the Blood Hidden Pavilion to kill, and the Blood Hidden Pavilion''s principle is brazenly ''No one is unkillable.'' Imagine if the He Yu Family and another family placed bounties on each other; then going out would become a major issue henceforth.


    By comparison,


    Heavenly Sword Sect was quite sensible. They didn''t even enter Yu City but took over a place on the outskirts and established a branch of the Heavenly Sword Sect. They openly recruited talents, testing anyone under the age of sixteen. If they were found to have sufficient talent, they could join the sect.


    Although they were openly competing for talents with the Seven Profound Sect, at least the impact wasn''t too negative.


    As for the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, it also set up a branch in the Inner City, in contrast to the Blood Hidden Pavilion, known as ''Masters of the Mysterious Court, Wondrous Predictors of Mechanisms,'' claiming to predict all matters under heaven.


    It sounded like a street fortune teller''s scam, but it was said that the divination methods of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion indeed contained some profound mysteries of the universe and were not unfounded.


    Finally, the Hehuan Sect.


    At first, there was no trace of them, as if they had not entered Yu City.


    However, later Chen Mu heard rumors that among the largest Flower Pavilions in the floral street of the Inner City, ''Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion'' and ''Red Sleeve Pavilion'' had suddenly gained many extremely beautiful women who rivaled even the most famous courtesans, attracting countless gentlemen who frequented brothels to swarm there.


    The other smaller Flower Pavilions, within a few days, became deserted, with scarcely a customer in sight.


    Needless to say, this must have been the work of the Hehuan Sect. In Chen Mu''s memory, the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion and the Red Sleeve Pavilion seemed to be properties of the Xie Family, but now it was hard to say if it still belonged to them.


    "Yes, the sects like the Blood Hidden Pavilion are indeed a bit frightening. No one knows if they will suddenly become their assassination target. The Hehuan Sect is somewhat better, as I''ve heard that in the past few days, the area near Flower Street is bustling every evening."


    Little Lotus stood next to him and suddenly whispered softly.


    Chen Mu snorted softly, "Hehuan Sect and Blood Hidden Pavilion, both are from the Demon Sect. What''s the difference? The cultivation techniques they practice involve absorbing people''s primal yang and sucking out their Qi-Blood. How is that different from monsters eating people?"


    He knew Little Lotus wanted to remind him, but he did not need her reminder. Even though he had been in seclusion practicing cultivation this past month and had not left his home, just hearing a sect''s name like Hehuan Sect was enough to know what they were up to.


    "So you know quite a lot."


    Little Lotus looked at Chen Mu with a mischievous smile. She knew that Chen Mu had essentially not ventured out these days. News about the recent changes inside the Inner City was learned from her.


    But at this moment, Xu Hongyu, who had been sitting beside and pondering, suddenly said, "Hehuan Sect... I heard that they have a unique dual cultivation method derived from the principles of Yin Yang that does not harm Qi-Blood... Hm, why are you looking at me like that?"


    Xu Hongyu looked over in surprise as Chen Mu and Little Lotus suddenly eyed her oddly.


    Little Lotus placed one small hand on her chin, seemingly contemplating how to respond. "Uh, well, nothing. It''s just that the cultivation technique of the Hehuan Sect is probably impossible to pass on."


    "Yes, that might be true."


    Xu Hongyu said somewhat regretfully, "Such a technique is probably a cornerstone for the sect and cannot be imparted to outsiders."


    Chen Mu silently looked at Xu Hongyu and asked, "Hongyu, do you know how that technique is practiced?"


    "Yin Yang intercourse?"


    Xu Hongyu looked at Chen Mu curiously. What was not to know? Hm, but it seemed not to be something to discuss casually, but since it was only her, Chen Mu, and Little Lotus around, it should be fine.


    Chen Mu silently gave Little Lotus a glance, and she covered her face.


    She really wanted to say that her young mistress was not unaware of matters of modesty and knew quite a bit about such things. Her knowledge in this area was not sparse at all; in fact, just a few days ago, she had been meticulously studying the Inner Palace Chart that she had given her.


    But while studying those, she looked like she was reading an ordinary biography, completely unaffected, even calmly pulling her aside to ask, ''Is this all it takes?''


    But these were really not things she could easily discuss with Chen Mu...

 Chapter 149: Chapter 132 Heart Sword

    The Dual Cultivation Method of the Hehuan Sect...If there is a chance to get it in the future, it might not be impossible to give it a try.


    Chen Mu mused slightly in his heart. Truthfully, he didn''t know every single detail about his own Hongyu, but he already thoroughly understood her temperament. It didn''t surprise him when she occasionally spoke startling words in a very ordinary manner. If there truly was a cultivation technique that could benefit each other, he wouldn''t mind trying it with Xu Hongyu in the future.


    After all, given Xu Hongyu''s qualifications, advancing in Bone Tempering was certain, but reaching the Five Viscera Realm would be difficult, let alone going beyond that. Since he was destined not to stay here, if there was any mutually beneficial method that could help Xu Hongyu even slightly, well, he wouldn''t mind sacrificing a bit of his appearance or such.


    "The cultivation techniques of the Hehuan Sect are generally not passed outside. Among the Four Great Sects, in my view, the Heavenly Sword Sect is a suitable place for the young descendants of the Yu Family to try. Forget about Blood Concealment and Hehuan," he said.


    Chen Mu shook his head as he spoke.


    Now that the Four Great Sects had settled in Yu County, the young talents of Yu County previously had no choice but to claw their way into the Seven Profound Sect''s doors, but now they had more options.


    Even the Heavenly Sword Sect, which completely disregards wealth and poverty, measures all candidates'' qualifications uniformly. If they meet the standards, they are admitted, unlike in the past when the Seven Profound Sect dominated alone, and most poor families in Yu County had no chance to join.


    "Actually, the entry requirements of the Seven Profound Sect have also changed," said Xiao He with a gentle smile. "In the past, when the Seven Profound Sect recruited, they would send down only one steward, and all affairs were basically delegated to the City Lord of Xue City, who further delegated them.


    By the time it reached the lower levels, anyone wanting to attend the entry examination of the Seven Profound Sect had to pay at least ten Silver, and most families simply couldn''t afford that."


    Chen Mu cut off a piece of the fruit he had peeled, tried it, and found it quite sour. However, spitting it out would be somewhat unseemly, so he ate the piece in his mouth without changing his expression and casually placed the rest aside, while saying:


    "Times have changed. In the past, the Seven Profound Sect stood alone in dominance, but today the four sects compete. It''s a mix of advantages and disadvantages. Sometimes competition is not conducive to stability, but at other times, it can benefit development."


    This point made by Xiao He was something he deeply understood because, compared to Xiao He, he truly came from a lower background. Like the Seven Profound Sect collecting disciples every two years from various counties, he had also experienced that. But just as Xiao He said, the administration in Yu City was corrupt. From the top down, they exploited layer by layer.


    At the grassroots level, just getting your qualifications measured cost ten Silver!


    For ordinary families, even though they knew that entering the Seven Profound Sect could drastically change their lives, how many could gather ten Silver? And even if they managed to gather it, they were only vying for an extremely slim chance. If not selected, the ten Silver spent would be as good as thrown away, ending up in someone''s pocket.


    Years ago, his father had wanted him to give it a try, but ultimately considered that saving ten Silver over many years to buy such a minuscule chance was meaningless. He ended up giving up, and that night, they had an extra serving of meat.


    But now...


    The Seven Profound Sect had virtually no barriers to entry.


    Anyone under the age of sixteen can go to the various branches under the Outer City''s Inspectorate to measure their root bones and talents. Once they meet the standards, they can directly join the Seven Profound Sect.


    However, unless they have exceptionally high talent and qualifications, which would lead to them being taken to the mountain gate of the Seven Profound Sect, most would still remain in Yu County, serving as minor officials under the Inspectorate while continuing their cultivation.


    The Inspectorate established in Yu City today essentially serves as a branch of the Seven Profound Sect.


    "Mm-hmm."


    Xu Hongyu sat nearby, watching Chen Mu. Her eyes, like dark jade, twinkled with dim light, finding every word that Chen Mu said to be reasonable, directly addressing the essence of the situation. She almost forgot that Chen Mu was actually a bit younger than her.


    She picked up the same type of fruit that Chen Mu had just eaten, and with a small knife, she lightly swung to create a flourish. The peel flew off to one corner of the table, and then she took a bite with relish, saying, "Actually, in Yu County, all of us Martial Artists in the Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering Realm can be considered as disciples from the Seven Profound Sect."


    "Indeed, that can be considered true."


    Chen Mu nodded.


    Since currently, all the Tendon Changing Pills and Bone Tempering Pills circulating in Yu City almost originated from the Seven Profound Sect, it meant that without the Seven Profound Sect, Yu City wouldn''t have produced so many personalities in the Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering Realm.


    And Yu County has always been under the rule of the Seven Profound Sect; thus, essentially, all Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering in Yu County belong to disciples of the Seven Profound Sect ''outside the sect'', although they do not enjoy some of the benefits of the sect, they are also free from the various regulations of the sect, belonging to a more liberated type.


    "Hongyu, how is your comprehension of the Kan Water Diagram coming along?"


    Chen Mu thought for a moment and looked toward Xu Hongyu as he asked.


    Xu Hongyu shook her head and said, "It feels infinitely profound, but for nearly the past month, it has always been like looking at flowers through fog, never seeing clearly." Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


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    Xiao He softly said from the side, "I''ve heard that some people, when comprehending an Artistic Conception Map, may sit in contemplation in front of it for years and still find it difficult to comprehend. Miss, perhaps it''s better to combine action with stillness, since you''ve been meditating for a month. Why not go out for a walk today?"


    "Hmm..."


    Xu Hongyu hesitated slightly and looked over at Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu smiled and stood up, saying, "Then let''s take a walk while it''s still early."


    In his view, if one were to comprehend the Kan Water Diagram, perhaps it would be suitable to bring the diagram along, travel, and contemplate while seeing the landscapes, flowing rivers, and small streams of the world; comprehension would naturally deepen step by step, but unfortunately, that wasn''t appropriate.


    Given Xu Hongyu''s strength, walking in some areas of Yu County wasn''t an issue, but taking the Kan Water Diagram with her was out of the question. After all, it was the foundation of the Yu Family''s stability, and not only she but even Yu Zuyi could only comprehend it within the Yu Family''s lands.


    The group of three quickly reached the street.


    "This Inner City, from what it looks like on the surface, hasn''t changed much."


    Chen Mu walked ahead, observing his surroundings. Those walking in the Inner City were still in bright clothing, but the streets seemed busier than in the past, with more vendors hawking along the streets.


    Xu Hongyu daintily followed next to Chen Mu. She actually had little interest in the bustling nature of the market, but as Xiao He had advised, it was better to move around after nearly a month of rigorous meditation at the Yu Family''s home. Having Chen Mu''s company made her all the more pleased.


    They continued strolling.


    There were no bullies blocking the road.


    After all, although four Sects were stationed in Yu County and four major families acted low-key, the Yu Family was still a giant to ordinary people. Xu Hongyu was well-recognized in the Inner City, so naturally, nobody dared to offend her, especially here on the main street of the Inner City in broad daylight where chaos was less likely to occur.


    "Miss, look over there quickly."


    Xiao He was quite active along the way, the little maid running back and forth, pulling Xu Hongyu here and there to look at various sights.


    Chen Mu, on the other hand, maintained a calm expression as he followed by the side, more focused on observing the changes and situation of the Inner City and pondering the possible future developments. Suddenly, he saw a group of several people wearing neat gray-white clothes walking towards them, and his gaze briefly paused.


    They were a group of young people, only about twenty years old, yet each one of them had a determined and cold gaze, walking straight through the street in their gray-white clothes embroidered with a sword-shaped pattern on the chest.


    The crowd along the way parted to make way for them.


    "Heavenly Sword Sect..."


    Xiao He also pulled Xu Hongyu to the side, carefully observing the people passing by.


    Suddenly, the leader among them, as if sensing something, suddenly turned his head, looked towards Chen Mu''s direction, and locked eyes with Chen Mu. A faint sword light seemed to flash in his pupils.


    Chen Mu slightly closed his eyes.


    Seeing this, the disciple from the Heavenly Sword Sect did not speak nor did he make any other significant movements but quickly averted his gaze and continued forward with his fellow sect brothers.


    After walking a distance, the person closest to him whispered, "Elder Brother Gu, just now that was..."


    "Heart Sword suddenly sensed something, but it must have been an illusion."


    Gu Hong slightly shook his head, his tone somewhat strange.


    He cultivated the "Heart Sword" lineage of the Heavenly Sword Sect, his Artistic Conception clear and sensitive to the natural world. Sometimes he didn''t even need to use his sight or hearing to sense hidden threats or unusual changes around him.


    Although Chen Mu''s gaze that had measured him had harbored no threat or killing intent, it felt different from everyone else on that street. Therefore, he returned the gaze, subconsciously scanning with the Heart Sword Artistic Conception.


    Indeed, the other party was a bit unusual, having some Artistic Conception within him, but it hadn''t reached the level of alerting the Heart Sword, which was somewhat odd.


    He was a True Disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect. Although he ranked last among them, in today''s world, very few among the younger generation could catch his eye. In all of Yu State, only a few True Disciples from the Seven Profound Sect could meet his standards, and regarding this small Yu County, even someone considered the leader of the younger generation like ''Xue Lin'' was merely a joke to him.


    Perhaps it was an illusion sensed by the Heart Sword just now, such occurrences occasionally happen and are not worth delving into deeply.


    ...


    Behind him.


    Chen Mu slightly closed his eyes.


    In the pitch darkness, a beam of sword light shone toward him but was immediately countered by a bright bolt of thunder, throwing it off course, followed by a chaotic whirlwind that tore it apart bit by bit.


    When he opened his eyes again, that group of disciples from the Heavenly Sword Sect had already moved far away.


    "So this is the Artistic Conception of the Sword Dao."


    Chen Mu murmured to himself.


    Compared to the Qian Heaven Kun Earth Eight Phases, that encounter seemed like an Artistic Conception capable of attacking the spirit. Although it was very subtlety conveyed through a glance, here it was countered with the Phases of Wind and Thunder.


    He could distinctly sense that although the other party''s Artistic Conception was deeply cultivated, it hadn''t reached the second step yet.


    "That person just now, seems to be one of the True Disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect, do you know him, son-in-law?"


    Suddenly, Xiao He came over and asked quietly. She had spent her days learning about various situations outside while Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu were cultivating and had gathered quite a bit of information about the Heavenly Sword Sect.


    For example, the Heavenly Sword Sect only had four True Disciples, with Zuo Qianqiu at the head and Gu Hong at the end.


    "I don''t know him."


    Chen Mu shook his head.


    A True Disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect... That explained it. Such an Artistic Conception wasn''t something everyone could cultivate like common cabbage.


    As far as he knew, among the great Sects, only those True Disciples qualified to move outside were ranked in the Five Viscera Realm. No matter who that person was just now, since he could move outside, there was no doubt he was a figure in the Five Viscera Realm.


    Furthermore, with such a level of Artistic Conception, likely even the City Lord Xue Huaikong could not gain much advantage in front of him. In today''s Yu County, probably only the Inspector from the State Government Office could hold him down.


    While he was pondering.


    As that group of disciples from the Heavenly Sword Sect disappeared, the pedestrians on the street began to flow again.


    Suddenly, a voice came from the side.


    "Mastering the Mysterious Court, divining the secrets of heaven¡­ you all look fated, how about letting this old Dao read your fortune?"


    Chen Mu turned his head to look.


    Unnoticed when, behind him and the others, there appeared a spread-out street stall. An old man missing two front teeth, wearing a tattered Taoist robe, and with a slightly sleazy physique, was holding a stack of turtle shells, grinning at him.

 Chapter 150: Chapter 133: Mystery

    Chen Mu caught sight of the old man for the first time and realized why that true disciple from the Heavenly Sword Sect had suddenly glanced his way. Perhaps it wasn''t his own appearance that caught the disciple''s attention but rather the scruffy-looking, unremarkable old Taoist standing behind him."Master of the Mysterious Court, who speaks wondrously of the heavenly secrets," had already disclosed his identity¡ªhe came from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, one of the Four Great Sects.


    Although Chen Mu didn''t know what capabilities the old Taoist in front of him possessed, he really didn''t want to get involved with this kind of mystical sect, and among the Four Great Sects, those from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion were the last he wanted to encounter.


    "Sorry, not interested."


    Chen Mu replied warily and was about to pull Xu Hongyu away.


    "Don''t go, don''t go."


    The old Taoist grinned, revealing a set of gap-toothed yellow teeth, and said, "The old Taoist is about to close up shop. Today you are my last divination, and I won''t charge you the divination fee. How about that?"


    "No thanks."


    Chen Mu outright refused. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was then the old Taoist''s turn to puff up his whiskers and glare, protesting, "The old Taoist chooses whom to divine. A fortune that suits is hard to come by, and when I sense someone is fated yet you don''t let me divine, no, no..."


    As he spoke,


    The old Taoist lay down right in front of Chen Mu and started rolling on the street, shamelessly acting like a rogue.


    Xiao He and Xu Hongyu watched, dumbfounded, as after all, the old Taoist had outright claimed affiliation with the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion. To see someone from such a reputable sect rolling around like a hooligan was unbelievable. It must be an imposter, but then again, who would dare impersonate someone from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion?


    Chen Mu was exasperated.


    Though he couldn''t sense any threatening aura from the old Taoist, seeming like nothing but an ordinary old man, the fact he claimed the name of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion¡ªand might even have drawn attention from the true disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect¡ªmeant he couldn''t possibly be ordinary. This made it all the harder to determine his true nature.


    Seeing that the old Taoist was adamant about acting stubborn unless he agreed to the fortune telling, Chen Mu finally sighed and said,


    "Fine, go ahead with the divination."


    Being in Yu County, he was bound to deal with people from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion sooner or later, although he really didn''t want to interact with this unknown old Taoist.


    At this, the old Taoist, immediately beamed with joy, jumped up from the ground, ran back to his stall, grabbed a stack of turtle-shell copper coins, and looked expectantly as he asked, "This layman, would you like a divination about your future prospects or your life''s destiny?"


    Chen Mu pulled a confounded Xu Hongyu forward and said, "Just calculate Hongyu''s destiny."


    "Ah?"


    The old Taoist''s expression instantly fell.


    But in the end, somewhat reluctantly, he picked up the turtle-shell copper coins and tossed them. They scattered on the ground, forming a strange pattern.


    "So noble it defies words..."


    The old Taoist said listlessly.


    The previous scene of the old Taoist''s tantrum also attracted some attention, and now hearing the old Taoist''s divination, someone immediately laughed mockingly,


    "What kind of divination is this? I can also see that the person is nobly unspeakable."


    "I told you, these fortune-tellers are all scammers of the martial world. If you really want to divine destiny, better head to the western Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion. With a recognized reputation, their divinations truly hold some substance."


    Hearing these discussions,


    The old Taoist suddenly got furious and retorted, "The old Taoist is from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion!"


    "Shh, I think you better run now. Pretending to be from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, if they find out, disaster will be upon you," advised a bystander, shushing the old Taoist.


    If nobody had seen the old Taoist throwing a tantrum on the ground, maybe someone would have believed him. However, after that performance, who would believe that the old Taoist was from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion? It sounded utterly preposterous, more like a martial world scammer.


    "Pretending to be from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion? Does the old Taoist need to impersonate..."


    The old Taoist was furiously arguing with the people.


    The surrounding area quickly descended into chaos, and soon, Inner City guards, having heard the commotion, came but hesitated upon hearing it involved the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, and went to report to the Pavilion.


    When people from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion appeared in the street, the old Taoist finally stopped his antics and glanced around swiftly. Suddenly, he grabbed his stall and squeezed through the guards, slipping into a narrow alley.


    "Hmph!"


    "Dare to impersonate one of us and still think of escaping?"


    People from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, having spotted the scene from afar, coldly snorted and quickly pursued into the narrow alley, disappearing from view.


    ...


    Several streets away,


    Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu, who were continuing their stroll through the market, listened to a report from a Yu Family attendant and were momentarily stunned. Xiao He was similarly shocked.


    "So that old Taoist was really pretending to be from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion?!"


    Chen Mu scratched his head, suddenly perplexed. Perhaps the reaction of the Heavenly Sword Sect''s true disciple truly had nothing to do with that old Taoist, and the old Taoist had simply been a martial world scammer pretending to be from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion?


    Yet, this was too bizarre, especially since this was the Inner City.


    Chen Mu quickly shook his head and said, "Well, regardless of whether he was real or fake, it has nothing to do with us. Let''s just take it that he was real since the fortune he divined for Hongyu was extremely auspicious."


    Xu Hongyu blinked at Chen Mu in surprise.


    As for the unimaginable luxury beyond words, she had no particular thoughts on it, as she was born into the Yu Family, far surpassing any ordinary wealthy family. Compared to these, she would much rather stay with Chen Mu, desiring to be with him for as long as possible.


    Xiao He giggled beside her, "Actually, it''s somewhat accurate. The young lady indeed lacks nothing in terms of wealth. I just wish he predicted that the young lady would live a long life¡­ no, a thousand years long."


    Xu Hongyu, hearing Xiao He''s words, couldn''t help but laugh for a moment and, reaching out, she tapped Xiao He''s dainty nose and said, "What are you talking about? Who in the world lives for a thousand years? Do you want me to become a demon?"


    Indeed, the lifespan of a martial artist is somewhat longer than that of a common person. After stepping into the Five Viscera Realm, one could live to be a hundred years old. If one advanced to the Seventh Realm of Marrow Cleansing, it was said one could live up to one hundred and fifty years.


    But even in legends, those who advanced to the Eighth Realm of Martial Arts, reaching the Blood Exchange Level and revered as ''Martial Saints'' in the records, lived at most only for two hundred years. Those who lived for a thousand years were only demons.


    Chen Mu simply smiled looking at Xu Hongyu and Xiao He.


    People living for a thousand years probably truly didn''t exist. After all, if the great founding emperor who united Da Xuan and pacified the Four Seas were alive now, the world probably wouldn''t be in such chaos. Still, these matters were ultimately too distant.


    The sky gradually darkened.


    Chen Mu and the two females from the Yu Family quickly returned to the Yu Family''s residence and vanished into the streets of the residence.


    Almost at the same time, in the dusk under the somber and murky sky, a figure dressed in a black cloak was hurrying along the streets of the southeastern part of the Inner City and soon arrived beneath a towering five-story building.


    He looked up at the plaque hanging from the building.


    Blood Hidden Pavilion!


    The three blood-red characters emitted an aura of malevolent Qi and the quality of fresh blood in this time of dusk, which sent shivers down one''s spine.


    The man in the black cloak quickly averted his gaze and stepped into Blood Hidden Pavilion. The whole first floor was empty, no one was around, only an unoccupied square table and a blood-red curtain hanging in the middle of the table.


    A dim candle flickered softly beside the table.


    He moved closer to the table.


    The dim candlelight illuminated the face under the cloak, revealing a sinister expression¡ªit was He Guangxun from the He Family!


    He Guangxun slowly sat down at the square table.


    Almost at the same moment he sat down, the blood-red curtain suddenly fluttered slightly. Following this, what was an empty chair behind the empty part of the room now secretly had a figure cloaked in bloody robes taking a seat.


    "Who is to be killed?"


    The person in the blood robes spoke indifferently.


    He Guangxun, possibly visiting here for the first time, slightly narrowed his pupils upon the sudden appearance of the person in the blood robes, a trace of wariness flickering deep in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by coldness.


    Just recently, those who went to investigate the disappearance incident of He Guangzong and He Mingzhen reported back. After spending nearly a month forcibly digging out a collapsed section of the mountainside, they found the corpses of people from the He Family.


    The bodies were already decomposed, further disfigured by the burial under the mountainside, making it hard to identify any traces, but in any case, the incident surely couldn''t be unrelated to the Yu Family.


    Right now.


    The forces of the Yu Family were subdued; direct descendants had all returned to the residence without leaving. Even if the He Family wanted revenge, they found no opportunity. Destroying a few of the Yu Family''s businesses was of minor importance, utterly pointless.


    He Mingzhen, the most outstanding amongst the fourth generation of the He Family, the one with the highest possibility of stepping into the Five Viscera Realm among the younger generation, had now died mid-way. If it had been in the past, they would have turned Yu County upside down, but the situation in Yu County had now changed, no longer allowing them to act as they pleased.


    "The Yu Family, Chen Mu."


    He Guangxun spoke coldly.


    Among the fourth generation of the Yu Family, no one was more outstanding than He Mingzhen, but Chen Mu was already set to marry Xu Hongyu of the Yu Family, now also a part of the Yu Family, and furthermore, understanding the Artistic Conception at the Tendon Changing Level, he was the person who posed the most threat in the future.


    Since He Mingzhen had died, the Yu Family could not have it easy either¡ªlet this wedding¡­ rather transform into a funeral.


    As his words fell,


    The person in bloody robes vanished silently.


    When he reappeared, a quarter of an hour had passed.


    "Chen Mu, a White-Clothed Guard of the Demon-Slaying Office, son-in-law of the Inner City''s Yu Family, his marriage with Xu Hongyu of the Yu Family''s main lineage is set, practiced in the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, Horizontally Trained Body, Tendon Changing Realm¡­ Patterned Silver nine hundred thousand taels."


    He Guangxun frowned slightly.


    Expensive!


    Too expensive!


    Nine hundred thousand taels of silver, even for the He Family, was not a small number; it was enough to train nearly a thousand elite blade masters, among which could even emerge a dozen or possibly several dozen capable of stepping into the Tendon Changing Realm.


    "Too expensive,"


    He Guangxun said gravely.


    The man in the blood robes simply said, "No bargaining."


    The business of Blood Hidden Pavilion seemed simple, yet in reality, it was quite complex involving investigation, intelligence, and assessment layers before giving a suitable price based on the situation.


    Chen Mu''s Horizontally Trained Body and Tendon Changing Realm were nothing extraordinary, not even one aspect of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, but being a White-Clothed Guard of the Demon-Slaying Office, part of the Seven Profound Sect''s realm of influence, assassinating a White-Clothed Guard of Blood Hidden Pavilion also came with risks and a cost, especially since the Inspector was stationed within the Inner City.


    Moreover,


    Chen Mu had his marriage set with the main lineage of the Yu Family and now resided in the Yu Family''s residence, and the Yu Family also had an elder who once served as a steward for the Seven Profound Sect, who, despite being old, would still bring many risks to the assassination.


    Assassination was ultimately something done in the shadows, hence why Blood Hidden Pavilion had the saying, ''Blood concealed, traces unseen.'' Killing was not merely about killing; after the act, all traces needed to be dealt with to make the person disappear as if evaporated into thin air, leaving no source traceable and keeping it unknown whether they were missing or dead.


    In fact, Blood Hidden Pavilion was somewhat reluctant to take on business involving sensitive offices like the Demon-Slaying and Inspectorate Offices, for they had just established themselves in Yu County, barely maintaining a tacit agreement with the Seven Profound Sect.


    If they acted too recklessly, it would inevitably provoke targeting and suppression from the Seven Profound Sect, and other sects like Heavenly Sword and Hehuan would not stand with Blood Hidden Pavilion and would even like to see Seven Profound and Blood Hidden clash.

 Chapter 151: Chapter 134 Blood Concealment

    Yu Family compound.In the east, deep within the inner courtyard, a practice room.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!!


    Chen Mu practised in a dimly lit, air-tight secret chamber, swinging his fists continuously like a tiger demon on the hunt. Each punch he threw was wide and fierce, with a threatening and vicious momentum.


    Amidst his movements, the actions stirred the bones throughout his body, occasionally producing a cracking sound. It was not the sound of bones breaking, but the robust bones, tendons, and membranes working in concert to unleash the harmonious roar of sinews and skeletons.


    He didn''t know how long he had been training.


    Finally, Chen Mu stopped.


    He called up the system panel to take a look.


    [Tiger Demon Bone Tempering Technique (55%)]


    [Experience: 12 points]


    It had been a month and a half since he last accompanied Xu Hongyu to the market. Time passed.


    Encountering the true disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect and that mysterious Taoist had made Chen Mu keenly aware of his own lack of strength. Therefore, he spent the past month and a half almost entirely indoors, not even visiting Xu Hongyu.


    With such extended intensive practice, the benefits were significant. His progress in bone tempering had surpassed the halfway mark, not far from major achievement. His current strength had improved significantly compared to before.


    However.


    For the present Chen Mu, what concerned him more was the cultivation of artistic conception.


    Even if the realm of bone tempering reached perfection or its limits, it would still not be a qualitative change. It would still be challenging to bridge the gap between bone tempering and the Five Viscera Realm. Only by advancing further in the artistic conception, taking the Thunderclap Artistic Conception to the second step, could he achieve a transformative breakthrough.


    Previously.


    The true disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect he encountered was merely extending his Heart Sword Artistic Conception, and it did not even amount to a confrontation, yet Chen Mu could clearly feel that compared to it, his Wind Thunder was decidedly inferior.


    Probably, in the Qiankun Eight Phases Map, one would need to grasp at least three artistic conceptions or one of the Qian Heaven Kun Earth to match it.


    However, for him at the moment, there was no need to pursue multiple conceptions. If he could just advance the Thunderclap Artistic Conception to the second step, that alone would constitute an absolute suppression of any first step artistic conception, without the need to compete at the same realm.


    If only he had the artistic conception maps of Qian Heaven or Kun Earth.


    Chen Mu felt a slight regret in his heart.


    With his current understanding of artistic conception, Qian Heaven and Kun Earth each constituted half of the Eight Phases. If he could master either Qian Heaven or Kun Earth, then perhaps he could focus solely on cultivating Qian Heaven Artistic Conception, and the other Wind Thunder conceptions would improve alongside it.


    After all, Wind and Thunder inherently belong to Qian Heaven, forming part of its overarching diagram.


    "It''s a pity even the Demon-Slaying Office doesn''t have the overall chart of Qian Heaven Kun Earth..."


    Unlike the Six Phases such as Wind, Thunder, and Fire, the overall diagrams of Qian Heaven and Kun Earth were rarely circulated in their imprinted forms.


    The reason is quite simple. The difficulty of cultivating Qian Heaven and Kun Earth is almost insurmountable, requiring at least a foundation in the Three Phases. Furthermore, even top talents peering at superior-grade imitative diagrams or even more originative Qiankun diagrams could hardly comprehend them.


    With hardly any audience, they are naturally much rarer and even harder to find in remote places like Yu County.


    [Martial Arts: Thunderclap Artistic Conception]


    [Experience: 9995 points]


    [Available Projections: 0 times]


    Chen Mu took a glance at the system panel''s section on Thunderclap Artistic Conception, then withdrew his gaze, stepped out of the secret chamber, washed up in the adjacent room outside the dark room, went back to his bedroom, and took out the Thunderclap Diagram.


    From going out to slay demons, to the drought and demon chaos, more than three months had passed. Although sometimes he hadn''t had the opportunity to study the Thunderclap Diagram amidst the chaos, he had been accumulating experience all this time and was about to gain another opportunity for projection.


    "I wonder if this projection will allow me to step into the second phase."


    Chen Mu murmured to himself.


    After mastering the first step of the Thunderclap Artistic Conception, he had already projected once before. It only led him to a deeper understanding of the Thunderclap Artistic Conception, seeing it more clearly, but still not touching it, not reaching the second phase''s ''tangible'' realm.


    Visible, tangible, body-mind union.


    These three descriptions referred to the three steps of artistic conception and were quite straightforward.


    In the process of studying the Thunderclap Diagram, he didn''t solely rely on the experience provided by the system panel. In fact, during his comprehension, he had some insights of his own, but compared to the system''s projections, these personal realizations were minor, far less significant than the progress from a single projection.


    Soon.


    Chen Mu collected his thoughts.


    He focused his consciousness, perceiving only the Thunderclap Diagram.


    Night had fallen, and although Chen Mu''s bedroom was unlit by candlelight and the moonlight outside was extremely dim, even a slight glimmer of light meant that his field of vision was almost no different from daylight to him now.


    Without warning.


    The dim clouds suddenly shrouded the pale moon, erasing the faint light.


    Chen Mu shook his head, picked up the flint by the bed, struck it twice to light an oil lamp, brightening his bedroom with a soft glow. He then continued to study the Artistic Conception Map.


    The flame flickered.


    The moonlight was dim.


    Suddenly, Chen Mu''s senses sharpened.


    It was at this precise moment that a sword tip silently pierced through the wooden panel in front of his window, thrusting towards his throat. Before the sword tip appeared, there was no sign or aura, but when it did stab forward, in an instant, it burst forth a terrifying evil qi and sharpness like a sea of corpses and blood.


    In this moment of dire peril, Chen Mu had no time to draw his sword, but he remained calm amidst chaos. His right hand, which had been pressing down on the Thunderclap Diagram, shot up suddenly, with a faint glint of lightning flashing between his fingers, unleashing lightning-fast speed.


    His index and middle fingers joined together like a sword, delivered a sideways strike, and hit the side of the sword tip that was piercing towards him.


    Ding!


    It was just a crisp and faint sound of metal clashing.


    But in that instant, the internal energy within the entire bedroom seemed to flip the heaven and earth over, and the surging evil qi on the three-foot sword blade that pierced through the wooden board was forcefully struck by a strand of lightning and exploded within it.


    And it didn''t stop there; as the Thunderbolt Artistic Conception burst forth within the evil qi, it scattered a portion of the piercing killing intent. What followed was a wild gust of sweeping wind that suddenly emerged from within the lightning, completely churning up all the killing intent into disarray.


    This was actually Chen Mu''s first true experience of Artistic Conception clashing!


    In the past, he had never encountered an opponent who possessed Artistic Conception. His encounter with the true disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect in the market could hardly count as a clash, but this time it was a genuine, head-on confrontation.


    The sword that stabbed at him contained not only sharpness and speed but also the very real presence of Artistic Conception¡ªthe terrifying energy that seemed to turn the entire bedroom into a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood in an instant. It was none other than Qiankun Eight Phases, which led Chen Mu to think of only one source. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Blood Hidden Pavilion!"


    A cold light flashed through Chen Mu''s eyes.


    His Sword Finger collided with the sword blade. After forcefully scattering the might of the Artistic Conception on the opponent''s sword blade with his Wind Thunder Artistic Conception, it also caused the sword blade to bend sharply and move away from his neck.


    Boom!!!


    Immediately after, Chen Mu drew his sword with his left hand and fiercely slashed toward the windowsill.


    The entire windowsill and part of the wall were blown apart in an explosion, unleashing a roar that seemed to shake the ground, as the blade enveloped in Wind Thunder struck directly towards the shattered wall outside, at a figure cloaked in black with a blood-colored mask.


    One couldn''t see the face under the blood-colored mask, but a pair of eyes revealed a clear shock.


    Whoosh.


    The sword light whirled sideways, stirring up another wave of Blood Fiend energy, colliding with Chen Mu''s blade light. After a violent explosion, the Blood Hidden Pavilion assassin let out a muffled grunt, was thrown backward and vanished into the night outside the courtyard.


    The huge commotion nearly awakened everyone in the inner and outer courtyards, creating a chaotic uproar in an instant.


    Chen Mu stood with his sword, his gaze cold as he looked out into the night. He didn''t pursue but remained vigilant, paying attention to the movements around him until Wang Ni and others from the side room ran out in alarm.


    "Old, Master..."


    Ku''er and Le''er, seeing the nearly completely shattered bedroom and the figure of Chen Mu standing with a sword, were momentarily at a loss for words.


    Following that, the house servants also quickly rushed into the courtyard.


    "Brother?!"


    Chen Yue leapt over the courtyard wall and landed in the yard, also looking surprised at Chen Mu''s condition and the nearly torn-apart bedroom.


    Seeing Chen Yue land in the courtyard, Chen Mu''s expression softened somewhat before he turned to the servants with a calm voice, "A mishap while practicing my sword. Don''t be startled; everyone can leave."


    The servants exchanged puzzled glances.


    But given the situation, they didn''t dare to interrogate further and withdrew one after another.


    Chen Yue approached Chen Mu, her eyes reflecting seriousness as she observed the scene in the courtyard. "Brother, what exactly happened just now?"


    "An assassin from the Blood Hidden Pavilion."


    Chen Mu stepped back into the bedroom, picked up the Thunderclap Diagram, and said indifferently, "Indeed, quite remarkable. The method of concealing internal energy is no ordinary feat, being able to silently infiltrate the Yu Family residence and come to the outside of my bedroom. Worthy of being a major Demon Sect with influence across the State Government Office and Prefecture City."


    That person just now was also extraordinary in strength. Not to mention the Artistic Conception, even his Body Tempering realm alone was at least at the Major Achievement of Bone Tempering. He was clearly intent on a one-strike kill, aiming to kill me instantly without even allowing me to let out a sound.


    But unfortunately,


    The Blood Hidden Pavilion miscalculated my strength.


    Or rather, up till now, the entire Yu County only knows part of my true strength, which are Xu Hongyu and Xiao He; even the Yu Family patriarch, Yu Zuyi, is in the dark. The Blood Hidden Pavilion might have gathered detailed intelligence, but they are still newcomers in Yu County. They couldn''t possibly have accurate information about me.


    With that person''s skills, even if I were at Tendon Changing Perfection and possessed an Artistic Conception, I would have died silently, without any chance to resist or struggle, not even able to make a noise.


    "Blood Hidden Pavilion?!"


    A trace of shock appeared in Chen Yue''s eyes, and she quickly looked outside.


    But Chen Mu shook his head, "No need to look anymore, he has already escaped, he can''t be caught."


    That assassin from the Blood Hidden Pavilion''s strength was formidable; within the entire Yu Family, probably only one or two people could confront him. Even Yu Zuyi might not be sure of victory. Even if they assembled a force for a search, it would be meaningless.


    As for reporting upwards, it''s even more useless. Firstly, there''s no evidence, and secondly, even with evidence, it doesn''t matter. The Blood Hidden Pavilion is a Demon Sect; they act according to their own rules, following only their own way.


    "But brother, you were targeted by the Blood Hidden Pavilion; what should we do now?"


    Chen Yue''s face turned slightly pale.


    "It''s nothing."


    Chen Mu shook his head and said, "Although the Demon Sect doesn''t follow laws and acts as if they don''t exist, they have their own set of rules. The Blood Hidden Pavilion values stealth and leaves no trace. If the assassination fails, they cancel the mission and won''t strike a second time, unless someone else puts me on their list again¡­"


    At this point,


    a cold light flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    In Yu City, the only one he could think of who would make a move on him was the He Family. As for the Xue Family or the Xie Family stirring up trouble deliberately, it was highly unlikely because the price for hiring the Blood Hidden Pavilion was steep.


    The strength he had revealed was not weak: Tendon Changing Realm, Horizontally Trained Body, Xun Wind Artistic Conception. He guessed the He Family must have spent a considerable sum this time. For a second attempt, it was doubtful that the He Family could afford the price.


    As for the Blood Hidden Pavilion''s failed assassination attempt on him, there was no need to broadcast the incident. Drawing too much attention wasn''t a good thing, and on the Blood Hidden Pavilion''s side, they would be even less likely to spread the word.

 Chapter 152: 135 Artistic Conception Step Two

    ```"Brother..."


    Chen Yue pursed her lips, her little face still somewhat pale.


    She knew that to many people, Chen Mu seemed to have risen effortlessly to success. But in fact, the hardships he endured behind the scenes far exceeded those of ordinary people. He was practising cultivation every day without end.


    And the tasks like serving as Prefecture Chief, hunting demons, and clashing with the He Family, she knew these were not easy matters and were surely fraught with many crises and hardships. Until now, those had all felt somewhat distant to her, but this time she had a very real sense of the danger that accompanied Chen Mu.


    Look at that shattered wall.


    One could almost imagine how perilous the scene had been, with assassins from Blood Hidden Pavilion sneaking in under the cover of night and launching a swift strike. They were from the legendary Blood Hidden Pavilion, known for rarely failing in their assassinations. It was said that hardly one in a hundred lived to tell the tale after an encounter with their assassins.


    The danger Chen Mu faced in the courtyard next to hers could only be imagined; he had just experienced a brush with death.


    If only she could be of help to him.


    Yet, although she was among the top contenders in the Yu Family Martial Arts Institute among her peers, she was still too far from Chen Mu''s level and lacked any status or power to utilize, unless she could enter the Seven Profound Sect.


    But the Seven Profound Sect currently only accepted boys and girls under the age of sixteen, and she had just passed that age.


    "Go to sleep, it''s all right now."


    Chen Mu saw how Chen Yue still appeared unsettled, her little face pale, so he reached out and touched her head, comforting her with a word.


    Chen Yue looked at the room with one wall destroyed and bit her lip corner, asking, "Then how will you rest tonight, brother?"


    Chen Mu said calmly, "I won''t sleep tonight, I''m used to practising through the night anyway. Go on, you go."


    "...Okay."


    Chen Yue wanted to say more, but when she heard Chen Mu''s words, in the end, she just nodded, her head lowered, and took small steps to walk out.


    Chen Mu watched Chen Yue leave and then looked at the mess in the room, shook his head, and without tidying up much, walked directly through the front hall to the room opposite the bedroom. This room was furnished with many soft chairs and tea sets, typically used for reading and receiving guests.


    The lanterns had been damaged during the fight, so Chen Mu called Wang Ni, who had not yet gone to bed, and asked her to bring a new oil lamp, which she lit at the table. He then spread out the Thunderclap Diagram again and continued to ponder over it.


    Artistic Conception is a powerful force.


    But how to use it is also a kind of knowledge, and there is much depth in it.


    In fact, when Chen Mu was contemplating the Artistic Conception Map, he was more focused on seeking to display the power of the Artistic Conception rather than enhancing his understanding of the Artistic Conception itself. After all, the system could directly improve his Realm, but it would not create Techniques out of thin air.


    Previously, when he merged the Wind Thunder Artistic Conception to create ''Startling Wind-Thunder,'' it was the only Artistic Conception Technique that Chen Mu had. However, after many battles and long periods of contemplation, he had more room for manoeuvre.


    Like the move he used to block the assassin from Blood Hidden Pavilion.


    It seemed simple.


    But actually, it involved amplifying the Thunderclap Artistic Conception along his entire arm, forcibly increasing his speed by a great deal, to the point where he could, in the blink of an eye, strike the sword with two fingers, breaking its Artistic Conception power and causing it to disperse.


    Similarly, Chen Mu had been unaware of the Blood Garment Tower assassin''s presence until the moment of the attack. The sword blade had not fully penetrated the windowsill, but he had already sensed it, having a premonition beforehand.


    And this sensation came from the Xun Wind Artistic Conception.


    Between heaven and earth, almost any action stirs up a breeze. Under the Artistic Conception of a thousand winds, even the slightest breeze is captured clearly by him. This is a perceptive ability from the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, truly ''Autumn Wind Sentience''!


    Xun Wind, Thunderbolt.


    These two Artistic Conceptions are not just simple enhancements of wind and thunder on the blade to increase power; they possess almost infinite mysteries within themselves. Otherwise, how could the Qiankun Eight Phases Map be considered the foremost among all Artistic Conceptions in the world?!


    When Chen Mu first grasped the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, he mostly added it to his blade or himself to enhance the might of his strikes. Only later did he gradually come to understand more of its mysteries, and from there, he developed the ''Autumn Wind Sentience'' sensation.


    Under the flickering candlelight,


    Chen Mu pondered deeply over the Thunderclap Diagram.


    Actually, to this day, this Thunderclap Diagram could hardly offer him much deeper insight as it was just a rubbings diagram. Chen Mu even felt that he had almost completely absorbed the meager remaining Thunderclap insights from the rubbings. Now his contemplation was more for gaining experience from the system panel.


    Finally,


    The sky in the distance began to lighten, the glow of dawn had not yet touched the earth, but the darkness between heaven and earth was gradually receding.


    Chen Mu, who had been sitting quietly in front of the Thunderclap Diagram, finally slowly raised his head, blew gently at the lantern on the table, extinguishing the lamp flame, and then closed his eyes slowly, calling up the system panel.


    [Martial Arts: Thunderclap Artistic Conception]


    [Experience: 10001 points]


    [Number of deductions available: 0 times]


    "Finally, it''s enough for one more attempt. I hope this time I can step into the second phase of Artistic Conception in one go," Chen Mu muttered to himself.


    The true teachings of Heavenly Sword Sect, the unknown individuals of Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, the assassins from Blood Hidden Pavilion... The changing situation in Yu County made him feel insecure even with his current strength.


    Within the context of the Four Great Families, he was at an acceptable level, but at the rank of the Four Great Sects, those in the Bone Tempering Realm did not amount to much. Only by stepping into the Fifth Realm and reaching the Five Viscera level could one truly be considered accomplished.


    The Five Viscera Realm was still far from him,


    But the second step of Artistic Conception was also a level that could touch the might of the Five Viscera Realm.


    ```


    ```


    Chen Mu calmed his thoughts for a moment, made some adjustments, and then, as the first ray of dawn completely illuminated the entire Yu City, and even the whole Yu County, he also willed his accumulated experience to be exchanged for additional deductions, and deduced once again!


    Whoosh.


    In the darkness that filled Chen Mu''s vision, suddenly appeared a desolate, ancient world where no sign of life could be seen, not even a hint of greenery. All that existed was a barren wasteland.


    In such desolation, dense clouds suddenly gathered in the sky above, and then a flash of light burst forth from within the cloudbank, followed by a thunderclap that seemed capable of scattering one''s soul.


    Boom!!! S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Startling thunder rumbled, and the colors of the wind and clouds transformed.


    This blinding bolt of lightning shot down from the cloud-covered heavens, piercing through to forge a link between the vault of the sky and the earth!


    This might not be the first bolt of lightning in this desolate world, but it was certainly the most crucial among countless others. In the extreme destruction of this bolt, from supreme yin new yang was birthed, and in the once silent and barren world, a faint glimmer of life emerged.


    Though feeble, its existence was real, and as the profound mysteries of the universe turned, it would eventually change everything slowly.


    "Qian Heaven Kun Earth, wind, thunder, water, fire... Although wind, thunder, and fire all lean towards Qian Heaven, resembling a display of heavenly might, in reality, there is no absolute division among myriad phenomena. Thunderbolts manifest heavenly might but also connect heaven and earth."


    Chen Mu murmured to himself thoughtfully.


    Thunderbolts represented destruction, and yet, they were imbued with rebirth.


    In his previous insights from the Thunderclap Artistic Conception, what he managed to capture were always aspects like speed and penetration, and although he understood early on that the thunderbolt should contain even greater power, he was never able to touch upon it.


    But now, he had finally penetrated the surface, reaching into the essence of the thunderbolt''s might.


    The deduction was not yet over.


    What followed was the rapid transformation of the desolate world, with greenery swiftly covering the land, and various creatures began to roam about; but as Qiankun cycled, impurities were born, eventually causing some creatures to turn into rampaging demons.


    Ghosts roamed freely, and demons ran amok!


    In the blink of an eye, the once green world began to lose its vitality again.


    Boom!


    Another bolt of lightning appeared suddenly, plummeting from the ninth heaven.


    The might of the thunderbolt shook the heavens and the earth, like the wrath of heaven.


    With one strike,


    The evil demons scattered!


    "Destruction... No, this is a form of suppression. Under the might of the thunderbolt, all evil and petty creatures have nowhere to hide and are scattered."


    Chen Mu gained enlightenment.


    The birth and restraint among all things in heaven and earth were clearly demonstrated here.


    Like the assassin from the Blood Hidden Pavilion, his Artistic Conception was terrifyingly powerful. The aura of evil Qi and momentum revealed in that instant turned his entire sleeping chamber into a desolate realm nearing death.


    Normally, among the Qiankun Eight Phases, apart from heaven and earth, maybe three other Artistic Conceptions would be needed to counteract it, but this kind of fierce and evil Qi happened to be restrained by the Thunderclap Artistic Conception, making it shatter with a single strike!


    "I see."


    "The reason why the Qiankun Eight Phases are considered the ultimate in Martial Arts is not solely because of their complexity, or because they combine eight phases to possess essential might greater than others, but because these eight phases almost encompass all the fundamental principles of birth and restraint in all things in heaven and earth.


    No matter what Artistic Conception the opponent practices, there will always be one in the eight that can counter it."


    Without realizing it, Chen Mu gained a deeper understanding of the entire Qiankun Eight Phases.


    Just imagine, when the Qiankun Eight Phases are gathered, the fundamental might of their Artistic Conception is inherently higher than that of other Martial Arts, and whether it''s dealing with Blood Fiend, Five Elements, Yin Yang, among others, the Eight Phases contain the ways of birth and restraint.


    Even if they can''t form an absolute counter against certain specific Martial Arts Artistic Conceptions, there are no techniques in the world that can counter the Qiankun Eight Phases all at once.


    At best, sects like the Heavenly Sword Sect issue slogans like ''One Sword Breaks Myriad Laws,'' but in essence, it''s still a clash of might without any real simultaneous restraint over the Eight Phases.


    Even if their Sword Dao is not the most fundamental and formless type but contains elements of destruction and slaughter, then from within the Qiankun Eight Phases, one can directly extract a more complete phase of birth and restraint that corresponds to it.


    At last.


    All that was before his eyes gradually disappeared.


    Chen Mu still had his eyes closed. In the darkness of his view, countless threads appeared, representing the various aspects of the thunderbolt, drifting between heaven and earth.


    At this moment, each thread became incredibly clear in his eyes, far clearer than when he first comprehended them.


    In a trance, Chen Mu slowly extended his hand and reached for the nearest thread.


    Crackle!


    The thread transformed into a bolt of lightning and vanished from between his fingers.


    But there was no disappointment in Chen Mu''s heart, instead, a trace of joy gradually rose. Although he didn''t manage to grasp it, he truly touched it, touched that part of the essence in the universe that represented the thunderbolt.


    Touched upon it.


    That was¡­ the second step of Artistic Conception!


    ```

 Chapter 153: Chapter 136 Everlasting Life

    Suddenly, he opened his eyes.Chen Mu looked at his own palm.


    In his palm, a bundle of lightning writhed like thousands of snakes, continuously bursting forth with strands of luster and emitting a sizzling sound. It was no longer the faint traces of lightning he had barely managed to produce before. Instead, it seemed as if he was holding a bundle of real lightning in the center of his palm, existing there as if it were tangible!


    Crack!


    Chen Mu clenched his five fingers together, and the lightning made a cracking sound before being extinguished in his grasp.


    "Artistic Conception is about gradually perceiving the nature of heaven and earth, getting closer to heaven and earth, step by step, and merging the power of heaven and earth. Using one''s own perception, one can invoke a portion of heaven and earth''s might."


    "No wonder the second step of the Artistic Conception is a qualitative change."


    "The first step of the Artistic Conception merely allows one to see one of the essential natures of the world. Even when you manage to harness it, you force it out with your own strength, draining your spirit and Qi-Blood."


    "But the second step of the Artistic Conception is not about gathering with one''s own strength. Instead, it truly touches upon a wisp of heaven and earth''s might. It''s a power borrowed from the world, seemingly inexhaustible."


    Chen Mu slowly exhaled a breath, emitting a sigh.


    He had heard.


    That practitioners of the Five Viscera Realm, with their Five Viscera returning to the origin, could transform their own Qi-Blood into Yuan Gang True Essence, forming a perfect internal cycle, and being more capable of absorbing the breath of the world beyond. Compared to Martial Artists of the Bone Tempering Realm, the most significant change was in their endurance.


    For one at the Bone Tempering Realm, although capable of easily crushing an ordinary Tendon Changing Realm Martial Artist, if surrounded by a group of elite Tendon Changing Martial Artists in armor, with a large number of Army Soldiers encircling them, they could still be worn down to death.


    After all, being armored or not is a different concept altogether. Like the armguard soldiers outside the city, tens of thousands of elites, although all are Martial Men of the Body Refinement Realm, fully armed to the teeth, Martial Artists of the Bone Tempering Realm are not invulnerable all over their bodies.


    If one stands still and gets stabbed by a Martial Man with a spear, injury is inevitable.


    Not everyone has a horizontally trained body like Chen Mu.


    Thus, if one falls into an encirclement by the armguard army, even if the commanders of the Bone Tempering Realm do not make a move, just the siege from those elite soldiers and Colonels alone would make it very difficult for a Martial Artist of the Bone Tempering Realm to breakout.


    However, the Five Viscera Realm is different. With the Five Viscera returning to the origin and the cultivation of the Inner Breath Technique, unless there''s a special ''Military Formation'' that blocks heaven and earth, the Yuan Gang of the Five Viscera Realm will keep drawing from the world incessantly, with the Five Viscera transforming and absorbing it, nearly impossible to deplete.


    That''s one of the reasons why it''s hard to kill someone from the Five Viscera Realm.


    After all, unless trapped by several contemporaries in a tight siege, they could just keep fleeing until the end of time. With their Inner Breath cycling on its own, it wouldn''t matter even if they didn''t eat or drink for a month.


    If they cultivated to the Six Viscera Realm, their endurance would be even more prolonged and vast, almost capable of fasting, not needing food or drink for years on end without trouble.


    To match someone from the Five Viscera Realm, mere strength is insufficient.


    You also need a power source that is nearly infinite and comparable, or else even if you train to the Tiger and Leopard Thunder Sound and achieve Flawless Jade Bones, refining your physique to the ultimate extent and being strong enough to clash with the Five Viscera Realm, if the opponent just drags out the fight, you are bound to lose once your Qi-Blood runs out.


    But mastering the second step of the Artistic Conception is entirely different.


    It''s also a nearly infinite power, directly borrowed from heaven and earth''s might, sharing a masterpiece-like similarity with the internal and external circulation of the Five Viscera Realm, its might being several times stronger than the first step.


    "With this second step into the Thunderclap Artistic Conception, the Bone Tempering Realm is no longer a threat, but it''s unknown how it would fare against someone from the Five Viscera Realm," said Chen Mu, slowly standing up and looking out the window with his hands behind his back.


    The path to victory lies in the minutiae. When two beginners in martial arts face off against each other, often the braver one wins, with courage sometimes outweighing strength and technique. But as the Realm climbs higher, various factors can become the key to victory or defeat.


    His advantage lies in his physique, being close to a Horizontally Trained Body with Major Achievement, which could be said to be far beyond an ordinary Martial Artist with Perfection in the Bone Tempering Realm. Stepping into the Five Viscera Realm does not significantly enhance one''s own body, so in this regard, he might still hold an advantage.


    As for the second step of the Artistic Conception, there is no clear conclusion when compared with the Yuan Gang True Essence of the Five Viscera Realm regarding which is weaker or stronger.


    As for techniques,


    he was probably not as good as those existing in the Five Viscera Realm.


    After all, those who have cultivated to the Five Viscera Realm, either belong to families like the He or Yu, whose ancestors were immersed for many years, having far more experience in combat than him, or they were the prodigies of the Great Sects, with various inheritances at their disposal.


    Unlike him, who could only rely on himself to practice, slowly comprehend, and gradually speculate on suitable techniques.


    "Ah, right," said Chen Mu as he suddenly remembered something else. He then returned to the table, sat down again, and looked back at the Thunderclap Diagram.


    As he expected, after reaching the second step of the Artistic Conception, there wasn''t much more to perceive from the diagram; even Chen Mu felt that if he were to copy the diagram, he might create an Artistic Conception that was even deeper.


    The level of the copied diagram was completely unable to keep up with the height of the second step of the Artistic Conception.


    However,


    what somewhat surprised Chen Mu was that even though this Thunderclap Diagram seemed like a waste of paper to him now, when he forced himself to contemplate it, the system panel still allowed him to gain experience!


    The efficiency of gaining experience had decreased quite a bit, though. What used to take three months to accumulate ten thousand points of experience now took almost five or six months. Although it wasn''t too long, upon a quick estimation by Chen Mu, he couldn''t help but shake his head.


    Stepping out of the first step of the Artistic Conception required only a single deduction.


    But to take the second step, he had to use two deductions. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Without a doubt.


    To truly comprehend the third step, the number of times needed would inevitably be more, perhaps four or five times, or even seven or eight times were possible. In this case, if he were to forcefully practice the Thunderclap Artistic Conception with the Thunderclap Diagram for the third step, the efficiency would be too low.


    By comparison, it might be faster for him to start from the beginning with the Yu Family''s Superior Grade ''Kan Water Diagram'' copied by a disciple of the master painter, and practice the Kan Water Artistic Conception all the way to the third step than to forcibly practice the Thunderclap!


    "If only I could get my hands on the ''Artistic Conception Map of the Eight Phases'' or the legendary ''Primordial Eight Phases Diagram,'' then I could find a place to squat for ten years and practice all the Qiankun Artistic Conceptions to the third step or even higher, becoming invincible in the world once I reemerge."


    Chen Mu shook his head with some regret.


    This, of course, was only his wishful thinking. After all, let alone the Primordial Eight Phases Diagram, even the rumored already shattered Artistic Conception Map of the Eight Phases would probably cause an uproar among the Great Sects like Seven Profound and Heavenly Sword if just one of them were to surface.


    Although the Heavenly Sword Sect and Blood Hidden Pavilion do not practice the Qiankun Eight Phases, the Artistic Conception Map of the Eight Phases they represent is also an understanding of the essence of nature, a rare treasure in the world, which they could use for reference or to comprehend.


    "It''s also about time to take a look at the Yu Family''s Artistic Conception Maps."


    Chen Mu took a deep breath.


    And the Bone Tempering Pills, it''s about time to give the rest to Xu Hongyu.


    Earlier, after he had achieved Minor Achievement in the Bone Tempering Realm, he did not immediately give the remaining Bone Tempering Pills to Xu Hongyu. Mainly because it was not yet time for her to attempt Bone Tempering, she was still contemplating Artistic Conceptions, adjusting her Qi-Blood.


    As for himself achieving Minor Achievement in Bone Tempering in just a month, that speed was quite shocking, but as for Xu Hongyu, she was not shocked just once or twice, and even now, she continued to conceal for him the fact that he mastered two types of Artistic Conceptions, without even revealing it to Yu Zuyi.


    As a Sect that follows the path of assassination, Blood Hidden Pavilion naturally has a formidable information network. If the news that he mastered two types of Artistic Conceptions were to leak to several people, the events of last night might have taken a very different turn.


    Xu Hongyu thought and acted for him, which indirectly influenced the change today.


    A gentle flicker passed through Chen Mu''s eyes. He then put away the Thunderclap Diagram and exited the main entrance. The morning had already passed, but due to his orders, even maids like Wang Ni, Ku''er, and Ler were not allowed to approach the eastern wing where he resided.


    It was not until this moment that Chen Mu looked at the debris on the ground, casually waving his hand several times to slice the broken wooden window frames and panels into neat chunks before lighting a fire to burn the debris on the spot.


    His house was also built of pure wood, but the wooden materials were not particularly rare.


    After burning the ruins to ashes,


    Chen Mu then summoned the servants from the outer courtyard, instructing them to clean the yard and to call the Yu Family''s carpenters to repair the house anew.


    ...


    He Family residence.


    Nestled in the northwest part of the compound was where He Guangxun resided.


    It was early in the morning when he slowly opened his eyes, getting up from the slender jade arms of his two concubines. After composing himself, he let the two concubines assist him to dress and wash up. His gaze swept through the window, but his eyes flashed with irritation.


    One and a half months had passed.


    There was still no news from Blood Hidden Pavilion.


    And according to the He Family''s spies, there had been no change in the Yu Family recently, and Chen Mu was still alive and well.


    "I''ve spent nine hundred thousand silver... The Blood Hidden Pavilion said that their assassination Blood Concealment never fails more than once in a hundred tries. How come it takes so long to kill a son-in-law of the Yu Family? He''s not even a Sect Disciple."


    He Guangxun grew more irritated at the thought.


    He had never actually met Chen Mu, but he did not want to see him at all, hoping that Chen Mu would evaporate from his life early, leaving no trace, to avoid the possibility that Chen Mu might become a significant problem for the He Family.


    However, he dared not urge the Blood Hidden Pavilion, nor did he dare to dictate what they should do. After all, in the current Wasteland County, it was difficult to determine which Great Sect was the strongest, but if there was one Sect that no one wanted to provoke, it was undoubtedly the Blood Hidden Pavilion.


    Nobody wanted to mess with a Sect that specialized in assassination and live in fear day and night.


    Nevertheless,


    Just as He Guangxun''s impatience grew and his anger was about to boil over, ready to lay hands on the concubine beside him, he suddenly heard the concubine exclaim in surprise, "Huh, why is there an extra package here? Who sent it?"


    He Guangxun paused, glancing at it, his pupils slightly constricted. He saw that next to the windowsill of his bedroom, a black package appeared quietly, as if it had just materialized.


    He Guangxun quickly stood up, and after his expression changed several times, he said in a deep voice,


    "Everyone, leave!"


    The two concubines looked at each other, not daring to question further, and swiftly dressed and exited.


    He Guangxun then approached the windowsill and slowly opened the package, only to find it contained a pile of torn fabric pieces and random objects, with a piece of yellow paper at the very bottom, on which were written cold words in a slanted script.


    [The intelligence does not match, task temporarily halted, or an additional payment of nine hundred and ten thousand, two thousand silver notes is required]


    "??"

 Chapter 154: Chapter 137: Shocking

    "The son-in-law is here."When Chen Mu arrived at Xu Hongyu''s courtyard, a maid spotted him, hurriedly paid her respects towards Chen Mu, then some went inside to report while others bowed to Chen Mu and said, "Son-in-law, the young mistress is not here right now."


    "It''s all right."


    Chen Mu spoke calmly.


    If Xu Hongyu was not in the courtyard, then she was certainly deep within the Yu Family''s territory, engaging in understanding the Kan Water Diagram, and since the maids had just gone inside to report, it meant Hongyu should be around.


    Sure enough, soon a figure dressed in green attire, a maid, came out from inside¡ªit was indeed Hongyu. Chen Mu was quite unaccustomed to seeing Hongyu dressed properly in the common maid''s attire; she usually wore inconspicuous gray robes or clothes slightly less elegant than those of Xu Hongyu.


    Upon seeing Chen Mu, Hongyu led him to a secluded spot and whispered, "I heard something happened in your courtyard last night?"


    The noise from Chen Mu''s courtyard the previous night, although suppressed by him, could not escape the abundance of servants and out-going patrol, which led to discussions by day. Hongyu, being well-versed in various affairs at the Yu Family, soon came to know of it.


    However, since Chen Mu made no moves, there must have been a reason behind his inaction, so she did not initiate contact until Chen Mu visited, speculating that he might want to discuss the incident.


    "It was nothing serious."


    Chen Mu shook his head, still he discussed the matter of the Blood Hidden Pavilion with Hongyu. On one hand, Hongyu was to him as close as Chen Yue, no longer strangers; on the other hand, Hongyu might know even more about the Blood Hidden Pavilion and the He Family than he did.


    Hongyu was shocked upon hearing it, but quickly suppressed her reaction.


    "It seems the missy kept your matters very confidential, not even telling the family head. That was the right thing to do."


    Before the news of the Four Great Sects settling in Yu County spread, Hongyu believed that whether to keep the news quiet or to only inform the high-ranking members of the Yu Family was appropriate for Chen Mu. But considering the developments that followed until today, it could only be said that Xu Hongyu chose the most prudent method for Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu, now calm, said, "You probably know more about the Blood Hidden Pavilion than I do. What price do you think they''d quote for my public capabilities?"


    Hongyu observed Chen Mu, seeing his current calm and relaxed demeanor, showing no sign of the tension one might expect from having been targeted by the Blood Hidden Pavilion just the night before, causing ripples in her beautiful eyes.


    With just his composure, no one in his generation in Yu City could compare.


    "Perhaps around seven hundred thousand taels?"


    Hongyu thought and said, "The Blood Hidden Pavilion values leaving no trace and killing silently. Your strength is one aspect, but the key lies in your status as a Demon-Slaying White-Clothed Guard and your early engagement to the young mistress. Moreover, you have been staying constantly at the Yu Family''s residence lately."


    Chen Mu stroked his chin.


    Hongyu''s evaluation was higher than his own estimate, which had been around five to six hundred thousand taels. Indeed, he was somewhat tempted by this amount of silver, especially since his Bone Tempering cultivation was like spending money like water. Had he not saved a lot of silver before, he might have had to stoop to borrowing from Xu Hongyu, which would have been rather unseemly.


    Sadly, the silver was not readily accessible to him; if he was short on silver later on, he would just ''borrow'' some from the He Family. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Then what price do you think the He Family would offer if the Blood Hidden Pavilion makes another attempt, giving my strength revealed last night?"


    Chen Mu continued to inquire after some thought.


    Hongyu still looked at Chen Mu with eyes shimmering with admiration.


    In just under three months, he had formally entered the Bone Tempering stage. Although she knew it wouldn''t be difficult for Chen Mu to reach Bone Tempering, such progress still filled her with admiration, especially since Chen Mu also mastered two Artistic Conceptions.


    "Considering your strength and all your background identities, it''s likely to be over ten million taels, perhaps even more,"


    Hongyu thought for a moment and said softly.


    Key to this was that Chen Mu was not alone; besides being a Demon-Slaying White-Clothed Guard affiliated with the Seven Profound Sect, the more strength and talent he displayed, the exponential increase in the cost to kill him.


    Considering Chen Mu''s strength alone, ensuring his silent demise would probably require the involvement of someone from the Five Viscera Realm, which itself signified a completely different price range, possibly over a million taels.


    Moreover, Chen Mu was also a son-in-law highly valued by the Yu Family. After surviving an assassination attempt, the Blood Hidden Pavilion would likely surmise that he might move deeper into the Yu Family''s residence to stay with a Five Viscera Realm ancestor of the Yu family.


    This would significantly increase the difficulty of a silent assassination!


    Add to that potential interference from the Seven Profound Sect, making the Blood Hidden Pavilion''s task of assassinating Chen Mu start at likely over ten million taels.


    "Hmm, as I suspected, the He Family probably can''t afford this money,"


    Chen Mu said lightly.


    The four great families of Yu County naturally possess more than ten million taels, but the problem is that in today''s chaotic times, silver left untouched is as good as scrap metal. Only by spending it to cultivate talent or enforcers does it truly become effective.


    The amount of silver the He Family has in reserve couldn''t possibly be much; after all, should an emergency arise, silver is utterly useless, but cultivating a group of elite Blade Masters in the Tendon Changing Realm would be a very effective force.


    "Most likely not, I''ve heard the young mistress mention that the Yu Family typically has a few million taels in circulation... But you''d better go spend some time cultivating at the ''Ancient Courtyard''."

 Chapter 155: Chapter 137 Shock_2

    Little Lotus thought for a moment before speaking."The Ancient Courtyard is at the deepest part of the Yu Family''s estate, where a great-ancestor of the Yu Family once lived. It''s also where the Yu Family''s treasury and fundamental objects, such as the Kan Water Diagram, are located," she said.


    In Little Lotus''s view, it was basically impossible for the He Family to bankrupt themselves to hire an assassin from the Blood Hidden Pavilion. The reason was simple: even if the He Family could really come up with that much silver taels, such a massive movement of silver would be impossible to hide from the Yu Family''s surveillance.


    It would not be considered an assassination at all, but an incredibly foolish act.


    Once such movement was detected,


    Chen Mu could just go directly to the Inspectorate and stay there!


    As a White-Clothed Guard of the Demon-Slaying Office, Chen Mu belonged to the power under the Seven Profound Sect. With his talent and strength on display, it was not just that the Seven Profound Sect might exceptionally admit Chen Mu into its Inner Sect; at least, that Inspector would not allow Chen Mu to come into harm''s way.


    By then, the He Family would be making enemies on all sides. Not only would they anger the Inspector, but they would also have exhausted themselves financially, fail to kill Chen Mu, and even invite all sorts of reprisals from the Yu Family. Even if they didn''t collapse immediately, they would be scattered and in disarray.


    Compared to hiring the Blood Hidden Pavilion,


    Little Lotus instead felt that it was more likely for the He Family to just break the pot and let their great-ancestor, who was in the Five Viscera Realm, take the chance to make a move on Chen Mu. That''s why she felt that it might be better for Chen Mu to simply move to the Ancient Courtyard and go into closed-door cultivation with Xu Hongyu.


    "The Ancient Courtyard, huh."


    Chen Mu looked at Little Lotus and nodded slightly, saying, "Hmm, actually I''ve recently reached a bottleneck in my comprehension of the Thunderclap Artistic Conception, and I was indeed wanting to look at other maps."


    Little Lotus looked at Chen Mu and blinked her eyes, comforting him, "The second step of the Artistic Conception is very difficult. You have only one copy of the rubbings, so encountering a bottleneck is normal for most people. Given your talent, it''s more suitable for you to contemplate other Artistic Conceptions.


    If you could simultaneously comprehend four or five kinds, I fear it wouldn''t be much inferior to the second step of any Artistic Conception."


    "If one could cultivate four or five kinds of the Eight Phases, then in terms of sheer power, they indeed might be comparable to the second step of an Artistic Conception, but still not quite the same in other aspects," Chen Mu said.


    Artistic Conception was not ordinary; each of the Eight Phases Diagram''s Artistic Conceptions in itself was extraordinary. Compared to the ''Five Elements Artistic Conception'' with its subcategories of metal, wood, water, fire, and earth, they could stand on equal footing or even surpass them slightly.


    It was only that he had recently encountered ''Heart Sword'' and ''Blood Fiend,'' which just happened to be on an even higher level.


    If he could gather four or five of wind, thunder, water, fire, in terms of sheer power, indeed he could compete with ordinary second-step Artistic Conceptions, but only in terms of sheer power...


    After all, managing the simultaneous eruption of four or five Artistic Conceptions would be quite detrimental to one''s own body, making it impossible to fight for long without collapsing, whereas the second step of Artistic Conception directly harnesses a portion of The Power of Heaven and Earth and is nearly inexhaustible.


    ...


    At the center of the Yu Family''s estate.


    "He finally wants to go to the Ancient Courtyard to comprehend the Artistic Conception Maps?"


    Yu Zuyi stood in the courtyard, hearing the words reported by Little Lotus, and couldn''t help but smile.


    To realize the second step of Artistic Conception was exceedingly difficult, especially before stepping into the Five Viscera Realm.


    Although there were such people in Yu County, those were individuals who had reached their twilight years after a lifetime of experience and finally comprehended it, but by then, their Qi-Blood was declining, their tendons and bones were decayed, and even if they had grasped the second step of Artistic Conception, it was already too late in their lives, with hardly any vitality left for action.


    In his view, with Chen Mu''s aptitude, it would be better for him to comprehend other Artistic Conception Maps early on, and realize two or even three different Artistic Conceptions. Then, within the Bone Tempering Realm, he would almost be invincible, and if he stepped into the Five Viscera Realm in the future, he would certainly not be weak.


    But for young people, having spirit was a good thing.


    That''s why he had not previously forced Chen Mu to go to the Ancient Courtyard to comprehend other Artistic Conceptions.


    Now that Chen Mu had encountered difficulties and changed his mind, desiring to comprehend other maps of the Yu Family, he also saw it as a good thing, a sign of a young person knowing when to advance or retreat. He was quite satisfied with this grandson-in-law.


    "Also, there''s another matter to report..."


    Little Lotus scanned the surrounding maids and retainers.


    Yu Zuyi''s expression remained calm as he waved his hand, and the attendants scattered, leaving only Little Lotus.


    Little Lotus organized her words and briefly recounted the events of the previous night. The attempt by the Blood Hidden Pavilion to assassinate him was not something to be widely spoken of, but it still needed to be made known to Yu Zuyi. This was also in accordance with Chen Mu''s wishes since the He Family likely already knew of the incident.


    There was no need to keep it from the upper echelons of the Yu Family, and moreover, it was necessary for the Yu Family''s informants to keep a close watch on the He Family from now on.


    Yu Zuyi did not know what Little Lotus was about to report and just listened quietly. But as soon as he heard of the assassination by the Blood Hidden Pavilion, his face changed immediately. Then, upon hearing Little Lotus say that Chen Mu had repelled the assassin from the Blood Hidden Pavilion, he was greatly shocked.


    Blood Hidden Pavilion.


    One of the Four Great Sects established in the Outer States.


    The head of the Yu Family, of course, was all too familiar with it. A long time ago, all sorts of intelligence about the Blood Hidden Pavilion had been gathered towards him like snowflakes.


    Assassinations conducted by the Blood Hidden Pavilion rarely failed, being successful 99 out of 100 times. Chen Mu had survived an assassination attempt last night... no, according to Little Lotus, he had actually repelled the Blood Hidden Pavilion''s assassin, which was truly startling to him.


    He even began to doubt the truth of what Xiao He had said.


    Perhaps he wasn''t an assassin from the Blood Hidden Pavilion at all; maybe Chen Mu had mistaken his identity.


    Yu Zuyi furrowed his brows and said, "With his strength, an assassin from the Blood Hidden Pavilion would be at least in the Bone Tempering Realm and possess an Artistic Conception. How did he manage to fend him off?"


    Xiao He heard the doubt in Yu Zuyi''s words, bowed to him, and said, "In fact, the son-in-law had reached Tendon Changing Perfection quite some time ago and also mastered the Xun Wind and Thunderclap Artistic Conceptions. However, the miss was worried about a recurrence of the old master''s incident, so she kept it hidden. The He Family didn''t know about it either.


    This time, the son-in-law has made a breakthrough to the Bone Tempering Realm; his strength far exceeded the expectations of the Blood Hidden Pavilion, hence he repelled the assassin."


    Yu Zuyi stood frozen in place.


    Bone Tempering Realm, mastering the Wind Thunder Artistic Conception?


    The words of Xiao He felt like a wild and fanciful tale to him, so much so that he struggled to believe them. But he quickly recalled that, in the past, someone had made a move at the Yu Family residence, attempting to steal a bloodline of the Yu Family. They were intercepted and killed by someone using the Thunderclap Artistic Conception, thus preventing further incidents.


    At the time, no one knew who had intervened, and there was even suspicion that it was someone from the Xue Family or the Xie Family.


    Yu Zuyi remained silent for a while, then slowly said,


    "So, did the mottle-faced Tian Jifeng die at his hand then?"


    "Yes."


    Xiao He, with her head lowered, said, "In fact, the miss didn''t know at that time either. Although there was a deliberate attempt to conceal it later, there were reasons for that. I hope the patriarch will forgive us..."


    A brief silence fell over the courtyard.


    Yu Zuyi looked up at the sky.


    Now that he thought about it, there was also He Mingxuan from the He Family, who died under the Thunderclap Artistic Conception, with the murderer never found. At that time, Chen Mu was working under Xu Hongyu. One by one, each puzzle piece began to connect, solving several perplexing questions that had long troubled him. It felt as though there was an invisible hand manipulating everything.


    He never imagined that this invisible hand would ultimately turn out to be so close to home.


    After a long while,


    Yu Zuyi finally sighed and said, "You have no fault in this. I just underestimated him. His talent far surpasses Yi Chuan''s. If he were to enter the Seven Profound Sect, he might even stand a chance to become a true disciple."


    After a while, Yu Zuyi waved at Xiao He, signaling that she could leave. Xiao He respectfully bowed and then turned to leave the courtyard, leaving Yu Zuyi alone.


    Bone Tempering...


    Wind Thunder...


    Yu Zuyi gazed up at the sky, and even now, the waves in his heart could not be stilled for a long time.


    His son-in-law really was... a huge and unexpected surprise out of the blue.


    However.


    If the He Family were to get accurate information from the Blood Hidden Pavilion, they would surely become completely restless. With Chen Mu''s aptitude, if he were to step into the Five Viscera Realm in the future, the balance of power between the He and Yu families would be completely overturned.


    After all, the He Family''s own Five Viscera expert was also quite old, though not to the point of senescence, and was somewhat better off than the Yu Family. But when compared to Chen Mu, the differences were vast. Moreover, in the past two years, the He Family had suffered successive losses, even with He MingZhen, their talented successor, having gone missing...


    Hmm, looking at it this way, perhaps Chen Mu was behind it as well.


    For many years, the constant strife between the two great He and Yu families had fallen to an undetected stalemate, quietly equalized by Chen Mu alone.


    Now that he thought about it in detail.


    Yu Zuyi still found it all to be dreamlike. After all, Chen Mu''s background is now well-known; he was truly born into the lower class, initially an inconspicuous, ordinary bailiff, who was promoted by Xu Hongyu from the South City District. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And yet, unbeknownst to many, he had reached such heights.


    "Hongyu..."


    "Being born into the Yu Family, you truly are our good fortune, the blessing of the Yu Family..."


    Yu Zuyi muttered to himself.

 Chapter 156: Chapter 138: Reaction

    He Family.The main courtyard located in the very center of the residence.


    In the rich and luxurious hall, adorned with jade and gold, He Zhengya leaned on his cane, watching He Guangxun walk in. He slowly asked, "What does the Blood Hidden Pavilion have to say?"


    Nine hundred thousand silver taels was not a small amount. With the Blood Hidden Pavilion suddenly halting the mission and demanding to increase the price to thirty million taels to continue, it was an unbearable burden for the He Family. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although the He Family was one of the four great families of Yu County, governing tens of millions of people and developing their base in Yu County for nearly a hundred years with assets amounting to more than a hundred million silver taels, the problem was that most of the silver was invested in assets, such as the vast estates outside the county and various business operations.


    On top of that were the thousands of elite Blade Guests trained as Protectors and some Blade Masters in the Tendon Changing Realm.


    Coming up with thirty million in one lump sum was basically impossible.


    Moreover, the most crucial issue was, why was Chen Mu worth thirty million silver taels? Even the nine hundred thousand seemed somewhat overpriced to He Zhengya, and if it weren''t for the reputation of the Blood Hidden Pavilion, it would be better to have their own people make an attempt.


    He Guangxun''s face looked ugly as he walked into the hall.


    "The Blood Hidden Pavilion said that the information regarding Chen Mu is worth nine hundred thousand taels. If you want to know why, the silver previously given is non-refundable... I found this matter suspicious, but trusting the reputation of the Blood Hidden Pavilion, I took the initiative to exchange the silver for the information," he said.


    Upon hearing this, He Zhengya''s eyebrows slightly furrowed. "So what is so unusual about this matter?"


    He Guangxun took a deep breath, his eyes flashing with solemnity. He said in a grave voice, "Father, we all underestimated Chen Mu.


    Everyone thought he grasped the Xun Wind Artistic Conception just before the chaos of the demon uprising, but in fact, he''s not limited to just one Artistic Conception; he also controls the Thunderclap Artistic Conception, and he might have mastered it even earlier than the Xun Wind."


    "Thunderclap?"


    He Zhengya appeared startled.


    In the past, Chen Mu''s name wouldn''t have caught his attention, but ever since Chen Mu revealed his Artistic Conception during the demon chaos, the He Family had collected all sorts of information about him and delivered it to He Zhengya.


    Chen Mu''s previous information was easy to gather; he had been a lowly servant who, by chance, picked up a Blade Technique, and managed to develop a Blade Momentum, eventually catching Xu Hongyu''s attention.


    Moreover, the Blade Technique that Chen Mu exhibited all this time belonged to the Xun Wind lineage. If he had contemplated the Xun Wind Artistic Conception Map in the Yu Family, and his talent and understanding were high enough, it wouldn''t be strange for him to grasp the Xun Wind Artistic Conception. But where did the Thunderbolt come from?


    "Not only that, but as it appears now, Mingxuan might have died at his hands, and at that time, Chen Mu had already almost reached Tendon Changing Perfection. Now, he has stepped into Bone Tempering!"


    He Guangxun''s complexion was very grim.


    He Zhengya''s expression changed upon hearing this. "Bone Tempering? Are you telling the truth?"


    "The information from the Blood Hidden Pavilion should not be fake."


    He Guangxun''s voice was a bit hoarse.


    Being masterful in both the wind and thunder Artistic Conceptions only meant that Chen Mu had an extremely high comprehension.


    Yet, since he started the Body Refining cultivation late and was almost twenty-six years old, if he had entered the Tendon Changing Realm just recently, there was a good chance he could reach Tendon Changing Perfection before thirty, with a possibility of breaking into the Bone Tempering realm. However, the chances of hitting the Five Viscera Realm might be small due to his age.


    An individual at the peak of Bone Tempering with mastery of two Artistic Conceptions, although very strong and difficult for the He Family to deal with, would not overturn the fundamental situation between the He and Yu Families.


    But now.


    Chen Mu had already stepped into Bone Tempering!


    Estimating from the time Chen Mu had been practicing his Body Tempering Method, it probably hadn''t been over four years. In such a short span of time, he had crossed the Skin Toughening, Body Refinement, and Tendon Changing Realms, stepping into Bone Tempering. What a terrifying pace of progress!


    It''s said that there are some born with Copper Skin and iron bones, but at less than twenty-six years of age, Chen Mu''s entry into Bone Tempering, with a high likelihood of reaching Bone Tempering Perfection before thirty, along with his Horizontally Trained Body and Qi-Blood far more vigorous than an ordinary person, had the potential to challenge the Five Viscera Realm.


    Once Chen Mu enters the Five Viscera Realm, the situation for the He and Yu Families would indeed be overturned!


    By then, it would no longer be about the He Family waiting for that elderly member of the Yu Family to age and die, but rather the Yu Family slowly waiting for their member to decay... Mainly because He Mingzhen, the most outstanding of the He Family''s four generations, also perished in the Wasteland Mountains.


    At this thought.


    He Zhengya''s face looked even uglier as he said, "Wind Thunder Artistic Conception, Bone Tempering Realm, it is likely that MingZhen died at his hands. It''s probable that during the quake in the Wilderness Mountains, a fight broke out over a rare treasure, and not knowing his strength, he was caught off guard and killed."


    He Guangxun''s clenched fist tightened as he said, "We have always underestimated this man. Now it seems that his talent surpasses even Xu Yichuan''s. Furthermore, he''s cunning and deceitful, and at such a young age, he can be so forbearing. No matter what, we must eradicate him as soon as possible to avoid future trouble for the He Family."


    "Difficult."


    He Zhengya said with a grim face, "The man has already become influential, and common methods are no longer effective against him. The Blood Hidden Pavilion''s price is too steep; thirty million taels, even if we could afford it, it would certainly cause significant harm, self-inflicting major damage. Moreover, such a large sum of money cannot be moved without alerting the Yu Family and their spies.


    If the Inspector gets involved, the situation will become even more unfavorable."


    Bone Tempering Realm, Horizontally Trained Body, Wind Thunder Artistic Conception.


    When all these factors are combined, there is almost no one in the Bone Tempering Realm who could kill Chen Mu, except for those in the Five Viscera Realm.


    "Then..."


    He Guangxun looked towards He Zhengya without speaking, but He Zhengya understood what He Guangxun meant.

 Chapter 157: Chapter 138 Reaction_2

    ```He sighed.


    "Although I don''t want to disturb the elder, this matter indeed has to be reported. How to handle it can only be decided by him. It''s not something I can decide anymore."


    ...


    Yu Family.


    Ancient Courtyard.


    This is located at the farthest eastern side of Yu Family''s residence, a very tranquil and elegant place. It spans a wide area but is devoid of towering pavilions, housing only small cottages scattered within.


    In the courtyard, there are rockeries and ponds, almost like an enlarged version of Xu Hongyu''s yard, but it lacked that girlish boudoir charm, exuding more of a serene and understated elegance.


    By the pond.


    There was an old man with white hair and beard, fishing.


    Though his hair suggested he was at least in his seventies or eighties, his face was devoid of any wrinkles, and he had a complexion glowing with health, looking like the ''crane-haired but youthful-faced'' immortals from legends.


    He was indeed the previous head of the Yu Family who once served as a steward for the Seven Profound Sect¡ªthe foremost figure from the earlier generation of the Yu Family.


    Yu Jiujiang.


    It seemed like he was fishing, yet the fish hook at the end of his line was straight and bare, without any bait. Nevertheless, the fish in the pond kept circling around the hook as if it were irresistible to them, displaying a closeness that was extraordinary.


    The whole man seemed to blend as one with the pond, even the straight hook, fishing line, and the entire fishing rod seemed to be a part of the water, as if they were an extension of the water springing forth.


    Suddenly.


    Someone entered the courtyard, approaching Yu Jiujiang from behind with the utmost respect. They stopped roughly ten feet away, whispered something, and then bowed and backed away.


    In the silence, a ripple spread across the pond, and the fishing line in the water swayed gently.


    Whoosh!


    The fishing rod jerked, pulling up the line and hook, revealing no fish on the bare hook but a clear cluster of pond water enshrouded around it. As the water swirled, it transformed into the form of a brocaded carp, which wriggled a few times before plopping back into the pond, merging into the water, and disappearing into ordinary clear water once more.


    Yu Jiujiang slowly reeled in his fishing rod, gazing at the pond''s surface, a flicker of pleasure in his eyes.


    "Chen Mu..."


    "Wind-Thunder Artistic Conception, cross training in Bone Tempering..."


    "After Yichuan''s passing, I thought the Yu Family would hardly encounter such destiny again. I did not expect that, although you are no longer with us, the girl you left behind, Hongyu, still brings good fortune to our family. Before I return to dust, there is finally something to look forward to."


    The Ancient Courtyard was usually undisturbed.


    Trivial matters were seldom reported to him.


    However, Hongyu''s prospective marriage had indeed been reported to him not long ago, along with some information about Chen Mu. At that time, it seemed that Chen Mu was indeed a suitable match for Hongyu, but now, it''s no longer about being suitable.


    The fate of the entire Yu Family might very well rest on Chen Mu''s shoulders. Moreover, Chen Mu''s natural talent and potential are even higher than Xu Yichuan''s once were. If he were to join the Seven Profound Sect, he might even compete for the position of a true disciple. The likelihood of him stepping into the Five Viscera Realm in the future is also very high.


    As for him now.


    He sat withered by the pond.


    Guarding his vital energy tightly with the Turtle Breathing Technique, preserving it from loss.


    ```


    But he was ultimately too old, having reached the twilight years of his life at ninety-two. Even as a person of the Five Viscera Realm, he couldn''t resist the turn of the heavens and the earth, the withering and perishing.


    Even if he exerted himself to the fullest, reducing the loss of his vital energy to the minimum and persevering with the Turtle Breathing Technique, he could at most maintain his strength for another two or three years. Once he could no longer preserve his vital energy, he would rapidly decline.


    "We must hurry." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yu Jiujiang murmured softly.


    The maintenance of this strength for two or three years was contingent on him not engaging in combat. With his current condition, once he fought with someone, the intense depletion that would follow meant that the time he could maintain his strength would be even shorter.


    And once these two or three years passed, all that would remain of him was some semblance of deterring power.


    Given Chen Mu''s talent and aptitude, he was able to reach the Bone Tempering Realm in just a few short years. It was almost certain he would be able to step into the Five Viscera Realm in the future, but two or three years were just too brief. It was uncertain whether he would make it in time.


    ...


    In the center of the Inner City.


    Behind the City Lord''s Mansion, a newly towering pavilion stood erect.


    Passersby occasionally walked by, none daring to give the pavilion more than a fleeting glance. Even with a brief sweep of peripheral vision, their eyes revealed deep reverence, deeper even than when gazing at the City Lord''s Mansion.


    This was the Inspectorate.


    Under the authority of the State Government Office, a significant figure, an Inspector himself, governed this place. His authority towered above all of Yu County''s Yamen, holding the highest position of "overseeing a hundred offices, inspecting an entire county." Even Xue Huaikong, the current City Lord, had to submit to his jurisdiction.


    However, since its establishment, the Inspectorate had not much interfered with the original order of Yu City. Its staff were mostly concerned with consolidating the intelligence departments of various Yamen in Yu County. All the intelligence information from every Yamen in Yu County had to pass through the Inspectorate before it was operational within each Yamen.


    This was, after all, the Inspectorate''s duty.


    But in reality, everybody understood that the Inspectorate was more focused on the Four Great Sects: Heavenly Sword, Hehuan, Blood Concealment, and Mysterious Heavenly Sect.


    On the top floor of the Inspectorate was a small pavilion. A figure clad in white robes, appearing young with a scroll in hand as if a scholar, stood at the edge of the terrace, his gaze overlooking various Yamen in the Inner City.


    Only one person in the entirety of Yu County could stand here so serenely,


    The Yu State Inspector.


    The white-clothed scholar, Yan Jingqing.


    "My lord."


    Suddenly a voice came from behind, "There is a report."


    Yan Jingqing stood calmly. Upon hearing the report from behind, a slight ripple touched his serene eyes. He slowly turned around to look at his subordinate, his expression pensive.


    "Chen...Mu?"


    "There is such a talent in Yu County. The past selection by Seven Profound Sect was indeed problematic; such a person could be lost outside. But since he is a member of the Yu Family and serves in the Demon-Slaying Office, it can''t be considered a loss. It''s just that the He Family and Yu Family..."


    Yan Jingqing shook his head slightly.


    The enmity between the He Family and Yu Family was long-standing, originating within the Seven Profound Sect itself. He had little contact with the two families and thus no interest in intervening.


    After all, compared to the behemoth families with complex networks and even Elder-level backgrounds in the Sect that stood tall within the State Government Office, the He Family and Yu Family were merely local powerhouses in Yu County and did not count for much in the grand scheme of Yu State.


    In any case, his visit to Yu County this time was twofold: to control the situation in Yu County, contain the Four Great Sects, and also to scout for talent. Although Chen Mu''s age was not suitable to enter the Sect of Seven Profound, it made no difference whether he joined through the Demon-Slaying Office or the Inspectorate line of work.


    After all, from the State Governor and Inspector down to the Prefectural Governor and Demon-Slaying Office, all were under the Seven Profound Sect''s command in Yu State.


    Only that Sect Disciples hold a more formal status.


    As for Yan Jingqing, he was not born a Sect Disciple, but had risen through the ranks from the Demon-Slaying Office. His background, however, was not as humble as that of Chen Mu, who originated from the true insignificance of being the lowest-ranking clerk.

 Chapter 158: Chapter 139: Water and Fire

    Ancient Courtyard''s back area.In front of a row of very simple-looking cottages.


    Chen Mu stood there, looking inside. He saw each room was not very large, and in the largest room at the center, about seven or eight people were sitting around, among them was the figure of Xu Hongyu.


    The whole room, even the entire courtyard, was quiet.


    Chen Mu silently approached, looked inside, and saw not only Xu Hongyu but also others¡ªold and young, male and female¡ªall intently observing the Artistic Conception Map hanging on the central wall.


    Chen Mu''s gaze first circled around Xu Hongyu, seeing her deeply focused and immersed, so he then directed his sight to the map on the wall. What he saw was a galaxy that seemed to fall from the ninth heaven.


    "Kan Water Diagram¡­"


    Chen Mu murmured to himself quietly.


    Just peering through the doors and windows allowed him to feel the artistic conception contained in the diagram, the rich essence of the Kan Water way, as if it would pour directly out of the image and drown the entire courtyard.


    Compared to it, his own Thunderclap Diagram really seemed like something picked up from the roadside, not worth mentioning in the same breath.


    "The gap is so big."


    It took Chen Mu a while to come back to his senses, his head shaking slightly.


    He had long known that the artistic conception in the inferior prints he had was far from that of a genuine Superior Grade Eight Phases Diagram, but he hadn''t expected the difference to be so vast, like comparing a child''s first attempts at drawing to the work of a master artist at the peak of his craft.


    But upon reflection, he could understand why.


    After all, the prints were created by first tracing the original Eight Phases Diagram, then creating the templates for printing, and later adding details according to the original. Even if this


    process was conducted by masters skilled in artistic depiction, it was hard to capture even a third of the original''s true charm.


    This Kan Water Diagram before him, a genuine Superior Grade work, was supposedly drawn by a true disciple of the legendary painter from a thousand years ago, who copied the original ''Parent Eight Phases Diagram.'' It could actually be referred to as the ''Fourth Generation Diagram,'' a term indicating its clear lineage and authenticity.


    His Thunderclap Diagram had likely gone through who knows how many reproductions.


    Diagrams like this ''Fourth Generation'' Kan Water Diagram, although not unique in the world, were undeniably precious; after all, the true disciples of that painting sage were few, and even if they produced diagrams daily, the ones surviving through hundreds of years would still be scarce.


    Chen Mu pondered briefly, then gathered his thoughts and quietly stared at the Kan Water Diagram, attempting to comprehend it.


    After a moment.


    He activated the system panel with a thought, glanced at it, and quickly found a new line.


    [Martial Arts: Kan Water Artistic Conception (Uncomprehended)]


    [Experience: 7 points]


    [Eligible Derivation Attempts: 0 times]


    "How long has it been?"


    Chen Mu was slightly startled, looking at the accumulated experience points.


    While he pondered the Thunderclap Diagram, six hours a day would yield him only about a hundred points, and it would take roughly three months to gather ten thousand points.


    Just now, his attempt to comprehend the Kan Water Diagram lasted perhaps only a quarter of an hour.


    The division of time in this world was similar to that of his previous life''s ancient dynasty, with a day divided into twelve hours, cutting into ninety-six quarters, where one hour comprised eight quarters, gaining seven points per quarter. In one hour, that would be fifty-six points.


    If he set aside time for eating, resting, and practicing the Body Tempering Method, and could squeeze about five to six hours a day to ponder the Artistic Conception Map, he could gather nearly three hundred experience points!


    The efficiency of comprehending the Kan Water Diagram was almost three times that of the Thunderclap Diagram!


    "This is even higher than I expected,"


    Chen Mu shook his head. If he had been able to comprehend this Kan Water Diagram a few years earlier, he might have already entered the third step of Artistic Conception by now. Unfortunately, back then he couldn''t even touch anything like the Kan Water Diagram.


    With such high efficiency in comprehending the Kan Water Diagram, what about the Separating Fire Map?


    Chen Mu pondered.


    He was about to turn and head to the neighboring cottage to look for the Separating Fire Map.


    But before he could move, he noticed a pretty figure, corners of her eyes shining with a hint of joy, who had approached him silently at some point¡ªit was Xu Hongyu, who had just been inside the room comprehending the Kan Water Diagram. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu blinked at the beauty before him.


    Xu Hongyu nodded subtly in understanding, and then the two of them quietly walked away from the courtyard, heading to an ancient pine not far outside the courtyard. It was there that Xu Hongyu finally looked at Chen Mu and whispered, "What brings you here?"


    Chen Mu, seeing how Xu Hongyu lowered her voice, suddenly felt as if he was back in his previous life, sneaking around in a library, whispering secretively with a junior in a corner.


    "Hmm¡­"


    Xu Hongyu''s elegant eyes shone like jade, blinking twice rapidly.


    She didn''t understand why men liked doing these things, but if Chen Mu liked acting this way towards her, it also brought a ripple of joy to her heart because she knew these were things one only did for a girl they liked.


    Noticing that naive softness, suddenly a bit clumsy in its response, as if trying to learn and adjust to her, Chen Mu''s gaze softened significantly with tenderness and affection. After a brief entanglement, he leaned in close to Xu Hongyu''s ear and said, "I came to see how your training was going. Also, I brought this for you."


    The comprehension of the Kan Water Diagram seemed to have made some progress; Chen Mu had vaguely caught a hint of the moist qi. For a moment, he felt relieved that Xu Hongyu had cultivated the Kan Water Artistic Conception; had she practiced the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception, she might have indeed turned into a piece of jade stone.


    "You''ve managed it."


    Xu Hongyu looked at the embroidered pouch that Chen Mu placed in her hands and knew it contained the Bone Tempering Pill. Thus, her eyes¡ªstill clear¡ªblinked and showed even more joy.


    "Yes."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly, "Just now, I felt your Qi-Blood had almost solidified, it should take only a few months for you to step into the Bone Tempering Realm."


    At Xu Hongyu''s age, having reached Tendon Changing Perfection, Bone Tempering wouldn''t be difficult, and from the close contact just now, he had felt the robustness of her Qi-Blood, which also nearly met the standard.


    "It''s good that you will achieve Bone Tempering. Whether I can or not isn''t so important."


    Xu Hongyu didn''t care about the Bone Tempering Pill in the embroidered pouch; she only looked at Chen Mu and softly spoke.


    "Nonsense."


    Chen Mu lightly pinched Xu Hongyu''s nose and said, "You must not only reach Bone Tempering, but also the Five Viscera. When we both grow old, I definitely won''t allow you to go before me."


    Hearing these words, Xu Hongyu looked somewhat dreamily at Chen Mu, and the moisture in the air seemed to grow even denser.


    Chen Mu touched Xu Hongyu''s head, saying, "Did you hear that?"


    He knew that for a woman like Xu Hongyu, it was hard to be emotionally moved, but once past that initial part, she would be even more devoted than usual women, even to the point of neglecting Martial Arts.


    "...Yes."


    Xu Hongyu gently nodded and carefully stored away the Bone Tempering Pill.


    Chen Mu then briefly recounted some recent events to Xu Hongyu, who was somewhat shocked by the news, feeling a colder inclination towards the He Family.


    After talking for a while, they returned to the previous courtyard, and Chen Mu escorted Xu Hongyu to the main hall where the Kan Water Diagram was placed, then he walked alone to the neighboring room. He passed through each room and soon found the Separating Fire Map stored by the Yu Family.


    In the room where the Separating Fire Map was stored.


    It was spotlessly clean.


    No one was there.


    The descendants of the Yu Family mainly learned the Kan Water Sect''s swordsmanship from the Martial Arts Institute; only a very few truly talented in other Sects would practice different techniques.


    Among the Yu Family, the Separating Fire Sect was the least practiced, as Kan Water and Separating Fire contradicted each other. With almost the entire family practicing the Kan Water Sect, naturally, very few would practice Separating Fire unless they were rebellious by nature.


    The quality of the Separating Fire Map was much inferior compared to the Kan Water Diagram.


    In Chen Mu''s view, it seemed to be another replica; however, it appeared to be slightly higher in quality than the Thunderclap Diagram he had, but just slightly. It did not have as an obvious quality disparity as the superior-grade Kan Water Diagram.


    Looking at the Separating Fire Map, Chen Mu fell into a brief contemplation.


    For him at this moment, practicing the Separating Fire Map was actually most appropriate, as wind, thunder, and fire were the closest Three Phases. However, due to its lower quality than the Kan Water Diagram, its efficiency couldn''t compare.


    But now, he had a superior-grade Flame Jade bed at his disposal. Using this as his couch would position him in an environment very close to Separating Fire, which should significantly aid his comprehension of the Separating Fire Map¡ªeven if he did not know whether the system panel would provide any feedback.


    After some thought.


    Chen Mu decided to first test the effect of the Separating Fire Map, so he found an old man from the Yu Family who guarded the courtyard. He did not take it directly but proposed to temporarily exchange the Thunderclap Diagram for the Separating Fire Map.


    "There''s no need for that. Apart from the Kan Water Diagram, you can take any other diagram you wish to comprehend."


    The old man from the Yu Family was very gentle towards Chen Mu.


    On one hand, news about Chen Mu had already reached here; on the other hand, Yu Jiujiang had himself ordered that all resources needed for Chen Mu''s cultivation be provided by the Yu Family in full.


    "Thank you, senior."


    Chen Mu performed a bow.


    Given such an attitude from the Yu Family, he felt somewhat uneasy about just taking things. Since the Thunderclap Diagram had nearly no use for him anymore, he took it out and hung it in the wall of an empty room.


    This Thunderclap Diagram was also originally the property of the Yu Family, and after a roundabout journey, it had finally returned here.


    He stowed the Separating Fire Map away.


    Chen Mu made his way back to his own courtyard; his bedroom there was still being repaired.


    The Flame Jade bed was not in his bedroom but placed in the inner room of his training silent chamber. Chen Mu didn''t pay much attention to the repairs of his bedroom and went straight to the training silent chamber, walking all the way to the inner room.


    He lit a lamp.


    The pitch-black inner room was illuminated, revealing the Flame Jade that was horizontally placed in the center, entirely reddish in color.


    At this moment, it was perhaps not quite right to call it a bed, as it wasn''t cut; its surface was not smooth. However, Chen Mu did not intend to lie on it for rest or sleep; he merely intended to use it to comprehend the Separating Fire Map.


    He set down the lamp, walked over, and sat cross-legged on the Flame Jade, placing the Separating Fire Map in front of him.

 Chapter 159: Chapter 140: Summoning

    Sitting atop the Flame Jade Bed, a warm and scorching sensation rose from below.Now that the height of summer had passed and autumn was approaching, the heat that once was had subsided, but sitting on the Flame Jade Bed felt like returning to the peak of summer, particularly in the somewhat enclosed Silent Chamber, which was even more sweltering.


    However, Chen Mu''s constitution had long reached the point where he remained unaffected by the cold or heat, not to mention the dry heat from the Flame Jade Bed. Even if he were to soak in boiling water, or even roll around in a cauldron of boiling oil, it wouldn''t have much effect on him.


    He quickly calmed his mind and focused his spirit.


    He began to carefully sense the essence of the Separating Fire Map.


    If the Kan Water Diagram was akin to a silver river falling from the heavens, then the vision presented by the Separating Fire Map was that of a fiery inferno. Just barely touching upon the Artistic Conception of it brought about a sensation of being on the verge of combustion.


    Particularly when sitting on the Flame Jade Bed, this feeling was even more intense. As Chen Mu gradually immersed himself in the Separating Fire Artistic Conception, visible flames slowly began to appear above the Flame Jade Bed. These were not real flames, but rather an extraordinary phenomenon produced by the interaction with the Artistic Conception during the attempt to connect with it.


    To cultivate Artistic Conception is a process of attempting to touch upon the Power of Heaven and Earth.


    No matter what kind of Artistic Conception it was, be it Yin Yang, Blood Fiend, Heavenly Sword, in essence, it''s about using Artistic Conception to connect with, manipulate, and even harness the Power of Heaven and Earth.


    In the environment where the Flame Jade Bed was situated, there was no doubt that Separating Fire was the most vigorous. Here, it was naturally easier to touch upon that part of Heaven and Earth which belonged to Separating Fire.


    Therefore, even though Chen Mu was just trying to sense the Separating Fire Artistic Conception and hadn''t truly comprehended anything yet, he could still cause some extraordinary phenomena.


    "Separating Fire..."


    Chen Mu mumbled to himself, lost in the sensation of the Separating Fire Map.


    The wind fans the flames.


    The thunder gives birth to fire.


    The genesis of Separating Fire is closely related to wind and thunder.


    Though the Artistic Conception contained within the Separating Fire Map was not as profound as that of the superior-grade Kan Water Diagram, Chen Mu still felt, under his tranquil focus, as if he was parting the clouds to see the clear sky. At least in terms of perception, he hardly felt any hindrance.


    After a while,


    Chen Mu slowly returned from his contemplation.


    It was just a single session of delving into the Separating Fire Map without the aid of the system, but he could still feel that he had neared the Separating Fire Artistic Conception. Indeed, he had taken a concrete step forward.


    "With the foundation of the Wind Thunder Artistic Conception, I fear that even without using the system, I could still comprehend the Separating Fire Artistic Conception. It''s just that it will probably take much longer without the system''s panel, which is faster."


    Chen Mu mused to himself.


    Hmm, perhaps even without the system panel, he could have comprehended all these Artistic Conceptions on his own. The system panel simply sped up his progress, and the improvements it brought weren''t without a basis¡ªthey either came from accumulated Medicinal Power or memories of arduous cultivation, not much different from his own hard work in cultivation.


    The difference between humans and beasts lies in the use of tools.


    Chen Mu summoned the system panel.


    He quickly found a new segment of text that had appeared.


    [Martial Arts: Separating Fire Artistic Conception (Unmastered)]


    [Experience: 105 points]


    [Number of Deductions Available: 0 times]


    "That much? I wonder how much time has passed."


    Chen Mu was slightly startled. He had been immersed in comprehending for quite some time and had lost track of the duration, so he stood up and stepped outside the Silent Chamber to gauge the position of the sun.


    He saw that the sun was setting, indicating it was nearly dusk. He estimated that he had been contemplating for about three hours.


    "Three hours for a hundred experience points, is it really that fast?"


    Chen Mu quickly calculated and couldn''t help but be surprised.


    Because by contemplating the superior-grade Kan Water Diagram for three hours, he''d probably earn around one hundred fifty experience points. Whereas, even though there was some gap in the progress of contemplating the Separating Fire Map, it wasn''t as significant, and he could almost keep pace.


    Although he had anticipated that cultivating the Separating Fire Artistic Conception on the Flame Jade Bed might be quicker than training in Thunderclap, he hadn''t expected it to be this much faster¡ªalmost comparable to contemplating the superior-grade Kan Water Diagram.


    "It''s probably not just because of the Flame Jade Bed. Not only have I mastered Artistic Conceptions close to Separating Fire, such as Xun Wind and Thunderclap, but I have also advanced to the second step with Thunderclap Artistic Conception. Comprehending from a higher vantage point is not the same as when one has yet to understand the Artistic Conceptions.


    The system panel''s accumulated experience perhaps takes all these factors into account."


    Chen Mu muttered to himself.


    Xun Wind and Thunderclap are closely related to Separating Fire; wind and thunder engender fire, complementing each other.


    If he estimated based on this rate of progress, he would only need a little over a month and a half to master the Separating Fire Artistic Conception. In less than half a year, he could advance the Separating Fire Artistic Conception to the second step!


    "Good, so I''ll focus on training Separating Fire first."


    Chen Mu made up his mind and decided on his next course of cultivation.


    At present, he hadn''t yet stepped into the Five Viscera Realm. Focusing only on advancing the Thunderclap Artistic Conception to the second step would still be somewhat unsubstantial against an opponent in the Five Viscera Realm. But if he could also bring the Separating Fire Artistic Conception into the second step, the enhancement wouldn''t be trivial!


    Right there and then,


    Chen Mu took a deep breath, pondered for a moment, and still decided to follow his original plan to move and cultivate in the Ancient Courtyard. Though he feared the Five Viscera Realm less now, cultivating under the watchful eye of Xu Hongyu''s ''Grandfather'' would be somewhat more comfortable. Besides, his bedroom was not fully renovated yet.


    As for the Flame Jade Bed and such, he could just move it there. With the strength and aptitude he had demonstrated, acquiring a Flame Jade Bed suited his status. Of course, it was still best to move quietly, which wouldn''t be difficult.


    He would discuss with Xiao He tomorrow.


    With this plan in mind,


    Chen Mu checked on the progress of the bedroom renovations, then called over Wang Ni to order some meals. After dining, he didn''t return to his unfinished bedroom but went straight to the Silent Chamber and sat on the Flame Jade Bed, continuing his contemplation until it was time to rest.


    ¡­


    The next day.


    Chen Mu walked out of the Silent Chamber. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just as he planned to go find Xiao He to discuss matters, Xiao He actually took the initiative to come to his courtyard.


    "What''s happened?"


    Chen Mu asked, looking at the solemn Xiao He who walked into the courtyard.


    Xiao He walked up to Chen Mu and, without asking why Chen Mu had not yet moved to the Ancient Courtyard, said solemnly, "A big shot wants to see you."


    "The Inspector?"


    "Mhm."


    Xiao He nodded, not surprised that Chen Mu guessed who it was right away.


    After all, in the whole of Yu City, aside from the high-level figures of the Four Great Sects who had never shown themselves, there was only Yan Jingqing, the Inspector who sat in the Inspectorate and controlled Yu City!


    "The white-clothed scholar Yan Jingqing..."


    Chen Mu murmured to himself.


    He naturally couldn''t be completely ignorant about this Inspector. It was said that he was not a disciple of the Seven Profound Sect, but from a minor noble family within the State Government Office. He had formerly held several positions such as Prefecture Chief of the City Defense Division, Steward of the Demon-Slaying Office, Bureau Head of the Inspectorate...


    until he gradually climbed to the position of Inspector. His rise was somewhat similar to his own, and even the offices and duties he had held were more varied than his own.


    Of course.


    Though the man was not a disciple of the Seven Profound Sect, he was now a formidable practitioner in the Six Viscera Realm. It was said he was among the top-notch experts, a big shot even within the State Government Office of Yu State, visiting Yu County purely because of the deployment of the Four Great Sects.


    As for Yan Jingqing''s standpoint, it was undoubtedly with the Seven Profound Sect.


    Even though he had taken the path of official career advancement, it could be said that almost all the high officials in the upper echelons of Yu State came from the Seven Profound Sect, with many positions bluntly held concurrently by stewards, elders, and the like from the Sect.


    The control of the Seven Profound Sect over Yu State was not just an absolute suppression in strength but a complete control in power and authority. In fact, this could also be seen in Yu County, where the four major families, put bluntly, were also under the command of the Seven Profound Sect.


    Now.


    On the stance of Yan Jingqing, if an order came down, the four major families had to comply in every respect.


    Yan Jingqing wanting to meet him was not very surprising to Chen Mu. After all, the strength he had recently shown, although it had not yet spread throughout the entire Yu City, at least many high-level members of the Yu and He families should know of it.


    If the high levels of the Yu and He families knew about it, then Yan Jingqing, the Inspector, certainly could not be unaware of it.


    Cross training in Bone Tempering, two kinds of Artistic Conception.


    Although this strength was nothing to Yan Jingqing, Chen Mu was, after all, not yet twenty-six years old. Moreover, his pace of cultivation was astoundingly fast. Even to a big shot like Yan Jingqing, he would be considered a glaring talent.


    Being summoned by him was normal.


    He just didn''t know what Yan Jingqing would want him to do after meeting him, whether to have him join the Seven Profound Sect or to attach him to the Inspectorate... In fact, Chen Mu was quite interested in transferring to the Inspectorate.


    Because the current Inspectorate could be said to be a direct force under the Seven Profound Sect''s control, and it was established with the purpose of holding out against the Four Great Sects. In other words, once he could enter the Inspectorate, he would have a truly colossal entity as his backing in future confrontations with the Four Great Sects.


    The Seven Profound Sect!


    Although it was a bit embarrassing to say that the Seven Profound Sect had been defeated in all four of the True Disciple battles, a colossus that possesses a State''s territory, its power is still unfathomable. It could be said that it was not inferior to any one of the Heavenly Sword Hehuan, Blood Concealment Mysterious Heavenly Sect.


    "Since it''s the Inspector Lord summoning me, there''s no reason to refuse."


    Chen Mu nodded and said, "Then I will set out now."


    "Mhm."


    Xiao He responded slowly.


    A summon from the Inspector was naturally impossible to reject. Not to mention Chen Mu, even the head of the Xue family, City Lord Xue Huaikong, would have to go and visit at a word''s notice. And in her view, Yan Jingqing summoning Chen Mu might not necessarily be a bad thing.


    It''s just that his status and position in Yu County are indeed too high, so high that upon hearing it, one feels an awe-inspiring sense, unable to relax.


    Soon.


    Chen Mu made some simple preparations, changed into the official uniform of the White-Clothed Guard of the Demon-Slaying Office, and left the Yu family residence.


    The Yu family residence itself took up a large area in the Inner City. Following the street closest to the center out, it was not much further to the various Yamen where the Inner City''s City Lord''s Mansion was located, being separated only by three or four streets.


    Because it was still early, the streets were empty and quiet. Moreover, being not far from the Yamen of the Inner City, the area was already secluded and profound, with high walls of blue stone stacked up, and few people frequented this area on regular days.


    Chen Mu walked with a calm demeanor.


    As he passed through a somewhat narrow alley, his footsteps paused imperceptibly, but then he continued forward as if nothing had happened and soon disappeared at the end of the alley.


    Behind Chen Mu, on the opposite side of the blue stone wall, two figures had appeared at some unknown time, facing each other from a distance.


    One of them, with white hair and a youthful face, holding a fishing rod, was none other than Yu Jiujiang, the great-grandfather of the Yu family.


    At that moment, Yu Jiujiang had a peaceful expression, looking at the opposite figure and spoke lightly, "I didn''t expect you to disregard the summons from Inspector Yan. Why the rush? My great-grandson-in-law may not even be able to step into the Five Viscera Realm."


    "Hmph."


    The figure opposite, wearing a conical hat and a straw raincoat, had an indistinct appearance. He let out a cold snort, his somewhat aged eyes looking deeply towards the direction where Chen Mu had left and eventually his figure retreated, disappearing from the spot.


    Seeing this, Yu Jiujiang shook his head slightly.


    The He family was really in a bit of a rush. They were trying to find an opportunity to make a move on Chen Mu even during Yan Jingqing''s summons. Perhaps they thought that since it was the Inspector summoning him, the Yu family would not be prepared. But how could he let Chen Mu leave the Yu family residence alone now?


    "Cough... cough..."


    Yu Jiujiang suddenly coughed twice, and then disappeared from the spot as well.

 Chapter 160: Chapter 141 Inspector

    Amid the deep silence of the towering walls,Chen Mu walked calmly forward; he was now close to the Inspectorate, having entered the territory of the Prefectural Government of Yu City.


    "Those two Qi just now..."


    Although his eyes maintained their calm, a faint glimmer now flickered deep within them.


    Though the unusual Qi that had suddenly emerged in the outer alley had flashed past briefly, being close and with his ''Autumn Wind Sense'' for detecting Qi, he was able to sense a trace.


    The first Qi to appear was thick and muddled, likely from the Gen Mountain Sect, and the one following, moist and agile, was undoubtedly from the Kan Water Sect. Therefore, it was not hard to guess their identities.


    The person from the He Family.


    And the person from the Yu Family.


    "The He Family really is bold, knowing that I am summoned by the Inspector, yet still trying to strike at me so close to the Prefectural Government. If one blow doesn''t kill me, evidence will definitely be left behind, which won''t lead to any good outcome afterward."


    A chill crossed Chen Mu''s mind.


    He was very close to the Prefectural Government, and the strength he publicly displayed was not an easy target. Even if a Five Viscera Realm expert struck, it would not be without noise as it would require showing Yuan Gang Qi to have a chance to take him down in one hit.


    However, even so, it would likely be too late to remove his body and clear all traces, not to mention if the attack didn''t kill him, causing even more commotion... Inspector Yan Jingqing was right in the Chamber Building of the Inspectorate!


    And it would probably take just a few moments for him to arrive here!


    Chen Mu guessed that the person from the He Family might have been half testing, half desperately lashing out. If there had been a real chance, he would not have hesitated to strike, and sensing Yu Jiujiang subtly following behind, he retreated immediately, without delay.


    Throughout the journey, Chen Mu had not detected the presence of Yu Jiujiang, but he sort of guessed it, for a simple reason: the mandate from Yu Zuyi conveyed that the He Family certainly detested him to the extent of wanting him gone swiftly; yet no one from the Yu Family accompanied him, which was illogical.


    Therefore,


    either this stretch of road was absolutely safe, with no one daring to defy the will of the Inspector, or there was a presence far more secure than ordinary followers ¨C in the Yu Family, that could only be Xu Hongyu''s grandfather, Yu Jiujiang.


    Interestingly, he had yet to meet Yu Jiujiang in person.


    "Actually, if He Wuyou were to strike, I would like to test the prowess of a Five Viscera Realm exponent..."


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly.


    He Wuyou backing off due to Yu Jiujiang''s presence, and not launching an attack, was actually a fortunate event for the He Family, because with his current level of Thunderbolt''s second step, it was impossible for He Wuyou to land a fatal blow on him, and he only needed to withstand a few strikes.


    The commotion would surely alert Yan Jingqing, and once he arrived, the He Family would face severe consequences.


    But now, this was better; he could continue to conceal some of his strength, and while exchanging blows with a Five Viscera Realm exponent was always dangerous ¨C as he had never before encountered someone of this level ¨C avoiding risk was preferable.


    Soon,


    after passing through the tall quartz walls, Chen Mu had stepped into the Prefectural Government, bypassing the City Lord''s Mansion, and arrived at the newly built, six-story Chamber Building, the Inspectorate.


    In the past, the City Lord''s Mansion was the tallest building in the government, having only three floors but each extremely lofty, taller than the four or five-story buildings outside; now, this newly established Chamber Building of the Inspectorate towered even higher.


    Calling it a building was actually more like describing a tower, but this tower was merely part of the entire Inspectorate, which extended into a large area and courtyard beyond.


    "Lord Chen."


    At the base of the Chamber Building of the Inspectorate, a Chamberlain, stationed there, saw Chen Mu approaching, bowed slightly, and formally said, "The Inspector is on the top floor, you may go up."


    "Thank you."


    Chen Mu nodded to the Chamberlain and then entered the Inspectorate, ascending the floors.


    Upon reaching the sixth and top floor, Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    another waiting Chamberlain led Chen Mu into the main hall.


    This main hall was not particularly spacious or elegant, but rather plain, featuring just one hall table and two rows of bookshelves. Sitting behind the table was a man in plain white clothing, appearing quite young, likely in his early thirties, with a scholarly appearance and a refined demeanor, closely reading a book in hand.


    If seen outside, it would be hard to recognize him as the Inspector from the State Government Office, a fourth-rank official of the Imperial Court.


    Yan Jingqing quietly read his book, seemingly engrossed, not noticing Chen Mu''s arrival. Chen Mu, likewise, made no further moves, nor did he speak to disturb, standing quietly at the front and waiting.


    After a while,


    Yan Jingqing suddenly showed a slight smile, as if finding something in his reading amusing, lifted the teacup beside him to take a sip, nodded slowly, and then set down his scroll.


    Then he looked up at Chen Mu, sizing him up, and suddenly asked:


    "How should a gentleman cultivate himself?"


    Caught off guard, Chen Mu quickly responded, "A gentleman governs himself by tranquility and nurtures virtue by frugality. Without detachment, there is no clarity of purpose; without tranquility, distance cannot be achieved."


    Yan Jingqing''s eyes flashed with surprise, but he continued to ask, "And how should one govern a country?"


    Chen Mu quickly pondered and responded respectfully, "Govern with policy, align with punishment, where the people are spared disgrace; govern with virtue, align with rituals, where there is shame and hence refinement. One governs the people not merely by these measures but must also delve into their origins."

 Chapter 161 Chapter 141 Inspector_2

    This time, Yan Jingqing fell silent, showing a pensive expression.After a while,


    he sighed and said, "In this chaotic world, how can one even talk about governing a country..."


    The title ''White-Clothed Scholar'' in the Martial World was not a facade he deliberately put on; rather, he aspired for a prosperous era and was famous in the Imperial Court for his administrative wisdom. Governing the country and its people was his lifelong ambition, not fighting and killing in the world of Martial Arts.


    Then he turned his gaze back to Chen Mu, with even more surprise in his eyes.


    When he had asked questions while reading the book earlier, he merely did so casually and didn''t expect Chen Mu to have an answer for each one, let alone with thoughts and actions embedded in each response. While he often had similar reflections, he had never summarized them in such a way.


    "Who is your mentor?"


    Yan Jingqing asked after a brief contemplation.


    Chen Mu, however, shook his head and said, "I have no mentor, I simply read a lot of books in my spare time."


    "Hmm..."


    Yan Jingqing nodded slightly, recalling that the information about Chen Mu stated he came from the lower ranks and had never formally studied literature. Therefore, the only way he could have produced such responses was through extensive reading, and not just of one or two books.


    Looking at Chen Mu, he felt a flicker of admiration.


    As a lofty Inspector, he had seen countless people who tried to curry favor with him; to forge connections, they would feign a desire for learning, and he had seen too many of them. But Chen Mu before him couldn''t possibly be trying to ingratiate himself.


    After all, his arrival in Yu County was a recent affair. The perspectives Chen Mu held couldn''t have been formed just by skimming a few books on literature; they must have involved thoughtful consideration.


    And he remembered that in Chen Mu''s record, there was a stint as a Prefecture Chief, a not particularly high-ranking position, but exactly one that dealt directly with the administration at the grass-roots level.


    "If it were a time of peace, perhaps we would both be serving as officials in the Imperial Court. But in these troubled times, our ambitions cannot be fulfilled as we wish. How unkind the heavens are to me," Yan Jingqing sighed.


    Chen Mu did not respond to this.


    He was even internally critical. The Inspector of Yu State, a fourth-grade official, an existence at the top Six Viscera Realm, is a status and position many people wouldn''t dare dream of, yet this man was quite discontented, claiming the heavens were unfair.


    Of course, these were definitely thoughts he couldn''t voice aloud.


    Yan Jingqing seemed somewhat lost in thought, and after a long pause, he finally returned to his senses. Seeing Chen Mu still standing before him, calm and composed, without irritation or flattery, neither subservient nor arrogant, he pondered deeply and then said:


    "With your talent in Martial Arts, had you joined the Seven Profound Sect earlier, you might have been counted among the elite disciples. It''s a pity that your poor background delayed you, and it''s not suitable for you to join the Seven Profound Sect now.


    Moreover, from your words, you seem to have your own views on the current state of the world, especially since you have risen from the bottom and even held the position of a Prefecture Chief, giving you greater insight into the people."


    "The position in the Demon-Slaying Office is not suitable for you. However, the Demon-Slaying Office is generally a loosely structured department anyway, so there''s no need to completely detach from it...


    Well, let''s do this: I appoint you as the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate, and I''ll write a recommendation for the Demon-Slaying Office to create another position of Metropolitan Commander, which you will also hold."


    Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate! S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Metropolitan Commander of the Demon-Slaying Office!


    These two positions, the former, in particular, was one of great authority and influence. Now the Inspectorate was overseeing Yu County, from the highest officials to the common folk, all fell within its purview, which essentially meant it had a vast scope of jurisdiction. Essentially, it could intervene in almost any matter.


    And the latter, as the Metropolitan Commander of the Demon-Slaying Office, it goes without saying that it came with the resources of the Demon-Slaying Office. In fact, the Demon-Slaying Office was almost a direct force under the Seven Profound Sect, as the various exchangeable resources mostly came from the Seven Profound Sect.


    Not to mention, the Demon-Slaying Office itself held a very high position, able to command all Yamen to assist during times of demon disturbances or demon chaos.


    The only thing the Inspectorate could not oversee was the Demon-Slaying Office itself.


    From a White-Clothed Guard of the Demon-Slaying Office, he jumped all the way to the position of Metropolitan Commander of the same office, not only skipping two ranks but also taking on a concurrent role as the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate. In the entirety of Yu County, there was almost no one like him.


    With such authority, he could almost be said to have unfettered access throughout the entire Yu County!


    "Subordinate''s talents and learning are shallow, I fear it may be difficult to fulfill the duties..."


    Chen Mu was expressing some hesitation at this moment.


    The power and status of these two official positions were indeed great, but for the same reason, they attracted much attention, putting one almost on the front lines in opposition to the Four Great Sects. Governing the people, slaying demons, and on top of that, confronting disciples from the four sects¡ªit was outrageous.


    What he wanted even more was a stable environment where he could focus on his martial arts cultivation. Your next chapter awaits on empire


    If he had known earlier, he should not have answered Yan Jingqing''s questions and just silently remained an uncouth Martial Man.


    A gentleman keeps his talents hidden and bides his time... And now, it seemed he had no choice but to act.


    Yan Jingqing laughed and said, "There''s no need to be modest. I have heard that when you served as the Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove District, not only did you manage the district well-ordered but also at the time of your departure, thousands of people saw you off. In today''s troubled times, is there anyone who does a better job than you?"


    At this moment, looking at Chen Mu in front of him, he felt more and more pleased.


    Modest and stable, and understanding the art of governance, accomplished in both letters and martial arts¡ªat such a young age, how rare that is. Even during the golden era of the Imperial Court, he would have been a pillar of state. Such a talent would be a terrible waste if recruited by a sect. Now, even if the Seven Profound Sect wanted him, he probably would not let him go easily.


    Thousands of people seeing him off was an exaggeration.


    Chen Mu inwardly scoffed at this, wondering who told Yan Jingqing this story which had now been blown out of proportion. At that time, there had been at most a thousand people, most of whom were disaster-stricken refugees he had helped, and them seeing him off was perfectly understandable.


    But Yan Jingqing had already said so much; there really was no way to decline. Chen Mu could only sigh silently and then asked, "Honored Inspector has shown great consideration for this humble one, and I shall serve with all my heart and effort. However, there is one matter..."


    Yan Jingqing smiled and said, "Are you talking about the He Family? I heard some incident occurred on your way here, the He Family has been somewhat unwise. I have already ordered people to deal with it; the dispute between your two families need not be taken too seriously."


    The events that occurred along the way had hardly made a ripple; the member of the He Family and Yu Jiujiang pretty much didn''t have a real confrontation. It was only exchanging signs of momentum and then quickly withdrawing after a brief probe. But even so, it seemed he couldn''t hide it from Yan Jingqing, the Inspector.


    This also made Chen Mu feel even more the weight of the Inspectorate, which was currently the most authoritative office in the entirety of Yu City, with eyes in all directions. In Yu County, only the Demon-Slaying Office could even remotely compare to the present Inspectorate.


    However, what Chen Mu wanted to discuss was not the He Family.


    He shook his head, "Thank you, honored Inspector, for your generous appraisal. The thing I wanted to ask is, if we are to deal with the Four Great Sects, should we prioritize the laws of the Imperial Court, or the rules of the Martial World?"


    In the past.


    Such a question would not even be voiced, let alone raised, as it would be culpable. During the peak of the Imperial Court, all sects had to obey the law; if anyone dared to murder recklessly, even if they were a true descendant of a sect, a Seven Profound Sect Master, they would still have to go to prison if that was warranted.


    But now, the Imperial Court''s decrees did not reach beyond Central Prefecture, and Yu State was controlled by the Mysterious Heavenly Sect. Most of the time, the rules of the Martial World overrode the laws of the Imperial Court, let alone the fact that the current Inspectorate was essentially under the influence of the Seven Profound Sect.


    Hearing this question from Chen Mu, Yan Jingqing fell into silence.


    After a while, he let out a sigh.


    "You''ll have to make your own judgment."


    Although Yan Jingqing did not give a direct answer and his response was ambiguous, Chen Mu understood; after all, Yan Jingqing was someone who aspired for peace and law-based governance. Even he couldn''t say ''follow the laws of the Imperial Court,'' so it was obvious which was more significant.


    In light of this, Chen Mu also breathed a sigh of relief. Given the lawless times, if Yan Jingqing insisted on adhering to the Imperial Court''s laws, it would be incredibly complex and thorny. Luckily, the Inspector, although a White-Clothed scholar, was also adept at the ways of the Martial World and was not a rigid character.

 Chapter 162 142

    Having left the Inspectorate,Chen Mu''s attire, the white gown of the Demon-Slaying Office, had been replaced by a black brocade robe embroidered with herons, which was the official uniform of a Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate, symbolizing status and position as a Sixth Grade official.


    Moreover, the Inspectorate was different from the Demon-Slaying Office. The Demon-Slaying Office often followed the rule of ''seeing an official half a grade higher,'' but the power exercised by the Inspectorate was often even greater. During the prosperous times of the Da Xuan Dynasty, a Sixth Grade officer of the Inspectorate could supervise and control the local Prefectural Governors.


    Although the laws of the Imperial Court were now in disarray, the Inspectorate sub-division established in Yu County was personally overseen by Yan Jingqing, the Inspector, whose actual powers were immense.


    "Although there will be many more trivial matters in the future, the advantage is that I won''t have to avoid various powers as I did in the past,"


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly.


    As a Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate, he was now fundamentally under the command of Yan Jingqing, and even if he acted according to the rules of the Martial World, he no longer feared the disciples of the Four Sects. After all, the Martial World''s rules included provisions that allowed the younger generation to compete without interference from the older generation.


    In any case, he was able to handle matters at his level. If something exceeded his capacity, there would be Yan Jingqing above him, and above that, the entire Seven Profound Sect.


    As for the He Family...


    A hint of indifference flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    From today onwards, the He Family would be reduced to a homeless cur. Without Yan Jingqing and his status as a Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate, he was not afraid of the He Family, let alone now.


    The only concern was that the He Family might desperately place all their bets in a panic, but given the current circumstances, the Blood Hidden Pavilion might not risk engaging with such a high-ranking Inspector... of course, the Blood Hidden Pavilion was reputed to spare no one, so they wouldn''t outright refuse, but they would likely raise the price to an unattainable level.


    The power of the He Family itself, aside from that ancestor who stepped into the Five Viscera Realm, He Wuyou of the ''Wu'' generation, everyone else was mere scrap metal, not worth mentioning.


    However...


    Chen Mu''s thoughts flashed again with concerns about the Corpse Poison Jade, the Heavenly Corpse Sect, and the peculiar disturbances during the previous drought. If the He Family was the force secretly colluding with the Heavenly Corpse Sect, then extra precautions were necessary.


    The main issue now was the lack of concrete evidence of the He Family''s collusion with the Heavenly Corpse Sect. Actually, the Yu Family had been actively investigating this, for if they found concrete evidence and presented it to the Inspector, it would spell disaster for the He Family, drawing the wrath of Yan Jingqing and the Seven Profound Sect, a burden far too heavy for the He Family to bear.


    It was just that no trace had ever been found regarding the He Family in this regard, it even seemed that figures like He Guangxun were completely unaware of or uninvolved in the matter.


    Soon,


    Chen Mu returned to the Yu Family''s residence.


    However, this time the atmosphere at the Yu Family''s residence was not as quiet as when he had left; instead, many people had gathered awaiting his return, led by a member of the Yu Family who had once been Chen Mu''s neighbor, Yu Zhen.


    Your journey continues at empire


    Yu Zhen stood at the entrance of the alley, and upon seeing the official uniform of the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate on Chen Mu, his eyes revealed a shock, but he immediately took a deep breath and bowed deeply to Chen Mu.


    "When my daughter, Yu Yao, had her first full moon, she was kidnapped by villains. Fortunately, she was rescued by a benefactor, and at that time I did not know who the benefactor was and could not express my thanks. I never imagined it was Lord Chen who took action. On behalf of my daughter Yu Yao, I thank Lord Chen deeply,"


    said Yu Zhen, his voice trembling slightly.


    Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate!


    Although when Chen Mu was his neighbor, Yu Zhen had never looked down on him and even felt that Chen Mu was a person worthy of association, he had never imagined that Chen Mu was someone with even deeper concealment than he had thought.


    A person of the Artistic Conception level, who had now ascended to the position of Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate, held a position in the entire Yu County that was truly high and powerful. This was further compounded by the fact that the Inspector himself held direct jurisdiction above him, adding even deeper meaning to his position.


    Even if the current Chen Mu had no Martial Arts skills, relying solely on his position as a Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate, he could inspect a county and even make decisions that would influence the City Lord Fu Linjiang...


    of course, without any Martial Arts skills, in today''s chaotic times it would be difficult to hold a high position, as it was too easy to die, a tiny silver needle could take his life from a hundred paces away, and no matter how high his position, he would not last long.


    "Brother Yu Zhen, there''s no need for such formalities,"


    Chen Mu slightly lifted his hand in a supportive gesture but did not actually assist. Given his current status and the fact that he had indeed saved Yu Yao, he fully deserved Yu Zhen''s bow, not accepting it would be inappropriate.


    Yu Zhen, however, did not dare lift his head to look directly at Chen Mu, his tone was exceedingly respectful, his voice trembling, "I, a commoner, have no official position, not worthy of your respect, sir. Being neighbors was a blessing for me."


    In the past, he was older and used to address Chen Mu as ''Brother Chen,'' and Chen Mu called him ''Brother Yu Zhen,'' but now, hearing such a title made his heart tremble slightly, as he felt unworthy of such respect.


    After all,


    in the current Yu Family, even the main branch descendants¡ªsecond or third generation who held power¡ªmany had to treat Chen Mu with the etiquette of a subordinate meeting a superior. He, merely a collateral member of the Yu Family, even if Chen Mu lowered himself to associate with him, was simply not worthy of Chen Mu''s respectful address, the difference in their statuses was just too great.


    Watching Yu Zhen''s demeanor, Chen Mu felt quite reflective. Throughout the ages, in every world, power indeed was an enchanting entity, however, with Martial Arts within him, he had moved beyond this path and would not be enthralled by power.


    "How is little Yao doing now?"


    Chen Mu changed the subject and asked a question.


    At the time, after he had saved Yu Yao, because the Yu Family''s patrol team arrived and found that Yu Yao was unharmed, he did not intervene further and left Yu Yao on the spot to be rescued by the Yu Family''s patrol team.


    Later, he heard that Yu Yao was sent back to Yu Zhen''s home and was not in any serious trouble, so he set his mind at ease and did not ask further.


    "After being saved by Lord Chen, she had no injuries and was not too frightened. After recuperating for two days, she was completely fine. Recently, she has been very lively, unlike her calm demeanor during the full moon; she even resembles a boy somewhat,"


    Yu Zhen said with a smile on his face.


    Originally, he was particularly affectionate towards Yu Yao, his only daughter. Now that Yu Yao had been saved by Chen Mu, and had a connection with him, that naturally made a difference. He would double his affection for her, knowing well that when she grew up, there might be another opportunity to connect with Chen Mu.


    The only thing that slightly regretted in Yu Zhen''s heart was that, at the time, it would have been good to have Yu Yao call Chen Mu her godfather, which would have made this daughter extraordinary in the future and also would have greatly improved his entire family''s status within the Yu Household.


    Now bringing it up seemed inappropriate.


    "Look."


    Yu Zhen took Yu Yao from the arms of a nanny, still a small baby but much bigger than before, blinking curiously as she looked at Chen Mu, waving her tiny hands with a cooing sound.


    Chen Mu also showed a faint smile, touched her little hand, and said, "Indeed, she''s getting cuter."


    He played with the small infant.


    Chen Mu withdrew his hand and Yu Zhen, understanding the cue, took Yu Yao back and handed her back to the nanny.


    At this moment, when Chen Mu turned his gaze around, he saw many familiar faces like Xiao He, the old butler, and some others he did not recognize, belonging to the Yu Family. However, most of them looked at him with some degree of awe.


    Although in terms of age, Chen Mu was younger than almost everyone, in today''s world, martial arts were revered, not to mention that his status as a Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate also made it difficult for anyone besides Xu Hongyu''s direct relatives to look him directly in the eye at the Yu Family.


    "Let''s go, we''ll talk more back home."


    Chen Mu looked at Xiao He and gave her a slight nod.


    Although the news of his promotion to Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate and the Demon-Slaying Office had already been sent ahead to the Yu Family, the specifics of his conversation with Yan Jingqing and potential future matters were still unclear to them. He needed to talk to Yu Zuyi later and probably would gather the senior members of the Yu Family for a discussion.


    ...


    The news about Chen Mu''s promotion to the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate and Demon-Slaying Office quickly spread throughout Yu City.


    It was like a stone causing a thousand ripples.


    Finally, it caused a huge uproar!


    Not to mention simultaneously holding two of the most crucial Yamen positions, just the very role of the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate was enough to send shockwaves throughout Yu City.


    In today''s Yu City, who didn''t know the stature of the Inspectorate?


    It was established by the Inspector dispatched from the State Government Office, and even the Four Great Families of the Inner City along with former top figures like City Lord Xue Huaikong had to give it respect and were somewhat constrained by it, so it could be said to have actual control over Yu County now.


    Looking at the entire Inspectorate, there were only three Metropolitan Commanders at present, two of whom had come down from the State Government Office with Yan Jingqing and were not locals of Yu County. The third position had always been vacant, and many had speculated who would eventually fill it, wondering if it might be one of the leaders of the Four Great Families.


    Yet they were surprised to see Chen Mu appear out of nowhere! S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Previously, Chen Mu had caused a sensation in Yu City by displaying the Xun Wind Artistic Conception during a demon disturbance, which should have caused tremendous upheaval, but the sudden news of the Four Great Sects stationing in Yu County brought an even more shocking impact, far surpassing the disruption an Artistic Conception level figure could bring, naturally drawing away all attention.


    As a result, various forces only caught a fleeting glimpse of Chen Mu.


    Moreover, there was not much circulation of Chen Mu''s achievements among the populace, with most of the discussions still concerning the affairs of the Four Great Sects.


    But this time was different.


    The one local Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate in Yu County turned out to be a person aged only twenty-six!


    This position could oversee hundreds of officials in Yu County and inspect the millions of the common populace!


    What capabilities did Chen Mu have to be so valued by Inspector Yan Jingqing, not only promoted to Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate but also allowed to hold the position of the Metropolitan Commander of the Demon-Slaying Office, thus enjoying an unobstructed path and freedom from any encumbrances throughout Yu County?


    The news spread.


    In a short time, the situation in Yu County turned upside-down as numerous smaller forces under the He Family''s banner, including those Prefecture Chiefs in South City District who once allied with the He Family, such as Fu Linjiang and others, were all in disarray.


    Especially Fu Linjiang, who had once tried to recruit Chen Mu for the He Family, thinking that Chen Mu''s alliance with the Yu Family was short-sighted. Now that Chen Mu had become Yan Jingqing''s man, let alone allying with the Yu Family, his position had become untouchable!


    Not to mention those forces in Yu County that had yet to receive more accurate news, even the gazes from the Four Great Sects, including the Heavenly Sword and Hehuan, Blood Concealment, and Mysterious Heavenly Sect, fell on Chen Mu.


    Among them, only Blood Hidden Pavilion was fully aware of the details, while the others, lacking more detailed intelligence, were still somewhat puzzled, unclear about the background of this suddenly emerged Chen Mu.

 Chapter 163 Chapter 143 Missed

    South City District.Ninth District.


    In a tavern located on the main street, the place was teeming with people and bustling with activity. The first floor was almost fully packed, and even the elegant seats and private rooms on the second floor were half-occupied, mostly by individuals in long robes, quietly eating and drinking.


    This tavern had only opened two months ago, but due to its prime location in the center of the marketplace, with a heavy flow of pedestrians and a stark contrast to the nearby alleys where rubbish was piled up, along with the lack of any gang members coming here to cause trouble, the business had thrived, attracting full houses daily.


    Such a flourishing business.


    Yet, no local gangs or powers had the audacity to target it, not even to extort any ''protection fees'' or ''operating fees.'' Nobody had even shown up to do so. Even on occasions when incense masters or deputy gang leaders from the Red Gold Gang came to dine, they treated the tavern shopkeeper with courtesy, without any of the usual arrogance or rudeness.


    What''s more, the local constables would patrol the area around the tavern, intentionally or otherwise, their gazes sharp, almost as if they were eagerly waiting for someone to cause trouble so they could jump in and arrest them on the spot.


    To have such a business without any backing was naturally impossible.


    Every time people looked at this thriving tavern from afar, they couldn''t help but exclaim that Butcher Zhang had stepped in dog shit luck.


    He was merely a butcher by trade, with an ordinary wife, but he had a nephew who soared through the ranks at a young age, successively holding the positions of Head Constable, Prefecture Chief, and later moving to the Inner City to join the Demon-Slaying Office¡ªa figure beyond the common man''s wildest dreams.


    Although Chen Mu did not care much for Butcher Zhang''s family, favoring his third aunt Chen Hong a little more, the consequent surge in his status had brought various local gentry and powers to actively seek connections with Butcher Zhang.


    In just a few short years.


    Butcher Zhang''s family had acquired properties, moved to better residences, and two months earlier had even opened this tavern, transforming from a pig-slaughtering butcher to a wealthy tavern owner overnight, a world of difference indeed.


    In a room at the farthest end of the second floor of the tavern, there was a table piled with ledgers. Behind the ledgers, a woman was hunched over, her brows slightly furrowed, meticulously tallying every entry in the books.


    Compared to several years ago, Zhang Youying''s face had lost all its childishness.


    She precisely recorded each entry in the ledger, calculated them with an abacus, and then took up the brush to transcribe everything meticulously.


    Suddenly.


    The sound of firecrackers burst forth outside the tavern, crackling endlessly in a jubilant and lively cacophony, the noisy sound intruding into the small room and disturbing Zhang Youying''s thoughts, interrupting her calculations. She put down her brush and looked outside.


    Just then, a servant boy with a beaming face ascended the stairs, so she promptly asked him,


    "What''s happening outside, is someone getting married?"


    In those days, firecrackers were considered a luxury item that ordinary folks could not afford. Usually, they would knock on bamboo sections instead. Anyone able to afford so many firecrackers was likely a major household in the Ninth District if it were for a wedding.


    At this moment, the servant boy, face flushed with excitement, seized the brief lull in the fireworks to say, "It''s great news! I heard it''s Lord Chen, the relative of our boss, who has been promoted to the position of the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate! Boss Zhang has brought many firecrackers to set off outside. It might take half an hour to finish them all.


    I wonder how high-ranking that Metropolitan Commander must be..."


    Upon hearing the servant boy''s words, Zhang Youying froze on the spot.


    Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate...


    While the little servant might not understand the full meaning, she had an inkling. That was a new office set up in the Inner City by a significant figure from the State Government Office. Its authority and status were now even higher than that of Yu City''s City Lord.


    A Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate was a position of great power and authority within the Inspectorate, incomparable to any ordinary Prefecture Chief. The gap between them could not be measured even in the slightest.


    The role was of such stature and held such sweeping powers that almost all matters within the entire Yu City and Yu County could be overseen, and even the Yu County''s City Lord and Prefectural Governor might have to step aside.


    It was truly one of the top positions in Yu City.


    He...


    Chen Mu...


    Had he really reached such heights?


    Although, ever since Chen Mu''s meteoric rise from Head Constable to Prefecture Chief to joining the Demon-Slaying Office, many people said that his future would be extraordinary, she never doubted it, but Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate... How many years had it been?


    Zhang Youying looked back at the pile of ledgers somewhat blankly.


    Nowadays, it seemed she too had gotten what she wished for, working on the accounts every day without worrying about living expenses, but for some reason, an ineffable emotion surged in her heart.


    What,


    had she missed out on?


    ...


    Yu County.


    North of Jingyu County.


    Amid the dense forest, a group of people clumsily dragged out a huge beast with crimson hide, a monstrous bull, from the woods and then busied themselves cutting down trees to build a makeshift cart.


    In front of the massive corpse of the monstrous bull, Xue Lin, clad in the uniform of the Deputy Governor of the Demon-Slaying Office, stood tall, his clothes spotted with blood, yet his face bore a faint smile.


    This monstrous bull was no ordinary creature; it was nearly Fourth Rank!


    This was his first kill of a ''Fourth Rank'' demon since his promotion to Deputy Governor of the Demon-Slaying Office. Although the term ''Fourth Rank'' might need the qualifier ''almost,'' it was undeniably a level beyond the Third Rank.


    Being able to kill that demon was indeed partly due to a large number of Demon-Slaying Office personnel joining forces to besiege it, but it was more so because Xue Lin himself had taken a major step forward in the path of Martial Arts. He had finally comprehended the ''Separating Fire'' Artistic Conception and was ultimately able to slay it!


    "Upon returning to Yu City this time, my lord might be able to remove the ''deputy'' title and ascend to the full rank of Metropolitan Commander,"


    A White-Clothed Guard from the Xue Family, with a hint of reverence in his eyes, couldn''t help but speak out and flatter him.


    Xue Lin gave a light smile and said, "That''s hard to say. As it stands, all three positions of Metropolitan Commander in the Demon-Slaying Office are filled, and no one seems to be stepping down anytime soon. Although I have comprehended the Separating Fire Artistic Conception, it would be difficult to create an additional position for a Metropolitan Commander."


    "Whether a new position is created or not, it''s only temporary. With my lord''s talent and prowess, looking across all of Yu County, apart from the disciples of the Four Great Sects, nobody among the younger generation can compare. It''s only a matter of time before you are promoted to Metropolitan Commander," another White-Clothed Guard by his side chimed in.


    "Hmm."


    Xue Lin nodded slightly.


    There''s only a difference of one character between a Deputy Governor and a Governor, but the disparity in both status and other areas is significant. In the Demon-Slaying Office, there are some particularly precious items that even a Deputy Governor with enough merit can''t exchange for, while only a full Metropolitan Commander has the privilege to do so.


    For him, now that he had mastered the Separating Fire Artistic Conception, once his Body Tempering Method improved further, advancing to Major Achievement in Bone Tempering and eventually reaching Perfection, ascending to the full position of Metropolitan Commander was indeed just a matter of time.


    Even more so.


    In the future, there might even be a chance to vie for the position of Bureau Head of the Demon-Slaying Office, a key role that linked the Seven Profound Sect with Yu County, traditionally held by an appointee from within the Sect.


    However, if his talents were sufficient, and he managed to step into the Realm of the Five Viscera, drawing some attention from the Seven Profound Sect, it might not be impossible for him to hold that position. And then, the influence of the Xue Family would grow even further.


    Xue Lin felt extraordinarily content for a moment as he looked up at the azure sky, only to find his thoughts wandering to another person.


    Chen Mu.


    It was strange to think about it. He had never looked at that person properly before, nor had he taken him seriously, considering him just another one of Xu Hongyu''s ''underlings'', much like Ning He. Knowing that he didn''t care much for Xu Hongyu herself, let alone her followers.


    Who would have thought that during the major demon disturbance, the unremarkable Chen Mu would suddenly display the ability of an Artistic Conception? Although the major event of the four sects settling in Yu County didn''t cause much attention, it did make him furrow his brows in concern.


    Because


    At that time, he hadn''t yet grasped any Artistic Conception.


    So much so that he felt someone might compare Chen Mu with him to evaluate who the true genius of Yu County''s younger generation was. Even though he didn''t think he was weaker than Chen Mu, with his step into the Bone Tempering Realm, without the mastery of an Artistic Conception, it lacked conviction.


    Moreover, thinking back to their previous encounters, where Chen Mu had the unremarkable appearance of an underling standing beside Ning He, suddenly becoming someone who could be compared with him, also troubled his mind.


    But now, he had finally comprehended the Separating Fire Artistic Conception. With the Artistic Conception in his grasp, compounded with the cultivation of the Bone Tempering Realm, the position of the number one among the young generation in Yu County could no longer be shaken by anyone. Only disciples of the Four Great Sects could contend with him.


    Now,


    Xue Lin''s heart was completely at ease, and the previous annoyance had completely dissipated.


    However, just as the group of people chopped down trees to make a simple cart frame to place the enormous bull demon''s body and prepared to bring it back to the nearest Jingyu County for disposal, a figure suddenly came running from afar toward them.


    "Hmm?"


    When Xue Lin saw the person approaching, his gaze flickered slightly. It was one of their family''s men, not belonging to the Demon-Slaying Office, responsible for relaying intelligence. His current haste made one wonder what had happened.


    The group temporarily halted their cart frame.


    Soon, the Xue Family''s intelligence runner approached Xue Lin, his eyes still bearing a hint of shock, and said, "My lord, there is news from Yu City. The former White-Clothed Guard of the Demon-Slaying Office, Chen Mu, has been promoted to Inspector of the Inspectorate, and a new ''Metropolitan Commander'' position has been created within the Demon-Slaying Office, which he will concurrently hold!" sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    What the hell?


    Xue Lin was momentarily stunned.


    Rising from a White-Clothed Guard of the Demon-Slaying Office to become an Inspector of the Inspectorate was already a leap of several ranks, almost ludicrous, and to specially create a new position of Metropolitan Commander within the Demon-Slaying Office for Chen Mu... had he acknowledged the Capital Supervisor Yan Jingqing as his godfather?!


    "Impossible!"


    "Absolutely impossible!"


    The White-Clothed Guard beside him furrowed his eyebrow and said, "Chen Mu of the Yu Family does have some talent and capability, but to be promoted to Deputy Governor of the Demon-Slaying Office was already a stretch, let alone hold the position of Inspector and Metropolitan Commander concurrently ¨C it''s completely preposterous!"


    The scout took a deep breath in that moment, calming down from the rush of his journey, stole a glance at Xue Lin with his odd expression, but still said, "The City Lord said, Chen Mu is mature beyond his years, extremely forbearing, and acts in a steady and decisive manner.


    Given that he has stepped into the Bone Tempering Realm and mastered both the Xun Wind and Thunderbolt Artistic Conceptions, his cultivation has clearly been fruitful, yet he''s always remained unassuming. If not for the He Family repeatedly provoking him, forcing him to act, perhaps to this day, his true depth would still be unknown.


    It''s a pity that our Xue Family didn''t foresee this and recruit him under our banner..."


    As these words fell,


    There was a sudden silence all around.


    The gathered White-Clothed Guards and the Xue Family''s elite troops all looked at each other in disblief as if they were hearing a myth.


    Bone Tempering? Wind Thunder Artistic Conception?


    Wasn''t it said that this person came from the lower class, only beginning to practice Martial Arts in his twenties, and it had been merely four or five years? If it was true that in just such a short period, he had cultivated to this extent... then what kind of monster was this person!

 Chapter 164 Chapter 144 Strength

    Holding the positions of both the Inspectorate and the Demon-Slaying Office in Yu County would indeed cause quite a stir, but at that moment, Chen Mu was not concerned about it.Without a strong background initially, he had prioritized quiet development, but now, backed by Yan Jingqing and the power of the Seven Profound Sect, showing a bit of the sword''s edge was not a bad idea¡ªit could even spare him some unnecessary troubles.


    While various forces in Yu County were turning their attention to Chen Mu, the newly appointed Inspector, he was not at his residence. Instead, he had quietly arrived at the Ancient Courtyard located behind the Yu Family''s property, a place usually forbidden to all.


    Inside the garden.


    The pond was clear, the birds sang, and the flowers fragranced, a scene brimming with vitality.


    Chen Mu walked along the small path by the flower beds, moving forward until he reached the pond where an elderly man in simple clothes, wearing a fisherman''s hat and possessing both white hair and a youthful face, was sitting cross-legged fishing, staring intently at the water.


    Although it was their first meeting, Chen Mu had sensed the aura of Yu Jiujiang, the forefather of the Yu Family, on his way to the Prefectural Government before. However, now it seemed completely concealed, indistinguishable from an ordinary old man through his senses.


    "Grandfather,"


    Chen Mu greeted respectfully, using the title Xu Hongyu addressed him by.


    The elderly man before him, whether in terms of age, rank, or the strength of his Realm, or even how he had handled troubles from the He Family on his behalf, undoubtedly deserved such respectful treatment from him.


    Yu Jiujiang, unlike Yan Jingqing, did not immediately respond to Chen Mu''s words by putting away his fishing rod. Instead, he turned to Chen Mu, smiling, and said,


    "Are all talks concluded?"


    "Yes, the Inspector knows about He Wuyou''s actions, and he will discipline the He Family soon. The head of the Yu family believes that after this reprimand, the He Family will scale back some of their powers, but it''s not appropriate for the Yu Family to strike at the He Family at this time,"


    Chen Mu nodded to Yu Jiujiang and responded.


    He had rushed to meet Yu Jiujiang after a high-level meeting with the Yu Family. He had never attended one of these meetings before, partly because he and Xu Hongyu were only engaged and not yet married, and also because he was not a descendant of the Yu Family bloodline.


    His previously demonstrated strength and status had not been enough, but this time was different, and in the high-level meeting, many decisions had been influenced by his opinion.


    Yu Jiujiang said indifferently, "Though Yan Jingqing is not exactly upright and incorruptible, he indeed cannot tolerate disloyalty. Since he''s aware that the He Family is up to no good and will decide to take action, it would look bad in his eyes to kick them when they''re down. Right now, the Yu Family doesn''t need to rush. Your grandfather''s decision is sound."


    "Now that you have gained his favor, and hold the position of both the Inspector and the head of the Demon-Slaying Office, within Yu City, aside from the Four Great Sects, there isn''t much else you need to worry about."


    At that point, S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yu Jiujiang''s gaze towards Chen Mu couldn''t help but reveal a hint of admiration.


    In truth, Chen Mu holding the position of both the Inspector and the head of the Demon-Slaying Office was beyond even his expectations. He had thought that with Chen Mu''s talent, it was certain he''d catch Yan Jingqing''s eye, but being assigned as Deputy Governor would have seemed sufficient.


    But now, not only was he directly appointed to these positions, but in order for Chen Mu to better utilize the resources of the Seven Profound Sect, he was even made to concurrently hold the position at the Demon-Slaying Office, which practically declared how highly he was valued.


    Yu Jiujiang, a former steward of the Seven Profound Sect, though much older than Yan Jingqing, who only rose to prominence after his retirement, also understood him well and knew that few could gain his favor.


    Chen Mu listened quietly, then shook his head and said, "Taking up the role of Inspector does make me rather conspicuous, and dealing with the Four Great Sects could inevitably lead to some troublesome issues. There are advantages and disadvantages, but if I could have a stable environment to focus on my cultivation for a while, that would be preferable."


    Yu Jiujiang chuckled and replied, "No wonder Yan Jingqing values you. Holding the office of Inspector is a position of trust, a rank and authority many envy, and yet you still weigh the benefits and drawbacks. But in my view, the advantages greatly outweigh the disadvantages.


    At least you need not worry about the He Family resorting to desperate measures anytime soon, and walking in Yu County, you have significant protection. Also, the path of Martial Arts is not about secluding oneself; cultivation requires both stillness and action, only thus can you follow the true path."


    "You are right, Grandfather,"


    Chen Mu agreed internally, but could only respond thus, as he couldn''t reveal his system interface.


    Yu Jiujiang continued, "Besides, with the Inspectorate being newly established, and the Four Great Sects generally behaving in Yu County today, it''s unlikely that there will be many pressing affairs. The Demon-Slaying Office is even more relaxed during periods without demon chaos, which should also impact you quite little."


    This was indeed the case.


    At least for now, the actions of the Inspectorate in Yu County were mainly focused on gathering intelligence and overseeing general affairs. They hadn''t undertaken any specific actions, nor had they conflicted with the Four Great Sects; the Demon-Slaying Office was even less to mention.


    After some thought, Chen Mu suddenly brought up the question he was most concerned about, "Grandfather, I want to know... between the second step of Artistic Conception and a Martial Artist of the Five Viscera Realm, which is stronger?"


    Understanding his current level of strength would help him better measure his actions in the future.


    Chen Mu''s question caused Yu Jiujiang to ponder for a moment.


    "The second step of Artistic Conception... it''s a common belief that only a Martial Artist of the Five Viscera Realm can fully unleash the true power of Artistic Conception, but this isn''t entirely accurate.


    It should be said that the first step of Artistic Conception, in the hands of someone in the Five Viscera Realm and the Bone Tempering Realm, shows a significant difference in power, but at the second step, the gap isn''t as wide. However, determining who is stronger still depends on the individual."


    When he reached this point,


    Yu Jiujiang gently flicked his fishing rod, causing the fish hook and line to draw ripples across the pond, silently stirring the entire body of water. Following that, fish converged from the currents, leaping and flapping from the surface in a surprising display.


    "Take myself, for example, although I am in the twilight years of my life, I have finally grasped the second stage of the Kan Water Artistic Conception. If I were to face a martial artist who has not entered the Five Viscera Realm and has only mastered the second stage of a single Artistic Conception like Kan Water or Separating Fire, I could kill him within ten moves," he declared.


    "If it involves stronger Artistic Conceptions like Blood Fiend or Heart Sword, it would be much more difficult, but I could still prevail within a hundred moves."


    Hearing Yu Jiujiang''s words,


    Chen Mu''s heart tightened.


    The existence of the Five Viscera Realm, coupled with mastering the second step of an Artistic Conception, was indeed not as simple as one plus one. Not only did it involve Inner Breath cycling with the heavens and the earth in an unending loop, but the power of the techniques used was also extraordinarily uncommon.


    However,


    Yu Jiujiang then shifted his tone and continued, "However, not all martial artists in the Five Viscera Realm can grasp the second step of an Artistic Conception. In fact, only a few do. He Wuyou, for instance, has never mastered the second step of any Artistic Conception.


    Therefore, even though I am in my twilight years, knowing that fighting with me could deplete my Vital Energy and hasten my decline, he still dares not challenge me."


    "It was also after stepping down from my position as a steward of the Seven Profound Sect and sitting idly by this pond for over ten years that I finally took that step."


    Yu Jiujiang''s words carried a hint of lament.


    In reality, if he had not grasped the second stage of the Kan Water Artistic Conception, he likely would have struggled to maintain his realm and strength. Although it''s easy for a martial artist who has entered the Five Viscera Realm to live past a hundred years, longevity and strength are not the same.


    Being able to maintain his strength undiminished at the age of ninety-two was partly because he had reached the second step of the Kan Water Artistic Conception, and partly because it was one of the Artistic Conceptions within the Qiankun Eight Phases that is best able to nurture and sustain life.


    If it were Artistic Conceptions like Separating Fire or Thunderbolt with stronger lethal power, maintaining strength up to ninety would be extremely difficult.


    "Then, what level would someone like He Wuyou, who has not realized the second step of an Artistic Conception, be at?"


    After a brief moment of contemplation, Chen Mu continued to inquire.


    According to what he knew so far, the second step of an Artistic Conception was indeed very difficult. Most people were like Yu Jiujiang, who barely grasped it in their twilight years and had little power to act. Those who grasped it in their prime were rare, one in ten at most.


    Even among True Disciples of the Four Great Sects, only the very best could comprehend the second step of an Artistic Conception at a young age, like Gu Hong, whom he had once met from the True Inheritance of the Heavenly Sword, who was ranked last in the True Inheritance and had not made it to the second step.


    "If he were to fight with me, I could win within a hundred moves,"


    Yu Jiujiang said calmly.


    With these words, Chen Mu finally had a general understanding of the strength distribution within the Five Viscera Realm.


    Mastery of the second step of any one of the Artistic Conceptions such as wind, thunder, or fire from the Qiankun Eight Phases was roughly the power just beyond the ''threshold of the Five Viscera Realm.'' Faced with the weakest of the Five Viscera Realm, victory was basically out of reach; at most, one could only hold their ground for a while.


    Then there were people like He Wuyou who had stepped into the Five Viscera Realm but had not mastered the second step of an Artistic Conception; they belonged to the ''average'' range within the Five Viscera Realm, probably only slightly stronger than he currently was.


    Moving up were individuals like Yu Jiujiang, who had mastered the second step of an Artistic Conception within the Five Viscera Realm, belonged to the stronger class within, but since they were in their twilight years, they were just managing to maintain their strength, which had slipped compared to their prime.


    They could handle individuals like He Wuyou but facing true prodigies like Gu Hong, chances of victory were slim.


    And standing at the pinnacle of the Five Viscera Realm were only the leading True Disciples of the Four Sects, like Zuo Qianqiu.


    "So, if I master a second step of an Artistic Conception, I basically need not fear those like He Wuyou in the normal Five Viscera Realm. However, in terms of Body Refining, I actually have a certain advantage, though I can''t accurately classify the division,"


    Chen Mu pondered internally.


    Body training and Bone Tempering, Tiger and Leopard Thunder Sound, were not to be taken lightly. Even though he had not stepped into the Five Viscera Realm and completed the qualitative change of Qi-Blood combinations, his physique alone was extremely formidable.


    According to the Da Xuan Martial Canon, if he trained to the Bone Tempering limit of the ''Jade Bone'' Realm, then even the Yuan Gang True Essence of the Five Viscera Realm could be firmly countered, adding another layer to his strength.


    In summary, having a general assessment of his own strength, he now knew better how to measure his actions. The most important thing right now was to quickly elevate the Separating Fire Artistic Conception to the second step and push the first stage of Bone Tempering to its limit.


    By then,


    very few could pose a threat to him.

 Chapter 145 Growth

    Having left the Ancient Courtyard, Chen Mu returned to his own residence.Now that he had been promoted to Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate and had come under the wing of Yan Jingqing, some unnecessary tasks could be spared, such as moving to the Ancient Courtyard. Given the bustling nature of the Ancient Courtyard, it was more appropriate for him to stay in his own yard to quietly cultivate.


    Considering the ongoing repairs in the bedroom, which were quite noisy, Chen Mu decided to dig out a space beneath the existing practice room''s silent chamber to create a new training silent chamber. This would not only be quieter but also more concealed, sparing him the worry of causing too much disturbance.


    So he set about doing just that.


    To ensure secrecy, Chen Mu took on the task of creating the practice silent chamber himself. With his current strength, digging out a space beneath the practice silent chamber in the western room did not take much time. The only tasks were disposing of the excavated soil and reinforcing the subterranean section with specific materials to ensure its stability.


    These were not problems either, as they were mostly completed along with the bedroom repairs.


    ...


    Yu Family.


    Chen Mu''s residence, underground silent chamber.


    Four months had passed since Chen Mu had been promoted to Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate. During these four months, his main activity was "observing governance," which meant only watching without acting. Apart from visiting the Inspectorate daily to sort through various intelligence documents, he spent the rest of his time cultivating.


    Over these four months, the Four Great Sects in Yu County had stabilized, and had not engaged in any unscrupulous activities, hence the workload at the Inspectorate was relatively light, just like the Demon-Slaying Office, which enjoyed more freedom during times without demonic disturbances.


    Thump! Thump!!


    The underground silent chamber was slightly more spacious than the previous practice room. Chen Mu stood at the center, his knuckles bent and continuously tapping on a piece of raw iron in front of him, producing a dull sound like a striking bell, leaving indents with each hit!


    Throughout the movement, he utilized neither Artistic Conception nor Momentum, relying solely on his own physical strength and the resilience of his skin and bones, forcefully leaving dents in the raw iron. Even disciples from the Four Great Sects would be astonished by this scene, as having such a well-trained physique was rarely seen even among the major sects.


    Suddenly.


    Chen Mu clenched his right fist, straightened his bent knuckles, extended his index finger, and jabbed it into the raw iron, accompanied by sparks flying and a muffled sound of metal striking iron, forcefully embedding his entire finger into the iron stone!


    For Martial Artists in the Bone Tempering Realm, achieving this with the aid of "Momentum" or "Artistic Conception" wouldn''t be difficult, but achieving it solely with pure strength and finger bone robustness was astonishing.


    Even Xu Hongyu, who had now entered the Bone Tempering Realm, would struggle to withstand such force.


    "Bone Tempering Perfection, truly extraordinary,"


    With a slight exertion, Chen Mu pulled his finger out of the raw iron. Seeing that his finger remained unchanged, he then glanced at the indents left on the iron, nodding slightly with a hint of satisfaction.


    [Tiger Demon Bone Tempering Technique (90%)]


    [Experience: 6 points]


    On the system panel, his Tiger Demon Bone Tempering Technique had remarkably reached ninety percent progress!


    Just four months ago, his Bone Tempering Technique was only a slight distance away from reaching Major Achievement. Now, four months later, though he held the position of Metropolitan Commander, he had never neglected his cultivation in the Bone Tempering Method, and had now stepped into the realm of Perfection!


    Even within the realm of Bone Tempering Perfection, there are differences.


    Ordinarily, for someone with perfect Bone Tempering who can penetrate raw iron with pure physical prowess, penetrating as deep as a fingertip is already quite commendable. Yet, Chen Mu was able to penetrate an entire finger, which was more than double the strength! S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was not only because he had trained the three previous Realms to their limits, possessing overwhelming strength far exceeding that of ordinary people, but also because without a strong skeletal structure and without the use of Artistic Conception and other enhancements, penetrating completely and without feeling pain or sustaining injury would not be possible.


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    "Such a formidable physique, such robust bones, still not having reached the Bone Tempering limit of ''Jade Bone.'' No wonder the Martial Canon says that if one can train all Four Realms to their limit, even the Yuan Gang True Essence from the Five Viscera Realm can be withstood with mere physical strength,"


    Chen Mu muttered to himself.


    With his current physique, even if he stood still, individuals not in the Bone Tempering Realm would hardly harm him, and even typical Bone Tempering Realm individuals would need to target critical areas like the eyes and throat to pose any threat to him.


    As this thought flashed through his mind, Chen Mu suddenly drew his knife and swung it forward.


    "Wind Thunder Shock!"


    With the slash of the knife, thunder appeared and strong winds surged; the blade moved so fast it was nearly invisible, with only the fleeting thunder cutting through the darkness of the underground silent chamber.


    "Windfire Blaze!"


    Another slash was cast, and in an instant, blazing flames erupted from the blade. Winds fanned the flames, enhancing the fire''s intensity. The blazing flames formed a visible knife shape, striking down with a loud crash, illuminating the entire underground silent chamber.


    "Thunderfire Ash!"


    Thunder ignited the fire, with searing flames intertwined with streaks of lightning, harboring a terrifying aura of destruction, suddenly striking down, dispelling evil spirits and clearing malevolent ghosts!


    "Heaven..."


    The fourth slash did not fall, merely the elements of wind, thunder, and fire intertwining on the Fine Iron Knife, then quietly dissipating.

 Chapter 145 Growth_2

    Chen Mu looked at the Fine Iron Knife in his hand and shook his head slightly.Only to see.


    The Fine Iron Knife that had accompanied him for a long time was now covered in marks, clearly unable to bear the fourth strike just made; if forced, the blade would probably completely shatter before even falling.


    "Is it because my grasp of the Separating Fire Artistic Conception isn''t enough?"


    "No, the application of a single Artistic Conception and that of multiple Artistic Conceptions is ultimately different."


    Chen Mu murmured to himself while looking at the knife in his hand.


    Four months had passed, and he had naturally mastered the Separating Fire Artistic Conception, even having deduced it twice, accumulating much experience. With some more time, he would be able to step into the second phase of the Separating Fire Artistic Conception.


    Although going from Minor Achievement to Perfection in Bone Tempering was not a qualitative change, it was a solid and steady enhancement. Moreover, having mastered an additional Artistic Conception, his strength was almost doubled compared to before!


    In truth, had it not been for the various matters of the Inspectorate taking up some of his time every day, perhaps he would already have entered the second step of the Separating Fire Artistic Conception. However, every situation has its pros and cons.


    Since he assumed the role of Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate, the He Family had completely quieted down in this period, and no assassin from the Blood Hidden Pavilion had shown up before him, making these four months quite peaceful.


    "It seems it is time to find a suitable and good knife."


    Chen Mu lifted the Fine Iron Knife in his hand and shook it.


    Normally speaking, wielding an Artistic Conception should not damage the weapon but even provide some protection to it. Otherwise, if one were to use fists to exercise the Artistic Conception and damage their own body first, that would be a bit too outrageous.


    The reason his knife ended up in such a state of being unable to bear the burden was more due to the overlaying application of multiple Artistic Conceptions.


    The Artistic Conceptions of Wind, Thunder, and Fire, no matter how similar they are or how they generate each other, are still three different Artistic Conceptions. When applied at the same time, they inevitably cause changes, affecting the blade.


    Especially when the three Artistic Conceptions were used simultaneously, the impact was even more severe.


    A Fine Iron Knife of such quality is not bad, but in his hands, it could only bear about a dozen uses of his triple overlaid Artistic Conceptions before it would end up in its current state, battered and almost on the verge of collapsing.


    Clang.


    Chen Mu sheathed the Fine Iron Knife and turned to walk out of the Silent Chamber where he had been practicing, returning to the yard on the ground.


    After a brief contemplation, instead of looking for Little Lotus, he walked out of the courtyard and made his way to the Ancient Courtyard located deep within the Yu Family. He did not go deep into the Ancient Courtyard but only to a courtyard in front of it.


    In this courtyard lived several elders. Though all were advanced in years, each had a certain dignified demeanor. Seeing Chen Mu approaching, one of them immediately showed a kind expression and said, "Is that Little Mu? Do you have a need for something?"


    Upon hearing this remark,


    The other elderly men, who had been either resting with closed eyes or not paying much attention to Chen Mu, turned to look at him one after another.


    "Is that Chen Mu? The grandson-in-law of Yu Zuyi?"


    "Humph! Zuyi that guy, to have such a good daughter is not enough, but he also got a good grandson-in-law!"


    Some of the elders suddenly began murmuring and complaining, seemingly quite dissatisfied with Yu Zuyi.


    One of them, with a chuckle, came up to Chen Mu and said, "Little Mu, I too have a granddaughter named Yu Yun. She''s lovely and cute, obedient and well-behaved. Although you''ve arranged a marriage with Hongyu, she''s, after all, just Zuyi''s granddaughter. I think, with your wedding drawing near, why not add to the family, and marry into both families? What do you think?"


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    Chen Mu''s lips twitched slightly upon hearing this.


    In his mind appeared the image of Yu Yun, and he truly wondered how "obedient and well-behaved" could describe her.


    Before Chen Mu could reply,


    another old man walked over, glared at the person, and said,


    "Get lost, get lost. My Yun girl and little Mu don''t match well at all. You old coot, stop trying to pair them off haphazardly. Huh... Actually, my granddaughter Yu Rui, who just turned twenty-eight this year, has quite good natural talent and qualities. She would be a better match."


    "Don''t spout nonsense. How is your granddaughter any match for my little Yun?"


    "It seems you''re the one who''s senile. Yun is also eighteen this year, isn''t she? Rui is only sixteen."


    "What are we even comparing here! Then, my granddaughter Yu Fu is only thirteen this year!"


    A few of the second generation Yu Family elders made such a noisy argument that it gave Chen Mu a headache, especially when he heard the direction of their argument turning more and more perilous, so he hurriedly interjected,


    "Elders, I came here looking for a suitable knife. I wonder if there are any appropriate weapons or materials available."


    "Oh, that''s what you''re here for."


    Yu Zuting pulled himself out of the argument and cheerfully said to Chen Mu, "If you need it, then we must make it available, of course. Let me go look for it."


    With that,


    Yu Zuting entered one of the rooms, and after a short while, he returned with a fist-sized, silver-colored mineral stone that faintly showed streamline shapes. He said, "There are no treasured sabers currently stored, but we have a piece of ''flowing silver ore.'' Combine it with a portion of the finest mysterious iron ore, and it will be enough to refine a treasured saber."


    Saying so, he pushed the ''flowing silver ore'' directly into Chen Mu''s hands and continued with a chuckle, "Actually, my granddaughter Yun is indeed very charming. If you don''t find her suitable, Fu is also getting to the age to be married off..."


    Chen Mu hurriedly cut him off, "Thank you for the trouble, Elder. I have urgent matters to attend to and don''t want to disturb your rest any longer, so I''ll take my leave now."


    After giving Yu Zuting a bow, Chen Mu quickly left the courtyard.


    Yu Zuting looked at Chen Mu''s departure with some regret, shaking his head and saying, "Zuyi that old thing really knows his stuff; all the advantages seem to go his way. My two granddaughters can''t compare to his one granddaughter."


    Looking across the whole Yu City now, aside from the disciples of the Four Great Sects, there was no young man more outstanding than Chen Mu. If Chen Mu was interested, even if it meant marrying both Yun and Fu, he would be very pleased and eager to facilitate the marriage.


    However,


    just then, another old man beside him suddenly harrumphed and said, "Zuting, you''re foggy-brained too, giving him a piece of flowing silver ore to craft a treasured saber. Have you forgotten that flowing silver ore needs to be paired with mysterious iron ore, which has been tightly controlled by the He Family for over a decade? It''s tough to get a piece or two, where do we even have any stock left?"


    "Oh no, I forgot about the serious matter!"


    Yu Zuting smacked his forehead, showing an annoyed expression, then shook his head and said, "Never mind, never mind, perhaps the Refining Hall still has some in stock. If not, I''ll just have to exchange it for something else when he returns. It''s just one more trip."


    The old man standing by chuckled and said, "With you being so scatterbrained, how would anyone think highly of your granddaughters? What if they inherit your confusion? And end up raising another scatterbrained child, heh heh heh."


    "Hmph! Like you''re any better, you even got someone else''s name wrong last month! And you did it twice!"


    Yu Zuting retorted with a snort of ridicule.


    "That was a slip of the tongue! I already said that''s not to be mentioned again!"


    The old man became furious.


    Yu Zuting chuckled coldly, and the courtyard quickly became noisy once again.


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 Chapter 146 Hooked Fence

    Yu Family Refining Hall.Although the He Family essentially controlled all the metal smelting throughout Yu County, the Yu Family, as a major clan in the Inner City, was not completely restricted and had their own forging and smelting facilities within their residence.


    "Do we need to match it with top-quality Mysterious Iron?"


    Upon hearing the reply from the smelter in the Refining Hall, Chen Mu couldn''t help but show a hint of contemplation.


    The smelter respectfully said, "Patterned Silver Ore is a type of soft ore that enhances the flexibility and sharpness of a weapon. It''s not that it can''t be used alone to forge weapons, but it is commonly used to forge ''Soft Swords.'' Since Lord Chen, you want to forge a blade, you need to pair it with top-quality Mysterious Iron to balance softness with rigidity...


    If paired with other ores, forging is still possible, but that would somewhat waste such a piece of Patterned Silver Ore."


    "I see."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly.


    The supply of Mysterious Iron in Yu County currently came from a single vein, fully managed by the Smelting Bureau, which, along with the entire smelting industry in Yu County, was under the control of the He Family; thus, the Mysterious Iron produced would naturally be subject to various restrictions for the Yu Family.


    Now that the Yu Family''s Refining Hall lacked Mysterious Iron, Yu Zuting had given him a piece of Patterned Silver Ore, perhaps hoping he could resolve this issue. However, obtaining one or two pieces of Mysterious Iron would be easy for him, but completely opening up this route would not be so straightforward.


    Indeed, with his status as the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate, he could directly coerce the Smelting Bureau into submission, forcing them to completely open the Mysterious Iron trade channel to the Yu Family, but that would involve leveraging Yan Jingqing''s influence to suppress the He Family.


    However, four months ago,


    Yan Jingqing had already put pressure on the He Family once, causing them to behave cautiously over these four months and scarcely leave any faults to be found. If he exerted influence to pressure the He Family now, it would be akin to a personal vendetta. If this matter reached Yan Jingqing''s ears, it would not be good.


    But this difficulty was only relative. If he got a hold of some leverage over the He Family and had a suitable reason to make a move, then no matter how he twisted and turned them, it wouldn''t pose any issue.


    And as the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate,


    To inspect, what else to inspect if not this very matter? Your next chapter awaits on empire


    The He Family had been discreet in their actions and free of mistakes for the past few months, not because they had been impeccable, but simply because he was too busy silently cultivating his martial skills to bother with them.


    Since he generally disliked tedious struggles and found little enjoyment in using his position as the Metropolitan Commander to force the He Family to back down, he had previously planned either to refrain from intervening or to strike decisively like thunder, uprooting the He Family entirely!


    After giving it some thought,


    Chen Mu placed the Patterned Silver Ore he held down and said, "Leave this piece of Patterned Silver Ore here for now, fetch me an ordinary Fine Iron Knife for temporary use. Once I acquire the Mysterious Iron, we''ll proceed with the forging."


    The smelter responded respectfully, carefully put away the Patterned Silver Ore, then carefully selected among the Fine Iron Knives, choosing the one of the highest quality to hand to Chen Mu.


    Swish swish!


    Chen Mu took it and swung it twice, nodding in satisfaction. Then, he left the Refining Hall and headed straight for the Inspectorate.


    ...


    Soon.


    Chen Mu arrived at the Inspectorate.


    The main building of the Inspectorate had six floors, with the topmost floor being the main hall of the Inspector Yan Jingqing. The fifth floor belonged to the head officials of the Inspectorate, and the fourth floor below housed the offices where he and two other commanders handled daily affairs, each with three different Hall Offices.


    "Metropolitan Commander."


    Along the way, various officials of the Inspectorate respectfully saluted Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu continued to his own Hall Office. The table was already piled with various documents containing information from all directions of Yu County, mostly concerning the movements of the disciples from the Four Great Sects, with a fewer number about the four major families of the Inner City and some regarding sightings of demonic beings.


    Chen Mu habitually reviewed each document one by one, then sorted them by category: those pertaining to the Heavenly Sword Sect were grouped together, those from the Hehuan Sect another, organizing the parts that seemed more noteworthy aside, waiting to be presented to Yan Jingqing. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However.


    As he was going through these various reports, one of them suddenly caught his attention.


    "Yan Wansi, the Family Head of the Black Cloud Thieves?"


    Looking at the description in the report, Chen Mu showed a pensive expression.


    The Black Cloud Thieves, a name he had forgotten for quite a while, was suspected of hijacking a batch of the Yu Family''s salt cargo years ago. When Xu Hongyu and some Yu Family members went to investigate, they had a clash with the Black Cloud Thieves and suffered some injuries.


    Furthermore, the second-in-command of the Black Cloud Thieves, once ordered by He Mingxuan to attempt to assassinate him, was instead killed by him in self-defense.


    To create more chaos to obscure his own actions, he had brazenly attacked He Mingxuan''s residence at night, killing him in the courtyard; this instigated the first major disturbance in the South City District, leading to Xu Hongyu stepping down as Chief Constable...


    If the second-in-command of the Black Cloud Thieves was linked to the He Family, then it was very possible that the entire Black Cloud Thieves served as the He Family''s ''black hand,'' carrying out inconvenient tasks for them, such as murder, robbery, and plundering the Yu Family''s salt transport, for instance.


    And now,


    This Yan Wansi, the Family Head of the Black Cloud Thieves, was suspected to be seen in Yu City.


    The information from the Inspectorate couldn''t have been groundless; even the mention of a suspicion meant that on several occasions, someone resembling Yan Wansi had been spotted, but they couldn''t fully confirm his identity, hence the use of ''suspected.''


    "Yan Wansi, Family Head of the Black Cloud Thieves, a formidable figure in the Bone Tempering Realm, roaming the wasteland mountains of Yu County without a clear stronghold, infamous for his ruthless and vicious nature, with a bounty of twenty-six thousand taels of Patterned Silver..."

 Chapter 168 146 Chapter Brothel_2

    Chen Mu pulled out the wanted poster for Yan Wansi from his memory.Hmm.


    Whether related or not, this was a person worth investigating, as his potential ties with the He Family weren''t the only concern; the mere fact that he had once caused Xu Hongyu to pursue him and get injured made him a target Chen Mu could not overlook.


    ...


    East City.


    Perfume Alley.


    This area is famously known as the Flower Street of East City.


    Since Yu City is vast, nearly every district is as large as a county government, dividing into four City Defense Divisions: east, south, west, and north, each operating independently. Every district has its own Flower Pavilions and brothels.


    Now, in the dead of winter, the rivers of the Outer City are frozen, and the most famous floating brothels enter their off-season, leaving only the Flower Streets in each district still in operation.


    Among these, the most renowned is in East City, where, it is said, whether singers, dancers, or courtesans, or even the highly sought-after prostitutes, the level of beauty and physical allure surpasses that of any other district.


    Only the Flower Alley of the Inner City can compare to it.


    However, the expense in Inner City Flower Alley greatly exceeds that of the Outer City and is inaccessible to all but the elite and government officials. Furthermore, current rumors of vague connections with the legendary ''Hehuan Sect'' deter some visitors.


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    Nonetheless, there are also wealthy squires itching to taste the ''Hehuan'' thrill, willing to spend a fortune for a round in the Inner City Flower Alley. After all, to them, the Four Great Sects are revered figures, and experiencing a disciple of Hehuan is a matter worth bragging about.


    Even in the cold winter.


    The Perfume Alley of East City is still bustling with life, the whole street lit up with lights. There are squires in thick brocade robes and cotton clothes, eyeing each Flower Pavilion, entering slowly under the warm welcomes of the madams.


    There are not just squires on the streets, there are also individuals in light clothing who don''t seem cold, clearly skilled in martial arts, with each Flower Pavilion ready to serve them all.


    Suddenly.


    A man with a black cloth hat, dressed in simple green clothes, carrying a knife at his waist, strolled by.


    This attire was uncommon before the Four Great Sects stationed in Yu County, but since the Sect Disciples arrived, it has become less surprising. Often Sect Disciples used this disguise to hide their faces, leading many gang members and warriors of the Martial World to adopt this style.


    After all, it was perfect for concealing one''s identity while avoiding attracting too much attention in its growing popularity.


    Thus Chen Mu arrived in front of one of the Flower Pavilions and looked up to see a signboard reading ''Oriole Pavilion,'' then casually pulled out a piece of Silver from his sleeve and threw it to the welcoming old madam at the door.


    "Oh, honored guest, please come inside."


    The madam weighed the Silver, her face breaking into a smile as she welcomed Chen Mu inside without questioning his origins or identity, nor caring about the hat that masked his face. Nowadays, there were too many dressed in such fashion; as long as one had Silver, no other credentials mattered.


    Moreover, as the madam knew, such guests often turned out to be generous spenders. Some didn''t even partake in pleasure but would watch a dance or listen to music on the second floor, have a couple of drinks, throw down some Silver, and leave.


    Such patrons were undoubtedly the most welcomed by Flower Pavilions.


    As for their exact identities... perhaps they were Sect Disciples, noble sons, or some wanted figures of the Martial World. Regardless of which, it was best not to delve too deeply, as long as there was Silver to be made. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Good sir, I am Xiao Lian. Would you like to listen to music, or would you prefer to rest early?"


    Just as Chen Mu walked in, a petite girl with ample charms approached, her large, watery eyes blinking appealingly, exuding both a charm that invited affection and a subtle seduction that was enticing.


    Chen Mu, who had seen his fair share of grand scenes and frequented brothels while handling cases, was accustomed to such sights. He casually flicked a silver bean into the mix:


    "Listening to the music."


    "Thank you for the tip, sir. Please, upstairs we have private booths and rooms..."


    "A private booth will be fine."


    Chen Mu responded casually.


    The venue for listening to music was very spacious, consisting of a hall with seats everywhere. The private rooms were not enclosed spaces but were furnished with windows opening to the view of the dance performances in the hall. These were often chosen by nobles accompanied by servants and were quite attention-catching.


    In contrast, the more common private booths did not attract much notice, all of which he was very familiar with.


    In the past, he found brothels somewhat interesting, but now, with his power and status ascending, his interest had waned. After all, if he wished, he could directly bring in a whole troupe of dancing girls to enjoy music and dance daily.


    Very soon,


    Xiao Lian led Chen Mu to the main hall on the second floor. The area was spacious and warm, insulated from the chilly winds outside. Many visitors had shed their coats and were wearing only thin clothes, each sitting behind a small table, either chatting animatedly or watching the dancing girls sway their slender waists, enjoying the glimpses of beauty.


    Chen Mu''s arrival did not draw any attention. There were seven or eight others dressed just like him on this floor, all wearing black cloth hats that obscured their faces, and the attending singers also tactfully avoided lifting them.


    He sat down in an inconspicuous corner.


    Seeing that Chen Mu did not ask her to leave, Xiao Lian''s eyes suddenly showed a hint of joy. She quietly knelt beside, clearly identifying the guest as someone generous. If she could stay by his side a bit longer, perhaps she could earn more tips.


    Besides,


    This guest was not burly, and the hands he used to give tips were not rough. He did not exude an intimidating air and did not seem like a bandit. Perhaps he was an East City rich family''s young master trying to maintain a good public image. If she served him well, maybe she would have a chance...


    Suddenly realizing that trying to discern such a customer''s true identity was taboo, Xiao Lian quickly interrupted her own wild thoughts and began to attend cautiously.


    "..."


    Chen Mu did not send Xiao Lian away, not out of lust for beauties but because it drew less attention.


    He glanced casually at the performances, then his gaze swept across the hall, particularly resting on a few individuals dressed like him and wearing black cloth hats, but without seeing their faces, it was indeed hard to discern their identities.


    As for the others,


    After looking around, he did not see anyone fitting Yan Wansi''s description.


    "No wonder Yan Wansi''s information is mostly found in the quarter of pleasure; indeed, it''s a fitting place to hide."


    Chen Mu revealed a thoughtful expression.


    Previously, it wasn''t so troublesome. The government would forcefully remove masks and check, but since the Four Great Sects'' arrival, things had become complicated, inclining more towards the ways of the Martial World.


    Those wearing black cloth like him could be bandits like Yan Wansi under the mask, but they could also be Sect Disciples, or even revealing a true disciple might lead to a big surprise!


    Although unlikely, there was still a chance, and it was possible to find those who frequented brothels to listen to music.


    After all,


    Even he, the mighty Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate, was sitting here listening to music while wearing a hat!


    However, while it might be difficult for ordinary people to identify these individuals, Chen Mu was a master of Artistic Conception.


    If he paid close attention, unless someone was extremely skilled at concealing their aura like the Blood Hidden Pavilion, or was someone from the Five Viscera Realm, it was usually hard to hide their presence from him, especially since ''breathing'' was also a form of wind within the range of his ''Autumn Wind Sense''.

 Chapter 147 Yan Wansi

    "Breathing heavily, Qi-Blood surging..."Chen Mu focused all his attention on the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, elevating his perception of the Autumn Wind Sense to the sharpest degree possible. Though the figures in the scene were shadowy and the setting chaotic, he could still keenly catch the aura of each unknown person, sensing them one by one.


    Martial Artists possess thick Qi-Blood and breaths that are light and prolonged, which made it easy to distinguish them from ordinary people. He quickly ruled out most of the people present, leaving only two individuals.


    The breaths of these two were prolonged, and their Qi-Blood robust, but whether they were in the Tendon Changing Realm or the Bone Tempering Realm was hard to accurately determine. After all, although Chen Mu''s Xun Wind Artistic Conception was the first he had mastered, it was the shallowest among his three conceptions.


    In a mixed scene with no actions taken by either, the minute differences were too subtle to discern. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However,


    Chen Mu was not troubled at that moment, for he could not precisely determine whether these two were in the Tendon Changing Realm or the Bone Tempering Realm, but he was certain they were not higher. There was no harm in taking direct action, but since Yan Wansi might not be among these two, there was still no need to startle the snakes; a slight test would suffice.


    With that thought, Chen Mu gently lifted his hand, took a sip of his drink, and with an imperceptible flick of his fingertip, a drop of liquid silently flew towards the nearest person.


    "Hmm?"


    The person was very sharp, and although he couldn''t immediately trace the origin of the droplet, he managed to flick it away just as it was about to land on him.


    Impressive skill, but it''s not this person...


    A thought flickered in Chen Mu''s mind. The sharp response to the approaching droplet was nothing noteworthy, but the ability to flick it away so effortlessly without splashing, flying out like a jade bead, required more than mere strength; it required a precise control over power, something beyond ordinary reach.


    This person was also a Martial Artist in the Bone Tempering Realm, but such subtle control over strength was not something Yan Wansi, a bumpkin by origin, could develop. Moreover, judging by his hand shape, he couldn''t be over thirty years old¡ªmost likely one of the disciples from the four sects.


    Without making a sound, after flicking away the droplet of drink, the person continued to sit and watch the singing and dancing, albeit now perceiving the surroundings more alertly, observing those around him.


    Chen Mu did not mind.


    This person''s stealthy, unobtrusive manner suited him well, so he turned his gaze to another person, pointed his fingertip, and flicked another drop of liquid in their direction.


    However, the other person seemed too inept, not noticing the approaching drop at all, allowing it to land on him and seep into his clothes. It was only when his body felt the liquid that he reacted, his hairs bristling and his body jolting in surprise. Believing it was just a splash from someone nearby drinking, he relaxed and shook his head.


    Throughout this process, his Qi-Blood fluctuated but revealed him to be merely a Martial Artist in the Tendon Changing Realm.


    "Neither of these two, then..."


    Chen Mu imperceptibly looked up towards the ceiling.


    Above, the Oriole Pavilion had a third layer, where proper private rooms were located; one could either order the Pavilion''s songstresses and dancers for solitary enjoyment or engage in more intimate activities.


    The thought had barely formed.


    Chen Mu spoke indifferently, "I''m a bit tired, lead me upstairs to rest."


    Xiaolian, dutifully kneeling beside him, startled at his words but quietly complied, helping Chen Mu rise to lead him to the third floor.


    But just then, a droplet of liquid flew towards Chen Mu''s shoulder. If one looked closely, a subtle, unusual luster gleamed within the droplet, containing a faint trace of Sword Intent.


    Yet Chen Mu acted as if he sensed nothing, allowing Xiaolian to help him up until the droplet neared, then a finger probed from the sleeve on his left, lightly touching the approaching droplet.


    Sizzle.


    This time, the droplet was not flicked away but vanished with a sizzle at his fingertip.


    As if it was a casual action, Chen Mu did not look towards the direction from where the drink had come; he allowed Xiaolian, slightly tipsy, to help him leave the hall towards the third floor.


    Not far away,


    A figure wearing a black cloth hat, eyes behind the fabric revealing a trace of astonishment.


    He was the first person Chen Mu had tested. Observing that it was Chen Mu who flicked the drink, he returned the test, though his was more significant. The droplet contained a whiff of Artistic Conception power, yet it was effortlessly extinguished.


    "Who is this person? Who can so easily extinguish my Sword Intent..."


    From his perception and observations of Chen Mu, he could tell Chen Mu was also under thirty, certainly not a fellow disciple from the Heavenly Sword Sect, since only he practiced the ''Mortal Dust'' Sword Intent and would frequent such a place.


    It was also unlikely to be someone from Blood Hidden Pavilion or Hehuan Sect; the hidden and assassination-oriented Blood Hidden Pavilion wouldn''t conduct such a test openly, and Hehuan Sect, being entirely comprised of women, needed no further disqualification.


    It might be someone from Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, though most of its disciples are chatterboxes, hardly the type to sit quietly like Chen Mu.


    Hmm.


    Right, among the younger generation in Yu City capable of catching his eye, there seems to be one character not from the four sects.


    "Could it be him?"


    Lv Yuan pondered for a moment, then shook his head.


    If it''s that individual from the Inspectorate here to investigate something, it''s possible, seeing that it wasn''t directed at him. It wasn''t necessary to muddle these waters, but could this person truly be of humble origins?


    Even the Seven Profound Sect overlooked such a figure and failed to recruit him, which truly shows they''ve secluded themselves too long, loftily detached from others. It''s fitting that their current leading heir couldn''t withstand even the fourth strike of Zuo Qianqiu''s "Seven Cutting Skies Swords."


    However, Zuo Qianqiu himself was the only person in the past century from the Heavenly Sword Sect to comprehend the "Heavenly Sword" Artistic Conception, universally acknowledged as the top heir of the century. Even heirs from Blood Concealment Mysterious Mechanism and other sects didn''t dare face his edge directly.


    Thinking this,


    Lv Yuan couldn''t help but sigh inwardly, lamenting the sorrow of being born in the same era as Zuo Qianqiu. Under his dazzling brilliance, everyone else could only appear dim in comparison.


    However, he had not managed to make it into the top ten of the Inner Sect, and his ambition for struggle had also faded lately. He spent his days drinking and listening to music, mingling aimlessly with his senior sect brothers. This generation was left to Zuo Qianqiu alone, who would sweep across the world.


    ...


    Oriole Pavilion.


    Third Layer.


    In a room located at the southeast corner,


    a man around forty, with a lean face and a healed sword wound on his forehead, sat cross-legged while sipping at the liquor before him.


    In front of him was a girl about sixteen or seventeen, dressed in a light green dance gown, her bare jade feet lightly stepping on the pear wood floor. Her body moved gracefully as she danced, her slender waist was delicate as if possessing no bones.


    As the dance ended,


    the girl maintained her back-bending pose for a while before she straightened up and looked at the lean man behind the desk, smiling cheerfully, "Sir, did you enjoy my dance?"


    Despite the traces of childish naivety in her eyebrows and eyes, there was a hint of seductiveness that didn''t quite match her innocence. Her enchanting posture and the subtly revealed orchid scent profoundly stirred one''s mind.


    "Good, very good¡­"


    Yan Wansi grinned, completely aroused by the fire within him. He suddenly lunged forward from behind the desk, pinning the girl beneath him, and swiftly ripped her light green dance gown into shreds.


    The girl''s face instantly showed panic as she twisted and struggled, "Don''t, you shouldn''t¡­ I am a clean servant, I don''t entertain guests¡­"


    "Humph! Clean or not, that''s exactly my taste."


    Watching the girl''s panic-stricken expression only excited Yan Wansi even more. Her seductive demeanor clearly had an inviting intent. The claims of being a clean servant and not entertaining guests were probably just a show for his benefit. Having been a Bandit of the Dark Clouds for years, he relished seeing the terrified, powerless looks of noble girls as they were pinned helplessly to the ground.


    Other regular women simply couldn''t arouse much of his interest.


    The girl kept struggling frantically, but she seemed to lack much strength. As Yan Wansi stuffed a torn piece of the dance gown into her mouth, she could only muffle her cries, tears welling up in her innocent eyes, giving off an appearance of crying.


    But just then.


    Bang!


    The sealed door was suddenly breached by something, a streak of light, accompanied by a whooshing sound, shot towards Yan Wansi.


    Yan Wansi''s reactions were extremely quick. A moment ago he was pinning the girl to the ground, but he suddenly sprang up, agile like a gecko, sticking to the wall, and he quickly recognized the light that came breaking through the air.


    It was shockingly a delicate branch! Your next chapter is on empire


    It looked as if it were merely a branch picked at random from outside, but as it came slicing through the air, it not only pierced the sturdy door but also passed where he had been a moment earlier and directly embedded into the pear wood floor, iron-hard, without damaging a single petal of the delicate wax plum flower at its tip!


    Yan Wansi''s pupils contracted sharply, with hardly any hesitation, he immediately dashed towards the window, smashing through the sealed window, ready to escape the Oriole Pavilion.


    However,


    at that moment, a faint voice rang out.


    "Stay behind," it said.


    Accompanied by that voice, another fierce swoosh emerged. It was still a branch, moving faster than before, slanting from the left to strike at Yan Wansi. Yan Wansi moved extremely fast, smashing through the window, his body already halfway out, yet he forcibly twisted to avoid to the right.


    Almost immediately, another branch shot in from the right, even faster, with a faint flash of lightning and thunder, sharper and more ferocious.


    Yan Wansi''s face turned extremely grim as he contorted his body in mid-air like a carp leaping up, spreading his body and hooking his hand on the window ledge, barely dodging the flying branch, but he was forced back inside the room.


    Cold air poured in from the broken window.


    With Yan Wansi''s Martial Arts Realm, being in the Bone Tempering Realm, he naturally wouldn''t be bothered by the chill, but at that moment, his entire being felt icy cold, his face grim as he watched the figure who had just pushed open the door and stepped in confidently.


    Although the figure was dressed in green, wearing a black cloth hat, making it difficult to discern his face, Yan Wansi had realized who the person was from the power of those three branches and the accompanying storm thunder might.


    The Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate!


    Chen Mu!

 Chapter 148 Movements and Stillness

    "Sir, honored sir?"Xiao Lian followed closely behind Chen Mu, looking very startled at the moment.


    Chen Mu had taken her up to the third floor, where she was guiding him, thinking that her chance to buy back her freedom with silver coins was within grasp again. She was still wondering about the face that lay beneath Chen Mu''s black cloth hat when suddenly, he changed direction, taking the lead.


    He then broke off several flower branches from the side of the road and swiftly threw them in quick succession.


    The delicate branches, in Chen Mu''s hands, burst forth with the sound of breaking air, like crossbow bolts, piercing directly through a room ahead, giving the unsuspecting Xiao Lian quite a fright, and leaving her at a loss, stuttering as she watched Chen Mu open the door opposite to reveal a room in complete disarray. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She had realized.


    She seemed to have gotten herself involved in a terrible mess.


    "Chen Mu!"


    Yan Wansi''s expression was extremely ugly as he stared at Chen Mu. Read exclusive adventures at empire


    He was indeed a household general cultivated by the He Family, who had survived by a stroke of luck ¨C a sword had struck his forehead in a past battle, nearly penetrating his Heavenly Spirit without damaging his brain. The He Family then faked his death, plunging him into the shadows to deal with unsavory matters for them.


    He later left Yu City, gathered the entire Black Cloud bandits to serve the family''s needs.


    Just over two months ago, a group of Heavenly Sword Sect disciples, under the guise of chivalry, attacked the Black Cloud bandits. He and his men had to hide and suffered significant losses while the Heavenly Sword Sect relentlessly pursued them. With no other choice, he employed a deceptive tactic to lead the pursuers away while he secretly returned to Yu City.


    This was something even the He Family was unaware of.


    Because he knew that the situation in Yu County had changed and that the He Family could no longer act recklessly as in the past. They had become cautious in everything they did, and as someone who had dealt with their dark affairs, contacting the He Family at this time was equally dangerous.


    Accustomed to ransacking and robbing outside, he couldn''t bear to remain hidden in a corner of Yu CIty. After more than a month of safety, his boldness grew, and he found that it was easy to hide one''s identity in Yu City, especially in places of pleasure where no questions were asked ¨C an ideal place for concealment.


    He never imagined.


    That he would still invite trouble.


    And it was none other than Inspectorate''s Metropolitan Commander Chen Mu, a nemesis to the He Family!


    "Chen... Mu?"


    Xiao Lian, who had remained outside and hadn''t entered the room, also heard Yan Wansi''s words. At first, she was bewildered, then her eyes widened slightly. In recent months, this name had been known to everyone in the Outer City.


    Was he the Chen Mu?


    The Inspectorate''s Metropolitan Commander who rose from the lower class, ascending meteorically almost like a legend?!


    For a lowly prostitute like her, even a local Prefecture Chief from the Eastern City District was an incredible VIP, but Chen Mu was a figure who stood atop the clouds in Yu County, an entity that even the ''VIPs'' she knew of revered and could only look up to.


    She had actually accompanied such a distinguished person.


    And even...


    ...accepted bounty money from him...


    Xiao Lian felt her head begin to spin.


    ...


    "Black Cloud bandit, Yan Wansi."


    Chen Mu stood with his hands behind his back, looking indifferently at Yan Wansi across from him, saying, "Are you going to come with me obediently, or do you want to suffer a bit before coming along?"


    Yan Wansi''s face was unspeakably grim. He knew about Chen Mu and was well aware of the level of his capabilities ¨C a formidable character that hadn''t been seen in Yu City for decades. Rising from the bottom in a few short years to be the Inspectorate''s Metropolitan Commander, one of the highest authorities in Yu County, and even mastering two Artistic Conceptions.


    With just three flower branches, he had forced Yan Wansi to a dead end, like toying with him, far beyond his ability to confront.


    But following Chen Mu was equivalent to a death sentence given his past deeds; there could be no possible way out.


    At that moment,


    Yan Wansi''s courage surged from desperation, and a ferocious glint flashed in his eyes. Suddenly, with a violent thrust of his spear, he aimed for the back of a young girl in the center of the room, whose dance costume was torn and disheveled.


    "Stubborn fool."


    Chen Mu''s detached voice echoed as he suddenly vanished from the spot, leaving behind a faint trace of a Thunder Arc in the air. In an instant, he appeared in front of the girl, reached from her waist, grasped Yan Wansi''s short spear, then flicked and shook it.


    Yan Wansi felt an overwhelming force he couldn''t withstand; his hand split open, blood dripping down, and he staggered back several steps, feeling his Qi-Blood in turmoil, unable to move for a moment.


    Swish.


    Chen Mu casually crushed the short spear into a ball of iron and then moved beside Yan Wansi, placing his hand on his shoulder. Yan Wansi tried to resist, but felt his body go numb and completely limp on one side.


    Only then did Chen Mu turn his head to look at the disheveled girl, his eyes devoid of pity, merely glancing at her before saying indifferently, "Hehuan Sect?"


    The girl had been cowering there, feigning pitiful cries.


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s words, she paused, then her crying abruptly stopped. She revealed a coquettish smile and giggled, "It seems I can''t hide anything from Lord Chen''s eyes. Do I count as having assisted you in capturing the criminal?"

 Chapter 148 Movement_2

    Chen Mu''s expression darkened, and he said coldly, "Don''t tell me this person is hiding here without the protection of your Hehuan Sect."The young girl chuckled, "Everything must be put to its best use. This thief will sooner or later end up on the guillotine, but his martial arts are quite good. We are merely making use of him temporarily. Even if you hadn''t come today, Lord, we would have sent this person to you after he served his purpose."


    "Actually, compared to such a thief, we would prefer to get closer to a talented and outstanding man like yourself, Lord. What type are you fond of? Our Hehuan Sect has all kinds to offer. There must be a sister here who can satisfy your preferences... "


    "Enough,"


    Chen Mu coldly interrupted the girl''s seductive tone and glanced at Xiao Lian, who was still sitting on the ground outside the corridor, and said, "She is not from your Hehuan Sect. Give her a way out, and I won''t pursue the other matters further."


    As his words fell, Chen Mu picked up Yan Wansi and swept past, disappearing outside the broken window.


    Hou Lingling paused slightly upon hearing Chen Mu''s words, then turned to look at Xiao Lian, who seemed a bit frightened, as if she had discovered something very interesting. She showed a keen expression and stroked her chin.


    "This Lord Chen truly treats everyone equally."


    According to the information about Chen Mu, it mentioned that during his time as the Prefecture Chief, he had provided relief to disaster victims, treating refugees from other regions with the same impartiality, giving them help all the same.


    It now appeared that in Chen Mu''s eyes, not just ordinary people but even brothel courtesans were treated with the same impartiality. He did not ignore Xiao Lian because of her lowly status and even left a remark for her in the end.


    ...


    Inspectorate.


    On the top floor of the sixth level, Yan Jingqing, dressed in white, was still reading a book.


    Suddenly, someone appeared silently beside him and whispered a few words.


    "Caught a big thief, huh?"


    "So the Hehuan Sect has infiltrated not only the Inner City but also the brothels in various parts of the Outer City..."


    Yan Jingqing shook his head slightly and continued reading.


    To him, neither the Black Cloud thief Yan Wansi nor the Hehuan Sect''s infiltration into the brothel were matters of importance. Although the Hehuan Sect was part of the Demon Sect, practicing methods that depleted others'' Qi-Blood for their own use, they did not commit murderous acts, thus the minimal disruption to order.


    On the other hand, organizations like the Blood Concealment Pavilion and the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion were far more harmful. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The former disrupted order by their very nature, while the latter, after establishing itself in Yu County, had constantly been cultivating its power secretly. Relying on the backing of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, they had gradually placed their people into various government offices, though for now, they were still limited to the lower levels.


    ...


    Bringing back Yan Wansi was just the first step.


    Explore stories at empire


    The next step was interrogation, to make Yan Wansi confess his numerous crimes and his connections with the He Family. This step would be difficult. After all, Yan Wansi was a desperado, and moreover, a Martial Man who had achieved Minor Achievement in the Bone Tempering Realm. Ordinary methods would not easily compel him to submit.


    But the Inspectorate now was different with not just vast power, it also included several personnel Yan Jingqing had brought from the State Government Office, including two other Metropolitan Commanders who held the same position as Chen Mu.


    After Chen Mu had Yan Wansi locked up in the Inspectorate, he soon found one of the Metropolitan Commanders.


    "Lord Pang, Black Cloud Family Head Yan Wansi has been captured by me. This man is wicked to the core, and his case might involve significant issues. Does the Inspectorate have any experts skilled in interrogation?"


    "Yan Wansi committed many evils; capturing him was indeed a meritorious act... Interrogation just happens to be my specialty," Pang Xiangyun said with a smile, readily agreeing.


    Yan Wansi was, after all, a vicious bandit in the Bone Tempering Realm, and also the Family Head of the Black Cloud Bandits. Capturing such a man was beneficial for the Inspectorate; it could at least be publicized to deter some of the criminals both inside and outside of Yu City, and was considered neither a major nor minor merit.


    Chen Mu had brought him in for interrogation; this was essentially sharing the merit with him. He was naturally pleased to see it, especially since he had already intended to form a connection with Chen Mu. Being from the State Government Office, there were few in Yu County whom he held in high regard; Chen Mu was undoubtedly one of them, possessing both talent and being valued by Yan Jingqing.


    "Then I''ll trouble Lord Pang," Chen Mu said, bowing to Pang Xiangyun, who smiled and returned the gesture.


    After handing Yan Wansi over to Pang Xiangyun, Chen Mu did not inquire further. Whether anything useful was extracted from the interrogation or not, the multitude of crimes Yan Wansi confessed could not possibly bring down the entire He Family based on his word alone. Even Yan Jingqing would not have taken such an action.


    On one hand, the He Family was under the influence of the Seven Profound Sect, and on the other, Yu County was maintaining a delicate balance at the time, with the He Family''s influence spread throughout the county. Any major disturbance would definitely invite interference from other sects.


    Several days later.


    Chen Mu was still in his Silent Chamber, contemplating the Separating Fire Map.


    The aftermath of the Yan Wansi incident unexpectedly caused a huge stir.


    First came the edict from the Inspectorate.


    He Guangxun, Deputy Governor of the Smelting Bureau, was secretly conspiring to provide the Black Cloud Bandits with the salt transportation routes and operational intelligence of Yu County, resulting in the bandits stealing a shipment of salt from the Salt Affairs Bureau.


    He was removed from his position as Deputy Governor of the Smelting Bureau, and by order of the City Lord''s Mansion Prefectural Governor, Yu Zutian was appointed to succeed him as Deputy Governor of the Smelting Bureau!


    It seemed like just the reassignment of a Deputy Governor, but it actually showed Yan Jingqing''s extreme dissatisfaction with the He Family. Traditionally, the Smelting Bureau had always been managed and controlled by the He Family.


    Not only had He Guangxun been removed from his Deputy Governor position, but Yu Zutian from the Yu Family had also been appointed to take over, effectively forcing a part of the Smelting Bureau to be split off to the Yu Family!


    Following that.


    By decree from the Demon-Slaying Office, one Deputy Governor and seven White-Clothed Guards from the He Family were dismissed!


    This move stripped the He Family of all the significant personnel in the Demon-Slaying Office, rendering these individuals unable to access the resources of the office ever again!


    With these simultaneous actions, the severity of the punishment was beyond Chen Mu''s expectation.


    In his view, the issue with Yan Wansi would at most cause Yan Jingqing to be displeased with the He Family, leading to some mild reprimands or the removal of a few positions, but not enough to let the Yu Family take over. After all, in these chaotic times, no family was completely clean, and most had some shady dealings.


    Only later, upon questioning, did Chen Mu learn that the information extracted from Yan Wansi during the interrogation involved the Heavenly Corpse Sect!


    "This suggests a possible collusion between the He Family and the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect," Chen Mu murmured to himself after hearing the news.


    In these tumultuous times, acts of murder and arson were almost trivial, but involvement with the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect was something the Seven Profound Sect could not tolerate. Even if it was just suspicion, Yan Jingqing''s actions were ruthless.


    Just as Chen Mu was pondering how the He Family might deal with this situation,


    the follow-up abruptly ceased.


    Yan Jingqing also stopped pursuing the He Family, and the situation eerily calmed down once again.

 Chapter 149 Separating Fire

    "He Family... Heavenly Corpse Sect... Yan Jingqing..."Chen Mu pondered in his heart.


    In his view, if there were various signs pointing to connections between the He Family and the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, then it would be quite normal for Yan Jingqing to take direct action against the He Family, and the ultimate fate of the He Family would depend on the nature of their relationship with the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect.


    If they were simply using each other, then the problem would still be within a certain range, but if the He Family had outright defected to the Heavenly Corpse Sect and completely worked for them, then there was no doubt that their annihilation would not be far off.


    And from Yan Jingqing''s reaction this time.


    It was highly probable that the He Family was indeed involved with the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, but perhaps not deeply, just to some extent using each other, such as exchanging resources with the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect and so on.


    In the past, this would undoubtedly still be a heinous crime deserving of extermination, but nowadays the world is in chaos, even sects like the Blood Hidden Pavilion that practice the path of assassination dare to stand out in public, so the situation is naturally different.


    Of course, Chen Mu thought it more likely that Yan Jingqing wanted to use the He Family to dig out more information about the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect.


    After all, for Yan Jingqing, the He Family truly didn''t count for much. They couldn''t escape right under his watch, and he could eradicate them with a flick of his hand, so they were not important at all.


    But the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect hidden within Yu County were still shrouded in mysteries, and so far, no results had been found.


    "Heavenly Corpse Sect..."


    Chen Mu shook his head.


    Since this part was involved, then he completely lost the intention to probe further, after all, it was not something that he should be concerned with at the moment, nor was it necessary to forcefully guess the intentions of Yan Jingqing and even the Seven Profound Sect.


    Moreover, this strange situation also gave him a feeling of an impending storm.


    It was time to continue improving his strength.


    At least, with his current level of strength, he could at most fight the inner sect disciples of the four sects and was far from being able to cope with the true inheritors of the four sects. As for the still enigmatic remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, there was even less to say.


    ...


    Yu Family''s Refining Hall.


    In the cold winter of December, wind and snow intertwined.


    The smelting masters, however, were bare-chested, showing strong muscles and sweating profusely as they wielded an extremely heavy hammer, continuously striking against a knife blank on the forging bench.


    A treasured saber was gradually taking shape under their hammering.


    Finally.


    After completing the hammering, he placed the knife blank back into the furnace for heat treatment again. Once the blade turned red-hot, he plunged it into the ice water next to the furnace, reheating and quenching it several times until the treasured saber was finally forged.


    "Done!"


    The smelting master showed a smile on his face, lifting the thoroughly formed blade in front of him, observed its shape, and exclaimed, "This saber should be the highest quality treasured saber I''ve forged since I started forging. Apart from those legendary blades tempered with the spirits of demons or spirit weapons, there aren''t many treasured artifacts that can surpass it."


    Chen Mu stood by watching, and he could plainly feel that this newly forged treasured saber, which currently only had a blade without an edge or a finished handle, was different from the fine iron knives he had used before.


    "Treasured artifacts, spirit weapons."


    Chen Mu showed a contemplative look.


    In the various books he had read, there were records about weapons that classified all blades and weapons in the world into three categories: ''Mortal Weapons,'' ''Treasured Artifacts,'' and ''Spirit Weapons.''


    The standard duty sabers he used before, as well as the fine iron knives from the Demon-Slaying Office, were all considered Mortal Weapons. Even though the fine iron knives were of higher quality, made of hundred-refined fine iron, they still could not be called treasured sabers.


    Treasured Artifacts.


    Being crowned with the character ''treasured,'' they naturally belonged to a category of treasures. Forging this saber from mystic iron was still alright, as it was in greater supply, and Yu Zutian was able to reopen this trade route for the Yu Family after taking over as Deputy Governor of the Smelting Bureau.


    However, the silverstream ore was an extremely rare mineral class, with a single piece valued over a hundred thousand silver taels.


    Therefore, the saber forged from it naturally earned the title of treasured saber, which amounted to hefty amounts of silver taels.


    As for spirit weapons...


    Chen Mu had only heard of them and had yet to see one.


    It was said that only demonic creatures of the eighth rank and above possessed ''spirit,'' and the weapons forged from them would have all kinds of incredible abilities. The founding Emperor Lord of the Da Xuan Dynasty had once sought out and slain nine ninth-rank demonic creatures, refining nine spirit weapons as the national treasures of the Da Xuan Dynasty, capable of opposing thousands of troops!


    The existence of spirit weapons constituted the true foundation of the Great Sects and even the Da Xuan Dynasty. After all, people would age, but spirit weapons, imbued with demonic might, could endure for a thousand years without decay. Just like the declining state of the Da Xuan Dynasty, there were still no voices daring to openly rebel.


    They were all deterred by the millennium-long foundation, and nobody wanted to be the first to confront it head-on.


    Shaking his head.


    Chen Mu quickly gathered his thoughts.


    Such divine items like spirit weapons were too far out of his reach, and he needn''t consider them too deeply.


    Now that the entirety of the treasured saber had been forged, the smelting master deftly handled the fine-tuning and sharpening. It didn''t take long before a treasured saber, looking like flowing silver and gleaming under the sunlight, was completely unveiled.


    Swish, swish!


    Chen Mu took the treasured saber and casually swung it twice, feeling the weight and grip were very suitable. Read new chapters at empire


    "Very good."


    A slight smile appeared on his face.


    Though there were some complications in the making of this treasured saber, in the end, everything developed the way he wanted. It had also opened up the mystic iron acquisition channel for the Yu Family, and he found receiving this piece of silverstream stone quite justified.


    "Forged with silverstream stone, let''s just call it the Silverstream Saber."


    Chen Mu looked at the Silverstream Saber in his hand. He had always been too lazy to come up with names, and the knives he had used in the past weren''t worthy of a name. This treasured saber was somewhat formal, and naming it the Silverstream Saber was simple and straightforward.


    With the newly forged Silverstream Saber in hand, Chen Mu soon returned to his underground silent chamber.


    "Wind-Thunder Shock."


    "Wind-Fire Blaze." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Thunder-Fire Ash."


    One after another, the techniques flowed seamlessly.


    With the final strike, the artistic conceptions of wind, thunder, and fire converged. The entire Silverstream Saber crackled and sparked, wrapped in swathes of red flames accompanied by flashes of lightning. Within the fierce winds, the flames gathered into an elongated blade shape and struck down ferociously.


    "Heaven''s Wrath."


    Since the artistic conceptions of wind, thunder, and fire all belonged to the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception, bringing together these Three Phases represented the most powerful move in Chen Mu''s Blade Technique. Thus, he named this move ''Heaven''s Wrath''!


    Boom!


    The strike fell.


    Under the fierce saber wrapped with lightning, the solid block of raw iron splintered into innumerable fragments at the impact, scattering forward in a dense spray that embedded itself into the wall.


    "Very good, this truly is a treasured saber."


    Chen Mu inspected the blade of the Silverstream Saber. After unleashing such a strike, where the power of the Three Phases converged, the body of the saber still shone with a silvery light and showed no damage at all¡ªit was clearly capable of withstanding his full power.


    Although when one''s Martial Arts reached the level of Artistic Conception, even the most fragile flowers and leaves could harm others, that was typically only when bullying those weaker. For example, rough Martial Men like Yan Wansi who couldn''t comprehend Artistic Conception.


    When it came to a contest of Artistic Conceptions, wielding the Treasured Saber like the Silverstream Saber was naturally far superior to manipulating Artistic Conceptions with mere twigs or branches, and the exerted power was much greater.


    Sigh.


    Chen Mu let out a soft breath, glanced at the mess on the ground, but was too lazy to tidy up any further. He turned and walked towards the back, arriving at the Flame Jade Bed. He took off his boots, stepped onto it, placed the Silverstream Saber by his side, and picked up the Separating Fire Map.


    With his current strength, and armed with the Silverstream Saber, facing someone in the Five Viscera Realm like He Wuyou wouldn''t be too frightening. However, one''s strength could never be too great. He still had a little way to go to reach ''Jade Bone'' in his Bone Tempering practice. According to his progress, it would take about two months.


    Before that time, he could certainly advance to the second step in the Separating Fire Artistic Conception.


    And after that,


    Chen Mu planned to visit the Demon-Slaying Office and contemplate the Xun Wind Diagram.


    As the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate, who also held the office of the Demon-Slaying Office, he had access to numerous resources. For instance, contemplating the Artistic Conception Maps required only a small amount of Merit to exchange for substantial contemplation time, unlike what was consumed by a Deputy Governor or a White-Clothed Guard.


    With the Merit he had accumulated, advancing two or three Artistic Conceptions to the second step would be no problem.


    The Artistic Conception Maps in the Demon-Slaying Office, besides Qian Heaven Kun Earth, were complete with the other Six Phases.


    For Chen Mu at this time, the Xun Wind Artistic Conception wasn''t just the first Artistic Conception he had mastered, but more importantly, it possessed the ''Autumn Wind Sense'' perception attribute, which was incredibly useful for him.


    For instance, when previously searching for Yan Wansi, he couldn''t distinguish whether the faint breathing he heard from a distance in a noisy environment was from someone in the Bone Tempering Realm or the Tendon Changing Realm. However, if he could further improve upon the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, then surely he would be able to perceive even these subtle differences with clarity.


    "Actually, the Kan Water Artistic Conception should also have means of perception."


    A contemplative expression crossed Chen Mu''s face.


    As calm as water, it reflects everything... The perception ability of the Kan Water Artistic Conception was a different method altogether. These types of perception abilities were naturally better the more one mastered. If everything went smoothly, after mastering the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, he would likely move on to practice the Kan Water Artistic Conception next.


    But for now, his focus remained on comprehending the Separating Fire Artistic Conception.


    He called up the system interface to take a look.


    [Martial Arts: Separating Fire Artistic Conception]


    [Experience: 9529 points]


    [Available for deduction: 0 times]


    "Just a few more days..."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly in his heart, then immediately concentrated, settling down to carefully contemplate the Separating Fire Map.


    ...


    Several days passed in a blink.


    Chen Mu sat silently on the Flame Jade Bed.


    Suddenly, a wisp of flame rose from the soles of his feet, spreading upward along his body, igniting his thin clothing. Soon, he was engulfed in fierce flames that burned his garments to ashes, yet strangely, not a single hair on his skin was harmed.


    The flames grew in intensity, raging more ferociously atop the Flame Jade Bed and gradually spreading toward the Separating Fire Map.


    However, just as the flames were about to reach the map, Chen Mu''s closed eyes slightly opened. He reached out through the blaze, the flames at his fingertips quickly receding. He pointed towards the Separating Fire Map and sent it several yards away.


    There he sat, still bathed in the flames, feeling the intense heat that almost touched him. Yet, as he looked around, the flames seemed incredibly gentle, under his control, not even singeing a hair.


    "Separating Fire."


    Chen Mu slowly opened his hand.


    In an instant, the flames on his body seemed drawn to his palm, gathering swiftly until they formed a ball of red flame that flickered there, its light illuminating the entire Silent Chamber.


    "This is the second step of the Separating Fire Artistic Conception..."


    Chen Mu murmured to himself, then closed his hands and the wisp of flame immediately extinguished.


    When he had first achieved a rudimentary grasp of the Separating Fire Artistic Conception, he could unleash fierce flames, but he couldn''t control them, bursting forth indiscriminately. At most, he could use the Xun Wind Artistic Conception to bind and manipulate the shape of the flames.


    Now, without the need for the Xun Wind Artistic Conception''s assistance and solely through his own understanding of the nature of separating fire between heaven and earth, he could control the Separating Fire Artistic Conception as easily as moving his own limbs. The power was far greater than before.


    Chen Mu clenched his fists.


    "With the three Artistic Conceptions of wind, thunder, and fire, thunder and fire both stepping into the second phase, and Bone Tempering cultivated to perfection to form a body of horizontal training... I wonder if my strength now would allow me to exchange a few blows with Elder Yu Jiujiang."

 Chapter 150 Bullying

    Chen Mu did indeed want to measure his current strength against Elder Yu, for showcasing his abilities in front of Yu Jiujiang wasn''t much of a concern. However, Yu Jiujiang was now in the twilight years of his life, barely maintaining the circulation of his Five Viscera. Whenever he exerted even a bit of his Gang Qi, his own Qi-Blood would deplete correspondingly.It was truly not suitable for him to spar with others, hence Chen Mu could only regretfully rein in his thoughts. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In summary, he was basically unafraid of any ordinary martial artist at the Five Viscera Realm, but when it came to the level of the True Disciples from the various sects, there was still some distance to go.


    After all, those True Disciples were exceptional individuals selected among tens of thousands from several states and enjoyed a plethora of resources from the Great Sects, including Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items and Body Tempering Methods trained to the limit of one or two, and even three realms.


    Once they stepped into the Five Viscera Realm, their innate Vital Energy and Vigorous Qi were far superior to those who had barely made the cut.


    Not to mention, the Artistic Conception mastered by these True Disciples was extraordinary.


    Of course.


    Once he cultivated Jade Bone and also entered the Five Viscera Realm, there would likewise be a profound qualitative transformation.


    Chen Mu slowly stood up, descended from the Flame Jade bed, and walked over to pick up the Separating Fire Map that he had previously flung away. After pondering for a moment, he extinguished the lamp, then ascended the stairs and returned to the western chamber on the ground level.


    Since his clothes had all been burned by the fierce flames ignited during his recent enlightenment of the second step of the Separating Fire Artistic Conception, after Chen Mu returned to the ground level, he called out from the room, "Ni''er, bring me a change of clothes."


    However.


    No sooner had this order been issued than the door was pushed open.


    "Brother Mu, have you finished practicing your martial arts..."


    Although the call was for Brother Mu, the person standing at the door wasn''t Wang Ni but a girl slightly older than Wang Ni, looking rather pleased as she peered into the room. But then, she froze in place, her face flushing crimson as she swiftly shut the door again, "Ah, sorry, Brother Mu, I didn''t mean..."


    This girl.


    Chen Mu wasn''t angry but only helplessly shook his head.


    The one who would react this way obviously wasn''t Xu Hongyu, nor was it Lotus, nor Chen Yue. Aside from a few people like Xu Hongyu and Chen Yue, the only one who could freely enter his courtyard was Yu Ru.


    Yu Ru, who was regarded by Xu Hongyu as a sister by blood and had a sisterly relationship with Chen Yue, would often come to play in his courtyard with Chen Yue after he had moved here. However, most of the time he was practicing his Martial Arts, only occasionally chatting with Yu Ru.


    Speaking of which.


    The matter of his engagement to Xu Hongyu seemed to have absolutely no impact on Yu Ru. According to Chen Yue, Yu Ru''s initial response upon hearing of his engagement to Xu Hongyu was sheer happiness. Xu Hongyu was the sister she most admired, and Chen Mu the brother she looked up to. To her, the two were a perfect match, instantly becoming one family.


    This also made Chen Mu chuckle and shake his head when he found out. No wonder Xu Hongyu took such good care of Yu Ru, no wonder Chen Yue also got along so well with her. Such a pure and guileless sister would naturally be cherished more by everyone.


    Soon.


    Wang Ni brought a change of clothes to the room and, after assisting Chen Mu put them on, she left the room.


    However, Yu Ru was still somewhat at a loss, standing by the doorway with traces of blush remaining on her small face. Upon seeing Chen Mu emerge, she dared not look him in the eye and said hesitantly, "I, I was looking for Yue''er. She wasn''t in her yard, so I thought she might be here and came over..."


    Chen Mu smiled wryly and reached out to caress Yu Ru''s head, saying, "Yue''er isn''t here? She might have gone out to buy some medicinal ingredients, she should be back soon. You can wait for her inside if you''d like."


    "Okay, okay."


    Yu Ru almost buried her head in her chest, too shy to look up, but still followed Chen Mu into the main house with small steps.


    Seeing the girl resembling an ostrich burying her head, Chen Mu found it quite amusing. Xu Hongyu was quite oblivious to matters of embarrassment. Not to mention seeing him unclothed, even if they were to stand naked before each other, she''d probably be there, staring blankly in her cool demeanor.


    On the other hand, Yu Ru was the complete opposite.


    It''s quite normal for a young girl to be shy, but now she too was a martial artist in the Body Refinement Realm without a hint of the air of the Martial World, seeing her so shy that she dared not utter a word, who would realize that she was not a defenseless maiden, but a Body Refinement Martial Artist capable of punching the brains out of any thug or ruffian outside.


    "It''s been a while since I''ve asked, how is your Martial Arts training going?" Chen Mu asked with a smile in his heart.


    "Still, still in Body Refinement, and I always fall a little short with my swordsmanship. It feels like I can almost touch the Sword Momentum but I just can''t manage to practice it," Yu Ru replied quietly.


    "Hmm, Sword Momentum is not like achieving Major Achievement in swordsmanship; what it needs is a flash of inspiration. Some people quietly gain insight after hundreds and thousands of practice sessions, others have a flash of brilliance during actual combat, or grasp something profound in a life-and-death moment," Chen Mu nodded.


    Speaking of which.


    Chen Yue was also stuck at the threshold of Sword Momentum, unable to cross it for a long time.


    Although she had the guidance of a martial master at the Yu Family Martial Arts Institute and even received Chen Mu''s personal pointers multiple times, the situation was much like Yu Ru''s, always lacking that bit of inspiration, which made Chen Mu feel somewhat helpless as he didn''t think comprehending the Sword Momentum was that difficult.


    While Chen Mu was pondering.


    He suddenly heard Chen Yue''s voice coming from the courtyard outside.


    "Bro, did Xiao Ru come over?"


    Soon after, Chen Yue''s figure appeared at the main house and caught sight of Chen Mu and Yu Ru sitting there. Her lively eyes swept over Yu Ru''s little face, noticing the blush that had not yet faded, and immediately showed a hint of suspicion, her gaze shifting back and forth between Chen Mu and Yu Ru.


    Chen Mu certainly noticed Chen Yue''s strange look, but he didn''t mind it and offered no explanation, saying, "Xiao Ru has probably been waiting for you for a while."


    Chen Yue pouted slightly, then approached Yu Ru. Suddenly, she blew a breath of warm air on Yu Ru''s neck, instantly making Yu Ru shrink back and giggle, "Ah, that tickles..."


    She reached back and tickled Chen Yue''s armpits.


    Chen Yue, giggling, dodged backward and said, "What did you and brother talk about in the room?"


    Yu Ru''s cheeks reddened further, but she didn''t answer. Instead, she got up and chased after Chen Yue. The two girls raced around the room until Yu Ru finally cornered Chen Yue in Chen Mu''s bedroom. They grappled on the bed, tickling each other and filling the room with bursts of giggling.


    Seeing the two girls having so much fun, Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile, remembering the years before when Chen Yue used to squeeze into those two small rooms with him. Even though it was just as warm then, it wasn''t as joyful as now. Sometimes, all the hard work in martial arts wasn''t solely for himself¡ªit was also to create a peaceful world for them.


    While Chen Yue and Yu Ru were frolicking in the room,


    Chen Mu''s ears perked up and he shook his head with a chuckle. Why was everyone gathering together today?


    A figure entered the courtyard from outside. In the chill of late winter, she wore only a thin cyan skirt, her delicate, fair arms exposed but seemingly unfazed by the cold, walking all the way to Chen Mu''s house.


    Xu Hongyu had successfully crossed the threshold of Bone Tempering a month ago, entering the Minor Achievement of Bone Tempering. Since then, she had often taken the initiative to visit him. It was also because of her Bone Tempering Minor Achievement that she no longer needed to deliberately nurture her Qi-Blood. Their marriage had been set for the following spring.


    "Is Xiaoru here?"


    Xu Hongyu looked inside with slight surprise.


    "Ah, Hongyu sister!"


    Yu Ru, who was in the midst of playing with Chen Yue, both of their clothes now somewhat disheveled, quickly stopped the romping. She straightened her attire and, somewhat embarrassed, came out saying, "Hongyu sister..."


    Chen Yue suddenly wrapped her arms around Yu Ru''s neck from behind, batting her eyes and said cheerfully, "Brother, Hongyu sister, I''m taking Xiaoru out to play."


    Speaking, she pulled Yu Ru out, and they left the house together.


    Yu Ru stole a reluctant glance at Chen Mu, but then, recalling something that made her cheeks redden again, she quickly looked away and let Chen Yue drag her out the door.


    Xu Hongyu watched Chen Yue and Yu Ru leave quietly, then turned her head towards Chen Mu and said softly, "Xiaoru seems to really like you."


    Chen Mu chuckled and, with an unexpected gesture, pulled Xu Hongyu into his arms to sit beside him. Looking at the beauteous lady, he said, "Isn''t it because you were the first one to think about betrothing her to me?"


    Xu Hongyu snuggled up to Chen Mu comfortably, blinked at him, and said, "That was when I..."


    She stopped mid-sentence, unable to continue.


    After a pause, she went on to say, "Xiaoru lost her mother when she was very young, and she''s not very cunning. I just wanted to find a family that wouldn''t bully her, which is better than finding her a young talent."


    Chen Mu looked curiously at Xu Hongyu and asked, "Then how did you end up choosing me?"


    Based on Xu Hongyu''s logic, shouldn''t he belong to the latter category?


    Xu Hongyu seemed a bit distressed but eventually turned her head and whispered in a very quiet voice, "I think you''re both a young talent and reliable in your actions, and not a playboy. If I continue to protect Xiaoru well, you probably wouldn''t dare to bully her..."


    "Oh, so that''s the shrewd plan you had in mind."


    Chen Mu laughed, seeing Xu Hongyu turn her head away, seemingly too shy to look at him. He leaned closer and whispered in her ear, "I won''t bully Xiaoru, but I might just bully you a bit."


    A faint blush crept onto her translucent earlobe.


    Chen Mu gently bit down on that shimmering spot, his fingers tracing inch by inch over the undulating landscape. The lady in his arms made no move to resist, allowing him to proceed as he wished.


    ...


    Half an hour later,


    Xu Hongyu''s clear and elegant eyes blinked innocently a few times.


    Chen Mu, with a look of resignation, glanced at her. Just as he had expected, the lady in his arms wasn''t entirely cool by nature; it was her ''cool'' constitution that was key. Even though she was utterly unrestrained, even awkwardly learning to reciprocate his ''bullying'', there was still no response.


    "Am I, am I a bit abnormal?"


    Xu Hongyu looked at Chen Mu with a rare show of timidness.


    "It''s nothing."


    Chen Mu, witnessing such a purely serene, jade-like constitution for the first time, wasn''t very concerned. Only the women in this world fret about whether they could be with him..., whether they could bear his children, and such.


    Seeing Xu Hongyu''s elegantly troubled expression, Chen Mu gently pinched her cheek and said warmly, "It''s a trivial matter, don''t think too much about it. At most, once you''ve understood the Kan Water Artistic Conception, things will naturally return to normal."


    Xu Hongyu practiced the Kan Water Artistic Conception, and it seemed to be the guidance of fate. If she were practicing the ''Merciless Sword Intent'' of the Heavenly Sword Sect or similar, she would have surely become a ''Merciless Jade Sword'' by now. Instead, the Kan Water Artistic Conception, ruling over the life force in the Qiankun Eight Phases, allowed her icy jade body to eventually thaw.


    Looking at Chen Mu''s tender gaze, the timidity in Xu Hongyu''s heart vanished, replaced by a warm current that filled her whole being. Her eyes, reflecting the gentle waves, seemed on the verge of spilling over with water as she suddenly leaned in closer on her own initiative.


    "I''ve seen those erotic paintings, and there are some other things..."

 Chapter 151 Hua Nongying

    ```It''s indeed hard to imagine that Xu Hongyu, a woman of such cool nobility, would mimic the actions depicted in erotic paintings, awkwardly and actively attending to a man. Those innocent and pure eyes, mixed with a hint of curiosity, seemed to ask what Chen Mu was feeling. This contrast was so stark that even for Chen Mu, it was a rare occurrence that set his heart racing.


    A moment passed.


    Chen Mu poured Xu Hongyu a cup of tea.


    Xu Hongyu took the teacup, drank it all in one go, and then looked at Chen Mu curiously, asking, "What does that feel like? Why do men like it?"


    Chen Mu scratched his head, not quite sure how to answer her question, so he said, "When you master the Kan Water Artistic Conception and your body has recovered to its normal state, you''ll probably understand."


    As Chen Mu was pondering if there was any way to help Xu Hongyu grasp the Kan Water Artistic Conception more quickly, a figure suddenly burst in from the outside courtyard.


    "Miss, master, something has happened."


    Xiaohe rushed in and said, "Yue''er and little Ru have been taken by a group of people. The Protectors who followed them went to seek help, but none who entered have returned."


    Hearing this, Xu Hongyu was stunned for a moment before standing up and asking, "When did this happen?"


    "Just a short while ago."


    Xiaohe glanced at Chen Mu and said softly, "We suspect it might be the forces of the Four Great Sects."


    "How could Yue''er and little Ru be involved with the Four Sects?"


    Xu Hongyu''s brow furrowed slightly.


    Just as she was about to ask further, Chen Mu gently patted her shoulder and said, "Don''t worry. How serious can the situation be for Yue''er and little Ru? I''ll go take a look at what''s going on. You stay here."


    At this time, Xiaohe''s delicate nose twitched slightly, and a look of surprise flashed across her eyes, but she had no time to ponder anything and quickly said, "One of the Protectors who returned is waiting outside."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Mu, now dressed in his official Inspectorate uniform, walked out of the courtyard with a calm expression.


    He knew Chen Yue''s personality better than anyone; though she had become livelier than when she was younger, and sometimes playful, she still knew how to weigh a situation properly and wouldn''t stir up trouble. Yu Ru was even less likely to make waves given her gentle nature, prone only to being bullied.


    Whatever the problem was, it seemed unlikely to involve Chen Yue or Yu Ru.


    Therefore,


    One could infer that the issue was either related to the Yu Family or to him.


    Up to now, his direct dealings with the Four Great Sects hadn''t been many, except for that assassination attempt by the Blood Hidden Pavilion and the last time he had captured Yan Wansi, which involved contact with Hehuan Sect disciples. However, as he sorted through various reports for the Inspectorate every day, he was well aware of the Four Great Sects'' movements.


    "Lord Chen."


    The Protector outside greeted Chen Mu with a bow upon his exit and then led the way.


    They quickly left the Yu Family residence and crossed street after street until they reached a spacious courtyard behind the main street of the Inner City. It originally belonged to a small family affiliated with the Xie Family but had since changed hands.


    From a distance, Chen Mu could see the towering bluestone walls and the courtyard behind them, and he already knew who he was dealing with. Yet he remained composed and thoughtful as he approached the gate.


    With a push, sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The courtyard door was not locked. It swung open easily to reveal a deserted courtyard with no one in sight.


    "Wait here."


    Chen Mu gestured to the Yu Family Protector and nodded slightly at an Inspectorate scout who had followed from a distance, then stepped into the courtyard.


    As he reached the middle of the courtyard, he calmly looked around and said, "I''m already here. Why hide?"


    In the silent courtyard,


    Suddenly, a peal of bell-like laughter rang out.


    "Hehe."


    "We aren''t hiding at all. It''s more like you, Lord Chen, have trespassed into a private residence without announcing yourself."


    "Yes, yes."


    Accompanied by this light laughter, a group of women emerged, some of them looking at Chen Mu with curiosity, others displaying coy and flirtatious demeanors. Instantly, the courtyard was filled with an air of ''desire.''


    Their identity was self-evident:


    Hehuan Sect!


    As the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate, Chen Mu might not know every detail of the Four Great Sects'' activities in Yu City, but he was aware of their significant movements, like how this area was acquired by Hehuan Sect through some cunning means from that small family. It had now become one of Hehuan Sect''s strongholds.


    Compared to the Flower District, this place was actually the core of Hehuan Sect''s operations in Yu City. After all, the Flower District was just a place for their ''work'', whereas this location was where they recruited disciples, practiced martial arts, and expanded their influence.


    Although Hehuan Sect was part of the Demon Sect, Chen Mu actually tolerated them to some extent.


    On one hand, Hehuan Sect''s actions were more measured than the other three sects, rarely involving killing, and even on Flower Street, they only siphoned a bit of the essence and vitality from men, which ordinary people could recover from within a month.


    As for infiltrating small families and seducing them for their wealth...if it were peacetime, such actions would be seen as evil demon ways, but in these troubled times, their methods were arguably more lenient than those of small families who exploited the people and bullied the locals.


    Of course, what truly granted Hehuan Sect a degree of tolerance from Chen Mu wasn''t just this; it was also because they took in girl orphans who had lost their homes, regardless of age, providing them shelter. Although fundamentally aimed at expanding the Sect''s momentum, it still offered a home to orphans who might otherwise die in the cold winters.


    ```

 Chapter 151 Hua Nongying_2

    However,his tolerance was limited to this extent.


    If the Hehuan Sect tried to extend their reach to those around him, his attitude would change accordingly. How he would deal with this sect in the future depended entirely on how the Hehuan Sect acted.


    "I am the Metropolitan Commander, inspecting Yu County. I have the authority to investigate everything. There''s no question of unauthorized entry into a residence."


    Despite the presence of alluring women, which was exactly as Hou Lingling had described¡ªeach with their own charms¡ªChen Mu''s heart was devoid of desire at the moment, and he said indifferently, "Put away your act, where are my two sisters?"


    "Hehe, Lord Chen, there''s no need to rush. We would certainly not harm your sisters. It''s just that you left too abruptly last time, and we didn''t get the chance to thank you for saving our lives,"


    Along with the teasing words, a familiar figure appeared.


    It was Hou Lingling, the girl he had encountered while capturing Yan Wansi on Hua Street. Now, Hou Lingling made no effort to conceal her aura, revealing a Qi-Blood Realm that was at the level of Tendon Changing. Facing the sneak attack from Yan Wansi back then, it wasn''t entirely wrong to say that Chen Mu had saved her. However, if it weren''t for Chen Mu, that scene would not have occurred.


    "Young lady Hou Lingling thanks the lord,"


    Hou Lingling approached lightly and gave Chen Mu a graceful bow. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing the stance taken by the Hehuan Sect, Chen Mu was not in a hurry. He simply remarked calmly, "Yan Wansi was only trying to use you as a hostage to threaten me and seek a chance to escape. There''s no need to speak of any debt of gratitude."


    After the incident with Yan Wansi, he had also kept an eye on ''Xiao Lian'', the brothel girl. It seemed that she had also been incorporated into the outer powers of the Hehuan Sect. Thus, he didn''t interfere further. In such times, for a brothel girl without any powerful backing, redemption was not necessarily a better choice.


    Although the Hehuan Sect did not seem like a good place to Chen Mu, at least for Xiao Lian, working for the Hehuan Sect provided some shelter for the future.


    Demon Sect.


    In times of chaos, it should not flourish.


    Like Blood Hidden Pavilion''s external forces, most also pick from the orphans.


    Apart from those who really have no other choice, with a choice, how many would willingly join Blood Hidden Pavilion or a demon sect like Hehuan Sect, when they naturally prefer going to places like Heavenly Sword Sect, Seven Profound Sect, or Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion.


    Blood Hidden Pavilion and Hehuan Sect are considered to have handled half of Yu County''s distressed orphans themselves.


    Actually, Heavenly Corpse Sect was the same.


    If the world were peaceful, most would naturally age and die without so many suitable corpses for them to practice Corpse Refinement¡ªtheir disappearance for hundreds of years would be quite normal. Today, in these chaotic times, is when the dead walk everywhere.


    Yu State, compared to some other states, was even better off; some state governance offices faced warfare, almost littered with corpses and rivers of blood.


    Suddenly, Chen Mu''s eyes sharpened, staring at Hou Lingling and saying,


    "You didn''t detain my two sisters just to tell me this, did you?"


    Under Chen Mu''s intense gaze, Hou Lingling suddenly felt afraid, momentarily losing the composure she had earlier. After all, she was only a Tendon Changing level Martial Artist, with a realm far below that of Chen Mu.


    At that moment, Chen Mu slightly mobilized the power of Thunderclap Artistic Conception. Thunderclap also had an intimidating effect, and combined with his robust Qi-Blood from the Bone Tempering Realm, his presence momentarily rendered all the charming women in the courtyard speechless.


    Finally.


    In the ensuing silence,


    another voice, soft yet enchanting, flowed from afar to near, reaching their ears.


    "This time it''s just a coincidence, Lord Chen, please don''t make things difficult for the sisters."


    Following the voice,


    a group of Hehuan Sect disciples quietly parted to make way, revealing a girl in a light yellow dress, who in terms of looks, seemed even more stunning than Xu Hongyu, walking lightly towards them.


    The girl was barefoot, her delicate feet like flawlessly carved white jade, stepping on the blue bricks, yet eerily spotless.


    Such skill was not something a Bone Tempering Realm individual could possess, no matter how well-trained their physique. Only stepping into the Five Viscera Realm, where Inner Breath transforms into Yuan Gang circulating through the body, could such an external manifestation occur.


    At this age,


    above the Five Viscera Realm.


    Without a doubt, it must be a true transmission of the Hehuan Sect.


    "Hua Nongyue?"


    Chen Mu gazed at the young girl calmly, feeling that every step she took carried an inherent charm, captivating the soul. Yet, whenever a ripple of emotion arose in his mind, a flash of lightning immediately scattered it.


    Now a Metropolitan Commander in the Inspectorate, Chen Mu had not seen many true transmissions of the major sects. However, due to the numerous pieces of intelligence and even portraits about the true transmissions within the Inspectorate, he could recognize most of them at a glance.


    "Hee, wrong!"


    The girl approached and winked at Chen Mu.


    With that wink, a trace of barely perceptible desire burst into Chen Mu''s mind, constantly surging deeper, and first collided with a forthcoming fierce wind. It quickly entangled with the wind and continued to delve further inside.


    Then,


    it struck a thunderbolt that exploded from the darkness.


    Evil charm dispersed, desire completely extinguished!


    The girl stood frozen in place, momentarily lost in a slight daze. In her eyes filled with desire, a flash of lightning swept over, scattering all traces of desire. Once everything had settled, her gaze towards Chen Mu unexpectedly revealed a hint of marvel.


    Thunderclap Artistic Conception... second step?


    Such an impressive figure!


    This deviated far from the information, and had she not just habitually released a touch of Pleasure Artistic Conception to ''greet'' Chen Mu, but instead fought earnestly, she likely would have faced significant disadvantage.


    In Qiankun Eight Phases, Thunderclap Artistic Conception was inherently repressive towards her Pleasure Artistic Conception. Moreover, Chen Mu had already reached the second step, whereas her Pleasure Conception was still some way from the second step. Not to mention, Chen Mu was also assisted by Xun Wind.


    Luckily, although Chen Mu''s aura was robust, he had not yet entered the Five Viscera Realm. Even though she was inferior in Artistic Conception, she could still hold her own somewhat, but this also implied something even more astonishing¡ªthat this man had comprehended the second step of Thunderclap Conception in the Bone Tempering Realm!


    This person,


    wasn''t a true transmission from the Seven Profound Sect?


    If it weren''t for today''s coincidental happenings, the outside world would still likely believe that this young Metropolitan Commander from Yu City, who had merely taken the initial step into the Wind Thunder Artistic Conception, was just a somewhat talented and gifted figure.


    "..."


    Chen Mu stared at the young girl in front of him.


    Although it seemed to outsiders that the two merely exchanged a glance, in reality, a confrontation had occurred at the level of Artistic Conception. Perhaps this was the way true transmissions of sects ''greeted'' each other, but he did not favor this sort of greeting.


    On one hand, he did not want to stir up desire at the moment; on the other, he lacked experience in battles at the level of Artistic Conception. He had less control over such confrontations, and that moment of Thunderclap Conception had been a reactive counterattack¡ªnot sufficiently subtle.


    Although it indeed shook the mind of the Hehuan Sect true transmission in front of him, the foundation of advancing to the second step of Thunderclap Conception was now clearly understood by her.


    "Not Hua Nongyue, then you must be Hua Nongying."


    Chen Mu said indifferently.


    Hehuan Twins.


    Hua Nongyue, Hua Nongying!


    Not only were these two the only true transmissions of the Hehuan Sect in this generation, but they were also twin sisters, known as the Hehuan Twins. Reportedly born as conjoined girls and abandoned, they were later rescued by the Hehuan Sect. They survived after being separated through some special method.


    There was no distinction of age between them, but as Hua Nongyue possessed higher talent and aptitude, she was deemed the older sister. Hua Nongying was somewhat lesser compared to Hua Nongyue, thus she was the younger sister; although ''lesser'' only in comparison to Hua Nongyue.


    Being one of the only two true transmissions of the Hehuan Sect, Hua Nongying''s talents were still unparallel in the younger generation of the Hehuan Sect. Enjoy new tales from empire

 Chapter 152 Intentions

    Hua Nongying blinked her eyes, sizing up Chen Mu with a look of surprise, as if she had stumbled upon some great secret. Hearing Chen Mu''s words, her amber-like eyes shimmered, and she let out a smile,"It was not intentional to detain Lord Chen''s sister. There really was a coincidence involved, and I hope Lord Chen will not take offense."


    "A coincidence?"


    Chen Mu asked indifferently.


    Hua Nongying covered her mouth with a light laugh, "The Hehuan Sect has settled in Yu County for development. The policy of open doors and recruiting disciples has been agreed upon with the Seven Profound Sect. We are also scouting for talents every day. Coincidentally, among your sisters, there is one who possesses ''Charming Bones'', a natural gift.


    So, we invited her over, not realizing she was your sister."


    "I thought since your sister had already been invited, why not take this opportunity to meet with you, Lord Chen, and also to convey Lingling''s gratitude for saving her life."


    This explanation was somewhat reasonable.


    However, Chen Mu was not about to directly believe the lies of the bewitching woman from the Hehuan Sect. He calmly said, "If that is the case, my sister should now be sent over. You know she cannot possibly join the Hehuan Sect."


    No matter whether Hua Nongying was referring to Chen Yue or Yu Ru, it made no difference. Setting aside the fact that Chen Mu would not possibly allow Chen Yue or Yu Ru to enter a sect like the Hehuan Sect, their identities alone, belonging to the Yu Family and being his sisters, would not allow for any connection with the Hehuan Sect.


    After all, the four major families of the Inner City were factions aligned with the Seven Profound Sect.


    Anyone who dared to play both sides was not far from extermination. Your next chapter is on empire


    After all, the four great families were not the kind of powerhouses that could compete with the likes of the Seven Profound or the Hehuan, and would be just a minor force that could be crushed in an instant before any of the Four Sects or the Seven Profound.


    If the Seven Profound Sect were to completely abandon Yu County, then they could indeed try to change allegiances, but the arrival of Inspector Yan Jingqing from the Seven Profound Sect meant that they still intended to exert control over Yu County, and the four families must obey Yan Jingqing''s commands.


    "My lord, don''t be in a rush. If it was just for this small matter that I had you come all the way here, wouldn''t it be a bit rude?"


    The voice of Hua Nongying was soft and melodious, her eyes brimming with a smile. Suddenly, she slightly opened her mouth, her lips moving without making a sound, but the following words resonated directly by Chen Mu''s ear.


    Hearing the subsequent words from Hua Nongying, Chen Mu''s gaze grew more solemn.


    It had to do with the lingering remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect.


    It was not something she wanted to tell him, but rather some information she wanted him to convey to Yan Jingqing.


    Clearly, since the Four Great Sects had stationed themselves in Yu County, they had finally clashed with the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect. This was probably what the Seven Profound Sect wanted to see¡ªa test for the Four Sects against the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect entrenched in Yu County.


    The Four Great Sects were not foolish. The Hehuan Sect had clearly realized this point and understood why the Seven Profound Sect had set Yu County as the boundary.


    But now Yan Jingqing had almost completely opened up the resources of Yu County, allowing the disciples of the Four Great Sects to claim them, including demonic beasts in the mountains, Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, etc., clearly keeping a detached stance and not taking action against the Heavenly Corpse Sect.


    And as the disciples of the Four Great Sects move through Yu County, vying for various resources, they would inevitably clash with the hidden remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect. After a couple of confrontations, it was natural they would become sworn enemies.


    Knowing that the Seven Profound Sect had orchestrated this, they still could not stand idly by and let the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect use their disciples for Corpse Refinement.


    Moreover.


    All the Four Great Sects were dominant powers in the State Government Offices, and concerning the Heavenly Corpse Sect, which had declined for several hundred years and had only started to show signs of revival in the current chaos, they had no intention of yielding.


    It was just that the Hehuan Sect hoped to cooperate with Yan Jingqing to a certain extent. When it comes to intelligence, although the Hehuan Sect is not the worst among the Four Sects, it''s just slightly better than the Heavenly Sword Sect but far from the capabilities of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion and the Blood Hidden Pavilion.


    If they could obtain the intelligence controlled by the Inspectorate under Yan Jingqing, the actions of the Hehuan Sect would undoubtedly become much more composed.


    Even.


    This intent of cooperation was not solely directed against the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, but also had a subtle intention of countering the other three families. After all, the Four Sects were never a united force. Their joint venture into Yu County was just to capture the resources of Yu State.


    Currently, the situation among the various sects in Yu City appears stable, but the conflict outside never ceased.


    Otherwise, true inheritors of the sect like Hua Nongying and Gu Hong would not be in a place like Yu County.


    As for the intentions of the high echelons of the Four Great Sects, Chen Mu could guess a bit. He estimated that for the sake of the resources of a mere county, it was unlikely that the big figures from the upper levels of the sects would personally step in, making Yu County more like a place for the disciples of each sect to hone themselves while capturing resources and steadily developing.


    The only unexpected factor was the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, which may have already taken a toll on the disciples of the Four Sects, but none of the families were willing to deal with the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect alone; thus, the situation had temporarily fallen into a strange standstill.


    This stalemate would not last long.


    Once the various forces reached a consensus, it would be time to join forces against the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect.


    "..."


    Chen Mu did not respond but just gave Hua Nongying a look, indicating that he understood.


    Getting involved in the struggles of the Four Sects was indeed a dangerous matter, but it ultimately depended on Yan Jingqing''s decision, or rather, on what the Seven Profound Sect behind Yan Jingqing planned.


    In fact, the Seven Profound Sect could not remain spectators forever. Interests and resources were limited, and ultimately, there would be forces eliminated from the game. It''s just that currently, he did not have access to the upper echelons of the sects, nor did he know their plans.


    Hua Nongying smiled enchantingly, beautiful and inviting. Her natural allure seemed effortless as she raised her hands lightly and clapped, and soon someone led Chen Yue, Yu Ru, and some of the Yu Family''s Protectors over.


    "Brother."


    Upon spotting Chen Mu in the crowd, Chen Yue immediately ran over.


    Chen Mu nodded slightly at her and asked, "Are you and little Ru alright?"


    "We''re fine."


    Chen Yue whispered, "All these sisters have been very kind, and even practiced swordsmanship with Xiao Ru and me for a while."


    Chen Mu turned to look at Yu Ru, only to see her little face flushed. As she walked over, she waved goodbye to a woman from the Hehuan Sect, and then, seeing the scene here, she couldn''t help but lean close to Chen Mu and asked, "Brother Mu, what''s happened?"


    "It''s nothing."


    Chen Mu patted Yu Ru on the head.


    With a smile, Hua Nongying said, "This younger sister''s constitution is quite good. It''s a pity that she cannot cultivate in the Hehuan Sect. If she were to practice ordinary cultivation techniques, she would not be able to utilize the special characteristics of her Charming Bones, and would be no different from an ordinary martial artist."


    Chen Mu replied indifferently, "You needn''t concern yourselves with this. Even setting aside differences in standing, I would not have my sister study the cultivation techniques of the Hehuan Sect."


    Hearing this, Hua Nongying couldn''t help but giggle and said, "Lord seems to have quite a grudge against our Hehuan Sect, but we are not a sect that wallows in carnal pleasure. The way of Hehuan comes from the differentiation of ''Yin Yang,'' and sensual pleasure is just a method to aid cultivation, not a pursuit of wantonness.


    If one can directly grasp the great path of Yin Yang, then they need not concern themselves with the superficial essence¡­ Would Lord like to find out if I''m still a virgin?"


    This statement, heard by the seductive women of the Hehuan Sect, seemed nothing unusual to them, but Yu Ru''s face flushed red at once, like a ripe apple, and she stared at Hua Nongying in astonishment.


    Good heavens.


    What is this sister talking about?!


    Even Chen Yue''s cheeks reddened unnaturally as she walked over to Yu Ru''s side and covered Yu Ru''s eyes with her hands.


    "Yue''er, Xiao Ru, let''s go."


    Chen Mu gave Hua Nongying a displeased glance. The enchantresses of the Hehuan Sect, shameless to the core, would say anything they pleased, but with both his sisters present, discussing the doctrine of Yin Yang and Hehuan would only lead the young astray. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With that, he turned and walked out, while Yu Ru scrambled after Chen Mu as if fleeing from calamity. Only at that moment did she realize that those ''sisters'' were all no decent people. Chen Yue had understood this long ago, and after stepping out of the courtyard with Chen Mu, she too breathed a sigh of relief.


    She had been worried that her presence with Yu Ru might bring a great deal of trouble to Chen Mu.


    The disciples of the Hehuan Sect did not see them off. They whispered among themselves, while Hua Nongying''s smile gradually faded, and a thoughtful look appeared in her eyes as she watched Chen Mu''s retreating back.


    ...


    "The Hehuan Sect..."


    On the way back with Chen Yue and Yu Ru, Chen Mu was deep in thought.


    He had imagined many versions of the Hehuan Sect: some accepted both men and women, some only female disciples; there were sects with brutal infighting, where life-and-death struggles were common, and there were those which were unified internally.


    Based on what he knew about the Hehuan Sect so far, it fell into the latter category.


    The Hehuan Sect preached passion without attachment. Regardless of their sensual activities on the outside, it was all transient, and all actions were for the sect itself ¨C it was not just detachment, but also a form of ''brainwashing.''


    Of course.


    Perhaps ''brainwashing'' wasn''t the right word; for those orphans with no home or shelter, about to freeze to death by the roadside, joining the Hehuan Sect was like finding a family. Willingness to do anything for the sect can be understood within reason.


    And it was precisely because the disciples, apart from their utter loyalty to the Hehuan Sect, were ''heartless'' towards everything external that the sect was also categorized as a Demon Sect. Much like the Blood Hidden Pavilion, they didn''t hesitate to kill or steal.


    Acting like an innocent girl to infiltrate a wealthy family, manipulating through desire to plunder wealth and ruin was just an ordinary affair for the Hehuan Sect, even during times of prosperity.


    "Actually, during times of chaos, there''s no clear distinction between Demon Sects and the righteous path."


    Chen Mu thought to himself, shaking his head slightly.


    To him, whether it was a Demon Sect or a righteous path didn''t really matter. He had no place in meddling with the larger fate of the world. For now, what he could do was to seek survival and development within Yu County, perform his duties well, and step by step, increase his strength.


    In a chaotic world, might makes right. With sufficient strength, one could do anything they wished. If he could replicate the strength and authority of Da Xuan''s founding Emperor Lord, then calming the chaos and resetting the landscape would be simple as flipping a hand.


    "The Twin Flowers of Hehuan, Hua Nongying, in terms of the potency of Artistic Conception, I best her by quite a bit. But if it came to a real fight..."


    Chen Mu recalled the earlier clash of Artistic Conceptions.


    Hua Nongying had not stepped into the second phase of her Artistic Conception. Concepts like Blood Fiend and Pleasure Artistic Conception were stronger than any single phase of the Qiankun Eight Phases, but that also meant they were more difficult to comprehend, to delve deeper into, and harder to reach the second phase.


    In fact, with just his Thunderclap Artistic Conception in the second phase, he could easily suppress Hua Nongying''s Pleasure Artistic Conception, and he hadn''t even used his Separating Fire Artistic Conception, which was also in the second phase. He was far ahead on the level of Artistic Conceptions.


    However, she was, after all, a being who had stepped into the Five Viscera Realm, completing the circulation of the Five Viscera Inner Breath, connecting with the world outside, and cultivating the Yuan Gang True Essence. If they were to truly battle, the tactics she would display would be out of the ordinary, and Chen Mu believed the outcome would be unpredictable.


    "Next, I should go to the Demon-Slaying Office to practice the Xun Wind Artistic Conception. Once all three Artistic Conceptions have reached the second phase, the Bone Tempering Realm should also be at its limit. Once I refine the Jade Bone, I can try to link the Five Viscera, transform the nature of the Qi-Blood, and evolve the Yuan Gang."


    Chen Mu let out a breath.


    A major conflict between the Four Great Sects and the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect is unavoidable, and the extent of the impact will surely be vast. The Seven Profound Sect, despite wishing to remain neutral, may not be able to just watch from the sidelines.


    Before that happens, the stronger he becomes, the better. At the very least, he should be able to handle a true disciple of the Four Sects like Hua Nongying with ease and not just be at an ambiguous state where the outcome of a fight is uncertain.

 Chapter 153 Meng Danyun

    Chen Mu quickly returned to the Yu Family residence.Putting aside his jumbled thoughts for a moment, he said to Chen Yue and Yu Ru, "You go back first and let Hongyu know you''re safe. I have other matters to attend to, so I won''t be joining you."


    Once he was at the Yu Family residence, there was no longer a problem. He now had to make a trip to the Inspectorate.


    Yu Ru obediently acknowledged with a nod, while Chen Yue looked at Chen Mu with some concern. She still worried about Chen Mu being involved in the dangerous affairs of the Hehuan Sect, but she knew she couldn''t help much; not causing trouble was the best help she could offer.


    After arranging for the Yu Family''s Protector to send Chen Yue and Yu Ru back, Chen Mu quietly left the Yu Family residence alone and headed to the Prefectural Government, soon reaching the Inspectorate and making his way to the sixth floor.


    Yan Jingqing was still there reading a book.


    "Lord Yan, I have something to report," Chen Mu said.


    After his salute, he stepped forward and spoke softly about the intentions of the Hehuan Sect.


    Yan Jingqing listened and then fell into deep thought.


    The current plan of the Seven Profound Sect was indeed to let the four sects deal with the Heavenly Corpse Sect, but after that was handled, the situation in Yu County would inevitably become chaotic. The Seven Profound Sect could not remain unaffected and would surely be drawn into conflicts over resources, leading to both temporary alliances and fierce confrontations.


    But these were matters for the future. The Seven Profound Sect entrusted the affairs of Yu County to him because he was better at dealing with conflicts between different forces than those from the sects, having risen to the position of Inspector from the State Government Office.


    The active good will from the Hehuan Sect certainly warranted further consideration.


    However, the trustworthiness of this Demon Sect was nominal; it was all too common to forge an alliance one moment and fall into a trap the next. From this perspective, Heavenly Sword Sect and Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion were indeed more suitable for cooperation.


    But those of the Heavenly Sword Sect pursued the ultimate in Sword Dao and Sword Intent, notoriously straightforward, lacking in subtlety. Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, although appearing to be a Righteous Sect, acted in strange and unpredictable ways, making their intentions hard to discern.


    "All right, I''m aware of this now. You may go," Yan Jingqing finally said, signaling that Chen Mu could leave without providing any definitive response.


    Wanting to keep himself out of it, Chen Mu saluted quietly and retreated. Instead of returning to the Yu Family, he turned at the Prefectural Government and headed to the Demon-Slaying Office.


    Currently, there were four Metropolitan Commanders at the Demon-Slaying Office, but only one Bureau Head, by the name of Meng Tianzhang, a clean-blooded disciple of the Seven Profound Sect, who was externally assigned to Yu County to take charge of the Demon-Slaying Office after several promotions.


    He was mainly responsible for controlling the resources of the Demon-Slaying Office, essentially ensuring that Xue Huaikong did not falsify the various resources contributed to the Seven Profound Sect each year, as well as managing some of the resources the Seven Profound Sect allocated to Yu County.


    Soon.


    Chen Mu arrived at the Demon-Suppression Tower at the heart of the Demon-Slaying Office.


    "Lord Bureau Head, I wish to study the Xun Wind Artistic Conception Map," he said.


    Upon seeing Meng Tianzhang, Chen Mu gave a salute and directly stated his purpose.


    Meng Tianzhang, an elderly man looking to be in his sixties or seventies, merely nodded slightly at Chen Mu''s arrival, contemplating for a moment before saying, "The Artistic Conception Map is in the Silent Chamber below; you may go down and study it yourself." S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His demeanor was very calm and even spared discussing the expenditure of Merit. After another salute, Chen Mu descended the floors of the tower while pondering.


    It seemed that his role as a Metropolitan Commander in the Demon-Slaying Office was indeed different; Meng Tianzhang''s attitude could either be due to Yan Jingqing''s influence or perhaps because his concurrent role as the Inspectorate''s Metropolitan Commander made him directly affiliated with the Seven Profound Sect, much closer to the Sect than others and not so different from disciples of the Seven Profound Sect.


    Soon.


    Chen Mu reached the Silent Chamber beneath the Demon-Suppression Tower, where eight rooms were arranged according to the Qiankun directions. The rooms representing Qian Heaven and Kun Earth were empty, while the other six rooms each held an Artistic Conception Map.


    In the chamber with the Xun Wind Artistic Conception Map, he noticed another person inside. This person was not clad in official attire but wore a simple gray robe. With an androgynous face but long hair and a feminine figure, she appeared to be about thirty years old.


    Noticing Chen Mu''s arrival, the woman turned and glanced at him, quickly evaluating and asking:


    "Are you Chen Mu, the Inspectorate''s Metropolitan Commander?"


    "I have seen the True Disciple," Chen Mu greeted the woman with a slight bow. Although it was their first meeting, he recognized her identity at once¡ªTrue Disciple of the Mysterious Heavenly Sect from Spirit Profound Peak, Meng Danyun.


    It was unexpected that the Seven Profound Sect had quietly sent a True Disciple to Yu County, and considering her surname, Meng, she might also be related to the Demon-Slaying Office''s Bureau Head, Meng Tianzhang.


    "When did the True Disciple come to Yu County?" Chen Mu inquired.


    If he were to follow the rules of the sect, he would have to call her Senior Sister, but he was not currently a disciple of the Seven Profound Sect, and Meng Danyun held no official title, so addressing her as Madam wasn''t quite appropriate either.


    Meng Danyun looked at Chen Mu and shook her head slightly, saying, "Since you work with Yan Jingqing at the Inspectorate, it would be better if you called me Senior Sister. Please don''t let others know about my being in Yu County for now."


    Chen Mu acknowledged.


    Yan Jingqing''s presence in Yu County signified that the Seven Profound Sect still intended to control this prefecture, so it wasn''t surprising for other figures from the Seven Profound Sect to come here.


    The arrival of Meng Danyun quietly was quite normal, and the fact that Meng Tianzhang let her come down likely due to his role as the Inspectorate''s Metropolitan Commander made clear she was considered one of Yan Jingqing''s subordinates and affiliated with the Seven Profound Sect; hence, encountering Meng Danyun was inconsequential.


    "I heard you mastered both the Xun Wind and Thunderbolt Artistic Conceptions in just a few years?"


    Meng Danyun at this time was somewhat curious as she sized up Chen Mu, saying, "With your talent, entering Seven Profound Sect for two years and reaching the Five Viscera Realm, you would have been qualified to compete for a position as a true disciple of the Seven Peaks. Why didn''t Yan Jingqing let you directly join the Seven Profound Sect? Hmm... It''s because of your age, isn''t it?


    But with your sufficient talent and aptitude, it wouldn''t be impossible to make an exception."


    There weren''t many people in Yu County that left an impression on her. Not to mention Meng Tianzhang and Yan Jingqing, the City Lord Xue Huaikong was one, and then there was Chen Mu, who was recently promoted by Yan Jingqing to the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate.


    "Perhaps Lord Yan has other considerations."


    Chen Mu responded.


    Meng Danyun shook her head, saying, "That man is really odd... If you want to join the Seven Profound Sect, wait until I finish my business this time and return to the sect. I can speak to the master on your behalf and have you come to Spirit Profound Peak to cultivate."


    Go to Seven Profound Sect?


    Chen Mu hadn''t expected to suddenly encounter this option here, but considering there were still many issues to be handled in Yu County, it wasn''t suitable for him to go to the State Government Office yet.


    "Thank you, Senior Sister Meng, for your high regard, but there''s much happening in Yu County at the moment. Let''s consider it once things settle down a bit more."


    "Well, it''s up to you."


    Meng Danyun nodded, then looked at Chen Mu again and suddenly asked, "What realm have you reached in your comprehension of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception?"


    Chen Mu honestly replied, "Just the initial comprehension."


    "Come, let me see."


    Meng Danyun stretched out her right hand towards Chen Mu, palm facing him.


    Seeing that Meng Danyun seemed to be offering some guidance, Chen Mu didn''t hold back either; he too raised his right hand, exerting a gentle breeze with his falling palm leisurely rising.


    Leaving aside Thunderclap and Separating Fire for now, his grasp on the Xun Wind Artistic Conception was indeed the most shallow, and he indeed did not harness the details of the conception effectively, given he had always cultivated on his own.


    The system panel merely enhanced his realm but didn''t provide experience in using artistic conception against enemies in battle; techniques like ''Gentle Wind Perception'' were something he had to realize on his own.


    Hum!


    Meng Danyun''s palm also manifested a gentle breeze, and the two palms stopped roughly three inches apart as the breezes intertwined, forming a visible whirlwind, which quickly dissolved into invisibility.


    Meng Danyun withdrew her hand, slightly nodding and saying, "Hmm, it''s indeed just initial comprehension, but it''s quite good already. Judging from your level, you should have already realized some techniques of ''Gentle Wind Perception''?"


    "Yes, Senior Sister sees clearly," Chen Mu naturally had nothing to hide. Meng Danyun''s command of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, while not yet at the second step, was indeed much deeper than his, and she certainly knew everything he knew.


    Meng Danyun smiled, saying, "There''s nothing much to see, I am just a few years older than you, and I have been comprehending the Xun Wind Artistic Conception many years before you. Give it a few more years, and you''ll slowly comprehend to my level as well."


    She paused slightly before continuing, "However, the sensory and technical aspects of artistic conceptions are two different concepts. You seem quite unfamiliar with the execution of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception...


    I cultivate both the Xun Wind and Kan Water Artistic Conceptions; I can''t guide you in Thunderclap Artistic Conception, but if you have any questions about the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, feel free to ask me during my stay here."


    "Then thank you very much, Senior Sister Meng."


    Chen Mu felt a slight stir in his heart.


    Currently, his execution of artistic conceptions was indeed somewhat unfamiliar; the encounter with Hua Nongying had revealed his shortcomings in handling details, lacking a certain ease and spontaneity. After all, he had always lacked a suitable opponent for practice.


    Yu Jiujiang was not suitable for sparring, others from the Yu Family were a bit weaker, and definitely not comparable to a true disciple like Meng Danyun.


    If he could spar with Meng Danyun a few more times in artistic conceptions, then his execution would naturally become even more polished.


    Meng Danyun spoke gently, "No need for thanks; you have great comprehension. With your simultaneous cultivation of Wind Thunder Artistic Conception, once you step into the Five Viscera Realm, perhaps you would soon surpass me."


    Chen Mu smiled and said, "Senior Sister Meng is too modest; just this Xun Wind Artistic Conception will require much contemplation."


    Meng Danyun nodded slightly, watching Chen Mu as he walked aside to contemplate the Xun Wind Diagram. She then also gazed at the Xun Wind Diagram hanging on the wall, but she did not focus too closely, instead staring absentmindedly.


    Although there was no legendary ''Eight Phases Diagram'' in Seven Profound Sect, there were still higher-quality Xun Wind Diagrams available. However, despite her many years of contemplation, she had never mastered the second step of the Xun and Kan Water Artistic Conceptions; contemplating here was mostly better than nothing.


    "The second step of the Artistic Conception..."


    Meng Danyun murmured in her heart.


    It was easy to comprehend the artistic conception, but difficult to reach the second step.


    She had first stepped into Bone Tempering and comprehended the Xun Wind Artistic Conception at twenty-three, and the Kan Water Artistic Conception at twenty-four; afterward, she was ambitious to advance further, but six years had passed, and she had been in the Five Viscera Realm for three years, still one step away from the second step in both the Xun and Kan Water Artistic Conceptions.


    If she could comprehend the second step of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, then she must have been among the true disciples of Seven Profound Sect who had visited the mountains to join the battle when Heavenly Sword Hehuan, Blood Concealment Mysterious Heavenly Sect paid their respects. However, she probably still would not have won against those few.


    Those few were indeed the leaders among the true disciples of the four sects, the most talented individuals of this generation in their sects, while she was ranked sixth among the true disciples of Seven Profound Sect, so some gap was unsurprising.


    It was just that the second step of the artistic conception had troubled her too long; her master had said she wasn''t suitable for more seclusion and contemplation, and that perhaps she would have more breakthrough opportunities if she traveled. Yu County was the most complicated among the various counties of Yu State, and also had four sects stationed here.


    So she had come to Yu County.


    Hoping to encounter some opportunities here.

 Chapter 154 Two Months

    The Demon-Slaying Office''s Silent Chamber underground.In the empty Qian Heaven room, a series of clapping sounds resounded.


    Chen Mu and Meng Danyun were standing just a few feet apart, constantly colliding in a flurry of finger and palm strikes. Whether it was the Sword Finger thrust by Chen Mu or the Palm Finger counterstrike by Meng Danyun, each was accompanied by strands of solidified Wind Blades.


    Though it was merely a clash between fingers and palms, the sounds of crackling burst forth continuously until Chen Mu''s right hand took the form of a blade, striking down at Meng Danyun. The edge of his palm twisted up a strong wind, solidifying into a visible Wind Blade, making the Palm Blade strike almost like a real blade descending.


    Meng Danyun''s slender right palm likewise formed a Palm Blade and moved upwards to meet Chen Mu''s hand blade. The two palms didn''t collide, but instead came to a stop about an inch apart from each other. Yet the edges of their palm blades clashed intensely, resulting in an explosion akin to the sound of actual swords colliding, before suddenly bursting apart.


    After this strike, Chen Mu did not attack again.


    Meng Danyun also stood still, seemingly in a trance as she looked at Chen Mu before finally shaking her head and saying, "With your level of enlightenment and talent, you really should be cultivating at the Seven Profound Sect. It would be more appropriate to descend the mountain for trials only after you''ve reached the second step of Artistic Conception and entered the Five Viscera Realm."


    As a true inheritance disciple of the Seven Profound Sect, Meng Danyun had reached an Artistic Conception at twenty-three and stepped into the Five Viscera Realm at twenty-seven, a talent that could be called a prodigy among the young generation of Yu State. Yet even she was astonished by the height of Chen Mu''s enlightenment.


    In just two months,


    Chen Mu''s Xun Wind Artistic Conception had advanced nearly a whole step from its initial stage, almost catching up with her!


    Now, when the two of them crossed hands solely using the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, Chen Mu could match her blow for blow and even avoid defeat in a short time. His shocking rate of progress far exceeded her own past rate.


    She had taken at least a year to develop her Xun Wind Artistic Conception from its nascent stage to where Chen Mu was now, whereas Chen Mu had only spent about two months. She practically had nothing left to teach him.


    "I''m still somewhat lacking compared to Sister Meng,"


    Chen Mu rubbed the edge of his palm and replied with a humble smile.


    It was not flattery. Over the past two months, he had advanced his understanding of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception using the experience he had accumulated. Although he had taken a big step forward, he had not yet reached the same extent as Meng Danyun, who was one strand away from the second step.


    To go from initially mastering an Artistic Conception to stepping into the second phase required two breakthroughs: the first could only cover more than half the distance, while the second would allow crossing the threshold entirely.


    "You surpassing me is just a matter of time,"


    Meng Danyun shook her head and said, "With your level of enlightenment, in another month or two at most, your understanding of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception will not be inferior to mine, and if you could contemplate it within the Sect for a year or two, you would certainly step into the second phase."


    With Chen Mu''s level of talent, there weren''t many in the entire Seven Profound Sect who could compare to him. Additionally, Chen Mu had also made good progress in his Body Tempering Method.


    Some disciples with high enlightenment but poor physical constitution progressed slowly in Body Refining, and even with the Sect''s resources helping them to advance beyond the Bone Tempering Realm, they still did so strugglingly, often halting at the Five Viscera Realm.


    True geniuses¡ªthose who could become true inheritors of a Sect¡ªmust have both enlightenment and talent. For example, her stepping into the Five Viscera Realm at twenty-seven was actually somewhat slow. A true inheritor from the Great Profound Peak had grasped the Artistic Conception at twenty-two and entered the Five Viscera Realm at twenty-four.


    Younger than her by three years, his strength far exceeded hers.


    Still, he was defeated by Heavenly Sword Sect''s Zuo Qianqiu.


    It could be said,


    Even among prodigies, there were still significant differences, differences that were visibly vast. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In Meng Danyun''s view, Chen Mu definitely possessed a level of talent one tier higher than her own. Being stuck in a small place like Yu County to develop on his own was truly a waste of his potential; she wondered what the Sect''s yearly disciple selection officers were even doing.


    "By the way, Sister, I have some questions about stepping into the Five Viscera Realm,"


    Chen Mu didn''t dwell on the matter of whether it would take two months or two years as mentioned by Meng Danyun and instead, shifted the topic to ask about the path of cultivation beyond the Five Viscera Realm.


    At present, he was only a step away from reaching the limit of Bone Tempering, a matter of a couple of days. As for the Xun Wind Artistic Conception... he was also just a bit of experience away.


    While he could continue to practice with Kan Water for the Artistic Conception, stepping into the Five Viscera Realm was something he had only a basic understanding of from books and the teachings of Yu Jiujiang.


    Although Yu Jiujiang was in the Five Viscera Realm and very experienced, when it came down to certain unique aspects, he was probably not as knowledgeable as a true inheritance disciple like Meng Danyun.


    After all, Yu Jiujiang had only reached the Five Viscera Realm and no further, while disciples like Meng Danyun were expected to at least step into the Six Viscera Realm and might even have a chance to reach higher levels.


    "The Five Viscera Realm, huh..."


    Meng Danyun thought for a moment and said, "There''s really no key point, well, try not to rely on Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures that can solidify Inner Breath and establish circulation in the Five Viscera. Although they make it easier to step into the Five Viscera Realm, they will also consume your inherent potential, making it hard to advance to the Six Viscera Realm later on."


    Chen Mu had already heard this from Yu Jiujiang¡ªin fact, the Yu Family also had some Spiritual Objects that could help break through into the Five Viscera Realm, leftover from when Yu Jiujiang was young. He advised Chen Mu to try breaking into the Five Viscera Realm on his own without relying on external aids if he managed to reach Bone Tempering Perfection before the age of thirty.

 Chapter 154 Two Months_2

    ```If it really doesn''t work, then try using that spiritual object to attempt breaking through to the Five Viscera Realm.


    The Five Viscera Realm is different from Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering. At this realm, all spiritual objects and medicinal materials become completely auxiliary and are no longer key. There are also no thresholds such as Tendon Changing Pills or Bone Tempering Pills, and what determines whether a martial artist can cross this barrier has more to do with the martial artist himself.


    Speaking of which, the gap in the Yu Family is quite severe; the individuals from the second and third generations couldn''t break through the Five Viscera Mysterious Pass even with the aid of external objects.


    "As for the Inner Breathing Method, they''re largely similar, simply relying on one''s own Qi-Blood to break through the Five Viscera Mysterious Pass one by one, and eventually construct a Five Viscera circulation. Then, with Artistic Conception as an aid, connect with the external heaven and earth to form your own unique Yuan Gang True Essence..."


    Meng Danyun continued.


    Chen Mu was already aware of this part, having seen it in the Great Profound Martial Canon.


    The richness of Qi-Blood determines the ''quantity'' of the condensed Yuan Gang True Essence, while Artistic Conception determines the ''quality'' of the Yuan Gang. Essentially, whatever Artistic Conception one cultivates, that is the kind of Yuan Gang True Essence one condenses.


    "Then, if I want to cultivate Qian Heaven Yuan Gang, before I have mastered Qian Heaven Artistic Conception, and I enter the Five Viscera Realm, can it still be transformed afterward?"


    Chen Mu asked the question he was most concerned about.


    "Yes."


    Meng Danyun answered, "Before stepping into the Marrow Cleansing Realm, Yuan Gang True Essence can slowly be refined and changed with Artistic Conception. However, as the realm gets higher and the Yuan Gang gets stronger, the time consumed to change its quality will also increase.


    Therefore, it''s best not to repeatedly switch, but rather decide your future Martial Arts path in the Five Viscera Realm."


    Having said this. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    She looked at Chen Mu with some surprise and said, "You want to cultivate Qian Heaven Artistic Conception? Ah, I see, with your talent, and having already mastered Wind Thunder Artistic Conception, it would indeed be a pity not to try Qian Heaven.


    The Seven Profound Sect does have an Artistic Conception Map of Qian Heaven, but mastering Qian Heaven Artistic Conception is even more difficult than stepping into the second step of a single Artistic Conception."


    As expected, the Seven Profound Sect has an Artistic Conception Map of Qian Heaven, so they should have one for Kun Earth as well.


    Chen Mu wasn''t surprised by this; as a Great Sect that dominated a state, if they didn''t have the world''s unique ''Eight Phases Diagram,'' that would be normal, but it would be strange if they lacked even the Imitative Diagrams, given that the founding Sect Leader of the Seven Profound Sect seemed to come from the Imperial Court, and to this day, the Seven Profound Sect still inherits the hereditary title of ''Mysterious Jade Marquis,'' recognized by the Imperial Court in the early years as a famous and legitimate lineage.


    Therefore, the Seven Profound Sect itself mainly focuses on cultivating Qiankun Eight Phases, and there are not many who cultivate other Artistic Conceptions.


    "I indeed want to try."


    Chen Mu honestly replied.


    Having heard what he wanted to know from Meng Danyun, he had nothing to worry about anymore. Explore more stories at empire


    "Actually, cultivating Qian Heaven has both advantages and disadvantages."


    Meng Danyun smiled and said, "If you can cultivate Qian Heaven Artistic Conception, other than completely mastering Yin Yang, Five Elements, and other Artistic Conceptions, there is hardly anything that can contend with it at the same level. It''s just that the difficulty of cultivating Qian Heaven Artistic Conception far exceeds that of other single Artistic Conceptions...


    In fact, in the early years of the Seven Profound Sect, there were people who tried to cultivate Qian Heaven Kun Earth, but in the end, they couldn''t even take the second step. They rather hindered their own cultivation; thus, in recent years, very few have attempted it."


    "So that''s how it is."


    Chen Mu appeared pensive and said, "I''ve heard that the one from Great Profound Peak, who cultivates four types of Artistic Conceptions and has stepped into the second step of each, has not practiced one of the Qian Heaven Kun Earth types. I initially thought that the Seven Profound Sect didn''t have an Artistic Conception Map of Qian Heaven Kun Earth. Now it seems perhaps he chose not to cultivate?"


    With this thought, he couldn''t help but sigh inwardly. Someone like Meng Danyun, upon arriving in Yu County, was already a dazzling genius enough to overshadow everyone else, but the leading true disciple of the Seven Profound Sect was even more exceptional, younger than Meng Danyun and had mastered the second step of four Artistic Conceptions.


    Yet, even so, he still couldn''t withstand Zuo Qianqiu of the Heavenly Sword Sect.


    It is said, after all, that cultivation is like sailing against the current; one either advances or falls behind. Age is the greatest challenge for martial artists, with very little chance of reaching the Five Viscera Realm if not by the age of thirty-five, and similarly, almost impossible to step into the Six Viscera by forty.


    With challenges at every step.


    Only the geniuses among geniuses are qualified to glimpse the highest levels of Martial Arts.


    "Elder Brother Zhou, huh."


    Meng Danyun shook her head and said, "I don''t know his thoughts, maybe he tried but didn''t comprehend it. If he had mastered the Kun Earth Artistic Conception, maybe he wouldn''t have lost to Zuo Qianqiu so easily."


    Chen Mu appeared reflective but did not ask further. Instead, he cupped his fists toward Meng Danyun and said, "Thank you, Senior Sister, for your guidance. I need to make a trip to the Inspectorate, so I will take my leave now."


    Meng Danyun nodded slightly, watching as Chen Mu took his leave.


    ...


    Inspectorate.


    Chen Mu, as usual, arrived at his Hall Office to organize various pieces of intelligence.


    In the past two months, there was a wealth of intelligence, with the majority concerning remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect. Now, through several interventions by disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect, the locations where the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect were hiding were generally pinpointed within Purple Mist Mountains.


    The Purple Mist Mountains were located far from Yu County Prefecture City, at the border between Yu State and Ling State, named for the strange purple poison mist that pervaded it year-round. Spanning thousands of miles, it was uninhabited and often inhabited by demon beasts.


    Among the four Sects.


    The Heavenly Sword Sect was the most concerned with the extermination of the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, almost treating it as a main task recently. Partly because the Heavenly Sword Sect''s actions are always straightforward, and the death of a few disciples in the Martial World is not a major issue.


    However, the Heavenly Corpse Sect using their disciples for Corpse Refinement is something they cannot tolerate.

 Chapter 154 Two Months_3

    On the other hand, the Purple Mist Mountains sit at the border of Yu State and Ling State. The remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect hide in this region, posing a potential threat to Ling State as well. If they cannot sustain themselves in Yu State, they might very well flee to Ling State.It is said,


    that the forces mobilized by the Heavenly Sword Sect in Ling State far outnumber those in Yu County on this side. They have effectively sealed off all routes from the Purple Mist Mountains to Ling State. The stance of the Heavenly Sword Sect towards the Heavenly Corpse Sect can be summed up in one sentence, "Dare to step into Ling State, and be killed without mercy."


    "These sword practitioners really can''t stand the smog and the scheming. However, if they truly launch a major assault into the Purple Mist Mountains and the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect can''t hold them back, they will inevitably be scattered and flee in disarray, possibly into Yu County,"


    "No wonder Yan Jingqing and the other families have remained largely inactive. They probably had long discovered the hiding place of the Heavenly Corpse Sect remnants in the Purple Mist Mountains, just waiting for the Heavenly Sword Sect to take the lead in the attack,"


    Chen Mu flipped through the intelligence reports, his expression pensive.


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    The biggest problem at the moment is that the true strength of this branch of the Heavenly Corpse Sect remnants is unknown. But considering the complex and ever-changing terrain of the Purple Mist Mountains¡ªwild and uninhabited¡ªit is estimated that it would be very difficult to completely eradicate them in one fell swoop.


    If they can''t be encircled and annihilated, but only cause the Heavenly Corpse Sect remnants to scatter in flight, they will no doubt trigger unrest throughout Yu County. After all, according to the various intelligence reports, this group of Heavenly Corpse Sect remnants is no easy target.


    Although they will definitely not be a match for the Heavenly Sword Sect and the other Four Great Sects, it is still possible for them to exploit the geographical advantage of the Purple Mist Mountains to restrain and flee.


    "One misstep could lead to a disaster comparable to a demonic upheaval, and in the end, it''s the common people who suffer,"


    Chen Mu shook his head.


    In reality, if the Great Sects could cooperate with complete sincerity, a mere band of Heavenly Corpse Sect remnants would not be able to stir up any trouble. However, apart from the resolute stance of the Heavenly Sword Sect this time, the others, including the Seven Profound Sect, are all embroiled in their own schemes.


    Yan Jingqing clearly still cares about the common people of Yu County. He has almost called up all his subordinates and even mobilized many from the Four Great Families. If the Seven Profound Sect were to take their stance, they would probably let the Four Sects handle things entirely.


    "This world should have but one voice,"


    Chen Mu thought to himself, but quickly buried the thought deep in his heart.


    After organizing the reports on the table, Chen Mu went up to the sixth floor and soon met with Yan Jingqing, who was standing at the window, not holding a scroll, looking out over the entire Yu City.


    "My lord,"


    Chen Mu offered a bow.


    Yan Jingqing turned to look at Chen Mu and suddenly said, "When do you think the strife of this world will end?"


    Chen Mu respectfully handed over some of the important intelligence reports he had organized and, after a moment of contemplation, replied, "Perhaps it will take another sovereign like the founding emperor of Da Xuan, or someone of the stature of the Martial Saint."


    "Martial Saint..."


    Yan Jingqing sighed. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It had been a very long time since someone truly worthy of the title ''Martial Saint'' arose in the world. In Yan Jingqing''s view, one did not become a Martial Saint simply by entering the Blood Exchange Realm. Only those who dominate an era, truly unmatched in the world, unanimously recognized as the premier martial artist of their time, deserve the title of ''Martial Saint.''


    Since the founding of Da Xuan, although there have been many who reached the pinnacle realm and were called ''Martial Saint,'' none of them could truly hold a candle to the founder of Da Xuan.


    Martial Artist,


    Only when one stands peerless, unmatched under heaven, commanding the respect of all, can one truly be called a Martial Saint!


    Yan Jingqing quickly waved his hand to signal Chen Mu to leave. He remained alone, continuing to gaze outside.

 Chapter 155 Jade Bone

    ```Leaving the Inspectorate.


    Chen Mu made his way back to the Yu Family residence and soon returned to his own courtyard.


    The situation was becoming increasingly clear now, as a battle between the Four Sects and the Heavenly Corpse Sect was imminent. The best-case scenario would be to contain it within the Purple Mist Mountains, but if things turned out poorly, the entire Yu County might be affected.


    Before that, he still needed to enhance his strength as much as possible. Although the current him had some confidence against ordinary martial artists of the Five Viscera Realm, not having reached that realm, he was still somewhat lacking.


    Silent Chamber.


    He brewed medicinal concoctions, applied them, and practiced the Tiger Demon Bone Tempering Fist.


    By now, Chen Mu had become quite adept at the process of Bone Tempering. This set of Tiger Demon Bone Tempering Fist was also well-ingrained in his memory, and he planned to increase his training volume of the Body Tempering Method over the next two days.


    Normally, a martial artist''s practice of the Bone Tempering Method was fixed, since the body and bones have a limited capacity to endure. But now, with his skin, muscles, and tendons at their limit, and his Bone Tempering only a step away from its limit, even an increased load should still be bearable.


    Previously, he had allocated his training time evenly between Body Refining and pondering over the Artistic Conception.


    "Ha!"


    Chen Mu struck a pose and threw a punch, a thick white mist exhaling from his mouth and nose as he suddenly lunged forward. For a moment, a tiger''s roar seemed to echo in the Silent Chamber. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was not a sound he made with his mouth, but rather a deep, muffled roar produced by the interaction of his tendons, muscles, and skin under the influence of the Tiger Demon Bone Tempering Fist¡ªa level of mastery to which very few could aspire.


    And so it went.


    Chen Mu practiced deep into the night.


    After resting, he did not return to the Demon-Slaying Office to study the Artistic Conception Map; he only visited the Inspectorate to sort out some affairs before heading back to his courtyard to continue refining his Bone Tempering Method.


    Thus, for two straight days, he finally accumulated enough experience to fill what was lacking!


    In the Silent Chamber.


    Chen Mu calmed his agitated Qi-Blood, took a deep breath, called out the system panel, and with a thought, added the last bit of experience to the Tiger Demon Bone Tempering Method.


    [Tiger Demon Bone Tempering Technique (100%)]


    [Experience: 3 points]


    Following the completion of this last deficiency, an almost violent Medicinal Power suddenly exploded deep within Chen Mu''s body. As it enveloped each bone, a great surge of Medicinal Power rushed toward his skull.


    From what Chen Mu had learned from Meng Danyun, to cultivate the Bone Tempering Realm to its limit and achieve ''Jade Bone,'' the most challenging part was the refinement of the skull!


    The skull involves the brain, which is both the body''s most vulnerable and most critical part.


    Most people who practice Bone Tempering strain from applying too much power to the skull, maintaining only a delicate level, so even if Bone Tempering is perfected, there will still be a small shortfall in the skull. Although this does not prevent a martial artist from advancing to the Five Viscera Realm, this very shortfall is key to achieving ''Jade Bone.''


    Meng Danyun once mentioned that from the Skin Toughening Realm and Body Refinement Realm to the Tendon Changing Realm, each ''limit'' represents a specific advantage: Copper Skin for Skin Toughening, Iron Flesh for Body Refinement, Jiao Tendons for Tendon Changing, and Jade Bones for Bone Tempering.


    For each additional limit mastered before entering the Five Viscera Realm, one holds an advantage over peers at the same level. This advantage does not diminish with increases in realm but becomes more pronounced the higher one climbs.


    For a true disciple of a Great Sect, it is easy to reach two limits within the three realms of Skin Toughening, Body Refinement, and Tendon Changing, and not difficult to achieve all three. However, few can cultivate ''Jade Bone'' in the Bone Tempering Realm.


    It''s not that it cannot be done, but many are unwilling to take the risk; there have been cases where one went mad from the Medicinal Power seeping into the brain while attempting to cultivate ''Jade Bone.''


    Even Meng Danyun herself had not achieved Jade Bone.


    She even advised Chen Mu not to aspire to the realm of Jade Bone and to be content entering the Five Viscera Realm with a normal, perfected Bone Tempering.


    If Chen Mu did not have the system panel, he might have given serious consideration to this risky endeavor. But with the system panel, he only superficially agreed with Meng Danyun''s advice.


    Regardless,


    he believed in the power of the system panel!


    "Hoo..."


    The sound that came from his skull seemed like the striking and pounding of metal on metal, causing Chen Mu''s head to buzz, his consciousness shaken to the point of being unclear. Despite the dizziness, he could still barely feel the focused effort of bestowing Medicinal Power on the skull, with not a single hint of it dissipating inwardly, all concentrating on the surface of the skull.


    Time passed without his knowledge, and Chen Mu felt a warm current rising from the soles of his feet, ascending along his leg bones, up the spine, along both arms, and finally reaching the neck, connecting with the skull.


    At that moment,


    if one were to cut open the surface of his body, they would plainly see that his originally silver-white bones, already perfected in refinement, were slowly losing their imperfections under magnification, linking together throughout his body. The color gradually faded from silver-white, slowly giving way to a clear, crystalline jade hue.


    ```


    ```


    The bones are flawless, crystal clear like jade, this is the Flawless Jade Bone!


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    Chen Mu, with his eyes tightly closed, suddenly opened them and abruptly raised his right hand, swinging out a punch forward with great force.


    This punch, although not reinforced with the power of Artistic Conception, possessed such pure strength that it visibly distorted the air around the fist before it suddenly exploded.


    Boom!!!


    In front of him, an iron pillar usually used for testing strength emitted a deep, gong-like hum, and on its surface, an indented fist seal suddenly appeared.


    If it were just the fist itself that created such a sound and fist seal, it wouldn''t be anything special, as any martial artist in the Bone Tempering Realm could do it. However, Chen Mu''s strike did not make any direct contact with the iron pillar from beginning to end!


    His fist stopped about half a finger''s width away from the iron pillar!


    After cultivating the Flawless Jade Bone, combined with the limits of the tendons, muscles, and skin from the Three Realms, the bursting strength was far beyond what it had been before. The sheer force of the air compressed by the punch left a trace of indentation in the steel at an extremely close distance!


    "No wonder it is said that once Jade Bone is achieved, with this physique alone, one can shake the Yuan Gang True Essence of the Five Viscera Realm."


    "Yuan Gang is nothing but the solidifying refinement of Qi-Blood, combined with a trace of nature''s power to strike from a distance. After Jade Bone is cultivated, even the sheer physical force can achieve a nearly ''distance striking'' effect. Naturally, the power of such a punch is no less than a strike infused with Yuan Gang True Essence."


    Chen Mu slowly lowered his fist, looking at the mark left on the iron pillar and muttered to himself.


    He didn''t ponder for too long.


    He quickly walked to the side, took out a piece of demon meat to replenish Qi-Blood, swallowed it in a few bites, then sat down cross-legged, carefully regulating the restless Qi-Blood within his body. Once his Qi-Blood had returned to a full state, a Dharma Decree emerged in his mind.


    It was precisely the Inner Breathing Method required for assaulting the Five Viscera Realm, which he had long memorized by heart!


    The human body has five viscera,


    Heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys.


    Da Xuan''s Martial Canon states: Among the five viscera, each harbors a Divine Spirit, the deity of man. By breaking through the Mysterious Pass, one connects with the self''s deity, thus keeping the viscera''s circulation unceasing. Only then can one cultivate a complete inner Circulation and be able to inhale and exhale the spiritual energy of heaven and earth to refine Yuan Gang.


    For a martial artist in the Bone Tempering Realm, the most difficult part of assaulting the Five Viscera Realm is that all the Mysterious Passes of the five viscera must be broken through all at once. If only two or three are broken through at a time, they can''t form a circulation, and they will soon begin to close again slowly.


    Although breaking through a Mysterious Pass once makes it easier the next time, even if it has closed, the problem is that most martial artists in the Bone Tempering Realm have reached Perfection around the age of thirty-five.


    At that age, although Qi-Blood is not yet declining, vitality is also not as strong as before thirty. Often, a single assault can only break one or two Mysterious Passes, and the Qi-Blood expended needs about half a month to recover.


    Despite each assault being somewhat easier than the last, as one ages, Qi-Blood also gradually decreases. In the long run, entering the Five Viscera Realm becomes almost impossible.


    If one reaches Bone Tempering Perfection before the age of thirty, the hope of stepping into the Five Viscera Realm is greatly increased.


    At twenty-five, it goes without saying that one will certainly step into the Five Viscera Realm.


    As for Jade Bone...


    Da Xuan''s Martial Canon has a record of this¡ªwhether to break through or not, it all follows one''s desire.


    In plain language, you break through the Five Viscera Realm whenever you want to!


    Jade Bone, which represents the limit of the Bone Tempering Realm, is a completely different level compared to ordinary Bone Tempering Perfection. Those who can cultivate Jade Bone inevitably have reached the limit in the first three realms as well, and their Qi-Blood is almost at a point where it can''t be increased further, reaching the limit of human potential.


    Therefore, assaulting the Mysterious Passes of the Five Viscera should encounter no obstruction at all.


    To cultivate Jade Bone is to have already achieved the Five Viscera Realm.


    Along with the movement of Chen Mu''s thoughts, the Inner Breathing Method slowly began to operate, and soon the Qi-Blood in his body was mobilized by the Inner Breathing Method, heading towards the heart in the center of his chest.


    While it''s described as breaking through, in reality, there''s isn''t actually a substantial barrier to break through within the heart. The essence of breaking through is to nourish the five viscera with Qi-Blood, awakening the sleeping Divine Spirits within them.


    Limits of the four realms, Tiger and Leopard Thunder Sound, Flawless Jade Bone.


    With such a foundation, the accumulated Qi-Blood surged down. To say it awakened them seems somewhat inappropriate; it was more like wielding a large sledgehammer, forcefully waking them one by one, naturally with a clear path ahead!


    All true forms arise from the heart.


    After awakening the Heart Spirit, the Qi-Blood continued downwards, reaching the spleen and waking ''The Root of Post-Birth,'' then upwards, rushing to both lungs, piercing through the canopy and waking ''The Root of One Breath,'' then returning downward to reach the kidneys and waking ''The Essence of Pre-Birth,'' finally returning to the chest to reach the liver and waking ''The Source of Stored Blood.''


    In an instant, the five viscera within his chest and abdomen seemed to truly have five divine beings awakening within them. Chen Mu felt as if the whole world before his eyes had been renewed, suddenly becoming completely different, as if he had acquired another sense.


    Although this was an illusion, it was indeed the awakening of the five viscera that immediately started operating on their own, forming a Circulation within the body. It connected with the seven apertures of the human body, causing the sensitivity of all five senses to rise sharply.


    ```

 Chapter 156 Five Viscera

    Chen Mu closed his eyes.He felt the subtle changes that occurred after the Five Viscera formed an inner cycle.


    Although his body had become robust and sturdy, with Qi-Blood solidified and his entire body toughened as though it were a slab of iron, it was essentially just a mass of strength, like a piece of raw iron; hard enough, but without any other profound mysteries, simply having gained more strength and endurance.


    But now, after stepping into the Five Viscera Realm and achieving an Inner Breath cycle, his body seemed to have formed a self-circulating microcosm within. Moreover, with each breath, he could faintly draw a kind of nearly imperceptible energy from Heaven and Earth.


    "Is this the so-called Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi..."


    Chen Mu felt the energy entering his body between breaths, extracted by the ''root of the Qi'' within his lungs, turning it into an intangible, incorporeal energy that circulated through the Five Viscera. Finally, it slowly flowed into the Qi sea at his chest. He mumbled to himself.


    Just from reading the descriptions in the classics, he had thought that the Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi, which one could inhale and exhale in the Five Viscera Realm, was a substantial existence within the air.


    But it wasn''t until he truly entered this Realm that he could more clearly feel that what was inhaled and exhaled was not a substantial existence but essentially the "Power of Heaven and Earth" that was mobilized by Artistic Conception!


    In plain terms, it was.


    While Martial Artists grasp Artistic Conception, they can merely touch and mobilize this essential force of Nature. However, after cultivating the Five Viscera Realm, they can slowly refine this force into their bodies, forming Yuan Gang True Essence!


    These two forces are essentially the same thing at their core! Find adventures at empire


    "No wonder they say that only by stepping into the second phase of Artistic Conception can one contend with existences of the Five Viscera Realm. In fact, the power of Artistic Conception mobilized in the second phase and the Yuan Gang True Essence directly applied by Five Viscera Realm Martial Artists are essentially the same.


    The so-called transformation of Qi-Blood into Yuan Gang True Essence is nothing more than using Qi-Blood to nourish the Five Viscera and then inhaling the Power of Heaven and Earth."


    "The Yuan Gang True Essence, having been exercised within the bodies of those in the Five Viscera Realm, is easier to control and more solidified than mere Artistic Conception. Still, its strength ultimately depends on the quality."


    Chen Mu shook his head.


    He had finally understood the difference between the second phase of Artistic Conception and the Five Viscera Realm.


    It wasn''t that his comprehension was lacking; rather, people of this era didn''t have a concept for the difference between ''air'' and ''Qi''. They lumped everything together and called all of it ''Qi''.


    However, Chen Mu was clear that these two concepts were fundamentally different. The latter seemed to be a unique characteristic and force of this world, pervading between Heaven and Earth. It was the essence of a Martial Artist''s strength.


    Chen Mu carefully sensed the changes within his body again.


    "Although this Power of Heaven and Earth can strengthen the body and endow Martial Artists with terrifying power, even allowing them to unleash Heavenly Thunder and Earthly Fire with a gesture, it cannot change the essential nature of the body''s cells."


    He soon wore a pensive expression once more.


    He wondered if those at the Marrow Cleansing Realm and even the Blood Exchange Realm, the pinnacle existences of the Martial Arts world, realized that the body was composed of ''cells.'' But even if they did, they probably weren''t aware that lifespan essentially depends on the number of times cells divide.


    Martial Artists of the Five Viscera Realm could easily live past a hundred years old, simply because they are able to nourish their bodies well, thereby extending the life of their cells. But even if they undergo Marrow Cleansing and Blood Exchange, most have not changed the essence of their cells, so they eventually grow old and die all the same, with lifespans not exceeding two hundred years.


    Of course.


    Even though Chen Mu, who was fully aware of this, merely knew of it¡ªasking him to change the nature of cells to extend lifespan, he too was completely clueless. Even with his current level of perception, he couldn''t reach the level of individual cells. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No wonder it is rumored that those at the zenith of Martial Arts, whose might can obliterate cities and split mountains, still cannot resist aging... Their bodies, no matter how well-tempered, still haven''t transcended the essence of ''humankind''."


    "Blood Exchange, Martial Saints; neither can achieve immortality."


    Chen Mu let out a soft sigh.


    Although the future him might not be able to overcome that barrier, at least he understood some more fundamental things compared to many others in this world. Should he ever reach those heights, he would at least have a clear direction to work toward.


    But for now, the most crucial thing was the cultivation of the Five Viscera Realm.


    At present, he had completed the Five Viscera cycle and could truly be said to have entered the Five Viscera Realm. Accumulating Yuan Gang True Essence would still require some time. Once the accumulation was sufficient, the next step would be the ''Tempering'' of the Five Viscera.


    Plainly put, it is to further strengthen the Five Viscera Inner Breath with the Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi inhaled and exhaled, making the Yuan Gang True Essence circulated by the Five Viscera stronger and more abundant, further enhancing one''s own strength.


    "In the Five Viscera Realm, there is no distinction between Minor Achievement and Major Achievement, but rather one must undergo ''Tempering.'' The number of Temperings determines the power of the Yuan Gang circulated by the Five Viscera and therefore the strength of one''s power.


    And the number of Temperings one can undergo is solely related to the Martial Artist''s foundation upon entering the Five Viscera Realm."


    Chen Mu whispered to himself.


    The tempering of the Five Viscera starts at a minimum of three times and the maximum is not yet clear; some have managed to temper nine times or even ten times.


    In reality, the difference between one or two temperings is minor. Those who are stuck in the Five Viscera Realm like Yu Jiujiang and He Wuyou usually have three temperings. The intensity of their Yuan Gang True Essence might not even compare to his own, who has just entered the Five Viscera Realm.


    ```


    To put it simply, when one reaches the Five Viscera Realm, the strength of the Artistic Conception becomes even more crucial. Even if the internal organs are tempered several more times, allowing one to harness stronger Yuan Gang True Essence, this can''t compare to the gap between the first and second steps of Artistic Conception.


    Chen Mu once asked Meng Danyun about the gap between different rounds of the Five Viscera Tempering. Meng Danyun''s answer was that the gap between nine rounds of tempering and one round of tempering is roughly equivalent to the gap between reaching the second and the first step in one''s Artistic Conception.


    In simpler terms.


    Tempering the Five Viscera to the nine-round limit, as opposed to just once, is roughly equivalent to having ''an extra'' Artistic Conception that has stepped into the second phase¡ªjust that much of a difference.


    However, the more rounds of tempering of the Five Viscera, the better, as it determines the heights one can reach after stepping into the Six Viscera Realm!


    The strength of the Six Viscera Realm is closely related to the number of times the Five Viscera have been tempered; the stronger the tempering of the Five Viscera, the stronger the Six Viscera will be. One could say that the cultivation at the Five Viscera Realm is mostly in preparation for the Six Viscera Realm.


    Therefore.


    After martial artists reach the Five Viscera Realm, they often stay for a considerable amount of time, tempering the Five Viscera as many times as possible, honing their foundation. Only after that do they attempt to step into the Six Viscera Realm.


    Of course, this doesn''t include people like Yu Jiujiang or He Wuyou, who are stuck in the Five Viscera Realm. Their stagnation isn''t due to accumulating experience in the Five Viscera Realm but rather because their bases are too weak, and in the end, they cannot overcome the threshold of the Six Viscera Realm.


    "Six Viscera Realm..."


    Chen Mu murmured to himself.


    To his knowledge, among the eight realms of Martial Art Body Tempering, the Six Viscera Realm almost has the greatest disparity between its upper and lower limits!


    The weakest within the Six Viscera Realm, who haven''t even grasped the second step of Artistic Conception and just barely entered, might even be thoroughly beaten by true disciples of the Five Viscera Realm like Zuo Qianqiu. Even for someone like Meng Danyun, it would be strenuous to defeat them, and victory is far from certain.


    On the other hand, the strong ones are truly formidable, such as Yan Jingqing, who is among them. It is said that his strength is such that even when facing some of the Elder Level figures in the Seventh Realm of Marrow Cleansing, he can still hold his own, which is telling!


    Of course, these extremely strong and weak instances are very rare; most fall somewhere in the middle.


    "Next is to slowly accumulate Yuan Gang."


    Chen Mu stretched out his hand, palm open, and a wisp of Yuan Gang quietly appeared in the center of his palm. This Yuan Gang was almost formless and intangible inside his body, not affecting the physical body, but once it reached the outside, it immediately transformed, forming an intertwined state of wind, thunder, and fire elements, coalescing the power of the Three Phases.


    Boom!


    With just a gentle palm strike from Chen Mu, a surge of Yuan Gang True Essence flew out from his palm and crossed a few yards in an instant, entering a piece of ironstone he usually used for practice and directly blasting it apart.


    A distance of three yards, striking objects through the air!


    This is the fundamental difference between a Martial Artist at the Five Viscera Realm who has solidified Yuan Gang, and those at the Bone Tempering Realm.


    Martial Artists at Bone Tempering Realm, even with a grasp of the second step of Artistic Conception, can only incorporate the power of their Artistic Conception into close combat moves, barely extending it outward a bit, and they still need to rely on actual materials like flowers and branches to exert force at a distance.


    Moreover, the power exerted from a distance is nowhere near as strong as when the Artistic Conception is executed up close.


    But it''s different for the Five Viscera Realm. With a single empty-handed palm strike, without the need for any external objects, one can shatter ironstone. Within a few yards, the power won''t diminish in the slightest, and Yuan Gang True Essence can emerge from any part of the body, no longer restricted by movement.


    Because of this.


    The circulation of Yuan Gang True Essence within the body can also achieve a state of being in the world without being tainted by a single speck of dust.


    Moreover, after directly drawing ''Qi'' from nature, the demand for many material things greatly decreases, allowing one to survive for ten days or half a month without food or drink, to swim underwater for an hour without burden...


    Based on Chen Mu''s estimation, it would take him just about ten days or so to fill up the Yuan Gang True Essence that he could accumulate at his current stage.


    After that, he would step by step temper the Five Viscera, a process which no longer required deliberate cultivation like Tendon Changing or Bone Tempering since Inner Breath formed its own cycle, naturally progressing whether he was eating, resting, or sleeping.


    As the threshold for True Disciples of various Sects representing their Sects and traveling down the mountain, the Five Viscera Realm rightfully has its own logic. At this stage, either retreat from the world for quiet contemplation and understanding of Artistic Conception, or immerse in worldly Cultivation to comprehend the nature of Heaven and Earth.


    A combination of movement and stillness is the true path.


    Meng Danyun went down the mountain in search of the opportunity to grasp the second step of Artistic Conception as he had already reached a bottleneck in his comprehension and staying within the Sect would have been a waste of time. It was the most suitable moment for him to venture out.


    The same is more or less true for Gu Hong, Hua Nongying, and the others.


    And having reached the Five Viscera Realm, they are at least preliminarily qualified to travel the world since encountering figures above the Marrow Cleansing Realm is rare, and for the Six Viscera Realm... unless they run into the extremely powerful Yan Jingqing, people like Hua Nongying can at least escape.


    If they also possess special life-saving methods given by their Sects, there truly aren''t many who can pose a real threat to them.


    ```

 Chapter 157 Approaching

    "Brother Mu."Wang Ni, holding a stack of clothes for changing, looked at Chen Mu who was coming up from the silent chamber below and showed a hint of curiosity. However, she did not ask anything, and instead served Chen Mu with gentle care as he bathed and changed clothes.


    Chen Mu did notice the curiosity in her eyes, so he asked, "What is it?"


    Wang Ni shook her head slightly and said softly, "Nothing much, it''s just that Brother Mu seems a bit different from before..."


    At these words, Chen Mu turned to Wang Ni with a touch of surprise. He hadn''t deliberately concealed his aura here, but Wang Ni had never practiced martial arts¡ªcould she discern the changes from his breakthrough to the Five Viscera Realm? He had never thought the girl was anything special. In the past, he had even tested her bones and aptitude, which were of a normal, moderate type.


    "What did you see?"


    A few thoughts quickly passed through Chen Mu''s mind as he looked at Wang Ni and asked.


    However, Wang Ni''s answer made Chen Mu laugh in spite of himself. She said timidly, "It just feels like... um, Brother Mu seems a bit more... relaxed, maybe?"


    After a moment of surprise, Chen Mu couldn''t help but laugh.


    Wang Ni wasn''t sensing changes in his aura; instead, as a servant girl attending to him day and night, she was more keenly aware of his emotions.


    Relaxed?


    Perhaps. Explore stories on empire


    After the breakthrough to the Five Viscera Realm, he indeed felt as if the sea was vast for the fish to leap and the sky was high for the birds to soar. At this realm, he could travel alone to another state; no matter what disasters he encountered, he had a certain ability to cope.


    Though in the surging waves of this chaotic world, he was still far from reaching safe shores, compared to those below the Five Viscera Realm who could only drift with the current, he at least had some qualifications to withstand the wind and waves now.


    Just like the rise of the four great families in Yu County.


    In fact, they were Stewards of the Seven Profound Sect, several individuals from the Five Viscera Realm who chose to establish a clan in the remote Yu County after retiring from advanced age, gradually developing until they formed what are now the four families.


    Individuals of the Five Viscera Realm,


    In retreat, they could thrive in remote areas and build up a great family.


    In advance, they could travel across a state or even to another state to gain experience and adventure.


    "You''re fourteen this year?"


    Chen Mu looked at Wang Ni in front of him. The girl had changed a lot compared to many years ago when she first followed him. She had grown into a graceful and attractive young woman, even her figure developing quite noticeably.


    In fact, mainly because she ate well, dressed well, and slept well, she grew well. If she were still living in the impoverished lanes of the Ninth District, going hungry and full interchangeably, by this age she would be at least skinny, not to mention whether her body could be well-developed.


    "Mhm."


    Wang Ni, with a bath towel in her arms, followed by Chen Mu''s side, watching as he stepped into the bathing tub. Hearing Chen Mu asking about her age, her cheeks blushed slightly as she softly replied.


    After pondering for a moment, Chen Mu said, "Well, it''s about time..."


    About time? For what?


    Wang Ni''s heart suddenly skipped a beat, her thoughts wandering, not daring to look at Chen Mu. She felt both shy and timid, with some faint anticipation.


    By this age, she had roughly understood both what she should and what she shouldn''t. A maid like her, who served a male master closely, wouldn''t have any reason to leave to marry in such times. Either she would remain Chen Mu''s servant girl for life, becoming an old housekeeper in the courtyard when she aged, or if given the opportunity to further her status, become Chen Mu''s concubine.


    If she could bear Chen Mu a son or daughter in the future, she would be a branch of the ''Chen'' family lineage.


    However.


    Even just as a serving maid by his side, she knew just how outstanding and formidable "Brother Mu" was. Those who wished to become Chen Mu''s concubines would probably have to queue up indefinitely in Yu City, so she never dared to expect too much. Besides, Chen Mu had always been good to her, treating her like a brother as well as a master.


    She was willing to be his little maid for the rest of her life.


    Chen Mu had no idea that his brief comment had spun Wang Ni''s thoughts in circles. After a slight pause, he said:


    "Well, in a few days, you should go to the Yu Family Martial Arts Institute to practice martial arts. Yue''er will take you with her."


    In the future, if the family and business grew larger, the maids and servant girls who came later would, for the most part, not have the honor of learning martial arts. On one hand, practicing martial arts required money and resources, and on the other hand, if all the servants knew martial arts, it would create chaos.


    The Yu Family, for instance, basically separated Protectors and servants. The Protectors were Protectors, and the servants were servants. Without important reasons, Protectors could only patrol around the front yard and outside, and were not allowed to enter the back yard at will.


    After all, there was one world above and another below. Ever since he practiced the sword and reached Momentum, his martial skills rose, and he gradually moved from a lowly servant to a master above. He has since paid less attention to the finer details of the lower layers.


    However.


    In this place, no one would dare to bully the maidservants of his household anyway.


    It was not necessary for Wang Ni to be highly skilled in martial arts. A basic level of Skin Toughening and Body Refinement, a bit more strength to easily handle those untrained servants from the outer courtyard, would generally be enough, allowing her to deal with many trivial matters herself.


    "...Ah?"


    Wang Ni, upon hearing Chen Mu''s words, seemed to have not quite reacted, looked up at Chen Mu and uttered an ''Ah'' in confusion, her small face still flushed with a hint of shy redness. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu immediately knew what Wang Ni''s little mind was thinking, but did not mind it. In such times, it was normal for girls to mature early, especially servant girls. In this era, an ordinary commoner living past fifty was considered to have had a ''long life''.


    "What''s the matter, don''t want to learn?"


    Chen Mu looked at Wang Ni and spoke in an even tone.


    Only then did Wang Ni come to her senses, nodding her head somewhat awkwardly, "I do want to, ah, no¡­ Thank you, Brother Mu, for the cultivation. Ni''er will listen to whatever Brother says."


    It was only halfway through her sentence that she realized that being able to practice martial arts as a maid or servant was an extraordinary blessing in these times.


    Only then did Chen Mu smile, stretching out his hand wet with water and flicked Wang Ni''s forehead lightly, causing a few droplets to splash, "Once this is over, I''ll mention it to the Martial Arts Institute."


    "Mmm-hmm."


    Wang Ni''s face flushed as she responded with a sound, a hint of joy also arising in her eyes.


    Being able to learn martial arts alongside her master signified a completely different status, though she did feel a bit of regret that she wasn''t able¡­ Maybe it was because she was too young, Chen Mu didn''t like it?


    Chen Mu, however, didn''t bother to decipher the jumbled thoughts in Wang Ni''s mind. The Yuan Gang True Essence within his body stirred slightly, shaking off all the dust and leftover medicinal residue from his skin''s surface during his earlier practice, which he then washed away in clean water before stepping out of the bucket.


    Wang Ni had been serving him closely for a long time and picked up on even the slightest change in his mood. Although it was unlikely that others could detect it, it was better for her to pay a bit more attention.


    Speaking of which.


    The Hehuan Sect also seemed to be harboring some interesting intentions. Hua Nongying knew that he had mastered the second step of the Thunderclap Artistic Conception, but so much time had passed, and this information had never spread. Clearly, Hua Nongying was deliberately concealing it.


    The purpose was mostly twofold: first, the situation in Yu County was unclear, and the Hehuan Sect might be collaborating with the Seven Profound Sect, hence giving him a temporary favor.


    Second, Hua Nongying probably couldn''t wait for the likes of Blood Hidden Pavilion and Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion to take action against him due to some conflict of interest, only to suffer a huge loss due to inaccurate intelligence¡ªthat would truly be a delight to see.


    In any case, the machinations of these Hehuan enchantresses were incredibly cunning.


    However¡­


    The intelligence Hua Nongying was hiding had already become outdated in just a short two months.


    While pondering these matters, Chen Mu let Wang Ni dry his body with a bath towel and change into fresh clothes before he stepped out the door and headed towards the Prefectural Government.


    It had been several days since he had visited the Demon-Slaying Office, and he wondered if Meng Danyun was still there.


    This disciple had come to Yu County to undergo training and was likely in hiding to prepare for the later actions against the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, serving as a backup plan for Yan Jingqing. Now, with the situation in the Purple Mist Mountains intensifying, Meng Danyun could leave at any moment.


    As expected.


    When Chen Mu arrived at the Demon-Slaying Office, Meng Danyun''s figure was nowhere to be found in the several Silent Chambers underground. The place was empty, and she had only left a message for him: when he needed to visit the Seven Profound Sect later, he could just look for her.


    Chen Mu had a rather good impression of this Senior Sister Meng. She didn''t have the overbearing attitude typical of a main sect''s true disciple and had taken good care of him. Her guidance and sparring over the past two months had allowed him to grasp many subtleties in deploying Artistic Conceptions.


    In the past, for him, Artistic Conception was merely a concept of strength.


    However, Meng Danyun''s guidance made him understand that the might of Artistic Conception varied in strength, yet regardless of their potency, each had its characteristics.


    For example, the Artistic Conception of ''Blood Fiend'' was at its most powerful in narrow spaces, amidst a scene of corpses strewn everywhere and rivers of blood. Under such advantageous conditions, it could even assassinate opponents of the Yin Yang and Five Elements calibers.


    Take the Thunderbolt Artistic Conception for example.


    It was not only effective against the external influences of demons like Blood Fiend and ecstatic indulgences but was also extremely adept at speed. Someone who had mastered only the Thunderbolt Artistic Conception might not be able to match those who practiced Heart Sword or Heavenly Sword, but if its characteristics were fully utilized, there would be few who could catch up once they fled.


    Within the Seven Profound Sect, there were some secret techniques related to the Thunderbolt Artistic Conception, such as ''Thunder Trace Seven Steps'' and so on.


    Similarly, the ''Kan Water'' Artistic Conception not only focused on nurturing life but also had unpredictable abilities of transformation. Some special secret techniques controlling the Kan Water Artistic Conception could use the reflection of water to create an almost flawless ''Illusory Body'' to deceive others.


    It was just unfortunate that there were no such secret techniques in Yu County.


    Yu Jiujiang did possess some, but those he knew were all part of the Kan Water lineage.


    During these past two months, Meng Danyun, who mastered the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, also taught him a secret technique called ''Riding the Wind,'' which was a skill to better exploit the Xun Wind Artistic Conception and improve ''speed.''


    Chen Mu did not waste Meng Danyun''s efforts. In just over a month, relying on his unparalleled talent for understanding, he mastered this secret technique up to the second layer, catching up with Meng Danyun''s progress.


    The third layer, which corresponded to the second step of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, could not be mastered according to the system panel which indicated ''insufficient basic conditions.'' Hence, Chen Mu had to give up and turn his focus back to cultivating the Xun Wind Artistic Conception.


    Chen Mu made another visit to the Inspectorate.


    He did not find Meng Danyun at the Inspectorate either, nor did Yan Jingqing issue any new orders to him. However, the personnel at the Inspectorate noticeably diminished, giving the impression that a significant change was imminent.


    "Senior Sister Meng should have gone to the Purple Mist Mountains."


    "The other two Metropolitan Commanders of the Inspectorate aren''t in the city either, they must have gone there as well. Only I have not received Yan Jingqing''s instructions; perhaps he intends to keep me in Yu City?"


    Chen Mu pondered in his mind.


    With the situation in the Purple Mist Mountains growing tense, many people, including those from the Demon-Slaying Office, had been dispatched there by Yan Jingqing, among them Xu Hongyu, Xiao He, and others.


    Xu Hongyu was not a weak woman who needed his constant care; she had consolidated her Realm and was now one of the few powerful figures in the Yu Family. Plus, Yu Zuyi and many other experts from the Yu Family had gone with her.


    Since there was still nothing for him to do, it was an excellent opportunity to accumulate Yuan Gang True Essence and continue to delve into the Xun Wind Diagram, aiming to reach the second layer as soon as possible.

 Chapter 158 Conspiracy

    In the year 1428 of the Da Xuan Calendar, the ninth day of the first month.For the common people of Yu City, it was a very ordinary day, the ninth day after the New Year, the cold of the harsh winter had not yet receded, and very few households went out, all staying at home huddled by their stoves.


    This year''s winter was not as hard as the last, without the ''extreme cold'' weather or too much snow. Some of the elderly were worried, feeling that a year without heavy snow might turn out to be an even worse year.


    Compared to the millions of common folk of Yu City,


    the slightly higher powers had, in varying degrees, felt a change on this day, a shift in the atmosphere, a sense of tension amid the winter''s cold.


    Because too many personnel had been reallocated, including several Chief Constables of the City Defense Division from the east, south, west, north, the Metropolitan Commander of the Inner City Area, and various other Yamen metropolitan commanders, even extensive personnel from the Inspectorate, and even the major families were forced to contribute their forces.


    Inner City.


    The He Family.


    In the most central and extravagantly luxurious main hall of the He Family.


    Currently, there were only He Zhengya, the family head, and a figure dressed in a Mysterious Robe, standing there casually.


    "Yan Jingqing has already left,"


    "he indeed left Chen Mu in Yu City," Stay tuned for updates on empire


    said the figure in the Mysterious Robe lightly.


    Leaning on his cane, He Zhengya''s voice was low as he said, "But Inspector Yan also took away quite a few of our He Family''s forces."


    Yan Jingqing heading to the Purple Mist Mountains and leaving Chen Mu in Yu City didn''t seem very unexpected, since the Purple Mist Mountains were far from Yu City and the battle would not likely end within a day or two. Given Yan Jingqing''s appreciation for Chen Mu, it was likely he would leave Chen Mu to coordinate from Yu City.


    After all, Chen Mu was in a rather unique situation, possessing considerable talent and potential which needed time to develop. Deploying Chen Mu to the front lines of the Purple Mist Mountains made little sense; better suited for such a role were figures like Xue Huaikong and He Wuyou.


    Moreover,


    Yu Jiujiang of the Yu Family was really too old.


    Even if Yan Jingqing wanted to mobilize all available forces to control the situation as much as possible, he could move He Wuyou and Xue Huaikong, but it was always impossible to mobilize Yu Jiujiang, for various reasons.


    Hence, taking away He Wuyou, Xue Huaikong, Xie Changfeng, and other major family figures, leaving Chen Mu to coordinate in Yu City was very appropriate, With Yu Jiujiang there, security was assured, and with Meng Tianzhang in the Inner City, no chaos would ensue.


    "Hehe, with He Wuyou not here, are you now afraid to make a move against him?"


    the man in the Mysterious Robe said, his tone slightly mocking.


    He Zhengya said gravely, "The ancestor of the Yu Family still possesses the strength of the Five Viscera Realm, and even though the elder predicted that he could not make many moves, without the elder here, our He Family couldn''t deal with a Five Viscera Realm, no matter how many forces we have."


    "Moreover, Chen Mu is extremely cautious and cunning. Though he has revealed the realms of Bone Tempering, Xun Wind, and Thunderbolt, who can guarantee that this is his full strength?"


    "Without any certainty... Our He Family and the Yu Family, although deeply entwined in grievances, there is still the Seven Profound Sect between us. At worst, we bow to the Yu Family, utilizing some of the elder''s connections to at least avoid a total annihilation."


    He Zhengya stated slowly while staring at the figure in the Mysterious Robe.


    Now that Chen Mu had received Yan Jingqing''s favor and possessed exceptional talents and qualifications, the He Family was almost pushed to a dead end, forced to watch the other rise step by step, unable to contain him, surely making it extremely difficult for He Family in the future.


    But the problem lay in the fact that Chen Mu was now a metropolitan commander of the Inspectorate, a status starkly different from before. Although the incident at the Purple Mist Mountains necessitated Yan Jingqing''s personal intervention, even if they took this opportunity to deal with Chen Mu, once Yan Jingqing returned in a rage, the He Family would still face ruin.


    Moreover,


    Yan Jingqing had also made moves specifically shifting away many elite forces including those of the He Family, Xue Family, and Xie Family, leaving most at the Yu Family, including Yu Jiujiang who had not been moved.


    He Zhengya''s voice carried a hint of desolate resignation, seemingly preparing to sincerely submit to the Yu Family after this, no longer resisting or struggling.


    The figure in the Mysterious Robe scrutinized He Zhengya for a moment.


    Eventually,


    he flicked his hand, suddenly throwing an object onto the table, which was a jade-shaped arrowhead with a trace of vivid red flowing inside it, resembling a stream of blood.


    "Hehe, whether you fight or not, you die either way, I don''t believe your He Family will really resign yourselves to fate. However, as the old saying goes, beneath the will of heaven, even amidst myriad calamities, there exists a slim chance of survival... I give you this slim chance."


    "This ''Blood Fiend Blazing Flame Arrow'', crafted from the blood of the heart of a Sixth Rank magical creature, the Blazing Ancient Vine, is fatal to anyone below the Five Viscera Realm upon contact, and even a person of the Five Viscera Realm, if caught off guard, can be injured."


    "As for Yu Jiujiang and Meng Tianzhang, you need not worry."


    "Kill Chen Mu, eliminate the Yu Family, and that will be the condition for your He Family''s allegiance to the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion. Afterward, your He Family will follow the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s orders, and there''s no need to fear Yan Jingqing, as he will be dealt with by us." said the figure in the Mysterious Robe lightly.


    As he finished speaking,


    He Zhengya, originally apathetic and somewhat weak in expression, suddenly changed; he picked up the blood-red jade arrowhead from the table, his aura abruptly becoming profound.


    "Is it settled then?"


    The Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion wanted to incorporate the He Family, convincing them to pledge allegiance. This was undoubtedly a risky move for the He Family, as it meant being directly caught up in the struggle between the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion and the Seven Profound Sect!


    Although the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion was certainly no weaker than the Seven Profound Sect, compared to these two powerhouse forces, the He Family was far too fragile and could easily be crushed in a slight misstep.


    But now,


    Chen Mu''s rise had forced the He Family into a desperate situation. Chen Mu, such a young man¡ªperhaps while He Wuyou was still around, the He Family might have been able to hold out. But once He Wuyou reached his twilight years and lost his strength, the He Family would face the disaster of annihilation!


    The Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion had seen this, and thus planned to intervene; advance, and completely take over the He Family''s forces; retreat, and let the He Family be destroyed by the Yu Family, which wouldn''t be much of a loss for them.


    As for the reaction of the Seven Profound Sect afterward...


    The Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion neither made a grand show of forcing the sect''s upper echelons to enter the fray, nor did it personally kill anyone. The murderers were from the He Family, the Seven Profound Sect''s own people. Even if they accused the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion of instigation and interference, the strife within a sect''s own ranks would still be considered an internal issue.


    After all, the struggles of the martial world are hardly child''s play.


    "My Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion does not make promises lightly," he said lightly.


    A faint gleam appeared in his eyes.


    The Heavenly Sword Sect, Blood Hidden Pavilion, and Hehuan Sect all simply wanted the resources of Yu County, but the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion was different from the start¡ªthey wanted all of Yu County!


    As for Chen Mu, he was merely a sacrificial pawn, though given the talent and abilities he had displayed, he was indeed worth eliminating.


    Whoosh.


    His figure floated up, vanishing within the grand hall of the He Family.


    He Zhengya stared at the blood-colored arrowhead made of jade in his hand, sighed deeply, and then slammed his wooden staff down hard, declaring in a deep voice,


    "Call Zhengguang, Zhengdao, Zhengying... to discuss matters." S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The He Family had never considered resigning themselves to fate or bowing their heads to the Yu Family, as that would be akin to willingly putting their necks under someone else''s blade. With years of grievances, these were not easily dismissed; in the end, they still faced destruction by the Yu Family.


    Although Yan Jingqing valued Chen Mu, the He Family would still act at any opportunity. It had always been a life-and-death situation, merely suppressed by Yan Jingqing.


    Incidents at the Purple Mist Mountains, the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect... there were many matters that needed manpower, and naturally, Yan Jingqing wouldn''t allow the He and Yu families to engage in a life-and-death feud under his watch, fighting each other before the chaos truly started.


    The involvement of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion was an unexpected pleasure.


    The attitude of resignation they had initially shown was merely a probe, wanting to see the intentions of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion. On the other hand, they also indeed felt that Chen Mu was too calm and difficult to handle.


    The numerous misjudgments of Chen Mu''s strength had made He Zhengya extremely cautious.


    Bone Tempering Minor Achievement, two kinds of Artistic Conception...


    Even if Chen Mu suddenly reached Bone Tempering Perfection or developed a third Artistic Conception, he wouldn''t be surprised!


    Basing strategies on apparent strength was definitely wrong. Taking further action against Chen Mu would require meticulous planning, raising the benchmark to Bone Tempering Perfection and a third Artistic Conception before delivering a thunderous strike, employing a full array of techniques, leaving no chance for a counterattack!


    Originally,


    The He Family had prepared several types of lethal poison that beings outside the Five Viscera Realm would struggle to withstand, combined with some dangerous hidden weapons. Now, the ''Blood Fiend Blazing Flame Arrow'' provided by the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion greatly boosted their confidence.


    After killing Chen Mu and completely siding with the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, although the Seven Profound Sect would be furious, at least there would be much room for maneuvering. It was even possible to arrange for some family members to move to ''Xuan State'' controlled by the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion to start anew and leave a fallback option.


    ...


    Inspectorate.


    Raindrops fell outside the window, leaving the sixth floor deserted.


    The several offices on the fifth floor were also vacant, with only one office where Chen Mu sat quietly.


    After flipping through the reports from various parts of Yu County and chiefly on the information about the Purple Mist Mountains, Chen Mu sighed and said, "The four sects really cannot cooperate wholeheartedly, and the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect indeed have extraordinary methods."


    Several days had passed.


    Led by the Heavenly Sword Sect, the forces of the various sects had basically cleared the periphery of the Purple Mist Mountains, but when they attempted to enter the inner area, they were counterattacked by the Heavenly Corpse Sect. Using the poisonous miasma and terrain of the Purple Mist Mountains, they temporarily trapped many troops and then launched a full-scale attack.


    Although the sect members stationed outside and Yan Jingqing managed to kill many corpse refiners, many remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect still escaped the Purple Mist Mountains. Currently, the forces from various sects and the prefectures of Yu County were tracking and hunting them down.


    Just as he had anticipated, the inability of the sect forces to cooperate fully created many weaknesses. The Heavenly Corpse Sect remnants had been entrenched in the Purple Mist Mountains for many years, harnessing the geographical advantage, making it difficult to capture them all at once.


    "Yu County is going to be chaotic for a while longer,"


    Chen Mu shook his head.


    He then threw all the collected intelligence into the nearby furnace to burn, before walking downstairs.

 Chapter 159 Kill Without Mercy

    Chen Mu, dressed in his Inspectorate official''s uniform, made his way down to the bottom of the building.Outside the Inspectorate''s Chamber Building, there was a light drizzle mixed occasionally with a few snowflakes, but they were very, very scarce.


    "My lord."


    An official on the side quickly jogged over, respectfully opening an umbrella for Chen Mu.


    With a calm expression, Chen Mu stepped forward, walking out of the Inspectorate Chamber Building. He looked up at the sky and said, "This year''s winter has been warmer than before. We hardly see any snowflakes in the rain on the ninth day of the first month."


    The official had not expected Chen Mu to strike up a conversation with him¡ªa mere lowly door official. As he held the umbrella, following closely beside, he replied with a pleasantly surprised tone, "What the lord said is true, mainly because last year''s cold snap predicted a warmer year to follow.


    Moreover, there was a big drought around the middle of last year, so even without much snow this year, it''s definitely going to be a good year."


    A good year...


    Perhaps.


    Chen Mu slightly shook his head, thinking that at least the start of this year had not been very good, as they had to chase the escaped remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect throughout the mountains and wilds.


    According to intel, the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect had been secretly developing in Yu County for nearly a hundred years. The battle at Purple Mist Mountain revealed corpse refinement forces that nearly formed an army of over ten thousand. Although they were massacred by various sect forces, no one knew if more remained hidden, or how many had escaped.


    Even with over ten thousand pigs, the underlings couldn''t catch them all in ten days.


    However, remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect were harder to capture than pigs, but easier to find, since no matter the level of the corpse refinement, the stench of a corpse could never be completely concealed. There were also magical insects that could specifically track the stench of corpses, which could be used for searching.


    Walking out of the Inspectorate.


    An official sedan chair with a red top, unbeknownst to when, had been waiting outside.


    Apart from rainy or snowy days, Chen Mu rarely rode in sedan chairs. In fact, most of the influential figures in this world did not like to travel by sedan chair, mainly because almost every official, regardless of rank, possessed martial arts skills, which made traveling on foot more convenient and faster.


    In contrast, those merchants from the marketplace¡ªwithout martial skills but with some wealth¡ªpreferred to travel by sedan chair.


    Of course, there were also those who enjoyed pomp and circumstance, who wished to maintain an air of dignity, and still carried the custom of traveling by sedan chair, but they were the minority. Consequently, in the cities of this world, sedan chairs were rather rare.


    Looking at the attentive official and the few sedan carriers with their heads bowed, Chen Mu normally did not use a sedan chair, but suddenly, he felt a stirring in his heart. With a glint in his eyes, he stepped into the sedan chair.


    "Let''s go."


    Continue your journey with empire


    The sedan carriers were Martial Men who had practiced martial arts. Despite the chilling winter rain, they felt no cold as they lifted the sedan chair with steady force, then proceeded forward.


    The icy rain continued to fall, patterning onto the umbrella-like sedan top and dripping down the edges of the chair.


    In the distance.


    An old man with white hair but a youthful face appeared in the rain, watching from afar as the sedan chair disappeared into the alleyways; he shook his head momentarily,


    "This young man..."


    The old man was Yu Jiujiang. Even as he stood in the rain, dressed as an old fisherman with a hat, the raindrops fell slowly off his hat and over his oilskin coat, as if they weren''t mere raindrops but glistening gems slowing down their descent along his body.


    Yu Jiujiang continued to walk forward.


    The rain near him gradually dispersed, refracting off each other as his figure slowly vanished, as if he were about to disappear completely into the rain, becoming unseeable.


    But at that moment.


    Clack.


    A crisp sound of pearls hitting the ground rang out, followed by a continuous cascade. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just then, Yu Jiujiang, whose figure was about to vanish in the rain, came to a halt. The raindrops that fell toward the ground around him turned into beads of ice before striking the earth and scattered, rolling away.


    "Old Steward Yu, please stop."


    In the rain ahead, a figure in a Mysterious Robe suddenly appeared, carrying a bamboo basket on his back, and looking at Yu Jiujiang with a smile. He said, "I am Cheng Houhua, disciple of the sixty-third generation of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion. May I have the pleasure of Old Master Yu''s company to drink a cup in that small building over there? It could save both of us some energy..."


    Without a sound,


    Within a radius of several yards, the falling raindrops suddenly froze in mid-air. They then began to flow and converge, one drop after another, forming streams of water that circled around Yu Jiujiang.


    His ancient eyes revealed a trace of coldness. Without saying much, he now had a fishing rod in his hand, which he flicked. In an instant, the surrounding water streams turned into countless arrows and blades, flying towards the figure in the Mysterious Robe.


    "Ah, what a hassle," sighed Cheng Houhua. The bamboo basket on his back suddenly opened, and a sword emitting a faint chill flew out. With just a light flick, all incoming streams of water rapidly froze, hanging motionless in the air.


    "Old Master Yu, you''re not in good condition. If you don''t engage in combat, you could maintain your Qi-Blood for another two or three years. But if you do fight, after a few battles, I''m afraid you will only have old age to look forward to... Alas, I don''t know why they chose a rainy day, don''t they know how formidable your Kan Water Artistic Conception is?


    Fortunately, my ''Cold Winter Artistic Conception'' is best suited to withstand Kan Water, otherwise, I wouldn''t have any assurance standing here..."


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!!!


    Yu Jiujiang stayed silent, continuing to swing his fishing rod. All the raindrops falling from the sky that entered within his three-yard radius transformed into lethal edges, arrows piercing through the air. His oilskin coat vibrated incessantly, as he brought the Yuan Gang of Kan Water in his body to its peak.

 Chapter 159 Unforgivable Killing_2

    ```"Do disciples of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion always talk so much?"


    It wasn''t until now that he spoke coldly.


    The Yu Family was under the Seven Profound Sect, and conflict with the four major sects was inevitable sooner or later, but there shouldn''t have been many surprises. Yu Jiujiang, in his youth, had been a Steward of the Seven Profound Sect. Observing the current situation, he knew it was not good.


    It was highly likely that the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, taking advantage of Yan Jingqing''s absence, finally made a move, initiating trouble and attempting to strike at Chen Mu and the Yu Family.


    In such a time, he naturally couldn''t worry about much. Thus, without any hesitation, he immediately mobilized all of his Kan Water Yuan Gang, intending to break through from where Cheng Houhua stood.


    "Alas."


    "How can you call it nonsense? If people don''t talk, what distinguishes them from beasts? Since we are born human, we should speak more... Besides, I''m quite shrewd. Don''t think you can muddle through this, Elder Yu."


    Cheng Houhua held a sword emitting a thread of cold in his hand. Although his eyes were still on Yu Jiujiang in front of him, suddenly with a diagonal slash to the right, the ground along the direction of his Sword Finger froze over inch by inch. Even the air formed a large patch of white fog, and vaguely within the fog, a figure appeared.


    It was none other than another Yu Jiujiang! S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But the figure who had just spoken in front of Cheng Houhua dissolved into a splash of water, scattering on the ground in a flash.


    Cheng Houhua, seeing Yu Jiujiang emerge from the mist with a smile, said, "This rainy weather is the moment when Elder Yu''s Kan Water Artistic Conception is most profound. However, the seasons are cycling, and it''s the peak of winter, which just so happens to be the perfect time for me."


    "..."


    Yu Jiujiang''s expression turned ugly.


    ...


    Demon-Slaying Office.


    Meng Tianzhang, situated within the Demon-Suppression Tower, was propping his cheek with one hand, looking somewhat drowsy. But suddenly, his spirit sharpened, a fierce glint appearing in his eyes as he looked into the distance. Then, with a flash, he was directly outside the Demon-Suppression Tower. With another step, he was beyond the Demon-Slaying Office and out in the rain.


    His footsteps then halted abruptly.


    A figure in a Mysterious Robe appeared in the rain before him. The young-looking man grinned at him, showcasing a set of pearly white teeth, and said, "Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s Han Guang greets the great Demon-Slaying Official Meng. Official Meng, you said that the He and Yu families, although not directly under the Seven Profound Sect, are inextricably linked to it.


    These two families fighting each other, the Seven Profound Sect should remain impartial and mediate, right? I think you should not interfere."


    "Move aside."


    Meng Tianzhang spoke coldly.


    Han Guang kept smiling and said, "I''ve long admired Official Meng''s reputation from his younger days. It''s a great honor to meet you today. I hope Official Meng would join me for a few drinks. I was also thinking about calculating the future fortunes for Official Meng..."


    Whoosh!


    A blood-colored blade, bursting with scorching heat, suddenly descended towards Han Guang''s head.


    Han Guang''s expression remained unchanged, still wearing a light smile. As he flipped his right hand, a jade-colored Bamboo Stick flew out from the basket on his back. Its material seemed neither like bamboo nor jade. It collided with Meng Tianzhang''s descending bloody blade, emitting a crisp clang of metal striking metal.


    "Official Meng''s Separating Fire Artistic Conception might not be too effective in this rainy winter, while my ''Warm Spring Artistic Conception'' is also quite restricted. It seems we are evenly matched, hahaha."


    Han Guang laughed aloud.


    Meng Tianzhang stopped slashing, and with an ineffective strike, he stood with his blade, coldly saying:


    "What does the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion intend to do?"


    "Nothing much. We certainly wouldn''t dare do anything under Yan Jingqing''s jurisdiction. We only hope for ''the cycle of heaven to follow its course, adapting to the times.'' Let what should happen, happen. Change is the way of heaven; why should man resist? Such an act is against nature."


    Meng Tianzhang sighed and once again raised his crimson great blade:


    "Enough, you should stop talking."


    ... Experience exclusive tales on empire


    In the rain.


    The red-topped sedan chair moved slowly forward.


    The four sedan-chair bearers were not negligent, moving quickly yet steadily through the rain.


    But just at that moment.


    Amidst the pitter-patter of the rain, a subtle sound of something cutting through the air suddenly blended in. By the time it was visible, it was a sinister red arrow, coming from afar, aimed straight at the central sedan chair!


    What is that?


    The four bearers hardly had time to react, along with the Official holding an umbrella alongside them. They only saw a flash of red light penetrate the sedan chair. By the time they turned to look inside...


    Boom!!!


    An intense explosion sounded with might.


    Accompanied by a burst of Blazing Flames, the fire shot up over ten zhang high in an instant.


    "Ahh!!"


    All four bearers and the Official were terrified. Despite the flames weirdly concentrating just around the sedan chair, the close heat made it feel as though they were about to be burned to cinders; they scrambled away in panic.


    And there was more to come.


    Following that, arrow after colorful arrow shot from every direction, each exploding near the sedan chair, turning into strange-colored mists that enveloped the entire sedan.


    After that, fist-sized Round Beads were thrown into that multicolored fog, exploding one after another. Accompanying the loud noise, roof tiles were forcefully shaken off a nearby house, clattering onto the ground and shattering.


    ```

 Chapter 159 Kill Without Mercy_3

    At last.There was no more noise.


    Shadows appeared at both ends of the alley.


    He Zhengguang shook his head, saying, "That might have been a bit too wasteful. With the impact of the Blood Fiend Blazing Flame Arrow, anyone below the Five Viscera Realm would almost certainly die. Why add those extra efforts? Now I''m afraid they''re all turned into slag." Discover hidden stories at empire


    He Zhengdao spoke solemnly, "What does waste matter? It''s merely a few million Silver. Zhengya once said, this person must be dead beyond doubt, and no accidents can happen during this operation."


    "Exactly."


    He Zhengying also slowly opened his mouth, saying, "Chen Mu must die, even if his body has turned into slag, we still need to double-check, there absolutely cannot be any mistakes... I''ll go take a look."


    However, just as he was about to step forward, a faint voice arose not far away.


    "No need to check."


    Then they saw Chen Mu approaching gradually, still dressed in that official attire, and speaking indifferently, "I am right here."


    The scene instantly fell into utter silence.


    The He Family members all stiffened, their faces shockingly turned towards Chen Mu.


    "Impossible!"


    "You... you weren''t in the palanquin?!"


    He Zhengdao uttered in disbelief.


    Chen Mu, with his hands behind his back, spoke placidly, "Nothing is impossible. Old Master Yu''s Water Mirror Technique has reached perfection, combined with the wintry rain and my ''Imitating Wind'' technique to mimic the breath. How could you people, who only dare to lurk in the shadows and use despicable means, understand its subtleties?"


    In truth, he did not think that the He Family''s methods posed any threat to him, but their silence for over a dozen days felt abnormal, and he wasn''t keen on using his body to test it, given that the world had many bizarre methods, like that initial red arrow.


    It didn''t seem to have much power, not even destroying the entire street, but in actuality, all the explosive energy was concentrated in a very narrow area. Probably anyone below the Five Viscera Realm or who had not mastered the second step of Artistic Conception would have no chance of survival if they were inside the palanquin.


    However, since he had comprehended the Separating Fire Artistic Conception and advanced to the second step, that move was indeed of no use.


    The faces of the He Family members were unspeakably ugly.


    Well-planned methods all thrown in at once, and they had no effect whatsoever!


    But soon, the leader He Zhengdao pulled a grim face and said, "Even if you dodged it, what of it? Do you still think someone from your Yu Family can come to rescue you?"


    As the words fell.


    The grim-faced He Family members all darkened their expressions, their eyes revealing murderous intent.


    Although the He Family''s finest had mostly been deployed away by Yan Jingqing, those present were the older generation of the He Family, already retired. Although their Qi-Blood had begun to decline, they were still above the Bone Tempering Realm and masters of Artistic Conceptions.


    Moreover, the others present were elite trained by the He Family in other places, all existing in the Bone Tempering Realm. Even though Chen Mu had luckily escaped the previous assassination attempt, he still had to get past them!


    Chen Mu looked at the He Family members who were vaguely starting to encircle him.


    He simply said,


    "So."


    "The He Family conspired and planned."


    "To assassinate the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate."


    "It''s akin to rebellion."


    "According to the laws of Da Xuan... death without mercy." S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As his words ended, a gleam of saber light suddenly brightened, causing every drop of rain nearby to seemingly reflect that brilliant glow.


    Feeling the power of Chen Mu''s saber, the nearest He Zhengguang''s instinctive response was alarm. Almost without hesitation, he brought the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception to its limit, blocking with his saber.


    However.


    Crack!!!


    Accompanied by the sound of metal breaking, blood blossomed in the rain as He Zhengguang stared wide-eyed and fell backward.


    By his side, He Zhengdao was terribly horrified.


    It turned out He Zhengya was right, Chen Mu was not merely at the initial stage of Bone Tempering. The power of this saber, even if combining the essences of wind and thunder, was not something Minor Achievement in Bone Tempering could unleash!


    "You..."


    In his shock, He Zhengdao instinctively swung his saber, but with just a flash of the saber light, he felt the world spinning around, and amidst the whirl, he saw his own back.


    Chen Mu, with an indifferent look in his eyes, was like a tiger among sheep, his Silverstream Saber reaping lives one after another.


    In just a few breaths.


    One body after another lay across the alley, their eyes still filled with horror and unwillingness, as blood gushed out, mixing with the rain and slowly flowing towards the dip further down, dyeing the entire alley a blood red.

 Chapter 160 When the Dream Awakens

    ```Hiss! Hiss!


    The rain that filled the sky seemed to come to life as it merged into lively droplets, converging under the guidance of Yu Jiujiang''s fishing rod, and formed an imposing water dragon that pounced fiercely towards Cheng Houhua.


    Cheng Houhua wore a faint smile, his cold sword cutting straight down without generating any visible sword light but instead sending forth a white, hazy chill. It collided with the oncoming water dragon, instantaneously freezing it solid, one chunk at a time.


    But at that moment,


    Yu Jiujiang suddenly exhaled a breath.


    "Zha!"


    It sounded like a command.


    From the mouth of the frozen water dragon, a burst of water condensed to the extreme shot out like a beam of sword light, firing directly at Cheng Houhua with murderous intent fully revealed.


    Cheng Houhua''s expression shifted slightly, with no time for further action. He could only wield his cold sword horizontally to block the stream of water arrows, but the force of the strike still sent him flying backward, bending his entire sword into an arc under the fierce impact.


    But after flying nearly thirty feet, the cold white mist emanating from the cold sword continued to freeze the stream of water inch by inch, finally forming a nearly thirty-foot long line of ice stretching across the street!


    "..."


    Seeing that his strike had not been effective, Yu Jiujiang''s face darkened and he was about to move forward when he suddenly seemed to sense something, his expression slightly startled as his movements slowed down significantly.


    Cheng Houhua''s gaze also shifted subtly, the hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth fading quite a bit.


    "The He Family really can''t be propped up, a bunch of trash that can''t even probe out what other moves Yan Jingqing has prepared. It seems only fitting that they follow fate and meet their demise."


    The actions taken today were in truth more about probing, to see if Yan Jingqing still had other moves left. It wasn''t worth causing a major conflict over someone like Chen Mu, yet the He Family seemed to be a bit too incompetent.


    With a lethal weapon like the Blood Fiend Blazing Flame Arrow, they couldn''t even deal with a mere inspector of the Metropolitan Commander, let alone force Yan Jingqing to reveal any other hidden moves he might have.


    As the words fell,


    Cheng Houhua shook his head slightly.


    According to the artistic calculations of fate done by the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, the He Family''s fate had many paths, but most led to destruction. If they were doomed to be wiped out anyway, then making use of them before their demise would only be natural.


    Hiss!


    A stream of water transformed into a sharp arrow and flew from the side, but Cheng Houhua seemed not to have reacted in time, and the dart pierced right through his right abdomen, traversing from the lower right belly to the left shoulder before bursting out into the air.


    However, watching this scene from afar, Yu Jiujiang''s face showed no emotion. Instead, he slowly lowered his fishing rod.


    Crack!


    A crack appeared on Cheng Houhua''s chest, and then his body quickly lost color, turning into an ice sculpture which then instantly shattered. All the surrounding cold white mist rapidly dissipated, and his figure was nowhere to be found.


    ```


    And almost exactly after two breaths had passed,


    Chen Mu''s figure silently appeared in the alleyway. With one step, he crossed over the frozen Ice Dragon, the icy streaks, and the rows of congealed streams to arrive beside Yu Jiujiang, asking in a deep voice, "How are you?"


    "I''m fine."


    Yu Jiujiang shook his head, then let out a sigh and said, "It was the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion that intervened, a True Disciple... It''s simply because of his age; he could hold me back, but I couldn''t keep him here."


    Chen Mu glanced at the situation in the area, and even though he hadn''t been here just before, the sight of almost the entire street covered with unusual icy scenery allowed him to roughly guess the intensity of the previous fight¡ªthat Yu Jiujiang must have gone all out.


    "Ice huh... That must be Cheng Houhua from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, practicing the Cold Winter Artistic Conception among the Four Seasons Artistic Conceptions. Right now, it''s exactly his time, not to mention ice impedes water easily, and water blocks ice with difficulty. You''ve had a hard time."


    In essence, the Cold Winter Artistic Conception did have some affinity suppression over the Kan Water Artistic Conception.


    "Cough, cough."


    Yu Jiujiang''s breath quickly retracted, then he coughed twice, smiled and said, "It''s nothing, at most I''ll just go to eternal rest a year earlier. But how did you get here so quickly?"


    The True Disciple of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion must not have attacked Chen Mu, which was understandable. After all, if they directly moved against Chen Mu, that would be equivalent to declaring open war against Yan Jingqing and the Seven Profound Sect.


    Now, with the He Family in between, both Yan Jingqing and the Seven Profound Sect would deal with the He Family first and then slowly settle accounts with the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion later.


    "I was worried about you, so I came over as soon as I was done."


    Chen Mu replied briefly.


    Just as he was sensing the two auras from the Demon-Slaying Office and preparing to hurry over, the auras over there also quickly subsided. Clearly, the people from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion retreated very swiftly, without any dawdling.


    Moreover, they seemed to have deployed only two people through the whole process, although the other presence was surely from the Five Viscera Realm¡ªwhether it was a Sect Executive or a True Disciple was unknown.


    "I''m not greatly harmed. That True Disciple from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion is strong, but his Cold Winter Artistic Conception hasn''t stepped into the second phase yet."


    Yu Jiujiang coughed again and said, "What do you plan to do next...?"


    "Go to the He Family."


    Chen Mu stepped forward to leave, his figure quickly disappearing into the drizzling rain.


    "It''s time to settle the affairs with the He Family."


    Yu Jiujiang, watching Chen Mu''s departing figure, gazed up at the sky for a moment, then shook his head slightly, murmuring, "The Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion sure knows how to play a good game."


    Only now did he realize that the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s scheme was not limited to that. The elite forces of the He Family, including He Wuyou, had been drawn away by Yan Jingqing and were not in the city at the moment.


    After inciting the He Family to move against Chen Mu, if successful, they would support the He Family to confront Yan Jingqing head-on.


    If it failed, neither the Yu Family nor Chen Mu would let the He Family off the hook, and once the He Family encountered trouble, the He Family elites and He Wuyou outside the city would have no choice but to fully lean towards the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion and become an external force for it.


    It''s estimated that,


    Even if they reported what happened here to Yan Jingqing as fast as they could, it might be too late. The Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, having initiated this incident, would have prepared in advance on the other side, ensuring He Wuyou and the others were taken into hiding before Yan Jingqing could act after receiving the news.


    With this entire process, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion suffered almost no loss and gained a new force for nothing. The only downside was provoking the Yu Family and Yan Jingqing. However, conflict between the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion and the Seven Profound Sect was inevitable sooner or later.


    As for the Yu Family and Chen Mu, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion wouldn''t likely take them seriously.


    The Yu Family, at best, is just a minor external power of the Seven Profound Sect. Although Chen Mu has considerable talent and may, in the future, reach a level comparable to that of a True Disciple of the Sect, it would first require time, and secondly, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion would hardly take notice of just one True Disciple.


    It would take someone like Yan Jingqing to be considered somewhat significant in their eyes.


    And not everyone can become like Yan Jingqing, a True Disciple.


    ¡­


    The He Family residence.


    In the central main hall.


    He Zhengya, using a cane, was sitting in a rosewood chair, his eyes slightly closed, next to him was He Guangxun, frowning and pacing back and forth incessantly.


    "Sit down."


    Suddenly, He Zhengya spoke.


    Hearing his own son, He Guangxun, unable to remain calm and pacing beside him, He Zhengya couldn''t help but sigh. Ever since the incident involving Yan Wansi, when he was punished by Yan Jingqing, stripped of his position as Deputy Governor of the Smelting Bureau, and thoroughly reprimanded, He Guangxun had increasingly lost his composure.


    He Guangxun, hearing He Zhengya''s words, dared not retort and sat down on a nearby chair, yet he was visibly restless, saying, "Father, this is related to the life and death of our entire He Family..."


    "Enough."


    He Zhengya slowly opened his eyes and glanced at He Guangxun, speaking indifferently, "Once a decision has been made, wait calmly for the outcome. With the aid of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion and employing numerous strategies, Chen Mu is bound to be unable to escape this disaster.


    Rather than worrying so much, you would do better to consider how the He Family should respond to the subsequent changes after Chen Mu''s death."


    He Guangxun took a deep breath, trying to calm his mind, and after a brief moment of thought, said, "Previously, Yan Jingqing didn''t wish for the He and Yu families to fight too early, hence he kept holding us back. After this, our turning towards the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion means Yan Jingqing will no longer interfere, and inevitably, there will be a battle with the Yu Family. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, if the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion blocks Yan Jingqing, there''s nothing to fear from the Yu Family. The main issue is... the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion regards our He Family as nothing more than pawns and cannon fodder."


    He Zhengya spoke slowly, "Realizing this means you still have your wits about you. The He Family are pawns, the Yu Family are pawns, and so are the Xie and Xue families. From the day the four Sects moved into Yu County, our four families have been inevitably embroiled in strife, it was only a question of sooner or later."


    "Even as pawns, as long as we make the right choices, we can still struggle in the storm and have a chance to come ashore. After this, arrangements should be made as soon as possible for some clansmen to settle in Xuan State and also send the suitable aged disciples with decent aptitude from our family into the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, regardless of Inner or Outer Sect."


    He Guangxun nodded silently after listening.


    Thud thud!


    Just then, a gentle knocking sound came from the exterior of the main hall.


    "Enter."


    He Zhengya spoke lightly, propping himself up with his cane.


    A servant respectfully entered with his head bowed, presenting a ball of paper to He Zhengya. After He Zhengya read it, he handed it to He Guangxun, saying, "This is news from the Purple Mist Mountain Range. Take a look yourself."


    He Guangxun nodded and took it.


    The servant carefully exited the main hall and closed the door behind him.


    After He Guangxun read the message, he immediately stood up, setting the paper ball ablaze on the lamp while saying to He Zhengya, "Father, this about the Purple Mist Mountains..."


    Whoosh.


    Before he could finish his sentence, the door to the main hall was pushed open again, but this time without a knock, as if someone had directly barged in, their footsteps echoing ''da-da'' across the lustrous crystal tiles of the main hall.


    "Impudence."


    He Guangxun''s brow furrowed, he chastised sharply and turned to see which servant dared to barge into the main hall without knocking. But just as he was turning around, he saw He Zhengya, stiff as a statue, staring behind him with an expression of disbelief in his aged eyes.


    By the time He Guangxun looked behind him, his face had drastically changed.


    "You?! How could you..."


    Thud,


    Thud,


    Chen Mu, clad in official boots and stepping through mud and water, walked forward, leaving clear footprints on the immaculate, crystal-clear tiles of the main hall.


    He didn''t heed He Guangxun, merely sweeping his gaze across the main hall before shaking his head slightly.


    "Such a hall, built with pearls and jewels for walls and gold and silver for ornaments, how much of the people''s fat and marrow did it take to plunder?"


    Although the four great families of the Inner City, including the Yu Family, had amassed vast wealth, none went as far as the He Family in its extravagance, constructing a main hall that was almost akin to a small imperial palace with its display of pearls, jewels, gold, and silver!


    The He Family.


    In this land, they may have always dreamt of being the emperor.


    But dreams are, after all, just dreams, and there comes a time to wake up.


    He Zhengya sat still as if sculpted from stone, unmoving, staring at the approaching Chen Mu with a gaze that showed he had lost himself for a moment, until a sigh escaped him, and he seemed to age a decade more.


    Boom!!!


    Suddenly, a sound akin to the firing of a cannon resounded from outside, followed by a cacophony of noises, including battle cries, screams of terror, and the sounds of people scrambling, all merging into one continuous uproar that moved closer and closer.


    "What''s going on? What''s going on?"


    He Guangxun''s eyes filled with horror as he looked outside, repeatedly asking. It seemed he wanted to go out and see for himself, but with Chen Mu standing in front of him, he dared not make any sudden moves, his hand resting on his knife but not daring to draw it. Your next journey awaits at empire


    Chen Mu spoke indifferently, "No need to go."


    "This is the sound of the Inspectorate in collaboration with the Inner City''s City Defense Division and the Demon-Slaying Office, the three forces combined in a siege, purging the treacherous He Family."

 Chapter 161 He Family Annihilation

    Outside the door.A butler covered in blood stumbled in.


    "Master, it''s bad, the soldiers are attacking our base, and there are people from Yu Family too..."


    Only after he had finished speaking did he notice Chen Mu, dressed in the official attire of the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate, standing in front of He Zhengya and He Guangxun. Then his voice abruptly halted, as if someone had choked him.


    Shocked, the man then fell to the ground, unable to stand up, continuously kicking back and shuffling.


    Chen Mu didn''t look at the butler beside him; he hardly even noticed him, turning his gaze instead to He Zhengya.


    "You have won."


    "The Yu Family has won."


    "It''s all over."


    Leaning on a cane, He Zhengya''s usually erect back now leaned back against the chair, his voice seemingly laden with endless fatigue and sighs.


    Chen Mu said indifferently, "No, the He Family still has forces outside, He Wuyou is still alive, and perhaps the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion has already found a way to detain them. To say it''s over is still a bit premature."


    He Zhengya laughed mockingly and said, "What use is that? They are merely cannon fodder for the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion now. To build up such a foundation again is impossible, a foundation of over a hundred years, ah..."


    He clearly understood.


    From the moment Chen Mu appeared in the main hall of the He Family, everything had already ended.


    This meant that the He Family''s final assassination attempt on Chen Mu had failed; even with the help of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, they could no longer succeed. The Pavilion had also completely abandoned their faction in the city, as the He Family in this city no longer had any forces worth preserving: all that was left were the younger generation and the elderly, women, and children.


    The forces led by He Wuyou, even if they lucked out and escaped under the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s protection from Yan Jingqing''s grasp, eventually just became a disposable force the Pavilion could easily manipulate.


    The Seven Profound Sect would never allow any branch of the He Family to continue developing in other parts of Yu State, and the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion also had no interest in allowing the He Family to seek any development in Xuan State, simply treating them as a disposable force.


    Although.


    He Wuyou, being of the Five Viscera Realm, remained alive, but it was meaningless.


    After today, He Wuyou would have nowhere to go; he couldn''t escape the pursuit of the Seven Profound Sect in Yu State nor gain protection from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion in Xuan State. Regardless of his Five Viscera Realm strength, all he could do was obey the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s orders and cling to survival.


    At this moment, He Zhengya stared at Chen Mu and said, "The Yu Family is lucky, picking up Xu Yichuan and then fishing you out from the bottom. If it had been the He Family rather than Xu Hongyu who had met you that night, perhaps the outcome would have been different."


    "There are no ''ifs'' in this world."


    Chen Mu said indifferently, "Even if there were, the endpoint would be the same, only the journey might be slightly different."


    The He Family and Yu Family are different.


    Yu Family, struggling in adverse circumstances, desperately sought talented people. Xu Hongyu''s initial reaction to him was that he was good, a talented individual worth nurturing, someone who might one day become a Prefecture Chief, helping her alleviate some troubles.


    But the He Family at that time, how could they care about a mere Prefecture Chief?


    Back then, nearly all the Prefecture Chiefs in the South City District were from the He Family.


    Not caring even about a Prefecture Chief, not to mention him at that time, who only seemed somewhat talented and hopeful that after some time cultivating, might take on a role of a Prefecture Chief, requiring some investment and cultivation.


    And given the way the He Family conducted its affairs, if it had been He Mingxuan instead of Xu Hongyu he encountered on that night when he killed Tang Quan, He Mingxuan might have simply killed him on the spot to prevent any information about Tang Quan from leaking out.


    So it was destined. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The He Family''s ship could never carry him.


    By the time he truly demonstrated his talent, reaching the point worth the He Family''s allegiance, it was already too late for the He Family.


    "Mingxuan, MingZhen, Light Sect... they''re likely all killed by your hands. While I couldn''t recruit you under my command, I should have paid attention to you earlier, to avoid today''s disaster."


    He Zhengya''s gaze slightly lowered.


    Continue your journey on empire


    Chen Mu slowly said, "Alright, we''ve said so much unnecessary stuff, it''s about time. I only have one question..."


    He Zhengya looked up at Chen Mu and said softly, "Are you asking about Xu Yichuan? You should have guessed already."


    "..."


    Chen Mu sighed.


    Suddenly drawing his knife, he swung it forward, generating a burst of knife-light where wind and thunder converged.


    He Zhengya swiftly lifted his cane, which shattered into countless splinters, revealing a long, straight sword inside. It clashed with Chen Mu''s knife in midair, only briefly locking before the sword began to crack inch by inch from the tip, eventually exploding into fragments.


    Spurt!


    The knife-light pierced through his chest, broke the chair behind him, and penetrated the wood column in the rear of the Hall Office.


    He Zhengya still sat there without getting up, blood streaming from the corner of his mouth. He looked at Chen Mu, showing one last look of puzzlement, and asked with some difficulty, "Just what is your strength?"


    "A bit stronger than yours."


    Chen Mu slowly turned away, no longer looking at He Zhengya.


    As Chen Mu''s back faced him, He Zhengya''s eyes gradually dimmed, blood continued pouring from the chest wound, staining the crystalline floor tiles red. Eventually, his head drooped down, and all signs of life faded as he sat there, turning into a corpse.


    Chen Mu walked slowly out of the Hall Office.


    At that moment, He Guangxun seemed to realize something and struggled to speak towards Chen Mu, "Spare my life... I have never planned your assassination. It serves Mingxuan right to die by your hands, I can serve the Yu Family¡­"

 Chapter 161 He Family Destroyed_2

    Hiss.A streak of white light flashed.


    He Guangxun''s head flew off with blood, his eyes filled with unwillingness and regret.


    "Noisy."


    Chen Mu didn''t even glance at the severed head or the slowly falling corpse.


    He Zhengya still had a bit of the He Family patriarch''s momentum. Compared to him, He Guangxun was simply pathetic, and He Mingxuan and his likes were not even worth mentioning. They say the Yu Family had not seen good successors for the past two generations, how could the He Family be any better?


    If it weren''t for He Guangxun''s slight ability, at least being a Martial Man of the Bone Tempering Realm, Chen Mu would have felt that killing such a person was sullying his own hands.


    "..."


    The steward sitting collapsed nearby was now drenched in cold sweat, curled up trembling, not even daring to breathe deeply as he watched Chen Mu walk out of the main hall. Stay updated through empire


    His chest heaved violently a few times, gradually revealing a trace of relief, then he struggled to his feet and tried to flee outside the main hall, seeking to escape. But before he could run a few steps, several soldiers from the Inspectorate and City Defense Division surrounded him from all directions.


    "Spare my life! Spare my life!!"


    The steward knelt down begging for mercy, raising his hands and shouting loudly.


    However, the City Defense Division''s amor-clad soldiers were cold-faced, and with a fierce thrust of their spears, they penetrated the steward''s chest, nailing him to the ground, and shouted, "The He Family conspired and committed treason; kill all without mercy!"


    The steward coughed up a mouthful of fresh blood, his hands weakly trying to cover the blood hole in his chest, but unable to stop the blood gushing out, his eyes also showing a look of despair. Eventually, his head tilted, and he fell to the ground, gradually losing his breath.


    Outside.


    In the open courtyard in front of the He Family''s main hall.


    Chen Mu walked over, his eyes indifferent.


    All around were shouts of killing, with He Family servants and family members seen fleeing in panic.


    At that moment.


    A City Defense Division Inner City Prefecture Chief, clad in heavy armor, led several elegantly dressed, pretty-faced women with somewhat disheveled hair and their hands and feet bound by ox tendons to Chen Mu, and forced them to kneel before him.


    "My lord, what should be done with the He Family''s womenfolk?"


    The Prefecture Chief bowed respectfully to Chen Mu and asked.


    Chen Mu glanced at the several He Family women. They were all very young, around sixteen or seventeen years old, some with eyes full of resentment and hatred, some continually sobbing, others with lifeless eyes.


    Finally.


    Chen Mu waved his hand and said, "Leave none alive."


    The He Family might have innocent people, perhaps even many, including women around the same age as Chen Yue and Yu Ru, even babies and children only one or two years old.


    But this was the annihilation of a family.


    If the roles were reversed, had he not come to this world, and had Yu Jiujiang finally been rendered unable to maintain his Five Viscera Realm strength due to declining qi-blood, resulting in the He family breaking through, then Xu Hongyu, Xiao He, Yu Ru... none of them would have had a much better fate, possibly even suffering inhumane torments before death.


    Chen Mu did not think he was particularly cruel, but having come so far after countless experiences, he was not merciful either. Now that it had come to this final step, he preferred things direct and simple, sending all of the He Family on their way.


    Mercy only led to prolonged hatred.


    By having more people die now, there would be fewer in the future.


    "Yes."


    The City Defense Division Prefecture Chief was surprised for a moment but still immediately obeyed the command.


    In his view, these He Family womenfolk could be sent to the Entertainment Bureau, squeezing some value out of them, and Chen Mu could casually select a few with good looks to torment and play with, but ultimately, Chen Mu simply ordered "kill."


    "Don''t..."


    "Spare me, spare me, I can do anything..."


    "So you are Chen Mu! I won''t let you go even in death!"


    The women of the He Family made various sounds, some cried, some pleaded, some cursed with hatred, and then the executioner''s blade flickered, heads fell to the ground, and suddenly all became quiet.


    Chen Mu did not take another look, merely continued walking forward, stepping over one corpse after another, leaving the courtyard.


    Then.


    He saw an old man approaching him, who was Yu Zuting, the man who had previously provided him with a silver mine, enabling him to help the Yu Family secure a channel for acquiring black iron.


    Now, City Defense Division was largely depleted, with all personnel from the Intelligence Office, Demon-Slaying Office, and City Defense Division mobilized, they still struggled to surround the entire residence of the He Family.


    After all, the He Family was too large; with dozens of thousands including various servants, and many of them were not ordinary people. There were plenty skilled in martial arts, well-versed in Skin Toughening and Body Refinement.


    Therefore.


    The forces of the Yu Family were mostly mobilized here.


    In fact, upon hearing the news, almost everyone from the Yu Family rushed over excitedly, having suffered oppression from the He Family not just once or twice over the years, but now the tables had turned, clearing the clouds to see the blue sky.


    "The matter with the black iron mine of the Yu Family shouldn''t be a problem, should it?"


    Chen Mu turned to Yu Zuting and asked. He hadn''t paid much attention to these matters since that day. "When Inspector Yan returns, some of the officials in Yu City will be reshuffled. The Smelting Bureau might not be entirely handed over to the Yu Family, but you might gain more positions. There will be many other trivial matters too; we might need to bother you and the other elders for a long time."


    The He Family was not a minor clan, involved in every aspect of Yu City, each Yamen.


    Now, in a single day having fallen completely, many positions will become vacant, and soon the Xue Family and Xie Family will reach out, and even the Four Great Sects will seize this opportunity to steal a burning chestnut from the fire.


    Yan Jingqing had always suppressed the He Family, not allowing him to directly annihilate them with the Yu Family, precisely for this reason. Before the issue with the Heavenly Corpse Sect was resolved, he did not want to trigger too much turbulence.


    But now, between dying sooner or later, the He Family had actively chosen the nearest path.


    "No problem! No problem at all! Leave it to me, old man; no matter how much there is to handle, I can manage it... Hahaha, Chen Mu, you''re getting married to Hongyu in spring, are you really not considering making my two granddaughters your concubines..."


    "The He Family still has some capable members; I need to deal with them one by one to avoid too many casualties. You just control the main hall here. You''ll know how much the He Family spent on building this hall once you go inside and see for yourself."


    Chen Mu said to Yu Zuting, then walked away towards the distance, quickly disappearing in the chaos. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yu Zuting watched Chen Mu''s retreating figure, not being able to help but laugh and shake his head.


    "Really..."


    He looked at the spacious courtyard in front of him, and at the opulent He Family main hall in the distance, its doors wide open, and a flood of emotions rose in his heart.


    He didn''t notice at the time he gave Chen Mu the silver mine, thinking Chen Mu would come back to trade it later, but in just a few days, Chen Mu had secured a position in the He Family''s Smelting Bureau, forcibly seizing a share of authority from the He Family.


    He thought that was the end of it.


    But not much later, just after the new year, on the ninth day of the first lunar month, while he was still dozing off, he was suddenly informed by the rushed reports that the main forces of the He Family had attempted to kill Chen Mu but were annihilated by him.


    He had mobilized the forces of the three divisions to encircle the He Family residence and had issued the order to obliterate the He Family.


    At that time, he sprang up as quickly as a carp leaping up from water, feeling an unprecedented vigor despite his old bones. Grabbing the sword he hadn''t used for many years, he rushed towards the He Family. Upon arriving, he indeed witnessed the entire He Family being surrounded and conquered level by level.


    The mighty He Family.


    Once upon a time, they were even stronger than their own Yu Family.


    Yet within a few short years, their fortunes had plummeted until today, coming directly to the final step of eradication.


    At its core.


    It was Xu Hongyu who found Chen Mu in a remote part of the Outer City¡ªit was the Yu Family who encountered Chen Mu!


    Who would have thought from that time that today would come?

 Chapter 162 Gen Mountain Diagram

    Purple Mist Mountains.Outer Perimeter.


    Yan Jingqing stood atop a hillside, a Scholar''s Sword strapped to his back. His gaze swept across the fog-enshrouded peaks ahead, a blend of purple and green. His eyes were steady, deep in thought, who knows what he was contemplating.


    The toxic miasma of the Purple Mist Mountain range gathered densely, the area for a thousand miles deserted and uninhabited. To seal off all paths and exterminate the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect holed up here would require the full cooperation of the Four Great Sects.


    But that was clearly impossible.


    For now, as far as he knew, the Heavenly Sword Sect had encountered conflicts even within the inner reaches of the Purple Mist Mountains, clashing with the Hehuan Sect and Blood Hidden Pavilion.


    The remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect had left behind many rare items. They had occupied these uninhabited mountains for years, harvesting plenty of rare spiritual medicines and such, while Corpse Refinement often did not require many of them, making their resources extremely abundant.


    So much so, that currently inside the inner area was in a chaotic mess, every sect looting the resources of the Heavenly Corpse Sect remnants after breaking through their Main Altar. As for the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect fleeing in all directions, they were often just casually dealt with along the way, without any proactive pursuit to exterminate them. Stay connected through empire


    Only he, leading the Inspectorate and the Demon-Slaying Office along with many other forces, near the Yu County side of the Purple Mist Mountains, blocked many paths, either killing or entangling, preventing the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect from easily escaping into the territory of Yu County.


    But in fact, up until now, many had still escaped.


    The natural advantages of the Purple Mist Mountains greatly favored the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect; their refined corpses weren''t afraid of the poison fog at all. Moreover, they knew the mountain range inside out, when and where the fog might thin, shift, or dissipate, moving about unpredictably, capable of showing up anywhere.


    "Heavenly Sword Sect, Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion¡­"


    Yan Jingqing shook his head.


    It was expected that the various sects would scramble for resources. He could only do his best to block the Heavenly Corpse remnants, but regardless, the disaster in Yu County was inevitable.


    Just as he pondered, a figure materialized behind him as if formed from the mist itself.


    "Lord Yan, a large number of Heavenly Corpse remnants have escaped from the direction of the Three Passes."


    "Hmm?"


    Yan Jingqing slightly furrowed his brow and said, "Weren''t the He Family forces guarding there? Why didn''t they report earlier?"


    The person behind him reported in a low voice, "All of the He Family''s people have disappeared."


    "¡­"


    Yan Jingqing''s furrowed brow gradually relaxed, and he said indifferently, "I see. Go and call up a reserve force to guard the pathway in the direction of the Three Passes. We will deal with the He Family''s matter later."


    A moment passed.


    A black-clothed scout from the Inspectorate hurried over.


    "Lord Yan, something has happened in Yu City."


    "Hmm, as expected. What''s the situation now?"


    "It''s like this¡­"


    The black-clothed scout quickly reported the situation in Yu City.


    After listening, Yan Jingqing said lightly, "The Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, they really couldn''t hold back in the end."


    As a distinguished Inspector, the maneuvers of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion naturally couldn''t escape his eyes. The actions of the Heavenly Sword Sect, Hehuan Sect, and others in Yu County were mostly about plundering resources.


    Only the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion was covertly cultivating forces, making contact with the Inner City families, seemingly also seeking development. But Yan Jingqing faintly felt that perhaps the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion was aiming to take over the governance of the entire Yu County!


    In plain terms, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion wanted to become the Seven Profound Sect, turning all the Yamen and official bureaus of Yu County into their own, changing the allegiance of Yu County from ''Yu State''s Yu County'' to ''Xuan State''s Yu County''.


    However.


    Chen Mu really did have extraordinary methods; Yan Jingqing''s high regard wasn''t misplaced. Without even needing the backup he had secretly prepared, Chen Mu directly broke through the He Family''s rebellion, blocking the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s opportunistic chaos this time.


    As for completely taking down the He Family, though slightly drastic, the situation had already come to this, and it was indeed time to cut the chaos with a swift blade. The He Family could no longer stay; it must be completely uprooted.


    As for He Wuyou and his troops¡­


    A hint of coldness flashed in Yan Jingqing''s eyes.


    Did they really think they could simply vanish under his watch and defect to the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion?!


    "Alright, I understand."


    Yan Jingqing''s expression quickly returned to calm as he spoke casually.


    The black-clothed scout bowed respectfully and then withdrew.


    Unconsciously.


    Yan Jingqing sighed softly.


    If there were no such conflicts, if there were only one voice in the world, the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect would not have had the chance to flee the Purple Mist Mountains and disturb Yu County. Who knows how much longer this chaotic world would have to last before there was a chance to settle it.


    After all, he was powerless. What he could do only extended to Yu County within thousands of miles. He couldn''t manage the matters of the entire state that spanned tens of thousands of miles, let alone those of the State Government Offices in the Cold North Path.


    ```


    ...


    He Family residence.


    In the back.


    Some soldiers from the City Defense Division were stationed here, clearing up bodies.


    In the desolate courtyard, Chen Mu entered alone, striding toward a room located in the center.


    The room was empty except for a few straw cushions. The first thing that caught the eye was a painting hanging in the center of the room. It was a mountain painting, depicting a mountain range soaring into the clouds. In the mist behind the peaks, one could vaguely make out countless extending mountains, presenting a sense of majestic grandeur.


    "This is the Gen Mountain Diagram of the He Family."


    Chen Mu looked up at the grandiose mountain painting and murmured softly.


    Among the four big families, the Yu Family had the Kan Water Diagram, and the He Family possessed the Gen Mountain Diagram. These were the foundational resources that established both clans, brought to Yu County by the founding ancestors of the He and Yu families.


    Without these two diagrams, neither the He nor Yu Family could have prospered for so many years. After the founding generation, several more Martial Artists of the Five Viscera Realm wouldn''t have been born in succession, maintaining over a hundred years of prosperity and becoming one of the four great families that dominate Yu County.


    Chen Mu had thought it would be difficult to see this diagram.


    After all, once the He Family was in trouble, someone would surely first think of fleeing with the diagram, or even maliciously destroy it. But it seemed that in their eagerness to kill him, the He Family had completely exhausted their forces, even the guards of the Gen Mountain Diagram had been dispatched.


    Thus, when he arrived here, the He Family hadn''t had time to move the diagram.


    Chen Mu carefully scrutinized it for a while.


    Then he stepped forward, rolled up the entire Gen Mountain Diagram, and tucked it into his chest.


    He then went to check the other rooms.


    The arrangement here at the He Family was similar to the underground silent chambers of the Demon-Slaying Office, arranged in the positions of the Qiankun Eight Phases. But apart from the Gen Mountain Diagram, all other chambers contained only inferior copied versions of the diagrams.


    The rooms of Qian Heaven and Kun Earth were also completely empty, which made Chen Mu feel somewhat regretful.


    If he could have obtained either the Qian Heaven Diagram or the Kun Earth Diagram, he might not have needed to rush to the Seven Profound Sect. He could have stayed in Yu County to further improve his strength, and then consider going to the Seven Profound Sect to complete the collection of the Eight Phases Diagrams.


    In the Five Viscera Realm, Body Refining itself is not key; what becomes crucial is the comprehension of Artistic Conceptions. The quality of Artistic Conception dictates the strength of one''s realm. The difference between the first and second step is immense, and even between two varieties of the second step, there is a distance.


    The quality of the Artistic Conception itself is also a key factor in strength.


    For example, Zuo Qianqiu of the Heavenly Sword Sect has the esteemed Heavenly Sword Artistic Conception, acknowledged as the strongest in Sword Dao Artistic Conception, almost comparable to complete Yin Yang and Five Elements. Having reached the second step, it is no surprise that he possesses almost sweeping strength against other true inheritances.


    "Qiankun¡­"


    Chen Mu murmured to himself.


    In the past, he only knew about the strong and weak Artistic Conceptions, without understanding many details. But after Meng Danyun''s guidance, as well as what he had witnessed from the remnants of the ice scene after Yu Jiujiang and the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s true inheritance fought, he had come to understand much.


    Heavenly timing, geographical advantage,


    These are critical factors for Artistic Conception.


    During a great drought, even though Kan Water can suppress Separating Fire, it will still be overwhelmingly suppressed by Separating Fire during battle.


    During a great tide, Kan Water could almost crush Separating Fire.


    Thunderclap Artistic Conception, under normal weather conditions, is less powerful than Heart Sword or Prosperity and Decline, among others. But when thunderclouds fill the sky and Heavenly Thunder rumbles, it''s not impossible to harness the Heavenly Thunder for added might and strike in all directions!


    The reason Qiankun Artistic Conception is universally recognized as the strongest is not only because its power surpasses other Artistic Conceptions but also because once it is cultivated, one always stands at the pinnacle of heavenly timing and geographical advantage.


    As long as one exists between heaven and earth,


    Then one will always be able to have Qian Heaven and Kun Earth!


    Regardless of any celestial phenomena or timing, regardless of any geographical advantage, all are within Qiankun and can be utilized. No longer will there be any need to distinguish between ''when it is strong'' or ''when it is weak,'' much less any difference between ''where it is strong'' and ''where it is weak.''


    Why does no one today really deserve the title of ''Martial Saint'' in Yan Jingqing''s eyes?


    Even the strongest among them, who possess a complete understanding of the Five Elements Artistic Conception, are indeed powerful. However, if they happen to encounter a stormy weather phenomenon, those who merely control the dual aspects of wind and thunder, with the absolute advantage of heavenly timing, could still potentially fight them.


    Those with Yin Yang Artistic Conception are nearly invincible in the world at the dawn and dusk, when the early sun has not risen, and just as the setting sun has disappeared, night has not yet fallen. The rumors even suggest that it is not inferior to Qiankun. But once these two critical moments pass, others may not be convinced.


    At the highest realm of Blood Exchange, everyone has their own strongest geographical advantage, their own strongest heavenly timing.


    Who would fear whom?


    Chen Mu once heard Meng Danyun mention that there was a Blood Exchange existence who only mastered the Cold Winter Artistic Conception, unaffiliated with any forces. He roamed the world alone, offending many figures, yet no one seemed to be able to do anything about him.


    The reason was that while he was not strong outside of the Cold Winter period, if he sensed something was wrong, he would retreat to the bitterly cold lands of the Extreme North, still occupying the advantage of timing and geography, capable of fighting anyone who approached.


    Martial Artists start to experience such struggles over heavenly timing from the Five Viscera Realm.


    "I''m not really interested in the struggle for heavenly timing and geographical advantage¡­"


    Chen Mu silently mused to himself. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He only knew that as he had stepped into the Five Viscera Realm, he now had but one goal: to gather the Eight Phases and grasp Qiankun!


    Once the Qiankun Artistic Conception was mastered, he would no longer need to worry about any heavenly timing or geographical advantage and would eternally stand at the apex!


    ```

 Chapter 163 The Stash

    Stepping out of the He Family''s silent chamber housing the Artistic Conception Map.A bureau official from the Inspectorate approached, respectfully saying, "Sir, we have located the He Family''s treasury of gold, silver, pearls, and jade; I have ordered men to guard it outside."


    "Let''s go."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly and walked forward.


    For him at this point, ordinary gold, silver, pearls, and jade were almost useless; the items he needed were often priceless, like the rare minerals used to forge treasured artifacts such as Silverstream mines. Although they are said to be worth hundreds of thousands of Silver Taels, they are extremely difficult to purchase and find in reality.


    As one of Yu County''s four major families, the He Family''s treasury, besides gold and silver, might contain other rare treasures that were exactly what he needed, and thus it was worth personally inspecting.


    Soon.


    Under the guidance of the bureau official, Chen Mu walked around the large courtyard and arrived at the back, inside an inconspicuous little stone house guarded by several soldiers of the Inspectorate.


    All the officials here were very astute; Chen Mu was the Inspectorate''s Metropolitan Commander and the highest-ranking official currently stationed at the He Family''s residence. Even though they all coveted the He Family''s treasury, they still restrained themselves from entering without permission, waiting for Chen Mu to "inspect" it first before anyone else could officially screen it.


    "Lord Commander."


    The soldiers outside, upon seeing Chen Mu approach, knelt on one knee and saluted.


    Chen Mu did not say much, but went straight into the stone house, which was filled with large wooden boxes. Opening one randomly, he found it packed full of flake silver ingots.


    The amount of silver in one box was roughly ten thousand Silver Taels, and there seemed to be dozens of such large wooden boxes, amounting to at least several hundred thousand Silver Taels. However, compared to the He Family''s wealth, this was but a drop in the bucket.


    Chen Mu continued to walk further inside.


    After passing the large wooden boxes of silver, there were piles of small wooden boxes in the corner. Effortlessly lifting the lid of one, he discovered a shine of Red Gold, consisting of individual Red Gold ingots.


    The gold ingots in this small wooden box, when converted to Silver Taels, were worth at least a hundred thousand, and a rough count revealed at least twenty to thirty such boxes ¨C amounting to millions of Silver Taels. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The daily expenses from the public treasury alone are above millions of Silver Taels, and the actual circulating Silver Taels, seen in both the Inner and Outer Cities'' storefronts and county estates accumulated, far exceed tens of millions," Chen Mu murmured as he picked up a gold ingot to weigh it.


    Regardless of the He Family''s entire holdings, just the gold and silver in this room were enough to make countless people envious or even insane ¨C the alleys in the Outer City were so impoverished that it was doubtful whether ten Silver Taels could be collected from a whole alley, yet here millions of silver and gold were casually stored, creating a literal gold and silver fortress.


    As both the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate and the Demon-Slaying Office in the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, Chen Mu''s combined annual salary was only one thousand Silver Taels; even with this salary, it would take ten thousand years to match the wealth of the He Family.


    "In fact, tens of millions of Silver Taels is no small figure; if cost were disregarded, it would take only a few years to amass an elite army of ten thousand men all at the Body Refinement level," Chen Mu said quietly to himself.


    An elite army of ten thousand Body Refinement martial men might seem unthreatening to Bone Tempering levels, and even less so to someone like him in the Five Viscera Realm, but that''s assuming they have no leader.


    If a genuinely skilled ''Military Formation'' general were to take command, such an elite army could become quite terrifying.


    Military Formation is essentially an Artistic Conception.


    Military Formations leverage the opportune time and place¡­ which naturally also encompasses people.


    When tens of thousands of elite soldiers gather together, their surging Qi-Blood forms a unity under the Military Formation''s conception, which, wherever it goes, can attack cities, conquer territories, and even, to an extent, obstruct the natural circulation of the Power of Heaven and Earth, posing considerable restrictions on martial men.


    In plain words,


    it''s about artificially creating an ''opportune time and place.''


    Continue your journey with empire


    The Da Xuan Dynasty Court once had infamous armies known as the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise. With Five Viscera Realm officers as Colonels, Six Viscera Realm as Commanders-in-chief, and Marrow Cleansing Realm as generals, they had eradicated countless sects that attempted to defy the Court.


    However,


    today, such soldiers no longer exist.


    The ''Provincial Guard'' in Yu County, for instance, although it also numbers in the tens of thousands, is at best a motley crew mixing Skin Toughening and Body Refinement troops; it might be considered elite in small Yu County, but is negligible relative to a State and poses no threat to warriors of the Five Viscera Realm or above.


    If the He Family really were to spare no expense and mobilize their entire fortune to train such an elite force of tens of thousands, all armored and under the command of generals specially trained in Military Formations, they indeed could dominate Yu County and force everyone to avoid their edge.


    But reality is.


    Only the Court insiders practice the cultivation line of Military Formations, those who are not like Yan Jingqing, a nominal Inspector but actually a bureaucrat under the Seven Profound Sect; rather, true servants of the Da Xuan Dynasty Court ¨C the He Family has no way to interfere.


    Furthermore, if the He Family really dared to create such a commotion, training thousands of elite soldiers, and forging armors... then they probably wouldn''t need him to take action, as the Seven Profound Sect would likely send an elder steward overnight to have a ''heart-to-heart'' with the He Family.


    So this was also a dead end for the He Family.


    "In this world, the pinnacle of military troops is represented by the Da Xuan''s Azure Dragon and White Tiger forces, and the peak of personal martial prowess is the end of the Martial Arts path, the Blood Exchange stage," Chen Mu continued, shaking his head slightly.


    Though the annals of Da Xuan record some instances of Blood Exchange realm individuals being besieged and slain by the Azure Dragon forces, other banned texts also relate sword-through-army exploits of Blood Exchange stages where a single person swept through thousands of troops."


    All these tales were compilations, their authenticity unknown, but the founding emperor of Da Xuan single-handedly stabilizing the nation was well-known across the world; reaching the summit of personal martial power was indeed the true invincible force in this world.


    Not to mention in these troubled times when there were no longer forces like the Azure Dragon or White Tiger; even in times of peace, he would still follow the path of reaching the pinnacle of personal martial power, for ultimately this was where his unique understanding of Martial Arts excelled in the world.


    Chen Mu turned a corner.


    He arrived at the eastern side of the stone house.


    Here, there was a staircase leading underground, which was not deliberately concealed.


    After all, this was already the He Family''s most core secret area. If there ever came a day when someone stepped into this place, it would mean that the He Family had fallen into utter ruin. Making any hidden mechanism to conceal it would be meaningless.


    Chen Mu followed the staircase down and quickly reached the part of the stone house that was underground. There were very few things here, just a few small wooden boxes.


    Bang.


    Chen Mu kicked one open, revealing some ores inside, two of which glimmered with a silver flow and were exactly the Silverstream ores he had used for crafting the Silverstream Saber, both larger than the ones he had used before.


    Chen Mu slightly shook his head. Now that he already had a Silverstream Treasured Artifact, wanting more was meaningless. Thus, he continued walking forward, kicking a few more boxes, and soon his gaze slightly sharpened as he looked into one of them.


    This wooden box also contained several ores, one of which was wholly white like White Jade but had strands of golden threads intertwined within it, making it appear almost as if it was ''Jade Encased in Gold.''


    "Gold-Inlaid Jade Ore."


    Chen Mu stepped forward, picked up the ore, and weighed it, revealing a thoughtful expression.


    Gold-Inlaid Jade Ore was only found at the center of some large jade veins with a very low probability. This material was not suitable for weapon forging but was very appropriate for crafting soft armor.


    Ordinary mortal soft armors were almost useless for Chen Mu, but a ''Treasured Artifact'' soft armor was different as it could withstand Yuan Gang True Essence. However, Treasured Artifact-level soft armors were much rarer and more precious than weapons, and just one piece of Gold-Inlaid Jade Ore was far from enough as it was only one of the primary materials.


    After thinking for a moment,


    Chen Mu still decided to keep the Gold-Inlaid Jade Ore.


    Although with the speed of his progress in Martial Arts, he might not need this ore, if it could be crafted into a Treasured Artifact-level soft armor in the future, it would be good for either Xu Hongyu or Chen Yue.


    Speaking of the soft armor Xu Hongyu wore under her clothing, Chen Mu had examined it closely before. Its quality was quite good, among the top in mundane grades, but it was not up to the level of Treasured Artifacts and was of little use in front of Yuan Gang True Essence.


    Chen Mu continued forward.


    He reached the very center of the underground secret chamber.


    Here, a large piece of Cold Jade was displayed, almost the same size as his Flame Jade bed, emitting a faintly visible chill. Its quality was clearly superior, not inferior to the Flame Jade bed at all.


    But such a large piece of Cold Jade was not considered a treasure here; it was merely placed there with three small wooden boxes stacked on top of it.


    Chen Mu casually opened one, and a strong aroma of herbs emanated from it. Indeed, it contained some rare medicinal materials, with the first thing catching his eye being a piece of thousand-year-old Polygonum multiflorum, an excellent tonic for replenishing deficits, worth at least several hundred thousand taels.


    The other medicinal materials also were not inferior in value, though not very useful for the current Chen Mu, but for those in the Bone Tempering Realm and below, they had excellent effects on enhancing Qi-Blood.


    "Very good, finally got some decent items."


    Chen Mu slightly nodded his head.


    Actually, without these medicinal materials, just the large piece of superior Cold Jade was pretty impressive. If taken back to make another Cold Jade bed opposite his Flame Jade bed, it would be perfect for Body Refining in the ''Ice and Fire Dual Realms'', enabling Xu Hongyu to give it a try.


    After opening the small boxes on the left and right sides, Chen Mu then directed his gaze toward the central one and reached out to open it, his eyes suddenly lighting up slightly.


    "So it was this thing..."


    Inside the small box, there was only one item, a thumb-sized, earth-yellow pearl.


    Although the Cold Jade bed limited the dispersal of the aura, the rich ''Earth Spirit Qi'' from it still could not be completely concealed; it was one of the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects, the ''Earth Element Pearl'', which normally had to be handed over to the Seven Profound Sect. It was unclear how the He Family had acquired and secretly hoarded it.


    Chen Mu picked it up with two fingers and studied it closely before his eyes.


    He had read many books about Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects, could recognize it at a glance, and also knew its uses.


    First, it could be placed above the head, suitable for studying the ''Earth Artistic Conception'' among the Five Elements.


    Second, it was suitable for studying the ''Gen Mountain'' and ''Dui Ze'' Artistic Conceptions in Qiankun, especially Gen Mountain.


    Third, if crushed and mixed with some supplementary medicines for consumption, it could nourish the ''Spleen'' and enhance the circulation of Yuan Qi in the Five Viscera, starting from the spleen and speeding up one complete refinement of the Five Viscera.


    "This indeed is a good item, one that even the true teachings of Great Sects would vie for. It supports both artistic conception comprehension and the enhancement of cultivation in the Five Viscera Realm, no wonder the He Family was reluctant to hand it over to the Seven Profound Sect and secretly kept it."


    Chen Mu shook his head.


    The He Family had been established in Yu County for over a hundred years, not only amassing an excessive amount of gold and silver wealth, various rare ores, but also secretively keeping one Earth Element Pearl, truly a case of extreme greed that was infuriating.


    He silently put the earth-yellow pearl into the pocket of his inner garment, keeping it close to his body and covering it with his own Yuan Gang to contain and conceal the Earth Spirit Qi from dispersing.


    He was not a greedy person.


    It was mainly because later when he went to the Seven Profound Sect, this Earth Element Pearl would mostly still be his, but by then, he would have to go through a big detour, passing through the Demon-Slaying Office and Affairs Hall, which would unnecessarily complicate things. Thus, to avoid too much trouble, it was better to keep things simple.

 Chapter 164 Chaos in the Heavenly Secrets

    Northwest corner of the Inner City.A square-shaped pavilion stood tall, with each tier hanging a golden bell on the eaves, occasionally emitting a crisp tinkling sound in the cold wind.


    In one of the floors of the pavilion, a wooden plaque was suspended in the center with the words "Commanding the Mysterious Court, Wonderful Speeches of Heavenly Mandate".


    Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion!


    At this moment, in a very simply arranged room at the top of the pavilion, several figures in mysterious robes were gathered together.


    "How is it?"


    "A glimpse of heavenly mandate indeed reveals no error, the extermination of the He Family was decreed by fate."


    Han Guang said indifferently.


    Cheng Houhua smirked and said, "Heavenly mandate and fate cannot be defied. Often it''s too vague and difficult to perceive clearly, sometimes it even leads to misconceptions, not only failing to comply with the heavenly timing but actually going against the Heavenly Mandate."


    Han Guang chuckled and said, "That''s what they call the mischief of heavenly will. If we could see all of heaven''s designs and mandates clearly, then we wouldn''t need to be called Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, it would be better to change our name to Destiny Pavilion, wouldn''t it?"


    Speaking of which,


    he looked towards another figure and said, "Steward Liu, how are things at the Purple Mist Mountains?"


    Then, the third mysterious-robed figure, his face full of wrinkles and clearly much older, said solemnly, "Yan Jingqing is not so easily fooled. He tampered with the people and horses of the He Family. Although our men responded in time, the casualty was still heavy, and even He Wuyou was seriously injured."


    "As expected."


    Cheng Houhua leaned back against the wall and said, "If Yan Jingqing were so easy to manipulate, he wouldn''t be Yan Jingqing. It''s just a pity that the He Family is too inept, they couldn''t even probe out Yan Jingqing''s contingency."


    "Hmm."


    Steward Liu nodded slightly and said, "For now, we only know that Meng Danyun from Seven Profound Sect''s Spirit Profound Peak has arrived in Yu County, and the one who took action against the He Family was her. We don''t know if there are others."


    Han Guang leaned against a wooden table and did not speak at this time, but showed a contemplative expression. After a while, he said, "Let''s not discuss Meng Danyun for the time being. This Chen Mu is indeed somewhat mysterious.


    According to intelligence, his rise was very unusual, how he cultivated is unknown, and he has reached his current realm, even the He Family using the Blood Fiend Blazing Flame Arrow this time couldn''t kill him."


    Hearing this, Cheng Houhua couldn''t help but chuckle and said, "Are you worried that this person will affect the future situation? But haven''t we divined his fate before, divined three times, and found nothing unusual?"


    Han Guang said gravely, "Divination of fate is inherently vague. When it comes to an individual, especially when he hasn''t actively sought divination, it''s even more unpredictable. Initially, this was intended to clear some potential factors that might affect heavenly designs, but the result was still unexpected. I always feel somewhat restless."


    "Then let''s divine it again."


    Steward Liu said indifferently, "This time I will use my blood to divine and see what fate and heavenly designs hold."


    Although Chen Mu was only a figure from a minor place, he was indeed the most eye-catching figure in Yu County, and his path to rise was indeed strange. Virtually worthless before the age of twenty, he suddenly started practicing martial arts, displaying a talent almost akin to that of a sect''s true teachings, and reached his current status in a very short time.


    This situation could not escape the attention of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion. Despite divining Chen Mu''s fate several times, they could not divine any ''Heavenly Mandate'' related to him, nor were they countered, suggesting that Chen Mu''s fate was very ordinary and not one likely to impact the grand scheme.


    However, heavenly design is ultimately elusive, and based on these alone, it''s impossible to be fully certain.


    "Is this... necessary?"


    Cheng Houhua looked at Steward Liu.


    Using blood for divination meant sacrificing his own lifespan; he didn''t think Chen Mu was worth such an act by Steward Liu. Although his talent was indeed remarkable, comparable to a sect''s true teachings, let''s not discuss the present Chen Mu for now, even if he really became a true disciple of the Seven Profound Sect in the future, and what then?


    The Seven Profound Sect has long been uneventful, its disciples weak; only a true disciple from the Great Profound Peak has anything noteworthy, others hardly matter, like Meng Danyun, he never really regarded them."


    Even looking at the divination of the grand scheme from the sect''s elders, the entire future fate of the Seven Profound Sect is very bleak.


    "To confirm it would be more reassuring."


    Steward Liu slowly took out a stack of divination turtle shells, then closed his eyes, gradually connecting with the universe, as an invisible Qi merged into the surroundings.


    In just a short time, another wrinkle visibly formed on his face.


    In a moment,


    Steward Liu cast the turtle shells and opened his eyes again, shaking his head, "The divination still shows nothing unusual about this man, but his life is indeed prolonged, not a short-lived one."


    Cheng Houhua and Han Guang glanced at each other, then both shook their heads slightly.


    "Is it the ''fate not to end'' type? No wonder he could escape crises time after time."


    Long-lasting lives are actually quite common.


    Any beggar by the roadside might be a person of prolonged life. If someone attempts to kill him, various accidents may always disrupt the attempt, but that doesn''t mean he can''t be killed; with a little inducement, letting the person mess up his own fate makes it easy to settle him, or forcing a hard kill is fine too, it''s just that the cost and reward often don''t match.


    After all, revealing a flaw to kill an ordinary beggar, exposing oneself to an assassin from Blood Hidden Pavilion poised to strike with a sword, the price is too great; therefore, in such cases, they usually won''t force it and instead let nature take its course.


    "Since his fate itself shows nothing unusual, then let it be as it may."


    Steward Liu packed away the turtle shells, his wrinkles accumulating together, and said, "When the day comes that heaven and earth overturn, anyone who tries to defy the heavenly mandate, whether it''s Yan Jingqing or the Seven Profound Sect, will merely be like a mantis trying to stop a chariot."


    ...


    Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion.


    At the very top of the pavilion, beneath the eaves, unnoticed was a figure in tattered Taoist robes lying there, holding a wine gourd. When he drank, he revealed a mouthful of crooked, yellow teeth.


    Suddenly, as if sensing something, he pulled out a stack of turtle shells with his right hand, glanced at them, and casually flicked one, making it spin. Then, he set it aside and continued drinking.


    After a while,


    He wiped his mouth and sat up.


    "The things even an old Taoist doesn''t have the chance to calculate, yet these youngsters want to seek answers."


    "However, there really are quite a few people in Yu State whose fate cannot be determined, even more than in Xuan State, Qing State, and Han State. Who knows how many will become marquises, how many will be kings, inscrutable, unpredictable, unimaginable, and unclear... Hahaha, a chaotic era is coming, and the heavenly secrets are ultimately in disarray."


    As he spoke,


    the old Taoist took out a greasy, tattered booklet, licked a brush in his mouth, dabbed it with some saliva, made a few strokes, then put away the booklet, took a step forward, and disappeared into thin air above the eaves of Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion.


    Throughout this process, whether it was the people in Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion below or the pedestrians on the distant streets, no one noticed.


    ...


    Although Yu County had already been occupied by the Four Great Sects, it had become a battleground for both the Seven Profound Sect and the Four Great Sects, the He Family, one of the four great families that had dominated Yu County for a hundred years, ultimately caused quite a stir when it perished in a single day, affecting not only Yu City but also spreading to various county governments.


    In fact, soon after the Four Great Sects moved in, many high-ranking individuals had predicted that troubles for the four great families were inevitable, as being caught in the conflict between the four sects and the Seven Profound Sect was not a good thing.


    Only, it wasn''t expected,


    that the downfall of the He Family would come so quickly, so suddenly.


    It wasn''t just due to the Seven Profound Sect or the Yu Family; instead, it was largely because of Inspectorate Metropolitan Commander Chen Mu!


    Earlier, when Chen Mu was appointed as Inspectorate Metropolitan Commander, many forces reliant on the He Family felt a dire situation brewing, and some were restless day and night. However, after Chen Mu took office, he remained quiet and did not specifically target the He Family, which eased many people''s concerns.


    Instead, the repeated crackdowns on the He Family by Yan Jingqing were more worrying to some.


    ...


    South City District.


    Inside a certain estate, Xu Feng, formerly the Head Constable of Wutong Grove District, was staring absently into the horizon.


    "His way of handling things remains just as it was back in the old days..."


    Years ago, under the direction of Xu Hongyu, when he handed over the position of Head Constable of Wutong Grove District to Chen Mu, he was skeptical of Chen Mu being able to hold that position securely, to smooth over the disputes involving the Zheng Family, the Nan Family, and various gangs.


    Nonetheless, he followed Xu Hongyu''s orders and did not set any traps, instead doing everything possible to clear obstacles for Chen Mu.


    What he hadn''t expected was that Chen Mu, upon taking office as Head Constable, would act with a thunderous blow on his first action, decisive beyond belief, and stunned countless people by completely taking down the Zheng Family, which had long dominated Wutong Grove District.


    This surprised Xu Feng, and significantly changed his view of Chen Mu.


    What followed goes without saying. Chen Mu, having served in Wutong Grove District for less than a year, managed everything from top to bottom in perfect order. The gangs that had once reigned with terror behaved themselves extremely well during Chen Mu''s tenure, not daring to act rashly.


    This time,


    after Chen Mu took office as Inspectorate Metropolitan Commander, he remained quiet without making any moves, nor did he clash with the He Family. However, when he did take action, it was just like dealing with the Zheng Family back then: a lightning strike, uprooted from the roots!


    What truly shocked Xu Feng was that it involved the He Family, who had dominated Yu County for a hundred years, far beyond the small local power of the Zheng Family. Yet, they were utterly eradicated by Chen Mu in a single day!


    At one time,


    when he gave up the position of Head Constable of Wutong Grove District to Chen Mu, who could have imagined that years later, the colossal He Family of Inner City, that seemed to overshadow everything, would crumble at Chen Mu''s hands like this.


    Even now, after hearing the news for so long, Xu Feng''s heart still could not calm down.


    ...


    Ninth District.


    In a certain courtyard, Yin Hong, the Gang Leader of the Red Gold Gang, stood still, silent for a long time.


    He could vaguely remember that young man, whose appearance was still somewhat youthful, wearing the uniform of a Head Constable, coming to the Red Gold Gang to inquire about the Black Crow Sect... it had only been a few years since then. Explore new worlds at empire


    From being a Head Constable in Ninth District to Inspectorate Metropolitan Commander to the sudden collapse of the entire He Family, it felt almost dreamlike.


    Luckily, Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    he had no grievances with Chen Mu back in the day.


    In these years in Ninth District, he had also been stable, maintaining a tacit understanding with Min Baoyi, and living without conflict.

 Chapter 165 Going Out

    Da Xuan Calendar year 1428, January 24th.Inspectorate.


    Chen Mu sat upright in the fifth floor of the Chamber Building of the Hall Office, continuously reviewing one case after another.


    Half a month had passed since the He Family''s extermination. The He Family was a colossus with branches so intertwined and complex that merely eradicating part of it in the Inner City wasn''t the end. There were other numerous affiliates that needed handling.


    These matters weren''t something he could entrust to others, and certainly not suitable for the Yu Family, so he, the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate, had to personally review and approve each case before passing orders down.


    However.


    These days were almost coming to an end.


    On one hand, over the half month, most of the governance issues that needed addressing had been taken care of almost completely. Those clearly identified with the He Family''s line, whether officials or troops, had mostly been dismissed or investigated, and those with heinous crimes were executed on the spot.


    For some who were not clearly aligned but tended to favor the He Family, it was left to the various Yamen to consider and handle. Any violations of law and discipline were to be dealt with sternly; those without breaches of legal disciplines were temporarily retained, awaiting further steps once other matters were resolved.


    On the other hand, Yan Jingqing was returning.


    After a month and a half, the battle in the Purple Mist Mountains had basically concluded. The Main Altar of the Heavenly Corpse Sect had been thoroughly upturned by the four sects, and various resources had been allocated.


    Chen Mu took a sip of tea and picked up another document.


    "Fu Linjiang, forfeited his office and fled. He was identified upon exiting the city, attempted to resist, and was executed on site..."


    Hmm.


    He vaguely remembered this man, who had been a Prefecture Chief beside He Mingxuan a long time ago, but to him, he was never worth much attention, and so he had never bothered with him.


    Although Fu Linjiang was part of He Family''s forces, if he had committed no crimes, Chen Mu would likely have been too lazy to bother with such a minor Prefecture Chief. However, thinking about it, it was not likely since he had worked with He Mingxuan. Now with him executed on site, it was considered closed.


    "Metropolitan Commander, Inspector has returned!"


    Suddenly, a Bureau Official from the Inspectorate came to report.


    Chen Mu marked ''read'' on the paper, then stood up, followed the official downstairs, and soon saw Yan Jingqing approaching from a distance, still clad in white, accompanied by two Metropolitan Commanders.


    "Greetings, Inspector."


    Many officials from the Inspectorate bowed down in succession. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yan Jingqing, not one for formalities, quickly walked over and ascended the stairs with Chen Mu. After reaching the sixth floor, they began discussing summaries of various affairs in Yu City.


    After listening for a while, Yan Jingqing nodded slightly and said, "Hmm, I am clear on most matters. The He Family deserved their fate. Though you acted hastily, given the circumstances, a swift resolution was a suitable strategy. The subsequent handling has been performed well by you; indeed, you have developed your own understanding of the way of governance."


    For Yan Jingqing.


    Dealing with the He Family wasn''t difficult, and wiping them out could be done in an instant, but the key was how to swiftly stabilize the chaos within both Inner and Outer Cities after their fall¡ªthat was the crux of the problem.


    After annihilating the He Family, Chen Mu did not foolishly fill all the vacancies with people from the Yu Family.


    Instead, he divided clearly: first issuing an order for senior officials of the same Yamen to temporarily take over the key positions to maintain overall stability, followed by methodical allocation from arrest to trial, sentencing, and official appointments and dismissals, proceeding smoothly.


    Then came addressing the vacant positions, choosing suitable personnel bottom-up based on intelligence from the various departments, either through promotion or transfer, dealing with most problems within just half a month.


    "I only did what I could, but without the Inspectorate''s extensive intelligence on Yu City''s various departments, it would mostly have been entangled amidst chaos, clueless on where to start."


    Chen Mu responded without taking credit.


    It wasn''t really about his capabilities, but rather the extent of corruption in civil administration had reached such a level that merely scrubbing the roster occasionally might yield better conditions than previously. He merely acted by sticking to realistic principles.


    But in an era where everyone looked only after their own interests, hoping to place every relative and distant acquaintance in clear positions, his pragmatic approach made him stand out like a lotus unstained by mud.


    Yan Jingqing smiled and said, "No need to be overly modest. The credit that is due to you, is yours... Meng Danyun told me, entering the Seven Profound Sect suits your path, but I think keeping you from official duties would also bury your talents. Of course, cultivating at the Seven Profound Sect would benefit you greatly; I too once studied under the Seven Profound Sect as an external official.


    Hmm, when Meng Danyun returns to the Seven Profound, if you are interested, going with her would be fine too."


    Hearing Yan Jingqing''s words, Chen Mu felt relieved.


    Indeed, had he explicitly expressed his desire to join the Seven Profound Sect, Yan Jingqing certainly wouldn''t have obstructed him, but it was naturally better not having to say much more. However, from what Yan Jingqing said, it seemed Meng Danyun was still within Yu County.


    Chen Mu thought for a moment, then said to Yan Jingqing, "Thank you for your esteem, sir. Now that the situation has calmed down, I need to leave Yu City for some personal errands. Additionally, in pursuing the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, I can also contribute my effort."

 Chapter 165 Outing_2

    "You may decide on your own,"Yan Jingqing said in an amiable tone, "The position of Bureau Head of the Inspectorate is still vacant. Would you like to take up the post?"


    This offer momentarily startled Chen Mu and he soon shook his head in silence. Although he had already mastered the second step of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception earlier on, making significant progress in mimicking and disguising his presence, it seemed he still couldn''t escape the discerning eyes of someone like Yan Jingqing, a top Six Viscera Realm existence.


    No wonder Yan Jingqing had kept him in the Inner City; this must have been one of his reasons.


    In Da Xuan, official positions had always corresponded with the grades of Martial Arts. Apart from the honorary First Grade, the positions from Second to Ninth Grade matched the eight levels of Martial Arts perfectly, with a Bureau Head of Fifth Grade aligning precisely with the Five Viscera Realm.


    Yan Jingqing''s specific mention of Chen Mu taking over as Bureau Head subtly revealed his cultivation Realm.


    "I have just recently taken the position of Capital Supervisor, and am not yet familiar with all the duties. It''s too premature for me to take on the role of Bureau Head,"


    Chen Mu pondered before responding.


    Since Yan Jingqing''s tone was not one of command but rather suggestive, seeking his opinion, Chen Mu straightforwardly expressed his unwillingness to be promoted to Bureau Head at this time. Mainly because he was about to transfer to the Seven Profound Sect for cultivation soon, a promotion to Bureau Head now would be pointless.


    "That''s fine,"


    Yan Jingqing nodded slightly.


    In fact, he never intended to hinder Chen Mu''s Martial Arts cultivation. The Five Viscera Realm was a watershed in Martial Arts; he himself had only ventured to the Seven Profound Sect for rigorous training after reaching the Five Viscera Realm, before making a comeback. Prior to the Five Viscera Realm, joining the Seven Profound Sect was not particularly meaningful.


    Even if one could comprehend the Artistic Conception, mastering various secret techniques of Artistic Conception posed numerous difficulties, often elusive. Only upon entering the Five Viscera Realm or mastering the second step of an Artistic Conception could one truly begin.


    ...


    After leaving Yan Jingqing''s place,


    Chen Mu finally let out a sigh of relief.


    Dealing with the numerous trifles in the aftermath of the annihilation of the He Family had been exceedingly busy for him. Now everything could be handed over, and he didn''t have to waste his efforts on governmental affairs any longer.


    Actually, he had long intended to make a trip out of Yu City concerning his aunt, Liu Rong, the sister of his mother Liu Ping. Someone had been found in An Yu County.


    He had always kept this matter in mind and had not forgotten about it, but because he hadn''t broken through to the Five Viscera Realm earlier and faced various threats, it wasn''t the right time to leave the city.


    Later, when he reached the critical point of assuming the position of Inspectorate Capital Supervisor, he was kept in Yu City by Yan Jingqing to take control of the situation, which made it impossible for him to leave his post. The issue had, therefore, been unavoidably delayed.


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    At last, he could make a trip to An Yu County as all matters had settled.


    Furthermore, Xu Hongyu was still carrying out the orders of the Demon-Slaying Office, pursuing the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect on the outside. She was now in the vicinity of An Yu County. This trip would provide an opportunity for Chen Mu to rendezvous with her, and they could return to Yu City together later on.


    As for the remnant issues with the He Family...


    Yan Jingqing had told him that the elite forces of the He Family had mostly been eradicated, leaving only He Wuyou who remained at large, albeit injured by Meng Danyun. This was a minor concern. Xu Hongyu would be safer returning to Yu City sooner, under the protection of Yu Jiujiang.


    Although Yu Jiujiang was somewhat weakened after the previous battle, he would still be a powerful Five Viscera Realm expert for another year or two.


    Of course, it would be even better if He Wuyou, harboring deep hatred for him, attempted an ambush on his way. It would be a perfect opportunity for Chen Mu to permanently resolve this issue. Therefore, he needed to take some preparatory actions for this journey.


    After considering his next steps,


    Chen Mu returned to the Yu Family''s residence.


    With the end of the battle at the Purple Mist Mountains, many from the Yu Family had returned, including the family head, Yu Zuyi.


    After discussing some matters with Yu Zuyi, Chen Mu, accompanied by Chen Yue, quietly set out towards An Yu County.


    ...


    Seven or eight days later,


    On the official road from Yu County to An Yu County,


    A horse-drawn carriage sped along, its wheels rumbling past, stirring dust into the air.


    Chen Mu, dressed in a simple long gown, sat at the front of the carriage handling the reins, while Chen Yue did not sit inside. Instead, she sat on the opposite side of the carriage frame, her small feet clad in embroidered shoes swung to the rhythm of the galloping carriage, her big eyes endlessly scouring the distant landscapes, her expression full of excitement.


    For many years, other than accompanying Chen Mu to pay respects to her parents, this was truly her first time leaving the city. She was curious about everything outside the city and felt excited along the journey.


    In fact,


    The disciples of the Yu Family''s Martial Arts Institute, after entering the Body Refinement Realm, would have opportunities to leave the city under the guidance of martial masters to hunt nearby ferocious beasts and demons. However, after the four sects settled in Yu County, these institutes, including the Yu Family''s, had discontinued such practices.


    Without any pressing matters, they refrained from leaving the city.


    "Brother, do we now,"


    qualify as wandering the world with swords in hand, traversing the Martial World?" Chen Yue suddenly leaned towards Chen Mu and asked with a giggling smile.


    Chen Mu glanced at her and said, "Wandering the world with sword in hand is still a far reach; we are merely in remote mountains. But as for traversing the Martial World¡­ when have we ever ventured into the Martial World?"


    Perhaps the environment of the Inner City had kept the girl from realizing that the world had long been one entire Martial World.


    "I see,"


    Chen Yue replied, her face lit with joy as she gazed up at the sky, saying, "Brother has told me many stories. Actually, when I was very young, the thing I wanted the most was to become the characters in those stories with Brother."


    Chen Mu looked at Chen Yue and then towards the official road stretching to the horizon, feeling somewhat carefree in his heart. Initially, all he wanted was to lead a good life with Chen Yue.

 Chapter 165 Outing_3

    But human desires are always endless."You''ve been in the story all along."


    Chen Mu reached out to pat Chen Yue''s head, then glanced to the side of the official road.


    Chen Yue followed Chen Mu''s gaze and saw seven or eight figures suddenly emerge from a path beside the official road, blocking the carriage''s path.


    The leader, with a fierce look on his face and wielding a steel blade, said, "This mountain is mine; these trees I did plant..."


    "There, the Martial World you wanted."


    Chen Mu smiled at Chen Yue.


    To be walking on the official road in broad daylight without a large number of guards and attendants, and not encountering robbers would have been strange. The disciples from the four sects stationed in Yu County had made the situation slightly better, but in reality, there were still many incidents.


    "Hee hee, then this heroine shall render justice on behalf of heaven."


    Chen Yue blinked her eyes, and with a flick of her small hand, she drew the Soft Sword that she had been sitting on to prevent it from being jolted out of the carriage. With a leap, she descended from the carriage and charged toward the seven or eight bandits ahead.


    "Oh, what a pretty girl."


    The nearest bandit with a blade showed a lascivious smile, but just as he swung his blade, his vision blurred as Chen Yue swept past in front of him. He felt a sharp pain in his throat, followed by a warm gush.


    His eyes widened slightly in shock, and when he touched his throat, his hand came away covered in blood. Then he staggered and fell.


    "This girl is not bad."


    Chen Mu sat on the carriage frame, watching the scene unfold with a faint smile.


    Actually, Chen Yue wasn''t a weakling. Her Body Refinement Realm combined with the Major Achievement in Swordsmanship allowed her to fight against ordinary highwaymen. However, compared to Chen Mu, who already stood at the pinnacle of the entire county, she was not much to consider.


    This should be considered Chen Yue''s first real combat experience. Perhaps because he was by her side, she was very composed, but being able to kill someone with a sword without hesitation showed that, at least in terms of state of mind, she was much stronger than Yu Ru and truly suited for the martial path.


    "Stabbing hand!"


    "Be careful!"


    "Ah, hurry and strike, kill this brat!"


    The bandits, sensing that something was wrong, immediately turned ferocious and evil, surrounding Chen Yue. A multitude of steel blades attacked her from all directions, with the leader shouting fiercely, "Daring to kill my brothers, you''re sick of living! I will let my brothers have a taste of you, and use your flesh for a drink!"


    Filthy language and fierce rebukes came at her, but Chen Yue remained unexpectedly calm. She wielded her Soft Sword to fend off attacks from all directions, retreating while fighting to avoid being completely surrounded. From time to time, she launched counterattacks, wounding or even killing her attackers.


    "Hiss..."


    One of them got his thigh pierced by her sword and stumbled to the ground. After struggling to get up, he glared at Chen Yue with boundless anger but then shifted his gaze to Chen Mu, who was sitting unmovably on the carriage.


    Thinking that the skilled young woman had to be associated with the handsome man, who must be her lover, they concluded that capturing Chen Mu would force Chen Yue to hesitate, allowing them to manipulate her at will.


    With a sneer, he walked toward Chen Mu, who was sitting on the carriage.


    However.


    Just as he approached the carriage, his world spun and in his confusion, he only saw a familiar headless corpse standing there¡ªit was his own.


    Until his death, his eyes carried a hint of confusion about how exactly he had lost his head.


    The bandits dwindled in numbers as they fought. Experience tales with empire


    Soon, only the leader of the villains was left in a one-on-one battle with Chen Yue.


    This man apparently had not practiced the Body Tempering Method, but his physique was robust, his strength considerable, and his Blade Technique was quite sophisticated, mastering the Blade Momentum, which allowed him to rival Chen Yue in the Body Refinement Realm.


    Seeing his brothers fall one by one, either slain by Chen Yue or so gravely wounded they could not rise again, the thick viciousness finally showed in his eyes, boldness born from desperation as he swung his heavy blade fiercely, launching an attack toward Chen Yue.


    That strike was a vicious one that would injure both parties.


    According to the Momentum of the blade and the sword, Chen Yue''s sword would surely pierce his throat, while his strike could at most shatter Chen Yue''s shoulder bone. Chen Yue had the advantage, but in his eyes was a savage resolve, unwavering, determined to trade death for injury.


    Chen Yue also detected this, and a flash of light passed through her eyes, yet she did not shrink back because of it.


    With a "pu-chi,"


    her sword pierced through the bandit''s throat.


    The bandit''s blade came down upon her shoulder, but it was blocked by an invisible Qi Force, unable to cut the slightest bit. Immediately, the entire blade began shattering from the edge, inch by inch, turning into grains of iron slag that scattered down.


    "Uh..."


    Blood spilled from the bandit''s mouth, his eyes widening slightly as if he couldn''t comprehend what had just happened.


    In the end, he fell with an expression full of unwillingness.


    Watching the bandit fall, Chen Yue''s chest heaved intensely a few times, revealing her inner turmoil. She then looked at her shoulder, eyeing the scattered iron slag on the ground, exhaled quietly, and sheathed her Soft Sword before returning to the carriage.


    "Why didn''t you dodge?"


    Chen Mu asked softly as he looked at Chen Yue. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Yue''s face was still a bit pale; she shook her head, "I could win."


    Chen Mu observed Chen Yue''s demeanor, knowing she wasn''t decisive merely because he was there to back her up, but indeed had made her own judgment and choice in that split second of combat, ultimately reaching out to pat her head.


    "For your first time, not bad."


    Although he spent most of his time in Cultivation and didn''t pay much attention to Chen Yue, he was aware of her efforts. Initially, she wanted to help him, but now she didn''t want to become his burden.


    Chen Yue''s mood started to calm, and she smiled, "I want to become as impressive as Sister Hongyu."


    Chen Mu chuckled, "Be bolder, aim to be like Senior Sister Meng."


    "Who is Senior Sister Meng?"


    "Oh, I haven''t talked to you about her, the Mysterious Heavenly Sect''s Lingxuan true transmission, Meng Danyun."


    "A true transmission, isn''t that someone even more formidable than my brother?"


    "Senior Sister Meng indeed leads me by some in Cultivation."


    "That means Brother is a bit more formidable, right?"


    "I still hold a lot of respect for Senior Sister Meng."

 Chapter 166 Acknowledging Relatives

    Upon the wide imperial road.The speed of the carriage gradually slowed, and at the end of the horizon, a city much smaller than Yu City came into view.


    "We''ve arrived so soon."


    Chen Yue stood up in the carriage, a young girl standing tall and graceful, gazing towards the distant An Yu County Government, her large eyes brimming with a hint of reluctant sadness.


    Ever since Chen Mu began practicing the Blade Technique, it had been many years since she had been able to spend a significant amount of time with him. There were times when she wished to talk more with him, but with Xu Hongyu''s visits, she could only gracefully step aside for her future sister-in-law.


    The journey from Yu City to An Yu County Government was by carriage, and though the horses that pulled it carried a trace of a demon beast''s bloodline, making them exceptionally swift even when pulling the carriage, still, the rare opportunity to travel with her brother filled her heart with joy.


    Chen Mu looked at Chen Yue with a smile. Ever since he acquired the Raging Wind Blade Technique and began his practice, he had always been cautious and strategic, never slackening for a moment. This trip with Chen Yue to An Yu was the first time he felt a bit of leisure to appreciate the scenery along the way.


    It was just a pity that He Wuyou did not appear along the way.


    Although he did not have Yu Jiujiang follow him this time, there was a slight ''intention'' on his part. He Wuyou and the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion were probably still wary of Yan Jingqing, worried that he might set a trap, and chose not to fall for it.


    Indeed, he had intended to lure He Wuyou out, to resolve things with him once and for all.


    Since he did not come.


    Then so be it.


    Chen Mu continued to drive the carriage forward and soon arrived outside the An Yu County Government. Dressed in simple commoner''s clothes, he was not stopped or questioned, and entered the city unobstructed.


    ...


    A certain courtyard.


    It was a small yard, with a vegetable patch on one side and a water vat, as well as a firewood stack covered with oil paper on the other - clearly the home of an ordinary family.


    Inside the somewhat dilapidated inner chamber, Liu Rong, with her white hair, lay reclined on a kang bed, her eye sockets sunken, her limbs thin and sallow, and her complexion lacking any rosiness, as she stared blankly at the roof beam.


    "Mother, time for your medicine."


    A man around thirty-five or thirty-six entered, carrying a bowl of medicine carefully to the bedside and helped Liu Rong to drink. Yet, no matter how he tried, he could not make her take the medicine.


    Seeing this, Song Qi, with a somewhat emaciated and numb face, suddenly showed a trace of panic. Putting down the bowl, he said, "Mother, wait a moment. I''ll go cook some ginseng soup for you, I''ll be quick..."


    Several months ago.


    An official from the county government came by and asked Liu Rong some questions. Then, in an unprecedented gesture, he gave their family some silver taels, asking them to take good care of Liu Rong. They were even allowed to collect some silver taels from the county government each month.


    The neighbors found this to be almost inconceivable - those ruthless officials were suddenly providing aid to the poor.


    Of course, Song Qi knew that there must be some other reason the county government''s official was giving them silver. Although he was already quite filial, he became even more attentive to Liu Rong. But come the cold winter months, Liu Rong still fell ill.


    Liu Rong was already over sixty. In these times, for a family mired in poverty, this was considered long-lived. Normally, an old person without ailments would be well, but once sickness struck, most would succumb to their illness.


    "Cough, cough cough..."


    Liu Rong extended a frail hand, grabbing Song Qi, wanting to say something, but she was unable to speak. Attempting to make a larger gesture, she instead triggered a violent cough.


    Seeing this, Song Qi didn''t dare to leave his mother''s side, continually saying, "Mother, don''t rush, take your time."


    While soothing Liu Rong, he called out, "Zhou''er, get some copper coins and buy a bit of ginseng, quick, hurry!"


    Listening to the noise.


    Two children ran into the room, a boy and a girl. The boy was about fourteen or fifteen while the girl looked younger, probably only about eleven or twelve years old. The boy ran outside upon hearing the order, and the girl trotted over to the bed: "Grandma, what''s wrong?"


    "It''s nothing, it''s nothing."


    Song Qi held Liu Rong''s hand, his voice sounding somewhat dry.


    But at that moment,


    the Song Zhou who had just dashed out came running back, saying, "Father, people have come, including some officials."


    Song Qi''s hand was trembling slightly, and on hearing Song Zhou''s words, he jumped up in surprise. Quickly getting to his feet, he said, "Miao''er, look after grandma, I''ll go out and welcome the officials..."


    No sooner had he stepped out of the house.


    He saw some people had already entered the courtyard.


    What first caught Song Qi''s attention was a middle-aged man dressed in a green official''s uniform, wearing an official''s hat, and shod in official boots, followed by a few other officers, including the one who had visited months earlier. Song Qi knew that official was already highly placed in the county government, but the middle-aged man in the lead seemed even more important.


    Yet, what astonished Song Qi even more was that these county government officials all walked not in the center but on either side, not with firm and steady steps, but with slightly bowed bodies bearing the demeanor of careful attendants.


    Leading several officials,


    were a very young man and woman.


    "This commoner bows before the officials," Song Qi said, although he was not clear on the situation. Simply by seeing the queue of officers lined up outside, he knew these arriving officials were no ordinary figures and immediately prepared to kneel and show respect.


    However, before he could kneel, the young woman at the front reached out and held onto him.


    "Are you Song Qi?"


    Chen Yue looked at Song Qi and asked a question.


    On her way here, she had already learned some information from the government officers of the County Government, and if Song Qi''s mother, Liu Rong, was indeed her maternal aunt, then Song Qi would be her cousin, although she wasn''t yet certain.


    Chen Mu glanced at Song Qi but did not speak. Instead, with a thought, he sensed the situation inside the house. After his gaze flashed slightly, he strode directly towards the house.


    Song Zhou and Song Miao, the two children, also ran out, and upon seeing the scene in the courtyard, with all those officials in their uniforms and stern faces, they were scared stiff on the spot.


    Chen Mu''s gaze simply swept over the children and without pausing, he walked straight into the back room.


    From the first glance at Liu Rong, he was almost certain, as all the information in the reports matched, and through his sense of Qi from her aura, he felt a clear connection of bloodlines.


    "You¡­ cough¡­ cough cough¡­"


    Liu Rong, looking at Chen Mu who had walked into the room, showed a hint of confusion. She wanted to ask something but was overtaken by a severe bout of coughing.


    Chen Mu walked over to her, helped Liu Rong up, and a strand of Yuan Gang emerged in his palm. He patted her back twice, barely soothing the chaotic Qi-Blood in her body while he said, "My name is Chen Mu, my mother is called Liu Ping, and many years ago, she was abducted from An Yu County Government and sold to Yu County City."


    Liu Rong''s coughing eased a bit. After hearing Chen Mu''s statement and taking a closer look at him, she instantly felt a vague sense of familiarity and said, with some disbelief, "You, you are Ping''er''s¡­"


    Chen Mu carefully sensed Liu Rong''s physical condition and then sighed inwardly. Liu Rong hadn''t practiced martial arts and, at her age, compounded with catching a cold, was at the end of her tether. If he hadn''t been delayed by so many things and had arrived a few days earlier, maybe he could have done something to help.


    However, she wasn''t Yu Jiujiang; even if she made it through this winter, her days would be numbered.


    Just at that moment.


    Chen Yue also ran in, saw Chen Mu nod to her slightly, and then looked at Liu Rong''s frail and aged appearance, which instantly reminded her of her mother, Liu Ping''s last days. Her eyes reddened, and she couldn''t help crying as she walked over to the bedside.


    This reaction, in turn, made Liu Rong somewhat at a loss, "Child, why are you crying... You, you really do look just like Ping''er when she was young. Could it be that you are also..."


    At these words, Chen Yue started crying even harder, burying her head in her hands and sobbing aloud.


    Chen Mu gave up his place to Chen Yue, stood up, took two steps back, and said to Liu Rong, "She is my sister, Chen Yue. You should talk to her. Actually, I should have met you a few months ago but failed to recognize you at that time."


    Chen Mu, now having reached the Five Viscera Realm, had senses far sharper than ordinary people and possessed a photographic memory; he also recalled clearly every detail from a few months ago, and he remembered that he should have met Liu Rong once before. However, at that time, he did not have the acute perceptive ability he had now.


    Immediately after.


    Chen Mu patted Chen Yue''s back, then stepped out of the room.


    Outside the house, the entire courtyard was silent, whether it was the group of officials inside the courtyard or the large squad of runners outside, each one was too afraid to even breathe aloud.


    Song Qi was also tense and dared not speak, still unclear about what exactly was happening.


    When Chen Mu and Chen Yue had entered the house just now, he had already learned of Chen Mu''s identity from the nearby officials.


    Metropolitan Commander of the Yu County Inspectorate!


    He had no idea how high-ranking this official was, having only heard clerks explain that, not to mention in An Yu County, even in the whole of Yu County, there were few officials who held a rank higher than Chen Mu. It was beyond his imagination that a single word from Chen Mu could even appoint or dismiss a County Magistrate¡ªwhat kind of immensely important figure was that?


    What he found most incredible was that the other party was still so young, looking to be in his twenties.


    Chen Mu walked over slowly, without revealing any hints of his aura, but Song Qi only felt as if the young man before him possessed an indescribable momentum, making it somewhat difficult to breathe, even the numerous magistrates around him were all tense.


    "All of you, step back, go outside, there''s nothing for you here anymore." S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu said faintly to the group of clerks of the County Government.


    The clerks of the County Government were not even sure if Liu Rong was his maternal aunt, but still provided Silver Coin aid. Additionally, they dispatched some officers openly and covertly to patrol the area, to prevent any mishap from befalling Liu Rong and her family, their actions were rather commendable.


    Hearing Chen Mu''s words, the numerous clerks immediately breathed a sigh of relief. They hurriedly bowed in respect to Chen Mu and then carefully withdrew from the courtyard. Soon, only Song Qi and his two children, Song Zhou and Song Miao, were left.


    At that moment.


    Chen Mu finally turned to look at Song Qi and said evenly, "Cousin Song, there''s no need to be nervous. I came here only to recognize my relatives."


    Cousin?


    This address startled Song Qi, nearly making him shiver.


    The young official before him, whose rank reached nearly to the heavens, actually said he came to recognize relatives?


    At this time, Chen Mu walked to the side and looked at Song Zhou and Song Miao, who were somewhat dumbfounded. He reached out and patted Song Miao''s little head and said, "Your mother, Liu Rong, had a sister, who is my mother. By that account, you are indeed my cousin. I have been searching for your family for quite some time. The clerks in An Yu County handled the matter reasonably well.


    After finding you, they didn''t allow your family to suffer any grievances."


    Chen Mu spoke in a very calm tone.


    He had a reasonably good impression of Song Qi''s family, mainly because he learned from the officials of the County Government that Song Qi was a rather filial person. After receiving the Silver Tael from the County Government, he did not squander it but instead treated Liu Rong well with good food and care.


    At this moment, Song Qi was completely stunned. He finally understood why a few months ago, a magistrate had visited their home, very courteously at that, and why they were even able to collect Silver Tael from the County Government¡ªit turned out there was such a branch of relatives in the distant Prefecture City.


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    Even after understanding the situation, he still looked at Chen Mu with fear and trepidation. In these times, official rank held more weight than kinship. Although Chen Mu addressed him as cousin, he did not dare to respond so directly.


    With a status and identity like Chen Mu''s, his willingness to go to the trouble of finding their family in the remote An Yu County was an elevation for them, and not a foundation for Song Qi to take advantage of.


    "Alright, let''s not talk about that for now. Cousin, you and the two young ones should go to the inner room. The elder doesn''t have much time left,"


    Chen Mu withdrew his hand and then sighed, saying to Song Qi.

 Chapter 167 Crisis

    ```"Very well, having you all, Ping''er, even in the underworld, would be comforted."


    Liu Rong''s withered hand held Chen Yue, and from those cloudy, sunken eyes, a few tears emerged, more relief was present than sadness. Although she had never seen her sister again in this lifetime, she had finally met Chen Yue and Chen Mu.


    Her memory was fading, and she often became confused, but at that moment, she was surprisingly clear-headed, recalling the scene from several months before when she saw Chen Mu from a distance. Little did she know that Chen Mu was indeed Liu Ping''s son.


    Beside the bed.


    Song Qi and his children were all gathered there.


    Chen Mu, however, stood at a distance. He didn''t have much reaction to Liu Rong, and even to the Liu Ping of his memories, his feelings were not strong. After all, the person standing here was no longer the same Chen Mu.


    Even for Chen Yue, Chen Mu felt a bond because, during the first few days of illness upon arriving in this world, she had taken care of him busily, plus their subsequent time together, that he came to regard her as his sister.


    Seeking out Liu Rong''s family was more about settling some matters of blood relations.


    But ultimately, he did think of some of his own, more distant memories, only to shake his head in the end.


    He turned and walked out of the room.


    After a while.


    Sounds of overlapping cries came from the room behind him.


    "Brother..."


    Chen Mu stood in the yard, feeling someone hug him from behind. It was Chen Yue, who wrapped her slender arms around him tightly, sobbing in bursts, then suddenly choked up, "Will we end up like this one day?"


    Chen Mu''s mind cleared of distractions, turned around, and gently hugged the frail figure, not answering.


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    Time passed.


    Chen Yue''s emotions gradually improved. She let go of Chen Mu, looked up, then suddenly turned her head and vigorously wiped her eyes and face. She had not cried in front of Chen Mu for a long time; she was supposed to have grown up. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu watched Chen Yue and couldn''t help but smile for a moment. Then he saw Song Qi come out of the house.


    Song Qi''s eyes also showed unrestrained sorrow; he looked at Chen Mu, seemingly wanting to speak but hesitated.


    "Let''s discuss other matters later, and focus on sending the elder off for now."


    Chen Mu stopped Song Qi from speaking and said slowly.


    Although he had arranged it, he did not cause a great fuss; things were still organized according to the usual customs for Liu Rong''s funeral. He did not invite all the government officers from the county government to come and pay respects, only inviting some relatives and friends from Song Qi''s side.


    Relatives who came had heard more or less about Chen Mu''s reputation. When paying respects to Liu Rong, their gazes towards Chen Mu carried a mix of awe and eagerness. Many wanted to establish a connection, but Chen Mu''s response was so indifferent that it intimidated them, and none dared to approach him.


    "I always said the wife that Brother Song Qi married must be someone destined for great fortune, but sadly, she did not enjoy such in her lifetime. Eh, have you heard? That Lord Chen''s rank is so high, even the county head has to bow and greet him."


    "Lord Chen became such a high-ranking official at such a young age, he must be an immortal descending from heaven. I just took a glance earlier and felt so nervous, I didn''t dare to speak."


    Some of the neighbors whispered among themselves.


    Chen Mu could naturally hear these murmurs clearly, but he paid them no mind. At that time, he was more focused on awaiting intelligence from the Inspectorate and the Demon-Slaying Office, paying attention to Xu Hongyu''s situation.


    Once all the funeral rites were completed, Chen Mu finally approached Song Qi.


    "Song cousin, I won''t say much else. The elder is gone, and even though she didn''t ask me for anything in life, I should take care of my niece and nephew. I can arrange for Song cousin to work at the county government. Zhou''er and Miao''er can also train and practice martial arts there.


    If they achieve something in martial arts in the future, they can also continue to develop at the prefectural government."


    Chen Mu briefly mentioned a few things.


    In the past, he might have arranged for Song Zhou and Song Miao to study martial arts in Yu County, but the situation in Yu County is now more complicated and unstable than the county government, making it much safer to stay at the latter.


    He had briefly explored the intrinsic qualities of the two, which were above average, stronger than ordinary people but not as good as Chen Yue. They had a fair chance of advancing to the Tendon Changing Realm, but the probability wasn''t very high. Staying at the county government, even if they achieved the Body Refinement Realm, they could still have a status and prosper for a generation.


    "Alright, alright, we will follow your arrangements."


    Song Qi naturally had no reason to object to Chen Mu''s arrangements, feeling very content at the moment. To work at the county office, even as a low-level official, meant not worrying about food and clothing in the future. Moreover, with the children training at the county office, their prospects would be much broader¡ªthey might even become officials there.


    Chen Mu looked at Song Qi, nodding slightly, approving of his lack of greed. Of course, it could also be due to limited insights and experiences, thinking that this was already a great favor. Nonetheless, he would only let Song Qi start from the bottom at the county office. If Song Qi proved capable of holding an official position, promotion over time wouldn''t be an issue.


    After settling the matters for Song Qi''s family.


    A scout from the Inspectorate soon came quietly to Chen Mu''s side and reported the situation to him.


    "They went to Twin Dragon Mountain?"


    After hearing the scout''s report, Chen Mu showed a brief contemplative expression.


    Xu Hongyu, leading little He and a team from the Demon-Slaying Office, was still pursuing the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect and had reached the vicinity of Twin Dragon Mountain, which is more than a hundred miles from An Yu County''s government. This was rather close.


    ```

 Chapter 167 Crisis_2

    Xu Hongyu was now a prominent figure in the Bone Tempering Realm, and the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect posed little threat to her. Even if there were two or three Golden Corpses, she was no longer powerless to deal with them as before; she could at least retreat calmly. Chen Mu, therefore, wasn''t too worried about her safety.However, since he was already so close by, and since he had nothing else to attend to, he decided it wouldn''t hurt to go take a look.


    "Yue''er, I''m going to step out for a bit. You just stay here in the County Government," he said.


    Chen Mu then called Chen Yue over and gave her those instructions.


    Chen Yue was spending time with Song Miao and had brought her along as well. Although she was only eight years older than Song Miao, she was a whole generation ahead. Seeing the two girls holding hands as they came over, Chen Mu thought of Chen Yue and Yu Ru and couldn''t help but secretly hope that this girl wouldn''t turn out that way.


    But then he immediately laughed at himself for such a bizarre thought.


    After instructing Chen Yue, Chen Mu quietly left An Yu County, heading in the direction of Twin Dragon Mountain.


    ...


    Twin Dragon Mountain.


    Though called a mountain, it actually refers to a medium-sized mountain range. The mountain range is shaped somewhat like two intersecting flood dragons, hence its name. The mountains are evergreen, teeming with resources, and are surrounded by several villages that rely on the mountain for their livelihood.


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    In a forest within the range, Xu Hongyu, dressed in the official uniform of the Deputy Governor of the Demon-Slaying Office, led two White-Clothed Guards and a group of Green-Clothed Guards through the woods.


    Perched on the shoulder of one of the White-Clothed Guards was a small creature that resembled a squirrel. The little beast would occasionally move its nose to sniff the air, then paw at its surroundings with its tiny claws, discerning the direction within the forest.


    "Miss, after we handle this one, we should almost be ready to head back, right?"


    Lily, who was closely following Xu Hongyu, quietly spoke up to her side.


    On this trip, Xu Hongyu had achieved remarkable battle honors. First, in the Purple Mist Mountains region, she had slain several of the Heavenly Corpse Sect''s remnants, killed a large number of Silver Corpses, and also coordinated with others to eliminate several Golden Corpses.


    Then, based on intelligence and dispatch orders, she pursued remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect far and wide, trailing them to An Yu County, where three had been discovered and exterminated by Xu Hongyu''s team, with the current target being the fourth.


    Of course.


    Lily was not calculating Xu Hongyu''s military achievements for this expedition, but rather, she was considering that her young lady''s wedding was set for the beginning of spring, not much time remained, and by finishing this task and returning to Yu City, the timing would be just perfect.


    "Yes, it is about time," Xu Hongyu replied, her expression still cool. She put so much effort into hunting down remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect mainly to find clues about her father Xu Yichuan''s disappearance. But so far, she hadn''t obtained any leads.


    From what she had learned, the Heavenly Corpse Sect''s remnants had been hiding in Yu County for nearly a century, and many of the disappearances in the region were connected to them. Although she was reluctant to consider it, it was something she was determined to investigate to the end.


    "My lord, we''re close now," one of the White-Clothed Guards said, stepping forward a few paces and speaking in a low voice to Xu Hongyu, as the squirrel-like creature on his shoulder grew agitated and rubbed its paws restlessly.


    At this point, there was no need for a reminder from the White-Clothed Guard, as everyone had become alert. They could faintly detect an odor of corpse decay¡ªtracking the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect usually involved following such scents. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A little farther ahead.


    Xu Hongyu suddenly stopped in her tracks, raised her hand, and the Soft Sword fell into her grasp, her clear, cool gaze sweeping the surroundings as she said, "Come out, there''s no need to hide anymore."


    Following Xu Hongyu''s words, a hoarse voice came from within the forest.


    "Hey, why is it a woman who has come?"


    Immediately afterward.


    A gaunt, shriveled short figure stepped out from the shadows of the bushes in the distance. Even though it was broad daylight and they were far apart, one could see clearly that it was an old man with grizzled hair.


    His sunken eyes held a pair of pitch-black, eerie pupils that swept over Lily and the others, eventually resting on Xu Hongyu. He seemed somewhat disappointed and sighed, "The Deputy Governor of the Demon-Slaying Office, eh? Then you must be in the Bone Tempering Realm. Not bad at all, but a woman... How am I supposed to use a woman for Corpse Refinement?"


    The practice of Corpse Refinement inherently belongs to the Extreme Yin Nature. Although it''s not impossible to refine a female corpse, the success rate is much lower than for male corpses, and the quality and strength of the resulting product often fall short of what can be achieved with males of the same level.


    As these words were spoken.


    The two White-Clothed Guards following Xu Hongyu both showed angry expressions, and one of them immediately scoffed, "On the brink of death and you still speak so brazenly. You remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect hide every day in the Land of Yin Sha¡ªyou must have addled your brains by now."


    Upon hearing the White-Clothed Guard''s words, the old man replied somberly, "Had I not deliberately let out some of my scent, how would you have found this place? Since I made you find me on purpose, haven''t you realized who the real prey is?"


    As the voice fell,


    the soil in the forest suddenly churned, accompanied by a tremor of the earth.


    In a flash, more than twenty Silver Corpses burst from the ground, completely surrounding the group, among them mingled two Golden Corpses with resplendent golden skin and thick corpse energy, terrifying in their momentum!


    "Golden Corpses..."


    Xu Hongyu''s gaze slightly hardened, but she was not afraid.


    She was no longer the person she had been, who had almost despaired when facing a Golden Corpse. Although Golden Corpses were not easy to handle, it was now broad daylight, which was when the refined corpses were at their weakest.


    Whoosh!


    Xu Hongyu didn''t hesitate for long, immediately drawing her sword and striking at the two Golden Corpses.


    Following Xu Hongyu''s lead, Xiao He, along with many others from the Demon-Slaying Office, also took action, attacking the numerous Silver Corpses nearby, and the battle immediately became intense.


    The forces from the Demon-Slaying Office, facing more than twenty Silver Corpses, didn''t fall behind in the slightest in the fierce battle. Xiao He, fighting a Silver Corpse alone, surprisingly gained a slight upper hand. Although she had not yet reached the Tendon Changing Major Achievement, she always chose to hunt the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect during the day.


    The dense forest blocked much of the sunlight, but as the trees fell during the fight, the scorching sun directly beamed down, greatly limiting the corpse energy of the Silver Corpses.


    Meanwhile,


    Xu Hongyu, with her own strength, managed to fight against the two Golden Corpses almost effortlessly.


    If it had been night, she could barely fight one Golden Corpse, and against two, she would have to flee. But during the day, she feared nothing. Even the Golden Corpses, under the sun''s limitation, would have significantly reduced strength and speed.


    "This will work."


    Xu Hongyu assessed the situation.


    Although she was fighting two against one and couldn''t take down the Golden Corpses, merely entangling with them, Xiao He and the others were gaining the upper hand. It wouldn''t be long before they would kill all the Silver Corpses.


    After that, whether they came to support her or directly attack the corpse controller''s body, the situation would tilt in their favor. They held an absolute advantage!


    However,


    just at that moment,


    the elder from the Heavenly Corpse Sect watching the situation on the field shook his head, narrowed his eyes towards the sun hanging high in the sky, and said, "You really chose a good time, taking advantage of the day. My Golden and Silver Corpses are more suppressed than I expected... Unfortunately, I don''t really want to use ''that''."


    As the voice fell,


    an invisible energy suddenly spread from the elder''s body.


    Xu Hongyu, with her acute senses, noticed something wrong and quickly warned,


    "Be careful!"


    However, the opponent''s move was more fierce and vicious than she had expected. A shadow emerged from deep underground, shrouded in a strange black mist, moving with terrifying speed, far surpassing a Golden Corpse.


    The entire figure appeared behind a White-Clothed Guard in just a blur,


    The White-Clothed Guard froze on the spot, his eyes slightly widening, with a large chunk of flesh visibly missing from his left waist and abdomen!


    More horrifying was that the exposed flesh and organs at the wound were not of a normal color, but appeared completely rotten, exuding an awful stench.


    This sudden attack shocked everyone present.


    That White-Clothed Guard was a Tendon Changing Perfection level fighter, second in strength only to Xu Hongyu, especially during the midday when even facing a Golden Corpse alone wouldn''t lead to an instant kill.


    The shadow, enveloped in strange black mist, was clearly more powerful than a Golden Corpse. They had experienced a large-scale melee with the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect in the Purple Mist Mountains before and were no strangers to such shadows; they knew exactly what it was.


    "An Evil Corpse!"


    Someone spoke with a trembling voice, turning pale.

 Chapter 168 Whats wrong with you guys?

    Gold, Silver, Copper, Iron,Heaven, Earth, Profound, Evil!


    The so-called Evil Corpse is an existence that surpasses the Golden Corpse. The refinement process also differs from the four types of Corpse Training: Gold, Silver, Copper, and Iron. It cannot be refined from purely dead corpses but must be somewhere between life and death, gathering Evil Qi within the body and taking years or even a decade to refine.


    It possesses not only immense strength and extreme speed but also a hint of the liveliness of a living person, unlike the rigid Corpse Puppets of the Golden and Silver Corpses. It can even harness the Evil Qi from Earth''s Veins to rival the Yuan Gang True Essence of the Five Viscera Realm!


    If it were just Golden and Silver Corpses, no matter how many, this squad wouldn''t fear them; they could simply retreat first. At noon, the movements of the Golden and Silver Corpses are very sluggish, and it would be difficult for them to catch up with them.


    But the Evil Corpse is different!


    This is a Corpse Training that can be compared to the existence of the Five Viscera Realm, completely a different concept from the Golden and Silver Corpses!


    "Not good."


    Xu Hongyu''s eyes flashed with a dangerous expression, and she made a decisive decision. Suddenly flipping over, she swung out a sword light and collided with two Golden Corpses, then no longer tangled with them but directly abandoned the Golden Corpses and rushed towards the old man from the Heavenly Corpse Sect! S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The opponent actually possessed an Evil Corpse; continuing the fight would leave no chance of victory. The only option was to abandon the Golden Corpses, attempt to assassinate their true form, giving her a slight chance of winning, otherwise even fleeing would be difficult!


    However,


    facing Xu Hongyu''s incoming sword, that sword light enveloped with triple Sword Momentum.


    Lai Long simply raised his left arm with composure, showing his withered hand similar to a chicken''s claw. He joined two fingers together as a sword, and with a flick and a leap in the air, collided with the sword light, forcibly shattering it and clamping onto the sword blade.


    "Although I can refine an Evil Corpse, I have also been tempered by Evil Qi. If you had mastered Artistic Conception, perhaps you could pose a threat to me. But with just these skills, you are still far from able to kill me."


    Lai Long spoke indifferently.


    Xu Hongyu, facing danger, did not lose her composure nor respond verbally. With a flick of her wrist, her Soft Sword escaped from Lai Long''s two withered fingers. Then, with a swing and a spread, it transformed into countless sword lights, like innumerable raindrops.


    These raindrops converged in the air again toward one place, forming a torrential river surging downward, directly slashing towards Lai Long''s head.


    "Useless."


    Lai Long still looked calm, his other hand, previously kept behind his back, stretched out now. Both hands continuously crisscrossed in the air, colliding with the oncoming sword lights, releasing a series of clanging sounds like metal on metal. His withered palms seemed even more durable than metal, showing no damage whatsoever during the collisions.


    While the fierce battle between Xu Hongyu and Lai Long raged, the situation on the other side took a dire turn.


    The Evil Corpse, shrouded in a shroud of black mist, lunged and charged again, surpassing a Green-Clothed Guard of the Demon-Slaying Office. This time it was even more brutal and horrifying, as it literally passed right through the chest of the Green-Clothed Guard!


    The guard was clearly wearing a plate of inner armor, but it was to no avail, as the inner armor was penetrated completely, even showing signs of corrosion. The area between the guard''s chest and stomach was utterly hollowed out.


    Thud.


    His eyes still retained a look of shock, but his life had faded away completely, and his body thudded to the ground.


    "This is bad."


    Xiao He saw this scene out of the corner of her eye, and her heart also sank quickly.


    Although the Evil Corpse was powerful, it was also difficult to completely conceal its aura in front of a master of the Five Viscera Realm. Thus, in the battle at Purple Mist Mountains, most of the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect that fled scarcely controlled an Evil Corpse. Explore more at empire


    Most of the Evil Corpses had been destroyed in the battle of the Purple Mist Mountains, but unexpectedly, they encountered another here. With their numbers, they simply couldn''t withstand the power of the Evil Corpse!


    Swish!


    At that moment, Xiao He also steeled her heart, regardless of the consequences, and clashed with a Silver Corpse, risking being shaken by the Silver Corpse, but she also abandoned this Silver Corpse and rushed towards Lai Long of the Heavenly Corpse Sect. She too understood that only by killing Lai Long would they have the only chance of victory.


    "Hmph."


    However, Lai Long, faced with Xiao He''s strike, merely snorted lightly. He didn''t even bother to respond specifically, casually flicking with those withered fingers and forcibly turning Xiao He''s Soft Sword into a curved arc, forcing it to pause in mid-air.


    As Xu Hongyu from the Bone Tempering Realm posed a slight threat to him, Xiao He, who only reached Tendon Changing Minor Achievement, posed no threat at all. Besides vital spots, he allowed Xiao He''s attacks to hit anywhere else without care.


    Ding Ding Dong Dong!!


    Xu Hongyu and Xiao He attacked Lai Long together, their sword lights flying up and down like raindrops, but Lai Long blocked each one.


    Even without calling the two Golden Corpses to protect himself, he maintained an indifferent expression, trading blows with Xu Hongyu and Xiao He, allowing the two Golden Corpses to join the other side of the battlefield, swiftly slaughtering the forces of the Demon-Slaying Office.


    Originally, they were unable to cope with a single Evil Corpse; now with two more Golden Corpses, it was almost a momentary total collapse. Wherever the Evil Corpse went, a life was taken in the blink of an eye, with no one even able to resist momentarily.


    "Now, it''s your turn."


    As Lai Long saw the last person die in the distance, he turned his gaze towards Xu Hongyu and Xiao He, speaking coldly.


    Immediately,


    Xiao He and Xu Hongyu simultaneously felt a strong sense of crisis rise in their hearts.


    Without even needing to look back, they knew it was the Evil Corpse charging from behind. With power comparable to the Five Viscera Realm, even if it was weakened a lot in the midday sun, it was still enough to kill an ordinary Bone Tempering in one strike!

 Chapter 168 What happened to you?_2

    At this instant,Xu Hongyu felt as though time itself had slowed down. A myriad of figures flashed through her mind: her father Xu Yichuan, her companion Little Lotus, her sister Yu Ru, and most prominently, the gentle visage of Chen Mu.


    She had not yet found Xu Yichuan''s whereabouts,


    nor had she returned to Yu City.


    She could not die here...


    In the past, Xu Hongyu had also faced life-and-death situations, but none had sharpened her senses as sharply as this moment, an unprecedented calmness enveloped her. The scene that arose in her mind was the one where Chen Mu and she had walked along the parched riverbank after the drought ended, witnessing a stream of water meandering along the cracked riverbed.


    The words that echoed in her ears were Chen Mu''s, "The highest goodness is like water. Water benefits all things without contention. It stays in places people disdain.


    Thus it is nearly in harmony with the Dao." In an instant, her mind became transparent and clear, all of her killing intent and sharpness dissipated, withdrawing all subjective desires, still as it was, like a winding stream flowing down, complying with nature.


    Whoosh!


    A drop of water emerged from the tip of Xu Hongyu''s sword. This was no longer an afterimage reflected by the sword light, but an actual droplet of clarity formed by the condensed Power of Heaven and Earth, tracing a meandering arc alongside her sword''s edge.


    Lai Long''s expression subtly changed.


    Faced with Xu Hongyu''s sword strike, he did not attempt to block it with his fingertips. Instead, his whole body immediately retreated, falling back several zhang to avoid Xu Hongyu''s sword edge.


    Xu Hongyu''s sword did not stop, flowing like a stream and stretching on, it repelled Lai Long and then curved towards her rear, colliding with the outstretched pitch-black hand of the Evil Corpse cloaked in black mist coming from behind.


    "This is..."


    At that moment, Little Lotus stood beside Xu Hongyu, witnessing the entire scene with astonishment shining in her beautiful eyes. There could be no mistake, this must be the Artistic Conception, the Kan Water Artistic Conception!


    But her joy lasted only for a moment and was abruptly halted.


    Even at the brink of death, combining all of her experiences and epiphanies, and inspired by Chen Mu''s direct reference to the true nature of Kan Water, a flash of insight had allowed her to cross that boundary and step into the threshold of the Kan Water Artistic Conception for the first time. Yet, the power she exerted now was still far from sufficient to counter the strength of the Evil Corpse.


    Crack!!


    The winding stream was brutally crushed by the surging Evil Qi in black mist; the black hand wrapped in that Evil Qi simply shattered Xu Hongyu''s Soft Sword bit by bit.


    In the end, Xu Hongyu was sent flying to the right from the impact, colliding with Little Lotus, and the two flew more than ten zhang to the right together, crashing into a towering ancient tree, finally coming to a stop.


    "Cough."


    "Hmm..."


    Blood trickled from the corner of Xu Hongyu''s mouth, and Little Lotus too had blood seeping from hers.


    From afar, Lai Long watched the scene, slightly shaking his head, "Your natural endowment and perception aren''t bad, able to sense the Kan Water Artistic Conception in a life-or-death situation. However, it''s a pity that your cultivation is lacking, barely reaching Minor Achievement in Bone Tempering.


    If only you were at the realm of Perfection, at this time of high noon, perhaps you might really be able to withstand my Evil Corpse to some extent."


    There was a slight tone of regret in his voice.


    Xu Hongyu had promising perception and had even mastered the Kan Water Artistic Conception; it was a pity she was a woman, otherwise she could at least refine a new Golden Corpse or even have a slim chance of trying to refine another Evil Corpse.


    A flicker of regret passed through Lai Long''s eyes, and then he controlled his Evil Corpse to advance towards Xu Hongyu and Little Lotus. Experience exclusive tales on empire


    At this moment,


    After being exposed and illuminated by the sunlight, much of the black mist and Evil Qi surrounding the Evil Corpse had dissipated, and combined with the collision with Xu Hongyu just now, the true appearance of the Evil Corpse was faintly revealed.


    Beneath the ancient tree, originally helping Xu Hongyu to her feet, Little Lotus suddenly froze. Xu Hongyu herself was shocked into stillness, unmoving as she watched the approaching Evil Corpse.


    Even under the covering of grey mist,


    Even with pupils pitch-black,


    One could still vaguely see that in life he must have been a very handsome man, with sharp brows and starry eyes, dignified and commanding.


    Even though the face had changed a lot from the invasion of Evil Qi, for Xu Hongyu, no matter how much it changed, she could still recognize it at a glance. She stood there, stunned, the broken Soft Sword in her hand silently falling to the ground.


    Swish!


    The Evil Corpse had no expression on its face, and its large hand, wrapped in pitch-black Evil Qi, suddenly reached out, about to pierce through Xu Hongyu''s body.


    A drop of crimson blood silently fell from the corner of Xu Hongyu''s mouth as she looked at the face that was extremely close to her, her eyes filling with a flurry of emotions for a moment before she barely formed a shape with her lips.


    Pat.


    The drop of blood falling from Xu Hongyu''s mouth quietly landed on the Evil Qi wrapped around the dark hand, immediately corroded and degraded by the Evil Qi, making a sizzling sound.


    But in that moment, the black hand wrapped in Evil Qi slowed down noticeably, and eventually came to a halt right in front of Xu Hongyu''s chest.


    Then.


    The entire body began to tremble uncontrollably, and its movements became erratic.


    "Huh?"


    Lai Long seemed to have discovered something astonishing, watching this scene intently as his gaze moved back and forth between Xu Hongyu and the Evil Corpse. He soon recalled a distant memory and said, "This Evil Corpse, in life its name was Xu something... Could you be his direct blood relative?"


    "Even if you are his blood relative, even if the Evil Corpse still retains a trace of its living spirituality, to be able to nearly resist my control like this... good, good, such strong spirituality, I might have somewhat underestimated it earlier.


    Having such spirituality after turning into the Evil Corpse, in the future, it even has the potential to gather Evil Qi and turn into a Mysterious Corpse."


    A look of pleasant surprise slowly appeared on Lai Long''s face.


    Xu Hongyu was also staring at the scene in shock, watching the Evil Corpse in front of her as if struggling against something, the large hand pressing against her body trembling continuously, eventually poking forward, but moving very slowly.


    "Miss!"


    Xiaohe, witnessing the scene, suddenly reacted, yanking Xu Hongyu forcefully, causing Xu Hongyu to stumble, but they evaded the slow strike.


    The black hand wrapped in Evil Qi stabbed straight into the ancient tree, causing the massive tree to wither rapidly at a visible rate.


    Crack.


    The Evil Corpse struggled to pull its hand out of the tree and swung at Xu Hongyu again, but still incredibly slowly.


    "Miss, go, go!"


    By this time, Xiaohe had completely reacted, pulling the still dazed Xu Hongyu and fleeing into the distance. The Evil Corpse took a few difficult steps forward, twitched on the spot, and ultimately couldn''t catch up.


    Lai Long didn''t bother watching Xu Hongyu and Xiaohe as they fled. His gaze filled with surprise lingered on the Evil Corpse, stepping closer as he circled around it, muttering incessantly.


    ...


    A few hundred meters away.


    Xu Hongyu, dragged by Xiaohe for several hundred meters, finally started moving of her own accord, matching Xiaohe''s pace, and the two of them fled into the distance together. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing this, Xiaohe''s heart settled slightly, though when she glanced at Xu Hongyu''s condition, she felt waves of heartache but knew that this was not the time to embrace her young mistress for comfort. They needed to escape quickly to a safe place.


    Although.


    Although she had long anticipated that this might be the result, when the outcome was laid out before her eyes, even her heart found it hard to bear, let alone her young mistress.


    Xiaohe bit her lip, following closely beside Xu Hongyu, unsure of what to say at that moment, her thoughts suddenly turning to Chen Mu, wondering what he would say if he were here.


    But just as she harbored that thought, that incredibly familiar voice, as if in a dream, rang in her and Xu Hongyu''s ears.


    "What''s happening to you..."


    Xiaohe''s pace suddenly halted, and Xu Hongyu stopped alongside her.


    They both looked ahead, only to see Chen Mu dressed in a simple gray commoner''s clothing, walking step by step toward them. Strands of sunlight filtered through the gaps in the leaves from behind him, casting a not so long shadow amidst the forest.


    "...What''s wrong?"


    Chen Mu looked at them.

 Chapter 169 Overwhelming

    "So that''s how it is."After listening to Xiao He''s narration, Chen Mu let out a light sigh and gently caressed Xu Hongyu''s blue-black hair.


    Xu Hongyu was not truly cold and indifferent. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say that in this world, there were no absolutely indifferent people, even those who cultivated ''indifference''-type Artistic Conceptions were merely on the path towards it.


    Xu Hongyu had simply suppressed all her emotions since she was very young, and over time, this had formed a layer of frosty ice. However, there were still those in the world who could easily breach this layer of ice, such as her father, Xu Yichuan. Even when she had anticipated it, she still hoped for the ''what if''¡ªwhat if her father were still alive.


    To witness Xu Yichuan turn into a Corpse Refinement with her own eyes S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    What surged within her was an indescribable sorrow.


    This also completely unraveled the old mystery that it was the He Family that had plotted and schemed, delivering information about Xu Yichuan to the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, laying an ambush. In the end, this led to Xu Yichuan''s disappearance without leaving any trace behind.


    Chen Mu gently patted Xu Hongyu''s back. He knew that at such a time, no amount of comforting words would be of use. All he needed to do was to share in her grief, but he had something more important to do than grieving.


    "Let''s go."


    Chen Mu set his sights towards the direction from which Xiao He and Xu Hongyu had fled and said, "The He Family no longer exists, only the Heavenly Corpse Sect remains. Let''s go put an end to all of this."


    Xu Hongyu slightly lifted her head to look at Chen Mu. She wasn''t crying, but a visible mist of water surrounded her, a result of the undulating Kan Water Artistic Conception as her emotions swayed, leaving her at a loss for words.


    Upon hearing this, Xiao He bit her lip and said, "But that person controls the Evil Corpse, and there might be a second one. Moreover, it''s already past midday, and even in broad daylight..."


    She knew Chen Mu was very strong, much stronger than Xu Hongyu. He had entered the Bone Tempering Realm several months earlier, but the Evil Corpse was after all comparable to the Five Viscera Realm''s Corpse Refinement. Even in broad daylight subjected to the suppressive force of the time, it remained terribly formidable.


    "What would the night change?" Chen Mu quietly responded, "The remnant scoundrels of the Heavenly Corpse Sect are nothing but rats. Let''s go."


    This statement left Xiao He slightly startled; she knew Chen Mu was a cautious man who seldom took risks. Even now, despite being angered on behalf of Xu Hongyu, he was unlikely to lose his reason, yet he still possessed such confidence to face the Evil Corpses of the Heavenly Corpse Sect.


    A glint suddenly flashed in Xiao He''s eyes as she looked at Chen Mu:


    "Master-in-law, have you already... ?"


    She knew Chen Mu had been comprehending Artistic Conceptions for a long time, and his aptitude for them was peerless. Now, facing an Evil Corpse comparable to the Five Viscera Realm, if he still had such confidence, it must mean he had made a breakthrough in Artistic Conceptions, entering the second step!


    By stepping into the second phase of Artistic Conceptions, one would have the strength to match that of the Five Viscera Realm and also face off against the Evil Corpses!


    At this moment, Xu Hongyu too stared blankly at Chen Mu, watching as he walked towards the woods. She felt dazed for a moment but still took Xiao He''s hand as they both headed into the forest together.


    ...


    In the woods.


    Under a towering ancient tree.


    Xu Yichuan, who had become an Evil Corpse, was buried in the ground with only his head exposed above the surface, while Lai Long circled around his body with a skull-like sphere in his left hand.


    Every now and then, he jolted the skull-like sphere, causing drops of fresh blood to flow out and drip down onto the top of the Evil Corpse''s head, gradually seeping in.


    Around Xu Yichuan''s buried body, with him as the center, a sinister pattern was drawn using fresh red blood. At several points of the pattern, chunks of brown corpse meat were placed, emitting waves of Evil Qi that coalesced and intertwined, flowing from the ground into the body and continuously infusing Xu Yichuan with it.


    To refine a Mysterious Corpse was no task accomplished in a single day. Lai Long naturally wasn''t cultivating a corpse at the moment. What he was doing was using Evil Qi and his Essence Blood to strengthen his suppression and control over Xu Yichuan''s Corpse Refinement, to prevent the Corpse''s resurgent Spirituality from resisting control as it had before.


    As for Xu Hongyu and Xiao He who had escaped,


    he didn''t care too much about them.


    By the time Xu Hongyu and Xiao He returned with the experts of Yu County, he would have long since been gone from this place.


    Leaving Xu Hongyu and Xiao He behind might provide an opportunity in the future to further stimulate the spiritual activity of Xu Yichuan''s Corpse Refinement. Besides, a woman in the Tendon Changing Realm and another in the Bone Tempering Realm were hardly worth killing, and they would be difficult to turn into Corpse Refinements if killed.


    However,


    just as Lai Long continued his incantations, dripping the eerie blood onto Xu Yichuan''s skull for it to absorb, his motions suddenly paused. A look of confusion crossed his face as he glanced towards the nearby thicket.


    But after a careful sensation, he detected no abnormalities, and narrowing his eyes, he called out, "I let you off with your lives, and you rush to deliver yourselves to death?"


    Then,


    he saw Xu Hongyu and Xiao He emerge from the woods, both staring coldly at him.


    Lai Long snorted lightly, and with a flick of his hand, the Evil Corpse of Xu Yichuan buried in the earth burst forth. The Evil Qi that had previously dissipated under the sunlight was now replenished, once again shrouding the features in darkness, making it unclear to see.


    "Do you really think this Evil Corpse still has Spirituality, will not heed my commands, and that you can kill me with this flaw? You little girls are far too na?ve!"


    The Evil Corpse''s resistance against him was not solely because of its strong Spirituality but mainly due to fighting under the scorching midday sun when much of its Evil Qi had dissipated, causing it to be greatly influenced.

 Chapter 169 Crushing_2

    If it were night, no matter how strong their spirituality was, they wouldn''t be able to resist his control.Let alone now.


    He had strengthened his control with essence blood, so even the bright daylight wouldn''t pose a problem.


    "Very well, since you''re so eager to court death, I''ll send you on your way."


    Lai Long''s gaze toward Xu Hongyu and Xiao He revealed a hint of indifference. He indeed didn''t have such a strong intent to kill Xu Hongyu and Xiao He, but since they insisted on showing up, there was no need to let them go.


    The moment his thought occurred.


    Whoosh!


    The Evil Corpse that Xu Yichuan had transformed into charged at Xu Hongyu and Xiao He amidst the enveloping black fog, turning into a shadowy figure. It swung its pitch-black hand, and this time, without any awkwardness or obstruction, it was about to end the two women''s lives with a palm strike.


    But just then, a sigh was heard.


    Chen Mu''s figure appeared silently in front of the Evil Corpse Xu Yichuan had become. He reached down with his hand, and a gust of wind, almost visible to the naked eye, howled as it violently scattered the Evil Qi wrapping around Xu Yichuan. With a gentle palm strike on its shoulder, Chen Mu forced the entire being into the soil, leaving only half of its head exposed,


    Upon receiving this blow, Xu Yichuan''s Evil Corpse vibrated violently, causing the ground to churn and revealing its fierce and dreadful countenance once more. In the next moment, it was prepared to burst forth from the ground again.


    Experience new tales on empire


    But.


    Chen Mu only shook his head.


    "Father-in-law, excuse me."


    He struck down with another palm, and almost instantly, streaks of lightning spread from his five fingers, converging into a visible bolt of thunder. Accompanied by the majesty of upright and just power, it struck down with a resounding crash.


    Boom!!!


    All the gathered Evil Qi was utterly dispersed and exploded under the force of the thunderbolt. The terrifying power spread nearly ten feet in all directions along the ground, creating a visible purple thunderstorm that blasted a deep pit!


    With this blow, the refined corpse of Xu Yichuan was blasted from the pit, and its body trembled severely. The Evil Qi was completely shattered, and after being exposed to sunlight, it no longer moved.


    "Five Viscera Realm!"


    Lai Long''s pupils constricted violently the moment Chen Mu appeared, and then he let out a strange cry, turning around to flee without any hesitation.


    To an ordinary person, this might have been a mistaken understanding, but Lai Long was no ordinary individual. In the split second Chen Mu appeared and struck, Lai Long recognized the Yuan Gang True Essence Chen Mu had revealed¡ªa definite technique of the Five Viscera Realm!


    Moreover, what was even more terrifying was the fierce wind that dispersed the Evil Qi from the Evil Corpse, as well as the subsequent purple thunderbolt. These were no common techniques, and Lai Long could distinctly sense that they were influences of Artistic Conception, and not just at the initial level!


    What kind of monster had appeared!


    Lai Long screamed inwardly.


    Appearing as young as Xu Hongyu but already displaying the Yuan Gang True Essence of the Five Viscera Realm, and with such effortless control over Artistic Conception. One strike to disperse the Evil Corpse''s Evil Qi and another thunderbolt to completely shatter its evil core. Such power did not even obliterate the Evil Corpse but nearly left the body intact¡ªhow terrifying. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    No wonder Xu Hongyu and Xiao He returned suddenly!


    "Hmph."


    After using the force of thunder to completely scatter the nefarious influence from Xu Yichuan, Chen Mu''s gaze fell on the fleeing Lai Long. With just a light snort, he stepped forward and gave chase immediately.


    Lai Long bit the tip of his tongue, spraying fresh blood onto the skull round bead in his palm. Instantly, the round bead flared brightly, and then the earth in front of Chen Mu exploded abruptly. Two tall Evil Corpses, wrapped in pitch-black Evil Qi, suddenly emerged and blocked Chen Mu''s way.


    It was another two Evil Corpses!


    Xiao He watched the scene from a distance, feeling somewhat shocked for a moment. She had guessed that Lai Long might control more than one Evil Corpse, but she never anticipated as many as three, and the Evil Qi in the latter two seemed even denser.


    It wasn''t that these two were stronger than Xu Yichuan''s Evil Corpse; it was because Xu Yichuan had been exposed to the strong midday sun and dissipated much of his Evil Qi, which had yet to fully recover. In contrast, the two Evil Corpses buried deep underground were in their prime.


    However,


    confronted with two new Evil Corpses, Chen Mu didn''t even glance at them, but directly raised his hand and slammed it down.


    In his palm erupted a robust Yuan Gang True Essence, which transformed into ''Wind'', ''Thunder'', and ''Fire'', three distinct types of Yuan Gang in the void all at once, then merged back into one, condensing into a massive hand engulfed in raging fire and entwined with thunderbolts, striking down with formidable might and rolling directly over the two Evil Corpses.


    Bang! Bang!!


    The two Evil Corpses barely resisted for a breath before the Evil Qi on their bodies burst open one after another, and then their entire bodies exploded into pieces, burning quickly in the rampant flames and dissipating into wisps of black air.


    One palm strike eliminating two Evil Corpses!


    "This..."


    Little Lotus was completely stunned by this scene.


    She had followed Xu Hongyu in the Purple Mist Mountains before, participating in large-scale battles involving hundreds of people, and had witnessed the might of the Evil Corpses that certainly could entangle someone of the Five Viscera Realm for a while; even among the True Disciples of the Sects, there were very few who could kill an Evil Corpse with a single strike, but in front of Chen Mu, they were fragile like glass!


    Although it was during daytime, with the scorching sun shining down, it was no longer noon, and the suppression of the Evil Qi by the fierce sun wasn''t as strong. Thus, being able to obliterate two Evil Corpses in one strike was still astonishing.


    She originally thought that Chen Mu might have made a breakthrough in one of the Artistic Conceptions of Xun Wind or Thunderbolt, stepping into the second Realm and gaining the strength to contend with the Five Viscera Realm, but what she saw now was more than just contending with the Five Viscera Realm.


    Even compared to the True Disciples like Gu Hong from the Heavenly Sword Sect she had seen in the battles at Purple Mist Mountain, he seemed to be not just a notch above!


    Chen Mu seemed unwilling to delay any further,


    nor did he want any accidents to occur.


    As he obliterated the two Evil Corpses with one palm, he didn''t even stop in place but directly chased after Lai Long, with the two Evil Corpses being reduced to ashes by the overwhelming sea of fire and the thunderbolts behind him.


    He took just one step and caught up with the withered and lean figure of Lai Long.


    "There''s actually Separating Fire, damn it!"


    "Who are you?!"


    Lai Long''s eyes showed disbelief, mixed with shock. Chen Mu''s strength was definitely that of a True Disciple from a Great Sect, and he could even rank near the top among them.


    Chen Mu did not reply to Lai Long''s question but simply reached out indifferently toward his neck.


    With a fierce look flashing in his eyes, Lai Long gritted his teeth and, exerting force with his five fingers, suddenly crushed the skull-shaped Round Bead in his hand, resulting in an explosion of dense blood fog, which covered him completely.


    His shriveled limbs and body rapidly filled up at a speed visible to the naked eye. He then suddenly turned around and threw a punch at Chen Mu, emitting a thick, pitch-black Evil Qi that formed a visible fist seal.


    "Corpse Fiend Seal!"


    He let out a roar.


    Chen Mu expressionless, his right hand continued its motion, but in mid-air, he clenched his fingers into a fist, colliding directly with that dense and solidified Corpse Fiend Fist Imprint hurled by Lai Long.


    Boom!!!


    Thunder roared, and fire raged.


    Corpse Fiend is a kind of Supreme Yin Qi, almost able to erode and pollute many types of Yuan Gang. However, both Thunderbolt and Separating Fire were the absolute bane of it, the former suppresses all evil and the latter inherently belongs to the utmost Yang and intensity.


    That solidified Corpse Fiend Fist Seal first shattered into pieces under the strike of the thunderbolt, resulting in a cloud of black fog. As it tried to spread towards Chen Mu, it was engulfed and burnt by the raging fire, hissing as it rapidly disintegrated.


    The might of the thunder and fire did not cease, striking at Lai Long''s body in a flash and sending him flying.


    "Ahh..."


    Lai Long let out a painful howl as his body, which had swollen considerably, deflated rapidly at a speed visible to the naked eye. He flew backward until he crashed into a large ancient tree and became embedded in it.


    All of his dried white hair was burnt to nothing, and his body was covered with scorch marks from lightning strikes, embedded in the trunk of the ancient tree, and for the moment, he could only exhale and not inhale.

 Chapter 170 Vanishing into Thin Air

    Chen Mu walked forward with his hands behind his back, approached an ancient tree, and looked at Lai Long who was embedded in the trunk."Stepping into the Five Viscera Realm, one truly has some unique methods."


    He shook his head slightly.


    Though he did not want to engage in the malicious tactics of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, he used thunder and fire together, killing two Corpse Fiends with one strike and completely defeating Lai Long with another, but that was just because his current strength far surpassed the typical Five Viscera Realm practitioner.


    If it were someone else, even Yu Jiujiang here might not have been able to capture Lai Long.


    The practices of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, although belonging to the Evil Path, are in fact a form of the Body Refining Method, except they temper corpses. Their Essence Blood is not retained within their bodies but is refined in the Corpse Refinement process and the jade controlling the Corpse Puppets.


    Lai Long, among the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, might not be considered weak, handling three Corpse Fiends. If it were during the night when Evil Qi is most dense, taking advantage of heaven and earth, even a successor of a Great Sect might struggle a bit.


    But unfortunately,


    Lai Long encountered him.


    Even at night, slightly more troublesome, it gave him no chance at all, not only because the might of his thunder and fire absolutely repressed Corpse Fiends, but also due to his current extraordinary strength.


    The level of strength in the Five Viscera Realm, without considering factors such as timing and geographical advantage, is actually quite distinct. After Chen Mu entered the Five Viscera Realm, his understanding of this level became even clearer than before.


    Take the old man Yu Jiujiang.


    If one considers the second step of his Kan Water Artistic Conception as ''one portion'' of power, then his own Yuan Gang True Essence is roughly also about ''one portion,'' making it two portions together.


    For a true successor like Meng Danyun, although neither of the Artistic Conceptions he grasped, Xun Wind and Kan Water, had reached the second step, his Five Viscera Realm has been tempered more than six or seven times. His power of Yuan Gang alone is about ''two portions,'' plus two perfectly executed Artistic Conceptions, making him stronger than Yu Jiujiang but not overwhelmingly so. Read exclusive content at empire


    And him,


    Entering the Five Viscera Realm at the Jade Bone level, his Qi-Blood is immensely richer than ordinary people, and even though his viscera had not undergone tempering yet, the Yuan Gang True Essence he initially possessed was nearly ''two portions,'' plus the second step of his thunder, wind, and fire Artistic Conceptions made it a total of five portions!


    That was more than double that of Meng Danyun!


    This discrepancy isn''t something that two Meng Danyuns could compare to him. It would take five or six such figures combined to even pose a challenge to him!


    As for Artistic Conceptions like the Heart Sword and Blood Fiend, upon reaching the second step, the potency is roughly between ''two portions'' and ''three portions,'' and unless it''s among the top Artistic Conceptions like Yin Yang or Heavenly Sword, it''ll generally not exceed three portions. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If it''s just the first step, it often turns out to be around ''half a portion.''


    The three Corpse Fiends that Lai Long controlled, under the bright sunlight, struggled to exhibit the strength of even one portion, but during the night when Yin Qi is heaviest, they could manifest strength of more than one portion, perhaps even one and a half.


    Yet, his final desperate move, exhausting all accumulated Essence Blood and Evil Qi, the ''Corpse Fiend Seal'' he struck, barely mustered about two portions of might.


    It might suffice against an ordinary practitioner of the Five Viscera Realm, but in front of him, it was still far from enough.


    Crack!


    Chen Mu swiped his hand, breaking the upper half of the ancient tree, and sending it flying, then he pulled up the stump embedding Lai Long''s withered body and carried it all the way back, quickly returning to the original spot.


    At this moment, Hongyu seemed to have calmed down a lot, looking complexly at the body of Xu Yichuan, then at the returning Chen Mu, her gaze landing on Lai Long.


    "Is there anything you wish to ask?"


    Chen Mu tossed the tree stump to the ground, then moved beside Hongyu and asked in a gentle tone.


    Hongyu looked complexly at the still barely alive Lai Long, walked over, but ultimately did not speak up. Instead, with a wave of her hand, she struck the top of the wooden stump, causing it to collapse suddenly, completely burying the barely alive Lai Long, also ensuring his last bit of life was extinguished.


    Chen Mu watched Hongyu''s actions, said nothing, and was not in a rush to check Lai Long''s body. Instead, he turned his gaze toward Xu Yichuan''s body, whose head had been thoroughly shattered, the entire body lying there, emitting strands of black qi under the sunlight.


    Xiao He also looked complexly at Xu Yichuan''s body.


    When she was younger, Xu Yichuan had been such a dazzling figure. Whenever she followed Hongyu, she almost heard every day how Xu Yichuan had achieved something new, not only the hero in Hongyu''s heart but also regarded by many in the Yu Family as a figure who could carry the family''s future.


    However, in the end, he was ambushed by the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect and turned into a Corpse Puppet.


    Indeed, if he hadn''t already died and become a controlled Corpse Puppet, how could Xu Yichuan have abandoned Hongyu and disappeared without a trace for so many years without any news.


    At that moment,


    Hongyu walked over.


    She gazed at Xu Yichuan''s body, a flood of distant memories surfacing in her mind, flashing across her heart as she ran happily towards him every time, and Xu Yichuan always warmly lifted her, telling her jokes.


    With only one daughter, Xu Yichuan, unlike those in the Yu Family direct lineage who only cared about their eldest and most talented children, devoted all his love to her alone.

 Chapter 170 Vanishing into Thin Air_2

    In her eyes,Xu Yichuan was the best father in the world.


    After so many years of arduous investigation, despite having long braced herself for the possibility, the sight of Xu Yichuan, now an Evil Corpse, still caused the icy walls she had built up in her heart to crumble instantly.


    "..."


    Eventually, Xu Hongyu closed her eyes. When she opened them again, she turned to look at Chen Mu, whispering, "Let my father, rest in peace."


    Chen Mu nodded at her, then flicked his fingers.


    A flame drifted out, landing on the body of Xu Yichuan. It quickly ignited into a fierce blaze that engulfed his corpse entirely. The full power of the Separating Fire Artistic Conception was unleashed, burning away the spreading black mist, engulfing flesh and piercing through bone, as the body slowly dissolved into ashes within the flames.


    Xu Hongyu watched this scene, her gaze trembling slightly, then growing increasingly unsteady until a silent, crystalline tear fell, accompanying the last of all that was, turning to dust.


    Chen Mu gently wrapped an arm around Xu Hongyu''s shoulder.


    Gazing at Xu Yichuan''s body, which was disintegrating to ash in the Separating Fire, he sighed quietly to himself. Xu Yichuan, having been turned into an Evil Corpse, had no chance to return to his origins, nor could he be laid to rest as ordinary people are.


    While his feelings were far from as deep as Xu Hongyu''s, should his own kin fall to such a state, turned into a Corpse Puppet to be manipulated and humiliated¡­ Whether it was the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect or the Sect at its peak, he would ensure they all turned to dust.


    Finally.


    All disappeared in smoke.


    ...


    "Hongyu sister."


    In a courtyard of the County Government, Chen Yue greeted Xu Hongyu with cheerfulness.


    In reality, she hadn''t interacted much with Xu Hongyu, but having spent every day with Yu Ru and often hearing about Xu Hongyu from her, she was influenced by her surroundings and felt no discomfort at the thought of Xu Hongyu becoming her future sister-in-law.


    Xu Hongyu nodded slightly towards Chen Yue.


    Chen Mu said, "Yue''er, your sister Hongyu has just returned and is a bit tired. Let her rest."


    "Mm-hmm."


    Chen Yue blinked, glancing at Xu Hongyu and then at Xiao He. She seemed to sense something, obediently agreed, and then stood aside, watching Xu Hongyu and Xiao He enter the room prepared for them within the County Government.


    She leaned close to Chen Mu, whispering, "Brother, what happened?"


    "Something happened, I will tell you about it later."


    Chen Mu looked at Chen Yue and said just that. Understanding, Chen Yue did not press further. She then kept him company, chatting about the things Chen Mu had encountered after he had left, as he listened attentively all the way back to his room.


    He poured himself a cup of tea and took a few sips. Later, he stood up, left the room, and went to Xu Hongyu''s room. Xiao He quietly opened the door for him, leading him to the inner room.


    Xu Hongyu was sitting beside a table, staring blankly at the tea cup, lost in thought. Seeing Chen Mu come in and walk up to her, she involuntarily averted her gaze, "I was... rather unseemly today, wasn''t I?"


    "It happens to everyone." Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu looked at her and said.


    Xu Hongyu lowered her head, "Is that so? But I might... not be such a good person, ever since I was little, I practiced the sword only to receive my father''s praise, later on, I continued to swordfight only to investigate my father''s affairs, but when I truly found out the truth, I was powerless to avenge my father, to set him free."


    Chen Mu said in a calm tone, "A person who strives to do something is not inferior to the person who achieves it, they''re merely lacking the opportunity, just lacking some fate, things that are beyond the control of human effort."


    As he spoke.


    Chen Mu slightly shook the teacup on the table, a drop of clear and round tea spilled out, heading toward Xu Hongyu, but it stopped abruptly three inches in front of her and hung in midair.


    "You see, you have come to understand Kan Water Artistic Conception, who would you be worse than? With a bit more time, you could surpass your father, you could accomplish those things. Your father, seeing your Artistic Conception, must certainly be feeling comforted for you."


    "Is that so..."


    Xu Hongyu stared blankly at the suspended drop of tea.


    She looked at Chen Mu, and suddenly, she didn''t feel the shock she once had for Chen Mu''s comprehending three kinds of Artistic Conception and stepping into the Five Viscera Realm in such a short time. Instead, a different emotion emerged as she said, "Are you, perhaps, also very tired?"


    No matter how peerless one''s comprehension, no matter how high their talent, Cultivation and Realm cannot simply materialize from thin air; they must undoubtedly have undergone indescribable arduous training and tempering.


    To speak of hardship, she knew that she could in no way compare to Chen Mu, who was born into the lower strata of society¡ªwhat kind of circumstances that entailed, orphaned parents, worrying about even clothing and food.


    Compared to what Chen Mu had undergone, her own difficulties seemed to be nothing, yet Chen Mu had managed to rise step by step to reach such heights today... Sometimes she felt exhausted herself, but what about Chen Mu?


    "A little, I suppose."


    Chen Mu smiled.


    In fact, compared to Xu Hongyu''s efforts, his hardships were equally undeniable; not to mention living every day on tenterhooks, cautiously, before gaining the system panel.


    Even after obtaining the system panel and becoming stronger step by step, when had he ever indulged himself?


    Aside from training, it was still training; he did not visit brothels to listen to music, did not indulge his desires. Every day, he was contemplating the next step, thinking about what needed to be done afterward, the matters that required attention. The limitless glory in front of others¡ªwho knew of the hard work exerted behind the scenes?


    Xu Hongyu finally realized this.


    He was gratified.


    A long time ago, Xu Hongyu hadn''t felt anything unusual towards him; even after years of acquaintance, their relationship had always been of subordinate and superior. It wasn''t until he faced the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect and finally revealed the power he had forged through rough times, that he managed to complete the most important piece of the puzzle in Xu Hongyu''s eyes.


    From being young, composed, calm, steady, understanding the bigger picture, knowing the structure, having talent... to imperceptibly, his stature became even more towering than hers, and for the first time, it gave her the same feeling of protection she got from her father, Xu Yichuan.


    And as for his feelings toward Xu Hongyu, it began with admiration, then moved to attraction, took advantage when her state of mind was in turmoil, and during the demon hunting, a series of protections that were more like filling the gap left by her father.


    Although he didn''t mind playing such a role, maintaining an image of near omnipotence, if Xu Hongyu could also understand him a bit, see things from his perspective, then he would... have no further demands.


    Xu Hongyu looked at Chen Mu and suddenly said in a soft voice, "Is it true, have you concealed a lot of things you want to say?"


    If she had so many things she wanted to say but never did, what about Chen Mu?


    "What I want to say..."


    Listening to Xu Hongyu''s words, Chen Mu''s eyes revealed a complex expression, flashing through numerous memories, he finally said, "I''ll take the chance to tell you slowly in the future."


    Xu Hongyu could now talk to him about anything, yet the many secrets in his heart might forever remain secrets.

 Chapter 171 Disaster Strikes

    On the official road.A carriage moved slowly.


    The driver was Xiao He, and the passengers were Chen Mu, Chen Yue, and Xu Hongyu.


    At this moment, inside the carriage, Xu Hongyu and Chen Yue both sat beside Chen Mu, staring intently at something between Chen Mu''s legs, each with a look of deep immersion on their faces.


    There,


    A map lay.


    The map depicted a range of continuous mountains that seemed to convey a misty artistic conception upon viewing, giving the illusion of gazing at a magnificent mountain range with an unyielding momentum, although it was merely a picture.


    This was the Gen Mountain Diagram obtained from the He family.


    Chen Mu couldn''t possibly carry the Kan Water Diagram with him to contemplate at any moment, but this Gen Mountain Diagram was always with him on his way to An Yu County and on the return journey.


    Xu Hongyu had already grasped the Kan Water Artistic Conception, and next, whether to delve deeper into the Kan Water Artistic Conception, reach its limits in the first step, attempt to break through to the second step, or to comprehend a second type of artistic conception, was possible.


    However, in Chen Mu''s view, grasping a second type of artistic conception was more suitable for Xu Hongyu, as her current cultivation was only at the Minor Achievement of the Bone Tempering Realm, and comprehending the second step of the Kan Water Artistic Conception at the Bone Tempering Realm would be too difficult for her.


    Moreover,


    After grasping the Kan Water Artistic Conception and resolving Xu Yichuan''s emotional blockage, her physique had normalized. A few days ago, Chen Mu had tested slightly, and the pervasive water essence was as soft as silk around the fingers; thus, practicing Gen Mountain should be no problem for her.


    As for Chen Yue...


    She actually shouldn''t be trying to glimpse a higher level of Artistic Conception Map before grasping the momentum, but Chen Mu, considering that the Kan Water-related swordsmanship under Kan Water Artistic Conception might not be most suitable for her, decided to test a type of momentum derived from his insights into the Gen Mountain Diagram with her, finding that Chen Yue was more attuned to Gen Mountain Sect than Kan Water Sect.


    Previously, Chen Mu had also tested Chen Yue with Xun Wind, Thunderbolt, and other methods, but none made much difference, only the Gen Mountain showed a clear difference, which puzzled Chen Mu¡ªcould it be due to Snow Mountain''s development?


    In any case,


    After discovering that Chen Yue was closely aligned with the Gen Mountain Diagram, Chen Mu distilled a swordsmanship from his insights into the Gen Mountain Diagram and taught it to her, also allowing her to comprehend the map, though she was restricted to no more than one hour per day to avoid excessive immersion.


    Xiao He alone, who practiced swordsmanship of the Kan Water Sect and had mastered the momentum, was not suited to master the Gen Mountain, so she ended up driving the carriage, feeling somewhat aggrieved. However, thinking of returning home with Xu Hongyu and Chen Mu soon marrying, she felt somewhat delighted, foreseeing her release from serving duties.


    The carriage traveled slowly.


    Yet it was still quite bumpy on the official road.


    However, the people sitting in the carriage seemed largely unaffected by the bumps, especially the Gen Mountain Diagram between Chen Mu''s legs, which did not shake at all with the bumps of the carriage.


    Before they knew it, Chen Mu''s attention gradually shifted away from the Gen Mountain Diagram, and with a thought, he summoned the system panel.


    [Martial Arts: Gen Mountain Artistic Conception (Uncomprehended)]


    [Experience: 10002 points]


    [Available Derivations: 0 times]


    "Finally, it''s enough," he mused, looking at the system panel''s description.


    It had been a long time since he obtained the Gen Mountain Diagram, well over a month.


    He had stayed nearly half a month in Yu City alone, then took Chen Yue to An Yu County to recognize relatives, traveling by carriage instead of carrying her on his back as he would when rushing a thousand miles a day, which took nearly ten days. After staying in An Yu County for four or five days, it had been five or six days on the return trip to Yu City.


    Although after advancing into the Five Viscera Realm with the Body Tempering Method, he no longer needed to set aside time for practicing the Body Tempering Method as the Five Viscera Inner Breath would circulate on its own. Thus, he could devote more time to cultivating artistic conceptions, but he had been too busy previously.


    The main delay was the half month after the annihilation of the He family due to a heap of miscellaneous tasks, which greatly delayed his cultivation of the Gen Mountain Diagram. However, along the way, taking advantage of every opportunity to comprehend and cultivate, he finally managed to accrue enough for the first derivation.


    After some thought,


    Chen Mu decided to exchange his experience for derivation attempts and immediately began the derivation.


    Although the ''Left and Right Protectors'' were beside him, comprehending a Gen Mountain Artistic Conception was no longer a surprise for the current him, especially since Xu Hongyu and Chen Yue were not outsiders.


    Buzz!!!


    As the system derivation commenced, Chen Mu felt in an instant that Xu Hongyu and Chen Yue beside him had disappeared, followed by the disappearance of the carriage, and what appeared before him was a desolate land.


    At the horizon, seemingly out of nowhere, a range of mountains emerged.


    Such majestically towering mountain ranges, even though they were far away, evoked a sense of reverence. The peaks were so high they reached into the clouds, even appearing to connect with the cerulean, lofty sky.


    How profound were those mountains, as if all things on earth could be destroyed, but they would still stand there, as if even if the sky fell, they could still support it, becoming that towering pillar.


    "Unmoving like the mountains..." Chen Mu murmured to himself.


    Mountains represent solidity and momentum.


    Among the numerous Blade Techniques, those from the Gen Mountain Lineage are the most varied because this sect emphasizes momentum the most, especially the momentums derived from Gen Mountain, which are plentifully intricate and better suited to the characteristics of the blade.


    Unlike the artistic conceptions of wind, thunder, and fire.


    This represents a majestic force, both defending oneself and suppressing all beings, and can even become a pillar that supports the sky.Xu Hongyu and Chen Yue were almost simultaneously startled awake.


    Both of them exchanged a look of bewildered astonishment and then simultaneously turned to look at Chen Mu, feeling that Chen Mu''s entire being had risen with a faint yet profound momentum, like a mountain, though it was just one man sitting there.


    "Huh!"


    Xiao He noticed the change and stopped the carriage.


    This heavy force was not merely insubstantial momentum but had materialized and spread around, evidently affecting the entire carriage, making it suddenly much heavier, with the wheels leaving deeper marks on the official road.


    "Is this... the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception?"


    After stopping the carriage, Xiao He lifted the curtain and poked her head into the carriage.


    Xu Hongyu nodded slightly to her and looked at Chen Mu with admiration in her eyes. This was Chen Mu, her future husband, understanding an artistic conception so easily, quietly achieving it while the carriage was in motion.


    Thinking about her own days of puzzling over it, only to feel confused without grasping anything significant¡ªthough Chen Mu had started his understanding much earlier than her and was now at the Five Viscera Realm, the fact that he had silently comprehended the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception...


    Xu Hongyu sat there stupefied.


    For a moment, she only hoped that the children she would bear for Chen Mu wouldn''t be held back because of her.


    Of course, if Chen Mu knew Xu Hongyu''s oddly off-track thoughts, he would probably only laugh it off. Although he had now entered the Five Viscera Realm, and his real perceptiveness indeed surpassed Xu Hongyu''s, if they were on the same level, he still couldn''t quite judge whether his perceptiveness compared to Xu Hongyu''s was higher or lower.


    But if the system panel were also considered part of his perceptiveness, probably no one in the entire world could compare to him in that regard.


    Silently,


    Chen Mu opened his eyes.


    Then the spreading heavy artistic conception was withdrawn, and the entire carriage instantly felt as if it had thrown off a burden of thousands of pounds, returning to its initial light state.


    "Alright."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly to Xiao He and said, "Let''s continue."


    But no sooner had he spoken than he saw Xiao He, Chen Yue, and others staring dumbfounded at him. Especially Xiao He, who could only think to herself in amazement. This was an Artistic Conception, the Gen Mountain Conception at that! Even if it was just a preliminary understanding, it was the realm countless martial artists in Yu City longed for.


    To Chen Mu, however, it seemed as if nothing had happened, merely a trivial matter. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But thinking about it, it probably wasn''t a big deal for Chen Mu. After all, he had stepped into the Five Viscera Realm and mastered the second steps of three kinds of artistic conceptions¡ªwind, thunder, and fire¡ªmaking him a top true disciple in the Seven Profound Sect, a truly generation-defining figure.


    The carriage continued forward.


    Chen Mu lowered his head and pondered over the Gen Mountain Diagram.


    No wonder his reaction was so calm¡ªcomprehending a new artistic conception really wasn''t much, it was just the first step, which could only add a ''quarter portion'' to the might he could wield from heaven and earth''s energy?


    Compared to his current strength, it truly was an insignificant improvement unless the Gen Mountain Conception moved to the second step, which would be a substantial leap, providing him with ''six portions'' of might.


    "I wonder how much might Qian Heaven and Kun Earth provide separately,"


    "And how much after merging into a complete Qiankun Artistic Conception."


    Chen Mu muttered to himself.


    Why the disparity in the Six Viscera Realm is so great actually starts from the Five Viscera Realm. The weakest in the Six Viscera Realm, those barely stepping into it without even reaching the second step of an artistic conception, probably possess, at most, four or five portions of might.


    Whereas someone like Yan Jingqing, who is among the top, with all six visceral areas fully tempered and mastering the second steps of three artistic conceptions¡ªwith rumors even suggesting that one of his conceptions is nearing the third step¡ªwould have a might of at least twenty portions to start.


    While Chen Mu was contemplating these things,


    Chen Yue quietly ran up to the front of the carriage and started chatting with Xiao He, filling the air with bursts of laughter.


    After a while, they suddenly heard Xiao He say, "Speaking of which, last time I went out with our young master, we even encountered a natural disaster. He said it was because I had sinned in my past life, and was being punished by the heavens."


    Chen Yue covered her mouth and laughed softly, "How could Ning sister, being such a good person, have sinned in a past life?"


    The two girls laughed and chatted.


    Meanwhile, as Chen Mu in the carriage was pondering over the Gen Mountain Diagram, he suddenly felt slightly startled, vaguely sensing that some change was occurring between heaven and earth. So, he lifted the curtain and looked outside, but saw nothing unusual.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Seeing Chen Mu come out with a look of perceiving something and observing the surroundings, Xiao He and Chen Yue stopped their laughter and also began looking around following Chen Mu''s gaze.


    But they saw the wide official road with no one around and some cultivated farmlands in the distance.


    "Something seems off."


    Chen Mu revealed a hint of ponderous thought.


    Now, having stepped into the Five Viscera Realm, with the inner world and outer world cycling, and having advanced to the second steps of three artistic conceptions, he was very sensitive to changes in the natural world, though he couldn''t immediately discern what was wrong right away.


    Was it another natural disaster?


    But this time, the feeling was completely unlike the previous drought. In fact, it was completely the opposite, feeling not just different, but completely unlike any type of change he''d experienced before.


    Just then, Xu Hongyu also came out. She stared blankly at the sky for a moment, then extended her hand in front of her, seemingly sensing something, and said, "It seems like the essence of water in the air has become richer."


    "Water essence?"


    Chen Mu''s mind stirred, finally realizing why he was unable to clearly judge. No wonder¡ªit was an aspect he had never comprehended. Since the sensation was completely opposite to that of the drought and Xu Hongyu could distinctly sense an enrichment of water essence in the air,


    Then, the reason was probably not hard to guess.


    Tidal flood!


    Now, it was just the beginning of spring, and the ice in the rivers had mostly melted. Confirming the saying, ''A year without auspicious snow is not a good year,'' the first change of the spring and New Year was one of the common natural disasters¡ªa tidal flood!

 Chapter 172 Planning

    Yu City.Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion.


    Within the layered rooms of the towers, pairs of eyes suddenly snapped open.


    "They''ve finally come."


    In the hall at the top level, the steward of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, Liu Su, draped in a mysterious robe, slowly began to speak, his gaze fixed on the world outside the window.


    The Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s predictions about fate are often somewhat elusive, but their forecasts for disasters symbolizing changes in heaven and earth are usually quite accurate, rarely deviating by more than a month.


    Tidal Disaster.


    This is one of the more peculiar disasters among several, because its range is often only near rivers, with demons only appearing from the water, often accompanied by rampaging floods.


    However, what the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion is concerned about is not these, but the fact that compared to droughts and cold disasters, the impact on the earth''s veins will be greater!


    How deep is the earth?


    No one knows the answer.


    Because the deeper you go underground, the more accumulated the power of heaven and earth becomes. Once you reach a certain depth, let alone martial artists in the Five Organ and Viscera Realm, even existences in the Blood Exchange Realm would be unable to continue downward.


    All sorts of natural disasters in the world are related to the earth''s veins. For example, during a drought, river and well water can disappear within a single day, consumed by the shifting earth''s veins. The floods arising from the Tidal Disaster also surge up from underground.


    Inward, there is nothing. Outward, it''s completely different!


    Because even the Blood Exchange Martial Saints cannot delve into the earth''s veins, most of the heavenly materials and earthly treasures in this world are buried deep underground, unattainable even if their location is known.


    But during the Tidal Disaster, as the heavens and earth overturn and floods erupt from the raging earth''s veins, some weak points in the earth''s veins change, creating gaps that allow people to venture deep within for exploration!


    Tidal Disaster.


    To ordinary people, it''s a natural calamity, but for martial artists, it''s an opportunity!


    The reason the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion has three true disciples and numerous stewards come to Yu County this time is for this Tidal Disaster. To prevent other clans and sects from detecting anything, most moved under the cover of the Purple Mist Mountains.


    Including the plan that was recently hatched in the Inner City, to mobilize the He Family to assassinate Chen Mu, it was meant to make Yan Jingqing mistakenly believe that they wanted to seize the opportunity to create chaos in the city, to vie for power and wealth.


    But in reality, they just wanted Yan Jingqing to think so!


    Upon realizing that Chen Mu was being assassinated, Yan Jingqing would undoubtedly suppress the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion at every turn. As the pavilion endured pressure from Yan Jingqing, it would be reasonable in everyone''s eyes for them to send more people to Yu County.


    They had no true intention to assassinate Chen Mu, a mere Inspectorate''s Metropolitan Commander. It didn''t matter much to them whether the He Family or the Yu Family perished, whether Chen Mu lived or died. Even if they could test Yan Jingqing''s hidden strength, it was good, but it was no big deal if they couldn''t.


    As for dominating Yu County, that wasn''t something to be done in a short time.


    The real, most direct purpose was this Tidal Disaster!


    The Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion has ten stewards and two protectors who have all arrived in Yu County, along with three true disciples, and a large number of people who have quietly entered Yu County. They have secured an absolute advantage over any other group!


    The Tidal Disaster lasts at most ten to fifteen days. By the time sects like Seven Profound and Heavenly Sword send more people to Yu County, everything will have already ended. They will have achieved their goals and withdrawn, waiting for the next opportune moment.


    Swish! Swish!!


    In silence, figures in mysterious robes appeared one after the other within the tower.


    "It has begun."


    "For the two rivers and six streams in this Yu County, you should all be clear about their locations. Needless to say, hurry to your designated spots in the next two days. When the Tidal Disaster truly begins, inspect the earth''s veins along the rivers. This Yu County, being remote and usually overlooked by the Seven Profound Sect, surely has plenty of resources accumulated underground.


    We must seize as much as possible this time¡ªthe more, the better." S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I''ll take care of Black Water River."


    "I''m heading to Yellow Sand River."


    "¡­"


    Figures in mysterious robes each spoke up. In fact, locations had already been allocated days in advance, and their gathering was just to confirm again, to avoid any mistakes.


    And just as everyone was delegating tasks, a person in the corner, also draped in a mysterious robe but wearing a mask, revealed a profound chill in their eyes, and suddenly said:


    "Before I head to Dragon Gate River, I want to kill someone first."


    As these words were spoken.


    Some figures in mysterious robes turned their gazes over.


    One person frowned and said, "I know who you want to kill, but don''t let it interfere with the important matters. That Chen Mu is just a junior; there''s no rush to kill him. If we don''t seize more treasures this time, who knows how many years it will be until the next Tidal Disaster?


    You may be advanced in age, but if you obtain many treasures this time, our Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion has secret techniques that could allow you to sire offspring again, so in the future you could rise anew in Xuan State."


    Even though he was the only one wearing a mask and his face was unclear, all the stewards and true disciples present knew exactly who he was¡ªthe He Family ancestor who had gone missing, the former steward of the Seven Profound Sect, He Wuyou!


    He Wuyou, upon hearing these words, remained silent, his eyes cold.


    What did siring offspring and starting a new clan matter? Regardless of whether the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion could achieve this, and even if they could, what then? He was already in his eighties, had suffered serious injuries before, and treating those injuries had depleted much of his vital energy. It wouldn''t be long before he could no longer maintain his strength in the Five Viscera Realm.


    Starting a new clan was nothing more than an impossible dream, and even if he could father additional children, it was unlikely they would ever grow to match the scale of the Yu Family.


    Now, he had no other desires except revenge. Only by killing Chen Mu, killing Yu Jiujiang, and annihilating the Yu Family could he quench the hatred in his heart!


    Chen Mu!


    That man was cunning and exceptionally talented. If not for the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s interference, He Wuyou would have sought an opportunity to act much sooner. He could not let Chen Mu continue to roam free any longer.


    He Wuyou kept silent, and the other stewards either frowned, snickered, or shook their heads.


    "I think so too. For now, we should not make a move against that Chen Mu. Didn''t Steward Liu previously divinate his fate, saying that he''s someone ''with a long lifeline, whose life should not be cut short''? To forcefully attack him would likely backfire."


    "Indeed, there''s no need to stoop to the level of such a person. We just need to go with the flow of nature. In the future, we can eliminate him with ease. Why the hurry, He Wuyou? Are you still worried that our Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion won''t avenge you?"


    Several people started to speak.


    But at that moment, Liu Su suddenly said, "Actually, it''s not that we can''t give it a try. With the flood disaster imminent and the disturbances of heaven and earth, it''s also a time when the fate dictated by the heavens is thrown into chaos... Chen Mu does have the potential of a true disciple, and if he becomes a troublesome person in the future, that''ll be a problem.


    Taking action to eliminate him during the disaster might not be unwarranted."


    With these words, the crowd showed thoughtful expressions.


    And Liu Su paused, glanced at He Wuyou, and continued, "Most importantly, according to intelligence, Chen Mu is not in Yu City at the moment. Not long ago, he went to An Yu County and is not under Yan Jingqing''s protection. Right now, he should be on his way back to Yu City. Maybe... this is the opportune moment dictated by heaven?"


    These words finally made some of the stewards look contemplative.


    He Wuyou, however, remained silent, his gaze cold and indifferent.


    A moment passed.


    The person standing at the head of the group, dressed in a deep-colored mystical robe, slowly began to speak.


    "Steward Liu''s words are reasonable. With the flood disaster upon us, the fates thrown into chaos, and at this time, with him not in Yu City, perhaps it''s indeed an opportunity presented by heaven. Trying it wouldn''t be a problem."


    "The protector is wise."


    Liu Su bowed to the figure in the deep-colored mystical robe.


    In the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, the position of protector was superior to that of steward, being truly a figure at the Six Viscera Realm. His visit to Yu County was also to compete for the critical resources of the two rivers'' region.


    Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s protector Duanmu Chun gave He Wuyou a brief glance, then retracted his gaze, and said, "Then let it be. Discuss amongst yourselves the specifics of the plan. I will take my leave first."


    He didn''t have the time to bother with such trivial matters.


    If it were to intercept a true disciple of the Seven Profound Sect, he might give it some thought, but not for someone not yet truly initiated into the Seven Profound Sect, born in a remote place in Yu County - he had little interest in paying attention.


    As his words ended,


    Duanmu Chun''s figure flickered, and he vanished from the pavilion.


    "Thank you, Steward Liu."


    At this moment, He Wuyou, whose eyes had been filled with a cold gleam, bowed his thanks to Liu Su.


    Liu Su smiled, his wrinkled face creasing further as he said, "You''re too polite, Steward He. I also felt something unusual when I previously divined Chen Mu''s fate. Now that the time is right, it is naturally best to deal with it as soon as possible."


    "Indeed..."


    He Wuyou nodded slightly, his eyes once again revealing a coldness.


    The image of Chen Mu flashed through his mind, followed quickly by Yu Jiujiang and then members of the Yu Family one after another. Chen Mu was just the beginning; he would make every member of the Yu Family wait in fear for the arrival of death!


    ...


    On the imperial road.


    The once smooth road was now muddied.


    Above, the sky was densely covered with clouds, and the relentless rain continued to fall. The carriage''s progress slowed considerably, with the wheels frequently sinking into the mud, then being hauled out again by the horses'' strength.


    What was most eerie was that, despite the rain, the air was still filled with a white mist - thick humidity that obscured visibility, reducing it to almost less than ten feet.


    "Flood disaster..."


    At the front of the carriage, Chen Mu stood, his gaze surveying his surroundings.


    Raindrops fell upon him, but he did not use his Vital Energy to expel them, allowing them to soak through his clothes.


    Compared to the cold and drought disasters, the chaos caused by the flood disaster was actually the smallest, but the destruction it brought was no less severe. Mainly because almost inevitably during a flood disaster, there would arise tremendous floods!


    If one were a Body Refinement Martial Man, one could certainly survive the flood. However, true practitioners were few in this world, and the vast majority were ordinary civilians who had nearly no chance of escape in a flood, with farmland, land, and villages all facing ruin.


    Of course.


    As far as he knew, aside from the disaster, the flood disaster also brought many opportunities.


    The earth''s veins of the two rivers and six streams in Yu County would all be affected, leading to some gaps. Some things might be flushed out from underground, or one could actively venture into the underground through the gaps, though it was often quite dangerous.


    "Yu City is almost in sight. After you all return this time, stay within the city and do not venture out."


    Chen Mu turned to Xu Hongyu and the others.


    Xu Hongyu was actually quite strong now, with her Bone Tempering Realm and Kan Water Artistic Conception, which could be more effectively utilized during the flood disaster. However, after traversing the Purple Mist Mountains and then pursuing the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, she was too fatigued to continue moving.


    Besides, during the disaster, Yu City would not be peaceful, as the city''s moats would overflow. Even though the waterways would be blocked in advance by various means, there would still be monsters that would take advantage of the heavy fog to enter the city and prey on people.


    With Xu Hongyu''s strength, acting as the Deputy Governor of the Demon-Slaying Office, staying to defend Yu City was reasonable, and Yan Jingqing would have no objection. As for Xiao He, without enough strength, no movement would matter much, and Chen Yue was not serving in the Yamen.


    As for himself,


    A map of Yu County flashed through Chen Mu''s mind.


    He couldn''t stop a disaster like the great flood; as the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate, he could only do what he could. If it weren''t for having to escort Chen Yue, Xiao He, and others back to Yu City in the past two days, he would most likely be by the riverside by now.

 Chapter 173 Murderous Intent Appears!

    "Be careful in everything."Xu Hongyu looked at Chen Mu and ultimately only whispered.


    As the Inspection Commissioner appointed by Yan Jingqing, Chen Mu naturally couldn''t stay in Yu City during the flood disaster. He had to take charge of at least one area of the two rivers and six rivers. Although Xu Hongyu also wanted to follow Chen Mu, she knew her strength was insufficient and feared that she might become a hindrance to him in case of danger.


    Indeed, her staying in the city would allow Chen Mu to be more at ease.


    Moreover, with her Kan Water Artistic Conception which she had cultivated, she was more capable than the average person in sensing her surroundings in such foggy weather. She was also more suited to operate in the densely populated Yu County Prefecture City, whether to hunt and kill demons or to stop the flood.


    "Rest assured."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly at Xu Hongyu and then stretched out his hand to flick away a round drop of rainwater entangled in her hair, saying, "After this flood disaster is over, we should...ah, we''ve arrived at Yu City."


    He stopped midway through his sentence, feeling as if it was strangely ominous, and it was just at that moment that he saw the outlines of Yu City emerge through the distant mist.


    Very quickly.


    The carriage arrived below Yu City.


    Looking around at that time, one could see the moat surrounding Yu City brimming and almost spilling over. All the city gates had been closed, including the moat sealed off by sluice gates.


    "Who goes there!"


    There were patrolling guards on the city walls challenging the vague silhouette of the carriage in the mist.


    But just as the guard''s call finished, something flew up from below. The guard instinctively caught it and was immediately taken aback to see it was an Order Token with the words ''Inspectorate of Yu County, Metropolitan Commander''s decree'' inscribed, and his face changed.


    "It''s the Lord Metropolitan Commander!"


    "Quick, lower the basket!"


    The guard immediately shouted to someone far away.


    But at this moment, Chen Mu''s voice came from below, saying, "No need."


    As his words fell.


    A figure was seen leaping up along the towering city wall, reaching the top in just a few bounds, wearing a light-colored gauze dress that remained unstained by the muddy rain and even allowed the rainwater to quietly slide off her shoulders.


    After Xu Hongyu climbed up the city wall, it was Xiao He''s turn, who, with some difficulty, found a couple of points to leverage herself and also climbed up the wall. Following that, with a cry of surprise, it was Chen Yue who was swept up in Chen Mu''s arms and thrown onto the city wall.


    That wasn''t the end of it.


    Chen Mu intercepted the carriage and lifted the brown-maned horse by the legs, exerting force to throw the robust animal with a hint of demon bloodline over twenty meters high and onto the city wall!


    The brown-maned horse let out a neigh in the air, its legs and hooves flailing wildly, but upon reaching the wall, Xu Hongyu immediately reached out to catch it, albeit with some difficulty, and set it beside her.


    The guards beside her were all dumbstruck.


    It was one thing for Chen Yue to be thrown up, but it was quite another for such a tall and big horse to be tossed onto the wall over twenty meters high so suddenly, leaving them all deeply shocked and even more respectful as they stood to the side.


    Chen Mu looked from afar through the fog that obscured his vision at Xu Hongyu and the others on the city wall, but he did not go up. He took a deep breath and directed his gaze downward before turning and walking off into the distance. A few steps later, he disappeared in the mist.


    On the way there,


    he had already received Yan Jingqing''s dispatch ordering him to take charge of the Qingping River area.


    Now that the flood disaster had begun, although he had delayed slightly to escort Chen Yue and the others on the road, he certainly wouldn''t waste time entering the city for rest and tea. After dropping off the people, he turned and headed straight for the Qingping River.


    In ancient times, Yu the Great managed the waters and thrice passed by his own door without entering; his own actions were hardly worth mentioning by comparison.


    He didn''t consider himself a saint with worries for the country and its people, but he was performing his duties in his capacity.


    "The son-in-law doesn''t even return home first..."


    Xiao He stood on the city wall, slightly behind and to the side of Xu Hongyu, watching the vague figure disappear completely below, murmuring softly, and then tugged at Chen Yue''s little hand beside her.


    Xu Hongyu kept her gaze fixed on the hazy fog, fully extending her Kan Water Artistic Conception to sense, until she could no longer perceive Chen Mu''s presence, at which point she pulled back her senses and murmured quietly to herself.


    ...


    The Qingping River is one of the six major rivers of Yu County.


    It runs across Jingyu and Pingyu counties, merging with one of Yu County''s two rivers, ''Wusha River.''


    Compared to the two rivers, the Qingping River was not so wide, only about thirty to forty zhang (an ancient Chinese length unit), but its waters were extremely turbulent, far surpassing the other five major rivers in ferocity. During flood disasters, the river was one of the most dangerous, and in past flood disasters, the casualties caused by its flooding had far exceeded other rivers.


    Yan Jingqing asking him to take charge of the Qingping River was undoubtedly handing him the most challenging task besides the two rivers; thus, he would not slack off. At that moment, he was rushing towards Qingping with the greatest speed.


    Despite the thick fog.


    For him at this stage, no matter how dense the mist, as long as The Power of Heaven and Earth was not in disarray, he could not possibly get lost.


    "I wonder how the lands of the two counties are now."


    Chen Mu raced through the mist, not distinguishing between main roads and paths, cutting straight across, murmuring again to himself.


    Since the flood disaster had just started, the flooding should not have erupted yet, and if the officials of the two counties could take action, they should have already started evacuating the populace from the villages near the river domain.


    As the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate overseeing Yu County, and with his memory that could recall everything at a glance, he had a clear map of Yu County in his mind, down to each county and township, and he was very familiar with the Qingping River basin.


    "People in the central regions of Jingnan and Jingzheng townships must be completely evacuated. The terrain there is low-lying, and since the banks of the river lack levees, once the flood disaster fully breaks, these low-lying areas would definitely be submerged."


    Chen Mu continued to run and assess the situation.


    He had already considered these matters after receiving his orders, and now needed to think them over more carefully.


    "In fact, if the river in this section could be diverted and levees built to direct it into the wilderness two hundred li away, the impact of the flood disaster could be greatly reduced, yet..."


    Chen Mu shook his head.


    Building embankments and diverting rivers required money and even more so, manpower.


    In the current state of the world, with governance in ruins and martial lawbreakers running rampant, involving oneself in such massive projects was essentially unthinkable.


    Even if Yan Jingqing was willing to allocate silver, and used his authority to forcefully push the project forward, it would be impossible for a prestigious Inspector to personally oversee the river channels for one or two years. Once he turned his head, who knew what sort of things would be stuffed into the embankments.


    When the flood disaster struck again in a decade or so, and the haphazardly constructed river embankments were swept away by the floods, trying to find the officials responsible would be futile; even Yan Jingqing himself would most likely no longer be in Yu County by then.


    As for sending people to keep watch, who could he send?


    From the Sect disciples and Stewards down to the officials from the major families in Yu County, who didn''t first think of pocketing benefits for themselves?


    Swish, swish.


    The rain, unnoticed, had grown even heavier.


    Chen Mu quickened his pace significantly, rushing through the rain.


    As the rainfall intensified, the floods of Qingping River would arrive even sooner. He wasn''t sure how the evacuation of the most critical areas for the common people was progressing, and he needed to hurry over as soon as possible.


    Drip, drip.


    Raindrops the size of baby fingertips continually fell, turning the ground beneath Chen Mu''s feet into a series of puddles without his notice, while the dense fog slightly dissipated, allowing his vision to reach a little farther.


    However, as Chen Mu kept running forward, a glint suddenly flashed in his eyes. While still in motion, he powered off his feet, his body flipping mid-air and soaring several meters high.


    Whoosh!


    Almost at the exact moment Chen Mu leaped into the air, the fog to his left split in two. A fierce Sword Qi whistled through the air, slashing across the area he had just passed and leaving a trench that stretched for several meters on the ground!


    After dodging the strike in mid-air, Chen Mu landed in a muddy puddle, splashing mud and water everywhere.


    He didn''t continue to run forward.


    Instead, he coldly surveyed his surroundings.


    "Heavenly Sword Sect?"


    Out of the parted fog, a figure cloaked in a Mysterious Robe walked slowly towards him. An old face covered with wrinkles, holding a sword in his hand and looking at Chen Mu, a cold glint flickered in his eyes.


    "The intelligence was indeed flawed... Being able to dodge my sword in advance shows that your sensitivity to Qi should not be at the early stages of Xun Wind Artistic Conception. It seems your comprehension of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception has already reached the second stage."


    The second stage of Xun Wind Artistic Conception!


    If it were just a comprehension of Xun Wind and Thunderbolt Artistic Conceptions, it wouldn''t be too remarkable; it would at best signify a talent comparable to that of a major Sect''s true lineage. But understanding the second stage of an Artistic Conception was a different matter altogether.


    Given Chen Mu''s age, it was certain he would rank among the true lineage, and even within that group, his ranking wouldn''t be low.


    Indeed, it was the right decision to agree with He Wuyou''s proposal. Chen Mu might not show anything extraordinary in his fate, but his rise up until now has continuously defied expectations. He is someone with great fluctuations within his fate, and it is indeed necessary to eliminate him as soon as possible.


    The rain grew heavier.


    It turned into a torrential downpour, pouring down bucket after bucket.


    "So it is Steward Liu Su from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion. The Sword Qi just now wasn''t Sword Intent, but more likely the Late Autumn Artistic Conception."


    Chen Mu stood firm in the muddy depression, his gaze calmly sweeping across his surroundings as he said indifferently, "Who else is there? Since you''ve all come, why bother hiding?"


    "Hehehe, you truly are an extraordinary talent able to comprehend the second step of an Artistic Conception with such courage. No wonder Brother He is so eager to kill you. Now, even I feel that coming here was the right decision." S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    From behind the fog, another figure clad in a Mysterious Robe stepped forward, appearing younger than Liu Su, likely in his forties or fifties, wearing a light smile. Yet, his eyes also held a murderous intent as he looked at Chen Mu.


    Cai Jiusheng hadn''t planned to come, but Liu Su''s arrangements were just right. After killing Chen Mu, he would still have time to attend to the river domain he was responsible for. Being here was mostly a matter of convenience, but now it seemed that taking this route was indeed the right decision.


    A man like Chen Mu, even in the small locality of Yu County, had comprehended the second stage of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, showcasing a terrifying level of understanding. After all, even Meng Danyun of the Seven Profound true lineage hadn''t grasped the second stage of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception.


    Such a person,


    could potentially become an existence like Yan Jingqing in the future!


    "Mysterious Steward Cai Jiusheng."


    Chen Mu spoke faintly. He was quite familiar with the intelligence on various Sects, and though he hadn''t met them in person, he could still recognize an official of the Steward level at a glance, "He Wuyou is here too, right? Who else is there?"


    Although He Wuyou had yet to reveal himself, preferring to attempt a surprise attack from the shadows, Chen Mu had already captured his presence. However, aside from He Wuyou, there was a fourth person detected by Chen Mu''s senses.


    "Hahahaha, Brother Chen''s second-stage perception of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception is indeed extraordinary; even I can''t hide from it. Actually, I''m just here on the way. As long as Brother Chen dies at their hands sooner, then I won''t have to expend the effort to make a move."


    Crack! Crack!!


    Following his words, a silhouette stepped out from the fog on the right side of Chen Mu. With each step, the mud puddles beneath his feet crackled and froze over, turning the vicinity into a field of blooming ice flowers within the white fog.


    A true lineage member of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, Cheng Houhua!


    "So it seems I, a mere Inspection Commissioner, have drawn such significant attention that four High Masters of the Five Viscera Realm have laid an ambush, aiming to cut off all chances for survival by blocking every escape route during the flood disaster, while I''m not in Prefecture City and am dealing with the flood crisis."


    Chen Mu''s gaze lightly swept over Cheng Houhua before moving to the left, where in the midst of the fog the final figure in a Mysterious Robe appeared. Though the face was masked and unrecognizable, Chen Mu remembered sensing this presence once before in Yu City - unmistakably, it was He Wuyou.


    He Wuyou!


    Cheng Houhua!


    Two Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion Stewards!


    To kill him, an Inspection Commissioner, they had spared no effort, conspiring amidst the flood disaster''s arrival at a time when he would be out of Prefecture City, sealing all possible paths to snuff out any glimmer of life.

 Chapter 174 Sever the Five Viscera!

    "Brother Chen is too modest," he said. "At just twenty-six, you haven''t even joined the Seven Profound Sect, and you''ve already figured out the second step of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception on your own. In the future, you''re bound to be a formidable enemy of mine. No amount of caution is excessive.If you were to join the Seven Profound Sect and step into the Five Viscera Realm, then cultivate three or four more types of Artistic Conceptions, wouldn''t that be dreadful?"


    Cheng Houhua chuckled as he drew out a sword emanating wisps of chill from the bamboo basket he carried on his back and said, "So, to prevent any long nights filled with dreams that could leave me restless, it''s best for Brother Chen to depart this world sooner rather than later¡ªbetter not to struggle and suffer."


    As his voice faded,


    he swept and swung the Cold Clear Sword in his hand.


    In a flash, a wave of cold enveloped all directions, and the torrential rain pouring from the skies above stopped in mid-air, each drop turning into strands of frost, freezing together with the nearby mist.


    Within moments, the rain and mist were frozen into a ten-meter square area, covered with a layer of ice where Yuan Gang True Essence flowed, sealing everyone within that narrow space.


    "Be on your way."


    Liu Su said indifferently.


    When he was younger, he was as talkative as Cheng Houhua, a man of many words. But as he grew older, his words became fewer, especially since Chen Mu had mastered the second step of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, surpassing expectations. It was better to kill him sooner rather than later.


    As his voice trailed off, he effortlessly swung his sword, releasing a drift of Autumn Wind Artistic Conception. Amidst the desolation, it carried a hint of chill, each wisp a blend of Sword Qi and killing intent, rapidly morphing into thousands of blades raining down on Chen Mu.


    Hisss! Hisss! Hisss!!!


    Barely visible strands of invisible Sword Qi flew towards Chen Mu, each capable of piercing through steel, all carrying swirling Yuan Gang True Essence. Within the cramped ten meters, they nearly sealed off all of Chen Mu''s escape routes.


    Almost simultaneously as Liu Su made his move, He Wuyou also brazenly attacked!


    He was, in fact, the one in the field who harbored the strongest killing intent towards Chen Mu. But he was aware that among those present, he was the weakest and that capturing Chen Mu, who had mastered the second step of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, was not an easy task.


    Therefore, he had continued to bide his time, unleashing his pent-up killing intent explosively only after Cheng Houhua had sealed off the surroundings and Liu Su had brazenly attacked.


    Hum!!!


    He Wuyou thrust his spear, standing firm as if he were Mount Tai personified, utilizing no fancy techniques. It was merely the simplest of strikes, like Mount Tai bearing down on its target, aimed at the back of Chen Mu''s head.


    The icy square that Cheng Houhua sealed off was already brimming with killing intent, as palpable as strands of cold air intertwining. With both Five Viscera Realm martial artists taking action, the frigid malice was all directed at Chen Mu, as if to designate his final resting place.


    And in the next moment


    Chen Mu made his move.


    It was without any fancy techniques, just a simple slash.


    This slash, entwined with the authority of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, Blade Qi coiling but unreleased, hovering above the Silverstream Saber. Just one strike swept away all the Autumn Wind Sword Qi issued by Liu Su!


    Clang!


    This was the sound of the saber colliding with the spear.


    The arc of Chen Mu''s slash, which shattered all of Liu Su''s Sword Qi, carried along the residual winds of the broken blades in a sweeping return, colliding with the spear thrust from behind by He Wuyou, sparking a clear, metallic ring.


    At the same time, a pair of indifferent eyes, nearly devoid of emotion, gazed at He Wuyou.


    "Not good."


    Almost instantly, He Wuyou felt an ominous sense of danger, yet at that moment he could do nothing but stand petrified, his expression one of shock.


    Entwining Chen Mu''s Silverstream Saber was not just the might of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, but also genuine Yuan Gang True Essence. This man had long stepped into the Five Viscera Realm, taking that crucial step!


    Boom!!


    A sound reminiscent of a mountain collapsing rose from He Wuyou''s spear.


    The Yuan Gang True Essence displayed by Chen Mu at that moment was so incredibly dense in He Wuyou''s perception that it was terrifying, immeasurably stronger than his own. With just one blow, it fiercely shattered his Yuan Gang True Essence!


    Those who grasp the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception stand as mountains themselves, using the terrain to deliver a powerful blow like a landslide. But if their Yuan Gang True Essence is directly shattered, it''s like a mountain crumbling. Their connection to the Earth''s Veins becomes a burden, rendering them unable to perform any further action for a moment!


    This pause was actually quite brief, not even a tenth of a breath''s time. For martial artists in the Skin Toughening or Body Refinement stages, it might even go unnoticed. But in front of a Five Viscera Realm existence, that split second is enough to decide the outcome, even life and death!


    Hum.


    A glint of cold light flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes, as if a thousand winds were converging.


    Upon the edge of the Silverstream Saber, the coiled yet unleashed power of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception finally extended outward, manifesting into a visible Blade Qi that spanned a good ten meters. At the moment when He Wuyou''s Yuan Gang was broken and he was briefly immobilized, it swiftly swept across his upper body and left a deep gash on the ice wall behind him!


    "..."


    He Wuyou was completely frozen in place, a fine line of blood running from his left chest to his right shoulder. His entire upper body was silently severed from the lower half, and although the cold in the air kept both halves frozen together, they would never again be joined.


    His eyes were fixedly staring at Chen Mu, filled with disbelief.


    Chen Mu, at only twenty-six years of age, had been reported to have broken through to the Bone Tempering Realm within a year. Even if his progress had been exaggerated to forcefully charge through the threshold of the Five Viscera Realm, it would inevitably mean that his foundation was unstable. How could he have cultivated such formidable Yuan Gang True Essence, far surpassing his own?!


    One must know that in the encounter just before, Chen Mu had used pure Yuan Gang True Essence to completely obliterate Liu Su''s Autumn Wind Sword Qi in one strike, and then collided head-on with the spear behind him, breaking through his opponent''s Yuan Gang, before finally unleashing the mighty power of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception.


    In the moment when his opponent had exhausted his move and his Yuan Gang was forced out, leaving no room for turnaround, he delivered a fatal blow!


    Although as a powerful practitioner of the Five Viscera Realm, his vitality and consciousness did not vanish in an instant, it was quickly fading. The light in He Wuyou''s eyes swiftly dimmed, and in the last moments before his consciousness disappeared, it still carried a trace of bewilderment.


    Him.


    He Wuyou.


    A towering existence in the Five Viscera Realm, once standing at the pinnacle of Yu City.


    When Chen Mu rose to prominence years ago, he was just a lowly junior officer, not even worthy of He Wuyou''s attention. Where exactly did things go wrong for the He Family to fall into oblivion in such a short few years, leading to his demise here?


    Where exactly had he gone wrong?


    Who could give him an answer?


    Once one of the four major families that supported Yu County, standing at the zenith, He Wuyou departed this world filled with confusion, his consciousness utterly dissipating into the heavens and earth.


    Only leaving behind the three from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, each with a solemn expression, their gazes shifting.


    At this moment.


    There was nothing but silence, apart from the sound of rain.


    Within the frozen area of ninety feet around, including Cheng Houhua who was initially taking things lightly, everyone''s expression had become unprecedentedly grave.


    Killing He Wuyou with a single blade was not the issue; after all, He Wuyou himself wasn''t that powerful, being almost at the bottom of those within the Five Viscera Realm.


    He had barely crossed the threshold and, being over eighty without mastering the second step of the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception, he was far inferior to people like Liu Su, even Cheng Houhua was confident he could kill him with a single sword strike.


    The key lay in the Yuan Gang True Essence displayed by Chen Mu with that previous blade, which was astonishingly robust!


    Considering Chen Mu''s age and the information known about him before, even if there were errors in the intelligence gathered, he couldn''t possibly have been in the Five Viscera Realm for many years; it was certain that he had only stepped into it recently. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Having only recently stepped into the Five Viscera Realm, possibly not even having undergone the Five Viscera Tempering more than a few times, to possess such vigorous and fearsome Yuan Gang True Essence, there could only be one reason, and that was that Chen Mu''s foundation in the previous four realms was honed to an extraordinary degree!


    Copper Skin and Muscle Strength, toughened Bone Tempering?!


    No!


    It was definitely more than that!


    "Jade Bone..."


    Liu Su''s expression turned somewhat ugly.


    Even if one had trained to the limit in Skin Toughening, Body Refinement, and Tendon Changing realms, reaching the height where Tiger and Leopard Thunder Sound is achieved, to have such robust and terrifying Yuan Gang True Essence shortly after breaking through to the Five Viscera Realm wouldn''t be possible.


    There was only one possibility, that Chen Mu had reached the Five Viscera Realm using the Jade Bone method!


    Only by pushing the Bone Tempering Realm to its limit could one have Yuan Gang True Essence comparable to someone who had undergone eight or nine temperings in the Five Viscera Realm right at the initial steps and could rival the combined power of two ordinary second-step Artistic Conceptions!


    "Brother Chen really is full of surprises. Entering the Five Viscera Realm with Jade Bone status, even I have not achieved this step. I fear Brother Chen''s current strength may even slightly surpass my own," Cheng Houhua said with gravity, his voice low as he looked at Chen Mu.


    Currently having undergone Seven Viscera Tempering seven times, his Yuan Gang True Qi quality was roughly on par with Chen Mu''s. However, his Cold Winter Artistic Conception had not yet stepped into the second phase, which made it inferior to Chen Mu''s second-phase Xun Wind Artistic Conception.


    If he hadn''t taken it upon himself to come and see, with just Liu Su and Cai Jiusheng, it would have been absolutely impossible for them to detain Chen Mu, and even together, they might not have been sure of victory.


    At this time.


    Chen Mu finally shifted his gaze from He Wuyou''s body, glanced indifferently at Cheng Houhua and the others, and without much talk, his blade once again rose abruptly, descending directly toward Liu Su, who was closest!


    He had no interest in engaging in more pointless chatter with the people of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion. The Mysterious Disk Pavilion had turned a blind eye to the disaster, even tracking and attempting to assassinate him. How could such actions be considered those of a Righteous Sect, worthy of ruling a state or county?


    "Hmph."


    Seeing Chen Mu''s blade strike approach, Liu Su let out a cold snort.


    He swung his sword in the air, tracing a graceful arc, and in an instant, the essence of late autumn thickened, forming a visible Sword Qi on the blade''s edge, aiming straight at Chen Mu''s slashing blade.


    "Youngster, don''t think you can dominate the world just because you''ve stepped into the Five Viscera Realm. There are levels of strength within the Five Viscera Realm, and I am certainly not a decrepit waste like He Wuyou!"

 Chapter 175 Kill Them All!

    Hum!!!When the saber and sword collided, a dull hum erupted as the Xun Wind Artistic Conception met the Late Autumn Sword Qi. After a brief conflict, it forcefully crushed Liu Su''s sword qi and continued to assault him, but was ultimately blocked by Liu Su''s Yuan Gang True Essence.


    Liu Su was only about sixty years old. Although he appeared aged, it was because he had expended his life force divining the heavens. In reality, he was still in better condition than He Wuyou. Furthermore, in his youth, he had tempered his Five Viscera numerous times.


    Having cultivated the Late Autumn Artistic Conception, he could muster nearly two portions of Heaven and Earth''s Might, nearly double the strength of He Wuyou.


    Despite blocking the strike, Liu Su was shaken and staggered back several steps, almost crashing into the ice wall. However, the coldness in his eyes did not fade because the attacks of Cheng Houhua and Cai Jiusheng were already coming at him from both sides!


    At this moment.


    The three of them had Chen Mu encircled in a triangular formation, still locking down his position.


    What Cai Jiusheng brandished was a bamboo ruler, teeming with the vitality of Warm Spring on its verdant surface, yet its force was extremely sharp, aiming for the vital spot on the back of Chen Mu''s neck. Wielding Yuan Gang True Essence without hesitation, he struck with all his might.


    He was well aware that Chen Mu''s strength was enough to best any of the three of them. Unless the gap was too great in the Five Viscera Realm, it was easy to be defeated but hard to be killed. If they allowed Chen Mu to break out from their encirclement, then it would be impossible to pursue and slay him, especially with Chen Mu possessing the Xun Wind Artistic Conception.


    Clang!


    Chen Mu turned and struck with his saber, clashing with Cai Jiusheng and Cheng Houhua, blocking all of their attacks.


    At that moment, Liu Su had already adjusted his breathing, his Yuan Gang True Essence flowing once more. Attacking from behind, he added coldly, "Today''s heavenly destiny is chaotic; no one will come to your rescue. Resign yourself to die here."


    Boom!!!


    The combination of the three men''s attacks shattered a three-zhang block of ice, and once again, a downpour of rain fell from the sky.


    Almost at the same time, a flash of lightning suddenly appeared in Chen Mu''s tranquil eyes. He stomped the ground, and instantly, a bolt of lightning spread along the falling rain, transforming the area within a three-zhang radius into a domain of thunder!


    Liu Su, Cai Jiusheng, and Cheng Houhua all changed color simultaneously!


    Crackling!


    Though this strike was not from arrays of Heavenly Thunder, its might was that of thunderclap benefiting from the rainwater, forcing both Liu Su and Cheng Houhua to swing their swords in defense, mustering their Yuan Gang True Qi to fend off the spreading lightning.


    The lightning appeared swiftly and vanished just as quickly. It spread through the rain only for an instant before dissipating into the atmosphere, leaving only faint traces of Thunder Arcs intermingling with the rainwater as it hit the ground.


    In front of Chen Mu.


    There, Cai Jiusheng stood completely frozen, like a statue with an incredulous look in his eyes, a line of blood trickling from his forehead all the way down, his life force utterly extinguished!


    "This is bad, let''s go!"


    Liu Su, no longer concerned with shock, had already realized something was wrong and yelled out in alarm.


    Although they knew full well that Chen Mu possessed the Thunderclap Artistic Conception, the previous attack was not just first step power; otherwise, it wouldn''t have forced both him and Cheng Houhua to defend with all their might¡ªso much so that they couldn''t assist Cai Jiusheng.


    Xun Wind! Thunderclap!


    Two artistic conceptions that had stepped into the second phase!


    Plus that robust Yuan Gang True Essence, comparable to that of a common man who had tempered his viscera seven or eight times, Chen Mu''s strength was simply not something their mere four people could besiege. At the very least, it would take a group of ten attackers to stand a chance!


    And now, caught unawares, with He Wuyou and Cai Jiusheng dead in succession, only the two of them remained. Continuing an assault on Chen Mu was nothing short of a pipe dream!


    Hiss!!!


    Liu Su and Cheng Houhua reacted extremely quickly. The moment they saw Cai Jiusheng fall, they simultaneously mobilized all their Yuan Gang True Essence, each delivering a blow towards Chen Mu, then quickly turned to flee into the distance.


    However, in Chen Mu''s eyes was only a trace of piercing chill. To ensure the death of all four, he wasted no time, having already killed two. How could he possibly let the remaining two escape now?


    Boom!


    In nearly an instant, Chen Mu held his saber with both hands, and from the blade of the Silverstream Saber erupted blazing flames. Despite the heavy rain dampening the inferno, with the aid of fierce winds, the flames still rolled turbulently, with bursts of lightning spreading throughout.


    Chen Mu leaped up, dodging the strikes of Liu Su and Cheng Houhua. With a fierce cut through the air, he sent a slash towards Liu Su, and in a fleeting moment, the forces of wind, thunder, and fire crazily converged into a colossal Thunderfire Blade that spanned several zhang, cutting through the torrential downpour and striking directly at Liu Su''s head!


    "Ah!"


    Liu Su, in the midst of fleeing, had not made it more than two zhang away when Chen Mu''s attack descended upon him. He had no choice but to summon all of his Yuan Gang True Essence and push the Late Autumn Artistic Conception to its limits, attempting to withstand Chen Mu''s airborne strike.


    Yet, Chen Mu''s slash was almost a full-powered assault, the joint forces of wind, thunder, and fire, coupled with the burst of Yuan Gang True Essence, containing a might of Heaven and Earth far surpassing his, so overwhelmingly crushing that he had no means to resist!


    Not just thunder and lightning, but also Separating Fire!


    Horror shone in Liu Su''s eyes.


    Boom!


    Liu Su only had time to let out a scream before he was engulfed by the three-zhang-wide Thunderfire Blade, and instantly, there was nothing left on the ground but a wide crack spanning dozens of zhang and a mass of pitch-black char.


    Flee! Flee! Flee!


    At this point, Cheng Houhua didn''t dare to look back; he only knew to flee desperately in the rain, and in the blink of an eye, he had escaped dozens of zhang away, shrinking to a black dot in Chen Mu''s line of sight.


    Yet Chen Mu''s face remained cold as he took a step forward, holding his saber. Faint traces of lightning began to emanate from his body, and strands of wind intertwined under his feet. Each step he took tore through the rain, creating a continuous ten-zhang-long trail of electric arcs.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    After Meng Danyun left Yu City a few days ago, he had mastered the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, and also reached the Third Layer of the "Riding the Wind" secret technique Meng Danyun had taught him. This secret technique was not very useful to martial artists of low realms, since at low realms, their running speed wasn''t fast enough to be greatly affected by wind resistance.


    However, as one''s realm and speed increased, the wind resistance during flight grew stronger. The "Riding the Wind" secret technique, with the aid of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, could completely negate the wind resistance encountered while speeding and even provide a boost after reaching the Third Layer, making one''s movement technique much faster than ordinary people.


    If he relied solely on this movement technique, perhaps it still wouldn''t be fast enough. But Chen Mu mastered the Thunderclap Artistic Conception as well and had stepped into the second stage of mastery. Even without cultivating the secret techniques of the Thunderclap Sect, just the bolstering effect of the thunderbolt could inherently increase his movement speed substantially.


    The compound effects of wind and thunder elevated his speed to an almost terrifying extent, allowing him to catch up with Cheng Houhua in just a fleeting moment!


    "It''s over, it''s all over."


    Feeling the presence closing in rapidly from behind him, Cheng Houhua was terror-stricken. He shouldn''t have messed with the disaster-bringer He Wuyou; now, not only had the He Family lost a fortune in gold coins, but he himself was probably doomed as well.


    How did he end up provoking such a monster? Someone who stepped into the second stage of three different Artistic Conceptions¡ªwind, thunder, and fire¡ªand even cultivated Jade Bone. Isn''t that just like a top-tier direct disciple, close to the main disciple of the Seven Profound Sect¡ªa terrifying figure indeed?


    That such a monstrous talent could emerge from a remote little place like Yu County was utterly unfathomable!


    At that very moment.


    Without any hesitation, Cheng Houhua drew out a strangely colored pill and swallowed it. His Qi-Blood surged instantly, causing the Yuan Gang True Essence within him to soar, and he quickened his escape pace dramatically.


    With each step he took, Yuan Gang True Essence cascaded down, creating blossoms of ice lotuses in his wake which then exploded in midair, transforming into countless sharp ice shards, and hurtled towards Chen Mu.


    "Insignificant tricks."


    Chen Mu continued to pursue, and with each step, bursts of Blazing Flames erupted to meet the incoming ice shards, completely engulfing and melting them, and he did not stop for a second.


    After just two more steps, he had already reached Cheng Houhua''s back. With the Silverstream Saber in hand, while still three to four zhang apart, he swung it forward, and by the time the blade descended, he had almost caught up to Cheng Houhua''s back!


    Crack! Crack! Crack!!!


    Cheng Houhua continued his desperate flight, not looking back even once. The Yuan Gang True Essence, which had suddenly expanded on his body and nearly reached a volume three or four times greater according to Chen Mu''s perception, burst forth all at once, blending into the curtain of rainwater.


    In the blink of an eye, it froze into a towering wall of ice several zhang high on the flat ground, blocking in front of Chen Mu''s saber.


    Chen Mu''s blade struck the ice, unleashing his triple articulation of wind, thunder, and fire. Upon contact with the Gang Power coursing through the ice, it created a violent collision that shattered the entire ice wall with a boom.


    "..."


    Seeing Cheng Houhua take the opportunity to flee several dozen zhang farther by utilizing this move, Chen Mu''s gaze remained detached as he continued the chase. This was his first true hand-to-hand combat with a direct disciple of a Great Sect.


    Although Cheng Houhua was far from being his match, he was indeed much more difficult to deal with than Liu Su and others, especially with those desperate measures to forcefully amplify Yuan Gang True Essence.


    But such methods could not last, and Cheng Houhua''s control over the surging Yuan Gang True Essence was clearly not as refined as before. The ice wall he created seemed impressive in scale, but it was actually less effective than continuously exploding more ice shards to delay Chen Mu''s advance.


    Whoosh!


    Surrounded by interweaving wind and thunder, Chen Mu caught up with Cheng Houhua again in just a few strides.


    Cheng Houhua sparked another wall of ice, blocking Chen Mu''s saber once more and escaping for several dozen zhang again. But this time, the ice wall was clearly not as resilient as before. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the Silverstream Saber smashed through it, an invisible strand of Yuan Gang Force burst forth, striking Cheng Houhua''s back, making him groan, his body''s aura exploding outwards and a trace of blood seeping from the corner of his mouth.


    Finally.


    After escaping for a while longer, Cheng Houhua saw a turbulent river ahead of him¡ªit was none other than a tributary of the vast Qingping River!


    A gleam of joy emerged in his eyes, and he plunged into the river with a fierce leap. Once he reached the river, there was a chance of survival. Although Chen Mu possessed Thunderclap Artistic Conception and could also make use of the river''s currents, they didn''t compare to his own direct and potent Winter''s domain!


    "The green hills are unchanging; the flowing water long remains. Brother Chen, we shall meet again ...."


    Pfft!


    Chen Mu''s form materialized behind Cheng Houhua, wreathed in wisps of Thunder Arcs and watching emotionlessly as he thrust forward with the Silverstream Saber wrapped in wind, thunder, and fire. Even though Cheng Houhua tried his best to burst out his Yuan Gang True Qi and formed a mirror of ice on his spine, he couldn''t stop the saber, which was thrust by Chen Mu from his back to his front chest.


    Cheng Houhua''s eyes bulged in shock as he stared at the water, so close now, struggling to speak, but then a surging power of Thunderfire exploded within him, overwhelming all his viscera and snuffing out his life force in an instant. His gaze faded to nothing as he fell into the water alongside Chen Mu.

 Chapter 176 Eruption

    In the turbulent river, Chen Mu, holding the Silverstream Saber, pierced through Cheng Houhua''s body, his gaze coldly tearing through the currents. Accompanied by the bursting Yuan Gang Force of wind, thunder, and fire, he pressed his whole person from the surface of the water down to the riverbed.Finally, the surging Yuan Gang Force erupted inch by inch along the blade of the Silverstream Saber, vibrating Cheng Houhua''s toughened body into countless fragments that scattered and washed away with the river.


    Watching Cheng Houhua die, unable to be any deader, Chen Mu finally exhaled slowly in his heart.


    "After all, it''s a true inheritance of a Great Sect, extraordinary."


    He shook his head slightly.


    Not to mention that Cheng Houhua''s strength was far superior to the other three, he also had uncommon methods at his disposal. The elixir he took, which suddenly increased his Yuan Gang Force by a large margin, was still unknown to Chen Mu, almost doubling the force!


    If Cheng Houhua had been stronger, or if he had comprehended the second step of the Cold Winter Artistic Conception, then under the effect of that elixir, even if it wouldn''t be enough to completely reverse the situation, he would definitely have been able to contend with him.


    Unfortunately, Cheng Houhua was not strong enough.


    However, such a mysterious elixir made Chen Mu take the true inheritances of these Great Sects more seriously. Even after extinguishing the vitality of Cheng Houhua, it wasn''t enough; he had to completely shatter his body to prevent any chance of a feigned death.


    At this moment.


    Chen Mu stood at the bottom of the river, the raging currents strong enough to sweep away heavy cattle and horses, but unable to shake his foothold. He stood there firmly, like an immovable rock on the riverbed.


    At this point, Chen Mu''s gaze had moved away from Cheng Houhua''s body and turned to what was in front of him. He saw the sword emanating a chilling aura, which Cheng Houhua had previously used, now standing straight, plunged into the silt at the bottom of the river. However, it hadn''t sunk into it. Instead, it had frozen the silt and a small portion of the nearby water, encasing everything in ice.


    "Nice item."


    Chen Mu reached out and gently tapped it, a thread of the Separating Fire Artistic Conception shattered the ice seal. He took the sword into his hands to inspect it, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.


    Cheng Houhua didn''t have anything else on him, Chen Mu had clearly seen when his body had been shattered. The bamboo basket was also empty. The only thing worth mentioning was this sword, which indeed was not ordinary, likely forged from millennium cold iron, near the top quality among treasured artifacts.


    This Cold Sword had significantly augmented Cheng Houhua''s abilities, boosting his Cold Winter Artistic Conception by several folds. Otherwise, just the first step of the Cold Winter Artistic Conception wouldn''t have been enough to create such a vast range of frost and ice with a mere wave of his hand.


    "Too bad this item doesn''t align with the artistic conceptions I practice."


    If he had been cultivating the Kan Water or Dui Ze Artistic Conceptions, the addition of this Cold Clear Sword might not have been so significant, but it would at least have been usable. However, he had mastered the Three Phases of wind, thunder, and fire.


    Apart from the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, which could barely harmonize, thunder and ice had no enhancing effect, and fire and ice were directly antagonistic, reducing the effect when he used these forces.


    Nevertheless, it was still a top-quality treasured artifact, and even if it came from Cheng Houhua and wasn''t easy to publicize, there would be a way to trade it for something more suitable in Yu State''s State Government Office later on.


    Whoosh.


    Carrying the Cold Clear Sword, Chen Mu took a few steps on the riverbed and quickly arrived a yard away, picking up a plain-looking sword scabbard from the mud and sheathing the sword within. It fit snugly and, once enclosed, none of the cold air leaked out.


    "If Cheng Houhua had used this Cold Clear Sword and the Cold Winter Artistic Conception to earnestly fight against the disaster, he could have indeed made a significant impact. But to expect these people to handle the flood disaster..."


    Chen Mu shook his head.


    Although Cheng Houhua''s abilities were average, in combating the flood disaster, he could actually play a more prominent role. For instance, by using his freezing technique at the right terrain, he could temporarily change the course of the river.


    Now that it was just the beginning of spring and the weather was not so warm, the river was cold, and the ice could last a long time, sparing many villages from flood disasters.


    But to expect any help from Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion was wishful thinking; if they weren''t causing trouble, that was already a blessing. These people probably hoped that Yan Jingqing would mobilize all the troops in Yu County to fight the disaster so they could take the opportunity to scour for various Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items.


    After these thoughts flashed through his mind.


    Chen Mu looked up, ready to leap out of the water.


    The water was incredibly turbid and churning, to the point where ordinary people, or even Martial Artists in the Skin Toughening Realm, would hardly struggle out once submerged. But for Chen Mu, it was hardly an obstacle.


    Having entered the Five Viscera Realm, the Inner World circulated on its own, allowing him to stay at the riverbed for a couple of hours without issue. However, he needed to hurry to the most important locations to examine the flood damage, leaving no time to survey the riverbed.


    However.


    Just as Chen Mu was about to step on the mud and ascend to the water''s surface, suddenly a vicious presence rushed at him from the murky waters, bringing with it a strong, foul scent of blood.


    Approaching Chen Mu was a gaping maw, large as a water vat, lined with spiral rows of teeth, and with it, a formidable pressure that seemed to come from the abyss, striking terror in one''s heart.


    However, Chen Mu, the person he now was, naturally felt no fear. He just snorted coldly and, with his right hand forming a fist, he met that vat-like gaping mouth with a fierce punch.


    ```


    Crackling and bursting!


    In an instant, the river erupted, startling a ten-foot wave on the surface.


    Chen Mu''s fist, wrapped in turbid muddy water and resembling a torrential flood, combined with visible strands of lightning, struck right into the giant bloody mouth.


    That gaping maw clearly felt pain, involuntarily snapped shut, and retreated several feet.


    At that moment,


    one could see its entire body stretched across the river, thick as nearly two feet and about several lengths long, a monstrous creature slick and black, with long whiskers on the edge of its yawning maw, resembling an oversized catfish.


    "A fourth rank demon, the Black Demon Catfish... No, this aura, it''s not far from the fifth rank. Combined with the momentum of the water, no wonder my punch seemed to inflict little damage."


    Chen Mu slightly narrowed his eyes.


    He had a clear memory of all the Demon Records he had read, being able to distinguish any recorded demon with just one glance. This Black Demon Catfish before him was exceptionally large among its kind, and demons did not have a clear distinction of Bone Tempering and Five Viscera like martial artists do. The so-called fourth and fifth rank were determined according to their size and strength.


    It is said that the Black Demon Catfish could only reach the fifth rank at most, and if it could further transform, it would have the chance to evolve into a ''Jiao'', and it naturally carried the rare ''Black Jiao'' bloodline. Once its essence blood was purified, it could be used to craft some inferior quality Tendon Changing Pills. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Some of the Tendon Changing Pills circulating in the black market of Yu County originated from this.


    Moreover, the Black Demon Catfish was a very typical demon, where in many remote villages, some unenlightened fools even worship it as a river deity, offering incense and sacrifices. Even more extreme, they would present it with blood nourishment every year, in hopes of favorable weather for the crops.


    But in fact, this was just a slightly more capable demon using its demonic power to manipulate some of the water, with no real ability to command the winds and summon the rain.


    Gurgle gurgle!


    The Black Demon Catfish, having failed to swallow Chen Mu and suffering from his punch imbued with the might of Thunderbolt, appeared to have a human-like rage in its huge scarlet eyes as it opened its giant maw again.


    But this time it wasn''t lunging at Chen Mu to consume him, but a surge of demonic power gathered and stirred the nearby river into a visible torrent, crashing towards Chen Mu''s falling position.


    With the Black Demon Catfish nearing the fifth rank, taking advantage of the natural disaster, and occupying the raging river for a tactical advantage, the strike of the gathered demonic power it unleashed was powerful enough to throw any ordinary Five Viscera Realm practitioner into disarray.


    However, a flash of cold light sparked in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    Without much talk, he flipped his right hand and drew the Silverstream Saber. The Blade Qi interwove with the power of Wind Thunder as he gripped the handle with both hands, violently slashing down in front of him.


    Whoosh!


    But then, the river in front of Chen Mu, centered around the direction of his Silverstream Saber, was split open, creating a nearly ten-foot-wide dry area. The Blade Qi, fierce and swift, even tore through the river''s surface.


    The torrential attack spat out by the Black Demon Catfish was cleaved in two from the center by Chen Mu''s Silverstream Saber.


    Following that,


    Chen Mu, standing in the water, stomped with great force, and water splashed around as he propelled himself, like a cannonball, against the fierce current to position himself directly above the Black Demon Catfish''s head.


    His hand holding the Silverstream Saber, now covered in Wind Thunder Light, thrust downwards, piercing directly through the Black Demon Catfish''s heavenly spirit cover.


    "Wuuuah!"


    From the Black Demon Catfish''s opened bloody maw came a bizarre cry like that of a baby. Even with its brain shredded by Chen Mu''s Blade Qi, the creature, unlike humans, could still move after a fatal blow. With a violent flick of its tail, its massive body surged through the river at breakneck speed.


    Chen Mu knew this to be the Black Demon Catfish''s last struggle before death. His gaze cold and steady, he stood on the demon''s head holding the Silverstream Saber, his footing solid as if rooted, unshaken despite the creature''s frenzied thrashing in the river.


    Boom!


    Eventually, amid its piercing infantile cries, the Black Demon Catfish slammed into the muddy riverbed.


    This collision might have been inconsequential, but Chen Mu''s face instantly changed, and almost without thinking, he withdrew the Silverstream Saber, kicked out in the water, and wrapped in Wind Thunder Light, he shot out of the river.


    Almost immediately following Chen Mu''s exit, the riverbed where the Black Demon Catfish had struck suddenly caved inwards and erupted bursts of brownish-yellow radiance. With a loud boom, like a flash flood, a surge of Earth Pulse''s Power burst forth, pulverizing the Black Demon Catfish''s tough body into a bloody mess!


    Splashing!


    The water, mixed with dirt and sand, pierced through the river''s surface, shooting dozens of feet high into the sky.


    ```

 Chapter 177 Spiritual Objects

    "This is an eruption of the Earth''s veins..."Chen Mu was in midair, barely avoiding the mudflow that shot straight into the sky, his expression becoming much graver.


    The incident just now was far more dangerous than any encounter with the Black Demonic Catfish or Cheng Houhua. It was the true might of heaven and earth.


    The so-called Martial Artists of the Five Viscera Realm, and even those at the second step, the Artistic Conception, merely borrow a trace of the might of heaven and earth. To the entire universe, they are insignificant. The power of that Earth''s Vein eruption, if compared to a Martial Artist, was far beyond tenfold!


    If his reaction had been slower and he had not avoided it but was forced to withstand it, even if he didn''t die, he would have been severely injured.


    Soon.


    The mudflow that reached for the sky quickly receded, falling back into the river.


    By this time, Chen Mu had landed on the riverbank. He looked at the river below that had become even more turbulent, took a deep breath to calm his thoughts, and without wasting any more time, plunged back into the water.


    The eruption of the Earth''s Veins would cause a temporary void in the diffused power of the veins underground, creating a cavity that allowed temporary access to the subterranean area. Although this was Chen Mu''s first encounter with such a phenomenon, he understood it very well.


    After diving into the water again, he saw that the Black Demonic Catfish from before was reduced to bones, and even the remnants of its bones were washed away to who knows where by the river. The area of the Earth''s Vein eruption had now formed a cave, from which muddy water continuously gushed. However, the power of the Earth''s Veins inside it had significantly weakened.


    Whoosh!!


    Without hesitation, Chen Mu dove headfirst into the hole still spewing mud.


    The slimy mud immediately enveloped his whole body. Surrounded by the softness with no leverage, muddy water kept rushing from ahead. Nevertheless, Chen Mu drew in his limbs, twisted his body a few times, and forcibly burrowed further down.


    After descending a bit, he felt some resistance ahead, not physical, but a thin membrane formed by the power of the Earth''s Veins. It had become fragile because of the previous eruption.


    With a little effort, Chen Mu broke through it hard.


    This time, descension continued with no further obstacles. He slid down for over twenty cubits and landed in a warm and slick space. The area was still filled with muddy water, which was quite warm, resembling hot spring water, though not as clear. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu swept his gaze roughly over the cave''s uneven, rugged and muddy walls, where he saw many sparkling ores shining brightly. There were Superior Grade Warm Jade Mines, Cold Jade Mines, and even Mysterious Iron Mines among others.


    "The Earth''s Veins are always in motion; thus, these minerals must have been stripped from deep underground veins, carried along by the movement of the Earth''s Veins to form this sight."


    "And after the eruption, it left behind such a cavity, but it will soon fill up again."


    Chen Mu murmured to himself.


    He didn''t waste time, for he had other things to do and couldn''t afford to explore in detail or collect everything one by one. He quickly scanned his surroundings and fully extended his perceptive abilities. Instantly, a few items caught his eye.


    Without the time for a detailed examination, he flashed over to the nearest mud wall on his left. He thrust his right hand into the mud and sand forcefully and felt that although the walls appeared to be just muddy water, they were tough, resembling the flesh and membrane of a person due to the mixed power of the Earth''s Veins.


    Chen Mu focused the sharpness of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception in his palm and harshly tore open a slit, reaching an arm into the mud to grope around and grasped a smooth, round object before forcefully yanking it out.


    Without the time for a thorough examination,


    Chen Mu took another step down, arriving in the center. He squatted low into the warm muddy water, extended his right hand, and grabbed a raggedly shaped item from deeper underground.


    Finally, he leaped up, reaching the top of the mud wall and ripping something off with a pull and tear.


    Immediately afterwards, without lingering any longer, he plunged back into the muddy water. With a powerful leap, he followed the path he had come through. The walls felt much tighter than before, as it seemed the scattered Earth''s Vein power was gradually gathering and about to refill the gap.


    With a few snake-like twists of his body, Chen Mu quickly ascended. Soon he burst out from the riverbed and, with a flicker, broke through the river surface to reach the shore. However, he had been turned into a mud man.


    Though he shook his body a couple of times, and the Yuan Gang True Essence was stimulated to expel all the mud from his skin, his clothes still resembled something dredged from the mud.


    Chen Mu wasn''t concerned about this at the moment.


    As he determined his direction and hurried along the river towards his destination, he also inspected the three items he had obtained from underground. These were the objects in which he had sensed the densest concentration of the Earth Vein''s power.


    First was the irregularly shaped hard object, a piece of ore. Its surface was coated with a thick layer of Mysterious Iron, but where the Mysterious Iron had flaked off, hints of deep red could be seen, feeling hot to the touch.


    "Mysterious Fire Ore."


    A glint flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes as he identified its origin.


    This ore was much more precious than Mysterious Iron. It did not originate from the Mysterious Iron veins themselves but required the intersection of Mysterious Iron veins with extremely hot Earth''s Veins to form. Basically, it required meeting both conditions of Mysterious Iron veins and volcanoes, making it extremely rare and seldom found in complete reserves.


    Most like him would acquire it through the eruptions of the Earth''s Veins.


    "Good stuff,"


    Chen Mu appraised in his heart.


    The effect of the Mysterious Fire Ore was such that it could be used to refine treasures of fiery nature and even for forging higher-quality Spirit Weapons, but that required Superior Grade Mysterious Fire Ore, which he did not have in his hand...


    Although he was not a smith, and couldn''t precisely assess its quality, according to his extensive knowledge, it was probably of Low or Middle Grade, not Superior Grade.


    If it were of Superior Grade, there would be no Xuan Iron covering its surface, but rather a whole and pure piece of Mysterious Fire Ore.


    Even though it was only of Low to Middle Grade, it could still be used to forge top-quality treasured artifacts. Although his Silverstream Saber was already of good quality, Silverstream itself was a tough mineral which could withstand being forged multiple times, and it could definitely be mixed with Mysterious Fire Ore and forged again.


    The saber refined next time would possess a hint of fiery characteristics, and its quality would be comparable to Cheng Houhua''s Cold Clear Sword.


    For Chen Mu, this was a direct way to enhance some of his strength, so naturally, his evaluation wouldn''t be low.


    Then,


    Chen Mu turned his gaze to the other two items.


    Among them, the alien object that felt smooth and slimy in the mud,, now washed, revealed itself to be an earthy-yellow pearl. Chen Mu was very familiar with this object because he had one himself.


    Earth Element Pearl.


    He had previously obtained it from the storerooms of the He Family and had been using it to aid his cultivation of the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception. Indeed, he gained more experience when pondering the Artistic Conception, but the one he got from the He Family was far smaller than this new one he held.


    The one from the He Family was only the size of a thumb, whereas this one was at least a size larger, about the size of a pigeon''s egg, and its quality was clearly a notch higher.


    "Another good item,"


    Chen Mu''s eyes lit up slightly; he hadn''t expected that out of the three items he picked, two would be so useful to him.


    With this higher quality Earth Element Pearl, he could crush the previous lower quality one and turn it into Medicinal Powder to consume, starting from the spleen to temper the Five Viscera, completing a cycle of Five Viscera Tempering in a short period of time.


    Although one cycle of Five Viscera Tempering might not offer a significant increase, it was better than nothing, and for Chen Mu at this stage, any progress was good progress.


    In fact,


    many Martial Artists at the Five Viscera Realm struggle for a lifetime in this realm without significant improvement.


    For example, like He Wuyou. Speaking of Yuan Gang, his Yuan Gang was not strong, and speaking of Artistic Conception, his was also mediocre. Although being over eighty years old for the Five Viscera Realm wasn''t considered age-worn, Yu Jiujiang, an even older gentleman, had at least realized the second step of the Kan Water Artistic Conception.


    The majority of Martial Artists in the Five Viscera Realm are like the stewards of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, mastering around two to three portions of Heaven and Earth''s might; those who reach five portions are already extremely rare.


    Take Meng Danyun, a true disciple. If both Xun Wind and Kan Water Artistic Conception step into the second step, and the Five Viscera are tempered to nine or even ten times, combined, it is roughly about five portions.


    And how many can reach Meng Danyun''s level in one generation across a state?


    As for Zhou Hao, a Great Profound true disciple, or Zuo Qianqiu, a nearly invincible figure in the Five Viscera Realm, they are even fewer. Zhou Hao is a genius among geniuses, and Zuo Qianqiu is a peerless prodigy rare to see in a century.


    For most Martial Artists in the Bone Tempering Realm, and even for some in the Five Viscera Realm, they might never have any intersection with such individuals in their lifetimes.


    "Hmm, this is..."


    Chen Mu shifted his attention to the third item.


    That was the last piece he tore off from the top of the mud wall, a slick and supple blood-colored object about the size of a palm, which felt non-living yet appeared to be alive, with an extremely rich blood aura within.


    "It should be a type of ''Blood Ganoderma,'' among the Meat Ganodermas,"


    Chen Mu swiftly concluded.


    Meat Ganoderma, also called Taishui, is also among the rarer medicinal ingredients in this world, with many Body Refinement prescriptions including this ingredient. Meat Ganoderma itself has many types, with cold and hot properties, all different.


    The one Chen Mu held, being reddish in color and feeling like it contained a rich blood aura, was probably a type of Blood Ganoderma, the most precious kind among Meat Ganodermas that could nourish Qi-Blood.


    "It''s of no use to me, but it will be very useful to Hongyu,"


    Chen Mu thought, as he stored it away.


    With such a portion of Blood Ganoderma to nourish Qi-Blood, Xu Hongyu would be able to progress more quickly towards Major Achievement in Bone Tempering, and the likelihood of breaking through to the Five Viscera Realm would also increase by a lot. Furthermore, Chen Yue, Yu Ru, and Xiao He could also make use of it.

 Chapter 178 Crossing the River with a Single Reed

    Jingnan Village.Eastern Region.


    As the flattest part of Jingyu County, its eastern side was a plain lowland. At this moment, as far as the eye could see, waves were rolling in, resembling a vast ocean. Farmlands and houses had disappeared without a trace, everything was submerged by the water.


    The turbid current carried mud and sand, still flowing rapidly. Among it one could occasionally see fragments of broken walls and ruins being swept along; other than that, it was an endless expanse of river water.


    Following this boundless flood to the east.


    At the end of the line of sight, one could vaguely see a small patch of black shadow poking out of the water. It was a mountain, not very high, or rather, it really couldn''t even be considered a hill. The foot of the mountain had already been engulfed by the flood, only the middle and upper parts remained.


    On the exposed sections of rock in the middle and upper parts, one could see large gatherings of people crammed together, roughly a thousand or more, mostly made up of the elderly and children. They filled every possible foothold, huddling closely together.


    Some had pale faces, some were visibly anxious, and even more were filled with a look of despair in their eyes.


    And just then.


    Suddenly, a cry of alarm rang out.


    Some people turned to look and saw that on a piece of rock in the middle, a man dressed in fine robes with a portly figure turned around, bumping into a little girl about seven or eight years old cowering at the edge of the rock.


    The girl, hit by the bump, lost her balance, and as she screamed in terror, she desperately grabbed onto the hem of the silk-robed man''s clothing, stabilizing herself momentarily to prevent falling.


    But at that moment, the silk-robed man, his face filled with irritation, flashed a hint of anger, and yanked back his robe, pulling the hem out of her grasp. The little girl, who hadn''t steadied herself yet, lost her balance once again. With a shriek, she tumbled off the edge of the rock and plopped into the churning muddy waters. The current was extremely swift, and she disappeared in an instant.


    "Hong''er!!"


    An old man squeezed into the corner of the rock saw this and his eyes nearly split with rage. He lay over the edge of the rock desperately looking down, but the little girl was nowhere to be seen.


    Then, trembling all over, he turned to Bao Yinlin and said, "You, how could you commit murder!"


    Bao Yinlin let out a cold laugh and said, "Is my silk robe something her dirty hands can touch? So what if I killed her? If you, old fool, utter one more word, I''ll throw you down as well, to keep your plague-ridden granddaughter company on the road to the underworld!"


    "You... you..."


    Zhao Laohan, shaking all over, made his way along the edge of the rock, intending to reason with Bao Yinlin.


    However, as soon as Zhao Laohan stepped onto the rock where Bao Yinlin was, his eyes immediately flashed with a vicious light. He grabbed Zhao Laohan and flung him away. The emaciated Zhao Laohan could not withstand such a pull and also tumbled off the rock.


    This act finally provoked widespread outrage, and many people crammed on the rock wall glared at Bao Yinlin in anger, with some unable to hold back from loudly berating him.


    But at that moment, Bao Yinlin simply sneered, and several of his servants picked up sticks and clubs.


    "Anyone else who dares to shout will be sent down as well!"


    "The lord has given you a way to live, and you''re not grateful, yet you dare to be nosy." sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    One of the servants snorted coldly.


    The several servants were all bulky and strong, clearly trained in martial arts. Now, armed with sticks and clubs, they emanated evil Qi which caused every shadow on the nearby rock wall to reveal a look of fear.


    But just at this time.


    Suddenly, someone''s gaze was drawn to the distance, their expression showing shock as they exclaimed, "What is that?!"


    Following that exclamation, many people turned their heads to look.


    What they saw was.


    Upon the churning waves, from downriver in the distance, a figure was moving against the current along the surface of the river. Underneath his feet, there was nothing at all, no boat to be seen. On closer inspection, what seemed to be supporting the person''s entire weight appeared to be a delicate reed!


    Crossing the river on a single reed!


    The figure, standing on the reed, did not head straight for the hill, but instead turned and suddenly dove into the water, then resurfaced with an additional person, a small, bedraggled figure¡ªit was none other than the girl Hong''er whom Bao Yinlin had flung off the rock!


    With another person in his grasp, the weight seemed too much for the slender reed which started sinking, but Chen Mu remained calm. With a forceful tap of his toes, he leapt up while holding the girl, crossing several yards in one bound, and then with another tap, he landed perfectly on a piece of driftwood that had surfaced, and leapt again.


    After a series of leaps.


    Chen Mu approached the mountain slope and suddenly flung the girl upwards before disappearing into the water again. When he reemerged, he was holding an old man in his right hand. Catching the girl with his left hand, he stepped on the water surface, creating a huge splash, and then leapt high up, his figure flickering a few times before finally landing on the slope!


    This scene left everyone on the slope dumbfounded.


    "Immortal... an immortal..."


    A child couldn''t help but utter aloud.


    The adults nearby swallowed hard. They knew Chen Mu wasn''t an immortal, but a master who had cultivated his martial skills to an exceptional level. Not just in Jingnan Village, but in the entire Jingyu County, he was likely considered an extraordinary figure of the highest order.


    "Cough, cough."


    Chen Mu, holding a person in each hand, stood poised as Zhao Laohan and his granddaughter Hong''er coughed violently, expelling the mud water they had inhaled into their throats. Their complexions soon looked considerably better.

 Chapter 178 Crossing the River with a Single Reed_2

    As silence enveloped the scene and all eyes were on Chen Mu, he slowly set down Old Man Zhao and his granddaughter Hong''er, then cast his gaze toward Bao Yinlin and said indifferently, "Did you push them in? For what reason?"Although he had been too far away to know exactly what had happened here, his vision far exceeded that of ordinary people, and he could still see that the fall of the old man and the girl was related to Bao Yinlin, who was dressed in a luxurious brocade robe.


    "Uh, this..." Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Bao Yinlin, looking into Chen Mu''s eyes, suddenly felt chilled to the bone, his voice trembling, but he was at a loss for an excuse.


    Just then, a child about seven or eight years old couldn''t help but blurt out, "It was him; he pushed them. He even said he''d throw all of us down too!"


    This statement terrified the woman next to the child, who quickly covered the child''s mouth with her hands.


    Bao Yinlin immediately glanced at the woman and child with a resentful look, a trace of coldness flashing in his eyes, but at that moment, Chen Mu''s voice was heard again, "Is what he said true?"


    Suddenly, Chen Mu, who had unknowingly moved to the rock where Bao Yinlin was standing, spoke coldly.


    Bao Yinlin, with a bead of cold sweat on his forehead, stammered, "Sir... it was the child who tried to pull me down first..."


    As Chen Mu''s gaze grew colder, Bao Yinlin''s voice grew quieter and more tremulous, "Sir, my brother-in-law is from the Xie family in the county... a distant relative..."


    Boom.


    Chen Mu, tired of further nonsense, waved his sleeve, and Bao Yinlin, with a scream, his hefty body like a piece of paper, was sent flying from the rock into the floodwaters below, struggling briefly before vanishing.


    By then, Old Man Zhao and his granddaughter Hong''er, who had been rescued, had somewhat recovered. Old Man Zhao, seeing his granddaughter''s face gradually regain color despite being soaked in mud, expressed immense emotion and couldn''t help but start kowtowing to Chen Mu.


    "Sir, benefactor, this old man offers his profound gratitude."


    "That''s enough, no need for such formalities."


    Chen Mu glanced at Old Man Zhao, then his gaze swept over the many individuals on the small hillside, a trace of contemplation appearing in his eyes; he then said solemnly, "I am the Inspectorate Metropolitan Commander, responsible for the flood disaster in the Qingping River area. You need not show excessive courtesy, nor panic. Follow my orders, and I shall guide you all to a safe place."


    The world''s response to disasters had improved a lot more than he had anticipated; in fact, the response to the previous drought had also surprisingly exceeded his expectations, and this flood was similar. When he arrived at Jingnan Village, various officials reported that most people in the worst-hit flood areas had already been safely evacuated.


    Those who had not managed to escape and were trapped here were mostly the elderly, young, sick, and disabled.


    Of course, there were also fools like Bao Yinlin.


    Chen Mu glanced at the rock that Bao Yinlin had occupied, which had several large chests piled on it. A look was enough to tell that they contained valuables like gold and silver, which he had been unwilling to abandon, intending to take everything.


    But halfway through, he found the muddy ground increasingly difficult to traverse and finally got trapped here, displaying not only his greed and stupidity but also his cruelty and arrogance.


    Indeed.


    The county officials had basically given up on the trapped flood victims like Old Man Zhao.


    Mainly because during the flood, the Earth''s Veins trembled, the water was swift and rough with waves, and even large ships struggled to navigate steadily, let alone small boats. A slight mishap could cause them to capsize, and there were monstrous creatures lurking in the water.


    That this group of people like Old Man Zhao had managed to stay here until now without being devoured by the aquatic creatures was merely luck.


    In situations like these,


    they typically wouldn''t last a day or two before being killed by creatures.


    The difficulty of rescue was immense; not ordinary people, even Martial Men of the Body Refinement Realm or the Tendon Changing Realm, would not dare claim they could maneuver with ease in the water during such a flood, and even those of the Bone Tempering Realm must be exceedingly cautious!


    After receiving reports from various places, Chen Mu did not critique the actions of the county officials.


    From their perspective, there indeed seemed no need for further rescue operations. Those who hadn''t escaped the flood area were generally presumed dead, and expending manpower and effort on rescue would likely save very few and might even cost more lives.


    Thus, Chen Mu also did not forcefully order the local officials to conduct rescues, but instead, ventured alone into the flood-stricken area, following the raging torrents to look for any possible survivors.


    Unexpectedly.


    Not only were there survivors, but there were quite a few.


    This small hill alone had about a thousand people on it.


    But unfortunately, throughout the entire flood-stricken area, those who had not managed to escape in time were likely only these remaining survivors.


    "Thank you, sir! Thank you, sir!"


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s words, nearly all the figures on the small hill grew excited, and if not for the cramped and crowded space, they would have probably all knelt down.


    Those who hadn''t managed to escape in time and were trapped on this narrow hillside had already lost all hope, never expecting anyone to come for their rescue. In these times, would any government officer risk their life to save people during such a fearsome flood? Normally, even if these people died on the streets, the local lords wouldn''t spare them a second glance.


    Who would have thought there would be an official like Chen Mu!


    Although many didn''t even know what an Inspectorate Metropolitan Commander was, the scene of Chen Mu''s miraculous rescue in the tumultuous river had been deeply etched in their minds. With such divine capabilities, perhaps he really could save them!

 Chapter 178 Crossing the River on a Reed_3

    "There are quite a few people..."Chen Mu''s gaze swept over the small hillside, his mind still deep in thought.


    After all, he was only human, not a deity. Perhaps those great figures from the Marrow Cleansing and Blood Exchange Realm could have single-handedly taken thousands from here to a place of safety, but he could not.


    Even thinking of taking hundreds at once seemed impossible, and this place was not safe at all. Monsters could emerge from the water at any moment, and these villagers had no strength to resist them; in an instant, they would become nourishment for the monsters.


    However.


    Chen Mu quickly thought of a strategy.


    He reached into his sleeve and pulled out a Signal Arrow, pulled the fuse, and in an instant, a beam of light ascended into the sky and exploded above, emitting a sharp whistle.


    Seeing this, Old Man Zhao hugging his granddaughter trembling, as well as many villagers, all showed a hopeful expression.


    However, after releasing the signal, Chen Mu did not look further but turned his attention to Old Man Zhao and his granddaughter Hong''er, chopped a nearby wooden box into several pieces, and casually rubbed them together to set the wood on fire.


    "Come over and warm yourselves."


    Chen Mu piled the wood on the side, speaking calmly to Old Man Zhao.


    At the time, a drizzle was still falling from the sky. Though it was spring rain, it still carried a chill. Most people wore straw raincoats, but Old Man Zhao and his granddaughter had fallen into the water earlier and were soaked through.


    Old Man Zhao looked at Chen Mu, trembling a bit with hesitation, but seeing his granddaughter shivering from the cold, he still cautiously pulled Hong''er over to the fire, and then started to kowtow to Chen Mu.


    "Alright, no need for such formalities."


    Chen Mu stopped Old Man Zhao, reached out and touched Hong''er''s head, wiping a streak of mud from her messy hair, and then asked, "How did you end up left behind here?"


    Old Man Zhao kowtowed to Chen Mu again before tremblingly explaining, "People from the village came and said there was a flood coming. All the young and able-bodied men ran. My son took his two grandsons and ran as well. Hong''er and I were slow, and the road was rough..."


    Listening to Old Man Zhao''s intermittent words.


    Chen Mu roughly understood that Old Man Zhao and Hong''er were not the only surviving grandfather and granddaughter; there were also a son, a daughter-in-law, and grandsons, but the son and daughter-in-law had taken the grandsons and fled first, leaving Old Man Zhao and his granddaughter behind.


    There was not much to be said about that. On one hand, this world valued males over females, and on the other hand, ordinary families simply could not take care of everyone. Trying to escape with both the elderly and the young might end up with no one escaping in time.


    Looking around the small hillside, it was apparent there were several families like this.


    "You all are likely in the same situation."


    Chen Mu then looked at some people nearby.


    The many villagers, who had never seen such an ''amiable'' official as Chen Mu, were still trembling and did not dare to speak freely, all respectfully bowing their heads, making a small bow in the cramped space before responding in a low voice. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While one of them was recounting their situation, suddenly not far away the water surface splashed, stirring up a wave of muddy water, and then a monstrous creature almost two meters long, resembling a blue fish, leapt from the water, aiming to swallow the nearest child.


    The child was so frightened that he froze on the spot, unable to move.


    "Seeking death!"


    Chen Mu snorted coldly, a glint of harshness flickering in his eyes. At some point, a pebble had appeared at his fingertips, which he flicked violently. The pebble streaked through the air forming a Thunder Arc, spanning a distance of over ten meters in an instant, striking the monster fish''s head!


    The skull of the monster fish was seemingly as fragile as paper, instantly shattered and penetrated by the pebble, and its massive body also flew sideways, plummeting back into the water below, vanishing from sight.

 Chapter 179 Immortal Makes a Boat

    "Demons!"The moment the fish demon sprang out of the water, many of the nearby villagers were terrified. Chaos reigned on the cliffside until the fish demon was slain by Chen Mu with a single strike, and only then did some of the villagers barely regain their senses from the shock and trembling.


    But since the cliff was too narrow, there were still a few who were standing on the edge and got pushed over it, slipping down the steep slope toward the flood below. Cries for help and screams filled the air, creating complete disarray.


    "Silence!"


    It was at this time that Chen Mu''s voice rang out, instantly drowning out all the chaos.


    Some wooden twigs that had come loose from a crate appeared between his fingers and flew out, nailing the straw cloaks of several falling villagers, halting their descent.


    The few villagers spared from the fall into the floodwaters still had expressions of unsettled fear, while the rest of the villagers on the cliffside fell silent, quickly bringing quiet to the scene.


    "Do not panic, do not make noise."


    Chen Mu addressed the villagers on the slope in a deep voice, containing a deterrent force that quelled the chaos in the hearts of the villagers. It also reminded many of the scene where Chen Mu had dealt with Bao Yinlin earlier, causing them to dare not move rashly.


    Seeing the situation once again under control, Chen Mu then said sternly, "Leave the water demons to me. Those who cause a commotion will be punished for their crimes afterward!"


    A single demon was nothing to worry about, but if all the villagers on the small hill were to panic and people from all directions fell into the water, that would be a big problem for him, and he might not be able to attend to everything.


    With a trace of the thunder''s authority in his voice, Chen Mu frightened all the villagers into calmness. Old Man Zhao and his granddaughter Hong''er, who were nearby, also trembled silently without making a sound.


    Without further exchange with the many villagers, Chen Mu stood directly at the edge of the cliff, gazing intently at the water below.


    Splash!


    Suddenly, another demon surged out of the water, this time a snake demon, its body covered with green scales, as thick as a bowl and two or three meters long, and very fast, striking like lightning toward the person closest to the edge of the cliff, intending to bite them and drag them into the water to devour them.


    But before it could bite its prey, a pebble enveloped in traces of Thunder Arc shot through the air, and with a single strike, it shattered the creature''s head. The massive snake body flew sideways, plunging into the water far away, disappearing from sight.


    This time, although the nearest villagers were also startled, they did not descend into chaos, crowding, and trampling each other as before. There were childish screams of terror, but they were immediately silenced by the adults next to them who had recovered.


    "The aura in the water is still indiscernible..."


    Chen Mu murmured to himself as he watched the water''s surface. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With his Xun Wind Artistic Conception having reached the second step, the Autumn Wind Sense made his perception incredibly sharp. Within ten yards, even the faint activity of a mosquito fluttering its wings could be clearly caught by him. However, his perception was significantly hindered underwater, and he could only catch the movement of the demons when they leapt out of the water.


    If he had mastered the Kan Water Artistic Conception, then his perception in water would have been very clear. Nonetheless, he had chosen to practice Gen Mountain first. Everything had to be taken one step at a time; it wasn''t possible to achieve everything all at once.


    After a moment of contemplation,


    another demon jumped out of the water, but just as it broke the surface, not yet reaching its prey, it was hit by a pebble flung by Chen Mu, smashing its skull and sending it back into the water where it disappeared in the distance, leaving a bloody trail.


    This continued repeatedly for more than half an hour, during which Chen Mu successively killed seven or eight demons. Finally, a shadow appeared on the vast endless surface of the water.


    As the shadow drew closer,


    it turned out to be a canoe.


    Standing on the canoe were several figures including White-Clothed Guards of the Demon-Slaying Office, Thousand-households of the Inspectorate, and a Deputy Governor of the Demon-Slaying Office, a man with a square face and large ears, exuding authority¡ªit was Xu Hongyu''s Third Uncle, Yu Jun.


    Last year, during the drought and demon chaos, when Chen Mu joined Xu Hongyu in demon slaying in An Yu County, Yu Jun was his immediate superior, responsible for the coordination of the entire county.


    But less than a year had passed, and during this flood disaster throughout the Qingping River area, all officials from various Yamen were under his command, including Yu Jun, who was now one of his subordinates.


    At this time,


    the many officials from Demon-Slaying Office and Inspectorate on the canoe had already noticed the crowd on the small hill and quickly spotted the solitary figure at the edge of the cliff.


    "There are actually survivors."


    "Hmm, more than I expected. No wonder Lord Chen sent out a signal."


    Several White-Clothed Guards whispered to each other.


    Meanwhile, as Yu Jun watched Chen Mu''s figure from afar, he felt a pang of admiration.


    Although he knew that once Chen Mu had mastered the Artistic Conception, he would become an extraordinary figure, he had never imagined that in less than a year, Chen Mu would rise to be the Metropolitan Commander and Demon-Slaying Office Commander, becoming his immediate superior, and even using his own power to decisively defeat the He Family, which had contended with the Yu Family for countless years.


    Soon,


    Yu Jun and the others arrived at the foot of the small hill.


    "Metropolitan Commander!"


    All the personnel from the Demon-Slaying Office and Inspectorate saluted Chen Mu, including Yu Jun, who did not presume any pride.


    But Chen Mu, without waiting for everyone to finish their gestures, immediately interjected, "During critical times, there''s no need for formalities... How was the situation as you came here?"

 Chapter 179 Immortal Makes a Boat_2

    A thousand-household officer from the Inspectorate answered Chen Mu, "Milord, the entire eastern region is submerged by the floodwaters; there are no homes, nor any survivors to be seen. Along the way, we were attacked by numerous monsters, but all were repelled."On one side, the thousand-household officer reported the situation.


    On the other side, Yu Jun''s gaze swept over the crowd on the entire hillside, but his brows were slightly furrowed.


    The tide disaster brought more than just flooding; there were monsters in the water, and the possibility of Earth''s Veins tremors at any moment. It wasn''t just difficult for ordinary people; even their team of absolute elite warriors encountered many troubles on their way.


    To evacuate such a large group of over a thousand disaster victims seemed almost impossible to him. After all, the maximum capacity of the canoes they were using was only about ten people at a time. As for calling in more boats, it was not possible; the current was so swift that large boats simply couldn''t be controlled.


    Only these elite Martial Artists could forcibly control the canoes by virtue of their strength and cross the water.


    He wondered what Chen Mu had planned.


    As Yu Jun pondered, Chen Mu had already listened to the officer''s report. After nodding slightly, he said, "All of you, come up here and guard this place. Do not let the monsters hurt anyone. I will send these disaster victims away."


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s words, some from the Demon-Slaying Office responded.


    But there were others, like Yu Jun, who showed hesitant expressions,


    "Milord, our small boat can carry at most about ten people at one time. It will take at least half an hour to navigate out of the flooded area from here. A round trip will take an hour. I''m afraid this may be a bit..."


    Not to mention that the small boat required at least three or four Martial Artists at the Tendon Changing Realm to control it so it could progress in the swift currents. Even if Chen Mu could control the small boat alone by his own strength and carry ten people at a time, it would still take several dozen, nearly a hundred trips.


    The time spent would be too long.


    The main issue was that for the sake of these thousand or so elderly and young people, having their team of elite warriors stationed here for ten days or half a month was not a particularly wise decision. There were still manpower shortages on the outskirts, and every additional team of elites could control another area of disaster, saving just as many disaster victims.


    In Yu Jun''s view, it would be better to abandon this difficult group of villagers, who were mostly elderly and young, or simply rescue only some of the children, and devote more manpower and energy to dealing with the monster disaster outside the flood areas.


    However, this tide disaster was not like the drought disaster of An Yu County last time, which he was in charge of managing. Instead, Chen Mu, the Metropolitan Commander, was responsible for the troop movements of two counties in the Qingping River basin. He was just a subordinate under Chen Mu''s command.


    "No matter," Chen Mu said calmly after hearing Yu Jun''s words.


    Yu Jun hesitated for a moment, but he still obeyed and did not persist in dissuading him further. In his eyes, the lives of over a thousand villagers were a trivial matter. Even if some died in the outlying area, it didn''t matter much. If Chen Mu''s decision-making and dispatching were flawed, at most, more disaster victims would die, which was not significant.


    Plus, their staying here was not without meaning. At the very least, if there was a surge of the Earth''s Veins nearby, they might have a chance to obtain some rare Spiritual Objects.


    Swish! Swish!!


    Yu Jun led a group of Demon-Slaying officers and men to leap onto the rocky walls, guarding the surroundings of the hillside. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although the hillside and rocky walls were very congested with hardly any space to stand, that was for ordinary people. The weakest among the group Yu Jun brought were Martial Artists in the Tendon Changing Realm who could easily find their footing where commoners couldn''t. If worse came to worst, they could forcibly split the rocky wall to carve out a small space to stand on.


    Yet as everyone leapt onto the rocky walls, Chen Mu didn''t move towards the small wooden boat brought by the others. Instead, he let the boat be carried away by the swift current far into the distance and leapt in the opposite direction.


    "Huh?"


    Yu Jun and many others were briefly startled.


    Even though for them, not having the small boat wasn''t impossible for leaving the place, and at worst, they could guard this small hillside until the tide subsided, the question was, if Chen Mu didn''t need that small boat, how was he planning to rescue the people?


    What happened next,


    They saw Chen Mu alighting, after a few leaps, on a part of an ancient tree that was still floating on the water. Then he dived into the water.


    Afterward, there was a muffled hum from beneath the water, as if something had exploded. The water''s surface suddenly erupted with a wave ten zhang high, and they saw the ancient tree slowly tilting in the water until it toppled over onto the surface with a boom!


    But that wasn''t all.


    Before the nearly embrace-thick ancient tree could drift far in the flood, another splash arose not far away, followed by another ancient tree breaking apart. The two enormous ancient trees floated down the rapid floodwaters toward the small hillside.


    Watching this, Yu Jun felt a slight shock in his heart. These two ancient trees were indeed much larger than the small boat; however, if they were to be used for carrying people, even if they were stripped of branches and leaves, that might not necessarily be much better than the small boat.


    After all, being heavy and deep in the water, carrying a dozen people would practically submerge them, and with the swift current, how could a group of elderly and young villagers maintain their balance on it?


    However,


    Before the two ancient trees approached the hillside, Chen Mu appeared again with the Silverstream Saber in hand. With a flash of the blade, the branches of the two trees were sequentially stripped away, leaving only two sturdy trunks.


    Immediately after that, a glint of light flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes, and two invisible Wind Blades condensed on the edge of the Silverstream Saber. He ran them down the middle of the trunks and then thrust his hand into the trees, flipping them open with a powerful lift.

 Chapter 179 Immortal Builds a Boat_3

    Crack! Crack!Accompanied by the crackling sounds, a large, intact block of wood from the center of the ancient tree''s trunk was lifted into the sky and fell far into the water, leaving the main bodies of two ancient trees unexpectedly transformed into two hollow wooden boats!


    Yet Chen Mu''s task was still not finished. His entire body leaped onto the slope''s edge. With an outstretched hand, he grabbed the edge of one of the boats and then, with a sudden exertion of strength, he literally lifted the nearly ten-meter-long wooden boat out of the water. Then, a strand of red light burst forth from the palm of his hand, pouring into the entire wooden boat in an instant.


    Boom!


    In an instant, the moist wooden boat burst into blazing flames, which spread rapidly, engulfing the whole boat. It was as if he was holding aloft a giant pillar of fire nearly ten meters high!


    The scorching of the fire pillar did not last long, quickly fading away after just a moment, but nearly all the moisture inside the boat had been driven out by the heat. When Chen Mu put it back into the water, it had become a large, somewhat rough, but serviceable dragon boat, which drew very little water and could carry dozens or even hundreds of people!


    Thereafter,


    Chen Mu treated the other dragon boat in the same manner, finally bringing the two boats together and nailing pieces of branches in between them, creating an even more stable connected vessel.


    Yu Jun watched as Chen Mu created a large boat in the blink of an eye, his eyes bulging with shock.


    The elderly and children among the villagers didn''t understand and were amazed by the scene. They witnessed Chen Mu almost create a huge boat out of nothing, muttering about immortals. But Yu Jun, as the Deputy Governor of the Demon-Slaying Office and a figure of the Bone Tempering Realm, could not possibly lack discernment.


    Let alone the sheer strength that he felt was overwhelming, far beyond his reach, just the intense flames that covered the dragon boat at the end left him somewhat incredulous.


    Separating Fire Artistic Conception!


    That was doubtlessly the power of the Separating Fire Artistic Conception, and he feared it might have even surpassed the first step!


    Weren''t Chen Mu''s two known Artistic Conceptions the Xun Wind and Thunderbolt?


    And when had he realized the Separating Fire, even stepping into the second realm of the Separating Fire Artistic Conception? This was the second step of the Artistic Conception, a level comparable to the presence of the Five Viscera Realm!


    Whoosh.


    Chen Mu leaped aboard the boat, positioning the new vessel against the slope''s edge, and without paying much attention to the shock of Yu Jun and the others, he loudly ordered, "All people orderly board the boat, no scrambling allowed!"


    The numerous villagers on the hillside were still in shock. To them, the feats Chen Mu had just performed were no different from those of a true immortal, even the well-informed elders, who knew Chen Mu to be a powerful Martial Artist, were now doubting whether Chen Mu was perhaps truly an Immortal descended to earth.


    Chen Mu was unaware that the deeds of today would be passed on by word of mouth among the villagers, eventually becoming a folk story of an ''Immortal Building a Boat'' as part of local legends. Even if he knew, he would probably just laugh it off, for there are no immortals in this world, only those who have reached the pinnacle in Martial Arts.


    The various strange and mystic stories and legends of immortals that circulate in the world are mostly concocted by commoners with limited vision, who, upon witnessing Martial Arts Realms beyond their comprehension, mistake them for immortal techniques, which then evolve into bizarre tales over time.


    Soon,


    there was a stir and commotion on the small hillside.


    However, thanks to the deterrence and control by Yu Jun and others, it quickly returned to order, and soon the villagers nearest started to board the boats one after another, carefully taking their seats.


    Chen Mu issued no orders like ''children first,'' for in these times, children separated from their parents or those become orphans had little chance of survival. Such actions would be meaningless and serve only to create chaos.


    Moments later,


    hundreds of people got on board, crowding the boat to its full capacity.


    The villagers who couldn''t board the boat all showed worried expressions, and those who had narrowly missed out showed impatient looks. However, faced with the nearby members of the Demon-Slaying Office and the Inspectorate, they dared not rush forward or vie for a place.


    "All right, I will first take away a group, you all stay and guard this place,"


    said Chen Mu, seeing the boat was full, and he gave his command to the many members of the Inspectorate behind him.


    "Yes!"


    The officers of the Inspectorate and the White-Clothed Guards of the Demon-Slaying Office responded in unison.


    Just as Yu Jun hesitated, wondering if he should ask Chen Mu to make room for a few White-Clothed Guards to help steer the boat, he saw Chen Mu standing at the prow of the boat without any apparent movement. Yet in an instant, the wild wind howled, forcing the entire giant boat to rapidly leave the hillside and cut through the winds and waves.


    Yu Jun swallowed back what he had wanted to say.


    Xun Wind Artistic Conception¡ªYu Jun was aware that Chen Mu had mastered this conception. But the current spectacle, where the boat was driven by the wind without any visible action from Chen Mu, was probably not something achievable by the first step of that conception.


    Another conception that had entered the second step!


    Watching the boat sail away swiftly with the wind, Chen Mu''s silhouette soon becoming a mere pinprick in the distance, Yu Jun''s thoughts churned wildly like the raging flood below.


    The shock of this moment even surpassed that of when Chen Mu single-handedly destroyed the He Family in one day. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Red Jade''s future husband, his own niece''s fianc¨¦, what kind of person was he, really?

 Chapter 180 Encountering the True Transmission Again

    ```Over the endless expanse of water, waves surged and billowed.


    A large boat approached from afar, riding the wind and cleaving the waves, carrying a throng of villagers. Despite the raging torrent of the river, the vessel stood tall and mighty, majestically forging ahead.


    Splash!!


    All of a sudden, the surface of the water exploded, sending up a spray several meters high.


    A monstrous creature, neither snake nor fish, leaped out of the river. Its massive form, a full ten meters in length, exuded a terror that stupefied all around. Merely by emerging from the water, it sent shivers through the hearts of the many villagers.


    "It''s the Black River God!"


    Some villagers looked on with eyes wide with terror.


    There were tales among the people of a ''Black River God,'' with a body dark as night, bearing the head of a fish and the body of a snake, six eyes, and four tails, feasting on humans. Women often scared their children with threats of the ''Black River God'' eating them, its infamy quelling the cries of fretful children at night!


    But the Black River God that sprang from the water was unlike any of the fish monsters before. With a mere flick of its tail, the ends split into four fins that cut through the water, instantly raising a nearly ten-meter-high torrent that crashed down towards the giant boat.


    But just at that moment.


    Chen Mu, who stood at the bow of the great boat, displayed a look of detached indifference. His entire being suddenly leaped into the air, his Silverstream Saber casting a beam of light, then he lifted it high above his head to meet the falling torrent with a fierce slash.


    The deluge, which was like a water dragon descending, split in two around Chen Mu''s sword as the center, turning into two streams of water that fell along either side of the mighty boat. The force of the blade cut even further, extending an invisible edge through the water that was visible to the naked eye.


    Splash!!! Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the waters parted in the middle with a thundering rupture, a streak of blood appeared on the head of the ''Black River God,'' followed by a burst of blood spray.


    Chen Mu silently returned to the bow, his gaze calm as he sheathed his saber and stood his ground.


    The Black River God that had leaped high out of the river swiftly lost the luster in its six blood-red eyes, and its massive frame began to fall, plunging back into the water and creating a massive wave.


    Such turbulence, however, could not shake the boat. It remained as immovable as a mountain atop the water, with Chen Mu standing unwaveringly at the bow until the sprays settled. Then, cutting through the waves and crossing over the bloodstained waters, the boat continued forward!


    "Dead, it''s dead..."


    The many villagers crammed onto the boat, stunned by the scene, were all in utter shock.


    In fact, many of the elderly villagers knew that the ''Black River God'' was a kind of monster, albeit a rather famous one. However, in the past, even the government officers from the county yamen and the esteemed individuals from the prefectural government would usually give it a wide berth.


    But today, a Black River God had leapt out of the river only to be slain by a single strike from Chen Mu, no different from the fish and snake monsters before.


    Even as Chen Mu stood at the bow, his silhouette never wavered, his clothes unfazed by the wild wind. The boundless river water and spray that splashed up naturally parted on either side of him. He looked nothing like a government officer, but more like an Immortal descending upon the mortal world!


    Behind Chen Mu.


    In the place closest to him, sat the little girl Hong''er, whom he had earlier rescued.


    At this moment, she gazed blankly at Chen Mu''s figure, her eyes filled with shock and admiration. She couldn''t help but whisper softly, "Brother... is brother an Immortal?"


    Old man Zhao next to her was also in a daze. Hearing Hong''er speak up, he quickly tried to cover her mouth. How could she be so informal and address Chen Mu directly? His heart went aflutter with nervousness.


    However.


    At this time, Chen Mu glanced at Hong''er, the little girl''s clothes now partly dry, and her complexion much improved. It was just that her little face was still smeared with mud and her hair was a mess.


    This sight reminded him of his sister, Chen Yue, when she was young, prompting him to reply with a gentle voice.


    "Brother is not an Immortal, just a Martial Man who is slightly more formidable."


    Once more, he turned his head back.


    Gazing at the boundless floodwaters, Chen Mu felt a moment of emotion. Although there were no Immortals in this world, if one could reach the pinnacle of Martial Arts, one would indeed appear no different from Immortal Gods in the eyes of ordinary mortals.


    Like those peerless beings who dominated the vast lands of Da Xuan and the Eleven States of the Northern Land, such as ''Heavenly Blade'' Gongyang Yu. It was rumored that he once cut a river with a single slash, stopping its flow for three days straight!


    What kind of prowess was that?


    With his current strength, a single slash could only break through several meters of the river''s surface, and the water would soon return to its course.


    One could only imagine the level of Martial Arts required to halt a hundred-meter-wide river for three days without resuming its flow.


    Such a being was indeed akin to the ''Immortal Gods'' spoken of by ordinary folks, a true powerhouse reigning supreme over the world, standing at the zenith of the Martial Path ¨C a presence that even the Great Sect of the Seven Profound Sect, after ten generations, might struggle to produce.


    The torrential floods continued.


    The great boat pressed on, cutting through the waves.


    After slaying the Black River God with a single strike, the rest of the journey was accompanied only by the sound of the torrential flood, with profound silence otherwise, as no other monsters emerged from the water to attack. As they traveled farther and farther, land finally appeared within sight at the end of the horizon.


    "We''ve reached the shore, we''re ashore!"


    Someone on the great boat caught a glimpse of land from afar and couldn''t help but exclaim excitedly, then quickly covered their mouth, afraid to make too much noise.


    At this moment, everyone on the boat felt waves of emotions churning within.


    The day''s events seemed like a dream: first the surging floodwaters, their failed escape, the crowded wait on a hillock for an impending death; but then Chen Mu came crossing the river, punished the local bullies, slew monsters, crafted a boat out of the blue, conquered the wave while making way through the flood, slaying demons and, amidst the boundless inundation, catching sight of land once more!


    And looking around at that boat full of people, young and old, they were like a forgotten seed discarded by the world, now being ferried back to humanity.


    ```

 Chapter 180 Encounter with the True Transmission_2

    "It''s as if an Immortal is crafting a boat to ferry the masses!"Unlike the surging emotions of the many villagers, Chen Mu''s mind was quite calm at this moment. Using the Xun Wind Artistic Conception to pilot the boat, he was faster than the martial artists like Yu Jun piloting dugout canoes. Crossing the flood-stricken area took less than half an hour.


    In this way, it would only take half a day to ferry all those villagers back.


    He considered it a duty fulfilled.


    However.


    As Chen Mu was lost in thought, he suddenly shifted his gaze in the direction of something in the distance.


    He saw at the upper reaches of the roaring flood, at the end of his line of sight, a dark shadow had appeared at some point, following the current downstream¡ªa log that was neither thick nor thin, only about half a foot wide.


    But on such a log stood several figures, all in identical garments, riding the log downstream. There seemed to be strands of Sword Intent intertwining, slicing through the water.


    Heavenly Sword Sect!


    When Chen Mu caught sight of them from a distance, several members of the Heavenly Sword Sect also noticed Chen Mu ferrying people on the boat. Their gazes converged from afar, crossing each other over the vast water surface.


    But Chen Mu just glanced over before withdrawing his gaze, continuing to stand firmly at the bow, ferrying the villagers across the river.


    "...It''s him!"


    Several people from the Heavenly Sword Sect, looking from a distance, immediately recognized Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu was no longer an unknown figure in Yu County; even disciples from the Four Great Sects could recognize him at a glance. They all knew that this Inspectorate''s Metropolitan Commander was not just a favorite subordinate of Yan Jingqing but also possessed the talent and aptitude to vie for the position of inheritor of the Great Sect''s true teachings, far from being ordinary.


    However, the people from the Heavenly Sword Sect who were riding the log and exploring the Qingping River were also out of the ordinary.


    The person standing at the very front of the log was not particularly tall, merely five feet, noticeably shorter than the other Heavenly Sword Sect disciples, but there was a faint sword light flickering in his eyes. The costume he wore from the Heavenly Sword Sect was slightly different at the lapel; a layer of golden thread enveloped the embroidered sword-shaped patterns.


    It was Gu Hong, who had once met Chen Mu briefly¡ªa true disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect.


    "It''s the second step of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception!"


    A person standing behind Gu Hong spoke in a deep voice, his eyes showing a hint of surprise as he looked at Chen Mu.


    In such rapid currents, to be able to pilot a boat this size, carrying hundreds of people through the waves, clearly wasn''t something ordinary means could achieve. The gusts of wind controlling the boat, without a doubt, were not of the first step of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception but had already entered the second step!


    "This person is truly formidable."


    Lv Yuan behind also couldn''t help but squint his eyes.


    He had once gone to the flower district to listen to music and encountered Chen Mu as well. Although both were wearing headgear and Chen Mu did not recognize him, he later knew that the man had to be Chen Mu without a doubt. At that time, Chen Mu seemed not to have mastered the second step of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception yet, but now, in just half a year''s time, he had reached this realm!


    There''s a gigantic chasm between the Bone Tempering Realm and the Five Viscera Realm. The only thing that can bridge this chasm is the second step of Artistic Conception.


    Now that Chen Mu has grasped the second step of Artistic Conception, he could be said to be nearly unbeatable among the inner sect disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect; only a true disciple who has stepped into the Five Viscera Realm could surpass Chen Mu.


    "I heard that he entered the Bone Tempering Realm just one or two years ago. Could it be that he grasped the second step of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception while still in the Bone Tempering Realm? Such talent is even greater than Meng Danyun''s."


    Another person next to Lv Yuan spoke in a deep voice.


    Meng Danyun, a true disciple of the Seven Profound Sect, had mastered the Xun Wind and the Kan Water Artistic Conceptions to the first step''s epitome and was proficient in various techniques but had yet to step into the second phase. Chen Mu, however, managed to lead by mastering it first, demonstrating an exceptional level of comprehension. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At this moment, Lv Yuan''s thoughts were flashing, and a trace of sharpness appeared in his eyes. Suddenly, he said in a deep voice to Gu Hong, "Elder Brother Gu, this person''s comprehension is extraordinary. In the future, he might become a formidable enemy. We could... "


    To chance upon each other on this vast expanse of the river, once the fight started, there would be no retreat, no escape, making it entirely possible to kill Chen Mu here and then. Although Heavenly Sword Sect had no particular enmity with Seven Profound Sect at the moment, their relationship was inherently hostile.


    Moreover, in the Martial World, it is common for Sect disciples to spar and exchange blows, and if one perishes due to inferior skills, such is the rule of the martial community.


    As long as it is not the older generation striking down the younger, breaking the rules of the Martial World, the Seven Profound Sect would not have much to say.


    However.


    As soon as Lv Yuan''s words fell, he was met with a cold snort from Gu Hong.


    "Hmph!"


    This cold snort wasn''t just filled with chilly intent, but also, in an instant, a Sword Intent born from the heart spread out, directly reaching into Lv Yuan''s mind, making him groan and almost fall off the log into the river, with blood even spilling from the corner of his mouth.


    Seeing this, the other Inner Sect disciples also fell completely silent.


    Merely with a cold snort and a thread of Heart Sword power, without even drawing a sword, Gu Hong was able to injure Lv Yuan!


    Gu Hong looked coldly at Lv Yuan and said, "Just because he might become a great enemy in the future, you wish to strike him down while he is weak. Such despicable behavior, how can you expect to have a clear Sword Heart and reach the pinnacle of mastery... Are you trying to corrupt my Sword Heart?"


    At this time, Lv Yuan''s heart was shaken. Although he had not yet entered the Five Viscera Realm, he had also realized the existence of Artistic Conception. Just the diffusion of Gu Hong''s Heart Sword power had wounded his spirit, such a terrifying might.


    Could it be,


    Gu Hong''s Heart Sword has already entered the second step?!


    At this thought, Lv Yuan was even more frightened and, without wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth, immediately said in a low voice to Gu Hong, "Elder Brother Gu is right to instruct... But I hold no ill will towards you."


    Gu Hong looked at Lv Yuan with a detached gaze and said indifferently, "If my Sword Heart is clear, if you had any intention to harm me, you wouldn''t be standing here unharmed right now."


    With that said,


    he glanced once more at Chen Mu''s figure, who had already passed by on the river and was gradually growing distant. He said calmly, "It''s not bad that he has realized the second step of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, but that''s all there is to it."


    "Among the five sects of Yu State, aside from Left Elder Brother, only Blood Hidden Pavilion''s true heir Si Kouzhi, Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s Jiang Yifei, Hehuan Sect''s Hua Nongyue, and Seven Profound Sect''s Zhou Hao can be called peerless talents, worthy of being considered as my future formidable enemies."


    "You say this person is also a future formidable enemy of mine, isn''t that... underestimating me?"


    Withdrawing his gaze, Gu Hong looked indifferently at Lv Yuan.


    Lv Yuan kept silent, not daring to respond, while the other Heavenly Sword Sect Inner Sect disciples echoed in agreement, "Indeed, aside from the heads of the sects, no one could pose a threat to Elder Brother Gu. It seems Lv Junior Brother has spoken out of turn."


    "I don''t think Lv Junior Brother belittles Elder Brother Gu. He''s just intimidated by someone who emerged from a remote county. He spoke out of turn in shock, forgetting just who Elder Brother Gu is, not someone ordinary who can be compared just so."


    "Lv Junior Brother, are you not going to apologize to Elder Brother Gu at once!"


    Amidst the taunting and stern voices of the Heavenly Sword Sect disciples, Lv Yuan bowed low to Gu Hong once more.


    But Gu Hong stopped him, saying "Enough, there''s no need for further idle talk. We''ve come to Qingping River in search of rare treasures from Earth''s Veins; let''s not be distracted by trivial matters and forget our main purpose!"


    "Yes."


    "We will heed Elder Brother Gu''s command."


    Lv Yuan, along with several Heavenly Sword Sect disciples, responded respectfully.


    The group continued to travel down the mighty river currents on their log, quickly disappearing from view at the water''s edge.

 Chapter 181 Chaos

    On the bitter boat.Enjoy new adventures at empire


    The many villagers were all astonished at the passing members of the Heavenly Sword Sect, whispering among themselves in hushed tones.


    "Who are those people? Are they also in distress? So many of them standing on just a log..."


    "What kind of eyes do you have? Clearly, they are martial arts experts. To balance so many people on such a slender log, they must have significant backgrounds, but they probably aren''t officials from the county government."


    Someone stole a glance at Chen Mu''s back.


    If they were officials from the county government, they would certainly greet Chen Mu upon seeing him and wouldn''t just pass by like this.


    "Shh, I heard from my father-in-law''s distant nephew''s uncle that many storytellers'' Martial Arts Sects seem to have come to Yu County. The group we saw just now, I think they were, what''s it called... yes, Blood Hidden Pavilion!"


    "I''ve heard about them too, but somehow, what you''re saying doesn''t seem right; it doesn''t quite match."


    A few villagers continued whispering among themselves with bowed heads.


    Chen Mu ignored the discussions of the villagers behind him, not turning around until the log carrying the people from Heavenly Sword Sect had completely disappeared into the distance, where he then glanced toward that direction.


    "Heavenly Sword Sect..."


    He shook his head slightly.


    He could not recognize the other Heavenly Sword Sect disciples at a glance, but he could instantly recognize Gu Hong, who was five feet tall and rather short, but cultivated the Heart Sword Artistic Conception, having even encountered him once in the marketplace.


    At that time, he had just entered the Bone Tempering Realm not long ago, and his Artistic Conception had not yet advanced to the second step. The gap between him and Gu Hong was nearly like a chasm, but now he was indifferent towards facing a true heir of such a large sect like Gu Hong.


    Just earlier.


    He had vaguely sensed a probe of sword intent coming from across the river, but he paid it no mind.


    He had to carefully control this boat to ensure the safe delivery of the hundred-plus villagers on board to the shore. Once he left the boat, the simple vessel would immediately capsize and sink in the raging torrent, so naturally, he had no time to concern himself with the people from the Heavenly Sword Sect.


    Had the opponent perceived him as being alone and harbored any murderous intent, he would have likely just forced them back with a single strike, then prioritized getting the villagers to safety before dealing with anything else.


    However,


    the group from the Heavenly Sword Sect made no other movements toward him.


    As long as they didn''t create additional trouble, Chen Mu wasn''t planning to concern himself too much. Although these Sect Disciples were here for the treasures of Earth''s Veins, by traveling on the river, they did kill some monsters, which was slightly beneficial.


    "Yu County, with its two rivers and six streams, in fact, each of the streams is a tributary of the two rivers. With Gu Hong from the Heavenly Sword Sect coming to Qingping River, I wonder where the disciples from the other sects have gone."


    Chen Mu murmured softly to himself.


    As long as the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Hehuan Sect kept the peace, there was no need to pay them much heed. Blood Hidden Pavilion, however, he always remembered their previous assassination attempt. Although it wasn''t possible for him to settle scores with Blood Hidden Pavilion at the moment, such a Demon Sect that disturbed the peace and order should not exist in his view.


    As for the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, the grudge was already formed, and whether or not he paid them any attention did not matter anymore. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It seemed like just the final strike from He Wuyou at him, but in fact, Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion had acted against him twice, not targeting him but Yan Jingqing and his backing, the Seven Profound Sect.


    Now in Yu County, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion was fully at odds with the Seven Profound Sect, while the positions of the other few remained unclear.


    Regarding this,


    Chen Mu had no strong feelings, only regarding it as meeting the approach with the proper response, blocking the soldier with a shield, and covering the earth with soil.


    If Meng Danyun was not afraid of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, how could he fear it? The current him, unless it was some cunning plots and schemes, was not so easy to kill. In a situation where no one above the Six Viscera Realm made a move, he was not weak among the Five Viscera Realm.


    Even if many people at the level of Cheng Houhua attacked him, as long as the retreat wasn''t blocked, he could still retreat.


    Under the condition of mastering the Wind Thunder Artistic Conception, not to mention the Five Viscera Realm, even in the Six Viscera Realm, not many could catch up with him.


    Mortals should have a heart of reverence.


    But reverence should be for this world of mountains and rivers, and fear should be for the vast universe!


    Knowing one''s insignificance, be neither arrogant nor restless, neither overbearing nor extravagant, neither humble nor haughty, be calm and measured, step by step along the path of Martial Arts, until reaching the highest step, achieving the demeanor of a Grandmaster!


    Of course, the current Chen Mu, perhaps considered a figure in Yu County, was still far from the term ''Grandmaster,'' often used to refer to those above the Seventh Realm ''Marrow Cleansing''.


    Eventually.


    The flood surged tumultuously, and the boat broke through the waves, finally reaching the high banks untouched by the floodwaters.


    The many villagers stood up from the boat one after another, stepping onto the shore. The moment their feet solidly hit the ground, expressions of relief at surviving the disaster appeared on their faces, and they began kneeling towards Chen Mu still standing at the helm, steadying the boat, even weeping with joy for surviving the ordeal.


    Even the older individuals, like Old Man Zhao, pulled at their young granddaughters beside them, as everyone continued to bow repeatedly towards Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu did not stop the villagers'' actions.


    As the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate, even officials three ranks or more junior to him would normally need to kneel in his presence due to etiquette, let alone out of gratitude for saving their lives, which certainly warranted such a grand gesture. Not accepting this gesture might lead the villagers to overthink.


    Having received the villagers'' kowtows and thanks for saving their lives, Chen Mu did not immediately leave in his boat. Instead, he sent out a signal flare, and shortly after, a troop of the Inspectorate arrived.


    "These are villagers caught in the flood," he said. "I entrust them to your care. There are still hundreds trapped in the flood region. I must make a few more trips. Leave a few people here to keep watch, and I will continue to use this same route back and forth."


    Chen Mu gave a few instructions to the Inspectorate''s personnel.


    The troops from the Inspectorate were also amazed. They had not expected that there were still survivors in the floods, let alone that it was possible to rescue them, especially by Chen Mu himself, the esteemed Metropolitan Commander.


    For a moment, the officials of the Inspectorate agreed vocally while looking at the villagers covered in mud, shaking their heads inwardly, thinking that these people were incredibly fortunate to have encountered such an opportunity.


    In Chen Mu''s position, the life and death of a mere thousand or so villagers was hardly a significant matter. One wouldn''t typically undertake such personal rescues. And everyone knew how perilous it was to rescue victims from floods; probably only a Metropolitan Commander like Chen Mu could rescue more than a hundred people at once.


    If it were any other Metropolitan Commander, even knowing there were trapped villagers, they might typically choose to give up.


    Shortly after.


    When Chen Mu set off again in his boat, disappearing into the vast torrents, an official of the Inspectorate looked at the group of disaster-afflicted villagers and said with a snort, "Right, follow us. You lot must have ancestors watching over you from their graves to be personally rescued by that dignitary. Do you know who that man is?


    Within the thousands of miles of Yu County, there are few who can defy him!"


    Hearing the words of the Inspectorate''s official, the villagers were even more shaken. They couldn''t grasp the exact rank of the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate or whether he ranked above the county magistrate. But from what the official said, they realized that Chen Mu''s status was much higher than those local lords.


    Old Man Zhao, stunned, couldn''t help but take a breath and shakily patted his granddaughter''s head, saying, "Hong''er, you must always remember that nobleman''s grace."


    The little girl, standing nearby, nodded her head, somewhat bewildered.


    The official from the Inspectorate shook his head at this scene, thinking to himself that Chen Mu was such a figure that these commoners'' gratitude was meaningless and unnecessary. However, he said nothing and quickly organized the group, leading them towards the County Government while taking roll, not daring to neglect Chen Mu''s instructions.


    ...


    Above the Qingping River.


    At a certain place.


    Splash!


    The turbulent river exploded, and a figure leapt from the water toward the shore¡ªit was Meng Danyun from Mysterious Heavenly Sect''s Spirit Profound Peak.


    Almost as she was about to land, the air beside the shore twisted, and a short sword appeared silently, suddenly firing a fierce murderous intent toward her.


    "Hmph!"


    Meng Danyun snorted coldly, showing no fear. With a sweep of her sword, a fierce wind howled, picking up two streams of river water and turning them into dual blades of water that crossed and chopped forward, not only blocking the short sword but also forcing its wielder to reveal himself.


    It was a figure in black, wearing a blood-red mask from the Blood Hidden Pavilion.


    At that moment,


    When the attack did not succeed, the figure from the Blood Hidden Pavilion immediately retreated, vanishing into the shadows once more.


    Meng Danyun watched coldly as the assassin retreated, then turned her gaze toward the distance and called out, "Hua Nongying from the Hehuan Sect, hiding on the side, what brings you here?"


    From a nearby patch of forest not yet submerged by the flood, a sound like silver bells tinkling came.


    "I was just passing by, Sister Meng. Please don''t misunderstand. But now, amid this tidal disaster, with you harnessing the advantages of the time and place so well, even Blood Hidden Pavilion''s Fu Ling couldn''t trouble you, nor could I conceal my presence."


    As her voice faded, it grew increasingly distant, and by the time the last word fell, it seemed to be far away.


    Meng Danyun stared in the direction of the forest, then slowly withdrew her gaze and looked again at the rolling river waters. She stepped out, standing directly on the surface of the water without sinking, and continued running along the river surface.


    Indeed, the tidal disaster was one of the environments that best suited her.


    With the Xun Wind Artistic Conception and the Autumn Wind Sense, and the Kan Water Artistic Conception also providing the ''Mosquito Falls'' sense, she could now say she was aware of her surroundings in every direction. Even the true successor of Blood Hidden Pavilion would find it hard to hide from her at close range.


    As for her own strength, she was naturally strong, and with the advantages of the right time and place, she feared none, including true successors like Hua Nongying.


    "I didn''t expect to encounter a tidal disaster; perhaps this is my opportunity," Meng Danyun thought to herself.


    She had planned to return after dealing with the incident in the Purple Mist Mountains, but the sudden tidal disaster caught her off-guard. Her acute perception during the disaster was much stronger than ordinary people''s, giving her a significant advantage in searching for treasures from the Earth''s veins.


    However, this also drew the hostility of the true successors from various sects. The recent attack by Blood Hidden Pavilion''s true successor, Fu Ling, seemed like an assassination but was more of a probe to gauge her strength and see if there was an opportunity to snatch treasures from her. Of course, if her strength had been lacking, their probing might have turned into a real assassination.


    In any case,


    Since she had rarely encountered such a tidal disaster, she intended to explore thoroughly.


    Speaking of which, according to news from Yan Jingqing, Chen Mu appeared to be in this Qingping River region as well. If she found treasures that she couldn''t carry with her, she could consider seeking Chen Mu''s help to store them. But then she shook her head. It would be better not to involve Chen Mu, given that various sects'' disciples were active, and the situation was dangerously chaotic.


    She had to be very cautious.

 Chapter 182 Jingyu

    Jingnan Village.The boundless floodwaters surged endlessly, turbid and full of silt, stretching as far as the eye could see. Such waters would even make a Body Refinement or Tendon Changing Realm Martial Artist shudder and hesitate to enter them lightly.


    On the shore, several officials from the Inspectorate were resting, keeping a considerable distance from the riverbank. They also feared that disturbances in Earth''s Veins could further exacerbate the flood, spreading it even more widely, and they were also fearful of the demon beasts in the water.


    During the flood disaster, the demon beasts in the water, although some did come ashore, were few in number, and these beasts were usually much more formidable in the water, like the fish demons or water snake demons. Once on land, they became weaker.


    During the flood, the riverbank was not a safe place; it was often better to stay as far from the water as possible.


    "Here they come!"


    Just at that moment, one of the officials who was watching the water surface suddenly stood up and shouted twice. The other nearby resting officials quickly got up and looked toward the distant waters.


    They saw a dark figure coming from afar, riding the wind and breaking the waves. As it neared, they could see clearly¡ªit was the boat steered by Chen Mu, now gradually approaching the shore.


    "Let''s go."


    The few officials glanced at each other and immediately headed toward the shore to greet Chen Mu.


    "Which batch is this?"


    Someone asked in a low voice as they walked.


    "The seventh batch, it should be about enough. Seems like there were about a thousand disaster-stricken people trapped."


    Another person spoke.


    "In such times, to encounter our Metropolitan Commander, these common folk really have good fortune. I heard the Metropolitan Commander also comes from the lower common people..."


    "Qin, how could the Commander be compared with those foolish and stubborn commoners? Though he comes from common people, the Commander is like a descended deity of the martial star; no matter the background, he is destined to be a great figure."


    The few officials chatted and laughed as they reached the riverbank.


    They then stood by, waiting for the boat to approach. Though it was now quite clear, there was still nearly a hundred feet to go. In such a turbulent river, even a Tendon Changing Martial Man would find it tricky to navigate a boat across a hundred feet.


    Just as the boat was getting closer, almost close enough to see Chen Mu''s face clearly standing at the bow, suddenly, the riverbank exploded with a burst of surging spray, splashing four or five yards high. A demon beast covered in scale armor, with four limbs, nearly two yards long and resembling a gigantic lizard, burst out of the water. Its gaping maw, filled with rows of knife-like sharp teeth, snapped at the nearest person.


    The crowd was terrified.


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    The person closest to the attack was the strongest among them, a Tendon Changing Martial Man. His first reaction was to leap backward while drawing his longsword and striking the demon crocodile''s upper jaw.


    However, when the sword fell, it only produced a sound like metal clashing against metal, sparks flying without causing any damage, leaving only a trivial white mark.


    Fourth Rank demon beast!


    Several officials from the Inspectorate revealed a look of horror.


    As the demon crocodile''s bite missed, it suddenly twisted and snapped its tail, biting swiftly at another person to the right. This move was extremely fast and accompanied by a foul, stinking wind, the terrifying momentum startling the man, who was too shocked to react in time.


    "Insolence."


    But in the next moment, a cold, majestic voice rang out. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A streak of lightning intertwined with wind shot across from the surface of the water, a longsword visibly hurled from a distance, spanning a hundred steps. Launched later but arriving first, it quickly reached its target, tracing an arc. The blade pierced through the top of the demon crocodile''s skull, penetrating its lower jaw, and finally pinning it to the muddy shore.


    The demon crocodile received this fatal blow, stopping its motion abruptly. Its massive body then crashed onto the shore. It writhed in agony a few times with blood gushing out, and soon lay motionless.


    The official who narrowly escaped death was covered in cold sweat, stumbling a few steps back. He still seemed somewhat shaken as he watched the dead body of the demon crocodile until he regained his composure, took a deep breath, and hurriedly approached the slowly nearing Chen Mu, bowing deeply:


    "Thank you for saving me, my lord..."


    A Fourth Rank demon beast, killed with a single strike. The lord''s strength was even more terrifying than the rumors.


    At this moment.


    The boat gradually reached the shore, finally stopping at a part of the riverbank. Subsequently, many commoners aboard disembarked, one after another bowing deeply and excitedly toward Chen Mu on the boat.


    They were the last batch. Although Yu Jun and others were guarding on the hillside, the occasional attacks by demon beasts still left these ordinary civilians terrified and uneasy, hoping to be rescued sooner.


    Now that they had finally made it ashore, their gratitude toward Chen Mu was boundless.


    On the boat.


    Yu Jun and several people from the Demon-Slaying Office and the Inspectorate were also present. When all the commoners were ashore, Yu Jun and the others also disembarked, followed by Chen Mu, who leapt onto the shore.


    As soon as they left the boat controlled by Chen Mu, it was almost immediately swept away by the tide and carried far off. After several tumblings in the waves, the central connecting branches snapped, breaking into two and quickly disappearing into the distance.


    "If I hadn''t achieved the Artistic Conception of Gen Mountain, it would have been a bit of a problem."


    Chen Mu watched the temporary boat disappearing into the infinite floodwaters, his heart slightly shaking his head.


    This rescue mission seemed simple, but for him, it was almost an all-out effort. Constructing the boat had used both the Xun Wind and Separating Fire Conceptions; crossing the river was propelled by Xun Wind and stabilized with Gen Mountain, allowing for such a smooth operation.

 Chapter 182 Jingyu_2

    Otherwise, amidst the tidal waves and surges, he himself would be fine, but the elderly and children on the boat would inevitably be tossed into the water. In such a case, he would have to expend his own Yuan Gang to stabilize the vessel, which would be a great drain on his energy."Metropolitan Commander,"


    Yu Jun approached and cautiously addressed Chen Mu, who was still scanning the river''s surface.


    Chen Mu turned and said, "Let''s go, we''ll return to Jingyu County first."


    This was the last batch of disaster survivors. As for whether there were any survivors left on the water, that seemed unlikely. Considering the demon attacks from within the waters, without someone like Yu Jun in the Bone Tempering Realm to oversee, survival was hardly possible.


    Having saved these thousand-odd victims in half a day, he had done all he could. After all, he was not a martial saint of such an era who could move mountains and rivers with martial might, capable of cutting rivers with a single stroke and treating tidal waves as if they were nothing.


    The rescued were already rescued. Returning to Jingyu County was not because he was weary and needed rest, but rather, at this moment, compared to patrolling along the riverbank, it was more important to return to Jingyu County to hear reports about the situation from all places.


    Chen Mu did not return with Yu Jun and the others.


    After instructing the Inspectorate personnel to escort the last batch of disaster victims to a safe area, he hurried on his own. Although it was his first time in Jingyu County, he had memorized the map of Yu County in detail, and soon he arrived back at Jingyu County Government.


    Indeed, almost half of Jingnan Village had been nearly submerged by the flood, and since Jingnan Village was not far from the County Government, with Chen Mu''s current pace, which was far faster than a galloping horse, he arrived in no time, covering the hundred miles instantly.


    Jingyu County was one of the Xue Family''s territories.


    However, for him at present, this had no impact. Following the edict of Yan Jingqing, he was responsible for the entire area of Qingping River Basin. All officials, including those from the Inspectorate and Demon-Slaying Office in the two counties, were to follow his command. Even City Lord Xue Huaikong would not be able to interfere here.


    Compared to the chaos outside, Jingyu County''s County Government was relatively stable and did not seem disordered. A light drizzle was falling as some streets still hosted markets, with passersby either wearing straw raincoats or carrying bamboo hats, hurrying by.


    Chen Mu did not linger, quickly making his way to the main hall of the County Government.


    Without greeting the gatekeeper constables, he strode directly inside with a flash.


    "¡­Who?!"


    The two gatekeeper constables saw only a blur, as if something had zipped past them, but they could not make out any figure. When they looked into the County Government, there was no trace to be seen. They were left looking at each other in bewilderment. Your adventure continues at empire


    This was the County Government''s main office, located in the heart of the city, and naturally, no demons could have made their way here. Thus, whatever passed by just now was definitely a person. The speed was so fast that they could barely catch even a glimpse of an afterimage. Undoubtedly, it was a very strong martial artist, and since the person entered through the main entrance, it must be a high-ranking official from the county. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once inside the County Government,


    Chen Mu didn''t stop his pace, crossing several courtyards to directly arrive at the central main courtyard. Leaping over the courtyard, he entered straight into the Hall Office.


    Inside the Hall Office at that moment, a man dressed in the County Magistrate''s official robes was serving tea to another, carefully pouring it. Upon seeing Chen Mu burst in unannounced, his eyebrows knitted together, and he almost instinctively wanted to scold the intruder.


    However,


    Before he could speak up, the man who had been sitting in the main seat looked at the entering Chen Mu in surprise, then immediately stood up, walked forward to greet him, and with a bow said, "This subordinate pays respect to Lord Chen."


    Although the man referred to himself as "subordinate", he was wearing the official uniform of a ''Metropolitan Commander'' too, belonging to the City Defense Division. He was the Metropolitan Commander of the Outer City District of Yu City, Yan Guang.


    He used to be Xu Hongyu''s direct superior, and the superior to Chen Mu''s own superior as well.


    "Commander Yan is too polite. We hold the same rank; I certainly don''t qualify as your superior,"


    Chen Mu, upon seeing Yan Guang, was not particularly surprised. Yan Guang was an external relative by marriage to the Xue Family, and Jingyu County was their territory, so it was perfectly natural for Yan Guang to personally oversee the area.


    Their relationship was without any friction. In the past, when Xu Hongyu served as the Chief Constable of South City District, she had often received care from Yan Guang... Of course, this was also due to the Xue Family''s desire to maintain a balance between the Yu Family and the He Family. Thus, Chen Mu''s attitude was merely routine.


    As Chen Mu spoke like this, Yan Guang didn''t dare to take it lightly.


    He slightly bowed his head and said, "Lord Chen, being both a Metropolitan Commander and by the order of the Inspector, overseeing the entire Qingping River Basin, all orders are to be followed without question. This subordinate is always ready to obey your commands."


    Even as he spoke, a complex expression showed in his eyes as he slightly bowed his head.


    Chen Mu?


    Two years ago, he was still a mere Prefecture Chief in the Outer City District, a subordinate''s subordinate. In Yan Guang''s eyes, Chen Mu was just a young man with some talent and ability. He had even contemplated whether to take Chen Mu from under Xu Hongyu to command himself, to snatch this talent from the Yu Family''s influence. In the end, he felt it unnecessary and gave up on that idea.


    Who would have thought that in just two short years, Chen Mu would rapidly rise through the ranks, advancing continuously in martial arts, entering Bone Tempering, mastering two Artistic Conceptions, and gaining the favor of Yan Jingqing, catapulting to the position of Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate!


    Although they both held the title of Metropolitan Commander,


    His position as the Outer City District''s Metropolitan Commander, compared to that of the Inspectorate Metropolitan Commander, was significantly less prestigious, and not to mention the regular days, Chen Mu had the authority to supervise him. Now, during this emergency, Chen Mu had authority over the entire military and civil administration within the Qingping River Basin, and all office divisions had to obey his orders. Moreover, Chen Mu also held the concurrent position of Metropolitan Commander of the Demon-Slaying Office.

 Chapter 182 Jingyu_3

    No matter the power or authority, he was now above him.He did not even dare to show the slightest negligence and had to treat him with the respect due to an officer.


    This naturally gave Yan Guang a complex feeling that was hard to describe. If at that time he had issued an order to transfer Chen Mu from Xu Hongyu''s control to his subordination, he would now owe Chen Mu a debt of gratitude as he rose to prominence. However, at that time, he had also advised Xue Huaikong, who ultimately did not recruit Chen Mu.


    "Bring me all the reports of the disaster situations in Jingyu County," Chen Mu said calmly as he gave the order, then strode toward the side of the Hall Office and sat down in the chair next to the chief seat, his gaze turning to the map on the table.


    The County Magistrate of Jingyu, still dazed, suddenly snapped to attention, hurriedly saluting Chen Mu, almost bowing his head to his chest, "Yes! Sir, I will take care of it immediately!"


    As the words fell,


    he could no longer afford to serve tea or water to Yan Guang, but lifted his official robe and hurried out of the Hall Office.


    Now only Yan Guang was left in the Hall Office, watching Chen Mu studying the map of Jingyu County. He dared not sit back in the chief seat but stood beside the table also looking at the map, his heart full of mixed feelings.


    He also felt a bit resentful. What favor had the Yu Family shown to Chen Mu? They had only provided some Silver Coin and resources like Tendon Changing Pills. The Xue Family had plenty of those. As for Xu Hongyu... The Xue Family also had girls who could match her beauty, letting Chen Mu choose anyone he liked. It was ultimately his fault for not recognizing Chen Mu''s potential, for not imagining that Chen Mu could achieve such abilities. With such talent, if he had joined the Seven Profound Sect, he might even have a chance of becoming a true disciple like Meng Danyun.


    Before long,


    The County Magistrate of Jingyu returned to the Hall Office, bringing a group of government officers, and they each reported on the various situations to Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu pondered as he listened, comparing the information with the map of Jingyu County. After all the news had been sorted out, he said, "The previous orders, were they issued by Lord Yan? Yes, indeed well-organized and well-handled."


    Although he was in charge of the entire Qingping River Domain, his usual approach was not to meddle unnecessarily. Unless there was a glaring issue with the preparations of the counties, at most he would make some minor adjustments.


    After all, he was very clear about his own capabilities. Perhaps in the realm of Martial Arts, he could be unmatched, but when it came to actual management of disasters like floods or droughts, he could not possibly do better initially than Yan Guang, who had at least faced such challenges three or four times. Yan Jingqing believed he was capable of governing, but in reality, he adhered to certain principles, did not command without understanding the situation, did not interfere unnecessarily, handled everything personally, and had no great desire for wealth. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When it came to handling all sorts of affairs at different government offices, he was actually not very skilled.


    But that was not important.


    Few in the world are all-capable and all-talented.


    Liu Bang was not as good at governing as Xiao He, not as good at commanding troops as Han Xin, not as good at strategizing as Zhang Liang, yet he ultimately won the realm by recognizing and utilizing talents well.


    This was also why, when he arrived in the flood-stricken area and received the general reports from the two counties, he understood that he did not need to overly interfere with the various measures the counties were taking to handle the flood disaster. So, he immediately did what he needed to do, slaying a batch of demons along the river domain and rescuing a group of people trapped by the disaster.

 Chapter 183 The Smelter

    "It is but a little more experience, not worthy of Lord Chen''s praise."Upon hearing Chen Mu''s words, Yan Guang''s expression eased quite a bit. Indeed, Chen Mu was just as the rumors had described: young and exceptionally talented, yet he conducted himself with a calm and peaceful demeanor, showing none of the rashness often seen in youth. He did not criticize all of Yan Guang''s arrangements at the outset just to demonstrate the authority of the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate, nor did he rashly make changes.


    The more he thought about it, the more Yan Guang wished that Chen Mu had been born into the Xue Family. If only Chen Mu had been a Xie... No, bearing the name Yan would have been even better.


    "Lord Yan''s arrangements at least saved tens of thousands of households in Jingyu County from the deadly floods. Such achievements are certainly deserving of praise... However, having traveled along the river on my way here, I noticed that the terrain of these two areas is too low-lying. Should there be further disturbances in the Earth''s veins, there''s still risk of the disaster spreading westward. Thus, the nearest villages here should be temporarily relocated, and men dispatched to monitor this area day and night. Any unusual changes must be reported immediately, so those in the more distant villages can also evacuate to the mountains without delay."


    Chen Mu replied briefly, then pointed to the map and tapped a few locations twice.


    After evaluating the overall situation in Jingyu County, he did not plan to make any redundant arrangements. Nevertheless, having visited the sites in person, he had a clearer grasp of the actual conditions in various places and could still make many detailed additions.


    After glancing at the map, Yan Guang immediately said, "What Lord Chen means is..."


    After speaking,


    he turned his head towards the County Magistrate of Jingyu County and said sternly, "Well, don''t just stand there, get to it!"


    The County Magistrate of Jingyu County hurriedly complied and swiftly left the room.


    Chen Mu looked at the map again and felt that, given the current situation, there were likely no issues, unless there were other unexpected disturbances in the Earth''s veins. However, scouts had been deployed to explore various areas and would report back immediately if something arose.


    Jingyu County was the Xue Family''s territory, and Yan Guang, being their kin by marriage, naturally took his responsibilities here seriously. As for Pingyu County, which belonged to the Xie Family, based on the information he had received and the situation in Jingyu County, it probably wasn''t much different. Even if the details were not all in place, the general response was sound.


    "Alright, that will be all for now."


    After examining the map, Chen Mu finally stood up.


    Seeing this, Yan Guang said, "Lord Chen has worked hard. County Magistrate Zou has already arranged quarters for you to rest in the rear."


    "There''s no need; I will take a walk around the city."


    Chen Mu shook his head.


    Then he turned and walked out of the Hall Office.


    Yan Guang followed him to the side, escorting Chen Mu out of the County Government and watching his figure disappear into the misty rain before he sighed and returned inside.


    ...


    Chen Mu strode along the streets, surveying his surroundings, and suddenly asked the officials following behind him, "In Jingyu County, is there a famous Smelting Craftsman?"


    Since the major affairs had been summarized and there were no new contingencies, there was no need for further intervention. It was now time for him to attend to his own matters, and the first thing that came to his mind was the piece of Mysterious Fire Ore he had obtained previously.


    Using the Mysterious Fire Ore to refine the Silverstream Saber into a top-tier Treasured Artifact comparable to Cheng Houhua''s Cold Clear Sword would undoubtedly enhance his strength and better prepare him to face the floods and other emergencies.


    However, creating such a top-tier Treasured Artifact was not something an ordinary craftsman could achieve. The Yu Family''s Smelting Craftsman might barely manage, but the best choice would be the master craftsman from Yu County''s Smelting Bureau, ''Fang Yi,'' who was said to be the most skilled among all craftsmen in the region.


    But since he was currently in Jingyu County, he was too far to simply travel back to Yu City to forge a sword.


    "Smelting Craftsman?"


    The adjacent official was taken aback, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Jingyu County does not have a branch of the Smelting Bureau. The craftsmen in the external foundries only refine ordinary blades... Ah, that''s right, that person might still be in Jingyu County."


    Chen Mu looked at the official, not questioning further, simply waiting for him to continue.


    The official quickly explained, "Lord, the master craftsman Fang Yi from Yu County, was once a resident of Jingyu County. In his youth, he worked under a Smelting Craftsman named ''Qi Ge'' as an apprentice. After his smelting skills reached a peak, he was taken by the Prefecture City''s envoys to the Smelting Bureau. However, it is said that Master Fang Yi returns to Jingyu annually to visit Craftsman Qi, for whom he has great respect."


    He hesitated slightly, then added, "Although Master Fang Yi was once an apprentice to Craftsman Qi, it is common for disciples to surpass their masters in the craft of smelting. It''s uncertain how advanced Craftsman Qi''s skills really are; perhaps it''s just that Master Fang Yi, in his younger days, received his care and thus held him in high regard. Moreover, Craftsman Qi is now over seventy years old, has retired from smelting, and whether he still has the finesse he used to have at his advanced age is questionable..."


    After listening to the official''s description, Chen Mu had a general understanding of the situation.


    After a brief reflection, he said, "Find out where this Craftsman Qi lives; I would pay him a visit."


    Indeed, as his attendant suggested, Craftsman Qi''s smelting skill might not be that high, and his age was considerable, but there was nothing wrong with going to see for oneself.


    "Yes."


    The subordinate official complied and quickly returned, bowing and saying, "Lord, Craftsman Qi lives in the lower part of Jing Street, not far from here. I can show you the way."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly and followed the streets and alleys until, after passing through more than a dozen streets, they arrived in a rather clean and quiet alley, quickly reaching the outside of a courtyard.


    At this moment,


    the official beside him stepped forward to knock on the door.


    Chen Mu extended his hand to prevent further approach and knocked twice on the door. Shortly after, the door cracked open, and a timid boy peeked out. Chen Mu said to him in an even tone:


    "Inspectorate Chen Mu, come to pay a visit."


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    The boy didn''t speak, quickly shut the door again, and his footsteps receded into the distance.


    Not much time passed.


    The door was opened once more, and an elderly man with silver hair stepped out, bowed respectfully to Chen Mu, and said, "I, a commoner, greet Metropolitan Commander."


    "There''s no need for such formalities, elder; do you know who I am?"


    Chen Mu looked at Qi Ge calmly, without requiring him to kneel.


    He had only given his name as "Inspectorate Chen Mu," yet Qi Ge immediately knew he was the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate. While this would be normal in Yu County, they were, after all, in a County Government below, where not everyone might know the names of higher officials.


    Qi Ge respectfully replied, "To answer Lord Chen, not long ago, Fang Yi visited me, and he spoke of some matters from the county."


    Chen Mu smiled and got straight to the point, "I''ve come to request Master Qi to forge a treasured artifact for me..."


    As he spoke,


    he casually took out the piece of Mysterious Fire Ore and placed it in his palm.


    Seeing the ore, the flicker of a glow immediately lit up in Qi Ge''s aged eyes, and he said:


    "Mysterious Fire Ore."


    After uttering these words, he let out a wry smile and added, "I dare not conceal from you that in my lifetime of smelting and forging, I indeed have accumulated some understanding. If it were in my younger days, even my disciple Fang Yi could not match the precision of my forging, but now I am truly advanced in years and, although not incapable of forging a treasured artifact, my skill may no longer surpass that of the current Fang Yi."


    In front of others, he often claimed that his skills paled in comparison to Fang Yi''s, that Fang Yi had already surpassed the master. In truth, this was merely his way of avoiding the trouble of constant requests for his forging services.


    However, Chen Mu was the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate, and Qi Ge was well aware of his esteemed status. Before such a dignitary, he dared not offer excuses but spoke the plain truth.


    Having heard this, Chen Mu immediately smiled and said, "I have heard it said that Master Qi often undersells his own abilities compared to Master Fang, and indeed those seem to be modest words. Since there''s ''perhaps'' still a chance that you are superior, then ''perhaps'' you exceed Master Fang''s level after all."


    Qi Ge let out a bitter chuckle, "Indeed I am older now and may not compare well with Fang Yi anymore."


    Clang.


    Chen Mu drew the Silverstream Saber he carried with him, handed it over, and instructed, "There''s no need for Master Qi to forge from scratch, but rather to refine this saber with the Mysterious Fire Ore, melding it into the blade to endow it with a touch of fiery characteristic."


    "Hmm."


    Qi Ge reached out to take the Silverstream Saber, then flicked the blade with his finger, eliciting a crisp ringing sound, and commented, "The forging of this saber is already quite exemplary, almost without flaw. Yet it doesn''t seem to be the work of my disciple. If it''s merely about refining and melding fire, I might still have the confidence to perform slightly better than him."


    Chen Mu gave a bow to Qi Ge and said, "I ask Master Qi to please take action."


    Qi Ge promptly set down the saber in his hand and said, "Lord Chen, it''s too much to have you personally request this of me. Since it is your command, I shall endeavor to comply... though, in a few more years, this old man might indeed no longer have the strength to forge weapons."


    "What compensation would Master Qi require?" asked Chen Mu.


    Upon hearing this, Qi Ge sighed, "How dare I ask for a reward for serving Lord Chen. Alas, my son, who learned all his skills from me, has not been able to master even a third of them. Even with Fang Yi''s support, he cannot secure a position at the Smelting Bureau..."


    Chen Mu spoke indifferently, "I will speak to the Smelting Bureau. But to work there, one must start from the bottom. How far he goes will depend on his abilities."


    Qi Ge had trained a disciple like Fang Yi; even if his son were less skilled, he would have some level of proficiency worthy of a minor post in the Smelting Bureau. Ordinarily, someone wanting to join the bureau, unless they had skills comparable to Fang Yi, would find it difficult to be accepted, since the position offered better treatment than being a low-level officer in the City Defense Division, and it also allowed one to reside in the Inner City of Yu City.


    "Thank you, Lord Chen, for your support. This old man will certainly forge an exceptional blade for you!" Qi Ge knelt once more.


    This time, however, Chen Mu did not assist him.


    After Qi Ge had paid his respects, Chen Mu glanced over Qi Ge''s residence and asked, "Where does the elder plan to do the forging?"


    Qi Ge respectfully replied, "The smelting shop on South Street would suffice, but if it pleases Lord Chen, the smelting platforms in the County Government could perhaps be requisitioned?"


    "Let''s go."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly and turned back towards the county office.


    It was then that Qi Ge took a deep breath and quietly instructed the boy behind him before cradling Chen Mu''s Silverstream Saber and the piece of mysterious ore in his robe, and hurriedly followed.

 Chapter 184 Quenching

    After arranging for Qi Ge to forge blades at the smelting platform in the Jingyu County Government,Chen Mu did not stand by, because smelting Mysterious Fire Ore was not a task of a moment; it needed at least a full day, and he had other matters to attend to next.


    After making rounds at several medicine shops in Jingyu County, Chen Mu returned to the county government, came to a courtyard that the County Magistrate had specially cleaned for him, dismissed all the attendants, and entered the room.


    He flipped his hand.


    Two round beads, one large and one small, both earth-yellow, appeared in his hand.


    They were the Earth Element Pearls he had acquired, one from the He Family''s storehouse, the other he had obtained when he had the chance to enter a void in Earth''s Veins following their eruption because he was nearby.


    Earth Element Pearls were beneficial for cultivating the Gen Mountain Diagram. Though he didn''t need both at the moment, he didn''t plan to take one back for other uses; Chen Yue did not need it yet, and Xu Hongyu was not primarily cultivating the Gen Mountain Diagram.


    After a moment of thought,


    Chen Mu pinched the smaller pearl and then with a slight pressure of his fingertips,


    Crack!


    A crisp shattering sound echoed as the Earth Element Pearl shattered at Chen Mu''s fingertips, and he ground it into a fine powder, albeit none of the powder scattered but floated between his fingers.


    Then, Chen Mu picked up several types of medicinal herbs from the table, crushed them with a slap into powder, and mixed them with the powder of the Earth Element Pearl.


    Shortly after,


    Chen Mu picked up a teacup from the table.


    All the powder silently fell into the teacup, without a trace scattering, after which Chen Mu poured some clear water into the teacup, then held the teacup in his open palm and slightly moved it.


    Whoosh!


    In an instant, a flame rose from his palm, enveloping the teacup in a whirl of fire, rapidly baking it.


    In a brief moment, all the medicinal powder in the teacup mixed together, forming a brown-yellow liquid bubbling constantly, with faint wisps of Earth Spirit Qi escaping.


    Chen Mu carefully examined the teacup, and when the time was about right, the flame in his palm disappeared. He then brought the teacup to his lips and drank all its contents in one gulp.


    Gulp, gulp.


    The scorching medicinal liquid coursed down his throat, quickly dispersing in his stomach, forming a detectably dense, coherent, heavy swelling.


    Chen Mu sat in a Taishi chair nearby, closed his eyes with a serene expression, and managed the circulation of Qi within his body, transporting the rich Earth Spirit Vital Energy toward the spleen.


    The human body''s Five Viscera circulate Inner Breath, adhering to the generating interactions.


    Among them, the liver is wood, the heart is fire, the spleen is earth, the lungs are metal, the kidneys are water.


    Grinding the Earth Element Pearl into dust and mixing it with potent medicinal substances can nourish the spleen and enhance the refinement of the Five Viscera Realm.


    "Actually, those who cultivate the Artistic Conception of the Five Elements progress much faster in the refinement of the Five Viscera Realm than ordinary people, but few can comprehend the complete Five Elements in the Five Viscera Realm and condense them into a circulating unity."


    As Chen Mu felt the changes in his own spleen, he pondered inwardly.


    Yin Yang, Three Talents, Four Seasons, Five Elements... These artistic conceptions each have their special aspects, but eventually, they converge on the same path, all part of the natural cycle, and the final form of heaven and earth''s evolution is the Qiankun Eight Phases.


    As the Earth Spirit Qi from the Earth Element Pearl tempered the spleen, the entire spleen part slowly absorbed the Earth Spirit Qi, then continued along the Five Viscera Inner Breath cycle, affecting the other organs, although this process was very slow.


    "Still somewhat slow."


    Chen Mu sensed the progress and showed a slight pondering expression.


    Since he stepped into the Five Viscera Realm, the refinement of the Five Viscera had been ongoing; based on his earlier perception, without any disturbances, it would approximately take three to four months to complete a cycle of the Five Viscera refinement.


    Consuming the Earth Element Pearl to temper the spleen had greatly accelerated this process, but in his perception, although the medicinal power was quickly absorbed, the refining of the Five Viscera still required time.


    Probably about ten days.


    Considering the time since his breakthrough into the Five Viscera Realm, spending another ten days to complete the first refinement cycle was not particularly fast.


    "Speaking of which, the system panel has always been able to directly absorb medicinal power for utilization..."


    Chen Mu suddenly thought of the system panel and, with a thought, summoned it forth.


    Soon,


    he found a new section on the system panel.


    [Inner Breathing Method (Five Viscera)]


    [Experience Points: 306 points]


    "This works?"


    Chen Mu showed a hint of surprise.


    Originally, when he cultivated the Inner Breathing Method and broke through to the Five Viscera Realm, there had been no section for the Inner Breathing Method on the system panel, which meant he could not directly add points. Unexpectedly, after consuming an Earth Element Pearl, it appeared. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Recalling past experiences, it seemed that ever since he obtained the Wind Blade Technique and it appeared on the system panel after cultivation, he had assumed all skills needed to engage a Cultivation Method to trigger the system panel.


    But now that he thought about it,


    perhaps only skills and Martial Arts are triggered by engaging in Cultivation Methods, while Body Tempering Principles need the presence of a ''Practice Method'' along with ''Medicinal Power'' to trigger the system panel.


    After all, skills and Martial Arts could gain experience points through practice alone, while Body Tempering always needed ''Medicinal Power.''


    "But the cultivation in the Five Viscera Realm and Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering are distinctively different..."


    A hint of doubt flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes again.


    In previous cultivation, he had basically confirmed that the experience points from the system panel came from the medicinal power he could not fully absorb. But the problem was that after stepping into the Five Viscera Realm, things were different. The medicinal power from the Earth Element Pearl he had just consumed was supposed to be fully absorbed, so where did these experience points come from?

 Chapter 184 Refining_2

    Just as Chen Mu felt something odd, he suddenly showed a hint of astonishment.He saw on the system panel that the initially displayed ''306'' Experience Points had suddenly changed to ''305''!


    "Experience Points can decrease?!"


    Chen Mu was completely taken aback now. Since obtaining the system panel, he had not encountered such a situation, not only not understanding the source of these Experience Points but also not understanding the reasons behind their reduction.


    But upon seeing that Experience Points could decrease, Chen Mu quickly abandoned his chaotic thoughts and decisively spent Experience Points on his Inner Breathing Method for the Five Viscera Realm.


    Whoom!!!


    A change occurred in an instant.


    Chen Mu felt that a portion of the extremely heavy Earth Spirit Qi absorbed by his spleen was suddenly withdrawn at a rapid pace, then surged to his lungs, then to his kidneys, to his liver, and finally reached his heart.


    "This feeling is..."


    Chen Mu''s eyes were full of strangeness.


    The Five Viscera Inner Breaths were interconnected, but no matter how they were transformed according to the principle of inter-creation, there would still be some loss. Yet, through this cycle of transformation via the system panel, there was almost no loss of Inner Breath!


    Feeling the slight metamorphosis happening very quickly as the Five Viscera underwent tempering by these Inner Breaths, Chen Mu vaguely seemed to understand.


    He had a realization!


    No wonder the Experience Points on the system panel were decreasing!


    These Experience Points still originated from ''Medicinal Power'', just all of it was absorbed and stored by his spleen!


    His Five Viscera Inner Breath Cycle continued, with the spleen consuming this portion of Inner Breath, tempering itself while also tempering the other viscera through the Five Viscera Cycle, but there would be some loss in this process.


    Therefore, the Experience Points would decrease.


    The improvement of the system panel was not from suddenly creating more Medicinal Power but rather performing a perfect transformation of the Inner Breath stored in his spleen, synchronously tempering the other viscera, with no loss throughout the process!


    "The decrease in Experience Points, is it because I''m... too inexperienced?"


    Chen Mu scratched his head.


    But the problem was, the Five Viscera Cycle is an Inner World, also connected to the Outer World, and aside from the inherent loss in the inter-creation process, there would also be a natural minimal loss when connected with the world. How could it be possible to be connected with the Outer World and still have no loss? This is something only a Seventh Realm Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster, who has cultivated an ''Unleaking Physique'', could achieve.


    Almost instantaneously, the changes in the Five Viscera gradually ceased, and Chen Mu could clearly feel that the ''Path God'' within his Five Viscera had increased a layer, directly affecting his Yuan Gang True Essence, making it slightly stronger.


    By measure.


    About one-fourth of a portion.


    "Completing one Viscera Tempering can enhance almost one-fourth of a portion, so if I temper the Five Viscera eight times, then the Yuan Gang in my body will be about ''four portions'' in strength, indeed, the gap is gradually widening..."


    Chen Mu, sensing his own changes, his gaze flickered slightly.


    Without cultivating Jade Bone, even for a true succession practitioner like Cheng Houhua who stepped into the Five Viscera Realm and tempered eight or nine times, it would be at most ''three portions'', but he would always have one more portion on this level.


    This was due to the foundational accumulation from the previous four realms.


    And this was not even considering cultivating Jade Bone; his own physique was also much stronger than the average person. In actual combat, the strength that his physique could exert was also a level of difference that couldn''t be completely neglected.


    Chen Mu looked toward the system panel again, but noticed that the description had changed.


    [Inner Breathing Method (First Transformation)]


    [Experience Points: 205]


    The previously marked ''Five Viscera'' disappeared, changed to a ''First Transformation'' description, which clearly corresponded to one round of tempering.


    "Can you continue to temper?"


    Chen Mu''s gaze flickered slightly.


    He didn''t find it strange, since he had entered the Five Viscera Realm some time ago. The spiritual power of a single Earth Element Pearl, even if he were to slowly digest and temper it on his own, could still complete the process of one cycle.


    However, this process would take much longer without the system panel, and the transformation of Inner Breath in the cycle would definitely suffer some loss, nowhere near the system panel''s exaggerated perfect conversion.


    As for tempering only the spleen alone, that too was not an option. The cycle of the five viscera was a balance; once there was a disparity in strength among the Five Viscera due to different numbers of tempering, breaking the balance, issues would arise in the circulation of Inner Breath.


    Therefore, each cycle of the Five Viscera Tempering must be a complete one.


    "Since it can continue, then let''s go again,"


    After pondering for a moment, Chen Mu once again chose to enhance.


    After all, he could not stop the circulation of Inner Breath; if left unattended, Experience Points would gradually decrease. Although they didn''t truly disappear but were just ''lost'' in the process of creating Inner Breath, his viscera were still slowly undergoing tempering. However, since the system panel could accelerate the process without any losses, it was naturally better to avoid any losses.


    Hum!!


    As Chen Mu added points again, an invisible force once again acted inside his body. This time, it almost completely detached all the remaining Inner Breath in the spleen and distributed it among the Five Viscera, rapidly tempering them.


    In just over a dozen breaths, Chen Mu''s Five Viscera had completed another cycle of tempering, but this time, his complexion turned slightly pale. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Cough."


    Chen Mu covered his mouth and coughed once.


    At this time, he could feel that with the transformation of the Five Viscera, the Yuan Gang True Essence in his body had increased a bit, rising another quarter portion, reaching two and a half portions. However, he also felt a sense of weakness spreading throughout his body.


    "The circulation of the Five Viscera and Skin Toughening Body Refinement are different; raising two levels consecutively, under the effect of the system panel, the tempering of the Five Viscera poses no problem. Now, it''s the meridians and blood vessels that can''t keep up with the progress of the Five Viscera..."


    Chen Mu''s mind was like a clear mirror.


    The direct enhancement of the system panel was almost flawlessly perfect, but it was also limited to a preset scope. The tempering of the Five Viscera was purely of the Five Viscera, without causing changes to other parts of the body.


    Tempering twice consecutively, the strength of the Five Viscera increased, bringing a significant enhancement to the internal circulation, and also the interaction with the Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi became much stronger, directing more of Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi to interact within his body, yet his body remained unchanged. The meridians and blood vessels inside his body struggled to adapt to the suddenly strengthened flow of Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi, needing time to adjust.


    Nevertheless,


    the strengthening of the Five Viscera itself will gradually affect the surrounding meridians; without deliberate effort, the body will naturally slowly metamorphose and adapt.


    Chen Mu called up the system panel again.


    [Inner Breathing Method (Second Cycle)]


    [Experience Points: 5 points]


    "The second tempering consumed 200 experience points..."


    Chen Mu''s eyes revealed no particular emotions; even though the second cycle of tempering only depleted 100 Experience Points, he still had enough to temper a third time. He couldn''t proceed with further tempering now, at least until his body was fully adapted.


    Chen Mu quickly closed the system panel, sitting in the Grand Preceptor chair to rest, until four or five hours later. When the sky outside had turned dark, signaling nightfall, he finally exhaled a breath of turbid air, slowly stood up, and clenched his fists.


    "Fortunately, my physical strength is much greater than ordinary people, and my Qi-Blood is also extraordinary, with very robust viscera and meridians. Otherwise, tempering the Five Viscera twice consecutively would likely be hard to adapt to in a short time, but now it''s about right."


    Indeed, the Five Viscera Realm is a ''slow work'' process.


    Nevertheless,


    completing the tempering of the Five Viscera twice, this ''half portion'' increase of the Yuan Gang is quite extraordinary. For most ordinary Five Viscera Realm Martial Artists like He Wuyou, achieving a half portion increase after reaching their limits is a tough quest; this is almost half the strength of He Wuyou.


    Currently, in terms of Yuan Gang Force alone, he was already not much different from those who had tempered their Five Viscera six or seven times in the sect''s true inheritance. As for the level of Artistic Conception, he mastered the Three Phases of wind, thunder, and fire, and also had an initial understanding of the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception. Even if someone like Blood Fiend stepped into the second stage, they were still inferior to him.

 Chapter 185 Flowing Fire

    After adapting to the Five Viscera Transformation twice, Chen Mu immediately left the courtyard.It was now deep into the night, the pitter-patter of the rain had ceased at an unknown time, replaced by an obscure mist that enveloped the heavens and the earth, almost to the point where one couldn''t see one''s own fingers when extended.


    The late hour combined with the dense fog meant that even for a martial artist, visibility was greatly reduced. However, within the county government, there were many hazy lights still, and from time to time, sounds of people and horses moving could be heard, indicating that despite the late hour during the tidal disaster, the county government was still bustling with activity.


    Chen Mu didn''t pay too much attention and, after discerning the direction, headed towards the smelting platform.


    Since no one had come to report any incidents to him, it meant everything was proceeding in an orderly fashion with no unexpected occurrences, so there was no need for him to intervene excessively.


    He soon arrived at the smelting platform, where the mist was just as pervasive but the lights were bright.


    In front of the central, massive furnace, Qi Ge, who was over seventy, stood there with some bloodshot in his eyes, staring at the flames. His entire being seemed fatigued, and his energy somewhat wilted.


    Sensing someone approaching, Qi Ge immediately looked up. Seeing Chen Mu approaching, he hastily greeted him:


    "My lord."


    "What''s the situation?"


    Chen Mu glanced at the furnace fire and asked.


    Qi Ge said with some difficulty, "The rain during the day wasn''t a problem, but to my surprise, the fog came up at night. The humidity is too dense, affecting both the furnace fire and the forging. The blade that should already have been tempered is always lacking the last bit of solidifying. Forcing the tempering would result in inferior quality, so we can only wait for the fog to lift, or forge it several more times. This has delayed the hour, and I hope for the lord''s forgiveness."


    "Weather is unpredictable, it''s not your fault."


    Chen Mu spoke in an even tone and then glanced at the furnace fire. "According to what you said, if we could increase the furnace fire a bit and disperse some of the mist, we could forge it in one go?"


    Qi Ge nodded and said, "Yes, this old man still has that confidence."


    "Good."


    After nodding slightly, Chen Mu approached the furnace fire and waved his sleeve.


    In an instant, the charcoal fire in the furnace suddenly flared up, the intense blazing flames and heat seeming to dispel some of the nearby mist. Even Qi Ge, standing on the side, could feel the heat intensified by a degree.


    This is... Separating Fire Artistic Conception?


    Qi Ge was inwardly shocked, standing on the side, he lowered his head to look at the furnace fire.


    In his youth, he had been a renowned craftsman in an outer prefecture, forging more than one treasured artifact and having encountered beings beyond the Five Viscera Realm not just once. Though some matters had led him to eventually settle in Jingyu County, his eye for detail remained sharp.


    He vaguely remembered his disciple, Fang Yi, saying that Chen Mu, the new Inspectorate Metropolitan Commander, had mastered Wind Thunder Artistic Conception.


    However, for someone as young as Chen Mu, a talent of his caliber developing a new artistic conception wasn''t a surprise.


    Qi Ge quickly cleared his thoughts and continued to focus on the furnace fire, his spirits lifting. He was somewhat worried that his old age and physical strength wouldn''t hold up, but with the aid of Separating Fire, he would surely be able to complete the task in one go, and the quality might even be improved.


    A moment later.


    Qi Ge stepped forward and said, "My lord, it''s about time."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly, then waved his sleeve, and the Separating Fire Artistic Conception spread throughout the confined smelting room, dispersing much of the dense vapor between heaven and earth, and drying out the room.


    Qi Ge drew the glowing red blade from the furnace and placed it upon the forging platform. After examining it carefully, he immediately swung the forging hammer. After dozens of hammering strikes, he focused on the blade''s edge, then performed the final quenching.


    Sizzle!


    The blade, tempered by the icy water, regained its shape, retaining the form of the Silverstream Saber that Chen Mu had used before. However, the entire blade now shimmered with specks of ruddy luster, emitting a faint heat.


    Qi Ge took only a brief look before joyfully handing the saber to Chen Mu:


    "Mission accomplished!"


    Although this saber wasn''t the most perfect among the artifacts he had forged, it fully utilized the Mysterious Fire Ore''s potential. Among the artifacts with ''affinity,'' it ranked among the top quality ones.


    Chen Mu reached out and took the saber. With just one hold, he felt a heat coming from the blade that resonated exceptionally well with his Separating Fire Artistic Conception. Using this saber to wield the might of Separating Fire would be three times greater!


    "Master Qi has worked hard."


    Chen Mu looked at the blade, his emotions not evident on his face, and responded calmly.


    Qi Ge bowed deeply, "Serving the lord is this old man''s honor."


    Chen Mu gestured dismissively with his hand.


    Qi Ge then took the hint and quietly retreated, leaving Chen Mu alone in the room.


    Chen Mu examined the saber in his hand carefully, then casually swung it a couple of times, shooting two fire blades from the edge, "Very good, from now on, it shall be called the Flowing Fire Blade."


    The Flowing Fire Blade wasn''t sharpened, or rather, for artifacts with ''affinity,'' sharpening wasn''t necessary at this quality level. The importance was not the sharpness but whether the artistic conception power could flow unhindered through the blade. After all, for someone at the Five Viscera Realm, with the Yuan Gang True Essence activated, even dead wood or bamboo could slice through metal like mud.


    Of course.


    If such an artifact fell into the hands of an ordinary person without martial skills, it would be almost useless, not as good as a sharp common blade. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu sheathed the Flowing Fire Blade, and although the scabbard wasn''t specially made and allowed a sliver of heat to escape, it didn''t make much of a difference visually.


    Upon exiting the smelting room, Chen Mu took one look at the dense fog and the pitch-black night sky. After a brief contemplation, he summoned an official from the Inspectorate, gave a few instructions, and then quietly left the county government in the thick mist.

 Chapter 185 Flowing Fire_2

    The blade had been forged.The disaster situation remained unchanged for the time being.


    The Five Viscera had undergone two more tempering processes.


    Having nothing urgent left to do, Chen Mu could now take the time to conduct a detailed exploration along the Qingping River Domain, on one hand, dealing with some water demons to prevent the spread of disaster, and on the other, probing for any other disturbances in the earth''s veins.


    In fact, stumbling upon an earth pulse eruption at just the right time and place, as he had before, was a stroke of good luck: it was generally very difficult to accurately predict such events, unless one dived deep into water and treaded through the mud step by step to sense it. Still, this required an Artistic Conception close to the earth''s veins like Gen Mountain or Dui Ze.


    Or, by comprehending a higher-level Artistic Conception like the Kun Earth, one could more accurately sense the flow of the earth''s veins within a certain range.


    Without the ability to predict in advance, it was often the case that an earth pulse would erupt suddenly and from a great distance, and by the time one rushed there, one would usually have missed the opportunity to slip underground through the breach and explore.


    After all, the flow of the earth''s veins was swift; within moments, it would seal completely, and by then, being trapped deep underground, surrounded by the power of the veins, not to mention the Five Viscera Realm, even beings of the Six Viscera Realm would be in danger of being trapped and perishing.


    Like before.


    Chen Mu was the first to slip into the underground through the gap and also the fastest to pick up three Spiritual Objects, but by the time he was returning, the breach in the earth''s veins was already crowded, and staying a bit longer for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea would lead to it sealing completely.


    Of course, the speed of the breach''s closure depended on the extent of the earth pulse eruption and the size of the resulting gap: the smaller the gap, the faster it would close, the larger the gap, the slower it would heal, and often, the subterranean area within would also be expansive.


    Though it was deep into the night, shrouded in heavy fog.


    But for someone like Chen Mu in the Five Viscera Realm, mere visual confusion couldn''t affect their sense of direction, and with Chen Mu''s strength of stride, he could quickly cover the hundred li to the riverbank in no time at all.


    Compared to daytime, the speed of the river''s flow had not slowed down much; it was still very turbulent with rolling sand and mud.


    "First, head to the uppermost stream..."


    Chen Mu looked towards the source of the flooding along the water''s edge.


    Having encountered disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect during the day, who had come downstream from the upper reaches, it was estimated that the actions of these sect members involved patrolling along the bank all the way to the uppermost stream and then traveling down the middle of the river domain, in repeated searches for potential areas of earth pulse eruption both in the river and along its banks.


    With this thought in mind, Chen Mu calmly took steps, moving upstream along the riverbank.


    His pacing was brisk.


    Even without the supplementation of the Wind Thunder Artistic Conception, each step could span several zhang, and within a few steps, he would be hundreds of meters away.


    Chen Mu, while moving against the current, kept watch on the movements within the river. However, since it was not yet dawn and the heavy mist greatly affected visibility, his Xun Wind Artistic Conception was not able to sense the activity beneath the water.


    While the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception did have some connection to the earth''s veins, his understanding of it was only at the first step, and in the current environment, Gen Mountain did not very much align with the advantages offered by heaven and earth; Dui Ze was more relevant in comparison.


    "A range of five zhang at most?"


    Chen Mu murmured softly in his heart.


    His Xun Wind Artistic Conception could sense the wind rustling and grass movements within a range of more than ten zhang.


    But his Gen Mountain Artistic Conception could only sense the flow of the earth''s veins within a range of four to five zhang, which compared to the almost boundless flooding swamping an indeterminate expanse of low-lying land, was extremely narrow.


    Of course.


    Compared to Artistic Conceptions like Blood Fiend or Sensual Delights, which were completely foreign to him, having this level of perception already put him at a partial advantage; at least in a certain range, he could detect an impending earth pulse eruption in advance.


    "If I could acquire more Spiritual Objects like the Earth Element Pearl, then my Five Viscera Realm cultivation would be much faster than ordinary people..."


    ```


    Chen Mu muttered to himself.


    In his hand, he still had an Earth Element Pearl, but for the time being, he needed to use it to assist in comprehending the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception; he couldn''t consume it yet. Moreover, his body''s vitality meridians still needed some time to adapt. However, such things were naturally better to have in greater quantity.


    The Five Viscera Realm was a foundationally crucial realm, connecting the previous and the next. Many great sect true transmissions, even after tempering the Five Viscera to the utmost, would not immediately start cultivating in the Six Viscera Realm but would remain in the Five Viscera Realm to comprehend deeper artistic conceptions.


    Comprehending some higher-level artistic conceptions in the Five Viscera Realm, as opposed to after stepping into the Six Viscera Realm, was entirely different. Although in the Six Viscera Realm, the inherent quality of Yuan Gang could still change with deeper understanding of the artistic conceptions, it was not as effortless as in the Five Viscera Realm. Therefore, comprehending the same artistic conception in the Five Viscera Realm could have a subtle impact on the quality of one''s Yuan Gang for the future.


    For ordinary people who found it difficult to even step into the Six Viscera Realm, naturally, there was no need for such consideration.


    However, for those true transmissions from various sects that could basically enter the Six Viscera Realm, this was something they took very seriously. One couldn''t delay it for too long; usually, the latest was around the age of thirty-two or thirty-three to step into the Six Viscera Realm. Any later, and it would affect the future Marrow Cleansing.


    Meng Danyun was particularly eager to break through to the second step in Xun Wind and Kan Water Artistic Conceptions precisely because she didn''t have much time left. If she could advance these two artistic conceptions to the second step earlier, she might still have a chance to practice another artistic conception. If it were any later, she would basically need to step into the Six Viscera Realm first, then consider the others.


    As for Chen Mu.


    He actually didn''t have high requirements for the foundation of the Five Viscera Realm. As long as he cultivated a complete Qiankun Artistic Conception and then initially advanced it to the second step, he would be basically satisfied and ready to begin cultivating in the Six Viscera Realm.


    Walking along the riverbank, it seemed that due to the late hour, the demonic creatures in the water were somewhat calmer than during the day. Chen Mu walked roughly dozens of miles without encountering an attack from any water demons.


    After walking a bit further.


    "Hmm?"


    Chen Mu suddenly paused in his steps, gazing intently into the white fog not far away.


    He could only sense a faint breath sweeping past from within the fog, but it was impossible to accurately discern who it was based on the breath alone. However, it seemed not very strong, just a presence at the Bone Tempering Realm, and it held a vaguely familiar feeling.


    Could it be someone from the Demon-Slaying Office?


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly, not particularly concerned. After all, with the heavy fog, whether it was a person from the Demon-Slaying Office or the Inspectorate, it was quite normal to cautiously avoid others when one''s identity was uncertain.


    He quickly retracted his gaze, not bothering to interfere, and continued against the current.


    In the distance.


    The silhouette in the white fog wore official attire, which looked like that of a Deputy Commander of the Demon-Slaying Office, and was quite young. If Chen Mu had encountered him just now, he would have recognized him immediately¡ªit was Xue Lin. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jingyu County was under the Xue Family''s control, and they naturally had many ideas about the spiritual objects that could be obtained from the disturbances in the Earth''s Veins during the disaster. Xue Lin was also exploring within this area.


    At this moment, Xue Lin''s gaze was filled with gravity.


    Now, with many sect disciples investigating the River Domain, the Qingping River area was brimming with all sorts; even though he had reached Major Achievement in Bone Tempering and mastered the Separating Fire Artistic Conception, he still moved cautiously everywhere, daring not to act rashly.


    After all, not to mention those true transmissions and stewards of the Five Viscera Realm, even merely the leading individuals among the inner sect disciples from various sects were beyond his capacity to overcome. He had to keep a respectful distance and naturally dare not provoke anyone while exploring the river area.


    "Just now, who was that person?"


    After escaping a considerable distance, Xue Lin looked back, but soon shook his head, dismissing the thought.


    His mastery in the Separating Fire Artistic Conception wasn''t adept at perception, which was even more suppressed under the current celestial conditions. He naturally had to keep out of everyone''s way, hoping only to find something overlooked by others, or at the very least to make some gains by killing a few demonic creatures.


    That said.


    The person responsible for all the dispatching in the Qingping River area, the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate, seemed to be Chen Mu, who might be just as cautiously exploring this region of the river domain right now. While his own strength had improved, he wondered how Chen Mu was faring.


    A flicker of light flashed in Xue Lin''s eyes. He held no illusions about competing with the true transmissions of the great sects who had entered the Five Viscera Realm, but Chen Mu, also from Yu County and still among his goals, was different. However, he was very self-aware; even having reached Major Achievement in Bone Tempering, he was probably still no match for Chen Mu, at least not without making further progress.


    ```

 Chapter 186 Gathering

    But speaking of Chen Mu on this side,he walked along the riverbank, at the same time relying as much as possible on the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception to distinguish the tremors of the Earth''s Veins. However, it was high tide now, and the flow of Earth''s Veins was extremely chaotic. Since it was his first time attempting to explore the veins, he inevitably felt very unfamiliar.


    Several times he mistook the signs as a prelude to an Earth''s Veins eruption, but after rushing over, he would wait a while, only to see the accumulated energy of the veins quickly subside again, leading to a wasted trip with nothing happening.


    "The flow of these Earth''s Veins really is unreasonable,"


    Chen Mu shook his head and pondered to himself, "Nevertheless, it is still because my perception range is too small, only capable of capturing some traces, just like a blind man feeling an elephant, unable to discern the whole."


    But these few rounds were not entirely without benefit; at least he now had a general understanding that the accumulation in the Earth''s Veins was a sign of an eruption, but a sign did not mean an eruption was guaranteed. Furthermore, if the accumulation was not intense enough, it wouldn''t erupt either.


    Moving forward through the fog,


    after taking a few steps along the muddy riverbank, Chen Mu''s gaze suddenly flickered.


    From the mixed flow of the Earth''s Veins beneath, he captured yet another unusual sign!


    Whoosh!


    Chen Mu immediately stepped forward, rapidly following the trace of the flow, running swiftly along the riverbank for several hundred yards. After a rough discernment, he leaped into the river.


    The torrential river was about to sweep him downstream, but his entire body was like a heavy stone, sinking all the way to the bottom, his feet plunging into the muddy riverbed. Then he moved forward through the mud.


    After barely two steps,


    a glimmer of light flashed across Chen Mu''s eyes.


    "It''s here!"


    This time it wasn''t another false alarm. Almost at the next moment, the accumulated Earth''s Veins he had sensed finally erupted thunderously, transforming into a surge of muddy water, blasting open the water surface, spewing murky silt dozens of feet into the air!


    And almost as soon as the muddy surge had subsided, revealing a cavity in the silt, Chen Mu did not hesitate for an instant; he shot into the cave like an eel and swam deeper.


    In the blink of an eye,


    he continued along the muddy tunnel within the Earth''s Veins, diving dozens of feet deep very quickly, landing in a small cave only about ten feet in diameter, his gaze swiftly scanning the surroundings.


    The walls of the cave were covered, just like last time, with many minerals of various materials and colors.


    However, this time, Chen Mu came prepared and with experience. He did not stop to inspect or sense his surroundings but instead took out a sack. With successive motions, he blew apart the muddy walls. Then, with a flick and expansion of the sack, he bundled various items and some muddy water inside before immediately leaping back the way he came.


    The Earth''s Veins eruption this time was smaller than the last, the tunnel even narrower, but Chen Mu moved quickly. Swimming along the muddy tunnel, he returned to the riverbed in an instant, while the tunnel below closed at a visibly rapid rate.


    "Not bad,"


    Chen Mu nodded slightly, then clutching the sack, he leaped from the river, quickly returning to the riverside.


    By this time,


    the sky was finally beginning to brighten faintly.


    But the white fog still hung over the water, visibility as low as ever.


    Just as Chen Mu, holding the sack that continued to leak muddy water, was making his way back onto the shore, the fog at his side suddenly dispersed slightly, and a sharp blade, emerging soundlessly from the fog, aimed directly for his throat!


    Chen Mu, however, remained calm and unflinching, with not even a hand on his sword. Holding the sack in his right hand, his left made a sweeping motion, splashing out a stream of muddy water flowing from the sack towards the incoming blade.


    Clang!


    A stream of muddy water collided with the blade, emitting a heavy impact sound, and forcefully deflecting it!


    And within that water splash, faint traces of Thunder Arcs could be seen; after deflecting the blade, they erupted along its length into a surge of thunderous light, instantly sprawling across the area.


    The fog blasted open in the blink of the thunder, revealing a figure in a black robe, wearing a blood-red mask, enveloped by the thunderous light, letting out a muffled grunt, with eyes revealing a hint of shock.


    Whoosh!


    Another surge of water followed, and the black-robed figure, struck by the lightning and unable to dodge, could only watch helplessly as the silty stream, like a sharp blade, pierced through his chest, exiting his back and bringing forth a burst of blood.


    "Is the intelligence of the Blood Hidden Pavilion so outdated?"


    Even up to this point, Chen Mu''s gaze remained indifferent. He flicked the sack to rid it of the mud and water, stepped forward, and with his left hand, removed the mask of the black-robed figure.


    Underneath the mask was a face that appeared to be in his thirties or forties, with blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. At this moment, he looked at Chen Mu with an expression of terror before collapsing with a thud, his life slowly fading away.


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly as he looked at the corpse of the assassin from the Blood Hidden Pavilion.


    During the day, in order to save someone, he had revealed the second stage of his power through both the Xun Wind and the Separating Fire Artistic Conceptions. However, it seemed that the Blood Hidden Pavilion had yet to update their intelligence about him, or perhaps Yu Jun had done some work to conceal the information for him, and very effectively at that, as it hadn''t been leaked or spread quickly, making the pavilion still unaware of the situation. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But in reality, he hadn''t specifically asked Yu Jun to do anything about hiding the news because by now, it hardly mattered anymore. The Heavenly Sword Sect had witnessed his Xun Wind Artistic Conception, Hua Nongying knew of his Thunderclap Artistic Conception... even if the intelligence between them hadn''t yet fully exchanged, it was only a matter of time.

 Chapter 186 Convergence_2

    There was no need to mention that as soon as the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion noticed the loss of contact with Cheng Houhua and the others, they would definitely sense that something was amiss and subsequently pay even more attention to him. Moreover, the intelligence capabilities of the Blood Hidden Pavilion were extraordinary. He had revealed the Separating Fire Artistic Conception in front of so many commoners while building the boat, so it was impossible to conceal it for long. It wouldn''t be long before it became known to them...Perhaps.


    It wasn''t that the Blood Hidden Pavilion was unaware, but rather that the news hadn''t reached this unfortunate assassin.


    This person was actually not weak, having reached the Perfection of the Bone Tempering Realm. The Artistic Conception he mastered must be something like silent assassination, which gave him an advantage in this foggy environment, as it was akin to having the right time and place on his side. Any Bone Tempering practitioner could likely be killed by him in a single blow.


    Clearly, he had arrived a bit too late. Seeing that Chen Mu had brought back some gains from the eruption of the Earth''s Veins, he harbored a murderous intention. Relying on the foggy weather to conceal his breath, he suddenly attacked when Chen Mu came ashore and let down his guard. It was a fierce strike, but the huge gap in strength turned this dangerous move into a joke in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    If it had been a true successor Steward from the Blood Hidden Pavilion lying in ambush quietly, it might have posed some threat to him. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After a quick inspection of the Blood Hidden Pavilion assassin''s body, the result was unsurprisingly empty.


    "Pathetic."


    Chen Mu shook his head.


    He then dunked the muddy pouch into the river water for a brief rinse, washing away most of the mud and sand before he started to roughly examine the contents of the pouch.


    Mystic Iron Ore, Black Gold Ore, Cold Jade Ore... Most of the harvest this time was mineral in nature, with the quality being mostly middle grade and above. However, there was not any Mysterious Fire Ore, a rare ore among them; the most valuable was a small piece of Flowing Silver Ore, which was even smaller than the one he had used to forge his Flowing Fire Blade before.


    But all in all, it wasn''t without gain. A small piece of Flowing Silver Ore could also be used to forge a Treasured Artifact. The only regret was that there were no high-grade Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items like the Earth Element Pearl, which, even if small, would have been worth much more than the Flowing Silver Ore.


    ...


    Accompanying the sunrise in the east.


    The dense fog that had enveloped everything between heaven and earth finally began to disperse gradually.


    However, the thick moisture didn''t dissipate in the slightest but instead got sucked up into the sky by the scorching sun and gathered into dark clouds before turning into a light drizzle.


    Downstream of Qingping River.


    Or one could say in the southern township of Pingyu County, the entire low-lying area was now a vast expanse of water. However, this was the tail end of the flood, and here, the water surface was noticeably calmer than upstream, with much less turbulence.


    Actually, this was not merely the downstream of the Qingping River; it was also the downstream of another river called the Golden Sand River. It was located at the confluence of the two rivers, making nearly a hundred-mile radius now an immense watery marsh.


    At this moment.


    In the outskirts of one part of the marshland, a large number of silhouettes could be seen gathering.


    There were Inner Sect Disciples from various Great Sects, as well as the Metropolitan Commanders from the Demon-Slaying Office and the Inspectorate, including people from families such as the Xie Family, Xue Family, and even the Yu Family, all converging from different directions around this area of marshland.


    The gathering of so many people was not without reason, for both the Qingping and Golden Sand Rivers would carry things along their flow to this marshland area. In the tumult and disruption of the Earth''s Veins'' eruption, some treasures from underground would be brought to the surface, and some items that had gone unnoticed by the Sects'' men or were not too precious were eventually flushed down here by the surging rivers.


    To put it plainly.


    Most of them didn''t have the qualifications to explore upstream. Even if they stumbled upon an eruption of the Earth''s Veins, going down didn''t guarantee coming back up; and even if they did come back up, it didn''t ensure they could escape. Rather than take such risks, it was better to look for opportunities to pick up the leftovers at the downstream end.


    This water marsh was very vast. The various groups didn''t cluster together, but each occupied a space, either fumbling around in the water, searching, or watching carefully the river that flowed from a distance.


    Xue Lin''s figure appeared in one corner of the marsh.


    "The young master has arrived."


    Some of the Xue Family''s people saluted Xue Lin as he approached.


    Xue Lin didn''t look around much, but moved straight ahead to the side of a middle-aged man with a burly figure and a face that bore some resemblance to Xue Huaikong. It was Xue Huaikong''s brother, Xue Huaiyi. Seeing Xue Lin come over, he said:


    "Lin''er, how was your harvest?"


    Xue Lin came to his side, shaking his head. "I''ve found nothing. I encountered two eruptions of the Earth''s Veins, but one was too far away, and during the other, Han Guang of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion and Hua Nongying of the Hehuan Sect were fighting over it, leaving no chance for me to get involved."


    Xue Huaiyi didn''t show any sign of regret upon hearing this but just smiled and said, "It''s not easy to compete for treasures upstream. People from Great Sects like the Hehuan Sect and the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, even if they''re not successors, some of the highly ranked Inner Sect Disciples are not so easy to deal with. Even my brother has to be very careful."


    "Yes."


    Xue Lin nodded slightly.


    He had gone upstream to look for opportunities, for as vast and extensive as Qingping River was, there were only so many True Successors from the Great Sects active near it. They couldn''t be everywhere, and with his strength, there was always a chance, albeit risky.


    Having found nothing on his expedition, he planned to rest downstream for a while.


    But as he glanced around, he suddenly felt a tremor underfoot, followed by splashes and whirls rising atop the water of the marshland. Yet as an individual at the Bone Tempering Realm, he naturally didn''t lose his footing.


    "Here it comes again."


    Xue Huaiyi murmured standing beside him.


    During the flood disaster, such ground tremors were quite common, especially in the downstream marsh where the floods of the two rivers met. Almost every hour or two, there would be a disturbance, but they were generally not severe, and no eruptions of the Earth''s Veins occurred.

 Chapter 186 Convergence_3

    Mostly Martial Artists were in the water marsh, and amidst the quaking ground, they all stood steadily and focused their gazes on the stretching riverbank. They noticed a wave forming in the distance due to the recent tremor, rolling toward the water marsh.Soon.


    The wave approached.


    Located on the eastern side, among a group of chattering women who were clearly disciples of the Hehuan Sect, the one nearest to the outer side, Hou Lingling, with her pitiful peach blossom eyes, suddenly flickered, seemingly discovering something, and swooshed forward.


    At the same time, nearby, a disciple from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, cloaked in a Mysterious Robe, also sensed something and rushed toward the same area of water. Both of them plunged into the water one after another.


    Soon, accompanied by a light laugh.


    Hou Lingling burst out of the water, about to return to the Hehuan Sect''s side.


    "Stay!"


    However, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion disciple who followed right behind her surged out, with a low shout, and unknown to others, had already grabbed an Iron Ruler, striking at Hou Lingling.


    Hou Lingling flicked her right hand, and a soaked ribbon fluttered up, quickly wrapping around the Iron Ruler, and she chuckled, "Whoever grabs it first owns it. Is the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion disregarding the rules now?"


    "You crossed the line!"


    The Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion disciple responded coldly, pulling back the Iron Ruler before striking again.


    At this, Hou Lingling was not intimidated. Her ribbon waved up and down, entangling with his Iron Ruler, sending water splashing everywhere.


    "Audacity."


    A voice from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion reproached, and then a disciple steped forward, causing water to splash around his feet, indicative of the Bone Tempering Realm''s forcefulness, accompanied by a sweltering air.


    He reached Hou Lingling in one stride and struck her with a slap.


    Hou Lingling was startled; although she reacted to defend herself immediately, her strength was far inferior to his, rendering her defense useless. She was still struck by the slap, sending her flying and falling into a pond a few yards away. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Lingling!"


    The Hehuan Sect''s group, standing at a distance, immediately cried out in shock.


    Immediately, a figure reached the pond where Hou Lingling fell, helping her up and then coldly looking towards the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion and said, "It''s too much for someone from the Bone Tempering Realm to bully someone from the Tendon Changing Realm!"


    The Inner Sect Disciple from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, Wu Zisheng, just snorted and said, "If I truly wanted to bully her, she would be nothing but a corpse by now. You enchantresses always stir up trouble and twist the truth."


    Just then.


    A delicate voice floated over, sounding gentle and sweet, making even the cold water seem to warm up a bit, "The Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion is a righteous sect, how can you bully us weak women like this?"


    Wu Zisheng''s face changed.


    He felt a stir in his heart, knowing danger was imminent, yet he couldn''t muster any will to resist. Then suddenly, with a bang, something hit him, causing him to see stars and cough up blood, hurling backward.


    And there, where he had been standing moments before, a girl stood tall and slender, dressed in purple gauze, her delicate arms revealed and seemingly just an ordinary frail girl, but in the eyes of Wu Zisheng and the many disciples of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion who saw her as she sent him flying, they all felt a fear.


    In the distance.


    Xue Huaiyi suddenly narrowed his eyes, his gaze heavy upon seeing the sudden appearance of the young girl.


    "It''s Hua Nongying..."


    The True Inheritance of Hehuan Sect, Hua Nongying, had a strength extraordinary even among those in the Five Viscera Realm. Even his elder brother, the Lord of Yu County City, Xue Huaikong, had to give her space!


    And almost at the next moment, another voice transmitted from the distant river surface.


    "How can anyone call you a weak woman, being the Hehuan True Inheritance... But could you please spare my disciples, otherwise, if forced, I might have to act against your sisters, which might look ugly."


    As the voice trailed off.


    Everyone looked up, only to see a figure dressed in a pale golden Mysterious Robe, arriving downstream on a section of a wooden stake, but it was Han Guang of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion!


    Hua Nongying''s face bore a light smile and said, "I was merely teaching your overly aggressive disciple a lesson, Brother Han, please do not blame me. A small apology is enough."


    "Fair enough, fair enough. I''ve long admired Sister Hua, and an apology need not be too troublesome ¡ª one night will suffice."


    Han Guang reached the end of the river, jumped down into the water marsh.


    Hua Nongying listened, not annoyed, but just smiling and said, "I have nothing against it, just afraid Brother Han wouldn''t show up."


    Han Guang pulled a gourd from the bamboo basket on his back, opened its lid, took a sip of wine, and said, "Let''s forget it, I''m not interested in the path of your enchantresses. I heard you had a confrontation with Gu Hong and lost a move to him? Was his strength really that formidable?"


    Hearing this, Hua Nongying blinked.


    "Humph!"


    A cold hum suddenly came across the river.


    Everyone saw a figure in white descending along the watercourse, stopping by the water marsh''s edge, then silently, just coldly looking at Han Guang.


    Han Guang''s actions froze, followed by an awkward scratch on his head, and he said, "Haha, Brother Gu, you sure got here quickly."


    Hehuan Sect!


    Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion!


    Heavenly Sword Sect!


    The arrival of three True Inheritance successors, all at once, momentarily pushed the entire water marsh into silence.


    "Hua Nongying, Han Guang, and Gu Hong... why have they all come here."


    Xue Huaiyi watched the scene with a concentrated gaze.


    Then at that moment, Xue Lin next to him suddenly said in a deep voice, "It''s not just them."

 Chapter 186 Convergence_4

    Xue Huaiyi''s expression stiffened, and his gaze swiftly scanned the surroundings. He soon noticed that by the bank of a nearby water marsh, stood a figure in a Taoist robe who had appeared at some unknown time¡ªit was Meng Danyun of the Seven Profound Sect.All disciples of the four sects were present, which meant that the Hidden Pavilion''s disciple might also be nearby. The mere thought that a disciple of the Blood Hidden Pavilion could be lurking in the shadows nearby was enough to send a chill down anyone''s spine. However, it seemed unlikely that the disciple of the Blood Hidden Pavilion was interested in attacking them just yet. With all the sects'' disciples gathered, could the recent tremor have been unusual?


    At that moment,


    As the disciples of the various sects appeared, whether it was the numerous disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion or the forces of the Xue Family and Xie Family, all of them quietly subdued their voices and silently ceased their searching for treasures in the marsh. Some who were closer even quietly retreated further away.


    At this very moment, there suddenly was a disturbance over the distant river surface, where another vague figure stood on the river, moving downstream towards them in the drizzling rain.


    The gazes of many by the water marsh converged on this figure.


    Who was this time? S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just as everyone''s gaze shifted, the figure approaching from the river gradually became clearer. The person stood on a piece of driftwood, not wearing the usual disciples'' attire of any sect, but instead an official uniform of the Inspectorate.


    "Is it him?"


    Xue Lin hesitated slightly.


    Although he had encountered this man only a few times, he could never forget his appearance. During those few brushes past one another, he had never truly bothered about him, yet unknowingly, this man had steadily surpassed him and had become the most talented individual of the younger generation in Yu County¡ªthe Metropolitan Commander, Chen Mu!


    However, it was somewhat too ostentatious and overtly confident for someone to drift down the river in such an attention-grabbing manner, especially with so many elite disciples of various sects gathered.


    At the scene,


    Instantly not only Xue Lin but also Gu Hong and Hua Nongying, along with other elite disciples, directed their gaze towards Chen Mu.


    Han Guang narrowed his eyes slightly.


    The corner of Hua Nongying''s mouth curled into a faint, barely perceptible smile.


    Gu Hong merely gave a brief glance and restrained his gaze, choosing not to look further.


    Splash!


    Chen Mu, stepping on driftwood, finally reached the end of the river channel, then with a leap, landed in the marsh. He did not look towards Han Guang and the others but walked a few steps to the nearby gathering of the Inspectorate and Demon-Slaying Office, and said in a solemn voice, "The Earth''s Veins here are about to shift; have the villagers in the nearby areas evacuate immediately."


    The gathering of all the sects'' elite disciples didn''t surprise him, as he had sensed the unusual activity of the Earth''s Veins along the river himself, vaguely converging towards this area, indicating a significant impending change.


    "Yes."


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s command, some personnel from the Inspectorate and Demon-Slaying Office were shocked, but they immediately understood why all the elite disciples were congregated here and quickly moved to action, heading further away.


    It was only then that Chen Mu finally had the chance to observe the situation around him. He saw Hua Nongying, Gu Hong, and others no longer standing in the center of the marsh but gradually retreating to the perimeter. Meng Danyun, who had been on the outer edge from the start, noticing his gaze, nodded at him from a distance.


    She was not surprised by Chen Mu''s arrival here; after all, he was in charge of the Qingping River area. However, his ability to detect the anomaly of the Earth''s Veins and rush here revealed a highly keen perception, a worthy result of her previous meticulous guidance. He had undoubtedly made significant progress over these days.

 Chapter 187 Underground Cavern

    ```Watching Chen Mu successively commanding the Yu Family''s forces and other warriors above the Bone Tempering Realm from Yu City to retreat, preparing for a possible Earth''s Veins turbulence, Meng Danyun''s eyes flickered slightly before scanning the Sect Disciples from the other four major sects, quickly glancing at Gu Hong and Han Guang, contemplating whether to remind Chen Mu to be cautious during the impending Earth''s Veins disturbance.


    But just at that moment.


    Hum!


    The previously somewhat stable current in the wetlands suddenly started rippling again.


    These weren''t waves formed by floodwaters rushing down from upstream but ripples spreading outward from a central point in all directions, like when a pebble falls into a calm lake, creating a thousand ripples.


    However, this wasn''t a pebble dropping into a calm lake, nor was the wetland a lake¡ªit was a vibration emanating from below, from the Earth''s Veins, with the ripples steadily expanding outward.


    At first, it was merely a slight shaking that, in less than fifteen minutes, started to intensify dramatically, as if heaven and earth were about to turn upside down!


    "The Earth''s Veins are erupting... no, this is the Earth Dragon turning over!"


    Xue Huaiyi''s eyes showed shock.


    No wonder the true heirs of the major sects were converging here; no wonder Chen Mu had issued a series of commands, alerting nearby villages to evacuate. The previous ground movements were indeed out of the ordinary, not merely regular tremors, but a precursor to the Earth Dragon turning over!


    The term "Earth Dragon turning over" refers to major ground movements, which often collapse buildings as a matter of course and can even split and topple mountains. In normal times, such tremors might only threaten civilians, but now, during the flood disaster, large-scale tremors could cause significant changes to water currents and river courses!


    At the scene.


    As the tremors grew more violent, the ripples that had been merely splashing on the surface of the wetlands now transformed into waves sweeping in all directions, gradually stirring up massive billows!


    Then a thunderous roar followed, as if the earth itself was splitting open. In an instant, rivers changed course, floodwaters flowed backward, and waves as high as a hundred zhang surged from the wetlands, pressing down in every direction like the sky was crumbling.


    "Not good."


    Xue Huaiyi, Xue Lin, and others all turned pale.


    No wonder Chen Mu had previously commanded all clans and forces, with the exception of those in the Bone Tempering Realm, to retreat. At this moment, the hundred zhang high waves he had aroused would be difficult to withstand even for a Tendon Changing Realm Martial Artist, let alone those in the Skin Toughening and Body Refinement stages. They would be swept away in the torrent, not knowing where they might end up. Even Martial Artists in the Bone Tempering Realm would not have an easy time resisting at such close proximity!


    The hundred zhang high wave contained not only the surge of water but also the tumultuous Power of the Veins, which, even if only a slight admixture due to the tremors, was overwhelming and unbearable for ordinary people.


    "Withered Pine Hold!"


    Xue Huaiyi let out a low shout without the slightest hesitation, immediately drew his long blade, and fiercely nailed it into a large stone, standing his ground firmly. Beside him, Xue Lin also quickly leaped and landed on another large stone, bracing himself to withstand the onslaught.


    The surging hundred zhang high wave approached swiftly. Almost as soon as various groups of people managed to stand firm and focus to withstand it, the wave came crashing down from above, engulfing and submerging everything near the wetlands. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In an instant.


    Whether it was Gu Hong of Heavenly Sword Sect or Hua Nongying of Hehuan Sect, including Meng Danyun and others, they were all engulfed by the surging waves, including Chen Mu, who had already arranged and deployed his forces in advance and was now completely submerged by the hundred zhang high wave, feeling an immense force about to sweep him away.


    However, his gaze was calm, standing his ground amid the turbulent muddy waters, his body seemingly opening up with the Momentum of a mountain, as if a small mountain connected to the earth, steadfast against the battering waves.


    "It''s not over yet..."


    Chen Mu stood at the bottom of the water, feeling the chaos of the entire wetland and the wild Power of the Veins. His eyes revealed a hint of worry. Although he had already preemptively ordered all parties to retreat and take charge of evacuating nearby residents, there might not be enough time, and such violent ground movements and flood inversion could at least cause the flooded area to expand further.


    But in the face of this natural disaster, he had no power to stop it. Even as a Five Viscera Realm Martial Artist, capable of exerting immense strength with his hands and feet, he could only feel his own insignificance in the vast expanse of the world.


    Whoosh!!!


    The giant wave did not stop. Along with the continuous tremors, what followed was the second and third waves, within the surging rapid currents, where even Tendon Changing Realm Martial Artists found it hard to resist. Sect Disciples from each sect struggled to withstand it and were washed away by the torrents. However, as Tendon Changing Realm Martial Men, even if swept away by the giant wave, there still remained a chance of survival.


    At this moment, in the murky and mixed waters of the wetlands, in all directions, Gu Hong, Hua Nongying, Han Guang, and other true heirs stood tall in front of many Sect Disciples, countering the oncoming water. None of them looked at ease; all had serious expressions as they defended themselves, yet it was not difficult. However, with so many disciples behind them, they were forced to go all out and counter more of the direct impact. Despite their efforts, some disciples with weaker abilities were swept away by the currents.


    And so it went.


    ```


    The turbulent rapids finally slowed down after roughly the time it took to drink a cup of tea.


    "You all retreat first, to the surface of the water!"


    Gu Hong''s voice, deep and resonant, was infused with Yuan Gang True Essence under the water, allowing the numerous Heavenly Sword Sect disciples behind him to hear him clearly. With somewhat pale faces, they nodded and then retreated towards the rear, rising to the surface of the water.


    However, Gu Hong did not follow the crowd. Instead, a glint flashed in his eyes, and he, resembling an unsheathed sword, stepped forward against the current, advancing with each step.


    Finally.


    Not much further on, he saw at the murky, muddy bottom of the waters that there appeared a vast expanse of cracks, spreading out like a shattered turtle shell. It seemed as if the entire Earth Pulse in the area had split open!


    Without much hesitation, Gu Hong immediately leaped forward to the nearest crack and plunged into it, disappearing into the murky waters.


    In other directions.


    Almost simultaneously, several figures merged with the surging muddy waters and entered into the cracks of Earth''s Veins.


    Meng Danyun quietly arrived as well, a faint gleam in her eyes. She glanced in the direction where Chen Mu had been earlier, but the sediment at the bottom of the water was too murky, and the distance too great to see clearly. She knew, however, that Chen Mu had managed to withstand the previous huge wave without any problem. Yet now, the Earth Pulse crack, completely submerged under the muddy waters, could only be explored by Martial Artists in the Five Viscera Realm in the short term. Even those in the Bone Tempering Realm, without the circulation of Inner Breath, couldn''t stay long in the muddy water.


    A thought flashed through her mind,


    and Meng Danyun too stepped forward and vanished into the crevice.


    Just as Meng Danyun disappeared into the crack, it wasn''t long before a faint blood shadow streaked through the muddy water and followed closely behind her, disappearing into the cracked Earth Pulse.


    The churning muddy water finally quieted for a brief moment, then another figure appeared, dressed in the official robes of the Metropolitan Commander''s Inspectorate, it was none other than Chen Mu, moving unhindered through the murky waters. He squinted at the cracked Earth''s Veins and then looked around before taking a step forward and vanishing into it.


    ...


    Beneath the Earth Pulse crack.


    Following the cracks and fissures deep into the ground for hundreds of feet, one would arrive at a vast and continuous underground world. The flow of water here was no longer as murky as above but had become somewhat clearer.


    Chen Mu looked around and saw that the space in this underground area was enormous and interconnected, with caves leading off in every direction, dark and deep, without any visible end. The walls nearby were not soft muddy water but incredibly solid rock faces.


    Gurgle, gurgle.


    A few bubbles escaped from Chen Mu''s mouth and nose.


    He surveyed his surroundings, his expression one of scrutiny as he pondered inwardly, "This is not a temporary gap formed by an eruption of the Earth Pulse, but a region that has always existed deep underground. It''s just that, with the recent crack in the Earth Pulse, this hidden place has temporarily become accessible."


    Chen Mu looked up at the path he had come from, which was also pitch-black, and the water flow became murkier the higher it went.


    He took several steps to the side, touched the rock wall with his hand, and then closed his eyes to sense the environment using the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception. He immediately understood, even from a cursory feeling, that this underground region was vast, far beyond any cave he had encountered before. It was a huge, unified structure, and because the Power of the Veins flowed within the rock walls, it was exceptionally sturdy and nearly indestructible. Even Martial Artists in the Bone Tempering Realm would find it impossible to carve through it here.


    "No, it''s not just about carving through; I''m afraid even those in the Bone Tempering Realm can''t come in here."


    As Chen Mu sensed the environment nearby, he contemplated.


    Actually.


    This entire place was submerged under water, with the sheer water pressure being terrifying in itself. Ordinary people would be crushed to death instantly here, as would Martial Artists who practiced Skin Toughening and Body Refinement.


    But precisely because this structure was solid and intact, tough and resilient, it wouldn''t, like the previous Earth Pulse ruptures, close up and disappear in just a short while. This area would likely remain open for some time, at least several days, until the damaged Earth Pulse above was fully repaired and it was possible for this location to be buried again in the depths of the earth.


    However.


    Compared to the previous Earth Pulse openings, this place afforded Chen Mu a certain advantage. The structure here was complete, much like a mountain range stretching through a cave. Even though he did not possess the Kan Water Artistic Conception, his Gen Mountain Artistic Conception was quite useful here. Walking along the rock wall, his entire being became one with this part of the cavern, allowing him to sense the flow and changes of the Earth Pulse''s Power within the rock walls in even greater detail.


    The only slight regret was that his Gen Mountain Artistic Conception had not reached the second stage; otherwise, his range of detection would have been even greater.

 Chapter 188 Heavy Stone

    *Gurgle.*Chen Mu exhaled another stream of bubbles from his mouth and nose. Martial Artists in the Five Viscera Realm could breathe underwater by circulating their Inner Breath with the natural world. However, the pressure was quite significant deep underground. If Chen Mu had just barely broken through to the Five Viscera Realm, he would have felt a bit of a burden when breathing here, but now, after undergoing two refinements, he felt no pressure at all.


    He walked a few yards along the leftmost rock wall, then his gaze fell on a spot on the wall. Suddenly, he drew his sword and stabbed the rock wall. The stab was infused with the power of Yuan Gang True Essence but penetrated only three inches deep.


    Chen Mu''s expression did not change as he continued to wield his Flowing Fire Blade, chopping several times and digging out a piece of ore that appeared blue and silvery. He weighed it in his hand, feeling a cold touch.


    "Is this a piece of Cold Jade Ore?"


    He shook his head and casually tossed the Cold Jade away.


    With the help of the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception, he could sense the flow of the Earth''s Veins within the rock wall; thus, he easily detected some areas where the flow was sluggish and shallow, clearly not part of the integral structure of the wall.


    However, this sense alone did not allow him to determine what exactly was inside the wall. The piece of Cold Jade he had just extracted was of medium quality and, if made into a Jade Pendant, would be worth dozens of Silver outside. But to Chen Mu now, it was naturally something to be discarded without a second thought, not worth keeping.


    Chen Mu closed his eyes and continued to sense the rock wall, and then he walked along the wall, moving forward. After a while, he placed his hand on a bulging layer of rock and carefully sensed inside, vaguely feeling warmth coming from it.


    "Is it Mysterious Fire Ore?"


    Chen Mu''s eyes flickered slightly, and he immediately started to excavate with his sword. However, after cutting twice and exposing a faint red structure inside, he stopped chopping and shook his head, moving forward.


    It wasn''t Mysterious Fire Ore but a piece of Flame Jade Ore. Though the quality seemed to be Superior Grade, he had an entire bed of it, and naturally, he was not interested in just a fist-sized piece.


    The further he went inside,


    the more Chen Mu marveled at the nature''s magnificent feats in this world.


    When he left this Stone Cave and entered another, even larger cavern with a radius of several dozen yards, he could clearly see that the walls of this cave were not made of the same stone as the previous one.


    That is to say, although the underground structure was a whole, it was comprised of layers of various rocks, pressed together over countless years by the Power of the Earth''s Veins, forming the underground cavern''s structure.


    "If a man possessed such might, he could almost move mountains and seas. Indeed, he would be no different from the gods and Buddhas of legend."


    Chen Mu continued to step deeper in.


    Soon, he arrived at a spot near the center of the Stone Cave, where the rock wall beneath his feet was rugged and uneven. After careful sensing, he raised his Flowing Fire Blade and chopped open a section of the wall beneath his feet. His eyes moved slightly.


    He then swung his blade continuously again, excavating a pitch-black rock about the size of a fist. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was extremely heavy!


    It was only the size of a fist, but it felt as heavy as a massive grindstone.


    "Heavy Stone."


    The glint in Chen Mu''s eyes flickered.


    This was entirely different from the two pieces of Cold Jade Ore and Flame Jade Ore he had found before. It was one of the truly rare ores, its weight surpassing all common ores and serving as one of the core materials for forging heavy Treasured Artifacts!


    For those skilled in Hammer Technique, when reaching the Five Viscera Realm, their strength would be immense, and naturally, the heavier the hammer, the greater its power. However, if the hammer were made too large, it would be inconvenient to wield even if one could swing it.


    Heavy Stone was the core material for this type of Treasured Artifact. Just a fist-sized piece was incredibly heavy. If an entire artifact were forged from it, it would not need to be large to possess great heft and might.


    "If I could train the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception to the second step, I could actually wield the power of the ''Heavy Saber.'' However, the Flowing Fire Blade is already a top-grade Affinity Saber. Adding a piece of Heavy Stone to it would instead damage its quality¡­"


    "Or perhaps, why not forge another blade?"


    A sudden thought struck Chen Mu, considering it might be feasible.


    One blade light, the other heavy¡ªit would indeed be in harmonious accordance with the way of Qian Heaven and Kun Earth, suitable for him to exert his strength. For the moment, this was just an idea. Crafting a Treasured Artifact Heavy Saber with just this Heavy Stone, although doable, would not yield a high-quality result within the realm of Treasured Artifacts¡ªit would need to be supplemented with other materials.


    Regardless, it was a pleasant find. Chen Mu pondered for a moment and decided to take it with him. But it was too heavy, and he shook his head. Finally, he took out a strand of golden silkworm thread from his belt, tied the Heavy Stone with it, and hung it on his belt.


    If only he had something specially for storage.


    Chen Mu had this fleeting thought but soon shook his head and dismissed it.


    He had once thought such a thing didn''t exist, but later, when talking about ''Spiritual Artifacts'' with Meng Danyun, he learned from Meng Danyun that among the world''s most precious Spiritual Artifacts, there was one called ''Qiankun Pot.'' It had no combative functions, but it did possess the ''storage'' capability he mentioned.


    This Spiritual Artifact had once been in the hands of the Da Xuan Imperial Court, serving as a logistical treasure for the four armies of the Azure Dragon and White Tiger, allowing them to roam the world without concern. However, it seemed to have been lost in one of the campaigns and its whereabouts became unknown.


    Chen Mu certainly coveted such a treasure, but he was also very clear that, with his current level, even if he really got his hands on one of the top spiritual artifacts of the age, it might not necessarily be a good thing.


    Even.


    Not to mention himself, even a major sect like the Seven Profound Sect, which commanded a state, would attract endless trouble and covetous eyes from all directions if it possessed such an object. After all, with it, one could solve the greatest difficulty in transporting troops and provisions, and there was a chance to recreate the might of the Azure Dragon and White Tiger armies that once swept the world under the Da Xuan Dynasty Court. Who in the present world would not be envious?


    "I wonder how a spiritual artifact that involves space characteristics is forged. But since it''s called the Qiankun Pot, perhaps it has a certain connection to the Qiankun Artistic Conception."


    Chen Mu mused in his heart.


    But he soon cast these impractical thoughts aside and continued to delve deeper along the stone cave.


    ...


    Gurgle gurgle.


    Small bubbles emerged from Meng Danyun''s mouth and nose.


    Clutching a sword in her hand, she walked along a somewhat narrow corridor, quickly passed through, and arrived at a very spacious stone cave. Then her gaze sharpened as she saw several hanging stalactites in the middle of the cave.


    These stalactites were silver-white, hanging from the ceiling of the cave like icicles. At the pointed ends of the lowest part, a few pearls that glowed and had the luster of white jade, round in shape, were condensed there.


    "Qi Condensation Pearls."


    "My perception was indeed not wrong."


    A hint of joy flashed in Meng Danyun''s eyes.


    Qi Condensation Pearls, rumored to form deep within Earth''s veins over tens of thousands of years through the extracting power of the Earth Pulse, contained a rich concentration of Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi within and had a very mild nature. They were extremely beneficial for martial artists entering the Six Viscera Realm, greatly improving the accumulation of Six Viscera Vital Energy.


    Although she didn''t plan to step into the Six Viscera Realm too soon and wanted to cultivate in the Five Viscera Realm for another year or two, obtaining such spiritual objects was naturally very useful. When she entered the Six Viscera Realm in the future, she could at least save one or two years of effort.


    Whoosh.


    Meng Danyun stepped forward, and suddenly, she swam to the center of the cave, reached out with a grab and a pull, and took three Qi Condensation Pearls, one large and two small, into her hand, then stored them in the sachet close to her body.


    But just at that moment, her expression shifted slightly as if she sensed something. Her entire body swiftly swam away in the water, retreating rapidly towards the corridor from which she came, and was about to retreat back into the passage in an instant.


    But at this moment.


    Sss!


    The water suddenly split apart, and a point of blood-red light shone from the dark corridor. A light blue Emei dagger emerged from the darkness, stabbing straight at Meng Danyun and blocking her retreat.


    "Blood Hidden Pavilion!"


    Meng Danyun''s expression darkened slightly as she held the Silver Water Sword across her body. The water within several yards around her suddenly vibrated, unleashing the might of a torrent, leveraging the advantage of the terrain to shake a figure in a black robe out from the dark corridor. At the same time, her Silver Water Sword collided with the cold Emei dagger.


    The figure in the black robe let out a muffled groan, seemingly unable to withstand the might of Meng Danyun''s strike in the water, and was suddenly repelled back into the shadows of the corridor.


    But.


    With this blockage, Meng Danyun also lost the opportunity to retreat along the original corridor.


    Just as she made a split-second decision to break through the Blood Hidden Pavilion assassin in the corridor, the water in the cave suddenly surged tumultuously. A pair of ring-shaped Mandarin Duck Axes, wrapped in a whistling Yuan Gang True Essence, broke through the water towards her.


    If Meng Danyun were to rush back into the corridor now, she would not only have to confront the Blood Hidden Pavilion assassin lurking in the darkness ahead but also face this fierce strike from behind. Thus, she had no choice but to frown slightly, abandon the idea of retreating the way she came, and swung her Silver Water Sword, raising a curtain of water to momentarily block the incoming Mandarin Duck Axes. Then her entire body swam upwards.


    Above the stone cave.


    There was another tunnel, its destination unknown.


    Having repelled the Blood Hidden Pavilion assassin in an instant, blocked the incoming Mandarin Duck Axes, and chosen to escape through another passageway, Meng Danyun made a flawless decision. As she was about to disappear into the tunnel above the cave like a swift fish, a jade-colored bamboo stick quickly blocked her path, striking down towards her head.


    This blow not only carried the surging Yuan Gang True Essence but also spread a slight sense of warmth, seeming to instantly warm the water in the cave. It stirred up a warm current, falling head-on.


    Meng Danyun''s gaze turned even colder.


    She lifted her Silver Water Sword, causing the water throughout the entire cave to surge turbulently, breaking through the head-on ''spring water'', and at the same time, she deflected the jade-colored bamboo stick with her sword''s edge.

 Chapter 189 Arrival

    "Meng Zhenzhuang''s Kan Water Artistic Conception is really not ordinary, my ''A River of Spring Water'' is no match for it at all, letting Meng Zhenzhuang occupy the geographical advantage, I''m afraid this battle might be a little more difficult,"Han Guang''s figure emerged from a stream of spring water, grabbing the bamboo stick with his right hand and slightly opening his mouth to spit out a few bubbles, yet a voice rippled out from under the water.


    Meng Danyun''s gaze swept to the rear and to the side, spotting three figures arriving tardily from other directions, each wearing the ordinary clothes of an Inner Sect Disciple of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, but each of them pulsing with Yuan Gang Force, evidently all being personalities from the Five Viscera Realm, previously hidden among the ordinary disciples of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion!


    Three stewards of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion!


    One true disciple of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion!


    And one assassin from the Blood Hidden Pavilion, who had been hiding in the shadows all along.


    Five beings from the Five Viscera Realm, now virtually sealing off all escape routes in every direction, had Meng Danyun surrounded in this stone cave.


    "Since when did Blood Hidden Pavilion start working together with the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion?"


    Meng Danyun did not pay attention to Han Guang in front of her, instead casting a cold glance at the passageway from which she had come.


    With the perception of her Kan Water Artistic Conception, within dozens of zhang inside this underground water vein, the slightest ripple could hardly escape her eyes, and only a person from the Blood Hidden Pavilion, trailing far behind at a distance of over a dozen zhang, could narrowly avoid her detection.


    To say that the people from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion just happened to arrive at this stone cave from all directions at this time was obviously impossible, what''s more, with an assassin from Blood Hidden Pavilion following from a distance all along, there was no doubt it was premeditated!


    Inside this underground water vein, she actually possessed an absolute geographical advantage. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Had it not been for an assassin from Blood Hidden Pavilion trailing from a distance, collaborating with the people from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion to form an encirclement, and finally striking her from the passageway, even with three or five more people from Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, it would have been impossible for them to surround her in this kind of terrain.


    Natural entrapment had already formed, and being deep inside the underground cavern, with only a few passages to escape, the limitations of the terrain meant that although she held the advantage of water, she was also plunged into a dangerous crisis.


    "Temporary cooperation."


    In the pitch-black passageway, the assassin of the Blood Hidden Pavilion didn''t show himself but a dry voice came through, sounding elderly, not a true disciple of the Blood Hidden Pavilion, but a Five Viscera Realm steward.


    At this moment, Han Guang shook his head with a sigh, "Actually, I didn''t want to deal with Meng Zhenzhuang like this either, but who knew it would be this kind of underground cavern down here, we can only force a try. I always feel like I might not be able to hold you."


    If the environment underground had been that of a muddy cavern, not completely submerged, then his chances of successfully ambushing Meng Danyun would have been at least eighty to ninety percent. Now, the entire environment was underwater, which was too advantageous for Meng Danyun to utilize. Although his Warm Spring Artistic Conception also allowed him to control ''spring water'', naturally it couldn''t compare to the control power of the Kan Water Artistic Conception.


    As he spoke,


    Han Guang, unusually free of superfluous words, swung his bamboo stick, towing along a stream of warm spring water toward Meng Danyun''s head once more.


    Although it was a five-person encirclement, the environment was too suitable for Meng Danyun to fight, and since she was also a true disciple of the Sect, she certainly had some life-preserving skills. His confidence wasn''t over thirty percent, but as long as there was a chance, it was worth a try.


    Splash!


    The waterways in the entire stone cave vibrated violently.


    Following Han Guang''s lead, the three stewards of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion also took action, while the assassin from the Blood Hidden Pavilion remained unseen, his hidden presence instilling a heart-pounding sensation.


    Meng Danyun, facing multiple opponents, remained extremely calm, fully spreading out her Kan Water Artistic Conception, with nearly all the water in the stone cave under her control. With a wave of her Silver Water Sword, the water swirled around, instantly conjuring multiple visible Water Swords crisscrossing through the water, forming a sword array that struck in every direction.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!!!


    One after another, huge bubbles burst forth from within the cave, the tumultuous Power of the Veins swirling everywhere, turning the stone cave into a fierce battlefield in an instant. Were it not for the incredibly sturdy rock walls, infused with Earth Pulse''s Power, the cave would have collapsed under the assault of several Five Viscera Realm beings in mere moments.


    Meng Danyun''s geographical advantage was significant. Under the near-perfect execution of her Kan Water Artistic Conception, nearly all the water veins in the cave became her aid. The pervasive water swords moved about like a sword array, seemingly allowing her alone to suppress the four from the Mysterious Heavenly Sect!


    But in truth,


    Meng Danyun herself knew very well that Han Guang and the others were merely adopting the most stable defensive posture to prevent her from slipping through any cracks and escaping, slowly closing in to squeeze her in.


    No matter how she manipulated the water veins and struck in all directions, she could only attempt to break through from all sides within their encirclement. If she couldn''t break out, then it was all for naught.


    However, as a true disciple of the Seven Profound Sect, and one of the rare prodigious figures of her generation, Meng Danyun was not at all timid. She was even completely immersed in the fierce battle, not thinking about breaking out but instead hoping to use this perilous fight and the advantage of the water veins to further enhance her Kan Water Artistic Conception!


    Once,


    She could comprehend the second step of the Kan Water Artistic Conception.


    Then, within these underground water veins, the combined force of Han Guang and the other four would be unable to stop her. She would not only be able to escape the crisis and move freely but also turn this place into her home ground, where she could take her time to seek opportunities to hunt down Han Guang and the others!

 Chapter 189 Arrival_2

    ``` Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.Whoosh! Whoosh!!


    In the stone cave, the power of the water veins transformed into numerous water swords crisscrossing everywhere, each water sword carrying strands of wind momentum, clashing fiercely with Han Guang''s bamboo stick and the mandarin duck axes, iron ruler, and various other weapons wielded by the three stewards of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion.


    The encirclement formed by Han Guang and the others was gradually tightening inward as the battle progressed.


    Amidst the intense clash, enduring the pressure from all directions, Meng Danyun''s heart was suddenly flooded with various insights into the Kan Water Artistic Conception.


    As a true heir of the Seven Profound Sect, she had long been lagging behind others in attaining the second step of Artistic Conception, considered behind by many since Conceptions like Xun Wind and Kan Water were simpler to advance in compared to other schools. But as a dignified true heir, her perception and talent were never lacking, being one in ten thousand.


    What she lacked was tempering.


    Or it could be said that almost all true heirs of the Seven Profound Sect lacked some tempering, lacking that enlightenment between life and death.


    Because true heirs of the Seven Profound Sect rarely left Yu State in the past years, only descending the mountain for experience at the Five Viscera Realm. The greatest danger they encountered in Yu State was fifth or even sixth rank beasts, or sparring with fellow sect members.


    Cultivation cultivation, has both "cultivation" and "action"; this journey down the mountain for experience, attacking the remnant evils of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, and coincidentally going through the tide disaster, all of it was accumulating experiences in her heart, waiting to gather into that final moment of inspiration.


    At this moment.


    Under immense pressure, Meng Danyun was pushing her Kan Water Artistic Conception nearly to the utmost she could, seemingly merging with the water veins. For a moment, she nearly crossed that boundary, about to touch that fine barrier.


    But it was almost at this very moment.


    Han Guang, who had been closely watching Meng Danyun, suddenly revealed a hint of treachery in his eyes. His bamboo stick fiercely descended towards Meng Danyun, with the Warm Spring Artistic Conception swirling around the top of his stick, abruptly intensified with a hint of scorching heat.


    This hint of scorching heat,


    went beyond the scope of Warm Spring Artistic Conception, no longer warm, but hot.


    Midsummer Artistic Conception!


    As a true heir of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion ranked higher than Cheng Houhua, Han Guang had, at some unknown time, astonishingly realized the second of the Four Seasons Artistic Conceptions¡ªMidsummer!


    Although his Midsummer Artistic Conception was obviously only nascent and not as profound as the Warm Spring Artistic Conception, he had been holding back all along and chose to strike abruptly at the moment when Meng Danyun was most engrossed in the water veins and nearly understanding. The ferocity of the sudden attack was fully revealed, smashing the two water swords coming head-on with just one strike, the bamboo stick aiming straight for Meng Danyun''s Heavenly Spirit!


    "Not good."


    Meng Danyun was forcefully brought out from her near-enlightened state, her expression changing. Han Guang''s treachery was beyond her expectations. It seemed as though he deliberately pressured her to have insights, and then at that instant, he struck with his most fierce attack, not only disrupting her previous immersion but also striking close in the gap!


    But she ultimately reacted, her Silver Water Sword drawing a water trail, blocking Han Guang''s bamboo stick. The edge of the sword and the stick collided in the water, bursting silently.


    Just at that moment.


    The assassin from the Blood Hidden Pavilion, who had been hiding all this while, suddenly appeared from the water, the Emei Stab aimed at Meng Danyun''s back from a tricky angle, seizing the flaw exposed in her hasty defense against Han Guang, striking at the most critical spot in an instant!


    "¡­"


    Meng Danyun sighed in her heart, understanding that none of these people were easy to deal with. Han Guang was self-explanatory, and if in the Seven Profound Sect, he would certainly be ranked ahead of her. The assassin from the Blood Hidden Pavilion had lethal techniques, with both strikes aiming at the most critical points. The other three stewards of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, although not as strong, were all incredibly stable, their coordination nearly flawless.


    Just as Han Guang had said, she did have life-saving techniques, but once those secret techniques were activated, although they could forcibly enhance her Yuan Gang True Essence for a short time, they would also cause damage to the Five Viscera and meridians, requiring at least several months of recuperation afterward. Naturally, she was unwilling to use them unless absolutely necessary.


    But at this moment.


    With Han Guang''s sudden strike to her front, forcing her into a hasty defense, her Yuan Gang''s circulation showed a flaw.


    ```


    The assassin from the Blood Hidden Pavilion struck from the side, targeting a fatal vulnerability that allowed no time for recovery. It was too difficult to counter, and even a hasty defense would lead to injury. At this moment, it seemed there was only one strategy left: to use a secret technique to forcibly break through the encirclement and flee.


    But just then,


    a faint premonition stirred in Meng Danyun''s heart, as if she sensed something. The restless Yuan Gang Inner Breath within her body stilled once again.


    With a sweep of her left hand through the water, she created a stream of water mixed with momentum and met the Emei dagger aimed at her back. After slapping it once, she forcibly grasped it in her palm. A brief clash of murderous intent and her wind and water powers ensued, and her delicate hand immediately began to bleed. Still, she clenched the dagger tightly, significantly slowing its momentum until it barely reached her lower back, where it made a ''ding'' sound as it pierced through the outer layer of her Taoist robe but was blocked by a golden threaded Inner Armor underneath.


    Defending against this attack in her exhausted state, with Yuan Gang True Essence difficult to maneuver, was far from easy for Meng Danyun, and her complexion noticeably paled.


    However,


    after this strike, whether it was the assassin from the Blood Hidden Pavilion, the steward from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, or even Han Guang, all of their gazes shifted slightly, uniformly turning towards the passageway at the top of the stone cave.


    They saw a surge of turbulent water within the passage, followed by a figure falling from within, landing in the stone cave and abruptly entering the battlefield.


    Seeing the figure that had fallen, a hint of surprise flashed in Meng Danyun''s eyes.


    The aura she perceived was not mistaken.


    It was indeed him,


    Chen Mu!


    Having arrived inside this stone cave, Chen Mu had undoubtedly stepped into the Five Viscera Realm. While this fact did not surprise her¡ªafter all, when she had guided Chen Mu in his cultivation long ago, she had noticed his robust Qi-Blood, clearly indicating he was at the Perfection of Bone Tempering Realm and only a step away from reaching the Five Viscera Realm. For him to now cross that threshold seemed perfectly normal.


    With Chen Mu''s arrival, the situation was now completely different. Even though Chen Mu was only just beginning to step into the Five Viscera Realm, he was someone who had cultivated the Xun Wind and Thunderbolt Artistic Conceptions even while in the Bone Tempering Realm. Once he stepped into the Five Viscera Realm, his strength would undoubtedly be formidable. As long as he worked together with her, it wouldn''t be so easy for Han Guang and the others to encircle and kill both her and Chen Mu.


    "Sister Meng."


    Chen Mu, holding the Flowing Fire Blade, was now slowly descending from the water, his gaze sweeping over everyone present before noticing the trickles of crimson blood near Meng Danyun and the wounds on her left hand.


    "Chen Mu."


    At this time, Han Guang''s expression also darkened.


    One of the scenarios he least wanted had finally occurred.


    "So you''ve really stepped into the Five Viscera Realm."


    Since Chen Mu hadn''t died, the ambush by Cheng Houhua must have encountered some mishap. Upon seeing Chen Mu, Han Guang''s first thought was to consider what contingency plan Yan Jingqing had laid out, but he also thought about the possibility that Chen Mu had advanced to the Five Viscera Realm.


    Chen Mu, a master of the Wind Thunder Artistic Conception, would have a much greater ability to flee than ordinary people once he stepped into the Five Viscera Realm. Unless caught in an ambush and encirclement, it would be very difficult to catch up with him once he fled.


    Yet,


    the fact that Cheng Houhua''s attempt to assassinate Chen Mu had failed, and they hadn''t promptly sent word to inform him, left Han Guang rushed off his feet all night long, scouring the area up and down along the Qingping River. He had even engaged in conflict with Hua Nongying and Gu Hong, leaving him no time to attend to other matters.


    At this moment, Han Guang narrowed his eyes and discerned more closely. The nearby water had returned to calmness, with no one else approaching. Although Chen Mu possessed the Wind Thunder Artistic Conception, it wasn''t easy to utilize underwater... It would be very difficult to capture Meng Danyun now, but there might still be a chance to catch Chen Mu, who had only just broken through and would undoubtedly be less prepared than Meng Danyun.


    A thought crossed his mind,


    and Han Guang quietly took up the bamboo stick in his hand and struck fiercely downwards, aiming at the back of Chen Mu''s head.

 Chapter 190 Making a Move

    "Be careful!"Meng Danyun was the first to notice Han Guang''s movements and immediately voiced out a warning, spitting out bubbles as she quickly wielded the Silver Water Sword, drawing together the nearby currents in an attempt to help Chen Mu fend off Han Guang''s strike.


    But the three Stewards of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion reacted swiftly as well, almost simultaneously launching attacks from various directions, converging on Meng Danyun.


    "These three..."


    Meng Danyun''s eyes turned icy, feeling that the three Stewards from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion were detestable for their impeccable timing, forcing her to first defend herself and unable to immediately assist Chen Mu. After all, each of these Stewards from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion was powerful in their own right; a combined strike from them was nothing to scoff at, especially with an assassin from the Blood Hidden Pavilion also requiring her vigilance.


    For the moment, she could only hope that Chen Mu could withstand Han Guang''s attack.


    However.


    Just as Meng Danyun was defending against the Stewards of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion with her sword, she felt the water flow on her right backside explode in an instant, a terrifying and surging force of wind and thunder detonated within the water.


    When she looked over in shock, she saw Chen Mu floating coolly in the water, his long blade wrapped with visible purple thunderbolts. With just a single clash of his blade, he had sent Han Guang''s Bamboo Stick flying, completely dispersing the Warm Spring and Midsummer Artistic Conceptions imbued in the stick, followed by a thunderous expanse spreading out that turned into a horrifying weave of Thunder Arcs, completely engulfing the area where Han Guang stood!


    The entire venue was astonished!


    "Impossible!"


    A Steward of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion revealed shock in his eyes.


    The people present were all significant figures, solidly within the Five Viscera Realm, their vision and insight superior. They could naturally recognize that the strength of Chen Mu''s blade, enveloped in wind and thunder, was not a mere Artistic Conception of the first phase.


    Xun Wind Artistic Conception, second phase!


    Thunderclap Artistic Conception, second phase!


    This person was not merely a new entrant to the Five Viscera Realm, but had, at some unknown point, cultivated the wind and thunder Artistic Conceptions to the second phase¡ªthis was utterly inconceivable!


    It''s known that the second phase of any Artistic Conception is an entirely different concept compared to the first phase, and many within the Five Viscera Realm may never realize the second phase throughout their lives. Yu Jiujiang had only managed to grasp the second phase of the Kan Water Artistic Conception in his waning years.


    Chen Mu?


    By estimating the time, he might have only recently stepped into the Five Viscera Realm. To have already mastered the second phase of both Xun Wind and Thunderclap Artistic Conceptions was frighteningly talented!


    At that moment, not only the three Stewards of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion were shocked, but even the assassin from the Blood Hidden Pavilion, with his concealed eyes beneath the black robe, also showed a hint of shock, and even Meng Danyun flickered with a trace of astonishment.


    She knew of Chen Mu''s aptitude.


    She never doubted that Chen Mu could comprehend the second phase of an Artistic Conception.


    But...


    Just three or four months earlier, Chen Mu''s Xun Wind Artistic Conception was only at the preliminary stage of comprehension. Though he had made rapid progress under her guidance, to have crossed to the second phase already was still incredibly unbelievable.


    And now the Thunderclap Artistic Conception had reached the second phase as well. Even the True Disciple from the Great Sect''s Great Profound Peak could not cultivate an Artistic Conception as exaggeratedly as Chen Mu did, like eating or drinking water; in just a few months, he advanced an Artistic Conception to the second phase.


    "Hiss."


    Han Guang, presently immersed in the interweaving Thunder Arcs within the water, found himself in great trouble. Even though he immediately activated his Yuan Gang True Essence to form a protective layer of Gang Qi around his body to withstand the relentless might of the thunder, it was still not a comfortable situation; his hair frizzed up completely.


    Chen Mu, on the other hand, wasted no words. He used the water course to unleash the might of thunder, restricting Han Guang''s movements, and in an instant drew close and brought his blade slashing down upon him.


    As the blade was raised, only the powers of wind and thunder mingled on its edge; however, upon descent, the Xun Wind Artistic Conception suddenly created a void in the water, and on the edge shimmering with specks of red light, a wisp of blazing flame burst forth, resembling a fire dragon blooming in the water, swirling around the blade, as a mighty strike fell.


    "Separating Fire!"


    Han Guang''s face changed drastically.


    The sudden revelation of both the Xun Wind and Thunderclap Artistic Conceptions had already shocked him. Now, using the Xun Wind Artistic Conception to forcibly create a void in the water and unleash the might of the Separating Fire, the overlapping power of the three elements¡ªwind, thunder, and fire¡ªcaused even the water veins within the underground cavern to violently oscillate, throwing the nearby Heaven and Earth Spiritual Power into chaos.


    The first blade, wrapped with the power of wind and thunder, had only pushed him back, but this second strike with the combined might of Xun Wind, Thunderclap, and Separating Fire alerted the astonished Han Guang that Chen Mu was indeed intent on killing him!


    The first blade used the water course to deploy the might of thunder, restraining his movements, seemingly just to push him back and limit him. But this second blade was where true killing intent was revealed, and even the Yuan Gang force on the blade was significantly more exaggerated than the first strike!


    This is bad.


    Cheng Houhua likely didn''t just fail his ambush; he must have died by this person''s hand!


    At the brink of life and death, Han Guang almost instantly realized this point. With his heart pounding in terror, he didn''t hesitate at all; he exerted all his strength to raise the bamboo stick, bringing the Warm Spring and High Summer Artistic Conceptions he had cultivated to their limits. He mobilized the nearby water to transform into scorching torrents, surging upwards to meet the attack.


    However.


    When the bamboo stick collided with Chen Mu''s Flowing Fire Blade, it only held firm for an instant before the mighty power of Warm Spring and High Summer Artistic Conceptions was shattered as easily as dried twigs.


    Han Guang was not weak; although neither of his Artistic Conceptions had entered the second stage, his Yuan Gang True Essence was close to three portions, making his overall strength slightly greater than Cheng Houhua''s. But Chen Mu''s cultivation had also improved, and with the addition of the Flowing Fire Blade''s might, even though Separating Fire was greatly constrained by the water veins, Thunderbolt could be easily leveraged. The gains and losses just offset each other, and the unleashed power of a full-force strike could reach six portions, nearly double that of Han Guang. Naturally, Han Guang could not ward it off.


    The Flowing Fire Blade, entwined with thunder light, nearly snapped Han Guang''s bamboo stick and pressed down unstoppable towards his head, looking as if it would split his skull at any moment.


    But just then, Han Guang''s Mysterious Robe suddenly split apart, revealing an ordinary-looking Jade Pendant from within his garment. A warm and gentle Heaven and Earth Spiritual Power spread out from the pendant, instantly solidifying into a hazy white barrier.


    Boom!!


    The residual force of Chen Mu''s Flowing Fire Blade strike fell onto this hazy white barrier, and under the thunderous explosion of thunder and fire, the barrier, formed purely from spiritual power, cracked inch by inch until it shattered completely.


    But thanks to this brief defiance, Han Guang narrowly escaped death, feeling cold sweat drench his entire back, mixing indistinguishably with the water around him. Without any hesitation, he immediately fled towards the nearest passage.


    "..."


    Chen Mu was not surprised.


    Those from the Great Sects had various life-saving measures, and he could even identify the material of the Jade Pendant¡ªit was an extraordinarily rare ''Yuan Spirit Stone'', capable of holding the Power of Heaven and Earth, and thus could be fashioned into these life-preserving treasures that could unleash stored spiritual power to block a fatal blow in critical moments.


    Seeing Han Guang escaping, Chen Mu did not intend to let him go. He darted through the water, chasing after Han Guang. As he pursued him into the passage, he hurled another strike back.


    Boom!!!


    The power of Xun Wind opened up the space as thunder and fire merged into a beam of blade light, striking towards the Blood Hidden Pavilion assassin.


    The Blood Hidden Pavilion assassin, just about to vanish into darkness, became the target. His eyes widened in alarm, and without hesitation, he waved his Emei Piercer. A murderous intent spread out, confronting the incoming blade of thunder and fire.


    Amidst the turbulent water veins exploding, his figure flew backwards with a muffled grunt.


    It all happened in the blink of an eye.


    Perceiving Chen Mu''s move, Meng Danyun, as if by telepathy, reacted at the fastest speed. With a flick of his Silver Water Sword, a sword of flowing water suddenly appeared amidst the water veins. While the three Stewards of Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion were still in shock, unable to react in time, he swiftly thrust through, the blade piercing the waist of the Blood Hidden Pavilion assassin!


    "Gurgle."


    The Blood Hidden Pavilion assassin spat out a mouthful of blood and staggered into the darkness, leaving behind a long trail of blood in the water, his fate unknown.


    Having coordinated with Chen Mu''s strike to grievously wound the Blood Hidden Pavilion assassin, Meng Danyun glanced at the three Stewards of Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion with a cold smile without a word. Then, in a blur, he vanished into the murky waterways of the underground cavern. S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The three Stewards of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion looked at each other in dismay.


    They all sensed that things were going badly.


    With Meng Danyun breaking free, Han Guang being pursued by Chen Mu, and the Blood Hidden Pavilion assassin severely injured, they all knew very well how troublesome it would be if Meng Danyun, who mastered the Kan Water Artistic Conception, escaped their encirclement. Not only would the Blood Hidden Pavilion assassin struggle to break away, but the three of them would also be plunged into danger. The situation had been turned upside down by Chen Mu''s intervention!


    "Let''s go."


    The leading one spoke in a low voice.


    It was uncertain whether Han Guang could escape from Chen Mu, and regardless of his escape, once Chen Mu turned back to attack, with Meng Danyun possibly lurking in the shadows, they feared that all three of them might perish in this underground cavern today!


    Even now, none of them dared to take the passage where Chen Mu pursued Han Guang. If they were to run into Chen Mu returning, even their combined strength would not match up to Chen Mu alone, or rather, they were decidedly no match for him.


    Xun Wind, Thunderclap, Separating Fire!


    All three Artistic Conceptions had advanced to the second stage!


    Even within the Five Viscera Realm, he was a rare adversary. Aside from top True Disciples like Zuo Qianqiu, Chen Mu could almost act without fear within the Five Viscera Realm. Ordinary Stewards like them, ten or even eight, posed no threat whatsoever!


    Their previous assessment of Chen Mu was completely incorrect!


    His talent and the extent of his threat were far above those of ordinary True Disciples. Having reached the Three Phases of Qiankun Eight Phases in the Five Viscera Realm at such a young age, he was very likely to achieve the level of top True Disciples like Hua Nongyue and Jiang Yifei in the future!


    Moreover.


    The fact that Cheng Houhua, Liu Su, and the others went to ambush Chen Mu and did not send anyone to report back his status suggested that their situation was definitely not good too. At worst, they were probably all dead at Chen Mu''s hands!

 Chapter 191 Dead End

    In the serpentine and rugged waterway.Han Guang was entirely engulfed in a warm current, like a swiftly swimming fish, speeding through the water.


    Behind him, the figure of Chen Mu dashed through the water like a flying shuttle, leaving a visible clear white line in his wake, a trail created by the boost of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception as he moved.


    "Brother Chen, there''s no need to chase me. I didn''t do anything to your Sister Meng; her injury was inflicted by the Blood Hidden Pavilion. There''s a clear distinction between debts of gratitude and those of vengeance... In this water, your Thunderclap Artistic Conception doesn''t give you the speed advantage, catching up to me won''t be so easy. If we keep this up, all the treasures in the underground cavern will be taken by the Hehuan enchantress and those swordsmen!"


    As Han Guang fled, he gurgled these words through the water.


    The sound traveled along the waterway and into Chen Mu''s ears, but his face remained expressionless as he continued the pursuit without pause.


    "Brother Chen, if I remember correctly, aren''t you already betrothed? And isn''t Meng Danyun also your beloved? It seems we pursue the same interests. In a few days, I can capture a Hehuan demoness for you to play with as a form of apology; how does that sound?"


    Han Guang''s messy voice continued to come through.


    It wasn''t entirely because he was talkative; he was actually in a lot of trouble. Relying solely on the ''River of Warm Spring'' from the Warm Spring Artistic Conception wouldn''t allow him to escape faster than Chen Mu in the water. If he recklessly bolted to the surface, Chen Mu would speed up while he would slow down, making escape impossible.


    Only under the water did he have a slim chance of escape, but the problem was the complex environment of the underground cavern, which was also very unfamiliar. He wasn''t clear on which way led to a dead end and which way afforded an escape route. Although he could perceive a little bit through his ''Spring Water,'' the range was limited. If by chance he was cornered with no way out, then he would be trapped.


    Though there was a chance he might just enter a favorable terrain and take the opportunity to slip away from Chen Mu, Han Guang didn''t want to bet on luck, or rather, people from Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion never gambled on luck since they always acted according to the heavenly mechanism. If it came to a situation where they couldn''t discern the heavenly mechanism and had to bet on fate, it usually meant they were at a dead end.


    Chen Mu, of course, was very aware of this.


    Therefore, he had no intention of letting Han Guang go. Even earlier, his first target had been Han Guang because the stewards of Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion were not to be feared, nor did they have a future. Only true disciples like Han Guang posed a real threat, being the ones who could potentially enter the Six Viscera Realm and even had a chance to glimpse the Marrow Cleansing Realm in the future.


    Not that he feared anything, but when it came to trouble, one true disciple was far more significant than several stewards.


    Worst case, after dealing with Han Guang, he would go back and search for those Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion stewards. Maybe Meng Danyun would follow him and leave some clues along the way. There was still a chance to catch those people.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!!


    The two figures shuttled through the waterway, sometimes entering a huge, interconnected underground cavern, sometimes squeezing into a narrow chamber with only one entrance and one exit.


    After a short while of chasing, they had covered an unknown distance, and Chen Mu had gained a small portion of the cavern''s layout in his mind, realizing that this underground cavern seemed even larger than he had anticipated. Especially during Han Guang''s escape, the waterways they traversed often sloped downward, and they had descended hundreds of feet back and forth.


    Suddenly.


    Han Guang''s figure suddenly vanished from sight.


    Chen Mu followed closely and saw a narrow passage at the corner, just wide enough for one person to squeeze through. He saw Han Guang''s figure disappear at the end, and after a brief flash in his eyes, he immediately gave chase.


    The narrow passage wasn''t very long, only about ten zhang, and Chen Mu quickly reached the end. However, almost as soon as he emerged from the passage, a burst of black water suddenly sprayed towards him.


    It was a black snake, emitting a faint glow all over, spewing venom towards him from the water. Even before it got close, a strong sense of threat approached him, and the snake''s body was surrounded by a tumultuous demonic power.


    Blackwater Demon Snake!


    Comparable to a fifth-rank mythical creature of the Five Viscera Realm!


    Chen Mu''s reaction was extremely fast. He instantly struck forward with his palm, and in an instant, the water channel burst, sending the venom mixed with demonic power recoiling back due to the fierce wind from his palm.


    "Hahaha, Brother Chen, we shall meet again!"


    A loud laugh from Han Guang came from the distance. He could be seen already at the other end of the cavern, diving into an upward slanting passage and disappearing into it, having somehow bypassed the Blackwater Demon Snake.


    Hiss-hiss.


    The Blackwater Demon Snake seemed extremely angry, hissing loudly as it shot towards Chen Mu with sudden aggression. Its body was not large, no different from an ordinary little snake, but its speed was extremely fast, reaching Chen Mu in an instant.


    A cold light flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes as he raised the Flowing Fire Blade in his hand, blocking a strike at a very close distance against the highly agile Blackwater Demon Snake, and after several exchanges, he gripped the hilt with both hands and swept out fiercely.


    Crash!!!


    In the stone cave''s water channel, a gap spanning several zhang split open, and thunder arcs exploded underwater, covering the Blackwater Demon Snake. However, its body seemed incredibly tough; it endured the thunder strikes seemingly without any harm, and despite several collisions with the Flowing Fire Blade, it only had a few white marks on its scales.


    "Hiss¡­"


    After being struck by Chen Mu''s thunder, the Blackwater Demon Snake''s crimson eyes seemed to express a human-like fury. Its head then reared back as a surge of demonic power gathered, with water from nearby rapidly converging into a glowing orb, which fell towards Chen Mu and exploded into a torrential flood in the water.


    Chen Mu, however, did not pay much attention to it. Harnessing the power of the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, he instantly avoided the flood and quickly passed the Blackwater Demon Snake, heading toward the other side of the cavern. In this underwater environment, the Blackwater Demon Snake held the advantage; although he was confident he could kill it if he continued to fight, it would waste too much time.


    "Hiss-hiss."


    Seeing Chen Mu bypass it and head towards the other side of the cavern, the Blackwater Demon Snake''s demonic eyes flickered with crimson light, yet it stopped in place and did not pursue. The collisions moments ago had made it understand that Chen Mu posed a significant threat and was not prey it should pursue.


    Chen Mu dodged the black water demon snake and pursued Han Guang into the tunnel he had fled into.


    Actually, he had been repeatedly hindered by the black water demon snake, and there was enough time for Han Guang to completely shake him off, but he still continued the chase, because this was predicated on one condition¡­ that this path wasn''t a dead end!


    As Han Guang fled under Chen Mu''s relentless pursuit, every cave he entered had an exit. This was partly due to his decent perception underwater, and partly due to good fortune; after all, in such a complex underground cavern environment, there certainly exist countless dead-end passages with only a single route, including the one in front of him now.


    This was a tunnel sloping upward.


    When Chen Mu finally reached the end, he suddenly felt lightness in his body, as he leapt out of the water in an instant.


    "Huh?"


    Chen Mu looked around and saw that he was still in an underground cavern, now standing above a small pool, the bottom of which was the tunnel he had come through.


    According to his pursuit so far, he judged that this place should still be two hundred zhang beneath the ground.


    And this underground cavern wasn''t completely dark; rather, it had spots of fluorescent light. These were from the jade veins in the rocky walls, shining with red or blue light like stars under the night sky.


    And almost at the moment Chen Mu was observing his surroundings.


    Suddenly.


    A figure burst from the darkness, attempting to dive into the pool.


    But as if expecting this, Chen Mu waved his Flowing Fire Blade, casting out a blaze of fierce firelight. Not only did he block the person''s path, but he also fully illuminated the cave, revealing a figure holding a bamboo stick¡ªit was undoubtedly Han Guang.


    "Not a bad place to be buried."


    With a swing of his blade, Chen Mu forced Han Guang to retreat several steps, preventing him from diving into the pool, and then coldly spoke to him.


    From the moment he leapt out of the pool and left the water, his ''Autumn Wind Sense'' had already clearly perceived the entire subterranean cavern. There were no other paths aside from this pool; it was simply a dead end!


    Han Guang might have sensed the presence of the black water demon snake and made a decision to try and use it to shake Chen Mu off. The demon snake did indeed briefly stop him, but cleverness can sometimes backfire. The passage he chose led to this stone cave, which had no other way out.


    ...


    Han Guang looked terrible, as if he had swallowed a dead toad.


    The situation he most feared had come to pass. Although he had some perceptiveness in water, it wasn''t accurate here in this special cave, which wasn''t completely flooded, and he had thought there would be another way out. But it was a dead end, and if he had not chosen to use the black water demon snake earlier but had taken a different route to continue fleeing, perhaps there might have been a chance.


    But now, he had made a fatal misstep and found himself in a dead-end, with the only retreat blocked by Chen Mu.


    Swish!


    Without wasting words, Chen Mu lifted his Flowing Fire Blade. In an instant, the winds picked up and lightning struck, with fierce fire swirling and merging into a towering blaze that extended several zhang long and slashed down directly over Han Guang''s head.


    This time was not underwater, and the force of Chen Mu''s strike was even greater!


    Han Guang had nowhere to retreat and had to desperately defend himself. He waved his bamboo stick upward, stirring up a surge of water from the pool. The warm current clashed with the descending Thunderfire Blade in the air and with a loud boom, exploded, spreading a mist throughout the cavern. The water split in two from the center, and along with a line of fire, scorched across his shoulder and down his body!


    "I¡­ am not reconciled¡­"


    Han Guang uttered a cry and then his body fell backwards. His Mysterious Robe caught flame, and the life force and aura extinguished rapidly from him under Chen Mu''s perception.


    Chen Mu watched coldly as the scene unfolded and then slowly stepped forward toward Han Guang, whose body was burning steadily, emanating a charred smell. A burnt crack spread from his left shoulder to his right side. His eyes, which seemed to still hold resentment, were dim and lifeless.


    There was no sign of life on the entire corpse.


    Swish.


    With a wave of his hand, Chen Mu extinguished all the flames. Experience more on empire


    After a brief moment of contemplation, he slowly crouched down, then abruptly lifted the Flowing Fire Blade in his hand and plunged it downward, piercing Han Guang''s chest with one strike.


    "Ahh!!"


    The ''corpse'' of Han Guang cried out. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The lifeless eyes suddenly widened, fixed on Chen Mu as the body writhed, trying to struggle with something. But the blade of Chen Mu''s Flowing Fire Blade, which had pierced his chest, suddenly burst forth with the overwhelming power of wind and thunder, shredding his Five Viscera and Six Viscera cleanly in an instant.


    With an expressionless face, Chen Mu pulled out the blade and then swung it again, decapitating Han Guang''s head from his neck.


    This time, there were no more screams.

 Chapter 192 Spirit Weapon

    "The true inheritance of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion may be full of nonsense, but indeed, it is a bunch of treacherous and deceitful people."Chen Mu looked at the severed head of Han Guang, whose eyes were still wide open in death, and only then slowly lowered the knife in his hand.


    Han Guang had a ''Spirit Jade Pendant'' as a life-saving item and had the ability to escape through water channels. He also used the black water demon snake to hinder his pursuit. If it weren''t for eventually running into a dead end, there was a high probability that he could have escaped from him.


    Even after fleeing into a dead end, this man did not give up. As soon as he sensed it was a dead end, he immediately hid in the shadow beside the pool, waiting for him to move away from the pool before attempting to dive back into the water and escape.


    However, on the surface of the water, and not in it, his ''Autumn Wind Sense'' could almost instantly sense all the movements and breaths within the entire stone cave. Although Han Guang hid on the side and tried his best to converge his breath, he still couldn''t evade his perception.


    And more importantly.


    The key point was that Chen Mu wasn''t in a rush at all.


    He knew that if this wasn''t a dead end, Han Guang would definitely manage to escape, but if it was a dead end, he was bound to be caught. Therefore, after stepping out of the pool, he didn''t rush to explore further but stood by the pool side to sense the situation first.


    Han Guang, therefore, failing one strategy, quickly came up with another, forcefully taking a hit from his Thunderfire Blade, ''feigning death'' on the spot, hoping he would lower his guard and turn his attention to the spiritual objects and treasures in the cave, thus ignoring him and looking for an opportunity to flee.


    After such a series of devious tactics.


    Although he ended up dead, Chen Mu still gave Han Guang a rather high evaluation in his heart. After all, there was nearly half the difference in strength between them, but as long as he showed even a slight flaw or relaxed his vigilance a bit, the other party had a chance to escape, which was indeed much more troublesome compared to Cheng Houhua.


    Chen Mu now squatted down and began to carefully inspect Han Guang''s corpse. After some searching, he pulled out a quaint jade pendant from beneath the scorched lapel of the Mysterious Robe, which, despite being roasted, was still undamaged.


    Spirit Jade Pendant!


    "Good stuff. Indeed, it''s not damaged."


    A glint appeared in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    This life-saving item was undoubtedly useful, even to him. Although it belonged to the ''storage'' category, which could store the full force of Yuan Gang Power and be activated only once in a short time, it was quite effective at a critical moment. Like his previous strike with the Thunderfire Blade, after directly breaking through Han Guang''s Yuan Gang Force, at least ''Three Portions'' of its residual power remained, but it was still blocked by the barrier of spiritual power triggered by this jade pendant.


    After holding it in his palm, with a thought, Chen Mu activated his Five Viscera Inner Breath, drawing in Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi and gently infusing it into the pendant. About a quarter of an hour later, the dull surface of the quaint jade pendant began to emit flecks of fluorescent light. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hmm... The power stored within this item should be equivalent to the strength of the holder''s Yuan Gang. I wonder how high the limit can be, but it should be difficult to accumulate more than five portions of spiritual power." Discover more content at empire


    Chen Mu could feel that the carrying capacity of the Spirit Jade Pendant was not yet at its limit, but it was like inflating a pressure canister¡ªthe more Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi he poured in, the greater the internal pressure became. It required stronger Inner Breath circulation to further infuse it, until reaching the material limit of the pendant itself.


    At present, his Yuan Gang Force was not enough to fill it to its limit.


    The power currently stored within was roughly equivalent to his own Yuan Gang strength, about enough to trigger a barrier that could withstand ''Two and a Half Portions'' of force. It would basically be able to block a full-force strike from someone like Han Guang.


    If Meng Danyun had had such a spiritual item from the beginning, he could have forcefully endured a strike from the assassins of the Blood Hidden Pavilion or Han Guang, charging into the passage to escape; he would not have ended up surrounded.


    After briefly studying the effects of the Spirit Jade Pendant, Chen Mu put it away.


    Next.


    He continued to examine Han Guang''s corpse.


    However, there were no more gains this time. Aside from that Bamboo Stick of unknown material, which counted as a Treasured Artifact, there was nothing else on his body. It was clear that upon arriving at this Underground Cavern, he had not gone to seek Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures first but instead immediately sought out Meng Danyun in the cavern.


    After a brief moment of thought, Chen Mu decided to take the Bamboo Stick as well. After all, it was a Treasured Artifact, although the properties contained within it seemed to resonate with the ''vibrancy'' of the Kan Water Artistic Conception.


    Whoosh!


    After inspecting Han Guang''s corpse from top to bottom, Chen Mu finally stood up and waved his hand, unleashing a burst of Blazing Flames that once again enveloped Han Guang''s body, burning vigorously and gradually reducing it to ashes.


    At this moment, Chen Mu did not look back. He turned, guided by the light of the fire, his gaze sweeping across the entire Stone Cave, quickly approaching several spots on the stone walls, and chiseling off several pieces of different ores.


    "Another piece of Gold-Threaded Jade Mine."


    "Hmm, and a piece of Silver Thread Ore. Now the main materials for making Treasure Armor are almost complete."


    Chen Mu, looking at the several pieces of Spirit Ore in his hand, revealed a thoughtful expression.


    At least until he enters the Six Viscera Realm, a Treasured Artifact quality Soft Armor will still be very useful for him. After all, his physique is already strong, with a body like Copper Skin and Iron Bones, coupled with the Spirit Jade Pendant, even if the assassins from the Blood Hidden Pavilion catch a flaw and deliver an unsuspecting lethal strike, it would be extremely difficult to kill him.

 Chapter 192 Spirit Weapon_2

    Then,Chen Mu carefully examined the stone cave again.


    Although there were some fluorescent dots of minerals on the stone walls everywhere, they were all jade mines of low value.


    "At such a deep place, there''s a cave that isn''t completely submerged by water, there should be more than just these things...,"


    Chen Mu wore a thoughtful expression, and even though he couldn''t see any treasures, he didn''t leave immediately. Instead, he followed one corner of the stone wall, applying the Artistic Conception of Gen Mountain, and carefully sensed along the wall.


    The cave was neither too large nor too small, almost twenty zhang in circumference. Now, Chen Mu carefully sensed and explored along the walls, leaving no stone unturned, but after nearly making a full circle and carving more than ten holes in the rock wall, the outcome was meager, with just a small piece of ''flowing gold ore'' barely worth noting.


    Seeing that his exploration was nearly complete, Chen Mu couldn''t help but shake his head slightly.


    Perhaps it was because he had read too many strange adventure stories that he had expected too much, making it seem like this cave could just be an ordinary stone cave with nothing else inside.


    However, Continue reading on empire


    just as Chen Mu was about to finish examining the last corner, he suddenly stopped, staring blankly at the rock wall beside him. The wall looked no different from the rest, but Chen Mu''s Artistic Conception of Gen Mountain sensed that about two feet deep, there was a hollow area without the flow of Earth Pulse''s Power.


    "Two feet... that''s a bit too deep,"


    Chen Mu frowned slightly.


    The rock walls here all had the flow of Earth''s Power, making them very difficult to break through. Not to mention two feet, even an inch or two would require him to chip away bit by bit with Yuan Gang Force.


    To reach a depth of about two feet, with his pace of excavation, it might take half a day''s work.


    If there was indeed just a hollow area inside with nothing else, then he would just be wasting a lot of time here.


    But in the end, Chen Mu still swung the Flowing Fire Blade toward the wall.


    It wasn''t that he wanted to take a gambit, but since he had already spent effort carefully checking around the cave, it would have been a waste to give up upon finding something peculiar.


    If it weren''t for following Han Guang, he probably wouldn''t have found this deeply hidden cave.


    Crack! Crack! Crack!!


    The Flowing Fire Blade, wrapped in Yuan Gang True Essence, chopped at the rock wall, constantly colliding with the circulating Power of the Earth''s Veins, carving out slashes in the wall and gradually deepening a hole.


    Like a prisoner in a stone cell, slowly chiseling out a path of light.


    After an unknown amount of time, Chen Mu thrust the Flowing Fire Blade deeply, piercing through all at once, breaking the last thin layer of rock, revealing a hole.


    Just one look inside the hole, and Chen Mu was instantly stunned.


    Inside,


    the hole was an extremely narrow cave, about three feet in diameter, but in the center of this cave sat a skeleton, which seemed to have been deceased for an unknown length of time.


    There was nothing else around the skeleton, just an ordinary black Short Spear placed in front of it.


    "This wasn''t man-made, but rather, over tens of thousands of years, the deceased was gradually ''swallowed'' by the rock wall during the movement of Earth''s Veins, but how could it have formed such a hollow cave instead of being completely sealed in the rock layer..."


    Confusion flickered in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    Then, he looked at the only item inside the cave, the short spear embedded in the rock layer.


    Hum.


    Chen Mu reached out his hand, Yuan Gang True Essence traveled along the hole into the cave, then condensed into an invisible hand, grasped the dark short spear, and began to pull it out.


    But almost instantly as Chen Mu''s Gang Power touched the dark short spear, a burst of purple Thunder Arc suddenly erupted from the spear, crackling loudly, instantly pulverizing the nearby skeleton into dust, and forcefully scattering Chen Mu''s Gang Power, which still intertwined with threads of Thunder Arc on its surface.


    Watching this scene,


    a glimmer finally crossed Chen Mu''s eyes.


    "No wonder the Earth''s Veins didn''t completely swallow this place, but formed a hollow cave instead,"


    Spirit Weapon!


    This dark Ancient Spear is a Spirit Weapon!


    Above all artifacts in the world, only ''Spirit Weapons'' surpass the quality of Treasured Artifacts, and the biggest difference between a Spirit Weapon and a Treasured Artifact is that even the highest quality Treasured Artifact, like the Flowing Fire Blade, requires its wielder''s control to unleash its power, whereas a Spirit Weapon inherently possesses the ability to store the Power of Heaven and Earth!


    Like his Spirit Jade Pendant, it is actually close to the category of ''Spirit Weapon,'' but only halfway there.


    This dark Ancient Spear, alongside that skeleton that has been laid here for who knows how many hundreds or thousands of years and being gradually swallowed by the moving rock layers of Earth''s Veins, can still spontaneously unleash the power of thunder, obviously beyond the reach of any Mortal Weapon or Treasured Artifact. Only a Spirit Weapon could achieve such a feat!


    Hum.


    A flash of light in Chen Mu''s eyes, Yuan Gang Force surged out from his body once again, reaching out through the air to grasp the ancient spear.


    Remnants of Thunder Arc still lingering on the ancient spear exploded again, once more transforming into a purple lightning, but this time it didn''t completely disperse Chen Mu''s Yuan Gang Force; instead, they began fiercely clashing.


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 Chapter 192 Spirit Weapon_3

    Crackle and pop!! S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.Purple thunder arcs continuously exploded and intertwined, clashing and wearing against Chen Mu''s Yuan Gang Force. The standoff lasted for a moment until the thunder arcs above gradually dimmed.


    Finally, Chen Mu took a deep breath. His Yuan Gang Force turned into an invisible hand formed from a fierce wind, tightly grasping the ancient spear and forcibly pulled it up, yanking it out of the cavity in the rock face.


    Crack, snap.


    This pitch-black ancient spear, now in Chen Mu''s hands, still crackled with thin arcs of electricity, but they no longer affected him.


    Chen Mu examined it carefully, his gaze falling upon the bottom of the spear where two characters were inscribed - ''Evil Breaker''.


    "Evil Breaker..."


    "A thunder attribute spirit weapon, huh."


    Chen Mu muttered to himself. Although it was his first encounter with a spirit weapon, his understanding of them was not shallow. They came in an abundant variety, with majority being of the killing and fighting type, yet there were also many special spirit weapons like the Qiankun Pot.


    In fact, martial artists at the Five Viscera Realm could harness the power of spirit weapons, but due to their rarity and value, they seldom appeared in the hands of martial men at this realm, including true disciples from sects such as Han Guang.


    However.


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    As far as Chen Mu knew, if these true disciples took another step forward and entered the Six Viscera Realm, they might have the opportunity to obtain a spirit weapon from their sect. But that was merely a possibility, given the scarcity of spirit weapons and the crucial factor of affinity.


    Like this ancient spear with its pure ''thunder attribute'', only someone with the Thunderclap Artistic Conception could unleash its full might. Without the requisite thunder attribute artistic conception, one would not only fail to exert its power but also waste their own energy in a futile attempt to control it.


    "Huff."


    Chen Mu exhaled softly and then a flash of thunder sparkled in the depths of his eyes. His Yuan Gang True Essence transformed into pure lightning energy and infused into the Evil Breaker ancient spear.


    Initially, his Yuan Gang met with fierce rejection from the spear, but as the lightning spread, dispelling the remaining energies within the spear, its resistance to his Yuan Gang Force ceased. Soon, its surface shimmered with intertwined thunder arcs.


    Chen Mu''s right hand tightly gripped the Thunder Spear and then he suddenly hurled it toward the rock face.


    Boom!!!


    Enveloped in tendrils of electricity, the Thunder Spear burst forth, savagely penetrating the rock face and forcefully disrupting the Earth Pulse''s Power within, burying itself nearly two inches deep before coming to a stop!


    After making this throw, Chen Mu''s complexion turned slightly pale. The move had almost completely drained his Yuan Gang Force, transforming it into the might of thunder. The extraction was so rapid and the amount so vast that the circulation of the Five Viscera Inner Breath in his body couldn''t keep up with the replenishment rate.


    But the power of the blow was truly terrifying.


    His all-out strike under normal circumstances would scarcely leave a half-inch mark on the rock face, yet a strike wielding this spirit weapon bore nearly two inches deep!


    While a spear could penetrate more easily than a blade, making a direct comparison unviable, the power was nearly double!


    At this moment, Chen Mu''s Five Viscera Inner Breath continued to cycle, drawing Yuan Qi from between heaven and earth to replenish himself, yet his complexion remained a bit pale. The excessive consumption made it difficult for him to recover swiftly.


    By his estimation, perhaps only upon entering the Six Viscera Realm would he be able fully to control and wield the power of this spirit weapon.


    "This strike must hold nearly tenfold the might of a thunderbolt!"


    Chen Mu murmured to himself.


    Although the consumption was extremely exaggerated, leaving his Yuan Gang Force nearly depleted, the power was indeed fearsome, far stronger than his full-force strike with the Flowing Fire Blade.


    If he had possessed this Thunder Spear earlier, a single strike would have meant that even if Han Guang were protected by the Spirit Jade Pendant, he would have been undeniably slain.


    After adjusting himself for a moment, Chen Mu approached once more, gripped the ancient spear, and pulled it out from the rock face. He took a careful look at it and then bowed respectfully toward the dust inside the stone cave, where the ashes of the predecessor lay.


    "I do not know your name or origins, senior, and for disturbing your rest, I ask for your forgiveness ... I shall wield this weapon henceforth and shall not tarnish its reputation, please rest assured and return in peace."

 Chapter 193 Earthly Green Lotus

    He put away the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear.Chen Mu once again leaped into the pool, vanishing within this stone cave.


    He retraced his steps on the way back, passing the previous water cavern, but the trace of the black water demon snake was nowhere to be seen.


    "There are indeed many demons that breed within the earth''s veins."


    Chen Mu''s gaze carefully swept over his surroundings; finding no trace of the black water demon snake, he decided to let it be for the moment. After all, if a fifth-rank demon appeared on the surface, the harm it could cause would be severe, as martial artists below the Five Viscera Realm would struggle to resist it.


    But this black water demon snake, appearing in such deep underground, may not necessarily run to the surface.


    Whoosh.


    Chen Mu made his way back along the narrow water channel.


    In the underground cavern, numerous passages branched out in every direction. However, for a martial artist of his level, losing his way and being trapped to death wasn''t a concern; he could easily return along the routes he''d passed.


    Earlier, carving through the rock wall had taken far too much time. Although the shattered earth''s veins were unlikely to heal quickly, he still needed to check again soon to ensure all was secure else getting trapped underground would be a serious predicament.


    Moments later.


    Chen Mu shuttled through the stone cave and finally returned to the water marsh above. However, he did not surface; instead, he checked the nearby broken earth''s veins. Estimating that they would still need some time to recover, he once again dove into the water.


    He returned to the stone cave where Meng Danyun had been previously surrounded, but the cave was empty and desolate, with no sign of Meng Danyun or the several Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion stewards.


    "Han Guang was killed by me, and that assassin from Blood Hidden Pavilion was seriously hurt. With Senior Sister Meng''s Kan Water Artistic Conception skills, she should have been able to retreat easily. She''s probably fine, but I have no idea where she''s gone after all this time."


    Chen Mu pondered.


    He tried to sense the fluctuations in the water flow, but it was beyond his capability. After mastering the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, he should have practiced the Kan Water Artistic Conception next. Yet by some twist of fate, he acquired the Gen Mountain Diagram at the He Family and obtained an Earth Element Pearl, so he began to cultivate the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception first.


    If he now had mastery of the Kan Water Artistic Conception, he would have been more at ease within this cavern.


    However, life is unpredictable, and if the cavern weren''t flooded, then the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception would be more useful. To be prepared for all changes in the weather and terrain, one must master all the Qiankun Eight Phases.


    In any case, after returning from this trip, he would still follow the original plan, step by step. He would first advance the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception to the second phase, then cultivate the Kan Water Artistic Conception. Though, more likely, he would visit the Seven Profound Sect to attempt Qian Heaven first.


    Whoosh!


    The surging waters stirred, and Chen Mu''s figure disappeared from the cave once more.


    ¡­


    Elsewhere in the underground cavern.


    This place was also a stone cave, but it was filled with pitch-black mud. Suddenly, the mud bulged, and a figure emerged, shaking slightly, causing the black mud to scatter and fall off.


    Meng Danyun looked at the palm-sized, black-colored pearl with a faint gleam in her hand, a hint of joy on her face.


    This was a Yuan Female Earth Pearl, only produced deep within the mud of earth''s veins. Its effect was not just to nourish Qi-Blood and enhance cultivation for those in the Five Viscera Realm, but it also had rejuvenating properties for women, making it extremely valuable. It was worth the long search through such a large patch of mud.


    After escaping earlier, she relied on her sense through the Kan Water Artistic Conception and tracked the badly wounded assassin from Blood Hidden Pavilion, eventually slaying him with her sword. However, she couldn''t find the three Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion stewards who had fled in different directions.


    As for Chen Mu, needless to say, chasing after Han Guang, she had no idea where he had gone; the cavern was complex and labyrinthine with passages going every which way. Even if her Kan Water Artistic Conception were at the second phase, she wouldn''t be able to sense every trace within such a complex terrain¡ªthat would not be a martial artist but a deity.


    Perhaps,


    If one''s Artistic Conception reached the third phase, then it would be possible to sense all traces and fluctuations within such an intricate cavern. However, reaching the third phase of Artistic Conception is immensely difficult; not only for her as a true disciple in the Five Viscera Realm, but even for a Martial Arts Grandmaster who has reached the Marrow Cleansing Realm of Body Refining, not everyone can achieve the third phase of Artistic Conception.


    The gulf between the third and the second phase of Artistic Conception is even wider than between the second and first phase¡ªit''s like the difference between heaven and earth. Although it seems just one step away, the actual distance is vast and incredibly remote.


    After discerning a direction,


    Meng Danyun pocketed the Yuan Female Earth Pearl and continued her exploration.


    Following the water channel deeper into the cave system, after several twists and turns, her gaze suddenly shifted, faintly sensing something unusual, and revealed a slight look of surprise.


    "This feeling is... "


    She indistinctly sensed that if she followed this waterway to its end, she seemed to leave the water''s surface.


    But this place should still be deep underground.


    Meng Danyun''s thoughts flashed by, realizing she must have encountered one of the rare air pockets in the underground cavern, not completely submerged by water, so she immediately set off forward, traveling along an upward-sloping waterway.


    Eventually, like a fish, she burst forth from a pool of water in one swift motion. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, almost the instant she emerged from the water, a beam of blood light burst forth from the dark shadows, launching an attack towards her¡ªan attack she was all too familiar with, without a doubt, it was another figure from Blood Hidden Pavilion.


    "Persistence of an ominous shadow."


    A glint of coldness flashed in Meng Danyun''s eyes as she swung her Silver Water Sword, blocking the approaching blood light. At the same time, the surface of the pool beneath her feet exploded, and torrents of water surged forth, forming several powerful streams that plunged forward.


    But after the blood light missed its mark, the figure retreated at once, disappearing back into the darkness, causing Meng Danyun''s counterattack to miss completely. Whether it was in technique or movement, this assailant was much more skilled than the Blood Hidden Pavilion steward who had been struck by Chen Mu and pursued to death by her. However, it was unclear whether this was a true disciple of Blood Hidden Pavilion.


    Although Blood Hidden Pavilion is known to have its pavilions above ground, information about its interior has always been scarce. From the master of Blood Hidden Pavilion, who all the Great Sects of the Northern Land greatly fear, down to an ordinary assassin within its ranks, their true names were unknown. Their attire consisted of black robes and a Blood Concealment mask, and unless they were killed, one often couldn''t see their true face.


    However.


    At this moment, Meng Danyun''s attention wasn''t entirely on the assassin from Blood Hidden Pavilion; instead, she looked toward the distance and saw a quiet pool tens of meters away. In the very center of the pool grew a green lotus pod.


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    "Earthly Green Lotus?"


    Upon seeing the green lotus pod, Meng Danyun was immediately moved.


    Earthly Green Lotus!


    One of the extremely rare Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items in the world!


    According to the records, it could only grow in the depths of Earth''s Veins and would take hundreds to thousands of years to mature. Once matured, consuming a single lotus seed could open the barriers of the Mysterious Pass and enhance the understanding of the Power of Heaven and Earth.


    The process of a martial artist''s cultivation, regardless of the Artistic Conception, is about deepening the use of the Power of Heaven and Earth. But from birth, a thick ''Spiritual Barrier''¡ªalso known as the body''s ''Mysterious Pass''¡ªseparates people from Heaven and Earth.


    Only by reaching the Five Viscera Realm, forming an Inner Breath cycle, can one initially open a gap to the external world. Advancing into the Marrow Cleansing Realm will truly break through that barrier, allowing unobstructed contact with Heaven and Earth.


    The seeds of the Earthly Green Lotus, however, are among the very few Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items that can temporarily open the ''Spiritual Barrier'', even before the Mysterious Pass has been breached. Although the effect is brief, it is of immense help in understanding the Artistic Conception and perceiving the Power of Heaven and Earth.


    Now.


    Her understanding of the Kan Water Artistic Conception had already encountered little obstruction; with a period of seclusion upon her return, she was bound to step into the second phase. However, the Xun Wind Artistic Conception was not so easy to grasp.


    But with the aid of the Earthly Green Lotus Seed, she was confident that she could bring the Xun Wind Artistic Conception to the second step in a short amount of time. She could even attempt the third Artistic Conception. If she manages to reach the second step of all three Artistic Conceptions before entering the Six Viscera Realm, the benefits would be numerous, and her path in Martial Arts would be significantly broader.


    "Gu Hong, Hua Nongying..."


    Meng Danyun did not rush towards the Earthly Green Lotus immediately but calmly shifted her gaze towards its side, where two figures were fiercely battling¡ªnone other than Heavenly Sword Sect''s True Disciple Gu Hong and Hehuan Sect''s Hua Nongying!


    And the strength these two displayed at that moment deeply focused her attention.


    One could see.


    Gu Hong stood there with an indifferent look in his eyes, his body immobile, his limbs unmoved. Yet from the void, one sword Qi after another, condensed from Yuan Gang, kept firing and assailing Hua Nongying.


    To her sensing, each strand of this Sword Qi was extremely terrifying, with extraordinary power.


    "This is the formless Sword Qi of Heart Sword Artistic Conception, but this power... has his Heart Sword Artistic Conception advanced to the second step?"


    Meng Danyun''s gaze was exceptionally serious.


    Although her own understanding of the Kan Water Artistic Conception only required a bit more cultivation in seclusion to break through to the second step, the Kan Water Artistic Conception, after all, was one of the most complete systems among the Qiankun Eight Phases today. It represented one of nature''s true essences, making it inherently easier to touch and comprehend than ethereal Artistic Conceptions like ''Heart Sword'' or ''Blood Fiend.'' The difficulty in advancing to the second step was entirely different.


    If Gu Hong could advance his Heart Sword Artistic Conception to the second step, his standing among the True Disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect would surely climb significantly, and even if he couldn''t catch up to Zuo Qianqiu, he would at least rise from the bottom to the middle or upper echelons.


    As for Hua Nongying, though on the defensive, she was able to withstand Gu Hong''s second-step formless Sword Qi of the Heart Sword!


    While her entire being was enveloped by an enchanting Artistic Conception of ''pleasure,'' with the waving of her sleeves, strands of chilling cold spread out, seemingly dropping the temperature within the entire Underground Cavern. The pool kept sending up streams of water that solidified into ice crystals in the air, colliding with Gu Hong''s formless Sword Qi and shattering into fragments.

 Chapter 194 Sword Shatters Heart Sword

    "Taiyin Artistic Conception!"Meng Danyun muttered in her heart, "No wonder the Hehuan Sect has produced several outstanding disciples this generation. Hua Nongying is so much less formidable than Hua Nongyue, not even stepping into the second stage of the Pleasure Artistic Conception, yet they are known as the Hehuan Twins... It turns out she has always been comprehending the Taiyin Artistic Conception. Although it seems she has only grasped it recently, it is still one of the branches of the Yin Yang Artistic Conception."


    The path of Yin Yang is also one of the world''s top martial arts, second only to the Qiankun Path. Merging pleasure, although derived from it, is nowhere near as direct as the branches of ''Taiyin'' Artistic Conception!


    If Hua Nongying wasn''t dedicating herself to the Taiyin Artistic Conception, her Pleasure Artistic Conception would have likely reached the second stage by now. Even though neither conception has stepped into the second stage, the Taiyin Artistic Conception itself is extraordinary. Despite just beginning to comprehend it, the power it wields far surpasses ordinary artistic conceptions, and combined with the Pleasure Artistic Conception, it is just enough to contend with Gu Hong at this time.


    Meng Danyun cast a glance around the darkness.


    No wonder that person from the Blood Hidden Pavilion didn''t vie for the Earthly Green Lotus. He clearly knew himself well, understanding that if he dared to come close and try, he would hardly elude Gu Hong''s Heart Sword perception. Being forced to flee in an embarrassing and even perilous situation if Gu Hong and Hua Nongying teamed up against him first.


    "Daring not to contend with Gu Hong and Hua Nongying for the Earthly Green Lotus, yet attacks me..." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At this moment, Meng Danyun was secretly annoyed, thinking it must have become a convenient habit since attacking her seemed without risk. The assassin from the Blood Hidden Pavilion who had allied with Han Guang and others earlier did it, and so did the one who suddenly attacked just now.


    Once she advances the Xun Wind and Kan Water Artistic Conceptions to the second stage, she too would emulate Chen Mu''s approach of keeping a low profile and remaining undetected, making those from the Blood Hidden Pavilion taste their own medicine if they dare attack her again.


    Speaking of which.


    She wondered how Chen Mu was doing in his pursuit of Han Guang.


    While Meng Danyun was contemplating, her expression suddenly stilled, and then she looked toward the pool at her feet.


    Almost within a few breaths, a figure like a flying shuttle emerged from the passage beneath the pool, breaking the surface and landing not far from her, clearly Chen Mu!


    "You''ve arrived."


    Meng Danyun looked at Chen Mu, her bright eyes suddenly shimmering with a faint light.


    She actually left a few traces in the waterway earlier, so it wasn''t surprising that Chen Mu could follow them here. What really stirred her was the strength Chen Mu had displayed in the underground cavern previously.


    The Thunderclap, Xun Wind, and Blazing Flames Artistic Conceptions each had stepped into the second stage, and his Yuan Gang True Essence''s solidity was comparable to hers. Knowing that Chen Mu had only recently entered the Five Viscera Realm, it was evident his foundation for stepping into the realm was virtually perfect.


    Jade Bone!


    Chen Mu must have entered the Five Viscera Realm with the most flawless foundation, which allowed him to have such robust Yuan Gang Force from the outset.


    She had always felt that Chen Mu had extraordinary innate talent, capable of replacing her as the next true successor of the Spirit Profound Peak if he joined the Seven Profound Sect. However, she didn''t realize she had still drastically underestimated Chen Mu''s perceptiveness and potential.


    Having the Jade Bone foundation and mastering the three artistic conceptions of wind, thunder, and fire upon just entering the Five Viscera Realm, there was no doubt he was a genius among geniuses. Throughout the entire Seven Profound Sect, only Zhou Hao, the chief true successor of Great Profound Peak, could compare with him.


    "Ran into some trouble, which delayed me. I''m glad you''re alright, Senior Sister Meng."


    Chen Mu gave Meng Danyun a slight nod while his gaze swept across the stone cave, also noticing the Earthly Green Lotus growing in the distant pool, a flicker of light passing through his eyes, and then he glanced at Gu Hong and Hua Nongying who were engaged in combat.


    Meng Danyun said, "I possess the Kan Water Artistic Conception. This underground cavern and water cavity give me the geographical advantage. Those remaining won''t be able to trouble me."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly, then looked toward the distant pool again, and said, "Is that the Earthly Green Lotus?"


    Meng Danyun also looked over, her eyes flashing slightly, and responded, "It should be."


    At this moment.


    Both Gu Hong and Hua Nongying also briefly glanced at Chen Mu''s arrival, their own eyes revealing a hint of surprise as their movements gradually slowed down.


    Being able to get here, surely he had cultivated the Body Tempering Method to the Five Viscera Realm.


    Both were somewhat familiar with Chen Mu, especially Hua Nongying, whose eyes now held a hint of unusual color. Although she knew Chen Mu had comprehended the second step of the Thunderclap Artistic Conception while in the Bone Tempering Realm, and was extremely percept


    uitive with solid Qi-Blood already near the Five Viscera Realm, she had not expected that in such a short time, Chen Mu had indeed stepped into the Five Viscera Realm.


    Even if Chen Mu had only just entered the Five Viscera Realm, having already mastered the second step of the Thunderclap Artistic Conception as well as likely the Xun Wind Artistic Conception''s second step, he was not weak, even if his Yuan Gang Force was slightly inferior.


    Hua Nongying alone was manageable.


    But with Chen Mu joining Meng Danyun, undoubtedly on the same side, and another from the Blood Hidden Pavilion looming, it was no longer possible for her and Gu Hong to continue their unrestrained battle.


    With this thought, Hua Nongying smiled coyly at Gu Hong, and said, "Senior Brother Gu, although your Heart Sword counters my Pleasure, defeating me quickly won''t be easy. How about we both stop for now? After all, the Earthly Green Lotus Seed only works the first time it''s used. There are six here, enough for us to share."


    Gu Hong''s gaze swept over Meng Danyun and Chen Mu.


    Then he slowly said, "I take four, you take two."


    "Hehe, Brother Gu is a bit too greedy, isn''t he? Although Brother Gu''s strength is not weak, if I join hands with them, Brother Gu might not get even a single one in the end."


    Hua Nongying giggled sweetly.


    Gu Hong said coldly, "Are you threatening me?"


    Hua Nongying smiled and said, "How dare I threaten Brother Gu. It''s just a friendly reminder. You should make a decision quickly otherwise, it will be even more troublesome if others come looking."


    "Hmph."


    Gu Hong snorted coldly and scanned Meng Danyun and Chen Mu once more. Seeing Chen Mu walking towards them, he quickly pondered and made a judgment, just as he was about to reply to Hua Nongying.


    Boom!


    The stone cave was suddenly filled with roaring wind and thunder, and the blazing flames lit up the darkness.


    There was Chen Mu, holding the Flowing Fire Blade with raging flames on the blade, winds howling around him, and his whole body surrounded by flashing lightning and interwoven thunder arcs. His terrifying momentum oppressed everything around him, and his expression was calm and indifferent, as if he was a demon god, slowly stepping closer.


    "No need to bother."


    "Better... if they all belong to me."


    As his words fell.


    The entire stone cave fell silent for a moment.


    Apart from Meng Danyun, who looked impressed, everyone, whether it was Gu Hong, Hua Nongying, or Ling Wu from Blood Hidden Pavilion lurking in the shadows, showed shocked expressions, with astonishment in their eyes.


    Xun Wind! Thunderclap! Separating Fire!


    All three Artistic Conceptions are at the second step level!


    Gu Hong looked at Chen Mu, his gaze filled with shock. In fact, he had seen Chen Mu twice before and remembered clearly; the first time was a chance encounter in the streets which he did not care about, and the second time was previously on Qingping River while Chen Mu was rescuing someone from a boat, and Lv Yuan attempted to act against Chen Mu but was stopped by him. Although he felt that Chen Mu had some talent then, he still did not think that Chen Mu was someone who could compete with him.


    Yet only at this moment, when the three second-step Artistic Conceptions unfolded in the stone cave, did he finally realize that his previous judgment of Chen Mu was completely wrong. This man was indeed the great enemy Lv Yuan had spoken about!


    "Xun Wind, Thunderclap, Separating Fire... I did not expect someone like you to emerge from the small Yu County. I truly underestimated you before. Once you step into the Six Viscera Realm, there will definitely be a place for you on the ''Wind Cloud List'' of the Cold North Path."


    Gu Hong stared at Chen Mu and slowly said, "My Heart Sword Sword Intent has achieved Major Achievement, and even the enchantress of the Hehuan Sect is no match for me. I thought there was no one in Yu County capable of sharpening my sword, but it turns out there was still you."


    As his voice fell, Gu Hong, who had not moved during his previous fight with Hua Nongying, finally made a move. He suddenly lifted his left hand, formed it into a sword, and from nearly ten feet away, he swung it down towards Chen Mu!


    "Take this sword strike!"


    Almost instantly, the force of Yuan Gang surged in the void, transforming into a three-feet-long majestic Sword Qi, powerfully slashing down towards Chen Mu. The force was immensely overpowering, and even before fully striking down, it gave the sensation as if one''s body and mind were already cleaved in two by the Sword Qi!


    Chen Mu stood firm, his eyes reflecting the descending majestic Sword Qi, the power of the Heart Sword Intent not only manifesting above the Sword Qi but also directly slicing into his spirit.


    But.


    Before this strand of Sword Intent that sliced towards his spirit could penetrate deeper into Chen Mu''s soul, it was suppressed and blocked by a strong and thick aura, unable to shake Chen Mu''s spirit in the slightest.


    Then, with an indifferent expression, Chen Mu held the blade with both hands and suddenly swung it forward!


    Buzz!


    The surrounding thunder arcs suddenly converged on the blade of the Flowing Fire Blade, merging with the flames. For a moment, wind and thunder met, and thunder roared violently, forming a three-feet-long Thunderfire Blade Qi that burst forth.


    Instantly, the light of thunder and fire exploded, colliding and intersecting with that invisible Sword Qi in the void, causing a roaring wind that made nearby ponds ripple with waves.


    Crack.


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    After a brief standoff, the three-feet-long Sword Qi unleashed by Gu Hong showed visible cracks in midair and then shattered inch by inch!


    Amidst the howling winds, enveloped in the might of thunder and fire, Gu Hong was swept up and flung backward in his astonished gaze. He flew across the air in an arc and plunged into a pond at the far end of the cave!


    Splash.


    He spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, the blood not even touching the ground before being incinerated by the flames. On the brilliant Heart Sword within the depths of his eyes, silent cracks densely covered the blade.


    With one strike, Chen Mu shattered Gu Hong''s Sword Qi, cracked his Heart Sword Intent, and sent him flying. After that, Chen Mu did not pursue any further but slowly lowered the Flowing Fire Blade in his hands, looking towards Hua Nongying on the other side and said calmly,


    "What about you?"

 Chapter 195 Landing

    Gu Hong,the true transmission of the Heavenly Sword Sect.


    After achieving the second step of the Heart Sword Artistic Conception, one''s strike could unleash a force of the heaven and earth with at least four portions of might.


    This was one of the reasons he still dared to face Chen Mu even after seeing that Chen Mu had mastered the Three Phases of wind, thunder, and fire, believing that Chen Mu had only recently stepped into the Five Viscera Realm, and he was confident enough to fight.


    However, Chen Mu''s strength was not merely in the Three Phases Artistic Conception of wind, thunder, and fire. Although he had only recently entered the Five Viscera Realm, his Yuan Gang True Essence was by no means inferior to Gu Hong or Hua Nongying. Furthermore, standing on firm ground within this cave not drowned by water, he could even utilize the environmental advantage of mountain momentum... With all these factors combined, even Gu Hong found it difficult to confront Chen Mu head-on!


    "What a pity,"


    Hua Nongying murmured silently in her heart.


    With Gu Hong''s capabilities, if he hadn''t so confidently chosen to go all out with one strike, if he had chosen to engage in a protracted battle instead of a direct, forceful clash with Chen Mu, perhaps he wouldn''t have been defeated so miserably in one move.


    But the strength of Chen Mu also caused waves of turmoil in her heart. She could see that Chen Mu had not only achieved Major Achievement in three types of Artistic Conception, but he must also possess a preliminary mastery of the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception. Moreover, he must have entered the Five Viscera Realm with a perfect foundation of Jade Bone; otherwise, it was impossible for him to have such powerful Yuan Gang Force in such a short period of time.


    Although she knew very early on when she first interacted with Chen Mu that he was not as simple as he appeared on the surface¡ªbeing able to comprehend the second step of Artistic Conception in the Bone Tempering Realm was extraordinary¡ªnow it seemed that Chen Mu''s insight and talent were even more terrifying than she had anticipated.


    "This Earthly Green Lotus Seed only works on the first consumption. There are six lotus seeds here. Brother Chen, could you spare one for me? I would be eternally grateful,"


    Hua Nongying stood atop a pool of water, with soles of tiny crystalline ice, unblemished by any mud. At that moment, her eyes sparkled with a starry gleam as she spoke softly, looking as pitiable as the girl next door.


    Chen Mu responded by raising the Flowing Fire Blade in his hand.


    Whoosh.


    Hua Nongying''s figure flickered, quietly retreating several zhang away, avoiding the burst of Blazing Flames that Chen Mu had raised, and said with a giggle, "Alright, alright, it''s a pity I don''t have anything suitable on hand to trade with you, Brother Chen. But perhaps in a few days, I might come to exchange something precious for one. Don''t give all those lotus seeds to others, okay?"


    As her voice faded, the ice beneath her feet silently melted, and she plunged into the water and disappeared without a trace.


    At that moment,


    Meng Danyun, who had been standing behind Chen Mu, with the Silver Water Sword already lifted in her hand, now stepped forward and shook her head lightly, saying, "I thought she would be more persistent."


    With Gu Hong defeated and the people from Blood Hidden Pavilion witnessing this scene, they were most likely too afraid to show themselves. If Hua Nongying still intended to try, with Chen Mu standing in front with a sword and her blocking the way with the Kan Water Artistic Conception, not to mention fighting for the lotus seed, even escaping from this place would cost her.


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    Chen Mu had already set down the Flowing Fire Blade by this time, standing in front of that Earthly Green Lotus and looking at its seedpod, which seemed to be carved from green jade, glowing with a lustrous sheen, unlike the seedpods of ordinary lotus flowers, with only six holes on it.


    "Earthly Green Lotus..."


    A glimmer of light flickered in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    He was naturally aware of the Earthly Green Lotus''s effects, which could allow one to fuse with the nature and grasp its mysteries before breaking through to Marrow Cleansing and opening the Mysterious Pass, making it an invaluable treasure for martial artists below the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    However, for him, the usefulness of this thing was temporarily unclear, considering his insight surpassed all things in this world, and he had no bottlenecks to speak of. Given enough time, no mystery in the world could trouble him, and he fundamentally didn''t need to rely on something like lotus seeds to comprehend any Artistic Conception or break through any bottleneck.


    Of course,


    if the effects of the lotus seeds could reflect on the system panel, then it would be somewhat beneficial for him, at least improving the efficiency of his cultivation for Artistic Conception, which indeed he needed.


    The reason why there are so few people cultivating the Qiankun Artistic Conception in the world today is that it requires mastery of the complete Eight Phases, and the directions needed for cultivation are overly complex, incredibly time-consuming. Forcing cultivation could result in a lifetime stuck at the first step.


    Like Yu Jiujiang,


    who comprehended the second step of the Kan Water Artistic Conception in his twilight years¡ªif he could live for a thousand years, mastering six types of Artistic Conception wouldn''t be difficult. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Meng Danyun would be the same; with her talent, she could also cultivate six types of Artistic Conception, or even Qian Heaven and Kun Earth, but the problem lies in the time it would take, which is too lengthy. And even if she could comprehend them, staying at the first step and unable to advance to the second would be meaningless.


    Not to mention,


    in the future, if she wanted to advance from the second to the Third Phases, it would be as difficult as ascending to heaven¡ªa chasm that many Six Viscera Realm martial artists and even Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters could not overcome in their lifetimes.


    Therefore, the greatest enemy of martial artists has always been not the opponent, but time.


    Within the fleeting hundred years, they had to combine their own understanding, their qualifications in Body Refining, and their capabilities to choose the path that was most suitable for them, offering the greatest benefit.


    Chen Mu needed time just as well. Otherwise, he could simply take a Gen Mountain Diagram, find a place to contemplate it to the Third Phases, and be capable enough to traverse the world before reappearing, but the time consumption was inestimable, especially since the Gen Mountain Diagram in his possession was only an Imitative Diagram. As his comprehension of Artistic Conception deepened, its effectiveness would diminish.

 Chapter 195 Ashore_2

    That''s why he must go to Seven Profound Sect to comprehend higher-quality Imitative Diagrams, and even in the future, he will need to look for the whereabouts of "Painted Eight Phases Diagram" and even the "Primordial Eight Phases Diagram," only then will he be able to cultivate faster and master the Qiankun Artistic Conception.Crack.


    Chen Mu reached out to pluck the lotus pod and then gently squeezed it. The pod cracked like jade and then shattered bit by bit, leaving only six seeds about the size of a finger tip in his palm.


    After a closer look, Chen Mu took one out and handed it to Meng Danyun, saying, "Senior Sister Meng, this Earthly Green Lotus Seed should be what you need. I also want to thank you for your guidance on my cultivation of the Artistic Conception."


    Meng Danyun was not shy and took the lotus seed with open grace. She then removed the bundle she was carrying, opened it, and revealed a pile of assorted rare and exotic items, saying:


    "Indeed, this Earthly Green Lotus Seed is something I urgently need. I will not decline it, these are the treasures I have collected. Junior Brother Chen, feel free to take what you need. If there''s anything you need help with in the future, just let me know, and I will help you as much as I can."


    "Senior Sister need not do this, we should simply exchange what we need."


    Chen Mu smiled, also producing a bundle, which contained some treasures he had found but did not need. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Meng Danyun looked at Chen Mu and nodded lightly, "I don''t need much, only this Earthly Green Lotus Seed is of great use to me, I don''t lack anything else."


    As a true disciple of Seven Profound Sect, ordinary treasures and minerals truly weren''t of much use to her, and since she was not a family clan member with many dependents who relied on her, she genuinely had little interest in things she did not urgently need.


    However, among Meng Danyun''s collection, there were indeed a few items that Chen Mu needed, including a small piece of gold-threaded jade, which was a main material for forging Treasure Armor, thus completing his requirements, and there was also a complementary material that matched well.


    Additionally, there were two Water Element Beads.


    Like the Earth Element Pearl, they were of the same type of spiritual objects, but with water properties, they could assist in the cultivation of the Kan Water Artistic Conception. Considering that Meng Danyun herself also practiced the Kan Water Artistic Conception, Chen Mu only took one.


    "The shattering of Earth''s Veins should not be far from repairing, we should almost be heading up."


    After exchanging what they needed with each other, Chen Mu and Meng Danyun each shouldered their bundles again. At this moment, Chen Mu was actually carrying quite a few things, not only the heavy bundle but also Han Guang''s bamboo stick and the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear within the folds of his robe on his back.


    "Mm."


    Meng Danyun nodded slightly.


    She was actually even more eager to go up now. With the Earthly Green Lotus Seed in hand, she had lost interest in exploring the Underground Cavern any further. She needed to find a suitable place as soon as possible to enter seclusion for cultivation and to comprehend the Artistic Conception.


    Whoosh!


    Together with Chen Mu, they leaped into the water, ascending along the watery path.


    "I should go directly back to Yu City for seclusion, which may take two to three months. If Junior Brother Chen is not in a hurry, wait for me to come out of seclusion and we''ll go back to the sect together, or I''ll write you a letter. Junior Brother can take the letter to visit my master on the mountain."


    Meng Danyun looked at Chen Mu with a touch of emotion in her heart.


    A few months ago, Chen Mu was asking her for details and secrets on the Xun Wind Artistic Conception. A few months later, he was now capable of traversing across a county, pursuing Han Guang, deterring Hua Nongying, and defeating Gu Hong with a single strike.


    Although Chen Mu had become famous in Yu County before, his reputation was only limited to Yu County. In the entirety of Yu State and even the nearby states, his name was not known. But after today, Chen Mu''s name would no longer be limited to Yu County; it would be known throughout Yu State, even shaking the sects of the Northern Path!


    "Senior Sister, just go and enter seclusion. I also have some matters to attend to," Chen Mu responded after a moment of thought.


    He did indeed need to go to Seven Profound Sect, but right now the flood disaster had not yet ended, and he still had to take care of the aftermath. Moreover, after the flood, he had his wedding with Xu Hongyu to attend to, as well as the forging of the Treasure Armor, among many other trifles, which would roughly take two or three months to handle.


    Suddenly, Meng Danyun looked at Chen Mu with a flicker in her eyes, as if she had remembered something, "I heard that you seem to have a marriage engagement with a girl from the Yu Family of the Inner City. It must be in these two or three months, right? If I am in seclusion, I might not be able to congratulate Junior Brother Chen in person, so I wish you joy in advance."


    "Thanks for your blessings, Senior Sister."


    Chen Mu smiled at Meng Danyun in the water.


    The two of them made their way through the water. As they delved deeper into the rifts in Earth''s Veins, they could sense that the rifts were beginning to show signs of closing, and they each sped up. They soon burst through the silt.


    Above the silt, what was originally just a shallow expanse of water had now seemed to become a deep lake.


    Almost as soon as Meng Danyun burst out of the silt rift and emerged at the muddy bottom of the lake, there came an astonished shout from nearby: "Meng Danyun!"


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    Then, a figure was seen hastily fleeing into the distance.


    It was an Inner Sect Disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, who seemed to be exploring the lake bed silt.


    Martial Artists who had not stepped into the Five Viscera Realm had difficulty delving into the underground caverns to explore and could only sift through the lake bed silt for treasures or minerals that might have been washed up with the surging of Earth''s Veins. The Inner Sect Disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect was naturally taken aback upon seeing Meng Danyun emerge from below and quickly fled.


    Meng Danyun, however, did not trouble the ordinary disciple from the Heavenly Sword Sect. With a brief sensing in the water, she discerned a direction and then swiftly skimmed through the water, quickly arriving at the nearest lakeshore.

 Chapter 195 Ashore_3

    Whoosh!She stepped ashore from the water, her gaze sweeping across the surroundings. She saw that on the distant shores of this expansive lake, disciples from various sects still lingered, with some entering the water from time to time and others emerging.


    Just as Meng Danyun was retracting her gaze and preparing to leave, suddenly a frantic voice came from afar.


    "Meng Successor!"


    Meng Danyun paused slightly and turned her head to see Xue Huaiyi rushing hurriedly from a distant shore. He bowed to Meng Danyun and urgently said, "Reporting to Meng Successor, a Fifth Rank demon has appeared and is wreaking havoc in Jingyu County. We are powerless to stop it. I hope Meng Successor can exterminate the demon and rescue the county from this calamity."


    Half of Jingyu County is the base of the Xue Family. The usual Fourth Rank demons causing trouble were nothing significant; even in great numbers, they could be dealt with one by one. However, a Fifth Rank demon was different. Only those in the Five Viscera Realm could suppress such beings. Apart from that, unless suppressed by a ''Military Formation,'' the tactic of overwhelming numbers was not very effective and couldn''t drive it away.


    Xue Huaiyi had initially been leading people to explore the lake''s bottom sediment. He did not expect news of a Fifth Rank demon to come from inside the county. Naturally, he was extremely anxious. Although he immediately sent someone to report to City Lord Xue Huaikong, Xue Huaikong was not around the Jingyu County area, and it would take some time to get there from where he was. The nearest was to seek assistance from Meng Danyun, the real successor.


    But Meng Danyun was a true successor of the Seven Profound Sect, not a person from Yu City. If she was unwilling to intervene, there was nothing he could do. Therefore, he now bowed his head, his words filled with pleading. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "A Fifth Rank demon?"


    Meng Danyun thought briefly and was about to ask for the exact location. Although she was eager to return to Yu City to meditate in seclusion and comprehend Artistic Conception, if a Fifth Rank demon was rampaging nearby, it indeed wouldn''t be right to ignore it.


    But just as she was about to speak, another voice took over the conversation.


    "Where is it?"


    Chen Mu''s figure appeared behind her, asking Xue Huaiyi.


    Xue Huaiyi hurriedly replied, "Just east of the County Government..."


    He had also been looking for Chen Mu earlier but hadn''t found him, guessing he might have gone to a nearby village to help with disaster relief. He hadn''t asked much because the rampaging creature was a Fifth Rank demon, and finding Chen Mu probably still meant requesting Meng Danyun''s intervention.


    "Good, I understand now." Your next journey awaits at empire


    Chen Mu nodded slightly, then looked at Meng Danyun and said, "Elder Sister Meng, don''t exhaust yourself further, I will handle this. It is indeed within my duties anyway, and since the matter is urgent, I shall take my leave first."


    As soon as he finished speaking, his figure swiftly receded into the distance.


    This scene stunned Xue Huaiyi; as he came to his senses, he hurriedly shouted after Chen Mu''s departing figure, "Lord Chen, that is a Fifth Rank Water Demon ''Feng Yi'', no ordinary creature, with extraordinary strength!"


    Seeing that Chen Mu appeared not to have heard, his figure already vanishing in the distance, and Meng Danyun seemingly also not inclined to intervene further, Xue Huaiyi instantly became very anxious, turning his head back towards Meng Danyun.


    Meng Danyun was about to depart, noticing Xue Huaiyi''s expression. A trace of amusement flickered in her eyes as she said, "Why such panic? If even Junior Brother Chen can''t handle it, then unless Inspector Yan comes over, there are hardly a few who can manage it, besides, the Water Demon ''Feng Yi'' isn''t that strong."


    At her words, Xue Huaiyi was taken aback, momentarily not understanding Meng Danyun''s meaning.


    Meng Danyun shook her head slightly, "Junior Brother Chen stepped into the Five Viscera, mastered the Three Phases of wind, thunder, and fire in Major Achievement, even Gu Hong of the Heavenly Sword Sect was defeated by his single strike, I am far from his match, you underestimate his strength too much."


    Having said that,


    Meng Danyun didn''t say more, she lightly tapped her foot on the riverbank, and her entire figure drifted away.


    Leaving Xue Huaiyi alone, utterly stunned, frozen in place.


    Nearby on the shore, just as Xue Lin had poked his head out of the water, gasping intensely a couple of times, about to come over, he now exhibited a bewildered expression, feeling as if his ears had suddenly been filled with a lot of mud water.


    Just now,


    What did Meng Danyun say?

 Chapter 196 Pacification

    To the east of Jingyu County.Within a ruined manor.


    Everywhere lay broken walls and pillars, while gushing crimson bloodstains flowed along puddles of water.


    Amid the ruins of the buildings, a monster that vaguely resembled a fish in its body with a snake-like head could be seen, along with six feet and six claws. Its enormous body spanned several zhang, and at the moment, each of its front four claws clutched pieces of bloodied and mangled limbs, which it continuously shoveled into its mouth to gorge upon, the chilling sound of bones being crunched echoing through the air.


    Not far from the buildings, on a small hill, Yan Guang was currently crouching, hiding behind a large rock, his face looking exceedingly grim as he watched the scene from afar.


    "A Water Demon of abundant legacy..."


    Such a fifth-rank demon was not something ordinary martial artists could handle. Either one at the Five Viscera Realm needed to take action, or it took one of those elite armies capable of forming military formations to suppress its fierce demon power to subdue it.


    Most of Jingyu County consisted of the Xue Family''s properties, including many manors located outside the county government. This particular manor, almost completely destroyed, was one of them. Yet as he watched the Water Demon wreak havoc, he didn''t dare approach.


    More than that.


    Not only did he not dare go there, even hiding here required him to do his utmost to contain his breath.


    In fact, Yan Guang''s heart was incredibly heavy at this moment. The appearance of a fifth-rank demon had always been a major calamity in the past. Losing a manor could actually still be accepted, but the problem was its proximity to the county government!


    If the demon, after rampaging through this manor, turned towards the county government, the losses would be far from trivial. The people there either wouldn''t have enough time to relocate, or even if they had the time, they wouldn''t be able to do it. This was different from the villages and rural residents'' evacuation; the county government''s population was too large, and any movement would result in significant losses.


    Just then.


    A scout quickly approached from a distance, cautiously getting closer.


    "Is there any news from Flat Sand Lake?"


    Yan Guang asked the scout in a low voice.


    Flat Sand Lake was the new name for the area downstream of the Qingping River, given because the earth''s veins had fractured and sunk to form a lake. It just happened to be at the junction of Qingping River and Golden Sand River, thus they took one character from each as a temporary name. Of course, such temporary names often became the actual names in the future.


    "Not yet."


    That scout, too, disregarded formal salute, his eyes filled with terror as he glanced at the tragedy in the manor from afar and cautiously responded to Yan Guang in a low voice.


    Yan Guang''s expression turned even uglier. With no news from Flat Sand Lake and no help from a True Disciple forthcoming, City Lord Xue was far away in other river domains¡ªeven if he received the news, it wouldn''t be possible for him to arrive promptly. Meanwhile, Bureau Head Meng Tianzhang of the Demon-Slaying Office was stationed in Yu City, and he certainly wouldn''t leave his post in such a time.


    As for the Heavenly Sword Sect, Hehuan Sect, and the other sects, it was actually also possible to seek their aid now, but just the same, their True Disciples and stewards had not been seen. This could be understood, as the disruption of earth''s veins was very rare. Most would still be exploring beneath the earth''s veins and wouldn''t come up until the fractures closed.


    "Do I really have to try luring away this demon."


    Yan Guang took a deep breath.


    At this time, in order to prevent disaster from befalling the county government, the only thing to do was to find a way to lure away this Water Demon. The problem was that luring the creature away was by no means easy. Ordinary martial men who had undergone Tendon Changing and Body Refinement wouldn''t be able to get far in front of it. Even for someone like him at the Bone Tempering Realm, once targeted, it was highly likely to be instant death.


    Under such circumstances, who would be willing to draw away the Water Demon?


    Would they use human lives as a sacrifice?


    Yan Guang hesitated for a moment.


    But just then, a thunderclap suddenly sounded from the dark clouds above.


    It seemed to be the first thunder of the spring, instantly illuminating heaven and earth, resounding in every direction, and startling the already tense scout behind Yan Guang, who inadvertently stepped into a puddle, splashing water in every direction.


    In an instant.


    In the broken house, the Water Demon, which was gnawing on flesh and blood, suddenly stopped moving. Its huge body twitched, and the serpent-like head turned, its eyes looking in the direction of Yan Guang and the others.


    "This is bad."


    Yan Guang''s mind was struck with alarm, fearing the worst.


    In the very next moment, he stamped his foot and dashed back, swiftly retreating into the distance.


    The nearby attendants and scouts were terrified. Under the terror of the demon''s power, they were so paralyzed they found it hard to move, their eyes filled with fear, unable to even muster their thoughts.


    Whoosh!


    In the blink of an eye.


    The massive body of the Water Demon leapt out from between the broken walls and appeared above with a sweep, its six hind legs crushing the large rock where Yan Guang had been hiding, erecting its huge body.


    Boom!


    The rock shook violently under the weight, unable to bear it, and cracks began to form on its surface.


    The nearby scouts and officials were so scared they were dumbfounded. Overwhelmed by the aura of the demon, they struggled to even budge, frightened eyes wide, unable to concentrate their minds for a moment.


    But at that moment.


    Boom.


    Another Heavenly Thunder struck, yet this one fell straight towards the head of the water demon Feng Yi, with a bang covering its entire massive body. The brilliant lightning exploded at close range, making everyone involuntarily close their eyes.


    When they reopened their eyes, they saw the giant body of the water demon Feng Yi frozen in place, scorched marks from the lightning strike all over its body. But most importantly, atop its head, unbeknownst to them when, a person appeared, a blade in hand thrust straight into its skull and buried to the hilt. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hiss!!!"


    Despite such a severe injury, the fifth rank water demon was still not dead. Its rigid body started moving again, letting out a mournful and angry hiss. A demon''s power spread, causing the nearby water on the ground to sweep up, forming column after column of curtains rushing skyward, heading towards the silhouette above its head.


    Yet Chen Mu remained calm, swiftly pulling out the Flowing Fire Blade, leaping high in the air to dodge the incoming water from all directions before raising the blade over his head in midair.


    Sizzle!


    Silken arcs of thunder traced over the edge of the blade, as in the thunderclouds above, similar silken arcs intertwined.


    Then, as he swung his blade downwards, another thunderous boom resounded. A bolt of lightning fell from the clouds onto the Flowing Fire Blade in his hand, and he, accompanied by the lightning, swung downwards.


    The brilliant band of thunder first struck the surging curtain of water, causing interweaving arcs of thunder to spread throughout it, then the blade in his hand chopped down, splitting the enormous serpent head of the water demon Feng Yi in half right down the middle!


    Splash.


    Chen Mu flipped in the air and landed in a puddle more than ten yards away, water splashing around him, with faint arcs of thunder still weaving around his body.


    Under the stunned gaze of Yan Guang and others, the massive body of the water demon Feng Yi staggered a few times before finally crashing to the ground.


    "Cough."


    As Yan Guang and the others were still immersed in shock, Chen Mu coughed up a wisp of black mist, a hint of a bitter smile flashing through his eyes as he shook his head. This was the first time he had attempted to utilize the ''opportune time'' of Thunderclap, and indeed the power was extraordinary. Without even applying Xun Wind and Separating Fire, he had slain the fifth rank water demon Feng Yi with his blade. However, the power was so great that even he found it difficult to fully endure. Fortunately, the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear he wore had absorbed much of the Heavenly Thunder''s power, so he wasn''t seriously harmed.


    It seemed that Heavenly Thunder should not be drawn upon carelessly. At least, he should wait until he had fully mastered the Artistic Conceptions of Gen Mountain, Dui Ze, and such, and possessed the two Realms of mountain and marsh that could better withstand the power of Heavenly Thunder, before he could more comfortably utilize the Thunderclap Artistic Conception''s opportune time.


    Splash.


    The rain that had briefly frozen in the atmosphere began to fall again.


    Chen Mu slowly stood up in the rain, and by this time, Yan Guang and the others had already clearly seen Chen Mu''s figure.


    "Lord... Chen?"


    The few surviving officials and scouts were all staring at Chen Mu with wide eyes, their faces filled with shock, while Yan Guang from afar was equally shocked.


    However, before he could approach, Chen Mu had already stepped past him, striding in the direction of the county government, and said, "Take the water demon''s corpse back to the county government for the time being. Handle the other matters yourself."


    After his voice faded,


    Chen Mu''s figure had already disappeared in the rain.


    Only leaving Yan Guang and several officers frozen in the rain, it took them a long time to finally come back to their senses. They exchanged glances, still seeing the lingering shock in each other''s eyes.


    Chen Mu did not pay attention to the reactions of Yan Guang and the others; after giving his orders, he made his way back to the county government of Jingyu County.


    "Lord Chen?"


    The County Magistrate of Jingyu County was pacing anxiously under the eaves at the front entrance of the county government, waiting for news. Suddenly seeing Chen Mu''s figure approaching through the rain, he quickly composed himself, rushed to salute Chen Mu, and said, "Lord Chen, to the east of the county government..."


    "Has been dealt with."


    Chen Mu strode past the entrance of the county government, not pausing as he calmly said, "I need to rest for a while. Do not disturb me unless it''s something important."


    As his words settled,


    he vanished inside the county government within a few steps, leaving the County Magistrate of Jingyu County standing there in a daze.


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    Returning to the courtyard he had been resting in,


    Chen Mu approached the door.


    As he pushed it open, he vibrated his Yuan Gang Force, shaking off all the mud and water, then a flame emerged from his body, drying his clothes in an instant with a flick and a wrap.


    He stepped into the room, closed the door, sat down next to the Taishi Chair, put some tea leaves into the kettle, brewed a cup of hot tea, and placed the parcels and various gains aside, finally letting out a long sigh of relief.


    The flood disaster was not yet over, but the largest-scale disturbances in Earth''s Veins had subsided, and the floods and river channels were nearly stable. There would be no larger disturbances to come, at most some demon attacks.


    "It''s finally come to a close."


    He picked up the teacup, took a sip of hot tea, and then slightly closed his eyes.


    Outside the window,


    The drizzle continued unceasingly.

 Chapter 197 Famous

    Qingsha River Domain.As one of the two rivers of Yu County, the Qingsha River was already very wide, with the widest part reaching several hundred feet. Now, at the tide, it was even more vast, with the waters surging, submerging both banks, as far as the eye could see.


    On a high slope located in the eastern part of the Qingsha River, one could see hundreds of demons, emerging from the river waters, led by a fifth-rank Water Demon ''Ran Pang''. They were attacking along both banks, fiercely battling a group of Demon-Slaying Office and Inspectorate personnel.


    Ran Pang.


    Its form resembled a doll but with fish scales, snake tail, and a back lined with raised sharp spines. Its size was also very large, nearly thirty feet, it was one of the more common fifth-rank demons in the river, like Feng Yi, they were so common they had specific names.


    The person directly confronting Ran Pang was wearing a purple official robe, none other than the City Lord of Yu City, Xue Huaikong.


    Xue Huaikong, wielding a long spear, was fighting back and forth with the Water Demon Ran Pang. Although he had left several blood marks on Ran Pang''s body, the wounds were not severe, and he had always been unable to defeat it. The wounds on Ran Pang were healing visibly fast, indicating it possessed a strong recovery power uncommon among ordinary demons.


    "..."


    Xue Huaikong''s brow was tightly furrowed, feeling the situation was troublesome at this moment.


    He didn''t mind tangling with this demon, but the problem was that his troops were fending off numerous demons'' attacks, and new demons were continuously emerging from the water. If this stalemate continued, the situation would not be good unless he could defeat Ran Pang and free his hands. However, Ran Pang''s self-healing ability was extremely strong, making it difficult for him to kill it.


    However,


    just as Xue Huaikong was secretly worrying, he suddenly noticed from the corner of his eye a white-clothed figure swiftly approaching over the river, from afar to near, reaching close by almost instantly.


    "Inspector Yan has arrived!"


    At that moment, all the personnel of the Inspectorate and Demon-Slaying Office felt their spirits lift.


    A person''s reputation precedes them.


    The Inspector Yan Jingqing was in charge of the entire Qingsha River Domain, even common Martial Men knew that he was a powerhouse of the Sixth Viscera Realm, standing at the sixth realm of Martial Art Body Tempering, an almost invincible presence in Yu County.


    As numerous White-Clothed Guards and thousands from the Inspectorate Office felt their spirits rally, they saw Yan Jingqing step ashore. He glanced over the chaotic battlefield, his expression calm, and without much action, just came with hands behind his back.


    One step,


    Two steps,


    Three steps,


    Yan Jingqing, dressed in white robes, moved forward with hands behind him. Wherever he passed, without any visible action, all demons within a dozen feet around him silently showed dense cracks across their bodies, then crumbled into piles of flesh and blood!


    Yan Jingqing continued forward, crossing the chaotic battlefield. Dozens upon hundreds of demons just froze and shattered into piles of bones and flesh. Even the fifth-rank Water Demon Ran Pang, which was entangled with Xue Huaikong, froze on the spot as Yan Jingqing approached. Its massive body was covered in bloodlines that spread throughout, then suddenly fractured into pieces!


    Almost instantly after Yan Jingqing landed, the chaotic battle came to an abrupt halt.


    The area fell into dead silence.


    The most shocking aspect was that aside from the bodies of the demons, which seemed as if they had been slashed by thousands of knives and shattered to bits, all officials from the Inspectorate and Demon-Slaying Office were completely unaffected, not even a corner of their robes was damaged. All those invisible attacks were concentrated solely on the bodies of the demons.


    Such a shocking scene caused many nearby demon slayers in green and white robes to stand frozen, as if petrified, and they even forgot to salute Yan Jingqing.


    "Inspector, sir."


    Even City Lord Xue Huaikong was quite shocked by this scene, watching the demon Ran Pang silently shattering into pieces, but he was the quickest to recover and respectfully saluted towards Yan Jingqing.


    Yan Jingqing glanced at Xue Huaikong and said calmly, "Prefectural Governor Xue has worked hard. Have your men rest here for a moment, and if there are no other issues, continue patrolling along the banks later."


    "Yes,"


    Xue Huaikong responded respectfully.


    Yan Jingqing''s gaze swept over the scene, then he turned to look at the vast river, seemingly pondering something, but eventually shook his head slightly, then stepped towards the riverside.


    Just as he was about to leave again, suddenly a figure hurriedly approached from the distance. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Inspector, sir!"


    It was a scout responsible for delivering intelligence to Yan Jingqing.


    Yan Jingqing halted his steps, looking towards the rushing scout, not asking much but listening to his words. When he heard of the many personnel from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion appearing in various river domains to compete for resources, his expression did not change much.


    Your journey continues with empire


    Since the start of the tide disaster, he had understood the plans of Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, which, despite seeming to be under his pressure and forced to deploy more personnel in Yu County, was actually prepared for this tide disaster, their actions all connected in sequence.


    However,


    when he heard what the scout reported about the events in Qingping River Domain, Yan Jingqing''s expression finally changed, showing a hint of astonishment, then he turned towards the distant river and after a moment, shook his head and said:


    "It seems I have underestimated him."


    He knew that Chen Mu had entered the Five Viscera Realm and was aware of Chen Mu''s high aptitude and strength, but he did not expect it to be to this extent.


    To slay the Water Demon Feng Yi!


    To repel Hehuan''s Hua Nongying!


    To defeat Heavenly Sword Sect''s Gu Hong in a single strike!

 Chapter 250 197 chapter Fame_2

    ```The true disciples from each Sect were actually no match for Chen Mu, who emerged from the remote land of Yu County.


    He always felt Chen Mu was more suited, like himself, to grow step by step along the official ranks in Yu State, but now, it seems Chen Mu, even though he joined the Seven Profound Sect, could still stand head and shoulders above the other Sect disciples.


    "It seems my judgment of people is not as good as Meng Danyun''s."


    Yan Jingqing couldn''t help but sigh.


    However, it can''t be said that way, as he valued Chen Mu''s ability to act and work, rather than his innate talent and martial strength, but what Meng Danyun valued was Chen Mu''s talent and power. Indeed, Chen Mu''s aptitude for Martial Arts, being both talented and capable, proved that he was not someone who should develop in the small land of Yu County. Staying here was but a dragon trapped in shallow waters.


    Not far away.


    Xue Huaikong was also standing there in a daze. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Mastering the Three Phases of wind, thunder, and fire, stepping into the Five Viscera Realm, slaying the Water Demon Feng Yi, repelling Hua Nongying, defeating Gu Hong, sweeping across the true disciples of various Sects... Were all these done by that Chen Mu?


    For a moment, he felt as if he were listening to something as incredulous as heavenly scriptures. Wasn''t Chen Mu just recently advanced into the Bone Tempering Realm? How had he so swiftly stepped into the Five Viscera Realm and even taken the second step in three different Artistic Conceptions? This must reflect an extraordinary level of comprehension and talent.


    Possibly becoming a true disciple of a major Sect?


    No.


    This was a talent worthy of contending for the top position among the young generation of Yu State, to become the leader among a Sect''s true disciples. In the future, he was to be a figure who would make a name for himself in Yu State, an existence that would dominate in all aspects, a great person whom he and the entire Xue Family would have to look up to.


    Xue Huaikong felt a mix of emotions in his heart.


    ...


    Yu County.


    Heavenly Sword Sect''s residence.


    "Cough, cough cough..."


    Gu Hong''s robes were stained with blood spots, his breath was weak, and he walked into the courtyard with a somewhat soulless demeanor.


    But then his steps halted abruptly.


    His eyes, somewhat dim and lusterless, looked astonishedly toward the courtyard where, unbeknownst to him, a figure had appeared. The person, clad in a simple teal robe, was standing under a locust tree with hands clasped behind his back.


    "Master... Master..."


    After being astonished, Gu Hong knelt down before the man in teal, his face showing shame: "Master, why have you come?"


    The man in the teal robe slowly turned around.


    He revealed a face in his mid-thirties, with sword-like eyebrows and starry eyes, and an ethereal demeanor. Even Yan Jingqing would be astonished upon seeing this face; the man was Heavenly Sword Sect''s youngest Grandmaster, who had been renowned across several States for the past decade. Explore more at empire


    Jiang Changsheng glanced indifferently at Gu Hong and said, "I was investigating remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect and happened to pass by... But just because you''ve been defeated, why be so downcast and lose all composure?"


    "Disciple is ashamed."


    Gu Hong kneeled in the mud with his head lowered.


    He had been defeated before, even within the Heavenly Sword Sect by other senior brothers, but mindset and state of mind were different, affecting one differently. This time, just as his Heart Sword Artistic Conception had reached Major Achievement, and he was about to dominate over the true disciples of various Sects, he was brought down by a single sword strike, causing the Sword Intent he had formed to almost shatter completely.


    Jiang Changsheng slowly turned back, his gaze deep as he looked at the locust tree, and suddenly asked, "Your senior brother Zuo Qianqiu, the only one who has walked the path of Heavenly Sword in a hundred years, do you think he will surely surpass me in the future?"


    "That..."


    Gu Hong hesitated for a moment.


    Zuo Qianqiu was indeed a peerless talent of the Heavenly Sword Sect once in a century, but Jiang Changsheng was himself an early achiever in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, a Grandmaster of the Sword Dao renowned across several States. Even if Zuo Qianqiu''s path in the Sword Dao was stronger, who could say for sure that he would be able to surpass the Marrow Cleansing, advance into Blood Exchange, and reach the pinnacle of Sword Dao?


    "Then, what about Chen Mu?"


    Jiang Changsheng continued.


    Gu Hong fell silent for a longer time, knowing Jiang Changsheng didn''t wish to hear statements like ''how could a mere youngster be compared with my Master?'' This was meant to be guidance for him.


    If he dared not claim that his senior brother Zuo Qianqiu would definitely become an existence surpassing Jiang Changsheng in the future, then all the less so for Chen Mu.


    Jiang Changsheng said indifferently, "Ever since your senior brother Zuo started practicing martial arts, he has not tasted defeat. I was not as naturally talented as him in my youth, but I have stepped forward to this day to become a Grandmaster with the Heart Sword, dominating the Northern Land. And you... where have you reached so far?"


    ```


    ```


    As the sound of his voice faded away,


    Jiang Changsheng''s figure quietly disappeared, leaving only his last words echoing in the courtyard.


    Gu Hong knelt dumbfounded in the mud, not knowing how much time had passed before he slowly stood up, took a deep breath, and gazed in the direction where Jiang Changsheng vanished, "Cough... Thank you for the master''s teachings."


    In a distant part of the courtyard, Jiang Changsheng''s gaze swept over, quietly nodding at Gu Hong''s figure.


    "Chen Mu..."


    Then he murmured again.


    From what he had heard about Chen Mu, the man was indeed a standout of this generation in Yu State, but how far he could go in the future was unknown to anyone. Perhaps he could be surpassed by Gu Hong, who had reestablished his Sword Heart; perhaps he could be qualified to challenge Zuo Qianqiu to a duel. In any case, they were still the younger generation and not yet within his field of vision.


    In the vast and populous Da Xuan Dynasty, there were innumerable heroes. Today, with the various Sects laying their claims, the world was becoming increasingly chaotic, yet it is precisely in times of chaos that heroes emerge and Martial Arts truly flourishes.


    Once one stepped into the Marrow Cleansing Realm and achieved Grandmaster status, one''s gaze was no longer limited to a single State, but extended to the whole of the Da Xuan Dynasty.


    The younger generation had to be at least listed on the ''Wind Cloud List'' to be worthy of his attention.


    Even that was no easy task.


    The Da Xuan Dynasty consisted of Ninety-Nine States, divided into nine Paths, with the eleven States to the far north, including Yu State, all belonging to the ''Cold North Path''. Only those with the topmost strength, just below a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster, in these eleven States of the Cold North Path could secure a place on the Wind Cloud List.


    This list was established by the ''End of the World Sea Pavilion,'' a major Sect centrally located in the Cold North Path''s Song State, and it recorded only thirty names. A figure like Yan Jingqing also ranked at the bottom of the list.


    Whether it was Gu Hong, Chen Mu, or Zuo Qianqiu, they were all still far from reaching this level.


    In times of turmoil, amidst the Martial World, where the waves sift through the sand, it was uncertain how many among the true talents of this generation, like Chen Mu, Zuo Qianqiu, and Hua Nongyue, would manage to emerge from the rivers and become renowned under the heavens.


    "It is said that besides the Wind Cloud List, the End of the World Sea Pavilion is planning to compile a roster of rising stars..."


    Jiang Changsheng shook his head slightly.


    Then his figure disappeared quietly into thin air.


    ...


    Yu City.


    In the Yu Family''s territory, within the Ancient Courtyard,


    A thick fog enshrouded everything, so dense that one could not see their own hand before them.


    Yu Jiujiang, wearing a bamboo hat, still sat by the side of the water pool, where the misty fog condensed into droplets and silently fell around him.


    "Great-grandfather, there''s important news, good news!"


    Suddenly, someone ran in.


    Yu Jiujiang''s bamboo hat tilted slightly, "What''s the rush, what''s so exciting?"


    The young man quickly spoke a few words.


    Yu Jiujiang fell silent for a short while, then said, "Alright, I got it, you can go."


    The young man looked puzzled at the calm Yu Jiujiang but still respectfully withdrew.


    It was only after his departure that Yu Jiujiang turned his gaze to the pond, and finally, a look of relief appeared on his face. He then began to laugh. His laughter was hearty, slowly spreading throughout the courtyard.


    ...


    Da Xuan Calendar year one thousand four hundred twenty-eight, February twenty-seventh.


    In Yu County, Yu State, the flooding disaster that had persisted for over half a month began to subside, with waterways slowly returning to calm.


    At the same time,


    News of Chen Mu entering the Five Viscera Realm, slaying demons, and defeating true disciples also began to spread in Yu County and gradually expanded to other counties, eventually reaching the Seven Profound Sect, causing a great stir!


    Since he began practicing Martial Arts, a span of four years had now passed, and his reputation finally emerged from Yu County for the first time, gradually spreading across the ten thousand miles of Yu State and rising to prominence throughout the province.


    ```

 Chapter 198 Cold Norths List of Promising Newcomers

    Yu State.Seven Profound Sect.


    The courtyard behind the Main Peak Hall.


    Elder Qi Zhiyuan, the acting sect master, was sitting under an ancient pine tree, holding a book in his hands.


    Next to Qi Zhiyuan stood a middle-aged man dressed in the robes of a Seven Profound protector, who was respectfully reporting various pieces of intelligence from the outer states.


    "...above all, the remnants of the Haoran Sect and the main force of the Green Lotus Sect were completely defeated by the Northern Garrison army, and the remnants of the Green Lotus Sect have withdrawn from Han State. Now, the North Garrison Government has taken over and governs the three states of North State, Han State, and Youzhou."


    Listening to the protector''s report, Qi Zhiyuan set down his book and slowly said, "The conquest of Youzhou means the North Garrison Government will likely not deploy troops again soon. However, through this battle, the North Garrison has strengthened by a third." Read exclusive adventures at empire


    North Garrison Government.


    It nominally governs the eleven states of the Cold North Path and also restrains that ''King of North Garrison'' seated at the border of North State. However, as the Da Xuan Dynasty Court gradually declined, the North Garrison Government had in practice existed in name only.


    Nowadays, the North Garrison Government has degenerated into a flag manipulated solely by the King of North Garrison. Under the guise of the North Garrison''s banner, it dispatches troops to various state governments, and within a decade, it has successively crushed the Haoran Sect, Northern Cold Sect, and the Green Lotus Sect. Today, it firmly controls the three states of the Cold North Path, becoming the most powerful force in the Cold North Path.


    "Elder Qi, that ambitious man, I fear his sights are set beyond just these three states..."


    The worried protector next to him said.


    Although Yu State does not adjoin North State, Han State, or Youzhou, now that all three states fall under the rule of the North Garrison Government, there might come a day when Yu State also becomes a battlefield.


    In fact, when the North Garrison Government attacked Youzhou, the Green Lotus Sect had also sought help from the Seven Profound Sect. But considering the distance to Youzhou and that the taking of Youzhou by the North Garrison Government posed no immediate threat to Yu State, even though the North Garrison advanced aggressively, it wasn''t necessary for the Seven Profound Sect to travel thousands of miles to assist, especially without any benefits.


    Moreover,


    Sects like the Haoran and Green Lotus, large as they were, were not easily destroyed. Even the Haoran Sect, initially conquered in North State, still maintained an intact sect organization. They merely lost control over the North State and had to relocate. Later, they joined forces with the Green Lotus Sect to resist the North Garrison''s military front.


    Besides, the neighboring states of Bitter State and Song State, held respectively by the large sects ''Endless Temple'' and ''End of the World Sea Pavilion,'' remained ambiguous in their stance. This was another reason the Seven Profound Sect chose to observe the battle in Youzhou from a distance.


    After all,


    If the End of the World Sea Pavilion or the Endless Temple had already secretly allied with the North Garrison Government, then traveling thousands of miles to support the Green Lotus Sect would be akin to walking into a trap. Although it''s unlikely for the old monks of the Endless Temple, the stance of the End of the World Sea Pavilion is uncertain.


    Furthermore, the internal affairs of the Seven Profound Sect were not united. Many elder peak masters and elders had no interest in the chaotic situations of the states in the Cold North Path and harbored no competitive ambitions. Even the sect master is often in seclusion, not handling sect affairs, leaving everything to Qi Zhiyuan, the ''acting sect master.'' This is why the Seven Profound Sect has sealed its gates and stopped interfering with state matters for many years. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Everyone knows the heart of the King of North Garrison, but what can be done about it?"


    Qi Zhiyuan said somberly, "Uniting the Cold North Path isn''t something that can be accomplished quickly nor simply achieved by brute force. Even in the heyday of the great Da Xuan, there still existed many sects across the land. What does the North Garrison amount to now? Moreover, even if the time comes when a choice must be made, can you clearly see which side is the right one?"


    "This..."


    The protector showed a hesitant expression.


    Indeed, the world was in chaos, except for the relatively stable Eleven States of Jingji Road where the Central Prefecture lay. Everywhere else was like the Cold North Path, if not more chaotic.


    In the Cold North Path, Eleven States harbor many sects like the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, each with different ideas¡ªsome radical, some conservative¡ªall significant forces in the land, forming a complicated mess.


    The North Garrison is ambitious, and the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion likewise acts mysteriously. The Heavenly Sword Sect, however, focuses solely on martial arts. The motives of the Hehuan Sect and Blood Concealment Pavilion are even more difficult to fathom. Currently, the Seven Profound Sect and the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion subtly oppose each other, and indeed, they can spare no effort for others.


    "Block soldiers with generals and stem water with earth; don''t think too much. The momentum of the world is such. At worst, we''ll merely return to the days when all sects had to obey imperial orders. What''s the worst that could happen?"


    Qi Zhiyuan shook his head and said.


    A great sect like the Seven Profound Sect, standing at the pinnacle in a state, is hardly easy to destroy with just one or two battles, as long as the sect''s heritage continues and it possesses top martial arts masters with a deep foundation.


    Why didn''t the North Garrison Government eradicate the Haoran Sect and Green Lotus Sect completely when it pacified the three states?


    The Haoran Sect also has a Blood Exchange Realm presence!


    It''s easy to kill ordinary disciples, but very difficult to kill such supreme experts. Once one is truly provoked and strikes without restraint, even the North Garrison would find it difficult to handle. It''s better to preserve the general structure of sects like the Haoran and Green Lotus. This keeps these supreme experts wary and prevents them from acting rashly, achieving a sort of tacit agreement among them.


    Of course, if a sect doesn''t have a supreme Blood Exchange Realm presence, then indeed, it might face extinction. But that''s just a possibility... Like the Blood Concealment Pavilion, which has existed for hundreds of years previously, branded illegal by the Da Xuan Dynasty Court and subjected to various crackdowns, yet it was never completely wiped out despite hundreds of years of purges. Now, in these turbulent times, it immediately surfaces again.

 Chapter 198 New Talent List of Cold North_2

    Even.The Heavenly Corpse Sect, once the enemy of the entire world, has begun to rekindle from the ashes. Not only were traces of it discovered previously in Yu County, but now, according to intelligence, remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect have been sighted in several states.


    In the Realm of Blood Exchange, the Seven Profound Sect naturally had its top-tier existences. This was the confidence that allowed the Seven Profound Sect to stand tall in Yu State, and overlook the chaos of the eleven counties of the Cold North Path. At least with such figures at the pinnacle of Martial Arts stationed there, no faction would dare to fight to the death with the Seven Profound Sect. There would always be a margin left.


    "Speaking of which, compared to the situation in the Cold North Path, have you seen the ''Cold North Path Rising Stars Ranking'' released by the End of the World Sea Pavilion?"


    Qi Zhiyuan suddenly patted the booklet in his hand and smiled at the Protector, saying, "Our Seven Profound Sect has four people listed on the ranking. It''s rather acceptable."


    The cover of the booklet did indeed bear the fresh title ''Cold North Path Rising Stars Ranking''.


    The protector Qiao Yue was slightly taken aback, then hesitantly said, "I have seen it. In total, fifty individuals were included, but it seems our Seven Profound Sect only has Zhou Hao of the Great Profound Peak, Ling ZeCheng of Upper Profound Peak, and Lu Gong of Heaven Profound Peak listed in the ranking... only three people..."


    "Hahaha."


    Hearing this, Qi Zhiyuan laughed and said, "The one from Yu County, although not currently one of our true disciples, how can he not be counted as part of our Sect?"


    Protector Qiao Yue suddenly realized and said, "I had forgotten about that."


    The name Chen Mu, he had heard of it too. After all, it was the name of the man who had defeated Gu Hong of the Heavenly Sword Sect and Hua Nongying of the Hehuan Sect. It was said that there might even be two true disciples of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion who possibly died at the hands of Chen Mu. When he first got the news, his heart had been shaken. He had never expected that such a figure could emerge from the most remote Yu County under Yu State.


    Qi Zhiyuan smiled without saying a word.


    For the Seven Profound Sect, it was naturally better to have more absolute geniuses like Chen Mu who could stand shoulder to shoulder with Zhou Hao of Great Profound Peak. He had already ordered people to invite Chen Mu to join the Sect. Once Chen Mu joined, it probably wouldn''t take long for him to possess the strength to fight Zhou Hao.


    Zhou Hao had previously been too prominent among the Seven Profound Sect, with no worthy opponents in sight, which made his cultivation somewhat slack. After being defeated by Zuo Qianqiu, he finally became much more motivated. When Chen Mu arrived at the Seven Profound Sect, there would certainly be a thriving scene to behold.


    ...


    Yu City.


    Under the fierce sunlight, the towering city walls showed many signs of water erosion at the base, and the bottom of the walls was littered with accumulated silt and sand.


    At this moment, numerous figures could be seen clearing away the mud and sand along the wall, all dressed in tattered clothes, looking like forced laborers conscripted from within the city. Among them were some elderly, staggering as they moved the loads.


    "Hurry up, hurry up! You old fools are so slow, do you want to die?!"


    A Prefecture Chief, clad in official attire, was standing at a distance, berating loudly while holding a whip in his hand. Stay tuned with empire


    Snap.


    Suddenly, he felt a weight on his shoulder, as if someone had patted him from behind.


    The Prefecture Chief turned around cursing, saying, "Who the hell... oh."


    Upon seeing the figure standing behind him, the Prefecture Chief was nearly scared out of his wits and fell to his knees, saying, "Sir, Metropolitan Commander, I greet you with respect."


    As a Prefecture Chief, recognizing officials'' ranks was a basic skill. Even though he had never met Chen Mu before, he quickly recognized Chen Mu''s purple official robe of the Metropolitan Commander. To him, Chen Mu was a high-ranking figure beyond reach, someone even his superiors had to bow to let alone himself... and he truly recognized Chen Mu.


    He was a Prefecture Chief from Wutong Grove District; he had served under Chen Mu before. Back when Chen Mu left his post, he thought Chen Mu, having offended the Yu Family, had a bleak future. Yet in the blink of an eye, not only had Chen Mu become one of the top officials of Yu City, but he had also single-handedly destroyed the entire He Family!


    Every time he remembered serving under Chen Mu, it seemed to him a dream beyond belief.


    "How were these laborers conscripted?"


    Chen Mu glanced at the Prefecture Chief, not remembering him well, as during his time in Wutong Grove when he was Prefecture Chief himself, he had overseen hundreds of Prefecture Chiefs and remembered very few names.


    The Prefecture Chief hurriedly replied: "Reporting to Sir... they are all those who couldn''t pay the head tax and were punished with labor..."


    Is that so.


    Chen Mu sighed inwardly, then said indifferently, "All this silt and sand will eventually be cleaned up. Go and convey my orders, tell them not to be too harsh everywhere, and as for the daily meals and Silver Coin, anyone found to be skimming off the top will spend time in jail instead."


    "Yes... yes..."


    The Prefecture Chief quickly agreed.


    When the sound of footsteps faded, he slowly raised his head to find that Chen Mu''s figure had already disappeared. He quickly wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, then looked over at the laborers working in the distance, and couldn''t help but feel emotional. Chen Mu had climbed to such a high official position, yet he was still the same man from his days in Wutong Grove. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He brushed off the mud and sand from his official clothes and hurriedly went around to pass on the orders.


    ...


    Inner City.


    Yu Family residence.


    The courtyard of Chen Mu''s home remained as clean and tidy as when he had left.


    In the side room on the east side, Chen Yue and Yu Ru were squeezed together, flipping through a booklet. There were some words that Chen Yue didn''t recognize, and Yu Ru was beside her, reading them aloud.


    Then, not sure what was read, Chen Yue suddenly hugged Yu Ru and whispered something in her ear, which made them both burst into giggles. Their laughter echoed joyfully throughout the courtyard.

 Chapter 198 The List of Rising Stars in Cold North_3

    And just as the two were joking and laughing,suddenly a voice came.


    "What book is so interesting?"


    At the sound of this familiar voice, Chen Yue and Yu Ru both stopped in their tracks, turned to look at the door in unison, each revealing a surprised and delighted expression, and then both stood up together.


    "Brother!"


    "Mu Brother!"


    "Brother, when did you get back?!"


    Chen Mu''s face broke into a warm smile as he said, "I just got back. Why have you two come to my courtyard? I remember, Yue''er, you do not like reading, so why are you now reading with little Ru?"


    Chen Yue waved the book in her hand at Chen Mu with a giggly smile and said, "Because brother is in the book!"


    "Oh?"


    Chen Mu walked over with mild curiosity and said, "Since when did I end up in a book? Let me have a look... hmm, ''New Talents of Cold North Path,'' where did this come from?"


    Chen Yue explained, "It seems it was just put on sale yesterday. I heard brother was listed in the book, so I went with little Ru to buy one to show you once you got back."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly then opened the book.


    The content of the first page immediately caught his eye, presenting segments of text, the one at the very top being a name.


    ''Zuo Qianqiu''!


    True disciple and leader in the Heavenly Sword Sect.


    Having achieved the Five Viscera Realm by cultivating Jade Bone, the sole person in a hundred years to follow the Heavenly Sword path and reach the second step of Heavenly Sword Artistic Conception. His cultivation embodies the way of killing and elimination of Heavenly Sword, his technique being the ''Seven Cutting Skies Swords.'' Within his sect, no one could withstand his three swords; he once defeated the true disciple leader of the Seven Profound Sect, Zhou Hao, with his fourth sword and repelled Hua Nongyue of the Hehuan Sect with his sixth sword...


    Perception assessment: Top-Grade A.


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    Aptitude assessment: Top-Grade A.


    Strength assessment: Top-Grade A, ranked first among those in the Five Viscera Realm across the eleven states of the Cold North Path.


    "Zuo Qianqiu..."


    Chen Mu looked at the page thoughtfully.


    He remembered that Cold North Path had a ''Wind Cloud List,'' which recorded the most top-notch existences under the Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters across the entire Cold North Path. Yan Jingqing was also on that list, which seemed to come from the End of the World Sea Pavilion.


    This ''New Talents of Cold North Path'' was also the work of the End of the World Sea Pavilion, but it lacked individual portraits, making it less interesting.


    He continued flipping through the pages.


    The second page.


    ''Yuan Yingsong''!


    The thirteenth son of King of North Garrison Yuan Hong, Eastern Commander of North Garrison Government, mastered the Kun Earth Artistic Conception from Qiankun Eight Phases, also advanced the Separating Fire Artistic Conception to the second step, skilled in the Eight Desolations Halberd Technique, has slain hundreds of the Foreign Race beyond the Border Pass, defeated their prodigies, and also by himself, overcome four true disciples of Huanran Sect working together...


    Perception assessment: Top-Grade A.


    Aptitude assessment: Top-Grade A.


    Strength assessment: Top-Grade A, potentially on par with Zuo Qianqiu.


    "Yuan Yingsong... I''ve never heard of this name before; after all, Yu State is too far from North State. No, I should say Yu County is too remote; a lot of news doesn''t reach here. If I were in the State Government Office, there would likely be such rumors."


    Chen Mu mumbled to himself in his heart.


    He kept flipping through the book and soon came across some familiar names, such as the Hehuan twins ''Hua Nongyue'', Si Kouzhi of the Blood Hidden Pavilion, Zhou Hao, the true disciple of Great Profound Peak of the Seven Profound Sect, and others.


    And as he continued to flip through to page twenty-seven, he finally saw his own name.


    ''Chen Mu''!


    Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate in Yu County of Yu State, born into poverty, rose from insignificance; began martial arts training in his twenties, wasting many years, yet still, with extremely high perception, in just a few short years, successively comprehended Xun Wind, Thunderbolt, and Separating Fire Artistic Conceptions, all to the second step. Moreover, he has somewhat mastered Artistic Conception of Gen Mountain, once defeating Gu Hong, a true disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, with a single strike...


    Perception assessment: Top-Grade A.


    Aptitude assessment: Top-Grade A.


    Strength assessment: Bottom-Grade A.


    Note: With high perception and aptitude, he is an extraordinary genius; it''s a pity he was born lowly and wasn''t discovered sooner. If he had begun his martial arts training earlier, his strength would be far beyond his current level, and he might well be able to compete with the top ten talents on the list.

 Chapter 199 Pure Land

    "I heard that this list of newcomers is being sold in other prefecture cities and state government offices as well. Brother, you have become famous all over the world this time."Chen Yue stood by, looking at the list of newcomers in Chen Mu''s hands, observing the page that recorded Chen Mu''s achievements, then looked up at him, admiration gleaming in her bright eyes.


    That was her elder brother, unparalleled in elegance, who not only dominated the vast Yu County in a short period of time but now was considered a prodigy across the entirety of Yu State and even the Eleven States of Cold North Path.


    "Famous all over the world might be an exaggeration. In Yu State, I have gained a bit of a reputation, after all, it''s only the twenty-seventh place,"


    Chen Mu said nonchalantly.


    He didn''t actually care about these empty honors. He didn''t even think it was such a good thing to have his name ranked and spread across all the Eleven States of Cold North Path¡ªafter all, the more attention it attracted, the more trouble it brought.


    But on the other hand, a true Martial Arts master doesn''t care about empty honors, nor do they fear them. Without that spirit to look down upon the world, one would question their own abilities; without the courage to shoulder even this empty renown, how could one aspire to become a Martial Arts Grandmaster or a peerless Martial Saint?


    The Five Viscera and Six Viscera Realm might not count for much.


    But to step into the Six Viscera Realm and break through the ''Mysterious Pass'' of the human body requires not just foundation but also the Martial Arts Artistic Conception cultivated through one''s journey, along with the resolve of Martial Arts. Body, mind, and technique are indispensable; the unification of these three, harmonious as one, is essential to breaking through the human ''Mysterious Pass'' and apprehending all mysteries, reaching towards the grandmaster level."


    "That''s the twenty-seventh rank across the entire Eleven States of Cold North Path!"


    Chen Yue blinked her eyes.


    Just the area around Yu County is thousands of miles wide; a trip to and from An Yu County alone takes her half a month, and the entirety of Yu State is even vaster, covering tens of thousands of miles. The Cold North Path encompasses a vast eleven states¡ªimagine how many people live there. Find your next read on empire


    "Right, in such a vast Yu State, there is only one person ranked higher than Brother Mu,"


    Yu Ru nodded as she spoke, her gaze towards Chen Mu also filled with sparkling admiration.


    Chen Mu smiled and continued to flip through the list of newcomers, turning to the last page before closing the booklet and saying, "This list of newcomers only includes those under thirty years of age and below the Six Viscera Realm. While it''s true that everyone listed has some talent, it''s nothing compared to the Wind Cloud List."


    In times of turmoil, great talents emerge like sand being sifted in the waves.


    The list of newcomers needs to be completely updated every three to five years. The next generation of martial arts geniuses will not be much less impressive than this one. In comparison, those at the top of the Six Viscera Realm on the Wind Cloud List, even if not grandmasters, almost possess the capabilities of one and often go many years, even decades, with little change.


    A bit of renown from the list of newcomers, in Chen Mu''s eyes, really isn''t much; at least it has to be a ranking on the Wind Cloud List like Yan Jingqing, who could truly be called a hero renowned across the Eleven States of Cold North Path.


    Having said this,


    he handed the booklet to Chen Yue.


    Then Chen Mu turned and went to his inner room, changing into a simple commoner''s outfit, and then he made his way towards the eastern courtyard.


    In the residence where Xu Hongyu lived, there was a small courtyard in the center where Xiao He, dressed in a gray outfit for martial arts practice, was executing a set of boxing techniques designed to temper the body.


    "Hoo, ha."


    With each inhalation and exhalation, every movement and posture was precisely controlled.


    Though her waist was slim and seemingly boneless, her limbs generated power that brought about gusts of wind. Each punch was stable and forceful. While she appeared a delicate woman with a curvaceous figure, in reality, she could squat and rise while shouldering hundreds of pounds and support her entire body weight on a single delicate finger.


    Xiao He focused on her martial arts practice, continuously swinging and stretching her arms. Then, one leg lifted from behind, stretching upward until it pressed tightly against her spine, balancing on one foot. Her body remained remarkably steady without a trace of shaking; even if a cup of tea were placed on her head, not a ripple would disturb the water. A faint mist, visible to the naked eye, began to rise from her body.


    But at that moment,


    Xiao He suddenly felt a tickle behind her ear, as if a fallen leaf had landed on her nape.


    Her reaction was swift¡ªher body contracted forward, maintaining her leg pressed against her spine, but with a burst of power from her other leg, she spun mid-air, aiming a kick at the "fallen leaf" at her nape.


    However, what she kicked was not a leaf but a piece of foxtail, plucked from somewhere, held in Chen Mu''s hand as he watched with a smile and admired her mid-air kick, then said, "Your martial arts have improved well; you must be close to achieving Tendon Changing Major Achievement."


    Xiao He kicked off the end of the foxtail and landed stably before turning to Chen Mu with delight and asked, "When did you come back, sir?"


    "Just now."


    Chen Mu replied amiably, "Is Hongyu not here?"


    "Miss went to the Demon-Slaying Office."


    Xiao He replied cheerfully, her eyes rippling as she whispered, "Miss has been longing for your return, thinking of you day and night. You have really made a name for yourself across Yu State this time."


    She remembered the first time she met Chen Mu; she only thought that Xu Hongyu''s judgment was correct, recognizing Chen Mu as a capable and somewhat talented person. However, as Chen Mu rose step by step, her opinion of him changed repeatedly until now, she even felt a bit restrained in his presence.


    After all, Chen Mu was no longer the minor official who once needed her care but had become a towering tree that even the Yu Family could no longer overshadow. And this tree had not yet reached its fullest growth. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Noticing the restraint in Xiao He, Chen Mu smiled lightly to himself. Although he was used to countless people treating him with utmost respect outside, he did not want those closest to him¡ªChen Yue, Yu Ru, including Xiao He¡ªto feel constrained around him.


    "Hongyu is looking forward to my return¡­"


    "What about you?"


    As Chen Mu spoke, he leaned slightly closer, observing the fine beads of sweat on Xiao He''s forehead from her practice and softly asked her.


    "Sir, sir¡­"


    Xiao He, watching Chen Mu so close, felt her cheeks immediately flush a deep red. Her delicate skin was suffused with a light blush, and for a moment, her usual sharpness vanished, leaving only her racing heart and a sense of being at a loss.


    She had watched Chen Mu rise step by step from a humble beginning to the present, where not even the vast Yu County could conceal his brilliance. Every time she thought about it, it felt unbelievable, as if it were a dream. She herself came from a low background and now looked up to Chen Mu with admiration, love, and respect... a mixture of emotions that left her with no resistance against him.


    Every day, just thinking about Chen Mu sweeping through the True Successions at Qingping River and becoming famous across the Eleven States of the Cold North Path, and thinking about her duty as Xu Hongyu''s personal maid to accompany her through marriage, she felt her body become warm and sticky.


    Now, gently teased by Chen Mu, her mind suddenly lost all its thoughts.


    Looking at Xiao He''s reaction, Chen Mu also found it amusing and chuckled, "I remember you used to be quite good at teasing me, why have you become like Yu Ru now?"


    Xiao He looked up at Chen Mu, her cheeks flushed and her eyes watery, and said, "That was before, now... how dare I tease you, my lord."


    Now.


    She only feared that Chen Mu would ignore her or not want her, how could she dare to be presumptuous? In front of Chen Mu, she was even more well-behaved than in front of Xu Hongyu, and she would even dare to joke with Xu Hongyu.


    Chen Mu looked at her and smiled warmly, saying, "Come here."


    Xiao He, already standing close to Chen Mu, moved a tiny step forward upon hearing his command.


    "Closer."


    Chen Mu said again.


    With hesitance, Xiao He moved a bit closer, slightly flustered as she looked up at Chen Mu and said, "My lord, I''m all sweaty... Uh-huh..."


    Unlike Xu Hongyu''s coolness, Xiao He was much warmer. Her eyes were half-shy and half-joyous, and after a brief moment of timidity, she actively and enthusiastically responded to Chen Mu.


    After a moment.


    Chen Mu, looking at Xiao He''s somewhat dazed eyes, softly said, "Hongyu treats you like a sister. After you accompany her through marriage, everything will be just like usual."


    "Yes, yes... I will follow your instructions," Xiao He responded while looking at Chen Mu.


    Just then, Chen Mu''s gaze shifted slightly as if he noticed something, and he looked at Xiao He with a hint of a smile, suddenly asking, "After that, if my orders conflict with Hongyu''s, whose will you follow first?"


    "...Er."


    Xiao He was momentarily stuck.


    Right at that moment, Xu Hongyu, dressed in the official uniform of the Deputy Governor of the Demon-Slaying Office, stepped into the courtyard.


    Xiao He also heard Xu Hongyu approaching, and she instantly regained her usual alertness, saying, "My lord and Miss Hongyu are meant to be together, sharing one heart. My Lord''s orders are Miss''s orders, Miss''s orders are my Lord''s orders, listening to my Lord is listening to Miss, listening to Miss is listening to my Lord... Miss is here, I''ll go prepare some tea and snacks for my Lord and Miss."


    Saying this, she somewhat guiltily slipped past Xu Hongyu.


    Xu Hongyu did not notice anything amiss and looked at Chen Mu with a slight reproach in her eyes, saying:


    "Are you teasing Xiao He?"


    Although she was also curious who Xiao He would listen to first.


    Chen Mu chuckled and retorted, "Are you feeling sorry for her?"


    "Xiao He probably can''t wait to be teased by you, why would I feel sorry for her."


    Xu Hongyu walked closer, gazing at Chen Mu, a bit of concern showing in her elegant eyes, saying, "You are handling the affairs of the Qingping River basin, I''ve heard that there have been many twists and turns..."


    "Just some minor setbacks, nothing serious. You''ve been promoted to Deputy Governor?"


    Chen Mu looked at the official uniform of the Deputy Governor Xu Hongyu was wearing, which didn''t quite match her temperament¡ªeven though it was tailored for a woman, it didn''t fit as well as the Prefecture Chief''s white flying fish uniform or the White-Clothed Guard''s uniform.


    "After demonstrating the Kan Water Artistic Conception, Bureau Head Meng promoted me to Deputy Governor,"


    Xu Hongyu nodded slightly, noticing that Chen Mu was examining her clothes, and she couldn''t help but ask, "What is it?"


    Chen Mu said, "Nothing much, the Deputy Governor''s uniform is a bit too stern. Light-colored garments suit you better."


    Xu Hongyu glanced at Chen Mu, her cheeks slightly red as she averted her gaze, whispering:


    "Then, I''ll change into something lighter for you to see..."


    Watching the lovely figure nearby, sensing Xiao He peeking from outside the courtyard, recalling his sisters Chen Yue and Yu Ru, Chen Mu felt a surge of warmth rather than desire in his heart.


    This was his only sanctuary in a chaotic world.


    No matter what the future held or what might happen next, he hoped this small sanctuary would remain unspoiled.


    But now, to protect this, he had no choice but to rely on Yan Jingqing and the Seven Profound Sect, just as he had previously relied on the Yu Family''s ship, now merely boarding a slightly bigger ship in the Seven Profound Sect to drift along with the tides of time.


    Having surpassed figures like Han Guang and Gu Hong and other True Successions of various sects, his heart had never harbored any arrogance.


    However, years ago, he was just a minor official struggling to survive at the bottom. Now, his fame had spread beyond Yu County, and he remained modest and dignified, advancing steadily on his own abilities.


    The path ahead was the same. In a chaotic world with no foothold, he would carry his sword forward and continue onward.

 Chapter 200 Report on Duty

    After being intimate with Xu Hongyu for a while,Chen Mu suddenly remembered something and took out several items from his body.


    "Right, these are some of the gains from the Qingping River region. This Blood Ganoderma can nourish the Qi-Blood, and it''s beneficial for you and Xiao He, Yue''er, and the others. It will also help you to step into Bone Tempering Major Achievement more quickly."


    Xu Hongyu is currently at Bone Tempering Minor Achievement, and there was still some distance from Bone Tempering Perfection. If she could not reach Bone Tempering Perfection within one or two years and then attempt to break through to the Five Viscera Realm, her chances of breaking through the Five Viscera Realm would be significantly reduced.


    Although there were some spiritual objects that could assist in breaking through to the Five Viscera Realm if one relied on them to complete the Five Viscera circulation, they would mostly be stuck at the Five Viscera Realm and, like Yu Jiujiang, He Wuyou, and others, find it difficult to advance into the Six Viscera Realm.


    Among Chen Mu''s companions, Xu Hongyu had the highest aptitude and cultivation. Naturally, he hoped that Xu Hongyu could go further on the path of martial arts so that she could accompany him for a longer journey in the future.


    "I..."


    Xu Hongyu naturally recognized the Blood Ganoderma and knew it was one of the particularly precious spiritual medicines. She was about to decline, but Chen Mu had already placed them all in her hands, and with a smile said, "As husband and wife, we share one heart and one mind, there''s no need to refuse. The Blood Ganoderma is of little significance to me and does not assist my cultivation."


    In fact, he possessed the even more precious Earthly Green Lotus Seeds, but the Earthly Green Lotus Seeds were not suitable for martial artists below the Five Viscera Realm. After all, taking them before completing the Five Viscera Inner Breath cycle and beginning to connect with nature could lead to losing oneself and ultimately doing more harm than good.


    Hearing Chen Mu saying ''husband and wife share one heart and one mind'', Xu Hongyu''s amber-like eyes shimmered, and she hummed softly. Of course, she did not want to be a burden to Chen Mu and had never neglected her martial arts cultivation.


    In fact, after comprehending the Kan Water Artistic Conception, her efficiency in Bone Tempering had also improved.


    After all, Kan Water is conducive to nurturing, and with the Kan Water Artistic Conception, the absorption of medicinal power during Body Refinement had increased significantly.


    Chen Mu looked at Xu Hongyu, and just as he was about to say a few more words of advice, a voice suddenly came from outside.


    "Metropolitan Commander, the Inspector has returned."


    The voice was that of a woman, a female scout of the Inspectorate dressed in her official clothes. She was designated as Chen Mu''s personal scout during the Qingping River region mission because as a woman, she could freely enter his inner courtyard to report various matters to him at any time.


    Hearing his subordinate''s report, Chen Mu stood up and neatly tucked a lock of Xu Hongyu''s hair behind her ear, saying, "Inspector Yan has returned, I need to go to the Inspectorate for a while."


    With those words,


    he left the courtyard and walked out.


    Xu Hongyu did not interrupt him and gently acknowledged, watching Chen Mu leave.


    Behind her, Xiao He had been standing all the while. Only when Chen Mu''s figure disappeared outside the courtyard did she reluctantly take her gaze back, thinking about Chen Mu''s actions toward her earlier, and a blush of shy joy rose in her heart. After all, with Chen Mu''s current status, not only in Yu County but even throughout Yu State, he was a prominent and dashing young hero, admired by countless young women.


    Among them were those whose beauty and figure could match Xu Hongyu''s. They were all at Chen Mu''s discretion to choose from, not to mention someone like her, who had simply known Chen Mu a bit earlier¡ªnothing significant. As Chen Mu''s status continued to rise, she often worried whether her humble maidservant status would still catch Chen Mu''s eye.


    There were plenty of younger and cuter maidservants available to Chen Mu if that was what he desired.


    That previous moment,


    was when she finally felt a weight lift from her heart. Though she had never thought about competing with Xu Hongyu for favor, at least she could be helpful when her mistress was weak.


    ...


    Chen Mu was entirely unaware of Xiao He''s convoluted thoughts.


    After his marriage to Xu Hongyu was settled, he had already regarded Xiao He as his own family. In reality, in this world, it was quite common for someone of his status to have multiple wives and concubines because after reaching the Five Viscera Realm, martial artists would produce offspring with naturally strong Qi-Blood foundations, who could easily reach Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering.


    Likewise, Yu Zuyi of the Yu Family had hinted to him whether he had any thoughts of taking more wives and concubines. The Yu Family had many charming young ladies between the ages of fifteen and eighteen. If he had any particular preferences, even younger or slightly older girls wouldn''t matter. However, Chen Mu was not interested in such indulgence, so Yu Zuyi had no choice but to regretfully drop the matter.


    In fact,


    Chen Mu was well aware that he was just an ordinary person with desires and a longing for pleasure, yet he had kept all these under control, prioritizing martial arts cultivation above all else.


    Being a local big shot with multiple wives and concubines, enjoying himself until an unforeseen tide of troubled times suddenly toppled him and submerged him forever, or living a long life until turning into a mound of earth, neither outcome was his wish.


    Had he reached the Five Viscera Realm and found it to be his limit, lacking the ability to go any further, perhaps he would have made the same choice: to retreat to a remote place, spread his lineage, live and enjoy life until the end of his days.


    But clearly, he was not of such a caliber.


    He could not afford to waste time, squandering his martial arts talent and comprehension.


    The Inspectorate.


    Chen Mu quickly arrived there and then met with Yan Jingqing who had returned from the two-river region, reporting to him the various matters related to the flood disaster, including the most important: the deaths of Cheng Houhua and Han Guang.


    By now, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion must have understood that both True Disciples died by his hand, and it was unnecessary for him to hide it. However, there was no need to publicly declare such matters; reporting to Yan Jingqing was sufficient.


    Yan Jingqing listened to the causes and the process of Cheng Houhua''s and Han Guang''s deaths; his expression remained very calm.


    "No need to mind it."


    "They took the first shot and were killed by you, whether according to the laws of Da Xuan or the rules of the Martial World, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion has no reason to say anything. The one who kills will always be subject to retribution, that''s an unchanging truth."


    The rules of the Martial World, to some extent, have much wider boundaries than the legal ones.


    For instance, among the true disciples of various sects, there are those who have been killed after being defeated by others, those who have mysteriously disappeared, those who have been disabled in fierce battles, and those who have been ambushed and poisoned... But as long as no one breaks the rules by using their power to bully the weak, none of it really matters.


    After all, dangers lurk at every corner in this world, and true disciples are certainly not delicate flowers needing constant protection. If the sects were to protect them in every scenario, they would never be able to ascend step by step to the pinnacle of Martial Arts and become a lofty and powerful figure in the world.


    "Speaking of which, someone from the Seven Profound Sect has inquired about when you will be heading up the mountain."


    Yan Jingqing smiled at Chen Mu, saying, "Your defeat of Gu Hong from the Heavenly Sword Sect has caused quite a stir, making the old folks in the sect restless."


    Earlier, he thought that given Chen Mu''s age, it was no longer suitable for him to join a sect as a disciple.


    After all.


    The age limit for Sect Disciples in the Seven Profound Sect is thirty years old. Those who are over thirty in both the outer and inner sect must leave the Sect, except those who have stepped into the Five Viscera Realm, who may remain as Stewards.


    It''s the same for true disciples; after they turn thirty, they either break through to the Six Viscera Realm and become a Sect Protector or temporarily take the position of ''Steward.'' They no longer bear the name of true disciple and need to pass it on to the next generation of disciples.


    And now Chen Mu was already twenty-seven. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But in the battle by the Qingping River, his comprehension and talent were simply too brilliant to ignore, even for the Seven Profound Sect.


    "I plan to wait for Elder Sister Meng to exit her closed-door cultivation and then go with her to the Seven Profound Sect."


    Chen Mu answered honestly.


    When Yan Jingqing heard this, he smiled and said, "There''s also your marriage to that girl from the Yu Family. I hear it was postponed due to the ''flood disaster'' and is now rescheduled for two months later?"


    Chen Mu was slightly surprised; he didn''t even know about this. Perhaps Xu Hongyu hadn''t had the chance to tell him yet, but it was normal for a joyous occasion like marriage to avoid ''disasters.'' Calculating the time, it was just postponed by a month or so, changing from spring to early summer.


    As for the timing, it seems to work out just fine.


    However, Yan Jingqing knew about such matters very clearly, which showed that he paid great attention to him, sparing no detail.


    "Yes, some private matters have delayed proceedings."


    After his surprise, Chen Mu responded.


    Given his current status, indeed, ordinary people were not suitable to be the master of ceremonies for his wedding. In Yu City, apart from Yan Jingqing, only a few older generation Martial Artists in the Five Viscera Realm would be appropriate.


    "All right, no need to be so formal. With your abilities, in no more than seven or eight years, you should be able to reach my level."


    Yan Jingqing said with a smile.


    His attitude towards Chen Mu was no longer that of a superior.


    Previously, he knew only that Chen Mu had stepped into the Five Viscera Realm, but he was unaware that Chen Mu had entered the Five Viscera with a Jade Bone Foundation and had mastered three types of Artistic Conceptions. Even if he couldn''t break through the ''Mysterious Pass'' and remained at the threshold of Grandmaster, as long as he accumulated slowly, it wouldn''t take ten years for him likely to become one of the top Martial Artists in the Six Viscera Realm, to be listed on the Wind Cloud List, and stand shoulder to shoulder with him.


    "Yan Sir praises me too highly; I have just started to step into the Five Viscera Realm. Climbing onto the Wind Cloud List within seven or eight years is going to be quite difficult."


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    Chen Mu looked at Yan Jingqing and smiled as well.


    On the Wind Cloud List of the Cold North Path, there are only thirty names, and amongst them, very few are under the age of thirty-five. After all, reaching that point requires not only perfecting the Six Viscera Realm but also a deeper understanding of Artistic Conception, taking half a step beyond the second step''s limit to forge one''s own Martial Arts Domain.


    This level, even among the Martial Artists in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, is not something everyone can achieve.


    Thus, someone like Yan Jingqing, who barely has the ability to withstand some of the slightly weaker Grandmasters, is significant.


    As to whether mastering a Martial Arts Domain or breaking through the Mysterious Pass to enter the Marrow Cleansing Realm is more difficult, while it''s often the latter that''s a bit harder, the former is equally difficult. Very few in the Six Viscera Realm have the power to grasp such strength.

 Chapter 201 Martial Arts

    "Although it is not good to be arrogant, young people should have more conviction; it helps you solidify your own Martial Arts will," Yan Jingqing nodded slightly at Chen Mu.Chen Mu had a steadiness uncommon for his age. Considering he had stepped into the Five Viscera Realm with Jade Bone, and had achieved Major Achievement in the artistic conceptions of wind, thunder, and fire, yet still remained unassuming without any desire to show off, Yan Jingqing found it surprising upon reflection.


    Listening to Yan Jingqing''s words, Chen Mu fell into a brief contemplation, then asked, "Sir Yan, what exactly is Martial Will? It''s said to be necessary for breaking through the Mysterious Pass, but I haven''t found a detailed description in the books."


    "Martial Will ..."


    Yan Jingqing paused for a moment, sighing a little, "If I had the understanding I have now earlier, perhaps I would not be stuck in the Six Viscera Realm. Actually, you could join the Seven Profound Sect and ask a Grandmaster."


    "A Martial Artist''s comprehension and mastery of the Artistic Conception is a gradual process of understanding and delving deeper into Heaven and Earth. However, Heaven and Earth are too vast, and this power is not so easily controlled by an individual. From the second step of Artistic Conception, as one delves deeper, the Heaven and Earth''s Might that one invokes grows stronger but also becomes more difficult to control."


    "Martial Will is necessary to control this stronger Heaven and Earth''s Might, and it''s essential for breaking open the Mysterious Pass. Otherwise, it is easy for part of one''s soul to get lost in the vastness of Heaven and Earth and never return, resulting in a person who flickers in and out of consciousness...Of course, this is too early for you to worry about."


    Even though Yan Jingqing said Chen Mu should ask a Grandmaster of the Seven Profound Sect for insights, he still shared the general concept and impact of Martial Will with Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu, whose own realm was not low and who had a broad vision, quickly understood after listening to Yan Jingqing.


    The so-called Martial Will, can indeed be understood directly from the term as ''willpower'', or perhaps can also be understood as ''spirit''. Indeed, without a sufficiently strong mental will, one might manage to wield a small amount of The Power of Heaven and Earth, but as the level rises and one gets closer to the essence of Heaven and Earth, there is indeed the risk of losing oneself.


    After all, the third step of Artistic Conception is known as ''Body-Mind Union''. If one''s spiritual will is not sufficiently solidified and seeks Heart Unity with Heaven and Earth, one might merge and then never come back, resulting in the soul scattering and leaving behind only an empty shell.


    Of course, for him at the moment who is still far from that level, and who has only a preliminary grasp of the second step of Artistic Conception, there is no need to solidify Martial Will yet.


    "Thank you for your guidance, Sir."


    Chen Mu bowed to Yan Jingqing.


    He now had a clearer understanding of Artistic Conceptions and the path ahead.


    "Then, I shall hand in my duties to you, Sir," said Chen Mu, looking towards Yan Jingqing.


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    Although he had to wait for Meng Danyun to leave seclusion and it was still two to three months before he would go to the Seven Profound Sect, he did not plan to waste these months. After all, even though he did not possess the Artistic Conception Map of Qian Heaven Kun Earth, there were Gen Mountain, Kan Water, and Dui Ze that he had yet to contemplate.


    "When have you ever been lazy..."


    Yan Jingqing couldn''t help but laugh at the sight of Chen Mu but waved his hand and said, "Inspector Chen Mu is hereby relieved from his duties as the Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate and the Demon-Slaying Office, keeping his official rank intact."


    Chen Mu was naturally going to leave his position when he went to the Seven Profound Sect, but he was handing over his duties now, which was undeniably an attempt to steal a few months of laziness. Yan Jingqing did not mind, as keeping the official rank meant that Chen Mu could be deployed for any matters just the same. With Chen Mu''s current status and position, he really did not need to deal with trivial matters.


    "Thank you, Sir. I will take my leave now," said Chen Mu with a smile, bowing again before departing.


    ...


    After leaving the Inspectorate.


    Chen Mu did not immediately return, but instead, he wandered through the Prefectural Government compound, eventually arriving at a Yamen situated in the northernmost part.


    As he approached, he could hear the constant sound of metal striking metal from inside the Yamen. After stepping in, he could feel the temperature inside the Yamen was even higher than outside.


    The Smelting Bureau.


    This was once a Yamen completely controlled by the He Family, but now the He Family''s presence was gone, and it was half controlled by the Yu Family, with the Xue Family and the Xie Family each managing the other half.


    "Mr. Metropolitan Commander?"


    "Greetings, Mr. Metropolitan Commander!"


    As Chen Mu walked into the Smelting Bureau, the officials on duty looked over. They were startled and quickly ran over to greet him respectfully.


    Although Chen Mu had stepped down from his post in the Inspectorate and Demon-Slaying Office, the news had not yet reached this place. Moreover, even if it had, Yan Jingqing had retained his official rank. Even if he had been demoted completely to a commoner, it would make no difference to him; he still had decisive authority in Yu County.


    Because his status was never premised on his official title, but on his own strength.


    "Is Fang Yi around?" Chen Mu walked further inside, casually inquiring to the official.


    The official hurriedly responded, "Mr. Fang is in the back, I will go and notify him immediately."


    "No need, lead the way," Chen Mu continued walking forward.


    "Very well," the official replied respectfully and led the way to a courtyard at the back. The temperature in the yard was even hotter. There were several furnaces burning with charcoal, and several strong men were forging iron wares.


    One of them was tending to the furnace, occasionally turning back to issue some commands. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As soon as Chen Mu entered,


    the craftspeople were taken aback but then set aside their work to hurriedly pay their respects to Chen Mu.


    Fang Yi, who was watching over the furnace, quickly came over.

 Chapter 201 Martial Arts_2

    "Craftsman Fang Yi of the Smelting Bureau, at your service, sir.""You are Fang Yi?"


    Chen Mu looked at the bare-chested man before him and inquired.


    Fang Yi, as an official craftsman of the Smelting Bureau, was not a low-level apprentice; he held an official position and also possessed a certain level in Martial Arts Realm. Though not high, he was at the level of Body Refinement Perfection.


    "Indeed, it is this humble one."


    Fang Yi respectfully replied.


    Chen Mu nodded slightly, flicked his sleeve a few times, and a pile of mineral spirit materials fell from it, saying, "Can you forge a treasured artifact quality soft armor with confidence?"


    Upon seeing the materials, Fang Yi knew the quantity was sufficient and the auxiliary materials were almost complete; what was lacking could be found in the Smelting Bureau as well, so he immediately responded respectfully, "Replying to you, sir, forging a treasured artifact is no different, but creating soft armor is meticulous work, not to be completed in a short time. It requires at least two months of labor."


    "Good, then I will entrust it to you. Put aside all other work for these two months," said Chen Mu to Fang Yi.


    "Yes,"


    Fang Yi answered.


    It was not until he saw Chen Mu turn around and leave the courtyard that Fang Yi stood up and whispered to an official next to him, "Could this gentleman possibly be..."


    The official nodded at him and warned him seriously, "Make sure you do a fine job on the gentleman''s task. If anything goes wrong, not only you but even I cannot cover for you!"


    "Of course, of course."


    Fang Yi repeatedly responded, a trace of awe lingering in his eyes.


    In terms of age, Chen Mu was much younger than he was, but he had recently heard some rumors from the Qingping River region and later received confirmation from others. He was already very respectful towards Chen Mu, and now his reverence grew even more profound.


    Five Viscera Realm!


    Suppressing the true teachings of various sects!


    In Yu County, this was an extraordinary level, and now even City Lord Xue Huaikong was not as high in status as Chen Mu, not to mention Yan Jingqing, the Inspector from the State Government Office. Chen Mu was now the foremost person in Yu County!


    ...


    Having resigned from his position as Metropolitan Commander at the Inspectorate and having arranged for Fang Yi to forge the treasure armor, Chen Mu finally managed to handle the trivial matters after returning to the city quite thoroughly and then returned to the Yu Family residence, his own courtyard.


    He could have moved to a larger residence by now; there were hardly any places in Yu City he could not go, even going to the residences of the Xue or Xie families to claim a house, neither family would dare say a word, they would likely even welcome him cordially."


    However, he was accustomed to living here and had no immediate plans to change residences.


    In the courtyard,


    Chen Yue and Yu Ru had already left, only Wang Ni with Ku''er and Le''er was cleaning the house.


    Chen Mu let them clean while he went himself to the long-unvisited underground silent chamber, where two jade beds were quietly placed, one being the Flame Jade Bed he obtained himself and the other taken from the He Family''s storeroom, a Cold Jade Bed.


    "In a couple of days, I''ll send them to Hongyu''s place," he thought.


    These beds, though not very large, didn''t have much effect now that he had entered the Five Viscera Realm, but for Xu Hongyu, Xiao He, and the others, they still had effects helpful for enduring and refining Qi-Blood. The beds could be squeezed to fit Xu Hongyu, Xiao He, Chen Yue, and Yu Ru... Hmm, what a scene.


    Chen Mu shook the bizarre scene from his mind and then took out the Gen Mountain Diagram. Find exclusive stories on empire


    He then brought up the system panel. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Martial Arts: Gen Mountain Artistic Conception]


    [Experience: 3146 points]


    [Number of Predictions Available: 0]


    During the nearly one month of the flood disaster, while he had some free time after the follow-up gradually stabilized, he contemplated the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception, though he often went to patrol the riverbanks, which meant he didn''t accumulate much experience, merely a bit over three thousand points.


    "In the upcoming two months, it should be enough to progress the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception to the second step," Chen Mu momentarily pondered.


    He flipped his hand,


    and a lotus seed, resembling green jade, appeared in his palm, which was precisely an Earthly Green Lotus Seed.


    This Earthly Green Lotus Seed had short-term effects of immersing in nature and enhancing comprehension, but whether it affected the experience gain of the system panel was unknown. If it did have an effect, he might be able to also advance the Kan Water Artistic Conception besides the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception.


    Indeed, he had contemplated whether to wait until he arrived at the Seven Profound Sect and used the Earthly Green Lotus Seed when contemplating Qian Heaven and Kun Earth artistic conceptions. While he held five seeds, this item was only effective the first time it was used.


    But after much deliberation, Chen Mu felt it unnecessary.


    With his comprehension, he naturally didn''t need to rely on any Earthly Green Lotus Seeds to understand Qian Heaven and Kun Earth.


    If it truly was effective, it would be better to master the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception and even the Kan Water Artistic Conception earlier, as every extra conception he mastered now strengthened him further and broadened the conditions and situations he could handle.


    Just like before in the Underground Water Vein, if he had mastered the second step of the Kan Water Artistic Conception, Han Guang wouldn''t have been able to escape far before being caught and killed by him, and even the stewards from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion wouldn''t have escaped!


    Of course,


    this was all speculative.


    After all, if the environment of that cavern had not been a water vein but a scorching fire vein, with molten rock boiling hot everywhere inside the cave, then the Separating Fire Artistic Conception would have thrived, but Kan Water would have been hindered.


    "I hope the effect is ideal,"


    Chen Mu murmured to himself quietly before swallowing the Earthly Green Lotus Seed whole, chewing it up and swallowing it.


    ...


    Meanwhile,


    Inner City,


    Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion residence.


    Situated in the highest, simplest room of a tower, seven or eight stewards were dispersed around the room.

 Chapter 201 Martial Arts_3

    Protector Duanmu Chun sat in the main seat, his expression quite gloomy, and said, "Steward Zhang, how was your harvest?""Protector, we obtained one Xuan Yang ore, one Gold Yuan pearl, and three streaming silver ores...,"


    The steward sitting at the far right immediately reported.


    After listening to the report,


    Duanmu Chun slightly closed his eyes.


    In fact, the harvests of the stewards present, except for those from the Qingping River region, were generally good, even better than expected, combining to be quite commendable. However, if one were to talk about losses, the losses this time were too great!


    Cheng Houhua and Han Guang, two True Disciples, died!


    Liu Su and Cai Jiusheng, two stewards, died as well!


    And one more, He Wuyou.


    In total, five people from the Five Viscera Realm had died, including two True Disciples. Although the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s requirements for True Disciples were not as stringent as those of other sects¡ªany disciple under thirty years of age from the Five Viscera Realm was considered a True Disciple¡ªboth Han Guang and Cheng Houhua were capable of advancing to the Six Viscera Realm, and yet both died at once.


    Such severe casualties made the harvest and losses disproportionate.


    "Protector Duanmu, Chen Mu is truly malicious, ruthless and brutal. None of the four, including True Disciple Cheng and Steward Liu, survived. With his strength, it''s impossible that he could have defeated all four instantaneously. He must have feigned weakness first, then caught them off guard. His scheming is deeply sinister,"


    After Steward Zhang finished his report, he couldn''t help but speak in a somber voice.


    "Ha, I have long said that this Chen Mu is full of dirty tricks. When Liu Su divined his fate, he merely got ''life should not end,'' and I felt that something was wrong. Now it seems that this person is undoubtedly one born in turbulent times, with an ''unpredictable destiny.''"


    Another person at the side scoffed coldly. Continue your adventure with empire


    The more chaotic the times, the more chaotic the Heavenly Mandate. Naturally, many people with uncertain fates will emerge. These individuals may die untimely deaths or live inconsequential lives. However, they could also become beings who dominate the world and challenge the universe.


    Especially since the publication of the End of the World Sea Pavilion''s list of rising talents further disrupts the Heavenly Mandate, almost everyone on the list became a person of uncertain fate.


    "You said that ages ago? When Liu Su previously suggested attacking this person, you were the one who objected, saying that this person was not worth worrying about," Steward Zhang retorted, unable to help himself.


    Dai Fu coldly spoke, "I did say that this person was not worth worrying about, but if we had listened to me then and disregarded this person, we wouldn''t have suffered such great losses. It''s clearly Liu Su who became muddled, acted stubbornly, and even involved True Disciple Cheng."


    "Enough."


    Duanmu Chun opened his eyes and coldly said, "Is now the time to argue about responsibilities?"


    As soon as he spoke, the nearby people all fell silent.


    "Protector Duanmu, since this person can disrupt the Heavenly Mandate, we cannot ignore him anymore. What do you think we should do..."


    A steward sitting farther away spoke softly, "If you ask me, since this person has not yet joined the Seven Profound Sect, why not ask an elder within the sect to take action and directly eliminate him, thus removing future troubles?"


    "That''s not possible."


    Dai Fu countered, "Although this person hasn''t joined the Seven Profound Sect, he is still considered under the Seven Profound authority. It is said that the Seven Profound Sect had already sent someone to bring him up the mountain. Asking a grandmaster to act against him would also violate the rules, and the Seven Profound Sect would certainly not let it go easily."


    Duanmu Chun looked at the two of them, paused to think briefly, then shook his head and said, "Such an action is too aggressive, inappropriate. It''s not yet that time. Moreover, elders are extremely esteemed beings, all of them grandmasters. How many would want to engage in such a petty act?"


    The Seven Profound Sect obviously placed great importance on Chen Mu.


    Currently, in the Eleven State of the Cold North Path, chaos had not yet fully erupted. If the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion broke the rules by using power to bully Chen Mu, let''s not say whether the grandmaster elders are willing to move against him. Even if they do, once the news leaks out or traces are detected, the Seven Profound Sect would certainly retaliate without hesitation. It would lead to grandmasters and even those of the Marrow Cleansing, possibly even Blood Exchange realms, from both great sects starting to attack each other''s juniors, completely plunging into chaos.


    For just one Chen Mu, it''s not worth it.


    After all, Chen Mu only ranked twenty-seventh on the list of rising talents. Although somewhat threatening, his future was still uncertain. People of uncertain fate are numerous in troubled times. If it were Zuo Qianqiu, who ranked first on the list, perhaps it would be worth considering.


    Like Jiang Yifei, the leader of the current generation''s True Disciples of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, who ranked seventh on the list of rising talents, he is also an exceptional talent. How could he be inferior to anyone? And with the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion controlling the territory of one state and having branches in other states, talents like these are replaced every three to five years. Through this survival of the fittest, only those who can become grandmasters will leave their names in history.


    S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 202 Gen Mountain

    ```Om!


    The Earthly Green Lotus Seed fell into his belly, and without any sound or fuss, it turned into a cool sense that melted and disappeared.


    Then, Chen Mu felt as if the world, previously shrouded in grey mist, suddenly became bright, as though a blurred veil had been covering his eyes all along, obstructing his sight and senses. But now, in an instant, all such hindrances had vanished without a trace, and he seemed to become one with the surrounding world without any barrier.


    He could feel the rich and surging Power of Heaven and Earth poised to burst through the Inner Breath circulating within the Five Viscera, forcibly infiltrating his body, but he immediately mobilized his Inner Breath to suppress it.


    "It indeed feels different."


    A glimmer appeared in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    He could sense that his thoughts were extraordinarily agile at this moment, every idea crystal clear. Positioned between heaven and earth, it was as if he could perceive the essence of all universal patterns.


    In such a state, to comprehend heaven and earth, even without an Artistic Conception Map, relying on slow personal contemplation would probably lead to understanding the mysteries of Artistic Conception¡ªthis was a feeling he had never experienced before.


    Perhaps.


    Those with extreme aptitude among the world''s prodigies perceive the world in this very way.


    After all, tracing back to the true origins of Martial Arts, there was no such thing as Artistic Conception Maps. The earliest people contemplated heaven and earth, wind, thunder, water, and fire, advancing step by step in understanding and passing it down through generations. Who knows how many years passed before someone explored these Artistic Conceptions to their limits, and after countless more years, generations of prodigies built upon their predecessors'' knowledge, summarizing various Martial Arts Artistic Conceptions, eventually leading to comprehensive ones such as Yin Yang and Five Elements.


    Chen Mu lowered his gaze towards the Gen Mountain Diagram, and at that moment, he could feel the once obscure and mystical Artistic Conception in the map was now so clear, as if he were directly observing the majestic ranges that stretched into the clouds, connecting heaven and earth.


    Thus, he immersed himself in contemplation.


    In a trance.


    He found himself amidst a vast and towering mountain range.


    It seemed as though it was the first mountain, the first range to emerge with the birth of this world, rolling and unfolding, grand and mighty, like the backbone of the earth, holding up the entire sky.


    Chen Mu wandered aimlessly toward that mountain, step by step as if on a pilgrimage.


    One step,


    Two steps,


    Three steps,


    Though the mountain was seemingly within reach, it also felt infinitely far away. He had no idea how long he walked, having lost track of time and ages, always unable to shorten the distance, only able to look up at the towering peaks.


    Suddenly, snow flurried, rains intertwined, and the sun blazed fiercely. Chen Mu felt the icy snowflakes falling on him, the pelting raindrops, the scorching heat soaking into his heart and soul.


    But looking out, the mountain range remained unchanged.


    The mountains also bore the snow, endured the rain, and withstood the scorching sun, yet they were always there.


    Imposing.


    This was one of the Affinities of Gen Mountain, but not its entirety, nor its core. Its true essence is unchanging, immovable.


    Steadfast as a mountain, unmovable as Gen Mountain.


    The Gen Mountain Artistic Conception signifies stillness, immobility, stability¡ªthe ageless constancy of all things. It is one of the main forces in the Qiankun Eight Phases that emphasizes "defense," not just protecting the body, but also the mind and intent.


    When the body is unmoving, the heart is steady, and the intent is self-controlled, all evil spirits and impurities find it difficult to invade the body, and all external things hard to sway the mind.


    "Gen Mountain Artistic Conception¡­"


    Chen Mu murmured to himself.


    Suddenly, as he looked up, he realized that at some unknown point, he had quietly reached the foothills of that mountain range. The distance that seemed impossible to close, despite what felt like endless ages, had vanished without a trace.


    He knew he had gained a deeper understanding of the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception.


    Gazing up at the towering peak with no end, he took a step forward to ascend, planting his foot on the mountainside, but with this step, he found himself faltering into emptiness, plummeting toward the valley bottom. The heavy sensation of falling jolted his consciousness back to clarity.


    In the blink of an eye, the mountains and ranges disappeared from view, and he was back in the Silent Chamber underground, with the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception Map in front of him. But the nearby oil lamp had long since run out of oil and died out, unknown how much time had elapsed.


    Chen Mu''s consciousness was still somewhat hazy.


    Like a person who had just woken from a deep sleep.


    As his consciousness gradually returned, before he could recall his recent insights, a profound hunger arose from his belly.


    "I''m so hungry."


    He suddenly stood up and was shocked to realize, how long had he been contemplating?


    ```


    As an existence in the Five Viscera Realm, with Inner Breath circulating and connected to the heavens and the earth, he could endure not eating or drinking for ten days to half a month. However, at this moment, he felt a strong hunger in his stomach and a thirst due to dehydration throughout his body.


    After all, the Five Viscera Realm is not the Six Viscera Realm; his stomach and viscera had not undergone tempering and could not draw Yuan Qi directly from the surroundings. Short periods without food or drink were not a great concern, but he had not yet reached the point where he could fast indefinitely.


    At present,


    Chen Mu took a step out of the underground Silent Chamber.


    He had no time to ask the astonished Wang Ni, Ku''er, and the rest in the courtyard. He went straight to the north side, where special demon meat jerky was stored, took out a few pieces, swallowed them in two or three bites, and then furiously drank half a bucket of well water beside the well.


    The feeling of hunger and thirst in his belly finally began to subside gradually.


    "Master,"


    Only then did the little maids Ku''er and Le''er follow behind, looking at Chen Mu with a bit of fright.


    Chen Mu touched his chin and then his hair, finding that his beard and hair had grown considerably. But he wasn''t too concerned about his appearance at the moment. He only asked the two young maids, "How long have I stayed in the Silent Chamber?"


    "Master, you haven''t come out for thirty-three days,"


    Ku''er blinked and quietly replied, counting on her fingers.


    "Hurry up, what are you dawdling for? Go fetch water and heat some water."


    No time to lose, Wang Ni came over with a basin and a towel, instructed Ku''er and Le''er, then looked at Chen Mu and heaved a sigh of relief, "Brother Mu, you''ve stayed down there far too long this time. If it weren''t for Sister Lotus and Sister Yue saying we shouldn''t disturb you, I wouldn''t know what to do with Ku''er and Le''er."


    By now, Chen Mu had gradually come to understand. It seemed the Earthly Green Lotus Seed was more effective than he had anticipated. Engrossed in its enchantment, he lost track of time, and before he knew it, more than a month had passed. No wonder it''s said that this item is not suitable for those below the Five Viscera Realm; merely its effects are indeed not fit for those who haven''t trained their Five Viscera. Discover more stories at empire


    Even for someone at the Bone Tempering Realm, not eating or drinking for over a month would almost spell disaster. But as a person at the Five Viscera Realm, the worst he could suffer was some discomfort in the stomach and body, which could be quickly remedied by replenishing meat and water.


    Lotus and Chen Yue were also aware of this, which was why they forbade a worried Wang Ni and others from disturbing him, knowing that as someone in the Five Viscera Realm, a month of retreat without food or drink wouldn''t pose any significant problems.


    "Hmm, I''ve worried Ni''er."


    Coming back to his senses, Chen Mu smiled at Wang Ni and said.


    Wang Ni stood there with a basin, looking somewhat hesitant as she whispered, "I know Brother Mu is very skilled in martial arts, but can you really be okay after not eating or drinking for over a month?"


    At that moment, Chen Mu casually wiped his cheeks with his hands, causing his beard to fall off, and then the somewhat grown hair was cut short. After that, he picked up the towel, washed his face in the basin Wang Ni was holding, and looked at his reflection in the water. His face, which had not become gaunt from a month of fasting and still looked very handsome, he nodded slightly.


    Then he smiled at Wang Ni, "Your Brother Mu is like an immortal; you don''t need to worry about these things. Now go."


    Wang Ni looked closely at Chen Mu, and indeed after his beard and hair had fallen, he looked no different than before, which made her breathe a sigh of relief. She turned to pour out the water from the basin and then went to help Ku''er and Le''er fetch and boil water.


    A moment later.


    After filling a large wooden tub in the house with water and testing its temperature, she helped Chen Mu change clothes and take a bath.


    After reaching the Five Viscera Realm, Chen Mu''s body didn''t easily get dirty, but he still kept the habit of bathing, if less frequently than before. Now, as he removed his clothes and lay in the hot water, he exhaled deeply. After telling Wang Ni to leave for the moment, he finally cleared his mind of distractions and summoned the system panel.


    [Martial Arts: Gen Mountain Artistic Conception]


    [Experience: 37146 points]


    [Deduction Opportunities: 0 times]


    "This Earthly Green Lotus Seed really is effective, almost excessively so,"


    Seeing the experience accumulated on the system panel, Chen Mu didn''t know what to say for a moment. Thirty-three days had passed in a blink of an eye, over a month of deep contemplation. He had never done such a long retreat before, but the results were extraordinary. In just one month, he gained over thirty thousand Experience Points!


    Almost three times the norm from contemplating an Artistic Conception Map!


    Moreover,


    Chen Mu was well aware that while he hadn''t quite reached the second step in the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception, he was not far from it. Perhaps just one more exploration would take him directly into the second step.


    This means his contemplation of the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception this time inadvertently resulted in an excess of over twenty thousand Experience Points.


    If those twenty thousand plus Experience Points could be converted into the Kan Water Artistic Conception, it wouldn''t be long before he could elevate the Kan Water Artistic Conception to the second step. But now the Experience Points for each Artistic Conception cannot be used interchangeably, so they could only be used to enhance the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception.


    "Well, it''s all inevitable sooner or later. Might as well see just how far there is from step two to step three of the Artistic Conception¡­no, from the second step to the ''two-and-a-half'' steps of the Martial Arts Domain,"


    Chen Mu''s mood quickly returned to calm.


    After all, the second step of an Artistic Conception would not be his endgame. At present, each Artistic Conception was only cultivated up to the second step and then stopped, aiming to quickly master all six Phases except Qian Heaven Kun Earth to then proceed to cultivate Qian Heaven Kun Earth. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Since the experience points for the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception had overflowed due to the Earthly Green Lotus Seed, it was time to see just how daunting the distance was beyond the second step. Indeed, as he knew, for most martial artists in the Six Viscera Realm, advancing from the initial phase of the second step to the very end and then taking half a step further to master a Martial Arts Domain often required a lifetime.

 Chapter 203 Ladder

    Hum!Accompanied by Chen Mu''s single thought and movement, he exchanged ten thousand experience points for an opportunity to deduce, and then proceeded to deduce the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception.


    Almost in an instant, a flood of complex memories and insights surged into his mind like a torrent.


    He saw himself walking among the vast mountains, climbing to the summit, overlooking the sea of clouds and mountains.


    He saw himself transform into a rock, standing on the mountain top, enduring the wind and sun without changing through the ages.


    He saw Heavenly Thunder rolling, fierce winds howling, blazing flames surging, and floods billowing¡­ He saw the vast sea turning into mulberry fields, saw bamboo and woods thriving, fruits ripening and falling, children who went up the mountain to pick peaches turning into withered old men but the mountains always remained the same.


    Suddenly.


    All of it disappeared.


    In its place appeared myriad threads of essence, representing the nature of the Gen Mountain''s phase between heaven and earth, appearing within his sight. He just lightly reached out and grasped one of them, and in a flash, he felt utterly immovable, heavy and profound.


    Crack!


    The wooden tub beneath Chen Mu, seemingly unable to bear his body weight at that moment, emitted a shattering sound, awakening Chen Mu, but the water in the tub continued to seep out from the broken bottom.


    "This is the mountain''s momentum, this is the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception."


    Chen Mu stood up from the tub, his gaze penetrating the clear water to observe the fine cracks he had pressed into the bottom of the tub.


    With that moment, wielding the power of the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception, his own weight seemed to have increased manifold suddenly, so much so that the bottom of the tub could not bear it and cracked.


    "Among the Qiankun Eight Phases, the artistic conceptions of wind, thunder, and fire all belong to Qian Heaven and are the easiest powers to merge. Besides that stands the unmovable and profoundly heavy Gen Mountain, reaching from earth to heaven, and is in no conflict with the other three phases of wind, thunder, and fire."


    Chen Mu lifted his right hand, which initially emitted blazing flames. Then, under strands of fierce wind, the flames condensed into the shape of a Fire Blade, and then wisps of Thunder Arcs intertwined over the Fire Blade, and finally, his entire arm became heavy, as if weighing thousands of pounds.


    However, he ultimately did not swing this strike, waving his hand to make it completely dissipate instead.


    In fact.


    Cultivating multiple artistic conceptions is not easy, especially blending the powers of different artistic conceptions, and it''s not that simple. The reason Chen Mu had always found it easy to merge the powers of various artistic conceptions was because he practiced in the most correct direction of Qian Heaven, and they also all belonged to the Qiankun Eight Phases.


    Like Kan Water and Separating Fire, these are completely opposing affinities. If one were to cultivate only these two artistic conceptions, even if both were advanced to the second step, when deploying them, it would be nearly impossible to blend them without any loss, and the power exerted would hardly reach two portions, often at most one and a half or even less.


    But the three phases of wind, thunder, and fire are similar, and Gen Mountain has a special affinity, having no conflict with any other artistic conception except for Dui Ze, so having advanced to the second step of the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception, Chen Mu could still easily unleash the fusion power of four artistic conceptions, which is a true burst of four portions of the Heaven and Earth''s Might.


    However.


    Next up, Kan Water and Dui Ze will not be so easy.


    According to Chen Mu''s judgment, after mastering Kan Water and Dui Ze, although he would become more versatile, capable of securing advantage in various environments, blending these six artistic conceptions into a single burst, unleashing a complete six portions of Heaven and Earth''s Might, would be extremely difficult, nearly impossible even.


    To change this situation, the only way would be to comprehend the most core Qian Heaven and Kun Earth!


    Plainly put, sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The lineage of the Qiankun Eight Phases, after all the twisting and turning, cannot bypass Qian Heaven Kun Earth ultimately. Even if the other six phases are mastered, conflicts among themselves prevent them from coalescing into a whole, just like the Pavilion Master of Mysterious Mechanism who cultivated the Four Seasons Artistic Conception, where adjacent seasons can synergize better, but opposites like the midsummer and harsh winter, similarly suffer from conflicts making a perfect fusion difficult.


    But once Qian Heaven and Kun Earth are mastered, it will be entirely different, with no conflicts between them.


    In the Seven Profound Sect, Zhou Hao of the Great Profound Peak, who mastered Gen Mountain, Kan Water, Dui Ze, and Xun Wind artistic conceptions, had advanced them all to the second step early. However, he did not continue to cultivate Separating Fire and Thunderbolt but has been focused on the crucial Kun Earth Artistic Conception; however, the Kun Earth Artistic Conception is too difficult, and in the records of the Ranking of New Stars, his Kun Earth Artistic Conception only reached the first step.


    If the Kun Earth Artistic Conception were to advance to the second step, his strength would undoubtedly greatly increase. Against Zuo Qianqiu, the top of the New Stars, even if he might not necessarily win, he would at least not lose within four strikes.


    "Cultivating four artistic conceptions of the Qiankun Eight Phases reaches a bottleneck before mastering Qian Heaven and Kun Earth."


    Chen Mu mused to himself.


    Of course, if it were just for enhancing the might of artistic conceptions, one could even cultivate other artistic conceptions outside the Qiankun Eight Phases, such as the Four Seasons, yet the completely different systems of these artistic conceptions are basically much harder to integrate and blend.


    Any artistic conception of the Four Seasons, once advanced to the second step, possesses about two portions of might. However, if a cultivator of the Qiankun Eight Phases were to also cultivate one of the Four Seasons to the second step, it would not likely result in a simple addition. Instead, due to the difficulty of integration between different systems, it would cause conflicts and lead to an actual increase in might far less than two portions.


    One might say.


    Whether it''s Yin Yang, Five Elements, or any other kind or lineage, cultivating multiple artistic conceptions always has its limits, unless one completely fuses and comprehends the truly complete Yin Yang or even Five Elements Artistic Conceptions.


    "Being able to exert one portion of Heaven and Earth''s Might belongs to the threshold of the Five Viscera Realm."


    "Having three portions only counts as average strength,"


    "Reaching four or five portions is considered among the best."


    "Around seven portions, you are considered extremely strong in the Five Viscera Realm, even capable of surpassing some weaker Martial Artists of the Six Viscera Realm."


    "Reaching ten portions is basically the peak of the Five Viscera Realm, nearing the limit of this level."


    "As for exceeding ten portions... If you can achieve that level by relying solely on your own without the aid of a Spirit Weapon, it means you must have completely mastered the Artistic Conceptions of Yin Yang, Four Seasons, Five Elements, and advancing into the second step during the Five Viscera Realm. That would take you to that domain which is also the pinnacle of the Five Viscera Realm, and still quite strong even placed within the higher Six Viscera Realm."


    Chen Mu looked up at the ceiling, his gaze seemingly piercing through the dome toward the sky.


    Now, without using the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear, solely with his own strength, he could also unleash a burst nearly equal to seven portions of Heaven and Earth''s Might, which was even stronger than many who had barely stepped into the Six Viscera Realm. If the rankings of the newcomers were reset at his current level, he could easily break into the top twenty.


    However, he still had some gaps compared to the top figures like Zuo Qianqiu and Yuan Yingsong.


    Both of those could unleash a power around nine portions, making them the best of this generation.


    Soon.


    Chen Mu gathered his thoughts and looked again at the system panel, which still had over twenty thousand remaining experience points. Without much hesitation, he exchanged these points for two more chances of deduction and started deducing again.


    With the consumption of experience points and deduction chances, another wave of complex memories and insights surged into his heart.


    In the midst of it all,


    Chen Mu seemed to see again the mountain that stretched up to the heavens towering before him, then his entire person aimlessly stepped forward, but this time there was no stepping into the void. Instead, on that mountain, silently appeared layer upon layer of stairs stretching forth, so many steps that he could not see where they ended.


    He continued to ascend step by step, not knowing how far he had walked, only feeling his limbs becoming heavier and heavier, as if turning to stone, increasingly difficult to climb, until finally stopping at a spot.


    Looking back around.


    It seemed as though he was still at the foot of the mountain.


    After Chen Mu''s thoughts gradually recovered, he did not hesitate and deduced once more. Experience more tales on empire


    Then another complex wave of memories and insights surged, giving strength to his rigid and petrified body to continue climbing up the mountainside, step by step, growing difficult and heavy, once again stopping, but this time looking back, he could no longer see the foot of the mountain.


    Looking upwards, he still could not see the summit.


    Not knowing exactly where he was on this stretch of stairs.


    At last, all the illusions disappeared.


    Chen Mu''s consciousness returned once more to the room, the bottom of the wooden barrel having unknowingly sprouted cracks with water gushing out, soaking the entire room and seeping out along the threshold.


    "Ah, Brother Mu, why is it all wet?"


    Wang Ni, who had been waiting outside, came in holding a clean white towel.


    "The barrel broke, it''s okay,"


    Chen Mu responded evenly, stepping out of the barrel and not taking the towel offered by Wang Ni. With a slight shake of his body, numerous fine droplets of water sprayed off him like glass marbles, scattering everywhere.


    Wang Ni was not surprised by this scene, only her cheeks slightly reddened as she stepped back a few steps, placed the towel down, and then brought over the clothes prepared for Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu let Wang Ni help him dress, while sensing the changes in his Gen Mountain Artistic Conception.


    "Indeed, after stepping into the second step, continuing to deepen the understanding hasn''t brought about any substantial changes. The two deductions only increased the might of the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception by about a quarter portion,"


    Chen Mu thought deeply, not surprised by this.


    Between the second and third steps of an Artistic Conception, the gap is like a chasm, a process of accumulation, not resulting in a great qualitative change. According to his understanding, from the very beginning of the second step to reaching its limit and touching the bottleneck of the third step, the might would only increase about twice.


    For Gen Mountain Artistic Conception, if one could reach the limit of the second step and touch the boundary of the third step, then the power of Heaven and Earth one could mobilize would be about two portions.


    And the deeper one cultivates any Artistic Conception, the easier it is to lose oneself in it, requiring the solidifying of the Martial Arts will to control it.


    "Looking at the current situation, it probably takes eight or nine deductions to cultivate an Artistic Conception to the limit of the second step, and the actual increase is only ''one portion'' of Heaven and Earth''s Might. Compared to that, indeed nurturing a second Artistic Conception boosts strength even more. No wonder Sister Meng said, in the Five Viscera Realm as long as one Artistic Conception reaches the second step, it''s better to cultivate other Artistic Conceptions too. It seems it''s not just for a single reason."


    Chen Mu remembered the knowledge about cultivating Artistic Conceptions that Meng Danyun had told him long ago.

 Chapter 204 Four Times Tempering

    After changing into a loose robe,Chen Mu returned to the Silent Chamber and took out the Gen Mountain Diagram once again.


    By now, the effects of the Earthly Green Lotus Seed had mostly faded. When he looked at the diagram again, he no longer felt immediately immersed, as though he could touch the essence of Gen Mountain as before.


    Moreover, he clearly felt that the Artistic Conception contained within the Gen Mountain Diagram was no longer as profound as before. Although he could still glean further understanding from it, as his insight deepened, until his own understanding of the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception completely surpassed that contained in the diagram, it would essentially become obsolete, just like those previous Imitative Diagrams.


    "Perhaps after another five or six deductions?"


    Chen Mu wasn''t quite sure.


    After all, this wasn''t something tangible that could mobilize The Power of Heaven and Earth, but rather a more elusive understanding of Artistic Conception. It was hard to be specific, but a rough estimate suggested that, relying on this diagram, he could only train to the limits of the second step.


    Of course,


    having the system panel meant there were no limits to which step he could train to. Even if he completely understood the entire conception of the diagram, as long as he continued to ponder, the system panel could still forcibly extract Experience Points from it.


    He had already verified this with the previous imprints of the Thunderbolt and Separating Fire Maps.


    Only, the efficiency would diminish.


    This Gen Mountain Diagram was a high-quality Imitative Diagram. Although Chen Mu''s comprehension of the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception had stepped into the second phase and climbed two more stages, continued contemplation would still be efficient. In his estimation, it would take about three or four more deductions before the efficiency in gaining Experience Points would gradually decline.


    "So, do I continue with Gen Mountain, or... Kan Water?"


    Chen Mu pondered briefly.


    He soon made a decision and put away the Gen Mountain Diagram.


    Although practicing Kan Water or Dui Ze now would result in conflicts in Affinity with his current understanding of Artistic Conception, unlike the simple fusion and stacking when he practiced the elemental conceptions of wind, thunder, fire, and mountain¡ªmainly adding adaptability to different heavenly timings and earthly advantages...


    But, he would eventually need to practice Qian Heaven and Kun Earth.


    Once he mastered one of them, with Qian Heaven consolidating the power of wind, thunder, and fire, there would be no more Affinity conflict with Kan Water and Dui Ze, until he mastered Kun Earth. After that, the Eight Phases of Artistic Conception would fully integrate into one whole.


    Continuing with Gen Mountain could further enhance his power, but the efficiency was just too low. Now, it was more about gathering Qiankun.


    However,


    Chen Mu didn''t rush to fetch the Kan Water Diagram, but after some thought, he took out a pale golden bead the size of a finger, containing a trace of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Power, very similar to the Earth Element Pearl, only with a different nature.


    This was a Gold Element Pearl, acquired from Meng Danyun.


    Almost two months had passed since the last round of tempering in his Five Viscera, and his body and Inner Breath had adapted. Even his Five Viscera were slowly undergoing the third tempering. The progress was roughly halfway.


    "It''s time to increase the progress a bit more."


    A faint light flickered in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    For true disciples like Meng Danyun and Hua Nongying, they generally did not rely on Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items like Gold Element Pearls or Earth Element Pearls to speed up the tempering of the Five Viscera Realm.


    Because the actual benefit wasn''t significant. Even if they completed the tempering of the Five Viscera Realm earlier, they would often stay in the Five Viscera Realm longer to comprehend Artistic Conception as much as possible, using it to refine their own Yuan Gang, strengthening their foundation and essence until they reached their limit, or until they reached thirty years of age, before entering the Six Viscera Realm.


    After all,


    for the true disciples of various sects, entering the Six Viscera Realm posed no difficulty.


    However, for Chen Mu, the situation was different. The progress of the Five Viscera Tempering also meant an increase in power. Moreover, with his aptitude for comprehension, focusing on Artistic Conception presented no difficulty; it all came naturally.


    He ground the Gold Element Pearl together with prepared Medicinal Powder, boiled them into a cup of medicinal juice, and Chen Mu gulped it down in two swigs. It dissolved rapidly in his stomach, turning into a portion of golden Yuan Qi, coursing into his lungs, bringing a warm and comfortable sensation to his chest.


    [Inner Breathing Method (Second Turn)]


    [Experience Points: 215]


    He summoned the system panel. The Medicinal Power corresponding to the Experience Points was less than last time, as the Gold Element Pearl he utilized this time was a size smaller than the previous Earth Element Pearl.


    "Each tempering of the Five Viscera requires more Medicinal Power and Experience. I wonder if this third tempering needs three hundred or four hundred Experience Points. But having completed nearly half on my own, it should be more than enough either way."


    Thoughts flashed through Chen Mu''s mind, and then he tried to use Experience Points to opt for an improvement.


    Just as he had expected,


    a chunk of Experience Points was consumed instantly, followed by a feeling of the golden Yuan Qi in his lungs splitting into five parts, transforming into five distinct types of Yuan Qi, merging into the Five Viscera, rapidly refining and transforming.


    In just a moment, the third tempering of the Five Viscera was completed, and Chen Mu didn''t feel the slightest discomfort. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Inner Breathing Method (Third Turn)]


    [Experience Points: 65]


    The Experience Points on the system panel changed accordingly.


    "I should be able to go for another round."


    After a brief contemplation, Chen Mu took out an even larger Earth Element Pearl.


    Discover hidden stories at empire


    Although the Earth Element Pearl could also help him understand the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception, after entering the second phase, its beneficial effect had basically become negligible. Moreover, he wouldn''t be delving further into the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception for a while.

 Chapter 204 Four Refinements_2

    He also mixed the Earth Element Pearl with several herbs, kneaded it into Medicinal Powder, and ingested it.[Inner Breathing Method (Three Transitions)] Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Experience Points: 517]


    After glancing at the changes on the system panel, Chen Mu chose to enhance himself as he was used to doing.


    As he had predicted, the fourth tempering of the Five Viscera consumed four hundred Experience Points corresponding to Medicinal Power. The earth spirit yuan qi stored in the spleen was divided into four parts and transferred into the heart, liver, lungs, and kidneys, allowing all five viscera to quickly absorb and temper them.


    A moment later.


    Chen Mu slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air and opened his eyes.


    Once again, he completed two temperings of the Five Viscera in one go, but the reaction was not as intense as last time. This was obviously because, after two temperings, not only his viscera but also his body''s meridians had become much tougher than before. On the other hand, his third tempering had already been half completed, so this round, although called two temperings, was essentially just speeding up one and a half times.


    "Three portions of Yuan Gang Force!"


    Chen Mu spread his left hand, and a hazy Yuan Gang Force appeared in his palm, which then split into four, transforming into Xun Wind, Thunderbolt, Separating Fire, and Gen Mountain four elements, and then silently returned to formlessness.


    After completing the fourth tempering of the Five Viscera, his Yuan Gang Force had improved significantly, reaching the level of three portions.


    "Very good."


    Chen Mu closed his fingers, and the Yuan Gang Force disappeared: "The Yuan Gang True Essence has strengthened a bit. If I control the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear, its power will also increase by a notch, but it''s likely still only good for one strike."


    The Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear belongs to a category of lethal Spirit Weapons and is among the most fierce kind in that category. Currently, at the Five Viscera Realm, he could not fully control this Spirit Weapon and unleash all its potential.


    According to Chen Mu''s estimation, the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear holds a not so low quality among Spirit Weapons. If its power were fully unleashed, a single strike might reach twenty portions of power, almost touching the lower limit of a Wind Cloud List master!


    Of course.


    That was just barely touching the lower limit.


    For someone like Yan Jingqing, who, without using a Spirit Weapon, could mobilize a power of at least twenty portions with their own abilities, not to mention these strong individuals on the Wind Cloud List who typically wield Spirit Weapons suitable for them.


    "If I master the complete Qiankun Artistic Conception and push the Five Viscera Tempering to its limits, perhaps I could come close to the lower limit of those Wind Cloud List masters. Even if still unmatched, I should have some capacity to resist."


    "At that point, I''d truly possess some strength to roam the world."


    Thinking of this, Chen Mu felt a surge of emotions for a while.


    Presently, he was unrivaled in Yu County, capable of surpassing genuine transfers like Gu Hong, but in the entire world, and even in the Eleven State of the Cold North Path, he was hardly considered significant, merely a junior in the eyes of true Grandmasters or Wind Cloud List masters.


    However, if he could reach the level of the Wind Cloud List, that would be completely different. Even those at the very bottom of the list would be powerful enough to dominate across the Eleven State of the Cold North Path, and could face some Marrow Cleansing Realm Grandmasters, perhaps resisting or even escaping them.


    Only then would he truly have the confidence to roam the world.


    ...


    Silently.


    Chen Mu left the Silent Chamber again.


    First, he summoned the servants, gave a few instructions, and then left the courtyard.


    With his current status, to comprehend the Kan Water Diagram, there was naturally no need to go to the Ancient Courtyard. He simply ordered someone to bring the Kan Water Diagram to him. As for others studying the Kan Water Diagram, the Yu Family still had many duplicate rubbings of it.


    After a month-long seclusion, he had planned to visit Hongyu, but as he passed by Chen Yue''s courtyard and heard the commotion inside, he stopped and listened carefully along the wall.


    In the courtyard.


    Chen Yue was practicing her swordsmanship.


    She was practicing the Falling Rain Sword Technique. As the sword flashed under the sunlight, it sparkled brilliantly. Her proficiency in executing the moves had long surpassed the necessity of conscious thought, yet she was still a bit away from achieving true Sword Momentum.


    However, in the realm of Body Refining, she had already achieved Body Refinement Perfection and was only a step away from Tendon Changing.


    To reach this level at twenty was to stand out among the young generation of the Yu Family, even surpassing Hongyu''s progress at that age, partly due to Chen Mu''s guidance and partly because her own natural talents were truly exceptional.


    Whoosh.


    Just then, a dark silhouette suddenly appeared behind her, reaching out for her neck.


    Chen Yue was startled and crouched down while simultaneously changing her sword technique to execute a ''Swift Rain Style'' diagonal slash, countering towards the figure behind her.


    The figure wore a black mask, making it hard to discern their face. The maroon-skinned hand that reached out felt wholly unfamiliar to her. The fingers changed from a grab to a palm, slapped the side of the soft sword, bending it, and then continued reaching for Chen Yue''s neck.


    This grab was fierce and targeted her vital throat area, dangerously life-threatening enough to kill her in one strike, leaving no time for Chen Yue to call for help. Her body involuntarily leaned back as the bent soft sword slashed diagonally at the arm''s elbow of her assailant.


    Cling!


    The masked figure stretched out his left hand and flicked the soft sword once more, bending it again. His right hand had already made contact with the delicate skin of Chen Yue''s neck, the fingertips carrying a faint chill, as if they were about to pierce her throat the next moment.


    In this perilous life-and-death moment, Chen Yue instead grew unprecedentedly calm. Her repeatedly deflected soft sword, under a flick of her wrist, stabbed at an odd angle towards the chest of the masked figure.


    This move was not a technique from the Falling Rain Sword Art, but the tip of her sword, flickering with a cold light, still carried the Momentum of the Falling Rain Sword!


    This stroke was a do-or-die stance, also meant to force the masked figure to retreat.


    However.


    The sword tip failed to penetrate the body of the masked figure, as it was caught between his two fingers. The hand that had touched Chen Yue''s throat had its slightly discolored skin quickly fade to reveal a familiar hand shape, which gently pinched her chin before withdrawing.


    "Brother!"


    Chen Yue''s eyes widened at the figure before her, then her cheeks puffed up, and she began to pout.


    "Very good, you have finally mastered this sword technique."


    Chen Mu chuckled as he removed his black veil mask. With his current skills, disguising himself from Chen Yue was far too easy. Given Chen Yue''s quick perception and years of practicing the Falling Rain Sword Technique, she had always been just shy of reaching its Momentum until he ''pushed'' her, finally helping her cross that threshold.


    Seeing Chen Yue still standing there, pouting with wide eyes fixed on him, Chen Mu immediately laughed and said, "What are you waiting for? Keep practicing with the feeling you just found."


    Being able to produce Sword Momentum at this age meant that Chen Yue had a vast potential ahead in her Martial Arts journey. She might even reach Artistic Conception or step into the Five Viscera Realm. Before he left Yu County for the Seven Profound Sect, he naturally hoped that those close to him would enhance their strength, and he especially hoped that Chen Yue could blaze her own path in Martial Arts, capable of standing on her own like Hongyu or even Meng Danyun.


    The young girl was still feeling awkward, especially because Chen Mu had altered all his characteristics, making it impossible for her to recognize him, making her mistakenly think she was facing an assassin or killer. For a moment, she truly had thoughts of dying together, never seeing Chen Mu again.


    Of course.


    If it weren''t for the genuine life-and-death sensation, she likely wouldn''t have had the epiphany to finally transcend the limits of Sword Momentum.


    Chen Mu knew the girl''s awkwardness, so he coaxed her with a chuckle, and soon enough, she burst into a giggle, both annoyed and amused. She rushed forward, playing around for a bit before she again took up her sword and started practicing with focus.


    Chen Mu watched for a while, and once Chen Yue''s swordsmanship clearly moved beyond the routine to a point where every movement captured the essence of falling rain, he briefly nodded before quietly leaving the courtyard.

 Chapter 205 Awareness of Purpose

    After tutoring Chen Yue, Chen Mu headed to the courtyard where Hongyu was staying. Xu Hongyu''s courtyard seemed busier than usual, with many little maids bustling about, and some chattering and discussing something.Upon seeing Chen Mu coming, they all hastened to bow and salute one by one.


    "The son-in-law has arrived."


    Little Lotus came out from the inner courtyard, dressed in emerald green clothes, and politely bowed to Chen Mu before smilingly saying, "Miss has gone to see grandmother in the east, she just happens to be out, but these past few days she has been waiting to take your measurements for the ceremonial clothes."


    Xu Hongyu was not from an ordinary civilian family, and Chen Mu''s status and position went without saying. Every aspect of the marriage ceremony started being prepared over a month in advance, including the new clothes and bridal outfit, which were naturally sewn from the finest silk and satin. Even though Yu County was not like the past, with nothing too extravagant, Yan Jingqing was to officiate the ceremony, so of course everything had to be dignified enough.


    "Alright."


    Chen Mu smiled at Little Lotus.


    In actuality, Little Lotus could estimate his build quite accurately just with her eyes, and since he was a martial artist at the Five Viscera Realm, changing his physique was quite easy to a certain extent, a little bigger or smaller wouldn''t have much impact. But this marriage ceremony, whether for Xu Hongyu or Little Lotus, was taken with utmost seriousness, naturally demanding perfection down to every detail.


    Chen Mu himself didn''t really care much about these things, following Little Lotus''s measurements, he also asked about many matters that happened during the more than a month of his seclusion, such as the Inspectorate and the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion having several minor conflicts over some issues in the city, but none escalated. Since he had already resigned from the position of Metropolitan Commander of the Inspectorate, these trivial matters naturally did not concern him anymore.


    "Son-in-law, son-in-law..."


    Little Lotus, who was meticulously measuring Chen Mu, suddenly flushed with a crimson hue across her face, her voice trembling lightly, and her delicate eyes looked at Chen Mu like shimmering water.


    Chen Mu did nothing inappropriate, merely placing his hand there, carefully sensing the Qi-Blood in her body, and said, "You''ve finally achieved Tendon Changing Major Achievement."


    Little Lotus''s progress in martial arts was much slower than Xu Hongyu''s. In part, it was because her martial roots truly weren''t as good as Xu Hongyu''s, and she didn''t have access to as many resources either. Finally, as Xu Hongyu''s servant, she had to take care of many daily matters, so Xu Hongyu wouldn''t be hindered by trivialities, which naturally delayed her cultivation.


    "Oh."


    Little Lotus responded with a quiver, her body slightly weak.


    As a martial artist who achieved Tendon Changing Major Achievement, she was naturally not a weak and powerless little maid, but deep down, she couldn''t help but wish Chen Mu would be a bit ''more excessive'' and strip off her clothes to whip her firmly. Yet, she knew it was not the right time, thus she dared not advance nor retreat, only being able to remain still amidst her confusion and shyness.


    However, Chen Mu made no other moves, seeming to merely palpate her bones to feel her Qi-Blood and her skill before quickly withdrawing his hand, allowing her a small sigh of relief. She couldn''t harbor the slightest thought of resistance towards Chen Mu, for she herself was more than willing. However, she just couldn''t do that before the lady had entered the household... that would leave her not knowing how to face the Miss.


    Seeing Little Lotus continue to measure him dutifully, Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile softly. He has never regarded anyone with the concepts of superiority or inferiority. Instead, he had long admired Little Lotus''s courage and cunning. Although there were plenty of outstanding women throughout Yu City that outshone her, she was, after all, just a humble servant.


    Being able to plan and strategize for Xu Hongyu when she held the position of Chief Constable, handling many matters personally at the forefront and sorting out various complicated tasks for Xu Hongyu, was already more than one could ask from a servant.


    Now.


    Even if she thought countless times about the imperial examination matters, getting timid with just a slight touch, her body softening like mist, she still strived to endure because of Xu Hongyu, which made him appreciate her even more. A maid designated to warm the bed naturally would follow after the Miss.


    There are many women in this world who are more outstanding than Little Lotus, and even someone like Xu Hongyu, whose figure and appearance were nearly flawless, with a combination of background and talent, there were also many in this world, countless indeed.


    But those had no connection to him.


    Only the person before him was real and truly existed.


    Ever since he became aware of the existence of martial will, Chen Mu also occasionally pondered what his own martial will was¡ªwas it to protect this sanctuary before him, or to stir up storms in the world, or perhaps to reset the mountains and rivers, to recreate Heaven and Earth.


    Yet it seemed he had a bit of each choice, and none of them were purely his.


    Even the times he provided relief to disaster victims and rescued the distressed populace, it wasn''t because he was exceptionally kindhearted and had the heart of a saint, but simply because he couldn''t stand those scenes once he had the power and position.


    He had also killed countless people, wiping out the entire He Family in a single day, causing blood to flow like rivers in Yu City.


    "Perhaps, what I want most is to see all things in this world follow my will."


    Chen Mu gazed out of the window towards the sky.


    Unknowingly, he seemed to gradually understand the direction of his own will.


    It was neither the ultimate realm of martial arts nor a world at peace, nor was it about protecting the sanctuary around him... It was to have everything. He wanted everything his gaze fell upon to be decided by his heart''s desire, wanted his will to permeate throughout the vast world unhindered. This was the ambition hidden deepest within his heart.


    Perhaps this had existed from the moment he came into this world, just buried under the dark and dangerous lower stratum, the murder-filled Outer City, and the various pressures he had always felt, making him keep this thought deep inside, never shown to anyone, not even to himself.


    Until now.


    As he carefully combed through his everything, he seemed to finally understand what he truly wanted.


    All things in the world arise from the intentions of the heart!


    This will, or rather this ambition, is far too vast, so immense it becomes elusive, surpassing notions of ''honoring the Sword Dao above all in the world,'' or ''casting a net to capture every beauty and treasure within sight.''


    Even when compared to grand ambitions such as reshaping mountains and rivers, recreating Qiankun, and achieving world peace, it seems even more challenging.


    After all, reaching the Blood Exchange Realm, becoming a divine swordsman or Sword Saint of the world, does not equate to making all things arise from the intentions of the heart. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "My ambition is also perhaps too grand."


    Chen Mu sighed inwardly.


    Even he thought his ambition was too great, and too distant, yet he couldn''t deceive himself.


    When he unearthed this thought from the deepest recesses of his heart, he could no longer re-bury it; it became the genuine desire and the will he sought to pursue.


    So be it.


    Since this is the desire of his heart, then it shall be the direction his heart aspires to henceforth.


    Though he still finds himself insignificant in the vastness of the world today, he has stepped beyond Yu County, and his name is known throughout the Eleven States of the Cold North Path. No longer is he the lowly officer plagued with worry night and day; even if his ambitions exceed the heavens, there will always be a staircase that leads to the sky.


    What he needs is to continue wielding his sword and advance, step by step becoming his ladder.


    What he needs is to face his heart directly, without question, concealment, or avoidance.


    In this moment.


    Chen Mu felt a subtle, silent change within his spirit, a sense of determination and solidification he had never felt before.


    The power of heaven and earth invoked by the artistic conceptions of Xun Wind, Thunderbolt, Separating Fire, and Gen Mountain, the weight and pressure of it all, seemed to have suddenly eased; he no longer needed to concentrate his will as before to summon the forces of heaven and earth and wield the might of artistic conceptions. It felt as if a single thought could mobilize them.


    "To solidify one''s Martial Arts will, one must first align one''s heart and clarify one''s intentions."


    Chen Mu recalled the sparse descriptions in the Martial Canon of Da Xuan.


    Only by facing one''s true heart''s direction and remaining unwavering, can one begin to possess their own Martial Arts will... This step seems simple, but is in fact not easy, as different people have different hearts, and for some the heart''s direction might even be ''to indulge in music and dreams of chasing butterflies,'' yet they often dare not face it, covering it up and evading.


    Such wills are still wills, but to align them without faltering is not something ordinary people can do. Those who truly can do it, and reach the end, are not the depraved indulging in pleasures, but those who have reached the realm of the great joyous Buddha of the Buddha Sect, where ''all physical forms are empty, delightfully demonstrating the Dharma.''


    At this moment.


    Xiao He had finished measuring every inch of Chen Mu''s body, and was looking at him, about to say something, when she suddenly paused, feeling as if Chen Mu standing there had undergone some kind of change.


    But what exactly had changed, she couldn''t articulate. It wasn''t the Qi-Blood, nor the breath, nor the momentum... It was more like an ethereal charisma, as if his entire being had suddenly become more real.


    The darkness in his eyes seemed to have deepened.


    "What are you staring at?"


    Chen Mu, with his concentrated thoughts devoid of any clutter, quickly gathered his focus and, noticing Xiao He staring at him in a daze, asked with a smile.


    "No, nothing."


    Xiao He snapped back to reality, feeling a little strange, and said, "It''s just... it seemed like there was some change in you just now, young master."


    Smack.


    A crisp sound suddenly echoed.


    "An illusion!"


    Chen Mu said to Xiao He.


    Xiao He''s pretty face turned abruptly red, looking at Chen Mu with a flushed, bashful expression: "Young master..."


    Chen Mu laughed heartily and turned to leave the room, leaving Xiao He standing there with her face still red. After a while, she ran to the side and began meticulously noting down all the measurements she had taken of Chen Mu.

 Chapter 206 Wedding Joy

    He left the house.Chen Mu waited for Xu Hongyu to return and then had a detailed chat with her.


    He didn''t proceed to any further actions since the wedding was just one month away, set for the ninth of April. For him, who could be in closed-door cultivation for over a month, it was but the blink of an eye.


    After being escorted out of the courtyard by Xu Hongyu, reminding her not to neglect her martial arts cultivation, Chen Mu returned to his own courtyard.


    "Young master, this is the Kan Water Diagram, delivered for you." Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The old Yu Family butler was waiting in the outer courtyard and presented a scroll to Chen Mu as he arrived, bowing respectfully.


    The Kan Water Diagram personally delivered by the old butler was naturally the superior grade imitative diagram from the Yu Family. Although Yu Jiujiang once said that all the Yu Family''s resources were available to Chen Mu, the Kan Water Diagram was an exception. If Chen Mu wanted to study the diagram, he usually would have to be in the Ancient Courtyard, but now things were different.


    With Chen Mu''s strength and position within the family, there was no place in the entire Yu Family more secure than his own courtyard. The Kan Water Diagram was at no risk of being lost with him, and if it could be lost with him, it could be lost in the Ancient Courtyard as well.


    "Old Yu, you have worked hard."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly to the old Yu Family butler and took the diagram.


    The old butler bowed to Chen Mu, saying, "These are all part of my duties. Young master, please study it carefully. I won''t disturb you further."


    As Chen Mu''s strength and status rose higher and higher, the old butler''s attitude toward him changed gradually. Now, he was as respectful to Chen Mu as he was to Yu Jiujiang, daring not to show any negligence.


    "Old Yu, take care."


    Chen Mu was quite cordial to the old Yu Family butler who had taken care of him during his early days in the Yu Family.


    After the old butler left, Chen Mu, holding the Kan Water Diagram, once again entered the Silent Chamber.


    He had already seen the Kan Water Diagram in the Ancient Courtyard, so there was no need for further scrutiny. After spreading it out, Chen Mu''s gaze focused on it, perceiving the majestic and vast Artistic Conception depicted as if a galaxy cascaded from the heavens.


    ...


    The ninth of April.


    The entire Yu Family estate was immersed in a festive atmosphere.


    Because today was the day Chen Mu, who had once served as Chief Constable of the Inspectorate and the Demon-Slaying Office, swept through many true inheritances, ranked twenty-seventh on the Wind Cloud List of the Cold North Path''s budding talents, was to marry Xu Hongyu, the granddaughter of the Yu Family patriarch Yu Zuyi.


    Although Xu Hongyu was but an outer granddaughter of the Yu Family, her special status and exceptional beauty made her a core direct member of the family. The marital ties between Xu Hongyu and Chen Mu had been agreed upon long ago. Initially, to the remoter branches of the Yu Family and many of the servants, the matter did not seem to have much effect, and they were merely a little surprised.


    But after Chen Mu leveled the He Family and even pressed down on the true inheritances of various sects, climbing onto the Wind Cloud List, even the most distant relatives and household staff of the Yu Family understood that Xu Hongyu''s marriage to Chen Mu was akin to the entire Yu Family leaning on a much higher and mightier mountain than Yu Jiujiang.


    To be ranked twenty-seventh and have the potential to step into the Six Viscera Realm in the future, even in the Viscera Realm, he would not be weak. As time and accomplishments accumulated, he was expected to reach the Wind Cloud List, becoming a true force capable of stirring the winds and clouds.


    Not to mention the Yu Family.


    Even in the face of Chen Mu, the more powerful and deeply rooted Xue Family of Yu County paled in comparison. Perhaps Chen Mu couldn''t support a great family like the Xue Family in a short time, but if he wished to destroy it, that would be as easy as overturning his hand.


    In an area located to the east of the Yu Family estate, bordering the once-He Family territory, there was an extremely large courtyard with a plaque bearing the golden characters "Chen Mansion" on the main gate, along with the entire mahogany door, both brand new.


    Proceeding along the main gate, you would see corridors winding back and forth, surrounded by flowers and plants. Even though there were no extremely luxurious gold and silver ornaments in the series of nested courtyards, they were all very quiet and elegant.


    At the back.


    In a central main courtyard.


    Chen Mu was sitting in a chair inside the house, contemplating the Kan Water Diagram on the table intently until he heard footsteps outside. Then he smiled slightly and put away the diagram.


    Who else, but him, would be absorbed in cultivation and grasping the profound Artistic Conception on his wedding day?


    If his talent were poor it wouldn''t matter much, but not only was his understanding exceptional, his efforts matched anyone''s as well. This world was destined to bear a vivid mark of his name.


    Though nearly a month had passed and the effects of the Earthly Green Lotus Seed had mostly faded, he had still managed to gain an initial understanding of the Kan Water Artistic Conception, thus taking his first step into the Kan Water Sect.


    This mansion was also selected by him. It didn''t need to be lavish; serene elegance was all he wanted. After all, he might not spend much time here in the future. More often, it would be Xu Hongyu and Yue''er who lived in this mansion.


    "Brother Mu?"


    Wang Ni''s tentative voice came from the doorway.


    "Come in,"


    Chen Mu stood up.


    Wang Ni pushed open the door from outside, rushing in with the two little maids, Ku''er and Yue''er, followed by several new maids responsible for trimming the courtyard''s floral branches. After each gave a bow to Chen Mu, they began setting up.


    Chen Mu knew he didn''t need to wash up, but still washed his face in the wooden basin Ku''er brought over, then, under the flustered attendance of Wang Ni, dressed in the official''s new clothes.


    The entire new garment was a striking red, embroidered with festive patterns using purple and cyan silk threads reportedly sourced from a magical silkworm, nearly impervious to water and fire. However, it was very complex to wear. Wang Ni and Yue''er bustled around him, and even accidentally fastened the buttons wrong, causing a bit of a flurry.


    "No need to rush, there''s still plenty of time."


    Chen Mu let Wang Ni, Yue''er, and the others dress him in the cumbersome new clothes, smiling at their frantic state.


    "It is early indeed, but there''s a lot to do today, and any delay would be unwelcome."


    Wang Ni whispered in response, busy with Yue''er, and soon Ku''er also came over to help. Eventually, they managed to dress Chen Mu in his new clothes properly, followed by placing a red and gold four-hanging headscarf on him.


    In Chen Mu''s eyes and by his aesthetic standards, the new outfit was dignified enough, not at all tacky. Of course, it was also due to his own outstanding temperament and appearance, as clothes were always just an adornment.


    The front courtyard.


    Many figures had already gathered here, mostly from the Yu Family.


    Chen Hong''s family was also present, and Butcher Zhang... now better known as Zhang Xiangshen, was wearing a decent robe, standing in a corner with a beaming smile, chatting with others:


    "I don''t mean to boast, but my in-law was born with an auspicious fate. On the evening of the day he was born, people say a streak of purple qi fell from the sky, casting thousands of golden glows on the horizon. I often said that my in-law would surely be extraordinary, a real dragon and phoenix among people..."


    Zhang Xiangshen spoke nonstop, with Min Baoyi smiling along in agreement.


    While the corner was filled with distant relatives or old acquaintances of Chen Mu, those a bit further inside were even more prominent figures.


    Even the Chief Constable of South City District, such a high-ranking official, had to stand aside and barely had any opportunity to speak.


    A moment later.


    A stir echoed through the courtyard as Chen Mu, dressed in new clothes, emerged from an inner yard, prompting the crowd to make way for him, with flattering words flowing endlessly.


    Chen Mu greeted everyone with a serene expression, casually chatting with a few familiar people, then noticed a few figures in the corner.


    "How have you been lately, Old Brother Min?"


    He smiled at Min Baoyi and called out.


    Min Baoyi, flattered, quickly stepped forward, saying, "Good, good, Ninth District is very stable, and I have been keeping a watchful eye on your old residence."


    After chatting with Min Baoyi for a bit, Chen Mu turned towards other directions.


    But even that brief exchange drew the attention of individuals in the courtyard like the new Chief Constable of South City District, and even the Deputy Governor of the Outer City District, who, after Chen Mu walked away, came over to greet Min Baoyi warmly.


    Although Chen Mu''s background was well-known and everyone was aware he had once served under Min Baoyi, even having a good relationship with him, that was all in the distant past. The Chen Mu of back then and the Chen Mu of today were worlds apart, and the relations of those days compared to now were not the same concept.


    Yet seeing Min Baoyi not only invited to the ceremony, but also receiving Chen Mu''s friendly and courteous greeting, being called ''Old Brother'', naturally meant something different. After all, Chen Mu''s status was such that in Yu County, a word or a glance from him could determine a person''s rise and fall, or even life and death.


    "Lord Zhao, Lord Li..."


    Min Baoyi did not dare to neglect his duty, returning greetings to the high officials profusely, yet seeing that these high-ranking individuals, whether Chief Constable or Deputy Governor, were all fervent in their attitude towards him, he couldn''t help but feel deeply moved.


    Back when Chen Mu was in Ninth District, Min Baoyi had merely hoped that Chen Mu might become his colleague, like him taking charge of the district as a Prefecture Chief. But who would have thought that once Chen Mu left the Ninth District, he soared like a dragon released from the depths, his rise so swift it was dazzling, reaching the pinnacle of Yu County in just a few short years!


    Nowadays.


    Mere words, a mere greeting, were enough to make those superiors he had always treated with utmost respect, even the superiors of his superiors, show him enthusiastic favor. Thinking back to the time when Chen Mu was a mere constable under him, these few years felt like a dream.


    "Aunt, Uncle."


    Chen Mu found Chen Hong''s family and greeted Chen Hong. As for Zhang Butcher, his attitude turned somewhat indifferent.


    Yet Zhang Butcher didn''t mind and just stood by with a contented grin.


    Chen Hong, looking at Chen Mu in his new attire, surrounded by a host of high-ranking officials and dignitaries, seemed to be pondering over something, her eyes becoming moist as she kept repeating "Good, good."


    Chen Mu then glanced aside, his gaze sweeping past Zhang Butcher and landing on a young woman next to him. The girl''s appearance had shed its youthful naivety, and with a somewhat familiar reminder in his memory, he guessed who she was after just a glance, but he did not linger, merely offering a slight smile before passing by.


    Watching Chen Mu in his new clothes, flanked by dignitaries all eager to fawn over him, Zhang Youying stood there, stunned into silence, then quietly bowed her head, her heart filled with a mix of emotions.

 Chapter 207 Bridal Chamber

    Worshipping the ancestors, fetching the bride, welcoming the bride¡ªit all happened in one go.Although the Yu Family was no longer the paramount power in Yu City, the groom was Chen Mu, and moreover, they had Yan Jingqing, the Inspector, acting as the master of ceremonies. Naturally, there was no one causing trouble, not even the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion dared to provoke misfortune.


    The Xue Family and Xie Family also sent their people one after another, delivering congratulations and festive gifts, to celebrate the joyous occasion.


    Xu Hongyu, clad in a bright red bridal gown and donning a red veil, was led by Xiao He. She still seemed somewhat perplexed as she followed them into the main hall. As a formidable martial artist of the Bone Tempering Realm, even with her vision obstructed by the veil, she could discern people and pathways clearly. However, at this moment, she felt slightly dazed. Before meeting Chen Mu, she had attended weddings for some of her sisters, but she had never considered her own.


    On one hand, she excelled in the path of martial arts; on the other, she lacked such thoughts and had never envisioned that she, like other common girls, would wear a bright red bridal gown and step into the main hall.


    Following the etiquette, Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu then offered tea to the Yu Family elders such as Yu Zuyi and Yu Jiujiang.


    Yan Jingqing, dressed in ceremonial robes, watched the newlyweds with a smile on his face.


    During his time at the State Government Office, he had acted as a go-between and a master of ceremonies for others, but now his status was different. As an Inspector with high authority, if Chen Mu were just an ordinary subordinate, a regular official, then he would not personally preside over the wedding. The status of Xu Hongyu and the Yu Family would not warrant it either.


    But Chen Mu was a rising star, a prodigy with great potential to reach his level in the future, perhaps even surpassing him. Even though Chen Mu was still junior, in his eyes, the groom''s identity and status were different.


    In fact.


    In his view, with Xu Hongyu''s figure, family background, and abilities, marrying Chen Mu as his wife was just barely fitting.


    Chen Mu on his journey until now had also received much support from Xu Hongyu. The two supported each other along the way, and as of today, they were truly in sync with each other, so they could be considered a well-matched couple.


    Time passed quickly.


    Yan Jingqing glanced at the hour, pressed down his hand, and the room instantly fell silent.


    "The auspicious time has arrived. The bride and groom, please step forward,"


    he said slowly, his voice calm and even, which passed through the main hall, pierced the courtyard, but did not startle the magpies on the trees. It only caused many birds to quietly turn their attention to the festive hall.


    Chen Mu, leading by a silk ribbon, walked forward with Xu Hongyu.


    "Bow to heaven and earth!"


    The many senior members of the Yu Family in the room all had smiles on their faces. However, some of them watched the scene with amusement, while also feeling a bit of regret that Chen Mu was not fond of women; otherwise, their own daughters or granddaughters, who might not match Xu Hongyu in talent and ability but were younger and prettier, could also have produced offspring with Chen Mu in the future.


    "Bow to the high hall!"


    Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu bowed again to the high hall, since the parents of both parties had passed away, they were bowing to their direct ancestors such as Yu Zuyi.


    "Husband and wife bow to each other!"


    Chen Mu looked at the opposite side, at Xu Hongyu in her bright red wedding dress and red veil. It seemed as if his gaze penetrated the veil to behold the subtle, elegant beauty that blushed faintly with the flush of spring.


    "Escort to the bridal chamber!"


    The entire hall was filled with festivity yet remained quiet. With Yan Jingqing acting as the master of ceremonies and the groom being Chen Mu, nobody dared to make a commotion. Only Chen Yue, behind, was whispering something to Yu Ru, seemingly trying to incite her to join in ''teasing the bridal chamber'' later. However, Yu Ru just responded with noncommittal hums, her large eyes filled with a touch of envy as she watched the backs of Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu.


    Seeing Yu Ru''s dazed look, Chen Yue could only helplessly pout, then turned to look at Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu. Her bright, luminous eyes also sparkled with a glimmer of light.


    Unaware, she too was nearing twenty years of age.


    No longer the clueless little girl, she, who had risen from humble beginnings with Chen Mu, had also witnessed much of the world''s warmth and indifference, understanding the unpredictability of people''s hearts.


    If her parents were still alive to this day, and she had not followed Chen Mu into the Yu Family to practice martial arts, perhaps she would also have been married off in line with her parents'' orders and the matchmaker''s words. But now, she had never entertained such thoughts, feeling that maybe she never would, because there may be those superior to Chen Mu in this world, but who else could be better to her than Chen Mu?


    Her heart was never fragile; she did not need anyone to take care of her. With Chen Mu as her brother, Yu Ru as her good sister, and many friends she had made in the Yu Family, she felt that the world was already very kind to her.


    Looking at the brightly lit main hall, the smiling faces of the elderly members of the Yu Family, and then at the backs of Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu, she momentarily became as lost in thought as Yu Ru.


    This was a life that she, many years ago, would not have dared to wish for.


    ...


    The sun set in the west.


    The last streak of faint golden sunlight crept over the window paper.


    The birds chirped toward the setting sun, adding a festive touch to the courtyard as night gradually fell.


    In the spacious room, red candles were lit, burning brightly. Xu Hongyu sat quietly by the bed, wearing her bright red wedding dress, with a happiness quilt embroidered with mandarin ducks behind her.


    Suddenly.


    Xiao He, Yu Ru, and the others who were staying by her side, quietly left the room.


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    Chen Mu approached the bed with light steps and gently lifted Xu Hongyu''s red veil, revealing a face that required no makeup to resemble a fairy''s, ethereal elegance. Under the candlelight, the exquisite visage reflected the auspicious red glow of joy.


    Chen Mu looked at Xu Hongyu.


    Xu Hongyu also looked at him.


    "So beautiful."


    Chen Mu admired the visage of Xu Hongyu at this moment, that transcendent elegance, a celestial beauty to be admired from afar but not to be profaned, her face glowing with festive red, like a fairy lotus amidst the vast mortal world.


    Initially, he didn''t harbor many whimsical thoughts about Xu Hongyu, but everyone has a love for beauty. He wondered whether that aloof and noble countenance could be even more beautiful, and now was that moment, where elegance and radiance contradicted yet coexisted.


    "...Really?"


    Xu Hongyu''s gaze remained clear, the candlelight vividly reflected in her amber eyes as she stared unwaveringly at Chen Mu. Then, with a delicate voice, she spoke, and a hint of blush climbed her translucent earlobes.


    She understood, she was clear, ever since she was young she heard others praise her good looks, and as she grew up, many still lauded her appearance. Yet, some would say ''it''s a pity she''s too aloof.''


    She didn''t think she was very aloof.


    She just wasn''t interested in anything before she met Chen Mu.


    Hearing all the things Xiao He said, she felt no different from ordinary girls, at least in front of Chen Mu. She felt joy in her heart when she heard his praise, a bashful delight.


    "Mmm."


    Chen Mu looked earnestly at Xu Hongyu. At least in his current memory, nothing he had seen¡ªbe it charming like Hua Nongying or dazzling like an oiran¡ªcould match the beauty of Xu Hongyu at this moment.


    He sat down beside Xu Hongyu, looking at the lovely face that was but an arm''s length away: "The first time I saw you, I felt that the rumors were not an exaggeration at all. Chief Constable Xu of the South City District is indeed a coldly beautiful woman."


    "So, at that time, did you think about seeing what I looked like when I wasn''t so aloof?"


    Xu Hongyu''s clear gaze met Chen Mu''s as she playfully blinked at him.


    Chen Mu laughed and said, "How would you know what I''m thinking? But at first, I had no intention of disrespecting the Chief Constable. It was later..."


    "Later?"


    Xu Hongyu blinked again.


    Chen Mu looked at the beauty before him and said, "Mmm, initially I thought you were an imposing Prefecture Chief, respected by all, standing at the highest point in South City District, where your word was law. But I gradually realized that being the Prefecture Chief must have been tiring... When I was forced to act against He Mingxuan, I also considered how it would affect you afterwards. It might not have been good for the Yu family, but for you, it might have given you a chance to relax." S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xu Hongyu stared intently at Chen Mu, then suddenly moved closer, her face nearing his ear.


    "Husband... what else do you want to see of me?"


    Her exquisite face was covered in a flushed red as if the brightness was about to drip off.


    Naturally, Chen Mu wasn''t overwhelmed by Xu Hongyu''s initiative. He leaned in to gently kiss her earlobe: "I want to see everything."


    Xu Hongyu''s slender fingers slipped, and soundlessly, the dazzling wedding gown fell away.


    The delicate waist, the exquisite jade-like body, so flawless it defied critique; under the candlelight, she was like a sculpture of true White Jade, too ethereal to belong to this world.


    "Whatever husband wants, wishes to see, Hongyu... can provide..."


    Xu Hongyu looked at Chen Mu, a faint blush spreading over her ears, but her eyes remained clear, never once leaving Chen Mu, always watching him.


    Like a bright lotus emerging from water, with dewdrops clinging to its petals, so intoxicating yet one dares not spoil it, dares not pluck it. Even Chen Mu hesitated for a moment, then gently flicked his sleeve.


    The bed curtains fell soundlessly.


    His heart''s desire was to follow his every whim, and tonight there was no need for restraint.


    The Xu Hongyu who had mastered the Kan Water Artistic Conception had skin clear as crystal. At this moment, without his teasing, the smooth and perfect pistil already glistened with dewdrops, and her eyes shimmered like spring water as she gazed at him.


    Outside the window.


    The moon quietly climbed up the branches.


    A candle inside the room went out without a sound.


    In the courtyard beneath the moonlight.


    Only a single light peach blossom drifted gently in the breeze, sliding down the white marble rockery in the yard, following the smooth, fair mountain contour downwards until it dropped into the pond''s surface with a plop, lingering briefly before slowly sinking.


    Ripples formed on the water, spreading out one layer at a time.


    Gradually.


    A faint mist obscured the moonlight, as if too shy to be seen.


    Lurking outside, Xiao He was all ears, listening carefully until her body grew weak and she leaned back, feeling as though she too had come to understand the Kan Water Artistic Conception in that instant.


    In another direction, Chen Yue and Yu Ru lay prone at the wall root, their ears perked up to the sounds from the house. Then, both girls blushed, exchanged glances, and secretly ran away.


    Tonight was destined to be sleepless.

 Chapter 208 Leaving the Pass

    Early morning.Atop the bed.


    Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu were both martial artists, and with one in the Five Viscera Realm and the other in the Bone Tempering Realm, Chen Mu''s Horizontally Trained Body needed no mention. Xu Hongyu, a martial artist of the Bone Tempering Realm, was more solid and unyielding than even the most durable millennium pearwood bed, which seemed delicate in comparison to her seemingly tender frame.


    At this moment, two spheres of water floated in the air, at times merging into one, at other times breaking into droplets of sparkling dew, silently dissipating into nothingness before they could fall onto the bedding.


    "Madam has a good grasp of the Kan Water Artistic Conception. When used, it flows naturally, smooth and slick," Chen Mu said, sitting cross-legged in the middle of the bed, looking at Xu Hongyu who was close at hand, his gaze then shifting slightly upward to the sphere of water floating between their foreheads.


    The water sphere, following Xu Hongyu''s movements, occasionally rippled, splitting into two, and then once again becoming a perfectly rounded whole, indistinguishable from each other.


    "It is still... not as good as my husband''s..." Xu Hongyu''s voice wasn''t like her usual tone, as if a cool and straight stream had taken several meandering turns through the hills, now imbued with more undulations and ripples.


    Although she had grasped the Kan Water Artistic Conception earlier than Chen Mu, he had been contemplating it for over a month and mastered it as well. Since many of his artistic conceptions had already entered the second stage, his control over them was much finer than Xu Hongyu''s, capturing every detail to perfection, finding every nook within a winding stream.


    The sphere of water floating above their foreheads was half composed of Chen Mu''s artistic power and half of Xu Hongyu''s, yet Chen Mu''s half was always stable, while the portion controlled by Xu Hongyu occasionally quivered.


    Of course.


    This wasn''t entirely due to external factors.


    Although Chen Mu''s grasp of the Separating Fire Artistic Conception clashed with the Kan Water Artistic Conception, there was no conflict with Xun Wind, Gen Mountain, or Thunderbolt. With the stability of the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception, his Kan Water Artistic Conception naturally contained both hardness and softness, capable of transforming at will.


    "Continue to contemplate the Kan Water Artistic Conception. There''s no need to learn other artistic conceptions for now. When you reach the Five Viscera Realm, I have something good for you. If you can further refine and deepen your Kan Water Artistic Conception by then, with that item of mine, you''ll have the chance to step into the second stage. At that time, your realm will be no less than Old Master Yu''s, making it easier for you to advance to the Six Viscera Realm in the future," Chen Mu said, wrapping his arms around Xu Hongyu, gently lifting and settling her down as he spoke into her ear.


    "Mhm, mhm," Xu Hongyu responded in a quivering tone.


    Suddenly, the water spheres floating in the air burst uncontrollably, scattering in all directions.


    But before the scattered water could land on the bedding, Chen Mu''s thoughts moved, and all the misting water froze in the air, then swiftly converged back to the space above their heads.


    "Indeed, Madam still needs more practice," Chen Mu said, looking at the tense Xu Hongyu with a hint of a smile.


    After grasping the Kan Water Artistic Conception, Xu Hongyu''s body had indeed reverted to a condition similar to that of an ordinary person. Of course, there may have been more than just this factor at play. She might also harbor no more obsessions, having let go of her heaviest burden, no longer needing to mask her emotions, and not having to fear revealing her vulnerability, especially not in front of him, and no longer using coldness as a veil.


    Xu Hongyu looked down for a short moment before regaining control over the previously scattered sphere of water and looking up at Chen Mu, her cheeks tinged with a blush that seemed intoxicated, her clear and graceful eyes shimmering with a touch of shyness as she said,


    "My husband just likes to see me embarrassed."


    "I''m not intentionally bullying Madam. It''s just that this is how men and women are in this world," Chen Mu said with a smile as he watched Xu Hongyu.


    "Really?" Xu Hongyu blinked.


    "Why would I deceive you?" Chen Mu leaned in a bit. Although he was somewhat taller than Xu Hongyu, at that moment their foreheads were just able to touch. He whispered something into Xu Hongyu''s ear, causing her to blush further, yet she complied.


    And so, an indeterminate amount of time passed.


    Finally.


    The figure of Xiao He quietly entered the room, carrying a basin of water and a clean sweat towel, whispering gently to the two shadows inside the canopy, "Master, Madam, it''s time to get up. It''s almost past the hour of Chen."


    Her cheeks were tinged with a light blush as she stealthily glanced at the canopy, noting the edges of the millennium pearwood bed seemed slightly worn at the dovetail joints, with signs that the entire bed had moved, and she muttered to herself.


    If the young mistress hadn''t reached the Bone Tempering Realm, perhaps...


    But this way, there was no chance for her to help. After all, she didn''t get any sleep last night.


    The bed curtains were drawn back.


    Revealing Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu sitting on the bed, both already dressed in clean silk pajamas, Xiao He didn''t do anything except stand there with the basin, blinking, looking back and forth at Xu Hongyu.


    "What are you looking at?" Xu Hongyu, reading a somewhat mischievous glint in Xiao He''s eyes, remained calm with her usual graceful demeanor. She spoke to Xiao He, then got up to wash in the basin.


    Little Lotus saw that Xu Hongyu''s face showed no signs of discomfort, as if her usual cool aloofness had returned. A glint of pity appeared in Little Lotus''s big eyes; she actually wanted to see what Xu Hongyu would look like when flustered. Having followed Xu Hongyu for so many years, she had yet to see such an expression.


    This time over, she would gradually get more adept, but she didn''t know if she would ever have the chance to see it.


    Chen Mu merely glanced at Little Lotus. If Xu Hongyu''s Martial Arts Realm had only been Skin Toughening or Body Refinement, maybe they would have indeed needed another maid to serve her. But in the Bone Tempering Realm, it was naturally not necessary. The maid had listened outside all night; he wasn''t fooled by her. Her intentions weren''t pure¡ªnext time she would be properly punished.


    Soon both he and Xu Hongyu had washed up and changed into new clothes. Little Lotus wiped the foggy mirror clean, and while standing behind Xu Hongyu, she picked up an ox horn comb and was about to comb Xu Hongyu''s hair. But at that moment, Chen Mu walked over, took the comb from her hand, and looking at the elegant and beautiful face in the mirror, he said softly,


    "I will comb my wife''s hair."


    "My husband..."


    Xu Hongyu watched as Chen Mu gently combed through her black hair with the ox horn comb, and her heart felt like it was melting into a sweet bliss. Gazing at the reflections of the two of them in the mirror, she was momentarily lost in a daze, wishing to freeze this moment forever.


    Standing aside, Little Lotus blinked, watching Xu Hongyu and Chen Mu, her eyes revealing a touch of envy. She knew that Xu Hongyu''s current Martial Arts Realm and today''s achievements came with many hardships. She had never neglected to practice swordplay and martial arts day and night, foregoing the normal interests of young ladies in attire and adornment, always keeping everything straightforward. Her status brought wealth, but also restraints.


    Having grown up with Xu Hongyu, Little Lotus had always wished for Xu Hongyu''s heart''s desires to be fulfilled, to find her father Xu Yichuan, untangle her heart''s knots, and break free to have her own happiness. Now, it seemed all these quietly came true.


    Chen Mu.


    The peerless genius who ruled over thousands of miles in Yu County, reached the Five Viscera Realm, and could suppress any true disciple of the sects¡ªnow stood beside her, attentively combing her hair. This made Little Lotus not only happy for Xu Hongyu but also a little envious, and of course, there was a part of her that felt joy.


    At this moment, Chen Mu wasn''t thinking of much, just gazing at the person close at hand, completely relaxed. Since arriving in this world, he had rarely allowed himself to relax. This was a short break that he afforded himself during these past few days.


    Very soon.


    After combing Xu Hongyu''s hair, he arranged her hair into a hairdo and inserted a jade hairpin into it.


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    "Anything happening outside?" he asked Little Lotus, who had been standing by all this while.


    Little Lotus replied, "Nothing much. No matter how big the affair, it''s not as important as master and madam''s matters."


    Saying this, she threw a slightly teasing glance at Xu Hongyu.


    Xu Hongyu finally couldn''t restrain herself and pinched Little Lotus''s cheek, saying,


    "Little, Lotus."


    Watching this scene, Chen Mu smiled faintly, then said to Xu Hongyu, "I will go out first, Hongyu. You rest a while longer."


    With that, he left the room.


    Behind him came the sound of Little Lotus tearfully begging for mercy.


    ...


    "Master."


    Chen Mu walked out of the room, and along the corridor, several maids stood waiting, all of them bowing respectfully to him.


    Indeed, the ancient way of life was luxurious.


    Chen Mu looked at those either busy or waiting for summons, little maids and big maids alike, and sighed inwardly. Though he didn''t require much in terms of attendance, back in his courtyard, there were still three maids¡ªWang Ni, Ku''er, and Yue''er¡ªtaking care of his daily needs.


    Of course, only those of real status and position could experience such a lifestyle; the vast majority of people lived at the bottom strata. Even those who were somewhat better off would at most not worry about food and clothing. Only a few could cross that line to reach a stage of enjoyment.


    But the gentry and officials of the Outer City and the wealthy families of the Inner City were not of the same class.


    Above the families of the Inner City were the once four, now three, major families. Above them were the five Great Sects, including the Seven Profound Sect, and figures like the Inspector Yan Jingqing.


    After meandering through the back courtyard corridors, Chen Mu arrived at the front yard, where he saw a familiar figure and was slightly surprised before saying,


    "Senior Sister Meng, when did you come out of seclusion?"


    "This morning."


    The person in the yard, dressed in a neutral Taoist robe with her hair tied up and held by a simple wooden hairpin, was indeed Meng Danyun. She looked at Chen Mu with a slight smile and said, "I couldn''t make it for the appointed day, so I can only offer my congratulations now. I wish for you and your wonderful bride to be together for a hundred years."


    Chen Mu replied with a smile, "Thank you, Senior Sister, for your congratulations, and I congratulate you on advancing further in the Martial Arts Realm."


    He had kept his ''Autumn Wind Sense'' active while walking; yet until he stepped into this yard, he had not noticed Meng Danyun''s presence. There was only one explanation.


    It must be that Meng Danyun''s Xun Wind Artistic Conception had also moved to the second step, reaching the same level as his, enabling her to conceal her presence and prevent him from sensing her until he came into a certain range.


    Previously, Meng Danyun was just a step away from the Kan Water Artistic Conception breakthrough and might have only needed a little more insight without even needing the Earthly Green Lotus Seed to advance. Therefore, she must have focused on the Kan Water Artistic Conception first. After breaking through, she then consumed a Green Lotus Seed to understand the Xun Wind Artistic Conception. As a result, she also immersed herself for over a month, but in the end, hard work paid off. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xun Wind, Kan Water.


    Stepping into the second phase for both Artistic Conceptions was a significant leap for Meng Danyun. Her strength had increased far more than just a little. Now, if she were to encounter the ambush in the Underground Water Vein again, with a perfect advantage in terms of location, it was uncertain who would kill whom.

 Chapter 209 About to Leave

    "Shh."Meng Danyun secretly gestured for Chen Mu to be quiet with a shushing hand motion.


    Indeed, she had reached the second step in both the Xun Wind and Kan Water Artistic Conceptions, yet at this moment, she had no desire to make it known or show off. She simply wanted to conceal her strength like Chen Mu, waiting for the right time to strike unexpectedly and catch her opponent off guard.


    "Junior Brother, have you gained anything from your recent retreat and cultivation?"


    Meng Danyun changed the subject and asked.


    Chen Mu couldn''t help but chuckle inwardly. His situation was different from Meng Danyun''s. While he had always kept a low profile, his opponents had already mentally placed him at a higher level, but in reality, he was two or three levels higher than that.


    It wasn''t the same for Meng Danyun. With both Xun Wind and Kan Water Artistic Conceptions reaching the limit of the first step, she was almost ready to breakthrough to the second step in the Kan Water during the battle in the Underground Water Vein. Also, having obtained the Earthly Green Lotus Seed with him, even if he didn''t give one to Meng Danyun, she could have broken through to the second step of the Kan Water Artistic Conception on her own, something unthinkable for most sects.


    Hence, Meng Danyun''s secrecy was meaningless.


    If someone were to target her again, they would surely do so with the knowledge that she had reached the second step in both Artistic Conceptions.


    A gentleman hides his tools, waiting for the right moment to strike. If the tools concealed are too minor, or easily guessed, then they are of no significance. It has to be a substantial and shocking revelation to the likes of true disciples such as Meng Danyun and Hua Nongying to have an effect.


    For example, the current him, having mastered the second step of the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception and the first step of the Kan Water Artistic Conception, were just ''minor tools.'' The Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear was the real substantial tool he possessed, and it was unknown to anyone else. Not Meng Danyun, Chen Yue, nor Xu Hongyu were aware of it.


    "There''s some minor progress,"


    Chen Mu said with a smile.


    Meng Danyun looked at Chen Mu.


    If this were a few months earlier, she might have taken Chen Mu''s words about ''minor progress'' seriously, but not now. She guessed that Chen Mu either managed to grasp another Artistic Conception or it was very likely that he had also reached the second step of the Gen Mountain Artistic Conception.


    She looked at Chen Mu with a meaningful gaze, then said, "I have completed my seclusion and have some minor matters to handle, which should take a couple of days. What are your plans, Junior Brother?"


    "I''ll accompany Senior Sister,"


    Chen Mu pondered briefly before responding.


    A couple of days were indeed a bit hurried; he and Xu Hongyu had just gotten married, but after all, the future was long. He couldn''t just languish in marital bliss; he had to forge ahead on the Martial Arts path. His ultimate will was to follow his heart''s desires, but before that, he also needed the power to protect the peace of those around him.


    The trip to Seven Profound Sect was extremely important for him, not only to start cultivating Qian Heaven and Kun Earth, reaching the complete Qiankun Artistic Conception but also to fill in the gaps in the various Artistic Conceptions and secret techniques he was missing.


    In fact,


    currently, without using the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear, a true disciple of a sect who could wield the power of seven parts of Heaven and Earth could fully suppress him, even if he had the advantage of terrain, it wouldn''t make much of a difference.


    The reason was his lack of skill in utilizing Artistic Conceptions.


    Like Xun Wind and Kan Water,


    both he and Meng Danyun possessed the power of one part, but Meng Danyun could wield it more solidly and purely by deploying it through a special technique, much like two masses of the same weight ¡ª one of silt and the other of rocks ¡ª would differ in strength.


    Previously, he had always pressed others with an absolute advantage in ''quantity,'' which didn''t show the gap in technique. However, this was only temporary; as his realm advanced and his power grew stronger, he would naturally encounter people with similar strengths, even those on the Wind Cloud List who had perfected the use of Artistic Conception power. That''s when he would face a disadvantage.


    The trip to Seven Profound Sect would completely erase these disadvantages.


    "Is that too hasty?"


    Meng Danyun looked at Chen Mu, then suddenly winked at him and said, "Should I wait a few more days for you?"


    Seeing that hint of mischief in Meng Danyun''s eyes, Chen Mu couldn''t help but chuckle inwardly, and without indulging his Senior Sister, he said, "It''s better to start earlier, to avoid keeping Senior Sister Meng waiting on her own."


    Upon hearing this, Meng Danyun immediately shot Chen Mu a glare. Indeed, she had been on her own until now, but that was because she was engrossed in Martial Arts, having no interest in other matters. In her opinion, it would be better for Chen Mu to be solely focused on Martial Arts. With such talent, focusing on anything but Martial Arts cultivation, participating in the matters of men and women, was meaningless and a waste of time. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fortunately,


    it seemed that Chen Mu was not lost in such distractions, so she, his Senior Sister, didn''t need to offer encouragement.


    If Chen Mu were to suddenly immerse himself and fall behind in Martial Arts cultivation, then she would probably have to give him a serious talk. Such trivial matters were nothing compared to the joy of Martial Arts cultivation. She couldn''t see why they were worth indulging in.


    "Alright, I have some matters to attend to as well. I will not disturb you further and will come to find you in a few days."


    Meng Danyun nodded at Chen Mu, then turned and left, her figure soon disappeared from the yard.


    "Senior Sister Meng, take care,"


    Chen Mu waved to Meng Danyun.


    And right after Meng Danyun''s departure, a small head peeked out timidly from behind a redwood pillar in the yard, sneakily watching him, and asked, "Was that sister just now the true disciple of Seven Profound Sect?"


    "Yes, what are you guys hiding there for? You think she couldn''t see you?"


    Chen Mu glanced at the little head peeking out, which belonged to his younger sister, Chen Yue.


    As his words trailed off, a little head that belonged to Chen Yue peeked out, and soon after, another little head appeared beneath it¡ªit was Yu Ru. The two little heads lined up, one above the other, peeking in the direction Meng Danyun had left. They exchanged glances, and then both looked toward Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu was amused by their actions. He approached the pillar, reached behind it, and pulled out one with each hand, saying, "Looking all sneaky, what kind of mischief are you plotting?" Continue reading at empire


    "No, no mischief at all."


    Chen Yue protested with wide eyes, "It''s just that the true disciple Meng doesn''t seem as fierce as the rumors suggest, quite amiable actually."


    Chen Mu chuckled and said, "The outside world also says that I kill without blinking an eye, like a ghoul from the underworld."


    Although he had saved many commoners from several disasters, he had also once given an order that turned the Inner City into a river of blood with countless heads rolling, exterminating the entire He Family down to the last, leaving not a single chicken or dog alive.


    As a result, all sorts of rumors about him circulated throughout the thousand miles of Yu County.


    "Maybe he was just being nice to Brother Mu?"


    Yu Ru blinked innocently, her words slipping out unintentionally.


    With a composed demeanor, Chen Mu glanced at the two girls and said, "Tell me, how many people within this thousand miles of Yu County would dare to speak to me rudely now? The purpose of martial arts is to make others speak to you with peace and politeness."


    Yu Ru looked contemplative after hearing this, but Chen Yue couldn''t help but snort with laughter.


    Right at that moment,


    Chen Mu suddenly looked at the two of them and asked, "Did you enjoy the noises from last night?"


    At those words, Yu Ru''s face turned crimson in an instant, and even Chen Yue blushed, saying,


    "No, not at all."


    The confidence in her voice was clearly lacking.


    Facing Chen Mu''s piercing eyes, Chen Yue and Yu Ru finally turned tail and ran.


    Chen Mu watched their retreating figures, a fleeting smile crossing his calm face. He shook his head, walked to the front courtyard, inquired about some matters, dealt with a few trivial issues, and then returned to the back courtyard.


    Xu Hongyu, upon learning that Chen Mu would be leaving in a few days, didn''t show much change in her expression, but nodded affirmatively at Chen Mu. She understood that Yu County was too small for him; only the Seven Profound Sect in the expanse of ten thousand miles of Yu State could provide a fitting stage for Chen Mu. She naturally wouldn''t hold him back.


    Only Little Lotus looked at him with a pitiable expression.


    Although she had known for a while that Chen Mu wouldn''t stay long after their wedding, a few days of married life felt all too brief. Would she have to endure the pain of separation so soon?


    Seeing Little Lotus'' look, Chen Mu felt amused for a moment. He pinched her face and said, "What is meant to be yours will be yours, why the rush? I think I should let you eavesdrop for a couple more days, don''t you agree, Hongyu?"


    "Mm."


    Xu Hongyu nodded.


    "Miss¡­"


    Little Lotus immediately felt like crying without tears. It was not that she was impatient; she was truly empathizing with Xu Hongyu, who had barely been a bride for a few days before having to face another separation.


    Just then, Xu Hongyu herself seemed to lose herself in a daze.


    Chen Mu carefully observed Xu Hongyu, and as he gazed into her eyes, he faintly understood what had just crossed her mind. He gently caressed her cheek and whispered, "Don''t worry, I''ll be back."


    Mm.


    It seemed he''d carelessly planted a flag... But no matter, he wasn''t Xu Yichuan. The path he walked was to fulfill all his own desires, to have a world where everything conformed to his will, certainly the most difficult path, and he didn''t care about anything else.


    Xu Hongyu gradually recovered her senses, looked up at Chen Mu, then silently reached out her arms, pulling Chen Mu into an embrace, leaning against his chest, she ''hmm-ed'' softly yet firmly.


    ...


    Three days hurriedly passed by.


    Chen Mu did not particularly "tease" Little Lotus. On the second day, he let her have her way. Xu Hongyu also took the chance to relax a bit from the hard work. As a Bone Tempering Realm martial artist, a bit of pain didn''t count for much, and even the most difficult moves wouldn''t exhaust her. But after being teased by Little Lotus and having to endure a whole night of noise, she harbored some mischievous thoughts and decided to see what it would be like for Little Lotus to lose her composure.


    Little Lotus, with her cultivation only at the Tendon Changing Realm, naturally couldn''t endure as much as Xu Hongyu. Even though reaching the Tendon Changing level meant her body was flexible and capable of anything, lacking the physical toughness of the Bone Tempering Realm, she couldn''t help bringing a few more sobs into the mix of torments.


    However, she didn''t care at all about how she looked in front of Xu Hongyu when manipulated by Chen Mu. In her heart, she and Xu Hongyu were one. As long as she could be helpful to her Miss, she was happy with whatever role she played.


    Of course,


    There was a little bit of selfishness as well.


    This bit of selfishness was gratified time and again during the spankings, and ultimately, she got her wish.


    During the free moments of the day, Chen Mu pondered and arranged various matters he would leave behind upon his departure. He did his best to cover all bases. Finally, the time came for the fourth day.

 Chapter 210 Departure

    inner city.chen residence, outer yard.


    meng danyun, dressed in a grey taoist robe, stood with her hands clasped behind her back in the courtyard. it was not until she heard footsteps approaching from behind that she turned around.


    looking at chen mu, who had changed into light clothes and carried a not-so-large bundle on his back, meng danyun appeared to ponder something before teasingly saying, "shall we wait for you a little longer? you may be staying at the seven profound sect for quite some time."


    the previous evening, after being busy with her affairs, she had come to find chen mu. upon entering the courtyard, even though they were quite far apart, she, who had mastered the second step of the xun wind artistic conception, still detected some activity. after listening carefully for a while, she realized there wasn''t just one voice, which made her look at chen mu rather oddly now.


    what''s so good about such activities that deplete qi-blood? one wasn''t enough and there had to be two. although reaching the five viscera realm means that a little loss of qi-blood truly has no noticeable impact, this is still a waste of time that could be spent contemplating martial arts.


    however.


    chen mu did not linger, finishing all the trivial matters, and came over.


    although chen mu''s strength surpassed hers, she was still older than him by a few years. once they got to the seven profound sect, she had to take extra care of him, trying to ensure that chen mu could dedicate all his time to martial arts cultivation.


    with chen mu''s comprehension and talent, going to the seven profound sect meant he would definitely cultivate either qian heaven or kun earth artistic conception. with his mastery of the three phases of wind, thunder, and fire, the probability was high that he would choose qian heaven.


    the qian heaven and kun earth artistic conceptions are far more difficult to comprehend than the other six phases. even just to grasp the first step, to preliminarily integrate the powers of the various artistic conceptions perfectly, the difficulty is greater than advancing any one of the other six phases to the second step.


    as for reaching the second step of qian heaven, that''s even less to say.


    zhou hao of great profound peak!


    nearly the same age as chen mu.


    he tempered his bones at twenty-two and comprehended the gen mountain artistic conception, then successively comprehended the dui ze and kan water artistic conceptions at twenty-three, advanced to the five viscera realm at twenty-four, and within a short year brought both gen mountain and dui ze to the second step. at twenty-five, he brought both kan water and xun wind to the second step, but since then, for over two full years till now, he only barely mastered the kun earth artistic conception.


    even zhou hao, a peerless genius of yu state, one in a billion, appearing every three to five years, was stuck on kun earth artistic conception for over two years, and it is estimated that his time spent practicing kun earth artistic conception is already two and a half years now.


    but he still hasn''t reached the second step.


    this shows the difficulty!


    moreover, chen mu will not only have to cultivate qian heaven; there are many artistic conception techniques he lacks that he needs to learn, which will certainly take a very long time... but if chen mu truly succeeds in cultivating qian heaven, that will make a dramatic difference. he could enter the top ten of the new talent ranks!


    it''s just that chen mu is already twenty-seven years old, and the new talent ranks only list the young prodigies under thirty. with only three years to go, it''s uncertain whether chen mu can catch up in time. but as long as he can cultivate qian heaven before the age of thirty-one or thirty-two and then step into the six viscera realm, he will basically have no major issues with his progression in martial arts and will be able to keep up.


    the future.


    even if he cannot break through the mysterious pass and step into the marrow cleansing realm, soaking in the six viscera realm for some years and bringing the cultivation of the six viscera realm to its peak, while mastering various artistic conceptions to their apex, will also suffice to reach the level of the wind cloud list. if he can further master the ''martial arts domain,'' he will be a true powerhouse who can traverse a state or a region without fear, even if he did not enter the marrow cleansing realm.


    "no need, let''s go."


    chen mu looked at meng danyun and shook his head slightly.


    at this moment, he had no mind to jest about meng danyun''s teasing. the love of a gentle home is the grave of heroes; these past few days, he had indeed been tempted to stay in yu county, to always remain here.


    but ultimately such thoughts were suppressed by him.


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    had already realized the direction of his own heart, having tentatively solidified his own martial arts willpower. no temptation could sway him; he must cultivate the qiankun artistic conception and grasp the strongest martial arts in this world!


    "alright."


    meng danyun nodded slightly, then walked up to chen mu, and whispered, "a sect protector has come along from our sect, who will travel with us but won''t appear. just knowing he is there is enough; you don''t need to seek him out."


    chen mu glanced at meng danyun, nodding slightly at her, while his eyes subtly darted to a distant corner.


    a sect protector, the seven profound sect had indeed given much importance to this.


    protectors rank above stewards and exist within the six viscera realm; half of them are past, either previous generations or generations before, true disciples. they may not reach the level of the wind cloud list, yet they are much stronger than ordinary six viscera realm practitioners, forming the core strength of the seven profound sect.


    as for the higher-level marrow cleansing grandmasters, in terms of both identity and status, they belong to an entirely different concept compared to the six viscera realm. in some sense, grandmasters of the marrow cleansing realm and those below the wind cloud list are living in two different worlds.


    grandmasters have their own battles amongst each other.


    to the secular world, they are akin to dragons; you may see their heads but not their tails.


    and each one who has cultivated to be a grandmaster has followed their own martial arts will, honed their path, and carved out a unique journey for themselves. all of them were once unmatched geniuses, each with their own pride. apart from the figures on the wind cloud list, hardly anyone else can catch their eyes. those below the wind cloud list simply don''t exist in their field of vision.


    "as expected, you noticed."


    meng danyun noted the direction of chen mu''s glance.


    she whispered to chen mu also because she knew that, like her, he had mastered the second step of the xun wind artistic conception. even a six viscera realm being, if they don''t practice the xun wind lineage or specialize in concealing their presence and figure, would have a hard time evading their detection at a close range.


    "yes."


    chen mu nodded slightly and then left the outer yard together with meng danyun.


    and in the distance,


    behind a locust tree, within the shadow cast, stood a figure. watching the backs of chen mu and meng danyun as they walked away, a flicker of light passed through his eyes as he murmured, "they are quite vigilant, just a little closer and they would have discovered me. meng danyun should be able to pull him onto spirit profound peak. it''s good that the next generation''s true disciple of spirit profound has been found, it''s just uncertain how far this junior brother chen will be able to go."


    his name was chu jingsui. though a sect protector of the seven profound sect, he also hailed from spirit profound peak, once the true disciple of the peak two generations back. now, although he''s not listed in the wind cloud list, he remains one of the top figures just beneath it. it was about a month ago that he received a letter from meng danyun; he happened to have business with yan jingqing, which conveniently coincided with escorting chen mu and meng danyun on their journey.


    a moment later,


    chen mu and meng danyun, dressed in plain clothes and wearing conical hats, silently left yu city without any notice. chu jingsui, who had come to meet with yan jingqing and discussed some matters, also quietly followed them.


    ...


    in the back courtyard of the chen residence,


    "miss, miss?"


    xu hongyu stood still, her gaze fixed on the courtyard outside, until xiao he softly called out to her a few times beside her, gradually bringing her back to reality as she turned to look at xiao he.


    though after marriage xiao he should address chen mu and xu hongyu as the master and the madam, she occasionally still slipped out the old address ''miss''. however, chen mu and xu hongyu did not mind such formalities.


    "the master should have already left the city by now,"


    xiao he whispered.


    looking out at the courtyard, she too felt a sense of longing. but like xu hongyu, she understood they couldn''t hold back chen mu''s progress; chen mu needed to go to the seven profound sect, where he could grow better.


    "mhm,"


    xu hongyu nodded lightly, the confusion in her eyes slowly dissipating, "xiao he, let''s go back to training."


    chen mu had gone to the state government office of yu state, to the seven profound sect, and when he would return, his martial arts would surely have improved. she, too, could not stand still; she had to continue her bone tempering, striving toward the five viscera realm.


    if she could step into the five viscera realm, even after many years, she would still maintain her current appearance, be able to give birth to children with higher talents for chen mu, and accompany him further on his journey.


    "alright,"


    xiao he responded softly.


    her talent was not as good as xu hongyu''s. although she was younger than xu hongyu, the future seemed unlikely for her to reach the five viscera realm. even if she could enter bone tempering, she could maintain her current appearance until her forties, but then she would still age.


    so she had to work hard on her cultivation as well, at least to stay younger longer and accompany chen mu further on his path.


    ...


    in another part of the courtyard,


    chen yue and yu ru were each holding a wooden sword, sparring against each other.


    to call it sparring, however, was more about chen yue playing the role of yu ru''s training partner. chen yue had achieved sword momentum, and even reached body refinement perfection. in a few days, she would begin to attempt breaking through to the tendon changing realm, already having surpassed yu ru by a significant margin.


    but as they practiced, their movements became less precise; even chen yue''s sword momentum began to waver.


    crack!


    with the wooden swords clashing once again, neither managed to rein in their strength, and the two ended up tangled together as their swords simultaneously snapped.


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    chen yue glanced at the broken wooden sword in her hand, the corners of her lips twitching, then looked over at yu ru and saw she was in the same predicament. dropping the broken sword, she walked over to her.


    big brother has left.


    though she had been apart from chen mu while in yu city before, it was only ever a matter of crossing from the inner city to the outer city.


    whenever chen mu left the city on errands and various missions, she knew he would soon return, typically within a month or two.


    but this time was different.


    chen mu was heading to the distant state government office, leaving yu city, leaving yu county, parting from this secluded corner to a vaster world, the true martial world she''d heard about in stories.


    chen mu hadn''t told her how long he would be gone, but she knew that, without a specified time frame, it certainly wasn''t a short period. furthermore, he was heading to the seven profound sect in pursuit of higher martial arts, a path known not for swift achievement but for accumulation over time, inevitably long.


    she wrapped her arm around yu ru''s shoulder.


    the two simply leaned on each other, remaining like that for quite some time, before chen yue took a deep breath.


    "yu ru, let''s continue training. the region of yu county isn''t as isolated as it used to be; maybe after some time, we''ll hear big brother''s name in the tales of the martial world."


    chen yue said this, yet she herself didn''t know how long this ''period'' might be¡ªwhether it was one year, two, or even three.


    "mhm,"


    yu ru looked at chen yue and nodded vigorously.

 Chapter 211 Qiankun Locks the Dragon!

    yu state.endless mountain ranges, majestic and magnificent.


    both chen mu and meng danyun, who each grasped the xun wind artistic conception and were existences of the five viscera realm, had extremely quick footsteps, and within just a day, they left yu county. on the tenth day, they arrived at the very center of yu state, the ''yu county.''


    the yu state government office was located here, and the entrance to the seven profound sect''s mountain gate lay within the mountain ranges to the north of the yu state government office, less than a few hundred miles away.


    chen mu and meng danyun kept traveling continuously, without many stops or encountering any impediments. at this moment, they had already reached the front of the ''seven profound mountain range,'' and upon lifting their heads, they could clearly see that expanse of towering mountains.


    in sight.


    the mountains were shrouded in misty clouds, with peaks of green standing tall as if an immense dragon were coiling within the earth and sky.


    as they drew closer, chen mu followed beside meng danyun, looking up at the stretching mountain range with each step that fell, faintly feeling as if he was gradually nearing a tremendously vast earth''s veins.


    "¡­ the seven profound sect is led by great profound peak, with the other six peaks having no ranking order. furthermore, regardless of which peak one belongs to, it doesn''t affect the disciples'' status within the sect, including the disciples under great profound peak."


    as meng danyun ran beside chen mu, she explained while looking towards the gradually nearing entrance of the seven profound sect''s mountain gate.


    "¡­"


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    chen mu surveyed the nearby mountain range, his gaze carrying a slight gravity.


    noticing chen mu''s expression, meng danyun smiled and said, "do you feel the immense power of the earth''s veins?"


    "mhm."


    chen mu nodded slightly, his senses telling him that the further forward he went, the thicker the power of the earth''s veins became. beneath that stretch of towering mountains, it seemed as though a true dragon of the earth''s veins was being suppressed, far more terrifying than the earth''s veins beneath the rivers he had encountered during the flood disaster.


    "this is the center of yu state; this mountain range is the dragon vein of this state. hundreds of years ago, the founding sect master subdued it with the ''qiankun lock dragon formation'' and established the seven profound sect''s mountain gate here."


    "with this formation, a part of the power of the earth''s veins can be harnessed. even a grandmaster of the marrow cleansing realm who dares to come near the foot of our seven profound sect''s mountains will be crushed into dust in an instant by the power of the earth''s veins invoked by the formation."


    meng danyun spoke while looking at the mountain range, and then glanced at chen mu, "junior brother, you have cultivated the ''kun earth artistic conception.'' after ascending the mountain, remember not to try to invoke the power of the earth''s veins. however, the entire mountain gate is covered by the qiankun lock dragon formation. except for special ''formation points,'' the earth''s veins power is isolated by the formation and generally cannot be invoked."


    "thank you for the warning, senior sister."


    after listening to meng danyun, chen mu replied with a more solemn gaze.


    in fact, even without meng danyun''s reminder, he wouldn''t dare to attempt such dangerous acts. he hadn''t even ascended the mountain yet, and the force of the earth''s veins was already making him feel oppressed. let alone being inside the seven profound sect''s mountain gate ¨C with his current realm, to touch such landforms and earth''s veins was almost akin to seeking death; he would be crushed instantly.


    meng danyun had said that even a marrow cleansing grandmaster, who dared to act wildly within the gates of the seven profound sect, would be ground to dust under the power of the earth''s veins mobilized by the formation. he did not doubt the truth of these words in the slightest.


    how could human strength contend with the might of heaven and earth?!


    a martial arts grandmaster of the marrow cleansing realm was still a human, not an immortal or a buddha.


    even if this so-called "qiankun lock dragon formation" only mobilized a very small part of the earth''s veins'' power, it was still not something that a mortal body could withstand, and perhaps even a being in the eighth realm of blood exchange would have difficulty facing its edge directly.


    this was the foundation of a great sect that truly possessed the territory of a state!


    for a sect like the seven profound sect, even if there was a break in the generation of blood exchange realm cultivators, relying on this mountain gate and the earth''s veins, they could still close off their mountain for decades without fear of external enemies, waiting for changes in the outside world, or for someone within the sect to break through and step into the blood exchange realm.


    of course, such a formation and earth''s veins also had their limits. like the hao ran sect and the green lotus sect that he knew of, most likely also occupied such earth vein formations, but in the end, they collapsed under the assault of the north garrison government and had to abandon their mountain gate and leave.


    continue forward.


    chen mu could sense that the momentum of the earth''s veins below was terrifying, yet it was serene and not turbulent, as if something suppressed the key points, like a sleeping dragon vein, merely giving people a sense of oppression but not wildness.


    in the distance, a cluster of rural villages was gradually coming into view. calling it rural was somewhat inappropriate, as the town around the mountain gate of the seven profound sect was very extensive and thriving. apart from the absence of towering city walls, its scale was not inferior to that of the prefecture city of yu county, and at a glance, there were at least, at least, several millions of households living together.


    "this is seven profound town."


    meng danyun led chen mu closer to that cluster and explained, "the gate of the seven profound sect is here. because of the qiankun lock dragon formation suppressing the earth pulse''s momentum, the area within hundreds of miles has good weather without major droughts, floods, or other natural disasters. plus, with the presence of the sect, this is the safest place in the entire yu state... it''s said that a long time ago, this was only a scattering of small villages, but now the number of households living here is no less than that of the state government office."


    "it''s indeed prosperous."


    chen mu followed meng danyun, weaving through the outskirts of seven profound town. he noticed that there was almost no chaos like that in the outer city of yu city. every household lived and worked in contentment; even the children wearing patched-up old clothes or the elderly often had smiles on their faces, unlike the numbed expressions of the citizens outside yu county.


    with the mountain gate of the seven profound sect here, there indeed was no need to worry about any issues with public order. throughout the entire yu state, no miscreant would dare to cause trouble or create chaos here as it would be akin to seeking death. moreover, with the favorable climate and no natural disasters, there was no need for city walls. it was quite logical for it to develop into such a flourishing scene.


    arriving here.


    chen mu suddenly had a very strange feeling.


    it was as if he had stepped from a chaotic age right into a period of great prosperity!


    of course.


    he knew this was just an illusion.


    perhaps in the entire yu state, only this seven profound town was such a prosperous sight - an oasis of tranquility amidst a turbulent world, existing solely because of the seven profound sect. the rise or fall of seven profound town was inexorably linked to the fate of the seven profound sect.


    beyond seven profound town lay a stretch of rolling mountains, where the actual gates of the seven profound sect were located.


    before the mountain.


    an expansive road led into the heart of the mountains.


    chen mu arrived here and could feel the colossal power of earth''s veins beneath his feet, deep under the mountain range. yet compared to farther places, the earth''s veins here were more gentle and stable.


    "that is the mountain gate of our seven profound sect."


    meng danyun led chen mu forward, and they finally saw a huge stone stele standing by the mountain path.


    the stele bore characters gilded in gold. s§×arch* the novel(f~)ire.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    seven profound sect!


    with just a glance, chen mu felt an overwhelming, majestic momentum rushing toward him, as if it connected heaven and earth, a single stele occupying all of qiankun myriad phases.


    "was this mountain gate stele also created by the hand of the first sect master?"


    chen mu quickly came back to his senses, calming the waves in his heart, and asked meng danyun.


    "mm."


    meng danyun nodded slightly and said, "it is said that there was originally a small mountain here, which was leveled by the one with the sword, leaving behind this monument to stand here."


    as she spoke, she couldn''t help sighing, "the first sect master cultivated the kun earth artistic conception to the third step. the stele was carved with his sword. even after hundreds of years, the remnants of the artistic conception have not dispersed, almost like an artistic conception map. every time i pass by here and see this stele, i can''t help but feel turbulence in my heart."


    blood exchange realm.


    the third step of kun earth artistic conception.


    indeed, that was almost reaching the pinnacle of martial arts, a supreme being who could dominate the da xuan dynasty. shaping mountains into paths, carving rock into steles, using formations to suppress the terrain of hundreds of miles of mountain ranges for personal use; these were all awe-inspiring feats of strength.


    in chen mu''s heart, ripples likewise surfaced as he took another deep gaze at the stone monument. then, following meng danyun, he continued forward, crossing a large section of the mountain path, until the view suddenly opened up before him.


    before his eyes.


    the stretching valleys were dotted with countless wooden huts and bird dwellings.


    on the peaks of various mountains, various architectures were faintly visible. among them, the seven tallest peaks seemed to correspond to the big dipper in the sky, with cloud-wreathed summits where one could vaguely see some golden, splendid great halls.


    "past this bend, the first mountain is spirit profound peak. i''ll take you to meet master first..."


    meng danyun glanced at chen mu, her eyes quickly shifting, as she spoke to him.


    i wonder what state master is in right now.


    she murmured in her heart.


    "alright, thank you, elder sister meng."


    chen mu responded to meng danyun.


    meanwhile, after chen mu had entered the mountains with meng danyun, two figures, dressed in the attire of seven profound sect protectors, were watching from a distance on the remote mountain path. one of them was chu jingsui, who had followed chen mu and meng danyun all the way and, after reaching seven profound town, had sped up to bypass the two and return to the sect ahead of them.


    "brother chu, this is a bit unscrupulous of you. elder qi asked me to welcome the new junior brother, so he could choose a peak to join. by doing this, aren''t you depriving the other peaks of a chance?"


    shi bian, the right protector of great profound peak, rolled his eyes at chu jingsui.


    chu jingsui patted shi bian on the shoulder, laughing heartily, "after all, elder qi said to choose any peak except yours. he won''t be joining great profound peak, so what difference does it make to you which peak he goes to? besides, this junior brother is already on good terms with junior sister meng, so he is most likely to join spirit profound peak. you don''t need to worry too much, i''ll treat you to a drink in a few days."


    "it had better be top-quality liquor."


    shi bian huffed lightly.


    chu jingsui smiled and said, "of course, of course."


    after laughing, he looked once again at the retreating figures of meng danyun and chen mu and sighed in his heart. actually, the most glorious period of spirit profound peak was only second to great profound peak, and especially the current peak master of spirit profound peak, qin mengjun, had been among all the marrow cleansing grandmasters of seven profound sect, the most likely to step into the blood exchange realm.


    however, thirteen years ago, when trying to step into the blood exchange realm, she had been ambushed by villains. she was disrupted at a critical moment, causing her qi-blood to flow backward, leading to severe consequences.


    although a supreme elder from the blood exchange realm helped her stabilize her qi-blood, it damaged her heavenly spirit, causing her to be in a state of intermittent confusion and clarity. furthermore, as time went on, the situation didn''t improve, and her lucid moments gradually became fewer while her confused states increased. the supreme elder from the sect seemed unable to remedy this.


    because of that.


    the disciples of spirit profound peak had been declining generation after generation.


    on one hand, when recruiting disciples, those with the best aptitudes went to other peaks. on the other hand, since that incident, qin mengjun, the peak master, spent most of her time sitting idly at the peak, barely involving herself in the affairs of the peak.


    nonetheless.


    even then, qin mengjun remained one of the most formidable grandmasters of the cold north path, having cultivated the qian heaven artistic conception nearly to pinnacle perfection. she used to be consistently in the top five ranks and even now would not fall out of the top ten.


    as far as he knew, chen mu cultivated the three phases of wind, thunder, and fire, and given his aptitude, was likely to attempt qian heaven artistic conception as well. the current qin mengjun, even though she rarely left spirit profound peak and fluctuated between clarity and confusion, could still guide chen mu in his cultivation during her lucid moments.


    it just remained to be seen how far chen mu would go in the future.

 Chapter 212 Spirit Profound Peak Master

    seven profound sect.among the seven peaks, great profound peak is the lead, serving as the peak master''s main peak. this status was established at the founding of the sect, and great profound peak also contains the core formation base of the qiankun lock dragon formation. the supreme masters of successive generations have always been stationed there, differentiating it from the other peaks.


    however, this does not affect the status of the disciples from the various peaks. the disciples of great profound peak are the same as those from the other peaks. it''s just that the peak master of great profound peak also holds the position of sect master, and thus, it is considered the foremost of the seven peaks.


    aside from great profound peak, there is no distinction in the status among the other six peaks.


    spirit profound peak.


    its location among the seven peaks of the seven profound sect is adjacent to great profound peak. corresponding to the ''heavenly authority'' in the big dipper, which is the most central, spirit profound peak represents the ''yuheng''.


    the mountain itself seems to be slightly shorter than the other six peaks, but it has an elegantly shaped contour. on the cloud-wrapped peaks, abundant with a spirit of vitality, grow bamboo of purple and green, interspersed with many tasteful residences¡ªall constructed from ''green bamboo''. the character ''spirit'' describes it quite aptly indeed.


    "sister meng!"


    "sister meng is back!"


    "greetings, sister meng."


    meng danyun, accompanied by chen mu, ascended spirit profound peak along the mountain path. along the way, they encountered some inner sect disciples, all of whom greeted meng danyun with respectful expressions, and some who were on good terms cheerfully greeted her.


    after meng danyun and chen mu disappeared up the mountain path.


    a few male and female disciples gathered together and whispered, "who was the person next to sister meng just now? is he a new disciple of spirit profound peak? he seems quite handsome."


    "sister shen really has a short memory. don''t you remember the new talent list from cold north path saying that a genius emerged from yu county, surpassing true disciples of other sects? i believe his name was chen mu... it might just be him."


    read latest chapters at empire


    linghu shang said to the young girl with a chuckle.


    shen lin slapped her forehead, saying, "ah, i actually forgot about that. i remember brother linghu mentioning he would definitely come to seven profound sect. since he''s walking alongside sister meng, it must be him."


    linghu shang nodded slightly and said with a smile, "most likely. i just didn''t expect him to come to our spirit profound peak. however, sister meng won''t stay in the position of a true disciple for too long. the next in line without a second choice must be him. the next time we meet, we''ll probably all have to address him as brother chen."


    the seven profound sect recruits disciples annually within the bounds of the state government office.


    in remote prefecture cities, it''s once every two or three years.


    within each peak, outer sect disciples must address inner sect disciples as senior brothers and sisters regardless of age, and inner sect disciples do the same to true disciples. but among peers of the inner or outer sect, seniority is determined by the time one joined the sect.


    "brother chen..."


    shen lin looked towards the direction where chen mu and meng danyun had vanished, recalling chen mu''s appearance carefully. a look of admiration appeared on her young face. "brother chen is really amazing. without even joining the sect, he managed to surpass true disciples of other sects. in the future, he will probably be unmatched by true disciples of other peaks."


    in her heart, she silently added that he was also very handsome and dashing.


    "hmm."


    linghu shang nodded and said, "brother chen has already mastered the artistic conceptions of three phases¡ªwind, thunder, and fire¡ªeach at the second step. even his current strength is not inferior to those two from upper profound and earth profound peaks. with some cultivation, he will certainly be able to surpass them. it''s just uncertain whether he can catch up to brother zhou of great profound peak. i heard that brother zhou seems to have grasped the second step of the kun earth artistic conception."


    "the second step of kun earth artistic conception?"


    a disciple nearby who had been silent showed a surprised expression.


    for these inner sect disciples, reaching the five viscera realm and manifesting two or three artistic conceptions at the first step was already the highest pursuit. the difficulty of just reaching the first step of the kun earth artistic conception was comparable to grasping the second step of one of the six phases. with zhou hao''s talent and perception, he was stuck there for two years.


    "i am not sure about the truth, but the rumor comes from great profound peak, and it''s highly likely to be true."


    linghu shang nodded and continued, "after all, brother zhou hao has been practicing the kun earth artistic conception for two and a half years. no matter how difficult, he should have made some breakthrough by now."


    "if brother zhou grasps the second step of the kun earth artistic conception, his ranking on the divine providence list will surely rise into the top ten, and he might even reach the top five. i wonder when brother chen will have a chance to catch up. it seems that brother chen is the same age as brother zhou¡ªtwenty-seven, right? they both have only three years left on the divine providence list."


    ¡­


    chen mu followed beside meng danyun, ascending the mountain. throughout the journey, he kept a low profile, quietly walking alongside her, occasionally glancing at some disciples of spirit profound peak but quickly averting his gaze.


    as they climbed higher, clouds and mist began to entwine around the mountain, shrouding the path.


    the bamboo houses nearby gradually became scarcer and the disciples encountered on the road were fewer and farther between, until they reached the summit, where a solemn and majestic hall appeared before them.


    "spirit profound hall."


    chen mu glanced at the plaque above the hall.


    but meng danyun did not lead him into the hall. instead, she turned along the corridor, skillfully bypassing the complex, and headed behind the spirit profound hall, while whispering, "the sect master is a very kind person, but sometimes she''s not in a good state and may be absent-minded for a long time. it''s best not to disturb her when she''s like that. when the sect master snaps out of it, she will converse."


    the sect master...


    the peak master of spirit profound peak, qin mengjun?


    chen mu''s eyes flickered with a trace of light; he was not unfamiliar with that name. even in the remote yu county, some tales of qin mengjun had spread. she stood at the pinnacle among marrow cleansing grandmasters, just one step away from the true apex of martial arts.


    however, what meng danyun mentioned about "not being in a good state" did cause him some surprise. how could a marrow cleansing grandmaster possibly be in a poor state? there must be some reason he was not yet aware of.


    perhaps spirit profound peak was currently ranked very low among the seven peaks of the seven profound sect, to the point that there wasn''t even a second inner sect disciple in this generation who had stepped into the five viscera realm, capable of taking over meng danyun''s position as the true inheritor. could this be the reason?


    regardless.


    he didn''t mind either way.


    for him, it made no difference which peak he was initiated into. he didn''t need anyone''s guidance; with the help of secret manuals and artistic conception maps, he could master everything through his own efforts and understanding.


    therefore, although he noticed that meng danyun intended to have him join under spirit profound peak, he had no other concerns. after all, no matter the state of spirit profound peak, having meng danyun, a familiar face there, would at least make his actions a lot more convenient.


    following meng danyun, they walked toward the back of the palace.


    soon.


    chen mu saw from a distance a giant ancient tree with a canopy like clouds. below the tree stood a rock, on which a woman in plain clothes was sitting. she seemed even younger than meng danyun, quietly sitting on the stone and looking up at the tree canopy above, motionless in a daze.


    meng danyun gestured for chen mu to be quiet, then tiptoed over, stopped not far away, and bowed respectfully to the woman sitting on the rock with a very soft voice:


    "master, danyun has arrived."


    on the rock.


    the woman in plain clothes continued to stare blankly at the canopy, as if she had not heard meng danyun''s voice. she sat there motionless, while meng danyun patiently kept his bowing posture as he waited.


    chen mu also stood quietly in the background, observing qin mengjun, the marrow cleansing grandmaster of the seventh realm of martial arts and one of the closest to stepping into the blood exchange realm in the entire northern path of eleven states.


    her presence... seemed utterly non-threatening.


    indeed. s§×ar?h the n?velfire(.)net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    from qin mengjun, chen mu could hardly feel any pressure; she sat on the rock as if she had completely merged with a breeze in nature, so subtly integrated that there was no distinction to be observed.


    as if she was a part of nature itself.


    but the more it was like this, the more chen mu felt the gravity of the situation; it was frightening because, despite having nearly maxed out his "autumn wind sense," he couldn''t detect qin mengjun in his perception!


    he could clearly see her, she was right there within reach, but his senses felt absolutely empty!


    the absence of any threat or pressure represented the greatest threat!


    this indicated.


    the gap between them was so vast it was almost heaven and earth apart.


    "is this what a marrow cleansing grandmaster is... no, is she almost at the pinnacle among grandmasters?"


    "it is said she has mastered the qian heaven artistic conception, but it seems she has not yet stepped into the third phase. yet this feeling cannot possibly come from the second phase, so is this the so-called ''qian heaven domain,'' which lies between the third and the second phases?"


    chen mu murmured to himself.


    martial arts domain.


    after taking the understanding of the second-phase artistic conception to the pinnacle and integrating it with one''s martial will, it forms a unique realm that belongs to the individual. within a certain range, one can forcefully expel all powers of heaven and earth that do not belong or resonate with oneself, creating a domain almost entirely under one''s control.


    as far as he knew, once someone grasped a martial arts domain, it meant a near-complete dominance over anyone with lesser strength. within the domain, yuan gang force could ignore distance and even frequency.


    because one is almost half merged with nature, within the domain, it''s as if it were a part of one''s own body, without distinctions such as front or back, capable of encompassing every point.


    qian heaven domain.


    though not the supreme path in the world, it''s still among the martial paths that are second only to the complete artistic conceptions of yin yang and the five elements.


    the more chen mu tried to sense qin mengjun''s state, the more he realized the profoundness of that realm, at least until he grasped the qian heaven artistic conception, it seemed impossible to even glimpse that height.


    and so.


    time passed unknowingly.


    the woman who had been sitting on the rock in a daze gradually regained some clarity in her vacant eyes and then turned her head to look at meng danyun not far away, her expression gentle, "has danyun returned?"


    thereafter.


    she glanced at chen mu standing behind and smiled, "xun wind, thunderbolt, separating fire, gen mountain, kan water... then you must be chen mu?"

 Chapter 213 Qian Heaven Diagram

    "junior chen mu pays respects to the peak master."chen mu, upon seeing qin mengjun, was immediately able to discern all of the artistic conceptions he had mastered, without any surprise. the gap in their realms was so vast that it was impossible for him to conceal his own level.


    he walked to meng danyun''s side and also respectfully saluted qin mengjun.


    "rise."


    the voice of qin mengjun was very gentle.


    meng danyun quietly said, "junior brother chen''s talents were too concealed in yu county, elder qi also thought that junior brother chen should come to the main sect for cultivation, so i brought him to see master first."


    qin mengjun glanced at meng danyun and smiled, "you must not have told him that qi zhiyuan asked him to choose one of the peaks other than great profound peak, and you just brought him straight here."


    "master... master!"


    meng danyun suddenly felt embarrassed; she indeed had a little scheme to secretly have chen mu directly join spirit profound peak, but qin mengjun saw through it and pointed it out directly.


    qin mengjun gently descended from the rock, extended a jade-like finger to gently tap on the forehead of meng danyun, and then turned to look at chen mu with a gentle expression:


    "i am not in good condition these days and often find myself absent-minded, with few moments of lucidity. if you choose to follow spirit profound peak, i might not always be able to guide you. i see that your cultivation path follows the qian heaven, hmm, liu, the peak master of shao profound peak, is also a grandmaster of the qian heaven tradition. you may choose yourself."


    oh, master!


    meng danyun was secretly worried.


    as she was approaching the age to step into the six viscera realm, spirit profound peak was yet to find a suitable successor for the position of true disciple. qin mengjun was spouting all these truthful concerns, leaving her, the oldest disciple, very worried.


    however,


    chen mu, at that moment, looked at qin mengjun with a calm expression, seemingly without much thought, and said:


    "junior wishes to follow spirit profound peak."


    he had no particular preference for any specific peak; due to meng danyun''s intervention, he was very likely to choose spirit profound peak. having initially met qin mengjun, the peak master¡ªperhaps due to his masterly demeanor or his personality¡ªit was clear that he was of a calm and serene nature, and chen mu also desired an environment where he could cultivate in peace.


    at least for now, whether it was the environment or the atmosphere at spirit profound peak or anything else, nothing had displeased him, hence he naturally had no intention of considering other peaks.


    "hmm."


    qin mengjun, with a slight smile, showed no significant change in expression upon chen mu''s choice of spirit profound peak, only his voice remained gentle, "then you are the next generation true disciple of spirit profound peak, my fourth true disciple."


    "disciple pays his respects to master."


    chen mu solemnly performed the ritual of paying respect to his master.


    the so-called true disciples,


    unlike the inner sect disciples, are indeed those who can directly disciple under the peak masters, being the eldest brother or sister among the disciples of a peak, and also have unhindered access to all the scriptures and artistic conception maps of the seven profound sect for cultivation and insight.


    meng danyun watched in surprise as despite qin mengjun mentioning he might not always be able to guide him, chen mu still chose spirit profound peak, somewhat relieving her heart. but then, recalling the events at the ''chen residence'' a few days prior, a bizarre thought popped into her mind¡ªcould it be that chen mu...


    she quickly shook her head vigorously, nipping the disrespectful thought about her master in the bud.


    "alright, rise."


    qin mengjun, smiling, watched chen mu complete the ritual and said, "if you have any questions about the affairs of spirit profound peak, just ask your senior sister meng. now that you are my disciple, you have access to all the scriptures and artistic conception maps at the hall of transmission for your cultivation. if you encounter any difficulties in comprehending artistic conceptions, you can come to me, though i can only guide you when i am lucid."


    "disciple understands."


    chen mu stood up.


    qin mengjun then turned to look at meng danyun, smiling, "danyun, this trip seems to have brought you a lot of gains. xun wind and kan water have progressed; you''ve finally overcome the difficulties." enjoy exclusive chapters from empire


    "it''s all thanks to junior brother chen; without him, it''s hard to say where i would be right now."


    meng danyun looked at qin mengjun.


    qin mengjun smiled and extended his hand, apparently intending to make an encouraging gesture, but midway, his hand gradually slowed down, and he once again became absent-minded, maintaining this pose motionlessly.


    "master, master?"


    meng danyun, seeing this, was not too surprised, as it seemed to be a common occurrence; she just quietly called out a couple of times.


    qin mengjun still stood there transfixed, unresponsive. s§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lfire .net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    with a sigh,


    meng danyun cautiously stepped forward, lowered qin mengjun''s hand, then bent down, picking up qin mengjun and gently leaping up to place her back on the rock, exactly as she had been when they arrived.


    on the rock, qin mengjun still sat there, gazing blankly at the tree canopy, just as when they had arrived.


    then meng danyun stepped down from the rock, walked up to chen mu, and noticing his somewhat astonished expression, quietly explained, "master is like this sometimes, she becomes absent-minded while talking. she has asked me to put her back on the rock whenever she becomes absent-minded... but you must never get too close when master is in this state, as she can still sense and react to any malice from the outside world, and getting too close can be dangerous, yes, desire is also a form of malice."

 Chapter 213 Qian Heaven Diagram_2

    ```"so it is,"


    chen mu wore a pensive expression, it seemed like grandmaster qin mengjun, even in a state of confusion, had no flaws. however, meng danyun''s superfluous reminder sounded a bit odd.


    but chen mu didn''t delve deeper. following meng danyun away from the back cliff, he also asked, "...may i also ask senior sister meng, where will my residence be on spirit profound peak, and where should i go to comprehend the artistic conception map?"


    "the valley at the base of spirit profound peak is where the outer sect disciples reside. inner sect disciples live on the lower peak and central valley. you''re already the fourth disciple of our master, aside from the main hall at the peak, you can choose to live in any of the bamboo houses on the upper peak,"


    meng danyun answered, "regarding the artistic conception map, there are superior grade maps inside the main hall, but they only include the six phases besides qian heaven and kun earth. as for qian heaven and kun earth, here on spirit profound peak we only have imprint maps. if you wish to comprehend the superior grade qiankun tracing diagram, you''ll need to go to the hall of transmission. with your current identity, in the seven profound sect, apart from a few forbidden lands, you''re free to go anywhere else, and you may also borrow any books from the hall of transmission, and comprehend all artistic conception maps."


    "thank you, senior sister meng, for informing me,"


    chen mu thanked meng danyun.


    as a true disciple, having free access to all books and artistic conception maps was exactly what he needed.


    "i''ll first take you to choose a residence."


    as they walked, meng danyun said, "as for food, you can go down to the lower peak and join the inner sect disciples, or you can have the junior disciples bring it up to you."


    following meng danyun, chen mu quickly chose a clean bamboo house on the upper peak. he also learned many matters regarding spirit profound peak from meng danyun, such as the current ''peak rules'', which prohibit private fights among disciples of the inner and outer sects of spirit profound peak. if discovered, the offender would be expelled from the sect. in case of grievances, they could seek the steward at the main hall''s enforcement hall or have it handled by a true disciple.


    such peak rules were unique to each peak; different peaks had their own regulations. for instance, shao profound peak did not prohibit private fights, resulting in frequent conflicts, bloodshed, and even deaths were common occurrences.


    in comparison,


    spirit profound peak was considered one of the most peaceful.


    having understood many peak rules, various trifles, and some situations in the other peaks, chen mu finally had a more complete understanding of the seven profound sect. he was no longer as before, only aware of disjointed bits and pieces.


    after meng danyun departed, the sky had already darkened. chen mu returned to his bamboo house alone. the arrangement inside the bamboo house was very simple, with only a bamboo bed, a bamboo table, and a bamboo chair. although elegant, it was much more humble than his life back in yu county, and he was without the attendance of maids and servant girls.


    but chen mu didn''t feel too uncomfortable.


    he was still quite composed.


    "i have finally settled down,"


    he murmured as he looked at the plain bamboo bed without any bedding, then looked out the window at the bamboo forest.


    under the night sky, the breeze passed through, and the bamboo forest rustled.


    he had been in this world for seven years and had stayed in yu county for the same duration. although he had left yu city a few times before, he had never truly left yu county.


    this time, he had genuinely traveled far, coming thousands of miles away to the seven profound sect, settling down in a new place, joining under spirit profound peak, taking a master, witnessing the majestic earth''s veins, the qiankun lock dragon formation, and realizing the capabilities of a marrow cleansing grandmaster, close to the apex of this world.


    but at last, he had settled down.


    tomorrow,


    he would begin to comprehend his own qian heaven. s§×arch* the n??elfir§×.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    the main peak of the seven profound sect.


    in a courtyard behind the great hall.


    qi zhiyuan listened to a report from a steward and shook his head with a wry smile, "as expected, he chose spirit profound peak, huh. well, even though master qin is not in his best state, true gold shines no matter where it is."


    he looked up at the sky.


    he hoped that this overlooked genius would bring some surprises to the seven profound sect in the future.


    ...


    great profound peak.


    in a certain building.


    "brother zhou, that person... went to spirit profound peak,"


    someone stood outside the courtyard, whispering to someone inside.


    ```


    ```


    "hmm."


    a calm voice sounded out, followed by utter silence.


    ...


    just like that.


    an ordinary day for the seven profound sect.


    chen mu had joined the seven profound sect and became a part of spirit profound peak with little fanfare, until a few days later, word about him slowly began to spread, causing a slight stir within the entire sect.


    but as time passed, chen mu, like a stone dropped into the sea, ceased to make any further ripples, and the waves he had caused also gradually subsided.


    ...


    seven profound sect.


    located at ''central valley'', the hall of transmission was structured according to the layout of the qiankun eight phases, situated at the site of qian heaven.


    the room was deathly quiet, with not a soul in sight, only a few meditation cushions on the floor, and directly in front of the wall hung an artistic conception map that chen mu had never seen before. at a cursory glance, it seemed like nothing more than a blank sheet of paper, but upon closer inspection, one could discern extremely faint brushstrokes that conveyed a sense of loftiness and ethereal lightness.


    qian heaven diagram.


    chen mu had often pondered how he could obtain it, how he could bring it before him to contemplate; that very diagram now hung quietly on the wall in front of him. read exclusive content at empire


    chen mu stood there, his expression serene, quietly gazing at this qian heaven diagram he had never before seen, even though he had imagined countless times what the qian heaven diagram would look like. yet the sight of it was still beyond his expectations.


    "so this is the qian heaven diagram..."


    this was a diagram difficult to describe in words, a mere blank sheet portraying what seemed to be just a few simple strokes, reminiscent of wind, thunder, fire, yet seemingly none of these, leaving one with only a feeling of distance, an unreachable loftiness.


    just like that.


    chen mu stared blankly at the qian heaven diagram for a while, then took a deep breath and said, "no wonder without grasping xun wind, thunderbolt, and separating fire, it would not be possible to comprehend qian heaven, no wonder they say the qian heaven diagram encapsulates the essence of these three phases."


    in just that brief moment, chen mu felt as if he experienced countless complex wonders on the qian heaven diagram, with chaotic images emerging in such abundance that he could not discern their true nature.


    qiankun eight phases.


    it encompasses nearly all the variations of martial arts in the world.


    the term qiankun represents heaven and earth, as well as sun and moon, and yin and yang.


    qian and dui represent metal, zhen and xun represent wood, li for fire, kan for water, and gen and kun for earth, also encompassing the generation and destruction of the five elements.


    if one does not have the guidance of the ''xun wind'', ''thunderbolt'', and ''separating fire'' ¨C these three phases ¨C and attempts to comprehend the qian heaven diagram directly, they will only perceive a myriad of confusing and overlapping scenes and might not even understand what qian heaven is.


    even more so.


    even chen mu, who had mastered the three phases of wind, thunder, and fire to the second step, found it difficult and confusing to discern the true marvel within the qian heaven diagram when he first glimpsed it.


    indeed, if an ordinary person were to attempt to comprehend qian heaven, despite having a foundation in the three phases of wind, thunder, and fire, they might spend ten years without grasping its mysteries or mastering its essence due to its immense difficulty.


    after a brief contemplation, chen mu summoned the system panel and quickly located what he wanted.


    [martial arts: qian heaven artistic conception (uncomprehended)]


    [experience: 2 points]


    [number of deductions: 0]


    "very good."


    chen mu closed the system panel, and his heart immediately felt at ease.


    qian heaven artistic conception,


    it''s nothing special,


    no challenge at all.


    ```

 Chapter 214 One Year

    in the mountains, time does not exist.the coming and going of spring and autumn, the rush of cold and heat, all swiftly pass, marking another year.


    on the second month after chen mu joined the sect, zhou hao from the great profound peak comprehended the second step of the kun earth artistic conception, left the mountain to roam outside, and fought a fierce battle against jiang yifei, the first true disciple of mysterious mechanism pavilion. zhou emerged slightly victorious, astonishing all sides.


    by the fourth month, zuo qianqiu of the heavenly sword sect encountered an ambush set by the heavenly corpse sect and the sky demon sect. he killed six mysterious corpses and two sixth rank demon men, carving a bloody path for himself, and stirring astonishment across several states.


    in the seventh month, the huns of the foreign race stirred up trouble beyond the border. yuan yingsong of the north garrison government fought a bloody battle with two prodigies of the five viscera realm from the foreign race at the ''northern heavenly pass.'' he defeated two of them and killed one, shaking the border regions.


    ...


    throughout the year, many promising newcomers made their names known on the talent ranking, especially those ranked in the top ten pages. in the past, they were the prodigies closely watched by various states and sects. now with the ''cold north path talent ranking'' from the end of the world sea pavilion, every move they made caught the attention of the whole martial world of the cold north path.


    only chen mu, after joining the spirit profound peak, seemed to disappear like a stone sinking into the ocean, leaving no trace behind.


    ten months after chen mu joined the sect, meng danyun, the current true disciple of spirit profound peak, stepped into the six viscera realm and became the ''protector'' of the spirit profound peak. and chen mu took over his position to become the current true disciple of the spirit profound peak.


    normally, the replacement of a true disciple would stir some commotion, involving the peak master personally taking in a disciple and conducting ceremonies, and even facing challenges from other inner sect disciples. however, since spirit profound peak''s peak master qin mengjun was in a unique situation and chen mu had already been taken in directly as a disciple by qin mengjun upon joining the sect, being the designated successor as the true disciple of spirit profound, the change in the spirit profound peak''s true disciple took place without causing much of a ripple within the seven profound sect.


    however.


    news of chen mu becoming the true disciple of the spirit profound peak of the seven profound sect still spread in the martial world, yet it received little attention. after all, given chen mu''s previously revealed talent, his succession as a true disciple was just a matter of course.


    by comparison, some were more curious whether chen mu had made any progress in the martial arts during the year since he joined the seven profound sect, seeing that he was one of the rare individuals on the talent ranking with both talent and comprehension rated as ''top notch.'' his ranking in the twenty-seventh position was only because of his late start and background.


    but.


    besides the news of chen mu becoming the true disciple of spirit profound peak, there was no other sign of activity.


    just like that, another two months flashed by. while other prodigies on the talent ranking were making a name for themselves in all directions, chen mu, the new true disciple of spirit profound peak, remained unnoticed and was gradually forgotten by people.


    ...


    spirit profound peak.


    located on an open platform at the middle peak.


    more than a dozen young disciples were sitting apart from each other, all dressed in the sect''s attire that signified inner sect disciples, as they were the newest inner sect disciples from this generation of the spirit profound peak.


    some had been promoted from the outer sect, while others, due to their extraordinary talents, were directly admitted to the inner sect.


    at this moment.


    all eyes were focused on the person in front.


    there, standing before the crowd, was a man in a simple taoist robe, completely undistinguished and with no aura about him whatsoever, who was speaking to the new inner sect disciples about something.


    "...before the ancient times, when martial arts had yet to emerge, there were ancestors of the human race who, by observing the rising and setting of the sun and moon, comprehended the way and understood the rotation of yin and yang. from then on, the world saw the beginnings of martial arts and the first artistic conceptions."


    "as the world turned, there were ancestors who observed the transformation of the five elements and gained enlightenment, grasping the true essence of the five elements. there were also those who contemplated the heavens'' thunder and the myriad winds of the earth and gained insights, giving rise to various artistic conceptions."


    "later on, some extended these fundamental artistic conceptions to create various intersecting aspects, like the ''blood fiend'' artistic conception, which sounds extremely fierce, but in essence, it''s just a fusion of some parts of ''earth fiend'' and ''lesser yin''."


    "similarly, the mysterious mechanism pavilion''s artistic conceptions of the four seasons¡ªwarm spring, high summer, late autumn, hardcore winter¡ªtheir essence is the same, either blending the original aspects such as kan water and xun wind or deriving from a part of the yin yang rotation interplay and the mutual birth among the five elements."


    chen mu stood quietly there, speaking in a calm tone.


    each year, every peak would have a batch of disciples newly admitted to the inner sect. inner sect disciples are not qualified to become direct disciples of a peak master, so it''s the true disciples of each peak who represent them in conducting the ceremonies. in the past few years, it had been meng danyun, but now it was his turn.


    "why is the qiankun eight phases considered the essence of today''s world''s martial arts?"


    "because the origin of the qiankun eight phases is based on the insights of various predecessor martial saints who pushed the changes of yin yang, five elements, wind and thunder, and all other transformations of the heavens and the earth, to their limits and derived them together."


    "at the kunlun mountains summit, they discussed the dao for decades, integrating yin and yang, the five elements, and all cosmic and earthly transformations. finally, they produced the ''original eight phases diagram,'' which later generations referred to as ''kunlun''s questions of the dao.''


    "after the original eight phases diagram emerged, countless years passed before there was the first person who mastered the qiankun artistic conception and reached the pinnacle. he was the one who founded the da xuan dynasty a thousand years ago after sweeping through the six harmonies."


    chen mu continued to tell the new inner sect disciples.


    these details were not completely clear to him either, back when he was in yu county. he had made some inferences from the numerous classics he had read, but only after arriving at the seven profound sect, with access to more ancient historical books and the opportunity to ask questions of his fellow disciples like meng danyun and chu jingsui, as well as the grandmaster qin mengjun, did he finally gain a clear understanding of the qiankun eight phases, from its origins to its development.


    "therefore, if someone can master the qiankun eight phases and cultivate the qiankun artistic conception, they will have grasped the essence of the martial arts of the world. all the artistic conception techniques, secret techniques, and methods of the world can be cultivated, and they will encounter no obstacles..."


    chen mu paused briefly at this point, glancing at the group of young inner sect disciples with gleaming eyes before continuing,


    "but the precondition is that you must be able to do it." s~ea??h the n?vel(f)ire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "if you spend your entire life only able to bring the qiankun artistic conception to the first step, it would be far worse than if you were to bring several other artistic conceptions to the second step. if you could only bring the qiankun artistic conception to the second step, it would still not compare to mastering a single artistic conception to the third step."


    "therefore, if you wish to practice martial arts, you must first understand your heart. do not aim too high and be unsuited. often what suits you best is actually the best. those of you who came up from the outer sect should understand the path that suits you best. as for the new disciples who entered directly into the inner sect...well, later you can go find protector meng, and have her discern for you one by one."


    "the path of cultivation eventually comes down to the individual."


    having said this, chen mu finally came to a slow stop, looking over the ten or so inner sect disciples still sitting quietly, he calmly said, "alright, you may all leave now."


    upon hearing these words, the ten or so inner sect disciples finally came back to their senses and stood up one by one to bow to chen mu.


    "thank you, senior brother, for your teaching."


    after they had finished their salutations,


    they glanced at each other, then quietly left the platform along the mountain path.


    "so, mastering the qiankun artistic conception allows one to grasp all the techniques in the world of martial arts..."


    "you''re not thinking of practicing qiankun, are you? don''t be silly. not to mention whether you can master it, even if you did, how many arms and legs do you have to practice so many techniques? you''d still only master the ones that suit you best."


    "that''s true."


    "hey, what realm do you think brother chen''s martial arts have reached? it seemed like he had already brought the wind, thunder, and fire to the second step when he joined the sect. do you think he will practice qian heaven?"


    "probably, i wonder how far brother chen has cultivated the qian heaven artistic conception. it''s been almost a year now, and i reckon the first step shouldn''t be too difficult for brother chen; he must have mastered it by now."


    "hard to say, i heard that brother zhou from the great profound peak took a year just to get a basic grasp of kun earth artistic conception."


    a few new disciples discussed in low voices as they disappeared along the mountain path.


    meanwhile,


    chen mu left the platform with a serene expression, walking up a different mountain path toward upper peak, soon arriving in front of a simple bamboo house. he entered the bamboo house, and suddenly, as if remembering something, he pulled out a blade from under the bed.


    it was his flowing fire blade, with the scabbard covered in dust, indicating that it had not been used for quite some time, always kept under the bed. now, chen mu blew a breath of air gently, and the dust on the scabbard quietly whirled up, spinning out the window.


    "it''s been a long time since i''ve used a blade; it feels somewhat unfamiliar. however, this ''heaven and earth wheel seal'' is indeed very difficult to practice."


    he summoned the system panel.


    on his current system panel, all those complicated artistic conceptions had disappeared, replaced by only one entry.


    [martial arts: qiankun artistic conception (second step)]


    [experience points: 341]


    [deductions available: 0]


    after nearly a year''s time, sleeping only an hour or two each day and spending the rest pondering over artistic conceptions through the cold and heat, he finally did not let the hardships go to waste and mastered the qiankun artistic conception.


    even for chen mu, he couldn''t help but marvel at the difficulty of the qiankun artistic conception, one with no equal, for he found it extremely obscure to comprehend, often spending twenty or thirty days immersed in thought without a clue to the right approach.


    fortunately,


    the system panel never disappointed him.


    even for qian heaven and kun earth artistic conceptions, there was no difference on the system panel compared to xun wind, thunderbolt, and other artistic conceptions- all had the same rate of earning experience points, all taking three months to reach the second step.


    however, in order to practice the kun earth artistic conception, he was forced to also bring the kan water to the second step, and additionally, there was one more: dui ze. after bringing together six phases in total, he finally managed to bring the kun earth artistic conception to the second step as well.


    and just when qian heaven, kun earth, xun wind, thunderbolt, separating fire, kan water, gen mountain, and dui ze- all eight phases were gathered and stepped into the second stage, the system panel underwent a change, where all the entries of artistic conceptions vanished, replaced by a single entry that represented the culmination of the eight phases¡ª the qiankun artistic conception!


    it took nearly a year for him, with his abilities, to master the qiankun artistic conception.


    this showed its difficulty.


    furthermore, the artistic conception technique corresponding to the qiankun artistic conception, ''heaven and earth wheel seal,'' was quite challenging. it took almost half a month''s worth of accumulated experience for him to laboriously master the first level of this technique. continue your journey on empire

 Chapter 215 Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal!

    ```picked up the flowing fire blade.


    chen mu descended the mountain quietly.


    he traveled far and came to the depths of the mountain range behind the seven profound sect''s seven main peaks.


    this mountain range stretched for hundreds of miles, and thanks to the control of the seven profound sect, it was rich in resources and had stable earth''s veins. it was also the place where both inner and outer sect disciples of the seven profound sect would undergo training, whether hunting demons or competing in various challenges.


    however, chen mu was not there to hunt demons. he soon arrived at the depths of a secluded valley. towering rock walls rose around him, and at the base of the walls was a crystal-clear pond. all other directions were covered with tall vegetation, making it an excellent place for quiet cultivation.


    chen mu came to the edge of the pond and stood in silence.


    the heaven and earth wheel seal.


    this was a unique technique in the world, only accessible to those who had mastered the qiankun artistic conception. it was also one of the most powerful martial arts, with a history as long as the qiankun artistic conception itself.


    legend had it that this technique initially corresponded to the qiankun artistic conception with only seven layers at the highest level. but later, da xuan, the founding martial emperor of this world and the first to reach the pinnacle of the qiankun artistic conception by taking the third step, extrapolated this technique to its peak. building upon the original seven layers, he created two more, giving a total of nine layers!


    mastering the first step of the qiankun artistic conception allows one to cultivate the first two layers; the second step grants access to the third through the sixth layers. the seventh layer is the ''qiankun domain'', and after that, the eighth and ninth layers are limited to those in the third step.


    but since the founding of da xuan, although there have not been few who tried to cultivate the qiankun artistic conception over the millennia, no one has been able to take the third step, and very few have been able to grasp the ''qiankun domain''.


    therefore,


    the pursuit of the qiankun artistic conception by martial artists of later generations gradually became less intense. instead, they turned to pursue other artistic conceptions with lower difficulties, such as qian heaven or kun earth. if someone could take the third step, they would still be powerful enough to dominate the world.


    chen mu held the flowing fire blade, took a deep breath, and slowly closed his eyes. suddenly, within a ten-zhang radius around him, the wind stilled, and the water ceased to flow. a layer of invisible aura seemed to gather, forming an invisible formation.


    "heaven and earth wheel seal!"


    he drew the flowing fire blade, and his eyes suddenly opened. within the deep abyss of his dark pupils, qian heaven, kun earth, xun wind, thunderbolt, separating fire, kan water, dui ze, gen mountain... each of the eight phases manifested, then converged into a rotating cycle mark, as if symbolizing the ultimate principle of the movement of this world, encompassing all things.


    merely raising the flowing fire blade in his hand caused layers of artistic conception to manifest around him.


    the calm surface of the pond rippled, and countless droplets of water floated up, forming a spinning wheel seal.


    kan water wheel seal!


    then a thousand winds swept across, turning into visible whirlwinds.


    xun wind wheel seal!


    raging fires surged, coming together into a blazing fire wheel rotation.


    separating fire wheel seal!


    then gen mountain, dui ze, thunderbolt, each manifested one after another, forming a six phases rotation. finally, under his feet appeared interwoven, vast, and heavy patterns, forming a wheel seal¡ªthe kun earth wheel seal.


    the seven rotating wheel seals still could not form a complete heaven and earth wheel seal, and they struggled to intersect with each other, showing signs of collapsing. but at that moment, above chen mu''s head, the heavens seemed to be torn down a notch, turning into an indescribably pure and immensely yang presence, also silently forming a wheel seal¡ªthe qian heaven wheel seal!


    all eight wheel seals converged.


    with chen mu at the center, encompassing all directions above and below, they formed a formation-like state. then, accompanying the swing of his blade, all the rotating seals merged into one and flew out, embedding into the rock wall straight ahead.


    there was no earth-shattering roar, nor was there any noise of shattering and exploding.


    suddenly,


    a gentle breeze quietly brushed past that rock wall.


    and with no sound, the solid layers of the rock face crumbled into powder, falling into the pond below, muddying the water until the entire rock wall caved in, forming a huge cavity! s§×ar?h the n??el fire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "this power..."


    looking at the concave cavity in the rock wall, chen mu couldn''t help but reveal a slight look of amazement.


    using the technique of the heaven and earth wheel seal to harness the power of the qiankun eight phases, the might displayed was truly extraordinary, wielding the vast power of heaven and earth as if it was an extension of oneself. whether attacking or defending, it was the most powerful of all!


    even if it was ''the same weight'' of the power of heaven and earth, there was almost no other artistic conception''s power that could contend with the qiankun artistic conception. even the complete yin yang or five elements artistic conception would pale in comparison beneath the qiankun.


    moreover,


    ```


    having fully mastered the qiankun artistic conception and stepping into the second phase, he could now mobilize the power of heaven and earth solely based on this artistic conception, which had at least reached the extent of "twelve portions"!


    not to mention his current state, with heaven above and earth below, he constantly occupied the supreme advantages of timing and geography. were he to use the momentum of heaven and earth without restraint and mobilize their power, he could even approach the terrifying "twenty portions"!


    however.


    mobilizing twenty portions of the power of heaven and earth was also extremely difficult and awkward, almost impossible to operate smoothly.


    without mastering the "martial arts domain," which allowed for the disregard of distance and angle within his domain, ensuring a "guaranteed hit" with every move, excessively mobilizing the power of heaven and earth in a cumbersome and sluggish manner would be meaningless if it failed to hit the opponent.


    "my own artistic conception can mobilize twelve portions of the power of heaven and earth, which i can fully utilize with ease. if i want to draw upon the momentum of heaven and earth... then i must rely on this ''heaven and earth wheel seal,''" he murmured to himself as he looked at the hollow in the rock wall.


    so-called artistic conception techniques can enhance the control over the power of heaven and earth grasped by the artistic conception and also allow martial artists to better exert the boon of ''geographic advantage.''


    meng danyun, in the underground water vein, faced the stronger han guang and the watchful eyes of three others who were only slightly weaker than her, plus a blood hidden pavilion assassin. she still managed to resist for so long because she relied on the kan water secret method, drawing on the advantage of geography, which greatly increased the power of heaven and earth she could exert at that time.


    and chen mu, having mastered the qiankun artistic conception, almost ignored all environments. no matter where he was, he held the absolute ''geographic advantage,'' allowing him to borrow more strength from between heaven and earth. however, the power he himself mastered was already quite enormous, so what restricted him was not the intensity of his artistic conception but his ''control power.''


    the heaven and earth wheel seal, this technique,


    is an exclusive martial arts technique of the qiankun artistic conception. with each step of improvement, his control over various powers of heaven and earth will climb successively, not limited to the part he can control with his artistic conception.


    of course, in addition to martial arts techniques, the strength of a martial artist''s own martial arts will also affects their ability to harness the power of heaven and earth.


    the level of artistic conception and the realm of body refining determine the ''quantity'' of power of heaven and earth that a martial artist can mobilize.


    the height of artistic conception techniques and the strength of the martial arts will determine how much the portion of the power of heaven and earth can be refined, which in turn decides the ''quality'' of that power.


    "heaven and earth wheel seal!"


    after a brief contemplation, chen mu released the heaven and earth wheel seal once again.


    with heaven and earth as the boundless, qiankun borrows the law!


    this time, he was not merely using his own artistic conception to mobilize the power of heaven and earth; he also tried to make use of heaven and earth... although he was far away from the qiankun lock dragon formation, chen mu did not want to touch the earth pulse''s power, so he only borrowed the strength of qian heaven.


    for a moment, the qian heaven wheel seal above his head suddenly became clearer and more ethereal, but at the same time, a strong sense of oppression began to spread, affecting the other seven cycle marks.


    however.


    under the heaven and earth wheel seal cast by chen mu, the eight phases wheel seal remained under his control and did not shatter due to the imbalance. instantly, it gathered again into a cluster, and with the pull of his blade''s edge, it struck another rock wall.


    this time it was no longer silent, but accompanied by a muffled hum, the surface of the rock wall exhibited countless dense cracks, and finally, a larger cavity than before collapsed all at once.


    but.


    this time, the rock layers in the cavity were not directly ground into powder, but were coarse sand grains and pebbles, which rustled down into the pond below, splashing water in all directions.


    "fifteen portions, i can basically control it,"


    chen mu observed the damage caused by his strike and revealed a contemplative look.


    apart from the eight types of power of heaven and earth that he could mobilize with the second step of the qiankun artistic conception itself, he also borrowed ''three portions'' of additional power from qian heaven, which was not yet his limit.


    he had previously strayed far from the seven profound sect''s mountain gate, where he had tried to call upon his full strength and also borrowed the strength of qian heaven and kun earth from qiankun. on the brink of losing control, it was almost twenty portions!


    however,


    at that time, he could not truly exert or even control these twenty portions; he was on the verge of losing control. even when the amount was reduced to fifteen portions, it was still quite rough to manipulate.


    but now that he had mastered the first layer of the ''heaven and earth wheel seal,'' he could basically manipulate the fifteen portions of the power of heaven and earth with ease, just slightly rougher than when using twelve portions, but the impact wasn''t as significant.


    "with the ''fifteen portions'' of power of heaven and earth that i can control from outside, combined with ''four portions'' of yuan gang true essence that i now possess, i can just about reach the threshold of twenty portions."


    chen mu took a deep breath. read exclusive content at empire


    since arriving at the seven profound sect a year ago, he had not deliberately tried to speed up the refinement of his internal five viscera, simply using up the remnants of the spiritual objects he had obtained before. up to now, he had completed eight cycles of refinement.


    these eight cycles of refinement brought his yuan gang true essence to four portions, doubling from when he first stepped into the five viscera realm. this yuan gang true essence was his own power, having been purified by the qiankun artistic conception, and now could be perfectly transformed into ''qiankun true essence.'' it was akin to his own arm, not requiring his thought to harness, a single intent could make it operate naturally, and there was no interference with the power of heaven and earth mobilized by the artistic conception.

 Chapter 216 Imperial Qi Gathering

    this means,with the use of the power of heaven and earth, while making sure he could execute the heaven and earth wheel seal, the maximum might he could exert was about the level of "twenty portions," which had already reached the lower limit of the wind cloud list!


    this is the power of the qiankun artistic conception!


    even though he had just stepped into the second stage not long ago, and even chen mu himself had not yet broken through to the six viscera realm, he almost had the strength to contend with a figure like yan jingqing, who was listed on the wind cloud list!


    all other artic conceptions, even yin yang and five elements, upon fully cultivating and stepping into the second step, still fell short of the threshold of the wind cloud list¡ªonly qiankun could directly reach the level of the wind cloud list!


    "however, if i really encountered someone like yan jingqing, an expert of the wind cloud list, i would most likely still be no match for him."


    chen mu shook his head slightly.


    he had just barely reached the threshold of the wind cloud list. although he had mastered the heaven and earth wheel seal and could mobilize the might of heaven and earth almost adequately, in actual combat, compared to someone like yan jingqing, who had been on the wind cloud list for many years, there was still a slight gap.


    moreover, there was a crucial point, which was that beings like yan jingqing who were on the wind cloud list generally mastered "martial arts domains," within which they could ignore distance, strike surely, and with unlimited frequency... this kind of difference in realm, for those without such domains, often meant they could only passively take hits, with not much power to strike back.


    of course,


    if he could wield a more massive power of heaven and earth, reaching thirty or even forty portions, then he could also "break skill with power," forcibly shattering the opponent''s martial arts domain.


    that''s why people like yan jingqing, even when facing weaker marrow cleansing grandmasters who hadn''t mastered domains, could only fight on equal terms and almost never win because, no matter how weak, a marrow cleansing grandmaster''s control over the power of heaven and earth also far exceeded thirty portions. without a domain, they could still break skill with power, enduring the domain''s attacks forcefully.


    yan jingqing had absolute suppression over him in the skill level, but against a marrow cleansing grandmaster, it was like a frail woman encountering a robust man. with skill, she might manage a short back and forth, but in the end, she would still be brutally forced to the ground.


    chen mu''s thought shifted, and he called out the system interface again.


    this time, however, he looked further down along artistic conception to quickly find another row of content.


    [artistic conception technique: heaven and earth wheel seal (first layer)]


    [experience: 47] explore more at empire


    "i wonder how much experience it would take to cultivate the heaven and earth wheel seal to the next layer."


    chen mu pondered slightly.


    for him now, continuing to comprehend artistic conception maps in the short term would not be as effective as deepening the level of the heaven and earth wheel seal, which had cost him 1000 experience points to elevate to the first layer.


    and accumulating those 1000 experience points had taken him slightly over half a month.


    of course, during this half month, he hadn''t solely focused on cultivating the heaven and earth wheel seal; he had also been looking for other suitable techniques and trying to continue comprehending other artistic conceptions.


    once the qiankun eight phases had completely unified and merged into the qiankun artistic conception, the way he acquired experience had changed.


    firstly,


    no matter which artistic conception map he comprehended, whether separating fire or kan water, the added experience all summed up to the qiankun artistic conception''s experience, no longer separate as before.


    secondly, the progress of completely cultivating the qiankun artistic conception was faster than when separately cultivating the eight kinds.


    simply put, previously, to "derive" each of the eight kinds of artistic conceptions once, each kind needed a month of accumulation, which added up to eight months. but now, it only required about five months to gather enough for one derivation of the qiankun artistic conception.


    chen mu had also tried putting several artistic conception maps together, attempting to comprehend multiple artistic conceptions at once, but it proved impossible. even comprehending two artistic conception maps at the same time was unachievable; two maps were always two different maps, even if there were connections between them in terms of artistic conception. they ultimately could not be directly combined.


    among all the artistic conception maps, comprehending qian heaven or kun earth provided the most noticeable effects and the most experience points.


    after a brief reflection,


    chen mu stowed the flowing fire blade and headed back towards the direction of the seven profound sect.


    for the current him, tempering the five viscera didn''t need much attention anymore, as inner breath naturally circulated, and the comprehension of the qiankun artistic conception had temporarily reached a bottleneck. perhaps spending one or two years might allow him to derive the qiankun artistic conception three or four times, but as his comprehension of the realm deepened, the effect of the artistic conception maps would decline.


    also, unless he reached the extreme limit of the second step and took a half-step further to develop the qiankun domain, there wouldn''t be much significant change, just like the five viscera tempering, it had reached a stage where slow accumulation was necessary.


    in fact,


    most martial artists in the six viscera realm spent their entire lives and never touched the extreme limit of the second step.


    and those who comprehended a domain in the six viscera realm were even rarer.


    at the moment, for chen mu, what most directly improved his strength was the artistic conception technique he was always lacking.


    by his estimate.


    having practiced the heaven and earth wheel seal to the second layer, chen mu estimated he could control seventeen or eighteen portions of the power of heaven and earth. if he could advance to the third layer, he might even be able to fully control twenty portions.


    "the heaven and earth wheel seal is currently crucial in my cultivation, but besides this, i also need to practice a movement technique and an art of concealment," chen mu contemplated.


    the art of concealment and movement techniques greatly influenced practical combat capabilities.


    the reason why the assassins from the blood hidden pavilion were so dreaded was precisely because they specialized in concealment. upon reaching the five viscera realm and even the six viscera realm, they could make their forms and auras completely invisible, passing by unnoticed right in front of you. coupled with their strategy of retreating a thousand miles if their first strike missed, they were the most annoying opponents in the martial world.


    as for the movement techniques, it goes without saying that as long as the speed was fast enough, fast enough that even marrow cleansing grandmasters couldn''t catch up, it would be equivalent to having a means of retreating from a grandmaster''s clutches, able to advance or retreat, composed and unruffled.


    very soon.


    chen mu returned to the seven profound sect.


    he made his way to the hall of transmission located in the central valley of the seven profound sect.


    by now, he was very familiar with the surroundings. the protector guarding the hall of transmission merely glanced up when chen mu arrived, nodded at him, and allowed chen mu to enter the archive hall.


    ordinary disciples who wanted to borrow technique manuals often had to apply through the hall of transmission, or bring a permit endorsed by the protector of their respective peaks in order to directly borrow anything. even those in the five viscera realm holding the position of steward had certain restrictions.


    only true transmissions of each sect and those above the level of protector could borrow at will.


    chen mu entered the archive hall. this wasn''t his first time here; he had previously visited twice, having come across his technique of the heaven and earth wheel seal here during those times as he was understanding artistic conceptions.


    however, his visit this time wasn''t to seek the heaven and earth wheel seal but to find a movement technique and an art of concealment.


    artistic conception techniques did not require one to ponder over an artistic conception map like regular artistic conceptions; merely memorizing them would suffice for cultivation anytime. if he had enough time, chen mu wouldn''t mind browsing through all the artistic conception techniques available.


    after all.


    after mastering the qiankun artistic conception, he could cultivate all the artistic conception techniques in the world. not to mention the various techniques within the qiankun eight phases, even techniques like hehuan and blood concealment could be practiced, because all techniques originated from the transformations of yin yang and the five elements, all within qiankun, with no limitations in cultivation.


    however, cultivating too many artistic conception techniques also had no true meaning. one heaven and earth wheel seal as his primary offensive and defensive technique, combined with one top-tier movement technique and one top-tier art of concealment, would be enough to sweep through anything.


    of course.


    techniques like the perception technique and longevity techniques also had their uses, but for chen mu currently, these techniques could be put off to later, as they were not urgently needed.


    chen mu directly approached the row of bookshelves that contained various concealment techniques, looking over the volumes placed on the shelf made of millennium-old purplewood, one by one.


    "fog concealment art... requires mastery of the kan water artistic conception."


    "earth concealment decree... requires mastery of the five elements earth or a combination of dui ze artistic conception and gen mountain artistic conception."


    "shape-shifting... necessitates mastery of the kan water artistic conception and xun wind artistic conception..."


    all manuals clearly stipulated cultivation requirements underneath.


    however, chen mu didn''t care about these requirements since he met the conditions; he just needed the best among them. in fact, he was more interested in seeing the art of concealment from the blood hidden pavilion, which would definitely be far superior to those collected by the seven profound sect, but those were the blood hidden pavilion''s proprietary techniques, and as a disciple of the seven profound sect, he naturally had no chance to see them.


    by the time he had the opportunity, they would mostly be useless to him.


    "sun and moon traceless, hmm... requires mastery of the sun and moon artistic conception?"


    chen mu quickly found a seemingly special technique, which required mastery of ''sun and moon'' artistic conception, derived from the yin yang artistic conception and one of the superior artistic conceptions just below yin yang. an art of concealment based on sun and moon artistic conception was likely to be quite good. sear?h the novel(f~)ire.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    chen mu closely examined it but soon frowned slightly.


    because this sun and moon traceless was indeed excellent, once mastered, one could leave no trace under the sun and moon, able to completely conceal one''s form, standing in front of someone without being seen. however, this technique had a flaw¡ªit needed to draw on the power of the sun and moon to function, and its effectiveness would greatly diminish when both were obscured.


    yet, just as chen mu was about to set down the volume of sun and moon traceless, his gaze quickly shifted to another volume next to it, covered with a thin layer of dust, seemingly long untouched.


    "imperial qi concealment technique."


    chen mu glanced at the name of the dharma decree, a glint passing through his eyes.


    then he looked at the cultivation requirement.


    sure enough¡ª


    qiankun artistic conception!


    daring to be named ''imperial'' and having remained untouched here for so long indicated either that it was too rudimentary, attracting no interest or that it was extremely difficult, with few capable of mastering it. clearly, this imperial qi concealment technique belonged to the latter case.

 Chapter 217 Abyssal Ground Shrink

    chen mu flipped open the first page and saw steady, confident characters leaping off the page."...the heart gathers and refines, the breath gathers and stills, he who is the emperor shows neither joy nor anger in his countenance, nor does his vital force reveal itself outwardly. his heart remains unchanging to accord with the transformations of all things, and his body remains still to follow the movements of all things."


    as he read the text in the book, chen mu was momentarily lost in thought, then continued reading. he quickly browsed this volume of the imperial qi concealing technique from beginning to end, memorizing its content.


    the imperial qi concealing technique, based on the qiankun artistic conception, keeps one''s vital force undisturbed even if the heavens and earth change color. it is one of the highest forms of the art of concealing one''s vital force and can, in almost any environment, completely conceal one''s vital force without being disturbed by external conditions.


    although this technique only hides the vital force and not the physical form, for chen mu, hiding the physical form is merely a trivial trick. using the kan water artistic conception, he could easily conceal his form from ordinary people, achieving what is known as ''immortal trace'' during the day. but in reality, in the eyes of high-level martial artists, it is nothing but a trick.


    only concealing the vital force is truly crucial.


    moreover, this imperial qi concealing technique does not have complicated levels. once it is mastered, one can control one''s own vital force at will, concealing or releasing it freely. it was precisely the method he needed.


    having decided on the imperial qi concealing technique, chen mu then moved to another wooden rack to search for movement techniques.


    the techniques on this rack, compared to those for concealing the vital force, were several times more numerous, a dazzling array indeed; techniques like ''shadowless step,'' ''mystifying steps,'' and so on, were everywhere, seemingly very impressive. but upon closer examination, the cultivation requirement was only one type of artistic conception, xun wind, all of which were of the most basic level.


    but before long.


    chen mu found another volume.


    ¡ªabyssal ground shrink!


    this was another movement technique based on the qiankun artistic conception, and its description on the first page was quite domineering.


    ''among all movement techniques under the heavens, at most, they can only equal this technique, none can surpass it!''


    in terms of movement steps, all techniques under the heavens could at most equal this technique but could not exceed it.


    such boasts, which sounded like bragging, would have seemed merely absurd to chen mu back when he was in yu city and encountered low-level techniques not even touching upon artistic conceptions. in contrast, being based on the ''qiankun artistic conception,'' practising this method was entirely different.


    moreover, it was explicitly marked in abyssal ground shrink that one must cultivate the qiankun artistic conception to the second step before one could master it.


    "very well, these two it will be."


    chen mu nodded slightly in his heart and then browsed the volume of abyssal ground shrink as well, memorizing the contents.


    having left the hall of transmission.


    chen mu walked along the mountain path back to his residence.


    however, as he reached the middle peak, he noticed a spacious area where many inner sect disciples were gathered in small groups, discussing something with surprise in their eyes.


    chen mu''s steps were light as he walked up the path. although he was quite distant, he still caught snippets of the conversation, a flicker of light passed through his eyes, but he did not pay it much attention and continued up the mountain.


    the topic of conversation was about the list of promising newcomers.


    a year had passed.


    the list of promising newcomers was updated again; this time, some newcomers entered the list while some veterans were removed. however, zuo qianqiu''s position remained unshaken, still at the top of the list.


    zuo qianqiu was only twenty-six years old, the same age as yuan yingsong and younger than both zhou hao and chen mu.


    "did you hear? zuo qianqiu, at the northern frontier, had a sparring match with yuan yingsong, and it ended with yuan yingsong slightly losing by half a move... yuan yingsong has even cultivated the thunderclap artistic conception to the second step, lacking only xun wind and qian heaven in the eight phases. yet, he still couldn''t surpass zuo qianqiu. i thought after mastering thunderclap, yuan yingsong would be able to surpass zuo qianqiu."


    "it''s not that simple. just as yuan yingsong cultivates, so does zuo qianqiu. the cultivation difficulty of the heavenly sword artistic conception is almost as complex as the complete yin yang five elements. moreover, zuo qianqiu, who holds the belief ''man can conquer nature,'' grows stronger with every victory in his sword intent, as his sword intent and martial belief have merged. he has not been defeated at his level since he began practicing the sword; who knows to what extent he has now cultivated."


    "speaking of which, senior brother zhou has mastered the kun earth artistic conception and is now ranked ninth on the list of promising newcomers. last month he faced zuo qianqiu and couldn''t even force out zuo qianqiu''s seventh sword, having to dodge at the sixth."


    in one corner, linghu shang and shen lin among others were sighing and discussing.


    suddenly.


    someone noticed chen mu walking up the mountain path and quickly nudged a nearby person, after which they all saluted the approaching chen mu.


    "brother chen."


    linghu shang and shen lin also saluted in turn.


    chen mu glanced at everyone just once and did not stop; he quickly disappeared towards the upper peak.


    once chen mu''s figure had vanished, the disciples of spirit profound peak exchanged glances before resuming their discussion.


    "speaking of which, in the newly released list of promising newcomers, brother chen''s ranking has dropped."


    shen lin tilted her head and whispered.


    "after brother chen entered the sect, it seems like there hasn''t been much news about him for a year. it''s quite normal for his ranking in the newcomers list to drop a few places. however, with brother chen''s talent, he has most likely already initially grasped the qian heaven artistic conception, hasn''t he? just by showing some of his strength, his ranking will return, and maybe even rise a few places to reach within the top twenty pages," said linghu shang long after chen mu''s silhouette had disappeared, as he looked at shen lin and responded.


    "hmm."


    shen lin nodded as well.


    with such astonishing talent and comprehension, chen mu couldn''t have completely disappeared after joining the seven profound sect. it was obvious that he was still diligently cultivating in seclusion. whenever he reached a bottleneck and left the mountain for trials, chen mu''s transformation would naturally become known.


    ...


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    chen mu returned to the bamboo hut where he lived.


    he wasn''t very interested in the discussions amongst many inner sect disciples about the newcomers list, zuo qianqiu, and other matters.


    the newcomers list re-evaluated by the end of the world sea pavilion this year, he had glanced at it before. his ranking had dropped from twenty-seventh to thirty-third, but that didn''t matter to him.


    the newcomers list was just about being ''newcomers.'' gaining fame in the cold north path, such so-called fame was meaningless in his view; it merely made others sigh over one''s high talent and quality.


    only by reaching the wind cloud list, or even becoming a marrow cleansing grandmaster.


    only then could one truly become a distinguished powerhouse in a state, renowned across the eleven states of the cold north path.


    among the extraordinary talents of past generations, there were those who hadn''t broken through the marrow cleansing mysterious pass and had stopped below the grandmaster realm. although they could also make it to the wind cloud list after spending some years in the six viscera realm, and not fear an ordinary grandmaster, this so-called fearlessness was just that, fearlessness. whether they could become grandmasters was always just two separate concepts.


    after all, only by entering marrow cleansing could one ultimately glimpse the pinnacle realm of ''blood exchange.''


    and among those who became grandmasters, which one wasn''t once a genius? perhaps at the initial entrance into the grandmaster realm, dealing with a high-ranking expert from the wind cloud list might still pose some difficulty, but just give them a few decades to immerse at the marrow cleansing realm, even if they ultimately cannot step into blood exchange, they could still stand above those on the wind cloud list.


    the lifespan of a marrow cleansing grandmaster was also incomparable to that of the six viscera realm. once stepping into marrow cleansing, one could live at least up to one hundred and fifty years, and if cultivating towards a health-preserving path, living close to two hundred years was possible.


    while those in the six viscera realm could live up to around one hundred and twenty years at most, and their strength couldn''t be maintained for long, although slightly better than the five viscera realm, it mostly just lasted to around a hundred years or so.


    while marrow cleansing grandmasters could reach one hundred and fifty years.


    even more.


    marrow cleansing grandmasters before the age of one hundred still had the hope of stepping into blood exchange. though this step was very difficult, who could say that there won''t be a grandmaster who could make that step?


    "zuo qianqiu, heavenly sword artistic conception..."


    chen mu slightly shook his head.


    perhaps having solidified his own martial arts will, his mindset today had gradually undergone many changes from the past. just as a grandmaster in the grandmaster realm has no interest in crushing a sapling, he likewise had no interest in dealing with zuo qianqiu.


    everyone on the newcomers list was no longer seen as his competitor; his eyes were already set on the wind cloud list.


    as one who controlled the qiankun artistic conception, if he still had to look back at those behind him, then how could he continue to control qiankun?


    if zuo qianqiu truly had the chance to catch up to him with the heavenly sword artistic conception, then let him come. whenever he feels like swinging a sword at him, that''s when he will break this heavenly sword. his gaze was no longer on the younger generation.


    continuing up the mountain path.


    just as the familiar bamboo hut gradually appeared in front of chen mu, a figure stood beside the hut, seemingly having waited for a while.


    "sister meng, what brings you here?"


    chen mu walked towards the bamboo hut and smiled at the figure beside it.


    the person was meng danyun.


    meng danyun turned around, her face devoid of any smile, instead carrying a hint of heaviness. she looked at chen mu with complex eyes and then spoke, "master... "


    her words made chen mu''s smile immediately fade.


    meng danyun pursed her lips and finally said in a low voice, "master said that her lucid moments are getting fewer, and this time she might sleep for a long time. she said she has always been waiting for you to ask her about martial arts, maybe you haven''t encountered a bottleneck. she is also relieved for you, saying you probably will be able to cultivate the qian heaven artistic conception. she told me to tell you that after stepping into the second phase of artistic conception, relying solely on the artistic conception map won''t allow you to step into the third phase because those who trace the artistic conception map haven''t realized the third phase themselves."


    "if you want to reach the ultimate in artistic conception, unless guided by the original eight phases diagram, even finding a fragmented copy of the eight phases diagram will not be very meaningful. if you want to realize martial arts domain and even step into the third phase, you must rely on yourself."


    meng danyun said this.


    she then slowly took out a small jade seal and handed it to chen mu, saying, "this is the ''qian heaven seal'' master refined for you during her lucid moments, which can block a strike from an ordinary grandmaster at your life-and-death juncture, to be used for self-defense in your future travels." read exclusive chapters at empire

 Chapter 218 Qin Mengjuns Astonishment

    chen mu silently took the qian heaven seal.the nature of this qian heaven seal was similar to the spirit jade pendant he had obtained before, but the quality was much higher. now that he had grasped the qiankun artistic conception, he could clearly feel the immense strength of qian heaven contained within it.


    although this seal was of a higher quality than the spirit jade pendant, the ability to seal such a majestic strength of qian heaven inside it without almost any leakage was indeed beyond imagination¡ªa technique of the grandmaster realm.


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    qin mengjun was no ordinary grandmaster. at her peak, she ranked among the top three in the entire cold north path, among all marrow cleansing grandmasters.


    chen mu held the qian heaven seal, fell silent for a short while, and then said, "how did master incur her injuries back then?"


    although he had not asked qin mengjun for guidance since he became her disciple, he had access to all the resources of the seven profound sect, and he could choose any of the technique manuals. all of these were granted due to his status as her true disciple. and qin mengjun, in her moments of lucidity and confusion, had refined this qian heaven seal for him as a protective amulet, which must have required a great deal of her effort.


    he was always someone who repaid kindness with gratitude. when qin mengjun first took him as her disciple, she did not hide her condition and laid out all the facts, allowing him to make his choice. after he chose to join spirit profound peak, she fulfilled her duties as a master to her disciple. however, his understanding of qin mengjun was still very limited to this day.


    "she was the victim of a conspiracy."


    meng danyun said in a low voice, "at that time, master was in seclusion within the forbidden area, using the qiankun lock dragon formation to refine her essence blood with the power of heaven and earth, aiming to advance to the blood exchange realm. but someone laid out a trap outside the mountain range, then suddenly shook the earth''s veins, causing a disturbance."


    "at that critical moment, master''s qi was connected to the qiankun lock dragon formation. she was immediately struck by the rebound and suffered the impact of the earth''s veins. although she immediately countered with the qiankun lock dragon formation, the attacker withdrew swiftly after just one strike, leaving no clues as to their identity."


    "as for the assassinations that followed, they were not key. they were more likely the result of the mastermind behind the scenes trying to confirm master''s condition by sending out their dead soldiers. they used a flying arrow spirit crossbow in the attack. though master killed the assassin with a single blow and tried to conceal her injury from the counterblast of the earth''s veins, somehow the information was still leaked."


    hearing meng danyun''s account, chen mu''s brows involuntarily knitted together.


    qin mengjun, an unparalleled grandmaster like her, where she was and when she chose to go into seclusion to attempt advancing to the blood exchange realm, certainly would have been the most confidential secrets, possibly unknown even to the sect protector. yet, the enemy managed to capture such a precise critical node, set up outside the mountain range, and then suddenly provoked the earth''s veins to induce backlash. this clearly indicated a serious problem.


    "to be able to shake the earth''s veins and retreat so easily under master''s manipulation of the qiankun lock dragon formation, the perpetrator undoubtedly belongs to the blood exchange realm. but for this person to capture such a critical moment of master''s attempt to advance to the blood exchange realm..."


    chen mu looked towards meng danyun.


    to him, this situation was highly likely to be the result of a traitor from within the sect, and a high-ranking one at that.


    meng danyun understood what chen mu meant and shook his head, saying, "the supreme of the sect also suspected there was a traitor within, and even conducted investigations on all the peak masters and elders, but in the end, found nothing."


    after hearing this, chen mu''s heart sank into contemplation.


    if indeed there was a traitor of marrow cleansing realm or higher within the seven profound sect, it would indeed be difficult to find. on one hand, this was an uncertain suspicion; not sure if there really was a traitor, it was impossible to conduct a purge for this reason.


    on the other hand, grandmasters above the marrow cleansing realm were the elders and peak masters of the sect, individuals of great significance within the seven profound sect. and considering they dared to plot against qin mengjun and did not flee afterward, they must be confident that they would not be exposed.


    "in times of chaos, indeed, people are as haunting as spirits and ghouls."


    in the end, chen mu shook his head.


    if not for this conspiracy, qin mengjun might have stepped into the blood exchange realm and become another supreme of the seven profound sect. but who could have anticipated that, even within the protection of the sect and under the qiankun lock dragon formation, such a mishap could occur? at that time, qin mengjun was renowned across the eleven states of cold north path, an unparalleled grandmaster watched by all parties¡ªsurely, this was all part of an elaborate plan conceived long ago.


    thirteen years ago, cold north path was not as chaotic as it is today, but the undercurrents were already raging. however, the affairs that befell grandmasters like qin mengjun, high above the common fray, were not known to those in the lower echelons of society.


    however.


    regardless of whether there is a traitor within the seven profound sect, and regardless of who was the one who stirred the earth''s veins to plot against qin mengjun back then, they will eventually emerge. for now, all he needed to do was remember these matters.


    if one day in the future, he steps into the blood exchange realm and becomes a martial saint, it will be the day for him to settle scores with these fiends on behalf of qin mengjun.


    "is master still lucid now? i wish to pay my respects to master."


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    chen mu asked meng danyun, looking towards him.


    meng danyun shook his head and said, "i don''t know, you should go see for yourself. master has always been over there."


    after nodding slightly, chen mu turned around and continued to ascend the mountain along the small path. he eventually reached the peak and headed behind spirit profound hall towards the cliff, soon arriving before that massive ancient tree again.


    beneath the ancient tree.


    on the clean white rock, the figure of qin mengjun still sat there.


    a year had passed since chen mu''s last audience with qin mengjun, and his perception of her had changed dramatically from the previous time. before, qin mengjun seemed like a celestial human, lofty and distant, intangible, with a realm so high that it was beyond his comprehension, visible but not an iota perceivable.


    but now, it was different. although he still could not clearly perceive qin mengjun''s form, he could sense the subtle changes in this part of heaven and earth, and feel a presence of the ''qian heaven'' floating there.


    "master."


    chen mu did not approach too closely, instead bowing from a distance to the figure on the rock.


    the figure on the rock still sat motionless there, just gazing blankly at the distant expanse of sky above.


    chen mu made no additional movements, merely maintaining his attentive stance.


    qin mengjun had meng danyun pass a message to him, and also sent the qian heaven seal. he didn''t know if qin mengjun would awaken soon, but he still planned to wait here for a while.


    he didn''t know how much time had passed.


    as the sun in the sky gradually set, darkness enveloped the land, a sliver of moonlight climbed the firmament, and whiffs of cold wind blew across the cliff; qin mengjun remained seated motionlessly on the rock, while chen mu stood behind her, unwavering from beginning to end.


    when the moonlight dipped low in the west and the horizon edged with the pale light of dawn, chen mu still stood there.


    it wasn''t until the sun passed its zenith and the mists among the distant mountains had dissipated considerably that chen mu finally slowly exhaled and took a step back, intending to leave.


    however, at that moment.


    a gentle voice came through.


    "you''re here?"


    when chen mu looked up, he saw qin mengjun turning her head towards him, looking at him with a gentle gaze.


    qin mengjun smiled at chen mu and said, "i thought you..." her words trailed off as she suddenly froze, then her figure flickered and disappeared silently from atop the rock. when she reappeared, she was directly in front of chen mu, looking at him somewhat astonished.


    "protector."


    chen mu bowed again.


    qin mengjun looked at chen mu in a daze, as if she had seen something incredible. after who knows how long, she finally asked in disbelief, "how did you do it?"


    at that moment, under her ''qian heaven aura observation technique,'' chen mu''s clothing might as well be invisible.


    his flesh, muscles, and bones were no different.


    her gaze could directly see the yuan gang true essence cultivated within chen mu, and what she saw was chen mu''s entire being, remarkably composed of eight different phenomena merging into one whole.


    among them were kan water, separating fire, thunderbolt, xun wind... whether they generated each other or acted against each other, at this moment they were perfectly unified, and only one thing could form such a yuan body.


    qiankun artistic conception!


    a complete qiankun artistic conception!


    as a marrow cleansing grandmaster, once the foremost figure across the eleven states of the cold north path, she was of course no stranger to qiankun artistic conception. in fact, she herself had cultivated qian heaven artistic conception to the pinnacle of perfection.


    but the qiankun artistic conceptions she had seen were mostly stuck at the initial step, with only a handful reaching the second step in their old age. these were individuals who, even in their youth, possessed exceptional insight and spent decades contemplating before finally grasping it. aside from yan jingqing, who mastered the martial arts domain on the wind cloud list, only those who integrated the complete yin yang and qiankun into the second step existed.


    how old were those individuals?


    how many years had they spent?


    what about chen mu?


    the last time she had seen chen mu was just one year ago, and even though he was regarded as highly talented with all four artistic conceptions at the second step, kan water had been somewhat lacking, and dui ze had not yet been realized.


    now what did she see? she saw that chen mu had gathered all the eight phases of qiankun, solidifying into a complete qiankun artistic conception, and there was no doubt that it was at the level of the second step!


    if she was not still aware of the passage of time during her perplexity and stupor, she might first doubt whether many years had passed by now.


    in just one year.


    to completely fill the gaps in the qiankun eight phases, including the most difficult qian heaven and kun earth, and to cultivate the second step of qiankun artistic conception... this was no longer something that could be described simply as genius.


    her fourth disciple might just be the heavenly mandate child born for the qiankun eight phases in these chaotic times!


    chen mu knew what qin mengjun was asking about. since he had not yet cultivated the imperial qi gathering technique, it was not surprising for qin mengjun to see that he had achieved the qiankun artistic conception. he simply bowed his head and said,


    "disciple has diligently cultivated without slackening."


    qin mengjun looked at chen mu with a somewhat complex gaze, and shaking her head, she said, "this can''t be achieved by effort alone, but you have indeed chosen the most challenging path in the martial arts domain."


    "do you know why, after martial artists enter the six viscera realm, they seldom explore more or deeper artistic conceptions?"


    qin mengjun asked softly.


    chen mu shook his head and said, "please enlighten me, protector."

 Chapter 219 Chaos Begins

    qin mengjun spoke in a gentle tone, "the more artistic conceptions one comprehends, and the closer the understood conceptions are to their essence, the harder the ''mysterious pass'' of the marrow cleansing realm will be to break through. of course, after entering the realm of a grandmaster, one will become much stronger.""before a martial artist reaches the age of thirty, the artistic conceptions they can grasp basically set the upper limit of the strength of the mysterious pass they can break through. therefore, the vast majority of martial artists, after stepping into the six viscera realm, will no longer attempt to comprehend additional artistic conceptions or the essence of qian heaven kun earth; instead, they turn to deepen their understanding of their current conceptions, solidifying their martial arts will, preparing to strike at the mysterious pass..."


    qin mengjun stated slowly.


    chen mu had some understanding of the ''mysterious pass'' of the marrow cleansing realm, but naturally, it was not as detailed as qin mengjun''s knowledge. upon hearing qin mengjun''s explanation, he now had a clearer grasp of the concept.


    the so-called mysterious pass is located where the heavenly spirit resides, which is in a closed state from birth and serves as the dwelling place of the soul heart.


    a martial artist, by cultivating artistic conceptions, can mobilize the power of heaven and earth, effectively breaking down the barriers between the soul heart and the outside world, thereby allowing the martial artist to manipulate heaven and earth''s might with their will.


    if a martial artist wishes to undergo marrow cleansing, they must also break the barriers between the physical body and the outside world, achieving unity of spirit and flesh, convergence of heaven and earth, drawing the power of heaven and earth into the body, and refining an impeccable grandmaster''s physique.


    therefore,


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    the stronger the artistic conception, the harder the mysterious pass is to break through, but the grandmaster''s physique refined after breaking through is also stronger.


    what xun wind martial body, thunderbolt martial body... naturally, they are not as good as the yin yang martial body, five elements martial body, and then, they are all inferior to the unrivaled ''qiankun martial body''!


    "you can comprehend the qiankun artistic conception in such a short time; perhaps you are the one who is most in tune with the qiankun eight phases in the world today. the future mysterious pass may be the hardest in the current era, but it is also the strongest path," qin mengjun said, his voice much calmer.


    with chen mu''s talents, if he were to focus solely on cultivating the qian heaven artistic conception, it would likely be almost certain that he could become a grandmaster in the future. but with such gifts, he indeed should embark on the most powerful path of qiankun!


    after all, qian heaven is common, but qiankun is rare. even though most people might wish to take the path of qiankun, they do not have the capability or qualifications, for this highest and most difficult path in martial arts leads to the pinnacle of martial artists in the world. once one truly manages to traverse this path, even if unable to step into the third layer, simply achieving marrow cleansing would be close to the peak of the martial world.


    qin mengjun continued, "this path is currently the hardest, but with your talents, i believe you can make it through. what you need to focus on next is, firstly, to continue understanding the qiankun artistic conception, and secondly, to forge your martial arts will... only the strongest martial arts will can control the strongest martial arts artistic conception of this era."


    "thank you for your guidance, master."


    chen mu responded.


    solidifying martial arts will?


    a thought flashed through his mind. he already understood his determination; as for how to further solidify his martial arts will, there were many methods. there was meditative mind-refinement, as well as certain heaven and earth spiritual items effective for solidifying the will. among all these, the most effective method was to unify knowledge and action!


    zuo qianqiu, who cultivated the heavenly sword artistic conception, followed the path of triumphing over nature. therefore, he traveled the world with his sword, using the sword in his heart to cut through the wasteland, training both his sword and his will. with a sword in hand, he was invincible under the heavens.


    as for him,


    to achieve all things in the world following from the will, the first step must be to become invincible in the world.


    "i have already discerned my heart and know which way to steer my martial arts will, but as for the comprehension of artistic conceptions... master, you had previously sent sister meng to tell me that if one wishes to reach the peak of artistic conceptions, one must rely on oneself. i wonder how exactly i am to rely on myself."


    chen mu asked qin mengjun the question he most wanted to know.


    for him at present, contemplating the eight phases diagram still brought him many experience points, but if he were to elevate his qiankun artistic conception further, the efficacy of contemplating the artistic conception map would be greatly reduced.


    although with enough time, he could eventually hone his artistic conception to its peak, he still hoped to do it faster.


    after all,


    these were chaotic times, and no one knew what changes might happen at any moment.


    "where do the artistic conception maps come from?"


    qin mengjun gave chen mu a glance.


    chen mu was slightly taken aback, but he already had a vague realization.


    qin mengjun cracked a slight smile, gazed up at the sky above, and said, "when you had not yet understood artistic conceptions, you needed the guidance of artistic conception maps to get a sense of the essence of this world. but now that you have mastered the second step of the qiankun artistic conception, do you still need the guidance of artistic conception maps? can this vast heaven and earth of qiankun not surpass a mere diagram?"


    "i see. thank you, master, for pointing me in the right direction," chen mu inhaled slightly.


    he had always followed the guidance of artistic conception maps and had never tried to step away from them to comprehend the world on his own, which was like not seeing the forest for the trees.


    previously, when he was guiding chen yue and xu hongyu, he had even considered the principle of combining knowledge with action, feeling the essence of the kan water artistic conception after surveying the world''s rivers, yet he now found himself lost in the fog.


    if he could comprehend the mysteries of the world from a single artistic conception map, then after stepping into the second step, he could directly comprehend the wonders of qiankun from rivers and seas, from three mountains and five peaks amidst the clear skies.


    artistic conception maps.


    after all, they merely provided guidance.


    unless it was the legendary original eight phases diagram or the implemented eight phases diagram, they might contain mysteries that could lead to the third step of the conception.


    apart from that, all imitative diagrams, rubbing maps could at most guide one to the second step. the reason he became capable of further contemplation on this foundation was due to the excessive strength of the system panel''s functionalities, even allowing him to continue accumulating experience on the basis of the second step.


    "go ahead."


    qin mengjun smiled slightly at chen mu.


    "disciple takes his leave."


    chen mu bowed respectfully, then slowly descended the mountain.


    qin mengjun gazed at chen mu''s departing silhouette, which vanished without a sound, then returned to her seat on the rock. she waved her hand, beckoning a shower of fallen leaves to drift towards a certain spot. then, looking up at the firmament, the brilliance in her eyes gradually faded.


    a mere year.


    in such a short time, her disciple chen mu had brought her considerable astonishment, stirring up many ripples in her heart. she wondered how far he would have progressed the next time she awoke.


    ...


    after bidding farewell to qin mengjun.


    chen mu returned to his bamboo house.


    he didn''t inquire about qin mengjun''s current condition, not because he didn''t care about her health, but because this time, unlike last, as his qiankun artistic conception flowed, he didn''t perceive any signs of decline from her.


    as a marrow cleansing realm grandmaster with an exceedingly solidifying refinement level of martial will, she was far from as frail as ordinary people. even with her heavenly spirit injured and her soul heart damaged, chen mu didn''t believe that someone like qin mengjun would simply accept her fate. he surmised that qin mengjun, who a year ago could often stay lucid for long periods, shouldn''t have deteriorated so rapidly within a single year.


    this prolonged slumber might well have some other cause.


    but since qin mengjun didn''t bring it up herself, he also chose not to ask. even he, as her disciple, had secrets of his own, so naturally, he wouldn''t pry into qin mengjun''s affairs. he, too, hoped that qin mengjun''s condition would improve. s§×arch* the n??efire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "to comprehend heaven and earth..."


    chen mu murmured to himself.


    with qin mengjun''s guidance, he now had a clearer direction and understanding of his future path. however, he still needed to verify a few more things.


    thus, he stepped out of the house and leaped onto the roof of the bamboo dwelling, basking in the sunlight as he gazed at the mountains and skies ahead, minutely contemplating the profundities between heaven, earth, and all landscapes.


    after a long while.


    he retracted his gaze and summoned the system panel.


    [martial arts: qiankun artistic conception (second step)]


    [experience: 347 points]


    "it really is possible."


    chen mu saw the added experience points on the system panel and sighed inwardly.


    after stepping into the second phase of artistic conception, it was indeed unnecessary to use an artistic conception map. directly comprehending heaven and earth could also yield experience points, and the efficiency of acquiring them was quite high, almost matching the rate at which he gleaned insights from artistic conception maps.


    this was why, after advancing to the five viscera realm, martial artists¡ªbe they sect disciples, inheritors of inner sects, or those from martial arts families¡ªwould often journey across the world rather than engage in solitary cultivation behind closed doors.


    as depicted in the list of promising talents,


    events about various individuals would come from all directions every few days.


    those who cultivated the sword of the mortal dust sought enlightenment amid the mortal world; those who cultivated the heavenly sword followed the path of overcoming fate with human effort; those who practiced the hehuan path used desire as their principle, seeking to understand the yin yang path through the interplay of male and female desires.


    as for him, cultivating qiankun artistic conception meant traversing mountains and rivers to glimpse into heaven and earth, to observe all things in the world.


    however,


    there was no rush at the moment.


    continuing to comprehend the artistic conception map offered plenty of experience points. compared to roaming the world and stepping over thousands of mountains and rivers, and having witnessed all creations of qiankun, there wouldn''t be much difference for now. besides, he still had to practice the imperial qi gathering and abyssal ground shrink techniques, and at the very least, he had to reach the third layer of the heaven and earth wheel seal.


    "the time for me to venture down the mountain hasn''t come yet, but it''s probably not far off,"


    chen mu looked up at the sky.


    a year had passed since he left yu county, and he yearned for xu hongyu, ning he, chen yue, and the others, but he wouldn''t let this affect the pursuit of his path in martial arts. after all, his martial will had also begun to take shape.


    in a turbulent world fraught with danger, even a pinnacle master like qin mengjun could fall victim to schemes. he couldn''t protect chen yue and the others forever, at least not yet; his only option was to keep forging ahead.


    ...


    in the year 1429 of the da xuan calendar.


    on the 6th day of the 5th month.


    traces of the sky demon sect were discovered on the border between yu state and ice state; sect executives went to investigate but found nothing.


    on the 14th day of the 6th month.


    agitation among foreign races at the ice state border resulted in abductions; disciples of the ice extreme palace went to quell them, sustaining mutual injuries.


    on the 29th day of the 7th month.


    a locust and plague outbreak in qing state led to numerous refugees fleeing towards yu state, causing turmoil at the border.


    on the 2nd day of the 9th month.


    a hidden base of the heavenly corpse sect was discovered in xuan state; the mysterious mechanism pavilion joined forces with the blood hidden pavilion to assault and eradicate countless corpse refinement practitioners, but a portion of the heavenly corpse sect remnants escaped and vanished into yu state, their whereabouts unknown.


    within just half a year,


    chaos had descended upon them.

 Chapter 220 Sha Prefecture

    deep within the seven profound mountain range, chen mu practiced in a secluded valley as usual."heaven and earth wheel seal!" s§×arch* the nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    with a low chant, he did not wield a blade but instead swung his fist directly forward, releasing a fist seal. in an instant, the might of heaven and earth converged into a single qiankun seal, which he thrust forward.


    accompanied by a buzzing sound, right in front of chen mu, centered on his fist, a line was obliterated into a void in an instant. whether it was shrubbery, ancient trees, or even rocks, all were crushed into dust, creating a hollow passageway nearly thirty meters long!


    the most terrifying part was,


    beyond that, not a trace of energy had spilled out. one could see in the center of a thick ancient tree, where the hollow had passed through, turning the insides to powder, yet it did not cause any damage to other areas, allowing the ancient tree to still stand there.


    "having cultivated the heaven and earth wheel seal to the fourth layer, i can indeed freely control twenty portions of the power of heaven and earth. coupled with my current nearly four portions of yuan gang true essence, under full force, i can perfectly control nearly twenty-five portions of heaven and earth''s might."


    chen mu slowly lowered his fist, showing a trace of satisfaction.


    if you say that six months ago, he had just reached the threshold of the wind cloud list in terms of strength, then now, after cultivating the imperial qi gathering technique, the abyssal ground shrink technique, and the fourth layer of heaven and earth wheel seal, he had truly entered that domain!


    what concept is the wind cloud list?


    it wasn''t just a listing of rising talents, limited to the young generation under thirty, but it represented the most elite existence below the grandmaster level, all well-known individuals, each of whom had, more or less, the capability to confront or retreat from a marrow cleansing grandmaster.


    chen mu was the same now. having mastered the abyssal ground shrink movement technique and enhanced his control power over heaven and earth''s might, even if he faced an ordinary grandmaster, he could at least escape, and against the lower-ranked experts of the wind cloud list, he could fight. even the top-ranked ones he could still retreat from, with few capable of catching him.


    "at last, i have some self-protection capability."


    chen mu exhaled lightly.


    having been in the seven profound sect for almost a year and a half, he had finally reached the heights of the wind cloud list. of course, the experts on the wind cloud list were all extraordinary. although a battle against someone like yan jingqing would still be unpredictable, at least now, he no longer feared anyone at that level and could walk freely across the eleven states of cold north path.


    continue your journey with empire


    and now, even though his cultivation had not yet reached the six viscera realm, once he entered it, his yuan gang true essence would increase a lot more, and his strength would be further enhanced then.


    whoosh!


    chen mu drew out his flowing fire blade, swinging it casually a few times.


    several lingering trails of blade qi swept across, destroying all traces of his practice in front of him.


    then, chen mu left the cliff bottom, rapidly traversing through the mountain forest. with each step, the ground beneath his feet seemed to shrink significantly, allowing him to cover nearly ninety meters in one stride!


    abyssal ground shrink!


    of course, this technique didn''t literally shrink the ground to inches¡ªthat would not be martial arts but divine skills. the effect, which seemed like shrinking the ground, was actually the cumulative power of the eight phases of qiankun, integrating the person with nature during movement, hence creating this visual illusion.


    chen mu did not use the abyssal ground shrink technique to run for too long. as he gradually approached the mountain gate of the seven profound sect, he slowed down, walking at a normal speed until he returned within the seven profound sect, then he headed back to spirit profound peak.


    however,


    along this journey, he vaguely noticed something amiss.


    the outer sect disciples who usually could be seen everywhere at the base of spirit profound peak, were visibly fewer, and as he climbed up the mountain, many inner sect disciples who lived in the lower and middle peaks of spirit profound peak were also missing.


    "has something happened?"


    a thought flashed through chen mu''s mind.


    while the inner and outer sect disciples of spirit profound peak often went down the mountain to handle matters, such as chasing bandits in yu state or slaying some emerging monsters, or even taking care of some trivial matters in seven profound town, this time was clearly different. approximately half of the disciples from spirit profound peak had been dispatched.


    over the past year in the seven profound sect, although he had primarily focused on cultivation, he had also spared some attention to the happenings in yu county and even the broader issues in cold north path, at least being fully aware of the major events.


    especially in the past six months, with chaos arising everywhere in yu county, the arrival of the four sects in yu county was just the beginning. the turmoil in the eleven counties of cold north path was only escalating, not subsiding.


    therefore, he wouldn''t be too surprised by any major event happening now.


    "brother chen?"


    as he was walking along the mountain path, a female disciple saw him and called out to him.


    chen mu stopped in his tracks, recognizing the person. it was the inner sect disciple, shen lin, who was among the early entrants into the sect and only a year younger than him. she had now reached the peak of bone tempering and had also cultivated an artistic conception.


    "it''s sister shen, what''s happened?"


    chen mu looked towards shen lin, asking her.


    shen lin did not delay, summarizing the situation in a few words: "¡­that''s the situation. protector chu and protector meng have each taken a group of disciples and headed to sha prefecture."


    sha prefecture.


    one of yu county''s seven prefectures, and even more remote compared to yu county.


    because the entire sha prefecture was located at the far western edge of yu state, almost more than half of it was comprised of the gobi and deserts. even further west beyond the borders of da xuan, there still lay a sprawling desert, scarcely populated.


    for this reason, yu state was almost unique among the border provinces as it was scarcely troubled by attacks from the barbaric xiongnu tribes beyond the border, all thanks to the vast desert separating them.


    however.


    since much of it was desert and gobi, sha prefecture experienced a natural disaster every few years that other provinces did not, known as the "sand catastrophe." this calamity brought whirling sands that blotted out the sun, and was often accompanied by a large scale upheaval by demonic beasts that used the sandstorms to assault the cities of sha prefecture.


    as for the quantity of demonic beasts, sha prefecture actually had the most, because aside from dispatching manpower during such disasters, the seven profound sect normally wouldn''t send people deep into the desert to slay these creatures. while the desert was barely livable for humans, it scarcely affected the beasts; thus, when the sand catastrophe arose, it brought severe demonic upheaval that the local forces alone could not handle.


    "a sand catastrophe, i see."


    chen mu nodded slightly and continued to climb up the path.


    shen lin watched chen mu''s retreating figure, hesitated for a moment, and still decided to ask cautiously, "brother chen, are you going?"


    as a true successor of the sect, if one was at a critical juncture in their cultivation, they could decline some of the sect''s orders, a privilege that even a sect executive or protector did not possess.


    "i am."


    chen mu left behind only a voice that drifted back as his figure disappeared along the mountain path.


    if it had been during his early days at the seven profound sect, before he had mastered the qiankun artistic conception, during crucial moments of cultivation, he likely would not have gone. after all, there were countless individuals in the seven profound sect stronger than him, and for a large-scale demonic upheaval, one more or less made no difference.


    but now, having mastered the imperial qi gathering and the abyssal ground shrink techniques and having reached the fourth layer of the heaven and earth wheel seal¡ªfurther cultivation was incredibly slow. to hasten his progress, he needed to delve deeper and simulate the qiankun artistic conception several more times.


    "the sand catastrophe¡­"


    "all catastrophes are part of the transformations of heaven and earth. for me, now capable of the second step of the qiankun artistic conception, facing a calamity of heaven and earth might provide more experiences and insights than secluded contemplation of the artistic conception map."


    chen mu quickly returned to his bamboo hut.


    after packing a few essentials including his flowing fire blade, the evil-breaking thunder spear, and wearing his treasured artifact armor, taking the qian heaven seal refined by qin mengjun, and changing into lighter clothing, he stepped out of his door.


    chu jingsui and meng danyun had already taken a group of disciples to sha prefecture, leaving behind those who were new or unsuitable to go. he did not plan to take more people; after all, the demonic catastrophe in sha prefecture was not just a concern for spirit profound peak but for the entire seven profound sect, and other peaks were also deploying manpower; thus, it was unnecessary for spirit profound peak to empty itself.


    "sha prefecture."


    chen mu walked down the mountain while the map of sha prefecture surfaced in his mind.


    the seven profound sect naturally had a detailed map of the entire yu state, and he, with his photographic memory, had reviewed it long ago. just a slight recollection was enough to bring the map to his mind, eliminating the need for a guide.


    "brother chen!"


    just as chen mu was descending the mountain, a hurried voice chased after him from behind.


    it was shen lin, who had somehow changed her attire and was jogging to catch up, holding a map of sha prefecture and speaking as she approached, "brother chen, wait for me. i haven''t told you yet that of the seven key passes in sha prefecture, our spirit profound peak is assigned to defend yunlu pass."


    "yunlu pass¡­"


    chen mu glanced at the map in shen lin''s hands, and another map surfaced in his mind.


    with its peculiar environment, the west of sha prefecture was mostly desert and uninhabited. and due to its sparse resources, it wasn''t dotted with remote villages or towns like in yu county; instead, settlements were more concentrated.


    the map showed several intermittent mountain ranges and a series of passes that formed an arc, dividing sha prefecture into two; the inside part was inhabited, and the exterior was a vast expanse of desert.


    on this stretched arc, there were seven strategically marked passes, the borders of sha prefecture, with one close to the north side being yunlu pass, the area spirit profound peak was responsible for this time.


    "alright, thank you for letting me know, sister shen. i''ll be going ahead."


    chen mu looked at shen lin, nodded slightly, then sped up, quickly disappearing into the distance.


    "chen¡­"


    shen lin watched the swiftly disappearing figure of chen mu, opened her mouth, but found herself speechless on the spot.


    brother chen was far too fast!


    she had stayed behind on chu jingsui''s orders, specifically to wait for chen mu, thinking she finally had a chance to travel with him.


    although it was no secret that chen mu was married, as the only successor in this generation of the seven profound sect to rival zhou hao in talent and comprehension, he was greatly admired, including by her.


    but chen mu had always been elusive like a dragon, immersed in cultivation all year round and indifferent to women, making it impossible for many sisters in spirit profound peak to even get acquainted with him.


    apparently, chen mu seemed uninterested in all the junior sisters. it was said his spouse was also two years older than him, so did chen mu actually prefer senior sisters?


    in that case, she really stood no chance.


    but neither did other, lesser girls.


    comforting herself, shen lin looked at the map in her hand and followed out of the mountain gate.

 Chapter 221 Yunlu Pass

    ```having crossed the borders of yu county, he stepped into sha prefecture, and without traveling far, the environment of heaven and earth shifted abruptly.


    he saw the once verdant mountains and valleys gradually turning into a landscape eroded by windswept sands, its amber hue taking over, and the various bushes and groves significantly diminished.


    "so this is sha prefecture."


    chen mu ambled across the wilderness, each step covering dozens of yards, discerning the direction towards yunlu pass as he went forward, all while carefully sensing the subtle changes in the environment between heaven and earth.


    qiankun eight phases, encompassing all things under the heavens, moving from the lush and fertile central yu state to the most desolate sha prefecture didn''t affect him at all, and he could clearly feel the minute changes of heaven and earth.


    very obviously.


    the power of heaven and earth of the kan water sect weakened greatly upon entering sha prefecture.


    if a martial artist who solely cultivated the kan water artistic conception, like xu hongyu, were to come to sha prefecture, her strength would at least drop by two or three tenths, marking it as an extremely unfavorable environment for her.


    but at the same time, the power of heaven and earth of the xun wind lineage greatly strengthened, it was a clear case of one declining as the other prospered.


    "yu state''s seven prefecture, yu county is the most flourishing center, yu county is the furthest and most secluded when separated by yu county, and this sha prefecture is the poorest in resources¡­ well, this so-called ''resource'' is only relative to ordinary people, in truth, such an environment just lacks lush water and grass, but other types of heaven and earth spiritual objects are not less in the slightest."


    chen mu recalled the many descriptions of sha prefecture among the seven prefectures of yu state.


    in truth, sha prefecture could also be considered to have benefitted from a misfortune; precisely because it was mostly covered by desert, with thousands of miles of desolation where no man roams, it didn''t have to worry about raids by foreign races like the huns, unlike the borders of ice state, north state, and several others.


    "however, i''ve only traveled a dozen or so miles deep into sha prefecture from yu county, and the changes in heaven and earth are already this great; even though they are all within the same realm, why is there such a huge disparity?"


    chen mu walked amidst the boundless gobi, seemingly merging with the landscape.


    in his past understanding, qiankun eight phases and the cycle of heaven and earth should be like the cycle of the five elements, constantly rotating to achieve a balance. this was the case in yu county as well as yu county, but sha prefecture was markedly different. it wasn''t merely a shift in temperature but seemed as if a part of kan water had been inexplicably suppressed.


    before he had set foot in sha prefecture, he thought that the situation there was due to the environment affecting heaven and earth, that the desert and gobi had appeared first, causing the kan water lineage to be suppressed, but now it seemed exactly the opposite. it was the most fundamental change in heaven and earth, where the xun wind grew stronger and kan water weaker, that determined the environment and landscape of sha prefecture.


    the way of heaven.


    takes from the surplus to supplement the insufficient.


    logically, under the circulation of the way of heaven, the qiankun eight phases should always maintain balance and not exhibit such anomalies where one grows at the expense of the other, as it is only the human way to take from the insufficient to complement the surplus.


    chen mu thought of this, and suddenly had an idea. he activated the qiankun artistic conception, and for a moment, the power of heaven and earth within dozens of yards around him were encompassed by his will. then with a wave of his hand, the eight phases began to turn; the previously strong power of xun wind was forcefully suppressed, and through the rotation of heaven and earth, eventually transformed into a part of kan water''s power, supplementing the deficiency of kan water.


    however.


    once chen mu ceased using the qiankun artistic conception and released control, he quickly sensed that the nearby power of kan water gradually faded, returning once more to the state where xun wind was strong and kan water was weakened.


    sensing this situation, chen mu furrowed his brows slightly, looking down at the gobi below him.


    he, of course, could not permanently change the environment of heaven and earth, but his previous actions were intended to see why the power of heaven and earth here exhibited such strange conditions, and indeed, they allowed him to glimpse a few clues.


    the change originated from underneath.


    or perhaps,


    from deep within the earth''s veins.


    but after chen mu closed his eyes and sensed carefully, connecting himself with the earth''s veins and extending the exploration of the kun earth artistic conception to its limit, he still only sensed the vast flowing power of the earth''s veins and didn''t detect anything else.


    "there might be something in the deep underground of sha prefecture causing the entire area to be in this unbalanced state of xun wind and kan water, but it is too deep for my current sensing abilities to reach."


    chen mu''s eyebrows knit slightly together.


    after mastering the qiankun artistic conception, his perception under the earth''s veins could actually reach quite deep, almost a hundred yards, but even that was still far too shallow for the vast expanse of the earth, just scratching at the surface.


    "i''ll look it up in the books when i get back."


    chen mu made a mental note and then without lingering further, continued on his way.


    if he could detect the anomaly here, then grandmasters and even martial saints in the blood exchange realm, whose realms were higher than his, would definitely be able to sense it too, but no one seemed to pay special attention to sha prefecture. this indicated that either he was wrong and there was nothing beneath the earth''s veins, or the martial saints of the blood exchange realm couldn''t detect what was happening deep under sha prefecture.


    in chen mu''s estimation, the latter was also quite likely, because after all, this was an anomaly that could affect the circulation of the power of heaven and earth across thousands of miles in a single prefecture; even for martial saints of the blood exchange realm, they too were minuscule in the face of such an immense expanse of heaven and earth.


    continuing forward,


    chen mu subconsciously called out the system interface to have a look.


    he didn''t expect to see anything noteworthy, but this glance almost made him stop in his tracks, revealing a hint of surprise.


    [martial arts: qiankun artistic conception (step two)]


    ```


    [experience: 479 points]


    just from his brief study of the changes between heaven and earth just now, he had actually gained more than a hundred experience points!


    keep in mind,


    now that the qiankun artistic conception had taken its second step, experience points were rather difficult to come by; he needed to ponder over the qian heaven or kun earth diagram for at least a day and a half to earn those hundred-odd points.


    and just now, it had only been a little while?


    "it seems that in the cultivation of martial arts, integrating knowledge and action indeed yields results for me as well. spending several days closed off, pondering artistic conception maps, is not as productive as coming to sha prefecture and studying the changes of heaven and earth for a short time,"


    chen mu muttered to himself.


    if it wasn''t for the urgency of the sand disaster, requiring him to hurry to the border of sha prefecture, he would have liked to find a spot to stay and study the changes of heaven and earth for ten days or half a month before proceeding.


    however, chen mu was also aware that gaining experience in this way, just like contemplating artistic conception maps, would gradually decrease as his understanding of heaven and earth deepened, but this was indeed a faster path for him.


    at least.


    without the original or copied eight phases diagram in hand, walking through the mountains and rivers to study and comprehend the changes of heaven and earth was far more effective than those imitative diagrams.


    as for whether obtaining the copied or original eight phases diagram would make progress faster, he was not sure. after all, the former was already rumored to be broken and hard to find, and the latter had become a legend, not seen in a thousand years.


    besides.


    the reason he could gain so much experience from a brief study of the changes of heaven and earth was also absolutely related to his mastery of the complete qiankun artistic conception. if at this time he had only grasped a few artistic conceptions like the xun wind, the kan water, and the kun earth, even if he could feel the peculiarities of the environment in sha prefecture, he would not be able to study and seek their essence through the transformation of the qiankun eight phases.


    mastering qiankun is an entirely different realm from other martial artists.


    the way of man is to reduce the deficient and supplement the abundant.


    no matter which artistic conception is cultivated, as long as it isn''t the complete qiankun, one exerts all their effort to convert all other powers of heaven and earth into the one they need most.


    like meng danyun, who naturally wishes the entire world consisted of nothing but wind and water, desiring the absence of everything else.


    the same goes for many other martial artists.


    if one dedicated to cultivating only the xun wind came to sha prefecture, they too would yearn for the already scarce kan water to all transform into the xun wind for their use... such is the way of man. enjoy more content from empire


    however, when one masters the complete qiankun artistic conception and embarks on the unique ''way of heaven,'' they aim to reduce the abundant and supplement the deficient, seeking the most perfect balance through the rotation of the eight phases between heaven and earth. situations like ''wind growing at the expense of water'' have no impact on their strength. moreover, the more balanced the eight phases, the easier they are to control. sea??h th§× novel(f~)ire.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    swish, swish.


    chen mu''s footsteps didn''t stop across the vast gobi; apart from his initial brief study of the changes between heaven and earth upon first entering sha prefecture, he used the rest of the time to travel. in just less than a day and night, he had crossed half of yu county from the center of yu state, then traversed half of sha prefecture, and finally arrived at a vast city gate.


    at first glance,


    the grandeur of the gate exceeded all the city walls he had seen. even the state government office of yu state couldn''t compare to the splendor of this gate. it stood between heaven and earth with surrounding continuous and towering earthen walls, over a hundred zhang high!


    the stretching earthen walls, like cliffs rising from the ground, extended to the horizon in both directions!


    "it really is... spectacular."


    chen mu looked up at the majestic city gate appearing at the end of his sight, unable to help but show a hint of amazement.


    in fact, after reaching the end of this border gate, the ground beneath his feet had almost no stones left; one might say it was virtually a vast expanse of yellow sand.


    yet in such a sandstorm-filled sky, there were earthen walls as high as a hundred zhang, rising abruptly from the flat and desolate sandy land, blocking the sky, like a mountain range, keeping most of the sandstorm outside the border.


    chen mu was clear in his heart.


    ordinary people, no matter how numerous, couldn''t build such a border. it was far beyond the capability of ordinary mortals, and even martial artists at the tendon changing and bone tempering realm couldn''t achieve the construction of such a gate in the vast sands.


    this must have been the work of not just one grandmaster, but even martial artists at the blood exchange realm who wielded the power of gen mountain or kun earth, with the aid of favorable timing, earth''s veins, and the skill of formation¡ªit was such that this grand gate could rise from the ground, akin to a divine or immortal trace.


    step, step,


    chen mu quickly recovered from his shock and continued to move forward, eventually arriving at the base of the gate.


    looking upward, he saw massive and majestic inscriptions carved from red rock on the back of the gate.


    yunlu pass!

 Chapter 222 Mysterious Primordial Earth Formation

    on the city pass.already stationed soldiers spotted chen mu arriving below the city pass.


    "it''s a disciple from the seven profound sect!"


    "they''re finally here."


    "quick, lower the drawbridge and report to the commander!"


    some of the soldiers on the city pass showed joy amid the chaos; some clumsily lowered the board specially used to let people onto the ramparts, while others swiftly ran to report to the commander of the yunlu pass.


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    however.


    before the soldiers could lower the drawbridge.


    they saw chen mu standing below the city pass, looking up, and then lightly stamping his foot.


    whoosh!!


    the yellow sand around him seemed to be drawn by some force, rapidly gathering under his feet and then piling up, solidifying into a faux-mountain-like stone pillar that lifted him up.


    the sand gathered faster and faster, and chen mu stood on the pinnacle of the stone pillar, reaching higher and higher; in a blink of an eye, a pillar a hundred yards high appeared before the city pass, elevating chen mu to the level of the pass!


    then.


    chen mu stepped forward with a plain expression, moving from the top of the stone pillar to the city pass in one step.


    it was at the moment he set foot on the city pass that the pillar, which had risen from the ground to elevate him there, suddenly disintegrated back into yellow sand and scattered amidst the vast sand sea.


    the nearby soldiers, stunned by the sight, quickly reacted, and a commander-looking figure immediately came forward and respectfully saluted chen mu, saying:


    "yunlu pass vanguard commander greets the true disciple!"


    as the soldiers stationed at yunlu pass, although they did not recognize chen mu, they recognized the unique attire of the true disciples from spirit profound peak of the seven profound sect, which he was wearing. they also had a rough idea of the spectacle of chen mu ascending the pass and knew it was not some immortal trace but likely a deep ''gen mountain'' artistic conception.


    chen mu''s gaze swept over the surroundings, then turned to the commander and asked:


    "i am chen mu, where are brother chu and sister meng?"


    "uh..."


    the commander seemed a bit surprised, but promptly replied, "replying to true disciple chen, the sand calamity in sha prefecture began showing signs two days ago. you are the first to arrive; the commander is waiting for you inside the pass."


    chen mu was not surprised upon hearing this.


    although he set out later than meng danyun and chu jingsui, they each led a large group of inner and outer sect disciples from the seven profound sect, and with their varied levels of strength, naturally, their progress was slower. it was normal for him to arrive sooner.


    the only thing that slightly surprised him was that he arrived first despite leaving last and did not encounter the teams of chu jingsui or meng danyun on the way. but since sha prefecture''s terrain was open and the sand and earth''s veins were complex, it was normal to have just missed them.


    "alright, lead the way."


    chen mu said calmly, nodding his head. sear?h the ¦Çovelfire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    yunlu pass, as one of the seven main passes of yu state, or rather sha prefecture, was historically a post held by the da xuan dynasty court and came under the direct jurisdiction of the north garrison government without taking orders from the yu state government office.


    but as the da xuan dynasty''s power waned and yu state was carved up by the seven profound sect, yunlu pass became a part of the territories overseen by the seven profound sect. including the commander of yunlu pass, xiahou yan, who originated from the seven profound sect and was once a left protector of spirit profound peak and one of the former true disciples. he was appointed much earlier than chu jingsui and later became the commander of yunlu pass.


    this was also one of the reasons why spirit profound peak was responsible for yunlu pass.


    in fact, each of the seven main passes in sha prefecture was managed by one of the seven profound sect''s seven peaks.


    yunlu pass was massive.


    the yunlu city pass, built atop a hundred-yard-tall earthen wall, almost qualified as a small city in itself, with many uniquely shaped dome buildings scattered over it. at its heart was the garrison prefecture.


    before long, chen mu arrived outside the garrison prefecture. before he could enter, a figure greeted him, looking to be in his fifties or sixties with graying temples but still robust. upon seeing chen mu, he laughed heartily and said:


    "i''ve long heard of junior brother chen''s name. today i finally get to meet you in person. you have an extraordinary presence, really living up to being one of the top talents on the rookie list."


    "senior brother xiahou is too kind,"


    chen mu replied with a smile, raising his hands in a salute, "this ''top talent'' thing is just being at the right place at the right time for me."


    although xiahou yan was not a disciple of qin mengjun and was even of the same generation, after all, he was a true disciple of spirit profound peak and had been a protector, so they were linked by the same lineage. additionally, the rules of the seven profound sect stipulated that all true disciples, regardless of how many generations apart, were allowed to address each other as brothers as long as they hadn''t stepped into the marrow cleansing grandmaster realm.


    "with junior brother''s talent, i think it''s the other way around; had you been in time, how much less would you be compared to the top ten on the rookie list? you wouldn''t fall behind zhou hao from the great profound peak," xiahou yan cheerfully said.


    there were not many on the rookie list with both talent and comprehension at the top of the charts, and it was well-known that chen mu started practicing martial arts later; just two years earlier would keep him from falling behind the twentieth rank, potentially even making it into the top ten. after all, zhou hao was now ranked ninth.


    "how could i compare myself to senior brother zhou."


    chen mu shook his head, steering the conversation away from this topic, "how is the situation with the sand calamity right now?"


    upon hearing chen mu ask about the sand disaster, xiahou yan''s gaze sharpened as he solemnly leapt up, landing on the dome of the garrison prefecture and spoke, "junior brother chen, take a look."


    swoosh.


    chen mu also stepped out, arriving atop the circular rooftop of the garrison prefecture that defended against the sandstorms, and looked into the distance.


    from here, the view extended past the city pass, revealing the endless desert beyond where sandstorms could be vaguely seen sweeping across in multiple directions, although most were still quite far away.


    "the aspect of the xun wind has almost reached its extreme..."


    gazing into the vast sand sea, chen mu''s eyes flickered with a trace of light.


    ever since he set foot into the border of sha prefecture, he noticed an increasing presence of the xun wind as he traveled, while the aspect of the kan water continuously weakened, reaching an almost extreme state of mutual diminishment and growth at yunlu pass.


    in such an environment where dust filled the skies and fierce winds howled, it was like a dream for martial artists who mastered the lineages of the xun wind. if they were to clash with martial artists of the kan water lineage here, those of the same rank would find themselves under extreme suppression by the harsh conditions of nature, easily tackling three to five opponents without much effort.


    "since the signs of the sand disaster appeared two days ago, it has mostly taken shape over the last two days. just yesterday, some border passes were swept by the sand disaster and there were also attacks by magical beasts, causing quite a few losses."


    looking at the sandstorms on the horizon, xiahou yan said gravely, "junior brother chen might not be very familiar with yunlu pass. the pass covers an area stretching over two hundred li, with a defense post stationed every one or two li. they''re normally responsible for monitoring the movements outside the pass, while during sand disasters, they are tasked with repelling the magical beasts within the sandstorms."


    with xiahou yan''s explanation, chen mu quickly gained a comprehensive understanding of the entire yunlu pass.


    the first was the continuous, two-hundred-li ''yunlu wall'', which¡ªit was said¡ªwas constructed by the founding martial emperor of the da xuan during the establishment of the dynasty. he led numerous grandmasters who practiced the lineages of gen mountain and kun earth to deploy formations here, drawing power from the earth''s veins to create the structure. after more than a thousand years, serving as the border defense of yu state and undergoing several renovations, it remained quite intact to this day.


    however, compared to the main sect of the seven profound, the power of the earth''s veins here was much weaker, especially because most of that power was used to maintain the city pass, which soared hundreds of feet high and stretched over hundreds of li.


    inside the entire two-hundred-li span of the yunlu wall was an interconnected formation vein. even during sandstorms when the sky was obscured by yellow sand and visibility was lost, any defensive post could transmit messages to the yunlu main pass in real-time through this interconnected formation vein.


    of course.


    communicating via fluctuations of the earth''s veins wouldn''t be very detailed because, essentially, it is just subtle undulations between the earth''s veins. therefore, the messages were quite simple, generally differentiating the attack situations into several threat levels. for example, level one corresponds to an incoming sandstorm without magical beasts, necessitating only caution, while level two indicates an attack by magical beasts but not exceeding the third rank, and so on.


    the former was about asking for assistance from nearby defensive posts, hinting at attacks by sandstorms and magical beasts but not an extremely dire situation. the latter was more serious, often involving fifth rank or even sixth rank magical beasts.


    "so you''re saying, when the sandstorm hasn''t struck, or in certain areas, there are essentially no magical beast attacks?"


    chen mu asked xiahou yan.


    "not entirely absent, but the number is very small. weak magical beasts get caught in the storm, while stronger ones have a bit of intelligence¡ªthey know that attacking the city pass without the cover of a storm is akin to seeking death and won''t rashly attack."


    xiahou yan explained.


    then, he leapt down from the dome of the garrison prefecture and gestured for chen mu to follow. they proceeded into the interior of the garrison prefecture until they reached an innermost spiral staircase leading downward.


    chen mu followed xiahou yan further down, and after descending dozens of feet, they arrived at a very spacious inner stone chamber. in the center of the stone chamber was an irregularly shaped earthy yellow stone. chen mu recognized it as one of the heaven and earth spiritual items, the earthly elemental stone.


    at that moment,


    the earthly elemental stone emitted specks of earthy yellow light.


    nearby, there were more than a dozen slightly larger earthly elemental stones, connected in a line, with the subtle flow of the earth pulse''s power faintly discernible.


    the mysterious primordial earth formation!


    "this is the formation base that has maintained the yunlu city pass for a thousand years without falling over two hundred li..."


    chen mu murmured to himself as he looked at the arrangement in the stone chamber, and then he looked around to see several guards around the formation base, each with one hand on an earthly elemental stone, sensing the minute fluctuations within the formation. the aura that emerged from them was neither from gen mountain, nor dui ze, but was also not the complete kun earth. instead, it was the earth spirit artistic conception within the five elements artistic conception.


    xiahou yan looked at chen mu and smiled, saying, "junior brother chen seems to be proficient in the gen mountain artistic conception. you could try and sense the flow of the earth pulse''s power within the earthly elemental stone, but gen mountain is still slightly off, making it difficult to sense the finer parts."


    upon hearing xiahou yan''s words, chen mu walked over with some interest and placed one hand on the surface of an earthly elemental stone, then gently closed his eyes.


    in an instant,


    his entire being connected with the earthly elemental stone. then, through the earthly elemental stone, he sensed a long, continuous earth''s vein, which was in a very stable and settled state.


    at this time, xiahou yan continued, "if junior brother chen''s gen mountain artistic conception were to step into the second phase, he should be able to sense the positions of all the strategic nodes of yunlu pass. however, if one wants to sense fluctuations from the nodes and use this to determine the distress signals from various locations, that''s not something the gen mountain artistic conception could achieve. one would need the earth spirit artistic conception of the five elements, or the complete kun earth artistic conception from the qiankun eight phases to do so."


    after listening to xiahou yan, chen mu nodded slightly with his eyes still closed.


    he had roughly understood the essence of how yunlu pass communicated with each other through the earth vein formation¡ªsimply put, each node had a smaller earthly elemental stone, which created vibrations to transmit information to the main pass.


    if one only practiced the gen mountain artistic conception, indeed it would be very difficult to sense such subtle fluctuations, and even the nodes further along the earth''s vein would be quite vague.


    just as chen mu was meticulously sensing past each node along the earth vein, his whole being suddenly froze, because he perceived that one of those nodes, like a taut string, suddenly vibrated.


    clang! clang! clang! clang! clang! clang!


    six rapid and continuous vibrations transmitted along the earth''s vein.


    thereafter,


    chen mu opened his eyes to see several nearby guards, who were receiving messages from various places with their hands on the earthly elemental stones, all turn pale almost in unison, nearly everyone''s eyes snapping open.


    "the twenty-third southern pass, emergency monster attack alert, a sixth rank monster has appeared!"

 Chapter 223 Sand Disaster

    sixth rank monster!in da xuan, monsters are classified into ten ranks, with the first to sixth ranks corresponding in power to the realms of skin toughening, body refinement, tendon changing, bone tempering, five viscera, and six viscera martial artists, respectively.


    like those in the five viscera realm, martial artists of the six viscera realm do not have minor sub-divisions, but if one were to categorize them by strength, they could roughly be divided into ''weaker,'' ''stronger,'' ''very strong,'' and ''peak.''


    the ''weaker'' level barely qualifies as entering the six viscera realm and has not realized the second step of artistic conception. in terms of strength, it''s about the same as meng danyun''s level before he stepped into the six viscera realm, having mastered the second step artistic conceptions for both xun wind and kan water.


    the ''stronger'' ones include the current meng danyun, who can barely be considered as such. his yuan gang true essence has undergone the integration of the six viscera, which is basically a twofold increase compared to the five viscera realm. adding on the second step of xun wind and kan water, that is roughly the standard.


    the ''very strong'' category roughly includes the current levels of chu jingsui and xiahou yan, who are not on the wind cloud list, but far stronger than the likes of meng danyun, who have just begun to step into the six viscera realm. they have much deeper understanding of artistic conception and much stronger yuan gang.


    the ''peak'' standard is that of the wind cloud list.


    and a sixth rank monster would be approximately between the ''weaker'' and ''stronger'' levels. there is basically no monster reaching the ''very strong'' category in this rank, and those above would be even less likely to say, for they no longer fall under the category of sixth rank but rather belong to the domain of seventh rank.


    "a sixth rank monster, and one has already shown up right upon arrival¡ªan impressive specimen." s§×ar?h the ¦Çovelfire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    chen mu thought to himself silently.


    having experienced many beast calamities in yu county, he had never encountered a sixth rank monster. yet now, upon his arrival in sha prefecture, it took no time for a sixth rank monster to appear, demonstrating how vastly different the border regions were from the inland territories.


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    even if yu county is remote compared to yu state, it is still considered part of the inland, swept over more or less by the seven profound sect, with few monsters of sixth or seventh rank and above appearing. but sha prefecture is different. beyond yunlu pass, it is practically uninhabited, and it''s common for decades to pass without anyone venturing deeply into the desert. therefore, naturally, the rank of monsters gradually increases.


    in the stone chamber.


    all the guards were solemn at this moment.


    a sixth rank monster is no small matter; after all, among the entirety of yunlu pass, there is usually only xiahou yan, a six viscera martial artist, along with seven commanders-in-chief who have reached the five viscera realm.


    apart from xiahou yan, the others combined would barely be able to fight against a sixth rank monster, but the chances of victory were slim.


    "shall i take a trip there?"


    chen mu proactively asked xiahou yan.


    however, xiahou yan, with a grave expression, shook his head and said, "no, i''ll go, to prevent any accidents."


    he was aware of chen mu''s considerable strength, having ascended the list of up-and-coming challengers a year and a half ago by achieving the second step of three types of artistic conception. given that a year and a half had passed, and at the seven profound sect, he would have surely made extensive progress. even against a sixth rank monster, he could definitely put up a fight.


    but since chen mu hadn''t yet stepped into the six viscera realm, xiahou yan still did not want him to take risks. if meng danyun or chu jingsui were here, he would have directly handed the responsibility to them. moreover, the twenty-third border pass in the south wasn''t too far from the main pass. if he went, he could quickly arrive, deal with the situation, and then return swiftly.


    whoosh!


    xiahou yan departed quickly, vanishing from the stone chamber the moment his words ended.


    seeing that xiahou yan had left in such a decisive and rapid manner, chen mu didn''t say anything further. he continued to sense the fluctuations of the earth pulse within the earthly elemental stone, but after those six fluctuations earlier, it had returned to stability.


    "indeed, the art of formations is exquisite..."


    chen mu carefully felt each and every detail of the mysterious primordial earth formation.


    the existence of formations actually involves the use of some unique spiritual materials to guide and harness the power of earth''s veins or the power of heaven and earth into a stable cycle that can be controlled.


    strictly speaking, this isn''t much different from martial artists controlling the power of heaven and earth. martial artists use artistic conception, their personal insights, while formations rely on ''spiritual materials,'' which don''t require insight as the materials themselves can directly resonate with the power of heaven and earth.


    this was actually his first real contact with formations. though he knew of the existence of the qiankun lock dragon formation during his time at the seven profound sect, he was far from qualified to engage with it.


    through this mysterious primordial earth formation.


    chen mu, without realizing it, gained a new understanding of the flow of the earth pulse''s power.


    "it''s better not to take action myself. if i were to carefully contemplate this mysterious primordial earth formation, i should be able to gain a lot of experience."


    a thought flashed through chen mu''s mind, and as if responding to his thoughts, the next moment, another fluctuation within his perception occurred¡ªit was the most remote node of the earth''s veins in his senses.


    clang! clang! clang! clang! clang! clang!


    with this, almost all the guards in the stone chamber once again changed their expressions.


    "the seventy-seventh northern border pass is in urgent need. a sixth rank monster has appeared!"


    a guard shouted urgently.


    the deputy general liu jing, who was responsible for assisting xiahou yan with dispatching troops, suddenly had an extremely ugly expression: "another sixth rank?!"


    although yunlu pass is a remote border pass and the desert beyond is barren all year round, sixth rank monsters are not that common, especially now during the early stages of a sandstorm. yet, two sixth rank monsters have been found in succession.


    now that xiahou yan had gone to the twenty-third southern border pass and had just left a short while ago, with the six viscera realm protectors from the seven profound sect yet to arrive, they were seriously short-handed for dealing with sixth rank monsters, complicating the situation.


    however...


    liu jing turned his gaze toward chen mu beside the earthly elemental stone.

 Chapter 223 Sand Disaster_2

    as a promising protege of the spirit profound peak, chen mu was only at the five viscera realm, but facing a sixth rank great demon, he certainly had the power to fight, or at least could delay and resist until the arrival of other protectors from the seven profound sect, or until xiahou yan was freed to deal with it.however, sending chen mu was ultimately a risky move, especially since dealing with a sixth rank great demon amid a sandstorm disaster was perilous, and no one could be sure if there would be any unexpected situations.


    "north seventy-seven pass?"


    chen mu had just withdrawn his hand from the earthly elemental stone and spoke in a calm voice.


    "yes..."


    liu jing looked at chen mu and immediately responded, about to say something when he saw that chen mu had already started moving upwards, disappearing into the stone house within a few steps.


    he was slightly startled and hurriedly followed a few steps: "protector chen, better safe than sorry, if it''s not feasible, just abandon the pass!"


    but chen mu was already out of sight, only his voice echoed along the spiraling upward passage.


    seeing that chen mu had left.


    liu jing could not help but shake his head and give a bitter smile.


    this prodigy of the spirit profound peak was indeed decisive. facing the assault of a sixth rank great demon, he showed no fear and just went ahead. perhaps, that was the pride of a brilliant individual. one could only hope nothing would go wrong.


    ...


    yunlu pass.


    north seventy-seven pass.


    this place was already one of the most northern passes of yunlu pass, a few dozen miles further north, and it would cross into the borders of ice state.


    the climate here, besides the endless yellow sand, had also noticeably gotten colder.


    at that moment,


    dark clouds covered the sky, and a sandstorm of yellow sand whirled around, the storm lifting sand hundreds of meters high, surpassing the towering yunlu wall and completely engulfing the pass above the yunlu wall, making it nearly impossible to open one''s eyes.


    in this fierce sandstorm, about a dozen great demons were struggling to climb the towering yunlu wall, one of which had already reached the top of the yunlu wall and entered inside the pass, roaring amidst the swirling dust.


    "roar!"


    its eyes blood-red, it lunged toward a nearby dome-shaped building, then with a fierce swipe of its claws, the entire building collapsed and shattered.


    however, there was no one inside.


    not just inside this dome-shaped building, the entire pass seemed to be empty at the moment.


    the other small passes of the yunlu pass, besides the main pass, were mainly for surveillance purposes, and the soldiers stationed there were not very strong, with commanders only being at the tendon changing realm.


    against sandstorms with second and third rank great demons, they could hold off for a bit, but once fourth rank or higher great demons appeared, they would immediately hide inside the buildings or even within the tunnels and stone caves carved into the yunlu wall.


    the pass buildings constructed on the yunlu wall were not very sturdy.


    but the yunlu wall itself, due to the flow of earth pulse''s power within, was extremely tough!


    even fifth rank or sixth rank great demons would find it hard to forcefully tear it down.


    at that moment.


    in a cramped stone chamber, over twenty soldiers were huddled around a small piece of earthly elemental stone in the center.


    "damn it, are you sure you saw right, really a sixth rank great demon?"


    "no mistake, it''s definitely a sixth rank sand demon."


    "what good does it do if you saw wrongly? the signal has been sent out for half a moment now... i hope the arrangements above can hold them off a little longer."


    all the soldiers were extremely tense at that moment.


    the pass building had a special arrangement, inside there were some special medicinal powders that aggravated the great demons, making them more irate and causing destruction to the buildings above, thereby delaying them at the pass.


    but the problem was that the demonic creatures that had come this time were too horrifying, being of the sixth rank, it could be said that fortune was not on their side!


    after all, there were more than a hundred passes in total in yunlu pass, counting both the north and south, and even during the sand disaster, encounters with sixth rank demonic creatures were rare; most were just sandstorms carrying a few second or third rank demonic creatures.


    a sixth rank great demon, in the several hundred li of yunlu pass, was a terrifying existence that only xiahou yan, the protector, could handle.


    crucially, their location was one of the most remote outposts, hundreds of li away from yunlu pass; even if xiahou yan rushed over, it would take nearly a quarter of an hour, and from the moment they realized something was wrong and sent out an urgent report to the arrival of the sandstorm, only a quarter of an hour had passed.


    now the demonic creature was wreaking havoc, destroying the pass.


    no one knew whether they could hide for another quarter of an hour.


    noises from above came from time to time, making everyone even more anxious and uneasy.


    almost another quarter of an hour had passed when suddenly, from the stone chamber tunnel above everyone''s heads, a loud boom was heard as the sealed roof was viciously torn open by a fierce force!


    in an instant, a great deal of dust and sand poured down the tunnel, accompanied by a suffocating demonic might. everyone saw a huge head appear outside the cave, staring into the tunnel at the stone chamber where everyone was hiding.


    this was bad.


    the many soldiers inside the stone chamber were all utterly horrified.


    although there were arrangements outside and inside, along with medicinal powder to conceal their scent, against fifth or even sixth rank demonic creatures, it was very difficult to hide, not to mention hoping to keep hidden for a long time.


    "sand python..."


    twenty-odd soldiers, along with the leading colonel, were all so terrified that they dared not breathe.


    this was not the sixth rank demonic creature, but a fifth rank sand python, which for them was equally a terrifying existence that was utterly impossible to confront; even colonel zhang yong, a martial man from the tendon changing realm, was nothing but an ant before it.


    what was even more despairing was that, at this time, it seemed unlikely that anyone from the main pass could arrive in time!


    boom!


    a loud boom was heard.


    the massive sand python, with its thick forked tongue, fiercely slammed its head toward the tunnel, attempting to enter the stone chamber, but its large size meant the tunnel boomed loudly and even burst apart a section, yet it still could not get through.


    the stone chamber was located within the yunlu wall, and the wall''s interior flowed with the power of earth''s veins, making it much more robust than the structures above at the passes, not something that could be casually torn apart.


    "hiss."


    the sand python slammed several more times without being able to forcefully penetrate, although it did break some of the edges. but since the tunnel was long, forcing its way in was clearly not something that could be accomplished quickly.


    it vigorously shook its head, and a human-like frustration seemed to appear in its serpentine eyes. then it flicked its tongue again, suddenly gathering a surge of demonic might. in an instant, a torrent of sand from all directions converged.


    zhang yong and the others inside the stone chamber turned ashen at the sight.


    this was what they feared!


    it was okay for a fourth rank demonic creature; if it were large, it couldn''t get in, but a fifth rank or higher demonic creature, which was like a five viscera realm martial artist and possessed a similar ''demonic power'' to yuan gang true essence, could employ extraordinary methods.


    almost in the next moment, a flash of blood in the sand python''s demonic eyes, and the converging sandstorm transformed into a mighty torrent that burst forth toward the tunnel, about to pour into it.


    but.


    it was at that moment.


    under the fearful gazes of zhang yong and the other soldiers, a streak of light suddenly came from far away, arriving just before the surging sand flow, and abruptly pinned itself at the mouth of the tunnel!


    the torrent of sand falling through that streak of light shattered and dispersed piece by piece, not a single clump of sand able to enter the tunnel or fall into the stone chamber, all were completely blocked by that stroke of light. s§×arch* the n?velfire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "that is..."


    zhang yong and the others all displayed relief.


    because they clearly saw that what pinned itself on the tunnel, blocking all the sand flow, was unmistakably a knife!


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    a knife glowing with specks of red light!

 Chapter 224 The Might of Qian Heaven!

    reinforcements have arrived!zhang yong and the others, though their realms were not high, were all very clear that whoever could block the sand python''s strike with one blow had to be a being above the fifth viscera realm, yet they did not know which commander-in-chief it was.


    and almost in the next moment, a figure landed at the entrance of the passage, stretched out his hand in a faint beckoning motion, and the red long blade that was nailed to the rock wall was drawn out of thin air, falling into his hands.


    to zhang yong and the others, this figure was completely unfamiliar, which caused many of the soldiers to be taken aback.


    but there were those who immediately recognized the clothing chen mu wore, which belonged to the sect uniform of the seven profound sect.


    and in the very next moment, chen mu, who had landed and appeared, without saying a word, grasped the flowing fire blade and with a swing of his hand, slashed out, instantly the blade''s edge thundered and blazed, transforming into a crimson blade that stretched five or six zhang long, tearing apart the sandstorm, and with just one strike, it severed the fifth rank sand python''s demonic power, shattered its scale armor, and chopped off its massive head!


    the huge python head fell in front of the passage, its gaping mouth still faintly opening and closing, while the massive headless demon corpse twisted and convulsed crazily in the sandstorm, unable to stop the ebbing of its life.


    fifth rank sand python, killed with one blow!


    "my goodness."


    zhang yong, as the colonel of this pass, although his own realm was not high, merely at the tendon changing level, stationed at yunlu pass for many years, he had a broad perspective and knew very well that a fifth rank sand python was no ordinary demon creature. even the fifth viscera realm commander-in-chief of the main city pass could not easily take it down, but in the presence of this seven profound sect''s visitor, it couldn''t withstand a single move.


    at this moment, zhang yong could only see chen mu''s back, and even with the sandstorm raging and obscuring his view, he found it difficult to discern chen mu''s identity. but before he could dwell on this thought, he heard a voice amidst the howling sandstorm from outside.


    "hahaha, chen mu, the true disciple, truly is a prodigy on the rookie list. quick with the blade, quick in person, i admire you immensely!"


    this voice was no longer unfamiliar to zhang yong and the others.


    yunlu pass stretched over two hundred li, and apart from xiahou yan, there were seven other commander-in-chiefs each patrolling a section. this familiar voice came from cui sheng, the commander-in-chief patrolling the northernmost part of yunlu pass!


    at this moment.


    outside the passageway.


    after chen mu dispatched the sand python with one slash, his gaze also stretched towards the surroundings, but all he could see was the sandstorm howling with a sky of yellow sand, darkening the sky, almost impossible to see clearly beyond a zhang, relying only on the sensation of breath to judge the situation.


    along with cui sheng''s voice, chen mu also turned his gaze to the direction of the broken walls behind him, where he saw a man clad in light armor, with his gray hair tied in braids. the man was wielding a long spear, battling with a fifth rank demon lizard, and with bold and expansive movements, was completely suppressing the beast.


    at the same time.


    cui sheng still had the leisure to observe chen mu.


    he had actually arrived earlier than chen mu because this was the section he patrolled, but he had been concealed, repressing his breath, just observing the situation, without revealing himself. even when zhang yong and the others'' hiding place was exposed and the formation base where the earthly elemental stone was placed was breached, he did not intervene.


    because the situation here was not something he could handle alone, with at least four or five fifth rank demon creatures, even if he had intervened to stop the sand python, he could not defend this place alone. if he were to fall into the encirclement of a fifth rank demons, it would be troublesome, and even he himself might fall.


    so he was also prepared, in case it really came down to it, to temporarily abandon the pass.


    but he had not expected, s§×arch* the n?velfire(.)net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    just as zhang yong''s side was about to falter and he was hesitating whether to help, chen mu''s blade suddenly ripped through the sky, blocking the sand python''s attack despite being later to act, then emerged from the sandstorm and with one slash, beheaded the sand python. with lightning-fast speed, he cut down a fifth rank demon creature with his blade!


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    he took action!


    cui sheng''s spear drew the winds of heaven and earth, borrowing the might of the world with the xun wind artistic conception, as he fought the demon lizard, making it retreat step by step. meanwhile, chen mu''s figure flickered and he delved back into the sandstorm, heading towards other demon creatures.


    amidst the flying dust and sand, one could vaguely see a burst of wind, thunder, and fiery light sweeping across the pass, wherever it reached, no demon could stand against it, be it third rank, fourth rank, or even fifth rank demons, none could withstand a single slash of the flowing fire blade!


    "impressive, truly impressive..."


    cui sheng watched as chen mu bulldozed his way through the pass, mowing down demon creatures one after another, and internally he couldn''t help but admire him deeply.


    indeed, he was a prodigy on the rookie list, a true disciple of the seven profound sect. he was far stronger than him, a commander-in-chief who came from the inner sect, whether in terms of strength or speed, there was a huge difference. cui sheng, who gave his all to fight a fifth rank demon lizard, was also pressing it back, but he was never able to kill it, which showed the gap.


    moreover.


    chen mu could not have come straight from the seven profound sect to the northern pass; he must have first gone to the main city pass, then upon receiving the distress signal from the seventy-seventh northern pass, he rushed over at the first opportunity.


    this place was at least a hundred and thirty li away from the main city pass. even xiahou yan, the sixth viscera realm garrison commander, could hardly arrive here within a quarter of an hour. how quickly had chen mu come?


    calculating the time.


    it must have been just a little over half a quarter of an hour!


    this meant that in terms of movement speed, chen mu was far faster than even xiahou yan!


    quick on his feet, fierce with the blade, and also adept at the xun wind artistic conception to take advantage of the terrain, chen mu, such an exceptional talent, even if he wasn''t a sixth viscera realm being, would definitely not be inferior to an ordinary sixth viscera realm protector in his performance in this sand calamity.

 Chapter 224 The Majesty of Qian Heaven!_2

    "ha!"at that moment, cui sheng let out a loud shout, tossed back his braid, and abruptly thrust his spear forward, finally piercing the head of the long-oppressed demon lizard and pinning it against the rock wall.


    he then looked up towards chen mu, only to see that chen had almost completely slain all the demons in the pass, carrying the flowing fire blade as he navigated through the sandstorm, methodically clearing the battlefield.


    "chen, the true inheritor."


    cui sheng pulled out his spear and, without bothering to clean up the demon lizard''s corpse, walked towards chen mu.


    however, as he gradually approached chen mu through the sandstorm, he suddenly sensed something, his face abruptly changed, and he loudly warned, "not good, be careful!"


    almost at the very instant cui sheng''s words fell,


    from within the raging sandstorm, suddenly a terrifying pressure burst forth, and then out of the yellow sand emerged numerous sand spears, condensed from the dust, attacking from all directions with surging demonic power, a few targeting cui sheng, but most aimed at chen mu, who was holding the flowing fire blade!


    cui sheng''s face dramatically changed, and without any hesitation, he swung his spear, drawing a circle around him. he fully mobilized the power of xun wind, even causing the nearby sandstorm itself to be drawn in, colliding with the attacking sand spears.


    boom! boom! boom!!!


    as the spear collided with the sand spears, although he shattered each one turning them into dispersing yellow sand, each strike was extremely heavy. after three consecutive strikes, cui sheng felt a slight tremor in his hand holding the spear.


    this terrifying power made cui sheng''s heart sink.


    "sand demon!" sear?h the n?velfire.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    sixth rank great demon, sand demon!


    this demon was still here, although he had seen it leave earlier when he arrived.


    as the commander-in-chief of yunlu pass, he was all too familiar with the sand demon even having engaged it more than once, and he was well aware of its strength as a sixth rank great demon. even though it wasn''t the strongest among the desert demons, it was extremely troublesome in a sandstorm. usually, if he encountered it alone, his only option would be to flee, as fighting it was out of the question.


    only by gathering the strength of four or five commanders-in-chief could there be a possibility of contending with the sand demon!


    meanwhile,


    accompanied by a thunderous explosion, wind, thunder, and flames burst forth in the sandstorm.


    then, chen mu was seen holding the flowing fire blade, emerging once more from the whirlwind of sand, where more than ten sand spears had crumbled and turned into yellow sand.


    "be careful, chen, the true inheritor. this is a sixth rank great demon, the sand demon. it excels at hiding within the sandstorm, utilizing the power of wind and sand, making it extremely troublesome. although its demonic power is immense, its physical body is somewhat weaker than other demons," cui sheng warned in a grave tone as he came closer to chen mu.


    if chen mu hadn''t been there, the moment he noticed the sand demon, he probably would''ve fled without hesitation. however, given the strength chen had previously exhibited, there might be a chance to fight the sand demon.


    moreover, with him, the commander-in-chief, nearby, although the sand demon was strong, it had a weakness¡ªits demon body wasn''t strong. as long as chen mu could block the sand demon''s attacks upfront and draw its attention, he could try to execute a surprise attack on the sand demon''s body, delivering a fatal blow.


    shssh! shssh!!!


    almost in sync with cui sheng''s words, demonic power gathered in the whirlwind of sand, forming spears capable of piercing vajra, attacking from all directions, with the demonic power unpredictably shifting left and right, making it even harder to detect its presence in the sandstorm.


    chen mu''s expression remained unchanged, his flowing fire blade swept up a continuous flame blade stretching five or six yards, sweeping away all the incoming sand spears as he calmly said,


    "so that''s how it is."


    as cui sheng had mentioned, the sand demon was extremely adept at concealing its form and presence in the sandstorm, presenting an unpredictable, elusive target even within his perception.


    however, chen mu wasn''t particularly concerned, standing his ground and continuing to swing his blade, defending against the attacks from all directions while enhancing his own perception to capture any trace of the sand demon in the nearby whirlwind.


    "chen, the true inheritor, do not rush. the sandstorm won''t last long, and once it starts to subside, the sand demon will find it hard to hide its presence completely. by then, its strength will have diminished, and if it still doesn''t retreat, we will surely be able to slay it here," cui sheng reassured while aiding from the side, repeatedly reminding chen of the situation as he saw that chen was not struggling to fend off the sand demon''s attacks.


    however,


    at this moment, chen mu didn''t respond but continued to fend off the attacks all around, even closing his eyes for a moment. less than ten breaths later, he suddenly opened his eyes again¡ªfound you!


    chen mu swung his flowing fire blade once more, shattering the incoming sand spears, then suddenly stepped forward, straying from his original spot and cutting towards the right side of the sandstorm. his blade swept a large area of sandstorm aside, and from the rolling yellow sand, a figure closely resembling a human appeared,


    much more stooped compared to a human, like an elderly person at dusk, with a black and yellow complexion.


    the great demon, sand demon!


    seeing this scene, cui sheng was momentarily stunned, unexpectedly chen mu had managed to pinpoint the sand demon''s location while the sandstorm was still fierce. even though he himself was a commander-in-chief who mastered the second step of the xun wind artistic conception and frequent combatant against the sand demon in the desert environment, he couldn''t find its location during the most violent part of the storm! continue your saga on empire

 Chapter 224 The Might of Qian Heaven!_3

    ```"how could this be..."


    cui sheng looked at chen mu''s departing figure, his face showing a hint of surprise.


    he could understand being outmatched in strength and speed, but being surpassed in perceptive abilities as well was unexpected, especially since chen mu, despite being a genius, shouldn''t have much of an advantage over him in the pure xun wind artistic conception.


    but there was no time to ponder further; he saw chen mu pull the sand demon from the sandstorm and immediately his whole body erupted. the flowing fire blade in his hand flowed with red flames, extending for five to six zhang, mingling with strands of thunder arcs to form a terrifying thunderfire long blade, which he brought down on the gaunt and small figure of the sand demon''s true form.


    in the nearly human-like eyes of the sand demon, a hint of startlingly human surprise flashed, but it didn''t panic facing chen mu''s blade. with a raise and wave of its two dry yet elongated arms...


    whoosh!!!


    the endless sand nearby surged over, instantly coalescing into two giant hands made of sand; they clapped together fiercely within the storm, trapping chen mu''s five to six zhang-long fire blade between them!


    "a good opportunity!"


    a flash of light sparked in cui sheng''s eyes; without the slightest hesitation, his entire body leaned back, the power of the xun wind on his spear concentrated to the limit, almost visibly wrapping around the spear to form a sharp edge. he then hurled it fiercely, and the spear turned into a streak of light, piercing towards the slender body of the sand demon!


    having fought against sand demons for years, he knew all too well that although they were adept at manipulating demonic power, their true bodies were fragile, not even as resilient as some fifth-rank monsters. as long as he found the opportunity, one strike could take its life!


    however.


    the sand demon, faced with cui sheng''s assault, remained composed. its right hand raised in the air, the fingers, thin like dry branches, two of them coming together in a casual flick.


    with the convergence of demonic power, from the swirling sandstorm beside it, a giant hand formed of yellow sand emerged, grasping the incoming spear in its grip and holding it tight, preventing it from advancing any further.


    "is it still not enough..."


    cui sheng''s brows were tightly knitted at this point; obviously, the sand demon''s ability to block chen mu''s blade hadn''t reached its limit and still had strength to spare. this sand demon was, among all he had encountered, a considerably strong existence. find adventures on empire


    as his hurled spear was blocked and chen mu''s thunderfire blade stopped, unable to break through, the sand demon stood unperturbed among the yellow sand, its eyes with an eerily human-like scrutiny of the two men when suddenly a change occurred.


    only to see.


    standing in the center of the yellow sand, hands grasping the handle of the blade, maintaining the position of a swinging blade, holding aloft the five-zhang thunderfire blade, locked in a standoff with the two giant sand hands, chen mu''s eyes, flickering with the light of thunder and fire, suddenly and quietly dimmed.


    the artistic conceptions of wind, thunder, and fire all retreated at once, as if dissolving, becoming a faint and barely perceptible clear spirit that caused the five-zhang thunderfire blade to also vanish into thin air.


    perceiving this sudden change, cui sheng was completely startled.


    there stood chen mu, with all traces of wind, thunder, and fire vanished from his body, his gaze serene as he reached out his right hand. without swinging his blade, he simply extended it forward, pressing and patting: "evil spirits of all kinds, how foolish to show off in front of an expert."


    in an instant.


    heaven and earth changed color!


    under the sand demon''s suddenly terrified gaze, the sky above the sandstorm seemed to collapse as a terrifying strength of heaven and earth furiously converged, forming an invisible giant hand. as if the sky were falling and the earth collapsing, it pressed down with immense force.


    "squawk!"


    the sand demon let out an extremely hoarse and unpleasant screech, its eyes filled with dread as it looked above, raising its dry arms high. demonic power converged crazily, causing the two giant sand hands that had blocked chen mu''s thunderfire blade to split again, turning into two more massive hands lifting upward, attempting to resist the invisible crushing hand descending from above.


    however, the giant sand hands that extended for several zhang, when colliding with the invisible hand as if pressing down of the firmament itself, lasted only a moment before starting to crumble from the edges, disintegrating into yellow sand.


    the sand demon''s body shook violently, desperately raising its arms. it wanted to flee, but was unable to move; everything nearby was oppressed by the unbounded strength of qian heaven. the once nimble air now felt turbid and heavy, as if being sealed within the sand, even a slight movement felt sluggishly slow!


    boom!


    the giant sand hands were finally crushed under pressure, and the sand demon''s true body below was smashed by the invisible hand against the heavy yellow yunlu wall. its desiccated body was squashed to a pulp, oozing out black blood!


    between heaven and earth, a solemn silence prevailed! s§×arch* the n??el fire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    when chen mu calmly lowered his hand, the surrounding yellow sand returned to normal, rolling and howling with the storm once more, but the sand demon that had commanded the sand was now but a pile of smashed flesh.


    cui sheng was entirely stupefied, his eyes filled with unmistakable shock.


    "qian heaven, this is... qian heaven..."


    the mighty sand demon,


    a sixth-rank great demon, crushed to mush by a single blow, turned into meat paste ¨C such a shocking scene.


    even if xiahou yan were present, he could not have achieved such a feat. it''s not that xiahou yan''s strength was less than the blow just delivered, but rather the power of the qian heaven artistic conception is almost like a dimensional strike against creatures like the sand demon which have strong demonic power but weak physical forms.


    the sand demon had spent its life manipulating the power of wind and sand, but under the strength of qian heaven, all phenomenons like wind, thunder, and fire were absolutely suppressed by a higher power. without the wind to draw upon, the sand demon had no power of heaven and earth to use, only relying on its own demonic power to forcibly resist chen mu''s strike, which was naturally no match for the mighty heavenly might!


    chen mu,


    a prodigy listed on the roll of outstanding new talents, apprenticed to the seven profound sect''s spirit profound peak, who had been in reclusive training for over a year, not venturing out, gradually forgotten by people in yu state and the eleven states of the cold north path.


    today, he stepped out from seclusion, having mastered the second step of qian heaven, crushing a sixth-rank great demon with a single blow!


    ```

 Chapter 225 Killing Just Like That

    the sandstorms swept across the sky. stay connected with empireabove the high heavens where the sand could not reach, a gray-white demon bird circled for a moment, emitting "coo coo" sounds before it flapped its wings and flew far away, disappearing into the horizon. sea??h th§× n??elfir§×.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "true disciple chen..."


    it took a moment for cui sheng to regain his composure. he looked at chen mu with a complex gaze, bowed with hands clasped and said, "i am cui sheng, commander-in-chief of yunlu pass, at your service, true disciple chen."


    although he was once an inner sect disciple of the seven profound sect, after leaving and being stationed at yunlu pass for many years, he had finally broken through to the five viscera realm. his status was equivalent to that of a steward of the seven profound sect, and roughly on the same level as a true disciple. but at this moment, he spoke with a tone of respect to chen mu, who was much younger than himself.


    even though he had long realized that talents like chen mu wouldn''t just fade into obscurity after joining the spirit profound peak, and would certainly grow, even those from the seven profound sect like himself, who paid attention to the changes in each peak, had speculated about how far chen mu could progress after quietly cultivating for a year and a half¡ªwhether he would grasp one or even two more artistic conceptions, or whether he would try to practice qian heaven based on his foundation in wind, thunder, and fire.


    but what he never expected was that chen mu had not only mastered qian heaven but had also stepped into the second phase!


    qian heaven kun earth, how difficult it is!


    even zhou hao, the true disciple of great profound peak, took two and a half years to finally comprehend the kun earth artistic conception.


    what about chen mu?


    he had only joined the seven profound sect and become a disciple of spirit profound peak a year and a half ago, yet he had already grasped qian heaven!


    even on the wind cloud list, chen mu''s talent and insight were rated the same as zhou hao''s, both ''a+''¡ªbut it was evident that chen mu''s talents and insights were even above zhou hao''s!


    for the first time, cui sheng felt that the ''a+'' and ''a-'' ratings on the rookie list couldn''t distinguish all the martial arts prodigies. some were rated ''a+'' because they had reached that level, while others were rated ''a+'' because the highest rating was ''a+''!


    without a doubt, once the news that chen mu had mastered the qian heaven artistic conception spread, his ranking on the rookie list would surely enter the top ten, just like zhou hao!


    compared to someone like chen mu, who could easily advance to the six viscera realm in the future, at worst stand shoulder to shoulder with the figures of the wind cloud list, and even possibly achieve the status of a marrow cleansing grandmaster, he, a border pass commander-in-chief, although he was currently barely in the same realm as chen mu, was far from being on the same level in the future, and even now, he was far from being a match for chen mu.


    "commander cui, there''s no need for such formalities."


    chen mu spoke to cui sheng with a calm demeanor.


    no matter what cui sheng''s strength was, after all, he was the commander-in-chief guarding the border pass. he was responsible for the safety of the entire border of sha prefecture and had blocked many demons over more than ten years. chen mu naturally wouldn''t behave too loftily.


    "did true disciple chen rush here from the main pass?"


    cui sheng carefully walked a few steps forward, picking up his long spear again, and asked chen mu.


    chen mu nodded slightly, then looked towards the devastated pass and sighed, "the main pass is still a bit too far from here. after all, i arrived a bit too late."


    upon hearing chen mu''s words, cui sheng immediately scolded himself internally. he had actually arrived earlier but didn''t dare take action; and yet, he also truly didn''t possess chen mu''s strength, and even if he had intervened, he still couldn''t have held this pass.


    "true disciple chen need not blame himself, your arrival was already very timely. the formation base of the mysterious primordial earth formation was not damaged, and the structures on the pass can be rebuilt at any time; it''s not a big deal."


    "hmm... the soldiers inside the pass should be all right. i''m not familiar with this place, so i''ll leave it to commander cui."


    after saying this to cui sheng, chen mu stepped forward and quickly made his way to the edge of the pass, reaching the outermost side of the towering yunlu wall. standing there, he overlooked the roaring yellow sand whirlwind approaching from afar.


    within the sandstorm, there were faintly visible demons being swept along, though most were of low grade, wandering below the hundred-zhang-high yunlu wall. some tried to climb it, but the wall was tough and smooth, making it difficult to ascend.


    seeing this.


    chen mu didn''t rush to leave but sat down with legs crossed at the edge of yunlu wall, setting the flowing fire blade beside him while he continued to observe the movements of the demons below yunlu wall and carefully comprehended the changes in nature amidst the sandstorm.


    ...


    continuing northwest along the seventy-seventh border pass.


    after an unknown distance,


    the desert abruptly ended, and a desolate mountain range gradually appeared in the distance. the entire mountain range bore the scars of a thousand winds, devoid of any vegetation, displaying nothing but various rock layers stacked upon one another.


    on one of those bare, wind-eroded rocks riddled with a myriad of holes, stood a figure. it wasn''t quite appropriate to call it a figure because, while it bore resemblance to a human, its limbs were conspicuously covered with fine, black scale armor!


    the entire being, both human and demon-like, seemed like a hybrid of both!


    "coo coo."


    suddenly, a gray-white demon bird descended from the sky, landing on the shoulder of the figure and began cooing.


    the figure stroked the demon bird''s head and then, his demonic eyes revealed a hint of odd light, "the sand demon was killed? the qian heaven artistic conception... it''s someone from seven profound sect, isn''t it."


    with a scale-armored hand propping up his chin, he wore a contemplative look and said, "this could be a good opportunity. i''ve grown a bit tired of demons; it''s time to consume humans. if i could devour someone with the qian heaven artistic conception, consume their innards and yuan gang, even if i can only absorb a bit of the strength of qian heaven, maybe i can evolve once more, becoming a seventh rank demon king. by that time, even a human race grandmaster would find it hard to trouble me."

 Chapter 225 Thats How the Killing was Done_2

    "hmm, but during the sand disaster, the defenses at yunlu pass were also very strict, and there would be quite a few in the six viscera realm. relying on myself alone, i can''t act recklessly. it seems i need to find those corpse refinement guys, huh?" s§×ar?h the n??el fire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.a contemplative shadow flickered through kun jie''s eyes.


    in fact, comparing the two, he did not like the heavenly corpse sect, a group that stayed in sinister lands filled with decay and filth all day long¡ªfor after all, the flesh was too rotten to eat. but he could understand the upper echelons of the sky demon sect, who for the sake of future plans, strategized an alliance with the heavenly corpse sect.


    in the primordial era, the world was dominated by supernatural creatures, and humans were merely food for the demons. it was not until the recent ancient era when some humans comprehended yin yang and opened the path of martial arts that countless martial arts pioneers sacrificed themselves to reach the pinnacle of the world, ultimately usurping the demons to become the masters of the world.


    after who knows how many years, the founder of their sky demon sect established the sect hundreds of years ago, cultivating the body of the heavenly demon, practicing the martial arts techniques of the human race. they possessed both the long lifespan of demons and the powerful martial arts techniques of the human race. had they not been encircled and suppressed by the da xuan dynasty and all the sects in the world, this world would have already undergone a monumental change once again, ruled by their sky demon sect.


    sometimes kun jie really didn''t understand why something as simple as extending one''s life or getting stronger by consuming humans or demons would be met with joint suppression and encirclement by the whole world hundreds of years ago.


    suddenly.


    kun jie released the demon bird and leaped from the rock, then traveled eastward. after an unknown distance, he eventually arrived at a lush mountain range and approached a secluded valley.


    "who''s there?"


    a hoarse voice came from within the valley. experience exclusive tales on empire


    kun jie replied indifferently, "i, kun jie."


    after a brief silence in the valley, a figure as shriveled as a corpse appeared in the dimness, speaking hoarsely:


    "what business do you have?"


    "the sand disaster at the border of sha prefecture. interested in making a deal? i''ll only eat one person, the rest are all yours."


    "sand disaster... i have heard of it. but the one that has caught your attention, kun jie, is no ordinary person, i suppose."


    a faint glimmer arose in the sunken eyes of the shriveled figure.


    kun jie spoke casually, "there''s a fellow at yunlu pass who has mastered the second step of qian heaven artistic conception and killed a sand demon i had my eyes on."


    yunlu pass? qian heaven artistic conception?


    the withered corpse seemed to recall something, and a strange look appeared in his shriveled eyes, saying, "i''ve heard that spirit profound peak of the seven profound sect is stationed at yunlu pass. i haven''t heard of any protector or steward of spirit profound peak who has practiced qian heaven artistic conception... could it be that person?"


    kun jie looked over in slight surprise, reacting, "oh? you actually know about it?"


    contempt flickered in the eyes of the corpse, which retorted, "even if your sky demon sect''s intelligence network isn''t particularly savvy, you should still be aware of the real disciples ranked on the wind cloud list from spirit profound peak. that person is the most likely to practice qian heaven from spirit profound peak. judging from what you said, the chances are high it is him. however, this person has only joined spirit profound peak for a year and a half. to practice qian heaven artistic conception in such a short time, his perception and talent are indeed extraordinary. it''s better for you to consume him to prevent him from becoming a big trouble in the future."


    "the wind cloud list, huh? i do know a bit about it, but isn''t there only one named zuo qianqiu who is somewhat skilled?"


    kun jie revealed a thoughtful expression.


    the corpse spoke lazily, "although you, kun jie, are one of the most outstanding individuals of this generation in the sky demon sect, you would not pale in comparison to the top ten on the wind cloud list. if it''s indeed chen mu who has mastered qian heaven artistic conception, he could easily be ranked among the top ten... but if you are planning to act at yunlu pass, you have to think long-term and not make any rash moves. if you delay the major plans from above, neither you nor i can bear the consequences."


    he truly didn''t fancy the demon men of the sky demon sect, a bunch of madmen who consumed humans and demons all day long, to the point where their brains seemed affected. they fancied themselves invincible in the world, but in reality, if you compared physique, they were inferior to those of the corpse refinement practitioners, and if you compared martial arts techniques, they lagged behind the orthodox sects. aside from having a bit longer lifespan, they had no noteworthy advantages. when the day came for the heavenly corpse sect to rule the world, it would be best to eradicate the sky demon sect outright to prevent future calamities.


    ...


    yunlu pass.


    inside the underground stone chamber of the garrison prefecture headquarters.


    compared to not long ago, the stone chamber was now bustling. apart from the garrison commander xiahou yan, there were spirit profound peak''s right protector chu jingsui, rear protector meng danyun, and leading protector zhao zhenchuan.


    three protectors of the six viscera realm, among them, aside from meng danyun who was recently promoted, zhao zhenchuan and chu jingsui had settled in the six viscera realm for some years, their strength was not inferior to that of xiahou yan. especially chu jingsui, who was one of the very pinnacle existences below the wind cloud list and still of a fairly young age, just forty-two years old, with potential to challenge the mysterious pass.


    "you sure kept me busy in the two days before your arrival. recently, two sixth rank demons appeared one after another. if brother chen hadn''t arrived before you, i''m afraid i would''ve been unable to manage both fronts. now that you all are here, it''s gotten quiet instead. even the yunlu pass where brother chen went to has sent word of restored peace," xiahou yan said with a smile, standing in the middle of the stone chamber, addressing chu jingsui and the others.


    when he had just returned and heard about the sandstorm at the seventy-seventh border pass and the presence of a sixth rank demon, he was startled. but after learning that chen mu had gone there immediately, he breathed a little easier.


    after all, with chen mu''s strength, an ordinary sixth rank demon was indeed no threat to him, and he knew that chen mu possessed both wind and thunder artistic conceptions. even if something unexpected happened, facing two or three sixth rank demons, if he couldn''t beat them, at least he could still run.

 Chapter 225 Just Killed Like This_3

    of course.it wasn''t until just now, when he received the "restored stability" signal from the northern seventy-seven border pass through the earth''s veins, that he completely calmed down. after all, he was also worried whether chen mu could arrive on time, or whether the seventy-seventh pass could hold.


    chu jingsui raised his eyebrows slightly and said, "i also didn''t expect junior brother chen to arrive earlier than us. however, you needn''t worry about his strength. in another two years, once he steps into the six viscera realm, even i may not be his match, let alone now... sister meng, you wouldn''t dare say you are certain to beat him, right?" experience more tales on empire


    "indeed, i am not certain."


    meng danyun shook her head as she spoke.


    although she had stepped into the six viscera realm and her yuan gang true essence was twice as strong as before, she had yet to completely refine the six viscera to perfection. the xun wind and kan water artistic conceptions had not yet been practiced more deeply. against the top ten newcomers, she mostly had no confidence in achieving victory.


    although chen mu was not among the top ten newcomers and had been in seclusion for a year and a half, she knew his character all too well. always keeping a low profile, even if she were told that he had now mastered the second step of the qian heaven artistic conception, she would not be too astonished.


    "report!"


    just as meng danyun finished speaking, a communications officer entered the stone chamber, bowed respectfully to everyone inside, and then swiftly reported to xiahou yan, "northern seventy-seven border pass, attacked by a sandstorm, confirmed presence of a sixth rank great demon sand demon, fifth rank sand python giant demon, red armored demon lizard... apart from the red armored demon lizard which was slain by commander-in-chief cui, the rest of the demons were all vanquished by protector chen, who has now gone to the edge of the desert to investigate the storm."


    the communications officer''s report echoed in the stone chamber, momentarily causing xiahou yan, chu jingsui, and others to reveal expressions of surprise.


    a sixth rank great demon sand demon!


    whether it was xiahou yan or chu jingsui, both were familiar with the sand demon, having fought it more than once, especially xiahou yan. stationed for decades, he had dealt with this type of demon hundreds if not dozens of times. he was well aware of the difficulty of a sand demon; without a sandstorm, they weren''t very troublesome, he could slay one quickly one-on-one.


    but when a sandstorm struck, a sand demon had the advantage of momentum. especially at the peak of a storm, even he found it troublesome. firstly, it was difficult to pinpoint its exact location, and even if found, it wasn''t easy to eliminate in a short time.


    it could be said to be one of the least desired sixth rank demons to encounter in a sandstorm.


    upon hearing that a sand demon had appeared, he had hoped for the best outcome to be chen mu driving it back, as long as they could endure until the sandstorm gradually subsided, the sand demon would naturally retreat. but unexpectedly, chen mu had managed to kill a sand demon!


    even with cui sheng assisting, it was far from an easy feat!


    "killed a sand demon? how did junior brother chen manage that?"


    chu jingsui was very surprised as he looked towards the communications officer.


    however, the communications officer shook his head; he did not come from the northern seventy-seven border pass, and the information he received had been passed down from one border pass to another, without any more details.


    after taking a cup of hot tea from his subordinate, xiahou yan took a sip and said with a smile, "i guess he happened to find the sand demon''s real body and then, in coordination with cui sheng, pinned it down until the sandstorm subsided, finally slaying it atop the city gate."


    chu jingsui looked at meng danyun.


    but meng danyun shook her head and said, "what''s there to guess? when he arrives, we''ll know if we just ask him."


    and just as the people in the room were speaking, xiahou yan''s expression suddenly shifted slightly, and then he said with a smile, "look, speak of the devil and he shall appear... junior brother chen, you really gave us a shock, actually killing a sand demon."


    xiahou yan paused halfway through his speech and looked over at the passage leading to the stone chamber.


    suddenly,


    chen mu walked step by step down the passage of the stone chamber, returning to its interior, and the gazes of chu jingsui, meng danyun, and many other protectors of the spirit profound peak also unanimously fell upon him. sear?h the ¦Çov§×lfire .net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "i arrived a bit late, the pass has been mostly destroyed, but fortunately, the formation base remains intact, it can still serve as a temporary outpost. as for that sand demon, my fellow senior brothers are also capable of eliminating it; it''s hardly worth mentioning."


    chen mu continued to walk in.


    however,


    after he finished speaking, the people in the stone chamber were still staring at him, including meng danyun, who was also curiously sizing him up. although she didn''t speak, her meaning was clear without words.


    xiahou yan said with a chuckle at this time, "junior brother chen, you might as well tell us, that sand demon is quite troublesome. if you''ve discovered any tricks for dealing with it, it would be very useful for us guarding the border pass."


    chen mu, upon seeing this, shook his head slightly and said, "the sand demon excels at concealment, using the power of wind and sand to hide, so even if one has mastered the xun wind artistic conception, it is not easy to find its true body during the fiercest sandstorms, unless one can perceive through the interference of the wind and sand..."


    "as for after finding it, dealing with it is very easy."


    as chen mu spoke, he lifted his right hand and made a casual flipping motion in the void.


    however,


    these simple two lines of speech caused the entire stone chamber to suddenly fall silent, and almost everyone present, including meng danyun and chu jingsui, looked at chen mu with wide eyes.


    because the two lines that chen mu had just stated were not just simple words. as he raised his right hand, an intangible and pure spirit suddenly ascended, and after the flipping motion, it quickly receded.


    the people present were no ordinary characters.


    xiahou yan, chu jingsui, zhao zhenchuan, all of them had entered the six viscera realm many years ago; their strength aside, their discernment was beyond question. they could tell at a glance the technique that chen mu had just displayed.


    qian heaven artistic conception!


    and that state of making the difficult seem easy, of controlling it as one wished, was definitely not just a preliminary understanding. there was a great possibility that he had stepped into the second phase and had truly grasped the majesty of the celestial phenomenon, superior to the three phases of wind, thunder, and fire, in his palm!


    "indeed..."


    meng danyun was the first to react, but his eyes were still filled with surging emotions.


    given his usual impression and understanding of chen mu, mastering the qian heaven artistic conception in one and a half years was indeed something chen mu could accomplish, but this was still somewhat astonishing. even with prior expectations, he couldn''t help but feel shaken.


    one must know that when chen mu joined spirit profound peak, he had already mastered the second step of the xun wind, thunderbolt, separating fire, and gen mountain artistic conceptions, as well as an initial comprehension of the kan water artistic conception. now, having mastered the second step of the qian heaven artistic conception as well, in terms of strength, he was not much inferior to zhou hao!


    and all this in just a mere year and a half!

 Chapter 226 Convergence

    "no wonder, no wonder, it turns out junior brother chen has cultivated qian heaven."after xiahou yan gradually came to his senses, he also started to realize and look at chen mu, with waves of emotion in his eyes. it was qian heaven''s might that enabled chen mu to solve the troublesome sand demon.


    although the sand demon was extremely skilled at concealing its aura in sandstorms, it ultimately relied on its manipulation of sand and wind. once qian heaven artistic conception had been cultivated, it almost had absolute affinity suppression over any artistic conception under qian heaven. trying to completely conceal its aura with wind and sand was simply impossible in front of chen mu.


    once the sand demon''s true body was found, under the power of qian heaven artistic conception, even the wildest sandstorm would be governed and suppressed by the strength of qian heaven. unable to leverage the power of the sandstorm, and solely relying on its own demonic power to contend against qian heaven, that was clearly impossible. plus, its own body was extremely fragile, so naturally, it was eliminated by chen mu with a flip of his palm. s~ea??h the n?vel(f)ire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    on the other hand,


    if it had been a demon with a resilient body, perhaps it might have been able to resist somewhat and had a chance to escape back into the desert.


    however, it''s a pity that chen mu did this entirely on his own merit, not by finding a weakness of the sand demon. others, even if they wanted to learn, could not, and only chen mu alone had a significant advantage against these sixth rank demons. there was no way to make the whole border pass immune to the threat of sand demons.


    "indeed, he is a genius who rose from the remote lands of yu county on his own merits, possessing the control of qian heaven in just a year and a half... junior brother chen''s strength now, compared to me, probably doesn''t have much difference."


    chu jingsui looked at chen mu, unable to help but sigh.


    he was once the true disciple of spirit profound peak, a prodigious talent who mastered the artistic conceptions of xun wind, gen mountain, and separating fire, all stepping into the second phase, and had now been immersed in the six viscera realm for many years, refining each of the six viscera to the peak. even without displaying artistic conception, merely with yuan gang force, he could match the top ten prodigies on the wind cloud list. not to mention his own artistic conception was not weak, he was undoubtedly one of the top figures just below the wind cloud list.


    and chen mu, having joined the sect for merely a year and a half, already had the strength to nearly fight him on equal ground. indeed, he was the most talented and gifted person in spirit profound peak in decades, far surpassing him.


    "elder brother chu flatters me too much. you have stepped into the six viscera realm for many years and are only a step away from marrow cleansing. once you break through the mysterious pass and enter the grandmaster realm, suppressing the wind cloud list would just be a mere flip of your hand,"


    chen mu said with a smile.


    chu jingsui had once escorted him all the way from yu county to the seven profound sect, and although there was indeed no trouble along the way, chen mu remembered this favor. moreover, as the protector of spirit profound peak, chu jingsui had taken on many external tasks on behalf of the entire peak, allowing chen mu to cultivate securely in spirit profound peak for a year and a half.


    "difficult!"


    chu jingsui sighed deeply, saying, "i have been at the threshold of the mysterious pass for four attempts now, still unable to break through. counting the days... i have at most two more chances to challenge it. if i don''t make it through, then my life will be without hope."


    the grandmaster realm is extremely hard to achieve.


    for true disciples of the great sects, stepping into the six viscera realm comes naturally with no difficulty, but among the batches of prodigious talents in the six viscera realm that come every few years, how many can step into the grandmaster realm?


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    the six viscera realm is plentiful in the world, but marrow cleansing is rare. the difference is like that between the clouds and the mud, heaven and earth!


    even though there are wind cloud list masters who can match grandmasters, and even the top among them can suppress the weaker grandmasters... but the so-called "weaker" grandmasters are only because they''ve just stepped into the marrow cleansing realm.


    the few who truly manage to cultivate to grandmaster, how could they be weak? given many more decades of cultivation, suppressing the wind cloud list would just be a flip of the hand, and the wind cloud list''s claim of matching grandmasters, as impressive as it sounds, would ultimately be their highest achievement.


    hearing chu jingsui''s words,


    the atmosphere in the stone chamber suddenly became much heavier.


    for people like chu jingsui and zhao zhenchuan, if they could not break through to marrow cleansing grandmasters, they could only watch as geniuses like chen mu gradually overtook and surpassed them.


    even meng danyun was lost in contemplation for a moment, because in another three to five years, once she had tempered the six viscera to perfection, she would face the difficulty of the mysterious pass. crossing it would turn her world upside down.


    "cough cough, if you talk about this, junior brother chu, i am going to be unhappy,"


    just when the atmosphere in the stone chamber became heavy, xiahou yan suddenly spoke up, feigning displeasure and saying to chu jingsui, "junior brother chu still has chances to challenge the mysterious pass. what about me? once junior brother chu becomes a grandmaster, and when i see you again, won''t i have to call you uncle master chu?"


    as soon as these words came out, zhao zhenchuan and meng danyun couldn''t help but laugh.


    chu jingsui also could not help but laugh, giving xiahou yan a bow and said, "how could that be, elder brother xiahou? even if i truly surpass the mysterious pass, you would still be my elder brother, and i wouldn''t dare to overstep."


    if a martial artist could become a grandmaster, their status immediately becomes much higher than those in the six viscera realm, and in the seven profound sect, they would become an elder. whether other six viscera realm martial artists would have to call them ''uncle master'' also depends on the circumstances. like xiahou yan, who came from the same spirit profound peak as chu jingsui, being older than chu jingsui and having mentored him several times in the past, even if chu jingsui became a grandmaster, he couldn''t possibly make xiahou yan call him uncle master.


    of course, everyone knew xiahou yan was joking, and for a moment, they all laughed.


    "however, the difficulty of the mysterious pass is indeed like ascending to heaven. i exhausted all my strength back then and ultimately failed to cross it. now i am getting on in years, and in another three or four decades, i will be a useless old man,"

 Chapter 226 Gathering_2

    xiahou yan shared a smile with everyone, then opened his mouth with a somewhat sighing tone.the laughter gradually faded from the crowd.


    in chen mu''s mind, thoughts began to drift for a moment.


    xiahou yan was sixty-seven this year. although he had cultivated his six viscera to perfection, since he had not become a grandmaster, his strength would gradually decline after he passed the age of one hundred and would approach the end of his lifespan by the age of one hundred and twenty.


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    of course, compared to the average lifespan of less than forty years for those ordinary people in these chaotic times, even the infants born this year might not live as long as xiahou yan. a martial artist''s journey of cultivation was ultimately different.


    not long ago,


    chen mu received a letter from yu county at the seven profound sect. it was written by xu hongyu, with words from herself, ning he, chen yue, yu ru, and others, for him. it also mentioned that yu jiujiang could no longer maintain the circulation of his five viscera inner breath.


    the aged yu jiujiang had finally reached that step, unable to maintain the circulation of his inner breath, he could no longer retain the strength of the five viscera realm. the next step would be the gradual decline of his qi-blood, slowly progressing towards the end of his lifespan.


    so, what about his future self?


    this thought flashed through chen mu''s mind, but he quickly shook his head slightly and cast it aside, for it was still too far off for him. at present, he was still a promising talent listed in the young heroes'' records, unarguably part of the young generation in the martial world.


    with yu jiujiang''s withdrawal, he had completely bid farewell to the affairs of the martial world, but his own era had just begun.


    "what is brother xiahou talking about? you have a large and prosperous family, and among your most outstanding grandchildren, one has recently entered the inner sect of spirit profound peak, to continue your martial arts will. who knows, he might be the next true successor in the future."


    zhao zhenchuan broke the silence in the stone chamber.


    with that, the atmosphere livened up again, and xiahou yan broke into a wide grin, saying, "indeed, that kid is exactly like i was at his age, even better. he might even become a grandmaster one day, and this old man will probably live to see that day."


    the group exchanged smiles, their gaze shifting around. however, whenever their eyes turned toward meng danyun, they would quickly look away since meng danyun was not the youngest among them, but the only one without a family.


    "..."


    meng danyun fell silent for a moment, her eyes on xiahou yan''s graying temples, a complex mix of thoughts crossing her mind. if in the future she too ended up halted before the mysterious pass... perhaps she should find someone to have a child with, to pass on the martial arts will?


    but that thought was fleeting.


    she was only a few years older than chen mu, not yet having fully tempered her six viscera to perfection, still before reaching the threshold of the mysterious pass. such thoughts would only wear down her martial will. her martial path outweighed all else, and the rest was not worth dwelling on for now.


    while the people in the stone chamber were either organizing their thoughts or chatting about their families, the guard attuned to the fluctuations of the earth''s veins suddenly stood up, drawing everyone''s focused attention.


    "to the south at forty-five pass, a sandstorm approaches with a fifth rank demon!"


    the news of the sand disaster was met with an immediate change of expression from xiahou yan, chen mu, and the others, as they composed themselves and became somber. xiahou yan''s voice was calm as he said, "understood."


    a fifth rank demon attacking was not usually a call for backup, especially since many of the spirit profound peak''s fighters had arrived and were patrolling and defending the area. among them were many stewards of the five viscera realm.


    a call for help indicated that either the quantity was larger than usual or there were other reasons.


    "since brother chen has already made a trip, i''ll handle this one."


    chu jingsui volunteered.


    "okay."


    xiahou yan nodded slightly toward chu jingsui.


    chu jingsui turned and left, soon disappearing within the stone chamber.


    xiahou yan turned to chen mu with a serious expression, saying, "brother chen, since you''ve mastered the qian heaven artistic conception, your movement technique is surely extraordinary. in terms of speed, we''re probably not your match. you might have to work hard dealing with this sand disaster."


    "this is my duty, no trouble at all."


    chen mu replied with a calm demeanor.


    xiahou yan nodded, then turned to zhao zhenchuan and meng danyun, saying, "brother zhao, sister meng, please be responsible for patrolling the north and south lines. brother chen''s movement is faster, so he will stay at the main pass to provide timely support where needed."


    "sure."


    "mm." s~ea??h the n?vel?ire.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    zhao zhenchuan and meng danyun had no objections, each nodding before leaving the stone chamber.


    although chen mu was not a six viscera realm protector, having displayed the qian heaven artistic conception to kill a sand demon, his strength and status were no different from that of a six viscera realm, so there was no issue with him being responsible for overseeing the main pass and supporting everywhere else.


    after assigning a few six viscera realm protectors to their tasks, xiahou yan turned to chen mu, saying, "i will go out to inspect the sand disaster situation. brother chen, you stay here. if anything arises, you may decide to provide support without first reporting to me."


    "all right."


    chen mu responded to xiahou yan and watched as he left the stone chamber, then let his gaze sweep around the chamber several times, finally resting on the core of the mysterious primordial earth formation. he walked over, placed a hand on the earthly elemental stone, and began to deeply sense it.


    [martial art: qiankun artistic conception (step 2)]


    [experience: 781 points]


    [available deductions: 0 times]


    since his arrival at yunlu pass, his experience and insights had increased significantly. as he knew, sand disasters were longer-lasting than droughts, cold disasters, and the like, usually continuing for over a month. by dealing with the sand disaster while sensing the changes in nature, perhaps he could gain a substantial amount of experience in just one month.


    the gap between the second and third steps of the artistic conception was exceedingly vast, yet with gradual understanding and accumulation, by striving, little by little, even water can wear through stone, someday he would be able to cross that threshold.

 Chapter 226 Gathering_3

    besides,for him now, even a small increase was quite significant.


    although he now basically had the strength to be listed on the wind cloud list, he certainly wouldn''t rank near the top. if his qiankun artistic conception could be derived three or four more times and his heaven and earth wheel seal could also be elevated by two levels, then he would take a big step forward on the wind cloud list.


    the gap between the lower rankings and the higher rankings on the wind cloud list was not small, one would be beaten into a head-cowering rat when encountering a grandmaster, merely possessing some self-preservation ability, while the other would have the capacity to fight a short battle with a grandmaster, there was no comparison. s~ea??h the ¦Çovelfire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    discover exclusive tales on empire


    "once i''ve increased my qiankun artistic conception a few more times and stepped into the six viscera realm and perfected the six viscera tempering, i will be reaching the pinnacle of the wind cloud list. if i could go one step further and cultivate the qiankun domain... i wonder if i could fight a battle with my master."


    chen mu''s thoughts flashed through his mind.


    like yan jingqing, who cultivated the xun wind or kan water domain, one could only make it onto the wind cloud list, but if the qiankun artistic conception could be cultivated into a domain, that would be like comparing the light of a firefly to the brilliance of the moon. by that time, he might even be approaching the domain of qin mengjun.


    of course, this was just his speculation. after all, he had never personally witnessed just how strong a top grandmaster like qin mengjun really was, so it was not easy to speculate, let alone offend.


    ...


    time flew by.


    in the blink of an eye, more than ten days passed.


    with the reinforcements from the main force of spirit profound peak brought by chu jingsui and meng danyun, the defense of various passes at yunlu pass had been strengthened. although there weren''t many disciples from spirit profound peak, their strength was at least above tendon changing, and there were many powerful individuals in the bone tempering realm, such as linghu shang, shen lin and others. together, they could barely fight weaker fifth rank great demons and could entangle with them even if they couldn''t win.


    at this moment,


    far away from a certain pass, within the wilderness,


    the raging sandstorm obscured the sun, making the scene within invisible.


    yet behind this oppressive sandstorm, in the wilderness, a large number of dark shadows gathered. some dressed in black robes, wrapped in surging black mist, while others resembled humanoid figures but grew scales and antlers.


    "kun jie, your sky demon sect sure came with quite a number,"


    a dry corpse shrouded in black robes and black mist said to kun jie and the three deep-breathing demon men behind him, the tone tinged with unkindness, "with your manpower alone, it should be enough. why bother dragging us into this?"


    four sixth rank demon men!


    including kun jie, who was exceptionally strong.


    kun jie said lazily, "it''s my brothers who heard about the excitement and insisted on joining... our two sects are now in an alliance, and i won''t attack you. what are you worried about? you corpses are all smelly and hard; do you think i could bite into you? besides, you''ve brought quite a few people as well."


    by the end of the sentence, he had changed his lazy expression, letting out a cold hum.


    then, you could see,


    across from kun jie''s black-robed corpse stood as many as eleven!


    one of the ''corpses'' suddenly cackled strangely, "you, kun jie, planning something, yet you complain about too much manpower? i and two elder brothers only brought eight mysterious corpses... don''t forget last year when we ambushed zuo qianqiu, not only did we let that kid escape, but we also lost six mysterious corpses and two of your sixth rank great demons."


    "zuo qianqiu is the first on the newcomers list, how could he compare with this chen mu."


    one of the people behind kun jie spoke indifferently, the voice softer and alluring¡ªa woman''s tone¡ªbut her body was covered with black feathers, her feet like eagle''s claws, and she even had a pair of wings at her back.


    wu li spoke slowly and then said, "moreover, zuo qianqiu''s escape was not due to his own ability but was thanks to the spirit weapon ''mysterious heavenly sword diagram'' bestowed by his sect. despite serious injuries, he forced it with a secret technique to unleash almost the power of a grandmaster. otherwise, he would have already been our meal."


    the ''corpse'' liao chou said in a dark tone, "then how can you be sure that chen mu does not have a spirit weapon like the mysterious heavenly sword diagram?"


    wu li replied indifferently, "the mysterious heavenly sword diagram is a rare spirit weapon, even ranked on the cold north path spirit weapon catalogue. zuo qianqiu is the once-in-a-century prodigy of heavenly sword sect and the top of the newcomers list. the heavenly sword sect only gave such a spirit weapon to protect him. chen mu''s ranking doesn''t even surpass zhou hao''s, even if he really has a spirit weapon, it can''t compare to the mysterious heavenly sword diagram."


    "that makes sense."


    liao chou looked wu li up and down, surprised that the sky demon sect would have a demon man with an unspoiled brain.


    he darkly said, "still, how do you know that chen mu doesn''t have an artistic conception like qian heaven, which would surely give him extraordinary movement techniques, coming and going at ease, difficult to chase after by anyone below a grandmaster. we need to plot an ambush before we can... but before that, you say that chen mu has the qian heaven artistic conception, but that''s just lip service. i think it''s best to confirm it once more to avoid any mistakes."


    kun jie frowned slightly, "how can we confirm it? if we test him, won''t we startle the snake?"


    "it''s simple."


    liao chou, inwardly scornful but keeping a calm facade, said, "if chen mu really has qian heaven artistic conception, he will surely have extraordinary movement techniques and be responsible for support everywhere. you just need to drive more demons... then there''s no need for us to make a move."


    "okay."


    kun jie casually acknowledged, "wu li, you drive some away."


    wu li nodded lightly, and then her dark wings fluttered once, lifting her from the midst of the sandstorm. she rapidly flew off into the distance, disappearing into the depths of the desert.


    liao chou watched the distant wu li, a chilly glint in his sunken eyes, as for the heavenly corpse sect, flying was a quite troublesome threat. the martial arts grandmasters of various sects, if they cultivated an artistic conception like xun wind, could barely manage to fly, but even if the heavenly corpse sect reached power comparable to a grandmaster''s ''earth corpse,'' they couldn''t fly, only the supreme heavenly corpse could do so.


    although the heavenly corpse sect and the sky demon sect were temporarily allied, it was only a superficial friendship. this troublesome, flying demon man... if it came to a fight later, if chen mu and the people of seven profound sect had a trick like zuo qianqiu''s to drag her to death with them at the last moment, that would be more than good.

 Chapter 227 Heaven and Earth

    yunlu pass command center.chen mu stood atop the yunlu wall right in front of the command center, his gaze fixed on the rolling waves of yellow sand in the distant horizon. some swelled like ocean waves while others spiraled continuously like tornadoes.


    in nearly half a month since his arrival at yunlu pass, apart from the first day when he had deployed to provide support, killing a sand demon, for the rest of the half month, the number of times he took action could be counted on one hand, only four or five times. on one hand, the military power of spirit profound peak was sufficient, and with powerful individuals like chu jingsui present, they could often arrive in time to quell most situations, making his involvement unnecessary. on the other hand, sixth rank monsters were not that common either; often within a single sand disaster, there wouldn''t be many.


    as for seventh rank,


    they were even rarer.


    monsters of the seventh rank were often referred to as ''demon kings'', whose intelligence was nearly akin to humans. it was rare for them to become restless and actively attack human strongholds due to natural disasters, especially now that da xuan ruled the world, and all living beings bowed their heads. intelligent demon kings knew they were no match for the human race and mostly hid deep in the corners of the earth''s veins, seldom emerging.


    [martial art: qiankun artistic conception (step two)]


    [experience points: 3,351]


    [number of deductions available: 0]


    after surveying the horizon''s sandstorms for a while, chen mu called up the system interface for a look.


    in half a month''s time at yunlu pass, his experience points had increased by nearly over three thousand points. this was indeed much more than what he had gained from contemplating the artistic conception maps at spirit profound peak, but most of these experience points came from contemplating the mysterious primordial earth formation.


    after half a month, he had mostly figured out the mysterious primordial earth formation. although he might not be able to set it up exactly as it was, that was only due to insufficient control power over the earth''s veins, not because he didn''t know how to do it.


    to put it plainly,


    your next journey awaits at empire


    he was now capable of managing the repair work of the yunlu wall to a certain extent.


    this was the power of the qiankun artistic conception. it embraced all phenomena of the universe, allowing one to integrate anything into oneself. in other cases, even if someone mastered the earth spirit artistic conception of the five elements, they would hardly be able to grasp the intricacies of the mysterious primordial earth formation without three to five years of effort.


    however, figuring out the mysterious primordial earth formation also meant that chen mu wouldn''t gain much experience points from contemplating this formation afterward. so, in his free time, he stood on the city walls, sensing the sandstorm phenomenon.


    "chen protector! support is requested at the northern twenty-seventh fortification!" s§×ar?h the n??efire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    suddenly, a communication officer came running hastily to report to chen mu.


    "hmm."


    chen mu''s gaze remained fixed on the sandstorms in the distance, but in the next moment, his entire figure abruptly vanished from where he stood. with one stride spanning twenty to thirty yards, he disappeared in the blink of an eye.


    ...


    northern twenty-seventh fortification.


    on the yunlu wall right in front of the fortification, many armored soldiers holding spears stood at the top. among them were numerous spirit profound peak disciples and two stewards of spirit profound peak, all with solemn expressions.


    in front of these people, a wave of rolling dust approached, already not far away, accompanied by a frightening divine might that seemed to turn even martial artists into mere ants in the face of such natural phenomena, with no power to resist.


    within the dust,


    one could vaguely make out numerous monsters of various kinds.


    "so many monsters..."


    shen lin held her sword, her eyes full of concern as she watched the sandstorm, saying, "there are at least two or three fifth rank beasts, and there might be even more inside. this is going to be tricky."


    she wasn''t confident she could handle a single fifth rank beast alone, as even a struggle would be difficult. although two stewards had arrived in time, facing this wave of assault without a sixth viscera realm protector at the helm still left her feeling uneasy.


    linghu shang, standing beside her, whispered, "reinforcements have been requested. we''re not very far from the command center. as long as the protectors there haven''t all departed, they should definitely make it in time."


    "hopefully... hm?"


    before shen lin could finish her sentence, she caught a glimpse from the corner of her eye¡ªfar in the distance, a figure traveled along the yunlu wall. one moment it was at a great distance, and the next, it had already arrived nearby. with another flash, the figure appeared in front of everyone.


    linghu shang was quick to react, immediately saluting the newcomer, "brother chen!"


    "brother chen."


    shen lin also quickly recovered, blushing slightly as she offered her respects.


    had chen mu come so swiftly because he knew she was at the northern twenty-seventh fortification?


    "in times of crisis, there''s no need for such courtesy."


    chen mu spoke calmly, seemingly unfazed by shen lin''s reaction. he had lived in the spirit profound peak for a year and a half, and it was not the first time a junior sister had blushed or stumbled over her words upon seeing him; he was quite accustomed to it.


    in the past, he was just an obscure figure from a small place, or someone who carried the identity of a high-ranking official, wherever he went, he was treated with more fear than respect. but in a place like the seven profound sect, which leaned more toward the martial world, him being an exceptional true disciple, not only talented but also vibrant and spirited, it would be unreasonable if there weren''t a few junior sisters who adored him.


    "they''re here!"


    almost simultaneously, a spirit profound peak steward spoke sharply.


    as the words fell, the rolling dust had reached below the yunlu wall and soon surged upward, submerging the entire fortification in sand. with the storm came countless monsters climbing up the yunlu wall.


    the yunlu wall was about a hundred yards high, not something one could easily leap onto. even chen mu at full power could leap only several dozen yards in a straight line, and leaping higher was even harder.

 Chapter 227 Heaven and Earth_2

    "advance!"generals commanding the troops shouted lowly.


    soldiers lined up, each brandishing their spears and fiercely stabbing downward at the monsters that were attempting to scale the wall.


    despite many of the monsters being powerful, including third rank and even fourth rank, and the soldiers only being at the body refinement realm, climbing the yunlu wall not only required great effort but also enduring the internal pressure from earth''s veins. just as they managed to leap up, they would be confronted with a spear. even if their tough bodies could not be pierced, it was enough to make them unable to continue and fall back down.


    however,


    there were fourth rank monsters adept at climbing that managed to leap up the yunlu wall several times forcefully, overcoming it. with a wide-open maw, their tongues covered in backward-facing barbs swept towards the closest female disciple.


    "hmph."


    the closest steward from spirit profound peak snorted coldly, his sword flashed with a sweep, severing the tongue and rescuing the female disciple. then, with another stroke of his sword, he killed the fourth rank monster.


    the female disciple was somewhat frightened, her chest heaving rapidly a few times. just as she was about to thank the steward, suddenly, a dull roar came from below the side of the yunlu wall, a surge of demonic power gathered, whipping up a sandstorm that shot towards her, threatening to sweep her down from above. experience more on empire


    "be careful!"


    linghu shang and shen lin, who were closest to her, spoke in unison. swords from left and right slashed diagonally, managing to intercept the flow of sand, then they faced the climbing fifth rank demon lizard.


    the female disciple didn''t know what to do and stumbled backward two steps. suddenly the dust and sand burst apart above her, a monster resembling a sand eagle swooped down from above. its massive body and wings spread nearly ten feet wide, its huge talons aimed straight at her, the terrifying aura of a fifth rank demon bursting forth, intending to snatch her away.


    after facing three successive deadly threats, liu ying was somewhat dazed, partly intimidated by the demonic power and partly unable to gather her thoughts. she couldn''t even manage to draw her sword to defend herself, but just as the demon bird''s talons were about to seize her, s§×arch* the n?vel(f)ire.n§×t website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    buzz!!


    an invisible pressure rippled out, instantly freezing the sandstorm within a several feet radius and even the massive demon eagle in mid-air, leaving it suspended right above liu ying, its talons less than a foot from her.


    chen mu appeared beside her in a step, raised his hand towards the air and casually clenched, the strength of qian heaven gathered and compressed, and with a bang, he crushed the demon eagle into a ball and then casually tossed it aside.


    "what''s the matter with you?"


    chen mu glanced at liu ying.


    was this junior sister causing trouble? all the monsters were targeting her alone.


    "chen, brother chen..."


    liu ying still stood there foolishly.


    chen mu frowned slightly, suddenly reached out, and plunged his hand into her bosom, pulling out a jade vase, he glanced at it and casually crushed the vase, tossing it down the yunlu wall.


    instantly, chaos erupted below the yunlu wall, echoing with the roars of monsters.


    "who told you to bring rosemary?"


    chen mu retracted his previous thought; this junior sister wasn''t causing trouble, she was just a bit foolish.


    however, he had no interest in dwelling on it further. after throwing the vase, he continued along the yunlu wall, occasionally striking down fourth rank monsters or fifth rank great demons that managed to climb up.


    wherever he went, there was hardly an opponent who could match him. under the seal of the qian heaven''s strength, monsters below the fifth rank couldn''t even move when facing him, and even fifth rank demons struggled to resist, typically being eradicated in an instant.


    even ordinary practitioners at the viscera realm found it difficult to kill fifth rank demons as easily as he did, for many fifth rank demons could dodge and flee amid the chaotic sand, relying on natural elements for brief support. but in front of chen mu, the natural advantages these monsters relied on were utterly ineffective.


    "this is the qian heaven artistic conception..."


    shen lin looked at the path chen mu took, where whether fourth rank or fifth rank monsters were dismissed with a single slap, feeling waves of emotion, she was the latest to arrive as she couldn''t keep up with chen mu. however, upon her arrival, she heard about chen mu mastering the qian heaven artistic conception, but it was only now, seeing it with her own eyes, that she was truly astonished.


    "i wonder if brother chen and brother zhou are stronger or weaker now."


    she murmured to herself.


    with chen mu''s intervention, this section of the wall was no longer in danger. in less than a quarter of an hour, only two or three big and small cats-like monsters remained in the sandstorm. chen mu did not attack monsters of much lower realms, specifically leaving them for the spirit profound peak disciples to practice on, otherwise, the slaughter could have been faster.


    about half an hour later, the sandstorm gradually subsided.


    "i''ll go check again, you all stay here, don''t move."


    seeing the sandstorm subside, chen mu instructed linghu shang and others before stepping out and leaving the yunlu wall, heading into the sandstorm. the rolling sands under his feet coalesced into stepping stones which briefly supported his steps before disintegrating again, and with a few steps, he disappeared into the dust-filled sky.


    the monsters could utilize the power of the dust and sand, and naturally, he could too. without support, he couldn''t soar through the sky, even if he maximized the xun wind artistic conception, but with the qian heaven artistic conception and the gen mountain artistic conception in his grasp, in the sandstorm, he could use the wind and sand to briefly stay airborne.

 Chapter 227 Heaven and Earth_3

    this was also a tactic he had learned during the battles over these days.the many disciples of spirit profound peak watched as chen mu ascended step by step into the sky, all with looks of admiration on their faces.


    "chen brother can actually soar through the void..."


    "it must be the strength of qian heaven and the power of gen mountain, using the momentum of the wind and sand."


    linghu shang spoke up beside them, his eyes also filled with a hint of reverence, "chen brother has not only mastered the qian heaven artistic conception but has also advanced to the second step of the gen mountain artistic conception."


    shen lin watched as chen mu''s figure vanished, and it seemed as though she remembered something, "the list of promising newcomers is issued once a year, and with chen brother mastering the qian heaven artistic conception, he''ll probably make it into the top ten next time it''s published."


    linghu shang nodded and said, "brother zhou was ninth last time, so chen brother should be about the same now."


    "mhm."


    shen lin then turned her head back towards the direction where chen mu had disappeared.


    ...


    step, step, step,


    chen mu methodically ascended through the wind and sand, and before long, he had reached a place higher than yunlu wall. here, the dust was becoming sparse, gradually unable to support his weight in the air, so he stopped ascending, first glancing below, then peering through the dust-filled air toward the depths of the distant desert.


    by utilizing the dust, he could reach higher than yunlu wall in a short time, getting closer to the sky. from this vantage point, he could not only overlook yunlu wall but also feel the changes in the heavens more intimately.


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    a little while later,


    as the dust dispersed, chen mu could no longer stay suspended, and step by step, he descended from the sky back to yunlu pass and headed towards the main pass.


    "i wonder when i''ll truly be able to fly."


    chen mu looked somewhat regretfully at the sky.


    for a martial artist to fly was not an easy task. given their powerful physiques, they were also naturally heavier. chen mu found it easy to walk on water, but to walk on air was beyond him.


    as far as he knew, only a martial arts grandmaster who had a deep understanding of the xun wind artistic conception could potentially fly, although at a speed far slower than on land. apart from displaying the grandeur of a grandmaster, it had little practical use.


    the twenty-seventh northern pass wasn''t far from the main pass.


    about thirty miles or so.


    shortly after,


    chen mu was nearing the main pass.


    yet his expression gradually grew grave as he walked along the city wall and looked into the distance at the desert, noticing that the sky in the distance had darkened somewhat, coupled with a sense of oppression. a rolling dust storm could be seen, which appeared to be engulfing the surrounding winds and gradually forming into one mass.


    by the time chen mu arrived at the main pass, he saw xiahou yan, chu jingsui, meng danyun, and others had almost all gathered there. s§×arch* the n?vel_fire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "chen junior brother."


    xiahou yan looked at the returning chen mu, his gaze heavy as he said to chen mu, "there is an anomaly in the heavenly signs, within half a day a great disaster will surely strike, we must join forces to confront it."


    in the midst of the sand disaster, the assaulting sandstorms at yunlu pass also varied in strength, among which the weaker ones, without many demons mixed in, generally posed no threat and could be ignored, as yunlu pass itself could withstand them.


    but among the strongest class of storms, many soldiers in the skin toughening and body refinement realm couldn''t even stand on the city walls, and even martial artists in the tendon changing realm had difficulty stabilizing themselves, and often these storms contained a large number of demons.


    "if we can get through this round, this sand disaster should be mostly over,"


    chu jingsui stood to the side and said, "after that, the earth pulse''s power in the desert will weaken, and we can join forces to explore the outskirts of the desert. perhaps we can harvest a good number of heaven and earth spiritual items."


    xiahou yan shook his head and said, "let''s not talk about that; let''s first prepare for this round of the sand disaster. ordinary soldiers must take refuge inside the city walls, and only those above the bone tempering realm are responsible for standing guard. i have already called all the troops here... my fellow apprentices also need to be careful. in this sandstorm, you may encounter attacks from two or three sixth rank demons. if the situation turns unfavorable, then temporarily retreat behind the yunlu wall."


    xiahou yan said to everyone.


    the primary function of the yunlu wall was not to fend off demons but to block the onslaught of sandstorms, creating a relatively stable environment in the rear.


    once in danger during a sandstorm, one can temporarily retreat behind the yunlu wall. no matter how fierce the storm is at the front, the area beneath the yunlu wall is a much more peaceful zone, and the demons, even if they cross the yunlu wall, will become much easier to deal with after losing the strength of the winds and sand.


    "as long as no seventh rank demon king appears, sixth rank great demons pose little threat to us,"


    chu jingsui said calmly.


    among those present, only meng danyun was slightly weaker in strength, but he too was a being who had stepped into the six viscera realm. even if faced with two or three sixth rank great demons, if he couldn''t defeat them, he at least had the ability to retreat. as for the seventh rank demon king... that was too rare.


    "if you encounter a seventh rank demon king, then temporarily retreat. they are highly intelligent and will not easily cross yunlu pass,"


    xiahou yan said.


    by this time, a significant commotion had already become visibly stirring within the city, numerous soldiers, under command, were hiding in various buildings and passageways to temporarily take shelter. meanwhile, those arriving at the yunlu wall were colonels above the bone tempering realm, as well as inner sect disciples from the seven profound sect, many stewards also being redeployed here.


    and as the number of people gathered at the central fortress gradually increased with reinforcements from all directions, the dark clouds of dust rolling in the distance finally formed waves of sand resembling a tsunami and headed towards the central fortress.


    the sandstorm had not yet struck, but many dark shadows were already faintly visible, all demons.


    among them, some with extremely large sizes were hidden behind the sandstorm, their details unclear. their tumultuous demonic aura mixed with the natural force of the sandstorm, and well before reaching the central fortress, they presented an oppressive feeling as suffocating as can be.


    but at this moment, the yunlu pass beneath their feet, towering a hundred zhang high, seemed like an unyielding mountain range, offering a strong sense of support that enabled those facing the mighty natural force of the oncoming sandstorm to stand in opposition.


    chen mu, standing at the very front, stared intently at the oncoming sandstorm, his spirit momentarily immersed between the heaven and earth.


    sandstorm.


    yunlu pass.


    as the sandstorm surged like a sea overturning mountains, it almost felt like the collision between qian heaven and kun earth, and there he stood, at the center of qian heaven and kun earth, feeling on one side the mighty force of the heavens and on the other the profound momentum of the earth.


    "this, is qiankun,"


    he murmured quietly in his heart.

 Chapter 228 Battle of Chengguan

    the sandstorm is coming!compared to the previous floods, this is a completely different natural disaster, a different transformation of nature, and this sandstorm is also the most severe in this series of sand disasters. in chen mu''s perception, even the breaths of all people nearby were obscured, leaving only the overwhelming and surging sandstorm, like a tsunami crashing down.


    the sandstorm ultimately slammed against the towering yunlu pass, stretching hundreds of miles.


    "be careful!"


    "it''s here, hold steady!"


    the shouts of xiahou yan and some commanders-in-chief were heard, but they had barely spread before being overwhelmed by the roaring sound between heaven and earth. apart from the roaring sandstorm, no other sounds could be heard, not even the words shouted by someone close by.


    chen mu only sensed the vast celestial might crashing down, colliding with the hundred-mile earth pulse at yunlu pass, seemingly causing the towering yunlu pass to sway, although that was actually just an illusion formed by the flying sand and rocks.


    the celestial might was magnificent and vast, but the hundred-zhang rock walls of yunlu pass were equally solid, and the power of earth''s veins inside was so formidable that it withstood the direct impact of the sandstorm without any faltering.


    at the pass.


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    apart from a few people like chen mu and xiahou yan, even some stewards of spirit profound peak and commanders-in-chief at yunlu pass had to use the yuan gang force to protect themselves and crouch down to withstand the impact at the moment of collision.


    as for many bone tempering realm martial artists, some were even unsteady on their feet, almost being swept away, and had to drive their spears into the rock wall below, crouching to withstand the force of the impact resolutely.


    "ah!"


    a disciple from the inner sect of spirit profound peak, who clearly hadn''t experienced a sandstorm before, couldn''t defend himself abruptly and was lifted off the ground by the storm, then swept up into the air.


    but at this moment, chen mu, standing atop the pass, casually waved his hand, releasing the strength of qian heaven toward those who were swept up and without support in the air, momentarily stopping the sandstorm around them, causing them to fall back to the pass.


    after landing.


    each of them was still somewhat shaken.


    although they were bone tempering realm martial artists, being swept up by the storm left them uncertain where they might end up. if they unluckily fell into a cluster of monsters, there was a real danger of death.


    the inner sect disciples who fell back to the pass immediately drove their weapons into the ground and crouched down, relying on yunlu wall to resist the howling sandstorm waves.


    at this time.


    atop the pass, many martial artists of the five viscera realm were resisting the impact of the sandstorm with their true yuan gang essence, while xiahou yan and others seemed much more composed, standing firmly in place. the surging sandstorm silently curled around them and spun around their bodies, greatly reducing the direct impact and decreasing the pressure on the bone tempering realm martial artists behind them.


    most notably, in the area where chen mu was located, all the sandstorm rushing toward him didn''t divert around him or get manipulated by his control over wind. instead, it all silently fell apart.


    any sand that reached three feet in front of him would stop and vanish in midair, then turn into specks of dust that fell downward, gradually accumulating into a small sand pile in front of chen mu''s feet.


    "qian heaven artistic conception is indeed profound, capable of subduing all celestial phenomena..."


    meng danyun looked sideways.


    as a disciple of qin mengjun, she was not unfamiliar with the qian heaven artistic conception, but it had been many years since anyone from spirit profound peak had managed to cultivate the second step of the qian heaven artistic conception after qin mengjun.


    at this moment, chen mu calmly unfolded the qian heaven artistic conception, defending against the force of the sandstorm, while his eyes swept through the sandstorm, looking down below yunlu pass, when suddenly, a series of muffled sounds came from beneath the yunlu wall.


    atop the pass, some martial artists of the bone tempering realm barely managed to secure their footing and were nearly swept away by the wind waves. naturally, not all monsters could maneuver through the sandstorm, and at this time, many low-rank monsters, swept by the sandstorm, were unable to control their shapes and smashed into the yunlu wall like stones, the fragile ones bursting open, splattering blood and flesh, which then quickly got buried and peeled away by the sandstorm, turning into patches of red bloodsand.


    the grisly scene was alarming.


    but those bone tempering realm officers stationed at yunlu pass were accustomed to this and showed little change in expression, only the disciples from spirit profound peak seemed somewhat more solemn, barely keeping their eyes open in the sandstorm.


    one after another, low-rank monsters smashed into the yunlu wall turning into bloody paste, but there were also some particularly robust third rank and even fourth rank monsters that either survived the impact against the yunlu wall or were able to stabilize themselves in the sandstorm, step by step approaching the base of the pass. sear?h the n?velfire.net website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    only to see.


    monster after monster with blood-red eyes, each filled with frenzied intent; as the first and largest wave of impact passed and the sandstorm completely enveloped the pass, they began to climb up yunlu wall.


    this time was different from the few times chen mu had intervened in previous sandstorms; because the force of the sandstorm was so strong that these monsters, backed by the sandstorm and scaling yunlu wall, almost walked in a straight line, with no need to climb at all. every survivor near the base of yunlu wall was now climbing up the hundred-zhang yunlu wall.

 Chapter 228 Battle at the City Gates_2

    as many demons gradually approached the city pass,"the demons are coming."


    the various generals and disciples of the seven profound sect, already accustomed to the wind and sand and having steadied their stance, each focused intently, ready for the confrontation.


    just as the demons, like a tide of evil, swarmed thickly up the walls, about to reach the top of the city pass,


    buzz!!!


    amidst the sandstorm, the force of the fierce wind howled together, accompanied by a terrifying demonic aura. suddenly, a multitude of sand spheres appeared, hurtling through the air like flung rocks, slamming into yunlu city pass!


    these sand spheres were huge, nearly ten feet in size, and the tremendous demonic power they gathered, combined with the force of the wind and sand, caused many of the bone tempering realm generals to turn pale before the spheres even landed.


    great demons of the fifth and sixth rank took the lead!


    "you insignificant demons, how dare you act so recklessly!"


    xiahou yan''s cold shout exploded as he leaped forward, his spear piercing through a giant sand sphere. flames suddenly ignited on the surface of the sphere, and with a flick of his arm, he hurled it down from the city pass, where it burst open in mid-air!


    the shattered sand sphere, melted by the fierce flames into red-hot fragments, engulfed several demons that were about to climb over the city wall in its blaze. they let out piercing screams before plummeting down, toppling others along their fall.


    "hmph!"


    chu jingsui snorted coldly, leaping up as well. unlike xiahou yan, he simply reached out, his right hand forcefully catching one of the huge sand spheres. yuan gang force erupted, dispersing the demonic power within and replacing it with the power of xun wind, before hurling the giant sphere back down below the city pass.


    with a series of screams and blood spattering everywhere, another group of demons was crushed to death.


    at the same time,


    meng danyun, zhao zhenchuan, and others also took action almost simultaneously, including the five viscera realm commanders and stewards, each dealing with the smaller sand spheres, either knocking them down or throwing them back.


    only chen mu stood firm on the spot, his expression indifferent, without any action, until a giant sand sphere flew overhead. only then did he lazily press upwards, causing the sand sphere to come to a halt mid-air, then violently shrink, reducing significantly in size to form a mottled sandstone before rolling back, tearing through the wind and sand on its path. s§×arch* the n??efire.¦Çet website on google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    within the torn wind and sand,


    a thin and withered figure appeared, yet another sand demon.


    "ga."


    the sand demon issued a strange cry, then the wind and sand nearby surged together, forming two streams of sand that interwove and resisted the heavy, mountain-collapse-like impact of the giant sand rock, barely managing to stop it.


    with a somewhat terrified look, it glanced at chen mu before retreating quickly, disappearing deeper into the sandstorm along with its presence.


    "indeed, a bit more troublesome."


    chen mu watched this scene, his tone unwavering.


    the aura of this sand demon was not much stronger than the one he had previously killed, but the more violent the sandstorm, the more difficult it became to deal with. especially now, with the demons attacking the city pass and the sand demon acutely aware of the presence of powerful figures like xiahou yan and chu jingsui on the walls, it dared not approach, only disturbing them from a distance within the storm.


    sand demons, creatures with weak physiques completely reliant on demonic power and the elements, completely suppressed by the strength of qian heaven, would be easily killed by chen mu if they dared to come within thirty feet of him.


    it was just that the sand demon from before was too far away.


    finally,


    as the great demons hidden within the sandstorm locked in a distant confrontation with chen mu, xiahou yan, and others, the demons at the foot of the city pass finally climbed to the top, suddenly clashing with the numerous martial artists amidst the wind and sand.


    in an instant, the wind and sand raged, with screams echoing, turning the area into a battlefield.


    "damn it!"


    cui sheng, holding his spear not far from chen mu, killed a fourth rank demon with a single thrust but was then sent flying several feet backward by a sand wave that surged from the sandstorm, barely managing to stop his retreat. your journey continues with empire


    the demonic power brewing within this sand wave from the storm was no more formidable than that of an ordinary fifth rank demon. however, the problem was the direction of the sandstorm, as it faced the city pass head-on, meaning the many great demons within the storm were acting ''with the flow'', so even a casual attack was powerful and surging.


    on the other hand, the people atop the city pass, even as strong as yuan gang realm beings like xiahou yan were, could only passively defend against the attacks, struggling to counter the demons hidden deep within the storm.


    crossbow bolts shot against the wind and those shot with the wind carried completely different magnitudes of force.


    yet, xiahou yan and others were ultimately powerful and more or less masters of the artistic conception of ''xun wind'', so they weren''t completely passive. even in adverse conditions, they were still able to withstand the numerous attacks from the front.


    chen mu was no longer stationary but moved along the top of the city pass, occasionally acting to block attacks like sand waves and sand spears emerging from the storm, no longer expending energy to counter far-off attacks. at most, he casually crushed some third and fourth rank demons climbing the city pass, smashing them into pulp.


    however,


    as the storm raged on, the number of demons climbing the city pass showed no signs of diminishing. moreover, the various attacks launched from the sandstorm became more frequent. more often than not, they weren''t directed at chen mu and the others, but aimed at the bone tempering realm generals.

 Chapter 228 Battle of Chengguan_3

    Boom! Boom! Boom!!!Chen Mu pulled out his Flowing Fire Blade and leaped forward, first smashing a thick Sand Spear with one strike, then sending out a blade light that crushed several fourth-rank demons attacking Shen Lin from a distance, followed by a palm strike that shattered a sandball.


    In a blink of an eye, he resolved multiple attacks and crises, but his brow furrowed because, although these attacks posed no threat to him and Xiahou Yan and others, they were deadly to disciples in the Bone Tempering Realm, like Shen Lin and Linghu Shang. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At this moment, all protectors in the Six Viscera Realm were busy fending off those attacks, yet some were gradually becoming overwhelmed.


    "The situation is dire!"


    Xiahou Yan also had his expression darken after continuously defending against several rounds of attacks.


    In the past, he had faced such intense sandstorms before, but the number of demons had never been this great, and crucially, those fifth-rank and sixth-rank demons were not making moves to attack the fort directly; they almost all attacked from afar, using the moment.


    Although fifth-rank and sixth-rank demons possessed some intelligence, it fell short of human levels. Previously, some would still senselessly doom themselves, and killing a few could greatly alleviate the pressure, but this time it seemed as if all had wised up!


    The great demons all hid within the sandstorm, attacking opportunistically and offering no chance for a direct fight.


    Only countless third-rank and fourth-rank low-rank demons were climbing up the walls.


    In such a situation, the threat to the disciples of the Bone Tempering Realm was too great. Even with their support from the Six Viscera Realm, they still couldn''t ensure everyone''s safety, as the battle line was simply too long.


    Yet, withdrawing all the disciples of the Bone Tempering Realm was also not an option; their presence in the Six Viscera Realm, though able to easily slay these low-rank demons, couldn''t cope with their sheer numbers, and certainly, many would slip through the fort walls, pouring inside and then the settlements behind Yunlu Pass would face great threats.


    As for a counterattack...


    That was also difficult!


    Within this sandstorm, the great demons naturally adapted to desert environments of the fifth and sixth ranks fared far better than them; they could advance and retreat freely within it, creatures like Sand Demons could even take advantage of the storm to fly and burrow.


    But they could not achieve this.


    Even though they had also mastered the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, ultimately, they couldn''t compare to those demons whose limbs and structures were adapted to sandy environments. Putting aside the difficulty of flying, even if they could barely hover in the storm with the help of Xun Wind Artistic Conception, they definitely could not move freely within the sandstorm, and any minor disruption could cause them to plummet.


    As Xiahou Yan quietly worried within, feeling the situation becoming unfavorably dire, he might not hold until the storm abated; suddenly a voice, honed to a thin line, traveled through the storm and reached his ears.


    "Brother Xiahou, please watch over this side for the time being; I''ll go meet these Sand Demons."


    That was Chen Mu''s voice.


    Xiahou Yan was slightly startled; although the sand obscured his vision and he couldn''t see Chen Mu''s situation, he sensed Chen Mu''s presence suddenly leave Yunlu Wall, stepping directly out of the fort and into the sandstorm, disappearing into it.


    "Chen..."


    He instinctively wanted to stop him, but the words stopped on his lips.


    Merely mastering the Xun Wind Artistic Conception was definitely not enough to actively strike out against the Sand Demons in the sandstorm, but Chen Mu practiced Qian Heaven and was different from them; soaring in the storm was not difficult for him.


    Still, Chen Mu charging alone into the storm was somewhat worrying. Although Chen Mu was extremely powerful, even he was not absolutely sure he could defeat Chen Mu. However, it was unknown how many demons were lurking within the storm.


    The situation remained unfavorable, and continuing to stalemate would likely lead to heavy casualties among the Bone Tempering Realm disciples and officials even if they held until the storm''s end, a situation Xiahou Yan found hard to accept.


    "Brother Chen, it''s up to you now."


    Xiahou Yan ultimately took a deep breath, putting his hope in Chen Mu, then mobilizing the Yuan Gang Force inside his body, consolidating it into a line that spread to nearby, reaching the ears of Chu Jingsui, Meng Danyun, and others.


    Chu Jingsui, who was racing atop the fort walls, continually defending against various attacks, felt a surge of anger in his heart, wanting desperately to charge out of the fort to battle with the Sand Demons. However, he knew that in this storm, not only was it difficult to detect the Sand Demons, it was hard to catch up to them; charging out would not be effective and would instead increase the pressure on the fort walls.


    Frustrated, he vented his anger on the low-rank demons assaulting the fort, crushing countless ones wherever he went, but it still did not alleviate much pressure.


    "Hmm? Brother Chen went?"


    At that moment, the voice honed to a line suddenly echoed in Chu Jingsui''s ears, causing him to pause, then look towards the rolling sands in the distance.


    On the other side.


    Zhao Zhenchuan was continuously striking, shattering several falling sandballs, a glimmer of light flashing through his eyes: "Brother Chen..."


    He also noticed that the situation was becoming increasingly dire, and the pressure on the fort walls was mounting, even he was finding it difficult to provide relief. Among all present, perhaps only Chen Mu, who controlled Qian Heaven Artistic Conception, could manage to charge out of the fort before the storm abated.


    "..."


    Meng Danyun struck dead several climbing demons with one sword strike, but her expression didn''t change much. Based on her understanding of Chen Mu, he was not a rash and impulsive person. Since he took the initiative to strike, he must have some self-preservation assurance. Stay connected with empire


    As for Cui Sheng and other commanders of Yunlu Pass, as well as some stewards from Spirit Profound Peak, who all had some intention of retreating, now burst forth with extra effort. Chen Mu, a true successor, had actively charged out of the fort, risking his life; how could they not also hold on a little longer?


    They only hoped Chen Mu could kill some demons outside the fort walls in the storm, easing the pressure on the fort.


    For a moment.


    The battle on the fort walls seemed to intensify even further, the area engulfed in swirling sands and blood flying everywhere.

 Chapter 229 Slaughter

    Within the sandstorm.Chen Mu treaded forward.


    With each step he took, swirling yellow sand gathered beneath his feet, cradling his body to prevent it from plummeting downwards.


    His gaze was cold and indifferent as he looked into the depths of the yellow sand.


    His decision to actively leave Yunlu City Pass was not because he was feeling suffocated from passively fending off attacks, nor was it to show off in front of Xiahou Yan and the others. Instead, he had noticed that the situation atop the city wall was wrong; the pressure from all directions was a bit too overwhelming. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If things continued this way, it wouldn''t matter whether they could hold off the attack or not. Even if they managed to last until the sandstorm weakened, the death toll would still be severe, which he could not bear to see.


    Within the rolling sands.


    Chen Mu''s figure dissolved into the midst, and after delving ten or so zhang into the sand, beyond the line of sight of the city pass, a hint of light flashed across his eyes. Suddenly, his presence faded, subsequently disappearing into nothingness.


    He moved forward through the omnipresent yellow sand, his form flickering in and out of visibility, while sensing the auras all around him.


    ...


    Amidst the sandstorm.


    A spiral of yellow sand accumulated there, supporting a dirt-yellow sand snake above it. This sand snake wasn''t large, merely about three chi long, but the demonic power it radiated was extremely terrifying¡ªit was a Sixth Rank Sand Demon.


    At that moment, the snake coiled atop the spiral sands, sitting higher in the sky than Yunlu City Pass, flicking its forked tongue and its demonic eyes fixed on the area below. Occasionally, it shook its tail, and within the sandstorm, waves of sand gathered forming spheres of sand that dropped from above, bombarding the city pass.


    Suddenly.


    As if sensing something, its movements paused, a hint of human-like suspicion flashing through its demonic eyes. Then, the snake''s body, starting from the tail, shuddered violently, its scales all but erect.


    Behind it, unnoticed until then, a figure had appeared, closing in on the snake with a razor-sharp blade held high, accompanying it was a resounding divine prowess as he ferociously slashed down at the snake!


    "Hiss!"


    The snake''s eyes revealed a human-like terror, entirely unclear as to how the threat had approached it. In a desperate move, it lifted and whipped its tail vigorously; the spiral of windsand supporting its torso suddenly expanded massively, instantly forming a sandstorm several zhang in diameter. The yellow sand within went berserk, solidifying into fangs and blades, meeting head-on against the oncoming slash.


    Yet, the incoming slash, silent and swift, bore an irresistible divine momentum, cutting a path straight through the storm¡ªthe sands imploding wherever the blade met them.


    Crack!!


    Accompanied by a crisp sound like the clash of metal.


    The body of the snake was cloven in two by that oncoming slash!


    "Hiss..."


    The bisected sand snake fell, its front half not ceasing to struggle, twisting violently and darting out over ten zhang with incredible speed, disappearing into the yellow sand.


    The back half, however, with its tail thrashing wildly, dragged along a surge of profound demonic power like a fierce long whip, lashing out toward Chen Mu, wielding the blade, trying to pin him down.


    However.


    Chen Mu''s expression was unchanged; with just a flicker, he evaded the tail''s counterattack and vanished into the sands, reappearing moments later already in pursuit of the snake''s remaining half as it desperately tried to escape.


    Another slash came swiftly down upon it.


    The snake was horrified, spewing demonic power mixed with yellow sand from its mouth to form a sharp blade, clashing with Chen Mu''s own. But the confrontation was brief¡ªthe demonic power-formed blade crumbled to pieces, and Chen Mu''s blade sliced through its head.


    The entire head split apart at the middle, the cunning gleam in the snake''s eyes rapidly dimming.


    Chen Mu remained emotionless.


    His figure silently vanished again into the yellow sands.


    This yellow sand that formed a ferocious sandstorm might be the most comfortable terrain and environment for those monsters, but for Chen Mu, who controlled the Qiankun, there was no such thing as the adversity of the environment.


    This was the home field for the Sand Demons, but also his own. Leveraging this Momentum, he could use the windsand to traverse the air, he could also use it to completely conceal his movements. When it came to hiding his aura in this environment, he was even more adept than the Sand Demons!


    It was unnecessary before.


    But now...


    He wasn''t sure if there was anything in the sandstorm that could threaten him, so after leaving Yunlu City Pass and venturing deep into the sand, he had activated his Imperial Qi Gathering and his Qian Heaven Artistic Conception to their fullest. Almost completely merging with the sand, making no distinction between himself and the natural world, to the extent that the Sand Demon had barely felt his presence when he was almost on top of it!


    Within the endless yellow sands, many Fifth and Sixth Rank monsters continued to gather their demonic power, launching attacks at the city gates.


    But amidst the howling of the windsand, a blade would occasionally burst forth from behind the sand, cleaving a monster in two with a single slice and then vanishing once more, leaving no trace.


    One cup of tea,


    Two cups of tea,


    ...


    In less than the time it took for three cups of tea, the people atop the city pass, including Xiahou Yan, distinctly felt the pressures from all sides start to lessen, the frequency of the Great Demons'' attacks not as constant anymore.


    They were all surprised, but the chaos of the sandstorm made it nearly impossible to sense anything within the sand, and they had no idea what had happened¡ªonly that Chen Mu must have done something to cause such a change. Explore stories at empire


    At the same time.

 Chapter 229 Slaughter_2

    Located directly above the city pass, at the highest point of the sandstorm, hundreds of zhang above the vault of the sky.An entity shaped like a human but with feathers was hovering there, its back fanning a pair of black wings, its eagle eyes staring intently at the magnificent expanse of Yunlu Pass. Despite the barrier of the yellow sands of heaven, her demonic eyes seemed still able to pierce through the dust, catching glimpses of some scenes above the city pass.


    "So this person is Chen Mu, indeed a troublesome character..."


    Wu Li slightly squinted her eyes.


    This time, she had driven many demonic creatures from various directions to converge, causing the already severe sand disaster to become even more chaotic. Almost at the point of breaching Yunlu Pass, even Xiahou Yan, Chu Jingsui, and other Sixth Viscera Realm powerhouses were powerless. Yet all were forcibly resolved by Chen Mu, who had not yet stepped into the Sixth Viscera Realm.


    First was the power of the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception, which could ignore the sandstorm and adapt to the environment almost as well as those demons. Additionally, Chen Mu himself also had the ability to conceal his aura. If not for her possessing a pair of exceedingly unique demonic eyes, it would likely have been difficult to locate Chen Mu. Even so, she could only capture traces of Chen Mu when he made a move.


    Kun Jie had finally done something right this time by informing her. Otherwise, in her view, relying merely on Kun Jie and the Heavenly Corpse Sect, it would have been very difficult to eliminate Chen Mu. After all, besides his considerable strength, Chen Mu''s skill in concealing his aura was extremely sophisticated, particularly easy to use in this desert.


    If Kun Jie and the others had chosen to try to kill Chen Mu in this sandstorm environment, even though Kun Jie''s strength was stronger than Xiahou Yan''s and even stronger than Chen Mu''s, any slight mistake would allow Chen Mu to rely on the sandstorm to hide his tracks. Then Kun Jie and the others would end up like a bunch of headless flies. Not to mention, Chen Mu could also rely on the wind and sand to levitate.


    Fortunately.


    Kun Jie had called her over.


    If she were not here, there likely would have been problems.


    Initially, she did not quite agree with Kun Jie''s decision to strike against the true transmissions of the Seven Profound Sect because the Sky Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect were jointly plotting a major scheme. It was not good to have complications arising at such a time. But having witnessed Chen Mu''s methods firsthand, she also felt that Chen Mu was a person who should not be left alive. Now merely in the Five Viscera Realm, he was already this troublesome, and upon reaching the Sixth Viscera Realm, he would undoubtedly become even more difficult to handle.


    Not to mention a genius like Chen Mu who may ascend the Wind Cloud List in the future and possibly even become a Grandmaster. By then, even the old ancestor of the Heavenly Demon would find it difficult to kill him, and he would become a significant menace.


    The demonic light flickered in Wu Li''s pair of eagle eyes. Seeing that the pressure on Yunlu Pass was gradually decreasing, she no longer stayed, immediately spreading her wings and flew swiftly into the distance, meanwhile, silently formulating plans in her mind.


    ...


    In the yellow sands.


    A sand demon, shaped roughly like an elderly human, was close to twenty zhang from the Yunlu City Pass, its eyes flashing with a hint of ferocity, its dry, branch-like arms constantly swinging, coalescing demonic power with the wind and sand, transforming into a series of attacks striking down. Stay connected via empire


    Seeing several stewards beaten into a sorry state, with one even swept away vomiting blood, the sand demon''s eyes flashed even fiercer... It only remembered that when it was very young, a human Martial Artist had dug it out from the deep underground it lived in.


    Its mother had used up all her demonic power to send it into the Earth''s Veins, flowing along with them.


    It had survived in the end, but its mother never returned.


    It did not understand why the human Martial Artist had done that. All it knew was from that time on, it regarded all humans as enemies. Each time it consumed human blood, it felt a surge of pleasure in its heart. Seeing humans bleed brought a sense of relief.


    Humans were very brutal. Without the sandstorm, it dared not approach this extensive city pass. But during the sandstorm, it could unleash its cruelty, watching those people in agony, seeing them unable to resist. S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This scene was satisfying.


    Very satisfying...


    Very...


    Suddenly, the entire body of the sand demon froze, as the nearby wind and sand fell into stillness. Then, two overwhelming forces that could not be resisted quieted the force of the wind and sand, crushing the demonic power as if two giant palms were clapping together toward the center.


    Squish.


    The fragile body was crushed into a bloody mess.


    Chen Mu appeared behind the sand demon, his hands coming together like swatting a mosquito, looking at the crushed sand demon. Then he looked up into the sky.


    "Was it an illusion?"


    He had previously had the impression he was being watched, thinking the sand demon had noticed him, but judging by the reaction, the sand demon seemed oblivious to his presence.


    He looked back into the depths of the rolling yellow sand.


    Finally, he shook his head slightly.


    There were many demonic creatures in the desert. Perhaps deeper within the swirling yellow sands, there might be even stronger beings like a Seventh Rank Demon King... But now, he was not afraid of anything.


    Da Xuan established ten ranks of demonic creatures; the first six corresponded to the Martial Artist''s first six realms, and although the Seventh Rank was called ''Demon King,'' in reality, even the weakest Grandmaster could not defeat them, being at most on the level of the Wind Cloud List.


    Only Eighth Rank demonic creatures could rival strong Grandmasters.


    For him, even encountering a Seventh Rank demon, he could still fight. In any case, he could freely retreat. Unless it was a demon of the Eighth Rank or higher, there would be some threat, but still not much, unless it specialized in speed, which would make it difficult to catch up to him.


    In fact, in today''s era, demonic creatures above the Eighth Rank have become exceedingly rare, even outside the pass. Because those levels of demons, more or less, have parts of their Demon Corpses that can be used as materials for forging Spirit Weapons.

 Chapter 229 Slaughter_3

    Once born,it would attract many grandmasters and even those in the Blood Exchange Realm to make a move.


    The Human Race''s control over the mountains and rivers is not just talk. It''s a world where many powerful demons have been ground into dust throughout rolling history.


    "That''s about it."


    Chen Mu patted his hands, and along the vicinity of the city gate within a few dozen yards, he checked the area back and forth for a while, eventually no longer finding traces of demon beasts of Fifth or Sixth Rank.


    By then, the raging sandstorm, as time passed, was no longer as fierce as at the start and slowly began to weaken, although it was still stronger than a few mini sandstorms he had experienced previously, but it had reached the end of its strength.


    "Time to clean up."


    Chen Mu took a deep breath and looked down.


    Previously, to conceal his aura and tracks, he continuously slew those demons, having no time to deal with the corpses, allowing the bodies of Fifth and Sixth Rank Great Demons to fall below the city gate.


    Now, as the sandstorm gradually subsided and there was no more pressure everywhere in the city gate, he could finally relax slightly and go down to search for those demon corpses, not knowing if they could still be found. Although the bodies of Fifth and Sixth Rank demons couldn''t meet the standards required to make Spirit Weapons, their flesh and leather were still valuable materials. As of now, he might not need them immediately, but once he advanced to the Six Viscera Realm, consuming more high-quality demon meat could also improve the nourishment and tempering of the Six Viscera.


    With this thought,


    Chen Mu no longer gathered sand and wind under his feet, his entire body swiftly descending towards the bottom of Yunlu Pass, and soon fell into the dusty sand while many demons wandered nearby, which he casually killed a few, scattering the rest.


    Having no interest in chasing these scattered low-rank demons, Chen Mu walked along the base of the hundred-zhang Yunlu Pass, advancing steadily forward while also looking back over his shoulder at the hundred-zhang city gate.


    "The area before and behind the pass, indeed feels completely different..."


    While the Mysterious Primordial Earth Formation concentrated all the Earth Pulse''s Power to maintain Yunlu Pass and couldn''t mobilize the Earth''s Veins'' power to suppress the four directions like the Qiankun Dragon Lock of the Seven Profound Sect, it was for this reason that the fortification of Yunlu Pass was exceptionally strong.


    Behind the pass, no pressure could be felt, including atop the city gate as well; however, once at the very front of it, walking directly beneath the city gate, one could distinctly feel the pressure from the Earth''s Veins!


    This kind of oppression,


    during normal times was enough to deter various demons, keeping them from approaching.


    Even during the sand disaster, it was equally effective, causing many demons attempting to climb the Yunlu Wall to feel heavily oppressed, experiencing some level of suppression.


    However, this pressure from the Earth''s Veins was limited to when one made contact with the ground; once one rose into the air or reached the top of the hundred-zhang city gate, it immediately lost its effect.


    "This hundred-zhang city gate has existed for thousands of years, withstood countless sand disasters, and has never been submerged, all thanks to this formation... Human efforts against the Power of Heaven and Earth are ultimately limited."


    Chen Mu sensed the pressure coming from beneath the ground and murmured to himself.


    Mere human effort was not enough to guard such an expanse of a hundred-li city gate, which would have likely been buried by sandstorms long ago. After all, even when a martial artist cultivates Artistic Conception to the level of Domain, it only deepens the manipulation of the Power of Heaven and Earth.


    In Artistic Conception, the first step is to see,


    the second step is to touch,


    the third step is Body-Mind Union.


    Perhaps only by reaching the third step will one be able to face Heaven and Earth without any feeling of awe anymore.


    ...


    Atop the city gate,


    Xiahou Yan and Chu Jingsui, among others, were busy dealing with the aftermath.


    With no more attacks from the various Great Demons in the sand, these practitioners in the Viscera Realm on the city gate had full reign, sweeping through ordinary demons in droves.


    It didn''t take long for the entire city gate to be thoroughly cleared.


    Feeling that the force of the sand in the air was weakening, Xiahou Yan halted and said, "It''s finally over... Have any of you seen apprentice brother Chen?"


    He asked a group of people including Cui Sheng.


    All shook their heads.


    Xiahou Yan frowned slightly and continued to stare into the depths of the sandstorm, then saw Chu Jingsui coming from another direction and said, "What about your side, did you not find apprentice brother Chen either?"


    "No."


    Chu Jingsui shook his head.


    The Great Demons outside the city gate had stopped their assaults for some time now, but Chen Mu had not returned, which inevitably caused Xiahou Yan and others, who had relaxed a little, to become somewhat worried, wondering where Chen Mu had gone.


    Actually, after actively striking deeper into the yellow sands, Chen Mu had not taken long to significantly relieve the pressure everywhere. To them, it was all a surprise. Although they hardly noticed much activity, clearly Chen Mu''s performance in the sands was excellent. Even if he hadn''t killed those demons, he must have repelled them one by one; otherwise, the effect wouldn''t have been as it was.


    "Brother Chen couldn''t possibly..."


    Although Xiahou Yan didn''t finish his sentence, Chu Jingsui understood his meaning. He was worried that Chen Mu, in his pursuit of slaying demons, had gotten carried away and ventured too deep into the desert.


    Compared to this city gate locale, the desert was far more dangerous. There it was possible to encounter a Seventh Rank Demon King. Although, given the swiftness of Chen Mu''s movement techniques, he should have been able to escape, going into the desert alone was very unsafe.


    "He shouldn''t have?"


    Chu Jingsui stated with some hesitation.


    Just as their voices fell, both men suddenly froze, turning their heads in unison.


    Atop the city gate, along both sides of the path, many officers, the Commander-in-chief, and even disciples of Spirit Profound Peak, were now staring wide-eyed at a colossal figure approaching through the gradually weakening sandstorm.


    As the figure became clearer.


    They saw that it was actually numerous, differently shaped Demon Corpses piled up together, forming a mound resembling a small hill, including Fifth Rank and even Sixth Rank demons. Even in death, the residual demonic aura was still palpable and frightening.


    Beneath the small hill was a hand lifting the entire "hill."


    This hand belonged to Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu, carrying this massive mound of flesh, walked a few more steps forward, arriving close to the city gate. Then, with an outstretched hand, he dropped the colossal pile of Demon Corpses with a thud next to him.


    "That''s about it. I didn''t have time to deal with each demon while killing them. There might still be High Rank Demon Corpses buried under the sands near the city gate. After the sandstorm passes, we can send teams to carefully search the area," he said.


    After putting down the mound-like pile of Demon Corpses, Chen Mu also took a slight breath.


    Xiahou Yan, looking at the chaotic pile of Demon Corpses and seeing at least a dozen of the Sixth Rank among them, couldn''t help but widen his eyes like bronze bells. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had thought that Chen Mu''s best accomplishment was to drive away the Great Demons in the sandstorm, or even slay one or two. But what was this if not slaying one or two? Almost all the Great Demons of this sandstorm were piled up here by Chen Mu!


    "This..."


    Even Chu Jingsui was utterly astonished.


    With his own strength, naturally, he could easily handle any of these creatures, and dealing with two or three wasn''t an issue; if pushed, he could forcefully manage four or five. But the accumulated Sixth Rank Demon Corpses here far exceeded four or five!


    As if seeing the astonishment in Xiahou Yan and the others'' hearts, Chen Mu explained, "These demons were all fighting independently in the sandstorm. I practice a Cultivation Technique that obscures my presence, and dealing with them one by one was not difficult."


    Hearing this,


    Chu Jingsui finally breathed a sigh of relief and said with a wry smile, "If you were able to kill so many demons at once, it would be at the level of the Wind Cloud List. I would have been scared to death by you... But even picking them off one by one is truly impressive."


    "Impressive, truly impressive."


    Xiahou Yan also scrutinized the pile of Demon Corpses and nodded as he spoke.


    If it weren''t for the sandstorm, breaking them one by one would be something he could also achieve. Moreover, over the years of guarding the border, the number of demons he had slain far exceeded these, but the main point was that Chen Mu, in just one sandstorm, had slain so many Great Demons, especially during the fiercest moments of the storm. One could almost say he single-handedly subdued this sandstorm!


    Obviously, after a year and a half of secluded cultivation, Chen Mu had not only mastered the Second Step of Qian Heaven Artistic Conception but had also practiced the expression of Artistic Conception, combat, various techniques, and secret techniques to a degree not just recently after a breakthrough, but also far beyond just mastering his own power.


    Not far away,


    Meng Danyun also arrived at the scene, looked at the pile of Demon Corpses, then at Chen Mu, but was not too shocked.


    This was the strength Brother Chen should have.


    ...


    Da Xuan Calendar, year 1429.


    November 21.


    At the border of Yu State during the sandstorm, Chen Mu of Spirit Profound Peak, displaying the Second Step of Qian Heaven Artistic Conception, slew thirteen Sixth Rank Great Demons and countless demons below Fifth Rank.


    The news spread, shaking all quarters.

 Chapter 302 230

    Yunlu Pass.Bellowing yellow sand, tumbling over and over.


    Chen Mu walked in front of the hundred-foot-tall city pass, gazing into the boundless expanse of yellow sand, his mind once again recalling the flood disaster he had experienced, where atop the turbulent flows, he saw a boundless scene akin to an ocean.


    Not knowing how much time had passed, his spirit gradually converged, and he called up the system interface for a glance.


    [Martial Art: Qiankun Artistic Conception (Step Two)]


    [Experience Points: 10,007]


    [Available Deductions: 0 times]


    "Unity of knowledge and action, indeed, grows fast,"


    he said, slightly nodding at the changes on the system interface.


    More than twenty days had passed since the greatest sand disaster at Yunlu Pass, and from the start of the sand disaster to now, it had been over a month. As the bitter winter descended, the sandstorm gradually subsided. Now standing atop the city walls and looking into the desert, one could no longer see much of the sandstorms'' ebb and flow, only the occasional gust of wind and sand, with no trace of monstrous creatures stirring. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Early on, when he arrived at Yunlu Pass and through half a month of studying the Mysterious Primordial Earth Formation and the Earth''s Veins, he had already accumulated over three thousand experience points. The battle before Yunlu Pass, the clash between the sand disaster and the city defenses, was like the meeting of heaven and earth. For Chen Mu, it brought profound enlightenment, with experience points increasing almost constantly.


    In the days following the great battle, it took him several days to digest all his insights, and the experience points surged to over eight thousand. In the subsequent twenty days until now, it had impressively reached ten thousand points ¨C enough for one deduction!


    Calculating the time,


    since he set out to his arrival at Yunlu Pass, it had only been a month and a half.


    Had he stayed in the Sect to study the Artistic Conception Map, it would have taken at least four to five months to accumulate these ten thousand experience points.


    "Desert, marsh, high mountains, caverns, glaciers... Perhaps when I have traversed all terrains and seen the entirety of Qiankun, that will be the time my Qiankun Artistic Conception truly reaches Perfection and steps into the third phase,"


    Chen Mu murmured to himself.


    Without much hesitation, he turned around and went back to the city walls, returning to his own small chamber. He then exchanged the ten thousand experience points for a deduction opportunity and expended it on deduction.


    To him, any opportunity to enhance his strength was not to be delayed. Although he had now become incomparable to other youths of his generation, on the path to the Wind Cloud List and the Grandmaster''s journey, he was still just at the threshold.


    Like the Wind Cloud List,


    one has to master domains such as Xun Wind and Kan Water like Yan Jingqing to enter. If one only mastered one of them, they could only be deemed as meeting the criterion but not truly listed among the ranks.


    As one ascends the rankings, there are those who have mastered the fusion of three different Artistic Conceptions, and even as far as Kundry, Taiyin Taiyang, and other concepts. The strength still spans upward, with gaps between individuals.


    Presently, his strength was probably at the lower end of the Wind Cloud List. But if he could elevate his Qiankun Artistic Conception a bit further, he could hope to reach the middle range. Once he enters the Six Viscera Realm, he would quickly reach the upper reaches or even the summit of the Wind Cloud List!


    Not much longer,


    Chen Mu opened his eyes again.


    The Qi of Qiankun surrounding his body quietly converged to a trace, but it was clearly more profound than before.


    His Cultivation was ultimately the complete Qiankun Artistic Conception. Even a single deduction, just a small step up, had a greater impact on his strength than an ordinary single conception advancing from the preliminary second step to the end of the second step!


    "The Qian Heaven Artistic Conception has climbed another rung. Cultivating the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal''s fifth layer should also become significantly more efficient... However, for me at this moment, surpassing the Six Viscera Realm with the Body Tempering Method would be the greatest leap in this period of Cultivation,"


    Chen Mu sensed his own changes and nodded slightly, then carefully examined his internal Five Viscera.


    For someone like He Wuyou, who struggled to step into the Five Viscera Realm, it was virtually a lifetime without hope of entering the Six Viscera unless they could use a vast number of precious Spiritual Objects to enhance the Five Viscera Tempering to more than six or seven times, only then having a slim chance.


    But using Spiritual Objects to refine the Five Viscera becomes increasingly difficult later on, and not everyone can be like Chen Mu, with the ability to nearly completely digest and absorb without any loss.


    Many people, due to insufficient foundations earlier on and not enough robust Qi-Blood, therefore weak in the core governance of the Five Viscera couldn''t temper further after reaching a certain level in the Five Viscera Realm. They couldn''t even perform regular Inner Breath exercises, let alone use precious Spiritual Objects to further the tempering.


    Regarding the true teachings of the Great Sects...


    For those like Meng Danyun, stepping into the Six Viscera Realm was effortless.


    They could easily temper their Five Viscera up to eight or even nine times. With such a level of tempering, the essence of Yuan Gang was exceedingly strong, and awakening the ''true spirit'' within the Six Viscera was a breeze.


    Chen Mu was naturally the same. Currently, his Five Viscera Tempering had reached the tenth level!


    If he wished to advance into the Six Viscera Realm, it was almost a matter of a closed-door Cultivation, at most a month or so of effort, enough to step into the Six Viscera Realm and even complete the initial ''storaging'' of Yuan Gang, doubling his Yuan Gang True Essence.


    Now that he had practiced the Qiankun Artistic Conception to the second step, it could be said that he had reached a complete circle in both Cultivation and action. Even though he was not yet twenty-nine, he did not need to continue accumulating for two or three more years in the Five Viscera Realm before attempting to step into the Six Viscera, because he had already completed all necessary accumulation.


    However,


    the reason Chen Mu had not yet started his Sentient Cultivation was something else entirely.


    That was because on the system panel, the tenth tempering of the Five Viscera was still not designated as the limit by the system!

 Chapter 230 Limit of the Five Viscera_2

    "Skin Toughening and Body Refinement, Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering all have their limits, and thus, the Five Viscera Realm undoubtedly also has a limit. Previously, very few people could reach that limit, hence the belief that the maximum is only nine or ten times."Chen Mu sensed his Five Viscera Inner Breath, a trace of light flickering in his eyes.


    Several days ago, his Five Viscera had completed the tenth natural tempering, a height which naturally was reached after entering the Five Viscera Realm based on the four limits of Skin Toughening, Body Refinement, Tendon Changing, and Bone Tempering, without any deliberate effort needed.


    After the tenth tempering was completed, he had been able to clearly sense these past few days that no matter how the Five Viscera Inner Breath inhaled and exhaled the Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi, it could no longer bring any further tempering or change to the viscera.


    It was as if forging a weapon, where the iron had been forged into Hundred-Refined Steel, which was already its limit. No matter how much more it was smelted and cast, no matter how much more it was hammered, it was impossible to alter its nature.


    However,


    though natural inhaling and exhaling of The Power of Heaven and Earth had reached its limit, and even Chen Mu speculated that even swallowing ''Earth Element Pearl,'' a type of Heaven and Earth Spiritual object, would hardly further temper the Five Viscera¡­ the system panel told him that this wasn''t the limit. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Because he tried to upgrade it via the system panel, it was still possible, there was just not enough ''Experience Points''.


    "For the previous ten temperings, I had tested them with the system panel; they increased progressively, from 100 Experience Points to 1000 for the tenth tempering. But this eleventh time requires 2000 points¡ªa doubling of the requirement," he recalled his previous knowledge.


    How many more times could the system panel define temperings for the Five Viscera Realm?


    One, two?


    By his judgment, the tempering of the Five Viscera Realm also inevitably had a limit, just like extracting the purity of gold from ninety percent to ninety-nine percent, then to ninety-nine point nine percent... the closer to the limit, the harder it becomes, but there is always an end.


    Ordinary people, even those who like him had pushed the first four realms to their limits, could nearly never touch the limits of the Five Viscera Realm because, after the tenth, the difficulty of further tempering is unimaginably great. The system panel itself needed 2000 Experience Points for just the eleventh tempering; what about others?


    You must know, the system panel is a hundred percent lossless in its tempering.


    For others, after the tenth, even swallowing a hundred ''Earth Element Pearls'' might result in less than one percent actual effect. In such a case, for ordinary people, one would need to consume Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items as one consumes meals to possibly complete the eleventh tempering. Even a Great Sect like the Seven Profound Sect could not sustain such consumption.


    This is already beyond what ordinary martial artists could achieve, or rather, something that can''t be achieved by ordinary means, as this is limited by the concentration of Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi, beyond what human effort can surpass.


    But,


    he could.


    Though he is human, the system panel is not.


    To him, two thousand Experience Points are merely about four to five ''Earth Element Pearls,'' and even if the demand were to double, he could still obtain and sustain it.


    And to Chen Mu, the true limit of the Five Viscera Realm was perhaps only two or three more temperings.


    The demanded resources, even if they doubled step by step, were within his ability to endure.


    "If I can refine the Five Viscera Realm to its limit, then stepping into the Six Viscera Realm, I can naturally reach unprecedented heights," Chen Mu muttered to himself.


    Five Viscera, Six Viscera.


    These two realms are extremely close, their connection even greater than that between Skin Toughening, Body Refinement, Tendon Changing, and Bone Tempering.


    The foundation of the Five Viscera Realm directly determines the upper limit of the Yuan Gang in the Six Viscera Realm!


    Six Viscera Realm.


    Viscera, also means a house, a place for storage.


    When a martial artist first steps into the Six Viscera Realm, awakens the ''Divine Spirits'' in the viscera, and initially tempers the Six Viscera, using them to store Yuan Gang True Essence, one could easily double one''s Yuan Gang relative to the Five Viscera Realm!


    Like Meng Danyun, who probably stepped into the Six Viscera Realm with ''three portions'' of Yuan Gang Force, her current Yuan Gang Force is about ''six portions.'' Guitar: And once she brings the Six Viscera Realm to Perfection, it''ll be roughly ''nine portions.''


    This is also her limit.


    Whereas stepping into the Five Viscera Realm with a better foundation, tempered up to nine or ten times, having ''four portions'' of Yuan Gang Force, then as one steps into the Six Viscera Realm, they start directly with ''eight portions,'' and after Perfection, it reaches ''twelve portions.''


    The current Chen Mu is a bit more, about ''four and a half portions.'' If he were to enter the Six Viscera Realm now and temper for a month to initially refine the viscera, his Yuan Gang Force would directly reach ''nine portions.''


    Tempering the Six Viscera to its Perfection would be between thirteen and fourteen portions.


    Skin Toughening, Body Refinement, Tendon Changing, Bone Tempering, Yuan Viscera... each step is a stair, a process of accumulation. Falling behind at any step means falling behind at every step, and as the Realm continues to rise, the subsequent impact becomes greater and greater.


    This is why the gap between the upper and lower limits of the Six Viscera Realm can be so vast; the weakest may not even defeat the true genius of the Five Viscera Realm, while the strongest can almost overcome some weaker Marrow-Cleansing Grandmasters.


    And Chen Mu,


    might be the only person since the birth of Martial Arts who could see the limits of both the Five Viscera and Six Viscera Realms.


    "Just perfect, in two more days the Sand Catastrophe will completely recede, the Earth''s Veins will weaken and I can explore the periphery of the desert. If I can gather enough Spiritual Objects for the eleventh tempering, good; if not, I''ll head back to Spirit Profound Peak to collect some more..."

 Chapter 230 Extreme Limits of the Five Viscera_3

    Chen Mu pondered deeply.Each peak of the Seven Profound Peak operates independently, each having its own accumulation of resources. Usually, the main sect distributes some, and as a true disciple of the Spirit Profound Peak, he naturally had the qualifications to access and utilize a portion of them. This was one of the perks of being a true disciple.


    Spiritual Objects like the Earth Element Pearl, although rare, were only found in such small quantities within the vast He Family... Of course, it was also possible that some were consumed by the He Family, leaving only one. However, this also illustrates that these types of Spiritual Objects are not something that can be accumulated easily, even within the Seven Profound Sect.


    After all,


    some disciples who could barely temper the Five Viscera four or five times would have a chance to further temper one or two more times and step into the Six Viscera Realm, transforming from a steward into a protector.


    Every Sect Protector, even the weakest, represents a core strength of a Great Sect.


    Therefore, Spiritual Objects like the Earth Element Pearl are considered strategic assets in every Great Sect... Meng Danyun had even reminded Chen Mu before, advising him not to use these to hasten the tempering of the Five Viscera because for a true disciple who can independently temper eight or nine times, using them merely speeds up the process. The practical significance is too small; it''s a waste and it''s better to hand them over to the sect and exchange them for other more needed items.


    For this reason, since becoming a true disciple of the Spirit Profound Peak, Chen Mu had never used his share of resources to draw from this type of Spiritual Objects to speed up the Five Viscera Tempering. His share was still accumulating there.


    If he calculated,


    he could potentially draw seven to eight ''Earth Element Pearls'' of these types of Spiritual Objects.


    If this trip to the desert yields some more, he might even meet the requirements for the eleventh or even twelfth tempering. Given his judgment of the Five Viscera Realm, perhaps twelve is the limit.


    "Whew..."


    Chen Mu slowly exhaled, organized his thoughts, and then gathered himself back together before stepping out of his small room once more, returning to the Yunlu City Pass. He continued to stroll along the pass, absorbing the essence of the wind-blown sand and the earth.


    Just like that, nearly three days passed.


    Finally, when the wind-blown sand in the distant desert had almost subsided, a messenger officer came to find Chen Mu.


    "True Disciple Chen, the Garrison Prefecture Lord has asked for you."


    The messenger officer leapt out from the pass, jumped down from the Yunlu Wall, walked a bit into the desert, bowed respectfully to Chen Mu who was standing amongst a patch of yellow sand while looking out over the desert, and said to him.


    "Alright."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly and then turned around, heading back to the pass. He soon arrived inside the headquarters of the Garrison Prefecture. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When he arrived, he saw that the Garrison Prefecture, including Xiahou Yan, Chu Jingsui, Meng Danyun, and Zhao Zhenchuan, were all present.


    "Junior Brother Chen is here."


    Xiahou Yan, seeing Chen Mu coming over, greeted him with a smile: "Come, come, Junior Brother Chen, in this sand disaster, Junior Brother Chen''s contributions were exceptional. Try this desert wine from Yunlu Pass."


    Speaking thus, he handed a ox horn cup to Chen Mu. The cup contained a milky-white, viscous liquid that emitted a slight fragrance of alcohol.


    As soon as Chen Mu took the ox horn cup,


    Xiahou Yan suddenly stepped back two paces, also raising a cup of wine, and said earnestly towards Chen Mu: "On behalf of Yunlu Pass and the many soldiers guarding the border, I toast Junior Brother Chen!"


    Chen Mu looked at the cup of mare''s milk wine, fell silent for a moment, and then said, "I just did what was expected of me. Brother Xiahou and the many soldiers have been stationed in this desolate place for ten years as if it were a day, truly they are the ones who deserve such honor."


    With Xiahou Yan''s strength, if he were to go to another Prefectural Government or even stay in the State Government Office, he could enjoy pleasures day and night, yet he has guarded this border at Yunlu for decades. From being a protector of the Spirit Profound Peak to now a Garrison Prefect, he spent most of his years here.


    Even more so,


    those soldiers and colonels who died in the sand disaster or fighting against demonic creatures had forever remained upon the city pass.


    Such sacrificed officers and soldiers deserved respect, as did Xiahou Yan who had defended the border for decades, the Da Xuan Martial Emperor who had established the grand Yunlu Pass, and the thick Earth''s Veins that still supported Yunlu Pass.


    Yet he was nothing special.


    He merely happened to come here, to Yunlu Pass, and had dealt with a somewhat perilous sand disaster, that was all.


    The hall fell briefly silent, before the voice of Zhao Zhenchuan broke the silence.


    "Brother Xiahou indeed deserves our respect."


    "All the soldiers and brothers who resisted this sand disaster deserve our respect."


    "Right, let''s drink, drink!"


    Xiahou Yan laughed heartily and was the first to raise his glass and drink.


    Chen Mu, along with Chu Jingsui, Zhao Zhenchuan, and others also raised their glasses, and even Meng Danyun took a small sip, seemingly finding the creamy liquor quite tasty, thus she took two more sips before finishing it off.


    As the alcohol hit, a faint red flushed across their cheeks, but it quickly disappeared with the circulation of their Inner Breath.


    The banquet did not last long.


    After three rounds of drinks, Xiahou Yan took the initiative and said, "Now that the sand disaster is concluded and the Earth''s Veins in the desert have loosened, it''s an opportune moment for exploration. Some stewards and Inner Sect disciples have already gone to the outskirts of the desert, and it''s about time for us to take action as well."


    Chu Jingsui spoke evenly, "In nature, calamity and fortune are intertwined; the disaster has passed, and now is indeed the time to seek opportunities."


    Meng Danyun also added, "Mm, I have just stepped into the Six Viscera Realm, and indeed need some resources."


    "I would like to go as well, but unfortunately, I have other important matters to attend to and cannot venture into the desert to seek opportunities, so I must take my leave for now."


    At this, Zhao Zhenchuan shook his head.


    Everyone was slightly startled.


    "Brother Zhao seems urgent, may I know what the matter is and if we can lend a hand?"


    Chu Jingsui looked at Zhao Zhenchuan and asked.


    This time, Zhao Zhenchuan just laughed and said, "Brother Chu, you can''t help with this... well, my wife is nearing her due date, my calculations say it''s in about half a month. I dealt with the sand disaster and am hurrying back just in time."


    Hearing this, Chu Jingsui also laughed and said, "Ah, that''s the case, then congratulations to you first, brother."


    Xiahou Yan and Meng Danyun both smiled and congratulated Zhao Zhenchuan while Meng Danyun seemed to recall something and suddenly glanced over at Chen Mu, displaying a peculiar look.


    Chen Mu was also congratulating Zhao Zhenchuan with a bow, but upon noticing Meng Danyun''s look, he glanced back at her annoyed, and not to mention that reproduction was already more difficult for martial artists, he had no plans for offspring at that time, as Xu Hongyu could potentially break through to the Five Viscera Realm. If she were to bear a child for him, it would delay her progress by a year, and he naturally wanted Xu Hongyu to prioritize Martial Arts first.


    Even now,


    he still had no urgent desire for offspring, especially since there was no need yet for a successor to carry on his martial spirit. Not to mention, his descendants would unlikely possess his talent and perceptiveness, so delaying such matters by another couple of years was not too late.

 Chapter 231 Heavenly Demon Heavenly Corpse

    At the city pass.Xiahou Yan stood at the forefront, where he could see some Bone Tempering Realm Martial Artists slowly descending along the towering Yunlu Wall, while Stewards of the Five Viscera Realm leaped down in a single bound, plummeting a hundred feet.


    In the distance, within the desert, the sandstorm had subsided, and vague figures could be seen moving about, most of them being Martial Artists of the Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering Realm. After each sand disaster, the winds did indeed bring some opportunities.


    Many officers guarding the Yunlu Border Pass were partly from the local Sha Prefecture, partly dispatched by the Seven Profound Sect, and some were there for the opportunities in the desert.


    "All right, it''s our turn to set off."


    After looking at those distant figures, Xiahou Yan smiled at Chu Jingsui and the others.


    "Let''s go."


    Chu Jingsui responded, his voice still at the original spot, but his body had already drifted down into the desert. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Meng Danyun looked into the distance and suddenly raised her hand, tossing a compass-like object to Chen Mu, saying, "Junior Brother Chen, although you are very strong, you haven''t stepped into the Six Viscera Realm yet, and you still need water and food. If you encounter an anomaly in the desert and lose your way, it could be dangerous. If you want to venture deeper into the desert, take this with you; it might provide some guidance."


    Usually, Martial Artists of the Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering Realm wouldn''t venture deep into the desert, exploring only within sight of Yunlu Pass at most, while Stewards of the Five Viscera Realm could go a bit further. However, since they haven''t reached the Six Viscera Realm and can''t abstain from food and drink for long, they wouldn''t delve too deep, especially if mishaps occur and they get trapped deep in the desert or underground¡ª it would be extremely dangerous.


    Chen Mu was an exception; his strength exceeded that of an average Six Viscera Realm Martial Artist, and his movement technique surpassed ordinary people. Exploring the desert was much safer for him than for her, so he would certainly not just skim the outskirts.


    "Thank you, Senior Sister."


    Chen Mu took the locating compass, originally thinking it was magnetite but then realizing it was not; rather, within the clear crystal bead, there was always a blood-colored silk thread pointing towards Yunlu City Pass beneath their feet, the origin of which he did not know.


    If he couldn''t figure it out, he didn''t dwell on it; it was probably related to the Earth''s Veins or made using some kind of demonic power. Such magical items were diverse and, compared to Spirit Weapons, were just trinkets.


    Whoosh.


    After seeing Meng Danyun leap into the desert below, Chen Mu also took a step and drifted down from the hundred-feet-high city pass, then proceeded into the desert, his figure quietly disappearing into the vast expanse of sand.


    Almost simultaneously, high above in the sky, within a cluster of clouds, a grey demon bird circled, capturing the entire scene below Yunlu Pass in its gaze, before swiftly flying into the distance.


    ...


    Heat.


    Dryness.


    These were Chen Mu''s most direct experiences upon entering the wasteland. Although it was now the time of bitter winter, with most of the water starting to freeze in the prefectures behind the pass, upon entering the wasteland, it remained unbearably hot.


    At this moment, the power of Xun Wind had receded quite a bit, while the power of Separating Fire had markedly increased, constantly suppressing Kan Water to the point where hardly any moisture could be felt in the desert. Even forcibly extracting water from the air using the Kan Water Artistic Conception took a long time to gather a cupful.


    "A Martial Artist in the Bone Tempering Realm couldn''t last more than ten days without water here."


    Chen Mu walked upon the sand plains, paying close attention to the surrounding environmental changes as he moved. Each step he took left no trace on the rolling sands, as if his whole being were light as a feather, ethereal and drifting.


    He continued his journey while sensing the Power of the Veins beneath the vast sea of sand. The Earth Pulse''s Power in the entire desert was evidently much weaker than usual.


    In the regions behind the pass, like in Yu County, with his current strength, he could forcibly dive thirty feet underground; here in the desert, he could dive fifty feet or even deeper.


    Such depth had already reached the flowing areas of the Earth''s Veins, where various minerals could be found.


    However.


    Chen Mu did not dive into the sea of sand.


    For one, moving below was not nearly as fast as above, with movement becoming increasingly difficult the deeper one went. Furthermore, he held no interest in ordinary minerals.


    He already knew from Xiahou Yan that the main opportunity for exploring the desert after a sand disaster was to find places where the Earth''s Veins were empty, similar to the hollows formed after flooding when the Earth''s Veins erupted. In the desert, the same applied, with quicksand often forming and continuously flowing downward, becoming a deadly trap for the common folk, but a safe passage for Martial Artists to reach deeper into the Earth''s Veins.


    In such depths of quicksand, the chances of encountering rare Spiritual Objects were much higher.


    Of course.


    One could also encounter Great Demons of the Fifth and Sixth Rank or even Demon Kings of the Seventh Rank. Even for beings like Xiahou Yan and Chu Jingsui, it would be dangerous, though encountering a Demon King was highly unlikely. Their formidable demonic power, far stronger than that of Sixth Rank demon creatures, made it easier to detect and avoid them from afar.


    Chen Mu continued his trek through the vast Sand Sea, walking an unknown distance until the sky gradually darkened, the heat faded, and a chilling cold enveloped the desert. At last, a disturbance in the Earth''s Veins appeared in his perception.


    Soon.


    Upon approaching.


    He saw that it was a low valley in the desert, where the nearby sands were moving slowly as if they were sinking and being swallowed by the valley as their center.


    "It seems this is the place."

 Chapter 231 Heavenly Demon, Heavenly Corpse_2

    Chen Mu''s thoughts stirred slightly, and then with one step, he walked into the yellow sand, immediately feeling a void under his feet as he began to sink into the sand. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.However, he didn''t retreat but advanced instead, not just setting foot in the sand but also burrowing down into it, disappearing into the quicksand in an instant.


    He traveled downward along the sand flow.


    Chen Mu could sense that the nearby Earth Pulse''s Power was flowing irregularly, forming a channel almost similar to the one created after an earth vein eruption during a flood disaster, only this one was more stable.


    It seemed that the previous sand disaster had depleted too much of The Power of Heaven and Earth, resulting in these earth cavity areas recovering very slowly. It felt like it would take at least three to five days to return to normal.


    Just like that.


    Chen Mu didn''t know how deep he had gone, but after about a hundred feet, he finally broke through the sand flow, entering a small earth cavity filled with flowing sand.


    To say it was an earth cavity, the space was actually quite small and filled with moving sand.


    "Hmm... Huh?"


    No sooner had Chen Mu landed in the yellow sand and glanced around than he felt a change underfoot and, with the speed of lightning, a black spike emerged from beneath the sand, aiming at his body.


    However, he merely let out a cold snort and nonchalantly swatted with his right hand, bending the black spike with a smack, then stomped his foot, shaking the sand beneath him. Along with the sound of something being crushed, ''crack''.


    Next.


    Chen Mu grabbed the now-immobile bent spike and yanked it upward, pulling out a giant scorpion from the sandy ground, comparably large as a human. Even though its life force was fading, the demonic power brewing inside it was still tumultuous.


    It was a fifth-rank demon scorpion.


    Looking at the demon scorpion, whose body was nearly crushed by his strike, Chen Mu emotionlessly tossed it aside. Then with another stomp, the sand underfoot churned, and from it, numerous translucent demon eggs surfaced.


    Crack! Crack!!


    Cracks appeared on the surface of the demon eggs, and then they shattered one after another. In an instant, a swarm of small, half-translucent scorpions the size of fingers crawled out from them.


    Chen Mu''s expression unchanged, he slapped down with his palm, and in an instant, all the hatching and unhatched demon eggs were crushed into a mush, mixing with the sand into a sticky mess.


    Though demons were considered a resource to humanity, with many proving to be useful, desert scorpions were not among them, so there was no need to deliberately preserve them.


    Swish.


    After eradicating the nest of demon scorpions, Chen Mu briefly sensed his surroundings, ultimately digging out a withered yellow ore with obvious bite marks from one corner of the sand.


    "Xuan Sha ore..."


    He shook his head and discarded the piece of Xuan Sha ore.


    Similar to Xuan iron, Xuan Sha ore also had unique value, but it wasn''t worth collecting for Chen Mu at that moment, especially since this piece had been gnawed on by the demon scorpion and most of its essence drawn out, resulting in extremely poor quality.


    Crack.


    Chen Mu then took the dead demon scorpion, casually breaking off its stinger, which still held considerable value. If it were fashioned into certain special hidden weapons, it could pose a threat even to someone in the Five Viscera Realm.


    After one final check and making sure there was nothing else of interest, Chen Mu leaped up, diving back into the winding paths of the flowing sand and quickly returning to the surface.


    Swish.


    Chen Mu''s figure broke through the sand, landing on the sand dune, and then he looked up to the darkened sky, slightly squinting his eyes.


    Even though the sky was already dark, he could still vaguely see a flying beast circling high in the clouds, but because it was too far away, he could only barely see it and couldn''t sense its presence.


    It was quite normal for there to be flying beasts in the desert.


    He had killed some while on duty at Yunlu City Pass in the past.


    "Have I seen this flying beast before?"


    Chen Mu paused to ponder.


    During his time at Yunlu City Pass, he had seen flying beasts circling high in the sky more than once. Some flew too high for him to shoot down. However, those that flew too high he could barely see clearly, and he couldn''t even discern their species.


    Given that they flew extremely high, Chen Mu didn''t pay them much attention, lacking the help of sandstorms he couldn''t fly up there himself, unless he used the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear... but that also had a range limitation, and if they were too high, they were still out of reach.


    "If only I could fly through the air without the help of sandstorms," he thought.


    Chen Mu quickly withdrew his gaze.


    Flying through the air without support was a hallmark of a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster.


    Although he wasn''t capable of this yet, he did possess the complete Qiankun Artistic Conception. Perhaps without becoming a Grandmaster, and simply by stepping into the Six Viscera Realm and cultivating the Qiankun Artistic Conception deeper, he might be able to fly.


    He continued on through the vast desert.


    By now.


    Night had fallen, and the desert had seemingly transitioned instantly from scorching heat to bitter cold. The severe chill was enough to produce frost, but Chen Mu remained calm, walking under the night in the Sand Sea, sensing the changes of heaven and earth.


    The Qiankun Eight Phases encompasses all things between heaven and earth. Like the law of bitter winter, he could employ it now, combining Xun Wind and Kan Water, assembling the Yin properties of Kun Earth to form water into ice, freezing all around.


    "The changes between heaven and earth, this removal and growth, are truly mysterious," he reflected.

 Chapter 231 Heavenly Demon, Heavenly Corpse_3

    Chen Mu traveled further into the desert, his sense of wonder at the universe''s mysteries growing. Before he had comprehended the Qiankun Artistic Conception, his understanding had always been incomplete, like a blind man touching an elephant, only able to perceive a fraction of the world''s changes. Now, no matter where he was, he could glimpse the whole picture.For instance, here in the desert, the Separating Fire Artistic Conception was extremely vigorous during the daytime, and the Yang Attribute within the Qian Heaven also reached its peak. But as night fell, Yin prevailed while Yang declined, transitioning from Qian Yang to Kun Yin, causing the Separating Fire to diminish. The Kan Water, which had been completely suppressed during the day, even showed signs of revival, becoming slightly more vigorous than it had been in daylight.


    The Qiankun Eight Phases were constantly changing and rotating, every second of every moment.


    At this moment,


    Chen Mu gained some insight into the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal technique, and no wonder it was called ''Cycle Mark,'' embodying the notion of rotation. This was the essence of the universe''s Qiankun: unchanging yet changing, taking action without action, still and unmoved.


    The world unveiling before Chen Mu no longer seemed like a tangible night and desert but rather a painting composed of countless colors, these colors flowing on the canvas, constantly blending and transforming one another.


    Whoosh.


    Chen Mu summoned the system interface for a glance.


    [Martial Art: Qiankun Artistic Conception (Step Two)]


    [Experience: 377 Points]


    "Very good,"


    he said with a hint of a smile on his face.


    Wandering the great desert and contemplating the world''s changes, he gained a substantial amount of Experience Points. Even if he ended up with no Spiritual Objects, the accumulation of experience in the Qiankun Artistic Conception alone was certainly worth the trip.


    And so, Chen Mu continued onward, not knowing how long he walked until dawn''s light began to break. He found another area of flowing sand, and this time, his exploration yielded a pleasant surprise.


    "Earthly Elemental Stone."


    Chen Mu weighed a grey-brown piece of earth the size of a fingertip in his hand, his eyes flashing with a trace of light.


    Earthly Elemental Stones belong to Yin, unlike the Earth Element Pearl, which is another type of Spiritual Object similar to Earthly Elemental Stones but often very small. It could be used as a Formation Base for an Earth Vein Formation. Although it wasn''t the kind of Spiritual Object that could enhance Viscera Tempering, the value of the piece in his hand was not inferior to that of an Earth Element Pearl; at the Seven Profound Sect, it could be directly exchanged for something he needed. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Having explored for just a day and a night, he had already gained a find, plus the added bonus of a lot of Experience Points from his comprehension of the natural changes. His spirits lifted considerably, and he emerged once more onto the top of a sand dune.


    Just in time for sunrise.


    A glimmer of dawn rose from the edge of his vision, illuminating the entire desert.


    In Chen Mu''s perception, The Power of Heaven and Earth also rapidly changed and flowed with the rise of the sun ¨C Yin Attributes receding, Yang Attributes swelling, Kan Water subsiding, Separating Fire brewing. Such natural, fluid change was beyond the reach of any meticulous crafting.


    "I wonder what the edge of this world looks like,"


    Chen Mu murmured to himself.


    Da Xuan was vast.


    With Ninety-Nine State spanning tens of thousands of miles each,


    most people spent their lives without leaving their county or prefecture, and few could traverse an entire state, let alone the world of Ninety-Nine State.


    Beyond Ninety-Nine State, according to the records, were wastelands inhabited by Barbaric Foreign Tribes.


    Ice State, which bordered Yu State, was already considered the Extreme North. Beyond its borders laid a boundless icy wilderness, its end unknown to all. Perhaps some individuals at the Blood Exchange Realm, the pinnacle of Martial Arts, knew the end of that icy wilderness, but at least Chen Mu did not, nor had he seen any records about it.


    Even the sandy wasteland beyond Sha Prefecture, next to Yu State, had no definite end. No one knew for sure where it ultimately led.


    But Chen Mu was certain about one thing ¨C the world was indeed flat.


    Experience new tales on empire


    This didn''t require reaching the edge of Da Xuan to measure; it seemed that the land indeed followed the principle of "heaven round, earth square."


    "If it truly is heaven round, earth square, then at the very edge of the world, heaven and earth should meet... However, beyond the border lies more Great Demons and Barbaric Foreign Tribes, places that I am not yet suited to explore,"


    Chen Mu quickly gathered his thoughts and shook his head.


    Being able to witness the edge of the world would undoubtedly be a massive accumulation of experience for him. However, based on his current knowledge, lands beyond the border were all dangerous and inhospitable, even Grandmasters of Marrow Cleansing would not wish to venture there lightly.


    For Chen Mu at present, such a time was still far off.


    He continued forward.


    After walking some distance more, Chen Mu''s eyes moved slightly as he sensed a surge of demonic power appearing off to the right.


    "A Sixth Rank Great Demon?"


    With a thought, he took a step and vanished into the distance in the blink of an eye.


    Soon after,


    he crossed over a towering dune and found a moderately-sized sandstorm ahead, and the demon Qi was emanating from within it.


    While sensing the situation inside the sandstorm, Chen Mu approached it. Upon arriving nearby and looking into the storm, he immediately saw an immensely large shadow standing deep within it.


    "Sand Demon?"


    Chen Mu recognized its identity from just a glimpse of its hazy silhouette.


    In the desert, a Sixth Rank Great Demon usually corresponded to a Sand Demon, which, unlike the Sand Wraith, was another kind of demon not adept at manipulating sandstorms with its power or at long-range attacks. However, its body''s toughness was nearly unmatched among Sixth Rank demons, almost the complete opposite of a Sand Wraith.

 Chapter 231 Heavenly Demon Heavenly Corpse_4

    "If it''s an Earth Fiend, killing it becomes a bit more troublesome, but..."Chen Mu delved deeper into the whirlwind, a flicker of light passing through his eyes as he detected a different aura, one he was very familiar with, having felt it countless times at Yunlu Pass.


    Earthly Elemental Stone! S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This Earth Fiend had an Earthly Elemental Stone, and judging by its aura, it was not small!


    Experience new tales on empire


    "Very good."


    The Earthly Elemental Stone was also a valuable object, similar to the Earthly Primordial Essence.


    Chen Mu immediately took a step forward, and after a few strides, he approached the vicinity of the Earth Fiend.


    But.


    Almost when he was about to come within thirty feet.


    Chen Mu''s eyes suddenly narrowed, his figure abruptly stopped, and he propelled backwards in a sudden retreat.


    Bang!


    The sand behind him exploded suddenly, lifting a wave of sand dozens of feet high, a figure covered in scale armor swinging a palm from behind him, accompanied by a burst of fierce Demon Qi.


    Chen Mu counter-struck with a palm of his own, the palms of the two were ten feet apart, but the central whirlwind was already distorting under the tremendous power of the two, and the sand below was blown up in pieces, creating a wave of sand around them as the center.


    Once the sand wave settled.


    Chen Mu landed in the sandy soil, his gaze coldly fixed on the figure in front of him, which looked human but had a body covered in fine, eerie scale armor: "Sky Demon Sect?"


    Although it was his first time seeing this kind of half-human, half-demon eerie aura, he was not unfamiliar with it.


    Sky Demon Sect!


    Like the Heavenly Corpse Sect, it was an evil sect that had been surrounded and suppressed hundreds of years ago by the Da Xuan Dynasty Court and the various sects, attempting to transform a human body into a Demon Corpse to prolong life.


    However, unlike the Heavenly Corpse Sect, which was obliterated to the point of disappearance, leaving many to believe it had been destroyed, a small part of the Sky Demon Sect escaped out of the Da Xuan borders, blending in with the Foreign Races outside the confines, never completely wiped out since hundreds of years ago, and in recent years, they have been resurfacing in Yu State, leaving behind traces of their presence.


    "Sky Demon Sect, Kun Jie."


    Kun Jie looked at Chen Mu, saying indifferently, "In this generation of the Sky Demon Sect, I am among the most talented, you being a renowned young prodigy among Martial Artists, but dying at my hands, you wouldn''t be wronged."


    Chen Mu didn''t respond, glancing out of the corner of his eye at the ''Earth Fiend'' within the whirlwind, which was now gradually disintegrating into sand, revealing another figure inside, similarly covered in scale armor, and possessing a snake tail.


    However.


    The nearby Earthly Elemental Stone was indeed genuine.


    "So it turns out, it''s a simple formation using the Earthly Elemental Stone, I truly am not familiar with formations, I realized a bit too late... The Sky Demon Sect and Heavenly Corpse Sect, have they truly joined forces?"


    Chen Mu''s gaze swept coldly across the surroundings.


    As his words fell.


    A chilling, hoarse voice came from not far away, and the sand burst open in pieces. One after another, corpses wrapped in evil qi drilled out from beneath the sand, a total of eight bodies blocking all directions.


    Each of the corpses emitted an aura far superior to the evil corpses Chen Mu had encountered before, their evil qi even more solidified and also faintly possessed a mystical ''Earth Fiend,'' which was a Mysterious Corpse, a level above the evil corpses. Not only did they have their own evil qi, but they could also mobilize some of the mystical Earth Fiend, akin to the Artistic Conception mastered by martial artists!


    "There are more."


    Chen Mu''s expression remained unchanged as he looked in another direction.


    Outside the sands, a figure walked slowly with a body possessing four arms, its aura as concentrated and robust as the one controlling the Earthly Elemental Stone Formation.


    Almost at the same time, the whirling sands gradually settled, and the flying yellow sand quickly fell to the ground, causing the entire area''s sand to slightly indent downward, forming a location amidst several sand dunes.


    The Earth Fiend''s aura was vigorous, while the Strength of Qian Heaven became extremely obscure.


    "You walked a bit too slowly. If you had come a bit faster, arriving here at midnight, then the Earth Fiend would have been at its most concentrated. Now, you should still be able to harness some of the Strength of Qian Heaven."


    A female voice came from above.


    Chen Mu looked up and saw, about twenty yards above him, a female figure with exposed skin but growing a pair of black wings, hovering in the sky, demon qi surging, holding a stone engulfed in evil qi in her hand, making the entire region''s daylight much darker, further blocking the flow of Strength of Qian Heaven.


    "Eight Mysterious Corpses, four Sixth-Rank Demon Men, and a specifically arranged Earth Fiend Formation, all to kill me, a mere Five Viscera Realm. You really went through a lot of trouble."


    Chen Mu stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping around.


    Wu Li said indifferently, "Your movement technique, if not sealed, none of us are confident in catching up to you, and we fear you might use the sandstorm to escape through the air. Being cautious is warranted, and besides, you aren''t the only target this time. Your several brothers and sisters will soon join you."


    "Heh, killing those few wouldn''t require as much fuss compared to dealing with you. None of them has a movement technique like yours; it won''t take long. Unfortunately, your corpse has been reserved by the Sky Demon Sect, so we can only choose two from the others to refine into corpses."


    Liao Chou let out a very hoarse and unpleasant laugh, "Alright, enough talk. Let''s get started. If the sun gets stronger, our Mysterious Corpses will not perform well."


    However, just at that moment.


    Chen Mu spoke, his tone icy.


    "It seems, the abnormal demon disaster before, is also related to you? Clowns causing chaos at the border, you deserve to die!"


    As his words fell.


    Chen Mu''s figure flickered, suddenly disappearing from his spot, and then appearing in front of a Mysterious Corpse, his right hand swinging a fist through the air.


    That Mysterious Corpse swung its arms, the violent Earth Fiend qi surging, meeting Chen Mu''s fist.


    However.


    Almost in the next moment, accompanied by eight different auras flashing past Chen Mu''s fist, they quickly merged into a Cycle Mark. Wherever the fist wind passed, the Earth Fiend qi was almost instantly crushed to pieces.


    Finally, the Fist Seal fell, and from nearly a yard away, it directly blasted the upper half of that Mysterious Corpse into countless fragments!


    One strike!


    Killed a Sixth-Rank Mysterious Corpse!

 Chapter 232 Qiankuns Might!

    Almost at the same time that Chen Mu made his move, others present such as Kun Jie, Liao Chou, and the rest also took action. Apart from Wu Li, who was suppressing the Strength of Qian Heaven twenty zhang high in the sky, the attacks of the rest followed closely behind Chen Mu and arrived.Attack after attack of demonic power surged mightily, and evil Qi converged into a black and deep red torrent, like blood and fog, threatening to completely engulf Chen Mu in an instant and kill him right there and then.


    However.


    While killing a Mysterious Corpse with a single punch, Chen Mu faced the successive attacks with nothing but a flash of icy intent on his face. Planting his feet firmly on the ground, the surging Earth Fiend Qi unexpectedly showed no resistance to him, merging directly together. Subsequently, it exploded into waves of black sand, billowing like tidal waves.


    To suppress Qian Heaven, to trap him, the dense power of Earth Fiend especially arranged for this purpose, at this moment, was almost single-handedly manipulated by him, turning into a mighty torrent that exploded outward from him as the center in all directions.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    The sounds of explosions filled the air as the surging demonic power and clouds of Corpse Fiend Qi, under the counterattack of Earth Fiend''s torrent, began to collapse in swathes.


    The eight Mysterious Corpses that were focused on attacking Chen Mu were the first to be sent flying backward, followed by Kun Jie and other Sixth Rank Demon Men, who were unable to withstand the force of the Earth Fiend Qi that they had accumulated themselves and were each shaken into constant retreat.


    From the moment Chen Mu burst forth, eradicating a Mysterious Corpse with a Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, followed by manipulating the power of Earth Fiend with the Qiankun Artistic Conception and shattering the joint attacks of everyone who came one after another, it all happened in an instant.


    "Impossible!"


    "Qiankun Artistic Conception?!"


    Kun Jie and others who were shaken back, at this moment, almost all had expressions of undisguised shock, and some even cried out in horror.


    Putting aside for a moment that Chen Mu was able to manipulate the power of Earth Fiend that they had arranged with formations to suppress Qian Heaven, just the might of Chen Mu''s initial strike that annihilated a Mysterious Corpse had already far exceeded their expectations!


    "This Earth Fiend Formation Veins is well arranged; you have been meticulous. However, to think to use this to deal with Chen is somewhat foolish."


    Chen Mu stood firm in the center of the rolling black sands, with a boundless power of Earth Fiend Qi swirling and rising around him.


    As his words fell, his expression turned icy, and he stamped his foot down again.


    Boom!!


    The black sand within dozens of zhang vibrated, causing ripples to undulate, and the power of Earth Fiend gathering here silently began to rotate, unexpectedly enveloping everyone into its fold at once.


    Wu Li, hovering twenty zhang in the air, had his expression change repeatedly, his eyes filled with shock as he saw the area below that was originally arranged to trap Chen Mu. Instead, the power of Earth Fiend within dozens of zhang around that area was now being drawn, vaguely forming a profound and mysterious Cycle Mark, radiating awe-inspiring might. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Not good!"


    "Quickly disperse the power of Earth Fiend!"


    Liao Chou''s face showed terror, and by now he could clearly see that Chen Mu had not only cultivated Qian Heaven, but he also possessed the Kun Earth Artistic Conception.


    This was the complete Qiankun Power!


    Otherwise, he couldn''t possibly have so effortlessly stripped away their control over all the Earth Fiend Qi here, turning the Power of Heaven and Earth to his own use, and trapping all of them within the grasp of the Earth Fiend Seal!


    "Too late."


    Chen Mu''s icy voice spread like a cold wind from the netherworld, emerging from the surging Earth Fiend mist without any discernible direction, nor whereabouts of his figure. Then, in the next instant, his whole person appeared silently behind a Mysterious Corpse!


    This Mysterious Corpse was using its own Mysterious Fiend Qi to fend off the impact of the surrounding Earth Fiend Qi. Since the Mysterious Corpse was itself tempered by the Earth Fiend Qi, it had a strong resistance to it and could even utilize it. But now, under the suppression of Chen Mu''s complete Qiankun Artistic Conception, it struggled to contest with Chen Mu for control over the Earth Fiend Qi.


    Hum!


    The Mysterious Corpse abruptly struck out with an elbow toward Chen Mu behind it, the action and reaction both extremely quick, far from any clumsiness or delay. Its own Mysterious Fiend Qi combined with its robust body of Mysterious Steel Corpse caused the nearby rolling black mist to form a visible dent, spreading out waves.


    However, such a terrifying strike was useless in front of Chen Mu; he still met it with a Fist Seal, where bands of light of different colors converged and swirled, forming series of marks that came together.


    Wind Seal!


    Fire Seal!


    ...


    Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal!


    With just a single strike of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, this Mysterious Corpse, tempered for who knows how many years and nearly as tough as the finest Treasured Artifact, was blasted apart from the elbow upward, inch by inch until its body broke into countless pieces!


    Had Chen Mu truly only possessed the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception, then the Sky Demon Sect''s people stepping in with the power of Earth Fiend to suppress Qian Heaven and seal off all directions including the skies above and the earth below with the Heavenly Net Earth Trap would indeed have left him no escape, even if he had immediately drawn the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear to fight with his life on the line, the chances of escaping with his life would not have been great.


    But.


    Mastering a single kind of Qian Heaven and the complete Qiankun Artistic Conception are two entirely different concepts! Read latest chapters at empire


    Not to mention how terrifyingly powerful the near-supreme Artistic Conception Technique, the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, is in buffing one''s strength, just the formation of Qiankun makes one unstoppable, with all things in the world within Qiankun, all controllable and manipulable.


    Heaven above, earth below, I alone am exalted!


    Whether it''s the clear Qi of Qian Heaven or the substantial power of Earth Fiend, both can be turned to one''s own use with a mere flick of the wrist. Even the Heavenly Corpse Sect''s Mysterious Corpses would struggle to contest with him for control of the Earth Fiend''s power; after all, the Mysterious Corpse is just a ''corpse.'' In mastering the Power of Heaven and Earth, they are far inferior to a Martial Artist who has truly cultivated the ''Kun Earth'' Artistic Conception, and they fall far short of Chen Mu!

 Chapter 232 Qiankuns Might!_2

    At this moment, the Evil Qi of Earth Fiend that Liao Chou and others had painstakingly gathered was almost entirely at his command, making the entire area within dozens of yards nearly turn into a domain similar to that of the Earth Fiend Domain; for him, it was akin to a fish finding water.Boom! Boom! Boom!!!


    In nearly an instant, Chen Mu darted through the rolling black fog of Earth Fiend, continuously striking down Mysterious Corpses under his Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal!


    It wasn''t until Jin Ye of the Sky Demon Sect exerted all his might to throw the Earthly Elemental Stone far away, and Wu Li, suspended in the air, reacted the fastest, tossing away the Earth Fiend Suppressing Stone he held, causing the nearby Evil Qi of Earth Fiend to quickly disperse, that five Mysterious Corpses successively perished under Chen Mu''s Fist Seal!


    The Earth Fiend Formation was broken, the black fog rapidly dispersed, and the black sand swiftly reverted to yellow sand, while the nearby heavens and earth regained their clarity.


    "Good, good, good."


    At this time, fine scale-like armors covered Kun Jie''s body, each revealing even finer and more profound blood-red patterns, with blood-colored veins also appearing in his pupils, staring intently at Chen Mu, an excited glint faintly rising within.


    "The Qiankun Artistic Conception, a complete Qiankun Artistic Conception... There are still Martial Artists in this world willing to take this most difficult path of Martial Arts, but it just so happens to be perfect, let me see how this so-called strongest path compares to my own Heavenly Demon Great Technique!"


    With his words falling,


    All the blood-red patterns on Kun Jie''s body seemed to spill out crimson blood, his aura surged violently, an immense demonic might filling the surroundings, then with one step, he charged towards Chen Mu.


    "Heaven-Rending Demon Claw!"


    Accompanied by his abruptly swollen arm, the lethal claws that formed tore fiercely, an overwhelming surge of demonic power erupted, its might even surpassing Xiahou Yan, Chu Jingsui and the others, almost reaching the Wind Cloud List!


    However,


    Chen Mu''s expression remained unchanged, even as the Earth Fiend Formation Veins scattered and the majestic power of the Earth Fiend could no longer be directly summoned, he still stood there, now with one hand reaching for the heavens and the other toward the earth, in the blink of an eye, the Power of Heaven and Earth gathered tumultuously, Qian Heaven''s clarity condensed above his head, and Kun Earth''s profound authority gathered under him.


    Without the gathering of Earth Fiend Qi, it meant that Qian Heaven and the other Six Phases were no longer suppressed. Despite losing the direct control of the majestic power of the Earth Fiend, with heaven and earth realigned and the Eight Phases converging, it still revolved around him!


    Boom!


    Chen Mu''s hands met, forming the Qian Heaven Wheel Seal and Kun Earth Wheel Seal up and down, creating a more majestic and complete Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, which collided with Kun Jie''s giant demon claw in the air, and for a moment the air seemed stagnant, then exploded into visible ripples, while the yellow sand rolled like a tide centered around the two of them.


    In a brief stalemate lasting barely a breath, the blood-red demon claw that Kun Jie condensed with his demonic power was crushed by the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, which resembled a grinding disc. His figure, which had swollen to be much taller than Chen Mu, was now forcibly compressed down bit by bit, his entire body trembling, as though subjected to unimaginable terrifying pressure, his scale-covered legs sinking inch by inch into the sandy ground beneath!


    "Attack together!"


    Witnessing this scene, Wu Li was shocked by Chen Mu''s strength; he hadn''t even stepped into the Six Viscera Realm yet, but he could still oppress Kun Jie, who had unleashed his Heavenly Demon Secret Technique. However, she was even clearer in her mind that the situation was dangerous and there could be no hesitation!


    She, capable of flight, set that aside, having the ability to escape; but the others could not fly, and if the people from the Heavenly Corpse Sect retreated, then apart from her having the chance to escape, Kun Jie and the other two Demon Men would likely lose their lives on the spot!


    Liao Chou, hearing Wu Li''s shout, had his deep-set eyes flicker, rapidly weighing his options.


    "Junior brothers, assist me quickly, we cannot let this man live!"


    Chen Mu was only in the Five Viscera Realm yet his power nearly matched the Wind Cloud List; what would happen if he later stepped into the Six Viscera Realm!


    With a hoarse roar, a stream of Evil Qi flowed around him, then as he opened his mouth to spit out a clump of black essence blood, all the Evil Qi converged on it, and with it, he directly targeted one of the Mysterious Corpses.


    With the aid of essence blood and Evil Qi, the aura of this Mysterious Corpse suddenly swelled, becoming even more fierce and terrifying, while Liao Chou''s own aura rapidly withered by more than half.


    At the same time,


    Liao Chou''s two junior brothers each reacted as well, none of them confident of escaping Chen Mu''s movement technique. Now that Kun Jie had unleashed the Heavenly Demon Secret Technique and was barely able to contend with Chen Mu, there was still a chance to kill Chen Mu on the spot.


    In the end, no matter how strong Chen Mu was, he was still just one person, relying solely on the Qiankun Artistic Conception. His body was still just in the Five Viscera Realm. As long as they could hit Chen Mu''s critical points, even just one strike would suffice to end Chen Mu''s life!


    It''s just too bad that the initial decision was a huge mistake. Setting up the Earth Fiend Formation to suppress Qian Heaven was simply the most foolish act. It was not only ineffective but also handed Chen Mu the opportunity to employ the Formation''s power to his advantage. Had they not made such attempts from the start, the situation might have been much better now!


    Hum! Hum!!


    All three Mysterious Corpses had their auras boom in succession, their Xuan Sha Qi almost turning into rolling torrents, rising like beacon fires, as they all charged at once, pressing towards Chen Mu from different directions, sealing off the space around him.


    Meanwhile, with Wu Li in the air, the demonic power surged around her, and as her pitch-black wings spread wide with a sudden burst, a demonic might erupted, and over a dozen black feathers fell off resembling arrows shot from a Strong Bow, like dark beams capable of piercing Mysterious Gold, shooting towards Chen Mu. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 232 Qiankuns Might!_3

    The last two Great Demons also made continuous moves, a stream of green light and a stream of blood light intertwined, raising the sky full of yellow sand, which immediately engulfed the figures of Chen Mu and Kun Jie, obscuring their traces.After a brief silence.


    Boom!!!


    Accompanied by a thunderous boom that shook the heavens and the earth, the ground burst open, and amidst the swirling yellow sand, it cracked open with fissures and gullies stretching for dozens of yards, as if the solid ground itself had split, with the rising yellow sand dancing wildly in the sky, obscuring the sun.


    "How is it?"


    Wu Li hovered in the sky, her eagle eyes staring intently at the center of the battlefield, seeing everyone had charged into it, the yellow sand and evil Qi, rolling demonic power, along with the mixed Power of Heaven and Earth, condensing into one, so much so that even her demon eyes couldn''t see clearly.


    As for the aura, it was patchy and mixed, with no breath of life distinguishable.


    But.


    Almost in the next moment.


    Wu Li''s demon eyes then saw three Mysterious Corpses fly out sideways from that rolling yellow sand and demon Qi, as if something had flung them out forcefully, not only scattering and extinguishing the evil Qi on their bodies in an instant but also bearing scorched traces between their chests.


    Before she could react, her demon eyes suddenly narrowed, and in her line of sight, she saw a blazing white point of light emerge from the sand and demon Qi, which then grew larger and larger, and with a crackling interweave, turned into a beam of flowing light, piercing the clouds and shooting straight toward her in the sky! sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Spirit Weapon!


    Wu Li''s face changed drastically.


    Even less did she expect that Chen Mu, in the face of so many people''s joint attacks, not only repelled the three Mysterious Corpses and forced back Kun Jie and others but still had the extra strength to strike at her hover in the sky with a spirit weapon!


    At this moment.


    She could clearly see in her vision that it was a Thunder Spear entwined with dazzling Thunder Arcs, piercing the air and flying towards her. In her demon eyes, its speed wasn''t fast, she could even see its trajectory, including the Thunderbolt Seal on it... but she still couldn''t dodge it!


    Being able to see with demon eyes didn''t mean her speed could keep up, especially in mid-air. Although she had the ability to hover and grew wings, speaking frankly, she was not a true demon, nor was she one of those demons born to dominate the sky. She was merely capable of flying, and even her speed in flight was not faster than when she ran on the ground.


    "Not good, it''s too late."


    Wu Li inwardly cried out with alarm, the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear was too fast, even though she could clearly see its trajectory with her unique demon eyes, she couldn''t dodge it in time. At this point, she could only do her utmost to mobilize all her demonic power around her and slowly gather it in her feathered and scaled claws, inching them, and at the approach of the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear, barely caught it with her claws.


    Crackle!!!


    In an instant, thunder light exploded across the heavens.


    Wu Li exerted all her strength to forcibly grind away the ''Thunderbolt Seal'' on the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear, her own feathers and claws almost scorched by the might of the thunder.


    But almost as she barely crushed the Thunderbolt Seal, feeling that she had narrowly escaped disaster, beneath the shattered Thunderbolt Seal suddenly shone a glint of purple light, which instantly lit up her entire pair of demon eyes.


    The Thunderbolt Seal on the surface of the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear was merely a display of might reliant on Chen Mu''s power, while inside it concealed the even more terrifying ''Evil-Breaking True Thunder'' inherent to the spirit weapon itself!


    "No!"


    Wu Li''s demon eyes, completely covered by thunder light, finally showed a trace of horror, but she only managed to let out a scream before her power over the claws and demonic power dissipated and she could no longer control the spear.


    With a flash of purple Thunder Arc, the Thunder Spear instantly penetrated her left chest, piercing through the black feathers and lofty peaks, drilling through her breastbone, and finally out the back!


    In her eyes, there remained a hint of disbelief.


    Chen Mu could actually be this strong, even though he''s mastered the Qiankun Artistic Conception, he''s still just at the Five Viscera Realm!


    Wu Li''s entire body stiffened in mid-air, his black wings motionless behind him, then his whole body fell from a height of twenty zhang, like a bird with broken wings, crashing into the yellow sand with a thud, still trailing strands of purple Thunder Arcs.


    "Wu Li!"


    Amidst the rolling sands, a heart-wrenching roar sounded.


    In the most chaotic center of the battlefield, Chen Mu fought alone, with the Qiankun Eight Phases revolving around him forming successive Cycle Marks, battling Kun Jie and two other Sixth Rank Demon Men, a continuous explosion of demonic power and The Power of Heaven and Earth tearing and bursting forth.


    At that moment, one of the Demon Men suddenly let out a piercing scream, abruptly abandoning Chen Mu and rushing towards the direction where Wu Li had fallen.


    "Jin Ye! Don''t go!"


    Another Great Demon''s pupils suddenly constricted, revealing a look of shock and anger, "Damn it..."


    Chen Mu had just forcibly resisted the combined attack of many, and although he mobilized the might of his Spirit Weapon, his aura had clearly diminished a lot, but Jin Ye, because Wu Li had lost his reason, chose this moment to rush out of the battlefield!


    However.


    At this point, he was too preoccupied to be angry at Jin Ye, because Chen Mu, almost in the next moment, launched a punch with the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal that caused Kun Jie to cough blood and retreat, and then he threw another punch towards him.


    "Bring it on!"


    A flash of bloodlust shone in Bo Kai''s eyes. He knew about Chen Mu''s Qiankun Artistic Conception, the ceaseless revolutions of the Eight Phases, but even a complete Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal had a brief interval between them. He would rather endure the impact of Chen Mu''s Yuan Gang True Essence than clash directly with Chen Mu''s physical body. The human race was physically weak; if he could get close just once, he could deal a heavy blow to Chen Mu!


    Chen Mu condensed the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal with the gathering Yuan Gang True Essence in his fist. At this moment, Bo Kai forcibly endured the explosion of Chen Mu''s Yuan Gang, his entire Demon Corpse violently shaking, but at the same time, his scale-armored palm clenched Chen Mu''s fist!


    "Haha!"


    He let out a big laugh.


    Although the bursting impact of Yuan Gang made him spit blood and his body shook violently, he didn''t care at all at this moment, summoning his remaining strength in an attempt to tear off one of Chen Mu''s arms.


    But his laughter abruptly stopped in the next moment.


    Chen Mu looked somewhat pale, but his eyes were cold and resolute. With just a pull between the two pure physical forces, Bo Kai felt as if he was trying to tear apart a body made of bronze steel, completely unable to move it!


    Not only could he not move it, but after his remaining strength was spent, Chen Mu, with an indifferent expression, changed his punch into a grab, seizing Bo Kai''s claw and tearing it fiercely. Accompanied by an overpowering force, blood splattered, and Bo Kai''s arm was torn apart!


    "An overestimation of one''s abilities foolishly blocking the inevitable."


    "Ah!!!"


    Bo Kai let out a terrible cry, but in the next moment Chen Mu didn''t stop at all, delivering an elbow strike to his chest. The combined force of his physical strength and Yuan Gang True Qi exploded, collapsing his entire chest cavity in an instant, snapping who knows how many bones. As he flew backwards, he spit out a mouthful of his organ fragments, his breath rapidly weakening.


    Chen Mu didn''t even glance at the flying Bo Kai, tossing the severed limb onto the ground, and then stepped forward, catching up with the retreating Kun Jie. The Power of Heaven and Earth revolved around him once more as he stomped down.


    Having sustained several previous attacks, Kun Jie was already showing signs of blood between his scales. Facing Chen Mu''s strike, he could only roar and raise both arms to block, with streams of black Demon Qi gathering on his arms, yet still unable to withstand the attack.


    Bang!


    Kun Jie was stomped into the dune by Chen Mu, half his body buried in sand as he vomited a mouthful of black Demon Blood. The dune beneath him caved in around him for three zhang in every direction!

 Chapter 233 Not Born to Be Demons

    In the midst of the swirling yellow sand, everyone watched as Chen Mu''s Thunder Spear struck down Wu Li, forced Jin Ye to retreat, and then sequentially erupted in power, killing Bo Kai, suppressing Kun Jie, and others. At this moment, almost everyone gasped in shock.Four Sixth Rank Demon Men had fallen, one after another, within the blink of an eye!


    Although they looked down upon Demon Men like Kun Jie, thinking that their integration with the demons made their minds dull, they did not deny the strength of these Demon Men; each was strong enough to contend against two or three Mysterious Corpses alone.


    With Chen Mu fending off three Mysterious Corpses imbued with Secret Techniques, and consecutively defeating Kun Jie, Wu Li, and others, such strength was utterly terrifying. He was no ordinary newcomer of the Five Viscera Realm. Even in the Six Viscera Realm, he would certainly rank on the Wind Cloud List!


    Experts of the Wind Cloud List!


    To them, of average Sixth Rank caliber, such experts were nearly invincible and unshakeable!


    "This is futile, retreat!"


    Shocked beyond measure, Liao Chou finally understood the futility, and almost simultaneously, the three of them retreated, dispatching their respective three Mysterious Corpses to forcefully converge on Chen Mu, attempting to halt his advance.


    However, Chen Mu looked on with cold eyes.


    "Thinking of fleeing now? Don''t you think it''s a bit late?"


    If the Heavenly Corpse Sect had acted decisively from the start, abandoning Kun Jie and others and fled, if they could have escaped far enough and burrowed into the depths of the yellow sand, indeed, he would not have been able to pursue them easily. But now, with the Sky Demon Sect either dead or crippled, to think of escaping from under his watch was undoubtedly too disdainful of him.


    Chen Mu did not concern himself with Kun Jie, who was half-buried in the sand, weak and gasping. He simply drew out the Flowing Fire Blade. With a swing of his blade, he unraveled an instant of stunning brilliance as if he stirred the radiance of the sun and the moon, the confluence of heaven and earth.


    Just one strike.


    The three Mysterious Corpses were sent flying consecutively, their aura of Mysterious Evil Qi shattering into pieces!


    Then, Chen Mu tossed the Flowing Fire Blade in his hand. It shot out, transforming into a streak of light, spanning dozens of feet across the sand dunes, and targeted one of the escaping remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect.


    "No!"


    That individual let out a hoarse roar, pulling out something from his body and crushing it, instantly releasing a dense cloud of ash, which eroded away a large part of the heavenly and earthly Cycle Mark on the Flowing Fire Blade. But ultimately, he could not evade the strike of the Flowing Fire Blade, which penetrated him from back to front, sending him flying tens of feet forward, lifeless.


    Without pausing, Chen Mu, having tossed his Flowing Fire Blade, raised his hand to the sky just in time to catch the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear that he had thrown earlier and pierced Wu Li with. It fell from the sky like a black line and into his grasp.


    Crackle and pop!!


    As Chen Mu''s hand clasped shut, the purple thunder on the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear burst forth again, turning into a dazzling streak of light, overshadowing the heavens and the earth. It flew out faster than the Flowing Fire Blade, and before one of the fleeing remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect could react, it penetrated their entire body!


    The Crackling Evil-Breaking True Thunder exploded on their body, emitting sizzling noises like water dousing fire, grinding their Evil Qi into a fog of ash until their bodies burst into fragments!


    "Damn it."


    Seeing two of his fellow disciples killed in an instant, Liao Chou was terrified. Even though he was weak, he forced a spot at his heart, expectorating a mouthful of black heart''s blood that turned into a dense black fog, engulfing him before he dived into the sand dunes, desperately burrowing down, attempting to escape into Earth''s Veins.


    However, Chen Mu, after throwing the Flowing Fire Blade and the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear and killing two people, continued his pursuit relentlessly, reaching the spot above Liao Chou''s underground escape in just two steps, then with a cold expression, he stomped down hard.


    Boom!!!


    The entire sand dune, with the point of his stomp as the center, rolled outwards like ocean waves, the Earth''s Veins beneath the ground were stirred violently and became turbulent and chaotic.


    Liao Chou had burrowed more than ten feet underground, but feeling the intense fluctuations chasing him from behind, he panicked and continued to burrow deeper. However, he was soon overtaken by the rolling force of Earth Pulse''s Power and caught within it.


    The once soft sand turned as tough as steel under the impact of Earth Pulse''s Power. With each roll and squeeze, his already weak and hunched body was brutally compressed into a mass, bursting out with copious amounts of black blood with a thud.


    Above ground.


    After slaying the three from the Heavenly Corpse Sect, Chen Mu turned to see Jin Ye holding the corpse of Wu Li, pierced by the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear, howling in pain towards the sky. Then, suddenly opening his wide jaws, he bit into Wu Li''s chest, tearing the torso apart and swallowing the dark red heart whole. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A violent rush of demonic power and blood qi erupted from him. He then threw aside Wu Li''s corpse, his pupils filling with blood until his eyes turned completely red.


    "Heavenly Demon Transformation!"


    With a near-mad roar, his demonic power swelled, the scale armor on his body stretched to the point of cracking, and his flesh almost tearing, his demonic power momentarily overbearing even Kun Jie''s.


    The overwhelming force and pressure almost caught up with Chen Mu who harnessed the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal.


    "You... die..."


    Jin Ye''s throat produced an unclear voice. His body seemed on the verge of bursting, filled with terrifying power that filled his gaze with ferocity and intent to kill. Suddenly, he leaped up, swinging his fist fiercely towards Chen Mu.

 Chapter 313 233

    Not far away, Kun Jie, who struggled to climb out from the sand dune, also watched this scene with a shocked expression."Heavenly Demon Transformation Technique, Jin Ye has actually mastered it... No, there are flaws, he forced the transformation using Wu Li''s Demon Heart. He probably won''t live long after performing it, but such demonic power, maybe..."


    He stared intently at the moment Jin Ye charged towards Chen Mu.


    However.


    Chen Mu''s expression remained unchanged from beginning to end, and even as the Qiankun Eight Phases flowed endlessly, his previously slightly pale face also returned to normal. Facing Jin Ye''s furious charge, he still threw out a Fist Seal.


    "A pearl, too, can shine."


    Jin Ye''s terrifying demonic power was almost dense enough to solidify, comparable to the experts on the Wind Cloud List, and even subtly surpassing the Power of Heaven and Earth that Chen Mu was drawing upon at that moment. However, when the two forces collided, they were worlds apart.


    One could see Chen Mu''s strike, which condensed thunder, lightning, water, and fire within the Eight Phases Wheel Seal, effortlessly crush Jin Ye''s rolling demonic power, plowing forward, and ultimately striking him squarely in the chest and abdomen, blowing a through-and-through hole!


    Jin Ye''s blood-red pupils stared wide, seemingly in disbelief.


    "This... is im...possible..."


    Even though his demonic power was not inferior to the Power of Heaven and Earth that Chen Mu was wielding, upon collision, the effect was even worse than what Kun Jie had experienced, Chen Mu''s strike instantly shattered it!


    The hole through his chest and abdomen momentarily solidified for a breath''s time, then his body could no longer withstand the out-of-control demonic power, exploding from head to toe, his flesh scattering among the sand dunes.


    Chen Mu looked on indifferently, stepping over Jin Ye''s shattered corpse, and approached the still gasping Kun Jie.


    Demons'' power, the Power of Heaven and Earth, unless it reaches an absolutely overwhelming level, its abundance can not determine victory or defeat. Even thirty portions of spotty and scattered demonic power can''t compare to ten portions of Solidifying Refinement focused into one point of demonic power''s strength.


    This principle he had understood for a long time, but now he experienced it more directly and clearly.


    Cultivating the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal to the Fourth Layer, his condensation and control of the Power of Heaven and Earth could almost reach the peak of the same Realm. Naturally, Jin Ye''s huge but difficult-to-control patchy demonic power seemed inconsequential in front of him. Discover hidden tales at empire


    "Cough, cough..."


    Kun Jie struggled to support his body, staggering to stand on the sand dune, his aura had already declined severely. Looking at Chen Mu, he revealed a bitter smile and said, "Qiankun Artistic Conception, it truly is powerful, worthy of being the pinnacle of Human Race Martial Arts. You are just in the Five Viscera Realm, yet you managed to kill so many of us Mysterious Corpses and Great Demons, making it tough to match you... That Zuo Qianqiu is simply incomparable to you..."


    Beneath the fine black scale armor on his cheeks, streaks of fresh blood seeped out. He raised his hand to touch the blood on his face and looking at Chen Mu, who was walking closer, he didn''t try to flee, just stared at him and cackled strangely. sea??h th§× n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "However... I heard that the Qiankun Artistic Conception, since the Da Xuan Martial Emperor established it, no one in the past hundreds of years has succeeded in the third step, and very few even broke through to Grandmaster. Many talented people have fallen on this path. You dared to choose this path, admirable for your courage and comprehension..."


    "All those who fell on this path, did so due to insufficient lifespan. With such talent and courage, if you were to join the Sky Demon Sect, the Elders would certainly be willing to recreate a Demon Corpse for you. Then you could wield Qiankun with a Demon Body, and there might even be a chance to surpass the Da Xuan Martial Emperor, and to enjoy a prolonged life..."


    Splat.


    Chen Mu''s right hand formed a blade, piercing straight through Kun Jie''s chest.


    "I don''t need it."


    He looked indifferently at Kun Jie.


    Kun Jie looked down at the hole in his chest, feeling his vitality rapidly fading. As he fell backward, he burst into loud laughter: "You, now in the Five Viscera Realm, still have a sliver of a chance, but once you reach the Six Viscera Realm, you''ll have no opportunity to be remade into a Demon Corpse, hahaha... Not choosing the path of the Sky Demon Sect, even if you cultivate to the Blood Exchange and become a Martial Saint, you''ll have at most two to three hundred years of life. Our Sky Demon Sect is the future... I''ll be waiting for you in the Netherworld..."


    Hiss.


    A line of blood appeared right in the center of his head, and his voice ceased suddenly.


    "Noisy."


    Chen Mu''s gaze remained indifferent as he lowered his hand.


    Lifespan?


    To live longer by degenerating into something half-human, half-demon like the Sky Demon Sect, that was absolutely impossible for him.


    He was born a human, upright and proper, how could he become a monster!


    In the midst of the sand disaster causing chaos at the Border Pass, disregarding the suffering of the living, consuming people for Corpse Refinement and utterly abandoning morality, he was determined to eradicate all these Evildoers in his lifetime!


    Kun Jie''s words seemed like a proposition, but in reality, they were the last venomous words before his death, attempting to destroy Chen Mu''s Martial Arts resolve.


    But Chen Mu''s Martial Arts resolve had long since been clear and firm, how could it be easily shaken?


    With his incredible talent and comprehension, he needed only to continue his Cultivation step by step, and he would inevitably ascend to the summit of Martial Arts, becoming invincible in the world, without needing any sort of Demon Body or extended lifespan to help him understand Qiankun!


    After giving Kun Jie''s corpse a cold glance, he once again formed his hand into a blade and swiftly struck a few times, cutting it into pieces, then searched the body. Soon he found a palm-sized booklet on it.


    He flipped it open for a look.


    It contained various Prescriptions, mostly using the flesh and blood of different demons as materials, secret techniques for transforming a human body into a half-demon form, layered with tempting phrases like ''enhance Qi-Blood,'' ''extend lifespan,'' and more.

 Chapter 233 Born Not to Be Demons_3

    But Chen Mu only glanced over before he rubbed his hands together, turning the small booklet into powder.He turned his head.


    Indifferently, he stepped forward and came to the bodies of Wu Li and the others, inspecting each one in turn.


    Finally, he walked to the body of a remnant of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, picked up the Flowing Fire Blade, and then a frown formed as he noticed faint signs of erosion on the blade of the Flowing Fire Blade, making the edge much whiter.


    "Even a top treasured artifact seems hard to remain intact in battles of this level," he sighed.


    Chen Mu exhaled.


    The Flowing Fire Blade was extremely sturdy, bearing his Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal without issue, but in the end, it still suffered some erosion under the unnamed methods of the Heavenly Corpse Sect''s remnant. Although it was still usable, its quality had inevitably declined.


    At the level of the Wind Cloud List and Grandmasters, one usually either possesses a Spirit Weapon or fights purely unarmed, because treasured artifacts hardly provide much of an amplifying effect, and that slight effect is meaningless at this level.


    However, the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear was different.


    He could now easily wield the Thunder Spear and unleash power nearly on par with the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, and that was with his own Yuan Gang still insufficient. Once he stepped into the Six Viscera Realm and saw a substantial increase in Yuan Gang, he would be able to maximize the potential of the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear, likely possessing power at the level of the Wind Cloud List, on par with his Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal attacks.


    Although the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal and the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear could not be used together, the Wheel Seal was his close-combat method while the Thunder Spear was his long-range power. Like in today''s battle, if it weren''t for the Thunder Spear, he would not have been able to easily bring down Wu Li, who was always flying more than twenty feet above the ground.


    Whoosh.


    Within a few steps, Chen Mu moved to another body of a remnant of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, reached out to grab at the air, and the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear flew back into his hand, without a trace of blood, merely glowing faintly and with strands of purple Thunder Arcs.


    "Spirit Blades are not easy to come by, and it all depends on opportunity. Moreover, I practice the Qiankun Artistic Conception, and to find a Spirit Blade that resonates with Qiankun, there are only a few in the whole world, and it''s likely that it''ll be hard to find a suitable weapon for a long time to come," Chen Mu slightly shook his head, looking at the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear in his hand.


    "Well, it will have to do," he murmured.


    After putting away the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear, he dug out the last body from more than ten feet under the sand veins, meticulously inspecting it like the others before gathering all the items together.


    There were several items.


    First was a gray round bead, within which was a rich aura of Corpse Fiend, similar to the ''Corpse Poison Jade'' he had seen many times before, but the quality was clearly much higher. The Corpse Fiend within it, if carelessly absorbed into his body, would definitely damage his Five Viscera and pose a threat even to those in the Six Viscera Realm.


    Next was an ''Earth Fiend Suppressing Stone,'' one of the spiritual materials related to Earth Fiend. It could not be used for weapon refinement, serving purely as a material for setting up Earth Vein Formations. Nonetheless, its value was significant, comparable to one or two Earth Element Pearls.


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    After that, there was a set of Corpse Refinement Technique that Chen Mu briefly glanced at before grinding it into powder. He had no interest in Corpse Refinement, and looking at it was just to gain some understanding of such things, for it was clear that the force of the Heavenly Corpse Sect''s remnants was far more than just what was in Yu County. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Come to think of it.


    He had even heard a long time ago about the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect and the Sky Demon Sect ambushing Zuo Qianqiu, but they also failed, with Zuo Qianqiu slaying several Mysterious Corpses and Demon Men, and ultimately escaping with his life.


    "Earthly Elemental Stone... Hmm, it''s a considerable amount," Chen Mu noted, turning his attention to a piece of earthy yellow rock standing there. It was identical to the Earthly Elemental Stone he saw at Yunlu Pass. The remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect and the Sky Demon Sect were using this stone in combination with the Earth Fiend Suppressing Stone to set up a simple formation that concealed their aura and gathered Earth Fiend energy.


    Just for the sake of sealing Qian Heaven, they set up an Earth Fiend Formation, which was laughable under his complete Qiankun Artistic Conception. He took control of the terrain in a reversal and easily eliminated five Mysterious Corpses.


    If the formation had been a bit more complete, Kun Jie and the others probably wouldn''t have even had the chance to resist and would have been slaughtered by the terrain they created themselves.


    This piece of Earthly Elemental Stone, judging by the amount, was likely worth one to two Earth Element Pearls.


    Although the remnant of the Heavenly Corpse Sect and the Sky Demon Sect didn''t bring any other valuable items, he was quite satisfied with just these two. As a result, he crushed all the bodies into dust and buried them deep in the rolling sands, not allowing them to be exposed in the desert.


    "This alliance between the Heavenly Corpse Sect and the Sky Demon Sect may become a scourge for the Eleven States of Cold North Path in the future."


    Chen Mu collected each item, then showed a trace of contemplation.


    The most troublesome aspect of the Sky Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect was the complete uncertainty about their overall strength. Although the Heavenly Sword Sect had been investigating and hunting the Heavenly Corpse Sect since the battle at the Purple Mist Mountains in Yu County, and Zuo Qianqiu, after being ambushed, also took action against Demon Men of the Sky Demon Sect, the situation throughout the Eleven States of Cold North Path was too chaotic.


    In the past, when the world was stable, the Great Sects together with the North Garrison Government would have searched and executed members of the Heavenly Corpse Sect and the Sky Demon Sect throughout the Cold North Path, and these sects would have had nowhere to hide. They would either be completely eradicated, or they would have had to flee to the Border Pass.


    But now, with the Great Sects each having their own agendas and the North Garrison Government coveting control over the Eleven States of the Cold North, there was a tacit agreement to deal with the Heavenly Corpse Sect and the Sky Demon Sect. Still, there were those like the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion who used the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect for their designs.


    "Enough, I''ll just fulfill my own duties," Chen Mu finally shook his head, planning to report the matters of the Heavenly Corpse Sect and the Sky Demon Sect to the Seven Profound Sect later. He would not consider other issues for now. Even if he truly wanted to exterminate these two major Evil Path sects, it was not his turn yet.


    After all, he was still just a ''new talent'' on the Newcomer''s List and needed to continue honing his skills.

 Chapter 234 Seventh Rank Demon King

    "Goo goo."The yellow sand was pervasive, and amid the high sky and clouds, a gray demonic bird wailed mournfully while gliding through the cloud layer.


    After circling for a while, it disappeared silently into the clouds.


    Among the dunes.


    Chen Mu, with his rucksack on his back, still strolled from one dune to another; with each step, he spanned dozens of meters, vaulting from one dune to the next.


    In this way, after six days, he explored several points where the Earth''s Veins were absent. Two of these were lairs of demonic creatures, but the other two offered opportunities for him to obtain another portion of his own Earth Primordial Essence, as well as some mineral materials.


    All together, they were worth almost two or three Earth Element Pearls.


    "Find another two portions or so, go back to the Sect to collect my share for the past two years as a True Disciple, and in combination that should be enough to complete the eleventh and twelfth temperings of the Five Viscera simultaneously," he pondered.


    At the moment, Chen Mu was only considering the resources needed for the next two temperings, not even contemplating the thirteenth, because twelve might be the limit for the Five Viscera Realm. Whether there would be a thirteenth was still uncertain, and it wasn''t necessary to think too far ahead before the rain comes.


    "However, the power of the Earth''s Veins in this desert is gradually recovering."


    As Chen Mu walked, he still sensed the changes in the desert''s Earth''s Veins. Since the end of the sand calamity, eight days had passed, and the Earth''s Veins in the desert had noticeably begun to recover, making finding the gaps increasingly difficult these past two days.


    This was not unexpected for Chen Mu. Xiahou Yan had previously explained that the best time to explore the desert was the half month following a sand calamity, especially the initial days. After ten days, most minor gaps would have mended, leaving only some larger ones partially open, offering a chance for discovery.


    As for Chen Mu''s own perception and judgment of the Earth''s Veins, he figured it was indeed about that time.


    "I should pick up the pace a bit."


    With that thought in his heart, Chen Mu mobilized his Yuan Gang True Essence, elevating his Abyssal Ground Shrink movement technique to a higher speed, darting across the dunes like a fleeting shadow.


    Although he had many resources on him, in the worst case, he could even exchange Earthly Green Lotus Seeds, but he didn''t have many of those left, and they were more valuable and rarer than other items. He wasn''t likely to easily exchange Earthly Green Lotus Seeds for more common Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items like the Earth Element Pearls.


    Whoosh.


    Chen Mu sped across the desert, not knowing how far he had ventured into its depths, but his route wasn''t aimed beyond the border. Instead, after reaching a certain distance, he explored within a range.


    Just like that, after half a day of fruitless searching,


    Suddenly,


    A red glimmer appeared on the distant horizon. Though the light was somewhat dim, as if very far away, Chen Mu could still make it out and felt a stir in his heart, "Hmm? Is that a Message Talisman?"


    Before setting off, Xiahou Yan had issued a Message Talisman to everyone, actually made of special minerals and the blood of a high-rank demonic creature that lived in volcanic environments. When activated with Yuan Gang, it would send up a signal like fireworks, bright and visible from even twenty to thirty miles away.


    Without much hesitation,


    Chen Mu immediately turned and hurried towards the location of the Communication Talisman.


    In no time, having traversed nearly thirty miles through the yellow sand, Chen Mu gradually approached a massive sand dune and from afar, he could see two figures on top of the dune.


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    One was Xiahou Yan, and the other was Chu Jingsui, but it was unclear who had sent the Message Talisman and who had arrived in response.


    "It''s Junior Brother Chen."


    Xiahou Yan and Chu Jingsui on the dune had also spotted Chen Mu.


    Xiahou Yan smiled and said, "I didn''t expect both you and Junior Brother Chen to be nearby. With both of you here, we''re much more confident."


    "Hmm."


    Chu Jingsui nodded slightly.


    As Chen Mu neared the dune, he leapt up and joined them without greeting Xiahou Yan or Chu Jingsui, already understanding the situation as he looked towards the valley behind the huge dune, a trace of a glint in his eyes.


    "Junior Brother Chen seems to have harvested quite a bit; your movement technique is indeed much faster than ours," Xiahou Yan remarked with a smile, glancing at the bulging rucksack on Chen Mu, then his tone shifted, "You must have felt it too, Junior Brother Chen." S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hmm."


    Chen Mu was intently looking at the base of the dune.


    At that moment, he could sense a very large gap in the Earth''s Veins at the base of the dune, larger than any he had encountered before, and beyond that, a whiff of demonic Qi was faintly emanating from within!


    Even with a gap in the Earth''s Veins, the aura of ordinary demonic creatures would hardly spread outside. It would be difficult for even Sixth Rank Great Demons to do so... Undoubtedly, beneath these Earth''s Veins lurked a Seventh Rank Demon King!


    "This gap in the Earth''s Veins is quite large; there must be precious Spiritual Objects within, but a Seventh Rank Demon King dwells here, which is a big problem. Alone, I couldn''t handle it and had to release the Communication Talisman to see if anyone was nearby. Fortunately, both of you disciples were around. With the three of us, we might attempt it," Xiahou Yan explained to Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu, looking pensive, said, "A Seventh Rank Demon King, I''ve heard it possesses almost the abilities of a Grandmaster. Even if we join forces, and even set up some Formations to lend us strength, it won''t be easy to handle."


    Chu Jingsui shook his head and replied, "True, a Seventh Rank Demon King can almost match a Grandmaster''s standard, but it is just an approximation. In fact, the masters on the Wind Cloud List don''t fear ordinary Seventh Rank Demon Kings. Even those ranked lower usually can triumph in combat. And although its demonic power is strong and its physique resilient, it doesn''t have the ability to master the natural world, to command all things, and certainly cannot cultivate a Martial Arts Domain. As long as we can withstand its attacks, even if it comes down to wearing it out, we could kill it through attrition."

 Chapter 234 Seventh Rank Demon King_2

    The greatest difference between demons and humans is that demons do not draw upon the Power of Heaven and Earth through Artistic Conception. Instead, they rely on the demonic power refined within their own bodies. Even though their demonic power is robust and they can also extract Yuan Qi from Heaven and Earth to circulate slowly, compared to Artistic Conception, which can almost endlessly mobilize the Power of Heaven and Earth, the gap is simply too vast.A human Martial Artist, even if they are at the Five Viscera Realm, as long as they have mastered one or two kinds of Artistic Conception and combine it with their own Yuan Gang, it is nearly impossible to exhaust their powers, whereas demons cannot do the same.


    This is why a Seventh Rank Demon King has near-Grandmaster abilities, but any expert on the Wind Cloud List does not fear them and is confident of overcoming and ultimately slaying them.


    "Junior Brother Chen need not fear. I have carefully investigated this Seventh Rank Demon King before, and it has only undergone its transformation recently. Right now, its demonic power and Demon Corpse have yet to stabilize; it has merely reached the Seventh Rank. Junior Brother Chu and I both have Spirit Weapons in hand, and we are confident we can withstand it head-on. You will not have to face it," Xiahou Yan said to Chen Mu.


    At this time, Xiahou Yan said to Chen Mu, "Junior Brother Chen, your movement technique is extremely fast, far more agile than ours. You just need to explore the entire burrow below while Junior Brother Chu and I jointly restrain the demon. Once we take all the rare Spiritual Objects, we can retreat successfully. There is no need to fight to the death with this demon, and the level of danger is naturally very low."


    At this point,


    Chu Jingsui also nodded and added, "Indeed, there is no need for Junior Brother Chen to take risks. The front will be covered by me and Elder Brother Xiahou. Junior Brother Chen, you can just quickly scout the burrow... In fact, if Junior Brother Chen hadn''t come here, Elder Brother Xiahou and I were planning to go down ourselves. Just now, we were discussing who should block that Demon King. Now that you are here, with Elder Brother Xiahou and I joining forces, the level of threat is significantly reduced."


    After hearing Xiahou Yan and Chu Jingsui, Chen Mu stared at the dune and fell into deep thought. He also expanded his perception, carefully probing the surrounding environment, ensuring every detail was checked.


    Seeing Chen Mu not immediately agreeing, Xiahou Yan and Chu Jingsui exchanged a glance, shook their heads slightly, but did not rush him.


    After all, Chen Mu cultivated the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception. Once he descended into the burrow, cutting off the connection with Qian Heaven, his strengths would undoubtedly be greatly suppressed, making it an extremely unfavorable environment for him. Additionally, since Chen Mu''s Cultivation was not as high as theirs, his hesitation was to be expected, and they could not force him to take risks. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Watching Chen Mu walk several circles around the dune, Chu Jingsui finally spoke, "If Junior Brother Chen truly has concerns, you might as well help us guard the entrance on the ground, and Elder Brother Xiahou and I are confident to scout it by ourselves."


    Xiahou Yan remained silent.


    He and Chu Jingsui also had a certain level of confidence, but taking this approach would entail some risks. Should the proceeds be divided later, Chen Mu would only get the lesser share... However, these were not the key issues. Mainly, he thought that Chen Mu was in the midst of Solidifying Refinement of his Martial Arts will. Being too cautious was not necessarily a good thing; lacking a bit of self-confidence meant missing some vitality.


    "No."


    At this moment, Chen Mu shook his head, "I have no such concerns. If my senior brothers are not afraid, then naturally, neither am I. I was just investigating the surroundings. Earlier in this desert, I was attacked by members of the Heavenly Corpse Sect and the Sky Demon Sect, so I am cautious about any possible treachery. However, from what I can see now, there seems to be no issue here."


    With his current strength, even if he were to face a Seventh Rank Demon King alone, he would not be afraid; naturally, he would not be apprehensive about anything. His increased caution was due to the previous ambush by the Heavenly Corpse Sect and the Sky Demon Sect. However, since he had wiped them out completely in the uninhabited desert, scattering their ashes and bones, it was unlikely that the Heavenly Corpse Sect and the Sky Demon Sect could react so quickly.


    "The Sky Demon Sect and Heavenly Corpse Sect?!"


    As soon as Chen Mu spoke, both Xiahou Yan and Chu Jingsui were shocked.


    After a brief moment of shock, Xiahou Yan''s expression darkened, and he said with a cold snort, "That group of heretics from the Sky Demon Sect once probed the Border Pass a few years back, abducting soldiers for their consumption. Later, a Sect Elder rushed over and managed to kill a number of them opportunistically, which deterred the Sky Demon Sect from offending Yunlu Pass so readily. I didn''t expect them to start causing trouble again."


    Chu Jingsui''s face also became stern as he said, "The remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect have repeatedly acted brazenly, daring to attack Junior Brother Chen, which shows they do not regard our Seven Profound Sect with any respect. Once I make a breakthrough and become a Grandmaster, I will root out these scoundrels one by one from the entire Cold North Path!


    At that moment,


    Xiahou Yan, remembering the unusual demonic disturbances during the previous sand disaster at Yunlu Pass, grew even colder and said, "Looking at it this way, the exceptional disturbances in Yunlu Pass might also involve the Sky Demon Sect... Rest assured, Junior Brother Chen. Once we return, the Sect Elders will certainly settle the score with the Sky Demon Sect on your behalf."


    No wonder Chen Mu had become so cautious, lacking his usual composure as when he was stationed at Yunlu Pass.


    The two did not inquire further into Chen Mu''s specific circumstances. After all, being ambushed by both the Heavenly Corpse Sect and the Sky Demon Sect was bound to be extremely dangerous, and he most likely survived by relying on life-saving measures and his movement technique. Such matters were not appropriate to delve into.


    "Junior Brother Chen need not worry, there are no remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect nearby. Now, with the clear skies and bright sun, it is not the time for the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect to be active. Their Mysterious Corpses are no match at this time of noon."

 Chapter 234 Seventh Rank Demon King_3

    "Hmm, with us here, there''s no need to fear the Sky Demon Sect."Chu Jingsui and Xiahou Yan spoke one after another.


    At this time, the Heavenly Corpse Sect would not take any initiative, as for the Sky Demon Sect... since Chen Mu had already escaped with his life, it was certain there was no presence above the Seventh Rank equivalent to a Grandmaster. They were all mighty practitioners within the Six Viscera Realm, naturally they had even less reason to fear.


    Chen Mu looked at Chu Jingsui and Xiahou Yan, wanting to say that he had never actually feared these evil demons, but he had always been more cautious in his actions; however, he eventually shook his head and said:


    "There''s no time to delay, you two brothers should set off at once."


    Since there were no traces of Heavenly Demons or Heavenly Corpses nearby, and no evil demons were watching Chu Jingsui and Xiahou Yan, it seemed that it was indeed only Kun Jie and his group, but they still needed to explore these caverns quickly.


    "Hmm."


    Xiahou Yan and Chu Jingsui nodded to each other, their expressions much more solemn by then, and both approached the base of the sand dune. At the center was sand continuously sinking inward, and after exchanging a glance, they stepped into it together, instantly disappearing into the quicksand below, vanishing beneath the Earth''s Veins.


    Seeing this, Chen Mu didn''t hesitate too much either. With a flicker of his figure, he quickly followed the two, also plunging headfirst into the quicksand.


    Because the cavern below was evidently very large, the sand tunnel was quite spacious. Following behind Xiahou Yan and Chu Jingsui downward, Chen Mu didn''t feel constricted at all.


    And when he had descended nearly two hundred yards down, he felt that the sand tunnel had finally come to an end.


    Almost as soon as he poked his head out of the sand tunnel and burrowed out of the cavern, he heard a shrill neigh reverberating throughout the cavern, and then a fierce demonic power rushed towards him.


    Just then,


    a mass of swirling sand, wrapped with tremendous demonic power, condensed into a claw in the spacious cavern and lunged out from Chen Mu''s line of sight, growing increasingly closer.


    "Well done!"


    Xiahou Yan laughed loudly, raising his spear. A length of green spiritual light appeared on the entire spear, a stream of Xun Wind''s force gathered and swirling with every swing, immediately forming a spiral of green tornado, which collided with the sandy claw congealed with demonic power. Following a thunderous boom, the sandy claw kept shattering under his swinging spear. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Whosh.


    Chen Mu also landed from the sand tunnel.


    And almost right after he landed, from behind the flowing sands, a massive shadow lunged towards them, turning out to be a spider about ten yards long!


    This giant spider king, covered with fine fur on its body¡ªexcept the fur was short and light in color, seemingly just having molted and not fully grown yet. However, the demonic power emanating from its body was indeed much stronger than ordinary Sixth Rank demonic creatures, and even though it had just molted recently, its demon corpse felt much tougher than the likes of Sand Demon and other Sixth Rank demonic creatures.


    Whoosh!


    Despite the giant spider''s huge size, its movements were extremely agile, lunging straight at Xiahou Yan in a flash.


    A glint flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes as he gathered a stream of Qi Force in his palm, subconsciously preparing to make a move.


    But before he could act, he heard Chu Jingsui''s cold shout:


    "Come at me, and take this move!"


    He reached back with one hand and, from somewhere, produced a cyan-green fan gleaming with spiritual light, undoubtedly a Spirit Weapon, imbued with the essence of Xun Wind.


    Chi!


    Chu Jingsui waved the green fan, and in an instant, the Power of Heaven and Earth converged, creating seven or eight giant visible cyan Wind Blades, crisscrossing like invisible Sword Qi, forming a net and slashing directly at the Spider King.


    The Spider King''s figure immediately froze in place, clearly not daring to withstand the full force of Chu Jingsui''s Spirit Weapon with its body. Its front legs stomped in the yellow sand, quickly gathering a torrent of sand to shield itself.


    "Hiss, hiss."


    The Spider King was evidently furious at the intrusion of Xiahou Yan and Chu Jingsui, and in a display of immense demonic power, it managed to forcefully suppress both wielders of the Spirit Weapons.


    Despite the suppression, however, Xiahou Yan and Chu Jingsui were not overwhelmed by the Spider King and continued to struggle, their furious hissing echoing continuously, immersing them in a fierce battle that caused the cave to tremble incessantly.


    "Brother Chen, quickly!"


    As Chu Jingsui fought alongside Xiahou Yan against the Spider King, he caught a glimpse of Chen Mu standing there "dazed" and couldn''t help but call out to remind him.


    He and Xiahou Yan, working together, could manage against the Spider King for a few moments, but dragging it out was risky. After all, wielding the Spirit Weapons was a great burden. If they could rely purely on their own strength, they might have a chance to wear down the Spider King, but persisting with Spirit Weapons left it uncertain who would falter first.


    "..."


    Chen Mu, upon hearing Chu Jingsui''s words, glanced at the Spider King.


    Although the situation was tough, seeing that Xiahou Yan and Chu Jingsui were holding off, he wasn''t in a hurry to act and vanished into the depths of the cave, searching swiftly for valuable Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items using his senses.


    "Hiss, hiss."


    The Spider King, sensing Chen Mu''s movement past it deeper into the cave, became even more enraged. Its eight legs continuously lifted and fell, each step condensing the sand into blades that struck in all directions, leaving deep marks almost piercing the extremely tough rocky walls of the cave.


    But Xiahou Yan and Chu Jingsui, in perfect sync at that moment, pushed the might of their Spirit Weapons to the extreme, firmly trapping the Spider King in place, preventing it from leaving.


    Meanwhile,


    Chen Mu''s figure had already reached deep within the cave. At just a glance, he frowned slightly, showing a trace of heartache.


    "Earthly Elemental Stone, Earthly Primordial Essence..."


    At first sight, he saw a pile of fragmented stones at the edge of the yellow sand, and even though they were shattered and had fine, gnawed marks, they were barely recognizable as Earthly Elemental Stone and Earthly Primordial Essence.


    These Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items, however, had been chewed and swallowed as food by the Spider King, leaving behind only a pile of fragments, their essence completely drained, turning them into worthless debris.


    But in Chen Mu''s senses, buried deep under that yellow sand, there still lay some unusual objects.

 Chapter 235 Demonization

    Within the entire cave, aside from the sand piles, no other unusual objects could be perceived. Evidently, all the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items had been collected by the Spider King, either devoured already or reserved for extra provision.Chen Mu reached the sand piles.


    Without extending his hand, he simply lifted his foot and gently stomped, immediately causing the yellow sand to surge like mud, swiftly unearthing various items from the buried sand.


    "Primordial Essence of Earth, Quicksand Source Stone... Hmm, what''s this?"


    Chen Mu immediately recognized the origin of the various Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items, but his attention quickly focused on a small mineral the size of a thumb, pale yellow in color.


    Without barely pausing, he absorbed the small mineral into his hand, took one look, confirmed its origin, and his eyes also lit up with a spark.


    Xuan Huang Stone!


    In the current world, among the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items related to the Earth element, two materials stood at the pinnacle: one was Spirit Soil and the other was Xuan Huang Stone!


    Spirit Soil is one of the top spiritual materials used for setting up formations and can also be used to forge Spirit Weapons. However, compared to Spirit Soil, Xuan Huang Stone is better suited for forging Spirit Weapons, being the most precious treasure of the Kun Earth element!


    "It''s a bit small, and its quality might not reach the Superior Grade..."


    Chen Mu carefully weighed the Xuan Huang Stone. Although only the size of a thumb, it was actually extremely heavy. Just this tiny piece weighed hundreds of pounds, far more exaggerated than the ''Heavy Stone''.


    Its toughness was also the best in the world.


    However, it was the first time Chen Mu had encountered such material, and he was not familiar with it at all. He could barely recognize that it was not of the highest quality. As for which specific lower or middle grade it belonged to, he could not precisely differentiate.


    But one thing was clear: regardless of the quality, Xuan Huang Stone was one of the main materials for forging Spirit Weapons. Even a small amount was sufficient to elevate a weapon, endow it with spirituality, and from treasure give life!


    It was said that


    one of the top Spirit Weapons, ranked second in the world, was an entire treasure forged from Xuan Huang Stone named ''Xuan Huang Tower,'' which, like the Qiankun Pot, was one of the Da Xuan Dynasty Court''s Nation-Protecting Divine Weapons.


    "With this Xuan Huang Stone as a foundation, if I can find some auxiliary materials, I could forge a Spirit Weapon uniquely my own. Using one of the Kun Earth affiliation would also be more suitable than using the Thunderbolt affiliation of the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear."


    "But what suits me best is still a Qiankun Spirit Weapon that integrates the Eight Phases." S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu murmured to himself.


    Weapons like the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear generally only provided him with some unique utility, such as breaking evil or allowing long-range attacks that could reach up to a hundred yards, but they did not enhance his Qiankun Power of Heaven and Earth most directly.


    However, if he had a Spirit Weapon that integrated the Qiankun Eight Phases, it would be entirely different. Even if the intrinsic quality did not reach the level of the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear and was only inferior among Spirit Weapons, the effect would still be extraordinary.


    Yet in this world, a person possessing a Spirit Weapon that completely conforms to all one''s Artistic Conception and Affinity is an excessively fortunate existence. Often, it is already challenging to fully match two or three affinities, and for Chen Mu, it is even harder.


    After all, Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items like Xuan Huang Stone are rare to begin with. To find other Spiritual Objects such as thunder, wind, fire, mountains, lakes, and water, which could nearly rival it, is immeasurable, and forging Spirit Weapons with a single affinity is easier; the more complex the affinity, the more difficult the forging.


    And a Qiankun Spirit Weapon that integrated the Qiankun Eight Phases and completely matched the Qiankun Artistic Conception only seemed to exist in the Spirit Weapon Catalogue of the Da Xuan, and that was the ''Human Emperor Seal'' forged by the founding Martial Emperor.


    But even he hadn''t managed to gather all eight kinds of top-quality spiritual materials, making the Human Emperor Seal ranked only seventh in the Spirit Weapon Catalogue of Da Xuan.


    "For me, the most suitable Spirit Weapon is undoubtedly the Human Emperor Seal, but this thing..."


    Chen Mu shook his head.


    Unlike the Qiankun Pot whose whereabouts are unknown today, the Human Emperor Seal has never been reported lost since the founding of Da Xuan. Undoubtedly, it is still in the hands of the Imperial Court, being one of the peerless Spirit Weapons that deter Sects across the world and is beyond his reach.


    If he could gather seven other Spiritual Items comparable to Xuan Huang Stone and have numerous Grandmasters skilled in Spirit Weapon Refinement help, perhaps he could create a ''Little Human Emperor Seal,'' but thinking about it, it seemed too difficult.


    Whoosh, whoosh.


    Thoughts flashed through Chen Mu''s mind incredibly quickly, and though he seemed to contemplate many thoughts in an instant, his actions did not halt at all. Within moments, he gathered all the spiritual materials, including the Xuan Huang Stone.


    Then, after sensing the surroundings once more and confirming there was nothing else, his figure flashed as he headed outside.


    This cave was not quite large compared to the underground cavern Chen Mu had once explored in the Qingping River Basin, which was much smaller. When Chen Mu exited the depths of the cave, Chu Jingsui, and Xiahou Yan sensed something.


    "It seems Junior Brother Chen has already succeeded."


    Xiahou Yan''s face revealed a hint of a smile.


    Chu Jingsui also showed a flicker in his eyes, saying, "I hope this Spider King, in its efforts to break through to the Seventh Rank, hasn''t eaten all the good stuff. Otherwise, our trip here would have been in vain."


    Xiahou Yan cracked a smile and responded, "Don''t jinx it. My luck has always been good. Over the years of exploring desert caves, I''ve never returned empty-handed."


    However,


    Just at that moment, the Spider King, constantly entangling with the two, seemed to have reached the peak of its rage. As a Seventh Rank Demon King, its intelligence was almost close to that of humans. Though it did not understand the words of Xiahou Yan and Chu Jingsui, it could discern something from their tones.

 Chapter 235 Demonization_2

    Actually, Chu Jingsui and Xiahou Yan were deliberately speaking to each other to make the Spider King even more infuriated, thereby drawing all of its attention onto themselves, so that Chen Mu, who was about to retreat, could do so with less trouble from it.But.


    Just at that moment, an unexpected change occurred.


    "Hiss hiss!!!"


    This Seventh Rank Spider King, in a fit of extreme rage, experienced some sort of anomaly. Its six pair of crimson eyes suddenly became tainted with a wisp of black Qi, and the entire aura of the creature abruptly changed. Strands of visible black lines rapidly and densely spread across its body, mixing a violent Blood Fiend Qi into its already raging demonic power.


    This sudden twist caused both Chu Jingsui and Xiahou Yan to change their expressions, shock written all over their faces.


    "Demonization!"


    The two of them exclaimed almost in unison.


    In the Ancient Times, the world was dominated by Demons. Later, as the Martial Arts of the Human Race developed, they began slaying demons and eradicating Demonic Qi, eventually dominating this stretch of heaven and earth, the mountains and rivers. Since demons were considered a resource, they were not fully exterminated, but the ''Demons'' from the Primordial Era to the present were always annihilated without exception.


    What''s called ''Demonic Qi'' is not actually a type of life form, but the product of being tainted by ''Demonic Qi''. Demons can turn into Demonic Beasts, and humans can also turn into ''Human Demons''. Once demonized, their nature changes drastically, and they become brutal and vicious.


    Even Chu Jingsui, let alone Xiahou Yan, who had defended the Border Pass for decades, had seen very few Demonic Beasts in their lifetime, no more than the number of fingers on one hand. Yet, they did not expect to encounter a Spider Demon here, infected by Demonic Qi!


    And.


    It seemed that this Spider King was not initially demonized, but under their pressure, it couldn''t suppress the Demonic Qi it had absorbed from who knows where, thus causing it to transform.


    "This is bad."


    Chu Jingsui and Xiahou Yan both inwardly cursed their luck.


    If they had known that this Spider King had Demonic Qi within it, they would not have pressured it too harshly. As a result, the creature lost control and became completely demonized, not only becoming more ferocious and vicious but even its demonic power, mixed with a trace of Demonic Qi, became stronger!


    Boom! Boom! Boom!!!


    Explosions continuously echoed throughout the cavern.


    Chu Jingsui and Xiahou Yan, who had previously managed to block the Spider King''s attacks with relative ease, suddenly found themselves in a desperate situation, being pushed back step by step. Although they were trying their best to support each other, they evidently didn''t have the same level of composure as before.


    At this very moment, this Spider King ¡ª now exerting itself as a true Seventh Rank Demon King, almost possessing the strength of a Grandmaster!


    If it weren''t for its attacks being too savage and lacking the Solidifying Refinement, erupting in complete disarray, Chu Jingsui and Xiahou Yan, even with the help of Spirit Weapons, would hardly be able to withstand them.


    Whoosh.


    It was at this moment that Chen Mu''s figure finally appeared here.


    "Run!" Read exclusive adventures at empire


    "Junior Brother, retreat quickly!"


    Chu Jingsui and Xiahou Yan almost shouted at the same time.


    After its demonization, the Spider King had become too difficult to resist. Initially, they had considered whether they could try to slowly grind it down to death, but now they completely abandoned that idea and just wanted to make a quick escape.


    Chen Mu had already noticed the abnormality within the cavern. His gaze also fell on the demonized Spider King, observing the strange black patterning that emerged on its body, as well as that foreign Qi different from demonic power, narrowing his eyes slightly.


    Is this... a Demonic Beast?


    He had read about ''Demons'' in books.


    Although demons were less intelligent than humans, they still possessed some level of wisdom. Under normal circumstances when there wasn''t a demon calamity, they were relatively tranquil and not very inclined to conflict with humans, often hiding in mountains or deep within the Earth''s Veins.


    But if tainted by Demonic Qi and turned into ''Demonic Beasts'', that was a different story altogether. They would become completely insane and violent, knowing only to slaughter without any hint of wisdom left, driven purely by the instinct to kill.


    If demons could be eroded in this manner, so could humans.


    Thoughts flashed through his mind.


    Chen Mu took a step forward, aiming to pass by the cavern and rendezvous with Chu Jingsui.


    But just at that moment, the demonized Spider King also became aware of Chen Mu''s presence. Sensing Chen Mu''s weak aura, it let out a violent hiss and, with two movements, it swiped up two rolling waves of sand, repelling Chu Jingsui and Xiahou Yan and then lunging straight at Chen Mu.


    "Not good."


    Chu Jingsui''s face changed as he shouted angrily, "Damn it!"


    As he roared, he seemed to activate some Secret Technique; his aura surged, breaking through the incoming wave of sand. He then stretched out a Wind Blade several meters long towards the demonized Spider King in an attempt to stop its attack on Chen Mu.


    But the demonized Spider King, seemingly bereft of any intelligence in its raging state, did not dodge the strike from behind. Instead, it lifted two of its hind legs and took the hit directly. Deep gashes split open on its legs, and black blood gushed out. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At the same time.


    The Spider King, having taken the hit, had already reached Chen Mu, raising two of its forelegs, wrapping them in a terrifying demonic power that turned into a dark red phantom light, viciously piercing towards Chen Mu, aiming to exterminate him on the spot!


    Seeing this, both Chu Jingsui and Xiahou Yan became extremely anxious. Xiahou Yan was pushed back by the wave of sand and was unable to lend help in time, while Chu Jingsui''s previous effort was his limit. They did not expect the Spider King to choose to injure itself rather than leave Chen Mu unharmed.

 Chapter 235 Demonization_3

    Junior Brother Chen must have had some means to preserve his life...No!


    Not right!


    What if he had used it up when he was attacked by Heavenly Corpse Sect and Sky Demon Sect before...


    Chu Jingsui''s thoughts raced in his mind, and he even inwardly cursed the situation as terrible. The demonization of the Spider King was indeed completely unexpected, and he hadn''t anticipated the situation would take such a drastic turn.


    But at this moment, neither he nor Xiahou Yan had any chance to stop it, they could only watch helplessly as the two streaks of black and red demonic light fell, completely engulfing the area where Chen Mu was located, exploding stones and spreading sand everywhere.


    "Chen..."


    This scene made both Chu Jingsui and Xiahou Yan''s eyes almost split with rage, each nearly had broken free, and rushed over at the first instance, but as soon as they approached and saw the situation amidst the stone debris and flying sand, they both were suddenly taken aback.


    Among the flying stones and sand, there wasn''t any sign of Chen Mu being crushed and killed by the demonic power of the demonized Spider King. Instead, a scene that left both of them momentarily startled appeared.


    Behold!


    Chen Mu still stood firm on the spot, his two hands raised upwards, forming in mid-air a seal that seemed to encompass the ultimate truth of heaven and earth. Almost all the Power of Heaven and Earth within the entire cavern, regardless of type, was drawn and mobilized, turning into a wheel seal like a grinding disc, condensed in the air, not only completely crushing the demonic power of the demonized Spider King but also forcefully suppressing its half body!


    Chen Mu thus faced the demonized Spider King across the void, the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal and the demonic power constantly clashing, his gaze showing no fear.


    "Is this, demonization?"


    He had withstood Chu Jingsui''s strike, intending to kill him, which seemed somewhat inexplicable, yet it seemed they had underestimated him greatly.


    Boom!


    The next moment, the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal exploded, and the huge body of the demonized Spider King was forcefully thrown backward, slamming into a rock wall several meters high with a loud bang, embedding almost completely into it and causing the Earth Pulse''s Power flowing rock wall to burst open with cracks.


    The sight left both Chu Jingsui and Xiahou Yan dumbstruck, both believing for a moment that they were seeing an illusion.


    "Chen..."


    For a moment, Chu Jingsui''s eyes bulged wide open, his jaw agape. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "It''s not dead, don''t be careless,"


    However, Chen Mu sternly interrupted Chu Jingsui''s words, his gaze fixed on the demonized Spider King, whose half body was embedded into the rock wall.


    This Spider King was already quite powerful before, but after demonization, it truly became extremely formidable. The demonic power that gathered demons'' qi was actually stronger than his Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal by a margin.


    However, because its demonic power and demonic qi couldn''t properly combine perfectly, the force was not cohesive enough, somewhat similar to the Demon Man Jin Ye who had attacked him earlier with a secret technique. There was a slight gap opened between him and the already weaker Chu Jingsui, but there was not much distance between them and him. Instead, the mixed and mottled demonic power made the power of his Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal even more pronounced.


    Furthermore, the strike he had just faced from Chu Jingsui was purely out of disrespect, considered a very reluctant strike, and naturally, it ended in a direct collapse!


    "Sssss..."


    The demonized Spider King emitted a hissing sound as, accompanied by the clattering sound of falling rocks, it pulled its body out from the rock wall, falling down again.


    Looking at its hind legs, the deep wound earlier inflicted by Chu Jingsui was healing at a speed visible to the naked eye!


    "Make your move!"


    At that moment, Chen Mu let out a low shout and once again summoned the Earth Pulse''s Power, stepping forward to appear before the Demonized Spider King. He slammed down a Fist Seal from above, the vast Power of Heaven and Earth suppressing everything around, forming the rotation of the Eight Phases.


    The Demonized Spider King too erupted with a screech, spewing out a surge of black and red demonic power from its mouth, colliding violently with Chen Mu''s Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, clashing fiercely against each other.


    Despite the demon''s power being almost stronger than the Power of Heaven and Earth Chen Mu had summoned, under the full might of Chen Mu''s Fourth Layer Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, it still was held firmly in place!


    "..."


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    Watching Chen Mu, who with his every move, managed to suppress the Demonized Spider King with his own strength, Chu Jingsui and Xiahou Yan wore expressions of utter disbelief for a moment.


    Within the whole Earth''s Veins, almost every kind of Power of Heaven and Earth was being summoned, coupled with the visibly rotating light of the Eight Phases; it was undeniably clear how skilled Chen Mu was.


    Qiankun Artistic Conception!


    Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal!


    In just a year and a half, Chen Mu had mastered the complete Qiankun Artistic Conception, a true step into the second phase of Qiankun Artistic Conception, which is incredibly difficult, not only needing the comprehension of Qian Heaven Kun Earth among the Eight Phases but also the ability to fully integrate and comprehend them!


    Merely the Qian Heaven Kun Earth was already incredibly hard; to gather it into a unified Qiankun, who knows how much more time it would take? Chen Mu''s methods now clearly show not only has he mastered the Eight Phases, but he has also truly grasped Qiankun and mastered the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal!


    Chen Mu.


    How on Earth did he manage it?


    Both Chu Jingsui and Xiahou Yan were utterly shocked.


    But both being warriors of the Six Viscera Realm, they didn''t pause for long. They quickly regained their composure, each taking action and maneuvering their Spirit Weapons to attack the Demonized Spider King from both sides.


    "Kill!"


    Accompanied by a loud shout, both of their attacks landed on the demon corpse of the Demonized Spider King.


    Chen Mu''s Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal had completely suppressed the Demonized Spider King, not only preventing it from dispersing its demonic power to resist Chu Jingsui and Xiahou Yan but even its body was pinned down, making it difficult to move.


    Though both Chu Jingsui and Xiahou Yan were a bit below the Wind Cloud List in terms of strength, at this moment, each controlling their Spirit Weapons and bursting forth with full power could still injure the body of the Demonized Spider King, quickly leaving behind two deep wounds.


    "Hiss!!"


    The Demonized Spider King screeched, attempting to struggle, but was unable to even twitch.


    Seeing this, Xiahou Yan and Chu Jingsui did not hesitate for a moment, continuing their assault, despite the wounds on the Demonized Spider King''s body healing at a visible rate, they did not withstand the continued barrage from both men.


    In just a moment.


    The huge demon corpse was completely torn apart, including the Demon Heart, which burst and disintegrated.


    Not until the Demon Heart of the Demonized Spider King burst and its life force rapidly declined, its body visibly shriveling at a rapid pace, did Chen Mu finally stop pulling on the Power of Heaven and Earth and slowly withdraw the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal.


    A Seventh Rank Spider Demon, was forcibly suppressed to death!

 Chapter 236 Returning to the Sect

    "Huff... huff..."Xiahou Yan and Chu Jingsui gasped heavily. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although they both were at the Six Viscera Realm, fully activating the power of the Spirit Weapon and combating a Seventh Rank Spider King was still a tremendous pressure and a significant burden on their Inner Breath.


    This was also why Chen Mu seldom used the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear under normal circumstances, because when he deployed the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, he felt no pressure at all. The Qiankun cycle continued endlessly, but mobilizing the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear consumed a great deal.


    "Junior Brother Chen,"


    After briefly catching his breath, Xiahou Yan looked at Chen Mu and said with a wry smile, "You truly amazed me."


    "Qiankun Artistic Conception, Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal..."


    At this moment, Chu Jingsui was still somewhat shocked as he watched Chen Mu. His inner turmoil was actually greater than Xiahou Yan''s, since Xiahou Yan had only just met Chen Mu and was not very familiar with him, whereas he had been there from the beginning, escorting Chen Mu from Yu County to the Seven Profound Sect''s gates, and was very clear that at that time, Chen Mu had not yet practiced Qian Heaven and Kun Earth.


    Even though Chen Mu had already mastered all but Qian Heaven and Kun Earth of the other Six Phases while in Yu County, to have practiced Qian Heaven and Kun Earth after arriving at Spirit Profound Peak, and to have comprehended and transformed them into a complete Qiankun Artistic Conception within just a year and a half, was still heart-shaking!


    "Junior Brother Chen, how did you manage to do it?"


    After taking a deep breath, Chu Jingsui couldn''t help but ask Chen Mu.


    He suddenly felt that he couldn''t understand his fellow disciple from the same peak at all.


    Chen Mu was currently examining the rapidly shrinking and decaying corpse of the Spider King. Hearing Chu Jingsui''s words, he responded very casually, "Senior Brother Chu, are you talking about the Qiankun Artistic Conception? It must be because I have good comprehension and am quite compatible with the Qiankun lineage."


    Chu Jingsui said with a bitter smile, "It''s not just about comprehension. Even if you had obtained the Earthly Green Lotus Seed before, having the assistance of such an item to master the complete second step of Qiankun in just a year and a half is still too astonishing."


    Although,


    the Qiankun Artistic Conception is one of the most widely practiced Martial Arts today, and there are not a few who have achieved a complete Qiankun within the Six Viscera Realm, but most of them are those who failed to break through the Mysterious Pass and no longer had the opportunity to achieve Marrow Cleansing Grandmastership and hence turned to further understanding Qiankun Artistic Conception, spending decades to comprehend it one by one.


    Yet Chen Mu managed to comprehend the complete Qiankun Artistic Conception in the Five Viscera Realm and stepped into the second phase, which meant that Chen Mu might hope to cross over the Mysterious Pass and become a Grandmaster through the Qiankun Artistic Conception!


    Looking throughout the entire history of the Da Xuan Calendar,


    since that founding Martial Emperor, countless people have practiced Qiankun Artistic Conception, but over the past thousand years, not a second person has managed to step into the Blood Exchange Realm or cross the Mysterious Pass to become a Grandmaster using a complete Qiankun, no more than a handful in number.


    If Chen Mu could break through the Mysterious Pass and enter the Marrow Cleansing Grandmastership in the future, even if he couldn''t reach the third step or ascend to the pinnacle of Martial Arts, he was still likely to stand as a Grandmaster, challenging those of the Blood Exchange Realm!


    Of course,


    all these were still quite distant for Chen Mu as the Mysterious Pass ultimately was a threshold that had killed countless dazzling talents. The Qiankun Artistic Conception is the strongest path of Martial Arts but also the most difficult one; it could only be said that with Chen Mu''s comprehension and talent, he had a great chance.


    Xiahou Yan couldn''t help but smile wryly at this moment and said, "I was thinking earlier about how to protect Junior Brother Chen, but it turned out I was the frog in the well. If it weren''t for Junior Brother Chen mastering the Qiankun Artistic Conception and ranking among the elite of the Wind Cloud List, I fear today we would have perished here or suffered a severe loss... It''s unexpected that this demon could demonize."


    After listening to Xiahou Yan, Chen Mu shook his head calmly and said, "Senior Brother Xiahou, you speak too modestly. Without the help of two Senior Brothers, even though I could have suppressed this demon, it would have been hard to kill it."


    At that moment, Chu Jingsui also turned his gaze towards the remnants of the Spider King''s body, which was now just some shriveled chunks of flesh, and said, "This Spider King must have gnawed on some Spirit Ore hidden deep within the Earth''s Veins, infiltrated by Demonic Qi. Although it broke through to the Seventh Rank, the Demonic Qi was unable to dissipate in the short term and just happened to encounter us, ultimately leading to its loss of control."


    "Hmm, that must be it."


    Xiahou Yan also nodded slightly and said, "Nowadays, Demonic Qi barely exists in the world. Even if it does exist, it is only in some Spirit Ores that were once infiltrated by Demonic Qi and buried deep in the Earth''s Veins, undiscovered, then inadvertently ingested by demons, transforming them into demonized creatures."


    Chen Mu examined the vestigial remnants of the demonized Spider King, and indeed, as described in the scriptures, those transformed by Demonic Qi into demons, whether in human or demon form, completely wither and decay upon death without leaving any valuable remains.


    Regardless, it was good that it was slain.


    "The two Senior Brothers should come out and talk first,"


    said Chen Mu at that time.


    Xiahou Yan and Chu Jingsui both nodded, and the three soon made their way back to the surface along the sand path, safe and sound.


    Once they were back on the sands, Chen Mu glanced around and then opened a bundle he was carrying and said, "That Spider King still gathered quite a few good things from the Earth''s Veins without devouring them all."


    Upon seeing the items that Chen Mu revealed, Xiahou Yan and Chu Jingsui were both surprised for a moment.


    "Eh."


    "Mysterious Yellow Stone?" Find exclusive stories on empire


    Both men, being of far broader experience than Chen Mu, recognized at a glance the most valuable of these Spiritual Objects.


    After exchanging glances, they immediately said, "It seems we are indeed in luck to have found a piece of Mysterious Yellow Stone, a top ore for forging Spirit Weapons. Junior Brother Chen, you should keep it."

 Chapter 236 Return to the Sect _2

    Chu Jingsui nodded as well and said, "Hmm, Junior Brother Chen, now that you have cultivated the Qiankun Artistic Conception, you should be stepping into the Six Viscera Realm soon. At that time, you''ll likely lack a suitable Spirit Weapon, and this Xuanhuang Stone is perfect for your use."Although the Xuanhuang Stone was the most precious among these Spirit Ores, neither Xiahou Yan nor Chu Jingsui entertained any greedy thoughts at this time. On one hand, Chen Mu had killed the demonized spider king, exerting the greatest effort; on the other hand, they both already possessed their own Spirit Weapons, and acquiring the Xuanhuang Stone would only be for the purpose of exchanging it for other needed items, not because it was urgently needed.


    Besides.


    Chen Mu could have even kept the Xuanhuang Stone to himself without revealing it, but they all trusted him, their Junior Brother. As a direct disciple of Spirit Profound Peak and a genius of his generation, it was naturally impossible for him to behave in a petty manner.


    "Alright, if the two Senior Brothers say so, then I won''t decline any further," said Chen Mu. Read new adventures at empire


    Without mentioning the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear matter, seeing Xiahou Yan and Chu Jingsui so agreeable, Chen Mu accepted the Xuanhuang Stone.


    Seeing Chen Mu accept the Xuanhuang Stone, Xiahou Yan and Chu Jingsui smiled, relaxed a bit more, and began choosing from their gains. In the end, they divided the remaining share between themselves.


    "Junior Brother Chen has cultivated the Qiankun Artistic Conception and should soon step into the Six Viscera Realm. With your current strength, I think you are more than qualified to ascend the Wind Cloud List. After you enter the Six Viscera Realm, your potential will be boundless¡­ However, the path you have chosen, Junior Brother Chen, is also the most difficult one. In the future, if you challenge the Mysterious Pass, you will need to solidify a supremely strong Martial Arts will," Xiahou Yan remarked, looking at Chen Mu and sighing.


    With Chen Mu''s talent and comprehension, if he only cultivated the Qian Heaven or the Kun Earth, he would have at least a ninety percent certainty of breaking through the Mysterious Pass and becoming a Grandmaster in the future. But following the complete path of Qiankun is much more challenging. Still, with Chen Mu''s ability, it would be a shame not to try this most powerful path.


    After all, though no one has managed to cultivate the third step of the Qiankun Artistic Conception to reach the pinnacle of Martial Arts in the last thousand years according to the Da Xuan Calendar, there were still some who became Grandmasters with the Qiankun Artistic Conception or cultivated the Qiankun Domain.


    These individuals were also top-tier powerhouses, dominating the land.


    "Since you, Junior Brother Chen, are intending to follow the path of Qiankun, it''s best to also complete the ''tenth refinement'' in the Five Viscera Realm. The stronger the physical foundation, the easier it will be to breakthrough the Mysterious Pass in the future," Chu Jingsui said, looking at Chen Mu, "Junior Brother Chen, with your Jade Bone cultivation in the Five Viscera, there should be no need for the nourishment of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items until the ninth refinement. However, the tenth will be much more difficult. If you can''t rely on Inner Breath to naturally refine, you can use some of the resources from Spirit Profound Peak, borrowing the power of the Five Elements Essence Beads to further refine the Five Viscera."


    At this point, Chen Mu looked at Chu Jingsui and asked, "Senior Brother Chu, do you know what the limit is for the number of refinements in the Five Viscera Realm?"


    "Ten... maybe eleven," Chu Jingsui first replied, but then shook his head, "Our master reached ten refinements, but she mentioned that she didn''t feel the limit was reached after the tenth, just that no matter what, she could not complete the eleventh refinement. I''ve also never heard of anyone who managed to refine eleven times, so ten should be the limit, while eleven may just be speculative."


    "I see," Chen Mu nodded slightly. What Chu Jingsui knew was not much different from Meng Danyun; they both believed ten was the limit, maybe eleven, but since no one had achieved it, they didn''t consider it further.


    Chen Mu was quite certain though, that beyond ten, there was indeed an eleventh.


    "Alright, it''s about time. Continuing to explore this desert is unlikely to yield much more, and I need to return to guard Yunlu Pass. However, if you two Junior Brothers have nothing else to do, you may continue to explore further," Xiahou Yan said as he packed his travel gear, speaking to Chen Mu and Chu Jingsui.


    Chu Jingsui shook his head and said, "I should return as well. What about you, Junior Brother?"


    "I''ll accompany you," Chen Mu responded without much thought.


    He had already gathered enough resources for now, and as Xiahou Yan said, with the Earth Pulse''s Power gradually recovering, it would be difficult to find more significant gains. It was also time for him to return and digest the results of this trip.


    "Good, let''s go then," Xiahou Yan said with a smile, checked the direction, and started heading back towards Yunlu Pass.


    Chu Jingsui and Chen Mu followed by his side.


    "Junior Brother Chen, apart from us, it seems no one else knows you have cultivated the Qiankun Artistic Conception," Chu Jingsui said, "When you return to the Sect to continue your secluded cultivation, you may be able to refine to the limit of the Five Viscera Realm by the time you come out next. Then, people on the rookie ranking and those on the Wind Cloud List will have a big ''surprise'' waiting for them."


    Chu Jingsui conveyed this with a tone of admiration.


    Below thirty years old, within the Five Viscera Realm, he was comparable to the masters on the Wind Cloud List!


    Chu Jingsui didn''t know what kind of sensation Chen Mu would cause in the Eleven State of the Cold North Path when that time came, but after so many years of silence following Qin Mengjun, Spirit Profound Peak finally had another peerless genius.


    Soon.


    The trio arrived back at Yunlu Pass. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Without lingering, Chen Mu gathered his belongings and headed back to the Seven Profound Sect alone.


    He was the last to leave during the sand disaster, but he returned the earliest.


    Once back in the Sect, he quickly sorted through all of his gains, then submitted those Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items that were of no use to him to the Sect as contributions. In return, he exchanged for the Spiritual Objects he needed.


    Lastly, as a direct disciple of Spirit Profound Peak, he called in all the resources he was entitled to over the past two years.

 Chapter 236 Returning to the Sect_3

    ...Meanwhile,


    at the peak of the Seven Profound Sect''s main mountain, in a courtyard behind the main hall,


    Acting Sect Master Qi Zhiyuan sat indifferently under the pavilion, placing chess pieces one by one in front of a chessboard. Beside him stood a Sect Protector, respectfully reporting something to him.


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    "... adding together the exchanges and withdrawals, Chen Mu has moved nineteen portions of Viscera Refining Spiritual Objects in one go. Although it seems he must be in the final stage of Five Viscera Tempering, isn''t that too much?"


    Yu Cheng hesitated for a moment as he spoke.


    He was the protector of Great Profound Peak and the fellow disciple of Zhou Hao. Although the auxiliary Viscera Refining Spiritual Objects exchanged and called upon by Chen Mu did not exceed the limit, the problem was that such spiritual objects were not plentiful for the entire Seven Profound Sect. Although there were harvests each year, they were also always depleting. After all, they could enable some stewards and inner sect disciples of the Five Viscera Realm to potentially advance further into the Six Viscera Realm, making them a sought-after resource for the Seven Profound Sect.


    Chen Mu had moved a total of nineteen portions at once, which was a significant amount, enough to give seven or eight stewards of the sect, who had no hope of advancing, a chance to step into the Six Viscera Realm.


    Of course,


    the critical point was that Zhou Hao was also approaching the time when he would need these resources. Chen Mu moving such a large batch of resources in advance would create some difficulties in the short term. When Zhou Hao needed to move them later, there might be some delay. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Thus, hesitating, he still came to report to Qi Zhiyuan, feeling that Chen Mu had used too much by himself, possibly being wasteful.


    "Since all were exchanged with contributions, and the amount taken is also within the scope of a True Disciple, then it is according to rules... Are you worried about the turnover not being fluent when Zhou Hao needs it?"


    Qi Zhiyuan, while placing chess pieces, spoke faintly.


    Caught by Qi Zhiyuan''s words exposing his thoughts, Yu Cheng gave an embarrassed smile and said, "I just fear that when Brother Zhou also needs to move a batch, the sect might temporarily lack such resources."


    Qi Zhiyuan spoke in an even tone, "Within the Seven Profound Sect, the better ones take precedence; the custom has always been so. Zhou Hao himself is not yet in a hurry, so why are you? Besides, you must have heard about what''s happening at Yunlu Pass, or do you think Chen Mu is inferior to Zhou Hao?"


    "No, that is not it, just..."


    Yu Cheng faltered but in the end didn''t say it outright; he just felt that Zhou Hao, having entered the sect as a child and grown up cultivating in the Seven Profound Sect, especially as a member of Great Profound Peak, deserved more. After all, Chen Mu had been with the Seven Profound Sect for only a year and a half, even if there were reports from Yunlu Pass suggesting that he might have achieved the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception, deep down, he was still much more inclined towards Zhou Hao.


    "You may leave now."


    Seeing that Yu Cheng could not come up with a reply, Qi Zhiyuan glanced at him indifferently.


    "Yes,"


    Yu Cheng internally shook his head, resigned, and retreated in response.


    However, just as Yu Cheng turned to leave, Qi Zhiyuan watched his departing figure and lightly shook his head.


    In Martial Arts cultivation, both talent and resources are necessary. It is common for the great sects to compete for resources, and even within the Seven Profound Sect itself, there is open and covert competition among the different peaks.


    As the Acting Sect Master, he was very clear about these matters but had never stopped them, knowing that a sect devoid of conflicts and struggles would lack the ability to produce powerhouses who could dominate the world.


    Even in today''s Seven Profound Sect, although there were many Grandmasters, among those in the Six Viscera Realm capable of being listed on the Wind Cloud List, there was shockingly only Yan Jingqing. He grew up from the State Government Office, not a directly descended disciple of the sect!


    This was clearly a downside of the Seven Profound Sect not participating in the struggle over control of the eleven states in the Cold North Path over the past decades.


    However.


    If the competition for resources fell on Chen Mu, it was impossible for anyone to get past him.


    Yunlu Pass?


    Qian Heaven Artistic Conception?


    Today, both the Seven Profound Sect and the outside world might be discussing how Chen Mu had mastered the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception in just a year and a half, allowing him to compete in the top ten newcomers like Zhou Hao, but he had known another matter more than a month ago.


    Even to this day, when Qi Zhiyuan thought about it, he still found it somewhat incredible. If this news hadn''t come directly from the Supreme Elder, he probably wouldn''t have believed it was true.


    What Qian Heaven, what Yunlu Pass Demon Slaying...


    The news that spread about Chen Mu today was all just a false appearance. In fact, within just a year and a half, Chen Mu had mastered the complete Qiankun Artistic Conception and progressed to the second step!


    When he first received this news, he was almost too shocked for words, so much so that he wanted to verify it himself, but because the news came from the Supreme Elder, he eventually decided to keep quiet and pretend ignorance.


    Today.


    Those who knew this probably included only his teacher, Qin Mengjun, the Supreme Elder, and himself as the Acting Sect Master.


    "To discern the complete Qiankun Artistic Conception at the Five Viscera Realm... Even if he can''t comprehend the third step, he still has the potential to cultivate the Qiankun Domain. If he can break through the Mysterious Pass and enter Marrow Cleansing, he will become one of the top experts in the world."


    Although breaking through the Mysterious Pass with Qiankun Artistic Conception is extremely difficult, and there have been very few in the history of Da Xuan, Chen Mu''s insight and talent certainly hold great promise. If he could indeed reach Grandmaster level, Chen Mu''s future achievements would inevitably surpass those of Qin Mengjun. Even if he does not reach the Blood Exchange stage, he might still have the potential to contend with Blood Exchange beings as a Grandmaster.


    For such a peerless genius who had the potential to reach the pinnacle, it was only reasonable for the Seven Profound Sect to invest all its resources in his training.


    What does it matter to allocate some spiritual objects for Viscera Refining?


    "Chen Mu has reached this stage; it''s also time for him to solidify his Martial Arts will. It just so happens that both the Heavenly Sword Sect and Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion have set their sights on the ''Yunni Sky Steps'' in Bi Prefecture in our Yu State, which is quite opportune for them," he said.


    A glint of light flashed in Qi Zhiyuan''s eyes.


    The Yunni Sky Steps in Bi Prefecture is a secret place, or perhaps the highest cliff wall in both Bi Prefecture and Yu State, reaching into the top of the cloud layer. Every five years when the Cloud Sea stirs, the mysteries of heaven and earth unfold, making it an excellent place for enlightenment.


    With the stirring day of the Cloud Sea at Yunni Sky Steps approaching, the Heavenly Sword Sect and Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion stationed in Yu County, among other sects including the Hehuan Sect and even the End of the World Sea Pavilion, had begun to take action around Bi Prefecture.


    Clearly.


    After the incident in Yu County, it was now difficult for the Seven Profound Sect to exclusively occupy the Yunni Sky Steps for enlightenment every five years.


    But enlightenment is also a debate of paths. All prodigies seek to step on the bones of others to prove their Martial Arts and solidify their invincible hearts, yet little do they know that while Heavenly Sword has Zuo Qianqiu, their Seven Profound Sect generation has produced a Chen Mu.


    After a moment of contemplation, Qi Zhiyuan finally made a decision, saying, "Issue my Seven Profound Token; during this Cloud Sea disturbance, the younger generation from all sects in the Cold North Path can enter Bi Prefecture, ascend the Yunni Sky Steps, and debate and compare their Martial Arts!"

 Chapter 237 Inner Breath Level 12

    Yu City.A tea house in the Inner City.


    Ever since the Four Great Sects settled in Yu County, the entire county gradually transitioned from just barely maintaining Imperial Court administration to becoming more integrated with the Martial World. Various pieces of news that had not previously spread in Yu County became widely circulated topics of conversation.


    At this moment, on the second floor of the tea house, an elderly man dressed in a long robe swayed his head as he spoke of matters concerning the Martial World.


    "...And so it is said that Chen Mu, the true inheritor of the Spirit Profound Peak from the Seven Profound Sect, made use of the imposing power of the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception at Yunlu City Pass to sweep away the demons, protecting over two thousand three hundred soldiers and stunning Yu State. After that, another significant event occurred in Youzhou."


    Slap!


    The elderly man struck with his ruler, silencing the room before raising his voice.


    "It''s said that Zuo Qianqiu, the top talent of the new generation and bearer of the True Inheritance of the Heavenly Sword from Heavenly Sword Sect, encountered ''Blood Hand'' Luo Mo, who is ranked thirtieth on the Wind Cloud List, at Brown Ripple Mountain in Youzhou. An argument broke out and they clashed at once!"


    "This Blood Hand Luo Mo, a high-ranking figure on the Wind Cloud List, though at the bottom of the list, and having dropped out several times, has always hovered at the edge of the list. He has escaped death at the hands of Grandmasters numerous times. He is ruthless and has killed countless people; it is said that his hands are permanently stained blood red, unable to fade, hence the name ''Blood Hand''!"


    "Although Zuo Qianqiu leads the new generation as the top talent, he is still young. Everyone thought that Blood Hand Luo Mo would easily capture him, but who would have imagined..."


    At this point.


    The old man deliberately suspended his voice, leaving everyone in the tea house, including people standing on the street, staring intently, waiting for him to continue.


    Slap!


    Another slap of the ruler by the old man made many people shake.


    "Who would have thought, Zuo Qianqiu''s cultivation in the Heavenly Sword had advanced even further, he had integrated a new kind of Sword Intent, and even wielded the rumored Spirit Weapon ''Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram,'' and after battling back and forth with Blood Hand Luo Mo for ten rounds, he did not fall behind!"


    As soon as these words were spoken.


    The many listeners in the tea house burst into uproar, with someone even exclaiming, "Impossible! No matter how strong Zuo Qianqiu is, he''s still of the younger generation; he couldn''t possibly withstand a Wind Cloud List master; Old Man Zhang, are you blabbing nonsense again?"


    Many of those who could come to the tea house were either the dignitaries of Yu City or outright Outer Sect disciples from the Four Great Sects, or those with some connections. At this moment, they all started debating fervently, each with a hint of disbelief.


    Old Man Zhang, who spoke of the Martial World affairs, was not flustered, just smiling with his eyes scanning over the crowd, even leisurely picking up his teacup and taking a sip, moistening his throat.


    "What happened next? What happened next?"


    At this moment, a young girl''s voice came through.


    Old Man Zhang glanced in the direction of the voice and smiled, saying, "No rush, no rush, just listen to me tell the story slowly... then, Zuo Qianqiu managed to hold off Blood Hand Luo Mo for ten rounds, enduring until a Grandmaster from Heavenly Sword Sect arrived on the scene!" S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Seeing that the situation was hopeless, Blood Hand Luo Mo immediately fled."


    As soon as these words were spoken.


    Some of the nearby listeners secretly cursed Old Man Zhang for intentionally keeping them on tenterhooks, only to reveal that in the end, Zuo Qianqiu had managed to hold out until a Grandmaster from the Heavenly Sword Sect came to the rescue.


    "Haha."


    Old Man Zhang watched the crowd''s reaction, smiling as he said, "You guys don''t actually believe that Zuo Qianqiu could defeat a Wind Cloud List master, do you? True, he might be able to in a few years, but for now, it''s still too early. Just holding on for ten rounds is already quite impressive. Who else on the list of top talents dares to say they can stand against a Wind Cloud List master for ten rounds?!"


    Some onlookers were still unsatisfied with Old Man Zhang, cursing him inwardly for spouting nonsense, but there were also some who were knowledgeable about Martial World matters nodding to themselves. Indeed, the masters of the Wind Cloud List were extraordinary; just think of Youzhou''s Inspector Yan Jingqing, a renowned Wind Cloud List expert, a figure who has been famous for many years, a person who commands the winds and clouds.


    Those who have fallen at the hands of Yan Jingqing in the Six Viscera Realm are not just in the hundreds but also in the tens.


    Zuo Qianqiu, after all, is still of the younger generation and has not yet stepped into the Six Viscera Realm; he is currently only twenty-seven years old.


    "This Heavenly Sword Artistic Conception, how can it be so powerful."


    Someone shook their head and said.


    "You just don''t know,"


    the person next to him said with a hint of pride, "I''ve heard that the Heavenly Sword Artistic Conception embodies the meaning of ''man can conquer nature'' and can encompass all Sword Intents. It pursues the path of supreme arrogance. The more Artistic Conceptions one surpasses, the stronger the Sword Intent becomes. Otherwise, how could it be recognized as being close to completing the Intents of Yin Yang and Five Elements?"


    "So it is. As a once-in-a-century prodigy of the Heavenly Sword Sect, he''s truly formidable. Deservedly ranked at the top of the up-and-coming talents list, he is nearly unbeatable among his peers. It probably won''t be long before he can truly compete with Wind Cloud List masters."


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    Someone sighed.


    At this time.


    Another voice said, "Speaking of which, those just behind him in the list of new talents aren''t much worse either. The second-ranked Yuan Yingsong has reached the second step in all but one of the Qiankun Eight Phases, outside of the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception. His Eight Desolations Halberd Technique is extraordinary; it''s said to have reached the Fifth Layer. Before, he only narrowly lost to Zuo Qianqiu by half a move, and now he may not necessarily be weaker."


    "Indeed, ranked third is the leading disciple of the Arhat of the Mysterious Heavenly Sect, ''Xuan Gang,'' who is said to have achieved the ''Arhat''s Indestructible Body,'' impervious to any attack. He just hasn''t fought with Zuo Qianqiu or Yuan Yingsong; otherwise, he might not be relegated to third place."


    Someone else agreed.


    Slap!


    Just at that moment, Old Man Zhang, who was recounting tales of the Martial World, suddenly slapped his ruler again, bringing the noisy room to a quick silence.


    "Who is stronger now, Zuo Qianqiu or Yuan Yingsong, and whether Xuan Gang of Wasteland Temple or Hua Nongyue of Hehuan Sect can compete with them, don''t tell me you are curious, for even this old man is very curious. But it won''t be long, perhaps, before an answer will emerge."

 Chapter 237 Inner Breath Twelfth Rotation_2

    Elder Zhang, holding his teacup, said with a smile, "Just three days ago, the Seven Profound Sect issued the Seven Profound Token, stating that during the turmoil in the Cloud Sea of Bi Prefecture, the young generation of the Cold North Path can all ascend the Yunni Sky Steps to seek enlightenment and spar.""Heroes from various sects and new talents have already set off for Bi Prefecture; it''s a pity that we will probably miss the chance to witness the event. However, as soon as any news arrives, this old man will be sure to share it with you all immediately, so remember to come for tea every day."


    With that,


    Old Zhang placed the lid on his teacup and, taking his time, walked upstairs. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Leaving behind a brief moment of silence, the teahouse once again erupted in a buzz of excitement, with some cursing the ''Martial World Teahouse'' for always swindling tea money and others excitedly discussing among themselves the strengths and weaknesses of people like Zuo Qianqiu and Yuan Yingsong.


    Meanwhile, in a corner,


    Two figures, dressed in commoner''s clothes with veiled hats that still allowed one to discern that they were young women, stood up quietly, pulled each other''s hands, and slipped out the back door. They walked along the streets until arriving near the Yu Family residence before lifting their hats.


    "Ah, we didn''t hear anything about Brother Mu again; I wonder how he''s doing now," Yu Ru said, rubbing her cheeks.


    Chen Yue, walking beside her, cocked her head and said, "After Brother just made such a big move at Yunlu Pass, he must have returned to the sect by now; it might be a while before he comes back."


    Yu Ru blinked suddenly and said, "They just mentioned the situation in Bi Prefecture; do you think Brother Mu will go there?"


    "He might,"


    Chen Yue replied, her eyes shining with a trace of bright light, "Brother has comprehended the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception. In the next talent ranking, he might even break into the top ten. If the young prodigies of the Cold North Path are all going to Bi Prefecture, Brother will surely be among them."


    Top ten in the talent ranking...


    Admiration filled the young girl''s heart.


    Chen Mu had joined the Seven Profound Sect and gone without news for a whole year and a half, and when news finally came, it was so earth-shattering that almost the entire Yu County was astir.


    Joining the Sect for merely a year and a half and mastering Qian Heaven, even though he might be a bit late in strength compared to Zhou Hao, who had mastered Kun Earth earlier, many people still regarded Chen Mu''s ranking above Zhou Hao''s, considering him as the foremost prodigy of the young generation in Yu State!


    To stand atop a state!


    What a heroic and glorious sight.


    Even though it was only among the younger generation, some people said that Chen Mu would surely be listed on the Wind Cloud List in the future and even cultivate to become a Grandmaster, rising to shake the very fabric of the Martial World across the Eleven States of the Cold North Path.


    As Chen Mu''s sister, she felt pride in her brother''s admiration.


    In fact,


    She too had already made a name for herself in Yu County, for she was also one who had entered the Tendon Changing Realm at a young age. Now she stood as the most distinguished among the young generation of the Yu Family, barely qualifying as an Inner Sect Disciple in a Great Sect.


    Yet given Chen Mu''s radiance, her own modest achievements paled in comparison, but this did not bother her. She only hoped Chen Mu would shine even brighter and more gloriously, so that she could always follow behind and watch his back.


    ...


    Spirit Profound Peak.


    Inside a bamboo house on the Upper Peak,


    Chen Mu sat cross-legged on a bamboo bed, his mind moved, and he summoned the system panel.


    [Inner Breathing Method (Eleventh Rotation)]


    [Experience Points: 0]


    "It''s about time," he exhaled a breath that solidified into a line like a Qi Sword, lingering in the air for a long time.


    Nearly two months had passed since he had returned from Yunlu Pass to the Sect, completing the eleventh rotation of the Inner Breathing Method, which was also the eleventh tempering of the Five Viscera, and he had pretty much adapted to the changes in the Five Viscera.


    The progression from the tenth rotation to the eleventh was a bit bigger than Chen Mu had anticipated!


    When he first stepped into the Five Viscera Realm, the Yuan Gang True Essence in his body was four portions. After ten temperings, the Yuan Gang True Essence was about four and a half portions, equivalent to an increase of ''half a portion'' or so every two temperings.


    But the eleventh tempering was different¡ªthis single tempering allowed his Yuan Gang to reach ''five portions''!


    Equivalent to the previous two temperings combined!


    Having completed the eleventh Five Viscera Tempering with the help of the system panel, his achievements in Body Tempering Method were unprecedented. Even in the vast Da Xuan with its billions of people over thousands of years, hardly anyone in the Five Viscera Realm could cultivate ''five portions'' of Yuan Gang Force except for those with extremely rare constitutions like ''twin hearts''.


    This was a realm impossible for ordinary people to reach.


    But he was about to take another step further.


    "The twelfth tempering, four thousand experience points..."


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    Chen Mu murmured as he observed the system panel, confirming that the experience needed for the twelfth tempering had indeed doubled to four thousand points, but the Viscera Refining Spiritual Objects he had collected were still sufficient.


    Nineteen portions of Viscera Refining Spiritual Objects, including the Five Elements Yuan Beads and others, had cost him six portions during his previous eleven temperings, leaving him with thirteen portions, which was more than enough.


    Without much hesitation,


    He waved his hand, and thirteen portions of colorful and assorted Viscera Refining Spiritual Objects flew out of his sleeve.


    He then pulled out a bundle from under the bed, which contained a jumble of various medicinal materials, including insect shells, withered branches, and exotic flowers and plants. Chen Mu simply waved his hand, a gentle breeze passed silently, and the various medicinal materials were lifted by the breeze, floating in mid-air.

 Chapter 237 Inner Breath 12th Rotation_3

    Afterward.Chen Mu flicked his fingers several times, and the spirit of water in the heavens and Earth swiftly gathered in the air, forming thirteen full water orbs.


    Then, all the herbs were silently crushed into powder and subsequently placed into the thirteen floating water orbs, followed by thirteen different Viscera Tempering Spiritual Objects that also naturally shattered and merged into them.


    Lastly.


    At the base of the thirteen floating water orbs, Blazing Flames appeared, scorching them intensely.


    "Qiankun Eight Phases, using all things... if there is such a thing as the Path of Immortality in this world, it would probably be quite similar,"


    Chen Mu watched this scene, feeling somewhat sentimental inside. After mastering the Qiankun Artistic Conception, many of his techniques had gradually become less like Martial Arts and more akin to those mythical immortal techniques, which was no surprise he often heard various legendary tales previously.


    However, at his current level, his understanding of the world had deepened significantly. He was clearly aware that there had never been such a thing as the Path of Immortality in this world; there had only been Martial Arts since ancient times, and no one could escape the limits of their lifespan, not even a Martial Saint.


    Gurgle gurgle!


    Soon, all thirteen floating water orbs began to bubble, each transforming into a differently colored viscous liquid.


    Chen Mu did not hesitate. He opened his mouth, and the thirteen balls of water flew towards his mouth one by one, swallowed successively, each turning into rushing Yuan Qi, swiftly following the corresponding Affinity and pouring into the Five Viscera.


    Simultaneously, the experience on the system panel rapidly increased.


    341,


    789,


    1454,


    2813,


    until it broke through 4000 points!


    Chen Mu watched the system panel intently; the moment the experience reached over four thousand points, he tapped without hesitation. Instantly, the system panel transformed, and the torrential and almost chaotic Yuan Qi within the Five Viscera suddenly became entirely calm.


    All the Yuan Qi at that moment became extremely docile, blending with the Five Viscera, each strand continually merging and tempering the Five Viscera, making his entire body feel warmly pleasant.


    Just like that.


    After an unknown amount of time, Chen Mu''s body slightly shook, he opened his eyes and exhaled a dense mist.


    The Five Viscera Inner Breath Technique twelve turns complete!


    After finely sensing the changes inside his body, a mix of joy, surprise, hesitation, and other expressions flickered through Chen Mu''s eyes, eventually settling into a thoughtful mien.


    Firstly, it was the twelfth tempering of the Five Viscera, compared to before, the effect on the Yuan Gang had increased another layer; the Yuan Gang True Essence he manipulated had now increased from "four portions" directly to "six portions"!


    This single tempering alone was comparable to the previous four!


    It might seem like just an additional portion, and the improvement might not seem significant for him at the moment, but once he entered the Six Viscera Realm, he would create a vast gap between himself and others.


    Martial Arts is like constructing a pavilion; every brick and tile is foundational, and the will of Martial Arts is that supporting pillar. Only through layer by layer accumulation can one reach the endpoint and ultimately stand far above others!


    The changes in the Yuan Gang True Essence were a delight to Chen Mu, but what made him slightly ponderous was the fact that the twelfth tempering of the Five Viscera was not yet the end, and he was now very clear and certain that the limit of the Five Viscera was the thirteenth tempering!


    Chen Mu summoned the system panel and tested it again.


    "Indeed it requires 8,000 experience points, that is, about twenty portions of visceral refining spiritual objects, huh? The Seven Profound Sect should still have them, but it will be slightly troublesome."


    A flicker of light passed through his eyes.


    Actually, his share as a true disciple had not yet been used up, because this year had already passed, and now he could claim the third-year share as a true disciple, which allowed him to take another four portions.


    Moreover, if he took out things like Mystical Yellow Stone and Earthly Green Lotus Seed, that would be enough to exchange for twenty portions as well.


    However, he didn''t really want to use up the Mystical Yellow Stone and Earthly Green Lotus Seed just like that.


    "If only the master were awake."


    Chen Mu suddenly sighed.


    Qin Mengjun was a top grandmaster who had also recognized at a glance that he had cultivated the Qiankun Artistic Conception. He could very well tell Qin Mengjun that he wished to undergo the ''eleventh'' or ''twelfth'' viscera tempering and needed more than twenty portions of visceral refining spiritual objects.


    Though priceless, the value of the visceral refining spiritual objects was trivial to Qin Mengjun, who could definitely procure them, even by direct allocation from the sect. However, he had visited the back mountain not long ago and was aware that Qin Mengjun was still in a deep sleep. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As for the other high-ranking members of the Seven Profound Sect...


    He really wasn''t too keen on revealing his Body Tempering Realm openly, nor did he mind revealing his Qiankun Artistic Conception. After all, there were many practitioners of Qiankun in the world, not just him, and others had also succeeded. It''s just that he was slightly younger and had progressed a bit faster.


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    However, tempering the Five Viscera, not to mention twelve times, even the eleventh was unprecedented. Such a matter was even more secretive than the Qiankun Artistic Conception, and no one knew whether the grandmasters of the Seven Profound Sect might scrutinize him inside and out.


    If it were Qin Mengjun, that would be fine.


    He wouldn''t mind being studied by Qin Mengjun, since nothing significant could be discovered anyway.


    But he couldn''t accept other grandmasters. The incident with Qin Mengjun undoubtedly indicated issues within the Seven Profound Sect. Now, he had to question everything; in his view, apart from Qin Mengjun, perhaps only the Supreme Elder of the Blood Exchange Realm could be trusted, not even the Acting Sect Master Qi Zhiyuan.


    "Forget it, I''ll decide after returning from Bi Prefecture."


    Chen Mu stood up.


    Half a month ago, he had received news from the Seven Profound Sect that the Yunni Sky Steps in Yu State''s Bi Prefecture would open, a rare event that only occurred once every five years when the disturbances in the Cloud Sea brought the mysteries of heaven and earth closer to observers.


    Even ordinary people could gain many insights from it, and some might even take their Artistic Conception to the next step. For him, it was undoubtedly a chance for transformation, enabling his Qiankun Artistic Conception to advance further.


    By now,


    after returning from Yunlu Pass, his Qiankun Artistic Conception, besides the cultivation of the Five Viscera Realm, involved continuous contemplation and cultivation day and night, adding up to two months of effort, coupled with the subsequent accumulation from the desert expedition. He had completed the second deduction after stepping into the second phase.


    Currently, the power of Heaven and Earth he could mobilize through his Qiankun Artistic Conception was actually hard to quantify clearly, but if he had to put a number on it, after undergoing two further advancements, it possessed around ''fifteen portions'' of Heaven and Earth''s might. By utilizing external momentum and relying on the fourth layer of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, he could almost reach twenty-five portions!


    Added to the Yuan Gang True Essence,


    the might he could unleash at full power had already crossed into the ''thirty portions'' threshold, which would undoubtedly not rank him at the bottom on the Wind Cloud List. In fact, based on his estimation, he was likely nearing the lower limit of a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster!

 Chapter 238 Bi Prefecture

    Traveling east along Yu State, crossing the border of Yu County, lies Bi Prefecture.Among the seven prefectures of Yu State, Yu County is the furthest and most remote from the State Government Office, and Sha Prefecture has the harshest environment, but when it comes to the complexity of the terrain and isolation from the world, Bi Prefecture undoubtedly belongs, and it is unquestionable.


    The mountains surround it, towering thousands of feet high!


    Although Bi Prefecture occupies the smallest area on the map among the seven prefectures, in terms of actual land area, it far exceeds any other prefecture because Bi Prefecture has hardly any plains, it''s all undulating mountains and rivers, steep slopes and canyons, rocky layers and caves, making its population one of the smallest, comparable to that of Sha Prefecture.


    "So that is Bi Prefecture..."


    Chen Mu, dressed in simple commoner clothes, stood firm on a mountaintop, gazing into the distance.


    The spot he was in was right on the boundary line between Yu County and Bi Prefecture. From the mountain peak towards Yu County, it seemed quite tall, but looking towards Bi Prefecture, it was just a small part of thousands of mountains.


    But the terrain of Bi Prefecture far off in the distance seemed to be thrust a thousand feet higher than Yu State, with countless peaks partially obscured and soaring into the clouds. These peaks were not like the usual Hills but were like towering stone walls, steep and straight up and down, daunting to anyone who looked upon them.


    Chen Mu took a quiet step forward.


    He entered Bi Prefecture and continued forward.


    Bi Prefecture had almost no official roads, and from its prefectural government, there were only a few passable roads; other directions were surrounded by complex mountains and rivers. Whether there were paths in the mountains, which caves could be passed through and where they led were often only known by the local mountain folk who had lived there for decades or even centuries; they were not marked on any map.


    But this was not much of a problem for Chen Mu. Although unable now to fly or burrow through the earth, as one of the top beings in the Five Viscera Realm, even the steepest mountains were like flat ground to him, and he needed not detour.


    "Dangerous, truly dangerous."


    Chen Mu strode through the mountains, frequently hopping from rock to rock and deeply feeling the essence of the land, feeling a great magnificence rising in his heart.


    In such steep and complex mountains, even a Martial Artist in the Skin Toughening Body Refinement Realm could easily lose their way or accidentally step into a loose rock and fall off a cliff, unable to move freely like him.


    Because of this,


    other than many unique aspects such as large ore veins and the Bi Prefecture Prefectural Government, which the Seven Profound Sect had long governed, many other areas could be said to be isolated from the rest of the world.


    But at this moment, as Chen Mu walked through the steep cliffs, all sorts of insights continuously rose in his heart. If Sha Prefecture was a place where Xun Wind thrived, then Bi Prefecture was the land where Gen Mountain stood.


    Here,


    the most robust force of The Power of Heaven and Earth within the Qiankun Eight Phases came from Gen Mountain. The layered mountains he stepped upon and the steep peaks all around were brewing the immense Power of Gen Mountain.


    "It''s right for me to have come to Bi Prefecture. Even without those Yunni Sky Steps, just traversing these mountains on foot in Bi Prefecture, stepping over thousands of them, I can accumulate a large amount of insight and further advance in Qiankun Artistic Conception."


    Chen Mu now stood on the peak of an extraordinarily high mountain. Initially, this mountain was the tallest he saw, but once he climbed it, he could see, through the distant mist, even higher mountains sitting majestically.


    There are mountains beyond mountains.


    One mountain still towers over another. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    These descriptions he had read in books, although he knew their meaning, were far from the shock given to his heart when he personally came to such a place and saw such scenes with his own eyes.


    "Ha ha!"


    Gazing at the mountains and continually gaining insights, a sense of boldness suddenly surged in Chen Mu''s heart. He stood on the mountain peak, suddenly stepped forward, and stepped directly into the air, stepping into the clouds.


    In an instant, he began to fall from the peak, heading straight for the cloud valley.


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    But just then,


    the Artistic Conceptions of Xun Wind and Kan Water quietly arose, suddenly making the mist cold and the water gather. From the edge of the steep peak, a layer of ice spread forward from his feet.


    He stepped on the ice surface, ascending among the clouds, spanning a hundred yards in a flash, and then as the clouds cleared, he fell into the open air, his feet finding no foothold, once again plummeting towards the mountains and rivers.


    But immediately after,


    Chen Mu''s expression remained calm as his hands came together in front of him, where Xun Wind and Thunderbolt Artistic Conception met, transforming into the Wood Spirit of the Five Elements. This suddenly caused vines in the mountains dozens of yards away to wildly dance and stretch out tendrils towards him.


    He stepped on the vines, climbing the mountain step by step. The vines under his feet gathered more and more, crazily growing into a giant dragon that supported him across the peak top, then twisted and coiled, and with a fierce snap, flung him like a cannonball toward the next distant mountain peak.


    Throughout his journey, there were no set paths, yet everywhere he stepped, paths were formed, the clouds freezing under his feet, and the dead pine vines winding beside him.


    If this scene were seen by some isolated mountain folk, perhaps it would give rise to new legends of immortals in the mountains.


    Qiankun Eight Phases technique uses everything.


    From the moment he mastered Qiankun Artistic Conception, he had the ability to command everything for his use, but at first, his understanding and mastery of Qiankun Artistic Conception were somewhat crude. Now, based on the second step of Qiankun Artistic Conception, he had delved much deeper than when he first grasped it, perhaps not much more powerful, but he could now freely demonstrate using the Qiankun Eight Phases Technique in myriad ways.

 Chapter 238 Bi Prefecture_2

    "Indeed, cultivating the Qiankun Artistic Conception is the most correct grand avenue for me,"Chen Mu soared between steep cliffs.


    That feeling of freely moving amidst the mist, as if all things in the world were acting according to his will, was just too exhilarating¡ªan experience he had never had before. Subtly, it merged with the deepest goals in his heart and with his most fundamental Martial Arts will.


    What he sought was for everything in the world to follow his will, and what he cultivated was the Qiankun Artistic Conception, which dominated all things. This might be a coincidence, but then again, maybe not, because the most widely inherited Martial Arts in the world was indeed the Qiankun Eight Phases.


    There were no clear boundaries for the will of Martial Arts.


    But countless martial arts experts still roughly divided the will of Martial Arts into several categories.


    Specifically,


    Understanding the Heart and Seeing True Nature, Unwavering and Undoubted, The Three Inquiries of the Heart.


    Understanding the Heart involves discerning one''s true heart, and Seeing True Nature involves recognizing one''s true self. Chen Mu had already passed these two stages, and now he was walking on the path of Unwavering and Undoubted.


    Unwavering means the heart is not swayed by external things; no matter what one sees or does, the heart will not deviate or doubt oneself anymore. Undoubted is an even higher level, where one''s will is so firm that there is no longer any hesitation or confusion, steadfastly adhering to one''s path.


    The last is The Three Inquiries of the Heart: asking oneself without shame, acting without regret, and following the path without turning back.


    The vast majority of martial artists, who have not broken through the Mysterious Pass to enter the Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster Realm, find it very hard to reach the stage of self-inquiry and tend to wander between Unwavering and Undoubted.


    Like many martial artists, a single defeat might sway them, one loss could lead them to doubt their path, and then their will plummets back to Understanding the Heart and Seeing True Nature, requiring them to repeatedly stabilize their hearts and recover their path. After a few setbacks here, they completely lose the opportunity to break through the Mysterious Pass and attain the Grandmaster level.


    And those who never fail are very rare; these are usually the outstanding individuals of their generation. With every victory, they use others to temper themselves, further affirming their will, and quickly surpassing the stages of Unwavering and Undoubted.


    This is also understandable.


    Imagine if one were constantly hitting walls and failing, how could they firmly believe that their Martial Arts are correct? Whereas if one is unbeaten, using others as a mirror to reflect on themselves, then naturally, with each step, they become more certain.


    Therefore, all who have cultivated to the Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster level in this world are extraordinary people. It''s very difficult to remain undefeated all along, and it''s equally hard to reclaim one''s heart and consolidate one''s Martial Will after numerous failures!


    Chen Mu had already passed the stage of Understanding the Heart quite early.


    After he cultivated the Qiankun Artistic Conception, he passed the Seeing True Nature stage, and now he had also entered the ''Unwavering and Undoubted,'' the most difficult part of a martial artist''s journey.


    Since he started practicing martial arts, he had tempered himself and persevered with hardships without defeat. Now he felt even more the sensation of the Qiankun Artistic Conception, wherein he could command all things at will harmonize with his own will, gradually moving forward on the path of Unwavering and Undoubted.


    Just like that.


    He weaved through the mountains indefinitely, until finally feeling a hint of fatigue and slowing his pace a bit.


    He climbed up to the peak of another rocky cliff, a map of Bi Prefecture emerged in his mind, and he carefully compared and judged his current location to see how far he was from the ''Yunni Sky Steps.''


    According to his knowledge, the disturbance in the Cloud Sea should happen in about half a month to a month. But meanwhile, representatives of various sects and outstanding disciples from the Eleven States of the Cold North Path were already converging on Bi Prefecture.


    However.


    The terrain of Bi Prefecture was too complex. On his way, let alone encountering disciples from other sects, he had barely seen any of the mountain dwellers of Bi Prefecture; he only noticed some signs of human habitation in a few basic canyons.


    Chen Mu was a bit unclear about his exact location. He stopped on a rock to look ahead, and after scanning over several mountain peaks, his gaze was suddenly drawn to a spot on one of the cliffs.


    There was someone.


    "Finally, I''ve encountered someone,"


    A flicker of light passed through Chen Mu''s eyes. Although he had seen signs of human habitation in some canyons from a distance, he did not go to take a closer look. This was the first person he had come across.


    Yu County was said to be remote, but in his opinion, Bi Prefecture was likely the true definition of a remote place.


    "To find someone in the mountains, and to harmonize with them, is also the rightful way of heaven and earth,"


    Chen Mu murmured softly.


    The areas of Bi Prefecture he had traveled through had almost no flat plains suitable for cultivation, making life here naturally difficult for people. However, just like in Sha Prefecture, where many common folks lived, no hardship of the mountains could prevent human settlement. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He descended silently, approaching the mountain with the person on it. Now he could tell that the person on the mountain peak was not a disciple from some sect but one of the mountain dwellers of Bi Prefecture, judging by their lack of martial presence during the climb.


    As Chen Mu approached the bottom of that cliff and looked up, he was slightly startled.


    There, Find your next read at empire


    clinging to the rock face, with a bamboo basket on her back and struggling to move forward was a figure. She wore a coarse hemp garment, and from this distance, Chen Mu could see that she was a young girl, probably no more than fourteen or fifteen years old.


    She traveled along the steep cliff where a slight misstep could cause a fall into the abyss, yet her movement was steady. After reaching a certain height, she took a herb shovel from her basket and carefully began to extract a medicinal plant from a crevice in the cliff; her motions were agile and skilled, indicating that this was not her first time harvesting herbs.

 Chapter 238 Bi Prefecture_3

    "Phew..."The herb-gathering girl carefully dug out the medicinal herb and placed it into the bamboo basket on her back before she let out a sigh of relief. Just as she was about to head back the way she came, her gaze suddenly became alert and caught sight of Chen Mu''s figure below the cliff.


    However, unlike Chen Mu, her vision was nowhere near as sharp due to the distance, she couldn''t make out Chen Mu''s appearance clearly, only managing to distinguish a blurry figure.


    Is it Uncle Third?


    The herb-gathering girl was surprised for a moment before she called out, "Uncle Third? What are you doing here?"


    Her sweet voice echoed through the valley.


    However.


    The figure below the cliff made no movement and gave no response.


    Just as the herb-gathering girl was beginning to find this strange, she suddenly felt a chill on the back of her neck and instinctively turned her head to look up, only to see a leopard demon with a blood-red body and black spots emerging from a rock above her. It seemed to have been disturbed by her shout and was now opening its huge, drooling mouth towards her.


    "!!"


    The girl''s face instantly turned pale with fright, and in her startled state, she immediately thought to flee but then heard a roar that shook her soul, causing her body to stiffen and her foot to miss its footing.


    In an instant, she was plummeting down the towering cliff face.


    This is the end.


    Jin Ling''er could only hear the wind whistling past her ears and the changing mountain scenery, feeling sad for a moment, but thinking that falling to her death was still better than being eaten by the mountain leopard, she felt slightly relieved.


    But then it occurred to her that even if she died from the fall at the bottom of the cliff, she would likely still be eaten by the mountain leopard.


    Right.


    Just now, she seemed to have seen Uncle Third below, hoping that if the leopard followed her down, it would only eat her so that Uncle Third would be safe.


    As this thought flashed through her mind, she saw she was getting closer to the bottom of the cliff and instinctively closed her eyes, but in the next moment, she suddenly felt as though she had fallen into a bundle of cotton, and her downward momentum was swiftly halted.


    Is this what it feels like to die?


    Jin Ling''er was confused for a moment. When she realized that there was no pain in her body, she carefully opened one eye and then saw a simple gray robe, and above it, a young and unfamiliar face.


    She was momentarily dazed, her thoughts plunged into chaos. She hadn''t been able to see clearly from afar earlier, but now she could see the details: the gray robe on Chen Mu''s body was vastly different from what her Uncle Third usually wore, not to mention the difference in appearance. What baffled her more was how someone could catch her after falling from such a height?


    However.


    Jin Ling''er''s confusion didn''t last long. The next moment, she heard another roar of the leopard, and she saw a mountain leopard diving down from the cliff at such speed it seemed to fly like a dragon. Even before it arrived, a fierce momentum fell upon them.


    She once again showed a look of terror, watching the leopard that lunged from above Chen Mu towards the back of his neck. Explore more adventures at empire


    However.


    Chen Mu seemed oblivious, unconcerned about the leopard lunging down. He gently set her down and then casually pointed upwards, releasing an invisible Yuan Gang energy that flew out silently, piercing the mountain leopard''s head.


    The leopard''s figure twisted mid-air, veering off course, and with a thud, it fell heavily to one side.


    It wasn''t until now that Chen Mu finally turned to Jin Ling''er beside him and said in an even tone, Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Did you mistake me for someone else?"


    Jin Ling''er still had a frightened look in her eyes, watching the leopard that lay not far away from her, but seeing its body twisted and blood beginning to pool beneath it, apparently dead, she finally let out a breath.


    Once she regained her composure and looked at Chen Mu, she realized her mistake and scratched her head embarrassedly, "Yes, I got it wrong. My name is Jin Ling''er. Did you just save me?"


    "Yes."


    Chen Mu nodded, saying, "I come from outside this area, and I was about to ask you where this place is."


    During the journey just now, he had been absorbed in contemplation. Although he seemed to be on the right path, the terrain of Bi Prefecture was too complex. After entering the mountainous area, even with a map memorized in his mind, it was hard to determine his exact location immediately.


    "This is Amber Mountain."


    Jin Ling''er''s voice was clear as she spoke, then looked at Chen Mu and suddenly blushed, "You... you saved me... My mother said if I encounter any danger in the mountains and someone saves me, I have to marry him to repay the debt. But I am only fourteen years old this year, I need to grow another year before I can marry you."


    Seeing the girl''s na?ve expression, Chen Mu couldn''t help but laugh, "That won''t be necessary. I saved you, and you''ve told me where this place is, so we are even."


    "This..."


    Jin Ling''er was taken aback. She didn''t understand much, but could giving directions really be considered equal to saving a life?


    By now, Chen Mu was already surveying the nearby mountains, quickly locating his position in Bi Prefecture based on ''Amber Mountain''. He was on the southwest side near the Yunni Sky Steps, and indeed, he hadn''t gone off course.


    "Where is your home?"


    Chen Mu shifted his gaze from the scenery to Jin Ling''er.


    Jin Ling''er, now somewhat recovered, pointed to the northeast, "It''s over the mountain there."


    "Well, that happens to be on my way. Could you lead me there to have a look?"


    Chen Mu smiled.


    Witnessing the mountains brought him insights, and observing people living with the mountains did as well. He did not ask why Jin Ling''er, at such a young age, had ventured so far to gather herbs¡ªperhaps this was the way mountain people lived by their environment. He had mastered the Qiankun Eight Phases, and he, too, had his way of living by the mountain.

 Chapter 239 The Proud Ones Arrive

    "Benefactor, don''t you want the meat of this leopard?"Jin Ling''er saw Chen Mu walking along the mountain path towards the distance, without looking at the abandoned leopard corpse, and thus couldn''t help but speak out.


    Chen Mu glanced back at her with a tranquil expression and nodded. The leopard was indeed a demon, but only of the Second Rank, which for him at this time was nothing worthy of interest.


    "Can I take it with me, then?"


    Jin Ling''er cautiously looked at Chen Mu and said, "Mother hasn''t had meat for a long time."


    Chen Mu smiled and nodded.


    Expecting Jin Ling''er to cut a piece of leopard meat to take with her, Chen Mu was slightly surprised when, instead, she approached the corpse of the leopard demon, grabbed it, and managed to lift the beast, which was much larger than herself, weighing at least four to five hundred pounds.


    To Chen Mu, such strength was naturally insignificant, but for a young girl like Jin Ling''er who had clearly never practiced martial arts, such strength was quite extraordinary. Even without examining her physical condition, it was evident that she likely possessed a sort of innate divine strength, a rarity among the disciples of the Seven Profound Sect''s various peaks.


    "Impressive strength."


    Chen Mu said with a smile.


    Jin Ling''er''s cheeks blushed slightly, her petite frame carrying the huge leopard demon beside her, she said, "I''ve always wanted to go hunting with Uncle, to get some meat for mother, but they won''t take me. They say I''m too young and only let me gather herbs."


    Walking alongside Jin Ling''er, Chen Mu admired the mountain scenery, continued to comprehend the essence of heaven and earth, and said, "Your uncle must be quite a remarkable person."


    "Yes."


    Jin Ling''er nodded vigorously, speaking with great admiration: "When uncle was young, he went out of the mountain and learned skills from a master. He''s much stronger than me, and nearly half the yearly catch in the village is thanks to him."


    Chen Mu slightly nodded, touched by Jin Ling''er''s admiring look that somewhat reminded him of Yue''er. He casually asked a few more questions, learning from Jin Ling''er that these mountain dwellers were not completely isolated from the world.


    The mountains had scattered villages.


    And at the center of these scattered villages, there were larger towns where various goods could be bought and bartered.


    Even a young girl like Jin Ling''er was aware that the large mountain area they lived in was called ''Bi Prefecture'', and beyond Bi Prefecture, there was the lofty Seven Profound Sect.


    "So it turns out, benefactor, that you come from the Seven Profound Sect. No wonder you could catch me when I fell from the mountain," Jin Ling''er was astonished upon understanding that Chen Mu came from the Seven Profound Sect.


    "Hmm, would you like to go to the Seven Profound Sect to learn martial arts?"


    As Chen Mu looked ahead to where the path bent around a not too large or small village, he posed the question to Jin Ling''er.


    Although the selection of disciples under Spirit Profound Peak had been Zhao Zhenchuan''s responsibility before, now it was Meng Danyun managing it, Chen Mu didn''t pay much attention to this, but given Jin Ling''er''s special natural talents, he felt it was worth mentioning since they had met.


    "I would." Continue your adventure at empire


    Jin Ling''er answered sincerely: "It''s just that my mother''s health isn''t very good, I..."


    "There''s no need to rush to decide."


    Chen Mu spoke casually, and halted in his tracks, no longer moving forward, looking toward the nearby village with smoke curling up from it: "Alright, go back home. I will return here in a few days."


    With Jin Ling''er''s physical talents, she could directly enter the Inner Sect in the Seven Profound Sect, and inevitably reach the Bone Tempering level in the future. To many, not going to the Seven Profound Sect might seem a pity, but Chen Mu thought that going or not sometimes wasn''t so clear-cut.


    Perhaps.


    If Jin Ling''er went to the Seven Profound Sect, progressed in cultivation up to Bone Tempering or even to the Five Viscera, she might soon face dangers like desert calamities and quietly vanish amidst them.


    If she stayed in the secluded, rustic mountain, away from the world, although life might be tough and perilous, it might not necessarily be without its own happiness. Therefore, Chen Mu wouldn''t make the choice for her.


    The decision which path to take, how to walk that path, must still lie in one''s own heart and intent. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Clear understanding, perceive nature, unmovable, undeluded, without guilt, without regrets."


    Chen Mu suddenly reflected, gaining a deeper layer of understanding of the martial will.


    These were ultimately easy to speak of but hard to enact.


    Unmovable, undeluded, without guilt, without regrets¡ªlike Jin Ling''er, if she left her home to study in the Seven Profound Sect, and then one day returned to find that all her loved ones had passed away, would she be able to remain without regrets?


    Or like himself, who had left Yu County where he had lived for many years, entered under Spirit Profound Peak, traveled around cultivating, nearly two years passing in a flash. If one day he saw Xu Hongyu, Ning He, and others no longer in the bloom of youth, would his heart be swayed?


    No wonder reaching the level of a Grandmaster is so difficult.


    Mere steadfastness and clarity of mind are hurdles enough to cause many martial artists to wander all their lives, not to mention living without guilt or regrets.


    "Relying on the system panel''s capabilities, my every realm should face no bottlenecks. Even without the cultivated martial will necessary for solidifying, I can forcefully ascend, stepping into Marrow Cleansing is not an issue, perhaps only when stepping into the third phase of the Qiankun Artistic Conception will I need to stabilize myself with guilt-free, regret-free martial will, but that is still very far from where I am now."


    Chen Mu quickly gathered all his thoughts, returning to a state of calm.


    He watched as Jin Ling''er left.


    Then, in a flash, his figure also disappeared in the distance, continuing towards the direction of the Yunni Sky Steps.


    The Yunni Sky Steps were located northeast of Bi Prefecture, as well as being the highest point in the region.


    As Chen Mu continued his journey, the terrain became increasingly elevated. Compared to other prefectures, it gradually rose nearly two thousand cubits high. Unless one was a mountain resident accustomed to this altitude, even some martial artists in the Skin Toughening or Body Refinement Realm, if suddenly arriving at such a high elevation, would face immense pressure.

 Chapter 239 All the Proud Ones Arrive_2

    And as the terrain became increasingly elevtated, Chen Mu felt not only the rising force of the "Gen Mountain" but also the growing majesty of Qian Heaven.Finally.


    After traveling an unknown distance, the undulating mountain ranges at the end of his sight finally stabilized and turned into a flat and straight high line, revealing the most expansive plain he had seen so far.


    And on that vast highland, numerous buildings clustered together were visible, roughly estimated to house hundreds of thousands of families. Although there were no city walls, this was indeed the most populous settlement in Bi Prefecture, precisely where the Prefectural Government was located!


    Here.


    Looking northeast, one could faintly see a mountain like a pillar of heaven, standing between heaven and earth, its top already lost in thick clouds. That was the highest peak of Bi Prefecture, Yunni Sky Steps.


    "No wonder one can only climb this peak when the Cloud Sea is turbulent."


    Gazing towards that majestic and imposing peak, a slight shock showed in Chen Mu''s eyes; it was indeed the tallest mountain he had seen so far, almost comparable to the mountains he had seen in the Gen Mountain Diagram.


    In this world, diving underground would be hindered by the Power of the Earth''s Veins; the deeper one went, the stronger the Power of the Earth''s Veins became. The same principle applied to flying upwards¡ªbelow two thousand zhang was manageable, but beyond that, the higher one went, the stronger the Strength of Qian Heaven grew, making it increasingly difficult to ascend.


    This highland was already at an elevation of fifteen hundred zhang.


    And the distant Yunni Sky Steps, at a rough estimate, were at least four thousand zhang high.


    If it were at a time when the Power of Heaven and Earth was completely stable, climbing the Yunni Sky Steps might only be possible for a Grandmaster; other people, even top-tier Six Viscera Realm cultivators, might not be able to withstand the oppression of Qian Heaven''s power above four thousand zhang.


    The turbulence of the Cloud Sea occurred every five years; during the times when the Strength of Qian Heaven atop the Yunni Sky Steps was weakened, Seven Profound Sect used to organize a large number of Inner Sect Disciples and even all True Disciples to come here, to climb the Yunni Sky Steps and comprehend the mysteries of Heaven and Earth. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Quietly.


    Chen Mu stepped onto the highland and entered the Bi Prefecture''s Government.


    Since Yunni Sky Steps were currently unclimbable, he wasn''t in a hurry to go there. First, he settled in the government of Bi Prefecture and sought out disciples from Seven Profound Sect and Spirit Profound Peak.


    He started off relatively late; although he didn''t delay on the journey when traveling alone, by now the government of Bi Prefecture was already much busier than usual. Walking among the teahouses, he could hear various discussions.


    With the arrival of Chen Mu.


    More and more young prodigies from the Eleven State of the Cold North Path entered the government of Bi Prefecture.


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    A young figure clad in a long brocade robe, holding a hefty tawny halberd, strolled along the wide land, dragging the halberd on the ground and creating deep furrows, its weight immense!


    The individual did not conceal his own aura; his engulfing Artistic Conception''s oppressive force made many of the local commoners of Bi Prefecture involuntarily kneel down, and various disciples from different sects also felt a heavy pressure, their eyes revealing a startled look.


    "It''s Yuan Yingsong!"


    Someone sensed this aura from afar.


    Ranked second in the rookie list, son of the King of North Garrison Yuan Yingsong, born with a Vajra physique, immensely strong, wielding an Eight Desolates Halberd weighing eighteen hundred catties, he had killed countless members of foreign tribes beyond the border, only ever half a move behind Zuo Qianqiu among his contemporaries!


    "Where is Zuo Qianqiu?"


    Yuan Yingsong, dragging the Eight Desolates Halberd, glanced at a few Heavenly Sword Sect disciples.


    Those Inner Sect Disciples of Heavenly Sword Sect, under the imposing air of Yuan Yingsong, trembled almost unable to stand, feeling an overwhelming pressure as if an insurmountable peak was pressing down, making it difficult to even breathe.


    "Brother Zuo has not arrived yet..."


    Lv Yuan, leading his group, struggled to speak under this oppressive force.


    Yuan Yingsong''s gaze swept over them indifferently, then he lifted his Eight Desolates Halberd, "He hasn''t come? What a pity, I thought he had already arrived. Well, let''s first go find those bald monks of No Birth Monastery to have some fun."


    Only after Yuan Yingsong''s figure vanished.


    Did Lv Yuan and other Heavenly Sword Sect Inner Sect Disciples finally let out a long sigh of relief.


    "This oppression, is it from the Kun Earth Artistic Conception? His Kun Earth Artistic Conception must have improved beyond the second step. I''m only one step away from the Five Viscera Realm, yet I was so oppressed that I couldn''t even think of drawing my sword."


    Lv Yuan gazed in the direction where Yuan Yingsong left, still unable to hide the palpitation in his eyes.


    Not long ago.


    He had witnessed Zhou Hao, the leading True Disciple of Seven Profound Sect, and Jiang Yifei from Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion fight; the two were evenly matched, Zhou Hao also cultivated the Kun Earth Artistic Conception, but his pressure was clearly not as strong as what Yuan Yingsong had brought!


    Just as Lv Yuan''s heart began to settle, he suddenly heard a burst of hearty laughter nearby.


    "Brother Yuan is indeed straightforward, the Cloud Sea isn''t yet turbulent, but he''s already eager to sharpen his halberd technique. I guess I should also warm up my body... Is Han Cang of Ice Extreme Palace here? You are ranked above me on the rookie list, but I wonder just how strong you really are."


    As his words fell.


    Almost everyone felt as if a surging wave engulfed all directions; it was like a tsunami engulfing the streets and flooding the buildings, threatening to turn the vicinity into a vast ocean.


    "It''s Hai Ming, the leading True Disciple of End of the World Sea Pavilion, ranked sixth on the rookie list, rumored to have cultivated the ''Vast Ocean Artistic Conception'', which is next only to the complete Yin Yang Five Elements as a top-tier Martial Arts Artistic Conception."


    Some were shaken to the core.


    The Vast Ocean Artistic Conception, though based on water, but it encapsulated the power to overturn heaven and earth.

 Chapter 332 239

    ```"You are not my match."


    ```


    At that moment, a chilly voice came from another direction, and the temperature in the entire area seemed to plummet, causing many people to shiver involuntarily. They felt an icy coldness suffusing the surroundings.


    A figure in a green robe suddenly appeared silently above a building. Merely standing there, the clouds and mist nearby seemed to freeze into pieces of ice fog, condensing into icy frost.


    "Ice Extreme Palace''s Han Cang, he truly has already arrived."


    Someone took in a sharp breath. Stay updated via My Virtual Library Empire


    Above on the list of emerging talents, Zuo Qianqiu led by a large margin, even Yuan Yingsong had lost to him by half a move quite some time ago, while the third, fourth, and fifth were seen as not too far behind, all considered to be on par with Yuan Yingsong.


    "Ice Extreme Palace is the only great sect in Ice State. It''s said that Ice State is bitterly cold with sparse population, yet it has given birth to countless martial artists apt for the frigid Martial Arts. Among them, Han Cang is one of the preeminent ones, said to be a rare talent that emerges only once in thirty years."


    Inside a certain courtyard.


    Shen Lin stood next to Chen Mu, her gaze fixed in the direction of Han Cang, and she couldn''t help but murmur. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    There were also other Inner Sect Disciples of the Seven Profound Sect in the courtyard, not limited to those under Spirit Profound Peak, but they were primarily top-notch existences at the Pinnacle of the Bone Tempering Realm. Additionally, there was a true inheritance disciple from Shao Profound Peak who was also staring in the direction of Han Cang with a wary expression in his eyes.


    "This person''s strength is extremely formidable. I wonder how compared to Brother Zhou."


    Even among the inheritances, there were disparities; as a true inheritance disciple of Shao Profound Peak, he couldn''t rank on the list of emerging talents, falling short even of those at the bottom of the list, let alone those in the top five.


    "Not much difference."


    Chen Mu stood with his hands behind his back, looking outward with a calm countenance, and spoke, "However, if it were on the Yunni Sky Steps, with the bitter cold and frozen earth, this person could leverage the terrain. Yuan Yingsong and Zuo Qianqiu might not necessarily be able to ensure victory over him."


    Hearing Chen Mu''s words, everyone in the courtyard nodded slightly; indeed, once reaching a certain level, the momentum of heaven and earth could be said to be very important.


    "He''s rather lucky. Maybe this time on the Yunni Sky Steps, he could be the one to seize the top position."


    The true inheritance disciple from Shao Profound Peak let out a sigh at the side.


    At this moment, Shen Lin blinked her eyes and looked towards Chen Mu beside her, saying, "The bitter cold and frozen earth is nothing. Brother Chen has cultivated the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception. Speaking of leveraging momentum, once on the Yunni Sky Steps, Brother Chen is also not inferior to them."


    After hearing Shen Lin''s words, Chen Mu simply replied indifferently, "Some gaps cannot be bridged just by leveraging momentum."


    "Not bad."


    Suddenly, the courtyard door was pushed open, and a figure walked in slowly, responding to Chen Mu with a word, "It''s so lively outside, Chen Junior Brother, don''t you want to join in? Many people are curious about your strength right now."


    The person who came was dressed in a yellow brocade robe with a face like warm jade, and it was Great Profound Peak''s true inheritance disciple.


    Zhou Hao.


    As the once chief among the true inheritances of the Seven Profound Sect, although his position had been shaken by Chen Mu, he still maintained a calm demeanor, and when facing Chen Mu, he merely smiled without any arrogant airs.


    The momentum of earth, and a gentleman should carry the world with virtue.


    Zhou Hao''s comprehension in the Kun Earth Artistic Conception also seemed to be quite profound.


    "I''m not interested."


    After hearing Zhou Hao''s words, Chen Mu simply replied with a serene demeanor.


    He couldn''t yet climb the Yunni Sky Steps; he had no interest in looking for opponents. Instead, he preferred to walk around this highland a few more circles, carefully feeling the world and advancing his cultivation of the Qiankun Artistic Conception.


    "Very well then."


    Zhou Hao smiled, but suddenly, a hint of blood seeped out from the corner of his mouth.


    The surrounding disciples were startled, and immediately someone approached and asked, "Brother Zhou, are you injured?"


    Zhou Hao calmly wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, "I had a fight with Jiang Yifei. He''s not much better off. But it''s just a minor injury, a couple of days'' rest will do."


    Having said this.


    He then looked at Chen Mu with a smile, "This ranking of emerging talents established by End of the World Sea Pavilion does indeed have its merits. Zuo Qianqiu and Yuan Yingsong are not bad, but I am curious how they ranked those behind so exquisitely. It''s about time for a change, though."


    Following the end of his words, Zhou Hao stepped into the inner courtyard and disappeared.


    The people in the courtyard all had inexplicable expressions, with many casting their gaze upon Chen Mu.


    Speaking of the next major change in the list of emerging talents, it definitely had to be Chen Mu. After all, Chen Mu''s previous rank had fallen to the thirties, and it''s certain that his current position is far greater than that.


    Now, Zhou Hao ranks in the top ten, and almost all of those in the top ten are not inferior to Zhou Hao.


    After the upcoming Yunni Sky Steps, it''s wondered what the actual rank of Chen Mu will be, and whether he too could step into the top ten.

 Chapter 240 Five Elements Lotus Platform

    The battles taking place all over were short-lived.They generally consisted of each side testing each other with dozens of moves, and once they had a rough idea of the other''s strength, they each backed away.


    After all, there was not much of a gap between the competitors, and there were still a few days before the turbulence in the Cloud Sea. A full-force fight might lead to victory, but injury was almost inevitable. No one wanted to sustain injuries before they ascended the Yunni Sky Steps.


    Chen Mu gave no more than a glance at the sparring and probing around him before he silently left, once again disappearing without a trace.


    "Where is Chen Mu?"


    But soon after Chen Mu left, someone came looking for him.


    Accompanied by a surging Sword Intent, a figure appeared on the wall of the courtyard, dressed in the attire of the Heavenly Sword Sect disciple¡ªit was none other than Gu Hong, who had been defeated by Chen Mu!


    He was clad in a simple green outfit, holding no sword, but standing there, he emanated a sharpness as if swords were everywhere. It seemed as though a mere step could lead to being torn apart by invisible Sword Qi, intimidating everyone in the courtyard.


    At that moment, gazes from all directions were drawn to the commotion.


    "It''s the Heavenly Sword''s Gu Hong."


    "They say he was defeated by Chen Mu, but then made a breakthrough and reformed his Heart Sword. Within two years, he''d directly defeated the twenty-third ranked true disciple of the Green Lotus Sect and is said to now possess the strength to rank among the top twenty."


    Instantly,


    many eyes sparkled with intrigue.


    Gu Hong challenging Chen Mu again was a matter of great interest. Setting Gu Hong aside, Chen Mu had indeed been a rising talent in recent years; after joining Seven Profound Sect, he had cultivated in obscurity for less than two years. Yet, upon his first appearance, he managed to grasp the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception, his strength at least close to that of Zhou Hao, solidly placing him in the top twenty with prospects for the top ten.


    Moreover, up until now, no one had crossed hands with Chen Mu, and his true strength was unclear. The Qian Heaven Artistic Conception was powerful, but the extent to which he could use it was key.


    With Gu Hong''s current strength being considerable, the outcome of a rematch with Chen Mu was evocative.


    However,


    Under the oppressive Sword Intent of Gu Hong''s rising Heart Sword, the Seven Profound Sect disciples'' courtyard remained silent without response until after a while someone said, "Senior Brother Chen isn''t here."


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    "Oh?"


    Gu Hong''s Sword Intent retracted as he spoke indifferently, "But I heard that he had arrived."


    There was no reply from the courtyard.


    Gu Hong extended his sense of Sword Intent, confirming he couldn''t detect the familiar presence. He then continued indifferently, "Indeed, not here... In recent days, all the heroes have been sparring to verify their Martial Arts. He comes and goes without engaging. Why is that?"


    "Perhaps he''s afraid of defeat."


    From a distance, someone unknown replied, chuckling, "Not everyone can make a comeback after a severe loss like you. Some might find it difficult to break through the Mysterious Pass after one big defeat."


    Since the news from Yunlu Pass spread, there was significant interest in Chen Mu from all quarters, especially as various groups gathered in Bi Prefecture to gather at the Yunni Sky Steps for martial discussions. Chen Mu, the talented newcomer, had barely made an appearance. Had this been before the Yunlu Pass incident, Chen Mu might have been forgotten, but obviously not now.


    "Nonsense!"


    Finally, someone from the courtyard couldn''t help but retort. Shen Lin spoke gravely, "Senior Brother Chen simply has no interest in engaging before the opening of the Yunni Sky Steps. If you want to face Senior Brother Chen, go find him yourself. You didn''t come over when he was here just a moment ago, and now you''re here spouting nonsense."


    Although there had been no news of Chen Mu engaging others these past few days, Shen Lin knew very well that Chen Mu was certainly not avoiding combat. The impression Chen Mu gave was that of disinterest in such sparring.


    And who was Chen Mu, after all?


    Grasping Qian Heaven in just a year and a half after joining the sect, how could he fear facing someone like Gu Hong, who had been defeated by him? If it were Zuo Qianqiu or Yuan Yingsong saying these things, it might be another matter, but in her view, even if Gu Hong had made a breakthrough, he still didn''t have the standing.


    "Humph!"


    Gu Hong gave a cold snort.


    Shen Lin felt an invisible Sword Intent cut towards her. Her body wanted to move, but she was entirely unable to lift a finger. In that instant, the invisible Sword Intent seemed to split her in two right down the middle, and she suddenly broke out in a cold sweat that soaked through her clothes.


    But at that moment, Zhou Hao''s voice came from the inner courtyard.


    "If you want a rematch with Junior Brother Chen, then go look for him. Intimidating our Seven Profound Sect''s Inner Sect juniors and juniors, is that all the magnanimity you possess, Gu Hong? It seems to me that you are probably still no match for Junior Brother Chen."


    "Is that so?"


    Gu Hong looked away from Shen Lin towards the inner courtyard as the Sword Intent around him surged once again, then settled in the next breath. He spoke evenly, "You were injured fighting Jiang Yifei, I have no interest in taking advantage of the wounded. You could only handle four strikes from Elder Brother Zuo before, I wonder how many you can take now?"


    As his words trailed off, he turned and vanished from the top of the wall.


    In the inner courtyard,


    Zhou Hao sat under a tall mountain willow, holding a teacup, sipping and managing his Inner Breath with a calm demeanor while Liu Chan, a true disciple of Shao Profound Peak, looked on with a somewhat gloomy expression, saying, "Gu Hong is getting too arrogant. If you, Senior Brother Zhou, were not injured, suppressing him would be but flipping a hand." Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "To break and then to stand anew, there must be something unique about him. It''s not just the Heart Sword''s intent that must be reformed, but also the Martial Arts will. To do it as cleanly as he has is rare even over decades."


    Zhou Hao was still calm as if Gu Hong''s last few words hadn''t incited anger. "It won''t be easy for this man to break into the top ten, but he has indeed gained some ability, which makes him a formidable opponent for Junior Brother Chen."

 Chapter 240 Five Elements Lotus Platform_2

    Having said that,he slowly put down the teacup, tilted his head back, and gazed at the distant ''Yunni Sky Peak'' that occupied the heavens and earth, towering in the world.


    In the past, this was merely a place for the disciples of the Seven Profound Sect to gain experience, but now it has become the battleground for the young talents of the Eleven States of the Cold North Path to gather for the first time since the New Talent Ranking was announced. This likely would become the norm in the future.


    The End of the World Sea Pavilion''s introduction of the New Talent Ranking has indeed intensified the competition among the younger generation in the Cold North Path, adding fuel to the chaotic situation of the Eleven States. It''s unclear what their intentions are.


    But he couldn''t be bothered with all that.


    As one of the top figures in the New Talent Ranking and being part of the situation himself, he had no choice but to use the exceptional talents he encountered to verify his own Martial Arts, to ascend step by step until he crossed the Mysterious Pass and achieved the status of Grandmaster, only then would he be qualified to glimpse the full picture of the situation in the Cold North Path.


    ...


    Chen Mu was unaware of the events taking place in the courtyard occupied by the Seven Profound Sect.


    At this moment, he had already quietly left the Prefectural Government of Bi Prefecture and was heading towards the direction of the Yunni Sky Steps, strolling across the vast highland, breathing in the essence of heaven and earth, feeling the nature of all things, and looking up at that towering peak that stood between heaven and earth.


    Since he set foot in Bi Prefecture, his Qiankun Artistic Conception''s experience points had been steadily increasing. Now, as he was getting closer to the Yunni Sky Steps, even though it wasn''t time to ascend the peak yet, just by looking up at the peak whose upper half was shrouded in the Cloud Sea, he could still make realizations at any moment, as if he were viewing an artistic conception of Qian Heaven, Kun Earth, Gen Mountain, and so on, blending together.


    [Martial Art: Qiankun Artistic Conception (Second Step)]


    [Experience: 3712 points]


    [Available Deduction Attempts: 0 times]


    On the system panel, his accumulated experience points had astonishingly reached over three thousand, and it had only been about half a month since he arrived in Bi Prefecture!


    In his assessment, even without ascending the Yunni Sky Steps, just by walking around this giant peak for a month or two to meditate would suffice to advance his Qiankun Artistic Conception once more. For him, this was a solid step forward in Martial Arts.


    Presently,


    he had yet to master the fifth layer of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal.


    It wasn''t that he couldn''t master it, but his understanding of the Qiankun Artistic Conception wasn''t deep enough, and the experience gained from practising the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal was not substantial, necessitating a great deal of time. It made more sense to deduce the Qiankun Artistic Conception first and then go back to practising the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal.


    Based on his estimation, once he completed the third deduction of the Qiankun Artistic Conception, he would be able to learn the fifth layer of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal much faster¡ªpossibly mastering it in two to three months. If he completed the fourth deduction, it would be even faster.


    "To practice up to the sixth layer is to reach the limit of the second step of the Qiankun Artistic Conception."


    Chen Mu murmured to himself.


    On the Wind Cloud List, aside from those who possessed the Domain of Artistic Conception, there were only a very few who had fully mastered conceptions like the complete Qiankun and complete Yin Yang. Among them, the Qiankun Artistic Conception was undisputedly the strongest category.


    Currently, there were only two people on the Wind Cloud List who had risen through the ranks with the Qiankun Artistic Conception. One was at the bottom, having mastered only the fourth layer of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, while the one in the seventeenth spot had mastered the fifth layer.


    "If I were to encounter a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster now, the weakest one would leave me with no choice but to flee. However, if I mastered the fifth layer, I would generally be able to fight or even suppress them. If I reach the sixth layer, I might have the chance to defeat some ordinary Grandmasters!"


    Chen Mu knew that the leap from the limit of the second step of the Qiankun Artistic Conception to mastering the Domain and then advancing to the third step would be an enormous challenge. But at least until then, he faced little obstruction. In just a few years, he could reach the limit of the second step of the Qiankun Artistic Conception. Even if he hadn''t become a Grandmaster by then, he would possess the capacity to dominate his path.


    As for Zuo Qianqiu, Yuan Yingsong, and other prodigies on the New Talent Ranking, they probably wouldn''t start to climb the Wind Cloud List until years later. Compared to his current self, they were worlds apart, and naturally, he had no interest in paying too much attention to them, let alone seeking them out for sparring.


    After a few steps more,


    Chen Mu reached the edge of the highland.


    Beyond lay a cliff. It was only after crossing this cliff that one could arrive at the foot of Yunni Sky Peak.


    As Chen Mu stood at the edge of the cliff, continuing to scrutinize that towering peak and meditate on heaven and earth, suddenly a somewhat familiar voice came from behind him.


    "Hehe, you''re quite hard to find. You arrived in Bi Prefecture without showing your face even once, but I have finally found you."


    The voice was pleasant and melodious, like the clear sound of a silver bell. Continue your journey with My Virtual Library Empire sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu, with a calm demeanor, turned to look, and saw not far behind him on the highland, a figure approaching with a graceful gait. She was dressed in a light yellow dress that fluttered with the breeze, exposing inch by inch of her ice-clear skin and a slender waist that could be encompassed with a grip, revealing her form. Such attire, if appeared in some cities, would undoubtedly draw whispers and rebukes for shamelessness behind her back.


    However, for Chen Mu, this was nothing odd; he had seen even bolder, more revealing female attires in his distant memories, commonplace and a dime a dozen.


    "What''s the matter?"


    Chen Mu asked the approaching woman, his voice even-tempered.


    The woman walked up to him with a light step, glancing at Chen Mu in surprise as if she had noticed something astonishing about him. She smiled coyly, "It seems that after two years, Lord Chen misses me quite dearly, your tone is softer than before. I have been diligently taking care of this body, waiting to offer it to you."


    As she spoke the last sentence, her tone turned flirtatiously bold, and a faint blush appeared on her cheeks. She had the look of youthful anticipation mixed with naivety, and her desire almost took form, entwining toward him like tangible threads.

 Chapter 240 Five Elements Lotus Platform_3

    Chen Mu''s gaze casually followed Hua Nongying as she approached, and he said indifferently,"Speak honestly."


    It wasn''t that his perception of the Hehuan temptress had changed, but rather that the cautious and circumspect former him had always been on guard against such a direct inheritor of Hehuan, fearing that a slightest desire would trap him in her web, leading to an irrevocable downfall.


    Yet now, with his Qiankun Artistic Conception fully achieved, let alone Hua Nongying, even facing the younger generation like Yuan Yingsong or Zuo Qianqiu, he maintained a composure and calmness, no longer regarding them as a danger.


    As someone who could rank on the Wind Cloud List, approaching the accomplishments of a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster, if he were to remain overly cautious and defensive against the likes of Hua Nongying and Jiang Yifei of the younger generation, it would be too lacking in courage and spirit.


    "Heehee, when have I ever not been honest?"


    Hua Nongying winked at Chen Mu and said, "Lord Chen, do you remember the agreement we had two years ago?"


    Chen Mu replied calmly, "Is that so? I don''t recall any agreement between us."


    Hua Nongying stepped lightly forward, drawing closer, and said, "Back then, I said I would temporarily leave the Earthly Green Lotus Seed with you, and that I would come back for it later. I hope Lord Chen hasn''t used it all up. I have a great need for that item."


    "Indeed, there are still some left."


    Chen Mu, watching Hua Nongying with an unchanging expression, said, "If you want to snatch it, come and take it."


    By this time, Hua Nongying had moved to within a zhang in front of Chen Mu, her gaze carefully sizing him up. But after a while, she laughed lightly and said, "Lord Chen has achieved the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception, and I am not confident I could take it by force. Besides, having such a good relationship with Lord Chen, why would I spoil it over a spiritual object?"


    As she spoke,


    her delicate hand suddenly lifted, revealing a small and exquisite lotus platform in her palm. The lotus was a mixture of five colors, faintly emanating the auras of the five elements¡ªmetal, wood, water, fire, and earth¡ªin constant flux.


    "This is the Five Elements Lotus Platform, containing an abundant supply of Five Elements Yuan Qi. If Lord Chen''s Five Viscera Tempering has reached the ninth round, integrating this lotus platform could complete the tenth tempering. It''s a spiritual object that is almost as valuable as the Earthly Green Lotus Seed."


    Hua Nongying held the lotus platform in her small hand, her charming figure seeming to sway with the wind, and she said with a smile, "Back then, I said I would bring other spiritual objects to exchange with Lord Chen. Have I kept my promise?"


    The Five Elements Lotus Platform, huh.


    Chen Mu''s gaze fell on the lotus platform in Hua Nongying''s hand. He was indeed aware of this item; it was one of the rarest types among the Viscera Refining spiritual objects. Since it contained all five elements and was extremely abundant, it would be somewhat wasteful to use it for the seventh or eighth tempering round. Rather, it was a supreme spiritual object capable of aiding martial artists in completing the ninth or even the tenth tempering.


    In terms of value, it certainly was not inferior to the Earthly Green Lotus Seed.


    But at this moment, Chen Mu pondered for a bit, for he didn''t know how much Five Elements Yuan Qi was actually contained within the Five Elements Lotus Platform. If it merely gathered the five elements, making them easier to absorb, with the actual amount equating to roughly five or six ''Five Elements Spirit Pearls,'' then it wouldn''t be worth the value of an Earthly Green Lotus Seed for him. However, if it could compare to a dozen or more, then indeed, it would be worth an exchange.


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    The key was that he did indeed lack such Viscera Refining Spiritual Objects to complete the thirteenth Five Viscera Tempering.


    "The value of this object is indeed comparable to the Earthly Green Lotus Seed, but my Five Viscera have already been tempered for the tenth time,"


    Chen Mu said indifferently.


    Hua Nongying blinked and said, "It''s no wonder that you have cultivated the first four realms to their extremes, and with the foundation of Jade Bone entering the Five Viscera, even the tenth tempering came naturally. However, Lord Chen is keeping the Earthly Green Lotus Seed probably to exchange for other useful Spiritual Objects, or to save it for your lady wife, right? This Five Elements Lotus Platform can similarly help your lady wife to supplement her foundation and further advance her Five Viscera."


    After pondering for a moment, Chen Mu didn''t waste any more words and said, "Give me a copy of your Hehuan Sect''s Dual Cultivation Method, and I will exchange with you."


    Hua Nongying seemed quite surprised as she looked at Chen Mu, then suddenly chuckled: "I''ve always thought Lord Chen was a strict and serious person. I didn''t expect you to be interested in our Dual Cultivation Technique. In that case, why doesn''t Lord Chen leave the Seven Profound Sect and join the Hehuan Sect? Even though you can''t be a disciple in our sect, all the senior and junior sisters here are at your disposal for your picking."


    With a calm expression, Chen Mu said, "The method of harvesting is a human path, to replenish the insufficient by drawing from the excess. It is of the lower class. I seek not the method of harvesting but the Dual Cultivation Technique derived from the Artistic Conception of Yin Yang, which follows the natural cycles of heaven and earth."


    Seeking the Dual Cultivation Technique wasn''t entirely for Xu Hongyu. Compared to the method of harvesting, the proper Dual Cultivation Technique derived from Yin Yang was also in accord with the Dao of Nature. Now that he had mastered the complete Qiankun Artistic Conception, he could also infer some mysteries of Yin Yang from it.


    Now him,


    having mastered the Qiankun Artistic Conception, could be said to embrace all rivers, contemplating the profound principles from the heavens and earth of Qiankun, and could also draw on the strengths of various schools to trace back to the profound truths.


    Hua Nongying laughed with her flower-like features trembling, "Lord Chen''s words are indeed proper. Could it be that you can cultivate the Yin Yang Dual Cultivation Technique by yourself? Hmm... Your lady wife''s cultivation seems a bit weak, and it seems she has not yet stepped into the Five Viscera Realm. I could actually accompany you to practice this Dual Cultivation Technique well."


    Speaking of which.


    Her entire being seemed to be shrouded in a mist, her crystal-clear skin flushed with a hint of red, and her twinkling eyes stared at Chen Mu as if truly harboring tender feelings.


    Chen Mu, of course, wouldn''t lose his judgment over this. He simply examined the woman before him calmly, then suddenly his eyes flashed with a strange light and said, "Your aura doesn''t seem like Hua Nongying... I see, no wonder you dare to come to me so brazenly. Then, you must be her sister, Hua Nongyue?"


    It had been two years since he last dealt with Hua Nongying. Identifying the woman before him as Hua Nongying was because she¡ªfrom her physique and appearance to the way she revealed her aura and her tone¡ªseemed almost identical to Hua Nongying. sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Until that very moment.


    It was only when energy leaked out that he finally detected some slight differences.


    No wonder, after two years, knowing full well that he had cultivated the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception, she still dared to approach him to trade for Spiritual Objects, without fearing that he would forcefully seize them. Although he indeed had no intention of forcibly taking them, the other party was clearly very confident¡ªso it was not the sister, but the older sister.


    Hua Nongyue.


    The chief heir of the Hehuan Sect''s true inheritance, ranked fourth on the Newcomer List!

 Chapter 241 The Summit

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    Hua Nongyue couldn''t help but burst into laughter again, the affectionate demeanor that had been present moments before instantly vanished without a trace. While laughing, she said, "I never said I was Nongying, you misunderstood on your own. You can''t blame me for that."


    Having said that, she straightened her expression and looked closely at Chen Mu, adding, "However, Nongying was right; you are indeed formidable. Not only have you mastered Qian Heaven, but your Martial Arts will has also forged its own path. Even if you currently can''t break into the top ten of the rookie rankings, it''s only because you started practicing Martial Arts late, not because you''re inferior to Zhou Hao and the others."


    "Given another year or two, entering the top five wouldn''t be out of reach."


    Chen Mu gazed at Hua Nongyue, his expression now calm. He had long heard of the sisters Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying, who were nearly indistinguishable in appearance, so he wasn''t overly surprised upon recognizing the swap between them.


    The only thing that surprised him was that not only their physical appearances but even their auras were almost exactly the same. The only difference lay in the Martial Arts will they cultivated, resulting in a slightly different essence.


    That is to say.


    If they stood side by side without engaging in Martial Arts, the two sisters would appear as though they were one and the same person.


    In Chen Mu''s view, this similarity wasn''t merely innate; it was also deliberately cultivated. Perhaps during their Martial Arts practice, the sisters intentionally converged towards each other''s approaches.


    Hua Nongying cultivated Taiyin, Hua Nongyue cultivated Taiyang... Chen Mu felt that perhaps in the past he had underestimated these sisters. Perhaps each sister, practicing one aspect of Yin Yang, could together evolve into a complete Yin Yang?


    It''s impossible for ordinary people.


    Even identical twins might not be able to achieve it. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But if born as conjoined twins, sharing everything from vital energy to blood lineage, and even after separation, they still practiced in a converging manner, it indeed might be possible to achieve complete blending of Inner Breath.


    Chen Mu was unclear whether Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue could truly achieve this, or by what means, but there was no doubt that they were likely practicing towards this goal.


    "I''m not interested in the rankings of the rookie list."


    Chen Mu looked at Hua Nongyue and finally replied calmly.


    Hua Nongyue smiled charmingly, saying, "The empty titles created by the End of the World Sea Pavilion not only cause more intense conflicts among the younger generation of the whole Cold North Path''s Eleven States but also drag many into the fray. Some aim to climb onto the rookie list, others compete for the rankings. In reality, if one truly holds to the sole volition of Martial Arts, what significance does a momentary ranking have?"


    Upon saying this,


    she suddenly flipped her hand and directly threw a Superior Grade Five Elements Lotus Platform towards Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu caught it with his hand, and now, holding the lotus platform in his palm and carefully perceiving it, he could finally discern the volume of Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi contained within - indeed more than he had anticipated, certainly not the worst scenario.


    "What about the Dual Cultivation Technique?"


    Chen Mu looked at Hua Nongyue again.


    Hua Nongyue gently said, "Our Hehuan Sect has many Dual Cultivation Techniques, and there are some we don''t mind being transmitted externally. I''ll send some to you in a few days. However, if you want to learn a Superior Grade Dual Cultivation Method, you would have to practice together with me."


    As her words fell, the thin air of the highland seemed permeated once again with an enchantingly charming scent.


    Chen Mu did not respond, merely watching Hua Nongyue.


    Hua Nongyue hummed a smile, saying, "What makes you uneasy, Brother Chen? I''ve already handed over the Five Elements Lotus Platform to you without fear that you might go back on your word. Are you still worried that I might not keep mine?"


    Chen Mu gave Hua Nongyue another look, then tucked the Five Elements Lotus Platform into his bag. Next, he took out an Earthly Green Lotus Seed and tossed it to Hua Nongyue, who caught it deftly.


    At this moment, Hua Nongyue was no longer wearing a playful expression but observed the Green Lotus Seed in her hand seriously and meticulously. After confirming there was no problem, she then turned to Chen Mu with a charming expression:


    "Thank you, Brother Chen, for your help. I''ll thank you on behalf of my sister as well."


    Saying this, she suddenly moved her lips slightly, and a thread of her voice condensed into a line, quietly landing in Chen Mu''s ear.


    "Brother Chen, having achieved the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception, and being able to borrow the Momentum of heaven from the Yunni Sky Steps, you have already been deemed a formidable person by many. Be cautious in your solitary travels outside, for there are more than one or two eyes on you now."


    As her words ended.


    Hua Nongyue giggled charmingly, her entire figure stealthily retreated, disappearing in the blink of an eye between the falcon''s descent and the rabbit''s rise.


    Chen Mu watched Hua Nongyue leave, not overly concerned with her caution, then turned his gaze back to Yunni Sky Peak. He stepped forward, descending along the cliff toward the base of Yunni Sky Peak.


    With a violent wind swirling around him, puffing up his sleeves, although not able to levitate fully, he managed to slow his descent significantly, as if floating in the air, quickly reaching the valley bottom, and then continued onward.


    ...


    One day,


    Two days,


    Three days,


    With the passage of time, the conflicts within Bi Prefecture Government gradually subsided.


    As the day of turmoil in the Cloud Sea drew near, sustaining injuries at this time would inevitably affect their ascent to discuss martial arts and enlightenment. Even if some Sect Disciples ignited real flames in their sparring and created personal conflicts, they temporarily set them aside.


    And so, several more days passed.


    At last,


    that rolling Cloud Sea high in the sky began to ripple on this day, each undulation grand and encompassing as if stormy waves churned, tumultuous and unpredictable.

 Chapter 241 Peak Top_2

    "It''s here!""It''s starting."


    Young prodigies from the various sects of the Eleven State of the Cold North Path, all Inner Sect top talents, no matter where they were or what they were doing, almost all put down what they were holding and simultaneously looked up at the sky.


    Watching the gradually changing phenomena in the sky, many took a deep breath and began to make their moves.


    Accompanied by the rolling and surging Cloud Sea.


    Numerous Sect Disciples, crossing the highland, arrived at the foot of Yunni Sky Peak. Although the gathering was large, with hundreds of people, and each one was at least among the best within the Bone Tempering Realm, compared to the towering Yunni Sky Peak piercing the clouds and reaching into the sky, they still amounted to nothing, and their aura submerged at the foot of the mountain was hardly noticeable.


    Before reaching the middle peak, the Yunni Sky Peak could be ascended from all sides, but after reaching the middle peak, there remained only one path... It wasn''t that other places were unclimbable, but at that altitude, the pressure from the power of Heaven and Earth became extremely strong, turning those steep cliffs extremely difficult to climb, leaving only one path that could lead to the peak most easily.


    At this moment.


    As time passed, various groups from different sects gathered at the base of the peak, spreading out at various points at the foot of the vast Yunni Sky Peak, with the group from the Seven Profound Sect led by Zhou Hao gathering at the foot of the northern side of the peak.


    Aside from Chen Mu, almost all the True Disciples from the seven peaks were present, including outstanding Bone Tempering Realm cultivators from peaks like Spirit Profound Peak''s Linghu Shang, Shen Lin, and others. Although it was very difficult for them to reach the top of the peak, merely climbing to the Upper Peak and crossing the Cloud Sea would allow them to comprehend the Power of Heaven and Earth, which was still a significant encounter for them, all holders of the Artistic Conception.


    The Cloud Sea roiled.


    The sky darkened and the earth dimmed.


    Suddenly, a sound resembling thunder exploded in the sky, and then it was seen ¡ª the Cloud Sea that had enveloped Yunni Sky Peak suddenly began to part here and there, gradually revealing the entire majestic Yunni Sky Peak to everyone!


    The fierce sunlight also finally shone through the opened fissures of the Cloud Sea onto the foot of Yunni Sky Peak.


    Almost at that moment.


    Several tiny figures, in comparison to Yunni Sky Peak resembling ants, either leapt or ran toward the towering peak to climb.


    Among them, one person was enveloped in sword light, appearing like a Heavenly Sword, climbing along Yunni Sky Peak, with overwhelming Sword Intent suppressing everything in the world as if to sever the heavens.


    It was Zuo Qianqiu of the Heavenly Sword Sect, ranked first among the rising stars!


    Following closely behind.


    Another thick and profound aura surged forth as Yuan Yingsong, carrying his Spirit Weapon, the Eight Desolates Halberd, ascended the peak, each leap spanning more than ten yards, driving his great halberd into the rock face of the clouds, constantly moving upwards.


    From various other directions, figures such as Mysterious Heavenly Sect''s Xuan Gang, Hehuan Sect''s Hua Nongyue, Ice Extreme Palace''s Han Cang... one peerless prodigy after another listed on the list of rising stars, were all one step ahead, climbing towards the Upper Peak amidst the disturbance of the Cloud Sea.


    "Let''s go."


    Zhou Hao also glanced at the people of the Seven Profound Sect, then his entire figure leaped toward the upper reaches of Yunni Sky Peak.


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    Many True and other Inner Sect Disciples behind him also began to move upwards.


    Yunni Sky Peak was extremely high and also immensely broad.


    The many Inner and True Disciples, with mixed levels of cultivation, quickly widened the gap between each other after starting the climb. Those of the Bone Tempering Realm, after climbing several hundred feet, gradually started feeling the pressure and had to begin looking for more suitable paths to climb, unable to continue leaping upwards. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Meanwhile, many True Disciples who had stepped into the Five Viscera Realm were pulling ahead. After reaching an elevation of over a thousand yards, they began to feel some pressure and continued climbing while seeking more suitable paths.


    As for top talents like Zuo Qianqiu and Yuan Yingsong, they quickly surpassed the two thousand yard middle peak.


    At this time.


    At a certain point at the base of Yunni Sky Peak.


    Chen Mu looked up at the parting Cloud Sea, engulfed as if submerging into the murmur of the shifting Heaven and Earth. When he eventually came back to his senses, he saw the clouds covering Yunni Sky Peak gradually sinking like they were slowly descending.


    "Yin rises and Yang descends, Yang blooms while Yin fades."


    "Just like the rising and falling tides, the cycle of Yin and Yang, the Strength of Qian Heaven accumulates until it can no longer be held, changing from Yang to Yin, hence descending¡­ It''s the turbulence of this Cloud Sea that happens every five years."


    A multitude of insights flashed through his eyes, yet he no longer continued to delve deeper into them. Instead, he glanced at the towering Yunni Sky Peak and then took a step forward, his entire body ascending along a ridge up the mountain.


    In almost no time, he had passed those Sect Disciples from various sects who had already been climbing for a while, and not long after, he reached the middle peak of Yunni Sky Peak, continuing to ascend along a ridge line.


    At this moment.


    With each section climbed.


    Chen Mu could feel the flow and variation of the Power of Heaven and Earth becoming more vivid before his eyes.


    The recent turbulence in the Cloud Sea seemed to have torn a layer of barrier between Heaven and Earth, allowing the Qiankun Eight Phases, and the flow of Yin Yang to present themselves more clearly to the eyes, and the higher he went, the clearer it became.


    Chen Mu thus made his way upward slowly, his eyes sometimes having insights, sometimes appearing puzzled, and sometimes seemingly illuminated by a flash of intuition. No matter how his expression seemed absent-minded, every step he took was firmly climbing higher, never missing a step.


    Vast and boundless, as if riding the wind through the void, without knowing where it will end.

 Chapter 241 Peak_3

    At this moment, Chen Mu''s feelings were just like this.Mastering the complete Qiankun Artistic Conception, he felt that at this moment, the entire world was filled with mystery everywhere and the flow of all things seemed present at each corner, as if every direction he looked at was an Artistic Conception Map laid before his eyes!


    This feeling almost approached what he had felt when he initially swallowed the Earthly Green Lotus Seed, as if he had merged into the world, becoming a part of it, where a blink was the rise and fall of the sun and the moon, and a breath was the swell of the Vast Ocean.


    Just like that.


    Chen Mu, in a dazed state, aimlessly continued his ascent.


    He did not know how far he had walked up the mountain path or how long he had been climbing until a pathway illuminated by the brilliance of cloud and neon light appeared in his view, leading to the very peak of Yunni Sky Peak.


    At that moment.


    Looking up the mountain path, he could clearly see dozens of figures. Some were standing at the edge of the path, overlooking the rolling Cloud Sea, deeply comprehending something, while others were exchanging blows, their moves and Artistic Conceptions clashing and verifying Martial Arts.


    These dozens of figures, none of them were unknowns, all of them were the proud talents listed in the register of newcomers!


    Even though some were not ranked in the newcomer register, they were still talents rivalling those listed, or were individuals not yet included in the register, such as Gu Hong who had gone through the process of ''breaking and re-establishing'' in the past two years.


    Further up the path, the number of people dwindled, until finally only a few such as Hua Nongyue, Yuan Yingsong, and Zuo Qianqiu stood at the end, each comprehending the heavens and the earth on their own.


    Chen Mu''s arrival did not attract much attention.


    However,


    as Chen Mu also stepped onto the mountain stairway and began to ascend, he gradually began to draw some eyes.


    "He is..."


    Some people on the mountain steps, slightly puzzled, looked toward Chen Mu. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Because the Cold North Path of the Eleven State was too vast, even among the proud talents on the register of newcomers, many were strangers to each other, only able to judge each other''s identity by their clothing. Chen Mu was currently dressed in plain clothes, not the attire of the Seven Profound Sect, making it difficult for many to recognize him at a glance.


    But.


    There were still those who recognized Chen Mu.


    "Hmm? Chen Mu!"


    Gu Hong, who was standing at a spot on the mountain steps, immersed in comprehending the world, suddenly felt his Heart Sword stir. Snapping out of his immersion, he glanced toward Chen Mu ascending the steps, his eyes immediately blazing with light.


    He had been wanting to find Chen Mu for a rematch to reaffirm his own path, but had not seen any sign of Chen Mu even after coming to Yunni Sky Steps and climbing up, and had wondered if something had happened to Chen Mu.


    "You''ve finally arrived!"


    Gu Hong took two steps along the stairway, approaching Chen Mu as he ascended, a strong surge of Sword Intent rising within him, mixed with a mood of combativeness, his eyes twinkling, "I thought something had happened to you, it''s good you''re here!"


    "You managed to comprehend the three Artistic Conceptions of wind, thunder, and fire in the remote lands of Yu County, and joining the Seven Profound Sect certainly hasn''t disappointed me. You''ve also mastered Qian Heaven. I once underestimated you, but I won''t do so in the future. You truly are my greatest lifetime rival!"


    As his voice fell.


    Others nearby also began to turn their eyes, looking toward Chen Mu who was making his way up the mountain steps, each revealing various expressions.


    Chen Mu?


    "So he is Chen Mu, the one who comprehended the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception in just a year and a half. But this person had been hiding and had not appeared before the upheaval in the Cloud Sea, only appearing after climbing the Yunni Sky Steps and attaining the momentum of Qian Heaven..."


    Sparks flashed in someone''s eyes.


    Martial Arts competition has always been about avoiding weaknesses and playing to strengths, and timing and geographical advantage are also part of it. Chen Mu had waited to take advantage of the right timing, which was not wrong.


    If they were in control of the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception, perhaps they would do the same. This was not a despicable act.


    But rather, it was Gu Hong.


    It was said that having been defeated by Chen Mu before, his Heart Sword was shattered before being rebuilt, subsequently leaping to become the man second only to Zuo Qianqiu in the entire Heavenly Sword Sect. Indeed, his spirit was extraordinary. Knowing full well that Chen Mu had borrowed momentum to arrive, he nonetheless showed no fear and dared to challenge Chen Mu to a sword fight!


    "Gu Hong indeed possesses some prowess."


    High on the mountain path, Jiang Yifei in his Mysterious Robe gazed at Gu Hong, his eyes flickering slightly.


    As one of the newcomers ranked seventh, his true concern in this generation of the Heavenly Sword Sect was only Zuo Qianqiu. However, now that Gu Hong had shattered and reformed his Heart Sword, his whole spirit seemed utterly different, truly qualifying him to compete with the top ten newcomers.


    If Gu Hong could go against the odds to defeat Chen Mu... no, even if he managed just to withstand dozens of moves unscathed using the borrowed force of the heavenly momentum from Chen Mu, it would most likely strengthen his resolve, making him a formidable enemy for him eventually.


    At this moment.


    Apart from Zuo Qianqiu, who was always looking up at the sky from the highest step of the mountain, others including Yuan Yingsong and Han Cang were also glancing over curiously, watching Chen Mu who was ascending the steps, and Gu Hong with his soaring Sword Intent.


    Under the attention of many prodigies, Chen Mu ascended the mountain steps, gradually approaching Gu Hong.


    However.


    Surprisingly.


    Chen Mu gave no response to Gu Hong''s words and his gaze did not even touch upon Gu Hong. Regarding Gu Hong''s challenge and that soaring Sword Intent, he seemed oblivious as he continued up the mountain steps.


    His eyes appeared vacant, as if he were in a trance, almost seemingly lost in a realm beyond this world, oblivious to everything on the mountain steps.


    "Junior Brother Chen?"


    Zhou Hao was also on the mountain steps. Observing Gu Hong''s challenge against Chen Mu, he was concerned, although a peer of Chen Mu in the Seven Profound Sect, he had never seen Chen Mu''s Qian Heaven technique. Noticing that Chen Mu''s demeanor seemed off, he frowned slightly.


    Gu Hong had already issued a challenge with his Heart Sword Intent, which filled the entire mountain steps clearly perceivable to everyone, yet Chen Mu seemed completely unaware. Could it be that he was too engrossed in the mysteries of nature to notice?


    That was not a good sign! Discover hidden stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    If Chen Mu was overly immersed in understanding the universe, that would undoubtedly expose a huge vulnerability. In martial arts, one should avoid weaknesses and exploit strengths. He could ascend to the peak by leveraging the heavenly momentum, and others could naturally exploit his opening to break his Artistic Conception!


    Indeed, almost the moment Chen Mu stepped toward the peak, coming within three meters of Gu Hong, Gu Hong brashly made his move. He would not consider Chen Mu''s condition¡ªhe had already stood against Chen Mu''s borrowed force from heaven, challenging him and naturally could not posture any longer waiting for Chen Mu to fully regain consciousness and recover to his peak form before engaging him.


    Whoom!!!


    Gu Hong raised his right hand, pointed as if it were a sword, and then an invisible Qi Sword several meters long suddenly soared upwards, stirring the heavenly momentum above the mountain steps, as if it had torn through Qian Heaven, falling straight down towards Chen Mu''s head.


    This move''s momentum was extraordinary, drawing the attention of almost everyone on the mountain steps. Gu Hong had indeed displayed a strength worthy of challenging the top ten newcomers, and although Chen Mu was not ranked among the top ten, having cultivated Qian Heaven and borrowed heavenly momentum, he was undoubtedly one of the most powerful there.


    Though there seemed to be a vulnerability now, everyone wanted to see the outcome of Gu Hong''s sword attack.


    However.


    A bizarre scene occurred.


    The grand invisible Sword Qi from Gu Hong, overwhelming as it descended upon Chen Mu, was forcibly stopped just shy of reaching Chen Mu''s head, then started eroding and shattering inch by inch!


    While Chen Mu exhibited no additional movements, he didn''t even pause his steps, still looking entranced as he continued up the mountain steps. With each step Chen Mu took, a section of Gu Hong''s invisible Sword Qi collapsed.


    By the time Chen Mu arrived before Gu Hong.


    Gu Hong''s face had turned pale as paper, and the arm with which he pointed as a sword trembled violently. Soon, the Sword Intent around his body exploded outward and he spit out a large mouthful of blood, his breath quickly fading.


    Towards Gu Hong''s collapse of his Heart Sword, spitting blood, and debilitation, Chen Mu still retained that vacant look, his mind apparently not returning, he showed no other actions, did not even raise his hand, only the steps he took in ascending continued without pause.


    Step,


    Step,


    Step,


    The suddenly silent mountain steps echoed only with Chen Mu''s footsteps as he climbed.

 Chapter 242 All the Proud Elites of the Cold North Bow Their Heads!

    Above the mountain steps lay a deathly silence.Almost everyone who had turned their attention to Chen Mu was now changing color.


    "How is this possible!"


    "To think that just by the Strength of Qian Heaven..."


    Shock flickered in Jiang Yifei of Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s eyes.


    Everyone could clearly see that Gu Hong''s strike with the Heart Sword, upon nearing within three feet of Chen Mu, had stirred the Power of Heaven and Earth, was restrained by an immense and forceful Strength of Qian Heaven, and seemed to be ground to dust inch by inch like a millstone. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    During the whole process, Chen Mu didn''t lift a finger, displayed no techniques, likewise no Artistic Conception Techniques, and simply climbed the mountain steps, relying purely on the Strength of Qian Heaven naturally gathered by sheer martial intent!


    Though everyone had anticipated that Chen Mu, on the Yunni Sky Steps and enjoying the most favorable position, could mobilize an incredibly potent Strength of Qian Heaven, to the extent he might even match the top five newcomers, no one could have imagined that the Strength of Qian Heaven he harnessed could be so terrifyingly powerful, to an almost unfathomable degree!


    Even then, Chen Mu still appeared lost in a trance, as if exploring worlds beyond, full of gaping vulnerabilities, but now no one dared to see him that way anymore.


    Soul returned from its wanderings.


    Heart in Heaven and Earth, intent empty, existent, but who can truly discern?


    Thus Chen Mu remained unaffected by external distractions, numb to all things, without a flicker of expression in reaction to anyone, continually ascending the Yunni Sky Steps, drawing nearer to the highest tier of steps.


    One by one, the prodigies on the list of new talents, those ranked in the twenties and even the teens, all watched with solemn expressions as Chen Mu took each step upward, and for a time no one dared to move, no one dared to reach out and attempt to halt his ascent!


    Finally.


    Just as Chen Mu passed another tier of the staircase, someone spoke up.


    "The Strength of Qian Heaven is indeed commendable, let me learn from Brother Chen''s superb move!"


    With the words uttered.


    Hum!!!


    Once more, someone made a move against Chen Mu, it was none other than Jiang Yifei, the leading true disciple of Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion. His entire being, seemingly conjuring a sword from thin air in his hand, its edge bright and clear. Upon the blade, what started as a scorching heat likened to the peak of summer, eventually turned into a gentle autumn breeze, before finally settling into the deep winter, with a profound silence that swelled with the Artistic Conception momentum all around.


    Yet the sequence wasn''t over, as the chill of winter waxed and waned, his seemingly ordinary sword suddenly surged with a ribbon of verdant light, appearing wholly wooden, and within moments, it brimmed with burgeoning vitality. Experience new stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    "A Spirit Weapon!"


    Some observers showed astonishment.


    This flourishing vitality didn''t come from Jiang Yifei, but rather, alarmingly, from his sword itself. The blade shone brightly, evoking an atmosphere brimming with life, as if spring greenery spread over the land!


    Warm Spring!


    High Summer!


    Late Autumn!


    Severe Winter!


    Although the Warm Spring Power was facilitated by the Spirit Weapon, and did not rotate as freely as the other three Artistic Conceptions, at this moment, they still managed to create a chain amongst themselves, as if transformed into a tapestry of time, imprinting spring, summer, autumn, and winter, the vastness of the Four Seasons!


    "He can actually invoke the Power of Warm Spring with the aid of the Peach Divine Sword, forcefully converging the Power of the Four Seasons."


    Zhou Hao''s face revealed a hint of shock.


    Even though he was taking advantage of a Spirit Weapon''s capability, Jiang Yifei hadn''t displayed this move previously in their duel, clearly concealing this tactic with the intention of making a startling impact on the Yunni Sky Steps, and now he had used it directly against Chen Mu!


    Clearly Jiang Yifei still believed that Chen Mu, in his current bewildered state, was at his most vulnerable, hence, he attacked with full force, his moves already gravitating toward a fight to the death!


    "Jiang Yifei!"


    Zhou Hao''s gaze darkened, sensing the danger of the situation, and for a brief moment clenched his right fist into a Fist Seal, with the yellow-brown Power of the Earth swirling around him, intensely watching Jiang Yifei, nearly ready to intervene.


    If Chen Mu were coherent at this moment, he probably wouldn''t interfere with Chen Mu''s battle, but Jiang Yifei was clearly looking for the opportunity to knock Chen Mu directly from the Yunni Sky Steps, maybe even to kill him. His approach was no longer a friendly spar!


    However.


    Almost at the instant Zhou Hao prepared to act, an intense killing intent suddenly enveloped him, causing his body to stiffen, rooted to the spot, defense heightened to the utmost. This sensation was all too familiar to him, it was Blood Hidden Pavilion!


    Si Kouzhi of Blood Hidden Pavilion, ranked eleventh among the newcomers!


    But when it comes to the degree of danger, many considered Si Kouzhi to be even more threatening than Zhou Hao and Jiang Yifei, who were among the top ten. Blood Hidden Pavilion pursued a shadowy and deadly path in Martial Arts, vastly different from the orthodox, employing assassination and surprise attacks to the extent that every move was aimed at taking life, never engaging in face-to-face combat.


    Many would prefer a battle with the likes of Han Cang, who ranked among the top five newcomers, over facing a sneak attack from Blood Hidden Pavilion.


    From the moment Zhou Hao almost intervened, to when the killing intent of Si Kouzhi from Blood Hidden Pavilion shocked and deterred him, it was all but the blink of an eye. Meanwhile, the force of spring, summer, autumn, and winter on Jiang Yifei''s sword edge converged and circulated, as if forming a thick, ancient force of desolation, slashing directly at Chen Mu. Wherever the sword''s edge passed, it seemed all things withered and changed color.


    "This Jiang Yifei does have such a technique, not to be underestimated indeed."


    Han Cang narrowed his eyes, observing Jiang Yifei.


    "Chen Mu is in danger now."


    Specs of light twinkled in Hua Nongyue''s peach blossom eyes.


    To elicit the Power of Warm Spring with a Spirit Weapon was not so easy, indicating that Jiang Yifei had at least grasped the Artistic Conception of Warm Spring, just not reaching the second step, uneven with the other three. But given Jiang Yifei''s age, he was completely capable of mastering the Power of the Four Seasons.

 Chapter 242 The Proud Sons of Cold North All Bow Down!_2

    This person is ranked tenth, which in her opinion is indeed too low.If Chen Mu were still in that state of hazy wandering, not using Artistic Conception Technique to defend, relying solely on the natural convergence of The Power of Heaven and Earth by Artistic Conception alone, I''m afraid it would be impossible to block Jiang Yifei''s move... no, even if Chen Mu were to wake up a moment later, it would be extremely perilous!


    Whirring!


    Under the watchful eyes of countless people, some shocked, others their expressions changing, all they saw was that within Jiang Yifei''s sword light, the four clusters of revolving light finally pierced towards Chen Mu, reaching three feet from his body.


    "Four Seasons Rotation, time flies like a song!"


    Jiang Yifei let out a long howl.


    In that instant, the same overwhelming Strength of Qian Heaven that had previously crushed Gu Hong''s Heart Sword emerged on Chen Mu''s body, revolving around him like an immense, invisible millstone, clashing with Jiang Yifei''s sword light.


    Crack, crack, crack.


    The crowd seemed to faintly hear the sound of chains breaking, only to see that the Four Seasons Rotation inside Jiang Yifei''s sword light now also appeared to form a millstone, grinding incessantly against the Strength of Qian Heaven surrounding Chen Mu. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Meanwhile, Jiang Yifei''s sword, amidst the mutual grinding of The Power of Heaven and Earth, gradually crept closer to within three feet of Chen Mu''s body, slowly approaching inch by inch. While visibly slow to the naked eye, it seemed to already declare the victor; his gathered Four Seasons Power could break through the Strength of Qian Heaven revolving around Chen Mu!


    "Chen Mu, not using the Artistic Conception Technique to solidify the Strength of Qian Heaven, is being too complacent. Jiang Yifei is likely to win."


    Yuan Yingsong watched the scene from above, his eyes flickering.


    He also cultivated the Qiankun Eight Phases, mainly focusing on the Kun Earth Artistic Conception. Although Kun Earth shares certain correspondences with Qian Heaven, he was able to rank above Zhou Hao, placing second among the up-and-comers: one reason being his mastery over the Kun Earth Artistic Conception was much superior to Zhou Hao''s, and the other was that the Eight Desolations Halberd Technique he practiced was also stronger than Zhou Hao''s Earth-Shaking Saber Decree!


    The Strength of Qian Heaven revolving around Chen Mu was extremely vast and terrifying, even stronger than the Power of the Earth Yuan Yingsong could muster at this moment. Yet, this power, if not controlled and merely left to rotate naturally like this, is clearly insufficient to withstand Jiang Yifei''s unified Four Seasons Power. Yuan Yingsong didn''t know if Chen Mu was truly inattentive, overly confident, or if Chen Mu had reached his limit in mobilizing such immense Strength of Qian Heaven, and actually didn''t have the strength to control and refine it further.


    Jiang Yifei''s move indeed posed some threat to him.


    But.


    Almost in the next moment, not just Yuan Yingsong, but many of the prodigies on the entire mountain steps had their expressions change again and again!


    They saw that Jiang Yifei''s Peach Divine Spirit Sword, engulfed in the rotating light of Four Seasons, inch by inch, pierced before Chen Mu''s three feet, eventually penetrating the layer of Strength of Qian Heaven that was like a millstone. However, instead of continuing its unstoppable momentum into Chen Mu''s body, it suddenly collided with a second layer of grand and heavy power, as if stars hit the earth. Despite creating ripples, it remained completely immobile!


    "This..."


    Jiang Yifei''s pupils shrunk and his face turned drastically.


    At the same time.


    He also sensed a terrifying sense of crisis descending upon him, seeing Chen Mu''s originally hazy eyes suddenly, as if becoming aware, slowly drop and gaze towards him.


    It was also, since ascending the Yunni Sky Steps, that he finally woke from the boundless enlightenment for the first time.


    "Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, Jiang Yifei?"


    He raised his right hand, the index and middle fingers pinching together, trapping that close-at-hand Peach Divine Spirit Sword between them, and looked toward the other with a light gaze, toward the Mysterious Robe on his body.


    Jiang Yifei''s face changed greatly, and with a sudden long howl, he performed some Secret Technique, and the Yuan Gang Force around his body suddenly grew more intense by several degrees. But at this moment, he no longer thrust forward with his sword; instead, he violently retreated, attempting to flee.


    However.


    No matter how he pushed his Four Seasons Power to the limit, exerting all his strength, he still couldn''t pull the tip of the Peach Divine Spirit Sword from between Chen Mu''s ordinary-looking two fingers by even an inch as if it were embedded in rocky mountains, locked by the boundless mountains and seas!


    "Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, the Power of Four Seasons, is all but so."


    Chen Mu looked at Jiang Yifei with an indifferent expression and then his aura exploded, in a flash Qian Heaven and Kun Earth merged, turning into an overwhelmingly irresistible power, fiercely intertwining.


    Crackle and pop!


    The Four Seasons Spiritual Light on the blade of the Peach Divine Spirit Sword, like a shattered mirror, broke off piece by piece, spreading all the way to Jiang Yifei''s body, causing him to show a look of horror. He attempted to let go and retreat, but he was a step too late.


    The entire person was crushed by a tremendous force of Heaven and Earth, as if a giant''s foot stepped on an ant, breaking apart the Artistic Conception and Yuan Gang around him, flinging him backwards, a gush of fresh blood staining the mountain steps red!


    "Not a bad sword."


    Chen Mu''s gaze returned to the Peach Divine Spirit Sword pinched between his fingers. He saw the entire Spirit Weapon, though its force was shattered by him, still continuously drawing power from Heaven and Earth, with the entire blade trembling.


    A slight gleam flashed in his eyes, and then he flicked his finger.


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    Swish!


    The Peach Divine Spirit Sword flew out from between his fingers, heading towards Zhou Hao not far above the mountain steps.


    Zhou Hao, still dazed, caught it subconsciously, feeling the entire blade still vibrating, trying to break free from his grasp. So, his five fingers tightened, forcibly suppressing it.


    "May I trouble Brother Zhou to look after this for a while."

 Chapter 242 The Arrogant Elites of the Cold North All Lower Their Heads!_3

    Chen Mu''s voice came.Zhou Hao subconsciously wanted to respond, but saw Chen Mu already striding forward, stepping upward one step at a time, traversing the silent expanse, surpassing Hai Ming, Han Cang, and others, as well as Hua Nongyue, Yuan Yingsong.


    Just as the Cloud Sea stirred, the last wisp of cloud at the mountain''s summit gradually dissipated, revealing the end of the Yunni Sky Steps¡ªa stone platform just big enough for one person to stand on, also the highest point of the entire Yunni Sky Peak.


    Step,


    Step,


    Just like that, Chen Mu ascended the mountain steps and set foot on the stone platform, then turned to survey the many proud figures upon the Sky Steps behind him. Your journey continues on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Qiankun..."


    Someone''s voice was somewhat hoarse as they spoke.


    At this moment,


    Chen Mu''s aura connected with heaven and earth, completely unobscured. Qian Heaven Kun Earth, Xun Wind Thunderbolt, Separating Fire Kan Water, Gen Mountain Dui Ze... the Qiankun Eight Phases that encompass all things in the world, centered around him, seemed as if he were the only one between heaven and earth.


    Whether it was the younger generation ranked lower on the standout list, or the ones ranked higher, like Hai Ming and Han Cang, they all looked at Chen Mu with a deep sense of shock in their eyes.


    Qiankun Artistic Conception.


    A complete Qiankun Artistic Conception!


    As the most mainstream path of Martial Arts in the world, there are actually many people from various sects and schools who practice it. It wasn''t so rare to cultivate a complete Qiankun Artistic Conception, but most of those people were from older generations who had consolidated their strength in the Six Viscera Realm for decades.


    "Qiankun, it''s actually Qiankun."


    Yuan Yingsong stared at Chen Mu''s figure, murmuring to himself for a while.


    He actually had the ability to cultivate a complete Qiankun, but he had not done so, focusing only on the Kun Earth Artistic Conception, because he knew that since the founding of Da Xuan, not one person in a thousand years had been able to reach the pinnacle of the Qiankun Path.


    He knew that the Da Xuan Martial Emperor managed to practice the third step of the Qiankun Artistic Conception because he had contemplated the ''Original Eight Phases Diagram'', but now, whether the Original Eight Phases Diagram or the Illustrated Eight Phases Diagram, all had been lost. Therefore, in practicing the Qiankun Artistic Conception and stepping into the second phase, one could only rely on their understanding without guidance. But with a person''s limited vitality and focus, how could they cultivate all Eight Phases?


    Therefore,


    He also practiced only Kun Earth, not Qiankun.


    But now, among his contemporaries, someone had forcefully cultivated a complete Qiankun Artistic Conception. Should it be said that this person possesses great wisdom and courage to walk this path, or that they are ignorant and unaware of the difficulty of the path? S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At this moment,


    Standing at the end of the steps at the Yunni Sky Steps, in front of the highest stone platform, there was a young man in white clothing, who had been looking up at the sky from the beginning. He was none other than the top successor of the Heavenly Sword Sect, ranked first among the newcomers, Zuo Qianqiu.


    Chen Mu had unwittingly shattered Gu Hong''s Heart Sword and defeated Jiang Yifei of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion. He had not awakened from his reverie, always comprehending the mysterious ways of heaven and earth. It wasn''t until Chen Mu stepped onto the highest point of the Yunni Sky Steps that he began to slowly come back to his senses.


    He looked towards Chen Mu.


    A pair of sword-like eyes reflected the flowing Qiankun Eight Phases.


    But he wasn''t too surprised, and said calmly, "In these eleven states of the Cold North Path, the last person who reached the second step of Qiankun Artistic Conception in the Five Viscera Realm was eighty-seven years ago, and he didn''t manage to pass the Marrow Cleansing Mysterious Pass and has already passed away."


    "Is that so?"


    Chen Mu looked at the young man before him. This was the first time he had seen this number one prodigy, a rare genius of a century, having only heard of him through various rumors before.


    "Do you mean to say that I am ignorant of the dangers?"


    "No, I simply want to say that it''s good to have you in this generation. Otherwise, it would be far too dull," Zuo Qianqiu suddenly smiled lightly, raised his right hand in an ordinary motion, and drew his sword, saying, "The world says that the Heavenly Sword we practice at the Heavenly Sword Sect can compare with Yin Yang and the Five Elements when perfected. But to me, if a sword can separate Yin Yang and break the Five Elements, then it can also... shake Qiankun!"


    Clang.


    As Zuo Qianqiu drew his sword, a boundless Sword Intent surged to the heavens, stirring the firmament.


    A light unlike any before shone in his eyes.


    Having perfected the Heavenly Sword, he had no opponents among his contemporaries. Even when he had faced Yuan Yingsong long ago, it never truly kindled his desire to battle. But now, facing Chen Mu, in the face of a prodigious figure who had, nearly a century later, also cultivated to the second step of Qiankun in the Five Viscera Realm, the long-calm Heavenly Sword in his heart finally began to ripple.


    The so-called Heavenly Sword, initially called ''Human Sword,'' is each generation''s strongest in the Sword Dao, holding it with the human above heaven, integrating all Sword Dao until it''s finally renamed the Heavenly Sword. At the end of the path, all swords exist in a single thought, can separate Yin Yang, break the Five Elements, and cut through all things.


    However,


    What would happen when Heavenly Sword meets Qiankun, no one knows.


    Because the Heavenly Sword is rare in a century, and the Qiankun Artistic Conception has not seen anyone reach the third step in a thousand years. Often even if one wished to fight, they are in different eras, and the outcome remained untested.


    Unexpectedly, while carrying the Heavenly Sword in the world, he finally met the Qiankun Path of his generation. If his sword could overcome Qiankun, then after him, the ''Seven Cutting Skies Swords'' would give birth to an eighth sword, to suppress Qiankun!


    Whoosh.


    Zuo Qianqiu moved. He drew a sword with one motion, pointing it toward the sky, and with the sword''s emergence, it was as if half the sky brightened and half darkened.


    The first form of the Seven Cutting Skies Swords, Separating Yin Yang!


    "This is the Seven Cutting Skies Swords, hmph, I shall give you an opportunity," Chen Mu stood firmly on the mountain peak, his gaze calm all the while. Facing Zuo Qianqiu''s sword, he made no move, just standing there, with only the Power of Heaven and Earth around him, forming into the circulating Eight Phases.

 Chapter 242 Cold Norths Proud Sons All Lower Their Heads!_4

    Ding!A clear and crisp sound of a sword ringing.


    Zuo Qianqiu''s first sword, imbued with the Power of Yin Yang, struck Chen Mu, who was enveloped by the Qiankun Power. After a brief stalemate, it was ground into pieces by the Qiankun Power, disintegrating without causing any disturbance.


    Despite this, Zuo Qianqiu''s resolve was unshaken; the sword light in his eyes grew even brighter, and he raised his sword again.


    The second technique, "Sever the Dual Extremes!"


    The third technique, "Break the Three Talents!"


    The fourth technique, "Fix the Four Seasons!"


    ...


    Swish, swish, swish, swish.


    The Seven Cutting Skies Swords unleashed six successive strikes. The terrifying Sword Intent oppressed everyone on the entire mountain steps. Many warriors felt the pressure; their Artistic Conceptions, to varying degrees, were included in the "Breaking Technique" of the Seven Cutting Skies Swords!


    The so-called Seven Cutting Skies Swords, wielding the Heavenly Sword Path and cultivated to the third step¡ªthe highest within the sword¡ªare contending with supreme entities such as the master of Yin Yang, the Four Seasons, the Five Elements, evolving step by step into a sword technique that breaks all the Artistic Conceptions in the world!


    "The Seven Cutting Skies Swords."


    Zhou Hao took a deep breath.


    Back then, he faced Zuo Qianqiu''s fourth sword; at that time, his Kun Earth Artistic Conception hadn''t been mastered yet. But according to his judgment, even if it was mastered, he could at most resist up to the sixth sword; he would likely lose against the seventh sword.


    Others, like Hua Nongyue and Yuan Yingsong, were also watching this scene intently. They had all suffered under Zuo Qianqiu''s Seven Cutting Skies Swords and had been in disarray before. But now, Zuo Qianqiu faced not them but the so-called strongest Martial Arts practitioner in the world, a complete Qiankun; how would the situation unfold?!


    Dang! Dang! Dang! Dang! Dang!


    As multiple beams of sword light from Zuo Qianqiu descended, what followed was a deep clanging sound, similar to striking a bell.


    Chen Mu stood there steadfast, merely looking down the mountain steps, motionless, as the Eight Phases cycled through creation and destruction, resembling an immortal ancient bell, grinding all sword light to nothing, unshakably.


    "The seventh technique, ''Plummet of the Seven Luminaries!''"


    The final sword, the sword light drawing down the falling stars, issued seven beams of starlight from above. It not only solidified and sliced with the Sword Intent of falling stars, but within each beam of stellar light, distinct Sword Intents were faintly visible, separating Yin Yang, breaking the Three Talents, fixing the Four Seasons...


    This sword seemed to draw upon the previous six swords, gathering all the remnants of the Artistic Conceptions shattered by the Qiankun, converging into a vast Sword Intent, layer by layer exploding around Chen Mu''s Xun Wind, Thunderbolt, Separating Fire, Kan Water...


    Ultimately,


    Zuo Qianqiu''s sword forcefully pierced through the Qiankun!


    At that moment, he seemed to have a realization, as though validating his own Martial Arts path. Although that beam of sword light dimmed after penetrating through the Eight Phases and entering the Qiankun, it was still stubbornly gathering strength, as if to defy the heavens and earth and wanting to tear through the vast Qiankun with a single sword.


    Time seemed to come to a standstill at this moment. It was unknown how long it lasted; it seemed only an instant, yet also like a myriad of years had blinked by. That dim and flickering sword finally, in a moment, reached the end of the Qiankun, thrusting towards the body of Chen Mu!


    But,


    there was no trace of joy on Zuo Qianqiu''s face.


    For it was only then that Chen Mu finally slowly raised his right hand, and with just one finger, silently resisted his sword''s edge, preventing it from advancing even a fraction of an inch. Experience more on My Virtual Library Empire


    "In the past, I had only heard of the mysterious nature of the Heavenly Sword. Witnessing it today, indeed, it has extraordinary aspects. If you could train these Seven Cutting Skies Swords to seamlessly mesh as one, I might have had to expend a bit more effort to resist."


    Ding!


    A clear and crisp sound of a sword ringing.


    With a flick from Chen Mu, Zuo Qianqiu''s sword could no longer sustain the stalemate. His whole body, along with the sword in his hand, was flung backward, plummeting over ten meters, landing down the mountain steps.


    "Do you have any other moves?"


    Chen Mu gazed at Zuo Qianqiu, his demeanor as usual.


    It must be said that the Heavenly Sword is truly extraordinary. Initially, it might have been just an ordinary Sword Dao, but with generations of inheritance and competing with Yin Yang, Four Seasons, the Five Elements, it gradually honed a Heavenly Sword capable of overpowering thousands of paths. If it grew to its pinnacle, upon encountering a complete Yin Yang Five Elements, it could also fight.


    But unfortunately, there''s still a gap from the Qiankun, and even with all his strength, he could only barely break through the naturally converging Power of Heaven and Earth around Chen Mu, grounded in his Artistic Conception, and it wasn''t enough to force Chen Mu to use the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal.


    However,


    being barely able to break through that layer of the Power of Heaven and Earth is already quite impressive.


    Even without his deliberate control, the Power of Heaven and Earth naturally gathered by his current level of Qiankun Artistic Conception far surpasses the typical Five Viscera Realm, almost comparable to the levels of Chu Jingsui, Xiahou Yan, and others.


    "..."


    Zuo Qianqiu''s face was somewhat pale.


    He wasn''t injured.


    But what he felt was an even colder chill, because he knew that Chen Mu hadn''t hurt him not because he couldn''t, but because he deliberately didn''t hurt him, just to see to what extent his Heavenly Sword could perform.


    What does this mean?


    "You¡ªhave you stepped into the Six Viscera Realm?"


    Zuo Qianqiu stared at Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu calmly answered, "No."


    "..."


    Zuo Qianqiu''s face grew even paler.


    This wasn''t the result he wanted.


    He hoped his fully committed Seven Cutting Skies Swords, even if losing to Chen Mu was acceptable, losing to the Qiankun wasn''t an issue, but at least he wanted to see Chen Mu exert himself. But what was that just now? Chen Mu didn''t even mobilize his Yuan Gang True Essence.


    Both were in the Five Viscera Realm, Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    how could there be such a huge disparity between the Heavenly Sword and the Qiankun!


    He couldn''t even make Chen Mu make a move!


    "You have other techniques, right? I remember you also have a Spirit Weapon, called Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram?"

 Chapter 242 All the Arrogant Talents of the Cold North Bow Their Heads!_5

    Chen Mu looked at Zuo Qianqiu, his expression unchanged, and said, "Come on, use everything you''ve got. A Spirit Weapon may be an external object, but as long as you can stimulate it, it too is a part of your power and doesn''t violate your Sword Heart. Perhaps you should gather more of The Power of Heaven and Earth. Your previous move was a bit hasty. Prepare more, and it should be even stronger." Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library EmpireAbove the Yunni Sky Steps, there was dead silence.


    At this moment, whether it was Zhou Hao, Hua Nongyue, or Yuan Yingsong and others, they couldn''t help but feel a sense of absurdity upon hearing Chen Mu''s words.


    Telling Zuo Qianqiu to use the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram, telling Zuo Qianqiu to accumulate more power, and something about not violating the Sword Heart...


    What was this?


    What did this count for?


    The figure standing on the mountain peak, as young as them, belonging to the same generation, all from the prodigies on the talent list of the Cold North Path Eleven State, but why did it feel like there was a huge disconnect between them in that moment?


    If it had been a well-known Grandmaster standing there and speaking to Zuo Qianqiu in this manner, no one would have found it strange. But it was Chen Mu, and oddly enough, there was no sense of discordance.


    None of Zuo Qianqiu''s Seven Cutting Skies Swords had been able to force Chen Mu''s Artistic Conception Technique, the strongest Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal that was rumored to merge with the Qiankun Artistic Conception. They hadn''t seen it at all!


    The gap.


    It was so vast!


    Originally, Zuo Qianqiu faced the Qiankun without backing down and challenged the Qiankun with his Heavenly Sword. Many prodigies had even stopped contemplating the mysteries of heaven and earth to watch this battle, to witness this once-in-a-century exceptional confrontation.


    But now?


    All of them felt an indescribable chill enveloping them. Although they were all pinnacle existences of the Five Viscera Realm and would not feel cold standing on this mountain peak, at this moment, they felt that the cold wind was penetrating their souls.


    They were just watching from the side and already felt this way, so what about Zuo Qianqiu himself?


    They saw.


    Zuo Qianqiu still stood at the bottom of the steps, his face growing paler.


    But after all, he was Zuo Qianqiu, a peerless genius that came once in a hundred years. He looked up at Chen Mu standing on the mountain peak, took a deep breath, and slowly ascended the steps to face Chen Mu.


    Step,


    Step,


    Step,


    With each step, a layer of Sword Intent rose from him, until he returned to the mountain peak, the overwhelming Sword Intent surging from him was stronger than before, like a roaring river!


    A pale golden Sword Chart emerged from him at some unknown time; all the surging Sword Intent originated from within the chart, not one kind but as if ten thousand merged together, limitless and innumerable!


    "The Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram, a Superior Grade Spirit Weapon, ranked thirty-seventh in the Spirit Weapon Catalogue of the Cold North Path. Legend has it that a sword once fell from the sky, like a Meteorite crashing here, and the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram was forged with the divine sword''s meteoric iron, capable of carrying boundless Sword Intent."


    "In my view, it must be that each master of your Heavenly Sword Sect from past generations, after achieving mastery, would imprint their own Sword Intent within it. In this way, it has been passed down through generations, and the Heavenly Sword is the best wielder of this diagram. Because the Heavenly Sword encompasses everything, any kind of Sword Intent engraved in the diagram can be awakened by the power of the Heavenly Sword; it''s a perfect match made by heaven."


    Chen Mu''s gaze turned toward the pale golden Sword Chart floating above Zuo Qianqiu''s head, but his expression remained calm as he said, "I have quite an admiration for your Heavenly Sword Sect''s Sword Dao Grandmasters from the past generations. It is a pity that some of the predecessors have passed on, but fortunately, their Sword Intent is left in the world for later generations to admire."


    "..."


    Zuo Qianqiu said nothing.


    Or perhaps, at this moment, he was unable to spare the attention to speak. The Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram was ultimately one of the very strong Spirit Weapons, especially with the Sword Intent inside encompassing hundreds of years of Heavenly Sword Sect''s masters. Communicating with each strand of Sword Intent through the Heavenly Sword, he had exerted himself to the fullest, needing to stretch his Sword Heart to the extreme so as not to be overwhelmed by those Intents.


    In the past, he had never used the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram against opponents on the same level, always relying on the power of this diagram only in times of crisis. Using this Spirit Weapon against his peers would give the impression of bully others with superior equipment.


    But facing the Qiankun, he had no choice but to use the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram!


    He knew he had been defeated by Chen Mu, but he couldn''t accept such a defeat, not even seeing Chen Mu''s true methods. Even if he were to lose, he couldn''t be defeated so insignificantly, as light as a feather!


    One,


    Two,


    Three,


    ...


    Layers upon layers of sword intent stirred and awakened from the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram, each thread of sword intent causing the numerous prodigies upon the Yunni Sky Steps to tremble; these were the imprints belonging to grandmasters of the Sword Dao.


    As over forty strands of sword intent were provoked, Yuan Yingsong, Xuan Gang, and others all changed in color, no longer daring to stand in place. They rapidly retreated, opening up a large distance.


    When over seventy strands of sword intent were elicited, those further away like Hua Nongyue, Han Cang, and others also changed in complexion, feeling as if at any moment they could be crushed and ground to dust by that surging river-like sword intent, retreating even farther away.


    His! His! His!!


    By the time over ninety strands of sword intent were awakened, Zuo Qianqiu could hardly maintain complete control, as threads of sword intent began silently intersecting and slashing everywhere. But the Yunni Sky Steps, having been tempered and refined by the Strength of Qian Heaven, were no ordinary structure. Yunni Sky Peak itself, with its mountain force vast and grandiose, bore the strikes of these sword intents without leaving any marks.


    Ninety-eight, ninety-nine, one hundred!


    Eventually, the sword intent roused from within the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram reached beyond a hundred, also reaching the limit of what Zuo Qianqiu could sustain. After a brief pause, they suddenly exploded.


    Over a hundred surging and magnificent strands of sword intent, at this moment converging into a river stream, dashed grandiosely toward the firmament as if they were countless differently-shaped invisible Qi Swords. After rising more than ten yards high, they transformed into a waterfall, cascading down upon Chen Mu from above, resembling the Milky Way spilling from the nine heavens, each droplet filled with rolling Sword Qi!


    "Well received."


    A trace of interest finally appeared in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    What Gu Hong, what Jiang Yifei, including Zuo Qianqiu, were all exceedingly dull. Only the sword intent imprints of past grandmasters of the Heavenly Sword Sect could sharpen his Qiankun Artistic Conception and confirm his unparalleled Martial Arts!


    At that moment, Chen Mu held one handprint toward the sky and another to the earth, then brought both hands together in front of him to form a complete Qiankun mark, unleashing a punch upwards.


    In an instant, Xun Wind and Thunderbolt, Separating Fire and Kan Water... the Power of the Eight Phases howled in his surroundings, amalgamating into a Cycle Mark.


    The Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal!


    Standing atop the Yunni Sky Peak, the highest point in all of Yu State, Chen Mu finally unleashed the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal that harmonized with his Qiankun Artistic Conception, the surging and vast Power of Heaven and Earth as if covering the entire vault of heaven at that moment.


    Bare-handed, he shook the Spirit Weapon!


    Under the astonished gazes of countless onlookers, the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal collided with the Roaring Sword River that seemed like a waterfall plummeting from the nine heavens, causing a violent crash, and for an instant, it seemed as if the entire sky and earth atop Yunni Peak came to a standstill.


    "Open!"


    It seemed a moment had passed, yet as if eons had gone by. A loud cry from Chen Mu was heard, and that grand and magnificent Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, akin to a grindstone, rolled against the rising Sword River from the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram, shattering it instantly.


    Over a hundred threads of sword intent broke, one after another, and once more the entire firmament cleared!


    But look.


    Chen Mu still stood unyieldingly on the mountaintop platform, entirely unchanged, with the stone platform beneath him and the Yunni Sky Steps amidst the mountains also remaining unaltered. In the distance, boundless Cloud Sea still rolled and surged magnificently.


    The pale gold scroll of the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram emitted a hum, as if in grief, together with Zuo Qianqiu, whose face suddenly turned as pale as paper, spewing out a mouthful of fresh blood, they both rolled backward, wrapping him as he fell into the boundless Cloud Sea.


    Chen Mu slowly lowered his hand.


    Inwardly, he felt a slight regret that Zuo Qianqiu couldn''t yet provoke the full might of the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram, and he regretted his current strength; if he faced off against the fully blossoming Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram, perhaps he couldn''t remain as composed.


    After all, it was the amalgamation of numerous Sword Dao grandmasters'' Sword Intent imprints. Although many of them would gradually fade and dissipate with the passage of time, eventually leaving no trace in this world, that was still, after all, the Artistic Conception of grandmasters.


    At this moment.


    Beneath the mountain peak, silence reigned.


    But Chen Mu no longer looked back at Xuan Gang, Yuan Yingsong, and others. Instead, he stood with his hands clasped behind his back at the very top of the Yunni Sky Steps, casting his gaze over the rolling Cloud Sea and the vast, boundless world.


    ...


    Year 1430 of the Da Xuan Calendar.


    The second day of the third month.


    The Cloud Sea churned. Chen Mu, the inheritor of the Spirit Profound teachings of the Seven Profound Sects, wielding the Qiankun Artistic Conception, broke through the Heart Sword of Gu Hong from the Heavenly Sword Sect, defeated Jiang Yifei of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, beat Zuo Qianqiu atop Yunni Peak, bare-handedly shook the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram, and shattered hundreds of Sword Intents.


    Turning to look back at the mountain peak, the chosen of the Cold North bowed their heads in submission! S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 243 Where is the Gap?

    The rolling Cloud Sea.A figure stood quietly amidst the swirling mists, gazing distantly at the summit of Yunni Mountain. Clad in a simple blue robe, his eyebrows sharp as swords and his eyes bright as stars, he stood on a sword emitting faint blue light, floating in the air.


    "Interesting," he murmured.


    He watched in the direction of the Yunni Sky Steps, hands clasped behind his back, not knowing how long he had been watching when he suddenly spoke in a faint voice.


    Following that, he waved his sleeve, and a burst of sword light instantly disappeared into the Cloud Sea. Barely a dozen breaths later, this burst of sword light, guiding a pale gold Sword Chart and a figure, flew over.


    The figure''s face was pale with traces of blood at the corners of his mouth, and it was none other than Zuo Qianqiu.


    Guided by a burst of sword light with the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram flying over the clouds, he was not overly discomposed at this moment, only his breath was weak. Upon seeing the figure in the blue robe, he bowed with a somewhat hoarse voice.


    "Uncle Master Jiang, I..."


    Since achieving the Heavenly Sword, he had swept across his peers, unmatched by anyone at his level, whether it was Hua Nongyue, Yuan Yingsong, or anyone else, none dared to contend against him, and they would keep a distance.


    Yet, who could have thought that one day, he would also suffer such an easy defeat at the hands of another, even though activating the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram, he was still no match. He had always believed, since holding the Heavenly Sword, that he could slash through all things, even control Yin Yang, the Five Elements, and so forth. His master had told him this, and he even believed that facing the young geniuses of Central Prefecture who practiced Qiankun, he might still be able to fight at the same level, only to unexpectedly meet a peer who mastered Qiankun in the Cold North Path and be so utterly defeated!


    "The current Heavenly Sword is indeed no match for Qiankun,"


    Jiang Changsheng looked at Zuo Qianqiu, saying, "But I think, having someone in your generation in the Cold North Path who cultivates Qiankun is not necessarily a bad thing for you."


    "Uncle Master..."


    Zuo Qianqiu was slightly stunned.


    Jiang Changsheng continued softly, "You inherit the Heavenly Sword, and I have always thought that not meeting a match is not good. I even proposed to your master that you should leave the Cold North and go to Jingji Road for training. There are countless talented individuals in Central Prefecture who master Yin Yang, the Five Elements, and even Qiankun; that is where your Sword Dao should be honed."


    "Hundreds of years ago, the Human Sword rose from the base of the Sword Dao, step by step, using other sword paths to hone itself, merging the strengths of various schools, and over the centuries, it clashed countless times with artistic conceptions such as Yin Yang and the Five Elements, breaking and sinking into the sand I don''t know how many times, but this sword always remained unyielding, eventually transforming into the Heavenly Sword, reaching a height where it could compete with Yin Yang and the Five Elements."


    "In your hands, will this sword break at once?"


    "Your predecessors have been defeated under Yin Yang and the Five Elements countless times, but ultimately humanity overcame heaven."


    The Heavenly Sword, comparable to Yin Yang and the Five Elements, was not initially able to compare to them. It was only through countless defeats and numerous rounds of honing, through the continuous efforts of generations of sword practitioners, that it reached its current state.


    At this point, S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jiang Changsheng finally said placidly, "Your predecessors all wished to use ''Qiankun'' to sharpen their swords, but practitioners of Qiankun, able to achieve Grandmaster status, have been fewer than ten since a thousand years ago. They wished to hone but had nowhere to do it."


    "Having someone in your generation who practices this, what you should hope for now is that this person becomes more outstanding in the future, breaks through the Mysterious Pass and even attains the status of a Qiankun Grandmaster... Only then can you ensure that after entering the Marrow Cleansing realm, you won''t lack a worthy opponent to sharpen your sword."


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    Hearing Jiang Changsheng''s words,


    Zuo Qianqiu seemed to understand something, and a new light appeared in his somewhat dim eyes.


    Indeed,


    he suddenly understood where the gap between him and Chen Mu lay.


    He had swept across his peers, dominating the Eleven States of the Cold North Path, forging an invincible Sword Intent, but in reality, his invincibility was merely an illusion, formed by stacking one victory upon another, pursuing personal invincibility.


    But Chen Mu, that previous attitude was not a pretense, nor was it meant to humiliate him, but it was a genuine hope that his Heavenly Sword would grow stronger!


    That is the real unbeatable Martial Arts will!


    No longer pursuing personal strength but instead hoping that the opponent would grow strong enough to stand against him, not merely defeated easily by him, making him lose interest!


    No wonder,


    he lost to Chen Mu, and lost so easily, so brutally.


    The gap between the two was not just between the Heavenly Sword and Qiankun, but fundamentally in the will of their hearts!


    "Thank you, Uncle Master, for enlightening me; I understand now,"


    Zuo Qianqiu straightened his body slowly.


    Indeed,


    Chen Mu is strong, which is a good thing. Having a rival among his contemporaries means he won''t be lonely. Instead, he fell short, not only in strength but also in mental attitude, to the point that he couldn''t even let Chen Mu enjoy the battle.


    The path of the Heavenly Sword doesn''t face many barriers in the Mysterious Pass, and in the past, all who achieved the Heavenly Sword entered above the level of Grandmaster. In contrast, he should now worry whether, after he himself achieves Grandmaster status, Chen Mu can still keep up since, after all, the path of Qiankun is the hardest in the world, with countless practitioners but few who succeed.


    Inexplicably,


    Zuo Qianqiu felt that his somewhat dim Sword Intent of the Heavenly Sword was quietly dusted off, as if merging gradually with the Heavenly Sword practitioners of past generations, feeling the regrets of those past Heavenly Sword Grandmasters who wished to contest with Qiankun but couldn''t.


    "It''s good that you understand,"


    Jiang Changsheng looked into Zuo Qianqiu''s eyes, sensing how his aura changed, knowing he had truly comprehended it.


    After nearly a hundred years had passed, the Heavenly Sword had reappeared. In terms of disposition, will, and enlightenment, he indeed was much stronger than his incompetent disciple Gu Hong. Gu Hong had his Heart Sword broken again, but having already enlightened him once, he would not do so again this time. Broken and then established, established then broken again¡ªif he truly couldn''t be supported, then he might as well be discarded.

 Chapter 243 Where is the Gap? _2

    ```"Let''s go."


    Jiang Changsheng swept his gaze over Yunni Sky Peak one more time, looked through the vast Cloud Sea at the many disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect and Gu Hong, and finally glanced over Chen Mu before waving his sleeve, enveloping Zuo Qianqiu, and headed into the depths of the Cloud Sea.


    And shortly after his departure.


    From afar.


    Within the swirling mists, a figure clad in a Mysterious Robe stood tall, glancing in the direction that Jiang Changsheng had left.


    "Jiang Changsheng... huh, truly proud. His disciple has been crippled once again, and Zuo Qianqiu almost broke his sword; yet he still doesn''t take Chen Mu seriously. However, he indeed has the standing to do so."


    Elder Murong Hong of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion shook his head slightly.


    Jiang Changsheng was now the youngest Sword Dao Grandmaster in the Cold North Path of the Eleven States, renowned even across the entire Da Xuan Dynasty and most likely to step into the Blood Exchange Realm. It was only natural for him to have little interest in a junior like Chen Mu. After all, even if Chen Mu had shocking potential and could become another ''Qiankun Grandmaster'' in the future, Jiang Changsheng might have already reached the pinnacle of Martial Arts, stepping into Blood Exchange, and with aspirations to overlook the Cloud Sea, he would not care.


    But.


    Jiang Changsheng might not care, but Murong Hong found himself with something of a headache.


    "This young man achieved Qiankun in two years, his insight is indeed extraordinary. Now, he''s capable of contending with the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram, almost reaching the level of the Wind Cloud List. Even if he can''t become a Grandmaster in the future, he could at least enter the top ten of the Wind Cloud List... and if he truly becomes a Qiankun Grandmaster, that would be quite the trouble."


    After pondering for a moment, he too vanished silently into the Cloud Sea. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Now, the cost of deliberately targeting Chen Mu was too great, some gains not worth the losses. Furthermore, irrespective of whether Chen Mu could become a Grandmaster, even if he could surpass the Mysterious Pass in the future, it wouldn''t be a short-term matter, as Chen Mu was still in the Five Viscera Realm. With the situation in the Cold North Path changing day by day, who could predict what the landscape would be like in ten years?


    In the face of great tides, going against the natural order was as futile as a mantis trying to stop a chariot.


    Perhaps in ten years, the North Garrison Government might have unified all of the Eleven States of the Cold North Path.


    ...


    Yunni Sky Peak.


    Upper Peak.


    Across the expanse of white snow, several figures struggled to climb until they reached a rock wall and stopped.


    "It seems we''ve reached our limit."


    Feeling the pressure of heaven and earth making her breathing difficult, Shen Lin took a deep breath, shook her head, and said, "Can you continue to climb higher, senior brother?"


    "Probably a little higher, but I doubt it''ll get us to Yunni Sky Steps."


    Linghu Shang shook his head.


    To reach Yunni Sky Steps, one must at least be a talented disciple within the Inner Sect, if not among the top young prodigies. As for Shen Lin, she completed Bone Tempering and was a step away from entering the Five Viscera Realm. Her foundations were slightly better than Linghu Shang''s, but other than that, there wasn''t much difference between them.


    "What a pity. I won''t be able to see senior brother Chen debate martial arts on Yunni Sky Steps. I thought I could at least reach a point where I could see the Yunni Sky Steps. It seems my cultivation level is still lacking." Shen Lin spoke with some regret, understanding that she couldn''t climb any higher, "Senior brother Chen should be debating martial arts with someone now, right? I wonder how high he can go."


    Looking up high, Linghu Shang said, "Above the Yunni Sky Steps, the Strength of Qian Heaven converges. Chen senior brother likely has a chance to surpass anyone below the top five of the promising new talents. As for the top five, Han Cang and Hua Nongyue might also have a chance to win by a small margin."


    Shen Lin spoke somewhat regretfully, "Senior brother Chen has an extraordinary movement technique. During the contest at Yunlu Pass, even brother Chu and the others praised him, admitting they couldn''t compete. It''s a pity that there''s not much room for movement techniques on the Yunni Sky Steps."


    "Hmm..."


    Linghu Shang nodded and as he was about to add something, his eyes suddenly sharpened, and he looked into the distance with a cautious expression, demanding, "Who''s there?"


    Shen Lin also tensed up and drew her sword to look.


    They saw.


    On the snow path not far away, two people climbed up, surprisingly disciples of the Heavenly Sword Sect.


    Although everyone climbed Yunni Sky Peak from different directions, beyond the middle peak, the mountain range narrowed, and encounters were more or less inevitable. Linghu Shang and Shen Lin had also seen some conflicts along the way but had not participated.


    "I am Lv Yuan."


    The Heavenly Sword Sect disciples noticed Linghu Shang and Shen Lin, and one of them cupped his hands towards them, saying, "Are you from the Seven Profound Sect? It''s hard enough climbing this far. Let''s not fight, shall we?"


    Upon hearing Lv Yuan''s words, Linghu Shang and Shen Lin''s hostility eased somewhat, though they remained vigilant.


    Soon.


    Lv Yuan and his companion also reached a spot not far from Linghu Shang and Shen Lin, by the side of a windbreak on the rock wall. They too let out sighs of relief, and then they all sized each other up. Experience new stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    There was no need for Inner Sect Disciples to argue and fight over martial prowess, as most were still carving out their own path and any talk of competing in martial arts seemed empty. Moreover, the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Seven Profound Sect currently had no major grudges.


    "I am Linghu Shang, and this is junior sister Shen Lin."


    Linghu Shang responded to Lv Yuan with a nod.


    Lv Yuan''s eyes sparkled with recognition, saying, "Linghu Shang from Spirit Profound Peak? I''ve heard of your reputation. I even had several encounters with your senior brother Chen."


    "Oh?"


    Shen Lin looked at Lv Yuan with some surprise.


    Lv Yuan smiled and briefly recounted their encounters in Yu County, saying, "...Now that senior brother Gu Hong has rebuilt himself, he must have already crossed swords with senior brother Chen, but the outcome remains unknown."


    ```

 Chapter 243 Where is the Gap_3

    Hearing Lv Yuan''s words, Linghu Shang and Shen Lin exchanged glances, both feeling a sense of surrealism. It seemed that Chen Mu, who once came from a humble background, was never taken seriously by Gu Hong initially, only to rise abruptly later on and surpass Gu Hong, defeating him."Unfortunately, our cultivation isn''t sufficient, we couldn''t ascend to witness the great battle between Senior Brother Gu and your Senior Brother Chen,"


    Xin Zhongze, standing next to Lv Yuan, started with a tone of regret.


    Unlike Lv Yuan, he also practiced the Heart Sword lineage. After Gu Hong''s Heart Sword shattered, he managed to rebuild it, which was extremely enlightening for him; however, it was unfortunate that Gu Hong seldom gave guidance to his sect-mates, and his requests for advice from Gu Hong had also been rejected.


    If he could have witnessed Gu Hong, who had rebuilt after destruction, and fought Chen Mu again, his own Heart Sword would have undoubtedly received significant enlightenment, equivalent to an intense meditation session. Unfortunately, his cultivation wasn''t enough to reach the peak.


    However,


    while the four were conversing,


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    suddenly, there was more noise which made everyone abruptly stop and look in the direction from which it came.


    This time, however, the noise wasn''t coming from the base of the mountain, but from above.


    Soon,


    a figure was seen hurriedly descending from the mountain with incredible speed, seemingly noticing Lv Yuan and Xin Zhongze. After a few quick movements, he was in front of the rocky face where everyone was.


    Linghu Shang and Shen Lin''s expressions changed slightly, but they did not draw their weapons because the speed and the aura of the comer, undoubtedly someone who had stepped into the Five Viscera Realm, was not someone they could contend with.


    At that moment,


    everyone could see clearly that he was dressed in the garb of the Heavenly Sword Sect, unmistakably the true disciple Zheng Ji, and he was carrying another person on his back, who appeared disheveled and weak as if dead.


    "Lv Yuan, Xin Zhongze?"


    Zheng Ji glanced at the two, then flung his hand, and the weak person he was carrying was thrown out, landing in front of Lv Yuan and Xin Zhongze: "You guys are just in time, take Gu Hong down the mountain."


    Lv Yuan and Xin Zhongze were both stunned, then they realized with a shock that the body thrown in front of them, though bloodied and with disheveled hair, was none other than the true disciple Gu Hong!


    "Senior Brother Gu?"


    Xin Zhongze was shocked, sensing Gu Hong''s aura, he said in disbelief, "How could Senior Brother Gu be injured like this!"


    He also cultivated the Heart Sword, and at this moment he clearly felt that Gu Hong''s Sword Intent was almost imperceptible, even more thoroughly shattered than last time, as if he was completely crippled!


    With the strength Gu Hong had rebuilt after his last breakdown, he could have fought anyone in the top ten of the newcomers, except Zuo Qianqiu. He should have been able to handle several moves from anyone¡ªhow could he end up in such a state up there?! sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "He challenged Chen Mu with his sword, and this was the outcome,"


    Zheng Ji said coldly.


    Xin Zhongze opened his mouth, still somewhat in disbelief, "But... How could Chen Mu strike so viciously. Brother Zuo wouldn''t have ignored it, surely."


    "Brother Zuo..."


    Upon hearing Xin Zhongze''s words, a strange light flashed in Zheng Ji''s eyes.


    And just then, a light laughter carried over from somewhere, "Your Brother Zuo, compared to Gu Hong, is probably not much better off now."


    The laughter didn''t approach but rapidly faded away.


    This not only stunned Lv Yuan and Xin Zhongze but also Linghu Shang and Shen Lin who were standing cautiously nearby. Eventually, all eyes converged on Zheng Ji.


    But Zheng Ji''s gaze was complex, seeming reluctant to speak further, and he turned to leave.


    Yet, in the end,


    a voice came through the storm, making Lv Yuan and the other three freeze in place, each displaying an expression of incredulity as they looked at each other, all wearing nearly unthinkable looks on their faces.


    "This... this..."


    Even Shen Lin was stammering, her eyes wide.


    Chen Mu vying for the Yunni Sky Steps?


    Could it mean that even Zuo Qianqiu was defeated by Chen Mu?


    Shen Lin had great confidence in Chen Mu, even hoping deep down that he could make a sensational breakthrough to confront the top five or even top three of the newcomers using the momentum of heaven, but hearing that Chen Mu was contesting, she still found the whole idea inconceivable.


    She could ignore the others, but how Zuo Qianqiu could be defeated¡ªshe had never imagined it, let alone thought about it being a battle Chen Mu could win.


    But these words came directly from Zheng Ji''s mouth, so there could be no falsehood.


    Moreover,


    that soft, seductive voice that came from nowhere, and the fact that Zheng Ji didn''t argue at all¡ªcould it be true that Zuo Qianqiu was indeed defeated by Chen Mu, and not just defeated, but catastrophically, just like Gu Hong?!


    Linghu Shang and Shen Lin looked at each other.


    At the peak...


    What exactly happened?

 Chapter 244 Newcomer, Storm

    North State.North Garrison Government.


    The North Garrison Government, located in the central part of North State, occupied a vast and expansive territory and was garrisoned with elite troops all year round.


    Across the border, one could see tens of thousands of elite soldiers with boiling Qi-Blood, each divided into various Military Formations, drilling one another, raising spears, stepping forward, making thrusts, as shouts and battle cries merged into a continuous tumult.


    "Heaven Formation! Strike!"


    No one knew who issued the command, but upon it, tens of thousands of soldiers moved in unison, arranging into square formations, with officers at the center, their rich Qi-Blood shaking The Power of Heaven and Earth, forming a colossal military Momentum, connected with one another, and then they brandished their spears in succession.


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    The so-called Military Formation, in fact, was not complicated, being mostly extensions of the ''Three Talents'' formation, among which the Heaven Formation was for striking, used for besieging cities; thousands of soldiers and horses unified their Qi-Blood and will, drawing upon The Power of Heaven and Earth, capable of destroying cities and splitting the earth.


    The Earth Formation, on the other hand, was for defensive Momentum, and it could also suppress the power of Earth''s Veins; even a Martial Saint after Blood Exchange would have a hard time directly confronting the mountain and river Earth Veins with only their power. But with tens or even hundreds of thousands of elite troops forming a connected Momentum, one could suppress it bit by bit, attacking inward until it collapsed.


    The Human Formation was for fighting against people; within the formations, one could isolate and block out Heaven and Earth, even the unparalleled Grandmaster upon entering the formation, could only use bodily strength to fight and could not draw upon Heaven and Earth to unleash Artistic Conception.


    Past this drill ground,


    behind it lay a majestic and imposing series of buildings.


    In a residence located at the very center sat a man in Python Robe, behind a desk. He had a stern face, an imposing presence without anger, his Momentum restrained yet profound, as if he could subdue mountains and rivers, unshakable even if the sky fell and the earth collapsed.


    King of North Garrison, Yuan Hong!


    The world acknowledged him as the closest existence to the first generation king among all successive Kings of North Garrison; he could patrol the world on the prowess of Martial Arts, retreat to command thousands of troops to guard the Border Pass, and was also one of the mightiest beings of his time.


    "The remnants of Heavenly Corpse Sect colluding with Sky Demon Sect, and the Sky Demon Sect having dealings with the Foreign Race outside the pass..."


    Yuan Hong put down the letter in his hand, casting his gaze toward a huge map placed in the center of the hall, which not only included all of Cold North Path Eleven State but also vividly outlined many of the areas outside the border.


    "If they are going to make a move, it''s most likely in Ice State."


    Yuan Hong pondered.


    Ice State was the territory of the Ice Extreme Palace, with Yu State, governed by the Seven Profound Sect, adjacent. He did not intend to interfere with these two places for the time being because if the Foreign Race outside took action, then Ice State would be a pass, and Yu State would be a buffer zone.


    Uniting the entirety of the Cold North Path was not an easy task; for major Sects like the Hao Ran Sect and Green Lotus Sect, it was not enough just to defeat and drive them away, because it was impossible to completely eradicate them. It was necessary to oppress, divide and co-opt them, and weaken their influence step by step.


    While Yuan Hong was deliberating,


    suddenly,


    a figure appeared silently before his desk, bowed respectfully towards him, and handed over a piece of intelligence, "Bi Prefecture report."


    "Hmm."


    Yuan Hong nodded slightly, not immediately taking it, instead continuing to look at that map of Cold North Path Eleven State. After a long while, he reached out to receive the intelligence, "This young talent list of End of the World Sea Pavilion does bear some results, drawing the younger generation of various Sects to vie against each other and attracting a lot of attention."


    "The Seven Profound Sect does know how to give way, even yielding the Yunni Sky Steps."


    A person in White-Clothed stepped out from behind Yuan Hong and spoke softly.


    Yuan Hong, with an unchanged expression, nodded and said, "The Seven Profound Sect has always wanted to stay out of conflict, especially after Qin Mengjun failed in the Blood Exchange. They retreated from Yu County, and even from Bi Prefecture, just to avoid getting involved in the turmoil."


    The person in white said, "Our approach towards the Seven Profound Sect is correct, for now, they are the least of the Sects in Cold North Path Eleven State that we need to bother with. When the influence of North Garrison Government becomes significant, they will make the right choice... If all the Sects in Cold North Path were like the Seven Profound Sect, the Prince might have already taken the entire Cold North by now."


    Yuan Hong said indifferently, "It''s not that easy, though. These Sects may all have the intent to stay put, but it''s not so simple to unite them; plus, we still have the likes of Heavenly Corpse Sect and Sky Demon Sect, these petty thieves, as well as the great trouble of the Foreign Race outside."


    As he spoke,


    he finally opened the intelligence letter in his hand and looked over it.


    "Song''er has a good talent and aptitude, having a Zuo Qianqiu in this generation is a fortunate thing for him, to constantly alert and temper himself; the path of a Grandmaster will be smoother in the future for him... Hm?"


    Yuan Hong''s expression subtly shifted as he paused mid-speech after seeing the writing on the letter.


    The person in white asked, "What is it?" S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yuan Hong, holding the letter, paused for a moment, then passed it to the person in white, and said, "Wensong, when did someone practicing the Qiankun Path appear in Cold North Path?"


    Leng Wensong took the letter, glanced down at it, with a flash of surprise in his eyes, and said, "There are quite a few practicing the Qiankun Path, but it seems it''s been eighty-seven years since someone in the Five Viscera Realm developed the Qiankun."


    "Quite some time ago."


    Yuan Hong remarked, "After eighty-seven years, another has emerged. The brave are few, the daring are few indeed."


    Leng Wensong calmly said, "Ever since the Imperial Court lost the Illustrated Chart, over the years, very few have reached Grandmaster through practicing the Qiankun Path, and not many have developed the Qiankun Domain. The younger generation keep advancing, like moths to a flame."


    Yuan Hong, laughing cheerfully, set the letter alight with candle flame, and said, "Who knows? Maybe in these chaotic times, someone will indeed traverse this path and redefine Qiankun."

 Chapter 244 Rookie, Wind and Cloud Part 2

    Leng Wensong shook his head slightly.It wasn''t that easy.


    Everyone knew that the founding Martial Emperor had mastered Qiankun, but they didn''t know how he had mastered it. The right timing, geographical, and human conditions were indispensable; it was almost impossible for later generations to replicate it. However, the Path of Qiankun was indeed one of the strongest in Martial Arts. If one could become a Grandmaster and develop the Qiankun Domain, they could become a power that dominates the world. Yet, this path was no easier, and only a few could succeed.


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    ...


    End of the World Sea Pavilion.


    As one of the Great Sects of the Eleven States in the Cold North Path, its gate was located in the middle of a lake. Calling it a lake was somewhat an understatement because this lake was too vast, almost the size of an entire Prefectural Government, and spanned thousands of miles in circumference.


    The End of the World Sea Pavilion, situated in the center of this massive lake, also had an extensive territory. It was an island in the heart of the lake, where buildings rose in great numbers, creating an ethereal and transcendent atmosphere from afar.


    At this moment.


    Within one of the pavilions.


    The Pavilion Master, Hai Qianyuan, dressed in green, stood there with a stack of manuscripts in his hands.


    "Then, let''s tentatively settle the next issue of the Wind Cloud List like this. As for the Prodigy Roll, we will wait for the specific reports from the Yunni Sky Steps to arrive before discussing further. What do you think?"


    He held the manuscripts, speaking in an even tone to the people in the room.


    The drafting of the Wind Cloud List of Cold North Path was no ordinary affair, after all; those on the list were existences that could face Grandmasters without fear. Gathering various pieces of information was not easy either; it required deliberation and evaluation to finalize. Compared to that, the Prodigy Roll was much easier to handle.


    "Pavilion Master, the reports from the Yunni Sky Steps should be arriving today. Shall we wait a bit longer?"


    Someone hesitated for a moment and asked Hai Qianyuan.


    Theoretically, the reports from the Yunni Sky Steps should have arrived yesterday, but for some reason, they had not come in yet today.


    Hai Qianyuan shook his head slightly and said, "The Prodigy Roll and the Wind Cloud List don''t really intersect... Ah, but it''s true that those who can make it onto the Prodigy Roll are indeed potential candidates for the Wind Cloud List."


    Hai Yi pondered and said, "Setting aside others, Zuo Qianqiu is indeed extraordinary. He practices the Heavenly Sword and possesses the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram. Using the Heavenly Sword to stimulate it is mutually beneficial. If he supremely dominates his peers at the Yunni Sky Steps this time, and gains further insight into the Heavenly Sword, then stepping into the Six Viscera Realm and making it onto the Wind Cloud List would not be impossible after one leap."


    "There is some truth to what you say,"


    Hai Qianyuan smiled faintly and said, "But Zuo Qianqiu is only twenty-seven years old this year; he probably won''t be in a hurry to step into the Six Viscera Realm. Even if entering the Six Viscera Realm would allow him to join the Wind Cloud List, it won''t be a matter of a year or two."


    Hearing this, Hai Yi also smiled wryly and said, "I had forgotten about his age."


    At this juncture, someone else said, "Even if Zuo Qianqiu advances further with the Heavenly Sword and stimulates the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram, at best his offensive capability would barely reach the standard of the Wind Cloud List. He still falls short in many other aspects. The possibility of him making it onto the Wind Cloud List in three to five years is indeed not small, but right now, he''s still a distance away from that level."


    The others nodded in agreement.


    The number one on the Prodigy Roll, a once-in-a-century successor of the Heavenly Sword, certainly has quality, but the Prodigy Roll and the Wind Cloud List are ultimately two different concepts. The Wind Cloud List is not lacking in extraordinary talents from generations past, and these individuals were also once worthy of being on the Prodigy Roll.


    For instance, Blood Hand Luo Mo, who was ranked thirtieth, has fallen to thirty-second place in their newly updated Wind Cloud List and has barely missed the list. Still, he is strong enough to suppress Zuo Qianqiu, who was fully unleashing the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram. Had it not been for the timely arrival of the Heavenly Sword Sect''s elders, Zuo Qianqiu could have lost his life within a dozen more exchanges.


    Such a gap cannot be bridged by a mere step forward.


    "Let''s do it like this then, have the next issue of the Wind Cloud List printed immediately, and for the Prodigy Roll, we''ll wait a little longer."


    Hai Qianyuan made the decision and passed the manuscripts to someone nearby.


    The person beside him respectfully acknowledged, then left the room with the manuscripts.


    Gurgle gurgle.


    Almost at that moment, a series of gurgling sounds came from outside the pavilion.


    The people inside were about to leave when they heard the noise and suddenly stopped in their tracks.


    "It''s here."


    Hai Qianyuan smiled faintly and went to the windowsill, where he took a bamboo tube from the leg of a grey and white exotic bird, and removed a stack of curled yellow papers from inside, casually handing them to Hai Yi next to him, "Discuss this with them."


    "Yes." sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hai Yi replied, glanced at the yellow paper, and was about to pass it on to the others.


    But almost at that moment, his actions halted abruptly, and a look of shock came over his face. He brought the paper he was about to pass back in front of him and gave it a more careful look.


    "This..."


    "What''s wrong?"


    Hai Qianyuan noticed Hai Yi''s expression and was slightly surprised. Was there some unexpected development?


    Hai Yi did not respond immediately, flipping through several more pages, still wearing a somewhat incredulous expression. Then he finally looked at Hai Qianyuan and said, "Pavilion Master, take a look at this."


    Hai Qianyuan took the yellow paper and after a glance, a flicker of astonishment crossed his eyes.


    For a moment.


    The room fell into a brief silence, and the other protectors, unaware of what had happened, looked at each other in confusion.


    After a while, Hai Qianyuan gently shook his head and said, "The reports should be accurate; no wonder they arrived late. They probably went back to confirm several times. Let''s redraw based on this information."


    Hai Yi took the yellow paper, slightly hesitant, and asked, "Pavilion Master, based on the performance in this report, how do you think Chen Mu compares to Blood Hand Luo Mo?"

 Chapter 244 Rookie, Storm_3

    "Blood Hand Luo Mo couldn''t defeat Zuo Qianqiu within ten moves, naturally, it''s¡­ hmm?"Hai Qianyuan responded and suddenly realized something as well.


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    Blood Hand Luo Mo might have been hesitant to deal a killing blow to Zuo Qianqiu due to fear of the Heavenly Sword Sect, but Chen Mu, who was able to crush Zuo Qianqiu''s Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram with a hundred Sword Intents head-on, was undoubtedly no weaker than Blood Hand Luo Mo!


    He now understood what Hai Yi meant.


    "I didn''t expect this issue''s rookies list and the Wind Cloud List to actually overlap." Hai Qianyuan shook his head and said, "Quickly go get the manuscript back."


    "Yes."


    Hai Yi immediately responded, and then distributed the yellow paper information to the people gathered around, before swiftly leaving the loft.


    The information silently spread through the room, and for a moment, everyone''s expressions changed to match Hai Yi''s, all showing a hint of shock, drawing looks from one another.


    This.


    Such a thing actually happened!


    The rookies'' list had garnered widespread attention from the entire Cold North Path and the Eleven State since its first issue, but the second issue received a much more lukewarm response as most rankings had hardly changed. However, this third issue... might stir up a huge uproar again!


    ...


    Yu State.


    State Government Office city.


    The bustling streets were filled with various vendors'' cries.


    At some tea houses and bookstores, signs reading ''Rookies List Revised'' were hung.


    "The third issue again?"


    "It''s boring, probably no significant changes."


    Someone shook their head as they passed in front of the bookstore.


    However.


    The bookstore owner stood at the intersection, smiling and saying, "Heh, you''re mistaken this time, the changes in this rookies list are earth-shattering. Missing out on buying it means missing out on firsthand news of the Martial World."


    "You said the same thing last time."


    A person rolled their eyes at the bookstore owner. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The previous issue had also been promoted in the same way, but there were scarcely any changes throughout, with no significant changes.


    "As a bookseller, I deceive neither old nor young."


    The bookstore owner pointed to a tea house in the distance, where a sudden uproar erupted, followed by a loud commotion: "Look, it''s already starting over at the tea house, are you sure you do not want to buy one and see for yourself?"


    The crowd in front of the store exchanged glances, then someone shook their head and handed over some Silver Coins:


    "Fine, I will trust you one more time."


    Soon enough.


    Obtained a copy of the revised rookies list.


    Opening the cover and coming to the first page, what first caught the eye was no longer the familiar Three-Character names but a Two-Character name.


    ''Chen Mu''!


    A true disciple of the Spirit Profound Peak of Seven Profound Sect in Yu State, with unparalleled genius and natural understanding, rose from an obscure place, successively comprehended Xun Wind, Thunderbolt, Separating Fire, Gen Mountain among many Artistic Conceptions, later entered under the Spirit Profound Peak of the Seven Profound Sect and comprehended the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception, stationed at Yunlu Pass to slay demons, hunted countless demons, later encountered remnants of the Heavenly Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect in the desert, calmly retreated, the number of Mysterious Corpses Great Demons he slew is unknown... Reached the Yunni Sky Steps, mastered the second step of Qiankun, defeated Qianqiu in a snap, ranked first among the new talents of Cold North!


    Aptitude assessment: Top Grade.


    Potential assessment: Top Grade.


    Strength assessment: Top Grade.


    Remarks: A genius of the generation, comprehended the second step of Qiankun in two years, following eighty-seven years in the Cold North Path of the Eleven State, another peerless figure in the Five Viscera Realm who cultivated Qiankun Martial Arts, uniquely ranked on the Wind Cloud List while still a ''newcomer'' and under the age of thirty!


    "This..."


    The person who bought the book stared at this page, dumbfounded for a moment.


    People nearby crowded around, trying to see the book he had purchased, but he quickly closed it.


    "Wind Cloud List? Wind Cloud List! Is there a latest Wind Cloud List?"


    Almost at that moment, someone came running from afar, shouting even before they arrived.


    "There is."


    The bookstore owner smiled and spoke, taking out another booklet: "Deceive neither old nor young."


    The newcomer didn''t care much, threw down some Silver Coins, grabbed a booklet, and rapidly flipped to the last pages, soon finding a familiar name prominently placed there!


    Wind Cloud List of Cold North¡ªtwenty-seventh place,


    Chen Mu!


    Profile: Chen Mu, rose from Yu County in Yu State, once a low-level constable, successively served as Head Constable of Ninth District, Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove District...


    ...mastered the Qiankun Artistic Conception, cultivated the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, movement technique unspecified, other techniques unspecified, once shattered Zuo Qianqiu''s Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram with a hundred Sword Intents using Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, though not yet in the Six Viscera Realm, his strength already ranks among those on the Wind Cloud List, placing twenty-seventh in the new Wind Cloud List!

 Chapter 245 Two Months

    Chen Residence.In the spacious courtyard, two figures crisscrossed each other, with flashes of sword light.


    Both dressed in bright and beautiful attire, one of them was Chen Mu''s sister Chen Yue, and the other was Ning He.


    Ning He''s cultivation had reached Tendon Changing Perfection, but in her sparring with Chen Yue, she couldn''t gain the slightest advantage. The sword light from both was almost indistinguishable in skill. Although Chen Yue''s Body Tempering Method had only reached Tendon Changing Major Achievement, her Sword Momentum was slightly stronger than Ning He''s. Not only had she mastered the sword momentum of the Kan Water Sect, but she had also mastered two types of sword techniques from the Gen Mountain lineage.


    "Yue''er is really impressive now," S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes, little He seems to have some trouble beating her."


    Under the pavilion not far away, two figures were watching the sparring in the courtyard. One with a graceful appearance and hair tied up was Xu Hongyu, and beside her, wearing a light-colored skirt, was Yu Ru.


    Both were focused on the sparring between Chen Yue and Ning He.


    The current Yu Ru also stood tall and graceful, fully grown up, but her Martial Arts Cultivation had only reached Body Refinement Perfection and hadn''t stepped into the Tendon Changing Level. After all, not everyone could easily overcome this hurdle, and her talents were ultimately not high.


    However, the strength of her Martial Arts Cultivation didn''t affect her much, as she still frequently visited the Chen Residence and often stayed there. Although it was slightly improper by worldly standards for a younger sister-in-law to stay at her brother-in-law''s house, Xu Hongyu and others didn''t care about these things. Since Chen Yue and Yu Ru got along so well, there was even less to say.


    Xu Hongyu glanced at Chen Yue and Ning He''s sparring, then looked at Yu Ru beside her. She reached out to gently straighten a lock of Yu Ru''s hair and asked, "Xiao Ru, have you still not taken a liking to someone recently?"


    "No, no..."


    Yu Ru''s cheeks flushed immediately when this topic came up.


    In fact, given Yu Ru''s age, having passed twenty and not having stepped into the Tendon Changing Level, not being someone who could blaze a trail in Martial Arts, even as a legitimate member of the Yu Family, she was essentially at the age for marriage.


    But her situation was rather special. Not to mention the care she had received from Xu Hongyu since childhood, just the fact that she was as close as sisters with Chen Yue meant that the entire Yu Family didn''t dare to casually meddle with her matters, especially since Chen Yue was Chen Mu''s only sister. Now, when Chen Yue walked in Yu County, even the City Lord Xue Huaikong wouldn''t dare to neglect her.


    Moreover.


    There was also the fact that Xu Hongyu had once proposed a match for Chen Mu, intending to pair Yu Ru with him. This was known, more or less, to several generations in the Yu Family. Although it later turned out that Xu Hongyu married Chen Mu, after such an event, who would dare to casually arrange Yu Ru''s marriage?


    At most, they let her choose for herself, but strangely, she had no such intentions, so it had always been put aside.


    Xu Hongyu herself sometimes felt a bit guilty about the situation she had caused. Glancing at Yu Ru, she suddenly asked, "What if I let you marry your brother-in-law too?"


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    Yu Ru was about to express her lack of intent to marry anyone, but upon hearing the second half of the statement, she choked on her words. Her face turned even redder, and she said, "Hongyu, how could that be possible?"


    Xu Hongyu shook her head and said, "It''s nothing. This matter is ultimately my fault. I know the person you like is him. In this Yu County... no, in the whole of Yu State, there aren''t many of the young generation who can compare to him. How could you not have feelings for him after being in contact with him so often? It''s just that he has probably always seen you as a sister, and he has always been focused on Martial Arts Cultivation. We''ll have to wait until he comes back; I will help you talk to him then."


    Those who have reached the Five Viscera Realm inherently possess extraordinary talents, and it is entirely normal for such individuals to spread their lineage. Besides, Chen Mu, almost unparalleled in the State, let alone in Yu County, even in the State Government Office of Yu State, there are countless powerful families with greater influence than the Yu Family who are willing to form marital alliances with Chen Mu. Xu Hongyu didn''t think there was anything wrong with that.


    Moreover, as far as Yu Ru was concerned, Xu Hongyu had always regarded her as a sister.


    She was just worried about Chen Mu being too immersed in Martial Arts and only seeing Yu Ru as a sister. Anyway, she could only try and see, since even she had not seen Chen Mu for two years by now.


    "But, but..."


    Yu Ru was blushing and hesitated, unsure how to respond for a moment.


    Clang!


    At that moment, Chen Yue and Ning He finished their exchange of sword momentum, stepping apart and ceasing their practice. Then Chen Yue sheathed her sword, grinning at Yu Ru:


    "Don''t worry, Xiao Ru, you still have me. If Hongyu can''t convince him, I''ll help you talk to him. This isn''t all Hongyu''s doing; brother is also responsible. Who asked him to be so impressive, making our Xiao Ru overlook everyone but him."


    "Yue, Yue''er..."


    Yu Ru wanted to find a hole to crawl into, overwhelmed by embarrassment from Chen Yue''s words.


    The people in the courtyard just watched her with smiles.


    Even Ning He sighed inwardly about Yu Ru''s good fortune. Considering Chen Mu''s stature and position, if he were so inclined, just in Yu County alone, countless families would probably be willing to queue up their daughters for his picking. The fact that Xu Hongyu, Chen Yue, as well as herself were close to Yu Ru was no small feat. Even Chen Mu himself cared for Yu Ru as he would for a sister.


    Seeing that Yu Ru was now utterly embarrassed and ready to flee, Chen Yue winked with a mischievous smile before changing the subject, "Speaking of which, I wonder how my brother is doing with his matter."

 Chapter 245 Two Months_2

    Ning He pondered and said, "Bi Prefecture is quite remote; it takes a long time for news to reach here. However, we already received something close yesterday; maybe in the next couple of days, there will be a result."Speaking of which.


    Recently, there had been continuous updates from Bi Prefecture about the various geniuses on the Wind Cloud List clashing, but there was never any news about Chen Mu. Had it not been for some information they received from the Seven Profound Sect, they would have wondered if Chen Mu had even gone to Bi Prefecture.


    Just as everyone in the courtyard had shifted their thoughts to Chen Mu.


    Suddenly.


    A maid rushed in; it was Ku''er, who stayed by Chen Mu''s side.


    "My lady, Miss... there''s news of the master, it''s being talked about outside. They say it''s about the master and the Wind Cloud List, something about being ranked twenty-seventh," the little maid said while catching her breath.


    This statement startled everyone in the courtyard; they were all momentarily befuddled.


    "Twenty-seven?"


    Chen Yue''s face looked somewhat strange, "Could you have heard it wrong?"


    Although the last ranking had Chen Mu falling to the thirties, returning to twenty-seventh was an improvement, but she heard half a year ago that Chen Mu had gained fame slaying demons at Yunlu Pass and had already mastered the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception. Even if he didn''t make it into the top ten this time, he shouldn''t be ranked as low as twenty-seventh¡ªit seemed far too low.


    Could there have been some accident?


    For a moment, Chen Yue looked at Ning He and the others with suspicion and uncertainty.


    Xu Hongyu and Ning He also appeared momentarily stunned, they too were closely concerned with everything about Chen Mu and found the twenty-seventh ranking a bit too odd.


    But just then, someone from the front courtyard came to report:


    "The Wang Family has sent someone to congratulate the master, presenting congratulations gifts..."


    "The Yu Family has sent someone to congratulate..."


    "The Commander-in-chief Xie has come to congratulate..."


    "The City Lord Xue has come to congratulate..."


    The continuous reports pouring in left everyone in the courtyard dumbstruck.


    Although somewhat confused, Xu Hongyu quickly reacted, signaled Chen Yue and the others to change their attire, and headed to the main hall.


    In the main hall.


    They saw not only Xue Huaikong, Xie Changfeng and other big figures of Yu County, but also Yu Zuyi, the family head of the Yu Family, who had arrived at some unknown time, chatting and laughing with people from different families of the Inner City.


    "Grandfather, how come you are here too?"


    Xu Hongyu entered the main hall and saluted Yu Zuyi.


    Yu Zuyi said amiably, "Chen Mu did something so remarkable that it has alerted the Cold North Eleven Northern States. How could I not come?"


    Did something remarkable?


    Xu Hongyu turned her head to look at Ning He who was behind her, both of them were a bit puzzled.


    Seeing Xu Hongyu''s expression, Yu Zuyi couldn''t help but chuckle, "You still don''t know? On the Yunni Sky Steps, Chen Mu defeated Zuo Qianqiu and claimed the top spot. He is now the number one newcomer in the Northern Path."


    Not only Xu Hongyu and Ning He, but even Chen Yue and Yu Ru, who were hiding behind listening, were stunned and stood frozen with shock evident in their eyes.


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    Yu Ru glanced at the nearby Chen Yue, whispering in a puzzled manner, "Didn''t they say, twenty-seventh?"


    Although she spoke in a very low voice, from the back of the hall.


    But the figures in the hall were no ordinary people, from Yu Zuyi, who was at the perfected Bone Tempering Realm, to the Prefectural Governor Xue Huaikong and Commander-in-chief Xie Changfeng, both of the Five Viscera Realm.


    Xue Huaikong, who was standing nearby, his eyes flickered with a trace of indecipherable complexity, but he quickly suppressed it and turned to the somewhat dazed Xu Hongyu, "This time, the true inheritor Chen not only ranked first on the Wind Cloud List of the Northern Path but also ascended to the Wind Cloud List and is now placed twenty-seventh. This is the first person since the founding of the Wind Cloud List by the End of the World Sea Pavilion to be listed in the Five Viscera Realm."


    Wind Cloud List twenty-seventh!


    Perhaps in terms of potential or other factors, it may not be as prestigious as the number one newbie, but for people like Xue Huaikong, the significance of the Wind Cloud List was far greater because it represents absolute strength!


    This group was almost the cream of the crop just below the Grandmaster, those ranked toward the top could even rival Grandmasters, and their status far exceeded that of common practitioners in the Five Viscera or Six Viscera Realm, it''s indeed truly a step towards standing shoulder to shoulder with Grandmasters!


    Grandmaster.


    This was an entirely different concept.


    If Chen Mu had only topped the newcomer''s chart, even if his talent was unmatched and he was the best of his generation, Xue Huaikong, as the Prefectural Governor of Yu County, may not have personally come to congratulate him, after all, in terms of Martial Arts Cultivation, it was still fundamentally at the same level, and his ability to serve as Prefectural Governor, overseeing an entire prefecture, meant the Xue Family held deeper influence in the Seven Profound Sect.


    But making it onto the Wind Cloud List was different. Although not actually advancing to a Grandmaster, he had reached the steps comparable to one, and his status was now on par with the Inspector Yan Jingqing, not to mention everyone knew that Chen Mu, while still in the Five Viscera Realm, had made it onto the Wind Cloud List, and his future wasn''t limited to just the twenty-seventh position, going forward, compared to a typical Grandmaster, there wasn''t much difference.


    Therefore.


    This Prefectural Governor also had to personally come and pay his respects.


    Hearing Xue Huaikong''s words, Xu Hongyu, Ning He, and those in the back of the hall including Chen Yue, Yu Ru, were all somewhat astounded; they knew all too well the significance of the Wind Cloud List, where everyone listed was a long-established figure, even those at the lower end were supreme entities like the Inspector Yan Jingqing!


    The difference between the newcomer''s chart and the Wind Cloud List was simply too vast; the newcomer''s chart was at most a ''reserve'' for Grandmasters and the Wind Cloud List, not every one of them might get a chance to ascend. However, once on the Wind Cloud List, one was a true powerhouse capable of traversing states and paths. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 245 Two Months Later_3

    Twenty-seventh...It''s actually the Wind Cloud List?!


    Seeing that Xu Hongyu and others all looked equally shocked, Xue Huaikong couldn''t help but sigh in his heart; what was missed was ultimately missed. It was the Xue Family''s lack of good fortune. Fortunately, they had never offended Chen Mu and had not caused any irreconcilable conflict with the Yu Family, avoiding an outcome like the He Family''s, where everyone perished.


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    Inner City Prefectural Government Inspectorate.


    At the top floor of the Chamber Building, in the Hall Office, which was empty, the Metropolitan Commander, Pang Xiangyun, still stood outside, respectfully waiting. Not knowing how long he had waited, the Hall Office suddenly quivered slightly, and Yan Jingqing''s figure appeared silently, stepping inside.


    "Metropolitan Commander Yan."


    Pang Xiangyun immediately bowed respectfully, then handed over several reports to him, saying, "Metropolitan Commander Yan, the latest edition of the list of rising stars and the Wind Cloud List have both spread. Chen Mu is ranked first among the rising stars, and twenty-seventh on the Wind Cloud List..."


    "Mm, I have already heard."


    Yan Jingqing calmly accepted the reports and books from Pang Xiangyun''s hands, glanced briefly at the list of rising stars and placed it on the table. Then, he picked up the Wind Cloud List and began to flip through it, page by page.


    First page.


    ''Hua Yunsheng the carefree wanderer''.


    Of no sect or party, roams alone in the Cold North.


    Record: Born in the Hua Family of the North State Government Office, later met with a disaster, family fell to ruin, wandered the world, initially cultivated the Water of Five Elements Artistic Conception, then at the age of fifty-five had a sudden enlightenment, cultivated the Martial Arts Domain. Thereafter, every year, he cultivated one of the Five Elements, and after five years finally achieved the ''Five Elements Domain'', calling himself the carefree wanderer... once directly repelled many Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters, vied for first place on the Wind Cloud List.


    Second page.


    ''Yin Yang witch Xia Yu''r''


    ... Disciple of Hehuan Sect, wields the Yin Yang Domain, comparable to Hua Yunsheng.


    Third page.


    ''Heartless Sword Lin Han''


    ... Disciple of Heavenly Sword Sect, founded the ''Heartless Sword Dao'', wields the Heartless Sword Domain.


    "These top three have remained unchanged for more than a decade."


    Yan Jingqing continued to flip through.


    Pang Xiangyun stood by respectfully, not taking the liberty of joining the conversation, knowing that these were just musings to himself from Yan Jingqing.


    In reality, anyone who could be on the Wind Cloud List was capable of having the opportunity to cultivate into a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster. However, some like Lin Han, who belonged to the same generation as Jiang Changsheng and came from the same sect, was always suppressed by Jiang Changsheng. Despite his numerous challenges to Jiang Changsheng, he was always defeated, leading to a stifled martial will over time, which prevented him from opening the Mysterious Pass to become a Grandmaster.


    But after failing to break through to the Grandmaster level, he managed to find resolve and reinvent himself, establishing the new Sword Dao school of ''Heartless Sword'', and within a few years, cultivated a Domain, ascending to the third spot on the Wind Cloud List.


    Or like Hua Yunsheng, who was rumored to have been attacked by enemies during his attempt to break through the Mysterious Pass. Although he ultimately escaped and survived, his Mysterious Pass was destroyed, completely losing the opportunity to become a Grandmaster.


    These top-ranked figures had all once been contenders for the pinnacle of Martial Arts.


    As for those ranked lower, like Yan Jingqing, there was also the expectation of reaching the Grandmaster Realm, but Pang Xiangyun knew that Yan Jingqing had been plotted against in his youth, trapped in emotional turmoil for a decade. Even though he eventually came out of it, he too lost the chance to challenge for the rank of Grandmaster.


    Soon.


    Yan Jingqing turned to the twenty-seventh page, his gaze meticulously scanning each word. At the end, he couldn''t help expressing with some admiration, "I once said it would take him at most eight to ten years to reach the Wind Cloud List, but to think he only used a mere two years... To cultivate the Qiankun Artistic Conception indeed shows he has capability, insight, and courage."


    When he heard about the events at Yunlu Pass, he had thought that Chen Mu would follow the same path as Qin Mengjun and pursue the Strength of Qian Heaven, but unexpectedly, Chen Mu had also comprehended the Kun Earth Artistic Conception, taking the strongest and most difficult Qiankun Path of the present day.


    A Domain is difficult to comprehend, but once comprehended, it undoubtedly places one at the top of the Wind Cloud List ¨C even beyond just the Cold North Path, in the entire Da Xuan Dynasty, it marks one of the strongest beneath the Grandmasters.


    The Mysterious Pass is hard to traverse, but once crossed, one can become the most top-notch Martial Arts Grandmaster of the age.


    Who knows?


    As for this remarkable talent who emerged from the bottom of Yu County, how far he will ultimately go in the future, whether he can comprehend the Qiankun Domain, vie for the first position on the Wind Cloud List, and whether he can break through the Mysterious Pass to become one of the few Qiankun Grandmasters in the thousand years since the founding of the Da Xuan Dynasty.


    ...


    Chen Mu was unaware of the commotion he had caused across the eleven states of the Cold North Path at this time.


    At the moment, he was still alone, standing atop the summit of the Yunni Sky Steps, his entire being seeming to merge with the world between heaven and earth, continuously perceiving the mysteries coming from Qian Heaven, as if he was about to rise into the air and ascend to the heavens, yet he remained unable to break free.


    Looking down.


    He saw that the Yunni Sky Steps were now deserted, not knowing when all the promising young talents had disappeared without a trace.


    Almost a month had passed since he reached the top of the Yunni Sky Steps and shattered Zuo Qianqiu''s Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram, but the vast and rich cloud sea beneath Yunni Sky Peak had long been restored, once again covering the entire mountaintop.


    Continue reading on My Virtual Library Empire


    The swirling clouds, accompanied by the robust Strength of Qian Heaven, exerted a pressure not bearable by ordinary people below the level of a Grandmaster. Therefore, whether it was Yuan Yingsong or Xuan Gang, Hua Nongyue, and others, they had all been unable to bear it and had retreated. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Only Chen Mu remained here.


    While he was not a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster, his strength had already stepped into the realm of the Wind Cloud List, entering the elite ranks just below that of a Grandmaster. Additionally, he possessed the complete Qiankun Artistic Conception, and the pressure of Qian Heaven on Yunni Sky Peak would naturally be mitigated a great deal.


    He stood there quietly, motionless, as if an Immortal free from worldly concerns, subsisting on wind and dew. Once again, nearly half a month passed before he finally stopped his perception and returned to his senses.


    "Nearly two months, huh."


    Chen Mu rubbed his brow and then felt a strong hunger in his stomach.


    This contemplation at Yunni Sky Peak was slightly less profound than his previous experience consuming the Earthly Green Lotus Seed, so he was still aware of the passage of time in the outside world ¨C fifty-five days had gone by.


    He stopped perceiving not just because of the hunger in his stomach but also because the Strength of Qian Heaven at the peak was becoming denser, and the pressure was growing stronger. He had thought that with the Qiankun Artistic Conception, he could stay at the peak indefinitely, but it seemed he had overestimated himself.


    Although his Qiankun Artistic Conception could control and even suppress the surrounding oppressive Strength of Qian Heaven, as the amount increased, his Artistic Conception could still hold up, but his body was beginning to falter because the circulation of the Five Viscera Inner Breath had almost become unable to absorb the Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi, and the Yuan Gang True Essence inside his body was gradually depleting faster than it could be replenished.


    "No wonder only the true Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters are able to regularly climb Yunni Sky Peak. After passing the Marrow Cleansing Mysterious Pass, the Grandmasters can cultivate various ''Martial Bodies'', flawless and unblemished. Even if the Power of Heaven and Earth becomes denser, it is like fish swimming in water to them," Chen Mu thought to himself.


    It was about time.


    Although he still had some insights while immersed between heaven and earth, they were far from as profound as when he first ascended the peak.


    With a thought, he summoned the system panel.


    [Martial Art: Qiankun Artistic Conception (Step Two)]


    [Experience: 20913 points]


    "Very well," he said, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes. The experience gained from perceiving the landscapes of Bi Prefecture, clashing with the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram held by Zuo Qianqiu and feeling the over a hundred Sword Intents of the past Sword Dao Grandmasters, and then contemplating on the peak of Yunni Sky Peak for nearly two months, had exceeded twenty thousand points, allowing him to carry out two deductions of the Qiankun Artistic Conception.

 Chapter 246 Resources

    Step, step, step,He descended the mountain along the Yunni Sky Steps.


    Amidst the swirling mists, visible to the naked eye was a surging mass of Strength of Qian Heaven gathering around Chen Mu. However, this strength was so profound that it exceeded what Chen Mu himself could control, forcing him to confront it instead.


    As he left the Yunni Sky Steps and reached the Upper Peak from the summit, the oppressive force around him finally lessened significantly, and the circulation of the Qiankun Artistic Conception became much smoother.


    Whoosh.


    No longer descending slowly, Chen Mu leaped forward, stepping directly into the Cloud Sea. With each footfall, a patch of cloud condensed under his feet, seeming almost substantial enough to support his leaps.


    Thus, he leaped repeatedly through the Cloud Sea and then plunged downward, swiftly breaking through the clouds and descending from the Upper Peak to the Middle Peak, eventually reaching the foot of Yunni Sky Peak. Explore new worlds at My Virtual Library Empire


    Without lingering, nor seeking any prey to hunt, Chen Mu left Yunni Sky Peak directly, striding tens of meters with each step. Moments later, he vanished at the base of the peak.


    ...


    Bi Prefecture.


    Returning to the Prefectural Government after two months, the place seemed much more peaceful.


    Various groups from the Cold North Eleven States had mostly departed, and the settlements on the highlands returned to their usual tranquility. Most of the buildings and terrain damaged by strife had been repaired.


    Walking quietly along the streets, Chen Mu encountered an endless stream of passersby. He occasionally overheard discussions about the ''Rising Stars Rankings'' and the ''Wind Cloud List,'' including his own name mentioned from time to time.


    However,


    no one recognized him as he passed through in his plain gray clothes.


    That was the beauty of this world¡ªno matter how famous or renowned one might be, as long as you walked through the streets like an ordinary person, you were seldom recognized, causing no disturbance at all. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Whether a Wind Cloud List master or a grandmaster, it was mostly the same.


    "Be it the Heavenly Sword or Yin Yang, the Five Elements... Only through the invincible Qiankun and the unwavering resolve of Martial Arts, can one not rely solely on personal understanding to advance but must instead ascend gradually through battles and tempering," Chen Mu reflected, walking through the marketplace.


    Martial Arts will was more ethereal than Artistic Conception, for Artistic Conception involved comprehending the forces of heaven and earth, while Martial Arts will depended solely on one''s heart. It was difficult to self-assess what level one had reached. However, after the battle at Yunni Sky Peak, he indeed felt he had much greater control over the Qiankun Artistic Conception.


    According to many Martial Arts Scriptures, to be unwavering and have a clear conscience is generally enough to make significant progress through the Mysterious Pass and break through the grandmaster bottleneck.


    "Unwavering and having a clear conscience are not so much levels of Martial Arts will as they are directions for its cultivation. Achieving these, one''s Martial Arts will naturally progress to a higher level," he thought.


    While Martial Arts will was intangible, Chen Mu still had a rough assessment of it.


    From the moment his heart''s intent became clear, his Martial Arts will formed its embryonic shape. Daily Solidifying Refinement took it to the First Layer; then, having mastered the Qiankun and Heaven and Earth Artistic Conceptions, and aligning them with his will, he naturally entered the stage of ''unwavering resolve,'' reaching the Second Layer.


    Having experienced Yunni Sky Peak, although he had grown, he did not feel a qualitative change indicative of a different level. He was likely still in the ''Second Layer,'' where typically one must reach the ''Third Layer'' to break through the Mysterious Pass and become a grandmaster.


    And, depending on the path one takes, the required strength of will varies.


    To break through the Mysterious Pass using the Qiankun Artistic Conception is naturally hardest... but as the saying goes, ''there''s always a way out,'' and for now, he needed to enter the Six Viscera Realm and step by step complete the refinement and accumulation of the Six Viscera to reach the threshold of the Mysterious Pass.


    Soon,


    Chen Mu arrived at the Prefectural Government of Bi Prefecture.


    Bi Prefecture, due to its unique environment, contains many vital resource mines for the Seven Profound Sect, thus the Prefectural Governor there was a figure of the Six Viscera Realm who had served as protector of the Great Profound Peak.


    Chen Mu had already met with him during his previous visit to Bi Prefecture. This trip was simply a courtesy call. To Chen Mu''s slight surprise, Meng Danyun was also there.


    "Why are you here too, senior sister?" Chen Mu asked Meng Danyun.


    Meng Danyun was also a little surprised to see Chen Mu, a flash of astonishment in her eyes as she said, "I am here pursuing a criminal from the State Government Office, a Five Viscera Realm individual who fled to Bi Prefecture and is now unaccounted for. Have you just descended from Yunni Sky Peak?"


    "Yes, I just got back," Chen Mu replied, his expression calm.


    He walked toward the courtyard behind him, while Meng Danyun followed beside, her gaze on Chen Mu tinged with a hint of admiration.


    She too had once ascended the Yunni Sky Steps to contemplate the heavens and earth at the peak. But after the reformation of the Cloud Sea, she had to descend the peak, along with the sect''s top disciples, all retreating within two to three days.


    If Chen Mu had only descended today, it meant that after the Cloud Sea reformed, he had stayed at the peak for nearly a month. Yet compared to Chen Mu''s ascent to the Wind Cloud List as someone in the Five Viscera Realm, her initial shock at hearing about his achievements was somewhat greater.


    Arriving at an inconspicuous courtyard in the Government Office,


    officers hurriedly brought in many strips of dried demon meat. Chen Mu did not mind the simplicity, devouring them one after another while saying, "Given Bi Prefecture''s complex terrain, the criminal senior sister is chasing will not be easy to find."

 Chapter 246 Resources_2

    Meng Danyun shook her head and said, "If he decides to hide in the mountains of Bi Prefecture for the rest of his life, then there''s nothing we can do. I came to the Prefectural Government to see if I could gather any other intelligence."At this point,


    She looked at Chen Mu and said, "Junior brother, now that you''ve cultivated Qiankun, you should be stepping into the Six Viscera Realm soon, right?"


    Chen Mu nodded slightly and said, "Yes, I no longer need to remain in the Five Viscera Realm, but I still want to try tempering my Five Viscera one more time, it''s just that I''m a bit short on Viscera Refining Spiritual Objects."


    Meng Danyun blinked at Chen Mu and asked, "The eleventh time?"


    With Chen Mu''s foundation, completing the tenth tempering of the Five Viscera shouldn''t be too hard, and probably wouldn''t require many Viscera Refining Spiritual Objects. Considering his various gains and the share he could call upon as a True Disciple, it should be ample; if he was saying it wasn''t enough, it probably meant he was stuck at the "eleventh" time. But she had indeed never heard of anyone completing an eleventh tempering.


    Perhaps there were, or perhaps not.


    "I do have two portions of Viscera Refining Spiritual Objects with me. I was planning to exchange them for Spiritual Objects for tempering the Six Viscera after returning to the Sect. Since you have a need, take them and use them first."


    As Meng Danyun spoke, she took out two differently colored Spiritual Objects from her bosom, one gold and one green. The golden one was a Gold Yuan Pearl, and the green one was a plant resembling a vine, only the size of a finger.


    Although no one had been heard to complete an eleventh tempering, Chen Mu had already cultivated Qiankun; perhaps he truly could temper the Five Viscera one more time. In that case, once Chen Mu stepped into the Six Viscera Realm in the future, his foundation for Yuan Gang True Essence would be even stronger.


    The deeper the foundation, the lower the difficulty of entering the Marrow Cleansing stage in the future.


    "Won''t this delay your cultivation progress, senior sister?" sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu looked at the two portions of Viscera Refining Spiritual Objects, hesitating for a moment before asking Meng Danyun.


    Meng Danyun smiled and said, "The Six Viscera Realm places greater emphasis on accumulation than the Five Viscera Realm, so being a little slower isn''t an issue. Even if one completes the cultivation of the Six Viscera Realm early, one is still likely to be stuck before the Marrow Cleansing Mysterious Pass."


    "Besides, I have other Spiritual Objects to exchange, so it won''t be a delay."


    After hearing Meng Danyun say this, Chen Mu accepted the two portions of Viscera Refining Spiritual Objects and said, "Then, thank you very much, senior sister. If you have any needs, just let me know. Once I''ve completed my cultivation matters, I''ll keep an eye out for you."


    "I don''t have any particular needs."


    Meng Danyun shook her head slightly and said, "Well, never mind."


    For the moment, she didn''t lack anything. If there was something she truly desired, it was a ''Spirit Weapon'' that suited her, but such items were so precious, they far exceeded the value of merely two portions of Viscera Refining Spiritual Objects.


    However, Chen Mu, seeming to guess her thoughts, suddenly took out an item from his sleeve and tossed it to Meng Danyun, saying, "Senior sister, try this and see if it works for you."


    Meng Danyun caught it and was immediately startled, asking, "Is this Jiang Yifei''s Peach Divine Sword?"


    "Yes."


    Chen Mu nodded.


    Previously, at the Yunni Sky Steps, he had taken Jiang Yifei''s Peach Divine Sword. He had thought that the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion might send a Grandmaster to demand it back afterward, but when no one did, he then retrieved it from Zhou Hao.


    The essence of the Peach Divine Sword was not truly ''Warm Spring'', but rather a fusion of wood and water spirits. Although Meng Danyun cultivated neither of the Wood Spirits of the Five Elements, she had cultivated the Kan Water Artistic Conception. While it may not be a perfect fit for the Peach Divine Sword, it should still be possible to wield it to some extent.


    "It''s somewhat wasteful for me to use this sword. Junior brother, you also don''t have a suitable Spirit Weapon, so you should keep it."


    Meng Danyun channeled her Yuan Gang into the Peach Divine Sword, infusing Kan Water and causing the sword edge to hum and buzz, bursting with spiritual light. But soon after, she retracted her Yuan Gang and handed the Peach Divine Sword back to Chen Mu.


    As she lacked the Wood Spirit Artistic Conception, although she could use it, it definitely wouldn''t be as easy for her as for Chen Mu. It should be noted that even though Chen Mu was still in the Five Viscera Realm, his step into the Six Viscera was imminent.


    "A spirit weapon that suits me is quite difficult to find," Chen Mu chuckled, "For now, I definitely can''t use this sword, Senior Sister, so you might as well use it first. In the future, if I find a spirit weapon that suits me better, I''ll just return this sword to you."


    Martial Arts contending, so-called opportunity, geographical convenience, and human harmony; opportunity and geographical convenience go without saying, and whether one can borrow the earth''s momentum to bridge enormous gaps in strength is paramount. As for ''human harmony,'' sometimes it refers to the spirit weapon, whether one can fully integrate with their own spirit weapon.


    He cultivated the Qiankun Artistic Conception, almost any spirit weapon he could command, but to truly consider one handy to him, it had to be the ''Human Emperor Seal'' that gathered the power of the Qiankun Eight Phases. To his knowledge, this nation-protecting divine weapon, which ranked at the forefront in the Da Xuan Spirit Weapon Catalogue, when wielded by a Grandmaster who cultivated the Qiankun Artistic Conception, could almost suppress the existence within the Blood Exchange Realm! Experience more content on My Virtual Library Empire


    If he were to enter the Six Viscera Realm, being able to wield the Human Emperor Seal could probably suppress Grandmasters at will.


    For now, Chen Mu had no extravagant hopes for the Human Emperor Seal, his only thought was whether he could fortuitously come across the other seven types of spiritual objects that matched the Xuanhuang stone and make a ''Little Human Emperor Seal.'' That might also suppress ordinary Grandmasters.


    Of course, this was merely his rough idea, there was so much missing that he didn''t plan to start work on it yet.


    "Alright."


    Hearing Chen Mu say this, Meng Danyun no longer declined. She took out three portions of spiritual objects from her person, "I collected these earlier as supplementary materials for forging spirit weapons. If Junior Brother lacks Viscera Refining Spiritual Objects, you can take these back to the Sect and exchange them for Viscera Refining Spiritual Objects. I won''t need these for a while anyway."


    Chen Mu glanced at Meng Danyun''s chest, curious as to where she had kept all those spiritual materials, but he did not delve deeper for the moment, took the spiritual objects and said, "Then I''ll just use these temporarily."


    He swallowed another piece of demonic meat, feeling the hunger in his belly finally begin to subside.


    Chen Mu put down the jerky in his hand, "Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items are indeed too rare."


    "Yes, otherwise, those Grandmasters wouldn''t each be as elusive as dragons, mostly disappearing to the ''Outer Sea'', ''Earthly Abyss'', and the ''Great Wilderness'' in search of the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items they need," Meng Danyun said.


    At this point,


    she noticed a slight change in Chen Mu''s eyes and couldn''t help but say, "Junior Brother, do you have any thoughts on the matter? With your current strength, you could indeed go and explore the Outer Sea, but I think it''d be better for you to gain more experience for a while longer. After all, the dangers of the Outer Sea are far beyond what the inland can compare to."


    Hearing Meng Danyun''s words, Chen Mu shook his head, "I''m not interested at the moment."


    Chen Mu knew about the Outer Sea, Earthly Abyss, and Great Wilderness that Meng Danyun spoke of, which weren''t as mysterious as they sounded. The Outer Sea was actually the easternmost sea area of Da Xuan. Since the sea area was vast and boundless, it was teeming with demons, and normally, only those above the Five Viscera Realm would explore near the sea, while experts in the Six Viscera Realm would dare to venture further in.


    As for the Earthly Abyss and the Great Wilderness, indeed, only Grandmasters could set foot in those places, belonging to ''natural dangerous zones'', much like the Yunni Sky Peak he had previously climbed. Under normal circumstances, non-Martial Arts Grandmasters could not climb or even stand on the peak. Similarly, those two places were also unreachable by non-Martial Arts Grandmasters.


    And exactly because of this,


    the resources of Heaven and Earth contained in these places were far richer than those of various State Government Offices and Prefectures.


    Maybe in the future when his Qiankun Artistic Conception cultivation reached a bottleneck, and he had to delve deeper into the understanding of Heaven and Earth, he would go to those places to explore, but for now, it was far from the time for him to tread upon such dangerous grounds.


    Even in the short term, he didn''t even plan to leave Yu State, which after all was the territory overseen by the Seven Profound Sect. Although there have been many chaotic incidents in recent years, there has been no major upheaval, including the chaos in Yu County, which was limited to a certain level only.


    Places like the Outer Sea and Earthly Abyss were different, not only frequented by experts from the Cold North Path but also strong figures from various paths and states among the Da Xuan Ninety-Nine States, creating a dangerous mix of dragons and snakes.


    Now that he had several portions of spiritual objects given to him by Meng Danyun, plus the Five Elements Lotus Platform he had previously received from Hua Nongyue, as well as his own resources, he could almost cover the needs for his thirteenth tempering.


    Speaking of which,


    the Wind Cloud List had ranked him twenty-seventh, and since he had not yet fought with anyone on the list or sparred with a Grandmaster, he was not clear on the exact level of his strength. If Qin Mengjun were in a lucid state, he might have sparred with her to gauge his strength level.


    However, being unable to measure his strength for now didn''t matter. Anyway, once he completed his thirteenth Five Viscera Tempering and entered the Six Viscera Realm, his strength would undoubtedly increase further. In addition, there were the two deductions of Qiankun Artistic Conception, which he could start in a little while.


    "The top thirty on the Wind Cloud List could retreat when encountering ordinary Grandmasters, the top twenty could compete with ordinary Grandmasters, and reaching the top ten might have a chance to emerge victorious in battle... I wonder how I will fare against ordinary Grandmasters after entering the Six Viscera Realm."

 Chapter 247 The Reunion

    "Junior Brother, now that you are established on the Wind Cloud List, in many people''s eyes you are no longer a novice of the younger generation, you must be more cautious and guard against secretive schemes going forward," Meng Danyun warned Chen Mu once more."Thank you for the reminder, Senior Sister," Chen Mu replied.


    Chen Mu nodded slightly.


    With the strength he possessed now, it was no longer easy to scheme against him. If he were to deduce the Qiankun Artistic Conception a couple more times, his perception of Heaven and Earth would expand even further. Like the ambush he had encountered in the desert, it would be difficult for him to fall for similar ploys again.


    If it weren''t for such ambushes, even if a Grandmaster were to make a move against him, he was confident he could escape. After all, not only was his own strength already formidable, but he also possessed a Qian Heaven Seal refined by Qin Mengjun.


    "Alright, then you should rest for now, Junior Brother. I will not disturb you further. If you ever need Senior Sister''s assistance, just call on me whenever you wish," Meng Danyun added, nodding slightly to Chen Mu before departing the courtyard.


    Chen Mu watched Meng Danyun leave, then his gaze fell back to the table. He picked up several Spiritual Objects, turned around, and walked back to the little hut in the back, closing the door. He told everyone outside not to disturb him unless necessary.


    He then sat down by the bed.


    The bedroom was small yet exquisitely furnished, with a bed made of yellow rosewood and covered with a brocade quilt. It was nearly two years since he had slept on a bamboo bed at Spirit Profound Peak, but to him now, whether it was luxury or simplicity, there was no difference. Heaven and Earth could serve as his mat and blanket.


    Without much delay, Chen Mu summoned the system panel and then deduced the Qiankun Artistic Conception for the third time.


    In an instant, the Qiankun Eight Phases surged into his mind. Realizations flooded his thoughts, with eight different halos interacting with each other: sometimes generating the Five Elements, sometimes merging into Yin and Yang.


    In just a moment, it was as if he had obtained several years of memories and experiences of comprehending the Qiankun Eight Phases, but for Chen Mu, there was no discomfort as this wasn''t his first time deducing the Qiankun Artistic Conception.


    Before long.


    He awoke from his absorbed state of comprehension.


    "This Qiankun Artistic Conception truly becomes more difficult the deeper one goes. The nearly two months I spent in contemplation at the summit of Yunni Peak were still far from sufficient to complete even a minor stage of advancement on my own," he sighed in his heart.


    After all, the Qiankun Artistic Conception comprised the Eight Phases. To prevent an imbalance in Qiankun, one must advance all Eight Phases together¡ªthere was no doubt about the difficulty of cultivation, and it only increased as one delved deeper.


    To break through the Mysterious Pass and become a Grandmaster, a Martial Artist needed a solid Yuan Gang foundation in the Six Viscera Realm, Solidifying Refinement of Martial Arts intent, and depth in their Artistic Conception. None of these three aspects could be lacking.


    The more substantial the Yuan Gang foundation, the more Solidifying Refinement the Martial Arts intent, and the deeper the Artistic Conception, the easier it would be to break through the Mysterious Pass.


    For someone like Meng Danyun, once she reached the pinnacle of Six Viscera Tempering, and if her Martial Arts intent could reach the Third Layer, her chances of breaking through the Mysterious Pass would increase significantly. Moreover, if she could push the Two Artistic Conceptions of Xun Wind and Kan Water to the limit of the second step, breaking through the Mysterious Pass would almost be a certainty.


    However, Martial Artists have a limited lifespan. Forty years of age is typically the ultimate limit to attempt the breakthrough to the Mysterious Pass. If one still cannot break through by that age, the declining vitality of Qi-Blood in the body will gradually eliminate the possibility of becoming a Grandmaster.


    With these various constraints, it is clear why becoming a Grandmaster is so difficult.


    In the eyes of many, Chen Mu, if solely cultivating the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception, given his talent and understanding, could very well push the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception to the limit of the second step before the age of forty. And if his Martial Arts intent didn''t face any unexpected issues, and his foundation was equally solid, then becoming a Qian Heaven Grandmaster would almost be a sure thing.


    But cultivating the complete Qiankun Artistic Conception? The difficulty would at least double!


    To advance the Qiankun Artistic Conception from the initial second step to the extreme limit in ten years? Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Too difficult!


    Even though Chen Mu had grasped the Qiankun in just a short two years, in many people''s eyes, this was still an unachievable feat. After all, the deeper the comprehension of an Artistic Conception, the more difficult it is to progress further.


    What''s most crucial was the lack of guidance from either the ''Eight Phases Diagram'' or the ''Original Eight Phases Diagram''.


    If one could have one of these two guides, the efficiency of a Martial Artist''s comprehension of the Qiankun Artistic Conception would surely increase significantly. For those with good understanding, reaching the extreme limit of the second step in eight to ten years would be within reach, and becoming a Qiankun Grandmaster would be much easier.


    "The fourth time."


    Chen Mu took a deep breath, processed the insights from the third deduction, and immediately began the fourth.


    Memories flooded in as before, but this time there was a slight difference. It was as though he was cast into the midst of chaos, which then parted the Yin and Yang and differentiated the Five Elements, evolving before his eyes into the Qiankun Eight Phases step by step.


    The pure rose to become Heaven, the turbid sank to form Earth, mountains rose and lands formed, seas and lakes were vast, thunder and fire intermingled, wind and water converged.


    Then all the Eight Phases transformed into threads, stretching and interweaving, gathering in his line of sight. Where he looked, the whole world seemed to become countless interlaced threads of various colors.


    "Qian, Kun, Zhen, Xun..."


    In a daze, he reached out and touched each one, casually scooping up threads into his hands, clearly sensing the mood of each thread. Though called threads, they were actually the embodiment of the Power of Heaven and Earth.


    The Power of Heaven and Earth is formless yet formative, substanceless yet substantial, changing at will.


    "The universe itself is also an evolution, formless yet formative, substanceless yet substantial. A part of the Power of Heaven and Earth exists materially, forming mountains and rivers, the elements of nature, while a far greater portion remains hidden in the formless. Those who have not grasped an Artistic Conception only see a fraction of the world with their eyes, but only by realizing an Artistic Conception, a complete Qiankun Artistic Conception, can one peer into the deeper mysteries of Heaven and Earth," he thought.

 Chapter 356 247 again meet_2

    Chen Mu muttered to himself.Sequential total deduction of the Qiankun Artistic Conception four times allowed him to traverse nearly half the journey on the second step of the Qiankun Path. It could be said that his understanding of the profundity of Heaven and Earth had undergone monumental change compared to when he first stepped into it.


    He slowly opened his eyes, his gaze turning towards the distant table, then suddenly beckoned with his hand and drew a stream of water from the teapot, transforming it into a floating water sphere in front of him.


    Next,


    he fixed his eyes on the round water sphere and suddenly flicked it with his finger.


    The water sphere began to disperse silently, disintegrating into glistening drops that finally vanished into thin air.


    This scene might seem unremarkable, but what Chen Mu did was not erasing the water sphere with Yuan Gang power, nor separating it into mist using the Kan Water Artistic Conception. Instead, he reverted this cluster of water back into the intangible and incorporeal Power of Heaven and Earth!


    Following that,


    Chen Mu flicked his finger again, and a sphere of water silently coalesced out of thin air.


    "From nothing to something, from something to nothing,"


    Chen Mu said with a hint of exclamation in his tone.


    Before, although he could draw water directly from Heaven and Earth using the Kan Water Artistic Conception, what he actually drew was the moisture hidden in the air, slowly gathering and condensing into the water sphere.


    Now, however, Chen Mu directly transformed the Power of Heaven and Earth from intangible and formless to tangible and substantial, making it real!


    A seemingly similar process, yet fundamentally different.


    Likewise, when he was in the depths of the desert, drawing moisture to replenish himself, it was a labor-intensive task since the water content in the atmosphere is exceedingly rare. If he encountered an utterly ''waterless'' environment, he wouldn''t be able to produce water.


    But now, it posed no obstacle. With the rotation of the Qiankun Eight Phases, even in an environment entirely devoid of the water phase, he could still directly summon other Powers of Heaven and Earth, such as Xun Wind or Thunderbolt, convert them into Kan Water, and then condense them into liquid form.


    This reflected a deeper level of adaptability to Heaven and Earth!


    If Chen Mu were to return to the peak of Yunni Sky Peak now, he could probably stay there indefinitely, enduring the pressure of Qian Heaven''s strength.


    In addition, many tangible obstructions can no longer hinder his path.


    Whoosh.


    Chen Mu rose to his feet, took a step out of the courtyard, and gazed at the ground. Then, with a step forward, his entire figure quietly submerged into the firm earth.


    It was as if the earth beneath his feet was no longer solid ground, but flowing water.


    "Indeed, it works."


    Chen Mu, who had silently submerged underground, was now stepping forward, making his way deeper into the earth. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    All the solid earth that touched his body silently transformed from ''solid and tangible'' to ''intangible and incorporeal,'' making it seem as though he was walking above the ground, though he was actually moving below it.


    Ten zhang,


    Twenty zhang,


    Thirty zhang,


    Chen Mu continued downward like this until he started to feel the pressure intensifying. The Power of the Earth''s Veins from all directions gradually thickened, making it difficult for him to continue deeper.


    After descending a few more steps and feeling the nearby Earth Pulse''s Power growing denser and the oppressive force stronger, Chen Mu nodded slightly and did not force himself downward to test his limits but instead turned upwards and ascended back to the surface.


    Gulp.


    He emerged from the ground as if climbing stairs, leaving behind only traces that seemed as if they had been dug out.


    However, not a speck of dust clung to his clothes; they remained spotless as new.


    "From now on, across mountains, rivers, as if walking on flat ground. Even without stepping into the Six Viscera Realm, I will no longer fear the need for ''hunger,''" Chen Mu breathed out gently, a flicker of light passing through his eyes.


    Having mastered the ability to transform the Power of Heaven and Earth from intangible to tangible, and with the practice of the Qiankun Eight Phases allowing for the mutual rotation of the Eight Phases'' power, he indeed possessed a miraculous ability akin to ''creation.''


    Of course,


    this ability is essentially manipulation and transformation of the Power of Heaven and Earth, not true creation from nothingness. The former is simply an application of the Power of Heaven and Earth, whereas the latter is beyond the reach of Martial Arts.


    Moreover, he could not create anything even slightly complex, such as gold, silver, jade mines, etc.


    At most, he could materialize elements like water, fire, wind, and thunder from the formless.


    "Qiankun Eight Phases, truly has infinite marvelous uses."


    Chen Mu was very satisfied inwardly and then opened his hand to gauge the enhancement of his strength.


    As he had anticipated,


    after another two deductions from the system panel, the might of his Qiankun Artistic Conception had now reached approximately ''eighteen portions,'' and with the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal borrowing the momentum of Heaven and Earth, it could nearly reach ''thirty portions''!


    "Once my Cultivation steps into the Six Viscera Realm, my Yuan Gang True Essence further improves, and I refine the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal to the fifth layer, a full-force effort could mobilize more than forty portions, even close to fifty portions of Heaven and Earth''s Might!"


    Chen Mu''s eyes sparkled. Though he was a realm away from Marrow Cleansing, his strength was already set on the path of a Grandmaster.


    While he still wasn''t entirely clear about the specific strength of Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters to gauge it in detail, he could generally differentiate the power of the Wind Cloud List''s experts. For instance, Yan Jingqing, who mastered the wind and water Artistic Conceptions and was ranked twenty-sixth, combined with his peak Six Viscera Realm Yuan Gang True Essence, could roughly exert a might of about thirty portions.


    Counting upwards, the Wind Cloud List''s eighteenth place, Ice Extreme Palace''s ''Han Ming,'' with the Martial Arts Domain formed by the convergence of three Artistic Conceptions ''wind, water, and abundance,'' along with his own Yuan Gang Force, could exert a might of around ''forty portions.''

 Chapter 247 Encounter_3

    Then, ranked ninth on the Wind Cloud List, ''Zong Qingfu'' from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, possesses a Martial Arts Domain where Warm Spring meets the height of Summer, roughly equivalent to the Four Phases among the Eight... about ''fifty portions'' of Heaven and Earth''s Might.Putting aside the top three of the Wind Cloud List.


    From rank thirty to the top ten, from having to flee upon encountering ordinary Grandmasters, to barely being able to fight them, and then to being able to suppress or even defeat them, the gap is roughly ''thirty to fifty portions.''


    As for the top three, they are too exceptional, such as a complete ''Five Elements Domain,'' Yin Yang Domain. Even among Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters, there are very few who can cultivate these, hence their strength is considered exceedingly powerful even among Grandmasters.


    "With my current progress, I will soon reach the standard of the Wind Cloud List''s top ten. However, I''ve never crossed hands with one who wields a ''Domain.'' Strength is one thing, actual combat is another... Hmm, after stepping into the Six Viscera Realm, I could return to Yu County and have a sparring session with Yan Jingqing to test his Martial Arts Domain," he thought.


    Chen Mu pondered in his heart.


    While he was weighing and calculating in his mind, suddenly, his gaze shifted ever so slightly, sensing something. Then, he turned to look outside the courtyard.


    "Come out."


    He said indifferently.


    With the falling tone of Chen Mu''s voice, a light laughter could be heard, and then a young lady wearing a light yellow short tunic appeared, draped in a semi-translucent gauze, her slender jade arms and waist merely a grasp, faintly visible. Her bare, crystal-like delicate feet touched the ground without picking up a speck of dirt, a light silver decorative chain adorned her ankles, sparkling under the sunlight.


    "Hua Nongying?"


    Chen Mu calmly addressed the figure that had appeared.


    It was a little difficult for him to distinguish between Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue in the past, but now, with his Qiankun Artistic Conception improved further, his perception became much finer. Plus, having interacted with Hua Nongyue before, he could subtly distinguish some fine differences in their auras.


    "Lord Chen, after your enlightenment at Yunni Sky Peak, your strength has indeed improved, your perception of aura much sharper. I deliberately restrained my aura because I wanted to see if you would mistake me for my sister," said Hua Nongying, looking at Chen Mu with a smile.


    Chen Mu didn''t respond and just looked at her calmly. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "After two years, we meet again. Lord Chen''s presence has grown even more imposing, now the first among the up-and-coming warriors, known throughout the Eleven States of the Cold North Path. Surely you haven''t forgotten about me? My humble beauty must not be worth mentioning in your eyes anymore," Hua Nongying said with a look of mock sadness as she stepped forward.


    Chen Mu ignored her and simply said, "Where is it?"


    "Here."


    Hua Nongying gently pulled out something that resembled leather or bast fiber from her garment and tossed it to Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu reached out and caught it, feeling the residual warmth and a faint whiff of fragrance upon touch, yet he remained calm as he unfurled the scroll and looked at its contents.


    After memorizing everything, he tossed the scroll back to Hua Nongying.


    Hua Nongying deftly caught the scroll and winked at Chen Mu, saying, "Don''t you want to ask whether this Dual Cultivation Method is genuine? If it turns out to be a fake, and you come looking for us afterward, we won''t acknowledge it."


    "You personally delivered it; what would be the point of handing me a fake?" Chen Mu replied with an even tone.


    Hua Nongying laughed and stored the scroll away, saying, "Who knows, maybe it''s a fake method meant to lead you astray into cultivation deviation. Would you like me to stay and verify it with you?"


    Upon hearing this, Chen Mu gave Hua Nongying a closer look and said, "Have you forgotten something?"


    "What?" Hua Nongying asked, puzzled.


    Chen Mu stood with his hands behind his back, stating, "Things are different now compared to two years ago. Don''t you think you are being too presumptuous in front of me? Even if you have used the Earthly Green Lotus Seed to advance your Taiyin Artistic Conception to the second step, are you confident you can leave unscathed in my presence?"


    Oh no!


    Hua Nongying inwardly cursed her luck and, without hesitation, her figure flickered, leaving behind an afterimage as she hurriedly tried to escape the courtyard. But before she could vault over the enclosure, she heard Chen Mu''s voice from behind.


    "Freeze."


    In an instant, the Power of Heaven and Earth around her solidified, encasing her as if made tangible, causing her speed to slow down abruptly, as if she had sunk into a mire or ice.


    When a strand of Taiyin power erupted from her, forcefully breaking free from the constraints, Chen Mu''s hand had already reached from behind, grabbed her neck, and scattered her Yuan Gang, dragging her back into the courtyard in one swift motion.


    The entire sequence happened swiftly, almost in the blink of an eye.


    "What''s going on?!"


    The brief commotion had alarmed those outside, and people quickly appeared at the courtyard entrance.


    "It''s nothing."


    But before those outside could rush in, they heard Chen Mu''s calm voice from within, "Stand down."


    The Commander-in-chief from the Five Viscera Realm hesitated, vaguely sensing the disturbance from the clash of Heaven and Earth''s Might, but soon complied with a voice of acknowledgement and faded back into the surroundings.

 Chapter 248 The Fox Demon

    "What is your intention, sir? If you wish for my service, just say the word. I wouldn''t dare disobey. Why must you be so rough and bully a weak woman..."Hua Nongying was brought back to the courtyard by Chen Mu, her vigorous energy completely sealed, but her heart wasn''t overly panicked. She looked pitifully at Chen Mu, her peach-blossom eyes seemingly glistening with tears, invoking pity in the beholder.


    Her audacity in front of Chen Mu wasn''t because she felt she could escape unscathed, but because the Seven Profound Sect had no disputes with the Hehuan Sect at the time and there was even minimal cooperation. Moreover, Chen Mu had always been a man focused on Martial Arts, upright and straightforward. Though married, according to all her intelligence, he had never been close to any woman outside.


    This was why.


    In their brief confrontation just now, she hadn''t used more means; judging from that brief encounter, Chen Mu''s strength was even stronger than she had anticipated. Even if she had used some lifesaving methods, the chances of escaping unscathed weren''t great.


    However, Chen Mu indifferently said, "You and your sister, have both rather misjudged me. I might not be interested in your Hehuan Sect''s methods, but that does not mean you can behave recklessly before me. Don''t tell me with your level of strength and realm, you can''t control your ''desiring'' Artistic Conception."


    As a normal person, he possessed the natural human emotions and desires, but along his journey, his will had solidified, allowing him to remain unshaken by external matters. However, this wasn''t the reason he tolerated Hua Nongying''s flirtations repeatedly.


    Moreover.


    He was no longer wary of the Hehuan Sect''s techniques and had even fewer concerns about Hua Nongying.


    Perhaps their repeated indiscretions in his presence without punishment had led them to mistake him for a ''good man'', to the point of intensifying their efforts?


    Being a good man could get you targeted by guns; in these tumultuous times, he naturally never intended to be a ''good man''. Everything he followed was from the heart.


    "I dare not, sir, please spare me this time."


    Hua Nongying looked pitifully at Chen Mu, her voice filled with earnest pleading. But perhaps due to her innate Charming Bones, and a lifetime dedicated to cultivation of desires, her current state appeared pitiable yet all the more enticing.


    The most crucial point was.


    From the depths of Hua Nongying''s eyes, Chen Mu vaguely saw a trace of ''curiosity''. This woman wasn''t frightened at all by being restrained by him, and even seemed curious about what he could actually do.


    Thereupon, Chen Mu, without courtesy, said lightly, "Since you said you''d demonstrate the truth for me, let me see it."


    Saying this.


    He reached out with his left hand, the breeze fluttered through the willow leaves, touching the water surface, creating ripples.


    "Mm."


    Hua Nongying no longer pretended, but tilted her head and gazed at Chen Mu, her body trembling slightly, her cheeks blushing lightly as she let out a soft moan.


    This time it was Chen Mu who paused, looking at her slightly stunned.


    Hua Nongying''s face was suffused with the blush of peach blossoms, a mix of shyness and allure, and she mischievously blinked at Chen Mu, saying, "I told you before, sir, you didn''t believe me then, did you?"


    "If sir is willing to leave Seven Profound and join the Outer Sect of Hehuan, protecting our sisters from then on, whatever sir wants, we will give it to you. I can, my sister can, all the sisters can."


    Chen Mu indifferently said, "What I want, you cannot give."


    Saying this.


    He loosened his right hand, and Hua Nongying fell from his grasp.


    Free from control, Hua Nongying flickered to the wall, a trace of amusement appearing in her eyes as she looked at Chen Mu, saying, "What exactly is sir pursuing? Even if you cultivate to the end of Martial Arts, it''s mere two to three hundred years, eventually turning to mere bones. Life is short, if not indulging in the joys of life, waiting as time passes by, isn''t it wasted? Even since the birth of Martial Arts, it cannot escape the word ''legacy'', I, from Hehuan Sect, can bear children for you as well, however many you want." S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu looked at Hua Nongying with a slightly strange expression, saying, "I''m not concerned about the legacy of blood, but isn''t it a bit..."


    If one allows the disciples of the Hehuan Sect to bear children, wouldn''t that be creating a vast open pasture above their heads?


    Hua Nongying blinked, saying, "Sir is too prejudiced against us Hehuan sisters. Among the common people of the Beggar Sect, there are distinctions between clean and dirty clothes. The Hehuan Sect naturally follows different paths too, sir just tested it yourself, didn''t you?"


    Explore more stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    Whoosh.


    Almost as soon as her words fell, suddenly a Sword Qi flew in from outside the courtyard, aimed directly at her.


    "Has your Hehuan Sect become too presumptuous? So brazen and shameless, trying to confound Brother Chen''s moral heart?"


    The cold voice of Meng Danyun came through.


    Hua Nongying, unfazed by the burst of Sword Qi, waved her lightweight fabric, and the incoming moist Sword Light silently solidified into ice, freezing mid-air.


    Immediately after, her figure flashed lightly, landing outside the courtyard, heading towards the distance, while giggling playfully, "Sister Meng, don''t get angry. I really didn''t do anything, though I would''ve liked to test Brother Chen''s capabilities. But since Sister Meng is so protective, I''ll have to give up and leave that to Sister Meng... But isn''t this Jiang Yifei''s Peach Divine Sword? Did Brother Chen also give it to Sister Meng? Brother Chen is really good to Sister Meng, I''m looking green with envy."


    "Hmph."


    Meng Danyun, hearing Hua Nongying''s series of dirty talk, grew even colder, simply snorted without engaging in a verbal dispute, and guided the Peach Divine Sword, chasing after her swiftly, their presences quickly fading into the distance.

 Chapter 248 Demon Fox_2

    Chen Mu stood in the courtyard, sensing the breath disappear into the distance. He shrugged slightly before returning to the house, where he brewed a cup of hot tea and sipped it leisurely.Now, he truly had no interest in joining Hua Nongying in any righteous and evil love-and-kill games. This time, because of Meng Danyun, he had spared her. There were still too many tasks for him to complete, and for the time being, he had no intention of having too much interaction with the Hehuan Sect.


    That said,


    Hua Nongying had indeed mastered the second stage of the Taiyin Artistic Conception. If there was a chance, he was genuinely curious to see whether the two sisters could create a true Yin Yang Artistic Conception. So far, apart from a Heavenly Sword, he had not encountered any artistic conception of this level. He also needed to measure how it compared to the Qiankun before he could know.


    Setting the teacup down, Chen Mu silently disappeared from the house.


    He had also obtained the Dual Cultivation Method, as of now, there was no need for him to continue staying in Bi Prefecture. His final destination was the village where he had previously met that little girl to see what choice she would make, and then he would return to his sect.


    ...


    Stay tuned to My Virtual Library Empire


    Soon.


    Chen Mu left the highland and, following his memory, navigated through the mountain cliffs. Before long, a village nestled in a narrow valley appeared before him.


    Standing on higher ground, he swept his gaze and soon spotted Jin Ling''er, who was washing clothes by a stream that ran through the valley. The clothes were coarse hemp garments that required strong pounding to clean, but the young girl''s strength was extraordinary, making the task look easy for her.


    Silently,


    Chen Mu appeared in front of her.


    "...Benefactor?"


    When Jin Ling''er saw Chen Mu, she was initially shocked and then joyfully exclaimed.


    Chen Mu calmly looked at her and asked, "How have you considered it?"


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s words, Jin Ling''er seemed to think of something. Her eyes momentarily dimmed, then she bit her lip and said, "If I go to the Seven Profound Sect to learn martial arts, can I still come back later? I want to be stronger than my uncle, protect the village from those monsters..."


    Chen Mu observed Jin Ling''er and said, "Once you reach a certain realm, naturally, you can leave the sect. However, based on what you said, it seems some incidents have occurred in your village recently?"


    Jin Ling''er nodded sadly and began to recount.


    About half a month ago, a monster attacked the village at night. It was an extremely powerful fox demon. Her uncle, along with the village''s hunters, had tried their best to drive it away, but they were severely injured in the process and he died a couple of days later.


    Hunters in the mountains dying to monsters were fairly common occurrences. Her father had died at the hands of a monster while out gathering herbs, and they only found a few blood-stained pieces of his clothing afterward.


    "A fox demon?"


    After listening to Jin Ling''er''s words, Chen Mu''s eyes revealed a thoughtful expression.


    Fox demons are generally more cunning than other monsters. There had also been no disasters in the mountains recently. Normally, they wouldn''t attack a village, as these mountain dwellers lived off the mountain, frequently gathered herbs, and were commonly skilled in Skin Toughening and Body Refinement; they weren''t easy to defeat. Moreover, too much killing would attract stronger martial artists to hunt them down.


    From Jin Ling''er''s description, the fox had three tails and pale golden fur. If true, it was an extremely rare kind of monster, ''Golden Tail Fox'', known for being cunning, greedy, and particularly sensitive to Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items. Generally, where they appear, some Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items are likely born.


    "Golden Tail Foxes generally do not attack villages, nor have there been recent disasters. So perhaps it was attracted by some kind of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items in the nearby mountains, fearing discovery by the villagers, thus attempting an attack to drive the villagers away. After a fierce battle, finding it difficult to drive them off, it finally retreated."


    Chen Mu silently organized a series of deductions in his mind.


    If his guess was correct, then there should be some kind of spiritual object in these mountains, either difficult to extract or not yet ripe for harvesting.


    The Golden Tail Fox, after all, was a low-rank demon, only a Third Rank monster. The Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items it considered treasures might also possibly be common and not highly valuable. However, since there was a possibility of spiritual objects existing, it was worth investigating.


    "Alright, I understand. That fox demon might have discovered some precious spiritual objects nearby and, unable to act hastily, attacked your village. I am also interested in what it has found; I will go and look for it for you."


    Chen Mu didn''t conceal anything and directly informed Jin Ling''er of the situation.


    "So that''s what happened."


    Jin Ling''er had absolutely no reaction to the "precious spiritual objects" mentioned by Chen Mu, her gaze slightly downcast as she responded with only one sentence, and then kowtowed to Chen Mu, "Thank you, Benefactor..."


    She only knew that a vicious monster fox lurked in the nearby mountains, and should Chen Mu not locate and deal with it, the village might still suffer attacks. As for any precious spiritual objects, they did not even cross her mind.


    Chen Mu nodded slightly.


    He then turned around, his toes touched the ground, and his whole body disappeared from the spot in an instant.


    He did not ask for more specific intelligence, such as the last direction in which the beast fled. The Golden Tail Fox was exceedingly cunning; such information was basically meaningless.


    In the past, he had many monster-hunting experiences, and now being a top existence in the Five Viscera Realm, a master on the Wind Cloud List, he naturally did not require too many complicated tactics. Searching for the Golden Tail Fox was very simple ¡ª a sweeping search! sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If his judgment was correct, the Golden Tail Fox would not be far from Jin Ling''er''s village, and now with his Qiankun Artistic Conception fully perceptive, any traces of the beast within a hundred yards could hardly escape his mystical senses.


    He only needed to search systematically, piece by piece, and though it might take some time, he would be able to ferret it out.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!!


    Chen Mu''s figure swiftly shuttled between the mountain walls, sweeping through the area piece by piece. About half a day later, he finally found traces of the beast in a canyon about ten miles from the mountain village.


    Chen Mu''s gaze swept over the canyon; in his line of sight, the entire area was not like the mountain walls or soil, but rather made up of different colors of The Power of Heaven and Earth. Within this power, he could clearly identify some ''inharmonious'' spots, all of which were residual traces of the beast.


    Whoosh.


    Chen Mu leaped onto the mountain wall, looked around, and then stared intently in a distant direction, catching a glimpse of a faint golden afterimage fleeting by, apparently fleeing.


    "Thinking of fleeing?"


    His expression calm, he took a step and walked down from the mountain wall, soon reaching the place occupied by the faint golden demon shadow, only to see it was a thick mountain wall with an extremely narrow crevice.


    The Golden Tail Fox had burrowed into it, no longer visible.


    "Quite good at hiding, but..."


    Chen Mu''s lips curved up slightly. If it had been before, facing such a narrow rock crevice, which he could sense went very deep, it indeed would have been a bit troublesome and required effort to dig in.


    But for him now, crevice or no crevice, form or formlessness, it made no difference.


    ...


    Inside the crevice.


    A faint golden demon shadow was struggling along the narrow crevice, desperately burrowing deeper. Its body covered in faint golden fur, it had three tails, indeed the monster Golden Tail Fox.


    At that moment, in the Golden Tail Fox''s demon eyes, which showed a very anthropomorphic panic ¡ª although it had only caught a brief glimpse of the distant Chen Mu, it instantly knew it was an extremely terrifying presence, even more dreadful than some beings it had encountered before.


    Luckily, it had dominated this area early on and discovered this rock crevice, a perfect hiding place. This rock peak went deep into the mountain with multiple different exits also available.


    However.


    Just as it had burrowed deeper for a while, realizing there was no movement from behind and letting out a slight breath of relief, it slowed down a bit.


    Suddenly, a face appeared quietly in the pitch-black crevice!


    "!!"


    The hairs on the three tails of the Golden Tail Fox almost exploded, and its demon eyes showed extreme horror. It tried desperately to retreat, but a large hand reached into the crevice and grabbed its tails in one go.


    That hand, glowing faintly, penetrated the rock layer as if it were nothing.

 Chapter 249 Kunlun Jade

    "Chirp chirp."Struggling with all its might in the palm of Chen Mu''s hand, the Golden Tail Fox remained fierce despite its tail being clutched by Chen Mu. It screeched in desperation, trying to break free by snapping off its tail, but a mere flex of Yuan Gang True Essence by Chen Mu rendered it limp instantly.


    Thus, holding the Golden Tail Fox by its tail, Chen Mu departed from the deep crevices and headed towards the ground. The rock layers on their path turned muddily insubstantial under his influence, allowing him to swim through effortlessly until he finally burst from the rock wall and returned to the surface.


    "Where did you find the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items?"


    Lifting the Golden Tail Fox by its tail, Chen Mu asked the spiritually exhausted creature.


    However, even though it was depleted, the fox remained defiant, continually baring its teeth at Chen Mu.


    "It is said in the books, ''Golden Tail Foxes are wildly untamable.'' Indeed, it''s true."


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly.


    Such beings as Golden Tail Foxes, capable of locating Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items, would constitute extremely rare resources if they could be tamed well. Unfortunately, from his understanding, Golden Tail Foxes are amongst the most stubborn and hardly ever obey commands.


    Even so, the value of a Golden Tail Fox far surpasses that of common Third Rank creatures. Although disobedient, their rebellion has its uses ¡ª for instance, marking them with a special seal before releasing them. Then, by following the seal, slowly luring them out as they lower their guard and start hunting for Spiritual Items, before capturing them again, fox and loot together.


    Of course,


    since Golden Tail Foxes are sly and intelligent, this approach sometimes fails, but nonetheless, they are considered a tradeable resource within the Seven Profound Sect, which could be exchanged for needed items for him. Find your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire


    Seeing that the Golden Tail Fox was not cooperating, Chen Mu paid it no further attention, his gaze scanning the nearby mountain walls methodically.


    It seemed that the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items, discovered by the Golden Tail Fox, should be within this area. Naturally keen to Spiritual Objects, but his sensitivity through the Qiankun Eight Phases also allowed him to sense the earth. In such a specific area, searching would not be hard; it would just be a matter of methodically checking each spot.


    With that,


    Chen Mu proceeded to probe along the nearby mountain''s rock walls while still holding the Golden Tail Fox.


    However, after having scoured the nearby bushes and even the pond thoroughly, he still found no trace of anything.


    Looking down, he saw the Golden Tail Fox watching him with a pair of weary, demonic eyes that seemed to mock him with an almost human-like scorn.


    Chen Mu was unfazed. Having checked the entire area without any signs, and considering the Golden Tail Fox had found a Heaven and Earth Spiritual Item but had not excavated or moved it, only lingering nearby, he concluded that the Spiritual Objects here were of a nature difficult for the fox to extract.


    It had to be either within the mountain or beneath the ground.


    "Is it within the mountain mass?"


    As the thought crossed Chen Mu''s mind, his exploration had also sensed the Earth''s Veins, but with no abnormalities underground, and no geological formations nearby that could lead underground, it indicated a greater likelihood that it was inside the mountain wall.


    Thus, Chen Mu approached the closest mountain wall, pressing and tapping on it. After detecting no abnormalities, he turned and moved towards another wall, all while surreptitiously observing the Golden Tail Fox''s reactions.


    Finally,


    when he reached a particular section of the mountain wall, the Golden Tail Fox, though languid and held in his grasp, displayed a hint of ''nervousness'' in its demonic eyes.


    Chen Mu noted the change in the fox''s demeanor but did not care; instead, he lifted it and said lightly, "If there''s nothing inside this mountain wall, I''ll seal you in as a fossil. What do you think?"


    Upon hearing this,


    the Golden Tail Fox started snarling at Chen Mu again.


    Chen Mu, uninterested in dealing with this demonic fox, assumed the creature knew it could not escape and was now just trying to trip him up. Indeed, it was one of the most intelligent and sly creatures he had encountered, but when it came to cunning, what creature could surpass man?


    That particular mountain wall, in his perception, was no different from the previous ones. He had absolute trust in his ability to sense the Qiankun Artistic Conception, guessing the Golden Tail Fox was just seeing him searching, intentionally wanting to frustrate him.


    Honestly, this little thing was rather interesting. Disregarding its wild and untamable nature and its previous harm to someone, he wouldn''t mind keeping it by his side to lead the way and hunt treasures during his future travels through the mountains and rivers.


    After a moment,


    Chen Mu finally discovered an anomaly in one section of the mountain wall.


    Without hesitation, he plunged headfirst into the mountain wall. Instantly, the wall rippled like a wave, and he squeezed himself into the smooth, firm rock faces, following his senses deeper inside.


    As he continued deeper into the mountain for more than thirty feet, the Power of the Veins flowing through the mountain walls grew thicker, making his passage increasingly difficult.


    But,


    just as Chen Mu was nearly unable to advance further, he suddenly stepped into empty space, his whole body leaving the solid mountain wall and entering a spacious cavern. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The inside of the cavern was pitch black, utterly devoid of light.


    Chen Mu''s expression unchanged, upon landing, he flicked his fingers, and instantly a strand of Blazing Flames darted from his fingertips, transforming into a wreath of Flowing Fire that rotated around him, instantly illuminating the dark cavern.


    The cavern was quite narrow, merely a few yards in diameter, with no visible pathways around, clearly a dead-end located inside the mountain. One would either have to force their way in or, like him, cultivate the Qiankun Artistic Conception to a certain extent to gain the ability to traverse through mountains to reach this place.

 Chapter 361 249 Chapter Kunlun Jade_2

    Within this several zhang square mountain cave there was nothing, but in the center, there was an empty path leading downward.At first glance, this path also seemed to be naturally formed, without any traces of artificial excavation.


    "Such a rich Power of Gen Mountain."


    After approaching, Chen Mu first pointed his finger, sending a Blazing Flame tumbling down the cave toward the bottom, but after descending only a few zhang, it silently extinguished.


    The Blazing Flame birthed from his Separating Fire Artistic Conception was a rootless fire that did not require fuel to burn. The only reason for its extinguishment was that it was forcefully snuffed out by the Power of Gen Mountain below the cave. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He could feel it.


    Continuing downward along this cave, among the Qiankun Eight Phases, aside from the Power of Gen Mountain, the other seven phases were weakening, with only the Power of Gen Mountain growing stronger, overpowering the other seven phases.


    Seeing this, Chen Mu wasn''t alarmed but delighted instead. Holding the Qiankun Artistic Conception, it made no difference to him whether one power was strong or another was weak; neither were obstacles to him. Furthermore, given that the terrain here could form such a situation, and that this place was isolated from the outside world¡ªperhaps untouched by humans for thousands of years¡ªany Spiritual Objects born here must be extraordinary.


    No wonder the Golden Tail Fox lingered nearby. Despite lacking the ability to enter, it couldn''t bear to leave and even attacked Jin Ling''er''s village, attempting to drive away the people nearby.


    Whoosh.


    Chen Mu arrived at the side of the cave. Without much hesitation, he leaped down into the depths.


    The deeper he went into the mountain wall, the thicker the Power of Gen Mountain became. After descending nearly a hundred zhang, according to his judgment, he should have reached the "Mountain Root," where the Power of Gen Mountain was so intense that it was nearly becoming tangible, rendering the Blazing Flame around him very dim and visibility extremely narrow.


    Walking here was almost as difficult as it had been within the mountain wall. If an ordinary person were to come here, not to mention moving forward, they would be instantly crushed into a meat patty by the heavy Power of Gen Mountain.


    Step, step, step,


    Chen Mu finally reached the bottom and stepped onto the solid rock wall, feeling the Earth''s Veins beneath his feet fully connected with the mountain range. The Power of Gen Mountain and Kun Earth melded together, almost indistinguishable from one another.


    Looking ahead, there was a slightly larger cave in front of him, about ten zhang in diameter.


    "Heavy Mountain Ore."


    Chen Mu took only two steps inside when he noticed the rock layers nearby were no longer ordinary stone walls but had become a kind of mineral, one of the "Lineages of Gen Mountain." However, most were Low Grade Heavy Mountain Ore, not particularly valuable.


    Such minerals were generally used for building city walls, laying foundations, or constructing dams, serving as the base of dams, and cannot be used for weapon refinement.


    Continuing further inside, the quality of the Heavy Mountain Ore gradually improved from Low Grade to Mid-to-Superior Grade, but still not on Chen Mu''s radar.


    Finally.


    Directing his gaze to the very center of the Mountain Root cave, a faint light flickered in Chen Mu''s eyes. Explore new worlds at My Virtual Library Empire


    "The trip wasn''t in vain; to find such a thing here."


    There it was.


    In the midst of the finest grade Heavy Mountain Ore, a cluster of jet-black mineral about a foot in size had grown; this was "Kunlun Stone." Compared with Heavy Mountain Ore, Kunlun Stone was a true precious Spiritual Object, suitable for crafting top-notch Treasured Artifacts. The Superior Grade part could even be used as a supplement for making Spirit Weapons, incredibly valuable.


    This square foot of Kunlun Stone, layer upon layer, grew darker in color the higher it was stacked, with the quality obviously undergoing sublimation. At the very top, a small portion belonged to the finest grade of material. But what was most eye-catching was the inconspicuous, brownish, non-lustrous small rock at the very top of the shiny Superior Grade Kunlun Stone.


    If in the Eight Phases of Kun Earth, the top Spiritual Object is the Mysterious Yellow Stone,


    then in the Eight Phases of Gen Mountain, the top Spiritual Object is the Kunlun Jade!


    "Kunlun Jade."


    Light sparkled in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    This was also a rare item that could be used as the main material for forging Spirit Weapons, on par with the Mysterious Yellow Stone!


    A piece of Mysterious Yellow Stone, combined with some auxiliary materials, was enough to craft an ordinary Spirit Weapon of the Kun Earth lineage. A piece of Kunlun Jade could do the same, even if it was Low Grade, its value was far beyond that of the Earthly Green Lotus Seed.


    Approaching closer,


    Chen Mu reached out to touch that small piece of Kunlun Jade, and with just a touch, he felt a grand, immovable force converge at his fingertips.


    This small piece was akin to a towering mountain, unshakable in its foundation by anything.


    The Kunlun Jade and the Kunlun Stone beneath it were almost entirely fused with the mountain above and the Earth''s Veins below. With his current abilities, it was hard to disturb them.


    However,


    after probing a bit, Chen Mu did not continue. Instead, he murmured to himself and turned his hand to retrieve another rock from his bosom, a reddish-yellow stone he had obtained in the depths of the desert, the Mysterious Yellow Stone.


    "Heaven''s laws are clear; fate comes full circle. I saved Jin Ling''er, kept my promise to find her again, then discovered the Golden Tail Fox, and followed the trail here... Is this what they mean by fate decreed by providence?"


    This piece of Kunlun Jade and the Kunlun Stone, even the mountainous terrain, were all connected. Excavating them would be extremely difficult. It would either require slow erosion here, chiseling piece by piece, or a breakthrough from outside, collapsing the entire mountain body first to make the terrain crumble, and then excavating it. Both methods would demand a tremendous amount of effort and time.

 Chapter 249 Kunlun Jade_3

    Yet, coincidentally,he had a piece of Xuanhuang Stone in his hand.


    This was the most superior among the spiritual objects of Kun Earth''s Momentum, even more capable of drawing on the Earth''s Veins than Kunlun Jade!


    After a moment of contemplation, Chen Mu took a few steps to the side and then gently placed the Xuanhuang Stone on the ground.


    Hum!!!


    Suddenly, the originally unified Kunlun Jade and the mountain''s earth pulse were diverted due to the presence of the Xuanhuang Stone. The veins of the entire cave, which had been one with the land, split apart in an instant, part of their power drawn to the Xuanhuang Stone.


    It could be seen that the heavy layers of ''Gen Mountain Rocks'' now bore cracks with the fluctuations of the Earth''s Veins.


    Without any hesitation, Chen Mu put down the Xuanhuang Stone, and after drawing the Earth''s Pulse with the Power of Kun Earth, he immediately stepped back to the side of the Kunlun Jade. Extending his large hand, he grasped it entirely and yanked upwards with force.


    "Rise!"


    The Kunlun Jade, whose Earth''s Veins connection had been split, now seemed to have lost that unshakeable majesty and heaviness of mountains and rivers from before. Under Chen Mu''s forceful yank, the juncture where it connected with the Kunlun Stone below started to make a ''crackling'' sound, gradually shattering.


    "Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, externalize Dui Ze!"


    Chen Mu''s eyes sparkled as the Qiankun Artistic Conception was stimulated. He murmured softly, and the Power of Gen Mountain nearby, under the Qiankun Eight Phases Rotation, transformed into the Dui Ze Momentum, which was repellant to Gen Mountain, and surged into the Kunlun Stone.


    Dui, pleasure, also exchange. Guests exchange from the host, auspicious.


    With Dui Ze alternating with Gen Mountain, not only repelling with opposing Momentum but also adhering to the righteous Qiankun way through exchange, he ultimately destroyed the connection between the Kunlun Jade and the mountain''s Earth''s Veins. Together with the surrounding circle of superior grade Kunlun Stones, all shattered, and Chen Mu forcibly pulled them out!


    After extracting the Kunlun Jade, Chen Mu did not hesitate, took a step, and reached the previously placed Xuanhuang Stone, now bathed in a spread of yellow haloes and gradually being covered by the Earth''s Veins power. But with just a tug, he pulled it out from the power of the Veins which had not yet completely formed into an integrated formation.


    Gurgle gurgle!!


    The Earth''s Veins power lost its target and began to churn once more. Meanwhile, the nearby Kunlun Stone, having lost the Kunlun Jade, also became turbulent with the Power of Gen Mountain, gradually losing its balance.


    But Chen Mu remained composed. He held the Golden Tail Fox under his arm, and with one hand below and the other above, he drew together at the center, and Qiankun Power revolved, converging into a complete Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal. However, he did not activate it but instead used it to draw together the Power of Gen Mountain from above and the Earth''s Veins from below, like a bond, reconnecting them once again.


    Boom!!!


    The Gen Mountain Rocks within the cave suddenly exploded with countless cracks, yet the Earth''s Veins power was once again connected with the Power of Gen Mountain, linking them anew. Following a fierce bout of turmoil, they gradually stabilized again.


    Chen Mu did not wait for the mountain''s terrain to stabilize. As soon as he guided the Earth''s Veins and the mountain''s force to reconnect with the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, he quickly retreated backward, racing up the passageway he had taken earlier, and in the blink of an eye, he returned to the first cave hundred zhang above. Then forming a Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, he smashed straight into the rocky wall.


    Now, with the mountain''s Earth''s Veins wild and chaotic, he could not dive into the mountain as before, but being less than twenty zhang from the outside was no issue for the current Chen Mu. In just a few moments, he forcibly blasted a path, breaking out from the rocky wall he had entered from.


    Once outside the mountain wall, Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    Chen Mu did not linger but withdrew tens of zhang at once, slowly coming to a halt while feeling for any motion behind him. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He felt the Earth''s Veins trembling faintly, and the mountain seemed to sway as well; the passage he had forcibly carved out was continuously shattering under the disturbances and was soon reburied by the collapsing rocks above.


    But,


    it maintained that state for about the time it takes to brew tea, when the Earth''s Veins'' trembles began to subside, and the mountain gradually stabilized, as if his last act of bridging had taken effect, allowing the Earth''s Veins and the mountain''s force to regain tranquility after reconnection.


    "These Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items are truly not easy to uncover,"


    Chen Mu noted as the mountain''s conditions began to stabilize and then glanced at the Golden Tail Fox tucked under his arm.


    The fox was completely unconscious at this point.


    Chen Mu was unconcerned, turning his gaze to the piece of Kunlun Stone in his palm. It was roughly the size of a palm, with the piece of Kunlun Jade embedded at the very top, which was about the same size as a thumb as the Xuanhuang Stone.


    "Very well, it wasn''t a hassle in vain."


    A smile finally appeared on Chen Mu''s face.


    The Kunlun Jade and the Xuanhuang Stone were similar in nature and could already be used to forge a decent Spirit Weapon, much better than just one of them, making him vaguely feel that gathering all eight was not so elusive after all.


    Moreover, the palm-sized piece of Kunlun Stone associated with the Kunlun Jade was the most superior part of that Kunlun Stone, also of extraordinary value. In the Seven Profound Sect, it could at least exchange for more than eight portions of ''Viscera Refining Spiritual Objects.''


    He had always been pondering whether the Viscera Refining Spiritual Objects he had collected were enough, worried that he might just fall short, but now there were no such concerns. After exchanging them at the Seven Profound Sect, he would have more than enough!

 Chapter 250 Gathering

    He carefully stored away the Kunlun Stone and the Kunlun Jade.Chen Mu, carrying the Golden Tail Fox, made his way back to Jin Ling''er''s village.


    He entered the village silently, passing by the modest bamboo houses, where some villagers were busy with their work, yet none of them noticed his presence.


    For Chen Mu now, having mastered the Imperial Qi Concealment Technique, as long as he deliberately concealed his Qi, even those in the Five Viscera Realm would find it extremely difficult to detect him, unless they practiced a Perception Technique and he was within a certain range.


    After a few steps,


    Chen Mu arrived outside a simple courtyard.


    "Ling''er, go with peace of mind. Encountering a master from the Seven Profound Sect is a great fortune. You must go, and leave your mother to the care of your Uncle Si. Don''t worry too much."


    "My dear, with your uncle Si''s help, your mother will be fine. If you can learn martial arts at the Seven Profound Sect, practice well. Outdo your Third Uncle, and don''t disappoint those instructors. When you''re in an unfamiliar place outside, be careful in everything you do. Don''t offend anyone and retreat when you can. Avoid taking risks..."


    Standing quietly outside the humble house, Chen Mu heard the conversation inside and a constant chattering voice.


    "Mhm, mhm, Mother, you must take good care of yourself."


    Jin Ling''er responded in a soft voice.


    The woman lying in the bed touched Jin Ling''ers head and said, "Although my legs are not very agile, my overall health is still good. When you return with your martial arts skills honed, you''ll be a grown young lady by then, and then you can show them to me."


    Chen Mu listened for a while to the chatter coming from the house.


    He sensed the Qi for a moment before quietly turning away and heading back to the entrance of the village.


    Before long,


    he saw Jin Ling''er carrying a bundle, walking out from the village, followed by a send-off from some villagers. The moment she saw Chen Mu standing at the entrance, she immediately called out "Benefactor," prompting the other villagers to kneel before Chen Mu in unison.


    Although the mountains were secluded, Chen Mu''s deeds had already spread through the village, and everyone knew he was an important figure from the Seven Profound Sect. No one dared to be negligent, especially upon seeing the Golden Tail Fox that had caused chaos in the village now listlessly carried in his hand. Many people showed a look of reverent awe.


    "Are you all packed?"


    Chen Mu asked Jin Ling''er with a calm tone.


    "Yes."


    Jin Ling''er also responded respectfully.


    Chen Mu scrutinized her for a moment, as if thinking about something, then suddenly said, "I just went to your house for a round. Your mother''s condition isn''t very good. If you go with me to the Seven Profound Sect, you might not have the chance to see each other again." S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Earlier, when he was outside, he had briefly sensed that Jin Ling''er''s mother was in poor health, her Qi-Blood decaying, and she was likely enduring considerable pain. Those seemingly carefree words were mostly forced out with her struggling body. With his judgment, she probably had at most about a year left to live.


    The old woman clearly wanted Jin Ling''er to go to the Seven Profound Sect and had purposefully pretended to be alright.


    This might fool Jin Ling''er, but not him.


    Perhaps both the old woman and Jin Ling''er''s Uncle Si had good intentions, knowing that learning martial arts at the Seven Profound Sect was a rare opportunity. However, if in the future Jin Ling''er reached the Five Viscera Realm or higher and felt guilty and remorseful, her Martial Arts spirit might never achieve Major Achievement.


    Better to resolve any possible future dilemmas now, rather than later. Even if Jin Ling''er eventually chose not to go to the Seven Profound Sect, that would be all right. Practicing martial arts didn''t necessarily make one''s life happier than a lifetime spent in the mountains.


    "Ah?"


    Jin Ling''er looked at Chen Mu in astonishment.


    Chen Mu looked at her quietly and said, "So go back and have another look. The decision is yours to make."


    After hearing Chen Mu''s words,


    Jin Ling''er almost immediately turned and ran back into the village.


    "Don''t go, don''t go! You girl!"


    A middle-aged man behind tried to stop her, but he didn''t dare to physically intervene, only shouting twice with a bitter smile on his face. Going to the Seven Profound Sect to learn martial arts was an incredible opportunity. In the big villages at the foot of the mountain, people who had a family member under the Sect''s wing enjoyed great wealth and status.


    Some people looked at Chen Mu and said with an awkward smile, "This...Jin Ling''er is still a bit childish. Please, sir, don''t take offense. Let me talk to her again." Continue reading stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Chen Mu said indifferently, "None of you should interfere, let her make her own choice."


    His words carried an undeniable firmness, along with a subtle pressure, making all present feel a tightness in their breath. They held Chen Mu in even greater reverence, and none of them dared to move.


    Chen Mu didn''t pay attention to the crowd, standing still as he looked toward the village behind him.


    Shortly,


    he sighed softly.


    He saw the old woman, leaning on a bamboo stick, staggering to support herself while looking sternly at Jin Ling''er, pushing her outside: "Go, go, go! Hurry on, move!"


    "Mother, Mother..."


    Jin Ling''er, with her enormous strength, could have easily stopped herself with a little effort, but at this moment, she dared not resist and was pushed out of the house by the old woman, her tears swirling in her eyes.


    Looking at this scene from a distance, Chen Mu couldn''t help but remember many years ago how Wang Ni''s grandfather, not wanting to be a burden to her, had hung himself in the house so that he would take Wang Ni in. Although the world could be cold and harsh, there was still familial warmth and affection.


    He thought that if he had been just a little kinder back then, Wang Ni''s grandfather wouldn''t have died.


    But if he could do it all over again,

 Chapter 250 Gathering Together_2

    Things might still not change.Poor and therefore self-reliant, at that time he did not possess such great abilities. His decision to take in Wang Ni had come after much hesitation. Chen Mu had come to this world and acted all along in a way that left his conscience clear and his intentions without regret!


    In silence, Chen Mu suddenly felt that everything in the world had become clearer. His conviction solidified, and his Martial Arts will remained unshaken, as if he had touched some indistinct boundary.


    His Martial Arts will was a mere ''Third Layer'' away, as thin as a sheet of paper.


    In the distance,


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    Jin Ling''er was slowly pushed out of the courtyard. Yet, these few steps greatly exhausted the old woman, her complexion gradually turning pale. Finally, her body swayed, and she coughed up fresh blood before falling to the side.


    "Mother, Mother!"


    Jin Ling''er hurried to support the old woman, her voice filled with panic.


    After wheezing violently for a moment, the old woman shook her head and said, "Cough, cough... I''m fine. Hurry on, if you stay and make me angry, then I truly won''t live long. Hurry, go!"


    With tears streaming down her face, Jin Ling''er understood her mother''s temperament. After crying in the old woman''s arms for a while, she finally silently stepped back a few paces and knelt down, knocking her head to the ground several times in front of her mother.


    "Good child, that''s how it should be."


    The old woman, leaning on a bamboo stick, finally looked a bit relieved.


    "Mother, I''m leaving..."


    Jin Ling''er said, sobbing.


    "Hurry on, if not, I''ll have to hit you."


    The old woman brandished her bamboo stick a little.


    Jin Ling''er''s tears fell like rain, repeatedly looking back every three steps as she walked away.


    By the time she walked out of the village, she was sobbing uncontrollably, while Chen Mu simply waved his hand to the villagers indicating they could disperse. The villagers did not dare to delay and returned to the village.


    Chen Mu waited quietly for Jin Ling''er until her emotions had somewhat calmed down, then asked,


    "Are you sure?"


    "Mm... I want to get good at martial arts quickly and come back early."


    "Then let''s go."


    Chen Mu''s face did not reveal much emotion as he spoke calmly, and then he began to lead Jin Ling''er away.


    He did not take Jin Ling''er all the way back to the Seven Profound Sect, because it was too far and would delay his own journey. Instead, he brought her first to the prefectural government of Bi Prefecture, found Meng Danyun there, and handed her over to Meng Danyun.


    Upon seeing Chen Mu bring back a young girl, Meng Danyun immediately had a peculiar look in her eyes, but became somewhat surprised after checking Jin Ling''er''s physique. The girl was not only born with divine strength and a robust body, but also possessed excellent talents, sufficient to directly enter the Inner Sect. If her comprehension was also good, there was even a great chance she could become a True Disciple of the Spirit Profound Peak in the future.


    "Spirit Profound Peak has been waning a bit, and since I have become a True Disciple of Spirit Profound Peak, I naturally should do something for it. My senior sister brought me from Yu County to Spirit Profound Peak; now I have brought Jin Ling''er, consider it continuing her will."


    Chen Mu said with a smile.


    In fact, it was the duty of the stewards and protectors of each respective peak within Yu State to find youths with outstanding talents and recruit them into the Seven Profound Sect, while True Disciples were not required to handle these matters.


    Meng Danyun, with an appreciative look, glanced at Jin Ling''er and then at Chen Mu, saying, "Jin Junior Sister has great potential, but to take over as a True Disciple of Spirit Profound, that''ll be a matter for the generation after next, at least ten years away."


    "Ten years is not long, just a flick of the fingers."


    Chen Mu glanced at Jin Ling''er, then turned and walked away into the distance, adding, "Well, since my business in Bi Prefecture is finished, I need to return to the Sect early. I''ll leave all other matters to Senior Sister."


    "Alright."


    Meng Danyun nodded slightly, watching Chen Mu depart.


    Then she turned to Jin Ling''er, her tone gentle, "In the coming days, you''ll learn some basic skills with me."


    "Mm."


    Jin Ling''er agreed, then looking at Chen Mu''s departing figure, couldn''t help but whisper, "Meng... Meng Senior Sister, is Chen Senior Brother very powerful?"


    On her way here, she had heard phrases like "Number one newcomer of the Cold North," and "Young generation''s master of the Wind Cloud List," but she was quite perplexed, unsure of the expanse of the Cold North or what the Wind Cloud List was.


    "You''ll find out in time."


    Meng Danyun smiled slightly, charmed by Jin Ling''er''s curiosity.


    Then, he turned his head to look in the direction where Chen Mu had disappeared, recalling the scene when he first met Chen Mu at the Demon-Slaying Office in Yu County. His heart was filled with emotion, wondering how, at that time, could he have imagined that Chen Mu, who hailed from Yu County, would rise through the clouds in less than two to three years, ultimately defeating the nearly unrivaled Zuo Qianqiu among the younger generation?


    ...


    Yu State.


    Seven Profound Sect, Affairs Hall.


    Each peak has different stewards responsible for their respective affairs. In addition to taking orders from the protectors of each peak, all stewards are also governed by the Affairs Hall and responsible for handling the many affairs of the Seven Profound Sect.


    At this moment, Chen Mu silently stood in the main hall of the Affairs Hall, laying out various items on the table, including the half-dead Golden Tail Fox, Kunlun Stones, and other spiritual objects, attracting considerable attention from nearby stewards.


    "...The total is one thousand nine hundred sect contribution points."


    The several stewards responsible for tallying Chen Mu''s contributions quickly organized the count and then the foremost among them respectfully responded to Chen Mu.


    Although they were stewards of the Seven Profound Sect, like Chen Mu, they were all in the Five Viscera Realm, yet no one in the Seven Profound Sect dared treat Chen Mu as a common Five Viscera Realm cultivator now.


    As a prominent figure of the Wind Cloud List, this status in the Seven Profound Sect was second only to the peak masters and elders.


    "Hmm, exchange them all for Viscera Refining spiritual objects."


    Chen Mu nodded to the group, speaking in a calm tone, "Also, as a true disciple of the Spirit Profound Peak, withdraw the resource share of a true disciple, which should also be Viscera Refining spiritual objects."


    Upon hearing this, the stewards exchanged glances, then hastily responded, "Yes... Nevertheless, the quantity is somewhat large; we''ll have to report to the higher-ups and the protectors."


    "Go ahead."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly and casually sat down on a chair nearby.


    A short while later.


    A protector walked in, it was Yu Cheng from Great Profound Peak, also in charge of Affairs Hall duties.


    The status of Great Profound Peak within the Seven Profound Sect was different from the other peaks. This was because the affairs of the Great Profound Peak''s stewards and protectors often involved coordinating tasks across the entire sect. However, there was no distinction in status when it came to inner and outer sect disciples, nor for the true disciples. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Greetings to Chen True Disciple."


    Upon seeing Chen Mu, Yu Cheng inhaled sharply and bowed with clasped hands. Although by rank he, as a protector, was higher than Chen Mu, he did not dare show arrogance in Chen Mu''s presence, "Chen True Disciple, the total contribution points of the sect and the resources for true disciples can be exchanged for thirteen portions of Viscera Refining spiritual objects. The quantity is slightly large, so I need to confirm with you again..."


    "Hmm, just these."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly.


    Seeing this, Yu Cheng cautiously responded, "Yes, then I will have someone fetch them for you."


    Viscera Refining spiritual objects were important resources within the sect. Not long ago, Chen Mu had allocated a total of nineteen portions of Viscera Refining spiritual objects, prompting Yu Cheng to report to Qi Zhiyuan, wondering if it was too much. But now that Chen Mu had come to redeem again, Yu Cheng did not dare say more.


    A prominent newcomer and a master of the Wind Cloud List¡ªregardless of which identity, he had no place to comment on the usage of Viscera Refining spiritual objects. As for issues of resource turnover within the sect afterward... with Chen Mu''s current status, if not prioritized for his needs, then for whom should they be prioritized?


    Nevertheless.


    Yu Cheng still cautiously asked, "True Disciple Chen, have you completed the tenth Viscera Refining? Many in the sect have attempted the eleventh time, consuming a lot of resources without success..."


    If Chen Mu had exchanged so many Viscera Refining spiritual objects before, in Yu Cheng''s view, he should have certainly completed the ten Viscera Temperings by now. With so many resources being taken out this time, it was likely aimed at the eleventh tempering.


    It was truly unprecedented in the Seven Profound Sect for anyone to succeed, and he felt it was a pity to waste so much, as these resources, if further supplemented, could even be exchanged for a Spirit Weapon from the sect.


    However, with Chen Mu having mastered the Qiankun Artistic Conception, ordinary Spirit Weapons would likely not catch his eye, nor suit him.


    "I''ll give it a try."


    Chen Mu responded with an unperturbed demeanor.


    Hearing Chen Mu''s response, Yu Cheng could only agree, feeling helpless. Although he thought it a waste, with Chen Mu''s status, he certainly had the right to attempt it. At most, the allocation of Viscera Refining resources for the next two to three years would be a bit tight.


    A moment later.


    Thirteen portions of Viscera Refining spiritual objects were delivered into Chen Mu''s hands.


    Without lingering, Chen Mu took the resources and returned to his residence on Spirit Profound Peak, putting together the thirteen portions as well as those obtained from Meng Danyun and Hua Nongyue''s Five Elements Lotus Platform.


    Upon a rough estimate,


    It amounted to nearly twenty-six to twenty-seven portions of Viscera Refining spiritual objects!

 Chapter 251 Five Qi Toward the Origin!

    ```"The final Five Viscera Tempering..."


    Chen Mu took a deep breath, his emotions quickly stabilizing. Then, he manipulated various materials for Viscera Refining and all sorts of medicinal herbs, turning them into powder one by one. They mixed and transformed into doses of Medicinal Powder.


    He summoned the system panel and looked at the description on it.


    [Inner Breath Technique (Twelve Rotations)]


    [Experience Points: 0]


    He then drank the doses of Medicinal Powder one after another. These powders rapidly converted into doses of Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi in his stomach, each with corresponding properties that surged into his Five Viscera, wrapping and entwining them with a warm flow.


    And the Experience Points on the system panel soared.


    471,


    832,


    1798,


    3914,


    ...


    8815!


    The final tally of Experience Points gathered was much more than the eight thousand required for the thirteenth tempering. However, after peaking, these points were also being consumed at a visibly rapid rate, noticeably diminishing with each breath.


    Without the slightest hesitation, Chen Mu initiated the thirteenth tempering! sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hum!!


    With another change in the system panel, its display differed from before.


    Behind ''Inner Breath Technique'', the annotation ''Twelve Rotations'' dematerialized, ultimately changing into the two characters ''Limit''.


    At the same time.


    Chen Mu could feel all the Medicinal Power and Yuan Qi in his body, which swirled around his Five Viscera chaotically and could barely be controlled, now as docile as sheep. After being equally divided, they began merging with the Five Viscera strand by strand.


    Heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys.


    These streams of Yuan Qi, like countless fine energies, integrated into every single cell of the Five Viscera, tempering and transforming their structure without a sound.


    "This..."


    Perceiving the changes in his internal organs, Chen Mu couldn''t help but reveal an unusual expression.


    Although he had some expectations, this final tempering of the Five Viscera was far more different than he had anticipated!


    If the Five Viscera in his body, after twelve temperings, had already reached an unprecedented state, their essence was still unchanged¡ªthe nature was still flesh and blood bound together, only much more condensed than those of an ordinary person''s.


    But.


    This thirteenth tempering seemed to finally break through some kind of limit, causing his Five Viscera to evolve in a completely different direction, beginning to transcend the nature of ''flesh and blood''!


    Chen Mu could vividly sense that under the continual tempering by the Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi controlled by the system panel, his heart was gradually no longer composed of flesh and blood; all cells seemed to dissolve into nothingness, replaced by a crystallized state, slowly transforming into another form composed of pure and condensed Yuan Qi!


    Even.


    He could faintly hear the ''Divine Spirits'' residing within his Five Viscera, as if chanting and singing, akin to an ethereal ascension, while the spiritual energy of the outside world continuously flowed into his body, devoured by his Five Viscera.


    Even now, if one were to stand in front of Chen Mu and look at him, they would see the location of his Five Viscera emitting a faint fluorescent light. This light vaguely shown through his body, forming five elements of primordial Qi.


    Five Qi Towards the Primordial!


    If the limit of the Bone Tempering Realm is the impeccable ''Jade Bone'', then the limit of the Viscera Refining Realm is Five Qi Towards the Primordial!


    This is a realm that no one in the past has ever reached, limited by the density of Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi not being enough and the quantity of resources for Viscera Refining being insufficient. Another limitation is due to the ''Inner Breath Technique'', which still has a long way to go.


    Perhaps tens of thousands of years or even hundreds of thousands of years later, with the evolution of Heaven and Earth, the Yuan Qi will become denser, and the Inner Breath Technique will be extrapolated and improved by countless generations of martial artists to reach a higher, more supreme level, allowing someone to reach this realm.


    But now.


    Chen Mu, by virtue of the system panel''s ability, has stepped into the Ultimate Realm of the Five Viscera in an era where it should not be possible!


    After an indeterminate amount of time.


    The radiance of Chen Mu''s Five Viscera gradually receded, all the surging Yuan Qi slowly calming down. When he opened his eyes again and looked inside his body, he couldn''t help but take a deep breath.


    "This feeling..."


    If before, stepping from the Bone Tempering Realm into the Viscera Refining Realm was like awakening the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys, making them almost possess their own ''spirituality'', now his Five Viscera seemed more like five Divine Spirits manifested by his will.


    His consciousness could almost perfectly align with any one of these ''Divine Spirits'', perfectly controlling the power of the Five Viscera.


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    Moreover.


    His Five Viscera themselves underwent a transformation that was nearly essential; it seemed they were no longer composed of flesh and blood but had become an intermediate state between flesh and blood and Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi.


    Chen Mu found it difficult to describe this state, but to his senses, his Five Viscera appeared to no longer be vulnerable!


    Even if his heart were pierced¡ªa wound that would be nearly fatal even for a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster¡ªon his body, it would not be fatal but instead able to heal by itself!


    Even.


    Chen Mu now felt that the Five Viscera inside his body were almost identical to the elemental pearls of gold, wood, water, fire, and earth, the Five Elements, having transcended flesh and blood and become a kind of spiritual being of Heaven and Earth.


    "To transform the body of flesh and blood to increasingly approach the external world, this is the true mystery of the Body Tempering Method."


    Chen Mu had a revelation in his heart.


    Perhaps.


    The true direction of the Body Tempering Method is not about refining the strength of the physical body.


    Skin Toughening, Body Refinement, Tendon Changing, Bone Tempering... these stages are merely accumulating Qi-Blood, step by step, but the ultimate destination is not to turn oneself into a body of Vajra but to become an Inner World of Heaven and Earth that can spontaneously generate life!


    ```

 Chapter 251 Wu Qi Chao Yuan!_2

    In today''s Da Xuan, even those who aspire to the heights of the Blood Exchange Realm and are known as Martial Saints, cannot live forever in the world. At most, they have a lifespan of two to three hundred years, but if his path could continue without end, perhaps it would be entirely different!Because.


    Even at this moment, Chen Mu could clearly feel that even if he stayed in the Five Viscera Realm and no longer proceeded with further Body Refining, possessing the Five Qi directed towards Perfection, and his Five Viscera nearly transformed into an inner scene of heaven and earth, his lifespan had already far surpassed that of an ordinary person within the Five Viscera Realm!


    An ordinary person, even if they stepped into the Five Viscera Realm, if they did not advance to the Six Viscera Realm before the age of thirty-five, then it would become difficult to progress further because their Qi-Blood would no longer possess the vitality of youth, and the same goes for the Five and Six Viscera.


    But now, Chen Mu felt that perhaps even at the age of fifty or even sixty, his body would not undergo any deterioration and he would still be able to ascend to higher levels and advance further in Body Refining and Cultivation!


    "The limit of strength in the Five Viscera Realm lasts up to a hundred years, and the lifespan does not exceed one hundred and ten or twenty years, but in my case, it might not be a problem to live up to one hundred and fifty or even two hundred years. This is already comparable to the height of a ''Flawless Martial Body'' of a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster," he mused.


    A trace of joy appeared in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    Though he was a long way from the end of his lifespan, the entire world, and even the Martial World of Da Xuan, were just starting points for him. But who wouldn''t want to live longer?


    He had never deliberately pondered over these matters in the past because he did not need to concern himself with lifespan¡ªhe was still very young. However, when he realized that he seemed to have touched a domain completely different from that of contemporary Martial Artists, even he found it somewhat difficult to restrain the tumult in his heart.


    The ultimate limit of the Five Viscera, Qi directed towards Perfection.


    Just with this Realm, he now possessed Qi-Blood and a physique that could sustain for a long time, comparable to that of a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster.


    And what if he entered the Marrow Cleansing Realm and also cultivated a ''Flawless Martial Body''?


    If this Tempering Method was cultivated to the very end, touching the ultimate essence, could one break free from the shackles of lifespan, exist for a thousand years, age with a dynasty, witness the rise and fall of a millennium-long reign?


    Chen Mu did not know the answer. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After all, he was just on the journey, and still a long way from Marrow Cleansing.


    "Sigh."


    Chen Mu exhaled slowly, calming the chaotic thoughts in his mind, and then opened his hand. With a thought, a surge of Yuan Gang True Essence flowed within him, converging in his palm, turning into an intangible and formless Gang Sphere.


    "The limit of the Five Viscera Realm is indeed a wholly different domain, like the leap of a Dragon Sinew Jade Bone. My Yuan Gang Force is now almost at ''Nine Portions''."


    A flicker of light shone in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    Nine Portions of Yuan Gang True Qi!


    An astonishing quality!


    You should know that even for a True Disciple like Meng Danyun who steps into the Six Viscera Realm and refines their Six Viscera to Perfection, they often only have around nine to ten Portions of Yuan Gang. If they rely on some Spiritual Objects for Six Viscera Tempering to increase it a little further, at most they will reach eleven or twelve Portions.


    Whereas for those ordinary Five Viscera Realm Stewards who rely on Viscera Refining Spiritual Objects to forcibly step into the Six Viscera Realm, even if they cultivate to the limit, they possess at most six to seven Portions of Yuan Gang Force, still far less than Chen Mu now!


    "Very good."


    Chen Mu could not hide a trace of exhilaration in his heart at this moment.


    You should know that the foundation of the Five Viscera Realm also decides how high one can climb in the Six Viscera Realm. Since he had refined his Five Viscera to the limit, possessing almost ten Portions of Yuan Gang Force, all he needed was to break through to the Six Viscera Realm and consolidate his Realm for nearly a doubling of his improvement!


    This is a qualitative change.


    "Now that I have cultivated to the limit of the Five Viscera Realm, I can step into the Six Viscera Realm at any time."


    Chen Mu took a slow breath.


    He had lingered in the Five Viscera Realm for so long just to lay the groundwork for the Six Viscera Realm. Now that his Five Viscera had reached their limit, there was naturally no need to remain there. The next step was to directly commence the Cultivation of the Six Viscera Realm.


    As for the Cultivation Method of the Six Viscera Realm, he had already reviewed it numerous times and was intimately familiar with it.


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    The Six Viscera.


    The stomach, gallbladder, small intestine, large intestine, bladder, and the triple warmer.


    Compared to the Five Viscera, the human Six Viscera are ''hidden'' more deeply, or one might say ''sleep'' more soundly, and awakening their inherent spirituality is even more challenging.


    But for those who could temper their Five Viscera more than six or seven times, it''s not that difficult¡ªthe Yuan Qi in their bodies is basically sufficient to awaken the Six Viscera. The cultivation of the Six Viscera Realm is also not like the Five Viscera, which requires awakening all at once; one can awaken them one after another, until the final triple warmer.


    To awaken the triple warmer is to formally step into the Six Viscera Realm!


    Actually.


    True Disciples like Meng Danyun, as well as existences like Chen Mu, are capable of awakening the Six Viscera Realm and initiating the Six Viscera Realm Cultivation at any time, but they do not do so because once the Six Viscera Realm is opened, it immediately diverts Yuan Qi away from the ''Five Viscera'', which can hinder or even delay the Tempering of the Five Viscera.


    Therefore, it is often the case that one refines the Five Viscera to the uttermost limit, reaching a point where it is difficult to temper further before the Martial Artist steps into the Six Viscera Realm. This is the aforementioned step-by-step approach.


    "Then, let''s begin."


    Chen Mu adjusted his own Qi-Blood and cleared all distractions from his mind. With peaceful eyes closed, he then began the transition from the Five Viscera Realm to the Six Viscera Realm.


    The Qi-Blood and Yuan Qi that surged in the Five Viscera, under the control of his will, suddenly broke away from the Inner Breath cycle of the Five Viscera and headed downwards, pouring into the first Viscus of the Six Viscera Realm, the stomach of the human body!

 Chapter 251 Five Qi Towards the Yuan!_3

    The six human viscera are used for regulation and for downward harmonization.The stomach is the first and most crucial viscus of the human body, linking the six viscera with the five viscera and other parts. From birth, all the essential essences of food, from innate to acquired, must start from the stomach. After digestion and extraction, it then passes through the gall bladder and intestines, step by step delivering nutrients throughout the body to meet its needs.


    When martial artists cultivate to reach the Five Viscera Realm, even if they have not yet awakened the spirit of their stomach, their digestive systems are already significantly stronger than ordinary people, capable of digesting things such as withered wood, tree bark, gravel, and sand.


    Hum!!


    Surging Yuan Qi flowed down from the five viscera into the stomach, immediately making Chen Mu feel as if his entire stomach was basked in warmth, as though immersed in a soak of warm water.


    The process to awaken the spirit of the stomach was similar to that of awakening the spirit of the five viscera, but compared to the five viscera, the stomach was clearly much more ''lazy'', deeply tucked in slumber. Engulfed and partaken in solidifying refinement by Chen Mu''s Yuan Qi, it was unknown how long it took before a hint of ''spirituality'' gradually developed, subsequently awakening like a divine spirit, slowly emerging from within him.


    Meanwhile.


    Chen Mu immediately felt that the Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi he breathed in and out was no longer transformed solely by his lungs, but a portion began to flow into his stomach to be received by it.


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    Only when the entire stomach was fully tempered, and the divine spirit of the stomach fully awakened, did the changes in Chen Mu''s body become even more intense for a moment. The Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi he breathed was markedly stronger than before, with more of The Power of Heaven and Earth surging into his stomach, being slowly refined and stored, becoming a part of his own strength.


    This Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi, after being digested by the stomach, no longer passed through other organs such as the gall bladder and intestines, but directly flowed to all parts of the body, providing for the entire body, creating another circuit separate from the five viscera.


    "It''s done."


    Chen Mu slowly opened his eyes, "Only three days, that was quick."


    The spirit of the six viscera was more sluggish than that of the five viscera. According to the descriptions in various Martial Canons he had read, to commence cultivation in the Six Viscera Realm and awaken the spirit of the six viscera, each viscus needed six to seven days, and the last triple energizer even possibly up to half a month.


    Yet, in his case, awakening the spirit of the stomach took merely a short span of three days.


    With the awakening of the spirit of the stomach and the formation of a new set of circulation outside of the five viscera, it also meant that, from then on, he had completely shed the ''carnal body that feeds on grains'', reaching the level of Fasting, able to dine on wind and dew, inhaling and exhaling Yuan Qi.


    Thenceforth, living in the world, he would no longer be subject to various restrictions, not requiring worldly sustenance nor excretion.


    The Martial Canon says that the human body is like a sieve, constantly leaking Vital Energy. Before the age of thirty, the growth of one''s Qi-Blood makes this leakage imperceptible, but after thirty, the loss gradually becomes obvious.


    The way of the Body Tempering Method, firstly entails solidifying refinement of skin, flesh, tendons, and bones, strengthening Qi-Blood, next refining the five viscera, forming an internal circulation within the body to reduce the leakage of Qi-Blood. Then stepping into the Six Viscera Realm, eliminating the need for excretion, which is like sealing the biggest outlet for the external leakage of Yuan Qi from the body.


    From that point on.


    The strength and realm of martial artists can easily be maintained past a hundred years, with a lifespan reaching 120 or 130 not at all difficult.


    However, reaching the Six Viscera Realm is only completing the second internal circulation within the body. Every pore and hair still allow external leakage of Yuan Qi, only by stepping into the Marrow Cleansing Realm and going through Marrow Cleansing, subduing the White Tiger, can one completely seal all channels of Yuan Qi leakage from the body, transforming into a true ''body without leaks'', where one''s strength can be maintained up to 150 years without decline.


    The experts on the Wind Cloud List, those in the top ten, can almost surpass some of the weaker Grandmasters who have just stepped into the ''threshold'' of the Marrow Cleansing, but in terms of status, they are still not comparable to the Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters. One of the key reasons is that Grandmasters live longer.


    Those who can step into the status of a Grandmaster no longer have any deficiencies in talent or insight; what is termed ''weaker'' only means they are not as dazzling compared to many peerless geniuses.


    But with their prolonged lifespans and Qi-Blood that hardly fades, they can steadily improve their strength over the centuries.


    Unlike those on the Wind Cloud List who remain in the Six Viscera Realm, no matter how powerful they are, even reaching the heights of the ''Sovereign Wanderer'' who stands first, they cannot advance further, permanently stalled there, while Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters still possess endless possibilities.


    "Next."


    After carefully sensing the changes brought about by the awakening of the spirit of the stomach, Chen Mu soon gathered his thoughts again and closed his eyes.


    Although the cultivation of the Six Viscera Realm could be interrupted and advanced in stages, no one usually did that, nor was it necessary. All would go through a prolonged period of seclusion, directly taking the step in one go, thoroughly entering the Six Viscera Realm. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 252 Turmoil in the Ice State

    Time passed.In the blink of an eye, half a month had gone by.


    Within the humble bamboo hut, Chen Mu still sat cross-legged on the simple bamboo bed, his inner breath flaring and dimming intermittently, the spiritual light of his Five Viscera flickering, the Qi of his Six Viscera weaving around him. It was vaguely noticeable that within his body, five of the Six Viscera had been awakened, with only the final step, the Triple Burner, remaining.


    Among the Five Viscera and Six Viscera, all viscera are tangible internal organs, except for the Triple Burner, which is the only ''virtual organ'' among them. It encompasses everything, existing outside of the viscera but within the shell of the body. The upper burner covers the entire chest area, the middle burner extends from the chest to the navel, and the lower burner refers to the area below the navel. Unified as one, they are collectively known as the Triple Burner.


    In reality.


    Within the Six Viscera, the Triple Burner is not only the last to be awakened but also the most important. For before the Triple Burner is awakened, the Five Viscera and Six Viscera, although each completing a cycle, are independent of each other and do not interact. Only by fully awakening the Triple Burner can the Five Viscera and Six Viscera be unified into a complete whole, stepping truly into the Viscera Realm.


    For most people, the solidifying refinement of the Triple Burner is the most challenging step in the cultivation of the Six Viscera. However, for Chen Mu, the difficulty isn''t that high. Following the steps of the ''Six Viscera Sutra'', he first determines the position of the Triple Burner, then encapsulates it with Yuan Qi, refining its essence.


    At this moment.


    One could see the lights of Chen Mu''s Five Viscera flickering uncertainly within his body, organs like the intestines, stomach, and gallbladder in the Six Viscera also twinkling with specks of luminescence. With each breath, Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi continuously surged into his body, completing cycles within him.


    Not knowing how much time had passed, finally, his body shuddered. All of a sudden, a beam of light burst forth from his chest, then spread downwards, eventually covering all his internal organs, linking the Five Viscera and Six Viscera together, becoming one.


    Gradually.


    All the spiritual light within Chen Mu''s body dimmed, returning to a normal state, and the tumultuous Yuan Qi also finally calmed down, restoring him to his original appearance.


    He slowly opened his eyes, exhaling the last breath of turbid air.


    "Done."


    There was a calmness in Chen Mu''s eyes. Raising his right hand, he made a grasping motion in the air, feeling the surging Yuan Qi flowing between his body, unleashed after penetration within his body, the mighty Yuan Gang True Essence was far superior to before.


    With just a rough sense, he could discern that the Yuan Gang Force he possessed now was almost precisely what he had anticipated earlier.


    Whoosh.


    Chen Mu stood up and stepped out, leaving his hut. Soon after, a few leaps took him far from the gateway of the Seven Profound Sect, heading towards the back mountains of the sect where he used to practice.


    Then, he clenched his fist and swung a punch at the rock wall, unleashing no Artistic Conception but merely the explosive force of Yuan Gang True Essence. The mighty Yuan Gang formed a visible ripple, surging forth instantaneously, as his punch blasted into the rock wall.


    Boom!!!


    The entire rock wall shook violently and exploded into countless shattered stones and fragments scattering around. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Looking at the scene before him, a smile finally appeared on Chen Mu''s face. Since stepping into the Five Viscera Realm and mastering the Qiankun Artistic Conception, the power of the Artistic Conception had been nearly all of his strength, his own Yuan Gang being too weak compared to the Qiankun Artistic Conception.


    But now, with him reaching the limit of the Five Viscera, the phase of Five Qi Toward Yuan, and truly establishing himself at the level of the Six Viscera Realm, his Yuan Gang True Essence had finally undergone a qualitative change, taking a huge leap upwards!


    If measured in ''portions'', his Yuan Gang True Essence alone was now comparable to twenty portions of The Power of Heaven and Earth!


    "With the Qiankun Artistic Conception added on, if I were to strike with all my strength now, I estimate I''d reach the standard of the top ten on the Wind Cloud List. And for me, this is just the initial step into the Six Viscera Realm," he said.


    Chen Mu took a deep breath and summoned the system panel.


    [Six Viscera Sutra (30%)]


    [Experience: 0]


    "Awakening the Triple Burner of the Six Viscera, stepping onto the threshold of the Six Viscera Realm, I''ve already completed thirty percent of the cultivation in this realm," Chen Mu observed the display on the system panel, his expression thoughtful.


    This wasn''t much different from what he had expected.


    After all.


    When an ordinary martial artist steps into the Six Viscera Realm and fully awakens the Six Viscera to consolidate the Realm, their Yuan Gang generally increases by twice the amount of the Five Viscera Realm basis, and thereafter no great strides are made, rather like the Five Viscera Realm and above, it is a gradual improvement.


    Continuing to cultivate to the Six Viscera Realm''s Perfection, one''s Yuan Gang would be approximately three times what it was at the time of the Five Viscera Realm.


    However, in Chen Mu''s view, this so-called ''Perfection'' perhaps is somewhat of a misnomer. If measured by the progress of Yuan Gang True Essence, then many people who cultivate to the Perfection of the Six Viscera Realm might only have completed sixty percent of the refinement of the realm.


    According to what he knew, including the descriptions in various Martial Canons, it''s rare for anyone to train beyond seventy percent.


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    This is quite normal, after all, it''s the same with the Five Viscera Realm. Since the advent of Body Tempering Methods, it''s unknown if anyone has completed the eleventh tempering, not to mention the thirteenth, the ultimate limit.


    For the vast majority of martial artists, given the current environment of Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi and their resource limits, reaching seventy percent in the Six Viscera Realm is indeed their ''limit'', hardly able to make a further step.


    "If I could cultivate to the limit in the Five Viscera Realm, then I can do the same in the Six Viscera Realm... The difficulty for martial artists to break through the Mysterious Pass is so tough, requiring such profound understanding of Artistic Conception, as well as an extremely strong Martial Arts will. Perhaps, the reason is also due to their own foundations being somewhat deficient," he thought.


    "If one could cultivate the Five Viscera and Six Viscera to their limits, building a perfect foundation, then perhaps, like ascending from Jade Bone into the Five Viscera Realm, breaking through the Mysterious Pass to enter the Marrow Cleansing would be as effortless as things naturally falling into place."

 Chapter 252 Turmoil in Ice State_2

    Thoughts flashed through Chen Mu''s mind. Continue your journey with My Virtual Library EmpireAfter carefully perceiving the changes in his strength and practicing for a while at the bottom of the cliff valley, Chen Mu finally converged his aura and began his return to the Seven Profound Sect.


    He managed to avoid startling anyone on the way back and quietly returned to his bamboo hut.


    His entrance into the Six Viscera Realm had been too rapid, having completed it in less than a month, which was somewhat astonishing. It was a good time to slow down and take two months to cultivate the fifth layer of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal.


    Now, with his Qiankun Artistic Conception progressing four times on the basis of the second step, cultivating the fifth layer of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal was no longer as slow, and he was gaining experience quickly. According to his previous estimate, it would take about one to two months.


    "Once the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal is cultivated to the fifth layer, that will be the time for me to descend the mountain again."


    Chen Mu murmured to himself.


    After four iterations of deducing the Qiankun Artistic Conception, the value of even the highest quality Artistic Conception Maps in the Seven Profound Sect had significantly diminished for him as the efficiency of gaining experience had decreased dramatically, far less than directly contemplating the heavens and earth.


    Additionally, the cultivation in the Six Viscera Realm was a matter of course; if there were resources of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items suitable for tempering the six viscera, then the pace of cultivation could be accelerated.


    Furthermore,


    there was another important matter¡ªit was about time he returned to Yu County.


    Since leaving Yu County to come to the Seven Profound Sect, stepping into the Qiankun Artistic Conception, entering the Six Viscera Realm, more than two years had passed. To him personally, it was a complete transformation.


    Although he had received letters from Yu County and had sent replies to Xu Hongyu, Chen Yue, and others, the distance between Yu County and the State Government Office was vast, compounded by the chaotic nature of the world, making travel difficult. Martial Artists in the Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering Realm often did not dare to cross the State Government Office alone, while only those in the Five Viscera Realm could do so with relative ease.


    Of course,


    with his current strength and realm, it would not take long to return to Yu County.


    Without the need for food or drink, and almost no need for rest, what would take a regular caravan several months, he could accomplish in at most two to three days, traveling from the State Government Office back to Yu County. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ever since his arrival at the Seven Profound Sect, he had focused solely on cultivation, expending all his abilities to climb one step at a time, enduring over two arduous years until he finally reached a somewhat stable realm.


    The top ten of the Wind Cloud List!


    This level of master could undoubtedly traverse the Cold North Eleven States with ease, even defeating weaker grandmasters in battle. Only when encountering powerful beings would he need to flee; apart from the very top grandmasters like Qin Mengjun and Jiang Changsheng, others posed little threat to him.


    "Speaking of which, I wonder how my master is doing. I''ll go up and see him in a few days."


    Thoughts rose in Chen Mu''s mind as he thought of Qin Mengjun.


    Although he had spent very little actual time with his master, she had indeed taken great care of him, including the Qian Heaven Seal. Even though he had yet to use it, its value was unquestionable.


    Moreover, with his current level and realm, the gap between him and Qin Mengjun might no longer be as vast as heaven and earth.


    Perhaps...


    He could now catch a glimpse into the power of top-tier grandmasters like Qin Mengjun?


    Chen Mu buried the thought in his heart, and without too much haste, continued to cultivate the fifth layer of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal.


    ...


    In the back mountain of the Seven Profound Sect.


    Underground.


    Chen Mu stood amidst a bed of thick yellow soil, scanning his surroundings with a glance. He was now far beyond the range of the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, and the momentum of the earth''s veins did not affect the sect''s gates.


    Standing alone underground, he brought his hands together slowly and began the initial stance of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, following which streams of the Power of Heaven and Earth began to converge around him, forcibly expanding and repelling the solid earth, creating an underground void.


    Massive surges of the Power of Heaven and Earth were drawn towards him.


    This power turned into several Cycle Marks, coalescing above his head into a complete Qiankun Seal, but the process did not stop there. As Chen Mu''s right hand lifted, the Yuan Gang Force within him also surged forth, dispersing into the Void, evolving into the Eight Phases cycle, forming a second Qiankun Seal.


    Then, as his hands came together, the two Qiankun Seals merged, concentrating formidable power into a single point.


    Boom!!


    The union of the two opposing Qiankun Seals was struck upwards by Chen Mu in an instant, causing the earth''s veins to tremble violently. The thick soil above disintegrated and dispersed, spreading upward until it penetrated nearly forty zhang deep of yellow earth, reaching the surface above!


    One could see the dirt erupt and the ground open up with a fist-sized mark that extended over forty zhang deep underground, creating a sleek, vertical tunnel.


    "As expected of the fifth layer of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, infusing my own Yuan Gang True Qi into it, such a tremendous force can be concentrated within the Fist Seal, penetrating over forty zhang without any diffusion."


    Chen Mu looked up at the straight hole the size of a fist, his eyes revealing a glint of light.


    The terrifying might of this level, far more than double what it was when he first mastered the Qiankun Artistic Conception!


    A single strike.


    Would have been enough to obliterate him from that time on the spot!


    If he now faced Zuo Qianqiu wielding the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram, he would not need to exert much effort; a casual blow would be enough to exterminate all its Sword Qi and even crush Zuo Qianqiu himself to obliteration!

 Chapter 252 Turmoil in Ice State_3

    Chen Mu walked up from underground, headed back to the surface, and converged his own aura as he returned towards the direction of the Seven Profound Sect. This time he did not deliberately conceal his form but calmly climbed along the path of Spirit Profound Peak. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.When he reached the middle of Spirit Profound Peak,


    he heard groups of disciples discussing something.


    "...Have you heard? Not long ago, Zuo Qianqiu encountered ''Fire Cloud Ascendant'' in Xuan State and, after fighting him for dozens of rounds, actually managed to retreat unscathed. This man, defeated by Brother Chen just a few months ago, has swiftly re-condensed his martial resolve."


    "Fire Cloud Ascendant? Wasn''t he previously ranked on the Wind Cloud List? It seems he was just squeezed out this term, but he''s still comparable to high masters at the lower end of the list, right? Zuo Qianqiu managed to retreat unscathed from such a person? He hasn''t stepped into the Six Viscera Realm yet, has he?"


    Some disciples revealed expressions of shock.


    It should be noted that it has been less than five months since the events at the Yunni Sky Steps, and before Zuo Qianqiu encountered Chen Mu there, he faced someone comparable to Fire Cloud Ascendant, ''Blood Hand'' Luo Mo. That was entirely due to the influence of the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram, enduring ten rounds until the Grandmaster of the Heavenly Sword Sect arrived and rescued him.


    In just these five months, and after experiencing a crushing defeat against Chen Mu at the Yunni Sky Steps, he had unbelievably quickly regained conviction and even advanced his strength further, managing to retreat unscathed against the likes of Luo Mo and Fire Cloud Ascendant!


    Though it''s certain he still relied on the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram, one cannot deny the immense talent of Zuo Qianqiu!


    "But even if he could retreat unscathed from Fire Cloud Ascendant, comparing him to Brother Chen he still falls short. Brother Chen is already ranked twenty-seventh on the Wind Cloud List, which is even higher than the ousted Fire Cloud Ascendant."


    "Yes, but that man''s talent is incredibly high, and his progress is too swift. He''s almost two years younger than Brother Chen, and in just these five months his strength has risen another level. Who knows, maybe one day he could fight Brother Chen again."


    Zhao Yu murmured with a solemn gaze.


    The other Spirit Profound Peak disciples also showed worried expressions.


    Chen Mu was almost two years older than Zuo Qianqiu, an undeniable fact, but since Chen Mu came from a lower background and started his cultivation late, no one had ever judged him based on his age.


    "I heard Brother Chen''s Qiankun Artistic Conception has reached Major Achievement, and he''s of the age now, already stepping into the Six Viscera Realm. Zuo Qianqiu is younger, probably still two more years away, continuing to strengthen his foundation in the Five Viscera Realm. Who knows what scene it will be when Zuo Qianqiu also steps into the Six Viscera Realm after a few years."


    Wang Kang sighed.


    While they were discussing, someone suddenly spotted Chen Mu''s figure steadily walking up the mountain path. They immediately snapped to attention and signaled quietly to their fellow disciples.


    Everyone instantly fell silent, watching as Chen Mu passed by, respectfully saluting him.


    "Brother Chen."


    "..."


    Chen Mu slightly nodded to Wang Kang and other younger disciples, then continued along the mountain path.


    Wang Kang and the others had been discussing this for a while, but he had no significant interest in it. Instead, what occupied his mind more was what he had heard a few days ago about the ''turmoil in Ice State.''


    About half a month ago, the Heavenly Demon Sect, Heavenly Corpse Sect, and the foreign races from beyond the border suddenly started trouble in Ice State, ambushing masters of the Ice Extreme Palace. It was said that in just over ten days, the Ice Extreme Palace suffered heavy losses, with even a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster killed!


    Now,


    the entire Ice State had plunged into a fiery war.


    Although the Ice Extreme Palace is a Great Sect, owning the land of the entire Ice State, both the Heavenly Corpse and the Heavenly Demon Sect were not ordinary either, not to mention the foreign tribes, which had always been the mortal enemies of Da Xuan, frequently attacking the border passes and plundering resources, women.


    Now, these three forces unexpectedly formed some sort of alliance, jointly causing trouble in Ice State, turning it into a chaotic mess. Meanwhile, the North Garrison Government stationed on the Cold North Path merely verbally reprimanded the foreign tribes, symbolically sending some troops but covertly harboring the idea of sitting by and watching the fight, clearly intending to let the Ice Extreme Palace and the forces of the Heavenly Corpse and Demon Sects wear each other out.


    Moreover,


    Ice State was the most remote State Government Office, only bordering with Yu State and North State, and having no connections with other state governments, thus sectors like the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, Heavenly Sword Sect, and others from various states reacted very slowly to the situation.


    Only the Seven Profound Sect, because of its adjacency to Ice State, had been somewhat active lately; according to what Chen Mu knew, there seemed to be a great split in opinion within the sect. Some elders thought they should assist the Ice Extreme Palace, while others believed they should just guard the border and not expend unnecessary effort.


    Amid various controversies, as of today, there is still no clear stance.

 Chapter 253 Qian Heaven Domain!

    Ascending the mountain steps all the way up.Chen Mu returned to his bamboo hut, freshened up a bit, and then began his journey to the peak of the mountain.


    Over the past month, he had gone to the peak twice, but Qin Mengjun was still in a deep slumber and had not awakened, so he could only regretfully take his leave. This time, he planned to visit once more before departing.


    Based on his judgment, the Seven Profound Sect could hardly ignore the chaos in Ice State completely. Even with the threat of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion from behind, the pavilion, after all, was a Great Sect that ruled an entire state and conducted its affairs in accordance with the rules of the Martial World, not like the Foreign Races beyond the borders who pillaged and plundered at will. As the chaos in Ice State worsened, and the Foreign Races didn''t dare to provoke the North Garrison Government of North State, the chaos would sooner or later spread to the borders of Yu State.


    Therefore.


    The Seven Profound Sect would ultimately have to take action one way or another.


    Before that happened, he planned to take the opportunity to return to Yu County, as it had been almost two and a half years since he had left to cultivate.


    Chen Mu quickly arrived at the peak once more, reaching the back cliff as if it were a route he had traveled many times and saw that Qin Mengjun was still sitting cross-legged on that rock, just like before, looking almost like a lifelike stone statue without the slightest change.


    "Disciple pays his respects to Master."


    Chen Mu didn''t come too close, stopping about ten yards from the rock and performing a salute from afar.


    Having slept for over a year seemed indeed rather long to him, after all, even though a Grandmaster of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, she was still a Martial Artist, not some immortal who lived a life of ease and indifference, with years passing by inexorably.


    After saluting, Chen Mu maintained his respectful stance and stood there, almost an hour had passed by, and upon noticing that Qin Mengjun still had no reaction, he finally exhaled and performed another bow.


    "Disciple takes his leave."


    It seemed that there would be no chance to receive Qin Mengjun''s guidance this time either.


    Chen Mu shook his head silently in his heart.


    However.


    Just when Chen Mu was about to leave, he suddenly noticed a slight movement in his gaze, perceiving a faint change in the Strength of Qian Heaven that enveloped the area around the back cliff, causing tiny ripples to spread.


    If it were not for his cultivation in the Qiankun Artistic Conception, which made him extremely sensitive to the changes in The Power of Heaven and Earth, and had he not been so close, he would have likely missed these subtle changes. Nonetheless, it made him pause slightly. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Immediately, Chen Mu halted and stood in place once again.


    Just like this.


    Every half an hour, the Qian Heaven''s Strength on the back cliff would fluctuate slightly, like a gradually beating heart, and the frequency became faster and faster, until after several hours, the undulating Power of Heaven and Earth suddenly converged, returning to calm.


    And Qin Mengjun, who sat on the mountain rock, flickered her long eyelashes gently, and slowly opened her eyelids, her calm eyes resembling obsidian stones at first, numb without consciousness, and then gradually starting to shine with a bit of light.


    Finally.


    Qin Mengjun''s eyes became completely bright, and then she lazily stretched her body, her long black hair cascading over the rock, her body bending backwards into an irregular arch.


    Chen Mu didn''t linger on the sight but immediately averted his gaze and saluted Qin Mengjun once more.


    "Disciple greets Master upon exiting her retreat."


    After more than a year, the top-tier Grandmaster Qin Mengjun had finally awakened, which brought a sigh of relief from his heart.


    Qin Mengjun''s eyes momentarily flickered with pleasure before she returned to her serene demeanor, then turned to look at Chen Mu, and said in a soothing tone, "How long has it been, over a year?"


    Chen Mu responded, "Master''s insight is keen."


    Qin Mengjun, with a relaxed expression, said, "No need for such formality. You must have been waiting here for some time. So, there must be something on your mind. You''ve trained well in concealing your aura; even I can''t discern your Realm. But having cultivated the Qiankun Artistic Conception for over a year, you should have stepped into the Six Viscera Realm by now."


    "Yes."


    Chen Mu answered, "I''ve come to ask Master some questions about Martial Arts. However, I am not sure how you are feeling after just coming out of retreat, and I didn''t want to disturb you so soon."


    Qin Mengjun said unconcernedly, "I''m not troubled, and I will be awake much longer than before. As my disciple, it''s only right that you come to me with difficulties in Martial Arts. There''s no impropriety in that."


    "Congratulations to Master."


    Chen Mu, upon hearing Qin Mengjun''s words, felt even more at ease, realizing that after this period of seclusion, she must have recovered much better than before. He saluted respectfully once again and then said, "Without concealing anything from Master, having stepped into the Six Viscera Realm, I will inevitably encounter experts on the Wind Cloud List and Grandmasters in the future. However, I have not crossed hands with them before and am unclear about their power levels in the Martial Arts Domain, nor the tiers of the Grandmasters, and I seek Master''s guidance."


    Chen Mu made his inquiry to Qin Mengjun, straightforward and to the point.


    Qin Mengjun looked Chen Mu up and down, unaffected by his question, as before her slumber, Chen Mu had already developed a complete Qiankun Artistic Conception. Now, after more than a year, having entered the Six Viscera Realm, even at the beginning stages, Chen Mu was likely close to the strength of those on the Wind Cloud List.


    At this level, it was indeed time to interact with other high-ranking experts and even Grandmasters on the list, and as she had been asleep without giving Chen Mu any guidance in this area, it was normal for him to have many questions.


    "There should be no changes in the top three of the Wind Cloud List, right?"

 Chapter 253 Qian Heaven Domain!_2

    After pondering for a moment, Qin Mengjun said to Chen Mu.Chen Mu nodded in response.


    After briefly musing, Qin Mengjun said, "When a martial artist breaks through the Mysterious Pass and steps into Marrow Cleansing, by harnessing The Power of Heaven and Earth to infuse their body, they may initially cultivate a corresponding ''Martial Body'' such as ''Wind Thunder Martial Body,'' ''Taiyin Martial Body,'' and ''Qiankun Martial Body'' and so on."


    "Generally, upon initially cleansing the marrow and solidifying the Martial Body, they reach the first stage of a grandmaster."


    "On this basis, as long as there are no accidents, typically after cultivating for twenty or thirty years, they can solidify their own Martial Body to the level of Perfection, achieving an ''immaculate and flawless body,'' and that is the second stage of a grandmaster."


    "If they further comprehend the Martial Arts Domain corresponding to their own Martial Body, possessing both a perfected Martial Body, that would be the Third Rank."


    There was no distinction like ''Minor Achievement'' or ''Major Achievement'' in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and although Chen Mu roughly understood the three stages Qin Mengjun mentioned, this classification seemed too simplistic to him and wasn''t clear enough.


    After all,


    those who cultivated the Xun Wind Artistic Conception and those who cultivated the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception, even if both had reached the Third Rank, were not on the same level of strength.


    After listening to Qin Mengjun''s description, Chen Mu looked up at her and whispered, "Disciple wishes to understand the more specific strengths of Marrow Cleansing grandmasters. In fact, disciple has always had a rough method of judgment, which is to consider the strength of Heaven and Earth that can be mobilized when one initially grasps the second step of an ''Xun Wind'' or ''Thunderbolt'' Artistic Conception as ''one portion.''"


    Qin Mengjun looked at Chen Mu slightly surprised, she being a top-level grandmaster, naturally understood his meaning right away, and laughed softly, "One portion? Although it''s a bit mundane, such a way of measuring is indeed clear."


    While speaking,


    she revealed a thoughtful expression, seemingly pondering something briefly and said while thinking, "If we differentiate using your method, then the strength of Marrow Cleansing grandmasters can be roughly divided into five categories."


    "The first tier consists of grandmasters who have just stepped into Marrow Cleansing and solidified their Martial Body with two or three Artistic Conceptions such as ''Water'' and ''Fire.'' The power they can mobilize is approximately between twenty and thirty portions."


    "The second tier includes those who have cultivated a perfected Martial Body or mastered a Domain, around fifty portions."


    "The third tier, possessing both a domain and a perfected Martial Body, would be about seventy portions or so." Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The fourth tier is someone like me who has cultivated a perfected ''Qian Heaven Martial Body'' and wields the Qian Heaven Domain; the power of Heaven and Earth I can mobilize is roughly around one hundred and twenty portions."


    "The fifth tier consists of the extremely rare few who have completely broken through the Mysterious Pass with a full ''Yin Yang Five Elements,'' they stand at the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing grandmaster Realm, nearly capable of confronting those in the Blood Exchange Realm, with the power of Heaven and Earth reaching close to two hundred portions."


    After listening to Qin Mengjun''s description,


    Chen Mu''s eyes reflected deep contemplation, and he finally had a clear understanding of the strengths of Marrow Cleansing grandmasters.


    The first tier were undoubtedly the weaker class of grandmasters, just stepping into the ''threshold of grandmasters,'' and couldn''t even defeat the experts on the Wind Cloud List; however, by the second tier, they became ''stronger grandmasters,'' and except for the top three, others on the Wind Cloud List would likely find it difficult to win.


    The third tier belonged to the exceptionally strong, only second to the top; the fourth tier were top grandmasters like Qin Mengjun. As for the final fifth tier... to his knowledge, there was no such person in the Eleven States of the Cold North Path.


    Not to mention the Cold North Path.


    Even when looking at the entire Da Xuan Dynasty, such nearly invincible existences among grandmasters would not exceed the number of one hand''s fingers.


    Of course, Qin Mengjun''s categorization was still quite simplistic, lacking nuances like whether one who had cultivated the Qian Heaven Martial Body but did not possess the Qian Heaven Domain belonged to which tier... But with Chen Mu''s current level of insight, he could generally make judgments and didn''t need to ask specifically.


    "Thank you, Master, for enlightening me."


    Chen Mu bowed to Qin Mengjun.


    It seemed that with his current strength, there was still a long way to go before catching up to a top grandmaster like Qin Mengjun, perhaps only when he also stepped into Marrow Cleansing could there be a chance to surpass the other.


    Qin Mengjun smiled faintly, then said, "As for the Martial Arts Domain, this is a bit special; I think it''s better for you to experience it yourself."


    After speaking,


    with a flourish, she appeared beside Chen Mu, grabbed his shoulder, and said, "Do not resist."


    As her words fell, Chen Mu immediately felt his entire body lighten, detaching from the ground in an instant, as Qin Mengjun lifted him and they flew towards the heavens.


    Qian Heaven Sky Flying. Enjoy new adventures from My Virtual Library Empire


    Chen Mu didn''t struggle or resist, allowing Qin Mengjun to carry him upwards, while he keenly felt the changes around him, a sense of awe rising in his heart.


    Because the Sky Flying Technique displayed by Qin Mengjun through the Strength of Qian Heaven was different from what he expected; it wasn''t about using the Strength of Qian Heaven to carry the body up into the sky, but rather, to directly isolate from Kun Earth!


    In the cycles of heaven and earth, isolating one of the Qiankun Eight Phases is actually quite difficult, even Chen Mu at present couldn''t do it. Even in the deep desert of Sha Prefecture, where the environment is extremely harsh, there still exists the ''Kan Water,'' only that it''s extremely faint to a minimal degree.


    Faint and complete isolation are two different concepts.


    To completely isolate the Power of Kun Earth also means completely shedding the bonds of the earth, making his whole body unaffected by any weight, and the speed of Sky Flying is far faster than he had imagined!


    "This is much more profound than any Wind Riding Escape."


    Chen Mu''s eyes glimmered with a trace of light.

 Chapter 253 Qian Heaven Domain!_3

    Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster, if relying on the power of Xun Wind Artistic Conception to ride the wind and escape into the void, can only barely manage to stay afloat in the air, with a speed even slower than a flying bird. However, Qin Mengjun took him with her, and in almost an instant, they arrived at a thousand zhang high in the sky.Of course, he was also clear that even if he reached the Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster level, he would find it difficult to achieve the same feat using the Strength of Qian Heaven, because what Qin Mengjun had accomplished was nearly a complete isolation of the Power of Kun Earth within the surrounding area.


    This is the Martial Arts Domain!


    Within a certain range, it allowed almost absolute control over The Power of Heaven and Earth!


    In a blink.


    Qin Mengjun carried Chen Mu, breaking through the layer of clouds, and descended upon a vast Cloud Sea. Then with a release of her hand and a flick of her sleeve, the Cloud Sea beneath, covering an area of almost a hundred zhang, suddenly turned turbulent and solidified into substance.


    Chen Mu landed atop the clouds, actually within the Cloud Sea. Without the need for Qin Mengjun''s help, he could now linger here, for with the presence of the mist, it was like being in a sandstorm, having something to rely on; he could manage a temporary flight, but it was impossible for him to, as casually as Qin Mengjun, turn an area of a hundred zhang of the Cloud Sea into a solid footing with a mere wave of the hand.


    "So-called Domain, is when the Artistic Conception is cultivated to the second step''s limit and then half a step further is taken, reaching a certain height," Qin Mengjun began to explain, "you know the third step of Artistic Conception is ''Body-Mind Union,'' then this Domain is actually just the ''Heart Unity'' half completed, without achieving the ''Body Unity'' half."


    Qin Mengjun floated above the Cloud Sea, her light garment fluttering, her delicate feet like warm White Jade faintly visible within the mists, her whole being no longer seemed like a mortal Martial Artist, but rather a celestial from the Heavenly Palace, as she started speaking in a serene tone.


    Chen Mu listened to Qin Mengjun''s words and nodded slightly.


    The third step of Artistic Conception, Body-Mind Union, where the body is the physique of Martial Arts, and the heart is the Martial Arts Artistic Conception. Only by merging body and mind into one, can one''s power return to oneself and thus reach the true third step. This is impossible to achieve before ''Blood Exchange.''


    Before entering the Eighth Realm of the Body Tempering Method and undergoing Blood Exchange, the highest level that Martial Artist''s Artistic Conception can be cultivated to is Domain.


    "The heart merges with heaven and earth; this heart is both Artistic Conception and willpower, and both are indispensable. Artistic Conception supports you to step into that height, while willpower allows you to maintain yourself in that Realm without falling," she further explained.


    "Once you grasp your very own Martial Arts Domain, then according to the strength of your will, there will be a range exclusive to you. Within this range, The Power of Heaven and Earth is almost completely under your control, and the closer it is to you, the stronger it becomes."


    Qin Mengjun explained to Chen Mu, and then said, "You can now try it out, walk towards me, unleash your Qiankun Artistic Conception, and see how far you can go."


    Having said so,


    she gracefully backed away dozens of zhang, watching Chen Mu from a distance.


    "Yes," he replied. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu bowed to Qin Mengjun, this being his first time, thus he was very serious.


    The Qian Heaven Domain also belongs to one of the extremely strong Domains; he would inevitably deal with various Martial Arts Domains in the future. The deeper understanding he could gain from Qin Mengjun now, the more experienced he would be in handling things later on.


    At that moment,


    Chen Mu could feel that, straight in front of him, within a range of approximately forty to fifty zhang centering on Qin Mengjun herself, The Power of Heaven and Earth within that area had changed. It seemed as if the rotation of the Qiankun Eight Phases had been completely halted, leaving solely Qian Heaven!


    Without much hesitation, he took a deep breath and took a step forward, stepping into the edge of the Qian Heaven Domain.


    In that very instant,


    it was as if heaven and earth changed colors!


    Though that step seemed uneventful, and the Cloud Sea remained calm, for Chen Mu, it felt as though he had stepped from stable land straight into terrifying tumultuous waves.


    He could feel that The Power of Heaven and Earth, which he could usually control with ease, was either directly blocked or had become completely chaotic and difficult to control, and the entire area seemed pervaded by a will vastly different from his own. This will merged within the Domain spanning dozens of zhang, hindering his manipulation of The Power of Heaven and Earth at every moment.


    ```


    "So this is a Domain..."


    Chen Mu''s gaze suddenly became intense, revealing an extremely solemn expression.


    It was worth mentioning that he had only just squeezed into the edge of Qin Mengjun''s domain, and the pressure he was feeling at that time was already formidable. He felt that all the power of heaven and earth around him, except for Qian Heaven, was greatly weakened.


    It was like being in the depths of a desert, barely able to sense the presence of ''Kan Water,'' and the situation he was facing now was even more severe than that, with ''Kan Water,'' ''Gen Mountain,'' and even ''Kun Earth'' nearly severed.


    Fortunately.


    He himself had developed Qiankun, and the strength of Qian Heaven was also within his control.


    Therefore, Chen Mu calmed his heart at that moment and forcefully controlled the Qian Heaven forces swirling around his body. Then, facing the direction of Qin Mengjun, he stepped deeper into the domain, moving closer to her.


    One inch,


    Two inches,


    Three inches,


    ...


    The deeper he went, the more intense the oppression from Qian Heaven became, comparable to the summit of Yunni Sky Peak, and it continued to strengthen as he moved further in.


    Chen Mu also had the desire to delve deeper into the power of the Martial Arts Domain. Feeling the oppression getting stronger and having difficulty advancing even an inch further, he took a deep breath and said to Qin Mengjun, "Disciple has overstepped."


    As his words fell,


    He raised his left hand in a gesture and waved his right hand, and in an instant, the winds and clouds around his body changed. The surging oppressive strength of Qian Heaven, under his guidance, turned into a tangible cycle. In a flash around his body, eight different colors were differentiated, each blending with the next, forming a visible seal.


    Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal!


    Even now, while still on the edge of the Qian Heaven Domain, Chen Mu was almost unable to contend with Qin Mengjun for the control of the strength of Qian Heaven. The other elemental powers were blocked, and only by executing the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal and the rotation of the Eight Phases could he forcibly transform Qian Heaven into the Eight Phases!


    Enjoy exclusive adventures from My Virtual Library Empire


    After deploying the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, the surrounding Qian Heaven strength flowed incessantly through the Qiankun Cycle, turning into a recurrent Eight Phases, ultimately reducing the pressure Chen Mu felt significantly.


    "Qiankun Artistic Conception, Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal."


    Qin Mengjun stood with her hands behind her back, watching Chen Mu from afar. Her red lips parted slightly, and she spoke softly.


    The Martial Arts Artistic Conception involves principles of creation and restraint. At the domain level, the influence of these principles not only doesn''t diminish, it often becomes even greater, but the master of Qiankun Artistic Conception is not affected by any such influence.


    Moreover, the rotation of Qiankun encompasses everything. Although Chen Mu''s Qiankun Artistic Conception has not reached the level of a domain, it is very difficult for any Martial Arts Domain to absolutely suppress him, and he can always withstand some of it.


    However...


    How did his own disciple''s Qiankun Artistic Conception reach this extent?


    Although it was not at the extreme limit of the second step, it was far from just a simple entrance into the second step, including the intensity of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal¡ªprobably at least at the Fourth Layer, and possibly even at the Fifth Layer.


    Could it be that time hadn''t just passed by more than a year, but three or five years had gone by?


    Qin Mengjun was momentarily puzzled.


    ```

 Chapter 254 How Many Times Have You Tempered Your Five Viscera?

    One step,two steps,


    three steps,


    ...


    After deploying the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, Chen Mu faced much less pressure head-on, because the Earth of Kun, Water of Kan, and other powers of heaven and earth materialized through the rotation of Qiankun were completely under his control.


    In fact, at this juncture, even within Qin Mengjun''s Qian Heaven Domain, he was transforming her Strength of Qian Heaven into other Eight Phases, and then using them to confront her. Only the Qiankun Artistic Conception could accomplish this, quite akin to a direct face-off.


    Of course,


    Chen Mu also understood that Qin Mengjun was not fully exerting the true power of the Qian Heaven Domain; she was merely fully unfolding the Domain, lying back, and allowing him to manipulate and struggle within it.


    Otherwise, the moment he entered the Qian Heaven Domain, he would have faced attacks from all sides right away and would not have had this sluggish opportunity to deploy the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal and transform the powers of heaven and earth.


    "No wonder once a Domain is established, it can virtually crush an ordinary Martial Artist immensely with its power."


    Chen Mu murmured to himself.


    Although he could now exert more than fifty shares of the power of heaven and earth if he went all out, even if Qin Mengjun exerted only ''fifty shares'' of the power of the Qian Heaven Domain, he would have no chance of winning.


    This was still under the condition that he had cultivated the Qiankun Artistic Conception, able to perform certain confrontations within the Domain through the rotation of Eight Phases and Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal; otherwise, it would be even worse, as the power of the Artistic Conception would be entirely suppressed and ineffective.


    "Even my master''s Qian Heaven Domain cannot completely suppress my Qiankun Artistic Conception; it''s even less likely with other ordinary Domains. I only face somewhat restricted performance in a Domain, more passive, and my current Yuan Gang Force is not weak at all. A Domain can only restrict Artistic Conception and block the communication with heaven and earth, not the Internal Training of a Martial Artist."


    Chen Mu finally made a rough assessment of his own strength.


    Before he had cultivated a Qiankun Domain himself, he would more or less face some suppression against any Domain, but this suppression was within his tolerance, at least manageable.


    This means, when he encounters those ''Second Tier'' Grandmasters who master a Domain, he can fight back to some extent, though most likely at a significant disadvantage and unlikely to win, but he could still retreat safely.


    Similarly,


    even with Third Tier Grandmasters, if they initially attack him with a Domain, he would be able to withstand it to some extent and then run away as fast as he could. In short, if he couldn''t fly, he could dig underground, as long as they cannot catch up to him, they couldn''t do much to him.


    As for someone like Qin Mengjun, a Fourth Tier top Grandmaster, it gets tricky as the Qian Heaven Domain is too powerful. Despite him now being able to move forward into the twenty zhang radius around Qin Mengjun, if a real fight were to commence, even if they were separated by forty or fifty zhang, merely being enveloped by her Qian Heaven Domain for even a brief moment might result in severe damage!


    After all,


    attacks within a Domain ignore distance, have no blind spots, and he could only withstand it directly. With his current strength, withstanding such attacks from an entity like Qin Mengjun was clearly impossible.


    That is to say, currently, he could fight against Second Tier Grandmasters, had confidence in retreating from Third Tier Grandmasters, and for Fourth Tier top Grandmasters, it all depended on the distance. Outside the opponent''s Domain, he could still compete in speed. Once too close, within the opponent''s Domain, there were hardly any chances to escape.


    Understanding his current self and the general pros and cons against Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters, Chen Mu also felt relieved.


    Although it was nearly impossible to escape from Qin Mengjun, how many people in the whole of the Cold North''s Eleven States are like Qin Mengjun, a Fourth Tier top Grandmaster?


    And the Fifth Tier, nearing the ''Blood Exchange'', didn''t even exist in the Eleven States of Cold North, such entities are extremely rare throughout the whole of Da Xuan, and encountering them is much less likely than coming across someone in the Blood Exchange Realm.


    The vast majority of Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters fell into the Second and Third Tiers!


    With this thought,


    Chen Mu stopped in his tracks.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Qin Mengjun, observing Chen Mu who stopped about a dozen zhang away, asked meticulously, "You have stepped into the Six Viscera Realm, and your Gang True Energy should also be strong. If you exert it, this position should not be your limit, right?"


    "Yes."


    Chen Mu nodded at Qin Mengjun and then said, "I could move further forward, but I want to experience more about the methods of the Domain; I wonder if master could provide some guidance ..."


    Now that he had roughly understood his standing, if Qin Mengjun kept the Domain open without employing any measures against him, then he could muster his Yuan Gang Force and get close to Qin Mengjun without any issues.


    After all,


    he could now mobilize the might of more than fifty shares, merely depending on the Qian Heaven Domain like that, wouldn''t likely crush him. The gap between him and Qin Mengjun was not that immense yet.


    However, there was no need to continue testing this as it wouldn''t make sense to endure the Domain and get physically close to Qin Mengjun.


    "Very well."


    Qin Mengjun nodded slightly; she knew that with the depth of Chen Mu''s artistic conception and if he mobilized his Yuan Gang Force, her merely open Qian Heaven Domain trying to suppress him to prevent getting close would be quite difficult; Chen Mu could still walk up to her within a zhang. Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 375 254 You, how many times have you done the Five Viscera Tempering?_2

    At this moment, she looked towards Chen Mu, still standing with her hands behind her back, making no movements, yet her warm, peaceful eyes reflected a vast sea of clouds that suddenly rippled silently.In an instant,


    the heavens and earth changed color! Discover hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    This time it wasn''t just a change in Chen Mu''s perception; it was a real, visible transformation as the entire sea of clouds churned, like the wrath of divine spirits. The overwhelming Strength of Qian Heaven that had only been suppressing him suddenly intensified dramatically.


    "Not good."


    A jolt went through Chen Mu''s heart.


    Immediately after, he saw Qin Mengjun reaching out towards him from afar, casually waving her hand.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!!!


    In that instant, the formidable Strength of Qian Heaven swirling around his body visibly transformed into thousands, perhaps millions of palms, coming from all directions, striking down upon him like a blanket.


    Faced with this all-encompassing, omni-directional assault, the only thing Chen Mu could do was fully expand his Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, firmly protecting his body in the center, enduring the relentless lashing from Qin Mengjun coming from all sides like a violent storm.


    Smack! Smack!


    The Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, solidified by the Qiankun Artistic Conception, repeatedly shattered under the blow of each palm, breaking faster than Chen Mu could regather and reform it.


    In this critical moment, almost instinctively, Chen Mu mobilized his Yuan Gang True Essence as well, his body lighting up instantly. A second Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal formed from the Yuan Gang True Essence unfolded, filling the gaps left by the previous breaks, the two forces merging together and staunchly holding off the attacks from above, below, left, and right.


    "Huh?"


    Now it was Qin Mengjun''s turn to be surprised.


    Chen Mu was at the Jade Bone Realm entering Five Viscera, and she was well aware of the depth of his foundation. But the problem was that even with such a profound foundation, reaching the perfection of the Six Viscera Realm shouldn''t grant him such powerful Yuan Gang Force!


    This strength could almost be compared to a Grandmaster who had just begun Solidifying Refinement of his Martial Body!


    However,


    in her perception at the moment, Chen Mu should not have yet broken through the Mysterious Pass to form his Martial Body.


    Where did he get such a profound Yuan Gang foundation?


    At that moment,


    Qin Mengjun too showed a trace of curiosity. Even though there were many who encountered marvels in the vast world, this fourth disciple of hers was a bit too ''marvelous''; leave aside the Qiankun Artistic Conception for now, just his Yuan Gang strength alone was formidable in the Six Viscera Realm!


    Even now, the strength Chen Mu displayed shook her quite a bit... Although it was not unheard of for figures in the Six Viscera Realm to possess such strength, those ranked in the top ten of the Wind Cloud List were mostly in this category. But the problem was that those people had all mastered Domains of Martial Arts, while Chen Mu had yet not mastered any Domain!


    Qin Mengjun''s eyes sparkled with surprise.


    Suddenly,


    she raised her other hand that was previously behind her back, and gently brought her two hands together in the center. A force quietly merged into the heavens and earth, blending into the Qian Heaven Domain.


    In the distance, Chen Mu, who was struggling against the storm-like offensive, suddenly felt as if the sky and earth were darkening. The thousands of palms that had been visible vanished, and in their place, all the palms converged into two visible large hands, closing in on him from both sides with him at the center.


    Chen Mu knew that Qin Mengjun had summoned an additional force, probably not just from the Qian Heaven Domain but even showcasing some power from her Qian Heaven Martial Body.


    However,


    he felt no fear at that moment, but instead a surge of boldness arose in him. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even against such a top-tier Grandmaster like Qin Mengjun, and the powerful Qian Heaven Domain, he could still stubbornly hold his ground. This was the unique supreme Martial Arts path he had forged through seven years of fearlessly facing hardships and rigorous training!


    "Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal!"


    Chen Mu raised and brought his hands together, one yin and one yang, two Heaven and Earth Wheel Seals merging together to face the incoming two large hands. These two palms, stretching nearly thirty meters, overshadowing the skies as if to capture the entire sky within their grasp.


    Crack!


    It sounded like an eggshell breaking.


    The Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal unleashed by Chen Mu was encapsulated by the two vast Qian Heaven palms, resembling an enlarged version of Qin Mengjun''s bare hands. They closed around him in the center almost instantly, offering hardly any resistance before being directly crushed. Then he himself was caught in those two Qian Heaven palms.


    However, after shattering his Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, when they touched his body, the imposing force completely dispersed, turning gentle as they held him within the palms and lifted him up.


    Then,


    Chen Mu felt himself being lifted by that palm and moved forward, soon seeing Qin Mengjun''s face, showing a hint of wonder and surprise, just a meter in front of him.


    All the oppressive force of the heavens and earth around vanished cleanly, and the rolling seas of clouds beneath resumed their calm.


    "Indeed, I still couldn''t withstand it."


    Chen Mu felt a slight sigh within himself, but was also not overly disturbed. Being able to resist Qin Mengjun''s Qian Heaven Domain was already beyond his expectations; after all, Qin Mengjun had once been among the top five Grandmasters in the entire Cold North Eleven States.


    With eyes full of surprise and curiosity, Qin Mengjun studied Chen Mu carefully before finally speaking, "Did you temper your Five Viscera eleven times, or twelve?"


    Chen Mu bowed to Qin Mengjun, not too surprised that she could deduce his Five Viscera had undergone more than ten temperings. Even though he had always kept his energy concealed, the strength of the Yuan Gang True Essence he had just displayed was clearly extraordinary.

 Chapter 254 How Many Times Have You Undergone the Five Viscera Tempering?_3

    Long before he instinctively mobilized the Yuan Gang Force under the pressure of Qin Mengjun, he had already thought of his response, and upon hearing Qin Mengjun''s words, even more thoughts flashed through his mind."Master''s wisdom is like a blazing torch, the disciple accidentally came across a Heaven and Earth Spiritual Item condensed with a vast amount of the Five Elements'' Yuan Qi, and after a try, I was lucky enough to succeed... But from what the master said, it seems there have been people who have completed more than ten times of tempering?"


    Chen Mu curiously counter-asked Qin Mengjun.


    So far, whether from various Martial Canons, or from people like Chu Jingsui and Meng Danyun, he had never heard of anyone who had completed more than ten temperings of the Five Viscera. Although he also speculated that someone might have completed eleven times, it was, after all, only speculation.


    Qin Mengjun''s direct question whether it was ''eleven times'' or ''twelve times'' indicated that, in the knowledge and experience of this top Grandmaster, it was likely that individuals who completed the tempering of the Five Viscera eleven times existed, and even twelve times was possible.


    "It seems that you are indeed born with a heavenly mandate, not only able to master the Qiankun Artistic Conception, but also able to find such rare ''Viscera Refining Spiritual Objects'', capable of completing more than eleven rounds of tempering."


    Qin Mengjun, looking at Chen Mu, couldn''t help but sigh and said, "The eleventh Five Viscera Tempering is not something ordinary people can achieve, only with the aid of some extremely rare Viscera Refining Spiritual Objects there is a chance to succeed, such as ''Ninth Grade Five Elements Lotus Platforms'' and so forth. These things are often scarce for hundreds of years, hence many books do not record them."


    Ninth Grade Five Elements Lotus Platform!


    The so-called Lotus Platform, one grade has three flowers and nine petals, normal Lotus Platforms in the world usually range between the second and fourth grade. The Five Elements Lotus Platform that Hua Nongyue exchanged with him for an Earthly Green Lotus Seed was merely ''Second Grade''.


    A Ninth Grade Five Elements Lotus Platform would indeed be needed to assist someone in achieving the eleventh Five Viscera Tempering, truly belonging to illusory items, floating out of reach. Those like Qin Mengjun who are aware of them, wouldn''t even inform their junior disciples to avoid them from being held back in their Cultivation in pursuit of such elusive items. Such Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items are encountered by luck, not sought after.


    "What about the twelfth time?"


    Chen Mu looked at Qin Mengjun with even more curiosity and asked.


    Qin Mengjun pondered for a moment and said, "I''m not certain of the truth, but it is said that Da Xuan Martial Emperor once fortuitously obtained a ''Twelfth Grade Five Elements Lotus Platform'' and with it completed the twelfth Five Viscera Tempering. It was precisely because of such a profound foundation that he was eventually able to bring the Qiankun Martial Body to its pinnacle, completing that crucial step of the Blood Exchange Realm."


    "Since him, no one with the Qiankun Martial Body has been able to reach the Blood Exchange Realm, and this reason also plays a part in that."


    Upon saying this,


    Qin Mengjun could not help but sigh again, saying, "Indeed, he was born with the fortunes of heaven and earth. Since the birth of Martial Arts who knows how many tens of thousands of years ago, only one such person has emerged. It''s not just about human effort; even Nature lends its strength to him."


    "I see..."


    Chen Mu, listening to Qin Mengjun''s words, showed a contemplative expression on his face. It''s no wonder that for a thousand years, no one has been able to reach the pinnacle with the Qiankun Path. If that''s the reason, it indeed surpasses human abilities and requires the favor of heaven and earth''s destiny.


    Let alone a Twelfth Grade Five Elements Lotus Platform, even a Ninth Grade one, he had never seen described in books, only from Qin Mengjun''s narration did he learn about it¡ªit''s entirely illusory, almost legendary.


    "I don''t know how many times you''ve tempered, and you don''t need to elaborate, as it''s your opportunity and secret. However, aside from myself, don''t let more people know about this, as there are many in this world who do not wish to see another true Martial Saint emerge."


    Qin Mengjun looked at Chen Mu with a very serious gaze and said.


    "Yes, disciple will heed the master''s teachings."


    Chen Mu nodded to Qin Mengjun.


    After pondering for a while, Qin Mengjun said, "In the Seven Profound Sect, there is an Artistic Conception Technique called ''Falling Flowers without Trace'', which should be easy for you to master. Once mastered, your Yuan Gang Force will perfectly merge with the Power of Heaven and Earth called forth by the Artistic Conception, indistinguishable from each other. Paired with the Imperial Qi Gathering Technique you have been practicing, no one will be able to discern the strength of your Yuan Gang."


    "From now on, for the next twenty years, you must be cautious of people scheming against you. After these twenty years, there''s no need to worry about that."


    Qin Mengjun then added another sentence. Find adventures on My Virtual Library Empire sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This year, Chen Mu is going to be over thirty years old; in another twenty years, he will either become a Qiankun Grandmaster, free to roam the world and control his own fate, or he will have passed the age at which one could become a Grandmaster. By then, many of the invisible threats would naturally be eliminated.


    "Yes, I will carefully follow the master''s teachings."


    Chen Mu understood Qin Mengjun''s words very well.


    However,


    Twenty years¡­ to him, that might be a little too long.

 Chapter 255 Descending the Mountain

    Seven Profound Sect.Main Hall. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The majestic and imposing hall was dominated by gold and crimson colors. Inside the hall, solemnity and gravity prevailed as seven or eight silhouettes stood firm; they were Peak Masters of various peaks, along with some Grandmasters who were elders of the Sect.


    For a Grandmaster, the time usually spent within the Sect was limited. They were either exploring the outside world or engaging in secluded cultivation. The existence of Grandmasters in the Seven Profound Sect was naturally more than just seven or eight individuals, but it was already a considerable assembly to have eight of them gathered at one time.


    "The chaos in Ice State is escalating. This Heavenly Corpse Sect and the Heavenly Demon Sect seem to have set their hearts on leaning on the foreign races beyond the border, testing if they could seize a State''s land."


    "It looks like the foreign races are only playing along with them, using them to invade the realms first then observe the reactions of the North Garrison Government and the Cold North Path. If a mass attack ensues, those sects would probably retreat beyond the border at the first sign of trouble."


    "The stance of the North Garrison Government is unclear; they likely want the Heavenly Corpse Sect and the Heavenly Demon Sect to deplete the resources of the Ice Extreme Palace, or they want to use this pressure to force the Ice Extreme Palace to submit to the North Garrison Government."


    Voices occasionally rose in the spacious hall, echoing across the vast space.


    Qi Zhiyuan, stationed at the main position, listened to the various discussions of the Peak Masters and elders and shook his head, "Recently, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion has also quieted down considerably. Even in regions where conflicts originally occurred, they have taken the initiative to make concessions to us."


    A faint gleam flashed in his eyes.


    Demons dance wildly, each harboring their own schemes; that''s all there is to it!


    The Heavenly Corpse Sect aimed to plunder enough corpses to refine a large army of undead warriors. The Heavenly Demon Sect wanted to use the living beings of a State as Blood Nourishment to strengthen themselves. The foreign races beyond the border plundered resources such as grain, oil, salt, iron, and kidnapped women for breeding purposes. The North Garrison Government wished to take advantage of the turmoil to weaken the Ice Extreme Palace, to force their allegiance or to expel them from Ice State and then annex the territory.


    The concessions made by the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion were nothing more than a desire for the Seven Profound Sect to join the battle in the chaos of Ice State, to contend with the Heavenly Corpse, Heavenly Demon, and the foreign races, hence the departure from their usual behavior and multiple conciliatory gestures.


    "The strength of the Heavenly Corpse Sect and the Heavenly Demon Sect, which have been hidden for many years, is unknown, and the foreign races beyond the border do not need any introduction. If they were united, they would be far stronger than any Sect. It''s just that they remain divided into tribes and have not been united. Even if we were to rush to assist Ice State, with all other parties sitting by and watching, it''s not guaranteed we could expel all three powers from beyond the border."


    "Ice Extreme Palace has sought our assistance three times, indicating their situation is indeed quite dire. However, we indeed cannot battle alone. It''s not enough for the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion to just make concessions; unless they also put forth an effort and join us in entering Ice State."


    "Those people from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, who claim to be righteous but actually engage in sneaky misdeeds, you expect them to go to Ice State? Don''t make me laugh; there might be a slight possibility if we ask Heavenly Sword Sect instead."


    Someone scoffed.


    Over the years, although the conflict between the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion and the Seven Profound Sect had remained within certain bounds and not escalated, there was mutual animosity, with occasional conflicts between Grandmasters.


    Qi Zhiyuan listened to the discordant debates in the hall and shook his head, exclaiming, "Let''s set aside the matter of Ice State for now; we can''t neglect the border of Lang Prefecture. We need to send more people there. Also, the protectors alone are not enough to hold the position there. Who is willing to go to Lang Prefecture?"


    Lang Prefecture was situated in the northern part of Yu State, adjacent to Ice State and already impacted by the upheavals in Ice State, with many refugees flooding in. Moreover, the Heavenly Demon Sect and even the Heavenly Corpse Sect were active in various border areas.


    Experience new tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    The assembled people looked at each other.


    Soon enough, someone spoke indifferently, "I will go."


    The speaker was dressed in unadorned yellow robes and was none other than Shi Zhenyong, the Peak Master of Earth Profound Peak.


    "Very well, then I''ll entrust this to Peak Master Shi."


    Qi Zhiyuan nodded slightly towards Shi Zhenyong and said, "Peak Master Shi, your role is to act as a deterrent there. It''s better to be open rather than covert. Officially, you can take the role of Yu State''s ''Inspector'' to coordinate all affairs in Lang Prefecture."


    Out of the many Grandmasters in the Seven Profound Sect, Shi Zhenyong wasn''t among the youngest, but neither was he old. At over eighty years of age, he was at a Grandmaster''s prime. His Martial Body was Perfected, and he possessed his own Domain. He was only slightly inferior to top Grandmasters like Qin Mengjun, but if he encountered a top Grandmaster, he had the ability to retreat without being utterly defenseless.


    Of course.


    Qi Zhiyuan knew that Shi Zhenyong''s voluntary willingness to go to Lang Prefecture wasn''t based on utter selflessness or excessive integrity. He wasn''t the same sort of person as Yan Jingqing... The main reason was that Shi Zhenyong had a family business in Lang Prefecture, and the Shi Family had always been the leading family there.


    This time, using the guise of a discussion, Qi Zhiyuan was aware that opinions varied among the attendees, and it was nearly impossible to reach a unanimous decision. And since he was only the ''Acting Sect Master'', his main objective was to send Shi Zhenyong to Lang Prefecture. No matter how chaotic Ice State became, at least Lang Prefecture should not fall into disorder due to the turbulence of Ice State; it had to be controlled within certain limits.


    ...


    Seven Profound Mountain Range.


    Chen Mu stood in a valley, looking like an ordinary Martial Man as he casually practiced punches and kicks. Each movement seemed natural and effortlessly aligned with some profound trajectory in the universe.


    As he moved, the air nearby seemed to ripple like the surface of water, causing visible undulations time and again, yet without much pomp or noise. The plants and flowers in the distance swayed gently as if brushed by an imperceptible breeze, Falling Flowers without Trace.


    "So this is the Falling Flowers without Trace."


    As Chen Mu continued to move his hands and feet, he observed the changes in the surroundings and nodded slightly to himself.

 Chapter 255 Descend the Mountain_2

    Qin Mengjun had him practice a cultivation technique that indeed had extraordinary aspects, as it allowed the Yuan Gang True Essence to be well integrated into the Power of Heaven and Earth, silently dissolving within approximately forty-five feet around him, centering on him."While it is said to be a method of utilizing Yuan Gang, I feel that this technique is probably evolved from the Martial Arts Domain, and it seems more like a ''Domain Embryo Form''."


    Chen Mu stopped his movements and waved his hand in the void in front of him.


    The air, like the surface of water, suddenly rippled, but quickly disappeared.


    In fact, this was a manifestation formed by the integration of his internal Yuan Gang into the Power of Heaven and Earth nearby, resembling a ''miniature domain'', with a very small range of about forty-five feet.


    Moreover, compared to the absolute Control Power within a real Martial Arts Domain and the rejection of any Power of Heaven and Earth not within the will of the self, this Falling Flowers without Trace wasn''t as strong, and nowhere near enough to be mentioned in the same breath as a real Domain.


    Like Qin Mengjun''s Qian Heaven Domain.


    Within those three feet around her body, she could almost truly isolate everything except the Strength of Qian Heaven, whereas his Falling Flowers without Trace, even if it merged within a forty-five feet range around him, was far from accomplishing that.


    "At my current limit, using this Falling Flowers without Trace within a three feet range around me, I can probably achieve an 82% separation." Chen Mu waved his hand again and the air rippled once more.


    At this moment.


    Under the control of his will, he mimicked Qin Mengjun''s manner of forcefully expelling all other Powers of Heaven and Earth except Qian Heaven, but even at his limit, he could at most allow the nearby Qian Heaven to occupy eighty percent while others took up twenty percent.


    Around the body within three feet, an 82% separation is meaningless, but if it could affect a range of forty to fifty feet, it would indeed qualify as a Pseudo Domain, imposing certain suppression on others. An area of three feet could only enhance oneself, but the timing was perfect for him since he did not need that enhancement, because he practiced the complete Qiankun Artistic Conception, which could utilize any natural Momentum.


    "Qiankun Cycle."


    Chen Mu''s eyes flickered slightly, maintaining the technique of Falling Flowers without Trace, he suddenly deployed the Qiankun Artistic Conception on top of it, further transforming the Power of Heaven and Earth within three feet around him towards the Strength of Qian Heaven.


    Falling Flowers without Trace, Heaven and Earth Wheel Turn.


    The combination of these two forces actually raised the Strength of Qian Heaven around Chen Mu by another level, turning it into a 91% separation, where the Strength of Qian Heaven occupied ninety percent and all other powers combined took just ten percent.


    Under such circumstances, Chen Mu went further, deliberately weakening the Kun Earth Artistic Conception, reducing the proportion of Kun Earth even more.


    Finally.


    With a slight flash in his eyes, and a gentle touch of his tiptoe on the ground, his whole body floated up like a feather, reaching the top of a tree more than ten feet high and standing on a green leaf.


    The fine branches of the green leaf bent slightly, yet it held Chen Mu''s weight, allowing him to stand on the green leaf!


    The weight of the human body comes from Kun Earth, completely isolating the Power of the Earth allows one to float in the air like Qin Mengjun. Even if one cannot completely isolate it, achieving a separation of ''nine to one'' or even lower, can make one''s entire body weight seem as light as a feather.


    Chen Mu lightly tapped his foot, and his entire body drifted from the green leaf, sweeping through the air towards the distance. There was no sandstorm or clouds or fog nearby, nothing he could step on to lend him support, but at this moment, as light as a feather, even a single touch in the air was enough for him to ripple the air beneath his feet and leap further away.


    "Although it doesn''t have the effect of suppressing others, with this Falling Flowers without Trace technique, my own performance has become much more flexible. It''s really a pity that I did not learn this technique sooner."


    Chen Mu reflected internally.


    Although cultivation is personal, at times, it truly depends on the mentor to teach the way in.


    Without Qin Mengjun''s guidance, he had no idea when he would have come to know of the existence of Falling Flowers without Trace, let alone cultivating it, and only after achieving some success, did he realize that this technique and Qiankun Artistic Conception were almost a perfect match.


    But compared to Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, Falling Flowers without Trace is much more common; anyone can practice it, yet not many do so, because without the cooperation of the Qiankun Artistic Conception and Heaven and Earth Cycle, its use is actually just so-so.


    The common may not necessarily be bad.


    This too refreshed a part of Chen Mu''s understanding of Martial Arts.


    "Alright, it''s about time to head down the mountain."


    With a thought in his mind, Chen Mu touched back down to the ground and then walked away into the distance.


    Compared to the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, Falling Flowers without Trace was much simpler, with only ''three layers''. Thanks to the efforts of the past month, he had already preliminarily mastered the First Layer, easily incorporating Yuan Gang into the Power of Heaven and Earth. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The second and third layers behind it were indeed developed in the direction of "Pseudo Domain". Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    In fact, Chen Mu had seen this technique before and had even flipped through it, but since the descriptions were all about imitating a domain or something similar, he had only read a few lines before tossing it aside. After all, with his discernment, he would practice the true Martial Arts Domain. In the future, he would eventually cultivate the Qiankun Domain, so he had no regard for something inferior.


    Falling Flowers without Trace?


    Pseudo Domain?


    What are those things, really unfamiliar.


    But following Qin Mengjun''s guidance, after he had mastered it, he had only two words¡ªtruly amazing.


    Putting other things aside for the moment, at least after mastering this technique, he not only truly possessed the ability to "walk on air," but his speed in movement technique had also somewhat increased, greatly enhancing his agility.


    If before he had to consider whether he could surpass a top Grandmaster in speed, now he didn''t need to think too much about it. Unless it was a top Grandmaster who truly specialized in "speed," generally no one could outpace him. Even if Qin Mengjun might be faster in flying escape, on the ground, his Abyssal Ground Shrink was unparalleled in the world.


    Very quickly.


    Chen Mu returned to his own place.


    There wasn''t much to pack; he had always been frugal at the Seven Profound Sect.


    After a brief tidying up.


    Chen Mu went up to the peak''s rear cliff once more, planning to pay another visit to Qin Mengjun, to inform her of his intention to leave the mountain.


    But when Chen Mu arrived at the rear cliff, he happened to run into Meng Danyun, who had also come to visit. Meng Danyun was standing respectfully beside a rock, as if she had been standing there for a while, while Qin Mengjun still seemed to be in a trance.


    Meng Danyun also noticed Chen Mu.


    After paying a slight bow to Qin Mengjun, she quietly moved back a bit and came to Chen Mu''s side.


    "Junior Brother Chen."


    "Has Master zoned out again?"


    Chen Mu asked, looking at Meng Danyun.


    Meng Danyun nodded slightly and said, "I''ve been waiting for a while... The Sect has issued an order, dispatching me to Lang Prefecture, and Senior Brother Chu has also received an order. Junior Brother, have you received one too?"


    "No."


    Chen Mu shook his head and said, "I''ve just entered the Six Viscera Realm not long ago; they probably won''t assign me tasks so quickly. Are both you and Senior Brother Chu going to Lang Prefecture? Then it must have to do with something in the Ice State, right?"


    Meng Danyun said, "Yes, it is said that the border of Lang Prefecture is very unsettled, with frequent sightings of the Heavenly Demon Sect and traces of the Heavenly Corpse Sect. We have to be on guard against these as well as settle the refugees who have fled from the Ice State due to the famine, and we are short-handed."


    Upon hearing Meng Danyun''s words, Chen Mu fell silent for a short moment, then sighed inwardly.


    He had fought against both the Heavenly Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect before. Although he hadn''t encountered the Foreign Race from beyond the border, he had heard a lot about them. He could imagine the hell on earth that Ice State had become, a living nightmare for its people.


    Having lived among the common people himself, he felt far more deeply about this than the high and mighty Grandmasters and Elders.


    Although the Foreign Race was strong, neither the Heavenly Demon Sect nor the Heavenly Corpse Sect was weak. However, if the Eleven State of the Cold North Path worked together, they could easily wipe them out¡ªeven half of the Sect would suffice to quickly stabilize the Ice State.


    Unfortunately, the current state of affairs in the Eleven State of the Cold North Path was such that the various powers harbored ulterior motives, and unity was impossible to achieve.


    In the end, Chen Mu didn''t say much more.


    Although he now possessed a certain level of strength, the idea of pacifying the turmoil in the Ice State was a pipe dream, and the thought of unifying the states of the Cold North Path was even more out of reach. What he could do at present was still to look out for himself and keep moving forward with his blade in hand.


    Since the Seven Profound Sect had not issued any orders for him for the time being, he decided not to dwell on the matters of the Ice State. Together with Meng Danyun, he awaited Qin Mengjun''s return to consciousness, and after each had reported and bid farewell, they went their separate ways down the mountain¡ªone to the south, the other to the north.

 Chapter 256 Let Chen Mu Come

    Yu County.An Yu County.


    Amid the uneven hills, rows of collapsed earthen houses and buildings could be seen as if they had just experienced a disaster.


    Not long ago, the Huanglin mountain range to the north had experienced an earthquake disaster, affecting hundreds of miles in the vicinity. Although people in this world were not accustomed to various disasters, they each had their coping strategies, whether it was repairing buildings or transporting resources, and order was maintained.


    Looking further, scattered villages between these locations also had personnel from the Demon-Slaying Office and the Inspectorate patrolling; partly to maintain order and partly to control the various demons that emerged in unrest because of the natural disaster.


    Far away.


    Approximately a hundred li away, the Huanglin mountain range was bustling with activity. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    An earthquake was also a type of unique disaster that often lead to the earth''s fissures and the collapse of mountains, bringing forth various kinds of resources.


    The nearly hundred li wide Huanglin Mountain Range was quite large. With the eruption of the earthquake, the demons hidden within and beneath the mountains were now in chaos. Some were darting around the mountains while others violently left the mountains to attack the villages.


    Located on the periphery of the Huanglin Mountain Range.


    "Roar!"


    A fierce demon roared, distinctly a Third Rank White Wolf Demon, appearing crazed with visible bloodstains on its body. It suddenly lunged forward, accompanied by a fierce wind, attacking a figure in its path.


    The figure, dressed as a White-Clothed Guard of the Demon-Slaying Office, had a curved chest and a slender waist; it was a young woman. However, her demeanor seemed delicate, not quite matching the temperament of her robe.


    Hiss.


    Seeing the White Wolf Demon attacking, the girl showed no fear. She stood firm on the ground, sword in hand, striking forth.


    She stood like a pristine mountain peak, connected to the earth unmoved, while the sword light in her hand flowed like water, containing within it a blend of Sword Momentum from the Kan Water Sect and Gen Mountain Sect, interweaving together.


    Swish!


    Accompanied by a flash of blood.


    The White Wolf Demon''s neck now bore a deep cut, with a large amount of blood spraying out. Its massive body fell heavily to the side, struggled a few times, and finally reached its limit, unable to rise again. Continue your adventure at My Virtual Library Empire


    At this moment.


    From afar, several Green-Clothed Guards hurried over, observing the scene and complimenting the young woman.


    "Lord Chen''s swordsmanship is incredibly profound; even the White Wolf Demon is no match for Lord Chen,"


    "With such exceptional talents, I think even the Inner Sect Disciples from the Great Sects aren''t as good as Lord Chen by a long shot."


    The Green-Clothed Guards looked at the young woman with awe in their eyes.


    However, this awe was half due to the young woman''s natural talent and strength, and the other half was due to her background and identity. Although her name might not be well-known, in today''s Yu County, she was someone very few people hadn''t heard of.


    Chen Yue!


    Protector of the Spirit Profound Peak of Seven Profound Sect, ranked twenty-seventh on the Cold North Wind Cloud List, the sole sister of Qiankun Blade Chen Mu.


    In today''s Yu County, she was respected by everyone, apart from the few stationed Great Sects. Even the City Lord Xue Huaikong had to show goodwill towards Chen Yue.


    "Quickly take care of this."


    Chen Yue sheathed her sword and spoke calmly.


    Compared to over two years ago when Chen Mu left Yu County, today''s Chen Yue had grown significantly. Her cultivation in the Body Refining Method had reached Tendon Changing Perfection and was not far from the Bone Tempering, mastering two types of Sword Momentum and various swordsmanship techniques.


    Although her appearance was still youthful, there was less naivety in her expression and more a calmness in handling affairs, resembling Hongyu from back then, although not as cold in demeanor as Hongyu.


    "Yes."


    Several Green-Clothed Guards quickly came over to assist Chen Yue in dealing with the White Wolf Demon''s corpse.


    Earthquakes often stirred up the most intense chaos among demons in a "localized" area, but the actual severity of demon troubles triggered by earthquakes was actually much less than some other disasters.


    The reason was straightforward¡ªsince earthquakes tended to center on a mountain range or similar feature, the emergence of resources would swiftly attract powerful individuals from all directions, who would casually slaughter various demons along the way.


    Just like now.


    Inside Huanglin Mountain Range, there had long been the presence of those in Bone Tempering Realm and even Five Viscera Realm, in search of resources; the demons were basically suppressed in minutes. As a White-Clothed Guard like Chen Yue, leading a group, operated only around the peripheral area hunting demons.


    The White Wolf Demon she encountered just now was the fiercest demon she had faced this half-day, but it was no match for her.


    "My lord, there''s a rift in the ground ahead!"


    Just as Chen Yue was dealing with the corpse of the White Wolf Demon, suddenly one of the Green-Clothed Guards who had leapt onto a treetop to survey the surroundings called out to her.


    Chen Yue was just finishing up the most important part, and upon hearing the Green-Clothed Guard''s report, a glint flashed in her eyes as she said,


    "Let''s go have a look."


    The heart of the earthquake at Huanglin Mountain Range had the most intense destruction, even causing the collapse of mountaintops; but in the peripheral areas, there could also be rifts formed due to the unrest of Earth''s Veins, potentially concealing treasures below.


    Given Chen Yue''s status, ordinary treasures hardly caught her eye, and as for things like White-Clothed Guards and hunting demons, she wouldn''t have to do it if she didn''t want to, as no one could force her. However, having been under Chen Mu''s guidance and teaching over the years, she was well aware that Martial Arts required tempering.


    Although she had always been overshadowed by the brilliance of Chen Mu, she also had her own pride; she had trained in the arts for many years to date at Yu Family''s estate, initially to stand on her own to avoid troubling Chen Mu, and later, even more so for self-improvement.

 Chapter 256 Let Chen Mu Come_2

    Therefore,After stepping into the Tendon Changing Realm, she, like the Inner Sect Disciples of various sects, roamed Yu County.


    She had clashed with Sect Disciples and had encountered some perilous situations. Although she was nearly twenty-three years old, her attainment of the Tendon Changing Perfection realm and her swordsmanship and Sword Momentum were not solely cultivated in a sheltered environment. Read exclusive chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    Very soon,


    Chen Yue and several Green-Clothed Guards arrived at the location of the earth fissure.


    They saw that the fissure was about ten zhang long and three feet wide, more than enough to accommodate someone to enter and explore.


    "My lord, the situation below is unclear, please allow me to descend and investigate."


    One of the Green-Clothed Guards said respectfully.


    "I''m willing to go as well."


    Another person volunteered eagerly.


    There could be treasures beneath such fissures, but dangers like demonic creatures might also lurk there, not to mention the possibility of a sudden collapse, burying people under. Although descending to explore might reward them with treasures, if they were following an ordinary White-Clothed Guard, it''s unlikely so many would volunteer.


    But, if the person they followed was Chen Yue, that was a different matter. Although Chen Yue was now a White-Clothed Guard, everyone was aware of her high status. Even Meng Tianzhang, the Bureau Head of the Demon-Slaying Office, was very cordial upon meeting her. Gaining favor and support from Chen Yue meant a chance to soar to the heights, not to mention the prospect of catching Chen Yue''s fancy...


    A Wind Cloud List master''s brother-in-law?


    What sort of status and identity was that?


    Countless young men in Yu County longed to show their attentiveness in front of Chen Yue.


    However, Chen Yue''s outward manner was very similar to Xu Hongyu''s back in the day, distant in her interactions with others. Although not as arrogant as many Sect Disciples, she had never shown special regard to anyone.


    "You go."


    Chen Yue''s gaze swept over the group and selected one.


    Gaining experience in the Martial World did not mean actively seeking danger. For something like investigating a fissure, she naturally wouldn''t rashly descend herself. Having someone volunteer was the best possible outcome.


    The Green-Clothed Guard who received Chen Yue''s permission took a deep breath, his expression first lifted, then he remained calm and serious as he slowly descended into the pitch-black fissure. He quickly vanished from sight.


    Chen Yue and the others waited nearby.


    However,


    As time trickled by, there was no sign of anyone returning.


    "..."


    Chen Yue''s gaze narrowed slightly as she watched the fissure, while the other Green-Clothed Guards exchanged uncertain looks, and none of them volunteered to descend any longer.


    In front of Chen Yue, it was fine to show eagerness, but when it involved life-threatening unknown risks, they thought better of it.


    However,


    Just as Chen Yue was gazing at the fissure, pondering whether to explore further or to mark the location and report back to Xu Hongyu, letting higher-ranking individuals deal with it,


    Noises began to emerge from within the fissure, as if someone was gasping for breath.


    "Wu Yuan?"


    Chen Yue was the first to notice the sound and called out toward the depths of the fissure.


    "...Yes."


    The voice of the Green-Clothed Guard, Wu Yuan, returned from within the fissure, seeming to be out of breath, but apparently not in danger.


    The nearby Green-Clothed Guards relaxed their tense expressions immediately upon hearing this.


    "Why haven''t you come up yet? What are you doing down there?"


    "Wu Yuan, you rascal, hurry up, what''s the situation down there?"


    The guards urged from the edge of the fissure.


    Soon enough,


    There was a change inside the fissure, but the first thing to emerge wasn''t the Green-Clothed Guard Wu Yuan, but a chunk of mineral about one zhang wide, heavy-looking and with a dark, deep color.


    "Quick... catch it..."


    Wu Yuan''s breathless voice came from below.


    The Green-Clothed Guards above had already reacted, helping to haul the chunk of Black Stone up, and then they all revealed astonished looks, each eyeing the mineral with different expressions.


    "Could this be Black Gleam Ore?"


    "Yes, it''s Black Gleam Ore, and it appears to be of superior grade, suitable for forging Treasured Artifacts."


    Someone said in a low voice after careful inspection.


    Even Chen Yue was slightly surprised; she wasn''t very familiar with various resources, but a mineral capable of forging Treasured Artifacts was undoubtedly very precious and of no ordinary value.


    "Is it all like this down there?" S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Yue asked Wu Yuan.


    With a smile on his face, Wu Yuan replied while catching his breath, "Yes, there''s a lot, but this piece is of the best quality, so I brought it up first. There are many more of average quality down there, at least several hundred thousand jin, but we don''t have enough hands."


    Upon hearing this, everyone''s expressions changed, showing a hint of joy.


    Although average quality Black Gleam Ore wasn''t sufficient to forge Treasured Artifacts, it could be used to produce Hundred-Refined Steel. Several hundred thousand jin represented a small ore vein, and they would certainly receive generous rewards upon their return.


    But at that moment,


    An incongruous voice suddenly came from behind.


    "Huh, is there really several hundred thousand jin of Black Gleam Ore here? What a coincidence."


    A group of figures wearing identical attire emerged from the bushes behind. They wore yellow linen with white short-sleeved robes, and each had a distinctive emblem embroidered on their chest, numbering five or six in total.


    At the sight of these people, the Green-Clothed Guards'' expressions changed instantly.


    "Heavenly Seal Sect!"


    Someone said in a low voice.


    In the current Yu County, the Seven Profound Sect held the largest influence, followed by the Heavenly Sword Profound, Blood Concealment, Hehuan, and the other four major sects. But, besides those four sects, there were other sects establishing a presence, Heavenly Seal Sect being one of them.


    Heavenly Seal Sect and Linjiang Pavilion, these two major sects each occupied half of Liang State and were among the great sects of the Cold North Path. Compared to Seven Profound and Heavenly Sword, they were slightly inferior, but the gap was not very large.

 Chapter 256 Let Chen Mu Come_3

    Upon arrival, it was clear that the leader was an Inner Sect Disciple of the Heavenly Seal Sect, while the rest were from the Outer Sect.At this moment,


    Chen Yue, who had been observing the earth fissure, finally stood up and looked back at the disciples of the Heavenly Seal Sect. There was no fear on her face, just an indifferent tone as she said, "This vein was first discovered by the Demon-Slaying Office. According to the rules, it already belongs to the Demon-Slaying Office. Is your Heavenly Seal Sect planning to seize it by force?"


    The leader among the Heavenly Seal Sect''s Inner Sect Disciples, Nie Yi, was taken aback upon seeing Chen Yue. He sized her up and said teasingly, "Does the Demon-Slaying Office''s White-Clothed Guard have such beauties? That official uniform doesn''t suit you at all. You''d look better in a skirt and blouse, which women should wear."


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    "How audacious!" S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "How dare you be so disrespectful!"


    Upon hearing the disrespectful words Nie Yi spoke to Chen Yue, Wu Yuan and the other Green-Clothed Guards immediately reprimanded him.


    As members of the Heavenly Seal Sect''s Inner Sect, they might not dare to respond if they were insulted, but they certainly had the courage to retort on behalf of Chen Yue when Nie Yi was rude to her, especially since Chen Yue was not an ordinary White-Clothed Guard.


    Nie Yi, observing this stance and glancing at Chen Yue, had already guessed something, but he wasn''t afraid and just smiled, saying, "If I''m not mistaken, you must be the sister of ''Qiankun Blade'' from the Seven Profound Sect? I have indeed heard of your name and reputation. Given that, how about we split the obsidian vein half and half, what do you think?"


    Chen Mu had a significant reputation, but Nie Yi was no ordinary character either. The Nie Family was prominent within the Heavenly Seal Sect, and its patriarch was even the current Sect Master. Although he wasn''t the direct heir and was somewhat distant from the main line, he wouldn''t flee just because of a reputation.


    After all, Chen Yue was still just Chen Yue, not Chen Mu himself.


    "Hmph, indulging in bandit-like behavior, is this how your Heavenly Seal Sect, which prides itself as the righteous path, conducts itself?"


    Chen Yue looked at Nie Yi and coldly replied.


    Nie Yi chuckled and said, "What bandit-like behavior are you talking about? You all have just arrived here and discovered this is an obsidian mine. We have also just arrived. Isn''t it fair to share it half and half?"


    As he spoke, he stroked his chin and said, "If Miss Yue is willing to marry into our Heavenly Seal Sect and enter my household, then perhaps this half of the obsidian vein could act as a betrothal gift."


    Upon hearing these words,


    the faces of the many Green-Clothed Guards behind them all showed anger.


    Yet, Chen Yue remained very calm. She looked at Nie Yi contemptuously and scoffed, "I saw that you kept your hair long and carried a feminine air; I actually thought you were a sister. It turns out you''re a man? But I guess you''re probably a weakling, aren''t you? It might be better if you cut off those locks and try wooing men; perhaps that would give you a chance."


    "You..."


    Nie Yi didn''t expect such vulgar and malicious words to come from Chen Yue. Temporarily turning pale with rage, he was unable to restrain his fury and said, "Sharp-tongued girl, let''s see if you have even a fraction of your brother''s skill!"


    As soon as he finished speaking, he lunged toward Chen Yue with a barehanded Fist Seal, like a charging wolf.


    Chen Yue''s eyes flashed with a hint of light. Once she confirmed that Nie Yi was not in the Bone Tempering Realm, she faced him without fear, brandishing her sword to meet the attack. The two immediately clashed, the wolf-like Fist Seals and sword light intertwined in a deadly dance.


    After a brief exchange, Chen Yue realized Nie Yi''s strength was not below hers. After all, he was from the Great Sect''s Inner Sect, and she had heard of the Heavenly Seal Sect''s ''Cangtian Nine Seals.'' However, her prowess was not weak either; both were roughly evenly matched.


    However,


    at that moment, she was sufficiently calm, while Nie Yi''s attacks were tinged with anger. This slight difference might not mean much to those above the Five Viscera Realm, but in the Tendon Changing Realm, even the slightest deviation could be critical.


    Chen Mu had taught her never to get easily provoked by an opponent. Instead, she could try to provoke her adversary. She took Chen Mu''s advice to heart and certainly wasn''t angered by the earlier exchange of words.


    Swish! Swish!


    Nie Yi''s anger-filled attacks inevitably led to a slight disorder in his moves. At first, it was not obvious, but after a series of ten moves, Chen Yue gradually gained the upper hand.


    Nie Yi, realizing something was amiss, tried to calm his mind and turn the situation around. However, at this level of martial arts, once you''ve fallen behind, it''s difficult to reverse the situation. Chen Yue certainly didn''t intend to give him that opportunity.


    From afar,


    several Outer Sect Disciples of the Heavenly Seal Sect saw Nie Yi at a disadvantage and their expressions changed.


    There was a risk of Nie Yi losing, which was not a good sign. On the other side, Chen Yue''s moves were ruthless and decisive. Moreover, she was not an ordinary character. With a brother known throughout the Cold North on the Wind Cloud List and backed by both Chen Mu and the Seven Profound Sect, she wasn''t afraid of killing Nie Yi in a duel. The Martial World was accustomed to life and death, and after all, it was Nie Yi who had provoked the fight.


    If Nie Yi really suffered a mishap and died under Chen Yue''s sword, with the backing of Chen Mu and the Seven Profound Sect, Chen Yue could stand unafraid. However, for the accompanying Outer Sect disciples, that would be a disaster.


    At last,


    someone could no longer restrain themselves and stepped forward to intervene.


    But Chen Yue''s accompanying multitude of Green-Clothed Guards were not just there for show. They immediately stepped forward to block them, and both sides quickly became embroiled in turmoil, the situation escalating rapidly.


    "I underestimated this woman,"


    Nie Yi, pressed beneath Chen Yue''s sword light, secretly sensed trouble.


    He indeed had some knowledge of Chen Yue but wasn''t well-acquainted. Today was his first encounter with her. Although he had now grasped the techniques of her swordsmanship, a fusion of Gen Mountain and Kan Water, and he had measures to counter it, his initial anger had put him at a disadvantage, and he found no opportunity to change his approach.

 Chapter 256 Let Chen Mu Come_4

    Gen Mountain is steady, Kan Water winds continuously, struggling in vain will only drag you deeper.At that moment.


    Nie Yi''s eyes flashed fiercely, suddenly unleashing a Tiger Seal, aiming for Chen Yue''s left shoulder in a do-or-die attack, trying to force her back to find a sliver of space.


    But Chen Yue''s gaze was icy cold. Faced with his ferocious counterattack, she showed no change, continuing to swing her sword down fiercely, completely disregarding the attack on her left shoulder, all to deliver a fatal blow!


    Damn it!


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    Seeing Chen Yue not altering her move, Nie Yi''s pupils contracted violently.


    He hadn''t expected Chen Yue, this woman, to be so ruthless, seemingly prepared to have her arm crippled by him if it meant cutting him in half with her sword.


    But by this moment, both were unable to change their moves, and even if Nie Yi withdrew his, it would be too late to dodge.


    Finally.


    In the next instant, the attacks of both parties arrived almost simultaneously, but the effects were completely different.


    First came Nie Yi''s Tiger Seal claw, tearing towards Chen Yue''s shoulder. Just when it was about to touch her left shoulder, a faint white glow suddenly emanated from her body, instantly blocking Nie Yi''s Tiger Seal, making it as futile as shaking a mountain, unable to advance an inch.


    Meanwhile.


    Chen Yue''s sword slashed fiercely across his flank. The sword''s light tore through his clothing, revealing an exquisitely made soft armor underneath. The sword''s edge couldn''t penetrate or cut open the soft armor''s toughness.


    However, Chen Yue''s slash was not just a cut; it also contained the momentum of flowing water and the imposing presence of a mountain. The two Sword Momentums combined, passing through the soft armor, and forcefully drove the force into his body.


    Bang!


    Nie Yi felt an impact burst through the soft armor into his body, not sure what inside his waist was shattered, only feeling a severe pain spread throughout his body as he was sent flying sideways, spitting out a mouthful of fresh blood.


    Seeing the outcome of the clash between Nie Yi and Chen Yue, the fighting disciples of the Heavenly Seal Sect and the Green-Clothed Guards were all shocked, swiftly pulling back. Some Green-Clothed Guards looked anxiously towards Chen Yue, but seeing her seemingly uninjured, their hearts eased a bit.


    On the other side.


    Several disciples of the Heavenly Seal Sect gathered around Nie Yi, each displaying a look of shock.


    Nie Yi was on the ground, struggling to prop himself up, his gaze falling on his own left flank. Beneath the soft armor, a large area was bruised with shades of blue and purple, the pain within intense.


    "You..."


    He was in so much pain that his forehead was dripping with cold sweat, his look at Chen Yue carrying a mix of anger, shock, and frustration.


    He had anticipated that Chen Yue might, like him, be protected by soft armor, but hadn''t expected that Chen Yue had something even more clever, that faint glow was definitely from an object like the Spirit Jade Pendant, something he wasn''t even qualified to possess¡ªonly his older brother had one.


    "Aren''t you going to scram?"


    Chen Yue coldly watched Nie Yi and the others.


    Several disciples of the Heavenly Seal Sect helped Nie Yi to his feet. Nie Yi, his face deathly pale, looked at Chen Yue and said:


    "You... are quite good..." Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But just as a few Heavenly Seal Sect disciples were about to help Nie Yi retreat, suddenly there came a huge commotion from the distant woods, as something, uprooting trees and overturning forest like a landslide, approached rapidly. Before it could be seen clearly, its terrifying momentum had everybody gasping for breath.


    As that huge beast broke through ancient trees to get closer, it turned out to be a fourth-rank giant demon bear. However, this demon bear did not pay any attention to Chen Yue and the others, but fled in panic, as if something horrifying was chasing it from behind.


    The momentum of the fourth-rank demon beast was terrifying and appalling, instantly freezing everyone on the spot.


    However.


    Almost at the next moment, the movements of the demon bear came to an abrupt halt.


    Out of nowhere, a middle-aged man appeared in front of the demon bear, pinched a ''Crane'' seal in his hand, and with a casual, floating strike from the air, shattered the bear''s skull, caving it in. The colossal body swayed feebly in a struggle before collapsing with a thunderous crash.


    The middle-aged man landed gracefully and then turned his gaze towards Chen Yue, Nie Yi, and the rest nearby.


    "Hmm?"


    Noticing Nie Yi''s condition, his brow furrowed slightly, and with a single step he was beside Nie Yi, pressing a hand against his waist. His expression immediately darkened.


    Nie Yu''s gaze shifted towards Chen Yue and the others not far away. After a cursory scan, it rested on Chen Yue and he said coldly, "White-Clothed Guard? From the Seven Profound Sect? Such a vicious strike, isn''t your heart a bit too malicious?"


    As he spoke.


    The power of Heaven and Earth nearby seemed to tremble, a chill penetrating the void, causing everyone including Chen Yue to feel an icy coldness in their bodies.


    Nie Yi was a junior he valued highly, one who might not become a core disciple in the future but had great prospects of transcending Bone Tempering to step into the Five Viscera Realm. This severe injury had almost certainly cut off Nie Yi''s future potential to reach the Five Viscera Realm!


    Under Nie Yu''s oppressive aura, not only were Chen Yue and the others suppressed in place, unable to move, but even the Outer Sect disciples of the Heavenly Seal Sect were trembling.


    "Demon-Slaying Office, Chen Yue, greets the senior."


    Chen Yue managed to withstand Nie Yu''s pressure and saluted toward Nie Yu.


    The person was undoubtedly an elder of the Heavenly Seal Sect, a Steward or Protector perhaps, but she was very clear that the greater the Sect, the more it adhered to the rules of the Martial World. By acting as a junior, stating her identity, she had blocked many of Nie Yu''s excuses to trouble her.


    When to be proud and when to retreat, she distinguished clearly.


    Nie Yu''s brow furrowed slightly: "Chen Yue?"


    This name he had heard as well, and although she was not a disciple of the Seven Profound Sect, her identity was somewhat more troublesome. After all, Chen Mu was now a master of the Wind Cloud List and a well-known figure throughout the Eleven States of the Cold North Path.


    If she had been someone without any background, he could have slapped her to death on the spot, no matter her age or status. If she were just an ordinary disciple of the Seven Profound Sect, he wouldn''t care about delivering a disciplinary strike or two. But Chen Yue was not someone he could afford to mess with carelessly.


    But after a brief pause, Nie Yu still snorted coldly, "Heartless and vicious in your actions, it seems your elder brother has not taught you well. To prevent you from straying down an evil path at such a young age, it would be best for you to reflect on your actions at our Heavenly Seal Sect!"


    As a Sect Protector of the Heavenly Seal Sect, he did not need to give way to Chen Mu''s sister, at least not without losing face. It would have to be Chen Mu himself appearing in person to make it necessary. With Chen Mu absent, he could detain Chen Yue and have Chen Mu come to the Heavenly Seal Sect to collect her later!

 Chapter 257 Dont Be Afraid

    Chen Yue''s complexion slightly changed, and she didn''t expect Nie Yu to be so unreasonable, intending to bully the weak. She knew that Chen Mu in front of Nie Yu wasn''t necessarily afraid, but if she were taken to the Heavenly Seal Sect, she would bring great trouble to Chen Mu.After all, the Heavenly Seal Sect wasn''t just any minor sect, but a grand Great Sect.


    Moreover,


    the key point was, for a moment Chen Yue even suspected that Nie Yu''s target wasn''t her at all but was actually aimed at Chen Mu. It just so happened that this time he forcefully concocted a somewhat plausible excuse. Otherwise, according to the rules of the Martial World, misfortune shouldn''t extend to family members. Even now, with many fearing Chen Mu, they wouldn''t easily use her or people like Xu Hongyu to plot against Chen Mu.


    After all, once such a precedent was set, they could do it, Chen Mu could do it, and the Seven Profound Sect could do it too.


    "The blade and sword are blind, life and death unpredictable, where does the ferocity come from, elder bullying the junior this way might ruin the reputation of the Heavenly Seal Sect if it were to spread."


    At this moment, Chen Yue, despite Nie Yu''s oppressive aura, fiercely responded with a deep voice. S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Nie Yu snorted coldly and said, "Sharp-tongued, you are not qualified to argue with me. Let your brother come and speak to me himself!"


    Accompanying the fall of his words,


    Nie Yu gestured towards Chen Yue from a distance, his five fingers forming a ''dragon'' seal, reaching out remotely with a dragon grasp, attempting to pull Chen Yue from several tens of feet away directly towards him.


    In the void, Yuan Gang True Essence converged, forming a dragon soaring towards Chen Yue.


    Chen Yue wanted to dodge immediately, but the gap between her and Nie Yu was too great. She felt as though the surrounding Heaven and Earth had turned into a solid substance, preventing her from moving even a finger as she watched helplessly the Azure Dragon Seal grabbing towards her.


    The nearby Green-Clothed Guards, such as Wu Yuan and others, were also anxious in their hearts, but at this moment they were powerless and couldn''t move at all. Although their cultivation was not as strong as Chen Yue''s, many had clear minds and knew that if Nie Yu took away Chen Yue, it would certainly cause a disturbance. However, Nie Yu being a Sect Protector of the Heavenly Seal Sect and a formidable Six Viscera Realm warrior, unless the Sect Protector of the Seven Profound Sect or Inspector Yan Jingqing himself were present, who could stop him?


    However,


    just as everyone was suppressed by Nie Yu''s imposing aura, unable to move, the most noticed person, Chen Yue, suddenly felt her body loosen up, and she could move again as the nearby oppressive force seemed to have dissipated into nothingness.


    She was startled at first, but then she saw, the Azure Dragon Seal was already close to her face.


    "Don''t be afraid, hit him."


    A familiar and gentle voice suddenly came to her ears.


    Chen Yue blinked, then a light flashed in her eyes. There was no time to wield her sword, almost instinctively, she lifted her right hand, her slender fingers coming together as a Palm Blade, slashing down towards the Azure Dragon Seal.


    Buzz!!!


    Though it was merely a minor Palm Blade from a Tendon Changing Martial Artist and looked ordinary, upon striking down, it somehow stirred the Power of Heaven and Earth within dozens of feet around.


    In a burst of disbelief, a terrifying palm wind formed by the converging Power of Heaven and Earth and struck the Azure Dragon Seal, forcibly shattering its thick dragon claws and then destroying its dragon head and body!


    The aftermath did not settle down.


    It continued to roar towards Nie Yu in the distance.


    "This..."


    Nie Yu''s complexion greatly changed.


    He realized the danger but felt an immense terror surge in his heart, and without time to dodge, he immediately crossed his hands in front of him to form a Fist Seal, striking against the terrifying palm wind.


    "Yellow Dragon Seal¡¤Regretful Overlord Dragon!"


    The violent Yuan Gang True Essence transformed into a visible yellow dragon, surging and roaring from the Fist Seal, churning wildly as it collided with the incoming palm wind.


    In an instant, the nearby ground exploded within several meters, ancient trees shattered and collapsed, countless leaves whirled, and the roaring aftermath swept away people like Nie Yi nearby, throwing them out.


    Only on Chen Yue''s side,


    when the aftermath reached her, it silently dissipated into nothingness, showing her standing there, sword hanging by her waist, strands of hair fluttering in the wind, standing firm and unmoved, almost looking like a famously serene fairy from the Martial World.


    And the palm wind that burst forth from her clashed with Nie Yu''s Yellow Dragon Seal. After a brief standoff, it simply crushed and broke through, rolling over violently and eventually hitting Nie Yu under his stunned gaze.


    "Puh!"


    A mouthful of fresh blood spurted out, and his entire body flew horizontally.


    But even as he was hurled backward, his movements were quick; almost instinctively, he performed a fish leaping gesture, reversing his body and seizing the momentum to attempt an escape.


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    Chen Yue stood watching this scene, still in a daze, when another voice came to her ear.


    "Fly the sword at him."


    Flying Sword?


    A gleam of mischief flashed through Chen Yue''s eyes, immediately grasping the meaning; with a clang, she drew her sword and then threw it forward towards Nie Yu''s retreating figure.


    In an instant, the sword light broke through the air, attacking in the direction of Nie Yu''s escape. Initially, it seemed to possess no great force, but as the sword light broke through the air, more and more Power of Heaven and Earth surged, pouring into the sword and making the sword light grow ever more intense, like a beam of bright moonlight, in a blink crossing dozens of feet of the void, directly striking at Nie Yu''s back.

 Chapter 257 Dont Be Afraid_2

    Nie Yu sensed the disturbance behind him and was terrified in his heart.For a moment, he had no time to turn around and defend; instinctively, he raised his arms, formed a seal in front of him, and stimulated his Yuan Gang True Essence as well as the Power of Heaven and Earth to its maximum. A dark green circle of energy formed around his body.


    "Mystic Tortoise Seal¡¤Boundless Imperial Defense!"


    However, the sword light was vast like a river inundating the area, cutting through the sky''s radiance and piercing the void. With just one strike, it penetrated the dark green energy circle, puncturing it completely, and then, it drew an arc in the distance before reverting back to an ordinary Green Edge Sword, flying back in front of Chen Yue and landing in his hands.


    Nie Yu, suspended in mid-air, watched as the dark green circle of energy briefly solidified, then shattered like glass. He plummeted to the ground, disbelief lingering in his eyes.


    He was, after all, a revered Six Viscera Realm expert, not on the Wind Cloud List, but still one of the extremely strong individuals right below it. He had no particular fear of Chen Mu and even considered exploiting Chen Yue due to the threat of Chen Mu. Yet, his prided Dragon Turtle Dual Seal was easily destroyed, as if it was made of paper.


    Even then,


    he still could not determine the source of that power!


    Chen Yue gently raised her right hand, caught the handle of the Green Edge Sword flying back, sheathed it, and looked far in the direction where Nie Yu had fallen, her large eyes also revealing a hint of shock.


    Although she was only a Tendon Changing Martial Artist, not yet stepping into the Bone Tempering Realm, today''s Yu County was not the same as before, and neither was her status. Her vision was there; she could tell that Nie Yu was no ordinary man, probably much stronger than some of the Five Viscera Stewards of the Seven Profound Sect. Yet, such a significant figure was impaled by her "Flying Sword," as if it was done in jest.


    Is this,


    the strength of her brother, who had stepped into the ranks of the Wind Cloud List?


    Yes.


    The voice that rang in her ears, she had heard countless times since childhood, even though it had been two and a half years since she last heard it, the familiarity and warmth could never be waved away.


    Chen Yue, realizing what had happened, was equally stunned, not to mention the group of Green-Clothed Guards from the Demon-Slaying Office behind her, who were almost popping their eyes out in astonishment.


    After all, in their eyes,


    it was merely Chen Yue lightly waving her hand, severing the attacking Azure Dragon Seal, sending Nie Yu, a significant figure, soaring away, followed by a sword thrown into the air, penetrating him from dozens of yards away!


    Of course, everyone reacted quickly, after a brief shock, they knelt down in succession, heads knocking on the ground... That power clearly was not Chen Yue''s; a real significant figure had arrived.


    "Yue''er has grown up,"


    a gentle voice came.


    Chen Yue turned around and saw the familiar figure she had longed for day and night, quietly standing there, smiling softly at her.


    "Brother!"


    All the stern, calm expressions vanished from Chen Yue''s previously solemn face, the pride of Yu City''s young Tendon Changing Perfection also disappeared, leaving only a joyfully delighted girl. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But still, she had grown up compared to the past; she did not rush towards Chen Mu but walked up to him and joyfully asked, "Brother, how come you are here?"


    "I returned from the Seven Profound Sect, reached this place in Yu City, saw the disturbances on the earth and inquired about it, heard that you were around, and so I rushed over," Chen Mu cheerfully explained.


    Gazing at the young woman in front of him, clad in Demon-Slaying White-Clothed Guard attire, looking somewhat heroic, he fondly remembered the cute little girl from years ago. Although she had now fully grown up, in his eyes, she was still the little girl who had depended on him for many years.


    He had actually arrived very early, already present by her side during her fight with the White Wolf Demon, just observing Chen Yue''s growth. Later, when Chen Yue and Nie Yi crossed hands, he watched from the side, only intervening when Nie Yu arrived to bully the younger, finally making his move.


    Throughout the entire process, not just Chen Yue, but even Nie Yu, a Six Viscera Realm Protector, hadn''t noticed his presence. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have dared to bully the younger in front of him.


    Imperial Qi Gathering and Falling Flowers without Trace had nearly brought his stealth skills to the level of the Blood Hidden Pavilion.


    Chen Yue looked up at the face in front of her, one that was the same as she remembered from when he had left but now seemed even more distinguished and imposing than two years ago. Admiration filled her big eyes, and her heart was bursting with things to say, though she didn''t know where to start. Eventually, she just whispered:


    "Brother, won''t there be trouble since you killed that person from the Heavenly Seal Sect?"


    Chen Mu chuckled softly.


    Glancing towards Nie Yu, he said, "The Heavenly Seal Sect is indeed a Great Sect. However, just a protector is nothing to worry about. Daring to break the rules and bully the weaker, he brought his death upon himself. Moreover, when have I ever been afraid of these things?"


    He was no longer the insignificant persona from Yu City, who had to conceal his identity and act cautiously. He was a celebrated figure on the Wind Cloud List, a man who could roam the world freely. Anyone who harbored ill intentions towards Chen Yue would face his wrath.


    Besides.


    Having mastered the Qiankun Artistic Conception, he was now a prominent figure in the entire Cold North Path, watched by countless Sects. A little more or less trouble hardly made a difference to him.


    This trip back to Yu County was ostensibly to visit Chen Yue and Hongyu and others, but in reality, he planned to take Chen Yue and Hongyu, along with the others, to the State Government Office in Yu State, to stay away from Yu County for the time being.


    When he had first left Yu County, he had not yet found his footing in the Seven Profound Sect, nor was he familiar with the State Government Office in Yu State. It was naturally impossible to settle Chen Yue, Hongyu, and the others there, but now things were different. With his status, he indeed might attract some troubles, like what just happened with Nie Yu.


    Listening to Chen Mu''s words,


    Chen Yue''s eyes gleamed with light.


    Yes, this was her brother, Chen Mu, a high-ranking warrior on the Wind Cloud List, the top prodigy of the Cold North Road, a near Grandmaster. Recalling their past of clinging together in those small, dilapidated rooms, her brother near death from illness, and now, in merely a decade, he had risen to be a towering figure of influence. Even the martial world tales and heroic biographies told by many storytellers paled in comparison to the wondrous experiences shared with her brother. Looking back, it almost seemed like a dream. Experience more on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Speaking of which, this land calamity also seems rather interesting. Would you like to come with me and have a look inside?"


    At that moment, Chen Mu looked towards the depths of the Huanglin Mountain Range.


    This was also his first encounter with a land calamity. Since it happened to occur, why not tour around? Perhaps he could understand more of the mysteries of heaven and earth. With his current level of strength, he was already very different from his past.


    "Can I go?"


    Chen Yue blinked her eyes.


    "Let''s go."


    Chen Mu smiled, took her hand, and they both headed deep into the Huanglin Mountain Range.


    ...


    The Huanglin Mountain Range had a unique environment.


    The outermost part was a very ordinary mountain range, even containing some villages that had grown around the mountain. But moving towards the inner parts, the Power of Kan Water in the atmosphere became much denser, often maintaining a humid state.


    At the very interior, there was a sunken valley. Normally, this type of terrain should form a lake, but here, there was no accumulation of water. Instead, it was a roughly ten-mile wide marshland.


    "When Kan Water is abundant, Kun Earth is also abundant. Kun Earth swallows Kan Water, thus preventing the formation of an inner lake and instead turning it into a marsh."


    Chen Mu, holding Chen Yue''s hand, arrived at the edge of the marsh, gazing out over the muddy terrain.


    Chen Yue felt slightly uncomfortable at that moment, not because of the occasional rotten smell from the marsh, but because Chen Mu was pulling her arm, and his speed was a bit too fast.


    It almost felt like speeding thunder, as if she had shot up into the clouds. In an instant, Chen Mu had brought her from the outskirts to the innermost part of the Huanglin Mountain Range. Fortunately, as a practitioner of Tendon Changing Perfection, she was not prone to nausea.


    In the distance.


    Though not visible, the faint sounds suggested that martial artists were fighting.

 Chapter 258 Harvest

    Above the swamp.Two figures were entangled in combat, one of whom was slightly aged, clad in a bright red official uniform, holding a red broadsword in his hand. With each swing, billows of fiery flames surged, revealing none other than Meng Tianzhang, the Bureau Head of the Demon-Slaying Office.


    In the past, when Meng Tianzhang was stationed in Yu City, he rarely went out. Whenever a demon disaster occurred, he generally stayed within the city. However, with the current political changes in Yu County, not to mention the people and horses of the other great sects, there were more than three or four stewards from the Seven Profound Sect in Yu City, as well as protectors present. Not to mention Yan Jingqing, a high-ranking expert on the Wind Cloud List, Meng Tianzhang was much freer than before.


    "Meng Sir''s mastery of the Separating Fire Artistic Conception to the second level is indeed extraordinary, but in this water marsh, without the geographical advantage, it will be somewhat difficult for you to contend with me. Why not hand over that piece of ''Black-bone Wood'' to me?"


    The person entangled with Meng Tianzhang was a steward from Linjiang Pavilion, wielding a longsword, occasionally stirring up strands of water traces with his swings, crisscrossing and churning from the swamp, trapping Meng Tianzhang in place, making it difficult for him to escape. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At this moment, Meng Tianzhang clearly lacked the intent to fight. On his back, he carried a long, roughly two-foot piece of black wood that looked rotten yet seemed very tough. He was trying to break free in every direction.


    Black-bone Wood.


    A kind of spiritual object that grows deep in the mud and marshes, with not insignificant medicinal value.


    "Hmph!"


    Meng Tianzhang sneered, swinging his red broadsword and shattering the incoming water traces, the fierce flames rolling up and forcibly clearing a path as he attempted to rush out.


    However, the effectiveness of the Separating Fire Artistic Conception was ultimately limited here; he managed to charge only a dozen yards before getting entangled again.


    But Meng Tianzhang was not panicked. He continued to strike with his sword while he coldly scoffed, "Even if you have the geographical advantage, it won''t be that easy for you alone to trouble an old man like me."


    Guo Wen, the steward from Linjiang Pavilion facing him, replied with a light smile, "Indeed, I alone cannot trouble Meng Sir, but are you confident you can face two against one?"


    As his words echoed.


    Meng Tianzhang''s expression changed slightly when he saw another figure approaching from afar, arriving close in an instant¡ªit was yet another steward from Linjiang Pavilion, apparently having communicated with each other by some means.


    With the two working together, Meng Tianzhang''s pressure suddenly doubled; previously able to make dashes left and right, now he could only defend himself in place, and was clearly somewhat hard-pressed. Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Meng Sir, there''s no need to persist. Leave the Black-bone Wood, and we won''t make things difficult for you," Guo Wen said while wielding his sword, addressing Meng Tianzhang.


    Meng Tianzhang was no ordinary character; it was only because of the land''s influence that he was suppressed by their advantage. If they were outside, even if two people worked together, it might not be easy to stop him. At this moment, it was all for the sake of seizing the treasure.


    Meng Tianzhang was also secretly annoyed. If he were in a place where he wasn''t affected, he wouldn''t fear facing two against one, but the situation was now perilous. It was not easy to obtain the Black-bone Wood only to let it slip through his fingers easily, but the circumstances were beyond his control. Guo Wen and the other did not attack lethally¡ªone, for fear he might destroy the Black-bone Wood, and two, because they did not wish to fight to the death with him.


    Why are there no other stewards from the Seven Profound Sect nearby?


    Seeing the situation was unfavorable, and Guo Wen''s moves were gradually becoming fiercer, Meng Tianzhang silently shook his head, prepared to give up, when suddenly a voice came from not far away.


    "Meng elder, it''s been years since our last encounter, your conditioning seems quite robust."


    Whoosh!!!


    Following that voice, the water traces stirred up by Guo Wen and his companion, which were entwining them and their swords, suddenly burst one after another, dissipating into mist.


    Both Guo Wen and his companion were startled and hastily retreated, looking towards the direction of the voice.


    They saw two figures approaching across the swamp, still twenty or thirty yards apart, but the Power of Heaven and Earth nearby seemed to be influenced by some force, constantly roiling and surging.


    "A decrepit old man, hardly worthy of being addressed as ''elder'' by Protector Chen," Meng Tianzhang replied, lowering his red broadsword, not minding Guo Wen and his companion, but chuckling as he looked towards the people coming from afar, his eyes reflecting deep contemplation.


    Despite the distance, he couldn''t mistake the voice¡ªhe knew Chen Mu, who once cultivated in the Demon-Slaying Office for a lengthy period and was closely associated with Meng Danyun. He paid much attention to Chen Mu.


    But.


    Three or four years ago, Chen Mu was an official under his command in the Demon-Slaying Office. Later, he was promoted to Metropolitan Commander by Yan Jingqing, still a junior under his command, and at that time he hadn''t even reached the Five Viscera Realm.


    But now, in just a short three or four years, Chen Mu had not only surpassed him, stepping into the Six Viscera Realm, becoming a protector of the Seven Profound Sect, but also¡ªlike Yan Jingqing¡ªhad a place on the Wind Cloud List, his strength and status completely transformed compared to the past!


    He remembered the time when that youth had come to the Demon-Slaying Office, respectfully asking to borrow the Xun Wind Diagram for cultivation. In the blink of an eye, Chen Mu had far surpassed Meng Family''s pride, the genius ''Meng Danyun'', and could even stand on equal footing with Yan Jingqing. What a dreamlike twist of fate.


    There, Chen Mu, with Chen Yue in tow, walked across the mud marsh as if on solid ground, heading their way, while Guo Wen and the other Linjiang Pavilion steward realized they were in an unfavorable situation, their faces changing drastically.


    Swoosh! Swoosh!!


    Without any hesitation, the two of them turned to flee into the distance.


    However, Chen Mu''s expression remained calm, as he merely raised his hand towards them from afar and made a grasping gesture, "Why in such a hurry to leave?"

 Chapter 258 Harvest_2

    Whoosh!Below, the muddy swamp suddenly exploded, murky muck shooting into the sky, churning violently. It split into two from the center, much like two mud dragons charging directly towards Guo Wen and his companion. In an instant, it engulfed them, effortlessly crushing the Yuan Gang True Essence and The Power of Heaven and Earth they had summoned, and snatched them back from afar.


    Feeling that irresistible force, both Guo Wen and his companion wore expressions of horror. Although they hadn''t seen Chen Mu before, and he wasn''t wearing the attire of the Seven Profound Sect, with such level of power, and considering Meng Tianzhang''s referral to "Protector Chen," they couldn''t fail to guess Chen Mu''s identity.


    Whoosh!!


    The muck roiled and after sweeping the two men back, it surged again, forcibly casting them into the swamp, leaving only their heads exposed above the surface.


    Chen Yue glanced at Guo Wen and his companion; she had heard of these figures, stewards of the Linjiang Pavilion. Yet in front of Chen Mu, they couldn''t escape even from a distance of twenty or thirty paces, as easily plucked back as little chicks.


    "Bureau Head, sir."


    Soon arriving near Meng Tianzhang, Chen Yue still politely greeted him.


    No matter how high Chen Mu''s status now was, before Meng Tianzhang she was still a junior; moreover, since she''d joined the Demon-Slaying Office, he had taken good care of her, showing much kindness.


    Meng Tianzhang waved his hand with a smile, signaling Chen Yue needed no formalities, and then he exchanged a few pleasantries with Chen Mu.


    Afterwards.


    Chen Mu turned his gaze to Guo Wen and his companion.


    Both of them dared not even breathe heavily at this moment. When Chen Mu looked their way, Guo Wen tentatively said, "Protector Chen...we didn''t strike Meng with a deadly intent..."


    Competing for treasures was nothing unusual in the Martial World, but encountering such a mighty figure from an opposing force meant they had no choice but to count themselves unlucky. Fortunately, they had harbored only the intent to seize the treasure. Otherwise, Chen Mu might not even be inclined to listen to them.


    Chen Mu glanced at the two men and said indifferently, "Each of you, give up one treasured artifact."


    "Yes, yes."


    Guo Wen and his companion hurriedly complied, feeling the restraints on them loosen at last. They struggled out from the muck and, rummaging through their belongings, Guo Wen produced a Water Element Bead while the other man, with a pained expression, handed over his sword tinged with strands of Water Essence - the finest treasure he possessed, the ''Blue Water Sword''. Now, he dared not withhold it.


    Seeing that both men were sensible enough, Chen Mu looked to Meng Tianzhang and asked, "What do you think, Bureau Head Meng?"


    Meng Tianzhang shook his head slightly; he bore no grudge against Guo Wen and his companion.


    Seeing this, the two men finally breathed a sigh of relief. Upon Chen Mu''s gesture, they each bowed cautiously, then quickly retreated into the distance until they were out of sight.


    Chen Mu weighed the Blue Water Sword in his hand, flicking the blade with his finger. It bent lightly under the pressure and then sprang back straight, rippling with a thread of Water Essence.


    "Not bad at all."


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    He nodded slightly and handed the sword to Chen Yue beside him.


    The sword was indeed of great quality, nearly matching his own Flowing Fire Blade. Although not reaching the level of a Spiritual Artifact, it was among the finest Treasured Artifacts. It was a bit too much for the current Chen Yue, but once she stepped into the Bone Tempering Realm and began to grasp Artistic Conception, it would suit her well.


    Chen Yue joyfully accepted the Blue Water Sword, and after trying it out a little, she quickly grew fond of it. Her previous sword, albeit of high quality and close to a Treasured Artifact, wasn''t a genuine one. This one, an exquisite piece among Treasured Artifacts, contained a hint of Kan Water nature, well-matching her Swordsmanship.


    Having obtained the Ebony Wood, Meng Tianzhang no longer had plans to explore further. After a few more pleasantries, he headed towards the outskirts of the Huanglin Mountains, while Chen Mu led Chen Yue deeper inside.


    Chen Yue followed Chen Mu obediently. This place was treacherous, normally beyond her qualification to enter. A single misstep could result in falling into a swamp, and even with Tendon Changing Perfection cultivation, one might drown, unable to escape the mire. After all, Tendon Changing Realm Martial Artists were still mere mortals. But now, with Chen Mu leading, it felt like walking on level ground.


    Muddy swamp or wetland, their path was clear and unobstructed.


    Soon.


    They approached the very center of the wetland.


    The terrain here was even more peculiar, with a cracked crevice spreading from the center of the swamp. Nearby, water continuously flowed into the crack, a spectacle seemingly caused by the rupture of Earth''s Veins due to seismic activity


    "Scared?"


    Chen Mu arrived at the edge of the crevice and smiled at Chen Yue.


    Chen Yue blinked and said, "Of course not, with you here, brother."


    Chen Mu chuckled and, taking Chen Yue''s hand, stepped into the crevice. They plummeted straight downward, dropping fifty or sixty feet before finally landing in a soft bog below.


    There, they could faintly sense intense fluctuations of energy ahead, in the deeper parts of the swamp, with individuals clashing at least at the level of Meng Danyun. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Right away.


    Chen Mu made no effort to conceal his aura, pulling Chen Yue forward. With each step, his Qiankun Artistic Conception unfolded, the nearby Power of Heaven and Earth churned, and a formidable presence spread in all directions.


    Deep within the swamp, those engaged in battle felt Chen Mu''s approaching aura and came to an abrupt halt.

 Chapter 258 Harvest_3

    "Who?!" Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality."Qiankun? Is it him?"


    In an instant,


    the closest presence to Chen Mu suddenly retracted and vanished, then sped away into the distance. The fluctuations spreading along the Earthly Swamp and Earth''s Veins calmed down in the blink of an eye.


    Although the vast majority of people had never met Chen Mu face-to-face, the surging Power of Heaven and Earth, accompanied by the torrential aura of Qiankun Artistic Conception, left no doubt. Across the entire Cold North Path Eleven State, there were but a few who had cultivated to this degree. Among them, the most likely to appear here was naturally only one¡ª


    Seven Profound Sect, twenty-seventh on the Wind Cloud List, Chen Mu!


    Even though, back then, many believed Chen Mu''s placement on the twenty-seventh spot of the Wind Cloud List was somewhat exaggerated due to his cultivation only within the Five Viscera Realm at that time. Now that Chen Mu had stepped into the Six Viscera Realm and his status as a Sect Protector of Seven Profound Sect had spread, such a step solidified his seat on the List without question, his presence unparalleled except by Grandmasters.


    Even those from sects like Heavenly Sword Sect and Linjiang Pavilion, the powerful Six Viscera Realm experts comparable to Chu Jingsui, had no interest in meeting Chen Mu face-to-face and quickly retreated upon sensing his presence.


    Therefore,


    In Chen Yue''s eyes, she saw herself and Chen Mu moving unimpeded, striding through the depths of the swamp. Along the way, they saw many traces of battle but not a single soul, as if everyone had scattered with the wind before Chen Mu''s arrival.


    Eventually, Chen Mu led her to the deepest part of this underground swamp, where they finally encountered a figure.


    "Protector Chen."


    The figure was a Sect Protector of Seven Profound Sect, Xu Zheng, who stood at the edge of a muddy tarn, turning back to clasp his hands towards Chen Mu with a smile, "Originally, quite a few people wanted to try their luck with this tarn, but as soon as Protector Chen arrived, they all fled with the wind."


    Chen Mu was somewhat unfamiliar with Xu Zheng, having never seen him before, but Chen Yue had met him; she dutifully gave a respectful bow, saying, "Chen Yue pays her respects to Protector Xu."


    Xu Zheng returned the smile to Chen Yue, "Haven''t I told you before, no need for formalities when you see me."


    Traditions must not be abandoned. It wouldn''t do for her to develop an arrogant temperament. Protector Xu, please don''t spoil her too much."


    Chen Mu responded amicably, and then led Chen Yue a few steps forward, arriving at the edge of the tarn. With a brief perception, he remarked, "Is there something beneath this?"


    "There should be, but it can''t be brought up easily."


    Xu Zheng nodded to Chen Mu, explaining, "The Power of the Veins in this tarn is tremendously turbulent and chaotic. I can only dive down about twenty meters, nowhere near the bottom, and the same goes for everyone else; no one has been able to find anything."


    This place was already seventy or eighty meters under the earth, and they could reach it due to the Earth''s Veins fracturing from seismic activity¡ªotherwise, even those in the Six Viscera Realm would find it difficult to dive so deep. Diving even deeper was, naturally, an even greater challenge.


    Xu Zheng and many other Six Viscera Realm Protectors were lingering here, unwilling to leave. They were hoping for someone cultivated in the ''Dui Ze'' or Five Elements ''Earth Spirit'' lineages to arrive who could dive down; then, they would have a chance to claim a share of the spoils.


    But unexpectedly,


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    Before any such experts from the Dui Ze lineage could arrive, came Chen Mu, a high-ranking figure on the Wind Cloud List. All at once, everyone scattered like birds and beasts, knowing that even if Chen Mu could dive down, snatching Spiritual Objects from him would be nothing short of a fantasy, hardly feasible unless by a Grandmaster.


    Chen Mu stood at the edge of the tarn, first sensing the condition within, and then with a step, his entire figure submerged into the tarn, diving deeper and deeper.


    As Xu Zheng had mentioned,


    The deeper one went, the more chaotic the Power of the Veins became in the tarn, making it difficult for even a high-tier Six Viscera Realm expert to dive past twenty meters.


    But the current Chen Mu was far from ordinary among those of the Six Viscera Realm. In terms of Yuan Gang True Essence, he was almost on par with Grandmasters. As for the power of Artistic Conception, he had control over Qiankun, mastered the elements, and could thus use the Dui Ze swamp to his advantage.


    Twenty meters,


    Thirty meters,


    Forty meters,


    ...


    Continuing to dive nearly fifty meters, Chen Mu finally felt that he had reached the bottom of the tarn. Although he could continue to delve deeper with his methods, there was no need. Not far ahead, he could sense an unusual flow of Earth''s Veins.


    Walking a few steps forward, and though sightless in the deep tarn, he could clearly discern what lay at the bottom.


    "Is this... hm, this thing?"


    Chen Mu slowly reached in and pulled a murky-colored stone from the depths of the swamp.


    As he held the tainted stone in his hand, the surrounding fiercely flowing mud started to calm down, the chaotic Power of the Veins became pacified, and the entire swamp gradually showed signs of solidifying.


    Without lingering, Chen Mu,


    Pressed off with the soles of his feet, shooting up like a fish, and in a moment, he emerged from the tarn, returning above.


    "How did it go?"


    Xu Zheng looked at Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu nodded slightly to Xu Zheng, "There was some gain."


    "That''s good to hear,"


    Xu Zheng laughed, not prying further, and said, "If you had not come, the Earth''s Veins would have closed soon enough. It was your fortune... Well, while there''s still time, I will go look around elsewhere."


    With those words, he clasped hands toward Chen Mu and set off towards the distance, soon disappearing into the caverns.


    Chen Yue was then looking at Chen Mu with a hint of curiosity.


    But she didn''t ask what Chen Mu had found.


    More astonishing to her than Chen Mu''s find was how he had submerged into the swamp mire. After a trip down and up, not a speck of filth clung to his clothing, which remained as clean as before.


    "Alright, let''s go."


    Chen Mu gestured to Chen Yue with a slight nod, then took her hand and set off, not continuing their exploration. They returned to the surface unwaveringly.

 Chapter 259 Planning

    ```Huanglin Mountain Range.


    Outside the marshland.


    In the depths of a mixed thicket, several figures appeared silently, all clad in Mysterious Robes.


    The group gazed intently in the direction of the marshland, and after a moment, another figure emerged, breaking through the air from the mire to form a fleeting shadow. After a few swift moves, they reached the depths of the thicket where everyone else was hidden.


    "Protector Duanmu."


    The many Stewards of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion within the thicket bowed their heads to the newcomer.


    Duanmu Chun said solemnly, "Chen Mu has returned, let''s go!"


    The person he least wanted to meet now was undoubtedly Chen Mu. Compared to Yan Jingqing, Chen Mu, the new rising star of the Wind Cloud List and the leading figure among the younger generation, was a more troubling and challenging presence for him.


    Moreover, due to the chaos in Ice State, the upper echelons of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion had issued instructions to yield to the Seven Profound Sect for the time being, letting them partake in the battle in Ice State as it aligned more with the Pavilion''s interests.


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    Following Duanmu Chun''s command, the people present swiftly followed suit, leaving the vicinity of the Huanglin Mountain Range.


    Meanwhile, the nearest Steward spoke in a grave tone: "Reporting to the Protector, Chen Mu encountered a conflict with Nie Yu of the Heavenly Seal Sect on the outskirts of the Huanglin Mountain Range. Suspecting Nie Yu intended harm to his sister, Chen Mu killed him on the spot."


    "..."


    Duanmu Chun''s brow furrowed slightly.


    Nie Yu''s strength, although far inferior to his and lacking a Martial Arts Domain, was still a formidable presence within the Six Viscera Realm. Yet in front of Chen Mu, he didn''t even have a chance to escape.


    Of course, the most crucial aspect was that Chen Mu showed no consideration for the Heavenly Seal Sect''s face; he had killed a protector of the Six Viscera Realm without a second thought. His actions were even more ruthless than those of Yan Jingqing. It seemed that since becoming a high-ranking figure on the Wind Cloud List, he had become even more reckless than before.


    "This person is becoming increasingly domineering."


    "As the leading figure of the younger generation and a top figure on the Wind Cloud List, he certainly has the right to be domineering. Besides, the Heavenly Seal Sect was not in the right this time, and they will most likely have to accept the situation post-facto, with little chance of follow-up, at least publicly."


    Steward Zhang shook his head and said, "Back when he was in Yu County, we should have dealt with him sooner. Now, without care, it has come to this, and dealing with him has become extremely difficult."


    However, at that moment,


    a figure running to the left of Duanmu Chun suddenly spoke out: "Who says he''s difficult to deal with? He cultivates the Qiankun Artistic Conception, which indeed makes it extremely challenging to break through the Mysterious Pass, but to really deal with him, there''s no need for so much effort. Just need to employ a small scheme, cut off his Martial Arts path, and that will be enough. As long as he doesn''t become a Grandmaster in the future, he doesn''t amount to much."


    "Oh?"


    After hearing this, Duanmu Chun''s eyes flickered slightly as he looked at Dai Fu and asked, "What are you suggesting?" sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A shadow of a sly glint passed through Dai Fu''s eyes as he said, "A top figure on the Wind Cloud List is indeed untouchable unless a Grandmaster were to appear. But didn''t we recently acquire that... thing by chance?"


    Hearing Dai Fu''s words, the nearby Stewards also displayed a hint of realization in their eyes.


    "Considering his past actions, Dai Steward''s strategy is likely to work. However, given that he has now stepped into the Six Viscera Realm and is a bona fide high-ranking figure on the Wind Cloud List, such tactics cannot take his life. If we proceed and he becomes furious, even if our actions are impeccable, any slight suspicion he harbors might lead to retaliation against us."


    Someone voiced their hesitation.


    Dai Fu ''heh heh'' chuckled and replied, "In the battle at Yunni Sky Peak, he barely managed to rise to the rank of the Wind Cloud List, never mastering a true Martial Arts Domain. Even when facing Domain masters, he might not have any advantage, and since his strength comes from the Qiankun Artistic Conception, even upon entering the Six Viscera Realm, there is not much change. Once... by then, he might not even be a match for Protector Duanmu, what is there to fear?"


    Though Duanmu Chun was not as strong as Yan Jingqing, he was nonetheless a top figure within the Six Viscera Realm and had cultivated his own Martial Arts Domain. The only reason he never made it to the list was that the Wind Cloud List ranked only thirty, otherwise Yu County would have been under his administration all this time.


    Moreover,


    the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s current retreat in the face of the Seven Profound Sect was only due to the circumstances in Ice State, not because they were afraid of the Sect. With the ever-changing mysteries of heaven and earth, strategies must also be adapted accordingly. Chen Mu''s sudden return to Yu County was undoubtedly an opportunity.


    Duanmu Chun ruminated in silence, and after a long period of contemplation, he finally said:


    "You make a valid point."


    Killing Chen Mu now would be difficult as he has risen in status, but sometimes you don''t need to kill to win. If there''s a chance to deal him a severe blow, causing his Martial Arts progress to falter, it would be worth a try. After all, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion is currently yielding to the Seven Profound Sect on all fronts. As long as their actions are seamless, suspicion might not necessarily fall upon them.


    Moreover, in a short period, Chen Mu managed to cultivate the Qiankun Artistic Conception. Although becoming a Qiankun Grandmaster is exceedingly difficult, there is nonetheless some possibility. Such ''possibility'' in itself is a threat, and if it could be eradicated, it would undoubtedly be a significant achievement for the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion. In the future, this would also reduce the number of unseen threats.


    ...


    Marshland.


    Chen Mu, holding onto Chen Yue, leapt out from the central fissure.


    At this moment, the fissure caused by the earth tremors, as opposed to when they first came here, had significantly receded. The nearby mud puddles were also slowly encroaching to fill the gap, and it seemed that it wouldn''t take much longer for it to completely heal.


    Chen Mu stood at the edge of the marshland, silently gazing at the Water Marsh, feeling the Earth Pulse''s Power and the interplay of other elemental forces such as Kan Water and Dui Ze. He gained a new understanding of Dui Ze, which he had always found elusive.


    ```

 Chapter 259 Scheming_2

    He wasn''t in a hurry to leave.He just stood by the Water Marsh refining his understanding and observations.


    Chen Yue blinked, at first thinking Chen Mu intended to lay an ambush here, waiting for those from the various Sects exploring the Stone Cave below to emerge, and then extort them one by one, just like he had done with Guo Wen. Thus, she kept silent and stayed by his side.


    Chen Mu indeed harbored such a thought, but it was mainly aimed at the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion. Earlier, when he was below, he had been intentionally sensing the movement of people from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion. He would let others from the different Sects go for the time being, but if he caught someone from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, they wouldn''t escape death easily and would lose a layer of skin if they survived. He wouldn''t let them retreat effortlessly.


    Chen Mu always remembered his grudges.


    When he was in Yu County, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion had troubled him repeatedly, and he wouldn''t simply forget it. However, without confidence in his ability, he wouldn''t act rashly. In the future, there would always come a time for settling scores.


    Including the Blood Hidden Pavilion, which had attacked him more than once. Now, he had no interest in engaging in a bitter fight with a Sect that only knew how to hide and launch sneak attacks, but if he got the chance in the future, he would also settle accounts with the Blood Hidden Pavilion.


    Nevertheless,


    Chen Mu, alongside Chen Yue, blocked the entrance of the Stone Cave, and the Stewards and Protectors from the various Great Sects who had entered the cave weren''t fools either. After sensing this, they didn''t return through the entrance but instead escaped far away underground in other directions.


    The Earth''s Veins under the Water Marsh environment weren''t as solid as mountain rock Stone Caves. Individuals who had cultivated to the Six Viscera Realm had some strength, either more or less. A marsh that was seventy or eighty zhang deep couldn''t trap them.


    And so it was,


    Until the cracks of the Stone Cave completely healed and only Xu Zheng, the Sect Protector of Seven Profound Sect, emerged from the front. The other auras that Chen Mu had previously sensed, including people from the Heavenly Sword Sect, didn''t show up at all and had escaped in other directions.


    Even though Chen Mu still hadn''t passed thirty and could even be considered young, the "Wind Cloud List" was an absolute prestigious label. Ordinary characters would not want to provoke him nor were they interested in a tough confrontation, preferring to avoid him as much as possible.


    Chen Mu gazed at the Stone Cave until it closed.


    Then he closed his eyes slightly and called up the system interface to take a look.


    [Martial Art: Qiankun Artistic Conception (Step Two)]


    [Experience:2379 points]


    "After four refinements, the progress in perceiving Heaven and Earth has also slowed down quite a bit."


    Back when he was at the Seven Profound Sect, Chen Mu had tested and found that despite his continuation in studying the Artistic Conception Map, the benefits had become minimal. One Qian Heaven Diagram required studying for over a year to accumulate ten thousand experience points. Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire


    The experience gained from studying the Artistic Conception Map became more difficult to obtain as one progressed. Simply following this rate, if he were to meditate in secluded cultivation, who knows how many years it would take to push Qiankun Artistic Conception to the limit of the second step. After all, the progress was too slow.


    By then,


    Who knows what state the Cold North Path would be in.


    Compared to that, wandering down the mountain to directly comprehend Heaven and Earth was much faster. This little detour to "Huanglin Mountains" took just over a day, and he had gained six to seven hundred experience points, which was a lot.


    If such changes in Heaven and Earth occurred a few more times near him, then perhaps in a little over a month, he could push his understanding of Qiankun Artistic Conception further once more. Each advancement meant getting one step closer to the "Qiankun Domain."


    Qiankun Domain.


    Qiankun Martial Body.


    Mastering either of these two would result in a qualitative change in his strength, a tremendous leap forward. By then, he could truly traverse the world with much fewer concerns!


    However, until that moment, he still needed to be cautious. Facing top Grandmasters like Qin Mengjun or even higher existences in the Blood Exchange Realm, he still needed to avoid confrontation, as he couldn''t contend with those figures.


    "How was your comprehension?"


    With a thought, Chen Mu made the system interface recede and then turned to look at Chen Yue next to him.


    Chen Yue practiced the swordsmanship from both the Kan Water Sect and the Gen Mountain lineages. Although practicing two Sword Daos before understanding the Artistic Conception wasn''t advisable, since she ultimately resonated more with Gen Mountain and had started with Kan Water, it was fine for her to focus on the cultivation of Gen Mountain now.


    In Chen Mu''s view, Chen Yue''s natural talent and perception were not bad. With an abundance of resources available now, the likelihood she would reach the Five Viscera Realm in the future was not small. To follow the "Mountain and Water" path wouldn''t be problematic.


    In fact,


    Nowadays, a person who has cultivated to the Bone Tempering Realm can be considered an expert in small locales. And if someone reaches the Five Viscera Realm, they''re certainly not weak. Many individuals at the Five Viscera Realm could preside over a State or County, establishing their power.


    To the present Chen Mu, those in the Five Viscera Realm seemed as if he could annihilate them with a flip of his palm, but that''s only because he had advanced too quickly.


    How many masters are on the Wind Cloud List?


    Thirty!


    In the Eleven State of Cold North Path, isn''t each state a vast territory spanning tens of thousands of miles with countless people?


    When Yu State was still closed off in the past, the total number of Five Viscera Realm experts in the entire Yu County didn''t exceed ten.


    In Chen Mu''s eyes, if Chen Yue could rely on her own abilities to break through the bottleneck of the Five Viscera Realm without depending on any Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items, she definitely deserved praise. After all, others couldn''t be measured by his own talent and comprehension.


    "Um,"


    After hearing Chen Mu''s words, Chen Yue paused for a moment, then snuck a glance at him and suddenly nodded solemnly, "Yes, I have come to realize something." S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 259 Plotting_3

    "Hmm?"Chen Mu looked at Chen Yue with a hint of curiosity. Honestly, he had no expectations that she could directly comprehend anything from the changes in the world around her; after all, that was still a bit too far beyond her reach¡ªit was, at most, an opportunity to broaden her horizons.


    Then he heard Chen Yue say with a serious face, "I''ve realized... if a person doesn''t eat, they get hungry."


    Having said that,


    her stomach even growled.


    She was far from being a master of the Five Organ and Viscera Realm. She had only achieved Tendon Changing Perfection thus far. She had previously stood quietly by Chen Mu''s side without moving to avoid disturbing him.


    Chen Mu couldn''t help but laugh silently and said, "Alright, go eat something." S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After speaking, he once again led Chen Yue by the hand and walked out of the swamp, each step spanning more than ten meters.


    Chen Yue let Chen Mu lead her by the arm, feeling the rush of wind, but this time she didn''t feel too uncomfortable. Although her stomach was empty and her hunger was intense, watching Chen Mu''s back made her long to stay with him a bit longer.


    Back when they were relying on each other for survival in the Ninth District, she could be by Chen Mu''s side every night, listening to him tell her strange and curious stories to lull her to sleep. But later, Chen Mu began his martial arts training, and she went to the Yu Family to train as well. Then came Ning He, then Xu Hongyu¡­the days of the past were gone forever. Continue reading stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Although she was quite satisfied with everything now and got along with Ning He and Xu Hongyu as if they were family, the chances to be alone with Chen Mu had become rare, and she cherished every moment when Chen Mu was with her alone.


    Chen Mu had no idea what was on the mind of the young girl behind him.


    All he knew was that Chen Yue was the first family he had in this world after he arrived, and for a long time, she was the only person by his side. Even though he had only gradually accepted her as a sister in his heart over time, his care for her surpassed anyone else''s.


    He quickly led Chen Yue out of the swamp and then took her away from the Huanglin Mountains, returning all the way back to the County Government in An Yu County. They rested there for half the night until the next day when they set off on the journey back to Yu County together.


    In the wilderness,


    two figures were running.


    Chen Mu had led Chen Yue back and forth between Yu County and An Yu County before, but at that time she was only at the Body Refinement level. Now that she had achieved Tendon Changing Perfection, she no longer needed to travel by horse-drawn carriage; walking with Chen Mu was even faster.


    Chen Mu wanted to carry her through the air like Qin Mengjun had done with him, but after trying, he found that he still couldn''t do it unless he carried her on his back or in his arms; but now, Chen Yue was no longer the little girl of ten.


    "... Hongyu sister has already achieved Bone Tempering Perfection recently and even tried to break into the Five Viscera Realm, but she didn''t make it. How did you do it back then, brother?"


    Chen Yue walked beside Chen Mu, crossing the wilderness with him while discussing family matters.


    Yesterday she had talked about herself, and now she was talking about Xu Hongyu and Little He.


    "The deeper the foundation, the easier it is to refine the viscera,"


    said Chen Mu in a calm tone, "If one can cultivate to Jade Bone, entering the Five Viscera Realm would have no bottlenecks, and it would almost be a matter of course... However, cultivating to Jade Bone is not easy. Although all the Great Sects have some secret techniques for cultivating Jade Bone, the success rates are not always very high, and they also require some specific resources."


    Unbeknownst to him, Xu Hongyu had finally reached the threshold of the Five Viscera Realm. This trip back was just in time for him to help her, but he would only know how effective the Dual Cultivation Method of Hehuan Sect was after trying it out.

 Chapter 260 Poisonous Scheme

    Yu City.Chen Residence''s back courtyard.


    In the hall, on a red sandalwood table, dishes were arranged, and Xu Hongyu, dressed in a light cyan dress, was sitting at the table, eating the dishes while somewhat spacing out.


    Suddenly, Ning He walked in with a portion of meat cut into neat little pieces and placed the meat in front of Xu Hongyu, "This is the freshly bought ''black python meat''; Miss, please try it. It''s said to be excellent for nourishing Qi-Blood."


    Martial artists who hadn''t refined their Five Viscera and Six Viscera cannot do without meat, especially those in the Bone Tempering Realm, who have a great demand for meat to supplement their Qi-Blood. As for Xu Hongyu, there is no need to mention her. Having reached the pinnacle of the Bone Tempering Realm and standing at the threshold of the Five Viscera Realm, she essentially needed a substantial amount of meat daily, including all sorts of demon meats, to maintain an ample state of Qi-Blood constantly.


    Xu Hongyu glanced at the meat in the bowl and then turned to Yu Ru beside her, "Yu Ru, why don''t you taste it first?"


    "No, no, I''ve gotten fatter. I was thinking of eating less meat recently."


    Yu Ru said with a somewhat glum face.


    Ning He couldn''t help but chuckle lightly, gave Yu Ru a once-over, and said, "Where did you get fat? I didn''t notice it."


    Upon hearing this, Yu Ru felt a bit abashed, yet her gaze drifted over her body. As a Martial Artist in the Body Refinement Realm, it was quite hard for her to gain weight, not to mention that she was relatively diligent in her training. But the problem was... where was she supposed to train? She was already bigger than Xu Hongyu, even comparable to the combined sizes of Ning He and Chen Yue.


    Ning He noticed Yu Ru''s gaze and realized what she was thinking. She suddenly reached out to lift and weigh something, teasing, "You have gained weight... but in some places, some people would wish to gain weight, and here you are complaining about it."


    "Ning Sister, you..."


    Yu Ru''s face immediately turned crimson.


    How could Ning He freely weigh her there, even if they were all women... Speaking of which, had Chen Mu ever weighed Xu Hongyu and little Ning like this? If she truly got married to him, would Chen Mu weigh her like this too?


    The mere thought of such a scenario made her feel overwhelmingly shy, and for a moment, she dared not look at Xu Hongyu and Ning He.


    Seeing Yu Ru''s reaction, Ning He deliberately leaned closer and whispered softly, "Maybe your Brother Mu will not be able to keep his hands off you someday."


    This...


    Were those words even appropriate to say out loud?


    Yu Ru became so shocked by Ning He''s words that she froze, and even Ning He herself blushed at her statement. Thinking about how Chen Mu had left Yu County over two and half years ago, nearing three years now.


    Even though she knew Chen Mu was engrossed in Martial Arts, mostly unconcerned with other things, this trip had indeed been too long.


    Xu Hongyu perhaps harbored many yearnings, yet she didn''t show it, maintaining a calm expression. Regardless of whether or not Chen Mu had time to come back, ultimately if she could get past the threshold of the Five Viscera and achieve the Five Viscera Realm, she too would have the capability to head to the State Government Office.


    "This black python meat isn''t bad, although the taste is average, it contains much stronger Qi-Blood than ordinary demon meats. If you, little Ning, eat it continuously for a few months, you should be able to step into the Bone Tempering Realm. And you, Yu Ru, you''ve only used two Tendon Changing Pills; if you accumulate more Qi-Blood foundation and master one more Body Refinement technique, you could also enter the Tendon Changing Realm," Xu Hongyu told Ning He and Yu Ru.


    While resources can''t determine everything, having sufficient resources eliminates many barriers in Martial Arts. Even if Yu Ru had inherently lower talents, with some precious Spiritual Objects, she could still train up to Bone Tempering and even the Five Viscera Realm, though the resources needed are often tens or hundreds of times more than usual.


    But for them now, acquiring some resources wasn''t difficult. Even though Chen Mu wasn''t in Yu County, his influence could still reach here. Whether it was herself, Chen Yue, or even Ning He, they all had unobstructed access in the Demon-Slaying Office now.


    "Mm-hm."


    Ning He acknowledged and then said, "Yue''er coming back this trip, she could almost attempt Bone Tempering; that''s really fast."


    Xu Hongyu nodded slightly, "Her root bone talent is even a bit better than mine was. She trains faster than I did to reach Bone Tempering. Entering the Five Viscera Realm in the future will be much easier for her."


    With Chen Yue''s pace of cultivation and talent, if it were in the past at the Yu Family, it would have been quite shocking. But now, with Chen Mu setting a preceding high standard, knowing that Chen Yue is Chen Mu''s sister, it all seems quite normal and very fitting.


    "When will Brother Mu come back?"


    Yu Ru blinked her eyes, displaying a hint of longing.


    "I don''t know."


    Ning He shook her head, sighed, and said, "I heard there''s trouble in Ice State. It''s chaotic now. Ice State and Yu State are close; perhaps he''ll also have to go there, so now it''s uncertain when he will be back."


    Initially, she felt that after Chen Mu''s attempt to conquer Yunni Sky Peak, he would return to the Seven Profound Sect to consolidate his Cultivation Realm and might find time to return afterward, according to letters sent to them. However, the situation became uncertain after the incident in Ice State.


    If the Seven Profound Sect dispatched Chen Mu to Ice State, they might not see him for a short while again.


    Stay updated with My Virtual Library Empire


    Unless they all advanced to the Five Viscera Realm, having enough ability would indeed allow them to take much more initiative and could even go directly to the State Government Office instead of being confined to just Yu County. However, Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering alone was not enough.


    Yet.


    While they were talking,


    suddenly, a commotion arose outside, followed by an excited voice reaching the back courtyard.


    "The master has returned!"


    Whoosh.


    In the house, Xu Hongyu, Ning He, and Yu Ru simultaneously stood up, and even Xu Hongyu''s face revealed a long-unseen joy as they all went out to welcome him. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 260 Poisonous Plan_2

    They met the dust-covered Chen Yue as he burst into the courtyard, closely followed by a figure who stepped into the yard without any change in appearance from when he had left; it was indeed Chen Mu."Hongyu, Little He, Little Ru."


    Chen Mu''s gaze turned to the women in the back courtyard, calling them gently one by one.


    Xu Hongyu''s face was as beautiful as jade, and compared to more than two years ago, there was no discernible change. Her eyes, like shimmering gems, fixed on Chen Mu with seemingly uncountable things to say, yet it seemed none needed to be spoken.


    But as she walked toward Chen Mu, her entire body suddenly shook slightly, and a trace of pitch-black appeared in her eyes. Following that, her Qi-Blood abruptly became chaotic.


    Whoosh.


    Chen Mu instantly appeared in front of Xu Hongyu, placing a hand on her, as a surge of Yuan Gang Force flowed into her body, colliding and entangling with the strands of dark Demonic Qi emanating from her. Read exclusive chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    Chen Yue, Ning He, and Yu Ru, who were nearby, were all taken aback by this sudden change, instinctively moving forward to check, but they then heard Chen Mu speak in a deep voice.


    "Don''t come closer, everyone stay back."


    Chen Mu looked at Xu Hongyu in his arms, a trace of unprecedented chill flashing in the depths of his eyes.


    He had anticipated that due to his own reasons, people like Xu Hongyu might be implicated, but he hadn''t expected such a vicious method to be directly employed!


    Xu Hongyu was at the peak of the Bone Tempering Realm, not yet in the Five Viscera Realm, but general poisons were hardly lethal to her, and to poison her, aside from infuriating him, a man of the Wind Cloud List, had no other purpose. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Thus, this wasn''t poison.


    At the first sign of Xu Hongyu''s sudden change, Chen Mu had recognized what it was, something he had seen before, experienced firsthand in Sha Prefecture¡ªthe scent of Demonic Qi!


    Though he didn''t know who was so malicious, in just a moment, Chen Mu understood the perpetrator''s intention.


    Demonic Qi, something that only after reaching the Five Viscera Realm and tempering the Five Viscera, does one start to have some resistance, and to completely suppress it, one must enter Marrow Cleansing and cultivate a flawless Martial Body.


    The perpetrator had seeded Xu Hongyu with Demonic Qi and intentionally let this Qi flare up the moment he returned, clearly giving him two choices¡ªsave her, or don''t.


    His cultivation was not yet that of a Grandmaster.


    To save Xu Hongyu, he could only draw the Demonic Qi from Xu Hongyu''s body into his own and then suppress it. However, whether at the Five Viscera Realm or the Six Viscera Realm, unless one was a Grandmaster, one could only suppress it, not eliminate it. Even if one could eliminate it, it would not be an overnight task but would need a very long time to gradually eradicate.


    Followers of the Qiankun Path striving to become Grandmasters already faced great difficulty; if now delayed by years or even more than a decade because of Demonic Qi, that almost certainly meant severing one''s own Grandmaster journey.


    As for not saving...


    Not to mention he could not possibly choose that, even if he did, it would lead to "guilt" and "regret" in his heart, which would undeniably destroy or even regress the solidifying of his Martial Arts Intent, significantly impacting his future breakthrough to the Mysterious Pass.


    Leaving him with a choice, instead of outright killing Xu Hongyu, was indeed the most venomous aspect; whichever option he chose, although there was no threat to his own life, it would significantly affect his Martial Arts journey.


    "..."


    Chen Mu''s eyes were icy.


    Ranked first on the list of up-and-comers, he had reached the Wind Cloud List in his thirties and was also cultivating the Qiankun Path; it was unquestionable that he was seen as a thorn in many people''s eyes, and those wanting to block his Martial Arts path on the Northern Path were not few.


    Chen Mu was well aware of this. As the saying goes, a tall tree catches the wind, but he was not afraid¡ªby meeting soldiers with generals and water with earth he''d cope. However, using his loved ones to set such a malicious trap crossed his line.


    He had no time to ponder because once Demonic Qi fully invaded the viscera, it would be exceedingly difficult to extract.


    Hum.


    Almost without thinking, Chen Mu''s Yuan Gang Inner Breath converged with the Qi-Blood inside Xu Hongyu''s body. Then, the strands of Demonic Qi spreading within her were instantly drawn by Chen Mu''s higher quality Inner Breath, abandoning Xu Hongyu and swarming towards him, quickly entangling with his Inner Breath.


    In a brief moment, Xu Hongyu''s Qi-Blood cleared, while Chen Mu looked profoundly solemn, using the Five Viscera cycle and Yuan Gang Inner Breath to suppress every strand of Demonic Qi within his body, containing it deep within the Five Viscera, no longer diffuse and spreading.


    However.


    Chen Mu was slightly surprised that after he used his Inner Breath to pull the Demonic Qi into his Five Viscera and suppress it, it did not show the stubborn, scab-like condition he had imagined. Instead, under the circulation and absorption of the Five Viscera Inner Breath, each cycle eroded it like melting snow, appearing as though it would soon be completely eradicated.


    "That''s right, my Five Viscera have been tempered to the limit, now compared to a normal person''s Five Viscera, it is almost a completely different form. Demonic Qi, though troublesome, is actually not much for me."


    Chen Mu had a realization.


    He was not too concerned with the entanglement of Demonic Qi; after all, his advancement in cultivation relied more on the system panel rather than his actual cultivation. The mere idea that Demonic Qi was aiming to obstruct his Martial Arts path was a fool''s dream, but being able to completely eradicate the Demonic Qi was undoubtedly better, there would be no need to split his focus in suppressing the Demonic Qi.

 Chapter 260 Poisonous Scheme_3

    It was at this time that Xu Hongyu, lying in Chen Mu''s arms, gradually regained consciousness.The opponent''s objective targeted Chen Mu; they intentionally left him some room to maneuver, for if the erosion had been deep and irreversible, it would have had no effect on Chen Mu other than completely infuriating him, serving no other purpose.


    Xu Hongyu had not been deeply eroded by the Demonic Qi, and once Chen Mu extracted it, she quickly regained consciousness.


    "Husband, my lord? What just happened to me..."


    The awakened Xu Hongyu was still a bit confused. Recalling the recent events, she quickly realized something and said, "Was someone poisoning me? Did you save me?"


    She could sense that there were no abnormalities in her body now.


    But for a moment, she felt all her negative emotions had nearly been triggered, plunging into a state of complete madness, violence, and almost utter irrationality, with her consciousness nearly gone¡ªeven now, she still felt lingering fear.


    "Yes, everything''s fine now."


    Chen Mu looked at Xu Hongyu, his expression slightly softened, placed his hand on her heart, and seeped a strand of Yuan Gang into her body, carefully sweeping it up and down to ensure there were no issues, and then gave a slight nod to her.


    Xu Hongyu carefully recollected her experience but couldn''t remember being poisoned. Only the meal she had eaten just before seemed somewhat suspicious, yet she hadn''t noticed any of the dishes being poisonous.


    "What exactly is this..."


    She looked at Chen Mu with some uncertainty.


    Chen Mu stroked her hair gently and said, "You were implicated because of me. It was aimed at me, but it''s all right now."


    Helping Xu Hongyu stand up, Chen Mu''s expression returned to being cold, and he looked outside the courtyard, saying, "No one is allowed to leave the courtyard, those who leave without permission will be killed without mercy. Go notify the Inspectorate and have them come investigate!"


    He already had several guesses about who could have orchestrated such a malicious scheme, but still, he wanted the Inspectorate to be informed.


    At this time...


    Outside the courtyard, Chen Yue and the others, having received a signal from Chen Mu, finally ran back into the yard. Each of them looked at Xu Hongyu and Chen Mu with some unsettled spirits.


    "Miss, are you alright?"


    "Sister Hongyu, are you okay? You really scared us just now..."


    Chen Yue and Yu Ru circled Xu Hongyu, somewhat frightened, while Ning He looked at her with a significantly grave expression, her eyes filled with confusion and hesitation. She had seen poisons before, but the scene earlier didn''t quite seem like poison.


    "Miss, were you really poisoned just now?"


    Ning He, her face slightly pale, looked at Xu Hongyu, who was still not completely recovered. After calming Chen Yue and Yu Ru, Xu Hongyu recounted her recent conditions, while Ning He described how Xu Hongyu had appeared earlier.


    After comparing their observations, both of their faces changed, growing paler, and then they simultaneously looked at Chen Mu.


    Xu Hongyu, ultimately being a Bone Tempering Realm Perfectionist, though she had never encountered Demonic Qi, had heard of it. And Ning He, following and assisting Xu Hongyu in her endeavors, was well informed and knew many things.


    Feeling the gazes of the women, Chen Mu did not divert his attention as he concentrated on the Demonic Qi suppressed within his Five Viscera, which was nearly eradicated by now.


    Until the last strand of Demonic Qi was extinguished.


    Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief internally and then glanced at Xu Hongyu beside him, who, though still a bit shocked, was unharmed. Suddenly, he felt as if his thoughts were clearer, and the world around him seemed even more vivid.


    "This is..."


    Having cultivated the Qiankun Path, and his Martial Arts will already reaching the brink of unshakable after his journey to Bi Prefecture, he was just a step away from ascension. Now, faced with Xu Hongyu being attacked by Demonic Qi, he made a choice without any hesitation.


    The path of a Grandmaster, the Martial Arts will, none of that mattered. If practising Martial Arts to rise to the top of the Wind Cloud List meant he couldn''t protect the person in front of him, then the pursuit of Martial Arts was meaningless.


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    Unity of knowledge and action, following the heart, the decision was Heart Refinement.


    His will was that all things in the world stem from desires. Martial Arts was never his everything; it was just a tool to achieve his will, just a path. He did not regard Martial Arts as his all, and his Martial Arts will, unexpectedly, advanced further, piercing through that barrier, reaching a Realm where his conscience was clear and his thoughts united.


    For most Martial Artists in the world, if their Martial Arts will were like Chen Mu''s now, their chances of impacting the Mysterious Pass would be at least sixty to seventy percent. If the foundation was solid enough and the Artistic Conception deep enough, there would barely be any obstacles.


    This level of Martial Arts will was also the basis for mastering a Domain; otherwise, even if they could perceive a Domain, they would not have the ability to control that power and would get lost between heaven and earth.


    It could be said, from here on, his path of Cultivation would be unobstructed for a long stretch, allowing for continuous progression.


    In a brief moment of distraction...


    Realizing his Martial Arts will had advanced further, Chen Mu suddenly found that the malicious scheme against him not only had no impact on him but seemed to have been considerate towards him at every turn.


    Indeed, as Qin Mengjun had warned him, he needed to guard against being schemed against, and the reason was his attention-catching Qiankun Path. However, after this ordeal, many would likely perceive his encounter with Demonic Qi as a hindrance to his Martial Arts, drastically reducing the likelihood of becoming a Grandmaster in the future, significantly reducing his immediate troubles.


    Instead of guarding against plots at every turn, it was almost a blessing in disguise to be ''struck'' this time. However, this event would not end here; using Xu Hongyu''s life as a pawn in their scheme, whoever it was, would have to pay a bloody price!

 Chapter 261 Tremor

    The people from the Inspectorate arrived swiftly, and numerous government officers surrounded the entire Chen residence.After conducting a thorough search from bottom to top, they ultimately... found nothing!


    With an almost flawless method, no traces could be found, and the strand of Demonic Qi that had attacked Xu Hongyu seemed as if it appeared out of thin air, with no source to be found and no results to be drawn.


    However,


    Chen Mu had anticipated this situation and hadn''t even focused on the results of the investigation.


    Inside the main hall, Chen Mu sat with a slightly solemn aura, but his gaze was very calm. Not far away sat a middle-aged man in white, who was none other than Inspector Yan Jingqing.


    Wang Ni carefully served tea to the two men, then respectfully bowed and withdrew, leaving only Chen Mu and Yan Jingqing in the hall.


    "I just returned to Yu County and hadn''t yet paid my respects to Inspector Yan when I fell victim to someone else''s schemes, causing embarrassment,"


    Chen Mu said to Yan Jingqing, his voice steady.


    Sitting there, Yan Jingqing, sensing Chen Mu''s profound aura, shook his head and said, "How is Protector Chen feeling? Can that Demonic Qi still be expelled?"


    Originally, upon hearing of Chen Mu''s return to Yu County, he planned to reminisce with Chen Mu. Unexpectedly, an incident occurred right as Chen Mu stepped into his own home. The use of Demonic Qi to harm Xu Hongyu was timed precisely to occur in front of Chen Mu, putting him in a difficult position. This scheme was not only vile but also reminded him of his own youthful experiences.


    Though his experiences as a youth were different from Chen Mu''s, the ultimate outcome was quite similar. He made the opposite choice, leading to a shattered state of mind. It took him a decade to refocus his Martial Arts spirit, but this delay prevented him from breaking through the Mysterious Pass, trapping him in the Six Viscera Realm. He now ranked at the bottom of the Wind Cloud List.


    "The Demonic Qi cannot be expelled from the body, but it''s manageable for now,"


    Chen Mu replied, taking a sip of tea with a calm tone.


    "..." S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yan Jingqing sighed quietly to himself.


    He was now aware of everything. The impact of the Demonic Qi, while Chen Mu might dismiss it as minor, would profoundly affect his future in Martial Arts, possibly even dooming his path to becoming a Grandmaster.


    However, since Chen Mu had put it that way, Yan Jingqing naturally wouldn''t point out the painful truth.


    "Demonic Qi is extremely rare these days, hard to find even if one searches purposefully. It''s not something ordinary people can obtain. Furthermore, the thorough search and questioning throughout the Chen residence have turned up no leads. This plot was premeditated, not an impulsive act,"


    Yan Jingqing shifted the conversation and said to Chen Mu.


    Yu County now was a mix of dragons and snakes, not only inhabited by Sects like the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, but also other Sects like Linjiang Pavilion and Heavenly Seal Sect. Although the Inspectorate still held plenty of intelligence, it was impossible to know everything.


    Nevertheless,


    despite the lack of any leads from their investigation, neither Yan Jingqing nor Chen Mu was particularly anxious, as this situation itself was a form of intelligence.


    Being able to craft such a nearly flawless scheme typically ruled out all ordinary forces, including those old grudges held against Chen Mu and the Yu Family.


    Chen Mu said with a muted tone, "The schemes targeting me will never be flawless. It''s easy to find out who is responsible. The main issue is their attack on Hongyu, they have disregarded the rules, so they can hardly blame me... What do you think, Inspector Yan?"


    Though it had been a long time since he held an official position and investigated cases, his capabilities had far surpassed those of his past. There were countless methods to uncover the mastermind behind the scenes.


    This is the Martial World, not the Imperial Court.


    While the Imperial Court might indulge in flawless, impeccable schemes, the Martial World does not, for one can disregard rules and reason. Thus, even the most perfect plans have ways of being disrupted.


    So now, what he wanted to know was merely Yan Jingqing''s thoughts, and regardless of Yan Jingqing''s plans, he would proceed according to his own method. This wasn''t a request for permission but merely a courtesy call.


    After hearing Chen Mu''s words, Yan Jingqing, seeming to recall his own past, momentarily closed his eyes. When he reopened them, his eyes were tinged with indifference, and he stated,


    "Protector Chen, just proceed as you see fit. I, too, am curious to see who dares to act so recklessly in Yu City."


    Chen Mu''s decision had earned his respect; braving the invasion of Demonic Qi to save his wife, a renowned figure on the Wind Cloud List like himself, wouldn''t just endure such a plot without response. Upcoming actions were inevitable, and not being a rigid man, Yan Jingqing naturally wouldn''t hinder Chen Mu now.


    "Very well,"


    Chen Mu nodded slightly and said, "Then I will implore Inspector Yan to investigate the recent actions of the major Sects in Yu County, especially focusing on the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, Heavenly Seal Sect, and Linhai Pavilion... Thieves will always have guilty consciences."


    As he spoke the last sentence, a hint of coldness flickered in his eyes.


    The reaction from Yan Jingqing was within his expectations, making the investigation easier. Since no issues were found around Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu, the logical step was to start from the other end.


    He was no longer the insignificant shrimp soldier or crab general of the past.


    He was Chen Mu, ranked first among the up-and-coming warriors, a master on the Wind Cloud List!


    Any sinister plot against him, no matter how flawlessly executed, could not remain without guilt. The family that has been the most restrained recently, with officials and protectors daring not easily leave their homes, is almost certainly the most problematic.

 Chapter 261 Tremor_2

    ```If everything remained as usual, with the Steward Protector still acting outside, that would be fine too. It would only mean that he himself would have to make a few trips, catch a few stewards for interrogation, nothing more. He would certainly be able to find the culprit as usual. As the saying goes, if there is no flaw at the end, then start from the beginning.


    "Good."


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s words, Yan Jingqing also understood his intention. In truth, he wasn''t an ordinary person either, and he had many methods to investigate this matter. However, Chen Mu''s approach was simply more direct.


    ...


    In the following several days.


    Yu County was shaken!


    Chen Mu, the Protector of the Seven Profound Sect and a master of the Wind Cloud List, alongside his wife Xu Hongyu, fell victim to a sinister plot, and the news spread rapidly in all directions, causing a shock among all forces in Yu County.


    Who was Chen Mu?


    Although the battle at Yunni Sky Peak had taken place a long time ago, he remained one of the hottest figures among the younger generation in the entire Cold North Path of the Eleven States, believed to have the potential to ascend to the Realm of Qiankun and become a Grandmaster!


    For such a rising great figure to fall victim to a scheme, and to become afflicted with Demonic Qi while trying to save his wife, was undoubtedly an event shocking enough to rock the whole Cold North Path. Although the news couldn''t spread too far too quickly, it was enough to create a buzz and cause unrest at least within Yu County.


    ...


    Inner City.


    A certain courtyard.


    This was a residence of the Hehuan Sect.


    A group of female disciples were gathered together, chattering about something, astonishment in their eyes.


    "...He''d endure the invasion of Demonic Qi for Xu Hongyu?"


    Hou Lingling, mingling within the crowd, listened to the voices of her sisters, momentarily bewildered.


    She was now an Inner Sect Disciple of the Hehuan Sect, and also one of the most promising candidates to become the next generation True Disciple after Hua Nongying. She had had a past encounter with Chen Mu and was quite surprised by his actions back then. For the sake of a mere brothel girl ''Xiao Lian,'' he had even left a message to spare her life.


    In Chen Mu''s eyes, there seemed to be no distinction between the noble and the lowly. Even brothel women were treated with equal regard. Regardless of being as lowly as beggars or prostitutes, he didn''t show the usual contempt and discrimination that most people have.


    Afterward.


    Chen Mu''s composure in the face of Hua Nongying, and his subsequent overwhelming of true disciples from Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion and defeating Gu Hong of the Heavenly Sword Sect, shocked all of them who heard about it later in the Hehuan Sect. It was unexpected that someone from such a minor place could reach such heights and even outshine Hua Nongying.


    What came next was needless to say, with tales about Chen Mu spreading one by one like legends. First, he took on Qian Heaven, then Qiankun, reigning at the summit of Yunni Mountain. He became the most dazzling figure among the young generation throughout the Cold North Path.


    "Is there really such a man in the world who values love and righteousness so much?"


    "Hee hee, it''s not so much about love and righteousness, more like conscience, I think. I heard that before he rose to prominence, he was greatly supported by his wife. Now that his wife is in trouble, how could he possibly ignore her? If he could ignore her and act as if nothing happened, he must have a heart that is particularly indifferent, to be able to do that."


    "But he is a rightly a master of the Wind Cloud List, eh, and he practices the Qiankun Artistic Conception. If he does this, won''t his future prospects of becoming a Grandmaster be ruined? That''s essentially giving up Martial Arts for his wife, what a pity."


    A few young Hehuan Sect girls chattered amongst themselves.


    At that moment, some looked towards Hou Lingling and asked, "Lingling, didn''t you have more than one encounter with him in the past? What kind of person is he?"


    Upon hearing the inquiry from the girl beside her, Hou Lingling thought back, tilting her head, and said, "A¡­ somewhat strange man?"


    "Strange?"


    Several pairs of eyes turned to Hou Lingling, all showing curiosity.


    Hou Lingling pondered and said, "He looks cold and indifferent, but I''ve never seen any arrogance or contempt in his eyes, not even towards the most humble courtesan. That time, in the eastern city district... he didn''t want to see our Hehuan Sect killing someone to keep them silent, and he especially left a message for me because of Xiao Lian."


    Appearances can be feigned, and even the expression in one''s eyes can be disguised, yet the deeds one does are undeniable.


    Those lofty nobles, despite their greed for their beauty and their flattering words, could not mask the disdain deep in their hearts, never treating them as equals. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Chen Mu was different. The fact that he especially left a message for the courtesan girl Xiao Lian before departing showed that he never saw her as a ''worthless life'' to be disdainfully disposed of. Instead, he treated her with the same respect as anyone else, which still strikes her as somewhat unbelievable to this day.


    Because.


    ```


    ```


    Don''t mention ordinary brothel women; even the disciples of our Hehuan Sect, when walking outside, are discriminated against.


    People from other sects call them enchantresses, and even if some covet their beauty, that can''t cover the contempt deep in their eyes, viewing them as the lowliest of people. This contempt is the same even among the bottom layers of small powers and gang members.


    Upon hearing Hou Lingling''s story, the surrounding girls all showed expressions of surprise.


    "There are such men in the world?"


    "I thought that aside from the sisters within our sect, everyone else outside looked down on us just the same."


    "Wuu wuu wuu, such a rare person, to actually be plotted against like this, it''s too malicious! Such a vicious scheme, it must be the work of those gossips from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion. If I catch them later, I must sew their mouths shut."


    A group of chattering girls immediately empathized.


    As disciples of the Hehuan Sect, they considered the Hehuan Sect as home, because only among the sisters of the Hehuan Sect, there was no contempt. They were born lowly, either abandoned orphans or sold wares, born as lessers. It was rare to meet someone not of the Hehuan Sect yet not feeling they were beneath them.


    Perhaps it was because of Chen Mu''s humble beginnings.


    It''s just a pity that such a person like Chen Mu wasn''t from the Hehuan Sect. Maybe one day in the future, he could even become an enemy. Thinking about this, they couldn''t help feeling regretful.


    ...


    Outside Yu City.


    A villa.


    This was the base of the Heavenly Seal Sect.


    "Being too compassionate can sometimes be a weakness."


    After hearing the report from his subordinates, Xi Song stood in the courtyard with his hands behind his back, gazing into the distant sky, his eyes reflecting a light indifference, saying, "Killing our sect protector, I had originally wanted to find an opportunity to make him suffer a bit. I didn''t expect someone else to take action for us, so there''s no need to bother anymore."


    Nie Yu''s attack on Chen Yue was indeed breaking the rules by bullying the weak, so Chen Mu didn''t hesitate to kill in retaliation. The Heavenly Seal Sect had nothing to say, but they couldn''t just ignore it - it was certainly noted.


    They had been considering how to take revenge, but in a short amount of time, Chen Mu suffered such a big loss. His Martial Arts path was cut short, and becoming a grandmaster seemed almost hopeless. Naturally, it was a pleasant sight for them.


    "However, we can''t let him suspect us for this matter, we can''t take the blame for others..."


    Xi Song thought for a moment and quickly issued several orders.


    Although they were pleased with the situation, it was clear that what they should consider now was not to continue attempting to take revenge on Chen Mu, but to quickly clear any associations and not to be targeted by Chen Mu at such a time.


    Being eroded by Demonic Qi did not mean that one had become useless. Chen Mu was still a formidable fighter on the Wind Cloud List. If he became ruthless and sought revenge without regard for the rules, then even a great sect like the Heavenly Seal Sect would find it very troublesome.


    They naturally did not want to take the blame for the actions of others.


    Even.


    Xi Song also promptly dismissed many other chaotic thoughts. Now there was absolutely no need to move against Chen Mu anymore, since afflicted by Demonic Qi and his Martial Arts path cut off, the threat was limited to the Wind Cloud List.


    ...


    The Heavenly Sword Sect.


    Outside the Forbidden Land, Sword Tomb.


    Zuo Qianqiu, in white clothing, stood still, gazing ahead, feeling the sword intents that had not dissipated to this day on each broken sword, the various Sword Dao Artistic Conceptions.


    "Senior Brother Zuo."


    Suddenly someone called out and then a figure approached from behind, reporting a few words to Zuo Qianqiu.


    After listening, Zuo Qianqiu let the Heavenly Sword Artistic Conception flow around him, causing a ripple of air, taking a while to settle down before he looked up at the blue sky and said, "I understand."


    Chen Mu...


    Would someone like you be brought down by the despicable methods of some petty villains?


    Zuo Qianqiu slowly closed his eyes.


    ```

 Chapter 262 No One is Born to be Above Others

    And at the time when Yu County was abuzz with commotion,everyone thought that Chen Mu, who was supposedly in seclusion to suppress the Demonic Qi, was leisurely making his way alone to the eastern side of the Yu Family''s residence.


    Here lay the Ancient Courtyard, a spacious compound, and in the middle of the courtyard, on a reclining chair, an old man with all-white hair was basking in the Taiyin, as a few kingfishers suddenly flew down onto his shoulder, chirping away.


    The elder casually stretched out a hand, grabbed a handful of millet from beside him, spread it open on his palm, and a few kingfishers fluttered over, landing next to his palm to peck at the millet, a scene of harmony.


    "Old Master, you seem to be quite at ease these days."


    Chen Mu stepped into the courtyard and spoke leisurely to Yu Jiujiang on the recliner.


    The kingfishers seemed to be completely oblivious to Chen Mu''s arrival. It wasn''t until Chen Mu had walked up close that they still didn''t fly away, continuing to peck at the millet. One of them, after a few pecks, looked at Chen Mu somewhat perplexedly, then flapped its wings a few times to fly onto Chen Mu''s shoulder, looking him up and down with curiosity.


    In the eyes of the kingfishers, Chen Mu appeared to be nothing more than a little tree, but they were puzzled as to how this tree had suddenly popped up.


    "I was wondering who it was, coming to see this old man on his last legs... Your skill at concealing your presence, I''m afraid, has far surpassed what I knew when I was young. Once you entered this courtyard, I couldn''t detect your existence at all."


    Yu Jiujiang looked at Chen Mu with a chuckle, his eyes brimming with a touch of wistfulness.


    Having lived past ninety, although he belonged to the Five Viscera Realm and practiced the Kan Water Sect''s teachings, he too had entered the twilight of his years. After Chen Mu went to the Seven Profound Sect, Yu Jiujiang''s health progressively declined, and by the previous year, he was completely unable to maintain the inner circulation of Inner Breath of the Five Viscera Realm. His Yuan Gang dissipating, he was no longer the potent patriarch capable of shielding the Yu Family but had become an ordinary old man, albeit with slightly stronger vitality.


    However, the Yu Family no longer needed his protection. Despite moving out of the Yu Family residence after his wedding and not settling there like Xu Yichuan did in the past, everyone knew of Chen Mu''s connection to the Yu Family. Especially after Chen Mu made it onto the Wind Cloud List, the status of the Yu Family in Yu County climbed higher and higher. Even though their overall Momentum might still not match the Xue Family, in the current face of the Yu Family, the Xue Family also had to give way.


    Of course.


    Strictly speaking, Yu Jiujiang did still possess some strength, after all, the second step of the Kan Water Artistic Conception did not wane. It was just that after the dispersal of his Yuan Gang, his mobility greatly decreased, and even though he could still harness some of the Power of Heaven and Earth, any Bone Tempering Realm individual, as long as they kept a certain distance, could not be troubled by him.


    But precisely because Artistic Conception does not deteriorate, Yu Jiujiang, seeing Chen Mu again after nearly three years and feeling the aura on Chen Mu, was filled with immense emotions. Because even with his full use of the Kan Water Artistic Conception, he couldn''t sense Chen Mu''s existence, as if there was utterly nothing there.


    He could see him, yet could not sense him.


    Just the depth of this control over the Power of Heaven and Earth alone, had far surpassed him beyond measure.


    To think that just a few years ago, Chen Mu was merely a junior who had just been taken into the Yu Family, only slightly remarkable, and now he was the number one rising star of the Cold North, rapidly pursuing the masters on the Wind Cloud List, he felt that nothing was more dreamlike than the fickle turns of the world''s affairs. Sear?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I''ve learned some minor techniques, which must seem laughable to the Old Master."


    Chen Mu smiled at Yu Jiujiang, also sensing the old man''s condition, feeling that aside from robust Qi-Blood, the old man had indeed severed the circulation of Yuan Qi with the outside world. A hint of a sigh passed his mind.


    For so many years as the Sea Calming Divine Needle for the Yu Family, who had protected him in secret on numerous occasions, the elder was finally aging, now just a common elderly man intending to peacefully go through his last years.


    Yu Jiujiang looked at Chen Mu with a kindly expression, glanced around, then a bit more solemn, he sighed, "I''ve heard about what happened before. It''s a pity that my Yuan Gang has dissipated and my Inner Breath has faded, otherwise I, this old coot, could have taken Hongyu''s place in intercepting that Demonic Qi, so it wouldn''t have involved you."


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly, saying, "They picked the precise moment expecting me to act; there wasn''t enough time for anything else. But I''m fine, Old Master, you needn''t worry."


    "Sigh."


    Yu Jiujiang exhaled deeply, saying, "You''ve entered the Six Viscera Realm and indeed can easily suppress the Demonic Qi, it''s just that...


    If it weren''t for the Demonic Qi corruption, perhaps, even though you''ve taken the path of Qiankun, there might still have been a chance for you to strike at the Mysterious Pass. Now, with this delay, your chances of attaining the rank of Grandmaster have become more uncertain. Though your current status and position, for both you and the entire Yu family, are already high enough, how can I not wish for you to reach even greater heights?


    Yu Jiujiang didn''t continue after that but changed the subject, "You must already have suspicions, have you come to any conclusions?


    "Not yet, but soon," Chen Mu replied calmly.


    "Hmm."


    Yu Jiujiang nodded, then reassured with a smile, "You''ve specially come over, so it must be more than just to see this old man. Is there anything else? If it''s about killing someone, I might be a bit feeble now, but I can still muster a bit of strength."


    Chen Mu chuckled, "You are still very fit, Old Master, but I can''t possibly trouble you over every trifle. My visit this time is actually to discuss relocating a branch of the Yu family bloodline to settle in the State Government Office of Yu State."

 Chapter 262 No One is Born Destined to be Above Others_2

    "Yu County is located in a remote area, now chaotic with a mixture of people, it''s no longer suitable for development. I plan to take Hongyu and the others to the State Government Office in a few days. I also want to ask if you would like to go, Elder."After hearing Chen Mu''s words, Yu Jiujiang sighed, "The State Government Office is good, of course, one should go if they can. You should discuss this matter with Zu Yi; as for an old man like me... In my youth, I walked through all seven prefectures of Yu State. Now in my old age, I''d like to stay here in Yu County, be it in chaos or peace."


    Actually.


    As Yu County gradually descended into chaos with the arrival of the Four Great Sects, the Yu Family had already been considering dispersing its branches. However, the Yu Family''s influence was after all not strong enough, and the State Government Office of Yu State was not like the remote Yu County. At the very least, it required the protection of someone from the Five Viscera Realm to barely gain a foothold. Yu Jiujiang was getting older and had less energy to spare.


    After Chen Mu became a prominent figure on the Wind Cloud List, he naturally had the ability to do so. Even on his reputation alone, he was sufficient to arrange for a branch of Yu Family lineage to establish themselves in the State Government Office, but such matters still had to be discussed with Chen Mu first.


    To their surprise, Chen Mu had just returned and had already brought up the matter.


    "Hmm, that''s also good."


    Chen Mu wasn''t surprised by Yu Jiujiang''s response. Yu Jiujiang had once been a Steward of the Seven Profound Sect, and had traveled all over Yu State. At his age, it was perfectly normal for him not to consider moving to the State Government Office, after all, he was born and raised in Yu County.


    The Yu Family had also provided him with many conveniences and benefits on his journey of Martial Arts cultivation. Now that he had an identity and capability, he naturally didn''t mind lending a hand and helping the Yu Family to secure a foothold for a branch of their lineage in the State Government Office.


    Chen Mu casually picked up a handful of rice grains to feed the green bird perched on his shoulder and continued to chat casually with Yu Jiujiang, when suddenly a crisp voice came from outside.


    "Grand Ancestor."


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    "Grand Ancestor."


    Several calls of varying voices came from outside the door.


    Since Yu Jiujiang dispersed his Yuan Gang Inner Breath and no longer needed to maintain his cultivation in quiet solitude, he no longer stayed in the Ancient Courtyard as before, and he allowed many of the Yu Family''s direct descendants to come over and greet him frequently.


    "Come in."


    Yu Jiujiang kindly called out to the outside of the courtyard.


    Soon, a group of young boys and girls entered the courtyard. They first greeted Yu Jiujiang lively, and only afterward did some of them notice Chen Mu standing aside, almost as if he didn''t exist.


    The newcomers were mostly the fourth generation youngsters of the Yu Family, some even younger than Yu Ru. However, after a brief moment of shock, they quickly recognized Chen Mu.


    Despite the Yu Family being large and wealthy, from the direct descendants to the side branches, Chen Mu''s name was as familiar as thunder. Even those who had only seen him once during a wedding celebration a few years ago would not have forgotten him.


    "Brother Chen."


    "Brother-in-law."


    Different calls rose up, and all eyes sparkled with a look of admiration. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu''s gaze swept over the youngsters, but paused for a moment on a girl at the front.


    "Bro... brother-in-law..."


    Yu Yun, noticing Chen Mu''s gaze, stuttered a bit, becoming somewhat flustered, her face turning red. Remembering the arrogance she had displayed in front of Chen Mu in the past, she felt utterly embarrassed.


    Times had changed. What she thought of in her earlier years had long been cast to the back of her mind. Whenever she heard about Chen Mu, and remembered her past insolent words in front of him, her face would heat up. Even during Chen Mu''s wedding celebration, she had hidden in a corner with her elders, never expecting to encounter him here again.


    And now.


    Chen Mu''s status was even more prominent, having become a well-known figure in the Cold North, even comparable to Yan Jingqing.


    Chen Mu naturally remembered Yu Yun, but he hadn''t paid much attention to her when she was just a girl of about ten years old. Now, of course, he cared even less, and wouldn''t hold a grudge for some proud words spoken many years ago. After all, she was just a somewhat spoiled young girl from a noble family.


    Now, as times had changed, she no longer held herself with the same pride in front of him. Instead, she seemed flustered and ill at ease, seemingly admiring him as a brother-in-law, yet shamefacedly unable to face him confidently.


    "It is good to admire strength, for everyone admires the strong, as it drives one to aspire higher. However, one must carry a sense of reverence and not oppress the weak. Even a dynasty that lasts a thousand years may decay, and a noble family of a hundred years can return to dust. Even those of the humblest origins can have their own power, and peerless Martial Saints can emerge from the ranks of commoners."


    "The He Family, the Yu Family... even the Seven Profound Sect, the Heavenly Sword Sect, they all started from humble beginnings. No one is born destined to stand above others, and the prosperity that spans hundreds of years is the accumulation from generation to generation."


    Chen Mu looked at Yu Yun as he spoke in a gentle tone, then glanced over the other youngsters too.


    Hearing Chen Mu''s words, whether it was Yu Yun or some other youngsters of the Yu Family, they all listened attentively with their heads down and ears perked, standing properly in front of Chen Mu.


    "Well said."


    Yu Jiujiang sighed and said, "One should admire the strong but not oppress the weak. No one is born destined to be above others, and nothing lasts forever. If one aspires to be strong but also holds reverence in their heart, acts with caution and circumspection, and passes this on from one generation to the next, only then can it endure in this world."


    Chen Mu had indeed hit the nail on the head.

 Chapter 262 No One is Born to be Above Others_3

    What of the He Family? Firmly established at the pinnacle of Yu County, they had ruled over thousands of miles and held sway for over a hundred years. Yet, overnight, they crumbled to dust. It wasn''t because they had provoked some high and mighty figure, for at that time, Chen Mu was far from being such a person. They simply lacked reverence, never holding Chen Mu in high regard from beginning to end, leading to their destruction one day. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.The deceased members of the He Family, He Mingxuan, He Mingzhen, He Guangzong... Perhaps even till their last moments, they could not have imagined that the ultimate fate of their family would not be destruction at the hands of the Yu Family, but by the sole hand of Chen Mu.


    "I shall heed brother-in-law''s teachings with care,"


    "I shall heed the great-grandfather''s teachings with care,"


    Many of the Yu Family''s young boys and girls followed suit, bowing and speaking in a soft voice.


    Yu Yun''s face flushed with restraint as she bowed with the others, then stammered at Chen Mu,


    "Brother-in-law, I... I..."


    "Just remember what I''ve said."


    Chen Mu spoke to her in an even tone.


    "Yes, yes."


    Yu Yun nodded vigorously, aware that Chen Mu was hinting at her, but his not bringing up the past allowed the unease in her heart to ease somewhat. Her gaze towards Chen Mu was filled with reverence and a touch of admiration.


    This was Chen Mu, the leader of the younger generation throughout the Cold North Eleven Northern States, a peerless figure who entered the Wind Cloud List before the age of thirty. Within the Yu Family, there was no one else with such an aura, and even now, it still felt like a dream to her.


    Even.


    Now, she only felt fortunate that Chen Mu was Xu Hongyu''s husband, her brother-in-law, a relative of the Yu Family. Otherwise, recalling her previous haughty and disrespectful attitude towards Chen Mu, she feared that she could have laid the roots of disaster for the whole Yu Family like the He Family had.


    "Alright, as long as you''ve remembered,"


    Chen Mu looked at Yu Yun, nodding slightly, then turned his attention to the others and said in a calm voice, "The same goes for all of you, don''t become arrogant and frivolous outside just because I am your brother-in-law."


    The group of boys and girls responded in chorus once more.


    Only then did Chen Mu avert his gaze and look towards Yu Jiujiang with a more relaxed expression, saying, "A bit of humble advice, perhaps overstepping, I hope the elder doesn''t find it amusing."


    Yu Jiujiang chuckled, "The incompetent younger generation of the Yu Family can be disciplined by you at will; their elders would be too glad if you could teach them a thing or two."


    "Cultivation of the mind and spirit relies on the individual; I can only offer advice and guidance."


    Chen Mu smiled and then said, "Alright, I will go and speak with grandpa-in-law. I won''t bother the elder any longer."


    "Mhm."


    Yu Jiujiang nodded slightly.


    Chen Mu turned and left the courtyard, and his figure quickly disappeared from view.


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    And only after Chen Mu had left did the previously tense atmosphere in the courtyard finally relax. The group of Yu Family scions, who had hardly dared to breathe earlier, now started to exhale and look at one another.


    "Great-grandfather, great-grandfather, when did brother-in-law return to Yu County... He is already a Wind Cloud List master, his presence is so much more intimidating than three years ago."


    "He hasn''t been back long."


    Yu Jiujiang affectionately patted a little girl on the head.


    Others were peeking at Yu Yun, while someone whispered beside her, "Sister Yun, brother-in-law... why did he seem so... strange with you? Was there something between you..."


    "No, there was nothing."


    Yu Yun responded immediately, while her mind suddenly thought of Yu Ru, feeling a bit envious. She and Yu Ru had no significant difference in their relationship with Xu Hongyu, only Xu Hongyu took more care of Yu Ru, and now Chen Mu was also much closer to Yu Ru than to her.


    When she was younger, she always envied that her older siblings took better care of Yu Ru, but as she grew older, she understood more and could not feel jealous of Yu Ru any longer. After all, her own distant relationship with Chen Mu was her own fault, and with shame, she felt a sense of regret and a missed opportunity.

 Chapter 263 The Battle Begins

    Inner City.Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion.


    Years had passed since the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion first arrived in Yu City; it no longer felt new. A large area of the Inner City, located in the southwest, now belonged to the Pavilion''s turf and wasn''t limited to just one Hexagonal Pavilion.


    Besides, the influence of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion had already spread throughout Yu County, either by intimidation or by temptation. Many gangs in the Outer City were working for them, and various businesses were all over the city. Only certain government-controlled trades such as salt and iron were temporarily untouchable.


    Of course.


    Even in Yu City, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion couldn''t completely monopolize power. The Hehuan Sect, for example, seemingly only managed the brothel business on the surface, but in fact, over the years, many powers within the city had fallen under their control behind the scenes. After all, they might not be as good at doing business as the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, but they just needed to use lust to control those who were.


    At this moment, in the main building of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, in a rather spacious room, many stewards in Mysterious Robes were seated, including the protector Duanmu Chun, who was at the head. Everyone was sitting cross-legged on the rosewood floor, with numerous ledgers placed in front of them.


    "The revenue from the tavern business in the South City District last month was 21,214 silver taels."


    "The revenue from the tavern business in the East City District last month was 17,781 silver taels."


    "West City District..."


    One by one, the stewards were verifying the revenue ledgers.


    The Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, now a large establishment, had businesses everywhere, including taverns, flower boats, and grain, fabric, and so on. Furthermore, there was strict governance from top to bottom, with all kinds of ledgers being checked each month.


    Duanmu Chun sat at the head, not participating in the ledger auditing, only listening to the stewards'' summary, while several other protectors in Mysterious Robes sat leisurely beside him, some leisurely sipping tea.


    "How have things been with the Inspectorate lately?"


    After listening to several ledger reports, Duanmu Chun turned to someone and asked.


    Compared to the monthly ledger audits, the movements of Seven Profound Sect and the Inspectorate seemed more crucial. Although it had been seven or eight days since the incident, and everything in the Inner City seemed peaceful, the more it was like this, the more Duanmu Chun felt that the matter wouldn''t just quietly settle down. Given Chen Mu''s usual methods, he wouldn''t just admit defeat so easily. Find your next read at My Virtual Library Empire


    First, it wasn''t necessarily possible for Chen Mu to trace the matter back to the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion because the incident had been carried out personally by high-level experts from the Pavilion with almost flawless execution. Even though the Pavilion and the Seven Profound Sect harbored the deepest grudges, at such a time, who could be certain that it wasn''t another faction intentionally scheming and instigating trouble? As long as Chen Mu couldn''t be completely sure it was a scheme by the Pavilion, he couldn''t afford to retaliate recklessly and without regard. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Of course.


    A Grandmaster on the Wind Cloud List was no joke. An incident this serious couldn''t just blow over without stirring some storms. Therefore, the Pavilion had long been prepared for the impact on their various businesses.


    Yet, the result was that for seven or eight days it had been calm, whether it was Chen Mu, the Inspectorate, or the Seven Profound Sect, they all seemed to act as if nothing had happened. There was no overreaction, nor was there a major search or arrests using the incident as an excuse in the Inner City.


    Despite this.


    Duanmu Chun had made many preparations, such as instructing all members of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion to be cautious. All stewards and protectors were to remain at the Pavilion''s headquarters and not to move around without good reason for the time being.


    "The Inspectorate has been covertly watching our people more closely. We are indeed their prime suspects, but since the job was done with no leaks, no matter how hard they look, they won''t find any traces," someone leisurely replied while holding and sipping from a teacup.


    Duanmu Chun nodded slightly and asked, "Do we have any intelligence on Chen Mu?"


    Another protector responded cheerfully, "No news. He''s probably still figuring out how to expel the Demonic Qi. But once the Demonic Qi has penetrated the Five Viscera, not even a Grandmaster can help him expel it. He can only wear it down slowly. Without at least a decade or so, it''s unlikely to be completely cleared, so we can consider him out of the equation for the future."


    "No, no matter what, he is still a Grandmaster who has mastered the Qiankun Artistic Conception and listed on the Wind Cloud List, it''s too exaggerated to say he''s out of consideration. At least for us, he remains a force not to be underestimated. Once he regains his composure, he will inevitably cause trouble in Yu City. We had better muddy the waters when the time comes; if we can incite him to fight against the Heavenly Seal Sect and Linjiang Pavilion, that would be ideal," Duanmu Chun replied.


    The protectors talked among themselves.


    Using Xu Hongyu''s plan against Chen Mu had proved completely effective, undoubtedly fulfilling the most basic goal, and the higher-ups of the Mysterious Pavilion Sect praised this outcome. Whether Chen Mu would suspect them later or how to deal with Chen Mu''s retaliation was a separate matter. At least the disciples below the stewards'' rank in the Pavilion were completely unaware of it.


    Even if Chen Mu went crazy and turned Yu County upside down, exposing all the Pavilion''s external operations, they wouldn''t find anything unless he recklessly attacked their headquarters, but that would require being certain they were the masterminds.


    But.


    Even if Chen Mu was a high-ranking expert on the Wind Cloud List, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion was not some easy prey to be trifled with, not to mention just one Chen Mu. Even the entire Seven Profound Sect hadn''t scared the Pavilion; at worst, they would simply fight it out.


    "You''re being too serious. In my opinion, with Chen Mu affected by the Demonic Qi, he probably wouldn''t dare to act rashly. Sooner or later, he''ll return to the Seven Profound Sect with his tail between his legs... It was Brother Duanmu''s exquisite tactics that have eliminated a great threat to our Pavilion," someone said.


    "Since there is no wine here, let us replace it with tea and toast to Brother Duanmu," someone else said, raising a cup.

 Chapter 263 Battle Begins_2

    A protector laughed cheerfully as he raised a tea cup towards Duanmu Chun.Though the planning this time was initiated by a steward below him, the credit was naturally first attributed to Duanmu Chun who was in charge. In a moment, nearby stewards also raised their glasses to Duanmu Chun.


    Seeing this, Duanmu Chun couldn''t help but shake his head slightly and said, "The matter isn''t over yet, it''s too early to celebrate."


    "The overall situation is already decided, how can it be too early?"


    A protector sitting further down laughed and spoke.


    Other protectors and stewards also looked over.


    However.


    Almost at that moment, an indifferent voice suddenly came from behind the crowd, "Oh, what''s this about the situation being decided? I''d like to hear more."


    This discordant voice fell into the ears of many protectors and stewards present, causing everyone to be stunned, then all heads turned in unison to see that behind the crowd, at the place where the ledgers were being arranged, a figure had appeared unknowingly, facing away from the crowd, casually flipping through a stack of ledgers.


    The atmosphere in the room paused for a moment.


    "Who?!"


    "How did you get in?" sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The closest few stewards of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, seeing the stranger''s unfamiliar attire, instinctively shouted questions.


    Uncertainty also surged.


    This was the main building of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, not even Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s Inner Sect Disciples were allowed here without permission. How did this person suddenly appear here?


    However.


    The stewards who had just vocally reprimanded him saw the figure holding the ledgers slowly turn his head to reveal a young, unfamiliar face. His indifferent gaze swept across the room, leaving a trail of icy chill wherever it went, making everyone''s spine feel cool.


    At this point, someone directly recognized the newcomer, his eyes widening in shock.


    "You...you are... "


    Although there were no specific portraits in the New Talent Catalog or the Wind Cloud List, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s intelligence was strong, and there were definitely circulated personal appearances of those on the Wind Cloud List internally. Even if not seen before, some could recognize his identity at a glance.


    The person in the commoner''s robe and young face was instantly recognized by many.


    Number one in the New Talent Catalog of the Cold North Path.


    Number twenty-seven on the Wind Cloud List¡ª''Qiankun Blade'' Chen Mu!


    This was the central Mysterious Mechanism Building of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s headquarters. How had Chen Mu appeared here so silently, without any noise from outside, and even among the people present, not a single person had detected him beforehand!


    Smack.


    Chen Mu gently put down the ledger in his hand back on the stack, then turned his gaze towards the many stewards and protectors of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, and spoke in a flat tone, "Causing chaos in Yu State, stealing money and resources, resorting to such despicable means, is this what you call a settled situation for the supposedly prestigious Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion?"


    The entire room felt oppressive, and some stewards looked at Chen Mu with horror in their eyes, their foreheads also showing beads of cold sweat. Let alone the prowess of someone ranked on the Wind Cloud List, Chen Mu''s ability to appear here so stealthily was truly terrifying. It was almost as if he were from the Blood Hidden Pavilion, capable of assassination without them even knowing how they died!


    However.


    Although they were utterly shocked, some, amidst their nervousness, narrowed their gaze slightly, a cold light flashing in their eyes. After all, while Chen Mu''s method was shocking, daring to show up openly in the territory of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion was still too audacious.


    Even if he were a high-ranking fighter from the Wind Cloud List, not to mention being affected by Demonic Qi, even in his prime, daring to step alone into the depths of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, did he really think this was a place one could just come and go as they pleased?!


    "The Da Xuan Dynasty Court is in decline, and conflicts abound everywhere. Even the Eleven State of the Cold North Path is constantly at war. In such times, only by uniting Cold North can the chaos be settled and millions of commoners can be relieved. The Seven Profound Sect controls one state and governs a region. It appears to calm one corner of the land but in reality, it is the root of the turmoil. The Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion upholds the Heavenly Mandate and executes natural justice, how is it not righteous?" Find more to read at My Virtual Library Empire


    A protector stared at Chen Mu and slowly said.


    Duanmu Chun slowly stood up, looking at Chen Mu distantly and said lightly, "In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures are needed. What do you know? But since you have come here alone, it''s just as well. Just stay at the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion."


    ...


    Outside.


    Outside the residence of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, the spacious streets were bustling with people, and the markets were lively.


    After the four Sects entered Yu County several years ago, the situation in Yu County did not become more chaotic but rather, the previously chaotic layers settled quite a bit. After all, there were many more ''capable young Sect Disciples who eradicated evil'', and those notorious gangs that once dominated were now keeping their heads low.


    "Have you heard? Lord Chen seems to have returned to Yu County."


    "Lord Chen? Which Lord Chen?"


    "Who else could it be... I told you years ago that Lord Chen, once he meets an opportunity, he transforms into a dragon. Now in just a few short years, he has become a high-ranking figure on the Wind Cloud List, on par with Inspector Y¨¤n."


    In the tavern of the market, some guests in long robes were drinking wine, quietly discussing among themselves.


    "When did Lord Chen come back? I had no idea. Speaking of which, a distant nephew of mine once worked under Lord Chen, back when Lord Chen was just a minor official in the Outer City."


    Someone said with a sentimental expression.


    "With Lord Chen''s current status, coming back to Yu County is probably just to visit his family. If I didn''t have someone working in the Inspectorate, I probably wouldn''t know about it either. He likely won''t stay long."

 Chapter 263 Battle Begins_3

    "Hmm, had you not mentioned it, I wouldn''t have known that Lord Chen has also become an elusive figure. From now on, we might only hear tales about him, and seeing him in person would be difficult."A person sitting by the windowsill lamented as he picked up his cup, intending to drink from it.


    But.


    Almost at that moment, a thunderous explosion came from afar, like the earth bursting apart, accompanied by a howling gale sweeping through nearby streets, causing chaos everywhere and even disrupting the tavern''s patrons.


    Drinks spilled everywhere, dishes and utensils were thrown about, and everyone was stunned for a moment before they all looked in the direction of the noise, their expressions shocked.


    "What''s going on?"


    "What caused such a commotion? That should be... the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s location? Could something have happened there, but who would dare cause trouble at the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s location?" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The tavern''s patrons and the shopkeeper looked at each other in bewilderment.


    But immediately after.


    Boom!


    Another earth-shattering explosion occurred, accompanied by an indifferent voice.


    "Talking is useless."


    "Let''s see if the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s techniques are as mystical as you boast."


    Along with this indifferent voice spreading through the streets of the Inner City''s City West, countless pedestrians, tavern patrons, and merchants froze, then showed expressions of horror as they looked towards the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s location.


    Someone was actually challenging the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion?


    Who was it?


    Who possesses such momentum and boldness?


    Swish! Swish!!


    Suddenly, several figures leapt up amid the chaotic streets, swiftly landing on high spots of the tavern''s roof, looking in the direction of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s location, where a shocking scene unfolded before their eyes.


    In the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s location, a once towering hexagonal pavilion now was nearly half-collapsed, leaving only some ruins and broken walls standing. A figure stood atop it, overlooking the entire Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion.


    It was none other than Chen Mu!


    Beneath Chen Mu, the collapsed pavilion was a mess, with blood and vaguely visible severed limbs scattered about, presenting a horrifying sight.


    Amid the broken pavilion, figures such as Duanmu Chun and many other protectors of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion could be seen, each bearing strands of Yuan Gang Inner Breath and all looking up at Chen Mu above them.


    "Damn it!"


    Duanmu Chun glared at Chen Mu with a dark expression.


    Chen Mu had just acted within the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion without any restraint, clashing directly against many protectors, and the aftermath instantly killed many of the pavilion''s disciples who had no time to escape!


    He wanted to scold Chen Mu for his ruthless and unrestrained attacks on the younger generation, but upon remembering that Chen Mu was not yet thirty years old and still part of the younger generation himself, he found himself unable to voice it.


    Hum.


    Chen Mu stood at a damaged corner of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s roof, his expression indifferent. He raised his hand and struck another palm down, the immense Power of Heaven and Earth roared and transformed into a giant hand that spanned several yards, with various glows intertwining, overwhelmingly crushing downward.


    The Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion no longer cared about the rule of ''the calamity should not involve family.'' Thus, he naturally wouldn''t talk much about bullying the weak with the strong. As for the philosophy of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s sect, he was not interested in discerning whether it was malicious and mean or aimed at the greater good. Essentially, they had troubled him and plotted against his loved ones, and the only response was blood for blood!


    An enormous palm descended, the immense Power of Heaven and Earth converged, forming a palm imprint that made Duanmu Chun''s face drastically change, unable to believe that Chen Mu, even afflicted by Demonic Qi, could still manifest such terrifying power with his actions.


    The rest of the protectors also showed fear in their eyes.


    But just then.


    A voice came from afar.


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    As a figure in a Mysterious Robe approached from a distance, arriving in an instant at the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s location, the figure had not yet arrived but had already sent a palm strike from afar. Instantly, a chilling wind howled past, forming a visible cold qi palm imprint, freezing the ground wherever it passed, colliding with the palm imprint Chen Mu had sent down.


    Accompanied by a thundering explosion like that of heaven and earth splitting, the remaining parts of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s pavilion completely shattered and collapsed, with countless splintered wood pieces instantly freezing into ice shards scattering all over.


    Swish.


    Chen Mu''s figure landed near the corner of another building''s roof, his gaze turning towards the newcomer, speaking in a light tone.


    "Cold Soul Blade, Situ Shu?"


    The Great Protector of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, Cold Soul Blade Situ Shu!


    Holder of the Winter Domain, wielding the Cold Soul Spirit Blade, he had directly defeated many notorious figures such as ''Fire Cloud Ascetic,'' ''Blood Hand Luo Mo,'' and others who dominated the Cold North, standing twenty-third on the Northern Path''s Wind Cloud List!

 Chapter 264 Qiankun Shakes the Domain

    Although everyone knew that to stabilize a chaotic world, there needed to be only one voice, nobody wanted to be the voice that was eliminated and erased, whether it was the aggressive Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion or the defensively retreating Seven Profound Sect.Of course, to Chen Mu, these were not critical issues, even if Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion shared his ideology, planned against him, and trampled over his bottom line. No matter how much it was for the sake of stabilizing the chaotic world, they would still face the sword in his hand!


    Thud, thud, thud.


    Situ Shu, carrying a broadsword exuding traces of cold air, stepped forward; with each step, a piece of frost formed in the void beneath his feet, and the temperature within several dozen feet around him plummeted, as if falling into a chilling deep autumn.


    Inside the collapsed Hexagonal Pavilion of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, mutilated bodies, their blood no longer flowing but frozen instead, were scattered about. He merely glanced down with a flicker of coldness in his eyes. He had specifically rushed to Yu County to oversee the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s station, but he hadn''t expected Chen Mu to infiltrate the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion silently and even recklessly take action!


    The disciples inside the pavilion were affected, with dozens injured or killed!


    But they at Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion also trampled on the martial world rule of "misfortune should not spread to the family." At this moment, there indeed wasn''t much to be said, given the circumstances; nothing more could be beneficial, only to fight it out.


    "Brazen and reckless, running wild in our Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion! If you think being on the Wind Cloud List gives you the right to cause chaos, you are sorely mistaken. Now that you''re here, stay here today!"


    Situ Shu looked coldly at Chen Mu; as his words ended, a powerful and oppressive momentum surged, causing the nearby Power of Heaven and Earth to tremble instantly, a formless force spreading out.


    Crack! Crack!


    With a tap of his foot, the ground froze from where he stood, spreading outwards in all directions visibly quick, instantly turning the surrounding buildings to ice, and climbing towards Chen Mu who stood on the rooftop, turning a radius of several dozen feet into a frozen dominion! S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Winter Domain!


    The Wind Cloud List had rankings as well!


    Although Chen Mu was listed on the Wind Cloud List and had recently entered the Six Viscera Realm, gaining strength, he could not possibly grasp a Domain, lacking control over the Martial Arts Domain. No matter how strong, this only placed him at the bottom of the Wind Cloud List!


    Even though the Power of Heaven and Earth Chen Mu could mobilize, and his Yuan Gang True Essence, could match his, lacking a Domain was a stark difference, representing an entirely different level of manipulation of the Power of Heaven and Earth!


    "Since I''ve come, I''ve never thought of leaving."


    Chen Mu stood high, hands behind his back, looking down at Situ Shu.


    The frost beneath him spread instantly to his feet, freezing the nearby eaves solid, yet at this moment he did not retreat, lifting his foot and stomping down.


    Boom!


    A dazzling burst of multicolored light flashed, turning extreme yin to extreme yang. In an instant, the world around him seemed to change, a scorching torrent burst forth from beneath his feet, forcefully separating the nearby cold air of the Winter Domain, washing over the buildings below, making the entire pavilion emit streams of warm mist amidst a realm of frost.


    Two radically different powers continuously clashed and collided in the void.


    "Somewhat capable."


    Situ Shu''s eyes flashed with coldness.


    It seemed like neither of the two had made much movement, merely facing each other from a distance, but in reality, from the moment he initiated the Winter Domain, the Power of Heaven and Earth within several dozen feet was fraught with lethal traps.


    The moment Chen Mu reacted, had his power been slightly weaker when clashing with the Power of Heaven and Earth mobilized by the Winter Domain, he would have been instantaneously frozen into an ice sculpture, without any chance to escape!


    Even now.


    With the two of them, one above the other, seemingly without movement in reality, the surrounding Power of Heaven and Earth was in violent conflict and collision. Any ordinary person approaching Chen Mu would either be instantly frozen into an ice sculpture or scorched and cooked instantly by the conflicting Powers of Heaven and Earth!


    The commotion at the station of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion had now alarmed the entire Inner City of Yu County, drawing gazes from all directions towards the station. Many towering buildings nearby revealed figures, whether from Heavenly Sword Sect, Hehuan Sect, Linjiang Pavilion, and so forth, all gazing at the station, feeling the intense changes of the Power of Heaven and Earth.


    "Qiankun Blade Chen Mu, Cold Soul Blade Situ Shu!"


    Someone recognized the identities of Chen Mu and Situ Shu at a glance.


    Before they acted, it might not be easy to identify them immediately, but now with Situ Shu expanding the Winter Domain and Chen Mu countering with Qiankun Eight Phases Rotation, their clashing Powers of Heaven and Earth undeniably revealed their identities. Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire


    "I heard not long ago Chen Mu was secretly targeted; was it really the handiwork of someone from Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion?"


    "Heh, a peerless genius only appearing once a century. Not even 30 years old and already stepping into the Wind Cloud List, it''s no wonder Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion is uneasy, but their methods are too despicable, still claiming to be a prestigious sect, which is rather ironic."


    Gazes fell on the station of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, some surprised, some mocking.


    However, more were sensing the continuous clashing of the two forces of Heaven and Earth, observing the extensive range of frost covering several dozen feet, and the colorful lights swirling around Chen Mu, their eyes vibrating with shock.

 Chapter 264 Qiankun Shakes the Domain_2

    "Winter Domain, Qiankun Eight Phases."


    "This is the rumored strongest Martial Arts Artistic Conception in the Qiankun, the only kind that can contend with a complete Martial Arts Domain before one''s own Domain is achieved..."


    A protector from Linjiang Pavilion witnessed this scene, his eyes revealing a hint of dread.


    Although he was also of the Six Viscera Realm, he had not mastered his Domain yet. He was very aware of the power of a Martial Arts Domain, and if he were to face Situ Shu, he would be overwhelmed by the opponent''s Winter Domain almost instantly due to the rejection and isolation from the Domain powered by the Artistic Conception, leaving him no chance to stand a fight.


    Yet, Chen Mu had not mastered a Domain; he could resist Situ Shu''s Winter Domain with his Artistic Conception alone. Even though it seemed that Situ Shu had the upper hand, being able to withstand a Domain with mere Artistic Conception and a mortal body was undoubtedly an astonishing power!


    Atop the pavilion.


    Chen Mu stood with his hands behind his back, as the Power of Heaven and Earth circulated around him, contending against the Winter Domain.


    Feeling the intensity of the Winter Domain and experiencing its difference from Qin Mengjun''s Qian Heaven Domain, Chen Mu''s gaze remained steady as he simply looked at Situ Shu:


    "Is this the extent of strength of your Martial Arts Domain?"


    "Hmph."


    Situ Shu snorted coldly.


    He also examined the Power of Heaven and Earth mobilized around Chen Mu. The Qiankun Artistic Conception was extremely rare; even though he had dominated the Cold North Path for decades, largely contending with other Domain wielders and even Grandmasters, encountering those who had achieved the Qiankun Artistic Conception was countable on one''s fingers, with Chen Mu being the youngest among them, a peerless talent who had achieved it in the Five Viscera Realm. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s words, Situ Shu stopped probing and casually flipped his right hand. The Cold Soul Spirit Blade, which had always been carried on his back, suddenly fell into his hand.


    In an instant.


    The Wind howled and the cold surged within tens of meters.


    "Qiankun Artistic Conception, Eight Phases Cycle, indeed has some tricks, but Artistic Conception is just an Artistic Conception after all. The heights of the Martial Arts Domain are something your mere second-step Conception cannot reach... Today, let me show you!"


    Without wielding the blade, Situ Shu merely drew the Cold Soul Spirit Blade across in front of him, and the intensity of the entire Winter Domain surged dramatically, as though it had increased by fifty or sixty percent at once!


    Situ Shu''s rank at twenty-third in the Wind Cloud List was due not only to the Winter Domain; his possession of the Cold Soul Spirit Blade was also key, a Spirit Weapon perfectly aligned with his Cold Winter Artistic Conception, triggering its potential to perfectly merge into the Domain!


    Whir!!


    With the surge in the Winter Domain''s intensity, the eaves and pavilions beneath Chen Mu were once again covered with a layer of frost, and the circulation of Qiankun Eight Phases around him seemed to suddenly become strained.


    Situ Shu, having ignited the power of the Spirit Weapon, pressed down on Chen Mu unwaveringly, and from nearly ten meters away, raised the Cold Soul Spirit Blade in his hand and swiped it out towards Chen Mu from afar.


    Crackling!


    In that moment, a thick ice fog suddenly burst around Chen Mu, where all the air seemed to instantly freeze into frost, while violent cold Blade Qi crisscrossed, completely engulfing him.


    At this stage of Domain, any Blade Technique or move was utterly meaningless, as under the augmentation of the Domain, even the most mediocre blade move becomes a miraculous feat, and even the most casual swing can split into millions!


    "Not good."


    "Chen Mu must have been careless."


    Some observers silently commented as they watched this unfold.


    The Qiankun Artistic Conception could indeed resist a Domain for a time, but it was only resistance after all, and could not directly confront a higher-level Domain with the Artistic Conception alone, as this was the tactic of using one''s weakness against the enemy''s strength.


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    Either retreat entirely outside the opponent''s Domain range, avoiding direct confrontation, or like those Grandmasters without a Domain, charge through the Domain, forcing close-quarters combat.


    Chen Mu, relying solely on the Qiankun Artistic Conception to face Situ Shu''s Winter Domain head-on, was likely to suffer greatly.


    He must still be too young, not having enough experience contending with high-level Domain masters.


    Boom!!!


    As many eyes watched with different expressions, Chen Mu was engulfed by the ice fog and the all-around Winter Blade Qi, and the platform beneath him was immediately covered with crisscrossing Blade Qi, revealing black lines, then shattering into countless neatly arranged wooden fragments.


    The wooden fragments, one after another, froze within the frost, scattering haphazardly.


    Yet.


    Almost at that moment, the crisscrossing Blade Qi in the void suddenly burst apart in pieces, and the brilliance of Qiankun Eight Phases converged, forming a visible Cycle Mark rotating like a grinding wheel around Chen Mu.


    Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal!


    In an instant, all the incoming Winter Blade Qi was ground into pieces by the mighty Wheel Seal of Heaven and Earth!


    Chen Mu then stepped forward from the shattered pavilion, stepping from the air to the ground, walking towards Situ Shu. With each step he took, hundreds of thousands of Blade Qi attacked him, and hundreds of thousands were ground into pieces.


    Each of these countless Blade Qi was strong enough to kill a ''He Wuyou'', but failed to penetrate within three feet of him, not even touching a thread of his clothing!

 Chapter 264 Qiankun Shakes the Domain_3

    But he saw the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal encircling him, constantly eroding the Blade Qi, yet its radiance did not dim in the slightest, instead, as he stepped forward, the light grew even more dazzling, and the might of Heaven and Earth became increasingly mighty!


    "Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal?"


    Situ Shu, witnessing this scene, finally changed color.


    One must know that the Martial Arts Domain is the culmination of a Martial Artist''s will, Artistic Conception, Yuan Gang... almost all abilities merged into one supreme realm. Within its scope, aside from the Power of Heaven and Earth under personal control, all else would be strongly repelled, and attack methods discarded distance, guaranteeing a hit with each strike. Those hundreds of thousands of Blade Qi were not mere show, not just scattered power, but rather each slash was like an all-out strike, each brimming with tremendous might!


    Even though Chen Mu, relying on the Qiankun Artistic Conception, could mobilize the Power of Heaven and Earth that was slightly greater than his own, it would be extremely difficult to withstand the might of his Domain, for the Domain itself was equivalent to the pinnacle of all martial techniques.


    However.


    Chen Mu was facing the might of his Domain head-on!


    And the Heaven and Earth''s Might he harnessed was only slightly stronger than his.


    This was not only due to the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal being cultivated to an exceedingly profound and pure realm, making the Power of Heaven and Earth he mobilized sufficiently solidified, but also because his own Yuan Gang and Artistic Conception of Heaven and Earth had been cultivated to almost a complete cycle as one, inseparable, reaching a state almost like a ''Domain Embryo Form,'' which enabled him to casually withstand the onslaught of the Winter Domain!


    This was not something that could be done with a single technique. It had to combine the depth of the Qiankun Artistic Conception, the level of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, will of Martial Arts comparable to a true Grandmaster, and even the mastery of extremely intricate Yuan Gang techniques... Only when these factors all came together could one achieve such a divine and unbelievable technique!


    Chen Mu,


    How old was he?


    In this moment, amid his shock, Situ Shu even felt a trace of relief, grateful that Duanmu Chun and others had plotted against Chen Mu, forcing him to be eroded by the Demonic Qi. Otherwise, given time, Chen Mu might really enter the path with Qiankun, cultivate into a Grandmaster of the Qiankun lineage, and become a future great threat to the entire Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion!


    "Indeed, the might of the Domain is extraordinary."


    "However, it''s not invincible."


    Chen Mu maintained the operation of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, continuously colliding with the Winter Domain, step by step he advanced, coming face to face with Situ Shu, his eyes extraordinarily calm.


    Although he had previously experienced the might of the Domain firsthand from Qin Mengjun, it was not a life-and-death struggle, and at that time, he had not yet mastered Falling Flowers without Trace, nor had his Martial Arts will reached the Third Layer, stepping into a realm rivaling that of a Grandmaster. His control over the Power of Heaven and Earth was not precise enough, only now could he be considered to have truly reached a meticulous degree of mastery.


    One could say.


    Even though the Heaven and Earth''s Might he controlled was only comparable to Situ Shu''s, he could still contend with a true Domain to some extent.


    Continue reading stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Step, step, step,


    Chen Mu took steps forward, thousands of Blade Qi continuously shattering around him until he came close to Situ Shu. His right hand casually flipped, and Flowing Fire Blade appeared in his grasp, which he wielded to deliver a sudden slash forward!


    In that instant, the myriad Blade Qi around him shattered, accompanied by a burst of crimson light.


    Clang!!!


    Situ Shu''s Cold Soul Spirit Blade was held horizontally to meet the Flowing Fire Blade in Chen Mu''s hand, clashing with a crisp sound of metal against metal. Beneath their feet, the frozen ground cracked like a spider web from the point of impact, spreading in all directions and reaching dozens of feet!


    The violent residual waves of the Power of Heaven and Earth spread along the cracks, affecting not only the ground but also buildings and structures encapsulated in ice, suddenly showing interlacing cracks.


    Finally.


    The chaotic Power of Heaven and Earth exploded completely, destroying all Blade Qi within dozens of feet, and where the crimson Flowing Fire met the cold of the Winter Domain, a mist of vapor spread.


    Amid the mist, Situ Shu was seen holding the Cold Soul Spirit Blade, forced back several steps, heavily impacted, with a trace of blood at the corner of his mouth.


    The look in his eyes as he gazed at Chen Mu finally revealed a significant shock.


    He had braced against the Winter Domain, clashed forcefully, and yet he was entirely at a disadvantage! S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Winter Domain, the Cold Soul Spirit Blade, the methods he used to dominate the Northern Path¡ªall had been employed, but he still couldn''t suppress Chen Mu head-on, which meant... he was no match for this youngster barely thirty years old!


    Not only Situ Shu.


    Together with Duanmu Chun and the other protectors of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion nearby, as well as guardians and stewards of various sects and groups who had heard the commotion and came to watch from afar, all showed an expression of amazement at this time.


    They had all anticipated that Chen Mu, who was listed on the Wind Cloud List in the Five Viscera Realm, would not be weak after entering the Six Viscera Realm, but they had not expected him to be so strong. Holding a common Treasured Artifact in hand, he could face the Cold Soul Spirit Blade wielded by Situ Shu and still come out ahead, determining the upper hand with a single strike!

 Chapter 405 265

    In a sweep of shock,


    amidst the hazy white mist, Chen Mu was enveloped by the light of the Qiankun Eight Phases Rotation and the Power of Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal. Taking a step out from within, he once again strode towards Situ Shu, followed by another slash of his blade.


    The hundreds of cold and intersecting Blade Qi from the Cold Soul Spirit Blade shattered once more, crushed into dispersed Power of Heaven and Earth by the millstone-like Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, and Situ Shu''s expression dimmed slightly as he raised his Cold Soul Spirit Blade to meet the attack, gathering all the Heaven and Earth''s Might he could muster.


    Boom!!!


    Another cloud of icy mist burst, the frozen ground cracked, and the two long blades clashed in the air, accompanied by the collision of two violent forces of Heaven and Earth, until they exploded and spread out into another cloud of white fog.


    Situ Shu held the Cold Soul Spirit Blade aloft with both hands, touching the edge of Chen Mu''s Flowing Fire Blade, both blades trembling violently, until after the Power of Heaven and Earth dissipated, his complexion changed and he was forced to retreat another step.


    If Situ Shu was a bit careless with Chen Mu''s first strike and had not used his full strength to counter it, then with this strike, he had ignited his power to the utmost, including the might of his Domain, his own Yuan Gang, and the power of the Cold Soul Spirit Blade, all condensed into one. However, in a head-on collision, he was still no match for Chen Mu!


    Thud.


    Chen Mu''s pace didn''t stop, followed by the cleave of the third blade.


    Situ Shu parried once more, and retreated again!


    Chen Mu advanced again, the fourth blade, the fifth blade, the sixth blade... the seventh blade!


    With seven slashes in a row from Chen Mu, Situ Shu retreated seven times. The ground within dozens of yards had completely cracked into tiny fragments, and the buildings of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion in all directions were almost entirely shattered and collapsed, with the many disciples of the pavilion in the distance all filled with shock.


    The Martial Arts Domain is not omnipotent!


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    To maintain the Winter Domain and the onslaught of thousands of Blade Qi on Chen Mu was a huge burden for Situ Shu, consuming all his mental energy and focus. In this state, faced with Chen Mu''s attack, he could only raise the Cold Soul Spirit Blade to withstand it, without any other option.


    Even more so, he did not dare to release the suppression of the Winter Domain on Chen Mu. Otherwise, without the suppression of the Winter Domain, Chen Mu could also release the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, without having to expend energy to maintain its rotation around him.


    It was precisely because he had to maintain the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal and resist the constant attack of Blade Qi within the Winter Domain that Chen Mu was only able to strike one blade at a time within this scope. But that was enough, he was able to stand against the Winter Domain, attacking Situ Shu himself, forcing Situ Shu to retreat seven times, spitting blood. This meant that in the clash between the Winter Domain and Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, he was more at ease, with more surplus power!


    "Not good."


    Duanmu Chun and the others, who had not made any move from afar, saw Chen Mu unleashing seven slashes while braving the Winter Domain, forcing Situ Shu to retreat seven times, their expressions changed, finally reacting.


    Their Great Protector of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, Situ Shu, ranked twenty-third on the Wind Cloud List, was clearly no match for Chen Mu. If the fight continued like this, the situation would undoubtedly become increasingly unfavorable!


    "Act quickly!"


    Duanmu Chun shouted loudly, stepping forward, heading towards the Winter Domain around Situ Shu.


    After Situ Shu appeared, including him, many of the Stewards of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion initially had no intention of taking action, more intent on blocking any potential retreats for Chen Mu, standing by to reinforce Situ Shu.


    After all, Situ Shu, a proudly ranked twenty-third on the Wind Cloud List, wielding the Cold Soul Spirit Blade, and especially in the wintertime, taking advantage of the season, feared no one before the top twenty, even against those ranked higher. Facing Chen Mu, who had just entered the Wind Cloud List not long ago and had not mastered his own Domain, should have been an easy catch.


    Who would have thought...


    After clashing in battle, Situ Shu turned out to be at a disadvantage!


    Seeing that things were going awry, the other Protectors could no longer sit still, all moving at once. All kinds of Artistic Conception forces filled the Void, one after another being invoked.


    "Brother Situ, we shall assist you... Four Seasons Rotation, the Zodiac as the formation!"


    Duanmu Chun let out a low shout.


    With Situ Shu already deploying the Winter Domain, although the Domain itself would not cause friendly fire, if they stepped into the Domain, they would be suppressed by the cold of winter as well. Therefore, their only option to assist Situ Shu was from outside the Domain.


    But as Duanmu Chun let out a low shout, immediately a surge of wintry and icy intent rose from a Protector behind him, then another Protector burst with the verdant intent of Warm Spring, followed by midsummer, late autumn!


    With Duanmu Chun at the center, five to six Protectors of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion combined their Four Seasons Artistic Conception, forming a Seasonal formation, and in an instant, all the Power of Heaven and Earth they commanded merged together into a majestic Heaven and Earth''s Might, stirring the nearby Cold Winter Artistic Conception, causing the Power of Heaven and Earth to become even more violently chaotic.


    "Seasonal Sword!"


    Accompanied by Duanmu Chun''s chant, the Four Seasons Rotation power converged in the Void into a brilliantly lustrous sword, brewing terrifying Heaven and Earth''s Might, its blade pointing straight at Chen Mu.


    And in the next moment, the Seasonal Sword burst forth, slashing through the air to forcefully break into the battlefield, aimed at Chen Mu who was fighting Situ Shu!


    But.


    Just then, a soft voice came through. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The illustrious Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, first persecuting through conspiracies without shame, then, with the Sect''s Great Protector unable to best the young generation, combines forces for a sneak attack, such thoughts are laughably contemptible."

 Chapter 265 Feng Shui Domain, Cycle of Years_2

    Boom!!!


    Chen Mu saw a streak of blue-green Sword Qi slashing through the sky, the sword light extending over thirty feet, also containing a magnificent Power of Heaven and Earth. With just one strike, it forcibly opened up a path through the Seasonal Sword combined by Duanmu Chun and other protectors from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion.


    Upon seeing this, Duanmu Chun and the others'' expressions changed drastically, and they all immediately looked in the direction of the incoming blue-green Sword Qi, only to see a figure in white standing not far away, holding a jade-colored fan, gazing coldly in their direction.


    "Yan Jingqing!"


    Duanmu Chun''s face looked rather unpleasant.


    Inspector Yan Jingqing was also a renowned master on the Wind Cloud List, possessing his own domain. Even if slightly weaker than Situ Shu, he was not much weaker and was equally difficult to deal with!


    Initially, he did not fear Yan Jingqing. In his view, Situ Shu would absolutely suppress Yan Jingqing; and leading a group of protectors himself, to suppress Chen Mu, who had just ascended the Wind Cloud List and suffered from Demonic Qi corruption, was more than enough. He was not worried at all about Chen Mu and Yan Jingqing causing trouble for the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion.


    But now, the situation was completely unexpected!


    Chen Mu''s strength was unbelievably strong, even suppressing Situ Shu, who had the advantage of timing. On the other hand, these protectors had to face Yan Jingqing. Both situations were greatly unfavorable!


    "Yan Jingqing, do you really want to sell your life for Seven Profound Sect until the end? The Seven Profound Sect is decrepit and aimless, only wishing to hold onto one state''s territory, actions of a chaotic era, which surely do not align with your aspirations. They assigned you to Yu County because they couldn''t tolerate what you did in Yu State, intentionally kicking you to this remote place. Are you really content with this?"


    Duanmu Chun spoke out in a deep voice towards Yan Jingqing.


    Yan Jingqing was not originally from the Seven Profound Sect. As a prominent figure on the Wind Cloud List, compared to confrontation, intimidation, and allure, were naturally more appropriate. The Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion in Yu County had tried countless times to divide Yan Jingqing from the Seven Profound Sect, promising to protect the Yan Family''s development in Xuan State, and that Yan Jingqing could govern the land of Xuan State.


    As soon as these words were spoken.


    Many characters from various sects all looked towards Yan Jingqing unanimously.


    Regarding Yan Jingqing''s deeds, they were also somewhat informed. There were rumors that in the State Government Office of Yu State, due to a case, he opposed the Ji Family, which was backed by a Seven Profound Sect Elder. Both sides were unyielding, and the conflict was intense. Later, because of the matter of four sects stationed in Yu County, the Seven Profound Sect directly transferred Yan Jingqing away from the State Government Office.


    Apparently, in that matter, the Seven Profound Sect still sided with the Sect Elder, or it could be said that the Elder''s authority was higher than that of Yan Jingqing. The end result was Yan Jingqing being forced to leave the State Government Office for Yu County as an Inspector.


    Since Yan Jingqing did not originate from the Seven Profound Sect, and he rose through the ranks by his own abilities in Yu State, becoming a master of the Wind Cloud List was indeed a talent of his. Even if he switched to the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, there was no talk of abandoning his teachings and betraying his path. A good bird chooses a tree to nest in; at most, it would cause some discussion without facing universal condemnation.


    However.


    When Duanmu Chun spoke these words now, it was clearly not to persuade Yan Jingqing to switch allegiances but rather a sinister strike at his heart. After all, even if Yan Jingqing decided to switch to the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, it would not be possible under the watchful eyes, especially since the Yan Family was still in Yu State, which was the reason the Seven Profound Sect was at ease letting Yan Jingqing oversee Yu County.


    The reason he spoke these words was firstly, to instigate a rift between Yan Jingqing and the Seven Profound Sect, and secondly, with malicious intent, to disrupt the mental state of Chen Mu, who was currently engaged with Situ Shu.


    After all.


    In the current situation, Chen Mu, Situ Shu, Yan Jingqing, and their group of protectors essentially represented four forces. If Yan Jingqing''s stance were to waver, even if he didn''t turn against Chen Mu, just turning a blind eye and letting Chen Mu face the assault of a group of protectors from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion could lead to fatal dangers!


    This kind of divisive strategy, although low-end, could prove effective even if just slightly, forcing Chen Mu to divert a bit of his focus for vigilance, which was enough to affect the outcome of the battle, as often the victory or defeat in combat hinges on a single thought.


    "I, Yan Jingqing, don''t need the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion to worry about my future path."


    After hearing the words from Duanmu Chun, Yan Jingqing responded indifferently.


    Suddenly, he stepped forward.


    Instantly, within a few dozen feet, the sky and earth changed color, the wind howled ferociously, all powers of heaven and earth being wildly expelled, leaving only the ferocious ''Xun Wind'' and gentle ''Kan Water'' forces converging in the void.


    Hydro-Wind Domain! Stay tuned for updates on My Virtual Library Empire


    Almost visibly, a dense mist quickly spread, covering the area for dozens of feet, suddenly making everything within reach as obscure as if blocked by cotton, completely encompassing Duanmu Chun and others within it.


    Duanmu Chun and the others were cut off from sight, yet they were not panicked but only shouted in a deep voice:


    "Four Seasons Rotation!" S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He and Yan Jingqing had clashed countless times, and he was all too familiar with Yan Jingqing''s Hydro-Wind Domain. Although his own domain had major flaws due to his Martial Arts convictions, making him inferior to Yan Jingqing, he wouldn''t be easily subdued, particularly with many protectors behind him combining forces, making them quite confident in overcoming Yan Jingqing.


    Following Duanmu Chun''s command, the protectors behind him intertwined their Artistic Conceptions, once again forming a complete Seasonal Formation, transforming into a rotating light screen that covered everyone within it.

 Chapter 265 Feng Shui Domain, Cycle of Years_3

    It was almost at this moment that Yan Jingqing''s cold voice came through.


    "Slash."


    Shh! Shh! Shh! Shh!!!


    In an instant, the mist filled with howling winds, and endless gusts converged into countless tiny Wind Blades, pressing down from all directions, swiftly enveloping Duanmu Chun and the other protectors of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion within.


    These tiny blades collided with the Seasonal Rotating Formation put up by the protectors of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, vanishing piece by piece. It looked quite similar to the skirmish between Chen Mu and Situ Shu on the other side, except Chen Mu single-handedly wielded the Power of Qiankun, whereas the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion had many protectors joining forces to form the formation, also relying on Duanmu Chun to directly resist Yan Jingqing''s Water and Wind Domain.


    "Late Autumn!" Read latest chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    At this moment, Duanmu Chun chanted softly. Within a radius of more than ten yards, the Artistic Conception of Late Autumn unfolded into an intangible Domain, connected to the power of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion protectors behind him.


    His Domain was visibly much smaller than Yan Jingqing''s and Situ Shu''s, yet it still forcibly sustained an area, allowing the protectors of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion to draw upon The Power of Heaven and Earth, maintaining the Seasonal Rotation.


    Simultaneously.


    With a sword in hand, Duanmu Chun swung it forward faintly, and in a flash within the Late Autumn Domain, numerous Sword Qi also rose, clashing with Yan Jingqing''s Water and Wind Domain. They resembled two intangible shields, big and small, grinding and striking against each other relentlessly.


    "Seasonal Sword!"


    Seeing Duanmu Chun holding against the frontal pressure, the many protectors behind him did not hesitate, coordinating their powers, summoning a radiant sword. A single slash tore through the water and wind, slicing towards the depths of the white mist.


    However, at this time, Yan Jingqing himself had completely vanished into the mist, leaving no trace to be found. All that could be seen were the countless tiny Wind Blades continuously striking, and both parties quickly became entwined in a fierce struggle.


    The Wind and Water Domain suppressed Duanmu Chun''s Late Autumn Domain, and the myriad of Wind Blades put immense pressure on Duanmu Chun, who was almost exerting his utmost effort to resist the impact. Meanwhile, the other protectors of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion joined forces to create a formation, condensing their strength to produce the Seasonal Sword, spanning and slashing through the vast mist, aiming to kill Yan Jingqing''s true body.


    Swish! Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Seasonal Sword cleaved through the mist, finally catching a glimpse of Yan Jingqing''s robe, and with a broad swipe.


    Yan Jingqing''s eyes remained calm as he maintained the Water and Wind Domain to suppress Duanmu Chun and the others. With a flick of the jade-colored fan in his hand, he collided with the Seasonal Sword, emitting a gong-like humming, shattering the sharp killing intent of the Seasonal Sword while also staggering back several steps.


    The mist once again enveloped the area, and his figure disappeared into the fog.


    By the time the Seasonal Sword burst forth again with its radiance, and a sword slashed forward, Yan Jingqing''s figure had already vanished without a trace.


    It was clear that, just like Situ Shu, Yan Jingqing, while maintaining full-force attacks in the Water and Wind Domain, could not spare the effort to resist the Seasonal Sword and had to rely on the properties of his Water and Wind Domain to evade or retreat.


    The light of the Seasonal Sword continued to tear through patch after patch of mist, pursuing Yan Jingqing''s trail and attacking his true body, but it seemed that a victory was not going to be easily determined in a short while.


    Thus, the standoff continued.


    It was unclear whether Duanmu Chun would be the first to falter, or if Yan Jingqing would fail to resist the assault.


    At this moment, with the mist swirling, Sword Qi crisscrossing, various Domain powers being unleashed, and The Power of Heaven and Earth in chaos, whether it was the protectors of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion or Duanmu Chun, none could sense the situation outside, let alone know how the battle between Chen Mu and Situ Shu was faring. They could only focus on facing Yan Jingqing.


    Seeing that the joint efforts of several junior brothers were unable to quickly gain a significant advantage to overwhelm Yan Jingqing, Duanmu Chun felt extremely uneasy. He only hoped that some of the provocative and heart-stabbing words from before could take effect, potentially disturbing Chen Mu and easing the pressure on Situ Shu. Once they had defeated Yan Jingqing with their combined strength, they could then go to assist Situ Shu in trapping and killing Chen Mu.

 Chapter 266 The Great Protector, Dead!

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    Yan Jingqing and Duanmu Chun engaged in a fierce fight. Despite the mist obscuring the visibility, the intense internal conflict was still perceptible, and this scene was witnessed fully by Chen Mu and Situ Shu.


    Situ Shu wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and now looked at Chen Mu with a stern face. The situation had indeed changed drastically from what had been anticipated earlier. Initially, he believed that Chen Mu''s strength would in no way surpass Yan Jingqing''s, and with him at the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion sub-branch, stability was expected. However, unexpectedly, Chen Mu''s strength was terrifying, and he could still suppress even one who had the advantage of the right timing.


    The strength Chen Mu revealed at this moment was not merely that of the twenty-seventh position on the Wind Cloud List. He was far stronger, more than enough to be ranked in the top twenty, not even at the bottom of the twenty, at least closer to the top ten! S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Otherwise.


    It wouldn''t have been so difficult for him to resist, pushing him back step by step, even injuring him during their initial encounter.


    You should know that under the suppression of the Winter Domain, although maintaining the domain was greatly strenuous, Chen Mu managing the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal couldn''t possibly be much easier. Constantly channeling that power also drained his stamina.


    "Junior Brother Duanmu and others have underestimated you. Although you were eroded by the Demonic Qi, this experience has enlightened you and melded your heart and mind, bringing your Martial Arts will to the level of mine. You are merely in your prime, yet you''ve managed to solidify this will, with your comprehension, talent, and physique all trained to the limit. If your path in Martial Arts had been unobstructed, given another ten years, perhaps you could have entered the path with Qiankun and cultivated to become a Grandmaster. But now, you will succeed by will, and you will fail by will."


    Situ Shu opened his mouth slowly, addressing Chen Mu.


    That Chen Mu could achieve such a stage in such a short period of time, having recently entered the Six Viscera Realm, was indeed a demonstration of an invincible Martial Arts will of his generation, and his heart being unobstructed. However, by valuing emotions and righteousness, Chen Mu was bound to be plotted against, and no matter how much he tried to avoid it, the influence of Demonic Qi had helped him forge his Martial Arts will but ultimately scarred him too.


    By speaking thus, he was trying to disturb Chen Mu''s state of mind and shake his thoughts.


    However.


    At that moment, Chen Mu just gazed at him indifferently and said, "When death is at your doorstep, do you always talk this much?"


    "Hmph, arrogant!"


    Situ Shu snorted coldly.


    His eyes narrowed slightly, and a massive imposing aura surged, not knowing what secret technique he used. His entire body suddenly revealed bulging veins, his face became fierce, and a visible layer of frost covered him.


    It was as if he was forcibly extracting power from his Five Viscera, forcing them to crazily devour the Power of Heaven and Earth, solidifying it into Yuan Gang which flowed into his Cold Soul Spirit Blade, making the blade''s cold light even more severe.


    Characters on the Wind Cloud List are all renowned masters from the Cold North Path, easy to suppress and easy to repel, but very difficult to completely defeat. Situ Shu, while having the strategic advantage, also found it difficult to kill Yan Jingqing, who ranked at the lower end. Similarly, if he encountered a top ten character from the Wind Cloud List, as long as the opponent fled with full strength, it wouldn''t be easy to kill him.


    However.


    He couldn''t retreat now.


    On one hand, Duanmu Chun and many protectors were engaging Yan Jingqing in a decisive battle. On the other hand, Chen Mu had targeted the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion sub-branch for revenge. If he retreated now, the sub-branch and all its disciples would suffer misfortune.


    Besides, he didn''t believe that Chen Mu could withstand a direct confrontation with him. Ultimately, he was the one controlling the domain. Even though Chen Mu, by leveraging the Qiankun Artistic Conception and controlling the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, could maintain "unceasing vitality," yet such intense confrontation would put tremendous pressure on Chen Mu himself. Chen Mu, having only recently broken through to the Six Viscera Realm, inevitably had less robust Yuan Gang.


    As long as there was the slightest stiffness in Yuan Gang''s circulation, exposing a small flaw, it would be enough to turn defeat into victory for him.


    "Come, let me experience the power of Qiankun once more!"


    With a ferocious expression, Situ Shu shouted, sending vibrations in all directions, then instead of retreating, he suddenly lunged forward, aggressively counterattacking towards Chen Mu. He swung the Cold Soul Spirit Blade in his hand, releasing a brilliant beam of blade light.


    The blade light, mixed with the dense Blade Qi in the air, almost seemed to freeze one''s thoughts with its intense murderous intent.


    Chen Mu, calm and fearless, swung his blade to meet it.


    This was his first time engaging with a character from the Wind Cloud List. Even though Situ Shu was ranked twenty-third but having the strategic advantage, he exhibited strength no less than those in the top twenty. To Chen Mu, he was neither too strong nor too weak, but precisely the perfect whetstone.


    Exactly what he needed to hone his own Martial Arts, the performance of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, and the operation of Falling Flowers without Trace!


    At this moment.


    If Chen Mu had summoned the system panel, he would have seen not only his Qiankun Artistic Conception experience accumulating, but also other techniques, including the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal and Falling Flowers without Trace, steadily increasing in Experience Points.


    As they say, from tranquility comes movement; the combination of motion and stillness can further enhance, through one''s own bitter training, the various techniques in real combat, digging deeper into their mysteries.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!!!


    Amid the frozen, hazy mist, Chen Mu was surrounded by the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, colliding and clashing time and again with Situ Shu, setting off bursts of earth-shaking roars, their mighty noise having already frightened the surroundings.


    "In chaotic times, a formidable figure arises. To have cultivated his skills to such an extent at this age is truly inconceivable; Zuo Qianqiu losing to him is utterly justified."


    "Since the establishment of the Da Xuan Dynasty, it seems there have been only nine people who have mastered the Qiankun Path to become Grandmasters. If he succeeds, he will be the tenth. However, having been targeted by the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, his chances are slim."

 Chapter 266 The Great Protector, Dead!_2

    On the eaves of a pavilion in the distance, where everything was empty, ripples faintly emerged because of the turbulence of The Power of Heaven and Earth.


    Through these ripples, two figures clad in black could be seen standing still. One wore a blood-colored mask with six patterns, signifying a Blood Hidden Pavilion Protector, who was also in charge of the Blood Hidden Pavilion in Yu County. The other figure wore a mask with seven distinct patterns!


    The Blood Hidden Pavilion assassins use the patterns on their blood-colored masks to indicate their rank within the organization, with six patterns for a Protector and seven for an Elder, the latter of which also represents a being who has stepped into the Seventh Realm of Marrow Cleansing.


    A Murderous Grandmaster of the Blood Hidden Pavilion!


    "It''s actually quite good this way, there''s no need for Elder Lin to take action. Let''s just have him clash with the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion."


    The Blood Hidden Pavilion Protector gazed into the distance at the battlefield and murmured softly.


    If one were to ask who in the world today would least like to see a being with the potential to rival the founding Martial Emperor of Da Xuan rise to power, the Blood Hidden Pavilion, undoubtedly ranked as a Demon Sect, would certainly be among them. After all, if such a being were to emerge and reunify the world, reshaping its boundaries, then the Blood Hidden Pavilion would have to return to those days of hiding and being pursued and hunted by the Government.


    The general difference between the righteous path and Demon Sects lies in the fact that the majority of the righteous path does not care whether it is an era of chaos or prosperity, as they can survive either way. Their Sect philosophies are just as viable in the halls of prosperity, simply abiding by the rules of the Imperial Court.


    But the Demon Sects can''t do this. Continue reading on My Virtual Library Empire


    The philosophies and actions of most Demon Sects run completely counter to the rules of the Imperial Court. Therefore, it is during the last days of a dynasty when devils run amok that they find their stage to thrive. Their lives during times of prosperity are much harder than those on the righteous path.


    Lin Wuchang gazed from afar towards where Chen Mu and Situ Shu were clashing. After watching for a while, he quietly turned and said, S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Let''s go."


    Ever since the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion made its move against Chen Mu, Lin Wuchang had lost any intention of intervening. Seeing the clash between the Seven Profound Sect, which Chen Mu represented, and the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, which Situ Shu represented, was something they were happy to witness. There was no need for them to muddy the waters further.


    Regardless of which side won the battle, the situation in Yu County would become even more chaotic, and that is exactly what the Blood Hidden Pavilion desired. The more chaotic the world, the better, as that was their stage to perform.


    "The victory has not been decided; are you leaving just like this?"


    The Blood Hidden Pavilion Protector was slightly taken aback when he saw Lin Wuchang turn to leave.


    Lin Wuchang said indifferently, "The outcome has been decided, Situ Shu is no match for Chen Mu."


    As the words fell,


    he had already disappeared without a trace.


    The Blood Hidden Pavilion Protector was a bit surprised after hearing this but did not doubt Lin Wuchang''s judgment and also quietly withdrew.


    ...


    At the same time,


    Chen Mu, who was locked in fierce battle with Situ Shu, felt a thin thread of imperceptible danger within his heart quietly dissipate, and his eyes flickered slightly.


    His Martial Arts will, having been Solidified to a degree comparable to that of a Grandmaster, has not only made his control over The Power of Heaven and Earth more sensitive but also greatly enhanced many aspects of his perceptual abilities. From the moment he had launched his attack to engage with Situ Shu, he was constantly haunted by a sense of danger, but he couldn''t locate any source.


    If his Martial Arts will had not Solidified even further, he might not have even felt this subtle sensation at all and would not have detected the slightest hint!


    "A Grandmaster?"


    Chen Mu murmured to himself.


    Chen Mu wasn''t surprised by this situation; after all, this is Yu County, a place teeming with all sorts of characters. Moreover, the news of his being targeted had already spread, so it wouldn''t be strange for any sort of person to come to Yu County, including the appearance of a Grandmaster.


    This was also the reason he had always held back a portion of his strength while facing Situ Shu.


    In front of him was Situ Shu, a long-renowned expert, nearby were several Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion Protectors in formation, farther away, forces from various Sects, and perhaps even more than one Grandmaster lurking in the shadows... This is the world one must face after stepping onto the Wind Cloud List!


    However, at this moment, Chen Mu felt no pressure in his heart. On the contrary, he felt even more unobstructed, his movements flowed more smoothly, and his will merged with his Martial Arts. Each move he made became more perfect. The Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal swirling around him no longer required much effort to maintain, as it rotated and naturally contended with the Winter Domain.


    Clang! Clang! Clang!!!


    A collision of blades, followed by explosions of fog.


    At some point, Chen Mu''s footsteps had begun advancing forward again. With each step he took, Situ Shu was forced back a step, so after seventeen continuous steps forward, Situ Shu had been driven back seventeen steps!


    With every step back, Situ Shu''s face grew uglier, until after the seventeenth step, his complexion was as pale as paper, and his eyes revealed a measure of disbelief as he looked at Chen Mu.


    Momentum, will, Martial Arts!


    All these aspects were becoming stronger within Chen Mu as the battle progressed, merging into one. Combined with the Qiankun Artistic Conception and the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, despite being a junior without mastery over his own Domain, he exuded an aura as if he were invincible!


    By this time, how could anyone fail to see that Chen Mu was using him to temper his own Martial Arts? The Technique Mastery he had cultivated was already at the pinnacle of perfection. As they clashed, his momentum and will merged, like Blazing Flames rising step by step, becoming increasingly unrestrained, making Situ Shu''s Winter Domain more and more difficult to suppress.


    After all, Situ Shu was once a prideful genius of true inheritance as well!


    He, like Chen Mu, once dominated his era by using other powerful experts to temper himself, Solidifying his spirit and will. Even though he ultimately did not cross the Mysterious Pass, he still developed the Winter Domain and became one of the dominant figures on the Wind Cloud List in the Cold North.

 Chapter 266 The Great Protector, Dead!_3

    Yet as time passed, he, Situ Shu, had ironically become someone else''s whetstone. Even though it was visible to the naked eye that the Flowing Fire Blade in Chen Mu''s hand was wearing away from clashing repeatedly due to its inadequate quality, Chen Mu''s spirit seemed to grow ever more vigorous, burning intensely like fire.


    At this point,


    Situ Shu was already in a difficult position, unable to get off the tiger he had mounted. He had to use up nearly all his mental strength to maintain the Winter Domain, which was becoming increasingly difficult to sustain against Chen Mu, leaving him less and less reserve strength. Facing Chen Mu''s assaults, he could only brace himself to meet the attacks.


    Boom!!!


    Finally, Chen Mu''s eighteenth slash came crashing down.


    The Flowing Fire Blade, wrapped in flames resembling a fierce fire, and the Cold Soul Spirit Blade collided once more, causing the flowing power of heaven and earth nearby to stutter, and the air around the center of their conflict seemed to fracture. Enjoy exclusive chapters from My Virtual Library Empire


    Until both massive forces of heaven and earth exploded with a bang, accompanied by the sound of metal shattering, the Flowing Fire Blade in Chen Mu''s hand, merely a Treasured Artifact, could no longer withstand such a high-level exchange and shattered with a crack, breaking from the center and exploding into countless fragments scattering in all directions.


    At the same time,


    Situ Shu''s pale face suddenly flushed with a touch of blood red, and then he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood. His body flew backward, and the interwoven Winter Sword Qi within dozens of feet around him collapsed, completely falling apart.


    After withstanding eighteen strikes, the Flowing Fire Blade in Chen Mu''s hand finally shattered, but Situ Shu had also reached his limit and could no longer maintain the spread of his Martial Arts Domain. The world changed in an instant.


    The Winter Domain collapsed!


    "Defeated..."


    Some far-off stewards and protectors of the Heavenly Sword Sect and Linjiang Pavilion, witnessing this scene, couldn''t help but take a deep breath, their eyes showing shock.


    Merely at the age of adulthood, and having been ranked on the Wind Cloud List for less than a year, Chen Mu had directly confronted the twenty-third-ranked Situ Shu, using the Winter Domain to temper his own momentum and martial arts, and ultimately defeated this master, famed for decades, with his blade!


    What an extraordinary feat!


    Let alone at thirty years of age, even now, they felt that reaching the heights of the Wind Cloud List masters was still beyond their reach, and Chen Mu, not only had he been listed on the Wind Cloud List, but he had also, in less than a year, once again made his move and defeated the twenty-third-ranked Cold Soul Blade. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Pfft."


    Situ Shu, while still in midair and flying backward, spat out blood as his Winter Domain could no longer be maintained and shattered. Yet, his reaction was extremely quick. Without any hesitation, he flipped over in the air and with a tap of his foot, he began to flee into the distance.


    Although his injuries were not extremely severe, he had reached the limit where he could no longer maintain his Winter Domain. With the domain broken, it was clear he could no longer stand against Chen Mu, and at this moment, he finally had no time to worry about Duanmu Chun and the others.


    "Thinking of leaving now, isn''t it a bit too late?"


    Chen Mu''s indifferent voice came from behind him.


    Whoosh.


    In almost an instant, Chen Mu, having discarded the broken Flowing Fire Blade, caught up to Situ Shu in just two steps and raised his hand to deliver a Fist Seal, striking down on Situ Shu from afar.


    Without the suppressive force of the Winter Domain, there was no need to maintain the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal.


    Boom!!!


    Overflowing with grandeur, the might of heaven came rolling down oppressively. Before the terrifying Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal even landed, Situ Shu felt as if the sky was collapsing and the earth was surging upward. Two overwhelming forces made him feel as if he were trapped in quicksand.


    Situ Shu''s face showed horror. Earlier, when he used the Winter Domain to suppress Chen Mu''s Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, he couldn''t feel the true might of this technique. But now, without the control of the Winter Domain, directly facing the formidable power of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, he could truly sense the terrifying aspect of this move. Qiankun Eight Phases Rotation was not only a concentration of the Power of Heaven and Earth to a terrifying degree, but it also harnessed all laws under Heaven and Earth in a moment, sealing up and down, left and right. There was no escape, no retreat!


    He couldn''t block it!


    With his current state, he absolutely couldn''t block this strike!


    A feeling like this surged in Situ Shu''s heart, but at this moment, he had no other choice. Even though he knew he couldn''t resist, he found it hard to dodge under the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal and could only muster the Cold Soul Spirit Blade.


    "Stop."


    Finally, at this time, a somewhat elderly voice came from not too far away, accompanied by a spreading pressure. As this wisp of pressure spread, the whole alley fell deathly silent.


    A Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster!


    Seeing that Situ Shu''s Winter Domain was broken and he was unable to withstand Chen Mu''s strike, finally, someone couldn''t sit by any longer!


    However, a sliver of cold sharpness flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes at this moment, his movements and techniques unwavering. The Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, bearing the terrifying might of Qiankun, continued to press down toward Situ Shu.


    "Insolence!"


    A figure clad in a Mysterious Robe appeared silently in the distance, looking somewhat aged. He cast a cold glance, raising his right hand toward Chen Mu and Situ Shu and flicking his fingers.


    In an instant, the Power of Heaven and Earth surged and converged wildly, forming into a visible cyan finger bursting with a rich vitality that lanced forth, colliding with Chen Mu''s descending Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal.


    However.


    This cyan giant finger, formed from the Power of Heaven and Earth, had yet to collide with Chen Mu''s Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal when another breath of energy spread from the void. A stream of dark light fell from the sky with a bang, striking the cyan giant finger.


    The two surging powers immediately clashed in the void, bursting forth with crackling explosions.


    "If you''ve lost, you''ve lost. Is it only allowed for Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion to plot, but not for others to retalitate? What kind of reasoning is that?"


    In the sky above, a figure appeared, speaking indifferently to the elderly man in the Mysterious Robe: "If the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion even needs a Grandmaster to step in, then my Seven Profound Sect is also willing to accompany you in this affair."


    Time was of the essence.


    As a Grandmaster from Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion and another from Seven Profound Sect appeared and exchanged blows in midair, Chen Mu''s Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, unhindered, had already pressed down upon Situ Shu!


    Situ Shu''s eyes filled with terror, and he let out a long howl. Essence and Yuan Gang were stimulated to the utmost, along with the might of the Cold Soul Spirit Blade, he slashed out to meet Chen Mu''s Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, cleaving out a grand Blade Qi in an attempt to block this strike from Chen Mu.


    However, the Cold Soul Blade Qi collided with the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, and could only hold steady for less than a breath before the chill Blade Qi shattered from the center, exploding outward. Soon after, Situ Shu was pressed down by the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal''s strike, crashing to the ground with a resounding boom.


    Boom!!!


    Accompanied by a rumbling that seemed like the earth was collapsing, the ground within dozens of yards cracked open. Buildings collapsed into rubble, and ice, sawdust, and stones flew around as if in the aftermath of an earthquake.


    After everything had dissipated, where Situ Shu had been standing was now a dark and deep crater. In the crater, only the dimly glowing Cold Soul Spirit Blade lay amidst a scattering of broken flesh.


    Ranked twenty-third on the Wind Cloud List, Great Protector of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, wielder of the Cold Soul Blade, Situ Shu.


    Had perished!

 Chapter 267 Total Annihilation

    "Dead..."


    "A high-ranking expert from the Wind Cloud List..."


    The entire city district fell dead silent.


    People from various factions, as well as some officials from Yu County, all looked towards the area where Chen Mu and Situ Shu were located. They could sense the chilling winter air dissipate in an instant, along with Situ Shu''s breath.


    Many stewards and disciples exchanged glances, their eyes filled with a hint of shock.


    Situ Shu!


    A towering figure among the high-ranking experts of the Wind Cloud List, he had dominated the Cold North Path for decades!


    This was not any ordinary figure from the Six Viscera Realm; even in the face of a Martial Arts Grandmaster, he possessed some self-protection ability, making him a significant figure who ruled over several states. And now, he had perished on the spot!


    Chen Mu was indeed ruthless and decisive. Even with a grandmaster from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion making an appearance, he still brazenly faced the grandmaster''s presence, killing Situ Shu under the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, completely disregarding the dignity of a grandmaster.


    You must understand.


    Although the high-ranking experts of the Wind Cloud List could dominate and were unafraid of most grandmasters, aside from the top few, they merely possessed the ability to protect themselves under a grandmaster''s hand. Even those among the top ten on the Wind Cloud List were said to be able to defeat some weaker grandmasters, but in reality, there were no truly weak grandmasters. It was simply that they had only just stepped into the Marrow Cleansing Realm and had not yet fully solidified their Martial Bodies.


    The majority of grandmasters were not weak; confronted by such from the Wind Cloud List, they often proved to be more than a match, with only a slight chance of self-protection and the possibility of retreat. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "..."


    Fu Jingyuan, an elder wearing a Mysterious Robe and standing on the corner of a rooftop, looked towards the place where Situ Shu had died, his expression somewhat ugly.


    If it had been just any common protector from the Six Viscera Realm, Chen Mu''s killing him would have been of little concern. He would not have intervened. But Situ Shu was a high-ranking expert on the Wind Cloud List, almost close to a grandmaster''s strength, capable of retreating from under a grandmaster''s hand ¨C a rarity in the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, only two of such stature existed, their ranks and status only below that of the elders.


    And now, he had been mercilessly killed by Chen Mu with a Fist Seal!


    On the scene,


    Chen Mu, who had just killed Situ Shu, ignored the cold gaze from Fu Jingyuan and coldly walked towards the pit where Situ Shu had died. With a motion of his hand, the Cold Soul Spirit Blade flew out from the ground into his grasp. With a flick, the blood and flesh splashed away, leaving the blade as pristine as if new


    "Not bad,"


    Chen Mu weighed the Cold Soul Spirit Blade, giving it a scrutinizing glance.


    His Flowing Fire Blade had shattered, and this Cold Soul Spirit Blade seemed a suitable temporary replacement. From his brief observation, the quality of this blade was only slightly inferior to the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear, and it was better than Jiang Yifei''s Peach Divine Sword, making it one of the exceptionally good spirit weapons.


    There are no clear distinctions like superior or low-grade among spirit weapons because the power difference between different spirit weapons is a smooth curve, not a step-like fluctuation. For example, the spirit weapon used by Chu Jingsui was of the most ordinary power. The Peach Divine Sword was slightly stronger, the Cold Soul Spirit Blade stronger yet, and the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear even stronger. Beyond that was the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram of Zuo Qianqiu.


    Continue your journey on My Virtual Library Empire


    The Cold Soul Spirit Blade was essentially in the ''mid-range'' category among spirit weapons, the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear being upper mid-range, and without a doubt, the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram was one of the top-rated spirit weapons. Beyond that were those top-notch divine weapons listed in the ''Da Xuan Spirit Weapon Catalogue.''


    Swipe.


    After briefly weighing the Cold Soul Spirit Blade in his hand, Chen Mu paid no attention to the two grandmasters in standoff through the air. Instead, he directly turned his gaze towards Duanmu Chun and other protectors from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, who were still engaged in a fierce battle with Yan Jingqing,


    Then, he took a step and vanished from the spot, heading straight for Duanmu Chun and the others.


    "Enough."


    Fu Jingyuan had been watching Chen Mu''s actions with an icy gaze. Seeing Chen Mu take the Cold Soul Spirit Blade and avoiding any interjection, only when Chen Mu rushed towards Duanmu Chun and the others did he finally call out coldly, a mighty pressure permeating the surroundings.


    However, Chen Mu, as if he hadn''t heard, took a step down and had already charged into the battlefield where Yan Jingqing and Duanmu Chun were confronting each other. Then, raising the Cold Soul Spirit Blade in his hand, a slash was directed towards several protectors of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion behind Duanmu Chun.


    "Not good!"


    The several protectors maintaining the Four Seasons Formation from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, sensing a terrifying pressure sweep across, were all greatly alarmed. Almost without needing command, they all concentrated their Artistic Conceptions and Yuan Gang, combining their strength in one place.


    In an instant, the Power of Heaven and Earth fluctuated, a burst of brilliance emanated from several people, converging into a brilliant Seasonal Sword, with the glow of the four seasons flowing over it, and a faint oppressive force spread out, facing the slash from Chen Mu.


    Boom!!!


    A loud explosion sounded.


    But there was Chen Mu, his expression cold, the Cold Soul Spirit Blade in his hand flickering with Blade Qi, the Cycle Mark of Eight Phases revolving, the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal flashing past, the Qiankun Eight Phases and the Four Seasons clashing violently in the air, but almost in an instant, his Cold Soul Spirit Blade had crushed that brilliant section of the Seasonal Sword, a grand Blade Qi bursting forth, a slash directed at several protectors below.


    Seeing this, Fu Jingyuan''s expression turned very ugly. He stepped forward, about to lift his sleeves to sweep away that blade light, but before his step fell, a figure blocked in front of him, it was Feng Hongsheng, the Elder of the Seven Profound Sect.


    "Feng Hongsheng, your Seven Profound Sect has gone too far!"


    Fu Jingyuan''s figure blocked, and seeing the Blade Qi from Chen Mu''s side already sweeping down, covering the terrified faces of numerous protectors from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion into its midst, a spray of fresh blood flew, his expression completely darkened as he looked at the figure before him.

 Chapter 267 Total Annihilation_2

    Feng Hongsheng said coldly, "It was your Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion that went too far, using despicable means to deal with our sect''s younger generation. Do you really think you can get away without shedding blood? Or maybe... you would like for me to gauge the prowess of the young generation of your Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion as well?" Read new adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    When they learned of Chen Mu''s misfortune, the entire Seven Profound Sect was outraged.


    Although the Seven Profound Sect was not a united front internally, with many Elders and Peak Masters having their own interests, Chen Mu was after all the most outstanding among the younger generation of the Seven Profound Sect, the face of the sect. Having suffered from the vicious schemes of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, with his path as a Grandmaster now doubtful, Feng Hongsheng, even though his relationship with Qin Mengjun was just average, was also extremely annoyed at the bottom of his heart. The Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion wanted to leave unscathed? No such luck!


    "The Martial World is not child''s play. Does the Seven Profound Sect really want everyone from the Blood Hidden Pavilion to confront you openly? Besides, I have never heard that standing on the Wind Cloud List means one still counts as a young successor!"


    Fu Jingyuan spoke to Feng Hongsheng in a cold voice.


    He was aware of Duanmu Chun''s plan beforehand and ultimately agreed with the strategy. On one hand, if there was an opportunity to eliminate Chen Mu''s threat, it was indeed worth a shot. On the other hand, Chen Mu no longer counted as the younger generation anymore. How could there be any reason in the world for someone who has a place on the Wind Cloud List, standing shoulder to shoulder with Grandmasters, to still be considered a junior?


    Backstabbing, treacherous assassination, fraud, and sneak attacks are all commonplace in the Martial World. If you fall for them, it is only because your own skills are lacking. The only universally acknowledged rule is not to bully the weak with strength, but their Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s Grandmaster had not taken the field, and with Chen Mu''s current status and position, even if a Grandmaster personally made a move, it could not be considered bullying the weak. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Disaster should not involve family members; you have overstepped the bounds."


    Feng Hongsheng said indifferently, "Since you have admitted to it, you should also gracefully accept this defeat. Apart from regular disciples, all who were involved in this must pay with blood. Otherwise, we of the Seven Profound Sect don''t mind having a showdown with you."


    The Seven Profound Sect could retreat, could give way, could avoid getting involved in trouble at every turn, but there are some bottom lines that cannot be crossed no matter what. Today the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion can use family members to plot against Chen Mu; tomorrow they might do the same to other Elders and protectors. Which Elder of the Seven Profound Sect doesn''t have family and friends behind them?


    Although it is a chaotic world today, we have not yet reached the point where the most basic rules can be trampled on at will.


    In the end, the Seven Profound Sect is a major sect that has established itself in a state''s territory, not some small, irrelevant sect that the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion can easily manipulate and then swallow their grievances in silence!


    "..."


    Fu Jingyuan looked coldly at Feng Hongsheng, then glanced at Chen Mu in the distance. Eventually, he snorted and no longer confronted Feng Hongsheng. He took a step back and disappeared silently from where he stood.


    With the Seven Profound Sect having laid down their bottom line and showing a clear departure from their usual stance of forbearance and retreat, presenting an attitude willing to engage in all-out war with the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion was not prepared to engage in battle with the Seven Profound Sect at this time.


    However.


    A great protector on the Wind Cloud List at the twenty-third position had died.


    Duanmu Chun and a group of protectors and stewards involved this time could not escape either, which was also very painful for Fu Jingyuan, as most of these men were under his command.


    But considering the actions of Duanmu Chun and the others had ultimately had an effect, causing Chen Mu to be eroded by Demonic Qi and cutting off Chen Mu''s Martial Arts path... Was it a loss or gain to exchange one great protector and several protectors plus more than a dozen stewards for sealing off Chen Mu''s potential to become a ''Qiankun Grandmaster'' in the future?


    There is no way to measure such things.


    Fu Jingyuan only knew that with the Seven Profound Sect taking such a firm stance, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion could only back down this time.


    After all, they were not in the right, and it was not the proper time to start a war with the Seven Profound Sect. The main issue was underestimating Chen Mu''s strength, which was so formidable that even Situ Shu with the Cold Soul Blade couldn''t withstand him. With the Grandmasters out of the game, having lost this round, they could only acknowledge their defeat.


    Crack! Crack!!!


    Sounds like breaking ice echoed through the air.


    Chen Mu swiftly slew all Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion protectors behind Duanmu Chun with several strikes of his blade. Without the support of turning the wheel of years, Yan Jingqing''s pressure suddenly decreased, his Water and Wind Domain fully unleashed, putting so much strain on Duanmu Chun''s Domain that visible fissures of the Power of Heaven and Earth started to show, which made Duanmu Chun''s complexion grow paler and paler until, with a booming sound, his entire Domain completely collapsed!


    Countless Wind Blades swept through the sky, poised to slice Duanmu Chun into pieces, but the moment they were about to reach him, they each turned into a gentle breeze that dissipated, along with the pervasive mist in the air, revealing Yan Jingqing''s figure once again.


    He had withdrawn his Water and Wind Domain.


    Yan Jingqing looked towards Chen Mu not far away, his eyes showing a hint of admiration.


    Just a few short years ago, Chen Mu was only just stepping into the Bone Tempering Realm, a junior with a slight reputation in the remote area of Yu County, whom he took notice of and brought into the Inspectorate. A few years later, Chen Mu was able to defeat Situ Shu with the Cold Soul Blade, who was even stronger than him, and even slay him on the spot!


    Even in his youth, he was considered a prodigy of his generation, and though he did not join the Seven Profound Sect, his talent was not inferior to that generation''s disciples of the Seven Profound. But now, he couldn''t help but lament the disparities among geniuses, at least the innate giftedness displayed by Chen Mu was something he could never have matched in his younger days.


    However.


    Such unparalleled talent as Chen Mu''s was met with a vicious ambush by the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, his body eroded with Demonic Qi, it''s truly a lamentable fate.


    "Puh."


    Duanmu Chun''s complexion was deathly pale, his Domain forcibly shattered, and now as the backlash struck him, he swayed, then spat out a mouthful of blood mist. His gaze swept the surroundings, seeing only ruins and corpses everywhere.


    Close by were Yan Jingqing and Chen Mu, while farther away, Elder Feng Hongsheng of the Seven Profound Sect watched indifferently. Their Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s Grandmaster, Fu Jingyuan, had already retreated, conceding this battle.


    "Cough, cough cough..."


    Duanmu Chun coughed up two mouthfuls of fresh blood, aware that he had no chance of victory, but there was not much fear in his eyes. Instead, he turned to Chen Mu with a sigh, "Had I known it would come to this, I would have taken care of you personally back then to eliminate future troubles for He Wuyou. Who could have imagined that in just three short years, you would have reached such heights."


    "Back then, out of negligence, and now, so many lives have been sacrificed in an attempt to put an end to your path in Martial Arts. This transaction has indeed turned out to be a terrible loss..."


    Hisss.


    Chen Mu, with an indifferent look, swung his blade, uninterested in hearing more nonsense.


    He had heard such nonsense more than once before, heard plenty back at the He Family many years ago.


    With blood spraying, Duanmu Chun''s head flew high into the air, his lips curving into a slight arch, eyes fixed on Chen Mu, squeezing out an ugly smile before it tumbled to the ground, his headless corpse collapsing as well.


    With this.


    All the protectors of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion were eradicated!


    "Inspector Yan, you''ve worked hard."


    Chen Mu sheathed the Cold Soul Spirit Blade, turning to Yan Jingqing.


    Yan Jingqing shook his head slightly, "The Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion has been a blight in Yu County for many years, I''ve long wanted to eradicate them, there''s no need to talk about hardships. This time I also relied on your assistance; otherwise, I would not have been able to achieve this on my own."


    If it hadn''t been for Chen Mu''s involvement, he alone would have found it difficult to eliminate the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s influence, and even if he had defeated people like Duanmu Chun, the Pavilion would not have easily accepted defeat; a counterattack would have been inevitable.


    This time, starting with Chen Mu being targeted, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion was the first to overstep the boundary. Ultimately, joining forces in one battle resulted in their annihilation. Without the Grandmasters taking the field, and with the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion stepping over the line first, the Seven Profound Sect responded decisively. Having lost this battle, they had no choice but to accept the outcome.


    The deaths of Situ Shu, Duanmu Chun, and many other protectors and stewards meant that it would now be easy to uproot all the influences that the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion had cultivated in Yu County over the years.


    Undoubtedly, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion will return to Yu County, but to re-establish their influence, they must start anew.


    "It''s over."


    From a distance, members of the Heavenly Sword Sect, Linjiang Pavilion, and other Sects watched the scene unfold, finally collecting their thoughts, exchanging glances, and slowly calming their tumultuous emotions.


    Since the Sects had settled in Yu State, this had been the most intense conflict between the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion branch and the Seven Profound Sect in Yu County over the years. It had ended with the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s complete defeat, and it would probably not take a few days for their cultivated influences to be swept away!


    Additionally, Chen Mu, who was the only newcomer listed in the Wind Cloud List, after reaching Yunni Sky Peak, had come down the mountain half a year later and directly killed Situ Shu, the Cold Soul Blade, ranked twenty-third on the Wind Cloud List!


    Without a doubt.


    In a few days'' time, once the news spreads throughout the Cold North Path and the Eleven States, all factions will be rocked once again.

 Chapter 268 The Journey

    Upon the boundless hills,


    one could see a straight official road made of yellow earth, winding and twisting, circling around each of the rising hills, leading all the way to the end of one''s sight where mountains and rivers connected, and the horizon filled with vast white clouds.


    On this road, a caravan was slowly moving along. The caravan was neither too large nor too small, with dozens of galloping horses, approximately over a hundred people, some carriages carrying goods, while others bore people.


    Among them,


    the carriage at the very front of the caravan, drawn by three blood-red horses mixed with demon blood lineage, belonged to a type of horse easiest to tame among those mixed with demon blood. Each horse was nearly ten feet tall and weighed thousands of pounds. Even without rampaging freely, merely pulling the carriage steadily along, they still conveyed an extraordinarily majestic and mighty presence.


    In fact, these blood-red horses were also widely used as ''war horses.'' If a few hundred martial men practicing body refinement to the extent of Tendon Changing Realm were to control these blood-red horses for charging and attacking, even tens of martial artists in the Bone Tempering Realm would find it difficult to confront their edge directly.


    The carriage drawn by these three blood-red horses was also quite luxurious, with an elaborate internal layout, even divided into several nested structures. The farthest inside was an elegant and spacious room, which even had a bed set up.


    By the bed,


    Chen Mu was sitting quietly.


    This line of the caravan was exactly the one he was leading with Xu Hongyu, Chen Yue, and others towards the State Government Office of Yu State, and in the caravan, there was also a group of blood-related clan members of the Yu Family following him to settle in the state office.


    Read the latest on My Virtual Library Empire


    It had only been three days since he and Yan Jingqing had joined hands to destroy the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion branch in Yu County. He did not stay long in Yu City; after presiding over and waiting for Yan Jingqing to handle various affairs of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, he set off with his family. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This departure was not to never return to Yu County; with his current level of strength, traveling alone between the state government and prefectural government would only take a day or two. Inside Yu State, no distance was significant to him.


    However,


    compared to the incessantly turbulent Yu County, the state government of Yu State was much more stable and very close to the Seven Profound Sect. Having settled Xu Hongyu, Chen Yue, and the others in the state office, he felt much more at ease.


    Although the era of chaos and conflict was unending, like the current state of Ice State, which had completely fallen into the midst of war, it was possible that Yu State might one day fall as well, but at least before then, the state government was a much steadier place.


    "Being born in Yu State, indeed, is a fortunate thing,"


    Chen Mu put down a piece of intelligence from Ice State and shook his head.


    Yu State was chaotic as well, but among the eleven states of the Cold North Path, it could be considered one of the most stable states. Even though he once lived at the bottom rungs of society in Yu City, amidst rampaging gangs and corrupt bureaucracy, leading a life of constant fear and uncertainty about the future, it was still much more stable compared to real warfare.


    If he had arrived in this world not in the Prefecture City of Yu County but in a war-torn area like Ice State, perhaps he would have died in the chaos before he had the chance to acquire the Blade Technique or activate the system panel.


    Yu State was relatively stable, providing him ample space for growth, allowing him to steadily climb the ranks of martial arts, cultivating up to this day, mastering the Qiankun Artistic Conception, and advancing to the level of the Six Viscera Realm.


    However,


    the battle with Situ Shu also made him realize his own deficiencies. Although Qin Mengjun had elaborated many things to him, some things ultimately needed to be understood through actual combat experience.


    Take Situ Shu, for example, ranked twenty-third on the Wind Cloud List. The Heaven and Earth''s Might mobilized by his Winter Domain along with the Cold Soul Spirit Blade reached at least ''forty parts.'' The gap between him and his previous self was not that significant.


    Moreover, the Martial Arts Domain is an extremely profound realm, and its mastery over the usage of Heaven and Earth''s Might was much stronger than his, who still did not possess a ''Domain.'' Even if he mobilized ''fifty parts'' of Heaven and Earth''s Might, it would have been very difficult for him to achieve victory previously.


    The real key was the further advancement of his martial will!


    This advancement in martial will, although it did not significantly increase his mastery over the Power of Heaven and Earth, allowed him to control the power more skillfully, drastically closing the gap between himself and those in the Martial Arts Domain and the Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters!


    With the martial will that had entered the ''Third Layer,'' combined with techniques like Falling Flowers without Trace and Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, he was able to dominate in his confrontation with Situ Shu.


    Actually,


    even though he was at an advantage, had Situ Shu chosen not to clash head-on from the beginning but to retreat immediately, it would have been difficult for Chen Mu to hold him back. Although he practiced the Abyssal Ground Shrink movement technique, matching the speed of a Grandmaster, as long as Situ Shu maintained his ''Winter Domain,'' it would greatly hinder his movement technique.


    This would have led to a pursuit battle.


    However, at the time, he took the initiative to attack Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s branch, and Situ Shu could not simply abandon the branch immediately nor flee upon facing someone ranked lower than himself. Once he got entangled in a bloody battle, withdrawing would become difficult, especially after his ''Winter Domain'' was forcefully shattered in the end, making it impossible for Situ Shu to continue exerting his domain''s might in his presence. He became utterly vulnerable, unable to even withstand a single hit from his Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, and was directly killed on the spot.


    "The master said it quite rightly; reaching the level of the Wind Cloud List or even a Martial Arts Grandmaster, the ''amount'' of Heaven and Earth''s Might a martial artist can control is only one of the key factors that determine the outcome. Without forming an absolute gap, it cannot completely dictate the strength and outcome of a martial artist,"

 Chapter 268 Journey_2

    Chen Mu reminisced about the scenes of his previous combat encounters, contemplating deeply within his heart.


    If the Heaven and Earth''s Might he mobilized could reach eighty portions or even a hundred portions, exceeding Situ Shu''s by double, then it definitely wouldn''t matter what domain it was, a single slap would directly crush everything.


    But if it was merely a difference between "forty portions" and "fifty portions," that clearly wouldn''t be enough to determine everything. The "life and death relationship" between the Artistic Conceptions and domains each held, as well as who could seize the opportune moment, whose Spirit Weapon was better¡ªthese were critical.


    Previously, compared to Situ Shu, except that his mastery of Heaven and Earth''s Might was a bit greater in "portion," he held no advantages in other areas. No matter how strong his skills were, they were not as significant as a domain. Even with the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear in hand, it ultimately wasn''t a Spirit Weapon that matched his Affinity. It couldn''t enhance the power of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal like Situ Shu''s mastery of the Cold Soul Spirit Blade, which boosted his strength significantly.


    Had it not been for the breakthrough of his Martial Arts will, which greatly closed some of the distance, even if he could slightly overpower Situ Shu in a full-force confrontation, he probably still couldn''t have killed him.


    "When it comes to utilizing the power of Heaven and Earth, domains surpass all other skills, and a Grandmaster Martial Body is stronger than a domain."


    Chen Mu thought of Qin Mengjun''s teachings.


    Qin Mengjun had said if Meng Danyun could break through the Mysterious Pass with the "Wind Water" Artistic Conception entering early stages of a Grandmaster, solidifying the "Wind Water Martial Body," even if the Heaven and Earth''s Might she could control in terms of portion could be increased to just around twenty, but facing those at the bottom of the Wind Cloud List like Yan Jingqing who could wield "thirty portions" of power, she would absolutely dominate!


    If the Martial Arts Domain represents "External World" Major Achievement, then the Martial Body represents the "Internal World" Major Achievement. The formidable power of Heaven and Earth becomes integrated into oneself, movements coalescing force as one, fluidly and effortlessly, more refined than the power mobilized by domains.


    To know that if Meng Danyun were to break through the Mysterious Pass and initially cultivate into a Grandmaster, she would be in the weakest tier among the Grandmasters. However, even so, she could still surpass those at the bottom of the Wind Cloud List and be comparable to those in the middle ranks, only inferior to the top ten of the Wind Cloud List.


    "Now that I have cultivated the Falling Flowers without Trace and stepped into the Third Layer of Martial Arts will, I should really qualify as having the strength of the top ten of the Wind Cloud List. But facing a genuine Grandmaster, I am still somewhat inferior."


    Chen Mu remembered how Fu Jingyuan had stepped forward to save Situ Shu during their previous encounter.


    Fu Jingyuan, an Elder of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion and a reputed Grandmaster, had dominated the Cold North Path for decades. His Grandmaster Martial Body had long reached Perfection and also encompassed a domain, firmly ranking him among the ''third tier'' Grandmasters.


    Among Grandmasters, the weakest tier is actually extremely rare. The second and third tiers are where the vast majority reside. A presence like Fu Jingyuan, capable of sweeping through the top ten of the Wind Cloud List, even facing the top three free spirits such as Soaring Free, might not gain much advantage. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At least now, he could try to measure up against a second-tier Grandmaster, but facing a Grandmaster like Fu Jingyuan, flawless both inside and out, the only option was to immediately flee.


    Just that one finger strike!


    Enough to easily crush Situ Shu''s Winter Domain!


    If he were to face it head-on, his Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal would also be directly shattered, unable to match up.


    It wasn''t that he was too weak, but that his opponent was too strong, a true, long-established Grandmaster, far from ordinary.


    "I''m still too weak."


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly.


    Grandmasters of Fu Jingyuan''s caliber were fairly common in the Cold North Path. Anyone capable of becoming a Grandmaster had no weaklings among them. Just staying at the Grandmaster level for a few decades, at least half could reach the stature of Fu Jingyuan.


    Experts on the Wind Cloud List could survive in front of a Grandmaster, but that was merely surviving, and even that was rather forced. For those ranked relatively at the bottom like Yan Jingqing, encountering a slightly stronger Grandmaster might mean they couldn''t survive at all. Continue your journey at My Virtual Library Empire


    "What are you saying is too weak, My Lord?"


    Xu Hongyu quietly entered the carriage, holding a plate of sliced Spirit Fruit.


    "My strength is too weak,"


    Chen Mu naturally pulled Xu Hongyu into his arms and said, "To deal with just a Situ Shu, it took such a long time. If it weren''t for his unavoidable battle, if he chose to flee first, I might not have been able to kill him."


    These words, overheard in the neighboring carriage by Little Lotus, left her unsure of how to react. After all, Situ Shu was a formidable expert on the Wind Cloud List who Chen Mu had defeated in a fierce battle, yet Chen Mu still felt his strength was lacking.


    Despite being of merely prime age, to have been able to single-handedly crush and even kill the twenty-third ranked master of the Wind Cloud List was unprecedented in the eleven states of the Cold North Path over the past hundred years!


    At these words, Xu Hongyu found herself at a loss for how to respond for a moment.


    Particularly when she looked at Chen Mu''s cheeks and his jet-like eyes, she could see that Chen Mu was not joking and seemed to genuinely believe that.


    "Husband''s strength is already nearing the top ten of the Wind Cloud List. You could probably venture anywhere under heaven, could you not? Or perhaps not have to be so weary?"


    Xu Hongyu leaned into Chen Mu''s arms, stretched out her small hand, and gently adjusted a lock of his jet-black hair by his ear, speaking softly, "The cultivation of Martial Arts should be done in moderation. Even at your level, husband, it''s the same."


    Others saw Chen Mu being famous throughout the Cold North, echoing through Yu State, a peerless figure among the younger generation. But what she saw was the tireless effort of Chen Mu, who, even at the current level, was always considering how to advance in Martial Arts and contemplating his inadequacies in power.


    Unfortunately.


    Now she could no longer keep up with Chen Mu''s pace, unable to be of any assistance to him.


    "The world could be ventured, but that''s just talking,"


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly.


    The experts of the Wind Cloud List could indeed roam the world as they have the credentials, but the precondition was not to provoke Grandmasters, and to avoid all contact with the Great Sects. Plainly put, it only means being unafraid of bandits and demonic calamities, far from sufficient to genuinely dominate.


    If one day Yu State were to fall into chaos, even the masters of the Wind Cloud List would be unable to protect themselves. To truly have a place of peace in a turbulent world, achieving Grandmaster status is not enough; only stepping into the Blood Exchange Realm suffices.


    Only at that level is one truly capable of venturing anywhere under heaven. Any major power or Great Sect would not dare offend a being of the Blood Exchange Realm to the bitter end; even the great battles involving North Garrison Government and Green Lotus Sect, and other sects, ultimately still left some leeway.


    "However, Hongyu, your cultivation indeed may follow a more relaxed approach."


    Chen Mu set aside the fruit tray from Xu Hongyu''s hands.


    "Husband?"


    Xu Hongyu blinked her eyes at Chen Mu and gave a gentle twitch of her legs, her translucent earlobes tinted with a shade of blood, radiating a charming red, not displaying much embarrassment, but simply embracing Chen Mu''s neck, gazing at him.


    Should moderation be understood like this?


    "Madam, please do not speak."


    Chen Mu whispered into Xu Hongyu''s ear, then said, "The doctrine of Hehuan Sect might be disagreeable, but there are indeed beneficial aspects of their martial practices. Hongyu, if you practice for another month or two, stepping into the Five Viscera Realm would also be within reach."


    For the sake of his companion''s cultivation, he too had exerted himself greatly, tirelessly working on the journey to the State Government Office of Yu State, hoping that by the time they arrived, Xu Hongyu''s bottleneck would quietly be broken through, advancing into the Realm of Five Viscera.


    Regardless.


    As long as she doesn''t use Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects to forcefully break through but instead enters the Five Viscera Realm based on her own abilities, then no matter what, she could still aspire to reach the Six Viscera Realm in the future, especially with him there, assisting and refining her journey with Viscera Refining Spiritual Objects, it would not pose any problem.


    If Xu Hongyu manages to cultivate the Six Viscera Realm to Perfection and also comprehend the Kan Water Artistic Conception to the second step, she would no longer be considered weak. Compared to some of the protectors of the Seven Profound Sect, she would not be much different, although far from sufficient in front of the grandmasters and masters of the Wind Cloud List. However, an existence at this level is actually not so easily encountered.


    Like the State Government Office of Yu State.


    He knew that although there were several major families there, and behind them, there were figures like Elders and Peak Masters of the Seven Profound Sect, that was only behind the scenes, not openly; beings of the Six Viscera Realm were indeed considered high-ranking, significant figures in the State Government Office.


    Moreover, those State Government families, they have their supporting Elders and Peak Masters behind them, and Xu Hongyu, she has him standing behind her.

 Chapter 269 Nourishing the Six Viscera

    Atop the carriage, warmth filled the curtained chamber, mist hovering in the air.


    Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu sat facing each other, foreheads touching, their gentle breaths mingling and flowing as one, like the endless rotation of Yin and Yang.


    It must be said that the Dual Cultivation Technique Hua Nongying had passed on to him was no sham; it truly derived from the Dao of Yin Yang Rotation. Even though Xu Hongyu had yet to reach the Five Viscera Realm, the merging of her Inner Breath with his, through the rotation of Yin and Yang, brought him a slight improvement. Nonetheless, the enhancement was much less compared to the benefits on Xu Hongyu''s end.


    Rather than the promotion of Qi-Blood, what Chen Mu valued more was the ''Yin Yang'' characteristic inherent in this Dual Cultivation Method. The Qiankun Artistic Conception encompassed all things, capable of evolving Yin and Yang as well. In fact, a significant part of the essence of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal technique was derived from the perpetual cycle of Yin Yang Mutual Generation.


    For Chen Mu, exploring Yin and Yang between man and woman was also an insight¡ªa tangible gain reflected on the system panel in the form of experience points.


    The carriage traveled along the official road, jolting up and down, causing a slight disturbance inside the cabin.


    As Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu''s Inner Breaths merged, he felt her bodily Qi-Blood become more Solidifyingly Refined through the stimulation of the Yin Yang Rotation, until sweat beaded her forehead, and spirals of white mist rose from her body, the skin beneath shining like jade with tints of deep red. He eventually gently caressed her back and said,


    "Let''s stop here."


    Although Xu Hongyu was at the Perfection of Bone Tempering Realm, the current practice was not purely of lust but based on lust, guided by Yin and Yang to temper Qi-Blood. There was no loss of energy essence between them, only enhancement. Under such circumstances, Xu Hongyu''s tolerance wasn''t as strong, barely lasting about half an hour.


    Little Lotus was even less enduring, barely managing a quarter of an hour.


    Of course, because her realm was lower, the effect of the merging Inner Breaths was actually better for her than for Xu Hongyu. If not for the fact that they were currently en route to the State Government Office, Little Lotus felt she might even be ready to start the cultivation for entering the Bone Tempering Realm.


    Xu Hongyu breathed lightly, having ceased the operation of the Cultivation Technique, she regained some vitality. Drops of scented sweat on her body, under the guidance of her will, silently collected and flowed away through the crevices in the carriage.


    "Husband... did you gain any benefit?"


    Her pretty face still flushed with a faint red, she looked at Chen Mu with clear eyes.


    Her own cultivation was too weak, unable to accompany Chen Mu in cultivation to the end, unable to bear it after only half an hour. If she were at the Five Viscera Realm or even the Six Viscera Realm, the benefit to Chen Mu''s cultivation would definitely be much greater.


    "With moderation comes progress."


    Chen Mu looked at Xu Hongyu and smiled warmly as he replied, simultaneously summoning the system panel to check.


    [Martial Art: Qiankun Artistic Conception (Step Two)]


    [Experience: 3327 Points]


    ...


    [Six Viscera Sutra (33%)]


    [Experience: 0 Points]


    The Artistic Conception had a slight gain in experience points. From his return to Yu City to now on his way to the State Government Office, over ten days, nearly a thousand and more points of experience had been accumulated, including his battle with Situ Shu, the insights from the Winter Domain, etc., which was not insignificant. It was more fruitful than solitary contemplation over the Artistic Conception Map.


    Then there was the cultivation of ''Six Viscera Sutra.''


    At the Six Viscera Realm stage, unlike the Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering phase with its various practice methods, there was only one unified ''Six Viscera Sutra'' that everyone practiced. From his breakthrough to the Six Viscera Realm until now, after several months, the refinement of the Six Viscera had slightly progressed from 30% to 33%.


    Although it was a small increase, it was a steady improvement for Chen Mu. Unlike many old protectors at the Six Viscera Realm, he was not at a point where he could hardly advance. His cultivation could be said to improve daily.


    What he cared about was just the speed of improvement.


    "Based on my 3% progress, if I can refine the Six Viscera Realm to 60%, my Yuan Gang True Essence will then be enhanced by ''ten parts,'' and if refined to 90%, I fear that just by the Yuan Gang True Essence alone, I could possess nearly ''forty parts'' of might."


    Chen Mu contemplated while looking at the system panel.


    This kind of stride in the enhancement of Yuan Gang Force was actually terrifying. If he could now have forty parts of Yuan Gang might, then in his previous fight against Situ Shu, even if the opponent displayed his Domain to its most powerful and intricate, it would''ve been just a hand-wave, smashing the opponent on the spot due to the sheer disparity in power, for when the difference reaches a certain level, skill becomes irrelevant.


    Only within a certain limited difference do techniques and skill become crucial.


    With a gap as broad as between him and Fu Jingyuan, a Grandmaster, it was all-encompassing: lacking the skilled use of Domains, without a Perfected Martial Body, and even the Heaven and Earth''s Might he could muster fell short, naturally leaving him no match for the opponent. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Currently, whether it''s the Martial Arts Domain or the Marrow Cleansing Mysterious Pass, I am far from reaching them, and both areas cannot be overcome in a short time. If I want to stand against a Grandmaster, I can only rely on ''quantity'' as my advantage."


    The Domain was the pinnacle of ''External Techniques,'' and the Martial Body was the peak of ''Internal Technique.'' Since he couldn''t hold either advantage in the short term, he was destined to always have a certain gap in power concentration when facing a Grandmaster. This gap could only be narrowed by practicing Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal and Falling Flowers without Trace, yet it was hard to close the gap completely.


    But he had his own advantage¡ªhis Yuan Gang True Essence was far stronger than that of ordinary people!

 Chapter 269 Nourishing the Six Viscera_2

    Through cultivating the Qiankun Artistic Conception and refining the Six Viscera Inner Breath, he gradually enhanced his ability to wield the power of Heaven and Earth, step by step reaching levels of eighty, ninety, and even surpassing a hundred. Even if his Solidifying Refinement was not on par with those grandmasters, he could still face them head-on in a direct confrontation!


    "The refinement of the Six Viscera needs to speed up."


    Chen Mu closed the system panel, helped Xu Hongyu to her feet, and then went to the corner where he rummaged through a wooden box and pulled out a wilted vine that was brownish-yellow in color, resembling a spiritual object.


    This was a spiritual object he''d obtained after slaying many protectors of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion and dealing with its branch division, a more rare "nourishing" type compared to other Viscera Refining spiritual objects like the Five Elements Orb, used for nurturing the Six Viscera.


    Yan Jingqing no longer required this object, so he simply took it for himself.


    The battle with the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion not only led others to mistakenly believe he was greatly affected by Demonic Qi, unwittingly saving him from many troubles that could arise later but also gained him an extremely valuable Cold Soul Spirit Blade and a portion of a "nourishing" vine for the viscera named "Yellow Turtle Vine."


    Let''s put aside the Cold Soul Spirit Blade for the moment; the Yellow Turtle Vine was indeed needed by him at present. Having just stepped into the Viscera Realm, he was at a stage where his strength had no bottleneck and could rise in many aspects. He just hoped to avoid any troubles and be able to engage in steady cultivation for as long as possible, and the Yellow Turtle Vine, undoubtedly, would aid in the progress of Viscera Cultivation.


    Based on the previous cultivation experience in the Five Viscera Realm,


    it is very likely that the experience required for cultivating the Six Viscera Sutra listed on the system panel would still be "Medicinal Power." If that were the case, then his assimilation of nourishing type spiritual objects would, just like in the Five Viscera Realm, be far more efficient than that of ordinary people.


    "Is my husband going to nourish the viscera?"


    Xu Hongyu, now dressed in a fresh skirt and blouse, had not yet reached the Five Viscera Realm where her body would be untainted by filth. However, as her cultivation was focused on the Kan Water Artistic Conception, keeping her body free from dust was quite simple.


    Hongyu recognized the preciousness of an herb like the Yellow Turtle Vine.


    "Hmm, let''s see how effective the medicine is."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly.


    Looking at the Yellow Turtle Vine and then at Chen Mu, a hint of worry flashed in Xu Hongyu''s eyes as she said, "Using spiritual medicine to nurture the viscera, wouldn''t it... affect your body, husband?"


    "It won''t be a problem."


    Chen Mu looked at Xu Hongyu and reassured her.


    Despite being unaffected by Demonic Qi¡ªa fact he could share with Xu Hongyu and others without worry of them revealing it¡ªit''s always best to have as few people know as possible. The fewer threats to himself, the safer he would be, and likewise, people such as Xu Hongyu and Chen Yue would also be safer, not drawing trouble due to him. Therefore, he didn''t go into detail with Xu Hongyu.


    Chen Mu looked at the Yellow Turtle Vine in his hand.


    He previously contemplated whether to wait until he settled in the State Government Office before attempting to use it, but decided there was no need. After all, it was just one portion of the Yellow Turtle Vine¡ªno longer a treasure worth extreme regard to someone at his current level.


    The value of just the Cold Soul Spirit Blade alone could trade for several portions of the Yellow Turtle Vine.


    If not for the reluctance to be embroiled in conflicts, he even had the wicked idea of plundering all the branches of various sects and factions in Yu County. However, there was no need to push himself into the limelight.


    With his cultivation progress, merely another two or three years of stable enhancement would be a huge leap in power; even he didn''t know what realm he could reach by then.


    Anyway,


    his current goal was to maximize his cultivation efficiency, striving to increase his strength as much and as quickly as possible.


    With the Yellow Turtle Vine in hand, Chen Mu soon rummaged through another medicinal box, finding pre-prepared auxiliary spiritual medicines that would be combined with the Yellow Turtle Vine.


    At this stage of nurturing the viscera, even auxiliary materials could be called "Spiritual Medicine," all of which were precious items. This batch was entirely drawn from the resources of the Demon-Slaying Office¡ªalso known as the Seven Profound Sect''s resource depot.


    They were no longer available for purchase in ordinary apothecaries.


    Sizzling!


    Chen Mu''s fingers moved in quick succession, sprinkling the herbs until they dissolved into powder and then mixing together, subsequently enveloped by a bubble of clear water. Out of nowhere, Blazing Flames rose and roasted them, amalgamating and converging the Medicinal Power.


    "I heard that the refinement of spiritual medicine meant for nurturing readjusts more intricacies than ordinary Medicinal Powder. Some masters of medicine who are proficient in pharmacology can produce spiritual medicine with an effectiveness several times more potent than that made by the average person."


    As Xu Hongyu watched Chen Mu perform the Refinement, she spoke softly. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hmm, there are indeed grandmasters of medicine in the Seven Profound Sect, but let''s not wait. It''s just one portion of the Yellow Turtle Vine. If there were seven or eight portions, it might be worth a visit to request their personal Refinement," said Chen Mu.


    Although he said this, in truth... familiar with what grandmasters of medicine? Absolutely not.


    No matter how formidable a grandmaster of medicine is or how proficient in pharmacology and adjustments, can anyone ensure 100% absorption of Medicinal Power? Clearly, such a thing does not exist. With the system panel in front of him, discussions of medicinal effects and absorption are simply foolish.


    Soon,


    the medicinal liquid floating in the air was condensed and melded into a small medicinal clump, which then drifted toward Chen Mu. He swallowed it in one gulp, sending it down his esophagus into his stomach, where it quickly dissolved.


    Unlike the previous intake of Viscera Refining spiritual objects, the nature of this nourishing spiritual object was much more "gentle," spreading slowly towards the Six Viscera at a notably gradual pace.


    Compared to the Five Viscera, the Six Viscera have a certain "inertness," hence the refinement of the Six Viscera can be more appropriately called "nurturing." It should be soft rather than forceful, gradual rather than rushed.

 Chapter 269 Warming and Nourishing the Six Viscera_3

    After taking the warming and nourishing spiritual medicine, Chen Mu sat down with his legs crossed.


    Seeing this, Xu Hongyu also didn''t disturb Chen Mu, and quietly left the house for the carriage where little He was staying.


    On this side,


    Chen Mu did not explain much to Xu Hongyu either. His mind was fully focused on the changes within his body, and he also summoned the system panel to carefully observe the changes on it.


    [Six Viscera Sutra (33%)]


    [Experience: 107 points]


    After swallowing the warming and nourishing spiritual medicine, the experience numbers did indeed appear on the system panel. It seemed similar to the cultivation of the Five Viscera Realm, and as time went by, Chen Mu soon saw the experience decrease by a point on the system panel.


    "It seems it''s the same as the Five Viscera Tempering, but that''s also normal. The five viscera and the six viscera are indeed the closest two levels," Chen Mu said.


    A flicker of light flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes, and after a slight nod, he immediately enacted his will, no longer allowing the six viscera within his body to consume the medicinal power on their own but used the more intuitive experience on the system panel to directly enhance it.


    Hum!


    A glimmer of light passed.


    [Six Viscera Sutra (34%)]


    [Experience: 96 points]


    With 10 points of experience consumed, the progress of tempering the six viscera increased by 1%. Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire


    At the same time, Chen Mu also felt that the slow-flowing medicinal power among the intestines and six viscera within his body suddenly vanished, directly surging into the six viscera in a more aggressive state, accelerating the tempering of the six viscera suddenly. Although a 1% progress in tempering didn''t seem impressive, for the current Chen Mu, whose perception was extremely acute, let alone the most important tempering of the viscera within his body, even the slightest advancement was crystal clear to him.


    "Very good, it indeed far surpasses normal absorption," Chen Mu said with a deep breath.


    After this round of experimentation, he had come to a conclusion. If his six viscera normally absorbed the medicinal power of this Huangwu vine, it could probably only enhance the six viscera cultivation progress by about two or three percent, which was fairly average.


    But with the system panel''s efficiency, 10 points of experience directly translated into a 1% tempering progress. This medicinal power was enough to improve by 10%, almost four to five times that of normal absorption!


    "Continue," Chen Mu said.


    After making his measurements, without much hesitation, he immediately continued to add points.


    35%,


    36%,


    37%


    ...


    Right up to 43%!


    He only stopped once the experience was consumed to the point where he couldn''t continue to improve. Accompanying this was a drastic change in the six viscera within his body, where the rich medicinal power was completely devoured and absorbed, leaving nothing behind. Even though such a large scale of improvement at once made his six viscera feel uncomfortable, it was still within his tolerance!


    "Phew," Chen Mu exhaled slowly, while continuing to adjust his Inner Breath, and opened his eyes.


    From swallowing the medicinal power to making full use of the system panel to digest and absorb it, the whole process only took a quarter of an hour. Even though such a large scale of improvement at once would take a little while to get accustomed to, this rate of progress would astonish countless people!


    Because the Viscera Realm, compared to the Five Viscera Realm, required more accumulation and "warming and nurturing," most people, even if they had some warming and nurturing class spiritual medicines to assist their cultivation, would often take five to six years to advance this realm from initial practice to Perfection.


    But Chen Mu obviously wouldn''t need nearly that long.


    "I wonder how long I will need to cultivate to the limit of the Six Viscera Realm," he mused.


    Right now, the outside world was probably spreading the news that he had been eroded by Demonic Qi and his martial arts cultivation had ceased to advance. Every major power''s attention to him would inevitably decrease, which was exactly what he needed.


    In a way, the Seven Profound Sect''s internal disagreements on the strategies to address the chaos in Ice State, which had been put aside without a clear stance to this day, were also a blessing in disguise for him and would not affect his cultivation in the short term. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was just uncertain how much he could grow in strength before the chaos in Ice State affected him.

 Chapter 270 State Government Office

    Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    Yu State, State Government Office.


    The grand city of the State Government Office was far more spectacular than the Prefecture City of Yu County; merely the common people within the city numbered in the millions, and the entire city was not as simple as that of Prefecture City of Yu County. As the capital city of the State Government Office, the whole city, similar to the Seven Profound Sect, was situated upon a majestic Earth''s Veins, suppressing the Earth Pulse with the city''s formation power, channeling the Earth Pulse''s power for its use.


    In Yu County, disasters that were common there, such as droughts and cold disasters, did not exist in the State Government Office. The entire city was controlled by a unique Earth Vein Formation, so a vast area enjoyed good weather all year round.


    However.


    Even so, the State Government Office still showed a clear divide. The closer one got to the Inner City, the more splendidly dressed were the people walking the streets, always surrounded by a group of attendants when they were out and about.


    The closer one got to the Outer City, the fewer people wore long robes, until eventually, not even those in neat attire were seen; their clothes were all patched and mended, and in those remote areas, they were even more ragged and filthy, obviously unwashed for a long time.


    No matter whether children or elders, almost all had an expressionless demeanor, with vacant stares, hardly showing any vibrancy.


    The laughter and cheer from the distant Inner City seemed like they could never reach here.


    On the relatively spacious streets, a group of people was surrounded as they walked forward, leading them was Chen Mu, dressed in a simple blue cloth robe, and the many individuals behind him were also dressed simply.


    Even so, walking on the streets close to the Outer City was still very uncommon. Many women and children in tattered shirts saw Chen Mu and his group passing and hurriedly cleared the way, not daring to raise their heads to look, each bowing their heads to the sides, fearful of colliding with Chen Mu and the ''masters.''


    "I didn''t expect even the State Government Office to be in such a state,"


    Chen Yue, walking beside Chen Mu, after a sweeping glance at a stretch of the street, spoke with a slightly complex expression.


    Xu Hongyu and others like Xiao He and Yu Ru didn''t feel much about this, but she had experienced the harshest days alongside Chen Mu. On the road, as Chen Mu spoke about the State Government Office having a unique Earth Vein Formation, perpetually enjoying good weather and keeping away demons, with vast farmlands yielding harvests every year, she had thought it would be different from Yu County, but it turned out to be the same.


    "The State Government Office is fundamentally just a larger Yu City; there''s no real difference,"


    Chen Mu said calmly, "The six major families in Inner City of Yu State all have intricate connections with the elders and peak masters of the Seven Profound Sect, much like the four families of Xue, Xie, He Yu, and others in Yu City back in the day." S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seven Profound Sect ruled over Yu State, but internally there were conflicts and their opinions were not unified. The extensions into Yu State''s State Government Office naturally followed the same pattern, including the earlier Yu County, which was essentially a miniaturized version of the Seven Profound Sect.


    Yan Jingqing, serving as the Inspector in the State Government Office, once tried to change this situation, but the ultimate outcome was no change at all.


    By his sole effort, he couldn''t change this pattern.


    The only difference between the State Government Office and the past Yu County was that order was slightly better managed, not as chaotic, without cases of murder being ignored randomly, but due to the major families'' mutual strife and competition for resources of the State Government Office, corruption was inevitable. Thus the exploitation continued layer by layer; even if the State Government Office had years of plentiful harvests, the plight of the common folk was no different from that of Yu County.


    Of course, if one had to say, the State Government Office was still slightly better because it wasn''t as remote as Yu County and was adjacent to the main Seven Profound Sect. Capable individuals still had the chance to climb higher, escaping the lower class, and those with exceptional martial arts aptitude were not buried in obscurity.


    "Hmm."


    Listening to Chen Mu''s words, Chen Yue nodded slightly.


    If one were to compare the six major families in the State Government Office to the sects and factions like the Heavenly Sword Sect or Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion in Yu County, then life in the State Government Office was not much different; it was the same as the past.


    Chen Mu''s gaze swept across the street, watching the poor in tattered shirts continually moving aside on the road, all cautiously bowing their heads. For a moment, he felt a wave of emotion; despite the Outer City area being filled with many impoverished households bearing the marks of years of toil, there are indeed people willing to fight tooth and nail to live in the State Government Office.


    After all, despite its exploitation, the State Government Office was still much more peaceful compared to the outside world.


    Like him, taking Xu Hongyu, Chen Yue, and others from Yu County all the way here, traveling on official roads for nearly a month and a half, encountering no fewer than four groups of bandits who openly blocked the road and robbed.


    Others who secretly followed but gave up because they felt it too challenging were even more numerous.


    Such bandits were, in fact, proactively purged by the State Government Office and various other prefectures every few days, but due to the chaotic world, they were not completely eradicated, and when one group was eliminated, another emerged.


    As for the Seven Profound Sect, so high and aloof, such ordinary banditry barely caught their interest, unless it involved great criminals who had entered the Five Viscera Realm, which might prompt the Seven Profound Sect to dispatch genuine disciples or protectors for capture.


    The group continued along the main road.


    Soon after passing through the outermost city district, they arrived at a slightly inner area, where the view began to change; there were gradually fewer people in ragged clothes, and more in long robes. The streets also visibly became much cleaner and tidier, including some of the buildings which began to show some style.


    The closer they got to the Inner City of the State Government Office, the busier the streets became. On the roads, some well-to-do local gentries swaggered by, flankedÇ° andºó. While they didn''t recognize Chen Mu and his group, they could still tell from their clothing that Chen Mu and his group were not ordinary people, so naturally, no conflict arose, and all passed by with polite nods.

 Chapter 270 State Government Office_2

    "...Speaking of Situ Shu, the Great Protector of Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, he raised his massive Cold Soul Spirit Blade, and with a thunderous roar, unleashed thousands of Blade Qi, crisscrossing and striking at Protector Chen, aiming to cut him down."


    In a bustling teahouse on the busy street, a middle-aged man with a folding fan was telling the tale with great excitement, his voice drowning out the noisy alley nearby and attracting a large crowd of pedestrians who stopped to listen.


    "...Little did they know, Protector Chen had already mastered a Divine Power to protect his body. Faced with the oncoming thousands of Blade Qi, he was unfazed. Without even drawing his sword, he simply stepped forward. In an instant, the sky changed color and all the Cold Soul Blade Qi shattered before Protector Chen. In the blink of an eye, he met Situ Shu''s Cold Soul Spirit Blade barehanded, and with a powerful Fist Seal, sent Situ Shu flying dozens of yards away!"


    The middle-aged storyteller was wildly animated, his every word as if he were at the scene himself.


    Passing by the teahouse, Chen Yue, upon hearing the middle-aged man say, "Chen Mu with nine consecutive punches killed Situ Shu, calling it killing without a sword, nine punches ended Situ...," couldn''t help but turn to Chen Mu curiously and asked,


    "Brother, was it really like this at the time?"


    "Situ Shu indeed died from the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, but the story here is quite muddled."


    Chen Mu shook his head with a chuckle.


    He wasn''t sure how much the storyteller knew about that encounter, but the tale was decently crafted. His Flowing Fire Blade had broken during the collision with the Cold Soul Spirit Blade, yet here it had been presented as if he didn''t bother to draw his blade at all.


    As the middle-aged storyteller''s last words fell, striking a gong, he bowed to the audience inside the teahouse. Suddenly, the whole place burst into noise, with both seated customers and bystanders outside all engaging in spirited discussions.


    "This Protector Chen slaying Situ Shu, I''ve listened to it three times, each time feeling a surge of excitement. The actions of Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion are indeed despicable and detestable; it truly felt good to see him cut down. It''s a pity that I''m not in Yu County; otherwise, I would have grabbed a few disciples of Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion to add to the fun."


    "Tsk, you grabbing Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion disciples? With your meager skills, you couldn''t even handle my punches and kicks, let alone compare to a Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion disciple; you''d be lucky not to be squashed by them at a whim," said someone near the window, chuckling.


    "Speaking of which, with Protector Chen having slashed Situ Shu, the rankings in the Wind Cloud List must be going up again."


    Someone sipped some tea and commented.


    "That''s for sure; he should at least make it into the top twenty."


    "In terms of the Wind Cloud List, it''s not so easily determined. Unlike the list of up-and-comers, which is updated annually, the Wind Cloud List is only reassessed every three years. With two and a half years until the next reassessment, who knows how much more Protector Chen''s skills will have improved? Maybe he''ll make it into the top ten by then," another person said with a grin.


    Since the inception of the Wind Cloud List, the only time it was reassessed ahead of schedule was many years ago, after a major battle that instantly took down nearly seven or eight top fighters of the list. Then, in just a few months, several more fell, and these factors combined prompted the End of the World Sea Pavilion to revise the Wind Cloud List rankings just a year later.


    Compared to that, even though Chen Mu''s killing of the twenty-third-ranked Situ Shu was a startling event, it was still not significant enough to prompt the End of the World Sea Pavilion to reassess the Wind Cloud List early.


    As for what will happen in two and a half years when the Wind Cloud List is reassessed, that was anyone''s guess.


    ...


    The flow of information in this era was swift among the major powers, but not so much among the common folk. It had taken Chen Mu one and a half months to escort Chen Yue and others to the State Government Office, and only then had the news about Yu City started to spread.


    Since the protagonist Chen Mu was right there, Chen Yue and the others naturally weren''t very interested in the storyteller''s narrative in the teahouse, nor were they much inclined to engage in the discussions of the listening crowd; they soon moved away from the teahouse.


    Finally.


    After traveling further down the road, a noisy bustle arose from the street ahead. Many pedestrians showed alarmed expressions, swiftly moving to the sides to make way, and many civilians quickly knelt on both sides of the road to bow.


    Approaching them on the street, a man dressed as an Inspector, followed by a group of people, came forward with a smile and said to Chen Mu, "Protector Chen, why didn''t you inform me in advance so that I could have welcomed you at the city gate?"


    Chen Mu returned the gesture with a bow, smiling calmly, "How could I trouble Brother Xu to come all the way to the city gate."


    He knew this Inspector.


    Unlike Yan Jingqing, Xu Qingzhao, the Inspector, came from the Spirit Profound Peak of the Seven Profound Sect. However, he was not a True Disciple, originally just an Inner Sect Disciple of Spirit Profound Peak. Later, he made a breakthrough to the Five Viscera Realm and served as a Steward of Spirit Profound Peak, then eventually achieved the Six Viscera Realm as a Protector. A few years ago, he was appointed by the Seven Profound Sect to the State Government Office to take over Yan Jingqing''s position.


    Xu Qingzhao said with a chuckle, "Protector Chen was formerly a True Disciple of Spirit Profound Peak and now ranks on the Wind Cloud List. Even the governor himself wishes to visit him... Following Protector Chen''s instructions, the residences in the Inner City have all been prepared, just waiting for Protector Chen to settle in."


    Chen Mu addressed him as Senior Brother, yet he dared not assume the role of Junior Brother to Chen Mu. After all, he was not of True Disciple origin, and though he too had ascended to the Six Viscera Realm as an Inspector, this was his limit, while Chen Mu, barely thirty years old, was already on the Wind Cloud List.


    Even though there were rumors that Chen Mu was ambushed by the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion and had been eroded by Demonic Qi, making his path to Grandmaster uncertain, given Chen Mu''s peerless talent, if he could ever comprehend the Qiankun Domain in the future, he would surely have a chance to top the Wind Cloud List, even without becoming a Grandmaster! Find more chapters on My Virtual Library Empire


    Even if Chen Mu did not comprehend the Qiankun Domain, as a high-ranking expert on the Wind Cloud List, his status would still far surpass his.


    "Thank you for your trouble, Senior Brother Xu."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly at Xu Qingzhao.


    To bring Xu Hongyu, Chen Yue, and others to the State Government Office, he had naturally made arrangements in advance. In fact, for anyone from the Steward rank of Seven Profound Sect and above, acquiring property in the State Government Office was an easy task, let alone for him.


    "It''s a trivial matter; no trouble at all."


    Xu Qingzhao replied with a smile and then led the way, guiding Chen Mu and his group toward the Inner City.


    Originally, Chen Mu and his group were all wearing long robes. Though very simple, they encountered no obstacles along the way. Now, with Inspector Xu Qingzhao leading them, the journey was even smoother, and passersby saluted them respectfully. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Some people''s gazes fell on Chen Mu and the others following behind Xu Qingzhao, their eyes filled with a curious hue, wondering what background allowed them the privilege of being personally guided by such a distinguished Inspector.


    Soon.


    The group crossed from the Outer City and arrived at the Inner City of the State Government Office.


    The Inner City of the State Government Office, compared to the Inner City of Yu County, was evidently much more grand. Towering buildings lined the streets, and thick, green stone tiles paved the alleys, immaculately clean as far as the eye could see.


    The pedestrians on the road were all wearing long robes, and it was common to see nobles dressed in opulent silk and satins, either wearing solemn and majestic expressions or laughing and talking with others. Compared to the Outer City areas of the State Government Office, it was almost like an entirely different world.


    However.


    Even those dressed in opulent silk and satins, upon seeing Xu Qingzhao leading the way, each paused and then paid him a proper salute, not daring to be negligent.


    And not until Xu Qingzhao and Chen Mu passed by, their figures disappearing at the far end of the spacious street, did someone whisper, "Who are those people following behind Officer Xu? They seem quite unfamiliar."


    "I don''t think they''re just following behind Officer Xu; rather, it looks as if Officer Xu is leading the way for them... Now that I think about it, I heard some news earlier, could it be that the young man walking with Officer Xu is that person?"


    Someone''s expression revealed a hint of curiosity.


    Immediately, the people around looked over, somewhat surprised, "You say Officer Xu is personally leading the way, then who might that be?"


    "So young, yet makes Officer Xu personally guide him, who else could it be," the man shook his head and replied.


    Upon hearing this, the people nearby fell silent, each of them conjuring a name in their minds.


    Chen Mu!


    The real prominent figure of Yu State, the top young contender from the Cold North Path, who had recently in Yu County slain Situ Shu, ranked twenty-third on the Wind Cloud List from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion!


    For the people of the Inner City in the State Government Office, Chen Mu''s name was sufficiently awe-inspiring.

 Chapter 271 Harvest and Organization

    A certain mansion.


    Although the gate and courtyard weren''t extravagantly decorated, one could discern the elegance in every detail. Whether it was the finely carved fake mountain of jade in the courtyard or the clear stream passing through it, it was evident that this residence belonged to a wealthy family.


    This place was the residence of the Feng Family, one of the six major families of the State Government Office in Yu State. The Feng Family had prospered for more than a hundred years, especially after Grandmaster Feng Hongsheng emerged from the family, thus climbing to be among the most powerful families in the State Government Office. Find your next adventure on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Has Chen Mu arrived?"


    Feng Hong''an, the head of the Feng Family, was leaning on a glossy Purple Spirit Bamboo Staff in the courtyard. He was the elder brother of Feng Hongsheng, a Grandmaster and Elder of the Seven Profound Sect, older by just one year. However, his appearance looked much older than Feng Hongsheng''s, after all, he was not a Grandmaster, and Feng Hongsheng was the only Grandmaster in the Feng Family.


    The person standing beside him respectfully replied to Feng Hong''an.


    After nodding slightly, Feng Hong''an took a few steps with his staff, saying, "Prepare a generous gift to send over, and remember, it should be presented with full courtesy."


    "Yes."


    The attendant responded and then withdrew.


    Feng Hong''an walked a few steps with his staff, looked up at the sky, and sighed lightly.


    Chen Mu, a peerless genius of Cold North Path, was yet another person who had understood Qiankun Artistic Conception within the Five Viscera Realm after nearly a century. Unfortunately, he had been schemed against by the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion. Otherwise, Feng would have liked to marry his own granddaughter to Chen Mu to strengthen ties by marriage.


    The main issue was that Chen Mu already had a family. Otherwise, a young expert of the Wind Cloud List, even though the path to becoming a Grandmaster might be uncertain, would completely qualify to marry the granddaughter of the Feng Family, but to take her as a concubine would seem like the Feng Family was too eagerly ingratiating themselves, which could also be seen as losing dignity, especially since the Feng Family was a major clan in the State Government Office, having Grandmaster Feng Hongsheng.


    However, it was discernable that after Chen Mu had brought some family members to settle in the State Government Office, it was suitable to be friendly, rather than hostile.


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    Another mansion.


    This was one of the six major families, the Qin Family.


    With the surname ''Qin,'' one could immediately think of an important figure ¡ª Chen Mu''s master, Peak Master Qin Mengjun of Spirit Profound Peak, who indeed hailed from the Qin Family, although she rose from a collateral branch, not the main lineage of the Qin Family.


    Of course, after Qin Mengjun became a Grandmaster, her branch rose dramatically in status and became an integral part of the Qin Family, capable of rivaling the main branch.


    "Has Chen Mu arrived?"


    "Prepare a gift, and send a greeting."


    Upon receiving the news, the head of the Qin Family also quickly commanded.


    Since Chen Mu was one of the true disciples of Qin Mengjun and not just any ordinary steward or protector. As a ranked expert of the Wind Cloud List who could even kill Situ Shu, he naturally needed to be treated with much more consideration, and it was only appropriate to take the initiative to greet him.


    ...


    In just half a day.


    The six major families of the State Government Office, along with the next tier of families like ''Meng Family,'' ''Yan Family,'' and others, all reacted to Chen Mu''s arrival in the State Government Office, though their reactions varied. Among the six major families, the Feng and Qin families showed much more eagerness, and the ''Liu Family,'' ranked last among the six, also showed a clear intention to foster good relations.


    As for the other three families, their reactions were relatively lukewarm, merely sending someone to symbolically greet him.


    The attitude of the next tier families was much more enthusiastic. The Meng Family, where Meng Danyun and Meng Tianzhang belonged, didn''t need to be mentioned, and the Yan Family, belonging to Yan Jingqing, also obviously showed no restraint in showing goodwill. Aligned below the six major families, these smaller clans were openly welcoming to Chen Mu, even going so far as to probe on the first day whether Chen Mu had any intentions of taking concubines, offering females from their family between ages fourteen and over twenty, regardless of their official status within the family.


    Compared to the well-regarded big six families, these smaller clans in the State Government Office either relied on marriage connections or had individuals like Yan Jingqing who were somewhat influential, to maintain their power.


    As an individual surpassing Yan Jingqing on the Wind Cloud List, Chen Mu naturally became an unstintingly courted figure by these smaller families, especially since Chen Mu had only married a woman from a minor clan in a remote prefecture city and didn''t have close relations with families in the State Government Office, making him even more worth the effort to curry favor with.


    Not to mention, Chen Mu was still quite young, being only thirty years old this year.


    However.


    Regarding such overtures, Chen Mu didn''t pay any heed.


    Having already experienced the struggle between family powers in Yu County, he naturally had no interest in getting involved in another such dispute in family powers, which would only waste his time and affect his speed in drawing his sword.


    Bringing Xu Hongyu, Chen Yue, and others to the State Government Office was merely to provide them with a more stable environment, and also to allow himself to travel more at ease without worrying too much about their condition. Each return trip to Seven Profound Sect could conveniently include a visit home.


    "Qin Family, Feng Family, and Liu Family... these three families sent gifts that are indeed generous."


    Inside the new mansion, Chen Mu reviewed the gifts brought by various families who visited, with those from Qin, Feng, and Liu ranking highest. Each family''s gift was valued no less than a ''Earth Element Pearl,'' a type of Spiritual Object used for Viscera Refining.


    Truly, the major families of the State Government Office, each backed by a Grandmaster, were not stingy in their gestures, far surpassing remote families like those from Yu County, who could hardly afford to present such high-caliber items as initial visiting gifts.


    "Should they be sent back?"


    Xu Hongyu stood beside Chen Mu, pondering for a moment before asking softly.

 Chapter 271 Harvest and Organization_2

    There is a distinction between generous gifts and modest ones; the latter is merely a symbolic gesture, whereas the former involves emotional and social considerations.


    "There''s no need; just take them all as listed," he said.


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly.


    He accepted any gifts that came his way because what he currently lacked were resources. Before leaving, he had even visited the Yu Family''s storeroom, taking away some items that the Yu Family would not readily need, yet were quite valuable.


    Combined, these items were all to be taken to the Seven Profound Sect later to be exchanged for nourishing-type spiritual objects that he needed.


    In fact, it didn''t make much difference whether he accepted the Qin Family''s gifts. His mentor, Qin Mengjun, was a member of the Qin Family and already had certain ties to them, so if the Qin Family sought his help, he was naturally inclined to consider their requests.


    As for the gift from the Feng Family, accepting it was no issue. Although it appeared that he had little connection with the Feng Family, and it was Feng Hongsheng who had previously stepped in to block Elder Fu Jingyuan from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, after wiping out a branch of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, he and Yan Jingqing had shared some of the pavilion''s resources with Feng Hongsheng. Feng, as a grandmaster, wouldn''t quibble over such trivial matters. It was beneath a grandmaster''s dignity to personally accept them, so the resources were directly handed over to the Feng Family.


    And then there was the Liu Family...


    This family was somewhat interesting, with a situation similar to the previous Yu Family. Behind them stood Liu Zongsheng, an elder of the Seven Profound Sect, who was already too old, seemingly over one hundred and seventy years old. Even as a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster, he was nearing the twilight years of his life.


    Under such circumstances, it was quite normal for them to seek to ingratiate themselves and win him over, even though he wasn''t a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster but merely ranked on the Wind Cloud List by virtue of his strength. For the Liu Family at present, if they could win him over, it would be a significant support for the family.


    After all, he was still very young, only thirty years old.


    Therefore, the gift prepared by the Liu Family for their visit was the most generous, valued as much as three portions of Viscera Refining spiritual objects. Chen Mu accepted everything as listed and at the same time, tactfully declined the Liu Family''s attempt to explore the possibility of making marital ties with him.


    After all, he did not lack resources now; the more he was sent, the more he took, and he wasn''t worried about being entangled in obligations. Given his talent and aptitude, it wouldn''t take long for his cultivation to advance further, reaching the Grandmaster level, or even approaching the ultimate realms of martial arts.


    At that time, should anyone seek his help, it would merely take a word from him to resolve the issue.


    As for making marital connections, he''d pass. Being bound by blood was another matter. Although he held a rather good dual cultivation technique in his hand, he had no intention of adopting the Hehuan Sect''s style¡ªindulging in romantic entanglements and nightly revelries. Ultimately, this technique was better than nothing for him. It allowed him to satisfy desires while not impeding his cultivation progress.


    "It really is the big families of the State Government Office. They are far wealthier than us in Yu County," Xiao He couldn''t help but sigh while tallying the gift list beside him.


    Each year, most of Yu City''s resources, including taxes, various discovered medicinal materials, heaven and earth spiritual items, as well as many official businesses, would be transported to the State Government Office and then integrated into the Seven Profound Sect for digestion.


    By comparison, these big and small families of the state government had a significant degree of "independence." They had control over their businesses and the various resources they discovered without having to hand them over to the Seven Profound Sect. After all, they were themselves part of the Seven Profound Sect, with Peak Masters and Elders backing them up, they were among the top beneficiaries in Yu State.


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    The influence of each of the six families was no less than the Seven Peaks under the Seven Profound Sect, all possessing numerous Six Viscera Realm cultivators and many experts of the Five Viscera Realm. In fact, they could be regarded as the ''Outer Six Peaks'' of the Seven Profound Sect.


    If Chen Mu hadn''t been just thirty years old, these six families would have been cooler towards him. If he hadn''t defeated Situ Shu and merely made it to the bottom of the Wind Cloud List, their attitude would have cooled even further. If he hadn''t made it to the Wind Cloud List at all and was merely an ordinary practitioner of the Six Viscera Realm, the six big families might not have paid much attention to his arrival. Only families like the Qin and Meng, which had previous connections, might have extended their regards.


    A moment later,


    Chen Mu sorted out the gifts from each family, and along with the portion he had taken when dealing with the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion branch and the items taken from the Yu Family, he made a summary. Altogether, he could probably exchange them for five to six portions of nourishing-type spiritual objects at the Seven Profound Sect. Stay updated through My Virtual Library Empire


    "Five to six portions, that''s not little," Chen Mu nodded slightly to himself.


    In actuality, that was quite a lot, considering that nourishing-type spiritual objects were rarer and more precious than Viscera Refining spiritual objects. Don''t be fooled by the fact that his Cold Soul Spirit Blade and Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear were worth more than several portions of nourishing-type spiritual objects. The acquisition of these two items hadn''t been easy; the Thunder Spear was a stroke of fortune, and the Spirit Blade had been wrested from the hands of a Wind Cloud List expert.


    He summoned the system interface and glanced at it.


    [Martial Art: Qiankun Artistic Conception (Step 2)]


    [Experience: 6827 points]


    ...


    [Six Viscera Sutra (44%)]


    [Experience: 0 points]


    Escorting Xu Hongyu and her group from Yu County to the State Government Office, roughly a month and a half had passed. Along the way, he was always contemplating the essence of the natural world. Ultimately, he gained over three thousand experience points, which was quite substantial, and he would soon be able to continue deducing the Artistic Conception.


    The refinement of the Six Viscera saw only a one percent improvement from consuming the "Yellow Turtle Vine," going from 43% to 44% over a month and a half, which was barely significant. Fortunately, the progress of both Xu Hongyu and Xiao He was considerable. Xu was likely soon to step into the Five Viscera Realm, Xiao He''s Bone Tempering should also steadily succeed, and Chen Yue was probably close as well.

 Chapter 271 Harvest and Organization_3

    ```


    "If I change it for five or six portions of nurturing-type spiritual objects, I wonder how much progress I can make."


    Chen Mu muttered to himself as he looked at the system panel.


    If every portion was like the Yellow Tortoise Tendril, able to increase progress by ten percent, then that would almost be enough to complete the training. However, he presumed that the refinement in the Six Viscera Realm was the same as in the Five Viscera Realm, the closer one got to the limit, the harder it became, so he couldn''t make any predictions. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But even if he could only increase it to above 70%, it would still be a significant boost for him. After all, for an average Martial Artist in the Six Viscera Realm, refining to seventy or eighty percent was what they referred to as ''Perfection''.


    When Chen Mu reached that level, the power of Yuan Gang would increase dramatically once again. If he encountered someone like Situ Shu, he would be able to crush him easily within a few moves, shattering his domain, without having to exert as much effort.


    Just as Chen Mu was deep in thought,


    a timid voice suddenly came from beside him.


    "Big brother Mu, tea."


    When Chen Mu turned his head, he saw Yu Ru approaching with a pot of tea, calling him softly, yet not quite daring to look up at him. Xu Hongyu, Ning He, and the others who had been there before were now nowhere to be seen.


    These guys...


    Chen Mu couldn''t help but laugh for a moment. Ever since they had left Yu County for the State Government Office, Ning He and Chen Yue''s secret plans could never escape his eyes. It was just that they had hardly settled down in the state, and they were already arranging things for him.


    It was Xu Hongyu who had started this whole thing, but compared to the sisterly Yu Ru, it was indeed the aloof and beautiful Xu Hongyu who attracted him more at the time.


    "Hmm."


    Chen Mu took the teacup and sipped the tea, then carefully examined the girl in front of him.


    In terms of looks alone, Yu Ru was prettier than Ning He, but because she was so young before, he had always seen Yu Ru more as a sister and hadn''t harbored much romantic desire. But now the little girl had indeed grown up.


    Upon closer inspection,


    he could see a red string around Yu Ru''s neck with a delicate and small Jade Pendant dangling in the gap, the very one Chen Mu had given to her as Spirit Jade.


    In reality, the quality of this Jade Ornament wasn''t high, it was only low-grade Spirit Jade, but Yu Ru had been wearing it all this time.


    "Yu Ru, you and Yue''er are both dear to me, and Hongyu also sees you as kin. Even if you don''t marry me, I''ll always be the brother who looks after you and won''t let anyone bully you. But if you do want to marry me, it''s difficult to have any proper status," Chen Mu said to Yu Ru, his voice gentle.


    At his current realm, Chen Mu''s will was firm, and neither desire nor passion could affect him much any longer. He ignored all kinds of outside temptations and always acted naturally, not pretending to be pretentious. Whether Yu Ru had thought it through herself or had been persuaded by Chen Yue and others, since she had come forward, he would not be evasive or just casually handle the matter.


    Hearing Chen Mu''s words, scenes of her first meeting with Chen Mu and their subsequent time at the Yu Family and in the Chen household surfaced in Yu Ru''s mind. She mustered her courage, saying,


    "I, I don''t care about that." Find adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    Having said that,


    the girl, who was naturally soft-spoken, looked up at Chen Mu and spoke as if gathering all her bravery, "To have sister Hongyu, Brother Mu, Sister Ning, and Yue''er, I''m already very happy. Even if Brother Mu doesn''t want to marry me, it''s alright."


    If it hadn''t been for Chen Yue''s constant prompting, and Xu Hongyu and Ning He knowing her feelings, supporting her, she probably wouldn''t have been so proactive in revealing her heart to Chen Mu. For her, being able to live together like a family and be the sister was already very fulfilling. Sometimes, she herself couldn''t make out whether her feelings for Chen Mu were those of admiration for an older brother or of romantic love, as they were blended together, indistinguishable.


    "You..."


    Chen Mu smiled upon hearing Yu Ru''s words, set down his teacup, patted her head, and said, "If that''s the case, then it''s all good. There isn''t much of a difference anyway. It''s them who are anxious for you all the time."


    Yu Ru was so gentle that even when Chen Mu married Xu Hongyu, she bore no jealousy, only happiness for him and Xu Hongyu. It was her nature that made Chen Yue, Xu Hongyu, Ning He, and others take care of her in every way, including Chen Mu himself.


    It was difficult to survive in turbulent times with such a character. If it weren''t for Chen Mu, who knows how the Yu Family would have arranged Yu Ru''s fate; even Xu Hongyu might not have been able to protect her. But for Chen Mu now, taking care of her was a mere trifle. Even without any noticeable talent in Martial Arts, no one from the Yu Family dared to arrange her marriage, leaving it to her own will.


    Chen Mu was willing to indulge her.


    ```

 Chapter 272 Iron Hand Group

    Time flew by.


    In the blink of an eye, five months had passed.


    The war in Ice State was still raging fiercely. Although the Seven Profound Sect had never reached a unanimous decision, and the Supreme Elder had not intervened, due to their interests, they were passively involved in the local conflicts of Ice State.


    It''s said that interests motivate people. In times of chaos, the noble cause of fighting the Foreign Race and rescuing the people was hardly enough to prompt action from deeply-rooted major powers. It was more of a slogan; rather, the gradual revelation of numerous resources and benefits during the great battle in Ice State enticed the Seven Profound Sect to make their move, thus gradually engaging with Heavenly Demons, Heavenly Corpse, and even the Foreign Race.


    Furthermore,


    According to Chen Mu''s knowledge, although the major sects and forces of the Cold North Path maintained a wait-and-see attitude towards Ice State, they actually had agents in Ice State seizing opportunities to plunder resources. The situation was a complete mess, just as it had been in North State and Han State previously.


    In a courtyard within the Inner City of the State Government Office of Yu State, Chen Mu was instructing Chen Yue in her cultivation.


    Chen Yue wielded a sword, with sword lights flying incessantly, attacking Chen Mu repeatedly. Each strike wrapped in a fierce whistling sound, with great momentum. She had already reached the level of the Bone Tempering Realm, on par with some of the outstanding inner sect disciples of the Seven Profound Sect.


    Ding!


    Chen Mu used his finger as a sword, continuously flexing and tapping, breaking each of Chen Yue''s sword techniques. He stood still, unmovable at his spot while guiding her,"Be as resilient as a mountain; when it''s time to move, move, and when it''s time to stop, stop, unmoved."


    "The words in the books sound mystical, but they actually point to the essence. When the mountain''s momentum dictates to advance, you advance; to retreat, you retreat. It''s not about clashing head-on with your opponent all the time, but rather not to hesitate or falter during your strikes, without varying twists and turns."


    Then,


    Chen Mu pointed again, flicking Chen Yue''s sword away. The force traveled through the blade reaching her wrist and arm, causing her to stagger back several steps. Her forehead was coated in fine beads of sweat, and she was slightly panting.


    "That''s enough for now. You''ve caught on quite quickly. You can now employ about eighty to ninety percent of the strength of Minor Achievement in Bone Tempering through your swordsmanship. When you can grasp the Artistic Conception of Gen Mountain, you''ll be considered an expert at Bone Tempering Realm. Placed within the inner sect of the Seven Profound Sect, you could compare to many of the top-ranked inner sect disciples."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly towards Chen Yue, stopping her from continuing her assault. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Yue took a deep breath, steadying her breathing, then sweetly said, "Thank you for the guidance, brother."


    Chen Mu shook his head and chuckled, "What''s there to thank? Go meditate for a while, and ponder on it well."


    "Okay."


    Chen Yue nodded, then stepped back a few steps, removed her shoes, sat down on the clean pear wood corridor, and closed her eyes to reflect and comprehend.


    Seeing Chen Yue''s actions, Chen Mu also turned and walked out, quickly returning to his own yard, entering his bedroom, and took out a stack of booklets from a chest, which turned out to be a collection of intelligence reports made up of different types of paper.


    As a Sect Protector of the Seven Profound Sect, although he currently did not hold an official position in the State Government Office, he could still freely enter places like the Inspectorate of the State Government Office, so accessing various intelligence from across Yu State was not difficult at all.


    Chen Mu pondered for a moment, then started from the first page.


    ''Iron Hand Group''


    Controls dozens of small-to-large boat gangs along the Usha River basin, handling Usha''s output and benefits, and also connected with numerous banditry incidents, acting ruthlessly. To ensure the boat gangs followed orders, they once slaughtered over a hundred members of a boat gang, hanging their heads along the shore to terrify all parties. Since then, no one has resisted. The State Government has attempted to eradicate them several times but always failed to find their traces. The whereabouts of the plundered Silver Coin every year remain unknown.


    ''Cuiyan Mountain Villa''


    Manages the mining of a large-scale emerald Spirit Ore within the Cuiyan mountain range, offering a substantial amount of Silver Coin to the Fang Family of the State Government annually, gaining its protection. Its power is substantial, rampantly unbridled in the locality, oppressing the County Government to obey its commands. In recent years, it has been suspected of abducting young women from various areas, who, upon falling into Cuiyan Mountain Villa, disappear without a trace.


    ...


    That''s right.


    The stack of intelligence in Chen Mu''s hands related to the many dark forces within Yu State.


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    These forces, which had long existed in Yu State, acted unbridled and ruthlessly across the region. They were, to various extents, either linked with the Seven Profound Sect that governed Yu State¡ªrelying on offering Silver Coin to one of the six major families of the State Government, like the ''Fang Family,'' for a certain degree of protection¡ªor they were outright external forces cultivated by such a family.


    He hadn''t gathered this intelligence because he was particularly indignant and wanted to purge these unsightly corrupt entities; rather, he planned to randomly select some ''lucky ones''¡ªbecause he was running short on money.


    It had been five months.


    The various resources he had previously managed and obtained had essentially been exhausted, exchanged within the Seven Profound Sect for nurturing type Spiritual Objects to boost his own Six Viscera Realm cultivation. Now, the remaining resources, which were useful to him, were temporarily not to be touched.


    [Six Viscera Sutra (72%)]


    [Experience: 0 points]


    Five months later, his degree of Six Viscera Tempering had astonishingly reached 72%!


    Just as he had anticipated, the cultivation of Six Viscera, after surpassing the 60% threshold, became like his previous practice of Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering¡ªas the further tempering requirements increased. After he had consumed all the nurturing type Spiritual Objects acquired from the Seven Profound Sect, the progression of his Six Viscera tempering ultimately halted at 72%.


    This was still because he opted for a more stable foundation, not harming his own Six Viscera, and digested the nurturing type Spiritual Objects intermittently with gentler methods; otherwise, the efficiency could have been even higher.


    Of course.

 Chapter 272 Iron Hand Group_2

    Actually, the efficiency has become astonishingly fast!


    It only took Chen Mu seven or eight months from the moment he stepped into the Six Viscera Realm!


    One must know that many martial artists in the Six Viscera Realm, after practicing for five or six years, may only achieve around seventy to eighty percent of the solidifying refinement level, and this level even preliminarily possesses the qualifications to assault the Mysterious Pass and attempt to step into the Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster Realm!


    But for Chen Mu, he certainly would not stop there, let alone assault the Mysterious Pass with little chance of breaking through. Even if there was a chance to break through, he would not attempt it now because what seems to be an unattainable extreme tempering of the Six Viscera Realm for ordinary people, for him, if he had enough resources, he could easily achieve it.


    "This kind of top-down corruption, no wonder Yan Jingqing can''t handle it," Chen Mu sighed while flipping through the intelligence reports.


    The vicious forces without any background had basically been eradicated long ago. Whether it was the government or many disciples of the Seven Profound Sect descending the mountain to temper themselves, they might take the opportunity to strike at those forces. But for these major forces that have been entrenched in Yu State for years and are notoriously vicious, behind them, there are shadows of the six major families of Yu State and even some senior forces of the Seven Profound Sect.


    In such a situation, even if Yan Jingqing is full of integrity, what could he do?


    He might be able to take down one Iron Hand Gang, but he cannot destroy ten Iron Hand Gangs. Once he incurs public outrage and dissatisfaction from all sides in Yu State, even if he is a master on the Wind Cloud List, it would be too much to withstand. Even if he is not afraid himself, he must consider the Yan Family and thus cannot act recklessly.


    Actually, for grandmasters like Feng Hongsheng and Qin Mengjun, they have each developed a martial arts will and spirit; it is unlikely for them to be directly involved in sheltering such evil forces. But unavoidably, they have clans behind them.


    Because of their existence, there are Feng Family and Qin Family.


    And because of the existence of Feng Family and Qin Family, there are even lower levels of government officials, and even chaotic gangs at the grassroots level. This multi-layered structure is an indissoluble chain. Even if a grandmaster wants to resolve it, they cannot do it alone.


    Perhaps Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion is somewhat right in thinking that to stabilize a chaotic world, one must rebuild everything from scratch, including the decrepit Seven Profound Sect. In this process, they do not hesitate to use any means necessary.


    However,


    Chen Mu agrees with some of Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s views, yet does not support their actions because if this world ultimatley needs to be rebuilt, then the hand to extend that change... will only be his.


    Of course, thinking about this now is still too far off. Chen Mu''s philosophy has never been about stabilizing the chaotic world but to be fearless in his heart. Thus, when looking through the intelligence on various forces, Chen Mu is not interested in trying to change the layout.


    What he wants is only resources.


    These forces are just suitable for him, casually snuffing out two or three of them is also guilt-free.


    As for these forces, whichever family they are linked to, whichever Seven Profound Sect Elder they are associated with, he does not care. His purpose has always been very clear: before his own strength is strong enough, all actions are for increasing his strength.


    "Nowadays, on the Wind Cloud List, aside from the top three, there should hardly be any contenders left for me. Just not sure if facing a grandmaster like Fu Jingyuan, whether I could withstand one or two moves. Perhaps there''s still a gap," Chen Mu shook his head slightly.


    Five months later, not only had his Six Viscera Tempering reached 72%, but his Qiankun Artistic Conception had also advanced another small step, completing the fifth extrapolation and getting closer to the second step''s limit.


    Additionally, the technique Falling Flowers without Trace had also been practiced to the second layer. When used in conjunction with Qiankun Artistic Conception and Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, it was getting closer to the Martial Arts Domain, and his ability to solidify power had further improved.


    Now, with the Artistic Conception at full capacity, he could mobilize around thirty-four to thirty-five parts of The Power of Heaven and Earth, and the amount of Yuan Gang True Essence was comparable, adding up to about seventy parts!


    In terms of quantity, compared to a Third Tier grandmaster like Fu Jingyuan, he was not much different.


    However, the opponent''s unity of inner and outer elements, a perfected Martial Body coupled with Martial Arts Domain, makes their power solidification much stronger than his, not on the same level. Therefore, facing such existences, he could still only flee and not contend.


    But the increase in strength is real, and overall, he feels much more confident.


    Perhaps,


    once his Artistic Conception''s strength is further raised, and the Six Viscera Tempering is closer to the limit, he will be able to create a ''quantitative'' gap. At that time, using quantity to overcome others, even without a Domain and Martial Body, he might still be able to defeat those Third Tier grandmasters!


    "Then, let''s start with the Iron Hand Gang," Chen Mu''s gaze rested lightly on the intelligence information on paper.


    The information on the Iron Hand Gang was the most vague, not even knowing which family of Yu State stood behind it. But to him, this was even better. Even if after attacking, it attracted a grandmaster from the Seven Profound Sect, he could easily deny knowledge and they couldn''t do anything to him.


    Moreover, with his current methods, although he seldom engages in assassination anymore, if he really learned from the Blood Hidden Pavilion''s approach, distinguishing who was the real perpetrator would be no easy feat.


    Gathering the intelligence,


    Chen Mu quietly opened a box stored under the bed, took out a set of travel clothes from the bottom of the box, changed into them, and then silently left the house.


    ... S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The area where the Iron Hand Gang lurked was along the Usha River. Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire

 Chapter 272 Iron Hand Group_3

    Wu River is a river that runs along the eastern edge of Yu County, where the Yu State Government Office is located, and it also serves as the border between Yu County and Lin Prefecture, dividing them apart.


    Heading north along this river will lead to Bi Prefecture and Lang Prefecture, while heading south will take you to the most remote Yu County.


    "This is the Wu River, indeed true to its name."


    After Chen Mu quietly departed from the State Government Office, he traveled eastward, and with his current speed, he hadn''t reached the midpoint of the day before arriving at the edge of Yu County, coming to the banks of the Wu River.


    At this time, he stood with his hands behind his back on the riverbank, watching the rolling waters come from the end of his line of sight. The waters appeared murky, with a deep brown, raven color, created from a type of black sand carried from underground ¨C a spectacle different from any other river he had seen before.


    Black Sand.


    An exceptional type of sand material, construction using it yields walls as firm as iron, such as those of the State Government Office''s city walls that employed a large amount of Black Sand, and many fortresses built by various Momentum used this material as well.


    As Chen Mu was surveying the waters, he saw a boat crossing the cloudy river, with two figures aboard, an old man, about fifty or sixty years old, and a little girl, about eleven or twelve years old.


    "Would you like to cross the river, sir?"


    The old man, pushing the boat pole, saw Chen Mu from afar on the bank and actively approached, asking him.


    "Alright."


    Chen Mu glanced at the old man, stepped towards the riverbank with an indifferent expression, and then boarded the small boat with a single step.


    Seeing Chen Mu step onto the boat and stand there without sitting down, the old man chuckled and reminded him, "You might want to sit down, sir. Although this is the calmest part of the river, the current is still rapacious, and if the Dragon King of water flips, it would be a serious matter."


    "Sir, please sit here."


    The little girl sitting in the boat said softly.


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    After hearing the old man''s advice, Chen Mu was about to decline, but upon seeing the little girl moving aside to make space, he shook his head lightly and took a seat beside her.


    The old man, after watching Chen Mu sit down, pushed the boat pole and steered the small boat slowly into the river.


    Chen Mu observed the girl in front of him, noticing her somewhat sallow and skinny appearance, which looked like she wasn''t well-fed. He asked, "I heard that in this area around Wu River, people live off the river. Although there''s hardly any fish in the waters, mining Black Sand can be exchanged for quite a sum of Silver Coins. This job of ferrying passengers across seems less lucrative than mining Black Sand?"


    The old man, while propelling the boat, shook his head with a bitter smile after hearing Chen Mu''s words, and said, "It seems, sir, that you are a foreigner. This Black Sand is indeed valuable, and in the early years, one could make enough for a family just by working. But starting eleven years ago, not only has the purchasing price for Black Sand been continuously lowered, but those who do this work also need to pay ''protection money'' to boat gangs; after my child''s parents died in a water accident years ago, as an old man working alone, I couldn''t even afford to pay the ''protection money'' anymore." S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Eleven years ago.


    That was precisely the time when the intelligence reported that the Iron Hand Gang began to gradually control the boat gangs along the Wu River.


    A thought flashed across Chen Mu''s mind, as he slightly shook his head. This situation was indeed no different from that of the State Government Office ¨C the work people did was enough for clothing and feeding, but after suffering from multiple layers of exploitation, life became hard.


    "What about selling Black Sand directly to outside regions?"


    Chen Mu asked another question.


    The old man shook his head repeatedly after hearing this, saying, "These ten miles and eight villages are all under the Zhang family''s boat gang''s territory. Where could we sell it? Besides, if one dares to bypass them and sell Black Sand outside, and gets caught, that would be... Sir, you''re not here to buy Black Sand, are you? If you are thinking about doing this business, you really should drop the idea. Last month a group of outsiders came to buy Black Sand, directly mining from our village, and when the boat gang found out, a bunch of heads were hung at the ferry crossing the next day."


    As he spoke, the old man involuntarily shivered, and a trace of fear appeared in his eyes.


    Chen Mu, listening to this, directed his gaze towards the rolling, murky river waters, his eyes calm. Right beneath their feet lay valuable Black Sand, inexhaustible yet not able to be used to sustain a family. The collapsed state administration and collusion between officials and bandits couldn''t be more evident.


    This situation wouldn''t be resolved simply by destroying the boat gangs and the Iron Hand Gang ¨C the boat gangs were made up of local people, eradicate one group and another would emerge; the same was true for the Iron Hand Gang. But his visit wasn''t about rescuing the troubled and needy, just about borrowing some resources from the Iron Hand Gang. If, incidentally, he could improve the lives of the people along the Wu River for a while, it would also align with his sense of integrity.

 Chapter 273 Thunder Path Grandmaster?

    "Does the old man know where the nearest ship gang is and how to pay a visit?"


    Chen Mu retracted his gaze and asked the old man.


    According to the intelligence, the Iron Hand group was unlike ordinary forces and did not have a fixed territory. Their territory was the Usha River basin. They were either scattered and untraceable or aboard their ships.


    For Chen Mu, finding them was not difficult; it was simply a matter of following the trail from the ship gang and working his way up.


    "Ship gang... Ah, Boss Liu''s ship gang is located downstream along this stretch of the river. If the guest wishes to go, I can take you there directly," the old man thought for a moment and said.


    "Then I''ll trouble you, old man."


    Chen Mu cupped his hands towards the old man in thanks.


    The old man nodded in reply, took up the boat pole, and changed the boat''s direction to begin sailing downstream.


    Before long,


    the dock appeared downstream along the river. The dock was not large, but more than ten boats of various sizes were moored there, and shadows of people could be faintly seen busily moving about on the boats and the dock.


    "Guest, we''ve arrived... Eh?"


    The old man turned his head back to explain to Chen Mu, but to his surprise, he found that Chen Mu, who had previously been sitting in the boat, had vanished without a trace, leaving only his granddaughter sitting there, still somewhat dazed.


    "Where is he? Oh no, he didn''t fall into the water, did he?" S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The old man immediately became flustered, hurriedly looking into the river below the boat, but he saw only the gently flowing water, with no sign of a person.


    Just then, the little girl sitting in the boat spoke up in a still somewhat shocked tone:


    "Grandpa, look at this."


    While speaking, she lifted her small hand to the old man, clutching a silver bean tightly.


    The old man was taken aback, walked over, and took it from her, slightly dazed he said, "Is this from that guest? It''s too much. Where did he go?"


    Such a silver bean was worth several taels, an amount he would struggle to earn in a year of boating.


    "That brother just now, he disappeared all of a sudden."


    A look of incredulity lingered in the little girl''s eyes.


    After hearing this, the old man realized he had encountered an expert. Clutching the silver bean he said, "Eh, eh, Jin''er, you''re blessed indeed. Today you''ve stumbled upon good fortune. Quick, thank our benefactor."


    After carefully storing the silver bean away, he repeatedly bowed towards the empty river in gratitude.


    ...


    On the side of the dock,


    Chen Mu''s figure appeared silently.


    At his current realm, concealing his presence and appearance was quite simple. Even a martial artist in the Bone Tempering Realm could easily use their muscles and bones to alter their physical appearance, not to mention him, a figure of the Six Viscera Realm.


    For martial artists of high realms, appearances could change at will. What was more difficult to disguise were one''s momentum and styles.


    Chen Mu stepped onto the dock, and saw some bare-chested men moving goods and working, while a few commoners in coarse clothes from the ship gang watched over them.


    "Who''s there? What do you want?"


    As Chen Mu drew closer, he immediately drew the attention of a few gang members. The closest one approached, and seeing Chen Mu dressed in a cloak and long robe, guessed he was not a vagrant from the riverside and asked with a frown.


    Chen Mu replied in a calm tone, "I''ve come to purchase some Usha. Where''s your boss Liu?"


    On hearing he was there to buy Usha, the nearby gang members relaxed a little. Someone sized Chen Mu up and then said, "Our boss Liu isn''t here, he''s gone to a birthday celebration. If you want to buy Usha, just find Liu, the manager. He can make decisions on his behalf."


    "Good."


    Chen Mu responded indifferently and followed a gang member who led the way into the dock, soon boarding a medium-sized cargo ship and meeting Liu, the manager, in one of the cabins.


    Liu, the manager, was a portly fat man who at a glance, seemed not to be skilled in martial arts. Given his position within the ship gang and sharing the surname Liu, he likely had some relation to the gang''s boss Liu. His plump body squeezed into a rattan chair, creaking under his weight. Upon seeing Chen Mu enter, he asked with a beaming smile:


    "Guest, how much Usha would you like to purchase?"


    "What''s the price for Usha?"


    "Um... the harvest this year hasn''t been so good, ten jin of Usha for one tael of silver,"


    Liu, the manager, said after sipping his tea.


    "Then for ten million jin of Usha, can you make a decision?"


    Chen Mu asked flatly.


    Spurt.


    Liu, the manager, nearly sprayed out his tea but then looked at Chen Mu with a slightly taken aback expression, saying, "Are you joking with me?"


    Ten million jin of Usha was a quantity their ship gang might struggle to gather in ten years, and one million taels of silver was an unfathomable sum for the average person, a sum that Chen Mu, with his appearance and aura, did not seem capable of offering.


    However,


    at the next moment, Chen Mu casually tossed a gold note onto the table.


    Liu, the manager, picked it up and immediately bulged his eyes, momentarily doubting his own vision¡ªa gold note worth one hundred thousand taels!


    Although the authenticity of such an item couldn''t be verified immediately, anyone capable of presenting such a note was very likely genuine. After all, Usha transactions were typically cash on delivery, concluding with real gold and silver.


    "Sir, I didn''t realize your station; please don''t be offended. But such a large amount of Usha, ten million jin, indeed I cannot decide on my own. We have to wait for my elder brother to return and discuss..." Discover exclusive content at My Virtual Library Empire


    Liu, the manager''s bulky figure suddenly became quite sprightly, as he squeezed out of the rattan chair, carefully handed back the gold note to Chen Mu, then mustered up a smile.


    Chen Mu said indifferently, "Had you said earlier you couldn''t make decisions, I wouldn''t have come to you. Since your ship gang cannot take on this business, I''ll have to look elsewhere."

 Chapter 273 Thunder Path Grandmaster? _2

    "Eh, eh..."


    Liu Bin hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Sir, the amount you requested is indeed substantial, but this black sand isn''t something you''d use up all at once. Our ship aid society can certainly manage the turnover. It''s just that the big brother isn''t here and I can''t make decisions without him. Even if you were to seek other ship aids now, they wouldn''t likely be able to decide either."


    "Oh? Why?"


    "Today is the birthday of a big figure, and the leaders of the ship aids from nearby towns, all eight or ten miles around, have gone to pay their respects. The decision-makers of other ship aids wouldn''t be at home either."


    Liu Bin added with a smile.


    Chen Mu said indifferently, "What kind of big figure, warrants such a grand setup?"


    Liu Bin said awkwardly, "I really can''t say..."


    "So, it seems they are people from Iron Hand Group? That''s actually perfect; saves me the trouble of looking for them one by one. Tell me where they are."


    Chen Mu''s tone became a bit colder.


    Upon hearing this, Liu Bin faintly sensed something was amiss; his expression changed as he said, "Sir, I really haven''t said anything, I don''t know anything..." Your next read is at My Virtual Library Empire


    Hissss.


    Chen Mu didn''t waste words. With an indifferent expression, he casually raised his right hand and flicked it slightly.


    As Liu Bin gaped, an invisible ripple stirred along the edge of Chen Mu''s palm, like an invisible sword qi, swiftly spreading throughout the entire cabin.


    Then, for a moment, the entire cargo ship froze. Under Liu Bin''s shocked gaze, centered on the path of Chen Mu''s waving hand, the ship bizarrely displaced itself, splitting neatly into two halves from the middle, revealing a strip of azure sky above!


    "Speak."


    Chen Mu stood his ground; the half of the ship that was cut off still floated stable as Mount Tai on the river, not sinking, whereas the other half capsized amidst loud noises and terrified screams into the river water.


    Liu Bin''s face showed shock and terror as he stumbled backwards two steps and suddenly fell to the ground, rolling toward one side in panic as he watched the rolling river water next to him.


    Five Viscera Realm master?!


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    Although he was not versed in martial arts, his brother, after all, was a Bone Tempering Realm powerhouse who commanded hundreds in their ship aid society, a local tyrant. Yet his brother could never do something like splitting a cargo ship in half with a casual wave of his hand!


    No matter which, the man before him was clearly not someone he could afford to provoke. Now, with his forehead drenched in cold sweat and his face contorted in misery, he said, "This... Sir, please spare me..."


    The figure before him was evidently going after the Iron Hand Group, but they were not to be trifled with. Liu Bin knew too well their dreadfulness. Moreover, today was the birthday of a big figure from the Iron Hand Group; if he were found to have pointed the way leading to trouble, afterward, even if he was the ship aid''s manager, he''d likely be flayed and drawn by the Iron Hand Group.


    "It seems you know. So speak, or die."


    Chen Mu said lightly, then casually pointed a finger, sending an invisible Qi Force piercing through the cabin.


    Liu Bin watched as the invisible force bored an hole less than an inch from his neck through the cabin. His chubby face drained of blood and his clothes soaked in sweat, he finally trembled and said, "At... at..."


    ...


    In the middle of Wu River.


    A large lake spanned by the waters of Wu River, at its center, stood a gigantic ship, over a hundred meters in length and several stories high, anchored in the river.


    Near the ship, several smaller boats were moored not far from its edges.


    At this moment,


    On the spacious deck of the ship, a lively gathering of figures bustled about. Many tables were set up, with men of various builds and heights each taking their seats ¡ª all were leaders of ship aids along the Wu River.


    Among them was Liu Bin''s brother, also seated at a table near the corner. He was conversing with the person at the next table, "I heard, Brother Wang, that you recently acquired a batch of girls, each comparable to the leading courtesans of the Flower Pavilions?"


    "Hahaha, it''s not that exaggerated! It''s just rumors. It was merely helping out following a disaster in Dongxiang, had them brought in for menial tasks. Brother Liu, if you''re interested, I''ll send some over in a few days to properly serve you."


    "Then I won''t be polite, brother."


    Liu Bin responded with a hearty laugh.


    As they chatted, suddenly, other figures emerged from within the ship, each moving with an invisible momentum and pressure that quickly silenced the crowd.


    "They''re here..."


    At this, Liu Bin also reined in his smile, his expression turning tense and solemn.


    These were all Hall Masters from Iron Hand Group he had dealt with in the past. Each was known to be a Five Viscera Realm master, a level entirely beyond his own Bone Tempering Realm. He dared not show the slightest disrespect in front of these men.


    He had thought he was here for the birthday of one of the Hall Masters of the Iron Hand Group, but it turned out to be the elusive Group Leader of the Iron Hand Group, whom he had never met. Rumor had it, the Group Leader was a high-level practitioner in the Six Viscera Realm, an extraordinary figure even among those in such a realm, approaching the ranking of the Wind Cloud List!


    To him, such beings were practically godlike, unfathomably superior.


    Only a figure of such stature could effortlessly control the ship aids along a thousand miles of Wu River territory, including the County Government, Prefectural Government, and even the government officers from the State Government Office dared not meddle in the affairs of the Iron Hand Group.

 Chapter 273 Thunder Path Grandmaster?_3

    In a hushed silence,


    a man with hair half black and half white, surrounded by several Iron Hand Group Hall Masters, stepped forward slowly. His face was weather-worn and authoritative. After arriving on the deck, he glanced over the seated heads of the various boat gangs and spoke in a leisurely tone,


    "Gentlemen, there''s no need to be tense. You have been in charge of this Wu River territory for a decade or so. Today is my birthday. While I am hosting you in celebration, I also wish to take this opportunity to discuss the river''s ongoing contributions with you all."


    Liu Bin and many other gang leaders exchanged looks at this, and soon someone spoke up, "We dare not, we dare not. It''s only by the Group Leader''s grace that we have our livelihoods. Whatever the Group Leader commands, we will dutifully follow."


    The others echoed in agreement, but inwardly they all silently suffered.


    The presence of the Iron Hand Group Leader on his birthday clearly meant more than mere celebration. As soon as the matter of contributions from the Wu River business was brought up, everyone knew it was a demand for more money, but who among those present would dare negotiate with the Iron Hand Group?


    Extorted once again by the Iron Hand Group, they could only think of ways to make up for it by squeezing more out of their subordinates later.


    Seeing their reaction, the Group Leader of the Iron Hand chuckled and said, "Good, since you are all so agreeable, let''s keep this simple. Hereafter, the contributions from the Wu River will be increased by one tenth. I presume there are no objections?"


    Liu Bin and the others exchanged another round of glances.


    After all, it was the Group Leader of the Iron Hand Group who was making the request, demanding an increase of one tenth right off the bat.


    But at this moment, even the Gang Leaders of the great boat gangs, those who were at the Five Viscera Realm, didn''t dare utter a word. Everyone remained silent, casting a quiet over the entire area.


    However, at this juncture, a calm voice rang out.


    "One tenth seems too little. Why don''t the Iron Hand Group take all the profits from the Wu River business? It''ll help you quickly amass a golden coffin to lie down in earlier, sparing us further trouble."


    As soon as this voice emerged, the complexions of the many boat gang leaders and the Iron Hand Group Hall Masters all changed.


    "Who?!"


    A Hall Master immediately barked coldly.


    The Group Leader of the Iron Hand Group also had his expression darken immediately, as he turned his head and looked in the direction the voice had come from.


    He saw,


    atop the cabin of the pleasure boat, a figure that had seemingly appeared out of nowhere, resembling a middle-aged man in very simple robes, with an unfamiliar aura.


    "May I ask who you are..."


    At this moment, the Group Leader of the Iron Hand, facing the figure atop the cabin, scowled with a face devoid of recognition. The aura emanating from the figure was murky and obscure, impossible to fathom how deep it went.


    Standing atop the cabin was none other than Chen Mu, who had slightly altered his appearance. He stood with his hands behind his back, calmly saying, "The Iron Hand Group has plundered substantial wealth over the years. Hand it all over and leave you a whole corpse."


    "Arrogant!"


    "Presumptuous!"


    Several Iron Hand Hall Masters, upon witnessing this, showed anger on their faces. One of them, unable to contain himself, lashed out towards Chen Mu with a knife. A streak of light from the blade sweeping across towards Chen Mu atop the cabin, intent on cleaving him in two.


    Yet Chen Mu remained unflustered, standing firm. Suddenly, a thread of lightning flared around him, colliding with the blade light. One strike was enough to shatter the blade light. At the same time, a trace of lightning flashed through the void and, in an instant, reached the Five Viscera Realm Hall Master, striking him squarely, with lightning raging in a flash!


    "Ah!"


    The Hall Master could barely let out a cry of horror before his hastily formed Yuan Gang True Essence was obliterated by the rampant lightning, and in the next moment, he was split into charred remains with smoke billowing.


    The entire scene was filled with horror.


    Especially for Liu Bin and the many boat gang leaders, all of whom bore expressions of shock and disbelief. That was a high-level expert of the Five Viscera Realm, a Hall Master of the Iron Hand Group, who was struck down by lightning in an instant, reduced to charred remains!


    The Group Leader of the Iron Hand''s expression shifted subtly. He glanced at the charred Hall Master and said firmly, "A Thunder Path expert? Your presence is unfamiliar; I''m sure I have not seen you before, and we have no grudges between us. While your strength is not insignificant, if you intend to go rampaging and rob us, you''ve chosen the wrong opponent. You''re unlikely to defeat me, so you had better retreat quickly."


    "Too much pointless talk."


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    However, Chen Mu merely gave him a cold look and, with a wave of his hand in the void, interwoven lightning flashes appeared and were caught in his hold, then he hurled it down at the man!


    The violent power of the lightning spread, causing horror among everyone on deck. For a moment, everyone seemed petrified, daring not to move a muscle, forced to watch helplessly as the bolt of lightning descended.


    Boom!!! Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With the booming crack of thunder,


    the Group Leader of the Iron Hand stood firm, his face growing rather somber, yet he was not struck dead by the lightning. Instead, fierce Blazing Flames surged from him, heating the air within dozens of yards to an intense dryness.


    "Hmm?"


    Chen Mu looked at him curiously, a hint of surprise in his gaze.


    His strike, although utilizing only the power of thunder, should have significantly injured someone like Chu Jingsui, who was at the Six Viscera Realm, yet the Iron Hand Group Leader withstood it and even revealed a technique that slightly surprised him.


    The Separating Fire Domain!


    While realizing a Domain does not mean one can certainly make it onto the Wind Cloud List, especially if it''s one of the Qiankun Eight Phases made up of a single Domain, usually one can''t make the list. But those in the Six Viscera Realm who have comprehended a Domain are indeed few and far between.

 Chapter 273 Thunder Path Grandmaster? _4

    ```


    This sort of almost-Wind-Cloud-List expert, when one looks across the entire Northern Path, there are at most a hundred or so such individuals.


    At this moment.


    The Group Leader of the Iron Hand Group''s complexion turned much colder, and the intense Separating Fire Domain unfolded, making the heaven and earth within dozens of meters extremely dry and hot, as if placed within an iron furnace.


    "Since you are so aggressive, I will experience your methods myself!"


    The techniques Chen Mu had shown previously were extraordinary, and his mastery of the Thunder Path technique was also at a refined level. The might of that last attack was not something an ordinary person could possess, likely a figure who had mastered the Thunderbolt Domain. Although he couldn''t confirm Chen Mu''s identity right away, even if the Thunder Path cultivation had achieved the Thunderbolt Domain, he was not the slightest bit daunted.


    It was only that above the river surface, his Separating Fire Domain was not as well-suited for display as the Thunderbolt Domain, which was why he had not wished to engage with Chen Mu. However, seeing that Chen Mu was utterly disrespectful, he, the illustrious Group Leader of the Iron Hand Group, could not possibly retreat at every turn!


    Hum!


    With a cold snort from him, he raised his hand and struck out towards Chen Mu. In an instant, the Power of Heaven and Earth converged wildly, transforming into a blazing fire dragon, ascending towards Chen Mu, intending to engulf him within.


    "So this is the Separating Fire Domain?"


    Chen Mu was witnessing another Martial Arts Domain. At this moment, he became somewhat interested and examined his surroundings, until that violent fire dragon entwined upwards, covering and submerging his entire person. At that moment, an overwhelming pressure finally burst from his body.


    Boom!!!


    The Yuan Gang True Essence emerged unrestrained from all around him, manifesting as visible purple thunderbolts, enveloping his entire person within them. With just a flash of lightning, he forcibly dispersed the oppressive force of the nearby Separating Fire Domain!


    Next, Chen Mu looked indifferently towards the Group Leader of the Iron Hand Group and pressed his hand down, and a mighty thunderbolt howled downwards, tearing the Separating Fire Domain into pieces. With a force almost impossible to contend with, it crushed everything in its path.


    "This..."


    The complexion of the Iron Hand Group Leader finally changed.


    Chen Mu did not open a domain!


    You must know that his Separating Fire Domain had fully unfolded, and within the domain''s range, if Chen Mu did not open his Thunderbolt Domain to counter him, it would be impossible to mobilize the Power of Heaven and Earth and release such terrifying thunderbolt power.


    Clearly, Chen Mu''s move was not activated by Artistic Conception. It purely relied on the physical Yuan Gang Force, and to be able to unleash such a terrifying attack with just the physical Yuan Gang Force alone, it was simply beyond the reach of the Six Viscera Realm.


    Marrow Cleansing Martial Body!


    This was something that can only be achieved by stepping into Marrow Cleansing and cultivating a Martial Body, which meant the person before them was not some Six Viscera Realm expert who had cultivated a domain, but was a Thunder Path Grandmaster!


    The thought flashed through the Iron Hand Group Leader''s mind, and his eyes showed a look of shock and disbelief. He had always been careful in his actions, even making yearly tributes to the Seven Profound Sect. When had he provoked a Grandmaster?!


    However, at this moment, he had no time to think further.


    Boom!!!


    The strike from the lightning had already torn through the Separating Fire Domain, and in the next moment, it submerged the Group Leader of the Iron Hand Group within it!


    Under the shocked and incredulous gazes, one could see the Yuan Gang Force around the body of the Iron Hand Group Group Leader dispersing, the might of the Separating Fire Domain, which had only been expanded for a few breaths, was rapidly crumbling apart. As the brightness of the lightning faded, he spat out a stream of black smoke, wobbled, and fell to one side.


    The entire place was as silent as a grave.


    Putting aside Liu Bin and others for a moment, those hall masters of the Iron Hand Group were still Five Viscera Realm individuals, all of them not lacking in discernment. Even if some of them had seen the Iron Hand Group Leader Zong Ling utilizing the Separating Fire Domain for the first time, they still understood what a Martial Arts Domain was, and they knew clearly the significance of Chen Mu being able to tear apart a domain with a thunderbolt while within its range. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Grandmaster!


    This was the presence of a Grandmaster!


    "Where has the Iron Hand Group hidden the wealth it has amassed over the years?"


    Chen Mu stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze calm as he looked at Zong Ling of the Iron Hand Group, who had fallen with one strike. He then swept his eyes over the people present, and in a silent atmosphere began to speak indifferently.


    After further advancing his Six Viscera Tempering, his Yuan Gang Force had surged even more. In terms of magnitude, it wasn''t much different from that of a Grandmaster who had cultivated a Martial Body, having long surpassed the Six Viscera Realm as commonly understood by people. Stay tuned to My Virtual Library Empire


    Saying he was a Grandmaster without a Martial Body was not a problem, and if he pretended to be a Grandmaster, dealing with individuals like the Group Leader of the Iron Hand Group, it was almost impossible to be detected as flawed.


    ```

 Chapter 274 Cuiyan Mountain Villa

    On the cabin floor of the tower ship.


    Blood trickled slowly down the stairs, accompanied by a stench of blood, dripping slowly at the edge of the stairs.


    The treasury of the Iron Hand Group was located at the bottom of this tower ship. Being one of the rare top existences in the Six Viscera Realm and a master who had comprehended a single domain, it was natural to keep the treasures under one''s own eyes for safety.


    In this small treasury at the bottom deck compartment, several large chests were placed on the outermost side. Chen Mu casually opened one, and it was filled with stacked gold nuggets, not a small amount, with nearly one hundred thousand taels in each chest.


    Of course.


    For a master like Zong Ling, the silver coins amassed over ten years would definitely far exceed this amount, estimated to be on par with the centuries'' accumulation of the large clans of the He Family and the Xie Family in Yu County. After all, it was thousands of miles along the bank of the Wusha River.


    But most of the money was probably used to smooth out relations with the Seven Profound Sect, not knowing which elders or protectors it was given to.


    Chen Mu wasn''t too interested in gold and silver because at his current level, the items he needed were priceless, such as Viscera Refining-type spiritual objects. Although they had a rough value range, they were rarely traded with gold and silver. They were typically bartered, or another currency substitute known as ''Yuan Stone'' was used.


    This Yuan Stone was the foundation for constructing various Earth Vein Formations and required a large amount each year for maintenance. It was high-level hard currency, needed by all the sects and forces, far more valuable to higher-level martial artists compared to gold and silver.


    After scanning over a few wooden chests, Chen Mu walked to the center of the treasury where there were several very small chests that were intricately constructed, one of which was even carved entirely out of ''Cold Jade''.


    Casually opening one, Chen Mu''s eyes lit up. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Not bad. After all, it is the treasury of a top existence in the Six Viscera Realm; there are indeed some things."


    Inside the chest were various items of higher value, such as the horns of a Sixth Rank beast, the White-Horned Deer demon, one of the precious medicinal materials. Other miscellaneous items were also collected from beasts, and their quality wasn''t below Fifth Rank.


    Fifth and Sixth Rank beasts had valuable parts all over their bodies, but they were hard to find outside of demon calamity periods, and even during periods of demon chaos, there was no guarantee of encountering beasts of Fifth or Sixth Rank, making these resources something that needed time to accumulate.


    Very soon.


    Chen Mu opened another chest and found six portions of Viscera Refining-type spiritual objects!


    Clearly, as a high-level master, the Group Leader of the Iron Hand Group, Zong Ling, sent mostly the garnered gold and silver obtained through Wusha River trade to maintain his connections with the Seven Profound Sect, while the more valuable materials for Viscera Refining and spirit weapon refinement were kept privately.


    Even if Zong Ling didn''t need these Viscera Refining spiritual objects for himself, they were still more valuable than Yuan Stones, and could be used to motivate his subordinates, making the Hall Masters in the Five Viscera Realm and others willing to work on his behalf.


    The only regret was that the highest value items were the Viscera Refining-type spiritual objects; there were no nurturing-type spiritual objects.


    Firstly, these kinds of items were extremely rare, and secondly, even if any existed, Zong Ling would have used them himself. Although with his age, he had no chances of breaking through to Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster, if he could temper his Six Viscera even a bit more, that would still be an improvement. Even if the increase in strength wasn''t significant, in the future when his body began to age, it could delay the decline of his Qi-blood.


    "It''s no wonder that a character like Zong Ling could dominate in the Wusha River area for many years; he does have his reasons. Grandmasters and elders would not care for such assets, and there aren''t many in the Six Viscera Realm who could defeat him. Even if he encountered a high-ranked expert from the Wind Cloud List, he could escape if the opponent was weaker."


    Chen Mu organized the contents of the chest and nodded slightly.


    It was a pity that after more than a decade of dominance, he finally encountered Chen Mu.


    It happened to be a time when Chen Mu was short on resources, and he needed quite a lot, not to mention the Iron Hand Group had been committing evils for many years, so he was even less likely to show mercy. His approach was to eradicate them completely, killing them all. Your next chapter is on My Virtual Library Empire


    As for how many years it would take for another ''Iron Hand Group'' to arise in the Wusha River area, that was none of his concern. After all, he was neither an Inspector nor an Imperial Governor at this point in time.


    All of Zong Ling''s treasures, along with a Spirit Weapon of inferior quality related to ''Separating Fire'' he possessed, were together worth quite a lot, roughly equivalent to three or four portions of nurturing-type spiritual objects. It would allow him to temper his Six Viscera to about 90%.


    But based on previous cultivation practices, the closer to Extreme Tempering, the harder it became, and the demand above 90% would require even more. The properties of Zong Ling alone were far from enough.


    "Next."


    "Cuiyan Mountain Villa it is."


    A faint glimmer flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    Although he intended to act under the guise of a ''Thunder Path Grandmaster,'' he still needed to move as quickly as possible. Even if the death of Zong Ling and the destruction of the Iron Hand Group might not provoke a reaction from the Seven Profound Sect, if multiple forces were taken out in a matter of days, it would certainly alert them and bring Grandmasters to investigate.


    If he was confronted by a Grandmaster and could not hide his identity, it would be somewhat unseemly and bring trouble. Although he wasn''t afraid of much, it was still better to avoid unnecessary complications.


    The best course of action would be to act swiftly within these three or four days, like a thunderbolt strike, resolving several forces in succession, gathering resources substantially, and then making a swift exit. Whether it was the Grandmasters of the Seven Profound Sect or the noble families of Yu State, let them investigate, it would always be the acts of the ''Thunder Path Grandmaster'' Li Feiyu, and have nothing to do with the Seven Profound Sect''s Protector Chen Mu.

 Chapter 274 Cuiyan Mountain Villa_2

    ...


    In the northern part of Yu State, within the territory of Lang Prefecture.


    Cuiyan Mountain Villa was located on the eastern side of Lang Prefecture, close to the border of Bi Prefecture, forming a unique mountain range.


    It is called a villa, but in fact, due to decades of mining activities in the Cuiyan Mountains, many common people have settled here. Centered around Cuiyan Mountain Villa, a town with hundreds of thousands of inhabitants had formed, almost comparable to some remote County Governments.


    With Cuiyan Mountain Villa established here, it acted almost like a ''local emperor'', overseeing all matters within Cuiyan Town. Under normal circumstances, neither the Prefectural Government of Lang Prefecture nor the Yu State Government Office would interfere much with its affairs.


    This was also because behind Cuiyan Mountain Villa stood one of the six great families of Yu State, the Fang Family, and one of the family''s elders was currently the Peak Master of the ''Heaven Profound Peak'' of the Seven Profound Sect, a dignified Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster, and a highly esteemed figure in Yu State.


    At this moment.


    Night had just fallen.


    The town of Cuiyan still showed a few lights here and there.


    The closer to the center, the brighter it became, and Cuiyan Mountain Villa, situated right at the center, was nearly ablaze with light.


    In the complex corridors, several servants were seen leading a group of four or five young maids of varying ages, who looked pretty and delicate, towards the back courtyard. Along the way, someone was speaking softly:


    "You were sold to the villa as slaves, originally the lowest-ranking maids, without the right to serve the Second Young Master. But the Second Young Master is kind and gives you a chance. If you can make him happy, you might have the opportunity to remain by his side to serve, and if you do even better, you could even become his concubine, rising to the position of a master."


    The girls, who looked like maids, appeared to be as young as thirteen to fourteen in age, with the older ones around seventeen or eighteen. However, their expressions varied; some showed timid looks, some bit their lips, some were numb with a blank expression, and only one showed a mix of worry and hope. They all followed the servant, heading forward.


    Soon.


    After circling through various courtyards and corridors, the maids entered a spacious yard.


    "Go in, the young master is waiting for you in the bedroom," said the leading older servant in a low voice, pausing at the entrance of the yard and gesturing for the maids to enter. They exchanged hesitant looks but carefully proceeded into the yard under his command.


    As the figures of the maids gradually disappeared into the yard, entering the well-lit hall inside, the older servant at the entrance turned to the two younger servants beside him and said in a quiet voice, "Now, no matter what you hear, pretend you''ve heard nothing, otherwise..."


    The two young servants exchanged a glance, their expressions tensing as they nodded in response.


    They had been transferred to serve outside the Second Young Master''s courtyard only the day before. It was said that some servants had committed a grave error, fornicating with the maids, and were expelled from the villa. Yet these two knew that those men had not really been expelled but had disappeared altogether, most likely dead¡ªhow they died, no one knew, and neither did they wish to.


    All they knew was that to survive in Cuiyan Mountain Villa, whether as a servant or a lowly manservant, one had to abide by strict rules. Any violation of the villa''s commands usually meant vanishing without a trace; in Cuiyan Town, the villa was the sole authority.


    Inside the courtyard.


    The five maids cautiously entered the hall.


    The room was quite spacious, and there was a bedroom inside. Upon entering, they saw a young man clad in white, very handsome, sitting there with a smile, observing the five newcomers.


    "Greetings, Young Master," said the maids.


    All of them were new to the villa and had never met the esteemed Second Young Master before. They only knew his name was Bai Shiyong, but nothing of his disposition. Having braced for the worst, they were pleasantly surprised to see a refined and handsome gentleman upon meeting him.


    The nervous, hesitant maids now felt a slight easing of tension in their hearts. Sold to Cuiyan Mountain Villa without any choice, they were destined to serve. If their service was for a handsome gentleman, the resistance in their hearts diminished substantially; some even began to consider how to please Bai Shiyong and raise his spirits.


    "Very well, no need for formalities. Since you''ve come to my room, you are all mine now," Bai Shiyong said gently, addressing the maid at the forefront, "Come here and tell me your name."


    Approaching, the roughly sixteen or seventeen-year-old maid bowed to Bai Shiyong and said softly:


    "This servant''s name is Ying''er... My Lord..."


    Before she could finish speaking, Bai Shiyong''s hand shot out to pull her into his embrace, his palm softly caressing her chest, saying, "Ying''er, hm? A nice name, I''ll remember that."


    Ying''er, finding the handsome young man''s face close to hers, blushed to her ears, her body squirming but not daring to resist. She said meekly, "Ying''er is a virgin, I beg the Young Master to be gentle..."


    "Ah, be gentle? Of course, I will savor you slowly," Bai Shiyong said with a trace of a smile.


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    Spurt!


    Blood spattered. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ying''er''s expression froze on the spot, feeling a pain in her chest, and saw Bai Shiyong''s hand was stained red with fresh blood, clenching a still-beating heart.


    The flicker of timidity and shyness in her eyes was suddenly filled with endless terror. Feeling her strength drain away rapidly, she wanted to say something but couldn''t make a sound, only being able to watch in horror as Bai Shiyong''s mouth suddenly widened and swallowed her beating heart whole, chewing a couple of times.

 Chapter 274 Cuiyan Mountain Villa_3

    "Ah!!"


    The other few maids first froze in place, then came to their senses, all at once revealing expressions of extreme panic. Their shrill screams nearly erupted simultaneously, but as they just began, each of them felt a sharp pain in their throats, and their voices were abruptly cut off, unable to make any further sound.


    "Too noisy."


    After chewing briefly, Bai Shiyong swallowed Ying''er''s heart. Then, with an indifferent glance at the other four maids, he said, "It''s always such a racket that it hurts my ears... I can''t be bothered to remember your names."


    The maids, who suddenly became mute, were by this point nearly paralyzed by terror; some couldn''t even stand firmly, trembling as they collapsed to the ground, each curling up and trying to crawl out of the bedroom.


    But almost instantly, accompanied by a spray of blood,


    three maids exploded with a burst of blood, and three ruddy hearts were snatched up by Bai Shiyong''s unnaturally elongated, non-human hand and then tossed, one after the other, into his mouth for him to chew and swallow.


    Only one maid was left, having squeezed her way to the door. She leaned against it, her face deathly pale and her body shaking, but she lacked the strength even to crawl over the threshold or push open the door, and could only watch with wide eyes as Bai Shiyong chewed the hearts of people, before his gaze finally turned towards her.


    Whoosh!


    In the very next moment, Bai Shiyong reached out towards her. With a blur of motion, his hand that had become claw-like and enormous, was at her chest, about to penetrate through her body.


    Yet, just when the maid felt nearly suffocated and her mind was filled with terror, stiff and almost numb, that grey claw suddenly stopped about a foot in front of her chest.


    Squish.


    That grey claw, as if stuck in a quagmire, couldn''t move an inch. It then fell apart chunk by chunk right before the maid''s eyes, turning into a grey mush and crushing down to a pulp, all the way up to the upper arm!


    Right after, even Bai Shiyong himself was pressed flat on the ground by a force, rendered completely immobile. In his now demonic eyes, a hint of shock emerged, and though he tried to make a sound, he couldn''t speak.


    Boom!


    The doors of the hall flung open to both sides.


    Chen Mu, shrouded in a black cloak, stepped in, his gaze somewhat icy as he looked towards Bai Shiyong. Continue reading on My Virtual Library Empire


    "Sky Demon Sect?" S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had originally planned just to take some resources from Cuiyan Mountain Villa as he had from the Iron Hand Gang, but had not expected to stumble upon such a scene. Bai Shiyong''s half-human, half-demonic form was all too familiar to him, almost indistinguishable from the Sky Demon Sect!


    What''s more, this Cuiyan Mountain Villa was not just established in a place, oppressing the ordinary people committing all kinds of evil, but they had even practiced the sorcery of the Sky Demon Sect. The Seven Profound Sect knew nothing of this, and there was no intelligence on it from the State Government Office Inspectorate either!


    Keep in mind,


    Cuiyan Mountain Villa is not in Ice State, but behind Lang Prefecture, and has been a power holder in the Cuiyan Mountain Range for decades, with the protection of the Fang Family from the State Government Office. Such a power, if merely involved in underworld doings, would be one thing, but colluding with the Sky Demon Sect is entirely another matter!


    Chen Mu''s eyes swept across the blood-soaked room, growing colder by the moment, before finally fixing his gaze on Bai Shiyong. The Power of Heaven and Earth suppressing him slightly loosened, allowing him to speak.


    "Start talking, how did you start practicing the evil methods of the Sky Demon Sect, and how many more in Cuiyan Mountain Villa are cultivating sorcery?"

 Chapter 275 Shocking the World by Breaking Evil

    "Who... who are you..."


    Bai Shiyong''s face looked somewhat pale as he stared at Chen Mu, his eyes revealing a hint of fear. Stay tuned for updates on My Virtual Library Empire


    He cultivated the Heavenly Demon Sect''s Demon Body and also practiced Martial Arts, having reached the Bone Tempering Realm and achieved Minor Achievement in the Demon Body, he was nearly invincible within the Bone Tempering Realm, and even a weaker practitioner of the Five Viscera Realm wouldn''t be able to overpower him without moving a muscle.


    Chen Mu in front of him was likely at least a high-ranking practitioner of the Six Viscera Realm.


    "I only told you to answer, not to ask."


    Chen Mu spoke indifferently, his body motionless, but the Power of Heaven and Earth that was suppressing Bai Shiyong suddenly surged, and in an instant, it ground his other arm into minced meat, shattering his bones completely.


    Intense pain almost made Bai Shiyong scream, but he couldn''t make a sound; he was completely immobilized on the ground, his forehead covered in beads of cold sweat.


    "The Heavenly Demon Sect''s sorcery, where did you acquire it from?"


    Chen Mu spoke slowly, "My patience is limited, answer now, or you''ll die."


    "Don''t... don''t kill me..."


    Bai Shiyong finally managed to speak again, his voice strained as he looked at Chen Mu with a hint of fear, saying, "I got it from my grandfather, I don''t know about others, I only know my grandfather also practices it, and I''ve helped deliver many Blood Nourishments, whether other people practice I''m not sure, my brothers probably don''t even know about this..."


    "Bai Yuanqing?"


    Chen Mu''s gaze swept over Bai Shiyong, gauging whether he was lying.


    Bai Yuanqing, the master of the Cuiyan Mountain Villa, an old cultivator over a hundred years old of the Six Viscera Realm. From Bai Shiyong''s words, it can be inferred that Bai Yuanqing might have chosen to practice these evil methods to maintain his Cultivation Realm and extend his life.


    Human desires are endless; those at low status desire high positions, those with low cultivation desire advanced realms, and at the dusk of life, naturally, seek to extend their lifespan. However, to Chen Mu, eating human hearts and performing demonic deeds to survive a bit longer, turning into a half-human, half-ghost entity, would eventually erode human nature, gradually making one no different from a monster; living and dead would then hold no difference, undoubtedly the path of an Evil Demon.


    "Where is your grandfather, take me to him,"


    Chen Mu said with a cold tone.


    If there hadn''t been demonic practices, his visit would have been just for the resources of Cuiyan Mountain Villa, but encountering the issue of the Sky Demon Sect''s infiltration, he couldn''t just ignore it.


    "Yes, yes..."


    Bai Shiyong hurriedly responded, "My grandfather has always been in seclusion behind, don''t kill me, I''ll take you there..."


    Bang!


    Bai Shiyong''s left shoulder suddenly shattered, turning into a bloody, mangled mess.


    "You have no right to bargain, either go, or die."


    Chen Mu said coldly, looking at Bai Shiyong who was again in severe pain, his body violently trembling.


    "Don''t...I''ll go..." S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Bai Shiyong said with difficulty as he looked at Chen Mu.


    Only then did Chen Mu turn his gaze towards the maid by the door, who had been excessively frightened by the previous events and fell into a shocked state; he slightly shook his head, then reached out and soothed her, the terrified and trembling maid then fainted.


    "Let''s go."


    Chen Mu turned to Bai Shiyong.


    Saving someone should be done thoroughly; this was Bai Shiyong''s courtyard, a place for practicing sorcery, which ironically made it the safest spot at the moment. No one would dare to come over easily. Once he understood the situation of the Bai Family, he still had to deal with this villa.


    Bai Shiyong shakily got up, though both of his arms had been destroyed, having Minor Achievement in the Demon Body, it wasn''t a fatal injury. After being picked up by Chen Mu, with a few leaps, they disappeared into the night of Cuiyan Mountain Villa.


    Soon,


    Chen Mu brought Bai Shiyong to a very secluded courtyard deep in the Cuiyan Mountain Villa, a place where almost no servant could be seen, nor any maid''s silhouette, even more, no lights could be found, it was pitch-dark.


    Chen Mu slightly sensed around but did not feel the presence of any living beings inside that row of houses.


    "Where are the people."


    "Underground..."


    Bai Shiyong said tremblingly, "There is an underground passage, over there, I''ll take you there."


    Following Bai Shiyong''s guidance, Chen Mu stepped into the shadowy courtyard, heading towards the innermost side, Bai Shiyong staggered a few steps forward, saying, "The secret passageway is just ahead..."


    As he spoke, he led Chen Mu into a dusty study room that appeared not to have been cleaned for a long time, then touched the lamp on the desk corner, and immediately an entrance to the underground passage appeared before them.


    But,


    almost at that moment, Bai Shiyong''s trembling demeanor suddenly changed, his eyes revealing ferocity and resentment, he hissed, "Strike now!"


    All the previous fear and pain were merely an act!


    Having cultivated the Demon Body and sorcery, his human nature was naturally infiltrated by demonic nature, making him cruel and violent, yet not without cunning. Although he did not recognize Chen Mu and didn''t know Chen Mu''s background, he was very aware that even if Chen Mu spared his life, once the news of people in Cuiyan Mountain Villa practicing the Sky Demon Sect''s evil methods leaked out, the whole villa was doomed!


    Even if they had the support of the Fang Family, when it came to affairs of the Sky Demon Sect''s sorcery, the Fang Family could not protect them, nor would they; this was a completely different concept compared to their usual deeds of wrongdoing and murder!


    Therefore,


    from the beginning, there was only one path to take, and that was to kill Chen Mu!


    Almost as Bai Shiyong''s roar sounded, from the passage ahead a terrifying demonic power burst forth, turning into a visible streak of blood-light, slashing towards Chen Mu.

 Chapter 275 Breaking Evil Shocks the World_2

    Meanwhile, the ground beneath Chen Mu''s feet also cracked and exploded, from which emerged patches of bizarre blood light that nearly submerged him completely.


    "Hahaha..."


    Bai Shiyong, similarly engulfed by the blood light, burst into laughter, his eyes revealing a malevolent delight as he looked at Chen Mu, seeing him as no more than a dead man.


    How dare he run wild in Cuiyan Mountain Villa, truly seeking death. His strength is indeed extraordinary, probably formidable even among those in the Six Viscera Realm, but the problem is that present in Cuiyan Mountain Villa now is a dignitary from the Sky Demon Sect!


    A Venerable of the Seventh Rank!


    Achieved Major Accomplishment in Demon Body, on par with a Seventh Rank Demon King among monsters, a Marrow Cleansing Martial Arts Grandmaster!


    But.


    Even when the blood light nearly submerged the entire room in an instant, Bai Shiyong failed to see any sign of panic in Chen Mu''s eyes. All he saw was a pair of cold, unfathomable eyes that remained indifferent.


    Just as the blood light was about to engulf Chen Mu completely, an intense purple thunder light exploded from his body, crackling violently. It collided with the surging blood-colored demonic power nearby, unleashing a thunderous boom that shook the heavens and the earth!


    Boom!!! Enjoy new chapters from My Virtual Library Empire


    This collision directly tore the entire room apart, shattering it completely, and even the courtyard within dozens of yards was swept by a terrifying aftershock, with buildings collapsing in large patches.


    The terrifying demonic might that had previously surged towards Chen Mu had been somewhat concealed, attempting to wipe him out inside that room. But this collision could no longer be hidden, as two terrifying forces soared to the sky, shaking the entire Cuiyan Mountain Villa!


    For a moment.


    In various directions within the villa, whether it be Protectors, attendants, or maids and manservants, nearly everyone heard that earth-shattering roar, all looking towards the depths of Cuiyan Mountain Villa with shocks of disbelief.


    Including the elder attendant who had been standing guard outside Bai Shiyong''s courtyard, who upon hearing some commotion hadn''t even thought to check inside. He, along with several younger attendants, now looked towards the source of the sound with shocked expressions. Even from a great distance, they could still feel an almost suffocating sensation emanating from that direction.


    What has happened?


    In an instant, countless faces revealed expressions of shock.


    At the same time.


    In the depths of Cuiyan Mountain Villa, one could see patches of blood light constantly exploding. Chen Mu, bathed in purple thunder light, stood amidst the blood light, and the surging blood light and demonic might that assaulted him continuously were unable to penetrate his protective thunder light.


    Not far away, Bai Shiyong''s face had lost its ferocity and laughter, replaced with a look of surprise and incredulity as he gazed at Chen Mu.


    Blocked it?


    This... How is that possible?


    Although he had been powerless against Chen Mu before, the one who had made a move this time was a big shot from the Sky Demon Sect, a Seventh Rank Heavenly Demon Sect Venerable, a presence superior even to a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster!


    Chen Mu could block the assault of a Seventh Rank Venerable, the might of thunderbolts bathing his body also made Bai Shiyong nearby tremble in his spirit, could it be that this person who had secretly infiltrated Cuiyan Mountain Villa was also a Martial Arts Grandmaster?!


    How could it be!


    Why would a grand Grandmaster stoop to skulking about Cuiyan Mountain Villa at night, could it be that the information about their cultivation of the Heavenly Demon Secret Technique had leaked out?


    But that should be impossible. Every person who might have known and leaked information has not lived to tell the tale; he had always managed this matter well. Even within the Bai Family, very few were privy to the secret; only his grandfather and he, the favored grandson, knew of the cultivation of the Heavenly Demon Secret Technique within the villa. Not even his elder brother or father were in on the secret, assuming that his brutal nature just led him to take pleasure in tormenting young women ¨C not a matter of great concern.


    Boom!!!


    Finally, the ground completely shattered and collapsed, and two figures leaped out from the destroyed underground, one being Bai Shiyong''s grandfather, Bai Yuanqing, who still maintained human form, while the other was cloaked in a wide black robe. Through the reflection of the thunder light, one could faintly see the crimson scale armor on his exposed arm.


    At this moment, Bai Yuanqing looked at Chen Mu with an expression full of shock and disbelief.


    "The Mysterious Heavenly Sect has no Thunder Path Grandmaster ¨C you... who are you?!"


    He had lived for over a hundred years, and as the oldest of his generation in the Bai Family, even though he was not born in the Seven Profound Sect, he was born in the State Government Office and had climbed his way up to the Six Viscera Realm, doing many things for both the Seven Profound Sect and the Fang Family. He had a deep understanding of the Seven Profound Sect and was familiar with every Grandmaster there.


    The thunderous might emanating from Chen Mu''s entire body was undoubtedly at the Grandmaster level, far beyond what the Six Viscera Realm could produce, yet the Seven Profound Sect had no dedicated Thunder Path Grandmaster! S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While it was true that there were characters like the Qian Heaven Grandmaster Qin Mengjun who could wield such thunderous might, the person before him was clearly not Qin Mengjun; let alone the differences in aura and life force, Qin Mengjun had no need to merely deploy thunder techniques when a mere pressure from Qian Heaven would overwhelm everyone, including the Sky Demon Sect''s Seventh Rank Venerable at his side.


    Moreover, ever since Qin Mengjun had been ambushed, encountering problems during his Blood Exchange, he had not left the sect for many years.


    "Is it worth it?"


    Bathed in thunder light, Chen Mu looked somberly at Bai Yuanqing and said, "I am indeed not a Grandmaster from the Seven Profound Sect, but the sect will not turn a blind eye to your collusion with the Sky Demon Sect, practicing sorcery. Because of you, the Bai Family will have only one path left¨Cdestruction."


    "...That remains to be seen."


    Bai Yuanqing looked darkly at Chen Mu, then turned to the Venerable from the Sky Demon Sect beside him and said, "Venerable Hou, he is not a Grandmaster of the Seven Profound Sect; they are not aware of the affairs in Cuiyan Mountain Villa. I implore you to help us so that we can retreat to Ice State."

 Chapter 275 Breaking Evil and Stunning the World_3

    If the Seven Profound Sect had noticed the events at Cuiyan Mountain Villa and sent a Grandmaster, the situation would be completely different, inevitably involving more forces. However, the current Chen Mu was not a Grandmaster of the Seven Profound Sect, which meant no additional forces had been mobilized.


    As long as they could repel Chen Mu, they could then take the Bai Family straight to Ice State. Even the Seven Profound Sect would be helpless by then.


    Now, Ice State was controlled by the Sky Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect!


    The Bai Family, being a vassal to the Sky Demon Sect, could establish a footing in Ice State as well.


    However.


    Venerable Hou Liao of the Sky Demon Sect, while staring at Chen Mu, slowly said, "This man is not weak. I may not be able to defeat him. If we come to a standoff, I won''t be able to shield your family for too long."


    This was Lang Prefecture. Even if Chen Mu was not a Grandmaster of the Seven Profound Sect, the noise from their confrontation was significant and could possibly attract a Grandmaster of the Seven Profound Sect, which would put him in grave danger. If not for the fact that Bai Yuanqing was somewhat useful, he would have lost interest in fighting Chen Mu and would have retreated immediately. Discover hidden stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    "Yes... Yuanqing understands."


    Bai Yuanqing''s face fell as he responded solemnly.


    He understood what Hou Liao meant: if they couldn''t repel Chen Mu, then Hou Liao would certainly not tangle with Chen Mu for long and would soon retreat, unable to provide an escape route for the Bai Family. By then, he would have no choice but to abandon the Bai Family and flee to Ice State on his own.


    Abandoning the Bai Family was not a concern; these descendants had done some things for him, enjoyed some blessings, and if they died, then so be it. He had already begun to cultivate a Demon Body and would live much longer, possibly even achieving the Seventh Rank. By then, producing another line of descendants was not out of the question. Although breeding was more challenging after cultivating the Demon Body, every child born would inherently possess demonic power, giving them exceptional talents.


    "Beloved, grandfather, and I."


    Listening to Hou Liao, Bai Shiyong felt a chill in his heart, becoming somewhat panicked and calling out to Bai Yuanqing.


    Although his arms were disabled, his partial cultivation of the Demon Body meant it wasn''t entirely hopeless that a secret technique might restore him. He certainly didn''t want to be abandoned.


    However.


    Before Bai Yuanqing could respond, Chen Mu, who had remained silent until then, slowly began to speak.


    "Are you being too presumptive in my presence?"


    His tone was subdued, but at the moment his words fell, a terrifying thunderous aura howled from his body, purple lightning surged, and then he raised his right hand, pulling a short spear from under his cloak. Under the power of the Thunderbolt, the spear bristled with surging and horrific power. Furious thunder concentrated, dazzling and brilliant, even causing the words "Evil-Breaking" inscribed on the spear to seem alive, interweaving arcs of light in the void.


    "Spiritual Weapon!"


    Hou Liao''s expression drastically changed.


    Almost without hesitation, with a flash of blood-light, he sprang up and fled furiously into the distance.


    Being a Venerable of the Sky Demon Sect, comparable to a typical Martial Arts Grandmaster, he had an extraordinary vision and almost instantly recognized the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear in Chen Mu''s hand. It was far from being a common, inferior spiritual weapon. The terrifying power it unleashed was extremely rare in high-grade spiritual weapons, and more importantly, the opponent was a Thunder Path Grandmaster!


    If the attributes did not align, then it would be another matter; a spiritual weapon might only enhance one''s strength slightly. But a Thunder Path Grandmaster displaying the power of the Yuan Gang Force, likely having trained the Thunderbolt Martial Body to Perfection, and holding a high-grade Thunder Dao Spiritual Weapon... it wasn''t about whether they could repel or block Chen Mu, but whether he could escape with his life!


    "Stay behind."


    Chen Mu watched as Venerable Hou Liao of the Sky Demon Sect fled in an instant, raising the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear in his hand. The condensed ultimate thunderous power burst forth instantly, throwing the spear from his hand like a Thunder Arc slashing through the night sky!


    This was the first time since obtaining the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear that he thoroughly unleashed and displayed its fullest capabilities, especially now that his Yuan Gang Force, comparable to the Grandmaster who had trained his Thunderbolt Martial Body to Perfection, bolstered this ferocious Yuan Gang Force and Thunderclap Artistic Conception, the power of the Evil-Breaking Spiritual Weapon.


    Three forces converged in one place.


    After years unknown, this spiritual weapon once again burst forth with its vast power.


    Evil-Breaking shocks the world!


    Beneath the night sky, that burst of purple Thunder Arc seemed to illuminate the heavens, piercing through the void. It flickered once and appeared instantly behind Hou Liao, tearing through his body. S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hou Liao, sensing the horrific power within the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear, was utterly horrified, and without any hesitation, his body let out a long howl, his black robe tearing apart, revealing a half-human, half-demon body covered in blood-red scale armor. Furious demonic power surged out, concentrating on the Demon Corpse, and tried to withstand this strike that spanned a hundred yards.


    However.


    The surging blood-red demonic power barely clashed with the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear before it was torn apart inch by inch, completely unable to contend, and under Hou Liao''s incredulous gaze, it completely shredded all blood-light, crushing the scales on his back like paper, and piercing right through, entering his body!


    "Pu."


    Hou Liao''s body frozen mid-air, suddenly spat out a mouthful of completely charred black blood. A dark blood hole appeared on his chest, the edges completely charred.


    His face still wore an expression of reluctance as his life rapidly faded and he plummeted down, crushing a row of courtyard walls below, landing in front of a group of Cuiyan Mountain Villa Protectors and servants who were still in shock, not understanding what had happened!


    A strike of Evil-Breaking!


    Slays a Seventh Rank Venerable of the Sky Demon Sect!

 Chapter 276 The Map

    "This..."


    Bai Shiyong and Bai Yuanqing, with their eyes wide open, watched as Hou Liao was impaled by Chen Mu''s thrust of the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear from a hundred yards away, then fell to the ground, their faces filled with shock and disbelief.


    Who was Hou Liao? He was a Venerable of the Sky Demon Sect, on par with a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster!


    Even though the Sky Demon Sect''s Seventh Rank Venerables were only barely stepping into the realm of a Grandmaster, not comparable to many famous established Grandmasters, they had still reached another level of existence, one they all had to look up to.


    Yet such a master had not been able to withstand a single move from Chen Mu after he drew his Spirit Weapon!


    "Who...who exactly are you?"


    At that moment, Bai Yuanqing was trembling all over, his eyes filled with disbelief.


    The strength that Chen Mu possessed as a Thunder Path Grandmaster was unparalleled in the entire Cold North Path; there were very few like him. Each was a famous and esteemed figure, yet Chen Mu was completely unknown to them!


    This Thunder Path Grandmaster seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, possessing such formidable strength that he couldn''t just be a common newly-promoted master. The Spirit Weapon Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear he wielded was also clearly of a very high caliber, greatly enhancing his power! Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu didn''t respond.


    He looked at Bai Yuanqing and Bai Shiyong and said coldly, "Apart from the two of you, who else in the Bai Family has joined the Sky Demon Sect?"


    Beads of cold sweat appeared on Bai Yuanqing''s forehead, and his eyes filled with fear, but in that moment, in the presence of Chen Mu, he did not dare to move. He had no chance of resisting someone who could kill a Venerable of the Sky Demon Sect in one blow.


    "Please, spare my life, senior..."


    At this time, Bai Shiyong''s sweat was pouring down as he looked at Bai Yuanqing frozen in place and suddenly knelt down, repeatedly saying, "It''s true that only my grandfather and I have practiced the Heavenly Demon Secret Technique in the Bai Family. It was to avoid the Seven Profound Sect learning about it¡ªthe more people who practice, the higher the risk of exposure. This was all my grandfather''s idea, please spare our lives... It was he who forced me to practice this Evil Cultivation Technique..."


    Listenting to Bai Shiyong''s words, Bai Yuanqing, who was already terrified, suddenly felt a surge of anger:


    "You, you scoundrel!"


    It was clear now that the Bai Family could not overcome this ordeal. As the instigator, he would not survive, and neither would Bai Shiyong, who was even trying to beg Chen Mu for a chance to live. It wasn''t about being scared of death anymore; it was sheer stupidity, irrevocably stupid. How could he have ever valued this grandson so much!


    In uncontrollable anger, Bai Yuanqing''s right hand flipped and he struck Bai Shiyong''s head, intending to kill him.


    This scene was caught by a large number of Bai family members who had rushed nearby, all showing faces of shocked disbelief, especially Bai Yingsheng and others, who were even more clueless about what was happening and why Bai Yuanqing would suddenly kill Bai Shiyong.


    Thud!


    Bai Shiyong, his face full of horror, tried to roll to the side to escape, but he could not dodge Bai Yuanqing''s palm. His head was smashed open and his body was crushed into pulp beneath Bai Yuanqing''s hand.


    Chen Mu only watched this scene with a cold gaze and did not intervene.


    Just after Bai Yuanqing had killed Bai Shiyong, he seemed to completely lose his mind, and with a frenzied laugh, his aged skin suddenly cracked open and blood oozed out. From under the broken flesh, a body covered in fine red scales emerged, his aura terrifying as he lunged at Chen Mu.


    Nearby,


    Bai Yingsheng and other second-generation members of the Bai Family watched in stunned silence as Bai Yuanqing transformed into a horrifying demon, a fierce demonic Qi enveloping him. They were shocked beyond measure.


    However, Chen Mu showed little reaction. Watching Bai Shiyong and Bai Yuanqing''s tragic mutual destruction, he felt somewhat disinterested and no longer had the intention to continue capturing and interrogating them. It seemed that practicing the Sky Demon Sect''s Evil Cultivation Technique transformed one''s body into half-human, half-demon, and apparently, it had corrupted their wills into those of demons as well. Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire


    Boom!!!


    Facing the mad Bai Yuanqing, Chen Mu swung his sleeves, and with a sleeve falling, accompanied by the thunderous roar of purple lightning, he completely enveloped Bai Yuanqing within it, not even allowing him to scream before his fine red Scale Armor shattered explosively. His whole body was blown to pieces, with black smoke billowing.


    Seeing this scene, the shocked Bai Yingsheng and the others were even more terrified. Most of them had cultivated up to the Five Viscera Realm and could sense the terrifying power contained within the bolt of lightning that Chen Mu had unleashed to kill Bai Yuanqing, as well as the two even more terrifying pressures they had felt earlier. Was this person really a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster?!


    "Who here is from the Bai Family."


    After wiping out Bai Yuanqing, Chen Mu''s eyes swept toward Bai Yingsheng and the others.


    In their stunned state from the successive changes they had just witnessed, upon hearing Chen Mu''s chilling question, someone finally snapped to attention: "Bai, Bai Yingwu, has seen the Grandmaster."


    "Bai Yingsheng has seen the Grandmaster..."


    A group of high-ranking officials from Cuiyan Mountain Villa knelt down and did not dare to move, their minds still chaotic, recalling the terrifying scene they had just witnessed, still with some disbelief.


    Bai Yuanqing had actually killed Bai Shiyong, and just then, Bai Yuanqing had transformed into a demon¡ªhad the old patriarch of the Bai Family been possessed by a demon? What about the more terrifying demonic Qi they had felt earlier?

 Chapter 276 Map_2

    ``` sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Where is the storehouse of Cuiyan Mountain Villa?"


    Chen Mu glanced at Bai Yingsheng and the others. At this moment, he could distinctly sense that many second-generation members of the Bai Family, including Bai Yingsheng, were not tainted with Demon Qi and had not cultivated the evil techniques of the Sky Demon Sect.


    However, his interest in the affairs of the Bai Family and Cuiyan Mountain Villa had waned by now. Even if people like Bai Yingsheng were unaware of Bai Yuanqing and Bai Shiyong cultivating the evil techniques of the Sky Demon Sect, the fact that Bai Shiyong killed maids and servant girls at will was something they were likely aware of. Perhaps they simply didn''t care. Plus, from the intelligence he had gathered on the Bai Family''s doings, wiping out this branch wouldn''t be unjustified. But before that, he needed to find out where the storehouse of Cuiyan Mountain Villa was, to save the trouble of searching further.


    "This... "


    Bai Yingsheng and the others looked up at Chen Mu, their expressions changing, although they still hadn''t figured out what was going on, whether the Bai Family had been invaded by demons. But the unfamiliar grandmaster in front of them was clearly not here with good intentions.


    Pfft! Pfft!


    But Chen Mu was already past the point of wasting words, and almost as soon as Bai Yingsheng and the others hesitated, he raised his hand and several individuals nearby were crushed by the power of Heaven and Earth, turning into dust without any resistance!


    The whole place was in shock, and as Bai Yingsheng and others lying prostrate on the ground tried to evade subconsciously, they instantly felt the power of Heaven and Earth nearby become extremely turbulent, trapping them as if they were mired in mud, hardly able to struggle.


    "My patience is limited."


    Chen Mu cut to the chase.


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    Watching as several people nearby exploded into bloody messes, terror and horror filled the eyes of Bai Yingsheng and the others, and they all realized the gravity of the situation, shivering uncontrollably.


    "I, I know it..."


    Someone responded quickly, their voice filled with panic.


    "I know it too, and I also know where the secret storehouse is..."


    A member of the younger generation of the Bai Family, as young as Bai Shiyong, spoke out, trembling with fear.


    Finally, Chen Mu lowered his hand and said indifferently,


    "Wait here."


    Whoosh.


    As his words fell, he was enveloped in lightning, his figure flickering as he strode into the distance. After just a few steps, he was already a hundred yards away, amidst the ruins of collapsed buildings.


    In the wreckage lay the corpse of Hou Liao, a Venerable from the Sky Demon Sect, surrounded by many Protectors and servants of the Bai Family. They were all showing signs of shock, each unsure of what had happened.


    However.


    As Chen Mu approached, the sound of thunder and footsteps spread, terrifying pressure permeating Heaven and Earth. The intensifying power made everyone nearby feel suffocated. They all turned to Chen Mu with eyes wide with fright.


    Chen Mu walked step by step toward the corpse of Hou Liao, and by the time he arrived in front of it, all the Bai family servants gathered around had been crushed to the ground, some kneeling, all feeling the terrifying aura emanating from Chen Mu. They dared not even breathe heavily, clearly sensing Chen Mu''s horror, no matter how low their cultivation or realm was.


    That oppressive feeling was tens of times stronger than any of the Bai Family''s Five Viscera Realm experts, wasn''t it?


    Especially since some had quickly recognized that the corpse with the shattered chest, pierced by a single blow, belonged to a demon from the Sky Demon Sect and was at least of the Sixth Rank, quite possibly a Seventh Rank Venerable!


    ```


    Seventh-rank Venerables are terrifying existences, comparable to Marrow-Cleansing Grandmasters. To those who have only reached the Bone Tempering Realm, they are fearsome figures to look up to. Thus, the one who could kill a Seventh-rank Venerable from the Sky Demon Sect here goes without saying.


    At this moment,


    Whether it was the oppressive aura on Chen Mu''s body, the overwhelming Power of Heaven and Earth that accompanied it, or the shock of Hou Liao, a Seventh-rank Venerable, dying before them, all of it caused everyone nearby to prostrate themselves on the ground, daring not to make any movements, let alone stand up.


    Chen Mu walked over to Hou Liao''s corpse, first pointing a finger that burst forth with a beam of lightning, penetrating Hou Liao''s skull, shattering the scale armor there, and piercing through his head with one strike.


    Seeing no reaction from Hou Liao''s body, Chen Mu then lowered his hand and turned his gaze to the body. After a cursory inspection, he didn''t find much of note.


    However,


    As Chen Mu''s hand swept over the hole in Hou Liao''s chest created by the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear, he suddenly sensed an abnormal fluctuation from within the flesh and blood inside the body. His eyebrows slightly raised, he made a beckoning gesture with his right hand, recalling the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear into his grasp, and then slashed down towards one side of Hou Liao''s chest.


    Threads of lightning erupted from the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear, converging on its sharp tip. Its might didn''t spread out, and the concentrated sharpness easily tore through Hou Liao''s scale armor, slicing horizontally across the right side of his chest. Under Chen Mu''s control, it slowly cut into his flesh and blood.


    After cutting nearly ten centimeters deep, Chen Mu felt a void below the cutting edge of the Thunder Spear.


    Sizzle!


    He immediately reduced his strength, and the purple lightning quickly dissipated.


    What was revealed in the cut section of Hou Liao''s chest on the right side was an object, looking like a ''crop sac'' or something similar. After being cut open, it revealed something hidden inside.


    First was a small roll of exotic demon skin, a light yellow color. Chen Mu casually drew it into his hand, unfolded it, and took a close look. He saw that it was covered with various patterns and textures, resembling a map, but he could not find any corresponding area on the map of the Eleven States of the Cold North Path.


    Now a high-level practitioner in the Six Viscera Realm with ample Qi-Blood and sharp senses, Chen Mu could remember anything he saw. He had memorized all the maps of the Eleven States of the Cold North Path during his time with the Seven Profound Sect. Those maps might not have been very detailed, but they could still be divided down to the ''county and township'' level. If he could not find a corresponding area, then it likely wasn''t a map of the Cold North Path.


    "Is it a map of the lands beyond the border?"


    Chen Mu pondered briefly before putting away the map.


    As he knew, the Da Xuan Ninety-Nine States'' territory, beyond the borders, was either the vast and perilous Outer Sea or the remote and desolate Wasteland, inhabited mainly by Foreign Races or evil sects like the Sky Demon Sect.


    Of course,


    This desolation was relative to ordinary people.


    Because most areas in the Wasteland beyond the Pass weren''t suitable for cultivation or livestock, providing scarce resources for survival, which were extremely rare. Therefore, during its heyday, the Da Xuan Dynasty did not continue to expand outward.


    But for the same reason, the sparse human presence in the Wasteland meant that the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items contained within were somewhat richer, and so were the depths of the Earth''s Veins. In the Wasteland, there were also unique places known as the ''Great Wilderness,'' where the Power of Heaven and Earth surged like tides. Besides Marrow-Cleansing Grandmasters, anyone who dared to enter was likely facing a fate of nine deaths in ten. The resources contained within were even more abundant.


    Some of the resources possessed by the Seven Profound Sect came from collections throughout Yu State, accumulated annually. Others were obtained by Grandmasters who explored territories like the ''Great Wilderness'' and granted some unnecessary resources to the Sect.


    Hou Liao, as a dignified Seventh-rank Venerable, was stronger than some figures on the Wind Cloud List, slightly stronger than the first-tier Grandmasters but weaker than the second-tier. He was certainly a character to be reckoned with. If Chen Mu''s Six Viscera had not further refined, greatly enhancing his strength, and had he not been bolstered by the power of the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear, he probably wouldn''t have been able to defeat the opponent with just his Thunder Path techniques.


    A character like this would not ordinarily hide a map on his person, and given its material was clearly extraordinary¡ªmade from the skin of at least a Sixth-rank exotic beast¡ªit certainly wasn''t just an ordinary borderland map from beyond the Pass. The patterns drawn on it were also complex and bizarre, as if depicting a multi-layered environment or describing an ever-changing territory. Therefore, Chen Mu surmised that this map was very likely one of the ''Great Wilderness.''


    Although he had no current plans to explore the Great Wilderness and did not intend to leave Yu State before becoming a Grandmaster, having a map of the Great Wilderness was always useful. At worst, selling it to another Grandmaster could exchange for some useful resources.

 Chapter 277 Wind Spirit Core

    Hou Liao''s collection consisted of more than just an unknown map.


    There was also a green crystal. Chen Mu only had to hold it in his hand to feel a force of Xun Wind, solidified to the extreme, accumulating within this tiny Crystal Core.


    Upon closer inspection, one could vaguely make out a tiny hurricane continuously spinning inside the green Crystal Core, as if it could burst forth at any moment with a sweeping gale that could envelop the entire Wasteland.


    "This Demon Man actually had such a thing on him..."


    Chen Mu muttered to himself as he swiftly pocketed the Crystal Core.


    Wind Spirit Core.


    One of the primary materials for forging wind-type Spirit Weapons and also one of the rarest Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items from the Xun Wind lineage, said to be born only in unique ''hurricane'' clusters outside the remote borders, within the Great Wilderness.


    For instance, the fanbone-like Spirit Weapon belonging to Yan Jingqing was actually crafted with the Wind Spirit Core as the main component, along with other supplementary materials, and it was also a Spiritual Object on par with Kunlun Jade and Xuanhuang Stone.


    "Even though I wasn''t collecting them deliberately, I''ve already obtained half of the materials for the Qiankun Spirit Weapon."


    Chen Mu felt a touch of the mystical.


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    Exploring the Sand Sea in Sha Prefecture, he stumbled upon the Xuanhuang Stone ¨C a serendipitous opportunity. Then, by a stroke of fate in Bi Prefecture, he saved Jin Ling''er, which eventually led him to the item along a trail of clues.


    Afterward, returning to Yu County, he heard the news of Chen Yue just as the Huanglin Mountain Range trembled, which led him to the bottom of the swamp in the valley of the mountain range. There, he discovered a ''Youze Heart'', a Spirit Weapon material from the Dui Ze lineage.


    And now,


    by killing Hou Liao, the Seventh Rank Demon from the Sky Demon Sect, he obtained a Wind Spirit Core.


    Among these materials, the Xuanhuang Stone was the most precious, but the others were not easy to find either. Even if they were all of inferior quality, it would be hard for a Grandmaster to collect them all within three to five years.


    "Perhaps there is something like fate within the universe. Having perfected the Qiankun Artistic Conception, I seem to be following the fate of the Qiankun lineage, encompassing everything with ''benefit, prosperity, and smoothness''... Fate itself is just the evolution of the ever-turning Qiankun, an unending cycle," he reflected.


    The Path of Qiankun represented everything in the universe, and by following the evolution of the Qiankun into the Eight Phases, it naturally encompassed the principle of all living beings'' fates. Some of the texts he had come across in his previous life offered insights into the extrapolation of the Eight Trigrams, which was part of this philosophy. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Perhaps the concept of fate wasn''t as mysterious as it seemed, merely a way to trace the roots of the universe''s changes through certain signs, just as one might deduce moves in a game of chess. Yet, the universe is full of uncertainties, always with a variable present, such as himself, who might just be the biggest variable in the world today.


    "If I were to study the divinations of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, the fates I could calculate would surely be much deeper and clearer than theirs. But using divination, after all, involves attaching a thread of consciousness into the traceless universe to trace the changes of heaven and earth. The more you see, the greater the backlash you will experience," Chen Mu thought to himself.


    After some consideration, Chen Mu realized he wasn''t interested in fortune-telling.


    In essence, with the system panel, he was already outside the realms of fates and fortunes. Moreover, as fate is ever-changing and the universe full of variables, if the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion could truly capture a definitive future and fate, they would not have just been a Sect within Cold North Path but would have been the State Religion, assisting Da Xuan in governing the world.


    To Chen Mu, the strength in his own hands was what he trusted the most. He believed in controlling fate with his strength and wasn''t interested in probing his own destiny. Whether he conformed to Qiankun or defied the heavenly order, as long as he could continue to fortuitously obtain Spiritual Objects like ''Xuanhuang Stone'' and ''Kunlun Jade'', he would happily collect them.


    If he ever had the chance to assemble all Eight Phases and forge a Qiankun Spirit Weapon, it would greatly benefit him. Such a weapon would not be inferior to the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear, could rival the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram, and would harmonize perfectly with his Qiankun Artistic Conception, greatly amplifying his strength beyond what other Spirit Weapons could offer.


    It could be said,


    that he would currently struggle to face a Grandmaster like Fu Jingyuan head-on, but with a ''Qiankun Spirit Weapon'' in hand, he would be confident in a direct confrontation and even hopeful of victory!


    "I remember seeing a piece of ''Divine Soaring Stone'' in the storeroom of the Seven Profound Sect before. It''s the main material for Thunderbolt Sect''s Spirit Weapons. If I could obtain that, it would make five," Chen Mu recalled the items he had seen listed when previously exchanging Spiritual Objects at the Seven Profound Sect.


    Yet after much deliberation, he decided not to rush.


    The main reason was that even if he obtained the Divine Soaring Stone, he would still lack the other three; Leaving aside the more accessible materials from the Dui Ze and Kan Water lineages, the Spiritual Objects from Qian Heaven were extremely difficult to find, rarer even than the Xuanhuang Stone.


    Even if a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster were to actively search, it could take more than a decade to come across them.


    Of course,


    if he became invincible in the world and could sweep through forces like Iron Hand Group and Cuiyan Mountain Villa, raiding storerooms of major Sects like Heavenly Sword Sect and Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, he would certainly find them. Unfortunately, that was too far off.


    For now, he would focus on enhancing his strength. There was no need to waste the resources he had collected; he''d better convert them into nourishing Spiritual Objects. As for the Divine Soaring Stone... if things got desperate, he could exchange the ''Cold Soul Spirit Blade,'' but without the full set of materials, it would just be another material with no practical use, so he had no plans to do that yet.

 Chapter 277 Wind Spirit Core_2

    "When I have time to go back, I''ll mention to my master to see if the Divine Soaring Stone can be temporarily removed from the Mansion Treasury''s exchange list. I estimate I won''t need to use the Cold Soul Spirit Blade much longer."


    Chen Mu pondered briefly in his heart.


    For now, wielding the Cold Soul Spirit Blade was still useful to him. First, it was handy, and second, it enhanced his strengths somewhat. However, as his power increased, the effectiveness of such a Spirit Weapon, which wasn''t completely attuned to his Affinity and was not of the highest quality, would diminish.


    Only a Spirit Weapon that was perfectly attuned to one''s Affinity would constantly enhance one''s strength. Even at the level of a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster, one could still rely on a Spirit Weapon that matched their own to exert greater power of the Martial Body.


    Apart from the Wind Spirit Core.


    Among Hou Liao''s collection was a third and final item, a Jade Vase forged from top-grade Spirit Jade. The moment Chen Mu touched it, he knew it was extraordinary. He shook it lightly and heard the sound of liquid flowing inside.


    He opened just a small crack and immediately sealed it again, having made a rough estimate of its contents.


    Demon Blood!


    In this top-grade Spirit Jade Vase, there was a small half-bottle of Demon Blood. The concentration of demonic power was unprecedented for Chen Mu, far surpassing any Seventh Rank Demon King he had encountered before.


    By his estimation, the Demon Blood in this vase was likely from at least an Eighth Rank creature, perhaps even a Ninth Rank!


    "This must have been used for his cultivation," Chen Mu swiftly concluded.


    The Demon Men of the Sky Demon Sect cultivated their Demon Bodies by consuming humans¡ªeating human blood and hearts¡ªas well as consuming demonic creatures, refining themselves with Demon Blood. This small vial of Demon Blood was most certainly used by Hou Liao for his cultivation.


    Demon Blood itself was highly valuable. The higher the rank of the Demon Blood, the greater its value. If the blood in this vase truly was from a Ninth Rank creature, then even being just a small half-vial, it was of extraordinary value. It was more than enough to exchange for one or two nurturing-type Spiritual Objects. If it was an extremely rare and specially purposed type of Demon Blood, its value could be multiplied several times.


    After taking all three items hidden by Hou Liao, Chen Mu couldn''t help but marvel. To be a step into the Seventh Rank, comparable to a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster, Demon Men indeed possessed extraordinary and highly valuable items. If he could kill ten or eight of them, the loot would definitely be much richer than what he could plunder from groups like the Iron Hand Gang or Cuiyan Mountain Villa.


    However, encountering Hou Liao was purely coincidental.


    Such high-level Demon Men, under normal circumstances, even if they sneak quietly into Yu State, would hide their presence and move secretly; they wouldn''t show themselves easily unless they were in Ice State, where they could act unrestrainedly.


    Chen Mu always prioritized caution in his actions. Although with his current strength, he could easily kill Seventh Rank Demon Men, encountering an Eighth Rank Demon Man was a different story. The Eighth Rank Demon Men from the Sky Demon Sect were slightly stronger than Third Tier Grandmasters, approaching the top grandmasters. A recently defeated Elder from the Ice Extreme Palace, comparable to Fu Jingyuan, had lost to an Eighth Rank ''Great Venerable'' from the Sky Demon Sect. Stay tuned to My Virtual Library Empire


    With the current chaos in Ice State, if he went there and started killing indiscriminately, there was a decent chance he would encounter an Eighth Rank Demon Man. Therefore, unless the Seven Profound Sect assigned him to go to Ice State, he had no interest in stepping into that mess.


    Silently enhancing his strength was the true path.


    "No one from Cuiyan Mountain Villa shall move tonight, those who do will die!"


    After thoroughly checking Hou Liao''s body again, ensuring nothing was overlooked by completely dicing it, Chen Mu turned to the numerous attendants and servants of Cuiyan Mountain Villa and spoke coldly.


    The Bai Family and other members of Cuiyan Mountain Villa were almost certainly exterminated without mistake. As for the servants and attendants, he had no interest in dealing with each one individually, nor in slaughtering them all; he was not a bloodthirsty demon after all. It would be better to leave them to the Seven Profound Sect to handle.


    "Yes... yes..." S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hearing Chen Mu''s icy words, numerous servants trembled and responded as they stayed prostrate on the ground, trembling even after Chen Mu had left and the oppressive aura gradually faded away; no one dared to make a move.


    Chen Mu returned to the place he was originally at, picked up several members of the Bai Family, and quickly located the treasury of Cuiyan Mountain Villa, which was in a disheveled deep courtyard behind and situated underground.


    However.


    The treasury of Cuiyan Mountain Villa was poorer than Chen Mu had expected. After sorting and pillaging the place, it was even less valuable than the stash of the Iron Hand Gang. According to Chen Mu''s guesses, the ordinary Silver Coins had all been tributed to the Fang Family and the Seven Profound Sect, leaving other valuable items to be handed over to the Sky Demon Sect in exchange for the evil practices of cultivating a Demon Body.


    Although the loot was less than expected, if calculating including Hou Liao''s few items, the trip was still worthwhile.


    After plundering the Cuiyan Mountain Villa treasury.


    Chen Mu did not leave immediately but waited for half a day until dawn when the forces from the Seven Profound Sect in Lang Prefecture became aware of the situation. It was only after the protector from the Seven Profound Sect arrived at Cuiyan Mountain Villa that he quietly retreated and disappeared from the scene.


    ...


    Cuiyan Mountain Villa.


    Amidst the ruins.


    The mutilated corpse of Hou Liao lay across the ruins, with several figures standing beside, all clad in Seven Profound Sect attire. The leader, dressed in a protector''s robe adorned with the unique emblem of Spirit Profound Peak, was indeed the Spirit Profound Peak protector, Chu Jingsui.


    "This power of the Thunder Path is indeed formidable. I wonder which Grandmaster of the Thunder Path..."


    Chu Jingsui now stood in front of Hou Liao''s corpse, observing the appearance of the corpse and the nearby traces, his gaze stern.


    With his level of insight, he could immediately determine that Hou Liao had first been killed by a thunder strike, pierced and felled, then dismembered, and according to some accounts from the Cuiyan Mountain Villa, it was so.


    For a mighty Seventh Rank Demon Man to be slain in a single strike by Thunder Path techniques was indeed shocking.


    Even if people from Cuiyan Mountain Villa described a suspected use of a Short Spear-type Thunder Attribute Spirit Weapon, it was still extraordinary.


    One should know that although beings at this level normally only differ slightly in demonic power compared to a Seventh Rank Demon King, they can also cultivate Martial Arts, making their true strength far superior to regular Seventh Rank Demon Kings. He was confident in his ability to flee or even engage a Seventh Rank Demon King, but if he were to confront a Seventh Rank Venerable from the Heavenly Demon Sect on his own, he would not have much chance of escaping.


    The other nearby Seventh Profound Sect stewards also had a stern look at this time.


    "This person, should be the Venerable Hou Liao from the Heavenly Demon Sect, right?"


    Meng Danyun approached from not far away, looking at the scene among the ruins with a very solemn gaze and after careful recognition, he couldn''t help but speak in a low voice.


    "Yes, it should be him."


    Chu Jingsui nodded.


    He was stationed on the border of Lang Prefecture and Ice State, often clashing with figures from the Heavenly Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect. He was well-informed about both sects, and even though it was his first time seeing Hou Liao, he could roughly identify him by a few characteristics and the demonic qi left on his corpse and his realm.


    The Heavenly Demon Sect did not have many Seventh Rank Venerables, and those who had appeared and were recorded in intelligence reports were only fifteen, with Hou Liao being one of them, but now he had died here.


    "However, who killed him is difficult to say; I heard that last night a Grandmaster of the Thunder Path appeared in Cuiyan Mountain Villa, described as a middle-aged man, but at the Grandmaster level, changing appearances is too easy," Chu Jingsui said slowly while looking at Hou Liao''s corpse: "A Thunder Path Grandmaster capable of killing Hou Liao in one strike, in the eleven states of the Cold North Path, should not exceed ten, and our Seven Profound Sect should not have such a person."


    "Actually... there is one," Meng Danyun hesitated for a moment before speaking: "If it were the master, only using Thunder Path techniques, perhaps he could also display such power, but this should not be the master''s doing, nor is there any need to deliberately hide his tracks."


    Chu Jingsui nodded and said, "That''s right. However, no matter which Grandmaster it was, killing Hou Liao, such a calamity for us, is ultimately a good thing. This person brought chaos to Cuiyan Mountain Villa, and regardless of his intentions, it is a threat."


    "Should we report to Elder Shi and have Elder Shi come to see for himself?" Meng Danyun asked after a short contemplation.


    Nowadays, Ice State is too chaotic, with all sorts mixed together, and it''s quite normal for an unknown Grandmaster to emerge, but given he appeared within the bounds of Lang Prefecture and possesses extraordinary strength, it cannot be overlooked.


    "Yes, Sister Meng, please go inform him. I''ll stay here to deal with the matters of Cuiyan Mountain Villa," Chu Jingsui said.

 Chapter 440 278

    Several days later.


    Seven Profound Sect.


    Behind the main peak summit great hall, within the courtyard.


    Acting Sect Master Qi Zhiyuan was listening to a report from a protector, his expression showing deep contemplation.


    "Iron Hand Gang, Cuiyan Mountain Villa, Hong Family Fortress..."


    There are various methods of transmitting information in this world. Apart from some very special information-class spirit weapons, there were dedicated scouts in the inspectorate to deliver intelligence, as well as specially trained demonic birds that could carry messages. The speed of these channels varied, and the choice of channel often depended on the importance of the matter.


    As early as the day after the Iron Hand Gang and Cuiyan Mountain Villa were attacked, Qi Zhiyuan, who was at the Seven Profound Sect gate, had already received the intelligence. After all, the news of a suspected Thunder Path grandmaster appearing within the borders of Yu State was extremely important information, and it was delivered immediately.


    "I thought he was just passing through, but this person has consecutively targeted the powers within Yu State. What exactly is his intention?"


    Qi Zhiyuan was somewhat puzzled for a moment.


    He initially thought the Thunder Path grandmaster had merely passed by the Iron Hand Gang and Cuiyan Mountain Villa casually and that his motive was to head to Ice State. But afterwards, that person followed the Wu River basin north to Cuiyan Mountain Villa and then turned around to wipe out the Hong Family Fortress near the border of Yu State Government Office and then went to Sha Prefecture to eliminate the Heng River School.


    This person''s movements were random, appearing here and there, targeting various powers in Yu State, the only commonality being that the storerooms of these powers were all plundered by him... but to Qi Zhiyuan, this could not possibly be his ultimate purpose.


    The reason was simple. An ordinary grandmaster of the Thunder Path would be one thing, but a grandmaster of the Thunder Path who could kill a Seventh Rank Venerable of the Sky Demon Sect with one strike was among the strongest even among grandmasters. His true identity must be that of a person with a formidable reputation. The storerooms of the likes of Iron Hand Gang and Cuiyan Mountain Villa were not worthy of such a powerful Thunder Path grandmaster''s attention.


    After all.


    What kind of treasures could the storerooms of powers like Iron Hand Gang and Cuiyan Mountain Villa possess that would merit a second glance from a grandmaster? The heaven and earth spiritual items grandmasters sought were not things that could be traded with ordinary resources, but rather through barter. Thus, gold and silver were almost useless to a grandmaster, who would hardly lack such mundane resources.


    Even in Qi Zhiyuan''s view, for a grandmaster to stoop to raiding a place like the Iron Hand Gang would be beneath his dignity. In the Eleven States of the Cold North Path, he knew of every grandmaster capable of killing a Seventh Rank Venerable with Thunder Path techniques with one blow, yet after much deliberation, he couldn''t match this person''s identity with anyone he knew.


    "Is he intentionally stirring up trouble in Yu State, choosing such a time..."


    Qi Zhiyuan pondered in his heart.


    No matter who this mysterious grandmaster of the Thunder Path was, his actions within the borders of Yu State without notifying the Seven Profound Sect were crossing the line and were a provocation against the Seven Profound Sect, which could not be ignored.


    After a brief moment of thought, Qi Zhiyuan sent word to Feng Hongsheng, asking him to investigate thoroughly.


    And just as Qi Zhiyuan made his decisions, another protector came to the courtyard, respectfully greeted Qi Zhiyuan and said, "Reporting to the Elder, someone from Ice Extreme Palace has arrived."


    "They''ve come."


    Qi Zhiyuan gathered his thoughts, his eyes became serious as he walked out of the courtyard, saying, "Have the guest brought to the side hall."


    Since the great turmoil in Ice State, Ice Extreme Palace had never stopped communicating with the Seven Profound Sect, and they had been negotiating continuously. This matter involved the entire situation of Ice State and even Yu State and was far more critical than a mysterious grandmaster of the Thunder Path appearing in Yu State.


    After all, what the grandmaster of the Thunder Path had done so far was merely ''minor troubles'', and he had even unwittingly dealt with the problem of Cuiyan Mountain Villa being infiltrated by the Sky Demon Sect for the Seven Profound Sect, so there was no need to make a big fuss about it for the time being.


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    Yu State Government Office.


    Chen Family.


    In a very spacious courtyard, two figures were sparring against each other.


    One of them was dressed in light-colored attire, with a pure and clean face, holding a jade-colored soft sword. She kept swinging the sword through the air at her opponent, sending ripples of sword qi taking form with each stroke, which flew whistling through the air, weaving into bunches of sword light.


    These strands of sword light were not just illusions, but carried the substantial form of invisible qi force, based on Yuan Gang True Essence and infused with the power of Kan Water Artistic Conception, unleashing a series of sword techniques.


    However.


    The man standing opposite her remained still, his expression serene, with no blade in hand. He raised only his right hand, continuously making empty finger gestures. Each time his finger moved, the approaching bunches of sword qi would collapse at his fingertips.


    "The first step to the second in understanding the Artistic Conception is the process from peeking to touching. At this point, the moves themselves are no longer important; what matters is the use and exhibition of The Power of Heaven and Earth. Hongyu, remember the essence of Kan Water: it can gather and disperse, with the transition between the two being unpredictable."


    The man tapping with his fingertips was Chen Mu, and the woman opposite him, naturally, was Xu Hongyu.


    The fact that she could wield the sword light containing Yuan Gang True Essence, without a doubt, showed that Xu Hongyu''s cultivation level had formally entered the heights of the Five Viscera Realm, moving away from the basic Martial Arts that rely solely on brute strength.


    Her talent was not bad to begin with, being the strongest amongst the young ladies in the Yu Family. With Chen Mu''s various pointers and the cultivation nourished by their Dual Cultivation, she had finally stepped past the bottleneck of the Five Viscera. Experience tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    Chen Mu continued tapping with his fingertips to shatter the sword light Xu Hongyu sent his way, guiding her on how to use the Kan Water Artistic Conception. Then, almost suddenly, he moved his fingers in a sword-drawing gesture and, using his fingers as a sword, he swung several strokes towards Xu Hongyu.

 Chapter 278 Number of Months_2

    Hisss! Hisss!!!


    Almost identical ripples, like sword qi, burst forth from his fingertips, colliding and intertwining with the sword qi Xu Hongyu swung towards him. Although they looked almost indistinguishable and the power within them was nearly equal, upon collision, Xu Hongyu''s sword qi quickly dispersed, while the sword qi from Chen Mu''s fingertips only dimmed slightly and continued flying towards Xu Hongyu.


    "The same Yuan Gang True Essence, the same power of artistic conception, the more skillfully and proficiently you grasp it, the higher the level of solidification, and the greater the power unleashed,"


    Chen Mu stopped his movements and looked at Xu Hongyu as he spoke.


    Xu Hongyu concentrated and waved her sword, parrying the incoming sword qi. Stimulating the Yuan Gang True Essence within her, she gathered a dazzling water light on the blade, which collided with and rubbed against the sword qi, but still, she was pushed back five or six steps before she finally managed to neutralize it.


    Chen Mu lowered his hand and walked towards Xu Hongyu, seeing her still standing there motionless, looking at him, he couldn''t help but ask, "What''s wrong, was my move just now a bit too heavy?"


    "No."


    Xu Hongyu shook her head, her eyes clear as she looked at the approaching Chen Mu and blinked, saying, "I just suddenly remembered the past, recalling the first time I met you, my husband. When you confronted the evil robber Tang Quan, you used a sneaky strategy, taking advantage of the fact he was heavily injured by me, before finally taking him down... Back then, I thought your Blade Technique was not too bad, you had courage, bravery and means, a material that could be shaped."


    "And now?"


    Chen Mu listened to Xu Hongyu''s words and couldn''t help but smile, also remembering the time long ago when, through deceits and a sneak attack, he had barely managed to handle the evil robber Tang Quan who had narrowly escaped from Xu Hongyu''s hands. Back then, his Blade Technique had indeed just reached initial success, and the gap between him and Xu Hongyu at the time was like heaven and earth.


    In just seven or eight years, even though Xu Hongyu''s cultivation had climbed progressively from Tendon Changing Minor Achievement through Bone Tempering up to Five Viscera, making her one of the most outstanding among the younger generation in Yu County, the distance between them had now completely reversed.


    Looking at Chen Mu approaching, Xu Hongyu lifted her head to gaze at the face she had been so close to beside their bed not long before, saying, "Now, you, my husband, seem to have somewhat the demeanor of a true grandmaster." S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although she hadn''t seen many experts, back in Yu County, she had met protectors of the Six Viscera Realm from various sects and had accompanied the protector from Seven Profound Sect on many missions, but now comparing those people with Chen Mu, not to speak of strength, just in terms of aura alone, she could vaguely feel a subtle difference.


    Aura is such an elusive concept, somewhat too intangible, yet Chen Mu standing there, although he looked so familiar, even knowing every part of him inside out, she still felt an indescribable feeling, as if it was confidence, or perhaps it was something else.


    "A grandmaster''s demeanor?"


    Chen Mu looked at Xu Hongyu and smiled slightly: "My lady, don''t praise too lavishly. Although I am ranked on the Wind Cloud List, I still have some distance from a true seventh realm grandmaster in terms of realm."


    Of course, the distance was only in terms of realm.


    Since he wiped out the Iron Hand gang and Cuiyan Mountain Villa along with many other forces, three months had passed.


    Though the items plundered from those forces couldn''t all be easily disposed of, for him, laundering them was quite easy. With just a bit of effort, he had managed to deal with almost everything, and although he couldn''t exchange them all at once for cultivation-nourishing spiritual objects, he had already obtained quite a few, and the rest could be gradually exchanged at the Seven Profound Sect.


    With these ample resources, his cultivation also climbed step by step, advancing a lot compared to three months ago.


    [Six Viscera Sutra (91%)]


    [Experience Points: 0]


    This was displayed on the system panel.


    Now, the tempering of his Six Viscera astonishingly reached 91% progress!


    Although the cultivation of tempering the Six Viscera became increasingly difficult once he surpassed the 80% threshold, requiring more and more experience points for each progression, he still managed to smash through the ninety percent boundary with unstoppable momentum.


    In fact, such a level of Six Viscera tempering was already beyond the reach of ordinary people. For example, people like Meng Danyuan, who had cultivated "three portions" of Yuan Gang True Essence in the Five Viscera Realm, upon entering the Six Viscera Realm, the vast majority only cultivate till what''s called the perfection of the Six Viscera Realm, increasing only to about ten portions.


    And according to the conversion comparison on his system panel, that would approximately correspond to about 70% progress.


    Very few ever manage to temper up to 80%.


    Now, with his Five Viscera at extreme tempering and Six Viscera tempered to 91%, the Yuan Gang True Essence he had cultivated in his body had reached a staggering forty-plus portions, almost comparable to some grandmasters with perfected martial bodies!


    To know that for a grandmaster like Fu Jingyuan, who had tempered his martial body for decades, the Yuan Gang force his body could mobilize was almost at this level, the only difference being that his was a bit more solidified.


    As for him.


    He had achieved this extent in the Six Viscera Realm! Find more chapters on My Virtual Library Empire


    If this were known, it would shock many, because the gap between the Six Viscera Realm and the Marrow Cleansing Realm was tremendously vast, almost a qualitative change. The fact that Chen Mu could cultivate a martial body in the Six Viscera Realm that rivaled that of some grandmasters was astonishing indeed!


    Of course.


    Today, what he could compare to was only martial bodies like those of Fu Jingyuan, which were based on foundations like ''Midsummer,'' ''Blood Fiend,'' etc., or those that included a mix of elements like ''Fengshui,'' ''Wind Thunder,'' among two or three foundations.


    Compared to the ''Qian Heaven Martial Body'' cultivated by Qin Mengjun, there was still a gap.


    But this gap was not significant, by his judgment, once he tempered the Six Viscera to its limit, even without stepping into the Marrow Cleansing Realm, the Yuan Gang force within his body could match top grandmasters like Qin Mengjun!


    Once he stepped into the Marrow Cleansing Realm and cultivated a martial body, that would be a transformation; his strength and the solidity of his body would leap into a brand-new domain, where even just initially cultivating a martial body could make him almost invincible among Marrow Cleansing grandmasters!


    At that time, he would truly not be far from the pinnacle of the current martial arts world.


    Chen Mu''s thoughts drifted as if merging into heaven and earth.


    His martial arts will matched that of a grandmaster, his realm of strength aligned with a grandmaster, and his body was nearly reaching the stature of a grandmaster''s martial body, naturally exuding a hint of a grandmaster''s demeanor, which Hongyu''s intuition grasped correctly.


    Hongyu sheathed her sword and leaned beside Chen Mu, watching him quietly as he gazed at the sky, immersed in thought; she remained silent, feeling that staying with Chen Mu in this way, for any duration, was pleasant.


    However.


    It wasn''t long before a voice was heard in the yard.


    "Master, Protector Zhao has arrived."


    So, he has finally come.


    Chen Mu''s thoughts converged, and his gaze fell back upon Hongyu, "Brother Zhao came looking for me, most likely there is something he needs to discuss, I shall go and see."


    Although he had been staying at the State Government Office these past few months, making occasional visits to the Seven Profound Sect to give advice to juniors at Spirit Profound Peak, like Jin Ling''er and others, he had continuously kept an eye on the overall situation in Yu State and even across the Cold North.


    In recent months.


    For some reason, the attitude of the Seven Profound Sect had gradually changed, starting to get involved in the battles of Ice State. Noticing this, Chen Mu knew that his quiet days of cultivation wouldn''t last much longer.


    After all, as the protector of Spirit Profound Peak and a noted power on the Wind Cloud List, he was a significant combat force for the Seven Profound Sect. If the Seven Profound Sect intended to genuinely intervene in Ice State battles, it would only be a matter of time before an order involving him came.


    The recent shifts in the situation in Ice State, with the Seven Profound Sect''s involvement in battles against the Heavenly Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect, probably also meant that Zhao Zhenchuan''s visit was to bring dictated orders from the Seven Profound Sect. Chen Mu was quite calm about this since he had anticipated it; in fact, the lack of orders from the Seven Profound Sect letting him stay at the State Government Office for so long was slightly beyond his expectations.


    Probably, it was because of earlier incidents of demonic qi contamination, although he had eradicated the demonic qi immediately, the Seven Profound Sect wasn''t aware, hence there had been no reassignments concerning him.


    "Hmm."


    Hongyu nodded at Chen Mu.


    Now, being a person of the Five Viscera Realm, she could take on significant roles like a steward at Seven Profound Sect or a head at the Demon-Slaying Bureau locally, a far cry from before. Although she spent most of her energy on insight and cultivation, she too was aware of the situation in Yu State and somewhat guessed it could involve Ice State matters, but wasn''t certain of the specifics.

 Chapter 279 Border Pass Orders

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    Outside the Chen residence.


    Chen Mu walked along the corridor from the inner courtyard and called out with a laugh from afar to the figure standing in the outer courtyard:


    "It has been a year since we parted in Sha Prefecture, Brother Zhao. I hope you are well."


    Since the battle in Sha Prefecture, he had met Meng Danyun and Chu Jingsui more than once, but due to various coincidences, he had missed Zhao Zhenchuan every time. Now, after nearly a year and a half, he finally saw Zhao Zhenchuan again. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In fact, for protectors who have entered the Six Viscera Realm, even if they are brothers from the same sect, it is common not to see each other for years on end, as protectors often do not stay in the Sect. They are either out on missions or guarding a certain location, and the task of guiding the disciples of Spirit Profound Peak often falls to the current genuine successors and stewards of the peak.


    Zhao Zhenchuan looked at Chen Mu with a somewhat nostalgic smile and said, "Brother Chen, over the past year or so, you have really kept me in the dark."


    Back in Sha Prefecture, Chen Mu displayed the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception, defended Yunlu Pass, and slew numerous Sixth Rank Great Demons. At that time, he too was delighted by having another exceptionally talented brother in Spirit Profound Peak and that Qin Mengjun had taken on such a good disciple.


    However, who would have thought, at that time Chen Mu had already mastered the Qiankun Artistic Conception and even helped Chu Jingsui and Xiahou Yan slay a Seventh Rank Demon King in the desert. He only learned of this after Chen Mu vied for the Yunni Sky Steps and shocked the Cold North, and he finally heard it from Chu Jingsui.


    They were all disciples of Spirit Profound Peak, yet he was the last to know.


    "I am just diligently following Master''s teachings, being cautious in every step, not intending to hide anything."


    Chen Mu said with a smile as he looked towards Zhao Zhenchuan.


    Zhao Zhenchuan, seeing Chen Mu walk up close, cheerfully said, "No worries at all, the stronger you are, the better. I actually hope that by now you''ve secretly mastered the Qiankun Domain and are aiming for a spot on the Wind Cloud List. Even if you keep such a thing from me for another ten years, I would still be happy for you... That said, surely you haven''t really grasped the Qiankun Domain already, have you?"


    While saying this, Zhao Zhenchuan also winked at Chen Mu, wearing a teasing expression.


    This, of course, was a joke. Even if Chen Mu was a prodigy, it had been less than two years since he understood the Qiankun Artistic Conception, and it''s simply fantasy to think that in such a short time, he could grasp the Qiankun Domain as well.


    Even the news that Chen Mu defeated Situ Shu in Yu County and ultimately killed that rank twenty-three expert of the Wind Cloud List right there and then had greatly shocked Zhao Zhenchuan, astounded by how quickly Chen Mu''s strength had improved, nearly approaching the top ten of the Wind Cloud List!


    However.


    At the thought of this, Zhao Zhenchuan felt a sigh in his heart. With Chen Mu''s natural talent, if not for the vicious and treacherous sabotage by the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, there was indeed a great possibility that he would cultivate into a Qiankun Grandmaster in the future.


    However, even if Chen Mu''s cultivation was delayed due to corruption from Demonic Qi, his insight into artistic conception would not come to a halt. If he could delve into the Qiankun path for another twenty or thirty years, even if he could not break through to the Grandmaster Realm, mastering the Qiankun Domain would still allow him to dominate the world.


    You should know.


    The top three on the Wind Cloud List, like the carefree wanderers of legend, even when facing some veteran Grandmasters such as Fu Jingyuan, could still put up a fight. Even if they couldn''t win, they would be able to leave unscathed. If Chen Mu could grasp the Qiankun Domain, his strength would certainly be greater by far, and by then, he would be second only to top-tier Grandmasters such as Qin Mengjun, holding significant clout in the vast Cold North.


    "Brother, you think too highly of me. If in just a short one or two years I could master the Qiankun Domain, wouldn''t that make me a monster? Even if someone could do it, they would probably have to be the reincarnation of a god or Buddha. I am merely an ordinary Martial Man."


    Upon hearing Zhao Zhenchuan''s words, Chen Mu couldn''t help but laugh.


    The realm of Martial Arts is incredibly difficult to achieve. It had been nearly two years since the cultivation of the Qiankun Artistic Conception, and he had only advanced halfway through the second step, extrapolating it five times, with the experiences for the sixth time still not yet complete.


    According to his own assessment, if there was no special opportunity, it would take at least another three to five years for him to hope to master the Domain. By that time, he feared he would have already taken the step of Marrow Cleansing, reaching the Grandmaster Realm first.


    If one wished to master the Qiankun Domain in an extremely short amount of time, one would probably need to obtain the fabled ''Illustrated Chart'' or ''Primordial Chart'' that was rumored to belong to long-lost lore. However, he had never seen these two items with his own eyes and could only guess; he could not judge how much these two charts would increase the efficiency of his experience.


    However, what Zhao Zhenchuan mentioned about competing for a spot on the Wind Cloud List might not be too far off for him.


    Nowadays, he could not clearly judge his own strength, but at the very least, it had increased a lot compared to before. Even if he still wasn''t a match for third-tier Grandmasters like Fu Jingyuan, facing the top three of the Wind Cloud List, he might not be without a chance for a fight.


    The top three of the Wind Cloud List had clear records of their past experiences and combat achievements, all having defeated second-tier Grandmasters. They had retreated against third-tier Grandmasters, but even the number one on the Wind Cloud List, the carefree wanderer, managed only to maintain a draw.


    These three were also slightly weaker than powerful Grandmasters like Fu Jingyuan.


    Of course.


    Chen Mu did not have any interest in fighting with those three now, nor in competing for a spot on the so-called Wind Cloud List. Rather his sights were set far beyond the Wind Cloud List, aiming for the rank of Grandmaster.


    The status of the Grandmaster Realm is not something the Six Viscera Realm can compare with. Therefore, even the End of the World Sea Pavilion wouldn''t dare to casually rank the Grandmasters. Thus, the Grandmaster ranks of the Cold North Path are based on the ''World Grandmasters List'' allocated by the Da Xuan Dynasty Court.

 Chapter 279 Border Pass Command_2

    Ji Yuanshan!


    Vice Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, ranked ninety-eighth on the Wind Cloud List, and tenth among the Grandmasters of the Cold North Path!


    ...


    Qin Mengjun! Continue reading stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Peak Master of the Spirit Profound Peak of the Seven Profound Sect, ranked seventy-fourth on the Wind Cloud List, and sixth among the Grandmasters of the Cold North Path!


    ...


    Jiang Changsheng!


    Elder of the Heavenly Sword Sect, ranked forty-second on the Wind Cloud List, and third among the Grandmasters of the Cold North Path!


    ...


    Apart from Ji Yuanshan, no other Grandmasters in the Cold North Path held a rank in the Da Xuan Dynasty Court''s "Wind Cloud List". Therefore, only the top ten supreme Grandmasters had rankings, and the strength of Grandmasters beyond these was not listed.


    Had Chen Mu indeed been stuck at the Mysterious Pass, unable to achieve the rank of Grandmaster, he might have cared a little about the ranking on the Wind Cloud List, but now, his sights had long been set on these top Grandmasters standing at the pinnacle of the Cold North Path.


    Who knows what rank he could achieve after he breaks through the Mysterious Pass and steps into the Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster Realm.


    Could he be... ranked number what?


    Zhao Zhenchuan naturally didn''t know the thoughts in Chen Mu''s mind. At that moment, all he could do was listen to Chen Mu''s words and laugh, saying, "Hahaha, Junior Brother, if you were just an ordinary Martial Man, with how many Martial Artists there are in the Cold North Path, wouldn''t they all become like simple farmhands?"


    Chen Mu also laughed along.


    But soon, Zhao Zhenchuan''s expression became serious, and he said, "Junior Brother, I''ve come here this time by Elder Qi''s command. Elder Qi, acting on behalf of the Sect Master, has ordered you to take the position of ''Inspector of the Yu State Inspectorate'' and concurrently ''Military Pacification Envoy of the Yu Forest Army'', to go with me to the borders of Lang Prefecture to quell the chaos in Ice State."


    Chen Mu looked at Zhao Zhenchuan, his expression also changing slightly, and he said, "Military Pacification Envoy of the Yu Forest Army? Does this mean that the main force of the Yu Forest Army will also be going to Ice State to participate in the war?"


    Yu State, under the control of the Seven Profound Sect, consists of several powerful forces.


    One is the disciples, stewards, and protectors under the Seven Peaks of the Seven Profound Sect... These are the core forces of the Seven Profound Sect. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Another is the six major families of the State Government Office, the official forces of the various Prefectural Governments, and the many Protectorate Armies.


    The third is the Yu Forest Army stationed in Yu State.


    This is a truly elite military force, which the Seven Profound Sect has always heavily invested in. To Chen Mu''s knowledge, it consists of hundreds of thousands of people, all of whom are above the Body Refinement Realm. They all practice with military formations, and even if they cannot compare to the former Azure Dragon and White Tiger Four Armies of the Da Xuan Dynasty that dominated the world, they are certainly not mere display like the Protectorate Army of Yu County.


    Hundreds of thousands of Body Refinement Martial Men, if scattered, might not pose any threat even to Martial Artists in the Five Viscera Realm, but if they can condense their momentum with a military formation, it''s entirely different ¨C like a mobile ''Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation''!


    Once such military power unfolds, even a Martial Arts Grandmaster might risk death if trapped within. Only someone in the Blood Exchange Realm might possibly withstand it through supreme personal martial power, but even the outcome in that case is unpredictable, because the Azure Dragon and White Tiger Four Armies of the Imperial Court have a record of killing existences in the Blood Exchange Realm.


    A mobile Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation is certainly terrifying, but its shortcomings are also quite clear.


    Compared to proper Martial Artists, its slow speed of march is a weakness. No matter how strong a Body Refinement Martial Man is, they cannot outrun a Tendon Changing, let alone Bone Tempering Realm Martial Artist, so their overall mobility is extremely poor, and they also cannot disperse, as the more they scatter, the weaker they become.


    Furthermore, the more people gather in a military formation, the greater the consumption of food and supplies becomes. Martial Men in the Body Refinement Realm need a lot of meat to maintain peak Qi-Blood levels, consuming far more than ordinary people. The consumption of hundreds of thousands of troops is also extremely frightening.


    Without a legendary Spirit Weapon like the ''Qiankun Pot'', transporting supplies is the most significant challenge. After all, even if the military formation is so powerful that not even someone in the Blood Exchange Realm can launch a frontal attack, by cutting off their supply routes and resources, they can be worn down gradually, and eventually be defeated.


    Therefore.


    The Jade Forest Army, to Chen Mu''s knowledge, had not been mobilized for at least twenty to thirty years, and the last mobilization was only partial, aimed at suppressing a massive demonic uprising that affected the entirety of Yu State.


    "Mm."


    Zhao Zhenchuan nodded slightly and said, "The State Government Office will mobilize a hundred thousand Jade Forest soldiers to garrison Lang Prefecture and strengthen the border defenses of Lang Prefecture. The Jade Forest Army functions as an independent system and does not require junior brother to command, but to avoid certain issues and to allow junior brother to come and go freely, junior brother will concurrently hold the position of pacification commissioner."


    After hearing this, Chen Mu appeared to be lost in thought. An army with the strength of the Jade Forest Army would not be easily mobilized unless it was absolutely necessary, because doing so was extremely troublesome; they were much less agile than Martial Artists of the Five Organ and Viscera Realm, and were often more suited for garrison duty than offensive action.


    The mobilization of the Jade Forest Army was not to directly engage in the conflict in Ice State, but rather to be dispatched for the defense of Lang Prefecture, and that alone was sufficient. With an elite force of one hundred thousand soldiers guarding and stationed, even top Grandmasters would not dare to easily attack the Prefectural Government.


    After all, even though top Grandmasters were strong and highly mobile, if they were entangled by Grandmasters from the Seven Profound Sect and could not extricate themselves for a time, and then fell into a siege by a large army and were suppressed by the military formation, even with extraordinary abilities, they would likely perish bitterly.


    In fact.


    Ice Extreme Palace had been besieged by the Sky Demon Sect, Heavenly Corpse Sect, and foreign races beyond the border, yet even now they still managed to hold Yu State''s State Government. On one hand, it was because Ice Extreme Palace had Earth''s Veins formations similar to those of the Seven Profound Sect, which were impenetrable, and on the other hand, it was because the State Government had the ''Ice Protector Army'' stationed there. Even though the overall strength was inferior to that of the Jade Forest Army due to geographical factors, it was still a force that all parties feared, and even strong Martial Artists did not wish to be trapped within it.


    The many years of suppression of the foreign races beyond the border were in fact because they lacked resources. Even if they could birth some highly capable individual warriors and top Grandmasters, they still could not support a large number of elite soldiers like the Jade Forest Army.


    "When do I need to depart?"


    After a brief moment of deliberation, Chen Mu asked Zhao Zhenchuan.


    Zhao Zhenchuan looked at Chen Mu and said, "The sooner, the better."


    "Alright."


    Chen Mu nodded and said, "Then I''ll trouble Brother Zhao to take a short rest in the main hall; I need to explain a few things to my wife."


    Zhao Zhenchuan gave a slight nod to Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu invited Zhao Zhenchuan to the main hall in the front courtyard and had tea served, then he returned to the back courtyard. Upon his arrival, he saw Xu Hongyu, Xiao He, Yu Ru, and Chen Yue, and the others, all gathered in the courtyard.


    Everyone was silent, looking at him, waiting for him to speak.


    "Yu State has issued an order, appointing me as an Inspector and Pacification Commissioner, to go to the border pass of Lang Prefecture. Judging by the situation, there is also the deployment of the Seven Profound Sect, and most likely we''ll have a few fights with the Heavenly Corpse Sect, Sky Demon Sect, and the foreign races beyond the border."


    "The duration of the conflict is uncertain. If I enter Ice State, I''ll probably have little time to write home. Even if the border becomes chaotic, the State Government Office will not be affected immediately, so there''s no need for you to worry too much about living there."


    Chen Mu''s gaze passed over Xu Hongyu, Xiao He, Chen Yue, and the others, as he addressed them all.


    Chen Yue and Yu Ru looked at each other, unsure of what to say.


    In the end, it was Xu Hongyu who took the initiative and said, "If my husband is going to Ice State, please be careful in all matters..."


    Although everyone had been with Chen Mu for more than a day or two and knew that he was always composed, they also knew that these reminders were meaningless since Chen Mu''s decisions and thoughts were sure to be much better than theirs. Still, the chaos in Ice State was well known, and even some elevated Grandmasters had perished. It was natural for them to feel uneasy.


    "Be at ease."


    Chen Mu looked at Xu Hongyu and the others, smiled, and comforted them, "You all know how I act. There''s no need to worry for me. Ice State may be in chaos, but it might just be an opportunity for me. Just wait for my news from the rear."


    Indeed, his journey to Ice State was bound to embroil him in the chaos of war, but with his current strength, he had little to fear internally. And since Ice State was a unique place, comprehending it could greatly advance his Qiankun Artistic Conception.


    After reassuring Xu Hongyu and the others, Chen Mu said his goodbyes to the women. Accompanied and seen off by Xu Hongyu, Chen Yue, and the rest, his figure receded along the corridor and disappeared into the back courtyard.


    Xu Hongyu and the other women knew that they could not be of much help to Chen Mu in his journey to the border pass of Lang Prefecture. They could only pray silently in their hearts, hoping that Chen Mu would return safely and soon.

 Chapter 444 280 Chapter: Eastern Army of Yulin

    Yu State. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Eastern Military Camp of Yulin Army.


    Within the camp, a flurry of activity could be seen as a hundred thousand armored elite troops were slowly mobilizing and preparing to march.


    A Martial Man with Body Refinement Perfection was nothing to speak of individually, ten or even a hundred such men were still insignificant, but tens of thousands to a hundred thousand elite Martial Men clad in heavy armor represented a completely different concept.


    These Army Soldiers were different from the elite saber wielders cultivated by the Yu Family and He Family of Yu County; not only were they well-versed in the Body Tempering Realm, but they also wore heavy armor. Three to five of them teaming up could easily give Tendon Changing experts a headache. As dozens charged into battle, those of the Bone Tempering Realm would want to flee at the sight of them. Their surging Qi-Blood , when combined within the momentum of a Military Formation, created an invisible oppression.


    "So, this is the Eastern Military Camp of the Yulin Army..."


    On a hilltop not far from the Eastern Military Camp, two figures stood looking into the distance at the departing troops. One of them was Zhao Zhenchuan, and the other, clad in a purple official''s robe, was Chen Mu.


    The Inspector of the Inspectorate is an official rank of fourth grade, while the Commander-in-Chief of the Yulin Army holds a regular fourth rank, which roughly corresponds to the highest rank attainable by Martial Artists below Grandmasters in Yu State. Higher positions such as Inspector General are generally headed by Grandmasters.


    The Eastern Army''s Commanding Officer, in charge of the hundred thousand Eastern troops, although not a Grandmaster, was not trained in ordinary Martial Arts but specialized in commanding troops within a Military Formation. Such people might not be strong in single combat, but when leading a hundred thousand soldiers and setting up a formation, even a Grandmaster would not dare to confront them directly.


    "Junior Brother Chen, what do you think?"


    Gazing at the distant, departing Eastern Army, Zhao Zhenchuan asked Chen Mu with a smile.


    Chen Mu gazed intently for a moment and said, "Such a loose formation is nothing special, but I''ve heard that the Military Formation employs the ''Three Talents Formation,'' within which, the ''Human Formation'' can isolate from heaven and earth. It''s said to be even more profound than a Domain. In such a situation, even a Martial Arts Grandmaster could be exhausted to death if trapped inside."


    From the time a Martial Artist steps into the Five Viscera Realm, the essence of their great strength is the connection to the Power of Heaven and Earth. If one were to be completely cut off from this power, the loss would be far more than just the strength of Artistic Conception. Even their Yuan Gang True Essence would be daunted, unable to renew itself through the cycle of absorbing Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi, which, of course, would be extremely terrifying for any Martial Artist.


    "Indeed, when a man harbors killing intent, heaven and earth turn upside down. The cultivation in a Military Formation does not focus on controlling The Power of Heaven and Earth, but instead aims to suppress the heaven and earth with human power. That''s why those Deputy Commanders and Commandants who have Body Tempering Cultivation in the Five Viscera or Six Viscera Realm can seem ordinary in strength when fighting alone, but confronting them within the Military Formation makes it very difficult for me to gain any advantage."


    With a chuckle, Zhao Zhenchuan said, "Alright, let''s go over there."


    "Okay."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly and left the hillside with Zhao Zhenchuan to head towards the mobilizing Eastern Army.


    As the two men did not deliberately hide their presence and did not approach too closely, they were already spotted by the Military Formation, which caused the nearest few thousand men to immediately stop advancing. What had been a loose Military Formation quickly solidified. The robust Qi-Blood of several thousand troops seemed to converge all at once, making Chen Mu feel as though he was facing not individuals but a single entity.


    Before long, a General Officer clad in armor emerged from the formation and approached Chen Mu and Zhao Zhenchuan with a clasped hand salute, saying, "Greetings to Inspector Zhao and Commander Chen. I am Right Army Deputy Commander Guo Hao. Please follow me to verify your identities."


    "Thank you, Deputy Commander Guo, for leading the way."


    Zhao Zhenchuan returned the salute to Guo Hao.


    The Yulin Army reports to Yu State''s State Government Office and the various counties, as well as to the Seven Profound Sect''s peaks. These form the three separate power structures within Yu State. Although they all fall under the dominion of the Seven Profound Sect, the Yulin Army has the strongest autonomy, with their own promotion and training systems. Except in the special period of mobilization and deployment, they seldom interact with the officials from the Seven Profound Sect or the State Government.


    It is only during comprehensive deployments that the Seven Profound Sect, for the sake of facilitating the tasks of many protectors like Chen Mu, will directly assign the roles of ''Sect Protector,'' ''Inspectorate Office Position,'' and ''Yulin Military Rank'' to the protectors of the peaks. This allows them to move freely among the Seven Peaks, the official circles of the State, and the Yulin Army.


    Soon.


    Chen Mu and Zhao Zhenchuan both entered the Military Formation. However, as soon as Chen Mu stepped in, he could clearly sense that his own aura was incompatible with the aura of the entire Eastern Military Camp of the Yulin Army. Though the Military Formation had not yet fully activated to isolate and suppress The Power of Heaven and Earth, he could still feel the connection between himself and the universe becoming much fuzzier.


    "Indeed, it''s extraordinary. If I were to fight in a situation where I could not harness the cycle of Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi to sustain my Inner Breath, with my current strength, I could at most break through a formation of a thousand men. If tens of thousands of men surrounded me heavily, I would eventually be exhausted of my Inner Breath." Your adventure continues at My Virtual Library Empire


    "However, if I were to achieve Grandmaster level, even thousands or tens of thousands of men wouldn''t be able to easily trap me."


    Chen Mu contemplated the nearby changes, a thoughtful expression appearing on his face.


    At this moment.


    He carefully experienced the structure of the Military Formation, and faint insights began to form. After all, the Military Formation is itself a manifestation of Artistic Conception, its essence belonging to the ''Three Talents Artistic Conception,'' which includes the cosmos, earth, and man.


    "A very extraordinary kind of... Martial Arts."


    Chen Mu had not had previous exposure to Military Formations. Although he had heard about them and studied them in various texts, his understanding was not deep. Now that he was within it, immersed in the experience, he could appreciate its profound mystery.

 Chapter 280 Eastern Army of Yulin_2

    He had always thought that military formations were just a kind of structural formation, but now it seemed that calling them a form of Martial Arts wasn''t wrong either.


    However, the ordinary way of Martial Arts focused primarily on the individual, pondering the Artistic Conception and even Solidifying Refinement into a Domain, all relying on one''s own strength. But a military formation appeared to be a collection of everyone''s strength, to jointly form a special Artistic Conception and even a "Domain"!


    This was indeed something novel for Chen Mu.


    "Everything between heaven and earth lies within the Qiankun. This military formation is no different. My Qiankun Artistic Conception can also evolve through variations, integrating into it, to become a part of the formation structure, a piece of the puzzle of the military formation... Isn''t this also a kind of change in nature? Having grasped the Qiankun Artistic Conception, in relation to this world, I am also a piece of the puzzle."


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    As Chen Mu walked deeper into the military formation with Zhao Zhenchuan and others, he grew increasingly reflective.


    In fact, Chen Mu''s own comprehension had never been poor, especially now as he possessed a Martial Arts will comparable to that of a Grandmaster, his heart of Martial Arts was Solidifying Refinement, unwavering in his own path, and his perception of the Artistic Conception had deepened profoundly from the second step... Plainly put, his realm, elevated by the system panel, had already surpassed his vision.


    Ordinarily, Martial Artists had to train until they were around forty or fifty years old, practicing Martial Arts while walking the Martial World for decades, observing various aspects, and contemplating various experiences. Yet, Chen Mu, without ever stepping out of Yu State, had far less actual experience and knowledge than those old Martial Artists who had been traveling the Martial World for decades, and he had already reached this Martial Arts Realm. Hence, he could naturally gain insights from almost anything he encountered; these were the experiences and knowledge proper to his level.


    Soon.


    The group arrived at the central camp where the army was being assembled.


    In the central camp were the various supplies and carriages of the Yu State army, pulled by domesticated horses with a mix of demonic lineage. At the very center was a moveable tent carried by the carriages.


    Chen Mu and Zhao Zhenchuan, after verifying their identities and presenting the required seals at the side tents, passed through layer upon layer of strict inspections before they were finally allowed to enter the main tent of the central Eastern Army.


    Upon ascending the tent.


    They saw a burly middle-aged man in a long robe, imposing even without anger, standing inside the tent¡ªhis hair half grey, half black. He was none other than Han Liwu, the Commanding General of Yu State''s Eastern Army! Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the Commanding General of the Yu State army, leading a hundred thousand army soldiers, Han Liwu''s status and position were comparable to that of an Elder of Seven Profound Sect. Among the Eastern, Western, Southern, and Northern Armies of Yu State, Han Liwu''s Eastern Army was the strongest, capable of surrounding and killing top Grandmasters without any difficulty!


    Of course, that was only if they could trap them.


    "This must be Protector Chen. I have long heard of Protector Chen''s name."


    Han Liwu did not put on any airs with Chen Mu and Zhao Zhenchuan. He gave a hearty laugh, his demeanor bold.


    Chen Mu and Zhao Zhenchuan weren''t part of the Yu State army structure. Although they both held military titles, the positions were nominal, and they would not actually be involved in directing the troops. Moreover, the future logistics, supplies, and all other aspects had to rely on the Seven Profound Sect. They had to rely on Chen Mu and many other Protectors for support and protection. Although their ranks seemed to be superior and subordinate, in reality, the relationship was more akin to a cooperative one between different systems.


    Especially for someone with Chen Mu''s status, being a respected figure on the Wind Cloud List and having even killed the Great Protector Situ Shu of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, displaying strength close to the top ten on the Wind Cloud List, he was comparable to some Grandmaster figures, and his status was different as well.


    "General Han flatters me. My insignificant reputation isn''t worth mentioning. General Han commands the Eastern Army; a hundred thousand troops at your beck and call. With the might of this military formation bearing down, even a Martial Arts Grandmaster would likely struggle to resist."


    Chen Mu still maintained a certain respect for Han Liwu, not for anything else, but in recognition of the hundred thousand Eastern Army soldiers. Under his command of the military formation, anyone below the Blood Exchange Realm would have to give way three feet in fear, especially at the heart of the formation in the central camp, where he felt an increasingly powerful oppressive force, as if one were in the Domain even without it being fully activated.


    Han Liwu cracked a grin and said, "Protector Chen is the foremost among the younger generation in the Cold North Path in a hundred years. If you had not pursued Martial Arts but chosen the path of military formations, you might also be commanding an army by now... Speaking of which, I''ve heard that Protector Chen had some trouble with his cultivation. As someone who cultivates the Qiankun Artistic Conception, adapting to a military formation shouldn''t be hard for you, and if you wish to command an army in the future, you may well shake the four directions."


    With these words spoken.


    Zhao Zhenchuan couldn''t help but glance at Chen Mu.


    What Han Liwu was referring to was Chen Mu''s encounter with Demonic Qi, which hindered his Martial Arts path. If in the future, he could not achieve the Grandmaster Realm, with Chen Mu''s comprehension and talent, he might consider transitioning to the path of military formations. If he could train to Han Liwu''s level, commanding an army, he would be able to shake the Cold North and make even top Grandmasters retreat.


    Of course.


    Even if Chen Mu were willing to try switching to the practice of military formations, it couldn''t be now. At the very least, he would have to wait until he had slowly purified and eradicated the Demonic Qi, eliminating this hidden threat before he could be stationed in the Yu State army to learn military formations. Thus, when Han Liwu spoke, he used the term "future" rather than speaking of the present.


    "Thank you, Commanding General Han, for your guidance. However, I have grown accustomed to the freedom of practicing Martial Arts on my own and am not fond of the restrictions of military life... but I do have some understanding of the methods of military formations. I wonder if I could accompany the camp to observe for a few days."


    Chen Mu said to Han Liwu with cupped hands.


    He naturally had no interest in switching to the military formations practice. In fact, the Qiankun Artistic Conception encompassed all things. As long as he grasped a fraction of the mystery of the military formations and practiced them a bit, the Qiankun could directly evolve into the art of military formations. Although he was unlikely to be interested in commanding troops in the future, gaining some insight from the military formations could lead to an understanding of the profound mysteries of the world, providing him with a lot of experience.


    The efficiency of the experience he had obtained along the way was already comparable to his contemplation of Nature at Yunni Sky Peak. If he were to observe the army for a few days, it was highly likely that he would reap significant benefits. Currently, he was only three to four thousand experiences away from his next deduction.


    "Protector Chen, as the Yu State army''s pacification envoy, you may come and go in the camp as you please."


    Han Liwu said with a composed expression.


    He didn''t mind Chen Mu''s polite refusal; after all, Chen Mu was still very young. In a decade or two, if Chen Mu still hadn''t reached the Grandmaster Realm through Marrow Cleansing, it wouldn''t be too late for him to change his mind and learn the art of military formations then.


    After all, Chen Mu''s foundation was the Qiankun Artistic Conception, different from any other conception. He could evolve the military formations through analogous reasoning without starting from scratch, so he could begin at any time.


    As these words fell,


    Han Liwu drew a Command Flag from behind him.


    Command Flags like these were common in military formations, but the one in Han Liwu''s hand was different. As soon as he took it in his hand, Chen Mu immediately felt that the entire military formation''s momentum seemed to change along with this Command Flag.


    "Spirit Weapon..."


    Chen Mu''s gaze fixed on the Command Flag.


    As the Commanding General of the eastern army, even if Han Liwu had perfected the "Three Talents Domain," it was impossible for him to incorporate a hundred thousand army soldiers into the military formation as part of a single, vast formation through his strength alone. To achieve this, he also had to rely on a Spirit Weapon.


    The Command Flag in his hand was no longer a Spirit Weapon used for killing like the Cold Soul Spirit Blade or the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear. It was a "special class" that could connect auras, direct formations, extend domains, and other functions.


    "Protector Chen, Protector Zhao, please extend your Qi onto the Command Flag."


    Han Liwu said to Chen Mu and Zhao Zhenchuan.


    Zhao Zhenchuan showed no hesitation and immediately stepped forward, squeezing out a drop of fresh blood that contained his own Qi-Blood and Inner Breath from his fingertips, dropping it onto the Command Flag, which was swallowed up as if by a fabled creature.


    Chen Mu followed suit, and after he had done so, he immediately felt the military formation''s rejection of him greatly reduced, the previously oppressive feeling disappearing.


    "All right, for the next three months, you two Protectors will not be obstructed in the military formation."


    Han Liwu put the Command Flag away.


    "Thank you for your trouble, General."


    Zhao Zhenchuan thanked Han Liwu with cupped hands. The main reason he and Chen Mu had come was for this¡ªto extend their Qi in the military formation with a temporary imprint so that they could enter and leave freely without being suppressed or hindered.


    Han Liwu nodded calmly and then saw Chen Mu and Zhao Zhenchuan off.

 Chapter 281 The Momentum in Ice State

    "Actually, General Han''s suggestion, Junior Brother Chen, you could really consider it."


    After leaving the headquarters of the Eastern Army, Zhao Zhenchuan looked at Chen Mu beside him, thought about it, and still spoke up.


    Under the premise that it is difficult to become a Grandmaster, even if Chen Mu achieved the Qiankun Domain and topped the Wind Cloud List in the future, he would only be slightly stronger than existences like the Carefree Hermit, and at most still only on par with Fu Jingyuan and Feng Hongsheng, unable to compare to Qin Mengjun.


    But if Chen Mu studied Military Formations, with his talent and understanding, which allowed him to cultivate the Qiankun Artistic Conception, cultivating the Three Talents Domain would not be too difficult; in the future, leading an army, even top Grandmasters like Jiang Changsheng would still need to retreat by three steps.


    Chen Mu did not respond to Zhao Zhenchuan''s words, but clasped his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping over the Eastern Army''s formation, and said with some emotion, "Consider that Blood Exchange Martial Saint, who, with his own power, charged through a hundred thousand troops as if in an uninhabited realm, I wonder what a scene that was."


    At this moment, Zhao Zhenchuan also swept his gaze over the army and smiled, saying, "Although the Blood Exchange Realm is the pinnacle of Martial Arts, there have also been existences in history at the Blood Exchange Realm who were surrounded and killed. It still depends on the scale of the Military Formation and whether the person can break through."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Mu slightly nodded.


    If tens of thousands of troops attacked, and the Blood Exchange Realm could not break through and escape before exhausting their Inner Breath, they would also have to perish; however, if they could break out and return to the natural environment, they could recover to their prime state in just a breath''s time and then charge through the military formation again. In that case, no matter how many Army Soldiers there were, they would die.


    The battle between individual martial power and military formations is also a matter of which is stronger or weaker.


    It remains to be seen how large a military formation will be required to pose a threat to him once he breaks through to the Blood Exchange Realm in the future, given that he has honed his martial power to the limit at every Realm.


    After chatting with Zhao Zhenchuan for a few more moments, Zhao Zhenchuan left the military formation and explored the route of Yulin Army''s march, while Chen Mu stayed within the formation, feeling this mysterious connection between the individual and the collective, between man and the cosmos.


    Just like that.


    In a blink, more than a month later, the hundred thousand Yulin Army finally arrived at the Prefectural Government of Lang Prefecture!


    Only because all the army soldiers were Martial Men of the Body Refinement Realm or above could such a frightening marching speed be achieved; if not for logistical supply issues that required collecting provisions along the way at various counties, they could have moved even faster.


    The Yulin Army did not enter the Prefectural Government, but camped outside Lang Prefecture.


    Accompanying the army, Chen Mu and Zhao Zhenchuan and others, arrived at the Prefectural Government of Lang Prefecture one step ahead.


    ...


    In the Prefectural Government within Lang Prefecture''s Inner City.


    Chen Mu met with Chu Jingsui, whom he had not seen for a long time, as well as Meng Danyun and others, and briefly exchanged pleasantries.


    "Junior Brother Chen."


    Chu Jingsui had an injured right arm that appeared somewhat inconvenient, but his spirits were good, and he greeted Chen Mu with a cheerful smile, saying, "Seeing Junior Brother Chen full of vigor, I am relieved." S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As soon as he had heard that Chen Mu had been ambushed, he was shocked and worried that Chen Mu would never recover; however, Chen Mu had soon dug out the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion and even killed a Great Protector of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion. Although his path in Martial Arts inevitably suffered, seeing Chen Mu''s well-being after a long time eased his mind a bit. Stay connected through My Virtual Library Empire


    In his view, with Chen Mu''s exceptional talents, even if his path in Martial Arts was obstructed, he still had many potential prospects: he could become a master of his generation by cultivating the Qiankun Domain or by studying Military Formations, even leading an army in the future.


    "Brother Chu, this is...?"


    Chen Mu glanced at Chu Jingsui''s right arm, pausing slightly.


    Chu Jingsui waved it off with a carefree laugh, saying, "I encountered a Venerable of the Heavenly Demon Sect, but I still managed to escape. This arm will recover in a month, not affecting much. This battle also gave me some insights. After a while, I''ll try to break through the Mysterious Pass again, my chances are even better now, who knows, this time I might..."


    He couldn''t help but stop there.


    Talking about breaking through the Mysterious Pass in front of the current Chen Mu was indeed not a good topic. Although as a senior brother, he had always thought of becoming a Grandmaster, directly stepping over the Wind Cloud List, these topics were alright to discuss casually when nothing had happened to Chen Mu, but now they were not quite suitable.


    Meng Danyun glanced at Chu Jingsui disapprovingly, then looked at Chen Mu and said, "Junior Brother Chen, the Elders Shichang and Elder Feng are discussing matters in the main hall, you should head over first."


    "Okay."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly, walking towards the direction of the main hall.


    As Meng Danyun watched Chen Mu''s figure, she couldn''t help but sigh internally, she had always said that indulging in emotions could affect the path of Martial Arts... but it was really not all Chen Mu''s fault, since there were Xu Hongyu and Chen Yue, Chen Mu obviously had family, and being emotionally engaged was something inevitable; being in the mundane world meant there were attachments, as no one was an unattached immortal or Buddha.


    Only the actions of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion were extremely sinister and malicious, unworthy of standing as a Righteous Sect.


    "Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion..."


    Chu Jingsui also sighed softly, immediately his eyes revealing a hint of coldness.


    He was studying three Artistic Conceptions, and if he could truly break through to Grandmaster, leap over that critical barrier, cultivate the Martial Body, his future strength among Grandmasters would not be ordinary. Once the Martial Body reached Perfection and he mastered a Domain, even the illustrious Grandmaster Fu Jingyuan wouldn''t scare him; then, he would settle accounts with the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion for the losses Chen Mu suffered at their hands!


    Of course.


    The premise was that he could become a Grandmaster.

 Chapter 281 The Momentum in Ice State_2

    However, compared to his time in Sha Prefecture, he indeed had much more confidence now. After his trials in Ice State and encounters with powers such as the Sky Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect, not only had his Martial Arts will solidified, but by chance, he had also found an extraordinary Heaven and Earth Spiritual Item. He further refined his Six Viscera, strengthening them slightly, and now his chances of breaking through the Mysterious Pass were indeed much greater.


    It has been nearly ten years since anyone in the Seven Profound Sect had attained the Grandmaster title. Perhaps he would be the next Marrow-Cleansing Grandmaster.


    ...


    Chen Mu, of course, didn''t know what Chu Jingsui was thinking. However, at the moment, the ''demonic Qi erosion'' incident arranged by the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion was quite useful to him; since then, he indeed hadn''t encountered trouble for quite a long time.


    After passing through corridor after corridor,


    Soon,


    Chen Mu arrived at a majestic hall located inside the Prefectural Government.


    At this time, in the entire hall, there were only a few people. As soon as Chen Mu entered, several gazes immediately fell upon him.


    The two people seated at the head were none other than Feng Hongsheng, who had met Chen Mu once in Yu County ¨C or more accurately, who had proactively reported the situation to the Seven Profound Sect, which then dispatched Feng Hongsheng to Yu County.


    The other was Shi Zhenyong, the Peak Master of Earth Profound Peak, also an Elder of the Seven Profound Sect. His status was comparable to Feng Hongsheng''s. Both were powerful Grandmasters whose fame resounded throughout the Cold North Path, neither inferior to Fu Jingyuan, and within the many Grandmasters of the Seven Profound Sect, their statuses were also quite high.


    "Elder Shi, Elder Feng,"


    Chen Mu greeted Shi Zhenyong and Feng Hongsheng with a bow.


    "Protector Chen need not be overly courteous,"


    Feng Hongsheng took the initiative to speak, his tone even, "These few people, Protector Chen should probably recognize..."


    Chen Mu turned his gaze to the few people besides Feng Hongsheng and Shi Zhenyong.


    Those who could come to this main hall were naturally all exceptional individuals. Feng Hongsheng and Shi Zhenyong, two Elder Peak Masters, need not be mentioned, for they were true high officials with significant power in the Seven Profound Sect. Even Qi Zhiyuan, the Acting Sect Master, could not command them as he pleased.


    As for the other three in the room, they were also beyond ordinary. One of them was the person who had revealed the Qian Heaven Domain during a clash with a Grandmaster nearly three years ago, ascending to the thirteenth position on the Wind Cloud List, ranking higher than earlier Situ Shu.


    Seven Profound Sect, protector of the main peak, Murong Yan!


    The Seven Profound Sect did not have the concept of a ''Great Protector,'' but the status of a main peak''s protector was higher than that of other peak protectors. In fact, Chen Mu now also qualified to serve as a protector of the main peak, but given his strength, whether to hold this title was not important.


    Even though he was still regarded as a protector under Spirit Profound Peak, within the Sect, everyone viewed his standing as that of a main peak protector, which was considered a level higher than that of the usual Six Viscera Realm protectors.


    "Protector Murong,"


    Chen Mu nodded slightly to Murong Yan.


    Murong Yan appeared to be around thirty years old, but her actual age was much greater. She was not from the same generation as Chen Mu, but in Martial Arts, precedence is given to the skilled. Since they were not from the same peak, seniority was not a concern.


    "Protector Chen,"


    Murong Yan also responded to Chen Mu and took a careful look at him.


    It wasn''t her first time seeing Chen Mu. During her time in the Seven Profound Sect, she had some acquaintance with him. Back then, when she encountered Chen Mu, he was still practicing in Spirit Profound Peak and hadn''t shown his extraordinary talent. In her eyes, he was just a slightly exceptional true disciple of Spirit Profound Peak, a younger individual with some talent.


    However, unexpectedly, in just one or two years, Chen Mu had risen up at a shocking speed. He had mastered the Qiankun Artistic Conception, attained the Yunni Sky Steps, broke into the Six Viscera Realm, and slain Situ Shu, wielder of the Cold Soul Blade! S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Each of his feats shook her.


    Although the Wind Cloud List had not been reordered yet, Chen Mu had slain Situ Shu, who was ranked twenty-third; Murong Yan was very clear that Chen Mu''s strength was definitely not weaker than hers, putting them on the same level. Therefore, she no longer viewed him as a junior but treated him as an equal.


    After all, with the ongoing unrest in the Cold North, no one knew when it would end. Chen Mu had also entered the Six Viscera Realm for some time, reaching a stable phase. For the foreseeable future, she would likely combat alongside him, supporting each other.


    "Protector Chen,"


    "Protector Chen,"


    The other two, aside from Murong Yan, also greeted Chen Mu each in turn, but there was a subtle difference in their attitudes. They actively greeted him, showing less reserve than Murong Yan.


    "Protector Qian, Protector Xu,"


    Chen Mu knew the two and responded to them accordingly.


    Qian Song, Xu Yang.


    Both were protectors of the main peak; however, they paled in comparison to Murong Yan. Neither had personal strength that secured a place on the Wind Cloud List, roughly at the same level as Duanmu Chun, stronger than the average Six Viscera Realm individual but slightly weaker than the high-ranking masters of the list.


    "Protectors Qian and Xu are now in charge of the Sect''s Superior Grade Spirit Weapons, the ''Mountain-Breaking Mace'' and the ''Fiery Cloud Sword'',"


    Murong Yan interjected from the side.


    Upon hearing this, Chen Mu nodded in understanding.


    With Qian Song and Xu Yang''s abilities, they would find it difficult to secure a place on the Wind Cloud List. If the list were extended, they might rank around the forties or fifties, but armed with Superior Grade Spirit Weapons, their strength would surge, possibly even surpassing Situ Shu''s.


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    After all, the Cold Soul Spirit Blade couldn''t be considered as a Superior Grade item; only the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear he possessed came close to that category. If it were controlled by a Martial Artist who specialized in the Thunder Path and had cultivated the Thunderbolt Domain, the wielded power would undoubtedly be near to the top twenty of the Wind Cloud List.

 Chapter 281 Momentum in Ice State_3

    Weapons of such superior grade belonged to the foundational strength of the Seven Profound Sect, rare even throughout the Cold North Path, similar to the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram held by Zuo Qianqiu, which was not easily revealed.


    That is to say,


    inside this main hall, aside from Shi Zhenyong and Feng Hongsheng, two grandmasters, there were three more experts ranked between tenth and twentieth on the Wind Cloud List, each of whose strength could compare to that of a weaker grandmaster.


    There might even be other grandmasters operating in secret in Ice State, and outside the city, a hundred thousand-strong Yu Forest Army was stationed, capable of scattering even the top grandmasters, who dare not face its edge... Even so, the force mobilized by the Seven Profound Sect was probably just about a quarter of their strength, such is the foundational power and influence of a Great Sect that commands a State!


    "It seems the Seven Profound Sect is truly serious this time, whether they have finally made a decision, or the Ice Extreme Palace has negotiated some terms with the Seven Profound Sect."


    Chen Mu mused to himself, also feeling a bit sentimental.


    Just a few years ago, he was but a minor martial artist mingling in Yu County. Now, years later, he was involved in such large-scale actions between states and even held a pivotal position in them!


    This was still only the strength he displayed on the surface.


    The scenery at the very top of this world was finally starting to unveil itself to him.


    "Alright, now that Protector Chen has arrived and the Yu Forest Army has reached Lang Prefecture, let us talk about our next actions..."


    Shi Zhenyong looked at Chen Mu, retracted his gaze, then pressed his hand lightly on the central table in the main hall, showing an extremely detailed map, saying, "Lang Prefecture is located on the northern border of Yu State, adjoining Frost County of Ice State. Frost County, due to its geographical position, is currently the least impacted among the six counties of Ice State, with almost no invasions from foreign races outside the border; only the Heavenly Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect are active in Frost County."


    "Over the last two months, my sect''s disciples along with the personnel from both the Yu State Inspectorate and the Demon-Slaying Office have had numerous encounters with these two Evil Sects in Frost County, each side sustaining damages. Now that the Yu Forest army has arrived at Lang Prefecture, we might try to sweep through Frost County."


    As Shi Zhenyong spoke, his gaze swept across those present.


    Both the Heavenly Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect had developed secretly over the years and now revealed considerable strength, but the Seven Profound Sect did not fear them. The mobilization of forces to Lang Prefecture was to take the initiative in Frost County.


    After all, Frost County was located on the inner side of Ice State, not connected to the border pass, and saw few invasions by foreign races. In Frost County, they only had to face the Heavenly Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect, which significantly reduced the pressure.


    "Heavenly Sword Sect also lends us support, and I heard that young fellow Zuo Qianqiu seems to have gone to Frost County as well."


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    Feng Hongsheng suddenly interjected.


    At his words, all eyes involuntarily turned towards Chen Mu, who was regarded as someone with a bit of connection to Zuo Qianqiu, being the only one from the younger generation among those present. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu showed no reaction to their gazes, having no particular thoughts about Zuo Qianqiu. After all, he had no interest in such preferences. If Zuo Qianqiu were a woman of stunning beauty like Xu Hongyu, with exceptional swordsmanship, he wouldn''t mind taking the opportunity the next time they met to give some pointers on swordsmanship. However, as it stood, he had already lost interest in Zuo Qianqiu.


    But speaking of it, the actions of the Heavenly Sword Sect were indeed straightforward.


    Ever since they suffered a loss at the hands of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, and Zuo Qianqiu was ambushed by them, the Heavenly Sword Sect had been relentlessly pursuing the Heavenly Corpse Sect, even continuing their activities across the border into Ice State during the chaotic battles there, regardless of the broader situation in the Eleven States. Jiang Changsheng was even seen in Ice State, taking various actions against the Heavenly Corpse Sect without regard for anything else.

 Chapter 282 Threshold of the Mysterious Pass

    The group discussed the situation in Ice State in detail.


    Feng Hongsheng suddenly took out a uniquely designed chessboard from behind him, revealing that it was filled with numerous chess pieces, all of a dull gray hue, inscribed with characters like ''soldier,'' ''officer,'' and ''general.''


    The typography had a hint of scarlet, with barely discernible crimson threads interwoven, connecting each piece with the chessboard, creating a single entity. When he picked up one of the pieces and moved it away from the board, the interconnected red threads gradually dimmed.


    "This is the Spirit Weapon ''Military Formation Plate.'' All chess pieces are connected with the formation plate as a whole. By stimulating them with Yuan Gang True Essence, it can trigger a reaction from the nearest higher-ranked chess piece,"


    Feng Hongsheng explained while casually picking up a ''soldier'' piece and moving it to the other side of the table. He slightly channeled a strand of Yuan Gang Inner Breath into it, causing the nearly invisible bright red thread to flicker and simultaneously causing many ''officer'' pieces on the board to vibrate and seemingly move toward that direction as if pulled by something.


    Chen Mu, observing Feng Hongsheng''s simple demonstration, understood that this was a more efficient way of communication than ''signal commands,'' which were typically reliant on sound and could not travel far nor could they effectively penetrate if disrupted by martial artists above the Five Viscera Realm. However, with the Spirit Weapon Formation Chess, it was different.


    Of course,


    if the Formation Chess could only be activated by Yuan Gang True Essence, then martial artists below the Five Viscera Realm couldn''t utilize it.


    "Protector Murong, Protector Chen... each of you takes a ''general'' piece, distribute the ''officer'' pieces among the protectors, and the ''soldier'' pieces among the true disciples and stewards,"


    Feng Hongsheng offered the Military Formation Plate.


    Chen Mu took a ''general'' piece and after sensing it briefly, he was slightly amazed. This Spirit Weapon was more like a combination of formation and spirit weapon, intricately constructed. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The ''general'' piece could receive calls for help from the ''officer'' pieces and likewise could seek help from the ''Formation Plate Entity,'' which was evidently held by the Elder. The ordinary Six Viscera Realm protectors would hold ''officer'' pieces, and the true disciples and stewards held the ''soldier'' pieces.


    As Chen Mu and the others collected their respective Formation Chess pieces, Feng Hongsheng collected the Military Formation Plate and said, "Alright, let it be so for now. Protector Chen has traveled here with the Yu Forest Army, rest for two days, and after that, head to the Border Pass, into Frost County."


    No one voiced any objections.


    After they left the main hall,


    Chen Mu hadn''t walked far when he encountered Meng Danyun, who was waiting for him.


    "Junior Brother Chen, come with me,"


    Meng Danyun nodded lightly to Chen Mu, saying, "You and the Yu Forest Army have just arrived, you should rest for two days, there''s a resting place arranged behind the Prefectural Government."


    "Alright, thank you, Senior Sister Meng,"


    Chen Mu responded calmly, then followed Meng Danyun to the back of the Prefectural Government.


    Along the way, he faintly sensed many robust Qi-Blood Inner Breaths from various stewards and protectors of the Seven Profound Sect... he even sensed many familiar presences, such as Zhou Hao from Great Profound Peak.


    Zhou Hao was now no longer just a true disciple of Great Profound Peak but had stepped into the Six Viscera Realm, ranked among the protectors of Great Profound Peak, naturally progressing further in strength, albeit just initially stepping into the realm, he was no less competent than Chu Jingsui.


    However,


    still, Zhou Hao''s status was considered among the ordinary protectors, not a ''Chief Peak Protector.'' Compared to him, there was still a difference. He needed further refinement in the Six Viscera Realm or to discover a Domain to ascend.


    As Chen Mu and Meng Danyun passed by and gradually walked away, in Zhou Hao''s courtyard, who was meditating next to the pavilion at a stone bench, suddenly opened his eyes and glanced through the courtyard wall in the direction of Chen Mu and Meng Danyun.


    Chen Mu hadn''t deliberately concealed his aura, so Zhou Hao could sense him.


    "Chen Mu..."


    Zhou Hao murmured softly.


    Ever since his induction into the Seven Profound Sect and entry into the Inner Sect, he had been proclaimed the foremost among Yu State''s younger generation until he struggled with the second step of Kun Earth Artistic Conception and was defeated by Zuo Qianqiu. After enduring many hardships, he finally mastered the Kun Earth Artistic Conception, but in the battle at Yunni Sky Peak, everyone else merely complemented Chen Mu.


    He held no jealousy towards Chen Mu, his late-enrolling junior; instead, he used Chen Mu''s existence to temper his own will. After all, having a goal provides a stronger motivation to advance. He had become complacent in his martial arts practice before his defeat to Zuo Qianqiu, but he never slacked off afterward.


    However, Chen Mu fell victim to a plot by Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, which left him silent for a long time.


    He understood that a taller tree in the forest is more likely to be blown down; without Chen Mu, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion might have targeted him instead, inadvertently shielding him from calamity.


    "If I can break through the Mysterious Pass, one day I will surely kill a grandmaster of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion!"


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    Zhou Hao mused internally.


    Although Chen Mu had also killed a Great Protector of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, in his view, such a deceitful faction did not pay a price high enough. Should he one day achieve grandmaster status and surpass the barrier with Kun Earth, he would be among the top-tier grandmasters akin to Qin Mengjun and would intervene on behalf of Chen Mu, demanding the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion pay a greater price!


    Of course, such talk was still premature; currently, he needed to hone his Martial Arts in Ice State, at least ranking in the Wind Cloud List, catching up or even surpassing Chen Mu''s pace before it was appropriate to deliberate on these matters.

 Chapter 282 Threshold of the Mysterious Pass_2

    ...


    Meng Danyun led Chen Mu all the way to a small, isolated courtyard located behind the State Government Office.


    Chen Mu glanced at Meng Danyun and carefully sensed her breath, saying, "Sister Meng''s cultivation has improved quite a bit, it shouldn''t be far from achieving Perfection in Six Viscera Tempering."


    Meng Danyun had entered the Six Viscera Realm much earlier than he had, and now, after quite some time had passed, her Inner Breath was obviously much more profound than before. Chen Mu estimated that with this progress, it would take only another year or two for her to approach the level of Zhao Zhenchuan and Chu Jingsui.


    Meng Danyun looked at Chen Mu and shook her head, "I''m just following the systematic approach to cultivation. To achieve Perfection in Six Viscera Tempering, I need at least two more years of effort. I also have to thank Junior Brother Chen for the Spirit Weapon. With this sword in hand, I was able to escape several crises in Ice State."


    Chen Mu smiled and said, "It''s good I could lend Sister a helping hand. In a few years, you can try to break through the Mysterious Pass, and I wish you success in achieving Perfection in advance."


    For true inheritors of each sect, stepping into the Six Viscera Realm is a basic accomplishment, but reaching the Mysterious Pass is much more difficult. Out of ten true inheritors, perhaps not even one will become a Grandmaster. Although Meng Danyun''s comprehension wasn''t the highest, having entered the path with just the Water and Wind Artistic Conceptions, having fewer Artistic Conceptions to master can make breaking through the Mysterious Pass and achieving Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster status somewhat easier, so it''s always balanced.


    One who becomes a Grandmaster has the chance to reach a level like Fu Jingyuan.


    Reaching a level like Fu Jingyuan, one might even have the chance to take a shot at ''Blood Exchange''. Once that step is taken, it opens up a whole new world, climbing to the very end of Martial Arts and becoming one of the unparalleled figures of the age.


    As far as Chen Mu knew, the Supreme Elder of Seven Profound Sect had entered the path with "Thunder and Fire".


    "...Thank you for your auspicious words, Junior Brother."


    Meng Danyun looked at Chen Mu, and suddenly felt a bit emotional inside. She could sense that Chen Mu didn''t have any feelings of discouragement or despair, clearly his desire to follow the path hadn''t been affected in the slightest, even after suffering the erosion of Demonic Qi.


    With such a clear state of mind and such resolute will, even if he were delayed for over a decade before the Mysterious Pass, there might still be a chance to become a Grandmaster, and perhaps in twenty years, a Qiankun Grandmaster would emerge!


    This Junior Brother of hers had been extraordinary from the beginning.


    "Rest well, Junior Brother," she said.


    After a few more words, Meng Danyun left Chen Mu''s courtyard.


    Watching Meng Danyun''s retreating figure, Chen Mu thought of Chu Jingsui, Zhao Zhenchuan, and some other protectors of the Seven Profound Sect from their generation: "Now, it''s still uncertain who will become a Grandmaster first."


    He returned to his room and called up the system panel.


    [Martial Art: Qiankun Artistic Conception (Step Two)]


    [Experience: 328 points]


    [Number of possible deductions: 1]


    ...


    [Six Viscera Sutra (92%)]


    [Experience: 0 points]


    After spending a month and a half with the Yulin Army, contemplating the military formation''s Triad Method, and adding to his already accumulated experiences, Chen Mu had enough experience for another deduction, but he had not yet had the free time to use it.


    As for the tempering of the Six Viscera, after reaching 90%, regular cultivation made no progress whatsoever, and Chen Mu was well aware that even if he continuously consumed multiple Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items, without relying on the system to improve, the progress would likely dissipate, and so he used the system panel to consume a Warm Nurturing Spiritual Object to advance a small step further.


    At this stage of Six Viscera Tempering, like during the Five Viscera Phase, ordinary methods would not likely lead to further progress unless, by some chance, one acquired an exceedingly rare and precious Heaven and Earth Spiritual Item to squeeze out a bit more progress.


    However.


    For him, there was no bottleneck in the cultivation of the Six Viscera, and he still had one Warm Nurturing Spiritual Object left unused in his hand.


    After sitting down in the bedroom, without much hesitation, Chen Mu consumed the deduction opportunity to deduce the Qiankun Artistic Conception once again, completing the ''sixth'' deduction on the foundation of the second step!


    With the insights and mastery over the Qiankun Artistic Conception further deepened, he was drawing ever closer to the second step of its extreme limit!


    Next came the warming and nourishing of the Six Viscera. After using the last batch of nourishing spiritual objects, the refinement of the Six Viscera ascended slightly. The quality of this batch of spiritual objects was commendable, with more improvement than the last, reaching 94%!


    "Soon,"


    Chen Mu looked at the system panel and, sensing the changes in his body, took a deep breath.


    To perceive the Qiankun Domain was to undergo a qualitative change!


    To break through the Mysterious Pass and cultivate a Grandmaster Martial Body was also a qualitative change!


    In the past, it was his cultivation in Artistic Conception that always led by a step, but since mastering the complete Qiankun Artistic Conception, his Body Refining cultivation progress had gradually outpaced that of Artistic Conception. After all, various Viscera Refining and nourishing spiritual objects were not difficult to obtain for someone like him, a high-ranking fighter on the Wind Cloud List. Relying on these, his cultivation efficiency could be said to be at peak fulfillment.


    Just as entering the Five Viscera Realm from the Jade Bone Realm had no bottlenecks.


    If he could refine his Five Viscera and Six Viscera to their limits, coupled with the Martial Arts Will he had already solidified, even if the Qiankun Artistic Conception''s progress fell slightly short and did not reach the very end of the second step, it would likely pose no obstruction in breaking through the Mysterious Pass ¨C a single step could make him a Grandmaster! S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Since I stepped into the Viscera Realm, barely more than a year has elapsed,"


    "Even across the entire Cold North Path of the Eleven State, probably no one would have guessed that in just two short years, I would have the opportunity to step into the Marrow Cleansing Realm and become a Martial Arts Grandmaster!"


    A glint flickered in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    He was actually very close to becoming a Grandmaster, so much so that even now, he could attempt to break through the Mysterious Pass!


    Since the tempering of the Six Viscera had reached 94% of its potential, the thickness of the Yuan Gang Inner Breath within his body was already beyond what ordinary people could imagine. Now, he could also clearly sense the indistinct barrier located at the crown of his body.


    Even now, Chen Mu felt an impulse to try and break through that barrier, but in the end, he managed to suppress this temptation. Regardless of whether he could overcome the barrier in one go, his present Six Viscera Realm had not yet been cultivated to the limit. Directly breaking through to cultivate his Martial Body would result in flawed foundations, making it difficult to reach the ultimate in the Marrow Cleansing Realm in the future.


    "Actually, with my current level, the extreme tempering of the Five Viscera Phase and the Six Viscera Realm are surely unmatched by anyone in history. If I break through the barrier and straightaway become a Grandmaster, I could still dominate the world in the future, whether or not there are flaws in my foundation..."


    "No, that''s not right. That''s not my true will. This is the heart''s barrier of the Mysterious Pass."


    Chen Mu took a deep breath as his mind swiftly returned to a state of calmness and composure.


    It''s no wonder they say the Mysterious Pass is difficult to break through.


    He merely thought about attempting to break through the Mysterious Pass, and a natural desire to transcend the limitations of his flesh and ascend to enlightenment, as if breaching the Mysterious Pass would allow him to become an immortal and achieve ultimate freedom, rose within him.


    But in reality, he was well aware that such thoughts were illusory, pure delusions. If he truly broke through the Mysterious Pass and his Souls Intention burst forth from his body to merge into the universe, it would mean the end of his earthly body, never to return.


    The Mysterious Pass was not a barrier for escaping the constraints of the flesh; there were no immortals or buddhas in this world.


    This step was not about forsaking the flesh; on the contrary, it involved completely breaking down the barriers between spirit and body to achieve unity, to cleanse and purify, to connect bones and marrow, without imperfections, and to cultivate the True Martial Body.


    Without a sufficiently strong Martial Arts Will, one would naturally succumb to heart demon-like temptations at the threshold of the Mysterious Pass. Yet with impulse, that breakthrough could never succeed. Stay connected with My Virtual Library Empire


    It was like a person who grew up at home and, one day, had to step outside to face the wider world. They needed the courage to face that world, yet they could not be seduced by its vastness and must maintain unwavering determination in both mind and body.


    However,


    Chen Mu''s Martial Arts Will was firm and equal to a Grandmaster''s, instantly allowing him to regain complete peace and quiet.


    "Indeed, to become a Grandmaster is a major challenge of Martial Arts,"


    He sighed to himself.


    It''s no wonder that throughout his journey, his outstanding Martial Arts talent drew the attention of the entire Cold North Path of the Eleven State, yet no Grandmaster challenged him. Even the schemes of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion against him were orchestrated by those at the Six Viscera Realm beneath them.

 Chapter 283 Frost County

    Suppressing the urge to challenge the Mysterious Pass, Chen Mu found a silver lining, which seemingly reinforced his will and clarified his path in Martial Arts. He was determined to train each Realm to its limits and carve out the strongest path for himself!


    The founding Martial Emperor of Da Xuan had indeed achieved invincibility in combat through the Qiankun Path and the Blood Exchange technique, but he too spent over a decade stabilizing the world. Relying on strategies and winning people''s hearts, he finally toppled the ''Great Zhou'' that ruled over half of the world and firmly established his dynasty.


    Nowadays.


    All historical records about Great Zhou had been sealed away, and Chen Mu only knew a few details by chance.


    At least, at that time, the founding Martial Emperor of Da Xuan, being the strongest in the world, was recognized as such but still could not single-handedly contest half the world. It took him considerable effort to gradually restore the Qiankun. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As for his own future, Chen Mu did not ponder too deeply, for the time had not yet come for such thoughts¡ªwhether to restore the country or recreate the Qiankun, all these would need him to build his Martial Arts Realm step by step. Everything begins with the heart''s intent, and he vowed to become even stronger than the founding Martial Emperor of Da Xuan!


    He gathered his thoughts.


    A night without words.


    On the second day, Chen Mu, together with a group from Spirit Profound Peak, set off for the border pass at Lang Prefecture.


    Among this group from Spirit Profound Peak, there were many familiar faces, including Shen Lin, Linghu Shang, and other former Inner Sect Disciples, as well as a number of Spirit Profound Peak Stewards and some older Outer Sect Disciples who had left the Sect.


    The Seven Profound Sect Disciples were refreshed yearly. Outer Sect Disciples stayed until the age of thirty; failing to enter the Inner Sect by then, they would be assigned positions in the State Government Office or sent to places like the border pass of Sha Prefecture.


    Inner Sect Disciples had until the age of thirty-five; if they hadn''t cultivated the Five Viscera by then, they too would have to leave the Sect.


    "Chen Senior Brother."


    "Chen Senior Brother."


    Linghu Shang and Shen Lin among others paid their respects to Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu looked at the somewhat familiar group from Spirit Profound Peak, nodded slightly in greeting to everyone, and his gaze lingered briefly on Shen Lin and Linghu Shang, with a hint of sentimentality.


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    Time was always flowing; Shen Lin and Linghu Shang were once among the most outstanding Inner Sect Disciples of Spirit Profound Peak. And now he had become the Protector of Spirit Profound Peak, while these two had broken through the Five Viscera and become Stewards of Spirit Profound Peak.


    Nowadays.


    People like Jin Ling''er represented the newfangled talents of the young generation in the Seven Profound Sect, and all Seven Peaks had largely been revitalized. Although his cultivation progress seemed unbelievably rapid, he had been part of the Sect for over four years.


    "Chen Senior Brother..."


    Shen Lin gazed at Chen Mu''s retreating figure, her eyes reflecting a complex mix of emotions.


    Even though Chen Mu was known to be withdrawn at Spirit Profound Peak or absorbed in cultivation without concern for other affairs, he would answer any questions when asked occasionally. Compared to the arrogant true inheritors from other peaks, Chen Mu, the top youth figure of the Cold North Path, was relatively approachable. With his exceptional talent, he was naturally admired.


    She had witnessed Chen Mu''s rise, almost legendary in its trajectory, since his induction into the Sect. Yet in the treacherous Martial World and turbulent times, petty villains ran rampant, and still, someone resorted to despicable tricks against Chen Mu.


    Crucially.


    She had heard about the whole incident; for his wife, Chen Mu didn''t hesitate to use his Inner Breath as a conduit to draw the Demonic Qi into himself... Among those who rose in the Martial Arts like bright stars, how many would be willing to compromise their cultivation without a second thought in such a situation?


    She felt that even the true inheritors from other peaks, including those from Zhou Hao''s group, would likely not be able to do so.


    Thus, she envied Chen Mu''s wife for gaining his favor and felt indignant for Chen Mu himself. She also harbored hatred towards Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, with these mixed feelings converging in her heart.


    Although the current Chen Mu was already recognized as a top master near the top ten on the Wind Cloud List, even surpassing some newly-advanced but weaker Grandmasters, he still seemed out of reach to her. Yet what he lost was an opportunity to contend for supremacy in the world.


    Not just Shen Lin.


    Many disciples from Spirit Profound Peak who shared the same generation as Chen Mu had similar thoughts.


    Chen Mu was oblivious to their thoughts, but he noticed their gazes, choosing naturally not to explain anything, especially since he was just one step away from becoming a Grandmaster, and even less inclined to elaborate.


    Just like when he was cautious in everything during his time in Yu County, but he knew it wouldn''t be long before, like the darkness before dawn, it would pass and be replaced by the light that brightens the world.


    The group from Spirit Profound Peak had no weaklings; the weakest among them had achieved the Tendon Changing Perfection. Moving at full speed, they soon arrived at the border pass of Lang Prefecture and completed their assembly.


    "They''ve arrived."


    Above the border pass of Lang Prefecture, someone was watching Chen Mu and the group from Spirit Profound Peak from afar.


    There stood Shi Zhenyong, Feng Hongsheng, and other Elders on the fortifications, sweeping their gazes over the many from Spirit Profound Peak, with Murong Yan, Qian Song, Xu Yang, and others who had arrived earlier by their side.


    Spirit Profound Peak was the last group to depart. Now inside the fort, there were gatherings from Great Profound Peak, Upper Profound Peak, Earth Profound Peak..., along with those from Lang Prefecture''s Shi Family, the State''s Inspectorate, and the Demon-Slaying Office, all assembled here.

 Chapter 283 Frost County_2

    Although the number was far less than the 100,000-strong Jade Forest Army, those who arrived at this moment were the weakest at the Tendon Changing Realm or above, totaling thousands of people!


    Whoosh! Whoosh!!


    Chen Mu reached the city gate below, and with a flicker of his figure, he quietly appeared atop the city gate.


    "Elder Shi, Elder Feng."


    Chu Jingsui, Meng Danyun, and others behind him took a detour, leaping onto the city from a smaller gate on the side of the city gate, while officials from places like Spirit Profound Peak were unostentatious, each entering through the front gate of the city gate.


    Upon reaching the top of the city gate, Chen Mu gazed across to the other side and saw a world transformed, with a vast expanse of white as far as the eye could see, the ground covered in frost.


    Standing atop the city gate,


    he could almost instantly feel the cold spreading over from the Ice State outside the border pass.


    "Ice State Frost County, true to its name."


    Chen Mu surveyed the distant Ice State, sensing the changes in the world, his eyes flickering slightly.


    It was also his first time arriving at the border of the Ice State. He initially thought that from Yu State to Ice State, the further north he went, the colder it would get, a gradual change in weather and climate. However, now that he had truly reached this border, he realized the situation was different from what he had envisioned.


    Lang Prefecture''s border pass stood here, and on this side of the world, it was not yet winter; no frost had fallen. But once he crossed the border pass, the temperature on the other side plummeted dramatically, like a steep cliff.


    On one side of the city gate, it was lush and green.


    On the other side of the city gate, everything was frozen with frost.


    It was as if it was a clear line of demarcation, two completely different worlds!


    "Is it the city gate that separates the climates? No, this city gate is not the Yunlu Pass of Sha Prefecture, and there is no sense of change in formations or Earth''s Veins. That means this Lang Prefecture''s city gate is simply constructed along that boundary line."


    Chen Mu gazed at the far-off Ice State and suddenly felt his horizons broaden. Although he commanded the Qiankun Artistic Conception and used all things with the Eight Phases Rotation Method, many things in this world were in stark contrast to some ''common sense'' in his realization.


    For example,


    The air should be thinner the higher one goes in the sky.


    But after he mastered Falling Flowers without Trace, advancing further and being able to isolate ''gravity'' to walk in the air, he tried to ascend to glimpse the mysteries of high heavens. Yet, the higher he went, the more substantial and condensed the aura of Qian Heaven became, to the point where even he had difficulty climbing further.


    The sights of the Ice State were also quite peculiar, similar to Sha Prefecture. Although it was part of this world, it seemed to be completely isolated, akin to an independent stretch of land, operating without interference from other regions.


    While Chen Mu was intently sensing the world beyond the border of Ice State, Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Suddenly,


    his gaze shifted upward to the high sky, far away at the end of his line of sight, a small cluster of dark shadows circled overhead. It seemed to be a demon bird, unknown when it had appeared, not fleeing afar, just staying aloft in the sky, as if watching the border pass from a distance.


    "..."


    A trace of coldness appeared in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    While Seven Profound Sect also tamed demon birds, when it came to controlling and directing demon beasts, they naturally weren''t a match for the Sky Demon Sect. That demon bird reminded him of being surveilled from afar at the border pass in Sha Prefecture.


    Although it could be merely an ordinary demon bird passing by, in his view, it was unlikely to be such a coincidence.


    At the same time,


    Elders Shi Zhenyong and Feng Hongsheng also noticed the circling demon bird in the distant sky.


    "Hmph."


    Feng Hongsheng snorted coldly, and with a lift of his right hand, a longbow landed in his grasp.


    The entire longbow was the color of jade, clearly different from the treasure bows used by ordinary people, its surface swirling with spiritual light, obviously a Spirit Weapon¡ªand Chen Mu was familiar with its name.


    Following that, Feng Hongsheng''s left hand quivered, and an arrow that seemed to be made of moonlight, swirling with starlight, appeared between his fingers, settling onto the bowstring. This arrow was also a Spirit Weapon, a matching set with the bow.


    "Exec Moon Bow! Shattered Star Arrow!"


    Murong Yan watched as Feng Hongsheng drew his bow, took a slight breath, and hadn''t expected Feng Hongsheng to bring out this spirit weapon as well.


    This spirit weapon was one of the very few capable of long-range attacks, and within the Seven Profound Sect, it was part of the foundation that was seldom used. In the hands of a grandmaster with an imposing reputation like Feng Hongsheng, the might it unleashed was terrifying beyond comparison. If he aimed an arrow at her, even from a great distance, she wasn''t entirely confident she could evade it.


    In the distant sky,


    The demon bird also seemed to sense something was amiss, and immediately flapped its wings attempting to fly high and escape, but by then Feng Hongsheng had already made his move. The bowstring vibrated along with the spiritual light, and an arrow, like a brilliant meteor, sliced through the sky. In just an instant, it reached the high heavens, caught up to the demon bird, and pierced it with a single strike!


    The demon bird didn''t even manage to let out a cry before it plummeted from the sky, falling towards the vast white expanse below.


    His!


    The arrow, which seemed like a magnificent burst of starlight, after tearing through the sky and striking down the demon bird, circled around as if alive. It drew an arc in the faraway heavens and then headed straight back towards the city gate, finally falling back into Feng Hongsheng''s hand.


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    Chen Mu, looking at the pair of spirit weapons in Feng Hongsheng''s hands, couldn''t help but let his gaze flicker. Although he could throw his Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear far and strike at great distances, in terms of distance, it still didn''t compare to a true spirit weapon bow and arrow.


    Moreover, with his current realm and strength, if he were to use this set of spirit weapon bow and arrow, he could also bring its might to the extreme. He even had confidence that from several miles away, he could kill a Seventh Rank Venerable of the Sky Demon Sect with one shot!


    "The Sky Demon Sect''s method of controlling beasts is quite special. In Ice State, they have many demon birds spying on movements. This time I''ve brought the Exec Moon Bow, so those Demon Men won''t be able to easily spy on our movements."


    Feng Hongsheng''s fingers chased the still-vibrating Shattered Star Arrow until the arrow stopped trembling; then he slowly packed away the bow.


    ...


    Meanwhile,


    At a distance of more than ten miles from the city gate,


    Above a frost-covered forest, a figure with white wings, almost blending into the snow, invisible to the naked eye, was flying low. The figure had wings yet possessed a human form, clearly a Demon Man of the Sky Demon Sect.


    If Shi Zhenyong or Feng Hongsheng saw its figure at this moment, or if a grandmaster of the Heavenly Sword Sect encountered it, their faces would immediately turn grim, as they would recognize its identity at a glance.


    Venerable Xian Yuchen of the Sky Demon Sect!


    Although he was only a Seventh Rank Venerable, he excelled in hiding and flying escape. He roamed Ice State, causing countless injuries to the Ice Extreme Palace, Seven Profound Sect, and even the Heavenly Sword Sect, but they were never able to deal with him effectively.


    Among the many Seventh Rank Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect, the ones the Heavenly Sword Sect, Seven Profound Sect, and Ice Extreme Palace most wanted to eliminate, was undoubtedly him.


    "Exec Moon Bow, Breaking Star Arrow... they''re targeting me with this."


    Xian Yuchen stared in the direction of the city gate, humming lightly in his heart, then turned around and flew away hastily.


    If Feng Hongsheng had concealed this spirit weapon and sought an opportunity to suddenly strike at him, then it was possible that he could be severely injured. But now that he was forewarned, all he needed to do was to avoid Feng Hongsheng as much as possible.


    Initially, he had no interest in engaging with powerful, seasoned grandmasters like Feng Hongsheng or Shi Zhenyong. His targets were always the disciples of the Seven Profound Sect, the Heavenly Sword Sect, and even the Ice Extreme Palace who were in the Five Organ and Viscera Realm.


    Their cultivated Five Viscera and Six Organs were, to him, delicacies of unparalleled flavor¡ªprecious Blood Nourishment. If he could consume more, both his cultivation and demon body would progress step by step. Perhaps, it wouldn''t take long before he had a chance to reach the threshold of the Eighth Rank!


    These Seventh Rank Venerables, with their demon bodies fully achieved and possessing the physical strength of a Seventh Rank Demon King as well as certain Martial Arts skills¡ªwhich is to say, methods of manipulating demonic power¡ªtheir strength was just slightly stronger than that of common grandmasters who had just broken through recently. Roughly speaking, they were on par with the top ten on the Wind Cloud List.


    But if one could train to a demon body Perfection and enter the Eighth Rank, that was entirely different!


    In the entire Sky Demon Sect, there were only two who had achieved the Eighth Rank level, their strength among the grandmasters was extremely formidable, nearly comparable to the top hundred grandmasters of the Da Xuan List or the top ten grandmasters from the Cold North Path!


    "The Seven Profound Sect has gathered so many people at the border, probably planning a large-scale deployment in Frost County."


    Xian Yuchen''s eyes twinkled.


    Come,


    Let them all come,


    The more the merrier, and the more chaotic Frost County is, the better; only then could he find opportunities to grab some Blood Nourishment to temper his demon body. Otherwise, of late, the forces of the Ice Extreme Palace and the Heavenly Sword Sect have been moving in groups, making it hard for him to find chances to strike.

 Chapter 284 Action

    Xian Yuchen''s departure went unnoticed by Chen Mu.


    He practiced the Qiankun Artistic Conception and had extremely strong perceptive abilities, not inferior to an elder like Feng Hongsheng, but after all, he was human, not a deity. It was impossible for him to discern the breath of something miles, let alone dozens of miles away.


    Such an ability had already exceeded the realm of Martial Arts and was not possessed by martial artists.


    Soon.


    After a large number of people from the Seven Profound Sect had gathered at the Border Pass, Shi Zhenyong finally gave the order. Accompanied by the slowly opening gates of the Border Pass, everyone made a significant move forward, stepping into the vast white expanse of Ice State''s Frost County!


    The Seven Profound Sect''s strategy in the Ice State''s battle was straightforward, dignified, without any scheming or trickery. They were led openly by two elders, Shi Zhenyong and Feng Hongsheng, to the Prefectural Government of Frost County, where they would meet up with members of the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Ice Extreme Palace stationed there. Then, with the Prefectural Government as the center, they would confront the Heavenly Demon and Heavenly Corpse within Frost County.


    The crowd stepped into Frost County.


    Traversing the direct path to the Frost County Prefectural Government.


    The environment of Frost County, true to its name, was covered with frost, but the frost was not very thick, nor was there much snowfall. Still, many plants that were not afraid of the cold grew, and the scenery along the way resembled that of Yu State''s winter solstice.


    As the group from the Seven Profound Sect penetrated deeper into Frost County, after traveling a distance, some uniquely shaped buildings appeared on the side of the road, scattered behind wind-sheltered mountains. There were only a little over a hundred structures, most of which were ruins. In the frostbite, one could even see severed limbs and the remains of bodies, all frozen within the ice and snow.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!!


    Chen Mu, Murong Yan, and others, who were walking at the front of the Seven Profound Sect''s column, took several steps down to reach the ruins, and just one glance around caused each of them to appear somewhat grim.


    "..."


    Even Chen Mu''s eyes flashed with a hint of coldness.


    In the constantly war-torn Ice State, scenes of a village''s destruction were not uncommon. Though the Sky Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect seldom carried out massacres on a large scale because they also needed materials for Blood Nourishment and Corpse Refinement, since they regarded the common people as nothing more than ''Blood Nourishment'' and ''Corpse Refinement,'' they naturally didn''t care much either.


    Chen Mu was not a saint who pitied the world. If it were times of chaos and conflict, with rivers of blood flowing between the two forces and corpses strewn across the fields, he wouldn''t be much perturbed. Even the sight of demons devouring humans wouldn''t incite anger in him. At most, he''d pull out the offending demon and dispatch it with his sword.


    But the acts of the Sky Demon Sect were different.


    These people were born human, yet conducted themselves like monsters. Chen Mu''s tolerance toward the Sky Demon Sect was even lower than for the Heavenly Corpse Sect.


    Looking forward, on the edge of a shattered wooden hut, a pale little hand could be seen. The hand was severed from the base, with bite marks at the point of separation. Judging from the size of the hand, the child could not have been more than seven or eight years old. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "A bunch of beasts."


    Murong Yan''s tone was extremely grim.


    If the Heavenly Corpse Sect''s use of human corpses for refinement was somewhat dismissive of morals and ethics, then the Sky Demon Sect''s actions had completely reversed human decency. Born human yet degenerating willingly and fraternizing with monsters, these people were despicable.


    Other protectors, including Shi Zhenyong and Feng Hongsheng and other elders, also had a glint of coldness pass through their eyes.


    Martial individuals, no matter how high their status or how respected as grandmasters, were ultimately human. As humans, they could not accept the act of using humans as Blood Nourishment. This difference is what distinguishes humans from livestock. The human race rose in ancient times and gradually came to dominate the rivers and mountains, expelling and crushing the primordial demons, relying on the transmitted legacy of Martial Arts, knowledge, and willpower.


    Demons, on the other hand, only believed in the law of the jungle, with no concept of legacy or philosophy, without cumulative development from one generation to the next. Even if the Sky Demon Sect, an evil path, had temporary momentum, it would never be able to rule the world.


    The Seven Profound Sect''s column did not stop, continuing forward on their journey.


    Walking at the rear of the column, Shen Lin, Linghu Shang, and some stewards of the Seven Profound Sect passed by the ruined village, witnessing the appalling scenes, each filled with raging fury.


    What followed was even more shocking and enraging: as they traveled towards Frost County, virtually all the villages they passed, whether they housed hundreds or thousands of people, were scenes of disaster. Many, according to the evidence, had only recently fallen victim to these events!


    Moreover.


    According to some scouts'' reports, many towns in other directions were untouched, only along the path where the Seven Profound Sect''s forces marched, almost all the villages had been slaughtered to emptiness by the Sky Demon Sect.


    This not only infuriated the numerous disciples and stewards of the Seven Profound Sect, but even elders like Shi Zhenyong and Feng Hongsheng struggled to contain their anger. Clearly, this was an intentional provocation by the Sky Demon Sect, a show of force before their arrival in Frost County!


    However, with so many villages decimated, so many lives wantonly slaughtered, laid before their eyes, such actions were simply out of bounds, intolerable to the heavens. Even with their grandmaster stature, they struggled to suppress their fury.


    "Good, very good."


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    Feng Hongsheng''s gaze swept over another village wiped out by massacres; he slowly closed his eyes and upon reopening them, his eyes were calm as still water, but he had made up his mind in his heart. The Sky Demon Sect must pay the price for their actions.


    Chen Mu, following behind Feng Hongsheng and others, also had eyes that grew colder and colder, but in the end, he took a deep breath, calmed his emotions, and slowly said, "The Sky Demon Sect is deliberately provoking us, aiming to enrage us without a doubt. The more they do so, the more we must not let ourselves become disorganized."

 Chapter 284 Action_2

    ```


    Given the power of the Sky Demon Sect, although they also had a measure of confidence to confront the Seven Profound Sect head on, their faction was wholly comprised of Demon Men, who acted solely for personal gain, and their internal structure was even more severely fragmented than that of the Seven Profound Sect. Having battled the Sky Demon Sect for such a lengthy duration, the Ice Extreme Palace was already well aware of their various internal affairs.


    Long before the Ice Extreme Palace had retreated to the Prefectural Government, the Sky Demon Sect, the Heavenly Corpse Sect, and the border Foreign Races had once joined forces to assault the Border Pass, fighting a major battle in collaboration, but since the Border Pass had been breached, the Sky Demon Sect ran rampant in Ice State and seldom gathered in one place again, resembling wild beasts marking their respective territories, with each Venerable occupying various areas of Ice State.


    Currently,


    within Frost County, only three Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect frequently made appearances. One was Li Shimou, known as the Four-armed Demon Venerable, who possessed immense strength in his four arms, with demonic power fully condensed within his physique. The second was Sang Huai, known as the Thousand-face Demon Venerable, highly skilled in the Art of Concealment, often wearing human skin and taking on human form, making it difficult for ordinary people to spot any flaws.


    The last was Xian Yuchen, known as the White Feather Demon Venerable, who, in contrast to Li Shimou, had one of the lightest and weakest physiques among the Demon Venerables. However, he was adept at Flying Escape, remaining hidden, and using demonic power for long-range attacks.


    Any one of these three was not a match for the Grandmasters Feng Hongsheng and Shi Zhenyong, let alone all three of them combined. They couldn''t handle either one of them, so, facing the Seven Profound Sect''s large-scale military advance, they had no plans to confront them head-on, but instead tried to provoke the Seven Profound Sect through some despicable means, hoping to throw them into disarray and defeat them one by one.


    "Indeed, regardless of how the Demon Men act, we shall still proceed to the Frost County Prefectural Government first and meet up with the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Ice Extreme Palace."


    Shi Zhenyong spoke in a deep voice.


    The group quickly moved onward, falling silent along the way.


    As the weakest among this group of people were Martial Artists of the Tendon Changing Realm, their pace was rapid. In only three days, they reached the Prefectural Government of Frost County and joined forces with the people from the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Ice Extreme Palace.


    Frost County Prefectural Government.


    Tan Xiwu, the serving Prefectural Governor and the Great Protector of the Ice Extreme Palace, who had already received the news, came forward to greet them personally.


    "The Seven Profound Sect''s reinforcements for Frost County are deeply appreciated. On behalf of the Ice Extreme Palace, as well as the millions of citizens of Frost County, I thank all the members of the Seven Profound Sect." Tan Xiwu gave a serious salute to Shi Zhenyong and the others. Find more to read at My Virtual Library Empire


    Although the Seven Profound Sect''s aid to Frost County came with its own intentions¡ªhaving made an agreement with the Ice Extreme Palace¡ªit didn''t prevent him from feeling a touch of excitement. Prior to the arrival of the Seven Profound Sect, the Ice Extreme Palace had been strictly defending the State Government Office, effectively ignoring the other counties, and it was only through reliance on his status as the Great Protector listed on the Wind Cloud List, along with tens of thousands of "Ice State Guards" and reinforcement from a group of the Heavenly Sword Sect, that they barely managed to hold the Prefectural Government of Frost County.


    When it came to suppressing the chaos caused by the Demon Men within the county, they lacked the power and had to let them rampage unchecked.


    Now, with the arrival of the powerful Seven Profound Sect and the esteemed presence of the Seven Profound Sect Elders Shi Zhenyong and Feng Hongsheng, the situation in Frost County immediately became stable as an iron fortress. They now had the spare capacity to venture out and eradicate the Demon Men causing havoc in the county.


    "Protector Tan, there''s no need for such formality."


    Shi Zhenyong gestured with his hand and said, "It is our duty as Martial Artists to eliminate the calamities caused by the Demon Men."


    Having heard this, Tan Xiwu was greatly ''moved'' and immediately extended his hand, saying, "Elder Shi, Elder Feng, and all protectors, please come in. The Prefectural Government has made proper arrangements to welcome and refresh you."


    "There''s no need for a banquet. Please, Protector Tan, arrange for someone to accommodate my disciples and the Stewards. We will immediately discuss military matters."


    Feng Hongsheng said.


    Upon hearing this, Tan Xiwu immediately replied and, after summoning a deputy and giving instructions, an array of officials approached and began to accommodate the various disciples and the Stewards of the Seven Profound Sect.


    Chen Mu, Murong Yan, and the others followed behind Feng Hongsheng, heading straight into the hall of the Prefectural Government to discuss affairs.


    Although the Seven Profound Sect also possessed several pieces of information regarding Frost County, involving the Sky Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect, these were, after all, not as clear and detailed as the information held by the Ice Extreme Palace. The two sides exchanged their intelligence in the hall.


    "Despicable acts too numerous to record!"


    Tan Xiwu''s expression darkened considerably and a trace of anger appeared in his eyes after hearing what Shi Zhenyong and the others had encountered on their way to the Frost County Prefectural Government.


    If it hadn''t been for the ferocious Foreign Races at the Border Pass or the existence of a Blood Exchange Realm being, confronting the Ice Extreme Palace''s Supreme Elder from afar and keeping the entire sect from taking any rash actions, the Ice Extreme Palace would not have feared the mere Demon Men!


    What difference would it make if the Sky Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect united?


    It was really the invasion from the Foreign Races beyond the borders that constrained them, preventing the Ice Extreme Palace from mustering the strength to deal with the Demon Men, leading to a chaotic Ice State with rampant demon wrongdoing and disturbances caused by undead corpses.


    "Currently, in Frost County, the most threatening are the three Seventh Rank Demon Venerables from the Sky Demon Sect and ''Ruan San,'' the Elder from the Heavenly Corpse Sect. Ruan San has control of an Earth Corpse, which becomes significantly more troublesome than the three Demon Venerables from the Sky Demon Sect after nightfall. However, during the day, he''s somewhat weaker. Of course, whether it''s day or night, none of them are a match for you two."


    Tan Xiwu outlined the current situation in Frost County.


    Those known to all and exposed in the open were the three Seventh Rank Demon Venerables and one Elder from the Heavenly Corpse Sect who controlled an Earth Corpse. Even the Earth Corpse, at nighttime, still wasn''t a match for Feng Hongsheng and Shi Zhenyong.


    According to Chen Mu''s judgment, Seventh Rank Demon Venerables were stronger than First Tier Grandmasters but slightly weaker than Second Tier Grandmasters. Meanwhile, the Heavenly Corpse Sect Elder manipulating an Earth Corpse during the night would be roughly stronger than a Second Tier Grandmaster but weakened by a third during daylight. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ```

 Chapter 284 Action_3

    "Previously, only I and Feng Jue, the protector of the Heavenly Sword Sect, could oppose them to some extent in Frost County, but now that everyone from the Seven Profound Sect has arrived, we can discuss a plan to assassinate the Heavenly Demon Sect''s Demon Venerable and that Elder of the Heavenly Corpse Sect,"


    Tan Xiwu said, glancing in the direction of Murong Yan and Chen Mu.


    Ranked eighth on the Wind Cloud List, Tan Xiwu was one of the veteran powerhouses, fearless in one-on-one combat against any member of the Heavenly Demon Sect''s Demon Venerables. Feng Jue, the Great Protector of the Heavenly Sword Sect who led their operations in Frost County, was ranked sixteenth on the Wind Cloud List. Although weaker than Tan, he could still hold his ground against a Demon Venerable. Enjoy exclusive adventures from My Virtual Library Empire


    As for Murong Yan, though she had suddenly revealed her "Qian Heaven Domain" more than three years ago and had since claimed the thirteenth spot on the Wind Cloud List, she wasn''t far behind Tan in strength. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although Chen Mu had not mastered a Domain, he had the strength to slay Situ Shu, who was ranked twenty-third on the list with his Cold Soul Blade. His strength was likely on par with Murong Yan, and against a Heavenly Demon Sect Demon Venerable, he should be able to fight with some chance of victory.


    Moreover, with Qian Song and Xu Yang joining forces, they could probably contend with a Demon Venerable. In addition, there were two renowned Grandmasters, Shi Zhenyong and Feng Hongsheng, bolstering their strength in Frost County, making it possible to counterattack.


    "If we can lure them into one place, Brother Shi and I can exterminate them all,"


    Feng Hongsheng spoke in an even tone.


    As a Grandmaster who had perfected his Martial Body and cultivated a Domain, he was naturally among the upper echelons within the Seven Profound Sect''s Grandmasters and had his own pride.


    Tan Xiwu said, "Luring them into one place might be difficult, as the Demon Men of the Heavenly Demon Sect tend to fight independently, and it''s rare for them to join forces... However, if the two Elders could intimidate them somewhat, preventing their reckless actions, then slaying the ordinary Demon Men and Corpse Refinement would be much easier."


    Shi Zhenyong glanced at Feng Hongsheng and said, "We must act without delay."


    With more detailed information on the whereabouts of the Heavenly Demon Sect Demon Men from Tan Xiwu, it was time to move forward. They could begin dispatching teams to hunt down the Demon Men and refine corpses, sweeping the area centered on Frost County.


    About half a day later.


    Forces under the Seven Profound Sect began to set out in batches. Qian Song and Xu Yang led their respective teams, with Tan Xiwu and Feng Jue proactively striking out, while Chen Mu and Murong Yan each took charge of supporting and coordinating in a separate area.


    ...


    Meanwhile,


    In a certain mountain range of Frost County,


    Accompanied by a faint demonic aura, a figure burst through the air, white wings unfurling behind him as he descended from on high, his gaze falling deep into the mountains. It was Xian Yuchen, the Demon Venerable of the Heavenly Demon Sect.


    "The people from the Seven Profound Sect have arrived, including Shi Zhenyong, Feng Hongsheng, and also Murong Yan, Chen Mu..."


    His voice slowly descended into the valley.


    After a brief silence, a deep voice emanated from the valley: "What does that have to do with me?"


    Xian Yuchen smiled faintly and said, "I''m just here to remind you, after all, you can''t fly. If you get caught in their encirclement, there will be no escape."


    "Hmph, I don''t need your white-feathered bird to remind me."


    A cold snort came from the valley.


    Xian Yuchen, speaking indulgently, said, "It''s not so much a reminder¡­ Frost County is so vast, and even if the Seven Profound Sect sends many, they can only divide and conquer. Why not capture a few individuals in the Five Organ and Viscera Realm to serve as Blood Nourishment? Take, for example, the Qiankun Artistic Conception practitioner Chen Mu, who is not even thirty. If you could consume his Five Viscera and Six Viscera, you would probably not be far from your next transformation, right?"


    "Hehe..."


    With a cold laugh, a figure with a red body and four arms finally appeared in the valley, looking up at the circling Xian Yuchen, "That person is on the Wind Cloud List, and his strength is not much different from yours or mine. Capturing him won''t be easy."


    Xian Yuchen said nonchalantly, "Indeed, it won''t be easy, but how can we know there''s no chance without trying? If we can lure this person out, together we can ensure he has no chance of survival."

 Chapter 285 Heavenly Corpse Sect Stronghold

    Since the Seven Profound Sect arrived in Frost County, half a month had passed in the blink of an eye.


    In this half-month, the demon men of the Sky Demon Sect and the members of the Heavenly Corpse Sect that were entrenched near the prefectural government of Frost County had basically retreated in all directions, mainly because they couldn''t organize a relatively complete squad to confront the Seven Profound Sect''s forces.


    Even though the Seven Profound Sect''s arrival in Frost County was not with their full strength, their combination with the local forces of Frost County and a contingent from the Heavenly Sword Sect was far superior to the active demons from the Sky Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect in the region, and with the presence of two grandmasters, Feng Hongsheng and Shi Zhenyong, virtually all demon men above the sixth rank were retreating away from the prefectural government.


    In just half a month.


    Centering on the prefectural government, the demons and refined corpses within a near-thousand-li radius had been basically swept clean, and those that remained were but a few, all hiding and not daring to reveal themselves rashly.


    However, once the Seven Profound Sect''s military forces were dispersed beyond a thousand li from the prefectural government, they began to encounter counterattacks from the Sky Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect. After all, Frost County was very large, and within a few hundred li, the Seven Profound Sect could send orders and have people arrive quickly, but beyond a thousand li, it was not so easy, and everything from communication to intelligence to action became much more difficult.


    If the protectors and stewards led large groups of troops, then the patrol range was very limited, and neither the Sky Demon Sect nor the Heavenly Corpse Sect would engage them directly, retreating as soon as they got there.


    If they spread out too much, insufficient forces would result in a counterattack from the Sky Demon Sect.


    But even so, overall, it was still the Seven Profound Sect that held the absolute advantage, and occasionally, individual disciples who were ambushed and counterattacked by the Sky Demon Sect could not hold out until help arrived, but in the back-and-forth struggle between the two sides, it was still the Sky Demon Sect that suffered greater losses.


    The main advantage for the Seven Profound Sect was the existence of military formations. Although they couldn''t deliver detailed messages, they could call for help within a hundred li, which for protectors at the Six Viscera Realm and someone like Chen Mu meant they could arrive within the time it takes to drink a cup of tea.


    ... sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The vast, frosty plains.


    Dozens of figures were engaged in intense combat.


    One side was made up of people with bizarre shapes and mutations all over their bodies, with various black and red scales and demonic horns, and although they each held weapons and waved them with Martial Arts moves, they were all surging with demonic Qi, clearly a group of demon men from the Sky Demon Sect, including over ten of the fourth rank and three stewards of the fifth rank!


    The other side were disciples of the Seven Profound Sect, all dressed in Inner Sect attire, most of them at the Bone Tempering Realm, struggling and fighting with the demon men. They focused more on entanglement and self-preservation, with damaging the enemy secondary.


    At the same time.


    The two Seven Profound Sect stewards at the center of the battle were no different.


    One of them was Ling Xuan Peak''s steward, Shen Lin, and the other was Shao Profound Peak''s steward, Xie Shiqing.


    It''s worth mentioning that Xie Shiqing was from the Xie Family of Yu County. He was admitted to the Seven Profound Sect for cultivation in his childhood, and not long ago, finally broke through the bottleneck, cultivated the Five Viscera, and was promoted to the position of steward of Shao Profound Peak, after which he was transferred to Frost County.


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    Shen Lin and Xie Shiqing were facing three stewards from the Sky Demon Sect, and despite being outnumbered, they managed to resist the attacks of the three demon men. The two of them together formed a watertight defense, frustrating the three demon stewards from the Sky Demon Sect, who had been attacking for a long time to no avail.


    "No good, at this rate, their reinforcements will arrive," one of the Sky Demon Sect''s three stewards said as they struggled to overcome Shen Lin and Xie Shiqing, and after exchanging glances, retreat sprang into their eyes.


    During this half-month of frequent encounters with the Seven Profound Sect, the Sky Demon Sect attempted to hunt and kill the demon men, and the Sky Demon Sect also sought to kill many disciples of the Seven Profound Sect and consume their flesh to boost their cultivation. The two sides had come to understand each other''s capabilities to some extent.


    The demon men now were well aware that if they didn''t manage to defeat the disciples of the Seven Profound Sect in a short time, the longer the stalemate lasted, the certain arrival of Seven Profound Sect reinforcements would be and the higher the level of those coming to assist.


    Therefore.


    When striking at the Seven Profound Sect members, one must either quickly resolve the issue within a short time, or not delay too much. If they couldn''t succeed rapidly, they needed to retreat swiftly, or else once the high-ranking members of the Seven Profound Sect came to help, it would be too late to leave.


    These demon men were originally lying in ambush here, hoping to kill a group of Seven Profound Sect disciples, but unexpectedly, it wasn''t just one steward who came but both Shen Lin and Xie Shiqing.


    If there had been only one, the three of them joining forces were confident that they could kill one in a short time.


    "Leave, leave," someone shouted first, and then the other two quickly reacted, each stimulating their demonic power and launching a strike at Shen Lin and Xie Shiqing.


    Within the Void, demonic power surged, turning into a ferocious bloody claw, a long green streak, and violent surging blade light, converging and falling, striking at Shen Lin and Xie Shiqing.


    "They''re trying to escape!" Shen Lin immediately realized, but facing the combined strike of the three demon stewards from the Sky Demon Sect, she had no choice but to wield her weapon with all her strength to meet the onslaught and couldn''t bypass it to continue entangling and pursuing.


    Xie Shiqing also reacted similarly, joining hands with Shen Lin to resist the three attacks descending from the Void.


    Boom!!!


    Accompanied by shards of ice shattering.


    By the time Shen Lin and Xie Shiqing had broken through the three attacks, the three demon stewards of the Sky Demon Sect had already split in three directions, escaping dozens of feet away in an instant, leaving those fourth-rank demon men behind.


    The previously entangled and mixed battle between the Seven Profound Sect disciples and the demon men suddenly exploded into chaos, with many demon men losing their fighting spirit and scattering in all directions to flee, while the Seven Profound Sect disciples were invigorated, launching their attacks.

 Chapter 285 Heavenly Corpse Sect Stronghold_2

    ```


    "Stop!"


    Shen Lin let out a clear shout, brandished her sword, and leaped, chasing after one of the Sky Demon Sect stewards.


    Xie Shiqing''s pace slowed for a beat, and after a moment''s hesitation, he decided not to pursue the other two fleeing stewards but turned his attention to the scattering Fourth Rank demon men. Like a tiger entering a flock of sheep, he charged forward and killed several in succession.


    ...


    Meanwhile, Shen Lin relentlessly pursued a steward, both of them speeding across the snowfield until their figures vanished into the vast expanse, soon entering a forested area.


    Shen Lin had made a clear choice. She wasn''t pursuing the strongest or the weakest among the three stewards but the one who was the slowest. She knew that no matter their strength, even if she caught up with them, she would have trouble defeating them quickly. Instead, by pursuing the slowest, as long as she could entangle him, the reinforcements from her Sect would arrive in time to kill him.


    She also carried a military formation disc with her, constantly transmitting her location.


    "Hmph."


    The Sky Demon Sect steward, chased relentlessly by Shen Lin, had a flash of annoyance in his demonic eyes.


    The three had scattered and retreated, but Shen Lin didn''t chase after the others, only him. Although he wasn''t skilled in fast movement techniques and tried to evade left and right, he couldn''t shake her off, and she kept doggedly on his trail.


    Whoosh!!


    A chilling light flashed in his eyes as he abruptly halted, his long blade sweeping horizontally towards Shen Lin, bringing up a swath of dense frost and snow that obscured the nearby view with his demonic power.


    Shen Lin was undaunted and met him with her sword raised. After a brief clash, the Sky Demon Sect steward fled once more. But by using the terrain to kick up the blinding frost and snow, he did manage to hinder Shen Lin somewhat.


    However, S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In a one-on-one situation with no interference, Shen Lin could always lock onto the opponent''s aura and continued pursuing with her sword. She charged through the dense frost and snow, not once losing track of him, still hanging behind him.


    As one fled and the other pursued, they quickly entered a mountain range, covered in endless frost and snow, with a blanket of white stretching as far as the eye could see, dotted sporadically with coniferous forests.


    "Woman of the Seven Profound Sect, you truly have nerves of steel to chase me all the way here."


    The Sky Demon Sect steward in front cried out while fleeing into the mountain range, a cold light shining in his eyes, suddenly shouting, "Heavenly Corpse Sect, move now!"


    Shen Lin''s expression changed slightly, and she immediately stopped, standing her ground.


    At the same time,


    The frost and snow in the valley suddenly shook and shattered, with terrifying corpse fiend energy bursting forth from under blocks of ice. Suddenly, dozens of Evil Corpses emerged from underground, revealing that the place was actually a hidden base of the Heavenly Corpse Sect!


    Some of the Evil Corpses charged at Shen Lin while others assailed the Sky Demon Sect steward. In the deep valley beyond, several black-robed Heavenly Corpse Sect stewards and even a Heavenly Corpse Sect protector could be seen, all with grim expressions.


    "Damn this demon man!"


    Someone couldn''t help but curse under their breath.


    The Sky Demon Sect''s demon man, being chased by a steward of the Seven Profound Sect, did not flee towards the territory of his own Sky Demon Sect, but instead, inexplicably found his way to the Heavenly Corpse Sect''s hidden location, behaving no better than a beast.


    While it was unclear how the Sky Demon Sect knew about their hidden base in the valley, now that one of the Seven Profound Sect''s stewards had been led here, this painstakingly concealed base had to be completely abandoned.


    Although Shen Lin was just one person, a mere Fifth Viscera Realm steward, she could be easily dealt with. The problem was that even if Shen Lin died here, the base''s cover would certainly be blown, and top experts from the Seven Profound Sect would definitely come.


    "Hahahaha."


    The Sky Demon Sect steward, seeing the many Evil Corpses emerge, didn''t hesitate to change direction, not merging with the Heavenly Corpse Sect, but fleeing in another direction instead.


    Knowing the methods of the Seven Profound Sect well, he wouldn''t possibly lead Shen Lin to their Sky Demon Sect''s lair. Not to mention the distance; whether Shen Lin would blindly chase all the way there or not, even if she really did, and the Sect''s high-ranking experts dealt with Shen Lin, the experts from the Seven Profound Sect would likely follow soon after. By then, the entire lair would have to be abandoned!


    This was not a meritorious act but a grave mistake. He would not be able to bear the wrath of the higher-ups later.


    ```


    But leading someone to the territory of the Heavenly Corpse Sect was different.


    After all, it wasn''t his problem if a fellow cultivator perished. It was not long ago that he had accidentally discovered this secluded valley hiding a Heavenly Corpse Sect base while manipulating demonic creatures, and now he was conveniently making use of it.


    With the Heavenly Corpse Sect blocking Shen Lin''s pursuit, he could escape with ease. As for the wrath of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, he wasn''t really afraid, because the movement speed of corpse refinement was always slow, even at the level of Corpse Fiends and Mysterious Corpses, where their speed had greatly increased. But that was only relative to Golden Corpses and Silver Corpses; their actions were still not agile enough.


    "It''s actually a Heavenly Corpse Sect base..."


    At this moment, Shen Lin was watching the Corpse Fiends wrapped in Evil Qi charging towards her, and even higher-level Mysterious Corpses, her eyes flickering with thought. She showed no fear and didn''t immediately turn to flee. Instead, her gaze swept over the number of Mysterious Corpses and Corpse Fiends, and the corners of her mouth curled slightly, showing a hint of satisfaction with her plan.


    Almost as soon as those dozen or so Corpse Fiends enveloped in Evil Qi lunged at her, the vast expanse of frost and snow behind her twisted momentarily, revealing a figure seemingly stepping out from the void, appearing directly in front of her.


    Facing the onslaught of the dozen Corpse Fiends.


    He simply raised his hand, one palm strike.


    The majestic Power of Heaven and Earth surged forth, instantly taking shape in the form of a gigantic, visibly gigantic Palm Imprint that stretched nearly thirty meters, its pattern interwoven with light that seemed to flow like the Qiankun Eight Phases.


    This splendid giant palm came crashing down with a terrifying pressure that took one''s breath away. It landed on those dozen Corpse Fiends, and the first to collide with the giant palm had their robust refined corpse bodies and the surrounding Evil Qi instantly collapse and disintegrate, crushed into mud by the overwhelming power within the Palm Imprint!


    Boom!!!


    With one fell swoop, the giant palm turned more than a dozen Corpse Fiends into dust and left a thirty-meter-long enormous palm mark on the ground of the frost-covered land, sinking several feet deep!


    This scene caused a shock throughout the area. The stewards and protectors of the Heavenly Corpse Sect in the distant valleys all had their expressions drastically change, turning their attention to the silent figure that had appeared before Shen Lin.


    The power to mobilize the Qiankun Eight Phases with a mere gesture, such grandeur, was a feat only one man in Frost County could achieve.


    "Qiankun Power!"


    "It''s Chen Mu!"


    A Heavenly Corpse Sect protector cried out in shock.


    Suddenly, all the stewards and protectors of the Heavenly Corpse Sect wanted to kill the Demon Man from the Sky Demon Sect then and there.


    Being pursued by someone from the Seven Profound Sect was bad enough, but fleeing to their base, and bringing the terrifying existence that was Chen Mu, a top fighter from the Wind Cloud List, who was not an adversary unless one was a Grandmaster!


    "Go, go, go!"


    "Retreat!"


    In an instant, the entire valley erupted into chaos. All of the Heavenly Corpse Sect''s stewards and protectors scattered and fled, with no intention of joining forces to withstand Chen Mu.


    Amidst a violent shaking of the earth, numerous refined corpses emerged from beneath the frost and snow, including Golden Corpses, Silver Corpses, Corpse Fiends enveloped in Evil Qi, and even higher-level Mysterious Corpses. Yet none of these refined corpses showed any intent or posture to engage Chen Mu, instead scattering like birds and beasts to cover for their masters'' escape.


    "Think you can escape?"


    Chen Mu''s indifferent voice cut through the valley like a chilling winter wind, piercing to the bone.


    In almost an instant, he had entered the fray, mowing down his opponents as a tiger among sheep. Whether they were Corpse Fiends or Mysterious Corpses, their powerful refined bodies were like paper before him, each one being smashed to pieces.


    Chen Mu had actually arrived ahead of time while Shen Lin was in pursuit of the Sky Demon Sect steward. Seeing that it was just a Fifth Rank Demon Man who was also fleeing, he had not intervened immediately. Instead, he concealed his presence and followed behind, signaling Shen Lin to pursue to the end to see where the enemy might flee and if they could catch more big fish.


    That was also the reason why Shen Lin dared to pursue alone; her confidence came from him accompanying her all the way.


    As it turned out,


    although they did not catch any big fish, they did not leave empty-handed, instead stumbling upon a Heavenly Corpse Sect base. While the target deviated from their initial plan, dealing with these remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect was still worthwhile for the effort he had made to come here. Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire

 Chapter 286 Annihilate One

    "Poor timing, to have drawn him here,"


    At that moment, the demon man from the Sky Demon Sect was also fleeing, glancing backward at the Heavenly Corpse Sect''s base. He couldn''t help but twitch at the sight, having originally intended to use the Heavenly Corpse Sect to make his escape, but he had not expected Chen Mu to appear suddenly.


    From the look of things, Chen Mu was not just newly arrived, but had been following Shen Lin all along. It was clear he aimed to follow the trail and perhaps uncover a stronghold of the Sky Demon Sect, but instead, he unexpectedly ran into the Heavenly Corpse Sect.


    What a figure Chen Mu was, a top expert nearing the top ten on the Wind Cloud List, an existence nearly comparable to their venerables. With such a terrifying figure trailing behind, fear and chills naturally surged through him, driving him to flee with all his might.


    But,


    Just as he barely managed to break away into the distance, he saw a sword light tearing through the void, its water-like essence undulating atop the blue wind blade. Within it was a wooden long sword, which, though not particularly grand in appearance, possessed a sharpness that seemed to slice through everything¡ªthe Spirit Weapon Peach Divine Sword!


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    Meng Danyun was also there!


    "Not good,"


    The steward of the Sky Demon Sect, his pupils dramatically constricted. But he was unable to evade this strike, only managing to let out a furious cry, pushing his demonic power to the limit, as his body burst open with strands of blood.


    Yet, even so, the demonic power he mustered up with everything he had could not withstand a single slash from the Flying Sword Peach Divine Sword. Almost instantly, he was split and penetrated by the sword light, then suddenly felt the world spinning around him as a line of blood flashed across his neck, and his head flew up into the air.


    "Damn it..."


    A look of unwillingness flashed in his eyes.


    He had done his utmost, leading Shen Lin and Chen Mu to the Heavenly Corpse Sect''s base to draw Chen Mu out to make his move, and then found a chance to escape. Yet, he still failed to get away in the end.


    Thud.


    A head fell to the ground.


    Off in the vast frosty plains, Meng Danyun moved at a great pace, almost as if flying through the air. Her figure lightly touched the white frost without leaving even a trace of footprints. Within seconds, she arrived beside the body of the demon man from the Sky Demon Sect and stretched out her hand to catch the Spirit Weapon Peach Divine Sword as it flew back.


    She then calmly waved her sword at the body of the demon man, slicing it with a network of sword strokes that completely cut the body into countless pieces, blood splattering everywhere.


    It wasn''t that she harbored great hatred for the demon man, wanting to crush his bones and scatter his ashes; rather, the demon bodies of the Sky Demon Sect were special, some of them even capable of living without a head, though they were few. Having often fought with the demon men of the Sky Demon Sect at the border, she was well acquainted with their characteristics, naturally finishing them off without ease only when thoroughly crushed.


    Whoosh.


    After killing the demon man from the Heavenly Corpse Sect, Meng Danyun looked toward the nearby location.


    She saw that the base of the Heavenly Corpse Sect had entirely burst apart, countless Corpse Refinement fleeing in various directions, some directly targeting Shen Lin in their attack to restrain Chen Mu.


    However, Meng Danyun remained calm as she stepped forward, the Peach Divine Sword in hand. With a sweep of her blade, she cleaved several evil corpses wrapped in black mist at the waist.


    After all, she was a True Disciple who had been promoted to protector; her strength was significantly greater than that of the usual Six Viscera Realm practitioners. Although she was relatively new to the Six Viscera Realm, she could hold her own against almost all other Six Viscera Realm individuals with the Spirit Weapon, except for top-tier Six Viscera practitioners like Chen Mu. Even against Chu Jingsui, she wouldn''t be easily defeated in one move.


    "Sister Meng!"


    Seeing Meng Danyun coming over and slaying several evil corpses with one sword stroke, Shen Lin felt a slight relief and was also a bit surprised, saying, "How come you are here too?"


    "I also received your call for help."


    Meng Danyun nodded slightly towards Shen Lin; she had actually been operating near Shen Lin''s squad''s area, investigating trails of the Sky Demon Sect''s demon men. Upon receiving Shen Lin''s distress signal, she immediately came over.


    But her speed was no match for Chen Mu''s, thus he arrived first and did not hasten to make his move. Instead, he followed Shen Lin all the way, eventually fishing out a big catch¡ªa hidden base of the Heavenly Corpse Sect!


    The Heavenly Corpse Sect differed from the Sky Demon Sect.


    The demon men of the Sky Demon Sect acted like wild beasts, often taking the sky as roof and land as bed, with very few fixed bases which served mainly for communication and trade purposes.


    But the Heavenly Corpse Sect was different. The Corpse Refinement technique of the Heavenly Corpse Sect required them to find special regions rich in Earth Fiend energy to achieve the best results; sometimes they even needed to set up the Earth Fiend Formation to harness and conceal the Earth Fiend energy.


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    the bases of the Heavenly Corpse Sect were often long-term occupations, not only hiding many people, but also accumulated many resources. Destroying a base of the Heavenly Corps Sect held much more value than clearing a Sky Demon Sect base.


    Just like years ago in the Purple Mist Mountains in Yu State, there was a base where the Heavenly Corpse Sect had concealed itself for many years, leading the Elder of the Heavenly Sword Sect to personally lead an attack, eventually wiping out the entire nest... of course, that base was much larger than this one.


    Inside, there were even Elders of the Heavenly Corpse Sect who refined Earth Corpses, causing substantial casualties for the Heavenly Sword Sect. This was also one of the reasons why the Heavenly Sword Sect later relentlessly searched for Heavenly Corpse Sect bases across the entire Cold North Path region.


    Meng Danyun''s gaze shifted towards Chen Mu, who had stormed into the base of the Heavenly Corpse Sect.

 Chapter 286 Annihilate Void_2

    Everywhere this person went, neither Evil Corpses nor Mysterious Corpses stood a chance against them, a single swing of the Cold Soul Spirit Blade in their hands would either crush a group of refined corpses into pieces or freeze another batch within frost, shattering them into countless shards of ice!


    Although she was confident in crushing a Mysterious Corpse one-on-one, and capable of killing two at a time, if she had to confront three or four at once, her assurance of victory dwindled, and facing more than five or six would force her to retreat threefold.


    "This is the strength of Junior Brother Chen now, I wonder how it compares to Senior Murong."


    Meng Danyun muttered to herself.


    She had witnessed Murong Yan''s actions before; she was indeed incredibly powerful. Several sixth-rank demon men from the Sky Demon Sect, once enveloped by her domain, were crushed and annihilated in a single strike, left with no power to resist.


    As for Chen Mu, it had been a long time since she''d seen Chen Mu take action. Back in Sha Prefecture, he only showed her half of his Qian Heaven Artistic Conception, and did not go all out.


    Later on, she only heard about the battle at Yunni Sky Peak. It included Chen Mu''s fight against Situ Shu with the Cold Soul Blade. From reports, she knew that after breaking through to the Six Viscera Realm, Chen Mu''s strength had significantly increased. He went from barely making it onto the Wind Cloud List to nearly reaching the top ten. The prowess to slay a seasoned Wind Cloud List fighter like Situ Shu was something she regretted not witnessing with her own eyes.


    From her understanding of Chen Mu,


    even if someone sabotaged his Martial Arts, hindering his progress, he wouldn''t just stagnate. After all, Chen Mu had a period of steady growth after entering the Six Viscera Realm. Furthermore, having acquired the Spirit Weapon, Cold Soul Spirit Blade, his strength was certain to increase by a notch or two.


    However, judging by sight alone, it was difficult for her to discern who was stronger between Chen Mu and Murong Yan. At this level, the gap between such powerful beings wasn''t significant, and without some qualitative change, the differences were minuscule.


    In the arena.


    Chen Mu appeared indifferent, wielding the Cold Soul Spirit Blade as if he were entering an uninhabited realm. At this moment, he did not need to employ the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, because it wasn''t necessary. To crush these Evil Corpses and Mysterious Corpses was as easy as a casual wave of his blade¡ªmere slaughter for him now.


    On the contrary, by borrowing the Cold Soul Spirit Blade and using ice-cold Martial Arts techniques, it was more in line with the Frost County environment, and the effects were also somewhat better. While slaying a batch of refined corpses, he could also use the cold air to affect another batch, slowing their movements. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Chen Mu, don''t be too arrogant!"


    "Mysterious Corpse Disintegration!"


    A protector from the Heavenly Corpse Sect roared, employing some technique. A ghastly light flashed from out of the void. Four or five Mysterious Corpses'' bodies exploded into fragments, along with over a dozen nearby Evil Corpses and a vast number of other refined corpses¡ªall shattering to pieces.


    Simultaneously, the Earth Fiend Formation that had been set up at the Heavenly Corpse Sect''s stronghold also collapsed. The rich evil qi of the buried corpses, which had been restrained underground, surged out wildly, causing the vast snow to seem to fly up from the ground with the tremors.


    Hum!!


    The thick mass of Corpse Fiend qi, crazily converging, eventually formed a giant figure made of evil qi. This figure was immense; wherever the surrounding gray qi touched, whether it was the frost on the ground or the thick rock layers, all began to sizzle and dissolve continuously, displaying terrifying power that made Meng Danyun and Shen Lin, who approached, slightly change their expressions.


    After all, this was a stronghold of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, established over many years. Knowing they could not withstand Chen Mu and defend this stronghold, they completely abandoned it, causing the accumulated rich Corpse Fiend qi to burst forth, which was truly horrifying.


    The figure of Corpse Fiend qi was large, but since it was composed entirely of evil qi, it lacked a physical body, making its movements incredibly sharp. With a heave of its body, it pounced fiercely toward Chen Mu.


    The immense figure had not even landed, and already in mid-air, it turned into a vast expanse of Corpse Fiend qi. Like an umbrella, it covered the sky and sought to envelop Chen Mu within it.


    Chen Mu intended to easily sidestep, but seeing that the vast Corpse Fiend qi was not solely targeting him and that its direction of assault included, apart from himself, Meng Danyun and Shen Lin who were at a distance.


    Although both women sensed something was wrong and immediately began to retreat, Meng Danyun was still alright, but Shen Lin was clearly not fast enough to escape the spread of the Corpse Fiend qi. If he dodged, she would be overtaken in the blink of an eye.


    ```


    "Minor tricks."


    ```


    Seeing this scene, Chen Mu let out a cold snort, knowing that the Heavenly Corpse Sect was deliberately using Shen Lin and others to restrain him, so he didn''t retreat further. Holding the Cold Soul Spirit Blade, he suddenly swung upward with a slash.


    This time, instead of releasing the Cold Soul technique, the dazzling light swirled, gathering the majestic power of Heaven and Earth, and formed a beam of Qiankun Eight Phases light. Beneath the sweeping blade Qi, it was as if a giant brush was painting, its tip skimming across the expanse of the Corpse Fiend Qi.


    Sizzling!!!


    When grandeur met the Corpse Fiend Qi, a sizzling sound was produced as they clashed and frayed against each other.


    Eventually, with the blade Qi exploding, the surrounding terrifying Corpse Fiend Qi was instantly eroded by a third, collapsed, and dissipated, revealing the clear blue sky above once more.


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    "Indeed invincible..."


    A protector of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, with an ugly expression from afar, immediately, like the others, fled into the distance. Meanwhile, they waved their sleeves, causing the scattered Corpse Fiend Qi that Chen Mu had dispersed to barely gather again and lunged at Chen Mu once more.


    Chen Mu snorted coldly. This time, he didn''t waste his energy dissolving the Corpse Fiend Qi, as the remaining power and speed of the Corpse Fiend Qi were evidently much reduced. With Meng Danyun and Shen Lin already retreated to a distance, pursuing other remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect in different directions, he flashed, leaped up, and moved out of the covered area of the Corpse Fiend Qi, then raised the Cold Soul Spirit Blade in his hand and hurled it at the fleeing protector of the Heavenly Corpse Sect.


    Whoosh!


    The blade light tore through the void.


    The face of that protector from the Heavenly Corpse Sect turned dramatically pale, he was sitting on the shoulder of a Mysterious Corpse, escaping into the distance. Without any hesitation, he flipped off it, and the Mysterious Corpse he was controlling roared and punched out to meet the incoming Cold Soul Spirit Blade, trying to stop it. However, upon contact, it was like a mantis trying to stop a chariot.


    The Mysterious Golden Body that was stronger and tougher than mysterious iron was directly penetrated by the Cold Soul Spirit Blade, crushing one arm, through its chest, and also piercing the protector of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, who had just flipped down and couldn''t dodge in time, with a single strike!


    The Cold Soul Spirit Blade skewered the Mysterious Corpse and that protector of the Heavenly Corpse Sect together, flying forward another several dozen yards before slamming into a rock wall, and with a bang, exploded into a cloud of ice mist, freezing the nearby air solid.


    Having lost control.


    Corpse Fiend Qi gathered at the rear stronghold of the Heavenly Corpse Sect rapidly dissipated.


    Whoosh.


    Chen Mu didn''t even spare it a glance. With one step, he had already caught up, raised his right hand, and pulled out the Cold Soul Spirit Blade once again. The Mysterious Corpse and the protector of the Heavenly Corpse Sect skewered by the blade were now frozen into ice sculptures. Accompanying the action of drawing the blade, cracks appeared on their bodies, eventually shattering into pieces.


    This Heavenly Corpse Sect stronghold was not small, even larger than what Chen Mu had initially expected. There were at least dozens to nearly a hundred members of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, and the hidden Corpse Refinement numbered in the hundreds. Even though he had slaughtered nearly two hundred along the way, many more, under the control of their masters, fled in all directions.


    At this moment.


    Meng Danyun and Shen Lin were each pursuing and killing those fleeing members of the Heavenly Corpse Sect.


    Chen Mu also didn''t pause for long. With a flash, he chased after the fleeing stewards and protectors of the Heavenly Corpse Sect. After he completely destroyed the Corpse Fiend Qi within the stronghold, none of the others had any power to resist, and it was carnage wherever he went.


    He chased and killed for nearly half the time it takes an incense stick to burn, extinguishing nearly all the mid-Realm members, several protectors, and more than a dozen stewards who were fleeing in various directions. Chen Mu finally stopped.


    "Phew..."


    Surveying the ravaged valley behind him, Chen Mu exhaled lightly, lowered the Cold Soul Spirit Blade in his hand, and walked toward the nearest corpse to start cleaning up the bodies and check the loot.

 Chapter 287 Underground

    Step, step, step.


    Among the ruins, Chen Mu walked step by step. Everywhere he passed, the corpses of Martial Artists and disciples from the Heavenly Corpse Sect, refined or not, were all shattered to pieces, with occasional trinkets and such falling from their bodies. However, the quality of these objects was too inferior. Chen Mu glanced over them and had no interest in picking them up.


    It wasn''t until he passed by the body of a protector of the Heavenly Corpse Sect that, after the Yuan Gang True Essence shattered the corpse, a jet-black bottle fell out. That''s when Chen Mu finally extended his hand and called out. A trace of invisible Qi Force grasped it and brought it into his hand.


    He removed the lid.


    A rich Evil Qi emanated from within the bottle.


    "Earth Fiend Essence."


    With just one glance, Chen Mu recognized what was inside and promptly put the lid back on.


    This was not a Heaven and Earth Spiritual Item but something refined from the Earth''s Veins. Its uses were not limited to corpse refinement; it could also be utilized in refining Spirit Weapons or even in Body Refining, including some unique formations that consumed such substances.


    This was considered a ''hard currency'' item that could easily be traded, even outside the Seven Profound Sect, through various black-market channels. Refining a single bottle required a great deal of effort, and its value was about half of that of a warm-nurturing Spiritual Object.


    Without even delving deep into the sect''s stores, Chen Mu already found valuables on the bodies. His mood momentarily improved. Currently, he still lacked warm-nurturing Spiritual Objects. Primarily, such items were hard to come by. The Seven Profound Sect''s stock wasn''t plentiful and had already been exhausted by his trades. Now that he had come to Ice State, it was possible to negotiate with the Ice Extreme Palace. Discover stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    If it were usual times, seeking trades with Ice Extreme Palace certainly wouldn''t be as cost-effective as exchanging with the Seven Profound Sect. Although Ice Extreme Palace conducted some trade externally, when it came to Spiritual Objects, their prices would definitely be higher. But now, with Ice State in turmoil and Ice Extreme Palace forced to cooperate with the Seven Profound Sect, even though the terms of their agreement remained unknown, they would mutually benefit from each other for the time being.


    "Brother Chen."


    While Chen Mu was inspecting the remains of the ruins, Shen Lin also returned from another direction. She, too, had gone to pursue and kill some of the Heavenly Corpse Sect disciples. After all, she was once a remarkable presence among the Inner Sect Disciples and had now stepped into the Five Viscera Realm, capable of overcoming Evil Corpses and confident in retreating from a Mysterious Corpse. In the chaos when the Heavenly Corpse Sect scattered, she pursued and killed some of the weaker ones.


    Chen Mu looked toward Shen Lin approaching and nodded slightly, saying, "Sister Shen, you''ve done well."


    Upon receiving Chen Mu''s praise, Shen Lin couldn''t help but smile and said, "It''s all thanks to Brother Chen''s strength. If you hadn''t arrived so promptly, I wouldn''t have dared to chase this far."


    At this point,


    She paused and added, "There are still a few Heavenly Corpse Sect disciples that escaped from my side."


    "It''s of no consequence,"


    Chen Mu said indifferently, "Those who escaped are insignificant characters who can''t stir any trouble. We can slowly exterminate them later on. Besides, even if they''ve escaped, with the corpse refinement destroyed abruptly and their secret refining ground lost, they lack means to pose any threat... Sister Shen, you''ve arrived at a good time. Help me clean up a bit."


    "Yes."


    Shen Lin obediently nodded, then began to help Chen Mu clean up the corpses.


    Before long, Meng Danyun also made her way back. Her eyes fell on the Heavenly Corpse Sect stronghold, and after carefully examining the outskirts, she said, "The Heavenly Corpse Sect must have been entrenched here for at least a decade or two; otherwise, they wouldn''t have accumulated such dense Evil Corpse Qi. However, they collapsed the underground formation earlier, and now everything below is covered with Corpse Fiend, which makes it difficult to go down."


    True to their style, the real stronghold of the Heavenly Corpse Sect wasn''t in the valley but rather underground.


    It''s just that during Chen Mu''s fierce attack, the protectors within the Heavenly Corpse Sect stronghold, seeing no way to cope and unable to hold back, had no choice but to collapse the Earth Fiend Formation, releasing all the Corpse Fiends. Although Chen Mu had eradicated a section of them, once out of control, they again dispersed into the underground, mingling with the Power of the Earth, causing the area within several miles to be enveloped in a dense and gloomy atmosphere.


    Martial Artists below the Five Viscera Realm might not even need to go underground; just staying in this type of environment for an extended period would damage their bodies.


    However, all three individuals present, even Shen Lin, had stepped into the Five Viscera Realm and could afford to linger at the edges with no harm. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "No problem, we''ll clean up as we go in."


    Chen Mu glanced down at the ground, his expression unchanged.


    Even the gathered Corpse Fiends, when manipulated by the protector of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, didn''t frighten him at all. Now, dispersed into the Earth''s Veins, they counted for even less. Although the ground below appeared to have collapsed extensively in his perception, it did not affect his intention to explore further.


    With Shen Lin and Meng Danyun clearing up the debris, Chen Mu didn''t bother with the ordinary corpses. He only cleaned up the bodies of the protectors and stewards of the Heavenly Corpse Sect he remembered slaying. He found a small amount of materials for refining Corpse Fiends, which each had their value, but they weren''t as versatile as the Earth Fiend Essence, resulting in a relatively limited use and consequently impacted the value.


    After a brief cleanup of the bodies of several protectors and stewards, Chen Mu walked toward the interior of the Heavenly Corpse Sect stronghold, no longer looking for an entrance to the underground. His entire being stepped forward. Despite it being firm, snow-covered ground, it was as if a downward staircase had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, allowing him to step down progressively.


    It wasn''t until Chen Mu''s figure disappeared underground, leaving no holes or pits where he entered, the ground remained covered in frost and snow as if what descended was merely a phantom and not a tangible body of flesh and blood.


    This scene left Shen Lin astonished for a moment, causing her to actually run over to the spot where Chen Mu had gone underground to step around a bit, only to find no secret passages leading down, her footsteps still on solid ground.


    It was Meng Danyun who noticed something more profound.


    "Junior Brother Chen''s Qiankun Artistic Conception has reached such a level, no wonder Situ Shu is no match for him,"


    She too went over to the spot where Chen Mu had disappeared and, after carefully investigating, was somewhat awestruck. Although she also knew of the Qiankun Eight Phases, the law that utilizes all things, Chen Mu''s current display of Artistic Conception far surpassed her own mastery.


    Even though she had only comprehended the Artistic Conceptions of Xun Wind and Kan Water and had stepped into the Six Viscera Realm earlier than Chen Mu, focusing more of her energy on these two Artistic Conceptions, the gap between them had not narrowed but rather, it only grew wider.


    To think that Chen Mu was practicing the complete Qiankun Artistic Conception, each advancement was far more difficult compared to her Wind and Water.


    With Chen Mu''s terrifying aptitude, perhaps in not even a decade or two, he might be able to comprehend the Qiankun Domain. By then, he would surely top the Wind Cloud List, and even if he doesn''t become a Grandmaster, he could potentially rival the likes of Feng Hongsheng and Shi Zhenyong.


    ...


    Underground.


    Multi-colored lights flowed around Chen Mu, with the Qiankun Eight Phases circulating and covering every inch of his body, turning the mud and rock layers he passed through seemingly into ''void'', unable to impede his steps.


    He continued downwards for more than ten yards until he finally entered a cavern.


    The cavern was filled with traces of collapse, and grey mists weaved through the air. The thick presence of Corpse Fiend enveloped the surroundings. As soon as Chen Mu stepped in, it sensed the breath of the living and swarmed towards him as if in attack.


    But Chen Mu showed no change in expression, flicking his hand casually. The Power of Qiankun flowed and interwove, streaking through the void in a flash, causing the surging Corpse Fiend to emit a hissing noise as it dissolved and dissipated into nothing.


    Chen Mu paid it no mind and took a few steps forward. After crossing through a collapsed ruin, he saw a figure wearing the black cloak of the Heavenly Corpse Sect lying sideways ahead within the dense grey Corpse Fiend. Underneath the cloak was nothing but a pitch-black skeleton, flesh and blood already dissolved by the Corpse Fiend. It seemed to be a disciple of the Heavenly Corpse Sect who had not managed to escape from below when their Earth Fiend Formation had been destroyed.


    Although the Heavenly Corpse Sect dealt with Corpse Refinement and Evil Qi, they were still made of flesh and blood. Ordinary disciples exposed to high concentrations of Corpse Fiend would be eroded and dissolve just the same¡ªunless they reached the fifth realm of their Corpse Method, which corresponds to the level of the Body Refining Five Viscera Realm, where they could crudely manipulate some Corpse Fiend.


    After all, only the Evil Corpse could initially Solidify Refinement of the Evil Qi, and only the Mysterious Corpse could truly control it at will.


    Chen Mu paused briefly in front of the skeleton, then after a glance, he continued on his way, passing through several more collapsed areas to arrive at a somewhat more open cavern. The presence of Corpse Fiend was even stronger here, and the ground itself was in a swampy state of decay. Within the mire, there were several partially refined corpses, glowing with a gold and silver luster.


    "The Corpse Refinement methods of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, despite flouting morality and ethics, could have their uses if practiced rightly... However, years of association with Corpse Fiend inevitably affect their minds, with worldly concepts fading," Chen Mu mused, shaking his head slightly.


    Just like on the border of Da Xuan, where soldiers fought against the Foreign Race, if some were willing to become refined corpses after death to continue fighting at the Border Pass, that too could be a righteous path. But living in such places of Corpse Fiend for years, just like the Sky Demon Sect''s cultivation of a Demon Body, would gradually lose the essence of humanity, explaining why neither path had produced truly supreme powerhouses.


    Even the reputed Ninth Rank Heavenly Demons and the highest-level Heavenly Corpses of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, who almost reached the level of Blood Exchange Realm, were recorded in some historical accounts as the weakest among those in the Blood Exchange Realm.


    He moved past the ruins and continued forward.


    After passing through another collapsed area, Chen Mu had barely emerged when a resplendent Golden Corpse immediately lashed out at him with a punch, bringing with it a fierce gust.


    Chen Mu remained unfazed. There was a time in Yu County when he first encountered Corpse Refinement, and he was already able to slay Golden Corpses. Now, such a Mysterious Golden Body was no different from an ant in his eyes. He casually slapped it away, and with the Power of Heaven and Earth invoked in his palm, he crushed the entire Golden Corpse into pulp.


    Simultaneously.


    Not far away, a Heavenly Corpse Sect Disciple clad in a black cloak looked at Chen Mu in horror.


    He was one who hadn''t managed to escape in the chaos and was trapped underground by the collapsed stronghold. Fortunately, where he was trapped, the Corpse Fiend was fainter, and he managed to survive by using some methods, but with his strength, he had no means of escape. The way up was blocked, and burrowing through was impossible. His last hope rested on remaining undiscovered until an opportunity to slowly dig his way up presented itself, though he knew the likelihood was almost nil.


    "You... You..."


    Witnessing Chen Mu effortlessly crush the Golden Corpse he controlled, even though it was his first time seeing Chen Mu, he realized that Chen Mu was far beyond what he could contend with, especially seeing him tread with ease through this Corpse Fiend-infested underground.


    Chen Mu''s gaze turned to the Heavenly Corpse Sect Disciple. His tone indifferent, he said, "Where is the Heavenly Corpse Sect''s treasury? Lead the way honestly, and you can keep your life."

 Chapter 288 Harvest

    "Yes, yes..."


    The remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect naturally lacked the spirit of a Martial Artist. At this moment, terrified, they looked at Chen Mu, who repeatedly responded, then couldn''t help whispering softly, "The storage is at the bottom, in the deepest part of the Corpse Fiend Ten Directions Formation. But now that the formation has collapsed, that place has been buried by Earth''s Veins and Corpse Fiend. We need to find a way to draw out the Corpse Fiend Qi before there''s a chance to get close..."


    However, after hearing his description, Chen Mu just gave him a faint glance and said:


    "Lead the way."


    "Yes, yes..."


    The disciple of the Heavenly Corpse Sect dared not defy him, nodding continuously. Then he led Chen Mu deep into the cavern, soon arriving at a collapsed area, where he stopped, looking at Chen Mu somewhat cautiously.


    Chen Mu didn''t speak either. He reached out and grabbed him, stepping forward directly into the collapsed ruins, as if squeezing into a mud swamp. In an instant, he had crossed the collapsed area and arrived at the next cavern.


    The disciple of the Heavenly Corpse Sect was shocked in place, looking back incredulously at the collapsed ruins. Only now did he realize how Chen Mu had reached the underground, his mind filled with disbelief as his Realm was still unable to comprehend Chen Mu''s methods.


    "Show the way." S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu, not wasting words, spoke directly.


    In fact, relying on his own perception, he could also follow the traces to the deepest part of the Heavenly Corpse Sect''s stronghold, but taking someone to lead the way was easier. Moreover, capturing a living person to hand over to Meng Danyun and the others might also interrogate some other information.


    "This, this way."


    The disciple of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, having recovered from his shock, responded submissively and quickly continued to lead the way. Thus, they crossed over seven or eight collapsed areas and passages, heading steadily downward, finally approaching the bottom part of the Heavenly Corpse Sect''s stronghold.


    Accompanied by the sizzling sound inside the corridor, dense grey mist of Corpse Fiend rapidly dispersed and receded as Chen Mu, holding the disciple, stepped into the cavern that was located at the deepest point of the Corpse Fiend Ten Directions Formation.


    This place had been piled up with many boxes, but by now, most of them had been opened; some boxes were completely empty, while others contained various colored ores, unaffected by the Corpse Fiend Qi.


    Shu¨¡.


    With an expressionless face, Chen Mu waved his sleeves, the flow of Qiankun Eight Phases surged, and instantly cleaned up all the Corpse Fiend Qi in the storage, then coldly said, "Clueless of life and death."


    The Heavenly Corpse Sect''s stronghold had gathered Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items over many years, obviously many were taken away, and what was left here wasn''t very precious. The great battle above ground had lasted less than a short period of time; there was no time for anyone from the Heavenly Corpse Sect to flee with the treasures. Yet, the scene here was clearly after the collapse of the Corpse Fiend Formation, someone had infiltrated here and taken away some precious items.


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    Although there seemed no trace inside the entire storage, in Chen Mu''s eyes, it was instantly evident that the flow of The Power of Heaven and Earth at a certain place in the cavern was somewhat peculiar, and the Earth''s Veins were chaotic, indicating someone had escaped from there underground.


    This place was located nearly twenty fathoms underground, even for someone in the Five Viscera Realm, it wasn''t so easy to come and go freely; not everyone could truly perform the ''earth escape'' technique like Chen Mu, they still had to dig to escape.


    Shu¨¡.


    Chen Mu stepped out, following the clearly dug escape path, and didn''t chase too far, only about a few hundred meters, before sensing several auras strenuously escaping into the distance.


    As Chen Mu''s form vanished, landing in an open space, he saw a narrow passage where several Corpse Fiends were desperately digging through the passage, and behind them was a man donned in a black cloak, carrying a bundle, and a steward of the Heavenly Corpse Sect.


    "Chen Mu!"


    The steward of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, sensing Chen Mu''s presence, immediately showed a horrified expression.


    He hadn''t managed to escape underground when the incident happened and was buried by the collapsing Corpse Fiend Ten Directions Formation. But as a steward of the Heavenly Corpse Sect and having refined several Corpse Fiends, he wasn''t likely to be trapped to death underground, still able to move.


    Originally planning to drill to the surface, but thinking Chen Mu was above, going up might not guarantee an escape to the heavens, so he decided to flee underground. He then remembered the treasures of the Heavenly Corpse Sect and, seizing the opportunity of the collapsing formation, controlled the Corpse Fiends to dig all the way to the storage, took the most valuable spiritual items, and then fled continuously.


    Even...


    Worried that Chen Mu might be active above, he didn''t dare to directly dig to the surface, but instead controlled the Corpse Fiends to dig hundreds of meters underground, planning to try escaping to the surface further away, but still ended up running into Chen Mu.


    "Corpse Fiends ruined!"


    The steward of the Heavenly Corpse Sect roared, attempting to resist stubbornly, controlling three Corpse Fiends to emit a mass of black mist filled with Evil Qi, completely stuffing and clogging the entire passage, trying to rely on the terrain to envelop Chen Mu within.


    However, Chen Mu, as if deaf to it, merely raised his hand casually, the nearby Earth''s Veins'' soil flow suddenly vibrated, as if coming to life all at once, contracting and squeezing towards the center, instantly crushing all three Corpse Fiends along with the black mist Evil Qi, and then directly burying them underground, disappearing cleanly.


    Boom!


    The steward of the Heavenly Corpse Sect still tried to escape towards the surface, but was blown away by a casual strike from Chen Mu, and at the same time, the bundle he was carrying also dropped and flew out, caught by Chen Mu with an extended hand.


    "Hmm."


    Chen Mu, with a slight weigh, had not yet opened it, but already sensed several extremely strong spiritual object auras inside, obviously this Heavenly Corpse Sect stronghold had collected many valuable items over the years.

 Chapter 288 Harvest_2

    Chen Mu casually untied the bundle, and at first glance, about twenty or thirty items came into view. They were not all items used for Corpse Refinement, there were also Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items like ''Ji Earth Primordial Essence.''


    After all, the Heavenly Corpse Sect had hidden and collected resources for many years, and even if some Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items were not needed, they would still be gathered as long as they held value. They could be used for setting up formations or traded in the underground black market to exchange for needed resources.


    Although this Heavenly Corpse Sect stronghold did not seem to have very strong individuals, the thirty-plus items, upon Chen Mu''s rough estimate, were worth more than all the resources he had previously plundered from places like the Iron Hand Gang and Cuiyan Mountain Villa combined!


    As long as he exchanged these items for nurturing-type Spiritual Medicines, based on the current system panel requirement for tempering the Six Viscera, he would have more than enough to push his Six Viscera Realm to its limit!


    "It''s a pity there''s no Xuanhuang Stone or any similar treasures."


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly with a trace of regret.


    He was not far from achieving Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster. With sufficient resources, he could break through within months, but to attain grandmaster status without a Spirit Weapon that completely matched him seemed rather unseemly. However, the material required for the Spirit Weapon that aligned with his cultivation of Qiankun Artistic Conception was indeed hard to find.


    He managed to find four types previously, which truly was due to luck. At this Heavenly Corpse Sect stronghold, he didn''t find any new types, not even duplicates. If he could even get a piece of repeated Kunlun Jade or the like, he could trade it for other needed items.


    He packed up the bundle.


    Without lingering, Chen Mu picked up the Heavenly Corpse Sect steward and headed back the way he came. Upon returning to the previously mentioned cellar, he brought them both up to the surface with the Heavenly Corpse Sect disciple he had captured earlier.


    Meng Danyun was waiting on the ground. Although she had also found an entrance to the underground cave, she had not entered. After all, the area was collapsing and filled with Corpse Fiend energy. Her methods were not as efficient as Chen Mu''s. She could get down there, but her exploration progress would not be fast.


    As for Shen Lin, she had already left to gather people to manage the stronghold.


    Once back on the surface, Chen Mu threw both the Heavenly Corpse Sect steward and disciple on the ground and said to Meng Danyun, "I caught two alive. Sister Meng can see if she can get some useful information out of them." Experience new tales on My Virtual Library Empire


    "How are things below?"


    Meng Danyun only glanced at the two demoralized Heavenly Corpse Sect members, who had lost all will to resist, and then turned to Chen Mu, asking.


    Chen Mu briefly explained, "The Corpse Fiend formation has been destroyed. The Corpse Fiend and Earth Pulse''s Power have fused. It''s not easy to move around in the Five Viscera Realm down there, but the Earth Pulse has a suppressing and cleansing effect. In no more than a dozen days, the Corpse Fiends should dissipate for the most part."


    The scope of this stronghold was vast. Chen Mu, who had gone below, simply retrieved the most valuable Spiritual Objects from the storage; he was not particularly interested in the minor details and didn''t intend to sweep through them one by one. He left that job to the Seven Profound Sect disciples to slowly excavate over time.


    Chen Mu was not very stingy with Meng Danyun, asking directly, "I found some valuable items down there. Does Sister Meng need anything?"


    With those words,


    he opened the bundle.


    However, Meng Danyun took a cursory look and then slightly shook her head, saying, "I don''t need anything at the moment, and the tempering of the Six Viscera Realm isn''t urgent. At this realm... well, it''s still mainly about accumulation."


    For her, reaching the Six Viscera Realm was a stage that called for more accumulation than the Five Viscera Realm. Without breaking through the Mysterious Pass or realizing a Domain, it was hard to see any qualitative change. Consuming nurturing-type Spiritual Medicines would only speed up the tempering of the Six Viscera a bit, with no substantial change, a common scenario for most cultivators.


    "Brother Chen, don''t be too hasty in tempering your Six Viscera. Excessive tempering can easily cause internal damage and is not worth the loss. I know you want to improve through Six Viscera tempering to deal with the erosion of Demonic Qi as soon as possible, but it''s better to be safe."


    Meng Danyun suddenly thought of something and couldn''t help but remind Chen Mu.


    She remembered the last time she went to the sect to exchange for nurturing-type Spiritual Medicines; they had run out because Chen Mu had taken them all. She was somewhat surprised at the time, and recalling this matter now, she reminded him that the focus in the Six Viscera Realm should be on ''nurturing.'' Overdoing it might not be beneficial, and if internal damage led to an unstable foundation, it would take even more effort to rectify.


    "Thank you for the reminder, Sister Meng. I know what I''m doing."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly at Meng Danyun and packed everything up.


    He had never rushed the Six Viscera tempering, following the same approach as when he tempered the Five Viscera, repeatedly tempering and giving the Six Viscera time to slowly adapt. Otherwise, he could have reached 90% progress a long time ago.


    By now, it had almost been a year since he stepped into the Six Viscera Realm, and it had taken this much effort just to reach this stage. Of course, even so, compared to the average person tempering the Six Viscera, he was still a bit faster.


    "Hmm."


    Meng Danyun nodded slightly.


    Actually, Chen Mu had surpassed her in all aspects nowadays, including the understanding of heaven and earth, among others. The only thing she worried about was that Chen Mu might lose his measurement due to distractions. As long as Chen Mu could stabilize his cultivation, that would be good.


    In terms of talent and cultivation, she had been through one thing after another, and had always had full faith in Chen Mu. Even though the people of the world now believed Chen Mu''s path to becoming a grandmaster to be remote, she had a strange feeling ever since she reunited with Chen Mu previously, thinking that he would still become an unparalleled grandmaster in the future, and would not stop at the Six Viscera Realm.


    Nonetheless, this thought flashed by only for a moment.


    Even if it turned out as she had imagined, that would be a matter of many years later. There was no need to consider these issues right now. At least in the current situation, it was much safer for Chen Mu, who was no longer the object of many people''s apprehension in the Cold North Path.


    ...


    Frost County, Prefectural Government.


    After annihilating a base of the Heavenly Corpse Sect and deploying a batch of Seven Profound Sect disciples to search through the nearby mountains to ensure they were thoroughly cleared, Chen Mu quietly returned to the Prefectural Government alone.


    The system in Ice State was very similar to that of Yu State, also controlled by the Ice Extreme Palace, encompassing everything from officials at the State Government Office down to the bureaucratic clerks in the Prefectural Government. Frost County also had an Inspectorate, a Demon-Slaying Office, and other Yamen.


    However.


    After Ice State fell into chaos, these Yamen were no longer as clearly separated. They were all dispatched and assigned by the Prefectural Governor of Frost County, Tan Xiwu. Previously, the focus was on defending the Prefectural Government, but now it was on pursuing and eliminating Demon Men everywhere.


    "Protector Chen?"


    At this moment, Tan Xiwu was not inside the Prefectural Government. The one in charge of the government affairs was a protector from the Ice Extreme Palace. Seeing Chen Mu arrive, he was slightly surprised but quickly offered a salute with a clasped fist.


    Although they were both protectors, Chen Mu, as a figure on the Wind Cloud List, held a different status.


    "I cleaned up a base of the Heavenly Corpse Sect and acquired some resources. I wonder if you could trade for some needed items here."


    Chen Mu stated his intention straightforwardly.


    Upon hearing this, the Ice Extreme Palace protector Leng Zhan was not too surprised and smiled, saying, "With Protector Chen coming to aid Ice State, naturally we should open the doors of convenience. May I know what Protector Chen requires?"


    "Do you have any warming and nourishing type Spiritual Objects?"


    "Hmm, we do have some, but not many. There are only four portions here at the Prefectural Government."


    Leng Zhan was slightly surprised but still responded.


    In the current times of war, the generally required resources were mostly for healing and recuperating, and such nourishing items were particularly scarce, especially those effective for the Six Viscera Realm, they were extremely rare. He was even considering how to appropriately respond to Chen Mu if he asked for them, but warming and nourishing type Spiritual Objects were still somewhat more abundant.


    After all, in these chaotic times, enhancing the progress of tempering the Six Viscera didn''t mean much. It wasn''t as crucial as some Spiritual Medicine that could quickly heal injuries, or even regenerate flesh and bones.


    The batch of warming and nourishing type Spiritual Objects was actually six portions, from a ''Six-petal Snow Lotus'', with each petal being one portion. They were unexpectedly discovered during a disturbance in the Earth''s Veins at Frost County and were meant to be delivered to the Ice Extreme Palace. However, due to the chaos in Ice State, it had been kept in Frost County, and two petals had since been used, leaving only four.


    "Four portions, huh."


    Chen Mu kept his expression unchanged, but was slightly astonished deep down; he had assumed that in a Prefecture City like Frost County, there might not be any warming and nourishing type Spiritual Objects, and perhaps it would require a risky trip to the Ice Extreme Palace. Unexpectedly, there were four portions right here. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Leng Zhan also knew that Chen Mu, being a figure on the Wind Cloud List, was an important person assisting the Ice Extreme Palace against the Sky Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect. He immediately said readily, "Actually, those four portions come from a ''Six-petal Snow Lotus'', with only four petals remaining... If Protector Chen has equivalent other Spiritual Objects, I can make the decision to exchange them with Protector Chen."

 Chapter 289 Frost North

    Since he was not within the Seven Profound Sect, Chen Mu was not suited to request the inventory of goods from the Ice Extreme Palace, but he only needed warming spiritual objects. He had no other major needs and promptly arranged a portion of his previous gains to exchange with Leng Zhan for what he needed.


    After securing the items he needed, he did not stay longer and quickly left the County Government, returning to the area he was responsible for overseeing. He continued to govern the disciples under the Seven Profound Sect, investigating and eliminating the Sky Demon Sect and Heavenly Corpse Sect. S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    Frost County.


    Frost North County Government.


    This was a county located in the northernmost part of Frost County, and also the one most heavily afflicted by demon turmoil. Previously, when Frost County had insufficient military strength and could only defend the prefectural government, the county government was almost entirely abandoned.


    The entire Frost North County was in a state of panic, with demon men entering and exiting the county government almost as if entering a no-man''s land, wantonly abducting city maidens and even vigorous martial artists, turning them into their food, and causing great fear whenever demons were mentioned.


    However, now,


    after nearly more than a month, the Seven Profound Sect''s cleanup of the entire Frost County finally reached here.


    Outside the Frost North inner city county yamen, the County Magistrate of Frost North and numerous officials were all lined up, looking somewhat excitedly at the distant figures of the Seven Profound Sect''s members approaching.


    Not until Chen Mu and Murong Yan came near did the Frost North County Magistrate immediately rush towards them with a deep bow, saying in a respectful voice, "Acting County Magistrate Lin Yong, along with the officials of the county, warmly welcome Lord Chen, Lord Murong."


    "Magistrate Lin, there''s no need for such formalities."


    Chen Mu responded calmly.


    Since joining the Seven Profound Sect and temporarily stepping down from official status, he had rarely heard the term "Lord," as most addressed him as "Protector." But the current Lin Yong was clearly not a disciple of the Ice Extreme Palace, his vitality was weak, and he seemed as if he had never practiced any martial arts, perhaps not even reaching the realm of Skin Toughening.


    Logically, during chaotic times, a local official should be a strong person in power, but Frost North County was managed by a common individual, for only one reason: the previous County Magistrates were eliminated by the Sky Demon Sect.


    As he knew,


    since the demon turmoil in Ice State began, there had been five successive County Magistrates of Frost North County who either disappeared or were killed. The most rampant period for the demon men was when they blatantly attacked into the county yamen, killed the County Magistrate on the spot, tore out his heart, and took it with them¡ªa horrific act.


    This was also why, disciples of the Ice Extreme Palace or individuals of some capability no longer dared to accept the position of the County Magistrate, resulting in Lin Yong, who lacked martial skills, acting as the County Magistrate. Lin Yong himself was also always uneasy. On one hand, he was previously a minor official and had no martial skills, and the position of County Magistrate did not give him much power. Moreover, with persistent demonic turmoil, the County Government was almost defenseless against demons, and with numerous predecessors as dire examples, he was always on edge.


    Fortunately,


    after the Seven Profound Sect arrived in Frost County, the situation finally greatly improved!


    Seeing the arrival of Chen Mu and Murong Yan, both renowned strong individuals on the Wind Cloud List and famously powerful in the Cold North Path, leading a group from the Seven Profound Sect, even Lin Yong could hardly suppress the excitement in his heart, wishing to repeatedly shout, "Chen Mu is here, the county government is safe now, Murong Yan is here, justice is restored."


    With these two powerful figures arriving at the county government, the demon men of the Sky Demon Sect could no longer wreak havoc as they pleased.


    The numerous officials behind Lin Yong also immediately knelt down and bowed deeply, similarly unable to contain their excitement. The harrowing days of the past were simply unbearable.


    Murong Yan spoke calmly,


    "Everyone, please rise."


    Murong Yan, born into the Seven Profound Sect, had never held an official role locally and was not skilled in administration, casually greeting Lin Yong and the others before asking Lin Yong to arrange accommodations for her to rest.


    Frost North County was the northernmost county of Frost County, and further north would be another prefectural boundary. Currently, the Seven Profound Sect had no plans to station in other prefectures, and due to this strategically crucial location, she would be staying in the Frost North County Government for a short while. Chen Mu would do the same.


    Meanwhile, in Frost County, although several strongholds of the Heavenly Corpse Sect had been eradicated and many demon men of the Sky Demon Sect had been slain, the losses among the upper echelons of both sects were not significant. The three Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect were still without trace, and the Elder of the Heavenly Corpse Sect also remained unseen.


    Whether they had temporarily withdrawn from Frost County or were hiding somewhere, they were always a hidden danger.


    Compared to Murong Yan, Chen Mu had indeed served in many local government positions from the bottom up. During the natural disasters in Yu County, he often intervened in county affairs, and now things were not much different, except the situation was worse, with human malice greater than natural disasters. Stay connected through My Virtual Library Empire


    Inside the county yamen,


    Chen Mu stood there, listening to Lin Yong, who respectfully stood by his side, giving his report.


    "...So, it''s roughly like this, is it?"


    "Yes, these are the losses throughout Frost North County. This officer truly feels powerless, and has been hoping for higher authorities to replace me, but they never gave permission, forcing me to remain in this position. This officer really doesn''t have the capability to govern a county. Now that Lord Chen has arrived, perhaps a suitable candidate can be appointed."


    Lin Yong spoke with a distressed expression.


    In fact, from a background perspective, Chen Mu was a Sect Protector of the Seven Profound Sect and, in terms of position, he was the Inspector of Yu State, having no actual jurisdiction over Ice State. However, during this period of demon turmoil, obviously no one cared about these distinctions. Since Chen Mu had arrived at the Frost North County Government, and before other high-ranking officials from the Ice Extreme Palace arrived, it was inevitably to be temporarily managed by either Chen Mu or Murong Yan.

 Chapter 289 Frost North_2

    After listening to Lin Yong''s words, Chen Mu pondered for a moment before speaking, "No, I think you''re doing quite well as the acting County Magistrate, so let''s not make any changes for now. You''ll be responsible for handling the various aftermath issues of the losses in Frost County. Just go ahead and issue orders. If anyone refuses to comply, tell them it''s my command."


    Although Lin Yong had no martial arts skills, his report on the various losses was detailed and accurate, responding to each point without omission. He also had a comprehensive understanding of the various affairs within the county. Based on their brief interaction, Chen Mu saw no problems with Lin Yong managing the county, except that due to his lack of martial arts skills, he had always been assisting as a minor official under the County Magistrate.


    In fact, most places nowadays operated in a similar manner, including Yu State, where people with martial prowess held official positions, while those with actual governance abilities assisted as minor officials at their side.


    "This..." Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s words, Lin Yong was momentarily lost for words.


    Originally, he had been temporarily pushed into the position, and now that Chen Mu had arrived and peace returned to the county government, it seemed natural to expect a replacement. He did not expect Chen Mu would let him continue in the role.


    "But, my abilities are indeed limited..."


    "There''s no need to be modest. No one from Ice Extreme Palace has come over for the time being, so I''m the one in charge here. Before any orders come down from above, you will act in the position of County Magistrate."


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly, addressing Lin Yong firmly.


    In truth, it is easy to invite a deity but difficult to send one away. He did not know what terms were negotiated between Ice Extreme Palace and Seven Profound Sect, but after Seven Profound Sect''s arrival in Ice State, even if the future stabilizes from the demon chaos, they would certainly not simply return to Yu State. Even if they did not directly take over Frost County, they would surely divide and rule it with Ice Extreme Palace, just as Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, Blood Hidden Pavilion, and other sects set up in Yu County.


    "Yes, I will do my utmost," replied Lin Yong, finally accepting the role as Chen Mu''s tone left no room for question.


    In fact, having Chen Mu''s approval to oversee everything as County Magistrate was something anybody would long for; after all, with Chen Mu''s endorsement, things were completely different. Even without martial arts skills and just being a stand-in, he would now truly be able to direct all parties under Chen Mu''s name and become a County Magistrate with real authority.


    "Alright, if there are other important matters, report to me. As for the previous issues, you handle them at your discretion. You should have prepared a place for me to rest in the county government, right?" Chen Mu nodded to Lin Yong before speaking.


    Lin Yong hastily replied, "Yes, I''ll take you there right away." Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire


    "No need, you go handle the county''s affairs. Have a minor official take me there," said Chen Mu casually.


    Lin Yong thought to himself that he was a minor official, but having served his superiors for many years, he quickly understood Chen Mu''s character: decisive and unequivocal. He respectfully complied and called someone over.


    The minor official was even more cautious in front of Chen Mu, not daring to show any negligence. He bowed his head and led Chen Mu out of the county office, walking behind the buildings for a while before arriving at a courtyard.


    "Alright, you may leave now," Chen Mu said as he stepped into the courtyard, dismissing the minor official behind him.


    The minor official quickly replied, "Yes, my lord. If you have any orders, just call..."


    Though Chen Mu was from Yu State, for a minor official like him, a high-ranked figure on the Wind Cloud List was a figure of great importance whom he rarely saw; naturally, his words were filled with respect.


    Watching the minor official leave, Chen Mu walked into the courtyard. Although it was not very spacious, it was impeccably clean, and the doors and windows were delicately carved, primarily featuring rosewood, clearly arranged with discriminating taste.


    "My lord, would you like to bathe? The hot water has been prepared for you," said several servant girls, standing in front of the bedroom, all around fifteen or sixteen years old and absolutely lovely in appearance. The one leading them, upon seeing Chen Mu approach, did not dare to look up directly at him, instead greeting him with a careful bow and question.


    Chen Mu spoke with an even tone, "No need, all of you may leave. If there are any matters, report from outside."


    Having traveled back and forth since arriving in Frost County, although he had not encountered any troublesome difficulties, it certainly had been hard work. However, he currently had no interest in indulgence; he still needed to continue tempering his Six Viscera and cultivating the Martial Arts.


    As he walked into the room, he heard the young maids who had responded earlier retreating to the outer courtyard; from there, subdued exclamations of surprise could be heard.


    "Is he the ''Qiankun Blade'' from the Wind Cloud List? A big figure in the Martial World, actually showed up here."


    "I heard he''s the number one of the younger generation across the entire Cold North Path of Eleven State, just over thirty this year, and he''s already comparable to many legendary figures in the rumors."


    "He''s even more handsome than I expected."


    The young maids probably thought their hushed voices wouldn''t reach Chen Mu''s ears once they reached the outer courtyard, but in reality, their whispers didn''t escape him at all.


    However, he wasn''t angered by the maids'' behind-his-back discussions, responding merely with a slight smile, before he stopped paying attention to them. Upon reaching his bedroom, he took out three Ice Crystal Lotus Leaves, as shimmering and translucent as petals.


    Nurturing spiritual objects, six-petaled Snow Lotus.


    He had obtained the four remaining portions of the six-petaled Snow Lotus from Leng Zhan, used one portion about half a month ago, and now that he had arrived at Frost County, he had three portions left¡ªhis Six Viscera had almost become accustomed to it.


    Given the current situation, he would have to stay in Frost County for a considerable period. Although there was no need for too much travel, this was like openly presenting himself to the Sky Demon Sect and Heavenly Corpse Sect. While ordinary Venerables posed no fear to him, the two Eighth Rank Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect, renowned figures on par with top Grandmasters like Qin Mengjun, were still a threat to him.


    He was not yet powerful enough to act unopposed in Ice State; he needed to increase his strength as quickly as possible.


    [Six Viscera Sutra (95%)]


    [Experience: 0 points]


    On the system panel, his Six Viscera Tempering had reached 95%, having progressed a bit more and inching closer to its limit. The remaining three portions of ''six-petaled Snow Lotus,'' once used, should bring him close enough.


    He still had some spiritual objects in his possession that he hadn''t sold yet. Although he could no longer exchange for nurturing spiritual objects in Frost County, he planned to make another trip to Seven Profound Sect if necessary. For the current Chen Mu, traveling to and from Yu State wouldn''t take long.


    Chen Mu looked over the status of his other cultivation practices.


    [Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal (Fifth Layer)]


    [Experience: 573 points]


    To advance each layer of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, a fixed amount of 1000 points of experience is required, but gaining experience becomes harder with higher levels, especially before completing the sixth deduction of the Qiankun Artistic Conception, the efficiency of cultivating the Wheel Seal was very low.


    Only after delving deeper into Qiankun Artistic Conception did his cultivation of the Wheel Seal finally start to become efficient, slowly approaching ''The Sixth Layer.'' This layer represents the culmination of application of the Power of Heaven and Earth in the Martial Arts Domain.


    [Falling Flowers without Trace (Second Layer)]


    [Experience: 972 points]


    The skill Falling Flowers without Trace also requires 1000 points of experience for each layer. Although progressing from the second to the third layer is quite challenging, his continuous cultivation has brought him close to crossing into the Third Layer.


    According to Chen Mu''s judgment, if he mastered Falling Flowers without Trace to the Third Layer, the final one, along with the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal at the Sixth Layer, he could perhaps create a ''Domain Embryo Form'' within a three-foot radius of himself!


    The difference between a Domain Embryo Form and an actual Domain is stark.


    The most evident distinction being, when he covers himself with a Domain Embryo Form, he can at most become light as a feather, almost intangible. To float in the air still requires leverage, but with a real Domain, like that of Qin Mengjun, he would be able to float without outside forces, allowing his fleshly body to truly rise above the ground.


    Floating is time-consuming and energy-draining, and not as fast. It''s inferior to his speed on the ground when using the Abyssal Ground Shrink movement technique. However, with a fully formed Domain, he would be able to move through air as swiftly as the Abyssal Ground Shrink.


    Chen Mu quickly gathered his thoughts.


    He gently picked up a piece of Snow Lotus, placed it in his mouth, where upon contact, it melted like ice and snow, quickly turning into a cool breath that flowed down and settled in the hollows of his viscera.

 Chapter 290 Skill Approaches the Tao

    As the Snow Lotus entered his belly, Chen Mu, without any hesitation, summoned the system panel and directly assigned the accumulated Experience Points on the panel to the cultivation of the Six Viscera Sutra.


    Just like in the past, under the operation of the system panel, the nurturing power contained within a petal of Snow Lotus was almost completely infused into the Six Viscera without any loss, tempering each part separately, making his Six Viscera gradually transition from cool to warm.


    Unaware of how much time had passed. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu summoned the system panel once again to check.


    [Six Viscera Sutra (96%)]


    [Experience: 23 points]


    The remaining experience was not enough to continue the advancement, just like the last time, and Chen Mu did not rush to consume more Snow Lotus continuously. The closer he got to the limit of the Six Viscera, the more cautious he became in his cultivation. His Six Viscera Tempering had reached a level unimaginable to ordinary people, with his body almost containing up to fifty portions of Yuan Gang True Essence!


    People like Feng Hongsheng and Fu Jingyuan, Grandmasters among the strong, to reach Perfection in their Martial Bodies, were roughly at this level.


    "Huh..."


    After completing another round of tempering of the Six Viscera, Chen Mu did not waste any time or energy and once more closed his eyes. He slowly mobilized the Yuan Gang Force within his body, making it flicker in and out of visibility, merging into the heavens and earth around him at times, and at others circulating with his Inner Breath.


    He was cultivating the secret technique, Falling Flowers without Trace.


    In reality, for ordinary people to cultivate this secret technique to the Third Layer was very difficult, considering achieving the Third Layer meant almost being able to display a ''Domain Embryo Form''-like ability. Many in the Six Viscera Realm would need to practice for decades to reach it.


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    His fellow sect members, such as Chu Jingsui and Meng Danyun, also practiced this skill. However, Meng Danyun had only just barely reached the First Layer, while Chu Jingsui, after nearly twenty years, was still on the Second Layer and had yet to touch the Third Layer. Otherwise, his strength would have advanced further, truly approaching the figures at the bottom of the Wind Cloud List.


    ...


    Time flew by.


    In the blink of an eye, a month and a half had passed.


    During this month and a half, the days Chen Mu experienced were unusually calm. Ever since he took charge of the Frost County Government, the Demon Men and remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect around him had quieted down considerably, and there were hardly any requests for assistance directed at him.


    It seemed that both the Sky Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect knew with him and Murong Yan, two high-ranking experts from the Wind Cloud List, stationed in the Frost County Government, it was not suitable to strut around with impunity, and most of them reined in their behavior as much as possible. In contrast, the strife continued unabated in other domains.


    In the courtyard.


    Chen Mu was standing under a pine tree, with his hands clasped behind his back.


    By his side was his junior sister from the same peak, Shen Lin, who was reporting to him on the various conditions of Frost County.


    "...Zuo Qianqiu seems to have stepped into the Viscera Realm and encountered a Venerable of the Sky Demon Sect in Frost East County. Relying on the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram, he managed to hold on for more than ten moves, and that Venerable from the Sky Demon Sect did not dare to entangle for too long and eventually withdrew," Shen Lin said, blinking.


    In today''s Frost County, aside from attention-grabbing figures like Chen Mu, Murong Yan, and high-ranking experts from the Wind Cloud List, as well as Elders like Shi Zhenyong, Zuo Qianqiu, and Zhou Hao from the younger generation also drew the spotlight.


    There was no need to mention Zuo Qianqiu; before Chen Mu''s meteoric rise, he had been considered the leading figure among the young generation in Cold North Path. Even after being defeated by Chen Mu with the Qiankun Artistic Conception, he did not lose heart but instead refocused his will, rapidly growing in a short amount of time. Now at only twenty-nine years old, having stepped into the Viscera Realm, his strength drastically increased, and with the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram, he could almost exhibit the true strength of those on the Wind Cloud List!


    After all, existences like the Venerables of the Demon Sect, in terms of strength, were basically on par with the top ten of the Wind Cloud List. Being able to withstand a few moves from them, without being instantly defeated, would require one to be on the List themselves.


    Without a doubt.


    Zuo Qianqiu was also the fastest advancing individual in terms of cultivation and strength among the young generation of Cold North Path, aside from Chen Mu.


    "Hmm, being able to hold up against a Venerable of the Sky Demon Sect does indeed qualify for the Wind Cloud List standard. However, his strength still largely relies on the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram; he''s not yet strong enough to be ranked on the List by himself," Chen Mu commented casually after listening to Shen Lin''s report.


    Individuals like Yan Jingqing, with just a Spirit Weapon in hand, could be ranked at the bottom end of the Wind Cloud List. However, Zuo Qianqiu needed to wield the Superior Grade Spirit Weapon, the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram, to exhibit such combat power, which naturally showed a gap. At least for now, if the Wind Cloud List were to be re-ranked, Zuo Qianqiu would most likely still not be on it, probably around the level of individuals like Fire Cloud Master and the Group Leader of the Iron Hand Group.


    Shen Lin smiled radiantly and said, "Even if he could ascend the Wind Cloud List on his own strength, he wouldn''t be a match for Brother Chen. Next time the List is arranged, you should be able to rank within the top ten of the Wind Cloud List."


    On the Wind Cloud List, aside from the top three, the gaps between people after that weren''t significant, but with a separation of seven or eight places, the disparity in strength begins to become noticeable. For example, Chen Mu was able to slay Situ Shu, who was ranked twenty-third.


    "Perhaps," Chen Mu replied, smiling indifferently to Shen Lin''s words.


    Shen Lin blinked, thinking that Chen Mu had been able to slay Situ Shu quite early on, having nearly the standard of the top ten. Although the figures in the top ten of the Wind Cloud List all had great renown, in another year, Chen Mu might be able to displace one of them.


    "Brother Chen, who do you think is stronger, you or Protector Murong?" Shen Lin thought for a moment and asked.


    Nowadays, Chen Mu and Murong Yan were the two staunchest figures below the Grandmasters of the Seven Profound Sect. Chen Mu practiced the powerful Qiankun Artistic Conception, while Murong Yan was an old powerhouse in the Viscera Realm who had comprehended the Qian Heaven Domain, ranked thirteenth on the Wind Cloud List.

 Chapter 290 Close to the Way_2

    Both individuals were stationed at the Cold North County Government at present, and though both had taken action since the demon chaos began, currently, there had not been a fight that truly tested their comparative strengths.


    Many from the Seven Profound Sect were curious about who was stronger now, Chen Mu or Murong Yan.


    After all, Chen Mu was currently ranked twenty-seventh on the Wind Cloud List, considered close to the top ten in terms of battle achievement in the eyes of the public, while Murong Yan was directly ranked thirteenth, just three ranks away from the tenth, indicating the actual gap was not very significant.


    "Protector Murong has been devoted to studying the Artistic Conception for decades, eventually transcending and achieving the Qian Heaven Domain, and his depth of comprehension of Artistic Conception is even above mine," Chen Mu thought for a moment, then responded.


    Upon hearing this, Shen Lin immediately became thoughtful.


    She was very intelligent, instantly picking up on the underlying meaning. Chen Mu had only spoken about the depth of understanding the Artistic Conception, with Murong Yan being more profound, but had not commented on the actual strength, which likely meant he was subtly implying that he was a bit stronger.


    Chen Mu watched Shen Lin''s expression and smiled lightly, choosing not to say more. In fact, if it were not for the fact that Murong Yan''s and his master Qin Mengjun''s practices were both of the Qian Heaven Domain, and he had already experienced the power of Qin Mengjun''s Qian Heaven Domain, he might have sought a spar with Murong Yan to gain more insight on the domain and the techniques of manipulating The Power of Heaven and Earth during combat.


    But because he had experienced the Qian Heaven Domain, it was no longer necessary.


    In terms of the depth of Artistic Conception, he was not comparable to Murong Yan. As for strength, the current him could probably defeat five or six Murong Yans, but more than that was uncertain, especially as he had yet to step into the realm of Grandmaster.


    "Lord Chen, County Magistrate Lin has come to visit,"


    At that moment, a respectful report came from outside.


    Chen Mu nodded and said, "Good, let County Magistrate Lin come in."


    At this time, Shen Lin also respectfully bowed to Chen Mu, saying, "Brother Chen, please handle your matters. I have finished my report and will not disturb you further."


    "Mm."


    Chen Mu watched as Shen Lin exited the courtyard, then County Magistrate Lin Yong walked in, beginning to report about the various damages around Cold North County, as well as the countermeasures, to Chen Mu.


    For the past month and a half, Chen Mu had mostly been training and only occasionally paid attention to the disaster conditions in Cold North County. Knowing that Lin Yong was handling various matters adeptly, he let him take charge.


    After Lin Yong finished his report, Chen Mu nodded toward him and said, "Good, there''s no problem. Go ahead as planned, and come to me if there are any obstacles."


    "Yes, then this subordinate will take his leave." S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Lin Yong bowed respectfully and then left the courtyard.


    Finally, with tranquility restored in the courtyard, Chen Mu exhaled softly, looked up at the pine tree, and suddenly gently raised his hand, performing the starting pose of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, but upon completion of the motion, there were no traces or marks, as if nothing had appeared.


    He didn''t stop moving, continuing to practice one technique after another, as if he were merely a common martial artist demonstrating technique, nothing during his movements invoking any The Power of Heaven and Earth, nor was there any Yuan Gang True Essence appearing; it seemed utterly ordinary.


    But.


    As time gradually went by, an invisible force spread from inside Chen Mu''s body until it extended around him in a three-foot radius, forming a barely visible, intangible domain.


    Within this domain, the internal and external energies seemed completely isolated, at times transforming wind to thunder, water to fire, as the universe continued its endless cycle.


    The most astonishing aspect was that such a flow of energies was tightly confined within three feet, with not a single bit leaking out, almost undetectable even to those close by!


    Even if one were standing in front of Chen Mu, unless stepping within three feet, it would feel as if Chen Mu was just an ordinary person.


    Returning to simplicity!


    This was the Third Layer of Falling Flowers without Trace, combined with The Sixth Layer of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, finally forming a tiny three-foot domain. With this technique perfected, it signified that Chen Mu in terms of technique had nearly reached those who genuinely mastered the Martial Arts Domain.


    Alongside the refinement of his Six Viscera, being only a step away from the limit, the Yuan Gang True Essence and The Power of Heaven and Earth he could maneuver had surpassed eighty parts, and in terms of his current strength, he could claim he had completely reached the heights where the top three ranks of the Wind Cloud List resided!


    "Technique approaching the Dao marks a Grandmaster."


    Chen Mu continued his practice for a while, then slowly completed the sequence, and the surrounding tiny domain also silently dispersed. He looked up at the sky, his eyes as tranquil as the deep sea. He had finally reached this level.


    Compared to when he was in Yu County, sparring with Situ Shu, it was not just an increase of more than thirty parts of power, but his techniques also finally achieved a flawlessness, reaching the pinnacle just beneath the Martial Arts Domain.


    Plainly put,


    a miniature domain is essentially a true domain, completely achieving the heights and standards of a domain in its utilization of Yuan Gang and the Power of Heaven and Earth. It only lacks a deeper understanding of Artistic Conception, unable to externalize Heaven and Earth, thus it extends only three feet.


    There are such powerful figures on the Wind Cloud List.


    For example, the one ranked twenty-fourth is a person who cultivates the Yin Yang Artistic Conception but has never developed a Yin Yang Domain. He relies on ultimate techniques, making each aspect of his abilities reach the standards of a domain, just like he is now.


    It could be said that in terms of techniques, the Sixth Layer of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal and the Third Layer of "Falling Flowers without Trace" represent the pinnacle beneath the Martial Arts Domain; it''s impossible to go any higher. It has reached an end unless the Artistic Conception progresses further to master a complete domain.


    Ultimate techniques.


    Comparable to a Third Tier Grandmaster''s Yuan Gang Force.


    These merging together, Chen Mu had become not just twice but multifold stronger than when he had returned to Yu County previously. Letting him deal with people like Situ Shu would almost take a mere flick of his fingers to suppress them!


    Against powerful Grandmasters like Fu Jingyuan and Feng Hongsheng, he could also certainly engage in a head-on battle!


    It could be said,


    that in the vast Cold North Eleven States, there are only a few top Grandmasters like Qin Mengjun and those at the peak of the Body Tempering Martial Arts in the Blood Exchange Realm who are above him.


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    [Six Viscera Sutra (99%)]


    [Experience: 0 points]


    "Soon."


    Chen Mu activated his system panel and glanced at it, staring at the numbers there. A slight expectation finally emerged in his usually serene eyes, as he longed to know what level his strength would reach after pushing the Six Viscera to the limit, stepping into Marrow Cleansing, and cultivating the Martial Body through this transformation.


    ...


    Meanwhile,


    in a certain part of the County Government of Frost North County.


    A plainly dressed figure walked out from within the County Government, quietly departing into the distance.


    He appeared very ordinary, with a nondescript face, a typical sallow-faced man with some vigor of Qi-Blood suggesting he was a Martial Man, but not of a high realm, at most at the level of Skin Toughening and Body Refinement. The only unusual aspect was that he seemed a bit stiff, and apart from a slight gleam in his eyes, his facial expression was as still as if paralyzed, showing no emotion.


    The sallow-faced man did not alert anyone as he quietly left the Inner City and arrived at the city gates of Frost North County.


    Now, Frost North County was under strict control for entry and exit, with the gates closed, but the sallow-faced man''s gaze remained very calm. He quietly found a dead angle, and as a patrolling soldier turned away, his figure flickered, and he directly bypassed over ten zhang of the city wall!


    Although not very high, the city wall of Frost North County was still beyond an ordinary person''s ability to easily cross over. Even Martial Artists at the Tendon Changing or Bone Tempering levels couldn''t leap over ten zhang from the ground in one jump; they would need to utilize the wall for leverage, yet the sallow-faced man''s Qi-Blood was clearly weak, but his agility did not match his aura.


    Soon.


    The sallow-faced man who had left the County Government of Frost North County journeyed northwards, crossing the vast frosty plains until he reached a deep valley crisscrossed with ravines. There, the aura around his body finally changed.


    What seemed like a normal human''s aura suddenly burst forth with a ferocious Demon Qi, as if he was only wearing a human skin on the surface, and inside was a terrifying demonic creature!


    This surging aura was far stronger than those of fifth or sixth-rank demon men, reaching the level of a seventh-rank Venerable!


    A seventh-rank Demon Venerable from the Sky Demon Sect was able to conceal his aura to be indistinguishable from a normal human, even entering and scouting around the County Government of Frost North County without detection; undoubtedly, in Frost County, the only person capable of this was ¡ª


    ''Thousand-face Demon Venerable'' Sang Huai!


    "Xian Yuchen, Li Shimou."


    "I have basically grasped the situation in Frost North County. How goes your investigation on your end?"


    After no longer hiding his own aura, Sang Huai took a few steps forward and spoke faintly towards the depths of the gloomy valley.

 Chapter 291 Closing In

    Above Snow Cliff.


    A demon shadow appeared silently, it was the Four-armed Demon Venerable, Xian Yuchen.


    "Li Shimou hasn''t returned yet,"


    Xian Yuchen stood on a snow rock, his snow-white feathers seeming to merge with the frosty snow. A white demon bird was perched on his shoulder, and as he spoke, he didn''t look down at Sang Huai but gazed gently at the demon bird on his shoulder, gently stroking its feathers.


    Sang Huai looked up at Xian Yuchen with a calm gaze and did not speak further.


    After touching the white bird, Xian Yuchen finally looked at Sang Huai and smiled, "Brother Sang, there''s no need to rush. I have already checked thoroughly. Shi Zhenyong is currently not in Frost County, and Feng Hongsheng is stationed at the county government. Even with the ability of a grandmaster, it would take several hours to get here from the county government. We have plenty of time, no need to hurry."


    Sang Huai''s tone was casual, "I''m never in a hurry. You''re the one who should be, as it was you who approached me and Old Demon Li half a month ago. Now, we finally have the chance, with one of the two Seven Profound Sect masters not in Frost County, and one staying in the county government. If we delay any longer, we might lose this opportunity."


    In Frost County.


    The three demon venerables only truly feared two people: Shi Zhenyong and Feng Hongsheng.


    With the strength of Shi Zhenyong and Feng Hongsheng, both were extremely formidable among the grandmasters. Should they confront them head-on, they weren''t even sure they could escape, so without knowing the whereabouts of these two grandmasters, they wouldn''t rashly take risks.


    Now, they had been gradually conceding territory in Frost County, showing weakness to their enemy. The Seven Profound Sect had finally become somewhat complacent, only sending Chen Mu and Murong Yan to guard the northernmost Cold North County, and with Shi Zhenyong absent from Frost County, only Feng Hongsheng was left and needed to be stationed at the county government, presenting an opportunity for them to strike back.


    The targets were multiple.


    Frost East County, Frost West County, Frost North County... In these three counties, the one stationed in Frost East was Tan Xiwu, the eighth on the Wind Cloud List and the Great Protector of the Ice Extreme Palace; in Frost West was the Heavenly Sword Sect''s Great Protector, Feng Jue; and in Frost North were the Seven Profound Sect''s Chen Mu and Murong Yan.


    However, whether it was Sang Huai, Xian Yuchen, or Li Shimou, after the three of them met and discussed, their target shockingly agreed unanimously¡ªFrost North County, Seven Profound Sect''s Chen Mu!


    Tan Xiwu, ranked eighth on the Wind Cloud List and also the Great Protector of the Ice Extreme Palace, held the advantage of local terrain in Ice State, making him a formidable presence. Even if the three of them joined forces, they were not entirely sure they could take him down.


    Heavenly Sword Sect''s Great Protector, Feng Jue...


    This man, in terms of strength, seemed to be the weakest among the three counties. However, the problem was his origin from the Heavenly Sword Sect, and currently, the Heavenly Sword Sect in Ice State was mainly focusing on targeting the Heavenly Corpse Sect. If they moved against Feng Jue, with the style of the Heavenly Sword Sect, they were very likely to provoke furious wrath and directly lead the whole Heavenly Sword Sect to intervene, bringing a group of Sword Dao grandmasters into Ice State.


    This scenario was something they absolutely did not want to see.


    As for Cold North County Government, with Chen Mu and Murong Yan jointly stationed there, although combining the two wasn''t much easier than dealing with Tan Xiwu, two people after all weren''t one. There were ways to temporarily separate them.


    Of course, these were only part of the key points. Another key aspect was that, compared to the others, Chen Mu was too young, being a top Six Viscera Realm expert at only thirty years old and also practiced the Qiankun Artistic Conception, which was extraordinary.


    For them.


    The younger, the more vigorous the Qi-Blood, and the stronger the martial artist, the more effective their flesh and blood would be for refining their Demon Bodies. If it were some old grandmaster over a hundred years old, even if stronger than Chen Mu in strength, due to the old age, the Primordial Essence contained in their flesh and blood would not be much, still not comparable to Chen Mu.


    "Hehe, I''m not that desperate either. As long as Chen Mu is still in Frost County, opportunities are always available. Even if we can''t deal with him, handling a few Six Viscera Realm protectors from the Seven Profound Sect would still be enjoyable,"


    Xian Yuchen spoke with a chuckle.


    But as his voice fell, he seemed to sense something, his eyes shifted slightly, and he turned his head to look in a distant direction, while at the same time, Sang Huai also turned his gaze in that direction.


    "They''re here."


    Sang Huai''s eyes flickered slightly, and in the deep snowy valley in the line of sight, a tall figure with surging demon Qi strode forward, each step seemingly shaking the mountains.


    It was indeed the Heavenly Demon Sect, the Four-armed Demon Venerable, Li Shimou!


    Li Shimou, Xian Yuchen, Sang Huai... The three major venerables of the Heavenly Demon Sect stationed in Frost County were now all gathered together.


    "Old Demon Li, we''re planning to make our move, what do you think?" Your next chapter awaits on My Virtual Library Empire


    Xian Yuchen leisurely stretched his body, his snow-white feathers fluttering with the movement. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Li Shimou walked slowly, glanced at Xian Yuchen and Sang Huai, and spoke in a muffled voice:


    "I want his Five Viscera."


    "You''re asking for too much,"


    Xian Yuchen replied coolly, "The Five Viscera, the heart and the lungs, are the essence of Qi-Blood for those Body Refining martial artists, far superior to other parts. If we give all to you, how should we divide the remainder?"


    Li Shimou snorted coldly, "Then take his Six Viscera."


    Xian Yuchen smiled lightly, "He only broke through to the Viscera Realm not long ago, what degree could the Six Viscera be refined to? Perhaps all combined might not even match one or two of the Five Viscera... You can take at most the heart, but you can''t have all the rest."


    "The heart and lungs are mine."


    After a brief silence, Li Shimou spoke gruffly, "That''s the only condition, otherwise I won''t go."


    Attacking Chen Mu also involved risks. Although based on their intelligence, Shi Zhenyong was not in Frost County and Feng Hongsheng was stationed at the county government, no one knew if there were other Seven Profound Sect masters lurking in the shadows.

 Chapter 291 Approaching_2

    Xian Yuchen turned his head towards Sang Huai after listening.


    Sang Huai spoke casually, "I have no objections. I don''t need the Five Viscera; the Six Viscera and all flesh, skin, bones, and blood can belong to me."


    Xian Yuchen stroked the white demon bird perched on his shoulder, saying, "Except for the heart and lungs from the Five Viscera, I''ll take the other three, no issues there, but I will need half of his Essence Blood."


    "Agreed."


    Sang Huai replied indifferently.


    The three of them, having said this, glanced at each other and then stopped speaking, quietly disappearing into the snow valley.


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    ...


    Cold North County.


    In a secluded courtyard within the Inner City County Government,


    Chen Mu, dressed in loose commoner clothes, was sitting in front of a stone platform, where a set of jade tea utensils was placed, attended by a maid carefully brewing tea.


    "So it seems, Brother Chu has already returned to the Seven Profound Sect."


    Chen Mu picked up the teacup, sipped from it, then looked at the figure sitting opposite him and said.


    The person, dressed in gender-neutral commoner clothes and with bound hair, yet with remarkably fair and delicate skin, was none other than Chen Mu''s senior sister, Meng Danyun. She too sipped her tea and gave Chen Mu a slight nod, responding, "Mmm, the sect is the most stable place, and for Brother Chu''s final attempt at the Mysterious Pass he must adjust his condition to the optimum."


    "Let''s hope Brother Chu achieves Perfection this time."


    Chen Mu, gazing into his teacup, saw his plain yet handsome reflection in the tea and commented with a sigh.


    Time had moved on.


    Chu Jingsui had also reached the final moment to challenge the Mysterious Pass. Being nearly fifty years old, if he could not succeed this time, his Qi-Blood vitality would gradually decline, leaving him no more chances.


    Among his peers at Spirit Profound Peak, his acquaintance with Zhao Zhenchuan was the shallowest; he was closer to Chu Jingsui, but Meng Danyun was the closest, having known him since their time in Yu County. Regardless of their closeness, he naturally wished for joy rather than sorrow.


    "Brother Chu says he will succeed within a year; his determination is still very strong this time,"


    Meng Danyun took another sip of her tea and asked, "Chen, what do you think are Brother Chu''s chances of breaking through this time?"


    Chen Mu pondered briefly and replied, "About thirty percent."


    He had previously felt Chu Jingsui''s condition, noting his Body Refining was not an issue, his understanding of the Artistic Conception had already reached the limit of the second step, his Martial Arts will should also be sufficient, plus he had several previous attempts at breaking through. Although he had not succeeded in the past, he still had some experience, so a thirty percent chance seemed about right.


    "Protector Chen still holds Protector Chu in high regard."


    Just as Chen Mu finished speaking, a mature female voice entered the courtyard.


    Chen Mu and Meng Danyun both looked towards the source, seeing a figure entering from the outer courtyard¡ªit was Murong Yan, the chief protector of the main peak.


    "What brings Protector Murong here?" Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu said, standing up with a smile.


    Although both Murong Yan and he were based in Frost North County, they actually had very little contact with each other.


    Meng Danyun also stood up and bowed respectfully to Murong Yan. Given Murong Yan''s status within the Seven Profound Sect, as well as her seniority in terms of both martial cultivation and age, Meng naturally dared not neglect her.


    Murong Yan, looking at Chen Mu, spoke in a calming tone, "I''ve encountered some puzzles regarding Martial Arts recently, and I''ve come to seek some advice from Protector Chen."


    Upon hearing this, Chen Mu could not help but let out a laugh, "Protector Murong, you speak too highly. With Protector Murong''s Martial Arts having reached the realm of Domain, established as a master among us, how many today could truly be worthy of seeking guidance from Protector Murong?"


    Murong Yan chuckled and said, "Although we are not from the same peak, we are still from the same sect. I have been around for a longer time, so just call me Elder Sister. In Martial Arts, those who achieve are revered as pioneers. Though I have made progress in the Qian Heaven, my cultivation in the Kun Earth lineage is just beginning."


    Upon hearing Murong Yan''s words, Chen Mu nodded slightly, having understood fully.


    For someone like Murong Yan, who no longer had the chance to assail the Mysterious Pass and sought further enhancement of her strength, she could only continue delving into the Domain. Having already mastered the Qian Heaven Domain, logically, her next step would be to attempt the Kun Earth.


    However, beginning with Qian Heaven and then moving on to cultivate Kun Earth would be somewhat influencial; this was a different scenario from his, who was advancing simultaneously in both Qiankun aspects. Murong Yan was evidently experiencing obstacles in her cultivation of the Kun Earth and wanted to explore these issues with him.


    "I dare not presume to teach, but I also have some thoughts on the aspects of Qian Heaven, which might fit with discussing with Elder Sister Murong," he said to Murong Yan.


    Having grasped the Qian Heaven Domain, Murong Yan''s achievements in Artistic Conception were not too far off from those of Qin Mengjun. Indeed, this represented a higher realm for him too, and they could indeed instruct each other, regardless of their strengths."


    "Good."


    Murong Yan nodded slightly, then shared some of her slight confusions regarding the Kun Earth aspect.


    Although Chen Mu had not mastered the Qiankun Domain, in terms of cultivation and insight of Kun Earth alone, he was indeed much higher than the current Murong Yan. Murong Yan had just recently started cultivating the Kun Earth Artistic Conception and had barely stepped into the second phase. The depth of her understanding of Qian Heaven was far greater, making it impossible for her to integrate into a complete Qiankun Artistic Conception.


    After listening to Chen Mu''s narrative, Murong Yan alternated between furrowing her brows, pondering thoughtfully, and experiencing sudden realizations.


    In terms of the ''vertical'' layers of Artistic Conception, she, who had mastered the Domain, was naturally somewhat higher. However, horizontally speaking, Chen Mu, who had cultivated a complete Qiankun Artistic Conception, stood much farther ahead. Chen Mu''s many insights on Qiankun, were also beyond the reach of those who only practiced a single Artistic Conception or half of the Qian Heaven Conception.


    Thus, they discussed and verified Martial Arts in the courtyard, eventually even sparring with each other, employing the actual operation of Qian Heaven and the rotation of Qiankun to mutually understand their achievements. However, their sparring was limited to their fingers and palms and hardly any sound escaped outside the courtyard.


    Danyun Meng could not interject in the discussion between Chen Mu and Murong Yan.


    After all, her realm was much lesser compared to both Chen Mu and Murong Yan. Yet, as she listened to their discussion on Martial Arts, she also realized many things, particularly when she observed Chen Mu and Murong Yan standing opposite each other, their fingers and palms meeting, with the faint forces of Qian Heaven and Qiankun touching each other, she watched intently and observed closely.


    The mutual verification of Qian Heaven Domain and Qiankun Artistic Conception was indeed a rare scene even in the entire Cold North Path.


    After a while,


    Murong Yan, with a reflective tone, said, "Junior Brother Chen truly deserves to be called the first genius of the Cold North Path today, reaching such a level of skill at this age. When I was your age, I was far from even half your caliber."


    Chen Mu, with a calm expression, withdrew his fingers and said, "These trivial skills are not worth mentioning. Elder Sister Murong''s Qian Heaven Domain is truly a grandmaster''s technique. I am still far from reaching the realm of Domain."


    Murong Yan shook her head and said, "The difficulty of the Qiankun Domain is far beyond that of Qian Heaven, but given your aptitude, Junior Brother Chen, I think it''s only a matter of time before you comprehend the Qiankun Domain. Even now, if we were truly to fight, I most likely wouldn''t win against you."


    Chen Mu looked amiable and was about to say something when suddenly his gaze shifted.


    Then he flipped his hand and a chess piece appeared in his palm, precisely one from the Military Formation set. The chess piece was a deep red hue, with a faint, extremely dim blood-red thread pointing in a certain direction afar.


    Simultaneously,


    Murong Yan performed almost the exact same action, flipping a similarly identical chess piece into her hand.


    This situation was familiar to everyone present, including Danyun Meng. Everyone held a chess piece from the Military Formation set. This indicated that someone had activated the distress function of the chess piece, sending a message.


    "I''ll go."


    Murong Yan glanced at Chen Mu and immediately said. She had barely finished speaking when she disappeared from the spot.


    Chen Mu raised his right hand, about to say that he should go instead as he was faster, but Murong Yan had already employed the Qian Heaven Domain to break through the air and fly away. Hence, he shook his head and lowered his hand.

 Chapter 292 Thousand-face Demon Venerable!

    Although Murong Yan was not a grandmaster, she had mastered the Qian Heaven Domain, which granted her the ability to fly through the sky just like Qin Mengjun, with a swift speed that made her undetectable to ordinary people.


    In an instant, she had left Cold North County and headed toward the direction from which the distress signal had come.


    Her discussions and practice sessions with Chen Mu gave her a profound understanding and insight into the Kun Earth Artistic Conception, which stood in opposition to the Qian Heaven. She was eager to test her newfound skills, and a few demon men to practice on would be ideal.


    Just like that.


    Murong Yan soared through the sky, and after an unknown amount of time, she finally neared the location from where the distress signal had originated. It was a forest in the vast snowy plains, where the thin conifer trees were covered with frost and snow, and signs of a fierce battle could be faintly discerned.


    However, upon arriving at the forest, Murong Yan''s brow furrowed slightly, for she saw only the signs of battle, but sensed no ongoing combat. Had she arrived a step too late?


    Wush.


    Following the traces, Murong Yan continued to fly forward and eventually saw around a dozen figures in a secluded valley, mostly disciples from the Seven Profound Sect, including two stewards and a protector. They were all blood-stained, clearly having undergone a brutal fight.


    However, as Murong Yan surveyed the surrounding mountains, no enemies were in sight.


    Her brow furrowed slightly, but she did not hesitate much longer and rapidly descended to the valley below.


    The presence of Murong Yan caused a tense shift among the people in the valley; almost instinctively, they drew their swords again, but upon recognizing her, everyone sighed in relief.


    "Protector Murong."


    Several disciples from the Seven Profound Sect showed expressions of relief and greeted Murong Yan with a bow.


    Murong Yan surveyed the crowd and asked, "What''s the situation here? Have the demon men retreated?"


    "Yes."


    The leading protector among them, Liu Chan, formerly a true disciple of Shao Profound Peak and now a Six Viscera Realm protector there, responded with respect. He was also blood-stained, with a particularly severe injury on his right leg, which appeared to have been hastily bandaged but still severely impaired his movement.


    However, upon seeing Murong Yan, Liu Chan also breathed a sigh of relief. Even though they were both protectors, Murong Yan was a different caliber of protector. With her support, unless they encountered a Venerable from the Sky Demon Sect, they would all be safe.


    "Protector Murong, this is what happened..."


    Liu Chan quickly reported the earlier battle situation to Murong Yan.


    He had led a team to investigate a hideout of demon men from the Sky Demon Sect, intending to ambush them. Instead, they fell into a trap; the number and strength of the demon men exceeded their expectations, with four Sixth Rank demon men among them.


    Thus, he was forced to lead his team to retreat while fighting, ending up in this secluded valley for a standoff.


    The one oddity he noted was that several times, the demon men from the Sky Demon Sect almost broke through their defenses but ultimately did not push forward aggressively. At the time, he assumed it was because each demon was selfish and unwilling to take the lead.


    "...ultimately, they must have realized that they couldn''t subdue us quickly and, knowing our reinforcements were closing in, they withdrew."


    Liu Chan reported the general situation.


    However, after hearing this, Murong Yan''s brow furrowed even more. She sensed something was amiss and, after inquiring about several details, her expression finally changed as she said, "Not good!"


    As her words fell,


    she hardly hesitated and immediately took off at full speed back toward the direction of Cold North County Government!


    The strange actions of the demon men from the Sky Demon Sect could possibly make sense, but now that Liu Chan and his group were safe and had time to think it over carefully, they also began to notice some inconsistencies. It seemed that from the beginning, the demon men had surrounded them without the intention to kill. If they had swarmed them at first, they would not have been able to retreat to this valley for a standoff.


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    As they finished discussing, not only Murong Yan, but also Liu Chan and the stewards and disciples around him felt something was wrong. They had seemingly been used as bait to deliberately lure Murong Yan here!


    "Luring Protector Murong here without setting an ambush, the goal of the Sky Demon Sect''s demon men..."


    As Murong Yan flew away, Liu Chan and the others by his side, now realizing the issue, all showed signs of realization. The Sky Demon Sect had intentionally lured Murong Yan to keep her occupied, but the real target, they could now almost articulate, was the other person stationed at the county headquarters¡ªChen Mu!


    "Let''s go!"


    Liu Chan, despite being injured, spoke sternly and immediately led his group out of the valley toward a safer area, at the quickest pace possible.


    Considering the great risk the Sky Demon Sect took to besiege them and draw away Murong Yan, their intent was certainly not simple, and not likely just to wreak havoc on the county government. Instead, their target might even be, to directly target the other person at the county headquarters¡ªChen Mu!


    Murong Yan, now rapidly flying back to Frost North County Government, also had a very grim expression.


    Trouble was brewing at Chen Mu''s end!


    Although Liu Chan might not be sure, she was almost certain that the Sky Demon Sect had schemed to divert her attention without ambushing her, which meant they were definitely targeting Chen Mu, intending to strike while she was away!


    The figures in Frost County posing a significant threat included three Venerables from the Sky Demon Sect and Elders from the Heavenly Corpse Sect, and now, the worst-case scenario might involve two or even three Venerables from the Sky Demon Sect moving together to break into the county headquarters!


    "Junior Brother Chen..."

 Chapter 292 Thousand-face Demon Venerable!_2

    Murong Yan took a deep breath, remained silent, and rushed forward at full speed.


    Not to mention that she had recently exchanged insights on Martial Arts with Chen Mu, from which she gained much understanding, even when she had little to do with Chen Mu in the past, she absolutely did not want anything to happen to her Sect mate Chen Mu.


    However, at this moment she was hundreds of miles away from the County Government. Even with her speed and the full-throttle Flying Escape of the Qian Heaven Domain, it would still take at least half an hour.


    If it really was the worst-case scenario, with three Venerables from the Sky Demon Sect arriving, then Chen Mu would have to withstand the joint assault of three Great Demon Venerables for half an hour. At this thought, Murong Yan''s heart sank even more.


    But whether she could make it in time or not, all she could do right now was to rush forward at full speed.


    ...


    County Government.


    The courtyard of Chen Mu.


    The breeze floats gently, and the water flows gracefully.


    Chen Mu and Meng Danyun stood facing each other, only a few feet apart. From Meng Danyun, streams of Wind Blades and flowing water continuously rose, converging and changing, sweeping toward Chen Mu. At the same time, she used her fingers as a sword, attacking Chen Mu.


    Previously, while watching the discussion of Martial Arts between Chen Mu and Murong Yan from the side, she had many insights in her heart. Given her relationship with Chen Mu, she would not hesitate, directly seeking his guidance to continue exploring the insights gained.


    Crackle, crackle.


    The streams of entwined Qi Force, upon nearing Chen Mu, were shattered by the vibrating Power of Heaven and Earth from the void and dissipated without a trace.


    Meng Danyun''s fingers came together and she stabbed at Chen Mu. At her fingertips flowed water and Wind Blades, converging and intertwining.


    However, Chen Mu merely raised his right hand, caught a strand of the wind and water blade between his fingers, and snipped off the force of wind and water revolving around Meng Danyun''s fingers.


    Whoosh.


    Meng Danyun immediately withdrew her fingers before they could be caught by Chen Mu, changing her move to a feint. A stream of water transformed into a lingering thread, suddenly wrapping around Chen Mu. It seemed soft and flexible, but in reality, it contained sharpness that could slice through anything.


    Chen Mu''s expression remained unchanged. With a casual flick of his sleeve, a breeze picked up the strand of water, continuously twirling it around, preventing it from getting close, rendering the contained cutting force useless.


    Splash!


    Seeing this, Meng Danyun raised her hands and lightly brought them together in front of her. An invisible force of water and wind merged into one stream, shooting forward and forming a beam of spearlike vigor in the void, appearing both rigid and soft.


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    Upon seeing this move, Chen Mu couldn''t help but nod slightly, remarking, "Sister Meng''s mastery over the Artistic Conception of wind and water is indeed quite deep. This strike, combining both hardness and softness, is indissoluble by ordinary means and must be faced head-on."


    Having said that.


    He also dissipated many fancy Qi Forces, reached out with a palm, and drew in the cluster of Vigorous force thrown by Meng Danyun that contained penetrating power. With a slight flicker of light, he made the cluster spin rapidly, eventually disappearing into nothingness.


    Meng Danyun, looking at the scene, finally stopped attacking and let out a breath, saying, "But I still can''t break through your methods. Clearly, you only used the same Artistic Conception of wind and water as I did."


    The Junior Brother in front of her had, a few years ago, sought her advice on controlling and cultivating the Artistic Conception of Xun Wind. A few years later, he now surpassed her with just wind and water, not to mention mastering the other Six Phases and combining Qiankun.


    The inevitable result was self-doubt.


    Meng Danyun could only keep telling herself not to compare herself with Chen Mu.


    In fact, being a true disciple of Spirit Profound Peak made her one of the outstanding figures of her generation in Yu State. Not many could reach her level over several generations, it''s just that the disparity between people is truly immeasurable.


    "Sister Meng, have you had any realizations?"


    Chen Mu smiled, walked to the side, picked up the teacup from the table, and drank half of the cold tea.


    Meng Danyun nodded slightly, saying, "The Qiankun Eight Phases are about the cycle of life and death, as are Yin and Yang, and wind and water can also follow this principle to unfold. There was always a slight flaw in the way my powers of wind and water merged, but now I seem to see a clear direction."


    "That''s good,"


    Chen Mu nodded to Meng Danyun, "As long as you have some understanding, step by step, you will eventually transform like the butterfly from the cocoon. The level I''ve practiced to today is also due to the accumulation over time, which at last led to a transformation." S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His words were sincere, as even the experience points from the system panel were accumulated through his own hard work, not obtained out of thin air.


    ```


    "Without accumulation of smaller steps, there is no journey of a thousand miles; without accumulation of smaller streams, there is no formation of rivers and oceans."


    Meng Danyun naturally understood the principle of accumulation and was satisfied with her realization, "Thank you, Junior Brother, for the enlightenment. I have benefited a lot today. I will return now and reflect further on this."


    "Good."


    Chen Mu responded with a smile to Meng Danyun.


    Thus, Meng Danyun turned and left, walking out. But just as she stepped out of Chen Mu''s courtyard, she came face to face with a yellow-faced man in official attire walking towards her. They brushed past each other as the man headed toward Chen Mu''s residence.


    Meng Danyun''s gaze briefly paused on the yellow-faced man, taking him in and assuming he was a messenger reporting to Chen Mu. She did not give it much more thought, but after walking a few steps, she subconsciously stopped, feeling that something was amiss.


    When she suddenly turned back to look,


    Boom!!!


    A sound like an explosion thundered from Chen Mu''s courtyard. The power of heaven and earth within dozens of feet radius instantly became chaotic. The terrifying force of the cosmos turned tangible, bursting outwards in all directions.


    It was almost visible to the naked eye; on the green stone walls of Chen Mu''s courtyard appeared numerous shattering patterns. Eventually, all four walls, along with the buildings, collapsed piece by piece, accompanied by a raging windstorm.


    "!!"


    Meng Danyun''s heart shook as she instinctively raised her hand to block the sweeping winds, turning her eyes towards the center of the scene.


    There, in front of Chen Mu, was a pitch-black poisoned needle, seemingly imbued with terrible toxins and emanating a faint glow as it crept closer to Chen Mu''s neck. But as it entered three feet in front of him, it was slowly ground to black powder and scattered!


    But see,


    Chen Mu still stood quietly in front of that stone table, with the yellow-faced man, who had just passed her by, opposite him at a mere distance of a zhang. However, the cosmos between them seemed to split into two distinct halves.


    From the yellow-faced man emanated, at some unknown time, a ferocious and violent demonic aura. It seemed he had feigned reporting to Chen Mu to launch a surprise attack, which proved ineffective. However, this terrifying demonic might spread and rose to such an extent that a mere touch of it turned Meng Danyun pale because it far surpassed the Sixth Rank.


    Seventh Rank Demon Venerable!


    This was a Seventh Rank Demon Venerable, boldly appearing in the County Government, attempting to assassinate Chen Mu!


    "Sky Demon Sect Venerable..."


    Meng Danyun''s pupils contracted violently at this moment. The yellow-faced man had just brushed past her, and she had completely failed to sense anything unusual. A venerable of the Seventh Rank, with all his demonic power concealed without a trace, seemed no different from a common government martial man. That is to say, if he wanted to kill her, it would be a matter of mere moments!


    A Seventh Rank Demon Man had passed by so closely,


    How could this not make Meng Danyun''s skin crawl and her heart quake with fear?


    Obviously,


    His assassination attempt on Chen Mu had failed, and probably only Chen Mu could remain composed and handle himself so easily under the concealment and ambush of a Seventh Rank Demon Man!


    Chen Mu''s courtyard was within the Inner City County Government. The sudden commotion undoubtedly alarmed the entire county office, as masses of figures rushed towards this side, only to stop dozens of feet away, their faces changing as they were deterred by the dreadful demonic might and the pressure of heaven and earth, unable to move closer, only able to gaze from afar!


    "This... is the Sky Demon Sect''s Demon Venerable?!"


    "The Venerable of the Sky Demon Sect has appeared here? How did he get in?"


    Shen Lin and many others from the Seven Profound Sect were nearly all changing color at this point, their eyes filled with shock.


    Encountering a Demon Venerable from the Sky Demon Sect in Ice State was not odd, but this was the Inner City County Government. A Demon Venerable appeared out of the blue, making moves without prior signs, which was undoubtedly terrifying.


    Looking at the situation in the middle of the scene, if the person being attacked weren''t Chen Mu but other Stewards or even Protectors, no one would have been able to withstand it and would inevitably be fatally hit before anyone could come to the rescue.


    "Only he could master the art of concealing his presence to such an extent. It must be him."


    Meng Danyun''s gaze grew heavy.


    Among the Demon Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect, there was only one who could quietly sneak into the County Government, passing her by without her noticing anything amiss¡ª


    Thousand-face Demon Venerable Sang Huai!


    ```

 Chapter 293 Might of One Strike!

    With a terrifying pressure permeating the air,


    Chen Mu stood in place, without any movement, just watching the yellow-faced man standing opposite with a light gaze. The invisible Power of Heaven and Earth flowed around him, intertwining and clashing with the emerging demonic power from his opponent, subtly hinting at a scene of division.


    "Thousand-face Demon Venerable Sang Huai,"


    "Going to great lengths to draw away Elder Murong, one would think this isn''t all you''re capable of."


    His eyes, deep and waveless as ancient wells, watched as the last vestige of the spiked poison needle that had attacked him finally extinguished at its tip, then completely turned into black dust and scattered, completely obliterated.


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    With the rigorous shaking of the Power of Heaven and Earth, the demonic power in front of Sang Huai, as red as fresh blood, suddenly showed a web of cracks, causing his expression to change slightly.


    Until both the Power of Heaven and Earth and the demonic power exploded with a bang, Sang Huai was repelled a zhang away, his skin showing cracks all over, streaks of blood densely covering him as if he was completely shattered, horrifying to behold!


    "Hahaha."


    However, Sang Huai showed no fear. Instead, he burst out laughing and said, "Worthy of a master on the Wind Cloud List who has cultivated the Qiankun Artistic Conception, indeed extraordinary. By myself, I truly can''t take you down."


    As he finished speaking, the layer of skin of the yellow-faced man on his body, piece by piece, started to crack and peel off, revealing a monster with a body covered in pitch-black fur and an eerie and terrifying form!


    It was the true form of the Thousand-face Demon Venerable in disguise!


    At the same time.


    Meng Danyun, Shen Lin, and many others from the Seven Profound Sect turned pale, as they all sensed at the same moment two terrifying surges of demonic might rising from the east and south, speeding towards this place.


    In almost an instant, two demon shadows infiltrated the Inner City, rushing into the County Government. One had four arms, with a red body and purple demonic patterns all over, simply standing there like an immovable mountain.


    The other figure was covered in long white feathers, his wings spread as he hovered in the sky, the terrifying pressure spreading across the heavens, making it nearly suffocating for the disciples of the Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering Realm of the Seven Profound Sect, including Steward Shen Lin and others in the Five Viscera Realm, who also felt a strong pressure.


    Four-armed Demon Venerable Li Shimou!


    White Feather Demon Venerable Xian Yuchen!


    All three Seventh Rank Demon Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect revealed themselves, surrounding Chen Mu in the center, their terrifying demonic might spreading through the County Government, causing all the officials and deputies within the entire County Government to collapse to the ground, faces filled with terror and fear.


    "Four-armed Demon Venerable, White Feather Demon Venerable, this..."


    "Where is Protector Murong?"


    Stewards like Shen Lin, witnessing this scene, all showed horror on their faces, looking around, but not seeing Murong Yan anywhere, only Chen Mu standing alone in the middle, surrounded by the three great Demon Venerables.


    This is bad.


    Meng Danyun''s complexion turned somewhat pale as she realized something was wrong. With all three great Demon Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect present, and Murong Yan conveniently out for a rescue... it was likely the Sky Demon Sect had deliberately lured out Murong Yan to leave the County Government vulnerable!


    Now, with Murong Yan unaware of how far away she had gone to provide support, she definitely wouldn''t return any time soon. In Cold North County Government, the only one who could rival a Demon Venerable in battle was Chen Mu alone, even if there was her and a few other Viscera Realm Protectors to assist from the side, at most, it would just be a distraction, they simply didn''t have the strength to confront a Seventh Rank Demon Venerable!


    As Murong Yan remained absent.


    Shen Lin and others gradually realized something was wrong, and their complexions grew even uglier. If Murong Yan wasn''t present, then Chen Mu would have to face the three Demon Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect alone, three beings of the Seventh Rank, comparable to Grandmasters, formidable existences!


    Although Chen Mu was renowned in Cold North and listed on the Wind Cloud List, he wasn''t a powerful Grandmaster like Shi Zhenyong or Feng Hongsheng. The current situation, no matter how one looked at it, was a dire ambush targeting Chen Mu!


    However.


    Within the County Government, where everyone was in shock and fear, Chen Mu, standing in the center of the open area, remained calm and collected, with no change in expression despite the arrival of both White Feather Demon Venerable Xian Yuchen and Four-armed Demon Venerable Li Shimou.


    "Li Shimou, Xian Yuchen, Sang Huai, so all three Demon Venerables active in Frost County have come. You really think highly of me. Why aren''t the Elders of the Heavenly Corpse Sect here?"


    Chen Mu swept his gaze around, taking in the worried expressions of Meng Danyun, Shen Lin, and the many others standing at a distance, but he didn''t pay them much heed, and looked in several other directions as well.


    In the heavens,


    White Feather Demon Venerable Xian Yuchen, his wings fluttering, said in a deep tone, "The youngest master on the Wind Cloud List of Cold North Path, you indeed have some poise, remaining composed even now. However, your corpse won''t be enough to go around for us, and if we brought along an old corpse-refining fellow, it''d be too difficult to divide."


    After hearing Xian Yuchen''s words, Chen Mu didn''t respond to him, and didn''t even look at him, instead turning his gaze toward Thousand-face Demon Venerable Sang Huai, and said indifferently, "So it seems your target is me specifically. If it had been I who left the city earlier, then you would have followed me all the way, waiting to strike only after I was far from the County Government."


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    Xian Yuchen said leisurely, "Compared to that old woman, naturally, your blood and flesh are more to our taste... Well, enough talk has been had. It''s time for you to make peace with your end."


    With those words, a chill flashed in his eyes as he hovered in the sky. Suddenly, with a spread of his white wings, several white feathers enveloped in terrifying demonic power turned into arrows and fell towards Chen Mu, tracing blood-red trails in the air as if a rain of blood descended from the sky!

 Chapter 293 Might of One Strike!_2

    What seemed to be a casual strike was actually terrifying, as each feather harbored demonic power to an alarming degree, causing nearby observers like Shen Lin and Meng Danyun to visibly react. Especially Meng Danyun, who felt that even if she were to fully control the Peach Divine Sword, she would likely be unable to withstand even one of the white feathers.


    The Seventh Rank Demon Venerable, a title of reverence among the demons, far surpassed those of the Sixth Rank!


    Almost simultaneously.


    The Four-armed Demon Venerable, Li Shimou, and the Thousand-face Demon Venerable, Sang Huai, both made their moves. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Li Shimou swung his four arms, launching four punches towards Chen Mu from midair, accompanied by a massive explosion of demonic power, solidifying deep purple Fist Seals in the void behind Chen Mu, threatening to shatter his body.


    Sang Huai, on the other hand, casually waved his right arm forward, mysteriously releasing a pitch-black poison needle. It flashed a fierce ghostly light on its surface and shot through the air, arriving suddenly in front of Chen Mu.


    The attacks of the three great Demon Venerables converged on him from three different directions!


    "Brother Chen..."


    Shen Lin watched the scene turn somewhat pale, attempting to move forward to assist but was unable to even approach under the terrifying convergence of demonic power, left to watch from dozens of meters away.


    Meng Danyun also immediately deployed the Peach Divine Sword. The Yuan Gang Inner Breath controlling the sword caused it to emit a spiritual light. Just as she tried to maneuver the Peach Divine Sword to strike and assist Chen Mu, her expression turned to one of stunned surprise.


    She saw.


    In the arena, Chen Mu alone, facing the pincer attack of the three great Demon Venerables, still remained motionless with clasped hands behind his back, his gaze calm. Yet an invisible luminous radiance emanated around him, interweaving within three feet of his body.


    Whether it was the nearly solidified demonic power Fist Seals, the pitch-black poison needle, or the blood-colored white feathers falling from the sky, all were suspended in midair around Chen Mu, as if frozen in the void!


    Sizzle!


    As time passed, the Fist Seals, poison needle, and white feathers began to inch into the radiant aura surrounding Chen Mu at an extremely slow pace. To say they were inching might not be quite accurate, for anything that entered the three feet around Chen Mu was gradually ground into dust and annihilated into nothingness.


    He stood there, the three feet around him acting as an impenetrable forbidden zone.


    "This is..."


    Meng Danyun''s eyes widened in astonishment.


    All she could sense was that within the three feet around Chen Mu, the space seemed completely isolated from the outside world. This wasn''t the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, nor was it any other technique or move; she had only felt this sensation from Qin Mengjun before¡ªthe Martial Arts Domain!


    But that was impossible.


    Chen Mu had only mastered the Qiankun Artistic Conception for a short time. Even if he were an exceptional genius or a monstrous talent, it was unrealistic for him to have grasped the Qiankun Domain in such a short time, let alone exhibit a tiny domain of just three feet.


    As she watched the attacks of the three great Demon Venerables get annihilated bit by bit within that three-foot area, ultimately preventing any of them from penetrating further, Meng Danyun couldn''t help but take a deep breath, a hint of shock flickering in her eyes.


    She had heard Qin Mengjun say.


    If someone could train a technique to the extreme at the Six Viscera Realm, even if they hadn''t made a breakthrough in the Artistic Conception, they could exhibit an effect similar to the Martial Arts Domain within a certain range.


    However, achieving this was not much easier than advancing into the realm of Artistic Conception. Most of the time, this capability was manifested by Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters, those who hadn''t formed a true domain, relying on a Major Achievement Martial Body and the utmost control of their power to manifest this "Three Feet Forbidden Domain" around themselves!


    At this moment.


    Not just Meng Danyun and others, but even the marauding Demon Venerable White Featherincluding Xian Yuchen in the arena showed a slight change in expression.


    "A domain?!"


    "No... If he had formed a domain, it would be the Qiankun Domain, and it would never just have such limited power. This is merely a mastery of The Power of Heaven and Earth and Yuan Gang to an extreme degree, forming the Three Feet Forbidden Domain."


    Sang Huai looked at Chen Mu, his expression fluctuating with shock and uncertainty. He had seen such techniques before, but only among Martial Arts Grandmasters. Chen Mu had never stepped into the Grandmaster realm, and was only in his thirties. How did he refine his skills to this extent ¡ª a level many Martial Arts Grandmasters could not achieve!


    "Not bad,"


    At this moment, Chen Mu finally spoke slowly, fixing his gaze on Sang Huai, he said, "Since Sister Murong isn''t your target, then I''m relieved."


    As the words fell, Chen Mu''s figure abruptly vanished from the spot, and the next moment, he appeared right in front of the Thousand-face Demon Venerable Sang Huai, expressionless, he raised his hand and delivered a Fist Seal.


    Boom!!


    The eight colors of the Qiankun light rotated, and indeed, it was the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal!


    However, the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal that Chen Mu cast with his hand at this point was extremely terrifying. The vast might didn''t disperse at all but was tightly concentrated within a small area of one foot, forming a group that almost dazzled like the stars in the sky, with a brilliance that was blinding and a condensed might that was frightening.


    "This is bad!"


    Sang Huai felt the might of this strike, and his face drastically changed.


    As a Venerable of the Sky Demon Sect, he had sparred with more than one Martial Arts Grandmaster and had even watched top grandmasters from a distance. He was well experienced, but the might of Chen Mu''s strike was not something any top contender of the Wind Cloud List could match. It was clearly like a Martial Arts Grandmaster, not only was the summoned Power of Heaven and Earth terrifying, but it was also condensed to the extreme!


    With hardly any hesitation, Sang Huai let out a howl, his lower body''s flesh completely shattered, revealing the black-haired Demon Body beneath. He lashed out a tail-like a scorpion''s stinger, meeting Chen Mu''s Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal head-on.


    This tail needle was the toughest part of his Demon Corpse and also his strongest trump technique. It was powerful enough to clash with a Spirit Weapon. At this moment, he didn''t dare hold back at all and stimulated it with all his might.


    The magnificent demonic power gathered at the tail needle, causing the tip to emit a speck of scarlet light. Finally, it collided with Chen Mu''s Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, making the surrounding dozens of yards feel as if they momentarily tensed, followed by a thunderous upheaval!


    Boom!!!


    Accompanied by an explosion-like roar.


    The strikingly dazzling, intensely condensed Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal cast by Chen Mu then brutally crushed Sang Huai''s tail needle, penetrating his poisonous tail and ultimately burying itself in his chest.


    Sang Huai''s eyes suddenly widened as he stood frozen in place. The tail needle, along with the chest and the earth behind, aligned in one direction, revealing a clear path ¡ª everything in the middle had been pierced through by Chen Mu''s strike!


    The Might of One Strike, terrifying as such!


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    Sang Huai looked at Chen Mu in disbelief.


    This person had just stepped into the Six Viscera Realm, rumored only to qualify within the top ten of the Wind Cloud List. How could he be this powerful? Whether it was the summoned Power of Heaven and Earth or the level of condensation, both were far beyond him ¡ª not even close!


    Boom! Boom!!


    Almost simultaneously as Chen Mu''s Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal pierced Sang Huai, Xian Yuchen and Li Shimou also made their moves behind him. Two attacks fell respectively on the top of Chen Mu''s head and behind his back, erupting into earth-shaking roars, but still to no effect, blocked by the invisible barrier about three feet around Chen Mu, without shaking in the slightest!


    "Too weak,"


    "You all,"


    Chen Mu, regarding the attacks from above and behind, didn''t even spare them a glance, just reached forward with a gestured press.


    Long before his Six Viscera had been refined to the current extent, before his skills had been practiced to reach the pinnacle and create the "Three Feet Forbidden Domain," he could easily kill a Seventh Rank Demon Venerable. Although Hou Liao ranked last among the Demon Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect, he was still a Venerable, and today, Chen Mu was even stronger by no less than thirty percent compared to then.


    Although Sang Huai''s chest was penetrated, and he had not exploded yet, after Chen Mu''s recent strike, the demonic power throughout his body was completely scattered. At this moment, he was powerless to resist, barely raising his arms in an attempt to defend, summoning some remaining demonic power. But under the overwhelming Power of Heaven and Earth pressed down by Chen Mu''s hand, it was crumbled and shredded, and the entire person was compressed from head to toe, finally collapsing lifelessly!


    The Thousand-face Demon Venerable, dead!

 Chapter 294 Crushing the Demon Venerable!

    A dead silence.


    Shen Lin and many other disciples of the Seven Profound Sect, including County Magistrate Lin Yong, who was suppressed by the demon''s power to the point of nearly kneeling and struggling to rise, all looked at this scene from a distance, their faces filled with shock.


    The Seventh-Rank Demon Venerable of the Sky Demon Sect was a being comparable to a Martial Arts Grandmaster, and even many masters of the Wind Cloud List could not stand against them. Now, in the present moment, Chen Mu stood before them, unable to withstand even a single strike!


    "Brother Chen, he..."


    Shen Lin''s eyes were full of shock, and her heart was like a ripple of fluctuations. One year ago, Chen Mu had slain Situ Shu, ranked twenty-third on the Wind Cloud List, after a great battle. But now, against the more ferocious Venerable of the Sky Demon Sect, it seemed so effortless, striking down one of them almost as if they were not on the same level!


    In just one year''s time, Chen Mu''s strength had changed dramatically, easily killing a Seventh Rank Demon Venerable with the "Three Feet Forbidden Domain", far surpassing the top ten of the Wind Cloud List, enough to join the top three ranks!


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    In the field,


    Xian Yuchen watched Chen Mu withstand his and Li Shimou''s attacks, killing Sang Huai in the process, his eyes filled with horror and disbelief.


    "This is impossible!"


    He had anticipated that Chen Mu was strong, and that any of the three of them might not be able to beat Chen Mu one-on-one. But he had never thought that Chen Mu could be so powerful, almost on the level of Martial Arts Grandmasters like Shi Zhenyong and Feng Hongsheng!


    After flipping his palm and killing Sang Huai, Chen Mu turned his gaze to Li Shimou and Xian Yuchen.


    Both of them had a drastic change in expression.


    Escape!


    Li Shimou almost didn''t doubt it for a second. Although he was bulky like a small mountain and possessed brute strength to shake the foundations of a city, his mind was not clumsy. Seeing Chen Mu withstand their combined attack and kill Sang Huai¡ªeven though Sang Huai was the weakest among them¡ªstill demonstrated extremely terrifying power.


    Such strength was not something he or Xian Yuchen could contend with; even a moment''s delay meant a certain death!


    Boom!


    In almost an instant, Li Shimou stomped on the ground, his terrifying demonic power shaking the surface, causing the land within a hundred paces to shake, making countless people unstable.


    With the roaring sound, cracks spread from under his feet, breaking directly under Chen Mu''s feet, trying to entangle Chen Mu''s footsteps. Meanwhile, he fled far away.


    "Thinking of escaping now, isn''t it too late?"


    Chen Mu''s voice came indifferently. As the echo fell, the breaking ground under his feet suddenly vibrated, as if it had touched some immovable force, and instantly became calm and solidified, then began to merge back together. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Following that, Chen Mu''s figure flashed, leaving his original position. The earth beneath his feet seemed to contract with his steps, crossing dozens of feet in one step, and in just two steps, he caught up with the fleeing Li Shimou, coming up behind him with a hand raise, the Qiankun circulating, and another Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, enveloping an overwhelming mighty force, pressed down heavily.


    Feeling the terrifying power contained within this Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal,


    Li Shimou''s face changed dramatically.


    When he saw Chen Mu penetrating Thousand-face Demon Venerable Sang Huai with this strike, he knew that Chen Mu''s Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal had become terrifying beyond compare after reaching the pinnacle of his technique. Now, facing it directly, he could feel the breath-stopping oppression, as if the entire heaven and earth were collapsing, unavoidable, indestructible, insurmountable!


    "Heavenly Ape Demon Transformation!"


    Li Shimou had no time to hesitate, his eyes suddenly turned blood red, his demonic power surged tremendously, increasing by several folds. The deep purple patterns that covered his reddish body spread rapidly, enveloping his whole body in a purple glow, turning his entire body into a divine purple color. His spinal bones even twisted and contracted, transforming into the legendary demon ''Four-Armed Heavenly Ape'' in a flash!


    Li Shimou then roared, shaking his four arms like wheels throwing out Fist Seals. With his immense demonic power, he launched hundreds of thousands of punches, bursting out with grandiose power. Each of those deep purple Fist Seals could easily annihilate a Five Organ and Six Viscera Realm individual!


    Boom!


    The sky filled with fist shadows collided with the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal that Chen Mu swung down, causing a deafening boom that made the earth beneath Li Shimou''s feet crumble, cracking under the tremendous pressure and sinking continuously.


    The numerous deep purple fist shadows and the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal struggled in mid-air for a moment, as if a four-armed ape was howling at the sky, bracing its four arms, holding up the collapsing sky.


    "Like a mantis trying to stop a chariot."


    However, Chen Mu''s expression remained unchanged; his right hand maintained the starting posture of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal while his left hand drew an arc, performing the finishing move of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal.


    The radiantly colored eight-part Cycle Mark suddenly burst into dazzling light, as if becoming the only existence in the world. Just a vibration ripped through the myriad of Fist Seals, crushing them and striking down with immense force.


    "No."


    Li Shimou''s pupils contracted, and he let out an unwilling roar, desperately summoning all his demonic power. He stretched all four arms in front of him, but it was futile against the descending Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal. In the end, like Sang Huai, all four arms were shattered, and together with his chest, they were pierced by a gaping hole.

 Chapter 294 Crushing the Demon Venerable!_2

    The overwhelming demonic power and mighty demon body were of no use, utterly unable to withstand the might of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal''s sixth layer.


    "Ugh."


    Li Shimou spat out a mouthful of deep violet blood, accompanied by the collapse of demonic power and the destruction of the Demon Heart, as his demonic energy and vitality rapidly dissipated. Unable to keep standing, his knees went soft, and he collapsed to the ground.


    At the moment of his death, his gaze fixed on the horizon, watching Xian Yuchen, the White Feather Demon Venerable, who was frantically fleeing into the sky, a hint of resentment flashed in his eyes. If it weren''t for Xian Yuchen''s instigation, how would he have targeted Chen Mu, only to die here?


    After completely shattering Li Shimou''s Demon Heart and demonic power.


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    Chen Mu''s gaze then turned towards the heavens, staring at the White Feather Demon Venerable swiftly escaping towards the higher sky, a hint of indifference emerged in his eyes as he lightly tapped his toes, and in an instant, he shot into the sky, soaring towards the horizon.


    In a thought, within three feet around him, Yuan Gang and Artistic Conception blended and merged, dispelling all the restraints of Kun Earth, making him seem like a beam of light cutting through the sky as he chased after the fleeing White Feather Demon Venerable.


    Although he had not yet comprehended the true Qiankun Domain and could only rely on supreme Control Power to create a Forbidden Domain within three feet, he could still utterly ignore the constraints of the earth and influence, managing to fly and escape through the air!


    "Damn it¡­"


    The White Feather Demon Venerable was extremely fast, having flown hundreds of feet into the sky in almost an instant, continuing to escape into the distance. However, to his surprise, when he looked back, he saw Chen Mu transformed into a beam of light, chasing him directly, managing the heavens with unbounded ease, soaring through the sky.


    What terrified him the most was that Chen Mu''s speed was even faster than his, and he was about to be forcibly overtaken!


    The White Feather Demon Venerable''s face turned extremely ugly. Chen Mu''s strength had far exceeded his expectations. It was unimaginable that just after stepping into the Six Viscera Realm, Chen Mu could train his martial arts to such an extent, absolutely beyond belief. What astonished him the most was, after mastering the Three Feet Forbidden Domain and using the capability of the Qiankun Artistic Conception, Chen Mu could even fly through the heavens and use the laws of nature!


    Even his self-praised Soaring Flight Escape speed was no match for Chen Mu, who held the power of both lands and skies.


    "Blood Feather Ban."


    Xian Yuchen let out a desperate long howl, his body emitting waves of blood light as demonic power surged excessively, seemingly making his demon body struggle to bear the load. Cracks appeared on his skin as threads of demon blood seeped out. In an instant, his entire white feather attire was dyed blood red. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Blood feathers flew up one after another, then transformed into fierce beams of blood light, falling like meteors, each aiming at Chen Mu with an even more terrifying deadly force than before.


    "Think you can chase me in the sky? It won''t be that easy!"


    Xian Yuchen''s eyes showed a ferocious light.


    Chen Mu was still human after all, not a true Grandmaster lacking a Martial Body, and could fly only by relying on the Three Feet Forbidden Domain to isolate himself from heaven and earth. This method of flight required a certain expenditure of Yuan Gang to maintain.


    As for him, Xian Yuchen, a true Demon Venerable, his cultivation of the demon body was in the legendary direction of the ''White Phoenix''. Soaring Flight required no depletion of demonic power at all. Even with Chen Mu''s strength, in the skies, he had no assurance of victory over Chen Mu, yet this was ultimately his turf, making it much easier to shake off Chen Mu''s pursuit than on the ground.


    If he could slightly hinder Chen Mu, Chen Mu would not possibly catch up to him!


    Moreover, in terms of flying and escaping, the initiative was in his hands. He could head towards the central Ice State, where not only were there Eighth Rank masters from the Sky Demon Sect, but also Grandmaster experts from the Foreign Race. If Chen Mu dared to chase after him, it would be a certain death!


    Sizzle! Sizzle! Sizzle!


    With the descent of the Blood Feathers, each feather contained terrible might, striking the Forbidden Domain three feet before Chen Mu. Although they still could not breach his Three Feet Forbidden Domain, starting to disintegrate inch by inch on the surface into tiny crimson fragments, this did slow down Chen Mu''s speed somewhat.


    Seeing that his attack was ineffective against Chen Mu but indeed managed to hinder his speed, a glimpse of fear faded from Xian Yuchen''s demonic eyes, his ferocious demonic face slightly smiling.


    "Chen Mu, you are indeed a peerless figure of this generation in the Cold North Path, having been able to cultivate martial arts to this realm in such a short time after being schemed against by the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion. Even Sang Huai and Li Shimou died by your hand, and after tomorrow, your name will undoubtedly shake the entire Ice State... But you think you can keep me here too? It won''t be that easy!"


    Xian Yuchen laughed loudly, flapping his wings, cutting through a bloody trace in the sky, and in a flash, he plunged into the clouds, disappearing within them.


    However.


    Chen Mu''s expression remained unchanged, and he too burst through the clouds in a flash, continuing his pursuit of Xian Yuchen, his speed suddenly increased within the cloud layer, quickly nearing him again.


    Xian Yuchen, however, was not panicked. He had the upper hand above the heavens, Chen Mu''s Three Feet Forbidden Domain was formidable, but it was only around three feet. The Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal was also extremely terrifying, but could not strike from a hundred feet away.


    Whoosh!


    With a spread of his wings, another seven or eight Blood Feathers fell, wrapped in fierce demonic might, aimed at Chen Mu to continue hindering his speed, once again increasing the distance between them.

 Chapter 475 294

    However, this time Chen Mu''s movement was different; his eyes were indifferent as he casually lifted his right hand and drew the Cold Soul Spirit Blade that hung from his waist. Swinging the blade forward with a cleave and a sweep, a streak of Cold Soul Blade Qi surged forth, sweeping across dozens of yards and annihilating all those blood feathers that resembled blood-red meteors.


    Immediately after,


    Chen Mu raised his hand, a surge of Yuan Gang True Essence infused into the blade, and with a fierce thrust, he hurled the Cold Soul Spirit Blade forward!


    "Cold Soul Spirit Blade!"


    Seeing Chen Mu''s action, Xian Yuchen''s expression slightly changed. He was aware that Chen Mu had once slain the Great Protector Situ Shu of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion and seized the latter''s Cold Soul Spirit Blade, so he had always been on guard.


    Now, as he saw Chen Mu throw the blade and cut through the air, he didn''t panic; with a flap of his wings, he did his utmost to dodge and weave, narrowly avoiding the Cold Soul Spirit Blade by a hair''s breadth and not getting hit by the throw.


    This Spirit Weapon wasn''t like the ''Peach Divine Sword,'' which could be controlled and steered from a distance. Once thrown, it couldn''t be recalled, so this was Chen Mu''s only strike.


    This thought flashed through Xian Yuchen''s mind.


    But,


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    almost in the next instant, his pupils suddenly contracted.


    Although he had dodged the Cold Soul Spirit Blade''s air-cleaving throw, the blade as it flew induced a powerful icy force, which froze the clouds and fog in the air piece by piece into ice, surrounding him with shards of ice and suddenly slowing down his speed.


    "Damn it!"


    Xian Yuchen realized something was amiss, panic set in his heart, his demonic power surged as he tried with all his might to break free and accelerate his escape once again, but Chen Mu''s figure had already seized the opportunity to close the gap in the blink of an eye.


    Just as he forcefully vibrated his wings, releasing another swarm of blood feathers in an attempt to stop Chen Mu''s advance, the distance between Chen Mu and him had already shortened to within twenty yards. Then, with an unfaltering cold gaze and no hint of pause, Chen Mu raised his right hand.


    Hum!!!


    The majestic Power of Heaven and Earth, as well as Yuan Gang True Essence, converged to form a Cycle Mark smaller than the size of a palm and struck out, the vast might piercing through the swirling mist and heading straight for Xian Yuchen''s back!


    Xian Yuchen''s eyes were on the verge of splitting open, his body bursting with blood-colored demonic power, summoning layers of blood feathers to meet the oncoming Cycle Mark. sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Block it!


    He was twenty yards away from Chen Mu; no matter how strong the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal was, its power would diminish at that distance. If he could just block this hit, he would be able to widen the gap once again. Without a second Cold Soul Spirit Blade to throw, Chen Mu would be unable to stop him from escaping to safety!


    However, despite his best efforts to unleash his demonic power and send wave after wave of blood feathers flying to collide with Chen Mu''s Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, they were almost instantly shattered upon contact, and everything in the path of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal was obliterated.


    Boom!


    In the end, the entire cloud layer, starting from Chen Mu and extending nearly fifty to sixty yards forward, was pierced to create a narrow hollow. Within the hollow, whether ice crystals or cloud mist, all was thoroughly eradicated and dispersed as if utterly obliterated!


    Along with those that were pierced, were the wings of the White Feather Demon Venerable, as well as his demonic body!


    "Heh..."


    Xian Yuchen struggled to look down and saw the void in his chest, his wings flapped weakly a few times, his eyes revealing a look of unwillingness, but when his gaze turned to Chen Mu, the unwillingness in his eyes turned into despair.


    He saw that Chen Mu''s hand, unbeknownst to when, had produced another Spirit Weapon wrapped in threads of lightning, gazing at him from afar as if planning to follow up with this Spirit Weapon should the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal prove insufficient.


    Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear!


    Seeing this Spirit Weapon, Xian Yuchen finally remembered the incident not long ago when another Venerable of the Sky Demon Sect, Hou Liao, died within the territory of Yu State¡ªsaid to have been killed by an unknown Thunder Path Grandmaster, pierced through by a Spirit Weapon, the Thunder Spear.


    At that time, he too wondered who in Yu State possessed such means to kill Hou Liao. Yet, it was not unusual for him to die at the hands of a Grandmaster, given the many Grandmasters in the Cold North Path and the risk Hou Liao took entering the territory of Yu State.


    As it turned out, Hou Liao was also killed by Chen Mu.


    Blood spilled from the corners of Xian Yuchen''s mouth, his body''s demonic power and aura finally collapsed, and he plummeted from the sky, a hint of regret flashing in his eyes... If he had known that Hou Liao died at the hands of Chen Mu, that Chen Mu already had the power to kill a Seventh Rank Venerable, he should never have targeted Chen Mu and should have attacked someone else. Even had he failed, it would not have led to his own demise here.


    With his ability to escape, unless it was a Grandmaster like Feng Hongsheng with a Spirit Weapon like the Exec Moon Bow, even when facing Shi Zhenyong, as long as he had the chance to escape into the sky, he was confident of retreating with his life intact. But he happened to encounter Chen Mu, who not only mastered the ability to soar through the skies but also possessed a long-range attack method like the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear, and he was already no match for it without even needing to use it.


    Below.


    In the County Government, with countless people looking up, they saw a figure plummet from the clouds in the distance, falling straight towards the far away land. Despite the distance, one could still discern a pair of wings behind the figure, distinctly not of human form.


    Eventually, the figure fell from the clouds, hundreds of feet high, crashing onto the northern wall of the County Government, collapsing a portion of the wall, and then rolling off to the snow outside the city, along with the slowly dissipating unpleasant demonic might.


    Inside the County Government, there was dead silence.


    Everyone watched silently as Xian Yuchen fell from the mist, and then all gazes turned upward once again, finally seeing a figure descending from the clouds, piercing through the mist, returning to the middle of the County Government.


    Chen Mu''s gaze swept over the chaotic courtyard, the collapsed walls and houses, and the cracked ground that spread for dozens of feet. He shook his head and sighed,


    "Looks like I need to find a new place again."


    ...


    Da Xuan Calendar, year 1432.


    The Seven Profound Sect stationed in Ice State, Frost County, the combined forces of three Great Demon Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect lured away the main peak''s Protector Murong Yan and attempted an assassination of Ling Xuan Protector Chen Mu within the County Government. Nevertheless, Chen Mu had mastered the Three Feet Forbidden Domain and the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal to Major Achievement, ultimately facing three adversaries alone and slaying the three Venerables at hand.


    The news spread.


    All of Ice State was shaken!

 Chapter 295 The Third Person in Cold North Storms

    In the sky above.


    A figure commandeered Qian Heaven, flying swiftly from afar, skimming past the clouds.


    At her utmost speed, Murong Yan''s eyes carried a trace of urgency. On her way back from Liu Chan and the others, she had once again received a distress signal. This time, however, the signal was from Frost North County, and as she had anticipated, something had gone wrong at the county government of Frost North County, which was under the supervision of Chen Mu.


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    What caused her the greatest anxiety was that the call for help from Frost North County only lasted for a brief moment before it was abruptly cut off. She did not know to what extent the county had been devastated by Demon Men, or, in the worst case, if all the disciples of the Seven Profound Sect stationed within the county government had been completely annihilated by the Demon Men from the Sky Demon Sect.


    Quickly!


    Even faster!


    Murong Yan''s form ripped through the vast sky. The Qian Heaven Domain was pushed to its limits, all to reach Frost North County just a little bit earlier. After flying at a high speed for an unknown period, the city of Frost North County finally appeared before her.


    Even from high above, Murong Yan could instantly see that one corner of the eastern wall of Frost North County had collapsed noticeably compared to when she had left, which inevitably tensed her up.


    However.


    When she looked towards the entire county government, she saw that it was eerily calm with no signs of battle fluctuations. The air faintly retained some traces of Demon Qi, but beyond that, there was nothing else.


    "So I''m still too late, am I..."


    Murong Yan''s gaze darkened. It seemed that the battle must have ended much earlier, and indeed, she had not made it in time.


    After scanning the city again, she immediately noticed that the courtyard where Chen Mu had previously lived was completely destroyed. The walls and buildings had collapsed, and even the ground was cracked, clearly the site of a significant battle.


    At that moment,


    she could see some figures cleaning up the rubble.


    Without concealing her presence, Murong Yan quickly descended from the sky, landing on a rooftop of the county office, with her mild but authoritative aura enveloping the area.


    Some disciples of the Seven Profound Sect nearby immediately noticed Murong Yan and looked up at her.


    "Protector Murong."


    "Sister Murong!"


    Different salutations rang out.


    Murong Yan cast her gaze downward and asked sternly, "Was it Demon Men who attacked the county government? What''s the casualty situation? Have the Demon Men withdrawn? How is Junior Brother Chen?"


    Her series of questions momentarily stunned the group of Seven Profound Sect disciples below, unsure of how to respond.


    But at that moment,


    a few stewards of the Seven Profound Sect approached, carrying a body, which made Murong Yan focus her attention. Shock flashed in her eyes as she recognized the corpse: "White Feather Demon Venerable Xian Yuchen?!"


    The body''s feathers were soaked in blood, unrelated to "White Feather", but having met the Demon Venerable before, Murong Yan identified him immediately, astounded.


    White Feather Demon Venerable Xian Yuchen.


    As one of the three great Demon Venerables stationed at Frost County, his strength was formidable; not even the Grandmasters of the renowned Ice Extreme Palace could touch him, primarily because the power of Soaring Flight Escape was not something any Grandmaster possessed, at least, not without having the Martial Body of the Xun Wind lineage, and even then, the speed was considerably slow.


    Only by cultivating Qian Heaven like herself, utilizing it to maneuver through the skies, could she match the speed of running on the ground, but even so, dealing with Xian Yuchen was incredibly challenging.


    As far as she knew,


    Xian Yuchen had even taken action in front of Shi Zhenyong, but Shi Zhenyong, a powerful Grandmaster, had no way to handle him since the other could maintain a certain distance in the sky and briefly stay aloft out of reach.


    For this reason, Feng Hongsheng had brought the Spirit Weapon, the Exec Moon Bow, specifically to curb Xian Yuchen''s wanton actions and give him a significant deterrent.


    But now,


    this illustrious White Feather Demon Venerable had shockingly died in Frost North County.


    "Xian Yuchen is dead..."


    Murong Yan''s gaze became stern. Her first reaction was that Shi Zhenyong had come early with the Exec Moon Bow and had slain the Seventh Rank Venerable. However, she soon realized that something was amiss because the wounds on his Demon Body were not inflicted by the Exec Moon Bow and Breaking Star Arrow.


    The gaping hole in his chest bore signs of the vast Qiankun essence.


    This was,


    death by the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal!


    At this point within the Cold North County government, the only person capable of wielding the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal was, of course, Chen Mu.


    Junior Brother Chen had actually used the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal to slay Xian Yuchen?


    Murong Yan was momentarily astonished, disbelief flashing in her eyes. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Who was Xian Yuchen? He was a prestigious Demon Venerable of the Sky Demon Sect, whose fleeing abilities had even troubled Shi Zhenyong, not to mention his formidable personal strength, far surpassing that of Situ Shu with the Cold Soul Blade. Comparatively, he was no less significant than her, ranking among or very close to the top ten on the Wind Cloud List, who could possibly contend with him.


    "Sister Murong."


    Just as Murong Yan was grappling with her disbelief, a familiar voice sounded. She saw Chen Mu approaching from not far away.


    Murong Yan turned around to see Chen Mu appearing unharmed, and was utterly astonished, "Junior Brother Chen... you''re alright?"

 Chapter 295 The Third Person in Cold North Storms_2

    "Their petty tricks cannot trouble me, Protector Murong, how are things on your side?"


    Chen Mu asked Murong Yan.


    At that moment, Murong Yan was still somewhat unsettled, filled with shock and suspicion, but she instinctively responded, "The Sky Demon Sect has gathered a group of people to besiege Protector Liu, trapping without killing, just to lure me there. By the time I arrived, the demon men had already retreated."


    "Is that so..."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly and said, "It''s good that Protector Murong is unharmed."


    Having said that,


    he casually picked up the corpse of Xian Yuchen and walked towards another courtyard.


    Meanwhile, Murong Yan was still in a daze. When she came to her senses, she saw Zhao Zhenchuan approaching from not far away and greeted her, "Protector Murong."


    "Protector Zhao."


    Murong Yan descended from the eaves and said, "What exactly is happening at the County Government...?"


    Zhao Zhenchuan looked in the direction where Chen Mu had gone and sighed, "I too have just returned to the County Government. I heard that the demon men cunningly planned to lure Protector Murong away. However, with Chen Junior Brother''s current strength, even if the three Great Demon Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect join hands..."


    Years ago, when he heard that Chen Mu had replaced Meng Danyun to become another true disciple of Spirit Profound Peak, the fourth disciple of Qin Mengjun, he only thought that Spirit Profound Peak finally had another somewhat outstanding junior brother. Yet, he never imagined that in just over a year, Chen Mu''s strength had advanced by leaps and bounds, already surpassing him during their time in Sha Prefecture.


    Later, challenging Yunni Sky Peak and climbing the Wind Cloud List, he had far surpassed the heights he was at.


    And now,


    he alone had slain the three Great Demon Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect!


    Even though he was also a standout in the Six Viscera Realm, ranking just below those on the Wind Cloud List, he couldn''t help but be shocked by the fearsome nature of the Qiankun Path. Truly, ''in heaven and on earth, I alone am the honored one,'' capable of slaughtering three Great Demon Venerables with the physique of the Six Viscera Realm.


    To think that not long ago,


    Sang Huai, Li Shimou, and the other three Great Demon Venerables had ravaged Ice State for a long time. He himself, even if he broke through the Mysterious Pass and achieved Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster status, could not immediately surpass these three. He would need to gradually refine his Martial Body to perfection to overcome them.


    Back then,


    he already had the strength he did now, while Chen Mu had just left Yu County. At that time, Chen was only a young disciple in the Five Viscera Realm, barely mastering the second step of three Artistic Conceptions, having just triumphed over Grandmaster Gu Hong of the Heavenly Sword Sect.


    Listening to Zhao Zhenchuan''s words, Murong Yan was also somewhat stunned for a moment. She had previously exchanged and discussed with Chen Mu and already knew that his strength was likely above hers, but she had not expected him to reach such a level. She did not have absolute confidence in overpowering any of the three Great Demon Venerables, yet Chen Mu could face and slay all three alone.


    This kind of strength,


    had completely surpassed her own level.


    Among Grandmasters, only powerhouses like Shi Zhenyong and Feng Hongsheng could achieve this, and in the Six Viscera Realm, looking across the entire Cold North Eleven States, perhaps only the top three on the Wind Cloud List could possess such capability.


    That is to say, Chen Mu''s current standing was already qualifying him to be among the top three on the Wind Cloud List!


    "The Qiankun Path, the strongest Martial Arts in the world, can it truly be this powerful?"


    Murong Yan was also a bit dazed in her heart.


    Everyone knew that the Qiankun Martial Arts were the most powerful martial path in the world, but even the strongest should have their limits. Chen Mu had not yet cultivated the Qiankun Domain and was already comparable to the top three on the Wind Cloud List. This kind of strength, even among the peerless prodigies of past millennia who had cultivated the Qiankun Path, was probably unprecedented.


    At Murong Yan''s level, she understood that although the Qiankun Martial Arts were powerful, how far they could be developed still depended on the individual, just like Qin Mengjun, who, like her, cultivated the Qian Heaven Domain. Even without using the power of the Martial Body, just a domain confrontation alone, she did not consider herself Qin Mengjun''s match. The same Martial Arts, different people indeed differ in their proficiency.


    To cultivate the Qiankun, one must already be one in ten thousand of the elites.


    And Chen Mu,


    at his current level, had not yet cultivated the Domain, but was almost stepping into the top three of the Wind Cloud List, undoubtedly marking him among the most elite in generations of Qiankun practitioners.


    Being able to cultivate Martial Arts to such an extent at over thirty years old, reaching the pinnacle, manifesting the Three Feet Forbidden Domain, such an awe-inspiring talent¡ªMurong Yan even felt that, despite Chen Mu being targeted by the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion and afflicted with Demonic Qi erosion, he still might not fail to become a Qiankun Grandmaster in the future.


    Such a peerless individual, like a brilliant star in the sky, might momentarily be obscured by fleeting clouds but will ultimately still illuminate the world.


    "In any case, after today, the Wind Cloud List will have to include a fourth person equal to those top three,"


    Murong Yan shook her head.


    The gaps between ranks on the Wind Cloud List are minute, but only the top three and everyone from the fourth rank onward belong to entirely different levels and heights. Hence, whenever discussing the top ten on the Wind Cloud List, people usually refer from the fourth to the tenth, considering the top three as higher-level experts, not mixed together.


    But now, with Chen Mu alone slaying the three Great Demon Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect, his strength and level are definitely far beyond the current number four on the Wind Cloud List, truly qualifying for the level of the top three.


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    ...


    Yu County.


    Inner City.


    The demonic chaos in Ice State had not affected the order in Yu County at all, as it was too far away, from the south of the sky to the north of the earth. The dignitaries of the Inner City still spent their days indulging in food, drink, entertainment, visiting brothels, listening to operas, also frequenting teahouses to discuss stories of the Martial World.


    Since the Yu State Army had deployed to Lang Prefecture, many powers and families in Yu County had been keeping an eye on the battle situation in Ice State because, despite the distance between Ice State and Yu County, the outcome of the chaos in Ice State would still affect the political landscape of Yu State.


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 Chapter 295 The Third Person in the Cold North Storms_3

    "I heard that the Frost County of Ice State has basically been cleansed, with the demon men from the Sky Demon Sect and the remnants of the Heavenly Corpse Sect scattering without any resistance. The upper echelons have already completely taken over Frost County, not sure if they''ll integrate it under their jurisdiction next."


    At a certain teahouse.


    Within the elegant room on the second floor, two figures sat opposite each other, one of them spoke.


    His temples were graying, his age showing some signs of time, but he was a well-known figure in the Inner City, immediately recognizable by people on the streets¡ª the Deputy Head Officer of the Inner City''s City Defense Division, Min Baoyi.


    Having served in the position of Prefecture Chief in the Ninth District for many years, he had finally ascended to the role of Deputy Head Officer. The whole process went smoothly, although Chen Mu did not specifically speak out when he was in Yu County, Min Baoyi was very clear that his attainment of the Deputy Head Officer''s position was indubitably due to the influence of Chen Mu, for he was merely a Martial Man who had achieved Body Refinement Perfection.


    Apart from him, those who held the position of Deputy Head Officer in the Inner City Area, without exception, were Martial Men of the Tendon Changing Realm, and not just those who had initially stepped into Tendon Changing; their strength and background all surpassed his. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Being a Deputy Head Officer, Min Baoyi felt completely content, especially since his residence had now moved to the Inner City, making him truly a person of the Inner City. He was also very close to the Yu Family, and his granddaughter was even betrothed to a member of the Yu Family.


    A few more years of service,


    and he could retire peacefully.


    "Integrating it under governance might not be so easy. Ice Extreme Palace won''t readily let go of a county''s territory, and with the upheavals in Ice State yet to subside, the Sky Demon Sect and Heavenly Corpse Sect are no trivial forces. I think there will be a backlash."


    The person sitting opposite Min Baoyi was somewhat older, having once been Prefecture Chief of Wutong Grove District, Xu Feng.


    Xu Feng had retired early and had passed on his position of Prefecture Chief to Chen Mu. Although he was not particularly close to Chen Mu, he too had spent half his life working for the Yu Family. When the Yu Family was thriving, he finally had the opportunity to move and reside in the Inner City.


    He and Min Baoyi had worked together for many years and had developed some friendship, often meeting for tea to listen to news. However, whenever the topic of Chen Mu came up, both of them felt similar sentiments. Who could have imagined that a former lowly and destitute officer would reach such heights today, now a towering figure as an Inspector of Yu State, battling in Ice State, a presence too great to see.


    "Hmm, although the Sky Demon Sect and Heavenly Corpse Sect have been continuously retreating, for all this time, there hasn''t been much news about any movements from the three Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect who inhabited Frost County. They must be scheming something."


    "The Sky Demon Sect''s Venerables are not ordinary; I hope Lord Chen there can proceed carefully."


    Xu Feng sighed.


    Today, among those elite figures stationed in Ice State, be they Elders or protectors, he and Min Baoyi weren''t really concerned about them, the only situation they truly cared about was Chen Mu''s.


    Because the current prosperity of the Yu Family in Yu County was all due to Chen Mu, and their own affiliates, who were able to spend their later years leisurely in the Inner City, also depended entirely on Chen Mu; they would rise and fall together.


    However.


    Today, they were no longer who they were years ago when Chen Mu was still a Prefecture Chief, at that time they still had the capability to influence matters around Chen Mu, but now they could only listen to distant and uncertain reports from miles away.


    Ice State was a dangerous place, with even Grandmaster Elders of Ice Extreme Palace falling, and even though the strength of today''s Chen Mu was acknowledged to be close to the top ten of the Wind Cloud List, in that perilous place dominated by Grandmaster Venerables, his presence wasn''t considered too significant.


    "He has always been cautious in his actions and won''t take risks, so don''t worry too much... But I''ve also not heard any news about him for a long time," Min Baoyi sipped his tea, turning his gaze toward the window.


    Even though he was the Deputy Head Officer of the Inner City Area and held a significant position, due to the vast distance between Yu County and Ice State and the fact that his own status was not that high and not a part of the Inspectorate, he had very limited access to information.


    Over the past few months, he had heard reports such as "Zuo Qianqiu battling a Venerable of the Sky Demon Sect," but news about Chen Mu was sparse. Given his current status, it was really difficult to access that level of information. The only thing he knew about Chen Mu was that he seemed to be stationed in the Cold North County of Frost County.


    However.


    While Min Baoyi and Xu Feng were discussing,


    a sudden clamor arose outside.


    The two paused their conversation and listened carefully before discerning the disturbance came from the bookstore opposite the teahouse; they soon understood the situation amid the chaotic noise.


    "Eh, the Wind Cloud List has been rearranged ahead of schedule? It hasn''t even been two years yet,"


    Min Baoyi expressed in surprise.


    It was well known that unlike the Newcomer''s List, the Cold North Path''s Wind Cloud List was redesigned only once every three years. Yet, from the uproar outside, it seemed that the Wind Cloud List had been updated, even though the time had not yet reached two years.


    In the noise outside, there were also comments questioning if it was a ''fake book''; however, Min Baoyi and Xu Feng exchanged glances, both clear that if the Wind Cloud List was updated, it couldn''t be fake. No one would risk offending the many masters on the Wind Cloud List and the End of the World Sea Pavilion by forging a new edition, as it would be pointless.


    "It is indeed strange. If I recall correctly, the Wind Cloud List hasn''t been prematurely rearranged in many years. What''s the reason this time?"


    Xu Feng also asked, curious.


    "Let''s have a look and find out,"


    Min Baoyi said with a smile. Without much hesitation, he got up and went downstairs, soon returning to the private room with a brand-new copy of the Wind Cloud List, which he then opened.


    The first page still featured the longstanding number one of the Wind Cloud List, Hua Yunsheng of the Wandering Free Man. There was no surprise there, and his record had not changed much either, only sparsely updated to note that he had encountered a grandmaster half a year prior, and they had both retreated without further incident.


    Turning to the second page, there was no change either. Still, there was Xia Yu''r, the genuine transfer of the early years from the Hehuan Sect, the only one in the Cold North Path in the Six Viscera Realm who controlled the Yin Yang Domain. There were almost no changes to her description.


    But,


    as Min Baoyi turned to the third page, he stopped in his tracks.


    ...


    ''Qiankun Blade'' Chen Mu.


    Former true disciple of Seven Profound Sect, Guardian of Spirit Profound Peak, the fourth disciple of Qin Mengjun.


    History: Chen Mu, rising from Yu State''s Yu County, was once a low-level prefecture officer, serving many positions...


    ...later defeated Gu Hong, a true disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect, was exceptionally accepted into the mountain gate by the Seven Profound Sect as a Spirit Profound Peak disciple, became a disciple under Qin Mengjun, mastered the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception, supported Sha Prefecture, slew countless demons, later mastered the Qiankun Artistic Conception, defeated Zuo Qianqiu, the chief true disciple of the Heavenly Sword Sect at Yunni Sky Peak, topped the Newcomer''s List, making his first appearance on the Wind Cloud List, ranked twenty-seventh.


    Afterward, he returned to the Seven Profound Sect, broke through the Six Viscera Realm, then returned to Yu County, where he killed Inspector Nie Yu from the Heavenly Seal Sect at Yellow Ridge Mountains, later fell into the trap of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, accrued Demonic Qi while saving his wife, then joined forces with Yan Jingqing to attack the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion base, and with the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, killed Cold Soul Blade Situ Shu, destroyed the protectors and stewards of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion base, shaking all directions.


    After lying dormant for a year, he accompanied Seven Profound Sect to settle in Frost County, Ice State, stationed in Cold North County Government, faced the trio of Thousand-face Demon Venerable Sang Huai, White Feather Demon Venerable Xian Yuchen, and Four-armed Demon Venerable Li Shimou from the Sky Demon Sect¡ªwho all attacked him in concert... However, already having achieved Major Achievement in martial arts, he reached the pinnacle and mastered the sixth layer of Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, conjured the ''Three Feet Forbidden Domain'', and successively killed the Thousand-face and Four-armed Demon Venerables alone. Finally, he ascended through the clouds and, in a skirmish in the sky, killed White Feather Demon Venerable Xian Yuchen. Thus, the trio of Great Demon Venerables from the Sky Demon Sect all perished by his hand.


    In terms of power... he stands on par with Hua Yunsheng and Xia Yu''r, considered the greatest among all the Qiankun martial artists across the history of Cold North Path''s Eleven States. Read exclusive chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    Upon assessment,


    He is ranked third on the Cold North Wind Cloud List!

 Chapter 296 Various Reactions

    Liang State.


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    Jade Spring Villa.


    Located at the edge of Jade Spring Mountain, this secluded villa was not very large. All the servants and attendants combined, there were at most a few hundred people. In Liang State, it was considered quite a small estate, but in terms of fame, Jade Spring Villa was a renowned place throughout Liang State and even within the eleven states of Cold North Path, it was known to all.


    The reason was simple, the owner of Jade Spring Villa, known by the name Hua Yunsheng, also had the moniker¡ª


    ''The Carefree Wanderer''!


    He was the unanimously recognized number one figure in the Six Viscera Realm of Cold North Path, wielding a complete Five Elements Domain, his mastery of Martial Arts had long reached the ultimate peak. Throughout the eleven states of Cold North Path, aside from top masters like Qin Mengjun, he could battle any other master.


    Of course, the top three of the Wind Cloud List had nearly all reached this level, and thus the status of the top three on the list was considered a significant step above the fourth place and beyond.


    After all.


    Anyone who managed to become a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster, as long as they cultivated for a few decades, most could train their Martial Body to Perfection and develop a Domain. Their strength would be sufficient to sweep any under the top three of the Wind Cloud List.


    But the top three on the Wind Cloud List were different. Someone like Hua Yunsheng was a force not easily dealt with by any but the very top masters.


    Now, looking at the entire eleven states of Cold North Path, how many top masters were there?


    The number was even fewer than those in the Blood Exchange Realm.


    It could be said that besides the existences in the Blood Exchange Realm and the top masters, Hua Yunsheng feared no one, which was why he had never joined any power and had always moved alone.


    At this time.


    In the depths of Jade Spring Villa, within a secluded and cool pavilion, two figures sat opposite each other. One, with white at the temples and an aged face, was the Carefree Wanderer, Hua Yunsheng.


    "For Mr. Yu to visit my Jade Spring Villa truly brings honor to this place. However, I''m advanced in years and really do not wish to be involved in conflicts anymore. I hope Mr. Yu will forgive me..."


    Hua Yunsheng poured a cup of tea for the man opposite him and sighed.


    The man sitting opposite Hua Yunsheng appeared much younger, with the appearance of a middle-aged man, but in actuality, his age was not much less than Hua Yunsheng''s. He too was a figure of great fame in the Cold North Path.


    Yu Yingchen, the Grandmaster of the Ghostly Sword, an official of the North Garrison Government, one of the master experts under Northern King Yuan Hong''s command, had come to Jade Spring Villa for a simple purpose¡ªto invite the Carefree Wanderer Hua Yunsheng to join the North Garrison Government.


    "Mr. Hua, there''s no need to refuse so quickly. Although you are older now, you still have descendants. They have yet to reach your level of proficiency. Once you pass away, I fear many will covet Jade Spring Villa. If you join the North Garrison Government, then your descendants will be under its protection in the future."


    Yu Yingchen took a sip of his tea and spoke leisurely.


    Hua Yunsheng smiled faintly and said, "I have wandered the Martial World, my sword against all, without ever needing shelter from others. The saying goes that children and grandchildren have their own fortune. While I''m here, I can look after them, but when I''m gone, it''s up to their fate and fortune. Life is short. If one clings to every matter, how much freedom can one truly enjoy?"


    After hearing this, Yu Yingchen shook his head and said, "Mr. Hua does have an open view. However, in these chaotic times, no one is truly free. If one day Liang State falls into war, I fear Jade Spring Villa will have a hard time standing alone."


    Hua Yunsheng had been sitting at the top of the Wind Cloud List for decades, his strength was undoubtedly immense, making him an extremely powerful being. Even Yu Yingchen wasn''t certain he could defeat him, but the problem was, Hua Yunsheng wasn''t strong enough.


    If.


    If Hua Yunsheng were as powerful as those in the Blood Exchange Realm, or if he himself were in the Blood Exchange Realm, then he indeed would have the capacity to claim a territory in those chaotic times, and no side would wish to offend him excessively.


    But merely being number one on the Wind Cloud List was not enough. Although he could now maintain Jade Spring Villa and live freely, if one day the North Garrison Government invaded Liang State and a great war erupted, Jade Spring Villa would not have the strength to protect itself.


    "If Liang State falls into chaos, then move to Xuan State; if Xuan State is in turmoil, then go to the Central Lands... Even if the whole world is in chaos, there''s always a corner where one can find refuge," Hua Yunsheng said with a cheerful laugh.


    Hearing Hua Yunsheng''s words, a hint of resignation flashed in Yu Yingchen''s eyes, but he wasn''t too surprised by this. He had a long-standing relationship with Hua Yunsheng and knew his nature. Hua Yunsheng disliked constraints and conflict, and his reluctance to be involved in any strife was indeed consistent with his actions.


    Seeing that Hua Yunsheng''s mind was made up, Yu Yingchen did not persist. He picked up his tea, took a sip, and then changed the subject with a smile, "Speaking of which, Mr. Hua, I''m afraid your position as number one on the Wind Cloud List won''t last much longer. That rising star from Yu State, with his stunning talent, is truly the most extraordinary in the Cold North Path for hundreds of years. He has only just reached the age of ''thirty'', yet he''s already claimed the third spot on the Wind Cloud List."


    At this point. sea??h th§× N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A flicker of light also passed through his eyes.


    As they say, chaotic times breed extraordinary talents. In this era of great turmoil, a monster like Chen Mu appeared, achieving supreme mastery in Martial Arts and forging a Three Feet Forbidden Domain in his thirties. His strength was fearsome enough to annihilate the three Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect. Such terrifying power was rare even among the historical Qiankun geniuses in the history of the Da Xuan Dynasty.


    Certainly, even among geniuses, there were levels, and Chen Mu was an exceptional prodigy among prodigies. If not for the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s nefarious interference, it would have been impossible to stop him at the Marrow Cleansing Mysterious Pass. He would surely have become the tenth Qiankun Grandmaster since the founding of Da Xuan.


    Even so.


    Yu Yingchen still believed that Chen Mu was not likely to stop at the Six Viscera Realm. For such an extraordinary prodigy, everything seemed possible. The Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s scheming might delay Cheng Mu''s progress temporarily, but unless they completely eliminated him, no one could be certain of blocking his path in Martial Arts.

 Chapter 296 Reactions from All Parties_2

    Before he came to Liang State, he had already warned Yuan Hong that Chen Mu was too unpredictable and plans needed to be made early. At that time, Chen Mu had not yet become a Grandmaster, so it was still possible to deal with him. If, after a decade, he truly became a Qiankun Grandmaster, then the situation would become truly troublesome.


    Throughout history, every Qiankun Grandmaster of Da Xuan was a unique figure in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, invincible among Grandmasters, even capable of retreating from encounters with beings in the Blood Exchange Realm. Furthermore, considering Chen Mu''s youth, the potential he possessed was indeed daunting.


    However,


    Yuan Hong only pondered upon this reminder briefly and did not make any immediate decisions.


    After all, the situation in Ice State was favorable at the moment. Ice Extreme Palace, in alliance with Seven Profound Sect, was contending against the Foreign Races beyond the pass and the two great Evil Sects, the Heavenly Corpse and the Heavenly Demon. Each side was depleting the other''s strength, and it was best for North Garrison Government to not interfere.


    Even if Chen Mu might obstruct North Garrison Government in the future, that was, after all, a future concern. He had only recently entered the Six Viscera Realm, and, without the plots of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, was still far from reaching the Marrow Cleansing Mysterious Pass, not to mention the corruption by the Demonic Qi... If they disrupted the balance of Ice State just out of fear for Chen Mu''s potential future, the situation would spiral out of control, making it difficult to steer.


    At least,


    it wouldn''t be too late to reconsider once the situation in Ice State had stabilized.


    Yu Yingchen also felt that Yuan Hong''s consideration was rational and didn''t press further, immediately traveling to Liang State to find Hua Yunsheng to prepare for the next steps of North Garrison Government''s plans.


    "Martial Arts is inherently about surpassing the previous generations; it''s only through successive legacies that we''ve reached today. Even those invincible in their time can''t remain so forever; they will eventually be surpassed by successors. Especially since I''m just an old man who has not yet undergone Marrow Cleansing,"


    Hua Yunsheng laughed heartily as he sipped his tea.


    Although he had occupied the top position in the Wind Cloud List for decades, he had never cared for such vain honors. He aspired to be unconstrained, and being first on the Wind Cloud List in his view was merely a coincidence.


    Despite his disregard for the Wind Cloud List rankings, he was indeed aware of Chen Mu''s deeds, particularly when he heard that End of the World Sea Pavilion had moved Chen Mu to third place on the list ahead of time, he was indeed very surprised. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At only thirty-one years old,


    having not yet grasped the Qiankun Domain, yet already reached his level.


    Indeed a genius unparalleled, born in chaotic times, far more fitting the narrative of ''born under the Heavenly Mandate'' than Zuo Qianqiu of the Heavenly Sword Sect, whom he once heard of.


    "You truly are broad-minded,"


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    Listening to Hua Yunsheng''s words, Yu Yingchen couldn''t help but exclaim, "With such a state of mind and will, although I am a Grandmaster, I am still not as good as you. If you had back then... you would probably now be the number one Grandmaster of Cold North."


    Had Hua Yunsheng broken through the Marrow Cleansing Mysterious Pass using the Artistic Conception of the Five Elements and cultivated the Five Elements Martial Body back then, he would undoubtedly be the premier Grandmaster of Cold North Path now, but missing that one step made a world of difference.


    Hua Yunsheng sipped his tea, showing a hint of nostalgia.


    Yu Yingchen suddenly changed the topic, looking at Hua Yunsheng and asking, "Hua, when do you think he will surpass you?"


    Hua Yunsheng chuckled and said, "Maybe in ten years, or maybe even within a few."


    According to reports, Chen Mu''s Martial Arts had reached the pinnacle, having practiced the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal to the Sixth Layer and mastered the Three Feet Forbidden Domain, which meant that he had essentially reached the limits within the Six Viscera Realm.


    To ascend further, he either had to grasp the Qiankun Domain or break through to cultivate a Martial Body through Marrow Cleansing, but either step was considered a formidable barrier; speaking of Marrow Cleansing, Chen Mu was still far from it, the immediate concern was the Domain.


    "Do you think he can grasp the Qiankun Domain before he turns forty?"


    Yu Yingchen looked at Hua Yunsheng.


    Grasping the Qiankun Domain before forty was indeed an exaggeration; even the fastest in the history of Da Xuan had only grasped it after fifty. Although he firmly believed in Chen Mu''s potential to someday grasp the Qiankun Domain, he had not imagined Chen Mu could accomplish it before forty; that was too fantastical.


    "Who knows."


    Hua Yunsheng smiled calmly, turning his head to gaze at the distant azure Heavens Vault, lost in thought.


    ...


    Bitter State.


    Inside a lavish pavilion.


    Dressed in a light gauze garment, a young woman reclined on a soft couch. Her exquisite figure was faintly discernible through the gauze, with various rises and dips holding a captivating, almost magical allure. She held a roll of the Wind Cloud List, showing a thoughtful expression.


    "Aunt Xia, look, I told you before that he was no ordinary person. Now, in just a year or two, he''s already reached the third position on the Wind Cloud List, just behind you, aunt."


    Hua Nongying leaned over Xia Yuye''s shoulder, smiling as she massaged Xia''s shoulders.


    Xia Yuye gently said, "I have never underestimated him. One who can surpass Zuo Qianqiu is certainly no ordinary man. I''m just surprised he''s advanced his Martial Arts to this level so quickly."


    Hua Nongying spoke softly, "Looking at his past experiences, which one was ever expected? The Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion always says they adhere to the heavenly mechanisms and follow the Heavenly Mandate, but I think... perhaps he really is the Heavenly Mandate of this era."


    Qiankun Martial Arts, a standout of his generation, third on the Wind Cloud List.


    Observing Chen Mu''s journey, step by step to today, indeed gives one the feeling of a vague Divine Providence upon him.


    "Heavenly Mandate..."


    Xia Yuye slightly shook her head, saying, "Talking about this now is still too premature. If he can go against the tide in the future, surpass the Marrow Cleansing Heavenly Pass, and become a Qiankun Grandmaster, perhaps then he can truly be said to carry the Heavenly Mandate."


    The term ''Heavenly Mandate'' should not be used lightly. In these chaotic times, many claim to be bestowed with the Heavenly Mandate¡ªthe emperors and princes of successive generations of the Da Xuan Royal Family see themselves as such. But realistically, over these past thousand years, the real one adhering to the Heavenly Mandate was only the founding Martial Emperor of Da Xuan.


    Chen Mu''s talents are astonishing this era, but he''s just passed the Mysterious Pass, ultimately still far too distant from the so-called ''Heavenly Mandate.''


    "I always feel that someone like him wouldn''t easily fall into the machinations of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion."


    Recalling something, Hua Nongying stood behind Xia Yuye and cheekily said, "Aunt, do you think the Demonic Qi has made it difficult for him to pass the Marrow Cleansing stage? I think that barrier probably won''t stop him. If he really turns out to be the next Heavenly Mandate, shouldn''t we do something sooner rather than later?"


    Currently, many would want to quickly deal with Chen Mu, including the Heavenly Corpse Sect, Sky Demon Sect, and even the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion... even the foreign races beyond the pass. Many other sects from the Cold North Path are quite wary of Chen Mu.


    But, if Chen Mu does break through the Mysterious Pass and becomes a Qiankun Grandmaster in ten years, revealing aspects of the ''Heavenly Mandate,'' then all those focused eyes on Chen Mu would probably see a major shift.


    "What you mean is..."


    Xia Yuye showed a thoughtful expression.


    The argument of Hua Nongying held some validity. If Chen Mu truly was the Heavenly Mandate, then betting on him early would indeed make sense. Moreover, Chen Mu''s rise from insignificance, treating even the lowliest brothel woman without prejudice, viewing all with equal respect regardless of status, aligned well with their own ideology, naturally endearing him to them.


    Yet, could this again be another pretense by Chen Mu?


    Did he begin currying favor with the Hehuan Sect from that time with intent?


    Even if one starts from insignificance, human nature eventually changes. Over time, when one occupies a high position, the memory of struggling at the bottom, once part of the common populace, fades¡ªshe had seen too many such instances.


    Besides.


    In today''s troubled times of the Cold North Eleven States, any movement by their Hehuan Sect might lead to many changes. If Chen Mu was not the ''Heavenly Mandate'' and just a momentary phenomenon, then taking the risk to ''bet'' now would be irrational.

 Chapter 297 Momentum

    Yu State.


    Amidst a certain mountain forest, a fortress sat nestled within.


    Within the fortress, a fierce battle was unfolding. Over a hundred government troops, clad in uniform armor and wielding fine steel knives, were locked in combat with a group of raggedly dressed bandits, their war cries thundering through the air.


    The government troops, all at the Body Refinement Realm and armed with fine steel knives, fought against the bandits who, despite facing an elite force, dared to fight back fiercely, showing no signs of retreat as blood splattered intermittently. S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At the very center of the battlefield stood a fortress leader, garbed in a long robe and wielding a broad blade. He was locked in combat with a woman dressed in an Inspectorate''s flying fish robe. The clash of their weapons sent ripples through the air, the intensity of their fight deterring anyone from coming too close within several meters, leaving them to only watch from afar.


    The woman''s swordplay was skillful and powerful. She exhibited at least the proficiency of Major Achievement in Bone Tempering, and she appeared to be quite young, around twenty years old. Even solo, she held the upper hand against the bandit leader.


    "Damn it, where did this formidable woman come from?"


    The bandit leader''s expression was incredibly grim. Trapped in the woman''s swordplay, he had no room left to retreat. Unless he was willing to sacrifice his arms, there was no chance of escape, but clearly, he was not. Find adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    He could only hope that his second-in-command would quickly defeat his opponent and come to aid him. However, after parrying a few strikes, he heard a dreadful scream and saw his lieutenant, not far off, being struck by a blade that sent blood spraying from his neck¡ªa fatal blow, no doubt.


    The fortress leader was thrown into complete disarray.


    The woman, seizing the opportunity, swiftly delivered three consecutive strikes, throwing her opponent into panic until her final thrust pierced through a gap and struck the fortress leader''s throat!


    "Ugh..."


    With eyes widened in disbelief and hands clutching his throat showing an unwillingness to die, the fortress leader staggered backward then fell to the ground.


    The woman, taking a moment to catch her breath, moved forward, decapitated him with one sword strike, and then, lifting his head high, she called out across the fortress:


    "The head of the thieves is dead! Those who resist shall be killed without mercy!"


    Astonished by the sight of their leader''s head in the woman''s hand, the bandits within the fortress were thrown into chaos. In the blink of an eye, the entire place lost its will to fight, with bandits either fleeing or surrendering. In a matter of moments, the battle had ended.


    Seeing the fighting within the fortress come to a rest, with hundreds of bandits either slain or captured, the woman who had slain the fortress leader gave a slight nod. She sheathed her crystal-clear Blue Water Sword.


    She was indeed Chen Yue.


    Since Chen Mu left the State Government Office, she had not neglected her Martial Arts practice and had joined the Inspectorate as the Deputy Governor, responsible for clearing Yu State of bandits. This group had been the most troublesome she had encountered recently, but she had eradicated them nonetheless.


    As her troops began to clean up the battlefield and account for the fortress, Chen Yue walked to the edge of the fortress, overlooking the mountain forest in the distance, but her gaze was fixed in the direction of Ice State.


    She wondered how her brother was doing in Ice State.


    Since Chen Mu had left for Ice State, there had been no news from him.


    If she had reached the Five Viscera Realm, perhaps she would go to Ice State to see if she could do something for Chen Mu. But her current strength was only at the Bone Tempering Realm, which, despite being at par with many inner disciples of the Seven Profound Sect, was still far from the Five Viscera Realm. Therefore, she constantly strove to improve herself in Yu State, hoping to soon reach the Five Viscera Realm.


    However,


    just as Chen Yue gazed into the distance, lost in thought, a scout on horseback suddenly approached from afar, galloping toward the fortress before dismounting swiftly and rushing over to Chen Yue, handing her a letter and bowing respectfully:


    "Deputy Governor, there is an intelligence report for you."


    Chen Yue calmly extended her hand to take the letter and open it. After only a glance, her eyes momentarily widened, then a trace of joy appeared, "I knew it..."


    She knew she didn''t have to worry about Chen Mu''s safety; he was always the brother she admired the most.


    He had slain three Great Demon Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect single-handedly.


    Such prowess, even among Grandmasters of Marrow Cleansing, likely placed him among the highest ranks.


    ...


    On the other hand,


    at Chen Residence,


    Xu Hongyu had also received an intelligence report. However, she had received more details than Chen Yue. Not only did she learn of Chen Mu killing the three Great Demon Venerables, but also about the End of the World Sea Pavilion re-ranking the Wind Cloud List.


    At first, she was delighted to finally hear news of Chen Mu, then she pondered over the subsequent information.


    "The End of the World Sea Pavilion has no good intentions."


    Xu Hongyu shook her head slightly.


    If the previous intelligence was accurate, Chen Mu''s strength proved sufficient for a top-three position on the Wind Cloud List by defeating the three Great Demon Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect on his own. However, the current situation in Ice State was such that the Seven Profound Sect and the Heavenly Sword Sect were collaborating to combat the Sky Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect. The End of the World Sea Pavilion''s decision to re-rank the Wind Cloud List ahead of time, intentionally placing Chen Mu in the third spot and demoting the Heavenly Sword Sect''s ''Heartless Sword'' Lin Han to fourth, seemed to harbor malicious intent.


    Lin Han had held the third spot on the Wind Cloud List for many years. With a young upstart like Chen Mu suddenly surpassing him, it was hard to predict his reaction. If he felt discontent and sought Chen Mu for a duel, regardless of the outcome, it might affect the relationship between the Seven Profound Sect and the Heavenly Sword Sect.


    Moreover,


    with this event, Chen Mu was bound to attract attention from all sides in Ice State, and the troubles he would face thereafter would only increase.


    "Let''s not worry, he will surely handle it well."


    Xiao He said with a playful tone beside Xu Hongyu.

 Chapter 297 Momentum_2

    In his early years, Chen Mu, despite being in the crisis-ridden Outer City of Yu County and not yet having reached the Tendon Changing Realm, had still managed everything with ease and composure. Now, as a high-ranking practitioner in the Six Viscera Realm and ranking among the top three on the Wind Cloud List, renowned across the Cold North, she believed that Chen Mu could handle anything.


    It had only been about ten years since Chen Mu, starting from a minor position in Yu City, had climbed to the top three of the Wind Cloud List. His strength was now counted among the top Grandmasters in the Northern Path, making him one of the top figures in Yu State.


    Thinking further about the efforts Chen Mu had put into helping her, she was unknowingly filled with a sense of longing like water diffusing around her.


    "Hmm."


    Xu Hongyu gently nodded and said, "In the next two days, the families from the State Government Office might come to offer their congratulations again."


    No matter what the situation was for Chen Mu now, there wasn''t much she could help with¡ªshe could only manage the household well, not neglect her cultivation, and aim to advance her Five Viscera Tempering to enter the Six Viscera Realm as soon as possible.


    Now that Chen Mu had mastered the Three Feet Forbidden Domain, his Martial Arts in the Six Viscera Realm had already reached its peak. It was unlikely there would be any change soon; if she could step into the Six Viscera Realm early by her own abilities, she might gain a bit of strength to assist Chen Mu somewhat.


    ...


    Ice State.


    Frost County.


    This place was the central prefectural government of Ice State and where the State Government Office was located. Stretching out was an endless ice plain, with most of Frost County situated atop a thick layer of ice which, below, housed a vast internal lake connected to the Outer Sea through some underground rivers, boasting rich resources that were difficult for ordinary people to access.


    The gate of Ice Extreme Palace was located in the center of the ice plain. Upon arrival, the scene wasn''t merely ice but a visibly fierce mountain range exuding a somewhat scorching air, creating a striking contrast where ice and fire coexisted.


    Volcanoes.


    The combination of ice and fire created a unique natural wonder, leading to the formation of lush vegetation. The area was densely populated, serving both as the gate to Ice Extreme Palace and the location of the Ice State''s State Government Office.


    Across the vast ice plain, the main force of Ice State''s militia was stationed here, while on the other side, foreign races from beyond the borders faced them, the two sides having been in a stand-off for months. Ordinarily, the foreign races would raid and leave, but this time they attempted to ally with the Heavenly Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect to completely defeat Ice Extreme Palace and attempt to occupy Ice State.


    However, owning the lands of Ice State, Ice Extreme Palace, and likewise the elite army of the Ice State were hard to surpass, struggling in this conflict for a long time. The Marrow Cleansing Supreme Elder of Ice Extreme Palace even intervened, but the foreign races also had Marrow Cleansing figures, and now both sides were at a stalemate with most of their forces locked here.


    "Chen Mu is indeed not an ordinary man."


    Inside the main hall of Ice Extreme Palace, the Palace Master Han Ling, after hearing the report from a protector, briefly fell silent before shaking his head. Their Ice Extreme Palace''s contemporary and leading disciple Han Cang had also stepped into the Six Viscera Realm but still couldn''t predict how many years it would take to reach the Wind Cloud List, not to mention following in Chen Mu''s footsteps.


    Since the Yunni Sky Peak incident, the disparity between the young generation and Chen Mu had widened even further.


    However.


    As Chen Mu had mastered the Three Feet Forbidden Domain, he had essentially reached the current limit of Martial Arts. Going forward, he would either have to cultivate a Martial Body or develop a Domain, otherwise it would be hard to make further progress. The younger generation could simply gradually catch up.


    But, being able to single-handedly slay three Demon Venerables of the Heavenly Demon Sect, and ranking among the top three on the Wind Cloud List at such a young age, was not so easily matched after all, since the difficulty of making it into the top three of the Wind Cloud List was for many even harder than becoming a Grandmaster.


    "Drawing more attention from the Heavenly Demon Sect in any way is a good thing."


    Ice Extreme Palace''s Great Protector Han Ming spoke quietly from the side; he was also an expert-ranked eighteenth on the Wind Cloud List. After Chen Mu had slain the wielder of the Cold Soul Blade, Situ Shu, he had evaluated his own strength, figuring that even if he couldn''t win against Chen Mu, he had a fair chance of retreating safely.


    But upon hearing of Chen Mu''s slaying of the three Demon Venerables, he realized that the gap between himself and Chen Mu had substantially widened.


    "Hmm."


    Han Ling gave a slight nod.


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    With the foreign races from beyond the borders, the Heavenly Demon Sect, and the Heavenly Corpse Sect joining forces, their only option was to defend by the mountain gate, relying on the mountain''s formation power for defense. Nevertheless, dragging this out would only grow more disadvantageous, especially since resources within the State Government Office were limited. While those in the Six Viscera Realm and even the Marrow Cleansing Realm could manage without food or drink by assimilating Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi, the lower-realm disciples couldn''t do the same.


    If it hadn''t been for the Heavenly Sword Sect constantly targeting the Heavenly Corpse Sect earlier, with swordsmen like Jiang Changsheng even approaching the battlefield near the State Government Office, adding pressure to the foreign races and the Heavenly Demon Sect, Ice Extreme Palace''s situation would have been even more difficult.


    By now,


    the Seven Profound Sect had stationed itself in Frost County, sweeping away many Heavenly Demon and Heavenly Corpse strongholds in one fell swoop. Chen Mu, the once-in-a-century peerless genius of the Cold North Path, even more so displayed his astonishing form by slaying three Great Demon Venerables, greatly relieving the pressure on the Ice Extreme Palace. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As for the talent Chen Mu had now revealed, being overly astonishing and impossible to estimate in the future, the Ice Extreme Palace had no time to care about such things at the moment, and even hoped the more astonishing Chen Mu was, the better. They wished he would comprehend the Domain the next day, become a Grandmaster the day after, and wipe out all the Heavenly Demons and Heavenly Corpses, turning them into flowing water. After all, even if another ''Martial Emperor'' were to emerge, having the world bow down, it would be better than having their sect gate breached by a foreign race.


    Of course, everyone knew this was just wishful thinking.


    At least for now, this battle, even as monstrous as Chen Mu was, he could not possibly influence the overall situation alone.


    "The foreign race this time has teamed up with the Heavenly Demon and Heavenly Corpse, determined to engage us in a prolonged battle. Now that the Seven Profound Sect has resolved the trouble in Frost County, if we can transport Frost County''s resources to the State Government Office, continuing the battle, even if they have another year or half, they might not necessarily gain any advantage. If nothing unexpected happens, it is likely they will retreat in a few months."


    Han Ming stroked his long beard.


    Foreign races have always been opportunistic; if they can''t gain an advantage, they will probably retreat. Once the foreign race retreats, the remaining Demon Sect and Heavenly Corpse Sect are not worth worrying about. Their Ice Extreme Palace remained fearless.


    But for now, the situation in Frost County still needed to be observed. Although the overall situation was set, the gathering and transporting of resources would not be easy, especially since there were thousands of miles between them and the Ice State Government Office. Neither the foreign race nor the Heavenly Demon Sect or Heavenly Corpse Sect would sit idly by.


    "This matter still requires long-term planning, and the resources of the State Government Office are not yet in crisis,"


    Han Ling said thoughtfully.


    The group quickly cast aside matters concerning Chen Mu and continued to discuss the current situation in Ice State.


    ...


    Frost County.


    Chen Mu, at this time, did not know about the turmoil he had caused by slaying the three Great Demon Venerables. Soon after concluding the matter, he had quietly left the County Government Office of Cold North County without anyone knowing.


    Leaving the Cold North County Government Office was not an abandonment of his post, but he was seeking a safe location to seclude himself for cultivation, because now he was truly only a step away from the Marrow Cleansing Mysterious Pass!


    Marrow Cleansing!


    With this step, he would ascend to the high realms of Martial Arts, with only one step away from Blood Exchange.


    With his terrifying foundation and background, once he broke into the Marrow Cleansing Realm, his strength would undergo another transformation. By then, whether facing the war chaos in Ice State or the continuous turmoil in the Eleven Northern States of Cold North, he would have much more confidence.


    It had not taken Chen Mu much effort to find a place for seclusion; he simply sought an uninhabited and desolate area. After ensuring no one was following him, he used the Earth Escape Technique to silently enter the deep of a Snow Mountain, where he hollowed out a space that could just accommodate him.


    Not cultivating in the Cold North County Government Office was due to concern that the Heavenly Demon Sect might use some trickery after the death of the three Great Demon Venerables.


    Not returning to the mountain gate of the Seven Profound Sect was because Qin Mengjun had been ambushed in the past, which made him extra cautious.


    Mainly, with his abilities, in the wilderness finding a desolate mountain, by burrowing and using his technique, even if ten or eight Blood Exchange Realm beings conducted a carpet search, they would not be able to find him from deep within the mountain. After all, those of the Blood Exchange Realm were only human, not immortals.


    [Six Viscera Sutra (99%)]


    [Experience: 0 points]


    After Chen Mu had cleared a space inside the mountain, he sat down cross-legged, called up the system panel, and took out two types of nurturing spiritual objects that he had asked a steward of Spirit Profound Peak to exchange for him at the sect gate.


    "It begins."


    "The final tempering of the Six Viscera Realm."


    He took a deep breath and then used up the two spiritual objects together, quickly turning them into experience points on the system panel.

 Chapter 298 Immaculate Body

    Chen Mu, whose Six Viscera Tempering had reached ninety-nine percent, was just a step away from the limit, and the Yuan Gang True Essence he could activate was almost fifty servings. It could be said that many martial artists who had reached Perfection couldn''t achieve this level, relying solely on the extreme tempering of his Five Viscera, which provided a strong foundation.


    Normally, without the support of the system panel, even if Chen Mu had collected ten times more nourishing spiritual objects, it would still be difficult for him to temper the Six Viscera to this extent, let alone reach the final limit. This was a limitation of the world itself.


    In the current world, or under the concentration of "Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi" today, the extreme tempering of both the Five Viscera and Six Viscera should not exist, representing heights unattainable by a martial artist.


    But.


    Chen Mu defied common sense. After tempering the Five Viscera to the utmost, he launched an assault toward the limit of the Six Viscera Realm. Accompanied by the expenditure of experience from the system panel, a final surge of Spiritual Power erupted within his body, gushing into the Six Viscera.


    Usually, with his current progress in Six Viscera Tempering, the Spiritual Power brought by these two nourishing spiritual objects should have been like water in a sieved container, impossible to retain. However, the system panel, with an incomprehensible force, forcibly infused this Spiritual Power into the Six Viscera, evenly injecting it into every cell, compelling them to absorb it.


    Finally.


    A quantitative change caused a qualitative change.


    If one looked internally at his Six Viscera, they would see his Six Viscera nearly turning luminous, but actually just shy of a true transformation. Now, they finally crossed that threshold, starting a transformation akin to that of the Five Viscera.


    At this point, Chen Mu didn''t need to do anything; the Heaven and Earth Yuan Qi from the outside world was automatically absorbed by his Six Viscera. With each breath, it was drawn into the viscera, tempering his Six Viscera.


    Stomach, gallbladder, small intestine, large intestine, bladder... all the way to the triple energizer!


    One could see specks of spiritual light emanating from his Six Viscera, becoming more and more crystalline, gradually connecting with the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys of the Five Viscera, and finally completely transforming into another type of material. The previously inactive "Divine Spirit" within the Six Viscera now seemed to be chanting, each part vibrating and resonating, emitting a deep sound like the beating of a drum, as if striking a Dharma Drum.


    Until the Six Viscera finally turned into crystal-clear structures, seemingly condensed from Heaven and Earth Spiritual Power, connected and merged with the Five Viscera, achieving a true Great Perfection in his bodily Inner Court.


    The enhancement of Yuan Gang True Essence was secondary. Find more to read at My Virtual Library Empire


    The key was that Chen Mu could feel that with the Six Viscera reaching their limit, his Qi-Blood was closer to the essence of nature''s spiritual energy, making his body less prone to decay. Even if his Martial Arts Realm would stop here, he could easily live beyond two hundred years, attaining the lifespan typical of those in the Blood Exchange Realm, and his strength would not decline with age until he was completely gone.


    Because his Five Viscera and Six Viscera were almost no longer based on Qi-Blood but constructed from another product of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Power. Qi-Blood may decay, but Heaven and Earth Spiritual Power does not, endlessly enduring like nature itself.


    "I have finally reached this point."


    Chen Mu slowly exhaled, his bodily breath no longer containing any acquired impurities, resembling the pure spiritual air between Heaven and Earth, and his saliva as precious as jade liquid.


    If those in the Six Viscera Realm, although they could last a long time without food or drink, still needed to consume some meat periodically to maintain their essence, then Chen Mu no longer needed any, with his Six Viscera tempered to the limit and his Inner World at Perfection. Each of his breaths drew from Heaven and Earth more essence than consuming meat.


    An Immaculate Body!


    This term surged in Chen Mu''s mind.


    From the moment a person is born and contacts the world, they step from the innate to the acquired, constantly accepting the impurities of the world and expelling various filths infiltrating the body.


    But with the Viscera tempered to the extreme, one finally completely breaks free from this restraint, as if returning to the innate from the acquired. From then on, the outside world''s impurities can no longer corrode the body, and no impurities will arise in the body.


    Even the breath he exhaled approached Heaven and Earth Yuan Qi.


    Even the saliva in his mouth was like the dew at dawn.


    Chen Mu felt that if there was a small step between the Six Viscera Realm and the Marrow Cleansing, it would be the height he was now standing at, not yet fully entered into Marrow Cleansing but already possessing a purer Innate Body than a Grandmaster.


    "The limit of the Five Viscera Realm is ''Five Qi directed to the Origin."


    "The limit of the Six Viscera Realm is the ''Immaculate Body."


    A faint light flickered in Chen Mu''s eyes. S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Copper Skin Iron Flesh, Flood Dragon Sinews, Tiger and Leopard Thunder Sound, Jade Bone. Until now, he had completely tempered all the first six realms of the Martial Art Body Tempering Method to the limit, steadily and securely taking steps, facing enormous hardships along the way.


    If not for pursuing the limit of Body Tempering, he might have already stepped into the Marrow Cleansing Realm by now.


    But now was not too late.


    With the Six Viscera Realm at its limit, Inner World at Perfection, and his Martial Art will surpassing a Grandmaster''s, even though his Artistic Conception had not yet reached the second step''s limit, the Heaven and Earth Mysterious Pass was no longer a significant barrier to him.


    One more step from the Immaculate Body, and it would be the ''Leakless Body."


    Although his body no longer contained any impurities or turbid qi, with the tempering reaching only the Five Viscera and Six Viscera, his pores were still constantly pouring out Yuan Qi to the outside, able to compensate through breathing and swallowing. While this was an exchange of loss and gain, the essence in his Qi-Blood would gradually deplete over time.

 Chapter 298 Immaculate Body_2

    Why can''t martial artists step into the Marrow Cleansing Realm before the age of fifty, and if they can''t, they never will, even if they were as powerful as Hua Yunsheng, the number one on the Wind Cloud List, who mastered the Five Elements Domain and whose Martial Arts will was incredibly strong? The reason lies in the loss of vital essence and energy from the body before achieving an ''Immaculate Body.''


    Even if it is possible to somewhat compensate by strengthening the inner world through the refinement of the Five Viscera and Six Viscera, the loss is ultimately still a loss.


    Those experts in the Six Viscera Realm who are in their sixties or seventies might still look as young as those in their thirties like Meng Danyun, and their Yuan Gang power might not appear significantly diminished. Yet essentially, their vital essence has significantly diverged, no longer vigorous, turning sluggish from active, which isn''t apparent from the surface but represents an internal deficit.


    It is like ordinary people without martial arts skills. Some might be naturally strong and, even in their seventies, rival men in their twenties or thirties in strength. But once they suffer a fall, injury, or illness, they might never get up again.


    This represents the internal damage to the essence.


    However, the Body Tempering Technique of Martial Arts, step by step, from external to internal, after refining the Five Viscera and Six Viscera, greatly strengthens one''s Qi-Blood and foundation. It also allows for long periods without the need for food or water, significantly reducing the loss of essence.


    The final step into Marrow Cleansing further eliminates impurities within the body, cultivating the Martial Body, Marrow Cleansing, subduing the White Tiger, sealing all channels that connect the body with the external world, leaving only the Mysterious Pass intact. At this point, the Immaculate Martial Body is achieved.


    Once the Immaculate Martial Body is accomplished.


    A Grandmaster can easily live past the age of one hundred fifty, and prior to the natural ending of their life, they won''t experience decay.


    This is exactly why there is such a stark distinction between Grandmasters and practitioners of the Viscera Realm. Although many masters on the Wind Cloud List may compare to some newly ascended, weaker Grandmasters, in terms of actual status, they are still not on the same level.


    After all, even the weakest Grandmaster had broken through to the Marrow Cleansing Realm before fifty. By the age of one hundred, they could all cultivate to Perfection, establishing their own Martial Arts Domain like Fu Jingyuan and Feng Hongsheng, without ever weakening with age.


    Perhaps.


    The top three on the Wind Cloud List, such as Xia Yu''r and Hua Yunsheng, almost rival people like Fu Jingyuan in strength, but their prime doesn''t last as long. They reach that level at an older age, especially Hua Yunsheng, who is nearly a hundred this year and doesn''t have much time remaining at his peak, inevitably weakening gradually.


    Like many in the Five Viscera and Six Viscera Realm, why do they, after losing hope of further advancement, retreat to less significant places to expand their clans and tirelessly build up their legacy? Most do so to ensure comfort in their declining years.


    But Grandmasters don''t need to.


    They can dominate throughout their lives until the moment they pass away naturally, only then starting to decline.


    "I have yet to break through the Mysterious Pass and cultivate an Immaculate Body. Already my lifespan rivals those in the Blood Exchange Realm, but once I reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm and lock my essence from escaping, just how many years might I be able to live?"


    Chen Mu looked up, seeing only the bare rock wall, yet his gaze seemed to pierce through the mountains and reach the sky.


    Although he was only in his thirties, having lived two lives, he could not accept the Evil Methods of the Sky Demon Sect, which involved transforming into demonic beings to extend one''s life. Yet who wouldn''t want to live longer?


    Besides.


    Even a millennium-old demon will turn to dust; a thousand-year dynasty will too return to the earth.


    If he were to cultivate Martial Arts to the very end, truly reaching ''Immortality,'' then he would need no external aids and would march forward with sword in hand, proudly traversing this supreme path of Martial Arts! S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Huh."


    Chen Mu slowly steadied his breathing.


    In the sealed cave, what he breathed in and out wasn''t merely air, but the Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi.


    He wasn''t in a rush, slowly adjusting his state, calming his mindset, just as cultivating the Jade Bone faces no obstacles in impacting the Five Viscera; similarly, cultivating an Immaculate Body should make reaching Marrow Cleansing a breeze, although many can cultivate the Jade Bone, the Immaculate Body isn''t found in any texts, existing only as a hypothetical Realm.


    Yet, Chen Mu had turned this hypothesis into reality.


    Thus, Chen Mu meditated, regulating his breath until his Qi-Blood throughout his body was soothed, his internal Yuan Gang intricately intertwining, his spirit seemingly becoming one with his body. At that moment, his vision suddenly emptied, feeling as though he leapt into another world.


    In his sight, between the heaven and earth, it was dim with only a sloping staircase ascending, appearing before his eyes. At the end of the staircase was a cluster of mysterious light, indescribable in words.


    It seemed like a door, yet like a checkpoint, or perhaps even the very point where the world itself condensed.


    Break through it.


    Charge out. Discover more content at My Virtual Library Empire


    It was a different world.


    "This is the Heaven and Earth Mysterious Pass..."


    Chen Mu gazed up at the speck of mysterious light at the top of the stairs. Without needing to think, clarity naturally emerged in his heart.


    The so-called Mysterious Pass exists both physically and spiritually, it is the point of intersection between body, mind, and the ''external world,'' mysterious beyond the mysterious, and what he saw before him was the ''Heart Gate'' within the Mysterious Pass.


    To completely break through the Mysterious Pass, one needed to break the ''Heart Gate,'' ''Body Gate,'' and ''Heaven and Earth Gate'' simultaneously. It made no difference where one started, only a swift, decisive action to break all three gates would eventually make one a Grandmaster.


    Chen Mu had thought he would start with the Body Gate, but simply by adjusting his mindset, he had first seen the Heart Gate.


    "Starting from the Heart Gate, that works too."


    Chen Mu''s mind was calm; at this point, there was naturally no hint of hesitation or self-doubt. He stepped onto the staircase and began ascending, step by step, toward the mysterious light at the end.


    This staircase, seemingly just steps, was in fact built from all the Martial Arts he had cultivated thus far.


    Step, step, step,


    With each step he climbed, Chen Mu saw countless images from his memory. These were his rigorous Skin Toughening, his exhausting Body Refinement, his training in the Tiger Demon Bone Tempering Fist, and his practice of the Golden Jade Skin Toughening Technique.


    With every step he took, it seemed as if a voice was asking in his heart.


    Any regrets?


    Anything lacking?


    Any remorse?


    These phrases seemed like Martial Arts questioning him, and also like introspections coming from deep within himself. Chen Mu''s responses were clear and affirmative.


    No regrets, nothing lacking, no remorse!


    These interrogations could not influence his will even slightly nor hinder his steps. They couldn''t even make him pause momentarily. His stride was constant, steady, and ascending.


    From Skin Toughening to Body Refinement, Tendon Changing, Bone Tempering, Viscera Refining, Organ Tempering... with every step he had given his all, enduring hardship and toil, one step, one footprint at a time, pushing to the limit. Naturally, he had no doubts about his own Martial Arts.


    Step, step, step,


    Thus, Chen Mu ascended step by step, finally arriving at the end, looking toward that cluster of mysterious light, which seemed to transform into a gateway.


    This gate consisted of eight kinds of color lights, each color and aura profoundly familiar to him. These represented the Qiankun Eight Phases he had practiced, the artistic abilities he had mastered.


    It was as if a voice from the gate was telling him, the Mysterious Pass is irrevocable. Once crossed, it can never be changed again.


    Even though Martial Artists like Chu Jingsui could continue to fully practice the ''Qiankun Artistic Conception'' even after breaking through to Grandmaster level, they could never cultivate a ''Qiankun Martial Body'' anymore.


    Because the artistic conception under which one breaks through the Mysterious Pass sets the foundation, which afterward cannot be changed. As they say, the Mysterious Pass is irrevocable. The moment one steps through, everything afterwards is destined.


    Step,


    Chen Mu, before this Mysterious Pass, did not pause at all. With one step, he crossed into it.


    Qiankun was already the strongest Martial Arts of his era. Walking this path, he naturally had no doubts about his own Martial Arts. Moreover, his Martial Arts will had long since reached a level comparable to a Grandmaster. This Heart Gate presented no difficulty for him at all.


    Having crossed the Heart Gate, Chen Mu''s consciousness returned to his body in an instant. He sensed his Yuan Gang Inner Breath surging vigorously, climbing step by step along his spine, reaching the crown of his head, the edge of the Mysterious Pass lingering there.


    This was the Body Gate.


    Chen Mu''s heart was almost devoid of ripples. He thus manipulated the Yuan Gang Inner Breath, concentrating it to a point, then surged upward. A sound like ice cracking rang in his ears. The physical barrier was as if made of paper, easily shattered with a burst!

 Chapter 299 Finally Became a Grandmaster

    The Heart Gate and the Body Gate had both been shattered.


    At that moment, Chen Mu only felt a warm current blossoming from the Mysterious Pass, flowing throughout his entire body, momentarily providing an indescribable relief, as if his mind and body had thoroughly fused into one, no longer distinguishable from each other.


    Chen Mu knew this was the unity of spirit and flesh. After breaking both the Heart Gate and the Body Gate, there were no more barriers between the spirit and the body. In the past, the Artistic Conception was the Artistic Conception, and Yuan Gang was Yuan Gang. The Artistic Conception depended on the spiritual mind to manipulate the Power of Heaven and Earth, while Yuan Gang stemmed from the physical body refining True Qi. But once the spirit and flesh united, these two would merge into one, indistinguishable from each other.


    Mobilizing the Qiankun Power would become an instinct, and naturally, the Power of Heaven and Earth would accompany every gesture without the need for deliberate control, thus greatly enhancing control over force and power! sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Generally speaking,


    only when one reached this state and after a period of tempering, refining the Martial Body to Perfection, even without perceiving the Martial Arts Domain, could one rely on the peak control to cultivate "Three Feet Forbidden Domain."


    Chen Mu had already mastered his Martial Arts to this pinnacle state during the Six Viscera Realm stage. Now, with the unity of spirit and flesh, his control over force had further improved. He did not know the kind of prowess the Blood Exchange Realm would bring to oneself, but at least with his current control over the body and Yuan Gang, there were few in the Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters who could match him.


    Although the amount of Yuan Gang and the mobilized Power of Heaven and Earth hadn''t grown much, battling the two previous versions of himself would almost be a breeze with this refined state of force, implying even greater power.


    "It''s not over yet..."


    Chen Mu''s mind did not dwell on the changes in his strength.


    He knew that breaking the Heart Gate and the Body Gate seemed to complete the breakthrough of the Mysterious Pass, achieving the unity of spirit and flesh, but it was just an illusion. There was still the last "Heaven and Earth Pass" to overcome; otherwise, this state would not be sustained long-term and would deteriorate over time as the broken Mysterious Pass gradually closed again, falling from the unity of spirit and flesh.


    Only by breaking the final Heaven and Earth Pass, inviting the Power of Heaven and Earth into the body, beginning Marrow Cleansing and initial refining of the true Martial Body, would he completely enter the Grandmaster Realm, solidifying everything.


    For him, breaking through the Heart Gate and the Body Gate had been effortless, so the final Heaven and Earth Pass would certainly not stop him either.


    For ordinary practitioners at the Six Viscera Realm, just breaking the Heart Gate nearly exhausted their spirit, and breaking the Body Gate nearly depleted their Yuan Gang Inner Breath, reaching the Heaven and Earth Pass as if at the end of their strength, thus unable to cross it. But for Chen Mu, it was smooth sailing.


    The Martial Will he had honed along the way, climbing the ladder of Qiankun Martial Arts, barely faced any obstacles at the Heart Gate. With the Yuan Gang honed to the peak within the perfected Five Viscera and Six Viscera, breaking the Body Gate was also like navigating a boat downstream. At this point, both his mind and Inner Breath were at their peak, and with no hesitation after solidifying at the Mysterious Pass, he surged outward. Enjoy new stories from My Virtual Library Empire


    This time, however, the sensation was utterly different.


    The Solidifying Refinement of Yuan Gang and mind, as if suddenly piercing an extremely thick barrier composed of the Qiankun Eight Phases, seemingly attempted to tear through the entire interlayer of the universe.


    Even though the Qiankun Path, known as the most challenging path in Martial Arts, had seen only nine individuals achieve the Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster and none reaching the Blood Exchange Realm throughout the thousand years since Da Xuan was established, still could not deter Chen Mu''s progress today.


    The horrifically refined Yuan Gang, united with his will, did not even require a second surge. With just one attempt, it forcefully tore through the barrier of the "Heaven and Earth Pass," allowing his mind and Yuan Gang Inner Breath to break out from the Mysterious Pass.


    Suddenly,


    Chen Mu felt as if his vision had transformed, seeing a drastically different scenery, as if a newborn infant gifted with birth into the world, seeing through the depths of a cave mountain without seeing its mass, but instead magnificent brilliance and mysterious silk threads.


    This was initially just a hallucination when beginning to grasp the Artistic Conception and perceiving nature, but now, wielding Yuan Gang substantially from the Mysterious Pass, he actually saw these.


    "This is what the Da Xuan Martial Canon called ''Shattering the Void, revealing the true form...''"


    Chen Mu murmured softly.


    This world also had the term "Shattered Void," but it described not literally smashing the space with Martial Arts but using Martial Arts to illuminate the essence of nature and realm, seeing the true nature of the universe.


    Martial Arts.


    With Martial first and Path following, it is using Martial as the way, leading to the inquisition of the Path of Heaven and Earth.


    Martial was originally born without a clear path; it was countless sages incessantly paving a way starting from Skin Toughening to culminate in Blood Exchange.


    In this process, it evolved from emulating beasts such as oxen, bears, tigers, and wolves, to being inspired by rivers and mountains, eventually leading from the small to the immense, from minor details to the Path, ultimately breaking the Mysterious Pass to observe Heaven and Earth, and accordingly, achieving the Grandmaster of Martial Arts.


    In the distance,


    The resplendent universe was so captivating, appearing as the most beautiful sight in the world. At this moment, Chen Mu seemed to behold a view that directly pointed to the essence of the universe, surpassing any Artistic Conception Map he had ever seen.


    His spirit soared, merging incrementally with the universe as Yuan Gang, which had broken out from the Mysterious Pass, blurred with the world, seemingly about to merge with this vast universe, controlling all worldly things, attaining freedom and transcendence.

 Chapter 299 Finally Become a Grandmaster_2

    But.


    Just as Chen Mu''s mind was about to fully merge with the space between heaven and earth, accompanied by a soft sigh, the scattered thoughts rapidly converged, and the dispersed Yuan Gang returned to his body through the Mysterious Pass.


    Only in the initial breakthrough at the Heaven and Earth Pass would the mind be pulled out of the body due to the attraction of heaven and earth. This process was both perilous and an opportunity, for the mingling of the mind with heaven and earth revealed the true essence of nature itself, a direct insight into the ultimate pursuit of Martial Arts unmatched by anything else.


    The Illustrated Chart is insufficient, and so is the Primordial Chart.


    Unfortunately, the process was fleeting. If it lasted too long, he would be completely lost between heaven and earth and would crystallize within the mountain. Given the strength of his Martial Will and Yuan Gang, he could only maintain this moment of enlightenment.


    Once the mind returned to the body, there would be a complete unification of spirit and flesh, preventing any loss into the realm of heaven and earth, but also precluding any further chances to perceive heaven and earth in such an intimate and merged state.


    Actually.


    This state was indeed the third step of Artistic Conception!


    At the moment of breaking through the Mysterious Pass, he could briefly experience the heights of the third step, but reaching this realm was only possible after advancing to the Blood Exchange, a feat no one in the Marrow Cleansing Realm had yet achieved.


    In fact, the vast majority of people would not dare to perceive heaven and earth after breaking through the Heaven and Earth Pass as Chen Mu did. Most would quickly return their minds to their bodies in fear of being lost and crystallizing on the spot.


    Only Chen Mu.


    After breaking through the Heaven and Earth Pass, still had the strength, with a focused will and unscattered Yuan Gang, to not rush back to his body, using his mind''s integration with heaven and earth to further perceive the profound mysteries of the Qiankun.


    When Chen Mu realized his strength was waning, he chose not to take more risks and decided to return, only regretting that he could not perceive for a longer time. He felt that brief moment of enlightenment surpassed much of his usual contemplation of heaven and earth.


    Probably, on the system panel, the experience gained in just this short time was at least several thousands!


    If he could maintain it a bit longer, even just perceiving for three to five days, then his Qiankun Artistic Conception might not only easily reach the Domain realm but could also accumulate enough experience to advance to the third step. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Unfortunately, that was as far as his remaining strength could take him.


    If his Qiankun Artistic Conception were at the second step''s limit, or had he already discerned the Domain, his breakthrough through the Mysterious Pass would be three times easier, and he would have had more remaining strength. However, Chen Mu did not regret anything, as this did not affect the Solidifying of his Martial Body, at most costing him some experience.


    Gaining less experience in exchange for advancing swiftly to the Grandmaster Realm was worth it, for upon reaching this level, the number of people in the world who could pose a threat to him would drastically reduce, giving him a true basis to traverse the world confidently.


    "Huh."


    Chen Mu''s mind returned to his body, achieving once again a complete unification of spirit and flesh.


    Meanwhile, the changes brought by the breakthrough at the Mysterious Pass occurred quietly. The power of heaven and earth, pulled from all directions, surged towards him and infused his body through the opened Mysterious Pass at the top of his skull!


    If the circulation of Inner Breath in the Five Viscera Realm was like a thin line of heaven and earth''s power, and the Six Viscera Realm barely a stream, then the power of heaven and earth flooding into his body at this moment was like a mighty river! Continue your adventure with My Virtual Library Empire


    Skin, flesh, tendons, bones...


    Every part of his corporeal body endured the washing of heaven and earth''s power, penetrating deep, reaching the marrow!


    The excruciating pain, indescribable in words, transmitted from his limbs and bones, felt as if every single part of his body was being nibbled by ants, yet even such painful sensations no longer affected Chen Mu''s state of mind.


    "The path of Martial Art Body Tempering outlined by predecessors and ancestors is indeed irreplaceable. From Skin Toughening to Body Refinement, Tendon Changing to Bone Tempering, enduring Viscera refinement to then lead the power of heaven and earth for Marrow Cleansing and Body Infusion, each step is indispensable."


    Chen Mu felt the changes in his body and murmured to himself.


    Body infusion driven by the power of heaven and earth through the Mysterious Pass would cause injury or even collapse under its onslaught if any part of skin, flesh, tendons, or bones were not trained sufficiently. Only if these four foundational realms were perfected could they endure the washing of heaven and earth''s power.


    The Five Viscera and Six Viscera were the same, being more fragile. If they were not tempered in advance and directly exposed to such violent surges of heaven and earth''s power, they would likely shatter instantaneously, dead beyond death.


    Only when both the physical foundations and the viscera were tempered could they withstand the infusion of heaven and earth''s power, developing from the superficial to the deep, eventually reaching the marrow, completing this step of Marrow Cleansing.


    "It''s no wonder the Qiankun Martial Arts are the most difficult path. Many Martial Canons do not spell it out explicitly, only mentioning that in the past thousand years, just nine people have broken through to become Grandmaster... In my view, perhaps there are also some who have not failed to break through the Mysterious Pass but died at this step due to the inability to withstand the infusion by the power of heaven and earth, unable to endure the Solidifying of the Qiankun Martial Body."


    Qiankun Martial Body!


    Being the most powerful Martial Body of the current era, encompassing the Eight Phases, once the Mysterious Pass was breached, it naturally guided the overwhelming power of all eight aspects between heaven and earth, encompassing wind, thunder, mountains, lakes, water, and fire. This tumultuous surge was of course several times more terrifying compared to the common "Wind-Water Martial Body" or "Thunder-Fire Martial Body"!

 Chapter 299 Finally Become a Grandmaster_3

    Chen Mu could clearly feel that if the flesh, tendons, and bones of his body were not cultivated to their limits, he likely wouldn''t be able to withstand such a degree of body infusion and would directly collapse due to the defects!


    If he were to simply break through using the forces of wind, water, thunder, or fire to solidify a Wind Water Martial Body, the requirements for the physique would be much lower. Perhaps only ordinary tempering would be needed to withstand it, but for a Qiankun Martial Body, it was not the case.


    He had never heard of the dangers of solidifying a Martial Body.


    Qin Mengjun did not tell him about it, perhaps because he did not actively ask. Maybe she thought he was far from this step, or possibly she herself did not know.


    After all, those who were qualified to challenge the Mysterious Pass using Qiankun Martial Arts at the Six Viscera Realm, in the entire history of Da Xuan, spanning a thousand years, amounted to only a handful of people; among those allocated to the Cold North Path, there were probably no more than ten.


    It was indeed too rare.


    "With Qiankun as the method, the flesh, tendons, and bones must all be tempered to their extremes; the Five Viscera would certainly not withstand nine temperings¡ªthey must also be based on ten temperings, and possibly even eleven, while the Six Viscera must at least be tempered to about 85%..."


    Based on the impact he was currently enduring, Chen Mu was assessing the basic requirements needed to solidify a Qiankun Martial Body.


    The requirements were indeed somewhat high.


    Tempering the flesh and tendons was manageable, as the true inheritances of most sects could maximize refinement in the first three realms; yet Jade Bone was rare, with only a few young individuals in the entire new talent list.


    Ten times tempering of the Five Viscera was not very difficult, but if it were eleven times... it was almost impossible without special opportunities.


    Finally, tempering the Six Viscera to above 85% was also extremely difficult for ordinary people. After reaching 70%, it was almost impossible to continue tempering through normal cultivation practices; one had to rely on various nurturing types of Spiritual Objects to accumulate, and reaching 85% depended on opportunity.


    It was too hard!


    After making a rough judgment, Chen Mu couldn''t help but feel somewhat astounded for a moment.


    One must know that it was by leveraging the system panel that he achieved far beyond this standard, but for ordinary people, reaching this threshold not only required inherent aptitude but also what is called ''Heavenly Mandate.'' Otherwise, even if one had unparalleled insight and could comprehend the Qiankun Artistic Conception, and even eventually break through the Mysterious Pass, they would still collapse during the Heaven and Earth Infusion step.


    No wonder those who had mastered the complete ''Yin Yang'' and ''Five Elements'' to become Grandmasters, at any given time, were nearly always over ten in number throughout the entire Da Xuan Realm, occupying the top ten of the Grandmaster List, and were known as ''Peerless Grandmasters.''


    And the universally acknowledged number one in the world, who, once born, was the invincible ''Qiankun Grandmaster'' among Grandmasters, only appeared once every hundred years. In the thousand years since the nation was established, only nine had emerged, and they have all passed away, with none currently alive.


    The torrential Power of Heaven and Earth continuously flowed in.


    However, under Chen Mu''s physique, in which all six realms were maximally tempered, forming a perfected Inner World, he could easily withstand it.


    During this process, although the Five Viscera and Six Viscera no longer underwent any greater changes, the flesh, tendons, and bones were all experiencing a transformation.


    Martial Body!


    This was the physique solidified by a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster. The biggest difference from the ordinary Six Viscera Realm is that only the ''Five Viscera and Six Viscera'' can condense Yuan Gang in the Six Viscera Realm, but once the Martial Body is formed, the flesh, tendons, and bones become one entity, all of which can condense Yuan Gang True Essence!


    Stay updated via My Virtual Library Empire S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This is also why, as soon as someone in the Six Viscera Realm breaks through to Marrow Cleansing and even just initially trains the Martial Body, the Yuan Gang True Essence inherent in their body at least doubles, reaching a level that can easily crush an ordinary Six Viscera Realm individual.


    What was originally stored only in the Five Viscera and Six Viscera, can now be stored in the flesh, tendons, and bones as well.


    One could say the entire body has transformed into a ''Yuan Gang Body,'' vastly different from the Six Viscera Realm. Coupled with the increased control brought by the unity of spirit and flesh, even if it is just an initial formation, it surpasses the Six Viscera. Only those ranked in the Wind Cloud List would be able to reluctantly contend with it.


    "My Five Viscera and Six Viscera are all maximally tempered, and my inherent Yuan Gang has already exceeded that of many Grandmasters'' solidified Martial Bodies. I wonder how strong the Yuan Gang Force of my Qiankun Martial Body will be."


    A glint of expectation flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    Now that the Mysterious Pass was broken, and he could withstand the infusion of Heaven and Earth, solidifying the Martial Body was just a matter of time. When it was initially formed, he would truly cross the Marrow Cleansing threshold and step into the Seventh Realm, becoming a contemporary Grandmaster!


    One day,


    Two days,


    Three days,


    ...


    And so time swiftly passed, until, on the fourth day, the infusion of the Power of Heaven and Earth into his body finally slowed down. Chen Mu, who had been sitting cross-legged deep in the cave with his eyes tightly closed, suddenly opened his eyes.


    Qiankun Martial Body,


    accomplished!

 Chapter 300 No Longer a Person in the Spotlight

    ```


    "Is this the might of the Qiankun Martial Body, the strongest of our time?"


    Chen Mu slowly stood up in the mountain cave.


    The cave he had initially carved out was just big enough to accommodate his body, but after his skin, flesh, tendons and bones had been thoroughly tempered and transformed into the Qiankun Martial Body, his physique had become somewhat more imposing than before, his head barely touching the rock ceiling.


    However, this touch not only failed to bring any sense of pain, but on the contrary, the rock, strengthened by the Earth Pulse''s Power and tougher than steel, caved in where it was bumped by his head as if his current body could clash with mountains!


    Chen Mu clenched his fists.


    What he felt was the surging Yuan Gang Force flowing through his body.


    If during the Six Viscera Realm, he needed to rely on the Inner Breath cycle of the Five Viscera and Six Viscera to mobilize the Yuan Gang, now what ran through his entire body was Yuan Gang True Essence, and even the slightest movement was imbued with tremendous might.


    Were he to exert his full power now, the overwhelming Yuan Gang he could command and manipulate, if still calculated in ''portions,'' would be at least over one hundred and twenty portions!


    Terrifying!


    Such a level of Yuan Gang might could only be described as horrifying.


    It''s worth noting that his master, Qin Mengjun, had said when defining Grandmaster strength levels, that as a Top Grandmaster, with the might of her Martial Body and Domain combined, she could wield a might of merely about one hundred and twenty portions at full power.


    In other words,


    Chen Mu now possessed a strength comparable to that of a Top Grandmaster with just his Qiankun Martial Body!


    Even more precisely, if he were to spar with Qin Mengjun again, just with the early stage of his Qiankun Martial Body, he could easily suppress her without even needing to utilize the Qiankun Artistic Conception.


    The logic is simple, the inherent might of one hundred and twenty portions that comes with the Martial Body and the one hundred and twenty portions achieved through combining the Martial Body with a Domain are not the same. It''s like one person can shatter rocks with just their fists, while another needs to wield a large hammer to do the same. Even if the end result is identical, the one who can break rocks with their bare fists can easily overpower the person dependent on the hammer.


    A Martial Artist starts by toughening the skin and refining the body, then begins to faintly comprehend the heavens and earth through the Five Viscera and Six Viscera, breaking through the Mysterious Pass to fuse with the heavens and earth, eventually reaching Blood Exchange, then bringing everything back to the body, with mighty power residing within oneself¡ªthis is Martial Arts.


    Despite Chen Mu''s Qiankun Martial Body being only in its early stages, the extreme tempering of his Five Viscera and Six Viscera has brought his Inner World very close to Perfection, and his Qiankun Martial Body, solidified and complete, represents the strongest Martial Arts in the current world. It almost embodies the essence of accepting myriad laws and powers into oneself, a state usually only achieved at the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    At this moment, Chen Mu felt an indescribable sense of clarity in his heart.


    Finally,


    he had reached this step.


    "Moreover, with the current might I can mobilize with my Qiankun Artistic Conception, even though my Qiankun Martial Body is just in its early stages, I should far surpass those Top Grandmasters, approaching the level of an ''Unprecedented Grandmaster.''"


    Unprecedented Grandmaster.


    Currently, there was no such existence in the Eleven States of the Cold North Path.


    Even ''Fahong,'' the Abbot of Wusheng Temple, ranked first among the Grandmasters of the Cold North Path, couldn''t reach the status of an Unprecedented Grandmaster. The term ''Unprecedented'' is reserved only for those who have cultivated supreme Martial Bodies like the ''Yin Yang Martial Body,'' and who have grasped the corresponding Domain.


    Looking at the entirety of Da Xuan''s Ninety-Nine States, there are currently only ten such individuals, and they occupy the top ten spots on the Da Xuan Grandmaster leaderboard; the Eleven States of the Cold North Path, unfortunately, do not have even one.


    It''s not that the overall strength of the Cold North Path is inferior to the other eight paths; in fact, when it comes to overall power, apart from the Central Prefecture''s Jingji Road that stands alone, the difference between the other eight paths is minimal with comparable numbers of Blood Exchange Realm and Marrow Cleansing Realm. Nonetheless, Unprecedented Grandmasters are exceedingly rare and it''s quite normal for an era to have none at all.


    Take the current Cold North Path, for example; aside from Chen Mu himself, the only one with a chance of reaching Unprecedented Grandmaster status is Zuo Qianqiu, the once-in-a-century descendant of the Heavenly Sword. If he could enter the Dao and reach Grandmaster through the Heavenly Sword and later master the Heavenly Sword Domain, that would put him very close to the level of an Unprecedented Grandmaster, and it wouldn''t be an overstatement to say he could barely make the cut.


    Chen Mu didn''t know how powerful an Unprecedented Grandmaster would be. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After all, he had no references to consult as his own master, Qin Mengjun, was only a Top Grandmaster.


    And according to many records, the strength of Unprecedented Grandmasters is far greater than that of Top Grandmasters. Even if three or five Top Grandmasters like Qin Mengjun joined forces, they would often struggle to contend with a single Unprecedented Grandmaster, who might even have the ability to retreat unscathed under the hands of those in the Blood Exchange Realm.


    "I wonder how I would fare against an Unprecedented Grandmaster at present... but as long as I don''t leave the Cold North Path, it''s unlikely that I''ll encounter such a person." Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire


    For a moment, Chen Mu felt a surge of audacity, wanting to challenge an Unprecedented Grandmaster, but he quickly suppressed the thought. Regardless of whether he would be evenly matched or slightly inferior to an Unprecedented Grandmaster, surpassing them was only a matter of time for him, especially since his Qiankun Martial Body was merely at ''Minor Achievement.''


    For most Grandmasters, refining a Martial Body takes at least twenty to thirty years or more, a prolonged process, which is why there are roughly four stages of progress: ''Minor Achievement, Major Achievement, Perfection.'' The gap between each stage isn''t large, but cumulatively, when the Martial Body reaches Perfection, its overall strength is at least doubled compared to the freshly achieved Martial Body at Minor Achievement.


    ```

 Chapter 300 No Longer a Central Figure in the Turmoil_2

    Although a Qiankun Grandmaster is known as "unbeatable among grandmasters,'' throughout the Da Xuan era, Qiankun Grandmasters had also typically perfected their Martial Body before mastering the Qiankun Domain, only then reaching that stage, towering above the extraordinary grandmasters.


    Yet, Chen Mu didn''t need to.


    His foundation and essence were simply too solid, too formidable. As long as he grasped the Qiankun Domain, he would be sufficient to ascend to that level, or perhaps push his Qiankun Martial Body a few steps further to Major Achievement, he might not be inferior to the past Qiankun Grandmasters.


    About these, Chen Mu''s heart didn''t fluctuate much, for from the moment he embarked on the path of Qiankun, he was quite clear that he would inevitably become the strongest in the history of this path. Let alone the past Qiankun Grandmasters, even the Martial Emperor who founded Da Xuan, he didn''t believe the opponent could match him in the same realm. That was impossible.


    The height at which he stood was unreachable for the common folk.


    With a thought, Chen Mu summoned the system panel.


    [Martial Art: Qiankun Artistic Conception (Second Step)]


    [Experience: 9724 Points]


    [Available Simulations: 0]


    As he had anticipated, during the breakthrough at the Mysterious Pass, when he was briefly enlightened by the merging of Heaven and Earth''s forces, he had gained experience points amounting to six or seven thousand. Along with those previously accumulated, he was very close to gathering enough for the next simulation.


    Chen Mu continued to look further down the system panel, past the line displaying the Six Viscera which had reached their limit, finally noticing a new line of dark characters emerging into his field of vision.


    [Martial Body: Qiankun (Initial Achievement)]


    [Experience: 17 Points]


    "The refinement of martial body and the Five Viscera Six Viscera are ultimately different,"


    Chen Mu, looking at the description on the system panel, was quite clear in his heart. He had previously learned about the cultivation of the martial body, understanding that it too was a process reliant on accumulation. But as he had cultivated an "Impermeable Martial Body," the essence he assimilated from Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi wouldn''t be lost or leak; it would accumulate within his body, leading to a transformation after a certain level was reached.


    However, the cultivation of the martial body, compared to the two realms of the Five Viscera and the Six Viscera, demanded even longer years. For a typical grandmaster, it might take two or three decades to reach perfection, and even that is based on the premise that one could rely on some spiritual objects or special environmental surroundings of Heaven and Earth. If he were to rely solely on his own assimilation of Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi through prolonged secluded meditation, it would take much longer. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This touched upon the foundation of a Sect.


    Like the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation of the Seven Profound Sect, it not only protects the sect by mobilizing the power of the Earth''s Veins and could even repel those in the Blood Exchange Realm, but the heart of the formation, where the Solidifying Refinement of Earth''s Veins gathers, also serves as an excellent environment for Body Refining.


    Before martial artists perfect their Martial Body refinement, they either cultivate within the sect or head to places like the Outer Sea or the Great Wilderness to seek resources for their own use. Thus, they often appear elusive in the secular world.


    Chen Mu also tested how much it would take to enhance the Qiankun Martial Body.


    The system panel indicated that 3000 experience points were needed.


    Not too much, nor too little.


    By his estimation, if he were to continue cultivating in seclusion within this mountain for years, he might need more than a year or two to gather these 3000 points, which was somewhat prolonged considering there were many more small steps ahead.


    If he were to return to the Seven Profound Sect and use the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation to temper his Martial Body, the efficiency would undoubtedly be much higher. However, compared to refining the Martial Body, his Qiankun Artistic Conception was already very close to the limit of the second step.


    "It''s time to go back,"


    Chen Mu exhaled lightly.


    After much consideration, he decided to focus on understanding the Qiankun Artistic Conception for now, maintaining the cultivation of the Martial Body on the side. On one hand, his Martial Body had already achieved a milestone, and a small transformation didn''t qualify as a substantial change. Only advancing the Qiankun Artistic Conception into a Domain level marked a major shift.


    On the other hand, he didn''t consider the Seven Profound Sect very safe either. Using the Qiankun Lock Dragon to assist in body refinement had its pros and cons. Qin Mengjun''s encounter still lingered in his mind; cultivation should still be approached with caution. After all, he had already attained the level of a grandmaster and was no longer in such a rush.


    Besides,


    Ice State''s heaven and earth still held many mysteries for his contemplation, which could aid his cultivation in the Qiankun Artistic Conception.


    After making provisional plans for the future, Chen Mu did not rush to return, but instead solidified his practice in the cave for several days until the fluctuating aura of his Martial Body completely subsided to a calm stillness, and became as restrained as usual, without any undulations; then, he finally stood up.


    With a single step towards the rock wall, his body noiselessly merged into the rock layer, as if moving through a soft swamp, and moments later, he had already returned outside the mountain.


    The snowy expanse of the mountain.


    A woodcutter was carrying an axe and a bamboo basket on his back, chopping firewood among the scattered trees.


    Suddenly, his movements halted as he saw, not far away from the rock wall, the figure of Chen Mu quietly emerging, then quickly stepping away and completely vanishing, leaving no footprints on the extensive frosty snow.


    "Eh."


    The woodcutter stood still, staring wide-eyed for a moment, could not help but put down his axe, and rubbed his eyes, yet he saw nothing but the vast frosty snow; around him, Chen Mu''s figure was nowhere to be found.


    Surprised and instinctively, he walked a few steps towards that rock wall and reached out to touch it; he felt the icy solidness of the thick rock wall, with no empty spaces.


    "I''ve seen a ghost." Discover hidden tales at My Virtual Library Empire


    Once again looking at the ground, he saw only his footprints; he began to feel uneasy, recalling the village rumors of demon men causing trouble all over Frost County nowadays, and he became somewhat frightened, daring not to continue chopping wood, hastily fleeing the scene.


    ...


    Chen Mu was unaware that he had inadvertently sparked another ''ghost in the mountains'' story as he left that forest and headed back toward Frost North County.


    From his departure from Frost North County, to refining his Six Viscera, breaking through the Mysterious Pass until solidifying his Martial Body, and then later solidifying and smoothing out his aura, the entire process had taken up a little more than ten days, and during these ten days, his carried Formation Chess had not transmitted any distress signals, suggesting that there likely had been no incidents, which was the best case scenario.


    Before long,


    Chen Mu appeared outside the County Government of Cold North County, stepping towards the county, his gaze fell on a corner of the city wall, where he saw many people braving the severe cold, busy repairing damages on the wall.


    He remembered that this was the damage caused when, many days earlier, he had knocked down White Feather Demon Venerable Xian Yuchen from the clouds.


    The repairs were almost complete; Chen Mu looked up for a while, then quietly entered the city, moving stealthily along the streets; with each step he took, he silently covered tens of meters, while the passersby seemed as if they couldn''t see his presence.


    Only after entering the Inner City did Chen Mu''s pace slightly slow down; then his gaze slightly shifted, falling on the side of the street, into a decoratively elegant bookstore, where he saw the new notice posted outside the bookstore.


    "The Wind Cloud List has been redefined?"


    A flicker of light flashed through his eyes because, timewise, it was not yet the day for the Wind Cloud List to be reset.


    Now, he actually no longer cared about the ranking of Wind Cloud List, but since the End of the World Sea Pavilion was resetting the Wind Cloud List earlier than scheduled, he guessed it was mostly likely due to him; thus, he walked into the bookstore and picked up a new scroll of the Wind Cloud List to look through.


    Although Chen Mu had walked into the bookstore quite openly and picked up a scroll of the Wind Cloud List that was placed on the shelf, the bookstore''s owner seemed completely unaware of it, did not even see Chen Mu come in, and even yawned.


    "Third place, huh..."


    Chen Mu flipped through a couple of pages and found himself, then shook his head slightly, suddenly feeling somewhat sentimental.


    When he first learned about the Wind Cloud List, he only knew that Yan Jingqing was a high-ranking expert on it, the grand Inspector of Yu State, a high-ranking official who was to be looked up to, a figure he used to look up to at that time, which was only a few years ago.


    Looking at the Wind Cloud List now, his mindset and perspective had completely changed, although his name was still on the Wind Cloud List, but having taken the step of Marrow Cleansing, he was no longer just a figure in the whirlwind.


    Perhaps many in the outside world were still wondering when he would top the Wind Cloud List.

 Chapter 301 Acting on Your Behalf

    A moment later.


    Chen Mu returned to the county government.


    "Lord Chen, you''re back."


    The busy County Magistrate, Lin Yong, hurriedly greeted him, respectfully saluting Chen Mu without inquiring where he had been for the past half-month, only quickly informing him of the county''s situation.


    Since the three Demon Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect were slain by Chen Mu, their retaliation had not come; or it might be said that the Sky Demon Sect alone was not quite qualified to openly contend with the Seven Profound Sect.


    Given the current state of Frost County.


    Chen Mu, Shi Zhenyong, and Feng Hongsheng all had the ability to kill one or even multiple Seventh Rank Demon Venerables on their own. Moreover, individuals like Murong Yan no longer feared Demon Venerables. Unless it were a large-scale invasion, Frost County''s situation had stabilized. Your journey continues with My Virtual Library Empire


    At present, the Heavenly Corpse Sect was in other prefectures of Ice State, amassing resources and refining corpses into armies to expand their momentum, while the Foreign Races were plundering as much as they could, with no interest in joining the Sky Demon Sect in an attack on Frost County.


    Even,


    The Foreign Races and the Heavenly Corpse Sect would be rather pleased if the Sky Demon Sect engaged in a major battle with the Seven Profound Sect, thereby ensuring that the Seven Profound Sect was fully occupied in Frost County, which would allow them greater freedom in other prefectures of Ice State.


    After getting a rough understanding of the recent movements in Frost County over the past half-month, Chen Mu contemplated the situation briefly before setting it aside, then returned to his newly changed residence. However, no sooner had he left the county government than he encountered Meng Danyun.


    "Where did you go for this half-month?"


    Meng Danyun, not as constrained as Lin Yong, asked Chen Mu with slight curiosity but merely as a passing question, simply stating, "There was a message from the prefectural government for you a few days ago. It was sent by Elder Shi, likely seeking a consultation with you about the next steps. But since you weren''t at the county government, they left."


    As she spoke, a hint of nuance flashed in her eyes. After the last battle, Chen Mu''s name had shaken Ice State, garnering not just an illustrious reputation but also a clear change in status, most directly evidenced by Shi Zhenyong and Feng Hongsheng, who, when planning the next steps, would now take the initiative to consult with Chen Mu, something even Murong Yan had yet to achieve.


    In previous consultations, Chen Mu and others, including Murong Yan, would attend, but it was mainly to suggest ideas and distribute tasks, with the decisions still made by Shi Zhenyong and Feng Hongsheng. They commanded everyone''s actions.


    But now it was different.


    Even though Chen Mu''s identity was still that of the Spirit Profound Peak''s protector, having slain three Seventh Rank Demon Venerables and ranked third on the Wind Cloud List, even Shi Zhenyong and Feng Hongsheng couldn''t just issue orders with assumed superiority but took the initiative to seek a consultation with him, a status not yet reached by Murong Yan.


    Indeed, after the news of Chen Mu killing three Demon Venerables spread, his status within the Seven Profound Sect truly became parallel with those of the peak masters and elders. Even individuals like Shi Zhenyong and Feng Hongsheng would no longer regard him lightly, treating him with equal respect.


    After all, in terms of strength, Chen Mu was possibly not yet their equal but was certainly on a comparable level, genuinely joining their ranks. Moreover, Chen Mu was not like those typical figures on the Wind Cloud List whose paths had come to an end. At just over thirty years old, not yet having mastered the Qiankun Domain, Chen Mu had already reached such heights, with vast potential for further improvement.


    "Alright, I''ll make a trip to the prefectural government later."


    Hearing Meng Danyun''s words, Chen Mu nodded slightly, well-accustomed to such subtle changes in status.


    Seeing Chen Mu, Meng Danyun seemed to think of something else, hesitated slightly but finally added, "Additionally, members of the Hehuan Sect have also come to Frost North. It''s not clear yet what their purpose is, but you should be cautious."


    "The Hehuan Sect?"


    A hint of surprise flickered in Chen Mu''s eyes, but he didn''t seem overly concerned.


    At this point, he was no longer the one from Yu County days past, of low strength and realm, who was extremely cautious of the Hehuan Sect. Now a Qiankun Grandmaster, Chen Mu was regarded as one of the top masters in the land. To him, whether it was the Hehuan Sect, the Heavenly Sword Sect, or even the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, it was difficult to inspire the same wariness and caution as before.


    If the Hehuan Sect came to Frost County to meddle in the turbulent situation of Ice State for some benefit, or had other schemes, to him, it meant little. Chen Mu, no longer just a piece on the world''s chessboard, wasn''t one to be easily manipulated by any faction, including Great Sects like the Hehuan Sect.


    After parting with Meng Danyun.


    Chen Mu returned to his new residence.


    As if anticipating his actions, shortly after his return, a soft voice of a maid reported from outside, "My lord, someone has come to visit, claiming to be from the Hehuan Sect."


    Chen Mu, sitting upright in the main hall on a Huanghuali wood chair, tapping his fingers on the table and pondering, calmly responded upon hearing the report from outside, "Let them in."


    "Yes." S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The outside maid answered respectfully and withdrew. Soon after, two figures entered the yard.


    The maids hid far away, secretly peeping. The Hehuan Sect''s reputation outside was not very good, categorized among the Demon Sects. However, the visitors showed no impropriety in their visit to Chen Mu, behaving very properly: presenting a visiting card outside, and even their attire and appearance matched that of ordinary well-bred women, leaving the maids and servant girls in the residence surprised, wondering if the visitors were indeed from the Hehuan Sect as rumored.

 Chapter 301 Do Things for You_2

    But thinking about it, it seemed reasonable; after all, residing in this not particularly spacious courtyard were some of the top three figures on the Wind Cloud List, figures of such high status that they were unimaginable to her, and even in the Hehuan Sect, strict rules were inevitable.


    ...


    In the hall.


    Two young women, dressed in light yellow dresses and looking nearly identical¡ªappearing to be only about seventeen or eighteen years old¡ªquietly walked into the main hall, their behavior proper, their aura contained, without a hint of seduction or allure. Upon entering, they immediately greeted Chen Mu with a bow.


    "This humble girl greets Lord Chen."


    As the two women bowed, they spoke simultaneously, their voices as pleasant as silver bells overlapping almost as if from one person, indistinguishable as to who spoke first.


    Chen Mu looked at the two young girls before him, who were politely bowing and behaving modestly with meticulous manners, yet his expression did not change, and he casually sipped tea from the cup on the table before saying, "What tricks are you playing this time?"


    The person he was familiar with.


    They were indeed the former authentic transmitters of the Hehuan Sect, Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying, sisters who were no longer the direct transmitters of the Hehuan Sect but had now entered the Six Viscera Realm and were counted among the sect''s protectors.


    He vaguely remembered the first time he met Hua Nongying; the Hehuan Sect had detained Chen Yue and Yu Ru and had him personally visit the Hehuan Sect''s premises in the Inner City to bring back Chen Yue and Yu Ru. Since then, Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying either came uninvited or behaved capriciously and coquettishly in his presence, but this time was quite different.


    Not only did they properly submit a visiting card at the main gate, wearing neatly arranged garments, but before him they also completely reined in all flirtatiousness, were spotless without any trace of atmosphere scattering, and behaved modestly throughout.


    This was not the style of the Hehuan Sect.


    Or perhaps, did they think he would prefer this style, thus deliberately adopting such a manner? S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, now Chen Mu, regardless of his state of mind or status, was entirely different from the past. No matter what appearance the sisters, Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying, adopted, he always remained composed, his gaze undisturbed.


    Although by age Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying were his contemporaries, ever since he broke through the Mysterious Pass and achieved the status of Grandmaster, inexplicably his perspective changed; looking at Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying, who had not yet stepped into the Marrow Cleansing Realm, felt like looking at juniors, and he no longer viewed them as contemporaries.


    "Lord Chen, being one of the top three on the Wind Cloud List and a figure exceeding the grandmasters, how could this humble girl dare to play tricks in front of you?"


    Hua Nongying raised her head and spoke sweetly to Chen Mu.


    Although her voice was pleasant and charming, it indeed contained not a trace of allure, and her behavior was clean and restrained.


    After a long time.


    Seeing Chen Mu again, a complex expression flickered through Hua Nongying''s peach-blossom-shaped eyes. During their first encounter in Yu County, Chen Mu had not yet entered the Five Viscera Realm. Even though he had mastered the second step of Artistic Conception, in her eyes, he was merely an ''Inner Sect Disciple'' of slightly noteworthy ability. She had paid attention then, but it did not persistingly engage her mind.


    Yet, in a short span, Chen Mu rose astonishingly, slayed the direct transmitters of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, defeated Gu Hong of the Heavenly Sword Sect, later comprehended Qian Heaven, took charge of Qiankun, crowned the summit of Yunni Sky Peak, and defeated Zuo Qianqiu, the foremost among his contemporaries... leading up to today, when he singlehandedly defeated three major Seventh Rank Demon Venerables and positioned himself among the top three of the Wind Cloud List!


    Even though she had now stepped into the Six Viscera Realm, matching Chen Mu in the Body Tempering Realm, in terms of strength and status, the difference was like heaven and earth. Even uniting her strength with her sister Hua Nongyue to harness the Power of Yin Yang, they were still far from touching the base of the Wind Cloud List.


    Some elders of the Hehuan Sect, including Xia Yu''r and others, were still watching Chen Mu, but having contacted him back in Yu County, even to this day, she had a vague feeling that if there were one born with the Heavenly Mandate amid chaotic times, it might well be the Chen Mu before her eyes. Even though he had only entered the Six Viscera Realm a few years ago, even though he had once fallen victim to plots from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, she still felt... these might not hinder the rise of Chen Mu.


    Such is the man of Heavenly Mandate.


    Although the Hehuan Sect was different from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, they also regarded the Heavenly Mandate, inherently perceiving the situation was part of their nature, and clinging to the powerful had always been one of their survival tactics, which was why, even when the Da Xuan Dynasty Court was at its peak, they could still exist in the world.


    However, grasping the Heavenly Mandate was difficult; who could see clearly the fortunes of the world? Even the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion could not achieve this, and now with Chen Mu, a once-in-a-century Qiankun martial artist in the Cold North Path, other Taoist Prefectures also have theirs, including in the Central Prefecture where the Jingji Road is located.


    In this.


    Who might achieve Grandmaster status?


    And who has the chance to break through that one boundary, to become the first Qiankun Martial Saint since the founding of the Da Xuan Nation a thousand years ago?


    Enjoy exclusive adventures from My Virtual Library Empire


    No one could state clearly.


    "You still have tricks you dare not play?"


    Chen Mu glanced at Hua Nongying, suddenly laughed, and although this mannerly and proper behavior had a sense of contrast, it felt somewhat contradictory to the typical style of the Hehuan Sect.


    Without waiting for Hua Nongying to respond, his gaze passed over the two women, and he said casually, "Out with it, what is it that you want?"


    Hua Nongyue had been quietly observing Chen Mu; upon hearing his words, she exchanged looks with her sister Hua Nongying, then softly said to Chen Mu, "We have no particular matter, this visit was merely in the hope of being of service to you."


    "Be of service to me?"

 Chapter 301 Doing Things for You_3

    Chen Mu listened to Hua Nongyue''s words, and a trace of strangeness flashed through his eyes.


    Given the way the Hehuan Sect conducted its affairs, if they wanted to get closer to him or to extract information from him, it would be quite normal to send some disciples to attend to him as maids and servants. sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying were different; this pair of sisters were not ordinary disciples of the Hehuan Sect but true inheritors from the previous generation and current protectors of the Hehuan Sect. They held a certain status within the sect, and both had potential to strive for the Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster in the future. They practiced the Taiyin and Taiyang Artistic Conceptions respectively, and should they achieve grandmastership, they could be among the very top.


    Even the possibility of their undergoing a Blood Exchange in the future was uncertain.


    To have such two top potential grandmaster seeds working for him was no small matter. After all, he was not someone like Yan Jingqing; he was an upright protector of the Spirit Profound Peak under the Seven Profound Sect.


    The words of the Hua sisters made it impossible for Chen Mu not to speculate that perhaps the Hehuan Sect was seeking to cooperate with the Seven Profound Sect on something, perhaps involving the Ice State war.


    "Is this the intention of the Hehuan Sect?"


    Chen Mu looked at Hua Nongyue and asked.


    Hua Nongyue shook her head and then quickly nodded.


    Chen Mu turned his gaze to Hua Nongying. Stay connected with My Virtual Library Empire


    Hua Nongying said softly, "The Hehuan Sect is very free, everyone can choose their own way to work for the sect. So, this is both the sect''s intention and just our own idea."


    Chen Mu said calmly, "Why do you want to work for me?"


    Gazing at Chen Mu with clear eyes and meeting his directly, Hua Nongying said, "In times of chaos, there will always be those who are born to uphold the Heavenly Mandate. We can do anything for you, sir, hoping that if one day you reach the very summit, you would be lenient towards the Hehuan Sect."


    "So that''s your plan."


    Chen Mu said indifferently, "I have been targeted by the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, afflicted by Demonic Qi. I may not even be able to cross the Mysterious Pass again, let alone talk of a Heavenly Mandate or reaching the peak, which is even more unattainable. Perhaps you would have served me in vain and would end up with nothing."


    Hua Nongying smiled and said, "Where in the world can you find a business with no capital? Moreover, sir, by saying that, I am even more convinced that you will break through the Mysterious Pass and become a Qiankun Grandmaster within fifteen years."


    Hua Nongyue also softly said, "Sir, you rose from obscurity, never belittling the insignificant... At least, sir, you won''t be like those merciless ones who use and exploit us sisters to death. Even if that truly were the case, we sisters would accept it."


    Chen Mu swept her a glance, momentarily annoyed.


    What use and exploitation to death, wasn''t that the usual tactic of the Hehuan Sect themselves? What did she mean by ''would accept if truly encountered''? This kind of deflecting skill indeed had the taste of the Hehuan Sect; it wasn''t like the Hehuan twins had had a change of heart on the spot.


    "To work for me, merely with your words, it is impossible for me to trust you."


    Chen Mu said calmly, looking at the two sisters.


    Hearing Chen Mu''s words, Hua Nongying took the initiative to step closer, her cheeks slightly blushing, and whispered, "My sister and I, as long as we are within a certain distance, can have an interlinked mindset and connected feelings, the closer we get, the clearer it becomes..."


    Who asked you that?


    Chen Mu gave Hua Nongying an annoyed look, confirming that the Hehuan Sect was indeed still the Hehuan Sect.


    "Go find ''Tai Qing Qi'', ''Southern Bright Flame'', and ''Sea Calming Pearl'' for me."


    Chen Mu said slowly to Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue.


    With his current status, taking the Divine Soaring Stone from the Seven Profound Sect would not be hindered by anyone. He was now short of only these three materials to refine the Qiankun Spirit Weapon. With the help of the Hehuan twins Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue to search and gather intelligence, the chances of collecting all of them were much higher.


    As his voice died away, in the silent hall, only Hua Nongying blinked, and behind her, Hua Nongyue, whose cheeks were also tinged with a hint of peach, blinked in the exact same manner.

 Chapter 302 Heading West

    Watching Hua Nongying and her sister leave, Chen Mu remained seated in his chair, a contemplative expression on his face.


    No matter what Hehuan Sect''s purpose was, and regardless of whether Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying were sincere or simply out for a transaction, he indeed needed someone to collect information about "Tai Qing Qi", "Nan Ming Fire", and the "Sea Calming Pearl".


    Now that he had become a Grandmaster, he really needed a suitable Spirit Weapon. Even the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear, an almost Superior Grade Spirit Weapon, offered him only mediocre benefits and hardly any enhancement to his power.


    But if he could get a Spirit Weapon that perfectly matched his Qiankun Martial Body, that would be different.


    Just like a Martial Artist making use of Heaven and Earth at the right time and place, with the improvement of his Cultivation, the more he could borrow from the corresponding environment, the same went for a Spirit Weapon that perfectly matched one''s Affinity. In other words, the enhancement it provided was not fixed, but would grow as the Martial Artist became stronger, gradually unleashing more significant effects. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Especially at the Grandmaster level, after cultivating one''s Martial Body, if he had a suitable Spirit Weapon, he could nearly achieve "unity of man and weapon", which would be completely different from before, at the very least allowing his strength to improve significantly on its current basis.


    Therefore,


    he was now focused on continuing to comprehend Artistic Conception on one hand, and on the other, he was also prioritizing the search for materials for a Spirit Weapon. After all, owning a suitable Qiankun Spirit Weapon could provide an even greater enhancement than upgrading his Martial Body by one small step.


    Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying, the sisters, really did come at the right time.


    Because the Seven Profound Sect closed its doors, its layout outside of Yu State was limited, and its intelligence was only within Yu State. However, Hehuan Sect was different, its reach spread across the world, with branches even in Central Prefecture.


    In Yu State, Hehuan Sect''s intelligence might not be as extensive as the Seven Profound Sect''s. When they first stepped into Yu County, they even sought cooperation with Yan Jingqing. But in the Outer States and the other eight parts of Da Xuan, Hehuan Sect''s intelligence network was much wider than Seven Profound Sect''s.


    He didn''t expect the two sisters to actually obtain the items he needed, but as long as they could find some intelligence, that would be valuable enough. After all, it would spare him from searching blindly without any information.


    "Hehuan Sect is indeed useful."


    Chen Mu picked up his teacup and took another sip of tea.


    At his current level, the number of things he needed to be cautious about had greatly diminished. Use when you can, make the best of what''s available¡ª even if it involved some entanglement with Hehuan Sect, he now had the capability to deal with it.


    Speaking of which, those enchantresses lived up to their name. The sentence about feelings and sensations being connected had indeed aroused some interest in him. If it wasn''t a deception, this situation must involve the realm of the "Soul Heart".


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    Martial Arts rarely addressed the Soul Heart; it was only known that as one delved deeper into the understanding of Artistic Conception, the Soul Heart would gradually grow stronger. The strength of one''s Martial Will was also linked to the Soul Heart, all the way until Marrow Cleansing, which achieved complete integration of spirit and flesh, heart intertwined with body.


    The rumor had it that Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying were conjoined twins, so perhaps what connected them wasn''t just their bodies, but also a part of their Soul Hearts. Even if they were separated by a medical master, the bond between their Soul Hearts remained. This explains how they could communicate mentally when close, no wonder the two could practice half of the Yin Yang Artistic Conception each and jointly perform Yin Yang.


    Well.


    Maybe when he has the time in the future, he will consider it in detail.


    Chen Mu put down his teacup. He was indeed slightly interested in the Yin Yang Artistic Conception, as it was one of the Artistic Conceptions closest to Qiankun. It could be said that Yin Yang evolved Qiankun, or that Qiankun encompassed Yin Yang.


    At the beginning of the chaos, only Yin Yang was manifested between Heaven and Earth, and at that time, Yin Yang was the ultimate everything. But then two begot three, three begot the myriad of things, until now; Yin Yang belonged to the past, and Qiankun is the present.


    "It''s time to pay a visit to the Prefectural Government."


    Chen Mu collected his thoughts, stood up, and walked out of the courtyard.


    Shi Zhenyong and Feng Hongsheng sent someone specifically to invite him a few days ago. There would be no harm in him going. Though now his strength was far above both of them, he was, by nature, not arrogant. Furthermore, Feng Hongsheng had stepped in to stop Fu Jingyuan from obstructing him in Yu County.


    But as he stepped out of the courtyard,


    he ran into Meng Danyun.


    Meng Danyun seemed to have just arrived. Seeing Chen Mu leaving the courtyard, she couldn''t help but give him a strangely inquisitive look and said, "Did the Hehuan enchantresses leave?"


    "Yes."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly and said, "Senior Sister Meng, what brings you here..."


    "Those Hehuan enchantresses are shameless and licentious. I was worried they might have set a trap for you, so I came to check. I didn''t expect you to send them away so quickly," Meng Danyun said straightforwardly.


    Hearing this, Chen Mu could only smile helplessly for a moment; he knew Meng Danyun and Hua Nongying were once fellow core disciples, had clashed more than once, and had their disagreements. But this was not something he should mediate.


    However, Meng Danyun''s gaze made him feel odd, as if suspecting something like ''That was resolved so quickly?'', which left Chen Mu feeling quite helpless. When had he become someone so easily ensnared by Hehuan Sect''s traps?


    "Senior Sister, rest assured, I know what I''m doing. I''m off to the Prefectural Government," Chen Mu said eventually, giving Meng Danyun a nod before quickly disappearing in front of the courtyard.


    Watching Chen Mu''s departing figure, Meng Danyun shook her head lightly. She knew Chen Mu was cautious, but after all, he had been once deceived by a woman. If it happened again, he might truly have no hope of becoming a Grandmaster. How could she, as his Senior Sister, not wish for Chen Mu to overcome all obstacles on the path of Martial Arts and eventually aspire to dominate Qiankun? Even if it seemed difficult and elusive, that was ultimately the hope for stabilizing the chaotic world.

 Chapter 302 Westward Journey_2

    ...


    Leaving the County Government of Frost North.


    Chen Mu quickly arrived at the Prefectural Government of Frost County.


    "He''s here."


    Within a Hall Office of the Prefectural Government, Shi Zhenyong was observing a military map of Ice State, while Feng Hongsheng, standing beside him holding a Spirit Weapon Military Formation disk, suddenly spoke up.


    Shi Zhenyong''s movements paused slightly as he said, "He''s here?"


    He directed his gaze outside, a hint of surprise in his eyes. He was naturally aware of whom Feng Hongsheng spoke, but Feng Hongsheng had deduced Chen Mu''s arrival through the Military Formation disk and Formation Chess, whereas he was completely unable to sense Chen Mu''s presence.


    Previously, during the march through Frost County, he hadn''t paid too much attention to it, but now it seemed that Chen Mu''s skill in concealing his presence had reached its pinnacle, eluding even a Grandmaster''s detection... However, it was only by refining these skills to such an extent that one could master the Three Feet Forbidden Domain within the Six Viscera Realm, and face three Seventh Rank Demon Venerables alone with one''s own strength.


    And in the next moment.


    The figure of Chen Mu appeared outside the courtyard, walking over with a composed expression.


    "Protector Chen truly is a legendary talent, seen only once in a century. A year ago in Yu County, your struggle to kill Situ Shu was somewhat strenuous, which I found incredibly fast progress in Martial Arts, unthinkable. Yet in just one short year, you have reached this point, able to stand on equal footing with us old fellows," Feng Hongsheng said, looking at Chen Mu with a hint of emotion, and greeted him proactively.


    Every ten years Zhou Hao, every hundred years Chen Mu, these words are truly not false. The Seven Profound Sect had Zhou Hao ten years ago, and it took a hundred years before they had Chen Mu... No, even looking back a hundred years, there is no one in the Seven Profound Sect who could compare to Chen Mu in the same generation.


    It''s not yet certain what heights Chen Mu will reach in the future, but at the very least, in the entire Cold North Path, even throughout the Da Xuan Dynasty, he likely deserves the description ''unequaled in his generation,'' who else has ascended to the top three of the Wind Cloud List in their early forties?


    "Senior Feng flatters me, your extensive experience traversing the world in Martial Arts is far beyond what I can compare to. How could my modest achievements be mentioned in the same breath as yours?"


    Chen Mu responded to Feng Hongsheng with a composed expression.


    He stepped into the Hall Office and then saw, besides Shi Zhenyong and Feng Hongsheng, there was a third person present, a graceful young matron in a purple chiffon dress, just standing there, the world seemingly splitting into distinct yin and yang halves with her at the center.


    "This must be Senior Xia from the Hehuan Sect?"


    With just one glance, Chen Mu had guessed the identity of the other party.


    Second on the Wind Cloud List,


    Hehuan Sect''s Xia Yu''r.


    If Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying had come to Ice State, then it was quite normal for Xia Yu''r to appear here as well. As the esteemed second on the Wind Cloud List, she naturally qualified as a guest of honor for people like Shi Zhenyong.


    Xia Yu''r scrutinized Chen Mu closely, but she couldn''t sense any aura from him, realizing that Chen Mu''s control over his aura had indeed reached a pinnacle, with not a trace being emitted. Hence she smiled lightly and said:


    "In Martial Arts, the accomplished lead the way. Protector Chen is the third on the Wind Cloud List, I feel somewhat unworthy of this honorific ''senior.''"


    "The name of Protector Xia is also well-known to me," Chen Mu responded smoothly.


    Xia Yu''r from the Hehuan Sect was different from the Hehuan twins, she wasn''t from the same generation, but separated by several generations. However, judging by her appearance, she did not look much different from a matron in her late twenties.


    It seemed the women of the Hehuan Sect all practiced the Youth Preserving Technique from a young age. Like Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue, they were only slightly younger than him, but they looked very youthful, almost like seventeen or eighteen-year-old girls. However, being from the Hehuan Sect, that was to be expected.


    After exchanging a few pleasantries.


    The discussion soon turned to the topic at hand, the aftermath of the war in Ice State. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xia Yu''r seemed not overly concerned with the affairs of the Ice State, her attention more focused on Chen Mu. After observing him covertly a couple of times, she couldn''t help but inwardly exclaim¡ªHua Nongying was right, Chen Mu was indeed no ordinary person. Although he was only just over thirty years old, his demeanor now bore little difference from that of a true Grandmaster.


    "...Next to Frost County, besides Ice State''s central Ice County, there is Snow County to the north and Han Prefecture to the west. Snow County is sparsely populated, but it seems that the Main Altar of the Heavenly Corpse Sect is located there."


    "Han Prefecture, bordering our Yu State''s Sha Prefecture, turns out to be one of the wealthiest Prefectural Governments in Ice State. Nowadays, both the Sky Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect are active there. The most severe issue though, is the raids from the foreign tribes beyond the border."


    Everyone in the Hall Office had a discussion.


    Now that the Seven Profound Sect has taken over Frost County, the next choice is either to defend this county, consolidating its resources without concerning themselves with the turmoil in other county governments, or to advance north, west, or into Ice County.


    However, neither Shi Zhenyong nor Feng Hongsheng, or even the Seven Profound Sect authorities, planned to enter Ice County at this time, as it is the domain of Ice Extreme Palace and the seat of the State Government Office of Ice State, as well as the main stage for the chaos caused by the foreign races.


    Of the remaining two counties, Snow County has more frequent activity from the Heavenly Corpse Sect, while Han Prefecture has more frequent activity from the foreign races.


    And whether it''s the views of Shi Zhenyong, Feng Hongsheng, or the Seven Profound Sect, everyone is more focused on Han Prefecture.


    One reason is that Han Prefecture itself is much more important than Snow County, and secondly, since the Seven Profound Sect has entered Frost County, both the Heavenly Corpse and the Sky Demon Sects have intended to retaliate; while wreaking havoc in Han Prefecture, they have also started to strike at the borders of Sha Prefecture.


    Chen Mu had just learned that Yunlu Pass, which Xiahou Yan was defending, had been attacked not long ago by the Sky Demon Sect. Even the northern border of Sha Prefecture had suffered some raids from foreign tribes beyond the border.


    This was naturally not within the tolerance of the Seven Profound Sect.


    In fact, the northern border of Sha Prefecture had long been fortified by the Seven Profound Sect''s arrangements for further defense; otherwise, the foreign races would have attempted to raid Sha Prefecture long ago, only the conflicts had become more frequent recently.


    The discussion did not last long among the group, and a result was soon reached.


    A moment later.


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    Chen Mu walked out of the Hall Office, his expression contemplative.


    "Han Prefecture, hm..."


    Unlike Frost County, Han Prefecture was not only ravaged by the Heavenly Corpse and Sky Demon Sects but also suffered frequent raids from foreign tribes. The chaos there was even more severe and intelligence was particularly scarce. Hence, even if the Seven Profound Sect decided to take action in Han Prefecture, they would not do so recklessly.


    With Shi Zhenyong stationed in Frost County and Xia Yu''r also assisting in its defense, it would be up to him and Feng Hongsheng to separately infiltrate Han Prefecture first and roughly assess the current situation there.


    "Protector Chen, in Han Prefecture, prioritize stability and caution above all else. There are Grandmaster-level figures among the foreign races. Although their techniques might not be as extensive as ours, at the Grandmaster level, not many are weak. Although an average Grandmaster might not be your match, if you are careless and get trapped in their encirclement, it would be difficult to escape," said Feng Hongsheng, walking beside Chen Mu, offering him a reminder.


    Now ranked third on the Wind Cloud List, Chen Mu''s strength was beyond question. Among the many Grandmasters in the Seven Profound Sect, at least half were no match for him.


    But a Grandmaster is still a Grandmaster. Except for those who have just advanced recently and have not yet realized their Domain, as long as one has been immersed in the Marrow Cleansing Realm for a while, even if they cannot match his level, they can still put up some resistance and not be easily defeated.


    With the ongoing turmoil in Han Prefecture, and it being the stronghold of both Heavenly Corpse and Sky Demon Sects, if some Grandmaster-level martial artists entangled him, preventing a quick escape and trapping him in an ambush, or if it attracted the attention of the top Grandmasters among the foreign races, even he could potentially lose his life.


    Compared with acting in Frost County, one had to be extra cautious in Han Prefecture.


    He was worried that Chen Mu, in his youth and vigor, would encounter a Grandmaster from the foreign races and stubbornly attempt to prove who was superior.


    "I''ll be careful," replied Chen Mu, nodding slightly to Feng Hongsheng, then both left the County Government together, heading westward from Frost County. Before long, they had crossed the border of Frost County and stepped into the territory of Han Prefecture.

 Chapter 303 Foreign Race Cavalry Army

    Ice State, Han Prefecture.


    In the midst of the mountains and forests, Chen Mu, dressed in simple commoner clothes, quietly advanced.


    After entering the region of Han Prefecture, he and Feng Hongsheng temporarily split up, each moving deeper into Han Prefecture from the north and south.


    As its name suggests, Han Prefecture had a harsh climate, but unlike Frost County, it was dry due to its proximity to Sha Prefecture, so it was not covered with vast frost and snow; instead, most of it consisted of wilderness.


    In terms of area, Ice State was actually much bigger than Yu State, but due to poorer resources, it had fewer inhabitants compared to Yu State and, as far as Chen Mu knew, was more chaotic in governance than Yu State.


    "Icy cold frost and snowy mist, this Han Prefecture is probably the most ordinary among the six counties of Ice State."


    Chen Mu meandered through the sparse woods, his glance sweeping over the valleys while feeling the flow of The Power of Heaven and Earth, understanding the surroundings, and scanning the horizon occasionally from the top of a peak.


    Traveling along the border of Han Prefecture, he encountered very few people, and even the settlement areas were quite scattered, which was fairly normal since many parts of Han Prefecture were too barren to support large-scale villages or towns. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However,


    surely different from Frost County, by now Chen Mu had been in Han Prefecture for seven or eight days and had gleaned some Experience in Qiankun Artistic Conception, which was somewhat beneficial; he was nearing completion of his seventh deduction.


    Finally, on the ninth day, Chen Mu slowed his pace. His expression turned somber as he approached a fairly large village, home to several thousand households, and looked intently at the settlement.


    The village was filled with ruins and a harrowing scene; severed limbs were visible on the ground, and blood had seeped into and frozen on the wasteland, suggesting a massacre had taken place.


    "Foreign Race from beyond the borders..."


    With a grave expression, Chen Mu stepped forward, entering the village that resembled a hell on earth.


    The scale of this slaughter clearly wasn''t the work of Heavenly Corpse Sect or Sky Demon Sect. Where Heavenly Corpse Sect passed, even if massacres occurred, no bodies would be left behind, as they would take them all.


    The practice was similar with the Sky Demon Sect; most victims would be consumed as Blood Nourishment, and they rarely slaughtered indiscriminately. Although they were as brutal as demons, it''s like how humans wouldn''t kill all the chickens just for a meal.


    Only the Foreign Race could perform such actions.


    Killing all the men, and plundering all the resources and women¡ªthat was the way of the Foreign Race.


    Chen Mu''s gaze swept across the corpses as he walked deeper into the ruins, finally closing his eyes slightly:


    "Less than a day?"


    As he ventured through, he encountered more Demon Men wreaking havoc, and villages plundered like this one, but the signs suggested this incident had occurred just about half a day before.


    The purpose of his and Feng Hongsheng''s entry into Han Prefecture was not to confront the Foreign Race, Sky Demons, or Heavenly Corpses directly, but rather to pre-emptively understand the strongholds of these groups, and to familiarize themselves with the situation in Han Prefecture.


    However, encountering such tragically wasted landscapes, a chill grew in Chen Mu''s heart.


    However,


    just as Chen Mu was about to depart the scene, he suddenly sensed something, and took several steps towards a particular direction, quickly arriving at a deep well on one side of the village.


    He glanced down into the well, where its depth stretched about several meters. Though shrouded in darkness, he could still discern a recess in the wall of the well where he sensed a faint breath emanating.


    Chen Mu sighed.


    Reaching out towards the bottom of the well, a wisp of invisible Qi Force spread out, reaching toward the niche in the well''s wall and lifting out a very young child in floral clothes, who appeared to be only around five or six years old.


    The child, a little girl with braided hair, had a deathly pale face, weak breath, and shivered slightly, being in a state of unconsciousness.


    Clearly,


    she must have been hidden in the well when the Foreign Race attacked, but the freezing cold and damp inside the well made it untenable, even with a coat, for half a day, let alone for a robust adult.


    At this young age, the girl could not possibly have climbed out of the well on her own. Had Chen Mu not cultivated his Martial Body, making his senses to Qi more acute, he might not have noticed the surviving young girl at the bottom of this well.


    Chen Mu stood by the well, looking at the little girl suspended in the air by a wisp of Qi Force, and was reminded of many years ago when he served as the Prefecture Chief in Wutong Grove District, resisting the bitter cold disaster. However, back then, he had only just started practicing Martial Arts and could only do his best to save a batch of disaster victims.


    Though Han Prefecture was not under his administration, having encountered her, he would not stand idly by. Although the village was a scene of horror, he wasn''t sure whether the girl''s survival was a stroke of luck or misfortune. Nevertheless, since he had encountered it, he would not let this life disappear.


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    Chen Mu lifted the girl with one hand while the other beckoned silently; the mist gathered in his palm, forming a stream of water, followed by the rise of Blazing Flames, warming the bundle of water.


    Simultaneously, Chen Mu''s other hand emitted a bit of warm Qi Force, dispelling the cold invading the girl''s floral clothes and warming her body.

 Chapter 303 Foreign Race Cavalry Army_2

    Subsequently,


    Chen Mu extended his right hand, and a stream of warm water flowed into the mouth of the little girl, allowing her to drink it slowly. The pale, almost lifeless face of the girl finally gained a hint of color.


    In reality, having stayed in that damp and cold place at the bottom of the well for half a day, even if she had been immediately taken to a healer, she would have been seriously ill. However, Chen Mu had transcended the ordinary and was no longer a common man. He dispelled the external cold and even infused a wisp of Inner Breath into the girl''s body to regulate the coldness soaking her bones.


    Just like that.


    It wasn''t long before the little girl gradually woke up in Chen Mu''s arms.


    Contrary to what Chen Mu had expected, the little girl slowly opened her eyes with difficulty. After a brief moment of confusion, her dark eyes did not show any panic or fear, but instead, she stared unwaveringly at him.


    He thought the tragedy of the settlement had also traumatized her mind, but Chen Mu soon noticed that there was still a sparkle in her eyes, not completely dull. Stay tuned for updates on My Virtual Library Empire


    "You are awake."


    Chen Mu said in an even tone.


    "... "


    The little girl continued to gaze blankly at him.


    "Do you remember what happened?"


    Chen Mu gently asked.


    The little girl looked at Chen Mu more intently, and finally spoke with a very frail voice, "Bad people came to the village, Daddy put me in the well... Was it you, brother, who saved me?"


    "Yes."


    Chen Mu looked into the little girl''s eyes, somewhat surprised, because he saw a trace of sorrow in her black pupils. Although she was only about five or six years old, she seemed to understand everything already.


    The little girl fell silent briefly, then softly said: sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Thank you, brother."


    She then slightly lifted her head in Chen Mu''s arms, glancing around, only to see that they were already far outside the settlement. After a pause, she quietly said, "Are Daddy and the others already..."


    Chen Mu looked at the little girl, shook his head slightly, and dismissed the idea of fabricating a lie, saying, "No one else survived except you."


    The girl in his arms, although only five or six years old, seemed more mature than Wang Ni had at ten. Although she was questioning him, the sorrow in her big black eyes seemed to comprehend everything.


    Chen Mu sighed softly in his heart.


    Then, he cast his gaze into the distance, squinted his eyes slightly, discerned a direction, and took a step forward. His body silently swept across several dozen feet and kept on moving forward steadily.


    The little girl curled up in his arms, her head hanging low, seemingly trying very hard not to let the tears fall. After a while, when she lifted her head again, she saw the scenery changing rapidly in the field of view, as if moving forward at an unbelievably fast pace, yet she felt no cold wind against her face, which left her somewhat stunned.


    She had heard from her father that there were people in the world whose martial arts were so powerful that they ran like tigers and wolves, as fast as lightning. But even the experts her father described couldn''t match the speed she felt now in Chen Mu''s arms, with everything nearby changing so quickly it was almost unclear, only distant mountains were visible.


    "Brother, where are we going?"


    After a while, she couldn''t help but ask in a low voice.


    Chen Mu gently stroked her little head and said in a very gentle tone:


    "To kill some people."


    He didn''t like killing, he never did.


    But sometimes, the turmoil in his heart could only be quelled with blood.


    Although this trip to Han Prefecture was just for reconnaissance and should not cause too much disturbance, Han Prefecture was so chaotic that killing a few people wouldn''t count for much.


    It wasn''t to avenge the little girl in his arms, nor was it to avenge the commoners who had died tragically in the settlement; he was doing it for his own peace of mind, to calm his own emotions.


    With each step, he crossed several tens to almost a hundred feet; his speed was ghost-like, yet his steps caused no disturbance, no whistling of the winds around him, as if the wind by his side didn''t exist at all.


    The little girl only looked a few more times at the changing scenery nearby, felt slightly dizzy in her mind, and couldn''t help but turn her gaze back and rest her head against Chen Mu''s chest. She knew this stranger who had saved her must be even more amazing than those legendary martial artists her father spoke of.


    After the dizziness eased a bit, she lifted her head again and looked at Chen Mu''s side profile, momentarily transfixed.


    Although Chen Mu seemed younger than her father and his body didn''t appear as burly, being close to him, she could only feel a kind of strength she couldn''t understand.


    Just like that.


    She didn''t know how much time had passed.


    The little girl finally noticed that Chen Mu''s pace had slowed.


    When she cautiously looked around, she saw that Chen Mu had, at some point, reached the top of a high slope, with his gaze extending into the distance.


    She followed Chen Mu''s line of sight and saw a large troop of soldiers.


    She saw


    about two or three hundred elite cavalry, straddling tall steeds, clad in heavy armor, racing along one side.


    Each gallop of these two or three hundred elite cavalry was so heavy and dull, accompanied by a buzzing sound, akin to the beating of drums by thousands of troops, shaking the nearby ground.


    Next to these hundreds of cavalry, there were nearly a thousand armored soldiers of a foreign race, their appearance vastly different from the people of Da Xuan, not only taller and more robust, but also with brown hair, brown beards, and deep-set blue eyes.


    This group of soldiers was escorting a batch of carriages, laden with many looted supplies.


    Besides,


    they were also driving thousands of people, at first glance all women and children, struggling to follow the convoy, those lagging behind at the rear were immediately met with the whips of the foreign race soldiers.


    "So many people..."


    The little girl curled up in Chen Mu''s arms, looking towards those distant figures, couldn''t help but speak softly.


    At the same time, she tried her best to look among the driven women and children for someone she knew, but she couldn''t spot anyone at first glance. These thousands of people were not only from her village but also from other nearby settlements.


    "They are the ones who killed your father, are you afraid of them?"


    Chen Mu''s gaze swept over the troop, and then he softly asked the girl in his arms.


    The little girl bit her lip and shook her head.


    In her eyes, as she looked at those foreign race soldiers, hate was evident, a trace of lingering hatred.


    Chen Mu already knew that the little girl in his arms was stronger than many older children he had encountered, so he didn''t say much, just gently caressed her head and asked, "Do you want them to die?"


    "Yes."


    The little girl nodded vigorously this time.


    Chen Mu smiled slightly, walked forward with her in his arms, and after a few steps descending from the slope, they crossed the wasteland and then, silently, appeared on the road ahead of the foreign race''s cavalry and infantry.


    Just saw.


    The vast wasteland nearby was bare, but in the view ahead on the dry and yellow land, at some point there appeared a figure holding a little girl, just standing there, facing the spread out foreign race army soldiers.


    Eventually, the cavalry at the forefront noticed Chen Mu, a look of surprise appearing in their eyes, one hand pointing at Chen Mu from afar, calling out to a cavalry leader behind him in a strange language.


    "..."


    The cavalry leader came to the front, gazing into the distance at Chen Mu on the wasteland, his brow furrowed, then he bellowed, "Everyone on alert, ready your spears, form up!"


    As a leader of the foreign race cavalry outside the borders, he clearly knew that within Han Prefecture, encountering large groups of fleeing refugees posed no threat, even if they were many, and small groups of martial artists were also of little concern, but encountering a lone individual with a strange trail was very dangerous!


    Anyone who could walk alone in the wasteland was certainly a martial artist.


    Those who dared face their several hundred elite cavalry and thousands of soldiers without immediately running away could not be ordinary people!


    But regardless of who the other party was, whether a powerful martial artist or some kind of trap set nearby, the only strategy was to have everyone form up and crush and trample the opponent!


    Against such individual martial arts masters, scattering and retreating was the worst strategy; instead, gathering everyone together, the thousands of elite together with the cavalry, forming up for a charge could even crush those in the Five Organ and Viscera Viscera Realm who dared to confront their charge!

 Chapter 304 Gun Sweeping Through a Hundred Cavalry

    Army Soldiers formed a Military Formation, War Horses galloped furiously!


    The cavalry of the Foreign Race was no less inferior to the most elite cavalry of the Jade Forest Army. Two to three hundred War Horses were all mixed with demon bloodline steeds, towering much larger than ordinary horses, and they were all armored. Each horse, as it galloped, possessed the force of ten thousand jun!


    The cavalry themselves were the elites among the Foreign Races, with almost every one of them being Martial Artists above the Tendon Changing Realm. With ten men in a row, every team leader was at the Bone Tempering Realm, and with a hundred men in a squad, every squad leader was a Five Viscera expert!


    At this moment.


    Under the command of a leader at the Six Viscera Realm, three hundred cavalry were in formation instantaneously and then charged towards the direction where Chen Mu was, truly like a stampede of ten thousand horses. Even before they drew near, the overwhelming Evil Qi roared over like a torrential tidal wave.


    The earth trembled, the air buzzed!


    "Brother..."


    The little girl in Chen Mu''s arms watched this scene, and although they were still at a distance, she trembled at the sight. Facing the charge of the elite cavalry provokes an innate shudder in one''s heart.


    She had witnessed this scene in her village, seeing the hundreds of cavalry charge from afar, crashing into the village like a landslide, with flesh and blood flying everywhere. Although she was later hidden in a well, the horrific scene, like something out of hell, had lingered in her mind and was now awakened anew, causing her body to tremble involuntarily.


    However.


    Facing the frontal assault of the hundreds of cavalry, Chen Mu''s gaze remained very calm. With a young girl cradled in one arm, he stood this casually and alone on the wasteland.


    Such an attack from hundreds of elite cavalry was terrifying. Those in the Bone Tempering Realm could not withstand it, those in the Five Viscera Realm might be able to block two or three charges, but it was impossible to directly withstand more than ten. In such a blitz, one could only retreat. Attacking head-on was simply seeking death.


    Even a high-level practitioner in the Six Viscera Realm, if they hadn''t cultivated a Domain, would find it difficult to contend.


    But.


    Chen Mu was now a Qiankun Grandmaster!


    If it were a true charge by tens of thousands of elite cavalries, led by a top commander like Han Liwu, with all formations converging into a single sharp edge, he indeed might have to step aside. But this mere few hundred cavalries, he didn''t even take them seriously.


    "He''s not retreating..."


    The Commander-in-chief of the distant charging Cavalry Army saw that the distance was closing and that Chen Mu still showed no intent to dodge. A glint of ferocity flashed in his eyes, no matter what Chen Mu''s background was, if he dared to be so presumptuous, then he would reduce Chen Mu to dust and bones!


    But see him raising a long spear in his right hand, suddenly lifting it skyward, and then bellowing loudly.


    "Hoo!"


    "Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!"


    The hundreds of cavalry behind him followed suit, accompanied by a roar that seemed to shake the heavens. An invisible Momentum took shape, and for a moment the Power of Heaven and Earth nearby was repelled and squeezed to either side.


    This was a Six Viscera Realm Commander-in-chief, borrowing the momentum of the Military Formation to influence Heaven and Earth. In front of the hundreds of cavalry, a blood-colored sharp edge, visible to the naked eye, faintly formed in the void, concentrating towards the long spear in the hands of the cavalry commander.


    Finally.


    The Cavalry Army was less than a hundred zhang from Chen Mu!


    "Break!"


    "Break! Break! Break!"


    With the hundreds of cavalry shouting in unison, the cavalry commander''s eyes gleamed fiercely, and the long spear in his hand was finally thrown, wrapped with the massive momentum of the Military Formation, turning into a blood-red streak that soared towards Chen Mu.


    Die!


    A vicious expression appeared on his face.


    However, facing the oncoming blood-red long rainbow, Chen Mu''s expression remained unchanged, without the slightest intention of retreating, still cradling the young girl in his left hand and then reaching out with his right hand towards the blood-red long rainbow, ultimately grasping it firmly in his hand!


    Sizzle!!!


    In an instant, the bloodlight exploded, like a blood-colored thunderclap, bursting apart in Chen Mu''s fingers. The terrible sharpness tried to tear apart his palm and grind his body to minced flesh.


    But an astonishing scene occurred, no matter how the blood-colored long rainbow burst into bloodlight, it could not breach Chen Mu''s seemingly simple and ordinary palm. All the bloodlight was extinguished inch by inch, and Chen Mu''s fingers finally closed, holding the long spear in his hand, making it hum before gradually calming down.


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    The Cavalry Commander''s face showed a hint of astonishment.


    This was not a strike that he unleashed solely through his power, but one that condensed the momentum of the Military Formation. It was impossible for an ordinary Six Viscera Realm practitioner to take it head-on, and even a true Martial Arts Grandmaster had to be cautious in response!


    Chen Mu, however, cradling a girl with one arm, managed to catch the formidable strike, enhanced by the might of the Military Formation and capable of shaking an ordinary Grandmaster, with just one hand. Could the person in front of him be a Martial Arts Grandmaster from Ice State?! S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But.


    At this very moment, he had no time to ponder further.


    Because a hundred zhang distance was almost instantaneous for the elite cavalry, almost right after Chen Mu forcibly suppressed that long spear, the three hundred cavalry with him as the lead had already charged to Chen Mu''s near front!


    There was no way to avoid it at this moment, and even if Chen Mu truly was a Martial Arts Grandmaster, using his strike would consume some energy, and even if it was a collision, they would have to smash Chen Mu to death right here!


    "Kill!"


    The Cavalry Commander-in-chief bellowed, pulling out the large blade at his side. With the momentum of the charging steeds, he swung his blade towards Chen Mu.


    The formation''s momentum was almost condensed in his person. A single body seemed as if it had solidified the might of a hundred cavalry, and this sweeping Blade Momentum was like a mountain collapse, even twisting the air, which seemed as if mountains and earth were splintering.


    But.


    Chen Mu''s gaze remained indifferent. He still held that long spear in his hand, and at this moment, while holding its sharp front end, he countered the charging Cavalry Commander-in-chief with a backhanded sweep.


    The collision of the long spear and the large blade was not just a clash between the two individuals, but also a clash between Chen Mu and the hundred-cavalry formation. The roaring sound almost instantaneously vibrated eardrums, causing the winds and clouds to change color.


    Crack!


    At this time, the Cavalry Commander-in-chief''s pupils contracted violently. Clearly, he had charged with the momentum of the military formation, the power formidable like a mountain collapse, but upon the impact against Chen Mu''s casually horizontal spear, it was like running head-on into the towering Heavenly Mountains, utterly unmoving.


    At this moment, only a boundless and irresistible terrifying force felt like it transmitted from that long spear. The battle blade in his hand was almost instantly broken and shattered, and thereafter the long spear swept upon the Fire Cloud Warhorses that stood zhang tall, smashing their heavy armor inward as if they bore an irresistible weight.


    Together with the Warhorse, which had the weight of ten thousand catties of heavy armor, it almost didn''t even manage to groan before it was killed on the spot, its bones nearly pulverized by the vibration, and this force continued spreading unstoppably, impacting the Cavalry Commander-in-chief''s body, making his skeleton crackle and his face grotesquely change, as he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood.


    Boom!!!


    Under the startled gazes of countless people, they saw Chen Mu''s spear swipe and forcefully sweep the Cavalry Commander-in-chief, along with the ten thousand catty Warhorse, flying toward the rear, colliding against the soldiers and Warhorses behind him. As their bodies twisted and they coughed up blood without cease, they kept flying horizontally, tumbling over a dozen more layers of cavalry before they came to a stop at last!


    With that single hit, the momentum of the gathered military formation nearly dispersed instantly, and the oppressive nearby Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi also became somewhat sluggish and scattered all at once, allowing the nearby Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi to stabilize.


    "Elite Cavalry Formation, not so impressive after all."


    Chen Mu, with an indifferent look, swept his eyes across the surroundings. Aside from the dozen layers of cavalry that he had directly flipped over, the other cavalry had passed by his sides. The several hundred cavalry seemed to still possess an intimidating presence.


    But at this time, the faces of all the Foreign Race cavalrymen almost grotesquely changed.


    Military Formation.


    It relies on the formation''s solidity to restrict the flow of the power of Heaven and Earth.


    Even though it appeared that only a dozen cavalry were lost in the collision just now, in reality, the entire formation had already been forcefully shattered and torn apart by Chen Mu''s direct impact!


    The remaining two to three hundred cavalry seemed intact, but in reality, the formation had already dispersed, and it was no longer able to congeal into a single force.


    Even if the charging power of each cavalryman was already comparable to that of a high-level Bone Tempering Realm expert, if the combined strength of several hundred Bone Tempering Realm powers could not be condensed at one point, then it wasn''t just before Chen Mu that they would be easily slaughtered, even a common Six Viscera Realm individual could effortlessly exterminate them!


    "Broken."


    This time it was Chen Mu who uttered the word softly.


    He was seen raising his long spear again, simply circling around his body, and sweeping it horizontally.


    The Power of Heaven and Earth, which had resumed flowing after the military formation was broken, came surging madly towards him. In just an instant, a cold gleam extending dozens of zhang was condensed alongside the trajectory of Chen Mu''s sweep, slashing across.


    Spurt! Spurt! Spurt!!!


    It was as though effortlessly crushing dry weeds.


    The tough heavy armor, the Fire Cloud Horses infused with Demon Blood, and the elite soldiers of the Foreign Race, regardless of whether they were wielding their long spears with all their strength or raising their battle shields, were unable to withstand that one sharp sweep.


    Under the shocked gaze of the little girl in Chen Mu''s arms, she saw the three hundred cavalry mowed down like wheat, with both heavy armor and bodies splitting in half amidst the central area, blood gushing forth like fountains, continuing to spread far and wide.


    As the cold gleam vanished, the nearly three hundred charging cavalry, shockingly, had not a single one left standing amidst the sky full of blood that nearly flowed like a river and amidst the bones, with only Chen Mu standing firm on the ground.


    One spear, sweeping across three hundred cavalry!


    "This..."


    The thousand or more Foreign Race infantrymen, who had already stopped in their tracks at the charge of the cavalry, quickly formed up from behind, but at this very moment, looking at the shocking scene before them, were nearly all struck dumb and silent.


    Nearly three hundred cavalry, all brought down with a single sweep. It was as if an invisible brush had streaked across the center, leaving only Chen Mu standing in the Wasteland. Such a shocking scene it was.


    A disrupted formation, once forcefully scattered, showed the so-called elite cavalry to be as easily defeated before Chen Mu as ordinary mortals!


    Grandmaster!


    The man before them was undoubtedly a Martial Arts Grandmaster!


    But the problem was that the Grandmasters of the Ice Extreme Palace were all confronting their main forces at the State Government Office. Han Prefecture had long been completely lost, even the Prefectural Government had become a place for their uninhibited looting, so from where did a Grandmaster suddenly appear?

 Chapter 305 Slaughter All of the Foreign Race

    "Qiankun Eight Phases, you are Chen Mu from the Seven Profound Sect!"


    Finally, a commander from the foreign race recognized Chen Mu''s identity, and his face instantly became extremely ugly.


    Although Chen Mu had not used the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal just now, he still summoned the light of Qiankun Eight Phases. To the experts of the Five Organ and Viscera Realm from the foreign race, it was still clearly identifiable.


    Chen Mu from the Seven Profound Sect, third on the Wind Cloud List of Cold North!


    Even though he was not a Grandmaster, reaching this level meant his strength was indeed comparable to a Grandmaster''s. When the formation of three hundred Elite Cavalry charged, even slightly weaker Grandmasters would exercise extreme caution and not confront it head-on. Only a figure like Chen Mu would be so arrogantly courageous, directly clashing with the impact of the Elite Cavalry Formation!


    Moreover, in the encounter with the three hundred Elite Cavalry, Chen Mu had singlehandedly scattered their momentum, then with one move swept them aside. Although some were not yet dead, at this moment they were all thrown about with severe injuries, their life and death unknown.


    "Do not fear, form up,"


    the commander-in-chief at the head of the foot soldiers immediately raised his long spear in shock.


    The number of these army soldiers was indeed too few, there were only a little over a thousand foot soldiers, certainly not enough to contend with a Grandmaster-level expert like Chen Mu. However, facing an individual with such extreme martial power as Chen Mu, shrinking back in fear was even more a sure path to death!


    Only by forming a battle formation would they have a chance to restrain Chen Mu, to confront him for a time. If they scattered in retreat, even a thousand men could not hope to escape the wanton slaughter by a being like Chen Mu. They had no choice but to grit their teeth and fight to the death without retreating! Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And furthermore,


    although Chen Mu''s strength was astonishing, it was not as if there were no chance of victory!


    After all, according to intelligence, although Chen Mu was one of the top three on the Wind Cloud List and his strength rivaled some of the strongest Grandmasters, his power ultimately came from borrowing the Power of Heaven and Earth.


    If Chen Mu always kept dozens of feet away from their battle formation, manipulating the Power of Heaven and Earth outside the formation to fight them, then their mere thousand-plus men, even with four Viscera Realm commanders and over ten Five Viscera Realm formers, could not possibly fight him off.


    But,


    if Chen Mu lacked the experience of clashing with the battle formation and charged into its midst, if the flow of Heaven and Earth was suddenly hindered and he could not draw upon the Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi, then they might be able to suppress him within their battle formation!


    After all, even a master like Chen Mu, once deprived of the cycle of the Power of Heaven and Earth, wouldn''t be much different from an ordinary Six Viscera Realm expert since he had not cultivated a Martial Body to embody great strength as a Martial Arts Grandmaster.


    In the distance,


    those thousands of women and children who had been driven away were now watching the scene on the wilderness with shock. They came from various settlements and strongholds and had seen highly skilled individuals before, but someone like Chen Mu, who alone could smash through a hundred cavalry charges, was like a supreme demon or immortal being, a figure out of legends to them.


    Some women, who had initially been crestfallen, disheveled, and resigned to death, now watching the hellish, bloody scene from afar, felt not a trace of fear or discomfort; instead, they felt an unprecedented sense of relief.


    In some people''s eyes, hope was even beginning to flicker.


    "It must be an expert from the Ice Extreme Palace... definitely an expert from the Ice Extreme Palace..."


    "Well killed, very well killed."


    The Ice Extreme Palace presided over the Ice State, and even the most remote settlements knew of this sole major sect that ruled over the Ice State.


    And now, as countless eyes looked on, filled with hope or suffused with hatred and catharsis, the thousand-plus foot soldiers had formed into a battle formation. Waves of surging blood qi, under the guidance of the formation, disrupted the flow of the Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi.


    "Kill!"


    The leading commander bellowed ferociously, and then the thousand-plus foot soldiers charged headlong towards Chen Mu.


    Although they were called foot soldiers, in fact, each of these thousand-plus men was above the Body Refinement Realm, and many among them were from the Tendon Changing Realm and even the Bone Tempering Realm. It could be said that in terms of overall Body Tempering Cultivation, they were even superior to the Jade Forest Army and the guards of the Ice State!


    Among the foreign races beyond the borders, due to fewer resources and a smaller population, the army soldiers were very limited in number. But because the resources needed for practising Martial Arts were relatively abundant, and there were many more spiritual creatures and Spiritual Objects than within the Great Da Xuan Realm, their individual Realms tended to be higher. The number of Five Viscera and Six Viscera Realm masters, and even Grandmasters, did not fall short of a large State like the Ice State.


    Body Refinement Martial Men, their strength reaching a thousand jun.


    Tendon Changing experts, able to break gold and shatter jade.


    Even though individually they were far from a match for a master of the Five Viscera and Six Viscera Realm, in a charge, even masters of the Five Viscera and even Six Viscera Realm were still flesh and blood. If the flow of their Inner Breath was disrupted and a flaw emerged, just enduring a single hit with their bodies could result in injury.


    Yet confronted with the charge of a thousand foreign race soldiers in formation, Chen Mu didn''t even spare them a glance. He only looked down at the little girl in his arms, gently touched her little head, and spoke softly,


    "If you''re scared, you don''t have to watch."


    The little girl''s dark, large eyes blinked unceasingly, and at this moment, she did not bury her head in Chen Mu''s embrace. Instead, she watched the scene of rivers of blood resembling hell without a trace of fear.


    Seeing the little girl''s demeanor, Chen Mu sighed softly in his heart. This child was indeed extraordinary. Even when the cavalry charged straight towards them, she did not flinch or hide. Although her body trembled slightly, she still kept her eyes open to watch.


    She wanted to look, so Chen Mu didn''t stop her.


    Despite the hellish scene before her, she had already experienced it, for these times are far from peaceful; they''re an era of bloodshed and chaos. Children who''ve lived through such turbulence and war are inherently different from the sheltered young ladies of comfortable surroundings.


    Since Chen Mu had intervened, if she felt fear in her heart and merely wished to survive, he would take her to a safe place and see her settled. But if her heart was fearless, then he would let her witness the destruction of these rampaging foreign races.


    Whoosh!


    In the very next moment, Chen Mu lifted his spear high and hurled it towards the incoming thousand-strong army soldiers.


    The spear, wrapped in the surging power of Qiankun, roared like a dragon, crossing dozens of meters in flight and slamming into the crowd with a thunderous crush, reducing several dozen heavily armored soldiers to a mess of blood and bones!


    "Kill!"


    A Viscera Realm commander roared and, accompanied by seven or eight Five Viscera Realm experts, they synchronized their Qi within the military formation and launched a combined strike at Chen Mu. The blade''s light was magnificent, like a scarlet ribbon slicing through the air.


    However, Chen Mu remained unfazed, merely raising his right hand and with a boom, he caught the blood-red blade light with his bare hand. Then, curling his fingers inward, he crushed it!


    Boom!


    He countered with a backhand strike, unleashing the mighty Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal. Even under the weakening of the military formation, its power pierced the heavens, striking dozens of meters away, shaking both men and armor into fragments!


    Chen Mu faced the military formation with no fear, stepping into it as if a tiger among sheep, rampaging freely. Everywhere he went, whether facing the Five Viscera Realm or the Six Viscera Realm experts, even those supported by the formation''s combined strength, none could match him. He killed them with ease, crushing the ordinary soldiers in droves.


    Even without a fully developed Martial Body, a mere thousand soldiers'' formation could not trap him, let alone kill him.


    And after he had developed his Martial Body, even tens of thousands of soldiers and dozens of Six Viscera Realm commanders forming a formation would pose no threat to him. Only the elite armies like the Jade Forest Army, numbering over a hundred thousand, could possibly make him retreat.


    Spurt!


    Once again, Chen Mu''s fingers came together for a stabbing motion, warping the air with the force unleashed. A single strike penetrated the heavy armor of a Six Viscera Realm commander, blasting a hole through his chest and creating a straight path of destruction.


    "Heh..."


    The Six Viscera Realm foreign race commander coughed up blood, his gaze on Chen Mu filled with shock. Clearly, he had never expected Chen Mu to possess such formidable strength. Even under the pressure of the military formation, he couldn''t withstand a single move.


    In the past, when he was on the borders, leading a large army to besiege an Eighth Rank Demon King, it never felt as terrifying as Chen Mu''s might. Moreover, it was obvious that Chen Mu had not even used his full strength, still holding a girl in need of protection in his arms!


    This man.


    Stronger than an Eighth Rank Demon King?


    Doubt filled the foreign commander''s mind. An Eighth Rank Demon King''s strength was almost equal to that of a top Grandmaster. He had gathered tens of thousands of soldiers and had the leadership of a Grandmaster to finally slay it.


    He managed to make a sound, but no words came out as blood gushed from the hole in his chest. Soon, his strength ebbed away rapidly, and then he collapsed into a pool of blood.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!!!


    Chen Mu, holding the girl in one arm and using fingers, palms, and fist seals in the other, moved unfettered within the army formation. In just a short moment, several Six Viscera Realm foreign commanders and many Five Viscera Realm experts fell dead!


    With every fall of a Five Viscera Realm fighter, the operations of the army formation stuttered until all of Five and Six Viscera Realm combatants were slain, leading to the complete collapse of the formation. The disrupted Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi paused briefly and then returned to normal.


    Boom! Boom!!


    With the collapse of the military formation, even though there were still hundreds of soldiers left, the power expressed in every move Chen Mu made suddenly magnified severalfold. A single flick of his fingers created a magnificent tens-of-meters-long Finger Print, sweeping through and crushing everything in its path.


    The remaining few hundred soldiers, shocked and broken, finally scattered. But at that moment, there was no chance to flee. They were continuously crushed by the Qi force unleashed from Chen Mu''s fingers, falling in swathes, dead where they lay.


    In the end.


    In a river of blood on the wasteland, only Chen Mu stood, with a thousand foreign soldiers dead at his feet.


    "At last, some peace."


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    Chen Mu slowly lowered his hand and took a deep breath, feeling somewhat relieved as he surveyed the sprawl of corpses.


    However, when his gaze shifted to the far distance, where thousands of women and children had been abducted by the foreign soldiers, he felt a slight headache and rubbed his brow. Killing had been satisfying, but it left behind an even messier problem.


    If this were Frost County, he could have left the handling of the situation to the disciples of the Seven Profound Sect under his command. But he and Feng Hongsheng were alone in Han Prefecture. Although they could easily kill thousands of foreigners, dealing with the aftermath involving thousands of women and children was a problem.

 Chapter 306 Tuguhou

    Having taken action, I absolutely cannot abandon them in the wilderness to fend for themselves.


    Chen Mu shook his head and then walked towards the group of women and children who had been captured by the foreign tribe. Saying they were women and children, in actuality, they were all females, the oldest not surpassing thirty years of age, and the youngest merely ten.


    Foreign tribes captured women for two reasons: pleasure and reproduction. Only those of suitable age could survive in their hands.


    Seeing Chen Mu approaching,


    over a thousand disheveled young women, girls, and female children all became visibly excited. They were all too aware of the fate that awaited them after being captured by a foreign tribe. Throughout the ordeal, they had barely been treated as humans by their captors, some of their eyes even devoid of life. However, the arrival of Chen Mu, who single-handedly defeated a thousand of the enemy soldiers, reignited a glimmer of hope in many.


    Gratitude, sobbing, and all sorts of chaotic sounds mixed together, creating a tumultuous scene.


    "Quiet."


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    Chen Mu shook his head slightly at the sight and spoke softly, though his voice, not very stern, carried a degree of authority that echoed in everyone''s ears, overpowering the numerous chaotic sounds.


    "Is there anyone who can lead?"


    Chen Mu continued to speak after the crowd swiftly quieted down.


    As his words ended, many of the women looked at each other. Amidst some confusion, several young women stepped forward, many bearing scars, but even so, their steps were firm, all possessing some martial arts skills.


    "My lord."


    The one at the forefront had the highest cultivation, her Qi-Blood fluctuating, almost at the level of Body Refinement Perfection, with an apparent through-and-through wound on her shoulder roughly bandaged with coarse cloth, still seeping blood. Her complexion was somewhat pale, but her gaze remained steadfast as she respectfully greeted Chen Mu.


    "My name is Lu Yun, a patrol officer from Donglin Township of Hannan County..."


    "Mm."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly at the woman in front of him, stepped forward to inspect her shoulder wound, and then raised his right hand slightly. A strand of Inner Breath was cast out, invoking the water and wood spirit energy between heaven and earth to converge, generating a trace of vitality.


    The through-and-through wound on Lu Yun''s shoulder soon stopped bleeding, and the injury was temporarily contained. However, it was not completely healed, for even the Qiankun Path could not perform miracles like raising the dead and mending flesh and bones ¨C that would be Immortal Technique. Chen Mu simply sealed her wound for the time being and slightly regulated the Qi-Blood within her body.


    "Thank you, my lord."


    Feeling the injury on her shoulder being contained and regaining strength, Lu Yun''s heart relaxed. She bowed to Chen Mu again, her eyes expressing gratitude.


    Chen Mu said to her, "Han Prefecture currently lacks a place of safety. Here, Sha Prefecture is the closest, but it''s still about six hundred li away. I will escort you to Sha Prefecture. You should organize the women, count the numbers, and attend to those who are injured or unable to walk."


    "Understood."


    Lu Yun was slightly startled when Chen Mu mentioned Sha Prefecture, and upon hearing there were six hundred li to go, a hint of hesitation crossed her face. But at last, she respectfully agreed and, leading the women with martial arts skills, turned to count the numbers and control the order.


    Six hundred li¡­ For someone with martial arts skills, it wasn''t too bad ¨C it could be managed within a few days. However, not all in this group had such skills; a great majority were weak women, including ten-year-old girls.


    Yet,


    just as Chen Mu had said, there truly was no place of safety in Han Prefecture, especially for this group of people. It seemed only fleeing to Yu State would offer them a chance of survival and respite.


    After all, with so many elite cavalry soldiers of the foreign race dead, they surely would not let the matter rest. Even if they weren''t aware of the situation for a short period, as time passed, they would undoubtedly learn of it, and then they would send pursuers.


    The situation would only become more perilous at that point.


    By a twist of fate, they had managed to escape from the hands of the foreign tribe, and naturally, none of them wished to be captured again. Many would rather die in the wilderness than be taken away by the foreign tribe and reduced to livestock.


    ¡­


    Upon the barren wilderness,


    many encampments were stationed there.


    In the central grand tent, numerous tribal commanders had gathered, led by a middle-aged man with an imposing face, whose presence was as deep as an abyss, incomparable to the Six Viscera Realm ¨C he was a foreign race Grandmaster!


    Even in regions beyond the border, a Grandmaster''s status was highly esteemed. In any faction of the foreign race, they were of paramount importance, akin to being granted the title of ''Marquis.'' Now, presiding at the head of the camp was the foreign race''s ''Tuguhou''!


    "So you''re saying there''s been no movement in Frost County for now," Tuguhou said in an even tone.


    "Although the Seven Profound Sect has taken Frost County, I believe their appetite isn''t limited to just one county. Next, they will likely choose another county to attack, either heading north to Snow County or moving west into Han Prefecture¡­ The chances of them coming here are substantial," said a commander gravely from below. "After all, we are situated quite close to Sha Prefecture, and the Sky Demon Sect and Heavenly Corpse Sect have recently been harassing the borders of Sha Prefecture."


    Despite their cooperation with the Sky Demon Sect and Heavenly Corpse Sect in attacking Ice State, they each harbored their own conspiracies. Clearly, the Sky Demon Sect and Heavenly Corpse Sect were unwilling to directly confront the Seven Profound Sect in Frost County. As a result, they were conducting incremental operations in Han Prefecture, raiding the borders of Sha Prefecture. If the Seven Profound Sect did not respond, that played into their hands for revenge. If the Seven Profound Sect advanced into Han Prefecture, the ''Wumeng Tribe'' would inevitably have to mobilize and resist. In any case, they wanted to drag them into a unified battlefront.


    "Humph."


    Tuguhou snorted coldly.


    He held the actions of the Sky Demon Sect and Heavenly Corpse Sect in contempt. Even knowing that the two sects harbored ulterior motives and were trying to draw them into the fray, they couldn''t afford to turn against them at the moment, given that Ice Extreme Palace and the Seven Profound Sect were indeed common enemies.


    "We need to accelerate the plundering. The four groups dispatched eastward should also be called back swiftly," a commander said somberly.


    Now that they are plundering all around Han Prefecture with their forces scattered, the current situation suggests it is no longer suitable to continue the plundering. Whether they should quickly escort the captured women beyond the border or transport the gathered resources to the main forces in Ice State, it''s imperative to rapidly consolidate the dispersed troops in Han Prefecture. They cannot afford to keep raiding in such a scattered manner.


    Although the division of the forces wasn''t overly dispersed, with each unit having over a thousand foot soldiers accompanied by Elite Cavalry, enough to sweep across Han Prefecture, encountering a Grandmaster-level character would make such dispersed troops extremely dangerous, with the risk of the entire force being annihilated.


    "Mm, gather the troops as quickly as possible. Where have the four units headed east reached?"


    Tuguhou looked at a Commander and inquired.


    The Commander quickly replied, "The first batch is just over a hundred miles from here, nearly arrived. The second and third batches are still four hundred miles out, and the fourth batch... we lost contact yesterday and are unclear of the situation; I have already dispatched Scouts."


    Upon hearing that one unit had lost contact, Tuguhou''s brow immediately furrowed and he asked, "When was the last time there was news?"


    "The day before yesterday. They had traveled the farthest, capturing two to three thousand people, and were doing their best to hurry back," replied the Commander in charge of intelligence communication in a low voice.


    "That means it''s already been two days since we''ve had contact..."


    Tuguhou murmured to himself.


    Although the Seven Profound Sect''s forces in Frost County had not shown any unusual movements, if they truly intended to advance westward, then it was extremely possible for a Grandmaster from Seven Profound Sect to quietly enter Han Prefecture.


    And though each dispersed unit of army soldiers had over a thousand men, if they really encountered Grandmasters like Shi Zhenyong or Feng Hongsheng from the Seven Profound Sect, they would likely stand no chance at all and be utterly destroyed.


    This won''t do!


    He needed to see the situation for himself.


    A thousand plus foot soldiers were no small number for their Wumeng Tribe, and they could not afford to suffer such losses lightly.


    "You all continue to gather the troops. I will go and take a look myself," Tuguhou commanded, his thoughts flashing. Rising to his feet, he spoke in a deep voice, then took a step and left the tent, heading in the direction of the route taken by the fourth unit that had lost contact, quickly disappearing between the headquarters.


    As a Grandmaster of the Wumeng Tribe, Tuguhou was very fast. In less than half a day, he had traveled over nine hundred miles to where the fourth unit''s march was supposed to be, but he saw no trace of the unit.


    "..."


    Tuguhou frowned and immediately began to search along the established route.


    After nearly half a day of searching, he finally discovered something unusual on a frost-covered wasteland. There were traces of large-scale shattering on the ground.


    Boom!


    Tuguhou stared at the unusual trace of frozen earth and suddenly drew a curved blade, hacking at the ground and tearing open a ten zhang wide fissure.


    Then, looking down the fissure, his expression immediately turned ugly.


    He saw that beneath the shattered earth lay buried bodies and severed limbs easily identifiable as the missing unit of soldiers.


    Boom!


    Tuguhou''s face sinister with gloom, he stomped on the ground, shattering tens of zhang more, and turned over many more unrecognizable corpses from beneath the frozen soil.


    The situation was now clear: this unit of over a thousand soldiers had likely been entirely obliterated and buried here.


    "A Grandmaster from the Seven Profound Sect?"


    "No... these traces..."


    Tuguhou surveyed the buried traces with an icy gaze. Although everything was destroyed beyond recognition, he was still a Grandmaster and could discern some details.


    "Qiankun Eight Phases, is it the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal?"


    Tuguhou''s eyes narrowed slightly.


    Chen Mu?!


    He had heard about how the three Great Demon Venerables from the Sky Demon Sect died at the hands of Chen Mu, knowing that Chen Mu was hailed as a rare genius of a century on the Cold North Path, a cultivator of Qiankun Martial Arts, and had recently reached the top three of the Wind Cloud List.


    He had a rough understanding of the strength of the individuals on the Wind Cloud List of the Cold North Path. A thousand elite soldiers and several hundred Elite Cavalry, even facing the top ten from the list, wouldn''t be so easily annihilated, but if it was an encounter with the top three, it would be inevitable. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Having killed our warriors, it''s unlikely you''ve gotten far."


    Tuguhou coldly looked into the distance.


    Although the traces indicated that the incident had happened two days ago, this unit had captured several thousand women and children, which could not just vanish into thin air.


    Even if Chen Mu was ranked third on the Wind Cloud List, no matter his capabilities, it would be impossible to make several thousand people disappear in just two days. In such a short time, he couldn''t have gotten very far.


    Chen Mu might have managed to retreat alone, but if he intended to rescue the entire group of women and children... No matter that he''s third on the Wind Cloud List, or even if it were Feng Hongsheng or Shi Zhenyong here, Tuguhou wouldn''t fear the slightest and would not let him leave that easily!


    Whoosh.


    With a cold snort, Tuguhou''s figure flashed as he rose from the ground, and after discerning a direction, he set out to search.

 Chapter 307 The Journey

    Frostbiting cold earth.


    About a few thousand shadowy figures were slowly trekking on the frozen ground. Although their pace was not fast, compared to their previous forced march when abducted by the foreign race, these thousands of women and children, despite the arduous journey, had a hint of vitality in their eyes, not the look of despair.


    Women like Lu Yun, who possessed martial arts skills, all followed at the very end of the column, helping those who stumbled or fell, unable to keep up with the pace.


    And on one side of the convoy...


    One could see over a dozen carts moving slowly across the frozen earth, keeping pace with the column. The carts carried the wounded, some very young girls, and some supplies like rice and flour, all previously the marching provisions of the foreign race.


    Cold gusts of wind from the north howled, bringing desolation and chill. However, as they passed the caravan, they silently dissipated and vanished, leaving the distant columns untouched by the biting cold.


    One could hear the howling wind in their ears, yet their bodies felt none of it, as if the wind had circled around the group.


    On the carts...


    Some young girls, merely ten or eleven or twelve years old, many of them were quietly leaning against the side of the carts, their large and small eyes watching the lone figure walking beside the vehicle convoy. Your adventure continues at My Virtual Library Empire


    They could hear the whooshing winds and even see sand and dust being carried from the north. Yet all the winds, upon passing that figure, would silently dissipate into nothingness. What seemed to be a simple and unassuming figure was like a vast and continuous mountain range, shielding them from all the fierce winds from the north.


    That figure was Chen Mu.


    His expression was as usual, just moving forward with the group.


    Although he didn''t possess divine skills that could remodel heaven and earth, being a Martial Arts Grandmaster who had mastered the Qiankun vein, escorting a convoy of a few thousand was not that difficult, even in the frozen soil of Han Prefecture.


    He might not be able to carry everyone along, but he could easily fend off the fierce cold winds. With him around, they wouldn''t lack water or fire; there wouldn''t be a shortage of hot water. And the provisions from the foreign race''s campaign were sufficient.


    Of course...


    Bringing a few thousand people safely to Sha Prefecture was not that easy, assuming they encountered no harassment from the foreign race. However, in the past few days, no such incidents had occurred, and he had already sent word to the border pass of Sha Prefecture.


    As the carts slowly made their way forward, a flurry of footsteps suddenly came from the rear of the column. Chen Mu looked over and saw Lu Yun and another woman with martial arts skills hastily carrying a slightly pale woman toward him.


    "My lord, she has a high fever."


    Lu Yun quickly brought the woman up to Chen Mu and spoke in a low voice.


    Even though the residents of Han Prefecture, women included, were well acclimated to the climate, some could still not withstand it after the foreign race''s plundering and the long march.


    The woman being carried was very young, it would be apt to call her a girl; she appeared to be only sixteen or seventeen, her face pale, seemingly a bit frightened, pleading in a weak voice, "I can walk, don''t leave me behind..."


    In the earlier marches of the foreign race, those who caught a wind-cold infection like hers were directly abandoned.


    Chen Mu approached, touching the girl''s forehead which was burning hot. He shook his head slightly; there were no medicinal supplies in the foreign race''s mat¨¦riel. If it were him in the past, he wouldn''t have had much to offer for treating a wind-cold infection, but now he could at least use his Inner Breath to adjust her Qi-Blood somewhat and control the symptoms.


    "Don''t be scared, we won''t abandon you," Chen Mu said softly, taking the girl from Lu Yun''s hands. He extended his right hand, drawing in Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi, which slowly entered the girl''s body through his fingertips, harmonizing the chaotic Qi-Blood within her.


    At the same time, he instructed Lu Yun, "I will help her adjust her Qi-Blood, then let her rest on the cart for a while. Continue to attend to the others at the back."


    "Yes."


    Lu Yun and the other person both responded respectfully, their eyes brimming with admiration when they looked at Chen Mu.


    They had also come to know of Chen Mu''s identity over the past few days: the Inspector of Yu State, the third-ranked individual on the Wind Cloud List, a real dignitary with a status on par with a Grandmaster¡ªeven esteemed figures of the Ice Extreme Palace in Ice State would look up to him.


    Yet such an esteemed person not only personally rescued them from the clutches of the foreign race but also escorted them along the way, treating the sick and injured by himself without leaving anyone behind. He even made sure that the wounded and young girls were loaded onto the carts to continue with the journey.


    "Thank you, my lord..."


    The girl, being supported in the air by an invisible Qi Force in front of Chen Mu, who was regulating her Qi-Blood and Inner Breath, felt a strange warmth flooding into her body, and the sense of weakness began to fade away. Not knowing whether it was gratitude or something else, she trembled as she spoke to Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu gave her a calm look and said, "Don''t talk; just close your eyes and rest for a while."


    "Yes..."


    The girl answered softly, and although she was still in pain, she seemed to have escaped from despondency. Not only was her Qi-Blood better regulated, but her complexion visibly improved.


    After Chen Mu had adjusted the disorderly Inner Breath and Qi-Blood within the girl''s body for a while, he finally placed her on one of the carts, where several girls around ten years old quietly made space for her.


    "Sister, sister, are you feeling better?"


    A little girl asked the young woman in a soft voice.


    "Hmm."


    The young woman responded quietly.


    The little girl who had been first rescued by Chen Mu was also on this carriage frame. At this moment, she looked at Chen Mu, who was traveling with the convoy not far away, with a pair of large eyes filled with admiration.


    The column continued to move forward and after about half a day''s march, a large group of people and horses finally appeared on the horizon of the wasteland. The number didn''t seem large, perhaps only about a hundred or so.


    However.


    As soon as the figures appeared, everyone in the moving column, as well as Lu Yun and the others, became tense almost at once. Their pace slowed and they watched the approaching troop with nervous and uneasy gazes.


    But when that group of people and horses arrived nearby, they all finally breathed a sigh of relief. Although each of the newcomers was armored and an army soldier, their appearances were not like those of the foreign race. The man leading them was tall and burly, but his face was weathered and the temples were tinged with white, giving off a sense of being steady and frank at first glance.


    "Brother Chen, it''s been a while since we last met."


    His gaze first swept over the group of women and children before it landed on Chen Mu, who was walking alongside the carriage, and he called out to Chen Mu with a touch of sentiment.


    The newcomer was none other than Xiahou Yan, the Inspector of Yunlu Pass in Sha Prefecture.


    "It''s been years, but Brother Xiahou doesn''t seem to have changed much, still spirited as ever."


    Chen Mu said to Xiahou Yan with a smile.


    He had earlier managed to inform the border pass of Sha Prefecture, knowing that they would soon send someone for assistance, but he had not expected Xiahou Yan to be the one to come. Now, Yunlu Pass along with the northern border of Sha Prefecture, were all on guard against Heavenly Demons, Heavenly Corpses, and the foreign race, and even the Grandmasters of the Seven Profound Sect were stationed there. The whole structure had changed, and Xiahou Yan was responsible for a part of it.


    Xiahou Yan looked at Chen Mu, his eyes full of sentiment as he said, "I''m not old enough to turn into a bag of bones in just a year or two, but Brother Chen, you truly... "


    Back when Chen Mu first arrived in Sha Prefecture and revealed his Qian Heaven Artistic Conception, Xiahou Yan knew Chen Mu''s talent was as good as they said, destined to be extraordinary in the future. After witnessing Chen Mu''s Qiankun Artistic Conception in the desert, he was even more shocked. It was clear to him then that in the future, the name of Chen Mu would surely figure among those who moved Cold North.


    Nevertheless.


    He had never imagined that in just a short one or two years after leaving Sha Prefecture, Chen Mu would reach such a state, not only ascending the Wind Cloud List but now ranking third on it!


    What exactly does it mean to be in the top three of the Wind Cloud List?


    Beings like Feng Hongsheng, Shi Zhenyong, and Fu Jingyuan, who were famous Grandmaster powerhouses that shook Cold North, were among the strongest in the Grandmaster ranks. To be in the top three of the Wind Cloud List meant being qualified to stand alongside them!


    Although he was not yet a Grandmaster, in terms of strength, he could almost surpass half of the Grandmasters. This was almost the pinnacle one could reach below the level of a Marrow-Cleansing Grandmaster. It could be said that Chen Mu''s current status was already comparable to an Elder or Peak Master of the Seven Profound Sect!


    Although Chen Mu''s strength was already above his own when they were in Sha Prefecture,


    the gap between them had widened to an unimaginable extent in just one or two short years. Being able to compete with a powerful Grandmaster like Feng Hongsheng, he couldn''t help but feel that this was the gap between a once-in-an-age genius and an ordinary man.


    Even he, Xiahou Yan, was once a true disciple of Spirit Profound Peak and a famous prodigy in Yu State, but compared to someone like Chen Mu, it was indeed no exaggeration to call himself an ordinary man.


    "A minor achievement, not worth mentioning,"


    Chen Mu said with a faint smile, "I appreciate Brother Xiahou taking the trouble to come out here for support on this trip."


    Hearing Chen Mu''s words, Xiahou Yan couldn''t help but laugh and shake his head, at a loss for words. If being in the top three of the Wind Cloud List was considered only a ''minor achievement'', what would count as a major achievement worth praising?


    "It is my duty, no trouble at all,"


    Xiahou Yan said as he glanced at the group of women and children and nodded slightly, "Moreover, Sha Prefecture is currently sparsely populated. Women are, after all, a resource, and having so many of them settle in our prefecture will enrich it somewhat."


    Upon hearing Xiahou Yan''s words, a strange flash crossed Chen Mu''s eyes. He couldn''t help but think that if these words were spoken in the world of his previous life, they would probably cause an uproar. However, here, even though the young girls on the carriage beside him had all heard it, none showed any unusual expressions. Instead, many were happy at the prospect of resettling in Sha Prefecture.


    "Hmm." S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    So Chen Mu just nodded slightly and saw that Xiahou Yan''s men had begun taking over the column. He said, "I''ve wiped out a group of the foreign race''s soldiers. I''m not sure they''ll let it go, and we still have hundreds of miles to cover. I''ll escort them a bit further."


    "Good, with Brother Chen escorting us, that will be much safer,"


    Xiahou Yan said with a smile.

 Chapter 308 The Attack

    With the arrival of Xiahou Yan leading over a hundred men to maintain order, the entire troop instantly became solemn and orderly.


    Even though Chen Mu had previously made arrangements by appointing Lu Yun and some other skilled women to temporarily supervise order, they were ultimately not as effective as the border pass soldiers brought by Xiahou Yan.


    Once the order among the thousands was restored, the speed of their journey increased somewhat as they continued on their way.


    Lu Yun and the others could finally breathe a sigh of relief. With the support of Xiahou Yan and his men, they felt much more at ease and saw greater hope, as they were getting ever closer to Sha Prefecture.


    The team continued to move forward, shifting from heading southwest to going straight south. Chen Mu walked at the very end of the troop alongside Xiahou Yan, discussing border affairs while still controlling the sweep of the cold wind within a certain range.


    "Junior Brother Chen, your understanding of just the Xun Wind alone is nearly on par with mine," Xiahou Yan remarked while walking and feeling Chen Mu''s manipulation of the cold wind, unable to help expressing his admiration.


    Back in Sha Prefecture, although Chen Mu''s strength had surpassed his due to the complete mastery of Qiankun Artistic Conception and the control over Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, which involved an almost transformative leap, his understanding of the Xun Wind was still not as profound as Xiahou Yan''s.


    Although Xiahou Yan had not cultivated the Xun Wind Domain, his years of comprehension had already pushed the Xun Wind Artistic Conception to the limit of the second step. Yet now, after a year or two, seeing Chen Mu once again, his control over the Xun Wind was almost equal to Xiahou Yan''s own.


    And considering Chen Mu had cultivated Qiankun Artistic Conception, it suggested that his Qiankun Eight Phases might have reached a level comparable to his. Such a shocking talent was rare. After all, it took Xiahou Yan decades of cultivation to achieve his current realm, whereas Chen Mu had only spent a few years.


    "Senior Brother Xiahou flatters me. Compared to your proficiency, I am still somewhat unskilled," Chen Mu responded amiably.


    This time, he wasn''t feigning modesty. Indeed, if discussing only the Xun Wind Artistic Conception, he hadn''t delved as deeply as Xiahou Yan. He would need to complete the seventh or even the eighth deduction of the Qiankun Artistic Conception to reach the limit of the second step.


    During his nearly half-month journey through Han State, coupled with previous collections, he had gathered enough experience for the seventh deduction, but lacking an appropriate moment, he had to delay it. He wasn''t in a rush for this small stage of improvement.


    "With your talent, you might reach Perfection in your Artistic Conception in just a few years. And with your abilities, now that you already govern the Three Feet Forbidden Domain, it likely won''t be difficult for you to comprehend the Domain. Within ten years, perhaps you will be able to rival Peak Master Qin," Xiahou Yan said while looking at Chen Mu, with a gleaming look in his eyes.


    Many had practiced the Qiankun Path in history, but the same Martial Arts could be stronger or weaker depending on the practitioner. Without a doubt, Chen Mu was the strongest person in the last many years on the Cold North Path to cultivate the Qiankun Path. Without even unlocking the Qiankun Domain, he had reached the top three of the Wind Cloud List, his strength approaching that of a very powerful grandmaster like Feng Hongsheng.


    In Xiahou Yan''s view, once Chen Mu unlocked the Qiankun Domain, his strength would surge further, possibly surpassing those of elders like Feng Hongsheng. Perhaps, even with the cultivation of the Six Viscera Realm, he could be on par with top grandmasters such as Qin Mengjun!


    "Ten years, hm?"


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly and didn''t continue the discussion on the subject. Instead, he changed the topic to inquire about the situation at the border of Sha Prefecture, to which Xiahou Yan responded in detail, explaining the arrangements and the conditions over the period.


    As the two talked and walked, an hour passed by unknowingly.


    "... That''s roughly the situation. Currently, the main forces stationed in Han Prefecture are from the ''Wu Mong tribe'' of the Foreign Race beyond the border, whose overall strength is not weak among the tribes invading Ice State, with as many as five grandmasters."


    At this point, Xiahou Yan was sharing with Chen Mu the limited intelligence concerning Han Prefecture.


    Chen Mu had also come to understand a fair amount about Han Prefecture during this time, and Xiahou Yan, responsible for the garrison at Sha Prefecture''s border, had some insight into the situation as well.


    "The group you exterminated earlier should have been troops from the Wu Mong tribe. This tribe is extremely fierce, and if they ascertain the situation, they probably won''t let it go easily. We still have a way to go before reaching Sha Prefecture, so we must hurry on our journey," Xiahou Yan said with a serious tone.


    Being in Han Prefecture, it was hard to say what might happen, with the Wu Mong tribe being extraordinary. The main issue was the lack of concrete intelligence, and they didn''t know how many grandmasters from the Wu Mong tribe were currently in Han Prefecture.


    Given their current pace, even if the Wu Mong tribe noticed something amiss, it would take some time to locate them. The probability was that neither the troops nor the army would arrive in time, and the only ones who could possibly catch up were the grandmasters of the Wu Mong tribe.


    Among the five grandmasters of the Wu Mong tribe, there were two marquises and three clan chiefs. The clan chiefs were not particularly strong, and with Chen Mu being in the top three of the Wind Cloud List, even if two of them arrived, he would not fear them. However, the two marquises were different; they were strong grandmasters with outstanding reputations.


    "The Wu Mong tribe..." Chen Mu pondered thoughtfully.


    Now, he was of the mind that if he could annihilate the Foreign Races beyond the border, he would do so entirely. From what he knew of the Wu Mong tribe''s capabilities so far, no one was his match. However, a mobilization of ten thousand elite troops in a formation by master grandmasters would be a different matter.


    The best-case scenario would be for the Grandmasters of the Wumeng tribe to leave the Military Formation, either roaming outside or wandering alone. If Chen Mu were to encounter them, he could eliminate them, thus gradually weakening their forces, making it much easier for the Seven Profound Sect to subsequently invade Han Prefecture.


    And it was while Chen Mu was contemplating this.


    Suddenly.


    In the howling cold wind, there emerged a wisp of an extraordinary presence that caused his gaze to shift slightly. He swiftly turned to look behind him, only to see that it was nearly sunset, with dark clouds covering the northern sky and the last ray of sunlight casting a fading glow on the dusky twilight.


    Chen Mu''s actions quickly caught the attention of Xiahou Yan next to him. Xiahou Yan showed a moment of surprise and followed Chen Mu''s gaze instinctively, but he saw nothing out of the ordinary¡ªjust an empty expanse of Wasteland, and he could not sense any abnormalities.


    However, just then.


    Chen Mu silently stopped in his tracks, no longer following the group forward. Instead, he turned around, his hands behind his back, calmly gazing toward the darkening Wasteland to the north.


    The cold wind blowing over the Wasteland was just as before, but whether because of the approaching evening or some other change, it seemed to have grown colder still. Yet in front of Chen Mu, it quietly dissipated into nothingness.


    "...Chen Junior Brother?"


    Xiahou Yan still hadn''t detected any anomalies, but seeing Chen Mu''s movement, he began to have a vague sense of foreboding. He became tense, stopped by his side, and asked.


    Chen Mu''s expression remained calm as he surveyed the distant Wasteland. He said, "Someone is coming after us, but Xiahou Senior Brother, there''s no need to worry. You take them and continue on. I will meet whoever is approaching."


    Having said that.


    They saw Chen Mu take a step, and his figure already moved in the opposite direction, landing dozens of feet away.


    Xiahou Yan gasped when he heard Chen Mu''s words. His gaze changed as he noticed some Army Soldiers also looking in their direction. He then spoke in a stern voice, "Don''t panic, keep moving!"


    While signaling the Army Soldiers and the group to continue on, he cast his gaze toward the direction Chen Mu was heading. At that moment, he finally perceived something, and a grave look appeared in his eyes.


    He could feel that in the fierce cold wind, there spread an oppressive aura that was far from ordinary. This presence, concentrated and unyielding, traveled far along with the wind, carrying an intimidation that was beyond what someone of the Six Viscera Realm could achieve. And since there was no trace of Demon Qi or the stench of undead mingled within it, its origin was evident.


    Grandmaster!


    A Foreign Race Grandmaster!


    Indeed, after Chen Mu had slaughtered over a thousand elites of the Wumeng tribe, it was impossible for them not to react. Even if the search took some time, ultimately a Grandmaster had found them!


    "The Wumeng Tribe has five Grandmasters, two Marquises and three leaders. It remains to be seen who has come¡­"


    Xiahou Yan couldn''t help but take a deep breath. Despite some tension and concern in his eyes, he had no intention of joining Chen Mu.


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    After all, the difference in strength between him and Chen Mu had long since grown vast, and he had no ability to confront a Grandmaster himself. He would merely be like an ant that could be squashed by a flick of a finger in front of a Foreign Race Grandmaster.


    Here on this Wasteland, within Han Prefecture, the only one capable of standing against a Foreign Race Grandmaster was Chen Mu alone.


    The only piece of good news was that with the major conflict in Ice State, the main forces of the Foreign Race were all concentrated at the State Government Office. It was unlikely that all five Grandmasters of the Wumeng Tribe of Han Prefecture were present¡ªthere could be at most two or three, and whoever had arrived could only be one or two, or perhaps even just one person.


    If the one who had come was a ''leader'' from the Wumeng Tribe, that would be somewhat better. The power of those three leaders was all within the normal range of a Grandmaster, a notch below the likes of Feng Hongsheng and Shi Zhenyong. They stood no advantage before Chen Mu.


    But if one of the two Marquises had arrived, that would be a different matter.


    The two Marquises of the Wumeng Tribe included the Tuguhou and the Wu Gu Marquis. The former was immensely powerful, having once fought head-on with Elder Han Yi of the Ice Extreme Palace without conceding defeat. Han Yi''s prowess was on par with Feng Hongsheng and Shi Zhenyong, making him one of the mightiest among Grandmasters, second only to those at the pinnacle. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As for the Wu Gu Marquis, he was said to be even stronger by a third, with a reputation approaching the top tier of Grandmasters. But due to scarce intelligence and fewer appearances, his true power remains uncertain, only known to exceed that of Tuguhou.


    If it was one of these two Marquises, regardless of which, it would undoubtedly be a great issue. The former would not be easily handled by Chen Mu, even as one of the top three on the Wind Cloud List. As for the latter, it would likely be hard to stop him!


    If the Wu Gu Marquis was indeed the one approaching, and Chen Mu couldn''t halt him, then even though Chen Mu had the means to retreat unscathed, none of the group that had entered Han Prefecture would likely survive.


    However.


    At that moment, the only thing Xiahou Yan could do was to hurry on their way. He had no power to influence a battle of Grandmasters, hoping only that the one who had come was not the Wu Gu Marquis. In that case, Chen Mu would at least have the ability to fend him off and not be faced with the worst-case scenario.

 Chapter 309 Grandmaster Techniques

    Under the dim sky.


    Chen Mu stepped onto the wasteland, looking ahead with a calm gaze. At the end of the frozen horizon, a figure was vaguely visible, swiftly approaching him head-on.


    The incoming person was undoubtedly a Grandmaster of the Foreign Race, there was no doubt about it, and although Chen Mu did not know which one it would be, he was now unfazed by any, be it one Grandmaster or two. Unless it was a Supreme Grandmaster, they posed no threat to him, and even if three or five top Grandmasters joined forces, he would be able to handle them with ease.


    Indeed, the various divisions of the Foreign Race beyond the border could muster that many top Grandmasters, but the problem was that the Foreign Races outside the borders were not in harmony. The four foreign divisions currently invading Ice State, including the Wu Meng division, did not have so many top Grandmasters; otherwise, the pressure on the Ice Extreme Palace would be greater, and Ice State might have fallen sooner.


    As for the usual Grandmasters, not to mention.


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    To him now, they posed hardly any threat.


    The only issue was that the Grandmasters'' actions were rather noisy, and the majority of the refugees he had saved were women and children with no martial arts skills. Engaging too close might cause some collateral damage, so he took the initiative to meet the challenge.


    At this moment, within Chen Mu''s sight, the shadow in the far frozen land was rapidly approaching, with no one else around. It was indeed just one person, yet the presence felt oppressively massive, certainly not that of an ordinary Grandmaster.


    "..."


    Tuguhou, racing across the frozen land, also noticed Chen Mu, who seemed to be walking to meet him.


    However, though they were not far apart, Chen Mu''s own presence remained naturally concealed and not as blatantly perceptible as his, who was actively sensing and projecting his own oppressive aura; thus, he still could not discern the level of Chen Mu''s presence. However, the fact that Chen Mu was aware of his presence and approached without any sign of fear, clearly indicated he was no ordinary individual.


    "Seven Profound Sect, Chen Mu?"


    Tuguhou, not yet arrived, called out from afar with a twinge of coldness and pressure in his voice, speaking in Da Xuan language, understandable to all, rather than the language of the Foreign Race.


    For a Grandmaster, having broken through the Mysterious Pass, being sharp in sight and hearing, nearly all possessed wisdom and quick understanding, and could memorize effortlessly. Mastering several different languages was also no difficult task. For a Grandmaster of the Foreign Race, knowing Da Xuan language was basic knowledge, as many martial arts techniques of the Foreign Race had actually been stolen from Da Xuan.


    Accompanied by the oppressive voice of the Grandmaster, it echoed across the frozen wasteland as if travelling thousands of miles.


    In the distance.


    The thousands of refugee women and children all heard this commotion and each felt their breathing inexplicably stifled, a sense of oppression naturally arising. The hundred elite border guards, including Xiahou Yan, also tightened their gazes.


    For a Grandmaster, training a Martial Body to penetrate the power of heaven and earth and claiming to ''transmit voice over a thousand miles'' was somewhat exaggerated, but if they practiced some unique techniques, transmitting over a hundred miles was certainly possible, and just this ability alone was far beyond what those in the Six Viscera Realm could achieve.


    However.


    Although their gaze tightened, Xiahou Yan''s heart simultaneously felt slightly relieved.


    "This feeling... it must not be Wu Gu Marquis."


    If it had been Wu Gu Marquis, the strongest of the Wu Meng division, the oppressive force and aura would have been somewhat stronger. The current sensation did not seem like it; if the visitor was Tuguhou, then that was manageable. With Chen Mu''s strength, ranked top three in the Wind Cloud List, he should be able to handle one or two without an issue.


    "Do not linger, keep moving!"


    After his thoughts flashed, Xiahou Yan quickly spoke in a deep voice, commanding the troop to continue moving forward.


    No matter whether Chen Mu could fend off the Foreign Race Grandmaster, the troop must not linger. Staying longer in the lands of Han Prefecture was dangerous; they needed to quickly return to Sha Prefecture for safety, and additionally, moving further away would prevent them from being affected by the Grandmasters'' clash. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A clash between Grandmasters was no trivial matter. Should they be too close, even he could be threatened, let alone the many who knew no martial arts, including young girls barely a few years old, where even flying debris could be lethal.


    Under Xiahou Yan''s command, the troops continued to move forward.


    Meanwhile, behind them.


    The rapidly approaching Tuguhou finally began to slow down, stopping completely about several dozen meters from Chen Mu. He first glanced toward the distant location of Xiahou Yan and others, then finally turned his attention back to Chen Mu.


    Only then, Chen Mu, who had been silent all this while, finally spoke indifferently to Tuguhou.


    "Among the Wu Meng division, two Marquises and three notable households make up five Grandmasters. Judging by your aura, you are not Wu Gu Marquis. If you were one of the three households, you would not confront me alone like this, so you must be Tuguhou, ranked second in the Wu Meng division."


    "Indeed, you are quite perceptive," Tuguhou coldly responded, sneering, "You sneaked into Han Prefecture, attacked our young warriors with cruel brutality, and yet you think you can leave Han Prefecture unscathed¡ªarrogance to the extreme."


    Chen Mu, hands clasped behind his back, stood on the frozen ground, sizing up the Foreign Race Grandmaster Tuguhou with a calm gaze. He spoke lightly, "What do you mean by ''infiltrating''? It''s rather laughable. Since when did Han Prefecture become your territory? We are sworn enemies; there''s no need for many words. Since you have hurried here to seek death, I will facilitate your departure from this world."


    "Arrogant!"


    Tuguhou snorted coldly.


    He was aware that a top three expert from the Wind Cloud List of the Cold North Path was truly extraordinary. The former third place and now fourth place holder on the Wind Cloud List, Elder Lin Han of the Heavenly Sword Sect wielding the Heartless Sword, had once crossed fists with Wu Gu Marquis from the Ou Sha Tribe. Although slightly at a disadvantage, he had managed to retreat composedly. The strength of Wu Gu Marquis was equal to his own.


    Even if Chen Mu was among the paramount experts of the Wind Cloud List, their strengths entered the same level. Yet, he was a true Martial Arts Grandmaster. The slight difference was still a gap. Perhaps their techniques'' prowess seemed quite similar, but a Grandmaster who had solidified his Martial Body had far superior resistance and endurance than anyone in the Six Viscera Realm. In a fight to the death, a character like Lin Han would certainly perish!


    Even though Chen Mu was ranked higher than Lin Han, at best their skills were comparable. However, Chen Mu''s arrogant tone and attitude completely disregarded him, undoubtedly igniting anger in his heart.


    "Youngster, you lack the qualifications of a Grandmaster!"


    The words fell.


    Suddenly, Tuguhou burst into action. In that instant, the ground under his feet cracked in a spiderweb pattern and shattered, spreading dense cracks that further lifted chunks of frozen earth, unable to measure the sheer impact experienced in that moment.


    With this leverage, Tuguhou soared from the ground, his form almost reaching extreme speeds, like a black streak skimming just above the ground, breaking through the air. Simultaneously, his right hand subtly lifted while his left arm pressed down, assuming a stance that spread a terrifying pressure which changed the complexion of heaven and earth. The power of heaven and earth within a radius of dozens of feet stirred and howled.


    "Shamanic Barbarian: Earthshake!"


    In that instant, he had closed the distance to less than ten feet from Chen Mu, his entire figure towering as his raised arms clapped together at the front. Muscles and sinews seemed to expand segment by segment, and the power of heaven and earth mobilized by his domain was not like Situ Shu''s encounters¡ªbursting directly at him. Instead, it became introverted and contracted, solidifying into his punching arms!


    Controlling the domain with the Martial Body!


    This was the true method of the exceptionally strong Grandmasters. Only those who have perfected their Martial Body and mastered the domain could achieve such an integrated force. Even someone as formidable as Murong Yan, who ranks among the top ten of the Wind Cloud List, would have to retreat thrice from such a strike.


    Tuguhou''s arms rose, came together, and pressed down, concentrating terrifying power entirely within his arms. This strike seemed like a god-like figure propping up the sky, swinging those arms to shake the earth, intending to crush everything into dust.


    "Is this controlling the domain with the Martial Body?"


    However, facing this fierce onslaught from Tuguhou, Chen Mu remained unaltered in demeanor, and even as the terrifying force descended, he still casually commented. Only then did he seemingly leisurely raise his right arm.


    There was no excessive chaos in his movement, no flashy techniques; Chen Mu''s action to counter Tuguhou''s strike was straightforward¡ªit was merely a gentle, upward punch with his clenched fist.


    At this moment,


    Chen Mu''s figure appeared much frailer compared to Tuguhou. His raised right arm and fist imprint seemed devoid of substantial power. Compared to Tuguhou''s sudden rise, bursting with power and muscles protruding as if expanded by several times, it looked hardly on the same level of force, almost as if it would be crushed into dust the next moment.


    Seeing Chen Mu''s overconfidence, Tuguhou''s heart sneered continuously, thinking Chen Mu was young and overly arrogant, purely courting death. Confronting him directly, if he managed to injure him on the spot, not to mention the group far away, even this so-called unparalleled genius, Chen Mu, he wanted to try and kill him under his fist, to rid future worries.


    However,


    When two invisible forces collided in the void, the result made Tuguhou''s face drastically change.


    A resounding, earth-shattering boom echoed, like heaven and earth splitting apart. Chen Mu''s fist and Tuguhou''s Fist Seal did not physically collide. Instead, they solidified about three inches apart, seemingly frozen. But the space between their fists visibly distorted, with ferocious power violently colliding and intertwining. The void even tore open showing strands of black thunder.


    Boom!!!


    The earth couldn''t withstand the conflict of the two forces; the frozen ground cracked at the center between them, turning into a black line and spreading nearly a hundred feet, with the howling cold wind completely disintegrating there.


    Tuguhou''s face drastically changed, feeling as if his Earth-Shaking Fist Seal had struck the immovable Kunlun Mountains, unable to shake Chen Mu in the slightest. That much frailer figure, at this moment, appeared in his eyes like a demon god, emitting a faint aura that even made him feel a bit suffocated, causing a tingling scalp.


    "This is impossible!"


    Tuguhou roared within his heart, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief.


    This unshakable feeling, the surging power cultivated around him, and this intense sense of oppression and distance, not even his elder brother Wu Gu Marquis had ever caused before. Even the top Grandmasters among the Four Departments could not give him this terrifying sense of suffocation.


    Blood Exchange?!


    But that''s impossible!


    Chen Mu was merely in the Six Viscera Realm, even rumored to be only around thirty years old. How could he suddenly transform into someone from the Blood Exchange Realm? Either the Chen Mu before his eyes was not Chen Mu, or he was disguised by an Elder of the Seven Profound Sect.

 Chapter 310 Slaying Tuguhou

    ```


    Tuguhou at this point just wanted to withdraw his force and retreat, but he was already caught in a quagmire. The two opposing forces clashing would likely blast him to oblivion the moment he pulled back.


    Yet not retreating would lead to the same fate. Chen Mu had his power condensed but not unleashed, as if holding him in the palm of his hand, ready to be crushed at any moment, yet he held back, thoroughly analyzing his opponent''s techniques and skills inside and out.


    Eventually.


    As if to confirm what was already known, a trace of light flickered in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    In the void, the two clashing auras and pressures finally exploded with a buzz. Tuguhou''s surrounding Yuan Gang energy collapsed in an instant, the Earth-Shaking Seal shattered successively, his face turned deathly pale abruptly, blood spurted from his mouth from the violent shock, his body flew backward like a torn sack, crashing onto the frozen ground. The speed of his retreat almost matched the swiftness of his approach; he crashed into the earth a hundred paces away like a black cannonball, forming a deep pit on impact, the ground fissured and broken.


    "Indeed, you have some degree of skill, but it''s still not enough," Chen Mu commented, not looking at the tumbling Tuguhou but instead at his own fist, peering through it, as if gaining insight while talking to himself. The power observed coursing through him, above all, the flow of Yuan Gang True Essence.


    To cultivate a domain and have a perfected Martial Body, a Martial Arts Grandmaster is indeed extraordinary, being able to wield his martial body to control the domain, though rudimentary compared to the genuine Blood Exchange Realm''s ''Commanding the Power of Heaven and Earth,'' it is still an intensely solidified force. If he hadn''t cultivated his Qiankun Martial Body, it would indeed be difficult to contend with it.


    Even if the potential power he could mobilize wasn''t much different, the Power of Heaven and Earth, solidified within the flesh and combined with Yuan Gang, represented forcefulness unheard of. Like the same great force, condensed and dispersed, the power is just different.


    This was also his first time truly experiencing a Grandmaster''s methods.


    The opponents he had faced before, such as the Seventh Rank Venerable from the Sky Demon Sect¡ªalthough at the same realm and their Demon Body comparable to a Martial Body¡ªthey lacked the truly powerful techniques of a Grandmaster.


    As for Fu Jingyuan, the Elder he met in Yu County from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, the latter hadn''t shown his true hand at that time or used his trump card technique as Tuguhou did.


    And when it came to sparring with Qin Mengjun, that goes without saying.


    That was merely Qin Mengjun''s one-sided guidance and instruction of him.


    Just handling Qin Mengjun''s domain had pushed him to his limits. With Qin Mengjun exerting a bit more Martial Body power, he would have been unable to resist at that time. If the domain and Martial Body were used together, there would be no need to solidify the domain''s power into the Martial Body to unite them; she could crush him in an instant, not even on the same level.


    Therefore, Qin Mengjun hadn''t used this technique either.


    Of course.


    For him now, though the might was strong and the solidity level exceptional, with his Qiankun Martial Body achieved, he was truly invincible in the world of martial arts, able to crush Tuguhou''s ultimate technique with just the power of his Martial Body!


    The disparity in strength was so immense that he could verify his martial prowess with ease and composure.


    Step, step, step,


    Chen Mu lowered his right hand and gazed in the direction of Tuguhou. With hands behind his back, he stepped forward, moving closer step by step.


    "Cough..."


    From within the dust thrown up by the frozen ground, an agonized cough echoed.


    Then Tuguhou''s figure flashed out from the dust, coughing up blood while desperately trying to flee far away, not daring to look back, his scattered Yuan Gang nearly boiling over at this moment.


    However,


    Watching this unfold, Chen Mu merely shook his head slightly.


    He hadn''t killed Tuguhou with one strike because he wanted to interrogate him for information on the Foreign Race and the details about the Sky Demon Sect and Heavenly Corpse Sect. The idea that Tuguhou thought he could escape from his grasp was wishful thinking.


    "At this point, do you really think you can escape with your life?" Chen Mu asked in an even tone. As his voice faded, he vanished from his spot and in the blink of an eye caught up with the desperately fleeing Tuguhou, appearing above him.


    Tuguhou coughed up blood, his eyes flashing with terror, but he didn''t hesitate in his movements. He drew a Crescent Moon Saber from within his robes, its edge bursting with a fierce glow, slashing towards Chen Mu.


    The might of the Spirit Weapon surged, trying to force Chen Mu back.


    But,


    Chen Mu simply stepped down with an indifferent expression, crushing the intense saber light with one stomp. He then stepped onto the Crescent Moon Saber itself. The massive force from his sole felt like a mountain crumbling, unstoppable.


    After a moment of trembling resistance, the saber flew from Tuguhou''s grip. A jolt of pain followed, and Chen Mu had kicked him from the sky, sending him crashing back into the frozen ground once more, forming yet another deep pit with a thud.


    "Cough... cough, cough..."


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    Dust filled the air, and as Tuguhou lay in a deep pit, Chen Mu stepped on him, the Yuan Gang around him completely dissipated. Violent coughing of blood came from his mouth while his eyes, which looked at Chen Mu, bore shock, unwillingness, and also a hint of resentment.


    "Qiankun Martial Body¡­"


    Only at this moment did he finally see through Chen Mu''s realm, but he couldn''t understand, and found it even more unbelievable, how Chen Mu, at just over thirty years of age, could become a Grandmaster, and even refine his Martial Body to such an extent?!


    The youngest Grandmaster in the history of the Da Xuan Calendar seemed to be thirty-four when he broke through the Mysterious Pass, and according to the intelligence, Chen Mu was only thirty-one or two this year, and he practiced the most difficult Qiankun Martial Arts.


    Moreover.


    Even the legendary Qiankun Martial Body, known as the strongest in the world, could not possibly have such terrifying strength upon an initial breakthrough. It seemed as though Chen Mu''s Qiankun Martial Body had undergone some tempering and reached a certain level!


    Only in this way could it be possible for him, Tuguhou, who had been cultivating Martial Arts all his life, to be so easily defeated before him.


    "Monster¡­"


    Tuguhou coughed up blood and looked at Chen Mu with eyes full of unwillingness.


    He too was a proud Grandmaster and was acutely aware how terrifying it was for Chen Mu to become a Grandmaster at such an age. Even if the Da Xuan Dynasty Court had not seen a second Qiankun Martial Saint for a thousand years, Chen Mu must be the most hopeful one in a millennium!


    He had thought that with the decline of the Da Xuan Dynasty Court and chaos reigning throughout the world, it was a time for their Foreign Race to rise. Yet, here was Chen Mu, an existence almost like a demon, emerging. If another figure like the founding Martial Emperor were to appear in the future, would they not be suppressed for another thousand years?


    He could not reconcile with this!


    He felt unwillingness not just for himself, but also for the Wumeng tribe¡­ and for the thirteen tribes beyond the border.


    "Monster?"


    Chen Mu looked down at Tuguhou, shook his head slightly, and spoke in a flat tone, "I am just an ordinary Martial Man."


    Without the system panel, with his talent, he indeed wouldn''t have been extraordinary. Perhaps he might have managed to master the Blade Momentum, reached the Body Refinement Realm, and muddled through his days in Yu County, praying for a life of peace.


    "Alright, I know you are a Grandmaster, and you wouldn''t want to divulge your tribe''s intelligence before death. However, both the Sky Demon Sect and Heavenly Corpse Sect have their own hidden agendas with your race. Since you are dying, there''s no need to cover up their intelligence."


    "If you know about the Sky Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect, just share a bit. After all, if it leads us to deal with them first, perhaps more of your tribe could escape. Besides, if you speak out, I''ll grant you a quick death."


    Chen Mu looked down upon Tuguhou, speaking with an indifferent tone.


    After all, Tuguhou was a Grandmaster, even if a Grandmaster of a Foreign Race; his demeanor differed from that of the Demon Men of the Sky Demon Sect. He had the tolerance of a Grandmaster, and torturing him for answers would be meaningless; he would not betray his tribe. Therefore, Chen Mu''s question was very simple, asking only about the intelligence on the Sky Demon Sect and Heavenly Corpse Sect, while making the benefits and disadvantages clear.


    Tuguhou''s eyes were fixed on Chen Mu, his mouth oozing blood. Yet, in the end, they seemed to lose strength and droop down as he closed his eyes and slowly said, "Secluded Silent Valley, Snow Maiden Mountain¡­"


    Though he was unwilling in his heart and hated Chen Mu and the Da Xuan Dynasty, at this juncture, he had no intention of begging for mercy. It was death either way, but what Chen Mu said was indeed something he could not ignore. Indeed, the Wumeng and the other Four Departments were only temporarily cooperating with the Sky Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect, each harboring their own schemes. The Sky Demon Sect even intentionally tried to drag them into trouble, so he had no reason to resist on their behalf. Revealing intelligence on these two factions could indeed make it easier for his Wumeng tribe to escape.


    What Chen Mu said was a stratagem out in the open. Even as a dying man, he could only comply.


    At the same time.


    He couldn''t help but sigh in his heart.


    Qiankun Martial Body, Qiankun Grandmaster... In that case, the information he previously received about Chen Mu, such as being eroded by Demonic Qi, was probably all fake. This man could endure and be prudent, had an exceptional talent, and could touch upon the crucial point with just one sentence, making even him, a man about to die, have to respond. He was indeed terrifying, and would undoubtedly become another nightmare for their tribes outside the pass in the future.


    Why couldn''t their Wumeng tribe produce such a person?


    "Secluded Silent Valley, Snow Maiden Mountain, huh."


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    Chen Mu murmured these two names to himself.


    It was meaningless for Tuguhou to give him false intelligence at the brink of death, and it was impossible to set up any traps at such a time. These two places must with high probability be key strongholds of the Sky Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect, perhaps even the locations of their Main Altar.


    Secluded Silent Valley was located in Han Prefecture and situated to the west of it, near the Border Pass, the most desolate area in the prefecture, scarcely populated even before the turmoil in Ice State.


    Snow Maiden Mountain, on the other hand, was not in Han Prefecture but further north in Snow County.


    Chen Mu had the map of Ice State etched in his memory down to the smallest detail and could immediately pinpoint these two locations.


    "Good, time to go."


    Having briefly pondered, Chen Mu no longer said much. He glanced at Tuguhou, raised and waved his right hand, and a beam of blood light suddenly appeared, flew past Tuguhou''s neck, and beheaded him with one swift slash.


    Tuguhou''s head rolled a distance as his eyes quickly dimmed. Even in his final moments, they still showed a bleakness, reflecting a lack of hope for the future.

 Chapter 311 The Tremor of Xiahou Yan

    After dealing with Tuguhou,


    Chen Mu efficiently handled the corpse. After a search, he found no Spiritual Objects, but he did discover a beast skin in the belongings of the deceased.


    The beast skin featured many human anatomical drawings and some Foreign Race languages. It seemed to be a type of Martial Arts Technique. Chen Mu surmised it was likely the same kind of ''Shamanic Barbarian'' method that the other had deployed.


    The Shamanic Barbarian Method is actually also a kind of Martial Arts.


    Compared to the present Martial Arts, the Shamanic Barbarian Path is more primitive, imitating the moves and energy flows of top-level mythical beasts that once existed, learning directly from them, much like the Tiger Demon Bone Tempering Fist, etc.


    This kind of technique, in comparison to the various Martial Arts circulated in Da Xuan, such as Falling Flowers without Trace or the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, can''t be said to be inferior; it''s just more primitive, making it harder to learn and more challenging to master to extreme levels.


    At the pinnacle of Martial Arts, a hundred paths converge.


    No matter what technique one cultivates, once it is practiced to the extreme, what is cultivated is the ''Three Feet Forbidden Domain,'' signifying a masterful control over Yuan Gang. Only then does one complement it with Martial Body Techniques tailored for the Martial Body cultivation.


    Chen Mu didn''t really need to draw on these, because his Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, having been originally created by him, now encompassed everything from Yuan Gang Techniques to Martial Body Techniques, representing a complete set of offensive and defensive Martial Arts Techniques. Although within the Seven Profound Sect, only the first few layers of practice methods exist, and none beyond the seventh layer were recorded, the presence of the system panel meant he was not restricted.


    As long as his Realm was sufficient, he could use the system Experience to directly advance.


    Of course.


    Without the corresponding techniques, the efficiency of gaining Experience might be slightly slower, but that was not crucial.


    The final two layers of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal''s techniques would inevitably only be recorded in the Great Da Xuan Imperial Court. Should he need to increase the efficiency of some cultivation techniques in the future, he would consider whether to make a trip there. For now, it wasn''t necessary. Continue your adventure with My Virtual Library Empire


    "This does have some value, after all,"


    After carefully studying the beast skin scroll for a while, Chen Mu eventually put it away. Coming from a Grandmaster, this artifact was not an ordinary technique; it had its value. After returning to the Seven Profound Sect and translating it from the Foreign Race language, it could be a worthy addition to their records.


    Apart from the beast skin scroll, there was nothing of value left on Tuguhou, and after Chen Mu thoroughly searched and ensured there was nothing left, he rubbed his hands together, and blazing flames spurted out, quickly incinerating Tuguhou''s body to ashes. He then scattered the ashes with a gust of cold wind, truly erasing any trace of existence.


    Afterwards,


    only then did Chen Mu turn back to pick up Tuguhou''s Crescent Moon Saber.


    This too was a Spirit Weapon, valuable by virtue of being a Spirit Blade, not to mention that it was wielded by a Grandmaster. When Chen Mu held it, he could feel strands of a sinister aura flowing through it.


    "Sinister Crescent Saber? Its quality is roughly on par with the Cold Soul Spirit Blade,"


    Chen Mu scrutinized it carefully and nodded in satisfaction.


    Sinister-type Spirit Blades weren''t widely used in the Seven Profound Sect; instead, they were more aligned with the types favored by the Heavenly Sword Sect and the Blood Hidden Pavilion. Nevertheless, they were still very valuable.


    There was an extremely precious ''Divine Soaring Stone'' in the Seven Profound Sect that he had never exchanged until now because many things he owned were still useful, like the Cold Soul Spirit Blade, the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear, and so on. Now, he could consider exchanging this Spirit Blade for it.


    As for the Tai Qing Qi, South Ming Fire, and the Sea Calming Pearl, that would depend on whether the sisters Hua Nongying had any information.


    Finally,


    after sorting everything out, storing away the Crescent Moon Saber, and making sure nothing was missed, Chen Mu took a step, and the frozen ground rumbled and churned. The cracked earth buried any remaining traces.


    Then, he stepped away, heading in the direction where Xiahou Yan and the others were located.


    In the distance,


    Xiahou Yan and more than a hundred elites were leading thousands of women and children, moving at full speed.


    Xiahou Yan had been constantly sensing the movements behind him, but ever since a quartern of an hour before, when two pressures exploded in the distance, possibly Chen Mu and someone else engaging in combat, it quickly became deathly silent, with no further activity.


    This situation was very peculiar, and even though he was somewhat worried inside, he knew he couldn''t go back to investigate. He was completely powerless to intervene in a conflict of a Grandmaster''s level, and the only strategy was to lead the people as far away as fast as possible.


    "If the person who came was Tuguhou alone, junior brother Chen should have no problem holding him off,"


    Xiahou Yan reassured himself in his mind.


    But this deathly silence with no further disturbances always made him uneasy, even more so than a battle.


    And so,


    he continued to lead the group forward, and after an undetermined amount of time, Xiahou Yan suddenly looked taken aback. As he cast a sidewards glance, he saw a figure quietly appear by his side, in a simple Commoner''s attire, cloaked with a cape ¨C it was indeed Chen Mu.


    Unbeknownst to him, Chen Mu had already caught up to the group.


    "Junior Brother Chen?"


    When Xiahou Yan''s gaze fell upon Chen Mu, he was initially startled, then he immediately let out a sigh of relief. Since Chen Mu had caught up unharmed, there was a high probability that the situation was under control.


    However, he was also somewhat astonished. From the time Chen Mu had crossed hands with the Grandmaster of the Wumeng tribe until now, it had only been a little over a quarter of an hour. Battles between Grandmasters with similar strengths often dragged on for several days and nights without a clear victor, yet Chen Mu had managed to free himself from the entanglement so quickly, and it appeared that the Tuguhou from the Wumeng tribe had not continued the chase either.


    Upon further thought, it wasn''t really surprising.


    After all, if Tuguhou was alone, he would definitely have difficulty dealing with the current Chen Mu. After a prolonged battle without progress, it was mostly likely that he would not engage in further futile struggles. Considering that their group had not yet returned to Sha Prefecture, it would make more sense for Tuguhou to go back and call for other Grandmasters from the Wumeng tribe to join forces. This was evidently better than engaging in a fruitless tussle with Chen Mu.


    "Was that Tuguhou from the Wumeng tribe just now?"


    Sensing that there were no longer any Grandmasters pursuing them from behind, Xiahou Yan asked Chen Mu.


    By this time, Chen Mu had a calm expression and had already slowed down, rejoining the back of the column and walking alongside Xiahou Yan. He said, "Yes, it was him."


    Upon hearing this, Xiahou Yan couldn''t help but laugh and sigh, "That Tuguhou has quite impressive strength, not inferior to Elder Feng Hongsheng of our sect. Junior Brother Chen, in just a short moment, you''ve made him retreat and flee. Once this battle is spread, I''m afraid your third place on the Wind Cloud List will be undisputed."


    After the battle in Frost North County, Chen Mu soared to the third place on the Wind Cloud List, nudging the original third place, ''Heartless Sword'' Lin Han, down a rank. Many people were still discussing this, especially those junior members of the Heavenly Sword Sect who felt that even though Chen Mu was strong, he might not necessarily be able to defeat Lin Han. Thus, the slot for third place was still quite contentious.


    But if the news of Chen Mu forcing Tuguhou to retreat within a quarter of an hour spread today, then there was likely to be no more controversy. Even if Hua Yunsheng, the Free Wanderer who was ranked first on the list, were here, his performance would probably be the same.


    "These Grandmasters from the Foreign Races do indeed each have their own methods, and Tuguhou was indeed reasonably strong,"


    Chen Mu responded in an even tone after listening to Xiahou Yan.


    Xiahou Yan nodded, then with a more serious tone, said, "However, we are still within Han Prefecture''s territory. If Tuguhou goes back to the Wumeng tribe and calls for reinforcements, then we will be in danger. Junior Brother Chen, do you think we should continue on a straight path back to Sha Prefecture, or should we temporarily change our route to take a slightly longer detour?"


    "Just continue forward. The Wumeng tribe won''t be sending anyone else for now,"


    Chen Mu said with a calm demeanor, shaking his head, "For the time being, they probably won''t know of Tuguhou''s death."


    "Okay, that''s good then,"


    Xiahou Yan nodded slightly.


    But immediately after, his expression turned to astonishment, and he froze in place, his movements suddenly stiffening, his eyes revealing a hint of shock... Wait, news of Tuguhou''s death?!


    He looked at Chen Mu in utter astonishment, a trace of disbelief in his eyes.


    But Chen Mu merely nodded at him and said, "Please, Brother Xiahou, let''s not spread the word for now." S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had taken the Spirit Weapon from Tuguhou, and it was only a matter of time before the Seven Profound Sect would learn that Tuguhou died by his hand; there was no need to deliberately hide it from Xiahou Yan. However, there was no immediate need to broadcast it widely.


    Even if the Foreign Races discovered that Tuguhou was dead, they wouldn''t readily suspect he perished at the hands of a single person. They would most likely suspect that he fell into an ambush set by the Seven Profound Sect and was killed in a coordinated attack. This would make Chen Mu''s subsequent movements more convenient.


    Moreover,


    Merely slaying Tuguhou, even if others were aware, wouldn''t immediately lead them to conclude that he had cultivated to a Grandmaster. At most, they might speculate whether he had mastered the Qiankun Domain or some other method.


    Given his current third position on the Wind Cloud List, he was more or less on par with Tuguhou.


    "...Okay,"


    Xiahou Yan initially widened his eyes in shock. If it had been anyone else saying these words, he might have thought it was a joke or false military intelligence. But Chen Mu''s serious and calm narration was undoubtedly the truth.


    He quickly suppressed his emotions and regained his composure, although the shock in his eyes lingered. The look he gave Chen Mu was full of ripples.


    Tuguhou!


    That was a Grandmaster on par with Feng Hongsheng and Shi Zhenyong, a figure with a formidable reputation in the present Ice State.


    Chen Mu had fought against him and not only won but ultimately killed him. Such news was shockingly significant¡ªimagine that Hua Yunsheng, currently the first on the Wind Cloud List, might not be able to defeat Tuguhou either.


    Forget the third on the Wind Cloud List.


    Having slain Tuguhou, Chen Mu''s strength was likely already superior to Hua Yunsheng''s, who was first on the list!


    But how did Chen Mu achieve this... Qiankun Domain? Impossible, Chen Mu''s Artistic Conception was deep, but he shouldn''t be able to touch the Domain yet. As for the Qiankun Grandmaster, that was even more improbable. It hadn''t been long since Chen Mu had cultivated to the Six Viscera Realm, and considering he had also fallen victim to Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s schemes, such an idea was utterly fanciful.


    After a wave of shock, Xiahou Yan could only conclude that the Qiankun Martial Arts was the strongest in the world, and Chen Mu was indeed a peerless genius in cultivating the Qiankun. Perhaps Tuguhou underestimated him as a junior, which ultimately led to his death by Chen Mu''s hand.

 Chapter 505 312 Chapter Return

    Three days later.


    Though the land remained barren and stretched out into endless wasteland, the cold seemed to finally abate. The chilly winds blowing through this place, while not warm, had softened, not slicing against one''s face like a blade.


    "We''ve finally arrived,"


    Xiahou Yan, walking at the front of the column, looked into the distance and let out a sigh of relief.


    Having reached this place, they were now officially within the bounds of Sha Prefecture.


    Just a short distance ahead lay the true wasteland, followed by an eroded landscape shaped by sandstorms, where a fortified camp on the border was stationed, now routinely patrolled by scouts along the border.


    Looking forward from here, one could almost make out, through the haze at the horizon of the wasteland, the rugged erosional mountains, although they were still quite distant, much like a mirage.


    Behind.


    Beside the carts.


    Chen Mu was seen strolling leisurely; nearby, on several carts, groups of little girls, ten or eleven years old, clustered together. Their large eyes blinked as they watched him speak, listening intently to his stories.


    "¡­and then Sun Wukong, with a push of his leg, knocked over the Jade Emperor''s Eight Trigram Furnace, smashed the gates of the Thirty-Three Heavens'' Lingxiao Hall with his staff, and charged towards the hall. The heavenly soldiers and generals lost their courage at the news, and all the gods scattered in the wind, until he reached the Lingxiao Palace and shattered its placard, shocking even the Jade Emperor who fell under the table,"


    Chen Mu, while walking, spoke amiably to the little girls, telling them the tale. At their age, they were not suited to hear tales of unresolved human and ghost affairs, nor did martial world stories interest him much since he was part of it. Instead, he chose the story of Sun Wukong, which completely captivated the little girls.


    After all, having experienced the pain of losing their families and being captured by foreign races beyond the border, hearing such stories made them hope there truly was such a great sage. Some of the girls, tilting their little heads and looking with glowing eyes, thought of Chen Mu as their great sage.


    Though they were only about ten years old.


    But children of the poor, by this age, couldn''t remain entirely ignorant of the world; they well knew what fate awaited those captured by foreign races and taken beyond the border. Now, being escorted and able to listen to Chen Mu''s stories was like a light shining into their despair.


    Xiahou Yan watched Chen Mu engaging the ten-year-old girls, spellbound by his stories, and couldn''t help but shake his head inwardly, sometimes truly unable to discern what sort of man his junior martial brother was.


    At the border pass of Sha Prefecture, he killed demonic beings without blinking an eye, entered the storm-ridden danger zones without fear, and slaughtered thousands of foreign races in Han Prefecture alone, almost like a death god. Yet here he was, able to interact so kindly and pleasantly with ten-year-old girls, displaying none of the majesty expected of a grandmaster.


    "Junior Martial Brother Chen."


    After reflecting silently for a moment, Xiahou Yan finally called out to interrupt him.


    At this, Chen Mu was in no hurry, finishing the last bit of his story, then walked over to Xiahou Yan.


    At this moment.


    They could see a figure hastening towards them across the distant wasteland. The figure moved extremely fast, covering tens of meters with each step. In just a short while, he had arrived in front of Xiahou Yan and Chen Mu''s group.


    "Elder Wu,"


    Xiahou Yan greeted the newcomer with a cupped-hand salute.


    The newcomer, thin in stature with black hair and beard, appeared to be in his forties or fifties, younger than Xiahou Yan, but was actually older. He was one of the Peak Masters of the Seven Profound Sect, Wu Changxi.


    Compared to Feng Hongsheng and Shi Zhenyong, Wu Changxi''s strength was somewhat lower. Chen Mu knew that although Wu had reached Perfection in Solidifying his Martial Body, he had never stepped into the Domain, missing just a slight level, and was now responsible for guarding the border of Sha Prefecture.


    "Elder Wu,"


    Chen Mu also greeted Wu Changxi with a cupped-hand salute.


    Wu Changxi only nodded slightly in response to Xiahou Yan''s salute but brightened up, smiling at Chen Mu''s gesture, "Protector Chen need not be so formal. Elder Qin and I are from the same sect, you could actually call me ''Grand Uncle Master''. But now, with your exceptional talent, placing among the top three in the Wind Cloud List, even my old bones aren''t a match for you."


    He and Qin Mengjun were disciples of the same master, Supreme Elder Yin Heng of the Seven Profound Sect, though he was her senior brother, his abilities and talent were nowhere near the younger Qin Mengjun.


    Unable to comprehend the Domain, his current strength was only slightly better than the top ten on the Wind Cloud List, no match for the former top three. Faced with the current Chen Mu, it was the same scenario, but he was still of significantly higher seniority.


    "Grand Uncle Master Wu,"


    Chen Mu easily changed his address and said, "Grand Uncle Master Wu has been away from the sect for a while, and I have not had the chance to visit. Now that you''ve come personally to assist, I can finally free up my hands. I have important intelligence to report back to the sect, thus I unfortunately can''t stay and chat."


    As they were already within the bounds of Sha Prefecture and Wu Changxi had personally come to meet them, there seemed to be no issues. Chen Mu currently had intelligence regarding the Heavenly Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect he had obtained from Tuguhou to report back to the Seven Profound Sect.


    This intelligence concerns significant matters and may determine the next actions of the Seven Profound Sect; it isn''t suitable to be relayed by a scout.


    "It''s settled then, Junior Martial Brother Chen, proceed on your own. I had returned to the sect recently and didn''t have the chance to meet Sister Qin; she seems to have gone into retreat. If you see Sister Qin, please pass on my regards,"


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    Wu Changxi said with a chuckle.


    Chen Mu gave a slight nod, then glanced at Xiahou Yan. After exchanging a look with Xiahou Yan, he instantly vanished from the spot. With a few steps, his figure turned into a small dot at the horizon.


    From a distance, several young girls staring eagerly at the figure of Chen Mu saw him disappearing into the distance. Their eyes dimmed slightly for a moment, but some still held a determined gleam, hoping that they, too, could practice martial arts one day and repay Chen Mu''s kindness.


    Wu Changxi watched Chen Mu''s departing figure. Once he had completely disappeared from view, he turned to Xiahou Yan and asked, "Defense Commander Xiahou, it seems the return journey was quite safe without incident?"


    "Hmm¡­"


    Xiahou Yan responded and hesitated slightly, as if choosing his words.


    While the news of Tuguhou''s death should not be widely spread, Wu Changxi, being an Elder and Peak Master responsible for the defense of Sha Prefecture, naturally needed to be informed.


    After a brief contemplation, Xiahou Yan approached and succinctly recounted the events during the escort, how they were pursued by Tuguhou from the Wumeng tribe, and how Chen Mu had fought and ultimately killed him in a fierce battle.


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    Wu Changxi was astonished.


    "Tuguhou, that man actually¡­"


    He was quite familiar with Tuguhou, knowing that his strength was above his own and comparable to figures like Feng Hongsheng and Shi Zhenyong, almost equal to the top three of the Wind Cloud List.


    Little did he expect that after a battle with Chen Mu, Tuguhou not only lost but couldn''t escape and ended up dying at Chen Mu''s hands. It was indeed shocking to him, as his junior martial brother''s strength was likely more formidable than he had imagined.


    If defeating Tuguhou was an achievement strong enough to secure a spot in the top three of the Wind Cloud List, then killing him, and alone at that, would undeniably propel Chen Mu to replace Hua Yunsheng, the Wandering Ascetic, as the top contender on the Wind Cloud List!


    Although,


    It was widely acknowledged in the Cold North Path that it was only a matter of time before Chen Mu would top the Wind Cloud List.


    Given Chen Mu''s exceptional talent, even if he didn''t become a Grandmaster in the future, there was a great possibility that he might comprehend the Qiankun Domain. Once he mastered the Qiankun Domain, he would undoubtedly take the top spot on the Wind Cloud List, surpassing Hua Yunsheng and the others.


    Yet he hadn''t expected Chen Mu to demonstrate such formidable strength without even having mastered the Qiankun Domain, truly a worthy genius among those who practiced the Qiankun arts. If he indeed mastered the Qiankun Domain in the future, he might even rival his junior sister, Qin Mengjun, and Jiang Changsheng, the top Grandmasters of the Cold North Path!


    Such a thought was indeed astonishing.


    Many at Chen Mu''s age would hardly make it to the end of the Wind Cloud List; even Zuo Qianqiu of the Heavenly Sword Sect was still struggling to climb up and might need another year or two to have a hope of being listed. Yet, Chen Mu was already capable of vying for supremacy and nearly secured his standing among the top Grandmasters in the foreseeable future.


    Those recognized as top Grandmasters are very few across the entire Cold North Path, even fewer than those in the Blood Exchange Realm of the High Elders, all worthy of being listed on the Grandmaster list of the whole Da Xuan Ninety-Nine States.


    "An unrivaled genius,"


    Wu Changxi mused to himself.


    It was also his niece, Meng Danyun, who had brought Chen Mu from Yu County to the Seven Profound Sect, ultimately allowing Chen Mu to fully utilize his exceptional talents. Otherwise, had he stayed in Yu County for a few more years, the situation might have been very different.


    Moreover, if Chen Mu had not joined the Seven Profound Sect back then, other sects like the Heavenly Sword Sect or even the Heavenly Seal Sect, recognizing such talent, would surely have wished to recruit him; if a genial talent like Chen Mu had joined another sect, the Seven Profound Sect would have truly felt a sense of impending decline.


    Mainly because years ago, Qin Mengjun, who had the highest hope of crossing the Life and Death Pass and reaching the Blood Exchange, was sabotaged during her breakthrough, leading to no one from the Seven Profound Sect reaching the Blood Exchange level for many years thereafter.


    Yin Heng has certainly aged.


    Indeed,


    Aside from Yin Heng, the Seven Profound Sect has another Second Blood Exchange Realm High Elder, but he was already over two hundred years old and hadn''t been heard from in twenty years, leading many to believe he had passed away.


    Wu Changxi believed the same, except that besides Yin Heng, no one in the sect knew whether this oldest High Elder was still alive. Chances were slim as, by age, he should be two hundred forty-seven this year. Although Blood Exchange Realm individuals could easily live up to two hundred years, advancing beyond that often approached their limits.


    Unless, like the Heavenly Demon Sect, they resorted to Evil Path demonic techniques to extend life. Otherwise, even methods of energy conservation seldom allowed for reaching three hundred years, with most lives ending around two hundred thirty to forty years.

 Chapter 313 Mountain Gate

    Seven Profound Sect.


    Mountain gate.


    The clouds were hazy, and the green peaks stood tall, just as they had many years before, sitting there without any change. It seemed that for decades, even a hundred years, through the lifespan of an ordinary person, the Seven Profound Sect could still be the Seven Profound Sect.


    But the Chen Mu of today was no longer the novice who had first entered the Sect. He was now keenly aware that, although the Seven Profound Sect remained a top-tier Great Sect in the state, still possessing the Blood Exchange Realm inheritance, it had long since past its prime and was slowly declining.


    Walking along the spacious mountain path, he headed towards the inner mountain gate.


    "Protector Chen."


    The Sect Executive guarding the mountain gate recognized Chen Mu''s figure as he passed by. Despite wearing a plain commoner''s garb, not the Sect''s uniform, he quickly bowed to Chen Mu and watched as he entered the mountain.


    Standing not too far away, observing the mountain scenery, was Situ Shu, the Great Profound Peak''s Right Protector. After a brief shift in his gaze, he also solemnly greeted Chen Mu from afar with a respectful bow.


    Although Chen Mu was still the Protector of Spirit Profound Peak, everyone was clear that with his position third on the Wind Cloud List, his status was truly comparable to that of a Peak Master or an Elder, and taking over as the Spirit Profound Peak Master would pose no issue whatsoever.


    Peak Master, Elder.


    This was another status in the Seven Profound Sect that necessitated any Protector or Steward to proactively greet with a bow.


    Even though Chen Mu was not yet a Peak Master or an Elder, even Situ Shu, a Great Profound Peak Protector, dared not neglect him despite being of a similar age to Chu Jingsui and much older than Chen Mu.


    Just like this.


    Situ Shu watched as Chen Mu walked away, exhaling softly before involuntarily shaking his head and showing a hint of emotion.


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    He vaguely remembered that a few years ago, when Chen Mu had entered the mountain gate, it was Qi Zhiyuan who had instructed him to welcome Chen Mu into the Sect. Instead, Chu Jingsui had intercepted him, and after some bribery had sent him on his way.


    Originally, when Chen Mu was inducted into the Sect, aside from the Great Profound Peak, he was free to choose from any of the other six peaks. Chu Jingsui''s interception led him straight into Spirit Profound Peak under Meng Danyun''s lead, as there was some acquaintance with Chu Jingsui and sensing that Spirit Profound Peak was in decline, it felt like doing a favor.


    Unexpectedly.


    After Chen Mu joined and entered under Spirit Profound Peak, his rise was staggering¡ªfrom breaking through the Qian Heaven Artistic Conception to challenging the Yunni Sky Steps, defeating Situ Shu, and even killing three Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect¡ªall within a few years, a truly earth-shattering achievement!


    Back then, when Chen Mu had just reached the Five Viscera Realm, he was considered to be a fairly outstanding True Disciple, but now, even Situ Shu had to proactively greet him with respect.


    Even now.


    It still felt a bit unbelievable, as surreal as life itself could get.


    What''s more frustrating for him was, if at that time he had received Chen Mu and been the one to show him around the Seven Profound and concluded the briefing, perhaps he could have developed a rapport with Chen Mu.


    A figure at the level of a Peak Master or Elder, even a mere passing acquaintance, could prove highly useful. But now, he had absolutely no connections with Chen Mu, and finding such opportunities had become vastly more challenging.


    ...


    Chen Mu continued along the familiar mountain path, which was just like before, until a giant stele with the embossed gilded characters for "Seven Profound Sect" appeared beside the path, an imposing presence unaltered by time, yet today''s sentiments differed greatly from those of the past.


    When he first entered the Sect, he had just reached the Five Viscera Realm. Looking up at this stele was like staring at a distant universe, unreachable and far beyond him.


    But now.


    Years later, he had broken through the Mysterious Pass, advanced to Marrow Cleansing, and become a Grandmaster!


    Though his Martial Body was only initially formed and he still had a long way to go, compared to the highest Blood Exchange Realm, he was merely one Realm away. The inscription no longer seemed so impossibly lofty, but he could vaguely discern some of its mysteries and artistic conceptions, as if glimpsing the solitary figure who had once inscribed it.


    Including the mountain path he tread, the compelling force of Earth''s Veins beneath the mountains no longer evoked the same boundless, awesome sensation he had felt years ago.


    Though, as he now stood in front of the Seven Profound Sect''s Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, amidst the overwhelming power of the Earth Veins, he felt he was not yet its match, but at least he possessed the qualifications for deeper insight.


    "The third step of the Kun Earth Artistic Conception and this Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation¡­" Chen Mu whispered to himself. Stay tuned for updates on My Virtual Library Empire


    After advancing to Grandmaster, indeed both his vision and level had become different. In the past, when he was in the Six Viscera Realm, he had passed through this mountain path and gate countless times, but it was not like this time, after he became a Grandmaster, the changes he experienced were significant.


    It was as if he had transformed into a butterfly from a chrysalis, or a carp that had leaped over the Dragon Gate. Even if he was only a newborn dragon, he was still a dragon, transcending the mundane, and completely different from the past, many of which were forever elusive to those in the Six Viscera Realm.


    One of them was the mystery of the ''third step'' of Artistic Conception.


    Although Chen Mu had heard about it countless times and seen much in various Martial Arts scriptures, this third step was indeed a brand new and mysterious height compared to the second step, or even compared to the domain.


    Chen Mu knew very well that no matter how strong a domain was practiced, even if he perfected the Qiankun Domain in the future, it would not be able to permanently change the flow of heaven and earth in an area, even if it was just limited to a square inch of a mountain stele!


    But the founder of the Seven Profound Sect had done it.


    The overall environment of this mountain stele had twisted and changed the circulation of heaven and earth, like crafting a patch of ''arid'' ground in a moist monsoon region, which wouldn''t change over time and always maintained its ''dryness''.


    "Nearly permanently rewriting the environment of heaven and earth, though only limited to a square inch of this stele, but such an act is indeed breathtaking. It truly requires penetrating and touching the very essence of heaven and earth to be achieved," Chen Mu exclaimed.


    Being honest, talking about permanence might be a bit of an overstatement, as he could clearly discern that the environment around this mountain stele was slowly being assimilated by its surroundings, and in no more than a hundred years, it would return to normal, and at that time, the pressure and lingering Artistic Conception here would also completely disappear.


    Nevertheless, to be able to maintain power for hundreds of years was still a method that astonished him as a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster. Indeed, in the Blood Exchange Realm, not everyone could fully master the third step of the Artistic Conception.


    As for now,


    he admitted he was lagging in terms of Artistic Conception. Several years had passed since he had mastered the Qiankun Artistic Conception, and he hadn''t yet perfected the Qiankun Domain, which was truly a bit unfair given his talent.


    However, after all, Body Refining cultivation was much more important and occupied much more of his time. Otherwise, if he had given up Body Refining completely to delve into Artistic Conception, he would certainly also be standing at the level of the domain by now.


    "The power of Earth''s Veins is indeed vast and boundless, but such things are not completely manageable by human efforts, even the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation can hardly unleash even a fraction of it; otherwise, even the Blood Exchange Realm would be negligible under such power," Chen Mu once again felt the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation through the mountain stele.


    This stele was actually one of the formation points.


    When he was once in the Six Viscera Realm, he had only briefly felt the Earth''s Power of the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation a few times and then lost interest because it was not a power he could grasp at that time, and in front of it, he only felt like an ant.


    Now, having become a Grandmaster and cultivated the Qiankun Martial Body, the feeling and perception were different. He could feel that the power of the Earth''s Veins was still vast and boundless, beyond human capacity, hard to quantify, probably amounting to tens of thousands.


    But,


    at the same time, Chen Mu also clearly realized that such tremendous cosmic power could not be completely controlled by humans. Even the hundreds-year-old Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation couldn''t do it, and managing to mobilize one-tenth or one-twentieth of its power would already be unbelievable.


    Now speaking, this overwhelming power of the Earth''s Veins, even if one-tenth or one-twentieth was still far above the Blood Exchange Realm, but the issue is that such mobilization is inevitably extremely rough and slow, hard to control, and could not be very refined. Even if they were ten times stronger than Blood Exchange Realm cultivators, they could still employ the tactic of leveraging small force against big force. As long as they didn''t directly resist, they could always wrestle and entangle without being easily suppressed.


    On the other hand, below Blood Exchange, such as the Marrow Cleansing Realm, because the gap was still a bit too large, and because they had not undergone Blood Exchange, reaching the real power that comes from their own, it would be difficult to resist against such tremendous Earth''s Pulse.


    Of course,


    for him now, if he were located not inside the peak gate but dozens of miles outside the gate, he was also confident that he could escape the suppression of the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, after all, this non-human force, the further away one was, the harder it was to control.


    This actually meant that now, Chen Mu actually already had the qualification to closely view mountain gates of great sects like the Seven Profound Sect. As long as he didn''t rashly get too close and maintained a certain distance, the great sect''s grand formation wouldn''t pose much of a threat to him.


    Doing so, however, still carried some risk, after all, for something like the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, the Earth''s Pulse power it controlled was incredibly overwhelming. If it got locked, a slight misstep in movement could also lead to complete destruction, with only those at the Blood Exchange Realm able to truly handle it with ease.


    "When the master encountered the ambush back then, it must have been a high-level expert of the Blood Exchange Realm disrupting the Earth''s Pulse from dozens of miles away, directly clashing hard with the dormant power of Earth''s Pulse, causing all formation points to endure the reverberant impacts..." Chen Mu took a glance at the mountain gate, murmuring to himself.


    This kind of thing, with his current capabilities, he indeed couldn''t easily accomplish. Although he could peek at the mountain gate from dozens of miles away, he couldn''t disturb the Earth''s Pulse from such a distance; that capability was nearly beyond the scope of martial arts, nearly akin to divine methods.


    When he first learned of this incident, he was also shocked by the might of the Blood Exchange Realm, hardly understanding how it was done. Today, however, he roughly could comprehend a bit; it must have been controlling the third step of the Artistic Conception at the level of Blood Exchange that achieved attacking the Earth''s Pulse from such a great distance.

 Chapter 314 Qi Zhiyuan

    After feeling the profound mysteries contained in the sect''s entrance stele for a while,


    Chen Mu finally stepped forward, passing by the stele and entering the Seven Profound Sect. He walked deeper along the path and soon arrived directly at the main peak.


    This was not his first time coming to the main peak of the Seven Profound Sect. The mansion treasury of the Seven Profound Sect was located within the belly of the main peak, one of the most important places in the Sect, but he had never been to the main hall on the main peak before.


    Continuing upwards along the way.


    Along the way, he saw groups of young disciples from the Great Profound Peak practicing martial arts, many of whom appeared to be only sixteen or seventeen, full of youthful vigor. Some of the newer disciples stopped their movements and curiously looked at Chen Mu, who was quietly walking up the mountain path in his plain clothes.


    Meanwhile, some of the older and more experienced Inner Sect Disciples recognized Chen Mu''s identity. After the initial shock, they quickly paid their respects to Chen Mu with a deferential bow, making way for him and watching as he ascended the peak.


    Noticing the actions of the older brothers.


    A young and na?ve little girl, after Chen Mu''s figure had disappeared, couldn''t help asking curiously, "Brother Zhang, who is that brother? Is he also a disciple of our Great Profound Peak?"


    Martial artists of higher realms age very slowly, and although Chen Mu was only about thirty years old, he had vigorous Qi-Blood. His appearance was even younger now, looking to be in his early twenties, not much older than her.


    "Him?"


    Brother Zhang turned back and glanced at the several junior brothers and sisters behind him, saying, "He''s not a disciple of the Great Profound Peak, but you should all know his name. He is Brother Chen from the Spirit Profound Peak."


    As soon as these words were spoken, they immediately caused a burst of exclamations.


    The curious little sister from the Great Profound Peak, with a surprised face looking towards the direction Chen Mu had gone, said:


    "Is he Brother Chen?"


    Chen Mu''s experiences were now considered legendary within the Seven Profound Sect, and in Yu State, anyone acquainted with the Martial World knew him as the third-ranked martial artist on the Wind Cloud List at only thirty years of age. However, in her mind, she had imagined Chen Mu as a towering figure with an inherently commanding presence and a solemn demeanor, not expecting his appearance to be not much different or his stature that imposing.


    He was only noticeably more handsome, with no other distinctions; his presence did not stand out, and as he walked past the mountain path, he even resembled an ordinary person who knew no martial arts.


    A return to simplicity and truth, with the bearing of a Grandmaster.


    This phrase came to her mind.


    ...


    Chen Mu continued his ascent towards the peak, and after reaching the upper part of the Great Profound Peak, the atmosphere finally got a bit more solemn. However, there were still no hindrances along the way until he arrived at the summit, where finally a protector of the Great Profound Peak appeared.


    But upon seeing Chen Mu, he gave a start, then immediately clasped his hands in greeting."


    "I have seen Brother Chen. May I ask what brings Brother Chen here?"


    "I have something to report to Elder Qi."


    Chen Mu responded to him.


    Qi Zhiyuan was now acting as the Master of the Seven Profound Sect, but in truth, there was no difference from being the Sect Master. The current Sect Master was also a Grandmaster, but he had reached his twilight years and spent most of his time in seclusion within the Sect, rarely making an appearance for many years. It was known that the old Sect Master had not yet died of old age, and once he passed away, Qi Zhiyuan would assume the role of Sect Master.


    In actuality, this position originally belonged to Qin Mengjun, and even after she failed to advance through the Blood Exchange Realm, as a top Grandmaster, she should have been the new Sect Master. But unfortunately, with Qin Mengjun sometimes lost in confusion and at other times lucid, unable to manage the Sect''s affairs, the position of Acting Sect Master ultimately fell to Qi Zhiyuan.


    "Hmm, Elder Qi is just behind here. Brother Chen, please follow me."


    The protector nodded slightly and, without asking about the business at hand, led the way in an orderly fashion, guiding Chen Mu around the central grand hall of the Seven Profound Sect and reaching a tranquil courtyard located behind the grand hall.


    In the courtyard, Chen Mu finally met Qi Zhiyuan. Although he had been in the Sect for many years, this was the first time he had seen this Acting Sect Master. In terms of strength, Qi Zhiyuan might not be as powerful as Qin Mengjun, not ranking among the top Grandmasters, but was a bit stronger than Shi Zhenyong, Feng Hongsheng, and others. Within the Seven Profound Sect, aside from the Supreme Elders, the old Sect Master, and Qin Mengjun, he was the most prominent.


    "I have seen Elder Qi."


    Chen Mu greeted Qi Zhiyuan with a clasped hand.


    Even though by strength, he could now easily take on three to five Qi Zhiyuans single-handedly, as the Acting Sect Master and someone who had devoted himself to the martial way on behalf of the Sect, he naturally deserved Chen Mu''s respect.


    "Protector Chen, there''s no need for excessive formality."


    Qi Zhiyuan, wearing a simple gray robe, was standing under a locust tree in the courtyard. He smiled at Chen Mu without any pretense of being the Sect Master.


    Chen Mu, now ranked third on the Wind Cloud List, was a figure able to converse with Grandmasters on equal terms, even if not a Grandmaster himself. Despite being much younger than Qi Zhiyuan, he did not put on any airs. In the world of Martial Arts, precedence is given to those who achieve greatness. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    To reach this level was enough to qualify as an Elder of the Seven Profound Sect, to sit at the same table as him.


    "Protector Chen, after this battle in Frost County, your name has certainly shaken the Cold North. I originally thought it would take a few more years for you to reach this level, yet here you are, achieving such heights in just a short two years since stepping into the Six Viscera Realm."


    Qi Zhiyuan looked at Chen Mu, his tone carrying a hint of astonishment.


    As the Acting Sect Master of Seven Profound Sect, he had been paying attention to Chen Mu from the moment he joined the sect. Chen Mu''s meteoric rise had surprised him, but even so, he had not anticipated Chen Mu would reach such a level in just a few short years, with a strength now comparable to that of Feng Hongsheng and others.


    Furthermore, as Chen Mu stood before him today, Qi Zhiyuan, with his unique Perception Technique, could no longer clearly sense Chen Mu''s aura. It felt ethereal like clouds, a definite sign of one whose martial skills and power had reached their pinnacle.


    One must know.


    Just a few short years ago, Chen Mu was simply a new True Disciple at the Five Viscera Realm.


    "Reporting back to Elder Qi, on my trip to Han Prefecture, I discovered two locations,"


    Seeing that the Protector of Great Profound Peak had left and only he and Qi Zhiyuan remained in the courtyard, Chen Mu didn''t beat around the bush and reported the intelligence he had gathered from Tuguhou: "Secluded Silent Valley and Snow Maiden Mountain. Both locations are related to the Sky Demon Sect and Heavenly Corpse Sect. They are either their main altar locations or important branches."


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s intelligence report, Qi Zhiyuan''s expression immediately turned grave as he asked, "Is this reliable?"


    "Not certain, but it should be without deceit..."


    Chen Mu then briefly recounted the death of Tuguhou and the specific circumstances of the questioning before his death.


    After listening,


    a trace of astonishment appeared in Qi Zhiyuan''s eyes.


    "You killed Tuguhou?"


    Chen Mu, naturally, would not exaggerate such a matter without cause. Since he stated it so, it left no room for error. This revelation once again brought a sense of amazement to Qi Zhiyuan who had thought Chen Mu''s ranking at third place on the Wind Cloud List was already worthy of admiration. He had not expected Chen Mu to be capable of defeating and even slaying Tuguhou of the Uma Tribe!


    Many factors influence a martial artist''s confrontation, including timing and geographical advantages. Defeating Tuguhou was not too difficult. People like Feng Hongsheng and Shi Zhenyong, given the right circumstances, could quite comfortably defeat Tuguhou. Defeating is one thing, but slaying is much harder.


    "He was too careless,"


    Chen Mu said calmly.


    If Tuguhou had solely focused on escape, not coming near him and immediately fleeing a thousand miles upon even a slight approach, then, although Chen Mu''s movement technique was also quite good, a chase would become troublesome. Even if he could ultimately deal with Tuguhou, it would require some effort since, at Tuguhou''s level, it was rare to find a master who was not proficient in movement techniques without any weaknesses.


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    However, if Tuguhou dared to come near him, that was tantamount to seeking death, especially if he dared to make a move against Chen Mu, thereby forfeiting any chance of survival he might have had. To directly confront him was no different from courting death.


    "For someone like Tuguhou to have been killed by you, even if he underestimated you, your strength must have far exceeded his expectations. Your power goes beyond just being third on the Wind Cloud List."


    Qi Zhiyuan exclaimed.


    If a Grandmaster like Tuguhou were determined to flee, even Qi Zhiyuan himself was not absolutely sure he could stop him.


    For such a figure to die at Chen Mu''s hands, even if there was carelessness and misjudgment involved, Chen Mu''s strength was undoubtedly formidable. With this feat, he was enough to rise to the first position of the Wind Cloud List, probably not far behind Qi Zhiyuan himself!


    Chen Mu,


    indeed, was an unparalleled prodigy in the Cold North Path for a century... no, even for a millennium. Looking across the entire Da Xuan Dynasty, in the history since its establishment, there have been only a handful who could compare to Chen Mu.


    Nonetheless, Qi Zhiyuan was ultimately the Acting Sect Master of Seven Profound Sect, a renowned Grandmaster in his own right. He quickly composed himself and pondered, "If it''s as you say, then the credibility of this intelligence is indeed high, and it is certainly something we can use to make arrangements. However, if it''s truly the main altars of those two sects, we cannot act rashly; this requires meticulous planning."


    The main altars of Sky Demon Sect and Heavenly Corpse Sect.


    If they could launch a surprise attack and forcefully break through their main altars, then the wealth of resources accumulated over hundreds of years could fall substantially into Seven Profound Sect''s hands, a matter of great significance!


    But indeed, such a matter requires meticulous planning, whether Seven Profound Sect acts alone or includes Ice Extreme Palace and Heavenly Sword Sect and needs to be carefully considered. After all, both Sky Demon Sect and Heavenly Corpse Sect are not pushovers. Even if they''ve been suppressed by the Da Xuan Dynasty Court for hundreds of years and have only re-emerged in this time of chaos, they indeed have the heritage of a sect.


    Furthermore, we must also consider the Foreign Races outside our borders and their potential support and alliances.


    "Hmm,"


    Chen Mu nodded slightly.


    He was not overly concerned about what decision Seven Profound Sect would make. By reporting the intelligence, he had completed his task. Although his strength was indeed formidable, he could not single-handedly destroy the main altar of the Sky Demon Sect. If Seven Profound Sect decided to act, then he would follow and act together, waiting to see how Qi Zhiyuan... no, how the Supreme Elder would decide.


    In matters like dealing with the main altars of Sky Demon Sect or Heavenly Corpse Sect, it was obvious that Qi Zhiyuan was not the final decision-maker. If the sect really decided to act, then likely all high-ranking officials of Seven Profound Sect would be mobilized, and not even Qi Zhiyuan could command so many people. Only the Blood Exchange Realm''s Supreme Elder of Seven Profound Sect had that authority.

 Chapter 315 The Unanswerable Inquiry

    "Additionally, there''s another matter. The Sect''s Mansion Treasury has a Divine Soaring Stone, and I would like to exchange this spirit weapon for it,"


    Having said this, Chen Mu took out the curved spirit blade of Tuguhou from beneath his robe. Although the quality of this spirit weapon was similar to that of the Cold Soul Spirit Blade and was not top-notch¡ªit was a somewhat niche spirit weapon of the Blood Fiend class¡ªits value was comparable to that of the Divine Soaring Stone. After all, forging a spirit weapon equivalent to the Cold Soul Spirit Blade with a Divine Soaring Stone would require pairing it with some precious supplementary materials.


    Qi Zhiyuan looked at the curved spirit blade Chen Mu handed over, weighed it in his hand, and then nodded slightly, "This should be Tuguhou''s spirit blade. I will have someone send you the Divine Soaring Stone."


    At this point,


    he paused briefly and looked at Chen Mu. "You need the Divine Soaring Stone to smith a Qiankun spirit weapon, I presume? It''s not easy to gather all eight materials. If there''s anything you lack, I could assist in finding one or two for you."


    Among all spirit weapons in the world, Qiankun spirit weapons are the most difficult to forge, since every required material is a rarity in itself. Almost each of them, if taken separately and paired with appropriate assisting materials, could be forged into a spirit blade comparable to the Cold Soul Spirit Blade.


    Not to mention the even scarcer ''Tai Qing Qi'' among them.


    The value of a Qiankun spirit weapon is almost higher than ten Cold Soul Spirit Blades. Once forged, each is at least as powerful as the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram, but ordinary people are unable to wield it. Only someone like Chen Mu, who cultivates the Qiankun lineage, can utilize its full potential. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If it were in the past, when Chen Mu first entered the Wind Cloud List, even if he held a Qiankun spirit weapon, it would attract envy due to its value, something even a Grandmaster would covet. But now, ranked third on the Wind Cloud List and with the likes of Tuguhou dying at his hands, Chen Mu certainly had the qualifications to forge and possess a Qiankun spirit weapon.


    With such strength and status, it wouldn''t attract too much covetousness anymore.


    "I still lack Tai Qing Qi, South Ming Fire, and Sea Calming Pearl, these three types."


    Chen Mu kept his composure and did not conceal his needs, stating outright the three materials he lacked.


    Although he had already sent the Hua Nongyue sisters to search for information on his behalf, having the Seven Profound Sect assist in the search wouldn''t hurt. As for revealing he already had the other five materials, he wasn''t worried about this information leaking now¡ªhis power was sufficient to keep them secure.


    "You''ve already found five types?"


    Qi Zhiyuan was surprised to hear Chen Mu''s words.


    Materials comparable to the Divine Soaring Stone, although not the sort that renowned Grandmasters would desperately contend for, were indeed scarce and tightly-held resources. Whenever someone acquired such materials, they were swiftly traded or crafted into a spirit weapon to suit their needs.


    For Chen Mu to have amassed four other components comparable to the Divine Soaring Stone since ascending to the Wind Cloud List¡ªa position he hadn''t held for all that long¡ªwas not just a matter of strength, but also of fate and opportunity.


    However,


    gathering all eight materials was inevitably more challenging as one progressed, often leading to duplicated finds that needed to be exchanged for the ones still needed. For any Grandmaster, this was a massive project that required significant effort and attention.


    "Yes, once I receive the Divine Soaring Stone, that will make five,"


    Chen Mu nodded faintly at Qi Zhiyuan, saying, "Should there be any news, Elder Qi can inform me. If the Sect''s Mansion Treasury acquires anything, I''m also willing to exchange it for other items of equivalent value."


    Now in his possession, the Cold Soul Spirit Blade could be used for exchange, as well as the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear. As long as he could gather all the materials to forge a Qiankun spirit weapon, the rest of the spirit weapons were no longer important to him.


    "It seems fate truly favors you,"


    Qi Zhiyuan sighed, "Very well, I will have the Sect and the Inspectorate keep an eye out."


    "Thank you for your efforts, Elder Qi. I shall take my leave now,"


    Chen Mu gave a bow to Qi Zhiyuan. Intent on not overstaying, he had other matters to attend to: freeing up time to delve once more into the Qiankun Artistic Conception, and also to pay a visit to Qin Mengjun.


    Qi Zhiyuan nodded slightly and watched as Chen Mu departed, briefly reflecting on Chen Mu''s vanishing figure. Then, with a more solemn expression and a flash, Qi Zhiyuan disappeared within the courtyard.


    The matters reported by Chen Mu were indeed significant, beyond the authority of an Acting Sect Master to resolve alone. It necessitated calling upon the Supreme Elder, as taking action against the Sky Demon Sect or the Heavenly Corpse Sect was not something a group of Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters could precipitate lightly.


    ...


    Chen Mu made his way down from the Great Profound Peak.


    Without lingering on the main peak, he quickly headed back to the Spirit Profound Peak, arriving at its base before long.


    Gazing up at the tranquil and elegant Spirit Profound Peak, a ripple of emotion crossed Chen Mu''s heart; he had been under its tutelage for almost four years. He had arrived with just a glimpse into the mysteries of Martial Arts, and now he stood as a Grandmaster.


    If Qin Mengjun knew of his current cultivation realm, she would surely be astounded once more.


    Thinking of Qin Mengjun, his mentor, Chen Mu''s expression softened into a smile. Although their time together was brief, it was she who had guided and cared for him when he was weak. While his talent and perception would have undoubtedly taken him to his current heights, his mentor Qin Mengjun had certainly spared him from some detours along the way.


    Ascending the mountain path,


    This time, Chen Mu did not deliberately conceal his presence and walked leisurely along the familiar path. Soon, he met many inner sect disciples of the Spirit Profound Peak, including quite a few fresh, innocent new faces.


    Even though Chen Mu hadn''t returned to Spirit Profound Peak for quite some time, some of the older Inner Sect Disciples still recognized him. When they saw Chen Mu climbing the mountain path, they hurriedly paid their respects in surprise.


    "Brother Chen!"


    "Brother Chen!"


    Along the mountain path, disciples respectfully saluted Chen Mu everywhere he went. Continue your adventure with My Virtual Library Empire


    In today''s Spirit Profound Peak, who doesn''t know of the former successor Chen Mu, now the Protector, with his illustrious reputation? He''s a being whose name sits within the top three of the Wind Cloud List. In Spirit Profound Peak, he''s second only to the Peak Master, Qin Mengjun, an expert with an exceptional talent who, in just a few years, has cultivated to his current realm, standing shoulder to shoulder with real grandmasters.


    Along the way, Chen Mu also saw some familiar figures, such as Jin Ling''er.


    "Uh... Brother Chen."


    Jin Ling''er, wearing a clean new robe of Spirit Profound Peak''s Inner Sect Disciples, hurriedly greeted Chen Mu with a salute upon seeing him. In her mouth, she subconsciously wanted to shout ''Benefactor,'' but instead, she changed it to ''brother.''


    Chen Mu stopped in his tracks and looked at Jin Ling''er, his eyes appraising her. He could sense her Qi-Blood was abundant and surging, clearly not only had she completed Skin Toughening Perfection, but she had also nearly mastered the First Realm of Body Refinement, approaching the Tendon Changing stage.


    "Have you completed Body Refinement Perfection?"


    Chen Mu asked Jin Ling''er kindly.


    Jin Ling''er, somewhat embarrassed, replied, "I just achieved it a few days ago..."


    Actually,


    among the younger generation of Inner Sect disciples at Spirit Profound Peak, her progress in cultivation was the fastest. It had only been a year and a half since she joined the Sect, and she had already made leaps and bounds to reach Body Refinement Perfection. This was not only due to her unique physique and constitution but also because she never slackened in her efforts after joining the Sect, coupled with her good talent and the Sect''s ample resources.


    Even so, in front of Chen Mu, she didn''t exhibit any pride. Or more accurately, in the current Seven Profound Sect, among the younger generation, or even among all disciples from previous generations, no one had any right to be proud in front of Chen Mu. Even those with dazzlingly rare talents, like Zhou Hao, would pale in comparison to him.


    "You''ve done well, cultivation must not be neglected. Since you have chosen the path of Martial Arts, then do not waste your natural talents,"


    Chen Mu whispered to Jin Ling''er.


    Actually, Chen Mu felt some admiration for Jin Ling''er''s talent. Her physique was naturally gifted, needing only to properly cultivate a Skin Toughening Method and Body Refinement Method to naturally bring both practices to their limits, developing a Horizontally Trained Body.


    If he had possessed a physique like Jin Ling''er''s, the process of Skin Toughening and Body Refinement would''ve been much faster.


    No.


    If he really had such a physique, he wouldn''t have spent two years in obscurity among the lower-ranked servants. Such a unique and powerful Physique would have certainly caught the eye of someone with some level of insight. Either he would have been directly admitted to one of the four major families, or even more likely, selected by the Seven Profound Sect''s Inspectorate which scouts disciples annually, to directly enter the Sect for cultivation.


    Had he begun his journey in the Seven Profound Sect, his current strength and realm would have been even higher.


    Of course, Chen Mu wasn''t so wistful about these possibilities. If he could make a choice, he would still choose the path he had taken, rising from Yu City, where he had met people like Xiao He and Xu Hongyu.


    Unknowingly, Chen Mu suddenly felt a slight elevation in his state of mind. This was a spiritual ascension, an augmentation of his Martial Arts will, and at his current realm, having achieved mastery and unity of spirit and body, the manifestation of this change was a finer and more exquisite control over his Martial Body.


    "A journey of cultivation has no return..."


    Chen Mu understood this change clearly, as if looking into a polished mirror.


    To be without guilt in one''s heart is an introspection of the self, acting without reproach, and having no regrets is to carry out actions without any remorse, without a doubt choosing the same path even when given a chance to start over, without hesitation.


    The ultimate realization of "A journey of cultivation has no return" is that, given different life paths and freedom to choose... one would still select the present one and advance without turning back. This is a firm answer to one''s true heart and the path one has taken.


    A journey of cultivation has no return.


    There''s nothing that needs looking back upon. Rising from Yu City, meeting Xu Hongyu and others, and walking to where he is now today, even if there were better paths, better choices, or a better life, he would not start all over again, nor would he spare them a second glance.


    A state of mind is a gradual process of evolution and transformation. Chen Mu had long understood the principle of "A journey of cultivation has no return," but understanding it does not mean an instantaneous arrival at such a state of mind. Just as everyone knows "The bodhi is not a tree, nor is the mirror a stand," knowledge does not imply the ability to reach that state of existence.


    One needs to constantly question their true intentions, continuously hone their progress, to eventually reach a moment of transcendence.


    Like a dragonfly skimming water, silent and unnoticeable, causing ripples to spread in ever-widening circles.


    Chen Mu knew that at that moment, his state of mind had silently entered the ultimate path of Martial Arts will. Moving forward, not only would his control over the power of his Martial Body be even more solidified, but his efficiency in comprehending the Artistic Conception would also greatly improve.


    This state of mind isn''t permanent; encountering certain events or mundane entanglements could cause one to fall from it. However, the longer one remains in this state, the greater the benefits. This closeness to nature and the universe is something desired by many in the Blood Exchange Realm, a state they seek to maintain permanently.

 Chapter 316 Approaching

    "...Chen, Brother Chen?"


    Jin Ling''er noticed Chen Mu''s gaze, suddenly staring at her fixedly, causing her to be slightly stunned for a moment. Then, her cheeks involuntarily blushed, and she couldn''t help but avert her eyes, not daring to meet Chen Mu''s gaze.


    Why was Chen Mu staring at her like that?


    If Brother Chen had feelings for her... what should she do?


    Although she was a girl from the mountains of Bi Prefecture, who, after coming to the Seven Profound Sect, was wholeheartedly pursuing Martial Arts, she was still a girl of her age, naive and sensitive. Her thoughts flew into disarray, even wandering back to the first time she met Chen Mu, when he had saved her, and she thought about repaying him with her body. The more she thought about it, the more bashful she became, even her head began to shrink down.


    Chen Mu, however, didn''t notice the girl''s jumbled thoughts. His brief trance and absent-mindedness were due to a quiet metamorphosis of his state of mind. Once he regained his senses, he felt his state of mind peaceful and calm, like a still water in a clear mirror, as if all worries and anxieties had drifted far away.


    "Work hard."


    Chen Mu gave Jin Ling''er a warm smile.


    Then, he shifted his gaze away and continued walking up the mountain.


    Jin Ling''er watched as Chen Mu turned and left, her tension in her heart easing slightly, but then she felt somewhat wistful. She stared blankly at Chen Mu''s retreating figure until it had long disappeared, before she finally snapped back to reality. Clenching her little fists, she repeated the words of encouragement from Chen Mu, firmed up her resolve, and turned to continue her cultivation.


    "Benefactor."


    Just as Chen Mu had turned away from Jin Ling''er and walked a short distance up the mountain, another unexpected event took place. Another little girl, younger than Jin Ling''er and appearing to be about fourteen or fifteen, ran into him on the mountain steps. She was slightly stunned and then knelt down reverently, offering a grand salute.


    It is not necessary for fellow disciples, brothers and sisters, to kneel to each other. Even Inner Sect Disciples, when facing Chen Mu, only need to give a nod of the head as a sign of respect. Only if Chen Mu were to truly assume the position of an Elder or Peak Master in the Sect, elevating his status, would it be necessary for them to call him Uncle Master and kneel.


    The girl''s act of kneeling took Chen Mu by surprise, but he didn''t prevent her from continuing her salute. Looking at her eyes, he felt a slight sense of familiarity. With his current keen state of mind, it took mere moments to recall who she was.


    "Are you Zhao Xiaohong?"


    "Benefactor still remembers me?"


    The girl remained kneeling, looking up at Chen Mu with eyes full of admiration and respect.


    "Indeed it''s you. I do remember you. You''re a new disciple of Spirit Profound Peak, right? Stand up, now that you''re under Spirit Profound Peak, you should just call me Brother in the future."


    Chen Mu looked at the girl before him, not surprised by her reaction, and responded with a gentle expression. He then gently lifted a hand, and a wisp of invisible Qi Force helped the girl to her feet.


    Zhao Xiaohong.


    She was the young girl ''Hong''er,'' whom he had saved on the river during the floods in Yu County many years ago.


    Years had passed, times had changed, and unexpectedly the girl had also shown talent in Martial Arts. Now she too had been chosen by the Seven Profound Sect, and she became one of their disciples. Judging by her attire, an Inner Sect Disciple, she must have possessed enough innate talent to be admitted directly into the Inner Sect.


    "Yes, Brother."


    Zhao Xiaohong offered an obedient bow, looking at Chen Mu with eyes full of longing.


    Her opportunity to join the Seven Profound Sect, although partly due to the Sect''s recruitment of disciples and her passing the talent assessment, could not have been possible without Chen Mu''s help many years before. Otherwise, she would have drowned in the river that day.


    What''s more, she had grown up listening to Chen Mu''s exploits. Especially after joining the Seven Profound Sect, she became more aware of the incredible stories surrounding Chen Mu, and her admiration for him needn''t be mentioned. Experience tales with My Virtual Library Empire


    "How is your grandfather doing?"


    Chen Mu, recalling the past, felt a bit of nostalgia and asked Zhao Xiaohong.


    Upon hearing the question, Zhao Xiaohong''s gaze finally fell, and in a low voice, she said:


    "Grandfather passed away last year."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Mu nodded gently.


    Old Man Zhao was already over fifty many years ago. For commoners who knew no Martial Arts, living past fifty was generally considered to die a good death. If he had passed away last year, he might have lived past sixty, which amongst the common folk would be considered a long life.


    Even in times of peace, not many could live to sixty unscathed. For ordinary people, even a common cold could be deadly. When Chen Mu first arrived in this world, he had barely clung to life, suffering from a severe cold and lack of medical treatment. If not for some force that made his condition improve quickly, it wouldn''t have been surprising if he had died on his sickbed.


    Then, there would not be a Chen Mu as he was now.


    "Everyone has their time. Being accepted into the Inner Sect of the Seven Profound Sect, your grandfather would be consoled in the afterlife."


    Chen Mu consoled Zhao Xiaohong, then gave her a careful look and asked, "To be directly accepted into the Inner Sect, you must have a good comprehension, right?"


    Zhao Xiaohong replied softly, "Answering Brother, my comprehension was rated ''Upper A'' when I entered."


    Chen Mu listened and nodded slightly, saying, "That is indeed very good. Now that you have started practicing martial arts, you must persevere and not waste your talent."


    Jin Ling''er has an A-grade constitution, and Zhao Xiaohong has an A-grade comprehension. Both have the talent to be directly admitted to the Seven Profound Sect''s Inner Sect, a level of talent that surpasses the vast majority of people. In the future, both have the potential to rise to the level of true disciples. S~ea??h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It''s a pity that these two talents cannot be combined. If they were combined, with A-grade both in comprehension and constitution, that would equal Zhou Hao''s talent. Such a gift would be a rarity in a state once every decade, and as long as one diligently cultivates, there''s a high probability of entering the top ten of the promising newcomers list, becoming a notable figure among the younger generation.


    Of course, even so, both are not lacking in any way. In the future, they might stand shoulder to shoulder with Meng Danyun. Later on, it''s not without chance for them to cultivate to the Grandmaster level, or even break through the Life and Death Pass and seek enlightenment in the Blood Exchange Realm.


    Speaking of which.


    The two girls he saved were both remarkably talented, capable of being admitted into the Inner Sect of the Seven Profound Sect. This seemed a bit coincidental, but upon reflection, it was not so strange. Throughout his journey, he had saved countless people, and it was normal for one or two among them to be exceptionally gifted.


    "Yes, Hong''er will heed Senior Brother''s teachings and will not neglect my cultivation," Zhao Xiaohong said, bowing to Chen Mu once again.


    Like Chen Mu, she came from humble beginnings, and her experiences were even more arduous than Jin Ling''er''s. Naturally, she understood the significance of being admitted to the Sect and had no intention of squandering such an opportunity.


    Chen Mu gave Zhao Xiaohong a slight nod and after offering another word of encouragement, continued along the mountain path. This time he encountered no more familiar faces, eventually reaching the summit and arriving at the rear cliff behind the main hall of Spirit Profound Peak.


    However,


    the rear cliff was empty, and the rock where Qin Mengjun typically sat in quiet meditation was vacant without a trace.


    "Is Master still in seclusion..."


    After sensing the environment around the rear cliff, Chen Mu felt no fluctuations, indicating that Qin Mengjun had not been there for quite some time. He recalled that Qin Mengjun''s condition had improved significantly since awakening from that prolonged sleep, and this seclusion had already been very lengthy. Perhaps after emerging, she would be fully recovered?


    If Qin Mengjun could return to normal, Chen Mu would naturally be happy for her, as intermittent clarity and confusion meant she could only ever remain within the confines of the Seven Profound Sect''s mountain gate, her life restricted from traveling afar.


    Without seeing Qin Mengjun, Chen Mu didn''t linger.


    He quietly descended from the peak and returned to his residence on Spirit Profound Peak, to that simple bamboo house. Even though it had been a long time since he lived in the bamboo house, it was clear someone regularly cleaned it, keeping it spotless and tidy.


    Chen Mu sat on the familiar bamboo bed and with a thought, summoned the system interface.


    [Martial Arts: Qiankun Artistic Conception (Step Two)]


    [Experience: 677 points]


    [Available Predictions: 1 time]


    The experience accumulated earlier had been transformed into prediction opportunities. However, he hadn''t had the chance to improve due to his busy journey. Now that he was back at the Sect with all his affairs in order, he finally had the opportunity to advance one level.


    After subtle changes in his mentality, Chen Mu''s martial will entered the final phase of ''Nature as the Heart'', and with the system''s experience panel, he easily deduced that his current efficiency in comprehending the world had increased two to three times more than before!


    Completing the eighth prediction of the artistic conception would reach the limit of the second step.


    This was something Chen Mu had already determined.


    With his current state, gathering enough experience for the eighth prediction would be much quicker than before, and in just a few months, he could achieve success. After that, advancing further would take him to the Qiankun Domain!


    Once he mastered the Qiankun Domain, with the Qiankun Martial Body guiding it, his power would transform once again.


    By then, facing the grandmasters of the world, they would surely fall before him like chaff before the wind. As for whether he could reach the heights of the Blood Exchange Realm and compete with that highest echelon of martial prowess, it would depend on the true power of that realm.


    Hum.


    Without hesitation, Chen Mu closed his eyes, consumed the prediction, and began the seventh prediction of the Qiankun Artistic Conception.


    Having gone through six predictions already, this prediction was smooth sailing. After cultivating his martial body and becoming a Grandmaster, his perception of the world had already transformed. Now, with the system''s predictions, he once again entered the realm where his soul heart merged with nature and he directly scrutinized the essence of all things.


    Time passed unknowingly, and when he came to his senses, he was still seated in the bamboo house. The seventh prediction of the Qiankun Artistic Conception had quietly been completed, and his Qiankun Artistic Conception was a mere step away from the limit of the second step.


    Feeling the subtle changes emerge within him, Chen Mu sensed the world around him, exhaled lightly, and as if realizing something, slowly stood up and walked to the door.


    After a few breaths,


    a figure appeared at the door. It was a protector of the Seven Profound Sect, who gave Chen Mu a bow and handed him a deep purple exotic stone with intertwining traces of thunder arc, saying "Protector Chen, this Divine Soaring Stone has been sent by Elder Qi."


    "Thank you for your troubles," replied Chen Mu, slightly nodding and taking the Divine Soaring Stone into his hand.

 Chapter 317 Qiankun Node

    Divine Soaring Stone.


    When Chen Mu took it into his hand, he felt a tingling sensation, as if he was holding a ball of electricity. It seemed to contain a vast thunderous power attempting to penetrate his body, but in the next moment, it was suppressed by his Yuan Gang Inner Strength.


    After weighing it slightly, Chen Mu put it into his bag.


    The protector from the Great Profound Peak didn''t stay long either. After seeing Chen Mu accept it, he clasped his fists towards Chen Mu.


    "Then I shall not disturb you any further," he said.


    After speaking,


    he turned around and quickly left.


    Chen Mu watched the protector from the Great Profound Peak leave and then, without another word and after a brief moment of contemplation, he looked up to the sky. A moment later, he got up and walked towards the peak.


    The seventh analysis of the Qiankun Artistic Conception was complete. Next, he needed to continue contemplating Heaven and Earth. Although he felt a slight yearning for Xu Hongyu and the others, with the imminent changes, it was not the time to return. The Seven Profound Sect might take action at any moment.


    Once again, he returned to the top of Spirit Profound Peak.


    Still, there was no sign of Qin Mengjun.


    This time, Chen Mu did not leave but instead walked towards the back cliff, where Qin Mengjun spent most of her time. He went straight to that ancient tree, which spread like an umbrella, and leaned close to a rock beside it, then looked up to the sky once more.


    "Master indeed chose a place that''s somewhat different," Chen Mu mused as he sensed Heaven and Earth nearby, his expression showing a thoughtful look. Previously, his realm was not sufficient to notice, or to say he only felt a slight anomaly. But with Qin Mengjun spending years here, he should not have approached.


    Now that Qin Mengjun wasn''t here, coming to the place where she usually resided allowed him to clearly sense that this spot seemed to be a node in the Seven Profound Sect''s Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation.


    No.


    More precisely, this place was like a weak point in the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation. If someone were to attack from here, the formation would be significantly weakened. This was a detail he could capture only after stepping into the Grandmaster level as he mastered the Qiankun Artistic Conception.


    Otherwise, whether it''s an ordinary Grandmaster or someone who has cultivated Qiankun but has not become a Grandmaster, they wouldn''t be able to determine this as certainly as he could. In other words, Qin Mengjun spent years here not just because she was sometimes lucid and sometimes confused, unable to leave the Sect, but precisely because her presence was needed to guard this node.


    "Hmm, interesting. It seems I can also connect with the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation from here."


    Chen Mu suddenly touched the rock where Qin Mengjun often sat for years, touching the spot she usually leaned against. He could vaguely sense that this rock was more than it seemed on the surface¡ªit seemed to be structured like a node in a formation, seamlessly integrated with the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation of the Seven Profound Sect.


    "Qiankun Lock Dragon, named after Qiankun, naturally has nodes above and below. I always thought that Spirit Profound Peak''s node was inside the mountain or deep within the main hall. I didn''t expect it to be here and not marked as a forbidden area... But with Master guarding this place for years, it''s indeed unnecessary to designate this area as forbidden land. Furthermore, even if Elders and Peak Masters came here, they would not detect this detail,"


    Chen Mu thought, a notion forming in his mind.


    Snap!


    Chen Mu''s hand was suddenly repelled.


    He had tentatively touched that formation node just now, but he was immediately met with a subtle rejection. He sensed that within this node, there was a force belonging to Qin Mengjun. Unless he forcefully dispersed this force, he could not affect the entire Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation through this node.


    For him at present, it would naturally be easy to disperse Qin Mengjun''s residual force, but Chen Mu certainly had no need to do such a thing; he had no intention of damaging the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation.


    However.


    As someone who practiced the Qiankun lineage and even developed the Qiankun Martial Body, his repulsion from the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation was minimal. Even though this node had been controlled by Qin Mengjun for years, it only refused his force to enter, but a light touch was still possible.


    Chen Mu touched it again, this time not trying to penetrate Qin Mengjun''s aura or infiltrate the node, but rather trying to connect with the Formation''s node from the outer side.


    As expected.


    This time the node offered no resistance to him, allowing his Inner Breath to connect with the formation.


    Almost at the moment when Chen Mu''s Inner Breath connected with the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, his vision abruptly changed, feeling as if the heavens and the earth were spinning and stars were shifting. His perspective seemed to suddenly leave his body, rising infinitely as if he had ascended to the high heavens, overlooking the entire Seven Profound Sect, the entire Seven Profound mountain range!


    He felt as though he had become part of this mountain range, a part of this grand expanse of Heaven and Earth¡ªalmost as if he possessed boundless might capable of moving everything in the world.


    This sensation was similar to when he broke through the Mysterious Pass¡ªhis Soul Heart connecting with Heaven and Earth, aiming directly at the essence of Heaven and Earth, whereas his current connection was limited within the range covered by the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, limited only to this section of the Seven Profound mountain range. Enjoy more content from My Virtual Library Empire


    "This is... the Qiankun Lock Dragon."


    Chen Mu felt the change and couldn''t help but murmur to himself.


    Of course.


    He knew that the sensation of merging with the world, feeling as though he had become one with the entire Seven Profound mountain range, was merely an illusion. It felt as though he could manipulate the entire range, but in reality, he could not.


    It was because his Inner Breath was connected only to the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, and it was the circulation of the formation that gave rise to his macroscopic perspective. In fact, his power was unable to truly penetrate into the formation and could not actually control this power.


    Unless he interfered with the node in front of him, completely destroyed and dispersed Qin Mengjun''s imprint, and fused his power with it, only then could he genuinely mobilize a small part of the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation''s power, but that would just be a small part.


    After all.


    This node was only a node, not the Formation Core.


    Even the fact that he could gain this macroscopic perspective through this node, qualifying him to manipulate a small portion of the Qiankun Lock Dragon Force, was because his entry into the martial path through Qiankun, along with the Qiankun Artistic Conception and Qiankun Martial Body, had almost no conflict with the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation. There was no rejection from the formation, which allowed him to achieve this.


    Otherwise, even if another grandmaster were here, like Qin Mengjun, who completely controlled this node, she would likely only bask in the perception of being connected to the Heaven and Earth Formation and would be unable to mobilize the formation''s power here.


    "In the past, she was sometimes confused, sometimes clear-headed, but whether clouded or lucid, her Inner Breath was probably always connected to the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, constantly maintaining that perception of merging with Heaven and Earth..."


    Chen Mu vaguely seemed to realize something.


    Qin Mengjun was exceptionally talented; she was the youngest top grandmaster in the Cold North Path and even reached the threshold of the Blood Exchange Realm early on. Despite being sabotaged during her Blood Exchange attempt and suffering damage to her Mysterious Pass, if she remained in this state for years, she might have the chance to gradually recover her damaged Soul Heart. Qiankun is Nature and Heaven and Earth, and born from Heaven and Earth, one can naturally heal.


    Of course, this was just his speculation. If it were true, perhaps after this retreat, Qin Mengjun would return to her normal state, especially since an important turning point must have led her to leave the rear cliff and find somewhere else to seclude herself for recuperation.


    Thinking this.


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly, gathering his thoughts back to the present.


    If Qin Mengjun could recover her past Soul Heart injuries, then naturally, he would be happy for her.


    Speaking of which, the heritage of a Great Sect like the Seven Profound Sect is truly extraordinary. Just like this node, when he connected his Inner Breath with the formation, the state it produced that seemed to merge with Heaven and Earth could more than double the efficacy of comprehending the world!


    Even.


    If he fully infiltrated his Inner Breath into it and took control of this node, he could use the power of the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation to refine his Qiankun Martial Body, greatly enhancing the efficiency of cultivating his Martial Body.


    For a grandmaster who wishes to refine their Martial Body to Perfection without any assistance or the aid of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items, it might take thirty to forty years. But with a formation like the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, harnessing The Power of Heaven and Earth for Body Refining, connected together, efficiency would greatly increase, perhaps taking only ten to twenty years to reach near-perfection.


    "So fast, so fast."


    Chen Mu exclaimed several times in a row.


    Though he was not currently using the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation to refine his Martial Body, simply comprehending Heaven and Earth in this state, he could see his Experience rapidly increasing on the system panel.


    It should be known that his current state of mind had already reached a tranquil realm of stillness and emptiness, significantly enhancing his efficiency in contemplating Heaven and Earth. Now, aided by the marvelous state produced by the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, his efficiency was multifold. Therefore, he might not even need two months to complete his eighth deduction!


    This is the foundation that only true Martial Arts Grandmasters can enjoy in a Sect.


    The rest, even those in the Six Viscera Realm, as long as they have not broken through the Mysterious Pass to cultivate a Martial Body, cannot achieve this kind of perception of merging with Heaven and Earth through connecting their Inner Breath with a formation node.


    After realizing this, Chen Mu began to ponder whether he should use the power of the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation to refine his Qiankun Martial Body.


    If he decided to do so, it would inevitably trigger the entire Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, which could not be done silently; therefore, he would need to proactively inform Qi Zhiyuan and the Supreme Elder.


    Without a doubt.


    If the Supreme Elder of the Seven Profound Sect knew he had reached the level of a grandmaster, it would be impossible for him to be denied the use of the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation. Perhaps they would be eager for him to wholly utilize the formation''s power to refine his Qiankun Martial Body to Perfection as soon as possible so that he could dominate the world and add an unparalleled martial power to intimidate all directions for the Seven Profound Sect.


    But Qin Mengjun''s sabotage incident had instilled some caution in him. Even if the Supreme Elder covered for him, using the Qiankun Lock Dragon Force to refine his body was risky. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was different from his current state, where he was simply connected through Inner Breath to comprehend Heaven and Earth. If he used it for Body Refining, any external impact or influence could cause a backlash to himself, just like what happened to Qin Mengjun previously.


    "If only I could root out the traitor in the Seven Profound Sect, who could it be?"


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly in his mind.


    Qin Mengjun''s experience had certainly made him extremely cautious. He preferred to be steady rather than take risks.

 Chapter 318 Elder

    After much deliberation,


    Chen Mu still felt there was no need.


    Although relying on the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation to refine his body could greatly enhance the efficiency of his cultivation of the Qiankun Martial Body, the Seven Profound Sect was currently facing internal strife and external threats. It was uncertain if there were any issues within, and sects such as the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion were eyeing it with covetous intent.


    Especially if the fact that he had become a Qiankun Grandmaster were to be exposed at this time, it would probably not just shake the Cold North Eleven States, but the entire Da Xuan Dynasty would be astounded. By then, the attention turned towards the Seven Profound Sect would not only come from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion!


    Even if the Seven Profound Sect was powerful, even if it had a Blood Exchange Realm Supreme Elder, and had a foundation like the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, if it truly caused a shift in the entire world''s structure and attracted the threat of more than one Blood Exchange Realm powerhouse, the situation would become very dire.


    The biggest problem was,


    he himself still lacked the ability to face a Blood Exchange Realm existence alone.


    Having not yet comprehended his Domain, the Qiankun Martial Body was only at its initial stage; he could currently match some unparalleled grandmasters, but in front of those top-tier Blood Exchange Realm fighters of this world, he was still weak, still lacking the power to truly protect himself.


    If he could refine the Qiankun Domain, when facing a Blood Exchange Realm, he would possess the power to retreat unscathed. Then, even if he revealed his Realm, it would not be a concern. By that time, he would truly be able to go anywhere under the heavens, and even if he attracted the attention of the world, he could simply flee. He would leave the Seven Profound Sect if needed and go to another state, or the Outer Sea. Who could do anything to him then?!


    No matter how numerous the enemies, he would have nothing to fear.


    However,


    at this moment in time, he still needed to lay low and avoid drawing the attention of the Blood Exchange Realm, stirring up world-shaking upheaval.


    Considering this, Chen Mu suppressed the longing in his heart, steadied his mood, and continued to maintain the state where his Inner Breath was connected to the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, using it to comprehend the heavens and earth, and to meditate on the Qiankun Artistic Conception.


    Just like this,


    time flew by swiftly, and six or seven days passed in a blink of an eye.


    Chen Mu stood erect at the back cliff of Spirit Profound Peak, leaning against the rock beside him, silently gazing up at the sky as if quietly meditating on the natural world. He appeared like a lifelike stone sculpture, motionless.


    Finally,


    perhaps sensing some change, Chen Mu, who had maintained his posture for six or seven days, finally moved slightly. He took his hand off the rock and slowly opened his eyes.


    His eyes were as calm as an ancient well, and he calmly summoned the system interface to take a look.


    [Martial Arts: Qiankun Artistic Conception (Step Two)]


    [Experience: 3328 points]


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    In just seven days, his Qiankun Artistic Conception had surged by nearly two thousand experience points. This was almost in line with his previous estimation that in at most a month, he would complete the eighth refinement of the Qiankun Artistic Conception.


    At this time, he rather hoped that the Seven Profound Sect would not instigate any battles for the moment, that Qin Mengjun would retreat and meditate for a longer period, allowing him to deduce the Qiankun Artistic Conception at this formation point for a few more months and perfect the Qiankun Domain.


    But what was bound to come would eventually arrive.


    "Protector Chen, come to the Great Profound Hall."


    A quiet voice, solidified into a thread, transmitted from a distant and unknown place, inexplicably resounding beside Chen Mu''s ear.


    Chen Mu''s expression remained calm, his gaze showed no ripples, and he stood firm on the back cliff before stepping forward. His entire body leapt directly from the summit of Spirit Profound Peak, light as a feather in the void, gliding gracefully towards Great Profound Peak in the distance.


    Without a sound,


    he once again ascended the main peak of the Seven Profound Sect, Great Profound Peak, and arrived in front of the towering Great Profound Peak''s main hall. He looked up at the main hall and then stepped inside.


    Before entering the hall, he was already aware of the many extraordinary presences within the main hall. Nearly each aura was thick and solid, all belonging to Marrow Cleansing Realm grandmasters. There were close to a dozen such auras!


    "Chen Mu has arrived."


    As soon as Chen Mu entered the main hall, many eyes turned towards him.


    Inside the main hall, more than ten figures¡ªsome with weathered faces and graying temples, others with burly statures emanating an unyielding aura¡ªwearing a variety of different garments. Qi Zhiyuan sat at the highest position, while the others stood on both sides of the hall.


    These people were the Peak Masters of the various peaks of the Seven Profound Sect, as well as the sect''s Elders. Apart from Shi Zhenyong, Feng Hongsheng, Wu Changxi, and Qin Mengjun not being present, the rest were almost all in attendance. However, Chen Mu did not recognize half of them.


    After all, he had not spent much time in the sect, and most of it was spent in cultivation, with his rise to prominence being short. As many of the Sect''s Elders and grandmasters spent years outside, it was quite normal for him not to recognize everyone.


    At this moment,


    seeing Chen Mu enter, the many Elders and Peak Masters who were watching him displayed various expressions. Some had sharp glances, some observed him carefully, others attempted to sense Chen Mu''s aura, but could only feel it as one with everything, unable to discern anything, their eyes revealing a hint of surprise.


    "Nephew Chen need not be overly courteous. With your strength now comparable to us old fellows, you are well enough to sit on an equal footing with us. Indeed, the young excel the old."


    The person closest to Chen Mu stroked his beard and said to Chen Mu with a smile.


    Chen Mu gave a slight bow and said, "How could a junior like me compare with all the seniors here?"


    "No need for modesty."


    Qi Zhiyuan gave a slight nod to Chen Mu and said, "The path of Martial Arts has always favored the accomplished. With your current strength, who would dare underestimate you in the slightest? By the decree of the Supreme Order, effective immediately, you are now the Vice Peak Master of Spirit Profound Peak and have entered the Elders'' Court."


    If it were only being among the top ten on the Wind Cloud List, even if one''s strength was on par with an average grandmaster, it would still be debatable whether one could become an elder of the Seven Profound Sect. However, being within the top three of the Wind Cloud List meant one could sit on an equal footing with a grandmaster and hold the position of an elder. Not to mention that Chen Mu had also slain Tuguhou; his strength might already be considered the first on the Wind Cloud List.


    Nonetheless, admission to the Elders'' Court had to be sanctioned by Yin Heng, the Supreme Elder, after all, once one became an elder of the Seven Profound Sect, they would have the qualification to participate in all external affairs of the Sect and have authority over various dispatches, and they could even make decisions on major Sect matters through discussion. It could be said that they held high power and status. Within the Sect, their status was second only to the Supreme Elder.


    Even the Sect Master of the Seven Profound Sect had no right to directly order the elders around; such matters had to be discussed collectively in the Elders'' Court. This also closely aligned with the nature of strength being held in the highest regard, after all, the Seven Profound Sect was not led by an elder of the Blood Exchange Realm. Even someone as strong as Qi Zhiyuan and those like Feng Hongsheng and Shi Zhenyong were ultimately on the same level, just slightly stronger.


    They were all grandmasters of their generation, capable of traversing the land unopposed. Who would casually obey the orders of others?


    Of course.


    If Qin Mengjun were to take over as Sect Master, with her strength as a top-tier grandmaster, she would certainly be able to subdue many elder peak masters. There wouldn''t be many who would dare to go against her wishes, but this presupposes she is in her prime, not in her current state.


    Upon hearing Qi Zhiyuan''s words, Chen Mu was not surprised at that moment. After he had demonstrated the strength to slay three Great Demon Venerables and risen to the third spot on the Wind Cloud List, it was only a matter of time before he would take his place in the Elders'' Court of the Seven Profound Sect. Xia Yu''r, who was in the top three, and others like Lin Han, who had once been in the top three, held the position of elder in the Hehuan Sect and Heavenly Sword Sect respectively.


    The only thing he lacked was his relatively young age and not having been a disciple of the Seven Profound Sect for long enough. But in a world where strength was revered, power could determine many things. If he had only slain the three Great Demon Venerables, perhaps his entry into the Elders'' Court would have been postponed for a few more years, but with the death of Tuguhou at his hands, stepping into the role of an elder of the Seven Profound Sect was no surprise at all.


    "Elder Chen might not yet be acquainted with the people present. Let me introduce them to you."


    The person closest to Chen Mu smiled at Chen Mu and said, "I am Liu Tong, Peak Master of Shao Profound Peak. Although I am twenty years your senior, in terms of seniority, we are actually of the same generation..."


    Peak Master of Shao Profound Peak, Liu Tong.


    Qin Mengjun had told him about Liu Tong, who was also a grandmaster cultivating the Qian Heaven method, but compared to Qin Mengjun, Liu Tong had only mastered the Qiankun Martial Body and had not yet grasped the Qian Heaven Domain. Of course, this was also related to his age, as he was the youngest grandmaster of the Seven Profound Sect, having broken through the Mysterious Pass at the age of forty-three, and was now only fifty years old.


    Even as the youngest, because of his training in the Qiankun Martial Body, his strength was still extremely formidable. Once he could perfect the Qiankun Martial Body in the future and cultivate the Qian Heaven Domain, he would become a top-tier grandmaster on par with Qin Mengjun.


    Chen Mu gave a small bow to Liu Tong and said,


    "Peak Master Liu."


    He remembered when he first joined the Seven Profound Sect, Qin Mengjun had mentioned Liu Tong to him. But ultimately, he didn''t become a disciple under Shao Profound Peak. Today, not only was he of the same generation as Liu Tong, but his status was also equal.


    Liu Tong smiled, pointed at the elder who had spoken first, and said:


    "This is Elder Fang Yuan..."


    Fang Yuan.


    Fang Family of the Yu State Government Office.


    Chen Mu silently recalled the name, remembering that the backer of the Cuiyan Mountain Villa was the Fang Family, and that Elder Fang was the person behind it. Cuiyan Mountain Villa was involved with the Sky Demon Sect, might this Elder Fang be a problematic figure within the Seven Profound Sect?


    Or could it be one of the others present?


    Many thoughts flashed through Chen Mu''s mind, but he remained composed on the surface, exchanged pleasantries with Fang Yuan, and then met with the rest of the peak masters and elders under the guidance of Liu Tong.


    Having met the backers of the six major families of the Yu State Government Office, with the exception of the old ancestor from the Liu Family, who was very old and had withdrawn from participating in any Sect affairs many years ago, his acquaintances were now complete.


    "Now that we are all acquainted with one another, let''s not waste any more time with pleasantries."


    "Decisions should be made swiftly; hesitation leads to complications."


    After Chen Mu had met all the peak masters and elders present, Qi Zhiyuan stepped forward, took out a signal arrow, and spoke with a grave voice, "This is the Supreme Order from Yin Heng, although I presume you all are already aware."


    "..."


    Chen Mu stood silently in the corner, saying nothing.


    It seemed that this decision had not been discussed in the Elders'' Court but was a direct command from Yin Heng, the Supreme. The final order assembled the Seven Profound Sect''s main forces to advance on Secluded Silent Valley!


    This mission did not include the forces of Ice Extreme Palace and Heavenly Sword Sect. Whether Secluded Silent Valley was the Sky Demon Sect''s Main Altar or merely an important stronghold, it was clear that Yin Heng and Qi Zhiyuan shared the same view: mobilizing the Sect''s grandmaster forces to strike decisively. If the Sky Demon Sect''s defenses in Secluded Silent Valley were weak, they would swallow it whole in one fell swoop!


    The situation in Ice State was chaotic, which undoubtedly presented an opportunity!


    Many overt strengths of the Sky Demon Sect were scattered across Ice State and also entangled with Ice Extreme Palace and Heavenly Sword Sect. It was unlikely that many were left guarding the Main Altar. If they could breach the Main Altar, the gains would be significant.


    After all, even if the Sky Demon Sect was an Evil Path Sect, it had existed for hundreds of years, and its accumulation of various resources and heritage was certainly not trivial.

 Chapter 319 Sky Demon Sect Main Altar

    Ice State, Han Prefecture.


    Secluded Silent Valley.


    This is a realm located to the northwest of Han Prefecture, resembling a frozen wilderness of low hills. The barren, yellowed earth scarcely bears any vegetation, and the piercing chill is enough to freeze one''s blood. Wherever the eye wanders, there is only desolation.


    Yet, in the heart of this desolate and uninhabited valley, hidden beneath the surface of the earth, lies a terrifying vista, akin to hell itself!


    Piled skulls form ridges, and bones strewn about like forests, with hair and flesh matted together like carpets of filth and human skin worked into mud. The thick, acrid stench of blood is nauseating, creating a vista of mountains of corpses and seas of blood.


    This is the main altar of the Sky Demon Sect.


    Following the tunnels that line the belly of the mountain, one can see scattered disciples of the Sky Demon Sect, busily moving in and out. Some are seen escorting Martial Artists with rich Blood Essence captured from all over Han Prefecture, while others are breeding demonic creatures and extracting Demon Blood.


    Unlike the Seven Profound Sect or the Ice Extreme Palace and other orthodox sects that recruit disciples from within their own states¡ªselecting young individuals with exceptional talent to be nurtured within their walls¡ªthe disciples of the Sky Demon Sect are mostly those who have taken to the Martial Path mid-life, and a good number of them are elderly, nearing decay, unwilling to resign themselves to the end of their lifespan and thus seduced by the Evil Methods of the Sky Demon Sect to eventually pledge allegiance to it.


    Because it is only these old Martial Men, with declining Qi-Blood, that the demon men of the Sky Demon Sect look down upon and deem unworthy of consuming. To put it bluntly, eating their flesh would be fruitless, as their Blood Essence has long since faded, and even if some possess Martial Arts Cultivation, it is often not as rich as that of a healthy, younger man.


    Of course.


    The extensive Sky Demon Sect isn''t entirely composed of such ill-suited fruits. There are also a few younger demon men. These young demons hail from two sources, one being those like Bai Shiyong from Cuiyan Mountain Villa, who are taken by Bai Yuanqing to practice Evil Methods.


    If it weren''t for the Demon Venerable of the Sky Demon Sect needing the resources of the Cuiyan Mountain Villa and Bai Yuanqing and Bai Shiyong relying on Cuiyan Mountain Villa to obtain a stable supply of Blood Nourishment and Cultivation environment, they would eventually turn their backs on Yu State and seek refuge with the Sky Demon Sect.


    Additionally.


    There are the extremely rare ''second-generation blood inheritors''.


    For instance, the promising young standout of the Sky Demon Sect, Kun Jie, who once died by Chen Mu''s hand, belonged to the second-generation blood inheritors¡ªhe was the progeny of one of the sect''s Venerables. Since the Sky Demon Sect practices Evil Methods that mutate flesh and blood, reproduction is often incredibly difficult. However, if reproduction occurs, these children are born with Demon Bodies and find the practice of Sorcery remarkably effective, allowing for rapid progress in Cultivation.


    Delving deeper into the heart of the Sky Demon Sect''s main altar and reaching the center of the Secluded Silent Valley, at the deepest point within the mountain, lies a huge cavern, tens of zhang wide in diameter, plunging deeply downwards into darkness, its bottom unseen.


    Ordinary disciples of the Sky Demon Sect dare not approach this place.


    This is the Forbidden Land of the Sky Demon Sect, only accessible by the venerable ones, while even Great Demons of the Sixth Rank are strictly forbidden from nearing it.


    Within the vast abyss, there emanates a terrifying pressure and demonic power so overwhelming, that a mere brush with it can leave one breathless. Weaker demonic creatures arriving here would be so intimidated that they would prostrate themselves on the ground, unable to move.


    Descending along the cavern to its very base, one would see an immensely large demonic creature. Its back is like a rising mountain, and its demonic aura is so profound and deep that it is truly horrifying. Even beings like White Feather Demon Venerable Xian Yuchen pale in comparison to it, as weak as ants and unable to reach its height.


    Any Grandmaster in the Marrow Cleansing Realm standing here, or any highly knowledgeable expert in the Six Viscera Realm, would be deeply shaken upon seeing this vast, terrifying beast, recognizing its species at first glance.


    Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon,


    Mystic Tortoise!


    In the whole world, creatures of the Ninth Rank and above are few, and belong to a narrow set representing the ultimate evolution of all demonic creatures. The Mystic Tortoise is one such renowned Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon.


    These horrifying demons that ranked Ninth and Tenth, were once rulers of this land, reigning supreme over all things. In the many years that followed, they were subdued by the relentless efforts of the Human Race''s forebears. As such, they are now almost extinct; within the hinterland of Da Xuan, it is almost impossible to find demons of the Eighth Rank or above, let alone the Ninth. They are typically encountered only in the Outer Sea, the Great Wilderness, or the Earthly Abyss.


    A Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon is far beyond the challenge for a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster. Even peerless masters would flee at the sight of one. Only beings in the Blood Exchange Realm have the power to suppress or even slay them.


    At this moment.


    Upon closer inspection, this Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise, though veiled in a horrific demonic aura, resonates with a sense of weakness from within. Moreover, its limbs are tightly bound by resplendent golden chains, connected to the Earth''s Veins of the entire Secluded Silent Valley, almost completely immobilizing it!


    The chains binding its limbs, each one worthy of being classified as a Spirit Weapon, are further complemented by a highly complex Formation set up nearby, keeping the Mystic Tortoise in a constant state of weakness, preventing it from recovery.


    And in front of this mountainous, gigantic Mystic Tortoise,


    several figures sit motionless like stone.


    To say they are figures may be somewhat inaccurate, for each silhouette carries strange characteristics¡ªsome are covered in scale armor, some sprout feathers, and some have burning red horns on their foreheads. However, each one exudes an aura far richer than the Six Viscera Realm.


    They are clearly the Demon Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect!


    And furthermore.


    The shadowy figure at the forefront, shrouded in pitch-black, possessed an aura as profound as an abyss, far more majestic than that of an ordinary Seventh Rank Demon Venerable. He was an Eighth Rank Supreme Venerable from the Sky Demon Sect, the formidable ''Ink Jade Demon Venerable'' Kun Wu!


    In the past, when the Sky Demon Sect was hiding in the east and lurking in the west, this Ink Jade Demon Venerable was virtually unheard of. However, after the turmoil in Yu State, he had struck out many times, had defeated the top Grandmaster of the Ice Extreme Palace in direct combat, had even repelled four or five Grandmasters from the Ice Extreme Palace when they joined hands, and had charged through the military formation of ten thousand soldiers from the Ice State defenders. In terms of strength, he was among the most powerful in the entire Cold North Path.


    An Eighth Rank Supreme Venerable.


    Five Seventh Rank Demon Venerables.


    Such a formation guarding this place was not there to watch over the Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise.


    Although the Black Tortoise was formidable, continually weakened by the formation and suppressed by the Earth''s Veins of the entire Secluded Silent Valley, it was almost incapable of overturning its plight, needless to watch over.


    They were here to cultivate.


    The terrifying Demon Qi of the Black Tortoise was precisely the resource they could draw from to temper their Demon Bodies, one could say that the biggest foundation of the Sky Demon Sect at present was this living Ninth Rank Black Tortoise, from which they could extract various resources to assist with their cultivation.


    Those who could cultivate to the Seventh Rank and become Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect would either be out hunting Martial Artists to extract their Essence Blood and Vital Energy, or they would return to the Sect to draw from the Black Tortoise''s Demon Qi to refine their Demon Bodies.


    The entire forbidden area was dead silent.


    Be it Ink Jade Demon Venerable Kun Wu or those Seventh Rank Demon Venerables, none emitted any sound, including the Black Tortoise, which lay motionless, such that from the traces around its body, it seemed like it hadn''t moved for decades. If not for the persistent spread of its Demon Qi, it would almost seem as though it were dead.


    Thus, time passed unknowingly, until suddenly a shadow quietly descended from above, its aura profound, yet another Demon Venerable from the Sky Demon Sect. After landing, he walked straight up to Kun Wu and spoke softly,


    "Supreme Venerable, the situation in Han Prefecture has been somewhat strange these days."


    As his words fell.


    The Ink Jade Demon Venerable remained quietly standing there, and it was a long time before he finally slowly opened his eyes. His indifferent gaze turned slightly, and he said, "Go on."


    "Seven Profound Sect has occupied Frost County. I don''t think their ambition stops there. Next, they will either go to Snow County or come to Han Prefecture, but there has been no movement for such a long time, which is very strange..."


    Demon Venerable Qu Lin''s eyes shimmered with a faint light as he spoke softly, "Then there''s the recent incident in Han Prefecture. Not long ago, the Wumeng Tribe seemed to have lost a troop. According to intelligence, it is suspected that Chen Mu has entered Han Prefecture and is active within its borders. The next target of the Seven Profound Sect may well be Han Prefecture."


    "Chen Mu..."


    Ink Jade Demon Venerable Kun Wu, upon hearing Demon Venerable Qu Lin''s words, murmured the name, a trace of coldness flashing in his eyes.


    In truth, he was not so enraged by the fact that Chen Mu had killed White Feather Demon Venerable, Thousand-face Demon Venerable, and others. Those three Demon Venerables were not his subordinates nor worked for him and did not have much to do with him.


    However, among the few blood descendants he valued, Kun Jie, whom he had the highest hopes for, had gone missing years ago in the deserts of Sha Prefecture. Although the specifics were unclear, subsequent intelligence suggested that Kun Jie most likely died at the hands of Chen Mu!


    On top of the deaths of White Feather Demon Venerable and others.


    He naturally wanted to deal swiftly with the current Chen Mu, especially after seeing Chen Mu''s extraordinary talent. Should Chen Mu one day truly cultivate the Qiankun Domain, even he was not sure he could kill him.


    "Is this person still in Han Prefecture?"


    Kun Wu asked slowly. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Qu Lin shook his head, replying, "We are not sure yet... Supreme Venerable, shall we contact the Wumeng Tribe and the Heavenly Corpse Sect? If the Seven Profound Sect truly intends to come to Han Prefecture, we should give them a resounding blow in return."


    The main altar of the Sky Demon Sect was in Han Prefecture.


    That was the biggest problem.


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    Both the foreign Wumeng Tribe and the Heavenly Corpse Sect in Han Prefecture were only plundering resources and could evacuate immediately should any issues arise. However, the Sky Demon Sect could not do the same. With the main altar in the Secluded Silent Valley, they could not easily leave Han Prefecture.


    If the Seven Profound Sect attacked Han Prefecture and the Wumeng Tribe and the Heavenly Corpse Sect kept retreating, it would be an unfavorable situation for the Sky Demon Sect. Rather than being passive, it might be better to try to form an alliance with the Wumeng Tribe and the Heavenly Corpse Sect to prepare in advance.


    Although these three forces each had their own schemes, their cooperation was fundamental. The foreign race from outside of the borders and the Heavenly Corpse Sect would at most want the Sky Demon Sect and the Seven Profound Sect to wear each other down, but neither would want to see the Sky Demon Sect completely driven out of Han Prefecture.


    After all,


    If the Sky Demon Sect truly abandoned its main altar and retreated beyond the borders, leaving only the Heavenly Corpse Sect and the foreign race, they would not be able to withstand the combined forces of the Seven Profound Sect and the Ice Extreme Palace. Add to that the interference of the Heavenly Sword Sect, Hehuan Sect, and other sects, the final situation would not be ideal.

 Chapter 320 Taiyin Mirror

    "It''s time to discuss matters with them."


    After a brief moment of contemplation, Kun Wu nodded slightly towards Qu Lin, saying, "Then go make contact. Invite the Heavenly Corpse Sect and the Wumeng factions to discuss the affairs of Han Prefecture. Indeed, we cannot disregard the Seven Profound Sect any longer."


    "Yes."


    Hearing Kun Wu''s words, Qu Lin immediately responded and was about to leave.


    But almost at that moment.


    Whether it was Kun Wu, Qu Lin, or the other members of the Sky Demon Sect who were in the midst of absorbing demon qi for body refining, almost all of them suddenly looked up, their gazes unanimously shooting upward, and their expressions swiftly changed.


    At the same time that everyone''s expressions were changing, a very dull booming sound was heard coming from afar, reaching all the way underground, causing the entire belly of the mountain to tremble, and ripples spread throughout the intertwining demon qi in the void.


    "What''s going on!"


    A Demon Venerable asked, their expression changing.


    "Quickly, go and see!"


    This was the Main Altar''s forbidden land situated in the deepest part of Secluded Silent Valley. The trembling just now was clearly not due to the fluctuation of Earth''s veins and the fact that it could reach here showed it was no trivial matter.


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    At this moment, in the hearts of Kun Wu, Qu Lin, and the others, almost all harbored an ominous premonition.


    Could it be...


    ¡ª¡ª


    Outside.


    Outside the Secluded Silent Valley.


    The entire Secluded Silent Valley was an expanse of rugged frozen soil stretching over dozens of miles, a deep valley recessed among hills and gorges, and right now, atop the cliff edges of the hills and gorges, stood over a dozen figures in a line.


    Among them, some were in plain clothes fluttering in the wind, while others stood steady as a mountain, each exuding an aura deep as the abyss. Every one of them was a renowned figure in the Eleven States of the Cold North Path with names that would resonate like thunder once spoken, all Grandmaster existences.


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    One could see Qi Zhiyuan leading the group with Fang Yuan, Liu Tong, and others standing separately, including Feng Hongsheng, Shi Zhenyong, and nearly all were present. Just the number of Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters alone shockingly reached a total of fourteen!


    Although they were not all the Grandmaster existences from the Seven Profound Sect, with a few like Qin Mengjun not present, it was almost a case of the full force emerging, revealing the true foundation of the great Seven Profound Sect!


    Beyond that.


    There were also Murong Yan, Xu Yang, and some Main Peak protectors, who could barely exert Grandmaster-level battle prowess. They were nearly all present, amounting to a force comparable to Grandmaster standards, reaching as many as twenty in total!


    Chen Mu was also present. Dressed in his simple commoner''s garb, he just stood on the side of the gorge, positioned alongside Grandmasters like Feng Hongsheng, standing in the same area as Murong Yan. He didn''t stand out at all and simply focused his gaze down towards Secluded Silent Valley.


    "This Sky Demon Sect has been hiding in Secluded Silent Valley for so many years without being rooted out, indeed, they have some tricks up their sleeve."


    Firstly, the location of Secluded Silent Valley is too remote, towards the northwest border of Ice State, belonging to the truly infrequently visited areas which even Ice Extreme Palace doesn''t concern itself with much.


    Secondly, Secluded Silent Valley is not a specific terrain feature; in fact, within a thousand miles radius, stretching all the way outside of the border to the Wilderness''s frozen soil, there are no less than a hundred such landscapes. Secluded Silent Valley is just one of them, neither the largest nor the most noticeable, appearing utterly unremarkable.


    If one did not have a precise report in advance, even as he searched along the way, it''s very likely he would overlook it entirely, unless he went deep into the valley. Only then might one detect something unusual. But the Sky Demon Sect could detect him as well, and once someone were to venture deep into the heart of the Sky Demon Sect''s Main Altar, even if that person were an unparalleled Grandmaster, it would still be extremely dangerous.


    "There''s barely any anomaly detected in the nearby Earth''s Veins, it seems they don''t rely much on Earth Pulse''s Power, mainly focusing on concealing their presence."


    Murong Yan stood beside Chen Mu, also exploring the situation in the valley and responding.


    Feng Hongsheng stood at the forefront, right now standing at the edge of the cliff, gazing down at Secluded Silent Valley, speaking in an even tone, "Regardless of this place being an important stronghold or the Main Altar of the Sky Demon Sect, it can''t possess a force comparable to our Sect''s Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation. However, if we rashly barge in without knowing the situation, there''s still some danger."


    "How do you see it, Brother Shi?"


    After speaking, Feng Hongsheng turned to look toward Shi Zhenyong at his side.


    Shi Zhenyong''s expression unchanged, said, "How could sinister Demon Paths withstand a single blow? If the likes of the Sky Demon Sect, who cling to life by hiding away, were to have the foundation to engage with us, the righteous path, wouldn''t that suggest we are incompetent?"


    "Let me be the first to try."


    As his words fell.


    Shi Zhenyong took a step forward, his aura surged, immediately drawing the attention of others nearby.


    Within the entire Seven Profound Sect, Shi Zhenyong''s strength, excluding those of the Supreme level, was only second to a few like Qi Zhiyuan and Qin Mengjun, truly a dominant figure in the Cold North. He had cultivated to Grandmaster using the Gen Mountain, Kan Water, and Xun Wind Channels, even forging a Domain. When it came to pure strength, he was even slightly stronger than Fu Jingyuan, although the difference was not significant.


    At that moment, one could see Shi Zhenyong channeling his breath, the surging Yuan Gang of a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster rising tumultuously. He raised his hand in a sweeping motion, and the cliff beneath him shattered, a titanic rock slowly ascending, supported by his right hand.


    Then.


    His right arm swelled up instantaneously, abundant Yuan Gang coursing within as the power of heaven and earth nearby howled furiously towards him. Accompanied by a terrifying force, he then hurled the massive boulder forcefully, throwing it towards the Secluded Silent Valley!


    Given that the boulder was already a thousand jin in weight, and now further infused with the overbearing power of heaven and earth, solidified with the Artistic Conception of Gen Mountain, it was akin to a small mountain. Its surface was even entwined with howling winds, like a falling star tracing an arc across the sky.


    Boom!!!


    The boulder smashed into a part of the mountain within the Secluded Silent Valley, nearly instantaneously causing it to shatter, spreading cracks everywhere. The massive rock hadn''t broken apart and, like a nail, pierced deeply into the mountain, plunging more than ten zhang before exploding into pieces.


    The site where the boulder hit happened to be a weak area of the mountain in the Secluded Silent Valley, or rather, a support node. For a Grandmaster with deep comprehension of Gen Mountain like Shi Zhenyong, spotting this was apparent at a glance.


    However.


    Although that strike shattered the node, the mountain didn''t suffer a cascading failure or collapse; instead, an invisible force seemed to be propping up the entire mass, maintaining its stability.


    "As expected, there is some method to it."


    With an unchanged expression, Shi Zhenyong slowly lowered his hand and spoke.


    Clearly, the mountains within the Secluded Silent Valley contained formations and were suffused with the power of Earth''s Veins; otherwise, his attack would have caused much greater destruction.


    "How does Qi Senior Brother see it?"


    Feng Hongsheng smiled faintly upon witnessing this and turned to look at Qi Zhiyuan, who wasn''t far away.


    Qi Zhiyuan, from his high vantage point, calmly gazed towards the mountains of the Secluded Silent Valley and said, "Since there are formations, we should start by destroying them from the outside. If they intend to defend with their position, we''ll force them out."


    If the Secluded Silent Valley had an integrated formation network, it would not be advisable to directly invade, especially without clear intelligence. Even a practitioner in the Blood Exchange Realm could suffer losses from a reckless incursion, but from the outside, there was less to fear. After all, no matter how the Secluded Silent Valley mobilized the power of Earth''s Veins, its might would inevitably be far inferior to the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation.


    Otherwise, if there was a formation and the power of Earth''s Veins comparable to the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, the Sky Demon Sect would not have remained hidden for so long and would have been discovered by either the Ice Extreme Palace or by the former Da Xuan Dynasty Court.


    The next moment.


    Qi Zhiyuan suddenly raised his hand, and a pitch-black mirror appeared in it. As soon as the mirror materialized, it captured the attention of many nearby, including Chen Mu, who cast his gaze over and his eyes flickered slightly.


    "Even this item has been brought here."


    If the Seven Profound Sect was set on taking action against the Secluded Silent Valley alone, it was sure to be more than a simple endeavor. Not only had Grandmasters such as Qi Zhiyuan come forth in full force, but the Sect''s heritage had been mobilized as well. This mirror, undoubtedly a Spirit Weapon, was one whose name even Chen Mu recognized.


    The thirty-seventh Spirit Weapon of the Da Xuan Spirit Weapon Catalogue¡ªTaiyin Mirror!


    Spirit Weapons listed in the Da Xuan Spirit Weapon Catalogue were all unparalleled, and even Superior Grade Spirit Weapons like the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram were not worthy of inclusion. As for those ranked thirty-seventh, their might was unquestionable!


    Such ranked Spirit Weapons were either wielded by existences at the Blood Exchange Realm or by Great Sects like the Seven Profound Sect as part of their controlled heritage; other individuals, even top Grandmasters, were not privileged to wield them.


    In fact.


    Qi Zhiyuan could wield this Spirit Weapon because his cultivation in Martial Arts happened to be of the Taiyin path, having formed the Taiyin Martial Body and mastered the Taiyin Artistic Conception, which perfectly matched the Taiyin Mirror''s affinity.


    In wielding this Spirit Weapon, the power he could wield surpassed even that of top Grandmasters!


    "Taiyin Mirror."


    Even Murong Yan, standing next to Chen Mu, couldn''t help but intake a breath at the sight of the Spirit Weapon raised by Qi Zhiyuan, her eyes very serious. In fact, she had seldom witnessed the might of the Taiyin Mirror herself.


    "It is said that unparalleled Spirit Weapons not only possess Spirituality but even a hint of Spiritual Wisdom... All the Spirit Weapons listed in the Da Xuan Spirit Weapon Catalogue are refined from the essence of heaven and earth."


    As Murong Yan murmured to herself.


    Taiyin Inner Breath had already surged from Qi Zhiyuan''s body into the Taiyin Mirror, awaking the seemingly slumbering unparalleled Spirit Weapon. In no time, heaven and earth changed color as an endless surge of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Power poured into the mirror, causing ripples to spread across the dull, black surface.


    Though it emitted not even a glint of light, the black took on a life of its own, akin to an endless abyss. The dense Power of Taiyin was so intense that a mere glance could make one feel as if they were about to freeze solid.


    "..."


    This grand aura permeated the air, compelling even Chen Mu to observe closely.


    With his current realm and strength, if there was anything among the present Grandmasters that could threaten him, it would likely only be Qi Zhiyuan, who was now wielding the Taiyin Mirror. The formidable power brewing on the mirror''s surface was almost on par with his own level; probably even the top Grandmasters would struggle to take a direct hit.


    At that moment.


    Qi Zhiyuan, fully harnessing the Taiyin Mirror, appeared solemn. Almost all of his concentration was gathered as he fixed his gaze on the Secluded Silent Valley.


    "Fall!"


    A beam of jet-black mirror light, consisting purely of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Power condensed into Taiyin light, struck from a hundred zhang away and smashed into Secluded Silent Valley, piercing through a layer of rock with a single blow!


    Wherever the mirror light touched, the ground cracked inch by inch, and frost spread, freezing everything in all directions.

 Chapter 321 The Great Battle

    Boom!


    The Taiyin Mirror Light struck the Earth''s Veins node of Secluded Silent Valley, causing a series of thunderous upheavals.


    "It''s been more than ten years since I''ve seen Master Qi take action, and his methods are still so formidable."


    "If it were me facing the Taiyin Mirror Light, I''m afraid I wouldn''t be able to withstand a single strike."


    Watching Qi Zhiyuan manipulate the Taiyin Mirror, his power overwhelming, all the Grandmasters like Feng Hongsheng sighed in admiration.


    Even for these veteran Grandmasters, seeing Qi Zhiyuan wielding the Taiyin Mirror was rare. After all, the Taiyin Mirror was one of the Seven Profound Sect''s foundational Spirit Weapons and was hardly ever brought out of the Sect.


    Murong Yan, witnessing this scene, felt her emotions surge and said, "It is said that at full power, the Taiyin Mirror, a top-tier Spirit Weapon, can scarcely be resisted even by pinnacle Grandmasters. Its majestic and formidable power is indeed irresistible."


    She was near the top ten of the Wind Cloud List, but merely looking at that beam of mirror light made her heart race, fearing that even a glancing blow could leave her severely wounded or even dead on the spot.


    "Indeed, it possesses peerless might."


    At this moment, Chen Mu also gazed at the destruction caused by the Taiyin Mirror Light, sensing the surging power of Taiyin, and estimated how he would fare if he were to face it directly.


    Based on his rough judgment, the tremendous might of this beam of Taiyin Mirror Light was indeed well beyond that of a pinnacle Grandmaster. It was difficult to quantify¡ªhis forced evaluation feared it might exceed by two hundred fold, which was greater than the power he could presently wield.


    However.


    If it were up to him to block the mirror light, he was confident he could withstand it, as the power unleashed through the Taiyin Mirror by Qi Zhiyuan was not his own strength, and its solidification was insufficient.


    Even if his Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal would be slightly inferior in a direct confrontation, he had many other methods to cope.


    The most obvious difference was in movement speed.


    In the Five Organ and Viscera Realm, techniques often resembled ''casting magic,'' which, though instant, still required a process to gather and mobilize the Power of Heaven and Earth.


    A Grandmaster, however, did not need this. After Marrow Cleansing and cultivating a Martial Body, the inherent strength in their simple punches and kicks was unspeakably more powerful. Qi Zhiyuan might drive the overpowering Taiyin Mirror, but if Chen Mu faced him, he could utterly rely on his speed to break through before the other had a chance to unleash the might of the mirror light.


    Thus, although Qi Zhiyuan wielding the Taiyin Mirror had might surpassing that of an unmatched Grandmaster, if he truly faced such a Grandmaster, he would likely still be defeated. He was simply not a true match.


    This kind of Spirit Weapon was more miraculous in large-scale defensive or offensive battles, not suited for one-on-one combat.


    Finally.


    Just as the Taiyin Mirror Light was rampantly damaging Secluded Silent Valley, a voice filled with rage echoed from the valley, accompanied by an explosive surge of demon Qi.


    "Taiyin Mirror! Qi Zhiyuan!"


    Like the roar of a demon, it instantly changed the color of the sky.


    At the next moment.


    Including Qi Zhiyuan, all the Grandmasters present shifted their expressions slightly, sensing a vast and surging demon Qi burst from Secluded Silent Valley. This demon Qi, mighty and fierce, made the ground tremble as if a dark dragon, violently lunging at the beam of Taiyin Mirror Light, tangling and tearing at it, stopping the destructive power of the mirror light.


    "A Heavenly Demon?"


    Feng Hongsheng exclaimed in surprise.


    "No, it seems like the power of a Formation."


    Shi Zhenyong''s eyes were grave as he stared at the surging dark demon Qi and spoke in a deep voice.


    At this, Qi Zhiyuan''s expression darkened slightly, watching the dark dragon tearing at the Taiyin Mirror Light, attempting to strike back at him. Yet, he was not afraid and pointed forward like a sword, increasing the surge of the Power of Heaven and Earth rapidly, causing the Taiyin Mirror Light to become even more tremendous and forcefully subdue the black demon Qi dragon.


    "It is a Formation, everyone, take action,"


    Having forcefully suppressed the demon Qi with the Taiyin Mirror Light and clearly showing some strain, his body tense, Qi Zhiyuan did not look at Feng Hongsheng and the others but spoke in a stern voice.


    At this moment, without needing Qi Zhiyuan''s command, many Grandmasters present were already ready to act!


    "Break!"


    Feng Hongsheng''s eyes flashed coldly, he drew a bow, which was the Exec Moon Bow, and notched an arrow, which was the Shattered Star Arrow. A surge of Yuan Gang inner strength then flowed into the bow, causing the entire Spirit Weapon longbow to glitter brilliantly like a crescent moon.


    The Shattered Star Arrow lit up segment by segment, shining as bright as stars, the strong Power of Heaven and Earth gathering and solidifying on the arrow shaft, before it was finally released, transforming into a streak of breaking light, falling towards the valley below.


    Thud!


    The Shattered Star Arrow broke through, piercing the head of the demon Qi dragon!


    "Roar."


    The black demonic fog pervaded the air, and the demonic qi coalescing into the azure dragon let out a roaring howl, but half of its head still disintegrated instantly, allowing the Taiyin Mirror Light to gain the upper hand and press down relentlessly.


    The Shattered Star Arrow pierced through the dragon''s head in one strike, and it wasn''t over yet. After tracing a trail of flowing light, it returned, aiming to penetrate the demonic qi dragon once again, intending to repeat its success.


    However.


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    This time, it did not succeed.


    "Shattered Star Arrow, huh!"


    A cold snort echoed from the Secluded Silent Valley, followed by a surging demonic qi, enveloping the dense Earth Fiend qi, which burst forth, transforming into a withered yellow hand several dozens of feet in size, that tightly grasped the diminutive Shattered Star Arrow within its palm.


    Seeing this, Feng Hongsheng''s expression remained unchanged, but he sneered and said,


    "Demonic scum, you''ve finally decided to show yourself."


    "Heh, Yellow Earth Demon Venerable? Opting to be a rat rather than a decent human, you could only be a bit arrogant in front of us by relying on your formations and terrain."


    Shi Zhenyong stood with his hands behind his back on the side, his face showing a hint of mockery, then he stepped forward, causing the rocks at the edge of the cliff to shatter into pieces. The explosion turned them into huge rock spikes, accompanied by surging Yuan Gang inner strength and the Power of Heaven and Earth, striking downwards like a landslide, smashing down on the withered yellow hand.


    Crackling and popping!


    Amidst a burst of crackling explosions, the earthy yellow hand that surged upwards, condensed from the Power of the Earth Fiend, quickly couldn''t bear the onslaught and was smashed to pieces, revealing the dim Shattered Star Arrow, which flew back towards Feng Hongsheng.


    Yellow Earth Demon Venerable, a Seventh Rank member of the Sky Demon Sect, was not highly cultivated but was adept in Earth Escape Skill. He had been a bothersome figure for the Ice Extreme Palace, and now, using formations and terrain in the Secluded Silent Valley, he had been able to play to stronger strengths, but even so, he was no match for Shi Zhenyong and could only barely defend.


    "Eight Desolation Finger!"


    "Great Sun Seal!"


    "Interlocking Wind Fist!"


    ...


    Almost simultaneously, Fang Yuan, Liu Tong, and many other Grandmasters from the Seven Profound Sect also made their moves, launching their distinct maneuvers from afar at the demonic qi and Earth''s Veins power-coalesced azure dragon, attempting to assist Qi Zhiyuan in breaking it down.


    It was also around this time that different demonic mights burst forth in the Secluded Silent Valley, with black fog blending with blood light, various surging demonic qi''s stirring the Earth Fiend and gathering together, transforming into various demonic aspects, each lunging into the air to counter the maneuvers from Fang Yuan, Liu Tong, and many other Grandmasters.


    The battle erupted in full force.


    Close to twenty Grandmasters of the Seven Profound Sect, standing on various parts of the cliff, had started to deploy their various techniques. The scene was dazzling, and the powers that be were awe-inspiring. Although no Demon Venerable emerged in the Secluded Silent Valley below, the strategic advantage of the Main Altar''s Incarnation and formation still filled the air with terrifying demonic power. The two sides clashed from afar, and for a moment, the hundred-foot valley trembled incessantly, as if the earth itself was about to shatter.


    "Heavenly Sword!"


    Murong Yan also made her move, standing beside Chen Mu, wielding a sword, a Spirit Weapon, yet not one of Qian Heaven make. It was merely a wind and fire Spirit Weapon. Nevertheless, with the Qian Heaven Domain deployed, she still managed to send dozens of Heavenly Sword lights cascading down into the Secluded Silent Valley.


    Chen Mu, too, witnessed such a large-scale clash of Grandmasters for the first time. The forces of Seven Profound Sect along with the reserves of the Sky Demon Sect, and various Demon Venerables taking action, it was indeed a battle of nearly dozens of Grandmasters clashing from afar ¡ª a sight fierce and spectacular.


    At this moment, the Secluded Silent Valley was clearly under the dominant control of the Seven Profound Sect. Qi Zhiyuan was suppressing the dragon, formed by the valley''s formation and demonic fiends with the Taiyin Mirror Light, while the rest of the numerous Grandmasters were completely suppressing the Grand Demon Aspects formed by the formations in the valley. It was evident that the inner parts of the Sky Demon Sect''s Main Altar were empty and lacked forces. Even though they had the advantage of location and could rely on part of the formation and the power of Earth Fiend, they could only barely defend and it was evident they were no match.


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    Although Murong Yan''s Qian Heaven Domain did not restrict him, he still took a step forward, moving away from Murong Yan''s Qian Heaven Domain, to a corner of the cliff. Raising his hand in the air, a surge of the Power of Heaven and Earth came forth, condensing into an eight-colored seal.


    "Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal."


    Chen Mu also made his move, sending a Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal towards the valley below. This move drew the sideways glances of a few Grandmasters from Seven Profound Sect.


    With the Seven Profound Sect holding an absolute advantage, Chen Mu made his move gracefully, blending among the many, yet even so, his Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal still caught the attention of several Grandmasters of Seven Profound Sect, who could feel its immense power, almost second only to that of Qi Zhiyuan and definitely on par with Feng Hongsheng and Shi Zhenyong!


    "His Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal has reached this level, no wonder he easily killed three Demon Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect."


    "Such power, such solidifying refinement, truly a little monster..."


    Fang Yuan and Liu Tong, among others who were not familiar with Chen Mu, were taken aback by the power of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal he wielded, their eyes displaying great turbulence.


    Seeing is believing. Chen Mu''s killing of three Demon Venerables from Sky Demon Sect, they had never seen it in person. But now, witnessing the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal unleashed by Chen Mu and feeling its power, they understood that the deaths of the White Feather Demon Venerable and others were absolutely justified!


    This power was certainly on par with people like Feng Hongsheng.


    It''s worth noting that such level of Grandmasters are few within the Seven Profound Sect, not everyone can reach this standard. While not matching the top Grandmasters, it certainly is the pinnacle most ordinary Grandmasters can aspire to reach.


    The three, including White Feather Demon Venerable who together attempted to assassinate Chen Mu, likely did not expect Chen Mu''s power to be so terrifying. With a bit of underestimation, being continuously killed by Chen Mu was not at all surprising. Had they faced Feng Hongsheng and others, daring to engage in close combat would undoubtedly be a certain death.


    Boom!


    As Chen Mu''s Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal continued to fall, it directly struck a cunning beast''s Demon Aspect, piercing through its head in one blow, causing the Demon Aspect, which had condensed the Earth Fiend Formation and demonic power, to almost disintegrate immediately!

 Chapter 322 Heavenly Demon

    "Roar!"


    The head of the cunning demon beast was shattered, but with a surge of demon energy, it struggled to reassemble and let out a fierce roar at Chen Mu in an attempt to counterattack, only to be immediately bombarded with continued roars by another Grandmaster''s attack.


    These demon aspects, formed by formations and demon energy, lacked a physical form and vital spots, but Chen Mu''s Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal was capable of truly eroding the demon energy within them, making their recovery more difficult and bringing them closer to disintegration.


    Whoosh.


    Chen Mu''s expression remained calm and collected, unflustered and not seeking to stand out; with a simple extension of his hand, he drew the Cold Soul Spirit Blade and swung it downward, unleashing crisscrossing waves of Cold Soul Blade Qi, suppressing one demon aspect after another.


    Occasionally unleashing a Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, he caused even greater destruction, concentrating formidable power within mere inches, making it all the more breathtaking. In fact, the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal he now unleashed truly had a hint of returning to the original simplicity.


    The breakthrough in his state of mind, coupled with a deeper understanding of the Qiankun Artistic Conception, enabled him to unleash power comparable to that before his Marrow Cleansing breakthrough without mobilizing too much of his own Yuan Gang.


    Simply put,


    It meant expending less energy to unleash greater power and higher damage.


    After entering the Marrow Cleansing Realm, a martial artist continues on this path, refining and then concentrating their power, until Marrow Cleansing is complete and they step into the Blood Exchange, capable of collapsing mountains with a flick of their fingers.


    Below.


    Inside Secluded Silent Valley.


    The fierce battle had already made the entire valley tremble, and the tunnels buried underground and deep within the caves, as well as numerous caverns, were all in chaos, with many individuals from the Sky Demon Sect panicking.


    Many Sixth Rank demon men protectors had gathered together, close to the outside of the formation point where Chen Mu and many Grandmasters were concentrating their attacks, but they did not dare to approach, all of them showing fearful and unsightly expressions.


    "It''s the Grandmasters of the Seven Profound Sect, how come so many have arrived?!"


    "This is bad."


    The situation frightened everyone present.


    Although it seemed that there were no hands from other sects such as the Ice Extreme Palace and the Heavenly Sword Sect, the mere full force of the Seven Profound Sect brought immense pressure, even here at the headquarters of the Sky Demon Sect!


    After all, the Seven Profound Sect was a Great Sect that had stood for hundreds of years over a state''s territory, with nearly twenty Grandmasters whose combat power was no joke. To think the openly active Demon Venerables of the entire Sky Demon Sect were only about a dozen Seventh Rank, and only two Eighth Rank Venerables existed.


    Even if there was some hidden strength, engaging the Seven Profound Sect head-on would at best be an evenly matched scenario; considering that a large portion of the Sky Demon Sect''s forces were currently active in Ice State and allied with the foreign race to attack the Ice Extreme Palace, no more than one third of the military strength was available at headquarters.


    In this situation, the ability to staunchly resist the fierce attack of nearly twenty Grandmasters from the Seven Profound Sect was almost entirely dependent on the fortress''s various formations and the stored power of numerous Earth Fiends and other reserves.


    Any astute observer could see that it was only a matter of time before they would no longer be able to hold out!


    "The Seven Profound Sect has really come knocking, and now we''re in big trouble."


    A Sixth Rank demon man protector frowned secretly.


    Many demon men, being latecomers to the sect without much sense of belonging, had joined the Sky Demon Sect merely to practice sorcery to extend their lives and enhance their power. Seeing the situation turn unfavorable, many of them were contemplating retreat.


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    However, the issue was that the Secluded Silent Valley was not easy to escape from; with so many Grandmasters from the Seven Profound Sect outside, even if they wanted to flee, escaping under the eyes of those Grandmasters was almost impossible, and rashly leaving might lead straight to a dead end. It might be better to rely on the formations and Earth''s Veins of the Secluded Silent Valley and hold out until reinforcements arrived.


    This was, after all, Han Prefecture, Ice State, not Yu State.


    The Heavenly Corpse Sect and the foreign races active here would likely not ignore the situation in the Secluded Silent Valley; at the very least, they would come to check it out, forcing the Seven Profound Sect to divert some of their focus.


    But just as these demon men protectors were frantically searching for strategies, a voice filled with demonic might echoed, "All protectors hold your positions; they cannot breach our defenses yet, those who cause chaos will die!" sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was the voice of the Demon Venerable Kun Wu of the Mo Jade Demon.


    The command of an Eighth Rank Venerable abruptly calmed the chaos within the Secluded Silent Valley momentarily, silencing the noisy protectors, who showed frightened expressions and glanced at each other before daring not to disobey, and hurriedly ran to nearby formation points.


    Although these Sixth Rank protectors were insignificant compared to a Grandmaster in strength, their demon energy and demonic power could still sustain the operation of the valley''s formations, gathering together to exert a certain degree of power.


    Scattered they were sheep, united they were wolves.


    Yet even so, with the addition of many Sixth Rank protectors to exert the power of the formations, the outlook for the many Demon Venerables gathered on the outermost part of the Secluded Silent Valley, including the leading Demon Venerable Kun Wu, still appeared grim.


    "Damn Seven Profound Sect,"


    He glanced through the valley''s formations at the many Grandmasters of the Seven Profound Sect converging outside the valley.


    Although he had anticipated that the Seven Profound Sect might mobilize troops to attack Han Prefecture, he had not expected the Seven Profound Sect to make such a move, with more than a dozen grandmasters arriving together, directly attacking their Sky Demon Sect''s Main Altar!


    This attack was sudden, bold, and swift, catching them somewhat off guard.


    Mainly because.


    The Venerable Ancestor of their Sky Demon Sect was also coincidentally not in the Secluded Silent Valley at this moment. Although there were quite a few troops stationed in the Secluded Silent Valley, they were clearly inferior when faced with the all-out assault from the Seven Profound Sect, unable to withstand it.


    The best course of action now was to abandon the Secluded Silent Valley and flee in all directions, which was clearly the most foolish move. Once they lost the protection of the Main Altar''s formation, those grandmasters of the Seven Profound Sect would be like tigers among sheep, freely slaughtering them. Even a Seventh Rank Demon Venerable, without the formation and the supportive momentum of demon fiends, would not last more than a few moves against someone like Feng Hongsheng and would be killed on the spot.


    As for him,


    Although Feng Hongsheng and others were far from his match, and he had no fear even facing three or four of them together, Qi Zhiyuan, holding the Taiyin Mirror, was a great threat to him. He had no confidence in defeating Qi Zhiyuan, with only assurance in escaping.


    In other words, even if the situation was unfavorable, they could only stand firm for now, hoping for support from the Foreign Races and the Heavenly Corpse Sect, and that the Venerable Ancestor of their Sky Demon Sect could return as soon as possible.


    ...


    Almost at the same time as the grandmasters of the Seven Profound Sect gathered to attack the Secluded Silent Valley and the fierce battle escalated,


    Ice State.


    About two to three hundred miles away from the Ice Extreme Palace.


    Above the densely clouded sky, a shadow stood upon the clouds, with a restrained and oppressive aura, making it difficult to discern his realm. However, being able to stand on the clouds indicated that he was at least in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    He just stared in the direction of the Ice Extreme Palace, pondering something. After a long while, suddenly, a pale blue Order Token flew from a certain direction, shooting into the clouds and landing in his hand.


    This Order Token was imbued with a strong Corpse Fiend aura, intense yet not dispersed, and peculiarly, though it was purely Corpse Fiend, it also had a hint of lightness, giving it a profoundly contradictory feeling.


    If a grandmaster of the Marrow Cleansing Realm saw this Order Token, they would be taken aback, even a master of the Blood Exchange Realm would have their eyes fixed on it.


    From the extreme negative emerges the positive; from the utmost turbidity comes clarity.


    This is the Corpse Refinement technique of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, refining an Earth Fiend to its limit, solidifying sheer bulk and heaviness to its pinnacle, stepping into the final transformation¡ªa union of man and corpse, reaching the ultimate inversion, the peak of the Corpse Refinement lineage¡ªthe Heavenly Corpse!


    Without a doubt, this Order Token came from a Heavenly Corpse, from an old ancestor of the Heavenly Corpse Sect.


    The shadow, standing deep within the dark clouds, naturally belonged to a figure of the same level, the Venerable Ancestor of the Sky Demon Sect¡ªYuwen Hao!


    "As I suspected, the anomaly will arise, the Ice State Abyss is about to open..."


    Yuwen Hao, holding the Order Token, didn''t look at it but, with a flick of his claw-like fingers, crushed it instantly as if knowing the message it conveyed. Then, he looked towards the direction of the Ice Extreme Palace again, a faint glow appearing in his eyes.


    The Earthly Abyss.


    In this world of mountains and rivers, thousands of feet deep underground lies a mysterious abyssal soil. Normally, even beings in the Blood Exchange Realm would struggle to forcefully penetrate so deep, and those who entered often found it difficult to advance even an inch.


    Only when some kind of anomaly occurs in a certain part of the heavens and earth can one enter the corresponding region of the Earthly Abyss to explore.


    The Sky Demon Sect, the Foreign Race outside the borders, and the Heavenly Corpse Sect attacking the Ice Extreme Palace wasn''t a sudden occurrence nor was it unplanned¡ªthe crucial point lies in the imminent anomaly!


    The opening of the Earthly Abyss will stir the Earth''s Veins across the entire Ice State region. By then, the Earth''s Veins beneath Ice Extreme Palace will erupt, and even if they could suppress it with their formation, that is contingent on without any external interference!


    With his presence, that of the Heavenly Corpse, and the Foreign Race, having no interference is clearly impossible!


    If they could just slightly disrupt at that moment, the Ice Extreme Palace''s sect formation, this "turtle shell", could be broken without attacking, making it easy for their three forces to take down the Ice Extreme Palace.


    Even if the opening of the Earthly Abyss attracts the attention of the entire Cold North Path, and all the Great Sects will focus their attention here, by the time their reinforcements arrive, Ice Extreme Palace would have already fallen. Whether these outsiders will help the Ice Extreme Palace or join in looting its resources, nobody can be sure.


    In short.


    In at most two more months, it should begin.


    He, because of his bloodline, had a premonition, and the old ancestor of the Heavenly Corpse Sect, who frequently traveled deep underground and dealt with Earth Fiends, naturally could sense the changes in the Earth''s Veins much earlier than others.


    If it were just his own premonition, he might not have been certain, but this Order Token from the Heavenly Corpse Sect confirmed his judgment was correct, and the time would be in two months, which could be said to be very soon.


    However, just as Yuwen Hao was engrossed in his thoughts, contemplating how to plunder the most resources during this upheaval of the Earthly Abyss, suddenly, he slightly started, raising his hand. On his scale-armored palm, a crack had unknowingly appeared, with faint traces of blood flowing, causing his expression to suddenly sink.


    Something had happened in Secluded Silent Valley!

 Chapter 323 Ninth Rank

    "Seven Profound Sect!"


    Yuwen Hao''s expression darkened, reacting almost instantly.


    Secluded Silent Valley was the main altar of the Sky Demon Sect, and although the sect''s forces were currently dispersed, only the Seven Profound Sect, located sufficiently close to Han Prefecture, could pose a threat to the main altar in such a short duration of time.


    He was just unsure about how the Seven Profound Sect had pinpointed the location of Secluded Silent Valley so accurately to attack it with such rapid, overwhelming force. Nonetheless, trouble had now arrived.


    Whoosh!


    Without a second thought, Yuwen Hao''s figure blurred, streaking through the dark clouds like a grey shadow, and rapidly headed back toward Secluded Silent Valley.


    As the founder of Sky Demon Sect and a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon, his speed was naturally much faster than ordinary grandmasters. Even though he was in the central region of Ice State, returning to Secluded Silent Valley was just a matter of moments.


    However.


    Just as he was soaring through the air and had covered thousands of miles in less than two hours to arrive at Han Prefecture, his speed suddenly decreased. At the same time, his expression subtly changed, and a surging gray demon qi rapidly enveloped him.


    It was at that moment, the thick cloud cover in front of him split in two, and, accompanied by a hundred-yard-long sword light that tore through the sky, it aimed to cleave him right at the cloud level.


    This sword light moved with the speed of wind and thunder, and deep within it, ripples of water artistic conception mingled. Several realms and powers beautifully fused together, almost indistinguishable from each other despite their grand hundred-yard stature, condensed to the extreme. A majestic aura blended within it, and with a single slash, it seemed capable of severing rivers, interrupting their flow!


    "Hmph!"


    Facing the sword light that pierced the sky, Yuwen Hao merely snorted coldly, raised his scale-armored arms, and with a fierce tear through the air, directly grabbed at the incoming sword light with his bare hands.


    The sword light hit his palms in the next instant, caught by his scale-armored hands. It emitted a series of crackling sounds as vigorous energy and demonic power violently clashed. After a brief stalemate, the part of the sword light held by Yuwen Hao began to show cracks, which then spread along its length.


    Until the entire hundred-yard-long sword light was entirely cracked and eventually utterly shattered!


    "..."


    After tearing apart the sword light, Yuwen Hao made no further move, standing tall in the sky, his gaze coldly fixed ahead.


    In the torn cloud ahead, a figure in a long robe emerged, his beard fluttering, bearing a somewhat transcendent and immortal-like demeanor; though not an Immortal God, his name was renowned throughout the Eleven States of the Northern Path.


    Seven Profound Sect''s Supreme,


    Yin Heng!


    This was a true Blood Exchange Realm master, one of the rare few across the entire Northern Path who had perfected the Martial Art Body Tempering to its final realm. A figure at the pinnacle of the Martial Arts world, the foundation that allowed the Great Sect to stand steadfastly in this world.


    Even during the flourishing era of the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, individuals of the Blood Exchange Realm, if willing to join the Imperial Court, could be granted titles of nobility. As long as they did not breach the fundamental laws of the Court, even the Court would show them a degree of respect.


    "Yin Heng..."


    Yuwen Hao coldly looked at Yin Heng and said, "Do you, Seven Profound Sect, think it wise to try and swallow my Sky Demon Sect whole? Isn''t that a bit too greedy?"


    With his hands behind his back and a calm demeanor, Yin Heng said, "In times of chaos, colluding with the Foreign Race beyond the borders, bringing disaster upon a whole state¡ªwhat reason is there to speak of? Besides, in our three encounters, you fled all three times. Even without discussing right and wrong, the path your Sky Demon Sect cultivates is misguided. There are ten ranks for demons, yet in the hundreds of years your sect has existed, has anyone reached that level?"


    Hearing this, Yuwen Hao responded indifferently, "What is right, and what is wrong? I only know that when your master rampaged across the world, I was already long-established, and I will still exist when your lifespan ends. In fact, before me, even you, Yin Heng, are but a junior. How can you know if I won''t return to the origins and glimpse the end of the Dao one day?"


    Yin Heng, upon hearing this, couldn''t help but chuckle, his hand grasping a three-foot sword, and said, "It''s been a long while since I''ve been called ''junior.'' Since Yuwen Hao put it that way, let me have you flee from the hands of this junior for the fourth time."


    Though he spoke these words, as he fixed his gaze on Yuwen Hao, his eyes also carried a hint of contemplation. He had always been unclear about the true intent behind the Sky Demon, Heavenly Corpse, and the Foreign Race''s joint attack on Ice State, especially considering the current situation. Even if the three powers combined, it seemed unlikely they could breach Ice Extreme Palace, and persisting in the standoff held little meaning.


    It was apparent that asking Yuwen Hao directly wouldn''t yield an answer, so he decided to set aside those concerns for now. No matter what, breaking through and seizing the Sky Demon Sect''s main altar this time would inevitably impact the situation in Ice State.


    Whoosh!


    In the next moment, Yin Heng''s figure cut through the sky, his sword targeting Yuwen Hao.


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    Yuwen Hao let out a roar, his body engulfed in surging gray demonic qi, which stirred the entire cloud sea around him. The clouds above roiled like ocean waves, with thunder seemingly mingling within them.


    ...


    Secluded Silent Valley.


    From the Seven Profound Sect, led by Qi Zhiyuan, numerous grandmasters gathered for an attack, and half an hour quickly passed.


    Even though the Sky Demon Sect''s Main Altar was heavily fortified, infused with the demonic and vicious momentum, and various formations intersected, the Seven Profound Sect''s force this time was nearly exhaustive, which was extraordinary. Additionally, Qi Zhiyuan brought the Taiyin Mirror and other sect depositories, various spirit weapons, and within a short half hour of engagement, the defenses within the Secluded Silent Valley were dangerously close to collapse, with one of the formation nodes nearly exposed. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The surging demonic vicious energy and the demon aspects condensed by the formations were obviously weakened, not as strong as at the beginning. Anyone could see that if no other changes occurred, the fall of the Secluded Silent Valley was only a matter of time!


    Whoosh! Whoosh!!


    Chen Mu stood firm on a cliff, continually wielding the Cold Soul Spirit Blade, suppressing a demon aspect formed by a formation, his gaze fixated on the Secluded Silent Valley, carefully probing the situation inside.


    However, due to the blocking of the formation, he still couldn''t quite clearly perceive the internal situation through the surface.


    "The formation of the Sky Demon Sect does have some peculiarities. If one mentions extracting the Power of the Veins, it''s quite understandable, but this continuous flow of demonic Qi, its origin is unknown. If it is refining the Power of the Veins into demonic Qi, then the process is too cumbersome. The more complicated the embedding of formations, the easier it breaks down, it should have collapsed by now," Chen Mu thought to himself.


    In his view, the fact that the Sky Demon Sect could hold on for so long, there indeed was something peculiar in this Main Altar. Initially, he suspected that the source of this demonic Qi was the Heavenly Demon Grand Ancestor of the Sky Demon Sect, but if the Heavenly Demon Grand Ancestor was in the Main Altar, he would need only to emerge alone, and Qi Zhiyuan and others would not be his match, even with the Taiyin Mirror.


    Although he hadn''t seen the Supreme Elder, Yin Heng, of the Seven Profound Sect along the way to Secluded Silent Valley, such a move would certainly not be overlooked by that Supreme. The opponent hadn''t made a move yet, which suggested that there must be other matters being attended to.


    Now, it seemed likely that the Heavenly Demon Grand Ancestor was not in the Secluded Silent Valley, and Yin Heng did not want to escalate the conflict to a Blood Exchange Realm battle here, which would be more disadvantageous to the Sky Demon Sect but would also affect Qi Zhiyuan and many other grandmasters, so perhaps he went to a somewhat distant place to stop the Heavenly Demon Grand Ancestor.


    Otherwise,


    with a being of that level''s movement technique and speed, he would have returned to the afflicted Secluded Silent Valley long ago.


    "If the Secluded Silent Valley really doesn''t have the Heavenly Demon Grand Ancestor, then given the current situation, could it be that there is a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon inside the valley? They use the Earth Vein Formation as a constraint, have captured and imprisoned a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon, drawing its blood and demonic Qi to temper a Demon Body?" Chen Mu narrowed his eyes slightly.


    He remembered when he was at Cuiyan Mountain Villa, where he killed the Demon Venerable Hou Liao of the Sky Demon Sect and looted a portion of Ninth Rank demon blood from his body. To dispose of this demon blood, he specially went to a lawless area at the junction of Jade, Qing, and Xuan states, disguised himself, and traded with someone there.


    And he finally learned that this demon blood originated from the Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise''s Mystic Tortoise blood.


    Unfortunately, it was just ordinary demon blood from the Mystic Tortoise, not its essence blood. Otherwise, its value would have been at least ten times higher, and he wouldn''t have needed to expend the effort he later did to gather the materials required for Body Refinement of the Six Viscera).


    "If there really is a Mystic Tortoise imprisoned within Secluded Silent Valley¡­" Chen Mu paused to ponder for a moment.


    He hadn''t given his full effort in the fight, not just to conceal his strength; mainly, he was continuously judging the situation within Secluded Silent Valley based on its resistance, the overall situation, and the clues he had obtained.


    He wasn''t sure yet, but various signs seemed very similar; if there really was a Mystic Tortoise imprisoned there, completely destroying Secluded Silent Valley''s Earth Vein Formation would also release the Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon.


    This creature was not easy to deal with.


    A Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon!


    This was a terrifying demon that only those in the Blood Exchange Realm could suppress. Even at his current level, he wasn''t sure he could handle it. If it was restricted or extremely weak, it would be manageable, but if it was in its prime, then he would have only one option: retreat.


    If his guess was correct, then indeed, no great sect''s Main Altar was easily breached. Like the Seven Profound Sect''s unrivaled Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, the Sky Demon Sect''s formations, although not very powerful, still had other foundations. Even if the Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon escaped, it would be a huge disaster for the Sky Demon Sect, but it would also be a big trouble for their Seven Profound Sect.


    It was precisely because it was unclear if other changes might occur within Secluded Silent Valley, that despite Chen Mu having some opportunities to stealthily inflict more damage to the formation nodes of Secluded Silent Valley, he remained somewhat restrained, only exerting a certain amount of power, thinking of more appropriate strategies while engaging in combat.


    Actually,


    as the battle continued, Qi Zhiyuan and other grandmasters had also begun to subtly guess as well, after all, they had been attacking for so long, they should have obtained at least some information even without breaking through Secluded Silent Valley completely.


    And precisely for this reason, Qi Zhiyuan had slowed down the offensive using the Taiyin Mirror slightly, furrowing his brows, contemplating how to respond if there really was a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon inside Secluded Silent Valley, should it emerge.

 Chapter 324 The Destruction of the Main Altar!

    "It seems you''ve also noticed,"


    the chilling voice of Kun Wu, the Demon Venerable of the Sky Demon Sect, emanated from the Secluded Silent Valley: "Indeed, my Sky Demon Sect possesses a Sect-Suppressing Heavenly Demon. Why isn''t the Supreme Elder of your Seven Profound Sect present? He must have been intercepted. With just you lot daring to provoke the might of the Heavenly Demon, if you don''t retreat quickly, awakening our Sect''s Heavenly Demon, you will be courting a catastrophic disaster!"


    "Heh heh, what kind of evil path is your Sky Demon Sect that it can subdue a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon? There''s no need to feign mystery. You are merely using the geography of Secluded Silent Valley to trap that Heavenly Demon, aren''t you? If it breaks free, it remains uncertain who will be annihilated first!"


    Upon hearing Kun Wu''s words, Qi Zhiyuan could only sneer coldly.


    If the Sky Demon Sect truly had the capability to subdue and command a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon, they would have used it to expel them long ago; they wouldn''t have remained indifferent until now.


    Moreover, judging by the formation of the Secluded Silent Valley, it seemed to be more about containment than outward aggression. After all, with such weak power displayed, it was clear that most of Earth Pulse''s Power was being drawn inward to suppress that Heavenly Demon. Otherwise, even if the Seven Profound Sect came out in full force this time, breaching their Main Altar wouldn''t have been so easy.


    "Even if you''re right, what of it?"


    Kun Wu, the Demon Venerable, retorted coldly: "Would you dare to release the Heavenly Demon?"


    As soon as these words were spoken,


    the movements of the many Grandmasters present, including those of Feng Hongsheng and others, all slowed down, each person frowning at the predicament.


    A Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon indeed posed an extremely terrifying threat. Although the numerous Grandmasters of the Seven Profound Sect present were not entirely without countermeasures, mishandling such a being could lead to extreme danger.


    For example, Qi Zhiyuan''s Taiyin Mirror, if three Grandmasters joined forces to bring its power to the limit, might not necessarily be unable to suppress the Heavenly Demon. However, the risk was too great; once it broke free and went on a rampage, it would not be manageable by anyone below the Blood Exchange Realm.


    And up to this point, the Supreme Elder Yin Heng of their Seven Profound Sect had indeed not appeared.


    "Elder Chen... Elder Chen,"


    at this moment, Murong Yan also retracted the sword light in her hand, her Qian Heaven Domain contracted, and she landed not far from Chen Mu, speaking with a somewhat grave expression.


    Compared to the many Grandmasters like Feng Hongsheng, she, yet to step into the Grandmaster Realm, felt more unease. After all, Grandmasters could escape more easily when facing a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon, but it would be harder for her. Seeing the situation change, she couldn''t help but draw closer to Chen Mu, knowing he, despite his great strength, was not a Grandmaster like her. Enjoy exclusive content from My Virtual Library Empire


    At this moment,


    Chen Mu was still suppressing a Formation-formed Demon Aspect, but his movements also slowed somewhat, and his gaze appeared a tad solemn. However, compared to Murong Yan, he felt far less anxious at heart.


    Now that his Qiankun Martial Body had reached Major Achievement, facing a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon, even if he could not defeat it, his chances of escape were greater than anyone present. After all, the Heavenly Demon was not a Tenth Rank Demon King. In terms of overall strength, any who had achieved the Blood Exchange Realm could suppress a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon. Though it was far stronger than an unmatched Grandmaster and comparable to those in the Blood Exchange Realm, it was slightly inferior in a battle.


    "The situation is not yet clear, and an early decision must be made,"


    Chen Mu continued to suppress the Demon Aspect while casting his gaze in Qi Zhiyuan''s direction.


    The current situation¡ªif they hesitated and delayed because of the presence of a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon in the Secluded Silent Valley¡ªit would be the worst choice. This place was Han Prefecture; there were still the Heavenly Corpse Sect, the foreign races beyond the border, and other entities.


    Although the Seven Profound Sect''s assault was a surprise attack, bringing to bear nearly Grandmaster-level combat power, the rapid and covert execution couldn''t possibly remain concealed once a large scale battle broke out. The foreign races beyond the border and the Heavenly Corpse Sect would most likely have already received news and would take action sooner or later.


    If they waited for reinforcements from both sides to arrive, it would be greatly disadvantageous for the Seven Profound Sect.


    So at this juncture, they must either retreat first and then plan the next move, or launch a fierce assault to completely shatter the Formation and Earth''s Veins within the Secluded Silent Valley... The valley''s Formation was already on the verge of collapse, with one of the Formation points essentially at a critical juncture where it could be eradicated at any moment.


    In Chen Mu''s view, for the Seven Profound Sect to retreat midway, coming out with such force only to make an anticlimactic withdrawal, was too anticlimactic. Having exposed and pressured the Sky Demon Sect to this extent, it was worth taking some risks.


    After all, no one knew the state of the Heavenly Demon within the Sky Demon Sect; if it was exceedingly weak, then even as a Ninth Rank, it wouldn''t pose much threat and might even choose to flee without a fight the moment it broke free.


    However, Chen Mu would not make the decision for Qi Zhiyuan.


    After all, he himself was now more accustomed to caution. He had never fought a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon and was uncertain about the magnitude of the threat at this level. If there was a chance to observe one, he might gain some Experience.


    Just as the situation was becoming increasingly tense, Murong Yan nearby suddenly had a startled expression, and Chen Mu''s eyes also flickered with insight. Almost everyone heard Qi Zhiyuan''s voice echoing near their ears; this voice coalesced into a thread, transmitting to everyone''s ears alone.


    "The Secluded Silent Valley''s Formation is about to break. Everyone prepare to scatter. Try not to let the Venerables and Protectors of the Sky Demon Sect escape. Should the Heavenly Demon make any move, all can retreat immediately. Even a Heavenly Demon, after being suppressed for so long, will need time to fully break free."


    Upon hearing Qi Zhiyuan''s words,


    the many Grandmasters essentially flashed different looks, some with gravity and others with aloofness, as they all turned their eyes toward the Secluded Silent Valley below.


    They could not afford a fruitless assault on the Sky Demon Sect''s Main Altar. Now that the Secluded Silent Valley''s Formation was about to be breached, even if the Heavenly Demon indeed broke free, they were still outside while the Sky Demon Sect was inside¡ªthey would be the first to face disaster.


    Although the situation was risky, every venture had its dangers and opportunities. Once chaos erupted within the Secluded Silent Valley, whether Venerables or Protectors of the Sky Demon Sect, they were bound to flee in all directions, allowing everyone to reap their rewards.


    Feng Hongsheng, Shi Zhenyong, and the others were all grandmasters. Despite the serious threat posed by the Heavenly Demons, at this level, they were not truly afraid, it was merely a matter of weighing the pros and cons, the risks and rewards.


    At the same time.


    Within the Secluded Silent Valley.


    A broken cave exposed a piece of Earth Fiend Suppressing Stone, a node of the Sky Demon Sect''s Main Altar formation, now almost laid bare by the attacks. Once this spot was destroyed, it''s true the formations throughout the whole Secluded Silent Valley would not completely collapse, but the structural damage would undoubtedly lead to the uncontrolled Earth''s Veins and a significant decrease in the formation''s power.


    By then, not to mention continuing to withstand the Seven Profound Sect''s onslaught, it would be impossible even to suppress the Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise inside.


    Faced with this situation, all the venerables and protectors who were withstanding the numerous grandmasters of the Seven Profound Sect felt an overwhelming sense of oppression, including Kun Wu, the foremost Demon Venerable of the Ink Jade, whose face had become extremely grim. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Seven Profound Sect..."


    The previous words were indeed intended to deceive and bluff.


    If the Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise broke free, it would definitely turn on them first, the Sky Demon Sect. The rage from being suppressed and drained of Demon Blood and demonic power for over a hundred years would undoubtedly pour upon them first.


    Though the Sky Demon Sect had Demon Control Techniques and even some Seventh Rank Demon Kings and an Eighth Rank Great Demon King within the Main Altar, that was their limit of control. Ninth Rank Heavenly Demons were absolutely impossible to control, and could only be suppressed.


    Seeing that Qi Zhiyuan and others did not retreat, although the intensity of the attack had slightly decreased, Kun Wu still inwardly sighed, realizing that defending the Secluded Silent Valley was probably a lost cause. He had previously claimed that the Supreme Elder of the Seven Profound Sect had likely been intercepted, yet the true situation was probably the opposite. Perhaps it was Yuwen Hao who had been blocked by Yin Heng, unable to return to the Secluded Silent Valley.


    At this moment.


    Kun Wu glanced over and saw that the venerables of the Sky Demon Sect also showed signs of retreat. However, they hadn''t acted disorderly due to his compelling presence, though if the formations indeed fell apart, they would undoubtedly scatter and flee.


    "Qu Lin, go and prepare."


    Kun Wu spoke in a deep voice.


    The Seven Profound Sect''s surprise attack was indeed fierce. The Main Altar, where they had stayed for over a hundred years, was mostly going to be abandoned, but even if the Secluded Silent Valley was destroyed, it was not certain that the Seven Profound Sect would benefit greatly from it!


    "Yes."


    Qu Lin responded with a cold gleam flashing in his eyes.


    He knew what Kun Wu''s order was. If the Secluded Silent Valley truly could not be held, they would completely give it up. If the Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise could not be suppressed, then they would let it break free entirely. Although it could not be controlled, driving it into a brief frenzy was not difficult.


    As for the other Demon Kings and Great Demon Kings imprisoned in various nodes of the formations, the secret technique would be used to incite their rage all at once. In the end, if the Secluded Silent Valley fell, the Seven Profound Sect should not expect to easily gain anything.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!!!


    The battle outside the Secluded Silent Valley continued unabated. Although it seemed to have calmed down a lot compared to the beginning, in reality, whether it was the Seven Profound Sect or the Sky Demon Sect, both were secretly making various preparations.


    Those like Xu Yang, whose own strength was weaker and could barely perform grandmaster-level attacks with the help of Spirit Weapons, had already quietly left the cliff above the Secluded Silent Valley and retreated to the distance.


    Other grandmasters started to scatter, whether intentionally or not.


    After Chen Mu swung his blade and released a Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, completely destroying the Demon Aspect he had been suppressing, he also observed the situation inside the Secluded Silent Valley while quietly sneaking away into the distance.


    Seeing this, Murong Yan hesitated for a moment and then split off in another direction.


    Finally.


    Just as the grandmasters of the Seven Profound Sect began to subtly disperse, preparing for the impending upheaval, a glimmer of deep light flashed in Qi Zhiyuan''s eyes. The power of the Taiyin Mirror Light he was controlling suddenly swelled, its might instantly increasing, crushing the Azure Dragon Demon Form tangled with it, and then blasting into the exposed node of the formation within the Secluded Silent Valley.


    The Earth Fiend Suppressing Stone, responsible for maintaining the formation, nearly shattered in an instant under the onslaught of the Taiyin Mirror Light, followed by a brief deadly silence throughout the entire Secluded Silent Valley.


    Afterward.


    The land spanning hundreds of miles around where the Secluded Silent Valley was located trembled violently!


    The previously constrained Power of the Earth''s Veins, upon the disruption of a corner of the great formation of the Secluded Silent Valley, finally became turbulent and unleashed, like a freed Yellow Dragon plunging into the earth, causing the caves of the Secluded Silent Valley to crumble one by one.


    The Sky Demon Sect Main Altar,


    Collapsed!

 Chapter 325 Chaotic Battle

    Secluded Silent Valley Forbidden Land.


    The Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise imprisoned by the formation at the deepest part had always been lying there quietly without any movement, even as the Heavenly Demon Great Formation of the Secluded Silent Valley was constantly disturbed by the attacks from the Seven Profound Sect, it showed no reaction at all.


    But finally, when a formation point at the outermost perimeter of the Heavenly Demon Great Formation cracked, disrupting the previously tight grip of Earth Pulse''s Power that was restraining and suppressing it, its pair of huge and terrifying eyes suddenly opened!


    "Sigh, it''s going to be difficult to catch a Mystic Tortoise alive again."


    The figure of the Demon Venerable Qu Lin appeared silently not far away, watching the changes in the Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise, he couldn''t help but let out a sigh. Back then, capturing this Mystic Tortoise was an achievement only accomplished by the combined efforts of the first ancestor of the Sky Demon Sect and Yuwen Hao.


    And now, the first ancestor of the Sky Demon Sect had not been seen for nearly a hundred years, after all, he had lived for several centuries, and even as a Heavenly Demon, there were those who suspected that he had died of old age, or that he had perished trying and failing to reach the Tenth Rank.


    Currently, the Sky Demon Sect only had Yuwen Hao, the sole surviving Heavenly Demon Elder.


    Imprisoning the Mystic Tortoise in the Main Altar of the Secluded Silent Valley had brought enormous benefits to their cultivation. If they were to lose the Main Altar and the Mystic Tortoise, future cultivation would be much slower. But now, unable to defend it any longer, they could only seek another way to survive.


    Almost at the moment Demon Venerable Qu Lin sighed in his heart, he saw the Mystic Tortoise, which seemed to have remained motionless for decades if not a century, gradually pushing itself up with its thick legs, as sturdy as pillars. A terrifying demon aura spread around it, and almost immediately, the chains restraining it began to make crackling noises as if they were about to burst apart!


    At the same time.


    Those demon eyes stared directly at Qu Lin, causing a sense of horror to suddenly surge in his heart.


    "Deserving of the title Mystic Tortoise, even without completely freeing itself, it..."


    Despite having extracted the demon qi and essence blood from the Mystic Tortoise for dozens and even hundreds of years, the creature had not moved a bit. Now, with only a slight movement, the pressuring might of the Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon spread, causing even him, a Demon Venerable, to tremble with fear.


    However, he knew that the Mystic Tortoise could not immediately break free, so his heart was not overly fearful. In an instant, a fierce light flashed in his eyes. Suddenly, he raised his hand and poured a bottle of black liquid onto one of the chains!


    This chain was not only bound around the body of the Mystic Tortoise but also pierced into its flesh and was used to extract its Demon Blood normally.


    At this moment.


    The black liquid poured in reverse, spreading along the chain and infusing it into the body of the Mystic Tortoise. Its pair of large demon eyes suddenly changed, filled with countless blood vessels, and its originally grand and magnificent aura suddenly became chaotic and mottled, adding an uncontrollable outburst of madness and ferocity.


    "ROAR!!!"


    A roar that seemed born of pain, and yet like that of insanity, exploded in the belly of the mountain within the forbidden land, the heavy sound even spreading out of the Secluded Silent Valley and soaring into the sky, startling everyone to the core.


    Almost without any hesitation, as soon as he had used the black Earth Fiend Concentrate to drive the Mystic Tortoise into madness, Qu Lin burst out in an instant and quickly fled far away from the Secluded Silent Valley Forbidden Land.


    Crack! Crack!!!


    Almost at the next moment, the frenzied Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise began to struggle wildly. The chains around its body became taut, making a clattering sound, and then one by one, they began to show signs of shattering.


    Finally, these chains, on par with Spirit Weapons and connected to the Earth Vein Formation, broke apart one after another, and at the same time, the entire mountain belly in the center of the Secluded Silent Valley also began to show spreading cracks as large chunks of rock broke and collapsed.


    The huge disturbance in the center of the Secluded Silent Valley immediately drew the attention of Qi Zhiyuan and many other grandmasters, feeling the surging demonic might, their expressions changed drastically.


    Indeed it was a Heavenly Demon!


    "ROAR!!!"


    Accompanied by the breaking of the mountain belly deep within the Secluded Silent Valley and the collapsing rocks, there emerged a huge head with distinct scale armor and angular projections, letting out a mad scream and roar towards the sky.


    "Mystic Tortoise!"


    Feng Hongsheng and some other grandmasters recognized its identity immediately, their faces filled with shock. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Almost simultaneously, as the Mystic Tortoise ripped apart the core of the Secluded Silent Valley''s formation and completely destroyed the Earth Vein Formation, the whole Secluded Silent Valley finally erupted into chaos, and roars and screams rose from all directions.


    Auras of demons spread everywhere, with Seventh Rank Demon Kings and even Eighth Rank Great Demon Kings!


    All these demons had been captured alive by the Sky Demon Sect, trapped in the Secluded Silent Valley, having their demon qi and Demon Blood extracted by disciples and protectors of the sect for cultivation and to refine their Demon Bodies. Now, with the collapse of the Earth Vein Formation, they were finally set free.


    At about the same time, figures began to emerge from all directions within the Secluded Silent Valley, spanning tens of miles, frantically fleeing in every direction. Among them were disciples of the Sky Demon Sect, as well as protectors and stewards, and even the presence of Seventh Rank Demon Venerables, the situation was in complete disorder!


    "Retreat!"


    Qi Zhiyuan hardly hesitated, immediately retracting the Taiyin Mirror Light and then rapidly retreating into the distance, with no thought of immediately stepping forward to intercept the Sky Demon Sect protector, Demon Venerable.


    At such a time, trapping the disciples and protectors of the Sky Demon Sect within Secluded Silent Valley was meaningless. With the Mystic Tortoise breaking free, its rampaging would inevitably be indiscriminate, and it was unwise to take such a risk and fight fire with the Sky Demon Sect in this place.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!!


    Others like Feng Hongsheng and Shi Zhenyong, as well as many grandmasters and elders, did not need Qi Zhiyuan''s reminder, for they had already retreated early, while also turning their gazes toward the fleeing Sky Demon Sect protectors and even the Demon Venerable.


    They had no interest in engaging in a chaotic battle with Mystic Tortoises and the Demon Kings trapped within Secluded Silent Valley, but now that the valley had entirely exploded, these protectors and Demon Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect were not going to escape easily right under their noses.


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    As Secluded Silent Valley was about to break, the many grandmasters of the Seven Profound Sect had already spread out as much as possible. While retreating with the Sky Demon Sect, they also struck out on the move, mercilessly attacking the many disciples and protectors of the Sky Demon Sect and chasing them in all directions.


    Chaos!


    In short, just one word, chaos.


    The freed Demon Kings roared and rampaged, fiercely and frantically charging in all directions, the Sky Demon Sect disciples and protectors scattered in escape, while many grandmasters of the Seven Profound Sect mixed among them, hunting down members of the Sky Demon Sect from all directions with large commotions.


    Qi Zhiyuan controlled the Taiyin Mirror, attacking while retreating and looking for the figure of the Jade Demon Venerable Kun Wu among the fleeing Sky Demon Sect demon men. He knew that the Sky Demon Sect''s Kun Wu, the Demon Venerable, was in the valley during the previous combined attack on Secluded Silent Valley. He was the only Eighth Rank Demon Venerable who posed a threat to the many grandmasters of the Seven Profound Sect. Only he, wielding the Taiyin Mirror, was completely fearless and had the confidence and strength to suppress the other party.


    However.


    The situation in the field was too chaotic, Secluded Silent Valley was a complete mess, and everywhere the demon qi reached the skies. Qi Zhiyuan tried his best to find the Jade Demon Venerable, but still failed to spot him.


    While Qi Zhiyuan held the Taiyin Mirror, determined not to give up on finding the Jade Demon Venerable, from a distance came a shout, "Brother Qi, come to my aid!"


    Qi Zhiyuan frowned slightly and looked in that direction, only to see in that place a surging demon might enveloping the area, it was unexpectedly an Eighth Rank Great Demon King that had escaped from Secluded Silent Valley and somehow fixed its sights on Feng Hongsheng, giving chase.


    Feng Hongsheng was not weak, but he was no match for the Eighth Rank Great Demon King and could only retreat in embarrassment, but alas, this Great Demon King was extremely fast and had locked onto him, continuous retreats were still unable to shake it off.


    "It''s over."


    Seeing this, Qi Zhiyuan sighed in his heart and headed in the direction of Feng Hongsheng with the Taiyin Mirror.


    After all, the Jade Demon Venerable was an upper-rank Eighth Rank of the Sky Demon Sect. In such a chaotic situation, if he was really determined to escape, indeed, it would not be easy to dig him out. The Sky Demon Sect had undoubtedly gathered not a few resources over the years in the Main Altar, and now with Yuwen Hao absent, the Jade Demon Venerable probably carried many of the most precious resources with him. It would be too much of a pity to let him escape.


    But presently, he could not find the man, perhaps he was just in another direction, or perhaps he had taken to underground passages in his escape. In any event, he could not ignore the peril Feng Hongsheng faced. If the Jade Demon Venerable were to flee, then let him flee.


    ...


    Secluded Silent Valley.


    Underground.


    A figure enveloped in yellow light was fleeing rapidly, hundreds of feet beneath the surface. His form was like a rat, his arms constantly waving, and the hundred feet of deep earth and rock shattered and gave way before him, creating a pathway.


    This position underground was actually not shallow, and the power of the Earth''s Veins was also extremely turbulent. Ordinary practitioners at the Five Organ and Viscera Realm Realm would often find it difficult to move even an inch underground at a hundred feet deep. However, in front of him, it seemed to be nothing.


    "What a pity, such a pity."


    The Earth Fiend Demon Venerable carried a grey cloth bundle on his back, escaping through the underground into the distance, while continuously sighing in his heart. The Sky Demon Sect had many strongholds, and even outside the border pass, they had strongholds, but the Main Altar was unique, and it was only here that they imprisoned a Mystic Tortoise.


    With the demon qi and Demon Blood of this Mystic Tortoise, their daily cultivation of Demon Bodies was highly efficient. He, Earth Fiend Demon Venerable, was born of a natural Demon Body descent and managed to cultivate to the Demon King Body in just over fifty years, reaching the Seventh Rank. If given another two or three decades, he also had confidence that he could cultivate an Eighth Rank Demon Body, becoming another upper-level Venerable, with both strength and lifespan greatly increased.


    But a pity,


    The Sky Demon Sect had not yet managed to join hands with the Foreign Race and the Heavenly Corpse Sect to break through the Ice Extreme Palace, instead, it was the Secluded Silent Valley that was first breached by the Seven Profound Sect. Losing such a critical Main Altar was a tremendous loss.


    He had no idea what Yuwen Hao was thinking. The current situation seemed unlikely to breach the Ice Extreme Palace, and with the Seven Profound Sect joining the battle, the hope was even slimmer. Continuing the stalemate was meaningless, yet the Seven Profound Sect managed to find an opportunity to make a surprise attack on the Main Altar.


    But in the end, that was the decision of the old ancestor of the Heavenly Demon, and he could not defy it.


    Having abandoned the Secluded Silent Valley, they''d just seek another route. At most, it would slow down his Cultivation a bit. His lifespan was naturally much longer than that of human grandmasters. Cultivating for another forty or fifty years, he was still confident of steadily advancing towards the Eighth Rank, and in the future, there was still a chance to cultivate a Heavenly Demon Body and ascend to the echelons of the Ninth Rank.

 Chapter 326 Underground Pursuit

    ```


    However, just as the Earth Demon Venerable made every effort to escape underground,


    he suddenly noticed a change in his expression, sensing a distinctly different qi rapidly approaching amidst the mottled power of the Earth''s Veins. This breath contained no demonic power, yet it gave him a strong, looming sense of threat.


    "This is..."


    The Earth Demon Venerable''s complexion changed subtly.


    Among the Venerables and Protectors of the Secluded Silent Valley, many could traverse the earth, but it was exceedingly rare for a human Martial Artist to move underground faster than him, at a depth of a hundred zhang. Even Qi Zhiyuan couldn''t do it, the only person he could think of was one.


    Chen Mu!


    Having mastered the complete Qiankun Artistic Conception, there was nothing he couldn''t do on land or under the sky!


    "Chen Mu? Hmph!"


    The Earth Demon Venerable sensed that the presence was approaching quickly, but he did not panic; a cold glimmer flashed across his eyes, reminiscent of a rat''s.


    If they were above ground, he admitted he was no match for Chen Mu¡ªeven if there were three of himself, they would probably not win. But here, deep under the ground, this was his home turf. Although he wasn''t confident he could use the terrain to his advantage in a confrontation with Chen Mu, it certainly wouldn''t be easy for Chen Mu to hunt him down below!


    "Earth-Overflowing Rat Tide!"


    After a cold snort in his heart, the Earth Demon Venerable pressed his hand in a feigned gesture against the muddy rock layers, and a surge of demonic power burst into the Earth''s Veins in an instant, merging with the nearby Earth Pulse''s Power, causing the area extending hundreds of zhang horizontally to tremble!


    At a spot roughly a hundred and fifty zhang from where he was, Chen Mu walked among the mud and stones, with flickering glows emanating from his body. His form seemed to dematerialize, moving forward through the underground as if gliding through the air.


    Buzz.


    Just at that moment, the power of the Earth''s Veins started boiling tumultuously, inducing a strong repulsion that forced Chen Mu to abandon his ''formless and intangible'' state, causing him to fall back into the tangible mud and rock.


    His Qiankun Artistic Conception''s escape technique did not actually make him non-existent, but rather translated the metal, wood, water, fire, and earth he came into contact with from substance into ''The Power of Heaven and Earth'', allowing him to directly pass through them.


    When the surrounding forces of nature were shaken, and the power of the Earth''s Veins underwent tumultuous changes, it rendered him unable to easily transform the surrounding mud and rocks into the intangible Power of Heaven and Earth, thus forcing him out of their substance.


    Whoosh!


    This disturbance not only expelled Chen Mu from his intangible state but also caused the Earth''s Veins in the vicinity, especially one hundred zhang deep below, to surge from all directions towards him, seeking to immobilize him.


    "Quite interesting."


    Chen Mu was not surprised, and without moving, an invisible force of Yuan Gang True Essence opened up, forcibly maintaining a space around him. This prevented the nearby mud, rocks, and the surging power of the Earth''s Veins from burying him.


    He had entered the underground of the Secluded Silent Valley quite early. On the one hand, it was safer for him underground as he didn''t have to contend with Ninth Rank Heavenly Demons like the Mystic Tortoise, and on the other hand, given that the Secluded Silent Valley was breached, he knew there would be numerous fleeing Demon Men. Considering there were very few within the whole Seven Profound Sect who could fight composedly underground, he naturally took the initiative.


    Along the way, he had already killed four Protectors of the Sky Demon Sect and more than a dozen Stewards.


    The Earth Demon Venerable ahead was the biggest ''fish'' he had come across so far. Being a Demon Venerable, the Earth Demon Venerable must have carried many valuable things with him while fleeing in the chaos of Secluded Silent Valley''s collapse. Furthermore, having caused much trouble in Ice State and brought many Grandmasters to their wit''s end, now that he had come into Chen Mu''s line of sight, Chen Mu certainly wouldn''t let him off easily.


    "Eight Phases Cycling, Heaven and Earth Generating."


    Even though the Earth Demon Venerable used demonic power to stir the Earth''s Veins and forced him to cease his dematerialized flight, having cultivated the Qiankun Artistic Conception and now possessing the Qiankun Martial Body, Chen Mu wouldn''t be trapped a hundred zhang underground.


    As Chen Mu''s thoughts acted, the Yuan Gang True Essence around his body transformed into the Power of Kun Earth. As his Artistic Conception cycled through the Eight Phases and settled on the Kun Earth Phase, the pressure he faced underground diminished greatly.


    Swish!


    Chen Mu lifted his left hand forward, and the earth before him parted. He simply cleaved his way through the mud and stones, locking onto the fluctuating demon qi of the Earth Demon Venerable, and continued in relentless pursuit of his fleeing direction.


    The Earth Demon Venerable was originally only about a hundred and fifty zhang away from Chen Mu. After disrupting Chen Mu''s Earth Escape Technique, the distance between them widened back to two hundred zhang. However, as Chen Mu cycled through the Eight Phases, using the Power of Kun Earth to forge ahead, the gap quickly closed again, and within a short moment, it had narrowed to a hundred zhang.


    "..."


    Sensing Chen Mu''s approach, the Earth Demon Venerable''s brow furrowed: "Qiankun Artistic Conception, so troublesome, persistently chasing after me is truly infuriating. If only I had cultivated the Eighth Rank Demon Body, I wouldn''t allow such careless maneuvering underground¡ªI would take your life!"


    Unfortunately, he was ultimately just a Seventh Rank Demon Venerable. With Chen Mu''s records of slaying the White Jade Demon Venerable among the three Great Demon Venerables, even with absolute geographical advantage underground, he still dared not turn back and face Chen Mu head-on.


    However, the thought of becoming Eighth Rank brought a faint gleam to his eyes.


    In the entire Seven Profound Sect, only Chen Mu had the ability to pursue so fiercely underground at a depth of a hundred zhang. If Chen Mu dared chase him like this, it wasn''t impossible to try setting a trap to ensnare Chen Mu.


    ```


    A rare Qiankun lineage Martial Artist, an unsurpassed genius of his age, barely over thirty, was at the peak of his Blood Essence and vigor. If he could devour Chen Mu''s Blood Essence and Five Viscera, his Demon Body''s solidifying refinement would inevitably make great progress.


    However.


    He alone was certainly not enough to deal with Chen Mu, and even if he called upon two other Demon Venerables, it would still not be easy to take down Chen Mu. After all, Chen Mu could freely exert his power underground, where other Demon Venerables might not fare much better than him.


    But on their Sky Demon Sect''s side, there was the presence of a Venerable of the Eighth Rank.


    The sight of the flash of ghostly light in the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable''s eyes was followed by him spitting out a drop of Demon Blood. A strand of demonic power was solidified into the Blood Essence, turning that single drop of Demon Blood into a red filament that spread and vanished into the earth beneath in an instant.


    After completing this step, he did not hesitate for long. Sensing Chen Mu''s presence drawing near, he let out a cold snort, turned over his hands, and violently pressed down toward the nearby dirt. His own demonic power surged out, blending with the Earth Pulse''s Power a hundred feet below.


    "Myriad Rats Blood Erosion!"


    Hum!!!


    In an instant, the earth''s veins within a hundred feet radius underwent an abnormal transformation.


    Under the surging demonic power, the nearby soil churned in chunks, condensing into gigantic rats made of wasteland dirt, making the hundred-feet-deep underground resemble a suddenly erupted rat nest.


    The overwhelming flood of giant rats rolled forward like a tidal wave, rushing at Chen Mu who was pursuing from behind.


    Nevertheless.


    Chen Mu, walking within the Earth''s Veins, faced the surging onslaught of myriad rats with an unchanged expression, simply raising his hands to meet in the middle with a clap.


    Accompanied by the explosive power of Kun Earth, the Earth''s Veins shook once again. The ground nearby suddenly cracked and shook, forming two colossal earthen palms that clapped together in the center.


    Boom!!!


    With a thunderous rumble, the incoming tide of rats was instantly squeezed into the center, collapsing and disintegrating in heaps, turning back into scattered mud and stones.


    This force continued to spread outwards, affecting areas a hundred feet away, making the nearby soil around the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable become rigid as if turning into rock layers, pressing in toward the center to grasp it all at once. Sear?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Not good!"


    The Yellow Earth Demon Venerable''s face changed drastically, not expecting Chen Mu''s strength to be so formidable that he could attack his location from a hundred feet away. Even with his mastery of the Qiankun Artistic Conception, how could his performance underground possibly be more advantageous than his?


    In his shock, the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable did not hesitate, with demonic power erupting wildly from his body. He suddenly darted forward, forcefully burrowing through the hardened earth and emerging tens of feet ahead. Like a burrowing yellow-furred rat, he avoided the collapsing soil layers spreading toward him from behind.


    "No wonder many Grandmasters in the Ice State have no way to deal with him, even the top Grandmasters of the Ice Extreme Palace can do nothing against him."


    Chen Mu sensed that the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable had evaded his remote suppression. His expression did not change much. Although the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable was not an Eighth Rank Venerable, he was indeed one of the most troublesome Demon Venerables in the Ice State. Indeed, even the top Grandmaster, even Qin Mengjun, could hardly do anything to him, after all, Qin Mengjun cultivated Qian Heaven and not Kun Earth. In these underground depths, his strength would be limited, and his speed of earth travel would definitely not match that of the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable with his demonic race''s innate talent.


    Only.


    The Yellow Earth Demon Venerable had encountered him, which meant there was no escape.


    Chen Mu slightly closed his eyes, slightly increased his Yuan Gang True Essence, stepped forward, and traversed through the mud and stone veins at high speed, continuing to chase after the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable.


    The Yellow Earth Demon Venerable''s face went through a series of changes, employing various techniques in rapid succession, but he still couldn''t shake off Chen Mu''s pursuit, watching helplessly as Chen Mu slowly caught up to him, until he was within thirty feet!


    "Eight Phases cycling, Earth merges with Mountain."


    Finding the distance between him and the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable adequate, Chen Mu finally made his move. His gaze remained indifferent as he raised his hands and suddenly brought them together toward the center.


    In an instant, the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable escaping through the tunnels felt the nearby mud and stone harden further, solidifying in chunks as if the ground around, made of mud and stone, fused into one, turning into rocky mountains!


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    "Damn!"


    The Yellow Earth Demon Venerable inwardly cursed. He exerted all his power, his demonic power bursting forth, attempting to drill through the mountain barrier, but his speed slowed down further, unable to maintain the distance from Chen Mu any longer.


    In barely two breaths'' time, Chen Mu''s figure emerged from the tunnel behind him. Without words, he thrust forward with a Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal strike, its majestic power indefensible, penetrating through the eights desolations!


    "Ahh!!!"


    With a loud cry from the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable, constrained by the solidifying Earth''s Veins, he had no space to dodge. He twisted his body, summoning all his strength to call upon his demonic power, forming a yellowish glow in defense against Chen Mu''s Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal.


    But upon collision, the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal breached through his defenses like a hot knife through butter, shattering his demonic power bit by bit until it pierced through the Earth''s Veins and made a clear Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal hole through his chest!

 Chapter 327 He Is Already a Qiankun Grandmaster!

    "Indeed, the Demon Body has its merits, though they are few," S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After Chen Mu''s Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal passed through the body of the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable, he stepped smoothly along the ruptured path on the ground towards the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable''s side, his gaze falling on him.


    Despite being struck, the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable did not die on the spot. Although his chest had a large hole and his heart was destroyed, blood was incessantly coughing out of his mouth and nostrils, but strands of deep red demonic power interwove crazily within him, trying to repair the damaged area, resulting in not much blood spurting out from the empty space.


    It seemed that, given enough time, he might be able to heal the damage and recover.


    Such an injury, to any Grandmaster or someone in the Blood Exchange Realm, would be fatal, but for the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable who had cultivated a Demon Body, it was not necessarily so. Indeed, in terms of body transformation and vitality, the Demon Body Technique of the Sky Demon Sect had some remarkable aspects.


    "Cough, cough..."


    The Yellow Earth Demon Venerable lay there, continuously coughing up clots of blood, unable to struggle due to lack of strength, and could only watch Chen Mu with a plea for mercy in his eyes.


    Chen Mu closely examined the changes in the demonic power in the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable''s chest, observing how it coalesced and flowed like a simulation of a heart and lungs, sustaining life. He revealed a reflective expression.


    According to the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable''s technique, even an ordinary Grandmaster, whose heart and lungs were destroyed, could temporarily mimic the function of heart and lungs using Yuan Gang Inner Breath, circulating the Qi-Blood throughout the body to maintain temporary immortality, but only for a short time.


    Such fatal wounds, no matter how well a Grandmaster had cultivated their Martial Body, could not regenerate a heart. Once the heart shattered, the Yuan Gang Inner Breath would gradually decline with time, ultimately leading to death.


    However, the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable''s Demon Body was different.


    Flesh was seen to be growing back stubbornly at the site of the ruptured chest, seemingly capable of reconstructing a new heart.


    Watching the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable, Chen Mu suddenly felt that there were countless paths in the world, and whether orthodox or evil, all had their own merits. Cultivating a Demon Body was an Evil Path, but the ability of ''Flesh Regeneration'' might be achievable through a proper Martial Body as well.


    You should know,


    His Five Viscera and Six Viscera were in a crystallized state. Although he hadn''t tested what would happen if they were destroyed, at the very least, minor damage could easily be repaired without being fatal. The essence of this state was that his Five Viscera and Six Viscera had transformed into a state nearly resembling the condensation of The Power of Heaven and Earth, from flesh to ''Spiritual Objects''.


    He lacked the true ability of Flesh Regeneration. For example, if his arm were severed, he could not regrow it, while the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable evidently could.


    In comparison, his Qiankun Martial Body was many times stronger than the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable''s Demon Corpse, far surpassing it in essence. Therefore, he should be able to cultivate the ability of Flesh Regeneration somehow.


    "This might just be the essence of the demons'' longevity,"


    Chen Mu murmured to himself.


    Now that he had cultivated his Martial Body, he didn''t know how long his lifespan would be, surely far exceeding any Grandmaster, even those in the Blood Exchange Realm, but no one would complain about having too long a life.


    Even a Martial Body tempered a thousand times could not achieve Immortality. If he could discern the essence of the Demon Body''s ''Flesh Regeneration'', perhaps when he stepped into the Blood Exchange Realm in the future, he might really be able to defy the passage of time.


    Of course,


    It was too early to talk about all this. After all, he was not yet invincible, not yet ready to take ''time'' as his adversary, and had not yet reached the pinnacle of Martial Arts. The change in the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable''s Demon Corpse was merely an inspiration.


    As Chen Mu carefully observed the changes of the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable''s Demon Corpse, noting the details of its demonic power circulation, after a contemplative moment, he finally raised his hand again.


    "Spare..."


    The Yellow Earth Demon Venerable''s remaining demonic power was all sustaining his broken body, leaving him with no power to resist Chen Mu''s action. Or rather, even if he could move, he could not withstand Chen Mu and could only open his mouth to plead for mercy.


    But just then, as Chen Mu''s hand was about to drop, a dull and indifferent voice rose from the Earth''s Veins, spreading all the way, causing the rocks a hundred meters deep to ripple.


    "Stop."


    And in the next instant,


    A beam of dark light shot through the air, tearing apart dozens of meters of the earthy rocks and slashing out a long fissure in the ground, striking towards Chen Mu''s descending hand, emitting a humming sound upon impact.


    The two surging forces collided and intertwined, throwing the nearby Power of the Veins into chaos and turmoil. The nearby earth and rocky walls continued to collapse and shatter, then being ground down and fused together again.


    And that dark light which stopped Chen Mu''s hand was none other than a piece of ink-black Scale Armor!


    "So you''ve finally come."


    Chen Mu, watching this scene, did not show any surprise and continued to press down with his palm.


    The Yellow Earth Demon Venerable, seeing Chen Mu''s falling hand blocked by the incoming Scale Armor, showed a flicker of elation in his desperate and pleading eyes.

 Chapter 327 He Is Already a Qiankun Grandmaster!_2

    Earlier, lying there as if he were on his last breath, he suddenly erupted with a burst of blood light at this moment. The blood-red light spread and intertwined, wrapping around his body in an instant and once again unleashing a surge of demonic might. His whole body slammed backward, shattering more than ten zhang of mud layer and momentarily creating distance between him and Chen Mu.


    Crack!


    It was at this time that the piece of ink-jade scale armor at the bottom of Chen Mu''s palm, permeated with dark light and demonic power, finally cracked, and shattered entirely, falling and impaling itself onto a rock.


    At a distance, a shadowy figure suddenly appeared beside the Demon Venerable of the Cold North Earth, covered in a layer of ink-jade-like scale armor that emanated demonic power and momentum that was many times stronger than the Demon Venerable''s.


    Eighth Rank Supreme of the Sky Demon Sect, Ink-Jade Demon Venerable.


    Kun Wu!


    The Demon Venerable of the Cold North Earth had made distant contact with him via a secret technique earlier, and as the Secluded Silent Valley fell, he too happened to escape from beneath the earth, not far from where Chen Mu and the Demon Venerable were located, and had now finally arrived in time!


    "Interesting, even in such a situation, you still have the strength for one final struggle, huh? You even managed to deceive my eyes. Your skills are indeed exquisite... It seems that sometimes, the fear of death can also lead to progress," Chen Mu said calmly, still looking towards the Demon Venerable of the Cold Northern Earth, though his expression showed a contemplative mood.


    In the past, he had killed Hou Liao, the Demon Venerable of the Sky Demon Sect, and Xian Yuchen, amongst many others. However, those Demon Venerables did not possess the tenacity of life shown by the Demon Venerable of the Cold Northern Earth. Although not exceptionally strong, this man was indeed as resilient as a tunnel-rat, feigning weakness and deceit even in his previously dire state, pretending to be on the brink of death.


    In reality, his vitality was even more robust than Chen Mu had anticipated, and he still had the strength for one last fight, which he used to desperately pull away from Chen Mu by unleashing his final surge of demonic power after managing to stall until the Ink-Jade Demon Venerable''s arrival.


    "You''re indeed powerful, and you almost took my life. But you''re still too young, too careless... I was waiting for Kun Wu to come. Had you made your move earlier, I would have already been a corpse, but now you''ve lost your chance," the Demon Venerable of the Cold Northern Earth, pale and unmistakably weak, still found it difficult to stand even beside the Ink-Jade Demon Venerable. His eyes, however, shifted from their previous begging look to a hint of relief.


    He had survived!


    Although he had exhausted his last bit of strength and found it difficult to move, Kun Wu had arrived. So he lived, and Chen Mu, no matter how powerful, would not be able to get past Kun Wu to claim his life.


    It had not been in vain that he had feigned being on his last breath, desperately pleading, and even deliberately revealing his demonic power mimicry of his heart¡ªan alluring skill to draw Chen Mu''s attention, so that Chen Mu would not strike him immediately. His efforts had paid off.


    "You''ve tried your best to survive," Chen Mu said with a slight nod toward the Demon Venerable of the Cold Northern Earth.


    Sometimes the fear of death can indeed propel progress. The skills of the Demon Venerable of the Cold Northern Earth were indeed exquisite and had provided Chen Mu with some lessons to learn from; for managing such a feat, he indeed deserved commendation.


    "Qiankun Artistic Conception, it seems you must be Chen Mu?" The Ink-Jade Demon Venerable stood firm, his oppressive presence so intense that it seemed to solidify the Earth Pulse''s Power nearby. He looked directly at Chen Mu until he finally spoke slowly, his gaze indifferent.


    Only then did Chen Mu look towards the Ink-Jade Demon Venerable Kun Wu: "The Ink-Jade Demon Venerable? I heard that a few months ago in the Ice State, you had fought Jiang Changsheng to a standstill. There seems to be very few in the Cold Northern Path who can surpass you."


    Jiang Changsheng, being a top Grandmaster, is now one of the top three Grandmasters on the Cold Northern Path, one of its strongest. With the Ink-Jade Demon Venerable being evenly matched with him, his strength is indeed second only to a pre-eminent Grandmaster.


    Across the entire Cold Northern Path of the Eleven States, there are few who could pose a threat to him, aside from those in the Blood Exchange Realm.


    "Since you have recognized me but have not fled, your composure is quite remarkable," said the Ink-Jade Demon Venerable coldly. "But by not escaping immediately, you''ve already delayed too long, and now, even if you want to leave, it won''t be easy. This hundred zhang beneath the earth will be your burial ground!"


    With his words falling,


    The Ink-Jade Demon Venerable took the initiative to attack.


    Boom!!


    A shadow sped with a velocity nearly untraceable to the eye, traversing nearly twenty zhang in an instant and arriving right in front of Chen Mu, like a black spear piercing through the Earth''s Veins!


    Deep within a hundred zhang beneath the earth, Kun Wu''s direction of cultivation was different from that of the Demon Venerable of the Cold Northern Earth, unable to fully utilize the Earth Pulse''s Power, whereas Chen Mu, who cultivated the Qiankun Artistic Conception, could easily avail himself of everything above and below the earth. Once distance was established, he was not confident he could actually catch up with Chen Mu, but at this distance, in this situation, it was the perfect opportunity to kill Chen Mu!


    Chen Mu must have dared to confront him without retreating immediately because he saw the Demon Venerable of the Cold Northern Earth practically a cripple and was banking on the advantage of the terrain. That was a mistake, and he must now pay the price! S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    And the Ink-Jade Demon Venerable was best at speed and close-quarters ambush!


    On the side,


    The Demon Venerable of the Cold Northern Earth with his feeble breath, managing to support himself, watched the scene unfold with a gasp. Despite both being of the Seventh Rank, corresponding to the Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters in Martial Arts, the actual difference between the two ranks was tremendous.

 Chapter 327 He Is Already a Qiankun Grandmaster! _3

    The strongest among the Seventh Rank Demon Venerables, it was very difficult for a single one to contend with an ordinary Grandmaster.


    Yet once one cultivated a Demon Body of the Eighth Rank, they could vie with top Grandmasters, able to contend with existences like Jiang Changsheng!


    The strike from the Ink Jade Demon Venerable was terrifyingly potent.


    Demonic power, Demon Corpse, brute strength¡ªalmost all were solidified to the utmost limit, perfectly fused together, with such incredible speed and dreadful power that a single strike could tear apart and outright kill two or three beings like him!


    For Chen Mu to dare face the Ink Jade Demon Venerable at close range was undoubtedly a mistake. Even if he mastered Qiankun and held the momentum of Earth Pulse''s Power, if he failed to react and mobilize his prowess in time, and the Ink Jade Demon Venerable broke through directly, that move could leave him dead on the spot!


    Just as the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable had predicted.


    The Ink Jade Demon Venerable''s strike was exceedingly fast and vigorously condensed. In the confined pathways of the underground where movement was restricted, avoidance was impossible. Chen Mu indeed had no time to mobilize the Earth Pulse''s Power at first notice, merely meeting the incoming faint gloom with a Fist Seal.


    Boom!!!


    The Fist Seal collided with the faint gloom. Two majestic forces erupted deep within the Earth''s Veins, shaking nearby mud and stones as if tsunamis were rolling over them. The Earth Pulse''s Power surged like a torrential river and exploded in patches.


    The upheaved mud and stones obscured visibility, preventing the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable from seeing clearly. At this moment, he was too weakened to move. Engulfed by the chaotic mud and stones, he coughed up another mouthful of fresh blood, and his complexion grew even paler.


    Until the commotion subsided.


    He directed his gaze toward where Chen Mu and the Ink Jade Demon Venerable were located, but his entire being froze, his eyes revealing a look of surprise and incredulity. What he saw in the center of the field was Chen Mu still in the posture of releasing the Fist Seal, the Fist Seal and the Ink Jade Demon Venerable''s dark claws clashing in midair. To his disbelief, it caused the demonic power on the Ink Jade Demon Venerable to continuously fluctuate, unable to advance an inch!


    Not only the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable but even the Ink Jade Demon Venerable himself showed a trace of astonishment.


    Certainly, his strike was a full-force outbreak, attempting to seize Chen Mu''s moment of carelessness to decide the victor in one blow, directly killing Chen Mu on the spot to avoid further trouble.


    Yet such an all-out attack, the physique of a Demon Corpse, the demonic power, and all his might condensed together, even preventing Chen Mu from mobilizing the Earth''s Veins power, still failed to affect Chen Mu''s Fist Seal upon a direct collision!


    This move,


    was a pure contest of physical bodies!


    Chen Mu, relying solely on the physique of a human and the Yuan Gang True Essence within him, withstood the strike from his Eighth Rank Demon King body!


    How is this possible?!


    The Ink Jade Demon Venerable, feeling the immense and unshakeable force within Chen Mu''s Fist Seal, was shocked and found it hard to believe the thought that came to mind.


    This kind of physique, this kind of strength, definitely was not something the Six Viscera Realm could possess.


    It was a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster, a Grandmaster Martial Body! S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu...


    Has he actually cultivated a Martial Body?


    For a moment, the Ink Jade Demon Venerable''s gaze toward Chen Mu completely changed, filled with disbelief and added horror. He himself had once been a Martial Arts Grandmaster of a Foreign Race before he turned to cultivate the Heavenly Demon lineage. He knew very well how difficult it was to break through the Mysterious Pass and step into the Grandmaster Realm; even the youngest Grandmaster in the history of the Da Xuan Calendar was over thirty-five years old.


    And how old was Chen Mu this year?


    Most crucially, Chen Mu practiced the way of Qiankun, the most difficult path of Martial Arts under the heavens!


    A thirty-one-year-old Martial Arts Grandmaster, Qiankun Martial Body, and even just recently had made a breakthrough, was able to stand firm against his nearly a hundred years of cultivation of the Eighth Rank Demon Corpse. Both the physique and Gang True Energy condensed to the extreme, what kind of monster was this!


    "Is this the level of a top Grandmaster?"


    At that moment, Chen Mu held his Fist Seal in one hand, suppressing the Ink Jade Demon Venerable''s strike, standing firm on the spot without a shake in his form, calmly sensing the power behind the Ink Jade Demon Venerable''s move while briefly evaluating in his heart.


    It seemed his judgment was not wrong; in terms of strength, he was indeed far above top Grandmasters now. The Ink Jade Demon Venerable''s all-out attack was not much of an impact to him now.


    "Mysterious Scales True Method!"


    The Ink Jade Demon Venerable, upon hearing Chen Mu''s words, instinctively felt ominous. His pupils contracted sharply, and he dared not hold anything back anymore. Suddenly, demonic power surged around his body, and faint glows vibrated like ripples. His scale armor began to overflow with threads of blood, mobilizing demonic power to the limit, pushing out with one strike, trying to use this momentum to create an opportunity to retreat.


    He no longer dared to hope that he could defeat Chen Mu!


    To think that earlier strike was almost his best effort, while Chen Mu did not even mobilize the Power of Heaven and Earth, relying only on the power of the Qiankun Martial Body to take it head on. Once Chen Mu mobilized the might of the Earth''s Veins, the demon would be utterly defeated!


    A Grandmaster from the line of Qiankun was indeed the topmost Grandmaster of the age, this was an undoubted fact, the true path of the invincible!


    Hum!!


    But as the Ink Jade Demon Venerable made this desperate move, his body''s inky-black demonic power churned tumultuously, as if transforming into a likeness of an Ink Jade Qilin with a demonic aspect. Then it all retracted into his body, sharpening his claws to an extreme, trying to forcefully suppress with one mark.


    However, facing this strike, Chen Mu merely maintained the Fist Seal, pressing down once.


    The grand light of the Qiankun Eight Phases burst forth, an immense force from all directions converging, solidifying in his Fist Seal, gathering a Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal surrounded by the light of Eight Phases on his fist.


    This Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal pressed forward, its momentum irresistible, crushing the limit-surpassing demonic power of the Ink Jade Demon Venerable that erupted in desperation. It grinded down, little by little, rolling over.

 Chapter 327 He Is Already a Qiankun Grandmaster!_4

    Bang!


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    In the end, the demonic power around Demon Venerable Mo Yu shattered, and his entire claw, along with his arm, crumbled inch by inch, devastated into pieces, sending him flying backward, spitting out a mouthful of dark demon blood that splattered on the rocks and mud!


    An Eighth Rank of the Heavenly Demon Sect, comparable to a Grandmaster.


    Defeated with a single blow! S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Watching this scene from afar, Huang Tu Demon Venerable was almost stupefied with shock, finding the rapid shift in momentum unimaginable. He thought he had bought enough time until Mo Yu Demon Venerable arrived, under whose attack Chen Mu would either die or be gravely injured, likely without any chance to escape from Mo Yu Demon Venerable''s clutches.


    But the result was that Mo Yu Demon Venerable, a dignified Eighth Rank Venerable, was completely no match for Chen Mu in a direct confrontation!


    "Qiankun Grandmaster?"


    Huang Tu Demon Venerable''s eyes were filled with disbelief. Chen Mu was so young, yet he had already achieved Grandmaster status, and in the most difficult and strongest of the Martial Arts, the Qiankun path!


    He couldn''t believe it, but the fact was right in front of his eyes, and it indeed verified the saying that had spread across the world: the Qiankun path was truly unparalleled in Martial Arts. Even for another Grandmaster like Mo Yu Demon Venerable, he couldn''t withstand the Might of One Strike from Chen Mu!


    Escape!


    Escape!!


    Aside from shock, Huang Tu Demon Venerable''s mind was devoid of any other thoughts. Using his remaining demonic power, he attempted to flee again, but before he could try, Chen Mu delivered another Fist Seal, waving it through the air toward him.


    Bang.


    This time, Huang Tu Demon Venerable''s head was directly penetrated, exploding under the Fist Seal, and as blood and brain matter burst forth, his headless body staggered a few steps before finally collapsing into a pool of blood, his life force and demonic power quickly dissipating.


    After killing Huang Tu Demon Venerable with one move, Chen Mu then turned his attention to Mo Yu Demon Venerable, who at this moment held no more threatening aura. After flying backward, he desperately burrowed into the earth to flee, his heart filled with terror.


    Monster.


    An absolute monster!


    Even the great Martial Emperor who founded Da Xuan had never been as terrifying as Chen Mu, achieving Grandmaster status at such a young age, and even his mighty Eighth Rank body couldn''t withstand a single blow from Chen Mu.


    Imagine, Chen Mu hadn''t even mastered the Qiankun Domain yet!


    Yet to master the Domain and already reached such a terrifying level, surpassing the top Grandmasters, once Chen Mu mastered the Domain, how terrifying it would be, truly invincible among Grandmasters, even possibly glimpsing the power of Blood Exchange!


    "Knowing you can''t escape, why struggle?"


    However, Chen Mu''s voice was like a whisper of the king of hell, quietly spreading along the Earth''s Veins and resonating by his ear.


    Whoosh.


    Almost in the next moment, Chen Mu stepped along the Earth''s Veins, crossing dozens of feet through mud and stone, and caught up to the fleeing Mo Yu Demon Venerable, arriving behind him, delivering a light palm strike.


    He didn''t even summon the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, just unleashed the power of the Qiankun Martial Body.


    "No!!"


    But even with such power, it terrified Mo Yu Demon Venerable, who couldn''t retreat in the narrow Earth''s Veins. He could only use all his remaining demonic power in a desperate counter, trying to withstand Chen Mu''s palm strike.


    However, Mo Yu Venerable, who had tried his utmost before, even using life-threatening tactics, couldn''t withstand a strike from Chen Mu, let alone now. He could only watch helplessly as his demonic power was shattered layer by layer under Chen Mu''s almost divine Palm Imprint.


    In the end, his body was smashed into the Earth''s Veins by the Palm Imprint, penetrating dozens of feet through the mud and stone, blood mixed with bits of his organs spewing out as he plummeted into the deeper underground!

 Chapter 328 Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood

    Chen Mu''s eyes, deep and secluded like a tranquil abyss, gazed at the dozens-of-zhang deep pit he had created with a single strike.


    You should know that this place was a hundred zhang underground, where the Earth Pulse''s power flowed. Here, those in the Five Viscera Realm could hardly take a step, and it was not easy for those in the Six Viscera Realm to move around. To create a pit a couple of zhang deep with a single move was very difficult, yet Chen Mu''s strike had pierced through several dozen zhang. From the surface, it was nearly a hundred and fifty zhang deep.


    You must know that back when he was in Yu County, during the tide disaster when he explored underground, the depth of the cave was only a bit more than a hundred zhang¡ªnever exceeding two hundred zhang. There, at such depth, he had to exert all his power just to damage an inch of rockbed.


    And now, he could, even during a period when the Earth''s pulse was stable, rely on his own martial power to pierce through layers of earth, reaching depths of over a hundred zhang, or even two hundred zhang underground. For him now, such depths posed no danger nor could he be trapped to die underground.


    Step.


    Chen Mu''s right hand casually motioned, and the earth and rocks below churned and surged, lifted by his power, bringing up the demon corpse of the Eighth Rank Demon Venerable Kun Jie. This Eighth Rank of the Demon Venerable was not completely dead yet, but at this moment, he was gasping his last, on the brink of death.


    For the current him, the top Grandmasters indeed were no longer his match, nearly equal in strength to Jiang Changsheng, the Demon Jade Venerable. Under his hand, they could not withstand even two moves; one would injure them, and two would nearly kill them.


    "Besides Yuwen Hao of the Sky Demon Sect, is there a second Heavenly Demon?"


    "Is the original founder who established the Sky Demon Sect still alive?"


    Chen Mu looked towards the dying Demon Jade Venerable, his gaze without much change, only asking two questions in a calm tone one after another.


    The Sky Demon Sect now has two publicly known Eighth Rank Demon Venerables and one Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon ancestor, but it is unclear whether there are other concealed characters. The current Chen Mu is not particularly concerned about the number of typical Demon Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect. After all, even the likes of Demon Jade Venerable find it difficult to withstand his one or two moves.


    Only a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon still posed a threat to him; it was the only matter he was concerned about at the moment.


    "Cough... Cough, cough..."


    The Demon Jade Venerable was in disarray, his life force shattered. He continued to cough up two mouthfuls of dark blood but did not answer Chen Mu''s questions. Fixating on Chen Mu with a vacant gaze, he murmured, "Qiankun Martial Body, if only I knew earlier... I should have..."


    Kun Jie fell at the hands of Chen Mu. It was after Chen Mu ascended to the top of the Yunni Sky Steps and displayed the Qiankun Artistic Conception that he began to judge. He had always thought it was a trap set by the Seven Profound Sect, ending in death for all involved. Only afterward did he vaguely guess that perhaps Kun Jie and the others had made a move against Chen Mu, unexpectedly finding that Chen Mu had cultivated the Qiankun Artistic Conception, resulting in defeat and death.


    The key point was that, during that period, he also had the chance to act against Chen Mu. Although Chen Mu had just started to emerge on the Wind Cloud List at that time, according to the intelligence available, he had not yet broken through to the Six Viscera Realm. If he had taken some risks and sneaked into Yu State, with his mighty strength as the Demon Jade Venerable, taking Chen Mu by surprise and resolving him would not have been a difficult task.


    However, he could not have imagined that Chen Mu would enhance his strength step by step in such a short period, rising to the top three ranks of the Wind Cloud List and further astonishingly reaching the rank of Grandmaster, cultivating the Qiankun Martial Body!


    Looking at the extraordinary talents throughout a thousand years of Da Xuan, none were as exaggerated as Chen Mu¡ªnot even the legendary Da Xuan Martial Emperor at this age with such horrific Martial Arts cultivation and progress!


    A monster among monsters!


    If he had recognized the horror of Chen Mu earlier, at the risk of delaying the conflict in Ice State and taking some risks, he would have personally made the trip to Yu State to deal with Chen Mu. Then there would be no subsequent events, and he would not have ended up in his current predicament.


    But there are no what-ifs in life, everyone underestimated Chen Mu, and now it''s too late to deal with him.


    Considering the schemes Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion plotted against Chen Mu, the rumors about him being eroded by demonic Qi now seemed like a joke. Chen Mu''s appearance here as a Grandmaster showed the rumors of demonic Qi erosion must have been baseless.


    The Demon Jade Venerable looked at Chen Mu, and suddenly, a glimmer of hope flashed in his eyes, his tone strained as he said:


    "I became a Grandmaster at forty-eight, and at the age of one hundred twenty-one, I joined the Sky Demon Sect to extend my lifespan, transforming into a demon body. It''s been seventy-four years since then... Who doesn''t desire immortal life? Even if you have an extraordinary talent, and you might become someone like the Da Xuan Martial Emperor in the future, in the end, you cannot withstand the erosion of time, you are just a handful of yellow earth."


    "With your gifts, if you cultivate the way of the Heavenly Demon, stepping into the Tenth Rank might not be impossible. At that time, you would be able to suppress the world with your martial power, your lifespan could coincide with that of a thousand-year dynasty. Even with your capabilities, you might push the Heavenly Demon''s path to an unprecedented higher level, creating a new pathway for an era¡ªit''s also not impossible."


    Hope appeared in his look towards Chen Mu.


    If a person like Chen Mu turned to the path of the Heavenly Demon, then he would undoubtedly become an unparalleled, strongest of the Heavenly Demon lineage. At that time, by following Chen Mu, the Sky Demon Sect might not need to struggle in such bitter, cold lands and could hope to rule the whole world.


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    Facing the words of the Demon Jade Venerable, Chen Mu simply replied in a flat tone.


    "The Body Refinement Technique of the Sky Demon Sect does have some extraordinary aspects."


    "But I am not interested."


    Bang!


    As his words fell, Chen Mu flicked his finger, and the gaze of the Demon Jade Venerable instantly froze, followed by his entire face shattering like porcelain, his demon power and vitality completely scattering and fading away.


    At Chen Mu''s current level, whether it''s the path of good or evil, it''s no longer so clear; each pursues the enhancement of oneself, the elevation of the essence of life itself. However, in his view, the Body Refinement Technique of the Sky Demon Sect was indeed a deviant path.


    Like the Demon Venerable Mo Yu.


    His son, Kun Jie, died at Chen Mu''s hands, and he too was gravely injured by Chen Mu. There were multiple Demon Venerables from the Sky Demon Sect who had perished under his hand. Even at such a time, they still harbored an eager hope that he would join the Sky Demon Sect and eventually lead the Heavenly Demon lineage to rule the world.


    What humanity, what good and evil, what right and wrong... All concepts of personhood had completely vanished from the eyes of existences like the Demon Venerable Mo Yu. They only lived to stay alive, lost in confusion without any sense of self. To Chen Mu, such an existence was no different from being dead.


    In fact.


    The Demon Venerable Mo Yu''s Demon Body was exceptionally formidable, and all aspects of his abilities had reached their limits.


    But even the strongest Eighth Rank in the Heavenly Demon lineage could not reach the standard of a peerless Grandmaster. They had lost their own will, nor did they have any state of mind, which meant that their overall power was always one notch lower.


    Seventh Rank Demon Venerables were inferior to ordinary Grandmasters.


    An Eighth Rank Great Demon Venerable could never achieve peerless levels.


    Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon ancestors were the weakest in the Blood Exchange Realm.


    As for the Heavenly Demon ancestor Yuwen Hao from the Sky Demon Sect, according to what Chen Mu knew, whether facing Seven Profound Sect''s Supreme Yin Heng or one of the two Supremes from the Ice Extreme Palace, he had never had a good record and ultimately retreated in defeat.


    As for the Tenth Rank?


    It had never appeared in history.


    There do exist Tenth Rank spiritual creatures, which can rival the top existences in the Blood Exchange Realm, the same ones who dare to call themselves ''Saints''. But that was the pinnacle, and individually, their martial prowess was still no match for the founding Martial Emperor of Da Xuan.


    The Sky Demon Sect''s method of Solidifying Refinement of life force was indeed remarkable. In the future, Chen Mu might be able to extract some insights and see if he could create a legitimate practice method, but he was not in a rush for now.


    Hiss!


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    Looking at the corpse of the Demon Venerable Mo Yu, Chen Mu quickly sensed it before raising his hand and slashing through the air, cutting the corpse apart. From within the Demon Corpse, he soon found a sack similar to the crop of Hou Liao.


    It was stuffed full to the brim with various items, all of which appeared to be of extraordinary value at first glance, especially a large Jade Vase that, upon a slight shake, he roughly guessed, contained the Mystic Tortoise Demon Blood.


    "Mystic Tortoise Demon Blood..."


    Chen Mu muttered to himself.


    This substance indeed had a lot of medicinal value, and it had a certain effect on Grandmasters tempering their Martial Bodies, but it required a specific Medicine Powder Prescription and the combination of other Spiritual Objects.


    Initially, Chen Mu had obtained less than half a bottle from Hou Liao, but at that time he did not need it and had traded it for the tempering-type Spiritual Objects he required. Now, this large bottle could be kept for his own use.


    Following that.


    Chen Mu felt behind the large Jade Vase for an extremely small Jade Vase. This vase was entirely different, icy cold to the touch, even colder than real ice.


    "Finest Cold Jade... No, could it be Millenary Mystic Jade from Ice State?"


    Chen Mu only took a brief look at it in his hand before identifying its material. The Millenary Mystic Jade itself was a material that could assist in refining Spirit Weapons; the Cold Soul Spirit Blade was mixed with this substance, signifying its considerable worth.


    A small Jade Vase made from such a material, whatever it contained inside, was undoubtedly of even greater value.


    "Indeed, it''s not bad."


    Chen Mu only opened the lid for a moment before closing it again.


    But in that moment, an extremely dense Demon Qi spread out. It appeared to be the same substance as the Mystic Tortoise Demon Blood, but the degree of concentration was utterly different, clearly indicating this was a rarer Mystic Tortoise Essence Blood, or rather, Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood!


    The Demon Blood from a Seventh Rank Black Jiao was the main component for refining the Tendon Changing Pill. Not to mention the blood of an Eighth Rank Spiritual Creature, the Essence Blood of a Ninth Rank Mystic Tortoise, indeed, was exceptionally valuable and very useful for Chen Mu at this point.


    At least.


    If he had a specific Medicine Powder Prescription, his progress in refining his Martial Body would surely leap forward greatly.


    For Chen Mu at this stage, comprehending the Qiankun Artistic Conception to the Domain level was a qualitative change in strength. However, cultivation of his Martial Body was likewise steadily advancing. His Martial Body was still at the initial stage, and if he could refine the Qiankun Martial Body to Great Perfection, reaching the Marrow Cleansing Realm''s limit so that the marrow was like mercury, even without the Qiankun Domain, relying solely on his Martial Body, he could perhaps still contend with Heavenly Demons!

 Chapter 329 Chasing and Escaping

    Aside from the Mystic Tortoise Demon Blood and the heart blood, the rest are various valuable Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects like Mysterious Water Essence, which are of a higher quality than the gentle nurturing kinds of Spiritual Objects.


    In the Five Viscera Realm, the progress of Cultivation depends on Viscera Refining Spiritual Objects, the Six Viscera Realm uses gentle nurturing class Spiritual Objects, and upon reaching the Marrow Cleansing Realm, there are no more restrictions. Whether it''s Viscera Refining or gentle nurturing kinds, a Martial Artist in the Marrow Cleansing Realm can use either effctively for refining their Martial Body.


    However, relatively speaking.


    The effects of Viscera Refining and gentle nurturing kinds of Spiritual Objects on the refinement of a Grandmaster Martial Body are not very significant¡ªquite ordinary, and it is a waste for Grandmasters to use them. They are far more beneficial to Martial Artists in the Five Organ and Viscera Realm Realm.


    The reason for this is simple: the requirements for refining a Grandmaster Martial Body are very large, demanding more intense refinement, not the slow adjustment and nurturing appropriate for the Six Viscera Realm, thus requiring higher quality Spiritual Objects.


    Such things,


    to put it plainly, are not to be found even once in the warehouses of the Seven Profound Sect!


    Grandmasters who travel to the Outer Sea, explore the Great Wilderness, and discover some Viscera Refining or gentle nurturing kinds of Spiritual Objects may place them in the Sect''s Mansion Treasury to cultivate the younger generation. But Body Refining Spiritual Objects are useful to themselves, and the more the better, preferring excess rather than shortage; hence there will never be a surplus of such items.


    After all.


    Even those Grandmasters who have refined their Martial Bodies to ''Perfection'', like the old Masters such as Feng Hongsheng, if they had a large number of Body Refining Spiritual Objects, it would not be impossible for their Martial Bodies to make minor progress. Although this would not create a significant change in strength, it could increase their chances of impacting the Blood Exchange, or extend their lifespan a bit longer.


    The Demon Venerable Murong Yan, as an Eighth Rank Demon Venerable, carried with him up to four portions of Body Refining Spiritual Objects, all of which were compatible with his own attributes. Clearly, they were prepared for his use, just like the Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood.


    For Chen Mu, he was not one to refuse visitors.


    He practiced the Qiankun Martial Body that did not require any specific attributes. Any type of Body Refining Spiritual Objects from the world, whether water, fire, wind, thunder, was effectively the same to him. He could use all of them, without a need to trade or exchange with others.


    "With these four portions of Body Refining Spiritual Objects, I wonder if it''s possible to refine my Martial Body to Minor Achievement. However, the difficulty of refining the Martial Body is indeed higher than that of Viscera Refining and nurturing the Six Viscera, requiring more time and resources."


    Chen Mu pondered in his mind.


    There is no doubt about the effects of the system panel; it definitely can digest the Body Refining Spiritual Objects with nearly perfect efficiency. It''s just that the practice of refining the Martial Body itself takes a long time. Still, if it could really advance his Martial Body by a small step, reaching Minor Achievement, the change would not be insubstantial.


    After all, the foundation of his Qiankun Martial Body was incredibly substantial, and calling it the most Solidifying Refinement of Martial Bodies in history would not be an exaggeration. The change brought about by one small step could possibly exceed that of an ordinary Grandmaster going from initial achievement to Perfection!


    Without pondering for too long.


    Chen Mu swiftly collected all of the Demon Venerable Murong Yan''s items and after carefully checking several times to ensure there were no omissions, he crushed the body into bone and flesh fragments, then turned and headed into the Earth''s Veins.


    After traversing over a hundred zhang through the Earth''s Veins, he quickly returned to where he had been before, found the body of the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable, and after another thorough investigation, also turned up many items, though not as many as those of the Demon Venerable Murong Yan.


    Among them was only a bottle of ordinary Mystic Tortoise Demon Blood.


    There was only one piece of Body Refining Spiritual Object named ''Red Earth Mystic Essence'', belonging to the Five Elements Earth Attribute, which also matched the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable''s own needs for refining his Demon Body. It was also a gain for Chen Mu. Counting the items from Demon Venerable Murong Yan, he now had five portions.


    "It''s time to go up."


    After inspecting the body of the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable and crushing it as well, Chen Mu looked up towards the surface.


    To lure the Demon Venerable Murong Yan to come, he deliberately delayed with the Yellow Earth Demon Venerable for some time. By now, most of the stewards and protectors of the Sky Demon Sect who could have escaped had done so. He was unclear about the current state of the Secluded Silent Valley.


    Chen Mu was not particularly interested in the Secluded Silent Valley.


    As the Main Altar of the Sky Demon Sect, the valley certainly contained many valuable resources and undoubtedly had a treasury as well. However, before the fall of the Main Altar, figures such as the Demon Venerable Murong Yan would definitely have taken the most valuable things in the treasury with them and would not have left them in the valley.


    Therefore, what was left in the Secluded Silent Valley were mostly large quantities of items not easily carried; these might be considered a batch of strategic resources for the Seven Profound Sect, but for Chen Mu who was now a Grandmaster, ordinary resources were of little use. Stay connected with My Virtual Library Empire


    "I wonder if that Mystic Tortoise is still there."


    A thought flashed through Chen Mu''s mind as he ascended along the Earth''s Veins. He swiftly passed through a hundred zhang of earth and swiftly emerged from underground, back to the surface.


    This place was some distance from the Secluded Silent Valley, about a hundred miles away, but Chen Mu could still faintly sense some disturbances from the direction of the valley, indicating that the battle there was not yet over.


    Although the Venerable and protectors of the Sky Demon Sect had all escaped separately, the sect had imprisoned many Seventh and Eighth Rank Great Demons. These were all troublesome and not so easily resolved. Moreover, these were very valuable resources, as a demon of this level is a treasure through and through; people like Qi Zhiyuan and others would not let them slip away.


    Whoosh!


    Chen Mu''s figure flashed, and he reached a high ground, gazing toward the direction of the Secluded Silent Valley from afar.


    "It''s not there anymore?"


    A glint flashed in his eyes.


    Even from a great distance, he could clearly sense the tumultuous Demon Qi of the Seventh and even Eighth Rank Demon Kings, but looking from a hundred miles away, he could no longer sense the presence of that Mystic Tortoise. It certainly wasn''t in the Secluded Silent Valley anymore.


    Although he had been underground, Chen Mu was fairly certain that Qi Zhiyuan and the others, despite their abilities, would likely find themselves lacking in strength and taking considerable risks in attempting to suppress the Mystic Tortoise. Thus, it was not surprising that they let it escape.


    However...


    Chen Mu turned his gaze toward the distance.


    Now that he had dealt with the Earth-attribute Demon Venerable and the Jade-attribute Demon Venerable, he was quite satisfied with his gains from the trip. If there was anything left that could stir his interest, it would be that very Mystic Tortoise, as he indeed wished to witness the true capabilities of a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon.


    It wasn''t that he had become arrogant, but rather that a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon, such as the Mystic Tortoise, was inherently on par with, and perhaps even slightly weaker than, the ancient Heavenly Demon of the Sky Demon Sect. Even though it belonged to the ''Blood Exchange'' level, it was probably the weakest among its peers.


    Moreover.


    He had so much Mystic Tortoise Demon Blood in his possession, and even a portion of its heart blood.


    Imprisoned for over a hundred years, drained of its demon Qi and blood, even a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon could not remain unscathed. It must certainly be in a weakened state now.


    With all these factors combined, Chen Mu didn''t feel much fear toward the Mystic Tortoise. However, in his judgment, it was more appropriate to first hunt the Demon Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect, rather than getting entangled with the Mystic Tortoise. After all, even if it were in a weakened state, he wasn''t guaranteed to be able to detain it; all he could say was that he wasn''t particularly afraid.


    Chen Mu roughly sensed the battle situation toward the direction of the Secluded Silent Valley, deducing that the many Grandmasters of the Seven Profound Sect, including Qi Zhiyuan, were presently holding a significant upper hand, having essentially secured the situation. Thereafter, he directed his gaze toward a certain direction.


    Even though the Mystic Tortoise was no longer in the Secluded Silent Valley, being inherently slow, it probably hadn''t gone far. He could faintly detect some remnants of the Mystic Tortoise''s demon Qi and was easily able to discern its direction of escape.


    "Did it actually fly away..."


    Chen Mu quickly found the trajectory of the Mystic Tortoise''s escape, which turned out to be through aerial escape, to his slight surprise.


    At the Ninth Rank, known as ''Heavenly Demons'', all kinds of demons would possess the Sky Flying Technique, but the Mystic Tortoise undoubtedly was the least adept at flying among all demons. Being innately slow on the ground, its flight was even slower.


    Although Chen Mu didn''t understand why the Mystic Tortoise was flying away, since he had captured the direction of its escape, he didn''t hesitate much. After concealing his own aura, his figure flickered as he too took off, pursuing along the faint trace of demon Qi.


    ...


    Above in the sky.


    Dark clouds were densely spread.


    Deep within the rolling Cloud Sea, two figures, one large and one small, were engaged in a chase, one after the other.


    The colossal figure chasing from behind, almost on par with a mountain in size, measuring dozens of yards, was none other than the Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise that had been imprisoned in the Secluded Silent Valley. Its eyes were bloodshot and veined with red, seemingly in a state of madness.


    The figure being chased appeared quite slender, surrounded by an invisible Domain, through which the Strength of Qian Heaven coursed, utilizing the Qian Heaven Domain to perform the Flying Escape.


    "..."


    Murong Yan''s brows were tightly knit as she flew through the clouds, occasionally glancing back at the Mystic Tortoise that was chasing her.


    It wasn''t that the Seven Profound Sect had employed any strategies to have her drawn away the Mystic Tortoise. Instead, she had been caught off-guard by the schemes of a Demon Venerable from the Sky Demon Sect. Whatever tactic they had used on her, it made the Mystic Tortoise in the Secluded Silent Valley pursue her immediately upon its release.


    Luckily, though she wasn''t a Grandmaster, she had mastered the Qian Heaven Domain and possessed the capability to fly. With the Mystic Tortoise being naturally slow and even more cumbersome in flight due to its great size, the Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon couldn''t quite catch up to her.


    However.


    She had tried several times to shake it off but had always failed to do so.


    Being chased by a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon was undoubtedly problematic for her, putting her under tremendous pressure. Considering the significant gap between them, she could only exert herself to fly and maintain distance.


    "This is troublesome."


    Sensing that the Mystic Tortoise behind her seemed to be in a state of frenzy and pursuing her relentlessly, Murong Yan frowned deeply.


    If she couldn''t shake it off, the only option was to find another way to escape. She wasn''t without strategies, such as leading the Mystic Tortoise toward the Seven Profound Sect''s Sect grounds to suppress it with the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, or even drawing it to the Ice Extreme Palace or to the Foreign Race territory would suffice.


    However, she was momentarily undecided about which option to choose. The crisis had arisen so suddenly that she had had no opportunity to communicate with Qi Zhiyuan and the others. Leading it to the Seven Profound Sect''s grounds, while the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation would indeed reliably suppress the Mystic Tortoise, there was also ''Seven Profound Town'' right outside the Sect grounds. If the Mystic Tortoise reached there and began wreaking havoc in Seven Profound Town, the fault would be hers.


    Moreover.


    The distance to the Seven Profound Sect was far too great, over tens of thousands of miles. Even at her current Realm, with uninterrupted Yuan Gang Inner Breath, such a long journey wasn''t without the risk of mishap.


    After all, it was a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon! S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Considering the closest proximity, it would be the Foreign Race''s base in Han Prefecture. But given that she herself wasn''t a top-tier Grandmaster, even if she led the Mystic Tortoise there to inflict significant damage on the Foreign Race, she had little confidence she could escape from the Foreign Race''s base.


    If only Yin Heng, the Supreme, were nearby, things would be different. Currently, however, her knowledge of Yin Heng''s whereabouts was limited; he might still be occupied fighting the ancient Heavenly Demon of the Sky Demon Sect and unable to concern himself with the situation here. Other than Yin Heng, a Blood Exchange Realm being, she feared there was no one else equipped to handle a Heavenly Demon.

 Chapter 330 Heavenly Demons Might

    Just as Murong Yan attempted to flee through the dark clouds by employing her Sky Flying Technique, Chen Mu''s figure flickered in and out of visibility within the distant layers of clouds, tracking the demonic power trail left by the Mystic Tortoise all the way up here.


    Earlier, he had mastered the Three Feet Forbidden Domain enabling him flight, and now, having cultivated the Qiankun Martial Body, his speed in the sky had become even more formidable. Among the grandmasters, he was unrivaled, and even high-ranking martial artists in the Blood Exchange Realm, unless they were extremely proficient in flying escape techniques, would find it difficult to catch up with him. Probably only a few monsters, such as the Tenth Rank ''Golden-Winged Roc'', could outpace him.


    Of course, this was when he hadn''t yet reached the Blood Exchange Realm.


    "Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise."


    Chen Mu was still far away at this moment, but he could vaguely make out the trajectory of the Mystic Tortoise within the dark clouds, a glimmer of light flashing in his eyes as he sensed the surging demonic power emanating from the creature.


    Despite some confusion in his heart as to why the Mystic Tortoise chose to escape through the sky rather than seeking out a water vein to travel through the water, he quickly recognized the source of the change. Ahead, within the dark clouds, the enormous Mystic Tortoise was in hot pursuit of another, comparatively minute figure¡ªwhich he hadn''t noticed before due to the great distance and the vast presence and dense demonic Qi of the tortoise overshadowing the other''s aura.


    Now that he was getting closer, he could make out that tiny form.


    The sensation of the Qian Heaven Domain was very familiar and pronounced, and its aura was not as strong as Qin Mengjun''s, so he immediately knew who the one being chased by the Mystic Tortoise was¡ªthe main peak''s protector, Murong Yan.


    "So that''s how it is. Although there are grandmasters who can use flying escape techniques, in terms of speed in the sky, her Qian Heaven Domain is somewhat faster. So she is the one responsible for leading the Mystic Tortoise away? That''s a good strategy."


    As Chen Mu gradually drew closer, he also wore an expression as if he was deep in thought.


    The Mystic Tortoise excelled in water and was inept at flying. If it were to enter the rivers and use the terrain to its advantage, capturing it again would be uncertain even for those in the Blood Exchange Realm. If it were in the vast Outer Sea, it would be even more dreadful, but on land, or in the air, it wasn''t as fearsome, and even Murong Yan could keep it at bay.


    However.


    Chen Mu quickly realized that the situation didn''t quite match his judgment as, though Murong Yan was leading the Mystic Tortoise in flight, her aura was clearly somewhat disheveled. Moreover, the Mystic Tortoise kept letting out thunderous roars within the dark clouds, each containing the unique daunting might of a Heavenly Demon, which spread outwards and caused considerable disturbance to Murong Yan''s aura, who was only in the Six Viscera Realm.


    And it seemed that Murong Yan had become tainted with an aura that didn''t belong to her, reminiscent of something like ''rosemary''¡ªit was that substance that was leading the now insane and frenzied Mystic Tortoise on a relentless chase.


    "Hmm?"


    At that moment, when Chen Mu sensed that something was amiss, the Mystic Tortoise let out another roar akin to thunder, causing a minor sway in Murong Yan''s Qian Heaven Domain and a slight delay in her speed.


    It was this slight delay that allowed the Mystic Tortoise to close the distance even further, and a terrifying giant mouth gaped open, as a tumultuous surge of demonic power immediately brewed, causing the surrounding clouds to tremble.


    "Not good."


    Murong Yan, sensing the activity behind her, instantly realized the danger. Only then did she understand that although the Mystic Tortoise wasn''t adept at flying, the condensed water mist within the dark clouds could still enhance its power, much like the water currents!


    The rolling dark clouds suddenly coalesced into waves, and under the mobilization of the overwhelming demonic power, they rolled towards Murong Yan, threatening to engulf her completely.


    The spread of these waves was much faster than the Mystic Tortoise''s flying speed¡ªalmost instantaneously, they had reached behind Murong Yan, like a colossal wave born from the fog, pouring down upon her.


    Sizz-sizz!


    The waves had just spread to within about twenty yards behind Murong Yan when they began to sizzle and dissipate into nothing, colliding with her Qian Heaven Domain and continuously eroding each other.


    Given the sufficient distance between Murong Yan and the Mystic Tortoise and the fact that the turtle launched its strike from afar, plus the reality that this realm was above the firmament rather than in the Vast Sea, when their powers clashed, it ended up being the last gasp of a desperate effort, ultimately unable to breach her Qian Heaven Domain.


    Even so,


    Murong Yan''s complexion didn''t look too good.


    Although her Qian Heaven Domain had withstood the hit, the impact slowed her flying speed considerably, and the pursuing Mystic Tortoise behind her was closing in even more.


    This situation was becoming extremely perilous.


    At a distance of two hundred yards, she wasn''t too fearful of the Mystic Tortoise. However, at merely a hundred yards, it posed a significant threat to her. At that distance, the tortoise could attack her without needing the assistance of the Cloud Sea''s mist.


    And just as Murong Yan''s heart sank and she was forced to consider using a secret technique to widen the gap again, her eyes suddenly flickered, and she glanced to the side and behind her. She saw a figure that had unexpectedly appeared not far from the Mystic Tortoise, keeping pace with the beast, and even continuing to pursue her, clearly much faster than both her and the Mystic Tortoise.


    "That is..."


    She quickly recognized the identity of the comer.


    In the Mysterious Heavenly Sect, among the many grandmaster elders who could fly, quite a few could catch up with her, but those who could fly faster than her were far fewer¡ªChen Mu was precisely someone capable of reaching her speed in flying techniques.


    "Protector Murong."


    Chen Mu moved through the dark clouds, his speed much faster than the Mystic Tortoise visible to the naked eye, almost instantly passing it from behind, catching up with Murong Yan, and sizing her up and down. He asked, "How''s the situation?"


    Murong Yan shook her head with a wry smile. "I fell for a Demon Man''s scheme. I don''t know what thing has mixed into my Inner Breath; I can''t get rid of it momentarily, and that Mystic Tortoise has been chasing after me nonstop."


    "So that''s the case, no wonder it persistently pursued you and completely ignored my presence."


    Chen Mu turned to glance at the Mystic Tortoise behind them.


    When he was catching up from behind just now, he had intentionally released some of his Qi to test the Mystic Tortoise''s reaction. However, the Mystic Tortoise completely ignored his Qi, focusing only on Murong Yan.


    Roar!!!


    While Chen Mu and Murong Yan were having their brief conversation, the Mystic Tortoise issued another thunderous roar, gathering vast demonic power within its mountain-like body, once again stirring the rolling Cloud Sea.


    In that sea of clouds, waves upon waves formed, turning into successive tides pressing towards Chen Mu and Murong Yan.


    Murong Yan felt the oppressive force coming from behind and her heart sank. This time, due to the closer distance, she felt an even stronger pressure from the demonic power and attack. However, her expression did not show too much panic, for at this moment she was not alone; Chen Mu was right by her side, and his strength was much greater than hers.


    And in the next moment.


    The sweeping Cloud Sea tide, covering a hundred zhang, rolled up behind Chen Mu and her. Against that tidal force, Chen Mu merely raised his right hand, and with a flick of his sleeve backwards, sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Accompanied by a buzzing sound, the wave-like tide that was rolling towards them suddenly froze in midair, as if paused, stopping momentarily. Then, with the area where Chen Mu struck as the center, it dissipated over several dozen zhang.


    Boom!!!


    A thunderous rumble resounded through the land.


    Despite appearing to be a simple action, it was actually Chen Mu wielding the Power of Heaven and Earth coupled with Yuan Gang True Essence, clashing with the Mystic Tortoise from over a hundred zhang away, and the resulting turmoil was naturally earth-shattering.


    "So strong..."


    Murong Yan glanced at the collision behind them and couldn''t help but take a sharp breath, her look towards Chen Mu filled with amazement. She already knew about Chen Mu''s recent slaying of Tuguhou from the Umon tribe. Initially, she found it unbelievable since Tuguhou''s strength was not something that a Seventh Rank Demon Venerable from the Sky Demon Sect could compare to. Being able to defeat the likes of White Feather Demon Venerable did not necessarily mean he could defeat Tuguhou, let alone slay him. Your next read awaits at My Virtual Library Empire


    Now witnessing Chen Mu''s distant engagement with the Mystic Tortoise, she finally experienced firsthand Chen Mu''s formidable power. Even though it was a hundred zhang away, she bore the brunt of the Mystic Tortoise''s strike, yet that was indeed the Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise!


    The previous strike from two hundred zhang away had nearly collapsed her Qian Heaven Domain.


    Now that the distance shortened to a hundred zhang, the power of this incoming strike was far more than doubled. Yet Chen Mu blocked it with seemingly no effort, almost without breaking a sweat. Clearly, the gap in strength between her and Chen Mu was immeasurable.


    What Murong Yan found most incomprehensible was how Chen Mu could possess such strength. In her perception, Chen Mu had not revealed the power of the Qiankun Domain, relying solely on Artistic Conception and his own Yuan Gang. Could such intense Yuan Gang True Essence really be something that someone at the Six Viscera Realm could possess?


    "As expected of a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon, still so powerful even in a weakened state."


    Chen Mu narrowed his eyes slightly as he watched the Mystic Tortoise. The brief clash from a hundred zhang away allowed him to roughly assess the power level of the Mystic Tortoise. Indeed, it was no ordinary being, much stronger than the likes of the Ink Jade Demon Venerable.


    Even in a weakened state, it still felt extremely threatening to him. Now considering his own strength, he was a peerless Grandmaster, among the very best below the Blood Exchange Realm. However, facing a weakened Mystic Tortoise, he still did not sense any certainty of victory.


    Of course.


    Such a gap was not too surprising for Chen Mu. After all, the Mystic Tortoise was a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon, truly corresponding to the level of the Blood Exchange Realm¡ªthe pinnacle of Martial Arts, the final step, and naturally far stronger than a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster.


    "That''s fine."


    "Let me see for myself just how big the gap is between me and the Blood Exchange Realm."


    Mere probing wasn''t enough; seeing this rare opportunity, he wanted to use the Mystic Tortoise''s strength to carefully discern the gap between him and the actual Blood Exchange Realm. That way, when he further tempered his Martial Body, and even after mastering the Qiankun Domain, he would know how close he was to that level!


    In the very next moment, Chen Mu''s figure halted in the clouds, no longer fleeing far away with Murong Yan. Instead, he stopped and turned around, facing the massive form of the Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise bearing down on him like a small mountain.


    "..."


    Murong Yan noticed Chen Mu''s actions, and was immediately taken aback, her speed subconsciously slowing down a bit. Although the Mystic Tortoise was currently fixated on her, paying all its attention to her, Chen Mu''s approach towards the Mystic Tortoise was undoubtedly a very dangerous act, for it was after all a Heavenly Demon.


    What was Chen Mu trying to do?

 Chapter 331 Mystic Tortoise Tail Swing

    "Why not try?"


    Chen Mu gazed at the swiftly approaching Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise, a strong notion already rising in his heart.


    No martial artist lacked the desire for the pinnacle of Martial Arts, and no martial artist would refrain from staring at the ultimate peak; however, the vast majority of martial artists in this world simply weren''t qualified to reach such heights, not even to glimpse it.


    Yet, despite all the hardships Chen Mu had gone through, all the strenuous effort he had expended, he had finally reached this step, achieving a position from where he could peek at the ultimate peak of Martial Arts.


    Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise.


    This was an entity truly on par with the Blood Exchange Realm.


    And whether by fate or sheer coincidence, this tortoise just happened to be not in the vast sea or rivers but rather above in the sky, unskilled in Flying Escape, with a clouded consciousness and weak life force, conveniently landing in front of him. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Regardless of whether he could currently withstand such a Heavenly Demon, the scene before him at this very moment caused his martial will to surge uncontrollably.


    Just one move.


    Just one move is enough.


    Let him witness the power of that level!


    "Sister Murong, step back a bit farther,"


    Chen Mu reminded Murong Yan as he faced the tortoise, not forgetting to caution her. Even though the tortoise was currently in a weakened state and not at its prime, coupled with an unfavorable environment, and even though he was just in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, yet to touch the Blood Exchange, a full-force strike in these high skies might still cause significant repercussions, capable of affecting Murong Yan even a hundred meters away.


    Hearing Chen Mu''s words, Murong Yan was momentarily startled, but as she was already distancing herself from the tortoise, she did not stop, instantly maneuvering the Qian Heaven Domain to flee two hundred meters away and then turning back to look.


    All these details might seem intricate, yet they happened in an instant.


    From Chen Mu pausing, urging Murong Yan to back off, to the tortoise nearing him, it all took but a moment. The massive figure approaching, nearly thirty meters in size, like a small mountain bearing down, brought an unprecedented and intense pressure, wafting with vast clouds and waves, truly as if carrying a tsunami!


    However, facing this nearly suffocating pressure, fear was absent in Chen Mu''s eyes. Within his pupils, a blaze seemed to burn¡ªa flame of unyielding belief and will.


    His left hand raised to the sky, and his right toward the earth, his movements seemingly quite slow, but in reality, united before him in a flash, forming a seal¡ªthe beginning stance of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal.


    Buzz!!!


    Your next read awaits at My Virtual Library Empire


    The immense Power of Heaven and Earth surged, summoned by his Qiankun will.


    The majestic Yuan Gang True Essence stormed forth, manipulated by his Qiankun Martial Body.


    The two forces mixed seamlessly, congealing into a brilliant, illusory light, seemingly containing the essence of all cosmic evolution, integrating all things of the world within it, and with Chen Mu''s one move, striking directly at the front of the tortoise!


    Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal!


    This move carried neither grand momentum nor overwhelming pressure, but all the forces were concentrated on the inch-wide fist peak, making it the strongest strike he had ever executed since he began practicing Martial Arts.


    This was his first challenge toward the zenith of Martial Arts, using the Qiankun Martial Body from the Marrow Cleansing Realm''s mastery.


    "Roar..."


    At this moment, even the Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise, now in a frenzied state, showed a change in reaction. Its attention shifted from Murong Yan for the first time, focusing instead on Chen Mu as its huge, bell-like demonic eyes, bloodshot within, bore a hint of caution as if even with its Heavenly Demon body, it couldn''t ignore this attack.


    Boom!!!


    The rolling cloud sea surged, the tremendous demonic power like a tsunami.


    Responding to Chen Mu''s Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, the tortoise countered with its tail swing¡ªa tail like a dragon-snake, remarkably agile compared to its massive and cumbersome body¡ªsweeping through the air from the rear almost instantly.


    The seemingly simple tail strike carried a vast might, shaking one''s heart to its core, as visibly, the path where the tail swung set off roaring demonic winds, causing boundless dark clouds to churn, splitting nearly a kilometer, opening a visible gap, seemingly cleaving the sky into distinctly separate halves!


    Finally.


    Chen Mu''s Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal clashed with the tortoise''s tail swing, causing the rolling clouds to momentarily freeze.


    Then, the terrifying intermingling of Yuan Gang and demonic power collided within inches, exploding into streams of blood-red and dark lightning, the vast cloud layer centered around their clash point, like a star plummeting into the sea, stirring up a thousand-meter ripple, explosively spreading in all directions.


    "Hmm..."


    Despite being a prominent figure on the Wind Cloud List with the power of the Qian Heaven Domain, even at a distance of two hundred meters, Murong Yan felt the explosive aftermath stirring the Power of Heaven and Earth nearly like a tidal wave, violently tearing at her Qian Heaven Domain.


    Although distant enough to withstand it, saving her domain from being overwhelmed, her gaze towards the center of the cloud sea was nevertheless shaken, her heart like a tumultuous vast sea, the roiling waves refusing to calm.


    The fog was vast.


    Demonic power was in turmoil.


    Despite her abilities, she could neither see clearly what was happening nor perceive the specific circumstances.


    Whoosh!


    Murong Yan only knew that the ripple of the aftermath did not last long; it took but a few breaths. From the wildly turbulent Cloud Sea, a figure broke through the air and landed beside her.


    "Let''s go."


    The person who emerged from the cloud mist was Chen Mu, who looked unchanged in appearance, with no signs of his clothing being tattered, and his expression was very calm. After landing, he spoke to Murong Yan.


    Murong Yan was still in a daze, her eyes rippling like ocean waves, unable to calm down. However, she soon heard again from the Cloud Sea behind, the roaring of the Mystic Tortoise.


    "Roar!!!"


    This sound seemed even more furious and crazed than before, finally snapping her out of it. Without a moment to overthink, she controlled the Qian Heaven Domain and continued to fly forward, catching up with Chen Mu.


    Just as she barely caught up to Chen Mu, the vast dark clouds behind them split apart, and the massive form of the Mystic Tortoise surged out again, continuing to chase in their direction. This time, however, its gaze was not solely on her; a bigger part of its attention was fixated on Chen Mu, its huge demonic eyes filled with blood threads.


    However.


    No matter how furiously it roared, Chen Mu and Murong Yan kept flying ahead side by side, maintaining a distance of more than two hundred yards.


    Murong Yan, feeling the demonic might of the Mystic Tortoise from behind, couldn''t help but glance sideways at Chen Mu, her eyes brimming with countless ripples, and countless questions surged in her heart, yet she didn''t know which one to ask.


    Just now,


    did Chen Mu directly withstand a blow from the Mystic Tortoise?


    Even though she had witnessed it with her own eyes, on reflection, it still seemed incredible. That was the Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise, a ninth rank demonic creature, a being beyond the Blood Exchange Realm. Even if weakened by a century of imprisonment by the Sky Demon Sect, it was still no ordinary creature. Even with Chen Mu''s top-three strength on the Wind Cloud List, the difference between them should still be immeasurable!


    From a distance of one or two hundred yards, resisting a blow from the Mystic Tortoise was understandable, but to withstand a direct hit at close range... wasn''t that something only someone of the Blood Exchange Realm could achieve?


    Chen Mu? Blood Exchange?


    These were obviously two completely unrelated terms.


    Murong Yan looked at Chen Mu, and seeing that his face remained calm and he kept silent, she finally couldn''t help but ask,


    "Junior Brother Chen, are you alright?"


    "It''s nothing serious."


    Upon hearing Murong Yan''s words, Chen Mu seemed to come slightly back to his senses, looked towards Murong Yan and responded, then lifted his right hand and waved it at her.


    Murong Yan, observing Chen Mu''s hand, saw a stretched blood mark on the surface of his fist. The cut was deep, almost revealing the jade-like bones, yet, no blood flowed out, and the wound kept closing at a visible rate, healing itself.


    "..."


    She first discerned that the injury was indeed not serious, as it hadn''t reached the bones and would recover in a short time. But then, a surge of shock rose in her heart.


    Mystic Tortoise Tail Swing.


    She had nearly fully witnessed that scene. Chen Mu had withstood the terrifying attack of the Mystic Tortoise Tail Swing, suffering only a superficial tear on his fist.


    She knew, that blow alone had ripped apart thousands of meters of the Cloud Sea, and if she had been close, even without making actual contact with the Mystic Tortoise''s tail, merely being struck by the aftermath of its demonic power could have torn her Qian Heaven Domain apart and likely would have severed her in two!


    Even though Chen Mu practiced the Qiankun Path, achieving the peak of skill, confronting the Mystic Tortoise head-on like this was definitely not something within the capabilities of the Six Viscera Realm, and perhaps... only the legendary strongest martial body in Martial Arts, the Qiankun Martial Body, could possess such resilience!


    "Qiankun Martial Body?"


    Murong Yan looked at Chen Mu and could not resist asking that question.


    "Yes."


    Chen Mu gazed at his injured right hand and sighed, "It''s a pity I still can''t stand against a Heavenly Demon like this; this is it in a weakened state after years of imprisonment. In its prime, I couldn''t withstand a single blow."


    Murong Yan: "..."


    She looked at Chen Mu with a complex gaze, unsure of how to respond.


    Then, Chen Mu finally sighed, lowered his hand, looked at Murong Yan, and spoke softly, "I''d appreciate it, Senior Sister Murong, if you do not disclose the matter of the Qiankun Martial Body just yet. Help me keep it hidden for a while longer."


    Merely with the initial achievement of the Qiankun Martial Body, indeed it still cannot withstand a Heavenly Demon, but the gap isn''t that great; just considering this Mystic Tortoise, if his martial body advanced further, reaching Minor Achievement, he probably could truly contend with it, and if he were to grasp the Qiankun Domain... he might even be able to fight a fully-powered Mystic Tortoise, truly reaching that level!


    And now, he was not that far from that moment.

 Chapter 332 Foreign Race Camp

    "Hmm..."


    Murong Yan took a deep breath and gave Chen Mu a slight nod, the shock still evident in her eyes.


    In that moment, her mind also flashed through many things, including the earlier plot against Chen Mu by the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion. Now, it seemed that all of these might have been the cautious strategies of Chen Mu; being able to master the Six Viscera Realm to Perfection and then breaking through the Mysterious Pass to become a Qiankun Grandmaster within just a few years, Chen Mu''s talents were truly unmatched in history.


    It was as if she was witnessing another figure like the Da Xuan Martial Emperor rising step by step. It was no wonder that Chen Mu''s actions were so extremely cautious; after all, attracting attention before one has grown sufficiently is not a good thing. Not to mention the whole Da Xuan Dynasty, just this Cold North Path alone probably had countless people who did not wish to see a new era''s Martial Saint emerge.


    Roar!!


    The Mystic Tortoise roared angrily again, but by this time, Chen Mu and Murong Yan had already put a distance of two hundred yards between themselves and it, practically unaffected by its attack at this range, which posed little threat.


    Murong Yan''s sidelong glance fell on the Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise behind them, and she said gravely, "This tortoise must have been provoked by the Sky Demon Sect using some means, becoming violent and uncontrollable. Brother Chen, what do you think would be the best approach to deal with it?"


    Her earlier considerations were numerous, and being chased by the Mystic Tortoise had put a lot of pressure on her. Now that she had Chen Mu by her side, the tension in her heart had greatly diminished. As for how to handle the Mystic Tortoise, naturally, it was best to listen to Chen Mu''s thoughts now.


    Chen Mu also looked back at the Mystic Tortoise. With his current strength, while he was still slightly inferior to the weakened tortoise in a direct confrontation, he could manage to entangle it for a while. However, the key issue was that without being able to suppress it, continuing the stalemate was meaningless. If the tortoise were to fully awaken or break free from its violent state and head straight for the river basin, it would be even harder to stop it, as the center of Ice State was the Ice Sea, which also connected to the Outer Sea from underground.


    "Sister Murong, how much longer do you need to clear your aura?"


    Chen Mu paused for a moment before asking Murong Yan.


    Murong Yan was affected by the dark scheme of the Sky Demon Sect, unknowingly absorbing something that intermixed with her Inner Breath. It was decidedly much more attractive to the Mystic Tortoise than mere rosemary. However, she was also a practitioner of the Six Viscera Realm, and it would just take her some effort to cleanse it thoroughly. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Murong Yan quickly replied, "At least half an hour."


    "Good."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly, looked back at the Mystic Tortoise, a flicker of light passing through his eyes, and said, "Then let''s go deliver a ''grand gift'' to the tribes outside, Sister Murong. What do you think?"


    Murong Yan naturally had no intention of rejecting Chen Mu''s suggestion. She had also considered luring the Mystic Tortoise to the foreign tribes'' stronghold before, but due to concerns about whether she could get away safely once she led it there, she had been hesitant to decide.


    Now, with Chen Mu accompanying her, she naturally felt much more confident.


    Although she was not sure exactly how powerful Chen Mu had become after becoming a Grandmaster, judging by the impact of the clash between Chen Mu and the Mystic Tortoise just now, she feared no top Grandmaster of the Cold North Path could match Chen Mu.


    With such a powerful figure by her side, she naturally felt confident enough to venture into the foreign tribes'' stronghold. Whether the tribal forces would suppress the Mystic Tortoise or the Mystic Tortoise would destroy their stronghold, they would ultimately benefit in the end.


    Having made up her mind.


    Chen Mu then changed direction, leading Murong Yan as they flew towards the depths of Han Prefecture. Having previously scouted the area, he was naturally aware of the whereabouts of the foreign tribes'' stronghold in Han Prefecture, which was stationed a few hundred miles north of the Prefectural Government. They could advance to raid the Prefectural Government and retreat back to the State Government Office of Ice State to meet with the main forces of the tribes.


    "The foreign tribes currently occupying Han Prefecture are the Wu Meng and Wu Li Departments. Each department has over ten thousand troops, all elite, and in terms of quality, even better than the forces of the Ice State Guards and Yu Lin Army."


    Chen Mu talked to Murong Yan about the intelligence on Han Prefecture as they hurried along.


    Now having a general understanding of the Mystic Tortoise''s capabilities and some of the Blood Exchange Realm techniques, his knowledge of large-scale military formations was still limited. Although he had accompanied the Yu Lin Army in the past, he had never participated in combat.


    As for the earlier eradication of one troop in Han Prefecture, that was merely a thousand men, and furthermore, there was no Grandmaster leading them.


    He was not sure about the combat power that tens of thousands of elite troops led by a Grandmaster could muster; if they clashed with the Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise tailing them, what the rough outcome would be.


    ...


    In the northern part of Han Prefecture.


    About four hundred miles away from the Prefectural Government, this location was the campsite of the Wu Meng and Wu Li Departments.


    The two departments were camped tens of miles apart, occupying the land of the local County Government. At this time, all the scattered army soldiers in Han Prefecture had already regrouped, with each department hosting over ten thousand troops gathered inside the camps.


    At this moment.


    In the central camp of the Wu Meng Department, the atmosphere inside the camp was utterly solemn. Whether it was the soldiers stationed outside the camp or the commanders standing inside, all bowed their heads respectfully, daring not to act rashly.


    The spacious interior of the camp was covered with a very large white fur carpet, seemingly from a Tiger Demon. Judging by its fur, it must have been at least thirty feet tall when alive, undoubtedly a Demon King of the Seventh Rank or higher. Now its demon hide had become a carpet covering the camp floor.


    In the center of the carpet, there were six figures.


    The aura of these six figures was either profoundly contained or wildly scattering, but without exception, each was accompanied by a faint majestic presence belonging to the level of a Grandmaster. They were the numerous Grandmasters of the Wu Meng and Wu Li Departments.


    The one seated at the highest position, with dark skin and a square face exuding an aura of innate authority, and whose presence faintly overshadowed the others, was one of the two marquises of the Wu Meng Department, the Wu Gu Marquis, a top Grandmaster dominating the regions beyond the pass!


    "...The Seven Profound Sect came prepared this time, launching a surprise attack on Secluded Silent Valley. We received the news too late. If we rush there now, we might fall into their ambush. It might be better to wait and see how things unfold. The members of the Sky Demon Sect are cunning and malicious; their main altar is not so easily breached. Letting them fight it out might be good."


    "No, you said the Seven Profound Sect came prepared. I think Secluded Silent Valley must have fallen by now; it might already be too late for us to go."


    "I still think we should make a trip there. Whether the Seven Profound Sect retreated or Secluded Silent Valley has fallen, it will surely be chaos. We might be able to gain some benefits and we don''t necessarily have to help the Sky Demon Sect."


    The Grandmasters in the hall began to speak one after another, discussing the situation in a grave tone.


    The intelligence on the raid on Secluded Silent Valley had already been passed here, but they were still unable to reach a unanimous decision.


    "The Seven Profound Sect has launched a major attack, and the Grandmasters have poured out. If we are to move, we must all do so together, but if we do that, the rear of our base will be vulnerable. If we fall into any sort of trap, the losses could be severe."


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    This place was too far from Secluded Silent Valley. They, as Grandmasters, could indeed reach there quickly, but it was certain that the main army at the base could not be mobilized in time. Each base of the two factions must have at least one Grandmaster in command, and currently, there were only six Grandmasters from their two factions here. Deducting two, only four remained, and going to aid Secluded Silent Valley with just four people was hardly reassuring.


    After all, according to intelligence, the Seven Profound Sect''s current attack was massive, with almost all their Grandmasters mobilized.


    If the Sky Demon Sect couldn''t hold Secluded Silent Valley, then their presence there might not be useful, and if it could hold... then their presence might instead prompt the Seven Profound Sect to abandon Secluded Silent Valley and target them instead, and the Sky Demon Sect might not necessarily assist them in return.


    "..."


    Wu Gu Marquis watched as the Grandmasters from the Wu Li and another faction insisted on their own opinions, which made him also waver for a moment. The actions of the Seven Profound Sect were too decisive and unified, which made them here very apprehensive.


    Moreover, the Wu Li side had recently lost an elite unit, and Tuguhou had personally gone to investigate. To this day, he has not returned and has lost contact for many days, giving him a bad premonition that falling into an ambush and dying at the hands of the Seven Profound Sect was highly possible.


    In any case, the situation in Ice State had been changing ever since the Seven Profound Sect got involved.


    Both the Ice Extreme Palace and the Seven Profound Sect, which each controlled a state, had more than ten Grandmasters, far stronger than any one, or even two or three of their factions combined, not quite able to compete with them.


    With the Ice Extreme Palace and the Seven Profound Sect joining forces, even if their four factions and both the Sky Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect were to fully unite, they still might not gain much of an advantage; the current situation was increasingly unfavorable.


    In his view.


    It was time to stop fighting and pull back beyond the border.


    After all, they had already plundered most of the benefits they could, and the Ice Extreme Palace was hard to break into, so taking the spoils and leaving was the rational decision. Battling back and forth with the Ice Extreme Palace and the Seven Profound Sect in Ice State was just a needless increase in losses.


    Though he was Wu Gu Marquis, the highest-ranking person in the Wu Li faction, the decision-making power for this expedition was not in his hands, but in those of ''Wu Zu'', the common leader of the four factions, a lord in the Blood Exchange Realm. Even he was unclear about what exactly Wu Zu planned to do, but without the latter''s command, the Wu Li''s four factions could only continue to linger in Ice State.


    However.


    Just as the Grandmasters in the tent were holding their divergent views and the dispute was ongoing, someone suddenly burst into the tent.


    "Report, urgent news from the southern scouts!"


    The person who arrived was a Commander in the Six Viscera Realm, his face still showing urgency.


    He had received the highest priority urgent message from the southern scouts, indicating a significant threat was approaching their position, although it was not clear what exactly the threat was, it was undoubtedly extraordinary.


    "Hmm?"


    The facial expressions of the many Grandmasters in the tent, including Wu Gu Marquis, changed slightly. After quickly exchanging glances, someone immediately headed out. With a few swift steps, they all left the tent.


    Some flew directly into the sky, while others leapt up and landed on the observation towers at the perimeter of the base, gazing toward the south, but for the moment, no changes were visible.


    While everyone was frowning slightly, puzzled and uncertain, Wu Gu Marquis, standing a hundred feet in the air, was the first to show a change in expression.


    "This is..."


    Gazing toward the southern sky, he vaguely caught a powerful and terrifying aura approaching their position; this aura, which he was very familiar with, was undoubtedly based on demon Qi, but this surge of demon Qi was far beyond what any ordinary demon could muster.


    As time rapidly passed, the demon Qi grew even more fierce, creating a sense of a sky-conquering demon Qi that caused Wu Gu Marquis and the other many Grandmasters to markedly change their looks.


    As Grandmasters of a foreign race, who had frequently hunted demons beyond the borders, and even hunted many Demon Kings and Great Demons, but this aura was clearly far beyond the capabilities of a Ninth or Eighth Rank Demon King.


    This towering demon Qi belonged to a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon!


    A Heavenly Demon, from far across the horizon, was charging directly towards their camps of the Wu Li and Wu Gu factions!

 Chapter 333 Wu Gu Marquis

    "Sound the horns, beat the drums!"


    Upon realizing that a Heavenly Demon was heading straight for their camp, Wu Gu Marquis''s expression changed, and without hesitation, he issued a command that echoed for dozens of miles, spreading throughout the two camps.


    No matter the reason, an attack by a Heavenly Demon was no small matter. Although the troops here were elite, they weren''t the main force; one group had just over ten thousand, not more than thirty thousand combined. Facing a Heavenly Demon was undoubtedly a tremendous pressure.


    However.


    Strictly speaking, he wasn''t so much afraid; the number of army soldiers in military formations, commanded by six Grandmasters, wasn''t incapable of confronting a Heavenly Demon, though the biggest issue was still the unexpected appearance of the Heavenly Demon.


    Following the command of Wu Gu Marquis, the troops of the Wu Meng and Wu Li camps sprang into action, assembling nearly thirty thousand elites in a remarkably short time. Under the Grandmasters'' command, their Qi-Blood surged, forming a visible essence rising to the sky, tumultuous and mighty, perceivable even from dozens of miles away.


    At this moment.


    As time passed, the demonic qi in the distant sky grew increasingly intense, and finally, its source could be seen¡ªa tremendously large creature, like a small mountain, soaring down from the heavens, followed by a tsunami-like rolling Cloud Sea, ominously pressing down across the sky.


    The military formations of the Wu Meng and Wu Li quickly assembled. As the formation took shape, the six Grandmasters, including Wu Gu Marquis, arrived at the front of the formation, gazing into the distance at the approaching black clouds and the colossal creature they carried.


    "Is that... the Mystic Tortoise?"


    From afar, Wu Gu Marquis watched the scene unfold and, upon faintly recognizing the identity of the massive creature within the clouds, his eyes suddenly flashed with surprise.


    He initially thought it was a flying-escape type of Heavenly Demon, but unexpectedly, it turned out to be the Mystic Tortoise. Known to dwell in the Vast Sea and to govern the power of rivers and seas, the Mystic Tortoise was least skilled in flying escape and rarely ever ventured onto land.


    This type of creature, if it were in the Outer Sea, would be extremely difficult to deal with; even those in the Blood Exchange Realm might not overcome it, and even if they did, capturing it was another matter entirely, as the creature had the geographical advantage.


    But here in Han Prefecture, there were no large rivers nearby.


    And most strangely, this Mystic Tortoise was flying, which is least characteristic of its kind.


    With a sense of curiosity in his heart, he narrowed his eyes and noticed two figures in front of the massive body of the Mystic Tortoise heading this way, seemingly being chased by it.


    As a top Grandmaster of a Foreign Race who had witnessed many incidents, Wu Gu Marquis swiftly came up with a conjecture, his eyes immediately blinking with a hint of brilliance: "...Are they from the Secluded Silent Valley?"


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    He couldn''t imagine why such a demon would appear in Han Prefecture, especially coming from the south, directly where Secluded Silent Valley was located. He had just received the news about a major attack on Secluded Silent Valley by the Seven Profound Sect.


    Linking these events, it seemed likely that the Mystic Tortoise was possessed by the Sky Demon Sect, and now, for some reason, had been drawn out, heading straight for their base. Clearly, the visitors meant no good and it was probably the orchestrations of the Seven Profound Sect to direct the Mystic Tortoise to attack their base!


    "Well played, Seven Profound Sect!"


    Another Grandmaster next to Wu Gu Marquis quickly realized what was happening and couldn''t help but snort coldly, glaring into the distant sky, his expression growing increasingly unpleasant.


    Leading a Heavenly Demon Mystic Tortoise to their base was indeed a foul move, yet they were short on good options now. Though these Grandmasters might be able to retreat, the ordinary army elites had no escape; they had to face the challenge head-on.


    At last.


    The rolling black clouds drew increasingly closer, until they hovered above the two military formations.


    By then, the body of the Mystic Tortoise was completely visible. Its shell was rugged and uneven, like a range of mountains, its majestic demonic qi intertwined with the rolling black clouds, appearing monstrously menacing, making anyone who saw it feel dread at first glance.


    In front of the Mystic Tortoise, the two figures led it in their flight, swooping downwards toward the front of the military formation. One was surrounded by the Strength of Qian Heaven, and the other faintly exhibited the brilliance of the Eight Phases.


    "Murong Yan! Chen Mu!"


    Wu Gu Marquis hovered in the air, staring toward the approaching Chen Mu and Murong Yan, his voice icy as he immediately recognized their identities.


    Chen Mu needed no introduction, third on the Wind Cloud List, and by now a well-known figure in Cold North, while Murong Yan, also a high-ranking figure on the Wind Cloud List and an important person in the Seven Profound Sect, was no less familiar to him, recognized at a glance.


    Humm!!


    Though there was still a distance of more than a thousand yards, Wu Gu Marquis''s momentum combined with the military formation surged mightily, twisting the Power of Heaven and Earth, nearly rivaling the Heavenly Demon Mystic Tortoise coming from behind.


    At this moment, Wu Gu Marquis''s expression was exceedingly stern, and at some point, he had drawn a Gloomy Light Spear in his hand, ready to strike at Chen Mu and Murong Yan as they drew a bit closer, intending to wield the power of the military formation to eliminate them on the spot!


    Though drawing the Heavenly Demon Mystic Tortoise to their base left them with not many good maneuvers, letting them escape without a setback was out of the question; they had to at least pay with their lives.


    However.


    While still a thousand yards away, Chen Mu stared at Wu Gu Marquis and the two military formations, his expression unchanged, continuously gauging the distance until he reached a certain point. His eyes then flashed and he said,


    "Sister Murong, now is the time!"


    Murong Yan, having heard Chen Mu''s words, immediately turned her gaze sharply and, without any hesitation, dispersed the Qian Heaven Domain. Suspended in the air, she plummeted like a kite with its string cut, falling towards the ground below.


    At the same time, Chen Mu dove downwards, rapidly closing the distance with Murong Yan. He placed one hand on her shoulder, and together they arched through the air, colliding toward the earth below.


    "Hmph!"


    "Stay down!"


    Wu Gu Marquis, observing Chen Mu and Murong Yan''s actions, instantly understood that Chen Mu intended to escape underground using the Qiankun Artistic Conception. He immediately bellowed furiously and raised the Gloomy Light Spear in his hand.


    The spear was lifted high, and in an instant, the suppressed Power of Heaven and Earth within the Military Formation frantically gathered, converging the essence of ten thousand people into a single point, making the spear radiate a dazzling brilliance. Under the rolling dark clouds, it seemed to become the only luminance between Heaven and Earth, which he then furiously hurled at Chen Mu and Murong Yan!


    This throw, spanning a thousand yards, saw the Gloomy Spear cutting through the sky, tearing through the sound barrier, and in a blink, it reached them, aiming to pierce through both individuals and nail them to the frozen wasteland.


    However.


    Chen Mu''s judgment of distance was exceedingly precise. Even though the spear tore through the air, almost breaking the sound barrier, its speed and power significantly decreased over a thousand-yard gap.


    When it was about a hundred yards away, Chen Mu thrust forward with his right fist, summoning a wave of the Power of Heaven and Earth, striking briefly against the incoming spear. Although he didn''t knock it down, he managed to stall its momentum.


    Taking advantage of this moment,


    Chen Mu and Murong Yan were a step quicker, reaching the ground. Then, he pressed on Murong Yan''s shoulders, taking her underground with him. The solid permafrost transformed into a quagmire in an instant, swallowing their figures completely.


    Only when their figures and presence abruptly vanished did the spear, having torn through the Qiankun Power, violently strike the frozen ground.


    Boom!!!


    The permafrost briefly solidified, then starting from the impact point of the spear, it spread visible cracks before the entire area burst outward like ocean waves, shattering like a spiderweb for hundreds of feet!


    Yet even so, there was no longer any trace of Chen Mu and Murong Yan beneath the frozen ground, as if once they had dived down, they completely vanished without a trace, untraceable.


    Almost at the very next moment,


    The Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise, driving the rolling Cloud Sea, crashed with its mountain-like body onto the frozen wasteland at the spot where Chen Mu and Murong Yan disappeared, further shattering the already broken ground and forming dark chasms while issuing an enraged roar.


    Yet in its perception, Chen Mu and Murong Yan were completely undetectable, vanished without a trace.


    "Roar..."


    The Mystic Tortoise roared, then its enormous eyes, filled with ferocity and madness, slowly lifted and looked in the direction of the gathering army of Wu Li and another faction.


    With a roar, the massive body of the tortoise trampled across the terrain like mountains, furiously charging towards the nearest Military Formation. The tremendous demonic power gathered, visibly pulling down a large swath of the Cloud Sea above, transforming it into a surging wave several tens of feet high, pressing down towards the Foreign Race''s army formation.


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    "Hmph."


    Wu Gu Marquis''s gaze fell on the Mystic Tortoise; he glanced once and snorted coldly, then turned his gaze back towards where Chen Mu and Murong Yan had entered the ground, coldly saying, "This demon is strong on the outside but hollow on the inside, lacking Qi-Blood and clarity of mind. Furthermore, this area of Flying Water Marsh gives it no geographical advantage; Wu Gu Marquis can easily guard it."


    As his words fell, he stepped forward, instantly stepping out of the Military Formation.


    "Where are you going?"


    Wu Gu Marquis handed over a Command Flag to another leader, who steadily managed the momentum of the Military Formation. Noting the tortoise''s weakened condition and lacking nearby water bodies, therefore not holding the geographical advantage, he boldly asked.


    Wu Gu Marquis, moving like a black streak, dashed tens of yards ahead along the frozen ground then plunged directly into it, his cold voice carrying back, "Such arrogance from the Seven Profound Sect, mere characters from the Wind Cloud List daring such reckless actions. If they escape easily, where would the dignity of my tribe stand?"


    Too arrogant!


    If Chen Mu and Murong Yan had attracted a fully powerful Heavenly Demon, like the dreaded Zhu Yan or Kui Niu, even with a ten-thousand-strong Military Formation, the threat would be immense, and there would be no room for carelessness as a single misstep could lead to annihilation.


    But a weakened Mystic Tortoise, without nearby water bodies and without the geographical advantage, posed much less of a threat. Although it was a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon, the assembled Grandmasters and the tens of thousands in the Military Formation could face it without fear.


    Under these circumstances,


    He could not possibly let Chen Mu and Murong Yan get away!


    Two so-called experts of the Wind Cloud List from the Northern Path, though somewhat capable, were merely youngsters. If they lured the Mystic Tortoise to attack the camp and then retreated at their leisure, making a fool out of their armies, where would Wu Gu Marquis''s dignity stand?


    If they thought they could come and go freely just by knowing some Earth Escape Technique, they were sorely mistaken. Such techniques were minor tricks, hardly amounting to anything significant; Wu Gu Marquis was well-versed in them too!


    Whoosh.


    But as Wu Gu Marquis plunged into the ground, only a small hole remained on the surface of the frozen ground.

 Chapter 334 Houtu Spear Technique (Two in One)

    Seeing the Wu Gu Marquis go after Chen Mu and Murong Yan, a hint of murderous intent also flashed in the eyes of the Qiugu chieftain. He, too, was not pleased to see Chen Mu and Murong Yan leave unhindered. The Wu Gu Marquis was among the top in the realm of Grandmasters, and throughout the entire Cold North, there were but a few who could surpass him. Although the two figures from the Wind Cloud List possessed some strength, they were nothing in front of a top Grandmaster.


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    However, the Mystic Tortoise that had suddenly attacked, despite its exterior strength, was internally spent and weak. And even though they had nearly thirty thousand elite troops in their Military Formation, they still couldn''t afford to be careless in battle.


    "Defend!"


    With a wave of his Command Flag, Qiugu chieftain looked at the Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise charging toward them and bellowed deeply.


    Hum!!!


    In an instant, with his Command Flag as the basis, within the tens of thousands of Army Soldiers in the formation, dozens of Viscera Realm Commanders and over a hundred Five Viscera Realm experts, strands of Inner Breath were all interconnected, and the Qi-Blood of tens of thousands of soldiers was also encompassed among them.


    The qualitative transformation resulted from the accumulation of quantities, creating overwhelming Momentum which solidified the Power of Heaven and Earth within the radius of the formation. Visible Vigorous Qi Force converged in front of the formation, becoming a grand and vast invisible wall!


    The gigantic construct of the invisible Qi wall took on the color of earthy yellow, like a soaring city gate, majestic and insurmountable.


    Each step of the Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise caused the ground to tremble, and the rolling tide of the Cloud Sea it brought along was like the surges of a great river, finally crashing against the wall of the formation with a resounding roar that shook the heavens and the earth.


    Boom!!!


    The mighty, towering invisible wall, struck by the Black Tortoise, rippled across its surface like waves on the sea. The invisible impact seemed to permeate through the surface of the formation, seeping into the vast elite troops behind it.


    All the soldiers within the formation felt a massive force coming toward them, but this force was evenly distributed and borne collectively. Although it put immense pressure on the elite Martial Men, the connected Qi Force ultimately did not shatter.


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    The vast tide of the Cloud Sea also slammed against the defending wall of the formation, like the mighty waves of a tempest crashing against a cliff, resounding with the roar of lightning, as ripples constantly spread across the wall.


    The two forces were at a standstill, with no clear advantage seen for the time being.


    ...


    Underground.


    Chen Mu, pulling Murong Yan, traveled smoothly through the Earth''s Veins, unobstructed. The ground they passed, which was solid mud and rock layers, felt as if they moved through water, without the physical resistance.


    Although Murong Yan had mastered the Qian Heaven Domain, this miraculous sensation was new to her. Even with the Domain, she couldn''t achieve such manipulation of all things. Only with the complete training of the Qiankun Artistic Conception could she attain the integration of heaven and earth, formless and intangible.


    "So, this is the Qiankun Artistic Conception, the ''Art of Using All Things''."


    Pulled by Chen Mu, Murong Yan quickly descended nearly a hundred yards underground. She felt the environment around them and couldn''t help but exclaim silently in her heart. She also tried to cultivate the Kun Earth, but with little progress.


    Indeed, she was more attuned to the Qian Heaven than to the Kun Earth, and it would be an arduous journey to accomplish the complete Qiankun.


    She wondered how Chen Mu had trained his Qiankun. How could one''s natural talent be so high? Five Viscera, Six Viscera, Qiankun, Grandmaster... Each step seemed almost without any bottleneck for Chen Mu, as if everything just came naturally.


    "Once the complete Qiankun Artistic Conception is cultivated, and upon reaching a certain depth, it allows for the free transformation among the Eight Phases, and since all things are condensed by The Power of Heaven and Earth, they can act inversely as well as normally, used freely."


    As Chen Mu led Murong Yan through the underground, he briefly explained to her.


    Mastering the Qian Heaven Domain grants the ability to soar through the skies; mastering the Kun Earth Domain allows tunneling underground. To cultivate the complete Qiankun is to become omnipotent, capable of traversing both heaven and earth. Murong Yan has already mastered the Qian Heaven Domain, and soaring through the skies was second nature to her. Previously, even when she was alone, she managed to evade the pursuit of the Black Tortoise through agile movements. However, the experience of tunneling was a first for her.


    Since she was also pondering over the Kun Earth Artistic Conception, this experience of underground travel was a valuable accumulation for her.


    However.


    Before Murong Yan had the chance to deeply appreciate the subtlety of tunneling, Chen Mu''s gaze shifted slightly, glanced behind, and said, "Someone has followed us down. It seems they''re not keen on letting us withdraw easily."


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s words, Murong Yan was momentarily startled, and she too looked back. However, her perception underground was nowhere close to when she was flying through the skies. In fact, being underground was a huge limitation for her, practically cutting off her sensation and manipulation of the Strength of Qian Heaven, greatly weakening her in all respects.


    If not for her absolute trust in Chen Mu, she would not have willingly ventured deep underground into an environment that suppressed her abilities, where she could barely make use of her Qian Heaven Domain and thus her power was reduced to that of an average Six Viscera Realm, virtually powerless against Chen Mu''s authority... Of course, even above ground, faced with the current Chen Mu, she would be equally powerless, given the extent of their power disparity.


    "Is it a Grandmaster of the Foreign Race? How many?"


    Unable to sense the chasers behind her, Murong Yan inevitably asked Chen Mu.


    Though asking, her eyes gleamed with an inexplicable luster, without too much concern. She knew that no matter who it was, unless it was the ''Wuzu'' of the Foreign Race from beyond the border in the Blood Exchange Realm, anyone who came down would likely suffer a great loss against the present Chen Mu, unable to gain any advantage.

 Chapter 334 Houtu Spear Technique (Two in One)_2

    The Qiankun Grandmaster, under the age of thirty-two, who had cultivated the Qiankun Martial Body, could directly withstand a strike from the Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise. This level of strength far surpassed any top grandmaster, making him the unrivaled leader among all the grandmasters of Cold North Path.


    Even considering the whole Da Xuan Dynasty, Chen Mu''s strength was now sufficient to rank him among the top ten grandmasters!


    In the future, once Chen Mu''s Martial Body had further solidified and he had cultivated the Qiankun Domain, he would undisputedly become the number one grandmaster in the world, for every grandmaster throughout the history of the Da Xuan Calendar who had taken the path of Qiankun had ascended to the top position on the grandmaster list without exception.


    "One."


    Chen Mu did not pause but continued to lead Murong Yan away through the Earth''s Veins to a distant place.


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    This place was too close to the camp of the Foreign Race; above them, the Black Tortoise was engaging with the elite military formations of the Foreign Race, and naturally, the area directly below was no place of safety, especially since he was accompanied by Murong Yan, for whom he had some concerns.


    Murong Yan belonged to the Qian Heaven lineage and was severely restricted underground, possessing hardly any strength. The residual shocks from the battle between the military formations and the Black Tortoise above posed a considerable threat to her, and he had to stay vigilant to protect her.


    Swish! Swish!


    Chen Mu moved extremely fast, leading Murong Yan about a hundred zhang deep through the Earth''s Veins, shooting through like two swift fish, moving rapidly into the distance while also beginning to feel several formidable impacts bursting from the ground above.


    Clearly, the Black Tortoise had already clashed with the military formation of the Foreign Race, causing shockwaves that almost seeped into a hundred zhang below the ground.


    However, Chen Mu did not pay attention to the surface. Such a battle between the Heavenly Demon and the Foreign Race''s military formation would not yield a quick victory. Having glanced briefly at the military formation previously, which was merely about twenty to thirty thousand soldiers, they were not enough to easily suppress a Heavenly Demon, even if it was in a weakened state; both sides had the capacity to strike against each other.


    Behind them,


    Wu Gu Marquis, with his hands behind his back, likewise traveled through the Earth''s Veins, tracking the aura of Chen Mu and Murong Yan. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His method of earth escaping, however, slightly differed from Chen Mu''s. Chen Mu simply ignored the underground layers of mud and rock, turning these substantial layers into something akin to muddy water, through which he could swim directly, whereas Wu Gu Marquis split the mud and rocks naturally to the sides wherever he went, creating a gap for himself.


    The Martial Arts of the Foreign Race were actually not off-track from those of Da Xuan, except for many of the most ancient witchcraft techniques, including the iconic "Imperial Heaven Houtu," which actually corresponded to Qian Heaven Kun Earth in Qiankun, with only minor differences.


    The lineage that Wu Gu Marquis had cultivated was one of them, "Houtu," very similar to the Grandmasters of Kun Earth. If a comparison had to be made, he was actually most similar to Qin Mengjun, except that Qin Mengjun practiced the opposite, Qian Heaven.


    "Qiankun Eight Phases, using everything under heaven?"


    Wu Gu Marquis chased from behind while perceiving Chen Mu''s movements through the Earth''s Veins, estimating that the distance between them was only about a hundred zhang, although Chen Mu''s speed underground turned out to be faster than he had anticipated.


    As a master of the Houtu lineage who held the absolute geographic advantage, he was still unable to quickly catch up and capture Chen Mu within a short period of time and had to chase at full speed through the Earth''s Veins.


    However,


    on realizing that Chen Mu''s speed in the Earth''s Veins seemed to still be a tad slower, Wu Gu Marquis''s eyes flickered with a subtle gleam. He immediately released his Houtu Domain, boosting his speed a bit further, and dashed straight towards Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu''s escape technique was indeed unusually fast; he could almost match him even in the depths. Once a certain distance was established, and Chen Mu left the underground to ascend and escape through the air, then Wu Gu Marquis would not be able to catch up no matter what.


    Or rather,


    even if he could catch up by then, he would no longer pursue.


    He wasn''t foolish; as a top grandmaster of the Houtu lineage, he feared almost nothing underground, which was why he pursued underground from the start, unwilling to let Chen Mu escape.


    But if they were in the sky, away from the ground, his power would be greatly reduced, and Chen Mu was no easy target, being among the top three on the Wind Cloud List, not at all malleable. Regardless of whether he could defeat Chen Mu, capturing him and Murong Yan in the sky was nothing short of a pipe dream!


    It was precisely because Chen Mu chose to escape through the earth that he sensed the opportunity and decisively gave chase.


    Swish! Swish!


    Wu Gu Marquis, with his Houtu Domain activated, accelerated his speed and quickly closed the distance between himself, Chen Mu, and Murong Yan.


    One hundred twenty zhang,


    One hundred zhang,


    Eighty zhang,


    ...


    Finally, the distance closed to within twenty zhang!


    Within this range, the coverage of the Houtu Domain already reached where Chen Mu and Murong Yan were.


    "Here it comes."


    Murong Yan sensed something amiss, a serious look flashed in her eyes.


    At this distance, even though she was extremely limited underground, she could still sense Wu Gu Marquis''s presence, with the oppression of the Houtu Domain almost enveloping the area, giving her an exceedingly uncomfortable feeling.


    If they were on the surface, in the skies above, she would not hesitate to activate her Qian Heaven Domain to counter it, but now at a hundred zhang underground, with Qian Heaven cut off, she was fundamentally unable to deploy her Domain. With the Houtu Domain encroaching, even though the opponent had not yet attacked, she still felt an overwhelming sense of drowning.


    However,


    with Chen Mu beside her, seeing his consistently calm demeanor, she felt much more composed.


    This aura was extraordinary, the domain was likely the Houtu Domain, possibly belonging to the famously distinguished "Wu Gu Marquis" from the Four Departments of the Foreign Race, truly one of the top grandmasters, an existence comparable to Qin Mengjun and Jiang Changsheng.

 Chapter 532 - 334 Houtu Spear Technique (Two in One)_3

    ```


    But the present Chen Mu had already become known as an invincible Qiankun Grandmaster. Even though he had only entered this realm not long ago, he had already demonstrated a degree of invincibility, proven by his direct confrontation with the Mystic Tortoise.


    And in the very next moment.


    An old yet resounding voice, accompanied by an air of authority, transmitted through Earth''s Veins.


    "To reach the third place on your Cold North''s vaunted Wind Cloud List at such an age, to be able to kill several demon men of the Sky Demon Sect, your strength is indeed extraordinary, and your talent is the best I''ve seen in my life. Yet you think you can escape from beneath my watch with a burden in tow ¨C you surely don''t take me seriously enough," the voice boomed.


    Boom!


    As the words ended, the surrounding environment suddenly changed dramatically.


    The coverage of the Houtu Domain nearly controlled the Earth Pulse''s Power within a radius of dozens of yards and everything else, immediately sealing off Chen Mu''s ability to merge with all things and to directly traverse through the earth and stone.


    At the same time, the thick mudstone rock walls nearby suddenly became heavier, oppressive almost to the point of suffocation, pressing in from all sides towards the center, like an invisible giant hand, attempting to crush Chen Mu and Murong Yan directly in its grasp!


    From afar.


    The Wu Gu Marquis, twenty yards away, was raising his hand in the direction of Chen Mu and Murong Yan. He clenched his fist towards the center, seemingly about to crush the two like grinding them to death, yet confusion flashed in his eyes.


    Something wasn''t right.


    Given Chen Mu''s capabilities, even if he couldn''t match the Marquis''s speed underground without Murong Yan, he wouldn''t be overtaken so quickly. All he needed was to widen the gap just a bit, then resurface, and the Marquis would have no way to touch him.


    Yet Chen Mu stubbornly did not choose the logical escape route, nor did he forsake Murong Yan, persisting in fleeing together with her through the veins of the earth, allowing the Marquis to forcefully catch up. Such behavior seemed utterly foolish.


    Could Chen Mu be a fool?


    Certainly not!


    A man who could rise to the third place on the Wind Cloud List at such an age, hailed as the most talented martial artist in the history of the Northern Path, how could he be foolish, seeking his own doom willingly? S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Wu Gu Marquis had already sensed that something was amiss, but his perception had fully expanded; the cultivation of Houtu allowed him to master the breath within several miles underground. He had detected no ambush nearby, which was one of the reasons he had boldly pursued to this place.


    Without an ambush, what was the reason for Chen Mu''s actions?


    Perplexed, the Marquis did not let this hinder his strike against Chen Mu and Murong Yan. Regardless of whatever schemes or tricks the Seven Profound Sect might have, a hundred yards beneath the earth was his domain, and he feared nothing ¨C when water comes, earth covers.


    Boom!!!


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    However, in front of the Wu Gu Marquis, the mudstone rock walls with a radius of about twenty yards began collapsing inward crazily, torn apart from the earth, forcibly compressed into a stone sphere!


    Simultaneously, that twenty-yard radius area formed a cavity within the Earth''s Veins, becoming a stone chamber.


    It seemed as though Chen Mu and Murong Yan had already been crushed within that solidifying compressed stone sphere, but in the very next moment, the Wu Gu Marquis''s expression abruptly changed as his gaze fixed on the stone sphere.


    Crack, crack,


    On the continuously compressing stone sphere, sudden cracks appeared, spreading more and more as if some terrifying force could no longer be contained, and finally, it burst violently!


    Amidst the shattered stone sphere, one saw Chen Mu standing tall, his right hand gradually lowering, his body somehow already turned around. From about twenty yards away, he gazed at the Wu Gu Marquis and said indifferently:


    "Wugumou Wu Gu Marquis, I''ve long heard your name."


    "..."


    The Wu Gu Marquis then ignored Murong Yan behind Chen Mu, but his stare was fixed on Chen Mu as he said in a suppressed and cold tone, struggling to contain the turmoil within, "You are not Chen Mu?! No, that''s not right, this sensation..."


    His face began to look ugly, with a hint of shock shining in his eyes as he looked at Chen Mu.


    The move that just happened seemed simple, but in reality, as a top Houtu grandmaster, he had fully exerted himself in controlling the domain. Under the earth, slightly weaker grandmasters would struggle to escape his binding, let alone resist his move. Even the first-ranked person on the Wind Cloud List, the elusive itinerant wu''xin, he doubted could easily withstand it.


    Yet Chen Mu had forcefully shattered it!


    The method revealed was not manipulation of the Earth Pulse''s Power through Artistic Conception but pure Yuan Gang True Essence!


    The Yuan Gang True Essence that could forcefully break his Houtu Domain strike could not possibly be possessed by anyone within the Six Viscera Realm. The difference between them was like heaven and earth, only a Grandmaster Martial Body ¨C and an exceptionally strong one at that ¨C could pull this off!


    So.


    There was no doubt now.


    No wonder Chen Mu dared to flee through the earth with Murong Yan, showing no fear towards him. No wonder Chen Mu could kill three demon men from the Sky Demon Sect ¨C it was likely even his own brother Tuguhou had died at Chen Mu''s hands.


    "You have achieved Grandmaster status?"


    Fixated on Chen Mu, the Wu Gu Marquis asked in a very restrained and cold voice, holding back the shock in his heart.


    Although he had long heard of Chen Mu''s name and knew of his peerless talent, even Chen Mu reaching third place on the Wind Cloud List only piqued his interest slightly. But at this moment, his heart was truly shaking, and his mind was engulfed in tumultuous waves.


    Grandmaster!


    Qiankun Grandmaster!


    A grandmaster who is not yet thirty-two years old, and of the formidable and difficult path of Martial Arts ¨C the Qiankun lineage.


    ```

 Chapter 533 - 334 Houtu Spear Technique (Two in One)_4

    "Your Houtu Domain and the techniques of the Kun Earth lineage have almost no difference; there are only some variations in application that might be worth observing. I wonder if you could indulge me with a further demonstration."


    Chen Mu''s expression remained indifferent as he looked towards the Wu Gu Marquis.


    They had put a good distance between themselves and the location of the Mystic Tortoise and the Foreign Race''s military formation¡ª at least twelve or thirteen li away. At this range, even if the Wu Gu Marquis had the ability to reach the heavens, it would be too late for him to retreat and regroup with the military formation.


    "..."


    The Wu Gu Marquis stared at Chen Mu, now choosing to speak less. After a brief silence, a flash of murderous intent swept through his pupils, and, in a sudden burst of motion, he pulled out a long spear from behind him and thrust it through the air towards Chen Mu!


    This Qiankun Grandmaster of such a young age was far too terrifying.


    If he could be killed, he certainly should not be left alive!


    Although Qiankun Grandmasters were reputed to be invincible among grandmasters, Chen Mu must not have achieved the Grandmaster Realm long ago. It was impossible for him to have trained his Martial Body to its limits, and from what had just transpired, it seemed likely that Chen Mu had not even mastered the Qiankun Domain.


    In such a scenario, Chen Mu, who had only just stepped into the Grandmaster Realm, might not necessarily be his match¡ªespecially not here, underground, where he had the absolute advantage of the terrain. As long as he could overpower Chen Mu, he was confident that he could ensure Chen Mu remained buried beneath the surface!


    Hum!


    The Wu Gu Marquis'' spear thrust was expansive, a crescent-like overhead slash intended to smash down upon Chen Mu''s head.


    The move seemed to carry none of the grandiosity one might have expected; it was even slow in its execution, hardly different from the movements of Martial Artists in the Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering Realm. Yet, in terms of strength exertion and Solidifying Refinement, he had reached the pinnacle of grandmastery, returning to the essence after reaching the peak!


    The spear not only condensed and carried the surging Yuan Gang True Essence but also drew upon and fused with Earth Pulse''s Power. The might of the Houtu Domain was forcefully constricted and focused at the spear tip. It might have looked like an ordinary move, and it might have appeared slow, but it gave off an unavoidable and inescapable sense of might, capable of destroying cities and splitting the earth!


    "The Houtu Spear Technique, huh."


    A glint of light flashed through Chen Mu''s eyes. As he faced the incoming spear, before it even struck, he felt an immense heaviness surrounding him, as if he were bearing the weight of a mountain.


    Qian Heaven is about agility, while Kun Earth is about solidity. At a certain Realm, and upon reaching the level of a Domain, one naturally can alter the weight of the terrain. Here, a hundred zhang underground, the Wu Gu Marquis'' techniques of Houtu pressed down so heavily that the entire cave felt tens of times more burdensome.


    But.


    Facing the top-tier Grandmaster Wu Gu Marquis'' thrust, Chen Mu''s approach was still straightforward¡ªsimply clenching his right fist, forming a Fist Seal, and using it to withstand the mountain-like pressure as he met the attack with a punch.


    Having reached his current level, with the Qiankun Martial Body trained, he also didn''t need many fancy techniques. After mastering control and Solidifying Refinement of strength to its peak, one Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal could suppress all beings under the heavens.


    Boom!!!


    Chen Mu''s fist, wrapped in the light of Qiankun Eight Phases, collided mightily with the Wu Gu Marquis'' falling long spear.


    That unadorned fist and the spear tip hadn''t actually touched. They stopped about a foot apart, unable to advance any further. The Yuan Gang True Essence between the fist and the spear was tearing and clashing incessantly, igniting pitch-black, thunderous lights deep underground, causing the nearby Earth''s Veins to nearly boil!


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    Murong Yan, watching this scene, hesitated not a moment to swiftly retreat to the furthest corner, curling up and barely propping up a strand of Yuan Gang Barrier to fend off the residual impact.


    In truth, there had been no spillover from Chen Mu''s and the Wu Gu Marquis'' clash. The conflict was purely a consequence of the Earth''s Veins being disturbed by their mutual combat, and thus when Murong Yan retreated far away and curled up, she was barely able to withstand the shock of the Earth''s Veins.


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    Following several breaths of the two massive forces'' collision, the deep yellow light above the Wu Gu Marquis'' long spear began to flicker erratically until traces of shattering appeared.


    Along with the shock in the Wu Gu Marquis'' eyes, Chen Mu''s fist finally pressed forward inch by inch, until with a resounding bomb, it landed on the spear head of the Spirit Weapon in his hands.


    Hum!!!


    The explosive power condensed in that punch caused the entire spear shaft to tremble violently. The Wu Gu Marquis'' hands went numb as he was no longer able to hold his ground. His entire form, along with the long spear, flew backward as if struck by a tremendous force, eventually crashing into the rocky wall ten zhang away, causing mud and stone to scatter, and his body to embed deeply into it!


    This spectacle left Murong Yan in the corner, eyes filled with continuous astonishment.


    Indeed.


    Even Wu Gu Marquis, such a top-tier Grandmaster, was not a match for Chen Mu now. Upon entering the Grandmaster Realm, he was like a dragon rising from a chasm, leaping into the heavens, and henceforth looking down upon the world, unstoppable and uncontainable.

 Chapter 534 - 335: Death (Combined)

    "Pfft."


    Wu Gu Marquis was embedded in the rock wall, spewing a mouthful of blood mist, shock evident in his eyes. Yet the Yuan Gang True Essence within him had not been entirely dissipated. Almost instantly, he moved again, raising his long spear towards Chen Mu.


    "Earth Shakes and Mountains Sway!"


    With his low shout, a hundred feet of Earth Pulse''s Power was harnessed by him, causing the empty Stone Cave to churn violently. In an instant, a torrent of mud and rocks surged from all directions, crazily converging and threatening to bury Chen Mu.


    Simultaneously, Wu Gu Marquis''s figure retreated rapidly towards the distance amidst the surging rocks.


    Escape!


    Originally, he wanted to take advantage of Chen Mu''s newfound status as a Grandmaster and find an opportunity to kill him. But the frightening extent of Chen Mu''s strength became apparent; even with the home-ground advantage, Wu Gu Marquis was no match for him. Thus, he naturally wouldn''t engage in a fight to the death unnecessarily.


    Chen Mu watched the mud and rocks tumbling towards him from all sides, his expression still unchanged. His hands each traced a Cycle Mark, coming together in front of him before being torn forward, the Palm Imprint striking upon the sweeping layer of mud and rocks.


    Boom!!


    The layers of mud and rocks violently shook, with a clear Palm Imprint surfacing upon them. Countless cracks spread from this imprint, through which the Yuan Gang penetrated, causing the Power of the Earth''s Veins flowing within the rock layers to completely collapse! S§×arch* The n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu then stepped forward, his Physique forcefully breaking through layer after layer of mud and rocks, pursuing the fleeing Wu Gu Marquis. Without getting close to his back, Chen Mu had already raised a Short Spear in hand, igniting a flash of lightning.


    Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear!


    "If you dare to get close to me, you won''t be able to leave just because you want to," Chen Mu said, a glint flickering in his eyes. The majestic Yuan Gang True Essence erupted, Solidifying Refinement on the Thunder Spear. This time, it was not the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, but rather all the Yuan Gang Force transformed into Thunder Power.


    Previously, when he was in the Six Viscera Realm, Chen Mu had always been unable to unleash the ultimate power of the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear. But now, he could easily command the Spirit Weapon, and with the mighty infusion of Yuan Gang, the entire Thunder Spear buzzed as if it had come alive, exuding a joyous Spirituality as though it hadn''t been wielded with such mastery in countless years.


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    The whole Thunder Spear was now bathed in a splendid, illusory light.


    Chen Mu seemed to wield a Thunder Arc made of pure lightning, deep purple thunderbolts intertwining, permeating the nearby layers of mud, causing collapse everywhere it touched.


    Boom!!!


    Accompanied by Chen Mu''s thrust of his hand, the brilliant bolt of lightning burst forth, tearing through layers of Earth''s Veins with an unstoppable piercing force, soaring through the air and striking directly at the back of the fleeing Wu Gu Marquis!


    Among the Five Elements, Wood overcomes Earth!


    In the Eight Trigrams, Wind and Thunder are associated with Wood, and Thunder can indeed shatter Earth!


    Indeed, this underground was Wu Gu Marquis''s home field, the Houtu Domain''s Control Power over Earth''s Veins was far superior to Chen Mu''s. After all, Chen Mu had only mastered the Qiankun Artistic Conception and had yet to create a Domain. Before a Grandmaster specialized in Houtu, he couldn''t compete for control over the Power of the Veins, so he had to rely on force to break through the enemy''s cunning.


    If Wu Gu Marquis moved a hundred feet away underground, Chen Mu might indeed not be able to catch up with him; if the distance was increased, Wu Gu Marquis indeed had the ability to pull him into a prolonged contest. It wasn''t that Wu Gu Marquis''s power was stronger than the Demon Venerable who died at Chen Mu''s hands but rather that the advantage of terrain at this level was much greater than imagined.


    The same pinnacle Grandmasters, if fighting above the heavens, Qin Mengjun could easily crush Wu Gu Marquis, but if in the depths of Earth''s Veins, Wu Gu Marquis could overwhelm Qin Mengjun. Only on the surface would the two be evenly matched and able to compete.


    Therefore,


    Wu Gu Marquis, who faced Chen Mu head-on, still had the capability to flee.


    But ultimately, he was too close to Chen Mu, and his exchange of blows with Chen Mu had inevitably caused him some damage, affecting his state. Now that he wanted to increase the distance, it was unquestionably too late!


    "Thunder Dao Spiritual Weapon?"


    Sensing the fluctuations behind him, Wu Gu Marquis''s eyelids twitched involuntarily, a sense of foreboding taking hold of his heart.


    Houtu was not exactly one of the Five Elements Earth but rather symbolized the Earth Mother, which nurtures all things. It was not as heavily suppressed by Wood or Thunder Attribute, but the problem was that Chen Mu was much stronger than him. With the addition of a Thunder Attributed Spirit Weapon and Wu Gu Marquis''s prior injuries, the attack coming at him was almost a matter of life and death!


    As soon as he felt the vibration, the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear had already torn through dozens of feet of mud and shot towards his back, leaving no space to dodge or turn away.


    In a moment of crisis,


    Wu Gu Marquis could only grit his teeth and swing his long spear, trying to sweep away the incoming Thunder Spear. It collided with the brilliant deep purple thunder, exploding into streaks of lightning.


    Amidst the crackling, he felt his hand numb, and the Grandmaster Martial Body''s palm could not withstand the impact, tearing at the palm of the hand and letting blood flow. Meanwhile, the brilliant thunder on the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear continuously collided with the Yuan Gang on his spear, gradually creeping up the weapon.


    Crackle, sizzle.


    Wu Gu Marquis''s eyes turned blood-red in an instant. He activated some Secret Technique, his heart pounding violently, blood surging through his body, stimulating the Yuan Gang True Essence to finally dispel the lightning arc.


    Then immediately, he lifted his body, attempting to continue his escape.

 Chapter 535 - 335: Death (Combined)_2

    But.


    Delayed by the attack of the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear, Chen Mu''s figure had already caught up behind him!


    Although in the depths of the Earth''s Veins, his abilities were restricted by the Wu Gu Marquis, even movement was inconvenient, but having achieved a Martial Body, even if it was a head-on collision, it was not easily blocked. With the brief restraint of a breath by the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear, he had caught up, his left hand lightly lifted, right hand lightly dropped, Qiankun light flowing, flickering on and off.


    Wind Wheel,


    Thunder Wheel,


    Fire Wheel,


    Water Wheel,


    ...


    Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal!


    The magnificent Yuan Gang of the Qiankun Martial Body was fully mobilized by Chen Mu, his gaze indifferent, the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal he struck seemed to encompass the whole universe, collapsing the sky and earth, encasing the Wu Gu Marquis with no retreat, no escape, only to withstand it directly!


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    In this life-and-death crisis, the Wu Gu Marquis became unprecedentedly calm. After all, he was a top-tier Grandmaster, not an ordinary mortal. In an instant, all distractions were cast aside by him, the Houtu Domain was expanded, his entire being connected with the ground, as if he became a part of Earth''s Veins, merged with the whole land.


    "When Houtu descends, all things thrive."


    The Wu Gu Marquis''s hands tore at the base of his thumbs, dripping blood, but at this moment he tightly grasped the Spirit Weapon spear, borrowing the power of the terrain, and suddenly swung upward.


    This swing, as if the entire world fell silent, he seemed to step into another realm, touching a nearly imperceptible barrier. In a flash, the nearby soil and rock layers halted, an intense vitality wildly burst forth, surprisingly sprouting verdant seedlings from the dry yellow earth and rock walls.


    Confronting Chen Mu, he had achieved top-tier Grandmaster, facing a life-and-death crisis for the first time since reaching the pinnacle of Grandmasters, the notion of death nearly encircled his heart, and precisely his practiced Houtu aligned with the birth of all things, swinging in desperation for life amidst the realm of death, faintly seemed to break the shackles of life and death!


    Live! Live! Live!!


    The Wu Gu Marquis''s eyes shone with an unprecedented brilliance.


    Any top-tier Grandmaster, is a peak existence of their era, once a matchless prodigy, the Wu Gu Marquis was no different, now even feeling that he had truly touched a certain limit. If he could survive this instance, then he must be able to cross that final barrier of Martial Arts, undergo Blood Exchange, and ascend to the absolute summit of Martial Arts, becoming another ''Bone Ancestor'' among the Four Departments!


    However.


    His hopes ultimately shattered!


    Mindset and will, perception and spirituality, even though he crossed that barrier, he had not truly reached that realm, nor was it a qualitative change, but merely a very small step forward.


    The spear in his hand collided with Chen Mu''s Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, eventually bending bit by bit, finally, all Yuan Gang and vitality inch by inch dispersed and withered away.


    Bang!


    The spear finally flew from his hand, originally tilted upward, pointing towards Chen Mu, now turned downward, plunging into the rock layers below, while he staggered several steps backwards, halting in place.


    Chen Mu''s figure fell down, landing right in front of him, his hands that struck the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal trembling slightly, but the next moment, they steadied, and he looked directly at the Wu Gu Marquis, with a slight sigh, he said: sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "As expected, you can''t underestimate the heroes of the world."


    Top-tier Grandmaster.


    Indeed, not something that covetous and cowardly demons from Sky Demon Sect could compare to.


    Although in terms of strength, if they fought on the ground, the Wu Gu Marquis and Mo Yu Demon Venerable wouldn''t differ much, but in terms of Martial Arts will, that kind of determination, the two were wildly different.


    Though the Wu Gu Marquis was a Grandmaster of the Foreign Race, indeed, he was the most remarkable person Chen Mu had encountered so far, apart from Qin Mengjun, maintaining absolute calm in life and death, even nearly undergoing a transformation!


    He knew what that transformation was.


    If he made it through this ordeal, the Wu Gu Marquis had at least an eighty percent chance of stepping into the Blood Exchange Realm, climbing to the ultimate peak of Martial Arts.


    If the Wu Gu Marquis had shown this level from the beginning, perhaps he might not have been able to hold him, but the other party was overconfident and engaged in close combat with him, being stricken with a single move. Even if his mindset and will had almost transformed, it was still not enough to bridge the gap between him and the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal!


    "..."


    The Wu Gu Marquis stood opposite Chen Mu, hands hanging down, fresh blood continuously dripping from his split palms, yet he remained silent, just staring at Chen Mu, his eyes showing a complex expression.


    But eventually, the brilliance in his eyes gradually faded, his entire body starting from the head, like porcelain, began to crack, and then inch by inch, his body shattered, like a clay and stone figure, eventually scattering among the mud and rocks.


    "What a pity."


    Chen Mu, observing the completely shattered remains of the Wu Gu Marquis, finally shook his head.


    Those qualified to step into the Blood Exchange Realm are actually very few, in fact, most of the Blood Exchange Realm are breakthroughs by top-tier Grandmasters, only a few are like Feng Hongsheng, Shi Zhenyong, that class of Grandmasters crossing realms.


    That is also why there''s such a vast difference between the Blood Exchange Realm and Grandmasters, because most of them were once top-tier Grandmasters themselves.


    The Wu Gu Marquis was qualified to make the leap to Blood Exchange, but dying by his hand, the future world is doomed to lack one more Martial Arts ultimate, a Blood Exchange existence, but the other party being a Grandmaster of the Foreign Race, dead is dead, Chen Mu simply sighed for the Martial Arts, that there would be one less ''Houtu Spear Saint'' for him to verify his own Martial Arts.

 Chapter 536 - 335: Death (Combined)_3

    Chen Mu carefully examined the corpse left by the Wu Gu Marquis.


    Seeing nothing of value within, Chen Mu quickly diverted his gaze and lightly pulled out the long spear used by the Wu Gu Marquis, feeling overwhelmingly heavy in his hands, as heavy as though it weighed a thousand catties.


    "A fine spear."


    He positioned this Spirit Weapon spear horizontally before him, scrutinizing it momentarily.


    This was undoubtedly an earth-attributed Spirit Weapon, its core unquestionably a piece of Xuanhuang stone, weighing over a thousand catties, almost on par with the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear, and even faintly approaching the standard of the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram.


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    For him at this stage, unless it was a Qiankun Spirit Weapon that perfectly matched, in his hands, whether it be a Houtu Spirit Weapon, Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear, or Cold Soul Spirit Blade, there wasn''t much difference in their use.


    However, such a Spirit Weapon was still a rare treasure for a Grandmaster, at the least it could be used to exchange for other resources that were useful to him, ultimately, it was another gain.


    After casually swinging the Houtu Spirit Spear, Chen Mu turned around and proceeded forward along the muddy rock layer.


    The Wu Gu Marquis was dead.


    The nearby Earth''s Veins had also returned to calm.


    He no longer needed to forcibly break through those mud rock layers, utilizing the Qiankun Artistic Conception to harness everything around him, he smoothly traversed once again through the Earth''s Veins and within a few steps, returned to the initial point of their skirmish.


    This place was originally a Stone Cave forcefully excavated by the Wu Gu Marquis, but afterwards, it was buried by him as he fled.


    Chen Mu quickly found Murong Yan in a corner, curled up and motionless.


    Whoosh.


    Chen Mu raised his hand, tore apart the nearby rock layer, created a space and said to Murong Yan,


    "Sister Murong, it''s over now."


    Murong Yan didn''t show any embarrassment, being inherently disadvantaged in underground maneuvering and not adept in traversing Earth''s Veins. She found it extremely difficult even to shield herself from the aftershocks of the clashes between Chen Mu and the Wu Gu Marquis, naturally, she couldn''t have followed and had just waited in place.


    Seeing Chen Mu return relaxed her heart.


    Although she was certain Chen Mu would win, the underground was, after all, the Wu Gu Marquis''s stronghold, and she worried that if the opposite party had any traps or tactics, perhaps Chen Mu would suffer, but evidently the battle had claimed swiftly.


    As Murong Yan stood up anew, noticing the Houtu Spirit Spear in Chen Mu''s hand, a glint flashed through her eyes, and she couldn''t help but whisper, "Is this the Wu Gu Marquis''s Spirit Weapon? Has the Wu Gu Marquis..."


    "If he hadn''t approached me initially, in these depths, I might have been unable to do anything to him," Chen Mu said evenly, "He was too confident in his own strength."


    Hearing Chen Mu''s words,


    Murong Yan took a deep breath.


    Indeed.


    As Chen Mu said, the underground was absolutely the Wu Gu Marquis''s territory, where even if he encountered three or four top Grandmasters of the same level, he would not fear them and could ensure a safe retreat even if outmatched.


    He truly wasn''t very fearful of the Seven Profound Sect''s ambush; even if many Grandmasters from the Seven Profound Sect were to emerge, they can''t control him underground, unless an Ancestor from the Blood Exchange Realm took action.


    It was this confidence that cost him his life.


    Nevertheless, such a realization still caused Murong Yan''s heart to surge with rolling tides, hard to calm, considering that this was the Wu Gu Marquis, a top Grandmaster, one among the many Grandmasters of Cold North Path, whose strength could even rank in the top ten!


    Stronger than Wu Gu Marquis, not counting the Blood Exchange Realm entities, there wouldn''t be more than five in the entire Cold North Path; including those of the Blood Exchange Realm, not more than twenty. A top Grandmaster isn''t just for show but truly represents reaching the pinnacle of strength in the Cold North Path of the Eleven States, with hardly any rivals.


    And yet such a figure had died underground, at his own advantageous terrain.


    "Let''s go,"


    Chen Mu said to Murong Yan, "Let''s see how the battle between the Foreign Race''s Military Formation and the Mystic Tortoise is faring."


    Murong Yan nodded slightly.


    If it had been she herself, after leading the Mystic Tortoise to the Foreign Race''s camp, she would definitely have turned and fled, the farther the better. It was only Chen Mu who, with the strength to eliminate the Wu Gu Marquis, had the confidence to not rush to leave and continued to observe the battle situation.


    "Forgive my boldness."


    Chen Mu, seeing Murong Yan respond, nodded slightly to her, then moved forward, put his hand on her shoulder, and then ascended through the mud rock layer all the way upwards, bursting through the ground in an instant.


    The two of them found themselves in a rugged region of hills, approximately ten li away from where the Mystic Tortoise and the Foreign Race''s Military Formation were clashing, and the sound of booming like rolling thunder could still be heard, indicating a fierce battle was ongoing. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Looking distantly,


    One could see that the Foreign Race''s Military Formation was still maintaining a defensive posture, deployed in a Tortoise Shell Formation, not trapping the Mystic Tortoise within but clearly had no intention of attempting to entrap and kill the Mystic Tortoise.


    "Roar!!!"


    The Mystic Tortoise continued to bellow in anger, as the Cloud Sea above, visibly swirling like a tornado from its force, was being torn apart strand by strand, transforming into waves that swept across, yet it could never break through the defending Military Formation.


    And as it occasionally delivered a tail swipe, the fierce attack that even Chen Mu found hard to directly withstand was also blocked by the Vigorous force condensed by the entire Military Formation, merely stirring layers of ripples across the dry yellow defensive wall, yet ultimately unable to forcefully tear it apart.


    "These Foreign Races truly are cautious."

 Chapter 537 - 335: Death (Combined)_4

    Chen Mu stood with his hands behind his back, gazing into the distance before speaking to Murong Yan.


    Considering the combat power of both sides, the Foreign Race Military Formation still held an absolute advantage. If they actively included the Mystic Tortoise in the siege within the formation, even though it would cause some casualties, they would ultimately be able to kill the Mystic Tortoise within the formation.


    Even so, the Foreign Race Military Formation always maintained a defensive position, mostly to fend off the Mystic Tortoise''s attacks. They seldom launched proactive assaults, only occasionally switching to an offensive formation to strike twice, leaving some minor injuries on the Mystic Tortoise.


    In such a situation, if the Mystic Tortoise wanted to retreat, it would clearly be unstoppable without being surrounded. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yet, this Mystic Tortoise was still in a frenzied state, stubbornly entangling itself without any sign of reason, unaware of what method used by the Sky Demon Sect had caused this.


    "Perhaps it''s because the Wu Gu Marquis isn''t here."


    Murong Yan too was observing from a distance, her eyes flickering slightly as she responded.


    The Wu Gu Marquis had gone to kill her and Chen Mu, and with the Secluded Silent Valley under attack, the overall situation in Han Prefecture was unclear. It was normal for the Foreign Race Military Formation not to risk a dead-end battle with the Mystic Tortoise.


    If the Wu Gu Marquis had killed her and Chen Mu and had already returned to the formation, the Foreign Race might seriously start considering taking on the Mystic Tortoise, possibly switching from defense to offense, trying to trap and kill it.


    After all,


    the resources on a Mystic Tortoise were extremely abundant; even if it meant some losses, it was worth it.


    Listening to Murong Yan''s response, Chen Mu nodded slightly. He had the same suspicion; clearly, the Wu Gu Marquis had not yet returned, and the Foreign Race Military Formation was playing it very conservatively. However, it was no longer possible for the Wu Gu Marquis to return.


    "If they maintain a defensive stance, there''s not much we can do."


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    If the Foreign Race Military Formation trapped the Mystic Tortoise within their ranks and switched from defense to offense, transforming from external to internal focus, then he would start to have some ideas because that would make the exterior of the formation extremely weak.


    And he would only need to try and coordinate an attack from the outside, potentially tearing apart the tens of thousands in the Foreign Race Military Formation completely!


    But the Foreign Race consistently maintained a defensive stance, leaving no such vulnerabilities. Even if he took action now, attacking from a different direction along with the Mystic Tortoise, it wouldn''t be of much significance because his attack capabilities were not stronger than those of the Mystic Tortoise, even slightly inferior, and the Foreign Race Military Formation had adopted the "Tortoise Shell Formation," impregnable from all sides.


    At that moment,


    Within the Foreign Race Military Formation,


    The temporary chief in command, holding the Command Flag, was Qiugu Danghu, continuously adjusting the power of the formation to counter the Mystic Tortoise''s attacks. Yet, his brow was frequently furrowed, and his eyes occasionally swept outside the formation.


    "Why hasn''t he returned yet..."


    The Wu Gu Marquis was a top Grandmaster of the Houtu lineage, chasing two juniors from the Wind Cloud List underground. How could it take so long without his return?


    If he truly couldn''t catch up, he should''ve returned earlier; the Mystic Tortoise still needed to be dealt with.


    If they could trap and kill a Mystic Tortoise, the richness of resources needed no explanation, and they might even receive a reward from the "Wu Ancestor." But with the Wu Gu Marquis absent, he didn''t dare to change the formation from defense to encirclement on his own initiative.


    After all, the current situation in Han Prefecture was complex, with the status of Secluded Silent Valley and the Sky Demon Sect still unclear. Since the Mystic Tortoise seemed to have been lured from the Secluded Silent Valley, without any intelligence, he naturally dared not take risks.


    Fortunately,


    The Mystic Tortoise appeared to have completely lost its rationality.


    Despite having no way to overcome their Tortoise Shell Formation, it still continued to persistently attack; continuing in this manner might not be incapable of wearing the Mystic Tortoise down slowly with the Tortoise Shell Formation, undoubtedly the safest tactic.


    Even if seven or eight Masters from Seven Profound Sect ambushed them now, maintaining the defense of the Tortoise Shell Formation, the tens of thousands of soldiers would be as stable as Mount Tai, unafraid of the proactive attacks from the Seven Profound Sect Masters.

 Chapter 538 - 336: Hunting the Mystic Tortoise (Two in One)

    Tens of thousands of elite soldiers in military formation clashed repeatedly with the Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise.


    The fierce battle continued relentlessly.


    Chen Mu and Murong Yan, standing over ten miles apart, concealed their presence and observed the battle. However, as time slowly passed, the foreign race''s military formation never exposed any flaws, maintaining a defensive stance throughout, leaving Chen Mu no opportunity to strike.


    What he most wanted to see was to cooperate with the Black Tortoise to annihilate this batch of foreign elite altogether, exploiting their battle to inflict heavy damage on the Black Tortoise, and ultimately to capture it as well, which would undoubtedly represent a huge gain.


    However, that was merely the ideal scenario.


    Now, with the Wu Gu Marquis gone and no return, the foreign race remained on high alert. Thus, he found no suitable opportunity to strike and did not act rashly, merely observing the situation from a distance and waiting for the right moment.


    However, the battle continued intensely, and nearly an hour later, the foreign military formation still maintained its defensive stance. It was the Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise that gradually began showing signs of weakening.


    After all,


    despite being a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon, the Black Tortoise had been imprisoned by the Sky Demon Sect for over a hundred years, with its demon qi and demon blood constantly extracted. When it freed itself, it was already in a weakened state. After a great battle with the foreign military formation, its demonic power and Qi were further depleted.


    But it seemed that this depletion gradually caused a change in the Black Tortoise; the blood vessels densely packed in its huge, bell-like demon pupils began to retract, and its savage ferocity slowly calmed down.


    Finally,


    After another collision with the foreign military formation, the Black Tortoise issued a somewhat painful roar.


    It was as if a person losing their reason gradually regained a trace of sanity along with that painful roar, causing the earth to shake and tremble as it struck the ground with its head.


    When the Black Tortoise raised its mountain-like head again, its massive body no longer charged at the foreign military formation, but instead, a trace of ferocity leaked from the blood vessels in its demon pupils and it slowly retreated a step backwards with its four legs.


    Boom!!!


    Seeing that the foreign military formation made no significant moves, the Black Tortoise finally turned its head and fled far away with its massive body.


    "Has it regained its senses...?"


    Upon seeing this, Wu Gu Marquis''s face instantly darkened, and he raised the Command Flag, mobilizing the power of the military formation. Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire


    Since Wu Gu Marquis had yet to return, he indeed did not dare to use the military formation to trap the Black Tortoise. Now that the Black Tortoise seemed to have regained some sanity and chose to retreat rather than dead-lock with the military formation, he clearly would not easily let the Black Tortoise escape.


    However, having not initiated the military formation to trap the beast at the start, he was also too late to mobilize the military formation to encircle it now, especially since even the most elite military formation consisted of soldiers who were at the Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering stage and could not match the speed of a Heavenly Demon like the Black Tortoise. Even though it was the slowest moving, it was still a Heavenly Demon after all.


    "Attack!"


    Wu Gu Marquis shouted loudly.


    The entire force of the military formation suddenly transformed. Previously like an impenetrable tortoise shell, the surging power of the military formation was now, under his command, solidifying and intertwining in the sky, gathering into a majestic War Spear tens of feet long, bursting in crimson bloodlight, with surging battle intent and murderous aura solidified within.


    Then, as he waved his Command Flag forward, the War Spear, which had gathered the entire military formation''s power, instantly pierced the air, accompanied by an almost earth-shattering momentum, and thrust towards the fleeing Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise.


    "Roar!!!"


    The Black Tortoise felt the military formation''s power attacking from behind. The spear, which gathered the strength of tens of thousands of elites, hundreds at the Five Organ and Viscera Realm, and even several Grandmasters, could not compare in refinement to a true Blood Exchange Realm, but with force breaking skill and quantity overcoming strength, it was still a notable blow for the Black Tortoise.


    Mainly because it was indeed massive and slow-moving, and it could not easily dodge at this distance.


    Accompanied by a roaring growl,


    the Black Tortoise suddenly stomped heavily on the ground with its hind legs, instantly shattering the ground and spurting waves of water. In these waters, it violently swung its long tail, launching a sharp aerial strike that laterally whipped at the incoming giant War Spear.


    Like a shadowy tail swipe, compared to its enormous and clumsy body, the speed was unbelievably fast, almost invisible to the eye, rising instantly in the air, and striking laterally against the crimson majestic War Spear.


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    Accompanied by a piercingly sharp whip-like sound that resounded through the heavens.


    Though the War Spear gathered tremendous power, in terms of the intensity of force, it was far inferior to the Black Tortoise''s tail swipe, and was smashed in half right down the middle!


    But the military formation''s power was also extraordinary, and though the War Spear snapped in the middle, its front half still maintained some momentum, piercing forward and finally striking towards the Black Tortoise''s giant shell.


    Boom!


    Like striking a bronze bell, it made ears buzz, also accompanied by a painful roar from the Black Tortoise as its back shell was forcibly pierced by the half War Spear, penetrating nearly ten feet inside!


    Since this crimson War Spear was merely a dematerialized object condensed from the military formation''s power, after breaking through the Black Tortoise''s shell and causing a wound, it quickly faded and vanished, leaving a visible blood hole on the spine of the Black Tortoise.


    After this strike,


    The Black Tortoise hesitated no more, pushed off powerfully with its four legs, and its mountainous body swiftly fled into the distance, in the blink of an eye, leaving only a blurry shadow behind.

 Chapter 539 - 336: Hunting the Mystic Tortoise (Two in One)_2

    Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire


    It may not be adept at speed on land, but that''s only relative to experts in the Blood Exchange Realm; in fact, its speed is far faster than those in the Five Organ and Viscera Realm. The reason it couldn''t catch up to Murong Yan earlier is that it''s even less skilled at Soaring Flight Escape. On the ground, however, Murong Yan would hardly be faster than it¡ªthe speed of this creature could at least match that of some Grandmasters.


    "..."


    As the Mystic Tortoise made its escape, one face finally sank into complete gloom.


    Not having chosen to mobilize the Military Formation to trap the Mystic Tortoise earlier, there was no chance of catching it now unless several Grandmasters broke away from the formation to pursue it alone.


    The problem was that even though the Mystic Tortoise had expended much energy and suffered some injury, they still had no assurance they could handle it. Even the careless approach might lead to instant death by a swing of the Mystic Tortoise Tail Swing, as the gap between them and the Mystic Tortoise was simply too vast¡ªthey could only stand against it by relying on the Military Formation.


    The most critical issue was...


    Wu Gu Marquis''s lingering absence gave rise to an ominous premonition in his heart.


    Assassinating two figures from the Wind Cloud List, how could it take so long without returning? In principle, with Wu Gu Marquis''s strength, even if ambushed by the Seven Profound Sect underground, he should be able to retreat unscathed. Yet from the start of the conflict until now, all was silent.


    Without clear understanding of the situation, he was even less likely to take the risk of pursuing the Mystic Tortoise and could only allow the creature to flee into the distance.


    The other few Grandmasters, each standing in the Military Formation, also had grim expressions on their faces.


    An inexplicable and fierce battle with a Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise resulting in many casualties among the soldiers would have been worth it had they been able to slay it, thereby offsetting their losses and perhaps even gaining plenty. Yet, in the end, they gained no advantage and could only watch helplessly as the beast made its escape. It was a calamity out of nowhere, completely played by the creature.


    But indeed, they had no better solution¡ªnone dared to leave the Military Formation to chase after the Mystic Tortoise.


    ...


    In the distance...


    Amid hills over ten miles away...


    Chen Mu and Murong Yan witnessed the entire confrontation between the Mystic Tortoise and the Foreign Race''s Military Formation. Seeing that the Mystic Tortoise finally stopped clashing with the Military Formation and chose to flee into the distance, Chen Mu finally spoke, "It seems that the Mystic Tortoise has regained some of its senses."


    Murong Yan nodded slightly, eyes following the escaping Mystic Tortoise, and slowly said, "After all, it''s a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon. No matter how cunning the Sky Demon Sect''s schemes are, they could not control it for long."


    "Right, Murong senior sister, you go back first. I''ll see if there''s any chance to stop this Mystic Tortoise."


    Chen Mu told Murong Yan.


    The Foreign Race''s Military Formation still showed no obvious flaws. He wasn''t interested in taking a risk to breach the formation, but as for the Mystic Tortoise, it posed little threat to him. Now that it had been injured, he could tentatively reverse the roles and pursue it to see if he could take it down. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon represents a massive resource even for a Great Sect like the Seven Profound Sect, not to mention for him personally. If he could capture it and make good use of its resources, refining his Qiankun Martial Body to the Major Achievement would be effortless.


    "Be very careful."


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s intent to try hunting the Mystic Tortoise, Murong Yan knew this wasn''t something she was qualified to meddle in.


    As her voice had yet to fade, Chen Mu had already transformed into a shadowy figure and disappeared in place, leaving no trace behind, vanishing from her perception in an instant.


    Watching Chen Mu disappear, Murong Yan couldn''t help but feel a twinge of admiration. When she first entered Ice State, she thought Chen Mu''s strength was comparable to hers and possibly even less experienced in battle. Yet, within short months, her understanding of him had changed dramatically, like a sheer cliff. In the blink of an eye, Chen Mu was even attempting to hunt a Heavenly Demon Tortoise!


    Even if the tortoise was weakened and wounded, and although he might not really be able to defeat it, just being qualified to try already placed him far beyond her reach. Any top Grandmaster from Cold North would not dare to pursue an injured Mystic Tortoise thusly.


    Sigh.


    She took a deep breath, steadied her emotions, glanced one more time at the distant Foreign Race''s Military Formation, and then retreated further back, quickly disappearing amidst the hills.


    ...


    On the wasteland...


    Chen Mu concealed his presence, and with each step, he crossed a hundred yards, silently following behind the Mystic Tortoise.


    Although the Mystic Tortoise was fast on land, Chen Mu could easily keep up. Now, in terms of speed, he might not be on par with those in the Blood Exchange Realm, but among Grandmasters, he was undoubtedly peerless, unmatched by anyone.


    The Mystic Tortoise''s running speed was only about as fast as that of an ordinary Grandmaster, unless it was in the water where its agility greatly increased.


    Quickly...


    After the Mystic Tortoise had gone quite a distance, heading west for dozens of miles, Chen Mu gradually closed in on the creature. Then, a glint of deep light flashed in his eyes, and his entire being abruptly burst into action. In an instant, he reached above the tortoise''s back, and his right hand thrust down a Fist Seal, targeting the wound on the Mystic Tortoise''s back that was pierced by the spear of the Foreign Race''s Military Formation!


    "Roar..."


    The Mystic Tortoise let out a low growl.


    A shadow flashed in an instant, lashing in midair to meet Chen Mu''s fist. It was the incredibly nimble, lightning-fast long tail, once again like a whip striking against Chen Mu''s punch.


    Boom!!


    With a thunderous roar...


    The shadowy tail was struck and flung wide open, while Chen Mu also somersaulted in the air, retreating more than ten yards.


    "Indeed, it''s a Heavenly Demon after all..."

 Chapter 540 - 336: Hunting the Mystic Tortoise (Two in One)_3

    Chen Mu stared at the Mystic Tortoise, murmuring softly.


    Now that he had mastered the Qiankun Martial Body, his ability to conceal his aura could be described as unrivaled. He was able to approach within dozens of yards of the Mystic Tortoise without it noticing, yet even so, the moment he made a move, the Mystic Tortoise was still able to defend itself in time.


    Despite its massive and cumbersome body, that long tail, no different from a snake''s, was extremely nimble¡ªactually faster than his own speed and could easily strike at any position around its body. Even with a wound on its back, it was not so easily suppressed.


    The Mystic Tortoise''s large demonic eyes stared at Chen Mu, communicating a threat, but it did not continue to attack him. Instead, it kept running forward, clearly having regained its senses and no longer in that frenzied state where it would fight to the death at the sight of people. Weakened and wounded, it had no desire to fight and sought only to quickly find a large river to hide in.


    "..."


    Chen Mu glanced at his right hand.


    Earlier, when the Mystic Tortoise was chasing Murong Yan, he had clashed with it in the sky, and was slightly inferior. His right hand had been injured, but in the recent exchange, he had hardly been hurt and could clearly feel the Mystic Tortoise had weakened further. sea??h th§× NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After all, being imprisoned for a century and fighting with the elite forces of the Foreign Race for one or two hours could not have happened without it suffering some losses. At least now, the Mystic Tortoise posed no great threat to him.


    But it was undeniable that this Mystic Tortoise was also the hardest thing he had encountered since he began practicing martial arts.


    In the past, no matter the opponent, few could last a few rounds under his hand; only this Mystic Tortoise had repeatedly engaged him in dragging fights, and even now, he still did not have absolute confidence he could subdue it, only that he could try his best.


    "Just give it a try."


    Chen Mu looked calmly at the Mystic Tortoise.


    Since there was a chance, he would try. If in the end he really couldn''t capture the Mystic Tortoise, then there was nothing he could do. After all, he was just beginning to become a grandmaster, while the Mystic Tortoise was a peerless Heavenly Demon, a being beyond a blood exchange.


    Whir! Read exclusive adventures at My Virtual Library Empire


    Chen Mu no longer concealed his attacks. Having revealed himself, he went all out, pulling the Houtu Spirit Spear he had snatched from Wu Gu Marquis directly from behind him. Raising it high, he swung it down fiercely at the wound on the Mystic Tortoise''s back.


    Originally, the Mystic Tortoise was not only stronger than him, but it was also flawless. Now, because of the wound on its back, it had a vulnerability, and Chen Mu''s attacks naturally aimed to exploit this weakness, directly targeting the wound each time.


    Swoosh.


    The Houtu power within the Spirit Spear, although slightly inferior to the Kun Earth and mixed with some "nurturing intent" and "joyous union," Chen Mu, mastering the complete Qiankun Artistic Conception, could still use them at ease.


    The so-called joyous union also stemmed from Yin Yang, and the so-called propagation was also a part of life and death. He had been familiar with the power of the spear for some time and wielded it without any hindrance.


    Crack!


    The Mystic Tortoise, facing Chen Mu''s spear, countered again with a tail swipe. Like a shadow, the long tail, like an afterimage, swung through the air, colliding heavily with Chen Mu''s Spirit Spear. The resonating clang made the massive body of the Mystic Tortoise sink slightly, seemingly also under great pressure.


    But that was all the effect it had; the massive body briefly sunk and then continued fleeing towards the west.


    However, those giant demonic eyes, when looking at Chen Mu, showed a hint of very human-like "annoyance," clearly vexed by Chen Mu''s actions.


    If it were at its peak or in the boundless Vast Sea, Chen Mu, despite some strength, wouldn''t be much against it. It could even effortlessly overwhelm him.


    But now.


    All around was just the vast Wilderness, not to mention the infinite Vast Sea, even large rivers were nowhere to be seen. Additionally, being persecuted by the Sky Demon Sect and weakened from injury, otherwise, Chen Mu wouldn''t have had the audacity to act so boldly.


    "Roar..."


    The Mystic Tortoise emitted a threatening growl at Chen Mu but still avoided direct combat and kept retreating.


    Chen Mu naturally didn''t fear its threats and couldn''t let it go easily either. He continued to swing the Houtu Spirit Spear vigorously, clashing intensely. Thunderous noises constantly exploded, shattering the frozen soil of the Wilderness.


    Yet from beginning to end, the Mystic Tortoise did not stop. It used its long tail to fend off Chen Mu''s attacks, occasionally using its massive body to forcefully clash and force Chen Mu to step back, heading west all on its own, leaving a long track behind on the Wilderness.


    And so.


    The Mystic Tortoise continued to flee, Chen Mu in hot pursuit, the fierce battle raging on.


    After an unknown duration, at the end of the frozen soil of the Wilderness, a dense water aura finally spread. Looking from above, one could see a wide river about a hundred yards wide, crossing the wasteland and stretching downward.


    At this moment.


    Chen Mu still held the Houtu Spirit Spear, faint bloodstains visible on him, his chest slightly rising and falling, his breath slightly more disordered than before. Obviously, facing such a level of demonic creature with his current Qiankun Martial Body was still somewhat forced.


    But the Mystic Tortoise wasn''t faring much better. The wound on its back had visibly grown larger, with torn traces of flesh inside and even the slowly squirming viscera faintly visible. Blood could no longer be contained, flowing slowly down its shell, and its body''s demonic power was also somewhat disordered.


    "So it was indeed heading for the Cold River..."

 Chapter 541 - 336 Chasing the Mystic Tortoise (Two in One)_4

    Chen Mu held his spear while standing in the air, his gaze sweeping toward the distant river at the edge of his sight.


    Though his feet had not measured every inch of Ice State, he had already memorized the entire map of Ice State, and he was unlikely to mistake any major river.


    Previously, the Mystic Tortoise had fled westward, leading him to guess it might be heading for the Cold River. This was the nearest major river to their previous location, and at the end of the river were the continuous ice mountains of Ice State. Thus, the waters of the entire river were icy and bone-piercing, which was why it was called the "Cold River".


    However, for the Mystic Tortoise, the temperature did not matter; what it needed was just a river large enough to accommodate it.


    Though the Cold River was not particularly large, being only about a hundred zhang wide, it was just enough to accommodate and carry the Mystic Tortoise''s massive body, which stretched dozens of zhang. That was enough for it; once in the river and taking advantage of the terrain, no matter if it was strength or agility, it would surpass what it could display on land. By then, it would no longer fear Chen Mu''s pursuit and would truly be free!


    Chen Mu pursued and tried to kill the tortoise all the way to this point. Naturally, he would not give up easily. After taking a deep breath, he rallied the Yuan Gang True Essence and continued to wield his spear to kill the Mystic Tortoise, attempting to stop it from reaching the Cold River.


    However.


    At the sight of the Cold River, the Mystic Tortoise also showed an unprecedented excitement. It had been imprisoned for a hundred years, and now it finally saw the breath of freedom. Naturally, it exhausted all its abilities¡ªthe long tail protected the wound on its back at all costs, ignoring most of Chen Mu''s other attacks, with its sturdy demon corpse resisting the hits forcefully, just rushing towards the Cold River.


    Seeing the Mystic Tortoise''s reckless charge, Chen Mu pursued relentlessly, but as the Cold River drew closer, he could only sigh inwardly. If he had a hundred more li, perhaps the tortoise would not have been able to hold on. But now, it was ultimately impossible to stop the Mystic Tortoise from racing toward the Cold River. Once in the river, indeed, with his own strength, it would be difficult to stop it.


    Boom!!!


    Seeing the Cold River was now within reach, Chen Mu took a deep breath. Clenching the Houtu Spirit Spear with both hands, the entire spear began to surround itself with a heavy pressure. The grand power of Heaven and Earth started to solidify and gather, and with the burst of Yuan Gang True Essence, he fiercely thrust the spear downward at the Mystic Tortoise once more. This thrust carried the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, its momentum grand and vast!


    The Mystic Tortoise let out a long roar, its tail whipping over once again to collide with the Houtu Spirit Spear in Chen Mu''s hand. However, accompanied by a thunderous boom, its weakened and injured tail was forcibly knocked aside by Chen Mu''s spear!


    Still.


    The obstruction by the tail caused Chen Mu''s thrust to veer slightly off course, missing to hit the wound on the shell.


    Boom!!!


    This incredibly powerful thrust, with its heavy pressure, even caused the massive body of the Mystic Tortoise, which spanned dozens of zhang, to bend its hind legs, almost kneeling into the frozen ground.


    But in the end, the Mystic Tortoise withstood the blow. Its hind legs, embedded in the frozen ground, suddenly exerted force, and the massive body leaped up, like a mountain peak breaking free, crashing towards the Cold River nearby. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Finally, it''s still... Hm?"


    As Chen Mu watched this scene, about to shake his head slightly, he suddenly caught sight of something, freezing in place and slowly lifting his head to look up at the sky above.


    He sensed a tremendous and vast Strength of Qian Heaven, surging and gathering tumultuously. This Strength of Qian Heaven felt extremely familiar to him, having parted ways with Murong Yan not long ago. However, this Qian Heaven obviously did not belong to Murong Yan.


    If one were to say.


    The Qian Heaven manipulated by Murong Yan was like a firefly against the starry sky, whereas this suddenly emerging Qian Heaven was like a blazing sun.


    That grandeur and boundlessness, as if tearing down the entire sky, was the most vast Strength of Qian Heaven that Chen Mu had ever felt, bringing with it an invincible momentum.


    Whoosh!!!


    The huge body of the Mystic Tortoise was almost over the Cold River, but its massive form came to an abrupt halt in the sky as if heaven and earth had been separated, held suspended in midair!


    The turbulent waters of the hundred-zhang Cold River also came to a standstill at this moment. The surging waters stopped flowing downward, turning into droplets as if gravity had been lost, with massive amounts of water silently suspended in the air.


    Thump.


    Ultimately, the mountain-like body of the Mystic Tortoise was flipped over from above the Cold River with a thud, tumbling hundreds of zhang through the air before crashing into the distant ground, and embedded itself into the frozen soil.

 Chapter 542 - 337: Blood Exchange Realm

    Strength of Qian Heaven ascended.


    Chen Mu didn''t look at the Mystic Tortoise that was flung away, but instead looked upwards, his eyes reflecting a hint of ''just as I thought,'' mixed with a touch of lamentation.


    In his sight, the clouds in the sky seemed like a tangible piece of ''Heaven''s Fabric,'' from which a corner visible to the naked eye was torn, and within that page-like expanse, a graceful figure drifted down, her long hair and plain dress making her look like a maiden in her prime. Barefoot, her delicate grip was as clear as jade, her entire being appearing flawlessly perfect as if naturally formed.


    Her aura was connected with the sky, merging into one, indistinguishable from one another without causing any ripples. In Chen Mu''s perception, her presence was like that of Qian Heaven itself, a divine spirit descended from the sky.


    Seeing the lady in plain clothes slowly descending from above, Chen Mu lowered the Spirit Spear in his hands and respectfully bowed.


    "Disciple pays respects to Master."


    "Congratulations on the full recovery from your old injury and on further improvement."


    The person descending from the sky, radiating a flawless state melded with Qian Heaven, was his master, Qin Mengjun, the Elder from the Seven Profound Sect and Peak Master of Spirit Profound Peak.


    As one of the rare top Grandmasters of the Cold North Path, Qin Mengjun was also the most hopeful candidate from Seven Profound Sect to step into the Blood Exchange Realm. It was only due to an ambush that caused damage to her Mysterious Pass and Soul Heart that Chen Mu had felt a light sigh for her in his early years. However, as his own realm grew higher, he increasingly realized that Qin Mengjun was not as simple as she appeared.


    Was her constant state of detachment really caused by damage to her Soul Heart?


    The Qiankun node located behind the cliffs of Spirit Profound Peak, where Qin Mengjun stayed year after year¡ªwas it truly just for guarding purposes?


    Those who become top Grandmasters are all peerless talents of their generation. Over a decade later, he guessed that Qin Mengjun might have already found a way to heal the injuries to her Soul Heart, though he never mentioned this speculation, nor did he ever reveal his thoughts.


    It appears now that his guess was indeed correct. After suffering damages to her Soul Heart fifteen years ago, Qin Mengjun finally healed the injury and possibly because of this fortune, had completely crossed the boundary between life and death, easily leaping over the boundary of Blood Exchange, thus reaching the pinnacle of Martial Arts, stepping into the ultimate step of the Blood Exchange Realm!


    Without a sound.


    Qin Mengjun descended from the sky.


    Having stepped into the Blood Exchange Realm, her appearance looked even younger than before, almost like a girl of eighteen or nineteen, her skin so delicate it seemed breakable, yet her aura was deep and unfathomable.


    "You... have cultivated a Martial Body?"


    Qin Mengjun looked towards Chen Mu, her gentle eyes revealing a hint of surprise.


    Chen Mu was not too surprised about her stepping into the Blood Exchange Realm, with only a slight ripple rising in his heart. Compared to that, at this moment, her surprise seeing Chen Mu holding the Houtu Spirit Spear was much greater.


    Even now that she had entered the Blood Exchange Realm, reaching the pinnacle of Martial Art Body Tempering, her mentality had quietly elevated to a majestic and profound state. Yet, upon seeing Chen Mu at this moment, she still couldn''t stop the tumultuous ripples rising within.


    How much time had passed?


    Though she had stepped into the Blood Exchange Realm and invented the Great Dream of Three Thousand method to heal her Soul Heart injury, spending nearly fifteen years and undergoing many transformations to finally restore her Soul Heart and ultimately cross that boundary...


    She knew Chen Mu''s talent was unparalleled, the most astonishing person she had ever seen in her life, additionally blessed by destiny. His Five Viscera had undergone an extraordinary Tempering exceeding that of ordinary people, and he had a great probability of cultivating into a Grandmaster, and even had the chance to glimpse the Blood Exchange Realm.


    But,


    It was too fast.


    Too fast.


    So fast that it astonished her, causing her heart to undulate like ripples.


    In just a few short years, not only had he completed the Six Viscera Tempering, he had also crossed the notoriously difficult Qiankun Mysterious Pass, cultivated the Qiankun Martial Body, and was even capable of hunting Ninth Rank Heavenly Demons like the Mystic Tortoise!


    If she hadn''t finally crossed into the Blood Exchange Realm herself, reaching the ultimate state of Martial Art Body Tempering, Chen Mu would have already far surpassed her, his Master, placing her far behind.


    "Fortuitously successful."


    Chen Mu looked at Qin Mengjun and smiled modestly.


    It was indeed somewhat beyond his expectations that Qin Mengjun had cultivated into the Blood Exchange, though he had thought it possible. He just believed Qin Mengjun could heal from her injuries, but did not expect her to recover and breakthrough so swiftly, and he even didn''t know if Qin Mengjun''s breakthrough happened before or after he stepped into the Grandmaster level.


    If it was before, then Qin Mengjun had always been ahead, never once surpassed by him. If it was after he became a Grandmaster, then he indeed had briefly surpassed her during that time.


    There''s no need to mention it now.


    Just from Qin Mengjun''s strike a moment ago, it was undoubtedly a technique of the Blood Exchange Realm, her realm and power both surpassed him, even though her break into Blood Exchange wasn''t long ago. On this land, she probably even had the capability to suppress a fully powerful Mystic Tortoise alone.


    The gap between him and Qin Mengjun had once again widened.


    However, this gap wasn''t as vast as when he had first joined the Seven Profound Sect. It could even be said to be just a thin membrane away. As long as his Martial Body becomes more solidified and tougher, or if he comprehends the Qiankun Domain, he could catch up or even surpass her again.


    "There''s no luck in Martial Arts, it''s all about hard work and accumulation." S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Qin Mengjun''s eyes sparkled subtly as she looked at Chen Mu and softly spoke. Her gentle voice seemed much younger compared to the past, sounding clearer.

 Chapter 543 - 337 Blood Exchange Realm_2

    Clearly, the transformation upon entering the Blood Exchange Realm was immense, almost like being reborn anew.


    "Hmm,"


    Chen Mu nodded slightly as he listened to Qin Mengjun.


    Indeed, in Martial Arts there was no such thing as luck; so-called flukes were built by painstaking effort bit by bit. All those who had reached the level of Grandmaster had done so in this way, polishing their foundations step by step until they sprouted new life.


    "To cultivate Qiankun Martial Body at such a young age, perhaps a thousand years from now, the second person to step into the Blood Exchange Realm through the Qiankun Path will be you. Fortunately, I have also made progress, so when your Martial Body reaches Perfection and you touch the limits of the Blood Exchange Realm, I will still be able to guide you a step further,"


    Qin Mengjun spoke in a gentle tone.


    If she had not made the breakthrough to Blood Exchange and was still only at the Marrow Cleansing Realm, then Chen Mu would have already surpassed her, with the younger generation overtaking the older. She would have nothing left to instruct Chen Mu, but now, at least with her numerous experiences in attacking the Blood Exchange Realm, she could provide some help to Chen Mu in the future. Naturally, she also hoped that her disciple, who she had taken in by fate, would one day reach the summit of this world.


    "Disciple will always heed your teachings,"


    Chen Mu responded.


    However, just as he finished speaking, a deep, muffled roar came from not far away.


    "Roar¡­"


    Along with a tremor like Earth Shaking and Mountains Swaying, the Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise, which had been flung hundreds of feet away by Qin Mengjun, landing on its shell backfirst creating a deep pit, managed to flip over onto its feet with a violent shake of its limbs.


    Its gaze landed on Chen Mu and Qin Mengjun, furious anger spilling out of its crimson demonic eyes as it let out a low roar.


    As a Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise, its intelligence was almost indistinguishable from that of humans. It naturally understood the words of Chen Mu and Qin Mengjun and was even capable of speaking itself, simply by mimicking with demonic power, though it was too lazy to use human language.


    Now, just as it was about to gain its freedom, it had been thwarted by Qin Mengjun''s intervention. Hearing the seemingly indifferent conversation between Qin Mengjun and Chen Mu, even treating it like a turtle trapped in a jar, how could it not be enraged?


    One hundred years!


    It had been imprisoned for a full century!!


    And now, just as it saw a glimmer of hope for escape and regaining its freedom, obstacles appeared at every turn. First, it was repeatedly hindered by Chen Mu, and just as it was about to escape, it ran into Qin Mengjun, a human martial artist of the Blood Exchange Realm. Read latest chapters at My Virtual Library Empire


    It was unwilling to accept this!


    "Master, we should deal with this Black Tortoise first,"


    Chen Mu said upon hearing the Black Tortoise''s low roar, turning his gaze toward the creature not far off. Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Ever since Qin Mengjun had followed the trail and finally arrived here, he knew that no matter what, the Black Tortoise had no chance of escape. They were on the banks of the Cold River, and if the Tortoise had been in its prime, it might have had a sliver of a chance to escape.


    But now, weakened and injured, facing a Blood Exchange Realm martial artist and him, an unparalleled Grandmaster, it could almost be said to have no chance whatsoever. That''s also why Chen Mu and Qin Mengjun didn''t bother with it right away; the outcome was already decided.


    "That''s right,"


    Qin Mengjun said softly.


    A Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise was a very useful resource for her.


    It would be best to capture it alive and bring it back to the Seven Profound Sect. Using the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation to suppress it, it could be like the black serpent trapped in the ''Trapped Dragon Pond'' behind the mountains of the Seven Profound Sect, becoming a resource the sect could continuously draw from.


    Even if it couldn''t be taken alive, the body of a dead Black Tortoise still held extraordinary value.


    Step, step,


    Qin Mengjun floated in mid-air, then gracefully stepped forward, covering a distance of hundreds of feet in an instant and appearing not far from the Black Tortoise. Her slender, jade-like palm raised gently and then pressed down with a sweep of her hand.


    In an instant, the sky changed color. In Chen Mu''s vision, the Strength of Qian Heaven from the heavens madly gathered and surged in from all around, merging with Qin Mengjun''s overflowing and vast Yuan Gang True Essence into a single point, forming a visible ethereal giant palm that pressed down upon the Black Tortoise''s back.


    Boom!!!


    The Black Tortoise, already struggling to stand on its trembling legs, was suppressed by Qin Mengjun''s palm as if it was bearing the weight of grand mountains, facing terrifying oppression.


    The frozen soil crumbled and broke under its massive legs, and the gigantic limbs, whose powerful joints could hardly be imagined, emitted faint cracking noises as if they were reaching their limit of endurance.


    "Roar..."


    The Black Tortoise roared in anger, but to no avail, its limbs ultimately bent under the immense weight, collapsing to the ground with a thunderous crash.


    Behind,


    Chen Mu, carrying his spear, approached and observed the Black Tortoise, now nearly incapable of turning over under Qin Mengjun''s suppression. He felt somewhat stirred; in fact, this was his first time witnessing a Blood Exchange Realm being''s attack up close.


    Although Qin Mengjun had only recently entered the Blood Exchange Realm, the display of strength still made him inwardly acclaim, "The Blood Exchange Realm, terrifying as such." The moment a martial artist entered the Blood Exchange, it was indeed a transformation.


    If it had been the previous Qin Mengjun, even as a top Grandmaster in front of him, even with the help of three others, he could have easily crushed her in a hand''s grasp, but upon entering Blood Exchange, she once again stood above him.


    The power he could now exert was almost no different from this weakened and injured Black Tortoise.


    If Qin Mengjun could suppress the Black Tortoise with one strike, she could do the same to him, preventing him from getting up... Of course, he was different from the Black Tortoise; even if suppressed by Qin Mengjun, he would still have a chance to use an Escape Skill, vanishing into the ground and fleeing from beneath the earth.

 Chapter 544 - 337 Blood Exchange Realm_3

    Although Qin Mengjun''s methods were strong, after all, they were the Blood Exchange of the Qian Heaven lineage. Once at the underground, it wasn''t so easy to utilize, and it wasn''t certain she could catch up with him, just like the Mystic Tortoise if it were at the Shores of the Vast Sea. Qin Mengjun might not be able to easily subdue it now.


    "Roar..."


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    The Mystic Tortoise, whose limbs were suppressed by Qin Mengjun''s palm and could not rise from kneeling, laid its massive head on the ground, staring fixedly at Qin Mengjun with its bell-like demonic eyes, issuing a muffled and angry roar from its mouth.


    Its ancient bell-like demonic eyes turned again to the approaching Chen Mu, filled with deep hatred. If it weren''t for this damn Chen Mu''s incessant pestering, it would have already slipped into the cold river and vanished.


    Hate! Hate! Hate!!


    The hatred and anger in its heart were unstoppable.


    "There''s no use struggling anymore. You should know by now that it''s impossible to escape from my hands. I will not take your life. Come back with me to the Seven Profound Sect and become the Mountain Guardian Spirit Beast of the Seven Profound Sect, and you may continue to live,"


    Qin Mengjun said to the still struggling Mystic Tortoise, speaking in a gentle tone.


    The Mystic Tortoise turned its gaze back to Qin Mengjun, its massive mouth slightly open, and for the first time, it spoke in a human voice. The bloodshot eyes revealed a touch of madness and fury.


    "...No!"


    "You have a long life. As long as you can live long enough, there might be a chance to regain freedom in the future. After all, our Seven Profound Sect is not the Sky Demon Sect and does not have such a need for a living Mystic Tortoise,"


    Qin Mengjun continued to persuade in a soft voice.


    A living Mystic Tortoise was always more valuable than a dead one, but the difficulty of capturing it alive was too great. If the Mystic Tortoise was uncooperative, it wouldn''t be so easy for her to take it back alive to the Seven Profound Sect, especially since this place was too far from the Seven Profound Sect.


    Chen Mu looked at Qin Mengjun''s persuasion, his expression a bit odd for a moment, and then thinking about how the Seven Profound Sect raised black serpents to mass-produce Tendon Changing Pills, he felt somewhat like ''if you won''t do it, there are plenty of other tortoises that will.''


    "Roar!!"


    However, the Mystic Tortoise ultimately let out a heaven-shaking, earth-shattering roar. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fed up with a hundred years of captivity, to it, Qin Mengjun''s words were the same ones it had heard the old ancestor of the Sky Demon Sect say years ago. But after enduring a century, it still couldn''t escape, fed up with the deceitful and cunning Human Race; it had had enough of deceit.


    In those blood-red demonic eyes of the Mystic Tortoise, a flicker of utmost hatred flashed by. Suddenly, as if something exploded within its body with a muffled sound, the bloodshot demonic eyes were instantly permeated with crimson red, turning into a sea of red. The demonic power around its body surged violently, expanding and erupting like never before, forcibly shattering Qin Mengjun''s suppression!


    "Die..."


    The Mystic Tortoise let out a roar that echoed through the Wilderness, as if venting the resentment of a century of imprisonment within that single shout. Ignoring Qin Mengjun, it moved its limbs with all its might. Its massive body burst out with unprecedented speed at that moment, not fleeing but charging towards Chen Mu not far away, in a frenzy of desperation, as if wanting to drag Chen Mu down with it in death.


    Feeling the momentum of this charge, Chen Mu''s expression changed slightly. This attack far exceeded all of the Mystic Tortoise''s previous tactics, as if it were more terrifying than its peak condition. He knew this wasn''t the Mystic Tortoise regaining its strength, but rather it had completely abandoned the will to live, destroyed its own Demon Heart, and unleashed all its remaining demonic power in rage and resentment.

 Chapter 545 - 338: The Secret of Chen Mus Body

    Chen Mu chose to dodge at the first instance.


    While the Qiankun Martial Body was invincible within the same realm, it did not mean that one had to resist a desperate strike across realms. That would not be an invincible martial spirit, but rather a foolish and disastrous action.


    However, the final strike of a Heavenly Demon, burning all its demonic power at the cost of its life, was not so easy to avoid. Almost in the moment Chen Mu attempted to dodge, the Mystic Tortoise''s tail swung out, striking towards the direction Chen Mu was evading to.


    Facing this fierce and terrifying attack, Chen Mu''s gaze was solemn as he swiftly dodged to the side.


    Boom!!! Find your next read at My Virtual Library Empire


    The tail strike hit the ground, creating an invisible sword light that tore across the wasteland''s frozen soil, rending the earth with a booming crack and opening up an abyss that stretched for hundreds of yards, severing the distant cold river completely!


    The Mystic Tortoise, in its deathly strike, unleashed the true might of a Heavenly Demon, a force belonging to the pinnacle of the Blood Exchange Realm, far beyond the comparison of any ordinary grandmaster. Even a peerless grandmaster would be slain in one hit if they dared to face it head-on.


    However.


    Although Chen Mu had avoided the Mystic Tortoise''s tail swing with an almost traceless, peak movement technique, he was unable to dodge the head-on collision. The tortoise''s massive body, as large as a mountain, pressed down like the collapse of Mount Tai, an irresistible force that felt unmovable by human effort.


    Without any hesitation, Chen Mu gathered his strength, fully mobilizing the Qiankun Martial Body with a solemn gaze, and prepared the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, attempting to use deflection to withstand the strike.


    However.


    Someone else was faster than him.


    Almost in a flash, leaving Chen Mu little time to react, a figure in plain clothes appeared in front of him, it was Qin Mengjun.


    To face the deadly intent of the Mystic Tortoise''s strike, even Qin Mengjun, stepping into the Blood Exchange Realm, was deeply serious without any sign of laxity. Such a suicidal move was meant to destroy everything at any cost. She could see that the Demon Heart of the tortoise was shattered, and regardless of the final outcome, the creature was certainly doomed, for even the vitality of a Heavenly Demon''s body would be utterly drained.


    "Heaven Cap Seal."


    Qin Mengjun''s gaze was grave as her hands came together before her. Within her clothes near her chest, a hazy, square seal floated up¡ªit was her Spirit Weapon, the "Heaven Cap Seal."


    The Power of Heaven and Earth within several hundred yards was almost instantaneously drawn empty by her and then surged over continuously from afar, gathering into the Heaven Cap Seal.


    Her hands also came together, forming the shape of the Heaven Cap Seal.


    With the immense power of the Blood Exchange Realm within her and her body driving the Qian Heaven Domain to withstand The Power of Heaven and Earth, she funneled the Solidifying Refinement of The Power of Heaven and Earth and the Yuan Gang True Essence into the Heaven Cap Seal to meet the Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise''s collision head-on.


    All of these actions may seem slow when described, but they happened in an instant. The tortoise, with its mountain-like body, crashed forward and the mighty blow directly collided with Qin Mengjun''s Heaven Cap Seal.


    Boom!!!


    It was like the collision of heaven and earth.


    The sound of the explosion was indescribable with mere words of thunderous noise, but a buzzing that was unbearable to the ears. If an ordinary person were nearby, the mere aftermath of this sound could blow their heads open.


    Qin Mengjun''s Heaven Cap Seal struck the Mystic Tortoise directly on the head. The desperate force of the Heavenly Demon and the immense power of the Blood Exchange Realm clashed together.


    "..."


    The Mystic Tortoise''s eyes, devoid of any life as if resigned to death, bore the brunt of the Heaven Cap Seal. Suddenly relinquishing its clash with her demonic power, it allowed the Heaven Cap Seal to hammer down on its head! sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Qin Mengjun, now a being who had stepped into the Blood Exchange, was one of the peak figures of the current era. Even the defensive power of a Heavenly Demon, without the resistance of its demonic power, became as frail as paper.


    Almost instantly.


    The Heaven Cap Seal penetrated the Mystic Tortoise''s head, piercing through its body, and after tearing through from the head to the tail, it flew out, flinging a spray of bright red blood.


    Yet, upon dealing this fatal blow, Qin Mengjun''s face bore no joy, but instead, her expression sank.


    Something was wrong!


    The Mystic Tortoise''s broken Demon Heart had released a strike meant for certain death, and being penetrated by her Heaven Cap Seal only added a fatal wound that held no significance; it would still be death either way.


    But with the Mystic Tortoise relinquishing its defenses allowing her Heaven Cap Seal to pierce its body, she was faced with its massive body becoming an unstoppable force rushing towards her, with no barrier in between!


    Bang!!!


    Qin Mengjun crossed her hands and pushed out a palm, bracing against the Mystic Tortoise''s head, but with the tortoise giving up its resistance to the Heaven Cap Seal as a trade-off, enduring her strongest strike, she was now in a moment of depleted strength. The tortoise, pressing down on her, was too much to be stopped, and she was propelled forward by the impact.


    And right behind Qin Mengjun was Chen Mu, within arm''s reach.


    Qin Mengjun''s intervention, although brief, wrapped her up with the Mystic Tortoise as they both came hurdling forward, but it gave him the space to retreat and make way, leaving him with a moment to dodge.


    But witnessing the scene before him, the thought passed through Chen Mu''s mind, and he chose not to dodge. His left hand went up, his right hand went down, and in front of him, a mark of convergence formed, creating a Taiji Wheel Seal in a boundless integration of Qian and Kun.


    Hum!


    The Mystic Tortoise, crashing into Qin Mengjun, collided head-on with the Taiji Wheel Seal cast by Chen Mu.

 Chapter 546 - 338 The Secret of Chen Mus Body_2

    Qin Mengjun''s body was the first to brush against the sprawling, faintly visible Taiji Wheel Seal, stretching over thirty feet. Yet instead of being injured by the collision, her entire person sank into the gap of the several-dozen-feet-wide Taiji Diagram Seal.


    Unlike the rigid and Solidifying Refinement of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, the Taiji Wheel Seal was dispersed and interwoven, like a supple fishing net cradling Qin Mengjun''s back, gently stripping away layer by layer the force of the Mystic Tortoise''s impact.


    However.


    The impact of the Mystic Tortoise was ultimately extraordinary, not something that Chen Mu could simply block with the evolution of a Taiji Wheel Seal at this point.


    As the Taiji Wheel Seal was struck and compressed deeply, warping several feet inward, it finally shattered like a mirror. The Mystic Tortoise, carrying Qin Mengjun with it, collided with Chen Mu, and with both of them in its grasp, continued to hurtle towards a distant cliff.


    Whoom!!!


    The Power of Heaven and Earth roared chaotically.


    At this moment, Chen Mu and Qin Mengjun were almost pressed against each other, but beneath this somewhat ambiguous posture, there was not the slightest hint of romance ¨C only oppression and solemnity. Both were acutely aware that if they failed to completely deflect the force of this blow, they would surely suffer grievous injuries. The strike by the Mystic Tortoise, made at the cost of its own life, was no laughing matter.


    The Strength of Qian Heaven continually flowed into Qin Mengjun, gathering within her body. She harnessed it to weaken the Mystic Tortoise''s momentum layer by layer, while Chen Mu was also drawing from The Power of Heaven and Earth from all directions to withstand the Mystic Tortoise''s collision.


    At this moment.


    With the Mystic Tortoise forcing Chen Mu and Qin Mengjun so close together, any technique to conceal their auras was utterly ineffective. Chen Mu could clearly sense the flow of Yuan Gang True Essence within Qin Mengjun, feel the majestic power contained within the flawless Martial Body she had cultivated after advancing to the Blood Exchange Realm.


    Qin Mengjun, similarly, could feel the majestic power harbored in the Qiankun Martial Body of Chen Mu right behind her, especially the intense vitality emanating from his Five Viscera and Six Viscera, which nearly set off tumultuous waves in her heart.


    If Chen Mu held a sliver of admiration for Qin Mengjun''s newly attained Blood Exchange Body and its flawless Martial Body, then Qin Mengjun was utterly shocked by the foundation and power Chen Mu''s Martial Body contained.


    What was all this?


    She knew Chen Mu was extraordinary, that his cultivation of the Qiankun Path was in perfect alignment with the Heavenly Mandate, born with it. Thus, although curious about the refinement of Chen Mu''s physique, she had never delved deeply, never sought to uncover all of Chen Mu''s secrets.


    But now, in such close contact and both exerting their strength to fend off the Mystic Tortoise, the secrets of their bodies could not possibly be hidden. The intense vitality in Chen Mu''s body astonished her.


    Was this the Martial Body of the Marrow Cleansing Realm?


    Based solely on the vitality and robust essence-radiance contained within that physique, that surging Yuan Gang Inner Breath, it was nearly on par with her own Blood Exchange Body! Explore stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Bear in mind that Chen Mu had broken through to the Marrow Cleansing Realm not long ago, and likely his Qiankun Martial Body was only in its nascent stages. Even if the Qiankun Martial Body was said to be the pinnacle of Martial Arts, could a newly formed Martial Body really be close to the flawless state after Blood Exchange?


    How inconceivable!


    Without a doubt, Chen Mu''s Five Viscera Tempering had far exceeded the eleven times, probably at least twelve times, or possibly even higher, and he had similarly tempered his Six Viscera to such a state ¨C a level unattainable even by the Blood Exchange Body!


    If the past Qin Mengjun was unaware of Chen Mu''s true foundations, then the present her was almost certain that even the Da Xuan Martial Emperor from a thousand years ago could not have had such profound roots and foundation as Chen Mu, with every part of his body exhibiting no deficiency, perfected to the extreme, so minutely that every aspect could astonish her.


    From the perspective of Chen Mu''s Martial Body.


    The gap between Chen Mu and her seemed to amount to merely a ''Domain''!


    Once Chen Mu cultivated the Qiankun Domain and vastly increased his ability to harness The Power of Qiankun Heaven and Earth, coupled with such incredibly profound Martial Body foundations, he might well stand shoulder to shoulder with her in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, comparable to her having stepped into the Blood Exchange Realm.


    Whoom!


    The Mystic Tortoise was only about three or four li away from a rugged, uneven cliff in the distance. With the force of that impact, it was almost instantly close to the jagged and frozen escarpment.


    But Qin Mengjun and Chen Mu, one in front and one behind... no, to be precise, one in the middle and one behind, were both continuously exerting force. The methods they had previously applied, plus the constant weakening of momentum over the three to four li of distance, meant that by the time the Mystic Tortoise slammed into the cliff, its force had greatly diminished from when it had first launched the attack.


    Boom!!!


    The Mystic Tortoise smashed its head into the cliff, burying it nearly two zhang deep.


    Chen Mu''s back was the first to hit the cliff, bearing the brunt of the collision. His face turned slightly pale, a surge of fresh blood welled up, but he didn''t spit it out, forcefully suppressing it instead.


    Qin Mengjun was sandwiched in the middle. She knew that even with Chen Mu''s incredibly robust Qiankun Martial Body, it was impossible to bear all the impact. Her gaze flickered as she took on as much of the force as she could with her Blood Exchange Body.


    Compared to Chen Mu, her endurance was indeed a bit stronger. After the momentum from the impact had finally dissipated, her complexion remained normal, only her delicate eyebrows slightly furrowed, indicating a trace of pain, but she quickly recovered to her usual state.


    The two of them shared the burden together and managed to bear all the impact, dissipating it into nothingness!


    Thud.


    Qin Mengjun took a brief breath before raising her hand and striking a palm on the Mystic Tortoise''s head.


    The Mystic Tortoise''s vitality was rapidly dissipating. With Qin Mengjun''s palm strike, its head flew backward out of the shattered cave, along with its massive body tumbling far away. Its demonic eyes stared at the cave they had crashed through, looking at Qin Mengjun and Chen Mu. Deep in its gaze seemed to be a hint of reluctance, but it quickly faded away.


    After ejecting the Mystic Tortoise from the cave, Qin Mengjun immediately stepped forward, separating from Chen Mu, no longer in close contact. Then she turned to look at Chen Mu, sizing him up, and said in a gentle tone,


    "How are you?"


    "I''m fine, not serious."


    Chen Mu relaxed his limbs slightly, dislodging himself from the embedded rock wall, wiping away a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth.


    "Hmm."


    Qin Mengjun nodded slightly.


    Having been close to Chen Mu just before, Qin Mengjun was well aware of his physical condition and knew it was not serious, a clear but necessary question. After all, she was his master and needed to show concern for Chen Mu, her disciple. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "With your physique and vitality, a little adjustment should suffice," Qin Mengjun said to Chen Mu, "Wait here for a moment."


    That said,


    She vanished in a blur from the cave.


    In only about ten breaths'' time, Qin Mengjun reappeared in the cave, her palm gathering a small cluster of crystal clear blood, as translucent as glass, emitting strands of demonic power, being continuously extracted by the Inner Breath she was nurturing in her palm.


    "The Mystic Tortoise is dead. Its last attack, fueled by the shattering of the Demon Heart and nearly exhausting its heart blood, left only this much. I''ve already tempered away the demonic power and Demon Qi within, leaving only the essence, which should quickly heal your injuries," she said.


    As she spoke, Qin Mengjun gently lifted her hand, and the small cluster of radiant Demon Blood flew towards Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu looked at the small cluster of heart blood, cupped it with his hands, and then shook his head slightly, saying, "My injuries are trivial, a little recovery over a day or two will do. There''s no need to use the Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood; you should take it, Master."


    "No need, you keep it as well,"


    Qin Mengjun said with a gentle tone, "My injuries are lighter than yours, a little breathing and adjustment will be enough. As for the Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood... it is indeed useful for tempering my physique, but at my Realm, I need more than just a smattering, a large amount of Heavenly Demon Heart Blood is required to be effective. It''s best used by you."


    After reaching the Blood Exchange Realm, turning blood as heavy as mercury is a process. For those in the Blood Exchange Realm, it isn''t difficult, but to accelerate this process requires a lot of rare substances like Heavenly Demon Heart Blood, not just a little bit."

 Chapter 547 - 339: New Supreme

    He walked out of the shattered cave.


    Chen Mu looked at the now lifeless Mystic Tortoise, its body resembling a small mountain.


    Reaching the level of a Heavenly Demon was indeed no easy match, especially since Qin Mengjun had only recently entered the Blood Exchange Realm. Nevertheless, Qin Mengjun''s injuries were very minor and did not require special healing. They would recover naturally within a short period of time.


    In Qin Mengjun''s perception, the impact he received was somewhat greater, but in reality, his Qiankun Martial Body had a more vigorous vitality, basically recovering in just over a dozen breaths.


    At the Blood Exchange level, they are extremely difficult to kill. Minor injuries can be healed instantly, unless the Five Viscera and Six Viscera are thoroughly destroyed. Otherwise, even if the internal organs are shattered, they can still be sustained and healed using Inner Breath.


    The Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise was actually much the same. If it weren''t for the weaknesses caused by being imprisoned for a century, even if it unleashed a strike that exceeded its limits by shattering its Demon Heart, it would not have died so easily afterward. As long as it could escape to ascend, it could recover through deep sleep.


    But its vitality had depleted too much and it no longer had such an opportunity.


    "Master, when did you arrive?" sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After confirming that the Mystic Tortoise was truly dead, Chen Mu turned to ask Qin Mengjun.


    Qin Mengjun replied, "Initially, I remained at the sect. After hearing the news about the Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise, I followed its trail here, tracing the residual Demon Qi and the traces of your battle with it."


    "Did Master also pass through the Secluded Silent Valley?"


    Chen Mu leaped down and landed next to the Mystic Tortoise to begin disposing of the body.


    There were many resources on the Mystic Tortoise, but it was too large for him to handle alone. He would have to transport it back to the Seven Profound Sect with Qin Mengjun. For now, it was just temporary handling.


    "The Secluded Silent Valley has been breached. When I arrived, Elder Qi was leading people to clean it up."


    Qin Mengjun also came forward to process the body of the Mystic Tortoise, mainly sealing the continuously flowing Demon Blood and then freezing it to store it temporarily.


    The two did not delay much longer. After a quick handling, Qin Mengjun swung her right hand, and the massive body of the Mystic Tortoise seemed to come alive, slowly floating up.


    Then she took a step, landed on the back of the Mystic Tortoise, and immediately looked toward Chen Mu.


    Swipe.


    Seeing this, Chen Mu did not hesitate any further. He took a step down, flashing up next to Qin Mengjun.


    Following that, Qin Mengjun raised her right hand and the massive body of the Mystic Tortoise flew up into the air, swiftly ascending into the clouds before speeding away into the distance.


    Riding on the Mystic Tortoise''s back, standing next to Qin Mengjun, Chen Mu watched this and couldn''t help but shake his head slightly. After all, she was a Blood Exchange Realm master who commanded a domain, capable of carrying such a huge Black Tortoise using the Sky Flying Technique.


    If it were him, although his physique was not much less than Qin Mengjun''s who was at the initial stages of Blood Exchange, carrying such a big Mystic Tortoise into the sky without it would be difficult, and he might likely end up dragging it across the ground.


    Speaking of which.


    It would be nice to have a spatial Spirit Weapon. It would be very convenient to carry various things, but such weapons are indeed the rarest of the current age. Among them, the fate of the Qiankun Pot is still unknown.


    For him now, he did have some qualifications to compete for such a weapon. However, to rightfully command such a Spirit Weapon, one must be in the true Blood Exchange Realm, and it often had to be one of the stronger individuals within that Realm.


    Qin Mengjun was still fast in controlling the Mystic Tortoise.


    After ascending to the Blood Exchange Realm, the power of the Qian Heaven Domain also greatly increased, towing such a massive tortoise at a speed near that of ordinary grandmasters. This also reflected the vast difference between Blood Exchange and Marrow Cleansing.


    It didn''t take long for Chen Mu and Qin Mengjun to reach the Secluded Silent Valley.


    At this moment.


    The Secluded Silent Valley was bustling with figures, including not only some grandmaster elders but also many protectors of the Sixth Viscera Realm from the sect who had already arrived, taking inventory of the various resources within the valley.


    Near a side of the valley outskirts, Zhao Zhenchuan and Murong Yan were also there, appearing to have just arrived.


    Looking at the destruction in various parts of the valley, Murong Yan couldn''t help but inhale slightly, his eyes slightly trembling as he said, "Is that where the Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise was imprisoned?"


    His gaze fell towards the center of the valley. Experience more on My Virtual Library Empire


    There, one could see a huge depression stretching hundreds of feet, as if the entire terrain of the valley had collapsed. Even though the residual Demon Qi had mostly dissipated, one could still faintly sense the power from when the Heavenly Demon emerged.


    A Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon, its terrifying level was unimaginable for her, merely at the Six Viscera Realm.


    "I heard that this demon was incited by the Sky Demon Sect to madness and lost its sanity. After breaking free, it rampaged destructively and then chased after Sister Murong far away. However, I wonder how Sister Murong is doing now."


    Zhao Zhenchuan looked at the situation in the valley and said somberly.


    The Mystic Tortoise was probably one of the Heavenly Demons least adept at flying. According to what he had just been told, catching up to Murong Yan in the sky wouldn''t be so easy. But if Murong Yan couldn''t shake it off, it would still be quite perilous. After all, a Heavenly Demon was comparable to a Blood Exchange Realm fearsome creature, and one careless move could cost one''s life.


    "I hope Sister Murong is safe and sound."


    Hearing Zhao Zhenchuan''s words, Murong Yan also involuntarily looked towards the distant sky, clearly powerless in this situation, and could only pray for Murong Yan in her heart.

 Chapter 548 - 339 New Supreme_2

    Just as she focused her gaze toward the distant horizon, her eyes suddenly flickered with surprise.


    What was that?


    In her line of sight, at the end of the sky, a small black dot had appeared and was moving closer toward the Secluded Silent Valley.


    "Brother Zhao, look, what is that?"


    After noticing something unusual, Meng Danyun couldn''t help but speak out. S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Zhao Zhenchuan also noticed the change in Meng Danyun''s demeanor; his gaze moved slightly, and following her line of sight, he too saw the tiny black dot at the edge of the sky.


    As time passed, the dot gradually approached the Secluded Silent Valley, and its outline grew larger.


    At this moment.


    It wasn''t just Meng Danyun in the Secluded Silent Valley; several stationed Peak Masters and Elders all looked toward the horizon at the approaching giant black shadow, their eyes reflecting various changes.


    "Is that... a Mystic Tortoise?"


    "Not good! Be careful!"


    "Wait, hold on, something seems off."


    "It is the Mystic Tortoise, but its demon Qi..."


    Qi Zhiyuan, too, heard the commotion and emerged from the depths of the Secluded Silent Valley, looking towards the distant horizon with an expression that changed colors.


    As the black shadow drew closer, the increasingly massive body appeared to be unmistakably that of the Mystic Tortoise that had escaped from the Secluded Silent Valley, but for some reason, the demon Qi around it was nowhere near as tumultuous and powerful as when it had escaped.


    Even its Soaring Flight Escape from afar lacked the strong oppressive feeling it had when it had first broken free.


    Meanwhile, inside the Secluded Silent Valley, commotion spread.


    The Protectors and Stewards tasked with cleaning the valley were in disarray, pouring out of the valley when the giant black shadow in the sky finally arrived beside the Secluded Silent Valley and began to slowly descend.


    The colossal body of the Mystic Tortoise crashed onto one side of the Secluded Silent Valley with a thunderous sound, and valley dwellers like Qi Zhiyuan, Feng Hongsheng, and many Elders quickly realized that the Mystic Tortoise no longer showed signs of life; it was a corpse, leading to widespread astonishment.


    Who had slain the Mystic Tortoise?


    Even more so, who could carry such a massive carcass, using the Sky Flying Technique, all the way to the Secluded Silent Valley... Could it be that Supreme Yin Heng of the Sect had finally arrived?


    However.


    When a figure silently landed on the back of the Mystic Tortoise, including Qi Zhiyuan, the many Grandmasters and Elders at the scene, like Feng Hongsheng and Shi Zhenyong, were all utterly astonished.


    Meng Danyun, not far away, was stunned.


    "...Master?!"


    The woman in plain clothes, seemingly even younger than her, was naturally too familiar in both appearance and aura for her. But how could Qin Mengjun be here, and how could she have left the Sect?


    Could it be that Qin Mengjun''s old injuries had healed?


    No.


    No, that wasn''t it; the aura on Qin Mengjun was entirely different from before. If her previous aura evoked a sense of vastness and distance, now it felt purely ethereal, as if though standing right there, she was connected to the entire sky, part of the heavens, with an entirely different quality to her aura than before.


    Moreover, she was able to carry such a massive Mystic Tortoise carcass while employing the Flying Technique.


    A thought rose in Meng Danyun''s heart; her eyes shone with unprecedented brilliance and joy. If there was anything she most hoped to see, it was naturally Qin Mengjun''s recovery and return to her peak.


    What she hoped for even more, without a doubt, was for Qin Mengjun to ascend further, to an even higher peak!


    Inside the Secluded Silent Valley.


    When Qin Mengjun descended from the Mystic Tortoise, there was complete silence.


    Among the Seven Profound Sect''s people, Qi Zhiyuan, the leader, while looking at the approaching Qin Mengjun, showed a hint of joy and sighs in his somewhat aged eyes, saying, "Congratulations."


    If Meng Danyun could sense the difference in Qin Mengjun at this moment, that transformation of aura, how could he not? Having been poised to step into that realm more than a decade ago, Qin Mengjun, though she had been treacherously attacked and faced many hardships, had finally recovered from her injuries and taken that last step into the Blood Exchange Realm, reaching the pinnacle of Martial Arts!


    From now on, the Cold North Path of the Eleven State would have one more existence in the Blood Exchange Realm.


    Besides Qi Zhiyuan,


    Shi Zhenyong, Feng Hongsheng, and others looked at Qin Mengjun with complicated eyes.


    As a Grandmaster in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, who wouldn''t want to take that step into the Blood Exchange Realm, to reach the final step of Martial Arts?


    Yet, limited by capacity, talent, and the foundation laid in the past, most Grandmasters would find the Marrow Cleansing Realm to be the limit of their lifetime, with no fortuitous encounter likely to propel them into the Blood Exchange much further. Your next read is at My Virtual Library Empire


    Age also limited the Blood Exchange Realm.


    The older one became after reaching Grandmaster, the harder it was to take that step into the Blood Exchange Realm. Qin Mengjun was actually one of the younger Grandmasters within the Seven Profound Sect, which is why a delay of more than a decade still left her with the opportunity to challenge the Blood Exchange.


    The Blood Exchange Realm was entirely different from the Marrow Cleansing Realm, both in terms of power and status, but for most of them, there was no chance of attempting the Blood Exchange, so they naturally felt sighs mixed with more admiration as they watched Qin Mengjun finally take that step.


    "Fortuitous."


    Qin Mengjun looked at Qi Zhiyuan, nodded slightly in acknowledgment, then turned her gaze to the many Elders present.


    After a brief moment filled with complexity and light sighs, Shi Zhenyong and the many Elders snapped out of it, each showing a smiling face, and began congratulating Qin Mengjun:


    "Congratulations."


    "Congratulations, Sister Qin."


    "Congratulations, with this our Sect will have yet another Supreme."

 Chapter 549 - 339: New Supreme_3

    Many Elders rushed to congratulate Qin Mengjun, while the numerous protectors and stewards behind them were all glancing at each other with astonishment in their hearts, unable to calm down, and they too rushed to pay their respects to Qin Mengjun.


    By contrast,


    Chen Mu, who quietly descended from behind Qin Mengjun, essentially did not attract much attention.


    However, Zhao Zhenchuan and Meng Danyun not far away noticed Chen Mu almost immediately. The two were slightly surprised; they had not expected Chen Mu to be with Qin Mengjun.


    "Junior Brother Chen?"


    Meng Danyun blinked at Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu descended from the Mystic Tortoise''s back and saw Meng Danyun and the others, nodding slightly to her.


    At this moment,


    some other Elders finally turned their gaze toward Chen Mu, and soon someone noticed the Houtu Spirit Spear he held in his hand. For them, being Grandmasters, a Spirit Weapon was naturally something they could recognize at a glance.


    Especially Shi Zhenyong, who after a slight start took a closer look at the Spirit Spear in Chen Mu''s hand, seeming somewhat incredulous. After a detailed observation, he finally confirmed and couldn''t help but ask:


    "Peak Master Chen, is that in your hand the Wu Gu Marquis''s Houtu Spirit Spear?"


    "Yes."


    Chen Mu did not conceal it.


    This Houtu Spirit Spear was different from the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear, which was a Short Spear, easily concealed. The Houtu Spirit Spear, on the other hand, was a long spear that could not be so easily hidden, considering he did not possess a spatial Spirit Weapon to stow items.


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    With Shi Zhenyong''s question asked, the other Grandmasters also looked on, each revealing a look of surprise.


    Although they did not recognize the Houtu Spirit Spear, as only Shi Zhenyong had previously dealt with the Wu Gu Marquis in Ice State, mentioning the Wu Gu Marquis was enough for no one to be unaware, as he was a famous Grandmaster among the Foreign Race.


    "That Wu Gu Marquis..."


    Someone couldn''t help but ask.


    If the Wu Gu Marquis''s Spirit Weapon had fallen into Chen Mu''s hands, did that mean the Wu Gu Marquis himself had already...


    "Dead."


    Chen Mu nodded.


    The crowd wasn''t too surprised by this answer; after all, even his Spirit Weapon was taken by Chen Mu. Still, the death of such a renowned top Grandmaster caused a ripple among them, as most of the present Grandmasters and Elders did not believe their own strength could surpass that of the Wu Gu Marquis.


    As for how the Wu Gu Marquis had died, no one asked for details. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After all,


    Chen Mu had returned with Qin Mengjun. With even the mighty Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise dead, the Wu Gu Marquis was a smaller concern. Qin Mengjun''s injuries were fully recovered, and she had further ascended to the Blood Exchange Realm¡ªthis had to be accompanied by some world-shaking deeds.


    However, hearing Shi Zhenyong''s inquiry, a flicker of light passed through Qin Mengjun''s eyes, and she glanced sideways at the Houtu Spirit Spear in Chen Mu''s hand, which she had seen before. Having always stayed within the Seven Profound Sect, she was not familiar with the likes of the Wu Gu Marquis and naturally couldn''t recognize the origin of the spear.


    Only now, upon hearing the conversation between Shi Zhenyong and the others, did she realize it belonged to a top Grandmaster.


    Her gaze turned to Chen Mu,


    Just as Chen Mu was looking back at her.


    Their eyes met, sharing a glance before looking away, each with their tacit understanding.


    Chen Mu had never cared much for fame, and since everyone was convinced it was Qin Mengjun''s doing, he naturally found it agreeable. As for Qin Mengjun, she was even less concerned, fully aware that Chen Mu needed time for steady cultivation.

 Chapter 550 - 340: King of Jin

    As Qin Mengjun brought back the carcass of the Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise to the Seven Profound Sect, the Seven Profound Sect''s campaign against Han Prefecture finally came to an end.


    Once the news spread throughout the Cold North, it truly shocked the world!


    Nowadays, the Da Xuan Dynasty is in great turmoil, and though the news of Ice State being attacked has spread throughout Da Xuan, such ordinary strife was not enough to shake all parties. However, the battle of Han Prefecture witnessed a newcomer stepping into the Blood Exchange Realm and ascending to great heights!


    In the vast land of Da Xuan Dynasty, across the Ninety-Nine States with a population of tens of billions, the number of people who can truly enter the Eighth Realm of Martial Art Body Tempering and set foot in the Blood Exchange Realm is indeed one in a billion.


    Qin Mengjun.


    As a top Grandmaster of the Cold North Path, once the youngest and most brilliant prodigy of the Seven Profound Sect, his name was known throughout the Cold North more than twenty or thirty years ago, and he even gained some fame throughout the Da Xuan Dynasty, earning a place on the Grandmaster list of Da Xuan.


    But after being injured by a sneak attack, he gradually vanished from the public eye. His name no longer echoed in the world, staying silent for more than a decade, until he once again rose to prominence and became known to all in a single day!


    Looking at the world,


    Any person in the Blood Exchange Realm is a character whose achievements overshadow the exceptional, and at any time, such individuals are not to be underestimated; even during the heyday of the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, those in the Blood Exchange Realm were given a certain level of respect.


    This is a status brought by absolute power!


    Compared to Qin Mengjun''s ascension to the Blood Exchange Realm, the topics of the Sky Demon Sect''s Main Altar being breached or the slaughter of a Mystic Tortoise or the death of the Wu Gu Marquis of the Uumeng tribe garnered much less attention. Almost all eyes turned briefly to the Eleven States of the Cold North Path, focusing solely on the person of Qin Mengjun.


    ¡­


    Xuan State.


    In the center of Xuan State Government Office, amidst a solemn and awe-inspiring cluster of buildings, a figure clad in a Mysterious Robe stood atop a tall tower, gazing deep into the direction of Ice State and Yu State.


    "Though delayed by more than a decade, has he ultimately still taken that step?"


    "Indeed, the destiny cannot be defied. The Seven Profound Sect is truly flourishing."


    He sighed softly.


    In truth, destiny can be defied, but it''s exceedingly difficult to do so, and often things happen beyond what''s expected.


    More than a decade ago, when Qin Mengjun''s advance to the Blood Exchange Realm was thwarted, and his Mysterious Pass was damaged, it seemed as though the established destiny of the Seven Profound Sect had been utterly overturned. But unexpectedly, Qin Mengjun still shone brilliantly, and after more than a decade, his injuries were fully healed, allowing him to cross that threshold once again.


    Now, with the Seven Profound Sect having two in the Blood Exchange Realm, the difficulty of contending with the Seven Profound Sect has greatly increased, even for the North Garrison Government to take Yu State. They would proceed with caution and not act rashly.


    In fact,


    If not for Qin Mengjun''s subsequent rise, relying solely on Yin Heng, and after another ten years or so when the Seven Profound Sect had no subsequent Blood Exchange Realm successors, they would likely have caved in to a bit of pressure from the North Garrison Government, most likely not offering any resistance.


    But with a newly succeeded Blood Exchange Realm successor, that changes everything. Qin Mengjun is much younger than Yin Heng, and for at least a hundred years to come, as long as Qin Mengjun lives, no force will engage in a fight to the death with the Seven Profound Sect.


    Even if the North Garrison Government wishes to unify the Cold North in the future, and their armies pressure the boundaries, they would leave the Seven Profound Sect with a way out and not arrogantly proclaim ''Controlled by me, you flourish; against me, you perish.'' They would leave some room for maneuver. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This is the status of a Blood Exchange Realm existence!


    By comparison,


    Other figures simply don''t count for much. Even Chen Mu, who recently killed three Demon Venerables in succession and ascended to the third place on the Wind Cloud List, renowned in the Cold North, is merely a somewhat brighter piece of greenery.


    Even if Chen Mu could truly enter the Marrow Cleansing Realm in the future and become the tenth Qiankun Grandmaster since the founding of Da Xuan a thousand years ago, he would only be at the pinnacle among Grandmasters and still a world apart from those in the Blood Exchange Realm. He still wouldn''t be considered the foundation of a great sect!


    Only those in the Blood Exchange Realm like Yin Heng and Qin Mengjun are the confidence for a power to stand unyielding in times of chaos.


    It so happens,


    Chen Mu is a disciple of Qin Mengjun.


    Though destiny and fortune are ethereal, they truly exist in the world. When one person''s fortunes are long and prosperous, even their destiny can gradually affect those around them. In the past, Chen Mu''s sudden rise within the Seven Profound Sect seemed mysterious, but now, it appears that Qin Mengjun''s destiny has always been present, and his fortune remains long, which explains the surprising rise of such a disciple as Chen Mu.


    ¡­


    Somewhere in Ice State.


    Amidst the snow-white world, a figure in green-clothes walked through the snow with a sword on his back. Suddenly, he lifted his right hand, and a talisman flew through the air, falling into his grasp just as his two fingers caught it.


    Jiang Changsheng held the talisman before his eyes, and after just a glance, he paused briefly.


    Hiss!


    The snowflakes falling around him, thousands upon thousands of them, suddenly froze silently in place. Then, starting from the center, they quietly split apart, and within a radius of one zhang from his body, the snowflakes discreetly turned into even finer particles of ice.


    "Qin Mengjun..."


    Jiang Changsheng soon closed his eyes slightly.


    When he opened his eyes again, the suspended snowflakes resumed their descent.


    He had once contended with Qin Mengjun, but always fell short by a step. By the time he finally reached the top ranks of Grandmasters, confident in surpassing Qin Mengjun, Qin Mengjun had already been attacked in the shadows and failed in his Blood Exchange advancement.


    He had thought there would be no chance to battle Qin Mengjun again or, to put it another way, defeating her after she had suffered damage to her Mysterious Pass and sustained injuries would be meaningless. There was always a bit of regret in his heart.


    Unexpectedly,


    Qin Mengjun managed to heal the injuries to her Mysterious Pass and Soul Heart within a decade and her cultivation had not regressed at all. Taking advantage of this opportunity, as if to break through and then rebuild, she seemed to defeat life and death and thus crossed over the bottleneck he had been seeking to break for so long.


    "Very well."


    Jiang Changsheng gently crushed the talisman in his hand.


    Qin Mengjun''s breakthrough and subsequent entry into the Blood Exchange Realm was also a fortunate matter for him. After his own ascension to the Blood Exchange Realm in the future, he would be able to resume their past battle, bringing a conclusion to their many years of rivalry.


    After all, if he were to step into the Blood Exchange Realm in the future and face only older generations of Blood Exchange individuals with no peers to challenge him, that would surely be a matter of regret.


    ...


    Hehuan Sect, Blood Hidden Pavilion, End of the World Sea Pavilion...


    The news of Qin Mengjun''s ascension to the Blood Exchange Realm shone like a beam piercing through night, swiftly spreading everywhere and shocking all the major forces.


    Even Yuan Hong, the King of North Garrison, furrowed his brows for a long time upon hearing this news.


    Though all those who step into the Blood Exchange Realm are extraordinary, Qin Mengjun, who had always been an exceptional talent and a top Grandmaster, had managed to slay a Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise shortly after her initial steps into the Blood Exchange Realm. Even if this Black Tortoise had been imprisoned and weakened for a hundred years, it confirmed Qin Mengjun''s strength, ensuring that she would definitely not be a weakling in the Blood Exchange Realm.


    Having such a person become the new Supreme of the Seven Profound Sect and another pillar was not exactly good news for him.


    ...


    The emergence of a Blood Exchange Realm individual was naturally not confined to the Cold North.


    After all, even the titles of some powerful Grandmasters were known beyond the Cold North Path, making their way to other states of the Da Xuan Dynasty, not to mention the Blood Exchange, an existence that could attract the attention of the world upon emergence.


    Jingji Road.


    Central Prefecture.


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    As the most prosperous and flourishing state within the entire Da Xuan Dynasty, and the core among the Ninety-Nine States, Central Prefecture is located right in the middle of the Dynasty. The population of this single state almost surpasses that of several remote states like Ice State.


    And it is in the central part of Central Prefecture where the Imperial City and hence the Imperial Court of the Da Xuan Dynasty are located, within the most grand and imposing part of the Imperial City.


    Inside the Imperial City.


    Passing through the solemn and dignified, towering stone walls, winding through a series of corridors, a quiet and refined courtyard lay within. A figure stood silently in front of a jade-crafted rockery, draped in a long black robe highlighted with threads of gold and delicately embroidered with dragon patterns.


    "Your Highness, the King of Jin,"


    Another figure appeared silently within the courtyard, walked up to the man in the black python robe, bowed respectfully, and then handed over a talisman.


    The man addressed as ''King of Jin'' turned around, revealing a handsome face with eyes like stars twinkling in the dark night sky. He took the talisman, quickly opened it, and glanced at it.


    Afterward.


    He also gently crushed the talisman, grinding it to dust between his fingertips.


    "Qin Mengjun..."


    The King of Jin''s gaze returned to the White Jade rockery, murmuring to himself quietly.


    The Qin Family of Yu State shared some distant connections with his maternal side, stretching back over a century. He had paid attention to Qin Mengjun many years ago because she had risen rapidly within the Seven Profound Sect and was one of the outstanding geniuses of the Cold North at that time. Her cultivation advanced unimpeded, even to the point of entering the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    At that time, he had contemplated an alliance with the Qin Family through marriage, given Qin Mengjun''s capabilities, she was more than qualified to be one of his concubines and it could also bring him closer to the Seven Profound Sect. However, Central Prefecture and Yu State were ultimately too far apart, and such things could not be accomplished overnight.


    He couldn''t spare the time in Central Prefecture.


    By the time he was free to pursue the matter, news came that Qin Mengjun had been ambushed and failed to break through to the Blood Exchange Realm, sustaining damage to her Mysterious Pass and Soul Heart, so the matter was ultimately put on hold indefinitely.


    It was unexpected that, after more than a decade, Qin Mengjun had finally healed the injuries to her Soul Heart and stepped into the Blood Exchange Realm.


    Blood Exchange.


    This was different from before.


    There were many Grandmasters in the world, but only a few in the Blood Exchange Realm. Even in the prosperous Central Prefecture, any individual in the Blood Exchange Realm possessed an extraordinary status. Even as the King of Jin, the person closest to the throne, he would have to approach them with great deference.


    At least now, the possibility of accepting Qin Mengjun as a concubine was out of the question, and the position of principal consort couldn''t be changed either. However, the current situation in Jingji Road was a tangled mess. Yuan Hong''s ambitions were known to all, and based on what he knew, there was no force in Jingji Road that could outmatch Yuan Hong.


    The Seven Profound Sect and Qin Mengjun would sooner or later have to make a choice.


    When that time came, there would be opportunities to bring the influence of the Seven Profound Sect under his command.


    It might seem as though there was turmoil all over the world, with the Ziwu star dimming, but in reality, everything was just surface-level. The biggest problem facing the Imperial Court of the Da Xuan Dynasty was not external but internal. Once he could secure his place on the throne at an early date and stabilize the internal strife with thunderous measures, someone like Yuan Hong, under the glorious might of the Imperial Court, would amount to nothing at all.

 Chapter 551 - 341: Qiankun Minor Achievement (Two in One)

    In a secluded pavilion,


    a figure in blue robes sat cross-legged within a quiet room. The room was empty, furnished with nothing but an incense burner placed in the center, exuding threads of sinking sandalwood smoke. The white smoke twisted and turned but did not rise; rather, it settled downwards.


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    The figure in blue robes murmured softly while looking at the talisman in his hand.


    The blue robes he wore were embroidered with pale golden dragon patterns.


    He was the King of Yan, Ji Xuanming, one of the Eight Princes of the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, and the younger brother of King of Jin, Ji Xuanchu.


    The bloodline of the Da Xuan Royal Family had always been flourishing, with hundreds of princes in this generation, but so far, only eight had been crowned as kings. Currently, only these eight had the qualification to succeed the throne and ascend to the imperial position in the future.


    Even the most minimal qualification to be crowned as a prince required one to step into the Marrow Cleansing Realm and become a Marrow-Cleansing Grandmaster. After all, not just anyone could easily reach such a realm, even if they were princes of the Da Xuan with all the world''s resources at their disposal and exceptional innate talents due to their bloodline. Among the hundreds of princes, still, only a dozen had become grandmasters, and of those, only eight had been crowned.


    "Heh, brother King of Jin, you thought someone had been discarded, but they broke through and reached the Blood Exchange Realm. Now, if you want to win over that faction, I''m afraid it won''t be so easy anymore," Ji Xuanming muttered to himself with an intentful smirk, his tone tinged with sarcasm.


    He knew that his brother, the King of Jin, had made many arrangements in the Cold North Path. However, the Cold North Path was too remote and, with ambitious individuals like Yuan Hong, the situation was chaotic. Although there seemed to be endless strife among the various sects, in reality, they had countless connections with the Imperial Court, as at the pinnacle of one state, it was impossible to have no ties with the Imperial Court.


    As one of the Eight Princes of the Da Xuan Imperial Court, the secrets King of Yan knew vastly exceeded those of ordinary people. For instance, why did the Heavenly Corpse Sect of Ice State, which caused chaos years ago, provoke the Da Xuan Dynasty Court into a forceful crackdown?


    Their practice of Corpse Refinement was not the key issue; they were actually a secretly nurtured private army for a certain faction.


    But that was all centuries ago.


    Now that the Heavenly Corpse Sect has re-emerged, he is unclear who''s pulling the strings, undecided if it''s King of Qi or King of Qing, but certain it''s not the King of Jin. The King of Jin is the eldest among the Eight Princes and has the deepest foundations. He operates with overt and righteous tactics and has no need to be involved with the Heavenly Corpse Sect, which is no comparison to its former self.


    As for others like the Sky Demon Sect, he was even less informed. His arrangements on the Cold North Path were minimal, with only Linjiang Pavilion being a cooperative associate; moreover, he never actively interfered with the situation in the Cold North.


    In the end, it was just too remote.


    Even if he were not to ascend to that position in the future, securing a retreat for himself would not be in the Cold North.


    "In fact, living too long may not be a good thing. Life and death are decreed by the Heavenly Mandate; why resist the will of heaven?" Ji Xuanming suddenly sighed and slowly closed his eyes, grinding the talisman between his fingers to dust.


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    The root cause of the world''s turmoil was the battle between princes for the throne, which tore the once united strength of the Imperial Court into disarray, causing the gradual loss of absolute control over the various states and paths.


    Yet, the source of their internal strife was indeed their father, the emperor, who was unwilling to accept his fate despite his advanced age. He even resorted to wicked methods to prolong his life, resulting in decades of semi-consciousness and madness, which eventually led to this situation.


    Actually,


    he wasn''t so intent on that position at first.


    However, it was the chaotic situation within the Imperial Court that gradually drove the princes apart, intensifying the conflict until they reached a point where no one could retreat or dare to retreat.


    One step back could mean dying a miserable, inexplicable death.


    He too wished for an end to the turmoil, but without the half-mad emperor passing away completely, there seemed to be no end in sight. Even when that day came, it might not resolve anything; the subsequent struggles could be more fierce, more brutal, and beyond anyone''s control.


    ...


    The slight ripples caused by the Da Xuan Imperial Court had no impact on the Seven Profound Sect.


    Or rather,


    the Cold North was too remote and desolate. Maybe the Marrow-Cleansing Grandmasters would pay some attention to the great powers in the distant Central Prefecture, but for the many Viscera Realm protectors beneath them, it mattered not, as it had no effect on them.


    After all, the Cold North Path with its Eleven States was already quite extensive. For the majority of Martial Artists in the Five Organ and Viscera Realm, they might only move within two or three states in their lifetime, never being able to traverse the entirety of the Cold North, let alone the far-off Central Prefecture.


    However,


    Qin Mengjun''s advancement to the Blood Exchange Realm still ushered in significant changes within the Seven Profound Sect.


    The first was that Qin Mengjun, as a grandmaster of the Blood Exchange Realm, became the Supreme Elder of the Seven Profound Sect, a status superior to the Sect Master, Elders, and Peak Masters, placing him on equal footing with Yin Heng.


    The second was that following Qin Mengjun''s ascension as the new Supreme Elder, Chen Mu, formerly the Vice Peak Master of Spirit Profound Peak, succeeded him as the Peak Master. This change was unopposed, partly because Chen Mu, being the True Disciple of Qin Mengjun and ranked third on the Wind Cloud List, had the status, identity, and strength to qualify.


    On the other hand, although Wu Gu Marquis''s death was tacitly attributed to Qin Mengjun''s intervention, the death of Tuguhou spread quickly, causing a stir. Many were taken aback to discover that Chen Mu had the capability to kill Tuguhou, a powerful foreign tribe master.

 Chapter 552 - 341 Qiankun Minor Achievement (Combined)_2

    No matter the process, even if it was by taking advantage of geographical benefits or employing covert schemes, the ability to kill a grandmaster was a testament to strength. Even if Chen Mu were to be ranked first in the next Wind Cloud List, no one would be surprised.


    After all,


    The carefree Xia Yu''e and the yin-yang enchantress Hua Yunsheng from above had never killed a grandmaster of Tuguhou''s level, and they didn''t even have a record of slaying grandmasters, with their experiences largely involving straightforward victories or defeats.


    When the Main Altar of the Sky Demon Sect suffered a sudden attack by Seven Profound Sect''s lightning-fast strike, along with the emergence of the new Supreme Qin Mengjun, the foreign race elites that were entrenched in Han Prefecture retreated decisively, abandoning direct confrontation with the Seven Profound Sect. The Heavenly Corpse Sect did the same, neither confronting the Seven Profound Sect head-on. They either fled or retreated, completely giving up on Han Prefecture.


    Just like that,


    Two of the six Counties in Ice State were completely in the hands of the Seven Profound Sect, governed and controlled by them. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    Spirit Profound Peak.


    Behind the cliff.


    Under an umbrella-like ancient tree, there lay a rock that used to be the place where Qin Mengjun connected daily with the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation and merged his soul with heaven and earth for healing. But now, it had become the dwelling of the new Spirit Profound Peak Master, Chen Mu.


    On the other side of the rock, there was a small and elegant bamboo house which was newly constructed by Chen Mu who didn''t quite adapt to Qin Mengjun''s practice of sitting all day on the formation node.


    At this moment,


    Inside the intricately crafted bamboo house,


    There was no bed in the room, just a spacious area with only a meditation cushion in the center, upon which Chen Mu was silently seated.


    In fact, whether it was Seven Profound Sect taking over Frost County and Han Prefecture, or his ascension from vice Peak Master of Spirit Profound Peak to the new Peak Master, succeeding Qin Mengjun, none of this made too much difference to him, nor did he care.


    What truly mattered to him were the results obtained from the campaign in Han Prefecture, which could be described as extremely lucrative.


    First was the Body Refining Spiritual Objects,


    In the battle at Secluded Silent Valley alone, Chen Mu collected several Body Refining Spiritual Objects, including the Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood and such, which were urgently needed and beneficial for the cultivation of his Qiankun Martial Body.


    Understanding the Artistic Conception is vital, but the cultivation of the Martial Body should not be neglected.


    "Let''s try out the effects of this Body Refining Spiritual Object."


    With a thought, Chen Mu quickly took out a portion of the Body Refining Spiritual Object, which appeared to be a brilliant blue liquid but was more like mercury in texture¡ªdense and heavy.


    Just holding it in his hand, he could feel the substantial Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi contained within it. It was a Spiritual Object of the Kan Water Sect, far more volatile than the Viscera Refining and nourishing types he had used before.


    For ordinary people, such a high-level Spiritual Object was no different from poison.


    Martial Artists in the Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering Realm who dared to ingest it would almost certainly explode and die, and even those in the Five Organ and Viscera Realm would find it difficult to suppress and digest it, risking damage to their viscera¡ªbenefit-less and harmful.


    But for grandmasters who have entered Marrow Cleansing and forged a Martial Body, it''s precisely the appropriate Spiritual Object, capable of refining the physique. No matter how violent the Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi is, with the Martial Body, it can still be borne.


    Body Refining Spiritual Objects generally don''t necessitate accompanying auxiliary herbs.


    After observing the Mysterious Water Essence in his hand for a moment, Chen Mu gently raised his hand, tossing it up, then tilted back his head and swallowed it.


    It felt as though swallowing an extremely cold liquid, far colder than ice, yet upon entering his stomach and being stimulated by the Six Viscera, it quickly turned intensely hot. It transformed into a tumultuous Power of Heaven and Earth, surging towards his limbs and bones, mainly infiltrating deep into the flesh, towards the marrow.


    Chen Mu called up the system panel to look.


    [Martial Body: Qiankun (Minor Achievement)]


    [Experience: 867 points]


    Ever since his Qiankun Martial Body was accomplished, its continuous natural tempering accumulated experience points, and the Mysterious Water Essence provided him with over five hundred experience points.


    To elevate from Minor Achievement to the next level in Qiankun Martial Body, three thousand experience points were needed, and currently, excluding the Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood and Demon Blood, he still possessed enough Body Refining Spiritual Objects to suffice.


    With swift motions,


    Chen Mu immediately took out several other Body Refining Spiritual Objects without hesitation. Experience more on My Virtual Library Empire


    They included a red pellet that resembled an inner core, a gray-brown clump of earth that didn''t appear edible, and even a piece of metal that shone brilliantly under the sunlight.


    However, Chen Mu disregarded these details, swallowing piece by piece, including one that seemed like a silver ingot. Its texture was indeed akin to metal, but within a few bites, he had crushed and swallowed it.


    After refining the Five Organ and Six Viscera to the utmost, one can fast for a long time without drinking or eating, and even swallow iron without harm.


    Of course,


    The piece he had just swallowed was not any silver ingot, but a kind of Geng Metal Spiritual Object.


    Various Spiritual Objects were being consumed one after another by Chen Mu, and the abundant Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi constantly clashed within him, cleansing and washing his Qiankun Martial Body. Meanwhile, the data on the system panel was rapidly changing.


    [Martial Body: Qiankun (Minor Achievement+)]


    [Experience: 3178 points]

 Chapter 553 - 341 Minor Achievement in Qiankun (Two in One)_3

    Seeing the Experience Points surpass the 3,000 mark, a ''+'' symbol appeared behind the initially completed Martial Body, and Chen Mu didn''t hesitate to act immediately, choosing to enhance through refining with a thought.


    Buzz!!!


    As a flash of light appeared on the system panel, those surging Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi within his body became orderly and no longer chaotically rushed through his limbs and bones. Instead, it concentrated and flowed into the Jade Bones, entering amidst the marrow.


    After the Marrow Cleansing and refining, it fed back through the marrow, generating nourishments that flooded into his acupoints, making his entire body feel a warm and indescribably comfortable sensation. He could vividly sense his Martial Body slowly growing stronger, the ability to invoke The Power of Heaven and Earth was gradually increasing, and the Gang True Energy he could store was also changing.


    Under normal circumstances, with the strength of his Qiankun Martial Body, it would take about two years of secluded bitter training to progress from initial completion to Minor Achievement. However, relying on these portions of Body Refining Spiritual Objects and the most efficient refining by the system panel, in less than half an hour, he felt his Qiankun Martial Body had greatly enhanced!


    He abruptly opened his eyes.


    Chen Mu looked at his own body.


    He could see the bronze luster on the surface of his skin and the iron-cast muscles inside his body. His tendons were like Flood Dragons, Jade Bones shined brilliantly deep within, and his Five Viscera and Six Viscera were like gemstone-like lucid crystals... All sorts of extraordinary phenomena were revealed throughout his body.


    As time gradually passed, these phenomena began to settle down, starting from the Five Viscera and Six Viscera and gradually fading until the Jade Bones and muscles, and even the bronze skin, all returned to normal, making him look just like an ordinary person again.


    If he walked outside, he might even be mistaken for an ordinary person who doesn''t practice martial arts.


    However, this was after a Grandmaster had refined the Martial Body, achieving a body without leaks, hiding its sharpness and returning to simplicity; this was a realm far different from that of ordinary people and even those martial men who have undergone Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering.


    [Martial Body: Qiankun (Minor Achievement)]


    [Experience: 178 Points]


    On the system panel, the data had completely changed; the Qiankun Martial Body had transformed from initial completion to Minor Achievement.


    "It''s improved by almost two tenths..."


    Chen Mu clenched his fist, feeling the increase in his own strength, and nodded slightly.


    Compared to when his Martial Body was initially completed, now that he had achieved the Minor Achievement status, the Yuan Gang True Essence he could control had increased by roughly two tenths. This improvement was mostly within his expectations.


    It might not seem like much, but it''s actually terrifying. Mentioning it would shock many Grandmasters, and even the beings in the Blood Exchange Realm, would probably be stunned.


    You should know that Chen Mu''s Qiankun Martial Body itself could mobilize Yuan Gang True Essence well above 120 portions, and on top of that, an increase of two tenths meant roughly Twenty Portions. Many Grandmasters, when they first started to refine their Martial Bodies, could only achieve that much strength!


    In other words, Chen Mu''s step up was almost equivalent to directly adding the strength contained in another ordinary Grandmaster''s martial body. The increase was nothing short of terrifying. For ordinary Grandmasters, even though they might cultivate from initial completion to Perfection, they could only improve "Twenty Portions" or so; Chen Mu, however, had surpassed others'' entire realm improvement in just a small step.


    This is the gap brought about by a strong foundation!


    From Skin Toughening to Body Refinement, through to Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering, the Five Viscera and Six Viscera, reaching the Grandmaster Realm of Marrow Cleansing, all the extreme tempering of his foundation were now playing a greater role. Just like building blocks, the wider and more magnificent the foundation laid at the bottom, the higher each level can be stacked above.


    With the strength of his current Martial Body, even if he were to face a Mystic Tortoise that had just emerged from the Secluded Silent Valley and had not yet been further weakened and injured through battles with the Foreign Race Military Formation, he was fairly confident he could suppress it outright!


    Your next journey awaits at My Virtual Library Empire


    "I''m getting closer to the power level of the Blood Exchange Realm."


    Chen Mu murmured to himself.


    For most martial artists, upon reaching the Grandmaster Realm, their rate of improvement often slows down tremendously, taking dozens or even scores of years to refine the Martial Body to Perfection. The entire process of strength improvement is very smooth, almost without any significant leaps.


    But for Chen Mu, every small step of improvement was fairly evident.


    If his previous self could barely be considered a "Peerless Grandmaster", ranking roughly within the top ten in the Da Xuan Grandmaster ranks, then after this small step of improvement, he could almost be considered the true "Number One Grandmaster"!


    Looking back over a thousand years of Da Xuan history, perhaps among those nine "Qiankun Grandmasters", some would have the ability to compete with his current self. As for the other Peerless Grandmasters, beating his current self would be extremely difficult, even with the advantage of time and location.


    "It''s time to comprehend the Artistic Conception."


    Chen Mu quickly stood up. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Qiankun Martial Body transforming from initial completion to Minor Achievement was pretty much the limit he could withstand in a short period. Even though he had more materials for Body Refining, it wouldn''t be advisable to continue the intense training. Moreover, he had almost fully depleted his supply, leaving only some Mystic Tortoise Demon Blood and Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood. Unlike Body Refining Spiritual Objects, these two items are more troublesome to use; they require a specific Prescription and Medicinal Powder.


    Currently, he didn''t have the Prescription which uses Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood as the main ingredient for refining the Martial Body. However, Qin Mengjun had already been informed about this, and she told him she would help him find it, suggesting he spend the next few days within the Sect, comprehending Artistic Conception.

 Chapter 554 - 341 Minor Achievement in Qiankun (Two in One)_4

    With Qin Mengjun personally looking for a suitable Body Tempering Prescription for him, Chen Mu was greatly relieved and deeply grateful, wondering how he would ever repay Qin Mengjun''s mentorship. After all, Qin Mengjun had entered the Blood Exchange Realm and stepped onto the final rung of the Martial Arts ladder, with very little left for him to do.


    But Chen Mu did not dwell on this for long.


    In this world, even the Blood Exchange Realm is not entirely free of struggles. In the future, Qin Mengjun would face challenges, and Chen Mu would eventually reach the pinnacle of Martial Arts, enter the Blood Exchange Realm, and become a Martial Saint unparalleled in the world, having the opportunity to help Qin Mengjun resolve difficult matters.


    Gently pushing open the door of the bamboo hut, Chen Mu stepped out and walked toward the boulder not far from the cliff''s edge. Soon, he reached the edge of the boulder and placed his hand upon it. With a mere thought, his qi connected with the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation.


    Since Qin Mengjun had ascended to the Supreme rank and he had succeeded her as the Peak Master of Spirit Profound Peak, the Qiankun node at the cliff behind Spirit Profound Peak had completely become his. The remnants of qi left behind by Qin Mengjun were also taken away by her, now replaced by his own qi.


    Qi connected.


    In an instant, the familiar scenery unfolded. He felt entirely connected to the Seven Profound Mountain Range, becoming a part of this mountain chain, standing between heaven and earth, feeling the transformations of the universe.


    For now, the situation in Ice State was temporarily settled, and the Seven Profound Sect had not yet decided to participate in the great battle of the State Government Office of Ice State, providing him with ample time for cultivation.


    Chen Mu maintained the connection between his qi and the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation while with a thought, summoned the system panel.


    [Martial Art: Qiankun Artistic Conception (Step Two)]


    [Experience: 3923 points]


    Your journey continues at My Virtual Library Empire S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Available Simulations: 0 times]


    During his involvement in the Han Prefecture conflicts, he had gained few insights into the Artistic Conception, but now he was just one simulation away from reaching the limit of the second step of the Artistic Conception. With the qi of the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation linked, his efficiency in contemplation was extremely fast.


    "In no more than a month, the Qiankun Artistic Conception will reach the limit of the second step and touch the Domain,"


    Chen Mu murmured to himself.


    Since mastering the Qiankun Artistic Conception, years had passed, all his arduous cultivation and exploration of the universe were not in vain. Now, he was finally close to reaching the Qiankun Domain, hoping he could continue his cultivation smoothly and directly reach the realm of the Domain.


    ...


    Time passed very quickly.


    In just a blink, one and a half months had passed.


    During this time, the situation in Ice State remained chaotic, only Han and another prefecture under the control of the Seven Profound Sect gradually restored order, while other prefectures continued to suffer the ravages of the Foreign Race, Heavenly Demon Sect, and Heavenly Corpse Sect.


    Although the main altar of the Heavenly Demon Sect was destroyed, the old ancestor of the Heavenly Demon was still alive. It was said that he barely escaped after a fight with Yin Heng. At that level, it is very hard to kill someone definitively. Plus, with the death of those Venerables, including Demon Venerable Mo Yu, it was only part of the power of the Heavenly Demon Sect¡ªa heavy blow, but far from a catastrophe that could annihilate the sect.


    In this period, the Seven Profound Sect also suffered multiple retaliations from the Heavenly Demon Sect and the Foreign Race, resulting in several local fights and conflicts. News had reached Chen Mu, but none disturbed his secluded cultivation.


    Mainly because Qin Mengjun, understanding Chen Mu''s circumstances, knew that what he needed most now was a quiet and stable environment for secluded cultivation. Now her position in the Seven Profound Sect was on par with Yin Heng''s. Having spoken with Yin Heng, she needed no reason to ensure that Chen Mu could safely stay inside the sect''s gate to cultivate without disturbances.


    Just like that,


    Chen Mu stood next to the cliff''s boulder, motionless like a stone sculpture, enduring wind and sun without a word, and thus quietly passed nearly one and a half months. Finally, on this day, just past noon, he slowly opened his eyes.

 Chapter 555 - 342 Unity of Heaven and Man

    By the mountainside.


    Chen Mu''s eyes were calm and undisturbable, but his entire being inexplicably exuded a touch of vicissitudes; a depth which should not belong to a man in his early thirties. Now, if one gazed into his profound eyes, they could see that bit of age, as if he had witnessed the world''s myriad transformations.


    Such an aura was not an illusion.


    The Marrow Cleansing Realm, the Grandmaster of Martial Arts, had already distinguished itself vastly. His understanding and accumulation of Martial Arts had truly reached a state of returning to simplicity and truth, nearly unconstrained by any techniques or skills, with every move of the Martial Body carrying immense might.


    For a full month and a half, Chen Mu had been connected to the breath of the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation. It was almost as if throughout that time, his mood and vision were connected to the entire Seven Profound mountain range, becoming a part of it¡ªlike a mountain deity, witnessing the rise and fall of the sun and moon, the twinkling of stars.


    "Humans have emotions, heaven does not; what is called Martial Arts, once reaching high realms, is about leveraging the path of humanity to command the way of heaven."


    The sense of age in Chen Mu''s eyes gradually faded away, quickly returning to his usual state, as he cast his gaze into the distance, sweeping over the entirety of the Seven Profound Sect''s peaks, he muttered softly to himself.


    Humans have limits, after all. Solely relying on the mortal flesh, no matter how one comprehends nature, one can never truly become a part of it. Yet, if one were to merge with nature, fundamentally connecting with it to understand all things under the cosmos, it could easily lead to the gradual eradication of one''s humanity, the elimination of human emotions, and a drift toward the emotionless and desireless "Supreme Realm."


    Indeed.


    Some martial paths pursue the emotionless way.


    But even the so-called ''emotionless'' way does not mean severing the ego that makes one human; it signifies not being confined by ''emotions,'' unaffected by various feelings such as love and hate, unconstrained by bonds like kinship, seeking only personal detachment and transcendence, rather than completely abandoning all that makes one human.


    Otherwise, to cultivate to the point where one loses the self entirely, becoming a part of the cosmos, would be utterly meaningless. After all, this is Martial Arts, not the ''Path of Immortality''¡ªthe pursuit has never been immortality, but power.


    If the self no longer exists, what use is power?


    Therefore.


    There arises the concept of Martial Will.


    It is through Martial Will and a clear understanding of one''s nature that one can continue to comprehend the universe after advancing to Grandmaster, without gradually being influenced by it and losing oneself.


    Like Chen Mu for this month and a half, by connecting with the breath of the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, he effectively occupied the vast territory of the Seven Profound mountain range, replacing its physical form to comprehend the universe. If it had been any ordinary Martial Artist of the Five Organ and Viscera Realm with a less determined Martial Will, after a month of such contemplation, their consciousness would have likely dissipated into the cosmos. S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even ordinary Grandmasters with slightly weaker Martial Will would not dare to use the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation to sense the universe for long, as there is always some degree of risk.


    But Chen Mu was different.


    His Martial Will had stepped onto the final stair, reaching the realm of "seeking the path without return; the law is natural."


    Under such will, the strength of his consciousness became like a rock in the raging waves, unmovable no matter how the ocean churned. Even comparing it to that seems inadequate. It is more like "the bodhi tree does not exist, nor the stand of a mirror bright"; in a state of sublime emptiness. The so-called waves couldn''t even touch him, let alone erode him.


    After exiting the state of contemplation, it took merely a thought to dissipate that vicissitude, returning from a god-like existence to the state of a normal human being.


    "Master''s Martial Will must also be of ''seeking the path without return,'' no wonder he was the youngest top Grandmaster in the Cold North, the unparalleled genius of his era."


    Chen Mu thought to himself.


    Qin Mengjun had previously suffered damage to her Soul Heart, but she was able to use the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation to merge with the universe and recover from her injuries. This was probably because her Martial Will had reached that domain; otherwise, not to mention the possibility of slowly healing the soul, anyone with even slightly weaker Martial Will, in that state, would face the risk of losing themselves while connecting with the breath of the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation.


    And Chen Mu was almost certain that even with a Martial Will reaching the end of the path, Qin Mengjun would have taken risks by merging with the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation with her injured Soul Heart. Still, she chose to risk healing through cultivation and ultimately managed to recover from the soul damage, stepping into the Blood Exchange Realm in the process.


    Every person who enters the Blood Exchange Realm has gone through adversity; they all have been forged and tempered by countless trials and tribulations.


    [Martial Art: Qiankun Artistic Conception (Second Step)]


    [Experience Points: 10023] Stay tuned for updates on My Virtual Library Empire


    [Available Derivations: 0]


    Chen Mu quickly collected his thoughts, summoning the system panel with a thought. As he had predicted, the experience he gained from a month and a half of contemplation and cultivation was just enough for another round of derivation.


    This was his eighth derivation since he had fully comprehended the Qiankun Artistic Conception. He could clearly feel that he was only one small step away from the ultimate limit of the second step of the Qiankun Artistic Conception.


    "Let''s begin."


    Chen Mu closed his eyes, exchanged the experience points for derivations, and then consumed it with a thought.

 Chapter 556 - 556: 342

    Hum!!!


    If previously, by relying on the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation to comprehend the heaven and earth, his entire being merged with the Seven Profound mountain range, as if his body transformed into the mountain range itself, observing the changes of this realm from the perspective of hundreds of miles of the mountain range, then now, as he used the system panel for the final deduction, he felt his own body disappearing without a trace.


    His consciousness kept ascending, instantaneously merging with the hundreds of miles of the Seven Profound mountain range, yet it didn''t stop there; it continued to spread to even more distant places.


    Merging with the breeze,


    Merging with the grass and trees,


    Merging with the great earth,


    Merging with the vault of heaven!


    Even with the martial arts will of ''asking the way with no return,'' Chen Mu''s thoughts and musings became incredibly sluggish at this moment, as if they couldn''t function at all. The world he saw was too vast, far beyond what mere mortals could bear.


    In the boundless land of thousands of miles, it seemed as if he could clearly see the fluttering of a butterfly''s wings anywhere, or hear every word spoken by a mortal distinctly. Endless information and insights flooded into his mind. Precisely because he could feel everything and experience everything, his very thoughts were suppressed to the point where he couldn''t move in the slightest.


    Trying to rise a wisp of self-thought was so difficult, as if it had to go through countless days and nights.


    "Is this... the heaven and earth..."


    Chen Mu''s mind flickered like a dim and weak flame, swaying as if it would extinguish at any moment, yet it also seemed boundlessly vast and extensive, majestic and vast, the very essence of heaven and earth.


    His gaze fell upon the Seven Profound Sect, and wherever he looked, the entire Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation of the Seven Profound Sect held no secrets from him, as if he was observing all things from the perspective of heaven and earth.


    Jin Ling''er, who was practicing her swordsmanship,


    Meng Danyun, who was in seclusion contemplating,


    Shen Lin, who was delegating tasks to the Sect,


    ...


    His vision swept across familiar individuals, and wherever he looked, it seemed there were no secrets, all the auras, all the Inner Breath, all were seen clearly. And whether it was Jin Ling''er or people like Meng Danyun, they were all completely unaware.


    Chen Mu''s gaze then moved towards the depths of the Upper Peak of Spirit Profound Peak, where he saw Chu Jingsui still in seclusion, striving for the Mysterious Pass, then cast his gaze towards other peaks, watching the returning Peak Masters and Elders of the Seven Profound Sect, who, likewise, sensed nothing.


    Finally.


    Until Chen Mu''s gaze turned to the Forbidden Land of the Seven Profound Sect, a figure standing quietly under a withered pine suddenly opened his eyes, as if sensing something, looked up to the sky, and said, "Which distinguished guest has arrived? Forgive me for not having greeted you from afar."


    The figure under the withered pine was none other than Yin Heng, the Supreme Elder of the Seven Profound Sect.


    He spoke these detached words, but his eyes revealed an unprecedented solemnity, and even his aura was already connected with the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, ready to mobilize the Earth Pulse''s Power beneath the entire Seven Profound mountain range at any time.


    However, as time passed, that feeling of being watched by some unfathomable presence quickly faded, as if the gaze from the high heavens had moved away from the Seven Profound Sect, to focus elsewhere.


    Realizing this,


    Yin Heng''s heart eased somewhat, but he still didn''t sever his aura connection with the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, maintaining a vigilant look towards the heavens as he murmured, "The third step of Artistic Conception, Unity of Heaven and Man? Who could it be?"


    The three steps of Artistic Conception.


    To peek, to touch, Unity of Heaven and Man. Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire


    The so-called Martial Arts Domain is actually just a small manifestation of the ''Unity of Heaven and Man'' based on the extreme of the second step, but compared to the true third step, they are worlds apart.


    Once the Artistic Conception is comprehended to the third step, reaching the true state of Unity of Heaven and Man, the consciousness can almost instantaneously merge with the heaven and earth for hundreds or even thousands of miles around, leaving nearly no secret hidden in the world wherever the gaze falls.


    Yet even among those in the Blood Exchange Realm, there are very few who could truly master the third step of Artistic Conception and achieve Unity of Heaven and Man.


    At least,


    For Yin Heng, within the Sect''s grounds of the Seven Profound Sect, relying on the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, he did not fear such characters. But if he encountered such an existence outside, even he would have no choice but to flee at full speed, as confronting them head-on would be impossible.


    And that gaze just now, which seemed to descend from the high skies, that feeling of the entire heaven and earth merging with one''s mind, was all too familiar to him¡ªit was undoubtedly ''Unity of Heaven and Man,'' but within the entire Cold North Eleven State, there were only two individuals at that level. Yet, none of them seemed to be the one who had just peered through.


    "Coming from another region, then, for Mengjun?"


    Yin Heng said to himself.


    Qin Mengjun''s advancement into the Blood Exchange Realm, as a newly-promoted Supreme, certainly could draw the attention of some top figures from other regions. However, since Qin Mengjun was not currently within the Sect, it also raised a trace of concern in his heart. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If it were him, facing such a person, even outside, he had some confidence he could escape. But with Qin Mengjun new to Blood Exchange, if she were to encounter such an individual, if the other party harbored any malice, it would be extremely difficult for her to get away unscathed.


    After all,


    Such beings had the qualification to be revered as Martial Saints in the realm of Martial Arts!


    In the vast Cold North Eleven State, the only two were Yuan Hong, the Northern King, and ''Heavenly Blade'' Gongyang Yu, also known as the Cold North Sword Saint!


    Aside from those who have truly reached the state of Unity of Heaven and Man, even a strong figure like him in the Blood Exchange Realm would not dare to casually self-proclaim honorifics such as ''Martial Saint.''

 Chapter 557 - 342 Unity of Heaven and Man_3

    Yin Heng felt a sudden unease in his heart, but he could not immediately contact Qin Mengjun to ask her to return to the sect.


    ...


    Chen Mu saw Yin Heng''s nervousness earlier, but his thoughts were now sluggish, largely dragged along by the system''s power to merge with heaven and earth, making it almost impossible to form a complete thought.


    Even if he could produce a normal thought, he would not be overly concerned about Yin Heng''s nervousness because he was very aware of his current state. Chen Mu was forcefully elevated to a level nearly akin to ''Unity of Heaven and Man'' by the system panel, allowing him to prematurely perceive heaven and earth from this level, not that he truly entered that domain.


    If merging his energy with the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation allowed him to perceive one mystery of heaven and earth, now the system panel forcibly elevating his consciousness allows him to merge with heaven and earth, experiencing dozens or even a hundred mysteries every moment!


    Such mysteries were almost forcibly crammed into his consciousness.


    As his thoughts were awkwardly stifled, these insights were indeed genuinely absorbed into his heart.


    Just like that,


    he did not know how much time had passed.


    Chen Mu suddenly felt a lightness of consciousness, all heavy feelings vanished without a trace, and those profound insights flooding into the depths of his consciousness abruptly stopped, and his consciousness returned to his body.


    "..."


    He slowly opened his eyes.


    Looking around, Chen Mu observed the rocky mountains and ancient trees behind Spirit Profound Peak, then inspected his own body, and finally shook his head with a slight sigh.


    Although his Qiankun Martial Body was one of the strongest and most flawless in the world, perfectly agile without a hint of heaviness or sluggishness, it felt considerably heavier compared to his near ''Unity of Heaven and Man'' state just before.


    In that previous state, it was like sitting in oblivion.


    Forgetting his own corporeal form, even forgetting his thoughts, as if he himself were heaven and earth, and heaven and earth were him.


    Now suddenly returning to his physical shell, the grand and vast feeling of the boundless heaven and earth disappeared in an instant, reverting to the weak body of a Marrow Cleansing grandmaster, inevitably making him feel a trace of melancholy.


    However.


    This feeling of wistful loss was but a fleeting thought in his heart.


    The system panel''s inference pointed him in a direction. He knew that was the third step of Artistic Conception, the ultimate Martial Arts realm of Unity of Heaven and Man. One day in the future, he would be able to step into that domain.


    "I haven''t become much stronger," Chen Mu said as he clenched his fist and tentatively used the Qiankun Artistic Conception to mobilize the Power of Heaven and Earth, realizing that compared to the seventh simulation, there hasn''t been much improvement, similar to the previous simulations.


    The only difference was that his will had finally reached the limit of the second step. He was not only able to envision the ''Domain'' level, but also, by relying on the system panel''s inference, he saw the true third step of Unity of Heaven and Man.


    [Martial Art: Qiankun Artistic Conception (Second Step)]


    [Experience: 23 points]


    [Available Simulations: 0 times]


    With a thought, Chen Mu called out the system panel again and saw that the description of his Artistic Conception was still the second step.


    "Now that I have reached the limit of the second step, I wonder if another simulation from this stage means entering the Domain, or... directly reaching the third step?" Chen Mu suddenly had this thought.


    The so-called Martial Arts Domain is actually a small step between the second and third steps. For the system panel, this small step may not be interpreted, perhaps from the limit of the second step, the next step is directly reaching the third step.


    He tentatively tried to elevate his Artistic Conception further.


    As expected, the system panel still displayed a lack of ''simulation counts''.


    "Lacking deduction times, huh... "


    Chen Mu muttered to himself, which wasn''t any different from the past.


    After a brief moment of contemplation,


    Chen Mu''s mind stirred, and he adjusted the system panel, switching to another tab.


    [Technique: Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal (The Sixth Layer)] S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    [Experience: 355]


    Ever since he had practiced the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal to the sixth layer, he had been stuck there. Not only was the acquisition of experience extremely slow, but even the system panel directly indicated ''insufficient conditions'' preventing any further deduction to the next layer.


    However, this time, when Chen Mu tried to enhance the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal again, the prompt was ''insufficient experience.''


    Insufficient conditions and insufficient experience are undoubtedly two different concepts.


    Insufficient conditions were like his past inability to spontaneously understand the Artistic Conception. He needed to practice various techniques from one lineage, master multiple Momentums to reverse-engineer the Artistic Conception. Whereas for insufficient experience, one only needed enough experience to ascend directly.


    Previously, he couldn''t improve the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal to the seventh layer because it corresponded to the ''Qiankun Domain'', and his Artistic Conception hadn''t yet reached the second step''s limit, naturally lacking the conditions to spontaneously cultivate the Domain.


    But now,


    His Artistic Conception, after undergoing eight deductions and reaching the second step''s limit, naturally possessed the ability to cultivate a Domain.


    "Indeed, Martial Arts Domain isn''t truly a step of Artistic Conception, but a small half-step forward reliant on extreme skills after reaching the second step''s limit."


    "Just as I cultivated the Three Feet Forbidden Domain by training with Falling Flowers without Trace, once the Artistic Conception reaches the second step''s limit, one has essentially entered this tier, and naturally could cultivate the Qiankun Domain through the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal."


    Chen Mu looked at the system panel and nodded slightly.


    If that is the case, mastering the Qiankun Domain would be easier for him, as experience points from cultivating Artistic Conception become increasingly difficult to obtain, whereas advancing the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal to the seventh layer is much simpler. Given his current pace of training the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, it might take less than a month to reach the seventh layer, mastering the Qiankun Domain!


    The previous state of ''Unity of Heaven and Man'' was merely a premature sensation brought by the system, whereas the Qiankun Martial Body he painstakingly trained and the forthcoming successful Qiankun Domain represent truly his own prowess.


    "It seems the one in the Forbidden Land should be Yin Heng, the Supreme."


    Chen Mu recalled the scene his gaze fell upon during his heightened enlightenment under the system''s influence. His vision had soared high above, meeting the figure in the Forbidden Land. The presence of the other was indeed unlike any Grandmaster, on the same level as his mentor, Qin Mengjun, yet more refined.


    Within the entire Seven Profound Sect, everyone including the Grandmaster Elders failed to notice his gaze. However, the figure in the Forbidden Land could see it, clearly indicating that the perceptual capabilities of the Blood Exchange Realm are distinctly different.


    Yin Heng, Supreme of the Seven Profound Sect.


    This Blood Exchange Realm expert had dominated the world for over a hundred years now, his strength even surpassing the Heavenly Demon Ancestor of the Sky Demon Sect. Even in his prime, the Mystic Tortoise was likely able to suppress with the power of one person. Despite his Qiankun Martial Body reaching Minor Achievement and his Artistic Conception heightening to the second step''s limit, there might still be a considerable gap between him and such an existence.


    However, after another month''s time, once he cultivates the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal to the seventh layer and masters the Qiankun Domain, there should no longer be a qualitative gap between him and someone like Yin Heng of the Blood Exchange Realm. Even if he still cannot overcome him, he could at least glimpse the power of that tier!


    Blood Exchange Realm.


    The final Realm of Body Refining, the pinnacle of Martial Arts.


    Now at thirty-two years of age, having arrived in this world a full twelve years and practiced Martial Arts for ten, he was finally truly near that threshold, able to glimpse the ultimate tier of Martial Arts. The journey thus far could truly be considered arduous, forged by every single drop of sweat. Continue reading at My Virtual Library Empire


    Chen Mu''s thoughts stirred like a breeze entering the clouds but quickly settled down again. He gathered all his thoughts, then took a step forward, silently vanishing above the back cliff of Spirit Profound Peak.


    Next, he would devote himself entirely to cultivating the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, mastering the Qiankun Domain.


    Qin Mengjun was still traveling abroad and had not yet returned.


    He hoped that by the time Qin Mengjun returned, he could comprehend the Qiankun Domain and then have a proper exchange with Qin Mengjun to see how he measured up against a Martial Artist of the Blood Exchange Realm.

 Chapter 558 - 343: Tortoise Ageing Powder

    The passage of time flowed leisurely.


    In the blink of an eye, nearly a month had passed.


    In the bamboo forest among the mid peaks of Spirit Profound Peak, there was a slightly open area.


    "The mountain, unwavering and imposing, does not merely pertain to your body, your stance and moves, but also all your thoughts must be unified and steadfast to achieve harmony between intent and force and to comprehend this path."


    Chen Mu, dressed in green clothes, was guiding a spear-training girl in her cultivation.


    The girl, dressed as an Inner Sect Disciple, was filled with Qi-Blood. Despite her slim figure and fair skin, it seemed as though her limbs contained the strength of thousands of pounds, her spear moves powerful and heavy, capable of splitting stones.


    However, the force emitted by these moves mainly originated from her physical strength, without any Spear Momentum. Although she had already reached the Tendon Changing Realm according to her realm, she had not mastered any Spear Momentum.


    The girl was indeed Jin Ling''er.


    As someone born with divine strength and discovered by Chen Mu in Bi Prefecture and brought into the Inner Sect of the Seven Profound Sect, her talent in Body Refining was exceptionally unique. It had not been two years since she joined the sect, and she had already stepped into the Tendon Changing Realm, with her Skin Toughening and Body Refinement reaching the limits.


    However, compared to that, she lacked comprehension in technique. Having trained with the spear for nearly two years, she still hadn''t mastered any Spear Momentum, not to mention Artistic Conception, which seemed very distant to her.


    Hum!


    The next moment, Jin Ling''er gripped the spear handle with both hands and fiercely swung down, the force of her strike whistling through the air, eventually smashing the extremely hard mountain rock, creating cracks that spread in a circle.


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    Yet, even this final move lacked any Spear Momentum.


    The girl''s forehead showed fine beads of sweat, her chest heaving slightly, she took a breath and then looked at Chen Mu somewhat ashamedly, saying, "Disciple is dull and cannot grasp the sensation you described."


    Chen Mu, however, remained calm, saying, "Human effort sometimes reaches its limits. Your talent in Body Refining is excellent, even better than mine back then. Being somewhat slow in comprehending Artistic Conception is not a problem. At times, insight alone cannot determine everything. Whether one has guidance from a master, sufficient resources, or sudden enlightenment... all these can decide the height of one''s cultivation in Artistic Conception."


    "As long as you do not fall too far behind your peers in terms of Artistic Conception, you won''t be weak among those at the same level."


    Having said that,


    Chen Mu stepped forward and reached out his hand towards Jin Ling''er.


    Jin Ling''er was slightly startled at first but quickly reacted, respectfully handing over the long spear she held, which Chen Mu then gently shook with his right hand, creating a blur before taking it into his hand.


    Following,


    he lifted the long spear in his right hand, casually executing the same moves Jin Ling''er had just performed.


    Having reached the Martial Arts Grandmaster Realm, the differences among eighteen types of weapons ceased to matter. All techniques simply pointed to the core essence, merely paths through which strength circulated. Chen Mu had not used much effort, merely matching the force used by Jin Ling''er. Yet, the difference was in his execution of the ''Pierce Mountain Spear Technique,'' displaying the Momentum that harmoniously joined force and intent.


    The higher realms were beyond the current comprehension of Jin Ling''er. The Momentum closest to her, suitable for her understanding, was demonstrated by Chen Mu. Despite using the same strength as her, he added Momentum, and when the final spear stroke fell on the mountain rock, it no longer shattered the rock but concentrated all the force into a fist-sized point, blasting it apart while leaving no other cracks around it.


    "How impressive."


    Jin Ling''er, who had been practicing this spear technique for two years, naturally could tell the difference in power between her moves and Chen Mu''s despite them being executed with the same force, which made her look at Chen Mu with a hint of reverence.


    She was no longer the naive girl who had just left Bi Prefecture, knowing nothing. She was aware of Chen Mu, her benefactor and the current Peak Master of Spirit Profound Peak, recognized across the Northern Path of the Eleven State as the contemporary figure with the highest martial talent.


    "I wonder when I will be able to train to this level."


    Jin Ling''er gazed at the fist-sized hole Chen Mu had created in the mountain rock, her voice filled with longing.


    Chen Mu gently tossed the spear back to her, saying, "Keep practicing diligently. Mastering Spear Momentum is only a matter of time for you. Your comprehension may not be high relative to your Body Refining talent, but in reality, it still surpasses most people."


    This was not mere flattery toward Jin Ling''er.


    Seemingly, she had not mastered Spear Momentum until now, but remember, she had only been practicing spear techniques under the Seven Profound Sect for less than two years, yet she had fully perfected this spear technique to Major Achievement, just one step away from Spear Momentum.


    In his past in Yu City, many people took three to five years to perfect a single Blade Technique.


    As he had said before, innate understanding was only a part of it. Opportunities, resources, mentors... all played significant roles in martial cultivation. His understanding was not much better than Jin Ling''er''s, but with the system panel as an opportunity that unearthed his potential, he had far outstripped his peers.


    "Disciple will not let you down."


    Jin Ling''er took the spear handed back by Chen Mu, took a deep breath and responded. Her mind was repeatedly recalling every action and technique demonstrated by Chen Mu, trying to discern the subtleties of Spear Momentum.


    Seeing Jin Ling''er gripping the spear and carefully contemplating the spear techniques he had demonstrated, Chen Mu nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to another side, addressing another girl much smaller than Jin Ling''er from not far away: Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 559 - 343 Tortoise Ling Powder_2

    "Xiaohong, come here,"


    The young girl who seemed even younger than Jin Ling''er had been standing quietly and respectfully to the side, watching attentively until Chen Mu called out to her. She immediately approached and bowed to Chen Mu: "Peak Master."


    Although Chen Mu had previously asked her and Jin Ling''er both to call him senior brother, as of now, he was an Elder of the Seven Profound Sect and the newly appointed Peak Master of Spirit Profound Peak, making everyone on Spirit Profound Peak, except Chu Jingsui and other protectors and stewards from his same sect, treat Chen Mu with the respect due to a junior and a disciple.


    In fact,


    As the Peak Master of Spirit Profound Peak, Chen Mu was nominally the master of all disciples under Spirit Profound Peak.


    However, generally speaking, Elders and Peak Masters of the Seven Profound Sect do not really care about disciples from the Outer and Inner Sects; only those among the most outstanding who are taken as ''True Disciples'' are truly considered to have entered the sect and are seen as official disciples.


    Only True Disciples have the privilege to call Chen Mu ''Master''; all others must respectfully address him as Peak Master.


    Chen Mu had not yet taken any disciples, but after nearly a month, having finally completed his cultivation in the Qiankun Domain and with nothing urgent at hand, he still took a tour around Spirit Profound Peak, picking out Zhao Xiaohong and Jin Ling''er, who had old ties with him, for some personal guidance.


    "Come, let me see your swordsmanship,"


    Chen Mu nodded slightly towards Zhao Xiaohong.


    Differing from Jin Ling''er, Zhao Xiaohong''s talent in Body Refining was not standout. Now, after almost a year in the sect, she had barely achieved Perfection in Skin Toughening and was not yet at the Body Refinement Realm.


    However, her aptitude for understanding was exceptional. According to what he knew, she appeared to have developed Sword Momentum within just a year.


    "Yes."


    Zhao Xiaohong respectfully responded. She then, with a clang, drew her sword from its sheath, swinging a three-foot green blade. Amidst the swirling sword lights, like silver pear blossoms fluttering chaotically, although her strength was nowhere near Jin Ling''er''s, her technique indeed stepped into the level of Sword Momentum.


    This level led Chen Mu to feel somewhat impressed as well.


    Although to him at the present, Sword Momentum was merely the beginning level and the threshold of Artistic Conception lay higher up with second and third stages to follow¡­but developing Sword Momentum in such a short time was indeed an extraordinary talent.


    It should be noted that with his own ability, he had also spent nearly a year to develop his first Blade Momentum, gaining some self-protection ability in Yu County. Unlike Zhao Xiaohong, who had never practiced martial arts before, she achieved Sword Momentum purely through her own understanding within a year. Continue reading stories on My Virtual Library Empire


    Soon,


    Zhao Xiaohong completed one set of sword techniques and began another set. This one was still unrefined, obviously just having attained Major Achievement and still some distance from Sword Momentum; however, this was sufficient to show her high level of comprehension.


    After watching two sets of sword techniques, Chen Mu thought for a moment and said, "Regarding techniques, your innate understanding is indeed exceptional. You hardly need any external guidance before reaching the level of Artistic Conception. As for Body Refining¡­ your understanding of techniques can indeed indirectly benefit your Body Refining. You presumably haven''t yet practiced the Body Refinement Fist Technique, right?"


    "Yes."


    Zhao Xiaohong respectfully responded, "The Transmission Protector asked me to push the initial stages of Body Refining to the limit. I am currently practicing the second type of the Skin Toughening Method and haven''t tried Body Refinement yet."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly towards her and said, "The Transmission Protector''s advice is sound. Your physical endowment is somewhat inferior to Jin Ling''er''s. If you rush to progress through the realms too quickly, it will be very difficult to compensate for the foundation later. At least Skin Toughening and Body Refinement, these two realms, you should try to push to the limit. Pursue Tendon Changing as well, and if you''re too delayed in progressing, then consider giving up."


    Jin Ling''er''s physique is unique; born with divine strength, she naturally reaches the limit in Skin Toughening and Body Refinement, and probably doesn''t need to exert much effort in Tendon Changing either. Only the Jade Bone Realm will pose some difficulty for her, but with her talent, by that time, Spirit Profound Peak''s Transmission Protector will most likely be guarding her side, assisting her to attempt refining Jade Bone, so she won''t need to worry about her Body Refining cultivation.


    Zhao Xiaohong, however, is different. Body Refining is her weak point; to reach a degree like Jin Ling''er, she will need to put in painstaking efforts and various resources will need to be abundant. As an Inner Sect Disciple, her resource supply is indeed ample.


    "Disciple meticulously follows the teachings."


    Zhao Xiaohong listened to Chen Mu''s words and obediently responded.


    Chen Mu examined her minutely again, then said to her:


    "Come here."


    Zhao Xiaohong immediately stepped forward.


    "Don''t move."


    Chen Mu moved slightly closer and instructed. Then suddenly, he raised his hand. His fingers flicked like fleeting shadows, in a blur around her, seemingly touching various joints, acupoints, and meridian channels from her forehead to her ankles in an instant.


    Zhao Xiaohong felt as though in just that moment, every part of her body from her forehead to her ankles was touched by a finger. Of course, she knew this couldn''t be simultaneous, but Chen Mu''s movements were too fast, too swift for her perceptions, making it feel like she was touched by a thousand fingers all at once.


    "Hmm..."


    Zhao Xiaohong involuntarily moaned softly, feeling a sudden weakness throughout her body, unable to maintain her standing position, and collapsing softly to one side.


    However, before she even fell, she felt like she landed on an invisible, soft cotton pad. When she opened her eyes, she saw nothing solid around her but found herself gently placed on the ground by this unseen Qi Force.


    Having done all this,


    Chen Mu, however, did not look at her again. Instead, he showed a contemplative expression, simply standing there with one hand on his chin, until Zhao Xiaohong felt much of her weakness subside and she managed to stand up again. Only then did Chen Mu finally turn his gaze back to her and said: S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 560 - 343: Tortoise Age Powder_3

    "I''ve tried out your meridian root bone and have temporarily devised a set of fist techniques for refining your physique and qi-blood. Follow me and practice it, so I can see how effective it is."


    Techniques like the Fierce Ox Body Refinement Method and Tiger Demon Bone Tempering Fist, which Chen Mu had cultivated before, basically belong to the most common fist techniques, applicable to Martial Men with any physique and meridian roots. For Zhao Xiaohong, the applicability should also reach at least eighty to ninety percent, but to achieve a hundred percent effect, one would need a fist technique tailor-made to her body development, every piece of skin and bone. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, achieving this was not easy. Even individuals at the Five Organ and Viscera Realm wouldn''t be able to easily create a specialized and exclusive Body Forging Technique based on someone''s meridian roots and body. Only someone with skills as refined as Chen Mu, who had cultivated the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal to the Seventh Layer and had an extremely detailed understanding of the human body, could develop the appropriate fist technique in a short time.


    Of course.


    He wasn''t certain if it was entirely correct; it still required Zhao Xiaohong to try it out to see.


    Hearing Chen Mu''s words, Zhao Xiaohong blinked repeatedly... A Body Forging Technique customized exclusively for her?


    She had heard of such a thing, but it seemed only those Martial Arts Grandmasters who had reached perfection could accomplish this, and they clearly wouldn''t expend such effort on an ordinary disciple. She wasn''t yet a true disciple of Chen Mu, and to receive such cultivation from him naturally stirred ripples in her heart and silently strengthened her resolve.


    No matter whether she could become a disciple of Chen Mu in the future, she must not slacken or let Chen Mu down.


    Chen Mu didn''t know what the young girl was thinking. It was only after he had finally reached the Seventh Layer of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal and arrived at the peak level of a Grandmaster that he felt inspired to try creating. He didn''t consider taking Zhao Xiaohong as his true disciple yet, but if Zhao Xiaohong and Jin Ling''er could both reach the standard of true disciples in the future, then accepting them wouldn''t be out of the question.


    Although he wasn''t very keen on taking the position of Spirit Profound Peak''s Peak Master, he ultimately received it from Qin Mengjun, he couldn''t just wash his hands of it immediately, and he had to take some care of it.


    "This set of fist techniques has a total of four moves, from the starting move to the final move. Follow me and practice each one."


    Chen Mu spoke to Zhao Xiaohong and then assumed a starting position, a stance that seemed ordinary at first glance but contained subtleties: "Your leg meridian root bones are slightly weak. Once you master this move, it will compensate for the deficiencies in your legs. Remember, your body should be like willow fluff drifting in the wind, mind like duckweed following the flow of water."


    Having said this.


    Chen Mu signaled Zhao Xiaohong to try.


    Zhao Xiaohong respectfully responded and then attempted to mimic Chen Mu''s posture. She was indeed highly perceptive, and after Chen Mu corrected her posture twice, she managed the entirely correct movements. In less than a quarter of an hour, she began to approach the essence of "body like willow fluff drifting in the wind," grasping the core of the move.


    Chen Mu nodded slightly at the sight. If it were Jin Ling''er, just getting the posture right would have taken some effort, and to understand and practice according to the essence would take even longer. Zhao Xiaohong, however, was much more at ease. Though her insight wasn''t as profound as his, by comparison to the average person, she was indeed extremely intelligent.


    Quickly.


    Chen Mu taught the following three moves in full and then watched Zhao Xiaohong practice them one by one. After detailed refinement and a few modifications to the details, adding or omitting as necessary, he finally organized a set of five Body Forging Techniques exclusive to Zhao Xiaohong, capable of supporting her cultivation all the way to the Bone Tempering Realm, all in just half a day.


    With her direction established, Zhao Xiaohong practiced over and over again, while Jin Ling''er wielded her spear, also repeatedly contemplating the teachings and pointers demonstrated by Chen Mu earlier. Her spear technique subtly touched the domain of Momentum. Although she never managed to grasp that flash of inspiration, it seemed she wouldn''t need much longer.


    Chen Mu stood in front with his hands behind his back, watching the progress of both, his expression gently nodding with approval.


    Just as he prepared to turn and leave.


    Suddenly.


    A gentle and familiar voice sounded in his ear.


    "Chen Mu, come to the rear cliff."


    Hearing this voice, Chen Mu finally showed a flicker of emotion and looked up towards the peak of Spirit Profound Peak.


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    He was all too familiar with this voice; it was that of his master Qin Mengjun. Since the incident at Ice State and the delivery of the Mystic Tortoise''s body back to the Seven Profound Sect, Qin Mengjun had been out for two months, whereabouts unknown.


    Trapped in the Seven Profound Sect for more than a decade, finally regaining his strength and stepping into the Blood Exchange Realm, Chen Mu naturally understood Qin Mengjun. If it had been him, it might have been quite normal to travel for a year. It had only been two months now.


    But these ordinary two months were another transcendence for him.


    Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, Seventh Layer.


    Qiankun Domain!


    Chen Mu loosened his clenched fist and then took a step out, heading towards the rear cliff at the peak of Spirit Profound Peak.


    By now, he was less concerned about whether Qin Mengjun had found the Body Tempering Prescription with Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood as the main ingredient. He was eager to have another bout with Qin Mengjun to see what level his strength had reached now.


    Step, step, step,


    Chen Mu walked along the mountain path. Each step he took quietly spanned dozens of feet, swiftly arriving alone at the peak. He bypassed the grand hall at the summit and headed towards the rear cliff of Spirit Profound Peak.

 Chapter 561 - 343 Turtle Ling Powder_4

    By the time he arrived at the rear cliff, he saw that beneath the ancient tree beside the mountain rock, Qin Mengjun''s figure had already appeared, still clad in plain clothes, but her skin was as clear as glass, unblemished by even a speck of dust.


    This scene,


    suddenly filled Chen Mu''s heart with emotion.


    He couldn''t help but to remember many years ago, when he first entered the Seven Profound Sect and became a disciple under Spirit Profound Peak.


    Back then, Qin Mengjun also stood there, but at that time her Realm was so profound that it was difficult for him to even look up to her, feeling as if she was connected to the heavens and the earth, a part of the entire sky.


    But now,


    Qin Mengjun still stood there, yet the feeling she gave was entirely different, different in all kinds of ways.


    First was her aura; if many years ago Qin Mengjun''s aura seemed to be fused with the sky, standing there as if she were an empty void, her existence not perceivable, then now, her aura spread through the Void, seemingly omnipresent, as if under that expanse of sky, everywhere was a place she established herself.


    In terms of Realm, there was no doubt that the now Blood Exchange-phase Qin Mengjun had reached a higher level than before, having arrived at the pinnacle of Martial Arts, and her Qian Heaven Martial Body was truly cultivated to the utmost.


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    But in terms of the gap, the distance between him and Qin Mengjun, compared to the past, was unknown how many times smaller.


    Even now, with their auras intermingling with heaven and earth, that vast and grandiose feeling no longer gave him the unreachable oppression of the past; he could even feel that the distance between him and her was very, very close.


    "Disciple pays respects to Master." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu stepped forward and respectfully saluted Qin Mengjun.


    Qin Mengjun had a gentle expression, and before Chen Mu could finish his salute, she gestured with her hand to stop him, then seemingly out of nowhere, she took out a yellow sheet of paper, tossed it lightly, and the frail yellow paper flew towards Chen Mu through the air, landing in front of him.


    Chen Mu reached out to receive the yellow paper, and with one glance, he saw that it was a highly complex Prescription, the most intricate he had ever seen, demanding dozens of different Medicinal Powders, with precise instructions on when to add which powder, whether it should be roasted with a gentle fire or burned with a forceful fire, the main ingredient being Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood.


    "This is the Prescription for the Tortoise Ling Powder. You have some Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood, which should help in tempering your Martial Body. Ordinary Demon Blood from the tortoise can also be used, only the effect will be somewhat lesser, but your Martial Body has just reached Minor Achievement, so it should still be effective... Hm?"


    Qin Mengjun was explaining to Chen Mu, then suddenly paused with a slight surprise in her tone as she looked at Chen Mu.


    Because they were close enough, and Chen Mu did not overly conceal his entire Inner Breath in front of her, she noticed upon close observation that his Physique and Inner Breath seemed a bit more robust than before when they had hunted the Mystic Tortoise.


    Normally, by the time one attained the Grandmaster Realm, tempering the Martial Body was a long process; even with an abundance of resources, it would be hard toil over many years, but here Chen Mu seemed to have made significant progress in just a short two months.


    "Your skills seem to have improved again?"


    Qin Mengjun quietly asked after sizing up Chen Mu.


    "Yes, a Minor Achievement."


    Chen Mu was still looking at the Prescription in his hand, not until he had memorized all of the content did he put it away in his sleeve, and turned towards Qin Mengjun. He then formally saluted and said, "Master has worked hard. Since I became a disciple at the Sect Gate and have been cultivating Martial Arts up until now, I have benefited from Master''s care and cultivation, finally achieving a Minor Achievement. I am here to express my deep gratitude to Master."

 Chapter 562 - 344 First Battle Blood Exchange

    Qin Mengjun looked at Chen Mu, seemingly grasping something in a haz, her eyes flashing with a faint light. Suddenly, her face brightened into a warm smile as she said, "I''m afraid it''s not just a Minor Achievement, is it? You must be wanting to verify your own strength now?"


    "Disciple presumes, unable to deceive the master''s discerning eye,"


    Chen Mu said with a smile.


    In fact, Qin Mengjun, after stepping into the Blood Exchange Realm, seemed reborn, appearing even younger than him, yet her eyes lost none of their astuteness, instantly guessing his thoughts.


    Qin Mengjun sized up Chen Mu, her gaze gentle as she said, "I didn''t expect you to progress so quickly... very well, let me see what realm your Martial Arts cultivation has reached now."


    Knowing that Chen Mu had entered the Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster realm, she was aware that with Chen Mu''s peerless talent, it was inevitable he would one day stand at the pinnacle of Martial Arts. Even though she had stepped into the Blood Exchange Realm, being surpassed by Chen Mu was just a matter of time.


    Now observing Chen Mu, it seemed he had made substantial progress again. The previous Chen Mu was already formidable, and now he wished to seek her guidance to verify his strength. She too was eager to see what realm he had reached after these two months had passed.


    "Let''s go,"


    Qin Mengjun quickly retracted her gaze, her figure lightly swayed and, like a wisp of Pure Qi, disappeared into thin air. When her presence reemerged, it was already high in the distant sky.


    Seeing this, Chen Mu also maintained a serene expression and took a step forward, vanishing from the spot, ascending into the sky, keeping pace with Qin Mengjun, chasing after her through the air.


    The last time he sought guidance from Qin Mengjun, he couldn''t perform the Sky Flying Technique and had to be carried by her through the air. But this time, he almost kept up with Qin Mengjun''s pace in the sky; the two of them, one in front of the other, quickly left the Seven Profound mountain range, penetrating deep between the clouds to reach a high altitude above a thousand feet.


    In the sky above,


    as the sun set leaving behind a glorious spread of golden afterglow, it illuminated the clouds around them, making them seem like fortuitous vapors of celebration. Qin Mengjun, in her simple attire, stood amidst the misty clouds, her bare feet, pure like White Jade, wreathed with traces of pale golden clouds, exuding an aura of sanctity.


    Having reached the Blood Exchange Realm with the teachings of Qian Heaven, her path was indeed righteous and grand. At this realm, one''s martial might could shake cities and split earth, shatter rocks and open mountains. To call it similar to the might of Immortal Gods wasn''t an exaggeration.


    Step, step, step,


    Chen Mu followed, wearing his Green-Clothed robe, his aura profound and deep. Presently, without deliberately concealing his energy, one could sense the demeanor of a true peerless grandmaster, unmoved even as mountains crumbled before him.


    Qin Mengjun looked from afar at her fourth disciple, ripples forming in her eyes. When she first accepted Chen Mu as a disciple, she had not imagined he would possess such extraordinary talent. Even had she considered it, she couldn''t have envisioned Chen Mu would reach from the initial stage of the Five Viscera Realm to the Marrow Cleansing Realm, becoming a peerless grandmaster, all within these few short years.


    But reflecting on it now, Chen Mu''s progress in Martial Arts had indeed been like that of a peerless monster, the likes of which had not been seen in Da Xuan for a thousand years... even looking back over tens of thousands of years, such had never appeared before.


    Hum.


    Qin Mengjun stood among the swirling clouds, her body still, and within a moment, the heavens within a hundred feet seemed to merge with her life force. The vast Power of Heaven and Earth circulated, Qian Heaven rising and gathering, stirring the Cloud Sea, making it surge. After entering the Blood Exchange Realm, her Qian Heaven Domain had grown more than twice as strong as before.


    Yet, facing the quietly released Qian Heaven Domain of Qin Mengjun, Chen Mu didn''t react as before, summoning his Yuan Gang True Essence and Solidifying the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal to resist. Instead, he stood calmly in his spot, without moving, an invisible intent spreading from him, instantly causing the Power of Heaven and Earth within tens of feet to become still and solidified.


    In an instant, the light of the Eight Phases flowed, like brilliant trails of immortal light moving with his will.


    In front of Qin Mengjun, Chen Mu naturally wouldn''t conceal much; his Qiankun Martial Body was already well understood by his mentor, and so his Qiankun Domain didn''t need to be hidden either. Previously, when Qin Mengjun released her Qian Heaven Domain, he could only be passively suppressed, barely managing to fend it off. However now, he had also reached this realm.


    Crack! Crack! Crack!


    The two distinct Domains spread, colliding in the skies above. Visibly, they seemed like two invisible shields coming into contact, making cracking noises as if ice were shattering. Sear?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Qiankun Domain..."


    Although Qin Mengjun had expected as much, witnessing Chen Mu standing amidst the clouds, unmoving and releasing this power, she couldn''t help but reveal a hint of admiration in her eyes.


    In the Martial Arts world, Qiankun is the strongest and most difficult. Not to mention a Qiankun Grandmaster, such a Qiankun Domain hadn''t appeared in the Cold North Path for many decades. Even with her once supreme grandmaster abilities that dominated the Cold North, she had only witnessed the Qiankun Domain once.


    That was a practitioner of the Qiankun Path from Central Prefecture; but that person hadn''t succeeded in becoming a grandmaster, although solely with the Qiankun Domain, he was already stronger than many grandmasters, yet still no match for her at the time.


    Nowadays,


    nearly twenty years later, the Qiankun Domain reappears!


    But this time, the one who executed the Qiankun Domain was her disciple, his whole being standing amidst the revolving power of the Qiankun Eight Phases, enveloped by a halo of light, standing on the clouds, composed and self-assured.

 Chapter 563 - 344 Initial Blood Exchange Battle_2

    Slap! Slap!


    Qin Mengjun and Chen Mu did not make any other moves, but the two domains they released were already violently clashing in the sky above, constantly emitting crackling and snapping sounds of shattering, where threads of white thunder interwove vaguely at the cross-section.


    If viewed from a distance, one could see an invisible Qian Heaven Domain surrounding Qin Mengjun, encompassing a radius of over a hundred yards centered on her, with the entire domain primarily clear and spiritual, containing the majestic and vast might of the heavens.


    On the other hand,


    Chen Mu''s Qiankun Domain was only about thirty yards in radius, much smaller than Qin Mengjun''s. It was nearly enveloped and swallowed by Qin Mengjun''s Qian Heaven Domain.


    But even with such a significant difference in the scope of their domains, despite Qin Mengjun''s Qian Heaven Domain continuously writhing and contracting, pressing inward with crackling noises, it still could never crush Chen Mu''s Qiankun Domain!


    The outcome of the domain confrontation always depended solely on range and quality.


    After Qin Mengjun stepped into the Blood Exchange Realm, her Qian Heaven Domain had nearly doubled compared to the past, reaching a hundred yards, and the domain power she could summon was grand and vast, immediately possessing the overwhelming might to crush ordinary Grandmasters and even top Grandmasters.


    Chen Mu''s domain spanned just over thirty yards. If it were any weaker, under the direct and straightforward suppression by Qin Mengjun, being completely encompassed, it probably wouldn''t last a few breaths before collapsing in defeat.


    But Chen Mu mastered the Qiankun Domain!


    Incorporating all Martial Arts Techniques under heaven, it could be called the pinnacle of Martial Arts Techniques. Once the domain opened, he could maneuver and use all forces within its range. Without needing to transform or control, within this thirty-yard domain, he nearly became the heaven and earth, and heaven and earth became him. Thus, the strength of his domain was naturally unimaginably resilient.


    Even though it was much smaller compared to Qin Mengjun''s, he could still move easily within her domain, forcefully resisting the compression and assaults from all directions, entering and exiting seven times with ease and maintaining his composure.


    Crackle! Crackle!!


    Just like that, Chen Mu and Qin Mengjun faced each other from a distance of several tens of yards, neither employing any other techniques, only contending with their domains. This continued for nearly a quarter of an hour before he finally nodded slightly.


    The might of the Qiankun Domain was sufficiently satisfying to him. From his perspective, even facing Qin Mengjun''s Qian Heaven Domain after her Blood Exchange, he was not inferior, able to withstand it face-on without being at a disadvantage. He even felt that if this stalemate continued, it might not necessarily be him who would be the first to be broken and defeated. Perhaps it was Qin Mengjun who could not maintain the Qian Heaven Domain and collapse instead.


    But that was indeed hard to measure.


    Because for him and Qin Mengjun, simply maintaining the domain had such low consumption that both could last for a long time. Solely relying on the domain to determine the winner might not yield any results without half a month.


    Furthermore, with this quarter-hour effort, he had achieved his purpose of gauging the might of the Qiankun Domain. Having already made a rough assessment in his mind, now it was time to attempt some more intense methods.


    "Master, it seems that in terms of domain confrontation alone, your disciple is hard to distinguish from you in superiority," Chen Mu spoke to Qin Mengjun proactively.


    Qin Mengjun nodded slightly. She knew that Chen Mu''s goal in this sparring was not to pursue victory or defeat but to assess his own strength in tactics. Therefore, she also assisted in judging the power Chen Mu currently possessed. To date, the might of the Qiankun Domain was indeed extraordinary, perhaps also because Chen Mu had cultivated the Qiankun Martial Body, enabling him to truly bring out the domain''s might.


    Otherwise, with her current level, even Jingji Road''s individual who had cultivated the Qiankun Domain would be pressured to struggle against her in a domain confrontation, if not outright defeated. After all, the gap between Blood Exchange and the Six Viscera was too substantial.


    "The Qiankun Domain indeed stands unparalleled in the world. With your current techniques, once you step into the Blood Exchange Realm, even facing those Celestial Humans who are called saints, you might also be able to contest," Qin Mengjun softly said to Chen Mu. "Your domain''s strength is not inferior to mine, but upon reaching the Blood Exchange Realm, strength and weakness are not solely determined by the mobilized might of heaven and earth but also by the degree of Solidifying Refinement. I wonder how well you have practiced in other aspects."


    Having listened,


    Chen Mu nodded slightly toward Qin Mengjun and said, "I must be impudent now."


    As his voice fell,


    the Qiankun Domain around Chen Mu suddenly contracted.


    Simultaneously, Qin Mengjun''s gaze also flickered, as she likewise retracted the Qian Heaven Domain and faced him seriously. She knew that after Chen Mu had mastered the Qiankun Domain, his strength must be extraordinary. Whether or not it approached her level, she must take him seriously and could not afford to be careless.


    Almost in the next moment, Chen Mu, having retracted the Qiankun Domain, stepped toward Qin Mengjun. Though his steps appeared very slow within the field of vision, every movement clear, the entire world seemed to delay in that moment, even the light from the distant horizon pausing briefly.


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    In nearly an instant, Chen Mu''s figure had already reached in front of Qin Mengjun. A finger pointed directly at the center of Qin Mengjun''s chest. The move appeared ordinary and unremarkable, without mobilizing the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal. However, it had already achieved the realm of returning to simplicity, driven by the Qiankun Martial Body, combining internal and external powers!


    That simple and ordinary finger could easily kill an Eighth Rank Demon King and any top Grandmaster!


    As Qin Mengjun watched this finger, a flash of surprise also passed through her eyes. She too pointed a finger, her delicate and slender finger like a white jade hairpin, seemingly frail and easily broken upon touch. However, the might of Qian Heaven contained within this finger was also robust and vast, akin to a heavenly finger, capable of penetrating a hundred-yard mountain!

 Chapter 564 - 344 First Battle Blood Exchange_3

    ```


    Crack!!


    Their fingers collided in the air, tips touching each other. At the moment of contact, a ripple silently spread through the void, and a wispy white crack abruptly appeared, visible to the naked eye.


    This seemingly simple strike, which appeared to have no waves of energy spreading, actually showcased the peak of focused force. Both individuals harnessed the might of Heaven and Earth Yuan Gang with their Martial Bodies, virtually leaking none of it.


    Their fingers nearly retracted as soon as they touched.


    Both could feel a strong force colliding with the other.


    "..."


    Chen Mu''s sharp eyes caught the moment their fingertips collided, the fine ripple in the void that burst out¡ªresembling a white crack on the ice surface. He had seen this kind of crack before, a manifestation of the air being torn by force. However, he now faintly sensed it was slightly different.


    Under the collision of those two forces condensed to their limits, it seemed that not only the air was torn but also this piece of the Heavens Vault, as if a curtain, was slightly damaged!


    "I heard that those standing at the pinnacle of Martial Arts, those who''ve achieved Unity of Heaven and Man, even cause the void to experience fine shatterings when they clash. I''ve seen descriptions like this in some books before and thought they were exaggerated. But now, could it be there''s some truth to it?" Chen Mu asked Qin Mengjun.


    Qin Mengjun nodded slightly and said, "Indeed, reaching the summit of Martial Arts, the third step of Artistic Conception Comprehension, and arriving at the Celestial Human Level, if one were to engage fully, it could indeed cause minor shatterings in the very fabric of Heaven and Earth. However, such shattering is extremely fine and will heal instantly. Moreover, it only occurs when top individuals engage in combat."


    Pop! Pop! Pop!!


    While Chen Mu and Qin Mengjun briefly exchanged words, their movement continued unstopped. Their fingers and palms kept colliding, emanating thuds of physical contact, sounding as though it was merely two ordinary Skin Toughening Body Refinement Realm Martial Men sparring with their physical bodies. However, the power was focused at a single point, with no outward diffusion whatsoever.


    The only anomaly each collision produced were those ice-like shattering fine cracks, which spread no more than a foot and healed in an instant.


    "So that''s how it is."


    Without stopping his movements, Chen Mu continued to engage with Qin Mengjun, his expression thoughtful.


    In fact, the white cracks produced by their sparring were also an embodiment of ''Heaven and Earth'' shattering, yet not thorough, as Heaven and Earth itself was not like frail ice that once shattered was fully punctured, but rather like a highly resilient film. The shattering was limited to the surface and healed immediately.


    According to some classic records he knew of, the rifts created by the world''s top Martial Arts practitioners during their confrontations were larger, and the void cracks they left behind were not white, but black.


    Nevertheless.


    His and Qin Mengjun''s sparring, capable of producing such white cracks, also signified something. That his strength had truly reached the peak of Martial Arts!


    The white cracks, albeit healing in an instant and appearing merely a foot long, symbolized a layer of Heaven and Earth''s membrane being torn, achievable only by reaching the Blood Exchange Realm or by a supreme Heavenly Demon!


    Although his time practicing Martial Arts was considerably shorter than Qin Mengjun''s, his Martial Arts Techniques had now also reached the pinnacle. In their close-quarters combat, every move was filled with extreme power, and their numerous exchanges were nearly equal!


    Thrilling.


    A sense of exhilaration naturally welled up from Chen Mu''s heart.


    He knew the person before him appeared to be a delicate woman, but was in fact a genuine powerhouse of the Blood Exchange Realm, standing at the Eighth Realm of Body Tempering Martial Arts, and had reached the pinnacle. Now, facing such a formidable opponent, he finally had the strength for a head-on confrontation!


    Five years!


    Since he joined the Seven Profound Sect and the Spirit Profound Peak, it had been roughly five full years.


    Five years of rigorous cultivation, diligently and continuously without slacking, had finally brought him step by step to this Realm, where he was free to traverse the world without constraint, like a dragon rising from the abyss to the sky, no longer bound by myriad concerns!


    Having reached this point, he could be regarded as truly stepping onto the last rung of the Martial Arts ladder. Looking upwards, he could now truly catch a glimpse of the end of Martial Arts, the pinnacle of the entire Da Xuan Ninety-Nine States, the highest seat standing at the very top.


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    Qin Mengjun continued to engage with Chen Mu, her eyes sparkling like the starry sky also showed flickering lights. Although she was aware that Chen Mu had already been on par with those top Grandmasters of Da Xuan when he hunted the Mystic Tortoise, his increased strength must be significant. Yet, when she realized that Chen Mu indeed had the capability to fight her equally, ripples stirred in her heart that couldn''t be stilled.


    She didn''t hold back in the slightest, utilizing her Qian Heaven Martial Body to govern the Qian Heaven Domain, her fingers unleashing the formidable power of the Blood Exchange Realm in every flick. Yet in her confrontation with Chen Mu, she couldn''t gain an upper hand, their battle almost evenly matched.


    One must understand.


    Though she had only recently entered the Blood Exchange Realm, she had indeed completed Martial Arts'' greatest transformation. From Domain to Martial Body, from Yuan Gang to Soul Will, after the whole ascension, she stood at the summit of Martial Arts, capable of slaying even a Top Grandmaster with a flick of her finger.


    ```

 Chapter 565 - 344: First Battle Blood Exchange_4

    Even when compared to an old Supreme like Yin Heng, who had bathed in the Blood Exchange Realm for nearly a century, the gap between them was slight, at most a mere two or three parts, not so vast. Even if overwhelmed, one could still compete to some extent.


    What about Chen Mu?


    Now, in close combat, it was clear that Chen Mu indeed had not undergone Blood Exchange, for in his every move, he lacked that sense of drawing on the power of heaven and earth.


    After completing Blood Exchange, a martial artist''s Martial Body reaches the pinnacle of perfection, almost constantly in union with heaven and earth, so every action naturally draws upon heaven and earth, whereas Chen Mu still seemed to be in a closed state, which was a sign he was still in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    In the Marrow Cleansing Realm, with a Grandmaster Martial Body, one could confront her head-on.


    Even though it was known that the Qiankun lineage represented the pinnacle of Martial Arts, there had never been talk of any Qiankun Grandmasters from the Da Xuan Dynasty who could match a true Blood Exchange Realm martial artist. At most, they could fend off a few blows from those in the Blood Exchange Realm, manage to escape, and not be instantly slain without a chance to resist.


    For Chen Mu to go head-to-head with the Blood Exchange Realm while still in the Marrow Cleansing Realm was nearly unprecedented.


    If one were to look through the entire thousand-year history of the Da Xuan Dynasty, it seemed that only the Martial Emperor who founded the dynasty a thousand years ago had achieved such a feat, contending with the Blood Exchange Realm undefeated in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and then shocking the world before advancing to become unmatched in the Blood Exchange Realm.


    "Master, be careful."


    As Chen Mu continued to exchange blows with Qin Mengjun, battle intent he hadn''t felt in a long time surged within him, knowing that Qin Mengjun could withstand his tempestuous onslaught. He suddenly called out a warning and then retreated a step back.


    Qin Mengjun''s eyes were clear and bright, and upon seeing Chen Mu''s movement, she did not hesitate to clap her hands together in front of her. In that instant, an overwhelming force gathered as if she had torn a piece of the heaven''s expanse and Solidifying Refinement it between her bare hands.


    And it was at this moment.


    Chen Mu had unleashed a Fist Seal, with the majestic might of heaven descending upon them as if the entire boundless cosmos pressed in from all directions. The radiance of the Eight Phases coursed above the Fist Seal, embodying the ultimate Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal.


    "Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal."


    "Heaven Cap Seal."


    Qin Mengjun''s seemingly effortless hand met the attack, and the brilliance she released was just as formidable as Chen Mu''s, with dazzling light Solidifying Refinement at one point, cutting through the Cloud Sea like the rising sun. The two glowing spheres clashed, and after a brief deadlock, they finally exploded with a bang.


    A visible white crack could be seen where the two seals collided, spreading nearly three feet in all directions, before the immense lingering power caused the entire Cloud Sea to churn as if a tsunami had erupted.


    Boom.


    Chen Mu was sent flying out from the midst of the Cloud Sea, landing over a dozen feet away, barely regaining his footing.


    Opposite him, Qin Mengjun also floated backward a dozen feet, her form crashing into the mists before lightly waving her sleeve, coming to an abrupt halt. The surging aftershocks nearby dissipated with a flick of her sleeve.


    Neither of them looked at the tumultuous Cloud Sea. Instead, they exchanged a glance across the void. Chen Mu was processing their last clash, and the battle intent in his eyes gradually faded.


    "The strength you possess now is nearly equal to mine. With such power, the world is yours to explore," Qin Mengjun said as she approached Chen Mu, a hint of exclamation in her voice. "I had thought it would take you at least a few years to reach this stage. I never expected you to exceed my expectations yet again and reach this realm in just two months."


    Hearing Qin Mengjun''s words, Chen Mu returned from his reverie, replying softly, "Master praises me too highly. You haven''t even used your Spirit Weapon. If we were to truly go all out, it is I who would ultimately be defeated."


    Qin Mengjun had her own Spirit Weapon, ''Heaven Cap Seal,'' that perfectly aligned with her. If she were to wield it, her physical strength could be enhanced further by one or two folds, whereas for him, neither the Evil-Breaking Thunder Spear nor the Houtu Spirit Spear would boost his own prowess anymore.


    In the Blood Exchange Realm, it''s very difficult to assess one''s strength purely by the magnitude of their power.


    In Chen Mu''s current view, if the combat power of a top Grandmaster was rated as ten, then an unparalleled Grandmaster would be about twenty, the enfeebled Mystic Tortoise imprisoned for a hundred years around thirty. As for Qin Mengjun and himself, they were about forty.


    If Qin Mengjun were to wield the Heaven Cap Seal, it would raise her power even further, perhaps to forty-five or fifty. In a life-and-death struggle, indeed, he would be at a slight disadvantage.


    Gathering materials for a Qiankun Spirit Weapon was indeed a challenging task.


    Compared to that, it would be more straightforward to push the Qiankun Martial Body a step further and achieve Major Achievement.


    Of course, such a difference was not significant. At least now, facing Qin Mengjun, he could respond with composure. Therefore, judging by this, even against a figure like Yin Heng, there wouldn''t be a massive, insurmountable gap between them, and it would not be very difficult to emerge unscathed.


    As for those at the ''Unity of Heaven and Man'' level who surpassed Yin Heng, there were not many across the entire Da Xuan Dynasty. Qin Mengjun''s statement that ''the world is yours to explore'' wasn''t much of an exaggeration, as he indeed now had the qualifications.


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 Chapter 566 - 345: The Sky is High and the Earth Thick

    "I remember that you had already collected five types of spiritual materials for the Qiankun Eight Phases," Qin Mengjun approached and said to Chen Mu. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Qin Mengjun walked over and, looking at Chen Mu, said, "On this journey to the Cold North, I settled some matters of old and also took the chance to inquire about the three types of spiritual materials you are missing, but for the time being there are no results. How about on your end?"


    "I have no news either," Chen Mu shook his head slightly and said, "Destroying the main altar of the Sky Demon Sect did yield a few types, but they were all kinds I already had. It''s meaningless to have duplicates. Indeed, gathering the materials needed to forge the Qiankun Spirit Weapon requires certain encounters."


    Of course, if he had already ascended to the Blood Exchange Realm and become invincible in the world, he could simply sweep through each sect one by one; it wouldn''t matter how lacking the materials were, they would be gathered eventually. But by that point, he would already possess overwhelming power himself, and the Qiankun Spirit Weapon would merely be icing on the cake.


    "With your current level, you''re more than capable of traveling the world. Finding all the spiritual materials shouldn''t be that difficult," Qin Mengjun said softly. "I will also keep an eye out for you... Oh right, there''s another matter I need to discuss with you."


    At this point,


    Qin Mengjun glanced at the nearby Cloud Sea, then with a wave of her sleeve, a surge of Strength of Qian Heaven spread out, erasing all traces of the disturbances in heaven and earth caused by the battle just fought. Then she looked at Chen Mu and said, "Let''s head back to the sect first. We can talk on the way."


    "Alright,"


    Chen Mu nodded in agreement and followed Qin Mengjun.


    By the time the two returned to the back cliff of Spirit Profound Peak, Chen Mu''s face was already tinged with a hint of contemplation. "If that''s the case, then there''s indeed some possibility," he said.


    "Now that the attention of all parties is focused on Ice State, if it''s true that the Ice State Abyss is about to open, an opportunity is coming. With your current level, you can easily explore the Earthly Abyss. Many treasures within are only comparable to those of the Great Wilderness," Qin Mengjun told Chen Mu.


    During her trip, she had also discovered a piece of information: there seemed to be some abnormal changes in one of the domains in Ice State, but for now, it was unclear exactly what was happening. However, according to what she had discovered, the commotion this time would undoubtedly be significant.


    If it was indeed the Earthly Abyss opening, then the situation would suddenly make sense. The Sky Demon Sect, the Heavenly Corpse Sect, and the forces of the Foreign Race outside the Sect had joined hands. Despite being unable to conquer Ice Extreme Palace after such a lengthy period, they continued to engage in a stalemate within Ice State, perhaps waiting for this very opportunity.


    Once the land of Ice State began to shift and the Earthly Abyss opened, the Power of the Veins would cause widespread chaos, definitely affecting the formation of the main altar of the Ice Extreme Palace. Then, it would be easy for the three powers to breach the palace''s defenses!


    Moreover,


    If the Earthly Abyss truly is about to open, all the powers along the Northern Path would most likely be too preoccupied to care about the battles in Ice State and would turn their gaze to the Ice State Abyss, for the Abyss contains almost every kind of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures. Many of the world''s top spiritual materials come from the Abyss, including treasures like the ''Twelve-Grade Five Elements Lotus Platform.''


    It''s even rumored that the Abyss conceals spiritual objects that can truly ''prolong one''s life,'' items that would drive any Grandmaster mad and make even those in the Blood Exchange Realm eagerly covet such rare treasures!


    Keep in mind,


    These lifeprolonging treasures are not the ordinary sort that you hear about in mundane legends, like thousand-year ginseng. Those are merely common spiritual objects that nourish the Qi-Blood; for ordinary people, nourishing Qi-Blood naturally leads to a longer life. But for martial artists, especially those in the Marrow Cleansing and Blood Exchange Realms, the nourishment of Qi-Blood is not important at all.


    Only those exceedingly rare treasures can cause their Martial Bodies to temporarily halt in a certain state, thereby extending their lifespan for a period of time. Even if it''s just for one or two years, it''s enough to provoke intense competition among those in the Blood Exchange Realm.


    Of course,


    For Chen Mu, he''s not really interested in such treasures. Given the transformation of his physique now, once he steps into the Blood Exchange Realm in the future, his lifespan will be so extended that it might even rival those of the Heavenly Demons. A year or two''s worth of lifespan is nothing to him.


    Instead, it''s the lacking materials for the Qiankun Spirit Weapon, or the Body Refining spiritual objects that can temper the Martial Body, or other rare spiritual materials, that are more attractive to him.


    "If the Earthly Abyss is indeed about to open, then it truly is an encounter worth exploring. However, based on the current situation, it''s still just one possibility," Chen Mu quickly gathered his thoughts and said.


    "Whether it''s true or not, we will roughly know in a few days," Qin Mengjun said.


    "This matter should not have spread yet," Chen Mu pondered. He figured he was among the first to know; otherwise, if the news had already spread, he would have heard something about it within the Seven Profound Sect by now.


    Qin Mengjun nodded slightly and said, "The Sky Demon Sect and Heavenly Corpse Sect, along with the Foreign Race outside, probably all knew this in advance and deliberately kept it secret. But now that the anomaly in Ice State is imminent, they can no longer keep it hidden."


    "Changes in the natural world cannot be resisted by human effort," Chen Mu said.


    His understanding of the Martial Arts Realm was already quite profound. After all, when he reached the limit of the second step in his Artistic Conception cultivation, his system panel once allowed him a brief insight into the ''Unity of Heaven and Man'' level.


    Even though that level seemed vast and enabled one to perceive the universe as if everything was within grasp, the actual scope of insight was at most a few hundred to a thousand miles, which still represented only a tiny fraction of the vast universe. The so-called control over the world was, in fact, still just going with the flow, unable to truly alter everything.


    Which is quite normal, after all.

 Chapter 567 - 345: The Immensity of Heaven and Earth_2

    After all, if even Heaven and Earth could be defied, that would not be the work of a martial artist, but of gods and buddhas.


    "Hmm, as martial artists, we practice from Skin Toughening to Body Refinement, up to this Blood Exchange Realm, it is merely a continuous pursuit of the essence of Heaven and Earth. To reach the Unity of Heaven and Man is merely to understand a part of the essence of Heaven and Earth, allowing oneself to blend into it, like a fish in the water, always going with the flow, unable to truly leap out of the water."


    Qin Mengjun turned her head towards the towering sky and couldn''t help but sigh lightly, saying, "After I comprehended the Qian Heaven Domain, I pursued the high heavens, but at that time I could only ascend four thousand feet. Later, after cultivating a Martial Body, I ascended nine thousand feet, still unable to see the end."


    "Not long ago, I tried to probe the heights of the sky again, but after reaching sixteen thousand feet, I couldn''t go higher. There, the wind was fierce, and higher up, everywhere there were fractures of Heaven and Earth, a barrier even Unity of Heaven and Man could not cross."


    Upon hearing Qin Mengjun''s words,


    Chen Mu also couldn''t help but look up at the sky, gazing towards the end of the heaven.


    As a visitor, his curiosity about this world was actually much stronger than that of Qin Mengjun and others, but as his cultivation in martial arts was still weak, he had no interest in exploring these ''profound mysteries of Heaven and Earth.''


    After all, the very existence of this world, much of it already contradicted his knowledge, such as one detail, he did not know whether ''Heaven is round'', but this land was likely ''square'', extremely flat.


    Theoretically, if there is an extremely large flat land, it should have an end, but he had never seen any record of an ''end'' in any classics, including not knowing how high the sky is or how thick the earth is.


    Now,


    although his realm had not yet reached the final step of Blood Exchange, his level of strength had already reached this layer, and the curiosity he had suppressed in his heart in the past had indeed risen.


    It was not entirely curiosity, but if he could know these things, comprehend the true full appearance of this world, then his insight into ''Qiankun'' would also be greatly elevated, perhaps stepping into the third stage without relying on the system panel!


    However,


    even Qin Mengjun could only ascend to sixteen thousand feet, speaking of the upper part as having ice-like fine white cracks, so he today could not surpass it either.


    After all, those white cracks, which he and Qin Mengjun could only burst forth a thread at a time when they went all out, if the entire area were such cracks, it is unimaginable how terrifying it would be, indeed, even a sanctified being of Unity of Heaven and Man would not be able to cross it.


    "Sixteen thousand feet, huh."


    Chen Mu muttered to himself, and then cast his gaze downward, saying, "Yet I wonder how thick the earth is, it seems that the Earthly Abyss is only about a thousand feet below the ground."


    Ordinary Grandmasters could only move about a hundred feet below the ground. The top Grandmasters who cultivated the Kun Earth lineage could go as deep as three hundred feet. Blood Exchange Realm practitioners could reach a depth of five or six hundred feet at most, and entry into the Earthly Abyss was only possible during special periods.


    As for what lies below the Earthly Abyss, it remains a mystery, unknown to anyone.


    "Perhaps in the future, you will have the capacity to explore thoroughly."


    Qin Mengjun also cast her gaze towards the foot of the Spirit Profound Peak, her eyes reflecting complex emotions, suddenly speaking softly.


    The future Chen Mu might scale peaks in martial arts never before reached, surpassing the Martial Emperor who founded the Da Xuan Imperial Court. By then, what he could see would surely go further than anyone else; perhaps he would be able to glimpse the limits of the world.


    "It''s still too far away."


    Chen Mu, hearing the words of Qin Mengjun, shook his head slightly.


    As of now, he had only just begun to enter the level of Blood Exchange Realm, slightly inferior to figures like Yin Heng. To reach the state where he could command the wind and cloud, where a single decree would be obeyed by all under heaven, there was still a distance to go.


    As Chen Mu''s thoughts drifted, suddenly his gaze shifted sharply, turning towards the great hall at the summit of Spirit Profound Peak, Qin Mengjun too paused for a moment, both looking in that direction.


    "This is..."


    Chen Mu''s eyes flickered slightly, and after confirming clearly, he finally smiled slightly, saying, "It seems that perseverance pays off, Brother Chu has finally crossed that door."


    "Martial arts, beyond the first two realms, each step is a struggle, with Marrow Cleansing and Blood Exchange being the most difficult challenges. One needs not just strong bones, aptitude, will, and character, but also sufficient fortune to reach this point."


    Qin Mengjun also stared in the direction of the great hall, her eyes revealing a trace of emotion. S§×ar?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chu Jingsui, who had returned from Lang Prefecture and secluded himself in Spirit Profound Peak for over half a year, had finally burst through the Mysterious Pass, stepping into the Marrow Cleansing Realm, thereafter also becoming a Grandmaster!


    Chu Jingsui was her first true disciple, and she had seen all the hardships he had gone through. To finally break through the Mysterious Pass, the effort and toil he had put in was indeed beyond what ordinary people could accomplish; any Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster had paid an untold amount of blood and sweat.


    Now, as she stepped into the Blood Exchange Realm and Chu Jingsui into Marrow Cleansing, her heart was somewhat gratified, of course, there was also Chen Mu by her side, but she knew that with Chen Mu''s talent and his unwavering perseverance and dedication, even without her as his mentor, he would eventually reach this stage, just perhaps a few years slower, still differing from Chu Jingsui.


    Whirr!


    The Power of Heaven and Earth surged continuously into the depths of the great hall at Spirit Profound Peak, evidently due to Chu Jingsui solidifying his Martial Body.


    Such a commotion might not be noticed by ordinary practitioners of the Five Organ and Viscera Realm, but for many Elders and Peak Masters of the Seven Profound Sect, it was naturally impossible not to notice.

 Chapter 568 - 568: 345

    ```


    "Congratulations."


    A voice resounded at the top of Spirit Profound Peak, and it was none other than the Supreme Elder Yin Heng.


    To anyone, having a disciple step into the Grandmaster Realm was a congratulatory matter, and it was no different even for the Blood Exchange Realm. After all, Martial Artists of the Five Viscera and Six Viscera could rely on resources to forcibly stack up, but not so for a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster.


    For any Sect, a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster was a true pillar of support. Even within the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, if a Grandmaster was willing to serve the Imperial Court, they could also hold a high-ranking and influential position.


    Chu Jingsui''s Martial Arts foundation was also quite remarkable. Now that he had stepped into the Grandmaster realm, even if he could not reach the level of a top Grandmaster in the future, he would still likely become one of the strongest people just below the top Grandmasters. He would definitely have a certain renown across the eleven states of the Northern Path.


    Of course.


    Yin Heng''s congratulations were not only for Chu Jingsui.


    Clad in green, he stood within the Sect''s Forbidden Land, gazing in the direction of Spirit Profound Peak, his eyes filled with a touch of sentiment. Five or six years ago, the declining lineage of Spirit Profound Peak gradually revitalized, completely transformed in just a few short years.


    First Chen Mu emerged, the Demon-Slaying Venerable, slaying Tuguhou, followed by Qin Mengjun''s full recovery from his old injuries and ascent to the Blood Exchange Realm, and now Chu Jingsui''s breakthrough of the Mysterious Pass to become a Grandmaster. These successive changes were as swift as a rabbit rising and a falcon falling, dazzling to behold.


    "Marrow Cleansing..."


    "Who is it?"


    "From the direction of Spirit Profound Peak."


    Within the Seven Profound Sect, gazes from various peaks converged on Spirit Profound Peak.


    "The Power of Heaven and Earth infusing the body, this means the Mysterious Pass has been broken. Who has become a Grandmaster? Could it be Chen Mu? No, if it were him, the cultivation of the Qiankun Martial Body would cause even greater commotion. It must be Chu Jingsui."


    "The lineage of Spirit Profound Peak shall prosper."


    In almost an instant, the Peak Masters and Elders of the Seven Profound Sect understood who had stepped into the Marrow Cleansing Realm. They sent their congratulations towards Spirit Profound Peak from afar and also sighed in their hearts at the impending prosperity of Spirit Profound Peak.


    With Chen Mu in front and Chu Jingsui following, and the former Peak Master Qin Mengjun stepping into the Blood Exchange Realm to become a Supreme Elder, the whole lineage looked prosperous from top to bottom. Anyone could see the rising momentum of Spirit Profound Peak''s lineage, and in the coming century, even the Great Profound Peak, leading the Seven Profound Sect, might find it hard to match the thriving of Spirit Profound Peak.


    Chu Jingsui''s breakthrough of the Mysterious Pass and the Solidifying Refinement of his Martial Body would still take several more days.


    After staring in the direction of the main hall for a moment, Chen Mu turned to look at Qin Mengjun beside him and smiled, "Brother Chu will probably need a few more days to leave seclusion. Once Brother Chu consolidates his Realm, Spirit Profound Peak will likely still be left in his charge. I might not spend much time at the Sect''s gates in the future."


    Previously, with Qin Mengjun assuming the role of the Supreme Elder, the position of the Peak Master of Spirit Profound Peak was vacant. Chen Mu was the only one qualified to take over, and so the role passed to him. However, he was destined not to stay in the Sect for long, as he would likely spend most of his time outside. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Within the Seven Profound Sect, the status of a Peak Master and an Elder was comparable. A Peak Master is usually a young Grandmaster who has just entered the Grandmaster Realm, or an elderly Grandmaster of advanced age. Those in the middle age bracket typically do not assume the role of Peak Master.


    The reason is simple.


    New entrants to the Marrow Cleansing Realm, like Chu Jingsui, would most likely spend most of their time refining their Martial Bodies within the Sect, needing twenty years to Solidify Refinement to Perfection. Only then would their frequency of venturing outside increase, with cultivation being their main focus before that.


    Or those who are over one hundred and fifty years old, close to the twilight years for a Grandmaster. They have no chance of advancing to the Blood Exchange Realm and lack competitive ambition. They too would stay in the Sect, guiding the younger disciples in their Cultivation.


    "That''s good."


    Hearing Chen Mu''s words, Qin Mengjun also nodded slightly.


    Although Chen Mu had also entered the Grandmaster Realm not long ago, with his current strength, he was more than capable of traveling the world, naturally not confined to staying within the Sect daily. He would likely venture out more often than return. In contrast, Chu Jingsui would not frequently leave the Sect, at least for the next decade or so, as he would stay to Refine his Martial Body and Comprehend Artistic Conception within the Sect.


    Moreover, Chen Mu had already cultivated the Qian Heaven Domain and was using the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation to comprehend Nature. The effects were no longer as significant as before. On the other hand, Chu Jingsui could better grasp his own Domain sooner with the help of the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation.


    Ultimately, whether Chen Mu assumed the role of Peak Master or Chu Jingsui did, both hailed from Spirit Profound Peak, so there was no need for confirmation from the Elders'' Court. They only needed mutual agreement between themselves to undertake the succession.


    "Then I shall take my leave first, and return in a couple of days to congratulate Brother Chu," said Chen Mu with a smile, bowing to Qin Mengjun.


    Qin Mengjun watched Chen Mu leave and gave a slight nod. Then, with some reminiscence, he glanced at the ancient trees and rocks at the back cliff, those familiar sceneries he had spent years with, and gently caressed the rocks. With a final step, he vanished from sight.


    ...


    Yu State.


    Chen Residence.


    In a side room located in the back courtyard, Chen Mu stood quietly in front of a furnace, surrounded by no less than dozens of medicinal ingredients. His gaze was fixed on the exquisite copper furnace on top of the furnace platform, occasionally adding an ingredient into it for decoction.


    After consecutively placing several ingredients, gauging the fire''s intensity, he finally took out a jade vase, gently shook it, and flicked out a thumb-sized ball of bright red blood from the vase. The viscous and crimson blood, clear as jade, floated in the air, emitting waves of demonic power.


    This was Mystic Tortoise Demon Blood.


    During his initial concoction of the Turtle Ling Powder, he would naturally not directly consume the Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood, as it was far too precious. Even though he had once acquired a bottle and had hunted a Mystic Tortoise alongside Qin Mengjun, the amount he had was still not plentiful, and he couldn''t afford to waste a single drop.


    ```

 Chapter 569 - 345 Sky High Earth Thick_4

    Ordinary Mystic Tortoise Demon Blood is much more common; he had a large amount on hand, and the Mansion Treasury of the Seven Profound Sect currently held a vast stockpile. After all, with the Mystic Tortoise''s several dozen zhang-sized Demon Body, the resources of the Demon Blood were so plentiful that they could not be exhausted in a short period of time.


    Sizzle.


    Chen Mu flicked out a clump of demon blood, his eyes briefly flashing as he entangled it with his own Yuan Gang True Essence, forcibly purifying most of the mottled demonic power within. Then, with a flick of his finger, he directed the clump of demon blood into the copper furnace.


    Although most of the demonic power was purified, it was Mystic Tortoise Demon Blood after all. Once it entered the copper furnace, it acted as if a drop of water had fallen into a pot of oil, sending up a cloud of blood mist in an instant. However, Chen Mu promptly covered it with the lid.


    The copper furnace was a specially made medicinal furnace. Although it wasn''t a Spirit Weapon, it was still of Treasured Artifact quality.


    After the lid was secured, sounds of boiling medicine continuously bubbling could be heard from within, creating a gurgling noise and the entire furnace trembled nonstop. Nevertheless, Chen Mu''s gaze remained calm as he observed the state of the furnace.


    After it had gradually stabilized, he flicked his finger again, lifting a piece of wood that resembled a blackened branch into the air. He crushed it into a powder and then directed it into the furnace. Immediately, the furnace shook violently once more, rumbling with noise.


    After repeating this process many times,


    Finally, the entire furnace gradually calmed down, and strands of deep red Demon Qi began to seep out from beneath the lid. S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once this Demon Qi had completely dissipated, Chen Mu flicked his finger, a wave of invisible Qi Force spreading out, opening the furnace to reveal no more medicine or liquid inside, only a portion of pitch-black Medicinal Powder.


    "So this is the Mystic Turtle Medicinal Powder, huh?"


    Chen Mu''s mind stirred, and a ball of Qi Force enveloped the Medicinal Powder inside the furnace and floated it into the air. He then examined it closely before his eyes for a moment, confirming that it matched the description on the Prescription given to him by Qin Mengjun without any discrepancies.


    Making medicine was indeed a challenging task, especially Medicinal Powder like the Mystic Turtle Medicinal Powder that involved a vast range and complex process of an extremely high grade. However, Chen Mu was ultimately a Grandmaster, with a natural ability to control quantity and heat to perfection, leaving almost no room for error. Even high-grade Medicinal Powder did not pose too much difficulty for him to concoct.


    Looking at the formed Mystic Turtle Medicinal Powder.


    Chen Mu pondered briefly before opening his mouth and swallowing all the powder.


    The moment the Medicinal Powder entered his stomach, Chen Mu immediately felt a searing heat ignite within, which quickly spiraled throughout his body. After reaching his limbs and bones, as if unlocking some deficiency in his body, The Power of Heaven and Earth nearby also started rushing into him.


    Thus,


    The effect persisted for nearly half an hour, finally settling down.


    "Just two Experience points? That''s too little."


    Chen Mu summoned the system panel to check and saw that the Experience for his Qiankun Martial Body had only increased by two points compared to before, causing him to shake his head slightly. It seemed that Mystic Turtle Medicinal Powder concocted from ordinary demon blood had a relatively average effect on him.


    This was to be expected; after all, even at Minor Achievement, his Qiankun Martial Body''s Physique was in no way inferior to that of someone in the Blood Exchange Realm like Qin Mengjun, so it was perfectly normal for the effect of ordinary Body Refining Medicinal Powder to be less noticeable.


    "Qiankun Martial Body from Minor Achievement to Major Achievement requires six thousand Experience points, so do I need to concoct three thousand batches of Mystic Turtle Medicinal Powder?"


    Chen Mu slightly shook his head.


    Concocting three thousand batches of Mystic Turtle Medicinal Powder was obviously not feasible, not to mention that some of the auxiliary medicinal materials were also quite rare. Several types were not even available in the Mansion Treasury of the Seven Profound Sect, and he had managed to purchase them in the State Government Office. Such a quantity of three thousand batches was evidently unattainable. Mainly because as the body gradually adapted to the medicinal effect of the Mystic Turtle Medicinal Powder, subsequent batches could become completely ineffective.


    It seemed that for him, only the top-quality Mystic Turtle Medicinal Powder concocted from Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood was more appropriate. As for this ordinary Mystic Turtle Medicinal Powder, while it was excellent for nourishing Qi-Blood, if the medicinal effects were diluted, it would be a fine nourishing Medicinal Powder for Xu Hongyu and the others.

 Chapter 570 - 346: An Ominous Vision Appears

    ```


    After a moment of contemplation.


    Chen Mu began to refine another batch of elixir.


    He wasn''t in a hurry to arrange tasks for Xu Hongyu and the others. This time, the refinement was using the Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood. After the first round of attempts confirmed that the prescription was error-free, he started to refine the superior quality Tortoise Lingzhi Powder.


    The process of refining was identical to before, but when it came time to use the demon blood, Chen Mu took out the millennia-old Mystic Jade Vase. With a slight shake, a crystal-clear drop of Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood emerged.


    Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood.


    It can''t be said that all the demon blood residing in the Mystic Tortoise''s heart is "heart blood". Otherwise, given the colossal size of the Mystic Tortoise, the amount of heart blood could very well inundate a small house, which is obviously not the case.


    The so-called heart blood is actually the essence blood that the Heavenly Demon has refined to the utmost extent. It is the very essence of one''s being. Regardless of size, the amount of heart blood is never plentiful. The quantity Chen Mu held was already substantial.


    As that drop of heart blood surfaced, the emitted demon qi was incomparable to the ordinary demon blood from before. The thick demon qi spreading out almost started to crystallize into a deep red color in the air!


    Had Chen Mu not tightly confined this demon qi with a wisp of Yuan Gang Inner Breath, preventing any leakage, his residence would have likely become engulfed in an upward surge of demon qi, alarming the entire Inner City of the State Government Office in an instant!


    "The Heavenly Demon Heart Blood is indeed extraordinary, but..."


    Chen Mu gazed at the drop of heart blood, yet his eyes remained utterly calm.


    Although he had not reached the Blood Exchange Realm, if he were to extract a drop of essence blood from his heart space, its quality and level would not be much inferior to this drop of Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood. For an Eighth Rank demon like the Ink Jade Demon Venerable, seizing his flesh and blood would undoubtedly result in an immediate transformation into the Ninth Rank with little problem. However, such existences were already easily exterminated by Chen Mu at his current level.


    Chen Mu put away the millennia-old Mystic Jade Vase, and then his right thumb and forefinger mimicked the action of pinching a flower, trapping the drop of Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood between them. Then, a stream of pure Qiankun Yuan Gang gushed forth, enveloping and continuously refining the blood.


    In the process of solidifying the Tortoise Lingzhi Powder, the most critical part was to dissipate the demon qi within the demon blood, since the Tortoise Lingzhi Powder was intended for humans, not the demon men of the Sky Demon Sect. If humans absorbed an excessive amount of demon qi, it would naturally lead to a demonic transformation. Only the demon men from the Sky Demon Sect could disregard this concern, as the demon qi was exactly what they needed.


    Sizzle.


    Accompanied by a sizzling sound, after just a short while, that drop of Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood became significantly purer.


    If it were an ordinary Grandmaster, refining this drop of Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood would be a major undertaking, requiring meticulous purification over a day or even several days. However, it was not so troublesome for Chen Mu. After all, his Yuan Gang Inner Breath was on par with, if not superior to, that of the Blood Exchange Realm, and he feared no erosion by demon qi.


    Upon adding the Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood into the cauldron, it began to tremble violently, far more than during the previous refinements. The cauldron shook continually as if it were about to explode at any moment.


    However, Chen Mu remained steady, continuing to add herbs into the cauldron.


    This situation was merely on the surface; after all, the cauldron was a treasured artifact of exceptional quality that he had specifically acquired. It was no ordinary object and could bear the weight of the refined Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood without issue.


    The same process as before was repeated. He methodically added the herbs, controlling the time of the calcination until the final step was done. With a flick of his sleeve, the flames beneath the cauldron were swiftly extinguished, and the cauldron itself quickly stabilized.


    He reached out his hand and opened the cauldron.


    Inside, a dark mass with a faint luminescence had already condensed.


    ```


    The Medicinal Powder refined from the Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood took the form of a paste, and it would be more accurate to call it a Medicinal Paste.


    With previous experience,


    Chen Mu didn''t hesitate much. He took out the Medicinal Paste and after briefly examining it, swallowed it. Then, an even more surging Medicinal Power than before immediately erupted within his body, like a raging torrent swirling and tumbling.


    One could say that the previous Medicinal Powder was but a trickle of a stream, and to his now Minor Achievement Qiankun Martial Body, it was barely a refining process that was slightly better than nothing. This time, it was as though his entire being was immersed in a vast river, bearing the onslaught of its currents.


    Even more so,


    While feeling the changes within his body, Chen Mu also heard the roaring sound of surging tides by his ear, and it seemed as if he could sense that his entire being appeared deep within the Vast Sea, surrounded in all directions by rolling waves!


    "Is this the lingering will of the Mystic Tortoise, solidified within its heart blood, imperishable even in death?"


    Chen Mu contemplated thoughtfully.


    The state of the surging seas, as if he were truly there, even gave Chen Mu the illusion that he was no longer human but had transformed into a Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise, dominating the Vast Sea.


    Such an invasion of the will is actually very dangerous. If one''s Martial Arts will is not strong enough, it''s possible to be eroded by it. Even an ordinary Grandmaster would need to focus their mind to resist; otherwise, if their will is disturbed, they would have to expend a lot of mental energy afterward.


    However, Chen Mu''s will was incredibly resilient, his state of mind extraordinarily lofty. The boundless Seven Profound Mountains under the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation couldn''t shake his true will, and he had already preliminarily experienced the vastness of the Unity of Heaven and Man. Naturally, a mere wisp of the Mystic Tortoise''s remaining will was no more than a breeze brushing his face, posing no threat to him whatsoever.


    In just a moment,


    The faint lingering will of the Mystic Tortoise dissipated completely.


    At the same time, the Medicinal Power of this batch of Medicinal Powder was fully assimilated by Chen Mu''s Qiankun Martial Body. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He didn''t hesitate and called up the system interface.


    [Martial Body: Qiankun (Minor Achievement)]


    [Experience: 411 points]


    "Roughly two hundred points of experience, huh?"


    Chen Mu stroked his chin and showed a thoughtful expression.


    This Medicinal Powder refined from the Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood was much more effective for him: a gain of a full two hundred experience points. If he calculated simply based on this, then ten portions amounted to two thousand experience points.


    And he had nearly fifteen portions of Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood in his hands. That was fifteen portions of top-quality Medicinal Powder, which basically satisfied half of the requirements to advance his Qiankun Martial Body from Minor Achievement to Major Achievement.


    Although the effectiveness of the same type of Medicinal Powder would inevitably diminish after many uses, with the system panel, he could refine a portion and have the system assimilate it for him after each use, avoiding any waste.


    "Although the Martial Body is strong, it also has its inconveniences,"


    Chen Mu suddenly sighed.


    ```


    In reality, fifteen portions of top-quality Turtle Spirit Powder, if used by an ordinary Grandmaster who could digest all the Medicinal Power without wasting any, would likely suffice to advance one from Minor Achievement to Perfection. However, for him, it was only enough to cover half the distance from Minor Achievement to Major Achievement.


    His Martial Body was simply too powerful, and to enhance it using Body Refining Medicinal Powder and Spiritual Objects required an enormous amount of Medicinal Power. Fortunately, the system panel allowed him to absorb any Medicinal Powder or Spiritual Object with one hundred percent efficiency, so the difference wasn''t significant in the end.


    "Let''s turn the rest of this into Turtle Spirit Powder and store it as well."


    After giving it some thought, Chen Mu continued with the refinement of the Medicinal Powder.


    ...


    Meanwhile, as Chen Mu returned from the Seven Profound Sect to his estate to refine Turtle Spirit Powder¡ª


    Ice State.


    Over the vast expanse of the snowy plains.


    One could see packs of snow wolves frolicking in the snow, their eyes blood-red, clearly becoming somewhat restless and agitated. A few of them even paced in circles, emitting dull roars.


    Looking up at the sky, there were flocks of flying demonic birds circling overhead, cooing and cawing incessantly.


    One by one, the demonic creatures grew agitated, as if sensing some inexplicable omen. As time went on, this sense of restlessness and oppression spread throughout the various regions of Ice State.


    Including the commoners living at the bottom of society, those who went out to chop wood and cook felt the air grow heavy, their hearts palpitated inexplicably, as if a form of invisible oppression filled the space between heaven and earth.


    At a certain cliff.


    A figure in green stood at the peak, a sword on his back, gazing up at the sky.


    Above them, the sky was shrouded in mist, evoking an oppressive atmosphere. The brilliant radiance of the sun seemed dimmed by the clouds, yet in the hazy expanse of mist, the intense sunlight seemed to vaguely split in two!


    Upon closer inspection.


    One could see that behind the white clouds in the sky, the blazing golden sun appeared as if it was about to split in two!


    "Twin suns in the sky, the Earthly Abyss shall open."


    Jiang Changsheng, his back to the sword, gazed at the sky and murmured to himself, "It seems that my chance for the Blood Exchange lies within the Ice State Abyss."


    ...


    At the same time.


    Located throughout Ice State, the Grandmasters from the Great Sects of Cold North, who had arrived a few days early to investigate the condition of Ice State, were either standing on the ice plains or meditating on pine trees. Almost all of them looked up at the sky in unison.


    "Twin suns in the sky!"


    "The Ice State Abyss is indeed opening!"


    Many Grandmasters'' eyes shone with a glint of light.


    Twin suns in the sky!


    For the common folk, it was a disastrous event, because it would cause widespread demonic disturbances across an entire state, leaving not a single area in peace, a calamity that happened once in decades or even centuries.


    Yet for the Great Sects, for those who had stepped into the Marrow Cleansing Realm and reached the level of Grandmaster, it was an invaluable opportunity. During normal times, even those in the Blood Exchange Realm would not be able to enter the Earth''s Veins. Only when the twin suns were in the sky would the Power of Heaven and Earth within the state become chaotic and muddled, causing the Earth''s Veins to tremble, allowing one to delve into the Abyss for exploration!


    How vast is the Earthly Abyss?


    To this day, no one knows.


    Because the structure beneath the ground is far more complex than above, and the Earthly Abyss is not just one single layer.


    Since it has never been fully explored, those rare treasures and Spiritual Objects that have long vanished from the surface may still exist within the Abyss. The most precious items from all of the Da Xuan Dynasty, nearly half of them, originate from the Earthly Abyss!


    In a certain location in Snow County, surrounded by boundless snow.


    Fu Jingyuan, an Elder of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, walked upon the snowy fields. He looked up at the sky, then down at the endless frost and snow at his feet, with a trace of light flickering in his eyes, he muttered:


    "Indeed, the Earthly Abyss is about to open; the divination this time was not wrong."


    They from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion had long since divined and predicted the possibility of ''twin suns in the sky'' that would open the Ice State Abyss. Therefore, they were never willing to intervene in the conflicts of Ice State.


    Because¡ª


    Compared to the turmoil of Ice State, exploring the Abyss was the truly important event! Precious and rare Spiritual Treasures, both known and unknown to the world, are buried beneath the vast land, and exactly how many treasures exist within the Abyss remains a mystery. Items like those that prolong life, which are highly sought after even by individuals in the Blood Exchange Realm, and those that can transform Qi-Blood and assist one in breaking through to the Blood Exchange Realm, are considered priceless treasures, hard to come by in this world.


    Although Qin Mengjun''s advancement into the Blood Exchange Realm shook him, and Chen Mu''s rise to the third place on the Wind Cloud List¡ªeven his achievement of slaying Tuguhou¡ªmade him extremely wary, to the point of regretting not having eliminated Chen Mu earlier in the remote areas of Yu County, the prediction of celestial changes they had made long ago was ultimately correct. The Earthly Abyss was going to open, and the fact that no major complications had arisen beforehand might not be a bad thing at all.


    ...


    If the early signs of abnormality in Ice State were extremely subtle, only perceptible to those in the Blood Exchange Realm and also unable to forecast specific subsequent changes, then with the emergence of the sign of "twin suns in the sky," everything could no longer be concealed.


    The opening of the Ice State Abyss was a certainty!


    At once¡ª


    The whole Eleven State was in turmoil.


    Who knows how many Grandmasters set out from all over the states, converging towards Ice State in dramatic fashion!


    ```

 Chapter 571 - 347: Return to Ice State

    In the bedroom.


    On the bed.


    Chen Mu embraced Xu Hongyu, intricately sensing the flow of Qi-Blood and Inner Breath within her body.


    It seemed that his movements were slightly vigorous, prompting Xu Hongyu to moan softly, her pretty face flushing red like blood, yet it wasn''t from shyness but the relentless surge of Qi-Blood in her body which, even at her Five Viscera Realm, she still couldn''t fully suppress.


    In her gaze towards Chen Mu, there lingered a trace of incredulity; as his closest person, she naturally had the deepest understanding of him. Before Chen Mu left for Ice State, although each sense of his Qi-Blood was turbulent and full, it was never as intense as this time.


    That abundant essence made her feel as though she were consuming some sort of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Object, her Qi-Blood transformed into a raging tide within her body, making her feel like a small boat in a river, her Soul Heart almost carried away by the current.


    "Husband, how come you..."


    Xu Hongyu bit her lip gently, struggling to suppress her surging Qi-Blood, blinking her big eyes at Chen Mu, her gaze containing not just surprise but also a hint of joy.


    It wasn''t joy for herself but for the feeling that Chen Mu gave her, so vastly different from before; it led her to a faint guess. She wasn''t an ordinary person who knew nothing of Martial Arts; she was also a martial artist of the Five Viscera Realm, and although there was a significant gap between her and Chen Mu, their profound, unreserved communication allowed her clearly to feel every subtle change in each other.


    Martial Body?


    Marrow Cleansing Realm?


    Even as the idea dawned on Xu Hongyu, she still found it somewhat unbelievable, knowing all too well how difficult it was for martial artists to become Grandmasters. Chen Mu, only thirty-two this year, and there had never been a Grandmaster of his age in the history of the Da Xuan Calendar.


    Not to mention that the path Chen Mu cultivated was the most difficult¡ªthe Qiankun.


    "Before I went to Ice State, I was already not far from Marrow Cleansing, and this trip to Ice State finally brought my cultivation to completion,"


    Chen Mu, holding Xu Hongyu close, whispered into her ear.


    At this point, there was no need for further concealment; even if the world knew of his status as a thirty-two-year-old Qiankun Grandmaster, it would neither bring trouble nor danger to Xu Hongyu or anyone else.


    If it were before his ascension to Grandmaster, it indeed might have been possible for someone to threaten him using loved ones like Xu Hongyu and Chen Yue in the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, but that couldn''t happen anymore, unless he died; then, no one would dare touch Xu Hongyu and the others anymore.


    After all,


    for a Qiankun Grandmaster, targeting his family members was meaningless; it merely added a mortal vengeance for no reason. Moreover, given Chen Mu''s present situation, everyone had to consider whether Chen Mu might become the next ''Da Xuan Martial Emperor,'' whether his rise was unstoppable¡ªa preeminent powerhouse who, unless he fell himself, would not see his family troubled.


    Moreover, as he and Xu Hongyu''s skin touched, through their Dual Cultivation with the Qiankun Martial Body, this time the Qi-Blood he transferred to her was many times stronger than before, overwhelming even for a martial artist of the Five Viscera Realm like her to fully assimilate in a short time. With Xu Hongyu''s intelligence, even without explanation, she could easily infer what had happened.


    However implausible, when other possibilities were excluded, the answer became clear.


    "No wonder, last time you kept telling me you were fine, and I always thought...,"


    Xu Hongyu looked up at Chen Mu''s face, her eyes shimmering faintly.


    Previously, when the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion used her as a pawn to scheme against Chen Mu, and he had absorbed Demonic Qi to save her, she had constantly been haunted by that memory. Although Chen Mu assured her he was unharmed, she felt he was just consoling her. Now that Chen Mu had broken through the Mysterious Pass, cultivating his Martial Body into the Marrow Cleansing Realm, perhaps what he had said wasn''t false at all.


    The Demonic Qi trap set by the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, for Chen Mu, might truly have been completely harmless!


    "I did say before, the schemes of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion are useless against me,"


    Chen Mu gently stroked Xu Hongyu''s smooth back and said, "Now that I have finally achieved my goal, it''s about time to settle the old scores with the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion."


    Xu Hongyu leaned against Chen Mu, listening to his words, and couldn''t help but whisper, "Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion...although you have now become a Grandmaster, provoking them still might not be a good idea."


    She understood the weight of a Qiankun Grandmaster; after all, the saying went, ''With Qiankun''s emergence, none in the world can contend.'' A Qiankun Grandmaster was the strongest among Grandmasters. Even though Chen Mu was just a new Grandmaster, his strength could dominate among Grandmasters, but the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion remained a major faction dominating a state, and the Pavilion Master was in the Blood Exchange Realm.


    Chen Mu, backed by the Seven Profound Sect, certainly didn''t fear the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, but facing them alone could still be dangerous.


    Hearing Xu Hongyu''s concerned words, Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile and said, "My wife worries too much. If it''s about uprooting the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, now is indeed not the time. However, the Earthly Abyss in Ice State is about to open, the entire Cold North Path across the Eleven State, and various forces won''t miss it; they will all enter the Earthly Abyss to explore. I will also go there these couple of days. If the timing is right, perhaps I can start by collecting some interest from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion."


    His words were very light, casually spoken.


    But in fact, in Chen Mu''s heart, ever since the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion used Xu Hongyu to scheme against him in Yu County, they had already crossed his line. The mere deaths of people like Situ Shu weren''t enough to settle this grievance.


    That scheme, though executed by Situ Shu and others, was a significant affair. Could Fu Jingyuan and other Grandmasters of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion not know the details? Was it not approved by the upper echelons of the Pavilion?


    However, S~ea??h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    at that time, he did not possess significant abilities, and even if he wanted to pursue justice, he could only reach Situ Shu.


    In front of Fu Jingyuan, he had to step back, and it was only with Feng Hongsheng''s intervention blocking Fu Jingyuan that he ultimately managed to kill Situ Shu and eliminate Duanmu Chun and others.


    But now, he was different; in the entire Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, the only one he was slightly wary of was the mysterious Pavilion Master, but that was merely caution, not much fear.


    The opening of the Ice State Abyss was also an opportunity for him.


    For him now, exploring the abyss and finding some suitable spiritual objects was not too difficult, enhancing the Qiankun Martial Body a notch or two, reaching Major Achievement or even Perfection; then, even when facing a ''Unity of Heaven and Man'' expert, he would have the capability to retreat.


    "As long as you have thought it through, husband..."


    Xu Hongyu leaned against Chen Mu, her heart still filled with uncalm ripples.


    "And the Heavenly Corpse Sect, such an evil path, must be eradicated sooner or later."


    Chen Mu said calmly.


    The Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, Heavenly Corpse Sect, and Sky Demon Sect were essentially on his list of forces to be eliminated in the future. Not to mention the Sky Demon Sect, his grudge with the Heavenly Corpse Sect was not just once or twice, including the matter concerning Xu Hongyu''s father, Xu Yichuan.


    Xu Hongyu looked at the person close at hand, listening to Chen Mu''s words, her eyes shimmering, and she couldn''t help feeling a surreal sensation, recalling scenes of the past.


    Chen Mu,


    The thirty-two-year-old Qiankun Grandmaster.


    Having reached this stage, he was already qualified to look across the world, to catch a glimpse of the absolute peak of contemporary Martial Arts. In the future, he indeed had a real chance to become the revered figure of the Da Xuan founding Martial Emperor.


    Was this figure truly the man she had met and gotten to know from the secluded countryside of the Outer City of Yu County? Step by step following the path of Martial Arts and ascending, she eventually became his first wife, close at hand yet, in a trance, seemingly far away.


    However,


    this slightly confused mood was soon interrupted by a touch within her.


    Xu Hongyu, feeling the change and still with a slight flush of Qi-Blood on her cheeks not yet faded, looked at Chen Mu and said,


    "Husband, how come..."


    "I won''t be staying long this time, I have to go to Ice State again, accompany you to practice the cultivation technique several more times, also allowing you to reach the Six Viscera Realm sooner, and perhaps in the future, have a glimpse of the bottleneck of the Mysterious Pass."


    Chen Mu said calmly, his expression moving slightly.


    "But..."


    Xu Hongyu bit the corner of her lips, her fingers clutching the bedsheet, said, "I already feel somewhat..."


    Her Qi-Blood had just barely stabilized, and after Chen Mu had become a Grandmaster, his physique was fundamentally different from before¡ªlike heaven and earth. In the past, she could bear it, but now it was becoming difficult to endure.


    "Don''t worry; let Xiao He come over later."


    Chen Mu, seeing Xu Hongyu''s expression, couldn''t help but chuckle.


    Although with his talent and unwavering dedication to rigorous cultivation, whether it was Xu Hongyu or Xiao He among others, it was destined that they wouldn''t be able to keep up with him. Still, he couldn''t let them fall too far behind. After cultivating the Qiankun Martial Body, practicing this Dual Cultivation Technique with Xu Hongyu had better effects than he anticipated.


    Xu Hongyu reaching the Five Viscera Realm, breaking through to the Six Viscera Realm later wouldn''t be so difficult; he provided her only some benefits. As for Xiao He, with her ability, breaking through the Five Viscera Realm wasn''t too likely, but with his help, stepping into the Five Viscera Realm in the future wasn''t impossible either.


    At his current level, he actually no longer worried about advancing his own cultivation.


    In the future, whether he could explore the true essence of ''Immortality'' or not, his lifespan would be far longer than Xu Hongyu and others; hence comparatively, his heart now hoped more for Xu Hongyu and others to progress in Martial Arts, to be able to accompany him for longer.


    ...


    The next day.


    As the entire Northern Path stirred, Chen Mu also quietly left the Yu State Government Office and headed north once again, approaching Ice State.

 Chapter 572 - 348 The Longevity Sword and Jade Flute Guest

    Ice State.


    Frost County City.


    Ever since the Seven Profound Sect stationed itself in Ice State and occupied Frost County, the Prefectural Government had become much more stable. However, at this moment, an oppressive and somber atmosphere pervaded the entire city, causing unease among its million residents.


    The reason was the celestial phenomenon above, where the sun split into two, an omen passed down by generations of elders to be among the most inauspicious signs. Despite the Government officers steadying the people''s hearts within the city, the intangible effects brought about by such celestial changes could not be dispelled.


    Atop the city walls of the Prefecture City,


    many disciples of the Seven Profound Sect had taken over the guard duties from those of Frost County, monitoring all directions of the city.


    In a corner of the south-facing wall, a figure stood tall, dressed in the long robe of a Sect Protector, hair tied up, exuding an androgynous and dashing air¡ªit was Meng Danyun, the Protector of Spirit Profound Peak.


    At that moment, another figure approached, also dressed in a Protector''s robe, and said:


    "Junior Sister Meng."


    "Senior Brother Zhao."


    Meng Danyun looked at the approaching Zhao Zhenchuan with a touch of emotion, saying, "Senior Brother Chu toiled in cultivation for many years, finally taking that step. It''s a shame we have to stay in Frost County and can''t go back to congratulate Senior Brother Chu."


    The news of Chu Jingsui''s breakthrough to the Marrow Cleansing Realm had reached Frost County. But now with the celestial changes in Ice State, the scene of two suns in the sky, not to mention the Earthly Abyss, a large-scale demonic chaos was imminent just on the surface. Therefore, those from the Seven Profound Sect who were stationed in Ice State would not return to the Great Sect but were dispatched to various locations in Frost County and Han Prefecture, especially Frost County.


    As the celestial changes became clear, the first tremors of the Earth''s Veins began in Frost County, making it the earliest region to access the Earthly Abyss. Hence, Grandmasters from various major Sects in the Cold North were converging on Frost County, some even entering the City directly, others spreading out across the County.


    "Senior Brother Chu has just broken through and needs to consolidate his Realm. He probably won''t participate in exploring the Earthly Abyss this time, but Chen Mu should be coming."


    Zhao Zhenchuan said with a smile. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes."


    Meng Danyun nodded slightly.


    The Earthly Abyss was a very dangerous place located deep underground, fraught with complexities, not only filled with various fierce Demon Kings but also traces of Ancient Demons, which were hardly found above ground. Therefore, only Grandmasters were qualified to explore it. But Chen Mu, ranked third on the Wind Cloud List and renowned for slaying Tuguhou, naturally had the qualifications to enter the Earthly Abyss.


    Such an opportunity would undoubtedly not be missed by Chen Mu; the question was when he would arrive.


    While Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan were discussing,


    suddenly,


    both of their gazes shifted, cutting off their conversation abruptly, their eyes revealing a vigilant look as they turned their attention to the distant part of the Prefecture''s city walls.


    Almost at that same moment, the ground started to tremble and shake, causing some guards at the city gates to lose their footing.


    Earthquake!


    If one were to look down from the sky, they would see the rugged mountains far from Frost County trembling violently, with even some mountain bodies shattering and collapsing. Although Frost County City was not at the center of the earthquake, it was still affected, shaking repeatedly.


    However, Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan were neither panicked nor perturbed, standing their ground firmly in place and calling out to the guards in every direction.


    "Stay calm."


    "Everyone hold your positions; do not panic!"


    Their voices spread quickly, still clearly audible amidst the roar of the earthquake, and after initial tumult, the guards on the gates also quickly regained their composure, steadying themselves on the ramparts.


    Ever since the beginning of strange occurrences in Ice State and the intensification of the two-suns scenario, tremors in Frost County had become a frequent occurrence, happening almost daily throughout the region. The Government had sensed the vibrations multiple times, though this time it was closer and stronger.


    The earthquake was brief,


    and ultimately, since it was not centered on Frost County City, the disturbance was not too violent. It caused some chaos in the Outer City, but the scale was not very large, and the situation on the city gates remained relatively calm.


    Nevertheless, the earthquake still brought new developments. Roughly dozens of miles away from Frost County City, within the ravines of the barren land, a series of shattering noises emerged. Then, the ground exploded, and a massive, two-zhang-long, dark insect burst from the earth. Its head raised high, it seemed to madly disperse its Demon Qi towards the two split suns in the sky.


    As if uttering a silent, frenzied scream, the black insect, as if catching the scent of flesh and blood, instantly stuck to the ground and shot towards Frost County City in a black line, shrouded in its Demon Qi.


    Since the walls of Frost County City were very high, with only a small settlement outside, and beyond that extensive wilderness, when the Insect Demon was about a dozen miles from the city, both Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan on the city walls noticed it.


    "Demon Qi."


    "Yes, it''s an Insect Demon..."


    Zhao Zhenchuan narrowed his eyes to focus on the distance, observing the black demonic insect coming towards them like a dark arrow, and quickly identified it in a low voice, "It should be a Sixth Rank Great Demon, a Black Frost Centipede."


    In these times of change, even in its early stages, the appearance of demonic beasts increased significantly compared to ordinary days. It''s no wonder that a Sixth Rank Great Demon would emerge from deep underground, and this is precisely why protectors like them were guarding the city walls themselves.

 Chapter 573 - 348 The Longevity Sword and Jade Flute Guest_2

    "I''ll go."


    A glint of light flashed in Meng Danyun''s eyes as she spotted the approaching Great Demon Hei Shuangwu already nearing the scattered dwellings of the common folk just outside the city gates. Her hand had already grasped her Spirit Weapon Peach Divine Sword.


    A sixth-rank demon was not something ordinary soldiers could withstand, and even regular stewards would struggle to cope. It required the intervention of a Six Viscera Realm protector like her, and now she did not fear a sixth-rank Great Demon. Having stepped into the Six Viscera Realm for several years, she had almost solidified her cultivation to Perfection. Wielding a spirit weapon, although she did not compare with the experts on the Wind Cloud List, she was by no means weak among the protectors of the Six Viscera Realm and could more than handle an ordinary sixth-rank demon. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Wait."


    Just as Meng Danyun was about to draw her sword and leap into action to subdue the demon, Zhao Zhenchuan blocked her.


    Meng Danyun was slightly startled, about to speak, but she instantly noticed something amiss and turned her gaze into the distance. There in the far horizon of the sky, a streak of white qi came into view, like a sun-piercing rainbow, unstoppable and abundant.


    Even before it drew near, the mighty and surging Sword Intent made her feel an intense oppression and palpitation. The bright and vast Sword Intent, like a celestial river of swords falling from the sky, was vast and overwhelming.


    Grandmaster!


    A Sword Dao Grandmaster!


    The thought immediately rose in Meng Danyun''s mind. She took a deep breath, and her eyes revealed an exceedingly solemn expression, because just the presence of a sword light piercing through the skies, even from such a distance, brought her such intense oppression. The other party was likely not just an ordinary Sword Dao Grandmaster but a terrifying figure of great renown.


    Boom!


    The streak of white sword light crossed the sky and in almost an instant, caught up with the Black Frost Scolopendra speeding toward the village outside the Prefecture City. It engulfed and smothered the demon in a single motion.


    When the white sword light dispersed, the body of the Black Frost Scolopendra was frozen on the wasteland. Then, starting from its head, its two-zhang-long body was precisely split from the middle, each segment silently breaking apart into dozens of pieces!


    "..."


    Watching this unfold, Meng Danyun''s pupils constricted slightly.


    For a Grandmaster, it wasn''t unusual to kill a sixth-rank demon with a sword from afar, but that white sword light was able to, from such a distance, precisely cut every segment of Black Frost Scolopendra''s body, preserving its demon body to the greatest extent while not letting any of its power leak out and causing any unnecessary destruction.


    This kind of sword light, so refined and powerful even from such a great distance, spoke volumes of its terrifying nature.


    Zhao Zhenchuan''s gaze was equally grave as he also looked in the direction from which the sword light had come, wanting to see who had intervened. But before he could react, a hearty voice came from the west of the Prefecture City.


    "Excellent swordsmanship!"


    "Aside from the ''Supreme Bai'' of your Heavenly Sword Sect, this generation''s Sword Dao should hold you in the highest esteem. Being able to cultivate your Sword Intent to such a level, I might no longer be a match for you, and perhaps even Tuoba Xi might not be able to best you."


    The voice was hearty and robust. Despite coming from a very distant direction, it didn''t form into a single line, but rolled like thunder, allowing the entire Frost County City to hear it distinctly.


    Almost immediately after the voice had sounded,


    on the wilderness in the west, a figure wearing rough hemp clothes appeared, walking leisurely towards Frost County City from the Prefectural Government. With every step spanning a hundred zhang, it took him just a few strides to draw near Frost County.


    The man had long hair flowing freely, giving off an unrestrained air, with only a long flute that resembled bamboo or jade hanging at his waist. The imposing aura and grandeur that brewed around him, however, were profound and intense. As soon as this figure appeared, it drew the attention of countless onlookers atop the city walls.


    "The Jade Flute Guest, Sang Yanqing."


    Zhao Zhenchuan looked towards the figure approaching Frost County and murmured with a weighty gaze. The man''s reputation was well-known throughout the Cold North Path Eleven State.


    One of the top Grandmasters of the Cold North, ranking second!


    He was also the only person among the many top Grandmasters who was unaffiliated with any sect, wandering the world alone.


    As for the ''Tuoba Xi'' mentioned by Sang Yanqing, he was the current number one Grandmaster of the Cold North, ranked fourteenth on the list of Da Xuan Grandmasters, above Sang Yanqing and Jiang Changsheng, and also the fellow disciple of the Sword Saint Gongyang Yu!


    Known as¡ªAbsolute Blade!


    "Tuoba Xi, Sang Yanqing, then the one who just made that sword strike, should be..."


    Meng Danyun turned her gaze towards the direction from which the sword light had pierced through the skies.


    Eligible to be spoken of in such terms by Sang Yanqing, his tone even suggesting a hint that he might not match up, and to be compared with Tuoba Xi among the many Grandmasters of Cold North, there could only be one person left¡ªranking third among the Grandmasters of Cold North, the wielder of the Longevity Sword, Jiang Changsheng!


    Almost at the same time as Sang Yanqing''s voice thundered through,


    a calm and transcendent voice also came from the southern horizon.


    "I have heard that Brother Sang''s Great Illusory Heavenly Sound has reached Perfection, establishing a school of music within Martial Arts, a path entirely your own, which I cannot match."


    This voice carried a hint of aloofness. Even just by reaching one''s ears, it gave off the sensation of thousands of sword lights whipping by. No guessing was needed to determine his identity¡ªit was Jiang Changsheng from the Heavenly Sword Sect!


    Whoosh.


    With a flash of light in the distance, the figure of Jiang Changsheng in his green-clothed robe appeared as he rode his sword through the air, arriving in an instant at the edge of Yu County Prefecture City, and looked across towards the other side where the Jade Flute Guest, Sang Yanqing, stood.

 Chapter 574 - 348 The Longevity Sword and Jade Flute Guest_3

    Sang Yanqing laughed heartily, "I am but a carefree traveler, unbound by anything; establishing a sect is needless for me. Moreover, your Longevity Sword created by Jiang Changsheng can stand as a lineage on its own. Why the modesty?"


    The two men looked at each other from a distance.


    Jiang Changsheng gazed at Sang Yanqing for a long while before subtly shaking his head, his swirling Sword Intent suddenly retracted and vanished. He then turned to look towards the Prefectural Government of Frost County and strode towards it.


    Now, the Prefectural Government of Frost County was occupied by the Seven Profound Sect. However, having been called out by Sang Yanqing, Jiang Changsheng would not turn back. Besides, the Prefectural Government was not the Seven Profound Sect''s gate. Since the Earthly Abyss starts from Frost County, there was no harm in settling down there.


    At this moment.


    There were already grandmasters of the Seven Profound Sect showing up inside the Prefectural Government.


    "Many years have passed, Brother Jiang''s Sword Intent has advanced. I''m afraid you''re not far from that step now."


    The newcomer, dressed in a brown robe and appearing very young, faced Jiang Changsheng with great composure. It was Liu Tong, the Peak Master of Shao Profound Peak. While he looked quite young, he was actually much younger than Jiang Changsheng.


    Jiang Changsheng looked towards Liu Tong from afar, his eyes scanning critically before suddenly, a sliver of sword light flashed within his pupils.


    Crack!


    Liu Tong stood atop the city gate looking at Jiang Changsheng. An invisible ripple of wave seemed to stir up in the void between the two, soon returning to calm.


    Jiang Changsheng''s expression remained unchanged, while Liu Tong still wore a light smile.


    "You''re not bad either," Jiang Changsheng responded calmly, "Perhaps you may catch up to her in the future."


    Liu Tong replied with a humble tone, "After Qin Mengjun transcended that barrier, she became one among the Supreme. What right do I have to be mentioned in the same breath as Qin Mengjun... Brother Jiang, you''ve traveled far to be our guest, please come in."


    Jiang Changsheng, with a tranquil expression, flashed up to the top of the city gate in an instant.


    Meanwhile, the figure of Sang Yanqing silently appeared atop the city gate as well. He looked at Liu Tong with a touch of surprise and sighed, "The Seven Profound Sect truly is on the rise, with her making a breakthrough in the Blood Exchange ahead, and now you stepping into this Realm."


    Liu Tong.


    Back when the Seven Profound Sect was attacking the Secluded Silent Valley, he had yet to comprehend the Qian Heaven Domain, still a cut below the top grandmasters. But after the battle in Secluded Silent Valley, no one knows where he found his understanding and crossed that barrier.


    With the Qian Heaven Domain and Qian Heaven Martial Body combined, even though he had just barely made this step, he had undoubtedly entered into the threshold of top grandmasters. This is why he could stand before Jiang Changsheng, maintaining his composure without appearing subdued.


    Of course.


    If we talk about strength, Liu Tong, who just set foot into this level at the age of forty-four, could only be ranked at the bottom among the top grandmasters. Against opponents like the Eighth Rank Demon Venerables from the Sky Demon Sect or such top grandmasters like the Wu Gu Marquis, at most he could only maintain an undefeated stance. Compared to Jiang Changsheng, he was still a notch inferior, but the gap had greatly narrowed.


    No wonder Sang Yanqing sighed about the rise of the Seven Profound Sect. Reaching the top grandmasters'' level was no easy feat. In the entire Cold North Path of the Eleven State, there were only about ten of them. The former ''discarded'' Qin Mengjun from Seven Profound Sect turned out to have fully recovered from her injuries, ascending to Blood Exchange and rising to another level. And following that, Liu Tong comprehended the Qian Heaven Domain and reached this point.


    "..."


    Different from Sang Yanqing''s sighs, Jiang Changsheng''s expression was quite indifferent.


    The rise or fall of the Seven Profound Sect didn''t concern him much. The way of the Sword Dao cultivated by the Heavenly Sword Sect has always been self-centered. After Liu Tong stepped into this level, he reached Jiang Changsheng''s height, but to Jiang, it was still too immature to pose any threat.


    Among today''s grandmasters of the Cold North, besides Sang Yanqing, the only one who posed a threat to him was ''Absolute Blade'' Tuoba Xi. However, Tuoba Xi, being Gongyang Yu''s junior brother and already over a hundred years old, belonged to an older generation than him and no longer had the chance to try for the Blood Exchange Realm. Hence, he wasn''t really in Jiang''s eyes.


    It could be said.


    Among the grandmasters of the Cold North Path today, he had long regarded himself as superior. If there was anything left for him to desire, it was to face Tuoba Xi in a battle before taking the last step into the Blood Exchange Realm to see who was superior, his Longevity Sword or Tuoba Xi''s Absolute Blade!


    As for everyone else, they were no longer within his sphere of concern.


    "Brother Sang, please," Liu Tong turned his gaze to Sang Yanqing, his demeanour even more relaxed than with Jiang Changsheng.


    Sang Yanqing, who roamed alone and came and went as he pleased, naturally presented much less of a threat compared to Jiang Changsheng. Moreover, all the various sects were more than willing to be on good terms with such a carefree top grandmaster.


    "Please," Sang Yanqing said jovially as he walked with Liu Tong into the city.


    Only after Liu Tong, Jiang Changsheng, and Sang Yanqing left the city gate did the nearly asphyxiated guards and the stewards of the Seven Profound Sect breathe a sigh of relief, each showing a bit of palpitation.


    Even though the three top grandmasters had reined in their auras, being so close inevitably caused them to feel oppressed; they barely dared to breathe until the trio had left, finally relaxing.


    Grandmasters are inherently esteemed.


    And among these, Sang Yanqing and Jiang Changsheng were the most pinnacle figures in the Cold North Path of the Eleven State, second only to those in the Blood Exchange Realm. Even Feng Hongsheng, who was also a grandmaster-level figure, had to be extremely cautious around Jiang Changsheng.


    On the other side of the city wall, Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan relaxed somewhat after the aura of Jiang Changsheng and the others disappeared inside the Prefectural Government.


    "Peak Master Liu has reached that level," Meng Danyun said slowly, his heart experiencing a mix of emotions. Although Qin Mengjun entered the top grandmasters at a younger age than Liu Tong, reaching the level of the Qian Heaven Grandmaster capable of discussing the Dao with top grandmasters like Jiang Changsheng at the age of forty-plus was certainly extraordinary.


    S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 575 - 348 The Longevity Sword and Jade Flute Guest_4

    Zhao Zhenchuan stood aside and exclaimed, "You know, ever since Junior Brother Chen entered the tutelage of our master, our sect has been prospering step by step. First, there was Junior Brother Chen''s rise through practicing the Qiankun path, followed by our master''s full recovery from his old injuries and advancing to the Blood Exchange Realm, and now with Peak Master Liu realizing the Qian Heaven Domain. Do you think there really is such a thing as Heavenly Mandate in this world?"


    Meng Danyun was slightly startled, then shook her head and said, "It must be a coincidence, Brother Zhao. You mustn''t talk nonsense. If someone with intentions starts making connections to Junior Brother Chen, I''m afraid that could lead to big trouble."


    By now, Chen Mu was already dazzling enough. At merely thirty-two years old, he had reached the third position on the Wind Cloud List. Even having been targeted by the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, he was likely now a thorn in many people''s sides. If you were to bestow upon him the title of ''Man of Heavenly Mandate'' and lead others to think in that direction, it could unknowingly bring great trouble to Chen Mu.


    "I was just thinking out loud. Naturally, I wouldn''t talk about it,"


    Zhao Zhenchuan laughed, but immediately let out a sigh, "However, if I can make such connections, others inevitably might think the same. Now, we are no longer of much help to Junior Brother Chen."


    If there really were threats to Chen Mu, they would definitely be Grandmasters, or even top Grandmasters. It was still uncertain whether he and Meng Danyun would ever enter the Marrow Cleansing Realm. Even if they did step into it, without one or two decades, they wouldn''t reach that level.


    And this was the case now.


    The Ice State Abyss was about to open, and Chen Mu was undoubtedly qualified to explore the abyss, while they could only stay behind to guard Frost County against demon disturbances. Indeed, Chen Mu''s progress was so fast that while at Yunlu Pass they were still able to help, afterward, the gap between them grew wider.


    Yet all of this was just the work of a few short years, and even now, it still seemed incredible.


    "Hmm." Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Meng Danyun also nodded slightly on the side and sighed softly. Indeed, unless she could break through the Mysterious Pass in the future and step into the Marrow Cleansing Realm, becoming a Grandmaster, she might continue to walk side by side with Chen Mu.


    Otherwise, at her current level, she indeed couldn''t be of much help to Chen Mu and could only watch as he moved further and further away.


    ...


    The appearance of Jiang Changsheng and Sang Yanqing seemed to herald the start of something.


    Subsequently,


    In just half a day, no fewer than dozens of Grandmasters appeared, one after another, from various sects, all converging at the Prefectural Government of Frost County.


    If there had been just one or two Grandmasters, they might really have been wary of the Seven Profound Sect making clandestine moves. After all, once the abyss opened and everyone entered it to explore, they would become enemies competing for resources. But with Jiang Changsheng and Sang Yanqing leading, with Grandmasters from all sects joining forces, although it made Frost County completely chaotic, in such a situation no one worried about the Seven Profound Sect daring to make a move.


    After all, throughout the Eleven States of the Cold North Path, with Grandmasters from all sects gathering, who would dare to act rashly before the opening of the abyss would undoubtedly become the target of all. Even in its current prosperity, the Seven Profound Sect, with two Blood Exchange Realm Supreme Elders, would definitely not dare to act recklessly.


    As for what would happen after entering the abyss,


    That fight and struggle for resources and Spiritual Objects would entirely depend on each one''s strength and destiny.


    And it was almost at noon the next day when Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan were still stationed at one side of Frost County''s city gate. Suddenly, both of their gazes shifted, uniformly directing toward one spot.


    They saw a figure walking slowly outside the city gate, making their way to the base of the city wall. Then with a light step, the person floated up onto the city wall, alighting not far from Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan.


    "Sister Meng, Brother Zhao, how have you been these days?"


    The newcomer, wearing a simple robe and a calm expression, greeted Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan. It was Chen Mu, who had bid farewell to Xu Hongyu, Little Lotus, and the others at the State Government Office and had rushed to the Prefectural Government of Frost County.

 Chapter 576 - 349: Absolute Blade and Heavenly Blade

    "Peak Master."


    Upon seeing Chen Mu''s arrival, Zhao Zhenchuan immediately straightened up and saluted Chen Mu formally.


    Even though Zhao Zhenchuan was a fellow sect brother from the same peak as Chen Mu, Chen Mu''s succession as the Peak Master of Spirit Profound Peak had placed him in a different status. Even though they still addressed each other as sect brothers, as a protector of Spirit Profound Peak, proper respect was indispensable.


    Chen Mu, on the other hand, didn''t care much for these formalities and nonchalantly reached out to stop Zhao Zhenchuan and Meng Danyun from bowing, saying, "Elder Brother Zhao, Sister Meng, there''s no need for such formalities. What''s the current situation in Han Prefecture?"


    When Zhao Zhenchuan saw that Chen Mu had changed the subject, he also dispensed with the usual courtesies and swiftly reported, "Demon disturbances have begun to appear across Han Prefecture. Our sect''s stewards have been dispatched to deal with them... However, the disturbances aren''t really the issue. Now it seems that the Earthly Abyss is about to open in Han Prefecture. Masters from all sides have already arrived at the Prefectural Government. Half a day ago, even the wielders of the Longevity Sword and the Jade Flute arrived, the two who were handled by Peak Master Liu."


    At this point, Zhao Zhenchuan looked toward the Prefectural Government behind him, his eyes also revealing a trace of solemnity.


    More than a dozen grandmasters, gathered in one Prefectural Government!


    On regular days, unless it was in the sect''s mountain gate, each grandmaster was an elusive figure, rare to encounter. Meeting even one was extremely difficult, and now, such a large-scale gathering inevitably put everyone on edge.


    "The Longevity Sword, the Jade Flute guest..."


    After listening to Zhao Zhenchuan''s words, Chen Mu remained very calm.


    Jiang Changsheng, the wielder of the Longevity Sword, and Sang Yanqing, the Jade Flute guest, were certainly among the top grandmasters of the Cold North Path in the Eleven States, recognized as second and third in standing. They were also ranked quite high on the Grandmaster List of Da Xuan.


    If this were in the past, before he had achieved grandmaster level, he would indeed be three parts wary of them. But after he had become a grandmaster, except for the few peerless grandmasters standing at the very peak of Da Xuan, no one else was of concern to him.


    Even more so now.


    Having reached his current realm and having cultivated the Qiankun Domain, he was almost on par with Qin Mengjun, who had entered the Blood Exchange Realm. Even those peerless grandmasters who had entered the Sword Dao through a complete Yin Yang and Five Elements were no longer the focus of his attention.


    "The Longevity Sword was once a formidable enemy of our master; they had contended with each other since their youth. Now that master has stepped into the Blood Exchange Realm, he has left him far behind," Meng Danyun said softly from the side, displaying a hint of retrospective contemplation.


    Hearing this, Zhao Zhenchuan also commented with a flicker in his eyes, "That man is indeed extraordinary. In the Heavenly Sword Sect, he was once a legendary figure. He entered the grandmaster realm through the Heart Sword and afterwards comprehended many Sword Dao disciplines, amassing them into a doctrine and creating the ''Longevity Sword,'' gradually making his way to the ranks of top grandmasters. In these Cold North Eleven States, he might now be vying for the title of the number one grandmaster."


    Just as Zhao Zhenchuan''s words concluded,


    Chen Mu had yet to respond when his gaze suddenly shifted, moving to one side of the city gate.


    It was almost at the same time that an ethereal voice, seemingly both distant and near, fluttered over.


    "The number one grandmaster?" Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This voice was slightly hoarse, but as soon as it reached one''s ears, it gave the chilling sensation as if a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood were right in front of them, causing Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan to stiffen on the spot.


    In an instant, without a trace, a figure clad in black robes appeared on the city gate, casually walking past Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan from behind and speaking in a subdued tone, "I''m afraid Jiang Changsheng still falls a bit short."


    Step, step, step,


    The footsteps of the man in the black robe were slow, yet they forced Zhao Zhenchuan and Meng Danyun to feel incapable of moving, even unable to turn around to look. It felt as if any slight movement would be met by an unstoppable, world-shocking Absolute Blade!


    With such a judgment of Jiang Changsheng and such a terrifying blade intent, across the entire Cold North, apart from the Heavenly Blade Gongyang Yu, there could only be one other ¨C the ''Absolute Blade,'' which had stood at the pinnacle of the Cold North grandmasters for nearly a hundred years!


    Indeed,


    Before Tuoba Xi, Jiang Changsheng was also a later arrival, at least two generations apart, with an age gap of over a hundred years.


    As the number one grandmaster of the Cold North, Tuoba Xi''s name was known to all in the entire Cold North. He was a fellow sect brother of Gongyang Yu, and at one hundred forty-nine years old, he was nearing the end of his natural lifespan if not entering the Blood Exchange Realm.


    Yet despite his advanced age, the blade intent of his Absolute Blade only grew stronger. Having dominated the Cold North for over a hundred years, there was no shortage of new grandmasters who had tried to challenge him, but those who perished under the Absolute Blade were far more than one or two.


    Unexpectedly, not only Jiang Changsheng and Sang Yanqing, but also Tuoba Xi, the Absolute Blade, had come to Frost County!


    Chills ran down Zhao Zhenchuan''s spine, but he was at a loss for words at the moment.


    However, the black-robed Tuoba Xi did not deliberately release his Absolute Blade intent, merely complied with convention and ascended the city gate, then walked along the battlements towards the Prefectural Government of Frost County, only sparing a fleeting glance in Chen Mu''s direction after passing by Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan, and exchanging a brief look with Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu stood with an unaffected and composed demeanor, with hands behind his back, and simply exchanged that glance with Tuoba Xi across the air.


    "..."


    A faint glimmer passed through Tuoba Xi''s eyes.


    Although he never paid attention to the likes of the Wind Cloud List, he wasn''t completely cut off from the world and had heard some news. A rare talent of the Cold North who practiced the Qiankun lineage, he had heard of him after all.


    Chen Mu standing there, with not a hint of aura leaking from his body, gave him a vague and inscrutable impression, which piqued his curiosity. However, it was only curiosity, without the interest to probe further.

 Chapter 577 - 349: Absolute Blade and Heavenly Blade_2

    In the Cold North Path of the Eleven State,


    Even as a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster, there were barely a few who caught his attention, let alone something like the Wind Cloud List, which he saw merely as a vain reputation among juniors and naturally did not care about. Compared to these, it was Chen Mu''s mentor, Qin Mengjun, that concerned him somewhat, being one of the rare existents in the Blood Exchange Realm of his era.


    But that was just as far as his concern went.


    It wasn''t that he was so arrogant as to dismiss even the Blood Exchange Realm, but rather he should have been among that level himself.


    He had dominated the Cold North Path Eleven State for nearly a hundred years; his Absolute Blade had stained the blood of countless grandmasters and yet still roamed freely, due to both his own strength and his senior brother Gongyang Yu, who was regarded as the Cold North Sword Saint.


    But it was both Gongyang Yu''s making and his undoing; had it not been for Gongyang Yu''s Heavenly Blade, he might have entered the Blood Exchange Realm long ago and reached the pinnacle of Martial Arts. But Gongyang Yu''s Heavenly Blade was the insurmountable inner demon of his life.


    When he thought of this,


    Seeing juniors like Qin Mengjun had transcended that barrier, reached the pinnacle realm of Blood Exchange while he had struggled for a century, a sense of melancholy arose within Tuoba Xi. After shaking his head, he completely lost interest in Chen Mu and vanished in one step from the city gate.


    Only after Tuoba Xi''s figure had disappeared did several moments pass before Zhao Zhenchuan and Meng Danyun felt the spine-chilling, sweat-inducing, fear-inducing sensation gradually subside, and they finally took a breath of relief.


    Meng Danyun cautiously glanced sideways, looking back, but Tuoba Xi''s figure was already nowhere to be seen.


    She then looked forward, only to see Chen Mu gazing intently towards a certain direction, lost in his thoughts. She couldn''t help but step forward and whispered softly, "Was that person just..."


    "Absolute Blade Tuoba Xi."


    Upon hearing Meng Danyun''s words, Chen Mu finally withdrew his gaze and replied to her in a calm tone.


    Hearing this, Zhao Zhenchuan also couldn''t help but inhale sharply, muttering:


    "Indeed, it was him, what a terrifying aura of the blade."


    He knew that Tuoba Xi had not deliberately released the aura of his blade; otherwise, given the difference in their realms, the mere aura could have caused harm. Yet, just walking by had exerted such immense pressure, indicative of his frightening presence.


    Zhao Zhenchuan, though not a grandmaster himself but still amongst the top ranks within the Six Viscera Realm, below only to those on the Wind Cloud List and having seen more than one grandmaster¡ªknowing how terrifying Tuoba Xi was, few could compare.


    Even Qin Mengjun, before stepping into the Blood Exchange Realm, would probably have had a tough time facing Tuoba Xi.


    "I''m going to the Prefectural Government now,"


    Chen Mu''s gaze turned towards Zhao Zhenchuan and Meng Danyun, speaking in a calm tone.


    Compared to them, he naturally was not intimidated by Tuoba Xi''s Absolute Blade aura; in fact, he was only mildly curious about this blade. Rather, what he was more keen to fully understand was Gongyang Yu''s Heavenly Blade.


    The Blood Exchange Realm unified with Nature,


    And a figure who made his mark in the way of the blade!


    In terms of strength, considering the whole Da Xuan Dynasty, Gongyang Yu would likely be ranked within the top ten, representing the very zenith of Martial Arts existence, a level that Chen Mu had yet to reach.


    Whoosh.


    After saying a word to Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan, Chen Mu quietly left the city gate, stepped into Frost County City, and swiftly headed straight for the Inner City where the Prefectural Government was located. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After Chen Mu''s departure, Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan exchanged glances, gradually recovering from the oppressive feeling Tuoba Xi had brought. Thinking back to how Chen Mu had appeared calm and composed in front of Tuoba Xi, they felt a sense of reverence, as keeping composure in front of a figure like Tuoba Xi was something not many grandmasters could manage.


    That alone was an exceptional demeanor, not something ordinary people could possess.


    "If Junior Brother Chen eventually overcomes the Marrow Cleansing..."


    Meng Danyun stopped there.


    Continuing the lineage of Qiankun, if one becomes a grandmaster, then mention of the Absolute Blade Heavenly Sword is redundant, neither Jiang Changsheng nor Tuoba Xi would count for much. But that step is extremely challenging.


    Recalling Chen Mu''s composed demeanor in front of Tuoba Xi, it subtly reminded her of their earlier meetings, leaving her with an inexplicable familiar feeling, drifting her thoughts deeper into reflection¡ªChen Mu had already mastered the ''Three Feet Forbidden Domain,'' defeated three Demon Venerables of the Sky Demon Sect. If his cultivation had also advanced...


    Could it be that he had already mastered the Qiankun Domain?


    This.


    Fleeting disbelief flashed through Meng Danyun''s eyes.


    Although with Chen Mu''s unparalleled aptitude, comprehending a domain was not a difficult task, especially having mastered the Three Feet Forbidden Domain before, the challenge was that not all domains are alike. A complete Qiankun Domain is undoubtedly one of the most challenging domains to master in the Martial Arts Domain!


    Upon deeper thought,


    Chen Mu being able to slay the Foreign Race Grandmaster Tuguhou was somewhat inconceivable. However, if Chen Mu had already mastered the Qiankun Domain, the situation indeed would be different. After all, it is among the most elite Martial Arts Domains. Once mastered, Chen Mu''s strength could easily rival the top grandmasters. Thinking this way, it wasn''t surprising that Chen Mu remained composed in front of Absolute Blade Tuoba Xi.


    However, mastering the Qiankun Artistic Conception had only taken him a few years; achieving the Qiankun Domain within such a short period was almost unthinkable, though his extraordinary feats were not limited to just this, but this was still unlike anything before.


    Although she vaguely felt that it might be the case, she still couldn''t be certain.


    But this thought provided Meng Danyun with a slight relief¡ªif Chen Mu had truly mastered the Qiankun Domain, his strength nearing that of top grandmasters, then exploring the Earthly Abyss, the threats to Chen Mu would be much fewer.

 Chapter 578 - 349: Absolute Blade and Heavenly Blade_3

    ...


    Frost County Prefectural Government.


    In the main hall, a spacious room where several Elders and Peak Masters of the Seven Profound Sect gathered, some standing and some sitting, seemingly engaged in a discussion.


    It was at this moment that Feng Hongsheng''s gaze shifted slightly, looking outside the house, he said,


    "Peak Master Chen is here."


    Almost as his words fell, Chen Mu''s figure appeared in front of the house. He stepped into the main hall and looked at Feng Hongsheng and the others, saying, "I have arrived a bit late."


    Feng Hongsheng smiled and said, "We were just discussing matters regarding the Earthly Abyss, and your arrival is quite timely."


    Having said that,


    Feng Hongsheng pointed to a map laid out on the central table in the hall and said, "This is a part of the map of the Ice State Abyss, rather crude, actually encompassing less than one percent of the Earthly Abyss''s conditions, but still useful to some extent."


    After hearing this, Chen Mu nodded slightly and walked closer.


    The Seven Profound Sect had sat in one of the states for hundreds of years. It was not uncommon for the Earthly Abyss to be rarely opened, especially the Ice State Abyss which was even rarer, but having some information about the Earthly Abyss was not unusual.


    However, when Chen Mu''s gaze fell upon the map, it paused imperceptibly.


    The map looked very strange, with various textures intertwined, depicting a constantly changing layered structure. Of course, this was not the key point, The key was that he had once seen something somewhat similar.


    "Was that map also a map of the Earthly Abyss?"


    Chen Mu pondered.


    Once, at Cuiyan Mountain Villa, after he had killed Hou Liao, the Demon Venerable of the Sky Demon Sect, he had obtained a Demon Skin Map from his body. At that time, that map did not correspond with any place in the Cold North Eleven Northern States, and he also briefly reviewed the maps of the other states in Da Xuan, finding none that matched. He had thought it was a map of outside the borders or of the Great Wilderness.


    But now it seemed more like a map of the Earthly Abyss.


    Putting this thought aside for now, Chen Mu continued to examine the Earthly Abyss map of the Ice State displayed by the Seven Profound Sect. The map roughly covered a large area of the Ice State, appearing quite detailed.


    But based on his understanding, the terrain inside the Earthly Abyss was complex and rugged, often divided into multiple layers. Even mapping out just the top-layer structure, the layers below consisted of layer upon layer, making it impossible to include even one percent.


    The most important was,


    The structure of the Earthly Abyss itself was not unchanging.


    The Earth''s Veins were always in turmoil, changing, especially the Ice State Abyss, which had last been opened nearly two hundred years ago. Nearly two centuries had passed, and by now, the Earthly Abyss must have changed significantly, and it was unclear how much of the area the map could still correspond to.


    As Chen Mu observed the map, memorizing its details, he also listened to Shi Zhenyong and others discuss matters concerning entering the Earthly Abyss.


    "Peak Master Chen, once you enter the Earthly Abyss, you should be wary of people from other sects, like those from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion."


    Feng Hongsheng whispered to Chen Mu after he finished looking at the map.


    Although the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion had plotted against Chen Mu before, Chen Mu''s revealed talents were still astonishing, and no one dared to say that Chen Mu''s future in Martial Arts would definitely be cut off. Above ground, with Qin Mengjun, a newly emerged Blood Exchange Realm master present, everyone had to be cautious. But in the mixed company of the Earthly Abyss, it was different.


    However, he could only offer a reminder or two. After all, at Chen Mu''s current level, he was no longer simply a junior or rookie. With strength comparable to his own, ordinary people posed no threat to Chen Mu, and so he just needed to caution Chen Mu to guard against possible traps from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion.


    "I will be cautious."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly.


    At this moment, in the hall where discussions concerning the exploration of the Earthly Abyss took place, some clues could be discerned. Feng Hongsheng, Shi Zhenyong, and others participated very little in the discussions, evidently not planning to join hands with others, confident in their own strength. Sear?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Whereas slightly less powerful individuals like Fang Yuan and other Grandmasters seemed subtly inclined towards forming alliances of two or three people, considering the Earthly Abyss was indeed no gentle place, with Ancient Demons and Demon Kings quite common, not to mention needing to stay wary of other formidable figures.


    Chen Mu did not comment much.


    Although he had never explored the Earthly Abyss before, with his current strength, he naturally feared nothing. Anyone accompanying him would be a burden, unless Qin Mengjun was to join him; they could make a journey together. But unless they were in some extremely dangerous areas, high masters of the Blood Exchange Realm could come and go freely and didn''t need to form alliances to cope.


    While everyone was discussing among themselves, someone suddenly entered the room, a Sect Protector of the Seven Profound Sect, looking slightly tense, he reported, "I have just received news that Absolute Blade Tuoba Xi has arrived in Frost County."


    Hearing this,


    The many Grandmasters present slightly changed their expressions.


    Including Feng Hongsheng and Shi Zhenyong, all showed signs of wariness.


    Absolute Blade Tuoba Xi!


    The number one Grandmaster in the Cold North, who had dominated for nearly a century.


    Mainly because this person was not only strong among Grandmasters, but had a fellow disciple, the ''Sword Saint of the Cold North,'' whose strength was such that in the entire Cold North, only the Northern King, Yuan Hong, could contend with him to some extent, making him a formidable figure.


    "Alright, noted, you may leave."


    Liu Tong, the only person who appeared somewhat composed, waved his hand to dismiss the Sect Protector.


    The room quickly buzzed with discussions about Tuoba Xi and Jiang Changsheng, among others.


    Chen Mu, however, did not listen much, and instead suddenly closed his eyes as if sensing something, beginning to finely discern the changes in the Earth''s Veins beneath his feet. Although the changes were very subtle, he, who had mastered the Qiankun Domain, had perception that was extremely acute.

 Chapter 579 - 349 Absolute Blade and Heavenly Blade_4

    Even before he had returned to Ice State, he had already felt the changes and chaos within Ice State''s Power of Heaven and Earth, and with the passage of time, this turmoil had intensified. For two days, the sun blazed fiercely, and the white frost and snow in Frost County that had not changed for a century had melted away. The perennial biting cold was now showing signs of turning into the height of summer.


    Of course.


    These were not important.


    What was important was that he now sensed a ripple coming from the depths of Earth''s Veins. These ripples seemed to symbolize something, as if many changes were continuously converging, eventually heading towards a large-scale transformation.


    "Peak Master Chen, have you perceived anything?" S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Someone noticed Chen Mu sensing something and quickly surmised something, their gaze becoming serious.


    The gazes of others quickly fell upon Chen Mu as well.


    Chen Mu did not respond immediately, but continued his sensing with closed eyes. Only after the time it takes to brew a cup of tea did he finally open his eyes, sweeping a glance over everyone, saying, "It''s coming, should be to the west. We need to set out."


    "Yes, it should be the west."


    Shi Zhenyong also opened his eyes at this moment, and he too could vaguely sense the ripples rising from within Earth''s Veins.


    Upon seeing this, Feng Hongsheng and the others exchanged glances and without further hesitation, their figures flashed and they all left the Hall Office, making their way to the courtyard outside.


    It was also around this time, in the Prefecture City of Frost County, that auras belonging to Grandmasters began to rise, some directly flying into the skies, transforming into streaks of long rainbows heading westward, while others flickered slightly, skimming over the roof corners like dragonflies touching water, leaving behind but an afterimage as they sped toward the west.


    "Let''s go!"


    Seeing this, Liu Tong did not hesitate and immediately spoke out, and then he too transformed into a long rainbow and ascended.


    The rest of the many Grandmasters also made their moves, each flashing forward to follow.


    Chen Mu was not in a rush. He walked last, and as he saw everyone moving, he finally took a step forward, rising into the sky, his gaze sweeping over all directions. In his perception, there were at least dozens of Grandmasters'' auras surging upward, all heading westward!


    Such a great commotion,


    naturally alarmed the entire Prefecture City.


    Guarding the city gates, Meng Danyun, Zhao Zhenchuan, and others all sensed those Grandmasters'' auras fading into the distance towards the west. After exchanging glances, they inhaled deeply, with a serious look twinkling in their eyes.


    The Earthly Abyss is about to open!


    "Everyone, hold your positions, do not panic, do not flee in disarray!"


    Zhao Zhenchuan spoke in a deep voice, issuing orders to the many guards on the city gates.


    The so-called opening of the Earthly Abyss meant that a large-scale fracture was about to occur within the Earth''s Veins of Frost County. This turbulence in the Earth''s Veins, undoubtedly accompanied by fierce earthquakes, was both the moment for Chen Mu and others to enter the Earthly Abyss and the beginning of a major seismic disaster.


    Many Grandmasters were all heading west, obviously indicating that the center of this rupture was to the west of the Prefectural Government of Frost County. The protectors, stewards, and those who remained at the Prefectural Government also quickly took action, mobilizing the entire government to respond to the imminent massive earthquake.


    At the same time.


    It was not only at the Prefectural Government of Frost County.


    From various other directions within Frost County, figures streaked across the Wilderness, others transformed into long rainbows. Although their directions varied, they all headed towards the same center.


    "The time is about right, we too should set out."


    "Alright."


    Above the azure sky, in the emptiness, came the voice of an unknown speaker, followed by faint trails of light streaking through the Void. One by one, they too headed straight for that direction, disappearing into the horizon in the blink of an eye.

 Chapter 580 - 350: Earthly Abyss

    Frost County.


    Cangshuang Mountain Range.


    This was a medium-sized mountain range that stretched for approximately a hundred miles.


    Like the Wilderness, the mountain range was also barren, with only sparse vegetation covering it, and hardly any settlements to be seen nearby. Only at the southern end of the mountain range, where the vegetation was slightly denser, were there a few scattered households.


    Among these scattered wooden houses, smoke rose languidly. A family was preparing a meal: a man was chopping wood in the courtyard, a woman was cooking, and two children around six or seven years old watched eagerly.


    "Ah, Nan, these past few days, let''s just not go into the mountains, okay? I remember my mother saying when I was very young that two suns in the sky are a bad omen. Look, we haven''t slept soundly these days..."


    The woman was cooking and chattering to the man in the courtyard.


    Wu Nan forcefully split a log and then stood up straight and wiped his sweat, saying, "These days are indeed bizarre. The Earth Dragon Elder even turned over in the night... Do we have enough food at home for the next few days?"


    "Enough, enough." Sear?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The woman repeatedly said.


    "Then let''s not go into the mountains. I''ll take a rest day too."


    Wu Nan put down the axe in his hand, looked up at the nearby Cangshuang Mountain, and walked over to the side. He grabbed a dirty rag, roughly wiped his face, then walked towards the stove, laughing, "This wolf meat needs to be cooked a bit more; it''s tough to chew and not tasty otherwise."


    The woman smiled at his words and added another piece of wood to the stove.


    The two children, one boy, and one girl, were intently looking at the pot, their little noses twitching, already smelling the aromatic meat. They drooled as they leaned over the stove.


    However.


    At the next moment, a sudden change occurred.


    First, the woman noticed the water boiling in the pot beginning to ripple and slowly starting to shake, a vibration that wasn''t from the boiling but rather a slight tremor.


    She turned her eyes towards the cornflour in the ladle nearby, and it too was trembling continuously.


    "What''s happening?"


    The woman was initially stunned, but then she felt the vibration growing stronger; she even felt herself shaking and finally showed a look of panic. She looked around but saw nothing.


    Wu Nan, who was standing by, reacted quickly, shouting ''Earth Dragon turning over!'' He then grabbed his two children and ran towards a tree in the courtyard.


    The woman hurriedly followed, and the family stood under the tree, clutching the branches.


    Booming!!!


    But at this moment, the shaking intensified, the whole earth as if mad, began swaying left and right, moving their wooden house, the fence, and even the big tree in the courtyard.


    From afar, the Cangshuang Mountain Range emitted bursts of roaring sounds.


    Immediately.


    Under the horrified gaze of Wu Nan''s family, they saw the nearby Cangshuang Mountain Range seem to have a terrifying surge of power coming from underground, spreading upwards, causing the entire mountain to split into pieces from the center!


    The dark cracks were shocking, visible in their sight, the massive mountain splitting as if the heavens and earth were tearing into two distinct halves. Nearby, the few scattered houses also echoed with screams that were drowned in the tumultuous roar of the restless earth, like cries for help lost in a tsunami, utterly inaudible.


    "Bad, bad, the Mountain God is angry¡­"


    The woman tightly gripped the branches of the big tree in the courtyard, her gaze full of panic, but at this moment, they could hardly keep their footing.


    With all his strength, Wu Nan protected his children, but as the distant mountain collapsed, the ground''s shaking became like the beating of a drum, vibrating in every direction. Eventually, he couldn''t hold on; the children, crying, were shaken by the trembling earth and flung high into the air, flying several yards upward and far away towards the shattered wasteland.


    The man was nearly bursting with rage but powerless; even he could barely stabilize himself¡ªsoon to be flung away as well¡ªthe two children, only six or seven, having flown more than ten yards, not to mention the fall they couldn''t withstand, the ground was cracking open, dropping into the splits.


    However.


    Just as the crying children were about to fall into the shattered crevices, suddenly, a few green leaves, one after another, came flying from a distance, lightly touching the children around their waists.


    The leaves snapped crisply, but these light leaves kept the children from falling, allowing them two consecutive bounces in mid-air until a shadow appeared out of nowhere, swiftly passing through the air and lifting the two children.


    "Hmm?"


    Wu Nan watched the scene, momentarily stunned, but then, the woman next to him also suddenly screamed as the branches she clutched snapped. She too was flung into the air.


    Yet, before she could hit the ground, the shadow moving through the void scooped her up, seized by an invisible Qi Force.


    Swoosh! Swoosh!!


    The shadow, wearing a green-clothed robe, a young-looking man¡ªnone other than Chen Mu, the Peak Master of Spirit Profound Peak!


    Chen Mu, with a calm demeanor, having saved Wu Nan''s family, didn''t delay a moment longer. His gaze shifted to a few other scattered households; with one hand seizing four people, he stepped through the air, taking several people away into the distance.

 Chapter 581 - 350 Earthly Abyss_2

    The invisible Qi Force emanating from his hands, like resilient fishing lines, held onto the family of four and continued to flick his fingers, pulling figures one by one out of the shattered ruins.


    At the same time.


    In the distance.


    Looking down from the sky, one could see the entire Cangshuang Mountain Range in disarray, with its peaks collapsing one after another, and deep, black crevices stretching across the range like abysses, their depths unknown!


    These cracks did not lead directly to the Earthly Abyss, but the shattered scene of the mountain range indicated that the Earth''s Veins below had completely disintegrated, reaching depths of thousands of feet. Any Grandmaster could enter the Earthly Abyss through these crevices; even experts of the Six Viscera Realm could venture down at great risk.


    In the sky.


    Figures came from afar, streaking across like long multicolored arcs.


    Some gazed at the expansive fissures of the shattered Cangshuang Mountain Range, while others descended directly into the fractured terrain to inspect the condition of the Earth''s Veins closely.


    Grandmasters from various Sects had nearly all arrived, gathering in different directions. Swirling energies intermixed, adding to the chaos of the Power of Heaven and Earth beneath this patch of sky.


    "Can we enter now?"


    "No, it is still unstable, and there is some risk in going down now."


    The Grandmasters gazed at the condition of the mountain range and exchanged words.


    The ground was still shattering violently, the broken mountain bodies continued to collapse further, but such surface tremors were mild for the Grandmasters, even though they were catastrophic disasters to ordinary people.


    Some turned their eyes to the outer side of the Cangshuang Mountain Range, squinting slightly.


    "Who is that person?"


    "His speed is quite fast, managing to reach in front of me in an instant, merely to save a few ordinary mountaineers?"


    A whisper came from a Grandmaster of the Linjiang Pavilion.


    Chen Mu had a formidable reputation in the Cold North, and soon someone recognized him, spreading the word quickly. Many turned their eyes toward Chen Mu, showing a hint of surprise, as he was a rare prodigy in the Cold North, reaching third on the Wind Cloud List at just over thirty years old, eligible to stand equal with these elder Grandmasters.


    In the eastern sky.


    A cluster of light was revolving, with about a dozen individuals standing on it, all clad in Mysterious Robes, these were many Grandmasters of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, including the likes of Fu Jingyuan and others.


    The one leading them had a more profound and solidified aura than Fu Jingyuan and others, his Mysterious Robe embroidered with intricate golden designs. He was none other than the Vice Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, the top-tier Grandmaster Ji Yuanshan, ranked ninety-eighth on the Grandmasters List of the world!


    "..."


    Ji Yuanshan watched Chen Mu''s figure, slightly narrowing his eyes, but he did not say anything.


    His gaze then turned to another side, where many Grandmasters of the Seven Profound Sect gathered, led by Peak Master of the Shao Profound Peak, Liu Tong, along with Feng Hongsheng and many others, who were also assembled there.


    Perhaps sensing the gaze of Ji Yuanshan and other Grandmasters from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion looking towards Chen Mu, Liu Tong also glanced over, locking eyes with Ji Yuanshan briefly, their expressions indifferent, and then they averted their gazes almost immediately.


    "Liu Tong..."


    Ji Yuanshan retracted his gaze, muttering to himself inwardly.


    Liu Tong, who had mastered the Qian Heaven Domain, and whose Grandmaster Martial Body was nearing Perfection, was indeed on the verge of joining the ranks of the top-tier Grandmasters. Although he was still slightly behind figures like Jiang Changsheng, the gap between them was small.


    It was indeed a matter of concern. After Qin Mengjun achieved the Blood Exchange Realm, Liu Tong stepped up to fill the position. Over the past several divinations, the Seven Profound Sect had always been a stumbling block for their Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, proving the prophetic nature of their divinations to indeed present challenging predicaments at every turn. sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu, Liu Tong, Qin Mengjun, each more challenging to deal with than the last.


    However,


    Liu Tong cultivated the way of Qian Heaven, and while the Earthly Abyss had a very unique environment, where the Strength of Qian Heaven could flow, it was still limited. Once in the Earthly Abyss, he still had confidence that Liu Tong would not be his match.


    The talent of Chen Mu was terrifying. Even afflicted by Demonic Qi, he had gained the strength of the top three on the Wind Cloud List in a short period of time, which even he found alarming. Once Chen Mu mastered the Qiankun Domain in the future, even if he wasn''t a Grandmaster, it would still be very challenging. He wasn''t even sure if he could overcome him, and if there was an opportunity in the Earthly Abyss, it would be wise to eliminate him as early as possible.


    Elsewhere,


    With Liu Tong at the forefront, many Grandmasters of the Seven Profound Sect watching Chen Mu rescuing people on the outskirts of the Cangshuang Mountain were of differing opinions. Feng Hongsheng inwardly sighed, recognizing that Chen Mu, who had risen from the bottom, could not bear to see lives treated as worthless. Even for ordinary mountaineers, he was willing to lend a hand.


    Some shook their heads slightly, people like Fang Yuan had furrowed brows, feeling that drawing attention in such a manner for a few mountaineers was somewhat reckless. With the opening of the Earthly Abyss in two days, and the disaster expected to claim millions of lives, the lives of a few dozen villagers seemed inconsequential.


    It was crucial to recognize that in this scenario, with over a hundred Grandmasters from the entire Cold North gathered, attracting attention was not necessarily a good thing, especially for someone like Chen Mu whose innate talent was exceptional and who practiced the way of Qiankun, which was already somewhat provocative in some people''s eyes.


    In the distance,


    Chen Mu had by this point casually saved more than twenty people, covering nearly all scattered mountaineers. However, there were still two or three individuals he couldn''t reach in time who fell into the shattering fissures, swept away by the turbulent Earth''s Veins, leaving no remains.

 Chapter 582 - 350 Earthly Abyss_3

    Carrying over twenty people with his invisible Qi Force, Chen Mu also felt slightly burdened. After all, flying in the sky was different from being on the ground, but his expression remained calm as he swiftly retreated with the group to a distance several miles away from the Cangshuang Mountain Range, then set them down.


    The ground here was still continuously shaking.


    However, Chen Mu was the first to land. As soon as his feet touched the ground, the area within thirty feet around him immediately stopped shaking, as if forming an isolated island in the midst of a tsunami. Looking into the distance, he could still see other areas of the land continuing to tremble.


    It was only at this moment that Wu Nan and many other hill dwellers, still unsettled, barely came to their senses. After observing the changes around them, many quickly realized what had happened and began to prostrate themselves repeatedly before Chen Mu.


    "Immortal above... Immortal above..."


    "Thank you, Immortal, for saving our lives, thank you, Immortal..."


    The remote hill dwellers might know of Martial Artists, but a Grandmaster like Chen Mu who could perform Sky Flying Technique was naturally a rare sight in their lives. Their mistaking him for a divine being was not surprising at all.


    "Rise."


    Chen Mu did not say much, gracefully accepting everyone''s gratitude, then with a wave of his sleeve, he instructed them to rise, and continued to stand in his original place, stabilizing the Earth Pulse''s disturbances while also casting his gaze toward the Cangshuang Mountain Range, continuing to sense the movements of the Earth''s Veins.


    With his current level of cultivation, even though he switched to cultivating the Houtu and Kun Earth lineage of top Grandmasters, his ability to probe into the Earth''s Veins was nearly unsurpassable, with only a few able to barely compare with him.


    The disturbance of the Earth''s Veins continued.


    And the violent tremors were still ongoing.


    In the distance,


    more and more Grandmasters were still arriving at the Cangshuang Mountain Range either by Flying Escape or by trekking from various directions. Many Grandmasters that people rarely encounter in their lifetimes had now unconsciously gathered in this place, numbering in the hundreds!


    Almost a quarter of an hour passed like this, and a glint finally flashed across Chen Mu''s eyes.


    Almost there,


    he murmured to himself.


    In his perception, the vibrations of the Earth''s Veins had begun to weaken, and even though the severe tremors continued, with the Power of the Veins dispersing, entry into the Earthly Abyss was already possible from the region of the Cangshuang Mountain Range.


    As expected, just as he concluded that the Earthly Abyss was accessible, in the distance, between the Cangshuang Mountains, other Grandmasters from various Sects also came to the same conclusion and then headed straight for a fissure in the Earth''s Veins to enter it.


    This action finally set the whole scene into motion.


    Heavenly Sword Sect, Hehuan Sect, Blood Hidden Pavilion, Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, Heavenly Seal Sect, Linjiang Pavilion, End of the World Sea Pavilion... Many Sect Grandmasters all started moving from different directions, each following different fissures down into the veins beneath.


    "Peak Master Chen, come quickly."


    At that moment, Liu Tong''s voice, focused into a beam, spanned over ten miles and directly resounded next to Chen Mu''s ear.


    The Earthly Abyss, while vast, often led to Grandmasters splitting up to explore once inside. However, at the initial opening of the Abyss, in order to avoid any accidents, everyone naturally gathered together first.


    However, Chen Mu glanced around. Noticing that the ground tremors had not yet ceased and seeing Wu Nan and the other hill dwellers, including a few children of six or seven years old mixed among them, he softly opened his mouth and transmitted his voice back:


    "Peak Master Liu, go ahead first. I will follow soon."


    ...


    At the edge of the Cangshuang Mountain Range,


    Liu Tong frowned slightly upon hearing Chen Mu''s transmission, glancing in the direction where Chen Mu was.


    Solo actions in this mixed and chaotic situation were not safe. Taking such risks for twenty or thirty ordinary hill dwellers was truly unnecessary, but since Chen Mu had already said so, he couldn''t further insist. As he watched other groups from various Sects commence their expeditions, he couldn''t lag behind and turned to Feng Hongsheng and others, saying gravely:


    "Let''s go."


    Upon hearing this, Feng Hongsheng also glanced towards Chen Mu''s direction, his brow furrowing slightly, wanting to say something, but ultimately, he sighed and without further communication, followed Liu Tong and others, jointly entering a collapsed fissure in the mountain range. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This scene was precisely witnessed by Fu Jingyuan, who was entering the fissure from another direction. His movements paused slightly as he watched Liu Tong and others entering the Earth''s Veins, a glint of light momentarily flashing in his eyes, before he too quickly descended.


    ...


    Chen Mu stood about seven or eight miles away from the Cangshuang Mountain Range,


    His gaze fixed towards the mountain range, he could also sense numerous presences entering the Earth''s Veins, including the soaring Sword Qi of ''Jiang Changsheng'', and the pervasive Blade Qi of ''Absolute Blade Tuoba Xi'' among many others, yet his expression remained composed.


    To him, whether moving earlier or later didn''t make a difference. Apart from the beings in the Blood Exchange Realm, no other Grandmaster exploring the Earthly Abyss could match his speed and efficiency.


    And so,


    another quarter of an hour passed, and the violent ground movements finally began to subside.


    "All right, it''s safe now."


    After sensing the movements of the Earth''s Veins again, Chen Mu turned his gaze towards Wu Nan and many other hill dwellers, stating, "You all head west for about seventy or eighty miles. There''s a village there where you can temporarily stay. This place is dangerous, and it''s best not to linger."


    The Cangshuang Mountain Range had been the epicenter of this seismic outbreak, making it the most dangerous area for ordinary hill dwellers. Although the tremors had subsided, and many Grandmasters had already scouted the way below, it was unlikely that monsters would crawl out from here at the moment, but after some time, there could be no guarantees, making it unsuitable for Wu Nan and the others to remain for long.


    However,

 Chapter 583 - 350: Earthly Abyss_4

    It wouldn''t be long before the news and intelligence spread, and the protectors and stewards of the Seven Profound Sect along with some guards from Frost County of Ice State would also come here to station themselves, guarding this crucial broken location in the Cangshuang Mountain Range.


    By that time, the earthquake had gradually subsided, and the villagers like Wu Nan finally calmed down. A few young children blinked their eyes as they looked at Chen Mu, their expressions filled with reverence. After being pulled to offer their respects to Chen Mu several times, they followed Chen Mu''s directions and dispersed in the direction of the west.


    After watching Wu Nan and others leave, Chen Mu quickly withdrew his gaze and looked again towards the Cangshuang Mountain Range. Then, with a step, his entire person disappeared from the spot in an instant, turning into a soundless, lingering shadow.


    After several long leaps along the ground,


    he quickly returned to the edge of the Cangshuang Mountain Range and stepped onto a broken high point, casting his gaze downward.


    He could see that the entire Cangshuang Mountain Range was a mess, the realm of about a hundred miles was filled with collapsed earth fissures, crisscrossing each other, each pitch black and seemingly bottomless, giving a palpitation-inducing feeling.


    Around him, no human figures were visible; the numerous grandmasters from the Cold North seemed to have all entered, with only a few traces of the top grandmasters'' presence lingering in the air, like threads of Jiang Changsheng''s Sword Intent. S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, Chen Mu only glanced once and then withdrew his gaze, subsequently directing his attention to the closest earth fissure. After casually observing, he stepped forward and plummeted directly into it, following the fissure in a straight dive.


    This fissure was exceedingly deep.


    He continued to plummet along the fissure for nearly three hundred zhang before it finally began to narrow.


    Chen Mu did not hesitate further; his expression unchanged, his mind slightly stirred, and the nearby strata seemed to suddenly turn into flowing mud, swallowing him whole as he continued his exploration deeper underground.


    In the past,


    a depth of three hundred zhang was basically the limit reachable by grandmasters, where the Earth Pulse''s Power was extremely thick and difficult to disturb, and even top grandmasters found it hard to advance here. But now, the Earth''s Veins here were completely fragmented and broken, easily accessible for anyone in the Six Viscera Realm or even the Five Viscera Realm.


    Chen Mu thus continued deeper along the bottom of the fissure, the Power of the Veins below still in a fragmented and broken state. However, as he delved deeper, the oppressive feeling gradually intensified; after all, the deeper one went, the denser the Earth''s Veins, even if broken into pieces, but scattered it still remained immensely heavy.


    Yet, none of these posed any pressure to the current Chen Mu.


    Five hundred zhang,


    Six hundred zhang,


    Seven hundred zhang,


    ...


    Continuing downwards, until he crossed roughly twelve hundred zhang of strata, Chen Mu finally felt the structure below abruptly change; the fragmented Power of the Veins seemed to suddenly disappear, appearing below as a vast empty space.


    He continued this way to the very bottom, then broke through the last bit of strata, and his entire person finally fell into the air; he immediately felt a heaviness overcome him and then plunged straight downwards.


    Boom!


    After falling about twenty to thirty zhang, Chen Mu finally crashed onto a solid piece of land; looking ahead, his gaze met with darkness and profound depth, his senses detecting an immense and boundless underground space!


    "This is... the Earthly Abyss."


    Chen Mu looked upwards, about twenty to thirty zhang high, and looked around to find everything vast and desolate.


    It was as if a middle layer of empty space had appeared between two layers of the Earth''s structure, and its extent was unknown.


    Besides,


    Chen Mu could feel the heaviness enveloping him, far more intense than aboveground; it was nearly ten times heavier, not just a tenfold increase in his own weight, but the entire environment exerted a much heavier pressure.


    In this place, neither Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering could set foot, the Five Viscera Realm also struggled to proceed, the Six Viscera Realm might manage a bit of movement, but also faced significant restrictions. Coupled with the various dangers present in the Earthly Abyss, it indeed was not suitable for exploration by the Six Viscera Realm.

 Chapter 584 - 351 Ancient Demon

    "No wonder they say that even in the Earthly Abyss, the Strength of Qian Heaven exists. This place, though called the Earthly Abyss, feels more like an interlayer of the world, a special ''small world''."


    Chen Mu felt the changes in the Earthly Abyss and couldn''t help but show a contemplative expression.


    Initially, when he heard about the various descriptions of the Earthly Abyss, such as it not being isolated from Qian Heaven and the existence of the Strength of Qian Heaven, he found it very strange because it was clear that at a hundred feet deep, one could barely connect to Qian Heaven. So why was the Strength of Qian Heaven present in the Earthly Abyss, a thousand feet deep?


    Now, in his perception, this Earthly Abyss wasn''t structured like the underground at all; rather, it resembled another layer of the world. The Qiankun Eight Phases were also in circulation here, with the existence of wind, thunder, water, and fire, and of course, Qian Heaven, though it wasn''t as profound as the Power of the Earth.


    Moreover.


    Apart from the force of the Qiankun Eight Phases, there were other mixed and mottled auras present.


    Chen Mu slightly squinted his eyes and cast his gaze about a hundred feet away to a certain spot. Then, with a flash, he appeared there, only to see a concave pit. The pit contained some broken traces and faint strands of black qi dissipating.


    This black qi was very familiar to him now.


    Demonic Qi!


    Demonic Qi, which was almost impossible to find on the ground, still existed in this Earthly Abyss.


    Looking at these broken traces, it seemed to be from a kind of demon or demonic creature that was slain by a Grandmaster with a single palm strike, leaving behind some remnants.


    "This Earthly Abyss is indeed fraught with dangers..."


    Chen Mu scrutinized the traces; although the slain demon wasn''t of high realm and was killed by a Grandmaster in one strike, it wouldn''t be easy for a Sixth Viscera Realm under the oppression of the Earthly Abyss to handle it.


    No wonder Murong Yan, who was on the Wind Cloud List, hadn''t embarked on the exploration of the Earthly Abyss this time. Although her strength was barely qualified, not being a Grandmaster and not having cultivated a Martial Body meant that it was exceedingly dangerous for her here. It''s even harder considering her cultivation was of the Qian Heaven lineage rather than the Kun Earth lineage; otherwise, she might have been willing to take some risks to explore.


    After closely observing some relics,


    Chen Mu didn''t linger long; with a flicker of his figure, he moved further away.


    Almost as soon as Chen Mu''s figure disappeared into the dark abyss, a wave gently rippled up from the shadows behind him, then, like ripples on water, disappeared without a trace.


    ...


    In the silent Earthly Abyss, one could not say there was no light.


    Throughout the Earthly Abyss, there was a kind of deep light, dim and profound, which was the luminosity of Earth''s Veins circulating. Although not as bright as the surface world, it was still easily visible to the existence of a Grandmaster.


    Like a dusk-like silent night soil, Chen Mu''s figure, like a wisp of black mist, silently extended in the eerie color.


    With his current strength, although he didn''t fear even a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon, he still acted cautiously in this unexplored, unfamiliar Earthly Abyss. Using the Imperial Qi Gathering technique to conceal his figure and aura, he carefully explored the surrounding area.


    The Grandmasters from various sects entered the Earthly Abyss centered around the Cangshuang Mountain Range and inevitably dispersed in all directions. Chen Mu wasn''t concerned about other sects'' Grandmasters; he wasn''t in a hurry to travel far. The environment of the Earthly Abyss was an unexperienced change of heaven and earth for him. Just exploring here slowly was continuously improving his understanding of Qiankun.


    Although reaching his current realm, not entering the Blood Exchange Realm meant it was impossible to step into the third step of Artistic Conception. However, accumulating experience before stepping into the Blood Exchange Realm was naturally beneficial, as the system panel directly showed the gain of Experience Points.


    Thus.


    After traveling an unknown path for over a hundred miles, Chen Mu finally encountered the first living creature in the Earthly Abyss.


    It was a ''Soil Wolf'' not large in size, probably around ten feet long. Its whole body was withered and yellow. On the ground, it would only be a rank two or three demonic beast, but it seemed to have undergone a change in this Earthly Abyss, its aura ferocious.


    "Ao..."


    The Soil Wolf was walking alertly on the barren ground when it suddenly seemed to sense something. A fierce light flashed in its demonic eyes, and it leaped up, pouncing fiercely to the right and biting fiercely.


    The spot was precisely where Chen Mu was standing. Seeing the Soil Wolf pouncing, he wasn''t surprised; after all, he was close enough and hadn''t completely concealed his aura.


    Boom.


    Facing the fierce pounce of the Soil Wolf, Chen Mu only raised his right hand and flicked his finger on the huge wolf''s head.


    Accompanied by a sound like a drum beat, the Soil Wolf flew back even faster, unable to even whimper before rolling its eyes back and slamming onto the ground with a thud.


    "Interesting."


    Chen Mu showed a thoughtful expression, taking a step next to the body of the Soil Wolf.


    His flick just then had penetrated the Soil Wolf''s skull with his formless Qi Force, crushing its brain; however, his fingers'' strength was resisted by its hard skull and did not burst immediately.


    This wasn''t him deliberately controlling the power of his finger, but rather flicking quite normally; unexpectedly, the sturdiness of the Soil Wolf''s body was slightly stronger than he anticipated.


    "Just around the sixth rank, and the sturdiness of the demon corpse is nearly approaching a Seventh Rank Demon King?"


    Chen Mu examined the body of the Soil Wolf, pondered for a bit, but wasn''t surprised. S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The environment in this Earthly Abyss was special, with intense oppression enveloping everywhere. The bodies of the demonic and demonic creatures living here were inevitably far tougher than those above ground.

 Chapter 585 - 351 Ancient Demon_2

    However,


    just as Chen Mu was crouching by the corpse of an Earth Wolf, studying it, a slender demon shadow quietly approached from the darkness behind him. Like a shadow, its silent, sharp claws were raised and suddenly tore towards Chen Mu''s back!


    "Hmph."


    Chen Mu snorted coldly, his expression unchanged, as he turned around and swept his sleeve, unleashing a surging Qiankun Power that collided heavily with the dark shadow attacking his back.


    The Qiankun Power raised by his robe sleeves was overwhelming, and upon collision, the dark shadow was clearly outmatched. The pitch-black claws abruptly retracted, and the entire body flexibly leaped back, attempting to retreat into the distance.


    Chen Mu narrowed his eyes as he looked on.


    He saw that the creature attacking him was even more bizarre; its form appeared very small, like a pitch-black cat, but the claws it had raised earlier were unreasonably huge, as if spreading out from within the shadows.


    Moreover, the most crucial thing was that the aura emanating from its body was drastically different from that of the Earth Wolf, accompanied by an extremely deep and malicious ferocity. If the Earth Wolf attacked him, it might have been out of threat or hunger, but this pitch-black beast was purely for the sake of slaughter, its savagery unmasked.


    Ancient Demon!


    Belonging to the ancient demon clan that had nearly gone extinct in the surface world!


    And this ancient demon had reached the level of Seventh Rank, its strength not inferior to those Seventh Rank Demon Kings; otherwise, it couldn''t have merely flipped in the air after enduring the power of that sweeping sleeve just now.


    "Thinking of escaping?" S§×ar?h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing the ancient demon trying to flee, Chen Mu immediately snorted coldly and was not planning to let it go.


    In fact, even within the Earthly Abyss, a Seventh Rank ancient demon was not a common occurrence. This ancient demon must have been alerted by the recent mass entrance of Grandmasters into the Earthly Abyss. Perhaps seeing the crowd, it had covertly hidden itself, quietly and inconspicuously followed Chen Mu from behind, and violently attacked when it saw him ''alone''.


    A true ancient demon is different from those demons eroded by demonic qi; it exists in an extremely strange state. It can be said to have a physical body, but also said not to, more like a condensed product of tangible demonic qi. Unlike those mad ''demons,'' ancient demons are more cunning, sinister, and savage.


    This one was obviously so.


    After its attack on Chen Mu failed and it sensed the disparity in strength, it immediately tried to escape.


    "Stay."


    However, Chen Mu did not give it a chance; with one step, he had already caught up, launched a Fist Seal from mid-air, surging and vast, mobilizing the nearby Power of Heaven and Earth, condensing it into a Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal.


    The ancient demon, sensing the power of this strike, let out a piercing screech from its pitch-black body, as if the screams of countless creatures were condensed, causing instant extreme discomfort, while surging demonic qi gathered into a Demon Seal.


    Boom!!


    The Demon Seal and the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal collided, erupting with a loud explosion, but with the violent collision, the Demon Seal was clearly inferior, disintegrating layer by layer into pitch-black demonic qi, and getting crushed bit by bit by the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal.


    Seeing that it could not resist Chen Mu''s move, the ancient demon screeched again, its entire body swelling dramatically, and a violent and deranged aura surged mightily, seemingly preparing to fight Chen Mu with all its might.


    But in the next moment.


    Pop.


    The swollen, massive body suddenly tore like black cloth, splattering open, turning into seven or eight shattered black masses, flying off in all directions, fleeing towards various different places!


    "Is this the so-called Heavenly Demon Dismemberment, gathering and dispersing unpredictably?"


    However, Chen Mu, watching this scene, did not show any signs of surprise. Although it was his first time fighting a true ancient demon, he had already seen some of their methods in many ancient texts and had learned about them from masters like Feng Hongsheng. He was well aware of many ancient demon tactics.


    Heavenly Demon Dismemberment, gathering and dispersing unpredictably, was one of the ancient demon''s tactics. Its body could materialize to clash hard with powerful Demon Kings, but it could also dematerialize, instantly disintegrating and dispersing, then reassemble without affecting its survival.


    "Eliminate."


    Chen Mu didn''t waste any more words, and as he loosened the Fist Seal, he pressed down lightly.


    At that moment, the surging Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, which had converged into a point of light, suddenly dispersed as he moved, transforming into eight distinct Cycle Marks that chased after a shattering shadow.


    Boom!


    The Wind Wheel caught up with one part, slicing it into countless fragments, from which faint, agonizing screams could be heard.


    Crack!


    The Thunder Wheel caught up with another, obliterating it completely into a wisp of black smoke, silent without even a scream.


    Fire Wheel, Water Wheel, Celestial Wheel...


    The divided Heaven and Earth Wheel Seals each struck a shadow; upon catching up, they erupted with power, annihilating each part amid relentless, harrowing screams until the last piece had also disintegrated, finally bringing calm to the surroundings.


    Meanwhile, the true form of Chen Mu chased after the largest piece, which he had now completely suppressed, controlling it with the Inner Strength of Yuan Gang, causing it to fall into his palm, transforming into a semi-real, semi-illusory black mist that constantly churned and changed within his hand, occasionally revealing faces that howled viciously at Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu ignored the transformations of the Ancient Demon, his gaze fixated solely on the black mist.


    Suddenly.


    Within his line of sight, the black mist changed again, unexpectedly revealing a face he was intimately familiar with¡ªit was Xu Hongyu, looking as though she was crying, her gaze mournful, as if she couldn''t understand why he had to be so brutal.


    But as Chen Mu regained his focus, that illusory appearance immediately vanished without a trace, and what appeared before him were the same ferocious and vicious faces in the black mist.


    "Gathering and dispersing unpredictably, the Heavenly Demon formless..."


    Chen Mu observed the Ancient Demon''s remains in his palm, which, no matter how it struggled or transformed, could not escape, his eyes revealing a keen interest.


    Gathering and dispersing unpredictably.


    He had some understanding of this Realm before, just like the very nature of Heaven and Earth itself; water, fire, wind, thunder, could dematerialize into the Power of Heaven and Earth, or they could materialize and manifest, including his usual practice of burrowing through the earth, which was utilizing the principle of unpredictability.


    However, this unpredictability was limited to the most basic structure between heaven and earth; he couldn''t make his body attain a state of unpredictability, completely ignoring physical attacks and methods, not even with the practice of the Qiankun Martial Body.


    But the Ancient Demon could.


    Their bodies could materialize into a substance tougher than steel, with extreme durability, and they could also dematerialize and divide at will, even projecting different faces.


    Of course, the Ancient Demon he suppressed was only of the Seventh Rank, not reaching the level of Heavenly Demon; it''s said that at the level of Heavenly Demons, they could truly achieve formlessness and myriad transformations, becoming unpredictable and vastly strange.


    Nevertheless.


    This Ancient Demon still possessed the ability to bewitch and affect his vision slightly; had it not been for his state of mind having reached the ultimate point of "still water," directly perceiving its true form would not have been so easy for him.


    Most crucially, in his current close encounter, he could sense the essence of the Ancient Demon''s existence, which seemingly didn''t belong to any part of the Qiankun Eight Phases, nor was it made up of any formulation, also being the only thing he had encountered that existed independently of the universe, entirely contrary to the whole of creation.


    Previously, he had encountered Demonic Qi more than once, but at those times, his understanding of the nature of the universe was far from what it was now; now, having even briefly experienced "Unity of Heaven and Man," his perception of the universe was reaching the essence; only after capturing an Ancient Demon could he feel its truly distinct nature.


    "Not part of the universe, its essence more resembles a conglomeration of souls made up of negativity and violence, mingled with some parts of the Power of Heaven and Earth to form its current structural state..."


    Chen Mu muttered to himself.


    If the essence of the Ancient Demon doesn''t belong to this universe, then where did it originally come from, from outside this universe?

 Chapter 586 - 352: Flicking to Kill a Grandmaster

    ```


    Whether the ancient demon came from beyond the heavens and earth, or whatever lies beyond, these were not questions suitable for him to delve into at the moment, and they were not yet of concern to him.


    Chen Mu quickly gathered his thoughts and continued to carefully examine the ancient demon''s remnant body trapped in his palm.


    Although this ancient demon was only of the Seventh Rank and not particularly high-level, it still had great research value for Chen Mu. At the very least, if he could comprehend the realms of "Gathering and Dispersing Unpredictably" and "Shapeless and Formless," that would definitely be a fundamental transformation.


    Despite the radical differences between human and ancient demon bodies, all paths lead to the same destination. The tempering of a martial body is simply a phenomenon of becoming one with the heavens and earth. With his current level, after reaching the Blood Exchange Realm, it was not impossible for him to gain insights through analogy.


    Chen Mu scrutinized the ancient demon''s remnant body in detail, staring at the rolling black fog, pondering over its mysteries.


    Meanwhile.


    Unaware of his surroundings, several hundred zhang away in the dark and gloomy soil, a barely perceptible ripple was gently swaying. Hidden under a black robe, a figure was concealing itself.


    The figure wore a blood-colored mask, appearing almost nonexistent, without letting out the slightest trace of aura. It followed Chen Mu from a distance, without even intentionally looking in his direction, minimizing its presence.


    If one were to talk about concealment of aura, no one in the Cold North would surpass the Blood Hidden Pavilion!


    The Grandmasters of the Blood Hidden Pavilion, hiding their aura and figure, maintained utmost caution, staying hundreds of zhang away without casting a glance. Under these circumstances, even an ordinary Blood Exchange Realm individual would likely not notice their presence.


    Time slowly passed by.


    Chen Mu did not move, nor did the Grandmaster of the Blood Hidden Pavilion.


    Until after an indeterminate amount of time, Chen Mu, who had been quietly examining the ancient demon''s remnant body, suddenly brought his palms together. The rolling black fog within let out a piercing scream before it collapsed and dissipated, entirely obliterated by him.


    After eradicating the ancient demon, Chen Mu still did not make any excessive movements, but instead raised his head and looked forward calmly, saying, "Since you''ve come, why continue to hide and sneak around?"


    As his words fell.


    From the nearby shadows, a figure in a Mysterious Robe stepped out. An aged face with profound energy surrounded him as he coldly looked toward Chen Mu, saying, "Qiankun lineage does indeed have an ethereal sensitivity. Merely approaching you from a hundred zhang away has already alerted you. Your ability to single-handedly kill a Seventh Rank ancient demon is indeed extraordinary."


    Although a Seventh Rank ancient demon was not particularly strong and was not much different from a Seventh Rank Demon King, in terms of survival skills and cunning, it far surpassed those Demon Kings. Many Grandmasters might be able to defeat them, but it would be very difficult to kill or suppress them.


    Fu Jingyuan approached from the darkness, examining Chen Mu from head to toe. Seeing that Chen Mu was standing there calmly, he narrowed his eyebrows, uncertain of Chen Mu''s confidence, especially after he appeared but did not flee.


    Although Chen Mu indeed seemed too late to run now, as he had clearly spent too much time suppressing the ancient demon. Lingering too long in one place within the Earthly Abyss was an extremely dangerous act. After all, he was too young, having not experienced the dangers of the Earthly Abyss.


    This was good.


    For them, it meant they would not have to expend too much effort.


    "With your level of concealment technique, it''s useless in front of me. But since entering the Earthly Abyss, it seems like someone has been following me, and I can''t accurately track their location. Such a level of concealment technique must not belong to your Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion..."


    Chen Mu turned his gaze to the rear.


    About a hundred zhang away, a ripple appeared, accompanied by an indifferent and merciless voice, "Trivial techniques are not worth mentioning."


    Even though the voice carried over, the person''s location remained unseen. Only a slight ripple flashed through the void, and most strangely, the voice seemed to come from all directions, with every syllable coming from a different direction.


    This indifferent voice was accompanied by a cold thread of killing intent that made one''s back feel like it was on the edge of a blade, as if stepping in any direction would bring forth the most lethal assassination from a blind spot.


    However.


    Despite sensing this icy aura, Chen Mu''s expression remained unchanged:


    "Has the Blood Hidden Pavilion now become subordinate to the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion?"


    The relationship between the Blood Hidden Pavilion and the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion had always been somewhat strange. They cooperated closely in Yu County, having made moves against Meng Danyun and also against him, but all of that was only at the level of Steward and Protector.


    And now even a Grandmaster of the Blood Hidden Pavilion was acting along with the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion. While it seemed logical since the Blood Hidden Pavilion would not want the emergence of a peerless Martial Saint to change the landscape, it was impossible to say there wasn''t a closer cooperation between the two sects.


    All Chen Mu wanted to know was how closely the Blood Hidden Pavilion was working with the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion.


    "There''s no need to ask further."


    Fu Jingyuan looked at Chen Mu indifferently, saying, "What use is there for a man about to die to inquire about the relationship between our sect and the Blood Hidden Pavilion?"


    Chen Mu did not look at Fu Jingyuan but turned his gaze in another direction, saying, "This aura, born of the spring division and falling as autumn rain, must be the famed ''Spring Autumn Sword''?"


    As his words concluded.


    A figure in a Mysterious Robe slowly walked from another direction, a three-foot green blade floating above his head, the person divided right down the middle like a clear-cut division with one half full of vitality and the other desolate and forlorn.


    It was indeed the Vice Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion,


    ``` sea??h th§× Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 587 - 352: Killing a Grandmaster with a Flick_2

    ```


    The tenth ranked top Grandmaster of Cold North, ''Spring Autumn Sword'' Ji Yuanshan!


    More precisely, he should be the ninth ranked top Grandmaster of Cold North because Qin Mengjun has achieved Blood Exchange and is no longer in the ranks of the Grandmasters. With her elevation, the vacancy was filled, and Ji Yuanshan, who was ranked tenth, naturally moved up one step.


    "There''s no need to stall for time."


    Ji Yuanshan, with an indifferent gaze, looked at Chen Mu and said, "Though I do not know what cunning plans you have, any ordinary scheme is meaningless in front of me. Better to meet your death sooner, and put many at ease."


    Among top Grandmasters, the gap is not very large. Although Ji Yuanshan is not Jiang Changsheng''s opponent, and has even been defeated by him, he still possesses the ability to retreat in whole. Even when facing Absolute Blade Tuoba Xi, he would not fear and can claim to be one of the top existences in Cold North Eleven Northern States below the Blood Exchange Realm, naturally exuding absolute confidence.


    Even though Chen Mu had separated from the Seven Profound Sect''s group, and his actions along the way were somewhat suspicious, Ji Yuanshan still didn''t believe that Chen Mu could cause any real turmoil. Despite not knowing by what means Chen Mu had killed Tuguhou, such a Grandmaster would find it difficult to withstand even three moves from him and would be cut down by his Spring Autumn Sword!


    Among the current Grandmasters of the Seven Profound Sect, the only one who could possibly contend with him was Liu Tong, the Peak Master of Shao Profound Peak, but even he could only contend for a short while. Furthermore, Liu Tong was not even present.


    Since Chen Mu entered the Earthly Abyss, the Grandmasters from the Blood Hidden Pavilion had been tailing him. They hadn''t detected any abnormalities until Chen Mu became entangled in a battle with the Ancient Demon, not wishing to create further complications. Only then did they get in touch and draw them here.


    "To take my life, not only did you join hands with the Blood Hidden Pavilion, but also you, Ji Yuanshan, came in person. You do give me considerable importance."


    Chen Mu stood on the desolate earth, his eyes scanning the surroundings.


    Fu Jingyuan spoke with a cold tone, "Although you are a junior, you are also a genius emerging only once in a hundred years in Cold North, a rare ''variable.'' To eliminate the variable and act in accordance with Nature''s law is the rightful action of my Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion... And the Cold Soul Spirit Blade that you took from our Sect, it''s been used by you for so long, now it should be returned."


    If they had known earlier that Chen Mu, after being eroded by the Demonic Qi, could still develop the Three Feet Forbidden Domain and reach the rank of the top three in the Wind Cloud List of Cold North in such a short time, he should have seized the opportunity to kill him back in Yu County. Instead, to kill Chen Mu now, they needed to join forces with the Blood Hidden Pavilion, and even required Ji Yuanshan''s direct involvement to feel secure.


    "A rightful action, you say? How noble and righteous."


    Chen Mu''s eyes were indifferent.


    Fu Jingyuan glared coldly at Chen Mu, about to speak again, when Ji Yuanshan, from another direction, said in a calm tone, "Wasting words is pointless, let''s not create complications out of nothing."


    Swish!


    As his words fell, a sharp flash passed through his eyes. Warmth and life seemed to ripple across the desolate yellow earth to his left, with pitch-black vine vegetation bursting forth from the ground. On his right, the surroundings were bleak and desolate, with the chilly autumn wind slicing across like a blade, leaving the barren earth desperately fissured. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The intent of spring''s growth and autumn''s decay rose with his thoughts, gathering around the ''Spring Autumn Sword'' suspended above his head, until the entire Spirit Weapon burst forth with a humming sound, shooting through the air towards Chen Mu, aiming a sword strike at his head!


    Hum!!!


    The ''Spring Autumn Sword'', as it swung down, transformed into a majestic and vast Sword Qi, stretching for dozens of feet. But almost instantly, that terrifyingly vast sword light crazily condensed inward, shrinking in the blink of an eye into a thread nearly invisible to the naked eye, falling towards Chen Mu like a thin strand of hair.


    Sword Qi Solidifying into Silk!


    In terms of pure Sword Dao, Ji Yuanshan might not rival Jiang Changsheng, but after all, he is still a top Grandmaster. His Sword Technique has also cultivated to the perfection of purity. This strike nearly wielded the might of the heavens and the earth, the Yuan Gang Force, and the surging Sword Intent, all solidified onto a single line, demonstrating an extremely terrifying form that even made Fu Jingyuan recoil in fear.


    "Brother Ji''s Spring Autumn Sword has been cultivated to such a state. If I were to block it directly, I fear I would die on the spot with a single blow. Everyone knows that Jiang Changsheng''s Sword Dao reigns supreme, but Brother Ji''s skill is perhaps not much lesser than his."


    Fu Jingyuan gazed at that sword strike, murmuring to himself.


    To have achieved the status of a top Grandmaster, none are ordinary people. In the span of ten years, while Jiang Changsheng''s Sword Dao constantly improved, could others really have remained stagnant? Ji Yuanshan''s sword strike was clearly intended to eliminate any chance of mishap, putting forth all his strength, exhibiting the most profound of his Spring Autumn Sword Techniques, with the intent to annihilate Chen Mu in one blow.


    Under this sword strike, neither Fu Jingyuan nor the Grandmaster from the Blood Hidden Pavilion, who had approached closely, had any intention to get nearer. They knew even if they joined forces with Ji Yuanshan to attack Chen Mu from both sides, it would only add to the confusion and might even expose them to the threat of that condensed Sword Qi. At this moment, they only needed to stand guard on the sides, closing off Chen Mu''s path of retreat.


    With the Sword Qi condensed into silk, Chen Mu would surely have to retreat!


    They would close in from both sides, forcing Chen Mu to take the strike head-on, and that would be the end!


    But.


    That was what Fu Jingyuan and the Grandmaster from the Blood Hidden Pavilion thought, as they focused intently, watching Chen Mu''s movements from the left and right, not expecting that faced with Ji Yuanshan''s sword strike, Chen Mu showed no intention to retreat and didn''t even draw the Cold Soul Spirit Blade at his waist.


    He just stood there, facing the threadlike Sword Qi, casually raising his right hand, and flicked a finger.


    Pop!!!


    The condensed and supremely refined thread of Spring Autumn Sword Silk, which seemed capable of tearing through everything in the world, was flicked into breaking, shattering, and dissipating into nothingness under Chen Mu''s single flick.


    ```

 Chapter 588 - 352: Killing a Grandmaster with a Flick of a Finger_3

    Then, with the flick of a finger, Chen Mu met the descending Spring Autumn Sword without any hesitation. His contact with the blade caused the brilliantly glowing sword to bend suddenly, tremble violently, and fly back even faster than it had come.


    Fu Jingyuan and Ji Yuanshan were both dumbfounded for a moment.


    "This is impossible!"


    A Grandmaster from the Blood Hidden Pavilion, secretly positioned about forty to fifty yards behind Chen Mu, watched this scene with pupils suddenly shrinking in a mixture of shock and disbelief.


    Who is Ji Yuanshan?


    One of the top Grandmasters in the Cold North, known as Spring Autumn Sword, he had dominated the region for decades with a formidable reputation. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His strike with the Spring Autumn Sword, where the Sword Qi solidified into threads, was such that even a grandmaster like Fu Jingyuan, if daring to block it directly, would likely be cleaved in half, with no possibility of parrying it head-on.


    Chen Mu, merely with a flick of his finger, had not only broken the Sword Silk but had also sent the entire Spring Autumn Sword flying, and did so effortlessly, without causing any disturbance in the surrounding Power of Heaven and Earth, as if relying solely on his physique and Inner Breath Yuan Gang!


    Such an inconceivable scene it was.


    Even those peerless Grandmasters ranked in the top ten of the global Grandmaster list, who stood above Ji Yuanshan, could not dismiss his attack so lightly, almost devoid of any worldly essence; it resembled more the approach of someone in the Blood Exchange Realm!


    The heart of the Grandmaster from the Blood Hidden Pavilion was overwhelmed with shock, but before he could gather his thoughts, he suddenly felt a chill on his back, as if a tremendous terror was descending upon him, causing his gaze to change drastically.


    Not good!


    Without a second thought, his entire body hastily moved to retreat backward.


    To coordinate with Fu Jingyuan and block Chen Mu''s possible escape routes, he had approached within fifty yards of Chen Mu. Witnessing the previous scene had shaken him to his core, creating ripples in his Qi¡ªunder such circumstances, if Chen Mu could not lock onto his position, then the reputed strongest Qiankun Martial Arts would undoubtedly be a joke.


    Pfft.


    The Grandmaster from Blood Hidden Pavilion turned into a streak of afterimage as he swiftly moved backward, but though his body retreated, a line of blood silently splattered from where he stood, and with a ''sizzle,'' it stretched over ten yards.


    But there was Chen Mu, quietly appearing at the location formerly occupied by the Grandmaster from the Blood Hidden Pavilion, his right hand forming a sword with his fingers, with tips still faintly smeared with blood. He stared indifferently ahead.


    "Cough..."


    The Grandmaster from Blood Hidden Pavilion stumbled back over ten yards, but could no longer maintain his concealment technique. He fell out of the shadows, coughing up blood violently, then looked down at his chest.


    There, at his chest near the heart, a bloody hole pierced through, with blood gushing out and taking his vitality with it.


    Even as a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster who had cultivated his Martial Body, a punctured heart was undoubtedly a fatal wound. Thus, he looked somewhat dazedly at the wound in his chest, then slowly lifted his head to look at Chen Mu far in the distance, his eyes still holding a trace of disbelief, before staggering back two steps and slowly sitting down on the ground, his life force gradually fading.


    On the other side,


    Seeing Chen Mu shatter the Sword Silk and blow away the Spring Autumn Sword, then in a single move, lock onto and fatally strike the Grandmaster from Blood Hidden Pavilion, breaking his heart, Fu Jingyuan could hardly believe his eyes.


    Instinctive fear arose, and he finally realized the problem: no wonder Chen Mu had been so composed all along, even intentionally exposing so many ''flaws.'' It wasn''t that Chen Mu had any tricks or schemes; he simply feared no assassination!


    Flicking away the Spring Autumn Sword with a finger.


    Killing the Grandmaster from the Blood Hidden Pavilion in one move.


    What kind of power is this?!


    "Run."


    Almost instinctively, the thought rose in Fu Jingyuan''s mind. Without further thought, he violently turned around and dashed away into the distance, his heart filled with disbelief.


    If it weren''t for the close proximity that allowed him to sense Chen Mu''s breath, which was identical to what he had felt back in Yu County, he would have doubted whether the person before him was some Blood Exchange Realm being, disguising themselves!


    You must know,


    Just a year ago, Chen Mu, in Yu County, fought indecisively against the Great Protector of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, Situ Shu, and only narrowly managed to kill him.


    Back then, although Chen Mu had some strength, he was still nothing more than an ant in Fu Jingyuan''s eyes¡ªone he could kill instantaneously if he wished, had it not been for Hong Fengsheng''s interference that ultimately led him to refrain.


    But now,


    in just over a year,


    Chen Mu was able to kill a Grandmaster of the Blood Hidden Pavilion with one move!


    This was utterly inconceivable. Even though Chen Mu''s cultivation progress had been astonishing, it had been prior to the Marrow Cleansing Realm. Like these Grandmasters, who wasn''t a prized genius, a True Disciple, when they were young?


    Who didn''t leap to fame in one bound?


    Yet Chen Mu, having reached the Wind Cloud List and the Grandmaster level, was still able to achieve such progress, truly unbelievable, and what frightened Fu Jingyuan even more was the implications of Chen Mu''s progress.


    Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster,


    Qiankun Martial Body!


    Easily catching Ji Yuanshan''s Sword Silk and effortlessly killing a Grandmaster of the Blood Hidden Pavilion, there was no doubt that Chen Mu was no longer in the Six Viscera Realm; he had undoubtedly stepped into the Marrow Cleansing Realm and solidified the so-called strongest Qiankun Martial Body!


    Since the founding of Da Xuan, he was the tenth Qiankun Grandmaster, and¡­ only thirty-two years old!


    The more Fu Jingyuan pondered, the more fear and terror he felt. Among all the Qiankun Grandmasters, there was no one like Chen Mu. Even the Martial Emperor at his young age probably was not his equal. Could it really be the rise of another "Martial Emperor," whose destiny is unstoppable?!


    Puh.


    But his thoughts abruptly ceased.


    While striving to escape, his body suddenly stumbled and halted.


    Fu Jingyuan looked down at his chest, only to see a clear blood hole piercing through, accompanied by blood gushing out, swiftly draining his strength.


    With some reluctance, he struggled to turn his head toward the silhouette of Chen Mu; yet Chen Mu hadn''t even come close to him¡ªjust from a distance of more than ten yards, with a single pointed finger, the overwhelming power of the finger had smashed his defensive Vigorous, tearing it like paper, and pierced through his heart!


    "Heh¡­"


    Fu Jingyuan wanted to say something, but blood gushed from his mouth, cutting off his words.


    Finally, unable to hold himself up, he collapsed to the ground. Looking at the silent soil of the Earthly Abyss below, he felt a chilling sensation spreading from the hollow of his chest to all his limbs, the complexity of which was indescribable, until everything fell into darkness and silence.

 Chapter 589 - 353 Who Killed Ji Yuanshan?

    ```


    Run, run, run!


    Ji Yuanshan, clad in a light-colored silk mysterious robe, tightly clutched his Spring Autumn Sword without looking back as he fled into the deep darkness, his heart roiling with tumultuous waves of shock and fear.


    With a flick of his finger, Chen Mu sent the Spring Autumn Sword flying and killed a Blood Hidden Grandmaster with a single poke. Such terrifying strength was unparalleled, even among the top ten grandmasters of the world whom Ji Yuanshan had encountered before. Even if they could manage it, they could hardly do it as effortlessly as Chen Mu did, without even harnessing The Power of Heaven and Earth, relying solely on their physique and Yuan Gang True Essence.


    This was a technique comparable to the Blood Exchange Realm!


    A 32-year-old Qiankun Grandmaster, whose power exceeded that of ordinary grandmasters and was even nearing the Blood Exchange Realm¡ªJi Yuanshan was acutely aware of what this meant, hence his mind was engulfed by an unquellable tidal wave.


    Run!


    He must escape from this place, get out of the Earthly Abyss, and report this news to the Pavilion Master.


    Never mind whether Chen Mu could dominate the world in the future; such strength at present was already terrifyingly formidable. Although he had previously considered Chen Mu a ''variable,'' he never imagined it to be so alarmingly significant. Without swift handling, Chen Mu was destined to become a colossal threat in the future; even the centuries-old heritage of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion could be overturned because of it!


    The Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion feared neither the Seven Profound Sect nor any other Sect in the Cold North, but Chen Mu was the one variable beyond Heavenly Mandate, exceeding all predictions. Furthermore, given the longstanding grudge between Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion and Chen Mu, there was no possibility of reconciliation; should Chen Mu reach the ultimate Realm, Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion would likely be the first to be settled with!


    However.


    Even as Ji Yuanshan took advantage of Chen Mu''s focus on killing the Blood Hidden Grandmaster and Fu Jingyuan, and fled with all his might to put hundreds of yards between them, he saw Chen Mu''s figure strolling behind him in a leisurely manner. Although he appeared to move slowly, with each step, the distance seemed to shrink dramatically, and in just a few paces, he was only tens of yards away from Ji Yuanshan''s back.


    "The way of the Four Seasons, evolved from the cycles of heaven and earth, indeed has many merits. It''s a pity you only mastered Spring Autumn; you cannot experience the complete Path of Seasons. That is somewhat regrettable."


    Chen Mu''s slightly regretful voice came from behind.


    When it reached Ji Yuanshan''s ears, it only made his spine chill and a feeling of imminent disaster took hold. Almost instinctively, he swung his Spring Autumn Sword with all his might, flinging a strike behind him.


    Clang!!!


    As the sword was swung, it came into collision with a strand of Finger Force from Chen Mu, sparking a humming noise on impact.


    Chen Mu''s Finger didn''t employ the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, but was merely a pure manifestation of Gang True Energy transformed into a simple, ancient Finger Print, extending three feet. Every detail of the Finger Print was clearly visible, and the terrifying potential within was immeasurable.


    Just a single Finger.


    Boom.


    The Spring Autumn Sword in Ji Yuanshan''s hand bent backward from the center once more, with the torrential Spring Autumn Sword Intent dissipated by the impact. A vast surge of force made him fly backward, spitting out a mouthful of fresh blood as Chen Mu''s Finger strike almost shattered his Five Viscera and Six Viscera!


    He flew backward like a rag doll for dozens of yards before heavily crashing into the silent wasteland, causing the ground to fissure and explode upon impact, creating cracks that spread outward and leaving a deep crater in their midst.


    Whoosh.


    Chen Mu slowly retracted his hand, taking a light step forward, then in a blink, arrived next to the crater where Ji Yuanshan had fallen, his eyes holding a faint trace of regret as they fell upon Ji Yuanshan in the pit, clutching the Spring Autumn Sword and coughing up blood.


    This regret was genuine; he did wish Ji Yuanshan had been stronger, capable of wielding the power of the Four Seasons, to the level of an exceptional grandmaster, giving Chen Mu the chance to witness the force that rivaled Yin Yang and Five Elements.


    Such a pity.


    Ji Yuanshan, with only the control of the Spring Autumn Sword, couldn''t even withstand a mere flick of the Finger.


    But after all, he was a Vice Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, one of the top grandmasters in the Cold North¡ªit wasn''t in vain that Chen Mu had deliberately waited for a moment.


    "You..."


    Struggling to his feet, Ji Yuanshan''s eyes fixed on Chen Mu, knowing he stood no chance of escape. Without fear, he asked solemnly, "So when you saved those villagers outside Cangshuang Mountain Range, showing an apparent weakness, it was all deliberate, just to lure us into acting?"


    "The world is filled with suffering, and it is not easy for people to survive. As for you... I never took you seriously," Chen Mu replied from his elevated position, his voice indifferent.


    "Indeed."


    A bitter look flashed in Ji Yuanshan''s eyes. S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With Chen Mu''s capabilities, having become a Qiankun Grandmaster and entered the echelons of the extraordinary, it was natural he wouldn''t regard them, the grandmasters of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, highly; not even him, the Vice Pavilion Master. Everything was just done in passing.


    "So what is the current relationship between your Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion and the Blood Hidden Pavilion?" asked Chen Mu.


    Ji Yuanshan snorted, "I do not know... But to you, it probably doesn''t mean much. If you can take that step one day and ascend to the ultimate realm, even if the Demon Sects of the world were to unite against you, what could they do?"


    At this point,


    he sighed with a tinge of regret, "The destinies prescribed by heaven cannot be completely monopolized by anyone. Even if one captures all the threads of fate, there will always be something overlooked, turning into an endless number of variables..."


    "To be born human and yet unable to control one''s own destiny, while attempting to glimpse into the divine, to seize the mandate of heaven ¨C what difference is there from the ignorant savages in the mountains, unaware of how vast the skies and earth are? The laws of nature should not be violated; those who attempt to wield the powers of heaven and earth with human strength will inevitably be devoured by them."


    ```

 Chapter 590 - 153 Who Killed Ji Yuanshan?_2

    Chen Mu spoke indifferently.


    In the past, when his realm was low and his understanding of the universe insufficient, he naturally couldn''t argue with the philosophy of Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, but now he had naturally developed his own philosophy.


    Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, which divines the destiny of heaven and earth, claims to act in accordance with the heavens, to respond to the will of the heavens, yet in reality, they are still trying to control destiny by complying with the heavens, to master all the endless changes between heaven and earth.


    Even in the Martial Arts realm of Unity of Heaven and Man, where beings stand at the pinnacle above common mortals, they still cannot truly control the universe. Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s attempt to control heavenly mandate with human affairs might gain temporary momentum, but in the long run, it will inevitably backfire.


    To pursue the Dao is to reduce, and to reduce again until there is inaction.


    The more one tries to force it, the further one strays from the Dao. Only through non-action while not forsaking any action, can one truly comply with the timing of the heavens, and no matter how the universe changes, there will always be a sliver of hope. In Chen Mu''s view, even without his existence in this world, Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion would ultimately fail to dominate all under heaven and would inevitably fall due to other changes.


    "..."


    Hearing Chen Mu''s words, Ji Yuanshan was momentarily stunned in place, his gaze slightly lost before he finally murmured, "Is there really someone in the world who is born with knowledge, or are you truly born with the heavenly mandate?"


    He had adhered to the philosophy of Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion all his life, and naturally couldn''t completely change it just because of a few words from Chen Mu, but there was no denying that Chen Mu''s words also pointed directly to the essence of natural laws, causing some slight turmoil in his heart. This turmoil was enough to make him sigh; after all, Chen Mu was only in his early thirties, just past the age of maturity, yet he had such an understanding of the cycles of natural law.


    It was no wonder he could comprehend Qiankun in such a short time and step into the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    "..."


    Chen Mu looked at Ji Yuanshan, his gaze calm and without action.


    And Ji Yuanshan did not take any more action either, just standing there, the light in his eyes gradually dimming until his vitality rapidly dissipated, leaving only a corpse standing in the pit.


    Whish!


    After just a glance from Chen Mu, he lightly stepped on the ground, and the desolate earth instantly cracked and shattered, subsequently Ji Yuanshan''s corpse rapidly broke down and fell into the cracked wasteland, disappearing without a trace.


    Only the Spring Autumn Sword, humming, trembled as it was captured by a strand of Chen Mu''s Qi force, pulled into his hand. The sword vibrated violently in his hand, but with just a lift of his left hand, Chen Mu brought his index and middle fingers together, lightly stroking the blade, and the entire Spring Autumn Sword quickly calmed down, the emanating glow rapidly dimming, returning to a simple-looking Spirit Sword.


    After keeping the Spring Autumn Sword,


    Chen Mu''s figure quickly disappeared into the darkness, leaving no trace.


    Thus, the wasteland fell into dead silence.


    It was unknown how much time had passed when finally, two figures came side by side, their skirts fluttering in the air. They were both graceful and elegant young women with dignified auras. Though simply dressed, anyone here could recognize their origins, the Hehuan Sect.


    One of them was Xia Yu''r, ranked second on the Wind Cloud List, and the other was also an Elder of the Hehuan Sect. The two figures swept over the wasteland when suddenly, their brows furrowed, and they came to a stop.


    "This is..."


    Luan Qiumei scanned the surroundings and looked at the nearby remaining traces: "It seems someone fought here. Yuye, what do you think?"


    Xia Yu''r observed the area, her gaze slightly flickering as she said, "The traces have been wiped clean, and the residual aura has not been preserved. It clearly should be recent, but the method is indeed powerful."


    When Grandmasters clash, they often cause some changes in the local forces of heaven and earth and leave certain traces that disrupt the balance, especially evident in Earthly Abyss where it''s usually very difficult to completely erase all traces of battle.


    Yet, the remaining traces here, while indicating that a fight occurred not long ago, made it impossible to discern who the parties involved were and unclear what the outcome was, having been stirred into chaos.


    "Hmm."


    Luan Qiumei nodded slightly.


    In the perilous Earthly Abyss, one could not afford to be careless. Encountering such peculiar traces, she became even more cautious, and then turned her gaze to Xia Yu''r, saying, "Can you take a look?"


    "I''ll try."


    Xia Yu''r spoke softly.


    Then, a faint light glimmered in her eyes as the white of Taiyang and the black of Taiyin passed through her pupils, covering the surroundings with the Yin Yang Domain in the blink of an eye, accompanied by her flicking a finger. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yin Yang Rotation..."


    Whoosh!


    The chaotic Power of Heaven and Earth nearby, as if reversing, rapidly turned back, shifting from a mixed state to a tangible one, until a scant amount of Qi Force converged, barely restoring some aspects of the Heavenly and Earthly state from not long ago.


    And just as these residual traces appeared, both Xia Yu''r and Luan Qiumei''s expressions changed slightly.


    "Spring Autumn Artistic Conception, Sword Intent..."


    "It''s Ji Yuanshan!"


    Xia Yu''r and Luan Qiumei glanced at each other, each seeing the shock in the other''s eyes.


    As Vice Pavilion Master of Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, Ji Yuanshan of the Spring Autumn Sword was a figure well known to them; though they didn''t necessarily fear him, as both were strong and confident they could retreat from any top Grandmaster when working together, even if they couldn''t defeat them.


    However, what truly caused a storm of shock in their hearts was the possibility that Ji Yuanshan of the Spring Autumn Sword met with a dreadful defeat... perhaps even losing his life here!


    The residual sword traces all showed signs of severe breaks!


    Whoosh.


    Luan Qiumei took a deep breath, then her gaze suddenly turned towards a certain spot, and with one step, she crossed over, lightly tapped her foot on the barren soil, and in an instant, the earth churned, unearthing specks of broken bloodstains from underneath.


    With Xia Yu''r reversing Yin Yang, revealing the earlier traces of Heaven and Earth, and these bits of evidence in the soil, they feared that Ji Yuanshan, one of the top Grandmasters from Cold North and Vice Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, truly died here!


    Who was it?


    Who killed Ji Yuanshan?


    This was a top Grandmaster, and although not ranked as high as Jiang Changsheng and others, he still belonged to that echelon of existence. In today''s Cold North, apart from those in the Blood Exchange Realm, who else could easily slay such a one?


    Both Luan Qiumei and Xia Yu''r found it hard to calm their minds as they carefully sensed the nearby fluctuations but could only find traces of Ji Yuanshan''s Spring Autumn Sword Intent, unable to capture any indication of who his opponent was.


    "Can we push it back further?"


    Luan Qiumei first cautiously swept her eyes over the surroundings, then looked solemnly at Xia Yu''r.


    Xia Yu''r shook her head, "We''ve reached the limit."


    Although she was in control of the Yin Yang Domain and practiced the method of ''Reversing Yin Yang,'' able to temporarily restore the previous traces of Heaven and Earth within a certain range, this restoration was limited to a short period. The more time passed, the harder it became to restore, and the traces that remained were all the more fragmented.


    Had she been able to master the Path of Yin Yang, become a Grandmaster, practice the Yin Yang Martial Body, and control the Yin Yang Domain, stepping into the realm of unparalleled Grandmasters, she might have been able to push the Reversing Yin Yang further and catch a greater glimpse of the full picture, but regrettably, she was not a Grandmaster.


    Entering the Dao through Yin and Yang was also extremely difficult.


    The current number one on the world''s Grandmaster list, standing at the pinnacle of unparalleled Grandmasters, was a ''Yin Yang Grandmaster,'' and his identity was supremely honored, belonging to one of the Da Xuan Royal Family, King of Jin Ji Xuanchu!


    "Forget it,"


    Luan Qiumei shook her head and said, "Let''s go."


    Since they didn''t know who had taken down Ji Yuanshan, there was no point in digging further. Luan Qiumei guessed that only someone from the Blood Exchange Realm could have killed Ji Yuanshan, and not many from that realm would act against him. It wasn''t something they should speculate about recklessly anyway. After all, they were in the Earthly Abyss, where actions should be taken with extreme caution.


    "Alright,"


    Xia Yu''r also nodded slightly, then waved her sleeve, and in an instant, the Yin Yang Rotation made the traces that had been reversed quickly return to their chaotic appearance, once again becoming imperceptible.


    The two resumed their journey, swiftly vanishing into the barren land, but with an even more concealed Qi Force and added caution in their actions. After all, with a top Grandmaster having just died in the Wasteland soon after it had opened, their hearts couldn''t help but remain uneasy.

 Chapter 591 - 354 Earth Origin Elixir

    Chen Mu was unaware of the fright Luan Qiumei and Xia Yu''r had experienced.


    If he had been there and seen Xia Yu''r''s "Reversing Yin Yang" technique, he would have been amazed and would have admired it, trying to learn a thing or two. After all, the Yin Yang Domain was able to reverse the natural transformations within a certain range, and his Qiankun Path could similarly "reverse Qiankun," making all techniques in the world learnable for him.


    As for the fact that Xia Yu''r and the others only knew about Ji Yuanshan''s death and were not sure that it was him who had killed Ji Yuanshan, he wouldn''t care either. Even if they knew, it wouldn''t matter to him at this point. Killing Ji Yuanshan was not a big deal to him, and there was already no room for easing tensions with the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion.


    After killing Ji Yuanshan and the other two, Chen Mu had only acquired three Spirit Weapons.


    Since they had just entered the Earthly Abyss, it was obvious they had not yet gathered any treasures. Nonetheless, the three Spirit Weapons counted as some gains. The ones belonging to Fu Jingyuan and the Grandmaster from the Blood Hidden Pavilion aside, Ji Yuanshan''s Spring Autumn Sword was a superior Spirit Weapon and was quite valuable.


    The only trouble was that he had just entered the Earthly Abyss and already had three Spirit Weapons to carry. Fortunately, both the Spring Autumn Sword and Fu Jingyuan''s Spirit Weapon were easy to carry. The Blood Hidden Pavilion Grandmaster''s Spirit Weapon, a mere three-inch-long Flying Needle, was even more convenient due to its sneakiness and extreme nature.


    After ceasing to be followed,


    Chen Mu began to explore the Earthly Abyss alone, gradually delving deeper step by step.


    The more he explored, the more astounded Chen Mu felt about the vastness of the Earthly Abyss. Just the upper layer alone was almost the size of the entire Frost County above ground, albeit without any mountainous landforms.


    And this layer was just the surface; the depths below were truly infinite. No one from ancient times to the present had ever fully understood how vast the Earthly Abyss actually was. Nor had anyone ever reached the very bottom of it.


    Not long afterward,


    Chen Mu discovered a cave that led deeper into the abyss, and after a brief moment of thought, he stepped into it.


    The danger in the uppermost layer of the Earthly Abyss was the lowest. Creatures like the previous Seventh Rank Ancient Demon were mostly attracted by the great disturbances upon the opening of the Earthly Abyss and usually roamed at the surface level, similar in caliber to the Wolf Demon. However, resources were also exceedingly scarce on this upper surface. Chen Mu had roamed at least a few hundred miles in half a day, finding nothing.


    After going deeper into the cave by about two hundred zhang, Chen Mu reached a deeper layer of the Earthly Abyss. The oppressive feeling here intensified a bit, which made him even more cautious and vigilant as he continued to explore.


    Not far he had gone,


    Bang!


    Suddenly, the eerily silent wasteland shattered, and a pair of sharp, scythe-like giant teeth lunged at Chen Mu, aiming to sever him in two at the waist. Below, in the crumbling wasteland, an enormous gaping maw emerged.


    Chen Mu remained composed, his expression unchanging. He flickered in midair unexpectedly, moving sideways clear of the scything giant teeth''s killing zone. He then raised his hand and delivered a powerful punch, heavily smashing into the giant teeth.


    Crack!


    This giant tooth, almost ten zhang long, cracked all over under Chen Mu''s punch and broke off shattering at the waist, the half flying out.


    "Gahz..."


    A painful roar bellowed from beneath the wasteland.


    It was then that Chen Mu looked down and saw that his attacker was a bizarre giant insect, about ten zhang long, covered in black armor and emitting surging demonic power. Though he couldn''t identify the creature, its aura was undoubtedly of the Seventh Rank.


    The Insect Demon, failing to hit Chen Mu and having one of its giant teeth broken by his strike, roared painfully. It immediately tried to shrink back into the depths of the earth, attempting to flee.


    However, Chen Mu''s eyes were cold and unyielding, refusing to let it go.


    With a flicker, he moved like a transient shadow, reaching directly above the giant insect''s head and grasped another protruding giant tooth, yanking hard with a sudden burst of strength.


    Bang!!!


    The quiet wasteland cracked and broke as the nearly ten zhang long body of the giant insect was forcibly pulled out of the ground by Chen Mu. Holding its giant tooth in his left hand and delivering a Palm Imprint with his right,


    a snapping sound was heard, and the insect''s armored head was smashed by Chen Mu''s palm, its insides were mashed into a pulp.


    However.


    Despite this deadly blow, the giant insect did not immediately die, instead it twisted and rolled madly.


    Seeing this, Chen Mu did not plan to make much commotion. He delivered two more Palm Imprints in quick succession, straightening the giant insect''s body before heavily slamming it onto the ground, gradually losing its life force.


    "This Earthly Abyss indeed houses many unnameable Seventh Rank Demon Kings."


    Chen Mu glanced at the corpse of the giant insect.


    Above ground, any Demon King of the Seventh Rank and above was typically recorded in the Da Xuan Demon Record, mostly with distinct names like Black Jiao, etc. However, in the Earthly Abyss, there are many species of Seventh Rank monsters without specific names, like this bizarre giant insect resembling a centipede, which Chen Mu had not found in any demon records he had seen.


    But regardless of whether it was recorded or not, Chen Mu didn''t care. He stepped down from midair, landing next to the giant insect Demon Corpse, tore apart its shell with his right hand, released a burst of Yuan Gang True Essence inside its body for a moment, and quickly pulled out a small clump of pale blue blood.


    Although the Seventh Rank monsters were also treasures with value, most of them were not considered significant enough for the current Chen Mu to expend energy to carry. Only the refined "Heart Blood" was barely worthy for him to harvest.


    S§×ar?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 592 - 354: Earth Origin Elixir_2

    "If only I had a storage treasure."


    Chen Mu sighed inwardly, his desire for a Spirit Weapon like the "Qiankun Pot," which possessed its own Cave Heaven within, surged again. Having one would be incredibly convenient for him.


    However, such Cave Heaven Spirit Weapons were ultimately rare and sought after. Looking over the entire Da Xuan Dynasty, including both publicly known and secret holdings, they likely did not exceed five in total. Unless fortune smiled upon him by chance, he could only dream of it.


    "Hmm, the Earthly Abyss map I got from Hou Liao seems to mark a location. If that map was set up the last time the Earthly Abyss was opened, I wonder if the terrain has since changed and whether it can still be found."


    After storing a small ball of deep blue Demon King Blood Essence using the Jade Vase he carried, Chen Mu recalled the Demon Skin Map he had acquired earlier.


    After examining the simplistic map from the Seven Profound Sect, he had been recalling and deciphering the contents of the Demon Skin Map and had come to understand that the map seemed to record a specific spot within the Earthly Abyss.


    If his judgment was correct, that location was quite deep, at least on the Third Layer or possibly even deeper.


    To find it, he would have to descend at least one more layer to try and locate it based on the map.


    "Let''s take it slow."


    After a brief contemplation, Chen Mu decided to explore the paths leisurely.


    On one hand, the location was deep and not easily reached; on the other hand, the area recorded on that map might not necessarily hold anything valuable or might contain items that cannot be taken away. Besides, more than a hundred years had passed since the last opening of the Ice State Abyss, and significant changes had occurred within the Abyss. Even if he explored all the way there, he might not be able to find it.


    At least his previous exploration in the upper layers had shown that a great portion of the terrain drastically differed from what was recorded on the map from the Seven Profound Sect, as two passageways leading to a deeper layer of the Abyss did not exist when he checked them.


    Perhaps they existed a hundred years ago, but the shifts in the Earth''s Veins over the century might have sealed them already.


    He continued forward along the rugged terrain of the Abyss.


    This second layer of the Abyss was darker than the one above, and the ceiling was not as high¡ªonly about twenty to twenty-five meters at its highest and barely six to ten meters at the lowest, qualifying it as a cave without any doubt.


    Chen Mu subdued his aura and fully extended his perception abilities, still moving quickly as he proceeded.


    He was still exploring based on the Seven Profound Sect''s map, which mostly detailed the first layer. The map had minimal records of the second layer, marking many passages leading to the Third Layer. Chen Mu was unsure how many of these marked entrances still existed, but it was better to check them one by one than floundering around like a headless fly.


    In this manner.


    After moving deeper into a particular direction for several hundred miles.


    Chen Mu reached the nearest cavern entrance recorded on the Seven Profound Sect map, but the terrain had drastically changed. What was marked as a valley on the map had become completely flat, with no sign of any cave. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "It seems it has been sealed up."


    After thoroughly sensing the surroundings, Chen Mu shook his head slightly, then immediately proceeded to the next location.


    The next site was much further, over a thousand miles away. For Chen Mu, a distance of a thousand miles could be covered in an instant if he were on the ground.


    However, within the Earthly Abyss, powerful pressures existed that hindered movement, and constant vigilance and perception of the surrounding conditions were necessary to avoid crises. Chen Mu was always cautious, especially since it was his first time entering the unfamiliar Earthly Abyss, and with everything here unknown, he would not act recklessly.


    And so.


    Chen Mu followed the markings remembered from the map towards the next cavern, traveling nearly six hundred miles. On the way, he encountered two assaults, though neither were from Seventh Rank Demon Kings, but merely two Sixth Rank Great Demons.


    It was clear that even on the second layer of the Earthly Abyss, Seventh Rank Demon Kings were not omnipresent.


    "Hmm?"


    Just as Chen Mu explored another hundred miles forward, his brow twitched slightly, faintly perceiving an unusual fluctuation. He turned his gaze towards another direction on his left.


    Having explored the Earthly Abyss for several days now, he was much more familiar with the environment, and with his current level of perception, he could sharply detect even the subtlest anomalies.


    After a brief moment of thought.


    Chen Mu promptly acted, temporarily changing direction to head towards the location of the unusual fluctuation.


    The closer he got, the more he sensed the difference in the vital energies. A rich vitality rippled before him until he moved forward a bit more and finally saw it¡ªa valley stretching several hundred meters, concaving downwards.


    In the center of the valley floor, there was a small Earth Spring, around a meter in diameter. The spring water was not turbulent nor clear, but appeared as a spiritual paste, thick and pale, emitting an uncontrollable flicker of vitality.


    "Earth Origin Elixir."


    Chen Mu recognized it at a glance.


    In terms of rarity, the Earth Origin Elixir was not extremely rare, but its value depended on the quantity. Almost all prescriptions needed by a Grandmaster required Earth Origin Elixir, including the turtle jelly powder Chen Mu had refined before.


    It was considered a ''hard currency'' among Grandmasters, akin to Yuan Stones, used to trade various treasures instead of ''money.''

 Chapter 593 - 354 Earth Origin Elixir_3

    If it were just a jug or half a jug, the value wouldn''t be significant, but the sight in front of him, a pool of Earth Spring about a foot in diameter and likely not shallow in depth, was considerably valuable.


    However, despite the resource being right in front of him, Chen Mu furrowed his brows in response.


    No other reason.


    Like the Insect Demon king he had previously slain, this one was slightly more in quantity, making it inconvenient to carry.


    But after a moment''s thought, Chen Mu still shook his head helplessly. Having encountered it, it was impossible to ignore, so he stepped forward toward the pool of Earth Origin Elixir.


    It was almost as he gradually approached, about to reach within thirty feet, that suddenly a dim glow flashed through the gloomy valley bottom, and a sharp attack burst forth from Chen Mu''s left side towards him!


    Although the attack came abruptly and was extremely fast, Chen Mu had anticipated it and could even see its entire form clearly.


    What attacked him was only about a foot long, a small snake-like creature, but it had four wings on its back and moved incredibly fast, almost reaching his face in the blink of an eye.


    Though small in size, this burst of speed, along with the solidifying and oppressive demonic power, was even more ferocious than the Insect Demon Chen Mu had encountered before. After all, a creature that could occupy such a pool of Earth Origin Elixir could not be weak. Moreover, this demon was also recorded in the Demon Record, allowing Chen Mu to recognize its name and clan.


    Cry Snake!


    Its having four wings indicated it had reached the Eighth Rank!


    An Eighth Rank Cry Snake, utilizing the advantage of the Earthly Abyss for a surprise attack, could harm even a top Grandmaster unprepared, potentially leading to a catastrophe. However, the gap was too vast for Chen Mu.


    Even as the Cry Snake attacked at lightning speed, Chen Mu still managed to raise his right hand before it could reach him and grasped its body, holding it tightly in his palm.


    "Hiss..."


    The Cry Snake, captured by Chen Mu, did not struggle immediately but instead flicked its tongue and then opened its mouth to emit not venom but a sound like a dull bell toll!


    The sound exploded at an extremely close range to Chen Mu, not dispersing at all, and impacted directly on him!


    But.


    This sound, powerful enough to burst the eardrums and shatter the bodies of other Grandmasters, merely caused the hairs on Chen Mu''s body to stand slightly, his demeanor remaining utterly calm throughout.


    The Cry Snake''s strike having no effect, its snake eyes finally showed a human-like fear, and it immediately tried to retreat. However, it was already grasped by Chen Mu, making escape obviously impossible.


    Crack!


    Chen Mu slightly exerted force in his fingers and directly twisted off the Cry Snake''s head.


    The Cry Snake struggled frantically in his grip, its surging demonic power bursting forth in waves, but it was forcibly suppressed by the Yuan Gang True Essence gathered in Chen Mu''s hand, unable to break free. After several moments of intense conflict, the Cry Snake''s demonic power completely dispersed, its severed head sagging, its vitality gradually fading.


    Chen Mu looked at the body of the Cry Snake in his hand, perceiving momentarily with a calm gaze to ensure it was indeed lifeless, and then he stored its body, placing it in his bag, before walking to the pool of Earth Origin Elixir.


    Close up.


    He could sense the vibrant vitality contained in the pool of Spiritual Liquid, which truly seemed like the essence of the earth had been extracted, making ''Earth Origin Elixir'' an apt name. This substance existed only in the Earthly Abyss, nowhere to be found above ground.


    This whole pool of Earth Origin Elixir, connected to the nearby Earth''s Veins, nourished by accumulated vein power. Standing by its side, Chen Mu began to carefully sense downwards along the veins at his feet.


    A rough estimate.


    The depth was about three feet.


    Three feet deep, one foot wide, indeed, the amount was not small, and taking it would be somewhat troublesome.


    After a brief consideration, Chen Mu still shook his head slightly, stretched out his hand downwards, and a burst of Yuan Gang True Essence erupted, causing the entire pool of Earth Origin Elixir to shake violently, its viscous surface rippling.


    The Earth''s Veins'' power connected to the Spiritual Liquid trembled violently, clashing with Chen Mu''s Yuan Gang True Essence. The Earth Pulse''s Power from within the Earthly Abyss was far more violent than other places, making it extremely difficult for even a Grandmaster in the Blood Exchange Realm to move underground here, let alone forcibly enter a deeper layer of the Earthly Abyss.


    However, Chen Mu merely needed to sever the pool of Earth Origin Elixir''s connection with the Earth''s Veins, which was not so difficult.


    Boom!!


    Following a thunderous noise, the connected power of the veins finally disintegrated, and the whole pool of Spiritual Liquid was forcibly pulled up, slowly floating into mid-air. S§×ar?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu''s eyes flickered slightly, he stepped on the ground, shattering countless mud and stones, and then pointed his fingers, these mud stones rapidly converged to a point, enveloping the pool of Spiritual Liquid in the middle, then rapidly solidifying and transforming.


    In just a moment.


    The mud stones had turned into a solid mass of jade stone, sealing the pool of Spiritual Liquid within, forming a stone about three feet long and one foot wide, which then landed in Chen Mu''s hand.


    Chen Mu weighed it slightly, the Earth Origin Elixir was inherently heavy; while it would be somewhat manageable on the surface, this much quantity underground indeed posed some trouble. Yet considering its value, it was indeed worth the effort to carry.


    "Let''s take another look at that entrance."


    With the stone containing a pool of Earth Origin Elixir on his back, Chen Mu confirmed his direction once more.


    He wasn''t far from the cave entrance on the map, leading to the Third Layer, only about a hundred miles away. He planed to check if the entrance had been sealed. If it had, he would take this Earth Origin Elixir back to the surface first and find a place to store it. If it had not been sealed, then he would check for any other situations.


    Mind made up.


    Chen Mu, carrying the stone, quickly stepped forward and soon disappeared into the shadows of the Earthly Abyss.

 Chapter 594 - 355: From Central Prefecture

    In the dim Earthly Abyss,


    five silhouettes clad in pitch-black cloaks rapidly advanced.


    "This remote land of the Cold North has undergone drastic changes. All three passageways leading to the Third Layer have sealed up. I wonder about this one. If it''s also impassable, we''ll have to slowly search for another route," said the person leading, his face hidden in the shadows, speaking softly.


    Another beside him shook his head and said, "A century is too long. The Earth''s Veins have shifted significantly, closing many passages. It''s also uncertain if that... still exists."


    "Existence or not, it''s of utmost importance, worth our effort to explore," the leader whispered.


    The others remained silent, each following as they moved on. After traversing dozens of miles, they came upon a depression in the ground up ahead. In the valley''s center, there was a dark cave that led into the unknown underground.


    "Excellent."


    After exchanging glances, they hesitated no longer and immediately entered the cave.


    One of them, just before stepping into the cave, narrowed his eyes to carefully look around. Sensing no abnormalities, he quickly refocused and disappeared into the depths with the others.


    However,


    after they vanished,


    from the darkness some hundred yards away, a figure carrying a huge boulder walked toward that Third Layer entrance of the Earthly Abyss, a hint of light flickering in his eyes.


    "Who are these people..."


    Chen Mu narrowed his eyes as he stared at the passageway.


    Having arrived at the Cangshuang Mountain Range with Liu Tong, Feng Hongsheng, and others, the Elders and Grandmasters of various sects had all successively arrived. None dressed in such black cloaks, and they all seemed to conceal their identities deliberately, obviously to hide their traces.


    Such attire was akin to those from the Blood Hidden Pavilion, but the Grandmasters of the Pavilion were even more adept at concealment. Even hundreds of yards away, if Chen Mu could sense faint traces, it would be difficult to locate them precisely. After all, he was only a Qiankun Grandmaster, not one with the Unity of Heaven and Man.


    Clearly, these people were not Grandmasters from the Blood Hidden Pavilion. Moreover, their movements were highly suspicious, unlike any recognized power from the Cold North. And there were so many of them moving together.


    "Could they be from other States?"


    The thought flickered through Chen Mu''s mind.


    Cold North Path is a secluded area, and Ice State lies in the Extreme North. Though the Earthly Abyss attracts Grandmasters and those seeking the Blood Exchange, Grandmasters from other forces are usually not willing to venture deep into the Cold North.


    After all, it''s far and unfamiliar territory. Unless a force launched a large-scale operation, a lone Grandmaster venturing into the Ice State Abyss could easily die without cause, which is common. And if they mobilized too many forces for the Ice State Abyss, it would be nearly impossible to keep it concealed. Besides, other States were not peaceful either, and the risks were high.


    The main point was,


    this group seemed to have a clear objective, heading straight for a passage deeper into the Earthly Abyss.


    After a brief consideration, a faint light crossed Chen Mu''s eyes. With a thought, a dark concealment enveloped him completely, as if without a trace, he silently approached the passageway, trailing at a distance behind them.


    If this group was so purpose-driven, they might have some special intelligence, perhaps a map of the Earthly Abyss or searching for a specific treasure location within. Encountering them by chance, Chen Mu naturally wouldn''t turn away. If these people indeed came from another realm, taking such risks to come this far, the treasures they sought must be extraordinary.


    A moment later,


    Chen Mu entered the Third Layer of the Earthly Abyss through the passage.


    This layer was darker and the air heavier. Upon landing, Chen Mu sensed the area''s aura was chaotic, with no trace of the group he was following.


    They obviously acted intentionally, erasing their tracks as soon as they entered the Third Layer to avoid being followed.


    "A well-concealed technique, but..."


    A gleam crossed Chen Mu''s eyes as he raised his right hand and waved it lightly twice. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    To an ordinary person, even one extremely skilled in sensing, faced with such disrupted Power of Heaven and Earth and aura, it would be likely to lose track of the group. However, having cultivated the Qiankun Domain, escaping his notice was not so easy.


    Chen Mu had followed them closely, and even in such a brief time, no amount of disturbing the aura could prevent him from smoothing out the chaos and catching some traces with his capabilities.


    "It occurs to me that among the techniques aligned with the Qiankun, there''s one called ''Reversing Qiankun'' that can invert the changes of Heaven and Earth within a small range. It''s a pity I''ve never seen it; otherwise, it would have been easier," Chen Mu mused to himself. Without pausing, his hands continued moving, smoothing out the most chaotic surface aura, isolating faint remaining traces, and casting his gaze in a specific direction.


    Without lingering,


    he flashed forwards, following the traces he had found.


    ...


    The five cloaked figures in the Earthly Abyss moved swiftly.


    After about a hundred miles, the leader finally halted, gazing into the distance.


    The man under the black cloak had a fair complexion, resembling a young man with smooth, beardless skin. Upon stopping, his slight breath caused ripples in the air, but his aura was profoundly deep. Streams of Inner Breath flowed within him, showing no less prowess than Ji Yuanshan, evidently a top-tier Grandmaster!

 Chapter 595 - 355 Coming from Central Prefecture_2

    "Very well, it has not been damaged." S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A trace of interest flickered in Yu Shouxuan''s eyes as he focused on what was ahead.


    He saw, about several miles away,


    the silent wasteland with a particularly eerie terrain, winding and rugged, hanging downward like a prone Azure Dragon. It was unmistakably the structural form of the ''Azure Dragon Water-Drawing Place.''


    This dragon-like landscape, which meandered for miles, ended at a valley floor at its tail, not with barren earth, but with a continuous stretch of ancient stone wall extending downwards, reaching a tiny floral platform at its base, shaped like a lotus but crafted from stone, without any trace of human carving ¡ª a natural wonder created by the heavens and earth themselves!


    Azure Dragon draws water, a spring of green lotus!


    Upon closer inspection,


    one could see at the very heart of the ''green lotus'' formed purely of green stone, a sparkling liquid glowing with a dazzling rainbow sheen. It seemed to be just a few drops, yet although it exuded no special aura, anyone who saw it would immediately realize that this was no ordinary Heaven and Earth Spiritual Item.


    "Azure Dragon drawing water giving rise to a springing green lotus¡ªsuch a terrain formed by Earth''s Veins is rare even in the Earthly Abyss. It will not easily be broken unless Demons clash, destroying the form of the land, which might cause this place to collapse and scatter."


    Behind Yu Shouxuan, a Grandmaster wearing a black robe also spoke up slowly, his voice ancient with age. Beneath his cloak, his face was full of wrinkles, his hair white with the passage of years, and his entire being exuded the aura of decay.


    Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters, even at one hundred and fifty years of age, often still retain the peak of their vitality, and even a youthful appearance. But he seemed no longer able to maintain his youthful exterior, that decaying aspiration hard to conceal, appearing as though the end of a Grandmaster''s lifeline was nearing.


    However,


    should a certain Grandmaster from Cold North Path be here, they would recognize him at a glance.


    Compared to Yu Shouxuan who came from beyond the Cold North, this aged Grandmaster with a looming end of his lifeline was better known in the Cold North¡ªLiu Wanzheng!


    A leading Grandmaster of the Seven Profound Sect, never faltering through centuries. If this generation had Liu Tong, and the previous had Qin Mengjun, then beyond them stood Liu Wanzheng. His great age was an issue; he had withdrawn twenty years ago. Now close to ''two hundred years old'', even if he clung to his Qi-Blood, he was indeed nearing the end.


    "What Elder Liu says is quite right."


    The person at his side chuckled, staring at the Azure Dragon Water-Drawing Place, and sighed, "Heaven and Earth Dew... a single drop is said to prolong life by ten years. With an accumulation of over a hundred years, there should be at least five or six drops."


    Liu Wanzheng shook his head slightly, "The first use is indeed the most effective. If you take a second drop, its potency at least halves, and with each subsequent dose, the effect diminishes further. However, should the opportunity arise, it can also be exchanged for other treasures that preserve Essence Blood and prolong life."


    "Enough, let''s not waste time. Let''s take it quickly to avoid complications."


    Yu Shouxuan whispered.


    The people behind him nodded in agreement, then turned their gazes forward. One among them showed a flicker in his eye as if sensing something. He suddenly gave Yu Shouxuan a knowing glance.


    Yu Shouxuan immediately understood, pretended to casually move forward, and gradually approached the Azure Dragon Water-Drawing Place. When he was about a hundred yards close, suddenly, his tall figure surged forward at an angle, throwing a delicate long sword from his hand with a Solidifying Refinement of Extreme Yin Inner Strength that fell onto the wasteland dozens of yards away to his left.


    Crack! Crack!!!


    In an instant, layers of ice formed and spread out over dozens of yards, freezing a large section of the barren ground.


    At almost the same moment, the frozen earth shattered abruptly, the ice cracking and breaking apart along with the land, and from beneath came an enraged roar.


    "Wu..."


    The ground broke apart.


    A massive black serpent about thirty yards in length burst from the cracked earth, its terrifying presence spreading everywhere, revealing two sharp fangs as it lunged for Yu Shouxuan, who was close by.


    Its coiling body thrashed, with demonic power surging violently, its black Scale Armor tight, with two bulges emerging on its forehead.


    An Eighth Rank Demon King¡ªHu Snake!


    To call it a mere demon snake seemed inappropriate, as its massive demonic power seemed even more ferocious than that of a standard Eighth Rank Demon King. The bulges on its forehead hinted at sprouting horns, nearing the stage of ''transforming into a dragon''!


    Once a Hu Snake transforms into a dragon, it can ascend to Ninth Rank and become a Heavenly Demon. This particular Hu Snake was clearly not far from metamorphosis!


    "Hmph."


    Yu Shouxuan faced the attack of the Hu Snake with disdain, letting out a faint snort before forming three circles in front of him with both hands, and then unleashed a Palm Imprint with an intense burst of Extreme Yin True Qi. The surrounding temperature plummeted drastically, and visible ice fog formed in the air.


    The bite of the Hu Snake clashed with Yu Shouxuan''s ''Taiyin Palm'', resulting in a loud explosive sound, and Yu Shouxuan staggered back two steps, while the serpent''s body also shook.


    "A monstrous animal not yet transformed into a dragon dares to run wild before me..."


    Yu Shouxuan scoffed twice, took a step forward, drew the Taiyin Sword, and with a feminine sword stance, flicked three swift strikes, casting three strands of Solidifying Refinement black Sword Qi, which formed into strands of Taiyin Sword Silk.


    Hiss!!


    The Hu Snake let out a furious hiss, opened its gaping maw, and spat out a surge of black energy that collided with the strands of Sword Silk. Even though they were ripped apart instantly, during the process they were also continuously eroded and corroded, and by the time they neared its Scale Armor, they had weakened significantly, falling upon it without leaving any mark.

 Chapter 596 - 355 Coming from Central Prefecture_3

    ""Take action."


    While Yu Shouxuan engaged the horned snake, a shrill voice spread out.


    Seeing this, the four people not far away, among them three immediately sprang into action, each drawing their Spirit Weapons, encircling the horned snake, and unleashing a barrage of moves upon it, a ferocious beating ensued.


    Only Liu Wanzheng stood his ground without making a move, merely watching with indifference as Yu Shouxuan and the others attacked the horned snake.


    Hiss, hiss!!


    The horned snake, under the siege of four Grandmasters, continuously let out angry shrieks, and its surging demonic power burst forth, but to no avail.


    Even though among the four attacking Grandmasters, only Yu Shouxuan was of the top Grandmaster caliber, with the others a rank below, Yu Shouxuan could withstand its frontal momentum while the Power of Taiyin inherently possessed restraining abilities¡ªthe other three aiding from the side together, made it such that no matter how much the horned snake lashed out, it couldn''t stir up any trouble, and in a moment, it bore several new wounds.


    However.


    This horned snake was after all at the peak of the Eighth Rank, just one transformation away from the Ninth Rank, and its strength was considerable. After a brief skirmish with Yu Shouxuan and the others, it realized it was no match, and continuing the fight was futile. It was no longer possible to retrieve the precious object it had guarded for many years. Its large serpent eyes looked at the people with a hateful expression.


    Then, with a long hiss, it suddenly lashed out fiercely with its tail, forcing one of the four back, then twisted its body, and broke through the gap, escaping into the distance, no longer opting to fight.


    "Beast, don''t you flee!"


    Yu Shouxuan let out a piercing shriek, raised the sword in his hand, and hurled it with one strike at the fleeing horned snake, attempting to block it with the Flying Sword.


    But the horned snake didn''t even look back, flicking its tail in the air, and with a collision with the Spirit Sword followed by a snap, a few drops of Demon Blood were scattered, and then its entire serpent body had already fled a hundred paces away, quickly disappearing from sight.


    "..."


    Upon seeing this, Yu Shouxuan showed a hint of regret. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had been at the front, preventing the horned snake from nearing the Azure Dragon Water-Drawing Place it had guarded, but he couldn''t block its escape. After all, this was a Great Demon King at the limit of the Eighth Rank, and if it didn''t choose to fight to the death, it was indeed difficult to capture.


    Mainly because Liu Wanzheng hadn''t made a move, otherwise, with Liu Wanzheng''s strength, it would have been possible to block the horned snake''s escape route and to capture it. An Eighth Rank horned snake''s body was of considerable value.


    However, since Liu Wanzheng didn''t make a move, he couldn''t say anything.


    Everyone was well aware of Liu Wanzheng''s situation¡ªalthough he still could take action, as a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster, he still maintained peak combat power, but nearing the end of his lifespan, it was fine for him not to act. Once he did, he might no longer be able to maintain his vitality, and his life might only last a few days; his reluctance to act was quite normal.


    As Liu Wanzheng and Yu Shouxuan watched the horned snake being driven away, Liu Wanzheng nodded slightly towards Yu Shouxuan, and then the two of them headed towards the Azure Dragon Water-Drawing Place together. Accompanied by Yu Shouxuan lightly raising his hand, one could see from the blossom of the Earthly Abyss Lotus floating in the air, several drops of liquid, delicate as crystal, quietly lifted up, hovering mid-air. With the last drop rising, the lotus flower that resembled green jade also quickly dimmed, losing its luster.


    Crack! Crack!


    The green jade lotus platform began to show signs of shattering, and then, one by one, the petals fell apart and collapsed, signifying that this ''Earthly Abyss Lotus'' site had reached its end, with only the Azure Dragon Water-Drawing Place above yet to collapse.


    At this moment.


    The ''Heaven and Earth Dew'' floating in the air amounted to no less than seven drops."


    "Seven drops."


    Yu Shouxuan''s face couldn''t help but reveal a look of joy.


    This was two drops more than he had anticipated; he had expected that obtaining five drops would make this perilous journey worthwhile, but with seven drops, after setting aside the one that Liu Wanzheng would take, there would still be six drops left. After handing them all over to His Highness King Liang, he might also receive one for himself.


    The Heaven and Earth treasures that could restore vitality and extend one''s lifespan were things one could only encounter by chance but not seek, each one incredibly rare and coveted. Even many existences at the Blood Exchange Realm would vie for them, let alone someone like him.


    "It seems that His Highness King Liang will be quite satisfied this time," Liu Wanzhang remarked, slightly nodding as he looked at the seven drops of ''Heaven and Earth Dew'' floating in the air.


    While Yu Shouxuan was cautiously taking out an extremely exquisite millennium-old Jade Vase to try and collect the dew drop by drop, Chen Mu, hidden in the dim shadows a few hundred paces away, was squinting his eyes, closely watching this scene.


    His gaze swept over the Heaven and Earth Dew, past Yu Xuanji and the other four, and finally rested on Liu Wanzheng.


    "...Liu Wanzheng?"


    He had never met Liu Wanzheng before, but as one of the elders of the older generation within the Seven Profound Sect, Chen Mu was quite familiar with his portrait and many details about him. Of course, the most important was the aura of ''decay'' radiating from Liu Wanzheng.


    This was the first time Chen Mu had encountered a grandmaster who had truly reached the limit of his lifespan; while in the past he had also met individuals like Yu Jiujiang, Yu Jiujiang was not a grandmaster. After entering the Marrow Cleansing Realm and approaching the end of his lifespan, one''s realm and strength would not fall until the moment of death.


    However.


    Despite that.


    Chen Mu was still uncertain about the man''s identity since he had never seen this grandmaster before, and even Yu Shouxuan and the others were quite unfamiliar to him, especially Yu Shouxuan. With the strength of a top grandmaster, he would certainly be well-known in the Cold North Path.


    Moreover, that Power of Taiyin and the yin and soft Inner Breath were almost immediately identifiable; they undoubtedly indicated a man deprived of yang.


    Such a person,


    could only come from the Da Xuan royal court!


    If that old grandmaster with the aura of decay was indeed the Seven Profound Sect''s elder, a member of one of the six great families of the Yu State Government Office from the Liu Family, it was even more curious that he did not join Liu Tong and others into the Earthly Abyss but instead mingled quietly with Yu Shouxuan and the characters from the Central Prefecture court...


    In an instant, Chen Mu thought of many things, but he quickly calmed himself. While he couldn''t be certain, it wasn''t crucial. Since he had stumbled upon them, he decided he would find out exactly what was going on.


    With that thought passing by.


    Chen Mu no longer concealed his Inner Breath but quietly allowed a trace of his Momentum to dissipate.


    "Who''s there?!"


    Even though they were hundreds of paces apart, the dissipating Momentum was instantly detected by Yu Shouxuan and the many grandmasters nearby. One of them immediately looked in Chen Mu''s direction and asked coldly.

 Chapter 597 - 356: Trifling Figures, Overestimating Themselves!

    "Azure Dragon draws water, Earth springs forth Azure Lotus, no wonder it can give birth to treasures like the Heaven and Earth Dew." S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu''s voice came from hundreds of feet away, his figure appearing silently, maintaining a distance of hundreds of feet without intentionally approaching, but instead casting his gaze toward Liu Wanzheng and slowly spoke, "Among the living elders of our sect, Elder Liu has the oldest seniority. Many of us thought you had perished, never expecting you to be alive, let alone find such a blessed land."


    "Yet, with news of such blessed land and spiritual treasure, Elder Liu did not share with our sect but chose to collaborate with outsiders instead. I still don''t understand the reason behind this. It seems these few must be from the Da Xuan Imperial Court, am I right, Elder Liu? When did you become so close to the royal family?"


    As his words fell,


    Liu Wanzheng, looking at the now visible Chen Mu, immediately furrowed his brow slightly.


    As for the other grandmasters, their expressions varied, some glancing at Liu Wanzheng, and others looking at Chen Mu.


    Yu Shouxuan, who led the group and had put away the Heaven and Earth Dew, now squinted at Chen Mu and suddenly said in a sharp voice, "This aura of the Eight Phases cycle surely belongs to the Qiankun path. You must then be Peak Master Chen of the Seven Profound Sect, the once-in-a-century prodigy of the Cold North Path. Despite being far in the Central Prefecture, our family has heard of the name of Peak Master Chen."


    "It seems it really is you."


    Chen Mu did not respond to Yu Shouxuan, only continued looking at Liu Wanzheng, and seeing his silence, he sighed gently and said, "So it was you who plotted against my master all those years ago, and here I was, suspecting the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion."


    He wasn''t actually certain that it was Liu Wanzheng himself; his tone was just feigned probing, but Liu Wanzheng apparently didn''t realize that and assumed Chen Mu, having spied from the sidelines, had already ascertained his identity, and that concealment was futile.


    Such a furrowed brow and silence were tantamount to an admission of guilt.


    Regarding the matter of Qin Mengjun, Chen Mu had pondered over all the elders and peak masters of the Seven Profound Sect, including Liu Wanzheng, but ultimately dismissed him because, on one hand, Liu Wanzheng had retired from the martial world to enjoy his old age years ago, and on the other hand, there was no known grudge between Liu Wanzheng and Qin Mengjun.


    Moreover, Liu Wanzheng''s age was one of the oldest in the entire Seven Profound Sect, even older than the Supreme Elder Yin Heng itself. At such an advanced age, what would be the point of not living out his years in peace but instead betraying the Seven Profound Sect to plot against Qin Mengjun?


    Chen Mu could think of no suitable reason.


    The only far-fetched possibility was the pursuit of longevity, of living longer, but such actions were meaningless. The Liu Family was one of the six major families in the State Government Office, deeply entrenched and with countless disciples and stewards within the Seven Profound Sect.


    After all, Liu Wanzheng was a dignified grandmaster. If it was just to live a few more years for himself, defecting to the Sky Demon Sect or being lured by other forces, at the expense of the entire Liu Family, it would suggest a complete lack of integrity and will, making it impossible for him to have reached grandmaster in the first place.


    "..."


    Listeing to Chen Mu''s words, Liu Wanzheng remained silent throughout.


    A glint flashed in Yu Shouxuan''s eyes, and with a chuckle, he spoke in his high-pitched voice, "Peak Master Chen, young and immersed in martial arts, might not be aware of the details. Your master, Qin Mengjun, comes from the Qin Family, which, two hundred years ago, was a branch in Central Prefecture guilty of a crime and thus exiled to this remote land of Yu State."


    "Though it is so, the Qin Family still has branches in Central Prefecture. They changed their surname from ''Qin'' to ''Zhao,'' and that ''Concubine Zhao'' in the court comes from this branch... Peak Master Chen might not be aware of these old affairs, but when it comes to Concubine Zhao, I suppose you must have heard the name ''King of Jin,'' right?"


    Yu Shouxuan narrated in detail.


    Finally, Chen Mu shifted his gaze from Liu Wanzheng and landed on Yu Shouxuan, calmly saying, "Even though the Cold North is remote, the names of the Eight Princes of the Da Xuan Royal Court are quite clear, so are you saying that King of Jin is the son of that Concubine Zhao?"


    He wasn''t very familiar with the Da Xuan Royal Family, but at his current level, he was bound to have heard some rumors. At the very least, he was aware of the names of the Eight Princes like Jin, Yan, Liang, Chu within the Da Xuan Royal Court.


    Each of these eight, distinguished among the thousands of noble bloodlines of the Royal Family and crowned as princes, were grandmasters. They were all top grandmasters listed in the world''s grandmasters record, with both Jin and Yan being among the top ten extraordinary grandmasters!


    King of Jin, Ji Xuanchu, was even the number one person on the current list of grandmasters.


    "Indeed."


    Yu Shouxuan gently nodded and said, "Therefore, the Qin and Zhao families have always been connected. When Qin Mengjun made her remarkable appearance, displaying her talent, King of Jin intended to bring the Qins and Zhaos together, hoping to make Qin Mengjun his concubine and thereby extend his influence into the Seven Profound Sect to have it work for him."


    Listening to Yu Shouxuan''s explanation, Chen Mu gained some understanding of past events. Although he knew quite a bit about the Da Xuan Imperial Court, it was limited to a certain extent. He wasn''t very clear about historical events that happened decades or even centuries ago, after all, such things wouldn''t be recorded in the annals.


    "So, to obstruct this, Elder Liu allied with outsiders and plotted against my master during his breakthrough to the Blood Exchange Realm... but still, I don''t understand, what''s in it for Elder Liu?"


    Chen Mu''s gaze fell on Liu Wanzheng again, speaking indifferently, "Even if the Seven Profound Sect gradually leaned toward King of Jin because of the Qin family, it wouldn''t necessarily be a bad thing for the sect. The Liu Family would also benefit from it. I am thinking that even if someone else offered a spiritual object for longevity like the ''Heaven and Earth Dew'', it wouldn''t be enough to make Elder Liu betray the sect."

 Chapter 598 - 356: Petty Thieves, Overestimating Their Abilities!_2

    "..."


    Liu Wanzheng heard this and glanced at Chen Mu. He finally spoke for the first time, his voice carrying the weight of age and decay, "Factional struggle has no right or wrong. I neither wish for the King of Jin to meddle with the Seven Profound Sect, nor do I want the Qin Family to pledge allegiance to the King of Jin."


    Chen Mu sighed lightly and said, "So that''s how it is. Then I wonder, Elder Liu, aside from the King of Jin, which other of the Eight Princes do you support? When my master met with trouble, Supreme Yin should have conducted a thorough investigation, yet he never discovered any connection between the Liu Family and Central Prefecture."


    "Of course it wouldn''t be found, because there simply isn''t any."


    Yu Shouxuan looked at Chen Mu, his smile not reaching his eyes as he said, "Grandmaster Liu is, in fact, from over a hundred years ago, the offspring he left behind during his travels in the Outer Sea, who took on ''Wan'' as their surname. Among this offspring, one descendant became acquainted with the then young King Liang. She is now a concubine to King Liang, both mutual supports to each other, and is also one of the youngest top Grandmasters of our time."


    Hearing Yu Shouxuan say this, Chen Mu''s doubts finally cleared, and everything made sense.


    Liu Wanzheng leaving behind descendants in the Outer Sea might have gone unnoticed initially, but unexpectedly, among his descendants was born an individual of exceptional talent. Steadily rising to fame, she met the young King Liang, supported each other, and ascended to the title of King while she reached the Grandmaster Realm, surpassing her ancestor in skill.


    With such descendants, it''s natural that Liu Wanzheng would support King Liang''s line over the Seven Profound Sect.


    Liu Wanzheng perhaps had no intention of harming the Seven Profound Sect, but with the Qin Family close to the King of Jin and with hostility between the Eight Princes, he was reluctant to see Qin Mengjun step into the Blood Exchange Realm and take command of the Seven Profound Sect while aligning with King Jin''s lineage. Therefore, it made sense that he would attack in secret¡ªby his perspective, such actions would be guilt-free and would not affect his own moral path.


    As for the mysterious Blood Exchange Realm individual, that must be someone Liu Wanzheng brought in, one of the supporters from Central Prefecture of King Liang''s cause. If this person deliberately concealed their identity, then it''s quite normal that the investigation revealed nothing.


    "The situation in the Cold North is truly intricate. I thought the Eleven Northern States of the Cold North, being so remote, were merely embroiled in internal conflicts and warfare without imagining that even such a distant place would bear traces of the Imperial Court."


    Chen Mu slowly began to speak.


    He had anticipated that the Cold North situation likely involved interference from the Imperial Court, but his suspicions had been directed only at major events like the North Garrison Government''s campaign, the moves of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, and the warfare in Ice State, which always remained under the scrutiny of Central Prefecture.


    But now it seemed that even the six major families of the State Government Office, as well as powers like the Qin and Liu Families, all had various entanglements with Central Prefecture. Considering this, perhaps behind the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion lay the hands of one of the Eight Princes other than ''Jin'' and ''Liang.'' The truly independent forces of the entire Cold North were probably very few.


    "Under the heavens, all land belongs to the king; by the shores of the earth, everyone is a subject to the throne."


    Yu Shouxuan let out a thin laugh, his dead fish eyes fixating on Chen Mu, "You must not think that the chaos in the world is due to the incompetence of the Imperial Court. In reality, both an era of chaos and an era of peace exist at the whim of the Imperial Court. Those like Yuan Hong, who take advantage of tumultuous times to attempt to carve out their own reigns, are nothing but overconfident fools in the face of mighty imperial authority."


    "Peak Master Chen has formidable skills, ranking within the top three of the Cold North Wind Cloud List. Given time, if you comprehend the Qiankun Domain, you would stand shoulder to shoulder with the top Grandmasters on the worldwide list. If you are willing to serve King Liang, provided he ascends the throne and stabilizes the world, you could be granted the title of Marquis and be remembered for generations," Yu Shouxuan said, the corners of his mouth lifting into a slight curve.


    Chen Mu listened and finally showed a hint of indifference on his consistently calm face and coldly sneered, "Ascend the throne? He is not worthy!"


    Merely out of fear of Qin Mengjun''s talent and unwilling to see an alliance formed between the Qin Family and the King of Jin lineage, they colluded with Liu Wanzheng''s vicious schemes to attack Qin Mengjun, who was then merely a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster. With such despicable methods, do they truly aspire to ascend to the throne?


    "What kind of person was my master? Even though he was beset by the petty schemes of people like you, he still managed to break through and reach the ultimate heights of Martial Arts. You insignificant wretches, peddling these treacherous and vile strategies that can''t even be brought to light, dare talk about having your names passed down through the ages." S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu''s gaze swept over Yu Shouxuan and the others, filled with cold laughter.


    Yu Shouxuan, hearing this, his face suddenly turned dark, and he coldly said, "Qin Mengjun indeed possesses an extraordinary gift, but you too are not qualified to shout in front of our family. It would be a different matter if your master himself came, but you''re just a brash young man who doesn''t recognize his own limits!"


    Boom!


    As the words fell.


    A sound of Wasteland shattering came from behind Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu coldly glanced over his shoulder to see a figure appear thirty feet behind him, bursting forth from the ground, effectively blocking his retreat.


    At the same time, the body of the person standing at Yu Shouxuan''s side suddenly collapsed into a mound of dirt, revealing that it had been nothing but a decoy, with the real body having long since slipped behind Chen Mu under Yu Shouxuan''s deliberate cover!


    With Chen Mu''s escape route sealed, the formerly concealed cold menace of the crowd was now bare.


    Yu Shouxuan looked at Chen Mu, slowly stepping forward with a skin-deep smile, saying, "The secrets of the Imperial Court are not so easily heard. Since you''ve heard what you shouldn''t have, it looks like you will have to leave your life behind... What do you think, Grandmaster Liu?"


    "Perfectly fine."


    Liu Wanzheng stood behind Yu Shouxuan, indifferently looking at Chen Mu.


    He actually bore no grudge against Chen Mu, who was seen as a rare prodigy of the Cold North with the potential to rejuvenate the Seven Profound Sect, but after all, he was a man of King Liang''s lineage, and Chen Mu was Qin Mengjun''s disciple. Even if he did not support the King of Jin, he would stand on Qin Mengjun''s side. Besides, having heard so many secrets, he could not possibly let Chen Mu leave.

 Chapter 599 - 599: 356

    Just now, he cooperated with Yu Shouxuan, deliberately discussing so many court secrets with Chen Mu, in order to attract Chen Mu''s mind and distract his attention. This allowed Tan Jingguang, who is adept at the Earth Escape Technique, to stealthily approach from behind Chen Mu and block his escape route.


    Within the Earthly Abyss, escaping underground is ultimately very difficult, even for a grandmaster like Tan Jingguang. In order not to alert Chen Mu, he had to stick close to the surface of the wasteland and take a big detour to arrive behind Chen Mu before finally making his move.


    However.


    Chen Mu was indifferent to Tan Jingguang, who had emerged from the ground to block his retreat, and paid no heed to Yu Shouxuan, who was slowly approaching from the front. He only fixed his gaze on Liu Wanzheng and said softly, "It''s a pity for the Liu Family of Yu State, who will inevitably be implicated by you."


    "Once you die here, no one will be aware of those secrets,"


    Liu Wanzheng said indifferently.


    Yu Shouxuan ''heh''ed, having stepped forward and now stood just over thirty yards away from Chen Mu, "Peak Master Chen couldn''t possibly think he can still escape to heaven, could you? You forgot, I, Yu Shouxuan, am also listed among the grandmasters of the world. In these Cold North Eleven States of yours, apart from the Absolute Blade, the Jade Flute Guest, and the Longevity Sword, I''m afraid no one else could possibly defeat me."


    On the grandmaster level, it is easy to win but hard to kill.


    If no one had blocked Chen Mu''s retreat, Yu Shouxuan wouldn''t have been sure he could stop Chen Mu. But now, with Chen Mu''s youth and carelessness, his path blocked, and as long as Yu could slightly hinder him, Chen Mu would have no chance to escape from under his sword!


    Hiss!


    Almost in the very next moment.


    A cold light flashed in Yu Shouxuan''s eyes, and he burst into action.


    Having decided to take Chen Mu''s life, he naturally did not hold back, and his full-powered strike was filled with a murderous aura. The fierce and chilling Taiyin True Qi was concentrated on the delicate, soft edge of his sword and thrust toward Chen Mu.


    Liu Wanzheng, Tan Jingguang, and the others could clearly see the true extent of Yu Shouxuan''s power. Such a sword strike previously had almost inflicted heavy damage on an Eighth Rank serpent, even the top three of the Wind Cloud List could not withstand it!


    The Taiyin Sword,


    Yu Shouxuan!


    One of the top grandmasters in the world, ranked thirty-first! S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However, facing the sword thrust by Yu Shouxuan, which contained chilling True Qi and a sharp, fierce edge, Chen Mu''s movements were extraordinarily casual. He didn''t even draw his own Spirit Weapon, simply raising his right hand with his two fingers together.


    Clang.


    Cutting through the Power of Heaven and Earth all around and splitting the oppressive force of the Earthly Abyss, the beam of sword light, like a slithering snake, landed between Chen Mu''s two fingers, even locking Yu Shouxuan''s Taiyin Sword in his grasp.


    The piercing coldness and the sharpness concentrated at a point on the blade of the Taiyin Sword were effortlessly locked between Chen Mu''s two fingers, disintegrating inch by inch until it couldn''t advance any further!


    "Yu Shouxuan? Never heard of him,"


    Chen Mu said calmly, looking at Yu Shouxuan in front of him. After effortlessly shattering the attack with his Taiyin Sword with his fingers, a magnificent surge of the Power of Heaven and Earth arose, casting a dazzling glow over his two fingers.


    As soon as Yu Shouxuan''s sword strike was effortlessly caught between Chen Mu''s two fingers, a storm of shock arose in his heart. In Central Prefecture, he was one of the formidable top-ranked grandmasters, and that sword strike had been delivered with his full force, without any reservation. Even those peerless grandmasters in the top ten of the ranking wouldn''t dare to be so presumptuous against his sword strike.


    But Chen Mu, not only did he catch it, he did so with such ease!


    It was as if a grandmaster faced a junior who had just accomplished Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering, casually capturing the strike with a flick of his fingers. How unimaginable this was for one of the top grandmasters in the world, who, apart from the Blood Exchange Realm, could do such a thing!


    This is bad.


    The storm in Yu Shouxuan''s heart surged as he felt the terrifying force suddenly burst from Chen Mu''s fingertips. His heart violently twitched, wanting to withdraw his sword and retreat, but it was completely stuck, and he felt Chen Mu''s fingers, like iron, lock his Taiyin Sword in place, immovable as mountains, all his strength unable to pull it an inch backward.


    Nevertheless, Yu Shouxuan, being one of the top grandmasters, had survived countless life-and-death crises. In that moment, he made a decisive choice without hesitation, releasing his hand to decisively abandon his Spirit Weapon and planning to rapidly retreat and flee!


    But it was too late.


    Just then, the True Qi gathered at Chen Mu''s fingertips shone faintly, and his indifferent eyes then pushed forward, passing the Taiyin Sword in reverse towards Yu Shouxuan and exploding forward with a bang.


    Propelled by only two fingers, the rebounding Taiyin Sword flew faster and more fiercely than the Exec Moon Bow or the Breaking Star Arrow, two Spirit Weapon bows and arrows. Although there was no perceivable aura above, this situation was even more terrifying; it was the Yuan Gang Inner Strength and force concentrated to a single point and taken to the extreme!


    At this moment, Yu Shouxuan had just released his grip and begun to retreat. Facing this blow, he had no chance to dodge and was forced to bring together two antique gray palms with long fingernails in front of his body, concentrating Taiyin True Qi in his palms, trying to catch it.


    "Ah!"


    A scream was heard.


    The rebounding Taiyin Sword, with just a touch of its slender handle, ground right through the Taiyin True Qi concentrated in Yu Shouxuan''s palms. Then it continued into and pierced a huge hole through both palms, with no reduction in momentum, as it crashed into his chest, forcefully stabbing into him, penetrating through his back, splattering blood into the void.

 Chapter 600 - 357: Everyone Has Their Own Fate

    Thud.


    Yu Shouxuan spurted blood from his mouth and flew backwards for dozens of yards, crashing heavily to the ground.


    "Eunuch Yu!"


    "This is impossible!"


    Tan Jingguang and several other Grandmasters watched in shock as Yu Shouxuan''s Taiyin Sword technique was effortlessly caught by Chen Mu with just two fingers, and with a counterstrike, he inflicted heavy injuries on Yu Shouxuan, their faces revealing disbelief.


    The always indifferent face of Liu Wanzheng finally changed at this moment, his eyes filled with shock as he looked at Chen Mu.


    "No, this is wrong, you''re not Chen Mu, who are you?!"


    Who is Yu Shouxuan?


    A top Grandmaster ranked thirty-first on the Heavenly Masters List!


    His ranking was even higher than Liu Wanzheng''s at his younger age, and in the Eleven States of the Cold North Path, even people like Jiang Changsheng and Tuoba Xi might not be able to defeat him surely. Only those lofty individuals in the Blood Exchange Realm could be his certain superiors.


    If not for the Heaven and Earth Dew being extraordinarily valuable and immensely useful to King Liang, he would not have sent Yu Shouxuan, a fiercely loyal and powerful confidant, to this place. In the Cold North Path, there was hardly any danger unless he encountered someone of the Blood Exchange Realm.


    But.


    Such a top Grandmaster, in front of Chen Mu, could not even take a single round and was casually struck down by Chen Mu''s flick of a finger. This level of strength simply wasn''t something Chen Mu, a junior, could possess!


    This was clearly the might of someone who surpassed Grandmasters, at the strength level of the Eighth Realm, Blood Exchange Realm!


    "I have always been Chen Mu."


    After inflicting heavy injuries on Yu Shouxuan with just two fingers, Chen Mu remained calm, responding casually, then in a blink, he vanished from his spot.


    Not far behind him, Tan Jingguang, who had stealthily followed to block his escape route, was shocked by Yu Shouxuan''s miserable state. Seeing Chen Mu disappear in an instant, he immediately felt a terrifying sense of dread arise within him.


    However. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Almost at the same moment as he lifted his Spirit Weapon, a withered yellow Mountain-Breaking Mace, Chen Mu''s figure had already appeared less than three yards in front of him, his gaze indifferent as he launched a palm strike from mid-air.


    This palm strike was delivered head-on, open and fair, not bothering to rely on speed to move to a different angle. The vast Yuan Gang True Essence solidified in his palm brought up gusts of wind, and the released power felt like the sky was collapsing and the earth was shattering, an almost divine might that seemed overwhelmingly unstoppable!


    "Break!"


    Tan Jingguang shouted, unable to dodge at that moment, only able to exert all his power to condense his life''s cultivation into his Spirit Weapon, the Mountain-Breaking Mace. The withered yellow mace burst into a deep brown halo, becoming immensely powerful and heavy, swinging it as if a mountain collapsed, possessing a terrifying force intended to reverse the heavens!


    However, how could the collapse of a mountain be compared to the shattering of the heavens and the earth?


    Boom!!!


    The palm strike of Chen Mu conflicted head-on with the Mountain-Breaking Mace. While barehanded against a Spirit Weapon, the terrifying Yuan Gang True Qi burst forth and, with merely a single strike, shattered the deep brown halo on the surface of the Mountain-Breaking Mace like a cracked mirror. The unstoppable force then broke out, causing the mace to curl backward, unable to withstand the blow.


    There was a sound like a bell being struck.


    Thump!


    Tan Jingguang, despite all his strength, could not hold onto the Mountain-Breaking Mace, which was swept backward by the force. He could only watch as it struck his forehead, smashing his skull, which had been trained to be as hard as iron, inward, causing his brain to burst. His body flew backward, dying on the spot!


    The entire field was in shock.


    If Chen Mu''s two fingers shattering Yu Shouxuan''s strike was too fast for many to see clearly, then the killing of Tan Jingguang with that palm strike was witnessed by everyone.


    The boundless might, bursting from the palm imprint, was undoubtedly the Qiankun Power, gathering the Eight Phases of Heaven and Earth. This was the authentic might of the Qiankun Martial Body!


    In other words.


    The young man before them was truly Chen Mu, the True Disciple of Qin Mengjun, who had unbelievably advanced in his cultivation to establish the Qiankun Martial Body, becoming the Da Xuan Dynasty''s tenth Qiankun Grandmaster in a thousand years!


    "Go! Quick, go!"


    The three Grandmasters from the Central Prefecture who had come with Yu Shouxuan, now reduced to two, although from the bustling Central Prefecture of the Da Xuan Dynasty and having experienced countless grand scenes, could not calm their minds, only feeling shock.


    Simply by following Yu Shouxuan to the Cold North, to the Underworld Abyss in search of Heaven and Earth Dew, how had they run into a once-in-a-century Qiankun Grandmaster, and in the reports, Chen Mu wasn''t even over thirty-three years old!


    What kind of monster has emerged in the Cold North!


    "Thinking of escaping now, don''t you think it''s too late?"


    Chen Mu''s expression was cold. Seeing the two Grandmasters fleeing in different directions, he took a step and in an instant crossed a hundred yards. With barely two steps, he caught up with one of them, and still fifty yards away, he launched a Fist Seal from mid-air.


    This Fist Seal was vast and upstanding, the Qiankun Power shaking all directions. It was the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal!


    "The Seventh Layer..."


    The Central Prefecture Grandmaster, who was locked on by Chen Mu''s strike, felt the might of this attack and his eyes reflected horror and disbelief. In the Central Prefecture, many people practiced the Qiankun arts, and he had seen the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal technique countless times, even having fought against those who achieved The Sixth Layer. But the one executed by Chen Mu was clearly not The Sixth Layer; that condensed and focused burst of energy was undoubtedly the height of The Seventh Layer!

 Chapter 601 - 357 Each Has Their Own Destiny_2

    Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal Seventh Layer!


    This signified that Chen Mu had already mastered the Qiankun Domain!


    Not even thirty-three years old, he not only cultivated the Qiankun Martial Body but also became the youngest Qiankun Grandmaster, and even mastered the Qiankun Domain; what kind of monster was he?


    His heart trembled tremendously, but at this moment, facing Chen Mu''s Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, he was utterly powerless. The Seventh Layer of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, concentrating at one point, further sealed the heaven and earth, leaving no escape. He could only take it head-on!


    Bang.


    A loud bang was heard.


    The Grandmaster somewhat renowned in the Central Prefecture took Chen Mu''s strike; his entire body exploded from top to bottom, leaving nothing behind, even more gruesome than Tan Jingguang and Yu Shouxuan. Even the Spirit Weapon short sword in his hand shattered from the center!


    Chen Mu, however, paid no attention to his fate. After unleashing the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, he immediately pursued another, closing the distance in three or two steps and then launched a Fist Seal while leaping.


    "Spare my life!"


    The man, his face filled with terror, knew he couldn''t resist and couldn''t help but cry out, begging Chen Mu for mercy.


    However, Chen Mu''s face showed no emotion as his Fist Seal came down irreversibly, the boundlessly abundant light of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal illuminating the surroundings, making the area near the Earthly Abyss translucent for miles around. After the roaring descent, it crushed the man in an instant.


    Bang!


    After another loud bang, a deep crater appeared on the ground, with blood and flesh scattering around, and that Grandmaster from the Central Prefecture had completely vanished!


    All of this might sound complicated, but from the moment Chen Mu started with Yu Shouxuan, impulsively making consecutive kills of Tan Jingguang and the other three Grandmasters from Central Prefecture, it all happened in the blink of an eye. A common person here might not even be able to follow the rapid progression of events!


    In the blink of an eye.


    Three Grandmasters of Central Prefecture fell!


    "Cough, cough cough..."


    Yu Shouxuan lay in a crater, coughing up blood continuously with great difficulty supporting his body. He had a clear penetrating wound through his chest but wasn''t quite dead.


    With one glance, Chen Mu understood the reason. The man was not only a eunuch who practiced extremely yin methods but also had a different bodily structure, with his heart on the right instead of the left. This strike had just missed his vital spot.


    Nevertheless.


    Even so, having taken that hit from Chen Mu was nearly a mortal wound. Even if Yu Shouxuan was a Top Grandmaster, his Inner Breath was rapidly dissipating, and he could barely stand, kneeling halfway on the ground, supporting his body.


    He struggled to raise his head to look at Chen Mu, still with a trace of incredulity remaining in his eyes.


    "Qiankun Domain, Qiankun Martial Body, you... you..."


    "It''s a pity that I can''t let my master personally extinguish you to avenge the previous assassination attempt, but with my master''s vision, she probably wouldn''t take small fries like you seriously. Taking action to kill you would dirty her hands, so I''ll take over instead,"


    Chen Mu said coldly as he looked at Yu Shouxuan.


    Then, with one step, he reached Yu Shouxuan, grabbed him by the collar, and lifted him up, saying coldly, "I have only one question, who was the one from the Blood Exchange Realm who cooperated from inside and outside to ambush my master that day?"


    Qin Mengjun had made a breakthrough and now stood at Blood Exchange Realm, surely not taking the likes of Yu Shouxuan and others seriously. The same would be for Liu Wanzheng, most likely indifferent. The only one that would still be concerned would be that person from the Central Prefecture''s Blood Exchange Realm, who through the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, had disturbed the Earth''s Veins from the outside, causing the Earth''s Veins to backlash.


    "Cough, cough..."


    Yu Shouxuan struggled to look at Chen Mu, still immersed in shock, but the growing coldness of his body slowly brought him back to his senses, blood oozing from his mouth, he said, "The Cold North actually has someone like you... I underestimated you, the whole world underestimated you... But even if it''s you, rising up to cause turmoil won''t be so easy..." S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Bang.


    Before he could finish speaking, Chen Mu, his expression indifferent, tossed him aside with a wave of his hand.


    Yu Shouxuan''s body flew backward, surrounded by a tremendous Yuan Gang, exploding into a mist of blood in mid-air!


    Only a few personal belongings fell to the ground.


    "Too much nonsense."


    Chen Mu''s face remained indifferent; he had already lost interest in extracting any information from Yu Shouxuan.


    After all, he pretty much understood the situation. It was just one of King Liang''s backers, and one day he was bound to go to Central Prefecture. When the time came, if it was necessary, he would settle accounts thoroughly.


    Perhaps even Qin Mengjun, after learning of this, might not wish for him to take action on her behalf, considering that Qin Mengjun was now one the top Blood Exchange Realm experts of the time, with the spirit and courage belonging to someone of the Blood Exchange Realm. Central Prefecture, being at the heart of the world with countless strong individuals, still didn''t have Blood Exchange Realm experts as common as cabbage. They were always considered to be at Martial Arts pinnacle, holding extremely high positions.


    That so-called King Liang, although one of the Eight Princes of the Da Xuan Royal Family, with a profound background and high status, likely supported by more than one Blood Exchange Realm expert, but Qin Mengjun''s existence wanted revenge, she could still do so fearlessly, her prowess clear for all the world to see.


    After completely eliminating Yu Shouxuan.


    Chen Mu finally turned his gaze to Liu Wanzheng, not far away.


    Ever since Chen Mu made his move, crushing Yu Shouxuan and consecutively killing Tan Jingguang and other Grandmasters, Liu Wanzheng had been in shock. Witnessing the power of Chen Mu''s Seventh Layer of Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, and the Qiankun Martial Body, he had fallen silent.

 Chapter 602 - 357 Each Has Their Own Fate_3

    It wasn''t that he didn''t want to flee, but that he couldn''t escape, nor was there any point in escaping.


    Chen Mu had displayed a terrifying strength, identical to the reputation of a "Qiankun Grandmaster" as per the rumors, which stated, "Where Qiankun arises, invincibility ensues in the present world." Among Grandmasters, only those of the Qiankun lineage dared to claim invincibility.


    Chen Mu, having cultivated the Qiankun Martial Body and mastered the Qiankun Domain, could be said to have reached the pinnacle of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, arriving at the very limit of the Grandmaster Realm. Even those exceptional Grandmasters ranked in the top ten of the world''s Grandmasters list were likely no match for Chen Mu, and even the first-ranked "King of Jin," Ji Xuanchu, would probably not be able to defeat him now.


    In front of a Qiankun Grandmaster who had stepped into the domain of the invincible, even though he was a Grandmaster himself, he had no confidence of truly escaping to safety. Moreover, the most crucial point was that he was too old, too aged, already at the end of his life, even afraid to make a move or mobilize his own Yuan Gang Inner Breath. He had not taken action when confronting the viper before.


    If he were to flee with all his might now, even if he could escape from Chen Mu''s grasp, he could not avoid the end of his lifespan.


    The main thing was.


    The seven drops of Heaven and Earth Dew were also still in the possession of Yu Shouxuan.


    If he was to flee in panic before Chen Mu and still not manage to escape in the end, that would be too undignified.


    At his age, and as a once preeminent Grandmaster who had dominated the Cold North, an older generation figure, he was not so attached to life and death anymore. He wanted a drop of Heaven and Earth Dew to extend his life, simply to live a little longer, to be able to help his granddaughter Wan Qingxuan more, to see King Liang ascend to the great position.


    "Not fleeing?"


    Chen Mu looked at Liu Wanzheng, approaching him with unhurried steps, but soon spoke calmly, "It''s no wonder, considering your current state, Elder Liu. Even if there''s a slim chance of escaping from me, you can''t preserve your vital energy and overcome the end of your life."


    Liu Wanzheng''s gaze remained fixed on Chen Mu. Hearing Chen Mu''s words, he finally sighed and said, "To enter Grandmaster realm with the path of Qiankun is indeed the pinnacle of Martial Arts... When you joined the Seven Profound Sect back then, I had also heard of it and paid attention afterwards. Later, I heard you were calculated against by the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, but I never thought you would step into this realm in such a short time."


    "It seems the so-called schemes of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion weren''t effective. You managed to become a Grandmaster at this age; perhaps you were truly born with a Heavenly Mandate. They claim to control the mysteries and follow the Heavenly Mandate in their actions, yet like me, they ended up on your opposing side, which is somewhat ironic."


    Liu Wanzheng said this with a hint of mockery, mocking both the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion and himself somewhat.


    Who could have predicted Chen Mu''s meteoric rise?


    It was thought that Qin Mengjun could potentially disrupt the situation in Central Prefecture, and once he attained the Blood Exchange Realm and stood with the King of Jin, the King of Jin, who already had the greatest influence among The Eight Princes, with the backing of the Seven Profound Sect, would be even harder to suppress.


    So he had meticulously planned and schemed. Although the plan was effective, it did not truly bring Qin Mengjun down; it merely caused him to waste more than ten years, after which he still emerged stronger with his peerless talent, returning to the peak and advancing further.


    And even less expectedly.


    A disciple taken by Qin Mengjun would achieve such an incredible advancement in cultivation, with a Martial Arts practice that seemed divinely assisted, progressing step by step to heaven, from mastering the Qiankun Artistic Conception to cultivating the Qiankun Martial Body to the Qiankun Domain¡ªall beyond expectation.


    Looking at the situation now, even though Qin Mengjun was already in the Blood Exchange Realm, it wasn''t Qin Mengjun who would truly change the state of affairs in Central Prefecture but rather, it was very likely the man before him, Chen Mu, who had just passed his thirties! S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Who is behind the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion? Yuan Hong, or one of The Eight Princes?"


    Chen Mu walked up to Liu Wanzheng, looked at him, and asked.


    Liu Wanzheng did not hide anything, answering lightly, "King Han, Ji Xuanfei."


    "And the Blood Hidden Pavilion?"


    Chen Mu continued to ask.


    Liu Wanzheng shook his head slightly and said, "I do not know about the Blood Hidden Pavilion, but there is close cooperation between the Blood Hidden Pavilion and the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, so perhaps King Han also orchestrated this."


    Hearing Liu Wanzheng''s words, Chen Mu nodded slightly, knowing that Liu Wanzheng likely hadn''t deceived him.


    Deceiving him, in fact, held no meaning. Although these pieces of intelligence might not be known to the Seven Profound Sect, if one day he went to Central Prefecture in the future, he would eventually find out. Moreover, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, Liu Wanzheng, and Yu Shouxuan were obviously not allies.


    Chen Mu''s gaze passed over Liu Wanzheng, he looked upward toward the top of the Earthly Abyss, toward the mountains and rivers of Da Xuan, "It seems that every sect and every faction in the Cold North Eleven Northern States has, more or less, the shadow of Central Prefecture behind them. Perhaps Yuan Hong is on his own path?"


    "Nobody knows about the situation of the King of North Garrison."


    Liu Wanzheng spoke in an even tone, "At least for now, there''s no further intelligence on Yuan Hong. Should Yuan Hong take the side of one of The Eight Princes, it would not be possible for him to have everything go smoothly in the Cold North. The other princes will not simply watch him conquer other State Government Offices and reveal his ambition to unite the Cold North."


    "Is that so..."


    Chen Mu muttered to himself.


    Indeed.


    If Yuan Hong were to support one of The Eight Princes, that would be far more powerful than the backing of sects like the Seven Profound Sect and the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion. Not to mention the power of the North Garrison Government, Yuan Hong alone was one of the top powerhouses of the era, a Celestial Human in the Blood Exchange Realm.


    Once such a situation occurred, any of The Eight Princes would be unable to sit by and watch Yuan Hong unify the Cold North. They would surely join forces early on, making stealthy arrangements. It would then present a scenario where many sects of the Cold North, such as the Seven Profound Sect, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, and the Blood Hidden Pavilion, would band together to oppose Yuan Hong, unlike now, when they have always been fragmented.


    Still, these matters are unclear to everyone.


    Even someone like Liu Wanzheng, an old Grandmaster approaching the end of his life, born and raised in Yu State, and who had always been a member of the Seven Profound Sect, could change his stance due to certain issues and side with King Liang of Central Prefecture.


    For now, as long as Yuan Hong does not join the struggle among The Eight Princes of Central Prefecture, none of the princes are willing to pay the price to stop Yuan Hong. They would rather let him conquer the Cold North. They also seem to have a confidence that, even if Yuan Hong unified the Cold North, he still would not be able to overturn the entire realm of Da Xuan or change the landscape of the empire in their eyes.


    Chen Mu looked at Liu Wanzheng and asked several more questions.


    Liu Wanzheng, however, freely imparted what he knew, conveying various pieces of information.


    Finally.


    Chen Mu asked the last question:


    "Any last words?"


    "The affairs of the world, the strife and changes, have always been about victors and the vanquished. The cause began with me and should end with me; it has nothing to do with Qingxuan. Should she become your enemy in the future, I don''t ask for your mercy when dealing with her. But if she does not become your enemy, I only ask that it ends with me," Liu Wanzheng said slowly as he looked at Chen Mu.


    "Alright," Chen Mu replied indifferently, "But what you wish for will probably be quite difficult."


    Though the plot against Qin Mengjun, including the attack on him, was orchestrated by Liu Wanzheng alone, it might at most be related to a certain Blood Exchange Realm expert behind King Liang. Ultimately, King Liang was implicated, and with Liu Wanzheng''s granddaughter, Wan Qingxuan, being King Liang''s concubine and part of his lineage, it was difficult for her to avoid conflict with Qin Mengjun in the future.


    And when that time came, Chen Mu would not show mercy. Whoever stood against him would end up as mere bones in a grave.


    "Each person has their destiny," sighed Liu Wanzheng softly.


    Simply answering some of Chen Mu''s questions was nowhere near sufficient to earn Chen Mu''s leniency in the future when facing adversaries like King Liang. The feud had to be severed there; if Wan Qingxuan chose to side with King Liang and formed enmities with Chen Mu and Qin Mengjun, ultimately perishing at Chen Mu''s hands, it would be her fate, and there was nothing more he could do.


    In his old age, he was blessed with a granddaughter who surpassed even himself in talent. He had done his utmost, even at the cost of damaging the interests of the Seven Profound Sect, to operate covertly for King Liang. This had led to an encounter with someone like Chen Mu.


    Perhaps it was all predestined.


    Given another chance, he would still act on her behalf, siding with King Liang for her sake.


    As the last words were spoken, the energy tightly locked within Liu Wanzheng quietly relaxed. His Grandmaster Martial Body, previously without leakage or dissipation, seemed to open countless pores quietly, connecting with the outside world.


    Before their eyes, the man slowly sat down cross-legged, his aged face visibly withering at a rapid pace, his body swiftly shriveling until all his vitality had dissipated, leaving behind just a skin-wrapped skeleton, vanishing from this world.


    Thus.


    The four Grandmasters from Central Prefecture, along with the oldest Elder of the Seven Profound Sect, Liu Wanzheng, all perished!

 Chapter 603 - 603: 358

    ```


    "This is what it means for life to reach its natural end," Chen Mu observed Liu Wanzheng, who sat motionless in death, a hint of scrutiny in his eyes.


    Since Liu Wanzheng neither fled nor resisted, Chen Mu did not mind granting him a dignified death; such a sitting transformation was essentially equivalent to dying of old age.


    That being said,


    though Chen Mu had witnessed the scene of dying from natural causes, on the one hand, he did not have his current realm in the past, and on the other hand, those he had seen before were not Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters like Liu Wanzheng.


    "He gave up tightly locking his own Qi-Blood, which is no different from the end of natural life. However, this seems somewhat different from what I previously thought," Chen Mu murmured to himself.


    He had originally thought that the limit of life and death in this world was the ultimate lifespan of human cells and that if one could continuously maintain vitality, one could achieve immortality, but now it seemed his initial thoughts were superficial.


    Liu Wanzheng''s death, although through sitting transformation, was clearly different from the usual old age of common folks. In an extremely short time, his body withered and decayed, which was not just the loss of vitality but also faintly revealed other traces.


    "Is it the years?" Chen Mu whispered to himself.


    Or was it his illusion?


    At his current realm, he should not have any illusions. Perhaps the intangible substance of years really could carve deep "scars" on a person, erupting at some point.


    But if the years truly represented a state, even now he could not glimpse the true passage of time; just now, he had only caught a fleeting glimpse due to Liu Wanzheng''s sitting transformation.


    Mystery Mechanism Pavilion Master cultivates the Artistic Conception of the Four Seasons, which seems to follow the passing of years, but in reality, he only cultivates the appearance of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, unable to touch the true concept of years at all.


    Even with Chen Mu''s current level, cultivating the Qiankun that encompasses all changes in heaven and earth, he also could not touch upon the years. S§×arch* The N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Leaving the years and time aside, even the essence of space eludes him as if he peers through the fog, unable to see clearly or cultivate and comprehend.


    Yet logically, in this world, the existence of spatially natured Spiritual Treasures like the Qiankun Pot suggests that space should also be an avenue that can be comprehended. It might simply be too advanced, too hidden for anyone to truly reach.


    "Even if there really are as ephemeral and elusive avenues as time and years, ordinary people cannot touch upon them; neither can I at present. Perhaps once I master the third step of Artistic Conception and step into the level of Unity of Celestial Human, I might have the chance to glimpse its form?" Chen Mu lifted his head and gazed into the void.


    At least in the current world, no type of Martial Arts truly contains the concepts of the void and the years. And only those at the pinnacle of Martial Arts within the Unity of Celestial Human Realm could tear open rifts of the void during fierce battles.


    Perhaps this is forever beyond the reach of mortals, or it may just be that the Martial Arts of this world have not yet reached such heights.


    In any case, currently he could not comprehend it out of thin air, so after brief contemplation, Chen Mu stopped dwelling on it, took a step forward, erased the remains of Liu Wanzheng, and swiftly cleared the battlefield.


    Apart from Spirit Weapons, Yu Shouxuan and others did not carry anything else. Chen Mu was not very concerned about these, except for the thousand-year-old Qiankun Jade Vase containing Heaven and Earth Dew, which he took in hand to look at closely before gently opening the lid.


    "Heaven and Earth Dew, a longevity Spiritual Object..." Chen Mu''s gaze settled on the bottom of the vase, contemplating the small amount of crystal-clear Spiritual Liquid.


    Indeed, Heaven and Earth Dew was an extremely rare longevity Spiritual Object of extraordinary value. However, for him, it was unlikely to have much effect; after all, even he was uncertain how long he could live. With his Qiankun Martial Body perfected, his vitality was so vigorous that it would probably not diminish for centuries.


    Once he steps into the Blood Exchange Realm in the future, possessing a lifespan of a thousand years would not be surprising, enough to compare with a Heavenly Demon.


    Nevertheless,


    though he had no use for Heaven and Earth Dew himself, he could trade it for something he needed, and it would be incredibly easy to do so. After all, this belonged to the category of Spiritual Objects that one finds only by luck and those in the Blood Exchange Realm would compete for it.


    He also pondered bringing it back to Xu Hongyu and Chen Yue among others, to use a drop and see the effect.


    It would be very difficult for Xu Hongyu to advance to the Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster Realm in the future. Her aptitude was a notch below that of true inheritors like Meng Danyun, and her Cultivation was also a step behind. In Martial Arts Cultivation, being one step behind often meant worlds apart.


    Even the possibility of Meng Danyun becoming a Grandmaster in the future did not exceed twenty to thirty percent; Xu Hongyu was, of course, even more unlikely.


    But with Heaven and Earth Dew, which can heal the scars of years and replenish lost vitality... Even if prolonging life by ten years does not mean becoming ten years younger, it would be enough to significantly increase the probability of Xu Hongyu becoming a Grandmaster in the future, and the same would apply to Chen Yue.


    In the eyes of others, bestowing Heaven and Earth Dew, a longevity treasure, to "mortals" who couldn''t even become Grandmasters might seem like a wasteful squandering of precious resources, but to Chen Mu, his loved ones were naturally far more important than anything else.


    "Time for a trip back home." After gathering everything, given his ability, he could still carry it, but it had become slightly inconvenient. After brief consideration, he decided to return to the surface first.


    Once familiar with the route, returning from the Earthly Abyss to the surface was quick, and he did not need to travel too far.


    With this in thought,


    Chen Mu waved his hand to erase the remaining traces in the area, then he took another look at the nearby terrain where the Azure Dragon drew water.


    "The Azure Dragon drawing water still exists, but Earthly Abyss''s Green Lotus is gone. This place, after a hundred years or so, might still produce some Spiritual Liquid, but it is probable that it will no longer produce Heaven and Earth Dew."


    ```

 Chapter 604 - 358 Invitation_2

    Chen Mu looked at the shattered green lotus and shook his head slightly, "This is a change of heaven and earth that cannot be replicated."


    According to Liu Wanzheng, this place might have existed for two or three hundred years, which is already considered quite long. Even the most favored places of outstanding natural beauty cannot endure forever.


    This is also one of the reasons why such good fortune is rare.


    Whoosh!


    Having roughly memorized this location, Chen Mu turned and left, quickly disappearing from sight.


    ...


    The journey back to the surface did not encounter any unexpected incidents.


    Chen Mu arrived at the surface, briefly secured his newfound gains, and then noticed the changes above ground.


    The demon calamity, which had intensified over the past two days, was rampant, with demons roaming almost everywhere.


    However, the Seven Profound Sect had its response measures. Numerous disciples, even stewards and protectors, collaborated with the forces from Frost County to spread out across the region to slay demons and suppress the chaos.


    On his short journey, Chen Mu encountered two or three clashes between humans and demons, but the Seven Profound Sect''s people held an overwhelming advantage. He did not reveal himself or intervene, simply passing by swiftly.


    And just as he returned to the Cangshuang Mountain Range,


    a red streak of light suddenly rose into the sky from afar¡ªa distress signal from the Seven Profound Sect.


    After a moment of contemplation, Chen Mu changed direction and stepped towards where the signal was originating. It took him only a moment to reach the source.


    He saw a group of about ten people, leading dozens of guards, holding off a large number of demons coming from the distant mountains. The demons were all fierce, and among them were not a few of the Sixth Rank Great Demons.


    In this group from the Seven Profound Sect, there was only one protector, who was somewhat hard-pressed.


    "Protector Yu, the situation is not in our favor; it would be wise to abandon our position temporarily,"


    said a steward who, covered in blood, had just fought valiantly to kill a Fifth Rank demon, speaking to the Seven Profound Sect''s Protector Yu Cheng nearby.


    Yu Cheng was dealing with the onslaught of two Sixth Rank Great Demons. Although he could hold his ground, he was unable to defeat them quickly; his brow furrowed as he stared toward the distant Cangshuang Mountain Range.


    In recent days, a tremendous number of demons had poured out from the Earthly Abyss, climbing up from under the Cangshuang Mountain Range. The range spanned a hundred miles, making it difficult to block all paths, but other experts from the Seven Profound Sect weren''t far from this location. Typically, once a signal was sent, they would arrive swiftly.


    "The signal has been sent; just hold on for a little longer,"


    gritted Yu Cheng.


    However,


    as his words fell, the entire battlefield suddenly froze.


    The hundreds of demons that filled the mountainsides all halted abruptly as if frozen in place, and a human-like terror and horror appeared in their ferocious and brutal eyes.


    Whoosh.


    A figure descended from the sky, landing silently in the midst of the scene. Then, with a mere flick of his sleeve, countless demons directly in front fell in heaps, their heads exploding, their blood splattering everywhere.


    "Chen... Peak Master Chen?!"


    Both Yu Cheng and the many stewards were first shocked, then looking at Chen Mu''s silhouette, they quickly realized who it was. Their expressions turned to excitement, followed by a look of reverence.


    They remembered how Chen Mu had gone to explore the Earthly Abyss along with many Elders and Peak Masters. They didn''t know why he had appeared here, but his presence was certainly a blessing. With a Peak Master present, no matter how many demons there were, they could no longer stir up trouble.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!


    Chen Mu had a calm expression as he casually strolled through the field, waving his sleeves a few times. Dozens to hundreds of demons collapsed to the ground, and even those still emerging in the distance halted abruptly, as if sensing the terror of Chen Mu, waking from their frenzy and retreating in fear.


    As Yu Cheng watched Chen Mu disperse the demons with a wave of his hand, both respect and fear filled his heart. He then remembered how he had once questioned Chen Mu''s use of the Sect''s resources. He felt ashamed. All those resources, even if they were multiplied several times, would not matter. They could never amount to a Peak Master like Chen Mu, a figure of the Elder Level.


    "You are in charge of guarding this location?"


    After driving away the monsters that pervaded the mountains, Chen Mu turned and took a few steps, his figure quietly appearing before Yu Cheng and the others as he casually asked.


    For two days, the Earthly Abyss had opened, and the surface world was also enduring the chaos of the demons. If he had not encountered it, it might have been fine, but since he did, he naturally paid it some attention. However, based on what he had seen along the way, the situation seemed to be stable.


    "Yes."


    Yu Cheng respectfully saluted, then quickly reported the general layout of the Cangshuang Mountain Range.


    As the Elders and Peak Masters of the Seven Profound Sect were mostly in the Earthly Abyss, the responsibility for the demon infestation of Frost County had fallen to Murong Yan, the main peak''s protector. Her strength was close to that of a general Grandmaster, and she was capable of maintaining some degree of control over the situation.


    After hearing Yu Cheng''s response, Chen Mu asked a couple more questions about the situation in Ice State and the Ice Extreme Palace. Yu Cheng''s next reply was somewhat uncertain, his voice tinged with hesitation:


    "It is said that the Foreign Race, allied with the Sky Demon Sect and Heavenly Corpse Sect, has breached the mountain gate of the Ice Extreme Palace, but the authenticity is unknown."


    "The authenticity is unknown, huh..." S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu slightly furrowed his brow, glancing towards the central direction of Ice State.


    With the sky falling for two days and a natural disaster looming, the Earth''s Veins trembled. If the great formation of the Ice Extreme Palace''s Sect was indeed reliant on Earth''s Veins, it could indeed encounter serious issues. Therefore, there was indeed a possibility that they couldn''t withstand the combined forces of the Foreign Race and the Sky Demon Sect and Heavenly Corpse Sect.


    The main issue now was that the experts of the Seven Profound Sect were all exploring the Earthly Abyss and basically had no intention to deal with matters in Ice State. This included other great sects in the Cold North as well, which is why the Foreign Race and the Sky Demon Sect and Heavenly Corpse Sect dared to make their move.


    However.


    As Chen Mu was slightly contemplating, a somewhat deep voice came through.


    "It''s true, but it wasn''t the Foreign Race that breached the mountain gate of the Ice Extreme Palace. Instead, the Ice Extreme Palace willingly abandoned it."


    This voice was very familiar.


    Upon hearing it, Chen Mu''s gaze shifted, and he looked in the direction from which the voice had come, saying, "Elder Feng has also left the Earthly Abyss?"


    In the distance.


    A figure stepped forward, and after covering the ground in just a few strides, he too arrived nearby. It was Seven Profound Sect''s Elder, Feng Hongsheng.


    Upon seeing Elder Feng Hongsheng''s appearance, Yu Cheng and the others'' gazes turned even more respectful, each of them saluting Feng Hongsheng.


    However, Feng Hongsheng did not look at Yu Cheng and the others, instead, he turned to Chen Mu, smiled, and said, "I encountered some thorny issues, and there was no way to handle them myself. I was looking for some help, and I didn''t expect to run into Peak Master Chen right here."


    "Oh?"


    Chen Mu looked at Feng Hongsheng.


    Feng Hongsheng nodded slightly toward Chen Mu and said, "Peak Master Chen, please follow me. We''ll talk as we walk."


    "Alright."


    With a composed expression, Chen Mu followed Feng Hongsheng towards the direction of the Cangshuang Mountain Range, quickly disappearing from Yu Cheng and the others'' sight.


    As they walked, Feng Hongsheng briefly described the situation at the Ice Extreme Palace to Chen Mu. The turmoil of the Earthly Abyss had not yet reached the center of Ice State, but it was only a matter of time before it would engulf the area. With all the powers busy exploring the Earthly Abyss, there was hardly anyone who could help the Ice Extreme Palace resist, and the entire Ice State was in utter chaos. Therefore, the Ice Extreme Palace had temporarily abandoned their Sect, planning to avoid the center of turmoil.


    "I see."


    Chen Mu nodded after listening, understanding that although what Feng Hongsheng described was simple, the action of a Great Sect like the Ice Extreme Palace relocating was certainly not as straightforward as it sounded. The movement would surely be complex and troublesome, yet these details were unnecessary to delve into further.


    "May I ask what thorny issue Elder Feng has encountered?"


    "Hmm, while exploring the Earthly Abyss, I came across a place where there must be an extraordinary Heaven and Earth Spiritual Item. However, there is an Eighth Rank Ancient Demon guarding it, and no matter what, I cannot bypass it. I am unable to deal with it alone, so I was looking for help."


    As Feng Hongsheng led Chen Mu toward the entrance to the Earthly Abyss within the Cangshuang Mountain Range, he said to Chen Mu, "May I ask if Peak Master Chen has pressing matters to attend to? If not, with your strength, Peak Master Chen, allied with me, we could at least draw the Ancient Demon away."


    Although his strength was not weak, an Eighth Rank Ancient Demon was a match for a top-notch Grandmaster; he was no match for it alone and couldn''t lure it away or bypass it. However, if he teamed up with Chen Mu, things would be different. Even if they couldn''t defeat it, drawing it away would still be possible.

 Chapter 605 - 359 Weak Water

    ```


    "An Eighth Rank Ancient Demon, hm, that''s fine, I''ll be traveling with Elder Feng."


    Chen Mu took a moment to think before agreeing.


    He too needed to return to the Earthly Abyss; the next step was to locate the positions marked on the Demon Skin Map to see if any opportunities still existed. Before that, joining Feng Hongsheng on a trip wouldn''t be an issue, especially since, according to Feng, he had likely found a promising lead.


    After seizing the Heaven and Earth Dew, Chen Mu had witnessed the transformation of the world firsthand, the terrain where the azure lotus rose from the ground utterly collapsed. The locations recorded on his Demon Skin Map, despite their profound and mysterious terrain, were of unknown status after so many years. Whether they still existed was uncertain, and ultimately it all came down to luck and exploration.


    Especially according to his judgment.


    The position recorded on the Demon Skin Map seemed to be deeper than the Fourth Layer of the Earthly Abyss he had initially anticipated, possibly even below the Fifth Layer. The deeper one went into the Earthly Abyss, the more terrifying it became. By the Fifth Layer, it was not uncommon to encounter Ninth Rank Heavenly Demons and Demons; although he wasn''t fearful, travelling would not be as easy and casual anymore.


    "That''s perfect, let''s set out immediately to prevent others from getting there first."


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s consent, Feng Hongsheng immediately showed a hint of excitement. After arriving in the Earthly Abyss, everyone quickly dispersed to act on their own, and even if he wanted to reach out to others, it was difficult. Now that he had run into Chen Mu by chance, the opportunity had greatly increased. Moving earlier would also prevent others from beating them to the punch.


    Without delay,


    Feng Hongsheng wasted no more words and immediately led Chen Mu back into the Earthly Abyss.


    Once the two entered the Earthly Abyss, Feng took the lead, rapidly making their way to its depths, while Chen Mu followed calmly by his side, walking as if taking a leisurely stroll, yet closely following Feng.


    After almost a thousand miles, Feng led Chen into the Second Layer of the Earthly Abyss, then after winding through hundreds of miles, they entered the Third Layer through a cave entrance.


    Upon reaching the Third Layer, Feng became much more cautious.


    Encountering Seventh Rank Demon Kings and Ancient Demons was quite common on this level, and although he was not afraid of Seventh Rank Ancient Demons, an Eighth Rank Demon King would be a different story, often necessitating a retreat.


    Even though Chen Mu was behind him and together they wouldn''t be too afraid of an Eighth Rank Demon King, there was no need to engage in a hard fight with an Eighth Rank Demon King or Ancient Demon if there were no benefits involved.


    In this manner,


    they delved nearly a thousand miles further into the Third Layer, until finally Feng''s pace began to slow, and he whispered:


    "Peak Master Chen, we''re here."


    Hearing Feng''s words, Chen Mu also narrowed his eyes slightly, looking ahead into the distance where he saw a sprawling lake some miles away at the edge of his vision!


    The lake was not very large, at most a few miles in circumference, but it had a pitch-black color, giving off an oppressive and profound sense of terror at a mere glance, deterring anyone from approaching.


    "Weak Water?"


    Chen Mu focused and observed the lake, murmuring to himself.


    "Indeed, it''s Weak Water," Feng slowly confirmed.


    Weak Water.


    Nothing could float on it, and it was filled with deadly poison, making it an extremely special kind of water. The poisons created from this water were potent enough that even those in the Five Organ and Six Viscera Realm could not fend them off, and they posed at least a slight threat to a Grandmaster.


    A Grandmaster''s Martial Body could resist Weak Water, but would still be eroded by it, hence they usually did not wish to come in contact with it.


    "Within this Weak Water, there''s an Eighth Rank Ancient Demon that guards it. As soon as I approached, it drove me away. While the Weak Water does have deadly poison, the fact that such a body of Weak Water exists within the Earthly Abyss means there must be something extraordinary at its bottom."


    Feng''s eyes sparkled as he stared at the body of Weak Water, explaining the situation to Chen Mu.


    While Weak Water was tricky, and a Grandmaster Martial Body couldn''t completely resist it, the threat to a Grandmaster was still minimal. There were many ways to isolate oneself from Weak Water, but with an Eighth Rank Ancient Demon present, it was a completely different story.


    Feng was even somewhat relieved that when he had first attempted to enter the water, the Ancient Demon did not wait for him to be fully submerged before launching a surprise attack but had instead actively attacked and driven him away as he approached.


    If not for that,


    had he been ambushed by an Eighth Rank Ancient Demon while in the Weak Water, it would have been extremely dangerous, and with his abilities, he couldn''t be sure he could escape unscathed, and it wouldn''t be surprising if he perished in the Weak Water due to a moment''s carelessness.


    "An accompanying object?"


    Chen Mu, upon hearing Feng''s words, thoughtfully observed the pool of Weak Water.


    In the world between Heaven and Earth, Yin Yang Mutual Generation is indeed a concept; wherever Weak Water emerges, an accompanying object exists. While Weak Water might not be too beneficial for them, the accompanying object would be different, as whatever Spiritual Objects it might be, they were certainly invaluable.


    "Yes, the Ancient Demon in this Weak Water Pond is highly vigilant of me. It didn''t wait for me to submerge before it actively attacked and chased me away, seemingly unwilling to allow me into the Weak Water at all costs. The stranger its behavior, the more it indicates that the treasures guarded within the Weak Water are out of the ordinary."


    Feng narrowed his eyes as he spoke, then turned to Chen Mu, saying, "Peak Master Chen, you practice the Qiankun path, and your movement technique is no slower than mine. You should be able to approach and lure the Ancient Demon out. Once it''s distracted, I will conceal my presence and sneak into the Weak Water to see what''s actually hidden beneath it."


    Feng knew of Chen Mu''s remarkable strength and wasn''t sure he could win even against him. However, Weak Water exerted tremendous suppression on those who had not yet developed a Martial Body, with almost certain death upon contact for those in the Five Organ and Viscera Realm, with only those who had formed a Martial Body capable of resisting it to some extent. Therefore, diving into the water, a perilous task, naturally fell to him.


    ```


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 Chapter 606 - 359 Weak Water_2

    However, luring an Eighth Rank Ancient Demon was no easy task, and it always carried great risks. But fortune favors the bold, and with opportunity laid out before them, to not seize it would be to invite misfortune.


    Yet,


    just then, Chen Mu composedly took steps towards the shore of the Weak Water, saying,


    "There''s no need for such trouble, I''ll have a look myself."


    Upon hearing this, Feng Hongsheng was momentarily stunned. He saw Chen Mu''s pace appear slow, but after only two steps, he had already neared the shoreline of the Weak Water.


    Almost at the moment Chen Mu reached the banks of the Weak Water and slightly released a thread of his aura, a whisper of shadow began to silently spread over the dark surface of the Weak Water, gradually approaching Chen Mu.


    As Chen Mu reached the edge of the Weak Water and stared into its deeper center, from his right-hand side, a curtain of darkness noiselessly rose, amassing silently in the void like a great scythe of gathered shadows, quietly slashing towards Chen Mu.


    It came!


    Feng Hongsheng, not far behind, watched this scene flash a grave light in his eyes momentarily. Although the Eighth Rank Ancient Demon was theoretically slightly inferior to a true top Grandmaster, its cunning and ferocity made it no easy foe. Had Chen Mu not once managed to kill Tuguhou single-handedly in Han Prefecture, he would hardly have dared let Chen Mu lure this Eighth Rank Ancient Demon.


    Just as Feng Hongsheng unconsciously thought to shout a warning, a scene that left him dumbfounded occurred.


    But seeing the silently emerged shadow scythe, swirling with an intense killing intent and sweeping towards Chen Mu''s back, Chen Mu, who had already sensed the attack, merely calmly lifted his right hand and horizontally made a grabbing motion.


    Crack!!!


    The quiet ambush unleashed by the Eighth Rank Ancient Demon, the approaching shadow scythe, actually began to visibly slow down after Chen Mu raised his hand, until it got near him, when it was forcefully grasped in his simple palm!


    "This..."


    Feng Hongsheng''s eyes suddenly widened.


    This was an assassination strike from an Eighth Rank Ancient Demon, which even he wouldn''t dare underestimate or confront directly with a Spirit Weapon, yet Chen Mu had countered it bare-handed and endured it!


    And just as Feng Hongsheng was shocked, an even more unbelievable scene unfolded.


    Only to see,


    when the dark scythe was slashed and forcibly seized by Chen Mu, the entire surface of the Weak Water Pond on Chen Mu''s right side rippled with black shadowy ripples, releasing a surge of extremely brutal and fierce Demonic Qi.


    This spreading Demonic Qi seemed to convey an extremely furious emotion, then, without any further concealment, burst forth all at once. In a moment, the surface of the Weak Water Pond, filled with spreading shadows, suddenly burst into myriad streaks of dark ghostly light, like blades, piercing towards Chen Mu intending to tear him to shreds on the spot.


    But facing this full-powered furious strike from the Eighth Rank Ancient Demon, Chen Mu''s expression remained unchanged, his gaze indifferently lifting his right hand, while yanking at the gradually dissolving shadow, at the same time, throwing a punch with his left hand towards the surface of the pond.


    Boom!!!


    In an instant, the entire surface of the Weak Water Pond erupted explosively.


    The Demonic Qi that transformed into myriad blades exploded into fragments, accompanied by a piercing scream of pain.


    "Hmph."


    At that moment, Chen Mu snorted coldly, his hand movements intensifying as he yanked the dissolving shadow forcefully towards himself.


    Accompanied by a piercing scream, a mass of shadowy demonic mist was forcibly dragged by Chen Mu from the banks of the Weak Water, pulled right out of the water!


    The mass of demonic entity in the void constantly shifted its form, seeming substantial yet continually oscillating between reality and illusion, at first glance morphing into one familiar human figure after another.


    Ancient Demon Formless!


    This Eighth Rank Ancient Demon''s assault on Chen Mu not only failed to be effective, but Chen Mu even grabbed the edge of its transforming Demonic Qi, preventing it from retreating completely from solid to void and forcefully dragged it out from nothingness!


    The Eighth Rank Ancient Demon, pulled out by Chen Mu, kept changing its form and, in an instant, took on the appearance of a familiar human figure within Chen Mu''s sight. This figure was strikingly beautiful, dignified, and majestic. Even clad in a simple robe, its stature was imposing¡ªit was none other than Qin Mengjun!


    "How dare you disrespect me."


    Qin Mengjun''s face darkened slightly as he scolded Chen Mu.


    However, Chen Mu remained completely unmoved by this; his actions did not slow in the slightest. With a sweep of his left hand upwards and his right hand slicing downwards, the space within several dozen feet around him split instantly, as if a chunk of the heavens and the earth had been ripped away from above and below!


    This torn piece of "Heaven and Earth" trapped the Eighth Rank Ancient Demon, transformed into Qin Mengjun, and quickly began to close in from the center under the force of Chen Mu''s palms.


    "You, how dare you..."


    Qin Mengjun continued to speak, but as Chen Mu merged the Yuan Gang True Essence with the Qiankun Domain, continuously compressing inward, the demon''s body finally began to crumble, unable to maintain the appearance of Qin Mengjun. The voice abruptly stopped, transforming into a churning mass of Demonic Qi, which Chen Mu then forcefully suppressed between his palms!


    With an expressionless face, Chen Mu watched the Eighth Rank Ancient Demon that he had captured within a few moves and forcefully subdued.


    He was not only familiar with the Ancient Demon''s tactics but had also experienced its illusionary abilities before. His own state of mind was strong enough to see through such illusions, so they did not affect him in the least. Moreover, of all identities to assume, the demon had transformed into Qin Mengjun¡ªa person with whom Chen Mu had once sparred without propriety, so there was nothing he dared not do.


    "Disperse."


    After briefly scrutinizing the Eighth Rank Ancient Demon trapped and sealed between his palms, Chen Mu utilized the Qiankun Domain. Consequently, even though it was a formidable Eighth Rank creature, the demon could not even begin to disintegrate and was thoroughly subdued, held immobile in his grasp.


    Upon brief inspection, Chen Mu realized this Eighth Rank Ancient Demon was not fundamentally different from a Seventh Rank Ancient Demon he had encountered before. It merely possessed slightly stronger Demonic Qi and malicious intent, without any substantial transformation.


    Realizing this,


    Chen Mu quickly lost interest in the demon. He immediately brought his palms together and then fiercely rubbed them, causing a surge of Qiankun Power to explode within, grinding the pitch-black demonic fog with a sizzling noise.


    From within the formless demonic fog, a shrill scream sounded as it frantically whirled, trying to break free, but it couldn''t escape Chen Mu''s grasp. It was gradually ground down by Chen Mu''s Qiankun Power until not a trace of demonic Qi remained, and the piercing scream finally came to an abrupt halt!


    An Eighth Rank Ancient Demon was forcefully slain in such a manner! sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Not far away,


    Feng Hongsheng, who had originally planned to sneak into the Weak Water Pond for exploration, stood dumbfounded, his mind overwhelmed by a towering wave.


    Ancient Demon!


    An Eighth Rank Ancient Demon!


    It had been so easily suppressed and killed on the spot by Chen Mu!


    Incredibly unbelievable!


    It''s known that an Eighth Rank Ancient Demon''s strength is comparable to top Grandmasters, with elusive and formless tactics, often beyond the threat range even with several top Grandmasters collaborating. They could move freely, their survival abilities far surpassing those of an Eighth Rank Demon King, and even the foremost Grandmasters in the world rankings might not be able to kill an Eighth Rank Ancient Demon.


    And Chen Mu?


    Within a single move, he forced the Ancient Demon to reveal itself, pulled it from the void, then blocked off the domain, gravely suppressed it, and ground it down with tremendous Yuan Gang True Essence in his hands!


    Not to mention that these methods seemed nearly akin to those of the Blood Exchange Realm, but the power Chen Mu displayed alone left him utterly bewildered, even doubting his own eyes.


    Qiankun Domain?


    Qiankun Martial Body?


    Was it that he was hallucinating from Demonic Qi invasion, or was he still dreaming?

 Chapter 607 - 360: Fierce Battle with the Heavenly Demon

    By the Banks of Weak Water.


    After slaying the Eighth Rank Ancient Demon, Chen Mu''s expression remained unchanged, still gazing at the pond of Weak Water. He suddenly spoke lightly, "The Gatekeeper is dead. Won''t you come out now? Must I personally invite you?"


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    This statement made Feng Hongsheng''s gaze flicker, and after coming to his senses, he suddenly looked toward that expanse of Weak Water.


    Chen Mu wouldn''t act purposelessly. Since he referred to that Eighth Rank Ancient Demon merely as a Gatekeeper, it indicated that within the pond of Weak Water, something even more terrifying was hidden. Clearly, his perception was far inferior to Chen Mu''s, which was why he had not detected it before.


    As Chen Mu''s words fell. the entire expanse of Weak Water was still calm, as still as stagnant water.


    However, Chen Mu did not wait long; he took a step forward the next moment. Accompanied by the surrounding Power of Heaven and Earth, a thunderous tremor burst forth, unleashing a surging might that shook the secluded wasteland.


    Splash!!!


    The vast swath of Weak Water exploded, throwing up giant waves spanning dozens of feet.


    This splashing of Weak Water finally revealed the hidden entity within it. Even Feng Hongsheng, despite being dozens of feet away, could suddenly perceive the item at the bottom of the lake clearly. However, it remained a patchy mass of Demonic Qi. Compared to the earlier Eighth Rank Ancient Demon, this mass of Demonic Qi was much denser but simultaneously seemed a bit scattered and not adequately solidified.


    At the same time,


    Feng Hongsheng also eyed, at the bottom of Weak Water, a cluster of stark black Black Lotus!


    "Indeed it''s the ''Dark Soul Lotus.''"


    He couldn''t help but inhale sharply.


    Dark Soul Lotus!


    Among the scarcely found Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items that could enhance the elusive strength of the Soul Heart, it was often born only within Weak Water and that too only within perennially persisting and profoundly dense Weak Water.


    The Soul Heart is elusive, and historically, there has been no method to cultivate the Soul Heart. Only by solidifying the will of Martial Arts can one gradually enhance the will''s strength and thereby enhance the strength of the Soul Heart. This is best exemplified by the Marrow Cleansing Realm and Blood Exchange Realm.


    While cultivating the Five Viscera and Six Viscera, Martial Artists only need the physical and Qi-Blood foundation. However, to become a Grandmaster in Marrow Cleansing, one must achieve Major Achievement in the will of Martial Arts, which requires sufficient Soul Heart strength to break through the Mysterious Pass.


    The Blood Exchange Realm likewise.


    Without a powerful enough Martial Arts will, recklessly charging in would result in getting lost within The Power of Heaven and Earth, turning into a living dead.


    However, the vast majority of Martial Artists, after solidifying their Martial Arts will to a certain extent, struggle to progress any further. Not everyone can reach the unanswerable state of ''Heart Like Still Water'' like Chen Mu.


    For those whose Martial Arts will is limited and almost unable to elevate further, the exceedingly rare Heaven and Earth Spiritual Item like the Dark Soul Lotus becomes an invaluable opportunity. By nourishing the Soul Heart with it, they might overcome the bottleneck and step into the Marrow Cleansing Realm or even the Blood Exchange Realm or at the very least boost their chances of tackling higher realms.


    However,


    At the bottom of Weak Water where the Dark Soul Lotus grew, there seemed to be about five or six blooms in total, but most of them were already depleted with only one remaining intact and another half-consumed.


    Moreover, along with the majestic Demonic Qi that lingered around the Weak Water, spiriting forth a terrible pressure, Feng Hongsheng had come to understand that this was an Eighth Rank Ancient Demon attempting to digest the Dark Soul Lotus to assault the Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon Realm!


    And,


    It had almost succeeded!


    The surging Demonic Qi and pressure were far stronger than the earlier Eighth Rank Ancient Demon, not on the same level at all, only seeming somewhat sluggish, perhaps due to just having barely broken through.


    If given a bit more time to completely absorb and digest the remaining Soul Lotus, it might indeed stabilize its realm, becoming an extremely terrifying Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon, formless and omnipresent, roaming the world!


    Exactly at this moment,


    The extremely sluggish Demonic Qi at the bottom of Weak Water finally began to gradually converge and coalesce, turning into a serene darkness, akin to an abyss, from within which a heart-palpitating, terrifying pressure gradually spread, even at dozens of feet away, merely looking at its form made Feng Hongsheng feel waves of oppression, as if staring at death and decay itself.


    "Heavenly Demon..."


    Feng Hongsheng''s eyes revealed a fearful expression.


    Although this Heavenly Demon seemed not to have completely stabilized its realm yet, it was ultimately a Heavenly Demon!


    In ancient records, during the Ancient Times, Heavenly Demons were terrorizing forces reigning across the world. Perhaps in terms of strength, they might be comparable to Heavenly Monsters, but their methods were perplexing, capable of striking the Soul Heart, moreover gathering and dispersing unpredictably, formless and intangible, almost beyond threat!


    If it could advance further, reaching the Tenth Rank, it would be a true ''Grand Indulgent Heavenly Demon,'' almost nothing, except time, could threaten them. From Primordial Era to the present, the records of Tenth Rank Heavenly Demons that exist were mainly undone by time, with no records of them ever being slain by Martial Artists.


    The same goes for Heavenly Monsters.


    There are many records of Ninth Rank Heavenly Monsters being slain or captured, but for Tenth Rank Heavenly Monsters, it seems that only Da Xuan, the Emperor who founded the nation through Martial Arts peak achievements, had ever subdued one, otherwise, there were no records of them being killed by human hands in past histories.


    For a just emergingly broken through Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon, although still unstable in its realm, it had ultimately reached the Heavenly Demon Realm. Chen Mu might not have entered the Marrow Cleansing Realm and perfected the Martial Body and Domain, but he likely had not yet entered the Blood Exchange Realm.

 Chapter 608 - 360 Fierce Battle with the Heavenly Demon_2

    Feng Hongsheng thought so in his heart.


    But in the next moment,


    Chen Mu, faced with the slowly solidifying form of the Heavenly Demon, showed no intention of retreating. With a raised hand, he delivered a fist seal that was majestic and sweeping, shaking the Eight Wastes. The light of the Eight Phases solidified and converged into a point, striking down at the Heavenly Demon!


    What of a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon?


    Not to mention that this Heavenly Demon''s realm was clearly unstable, which is why an Eighth Rank Ancient Demon was stationed outside the Weak Water to prevent anyone from approaching. Even if it were a Heavenly Demon with a stable realm, what of it? He was unafraid, his Soul Heart flawless, ready to test his current Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal with the Heavenly Demon''s methods!


    Accompanying Chen Mu''s strike of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, the Demonic Qi-gathering Heavenly Demon, despite its sluggish movements, seemed to sense an instinctual threat. From its dark, abyss-like core, a sudden surge of overwhelming power spread out.


    Buzz!!!


    This overwhelming power, shifting from dematerialized to materialized, initially seemed like the power of the Heavenly Demon, but in its transformation, it swiftly evolved into the Qiankun Eight Phases, and then solidified into a point, remarkably resembling Chen Mu''s technique¡ªthe Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal!


    The two identical Heaven and Earth Wheel Seals collided in the void, instantly causing the void to explode into white cracks, spreading like ice, accompanied by the ''crackling'' sounds of shattering.


    "So this is the formlessness of the Heavenly Demon, the true nature of all beings?"


    Chen Mu watched the scene, a faint gleam flickering through his eyes.


    The Heavenly Demon, being formless, thus could transform into anything, even directly mimicking his Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal. Despite that, the Heavenly Demon''s Wheel Seal still harbored some fundamental differences from his own.


    His Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal truly gathered the forces of Heaven and Earth, the power of the Qiankun Eight Phases, whereas the Heavenly Demon''s ''Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal'' seemed more like a mirror reflection, as if emerging from nothingness, materialized directly.


    To put it simply,


    the Heavenly Demon was like a mirror, reflecting his techniques and then materializing them.


    "Interesting."


    Chen Mu showed a look of interest. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Heavenly Demon, though only at the Ninth Rank and not yet at a stable level, displayed techniques vastly different from those of the Seventh and Eighth Rank Ancient Demons, indeed undergoing a qualitative leap.


    This ability to reflect and manifest was so profound that even he could not fully understand it at the moment.


    Whoosh!


    The next moment,


    Chen Mu stepped forward, crossing over directly above the Weak Water. With one punch aimed at the swirling true form of the Heavenly Demon, he didn''t use the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal this time but simply the pure force of his Martial Body!


    As he punched, terrifying atmospheric pressure swept through with the Qiankun Domain restrained, the majestic power of Heaven and Earth solidifying in his punch; the plain punch containing the might to destroy cities and split the earth.


    However,


    in the black, abyss-like core of the Heavenly Demon, which resembled a reflective surface, ripples now emerged, and from within stretched out a similarly plain fist. Not only did the power within match, even the cuffs and clothes were nearly identical to Chen Mu''s!


    The two fists collided in the air, barely three inches apart, neither able to advance further. Both formidable forces activated right on the fronts of their fists, fiercely clashing, causing the area''s void to once again show white traces of shattering.


    "Can it even mimic flesh and blood?"


    Chen Mu''s eyes flashed differently, his interest in the Heavenly Demon''s techniques growing.


    It is said,


    this world also indeed has legends of gods and Buddhas, where Immortal Gods are merely the common people''s misunderstanding of powerful martial artists, forming incorrect records of oddities and anomalies, and the so-called Buddha is likewise.


    Or rather, powers like the Monastery of No Birth, the Great Likeness Monastery, and such, their followed Buddhist Way is also a form of Martial Arts; the so-called Buddha, Bodhisattva, Arhat are all top-tier Martial Arts experts, their worshipped Buddha being a Martial Artist who achieved Unity of Heaven and Man.


    Among them.


    Concepts such as "Buddha is inherently formless" and "Utmost Liberation and Serenity" are, in some ways, eerily reminiscent of the Heavenly Demon.


    Chen Mu had read in the ancient classics hidden within the Seven Profound Sect that although the cultivation of the Buddhist Way was a form of Martial Arts, it was adapted and evolved from the "Heavenly Demon" during ancient times.


    Back then, Chen Mu did not understand the meaning, but now he felt that perhaps that indeed was the case.


    Originally, Martial Arts were created step by step by those pioneers who emulated various mystical creatures, and since there was a way to mimic these creatures, there naturally was also a way to mimic demonic beings, hence the Buddhist traditions like the Unborn Monastery arose.


    However, the idea that "Buddhism stemmed from demons" certainly would not be acknowledged by forces such as Unborn Monastery or the Grand Similitude Monastery, and so they fabricated various legends to disguise the true past.


    These thoughts flashed through his mind momentarily.


    At the realm Chen Mu had now reached, he truly needed to start embracing all streams, acquainting himself with all Martial Arts in the world, preparing to step into the Blood Exchange Realm in the future and to explore the true pinnacle of Martial Arts.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!!!


    While thoughts flickered in Chen Mu''s mind, his movements were uncompromisingly swift; once up close, he executed one technique after another against the Heavenly Demon.


    Even though each move appeared simplistic, being mere jabs and hand strikes, at his level, they had transformed rot into the miraculous; the simplicity of the techniques belied their immense might, tearing through the air with streaks of white that palpitated the heart on sight!


    The Heavenly Demon, with Chen Mu''s relentless attack, grew increasingly more substantial. Initially just an arm, it soon conjured legs, and then consolidated inwardly, fully morphing into a human shadow identical to Chen Mu, fiercely battling him, causing the void to shatter into cracks.


    Chen Mu was battling the Heavenly Demon!


    While two shadows engaged fiercely above the Weak Water, Feng Hongsheng was already stunned speechless.


    Though not a top grandmaster, having roamed the Cold North for many years, his experiences were even more profound than Chen Mu''s; how could he not recognize that the white streaks torn by Chen Mu and the Heavenly Demon indicated a clash at the Blood Exchange Realm!


    For the Heavenly Demon, being a Ninth Rank creature, equal to the Blood Exchange Realm, it was understandable.


    But Chen Mu could actually stand toe-to-toe with it!


    "This..."


    Feng Hongsheng was immensely shocked.


    Although the Qiankun Grandmaster was acclaimed to be invincible among masters, the strongest below the Blood Exchange Realm, probably none of the past Qiankun Grandmasters could manage, like Chen Mu, to fight head-on against a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon without falling short!


    As Feng Hongsheng watched dazzled and tongue-tied, a soft transmission from Chen Mu suddenly resonated beside his ear.


    "Elder Feng, retrieve the Soul Lotus, take care not to damage it."


    This message finally snapped Feng Hongsheng out of his shock, causing him to take a deep breath, and promptly shift his gaze towards the Weak Water beneath Chen Mu and the Heavenly Demon.


    Now that Chen Mu was entangling the Heavenly Demon in battle, it was naturally his opportunity to retrieve the Dark Soul Lotus.


    Swish!


    Without further hesitation, Feng Hongsheng moved swiftly forward, soon reaching the banks of the Weak Water, then a trace of Yuan Gang True Essence surfaced around him, repelling the Weak Water and diving into it, heading for the bottom.


    The Heavenly Demon, still fervently battling Chen Mu and mirroring his external appearance as if a reflection in a mirror, suddenly noticed Feng Hongsheng entering the Weak Water, his face immediately showing traces of human-like surprise and anger.


    Hum.


    He furiously threw a punch, attempting to temporarily repel Chen Mu and then retreat into the Weak Water.


    However, Chen Mu''s expression remained unchanged. He swung his arm to parry, simultaneously saying indifferently, "To fight me yet be distracted, aren''t you underestimating me a bit too much?"


    The Heavenly Demon, having nearly perfectly copied every one of his moves, was almost equal in combat to him; but the disturbance from Feng Hongsheng''s dive into the Weak Water caused it to become distracted and alter its techniques, naturally exposing openings!


    Bang!!


    Accompanying his words, Chen Mu threw another punch with his right hand, this punch being solid and concentrated, filled with Vigorous Qi, gathering the brilliance of Eight Phases, and striking out with a Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal!

 Chapter 609 - 609: 361. Repel

    Heavenly Demons are cunning, capable of many transformations, mysterious and unpredictable.


    However, this Heavenly Demon had only recently broken through to this realm and had not yet fully stabilized it. Barely accustomed to the Heavenly Demon''s Power and disturbed by external factors, it exposed a flaw and was immediately seized upon by Chen Mu.


    Bang!


    Chen Mu''s punch was solid, and the power of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal exploded in the chest and abdomen of the Heavenly Demon''s ''Chen Mu'' phantom. Although it also tried to counterattack instantly, producing a Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal to meet the attack, it was a step too late to make any difference.


    As the might of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal burst forth, the Heavenly Demon''s Chen Mu phantom crumbled and decayed instantly, unable to maintain Chen Mu''s appearance any longer, and thus was smashed into a mass of pitch-black, profound mist, thick like a tangible liquid.


    "Hiss."


    Almost at that moment,


    ripples surged in the dense black mist of the Heavenly Demon''s true form, followed by a piercing shriek that burst forth suddenly, spreading in all directions.


    This ear-piercing shriek did not seem to come from the physical plane, hence not even the surrounding Weak Water stirred any ripples, but its sound seemed to burst directly from the depths of the soul, piercing into the core of one''s being.


    Chen Mu''s brow furrowed slightly.


    He felt as if a sharp spike had penetrated the plane of the soul, stabbing fiercely into his Soul Heart.


    Yet within his heart was calmness, as his true form quietly condensed, transforming into a silent silhouette that looked exactly like him, radiating specks of light, seated cross-legged in the void.


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    No matter how the Heavenly Demon changed, formless and shapeless, he only manifested his true form, steadfastly maintaining his core and true form!


    The pitch-black mist that penetrated, transformed into a spike, upon collision with the true form manifested by Chen Mu''s Soul Heart, which was like an unmoving true Buddha, broke apart like striking a bronze bell, scattering a thousand strands of golden light.


    "Aaah!"


    A shrill scream issued forth, echoing deep within Chen Mu''s soul.


    Outside,


    the pitch-black mist enveloping Chen Mu''s fist suddenly froze as if enduring some terrifying attack, causing ripples to cascade out and shatter.


    Chen Mu''s soul was incredibly powerful. Having attained the realm of no return, his Soul Heart''s strength was sufficient to cross over the ''Unity of Heaven and Man'' threshold. The assault on his Soul Heart by a Heavenly Demon that had only just broken through to that realm was, of course, nothing to him.


    Unless it was the fabled Tenth Rank ''Great Free Heavenly Demon'', it might pose a certain threat to him.


    Bang!


    This Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon, having absorbed Chen Mu''s Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal and then attempted a failed soul attack, causing a backlash, the dual onslaught proved too much even for the demon''s form, and its body continued to crumble, its arms, legs, and other parts that had been formed from its pitch-black true form now also disintegrated completely, all turning into surging mist.


    Almost without pause, that mass of mist exploded into seven or eight similarly sized clouds that shot in every direction. Chen Mu was very familiar with this technique¡ªit was the Heavenly Demon Dismemberment!


    When performed by a true Heavenly Demon, the Dismantling Great Method was inherently different; the seven or eight splitting mists, each seemed to burn with pitch-black Blazing Flames, unleashing power far stronger than that of top Grandmasters with terrifying Demonic Might, spiraling in all different directions.


    One of them aimed directly for the Weak Water, rushing towards Feng Hongsheng at the bottom.


    "Hmph."


    Chen Mu let out a cold snort, his expression unchanged. He pulled out the Cold Soul Spirit Blade he carried with him, and with a fierce slash, split the mist attacking Weak Water into two halves!


    The mist hissed as it froze and solidified on the surface, then trembled and burned. After a brief stalemate, it quickly faded, burning to ashes.


    Swish! Swish!!


    Chen Mu then made three consecutive slashes, cutting another cloud of mist repeatedly, grinding it down until it completely dissipated. He then threw another slash, cutting across hundreds of yards, hitting another cloud of mist, engulfing the shrill screams within it and cutting it down.


    Eventually, he chased down another cloud and, with a reaching pull, seemed to place the area of dozens of yards around him in his palm, firmly suppressing that mist, and gradually pinched it between his hands.


    Bang.


    But before Chen Mu could follow through, that cloud of mist exploded on its own, shaking the nearby Void, tearing fine white cracks, and then also fading rapidly, disappearing without a trace.


    "This Heavenly Demon Dismemberment Method, executed by a true Heavenly Demon, is indeed different,"


    said Chen Mu as he watched the mist in his palm disappear without much joy on his face, casually discarding it.


    Heavenly Demon.


    They are ultimately extremely adept at preserving their lives.


    Even though it had just stepped into this realm and was nearly under his control throughout the battle, when it came to survival skills, he suspected that he was still far inferior. At least in terms of this Heavenly Demon Dismemberment, ethereal and annihilating, he could not do it at all.


    If previously, Seventh Rank Ancient Demons practiced Dismemberment by dividing themselves into over a dozen parts, then this Heavenly Demon''s technique was different. Those seven or eight merging mists appeared substantial yet seemed like nothingness.


    Chen Mu was keenly aware.


    Each of these seven or eight clouds of mist should be substantial, part of its true form.

 Chapter 610 - 361: Repel_2

    ```


    But when he swung his sword to annihilate it, or when he used the power of Qiankun to grind it away, it would naturally collapse, turning directly from substance to nothingness, instantly becoming an illusion, intangible and elusive.


    "Reality and illusion..."


    Chen Mu looked into the distance.


    The array of techniques deployed by the Heavenly Demon, especially the method of dematerialization into reality, was the only kind he had encountered that was completely beyond the scope of the Qiankun Eight Phases techniques, as if it were a parallel line to the Qiankun Path.


    And most crucially, even with his current level of realm, he still found it difficult to comprehend the mysteries within, as the transformation between reality and illusion was too ethereal, seemingly a path only a Heavenly Demon could train in.


    "Perhaps even this technique of Qiankun has its limits."


    A thought suddenly rose in Chen Mu''s mind.


    Indeed, the Qiankun Path was the strongest and most inclusive martial path of the current age, capable of evolving all martial arts under heaven, but despite appearing to touch the pinnacle of all things, there were still many areas it could not reach.


    Such as time, nothingness, reality and illusion... these were all beyond the carrying capacity of the Qiankun Path.


    Martial arts, born in the Primordial Era, has evolved to this day, converging into Qiankun, uniting all the martial arts into Major Achievement, but Qiankun might just be the current endpoint of the martial path, rather than the true pinnacle, with its incapability to encompass everything.


    However,


    these thoughts merely flickered through Chen Mu''s mind.


    The Qiankun Path was also created by man, and what was created by humans inevitably had its limitations. Although it presented such a situation before the Heavenly Demon''s ''reality and illusion'', at least he wasn''t struggling against the Heavenly Demon, and he hadn''t even practiced the Qiankun Path to its end yet. To speak of breaking through the concept of ''Qiankun'' and extending the martial path even further was still beyond his ability.


    At least he would have to practice the Qiankun Path to its end and glimpse the more genuine essence of the world. Only then could he understand more clearly whether the Heavenly Demon''s ''illusory transformation'' was truly within the scope of Qiankun.


    Swiftly,


    Chen Mu cast aside the various thoughts in his mind.


    He turned his gaze to the Weak Water nearby and saw a figure reaching the edge within the Weak Water, who quickly emerged from the water. It was Feng Hongsheng.


    At this time, Feng Hongsheng was holding a Dark Soul Lotus, yet his face appeared somewhat pale.


    The screech that the Heavenly Demon had unleashed just now, a technique that attacked the soul heart, was mostly aimed at Chen Mu. But Feng was close by, and even though he was at the bottom of the Weak Water, he still endured a bit of the impact.


    Fortunately, he was, after all, a Grandmaster who had been prominent in the Cold North for many years, with a solidified martial will. Moreover, being at the bottom of the Weak Water, the spreading impact was not intense, and after being weakened layer by layer, he ultimately resisted it.


    "Peak Master Chen, that Heavenly Demon..."


    As soon as Feng Hongsheng reached the shore, he immediately looked around with extreme vigilance, but he did not see the Heavenly Demon. He only saw Chen Mu standing with his hands behind his back near the edge of the Weak Water and thus approached him.


    "I let it escape."


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly and said, "Its strength isn''t much, but its ability to flee is truly exceptional."


    Escaped?


    Despite Chen Mu''s casual description, Feng Hongsheng couldn''t help but take a deep breath, and his mind once again surged like raging waves. The look he gave Chen Mu also revealed many complex emotions.


    A Heavenly Demon, a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon, even if it had just broken through recently and its realm was not yet stable, was still a Heavenly Demon, often considered a legendary existence in many records. Chen Mu was actually able to repel a Heavenly Demon!


    Even though he found it hard to believe, Feng Hongsheng still couldn''t resist asking:


    "Peak Master Chen, could it be that you have... stepped into the Eighth Realm already?"


    For someone of Chen Mu''s age, to step into the Marrow Cleansing Realm and become a Qiankun Grandmaster was already astonishing. If he had also reached Blood Exchange, it would be inconceivable. But if Chen Mu wasn''t at the level of Blood Exchange and had repelled a Heavenly Demon merely with the power of a Grandmaster, that would be equally unbelievable.


    ```


    ```


    "Still a long way to go."


    Chen Mu gave a brief response and asked Feng Hongsheng, "Have you secured the Soul Lotus?"


    "It''s all here."


    Feng Hongsheng immediately handed over the Dark Soul Lotus he was holding to Chen Mu. Although there was some reluctance in the transfer, he still passed on the intact Soul Lotus and the fragmentary Lotus that had only about a third of its petals left to Chen Mu.


    When Chen Mu received the intact Soul Lotus and the fragmentary Lotus, they felt ice-cold to the touch, even colder than the millennium-old profound ice of the Extreme North in Ice State, possessing a bone-chilling coldness.


    After examining them attentively for a moment,


    Chen Mu returned the fragmentary Lotus that had only about a third of its petals to Feng Hongsheng.


    "This..."


    Feng Hongsheng caught the fragmentary lotus, his heart fraught with unease. Although he had discovered this place, the conditions at the bottom of the Weak Water were different from what he had expected. If it wasn''t Chen Mu he''d brought here but another Grandmaster from the Seven Profound Sect, once they disturbed the Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon at the bottom, they would probably all lose their lives to it, even with two or three additional helpers.


    Moreover, since he had brought Chen Mu here, aside from fetching the lotus underwater, he practically hadn''t been of any help. He had no designs on the intact Soul Lotus. Even holding onto the fragmentary one made him somewhat apprehensive.


    "Elder Feng has taken great pains; it''s only fair you receive some reward."


    Chen Mu responded calmly. Having one intact Dark Soul Lotus was enough for his use, and since Feng Hongsheng had helped him back in Yu County years ago, Chen Mu naturally wasn''t going to keep it all to himself.


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s words, Feng Hongsheng''s expression softened as he carefully stowed away the fragmentary lotus. Then, looking at Chen Mu, numerous thoughts flashed through his mind, and he suddenly understood many things.


    Back then, in Yu County, when Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion plotted against Chen Mu, it probably never had any effect. Chen Mu had only pretended to be ensnared to avoid drawing too much attention, resulting in his covert breakthrough to become a Qiankun Grandmaster.


    He was unclear when exactly Chen Mu had stepped into the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    But thinking it over carefully, Chen Mu must have already possessed that realm after entering Han Prefecture, for he was able to effortlessly slay the likes of the Tuguhou Marquis, a Grandmaster. Afterward, in the battle at the Main Altar of the Sky Demon Sect, it seemed Qin Mengjun had advanced into the Blood Exchange Realm, annihilating the Wu Gu Marquis and capturing the Heavenly Demon Black Tortoise, but most likely, Chen Mu had also exerted considerable effort.


    A Qiankun Grandmaster is heralded as invincible among grandmasters. Chen Mu, now the tenth Qiankun Grandmaster since the founding of Da Xuan, was also among the strongest in terms of power, capable of repelling a Heavenly Demon. This indicated he was indeed nearing the threshold of the Eighth Realm in Martial Arts!


    In the Body Tempering Martial Arts, Blood Exchange signifies the ultimate limit.


    Any being that can step into the Blood Exchange Realm is an exceptional individual in Martial Arts, the outstanding hero of their generation¡ªlike Qin Mengjun, like Yin Heng, like the Pavilion Master of Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion... To possess the power of Blood Exchange while still in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, like Chen Mu, was something not even the previous nine Qiankun Grandmasters could easily achieve.


    Undoubtedly, if word of Chen Mu''s current power and realm were to spread, not to mention the harsh, cold lands of Ice State, even the entire Cold North Eleven States would be shaken, and all sects would be astounded!


    "I had thought, Peak Master Chen, that your ascent to the third place on the Wind Cloud List within a few short years, with extraordinary Martial Arts progression, was remarkable enough. But I hadn''t imagined you had already reached this level. Compared with you, even the peerless geniuses I have encountered throughout my life are as different as heaven and earth."


    Eventually, Feng Hongsheng couldn''t hold back, expressing his shock and awe with a mixture of emotion.


    Back in Yu County, though Chen Mu was already a prominent figure on the Wind Cloud List, he still had quite a gap compared to Feng Hongsheng''s own level. For example, it wouldn''t take much effort for Fu Jingyuan, an Elder of Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, to deal with Chen Mu at that time. But just a few years have passed, and now, if Chen Mu wanted to slay Fu Jingyuan, it would probably take him but the flick of a finger.


    "In this turbulent world, I merely proceed with caution." S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu put away the intact Dark Soul Lotus and responded to Feng Hongsheng with an even tone, adding, "If Elder Feng has no further intelligence to share, I shall take my leave first."


    "Mm, now that I''ve got this Soul Lotus, I also need to return for a bit."


    Feng Hongsheng brushed aside his distractions and responded. The Dark Soul Lotus was far too precious for him; even a fragmentary one was not something he could afford to carry around on further adventures in the Earthly Abyss. He would have to go back and secure it first.


    "Alright, then we shall part ways for now."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly at Feng Hongsheng, then cast his gaze into the distance. After a few steps, his figure disappeared from view.


    ```

 Chapter 611 - 362 Red Jiao

    ```


    In a certain place in the Earthly Abyss.


    "Dark Soul Lotus..."


    Chen Mu took out a pristine Dark Soul Lotus which had a total of seven petals, all deep, silent, and pitch-black. After examining it carefully, he suddenly and gently plucked off one petal and placed it into his mouth.


    His state of mind had already reached the level where there was "no return in the questioning of the Dao," but the level of state of mind and the strength of the soul heart were two different concepts. The level of state of mind only determined the lower limit of the soul heart''s strength; as for the upper limit, there was no consensus.


    At least Chen Mu was very clear that his soul heart''s strength still fell short of those peerless experts who had achieved the Unity of Heaven and Man. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Those who could enter the Blood Exchange Realm and step into the third stage of Artistic Conception, when it comes to the level of state of mind, none would be inferior to him. Moreover, at that level, they had been immersed for dozens or even hundreds of years, with a Martial Arts will so strong it was unshakable.


    Although he too had reached the "no return in the questioning of the Dao" Realm, in terms of soul heart strength he could match anyone within the Blood Exchange Realm, being slightly less than those who achieved Unity of Heaven and Man was quite normal, and this Dark Soul Lotus just happened to help him improve a bit.


    The lotus petal melted as soon as it entered his mouth.


    Immediately, it transformed into a cool sense of purpose that quietly rose, surging into the Heavenly Spirit located in his head.


    In an instant, Chen Mu felt as though his consciousness was soaked in a cool pond, bringing bursts of comfort and pleasure, and it seemed like his consciousness gradually became more lucid, and his thoughts clearer.


    Not long after.


    Chen Mu regained his senses once more.


    He sensed his own body; there was no significant change, but his perception ability seemed to be a bit clearer, which was undoubtedly a manifestation of the soul heart''s strength having been enhanced.


    The strength of the soul heart was elusive, and difficult to measure accurately, but he had a method of assessment.


    Whoosh!


    With a thought from Chen Mu, he deployed the Qiankun Domain, and in the blink of an eye, dozens of feet all around him were enveloped by his Qiankun Domain, where all the myriad laws of the wasteland were under his control.


    "Indeed, it has improved somewhat."


    Chen Mu sensed the range his Qiankun Domain could encompass and couldn''t help but nod slightly.


    Previously his Qiankun Domain could cover an area of about thirty-six or thirty-seven feet, but now, if he exerted his full strength, he could nearly reach a range of forty feet. This was undoubtedly an improvement, even if it might not seem very significant relative to his current level. But one must know that for ordinary people who have reached his level, trying to improve even a little bit is very difficult.


    Just like Qin Mengjun, once she had completely consolidated her realm and thoroughly completed the Blood Exchange, she was almost on the same level as Yin Heng. After that, unless she had another epiphany and achieved the third step of Artistic Conception, it might be difficult for her to make any progress for decades.


    And Chen Mu''s current strength was not inferior to Qin Mengjun''s.


    This whole Seven-Leaf Soul Lotus, even if its effects diminished the further one went, after completely digesting it, could improve his soul heart''s strength by two or three tenths, and then the Power of Heaven and Earth that his Qiankun Domain could manipulate would also be strengthened by the same proportion.


    "Amass a thick reserve for a thin release."


    Chen Mu clenched his fist and murmured to himself.


    The Marrow Cleansing Realm, for many, was the end point, but for him, it was a realm that emphasized foundation even more. He wanted to condense the Qiankun Martial Body to an unprecedented extreme at this level, and then go on to strike the Eighth Realm of Body Tempering Martial Arts.


    In this process, whether it was the enhancement of the soul heart''s strength or the gradual improvement of the Martial Body, it was all an accumulation for him. By the time of the Blood Exchange, it would be like transforming into a butterfly or a dragon leaping from the abyss.


    Whoosh.


    Chen Mu continued to stride forward, soon disappearing from his original spot.


    The faint aura that he displayed while deploying the Qiankun Domain had attracted the attention of many in the silent Earthly Abyss, but after sensing that oppressive feeling, those ill-intentioned gazes quickly retreated.


    Chen Mu did not pay attention to the varying strengths of the auras coming from all directions. Now, he had no great interest in hunting Ancient Demons or Demon Kings; only the rare Spiritual Objects that existed in the Earthly Abyss could grab his attention.


    ...


    The fourth layer of the Earthly Abyss.


    Somewhere.


    Within a few miles, the ground was crisscrossed with cracks, from which hot waves radiated, and even approaching would instantly bake any ordinary person into a charred corpse.


    Deep in those cracks, there was visibly flowing lava, gurgling and bubbling.


    In such a harsh environment, only Grandmasters who had cultivated their Martial Bodies could move freely; even Martial Artists at the Five Organ and Viscera Realm would not be able to withstand the roasting if they came here.


    And right there, among that surging lava, a figure moved forward, wearing plain clothes, a black cloth turban, and walking shoes. He stepped over the fierce lava as if on flat ground, with the rising heat wave lifting the edges of his garment, yet it couldn''t burn his clothes, strangely enough.


    Even.


    The simple walking shoes that almost stepped on the lava were not charred, nor did they change color, as if he was merely walking on flat ground.


    The figure was Chen Mu.


    He walked forward as if nothing was amiss, step by step, until he reached the deepest parts of the cracks, where he saw a ball of blazing golden light floating in the middle, continuously inhaling and exhaling the heat waves from the lava.


    "A Separation Fire Bead?"


    Chen Mu''s eyebrows slightly moved.


    It sounded like a material for Refining Spirit Weapons, but in reality, it was a treasure for practitioners of the Separating Fire to solidify their Martial Bodies, and Chen Mu, who practiced Qiankun and mastered the Eight Phases, could also make use of such Spiritual Objects.


    However, he was more interested in finding the "Southern Bright Flame" to Refine a Spirit Weapon that matched his Qiankun Spirit Weapon.


    ```

 Chapter 612 - 362 Red Jiao_2

    It had been nearly ten days since Chen Mu returned to the Earthly Abyss, and during this time he had been exploring the locations marked on the Demon Skin Map. As he had expected, the Earthly Abyss had undergone significant changes, and most of the regions recorded on the map had transformed, making it quite difficult to find the designated spot. Therefore, he was gathering resources while slowly conducting his search.


    This was the Fourth Layer of the Earthly Abyss.


    Most Grandmasters would not venture down to this level.


    Those willing to explore this layer were either strong Grandmasters like Feng Hongsheng or the top Grandmasters. The rest were generally reluctant to take the risk, for the Fourth Layer was fraught with danger. Eighth-Rank Demon Kings and Ancient Demons could be found anywhere, and there was even a chance of encountering Heavenly Demons. Although the likelihood was low, an encounter would present a great peril even to the top Grandmasters.


    In his exploration of this layer, Chen Mu remained composed and unflustered. Although he hadn''t found the area marked on the map during these ten days, he had made many discoveries, most of which were Spiritual Objects that could be used for tempering his Martial Body. With the addition of this Separation Fire Bead, he reckoned he had nearly gathered all the Experience Points he needed to bring his Qiankun Martial Body to Major Achievement.


    Whoosh.


    Chen Mu took a few steps forward and reached out to grab the Separation Fire Bead.


    But just as he did so, the boiling lava below suddenly exploded, and an overwhelming demonic power burst forth. A long, red serpent emerged from the lava, opening its mouth and spitting something at Chen Mu.


    As demonic power converged, the heat from the surrounding lava crazily gathered into a blazing sphere of light, bright as though it were the sun in the sky, incredibly dazzling. It dispersed much of the darkness in the vicinity of the Earthly Abyss.


    Boom!!


    The next moment, that majestic sphere of light erupted towards Chen Mu, drawing the heat from the lava, which caused the rolling magma below to seem somewhat dim in comparison, manifesting the terrifying concentrated heat within it.


    However, Chen Mu''s expression was unchanged. With a mere raise of his right hand, he made a pushing and patting motion, and the overwhelming might of the world erupted forth, immense and unrivaled. With a loud smack, he directly extinguished the intense sphere of light, turning it into wisps of smoke that disappeared.


    Looking ahead, he could clearly see the monster within the lava¡ªa red Jiao!


    Red Jiao. S~ea??h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Eighth Rank.


    Prefers heat and detests cold.


    This was obviously its lair; it occupied the terrain of lava, taking advantage of the situation, a truly terrifying force. Even if three or four top Grandmasters joined hands in an attack, they might not be able to handle it under these conditions.


    But for the current Chen Mu, saying "All below the Heavenly Demon are as ants" wasn''t an overstatement. Even an Eighth-Rank Great Demon King with absolute territorial advantage didn''t mean much to him.


    Whoosh!


    After extinguishing the Blazing Flames that the serpent had spit out with a palm, Chen Mu, with an indifferent expression, formed his fingers into a sword and directed a Sword Finger strike toward its head.


    The intelligent red Jiao realized Chen Mu''s terrifying strength after its attack failed and was effortlessly crushed by him. It instantly reacted, twisting its body, attempting to retract into the depths of the magma and retreat.


    But it was undoubtedly too late to retreat.


    Chen Mu''s attack was faster. Almost as soon as the Jiao retreated into the lava, an invisible Qi Force burst from Chen Mu''s fingertips, tearing through nearby heat waves, breaking through the surface of the magma, and striking the head of the Jiao!


    This strike immediately tore through the Jiao''s demonic power, leaving a finger print on its head that resembled a sword mark. Compared to its massive head, the wound seemed insignificant, but the surging Yuan Gang exploding inside dealt it a fatal blow!


    "Roar!!"


    The red Jiao let out a piercing roar, its body writhing and struggling crazily, flinging molten lava in all directions. Chen Mu remained standing still, calmly watching this unfold.


    All lava that sprayed towards him was rapidly cooled and solidified within three feet of his body, turning into chunks of lava rock, which then fell downward into the magma below.


    Boom!!!


    The red Jiao''s struggle did not last long. After floundering three or four times, its huge body twisted and fell heavily into the magma. Its demonic power quickly dissipated, as did its life force.


    Chen Mu did not rush to retrieve the Separation Fire Bead, instead stepping forward beside the corpse of the red Jiao. He extended his right hand, tearing open the belly of the Jiao and reaching inside to search. Soon, he extracted a small ball of blazing red liquid¡ªit was the Jiao Blood.


    After extracting the scorching blood of the Jiao, and securing it, Chen Mu then picked up the Separation Fire Bead as well.


    He looked at the vast corpse of the Jiao with a slight shake of his head in regret; in truth, a Great Demon King of the Eighth Rank like this had extraordinary value throughout its body. However, being in the Earthly Abyss made transporting it too troublesome. He had previously abandoned many valuable yet cumbersome items, and it still pained him to do so to some extent.


    Besides the heartblood, the other parts of the Jiao, although of no use to him, were considered top-notch nourishments; the Jiao''s blood and flesh had significant benefits to Martial Artists in the Five Organ and Viscera Realm.


    Well then.


    Chen Mu quickly shook his head and turned his gaze away.


    On his back now was a bulging bundle containing his loot from this expedition. He planned to explore a bit more in this vicinity, and if he could not find the area marked on the Demon Skin Map, he would temporarily give up and return to the surface to settle things.


    After making his decision, Chen Mu once again sprang into motion. Within a few steps, he had left the center of the fissure and quickly distanced himself from the magma, disappearing into the quiet darkness of the Earthly Abyss.


    Shortly after Chen Mu departed.


    Whoosh!


    A figure clad in a green robe appeared between the crevices, slightly frowning as he gazed at the bubbling magma, then a three-foot-long Green Edge sword silently flew out from behind him and landed beneath his feet, carrying him toward the center.


    "Hmm?"


    Upon arriving at the center of the crevice, the figure in the green robe stopped and looked in surprise at the bubbling lava.


    Within the lava lay the carcass of a Jiao, completely red all over. Although dead, the remnants of its aura unmistakably indicated that in life, the Jiao had been a creature of the Eighth Rank.


    Such an Eighth Rank Jiao, having the advantage of the lava territory, to so easily perish here.


    Jiang Changsheng''s gaze became sharp all of a sudden.


    He took a few steps forward to inspect the wounds on the Jiao''s body, and his expression grew even more solemn. Besides a wound near the heart where the heartblood had been extracted, there was only one mark of injury on the head.


    Clearly, this Jiao had been killed with a single move, dying without the slightest power to resist.


    "Blood Exchange..."


    Jiang Changsheng looked ahead warily. Although he also had some confidence in challenging the Blood Exchange Realm by now, he hadn''t yet entered it, and the difference between his current level and that realm was like the distance between heaven and earth, making him unable to compete.


    No matter who was ahead, it would be wise for him to keep his distance.


    Hiss.


    Jiang Changsheng flicked his finger, sending out a sword that sliced through the Jiao''s skin. He took some Jiao blood from the body and then turned around to head back along the way he came, moving on to explore other areas.


    And not long after Jiang Changsheng left, another silent figure appeared between the crevices, seemingly following Jiang''s trail. Dressed in hemp clothes and with a Jade Flute hanging at his waist, it was none other than Sang Yanqing, the Jade Flute Guest.


    Upon seeing the scene in the magma, his eyes narrowed slightly.


    "Jiang Changsheng?"


    "No, he doesn''t have the ability to kill a Jiao in a single strike, especially not in such terrain. It must be someone from the Blood Exchange Realm who acted, but I can''t tell who from this aura. It seems like it''s a Sword Finger; could it be someone from the Heavenly Sword Sect?"


    Sang Yanqing pondered to himself.


    After a moment of thought, he stepped forward, tearing open the Jiao''s demonic hide and reaching inside to feel around, soon finding something. He pulled out a long strand of demonic tendon, which after coiling up a few times, he too turned and left.


    While it was unclear which being had killed the Jiao and what precious Spiritual Objects he had taken from here, since the other party didn''t care for the Jiao''s body, taking one tendril of its muscle should be of no issue.

 Chapter 613 - 363: Cave Heaven

    Chen Mu did not know that the carcass of the Red Jiao he had abandoned had been subsequently divided up by some Grandmasters. Even if he had known, he would not have cared too much, for indeed, only the blood essence of the Red Jiao was worth taking; the rest were not necessary to take if inconvenient.


    He continued his exploration on the Fourth Layer, and several days passed in a blur.


    "The changes in the Earth''s Veins are so great, could it be that it can no longer be found?"


    Chen Mu was still searching according to the records on the Demon Skin Map, only temporarily without any gains.


    It was not entirely true to say there were no clues at all. In fact, the map marked some special areas as indicators, and Chen Mu had found one or two of these areas.


    For example, the crevice he had passed by earlier, a region where magma surged, was one of the markers.


    But the problem was that he had only found that marking, and continuing the search from there, he suddenly lost any other clues. With the Earth''s Veins having shifted over the years, either sinking or rising, some positions might be entirely reversed.


    However.


    Just as Chen Mu was losing hope in finding further clues.


    "...hm?"


    His gaze suddenly flickered, a hint of difference flashing in his eyes as he looked toward a certain direction in the distance.


    Then he quickly moved, traversing over ten miles in the blink of an eye, arriving at the place where a solitary, sharp peak jutted out from the desolate wasteland. Calling it a peak was somewhat inappropriate, as it was only about thirty to sixty feet tall and was made entirely of greenstone.


    "Mount Qing Stone."


    Chen Mu recognized this type of stone material for its extreme hardness and resistance to both moisture and drought, unaffected by wind and sun, typically remaining unchanged for a thousand years. If found on the surface, it would be one of the minerals worth mining to build strong fortresses, but here in the Earthly Abyss, it was not a rare item, and for someone like him, it was useless.


    However, the nearest mark on the Demon Skin Map to the depicted area was exactly a Mount Qing Stone Forest.


    Chen Mu had been running back and forth in search of that Mount Qing Stone Forest, but he had not found it until now.


    "..."


    At this moment, Chen Mu reined in his gaze, looking past the protruding Mount Qing Stone. However, looking out over the sprawling wasteland, he could not see a second piece of Mount Qing Stone; it seemed that this was the only one here.


    "Even if the changes in the Earth''s Veins are significant, it is unlikely that a piece of Mount Qing Stone would be separated and transported a thousand miles away in just over a hundred years. Since there is one here, the Mount Qing Stone Forest should be nearby, not too far," Chen Mu thought to himself.


    He immediately centered on that piece of Mount Qing Stone and began exploring the surrounding area. At last, roughly twenty miles to the south, he caught sight of a scattering of greenstone protrusions in the distance.


    The Mount Qing Stone Forest marked on the Demon Skin Map was supposed to be a towering stone forest, but after a hundred years and the shifting of the Earth''s Veins, almost all of it had been buried underground, leaving only the tips exposed.


    "The Mount Qing Stone Forest is here, so the location indicated by the map should also be..."


    Chen Mu stood atop a protruding Mount Qing Stone, surveying his surroundings. Then he closed his eyes slightly, sensing the environment of Heaven and Earth nearby, and soon he took a deep breath.


    He found it!


    It was indeed right here!


    The Mount Qing Stone Forest marked on the Demon Skin Map was growing on top of a ''Stone Vein,'' and the ultimate destination recorded on the map was within that vein. Having found the Mount Qing Stone Forest, he naturally found the Stone Vein beside it.


    "Let''s see what this map marks, what exactly is there," Chen Mu said as he looked towards the rear of the Mount Qing Stone Forest. He then walked a few steps forward, quickly reaching the edge of the Mount Qing Stone Forest and arriving at the Stone Vein underground.


    A ''Stone Vein'' was actually a mountain, a rock mountain buried beneath the ground.


    Whoosh.


    Chen Mu stepped down, and immediately, the soil churned beneath his feet while The Power of Heaven and Earth roiled under the sole of his shoe. The earth and stones split to either side as he quickly plunged underground.


    In the Fourth Layer of the Earthly Abyss, even he could not burrow through the ground at ease. Influenced by the environmental conditions, he could not effortlessly turn tangible to intangible, consider the earth and stones as nothing, and directly burrow in as easily as on the surface; he had to harness The Power of Heaven and Earth to forge a path.


    Soon.


    Chen Mu arrived about seventy to eighty feet underground.


    If he were above ground, not to mention seventy to eighty feet, even seven to eight hundred feet would have been insubstantial to him, but on the Fourth Layer of the Earthly Abyss, merely plunging seventy to eighty feet underground subjected him to a pressure far greater than two to three hundred feet above ground.


    After feeling that intense heaviness and pressure, Chen Mu did not forcibly continue downward. Instead, he closed his eyes slightly, took a few steps forward, and carefully sensed the situation ahead.


    Although underground and momentarily blind, his perception still enabled him to sense the enormity of that Stone Vein, its entirety being an underground stone mountain, yet comprised of a chaotic array of different stone materials displaying almost every type of stone.


    Among them, there were types like Mount Qing Stone.


    Even more,


    Chen Mu roughly sensed that the vein contained many kinds of Jade Mines like ''Cold Jade'' and ''Flame Jade,'' all embedded within, complex and intricate. Instead of a stone mountain, it seemed more like some abnormal movement of Earth''s Veins had piled various stone materials and minerals together, forcibly compressing them into an underground Stone Vein.


    Chen Mu quickly approached the vein, placing his hand over the exposed surface of the Stone Vein, touching a cold metallic sensation¡ªit was a bare piece of iron ore and seemed to be embedded with a piece of Cold Jade Mine deeper inside, which he could tell was sizable just by a rough touch.


    S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 614 - 363 Cave Heaven_2

    However, for Chen Mu at present, neither iron ore mines nor Cold Jade mines were of any concern to him. S§×ar?h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "The spot marked on the map is within this stone vein; there should be a cave here. But if this stone vein was formed by the compression of Earth''s Veins, why would there be a cavity inside?"


    The image of the Demon Skin Map surfaced in Chen Mu''s mind again.


    However, he soon shook his head slightly. The world was filled with many anomalies, especially within the Earth''s Veins. Ultimately, finding the cave hidden in this stone vein would reveal what was inside.


    Chen Mu began a meticulous exploration along the stone vein.


    If he were above ground, he could forcibly shatter the stone vein and make his way through, but here he could not. On one hand, although this stone vein was made up of various disordered minerals, it had formed into a whole; the power inside the vein was extremely robust and heavy. On the other hand, because they were beneath the Earthly Abyss, the environment here was even more difficult to disturb.


    Fortunately,


    this stone vein was not extremely large, stretching only about ten miles underground.


    Chen Mu carefully explored each area, spending about half a day, and finally found a passage that had not closed off, leading inside the stone vein.


    "It should be here."


    Standing at the entrance of the cave, Chen Mu gazed into the stone vein and after briefly sensing what was inside, he frowned slightly.


    With his current sensing abilities, he could hardly discern the situation inside the cave. His sensing reach extended only about ten yards before abruptly stopping, leaving him without any clear perception.


    However,


    Chen Mu was now both skilled and bold.


    No matter what was inside the cave, he was no longer so fearful. Even if he encountered a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon, with his current strength, he could fight it. There were very few situations that could pose a threat to him.


    Step.


    After taking a step forward, Chen Mu entered the cave.


    As soon as he stepped into the cave, he immediately felt a slight difference.


    If outside the cave, on the exterior of the stone vein, the oppression from the Earthly Abyss on him was very intense, then as he stepped into the cave, that oppression from the Earthly Abyss immediately weakened.


    This slightly surprised Chen Mu.


    Since his arrival in the Earthly Abyss, he had never felt this before. The oppression from the Earthly Abyss had always increased as he went deeper, never weakening regardless of his location¡ªexcept here, completely different.


    "No wonder this place is so strange. Such intense pressure the Earth''s Veins, yet it hasn''t destroyed this cave or compressed the stone vein into a solid mass... What on earth is inside this cave that it can resist the Earthly Abyss''s oppression?"


    Chen Mu stared into the depths of the cave.


    His gaze could only discern darkness, unable to see any light or determine what was inside.


    After a brief moment of contemplation, Chen Mu continued to delve deeper into the cave. As he went further, the oppression cloaking him from the Earthly Abyss grew weaker until he had gone about twenty to thirty yards deep into the cave, where the oppressive feeling vanished completely!


    It was as if he was no longer in the Earthly Abyss, but had returned to the surface.


    Thus,


    Chen Mu walked a few more steps and the world in front of him suddenly opened up.


    Above him, where there had been the rock walls of the stone vein, was now a void of deep black, its upper limits unknown, with its end faintly marked by countless fine white streaks. All around, as far as the eye could see, was also a scene of void.


    At this moment, Chen Mu stood on the edge of a massive layer of stone that stretched for several miles.


    Looking down,


    he saw that the vast stone below him was also void, entirely floating in mid-air!


    Looking ahead, he could see in the pitch-black void, numerous stones floating in the air, with the largest pieces stretching for several miles, resembling a floating island.


    "This is..."


    A flicker of emotion finally surfaced on Chen Mu''s face.


    Although he had entered this place through a passage within the underground stone vein, he could ascertain that this place was no longer within the stone vein, not even within the Earthly Abyss; that''s why it was completely isolated from the oppression coming from the Earthly Abyss.


    Cave Heaven!


    This was a small Cave Heaven!


    Although it existed in the center of the underground stone vein, it was actually another space entirely. The area within sight, though not very large, spanned at least several dozen miles, much larger than the stone vein outside.


    About such Cave Heaven worlds, Chen Mu had seen descriptions in ancient texts, but only a single sentence.


    ¡ªCave Heaven, a rare sight in the world.


    "Cave Heaven, so the Demon Skin Map recorded a place of Cave Heaven."


    A glint flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    A stone vein of just over ten miles in radius, but inside it could hold several dozen miles of space. He released his senses completely, keenly perceiving the interior of the Cave Heaven, and for a moment, he felt mysteries everywhere.


    Making Mount Sumeru into a mustard seed, accommodating heaven and earth within a small space.


    His mastered Qiankun Artistic Conception, which controlled the Eight Phases of heaven and earth, was nearly omnipotent, but it still could not affect the essence of the Void, and even with all his might, in a direct confrontation with a practitioner at the Blood Exchange Realm like Qin Mengjun, he could only create a few cracks.


    "It seems, those Cave Heaven Spiritual Treasures, like the Qiankun Pot, are probably similar to this place."


    Perceiving the environment of this Cave Heaven, Chen Mu couldn''t help thinking of the Qiankun Pot, a treasured item listed in the Da Xuan Spirit Weapon Catalogue, famously claimed to contain the universe within a pot, though this was obviously an exaggeration.


    Gazing at the void around him, the first thought that entered Chen Mu''s mind was whether he could obtain a Cave Heaven Spirit Weapon like the "Qiankun Pot" for himself, something he had long yearned for.


    But there were also significant issues with this Cave Heaven.


    If this stone vein were considered as a "Qiankun Pot," then this "Cave Heaven Spirit Weapon" would be a bit too large!


    The Qiankun Pot, even if its internal space is small, has a very small body, but this stone vein extending over ten miles could not possibly be carried out as a whole to be used as a Cave Heaven Spirit Weapon, that would be completely meaningless.


    "It seems that every spirit weapon has a ''refinement'' process, but I have never heard of how the Qiankun Pot is refined; could it be that the process involves... "


    Chen Mu carefully examined this expanse of Cave Heaven, showing a thoughtful expression.


    He suddenly wondered.


    Could it be that the Qiankun Pot once started as such a massive stone vein, and then through continuous tempering and solidifying refinement, it was gradually refined smaller and smaller until it finally became a "Qiankun Pot"?


    If that was the case, it obviously wouldn''t work for him. Setting aside his limited understanding of the refinement methods, even if he was proficient, it would take a long time to gradually refine this stone vein smaller, clearly not something achievable in the short term.


    But that was also normal.


    If it were easy to refine, there wouldn''t be just one Qiankun Pot in the world; that one Qiankun Pot might even have been the result of several generations persisting until its final creation.


    Having never encountered a Cave Heaven before, nor having seen a Qiankun Pot with his own eyes, Chen Mu could only have a partial understanding. After pondering for a while, he temporarily set aside these distracting thoughts and decided to carefully explore this Cave Heaven first.


    This Cave Heaven was neither too small nor too large.


    Spanning about several dozen miles with only seven or eight larger "islands" floating in the air, Chen Mu spent just a short while visiting these places, yet he didn''t find anything else of note.


    Compared to the Earthly Abyss, this Cave Heaven was much too small to give rise to any rare Spiritual Objects, and even if there had been any rare Spiritual Objects, they would have already been taken by the person who refined the Demon Skin Map, leaving nothing here.


    The only thing left unmovable was the Cave Heaven itself.


    Perhaps that was why the person had refined a Demon Skin Map, recording this location for future use. But then something happened, causing this map to change hands several times, eventually ending up with him.

 Chapter 615 - 364 Destruction

    After exploring the interior of this Cave Heaven, although there weren''t many gains, Chen Mu''s understanding of the Cave Heaven had increased significantly. The past confusion about the Void now faintly revealed a trace of clues.


    "Although this Cave Heaven exists within the Earthly Abyss, it belongs to an independent space, so it is not affected by the Earthly Abyss. Similarly, it is isolated from the Da Xuan World, with the Power of Heaven and Earth being extremely scarce, even lacking the phases of Qian Heaven and Kun Earth."


    Chen Mu stood on a floating rock in mid-air, looking around in all directions, perceiving attentively and thoughtfully.


    Compared to the mountains and rivers of Da Xuan and the Earthly Abyss, this Cave Heaven is indeed ''incomplete''. Not only is there scarcely any Power of Heaven and Earth to wield within it, but many essential forces of Heaven and Earth are also missing, such as the crucial Qian Heaven and Kun Earth.


    Because there is no Qian Heaven and Kun Earth, there is neither heaven nor earth here. Even in Chen Mu''s perception, wind and thunder are non-existent, with only a few phases like mountains, marshes, water, and fire present.


    Therefore,


    this Cave Heaven cannot form a complete cycle of Heaven and Earth.


    Chen Mu did not know whether worlds like Da Xuan, possessing a complete Heaven and Earth, also had the concept of ''lifespan'', but clearly, this Cave Heaven did.


    Because at the edge of the Void in this Cave Heaven, one could see countless intertwining and spreading fine white cracks. These were scenes of the Void being cracked, and these cracks were slowly expanding inward.


    That is to say,


    someday in the future, these cracks will interlace and fully connect to form real spatial fissures, until this Cave Heaven completely collapses, meaning it has reached the end of its destruction.


    "Worlds are certainly multilayered."


    During his several encounters with Ancient Demons and Heavenly Demons, Chen Mu had already vaguely speculated this, and after entering this small Cave Heaven, sensing its difference from the outer world, the concept became clearer to him.


    If such small Cave Heaven worlds exist, there must also be larger ones, even immense enough to rival the mountains and rivers of Da Xuan.


    Diverse worlds can possess entirely different heavenly and earthly essences. For example, the power essence wielded by the Ancient Demon Clan is clearly not within the realm of Qiankun and belongs to a different category from the Eight Phases of Heaven and Earth.


    However,


    even knowing this, Chen Mu has only lifted a corner of the veil of mystery surrounding Heaven and Earth.


    Although he knows that the Ancient Demon Clan must come from another world, the possibilities are many. Perhaps this clan once existed in a ''large Cave Heaven''. The fact that this Cave Heaven went through infinite changes over eons and eventually collapsed, causing the clan to fall into the Da Xuan World, is vaguely corroborated by evidence, as the Ancient Demon Clan seemed to have appeared suddenly during Ancient Times.


    But there is another possibility. The Ancient Demon Clan might come from a world even larger and more ''complete'' than the Da Xuan World, with more diverse heavenly and earthly essences. Compared to it, Da Xuan is the one that''s a ''Cave Heaven''.


    This conjecture, for the time being, lacks evidence.


    Even with Chen Mu''s current status, the information he can access is still limited to within Da Xuan; he has never heard anything about what lies ''beyond Da Xuan''.


    He once asked Qin Mengjun, who also knew nothing about it, and Qin Mengjun must have asked Yin Heng. Yin Heng, having roamed the world for a hundred years, did not know either... or rather, to many in the Blood Exchange Realm, this Da Xuan World is the center of everything. Even if there are indeed other worlds, they are merely ''Cave Heavens'' that exist dependent on Da Xuan.


    This is also quite normal.


    Having been born in this world and never having seen other sights naturally leads one to believe that this is the center of everything.


    Chen Mu has never had such a notion. He is aware of the vastness of Heaven and Earth and of his own insignificance. He knows how vast the Da Xuan Ninety-Nine States are, but he also understands that such a huge world could be just a drop in the Vast Sea.


    But these scattered thoughts were just fleeting in Chen Mu''s mind. For now, delving into these matters held no significance for him; after all, the Martial Arts he was practicing hadn''t yet entered the final Realm, nor had he reached the end.


    After collecting his thoughts,


    Chen Mu followed the original path back.


    He stepped out of the small Cave Heaven and meticulously sensed his position, quickly feeling the aura and pressure of the Earthly Abyss once more, both growing stronger the further out he went.


    Until he emerged from the passage in the Stone Vein, the aura and pressure of the Earthly Abyss were finally unobstructed. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Indeed, this entire Stone Vein... no, the coherent Power of Heaven and Earth within the Stone Vein, is the essence that supports that Cave Heaven? No wonder the environment here is so strange, with so many disordered ore veins stacked together, resisting the compression from the Earthly Abyss without being compacted into one mass; the balance inside and out complements each other."


    Chen Mu placed a hand on the Stone Vein and sensed the vitality of the entire Vein again.


    The Power of the Earth''s Veins within nurtured the existence of that Cave Heaven, and it was also because of the existence of that Cave Heaven that it withstood the squeezing from the outside world, allowing this Stone Vein to maintain its current appearance.


    This is a balance.


    Chen Mu now really wanted to get his hands on the legendary Qiankun Pot, not because he wanted it, but because he wanted to study how it achieved internal and external balance. If he could take it as a reference, perhaps he could find some clear direction.

 Chapter 616 - 364 Destruction_2

    "No wonder there was that map."


    Chen Mu rubbed his brows as he stared at the stone vein before him.


    Even for people like Feng Hongsheng and Shi Zhenyong, coming across such a place, knowing well that if they could make use of it, it would be a precious treasure, but having no way to utilize it, they would most likely end up making a map of it, then leave.


    However.


    Even though he had no idea how to create a Cave Heaven Spiritual Treasure, Chen Mu had no intentions of giving up. Instead, he continued to study and explore the stone vein.


    The person who left that map behind might have been just a Grandmaster, who indeed had no means of dealing with this stone vein, but Chen Mu was different. Although he was also a Grandmaster now, his strength was comparable to the Blood Exchange Realm, coupled with the practice of Qiankun Eight Phases.


    Even if nothing else...


    He could at least destroy this stone vein!


    This stone vein exists by relying on the balance between the power of the Earth''s Veins inside and the Cave Heaven. With his current strength, breaking that balance would not be so difficult, and it would naturally lead to its collapse.


    Once the Ice State Abyss is sealed, it would be at least another hundred years before it could reopen. Chen Mu would not leave such a treasure trove untouched for later. If in the end, no method was found, he would have to take some extreme measures.


    Even if he gained nothing, witnessing the complete collapse of a Cave Heaven World up close would surely bring him an extraordinary enlightenment.


    And so.


    Chen Mu meticulously explored around the stone vein, eventually confirming that there was only one cave entrance leading to the inside of the Cave Heaven World from the vein, and there were no entrances from any other direction.


    Even if one were to forcefully carve out a rift from another direction and delve deeper, it wouldn''t lead to that inner part of the Cave Heaven World. Only by taking the only pathway could one reach it.


    Finally.


    Chen Mu returned to the entrance of the passageway once again.


    "It seems there''s no way."


    He gazed intently into the depths of the passageway, his eyes becoming focused and determined as he suddenly took a step inside.


    With his current abilities, he could destroy this stone vein if he wanted to, but to wholly uproot it and carry it away was a fanciful notion. To slowly refine and internalize it was also not possible, not to mention whether it could be done or not, it was not something that could be accomplished in a short time. All plans were unsuitable, so it was time to be more extreme.


    There was nothing particularly rare inside this small Cave Heaven anyway, and even after a hundred years it wouldn''t produce anything precious. Even if it was destroyed, he wouldn''t find it much of a pity. After all, destroying the stone vein didn''t necessarily mean its complete destruction; in the end, this was also a trial, and what changes it would bring were uncertain even to him.


    Soon.


    Chen Mu reached the interior of the small Cave Heaven once more.


    At the edge of this Cave Heaven, looking around, one could see the periphery of the Cave Heaven shrouded with white rifts. These barriers were beyond even Chen Mu''s ability to approach, as each white rift contained the power of a void rift¡ªit was a mark that he could only leave when exerting his full strength, and the edge of the Cave Heaven was densely packed with them.


    "This is the place..."


    Chen Mu carefully sensed around the entrance of the small Cave Heaven and soon pinpointed a node.


    To destroy the stone vein from the outside was very difficult, as the stone vein contained the overwhelming Power of Heaven and Earth. Even though it spanned only about ten miles, it was incredibly tough to break through.


    And the same applied from the inside. Looking at the border of the Cave Heaven, nearly all were white rifts. Even if he went all out, adding a few more rifts wouldn''t mean much. At most, it would accelerate the Shattering.


    Therefore,


    the key was to destroy the node connecting the stone vein and the Cave Heaven.


    Once the node was damaged, the Power of Heaven and Earth within the stone vein and the Void Force of the Cave Heaven would become unbalanced; coupled with the shock from the Earthly Abyss, only then could this place truly be broken.


    After identifying the critical node connecting the stone vein to the small Cave Heaven, Chen Mu took several steps back, retreating to one side of the pathway, standing amidst the stone vein. Then, with a glint in his eyes, he raised his hands in a sweeping motion to form a Fist Seal.


    Hum!!!


    Accompanying his actions, the grand, sweeping Power of Heaven and Earth surged from the outside world, continuously converging in front of him, until it solidified to its extreme state. He then took a deep breath while the vast Yuan Gang True Essence also surged powerfully from within him.


    Qiankun Domain, gathering the power of Heaven and Earth, solidifying the Qian Seal!


    Qiankun Martial Body, with Yuan Gang Inner Breath, solidifying the Kun Seal!


    The two brilliantly shining seals merged into one, rotating and transforming into a complete Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal!


    "Huff..."


    At this moment, Chen Mu''s body was taut, he dared not slacken at all, because this was the fullest extent of his power he had ever exerted, pushing all his strength to the limit, solidifying the most powerful Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal he could.


    Finally, with a forward wave of his hand, the luminous Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal burst forth, instantly tearing through the void, landing more than ten zhang away, accurately striking the most critical node between the Stone Vein and the Cave Heaven.


    Crack!


    Accompanied by a shattering sound.


    There, at the node within the void, the small Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal suddenly exploded, and on the nothingness where it was located, it left a minute white crack, roughly the size of two fingers.


    If it were outside,


    the tiny white crack would mend and disappear in an instant.


    But here, the white crack that Chen Mu forcibly tore open with one strike not only did not disappear immediately, it even began to quietly spread outwards during the brief moment of a breath.


    Crack, crack,


    sounds resembling the breaking of ice continuously emanated.


    It was as if some balance had been shattered; the Power of Heaven and Earth contained within the Stone Vein and the Power of the Cave Heaven could no longer perfectly blend, and the oppression emanating from the Earthly Abyss immediately took effect over the entire Stone Vein and the Cave Heaven within.


    That crack, which was initially only as thick as two fingers, quickly spread to nearly a foot, and then began to spread outward like a spider web, with chunks of the void shattering incessantly.


    Whoosh.


    Chen Mu had already retreated to the edge of the Cave Heaven World shortly after delivering the strike with the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, seeing the irreversible shattering within the Cave Heaven World, he did not hesitate to retreat into the Stone Vein passage.


    At that very moment, the Stone Vein passage was also unstable, the rock layers in all directions were beginning to show signs of fracture, spreading continuously.


    Not just the passage.


    The entire Stone Vein, an area of more than ten li across, began to tremble and sway.


    Chen Mu quickly exited the Stone Vein passage, came out from the Stone Vein, and then without a pause, rushed upward, breaking through the earth and emerging above ground, where he hovered in the air, looking down at the Stone Vein below.


    He saw,


    the land for tens of li around was continuously trembling.


    And within that, the area where the Stone Vein was located, a silent and desolate expanse of about ten li, displayed a crisscrossed scene of destruction; the entire Stone Vein quaked, becoming more and more intense, more and more violent.


    This was not something Chen Mu''s power could achieve; all he did was break the internal balance of the Stone Vein. In reality, it was the violent collision between the Earthly Abyss realm and the Stone Vein, as well as the small Cave Heaven!


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    The terrifying spectacle quickly unfolded; the surface of the Stone Vein within a radius of more than ten li began to show signs of fracturing, and with the fracturing of the Stone Vein, the nearby void also began to display a dense network of white cracks.


    However, these cracks in the void of the Earthly Abyss only mended and disappeared in an instant, only to continue shattering again and again within a radius of ten li, each white crack signifying a shock and conflict between the voids. The might of the burst was even greater than that of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal that Chen Mu had previously executed with all his might!


    "Humans are so insignificant," Chen Mu thought, overlooking the scene below, feeling the terrifying conflicts and might erupting from the void. Even as a Qiankun Grandmaster, comparable to the power of Blood Exchange, he could only sense his own insignificance.


    Facing such collisions between the void, the earth and the forces of Cave Heaven, even one in the Blood Exchange Realm would find themselves caught in it, surely facing certain death!

 Chapter 617 - 617: 365 Chapter: Startling All Sides

    Stone Vein, Cave Heaven, Earthly Abyss.


    The conflicts between them grew more intense, and it was not just the land within a hundred miles that shook; the tremors began to spread further, even the air in the silent Wasteland hundreds of miles away vibrated.


    On the Wasteland spanning hundreds of miles, one could see many mystical creatures bursting from the earth, all disturbed by the impact, their monstrous eyes revealing a human-like horror as they glanced towards the direction of the Stone Vein before fleeing in the opposite direction to escape the vicinity.


    As creatures that have lived in the Earthly Abyss for countless years, no matter their rank, they all knew once there was a huge disturbance within, it spelled nothing good for them, and getting involved would likely cost them their lives.


    At that moment.


    If one could look down from high above into the Earthly Abyss, one would see creatures within hundreds of miles fleeing in all directions, but the Earthly Abyss''s highest point was only several dozen feet, preventing any overhead view.


    The Wasteland within hundreds of miles shook fiercely; such tremendous disturbance alerted not only the mystical creatures.


    ...


    Somewhere.


    A piece of low-lying land.


    Water marshes covered and spread out, growing many peculiar dark grasses.


    And in the middle of this low-lying water marsh grew a bizarre green plant, which had no leaves but a straight main stalk, topped with a crystal clear, emerald green fruit.


    Swish, swish,


    A gaunt monk in tattered robes was walking towards the center.


    His robes were patched all over, with some unrepaired holes revealing the skin underneath. Although gaunt, his skin was bronzed, and he walked with an invisible imposing presence.


    Kongji, the head of the Ascetic Institute of the No Birth Temple!


    Kongji!


    He was the oldest among the four generations of monks of the "Kong Perception Mystery" in the No Birth Temple, and also a top figure among the grandmasters of the temple, renowned throughout Cold North for once using his bodily might to save a village by the mountain, ranked number four among the grandmasters of Cold North!


    "Evergreen Fruit."


    Kongji, his face gentle, looked at the fresh emerald fruit in the center of the marsh, placing his hands together in front of him as if in prayer, and after walking a few steps forward, he reached out to pick it.


    But just then, a fierce sword light suddenly broke through the air, its overwhelming Sword Intent crashing down like a raging river from the sky, where one couldn''t even make out the sword light but only see a glint of coldness like a line hanging in the air.


    "Well said, well said."


    Facing this sudden attack, Kongji remained gentle and compassionate, lifting his right hand from where his hands were joined, and with a bronzed finger, he flicked and snapped in the air, clashing hard against the incoming sword light, immediately dispelling it.


    The scattered sword light revealed a three-foot green blade, which swung away but before it could fly far, a hand reached out from the air and grabbed the sword handle, then both hands held the sword and slashed again at Kongji.


    The person, dressed in green, was none other than Jiang Changsheng of the "Longevity Sword"!


    "Mercy of the Buddha."


    Kongji chanted the Buddha''s name, raised his hands high, and in a flash of light and shadow on his body, a brilliant golden light appeared, resembling an Arhat manifesting in this world, his two bronzed palms coming together in the middle.


    Clang!


    The Longevity Sword wielded by Jiang Changsheng struck against the Arhat Buddha Hand, emitting a clang as if metal struck metal, resounding in a symphonic clash and then exploding into ripples.


    Within a yard between the two, nothing changed, not even a ripple in the water; the Evergreen Vine and the Evergreen Fruit growing nearby remained still, but the water marsh behind Jiang Changsheng suddenly exploded, lifting endless water mist into the air.


    The water marsh behind Kongji also exploded in a similar manner, with intersecting cracks, and the water splashing into the air was as if it had been sliced into square blocks by an invisible Sword Qi.


    Kongji just clasped Jiang Changsheng''s Longevity Sword with both palms, confining it in the Arhat Buddha Hand; it seemed the move was nearly a draw, but then he couldn''t help but step back. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Whoosh!


    Jiang Changsheng, expressionless, took advantage of Kongji''s retreat to pull the sword blade out and slash again.


    Boom!


    Kongji blocked again, retreating further.


    Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!!


    Jiang Changsheng unleashed seven consecutive slashes, forcing Kongji back seven steps, until he stood about two feet away from the Evergreen Fruit, while Jiang Changsheng reached the side of the fruit, easily plucking and securing it.


    Watching Jiang Changsheng take the Evergreen Fruit, Kongji joined his hands, advancing no further, and sighed, "Many years have passed, and your swordsmanship, Jiang, has truly transcended; well said, well said. It seems this item is fated not to be mine."


    Upon closer inspection.


    One could see at the tips of his joined hands tiny cracks, from which droplets of red blood flowed, the blood still containing lingering Sword Qi that, as it fell into the marsh, silently cracked open fissures.


    Jiang Changsheng looked at Kongji, speaking indifferently, "You have not been negligent over these years either, your Arhat True Body is well trained, blocking my seven swords with only a retreat of two feet. I can defeat you yet not kill you."


    "Mercy of the Buddha."


    Kongji recited once more.


    The wounds between his fingers were indeed minor, and it was nearly impossible for Jiang Changsheng to kill him unless he continued to directly confront Jiang Changsheng''s Longevity Sword, but being slightly inferior still meant he couldn''t seize the Evergreen Fruit.

 Chapter 618 - 365: Shocking All Around - Part 2

    The Heaven and Earth Spiritual Fruit was taken, and Kongji did not get angry or annoyed. After chanting the Buddha''s name, he shook his head slightly and was about to turn around and leave.


    But just at that moment.


    "Hmm?"


    Kongji and Jiang Changsheng both paused at the same time and turned to look in one direction. S~ea??h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even though their gaze fell upon a quiet and dim area where nothing was visible, both of them could distinctly feel a slight tremor spreading from that direction.


    Because neither could detect where the tremor was coming from, it suggested that it was spreading from a very distant place. And for a tremor to spread this far, something huge must have happened in that direction.


    "..."


    Jiang Changsheng''s eyes narrowed, the light within them flickering uncertainly, but in the next moment, he made a decision. His figure flashed, and he transformed into a beam of sword light that flew through the air, headed towards the source of the disturbance.


    Within the Earthly Abyss, a major disturbance meant a crisis, but it also meant an opportunity.


    Having been in the Earthly Abyss for many days, he had reaped considerable benefits. With the addition of the Evergreen Fruit, he had some confidence he could break through the Life and Death Pass and step into the Blood Exchange Realm. Going directly back to the sect to enter seclusion was also feasible, but since he encountered the situation, he might as well take a look.


    He had made up his mind, if there were any unexpected gains, he would take them effortlessly, but if not, then it was about time to temporarily leave the Earthly Abyss and return to the sect. He would attempt to enter seclusion and take that step towards the Blood Exchange.


    On this side, Jiang Changsheng sped away into the sky.


    Kongji, standing above the marsh, also gazed in the direction of the disturbance. After a brief moment of contemplation, he too stepped forward, following Jiang Changsheng, disappearing between the waters in just two steps.


    Since the Evergreen Fruit was taken by Jiang Changsheng, Kongji had not gained much. With a situation at hand, naturally, he had to have a look. Even though Jiang Changsheng was ahead, such a huge commotion probably wasn''t only perceivable by him and Jiang Changsheng. Others who sensed this disturbance would likely attempt to investigate as well. By then, muddling through the chaos, there was also a chance to seize an opportunity.


    ...


    Somewhere.


    In the midst of the Silent Stone Forest.


    "Roar!"


    A roar burst forth, revealing a massively sized figure crashing through, violently breaking several thick stone pillars, its body covered in bloodstains.


    This was a Seventh Rank Demon King, glaring furiously at a figure in front of it¡ªa young woman standing on top of a stone pillar, surrounded by a black and white aura that spiraled continuously around her form.


    "Yin Yang Rotation."


    Xia Yu''r looked composed as she faced the Seventh Rank Demon King, a glint flashing in her eyes. With a wave of her hands,


    suddenly her Spirit Weapon, the Yin Yang Wheels, burst forth, turning into a black and white radiance. They spun and intertwined, instantly shattering the Demon King''s Scale Armor and leaving a deep wound on its body.


    As the second-ranked on the Wind Cloud List, within the Cold North, Xia Yu''r feared no one besides the Grandmasters. Dealing with a Seventh Rank Demon King was easy for her. After several fierce attacks, the Demon King roared one last time and fell heavily to the ground due to its severe injuries.


    It was just after Xia Yu''r had defeated the Demon King.


    Another young woman walked from the depths of the Silent Stone Forest¡ªit was Luan Qiumei, an Elder of the Hehuan Sect.


    "How did it go?"


    Xia Yu''r retracted her Yin Yang Wheels and stabilized her breathing before turning to ask Luan Qiumei.


    Luan Qiumei smiled faintly, holding up a Jade Vase and said, "All gathered, a total of twenty-seven drops of Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit Liquid. It''s thanks to you drawing away the Demon King. Otherwise, had it wreaked havoc, we might not have collected so much."


    "It was merely a trivial effort."


    Upon hearing about the total of twenty-seven drops, Xia Yu''r also revealed a slight smile. This was one of the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects that could help refine one''s Martial Body. Even if it wasn''t very useful for her, since she was exploring the Earthly Abyss in partnership with Luan Qiumei, she could also get a share of other finds.


    And just as Xia Yu''r was about to leap down and deliver the final blow to the Demon King to harvest its Essence Blood, suddenly her gaze also became fixed, and she turned her head to look in a certain direction.


    "This is..."


    Luan Qiumei also sensed it almost at the same time and glanced in that direction before exchanging a look with Xia Yu''r.


    Such a huge disturbance!


    Although they were only aware of a slight tremor, the two of them were of such high Realm that they could clearly determine that it must have been transmitted from a far-off direction, having spread all the way here¡ªindicating that it was an enormous event.


    Such a level of tremor and shaking were definitely not the result of Martial Artists fighting each other. Even those in the Blood Exchange Realm couldn''t possibly do this. Clearly, something must have happened within the Earthly Abyss¡ªperhaps an earthquake or a rift.


    In any case, whatever it was, it suggested the possibility of a great opportunity.


    "Let''s go check it out."


    Luan Qiumei decided on the spot and said.


    Although she and Xia Yu''r only barely dared to explore the Earthly Abyss together and were no match for any of the top Grandmasters, opportunity was something that depended on luck. They might be the closest to it¡ªif they acted right now and seized the opportunity before leaving, they might be able to contend for a chance.


    Xia Yu''r''s eyes flashed as she immediately nodded. She ventured into the Earthly Abyss in search of just such opportunities. Reaching her age, it was difficult to break through the Mysterious Pass and become a Grandmaster. But if she could obtain a highly valuable lifespan-extending Spirit Object or some extremely rare Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, she might have the chance to reconsolidate her Essence Blood. After all, one must rely on both opportunity and the Heavenly Mandate.


    In this world, nothing was absolute.

 Chapter 619 - 619: 365 Stirring All Around_3

    Swish! Swish!


    In that instant, Xia Yu''r was also very decisive. She immediately swung the Yin Yang artifact with her right hand, and amidst the splattering blood, she directly tore through the chest and abdomen of the Demon King''s corpse. With the fastest speed, she extracted the heart blood from its chest and then immediately set off with Luan Qiumei towards the direction of the noise.


    ...


    As time passed, sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    the sprawling Earthly Abyss trembled, its quaking reaching farther and being noticed by more people. One after another, figures either paused or, after a brief moment of hesitation, quickly made their way towards the source of the commotion.


    Shadows gradually converged from all directions.


    At the center,


    where the Stone Vein lay,


    Chen Mu was unaware of the situations unfolding in various directions. Even if he were aware, he would not be particularly concerned. After all, he had anticipated such events. To destroy the Stone Vein and cause the collision of Cave Heaven and Earthly Abyss was bound to create a significant disturbance.


    At this moment, his attention was not dispersed on the outside world but was entirely focused on the Stone Vein. The segment of Stone Vein had been completely upturned from beneath the ground, causing the land within tens of miles to crack and crisscross.


    The entire Stone Vein was riddled with cracks so densely packed that it resembled shattered porcelain.


    Chen Mu had retreated to a place about a hundred paces from the Stone Vein. One could vaguely see white Void Rifts appearing on the fractured Stone Vein, which then healed over and over again.


    Though the entire Stone Vein was marked with shattering traces everywhere, these cracks continued to multiply and become finer. The Cave Heaven it supported seemed almost exposed through the cracks. In some areas, visible distortions even appeared to the naked eye¡ªmanifestations of the Void twisting!


    "Void..."


    Chen Mu gazed at this scene, feeling its mystery and changes, his thoughts surging like a spring.


    Qiankun, Void.


    If one were to speak of which came first, of course, the Void existed before the birth of heaven and earth, before the emergence of Qiankun. Qiankun encompasses everything within this realm of heaven and earth.


    He tried to comprehend the mystery of the Void, but felt like he was trying to scoop the moon from the bottom of a well or glimpse flowers through the fog. Even though the various transformations were right before his eyes, they were entirely beyond his reach, like rootless duckweed.


    "Can''t feel it, can''t comprehend it, can''t touch it... Is it because the mysteries of the Void cannot be understood by a mortal? Or is it that the level of my Artistic Conception is ultimately too low, merely at the Domain level, too far removed from it?"


    Chen Mu murmured to himself.


    Visible, yet unfathomable, and even more untouchable.


    This situation was all too similar to when he had first grasped the concept of Blade Momentum and yet found himself stuck at the threshold of Artistic Conception, until he had mastered multiple types of Momentum and finally crossed that step to understand Artistic Conception.


    The Qiankun Eight Phases encompass everything within heaven and earth. Once perfected, when one reaches the end of this path, the next step naturally involves touching the essence of the very existence of heaven and earth, touching the Void. This was something Chen Mu had vaguely foreseen a long time ago.


    When Chen Mu made his breakthrough before, the system panel had allowed him a brief experience of "Unity of Heaven and Man," so his vision was unlike ordinary people. Even though his actual Realm was only at the Qiankun Domain, not yet stepping into the third phase, he could vaguely sense that his deductions were correct. Still, he wasn''t a true Celestial Human Martial Saint; he could see but not comprehend.


    The Qiankun Path has not existed for many years.


    Those who have cultivated the Qiankun Path to its pinnacle, stepping into the third phase and reaching the Unity of Heaven and Man, throughout history, there has only been one person: the founding Martial Emperor of Da Xuan.


    The Martial Arts of Da Xuan also take Qiankun as the endpoint. Whether there is a path beyond it, nobody knows. Perhaps the founding Martial Emperor of Da Xuan understood, and among those qualified to glimpse "beyond Qiankun," throughout history, there has only been him.

 Chapter 620 - 366: Swarming In

    Just as Chen Mu was immersed in the upheaval caused by the collapse of the Stone Vein and the destruction of the Cave Heaven.


    One after another, figures hurried over from all directions.


    "Is this, could it be the collapse of a Cave Heaven?"


    A grandmaster, shrouded in a dim, gloomy light, arrived nearby and gazed toward the crumbling Stone Vein Cave Heaven, immediately revealing a shocked expression.


    After all, even for a grandmaster who had traversed the world for decades and explored various realms, the likelihood of discovering a Cave Heaven was extremely small, let alone witnessing its collapse ¡ª an event so rare it was scarcely recorded even in the annals.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!!


    Several more grandmaster shadows arrived from another direction.


    Gazing at the massive commotion caused by the collapse of the Stone Vein Cave Heaven, and at those white Void Rifts, they all showed looks of shock, stopping a good distance away, not daring to approach too close.


    "This is..."


    Luan Qiumei and Xia Yuye also arrived from one direction; at this moment, staring intently at the terrible disturbance in the center, their gazes were exceedingly grave, and Yuye''s face showed astonishment as well.


    Although neither of them was a figure of the Blood Exchange Realm, as members of the Hehuan Sect, they were well-traveled and had seen the commotion from Blood Exchange Realm beings fighting each other. They knew that white Void Cracks like these could be produced in their clashing.


    And at this moment.


    The Void Rifts continuously sprouted above the broken Stone Veins, with the life and death of countless more than a thousand rifts occurring in an instant?!


    Mere witness from a distance was enough to feel a heart-palpitating fear, that if one were caught up in it, they would likely be destroyed in an instant, and even a supremely Solidifying Refined Martial Body might struggle to withstand it.


    "Such extensive Void Rifts, could this be the collapse of a Cave Heaven?"


    Yuye spoke in a heavy tone, "I''ve seen records of this in the most secret ancient texts of our Sect. One of our Hehuan ancestors once encountered the scene of a Cave Heaven''s collapse. It is said that at the moment of complete collapse, the heavens and earth will be utterly chaotic, and in the instant of destruction and rebirth, various rare and Spiritual Objects will be born..."


    "Is there such a thing?"


    Luan Qiumei looked at Yuye with slight surprise, but then lowered her voice, her lips barely moving without making a sound, using a Secret Technique to transmit her voice directly into Yuye''s ear.


    Yuye also transmitted her voice into Qiumei''s ear, "Sister Luan, you''ve been deeply immersed in Martial Arts for years, traveling to the Outer Sea to explore, and you''re not very aware of our Sect''s ancient history. I, however, have stayed in the Sect for years, often reading those histories whenever I had free time." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Be it the Outer Sea or the Earthly Abyss, the Great Wilderness, it''s already quite rare to encounter a Cave Heaven, not to mention witnessing its collapse. According to that ancestor, it seems that the larger the Cave Heaven is, the more rare and Spiritual Objects appear when it collapses. This Cave Heaven seems to have been hidden within the Stone Vein, but its actual size is unknown. Now, however, it''s no longer possible to enter."


    Yuye recounted the overall situation.


    Upon hearing this, Qiumei nodded slightly before glancing around. By now, they could see about four to five people had arrived from various directions, all of them grandmaster figures from the major sects of the Cold North.


    "If truly rare objects are born, you and I could try to compete for them. The others may not be aware of this fact and might act slower than us. As long as we are not too greedy, and leave after taking just one item, we still have a chance."


    Qiumei transmitted her voice in a whisper to Yuye''s ear.


    In the outside world, both she and Yuye were figures whose names resonated far and wide, their strength among the strongest in the grandmasters, second only to those top grandmasters. Here, however, they were both aware that none of the individuals present were kind-hearted, and either of them might not be sure of victory in a one-on-one fight.


    However, if the two of them joined forces, and if they were to take advantage of a leading opportunity to snatch and flee with just one item, then there might be a chance.


    "If only Sister Yan were here,"


    Yuye suddenly sighed and said, "It''s a pity Sister Yan is probably not nearby; otherwise, she would have been the first to arrive ahead of us. I have already sent a message to Sister Yan. I don''t know if she''ll be able to make it here in time after receiving the news."


    Of course, the Hehuan Sect also possessed top grandmaster figures, who had also come together to explore the Earthly Abyss but had acted separately afterward and were not with the two of them.


    "Hmm."


    Qiumei did not respond much, only carefully observing the other figures nearby, hoping that the several grandmasters in the vicinity were not aware of the changes that occur when a Cave Heaven collapses, and that they were wary of the Void Rifts and keeping their distance.


    This wishful thinking was, of course, unlikely to come true; those who dared to explore this layer, even if not top grandmasters, were almost all among the strongest in the grandmasters. Faced with such a situation, even if they had no idea about the specifics, it would be unlikely they would simply withdraw but would surely want to observe more closely and understand what was happening.


    Moreover.


    While everyone was a safe distance from the site of the Stone Vein''s collapse, there was one person nearby who came extremely close, appearing to have arrived much earlier. They were now only about twenty yards away from the closest Void Rift, almost standing on the edge of danger, yet they still had not retreated and remained standing there.


    Yuye''s gaze also fell on that person, and after a brief scrutiny, she revealed a look of recognition.


    Was it him?


    Chen Mu was now a renowned figure throughout the Cold North Path, and since Yuye had met him once before, she recognized him at a glance, a glint flashing in her eyes.


    She, Qiumei, and the other many grandmasters were all apprehensive of those Void Rifts, fearing a sudden spread they wouldn''t be able to react to quickly. At the moment, they all kept a distance of about fifty to sixty yards, while only Chen Mu approached within just twenty, seemingly unaware of the danger of the Void Rifts.

 Chapter 621 - 366 Swarm_2

    It''s not surprising actually.


    Chen Mu, though extremely powerful and in no way inferior to her or Luan Qiumei, was still quite young. His lack of experience and knowledge meant that he didn''t recognize the scene created by the collapse of the Stone Vein Cave Heaven, which was very normal.


    After contemplating for a moment, Xia Yu''r still slightly moved her lips, a thread of voice condensing into a silken line, transmitting to Chen Mu ahead.


    "This is the collapse of a Cave Heaven, a Void Rift. Only individuals in the Blood Exchange Realm can resist it to an extent. Getting too close is very dangerous,"


    The Hehuan Sect didn''t have much animosity with Chen Mu. The True Disciples of the previous generation, the Hua Nongying sisters, were even willing to invest in Chen Mu. Now they were both gathering information for Chen Mu in the Outer Sea, so naturally, she didn''t mind forming a good bond with him.


    The current situation in the world was not clear, no one knew who among the Eight Princes of Central Prefecture would ultimately emerge victorious, and the future of the Cold North Eleven States was equally uncertain. However, the Hehuan Sect had always been independent, not fully committing to any side.


    Indeed, among the Great Sects, only the Hehuan Sect could afford such a strategy. Any other faction that dared to spread its forces thin and sit back to watch the tigers fight would find it hard to meet a good end. But to speak frankly, the Hehuan Sect was entirely composed of women, who cultivated the pleasure-dependent path, so no matter how the situation in the world changed, they would always have a place to stay.


    "Hmm, I''m already aware of it,"


    Chen Mu heard the voice by his ear. He had already sensed the presence of Xia Yu''r and her companion and recognized Xia Yu''r''s voice, so he responded calmly, but he didn''t retreat.


    Seeing Chen Mu still standing about twenty-some zhang from the Stone Vein, Xia Yu''r shook her head slightly inside, but she didn''t continue to warn him verbally. Although twenty-some zhang was somewhat dangerous, it was just ''somewhat dangerous'' after all.


    If,


    as Hua Nongying had invested and judged, Chen Mu, the once-in-a-century prodigy of the Cold North, was truly an existence born to uphold the Heavenly Mandate in chaotic times, then he surely wouldn''t simply lose his life to such a danger.


    Just as Xia Yu''r was contemplating this, suddenly, a piercing sharpness, unabashedly approaching, caused all the Grandmasters present to shift their attention, revealing wariness after sensing it clearly.


    "The Longevity Sword!"


    Someone murmured with a dark gaze.


    The Longevity Sword, Jiang Changsheng.


    The man has not arrived yet, but his Sword Intent has!


    This top Grandmaster from the Heavenly Sword Sect was almost the last person anyone wanted to encounter in the Earthly Abyss.


    Firstly, his strength was terrifying, and he was considered one of the strongest among the Grandmasters in the Cold North. Secondly, among the top Grandmasters in Cold North today, both Absolute Blade and Jade Flute Guest were almost unlikely to step into the Blood Exchange Realm, leaving only the much younger Jiang Changsheng as the one most likely to reach the Blood Exchange Realm in the future. Naturally, not many were willing to fight against Jiang Changsheng.


    Whoosh!


    Amidst the diffusing piercing Sword Intent, a figure in green clothes, Jiang Changsheng, appeared not far away. He stepped closer, gazing at the nearly unrecognizable collapsed Earth''s Veins, and stood about thirty-some zhang away to scrutinize them.


    "Jiang Changsheng... I heard that not long ago, he exchanged three moves with Absolute Blade, and it ended in a draw,"


    Someone frowned.


    "It''s said that Jade Flute Guest has also admitted to being slightly less skilled than him,"


    Another person''s eyes flickered.


    The strength of Absolute Blade versus Longevity Sword was of much interest in the Cold North today, and although Jiang Changsheng had entered the Earthly Abyss, he had only confronted Absolute Blade Tuoba Xi for three moves over a Spiritual Object a few days prior, with neither emerging as the victor.


    But this confirmed that Jiang Changsheng''s current strength was indeed on par with Absolute Blade Tuoba Xi, firmly at the pinnacle of Cold North''s Grandmasters.


    While the crowd watched Jiang Changsheng''s figure with either furrowed brows or a wary expression, suddenly, a compassionate and righteous aura transmitted over, slightly dispelling the Earthly Abyss'' oppression.


    "Well done, well done,"


    One could see a person approaching from afar, seemingly following closely behind Jiang Changsheng, in a ragged monk''s robe, walking barefoot. His lean body radiated a faint golden glow, and his skin was like the color of ancient bronze, giving off a divine and compassionate feeling.


    "The ascetic Arhat from the No-Life Monastery,"


    ```


    "He''s here too."


    In an instant, many gazes converged again, each showing a hint of surprise.


    Among the top Grandmasters of the Cold North Path, any one of them was familiar to all present, especially names like the Ascetic Arhat and the Wanderer, who had shaken the Cold North for decades, each a first-rate expert among the Grandmasters of the Cold North.


    Boom!!


    The collapse of the Stone Vein Cave Heaven continued.


    Its interior spanned dozens of miles, such a vast void could not collapse in an instant, and by now almost the entire stone vein was so shattered it was barely recognizable, with its surface beyond identifying due to cracks, completely pulverized into countless powdery fragments.


    However, these stone dust fragments did not disperse. Instead, they were enveloped by the colliding forces of the Void from the Earthly Abyss and the Stone Vein Cave Heaven, constantly being crushed and ground within, sometimes coming together, sometimes breaking apart. Among them were countless minerals and spiritual materials, but now they were indistinguishable, completely muddled together.


    At this moment.


    Looking closely, one could see that within the dispersed fragments of the stone vein, what was exposed was a huge cluster of light, almost entirely composed of white Void Rifts, densely interwoven, with the surging force of the Void daunting to behold.


    Feeling this oppressive force, some Grandmasters could not help but unconsciously step back, worried that the Void Rifts might suddenly erupt and sweep everything nearby into the turmoil.


    But those who stepped back were very few.


    The vast majority of Grandmasters still stood firm, each staring at the scene, including Jiang Changsheng who looked at the continuously collapsing Stone Vein Cave Heaven with a dazed and thoughtful expression, at times frowning, at times seeming to have an epiphany.


    Whoosh!


    Another person arrived, clad in a long robe, with a presence as turbulent as the tides. S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Those nearby took one look and recognized who it was.


    The Wanderer!


    The Pavilion Master of the End of the World Sea Pavilion, Hai Qianyuan.


    "Huh, it''s actually a Cave Heaven collapsing..."


    Upon arriving at the scene, Hai Qianyuan briefly expressed surprise, then immediately narrowed his eyes.


    As the Pavilion Master of the End of the World Sea Pavilion, he was of course aware of the secrets of a Cave Heaven''s collapse, and knew that when a Cave Heaven collapsed, the change in the heavens and earth would give birth to some rare spiritual objects, whereupon he glanced at the degree of the Stone Vein Cave Heaven''s collapse and surveyed the people around.


    After noticing Jiang Changsheng and Kongji, his gaze grew slightly more solemn, then without a sound, he moved from his original spot, subtly bypassing these two, and approached another side.


    "Hehuan Sect''s Xia Yu''r, Luan Qiumei... Hmm, and Qiankun Blade''s Chen Mu..."


    After glancing at the people on this side, Hai Qianyuan calmly stopped about thirty or forty yards away.


    The collapse of the Cave Heaven was still ongoing, and the rare spiritual objects had yet to emerge. Once they did, everyone would inevitably scramble for the ones closest to them, so naturally, he wouldn''t stay with Jiang Changsheng, Kongji, and the others.


    Clearly, Luan Qiumei and others on this side posed much less of a threat, and he might be able to secure one or two more rare treasures.


    "Looking at this situation, the interior space of this Cave Heaven must not be small, at least dozens of miles across. Such a large Cave Heaven collapsing, I wonder if a ''Void Jade Crystal'' might be born."


    Thoughts flashed through Hai Qianyuan''s mind, and his eyes shone with eagerness.


    The collapse of a Cave Heaven was extremely rare, especially a larger one; coming across one was difficult. Even for their End of the World Sea Pavilion, which investigated the secrets of the world, the collapse of a Cave Heaven they knew of since Da Xuan was founded was at most a dozen times, and those spanning dozens of miles were even rarer.


    Why are Cave Heaven Spirit Weapons so rare throughout the world?


    Apart from the Qiankun Pot, which was crafted from an extraordinary Cave Heaven by the founding Martial Emperor of Da Xuan, the few other Cave Heaven Spirit Weapons with internal space were all crafted with a ''Void Jade Crystal'' as their core.


    The birth of a Void Jade Crystal was incredibly difficult. Many Grandmasters might not have even heard the name ''Void Jade Crystal'', but he, as the Pavilion Master of the End of the World Sea Pavilion, was aware of it, even aware of its birth process. He knew it was only born during the collapse of a Cave Heaven, and moreover, it had to be a larger Cave Heaven collapsing, for there to be a chance for it to emerge amidst the annihilation and grinding of the Void.


    ```

 Chapter 622 - 367 Commotion Begins

    As time went on,


    one by one, several more grandmasters arrived, including Liu Tong from the Seven Profound Sect.


    Upon realizing the situation, Liu Tong''s expression also changed slightly. He happened to know that a multitude of treasures would spring up after the collapse of the Cave Heaven, but seeing the convergence of various grandmasters in the field, which numbered nearly two or three dozen, including top figures like Jiang Changsheng and Tian Yaji, he also frowned secretly, lacking the absolute certainty that he could snatch the treasures from these individuals.


    However, after surveying the whole scene, he noticed Chen Mu positioned in a direction up ahead. After a slight start, he showed a thoughtful expression, and then decided to send a sound transmission to invite Chen Mu over.


    He himself had now ranked among the top grandmasters, only slightly behind existences such as Jiang Changsheng, but this gap was not insurmountable. And since Chen Mu also possessed some strength, if they were to join forces, facing Jiang Changsheng and others wouldn''t necessarily put them at a disadvantage. They might even overpower them.


    Although individuals like Jiang Changsheng were strong, they were not so powerful as to completely disregard other grandmasters.


    However,


    just as Liu Tong was about to send the sound transmission to Chen Mu, inviting him to his side, a surge of domineering Sword Intent suddenly swept across the entire field, startling everyone present.


    Almost without looking back, everyone immediately knew who had arrived.


    Absolute Blade,


    Tuoba Xi!


    The number one person among the Cold North Grandmasters!


    Perhaps Jiang Changsheng had now entered that level, able to contend with Tuoba Xi, but in the past hundred years, it had always been Tuoba Xi who reigned supreme in the Cold North, with no grandmaster above him.


    Even the ever-composed Jiang Changsheng, in his green clothes, who had been watching the destruction of the Stone Vein Cave Heaven and had not moved his gaze even when Kongji, Tian Yaji and others arrived, finally turned his head when he sensed Tuoba Xi''s Sword Intent.


    Step, step, S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Tuoba Xi, in his black robe and making no attempt to conceal his aura, walked forward, first glancing at the collapsing Stone Vein Cave Heaven and then locking eyes with Jiang Changsheng, as their surging Sword Intent and Knife Intent clashed in the air.


    Though neither had yet made a move, the air nearby was invisibly stirred, giving onlookers an almost surreal illusion of a blood-red, world-shaking Absolute Blade clashing with a sky-piercing Longevity Sword, creating a magnificent and thunderous momentum.


    In an instant,


    nearly all eyes were focused on the two of them.


    "Heh..."


    However, in the end, neither Tuoba Xi nor Jiang Changsheng made a move, with Tuoba Xi ultimately just letting out a ''heh'' before stepping forward, walking towards the destroyed Stone Vein Cave Heaven, and standing about thirty yards away.


    Tuoba Xi''s arrival undoubtedly added some pressure to the many grandmasters present, but after all, there were already many grandmasters who had arrived, who had formed alliances in groups of twos and threes with their sect fellows, and were thus able to maintain their composure.


    "The Absolute Blade has come too..."


    Liu Tong looked on gravely, then turned once more to look towards Chen Mu not far away, preparing to transmit his voice.


    But just then,


    an unexpected change occurred.


    Boom!!!


    The Stone Vein Cave Heaven, already crumbling and breaking, suddenly burst forth with a roaring sound, as if it had finally shattered to a critical point, causing the entire Cave Heaven Void to completely collapse and be destroyed.


    With that roar, as if the whole Earth Abyss Void was shaken, from the countless fine white cracks in the center of the shattered Stone Vein Cave Heaven, suddenly fractured a several yards long pitch-black Void Rift!


    This pitch-black rift was distinct.


    Upon its appearance, it began wildly drawing in everything nearby, continuously tearing inward as if a gigantic beast had opened a deep abyssal mouth, first devouring those mineral fragments that had already been pulverized into powder and creating a terrifying vortex. Then, this tearing force expanded outward, swiftly enveloping all the grandmasters present.


    Almost everyone felt a strong tearing and suction force grabbing their bodies, pulling them toward the pitch-black rift, ready to swallow them into that frightening darkness!


    "Void Rift!"


    "Not good."


    "Back away!"


    Nearly every grandmaster reacted simultaneously.


    Even individuals like Jiang Changsheng and Tuoba Xi changed expression slightly; facing the pitch-black Void Rift, they too felt the terrible threat to life and death and immediately retreated.


    Chen Mu, being the closest to the collapse, felt the strongest tearing force, yet his eyes remained mostly unchanged, still focused on the pitch-black Void Rift and showing a thoughtful expression.


    "So this is a true Void Rift..."


    The Void has never been such an exceedingly fragile thing.


    With his current strength, if he were to fully exert himself to tear the Void, the resulting white cracks, though indeed ''Void Rifts,'' would actually not penetrate the entire Void, existing only on the surface.


    This kind of pitch-black Void Rift, however, is what truly tears apart the Void, or rather, it''s as if a mouth has opened in the entire Earth Abyss World. Beyond this pitch-black rift lies the outside of the Void, the outside of the world!


    Chen Mu had no idea what lay beyond it.


    But as it stood, that place seemed extremely dangerous; not to mention passing through the Void Rift, merely approaching it would likely result in being torn apart by that twisted and terrifying Void Force, making it impossible to cross over!


    Accompanying the appearance of the pitch-black Void Rift in the collapsing Stone Vein Cave Heaven, the myriad of dense white cracks also began to spread in all directions, swiftly extending more than ten yards, and reaching towards Chen Mu''s position.

 Chapter 623 - 367: Chaotic Battle Begins_2

    However, Chen Mu was calm and composed at this moment.


    Facing the densely packed, shattering white cracks, he merely stepped back one step, reaching a safe distance of about forty or fifty yards, while the other grandmasters, including Jiang Changsheng and others, had already retreated a hundred yards.


    The white Void rift did not spread far, stopping just a few yards in front of Chen Mu. Continuously forming but also continuously merging, it could not expand any further outward.


    However.


    At this moment, no one was paying attention to Chen Mu; almost everyone was watching the core of the collapsing Cave Heaven, watching that pitch-black Void rift.


    "It''s coming."


    The Pavilion Master of End of the World Sea Pavilion, Hai Qianyuan, had a flicker in his eyes. One hand slowly dangled down, gradually preparing to make his move. He knew that the appearance of the Void rift signified that the core of the Cave Heaven had completely collapsed, and in the short time to come, it would utterly collapse and then between destruction and rebirth, many Spiritual Objects would be born.


    Not only Hai Qianyuan but other grandmasters who knew the situation also quietly adjusted their Yuan Gang True Essence, ready to react to any upcoming change, including Luan Qiumei, Xia Yuye, and others.


    Hum!!!


    The Stone Vein that had extended for more than ten miles had already turned into countless streaks of mineral dust, being continuously swallowed by the central pitch-black Void rift, forming a vortex as it contracted inwardly layer by layer.


    And that pitch-black Void rift was also gradually expanding until it formed a pitch-black void, devouring everything nearby. The Void Force was so chaotic and fierce to the extreme that even those in the Blood Exchange Realm who achieved the Unity of Heaven and Man would face certain death if they dared to delve deeply into that area. This was the final scene of a collapsing Cave Heaven World, beyond the resistance of human capabilities.


    Under the gaze of countless eyes.


    That pitch-black void seemed to swallow even light, bending even the faint light from the Earth''s Veins in the Earthly Abyss, resembling a giant maw that consumed all, turning the world into eternal night and darkening everyone''s sight.


    But it was precisely when everything around had fallen into darkness, a beam of white light suddenly appeared from the darkest center, black and white like Taiyin Taiyang, circling the point of destruction and rebirth of all things.


    Such a spectacle.


    Made almost all grandmasters freeze in awe.


    Even Hai Qianyuan, the Pavilion Master of End of the World Sea Pavilion, who knew various secrets about the collapse of Cave Heaven, had only known about those secrets and had never actually witnessed a collapse of Cave Heaven before; this was also a first for him.


    It was hard to describe the feeling at that moment; they were all at the grandmaster level, having broken through the Mysterious Pass and were beings that had initially communicated with heaven and earth. At this moment, they felt as if they had reached the end of all things, yet also as if they had returned to the beginning of all things, as if some profound realization was rising in their minds, yet it seemed like viewing flowers through fog, elusive and indistinguishable.


    Like a moment.


    Yet like a long past.


    The black and white light finally converged into dissolution.


    When the sight returned to normal, the area of over ten miles where the Stone Vein Cave Heaven had originally been had turned into a massive hollow depression. Everything that was there had vanished without a trace, including the previously vast Stone Vein.


    Only in the sky above, all the Void rifts were rapidly converging and healing, and the most central pitch-black void was also visibly shrinking and disappearing at a rate visible to the naked eye. Once it had completely vanished, where the hollow had been, a dreamy, hazy light remained, within which three items were faintly visible.


    A multicolored glass-like stone that, at just one glance, gave a sense of flawless perfection, as if it were the most perfect existence in the world, beyond any artisan''s ability to sculpt.


    A mass of turbid, chaotic mist that, at a glance, gave a noisily cluttered sensation, this chaos seeming to have reached a certain pinnacle, representing ''disorder'' at its extremity, appearing to have reached its endpoint no matter how it was arranged.


    And,


    a translucent and almost illusory Jade Crystal!


    Seeming to exist, yet not, as if it would disappear into nothingness at any moment.


    "Sky Patching Stone, Mixed Vital Energy, Void Jade Crystal!"


    While many grandmasters were still immersed in their profound revelations of the life and death of all things, Hai Qianyuan, Pavillion Master of End of the World Sea Pavilion, was the first to regain consciousness and immediately identified the origins of the three Spiritual Objects, his eyes bursting with light.


    The Sky Patching Stone and Mixed Vital Energy need not be mentioned, both are top-notch rare Spiritual Objects in the world, and that Void Jade Crystal, even more so, could serve as a core to craft a Cave Heaven Spirit Weapon, its value immeasurable!


    Shush!


    Hai Qianyuan immediately took action.


    His entire being suddenly erupted, like a thunderbolt too fast to cover one''s ears. He charged towards the three spiritual objects, his gaze fixed intently on the "Void Jade Crystal." He had no interest in the other two; this one piece was essential for him to seize!


    Hai Qianyuan moved extremely fast, but it finally stirred the others around him. Almost all of the grandmasters awoke as if from a dream, and following closely behind Hai Qianyuan was a terrifying beam of sword light, like a rainbow piercing the sun, shooting directly towards Hai Qianyuan''s back!


    Longevity Sword!


    Jiang Changsheng had made his move!


    Dressed in green, his gaze icy, he looked at Hai Qianyuan''s figure. Although he had been immersed in the understanding of the birth and destruction of all things and was a beat slower than Hai Qianyuan, unable to keep up in real time, his sword could keep up!


    This sword aimed directly at Hai Qianyuan''s back, the terrifying Sword Intent condensing into a line, giving Hai Qianyuan a powerful sense of oppression. If he were to contend for the spiritual objects and took this sword strike with his back, he would not die but would be severely injured¡ªafter all, this was Jiang Changsheng''s Longevity Sword!


    "Jiang Changsheng!"


    Hai Qianyuan gritted his teeth, furious to the extreme.


    But at that moment, he had no alternative. Even if he resisted the sword strike and managed to seize the spiritual objects, being severely injured in this Earthly Abyss would mean he couldn''t get far before being pursued and killed¡ªescaping from the Earthly Abyss was hardly possible. sea??h th§× ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Seeing the sword light reaching his back, Hai Qianyuan could only turn around reluctantly, swinging a spirit weapon "End of the World Ring" with his right hand, unleashing an overwhelming force of mountain and sea, colliding with the sword light and forcibly smashing it open.


    With this obstruction, his movements also slowed down quickly.


    "Well said, well said."


    Kongji brought his hands together in a pray-like pose, his steps seeming slow but ghost-like. Within a few steps, he had already moved beyond Hai Qianyuan, reaching the forefront. He was still hundreds of feet away but had already reached out his hand.


    But then a cold laugh rang out.


    "Your Divine Feet Skill has indeed improved a bit, monk."


    Hum!


    A beam of crimson Blade Qi swept through all directions towards Kongji, aiming to split the venerable arhat right on the spot.


    This terrifying intent of the blade was unmistakable to everyone; they knew who had attacked.


    Absolute Blade,


    Tuoba Xi!


    "Buddha''s mercy."


    Facing Tuoba Xi''s blade, Kongji''s eyes showed an utmost solemn expression, not daring to be careless or ignore it. He brought his palms together in front of him, under which the Buddha''s light spread, capturing the rampant bloody Blade Qi in his palms.


    Sizzle.


    The Blade Qi continuously burst forth, while his palms emanated a golden Buddha light, resembling Arhat Buddha Hand suppressing the Blade Qi. The two forces clashed and extinguished each other, briefly creating a stalemate.


    Jiang Changsheng stopped Hai Qianyuan, and Tuoba Xi''s blade blocked Kongji, also finally giving the others an opportunity.


    "What a great opportunity."


    Liu Tong''s eyes sparkled. He had initially planned to ask Chen Mu for help, but the changes occurred too swiftly and there was no time to communicate. Seeing that Chen Mu was still standing where he had been earlier, seemingly immersed in earlier realizations, Liu Tong had no time to consider Chen Mu.


    The opportunity was right before him, fleeting, and he could not hesitate further.


    Whoosh!


    The power of the Qian Heaven Domain and Qian Heaven Martial Body converged. His figure instantly reached the sky, transforming into a long rainbow, breaking through the air towards the three spiritual objects, quickly surpassing Hai Qianyuan, Kongji, and the others!

 Chapter 624 - 368 Chen Mu Takes Action

    "Seven Profound Sect''s Liu Tong!"


    "Dream on!"


    Accompanying Liu Tong''s movements, the other Grandmasters present had also reacted.


    Although they were all a beat slow earlier and failed to intercept Hai Qianyuan and Kongji among others, when it was Liu Tong''s turn to make a move, many of the Grandmasters had already taken action. At that moment, several attacks rushed towards Liu Tong from various directions.


    Among these, there were no lack of Solidifying Refinement Palm Imprints, Finger Prints, and even the light from swords and sabers.


    Although these moves were far inferior to the likes of Jiang Changsheng, not reaching the level of the top Grandmasters, the Grandmasters present were not to be underestimated. Liu Tong could handle one or two attacks with resilience or even indifference, but with the increase in number, even he could not ignore them.


    Facing these overwhelming attacks, Liu Tong''s expression suddenly darkened, he had only been wary of Jiang Changsheng and others, but everyone present was not easy to handle. Even if he found an opportunity, no one would let him succeed easily.


    "Qian Gang Unlimited!"


    Liu Tong bellowed in a low voice, and the Strength of Qian Heaven around his body immediately transformed into a ring of Qian Heaven Yuan Gang, shielding himself. After a collision, it shattered several Finger Prints and Palm Forces, then he continued to rush forward.


    However, what followed was even more overwhelming attacks from all directions. Despite Liu Tong''s swift actions, and having already reached close to those three treasures, facing attacks from more than ten Grandmasters, he finally didn''t dare to resist head-on. Forced to parry, he then turned back and fell into a pit formed by the collapse of the Stone Vein.


    "Let''s go."


    Luan Qiumei saw this and her eyes lit up, and she immediately made her move.


    Jiang Changsheng, Hai Qianyuan, and others were restraining each other. With Liu Tong being attacked and falling, now was an excellent opportunity. She and Xia Yu''r both seized this chance, leaping forward and rushing towards the three treasures.


    But like them, waiting for the opportunity, there were not only two of them. As Liu Tong fell and the opportunity suddenly appeared, at least seven or eight figures dashed out, all rushing towards the three treasures in the center of the battlefield.


    "Get out of the way!"


    Someone coldly shouted while charging forward, cutting through the air with a saber, slashing towards Luan Qiumei.


    "Delusional."


    Another person darkly spoke, suddenly waving a feather fan, stirring up a gust of eerie black wind accompanied by a sinister power, attacking Xia Yu''r next to Luan Qiumei.


    Luan Qiumei and Xia Yu''r both had slightly sunken expressions, facing the attacks, each hindered, but the two were formidable in their own right and did not flinch. They each countered the incoming moves.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!!!


    Instantly, consecutive booming sounds erupted in the area. Sometimes blades and shadows interwove; sometimes fists and palm prints clashed and ripped through. Dozens of Grandmasters from various forces continuously made moves against each other. Whoever moved first often met with fierce counterattacks from others.


    The scene suddenly plunged into immense chaos.


    But in this chaos, a figure, almost traceless, merged into the void, silently passing by many Grandmasters in the melee, approaching the three treasures born from the destroyed Stone Vein Cave Heaven.


    His entire being seemed veiled under a mysterious invisible cloak, indistinct and even imperceptible, but if the veil was torn away, one would see him dressed in a black robe, wearing a blood-colored mask.


    Blood Hidden Pavilion, Tian Yin!


    As a master of stealthy assassinations, the Grandmasters of Blood Hidden Pavilion always maintained an obscure identity, not listed in various Grandmaster rankings. However, Blood Hidden Pavilion also had its own reputation; each Grandmaster assassin ranked under ''Tian,'' among which four were particularly dreaded, and it was rumored that the Grandmasters who fell at their hands were more than one.


    Tian Sha, Tian Yin, Tian Xue, Tian Can!


    Tian Yin, ranked second, though not as powerful as Tian Sha, was also a powerhouse among Grandmasters. Most crucially, he excelled in concealing, making it hard for even the top Grandmasters to detect his hidden presence.


    In this chaotic battlefield, he quietly moved forward and had already nearing the location of those three treasures.


    "Got it!"


    A gleam flashed in Tian Yin''s eyes.


    As a Grandmaster of the Blood Hidden Pavilion, he was aware of the preciousness of the three treasures. That he could secure them was without saying, and unlike the others, once the treasures were in his possession, even if figures like Jiang Changsheng and Tuoba Xi were nearby, he was confident he could retreat given his expertise in stealth.


    But just as Tian Yin reached the center, almost touching the three treasures, about to seize them, his expression suddenly changed, and his gaze abruptly intensified.


    Because.


    At the same time, a figure, as if having been there earlier, appeared beside the three treasures.


    His demeanor was calm and indifferent, not knowing whether he had bypassed the chaotic battlefield or what, it even seemed like he had arrived by the three treasures much earlier, utterly unconcerned about the tumultuous fight behind him.


    He merely glanced at the three treasures, then with a sweep of his sleeve, first gathered the closest ''Sky Patching Stone'' into his cuff, followed by reaching out for the Void Jade Crystal. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Swipe, swipe,


    Almost at the same moment, the many Grandmasters present also reacted, and numerous gazes immediately shifted towards the central figure, each revealing a surprised expression.


    "Is it him?"


    "How did he get there?"


    But seen in the gaping center of the collapsed Cave Heaven, somehow surpassing everyone, appearing by the side of the three treasures, and having first gathered the Sky Patching Stone into his sleeve, was unmistakably Chen Mu!

 Chapter 625 - 368: Chen Mu Takes Action_2

    For a moment, the chaotic battles from every direction came to an abrupt halt. The struggle amongst the people had been for the sake of competing over rare treasures, and now that someone had succeeded, there was no point in senselessly fighting each other any longer. Instead, pairs of eyes all fell on Chen Mu with unwelcoming expressions.


    "It is no surprise that he cultivates the Qiankun path, his concealment movement technique is indeed extraordinary..." S~ea??h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Xia Yu''r looked towards Chen Mu from afar, a trace of light flickering in her eyes. She had been keeping close watch on the direction of the three rare treasures the whole time, yet had not noticed how Chen Mu had approached them. But as Chen Mu was a practitioner of the Qiankun lineage, finding an opportunity amidst such chaos didn''t surprise her.


    However, Xia Yu''r''s brows slightly furrowed as soon as she saw Chen Mu take the Sky Patching Stone without any intention of retreating, but instead continuing to reach for the Void Jade Crystal. It wasn''t displeasure at seeing the treasures taken by Chen Mu that caused her concern; it was that Chen Mu was being too greedy!


    Taking advantage of everyone''s unpreparedness, arriving at the center, and taking one of the treasures was definitely seizing the opportunity.


    If Chen Mu hadn''t been greedy and had left immediately after taking one piece, the chances of him getting away unscathed would have been quite high. After all, others would hesitate whether to chase after Chen Mu or continue vying for the remaining two treasures.


    But Chen Mu wanting to take a second piece was simply too greedy. Under such close scrutiny, with enemies all around, every additional move meant increased danger, and the desire to take another could likely mean not being able to escape at all!


    "Chen Mu..."


    Liu Tong was not far away at this moment, observing the situation in the arena with shifting eyes.


    He, too, had not noticed how Chen Mu had managed to get past everyone and be the first to approach the three treasures. Of the three, the Void Jade Crystal was undoubtedly the most precious.


    With such a precious opportunity to reach them first, one should grab the Void Jade Crystal immediately and escape thousands of miles away without delay, or scatter the other two treasures to be fought over by the crowd, thus creating more chaos to make an escape.


    However, it seemed that Chen Mu was unaware of the precious nature of the three treasures, and he even intended to take two... But the closest to Chen Mu, Jiang Changsheng, was still a good two or three miles away, unable to approach immediately, perhaps still leaving a chance!


    Liu Tong''s nerves were taut for a moment.


    But.


    Almost at the moment when Chen Mu reached for the Void Jade Crystal, almost at the point of touching and holding it, an unexpected change occurred.


    A cold and gray short blade suddenly emerged from the invisible void behind Chen Mu, piercing toward his heart.


    There was almost no warning in the whole process, and the blade''s sudden appearance was utterly lifeless, the dull gray metal seemingly entwined with endless somber death energy, as if to escort one to the netherworld!


    "The Wu Gui Blade, it''s Tian Yin!"


    Some people''s expressions changed drastically, their pupils contracting violently.


    Chen Mu wasn''t the only one who had silently passed by the crowd to approach the three treasures¡ªit was also a Grandmaster from the Blood Hidden Pavilion. As one of the top four Grandmasters of Tian Yin in the Blood Hidden Pavilion in Cold North, he was a name dreaded by countless people!


    Tian Yin had clearly arrived nearby long ago, yet remained undetected, quietly approaching the treasures. He then chose the moment when Chen Mu was taking the treasure¡ªwhen his hand touched the Void Jade Crystal, and his guard was at its lowest¡ªto launch his deadly attack!


    This scene,


    Mont startles many.


    Because if they were in Chen Mu''s place at that moment, they would have to face a silent and traceless terror attack which would likely leave them either dead or gravely injured.


    Pfft.


    Tian Yin''s Wu Gui Blade just like that pierced into Chen Mu''s bulging robe.


    Yet as the blade went in, the look in Tian Yin''s eyes didn''t show any hint of triumph that one would expect after a successful strike. Instead, it was filled with shock, as if he had encountered something unbelievable.


    Swoosh!


    Almost in the next instant, Tian Yin let go and retreated, even abandoning his Wu Gui Blade.


    However, it was already too late. Chen Mu''s right hand had already grasped the Void Jade Crystal, and then with an indifferent look, he turned his head without bothering to take a detailed look at Tian Yin''s face. His left hand then casually dropped a palm strike down.


    Bang!


    Tian Yin was also exceedingly quick. As soon as he let go of the Wu Gui Blade, he raised both hands to meet and parry, a murky Yuan Gang True Essence converging The Power of Heaven and Earth, to block Chen Mu''s palm and escape with his life.


    But Chen Mu''s palm, seemingly plain and devoid of any impressive might, fell like a crashing sky, effortlessly pressing through Tian Yin''s dark Yuan Gang True Essence, and smashed onto his Heavenly Spirit.


    Crack.


    Tian Yin''s actions came to an abrupt stop.


    His expression and movements were immediately frozen on his face in that instant, and no one could see the final look beneath the mask¡ªonly to see Tian Yin fall straight down like a plummeting rod, embedding into the Wasteland earth below.


    The clash between Chen Mu and Tian Yin was over in an instant, as quick as a flash, so fast that no one even saw what happened. They only saw Tian Yin being struck down by a single move from Chen Mu, plummeting from above into the deep pit of the Wasteland.


    And the Wu Gui Blade that pierced Chen Mu''s robe at the back, at that moment, was silently flicked away with a light shake of his robe, landing in Chen Mu''s hand, casually held between his fingers.


    "This..."


    Many watching this unfold showed colors of shock.


    The assassination attempt of Tian Yin from Blood Hidden Pavilion proved utterly ineffective, and instead, he himself had been retaliated by a single blow from Chen Mu, leaving his fate unknown!

 Chapter 626 - 368 Chen Mu Takes Action_3

    How could this be?


    In the presence of many grandmasters, there was hardly anyone who did not recognize Chen Mu. They all knew his identity and that Chen Mu was currently third on the Wind Cloud List, no less inferior to many grandmasters, yet after all, he was still only in the Six Viscera Realm.


    And what kind of person was Tian Yin from the Blood Hidden Pavilion!


    A grandmaster proficient in covert assassination, even top grandmasters had to treat him with great caution. If Chen Mu were a top grandmaster, it would make sense to easily neutralize his fatal strike, but when did anyone from the Wind Cloud List possess such capabilities?


    For a moment, those grandmasters who were close and had intended to attack Chen Mu all simultaneously halted their movements, each filled with shock and uncertainty. After all, Tian Yin''s assassination strike was utterly ineffective, and they did not believe their skills could surpass Tian Yin''s.


    And just when everyone was astonished,


    Chen Mu''s expression remained calm, as if nothing had happened, and he continued to focus his gaze on the "Primordial Energy," observing its chaotic and murky state, contemplating how to collect it.


    "Interesting."


    Jiang Changsheng looked at Chen Mu from a distance, a faint glimmer flickering in his eyes.


    Chen Mu...


    Many years ago, he had seen Chen Mu once in Yu County, when he heard that his disciple, Gu Hong, had his Heart Sword broken and was from an obscure place, he felt a slight curiosity and decided to have a look from afar.


    Back then, he had not noticed anything extraordinary about Chen Mu. He just seemed like an ordinary person amidst the mortals, with a bit of opportunity and comprehension. He felt disappointed that Gu Hong had lost to such an ordinary individual, his Sword Heart shattered.


    Subsequently,


    In the battle at Yunni Sky Peak, Chen Mu displayed the Qiankun Artistic Conception and defeated Zuo Qianqiu, the successor of the Heavenly Sword.


    At that time, he had watched the entire process from above the clouds outside Yunni Sky Peak. For the first time, a ripple stirred in his heart, but it was not because of Chen Mu, but because of Qin Mengjun.


    He had clashed with Qin Mengjun multiple times. Before Qin Mengjun was ambushed, he had never won a single battle, and Chen Mu had just become the disciple of the Seven Profound Sect under Qin Mengjun. Consequently, his disciple Gu Hong faced another crushing defeat against Qin Mengjun''s disciple, Chen Mu, retreating in complete disgrace.


    Even Zuo Qianqiu lost to Chen Mu.


    He sighed inwardly.


    Latter on, Chen Mu''s name occasionally reached his ears, but he never paid much attention, even though Chen Mu had ascended the Wind Cloud List, because Chen Mu was Qin Mengjun''s disciple, merely a junior in his eyes, hence not worth much attention.


    Not until Chen Mu killed three Great Demon Venerable of the Sky Demon Sect in Cold North and entered the top three of the Wind Cloud List did his heart stir a second time. Ordinary figures on the Wind Cloud List, in his eyes, were merely something he could eliminate with one sword strike, hardly worth his concern.


    But the top three on the Wind Cloud List were different.


    This level, although still not up to the top grandmasters, had truly come close. They could fight against ordinary grandmasters and even attempt to flee when facing top grandmasters, without being easily crushed like ants.


    In just a few short years, Chen Mu had reached this realm. It inevitably caused some ripples in his heart, but these ripples soon settled down because he was a top grandmaster of this era. His only goal now was to cross the Blood Exchange pass, reach the ultimate realm of Sword Dao, and make his "Longevity Sword Dao" one of the fundamental Sword Daos of the Heavenly Sword Sect.


    This time,


    it was the third time his heart stirred.


    Because of Chen Mu''s effortless interception of Tian Yin''s assassination strike from the Blood Hidden Pavilion, countering with a palm strike to knock him down, such a feat was definitely not within the capability of an ordinary grandmaster, only a top grandmaster could handle it so effortlessly.


    But,


    how could Chen Mu possess the strength of a top grandmaster? Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Or rather, being in the Six Viscera Realm, how could he possibly have cultivated skills comparable to those of a top grandmaster?


    The elite of the Six Viscera Realm, those with extraordinary talents indeed had the ability to contend with ordinary grandmasters, but top grandmasters... who among them wasn''t a prodigy, who wasn''t a peerless figure?


    The gap in realm was absolute, a chasm that could not be crossed by transcending realms.


    Moreover,


    The technique used by Chen Mu earlier contained no traces of mundane firework, and didn''t utilize The Power of Heaven and Earth at all; it was purely the use of his own physique and Yuan Gang Force, also ruling out the possibility of the "Qiankun Domain."


    Excluding all other possibilities, clearly only one remained.


    Chen Mu,


    this junior, who was just in the Five Viscera Realm a few years ago, had now crossed the most difficult Mysterious Pass of the contemporary era, verified the Qiankun Martial Arts, stepped into the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and reached the same height as him!

 Chapter 627 - 369: Sword Questions Qiankun

    Chen Mu did not care about the attitudes of Jiang Changsheng and the others; his eyes showed a scrutinizing gaze as he stared at that final unique ''Mixed Vital Energy.'' The reason he did not directly collect it was that he sensed that this Mixed Vital Energy could mostly not be collected by ordinary means. Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was inherently of an extremely chaotic and unordered nature. Once touched by ordinary means, it would either be eroded into a chaotic mess of disorder or cause it to lose its chaotic state and directly dissolve away.


    "Mixed Vital Energy cannot be collected by ordinary methods, one must isolate the Power of Heaven and Earth and constrain it within a Domain."


    At that moment, a voice came, reminding Chen Mu.


    "Is that so."


    Chen Mu responded calmly, glancing sideways, only to see that the person who reminded him was Tuoba Xi, clad in a black robe and known as the Absolute Blade.


    At this time, Tuoba Xi, who had somehow also arrived nearby, was staring at him with an unusual look. Whatever Jiang Changsheng could think of, Tuoba Xi could naturally think of it too. His heart at this moment was also full of tumult.


    In the past, he never cared about Chen Mu, a junior. Even when Chen Mu ranked in the top three of the Wind Cloud List, he did not care at all. As the Absolute Blade dominating the era and being overbearing, even those who were top Grandmasters, he did not regard at all.


    But Chen Mu had stepped into the Marrow Cleansing Realm!


    This was completely different.


    A Qiankun Grandmaster of the Qiankun lineage had reappeared in the mortal world, the tenth Qiankun Grandmaster since the foundation of Da Xuan, who would inevitably become an invincible figure among Grandmasters in the future and might even touch the Power of Blood Exchange with the identity of a Grandmaster!


    "Qiankun Grandmaster, huh, it''s actually a Qiankun Grandmaster..."


    Tuoba Xi''s eyes sparkled, a powerful Sword Intent bursting forth from the depths of his eyes.


    What Void Jade Crystals, what Sky Patching Stones, these oddities and Spiritual Objects, he had ceased to care about them long ago. He was the foremost Absolute Blade of the Cold North, nearing the lifespan limit of a Grandmaster, there was almost nothing in the world he cared about anymore, the only thing that mattered was the Absolute Blade in his hand. No one, upon encountering a Qiankun Grandmaster, would not want to test the Qiankun with the blade in their hand!


    However.


    Before Tuoba Xi could make any move.


    A vast and magnificent Sword Intent surged upward, causing many Grandmasters at the scene to shift their shocked gazes towards Jiang Changsheng.


    "You have already achieved Qiankun Grandmaster, there will be no one in this world who will underestimate you in the slightest. This seat will not treat you as a junior anymore, to cross hands with a Qiankun Grandmaster is also rare. Let this seat''s Longevity Sword ask about the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal then."


    Buzz!


    Jiang Changsheng''s gaze was indifferent, his Sword Finger pointing at Chen Mu!


    Although he was arrogant, he was not conceited. If Chen Mu were already an invincible and unparalleled Grandmaster across the world, he would not attempt to test the Qiankun with the Longevity Sword, for he knew that his Longevity Sword was still far from that level.


    But Chen Mu, now only in his thirties, even though he had achieved Qiankun Grandmaster, he must have only recently advanced. Despite having stepped into a level not inferior to top Grandmasters, this was exactly the moment for him to test the Qiankun with his sword!


    This was an opportunity!


    Jiang Changsheng understood in his heart.


    Encountering a Qiankun Grandmaster was already an extremely rare event, and in over a thousand years of Da Xuan''s history, only ten people had emerged. To meet one who had just recently advanced and not yet perfected their cultivation to the extreme was even rarer!


    Only at this moment, could he test the Qiankun with his sword!


    No wonder, on the eve before entering the Earthy Abyss, he had a premonition as if he was going to find an opportunity in the Earthy Abyss, it turned out that his earlier encounters were not the real opportunities, even the collapse of the Cave Heaven, and the birth of the Void Jade Crystals and other oddities, were not his opportunities. His only opportunity was encountering the newly proven Qiankun, Chen Mu!


    If he could, with the Path of Qiankun, validate his lifelong Sword Dao, then his Sword Dao would surely advance further, directly pursuing the level where the Heavenly Sword resides, and he would then step into Blood Exchange, where the Sword Dao alone would be supreme!


    "My Buddha is merciful..."


    Kongji stood not far away, his hands clasped together in prayer, his benevolent face murmuring a Buddhist chant.


    Compared to ordinary Grandmasters, those standing proudly in the Cold North Eleven States, dominating for decades as top Grandmasters like Jiang Changsheng, Tuoba Xi, and Kongji, when truly encountering a transcendent Qiankun Grandmaster, their hearts, beyond the shock, were filled more with an uncontrollable fighting spirit.


    Qiankun!


    Qiankun Grandmaster!


    What Martial Man in the world of Martial Arts would not want to test the Qiankun with their own body?


    Having painstakingly practiced Martial Arts, standing among the Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters at the pinnacle, whether it''s Jiang Changsheng, Tuoba Xi, or Kongji, everyone hoped that the Martial Arts they pursued throughout their life could transcend the mundane and reach the absolute summit.


    Even.


    At this moment, even Hai Qianyuan, the Pavilion Master of the End of the World Sea Pavilion, after a brief daze, was also looking at Chen Mu with sparkling eyes, and beyond the shock, a rush of indescribable excitement surged within him.


    A 33-year-old Qiankun Grandmaster, what an astonishing figure of unprecedented prowess!


    But it was precisely such an outstanding figure appearing here that gave him the opportunity to test the Qiankun. If he could surpass the Qiankun by a fraction, both his state of mind and Martial Arts will would ascend further, hoping to reach the absolute summit.


    For a moment.


    Many top Grandmasters of the Cold North present at the scene surged with robust auras, their eyes even devoid of interest in the Void Jade Crystals and other oddities, as they all focused their gazes solely on Chen Mu!


    And by comparison, Luan Qiumei and Xia Yu''r, standing at a distance, were all shocked and astonished.


    Listening to Jiang Changsheng''s words,


    Chen Mu... had achieved Qiankun Grandmaster?!

 Chapter 628 - 369: Sword Questions Qiankun_2

    Chen Mu stood in the center of the arena, offering no rebuttal. Facing the oppressive momentum of many top grandmasters, he remained composed and unchanged in expression. It must be true, there could be no falsehood¡ªindeed, a Qiankun Grandmaster had emerged, born in the land of Da Xuan in the Cold North!


    "He really did it."


    Xia Yu''r''s gaze still carried a hint of disbelief.


    The previous generation of Hehuan True Inheritance, the Yingmoon Twins, all believed that Chen Mu might be the future''s Heavenly Mandate. They thought that they should invest in Chen Mu, but initially, she did not think so. Her final decision was made because of Chen Mu''s background and personality¡ªhis lack of discrimination towards the Hehuan Sect, and his treating of beggars and Martial Men alike.


    But unexpectedly, Chen Mu really did it, and at just the age of thirty-three, he had stepped into the Grandmaster Realm. This was not merely becoming a Qiankun Grandmaster but also becoming one of the youngest grandmasters of his time!


    At this age, stepping into Marrow Cleansing...


    Xia Yu''r''s heart stirred with a thought, as she watched Chen Mu in simple robes, calmly facing numerous top grandmasters in the arena. Her body couldn''t help but tremble slightly¡ªperhaps this person was indeed the man of Heavenly Mandate?


    "So it is, so it is."


    Liu Tong also looked towards the arena, his eyes revealing shock, and he couldn''t help murmuring repeatedly.


    No wonder Chen Mu had been unstoppable in the land of Han Prefecture, even slaying grandmasters like Tuguhou. Now it all made sense; having stepped into the Marrow Cleansing Realm, achieving grandmaster status in the Qiankun Path¡ªeven if just entering Marrow Cleansing with a nascent Martial Body¡ªwas beyond reach for ordinary grandmasters, unshakable except by top grandmasters.


    In the arena.


    Chen Mu was scrutinizing that mass of primal Vital Energy. If the Qiankun Eight Phases was the epitome of "Order", then this mass of primal Vital Energy was the epitome of "Chaos", the two extremes also giving rise to many insights in his heart.


    Until he sensed Jiang Changsheng''s surging Sword Intent pressing over from one side, did he finally slightly constrict his gaze, turning his eyes towards Jiang Changsheng, towards the figure in the green-clothed long robe.


    Jiang Changsheng.


    A top grandmaster of the Cold North.


    Elder of the Heavenly Sword Sect, master of the true disciple Gu Hong.


    Jiang Changsheng had seen him before, but he had never seen Jiang Changsheng. Jiang Changsheng was a name that had always been only a part of rumors. In earlier years, even a mere Gu Hong had put pressure on him, not to mention his master, the renowned Longevity Sword, a top grandmaster who dominated the Eleven Northern States of the Cold North, an elusive and imposing figure.


    But now,


    after more than a decade of arduous cultivation, progressing step by step to the top, Gu Hong, Zuo Qianqiu... He had left all his peers far behind and finally reached the level of Jiang Changsheng.


    Chen Mu looked at Jiang Changsheng, calmly scrutinized him, took in his Longevity Sword Intent, then shook his head lightly and said, "There''s no need to test the Qiankun; wait till you''ve entered the Blood Exchange, then come back."


    It was not intended as an insult,


    nor was he uninterested in the Longevity Sword.


    The gap was simply too large, making a duel meaningless. At the summit of Yunni Sky Peak, he had used the Qiankun to challenge the Heavenly Sword wielding the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram¡ªhe had indeed earned his right to make a move against him then, but Jiang Changsheng was not qualified.


    Dueling him now would be like striking a brass column, shattering into dust and fragments.... After all, Jiang Changsheng used to be Qin Mengjun''s opponent, but now Qin Mengjun had already stepped into the Blood Exchange; he did not want to break the Longevity Sword for Qin Mengjun.


    Qin Mengjun needed an opponent to hone her Martial Arts.


    However,


    when Chen Mu''s words reached Jiang Changsheng''s ears, his face turned cold in an instant.


    Was he asking him to return after entering the Blood Exchange?


    Was this an insult?


    Or was it suggesting that Qin Mengjun struggled for over a decade and only then achieved breakthrough to step ahead into the Blood Exchange Realm before him, while he had not yet taken that step, still stuck in the Marrow Cleansing Realm?


    "Is this how Qin Mengjun taught you?"


    Jiang Changsheng stared at Chen Mu and said, "Although you have broken through the Mysterious Pass and cultivated the Qiankun, if you now underestimate everyone in the world, it''s not an unbeatable martial intent but merely arrogance. Martial Arts measures not only the depths of others but also the understanding of one''s own strengths and weaknesses. In that case, let me, on Qin Mengjun''s behalf, give you a lesson."


    It was Qin Mengjun who had stepped into the Blood Exchange, not Chen Mu!


    Even as a Qiankun Grandmaster, Jiang Changsheng treated him as an equal, but such words were indeed too rude!


    Hum!!


    Almost at the very next moment, Jiang Changsheng''s right hand swung horizontally, and the three-foot blade of the Longevity Sword sang as it was drawn!


    This three-foot blade quietly fell into his hand, and for a moment, his entire being seemed to merge with the sword in his hand, the domain of the Sword Dao, the martial body of the Sword Dao, the Sword Intent clear and penetrating heaven and earth.


    Jiang Changsheng.


    He was born sickly, weak and with soft bones, spending years soaked in medicinal pots, only learning to walk at the age of seven. A wandering Taoist named him ''Longevity'' and treated his Qi-Blood, allowing him gradually to grow up.


    He touched a sword at ten, understood Sword Momentum at twelve, entered the Heavenly Sword Sect, struggled in the Outer Sect, faced defeat, humiliation, and after enduring great hardships, he entered the Inner Sect, faced defeat again, sought love in vain, was abandoned, faced yet more defeat... After a despondent five years, he finally had an epiphany one day in the reeds, cultivating the Heart Sword, becoming the top of the Inner Sect, honored as a True Disciple, failed to comprehend the Heavenly Sword, then cultivated his heart, later cultivated detachment, and then practiced amidst the mortal world, various Sword Intents solidifying, finally converging into the unique Longevity Sword Dao!


    This sword.


    After countless setbacks, breaking numerous times, riddled with scars, but all these fractures and breaks ultimately contributed to the refinement of this sword, until it gave birth to today''s Longevity Sword.


    This swing was directed at Chen Mu, the target was Chen Mu, but in reality, it was aimed at that domain of Qiankun, a sword strike that Jiang Changsheng asked of the universe of Qiankun, a swing he had long thought of, a swing he always intended.


    In his eyes.


    By this time, Chen Mu had quietly ceased to be a human figure and seemed to have transformed into that vast universe of Qiankun, and he, having weathered the storms, finally reached the summit of the mountain, swinging that unyielding sword toward Qiankun!


    At this moment, whether it was Hai Qianyuan, Kongji, or Tuoba Xi, their gazes all shifted.


    They almost all sensed the uniqueness of Jiang Changsheng''s sword strike, that swing carrying a certain will of his own, achieving a true unity of body, mind, and sword, quietly breaking open a slight gap at the very pinnacle!


    "He..."


    Tuoba Xi''s gaze turned stunned.


    As the oldest top Grandmaster in the Cold North, known for a hundred years as the Absolute Blade, he was most familiar with Jiang Changsheng''s current state; he knew that with this sword swing, Jiang Changsheng had poured out all his pent-up thoughts, subtly transforming his Sword Dao, and that with just a bit more refinement and cultivation, he could step into the ranks of the unparalleled.


    If his hand could also swing such a blade, shattering the mental barrier created by Gongyang Yu''s ''Heavenly Blade'', then he too could make that step, but having struggled for a century, he had never managed to make such a swing. Could he achieve it?


    "Jiang Changsheng, indeed, is Jiang Changsheng." S§×arch* The N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hai Qianyuan looked intently at Jiang Changsheng''s sword strike, but in his heart, he sighed; this step taken was not just an elevation of the Sword Dao, but perhaps also the life-and-death threshold of the Blood Exchange, would now be unimpeded. The future Jiang Changsheng would not only be an unparalleled Grandmaster but would also step into the Blood Exchange, and there was a very good chance he would become someone who could stand shoulder to shoulder with Heavenly Blade Gongyang Yu.


    From this sword swing onward, the other top Grandmasters of the Cold North would no longer be a match for Jiang Changsheng, all would have to retreat in deference.


    This place would witness the rise of a Qiankun Grandmaster, a newly risen Qiankun Grandmaster, allowing Jiang Changsheng to question the universe with his sword, swinging that lifelong harbored sword, it must be said that it was by Heavenly Mandate, it was Jiang Changsheng''s opportunity.


    Swoosh.


    From the moment this sword was swung, grand and magnificent, with its Sword Intent flamboyant, to the moment it stabbed forward, all its sharpness converged into one, transforming into a simple and plain sword strike, devoid of any trace of vulgarity.


    It was like an extremely ordinary mortal, after suffering countless pains and torments, stabbing a sword toward the heavens, seemingly for nothing more than to vent his inner resentment, with hardly any force to speak of, even the blade''s edge was so plain.


    This sword finally reached Chen Mu.


    Ding.


    A faint sound of the sword ringing out.


    Chen Mu brought his forefinger and middle finger together, lightly clasping the sword blade between them at his front.


    Similarly appearing plain and without any grand majesty, as if merely lifting a hand with a light touch of the fingers was enough to contain Jiang Changsheng''s Longevity Sword, infused with a lifetime''s worth, right before him, making it ring out yet unable to advance.


    "I take back what I said earlier."


    Chen Mu clasped his fingers around the sword and caused the three-foot green blade to tremble slightly, and slowly said, "Your Longevity Sword, indeed, is quite something."

 Chapter 629 - 370: Immortality Severed, Absolute Blade Perished!

    "Caught... caught it!"


    "He blocked the Longevity Sword!"


    Luan Qiumei and Liu Tong, along with numerous grandmasters, were all shocked as they watched the scene unfold.


    Jiang Changsheng''s Longevity Sword, with its challenge to the universe, had broken through his own Heart Gate. That strike had nearly surpassed the pinnacle, breaking into the realm of the peerless. Even characters like Tuoba Xi, who wielded the Absolute Blade, would admit they were a notch below in face of this sword.


    As a Qiankun Grandmaster, it was not surprising that Chen Mu could catch such a strike. However, what was unexpected was how effortlessly Chen Mu did it, so casually, without even invoking the Power of Heaven and Earth but merely taking it head-on with his Martial Body alone!


    Between those two fingers, the Longevity Sword vibrated with a hum, yet it could not advance even a fraction of an inch.


    "How could this be..."


    Jiang Changsheng was also slightly stunned.


    His sword strike, breaking free from fetters, would be difficult for anyone but those in the Blood Exchange Realm to catch so lightly. Even those peerless grandmasters would have to gird themselves as if facing a formidable enemy and reinforce themselves with their Domains.


    Chen Mu had not invoked the power of Artistic Conception at all just now. Relying purely on the strength of his Qiankun Martial Body''s physique, he had caught his sword, indicating that the strength of Chen Mu''s Qiankun Martial Body was almost inconceivable, far surpassing that of a pinnacle grandmaster!


    But how old was Chen Mu?


    Even as a genius, breaking through to the Marrow Cleansing Realm at thirty-three, how could he possibly refine his Qiankun Martial Body to Perfection in such a short time? It simply defied logic!


    The cultivation of a Martial Body is a natural process. Even with boundless Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items to aid, one must still consider the body''s pace of transformation and adaptability. It''s impossible to reach Perfection within a year or two.


    "You, how did you achieve this?"


    Even with Jiang Changsheng''s temperament and the mindset he''d achieved after breaking his restraints, he couldn''t help but be perplexed.


    "Small steps accumulate distance, minor streams converge to form rivers and seas."


    Chen Mu straightened his sword with fingers aligned, speaking smoothly, and pushed it forward.


    Bang!


    Jiang Changsheng felt an overwhelming force bearing down on him. Unable to withstand it, he suddenly flew backward step by step, retreating more than ten steps before finally managing to stop. Qi and blood surged throughout his body, and his right hand trembled violently.


    Chen Mu gazed at Jiang Changsheng, his eyes revealing a contemplative expression.


    Jiang Changsheng was indeed worthy of being Qin Mengjun''s former opponent. Although always suppressed by Qin Mengjun in the past, the grandmasters that emerged during those twenty years were led by the two of them. Now, Qin Mengjun had stepped into the Blood Exchange Realm, while Jiang Changsheng had also made a half-step forward. The strike he had just delivered had essentially crossed the threshold of a pinnacle grandmaster, reaching the level of the peerless.


    In actuality.


    If he were not to use the Qiankun Domain, relying solely on the strength of the Qiankun Martial Body, he still wouldn''t be at the height of the Blood Exchange Realm, still within the ''peerless grandmaster'' level¡ªhence Jiang Changsheng''s sword strike surprised him slightly and merited a slightly higher evaluation. With that mastered step, he was no longer worthless.


    But there are disparities even among the peerless.


    Jiang Changsheng might have merged his mind and sword into one, surpassing the pinnacle limit with the power of the Longevity Sword, but if he wanted to truly enter the ranks of the peerless stably, it would still require some time to settle.


    Or to put it another way, Jiang Changsheng had exerted all his strength to reach this realm, while the force unleashed from Chen Mu''s Qiankun Martial Body in the blink of an eye was inherently peerless. The gap between them was still not one that could be crossed easily.


    If Jiang Changsheng could practice his swordsmanship to such a state, he must have endured much tempering and hardship, persevering step by step until he transformed. Likewise, Chen Mu had also progressed through persistent hard cultivation, eventually using a bit of assistance from the system panel to turn these accumulated efforts into a qualitative change, after more than a decade of martial practice, finally arriving at this realm.


    "..."


    With a sword in hand and a slight heave in his chest, Jiang Changsheng gazed at Chen Mu not far away, his eyes now filled with utmost gravity. At this point, he naturally wouldn''t think of Chen Mu as a junior anymore.


    This was a Qiankun Grandmaster, a truly peerless being. Even though he had unleashed his most earnest sword, he could still sense its profound and immense weight. Between those two fingers, there was no sign of employing the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, merely relying on the pure strength of his Martial Body and Yuan Gang, Jiang Changsheng had been forcefully repelled!


    But.


    At the next moment, Jiang Changsheng''s eyes did not dim in the slightest; instead, they shone even brighter. He raised his hand, the three-foot green blade lifting into the air, and in an instant, the void nearly a hundred zhang around was filled with an invisible Sword Intent!


    Jiang Changsheng, having broken his fetters and transcended his limits, with his mind and sword united, could support a Sword Dao Domain far surpassing that of an ordinary pinnacle grandmaster. The Power of Heaven and Earth he could utilize and control had also reached the peerless level.


    "I have three swords,"


    "One Sword Asks the Heart, One Sword Asks the Path, One Sword Asks the Universe!"


    Clad in green, Jiang Changsheng stood proudly, his vast and surging Sword Intent spreading rampantly. The limitless Power of Heaven and Earth followed his Sword Intent, gathering and condensing into three ancient swords within the void, converging upon his three-foot green blade.


    Chen Mu was extremely strong. Whether a newcomer or not, he indeed was a genuine Qiankun Grandmaster, a peerless figure, and in the future, he could likely be an invincible existence among grandmasters. But at least for now, his sword could knock on the universe! S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Whoosh!


    Jiang Changsheng leaped forward with his sword, slashing down.


    His ancient blade descended, drawing three intermingling beams of splendid sword light. This sword light was radiant, and the force summoned with its swing was no longer just the Power of Heaven and Earth; it fully integrated his Sword Dao will within it.

 Chapter 630 - 370: Immortality Severed, Absolute Blade Perished!_2

    ```


    From a distance, Luan Qiumei and the others beheld that first ray of sword light and momentarily fell into a trance, as if their hearts were being questioned, asking themselves what truly lay within their hearts.


    As their will solidified and they broke free from the disturbance, their gaze shifted to the second ray of sword light, which questioned them again, asking, what is the path you follow?


    Finally.


    The third ray of sword light left one feeling lost, wondering what the Qiankun, the universe and earth, meant to oneself.


    "Jiang Changsheng..."


    Setting aside Luan Qiumei and the others, even top Grandmasters like Hai Qianyuan and Liu Tong, who were hundreds of yards away, could feel the influence contained within that sword light. The unity of body, heart, and sword wasn''t just talk. As the sword was swung, before it even reached them, it had already shaken their hearts.


    Had Luan Qiumei, Xia Yuye and the others faced this sword directly, they would have been almost powerless to defend against it. Merely faced with the questioning of that brilliant Sword Heart, it would rob a person of a third of their spirit, and those with slightly weaker will may not even recover from the sword''s mental challenge after being physically struck.


    Even for Liu Tong and Hai Qianyuan, facing such a sword, the only choice was to flee, unable to withstand the hit directly.


    But.


    Such a brilliant sword, asking three questions, as it descended upon Chen Mu, only caused a slight flicker of astonishment in his eyes, followed by a soft sigh in the end.


    With his will and heart, it was impossible for Jiang Changsheng''s Heart Sword''s questioning to shake him, much less make him waver. Especially since he had already questioned himself countless times about the first two questions posed by the Sword Heart. Only the last question, ''what is Qiankun to me,'' had caused a slight stirring of thoughts within Chen Mu.


    Qiankun.


    This universe and earth.


    What exactly did it mean to him?


    Although he had been in this world for more than a decade, it was after all, only a little over a decade, and he had never forgotten those far older memories. However, with the passing of time, memories of the past had gradually become blurred, like scenes from a dream.


    After all, were the events of the past merely a dream within a dream? He was born and raised in this world, this Qiankun, and its mountains, rivers, and lands were his homeland. Or could it be that he had always been, from the beginning to the end, merely a passer-by in this Qiankun?


    This question,


    for the current Chen Mu, also had no clear answer.


    He simply stood there, his thoughts silently drifting away, and when he stopped pondering over this question and came back to his senses, Jiang Changsheng''s sword, the three rays of sword light merged into one, along with the edge of the sword in his hand, had already arrived in front of him.


    That''s enough.


    Chen Mu sighed softly in his heart.


    Then he slowly raised his right hand, his plain fingers forming a seal, and as he lifted it up, the vast and boundless Yuan Gang True Essence inside his body solidified and gathered at his fingertips, uniting the wild forces into one brilliant point of light.


    Crack.


    This one point of light finally collided with Jiang Changsheng''s Longevity Sword, emitting a sound like something shattering.


    The streaks of sword light gathered on the ancient sword body briefly solidified, then began to tremble violently. The fierce Sword Intent surged in an attempt to break all shackles and tear apart the Qiankun and the universe.


    But in the end.


    The sword light could not withstand the force of that one seal.


    Accompanied by the sound of metal breaking, the sword light instantly dispersed, and Jiang Changsheng''s Longevity Sword, too, shattered inch by inch. A trace of confusion appeared in his eyes as the Sword Intent he had gathered disintegrated along with the fragments of the sword in his hand.


    Boom!


    Jiang Changsheng''s figure flew backward, spewing a cloud of blood into the sky, tracing an arc of dozens of yards before crashing heavily into a deep crater in the desolate land far away. The sword that he had held shattered completely, leaving only the hilt tightly gripped in his hand, which was also covered in cracks that extended into his palm, as blood continued to drip down.


    The field was silent.


    All the Grandmasters were speechlessly quiet.


    Only Chen Mu stood alone in the center, slowly lowering his right hand, looking at the lifeless Jiang Changsheng who had fallen dozens of yards away, with a lingering sigh in his eyes. It was not easy to embark on such a Sword Dao journey. He felt a hint of the ''Heavenly Sword'' from Jiang Changsheng, and if this path could be taken to the utmost pinnacle, it indeed held the potential to question the Qiankun.


    This was originally Qin Mengjun''s old rival, who Chen Mu intended to leave for Qin Mengjun to hone his Martial Arts with in the future. Yet he hadn''t expected that the final ''questioning of Qiankun'' would also question himself, leading him to momentarily be moved, thus ending things cleanly.


    But perhaps this was what Jiang Changsheng had sought.


    By using the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, he had given a measure of recognition and respect to the Longevity Sword Dao.


    "Who else will come?"


    Chen Mu''s gaze gradually returned to calm, casting his eyes towards the emptiness, Hai Qianyuan, and Tuoba Xi and the others.


    The silence persisted.


    Pavilion Master Hai Qianyuan of the End of the World Sea Pavilion appeared frozen, looking at Jiang Changsheng lying in the deep crater of desolate earth, a pitiful scene, and then at Chen Mu who stood calmly in the center of the field, falling silent for a moment.


    Kongji pressed his palms together in reverence, glancing at the nearby Jiang Changsheng, recalling how he had spiritedly drawn his sword seven times not long ago to take his Spirit Fruit, and now, with the sword destroyed and the man defeated, a sigh finally emerged from the depths of his heart along with a soft chanting of a Buddhist mantra.


    "My Buddha is merciful."


    He quietly stepped back and turned to leave.


    Chen Mu.


    Qiankun has been achieved.


    The tenth Qiankun Grandmaster in the world, yet another existence invincible among the Grandmasters, stood destined by fate to stand tall in this world.


    As Hai Qianyuan fell silent and Kongji retreated, Chen Mu turned his gaze towards Tuoba Xi nearby, dressed in a black robe and holding the Absolute Blade, his expression revealing no emotion as he quietly watched him.


    ```


    S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 631 - 370: Longevity Ends, Absolute Blade Perishes!_3

    "..."


    Tuoba Xi, holding the Absolute Blade, glanced at Jiang Changsheng.


    Then,


    he looked at Chen Mu, seemed about to strike with his blade but paused briefly.


    It was right after this brief pause that he seemed to realize something, scoffed at himself with a self-mocking smile, then laughed repeatedly until he burst into loud laughter.


    He hesitated.


    Facing an opponent who, even after breaking free from his shackles, could not defeat Jiang Changsheng, a true Qiankun Grandmaster, he hesitated. His Absolute Blade did not swing towards Chen Mu immediately after Jiang Changsheng to question the Qiankun.


    A hesitation that seemed no more than ordinary, faced with a powerful foe anyone would do the same, but in fact, at his current Realm, that slight hesitation, even if just for an instant, a single thought, was the difference between heaven and earth.


    With that hesitation existing,


    he would never be able to swing a blade without any regrets like Jiang Changsheng, breaking through his own mental barriers.


    So he laughed.


    Because only at this moment did he suddenly realize that he was not unable to overcome his senior brother Gongyang Yu''s "Heavenly Blade", but rather he could not overcome himself, he had never been able to make that strike.


    If a hundred years ago he could have made that strike, perhaps it would not just be Gongyang Yu standing as a Sword Saint in the Cold North, but two ''Sword Saints'' dominating the world. But now everything has turned vague, becoming a thing of the past.


    "Senior brother..."


    He understood, then he let go, then he saw through it all.


    Silently,


    Tuoba Xi slowly lowered the Absolute Blade in his hand, leaned on the blade, his laughter gradually stopped, his face quickly aged, his entire being''s aura rapidly dissipated, until he completely turned into a pile of dried bones, quietly crumbling away, leaving only the Absolute Blade standing like a tombstone in front of that pile of bones.


    Absolute Blade, Tuoba Xi,


    lived out his natural life!


    "Well said, well said."


    Kongji, who had walked far away, paused now, turned his head and glanced at the location of Tuoba Xi''s bones, a sigh of sorrow appearing in his eyes. Tuoba Xi, not undergoing the Blood Exchange, had indeed reached the natural end of his lifespan. Now having finally realized that overcoming others is difficult but overcoming oneself is harder, his century-long obsession dissolved, leaving only a trace of self-mockery as he thus ended his life, falling on the lands of the Earthly Abyss.


    Chen Mu looked at Tuoba Xi''s bones, fell silent briefly. He had anticipated Tuoba Xi would strike at him like Jiang Changsheng, or retreat like others, but had not expected his life to end seated like this.


    After a brief silence,


    he slowly shifted his gaze and turned it towards the other grandmasters of the Cold North nearby.


    The previous phrase ''Who else will come?'' seemed to still echo here, and wherever his gaze reached, all who met his eyes, regardless of sect or affiliation, silently lowered their gazes, bowing their heads.


    "This is... a Qiankun Grandmaster."


    Xia Yu''r, watching Chen Mu standing unflinchingly with all the grandmasters of the Cold North bowing before him, could not help but feel stirred. She had seen in ancient texts, ''With Qiankun emerges, none but I alone esteemed, and Grandmasters all bow down.'' Now it was playing out right before her.


    But,


    in the midst of the silence in the field, with all the grandmasters silently bowing their heads,


    suddenly, a discordant voice eerily rang out,


    "I''m coming!" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Whirring!


    A grey figure broke through the air, moving with an unimaginably fast speed towards Chen Mu''s back, in an instant Demon Qi surged to the skies, overwhelmingly vast, nearly causing the hundreds of meters of the surrounding Earthly Abyss to become depressively silent, shocking and frightening all the grandmasters present.


    This terrifying Demon Qi was almost boundless, far beyond what Seventh or Eighth Rank could match, the grey figure part human, part demon, instantly recognizable as not a demon creature but a Demon Man of the Sky Demon Sect, therefore his identity was almost self-evident.


    Old Ancestor of the Sky Demon Sect.


    Yuwen Hao!

 Chapter 632 - 371: Battle Against the Heavenly Demon Ancestor!

    Heavenly Demon Yuwen Hao!


    Upon recognizing the identity of that grey shadow, all the grandmasters present were almost terrified!


    Although throughout the Cold North, all the Supreme characters of the Blood Exchange Realm somewhat looked down on Yuwen Hao, the premise was the Blood Exchange Realm; to the grandmasters, Yuwen Hao was still a formidable Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon, an insurmountable terror!


    The gap between a Heavenly Demon and a grandmaster was enormous. Even if all the top grandmasters of the Cold North gathered together, they could not match a single Heavenly Demon, unless three to five unparalleled grandmasters joined forces to barely manage a fight.


    Yuwen Hao had also entered the Earthly Abyss and had arrived nearby unbeknownst to them.


    Now, as Jiang Changsheng broke his sword and Tuoba Xi died, Yuwen Hao finally made his move, fiercely attacking Chen Mu!


    "Cangluan Strike."


    Yuwen Hao''s speed was frighteningly fast, reaching Chen Mu''s back in almost an instant, his right arm raised, transforming into the claw of a demonic bird; accompanied by an ancient, dim Demon Qi, he struck at Chen Mu''s back heart, precise and brutal, intending to pierce through Chen Mu''s body and rip out his heart!


    His pair of crimson, blood-like demonic pupils revealed an unprecedented excitement.


    Qiankun Martial Body!


    Someone had actually cultivated the Qiankun Grandmaster!


    Although Sky Patching Stone, Void Jade Crystal, were also rare treasures, compared to them, the flesh and blood of a Qiankun Grandmaster was even more precious!


    You should know that in all of Da Xuan over a thousand years, there had only been nine Qiankun Grandmasters, and Chen Mu was the tenth.


    The Sky Demon Sect inherently required cannibalism for training; as such a Heavenly Demon, devouring the viscera of ordinary people was almost useless for him, even those at the Six Viscera Realm had no significance, which was why he had heard of Chen Mu''s name before and knew of such a unique genius but had never really paid attention.


    But he hadn''t expected Chen Mu to have cultivated the Marrow Cleansing Realm; that was entirely different. If Yuwen Hao could devour the essence blood and marrow of Chen Mu''s entire body, comprehending the mysteries of Qiankun, he might even make the final transformation, stepping into the Tenth Rank, reaching the end of the Heavenly Demon lineage, and become a supreme Heavenly Demon!


    Opportunity.


    This was Yuwen Hao''s opportunity! Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although Chen Mu, this newly risen Qiankun Grandmaster, was powerful, even overwhelming people like Jiang Changsheng, he was still only a grandmaster. Even if slightly stronger, he was just a minor dragon, and with some effort, could still be subdued.


    But.


    Almost as soon as the thought arose in Yuwen Hao''s mind and his attack had landed towards Chen Mu''s back, he saw Chen Mu''s eyes flash with a cold glint; he suddenly turned around and threw a punch right at Yuwen Hao''s demonic claw.


    "Sky Demon Sect, Yuwen Hao?"


    Bang!


    In the next instant, the Fist Seal Chen Mu swung collided head-on with Yuwen Hao''s demonic claw.


    Yuwen Hao was taken aback at first, not expecting Chen Mu to not dodge his strike but instead daring to clash directly with him. As he was astonished, he planned to suppress it with one move but when the punch and claw collided, the force transmitted from the Fist Seal caused his expression to change slightly.


    Boom!!


    Accompanied by a dull boom, like thunder exploding in the arena.


    At the center of their collision, the Void visibly twisted and then suddenly shattered into a white fissure, spreading several feet outward. The terrifying forces from both sides collided violently, stirring the nearby Power of Heaven and Earth like a tumultuous wave, rolling out in all directions.


    Even as Yuwen Hao suddenly appeared, the many grandmasters who had thought to retreat, moving away, noticed the scene behind; almost all of them widened their eyes, showing an almost unbelievable expression.


    He blocked it!


    Chen Mu blocked the attack from the Heavenly Demon ancestor!


    That was a supreme Heavenly Demon, far beyond what people like Jiang Changsheng could compare to. Even though Chen Mu was very strong, they instinctively felt that if Chen Mu could escape from Yuwen Hao, he was already extremely capable. Yet unexpectedly, Chen Mu dared to meet Yuwen Hao head-on and even produced a fissure in the Void, appearing almost on par!


    "Qiankun Domain..."


    "Indeed, he..."


    Both Xia Yu''r and Luan Qiumei had almost retreated as soon as Yuwen Hao appeared, and now, watching from afar as Chen Mu confronted Yuwen Hao''s strike, their hearts were also tumultuous.


    Earlier, when Chen Mu battled Jiang Changsheng, he had used only the power of the Qiankun Martial Body, leading her to believe that Chen Mu had not cultivated the Domain, having only recently entered the Marrow Cleansing Realm. But this scene of Chen Mu clashing with Yuwen Hao, where the power of Heaven and Earth within dozens of feet was commanded and guided, clearly governed by the Martial Body, was undoubtedly the Qiankun Domain!


    She, who had cultivated the Yin Yang Domain, couldn''t be mistaken!


    Better than her Yin Yang, the control over the Power of Heaven and Earth was more perfect, evolving from Yin Yang and integrating all the innate aspects of the Five Elements and other elements of the Earth, the Qiankun Domain''s power was a Major Achievement in martial arts today!


    Actually, it wasn''t strange for Chen Mu to have become a grandmaster at his age and to have cultivated the Qiankun Domain, adding to the rumors that a Qiankun Grandmaster was an invincible existence among grandmasters, supreme over even the unparalleled grandmasters, and from the start, undeniably unbeatable, and with Yuwen Hao, the weakest in the Blood Exchange Realm, it made sense for a Qiankun Grandmaster to have a fighting chance.


    Only.


    Seeing this scene of Chen Mu clashing with the Heavenly Demon firsthand, the shock and impact were still intense.

 Chapter 633 - 371: Battle Against the Heavenly Demon Ancestor!_2

    This was almost tantamount to using the power of Marrow Cleansing to hard clash with the Blood Exchange, especially given Chen Mu''s age, merely thirty-three years old this year. Possessing such methods indicated that he had truly joined the top ranks of contemporary Martial Arts, and was not far from reaching the pinnacle!


    "Qiankun Domain?"


    At that moment, Yuwen Hao''s expression changed as well. He had anticipated that Chen Mu would be formidable and his methods tricky, possibly requiring a relentless pursuit or even proving difficult to catch up with, but he had never expected that Chen Mu could confront him head-on.


    Although this youngster''s flesh and body did not possess the blend of Heavenly and Earthly energies of the Blood Exchange Realm, the Yuan Gang True Essence was unbelievably strong. Commanding the Power of Heaven and Earth with his Domain, that kind of deep and solid sensation was indeed the combat power of Blood Exchange!


    He was somewhat shocked by this.


    However, Yuwen Hao did not give up, but rather his eyes radiated fierce light, and he brazenly continued to attack.


    "Mystic Tortoise Tail Swing!"


    Although Chen Mu possessed the strength to match the Blood Exchange, he was ultimately still at the Grandmaster level. Many of his methods and responsiveness might not be up to par with him. If Chen Mu had turned and fled, indeed it would have been difficult for him to do anything, but daring to confront him head-on still gave him a chance!


    Yuwen Hao''s demonic claw was still clashing hard with Chen Mu, and suddenly a jet-black afterimage extended from the end of his tailbone, like a black silk ribbon, whipping towards Chen Mu''s lower back in mid-air, aiming to break Chen Mu in half!


    Human have only limbs.


    This sudden tail whip shot out a hidden long tail, even a master of the Blood Exchange Realm, if unprepared, might also find it difficult to respond, leading to confusion and disarray.


    "Trivial trick."


    However, Chen Mu''s expression remained unchanged. He had pursued the Mystic Tortoise for thousands of miles, battled with it countless times, and was all too familiar with the Mystic Tortoise Tail Swing method.


    Even though Yuwen Hao''s tail swing, with its thinner and swifter black tail compared to the Mystic Tortoise, was essentially the same move, evolved from the Mystic Tortoise.


    Bang!


    Chen Mu''s left hand transformed into a Palm Blade, slashing diagonally across his armpit, clashing with the tail whip coming from the right side, accompanied by a surge of demonic power and the explosion of Yuan Gang, the void was disturbed, cracking open a white fissure once again!


    "..."


    The Cadence of Rage and Mystic Tortoise Tail Swing were both blocked by Chen Mu in succession, darkening Yuwen Hao''s expression instantly. The look in his eyes towards Chen Mu also contained a few shakes of shock, clearly Chen Mu''s strength had greatly exceeded his expectations.


    "I heard that when the Main Altar of the Sky Demon Sect was breached, you were injured and fled. Your sect''s Supreme Yin pursued you for three thousand miles. I thought you were hiding in some corner licking your wounds, never thought you''d dare show yourself here in the Earthly Abyss."


    After blocking Yuwen Hao''s two moves in succession, Chen Mu''s expression was now very calm, completely edgeless, just narrating in a flat tone, then following his breath, within moments the Power of Heaven and Earth within a radius of forty to fifty meters began to surge and transform wildly.


    Yuwen Hao''s strength was indeed decent.


    Although among those in the Blood Exchange Realm, he belonged to the weaker ones, he was still at that level. Compared to Qin Mengjun, who had just entered the Blood Exchange Realm, he was about equal, even slightly stronger than the unarmed Qin Mengjun.


    His trip to the Earthly Abyss had also brought him a lot of opportunities, not only did the Dark Soul Lotus greatly enhance his Soul Heart, but his Qiankun Domain could now cover nearly fifty meters. Moreover, after many enlightenments and witnessing the collapse of the Cave Heaven to glimpse beyond Qiankun, seizing the Longevity Sword to suppress within Qiankun, his control and grasp over Qiankun had also advanced further.


    Now, it was just the time to test his Martial Arts with Yuwen Hao!


    Hum.


    After repelling Yuwen Hao''s black tail with his left hand passing under his armpit, it then swept upward diagonally, while his right hand moved downward. Both hands combined in front of him to form a seal, instantly gathering a terrifying suppressive force, it was the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal!


    Under the enhancement of the Qiankun Domain and Qiankun Martial Body, the Seventh Layer of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, its overwhelming power truly seemed to be commanding Heaven and Earth, everything within the vicinity seemed to be under its control.


    "True Dragon Soars the Sky!"


    Yuwen Hao, a formidable Heavenly Demon, was astonished at Chen Mu''s extraordinary martial strength even within the Grandmaster Realm, yet he was not afraid. With a thunderous roar, he swung his claws upward, and the gray shadows and demonic powers surged wildly.


    In the face of this attack, it seemed as though the faint image of a true dragon flashed by, the dragon''s roar echoing through the heavens. The dragon-like claws tore through the firmament, clashing fiercely with the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal that Chen Mu had struck down, accompanied by an earth-shattering explosion. The void shattered once again, blasting open like a spider web with extending white cracks several feet long!


    "Within the heavens and the earth, nothing but the Qiankun."


    Although Chen Mu''s strike with the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal was blocked by Yuwen Hao, his momentum not only remained strong but also surged, climbing successively. His entire figure seemed to swell, emanating a commanding aura that seemed to order the cosmos and challenge the world, stepping forward and unleashing eight continuous strikes!


    The elements of Nature, Wind, Thunder, Mountains, Marshes, Water, and Fire!


    The Qiankun Eight Phases Rotation intersected, faintly forming an Eight Phases formation in the void that completely engulfed Yuwen Hao. The fierce Power of Heaven and Earth surged like the wrath of the heavens, annihilating the demonic being. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yuwen Hao remained calm amidst the turmoil, roaring fiercely like a terrifying gray ape, his arms shaking powerfully tearing the heavens apart.


    "Plucking Stars, Seizing the Moon!"


    Hs demon arms suddenly stretched, seeming to grow an extra joint, and he too struck eight consecutive blows, clashing fiercely with every move from Chen Mu. Each thundering strike shattered the void, causing the heavens and the earth to tremble and the void to shatter.


    By this stage in the battle between Chen Mu and Yuwen Hao, the specific techniques employed were of no particular importance. Even the most ordinary movements could manifest marvelous transformations. Moves like Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, before reaching the Seventh Layer, appeared more like concentrated bursts of power, but from the Seventh Layer onward, they seemed more like a cultivation insight into the cosmos.


    Once mastered, every move enveloped in immense heavenly might, leading to a return to purity¡ªthe ultimate state.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!!!


    As Chen Mu and Yuwen Hao battled fiercely, waves of residual energy from the cosmos continually spread in all directions. The terrifying might caused many a Grandmaster in the distance to repeatedly change color, shocked beyond measure and thunderstruck.


    "Imposing, imposing..."


    Luan Qiumei''s eyes were full of shock, and she murmured, "To think he can contend with a Heavenly Demon like Yuwen Hao. His rise to power has truly begun. If he can surpass that threshold..."


    She remembered how earlier, Chen Mu had been targeted by the schemes of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion. Yet, looking at the current scenario, it seemed that the entire process had been designed by Chen Mu¡ªa dragon hidden in the abyss, who had finally risen to soar in the sky, establishing his initial momentum.


    Thinking of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, she couldn''t help but recall the death of Ji Yuanshan. With many doubts surrounding that incident, she now suspected it was Chen Mu''s doing.


    With his current capabilities, annihilating Ji Yuanshan would take but a mere flip of his hand, and he was certainly no longer to be feared by the likes of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion.


    Being able to contend with a Heavenly Demon ancestor like Yuwen Hao truly meant he could walk anywhere under the heavens. Even if multitudes from the Blood Exchange Realm joined forces against him, as long as they couldn''t encircle him, there was no real threat. Perhaps the masters of the Unity of Celestial Human Realm still posed a significant danger to Chen Mu, but as long as he could advance a little further, he would be able to defend himself in their presence. Then his rise to great power would indeed be established, no longer constrained by anyone under these heavens.


    A thirty-three-year-old Qiankun Grandmaster.


    Although Luan Qiumei repeated these words, she was well aware of the difficulty of surpassing the Blood Exchange, especially in the path of Qiankun. Since the inception of Martial Arts, only one person had managed to transcend it. However, with Chen Mu''s terrifying natural talent and almost a sense of heavenly destiny upon him, she did not believe this threshold could trap him.


    "Nongying has truly chosen wisely this time..."


    Xia Yu''e watched the fierce battle ensue, waves of emotion rippling through her. She was incessantly shocked as she recalled Hua Nongying''s past thoughts and decisions, feeling even more admiration.


    Longevity shattered, Absolute Blade gone, a battle with a Heavenly Demon!


    Once this news from the Earthly Abyss spreads, not just in the Cold North but throughout the entire Da Xuan Dynasty, it is likely to cause a huge stir. This already tumultuous world will face another heavy stone falling from the heavens, setting off a thousand-zhang high wave!

 Chapter 634 - 372: Repelling Yuwen Hao

    ```


    The fierce battle continued.


    Chen Mu and Yuwen Hao fought more and more intensely, their speeds increasing as they battled. Their figures almost became two residual shadows, flickering and colliding continuously in the void, every collision ripping open white rifts in the void as the Power of Heaven and Earth around them churned like tidal waves. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Suddenly, someone groaned, having been caught off guard by a stray ripple of the clash, forced to stagger back several steps, with a trickle of blood leaking from the corner of their mouth, eyes filled with shock.


    "Go!"


    Seeing this, nearby Grandmasters showed alarmed faces, finally snapping out of their shock. They realized that even they weren''t capable of watching a clash of the Blood Exchange Realm from such a close distance.


    Even the stray ripples emanating from the clash, spreading out hundreds of yards, posed an extremely fierce impact to them, where a single misstep could lead to injury or even a devastating blow!


    Swish! Swish!


    The responding Cold North Grandmasters finally began to retreat one after another, forcibly suppressing the shock in their hearts, then scattered further away, no longer daring to spectate. This included Luan Qiumei, Xia Yu''r, and others, who all retreated in succession.


    Soon, only Chen Mu and Yuwen Hao remained in the midst of the battle. If Yuwen Hao''s initial attempt to assassinate Chen Mu was to take advantage of the fact that this Qiankun Grandmaster was still young, to eliminate Chen Mu here and avoid future trouble, then the battle at this moment had taken on the air of being stuck on the back of a tiger with no way off.


    Because he could not overcome Chen Mu!


    A newly advanced Qiankun Grandmaster, still in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, had already reached his level of power, which was difficult for him to defeat. How could this not set off violent tremors in his heart?


    Even now, he was caught in a dilemma, clearly unable to take down Chen Mu, and he no longer knew what to do. Even considering retreat, with Chen Mu''s terrifying talent and abilities, what great enemy would he become in the future? In time, even as a Heavenly Demon Ancestor, he might find no place for himself in the world!


    "Damn it, how could this man have leapfrogged to such a realm!"


    As Yuwen Hao and Chen Mu continued to clash, the former''s heart was in turmoil, his face an ugly sight.


    If he had known of Chen Mu''s terrifying potential earlier, that after stepping into the Marrow Cleansing Realm he could even confront a Heavenly Demon directly, he would have regarded him as the greatest enemy of his life, slinking into Yu State years ago to kill Chen Mu underhandedly instead of ignoring him as if he were nothing!


    But how could he, a mighty Heavenly Demon and peerless expert, have seen Chen Mu as a significant threat years ago? Even if Chen Mu had made it onto the Wind Cloud List back then, he was still but an ant in his eyes.


    And as Yuwen Hao''s heart surged with tumultuous waves, lost in his shock from the battle,


    he finally revealed a hint of a flaw in his moves.


    Bang!


    That flaw was keenly captured by Chen Mu, who first struck with a Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, tearing the flaw wider, and then followed it with a Palm Imprint, slamming down mightily.


    "This is bad."


    Yuwen Hao''s gaze darkened.


    He knew he had become distracted and made a blunder. Chen Mu was now truly a formidable enemy, and in such a high-level exchange, there was no room for distraction or error.


    In a rush, Yuwen Hao had no choice but to counter with a lash of his tail to forcefully block Chen Mu''s Palm Imprint and simultaneously sidestepped, trying to evade, but still got grazed by the edge of Chen Mu''s palm strike.


    Crack!!


    The might of Chen Mu''s strike was immense; even a mere graze by its edge was not something one could easily endure. Even with the tough body of a Heavenly Demon, the nearby scale armor still shattered for several inches as blood splattered!


    One could see Yuwen Hao''s waist clothing torn, revealing a broken patch on his scale-armored body. He grunted, his gaze towards Chen Mu no longer just filled with shock, but now, without a second thought, his figure flickered and turned into a gray silhouette, fleeing into the distance.


    "Humph."


    Chen Mu snorted coldly, chasing forward with a step and releasing another Palm Imprint.


    This time, Yuwen Hao did not even look back, striking back with a palm and clashing mightily, his body''s Demon Qi churning and fluctuating, but his speed of escape was faster, using the momentum to flee far away, his silhouette flashing and vanishing from Chen Mu''s vision.


    Chen Mu took another two steps forward but finally stopped, standing with his hands behind his back in mid-air, watching as Yuwen Hao fled into the distance.


    Though he had seized the flaw and hurt Yuwen Hao just now, the opponent was, after all, a Heavenly Demon, possessing extreme speed. Unless he could trap him in a dead end, killing him was nearly impossible, at least he was not yet capable of doing so.


    "Yuwen Hao..."


    "Next time, if you dare to appear before me, it will be your end."


    Chen Mu stared at the disappearing silhouette of Yuwen Hao, his eyes cold, then turned to leave.


    At present, he was still in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, his Martial Body not yet fully achieving Major Achievement within Qiankun, but his strength was already nearly equal to Yuwen Hao''s, even slightly surpassing him. It wouldn''t take long before he made further progress. Overcoming Yuwen Hao, the Heavenly Demon Ancestor, would be as easy as turning his hand over. By then, if Yuwen Hao dared to show himself under his watch, escape would not be so easy!


    ...


    Deep in the Earthly Abyss,


    a gray shadow skimmed across the void.


    Yuwen Hao was somewhat disheveled, fleeing hundreds of miles to a dark, desolate place and finally slowing down, his Demon Qi gradually receding.


    He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and looked toward his waist and abdomen, seeing the blood-stained scale armor. However, the shattered area was already healing, the injury not severe. For him, recovery would only take a short while.


    ```

 Chapter 635 - 372 Repelling Yuwen Hao_2

    Yet his expression remained exceptionally grave.


    "Chen Mu..."


    He directed his gaze toward the darkness behind him.


    Indeed, in times of chaos, demons are born, and even a monster like Chen Mu has silently emerged, capable of battling in the Marrow Cleansing Realm against those in the Blood Exchange Realm¡ªsuch a thing has never been heard of before, not even the Qiankun Grandmasters of earlier years could achieve this extent.


    Their Sky Demon Sect had lain dormant for hundreds of years, hiding and cultivating in secret in the bitterly cold lands of the Border Pass, finally waiting for this chaotic era where they could dominate an entire state. Yet unexpectedly, a character like Chen Mu had appeared. If in a few decades he were to reach the Blood Exchange Realm and become a figure like the founding Martial Emperor of Da Xuan, their Sky Demon Sect would likely be completely swept out beyond the borders!


    Even more so,


    with the repeatedly occurring enmity between Chen Mu and the Sky Demon Sect, even if they fled beyond the Border Pass, they would not necessarily be able to live in peace!


    This event simply could not be allowed to happen!


    A chilly light flashed in Yuwen Hao''s eyes, although with his current strength, he could scarcely defeat Chen Mu, fortunately, Chen Mu''s power was only comparable to his own and had not yet grown to a truly untouchable state, nor had he reached the Blood Exchange Realm!


    As long as Chen Mu had not yet reached the pinnacle of power to challenge the world, there was still a chance to nip him in the bud, but they would need well-thought-out long-term plans and to discuss strategies with people like the Heavenly Corpse Sect and the leaders of foreign races beyond the borders. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He was not the only one who did not wish to see Chen Mu rise abruptly, becoming the second Qiankun Martial Saint.


    At this moment, Yuwen Hao even felt a sense of relief, relieved that at this juncture, he had come to recognize Chen Mu''s true strength, realizing how formidable Chen Mu was, with still a chance to extinguish him. If it were delayed by another ten years, it might truly become unmanageable, unstoppable by anyone!


    "..."


    As these thoughts flashed through his mind, Yuwen Hao took a deep breath, intending to leave.


    But


    almost at that moment, his pupils suddenly shrank a fraction.


    He sensed a ripple quietly oscillating through the nearby void, a surge of the robust Strength of Qian Heaven rolling in as a figure abruptly appeared, a slender, delicate hand gently pressing towards his heart.


    Yuwen Hao had been pondering over Chen Mu, and was thus distracted. Faced with this sudden strike, he could not muster a proper counter in haste and had to turn his body sideways, crossing his arms in front of him in an attempt to parry.


    Boom!!!


    Unable to react further in time, the palm hit him squarely. Although he managed to block with his arms and call upon demonic power, it was a hurried defense, and he immediately suffered a significant blow. With a muffled grunt, he felt an impact spreading through him, staggering several steps backward.


    An internal injury he had sustained from Chen Mu, which had been close to healing, was now aggravated again. Unable to contain it, he spat out a mouthful of fresh blood, his eyes glaring hatefully at the figure who had appeared before him.


    "Qin Mengjun!"


    The assailant, shrouded in flowing, light garments, with an exceptionally beautiful face, was none other than Qin Mengjun, the new Blood Exchange Realm Supreme of the Seven Profound Sect. Her demeanor was mild, but her attack was ruthless. After landing the first blow, she delicately stepped forward, lifting her slender hand again, pressing down with another palm. This time even a small seal on her chest fluttered up, gathering the Strength of Qian Heaven.


    "Did you just... mention the name of my disciple?"


    Qin Mengjun struck swiftly, one move after another without respite, yet at the same time, she casually posed the question.


    "Hmph."


    Yuwen Hao snorted coldly. Despite being wounded and facing consecutive deadly moves from Qin Mengjun, he was not flustered. He had revealed flaws because he had been preoccupied with Chen Mu and his own injury, which gave Qin Mengjun the opportunity to strike suddenly. However, now that he had regained his composure, even injured, he was not intimidated by a newly-advanced Blood Exchange Supreme like Qin Mengjun.


    Nevertheless, he did not wish to engage Qin Mengjun in battle. His hands waved continuously, stirring up billowing gray Demon Qi to obscure all directions. After forcibly parrying a Heaven Cap Seal from Qin Mengjun, he took advantage of the momentum to flee far away, transforming into a shadowy gray figure that darted into the distance.


    Whoosh!


    Qin Mengjun waved her sleeve, dispelling the spreading gray Demon Qi, then looked towards the escaping figure of Yuwen Hao. She did not pursue but appeared thoughtful.


    After all, Yuwen Hao was a Heavenly Demon, and even though she had now reached the Blood Exchange Realm, her strength was quite on par with his.


    In fact, not long after she had first advanced to the Blood Exchange Realm and traveled about, she had encountered and exchanged a few moves with Yuwen Hao, aware that there was not much difference in their respective strengths. After a brief exchange, Yuwen Hao had quickly fled.


    "Chen Mu..."


    Qin Mengjun had been close by, sensing the fluctuations of Yuwen Hao''s Demon Qi and had stealthily approached after concealing her own aura, noticing that Yuwen Hao seemed to be injured, and made a split-second decision to unleash a strike. Even though they were almost equal in strength and her move was effective, causing injury to Yuwen Hao, it was still far from enough to subdue him.


    Especially in the Earthly Abyss, she was somewhat restricted, and her speed was not as fast as Yuwen Hao''s.


    It was only that she overheard Yuwen Hao seemingly mentioning ''Chen Mu''s'' name ¨C could it be that the injury he wore was inflicted by Chen Mu? It certainly was a possibility. However, Chen Mu, having engaged in combat with Yuwen Hao, would not be able to keep his strength hidden any longer.


    With this thought,


    Qin Mengjun couldn''t help but turn her gaze in the direction from which Yuwen Hao had come, her eyes flickering with a trace of faint light.


    Everything Chen Mu had done in the past was right; when weak, he used various means to conceal himself. But after all, he was on the Qiankun Path, on a journey to reach the peak of power. Without experiencing changes and tumult, one cannot transform into a dragon. There is no one in the world who can quietly achieve the Blood Exchange Realm without anyone knowing. Whoever reaches that realm does so through all sorts of trials, eventual enlightenment about life and death.

 Chapter 636 - 372: Repelling Yuwen Hao_3

    As the strongest Qiankun Grandmaster in history, the first of ancient and modern times, Chen Mu would also inevitably experience this step, it was only a matter of time. Now, with this step taken, the world would soon be shaken, and that would mark the true beginning of the journey towards supremacy!


    If he were to fall halfway, stymied and without progress, his future would be just like the previous nine Qiankun Grandmasters, leaving only a brief and indifferent mention in the history books, and perhaps be forgotten by the world a thousand years later.


    But if he could overcome the obstacles, reach the end,


    Then, he could stand high above the nine heavens, overlook everything within the four seas, and make the Da Xuan Ninety-Nine States bow down to him!


    ...


    At the site where the Stone Vein Cave Heaven collapsed.


    With several steps, Chen Mu had quietly returned.


    The Grandmasters who had gathered here due to the collapse of the Cave Heaven had already dispersed, leaving only Liu Tong, Luan Qiumei, and a few others behind who had not retreated, and they also tacitly did not touch the ball of remaining Chaotic Yuan Qi.


    Now that Chen Mu had returned, after a few steps, he came back to the center, approached the floating ball of Chaotic Yuan Qi, and saw that the whole gray fog was still churning incessantly, not dispersing nor condensing. The Qiankun Eight Phases were all jumbled together indistinguishably; in fact, one could not discern any concept of the Qiankun Eight Phases within it.


    "Chaotic Yuan..."


    Chen Mu stared at the ball of Chaotic Yuan Qi and murmured to himself.


    At the inception of Martial Arts, it stemmed from Yin Yang, evolving step by step the myriad things of the world until it encompassed the exhaustive Qiankun Eight Phases.


    Naturally, there were also some Martial Arts titled ''Primordial Hand'' and the like, but in reality, they had no connection with true Chaotic Yuan at all. The so-called Chaotic Yuan, existing before Yin Yang, was the most chaotic state; it could not possibly be transformed into Martial Arts.


    From Chaotic Yuan to Yin Yang, this marked the beginning of disorder turning to order. Only in the phase of ''order'' could people begin to understand and comprehend, and could the concept of Martial Arts be grasped.


    As for Chaotic Yuan itself, being entirely disorderly and chaotic, it lacked any logic or pattern to follow, and thereby could not possibly give birth to the concept of Martial Arts. In other words, ordinary Martial Artists also would not be able to gain any understanding or enlightenment from it.


    Even Chen Mu was no exception.


    But he was, after all, somewhat different. He cultivated the Qiankun Eight Phases, which are the ordered end of the world''s evolution, so he could perceive some intangible mystery in this pure disorder, although it was as elusive as flowers seen through the fog.


    If he had to describe it, this ball of Chaotic Yuan Qi gave him a feeling similar to the Heavenly Demon he had once fought and the Cave Heaven Void he had glimpsed. Both existed beyond comprehension, possibly because they were inherently incomprehensible, but more likely because his current level was insufficient for such understanding. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His Qiankun cultivation had, after all, only reached the Domain phase, not yet stepping into the third phase, not touching the essence of heaven and earth.


    He had not yet fully merged with the essence of this world, had not grasped it entirely in his hands¡ªhow could he then understand the Cave Heaven Void, understand the Chaotic Yuan that existed before the world''s ordered creation? It was clearly a castle in the air, impossible to achieve.


    After observing the ball of Chaotic Yuan Qi for a good while and confirming that it was indeed difficult to capture any profound essence from it, Chen Mu finally took a deep breath, and with a thought, he commanded the Qiankun Domain. He gradually reined in its power, shaped it into a sphere, and took it into his palm.

 Chapter 637 - 637: 373

    "Congratulations, Peak Master Chen, on your divine power''s major achievement. From this day forth, you may soar like a dragon in the sky and traverse the world freely." S§×arch* The n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After Chen Mu retracted his mixed vital energy, Liu Tong, who had been standing not far away, finally approached with a complex look in his eyes and clasped his hands towards Chen Mu, his expression a mixture of sighs, envy, and pity.


    Because Chen Mu could have also chosen to follow Shao Profound Peak in the beginning, yet he eventually stayed on Spirit Profound Peak. While this branch had gradually faded, it had now unexpectedly risen. Not only had Qin Mengjun entered the Blood Exchange Realm, but Chen Mu, like a fish leaping through the Dragon Gate, had crossed the Mysterious Pass. He had even managed to repel characters like the Heavenly Demon ancestor Yuwen Hao, which was astonishing.


    "Peak Master Liu flatters me too much; traversing the world freely is still beyond my reach. I merely possess a bit of self-protection."


    Chen Mu said, shaking his head as he looked at Liu Tong.


    With his current strength, traveling around the world was indeed feasible, but to truly traverse the seas freely, he still needed to advance a step further and match the strength of those revered as Celestial Humans, only then could he be truly worthy of his reputation.


    Liu Tong sighed, having cultivated the Qian Heaven Domain and placed himself among the elite Grandmasters. He had thought that aside from Qin Mengjun, he was making the most progress. However, Chen Mu had already far surpassed him, a talent and gift truly formidable.


    Yet, the hardships and trials on this path were bound to be much more numerous for him.


    With the world in chaos today, many did not wish to see Chen Mu eventually reach the Blood Exchange Realm and cultivate another Qiankun Martial Saint. Furthermore, after today, Chen Mu would surely attract the attention of the whole world, directly placing him at the center of a whirlwind.


    If he could survive this ordeal, he would truly claim supremacy over the world and dominate all; if not, his legacy would only remain in the memories of his generation and later just a footnote in historical records.


    After exchanging a few more words with Chen Mu, Liu Tong turned and left.


    After watching Liu Tong depart, Chen Mu turned his gaze towards Luan Qiumei and Xia Yu''r not far away, fixing his gaze on Xia Yu''r, and spoke in an even tone, "Protector Xia, what advice do you bring?"


    "Peak Master Chen jests. How dare I advise? It''s just that earlier you had asked Ying''er and Yue''er to search for traces of unusual objects. Recently, in the Outer Sea''s Licchi Sea area, we found some clues, so I thought to inform Peak Master Chen."


    Xia Yu''r bowed slightly to Chen Mu and responded softly.


    Chen Mu listened and nodded slightly, saying, "I understand, thank them for their hard work."


    "Serving Peak Master Chen is their fortune, not a hardship. They wouldn''t think otherwise. It seems, Peak Master Chen, that you''re still in need of the main materials to forge a Qiankun Spirit Weapon: South Ming Fire, Tai Qing Qi, and the Sea Calming Pearl?


    Xia Yu''r recounted to Chen Mu.


    "Indeed."


    Chen Mu''s expression was candid and unguarded. His cultivation of the Qiankun path naturally made his need for a Qiankun Spirit Weapon reasonable. If he had had a suitable Qiankun Spirit Weapon earlier, not only could Yuwen Hao not have escaped so easily, even if he had managed to flee, it would not have been without difficulty.


    Upon hearing this, Xia Yu''r thought for a moment then said, "The Sea Calming Pearl has been sighted by Ying''er in the Outer Sea. We have yet to receive any news about the Tai Qing Qi, and the South Ming Fire... I happened to encounter it earlier in this Earthly Abyss, but it was taken by someone from the Heavenly Seal Sect. If Peak Master Chen needs it, I could try to track it down for you."


    "Heavenly Seal Sect?"


    Chen Mu pondered for a moment.


    The South Ming Fire was indeed needed by him, but presently he did not have the time to specifically look for people from the Heavenly Seal Sect. He had already collected enough spiritual and unusual objects for his immediate needs and needed to return soon. After all, his actions during this trip to the Earthly Abyss would soon stir up a huge commotion, and he needed to increase his strength before that occurred.


    "Then I shall trouble Protector Xia for this task; if you can obtain the South Ming Fire, I can exchange it for an object of equivalent value."


    Chen Mu said to Xia Yu''r.


    "Alright."


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s words, Xia Yu''r immediately nodded.


    In fact, whether an object of equivalent value could be exchanged did not concern her much at this time. The South Ming Fire, although also a rare treasure, was nothing compared to the goodwill arising from helping Chen Mu.


    If Chen Mu could indeed claim supremacy in the future, the Hehuan Sect, having no old grievances with him and not opposing him, had already provided service to him early on, making it less difficult to survive this tumultuous era.


    After exchanging a few more words with Xia Yu''r and Luan Qiumei and briefly inquiring about Hua Nongying and others'' search for the Sea Calming Pearl, Chen Mu did not linger any longer. He also turned and departed, fading into the darkness of the Earthly Abyss.


    Leaving Xia Yu''r and Luan Qiumei still gazing in the direction of Chen Mu''s disappearance.


    "... A great momentum is beginning to form."


    Luan Qiumei murmured softly.


    Although Chen Mu was still in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, he had already demonstrated the temperament and capacity of a person with peerless might in the face of Grandmasters like Jiang Changsheng, especially in his battle with Yuwen Hao. He almost seemed to embody the figure of a future invincible Qiankun Martial Saint, reaching this stage, the outcome was not yet determined, there were still variables, but a great momentum had certainly begun to form.


    Once regarded as the most talented person from the Cold North in a century, it was thought that Chen Mu''s rise would still take at least two or three decades. Many years later, it was unexpected that his cultivation progress would be so rapid, almost devoid of any Martial Arts bottlenecks. ''Heaven-sent talent'' hardly suffices to describe him.


    The most talented person from the Cold North in a century?


    No.


    Now it seems, he should be regarded as the foremost person in the entire Da Xuan Dynasty for a thousand years!


    ...


    Cangshuang Mountain Range.


    Entrance to the Earthly Abyss.


    Among the shattered, collapsing rocks of the mountain range, numerous figures stood in various directions, staring at the entrance of the Earthly Abyss, each maintaining vigilance. None of them were Grandmasters, just in the Six Viscera Realm, each clad in the robes of the Seven Profound Sect''s protectors.

 Chapter 638 - 373: Initial Formation of Momentum_2

    Guarding the entrance of the Earthly Abyss was not to monitor the grandmasters returning from the abyss, as they weren''t eligible to trail such beings. They guarded the entrance merely to fend off any demons that might crawl out.


    If a sixth-rank great demon appeared, they would strike and kill it, if a seventh-rank emerged, they would immediately retreat and report it.


    "I wonder how long this Ice State Abyss passage will last."


    Meng Danyun stood atop a broken boulder, explaining this to Zhao Zhenchuan by her side.


    Zhao Zhenchuan shook his head and said, "According to usual circumstances, there should be at most another half-month. But even if the passage closes, as long as the power of Earth''s Veins hasn''t fully recovered, those grandmasters can still rise, we cannot stop them."


    "Hmm."


    Meng Danyun pondered and responded.


    She didn''t care whether the grandmasters could pass or not, her main concern was that once the entrance to the abyss gradually closed, the demons would no longer come through here, and there would be no need to guard this place anymore.


    Although in these days, there had been no demon kings above the seventh rank emerging, mostly sixth-rank demons, the trouble they caused was not insignificant. Those sixth-rank demons that came from the abyss were exceptionally formidable, and even she, a true successor, found them quite tricky to deal with in one-on-one fights, taking a long time to kill.


    While the two were exchanging words.


    Suddenly.


    A wave of demon Qi emanated from the nearby rift of Earth''s Veins.


    Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan both halted their conversation and turned their gazes in that direction in unison.


    "It''s coming."


    "Be careful."


    Both of them had a grim expression, each clenching their spirit weapons, familiar with such situations. Clearly, another demon had sensed the pathway from inside the abyss and was making its way up.


    Whoosh!


    In the next moment, a demon with scale armor, resembling a green fish but possessing four limbs on its belly, burst out from the fissure of Earth''s Veins. Although it was a fish demon, it was bizarre in appearance, and its name was unknown; however, its demon Qi was at the sixth rank.


    By then, Meng Danyun had already positioned the Peach Divine Sword in front of her, a faint glow spreading over its blade, standing slightly forward, waiting for the demon to approach to engage in combat.


    "Only one?"


    Zhao Zhenchuan also readied his spirit weapon, slightly relieved.


    Although the demons from the earthly abyss were strong, both he and Meng Danyun were not ordinary Six Viscera Realm individuals. Being among the top ranks under the Wind Cloud List, both could kill in single combat, and if they joined forces, they could win in moments.


    Hiss...


    After the fish demon leaped out from the Earth Abyss Rift, it first surveyed its surroundings and then emitted a strange hiss. It soon detected the presence of Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan, immediately showing a ferocious glint in its eyes, and turned its head towards them.


    Its four limbs landed on the ground, then it began to approach the two.


    Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan, too, lifted their spirit weapons, advancing to meet it and prepare to engage, aiming to kill it quickly.


    But.


    Almost as the fish demon reached the edge of the rift, about to leave its range, an anomaly suddenly occurred!


    From the dark abyss rift, a burst of black shadow shot out, resembling a dark mass kneaded together, instantly clutching the fish demon''s four limbs, binding them and rapidly spreading upwards along its limbs.


    Hiss!!


    The fish demon''s demonic eyes instantly showed a human-like horror, struggling desperately to free itself, but to no avail. In just moments, its body was dyed black by the shadow and completely engulfed.


    Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan, upon seeing this, both turned pale.


    This black shadow''s presence, something they were quite familiar with after guarding the Earth''s Veins rift for many days ¡ª


    Demonic Qi!


    This was a demon from inside the abyss!


    In the current world above, demons were almost unseen since they posed a great threat. Once they appeared, they would attract the pursuit and extermination of Martial Arts masters of the Human Race, even individuals in the Blood Exchange Realm would take action personally.


    But many demons still lingered inside the abyss, and occasionally, some had emerged in these past days, generally at the fifth or sixth rank. However, the oppressive and terrifying aura emitted from the dark shadow in the current scene was evidently not something those ranks could compare to. To be able to corrode and devour a sixth-rank fish demon in an instant showed that this demon was tremendously horrifying!


    "No good, run!"


    Zhao Zhenchuan turned pale, reacting instantly, and started to flee.


    Anything above the seventh rank belonged to the realm of Ancient Demons, definitely not something he and Meng Danyun could handle. It would take at least seven or eight more people like them, joining forces in a formation, to possibly suppress an ancient demon of the seventh rank. S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Meng Danyun also reacted very quickly. Their previous caution of not approaching the Earth''s Veins rift to initiate an attack, but instead waiting for the demon to come over for combat, was precisely to avoid this kind of situation. After all, it was extremely dangerous for anyone who wasn''t a grandmaster to approach the Earth''s Veins rift actively.


    They, the protectors of the Six Viscera Realm, stationed at various points of the Cangshuang Mountains, were in place to deal with demons emerging from the rift, but they also mostly served to monitor and immediately retreat to report any larger troubles.


    But.


    The two had scarcely made their move, barely escaping about twenty or thirty yards,


    when they saw the fish demon engulfed by the dark shadow. The shadow that extended from the rift suddenly completely entered its body, and then quietly lifted the entire demon corpse off the ground, suspended in the air, and opened a pair of pitch-black eyes like ink. A terrifying aura silently spread out.

 Chapter 639 - 639: 373

    Originally at a distance of thirty or forty yards, Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan, who had escaped another twenty or thirty yards, thought they were at a safe distance. But as soon as the monstrous fish demon, tainted by the Ancient Demon, opened its eyes, an invisible oppression spread over them, making their movements suddenly sluggish. They felt as though they were trapped in a quagmire, struggling to lift their feet.


    "This..."


    Zhao Zhenchuan''s face showed shock.


    Feeling the spread of that terrifying demon Qi behind him, he was horrified at that moment. Although he had never encountered a Seventh Rank demon, the Qi behind him, in his mind, was probably even more terrifying than Seventh Rank.


    Could it be an Eighth Rank Ancient Demon?!


    Meanwhile,


    At several miles away, near other Earth''s Veins rifts, the Sect Protectors of Seven Profound Sect also raised their heads almost simultaneously and looked in the direction of Zhao Zhenchuan and Meng Danyun, all showing shocked expressions.


    "Is this Demon Qi?"


    "No! It''s mixed with Demonic Qi... This is a demon, and not an ordinary demon, probably at least Seventh Rank!"


    "Seventh Rank? Even if it''s a Seventh Rank demon, it couldn''t cause such a strong oppression over miles like this, it must be an Eighth Rank demon, we need to retreat quickly and report to the Elders!" S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Suddenly, there was chaos near the Cangshuang Mountain Range.


    Eighth Rank demons?!


    Anyone knew that such beings were beyond the capacity of regular Grandmasters and probably required several Grandmasters working together, or even those top-tier Grandmasters renowned in the Cold North, to handle. For the Sect Protectors like them, such beings were simply irresistible. Even if all gathered and formed an array to resist, they wouldn''t stand a chance.


    Just as everyone was in chaos, either startled or attempting to flee, that terrifying surge of demon Qi, which shot up to the sky, came fast but also faded quickly. In just the next moment, it seemed as if something had sliced it off!


    And then that terrifying sky-reaching demonic Qi quickly dispersed and dissipated.


    "This..."


    The nearby Sect Protectors of Seven Profound Sect, who were about to flee, noticed this change and exchanged bewildered looks with each other, not understanding what had happened, each displaying a stunned expression.


    And in the central Earth''s Veins rift in the distance, the fish demon, whose body had been taken over by an Eighth Rank Ancient Demon, was floating in the air, but silently, a large hole had appeared in the center of its chest!


    There was no blood flowing from the hole.


    Looking through the large hole in its chest, one could see a figure stepping out of the rift behind it, walking casually towards them.


    Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan were both somewhat stunned as they watched that figure.


    "Whoosh!"


    The fish demon, with a hole in its chest and its Qi rapidly collapsing, suddenly emitted a strange cry. Then its body exploded, becoming six or seven blobs of shadow that shot in different directions.


    Two of the shadows flew directly towards Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan.


    However,


    Chen Mu, who had just come up from the Earth Abyss Rift, remained expressionless. He merely stretched out his right hand and casually grasped and pulled, causing the Qiankun Domain to spread, encompassing dozens of yards around him.


    This one motion seemed to capture heaven and earth in his palm, pulling everything towards him. Those splattered blobs of demon shadow all froze in mid-air, then uniformly flew towards Chen Mu''s palm, letting out shrill screams and furiously struggling, but they could not break free and ultimately all compressed into a ball in Chen Mu''s hand.


    Then with a tightening grasp of Chen Mu''s hand,


    "Pff."


    Just like squashing a ball of dough.


    The thrashing demon shadows solidified completely, then bit by bit, disintegrated and crumbled, vanishing between his fingers.

 Chapter 640 - 374: The Inevitable Path

    An Eighth Rank Ancient Demon was annihilated and perished in the blink of an eye!


    Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan were both stupefied as they watched. Although they were not Grandmasters, they had discerning eyes. Even the top Grandmasters in the Cold North wouldn''t be able to easily exterminate an Eighth Rank Ancient Demon; such a feat probably required the intervention of an Elder with the Blood Exchange ability!


    "Chen... Brother Chen?!"


    Both of them found it hard to believe for a moment, staring at the figure in plain clothes walking towards them. Although the figure''s appearance and aura were extremely familiar, they felt a hesitancy akin to doubt.


    Since when did Chen Mu possess the power to annihilate an Eighth Rank Ancient Demon with a flick of his fingers?


    "Sister Meng, Brother Zhao, you must be startled,"


    Chen Mu, gazing at Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan, spoke in an even tone, "I was about to return. I captured this demonic qi in the Earthly Abyss, tracked it all the way here, and luckily drove it into the Earth Abyss Rift, though it seemed not to have caused any trouble yet."


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s words, Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan looked at each other for a moment.


    "Chen... Brother Chen, you..."


    Meng Danyun glanced behind Chen Mu, sensing the dissipated qi of the Ancient Demon in the air, then looked back at Chen Mu, finding herself at a loss for words.


    Seeing the expressions on Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan, Chen Mu simply shook his head slightly, seemingly unconcerned about the shock he had caused them, and continued walking forward, saying, "I need to return to Yu State for a while. If you see the master, please tell him on my behalf. This rift into the Earthly Abyss will probably start to close up soon. Both of you should remain vigilant while guarding this place."


    Having said that,


    he headed off into the distance, and after a few steps, his figure vanished among the broken mountains.


    Even after Chen Mu''s figure had disappeared, Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan had still not recovered. They exchanged glances and saw the same bewilderment in each other''s eyes, until Zhao Zhenchuan couldn''t help but speak first, "Was that really Brother Chen just now?"


    His eyes still roiled with emotions as he kept replaying the scene over and over, unable to calm his mind.


    "..."


    Meng Danyun didn''t respond, but turned to look in the direction where Chen Mu had departed, her eyes still wide with shock, then she thought of something and her expression became one of wistfulness.


    The man just now was undoubtedly Chen Mu, and to exterminate an Ancient Demon so effortlessly, even if Chen Mu had mastered the Qiankun Domain, she didn''t think it possible. To achieve this, Chen Mu''s cultivation level must have...


    In fact,


    she had never doubted whether Chen Mu could break the Mysterious Pass and become a Grandmaster. After all, time after time in the past, Chen Mu''s progress in cultivation had always been shockingly amazing. He was a prodigy, and if he had become a Qiankun Grandmaster, she wouldn''t have been too surprised. Yet, she had not expected this day to come so quickly, as it had only been a few short years since Chen Mu stepped into the Six Viscera Realm!


    She knew she had entered the Six Viscera Realm earlier than Chen Mu, and even now, she had only just managed to reach Perfection in the Six Viscera Tempering and was barely touching the bottleneck of the Mysterious Pass, barely qualifying to attempt breaking into the Marrow Cleansing Realm without any certainty of success. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    While Meng Danyun''s thoughts were in turmoil,


    suddenly another presence emerged, and then a figure stepped out from the Earthly Abyss.


    "Elder Fang."


    "We pay our respects to Elder Fang."


    Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan, who were slowly recovering from their shaken minds, recognized the identity of the figure emerging from the Earthly Abyss. After a brief pause, they promptly greeted the individual with the due respects.


    The person was none other than Seven Profound Sect''s Elder Fang Yuan.


    "Hmm... Protector Meng, Protector Zhao, are you two the ones guarding this place?"


    Fang Yuan emerged from the Earth Abyss Rift, his gaze settling on Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan. After a brief pause, his expression softened considerably, and, after briefly sensing the situation nearby, with a slightly concentrated look, he asked, "What has happened here? Has a demon penetrated through the passage?"


    "Yes."


    Zhao Zhenchuan slowly came to his senses, nodded, and reported, "Just now, an Eighth Rank Ancient Demon surfaced, infecting a beast and taking control over its body..."


    "An Eighth Rank Ancient Demon?"


    Fang Yuan''s expression turned grave upon hearing this, his demeanor becoming more solemn as he swept his gaze around, attempting to sense further while asking, "Where did the demon go, and what is the current situation?"


    An Eighth Rank Ancient Demon was no ordinary threat; even the mightiest Grandmasters might not emerge victorious, posing a significant disaster if it reached the surface.


    Zhao Zhenchuan hesitated slightly before reluctantly recounting the recent events. Since Chen Mu had not mentioned keeping it a secret, and considering the gravity of the situation with the Ancient Demon, he felt it couldn''t be left unclear.


    However,


    he had expected Fang Yuan to be greatly astonished by the news, but instead, after listening, Fang Yuan merely looked startled for a moment before he seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, saying, "I see, so it was Peak Master Chen ahead of us, then there''s no problem."


    Meng Danyun, watching Fang Yuan''s reaction, was momentarily stunned. After exchanging a glance with Zhao Zhenchuan, she cautiously inquired, "Elder Fang, what exactly is going on..."


    Fang Yuan glanced at Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan, chuckled softly, and said, "It seems he did not mention it to you? Your junior brother has advanced into the Marrow Cleansing Realm and achieved the status of a Qiankun Grandmaster. By now, he is very likely the foremost Grandmaster under the Da Xuan Dynasty."


    "Although I did not witness it myself, I also heard from Peak Master Liu that he made the Longevity Sword break and the Absolute Blade perish in the shattered lands of Cave Heaven, and even with the power of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, forcefully repelled the old ancestor of the Sky Demon Sect, Yuwen Hao!"


    Speaking of this,


    Fang Yuan''s tone also carried a hint of admiration.

 Chapter 641 - 374: The Inevitable Path_2

    At the mere age of thirty-three, he had stepped into the Grandmaster Realm, breaking Longevity Sword, vanquishing Extinct Meteor Blade, and repelling Heavenly Demon¡ªan incredibly spirited and peerless talent he was. In his youth, he could not come close to such feats. Even if he were to fall at this point, he would be certain to leave his mark in the annals of history. He wondered why Chen Yue, back then, had not become his disciple instead.


    Yet on further thought, within the Seven Profound Sect, Chen Mu was indeed best suited to become a disciple under Qin Mengjun, complementing his extraordinary natural talent. After all, it was only Qin Mengjun who had now entered the Blood Exchange Realm and had become one of the two Supreme Elders of the Seven Profound Sect.


    On the other side.


    On hearing Fang Yuan''s words, filled with emotion, both Meng Danyun and Zhao Zhenchuan felt like they were listening to something divine and were immensely shocked.


    Defeating Longevity Sword, vanquishing Extinct Meteor Blade, repelling Heavenly Demon?


    The people known as Longevity Sword and Absolute Blade were exceptional characters who dominated the Cold North as top-tier Grandmasters, not to mention the old ancestor of the Sky Demon Sect, a true Supreme figure on a frightening level comparable to those in the Blood Exchange Realm¡ªyet Chen Mu had managed to repel them!


    If they hadn''t witnessed it with their own eyes, seeing Chen Mu effortlessly slay an Eighth Rank Ancient Demon in a flick of his finger, they would likely treat Fang Yuan''s words as mere legends. Even so, they found it hard to imagine the sheer awe and majesty of such a scene.


    Especially Meng Danyun.


    For a moment, she felt somewhat dazed.


    She couldn''t help but recall the time when she had descended the mountain to seek opportunities on her master''s command and practiced in the silent chamber of the Demon-Slaying Office in Yu County. She met Chen Mu there, a young and somewhat naive boy with good talent. She was at a bottleneck in her cultivation with nothing much to work on, so she began to guide Chen Mu in the Xun Wind Artistic Conception.


    And now, in just a few short years, the young man who was once a bit clumsy in controlling the forces of Artistic Conception had truly entered the Grandmaster Realm, even reaching the pinnacle of Grandmasters and possessing the ability to fight the old ancestor of the Heavenly Demon!


    Sometimes, the world indeed felt like a dream or an illusion.


    ...


    Yu State.


    Chen Residence.


    In the spacious courtyard, a stream babbled softly.


    At the upper reaches of the stream was a wooden waterwheel that kept rotating continually with the current, carrying droplets of water along the wooden path to a distant garden, nourishing a thriving array of flower seedlings.


    Xu Hongyu, dressed in simple gauze clothes, her hair coiled up, stood in front of the waterwheel, watching it spin and the water trickle down, appearing to be lost in thought or entirely immersed, contemplating some profound mystery.


    Suddenly.


    Her somewhat absent eyes sharpened, as she felt arms embrace her from behind. However, she was not alarmed, for the aura of the person behind her was utterly familiar from the inside out. S§×arch* The NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Has my husband returned?"


    Xu Hongyu turned to look at Chen Mu, a touch of joy blooming on her beautiful face.


    Though she was now Chen Mu''s wife, hair coiled like a married woman, and had become a Martial Artist in the Five Viscera Realm, her youthful beauty was just as it was before, and that joyful expression made all the blooming flowers in the nearby garden pale in comparison.


    "Mmm."


    Chen Mu leaned in close to Xu Hongyu''s ear and whispered softly, "I have come to bid farewell to my wife."


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s words, Xu Hongyu was slightly startled but not surprised. She simply gazed into Chen Mu''s eyes, leaning on him as she murmured softly, "Has the time that you spoke of finally arrived?"


    Before leaving for the Ice State Abyss, Chen Mu had told her that upon his return, it might be time for the next parting. This particular separation would be of utmost significance in their lives, and it was unclear when he would return.


    Once he returned, he would no longer have to bid her farewell.


    "Mmm."


    Chen Mu, embracing the woman in his arms, quietly affirmed.


    Now, with the beginnings of his power, capable of standing against the old ancestor of the Heavenly Demon, he had gained some ability to protect himself in the vast world. However, at the present, he only possessed enough power for self-protection. The coming changes would be of universal attention.


    He was confident in facing such shifts, but for Xu Hongyu, Chen Yue, and others, they might become targets. Just as with the previous treacherous schemes of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, it was likely that villains might attempt to harm Xu Hongyu and others to influence him.


    Therefore.


    He had to leave.


    The farther he was, the safer Xu Hongyu and the others would be. As long as he did not die for a day, as long as he roamed the world unopposed, there weren''t many who would dare to harm Xu Hongyu and the others, for it would have no impact on the distant him and would only needlessly provoke his deadly enmity.


    On the contrary, if he continued to stay by Xu Hongyu''s side, it would bring all sorts of trouble to them, and there might even be powerful enemies from the Blood Exchange Realm attacking. Xu Hongyu and the others were, after all, too weak in cultivation, and even being caught in the aftermath was extremely dangerous.


    However,


    This State Government Office in Yu State was no longer safe.


    He would escort Xu Hongyu and the others to the gates of the Seven Profound Sect and arrange for them to stay temporarily at the foot of Spirit Profound Peak. As the Peak Master of Spirit Profound Peak, he naturally had this privilege. Besides, the Seven Profound Sect was almost at the point where he and Qin Mengjun were calling the shots.


    As for the day of his return, it would be the time when he truly contended for supremacy in the world, no longer fearing any threats. Wherever he was, would be the most stable place on earth!


    "We mustn''t delay. Madam and Xiao He, Yue''er and the others should start moving as soon as possible, and accompany me to the Seven Profound Sect''s gates."


    Chen Mu hadn''t been affectionate with Xu Hongyu for long, just gently caressing her cheek before saying to her, "This is the most critical juncture of my life. Once I cross it, the world will be vast and open."


    "Okay."


    Xu Hongyu nodded lightly.


    She knew it all, she understood.


    She was no longer just the Chief Constable of a county or a mere district. She had stepped into the Five Viscera Realm and, due to Chen Mu''s presence, she held a certain status in the Yu State Government Office and knew much about the affairs of the world.


    Chen Mu was cultivating the Qiankun Path and had stepped into the Marrow Cleansing Realm at such an age. She was aware that once it became known to the outside world, it would cause a huge sensation, stirring up a storm of shock.


    But to cross that highest and most difficult checkpoint in the Blood Exchange Realm, one could not rely on secluded cultivation, but required a true realization of life and death.


    This barrier,


    was the necessary path to the ultimate boundary of Martial Arts.


    Especially for Chen Mu, it was inescapable.


    She believed, Chen Mu would be able to cross that barrier. She believed her husband was such an unparalleled figure, and she also knew she absolutely could not become a burden to Chen Mu, and the same went for Xiao He, Chen Yue, and the others.


    "I will go and tell Yue''er and the others."


    After giving Xu Hongyu a light tap on the forehead and whispering in her ear, Chen Mu released his arms and quietly vanished from the courtyard, leaving Xu Hongyu briefly immersed in their recent embrace. Then she promptly came back to her senses and headed towards the house.


    Chen Yue was not in the mansion, but Chen Mu found her quickly.


    He had only previously discussed the future journey with Xu Hongyu, not even Chen Yue. After hearing Chen Mu''s account, Chen Yue''s eyes first showed shock, and then her big eyes twinkled as she nodded vigorously at Chen Mu.


    She,


    like Sister Hongyu,


    would not become a burden to Chen Mu.


    Even if it meant living at the gate of the Seven Profound Sect for many years to come, confined to below Spirit Profound Peak, she would endure the solitude and wait in quiet expectation, listening to all news about Chen Mu, awaiting the day he would return.


    The family packed up quickly.


    There was not much finery to pack, none of which would be needed in the gates of the Seven Profound Sect.


    It was only a few hundred miles from Yu State Government Office to the Seven Profound Sect''s gates. With Chen Mu personally escorting Xu Hongyu and the others, they quickly reached Seven Profound Town and then entered the sect''s gates along the mountain path.


    As the current Peak Master of Spirit Profound Peak, arranging for Xu Hongyu and the others to reside on the peak was naturally a minor matter. With just one command, the Peak''s Steward went to take care of all the arrangements.


    "Although Spirit Profound Peak is spiritually vibrant, it is ultimately a place for Martial Arts practice. Everywhere is simple. Living here for a while matches well with contemplating Artistic Conception and cultivating Martial Arts, which may lead to enlightenment and further progress in cultivation,"


    said Chen Mu, standing tall on the Upper Peak of Spirit Profound Peak, behind the grove of bamboos near the summit''s grand hall. Here, there were several unoccupied bamboo houses. Although they were quite elegant, they were indeed much more modest compared to their residence in the State Government Office.


    But Xu Hongyu and the others were not ordinary people; all were Martial Artists and did not care much about where they lived. Moreover, as Chen Mu had said, arriving at Spirit Profound Peak and dwelling here for a while to study and focus on Martial Arts might not be a bad thing.

 Chapter 642 - 375 Cold North Trembles

    After settling Xu Hongyu and the others, Chen Mu quietly left the bamboo forest to find a place to sort through the many gains from his journey to the Earthly Abyss.


    It was also around this time, several days later.


    News about the events that had occurred within the Earthly Abyss finally began to spread in Yu State and even the Cold North.


    At that moment,


    the Cold North was shaken!


    ...


    At the main hall on the summit of Spirit Profound Peak. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Inside the Silent Chamber.


    Chu Jingsui, who was undergoing closed-door cultivation to stabilize his Marrow Cleansing Realm, slowly opened his eyes.


    "It''s almost done."


    He stretched out his hand and clenched his fist, feeling the surging vigorous power burgeoning within his body, and couldn''t help but reveal a trace of a smile.


    The reason martial artists painstakingly cultivate is precisely for the realm of Martial Arts. The Marrow Cleansing stage alone has thwarted countless people in the Six Viscera Realm, but after enduring hardships, he had finally crossed that threshold, and now his realm was thoroughly consolidated.


    Essentially, his Martial Body was now fully solidified. To advance further would require painstaking effort over years, drawing upon the Power of Heaven and Earth to temper his Martial Body, only then gradually achieving elevated levels, until his Martial Body reached Perfection, and he mastered the Power of Domains. Then he would be among the strongest below the top Grandmasters and might even have a chance to join their ranks.


    Admission into the realm of Grandmasters is an entirely different experience.


    The change was not just in his strength but also his mentality. That feeling of merging with heaven and earth, reaching the minute intricacies, the way he viewed everything was now different from the past. He could truly be considered a senior expert.


    "It''s a pity I''m a few years late; otherwise, I would have been able to join this journey to the Earthly Abyss and compete with the Grandmasters of the Cold North."


    Chu Jingsui slowly stood up and sighed.


    If he had broken through the Mysterious Pass a few years earlier, perhaps he would have already comprehended his Domain and could have gone to the Earthly Abyss with Chen Mu. And since Chen Mu had already reached the third place on the Wind Cloud List, with their combined forces, not even top-level Grandmasters like Jiang Changsheng would be a threat.


    It can be said that he, as the ''Big Brother'', personally led Chen Mu into the sect, only to watch Chen Mu rise steadily and completely surpass him. But now, he finally regained some face as a senior brother.


    He stepped out of the Silent Chamber.


    "Brother Chu, you have exited your retreat."


    A steward waiting in the main hall bowed respectfully to Chu Jingsui.


    After entering the Marrow Cleansing Realm, Chu Jingsui naturally entered the Elders'' Court of the Seven Profound Sect and was positioned as one of the elders. Aptly, being the oldest disciple under Qin Mengjun, everyone in Spirit Profound Peak, regardless of age, had to address him as brother or elder.


    "Yes."


    Chu Jingsui nodded slightly, then inquired, "It must have been twenty or thirty days since I began my retreat, how is the situation in Ice State?"


    At his current realm and status, his perspectives were different, now focusing on the situations and changes in Ice State and even the Earthly Abyss, he also pondered whether, if the Earthly Abyss was still open, he should explore it in the remaining time.


    "Ice Extreme Palace has forsaken its mountain gates and relocated the entire sect. The demon calamity in Frost County is fierce but still under control. However, this relocation of Ice Extreme Palace has left the entirety of Ice State in a state of disorder. What the situation will evolve into afterward will need to wait until the Earthly Abyss is completely closed, and sect members from all sides have returned."


    The steward quickly summarized the situation in Ice State.


    Chu Jingsui nodded and asked, "Any news from Chen junior brother, Meng Xiaomei?"


    "Protector Meng and Protector Zhao are in charge of guarding Cangshuang Mountain Range. There have been some dangers, but all are safe. As for Master..."


    Steward Jiao paused here. Even knowing the news for a day, his heart was still full of turmoil, with his eyes filled with emotion as he said,


    "Master has returned to the gates. It is said that Master has broken through the Mysterious Pass and entered the Marrow Cleansing Realm, achieving the rank of Qiankun Grandmaster. This time in the Earthly Abyss, he even broke the Longevity Sword and repelled Yuwen Hao, and has now reached the pinnacle among the grandmasters of the world. It''s feared that soon, on the Grandmaster Chart of the Da Xuan Dynasty, Master might suddenly rise to the top."


    Breaking through the Mysterious Pass...


    Upon hearing the first part of Steward Jiao''s words, Chu Jingsui was stunned. Although he had witnessed Chen Mu''s extraordinary talent and believed Chen might break through the Mysterious Pass using the Qiankun Path, that it came this early, this swiftly, nevertheless surprised him.


    As for the latter part about breaking the Longevity Sword and repelling Yuwen Hao, Chu Jingsui was gradually astonished.


    The Longevity Sword, Jiang Changsheng?


    Yuwen Hao, the Heavenly Demon Ancestor of the Sky Demon Sect?


    The former was understandable¡ªif Chen Mu had indeed reached the level of a Qiankun Grandmaster, defeating Jiang Changsheng would naturally follow. But Yuwen Hao was a legendary figure, comparable to the contemporary Qin Mengjun!


    That Chen Mu managed to repel Yuwen Hao!


    If Chen Mu had been in the Marrow Cleansing Realm for many years and challenged the rank of Qiankun Grandmaster, then Chu Jingsui would not be overly shocked. But even though Chen Mu had stepped into the Marrow Cleansing Realm and achieved the rank of Qiankun Grandmaster, wouldn''t it have been just recently?


    Just entering the Grandmaster Realm and being able to repel Yuwen Hao, even for a Qiankun Grandmaster, was an unbelievable deed. Even among those historically invincible nine Qiankun Grandmasters, it took years within the Grandmaster Realm, perfecting their Martial Realm, to gradually challenge and reach the unbeatable level among the Grandmasters.


    Challenging the world''s Grandmaster Chart...


    Chu Jingsui was momentarily lost in his thoughts.


    The world''s Grandmaster Chart, which only includes a hundred members, all top-tier Grandmasters of the current era. Looking over the entire Cold North, there were no more than a handful who could make it onto the Grandmaster Chart. Additionally, it had been many years since anyone from the Cold North had made it into the top ten.


    Chen Mu,


    previously only prominent in the Cold North''s Wind Cloud List, well-known throughout the region but still far from a household name in the greater Da Xuan Dynasty. But if he were to challenge the world''s Grandmaster Chart, that would be a different story altogether.

 Chapter 643 - 375 Cold North Trembles_2

    The thirty-three-year-old Qiankun Grandmaster claimed the top spot on the Martial Arts Master Rankings, probably shaking the entire Da Xuan to its core!


    "Chen Mu''s step forward is truly like a hidden dragon emerging from the abyss,"


    Chu Jingsui gradually recovered from his shock and soon began to ponder many things. He looked up at the sky outside the great hall and murmured, not sure whether he was expressing admiration or concern.


    A hidden dragon emerges from the abyss, ascends through tribulations to heaven.


    In the past, although Chen Mu had demonstrated a once-in-a-century talent from the Cold North, he hadn''t yet broken through the Mysterious Pass. To the various powers and influential figures in the world, he was not yet a threat, just someone noteworthy to observe.


    But stepping into the Marrow Cleansing Realm and becoming a Qiankun Grandmaster meant that only one last step remained to reach the summit of Martial Arts. Once he crossed the Blood Exchange threshold, another figure capable of stabilizing the world would be born. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This was already a threat!


    Chen Mu''s name would certainly resonate throughout the Cold North, spreading across the world. However, with such attention would come endless troubles and tribulations. Only by overcoming these could he truly soar in the heavens without hindrance!


    "I thought I could be of some help to Chen Mu in the future, but it seems I was thinking too much,"


    After his myriad thoughts, Chu Jingsui finally sighed.


    By entering the Grandmaster Realm, he could at least stand shoulder to shoulder with people like Feng Hongsheng in the future, and he even hoped to join the ranks of the top grandmasters of the Cold North. He thought he would catch up with Chen Mu, but the gap remained as wide as ever.


    ...


    Eternal Life broken, Absolute Blade fallen, Heavenly Demon defeated.


    One after another, the feats from within the Earthly Abyss spread among the high ranks of the Seven Profound Sect, and gradually to many disciples. For a time, the whole sect, especially the Spirit Profound Peak disciples, were shocked into silence.


    Those like Jin Ling''er and Zhao Xiaohong, who had ties with Chen Mu and had received his guidance as Inner Sect Disciples, were so shocked they felt dazed. When they first met Chen Mu, they were not Martial Arts figures, only knowing him as a strong predecessor and high-level expert without a clear understanding of the specifics of his Cultivation.


    After joining the Seven Profound Sect, they began to peel away the mysterious veil surrounding Chen Mu''s Cultivation.


    Indeed, starting with tendons and flesh, then bones and muscles, followed by the Five Viscera and Six Viscera, then Marrow and Blood... Chen Mu had only reached the Six Viscera Realm. Above that were still the unfathomable Marrow-Cleansing Grandmasters and the Blood Exchange beings, individuals revered as saints among men.


    But.


    Time flies.


    With a clearer understanding of Martial Arts and Chen Mu, they witnessed one shocking event after another in a short time, until now, with Chen Mu standing at the pinnacle of the Grandmaster Realm, truly touching the peak of contemporary Martial Arts.


    From Senior Chen to Brother Chen, and then to Peak Master Chen...


    All of this happened in just a few short years. The clearer their understanding of the arduous path of Martial Arts, the more astonishing and shocking the feats of Chen Mu were.


    Could they have imagined, in their youth, encountering someone like Chen Mu, being saved by him, befriending him, and later joining the same sect and peak, witnessing what might be a historic moment for the Da Xuan Dynasty? What kind of fate was this?


    Once merely tales told by storytellers, of celestial beings too profound to grasp.


    Now, those stories were unfolding around them. Although not the protagonists of the stories, they were extremely close, able to witness the unfolding of those tales firsthand. What kind of legend was this?


    They were uncertain how far their future Martial Arts cultivation would take them, but they knew for certain that meeting Chen Mu in their youth and becoming disciples under Spirit Profound Peak meant that even if they only bore witness, their lives would not be in vain.


    ...


    North Garrison Government.


    Deep within the mansion.


    Yuan Hong, King of North Garrison, sat behind a Zixia Wood long table, clutching a page of letter in his hand, silently contemplating the few lines of intelligence written on it.


    "I underestimated him,"


    Leng Wensong stood by Yuan Hong''s side, his gaze also falling on the script of the letter, heaving a light sigh after a long while.


    A once-in-a-hundred-years prodigy from the Cold North?


    No.


    A Grandmaster at the age of thirty-three was already a rare occurrence in history, and while there may have been younger Grandmasters during certain chaotic times, such an event was undoubtedly rare, whether since the founding of the Da Xuan Dynasty or even when looking back at ancient history.


    Not to mention, he was cultivating the most difficult Qiankun Path, questioning the universe through Qiankun to enter Marrow Cleansing, and even reached the peak of the Grandmaster Realm in one step, possessing the ability to fight Heavenly Demons and repel Yuwen Hao with talent and strength beyond description.


    A once-in-an-era genius.


    No.


    Even... he was chosen by the Heavenly Mandate!


    Just like over a thousand years ago, during the chaos that lasted for nearly a few hundred years, when the Ninety-Nine State was in constant strife, and hundreds of kingdoms stood side by side until Ji Hao, bearing the Heavenly Mandate, rose step by step from the chaos and eventually reached the peak of Martial Arts, pacifying all under heaven.


    In Chen Mu''s case, from any angle, his revealed talent, innate ability, and that sense of destined Heavenly Mandate, were in no way inferior to Ji Hao of that era. Reaching such a degree was certainly not just a product of mortal effort.


    In Chen Mu, there must inevitably be a confluence of destiny, fate, and other ethereal elements, escorting him forward.


    "Prince, shall we do something?"


    Leng Wensong, observing Yuan Hong''s silence, finally spoke softly.


    Although Chen Mu possessed an extraordinary figure and occupied a part of destiny, the destiny had not yet settled, which meant there was still an opportunity for humans to change it as the obscure destiny must have a thread of survival. They still had a chance to reverse this destiny.


    However.


    Yuan Hong eventually shook his head.


    "Let it be."


    He gently tossed the letter, allowing it to disintegrate into nothingness in the air.


    It was not that he lacked the confidence to reverse destiny, nor was it that he feared the Heavenly Mandate in Chen Mu; frankly, having reached his level of Unity of Heaven and Man, he could grasp the world in his hand and had no fear even of the vast universe, let alone the intangible concept of fate.


    He chose not to intervene in Chen Mu''s affair because it went against his true nature.


    For someone of his Martial Arts cultivation level, things like power, wealth, and even the imperial throne were like fleeting clouds.


    His pursuit of Martial Arts and his journey were twofold: to affirm his own heart and the will of his Martial Arts, and to stabilize chaos, or at least to bring order to the chaos of the Cold North Eleven States.


    If Chen Mu''s rise posed a pure threat to his ideals and nature, he would have attempted to interfere, paying no heed to such nebulous concepts as Heavenly Mandate or destiny. But Chen Mu''s rise was too astonishing and dazzling, his path being the upright and honest Qiankun Path. Moreover, he knew almost everything about Chen Mu''s past, knowing that Chen Mu rose from the bottom, came from humble origins, and had never lost his original intent, even recently saving ordinary villagers at Cangshuang Mountain Range with his own hands.


    His appraisal of Chen Mu was: alone, he maintained his integrity; reached, he would help heal the world.


    If Chen Mu were to reach the pinnacle of Martial Arts in the future and possess the strength to stabilize the world and restore order, then he would inevitably do so, and therefore there was no fundamental conflict between him and Chen Mu.


    "Mm."


    Having served Yuan Hong for many years, Leng Wensong knew his master''s personality and now spoke softly, "But this news cannot be suppressed, and will soon spread to the Central Prefecture. Those people there, I''m afraid, would rather not see this happen."


    Central Prefecture,


    Da Xuan Dynasty Court.


    Although Cold North was remote and overtly dominated by various Sects, in reality, the influence and interference of The Eight Princes had always stretched into Cold North to varying degrees, ultimately creating the current blended and chaotic situation of the Cold North.


    Those true members of the Royal Family, inheriting the imperial blood and holding true legitimacy, were probably few who would wish to see another ''Ji Hao'' rise, change the world, even if it was just a possibility, as some might find it unacceptable.


    "Leave them to it."


    Yuan Hong spoke with a light tone.


    Although he did not care about such intangible concepts as fate and the Heavenly Mandate associated with Chen Mu, he also did not underestimate him. Having reached this point, he already had the capacity to look down upon the world, and it would not be an easy task for anyone wishing to act against him, including The Eight Princes of Central Prefecture.


    As for Chen Mu, this person chosen by the Heavenly Mandate amid chaos, whether he could survive his tribulations and ascend to heaven, or what final outcome he would have on this path, no one could predict. Perhaps he could ultimately reach the utmost realm, or perhaps he would perish midway.


    No one knows.

 Chapter 644 - 376 Various Reactions

    Cold North.


    In a certain Lake Heart Island of Song State.


    Surrounded by water on all sides, the center of the small island featured a serene pavilion where a figure sat motionless like a wooden statue or a stone carving. The nearby stone platforms and tables were coated with a layer of dust visible to the naked eye, indicating they had not been disturbed for a long time. However, the simple commoner''s clothes on this person''s body were spotlessly clean.


    In front of him, a saber floated silently in the void, a seemingly simple and utterly quiet blade with a thick and mysterious pattern that paradoxically appeared weightless as it hovered in the air.


    A martial artist who reaches the Blood Exchange Realm becomes a transcendental existence in the world, a single person equal to a force capable of supporting a sect like the Seven Profound Sect that administers a State Government Office. However, when it comes to the strongest in the world, only two people from the Cold North Eleven States are listed. One is Yuan Hong, the King of North Garrison, and the other is Gongyang Yu of the Heavenly Blade.


    For these unparalleled individuals who have thoroughly understood the third step of the artistic conception and reached the Realm of Unity of Heaven and Man, it is extremely difficult to discern who is superior or inferior among them. Their rankings are not as publicly debated as those in the Wind Cloud List or the Grandmaster charts.


    However.


    There is generally still some distinction in rankings.


    Whether Yuan Hong''s strength could enter the top ten in the world was a matter of some contention, with the majority believing he would not make the top twenty, let alone the top ten, but Gongyang Yu was universally acknowledged as being able to rank within the top five in the world, or even the top three!


    The Heavenly Saber Faction he created represented the pinnacle of the path of the saber, collecting all saber intents of the current age and transforming them into something not inferior to the Heavenly Sword Sect''s Heavenly Sword Path, one of the very peak existences in Martial Arts.


    But as for what rank he could attain, there was no consensus, nor did anyone dare to rank him.


    Suddenly.


    A ripple of invisible waves emanated through the void, as if carrying some message.


    Gongyang Yu, who seemed to have been sitting under the pavilion for years, finally slowly opened his eyes. His eyes were ancient and simple, and there was no saber intent leaking from him, making him seem like nothing more than a common old woodcutter.


    He slowly stood up and gazed toward the direction of Ice State, a ripple of emotion appearing in his eyes.


    "Tuoba Xi, my junior brother, has left," he murmured.


    The old man sighed softly.


    Tuoba Xi and he were disciples of the same sect, competing against each other since childhood, insisting on determining a winner in everything. Although there were victories in other pursuits, Tuoba Xi had never surpassed him by half a step on the path of the saber and had always been a rank below.


    He had never really considered Tuoba Xi as a rival and had never given any thought to any contest in the way of the saber. He was simply walking his own path, practicing his own saber.


    It is said that where there is no contention, none can contend.


    Tuoba Xi always had Gongyang Yu''s ''Heavenly Blade'' in his heart, so he was never able to take that final step, hindering him at the Grandmaster level for over a hundred years, whereas Gongyang Yu had never allowed Tuoba Xi''s ''Absolute Blade'' into his thoughts from the very beginning.


    Perhaps, in his final moments, Tuoba Xi had finally understood the essence of the saber and why it commands such authority.


    "Chen Mu, huh..."


    The ripples in Gongyang Yu''s eyes gradually calmed, and he mentioned another name.


    In this chaotic world,


    indeed emerged an extraordinary individual.


    Gongyang Yu gently lifted his hand and took hold of the Heavenly Blade floating in the air, which had terrified the world for over a hundred years. As the blade touched his hand, his entire demeanor underwent a sudden change.


    Previously resembling a plain old woodcutter, but as he grasped the Heavenly Blade, the overflowing saber intent seemed like the Milky Way falling from the ninth heaven. Though he was merely holding the saber aloft, it gave the impression that it could cleave the very sky in two.


    He looked down at the Heavenly Blade in his hand.


    His saber intent was not directed at Chen Mu, for Tuoba Xi did not fall by Chen Mu''s hand, but died of natural causes, defeated by the vastness of fate and the lifespan that no mortal can defy, just as Gongyang Yu, before the passage of time, was also mortal.


    Tuoba Xi had lived for 150 years, traversing the world with his Absolute Blade without ever diligently preserving his essence. Even as a peak Grandmaster, his lifespan was naturally comparable only to average Grandmasters. Gongyang Yu, having entered the Blood Exchange Realm, naturally had a much longer lifespan. However, his cultivation of the Heavenly Blade, a supremely domineering and unrivaled path, also disregarded nurturing life-force and could last at most a little over two hundred years.


    "Skin Toughening, Body Refinement, Tendon Changing, Bone Tempering, Viscera Refining, Organ Tempering, Marrow Cleansing, Blood Exchange."


    "Even upon reaching the Blood Exchange Realm, it is impossible to resist the erosion of time."


    Gongyang Yu murmured to himself.


    Once a martial artist steps into the Blood Exchange Realm, they can completely lock in their essence blood to prevent loss, but as long as they exist within heaven and earth, they will inevitably interact with it, unable to completely isolate themselves. S§×arch* The N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As long as one has contact with this world, as long as one still inhabits a body of flesh and blood, they will lose their vitality over time, and ultimately, like all things, come to an end when their life is exhausted.


    "Martial Arts, how can it be Immortal?"


    Gongyang Yu looked up at the sky.


    It was a question he started pondering decades ago, or, more accurately, a question that most who have reached his level, arrived at the Unity of Heaven and Man, and come to the true end of the Martial Path, begin to explore.


    The eight realms of Body Tempering Martial Arts were not achieved overnight, but were carefully discerned step by step by countless martial arts'' predecessors, a process of continuous expansion and summary until they were ultimately established.


    Gongyang Yu knew that the history of the Blood Exchange Realm dated back nearly ten thousand years, while the Marrow Cleansing Realm was beyond reckoning.

 Chapter 645 - 376 Reactions from All Sides_2

    The ancients could progress from Skin Toughening, to Body Refinement, then to Tendon Changing, Bone Tempering... all the way to the ultimate Marrow Cleansing, Blood Exchange. Yet modern people cannot find the path that leads beyond the Blood Exchange Realm.


    In the nearly ten thousand years of Martial Arts history, the only slight breakthrough was the birth of the ''Qiankun'' Path, and the emergence of the first person to reach the summit with the Qiankun Path, Da Xuan''s founding Martial Emperor, Ji Hao. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But Ji Hao, having exhausted his life, was also unable to explore the Ninth Realm of Martial Arts.


    The biggest problem within this is not a lack of talent or gifts but the absence of a direction for reference. After reaching the Unity of Heaven and Man through the Blood Exchange Realm, one is at the peak of the current world, capable of contending with those Tenth Rank peerless Heavenly Demons.


    And the most powerful demons in the world, from ancient times to the present, are also but at Tenth Rank.


    The path after Blood Exchange should lead to true Immortality. However, even Tenth Rank peerless Heavenly Demons have lifespans, they cannot exist forever in this world, and they too will age and decline until they decay. Hence, one cannot find a direction from them.


    Nevertheless.


    After decades of probing into the ultimate end of Martial Arts, Gongyang Yu was not wholly without gains; at least, he recognized there were two possible paths.


    The first is to create one''s own Heaven and Earth, allowing Inner Breath to generate itself.


    The reason martial artists still age upon reaching the Blood Exchange Realm is their inability to spontaneously produce Inner Breath. As long as they exist in the world, they inevitably have to draw power from Heaven and Earth. Even when they achieve the stage of ''Fasting,'' they must still inhale and exhale the Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi to maintain themselves, and during this process, they would be eroded by a certain force from nature.


    Unless a martial artist could completely isolate themselves from Heaven and Earth, thereby ceasing all interaction with them, but that is a realm Gongyang Yu cannot fathom. Because even if a martial artist remains in absolute stillness, not moving at all, the beating of the heart within the body and the flow of the blood¡ªeven if carried out slowly¡ªstill results in the depletion of Yuan Qi, which must then be replenished from Heaven and Earth.


    If a martial artist could achieve a state where Yuan Qi generates itself, becoming an independent realm of Heaven and Earth, perhaps it would be feasible.


    But how can one form their own Heaven and Earth?


    Gongyang Yu could not find the direction.


    Although he could associate it with the all-encompassing ''Qiankun'' Path, Ji Hao, who mastered Qiankun, also did not accomplish this. Hence, it is not simply a matter of comprehending Qiankun and entering the path through it.


    The second path is to merge with Heaven and Earth.


    Martial artists begin their cultivation with the refinement of the Five Viscera and the Six Viscera and gradually blend with Heaven and Earth. Through the Marrow Cleansing Realm, they break through the Mysterious Pass, and upon reaching the Blood Exchange Realm, there''s an internal and external convergence. The entire cultivation process is continuously adapting to The Power of Heaven and Earth.


    Since it is difficult to cut oneself off from Heaven and Earth, the other path is to merge completely with Heaven and Earth. Let the flesh become a body condensed by the Power of Heaven and Earth, thus leaving behind the category of fleshly mortal; with no distinction from the essence of Heaven and Earth, one naturally would not decay.


    But this path is also difficult.


    When martial artists reach the Blood Exchange Realm, it seems as though their entire Physique has been thoroughly tempered by The Power of Heaven and Earth, but being tempered and completely transformed into the essence of Heaven and Earth are entirely different matters. It is like the more one refines during the Five Viscera Realm, the harder it becomes.


    The more one strives to touch the limit, the harder it becomes.


    Although the Martial Blood that now flows through his body has almost been transformed purely by The Power of Heaven and Earth, with The Power of Heaven and Earth constituting almost ninety percent of its essence, this last ten percent is extremely difficult to temper!


    In Gongyang Yu''s view, refining the Martial Body to the extreme, making it entirely constituted by the Power of Heaven and Earth, inside and out, and blending with Heaven and Earth to leave behind the concept of flesh and blood, is also an unfathomable realm.


    Nevertheless.


    Compared to the first path of creating one''s own Heaven and Earth, the second path is not as enigmatic and remains something tangible. But how to walk this path, how to make it through, he has gained very little insight as of yet.


    Gongyang Yu looked up at the sky, as the sword intent on his body gradually subsided.


    "You, can you step into the Blood Exchange Realm?"


    The name Chen Mu arose in his heart.


    In the ten thousand years of Martial Arts, the only progress was the birth of the Qiankun Path, but there were too few who had walked this path successfully; to this day, it was only Da Xuan''s founding Martial Emperor Ji Hao, a figure from over a thousand years ago, with whom he could not discuss the path.


    As for those Qiankun Grandmasters, they couldn''t even step into the Blood Exchange Realm, so naturally, they couldn''t reach the limits he had, nor could they aid him in the pursuit of the Martial Arts he sought, as the level of vision was fundamentally different.


    Chen Mu,


    Can you step into the Blood Exchange Realm?


    In the future, can you discuss with him at the end of Martial Studies?


    ...


    Yu County.


    After many years, the Outer City district remains endlessly chaotic.


    Many years ago, when Chen Mu was still in Yu County, the chaos in the Outer City district was due to the standoff between the four major families of the Inner City, whose influence spread to every corner of the Outer City, thus resulting in the continuous strife among numerous gangs.


    It is still the same today.


    Although the four major families have long become history, the incursion of the forces of various sects such as the Heavenly Seal Sect and the Hehuan Sect has made the situation in Yu County even more intricate. For many people, the waters are deeper than before, necessitating that they act with even greater caution and prudence.


    After all, in the past, at most, a matter could involve the four major families of the time. Still, now it might eventually lead to a Great Sect, which is far beyond what the families of that era could compare to.


    Inner City.


    Yu Family residence.


    Today, the Yu Family is the undisputed foremost noble family in Yu County. Even though, in these few short years, in terms of family disciples and overt power, they still do not compare to the Xue Family that once dominated half of the county. However, when it comes to the hidden background, whether it is the Xue Family or the Xie Family, they have to step back, and even those Sect forces would hesitate to move against the Yu Family.

 Chapter 646 - 376 Reactions from All Sides_3

    Because behind the Yu Family now, there stands a mountain, and that mountain''s name is Chen Mu.


    An elder of the Seven Profound Sect, Peak Master of Spirit Profound Peak, third on the Wind Cloud List, and his mentor Qin Mengjun even more so is now one of the two supreme figures of the Seven Profound Sect, existing at the apex of the Martial Arts in the Blood Exchange Realm, a legendary figure to ordinary people.


    In a certain courtyard.


    Yu Jiujiang leaned back in a recliner, his hair and beard all white, his face more wrinkled than before, and his vitality further fading, barely comparable to some Martial Artists of the Tendon Changing Realm, but his demeanor was very relaxed, his eyes amiable as he held a cup of tea.


    Suddenly, he lifted his head to look towards the entrance, then sat up with a chuckle, saying, "Why does Inspector Yan decide to visit me today? Have someone prepare tea and a seat."


    With the end of his words.


    A maid promptly responded with respect.


    The person who walked in from outside, wearing the robe of an Inspector, was none other than Yan Jingqing, his expression calm. After entering the courtyard, he did not stop the servants inside. Once they brought over chairs, he sat down opposite Yu Jiujiang.


    He didn''t speak either, and waited until the maid next to him had brewed the tea, then lifted the cup gently and took a sip.


    Yu Jiujiang observed Yan Jingqing''s demeanor with a hint of surprise in his eyes, unsure of Yan Jingqing''s intentions. Yet, he was not particularly anxious. On one hand, he was already old, and on the other, the Yu Family was no longer like in the past when facing Yan Jingqing¡ªfor now, they had sufficient confidence. In recent years, many of Yan Jingqing''s affairs would even be discussed with the Yu Family.


    Of course.


    Yu Jiujiang was well aware that all of this was due to Chen Mu''s presence.


    "..."


    After Yan Jingqing finished his tea, he suddenly let out a light sigh.


    This slight sigh inexplicably made Yu Jiujiang''s heart leap. After all, he was familiar with Yan Jingqing''s temperament¡ªever a man not to visit without serious cause. His unusual attitude and manner today must signal some major issue, and it made Yu Jiujiang subconsciously think of many unpleasant possibilities.


    "Could something have happened to Chen Mu?"


    Yu Jiujiang looked at Yan Jingqing, tentatively asking.


    It was not surprising that he first thought of Chen Mu; if not for something concerning Chen Mu, Yan Jingqing wouldn''t have personally come over, even bypassing Yu Zuyi to directly find him.


    "A casual question I once asked has turned out to be prophetic... No, it''s still too early to say that, but it''s dreamlike how in just a few short years things have come to this point," Yan Jingqing answered obliquely, his tone filled with both a sigh and a hint of absent-mindedness.


    Just as Yu Jiujiang felt uncertain, he saw Yan Jingqing gently raise his hand, and a page of intelligence report paper floated towards Yu Jiujiang.


    Yu Jiujiang reached out to catch it.


    After looking it over carefully twice, his entire being was suddenly engulfed in astonishment, as if he had read some tall tale.


    "This..."


    Seeing the astonished look on Yu Jiujiang''s face, Yan Jingqing closed his eyes slightly, but his mind reverted to several years ago when he had asked Chen Mu how a chaotic world could be stabilized.


    And Chen Mu had said that perhaps another great founding monarch like Da Xuan, a figure akin to a Martial Saint, was needed.


    The words from those years remained clear even today.


    What was unforeseeable, however, was that in less than a decade since then, Chen Mu had been upholding his will, and in quietness, he was now only a step away!


    "This intelligence..."


    It took a while for Yu Jiujiang to snap out of his shock. Although he was clear that if Yan Jingqing brought him the intelligence, it must be no fabrication, he could not help but ask once more.


    The contents in the intelligence report were truly too startling.


    "The intelligence is accurate," Yan Jingqing said, his tone carrying a light sigh.


    "This is really..."


    Yu Jiujiang looked over it several more times before finally shifting his gaze, feeling a multitude of thoughts rushing to the surface, yet unsure which to voice first. In the end, he could only let out a bitter laugh.


    The Yu Family had been thriving in recent years thanks to Chen Mu, and though he felt his own lifespan drawing ever closer, he had already come to peace with it, ready to die with no regrets. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    But as it turned out...


    Things always seem to defy expectations.


    Should he meet his end now, he would certainly pass with tension and regret, for he wouldn''t be able to see whether Chen Mu could ultimately take that step to the absolute pinnacle of the Martial Arts.


    After all, beyond the Marrow Cleansing Realm on the Qiankun Path, reaching the summit of the world was truly just a step away!

 Chapter 647 - 377 The Number One Grandmaster in the World

    Central Prefecture.


    In the secluded depths of the mountains, a Daoist temple was situated halfway up the hill.


    This temple did not appear very grand, and it seemed to attract few worshippers, but whether the halls or the door plaques, all were swept clean, free of any dust. The main gate''s door plaque bore three large characters.


    Mysterious Heavenly Observatory.


    In the back courtyard of the temple, nestled beside an ancient pine tree, sat a middle-aged Taoist clad in a simple Taoist robe. He was astonishingly seated at the edge of a small branch that extended from the ancient pine.


    A breeze passed by, causing the ancient pine to sway ever so slightly; its branches and leaves rustled, and the middle-aged Taoist also swayed with the pine, as light as a feather, as if he were an invisible entity.


    This ability to make the profound seem trivial, as if blending with the heaven and earth, was beyond the reach of ordinary Martial Men. Even some Grandmasters found it difficult to achieve such a natural and traceless state, where not even a ripple of Yuan Gang energy could be detected.


    What the Taoist''s name was, not many in this world knew, but if his title were spoken aloud, it would resonate thunderously throughout the Da Xuan Dynasty, even in the remote areas of the Cold North, familiar to countless people.


    Master Xuantian!


    The Martial Arts''s ultimate state of Unity of Heaven and Man, he stood as one of the very few at the pinnacle of contemporary Martial Arts!


    Rumors said that he was originally a disciple of the Da Xuan Royal Family who, upon hearing the Dao and entering Dao, abandoned his status for Cultivation, traveled the world, and ultimately had a marvelous comprehension of the Yin Yang of heaven and earth, reaching the ranks of the strongest Martial Arts practitioners of the age.


    "Senior brother, senior brother!"


    Just as the breeze blew and the Taoist''s figure swayed with the ancient pine, suddenly a voice came through.


    Master Xuantian slowly opened his eyes and looked outside the courtyard to see a raggedly dressed, careless old Taoist with a grin, entering the courtyard and plopping down next to the stone table.


    "What brings you this time? What did you encounter?"


    Master Xuantian did not mind the old Taoist''s casualness, his own figure still rocking with the pine branch, he asked with an even tone. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The old Taoist just laughed heartily, grabbed the teapot from the stone table, poured himself a stream of cold tea straight from the spout, gulped it down, and then said, "This matter, I''m afraid that even you, senior brother, will be greatly surprised!"


    "Oh?"


    Master Xuantian''s gaze remained calm.


    This younger brother of his enjoyed wandering around the world, in search of the principles and destinies of heaven ¡ª a pursuit not uncommon in this world. Places like the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion in the Cold North and Destiny Tower in Central Prefecture were founded on this very pursuit. However, his younger brother''s distinct approach lay in merely observing without intervening, simply scrutinizing destiny without taking action, action through inaction.


    The Heavenly Dao is ruthless and acts without intention. After peering into the mysteries of fate, attempting either to defy or comply with the prescribed destiny is to harbor a trace of ''human desire.'' The further one goes in that direction, the farther they stray; only by observing inaction can one approach the natural law. This was the path of his younger brother.


    At such a level and height, there was no longer any distinction between right and wrong in one''s path; each was merely a different route.


    Although his younger brother was not as powerful in Martial Arts as he was, in terms of understanding and comprehending some philosophies and principles of heaven and earth, he was no less insightful. Every time he returned from his travels, their discussions on the Dao would reveal new insights to Master Xuantian.


    "The Cold North Eleven States, lands of bitter cold," said the old Taoist, putting down the teapot and musing with a smile, "For a thousand years scarcely a few capable figures have emerged, apart from that Heavenly Blade, and that Heavenly Sword from several centuries ago that came slightly closer to the true nature of heaven and earth."


    Master Xuantian quietly listened to the old Taoist''s narration, not interjecting, merely extending a hand gently in a wave.


    Without a sound.


    On the stone table, the teapot that the old Taoist had set down, already empty, suddenly shimmered with a wisp of black and white light. Gurgling sounds emerged as tea refilled the pot, turning from thick to thin, from cool to hot.


    If a Grandmaster were present here, this sight would surely shock them, for this was not the manipulation of the Kan Water and Separating Fire Artistic Conception to brew a fresh pot of tea; rather, it was the reversal of the Yin Yang Rotation, reversing the changes that had occurred in the teapot, restoring it to a state some time ago when it was steeping fresh tea.


    Such a feat was within the capability of Xia Yu''r, who also mastered the Yin Yang Domain, but unlike Master Xuantian, she could not achieve it with such effortless ease. His understanding and comprehension of the Yin Yang Rotation and the changes of the world had reached unfathomable depths.


    This technique could truly be called ''skill nearing the Dao''!


    Gulp.


    The teapot tilted gently, pouring a stream of clear tea into a cup beside it, which, following Master Xuantian''s beckoning hand, serenely settled into his grasp. He picked it up and took a modest sip.


    Even for the old Taoist who was aware of Master Xuantian''s abilities and realm, witnessing this scene still left him slightly stunned, he said, "Senior brother, your manipulation of Yin Yang Rotation has grown even more exquisite. I can hardly see any hint of it; have you perhaps touched upon the Path of Time?"


    "Still like looking at flowers through the fog or fishing for the moon in a well," Master Xuantian said, shaking his head slightly.


    All those who had reached the Celestial Human realm in Martial Arts had essentially pushed the Martial Arts of their time to their absolute limits, arriving at a point where the path ahead was no more, and any further advancement required their own exploration and discovery.


    Some sought to refine the Martial Body, some sought to internalize the arts of heaven and earth, and Master Xuantian, in his quest for Dao, sought to use the Yin Yang Rotation to probe into the passage of time. He believed that the Qiankun Eight Phases did not encompass all of heaven and earth; time was not within the Eight Phases but existed within the universe. Therefore, there must exist the path of time.

 Chapter 648 - 377: The Number One Grandmaster in the World_2

    And yet,


    its level would invariably preside above all other inherent natures of heaven and earth.


    He had a premonition that if he could use the Yin Yang Rotation as a lead and touch upon the true Path of Years, seizing that power, perhaps he might transcend the third step of Artistic Conception and reach a level above that of Celestial Humans!


    Although he had pondered for decades, he was still like someone trying to make out flowers through the fog, unable to make any significant progress. But everyone has their own path, and he only believed that the path he was on was the true way. At his stage, there was no longer a concept called ''confidence''; his will in Martial Arts had long become like a mountain, unshakeable, and like a still mirror to water, utterly unconfused.


    "The higher the level, a single tier''s difference often means a world apart...It is likely that since ancient times countless people have pursued the Path of Years, but to this day no texts have been passed down."


    The old Taoist sighed.


    Those who had reached the end of Martial Arts and stepped into the Celestial Human Level, or those who sought to uncover the Ninth Realm of the Body Tempering Method, or who wished to discover the fourth step of Artistic Conception¡ªnone have succeeded thus far. Some may have spent half their lives pursuing this and seemed very close, just like his senior brother, the Taoist Master of the Mysterious Heaven, who seemed to be just one step away. Yet this one step might well be an insurmountable gulf.


    Above the level of Celestial Humans, it perhaps resembled a mirage, where after a few more steps forward, it still feels just one step away, endlessly close yet eternally out of reach. This is also the ultimate destination for all Martial Men who have experienced the Blood Exchange Realm and the Celestial Human Level after their advent.


    And yet,


    the old Taoist knew that the path attempted by the Taoist Master of Mysterious Heaven was likely much more challenging than those trying to explore the Ninth Realm of the Body Tempering Method, as Artistic Conception is ultimately more ethereal than the Martial Body.


    Just like if there wasn''t a clear text guiding one, trying to understand Artistic Conception on one''s own and knowing how to take one, two, or three steps forward is almost an impossible task. Each of these steps is the result of countless predecessors'' exploration and refinement, discussions and conclusions until finally someone truly crosses over, whereas refining the Martial Body is at least a bit more tangible.


    "You haven''t yet told me what you encountered."


    The Taoist Master of Mysterious Heaven took a sip of tea and looked at the old Taoist with a calm voice.


    The old Taoist ''ha-ha'' laughed, brushed away the cluttered thoughts, and said, "Just now, I mentioned that the Cold North is barren, and in a thousand years, it produced but two notable figures. However, this time, another extraordinary person has emerged."


    "A Qiankun Grandmaster of thirty-three, who has just entered the Marrow Cleansing Realm and already comprehended the Qiankun Domain, even Yuwen Hao, that old demon, was repelled by him. In my observation, his foundation is so profound that it may even surpass Ji Hao!"


    Speaking of this,


    the old Taoist narrowed his eyes and said, "He had not yet entered the Five Viscera Realm when I happened to see him once. The Heavenly Mandate I divined for him was very strange; the most ordinary kind of fate. Although similar to others with unpredictable fates, its essence seemed somehow different, more like an established fate that had, for some unknown reason, deviated greatly."


    "What a pity that the boy did not wish to let me divine his Heavenly Mandate then. Otherwise, I might have seen things more clearly."


    The path he practiced was to perceive the Heavenly Mandate and destiny, clearer than the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, but this also imposed a constraint on him¡ªhe could not interfere with the normal course of destiny, not even the slightest, including divination, which required full voluntary participation from the other party. He could not force it; otherwise, what was divined would be utterly confused and wrong.


    "Oh?"


    The Taoist Master of Mysterious Heaven slowly set down the teacup and said, "Is that so?"


    A Qiankun Grandmaster of thirty-three,


    able to repel Yuwen Hao,


    with a foundation surpassing Ji Hao from back in the day,


    indeed...not bad.


    The Taoist Master of Mysterious Heaven''s eyes flickered with a trace of light, but soon returned to tranquility, and he closed his eyes once more.


    Seeing the Taoist Master of Mysterious Heaven''s indifferent reaction, the old Taoist suddenly exhibited a bored expression and said, "Senior brother, you''re still as uninteresting as ever. A Qiankun Grandmaster of thirty-three is, after all, unprecedented."


    "Oh."


    The Taoist Master of Mysterious Heaven responded blandly, "Let me know when he enters the Blood Exchange Realm."


    Without entering the Blood Exchange Realm, one is still but an ant. This phrase might not be wholly applicable to Chen Mu, who indeed had some ability to repel Yuwen Hao, but for him, only those who are at the same level of Celestial Humans caught his eye.


    Even then,


    it must be those few closest to the end of Martial Arts¡ªjust that handful. As for the others, like the Northern King Yuan Hong and the like, he didn''t care much for them, nor did he have any interest in meddling with the chaos of a troubled world. What he pursued lay deeper beyond the clouds.


    Chen Mu had just stepped into the Marrow Cleansing Realm, and his journey had only just begun. At least until he entered the Blood Exchange Realm could he barely stand before him and discuss the Dao of Qiankun and heaven and earth. Before that, regardless of how monstrous or talented, it didn''t matter.


    At his Realm,


    talent, understanding¡ªit all didn''t matter anymore, for he already stood at the end of Martial Arts. Only those who had truly reached where he was could catch his eye. Until then, it just didn''t count.


    "Truly uninteresting."


    The old Taoist looked at the Taoist Master of Mysterious Heaven, shook his head with diminished spirits, but then he chuckled and said, "However, those from the Imperial Court are probably going to explode with this news. I need to see their reaction." Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With that,


    he didn''t bother with farewells, stood up, and vanished from the courtyard with a whoosh.


    Leaving the Taoist Master of Mysterious Heaven still with his eyes closed, who after a slight shake of his head, continued to sit on the edge of the pine branch, swaying gently with the ancient pine, as the simple courtyard once again returned to silence.

 Chapter 649 - 377: The Number One Grandmaster in the World_3

    ...


    Imperial City. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A black-clothed figure flitted silently over rooftops until he arrived within the Imperial Court.


    The moment he nearly touched the ground, several figures with breaths as deep as abysses appeared around him, encircling him at the center while staring intently at him.


    The man in black remained silent, subtly releasing a strand of his aura and Inner Breath, then took out an Order Token.


    Whoosh.


    Feeling the aura and seeing the Order Token, the surrounding figures made no sound as they retreated, leaving the man in black within the walls of the Imperial Court. He then walked steadily towards the majestic palaces.


    After bypassing the central, majestic and imposing building, he came to a side palace at the back.


    Several eunuchs stood outside the side palace.


    Seeing him approach,


    One of them stepped forward to greet him.


    The man in black saluted him and handed over the Order Token, whispering: "Lord Wei, urgent report from Cold North."


    "His Majesty has already rested. Tell it to me, and I will present it when His Majesty awakens," Lord Wei He, clad in a bright red eunuch''s robe, with a benign face and gentle steps, yet with an unsettling aura, softly addressed the man in black.


    Wei He.


    The Grand Supervisor of Ceremonies and leader of the palace guards.


    His official rank might be mere third grade, but his position could not be measured by rank; after Emperor Xuan''s alternate lucidity and madness, Wei He became the emperor''s sole channel to the outside world.


    The last time Emperor Xuan appeared in public was over a decade ago. In these past ten years, not even The Eight Princes nor the consorts, not even the Empress in the Imperial Palace, had seen Emperor Xuan, with only Wei He granted audience.


    Without any hesitation upon hearing Wei He''s words, the man in black slightly opened his mouth, his voice coalescing into a thread, resonating by Wei He''s ear.


    "..."


    After listening to the man in black''s report, Wei He''s eyes narrowed gradually, an intangible and terrifying aura rising from him, making the man in black''s breathing halt and his back drenched in cold sweat in an instant.


    But the aura appeared swiftly and vanished just as quickly.


    Wei He resumed his kind demeanor, speaking softly, "All right, I am informed. I will present it to His Majesty later. You may leave now. Continue to monitor the situation in Cold North and report to me whenever necessary."


    "Yes."


    The man in black steadied his breath, bowed his head, and after respectfully saluting, turned and withdrew.


    Wei He watched the man in black leave, then walked leisurely to the side palace, quietly pushing open the door and entering, then closed the door without a sound.


    He silently advanced on the green jade floor tiles until he reached a silent chamber on one side. In the chamber, a figure clad in yellow imperial robes sat cross-legged with eyes closed, his hair half-black, half-white sprawling behind him, emitting a faintly discernible breath.


    "Your Majesty, there has been an incident in the Cold North."


    Wei He spoke softly.


    His voice echoed in the silent chamber.


    However, the figure in imperial robes showed no response, remaining still and silent.


    "..."


    Seeing this, Wei He shook his head slightly.


    After waiting a while with no answer, he slowly turned to leave the chamber, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes.


    ...


    A short time later.


    Several figures set out from within the Imperial Court, each heading in different directions.


    Some went to King of Jin''s estate, some to the Prince of Yan''s estate, and some to the back courtyard of the Imperial Court. No one knew their purpose, only that after their departure from various important places, the estates of The Eight Princes and other such places all fell into brief silence.


    Finally.


    One day later, a news gradually spread throughout the Imperial City, sweeping across Central Prefecture.


    In Cold North Eleven States, the Seven Profound Sect of Yu State, Chen Mu, the Peak Master of Spirit Profound Peak, at only thirty-three, had broken through the Mysterious Pass using the Qiankun Path, achieved Marrow Cleansing, slain Wu Gu Marquis, defeated Jiang Changsheng, and repelled the Heavenly Demon Yuwen Hao... entering the roster of the world''s Grandmasters!


    After thirty-seven years, the first place in the Grandmasters'' roster of the Da Xuan Dynasty had changed hands, with King Ji Xuanchu of Jin dropping to second place.


    And the newly listed Grandmaster Chen Mu.


    Ranked first!

 Chapter 650 - 378: Discussion on the Forbidden Land

    The number one Grandmaster of the Cold North.


    Or perhaps, the number one Grandmaster in the entire Da Xuan Dynasty, was at this moment unaware of the stir he had caused, or maybe he had anticipated it already and didn''t care much about it now, accepting it calmly and staying composed amidst changes.


    Chen Mu was standing in the midst of a quiet valley, a forbidden area of the Seven Profound Sect''s gates, where even Elders wouldn''t easily step foot, only the Supreme Sect members and the Sect Master themselves could move freely.


    In the past, only Yin Heng, Qin Mengjun, and Qi Zhiyuan had the freedom to come and go from this place.


    And now, there was one more person who could, that was Chen Mu.


    This secluded valley was sunken in terrain, yet at its center stood an extremely massive dragon pillar¡ªthe heart of the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, also known as the Qiankun Dragon Locking Pillar, forged of Secret Gold and Earth''s Veins anchor stone, it also contained top-tier spiritual objects like Xuan Yellow Stone, and can be said to be an overall top-tier Spirit Weapon treasure.


    Only with such a formidable Spirit Weapon treasure as its core, could it suppress the Earth Pulse''s Power beneath the Seven Profound mountain range and serve as a guide to harness the Power of Earth''s Veins, otherwise, relying solely on human strength, even for an expert at the Unity of Heaven and Man level, whose intentions could resonate with the Heaven and Earth for hundreds of miles, would merely sense that range. The actual Power of Heaven and Earth they could control was far less extensive, at most a few to a dozen miles; anything more would be almost like the legendary gods and Buddhas.


    Of course.


    The Earth Pulse''s Power that the Qiankun Dragon Locking Pillar could mobilize covered a range of hundreds of miles, but it was quite sluggish. Even if Yin Heng personally attended the Formation Core, the power he could exert was hardly two or three tenths of its potential.


    This power could compete with cultivators at the Unity of Heaven and Man level in Martial Arts, but it had difficulty in suppressing them.


    Practically speaking.


    Owning such a top-tier Earth Pulse''s Momentum was akin to possessing an immovable ''Unity of Heaven and Man'' level expert, which was also why a top-tier Sect like the Seven Profound Sect had the confidence to dominate a State.


    If it hadn''t been for the Ice Extreme Palace encountering an anomaly with Heaven and Earth, causing the Earthly Abyss to open and consequentially dispersing the Earth''s Veins, even the combined forces of the Foreign Race''s Four Departments along with the Sky Demon Sect and the Heavenly Corpse Sect would not have managed to breach their gates, forcing them to relocate far away.


    Breaking through such an Earth Pulse Formation, even if one or two celebrities at the Unity of Heaven and Man level were to take action, would almost certainly not be possible without a year or half a year, unless three or four such experts could be mustered... But such Unity of Heaven and Man experts were not cabbages found everywhere; even throughout the entire Cold North, there were only a mere two.


    Across the entire Da Xuan Dynasty, there were no more than twenty-odd such individuals.


    "This Void Jade Crystal is indeed extraordinarily mysterious,"


    Yin Heng stood next to the Qiankun Dragon Locking Pillar, his gaze fixed on a crystal-clear piece of Jade Crystal floating in the void, immersing himself in its enchantment for a long time before he couldn''t help but sigh.


    Next to the Void Jade Crystal were Chen Mu and Qin Mengjun¡ªnow the three top masters of the Seven Profound Sect, gathered here, studying the mysteries of the Void Jade Crystal.


    "There are very few objects in this world that can touch upon the mysteries of the void,"


    Chen Mu was also gazing at the Void Jade Crystal at this time.


    After escorting Xu Hongyu and others to settle in Spirit Profound Peak, he began organizing the spoils of his trip to the Earthly Abyss. For the most valuable items like the Sky Patching Stone and Primordial Vital Energy, he had some understanding, but the Void Jade Crystal was completely foreign to him.


    So, after some thought, he went to the Sect''s forbidden land to visit Yin Heng and inquire about the mystery of the Void Jade Crystal.


    Yin Heng had not seen the Void Jade Crystal with his own eyes either, but with a century of experience, he knew of it and understood that it was one of the very few objects that contained the mysteries of the void and was also one of the crucial materials for refining space-related Spirit Weapons.


    Upon learning that the Void Jade Crystal could refine space-related Spirit Weapons, Chen Mu was also amazed and immediately asked Yin Heng how to refine it. Yin Heng happened to know the Refinement Methods, but there were several key conditions needed.


    First, there had to be at least two individuals in the Blood Exchange Realm. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This condition was just met by the Seven Profound Sect, as both Yin Heng and Qin Mengjun were in the Blood Exchange Realm.


    Second, there had to be at least one Qiankun Grandmaster.


    Actually, this was much more difficult because, throughout the world, over the past thousand years, there had been only ten Qiankun Grandmasters, but Chen Mu happened to be the tenth, making this most difficult condition not an issue.


    Third, a strong Earth Pulse Formation was needed.


    The Seven Profound Sect''s gate formation, the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, was one of the top Earth Pulse Formations, perfectly meeting this requirement,


    Fourth, relying solely on the Void Jade Crystal, one still could not directly refine a space-related Spirit Weapon. Another object that could accommodate the Void Jade Crystal was required, and while there were several, each was an extremely rare item.


    However, Chen Mu happened to have one of them in his possession¡ªthe Sky Patching Stone.


    An exceptional object born from the creation and destruction of a Cave Heaven, it was one of the few that could hold the Void Force, and it just matched the Void Jade Crystal as another main material. It could be born alongside the Void Jade Crystal when the Stone Vein Cave Heaven was collapsing, which was also a fortuitous coincidence.


    All four key conditions were surprisingly met!


    Given that spatial Spirit Weapons are so rare in the world precisely because meeting these four conditions simultaneously is tremendously difficult, it was as if the Seven Profound Sect had them all by fate.


    "Mengjun, how do you feel?"


    Yin Heng turned his head to look at Qin Mengjun not far away.


    Qin Mengjun was also watching the Void Jade Crystal, attuning to its intricacies. Hearing Yin Heng''s words, she snapped back to reality, gathered her thoughts, and shook her head slightly, saying, "It''s like looking at flowers in the fog, hard to discern the essence."

 Chapter 651 - 378: Debate in the Forbidden Land_2

    Although she was now a person at the Blood Exchange Realm, her journey in Body Tempering Martial Arts had almost reached the end. She could even shake the Void itself when giving it her all, creating Void Rifts, but she could not comprehend the mysteries of the Void, failing to grasp its essence.


    "..."


    Chen Mu was also observing the Void Jade Crystal.


    In fact, ever since he got it, he had been studying the Void Jade Crystal throughout his journey. The wonder of this object lay in its paradoxical structure - it seemed to be a product that should not exist in the world.


    Within that crystal-clear crystal, it seemed to contain countless edges and structures, its essence like a piece of compressed Void, not belonging to any substance between heaven and earth. Even with Chen Mu having cultivated the Qiankun Eight Phases and observing it through the Qiankun Path, he was unable to fully penetrate and control it.


    "The Path of the Void, if it were so easy to comprehend, would have already become one of the martial arts recorded in the classics by now," she said.


    Listening to Qin Mengjun''s response, Yin Heng couldn''t help but sigh, "Martial Artists'' cultivation, upon reaching the Unity of Heaven and Man, have arrived at the ultimate state, the end of Martial Arts of our times."


    "But does Martial Arts really have an end?"


    "Ten thousand years ago, the Marrow Cleansing Realm was the end, yet someone opened up the Blood Exchange Realm, giving birth to the first Celestial Human."


    "Earlier still, the Six Viscera Realm was the end, with very few able to comprehend their Domain."


    "The Martial Arts of today holds the Third Step of Artistic Conception as the pinnacle, Body Refining and Blood Exchange as the pinnacle. All Martial Artists who have reached the end always seek to carve a new path, reaching the Ninth Realm of Body Tempering Martial Arts, or the Fourth Step of Artistic Conception," Yin Heng narrated slowly.


    At this, Chen Mu and Qin Mengjun both turned their attention to Yin Heng.


    Although Qin Mengjun had ascended to the Blood Exchange Realm, and Chen Mu possessed power comparable to those in the Blood Exchange Realm, both had reached this level much later than Yin Heng and naturally had far less exposure and knowledge about what comes after Blood Exchange than Yin Heng.


    "Is there really a Ninth Realm in the Body Tempering Method?" Chen Mu asked thoughtfully.


    Yin Heng first shook his head, then nodded.


    Seeing his reaction, Chen Mu quietly waited for what he would say next, while Qin Mengjun also listened without interrupting.


    "There is no Ninth Realm today, but in the future, perhaps there will be," Yin Heng said slowly. "Mengjun, now that you have entered the Blood Exchange, you should know that in this Realm, unlike during the Marrow Cleansing Realm where terms like Minor Achievement to Major Achievement and Perfection were used, once one enters Blood Exchange, it only takes two or three years to transform all the essence blood into ''Martial Blood.'' It carries the Power of Heaven and Earth, flowing through the body, bringing the Martial Body to a state of absolute perfection."


    "However, this perfection doesn''t mean that one cannot advance further in refinement. Some believe that the cultivation of Body Tempering Martial Arts is continually tempering the flesh to align with the nature of heaven and earth, from Skin Toughening and Body Refinement to Marrow Cleansing and Blood Exchange, step by step approaching the essence of heaven and earth themselves. The next step, then, might be a complete transformation of the nature of the physical body."


    "The path may be clear, but no one knows how to step onto it. In today''s world, the one who has gone farthest on this road should be the Abbot Zhen Ding of the Great Zen Temple. Known as the Ancient Buddha with a Golden Body, his strength would rank among the top five in the Da Xuan Dynasty, but as far as I know, even he is still bound by the nature of flesh, unable to escape this restraint," explained Yin Heng.


    Hearing Yin Heng''s narration, Qin Mengjun showed a contemplative expression.


    Martial Arts has always been advancing. The Eight Phases of Body Tempering didn''t arise all at once but evolved step by step. However, the ''Blood Exchange Realm'' is somewhat different; at this stage, the entire body has been thoroughly refined, reaching a state of flawless perfection. It''s truly unknown whether a Ninth Realm lies beyond it.


    Some firmly believe there must be a Ninth Realm of Body Tempering, but there are also skeptics like Yin Heng.


    Meanwhile, Chen Mu, upon hearing Yin Heng''s words, was slightly taken aback.


    Talking about changing the essential nature of the physical body, he thought of himself. The Five Viscera and Six Viscera he had tempered to the extreme indeed seemed to exist in a way that had detached from the mortal flesh, approaching the essence of heaven and earth.


    To ordinary people, a shattered heart would be a fatal injury, even for a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster or a Blood Exchange Martial Saint, but for him, even if his heart shattered, it would still be able to heal itself, and the healing process would be incredibly fast.


    This was not just speculation. S~ea??h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He had experimented with a non-essential organ, leaving a fine scar with Inner Breath Yuan Gang, but the scar did not bleed and healed almost momentarily, its nature differing from the mortal flesh.


    But the problem was, he was merely at the Marrow Cleansing Realm at the moment, not yet having stepped into the Blood Exchange. The transformation he had experienced was just extreme tempering of the Five Viscera and Six Viscera. If what Yin Heng said was true, if the Ninth Realm of Body Tempering Martial Arts was about completely detaching from the mortal flesh, wouldn''t that make him half a ''Ninth Realm''?


    This didn''t seem quite reasonable.


    However, after a brief period of contemplation, Chen Mu did not voice these thoughts. It wasn''t that he was deliberately hiding them, but rather he himself was still in partial understanding, and narrating it seemed pointless.


    He was uncertain whether there would ever be a Ninth Realm in Body Tempering Martial Arts, but with his talent and aptitude, he would certainly bring the Marrow Cleansing Realm and Blood Exchange Realm to their limits in the future, reaching the true pinnacle.


    If the Ninth Realm exists, then at that time, he should be able to glimpse that level.

 Chapter 652 - 378: Discourse in the Forbidden Land_3

    "Although it seems somewhat vague, it does indeed make sense,"


    Qin Mengjun pondered for a moment before slowly responding. Within a couple of years, as the Martial Blood flowed throughout her body and gradually refined every part of her to flawlessness, her path would also reach its end. At that time, besides contemplating the third step of Artistic Conception, she would mostly explore the further possibilities of Body Tempering Martial Arts.


    Although the idea of transcending the flesh and comparing one''s body to heaven and earth sounds very intangible, based on the journey of Body Refining it is a reasonable inference; it''s just that no one has succeeded yet, so it can''t be confirmed as correct.


    "Did Elder Yin just mention the fourth step of Artistic Conception?"


    After thinking it over, Chen Mu asked Yin Heng.


    What he understood was that the end of Martial Arts was the third step of Artistic Conception, but those who had reached the third step, achieving Unity of Heaven and Man, each was a paragon of their era ¡ª extraordinarily gifted and highly wise. Having reached the limit, they naturally would speculate whether there were further possibilities beyond, exploring the intangible fourth step of Artistic Conception.


    However, these matters typically belong to the sort of thing that wouldn''t even be recorded in ancient tomes; basically, only the top existences of the present age might discuss and theorize amongst themselves about how far they had explored, unknown to others.


    "Hmm."


    Yin Heng glanced at Chen Mu, saying, "You cultivate the Qiankun Path, encompassing everything under heaven, but up to today, you should also feel that Qiankun does not encompass everything; it''s merely everything within this realm."


    "As for the essence of the Void beyond heaven and earth, it is not within the scope of Qiankun... Thus, some speculate that if one can comprehend the path of the Void and control the Void Force, that would be stepping into the fourth step of Artistic Conception."


    Chen Mu, listening to Yin Heng''s words, did not show much surprise. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Because even he himself had speculated as much, let alone others who had progressed even further in Martial Arts.


    However.


    The path of the Void was still vague and elusive for him now; even though he could create rifts in the Void, he knew what it was but not why it was. It was like missing a primer, unable to comprehend how to move from within Qiankun to beyond.


    "In fact, there are many more theories about the fourth step of Artistic Conception. For instance, some believe that time is also a path. Heaven and earth originated from the Primordial Chaos, diversifying into Yin and Yang until Qiankun; this process is time itself. If one can comprehend and control the power of time, that too would transcend the third step of Artistic Conception and reach a higher level,"


    Yin Heng said with a chuckle as he looked at Chen Mu and Qin Mengjun.


    Today, although Chen Mu and Qin Mengjun were still somewhat behind him, they were actually on the same level. There wasn''t much he could teach them; sharing what he knew as a senior made him feel quite good.


    "Time?"


    Qin Mengjun was slightly astonished, then showed a thoughtful expression.


    Time leaves no trace but surely exists, symbolizing the logic of changes in heaven and earth. If one could understand this ''change'' itself, then indeed, it might be possible to gain a deeper understanding of heaven and earth and thus transcend the third step of Artistic Conception.


    However, for her now, even reaching the third stage of Artistic Conception and stepping into Unity of Heaven and Man was still a distance away. Envisioning more ethereal possibilities like ''time'' and ''void'' for the fourth step was setting her sights too high.


    After hearing Yin Heng''s words, Chen Mu also fell into a brief contemplation.


    In fact, when it came to knowledge about the Da Xuan Dynasty, he might not know as much as Yin Heng, who had travelled through centuries, but if it were about understanding the world, his vision was much broader.


    Up, down, left, and right form the universe.


    The past, present, and future form time.


    Once everything within this realm, like wind, thunder, water, fire, and the other Eight Phases, was fully comprehended, then what lay beyond were just ''universe'' and ''time,'' which were essentially what Yin Heng referred as ''Void'' and ''Time.''


    At least, in Chen Mu''s view, both paths might be correct; it''s just that the world''s Martial Arts have not developed to that level yet, and no one has reached that height. Currently, it''s all still in the exploratory and experimental stage.


    "Alright, let''s not talk about this anymore. You will sooner or later come into contact with and understand it; thinking about it in advance is pointless. Let''s continue researching this Void Jade Crystal and see how to refine it,"


    Yin Heng, seeing Chen Mu and Qin Mengjun deep in thought, chuckled and then spoke up to interrupt after a while.


    The Void, Time,


    these are not so easy to comprehend. Just the third step of Artistic Conception, Unity of Heaven and Man, is something that billions know not of, where only about twenty individuals have emerged.


    Human life is limited, even those in the Blood Exchange Realm have a lifespan of only two hundred years; even if one is proficient in conservation and health methods, living past three hundred is challenging. In his view, unless one could first break through the limits of lifespan and gain more extended time, it might be possible to discern Artistic Conception to a higher level; otherwise, it would all just be building castles in the air, without any foundation.


    He was more in favor of the concept of the Ninth Realm of Body Refining.


    As for the Void and Time, even if they truly were the correct paths of cultivation, he doubted he would see them in his lifetime.


    "Hmm."


    Qin Mengjun by now had snapped back to reality, nodded slightly, and then continued her research into the Void Jade Crystal.


    Yin Heng generally knew the Refinement Methods for space-oriented Spirit Weapons and now that conditions were all met, he had no experience with this and naturally could not proceed recklessly, needing further discussion among the three of them to ensure no errors before attempting.


    Chen Mu was also quite cautious about this. After all, possessing a space-oriented Spirit Weapon would make his actions much more convenient; such a fortuitous opportunity was not to be wasted, and naturally, every detail was carefully considered to ensure no mistakes.

 Chapter 653 - 379: Qiankun Bottle

    Several days hurried by.


    Chen Mu, Qin Mengjun, and Yin Heng were still deep within the Forbidden Land of the Seven Profound Sect.


    At this moment, Chen Mu stood face to face with Qin Mengjun, with a Void Jade Crystal and a Sky Patching Stone floating between them, engaged in research and discussion, occasionally nodding or deep in thought.


    Yin Heng stood at another spot, and suddenly, as if he heard something, he slightly closed his eyes. When he opened them again, he looked towards Chen Mu and said, "Your affair has spread throughout Central Prefecture. I fear trouble is imminent."


    "The path of Martial Arts has always been fraught with obstacles, every step arduous. Why fear the trouble?" Chen Mu slightly shook his head and said, "But indeed, we should act a bit faster now. Senior Yin, how confident do you feel?"


    Yin Heng turned back, walked over to the side, and closely observed the Void Jade Crystal, saying, "I will manage the power of the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation. Mengjun will support the Sky Patching Stone, and you, with the power of Qiankun, guide it. We should have a fifty percent chance... If we delve further into research for another ten days to half a month, we might increase our odds by another ten or twenty percent."


    "Fifty percent, that''s enough."


    Chen Mu''s gaze landed on the Void Jade Crystal.


    This probability was about the same as what he had predicted. After all, it was the refinement of a spatial spirit weapon. Even though every condition was met, and the presence of the grandmaster, most adept at forging, still wouldn''t guarantee a hundred percent success. A fifty-fifty chance was enough to attempt.


    The three had been studying the Void Jade Crystal for over ten days. Chen Mu did not plan to waste any more time, for he had other matters to attend to, and additionally, Hua Nongying seemed to have found information about the Sea Calming Pearl in the Outer Sea. He also needed to make a trip there.


    "We can try it."


    Qin Mengjun also nodded in agreement.


    It wasn''t that an extra ten or twenty percent chance wasn''t important. It was just that the current Chen Mu really shouldn''t stay long in the Seven Profound Sect. After all, the eyes of the world were on him; emerging alone from the mountains and wandering incognito, until he fully soared in the sky, overlooking all, was the safer approach for Chen Mu now.


    "Alright, let''s get started."


    Seeing this, Yin Heng didn''t hesitate further. With a sweep of his large sleeve, the Qiankun Dragon Locking Pillar standing at the center of the Forbidden Land vibrated with a humming sound and was accompanied by a heavy and vast power from Earth''s Veins, which started to slowly operate.


    Even though he was at the Blood Exchange Realm, able to manipulate the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation to try and refine Void Spirit Soldiers, such opportunities were extremely rare, likely once in a lifetime, so the moment was very solemn for him.


    By the time Yin Heng started, Qin Mengjun did not hesitate either. With a flick of her fingers, the Strength of Qian Heaven rippled and hummed, lifting the Sky Patching Stone.


    "Qiankun set, Heaven and Earth unite."


    Chen Mu''s gaze was solemn as well. At the same time, he lifted his hands forward, formed a seal, and the power of Qiankun surged forward, pulling the Void Jade Crystal over and landing it on the Sky Patching Stone, initially binding them together with Qiankun''s guidance.


    Then Yin Heng swept his sleeve, and a surging and vast power from Earth''s Veins, colored earth-yellow, spewed out from the Qiankun Dragon Locking Pillar, rushed to the sky, hung inverted in mid-air, and then struck down on the Void Jade Crystal and the Sky Patching Stone in one fell swoop.


    "Hmph..."


    Qin Mengjun grunted. Sear?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Her task was to protect the Sky Patching Stone, ensuring it didn''t shatter under the impact of Earth''s Veins power. Although there was no need to confront that vast power head-on, she still felt the impact.


    The power from Earth''s Veins mobilized by the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation was vast, especially at the center of the formation, unleashing powerful forces that even masters of Unity of Heaven and Man often dared not face directly. That force was just not concentrated enough; otherwise, it would be easy to shatter the void with the consolidated power of hundreds of miles of Earth''s Veins and mountains.


    Chen Mu also bore considerable pressure. Under such mighty celestial force, even the current him could feel his own frailty, though it was merely a frailty. Compared to his past self, who felt as insignificant as an ant, he now faced this power and could at least struggle a bit. As long as he didn''t endure a direct hit, he still had some ability to maneuver.


    "Focus!"


    At this moment, Yin Heng''s gaze was extremely solemn, fully exerting himself as well. After all, managing the Qiankun Lock Dragon Pillar to mobilize such vast power, even in his state of Blood Exchange Realm, was tremendously pressure-heavy. It was impossible to manipulate such huge forces at will, so he could only do his best to control it and prevent it from dispersing.


    Crack! Crack! Crack!!


    The vast power of Earth''s Veins then focused on the Void Jade Crystal, continuously refining it, causing the crystal to emit crackling sounds as if it was about to shatter.


    However, what actually appeared was not shattering but rather the chaotic and mottled cracks and edges inside the Void Jade Crystal, each gradually disappearing and smoothing out. The numerous tiny spaces within it broke apart and merged with each other.


    Facing this transformation closely, Chen Mu couldn''t help but rise with a realization: Could it be that the universe was born this way, also from such a piece of Void Jade Crystal, opened and impacted by infinite forces, expanding endlessly to form the universe and its landscapes?


    At this moment.


    Under the interaction of the Qiankun energy, Chen Mu could feel a space within the Void Jade Crystal gradually blending and expanding, or rather a ''miniature Cave Heaven.'' Initially the size of a palm, as it slowly expanded, it grew to a foot, to a yard, and continued to expand further.

 Chapter 654 - 379: Qiankun Bottle_2

    However, it was when this internal space expanded to nearly twenty zhang in size that it began to tremble violently. It wasn''t that it couldn''t be expanded further, but the overwhelming Earth Pulse''s Power mobilized by the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation had reached its limit.


    "The limit!"


    Yin Heng on this side was holding his hands out in the empty air, forcefully controlling the Earth Pulse''s Power, his entire Yuan Gang Inner Breath surging.


    Actually, it wasn''t the Earth Pulse''s Power that had reached its limit, but rather the intensity Yin Heng could control. He was no longer able to make the majestic and vast Earth Pulse''s Power more Solidifying Refinement to carve out a broader space within the Void Jade Crystal.


    At that moment.


    Without Yin Heng having to say it, Chen Mu also knew that Yin Heng had reached the limit of his abilities.


    If there had been an expert at the Unity of Heaven and Man present, perhaps the manipulation of the Earth Pulse''s Power could have pushed further, possibly expanding the space within the Void Jade Crystal to fifty or even a hundred zhang. But for Yin Heng, twenty zhang was the limit; continuing would be very unstable, and it could collapse and destroy everything at any moment.


    "Heavens open, Qiankun changes!"


    Chen Mu stepped forward, pointed his finger, and went all out. The Qiankun Domain opened to its full extent, controlling the Power of Heaven and Earth within the Qiankun Domain, coupled with the surging Yuan Gang True Essence, Qiankun Power poured into the interior of the Void Jade Crystal, forcibly propping up the twenty-zhang space inside!


    With the vast Earth Pulse''s Power surging outside and Chen Mu''s Qiankun Power supporting inside, the previously unstable micro Cave Heaven inside the Void Jade Crystal gradually began to stabilize, on the verge of completely taking shape.


    Crack, crack.


    Almost at the same moment the Cave Heaven within started to solidify, the surface of the actual Void Jade Crystal began to show crack after crack of white fissures.


    Once the inside Cave Heaven completely solidified, it meant that the husk of the Void Jade Crystal would utterly shatter.


    Chen Mu and Yin Heng at this moment were both intensely focused, without the leisure to be distracted, trying to coordinate with each other as much as possible. And just as the breaking of the Void Jade Crystal reached a certain extent, and its shell was about to burst open, Qin Mengjun finally made her move.


    She had been maintaining the Sky Patching Stone so it wouldn''t take any impact. Now, a flash of light in her eyes, and the Strength of Qian Heaven surged with her right hand''s movement, becoming tumultuously powerful, forcibly driving the Sky Patching Stone into the Cave Heaven inside the Void Jade Crystal!


    The next moment.


    Chen Mu, Yin Heng, and Qin Mengjun all felt a sudden flash of white light, covering everything in their field of vision, leaving only a vast expanse of pure whiteness in the whole world, with nothing else to be seen.


    This illusion lasted only a short breath before the center of the Forbidden Land became quiet once more.


    All three simultaneously withdrew their power and retreated after releasing their forces.


    Whoosh!!


    The tumultuous Earth Pulse''s Power, no longer being drawn upon, swept back in reverse, sinking back underground, once again suppressed by the Qiankun Dragon Locking Pillars.


    In the void where the various forces had converged, there appeared a slightly irregular, multicolored object that was somewhat bottle-shaped and just larger than a palm.


    "Is it done?"


    Qin Mengjun peered at the object, a glint of light passing through her eyes.


    Chen Mu was the first to extend his hand and with a gesture, beckoned the object into his grasp. After weighing it lightly in his palm, a look of immense relief spread across his face as he said, "It''s done."


    After speaking.


    He tossed it gently, throwing it to Qin Mengjun.


    Qin Mengjun, unable to wait, reached out to catch it. To someone of her level, there were few things that could pique her interest, but a Spatial Spirit Weapon was undoubtedly one of them. After all, it was a rare treasure that could hardly be found anywhere in the world. Even if it might not rank at the very top in the Spirit Weapon Catalogue of Da Xuan, its utility was exceedingly wide and convenient.


    Upon receiving the object and sensing it briefly, Qin Mengjun felt that, though it seemed solid in her hand, it actually contained a small Cave Heaven of about twenty zhang within. And there was an opening connecting this Cave Heaven to the external world, resembling a bottle mouth, due to the effect of the Sky Patching Stone.


    Yin Heng was also very interested and came over, joining Qin Mengjun to examine this newly developed Spatial Spirit Weapon. With his experience, he had only occasionally seen a spatial Spirit Weapon but had never had the chance to personally investigate its mysteries. So this one, which he had a hand in Refinement, naturally intrigued him greatly.


    Chen Mu didn''t mind, he simply stood by and watched Yin Heng and Qin Mengjun study it.


    After a moment.


    Qin Mengjun handed the Spatial Spirit Weapon back to Chen Mu and said, "It looks like a bottle to me. How about you refine its shape a bit, make it bottle-like, and call it the Qiankun Bottle?"


    The Spatial Spirit Weapon was indeed exceptionally valuable, and it was useful to both Qin Mengjun and Yin Heng, but since Chen Mu was the one who had acquired the materials, it naturally belonged to him, not a treasure of the Sect. Unless Chen Mu left it behind at the Seven Profound Sect after he passed away for generations to inherit, it would become another treasure of the Sect, just like the Taiyin Mirror.


    "A bit mundane, but it''s catchy," S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu chuckled at Qin Mengjun''s suggestion. He then lightly gestured with his right hand, and the dust rose from the ground to cover the surface of the Spatial Spirit Weapon, filling in the irregular parts and finally shaping it into a simple bottle form. It looked like nothing more than a wine container. Without touching and inspecting it, no one would be able to tell that it was a Spatial Spirit Weapon with a Cave Heaven inside.

 Chapter 655 - 379: Qiankun Bottle_3

    Having finally acquired a spatial spirit weapon, Chen Mu''s mood was also very pleasant at that moment. After all, many times in the past he had faced the inconvenient situation of carrying heavy objects, especially when exploring the Earthly Abyss, where the corpses of the Eighth Rank Demon Kings he had killed could mostly not be taken away. He could only take the most precious parts from their bodies, while the rest had to be reluctantly left behind. sea??h th§× nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If he had had such a ''Qiankun Pot'' earlier, he would not have had to lose those valuable items.


    The spatial spirit weapon that he had been longing for had finally been refined successfully. Chen Mu finally shook off many restrictions and returned to his residence, putting all sorts of accumulated items into the Qiankun Pot, feeling much more unencumbered in an instant.


    The only pity was that the Cave Heaven inside this Qiankun Pot was only about twenty zhang in radius, which was much smaller compared to the ''Qiankun Pot'' ranked in the top ten of the Da Xuan Spirit Weapon Catalogue rumored to be much larger.


    In the past, Chen Mu''s understanding of the Qiankun Pot was limited to some baseless rumors, but today, from Yin Heng''s mouth, he had learned many previously unknown true histories, such as the fact that the internal space of the Qiankun Pot was vast, far surpassing other existing spatial spirit weapons. It was almost a miniature Cave Heaven, even capable of transporting tens of thousands of elite army soldiers!


    This was indeed terrifying.


    Like the Qiankun Pot in his hand, if it were to be used by the Jade Forest Army, at best, it would facilitate the transportation and placement of grain and fodder, but the Qiankun Pot could carry hundreds of thousands of elite soldiers, carried by a master in the Blood Exchange Realm, dropping in like a divine soldiery from heaven!


    Originally, the four armies of the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, such as the Azure Dragon and White Tiger, were already the most elite soldiers in the world, with all soldiers having undergone Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering, countless officers in the Viscera Realm and uncountable Grandmasters commanding them. Once the military formations were established, even those in the Blood Exchange Realm would find it difficult to escape, not to mention reaching an elusive degree by depending on the Qiankun Pot. It was simply too terrifying.


    With such a terrifying, almost divine weapon, it was no wonder that the former Da Xuan Dynasty Court could command the world, deter all sides, and be obeyed by all beneath the heavens. It''s just that this divine weapon ultimately got lost in history, and its whereabouts are still unknown to this day.


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly.


    Chen Mu collected his thoughts.


    No matter where the Qiankun Pot had ended up, it didn''t matter much to him anymore. He already had a Qiankun Pot, which was convenient enough for his use, and he didn''t need a divine weapon like the Qiankun Pot to deter the world.


    What he pursued was always the ultimate in personal martial strength. Once he ascended to the Blood Exchange Realm in the future, or even mastered the third step of Artistic Conception, reaching the realm of the Celestial Human, what would it matter if he faced a million-strong army, even if they formed a tight military formation around him?


    One man,


    could break through a million soldiers!


    After calming his emotions, Chen Mu thought for a moment and then summoned the system panel.


    [Martial Body: Qiankun (Minor Achievement)]


    [Experience: 782 points]


    His Qiankun Martial Body needed six thousand experience points to break through from Minor Achievement to Major Achievement. In fact, after exploring the Earthly Abyss and gaining many rewards, he had almost gathered enough experience required for the breakthrough.


    However, the forceful upgrading through the system panel did not take into account the adaptability of the body. Previously, when he stepped into the Minor Achievement of the Qiankun Body, he needed some time to adapt. After the expedition to the Earthly Abyss and the process of studying and refining the Qiankun Pot, his foundation was basically solid, and now he could attempt to advance further.


    After feeling his current state of martial physique for a moment, Chen Mu flipped his hand and took out the Qiankun Pot, guiding it with a strand of Yuan Gang True Essence, and took out the fifteen portions of top-tier Mystic Tortoise Pellets that he had stored in it earlier.


    At that time, after refining all the Mystic Tortoise Heart Blood into Mystic Tortoise Pellets, since his Qiankun Martial Body had only recently reached Minor Achievement and needed some time to adapt, he did not continue to ingest these spiritual medicines for tempering. Instead, he stored them, and now he took them all out, which was just right to use.


    Chen Mu had already used Mystic Tortoise Pellets a long time ago.


    At this moment, he didn''t hesitate much and soon swallowed them one by one, gradually digesting the medicinal power of the Mystic Tortoise Pellets in his body, while the accumulated experience points on the system panel screen rapidly increased.


    Basically, as Chen Mu had previously judged, after consuming and refining all fifteen portions of the top-tier Mystic Tortoise Pellets, he accumulated nearly three thousand points of experience.


    [Martial Body: Qiankun (Minor Achievement)]


    [Experience: 3821 points]


    He was still almost 2200 points short of stepping into Major Achievement.


    This part was not a concern for the current Chen Mu, as he had gained a lot in the Earthly Abyss. The first thing he took out was a vibrant green and fresh fruit¡ªEvergreen Fruit!


    This Evergreen Fruit was taken from Jiang Changsheng''s body.


    After Jiang Changsheng''s sword broke and his resolve shattered, he was essentially a cripple, and Chen Mu lost much interest in him, taking away everything he had harvested in the Earthly Abyss, including this Evergreen Fruit.


    Thinking of Jiang Changsheng, a strange emotion rose in Chen Mu''s heart. Gu Hong had previously been defeated by him, his Heart Sword broken and rendered a cripple, only to rise from his defeats, but then he was shattered again by him, and since then, there had been no news of him. Jiang Changsheng, too, had painstakingly practiced the Longevity Sword all his life, only to have it broken by him, from pupil to master all defeated by him.


    It was unknown if Jiang Changsheng could, like Gu Hong, reunite his Sword Heart. However, he was ultimately a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster who had suffered such a heavy blow that just his Martial Body alone would not recover in less than three to five years. Even if he could rise from his defeat, it would be many years later.


    By that time,


    who knows what the world would be like.


    Chen Mu quickly shook his head, not wanting to think too much, and swallowed the Evergreen Fruit in one gulp.


    ...


    Qing State.


    Heavenly Sword Sect.


    Nestled among the mountains, each peak steep, like upright sword blades piercing into the clouds.


    Jiang Changsheng, clad in a green robe, with bloodstains all over it, his face dry and brittle, his eyes resembling the still waters of a dead pond, leaned on a withered wooden staff and staggered toward the sect gate, taking steps one by one until he reached the front of the gate.


    "Uncle Master..."


    Following Jiang Changsheng, a figure in white clothes trailed behind him. The young-faced man watched as Jiang Changsheng staggered into the gate of the Heavenly Sword Sect, and while he sighed in relief, his eyes were filled with complex emotions.


    Early on, stewards and protectors of the Heavenly Sword Sect appeared, but seeing Jiang Changsheng stagger forward with his staff, none dared to step forward to help. Some even cast their gazes towards the white-clothed figure escorting him along and greeted the man in white.


    "Brother Zuo."


    "Protector Zuo."


    The man in white who had been escorting Jiang Changsheng was none other than Zuo Qianqiu, the former champion of the true disciples and the current Heavenly Sword Protector of the sect.


    Half a month ago, in Ice State, he had maneuvered the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram and had defeated a Seventh Rank Demon Venerable of the Sky Demon Sect, causing quite a stir. In terms of strength, by the next re-evaluation of the Wind Cloud List, he was likely to make it onto the list.


    However, at this moment, seeing the staggering figure of Jiang Changsheng, Zuo Qianqiu felt somewhat distracted.


    Originally,


    after defeating a Seventh Rank Demon Venerable of the Sky Demon Sect, he believed he was gradually closing the gap with Chen Mu, and he was confident that within five years, he could break through the Mysterious Pass and enter the realm of a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster.


    But then on his way back to the sect, he suddenly heard about Jiang Changsheng''s sword breaking in the Earthly Abyss. He was shocked at first, but then he learned that the person who had broken Jiang Changsheng''s sword was none other than Chen Mu, who he saw as the enemy of his lifetime.


    During the journey to escort Jiang Changsheng back to the sect, he also heard that in the Grandmaster List of the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, Chen Mu had quietly made the list and had instantly become the top grandmaster in the world!


    Even now, he still felt a bit bewildered.


    It had only been a few years since their battle on the Yunni Sky Steps, where he had fought with all his might. Although defeated by Chen Mu, he at least had the qualification to make Chen Mu fight seriously.


    But now,


    even Jiang Changsheng, in front of Chen Mu, was not even an equal opponent. Despite his great progress over these few years, having entered the Six Viscera Realm and refined the Six Viscera to perfection, and even possessing the strength to join the Wind Cloud List, he was recognized as the unparalleled prodigy of the Heavenly Sword Sect for a century and its sole successor. Yet when compared to Chen Mu, all his arduous cultivation now seemed like a joke.


    Where exactly did he fall short?

 Chapter 656 - 656: 380

    ```


    In the depths of the Seven Profound mountain range.


    In a canyon.


    Seated cross-legged atop a rugged and jagged rock, Chen Mu was surrounded by the Power of Heaven and Earth, which continuously flowed and washed over his body, seeping into his marrow and steadily refining his spinal cord to become denser and more substantial. He was slowly approaching the Realm of ''Marrow like Quicksilver''.


    Time passed unknowingly, and the Power of Heaven and Earth around Chen Mu gradually dissipated.


    His eyes slowly opened, revealing a profound depth. His presence was restrained, and although no breath could be felt, one could sense an authority and pressure as immense as witnessing the very essence of Heaven and Earth when facing him directly.


    "It''s over."


    Chen Mu muttered softly to himself and summoned the system interface to have a look.


    [Martial Body: Qiankun (Major Achievement)]


    [Experience: 419 points]


    After expending nearly half of the premium turtle spirit powder he had accumulated and the treasures from the Earthly Abyss, his Martial Body had finally advanced from Minor Achievement to Major Achievement. He was now just one step shy of reaching the Perfection of ''Marrow like Quicksilver''.


    For an ordinary Grandmaster, even with ample resources and the support of a Formation like the Qiankun Lock Dragon, it would take at least seven to eight years or even a decade to progress from the initial success of a Martial Body to Major Achievement.


    In Chen Mu''s case, since entering the Marrow Cleansing Realm, it hasn''t even been a full year!


    Such progress in cultivation was beyond anyone''s expectation and something no one could have imagined. After all, cultivating the Martial Body is inherently a lengthy and arduous process. No matter how sufficient the resources, instantaneous results are impossible, as both absorption and refinement by the body take time, much like forging iron that requires endless hammering.


    The effect of the system panel was indeed extremely powerful, virtually compressing endless hammering into a very short period and maximizing every bit of the medicinal power and the Power of Heaven and Earth for Body Refining.


    "The strength has indeed increased significantly."


    Chen Mu clenched his fist, feeling the changes brought about by the Major Achievement of his Martial Body.


    Compared to the Minor Achievement, upon reaching Major Achievement, the power of his Inner Breath and the Yuan Gang True Essence that he could solidify had enhanced by another twenty to thirty percent on top of the previous foundation.


    It should be known that even when his Qiankun Martial Body was at Minor Achievement, he could almost harness the equivalent of approximately one hundred and fifty Portions of Yuan Gang True Essence. A twenty to thirty percent increase on such a basis was indeed significant. For instance, Chu Jingsui who had recently broken through to Grandmaster and had just begun to refine his Martial Body could condense no more than about Twenty Portions of Yuan Gang True Essence.


    That is to say, his slight improvement was equivalent to the combined Frank Energy of two Chu Jingsuis!


    "With my current strength, even without a handy Spirit Weapon, I should be on par with Elder Yin Heng."


    Chen Mu had a fairly clear assessment of his own strength.


    Before entering the Earthly Abyss, his strength was equivalent to Qin Mengjun''s when unarmed; if Qin Mengjun used a Spirit Weapon, then he would be slightly inferior. However, after entering the Earthly Abyss and encountering various fortunes, including obtaining a complete Soul Lotus which significantly enhanced the power of his Soul Heart, he was basically on par with Qin Mengjun wielding a Spirit Weapon.


    Within the Blood Exchange Realm, there are no differences like Minor Achievement, Major Achievement, or Perfection. It is simply that after completing the Blood Exchange Realm, it takes two to three years for the refined Martial Blood to gradually refine every part of the body and bring the Physique closer to flawless Perfection. The difference in this process is not significant and does not constitute a qualitative leap.


    Therefore, old-timers like Yin Heng who had stepped into the Blood Exchange Realm nearly a century ago and who had been dominant in the world for many years are only slightly better than Qin Mengjun. It is easy for them to win in battle, but very difficult to threaten Qin Mengjun''s life.


    Now that his Martial Body has achieved Major Achievement and he has taken another small step forward, his strength has escalated yet another notch, placing him at a level comparable to the older generation who have been in the Blood Exchange Realm for a long time!


    At present. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even within the Blood Exchange Realm, there aren''t many who could surpass him, and even fewer who could pose a threat.


    "I wonder how great the gap is between those experts at the Unity of Celestial Human Realm and Elder Yin Heng."


    Chen Mu quietly pondered.


    He had never personally witnessed the actions of those at the Unity of Heaven and Man, but he had indeed heard countless rumors about them.


    For instance, it is said in the Cold North that Gongyang Yu, the Heavenly Blade, once cut through a river during a flood disaster, halting its flow for three days!


    In the past, when Chen Mu was in Yu County, he dismissed such Martial World tales as exaggerations by commoners unaware of the true Martial Arts. But now he could grasp a fraction of their true essence.


    To cut through a hundred yards of river water is nothing; even he can do that now, and even cutting through three hundred yards would not be difficult. The true challenge lies in halting the flow for three days, showing that what his blade cut through was not merely the water, but the change in the Power of Heaven and Earth!


    One cut.


    To sever the upheaval of Kan Water induced by the flood disaster within a certain area!


    And this effect of severance lasted a full three days, clearly not something achievable by the Martial Arts Domain, nor something the brute strength of Yuan Gang in the Blood Exchange Realm could maintain. Only the third step of Artistic Conception, Unity of Celestial Human, could accomplish this.


    At least Chen Mu was very aware of the significant gap between himself and someone like Gongyang Yu at the Unity of Celestial Human, almost at the pinnacle of contemporary Martial Arts. Such beings still posed a considerable threat to him.


    ```

 Chapter 657 - 380: South Ming Flame_2

    However,


    Even among grandmasters, there are disparities, just like in the Blood Exchange Realm, and the same goes for reaching the Unity of Heaven and Man.


    Gongyang Yu, who is almost universally acknowledged to be among the top five peerless experts of his time, naturally possesses terrifying strength, but within the current Ninety-Nine State, there are also around twenty or so who have mastered the third step of Artistic Conception and stepped into the Celestial Human Level.


    Among them, those ranked at the lower end, naturally, do not match the likes of Gongyang Yu or the master of Mysterious Heavenly Sect, and as far as Chen Mu knew, Yin Heng had once been hunted by a Celestial Human expert. Yet, he managed to escape unscathed and fled all the way back to the Seven Profound Sect.


    "Celestial Human..."


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly.


    His current strength should be on par with Yin Heng and because he was cultivating the Qiankun Eight Phases, when it came to the art of self-preservation, Yin Heng was definitely not his match. Thus, unless he faced one of the top ten Celestial Human experts, even if he couldn''t handle the others, he should still have a chance to retreat without being utterly powerless.


    However, this level of strength was still not satisfying to him. Or rather, as long as there were threats in the world that could endanger him, he couldn''t afford to let his guard down for even a day.


    "Just two more steps."


    Chen Mu looked up at the sky.


    One more step forward was Marrow Cleansing Realm Perfection, then above that should be the limit of Marrow Cleansing.


    No one could clearly articulate the gap between Celestial Human experts, since they were all already called ''Celestial Heavens,'' and their deeds were rarely spread in the world. There wasn''t even a clear ranking of their strengths, and of course, no one dared to rank those at the Celestial Human Level.


    He didn''t know to what extent the strength of those ranked at the top, like Gongyang Yu, could reach. But as long as he surmounted these two small steps and pushed Marrow Cleansing to its limit, the so-called life-and-death threshold of Blood Exchange would likely be as easy as snapping his fingers, with no bottlenecks!


    What would his strength be,


    compared to Gongyang Yu or the master of Mysterious Heavenly Sect and other such exceptional figures from the pinnacle of Celestial Humans?


    Chen Mu''s mind did not drift for too long, he soon gathered his thoughts and took out the Qiankun bottle to inspect and organize the remaining resources he had. Some of these treasures were materials for forging Spirit Weapons, others were remaining Body Refining Spiritual Objects.


    "To evolve from Major Achievement to Perfection in the Martial Body, 12,000 Experience Points are needed, a twofold increase... If I use up all my remaining Body Refining Spiritual Objects, I should be able to gather around three or four thousand Experience Points."


    After sorting through the remaining resources, Chen Mu revealed a contemplative expression.


    He had previously tried it out on the system panel and had an idea of the Experience Points needed for the next breakthrough. Indeed, gathering 12,000 points was not easy. Although his venture into the Earthly Abyss had yielded resources worth at least seven or eight thousand points converted into Experience Points, that was, after all, obtained from within the Earthly Abyss.


    The Earthly Abyss wasn''t always accessible; moreover, part of the reason he had managed to collect so much was that the Ice State Abyss was in one of the most remote locations in Cold North and only opened once every hundred years or so, allowing a vast amount of resources to accumulate underground. Compared to the Earthly Abyss in other States of Da Xuan, the resources inside could not match the abundance of the Ice State Abyss.


    "Now that the Ice State Abyss is closed, and there are no signs of any State''s Earthly Abyss opening soon within the Da Xuan World, if I want to gather enough Spiritual Objects, my only options are the Outer Sea and the Great Wilderness."


    Chen Mu pondered in his heart.


    If he were to convert all the resources at hand into Experience Points, he estimated he would still need about eight thousand points to reach 12,000. If he stayed at the Seven Profound Sect to cultivate using the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, it would be a slow process, taking years to accumulate. Moreover, it was not safe for him to remain in the Seven Profound Sect for long; he had long considered leaving Yu State.


    Furthermore, the most critical point was that even if he cultivated his Qiankun Martial Body to the Perfection Level, there would inevitably be a ''limit'' to the Marrow Cleansing Realm. To reach that limit through the system panel, he would need even more resources than it would take to achieve Perfection.


    Without a vast amount of resources, it would be insufficient to sustain.


    The Earthly Abyss, Outer Sea, and Great Wilderness, each of these regions was known for their abundant resources.


    Chen Mu had already planned his departure from Yu State a long time ago, and he had chosen the Outer Sea.


    The Earthly Abyss required specific timing for access, so put that aside for now. The Great Wilderness was located at the extreme west of the Da Xuan World, and as far as Chen Mu knew, it was an extremely enigmatic place. Although rich in resources, it was also very dangerous. Countless grandmasters had gone missing in the Great Wilderness, and even those in the Blood Exchange Realm occasionally disappeared without a trace.


    Of course, danger wasn''t the key issue. The main problem was that, like the Earthly Abyss, the Great Wilderness was only accessible at specific times. What''s more peculiar was that it seemed to manifest out of the ''Western Desert'' in the far west of Da Xuan, like a ''mirage'' that somehow appeared to be a real region.


    One could only enter during specific periods, and at other times, it was nothing but an expanse of illusions, as insubstantial as a bubble upon contact.


    Therefore, to explore the Great Wilderness, one needed luck, to happen upon an accessible ''Wasteland.'' Once inside, one must return before it reverts back to illusion, or else one would vanish within it.


    As far as Chen Mu knew, all those who disappeared in the vast Wasteland, whether grandmasters or those in the Blood Exchange Realm, none had returned. In the past, Chen Mu found this very strange, but now he had some speculation that these ''Wastelands'' might each be a distinct ''Cave Heaven World,'' only accessible at certain times and otherwise unconnected to the rest of the Da Xuan World.


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 Chapter 658 - 380: Southern Ming Fire_3

    Even a celestial being adept in breaking through the void could not truly cross the realms of Cave Heaven.


    Once the Cave Heaven was closed, being sealed within meant no return; after all, no one knows when such a world would open again, possibly not for thousands or tens of thousands of years.


    Chen Mu had no interest in being confined to a Cave Heaven World. Although he believed that with his talents, even if he were sealed inside, there might still be a chance in the future to comprehend the mysteries of the void and forcefully break through to return, it would undoubtedly be very troublesome.


    By comparison,


    the Outer Sea was much safer.


    Moreover, Hua Nongying and Hua Nongying gathering intelligence in the Outer Sea had some clues about the "Sea Calming Pearl"; a trip to explore the Outer Sea would be a good opportunity to check it out.


    If he could gather all the Spiritual Objects and forge a Qiankun Spirit Weapon that suited him, it could enhance his strength by at least twenty to thirty percent, a boost that could hardly be deemed insignificant but rather a significant advancement.


    As Chen Mu pondered,


    suddenly,


    a voice whispered in his ear, conveying Qin Mengjun''s message.


    "Hmm?"


    Upon hearing Qin Mengjun''s words, Chen Mu immediately showed a thoughtful expression and then his figure flickered and disappeared from the spot.


    ...


    Shortly after,


    inside the main hall at the summit of Spirit Profound Peak.


    A girl about sixteen or seventeen years of age stood quietly in the hall. She looked young and na?ve but was scantily clad; her light-colored dress barely covered the essentials. Her arms were crystal clear, her bare feet unsullied by dust, and her slim waist was easily encircled by hands. Her appearance bore a vulnerable charm that made one feel a surge of desire to rush forward and vent their urges.


    Tap, tap,


    Footsteps suddenly broke the silence of the main hall.


    Chen Mu appeared outside the main hall, stepping in with a composed demeanor, walking straight to the young woman without saying a word, merely casting a casual glance at her as he awaited her to speak.


    "Junior Su Qianqian, the Hehuan True Inheritance, greets Peak Master Chen."


    The girl offered a gentle bow toward Chen Mu, her manners meticulous and respectful, yet her eyes betrayed a hint of youthful curiosity as she cautiously observed Chen Mu, a True Disciple of the same generation as her sister, Hua Nongying.


    She was, following Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue, another young generation True Disciple of the Hehuan Sect. She was well aware of Chen Mu''s exploits, which were famous even though seeing him in person was still somewhat unimaginable. He was only a generation apart from Hua Nongyue, belonging to the same generation, yet his invisible aura and demeanor were almost akin to their Sect Master''s.


    While discussing strength, Chen Mu''s impressive feats in the Ice State Abyss indeed matched his imposing presence, but in terms of age, he was just past his thirties, scarcely older than her own sister''s generation.


    "Did Protector Xia send you?"


    Chen Mu gave Su Qianqian a glance, his tone neutral as he asked.


    If it were years ago when he was still a minor official in Yu County, facing a Hehuan True Disciple like Su Qianqian, even if she restrained herself, would likely be influenced by her subtle allure. But for the current him, his state of mind had long since reached levels where neither ego nor persona could sway him; temptations of pleasure and passion could no more affect him in the slightest.


    Yet, it did not prevent him from comparing Su Qianqian with Hua Nongying from the past. Solely in terms of beauty, the girl before him seemed even more exquisite than Hua Nongying; from her fine arms to her slender waist and crystal-like bare feet, she was nearly flawless, embodying a pristine perfection of youth.


    However, speaking of which, Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue were twin sisters; combined, they possessed a different kind of grace.


    It must be said that the Hehuan Sect indeed had each generation of True Disciples stand out uniquely.


    Thinking of this,


    Chen Mu inwardly sighed, realizing that he was no longer part of the younger generation. Compared to the young generation of True Disciples, he was already a senior figure of the previous generation. Time was perpetually flowing; it had been quietly thirteen years since he arrived in this world, and his journey to this point had been fraught with hardships.


    "Yes."


    Su Qianqian spoke respectfully, "Protector Xia asked me to deliver some items to Peak Master Chen."


    As she finished speaking, her delicate hand lifted, and she miraculously produced a white, translucent jade orb from somewhere within her slim, narrow clothes. The surface of the orb seemed to shimmer with specks of dew, arousing curiosity in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    However, he recognized that this orb had nothing vulgar associated with it; it was ''Rain Curtain Jade,'' a rather special type of Spirit Jade typically suited to aid Martial Artists of the Kan Water Sect in their cultivation and could also store certain Spiritual Objects.


    The next moment,


    her delicate fingertip lightly touched the jade orb which then split open at the center, revealing a tuft of flame flickering like a candle within. Upon its appearance, the flame immediately burst forth with an intense heat wave, threatening to engulf the entire hall.


    Even Su Qianqian, a Hehuan True Disciple, seemed taken aback by the strength of the flame contained within the Rain Curtain Jade, involuntarily letting out a stifled grunt. Her cultivated Yuan Gang was nearly insufficient to withstand the scorching heat nearby, and the scant fabric of her clothes seemed ready to ignite.


    Whoosh.


    But at the next moment, Chen Mu waved his sleeve indifferently, a surge of coolness swiftly sweeping across the hall, suppressing all the sweltering heat and subduing the raging Blazing Flames back to a mere flicker, like that of a candle flame.


    Given the terrifying heat and power, it was obvious what the nature of this small flame was,


    an extraordinary treasure of heaven and earth,


    Southern Brilliant Fire.


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 Chapter 659 - 381: Invitation from Central Prefecture

    "The South Brilliance Fire, Protector Xia really got her hands on it."


    Chen Mu opened his hand in a gesture, and that wisp of flame silently flew towards him, landing in his palm, where it hovered, flickering a peaceful and tranquil light as if the intense heat that just burst forth moments before was but an illusory misconception.


    However, Su Qianqian still took a frightened glance at the flame in Chen Mu''s hand, no wonder Xia Yu''r instructed her that she must meet with Chen Mu before she could take out this South Brilliance Fire, for with her abilities, she was utterly incapable of controlling this spiritual flame.


    One must know she was, after all, a true heir of the Hehuan Sect, and although her realm was not high, she had stepped into the Five Viscera Realm, a threshold above the common fray. Still, the South Brilliance Fire was so dangerous, it must belong to the most superior grade among them.


    Su Qianqian''s guess was not wrong.


    With just a cursory glance, Chen Mu judged the quality of this wisp of South Brilliance Fire; it was of the most superior grade, ranking higher than any spiritual objects he had obtained, like the Xuan Huang Stone and Divine Soaring Stone.


    Even among the same type of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items, there are levels of quality. The Xuan Huang Stone he had acquired was merely close to middle grade in both appearance and size. Although rare, when it came to value, it was far from matching this superior grade South Brilliance Fire.


    The more superior the grade, the rarer it is!


    To gather all treasures of the Qiankun Eight Phases, each of the most superior grade, what''s needed is not just strength and capability, but luck and opportunity. Just like the Human Emperor Seal refined by the Da Xuan Martial Emperor according to the legends, not all eight materials were of superior grade; there were deficiencies, otherwise, the Human Emperor Seal would have claimed the top spot in the Spirit Weapon Catalogue, instead of the seventh.


    The Xuan Huang Stone and Divine Soaring Stone among other spiritual objects he had gotten varied in quality, with both middle and low grades present; only this South Brilliance Fire was of a superior grade. Regardless, for him, it was all a boon.


    To forge a Qiankun Spirit Weapon, the more superior grade main materials you have, the more powerful the resultant weapon will be.


    "What does Protector Xia need?"


    Chen Mu consolidated the South Brilliance Fire in his palm, offering it a brief scrutiny before shifting his gaze towards Su Qianqian.


    If it were just a low-grade South Brilliance Fire, it wouldn''t count for much, but a superior grade was infinitely more valuable than a low grade, certainly by a hundredfold. He would accept it, but only after seeing what Xia Yu''r wanted in exchange.


    Su Qianqian looked at Chen Mu and blinked, her voice quaintly sweet, "Protector Xia said that Peak Master Chen need only accept it, without any requests. She only hopes that if Peak Master Chen one day achieves world-shaking success and claims dominance over all under heaven, he can offer slight protection to us pitiful sisters."


    A superior grade South Brilliance Fire was indeed considered a treasure for a Great Sect like the Hehuan Sect, since it could be the main material for refining a Spirit Weapon that would not be inferior to the Mysterious Heavenly Sword Diagram, and superior grade Spirit Weapons were coveted items among many masters, scarce enough that not everyone could possess one.


    Wagering such a rare item on Chen Mu''s future seemed reasonable to her, especially since Chen Mu was the youngest Grandmaster in the world today and the individual most likely to become the second ''Martial Saint'' in a thousand years!


    After hearing Su Qianqian''s words, Chen Mu pondered for a moment and then said, "If I one day claim dominance over all under heaven, I can ensure that the Hehuan Sect''s legacy continues unbroken. But it is on the condition that the Hehuan Sect does not bring calamity to the world, commit heinous acts, or break the rules."


    At this point in time, a superior grade South Brilliance Fire could indeed earn him one commitment, but it wasn''t enough to make him turn a blind eye to whatever the Hehuan Sect does in the future, such activities as the brothel business, martial world disputes, and draining vital energy from men. All these things are part of the Martial World, but if the Hehuan Sect were to deliberately oppress and wreak havoc, becoming a sect that strikes terror into the hearts of people, then he would not ignore it.


    He could accept the actions of the Hehuan Sect up till now because, although it was considered a Demon Sect and disdained by the orthodox sects, in truth, almost all of the Hehuan Sect''s members were orphans or abandoned girls with no place to call home, and they had not willfully caused chaos in the world. They might make moves on people, but their targets were always villains and bandits like Yan Wansi or others within the martial world.


    He did not require the Hehuan Sect to act strictly according to Imperial Court laws, but they must at least abide by the martial world''s rules and not act recklessly. Within these bounds, he would not mind ensuring the Hehuan Sect''s unbroken lineage in the future.


    Hearing Chen Mu''s words.


    Su Qianqian smiled beautifully, her cute face tinged with a hint of youthful shyness, her voice sweetly saying, "We pitiful sisters were born the most unfortunate people in the world, it''s already good if others do not bully us, let alone cause chaos. We band together for self-preservation, and if Peak Master Chen comes to claim dominion in the future and is willing to protect us, even if he requires the service of all our sisters, I think none would object." Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As she spoke her last words, a suitable hint of blush emerged on her cheeks, the girl''s innocence and a touch of shyness naturally intertwined, appearing somewhat timid but also as if mustering the courage to look directly at Chen Mu.


    The girl did not deliberately unleash any Pleasure Artistic Conception, for in front of Chen Mu she naturally did not dare to be disrespectful or frivolous. Thus, her demeanor was almost half genuine, half an instinct from cultivation, and even without the lure of pleasure, it was sufficiently distracting to cause ordinary martial artists to be caught off guard. Even for those in the Five Viscera Realm or even the Six Viscera Realm, it might not be easy to remain undisturbed.

 Chapter 660 - 381: Invitation from Central State_2

    However, Chen Mu''s demeanor showed no change.


    Now, his state of mind had reached the realm of a still water without a trace, where greed, anger, ignorance, love, joy, sorrow, and resentments all arose from the heart and fell with it, all controllable at will. Even the greatest temptation could not unsettle his composure, not even the holy Sect Master of the Hehuan Sect could influence his emotions, as the presence or absence of desire was entirely within his own heart.


    "The skills of the Hehuan Sect you''ve practiced are quite good, Hua Nongying is not your equal, and even Hua Nongyue should be slightly inferior to you,"


    Chen Mu commented evenly.


    Talents emerge with each new generation; this Su Qianqian''s abilities are slightly stronger than those of Hua Nongyue. In the future, she should have the potential to rank among the top five, or even the top three on the list of rising stars. If there were no figure like Zuo Qianqiu in her generation, even reaching first place would not be out of the question.


    However, Chen Mu now viewed the list of rising talent with the attitude of an elder in the Martial World towards the younger generation. Su Qianqian, in her time, would have been a talent whom he, before mastering Qiankun, would have found difficult to match. But now, with a single glance, he could clearly see the skills and Martial Body she cultivated; almost nothing could be concealed from him.


    Feeling the sweep of Chen Mu''s gaze as if it saw through to every part of her, from the outer sect skills she painstakingly practiced to the Artistic Conception, Su Qianqian''s cheeks flushed with a light red, yet she did not shy away.


    "Elder Sister Ying and Elder Sister Yue each cultivate half of Yin Yang. Together, they can evolve the Yin Yang Rotation. In the future, I may not be able to match up to the two sisters," Su Qianqian spoke coyly.


    Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue were the true inheritors of the previous generation, her senior sisters. She had been under their care many times in the past and had never thought about competing with them. However, hearing Chen Mu mention Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue, she couldn''t help but recall those early stories circulating within the sect, and her gaze towards Chen Mu flickered.


    Back then,


    when Hua Nongying went to Yu County, it was said that Chen Mu had not yet reached the Five Viscera Realm, and was just an unknown official in that small place. She was astonished when she first heard of this.


    Who could have foreseen that an official from such a small place would, in less than a decade, become the number one Grandmaster renowned throughout the Cold North? Even Hua Nongying, who knew Chen Mu the earliest, could not have predicted this. When she heard the news in the Outer Sea, she must have been shocked for quite some time.


    "To evolve Yin Yang together is their unique advantage, and not easily replicated...Well, is there anything else?"


    Chen Mu looked at Su Qianqian and asked.


    Su Qianqian''s small hand reached into her sleeve, gently pulled out a piece of letter paper, and respectfully handed it over to Chen Mu, saying, "This is a letter from Protector Xia for you."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Mu did not ask why Xia Yu''r did not come in person, he merely extended his hand to take the letter.


    Seeing Chen Mu''s unchanged expression, just watching her without any further change in his gaze, Su Qianqian felt a twinge of regret in her heart, but still bowed respectfully and said,


    "The letter and items have been delivered. If the Peak Master has no further instructions, then I will take my leave."


    When she came, Xia Yuye had told her that if Chen Mu was interested, she should not hesitate, as staying by Chen Mu''s side to serve was a rare opportunity. Although Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue had been before her, they were only tasked with errands by Chen Mu. Besides, given Chen Mu''s current status, it was nothing unusual for two generations of true inheritors to serve him.


    Chen Mu watched Su Qianqian leave, his heart untouched by ripples.


    To him now, whether to indulge in desire was a matter of wanting or not wanting, not of being able or unable to. He was no longer the lowly clerk struggling for survival in the bottom rungs of Yu County. He held no apprehensions towards the Hehuan Sect. Moreover, he was not one who enjoyed sinking into pleasures of the flesh; otherwise, he would have already experienced the Hehuan twins, Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue.


    Of course, there was another reason for his restraint: he always saw people as people. Whether the Hehuan twins, Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue, or the young inheritor Su Qianqian, he never regarded them as playthings.


    To put it simply,


    even the beggars on the roadside, the common people at the bottom, and the impoverished elderly were all living people in his eyes. Unlike most Grandmasters who saw the lower class as livestock or trash, no matter how high his status, this perspective would never change. After all, he had climbed his way up from the very bottom, not born with power and status. Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Someday in the future, he would definitely go to Central Prefecture, to see for himself what that Da Xuan Dynasty Court at the center of the world was really like, whether it could still govern and care for the common people worldwide. If there was someone who knew the hardships of the people and the difficulties of the world, with the ability to manage the affairs of the world, then he might not seek to redefine the land and create a new Qiankun. After all, with his current status, he viewed everything rather indifferently, including the throne that ruled over the Ninety-Nine State.


    If it can be regulated, then it shall be so.


    If not, then he would overturn the cauldron and start anew.


    Of course, it is still too early to consider these matters now; he had yet to take that step. At least until he truly entered the Blood Exchange Realm and no longer feared any powerful being in the world, he would then contemplate these matters.


    Chen Mu quickly collected his thoughts and looked at the letter in his hand. After opening it and glancing over it briefly, he saw it was not very long, just a few lines, but it was about the intelligence and recent situation of Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue in the Outer Sea.

 Chapter 661 - 381: Invitation from Central Prefecture_3

    After reading it.


    Chen Mu showed a thoughtful expression, then with a slight movement of his fingertips, the letter in his hand quietly disintegrated into dust and scattered.


    "It''s time to meet the people over there."


    Once Chen Mu came back to his senses, his gaze gradually became indifferent.


    It wasn''t that he was going to set off for the Outer Sea right now. The message from Qin Mengjun was not about Su Qianqian coming to pay him a visit. A mere practitioner of the Hehuan True Inheritance meeting him certainly wouldn''t warrant Qin Mengjun''s messaging.


    Qin Mengjun informed him that another group of people had come to the Seven Profound Sect.


    They


    came from the Da Xuan Dynasty Court!


    Since Chen Mu''s arrival in this world, from his rise from the lower echelons to this point, he had never had any real contact with the Imperial Court. Although he had been an official in Yu County in the past, Yu County and indeed the entire Yu State were governed by the Seven Profound Sect, having long been independent of the Court''s appointments and jurisdiction.


    The only remote contact he had with the Court was his encounter with Liu Wanzheng and Yu Shouxuan, among others, in the Earthly Abyss.


    He later shared this incident with Qin Mengjun, as it rightfully pertained to her. Even if there was to be further retaliation against the Liu Family, it should be Qin Mengjun making the decisions, not something he should manage on her behalf.


    The result was that Qin Mengjun remained silent for a long time afterward, choosing not to act against the Liu Family. This was not because she was kind, but because she planned to temporarily conceal from Chen Mu that, Liu Wanzheng and others including Yu Shouxuan, had died by Chen Mu''s hand. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    When Chen Mu acted at that time, he did so cleanly, leaving no traces behind, thus preventing any leak of information. Besides, the Earthly Abyss was fraught with dangers. It was not surprising for many grandmasters like Liu Wanzheng and Yu Shouxuan to go missing there.


    However, if she were to suddenly take drastic actions against the Liu Family of the State Government Office, the Central Prefecture Imperial Court and King Liang, who backed Liu Wanzheng and Yu Shouxuan, would inevitably realize that they either perished by her hand or were killed by Chen Mu.


    Currently, Chen Mu and the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, and the Eight Princes had not yet become mortal enemies.


    Even though both the Court and the Eight Princes greatly feared Chen Mu''s existence, the princes were hostile toward each other, tangled in complex relations, and the old emperor, being half-mad and half-lucid, had neglected the state affairs for over a decade. Even if Chen Mu posed a threat to them, it was unlikely that anyone would want to be the first to strike at him, maintaining the last shred of boundary.


    Although this boundary was fragile, so weak that it could shatter at any moment, as long as it could buy some time, it was worth maintaining. Once exposed, if King Liang were to act out of fury without minding others, willing to take the lead in an attack, and if the other princes were to follow suit, then Chen Mu would face threats from all the Eight Princes!


    In fact,


    according to Qin Mengjun''s conjectures, the current court held mixed feelings about Chen Mu''s existence, especially the Eight Princes.


    Compared to eliminating Chen Mu, who had just begun to rise, it would naturally be better to gain his support. Making an enemy is never as good as winning someone over, and irreversible conflicts only arise when contradictions are completely irreconcilable.


    Today, Chen Mu had never shown any intentions of reshaping the realm, and there had been no direct conflicts with the Eight Princes. Compared to making an enemy of Chen Mu, the princes naturally hoped that he would stand by their side.


    Even if Chen Mu could one day reach the pinnacle of Martial Arts and dominate all under heaven, making even the emperor bow down, so what?


    As long as one can ascend to the throne, what does bestowing someone with the title ''Grand Preceptor'' matter?


    This world has always revered strength. Even people like Gongyang Yu and the Mysterious Heavenly Sect Leader were treated with great respect by the Da Xuan Dynasty Court even during its heyday, never a unified moment without division; such is the status of a supreme Celestial Human!


    Even more, if Chen Mu had already reached the Blood Exchange Realm and ascended to the pinnacle of Martial Arts, becoming invincible in the world, then the Eight Princes would be competing to seek Chen Mu''s support, as his will alone would decide who would take that position.


    But there are still variables now, as the current Chen Mu is not yet an invincible Martial Saint of the era, still susceptible to being killed or dying en route, and no one knows what Chen Mu''s intentions are regarding the Imperial Court and the Eight Princes; hence, the possibilities are extremely varied and complex, and destiny is still at its most chaotic and unclear phase.


    ...


    Great Profound Peak,


    Seven Profound Sect Sect Master''s Grand Hall, where a group of several people were seated in the majestic hall.


    The leader, a man with a pale face and no beard and a gentle demeanor, was obviously a court official from Central Prefecture, and the others were also dressed in court robes embroidered with patterns of cloud and crane.


    Accompanying them was Qi Zhiyuan, the fourteenth generation Sect Master of the Seven Profound Sect. His demeanor was calm, holding a teacup in his hands. As the current Sect Master of the Seven Profound Sect, aside from Yin Heng, Qin Mengjun, and Chen Mu, he managed the vast expanse of Yu State, and it wasn''t his first time dealing with the Court''s officials, naturally able to remain composed.


    However,


    he also harbored a slight worry, knowing that the Court''s visit this time was directly aimed at Chen Mu.


    The meeting between Chen Mu and these officials from the Imperial Court might just determine the future relationship between the Seven Profound Sect and the Court, and even decide the situation in Yu State for a long time to come!


    But in such matters, even though he was now the legitimate Sect Master of the Seven Profound Sect and no longer just the Acting Sect Master, he could not interfere, as the current Chen Mu, although not yet entitled as ''Supreme,'' had a status no different from the two Supremes, Yin Heng and others. He had neither the right nor the capability to influence Chen Mu''s intentions and thoughts.

 Chapter 662 - 381 Invitation from Central Prefecture_4

    Thud, thud,


    Just as silence had taken hold of the main hall, footsteps began to echo from outside, gradually drawing closer.


    Clad in simple commoner''s clothes, Chen Mu entered the hall with no air of importance, just like any other ordinary citizen. However, upon his arrival, Qi Zhiyuan, the court eunuch, and several officials who were seated inside all rose to their feet almost simultaneously.


    "This humble servant Wei Sheng pays his respects to Inspector Chen."


    Wei Sheng bowed to Chen Mu with a soft, measured voice, addressing him not as the ''Peak Master'' of the Seven Profound Sect but by the title he had previously been promoted to, the third-grade ''Inspector'' of Yu State. In fact, if Wei Sheng hadn''t mentioned it, Chen Mu would have long forgotten about his official position.


    After all, the Cold North and Yu State were too remote, and amid the current chaos, the reach of the Imperial Court''s law was limited. An official title was nothing more than a nominal designation, as martial arts realm and strength were the true measure of worth. Compared to Jingji Road or even Central Prefecture, it was purely a world of martial artists.


    The other officials also bowed and paid their respects to Chen Mu one by one.


    "What brings you all here?"


    Chen Mu asked directly, without wasting words.


    Wei Sheng replied with respectful composure, "Lord Chen is straightforward, so I''ll dispense with pleasantries. I am here by the will of the higher-ups, hoping to invite Lord Chen to transfer to Central Prefecture. You may choose any deputy position in the three Chief Offices of the Imperial Court..."


    The Inspectorate, the Demon-Slaying Office, the Penal Division.


    These were the three Chief Offices of the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, second in concentration of martial artists only to the armies of the Azure Dragon and White Tiger. In these offices, strength was held in the highest regard. The Bureau Heads of the Chief Offices were all in the Blood Exchange Realm, and each was one of the top powerhouses of the Da Xuan Dynasty Court.


    Nominally, the Bureau Head position was of the first-grade, but in the court where first-grade titles were usually nominal, it was effectively the pinnacle of official ranks, granting both high status and tremendous influence. Even The Eight Princes had to show them respect and attempt to win them over.


    The Imperial Court''s wish to transfer Chen Mu to Central Prefecture was clearly twofold. First, they hoped that Chen Mu would not oppose the Da Xuan Dynasty Court and would stand with the Court, even if he were to one day reach the pinnacle of martial arts and possess the ability to direct nations. As long as he harbored no thoughts of overturning the existing order, the Court couldn''t realistically inhibit the world of martial arts. Over thousands of years, it was normal for a universally unmatched Martial Saint to emerge.


    Though no one has matched the renown of the Da Xuan Martial Emperor in a thousand years, there were still a few who were nearly invincible. They commanded respect from the Court solely through personal strength. Reaching such heights, they typically viewed the world differently from ordinary people, seeking the ultimate pinnacle of martial arts and wondering if there was more beyond its current limits. Few had any interest in the Court or the throne.


    The founding Martial Emperor established his reign in an era when Ninety-Nine States were fraught with countless sects, turbulent nations, and endless wars. The entire world yearned for a dynasty that could unite all under one banner, and his rise conformed to the collective will of the time.


    Today, the world is already unified. The only issues stem from problems within the Royal Family and the infighting among The Eight Princes, leading to the fragmentation of power, and consequently, the disarray that makes the world seem like a troubled time. It would take mere moments for a great Martial Saint of this age to put an end to the chaos. S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Secondly,


    Regardless of Chen Mu''s intentions, they all wished for him to be in Central Prefecture, under the watchful eye of the Court, rather than in the distant Cold North and Yu State, where he could disappear at any time, hanging over them like a menacing blade, giving an unsettling feeling of insecurity.


    "You wish to transfer me to Central Prefecture, but it is not a decree¡ªso it must not be His Majesty''s intent, nor the wish of The Eight Princes."


    Chen Mu looked at Wei Sheng and spoke indifferently.


    Lowering his head, Wei Sheng responded, "Indeed, it is not the Emperor''s decree. It is the wish of Prime Minister Han of the Cabinet and several Bureau Heads. This is not a formal order from the Cabinet, merely an invitation that the officials have asked me to convey to Lord Chen."

 Chapter 663 - 382: Before Departure

    At the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, Bureau Head Han Kuo held a position just below one but above tens of thousands. In the absence of Emperor Xuan''s interest in state affairs, Han Kuo almost single-handedly manipulated the entire court, his power overwhelming. He was also a figure whom all the Eight Princes sought to court.


    However, Han Kuo had never shown any clear inclination, and he had his reasons. He excelled in both literary and martial arts, had been peerless in his youth, and was now among the top figures in the Blood Exchange Realm. Moreover, he had connections with several other Blood Exchange Realm chief officers within the Da Xuan Dynasty Court. It could be said that he was qualified enough to watch the Eight Princes vie for power from the sidelines, and support from him meant that one was only a step away from ultimate authority.


    To Han Kuo and other top figures of the court, who occupied that supreme position didn''t really matter, so their relations with Chen Mu were not as sensitive as those of the Eight Princes. Back when Chen Mu had not reached his current realm, although Han Kuo had heard of him, it wasn''t enough to span great distances to meet Chen Mu. At that time, he merely showed slight surprise and then dismissed it from his mind.


    But the current Chen Mu was different.


    No matter how far the future Chen Mu could go, just the present Chen Mu alone, who had repelled Yuwen Hao, the ancient Heavenly Demon, already had a status above that of a Grandmaster. He was considered one of the martial arts powerhouses standing at the pinnacle of the current era. Even being at the pinnacle of power within the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, he wished to discuss the grand momentum of the world with Chen Mu.


    "Han Kuo..."


    Chen Mu muttered to himself. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Today, although he was superficially involved with the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, Chen Mu was clear about the general situation. If the Eight Princes were each fighting for their own interests, then Han Kuo represented the entire officialdom.


    Central Prefecture was not as chaotic as the Cold North. Positions in the court were not all honored for martial capabilities; civil officials were also commonplace. Those in high positions were countless, but they all owed their status to Han Kuo. Almost all the high-ranking civil officials in today''s Da Xuan Dynasty Court were Han Kuo''s disciples, backed by their own clans, forming a substantial power.


    However,


    that was all Chen Mu understood.


    On the surface, Han Kuo indeed did not seem to favor any one of the Eight Princes, but what his true intentions were remained known to no one. With someone standing at the pinnacle of both power and martial arts, naturally, their true intentions could not be easily discerned.


    In fact, Chen Mu also wanted to discuss the grand momentum of the world with Han Kuo. After all, once he ascended to the pinnacle of Martial Arts Realm, he would likely not ignore this chaotic world. Although sweeping across the Nine State might be easy, stabilizing the Ninety-Nine State and restoring order would be a massive task. He could not do it all himself and would still need people like Han Kuo to manage it step by step.


    As for now, he did not intend to go to Central Prefecture.


    Even if Han Kuo manifested an intention to invite him, should he join Han Kuo''s camp, even the Eight Princes would dare not act rashly. But all this was still superficial, and his understanding of Central Prefecture was too little.


    Though he feared no martial artist below a Celestial Human, and perhaps not even some lesser Celestial Humans, Central Prefecture was still entirely unfamiliar territory. Being the heart of the Ninety-Nine State in the Da Xuan Dynasty and a gathering place for talents, renowned figures, and the focus of the entire world, he would not easily put himself at risk.


    "I have other matters to attend to for now, and it is inconvenient to travel to Central Prefecture. Please extend my apologies to Lord Han."


    Chen Mu responded indifferently.


    Central Prefecture, he would visit eventually, but not now.


    At least until his Martial Arts Realm advanced further, not necessarily to the point where he was invincible, but at least where he could support the heavens alone without fearing any expert in the world to impede his steps.


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s response, neither Wei Sheng nor the several accompanying officials showed any surprise, though a hint of regret appeared in the officials'' eyes, while Wei Sheng remained entirely composed.


    Chen Mu''s rise had long been known within the court, born in the remote Cold North of lower Yu State and having fought his way up from chaos to his current position. His distrust of the Imperial Court''s power and regarding Central Prefecture as a den of dragons and tigers were both entirely reasonable attitudes.


    "Eunuch Wei, your visit must involve more than just conveying Lord Han''s invitation."


    Chen Mu cast his gaze towards Wei Sheng and softly spoke.


    Though Han Kuo was the Chief Secretary of the Cabinet, merely inviting him to Central Prefecture wouldn''t have warranted bringing someone from the Inner Court with him. Though he did not know much about Central Prefecture, he was well aware that the Cabinet and the Inner Court''s Twelve Bureaus were two distinctly opposing factions.


    The Twelve Bureaus of the Inner Court, led by Wei He, the Palm Imprint in charge of the Bureau of Rituals, acted only on Imperial commands. In Han Kuo''s eyes, they acted under the guise of Imperial orders to wantonly interfere and mess up state policies, and their relationship could almost be described as hostile.


    Especially since Emperor Xuan had been half-mad, half-conscious, and unseen for over a decade, the actions of the Twelve Bureaus had intensified. Essentially led by Wei He, this went deeper into the intrigues of the Eight Princes and the old Emperor Xuan.


    After hearing Chen Mu''s words, Wei Sheng bowed again towards Chen Mu.


    This time he slightly opened his mouth, but no sound came out; the sound formed into a line and echoed only by Chen Mu''s ear.


    "Lord Chen, your insight is profound. My visit is not only to deliver a message on behalf of Lord Han but also from a certain prince... The prince said, if Lord Chen is to travel, to be wary of the Master of Xue Yin Tower."

 Chapter 664 - 382 Before Departure_2

    "Furthermore, Lord Chen may not be fully aware, but the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion supports King Han, and as for the Blood Hidden Pavilion, it has always had innumerable ties with King Han, though its actions are overly secretive, making it unclear what their specific relationship is."


    After saying this, Wei Sheng added another sentence.


    In fact, Chen Mu had already learned from Liu Wanzheng that the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion supported King Han, and he was also well aware of the intricate connections between the Blood Hidden Pavilion and the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion.


    The feud between the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion and him was irreconcilable, almost to the point of life and death; thus, it was natural that King Han, who was deeply entangled with these two organizations, would be the most eager to deal with him, and it was no surprise that they intended to take action against him.


    Some wanted to kill him, while others sent him warnings.


    Even though he was still in Yu State, located in the remote and distant Cold North, it was as if he had silently been swept into the strife amongst The Eight Princes. Chen Mu did not like this feeling, and he did not wish to be involved with The Eight Princes at present. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "I understand, please thank that person for their kind intentions on my behalf."


    Chen Mu glanced at Wei Sheng and calmly replied with a transmitted message.


    Upon hearing this, a smile returned to Wei Sheng''s face. He cupped his hands towards Chen Mu and said, "Since I have delivered the message, I will take my leave now, so as not to disturb Lord Chen."


    He didn''t mention who had sent the warning, and Chen Mu did not ask. After all, a warning hardly amounted to much¡ªit was at most a gesture of goodwill, and it was still unknown whether this ''goodwill'' harbored any ill intentions.


    After watching Wei Sheng and the others leave,


    Chen Mu stood silently in the great hall, lost in thought.


    Qi Zhiyuan stood quietly not far away, not disturbing him until Chen Mu raised his head again; then he approached and said slowly, "The Imperial Court, the Cabinet, the twelve bureaus, and The Eight Princes are probably all focusing on you now. What are your plans?"


    "There''s no need for undue concern. Respond to every change with constancy,"


    Chen Mu looked at Qi Zhiyuan and responded calmly, "The Seven Profound Sect is not suited to bear this pressure. I will leave the Sect soon. If soldiers come, Sect Master Qi, you should block them."


    From the beginning, he had never planned to get involved in the struggle among The Eight Princes, nor was he interested in joining The Eight Princes in their scheming. His goal was to rely on his own talent and insight to ascend to the pinnacle of Martial Arts in the quickest and safest manner possible.


    By that time,


    It would be up to him to evaluate who among The Eight Princes was worthy to inherit their position. If none were suitable, then even turning Qiankun upside down would be as simple as turning his palm for him. He had never been interested in being a chess piece on the board; he would be the one controlling the game from outside.


    With most of the matters that needed to be handled settled and the refinement of the Qiankun bottle as a Void Spirit Weapon, and having made a breakthrough in the Body Tempering Realm, it was almost time for him to leave Yu State.


    Last of all,


    He would go and take one last look at Hongyu and the others.


    After this thought crossed Chen Mu''s mind, he nodded slightly to Qi Zhiyuan and then took a step forward, disappearing into the depths of the great hall, leaving only Qi Zhiyuan gazing at the departing figure of Chen Mu before he softly sighed after a long while.


    For heaven to entrust great responsibilities to a person, it must first temper his heart and spirit, exhaust his muscles and bones. Chen Mu was now only one step away from dominating the world, but it was also the most difficult step. To cross it, he would have to struggle not just with others and with destiny, but also with himself. If he failed, he would be shattered to pieces; if he succeeded, he would have the world at his feet!


    It is somewhat ironic,


    The Seven Profound Sect came into existence because its founding ancestor did not wish to be entangled in the strife of the Imperial Court, nor to take part in the struggles over the throne amongst the Princes. Thus, he traveled to the Cold North and came to Yu State to establish the Sect and steer clear of conflict.


    Since then, the Seven Profound Sect has steered clear of the Imperial Court''s strife and never involved itself in the politics of the court. Even though the various Sects in the Cold North had countless ties with the Central Prefecture, the Seven Profound Sect had the fewest connections, not even having a branch in the Central Prefecture, and remained secluded in its corner.


    This philosophy has also been passed down over the years.


    Judging by quests such as those given by the early Seven Profound Sect, which secluded itself and did not partake in the disputes of the States in the Cold North, it clearly did not want to be swept into any strife and preferred to remain safe in its corner of Yu State. If not for the coercion of Sects like Blood Hidden Pavilion and Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, the Seven Profound Sect might still be closing the gates to Yu State, not venturing out and not permitting other Sects to enter.


    However, there is no sanctuary in times of chaos. Sects like the Blood Hidden Pavilion and the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion eventually forced their way into Yu State as if fate were mocking them; it was precisely their intrusion into Yu State that disrupted the Seven Profound Sect''s secluded peace, coinciding with Chen Mu''s rise to power in the conflicted Yu County like a dazzling meteor streaking across the sky.


    Now,


    The Seven Profound Sect could no longer hope for a quiet existence.


    The presence of Chen Mu meant that the Seven Profound Sect was destined to become a part of the world''s grand situation. If Chen Mu could secure his place in the world in the future, the Seven Profound Sect would rise along with him, becoming an official Sect of the Imperial Court, thriving gloriously for hundreds or even thousands of years.


    If, however, Chen Mu fails to take that step and dies in the process, the enemies from his past, such as the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, will certainly not reconcile with the Seven Profound Sect. Even if the Seven Profound Sect manages to preserve its heritage, it will hardly be able to hold onto Yu State.


    The Seven Profound Sect sought to avoid the world by escaping to the Cold North, to the secluded Yu State.


    Yet, by doing so, it inadvertently became the focal point in these chaotic times, possibly deciding the direction of the world for hundreds or thousands of years to come, attracting the attention of all under heaven. Truly, what one evades will come unbidden, and what one forcefully seeks can never be obtained; such is the irony of fate.

 Chapter 665 - 382: Before Departure_3

    Given the situation, Qi Zhiyuan naturally would not harbor any illusions of luck. He could only hope that in the future, decades later, Chen Mu would truly surpass the threshold of the Blood Exchange Realm, dominate the world, and allow the Seven Profound Sect to thrive and prosper. Meanwhile, as the Sect Master of the Seven Profound Sect, he was thinking of various ways to make other arrangements to preserve some of the Sect''s legacy.


    ...


    Chen Mu did not know what Qi Zhiyuan was thinking, nor did he intend to interfere with the affairs of the Seven Profound Sect. After leaving the main hall of Great Profound Peak, he made his way back to Spirit Profound Peak and quietly returned to the top of the peak.


    As he was walking toward the bamboo forest where Xu Hongyu lived, he sensed something vaguely, a look of surprise flashed in his eyes, and then he cast his gaze toward that distant bamboo house. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Hongyu has also reached this step."


    Chen Mu paused and muttered softly, then took a step forward and quietly entered the bamboo house.


    Inside the bamboo house, Xu Hongyu was seen sitting cross-legged on a simple bamboo bed, her heart facing the sky, and her Inner Breath raging and flowing around her body. The surging essence of her Five Viscera constantly poured into her Six Viscera.


    Xu Hongyu was challenging the bottleneck of the Six Viscera Realm.


    Since she had entered the Five Viscera Realm, several years had passed. Generally, the tempering process of the Five Viscera would take about three to five years. With sufficient resources, it could be even faster. Many True Disciples stayed longer in the Five Viscera Realm to comprehend deeper Artistic Conceptions to lay a stronger foundation for the Six Viscera. However, Xu Hongyu had no such plans.


    The Earthly Green Lotus Seed that Chen Mu had once harvested had been consumed by her at the most critical moment. With it, she had realized the second step of the Kan Water Artistic Conception. Although it was only one Artistic Conception that reached the second step, it was enough for her to advance to the Six Viscera Realm, especially since Kan Water emphasizes nurturing.


    However.


    Xu Hongyu''s Five Viscera Tempering was only completed seven times.


    Although this seemed very good, second only to some True Disciples of the Sect, her innate talent was still lacking by a lot. By her own efforts, she could temper it four or five times at most. It was thanks to the many Spiritual Objects brought by Chen Mu that she had completed tempering seven times.


    Seven times of tempering wasn''t high, but it was enough to break through the bottleneck of the Six Viscera Realm. With the aid of some supporting Spiritual Objects, the process of challenging the bottleneck would be much easier. In Chen Mu''s view, she had at least a sixty to seventy percent chance of success this time.


    Even if she didn''t succeed, accumulating essence again would give her an eighty percent chance next time, and ninety percent the time after that. After all, with seven times tempering of the Five Viscera at her age, she was bound to step into the Six Viscera Realm and not be trapped before the threshold.


    "The method is correct."


    Chen Mu was the only person in the world who had cultivated the Six Viscera Realm to its limit. His understanding of the Six Viscera was second to none. Standing before Xu Hongyu, he looked through her clothes and skin, directly examining the condition within her body, and slightly nodded.


    Xu Hongyu was likely challenging the Six Viscera Realm for the first time. After all, when he had been intimate with her before, he had not sensed any subtle changes in her Six Viscera. Even if one fails the first time in breaking through the Six Viscera Realm, some traces would remain.


    But it seemed that Xu Hongyu was not merely attempting it simply, nor was she acting rashly. She obviously had a deep understanding of the challenge, and this was a very serious attempt. Although she was somewhat inexperienced, her method was flawless.


    Chen Mu had planned to say farewell to Xu Hongyu and the others and then leave Yu State, but upon seeing Xu Hongyu attempting to break through to the Six Viscera Realm, he decided after a brief consideration to stay a little longer. Although breaking through the Six Viscera Realm held no great risk as long as the method was clear, he still felt the need to stand by and protect her.


    Time flew by.


    Xu Hongyu''s challenge to the Six Viscera Realm was extraordinarily smooth, with hardly any resistance in the first five Viscera, and she proceeded easily until the final juncture of the Triple Warmer, where she finally met with difficulty.


    After all, she had only tempered her Five Viscera seven times. Her blood energy and Inner Breath were nowhere near as powerful as Chen Mu''s in the past, and this being her first attempt, by the time she reached the Triple Warmer, she was nearly spent. The weary Inner Breath converged and attempted to break through repeatedly, but failed each time, never awakening the spirit of the Triple Warmer to unify the Six Viscera.


    "Just a little bit short."


    Chen Mu had been observing Xu Hongyu''s condition and seeing this scene, he knew she had encountered a tough challenge. Without external influence, it was likely impossible to pass the Triple Warmer, and this attempt at breaking through would end in failure.


    Chen Mu did have many methods that could help Xu Hongyu break through the barrier of the Six Viscera. He could even take direct action himself. However, all these methods were akin to forcing the plant to grow by pulling it upwards. If he did so, although Xu Hongyu could advance to the Six Viscera, making her future breakthrough to the Mysterious Pass for Marrow Cleansing significantly more difficult, the likelihood of breaking through that barrier would be almost next to none.


    However.


    If speaking of a method without negative side effects, there was one.


    He couldn''t use his own Inner Breath or other external forces like Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items to help Xu Hongyu awaken the Triple Warmer, for although that would allow her to enter the Six Viscera Realm, the vitality of the Triple Warmer would be far inferior to the other Viscera. However, if he used the Yin Yang Rotation Method to guide with his Inner Breath, he could certainly lend Xu Hongyu a helping hand... to put it plainly, it was the Dual Cultivation Method from the Hehuan Sect!


    This happened to be a method that he and Xu Hongyu could use without any burden. The combination of Yin and Yang is a natural cycle, a correct path. It''s just that the Hehuan Sect often used methods like taking from the Yang to supplement the Yin, benefiting one side and exploiting the other. Along with the public''s tendency towards a mix of disdain and fascination with such practices, it naturally got classified among the practices of the Demon Sect.

 Chapter 666 - 382: Before Departure_4

    "Hongyu, I''ll lend you a hand."


    Chen Mu took a step forward and whispered in Xu Hongyu''s ear.


    The impact of reaching the Six Viscera Realm did not completely isolate one from the outside world. Xu Hongyu had long known that Chen Mu was by her side protecting her path. At this moment, a strand of her Inner Breath was struggling at the gate of the Triple Burner, having hovered around several times without being able to enter. Hearing Chen Mu''s words, a slight ripple arose in her heart, and then she felt a pair of hands rest on her shoulders, gently sliding off her outer garment.


    "The Yin Yang Rotation Method complies with the natural laws and is the only method that will not affect your cultivation in the Six Viscera Realm afterward. However, it requires you to multitask. I will give you a little help, just relax."


    Chen Mu''s fingers gently glided across Xu Hongyu''s back, and her clothes peeled away layer by layer.


    Though Xu Hongyu''s eyes were closed, she knew what Chen Mu was doing; a hardly discernible flush appeared on her cheeks, but her heart was not in turmoil. Instead, it was very peaceful as she focused her mind and slowly accumulated her Inner Breath.


    "Hmm..."


    As she felt her body floating into the air, like a white cloud descending toward a mountain peak and passing through the summit, she involuntarily hummed softly. Her thoughts were slightly confused at the moment, but then a coolness touched the center of her brows as Chen Mu''s fingertip briefly tapped there, helping her scattered thoughts to refocus.


    Having cultivated to the Five Viscera Realm and now striving for the Six Viscera, Xu Hongyu''s temperament was sufficiently refined. With Chen Mu''s help, she immediately calmed her mind and used the Yin Yang Methods to make her Inner Breath circulate in rotation, passing through her limbs and bones nine times successively, forming a complete nine-cycle circulation. That previously listless and weak Inner Breath gradually regained some vitality.


    Then,


    Xu Hongyu, without much hesitation, merged her intent with her Inner Breath and directed the refined Inner Breath toward the Triple Burner, surging three times consecutively. Eventually, after enduring hardship, a flickering spiritual light appeared in the Triple Burner, subtly awakening it.


    With the spirit of the Triple Burner awakened, the hitherto dormant Six Viscera inside her finally connected as one, and then completely integrated with the energies of the Five Viscera. Xu Hongyu finally crossed the threshold of the Six Viscera Realm and stepped into its levels!


    The Six Viscera Realm.


    Even in a place like Yu State, this was a status that conferred great dignity, as anyone who could cross the barriers of the Six Viscera and achieve Grandmaster status was rare, with perhaps one or two emerging every decade across the entire state.


    For most martial artists, the Six Viscera Realm was already the ultimate reachable end. Even for true inheritors like Meng Danyun, without the right opportunity and a precise moment of inspiration and enlightenment, advancing to Grandmaster was exceedingly difficult.


    After years of arduous cultivation, she finally broke through.


    Xu Hongyu''s eyelashes quivered, and she slowly opened her eyes. Looking at Chen Mu''s face, a slight joyful and exhilarated feeling emerged in her heart, and she said, "My husband, I''ve done it."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Mu looked at the beautiful woman in front of him and smiled, "You would have crossed the barriers of the Six Viscera sooner or later; I merely helped you achieve it a little sooner."


    It was only his Majory Achievement of the Qiankun Martial Body that even simple integration of Yin and Yang and the circulation of Inner Breath in a cycle could significantly enhance Xu Hongyu''s Inner Breath, otherwise helping her to break through the realm would not have been easy.


    Gently embracing the lovely person in his arms, Chen Mu was about to set her down, but was suddenly held tight by her.


    Xu Hongyu whispered in Chen Mu''s ear:


    "My husband, I have entered the Six Viscera Realm, there''s no need to worry about the loss of vitality..."


    She didn''t finish her sentence, but Chen Mu understood her thoughts. Xu Hongyu, after all, was his first wife and had long wanted to bear his child, but he had rebuffed her several times, not wanting her cultivation in Martial Arts to be delayed.


    No wonder Xu Hongyu had chosen this moment to try and break through the Six Viscera Realm, especially struggling at the last gate of the Triple Burner and still refusing to give up, endlessly lingering¡ªher heart had been set on this.


    By aiding her in crossing the barrier of the Six Viscera, he indeed provided her with the most suitable reason.


    Chen Mu could also understand Xu Hongyu''s feelings, especially since he didn''t know how long he would be away this time, and the dangers of this journey far exceeded those of the past, either ascending to heaven or plunging into the abyss. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "If you want, then let''s try it."


    Chen Mu finally responded softly.

 Chapter 667 - 383: Return to Yu County

    Time flows like water, fleeting in a moment.


    The Purple Bamboo House.


    "Brother?"


    Chen Yue''s figure appeared outside the cabin, calling into the interior, but she received no response.


    Her gaze hesitated for a moment, then with a touch of disarray, she ran into the room, only to see it empty, without a soul, bamboo bed and desk both as polished and new, nothing else of length.


    Staring at the empty bamboo house, Chen Yue was momentarily lost in a daze.


    Has he left?


    During her time at Spirit Profound Peak, Chen Mu spent most of it cultivating, but in these past few days, he had been with her, Xu Hongyu, and others, guiding their cultivation.


    Chen Yue, with her keen mind, knew Chen Mu''s day of departure was near, yet since Chen Mu did not tell when he would leave, she did not ask, simply coming each day to look for him. Now, gazing at that bamboo bed, Chen Mu''s mild and gentle face seemed to still be before her eyes, softly calling out ''Yue''er has come'' with a faint smile.


    Chen Yue stepped into the cabin.


    Her small hand slowly caressed the empty purple bamboo case, its clean and lustrous surface reflecting her face, black tresses cascading down, her pretty cheeks no longer green, but now bearing a few more strokes of intellect.


    In a corner of South City in Yu City, the girl who depended on Chen Mu for survival in two lowly huts, now stood tall and elegant, having reached her most flourishing age, her Martial Arts Cultivation stepping into the Five Viscera Realm, dominant enough to rule unchallenged in remote places.


    Chen Yue moved past the table and sat by Chen Mu''s bedside, looking out the window, lost in thought.


    Six years.


    She always remembered the time Chen Mu left Yu County; to this day, it has been more than six years.


    Since Chen Mu left Yu County, there had been few meetings and many partings between them, even after she and Xu Hongyu and others moved to the State Government Office in Yu State, Chen Mu still spent the vast majority of his time away.


    She knew that now Chen Mu had a different status, a different standing, a renowned figure in Yu State, an influential sect elder, and so she too dedicated herself to cultivation, never slackening, not wanting to be a burden to Chen Mu. But she still missed the days spent living in Yu County.


    Especially after Chen Mu began to make a name for himself, when the home was no longer lacking food or clothing, those days she spent in the Inner City of Yu County learning martial arts, she eagerly awaited news from Chen Mu, sending him messages, and Chen Mu would also come to see her.


    But those times are gone forever.


    Given the chance, she would wish for the family to be together, spending a lifetime in peace in a quiet corner of a prosperous and stable era, but the world does not shift according to her will; ultimately, these are troubled times, and no place, however secluded, can avoid strife. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The first time she traveled with Chen Mu, leaving Yu City, she asked Chen Mu what was the Martial World. Chen Mu said that the place they were in was the Martial World, that they were always within it. Back then, she was confused, but now she understood the meaning of his words.


    In the Martial World, one cannot help but be influenced.


    Chen Mu, with his exceptional talents, rose step by step, becoming a figure who stunned the world, but it also doomed him to having no way back. Once on that path, he had to follow it to the end, especially after the war at the Ice State Abyss, a battle which shook the world, there was no turning back.


    The youngest Qiankun Grandmaster of his time, the most hopeful contender for the world''s pinnacle, even were he to retire to the ends of the earth, troubles would relentlessly seek him out. Even a Great Sect like the Seven Profound Sect could not live in peace, hence Chen Mu had to leave, leave the Seven Profound Sect, leave Yu State, to take that final step that would span the whole world.


    If successful, the whole world would be silent.


    If defeated, he would still leave a mark in the annals of history.


    For a moment.


    Chen Yue''s thoughts also started to drift. As the person closest to Chen Mu, the one who had grown up alongside him since childhood, she felt somewhat bewildered by these more than ten years of experiences, because the Chen Mu from the first half of her memories and the second half are as different as heaven and earth, as if ever since Chen Mu''s serious illness, he possessed a spirituality he had never had before.


    She had once read about ''Enlightenment'' in books; perhaps at that time, some inexplicable fate befell Chen Mu, leading him to enlightenment and wisdom, and afterward, he soared up step by step, ascending to the heavens.


    Suddenly.


    While Chen Yue''s thoughts were adrift, another figure walked into the bamboo house.


    "Yue''er?"


    Xu Hongyu looked at Chen Yue, seated on the bamboo bed, and was slightly startled. Then her eyes swept over the empty cabin, understanding what had happened, knowing that Chen Mu had already left, slipping away quietly to avoid complications.


    "Hongyu sister."


    Chen Yue came to her senses and looked at Xu Hongyu. Although she was supposed to call her ''sister-in-law'', old habits had persisted for many years without changing. Standing up from the bamboo bed, she said softly, "When do you think Brother will come back this time?"


    Xu Hongyu looked out the window, gazing at the distant mountains, and said,


    "It will be a long time, perhaps ten years, or maybe twenty..."


    Though she was not a Grandmaster, she too had entered the Six Viscera Realm. She understood how difficult the step from Marrow Cleansing to Blood Exchange was. Marrow Cleansing is the ''Ascension Pass,'' symbolizing the difficulty of ascending to the heavens, while Blood Exchange is the ''Life and Death Pass,'' indicating the hardship of crossing the threshold of life and death.


    For an ordinary Grandmaster, the process of advancing from the Marrow Cleansing Realm to the Blood Exchange Realm takes nearly twenty years at the fastest, as they say in the Martial World, life and death are vast and uncertain, and twenty years pass in the blink of an eye.


    But Chen Mu''s cultivation is of the Qiankun Path, and his talent and insight are unparalleled in a thousand years; such a person cannot be measured by ordinary standards. Maybe it will take ten years, or perhaps twenty years, thirty years, no one can say for sure.

 Chapter 668 - 383: Return to Yu County_2

    She spoke.


    Xu Hongyu gently caressed her abdomen, the past coldness had completely faded, and her eyes showed a trace of softness.


    Chen Yue looked at Xu Hongyu''s action, a flicker of surprise flashed through her eyes, then she pursed her lips, turned her head again, and looked out the bamboo window towards the rolling Seven Profound Mountains in the distance.


    What would the scene be like when Chen Mu returned?


    ...


    Among the hills.


    A figure strolled leisurely.


    Dressed in simple hemp clothes with nothing long seen on his body, he looked like an ordinary villager living in the mundane world, yet with every step he took, his figure silently vanished from the spot, crossing a hundred paces in one stride. S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This figure was indeed Chen Mu.


    In today''s world, countless gazes converged on the Seven Profound Sect; he had stayed a few extra days for Xu Hongyu, taking on more risks. Naturally, he would not set a definite day of departure, and that night, concealing his aura, he fled along the earth''s veins of Seven Profound.


    The direction he headed was not directly towards the Outer Sea but southward, and soon he had traveled thousands of miles, quietly entering the territory of Yu County, currently within An Yu County, moving towards the prefectural city of Yu County.


    The journey to the Outer Sea, its duration unknown.


    In Yu County lived a person he wanted to meet before departing, and that was Old Master Yu Jiujiang of the Yu Family.


    As years passed and life and death cycled, though Old Master Yu was a high-level practitioner of the Five Viscera Realm, he was already at the twilight of his years. If not for the life-prolonging focus of the Cultivation from the Kan Water Sect, he might have already departed from this world.


    When Chen Mu''s cultivation was still shallow, Yu Jiujiang had taken great care of him. Not knowing how long his trip to the Outer Sea would be, or whether Old Master Yu would still be in the Celestial Human Realm when he returned, he decided to visit him one more time before leaving.


    "Hm?"


    As Chen Mu walked leisurely among the hills, traversing great distances with each step, he suddenly halted upon crossing a mountain range and then sidestepped to stand atop a boulder, gazing towards the distant forests.


    In those distant woods, the sounds of battle echoed.


    A group clad in official government uniforms was clashing with a band of diversely dressed bandits. Both groups had about dozens of members, and the situation seemed slightly tense. Heading the government side was a young man wielding a knife, around twenty years old and remarkably strong, possessing the Realm of Tendon Changing Minor Achievement. However, the bandit leader was also a figure within the Tendon Changing Realm.


    The number of forces on the government side was slightly larger, but the bandits'' strength was slightly superior. At that moment, the bandit leader, fighting alone against three¡ªagainst the young government officer and two Body Refinement Perfection Assistant Generals¡ªwas still holding his ground.


    Whoosh!


    In a flash of blade light, one of the aides helping the young government officer suddenly cried out, staggering back, his arm armor split open, revealing a long gash from which blood gushed.


    The young government officer''s brow furrowed at once.


    As the bandit leader injured one, he was fiercely imposing and burst into laughter, "Prefecture Chief Song, with these little skills, you seem unable to trouble me. Government officers are nothing special; I''ll spare your life today, but go back and train in blade techniques for a couple more years. Continue fighting and you''ll be risking your life here!"


    He Xuan stared at the young man with a fierce gleam in his eyes and an emanating evil aura, trying to force the young government officer to back down.


    He had been entrenched in the Wutong Mountains of An Yu County for many years, deeply understanding many figures in An Yu County and even Yu County. For instance, the young man before him, named Song Zhou, not only had an exceptional martial arts talent but also had a profound background. Even though he was formidable now and even confident in injuring or even killing Song Zhou, he didn''t dare to make his move.


    Because he was well aware that killing Song Zhou would bring big trouble, leaving no place for him in the entirety of Yu County!


    It was rumored that Song Zhou''s family was originally just ordinary civilians of An Yu County, but somehow, they became connected with a major figure from Yu County... Of course, this was just a rumor, unclear whether true or false. However, Song Zhou''s sister, Song Miao, had married into Yu County''s number one family, the ''Yu Family,'' truly becoming a relative by marriage.


    Let alone the other aspects, just due to the Yu Family connection alone, He Xuan was unwilling to provoke a deadly conflict, hence he always left a margin in his blade techniques, planning to push back Song Zhou''s group instead of fighting to the death.


    Song Zhou continuously swung his blade to defend, yet his brow was tightly furrowed.


    This gang of bandits led by He Xuan, hidden in the Wutong Mountain Range and exceedingly cautious, had run amok for many years without ever being caught. This time was a rare chance when they finally left some traces that he had led a team to follow. If he let them go now, who knows when the next opportunity would come around? But if he didn''t let it pass... He Xuan''s strength was indeed stronger than he had anticipated.


    According to the intel, He Xuan was merely thought to be at the Tendon Changing Minor Achievement, but in fact, he had reached the Tendon Changing Major Achievement within the Body Tempering Realm, and his blade technique was smooth and flawless. Further mastering both light and heavy Blade Momentums, it indeed was difficult for him to overcome with his strength alone.


    For now, he had only mastered the "River Severing Blade" Blade Momentum.


    "..."


    Seeing Song Zhou hesitate yet not retreat, He Xuan''s expression darkened and he snorted coldly, brandishing his blade to deliver two sharp strikes, successfully forcing back another of Song Zhou''s aides. He then boldly leaped forward, delivering three consecutive heavy saber blows.


    Clang! Clang! Clang!!


    With nowhere to retreat, Song Zhou was forced to block three blades, the last strike as heavy as a mountain collapse, causing his palms to tremble violently. He had to forcefully grip his servant''s knife, his palms cracking open, and his whole body staggered back, blood dripping down.

 Chapter 669 - 383: Return to Yu County_3

    "Haha..."


    Upon seeing this, He Xuan burst into laughter and then said menacingly, "Don''t roll out now!"


    Although Song Zhou''s expression was somber and he hadn''t thought of retreating yet, the nearby government officers were visibly shocked to see that Song Zhou was no match for He Xuan. Their momentum was flagging while the bandits were all invigorated.


    "Even the leader He''s Blade Technique isn''t something you government officers can contend with!"


    "With your little ability, you dare to fight against us? Leave now or you will all die here!"


    Someone even began to loudly taunt.


    Song Zhou''s face turned ugly, not because he couldn''t contend with He Xuan¡ªhe could still hold his own and not be easily defeated¡ªbut because it wasn''t a one-on-one fight. It was a melee involving dozens of people where the momentum of the government officers and the bandits ebbed and flowed. This way of fighting wasn''t good; their casualties were hard to control.


    But just as Song Zhou saw the situation turning against them and was about to reluctantly order a retreat, he suddenly froze.


    And he wasn''t the only one.


    He Xuan, the government officers present, and numerous bandits, all inexplicably slowed their actions and turned their gazes toward a direction in the forest as if they were drawn by some mysterious force.


    There, to everyone''s surprise, Chen Mu''s figure appeared. Dressed in simple linen, he stood under a locust tree, and he seemed to have been watching for a long time before being noticed just now.


    "Who?!"


    He Xuan''s pupils contracted slightly as he instantly pointed his blade towards Chen Mu.


    Despite the chaos nearby, as his subordinates and the government officers had been clashing continuously, the sudden appearance of a person whom he had not noticed before was clearly unusual. Even though Chen Mu didn''t exude the aura of a martial artist and seemed to be just an ordinary villager going up the mountain to gather firewood, a sense of alert arose in his heart.


    The many government officers and bandits also all looked towards Chen Mu but were just as baffled.


    Song Zhou alone... S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    His gaze fixed on Chen Mu''s face, he was initially taken aback, then disbelief crossed his eyes, and his face even showed an excitement he could hardly hide... How could it be him, how could he be here?!


    Chen Mu didn''t speak, just stood there, and then a breeze blew, a dry leaf fell from the old tree, fluttered past him, and he casually raised his hand to catch the leaf between his fingers, his gaze turning towards Song Zhou. In an amiable tone, he said,


    "River Severing Blade focuses on severing; the flow of water benefits all things rather than attacking. Although this blade technique originates from the Kan Water Sect, it actually goes against the path of Kan Water. Your practice is quite good, but if you delve deeper in this way, you will only drift further from the Kan Water Artistic Conception."


    As his words fell,


    Chen Mu flicked the dry leaf casually towards He Xuan who was not far away.


    He Xuan, originally pointing his blade at Chen Mu and extremely vigilant, felt an ominous sensation upon hearing Chen Mu''s words. When he saw Chen Mu flicking his finger, and a plain dry leaf flying towards him, he immediately reacted as if facing a great enemy!


    Not good!


    Even though he could barely sense any power from the dry leaf, He Xuan, who had been a figure in the Martial World for many years and had once glimpsed a master of the Five Viscera Realm demonstrating effortless and unfathomable skills, was shocked. Chen Mu''s silent appearance, his judgment on the blade technique, and his nonchalant actions¡ªall these sent chills down his spine. Though it was only a dry leaf coming at him, he also quickly dodged backward, not daring to intercept it at all.


    The speed and movement technique he unleashed at that instant were not just Tendon Changing Major Achievement but Tendon Changing Perfection!


    "This fellow has hidden his strength."


    Song Zhou noted He Xuan''s action, a chill running down his spine. No wonder He Xuan had been rampant for many years unrestrained; the level of skill depicted in the intelligence was worlds apart from his real strength. If he were to strike with full force, Song Zhou knew he couldn''t withstand three strikes!


    But before him...


    Song Zhou''s mind surged with thoughts, and the next moment he saw those utterly ordinary dead leaves silently catching up with He Xuan, and then in an instant, causing him to feel a surreal trance overwhelm his mind.


    In his line of sight, it seemed as if a silver-white Milky Way fell from the heavens, scattering across the world, and those dead leaves silently flew towards the Milky Way, bursting forth in an instant with an indescribable, boundless momentum of the blade, its vast majesty beyond words.


    His!


    A white thread suddenly appeared in his vision, and in an instant, the vast Milky Way spanned across, breaking in the middle!


    By the time Song Zhou''s vision recovered from its daze and returned to normal, his gaze still met the vast expanse of the mountain forest, except He Xuan''s figure, which was retreating rapidly and leaping away, was now silently frozen in mid-air.


    And then.


    An unforgettable scene for everyone present occurred.


    In their line of sight, centered around He Xuan''s leaping figure frozen in mid-air, a thread stretched across from top to bottom, extending across the vast mountain forest to the end of their vision, immediately splitting He Xuan''s body and the hundreds of zhang behind him, ancient trees included, right down the middle, as if cutting the Milky Way that descended from the heavens!


    All the government officers were frozen in place, staring at this shocking scene, their faces showing a stupefied expression, momentarily feeling as if they were dreaming, and even the bandits were almost entirely frozen in place.


    "..."


    Song Zhou''s eyes were also full of shock. Initially, he wasn''t entirely certain of Chen Mu''s identity, as the Chen Mu of today, compared to many years ago, had no significant changes in appearance but had a vast difference in demeanor. Back then, at first sight, he exuded the presence of an important figure, even with a calm demeanor, he imparted a commanding aura.


    But the current Chen Mu seemed to blend into ordinariness, appearing like any typical mountain folk, plain and unremarkable, nothing like the legendary figure he had heard about over the years. Yet, that single dead leaf transformed into a blade, evolving into the River Severing Blade Technique as if it could sever the Milky Way, leaving no doubt in his mind.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!!!


    In the distance, He Xuan''s upper body was still frozen in mid-air, his eyes wide open, still carrying a hint of disbelief, but after a brief pause, he ultimately plummeted downwards, along with countless severed towering ancient trees.


    Amidst the roaring sounds, Song Zhou respectfully bowed to Chen Mu.


    "Uncle."


    "Is Miao''er still well?"


    Chen Mu didn''t look towards He Xuan but turned his gaze to Song Zhou, asking in a calm tone.


    Back then in An Yu County, after seeking the Song Family as relatives, he had only arranged some future matters for the then young Song Zhou and Song Miao, and hadn''t taken much care of them afterward. Now seeing Song Zhou again, he had indeed proven himself, as years of cultivation had brought him to the Tendon Changing Realm.


    "Thank you for your concern, Uncle. My sister married into the Yu Family and now lives in the Prefecture City with a pair of children, living a peaceful life,"


    Song Zhou replied respectfully.


    Hearing Song Zhou''s response, Chen Mu couldn''t help but show a hint of reminiscence. He remembered that when he first sought out the Song Family in An Yu, Song Miao was only about twelve or thirteen years old. In the blink of an eye, she was now eighteen or nineteen, married, and had children. How time had flown without him realizing.


    He, along with Xu Hongyu and Chen Yue by his side, all practiced martial arts. Even in their twenties or thirties, having lost their youthful immaturity, they showed no signs of aging, and if they didn''t arrange their hair, they still looked like young maidens. But those who didn''t practice martial arts usually married at fifteen or sixteen, as it was normal in these times, as common people living past fifty was already considered a long life.


    "That''s good,"


    Chen Mu responded with a slight sigh.


    After speaking, he turned around and did not speak further. A few steps later, his figure silently disappeared into the dense forest, leaving behind Song Zhou, who was slightly regretful for not being able to hear a few more words of advice from Chen Mu, and a group of government officers and bandits still standing in shock.

 Chapter 670 - 384: Prolonging Life

    Among the mountains and forests.


    Chen Mu walked slowly, casting his gaze into the distance and circling around the area where he had earlier used fallen leaves to slash the bandit leader. Glancing behind him briefly, he noticed no abnormalities, a flicker of light passing through his eyes.


    An illusion?


    There was no need to make such a fuss in killing a mere bandit leader. His action was not just a chance encounter with an old friend or casually giving guidance on Song Zhou''s Blade Technique, but a test.


    After leaving the Seven Profound Sect, on his journey to Yu County, he occasionally felt a vague sense as if he was being watched by an unseen gaze, but when he tried to sense it carefully, he could not identify its source. S~ea??h the Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This intuition from the murky depths was not a result of tangible perception, but stemmed from his Soul Heart Realm. At the level of a clear and still mirror, sometimes there would be an unfathomable sensation, not within the scope of detection.


    With his current level of Cultivation Realm, it would be extremely difficult for anyone to follow him undetected and be completely beyond his senses. Even for Martial Artists at the same Realm, such as Yin Heng in the Blood Exchange Realm, it was highly unlikely, let alone only a Grandmaster at the Unity of Heaven and Man, whose body and mind are fused with heaven and earth, almost indistinguishable from the nature itself, naturally able to shield all detection.


    Was there a Grandmaster at the Unity of Heaven and Man level in the shadows?


    This thought crossed Chen Mu''s mind, but his expression remained unchanged. After a casual glance over the mountains and forests ahead, he slowly took a step forward, and his figure soon disappeared into the woods.


    Having left the Seven Profound Sect, he had been prepared to encounter Grandmasters at the Unity of Heaven and Man level. Although these people were powerful, their Martial Bodies and Yuan Gang were not fundamentally different from ordinary Blood Exchange Realms. Their true strength lay in the vast and extensive Power of Heaven and Earth they could harness, and their sensory range could cover thousands of miles, even allowing them to easily transmit messages over such distances.


    In terms of raw power, Grandmasters at the Celestial Human Level were not so far apart from Yin Heng as to be insurmountable. Even if they could not be opposed, at least he could escape and not be completely defenseless.


    Furthermore,


    In the vast Da Xuan with billions of souls and numerous Martial Artists, only a mere twenty or so had reached the Celestial Human Level. They stood at the pinnacle of Martial Arts, each with their own resolve and courage. If they only sought to deal with him out of worry for a future threat, they would not have reached the Celestial Human Realm nor would they have arrived at the end of the Martial Path.


    This was what Yin Heng said to him; at least before he stepped into the Blood Exchange Realm, as long as he did not actively provoke those Grandmasters at the Unity of Heaven and Man Level or trigger disputes, they were almost not likely to oppress a Grandmaster using the power of a Celestial Human.


    And furthermore,


    Those Grandmasters at the Celestial Human Level were almost all pursuing higher levels of Martial Arts, attempting to explore further paths of Martial Arts. Their pursuits differed from those of ordinary Martial Men, spending most of their time detached from the world. This was one of the reasons they were referred to as ''Celestial Humans,'' for beings of heaven are separate from the mortals.


    On the other hand, those Blood Exchange Realms who roamed the seas below the Celestial Humans, after he repelled Yuwen Hao straightforwardly, would see him as a peer, no longer regarding him as a junior. These were the true threats he now faced.


    But for Chen Mu now, he feared nothing unless a Celestial Human took action.


    Even when facing Celestial Humans directly, he still had some capacity for self-preservation. Having left the Seven Profound Sect alone, he was on a fearless and unyielding path of Qiankun, an invincible path that did not care for various concerns.


    ...


    Yu City.


    Chen Mu''s figure appeared silently on top of the city gate, his gaze falling on the patchwork of houses in the distance.


    Nearby patrolling soldiers walked along the gate, but all passed by Chen Mu without reaction, as if they couldn''t see him at all.


    "Hey, did you hear about Widow Wang from the south side and..."


    A few soldiers were patrolling the wall, each quietly discussing neighborhood gossip.


    So Chen Mu stood still, watching the grand and vast Prefectural Government of Yu County, then slowly stepped forward, his figure vanishing from the city wall into the streets of the Outer City.


    In earlier years, the edge of the Outer City of Yu County was the most remote and chaotic place, with dead bodies everywhere and filled with desperados. But now, such sights were scarce, perhaps due to Yan Jingqing''s governance or possibly the gradual changes brought by the establishment of various sect branches.


    Moving forward.


    The number of people on the road gradually increased.


    Chen Mu moved through the market, but no one bumped into him, nor did anyone''s gaze linger on him. He was in the midst of the marketplace yet seemed as if he were beyond the mundane world.


    It seemed like he had only taken a few steps when familiar streetscapes appeared in his view. This was Ninth District, where he spent the earliest years of this life.


    The two low houses from those days were still situated in the alley.


    What was different though,


    Every household in the vicinity had renovated their homes into manors.


    "My lord, look over there. That is the old dwelling of the one from years ago, said to be a Land of the Soaring Dragon. With each rising sun, a purple aura supposedly lingers... All these manors around here have been bought by the gentry in the city. If you wish to partake in such fortune, we have a court not a thousand steps from here, right over there."


    Suddenly, a broker from afar was seen accompanying a long-robed guest, incessantly describing the features to him.

 Chapter 671 - 384: Prolonging Life_2

    Guests followed a few attendants, but everyone disregarded Chen Mu, who was standing in front of two low houses, as if they couldn''t see him at all. All they saw was emptiness. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Land of the Soaring Dragon.


    Listening to the conversations of the toothpick manager who seemed to want to buy the courtyard houses and the rural gentry, Chen Mu couldn''t help but shake his head and chuckle. He hadn''t noticed anything special about this "Land of the Soaring Dragon." Back then, he hadn''t seen any purple aura either.


    When Xu Hongyu and Chen Yue were still in Yu County, there hadn''t been much change around here. But in recent years, everyone had moved to the State Government Office, and the whole place had been transformed. What used to be ordinary streets inhabited by poor commoners had now turned into broad streets with neatly built blue-stone courtyards.


    He wondered how much these nearby courtyards had sold for; by his estimation, it wouldn''t be a small sum.


    However.


    These people did lead lives with some sense of propriety; his two low houses had never been touched by anyone from the beginning to the end; probably no one dared to, and not just these two, but also the few where Wang Ni and her grandfather had lived, hadn''t been touched either.


    The deeds for these few houses had always been in his hands. Although deeds often amounted to nothing but waste paper in chaotic times, whether they were waste paper or an impassable mandate depended on whose hands they were in.


    "Hehe."


    Chen Mu looked at the two low houses and sighed with a hint of nostalgia, then lightly waved his sleeve toward them and turned around, no longer lingering as he walked away.


    Almost as soon as his figure disappeared, those few low houses, as if truly unable to bear the burden anymore, started creaking worryingly and then collapsed with a crash, turning into a pile of broken stones and dust.


    Still introducing the nearby courtyards to a few rural gentry and incessantly discussing things like ''Momentum,'' ''Heavenly Mandate,'' and ''Purple Aura,'' the toothpick manager and the gentry were all startled by the sudden collapse.


    Everyone staggered a few steps back, and after the houses completely collapsed into dust, they looked at each other in dismay.


    ...


    Not far from his old home.


    A multi-layered mansion was situated, its high walls made of blue stones, with multiple nested courtyards within. Some maids and servants were busy, either sweeping the yard or washing clothes.


    In the inner courtyard, an elderly woman with a kindly expression was sitting on a lounge chair, her hair mostly white with just a few black strands remaining. Although the years had marked her face with numerous wrinkles, the old woman was in a good mood, surrounded by two children about five or six years old and three young girls around four or five, all calling her ''Grandma.''


    "Grandma, grandma, tell us another story about Uncle."


    "Grandma, I also want to learn martial arts and become as strong as Uncle someday."


    A group of children, their voices still youthful, surrounded her with laughter and chatter.


    Chen Hong said with a gentle demeanor, "Learning martial arts isn''t easy. It requires enduring hardships. Back then... "


    As she spoke,


    she suddenly paused, as if a faint string in her heart had been lightly touched. She subconsciously turned her head to look over her shoulder toward the top of the porch, but there was nothing there except a sparrow preening its feathers.


    Chen Hong''s action also made the children look up at the porch, but they saw nothing and became curious: "Grandma, what are you looking at?"


    "Nothing."


    Chen Hong shook her head, sighing that old age often brought fleeting visions; she quickly gathered her thoughts and, with a kindly gaze, continued to the attentive children, "Back in those days, we were poor, uncertain of where the next meal would come from..."


    The children listened intently, gathered quietly around her to hear the story.


    At the corner of the porch.


    Next to the preening sparrow, Chen Mu stood silently, looking at Chen Hong surrounded by her grandchildren and finally nodding slightly. Then he quietly turned around and vanished from the corner of the porch, while the sparrow continued to preen its wings, oblivious.


    ...


    Walking along the alley, Chen Mu did not pause and soon entered the Inner City.


    Years had passed, and today''s Inner City had changed a lot as well. The Yu Family''s territory had expanded in some directions and contracted in others due to the influence of various sects.


    Chen Mu walked deeper into the inner city, his demeanor calm. He passed some of the Yu Family''s attendants and Protectors without being seen by anyone until he reached deep into the Yu Family''s territory, to a simple courtyard.


    He pushed open the courtyard door.


    Inside the courtyard, many flowers were growing. A venerable old man with fully white hair and beard was strolling leisurely along the flower beds, occasionally lifting his hand to cause dew to quietly condense in the air and water the flowers.


    Noticing the courtyard door opening, Yu Jiujiang turned and looked toward the entrance, seeing Chen Mu walk in with a peaceful expression and softly saying, "After so many years, are you well, old sir?"


    "Fine, fine, all is well,"


    Yu Jiujiang exclaimed in surprise, but quickly regained his composure and, chuckling, said.


    He slowly withdrew his hand, and the dew that had been condensing in the air disappeared. Then, leaning on his cane, he walked towards Chen Mu with a still firm and healthy stride, but Chen Mu could tell that Yu Jiujiang''s vitality had declined to even less than that of an ordinary person.

 Chapter 672 - 384: Prolonging Life_3

    Given Chen Mu''s current Cultivation Realm, he could even directly determine Yu Jiujiang''s lifespan. Unless there were any unexpected events, roughly only about a year remained before his time would come to an end.


    "Why do you have time to return to Yu City today? Did you happen to pass by?"


    Yu Jiujiang looked at Chen Mu.


    Although he was far away in Yu County, the Yu Family had always been in correspondence with the State Government Office and exchanged messages with Xu Hongyu and others. Given the Yu Family''s current status, they were also privy to many recent developments regarding Chen Mu and even the Seven Profound Sect.


    Yu Jiujiang knew that Chen Mu, despite his fame in the Cold North and his position as the world''s number one Grandmaster, was at the most critical moment. Whether he could break through and ascend to the pinnacle of the world depended on the days ahead. Thus, during such a significant period, Yu Jiujiang was somewhat surprised but also pleased to see Chen Mu returning to Yu County.


    As one grows old, nearing the last few years of life, such feelings are hard to avoid. He actually wanted to see Xu Hongyu again, but the journey from Yu County to the State Government Office was long, and his body could no longer endure such extensive travel. Besides, given the pressing situation Chen Mu faced, it was safest for Xu Hongyu to stay within the Seven Profound Sect''s mountain gates, and it was not advisable for her to travel back to Yu County.


    He thought he no longer had the chance to meet with Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu during these last years, but unexpectedly, he had the opportunity today.


    "I specifically came to see you," said Chen Mu in a calm tone.


    After carefully assessing Yu Jiujiang''s physical condition, Chen Mu gently lifted his hand, and a drop of crystal-clear, green liquid silently emerged, quietly floating in the palm of his hand.


    "This is Heaven and Earth Dew, which can halt the decay of the flesh and blood. By a stroke of luck, I obtained some. Although you have not undergone Marrow Cleansing to refine a Grandmaster Martial Body, it should still be beneficial for you."


    Heaven and Earth Dew, according to the records, was a rarely mentioned Spiritual Object. He had previously obtained seven drops from Yu Shouxuan and others. There were rumors that a single drop could extend one''s life by ten years, but as for its effect on Yu Jiujiang, Chen Mu was uncertain.


    Because that so-called extension of ten years was relative to those who were Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters.


    A Grandmaster Martial Body at Perfection could naturally lock their Qi-Blood, which would not dissipate until the moment of life''s end. Therefore, the Heaven and Earth Dew, which prevents the dissipation of Qi-Blood, would be highly effective. sea??h th§× novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yu Jiujiang, however, was not a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster but merely at the Five Viscera Realm, and his Realm had already declined. His Qi-Blood was almost no different from that of an ordinary person, so the effect of the Heaven and Earth Dew would be significantly less, but as to what extent, Chen Mu was not clear.


    After all,


    there was no record of people below the level of Grandmaster using Heaven and Earth Dew in the archives.


    However, upon seeing the translucent Spiritual Liquid in Chen Mu''s palm, Yu Jiujiang paused for a moment before speaking with some resignation, "I''ve lived over a hundred years, and there''s nothing that I haven''t seen or desired. I have no more obsessions, and half of my body is already in the coffin. Such a precious Spiritual Object shouldn''t be wasted on an old man like me."


    Hearing Yu Jiujiang''s words, Chen Mu shook his head slightly and said, "As long as I''m here, the bloodline of the Yu Family will not be severed. In the coming years, the world might change, and you should also wish to witness more of the world''s splendor for a few more years."


    Yu Jiujiang, in his life, had done everything for the Yu Family.


    No one wants to live a shorter life, but Yu Jiujiang knew the preciousness of the Heaven and Earth Dew, so he was reluctant to use it for himself. He hoped instead that Chen Mu would look after the Yu Family in the future. Given Chen Mu''s Martial Arts Cultivation and long lifespan, which was just beginning, in a few decades, when the old people of the Yu Family who knew Chen Mu had mostly passed away, there would not be much connection left between him and the Yu Family.


    Chen Mu was aware of this, so he simply mentioned that he wouldn''t let the Yu Family''s bloodline be severed. This was not only out of gratitude for Yu Jiujiang''s care in the past but also because he had benefited greatly from the Yu Family. Xu Hongyu grew up in the Yu Family, a non-Yu member of the family. Chen Yue, too, had received much care from the Yu Family in his early years, allowing him to get through the most troublesome beginning.


    Hearing Chen Mu say this,


    Yu Jiujiang finally smiled and said with some emotion, "If I could live a few more years and see such a scene, it would indeed be worth living for."


    He understood what Chen Mu meant; if the present world could be called splendid, it was all tied to Chen Mu.


    A few more years to live.


    Would he be able to see it, obtain it?


    He felt it was very difficult, after all, although his realm was low and insignificant, he was still born in the Seven Profound Sect and knew the affairs of the world; he was even more aware that Chen Mu, as of now, seemed to be only a step away from reaching the pinnacle, but in reality, it was not something that could be accomplished overnight.


    But since Chen Mu had said so, he naturally would not refuse.


    "You will."


    Chen Mu spoke softly, then gently pushed forward.


    The drop of clear and translucent Heaven and Earth Dew silently flew toward Yu Jiujiang, and as it approached, it burst in the air into a colorful mist, instantly enveloping him within.


    Yu Jiujiang took a deep breath and felt like a person on the verge of dying from thirst in the desert, suddenly drinking a mouthful of sweet dew; in an instant, the qi-blood in his decaying body revived with newfound vigor and vitality.


    A moment later.


    Once all the changes had disappeared.


    Yu Jiujiang reopened his eyes, felt the condition of his body, and sighed, "The marvel of Heaven and Earth is beyond compare, it''s a pity that my old and declining body is somewhat a waste of such a miraculous object."


    With his past status, he naturally could not come into contact with something like Heaven and Earth Dew, an object for extending one''s lifespan; almost all such spiritual objects he had only heard of through rumors, but this did not prevent him from realizing the changes brought by the Heaven and Earth Dew.


    If his cultivation realm had not declined and he still maintained the Five Viscera Realm, then this drop of Heaven and Earth Dew would have allowed him to hold on to his qi-blood for another ten years, truly extending his life by nearly a decade.


    But now.


    His qi-blood had declined, and he was no different from an ordinary person. Although this drop of Dew stopped his qi-blood from decaying further and restored some vitality, the decline was irreversible, and it was no longer possible for him to return to the Body Tempering Cultivation of the Five Viscera Realm he had once possessed.


    According to his judgment, the effect of this drop of Heaven and Earth Dew, on his current self, would have to be reduced by half at least, and he feared it could only extend his life by an additional four or five years; hence, his remark about the waste of such a treasure of Heaven and Earth.


    "If it allows you to witness a few more years of the world''s wonders, then it is indeed put to good use, there is no talk of waste."


    Chen Mu was also very clear about Yu Jiujiang''s judgment; this drop of Heaven and Earth Dew should indeed extend life by about four or five years, and the effect was not too diminished, moreover, the process of its effectiveness gave Chen Mu some food for thought.


    This effect, which stopped the decline of qi-blood and rekindled vitality, was somewhat similar to the Demonization Evil Methods practiced by the Sky Demon Sect, except the effect of Heaven and Earth Dew was proper and upright, without any side effects, whereas the methods of the Sky Demon Sect were perverse and could even affect one''s mind and rationality. Both were similar in effect, yet the processes were poles apart.


    It was said that the old Emperor Xuan, in his quest for longevity, practiced evil methods that left him half-mad, half-conscious, ultimately leading to chaos in the world that continued to ravage to this day, though one wonders what kind of methods he actually practiced.

 Chapter 673 - 385: Master of Xue Yin Tower!

    "Very well."


    Yu Jiujiang looked at Chen Mu with a reassuring smile, saying, "Then I, this old coot, will just have to wait for the day when you reign supreme over the world."


    If Chen Mu could one day rule the world, there would be no greater spectacle in this life. Yu Jiujiang, having lived through a century, had raised the formidable Yu Family and achieved considerable success in such a small place as Yu County. But that was all. The Yu Family had established its foundation and thrived for a hundred years in one county, which was enough to satisfy his heart.


    He had never fantasized that a descendant of the Yu Family would become a grandmaster and dominate a state. Even though Chen Mu was not a direct descendant of the Yu Family, their fortunate tie by marriage to him was a stroke of destiny. Now, Chen Mu was a contender for supremacy over the world, a notion that seemed so distant and dreamlike to the former Yu Family.


    "Alright, take good care of yourself."


    Chen Mu nodded gently at Yu Jiujiang.


    With the drop of Heaven and Earth Dew extending Yu Jiujiang''s life, the old man would live several more years. To others, five or six years might seem insignificant when advancing from Marrow Cleansing to Blood Exchange Realm, but for him, it was enough to be confident in overcoming this threshold. This confidence stemmed from the spirit he had cultivated along his journey, as well as his unparalleled talent and insight.


    With reassurance mixed with a hint of hope, Yu Jiujiang watched Chen Mu turn and walk out of the courtyard, his gaze fixed on him until he was out of sight.


    He leaned on his cane and took two steps forward.


    Watching Chen Mu''s figure disappearing outside the courtyard, he couldn''t help but speak out, wanting to say one last thing before parting.


    "Chen..."


    But his words abruptly stopped there.


    At the very moment that syllable left his lips, a grey dagger suddenly thrust from behind Chen Mu, outside the courtyard, aimed straight at his heart without a sound.


    This stab was done with casual ease, as if devoid of any sharpness or murderous intent. Yet, as it descended, the entire sky seemed to dim suddenly, the boundless grey clouds ripped apart by this dull point of light¡ªa shadow that seemed to cut through the fabric of the night, like a note rising from the road of the underworld.


    The grey dullness spread from a point, obscuring all in view, turning the world into utter greyness. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yu Jiujiang''s voice stopped abruptly, his words frozen on his lips, his body fixed in place. Despite the overwhelming and terrifying murderous aura not being directed at him but concentrated on Chen Mu, the close proximity still strongly impacted his spirit. Fortunately, although his Qi-Blood had declined, his Artistic Conception had reached the second step; his Soul Heart would not fade, and his body merely froze momentarily, unable to move.


    Terror!


    The only word that came to his mind was ''terror''!


    After all, as a former steward of the Seven Profound Sect and having dominated a county for a hundred years, he had encountered grandmasters before. But the assassination attempt unfolding before his eyes far surpassed any level or realm he could imagine.


    Without a doubt, this was an attack from someone in the Blood Exchange Realm, the pinnacle of the path of assassination. There were few in the world who could cultivate assassination to such a realm. Appearing here in the Cold North, in the Inner City of Yu County, just outside the courtyard where the Yu Family resided, and at the moment when Chen Mu had just stepped out and was most off-guard, the chilling intent to kill could only come from one person.


    Master of Xue Yin Tower!


    No one knew the true name of the Master of Xue Yin Tower, only that the Blood Exchange lineage of Xue Yin Tower had endured for hundreds of years, with each killer that stepped into the Blood Exchange Realm becoming the next Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion. Even those in the same realm held the Master of Xue Yin Tower in great awe.


    After all, to face someone who had honed the art of assassination to its peak, with nearly unparalleled stealth and perception in the world, and who always struck at the weakest point, was an utterly terrifying prospect that no one would wish to oppose.


    Watching closely.


    Chen Mu seemed completely unguarded and about to be struck by that grey dusk dagger.


    But a cold snort, like a clap of thunder, burst forth in the icy alleyway, shattering the pervasive grey fog with a dazzling light, like a spring thunder tearing through the world, dispelling the suffocating air of death.


    Chen Mu had turned around at some unknown point, and with a swoop of his left sleeve, a tremendous Yuan Gang True Essence coiled around the cuff, manifesting the might of eight colors and Eight Phases, forming a grinding disc-like rotation, sweeping the incoming grey dagger into its vortex.


    Sizzling!!!


    The Grey Dusk Dagger trembled violently, emitting a sizzling sound as if it had plunged into a swamp, yet it stubbornly pressed forward, struggling through the vortex of Qiankun rotation, piercing straight ahead.


    "Is this all you have, the esteemed Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion?"


    Chen Mu watched the dagger continue to thrust closer, his expression unchanging, his tone indifferent as he spoke. Suddenly, the rotating glow of the Eight Phases vibrated, resembling interlocking gears that abruptly shifted and forcefully reversed.


    The Grey Dusk Dagger instantly seemed to be caught in the crushing gears, emitting a series of unbearable creaks and then exploding in a flash, dispersing into a cloud of grey mist.


    However.


    Even as the Grey Dusk Dagger shattered, Chen Mu did not display any look of contempt; instead, his gaze deepened, for although his strength was great, it was not yet sufficient to grind a genuine high-grade Spirit Weapon into dust.

 Chapter 674 - 385: Master of Xue Yin Tower!_2

    That is to say, this Grey Dusk Dagger was not a true Spirit Weapon but purely a transformation of Yuan Gang, a manifestation of the Inner Strength of Yuan Gang Solidifying Refinement to the extreme. This degree of Solidification Refinement was something even Yin Heng couldn''t match, and it was the utmost Chen Mu had ever seen!


    And also,


    How could the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion not possess a Spirit Weapon in hand?


    That meant the stab of the Grey Dusk Dagger was merely a diversionary attack to attract attention; the real deadly move was still elsewhere!


    Almost at the moment when Chen Mu shattered the connection with the Grey Dusk Dagger, destroying the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion''s strike, he had elevated his Soul Heart and perception to the limit. At the next instant, he sensed a discordant ripple within a zhang radius around him!


    This time,


    What appeared was still not the real body of the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion.


    Even to the naked eye, it was the emptiness of nothingness, detectable only under his Qiankun Domain and the minutely detailed perception of his Soul Heart, as a faint ripple that seemed to be hidden in the void!


    It was a Flying Needle!


    A Flying Needle that had almost fused with the void, traveling outside of Heaven and Earth, not within Qiankun!


    Had Chen Mu not perfected his mental state to the highest level of stillness and clarity and transformed the strength of his Soul Heart by a full level, plus the recent acquisition of the Void Jade Crystal, for which he delved into the Void to forge the Qiankun Bottle for many days, he might not have detected the approach of this Flying Needle with his abilities!


    Without a doubt, this was a Void Spirit Weapon, and not an ordinary storage-type Void Spirit Weapon imbued with a Cave Heaven but truly one of the top assassination weapons, with inherent Void characteristics that allow it to pierce the surface of the void and hide within!


    Even a master of perception in the Blood Exchange Realm, without prior knowledge, could be taken by surprise and find the Void Flying Needle within an inch of their body, unable to react in time to prevent themselves from getting heavily injured or even being on the brink of death!


    However,


    After Chen Mu detected the approach of the Void Flying Needle, his eyes, which had been deep and impassive as ancient wells, finally rippled, not with fear or dread, but with a trace of exhilaration.


    "Well played!"


    He exclaimed, with a mix of heroism and composure. After annihilating the Grey Dusk Dagger with his left sleeve, his unmoved right hand swiftly rose, simply lifting and thrusting upward toward the incoming Void Flying Needle.


    If the Void Flying Needle had closed within an inch before he detected it, he would indeed face grave danger. However, it was not beyond his perception and was detected at a distance of a zhang.


    A zhang and an inch, for someone in the Blood Exchange Realm, might almost be a distance that can be crossed in an instant, not even considered a measure. But in such a top-tier confrontation, this difference amounts to a world of difference!


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    As Chen Mu raised his right hand, the surging and vast Qiankun Power roared magnificently, like a tremendous torrent rushing upwards, as if it aimed not only at the Void Flying Needle but also at holding up the grand expanse of the firmament.


    With one lift of his hand, he could hold up the heavens of Qiankun!


    Boom!!!


    The Qiankun Power, condensed to the utmost, collided brazenly with the minute and almost invisible Flying Needle, which flight path was nestled in the void.


    As Chen Mu lifted and captured the space, the void shattered like an ice surface, bursting into countless white fractures, spreading several feet in every direction.


    In the ruptured void fractures, the subtle Flying Needle, which was neither gold nor bamboo, less than an inch long but containing the terrifying sharpness to pierce the void, clashed with the two forces.


    Ding.


    The power contained in the Void Flying Needle was terrifying, and it had taken flight from the void''s interlayer. But as it left the hands of the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion and lost his support, it became rootless, which would suffice for a surprise attack. Once Chen Mu noticed and stopped it head-on, it immediately showed a lack of follow-up strength, emitting a clear chime.


    The entire Flying Needle trembled violently, its Vigorous True Qi unraveled inch by inch, and the needle itself fell from the void. Then the Qiankun Power from the void converged to form a giant hand, attempting to seize the Flying Needle.


    But just at that moment,


    Whoosh.


    An almost invisible figure suddenly appeared mid-air and swept past at an incredible speed, shattering the gathered Qiankun Power and snatching the loose Void Flying Needle between its fingers.


    The identity of this figure was beyond doubt, the world-renowned Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion!


    "So, you''ve finally shown yourself. There are rumors that no one knows the true face of the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion; I must admit, I am a bit curious."


    Chen Mu''s gaze landed on the emerging figure, speaking with a light tone, but his eyes flashed with indifference, and his movements never ceased. Lifting his left hand from his sleeve, he formed a Fist Seal, pulling into a pose, and struck at the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion!


    The overwhelming Power of Heaven and Earth surged and converged with Chen Mu''s own Yuan Gang True Essence, solidifying in an instant into a bright seal that seemed to condense the entire universe at one point and struck forward mightily.


    Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal!


    "Hmph."


    The Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion wore a mask, seemingly made of neither leather nor fabric, and even the eyes could not be seen, like a faceless entity. He gave a cold grunt that didn''t seem to come from him directly. To retrieve the Flying Needle Spirit Weapon, he had come within a zhang of Chen Mu, a proximity at which, even as the unparalleled master of movement techniques, the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion couldn''t possibly avoid the strike of the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal.

 Chapter 675 - 385: Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion!_3

    Yet he was not afraid; although he specialized in the art of assassination and was known as the King of Dusk, the peak assassin of his time, he was himself one of the top Blood Exchange Realm experts in the world. Even though he was not a peerless Celestial Human, in the eyes of many Blood Exchange Realm experts, his dangerousness was not inferior to those of the lower-ranked Celestial Human experts.


    Swish, swish.


    The Master of Xue Yin Tower lifted his right hand as if it were insubstantial, almost like a wisp of cloud smoke, and in an instant, it seemed he had struck out hundreds, perhaps thousands of times, each palm strike silent and seemingly powerless. But when combined, they formed an invisible curtain.


    Thousand Curtain Cloud Palm!


    Almost in the next moment, Chen Mu''s Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal suddenly smashed into the Thousand Curtain Cloud Palm, immediately causing the whole cloud curtain to cave in, like a fabric being pushed inward and stretched deep.


    Sounds of ripping fabric incessantly arose, almost continuous, and visibly, the layers of curtains upon the cloud curtain could not withstand the pressure and were torn apart, with the rate of disintegration accelerating until they were completely destroyed!


    Bang!!


    The palm of the Master of Xue Yin Tower eventually clashed with Chen Mu''s Fist Seal.


    Under that strange mask, his features were obscured, but he let out a stifled groan as if he had suffered a significant loss, stumbling backward and then shooting back like a cannonball, vanishing into nothingness in an instant, along with the earth-shattering killing intent that had also completely disappeared.


    "..."


    Chen Mu did not pursue, but simply stood his ground, maintaining his Fist Seal and slowly relaxing his stance.


    Master of Xue Yin Tower.


    Though an extreme practitioner of the path of hidden assassination, naturally, he would suffer when directly clashing with Chen Mu''s Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal. And while his methods were genuinely unpredictable, making him a figure on par with Yin Heng, perhaps even more troublesome, defeating him in a head-on fight would not be difficult, but to execute him at will, that would be a feat not even some Celestial Humans could accomplish.


    Chen Mu had no interest in wasting time with the Master of Xue Yin Tower. However, this sudden assassination attempt confirmed the previously faint perception he had¡ªit was not an illusion; indeed the man had been following him.


    He had just left the mountains.


    Even on the journey to Yu County, he had concealed his presence, silent as a shadow, yet within ten days, he had drawn the brazen assassination attempt of the Master of Xue Yin Tower. Indeed, traveling the world would never be peaceful.


    But Chen Mu''s heart was rid of fear, not because he believed he was invincible, but because in the past, when his Cultivation Realm was still low, he had been forced to endure, secretly cultivating in hiding. Now, as one of the top experts in the world, with few able to surpass him, if he still harbored concerns, how could he hope to rule over the vast Qiankun?


    Chen Mu shifted his gaze and turned to look at Yu Jiujiang, who was still in the courtyard not far away. Seeing that the old man was not physically harmed, merely a bit shaken, Chen Mu felt somewhat relieved.


    "There''s no need to panic; the assailant has retreated."


    Chen Mu spoke to soothe.


    Although the skirmish was as turbulent as a storm, it was a true world-shocking battle. But precisely because he and the Master of Xue Yin Tower were among the top experts of their time, the release of their power was concentrated at a single point and did not leak out in the slightest. As a result, the few exchanges did not even cause damage to the nearby walls and lanes.


    The grand spectacle was more a clash of two Artistic Conceptions, an invisible confrontation of martial wills. Although Yu Jiujiang was affected, he wasn''t the direct target of the conflict, and as a person once versed in the ways of Kan Water, his Artistic Conception had not diminished with age. Being above mere commonality, he had not suffered any irreversible damage.


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s words, S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yu Jiujiang gradually came back to his senses from the shock. Although he was a centenarian accustomed to all sights, he still felt a chill down his spine; only when he saw Chen Mu unharmed did his heart settle a bit.


    After he recovered, his mind was a tumult of emotions; recalling that terrifying moment. Although he had his suspicions, he couldn''t help but ask softly, "Was that person just now... perhaps...?"


    "It should be him, no doubt."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly and said, "There are few who could have cultivated the path of assassination to such an extent, aside from those of the Blood Concealment lineage."


    Upon hearing this, Yu Jiujiang couldn''t help but take a breath.


    Master of Xue Yin Tower!


    To him, this was definitely one of the most terrifying figures of the era. Even in his youth, at his peak, the Master was an untouchable entity for him, the leader of the Blood Hidden Pavilion, a Sect of Assassins that terrorized the lands.


    That was someone capable of contending with the Supreme of the Seven Profound Sect, a figure that could make any Grandmaster blanch, a fearsome existence that even Blood Exchange Realm warriors would speak of with trepidation!


    But after coming to his senses and seeing Chen Mu safe and sound, he couldn''t help but feel a surge of shock. That was the Master of Xue Yin Tower''s assassination attempt, probably the most terrifying assassination of the current world, yet Chen Mu came through it unscathed, dealing with it composedly!


    Over the years, he had heard rumors about Chen Mu. After learning of the events at Earthly Abyss, he was incredibly shocked, but those were not witnessed firsthand, thus feeling a bit distant.


    But now,


    Having personally seen the Master of Xue Yin Tower''s world-shocking assassination attempt foiled before Chen Mu, Yu Jiujiang, though of advanced age, felt an unrest in his heart that he could not quell.


    The young man who once needed his protection, who relied on the Yu Family for a place to slowly cultivate, had indeed become a powerful figure capable of walking the earth at will, one of the Blood Exchange Realm warriors.

 Chapter 676 - 386: First Arrival at the Outer Sea

    The murderous intent arose and alarmed all directions.


    The assassination by the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion came quickly and left just as swiftly, yet even just a short sequence of moves, the dazzling murderous intent that burst forth still shook the entire Yu City!


    From various directions within Yu County''s Inner City, the stationed places of the Heavenly Sword Sect, Hehuan Sect, Heavenly Seal Sect, and other sects, the Guardians of the Six Viscera Realm and even some Stewards of the Five Viscera Realm were nearly all startled at once, their gazes uniformly shifting towards the depths of the Yu Family, each showing a look of shock.


    "Who... is this?"


    "Such terrifying murderous intent. Which Path of Slaughter Grandmaster has arrived in Yu County?"


    "No! It''s not just that!"


    A protector of the Heavenly Seal Sect leapt up and landed on the corner of a roof, looking towards the far distance of the Inner City, his eyes somewhat horrified, "This murderous intent isn''t nearby at all. It''s from an unknown distance away, and you see that..."


    He said, looking up towards the sky, his eyes revealing a hint of shock. Above the firmament, the originally clear blue sky had somehow turned densely clouded. This was the murderous intent, or rather, the will of Martial Arts, influencing the weather!


    The will capable of affecting the weather within a certain range, even a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster could not achieve this extent. Only those terrifying beings who had reached the summit of Martial Arts through ascending the Blood Exchange Realm could do so. Additionally, that earlier hint of bone-chilling killing intent, despite the vast distance, roughly perceived as if walking the road to the underworld.


    In the Cold North, probably only one person.


    Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion!


    A horrifying existence at the pinnacle of the Path of Slaughter, any mention of his name changes colors, without a name nor a traceable origin. It''s because of the existence of the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion that the Blood Hidden Pavilion, a sect that practices the path of assassination, can overtly survive in the Cold North. Even though disciples of reputable orthodox sects sometimes die under suspicious circumstances believed to be the handwork of Blood Hidden Pavilion, no sect is willing to trouble Blood Hidden Pavilion.


    It is because no sect wishes to offend Blood Hidden Pavilion to the death, even if they could completely eradicate the overt influence of Blood Hidden Pavilion, as long as the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion is still around, that is the most terrifying threat in the world!


    Blood Hidden Pavilion dares to travel the path of slaughter, taking on contracts, boldly claiming there is no one they cannot kill, and the existence of their master is their backbone. Even if a Celestial Human expert isn''t afraid of the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion, there are always younger generations and disciples within their sects. Once they no longer abide by the rules, apart from those in the Blood Exchange Realm or Celestial Human beings, who else could escape an assassination by the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion?


    "It turned out to be that person acting..."


    "But who could have provoked that individual to take action personally?" Sear?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Guardians and Stewards of the major sects, while shocked at the action of the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion, quickly realized there was someone worthy of the Master of the Blood Hidden Pavilion''s personal intervention. Thinking of that direction, which seemed to be the residence of the Yu Family, the answer was almost self-evident.


    Chen Mu!


    The Peak Master of Seven Profound Sect''s Spirit Profound Peak, the top of the world''s Grandmasters list, the tenth Qiankun Grandmaster of Da Xuan!


    With this thought,


    All parties were shocked!


    Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion attempted to assassinate Chen Mu!


    No matter the result, this news would likely spread through the Cold North within days.


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    Several figures were currently heading towards the Yu Family''s residence.


    The one in the lead, clad in white, his face the same as many years before, was none other than Yan Jingqing, the Inspector of Yu County.


    Following Yan Jingqing were several Stewards of the Seven Profound Sect, holding positions in the Inspectorate, along with the increasingly elderly City Lord of Yu City, Xue Huaikong, whose dense black hair was faintly tinged with grey. Following Yan Jingqing at a rapid pace, numerous thoughts flashed through his mind, almost like stirring up stormy waves.


    Was that surge of murderous aura just now from the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion?


    Who could have drawn out the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion to take action, and at the Yu Family residence, could it be...


    His thoughts ceaselessly flashed through his mind, but he dared not speak out, even though he sensed that the murderous intent had gradually subsided, most likely having already departed, he still dared not voice discussions concerning the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion, only silently following behind Yan Jingqing.


    Soon.


    The group delved deep into the Yu Family''s residence, arriving beside the courtyard where Yu Jiujiang resided.


    Yan Jingqing landed silently, his gaze fixing on the streets ahead, roughly perceiving the surroundings. His pupils slightly constricted, he took a deep breath, also feeling a chill on his back.


    It was indeed that person''s handiwork!


    He was a high-ranking practitioner on the Wind Cloud List, and had also crossed hands with grandmasters. Although he had never been targeted for assassination by the Grandmasters of the Blood Hidden Pavilion, he had encountered the Grandmaster of the Blood Hidden Pavilion in action before, and the killing intent he sensed here compared to that was like a minor witch seeing a great sorcerer.


    Since it was the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion who took action, the target of the assassination must also be out of the ordinary. Moreover, since this was the Yu Family''s residence, the answer was almost self-evident, which made Yan Jingqing''s expression slightly heavy.


    How terrifying was the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion, personally taking action meant a thin line between life and death. Even if Chen Mu had once repelled the old ancestor of the Heavenly Demon Sect, Yuwen Hao, Yan Jingqing''s heart was still heavily suppressed.


    Chen Mu...


    Chen Mu, who had once risen in Yu County, he knew him thoroughly, and also understood Chen Mu''s nature. Speaking from his heart, he truly hoped that Chen Mu would achieve perfection, ascend to the ultimate peak in the world, and become a legendary Martial Saint.


    Because he knew Chen Mu came from the lower classes, harbored compassion for the common people struggling in a chaotic world, once his Martial Arts ascended to the ultimate peak, looking over the whole world, unbeatable, he would surely aim to stabilize the chaotic world, reshaping Qiankun.


    And this was also the principle he had sought all his life.


    He himself did not have the power to stabilize the chaotic world, and had not even seen hope in the past, but the emergence of Chen Mu let him see a glimmer of light, especially since Chen Mu had reached the level of Grandmaster, only a step away from reaching the highest rankings, that glimmer of light seemed to have completely pierced through the dark clouds, illuminating the world''s mountains and rivers.

 Chapter 677 - 386: First Arrival at the Outer Sea_2

    Even if this step would take him decades more, he was still young and could afford to wait for that day!


    Yan Jingqing slowed down his pace.


    He walked around a towering bluestone courtyard wall to a spacious and secluded alley.


    This alley had only one mahogany front door, which stood open on both sides, where an old man with white hair and a cane stood at the door, and besides that, there was nothing but emptiness; besides the lingering killing intent still in the air, there were no other traces nearby, not even any damage to the ground or the courtyard walls.


    If not for that lingering killing aura which still penetrated the marrow chillingly, almost all would think it was an illusion.


    "Steward Yu..."


    Suppressing his gaze, and seeing no other traces nearby, Yan Jingqing finally took slow steps forward.


    At this moment, Yu Jiujiang, who had been standing at the gate with a cane with his eyes closed, finally slowly opened his eyes and looked towards Yan Jingqing, the Seven Profound Sect steward, and others like Xue Huaikong, saying, "They have left."


    Hearing this statement from Yu Jiujiang,


    Yan Jingqing finally breathed a sigh of relief. Since he used the term ''they'', it was clear that Chen Mu was safe. However, turning his head back now, he couldn''t help but feel a tinge of awe - Chen Mu now even fearlessly faced assassination attempts from the Master of Xue Yin Tower.


    It was recalled that he once said that Chen Mu might ascend the Wind Cloud List within ten to eight years, standing shoulder to shoulder with him, but looking back now, it seemed he was the one who was shortsighted. Not yet ten years had passed, and Chen Mu had already become the top Grandmaster, even capable of contending with the Blood Exchange Realm.


    "So... Is Peak Master Chen unharmed?"


    Standing behind Yan Jingqing, an absent-minded Xue Huaikong stepped forward involuntarily and asked.


    Yu Jiujiang looked at Xue Huaikong and did not speak, but his eyes gave the response.


    Chen Mu was unharmed. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This meant that the assassination attempt by the Master of Xue Yin Tower was unsuccessful.


    Xue Huaikong stood stunned, his heart experiencing a mix of complex emotions.


    At this point, he genuinely no longer envied the Yu Family but felt grateful that the Xue Family had not harbored deep grievances with Chen Mu in the past. Otherwise, like the He Family that had spectacularly collapsed a century ago, Chen Mu had now become an existence too elevated for the Xue Family to reach.


    The Yu Family certainly benefited from Chen Mu, now being the foremost illustrious family in Yu County, even the sect branches stationed in Yu County wouldn''t easily oppose the Yu Family. But with fortunes come misfortunes, look at the horrifying entities Chen Mu is facing now.


    Master of Xue Yin Tower!


    The Eight Princes of Central Prefecture!


    Either the unsurpassed experts of martial arts or those at the pinnacle of power.


    Although the Yu Family climbed up by attaching themselves to Chen Mu and gained their current status, in such terrifying strife, once slightly entangled, it would be like ants caught in huge waves, crushed to oblivion in the blink of an eye.


    If Chen Mu were to perish,


    then even though those powerful figures and various forces wouldn''t deign to deal with a minor county-level power like the Yu Family, the Yu Family would still inevitably fall from grace. Even if they don''t meet a fate of complete annihilation, they won''t fare much better.


    But if one day Chen Mu truly reigns supreme, the Yu Family would rise meteorically, lifted to the heavens.


    This can truly be described as fortune leaning on misfortune, and vice versa.


    Perhaps,


    the Xue Family not forming a bond with Chen Mu was also a blessing, as this tempest was too severe. Although it might be a once-in-a-millennium opportunity, it could also bring about immense disasters, as no one can foresee exactly what the future holds.


    ...


    The Master of Xue Yin Tower''s attack on the Peak Master of Spirit Profound Peak!


    This news spread quickly throughout Cold North, causing a sensation among all parties. Since Chen Mu had been recognized as a Qiankun Grandmaster, although everyone knew that many entities did not wish to see Chen Mu dominate, not all of them would take action against him identically. The world was in chaos, split into countless factions, with many in the Blood Exchange Realm constantly at odds with each other.


    The Blood Exchange experts behind the Eight Princes of Central Prefecture also fought among themselves, not just once or twice, with no trust among each other, and it was unlikely for them to unite easily. Many would rather watch and wait for opportunities.


    It could be said.


    There would inevitably be those who would strike against Chen Mu, but no one knew who would be the first. Now the contemporary Cold North, as well as the whole world, wanted to see who would be the first to make a move against Chen Mu, and now this first one had finally emerged.


    Regarding the assassination from the Master of Xue Yin Tower, the various forces were shocked but not too surprised when they received the news. There had been more than one conflict between Xue Yin Tower and Chen Mu; usually, the assassins would strike once and if they missed, they would flee thousands of miles away. However, given Chen Mu''s character and background, if he were to stabilize the chaotic times in the future, Xue Yin Tower would be the first to be targeted!


    This was well-known to everyone.


    Furthermore, both Xue Yin Tower and Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion supported King Han Ji Xuanfei, and the conflicts between Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion and Chen Mu were no secret, almost impossible to mitigate. Under such circumstances, the discord between King Han and Chen Mu was almost insurmountable.


    Therefore, it was not surprising that the Master of Xue Yin Tower took the initiative against Chen Mu. Even if King Han gathered forces to ambush and kill Chen Mu, it wouldn''t cause much astonishment. What surprised everyone was that the assassination attempt by the Master of Xue Yin Tower was unsuccessful!


    Chen Mu was very strong.


    This was known to all.


    The Qiankun Grandmaster, who had developed both the Qiankun Domain and the Qiankun Martial Body, was utterly invincible among true grandmasters, embodying unity of will and action. Chen Mu''s direct repulsion of the Heavenly Demon ancestor Yuwen Hao in Earthly Abyss had confirmed this. His strength was likely not far behind those who had just stepped into the Blood Exchange Realm.

 Chapter 678 - 386: First Visit to the Outer Sea_3

    Yet even so, no one had anticipated that Chen Mu could make the Master of Xue Yin Tower return without success!


    What an existence the Master of Xue Yin Tower was, a peak of the Blood Exchange Realm that spanned nearly a hundred years, far surpassing the half-competent Yuwen Hao. He was the closest to a "Celestial Human" being and practiced the path of assassination. One could almost say that the Master of Xue Yin Tower was the most terrifying Blood Exchange expert beneath the Celestial Humans!


    For Chen Mu to survive the assassination attempt by the Master of Xue Yin Tower and even manage a full retreat was enough to astonish anyone, but Chen Mu not only achieved these, he also directly repelled the Master of Xue Yin Tower, forcing him to return without accomplishing his goal!


    Although,


    the Master of Xue Yin Tower was not adept at direct confrontation, excelling rather in covert assassination. Once an assassination failed, he generally had no advantage over most of those in the Blood Exchange Realm in direct combat. But the premise was that one could withstand his murderous assault unscathed and unharmed!


    Although today''s Master of the tower was unknown which generation he belonged to, across the centuries, countless Blood Exchange experts have fallen at the hands of successive Masters of Xue Yin Tower, and the number killed by the Masters was almost comparable to the Celestial Humans.


    But Chen Mu did not die!


    Not only did he not die, but he also escaped unharmed and even directly repelled the Master of Xue Yin Tower.


    Each of these states was a fundamentally different level of power. To directly repel the Master of Xue Yin Tower meant that Chen Mu''s current strength was on par with most of the present-day Blood Exchange experts!


    This was indeed an inconceivable feat.


    It is known that throughout history, the Qiankun Grandmasters are indeed recognized as the foremost under the heavens, unmatched amongst the Grandmasters. A few could exchange blows with those freshly entering the Blood Exchange Realm, but none reached the level of Chen Mu, which was almost beyond comprehension.


    But no matter how shocking it was to the world, Chen Mu, having left Yu County, did not look back. After concealing his aura, he even took to the underground, traveling through subterranean paths, heading east for tens of thousands of miles, finally arriving at the coast of the Eastern Sea!


    The sea embraces all streams; the wind stirs the clouds!


    This was Chen Mu''s first encounter with the ocean since arriving in this world. In his previous life, he had gazed at the sea countless times, but those memories had since become blurry. Now, as he returned to this vast shoreline, his nearly forgotten memories were also awakened.


    Along the endless coastline, the waves surged, crashing against the shore, striking the rugged rocks, and exploding with a sound like thunder, resounding continuously.


    "Outer Sea..."


    Chen Mu gazed out at the vast sea, and after a brief moment of reminiscence, his expression soon turned scrutinous.


    Although the changes were subtle, he could still faintly perceive a difference¡ªthat the Power of Heaven and Earth above the Outer Sea seemed slightly more profound than in the Cold North, which was also the reason for the ceaseless tumult of the sea waves.


    Despite the sea breeze not being particularly fierce, it was endlessly turbulent. According to his knowledge, the Outer Sea was perennially stormy with giant waves; even massive ships dared not venture beyond a hundred miles from shore. The area within a few tens of miles off the coast was essentially the limit for fishermen''s survival.


    Further out,


    the sky changed unpredictably, with sudden fierce winds and towering waves.


    Ships could hardly navigate, and only experts at the Five Viscera Realm or even the Six Viscera Realm could move unhindered through the water, travel along the seabed, and thus explore the fringe of the Outer Sea.


    Yet even so, exploring the Outer Sea was extremely dangerous for those in the Five Viscera Realm, for beyond a hundred miles off the coast, the seabed, rich in resources, was also a breeding ground for numerous demons, making the Outer Sea nearly a paradise for demonic beings.


    Fifth Rank and even Sixth Rank Great Demons were common in the deep sea, a chance encounter almost inevitable.


    Therefore, if someone from the Five Viscera Realm ventured into the Outer Sea to explore, it was extremely perilous. Encountering one or two Fifth Rank demons was manageable, but facing a swarm of Fifth Rank demons or even Sixth Rank Great Demons, even the elite of the Five Viscera experts from the major Sects would meet their demise.


    Only by stepping into the Six Viscera Realm, where one could survive long-term underwater and basically fear no Fifth Rank or even Sixth Rank Great Demons, could they escape, however roughly, and be deemed initially qualified to explore the Outer Sea.


    After all,


    those Seventh Rank Demon Kings that posed a threat to the Six Viscera Realm were not commonly found even in the Outer Sea.


    Although the Outer Sea was so perilous, according to Chen Mu''s knowledge, there were still humans living there, even quite a few, because it contained continuous groups of islands, scattered like stars, extremely intricate.


    Moreover, as the islands were nearly isolated from the world, it was difficult for anyone beneath the Six Viscera Realm or even a Grandmaster to cross between them. Thus, many large islands each constituted an independent territory, extremely numerous, and to call them a stand of hundreds of nations was no exaggeration!


    But even so,


    there was still order in the Outer Sea. S§×arch* The N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although there were hundreds of islands and numerous nations, the largest of these maritime countries was no match for a single province of Da Xuan, and collectively, they were far less extensive than the territories of Da Xuan. Contrary to Da Xuan where the Imperial Court and numerous Sects prevailed, the Outer Sea was completely opposite, ruled by three Great Sect forces¡ªVast Ocean Pavilion, Pure Sea Palace, and Tingchao Cliff.


    These three Great Sect forces, with long and distant lineages, possibly dating back thousands of years, even exceeded the history of the Da Xuan Dynasty. It was said that when Da Xuan Martial Emperor Ji Hao conquered the Ninety-Nine States, he also wanted to bring the hundreds of nations in the Outer Sea under his rule. However, he was thwarted by these three forces and ultimately gave up on the endeavor.


    In comparison to the Da Xuan Ninety-Nine States, which were dominated by the Imperial Court with numerous Sects scattered throughout, the Outer Sea was the complete opposite, governed by three Great Sects under which the hundreds of nations paid tribute, a situation created by the unique environmental conditions of the Outer Sea.

 Chapter 679 - 387: Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion

    As Chen Mu approached the Outer Sea,


    within a pavilion somewhere in the Cold North,


    a figure in a mysterious robe was sitting straight in the pavilion, holding a cup of tea in his hand. The clear water in the tea cup suddenly rippled, reflecting a series of images that caught his eye.


    The aura of the figure in the mysterious robe was as deep as an abyss, far beyond any Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster could compare, undoubtedly a true expert of the Blood Exchange Realm. And the expert clad in the robe of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, his identity was virtually self-evident.


    Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism!


    In most sects, once a martial artist steps into the Blood Exchange Realm, they often no longer concern themselves with the trivial matters of the sect. Another Grandmaster would ascend to become the Sect Master and manage daily affairs, while they themselves would be honored as Supreme. However, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion and the Blood Hidden Pavilion were different. For hundreds of years, all who reached the Blood Exchange Realm served directly as Pavilion Masters or Tower Masters, personally overseeing the affairs of their sect.


    Inside the pavilion, there wasn''t just the Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion; another person was seated as well, wearing a silk robe of exquisite quality, which clearly showed its value. However, his aura was as profound as an abyss, not inferior to that of the Pavilion Master.


    "This person is indeed the source that disrupts the Heavenly Mandate. If we want fate to return to its rightful course, we must eliminate this person from the world. His Highness King Han should make a decision soon, what do you think, Brother Chu?"


    Looking at the tea cup in his hand, the Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion calmly drank it down and spoke.


    Wearing the long robe and addressed as ''Brother Chu,'' the man''s demeanor was calm as he said, "My thoughts align with Brother Cheng, regardless of the situation at the Imperial Court. We have no choice but to make our move against Chen Mu."


    An expert of the Blood Exchange Realm was naturally not without a significant background. He was one of the top masters known throughout the world, none other than Chu Changhua, the Supreme of the Central Prefecture''s Diancang Sect and one of the powers supporting King Han!


    In the Cold North,


    The opinions of the Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism and the Master of Xue Yin Tower were united. The conflict between them and Chen Mu was irreconcilable and unsolvable. Regardless of what the other Eight Princes thought, whether they wanted to sit back and watch the fight or seize the opportunity in the chaos, they were the ones who could not wait any longer. After all, the journey from Marrow Cleansing to Blood Exchange might be long, but Chen Mu''s rise had proven he was no ordinary individual.


    Nowadays, Chen Mu had leaped into the heavens. Although he was still far from being invincible, he had become like a young dragon, an extremely difficult person to deal with. If left alone for another five or six years, even if he did not enter the Blood Exchange Realm, as long as his strength increased a little bit more, he would become completely unmanageable. Therefore, the Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism concluded that they must act quickly!


    And it had to be swift as thunder, an attack that was sure to kill, giving Chen Mu no chance to turn the tables!


    However,


    there was still no clear message from King Han.


    "With Brother Chu''s words, I am at ease,"


    Cheng Zu, the Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism, said.


    The Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion supported King Han, not so much relying on him, but also not being something King Han could rely on. After all, there are at least six or seven other sect forces of equal standing to the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, openly supporting King Han. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    King Han could not ignore a figure in the Blood Exchange Realm like the Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism, but the Pavilion Master also did not have the authority to make decisions for King Han or directly contact the sect forces supporting King Han. Their relationship was more like a mutual use of each other.


    The Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion sought to rely on King Han''s ascent to greatness to become the orthodox major sect supported by the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, while King Han equally needed the power of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion to contest the other Eight Princes for that position.


    Between Chen Mu and King Han, there was no direct enmity.


    The Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism guessed that perhaps King Han was still hoping against hope, wanting to make peace with Chen Mu, mediating and resolving the grudges between Chen Mu and the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, Blood Hidden Pavilion, but to him, it was an utter impossibility.


    All of the other Eight Princes might possibly reconcile with Chen Mu, except King Han. The only way would be for King Han to clearly delineate boundaries with the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, Blood Hidden Pavilion, let go of the support from both sects, and bow down to Chen Mu.


    But who was King Han?


    One of the Eight Princes of the Da Xuan Imperial Court, he was a figure with the stature to ascend to that prestigious position.


    If Chen Mu had already stepped into the Blood Exchange Realm and was unbeatable in the world, the destined Martial Saint of the age, indeed all the Eight Princes would humble themselves and approach Chen Mu, for this world always revered power above all.


    But Chen Mu was not at that level yet.


    The current Chen Mu, no matter how prodigious his talents, how extraordinary throughout the ages, was ultimately still in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, had not even stepped into the Eighth Realm of Body Tempering Martial Arts, and whether he could achieve Blood Exchange in the future was still uncertain. In such a case, with the dignity of the Eight Princes, how could they possibly bow their heads?


    Furthermore, the most significant issue was that, even if King Han could delineate boundaries with the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, Blood Hidden Pavilion, let go of their support, and bow to Chen Mu to reconcile, it would only be a reconciliation, not necessarily gaining Chen Mu''s support.


    What was the point in that?


    Hence, the Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism was not worried. He knew that the decisions King Han could make always only had one outcome from the beginning to the end.


    "Not long ago, when the Ice State Abyss opened, King Liang sent a group to explore it. However, as far as I know, that group of people all fell within the Abyss and their whereabouts are unknown. Some suspect it was Chen Mu''s doing,"


    Chu Changhua spoke with a light tone.


    A flicker of light passed through the eyes of the Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism, he said, "The item that group was searching for, as far as I am aware, should be the ''Heaven and Earth Dew.'' However, the Abyss is a place where all sorts of creatures mix, anything is possible. For a miraculous object such as the Heaven and Earth Dew to attract a Supreme of some sect to take action, murder for treasure, is not surprising. However..."

 Chapter 680 - 387: Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion_2

    In fact, it was indeed possible to frame Chen Mu for this matter, or to say it could indeed provoke the discord between King Liang and Chen Mu.


    The key point was that Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion happened to know a secret piece of intelligence, which was the blood relation between Liu Wanzheng and King Liang''s consort, Wan Qingxuan. From this, they were even more convinced that the assassination of Qin Mengjun years ago was orchestrated by Liu Wanzheng, along with King Liang.


    With this clue confirmed, there were irreconcilable conflicts between King Liang and Qin Mengjun, and Chen Mu, being the True Disciple of Qin Mengjun, would inevitably be implicated. It was precisely because King Han knew of this that he did not act against Chen Mu immediately, instead attempting to ally with King Liang to take action together.


    In the end,


    it was still that the current Seven Profound Sect was not so easy to deal with.


    Not to mention Yin Heng, Qin Mengjun, and Chen Mu, each of whom possessed the strength of the Blood Exchange Realm, just the Seven Profound Sect''s Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation alone was extraordinary, known to be among the top formations in controlling Earth''s Veins of the current era.


    Even if the forces supporting King Han could gather six or seven masters of the Blood Exchange Realm in a short span of time, to forcibly conquer Seven Profound Sect and execute Chen Mu was still extremely difficult and certainly not something that could be achieved quickly.


    Often, when time gets dragged on, variables could arise.


    Of course,


    these were merely the openly known strengths belonging to King Han.


    Although the Pavilion Master of Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion was not clear about how much covert strength King Han still had, if all was mobilized, conquering the Seven Profound Sect as it was now should not be a hard task. However, King Han probably did not wish to expose too many of his trump cards and strengths.


    If he could get King Liang to join him, nothing could be better. By gathering the forces of Han and Liang, it would not be difficult for over ten masters of the Blood Exchange Realm to make a move together. Under such circumstances, to conquer or even annihilate the entire Seven Profound Sect would just be a flip of the hand, without the need to expose too much, and also without fear of interference from the other kings.


    While Chu Changhua and the Pavilion Master of Mysterious Mechanism were discussing,


    suddenly an emotionless voice transmitted into the pavilion. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "There''s no need to guess anymore. The group belonging to King Liang, along with Liu Wanzheng, have all fallen to Chen Mu''s hands."


    Whoosh.


    The Pavilion Master of Mysterious Mechanism and Chu Changhua both looked over, only to see at the entrance of the pavilion, within the imperceptible void, a figure in a black robe quietly emerged, and it was none other than Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion!


    Seeing the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion appear, both the Pavilion Master of Mysterious Mechanism and Chu Changhua showed a slight change in their expressions.


    Others were unaware of the actions of Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion, but they knew. Someone needed to keep an eye on Seven Profound Sect, and it had to be at a close distance, to avoid the Earth''s Veins detection of the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation controlled by Yin Heng.


    To be capable of evading the detection of the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation and remaining hidden just outside the gates of Seven Profound Sect, there were few in the whole world; Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion was one of them, and thus had been keeping an eye on Seven Profound Sect for some time recently.


    And now,


    the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion had suddenly come, evidently something had happened at Seven Profound Sect.


    "Brother Blood Concealment, have you discovered something?"


    The Pavilion Master of Mysterious Mechanism asked the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion in a deep voice. Among the many present, only the name of Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion was unknown to anyone, so in his usual interactions with Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion, he referred to him simply as "Blood Concealment."


    The Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion stood in place, his tone brief and devoid of emotion, "Chen Mu left the sect, I made a move, but failed to resolve him. His strength does not match what was displayed in the Ice State Abyss; he could block my Void Flying Needle?"


    Upon hearing this,


    The Pavilion Master of Mysterious Mechanism and Chu Changhua exchanged looks, both visibly shaken.


    They were well aware of the capabilities and tactics of Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion, especially that "Void Flying Needle" he wielded¡ªa Spirit Weapon that was extremely rare among today''s Void Spirit Soldiers, ranked seventy-third in the Spirit Weapon Catalogue of Da Xuan. Paired with Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion''s Blood Concealment traceless methods, even they would face great peril in handling him, a single misstep might lead to serious injury at his hands.


    Chen Mu was able to withstand Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion''s assassination attempt!


    Earlier,


    Chen Mu had taken Xu Hongyu and other family members residing in the State Government Office to Seven Profound Sect, a fact of which they were absolutely aware. In the eyes of the Pavilion Master of Mysterious Mechanism, what Chen Mu could do was nothing but one of two situations: one was to hunker down within the gates of Seven Profound Sect, relying on the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation to temper his Martial Body, cultivating all the way to Marrow Cleansing Perfection, and then attempting to break through to the Blood Exchange Realm.


    The other possibility was for Chen Mu to leave the sect stealthily, conceal his aura, and travel a thousand miles, thus wandering the world and avoiding the assassins from all sides, as well as dispelling the dangers faced by Seven Profound Sect.


    And for both possibilities, he had considered countermeasures. The first was an early decision by King Han''s side: either mobilize power on King Han''s side to attack Seven Profound Sect, breach its gates, and execute Chen Mu, or wait for King Han to coordinate with King Liang''s results, or join forces with King Liang, which would be foolproof.


    The second,


    If Chen Mu tried to leave the sect alone, quietly, then it was to be handled by Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion!


    No matter how Chen Mu concealed his aura or sneaked away from the gate, it would be impossible for him to escape the vigilance of Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion who was hidden on the outskirts of Seven Profound Sect. After all, when it came to hiding and tracking, Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion was unparalleled.


    Even if Qin Mengjun or Yin Heng followed him secretly, providing protection all along the way, Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion could quietly send messages to them along the way, and at that time it would always be possible to mobilize troops, plan traps, and surround Chen Mu, and then eliminate him.


    If there was no tailing by either Qin Mengjun or Yin Heng.

 Chapter 681 - 387 Pavilion Master of Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion_3

    It wouldn''t even need to be that complex; the Master of Xue Yin Tower himself could find a chance to strike. Even though Chen Mu had extraordinary methods and was able to confront the Heavenly Demon ancestor Yuwen Hao directly, based on various reports of that battle, Chen Mu''s strength was at best comparable to someone like Qin Mengjun who had just entered the Blood Exchange Realm. Facing the assassination by the Master of Xue Yin Tower, he almost certainly couldn''t withstand it!


    Even the Pavilion Master of Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion was hoping that Chen Mu would choose to leave the sect alone and quietly because this would have directly fallen into his trap. Once the Master of Xue Yin Tower made a move, Chen Mu would be doomed without any escape, thus avoiding many complex plans.


    But now.


    Although what happened was the most anticipated scenario, the Master of Xue Yin Tower had unexpectedly failed!


    "No matter how strong his Qiankun Path is, he is merely in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. How could he possibly withstand your Void Flying Needle?" S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion spoke in disbelief.


    Even when the Master of Xue Yin Tower tried to assassinate someone from the same realm, there was a certain probability of severely injuring or even killing them instantly. Let alone Chen Mu, who was still in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. No matter how powerful the Qiankun Path, it shouldn''t be nearly defying the natural order to this extent!


    "I do not know,"


    the Master of Xue Yin Tower responded, still emotionless and without any fluctuation in his tone, uttering, "Indeed, his aura has not reached the Blood Exchange Realm, but his strength now rivals yours and mine."


    Upon hearing this, the face of the Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion gradually darkened.


    He knew the words of the Master of Xue Yin Tower were not falsified. Since the Master of Xue Yin Tower had said that Chen Mu''s strength had almost equaled theirs, it must be true.


    The entire pavilion fell into a brief silence.


    A moment later.


    Chu Changhua slowly said, "The paths of this world all have their ''limits.'' Ordinary martial artists practice in an orderly manner, while exceptional talents strive for these limits... perhaps he has indeed reached the zenith of the Qiankun Path."


    The Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion did not speak, but his speculation was the same as Chu Changhua''s.


    Even Ji Hao, the Da Xuan Martial Emperor from a thousand years ago, could not have reached such a terrifying level as Chen Mu while in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. Although it was unknown how Chen Mu achieved this, at least in the practice of Qiankun Path, within the same realm, Chen Mu was closer to the ultimate purity of Martial Arts!


    Perhaps he had tempered the Five Viscera more than twelve times or possibly brought the Six Viscera Tempering to its zenith. Regardless, Chen Mu was not only exceptionally talented and gifted but it was now certain that he also had the Heavenly Mandate with him, otherwise, he couldn''t have reached such a stage!


    In a profound sense.


    The Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s eyes flickered with a trace of perplexity.


    The generations of their pavilion had upheld Heavenly Mandate, complying with it in action. Could it be that this time they were to act against it?


    No!


    The Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion was, after all, an exalted presence in the Blood Exchange Realm. His confusion was merely momentary. His eyes soon regained their depth, just as Heavenly Mandate was unpredictable, Chen Mu, even if truly blessed by it, did not embody the mandate itself.


    His conflict with Chen Mu was irreconcilable without any room for retreat. For hundreds of years, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion had followed the Heavenly Mandate; even if they were to defy it once, how could it matter? They had been compliant for centuries; couldn''t the mandate favor them just this once?


    Moreover.


    Presently, it was still a time when fate had not yet been decided; everything was still subject to change. He had calculated numerous times in the past for King Han; it had always been King Han who had the highest likelihood of ascending to the great position, holding the greatest portion within Heavenly Mandate. In the end, Chen Mu was just an anomaly in these troubled times.


    After quickly restoring his composure, the Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion turned to the Master of Xue Yin Tower and asked sternly, "Brother Xue Yin, did you just say that the forces sent by King Liang, including Liu Wanzheng, all perished by Chen Mu''s hand?"


    "In Chen Mu''s possession, there is more than one Heaven and Earth Dew,"


    the Master of Xue Yin Tower tersely replied, speaking indifferently.


    The forces dispatched by King Liang were meant to obtain the Heaven and Earth Dew from the Ice State Abyss. Now that all of them have died in the Abyss, while multiple Heaven and Earth Dews appeared in Chen Mu''s possession, coupled with the longstanding grievance between Chen Mu and King Liang, the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion and King Han had intentionally left this issue unaddressed. Originally, it was meant to provoke the clash between the Seven Profound Sect and Qin Mengjun, scheming against King Liang. But now it became the foundation for their cooperation with King Liang.


    "If so, then King Liang will surely make a move, and we don''t even need to force it,"


    the Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion''s eyes glinted slightly.


    If the matter of Liu Wanzheng had not been revealed, and the truth behind the events concerning Qin Mengjun years ago remained unknown, King Liang naturally would have preferred to ''sit on the mountain and watch the tigers fight,'' and would rather witness King Han battle Chen Mu.


    But if Chen Mu and Qin Mengjun''s side were aware of the truth of the past events, realizing it was King Liang''s doing, this enmity would inevitably be traced back to him, and they wouldn''t need to coerce him as King Liang would have no choice but to act because such a feud was impossible to dissolve, as obstructing someone''s path was akin to killing their parents.


    Chu Changhua''s brows slightly furrowed as he said, "There is still a difficulty, however. Now that Chen Mu has left the sect and Brother Xue Yin has returned without success, we have no knowledge of his whereabouts; what should we do?"


    Even if they could join forces with King Liang, gathering several high-level experts from the Blood Exchange Realm, it would be meaningless without finding Chen Mu. Moreover, if Chen Mu''s strength already matched theirs, then even if they found Chen Mu himself, they would need to trap him to succeed. Otherwise, if they couldn''t surround him, the chase would still be fruitless.


    Upon hearing this,


    the Pavilion Master of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion glanced at Chu Changhua, his eyes revealing depth as he said, "That, Brother Chu, need not worry you. Chen Mu, upon leaving the sect, will most likely head to the Outer Sea. Although boundless, unless he hides in the deep sea for years, as long as he emerges, I have ways to locate him."


    The Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, with its centuries of divining heavenly secrets and walking far along the path of fate, might find it difficult to clearly discern some unpredictable aspects of fate at times, but often there were ways to circumvent the variables and probe the heavenly secrets.


    Furthermore.


    With the presence of the Master of Xue Yin Tower, and the assistance of the entire Blood Hidden Pavilion.


    Together with the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, even if Chen Mu were to escape to the ends of the earth, as long as he remained within this world, he could not disappear without a trace!

 Chapter 682 - 388: Invitation from Tingchao Cliff

    Outer Sea.


    The waves soared to the sky, and the billows surged violently, the wind and waves on the sea surface were so great that they could capsize any vessel.


    But as one traveled deeper along the ocean surface, the turbulent tides gradually subsided. By the time one reached a depth of a hundred feet, there were hardly any strong undercurrents. As far as the eye could see, the depths were a dark blue, teeming with fish, and life was incredibly rich.


    Within this azure water, a figure moved forward silently, far faster than the fish, almost traversing a hundred feet in an instant, leaving a clear white streak through the water. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This figure was Chen Mu.


    He was still clad in his usual simple garments, but as he walked along the sea floor, his whole outfit remained dry. The surrounding water seemed to soak him in the center, but in reality, there was a barely perceptible layer between them, almost indistinguishable to the naked eye.


    As Chen Mu continued to travel stealthily, deep in the sea below, a pair of crimson pupils suddenly opened, silently fixed on the figure of Chen Mu above, and then quickly disappeared into the darkness.


    Chen Mu''s expression was calm, as if completely unaware of the attention.


    Whoosh!!


    Suddenly the undercurrent surged, and with an explosive burst, a giant fish demon with a body several dozen feet long rushed out from the darkness. It opened its huge mouth, ready to swallow Chen Mu in one gulp.


    This fish demon exuded a terrifying aura, its presence commanding the pressure of a Sixth Rank Great Demon. The nearby fish momentarily froze in place before frantically fleeing to the distance. In an instant, the vicinity was void of life for hundreds of feet.


    Boom.


    Chen Mu''s gaze remained unchanged, as he looked at the approaching fish demon. He simply lifted his right hand, pointed forward with a bent finger, and instantly a vigorous force burst forth, slicing through the current and piercing the fish demon''s head in one strike!


    Blood instantly stained the surroundings red, but with a flick of his sleeve, Chen Mu let the fish demon''s carcass, along with the crimson demon blood, follow a current down to the deeper sea below.


    "Impressive technique."


    Almost at the moment Chen Mu snapped his fingers and killed the fish demon, a voice came from not too far away.


    Chen Mu looked in the direction of the voice and saw a figure appearing in the currents nearby, watching him from afar. The person was dressed in superior-grade silk, with a graceful figure¡ªit was a woman who exuded an air of composure and surprise.


    "Your skill with Vigorous force is delicate and masterful, able to release and retract with ease, not leaking even the slightest breath. You must be no ordinary individual among grandmasters. I am Yan Hong, from Da Xuan''s Central Prefecture, and I''m pleased to meet you."


    The woman greeted Chen Mu with an easy grace and a salute.


    Yan Hong.


    From Central Prefecture?


    Chen Mu''s gaze flickered across her, taking a momentary glance. He did not recognize the name, but it did not concern him, for nowadays, only the names of some grandmasters ranked high on the world grandmaster list made an impression on him. Central Prefecture was the center of the world, vast and densely populated, rich in grandmasters, and he could not possibly remember everyone.


    Furthermore, what she said might not be true, just as he was using a technique to conceal his appearance and change his features. While his skill in concealment might not be on par with the Master of Xue Yin Tower, it would not be too far off. As long as he did not display the Qiankun Power, ordinary Blood Exchange experts would have a hard time seeing through his identity. Only a Celestial Human Level expert might recognize his true face.


    "I am Mu Chen, and it''s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Yan."


    Chen Mu returned the salute to Yan Hong.


    Seeing Chen Mu respond politely, Yan Hong couldn''t help but smile graciously and said, "It seems you''re also headed for Dragonwood Island, perhaps at the invitation of the Dragonwood Island Master? I''m on my way there too, but I am unfamiliar with this part of the Outer Sea. If it''s on the way, could you perhaps offer some guidance?"


    Dragonwood Island Master.


    Chen Mu indeed knew of him; amongst the information Xia Yu''r had provided him was the Dragonwood Island Master, one of the three major powers of the Outer Sea¡ªa Supreme Elder of Tingchao Cliff, who often resided on Dragonwood Island, thereby earning the honorific title of Dragonwood Island Master. Although his realm had not reached the level of Celestial Human, he was one of the strongest Blood Exchange existences in the Outer Sea, just below a few Celestial Humans.


    The intelligence regarding the Sea Calming Pearl that sisters Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue had found pointed to the Dragonwood Island Master, suggesting he had a Superior Grade Sea Calming Pearl in his possession. As for the authenticity of this intelligence, the sisters were still investigating in the sea region around Dragonwood Island.


    Chen Mu''s trip was specifically for the Sea Calming Pearl.


    However,


    that was all he knew; he had no idea about any invitation from the Dragonwood Island Master.


    "An invitation from the Dragonwood Island Master?"


    Without any intention to conceal the truth, Chen Mu turned towards Yan Hong and candidly said, "To be frank, I am not from the Outer Sea but rather from a remote area of Da Xuan, and I am also unfamiliar with this part of the sea. As for your mention of an invitation from the Dragonwood Island Master, I am not aware of it."


    Yan Hong looked at Chen Mu with slight surprise upon hearing this.


    The way Chen Mu easily dispatched the fish demon with a single finger, a feat any grandmaster could achieve, displayed an air of nonchalance and ease that suggested a masterful control of Vigorous power and Solidifying Refinement without a trace of dispersion. He had to be one of the stronger individuals among grandmasters, or possibly even a top grandmaster.


    And top grandmasters in the Da Xuan Dynasty were more or less well-known; she was familiar with most of them. That''s why she immediately assumed Chen Mu was a figure from the Outer Sea, only to find that he too came from Da Xuan.


    However, Yan Hong''s surprise was only momentary.


    After all, Da Xuan was vast and abundant with the Ninety-Nine State spanning the world. It was quite normal for her not to know about someone hailing from some obscure place, especially since Chen Mu might not have revealed his true face, perhaps hiding his identity. It wouldn''t be strange.

 Chapter 683 - 388 Invitation from Tingchao Cliff_2

    "So Brother Mu also comes from Da Xuan; I was unaware."


    Yan Hong did not probe into Chen Mu''s identity, just smiled and said, "The Dragonwood Island Master, one of the Supreme from Tingchao Cliff, has reached the pinnacle of Martial Arts cultivation, nearly the strongest below the Celestial Humans. He possesses the mansion treasury, collecting countless Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects."


    Chen Mu listened to Yan Hong''s introduction, aware of these points, but he did not interrupt, waiting for Yan Hong''s next words.


    After a slight pause, Yan Hong continued, "The invitation from the Dragonwood Island Master is actually an invitation from Tingchao Cliff. Every hundred years, Tingchao Cliff invites various Grandmasters from different sects to gather and explore the ''Xunmu Cave Heaven.''"


    "Xunmu Cave Heaven?"


    Chen Mu was somewhat familiar with this place; he knew the characteristics of the Outer Sea that there are some Cave Heavens. These Cave Heavens, unlike the Stone Vein Cave Heavens he encountered in the Earthly Abyss, are real large-scale Cave Heavens with vast internal spaces, akin to small worlds.


    Yan Hong nodded and said, "Yes, this Xunmu Cave Heaven, only during the century period when heaven and earth change, can one enter it. Inside this world is rather peculiar, consisting of a towering giant tree. It''s said to be vast and immense, comparable to a landmass, and the heart sap of this Xunmu giant tree is one of the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects, the Xunmu Spirit Liquid, with numerous effects."


    Chen Mu, upon hearing this, displayed a thoughtful expression and said, "If that is the case, why would Tingchao Cliff invite Grandmasters from various sects to explore together? With their vast sect power, they could just monopolize it."


    Yan Hong shook his head and said, "Brother Mu is not aware, the vastness inside the Xunmu Cave Heaven is comparable to a state like Da Xuan. Besides the Xunmu, there is also a Foreign Race living there, known as the ''Spirit People Race.'' The power of this Spirit People Race is not strong, but the environment of the Xunmu Cave Heaven is special. Once a martial artist tempers their Martial Blood and reaches the Blood Exchange Realm, they cannot enter as they will be severely repelled by the internal heaven and earth. In fact, even Grandmasters who have cultivated the Martial Body will also face repression and suppression, but can barely enter it."


    "And this Spirit People Race, although not having many experts, possesses an ancestor comparable to the Blood Exchange Realm with an extremely long lifespan, reportedly living for hundreds of years, and might still be alive today. Such a being is far beyond what a few Grandmasters can contend with."


    Listening to Yan Hong''s words,


    Chen Mu finally understood.


    This Xunmu Cave Heaven was even bigger than he had anticipated, comparable to a state, and could give birth to experts comparable to the Blood Exchange Realm. Yet, its inner heaven and earth strongly repelled the martial artists of Da Xuan, making it impossible for those in the Blood Exchange Realm to enter, only leaving Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters to forcefully go in. This made powers like Tingchao Cliff, a large sect, act cautiously.


    Combined efforts of three or four top Grandmasters could counter a peerless Grandmaster, and four to five peerless Grandmasters could barely fight against an elder of the Heavenly Demon, but this does not mean that a dozen top Grandmasters can overcome an elder of the Heavenly Demon.


    Several peerless Grandmasters can face an elder of the Heavenly Demon because their strength will not be instantly killed by Yuwen Hao in one move, barely managing to hold off one or two, thus having room to collaborate, but top Grandmasters simply can''t handle a confrontation with an existence like Yuwen Hao.


    Therefore, even if a dozen collaborate, they are merely to be killed one by one.


    The Spirit People Race in the Xunmu Cave Heaven, having an ancestor comparable to the Blood Exchange Realm, indeed posed a formidable challenge for a major power like Tingchao Cliff. Despite their vast power, significantly stronger than many sects in Da Xuan with dozens of Grandmasters, ordinary Grandmasters would be instantly killed by the Spiritual Ancestor, making it pointless unless they assemble a military formation.


    But forming such a formation is not so easy; military formations are powerful because from the lower-ranked soldiers to the top commanders, all practice the same Cultivation Technique, all cultivating the same Artistic Conception, allowing them to function as a limb, with unified momentum.


    And for a Great Sect like Tingchao Cliff, it''s obviously impossible for all their Grandmasters to practice the same Artistic Conception and Cultivation Technique. Even if they can awkwardly assemble some battle formations, they won''t be as interlinked as military formations, still posing great risk against the Blood Exchange Realm.


    Like Chen Mu now,


    dozens of ordinary Grandmasters, even if they can sporadically form some battle formations, he can utterly break them apart, moving freely, and killing them all is merely a matter of time.


    "That''s why Tingchao Cliff invites Grandmasters from all sects to explore this Xunmu Cave Heaven together, essentially to gather forces to assist in combat against the Spirit People Race," Chen Mu thought and then said.


    Yan Hong smiled and said, "Brother Mu''s thought is correct, but Tingchao Cliff, being one of the three great sects of the Outer Sea and standing for thousands of years, even older than Da Xuan, has countless Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects in their treasury, and most of the items we think and need can almost be found there. Therefore, even if we exert effort to obtain the Xunmu Spirit Liquid, we can exchange it for what we need."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly and said, "However, with thousands of years of history, Tingchao Cliff must have interacted with the Spirit People Race for over a thousand years. Instead of inviting numerous Grandmasters to join hands and attack the Spirit People Race at the cost of many Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items, why not directly trade with the Spirit People Race, without taking so many risks?" sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Upon hearing this, Yan Hong shook his head, his gaze deep as he said, "I do know about this. It''s not that Tingchao Cliff doesn''t want to, but they cannot. There has been a history of killing between them and the Spirit People Race of Xunmu Cave Heaven for over a thousand years, with many Grandmasters and even protectors dying in the Xunmu Cave Heaven, and many from the Spirit People Race have been killed by them, becoming an irreconcilable blood feud of a thousand years."

 Chapter 684 - 388 Invitation to Tingchao Cliff_3

    Chen Mu remained silent.


    He did not pity the Spirit People Race. On one hand, they were a different race, with inherently dissimilar intentions; on the other hand, the survival of the fittest is the way of the world. Sear?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    If it were the Da Xuan Dynasty that was part of that Cave Heaven, and instead it was the Spirit People Race''s Xunmu Cave Heaven that was hundreds of times more vast than Da Xuan, then Da Xuan would have been the one to suffer from the Spirit People Race''s invasion, facing slaughter and looting.


    Even among one''s own kind, there are endless scheming and conflicts preventing coexistence, let alone with a foreign race.


    Seeing Chen Mu''s silence, Yan Hong paused briefly and then said softly, "Just like our Da Xuan Dynasty and the foreign races beyond our borders, the blood feud spanning generations cannot be resolved, and we are not saints or buddhas who can look after everything; all we can tend to is ourselves."


    Chen Mu shook his head and said, "I am not so pedantic, ''the innocent must bear the blame for possessing a jade.'' If the Spirit People Race occupies the Xunmu Spirit Liquid, a Heaven and Earth Spiritual Item, yet they are not powerful enough to protect it, attracting envy is only natural. I was just suddenly thinking, if our existence in this world is also just a slightly larger ''Cave Heaven,'' what will we do if one day foreign races from a vaster universe invade these lands?"


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s words, Yan Hong was momentarily startled.


    She had never considered this perspective, nor had she ever thought about it. After her brief astonishment, she showed a hint of surprise, for who in the world of Da Xuan did not believe that their realm was the center of the Azure Sky Universe?


    It seemed that worlds such as the Xunmu Cave Heaven were merely dependent on Da Xuan for existence, but Chen Mu''s thoughts, considering Da Xuan to possibly be just another Cave Heaven, were beyond her expectations.


    Instinctively, she wanted to object.


    Yet as a Grandmaster, she was privy to some secrets, although she''d never thought like Chen Mu before. Now that he brought it up, she suddenly found it difficult to object, because she couldn''t prove such a possibility didn''t exist.


    But after all, as a Grandmaster with a firm Martial Arts will, she said after a brief silence, "We practice Martial Arts to protect our land and to maintain what we wish to safeguard. If such a situation arises, then just like the Spirit People Race, we should do what we can, sacrificing our flesh and blood for the world, and not have lived our lives of Martial Arts cultivation in vain."


    These words made Chen Mu give her another look.


    People practice Martial Arts for various reasons: some for supremacy in Sword Dao, others for dominance in the world, for freedom and transcendence; and yet, there are those who do it to protect a haven of peace in their hearts.


    His will was for everything in the world to follow his heart''s desire, a result of his own experiences. If he had not come from a different land and had been born in this world instead, perhaps his will and philosophy would be to protect a sanctuary close to him.


    This kind of will itself is not unusual.


    However, from his brief interaction and observation of Yan Hong, Chen Mu judged that she was likely not only from the Central Prefecture but also from a noble family, even possibly a member of the Da Xuan Royal Family. The subtle quality of her demeanor was not something ordinary people could discern, but he, who controlled Qiankun, was most sensitive to it.


    A member of the Royal Family with such a Martial Arts will was somewhat unusual; he wondered how it had developed.


    Chen Mu did not delve deeper but simply nodded slightly toward Yan Hong and said, "Your words are very true, Miss Yan. If such an event were to occur, fighting is the only option for these mountains, rivers, and seas."


    At this point, Chen Mu changed the subject and said, "I am likely to accept the invitation from the Dragonwood Island Master, but before that, I have a few trivial matters to deal with, also nearby the Dragon Wood Sea Region. It would be convenient to travel together with Miss Yan for a while."


    "Good."


    Yan Hong suppressed the ripples in her mind, nodded to Chen Mu, but when looking at him, she couldn''t help but reveal a curious and astonished look. After all, among all the people she''d met, regardless of their status or the strength of their Martial Arts, all believed their world to be the center of the Azure Sky Universe. Only Chen Mu''s thoughts were so astonishing and unorthodox; she wondered how such a perspective had come into being.

 Chapter 685 - 389: Dragon Wood Sea Region

    Chen Mu traveled with Yan Hong, not out of idleness, but because he had basically deduced that Yan Hong must be from the Central Prefecture Royal Family, holding a status akin to a Commandery Princess or Princess. Furthermore, with her nearly top-tier Grandmaster proficiency, she was bound to possess extensive knowledge of the many secrets of the Da Xuan Dynasty, and even a wealth of information about the entire world.


    He originated from the Cold North, and although he had engaged in long nightly conversations with Qin Mengjun and debated the way of the world with Yin Heng, his knowledge about the overall landscape of this world was still just a fraction; after all, for the most part, he had spent his time rigorously practicing and training in Martial Arts. Before this journey to the Outer Sea, he had only traveled through Yu State and Ice State.


    As they traveled together.


    Chen Mu also casually inquired Yan Hong about some of the matters he wished to understand, such as the chaotic times of Martial Arts from thousands, and even tens of thousands, of years ago. Yan Hong was quite open and candid, withholding no information, and shared many details about the ancient history and borders she knew, deepening Chen Mu''s understanding of the Da Xuan Dynasty''s terrain. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Thus, the two of them traveled through the deep sea. Along the way, they occasionally encountered attacks from various monsters, and even the appearance of a Seventh Rank Demon King, but Chen Mu almost never took action; Yan Hong could eliminate them with a flick of her finger.


    Even though the Outer Sea was perilous, for those near the pinnacle of Grandmasters, it wasn''t so much a walk in the park as it was within their capability to traverse with ease. Aside from some extremely dangerous areas and the rare occurrence of meeting a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon, there wasn''t much that could threaten them.


    So it went.


    After six or seven consecutive days.


    Chen Mu and Yan Hong ventured deeper into the Outer Sea and finally arrived at the Dragon Wood Sea Region.


    The moment they entered this sea region, Chen Mu felt something different. On one hand, the Power of Heaven and Earth in this sea region, compared to the mottled and disorderly nature of other regions, seemed more orderly. On the other hand, the vitality between heaven and earth also felt more abundant.


    The Dragon Wood Sea Region did not consist of only Dragonwood Island as the main island. Instead, there were dozens of islands, with Dragonwood Island at the center, forming an archipelago. Some of these islands were extremely vast, almost tantamount to a small landmass, each carrying millions, and even tens of millions, of people.


    Of course, ordinary people could thrive and reproduce not just because the islands were large enough but also because the region fell under the jurisdiction of Dragonwood Island, with the Dragonwood Island Master and Tingchao Cliff providing a seat of power. The Seventh Rank, and even Eighth Rank Demon Kings of the Outer Sea knew this region was too dangerous to invade, which provided the region with relative peace.


    In the sea.


    Two figures advanced side by side.


    "...So it seems that the Imperial Court never claimed the Outer Sea, not because it couldn''t, but because it wouldn''t," Chen Mu commented thoughtfully, glancing at Yan Hong.


    Yan Hong nodded gently and said, "The Martial Emperor at the time had already pacified the land and achieved greatness that would last through the ages. Although the three Great Sects of the Outer Sea have long-standing traditions, they were no match for the entire Da Xuan Dynasty. However, attacking and subjugating the Outer Sea was pointless, as the current state of the Outer Sea would require immense human and material resources to bring under control, and success was still not guaranteed."


    "Indeed."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly and said, "Different circumstances lead to different developments. We cannot generalize. A forced conquest of the Outer Sea might bring most of its territories under control in the short term, but with the mutual isolation, they''d probably split apart again after some time."


    It was somewhat amusing to think about it. When he had discussed the Outer Sea with Yin Heng, during a casual chat, Yin Heng mentioned that the Da Xuan Martial Emperor, Ji Hao, failed to rule the Outer Sea due to the resistance of the three Great Sects, leading to an unresolved situation. But with Yan Hong, the narrative shifted from ''couldn''t'' to ''wouldn''t''¡ªa small difference in wording leading to a vast divergence in interpretation.


    In fact.


    Chen Mu tended to favor Yan Hong''s explanation more.


    The three Great Sects of the Outer Sea indeed held great power, with more than one individual at the Supreme level of the Blood Exchange Realm, and the Celestial Human Level inheritances were unbroken. Saying that the union of the three Sects could withstand Ji Hao alone was indeed plausible. However, by that time Ji Hao ruled over the Da Xuan Dynasty, with the Ninety-Nine State all submitting to the authority of the Imperial Court. Gathering the entire power of the Da Xuan Dynasty was far beyond the reach of the three Great Sects of the Outer Sea.


    But indeed, there was no necessity for a forceful conquest and domination of the Outer Sea, given its unique environmental circumstances. Not to mention those scattered islands lying in the chaotic sea regions¡ªeven in the relatively calm Dragon Wood Sea Region, most people would not be able to cross the sea and reach another island in their lifetime, even between islands that are relatively close.


    With hundreds of islands, there are hundreds of languages, ecologies, and communities. Even if one were to conquer them by force and unify them, it would take a long time to assimilate slowly. During this period, any minor disturbance could lead to a re-separation, making it indeed pointless.


    Instead, the three Great Sects, high above and uninvolved, allow hundreds of countries in the Outer Sea to stand, governing without being governed, which is more suited to the ecosystem of the Outer Sea.


    "Brother Mu speaks with great wisdom,"


    Yan Hong looked at Chen Mu and said, "I see that Brother Mu has unique insights into governance. Why not go to Central Prefecture to showcase your abilities? I have a considerable family background and could recommend Brother Mu to the Imperial Court to take charge."


    Chen Mu shook his head and responded, "These are but gleanings from others, armchair strategies at best. Besides, I am a recluse, accustomed to leisure. I seek only the freedom of a carefree life and am not that interested in the governance of the world."


    Hearing Chen Mu''s words, a hint of regret flickered in Yan Hong''s eyes, but she nodded and said, "Brother Mu''s mindset is open, and you are indeed straightforward. Once the matter of Dragonwood Island is settled, should you have the leisure and taste to visit Central Prefecture, I shall be most happy to offer you the hospitality of a host."

 Chapter 686 - 389 Dragon Wood Sea Region_2

    Chen Mu glanced at Yan Hong, about to respond, when his gaze suddenly paused and shifted upwards.


    At the same time.


    Yan Hong, too, quickly noticed something and looked up, only to see that above the sea, a hundred zhang up, amidst the towering waves, a golden and magnificent ship was riding the wind and breaking through the waves, remaining majestic and unmoved no matter how the waves surged dozens of zhang into the air. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The surging waves weren''t suppressed by human strength but were instead pushed aside by a certain oppressiveness emanating from the ship. It was naturally enveloped by The Power of Heaven and Earth, clearing obstacles in its path as it forged ahead brazenly.


    "It''s the Sea Calming Pearl from Tingchao Cliff."


    Yan Hong looked up at the ship that crossed the sea region, a flicker of surprise in her eyes, and said, "It''s said that Tingchao Cliff has three Treasure Vessels, known as the Sea Calming Pearl, capable of traversing the wind and waves of the Outer Sea. The entire vessel is of Treasured Artifact quality, and the ship itself can even be considered a Spirit Weapon. It''s one of the rare vessels that can cross the great seas, and that must be one of them."


    "To build such a Spirit Vessel is indeed no easy feat."


    After giving it a once-over, Chen Mu also offered his assessment.


    This Spirit Vessel wasn''t particularly huge, but the materials used throughout were all rare Spiritual Objects, at the very least auxiliary materials that could forge Spirit Weapons. The amount of resources used to construct a whole vessel was enormous, and its overall value far exceeded that of an ordinary Superior Grade Spirit Weapon.


    As Yan Hong said, Tingchao Cliff, an Outer Sea major sect with a thousand-year heritage, had only three such vessels.


    "Perhaps it''s here to transfer people for the Xunmu Cave Heaven affair..."


    Yan Hong came back to her senses and turned to Chen Mu, saying, "We''ve now reached the Dragon Wood Sea Region. Brother Mu, if you have other pressing matters, shall we part ways for now?"


    "All right."


    Chen Mu replied evenly and with a slight bow to Yan Hong, he stepped forward and soon disappeared into the sea region.


    Yan Hong stood still, gazing at Chen Mu''s receding figure, lost in deep thought.


    After a short while.


    Swish! Swish!!


    Four or five figures converged rapidly from various directions, quickly gathering beside Yan Hong. Their auras were all profound, clearly all Grandmasters, and each was a formidable one within their ranks.


    The leader among them had a robust aura that was slightly superior to Yan Hong''s. His aged face with gray-white whiskers, he stroked his beard and said to Yan Hong, "Ko and Wu haven''t arrived yet, but they should be here within the next couple of days... Your Highness, who was that person just now? His energy seemed unfamiliar, his concealment techniques extraordinary, such that even I couldn''t fully grasp them."


    Yan Hong redirected her gaze, shaking her head slightly, "It was a chance meeting. He claimed to come from Da Xuan, which likely isn''t false, but he might be hiding his true identity. There''s no need to delve too deeply and risk giving offense."


    Yan Zhengyang stroked his beard and said, "That person among the Grandmasters is certainly not an easy match. Your Highness should also be careful."


    Yan Hong spoke calmly, "I know my limits."


    With her status, ordinary Grandmasters indeed wouldn''t concern her much, but after witnessing Chen Mu''s earlier actions, she saw with her discerning eyes that Chen Mu was no ordinary figure among Grandmasters, possibly even a top-tier Grandmaster. That would make him worth befriending.


    After all, in the vast Da Xuan Dynasty of Ninety-Nine States, populated densely with people, Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters were hard to count. However, those at the top-tier Grandmaster level, throughout the world, amounted to no more than a hundred individuals, and in the Central Prefecture, there were only about thirty.


    Among them, the younger ones with the potential to ascend to the Blood Exchange Realm were even fewer. Even the Eight Princes were willing to befriend one or two of them. Although she had no intentions of recruiting talents, making acquaintances was never a bad thing. If she could retain a little friendship with them, it might be better, as they might step into the Blood Exchange Realm in the future.


    It was difficult to judge a Grandmaster''s age by appearance, but having traveled with Chen Mu for a few days, and through their interactions, she had roughly discerned that Chen Mu''s age couldn''t be that great; after all, some of the old incidents she had asked him about would be known by most of the older Grandmasters.


    A young top-tier Grandmaster was even more worth befriending.


    "When will my brother arrive?"


    After a brief contemplation, Yan Hong asked Yan Zhengyang.


    Yan Zhengyang bowed respectfully and said, "I was about to inform Your Highness that King of Jin has other urgent matters, so he won''t be involved in this search for the Xunmu Cave Heaven this time. Most of the other princes likely won''t come either."


    "Oh?"


    Yan Hong was slightly taken aback and asked, "What has happened?"


    Yan Zhengyang solemnly said, "Your Highness has been touring the Outer Sea recently and might not be aware, but not long ago, the Ice State Abyss in the Cold North Ice State opened, and something happened. Now, the princes and various factions are all paying attention to it..."


    As Yan Zhengyang continued his explanation.


    Surprise gradually flashed in Yan Hong''s eyes.


    Chen Mu, Qiankun Grandmaster, Heavenly Demon Ancestor... and the Seven Profound Sect, even in the distant lands of the Cold North Path, such figures can still emerge. By comparison, the invitation from Xunmu Cave Heaven and the Dragonwood Island Master indeed seems less significant.


    "Your Highness, what do you think?"


    After stating his thoughts, Yan Zhengyang asked from the side.


    Yan Hong''s eyes flashed with turmoil, but soon settled down, and she said, "This matter does not concern me, since he will not come, I will handle the Dragonwood Island affair myself, just have Yan Lao continue with the previous plan to gather people as arranged."


    "All right."


    Yan Zhengyang nodded slightly and said, "However, if King of Jin does not come, our military strength might be somewhat insufficient, and we should be more cautious in our actions. Your Highness could also invite a few more masters to accompany us."


    "Let''s try."


    Yan Hong mused.


    The palace was as deep as the sea; although she came from the royal family, among the princes related to her, there was only King of Jin, Ji Xuanming. Even though the strongest among The Eight Princes was King of Jin, King of Jin was also one of the unparalleled Grandmasters ranked within the top ten in the world.


    If King of Jin, Ji Xuanming, led the group, the assault on Xunmu Cave Heaven would be much more secure. Even if they encountered an old ancestor of the Spirit People Race, they would be able to manage, but without the unparalleled Grandmaster, Ji Xuanming, the team would be much weaker. Even if they invited one or two top Grandmasters to fill in, it could not compare to having an unparalleled Grandmaster.


    But since it had come to this, they would have to make do.


    "How about the one from just now?"


    Someone suggested from the side.


    Yan Hong nodded slightly and said, "He was unaware of the Xunmu Cave Heaven situation and came for other matters, but now that he knows, he most likely will not miss out. We can give it a try, and if you know any suitable figures, you can also contact them."


    "All right."


    The crowd responded in turn.


    ...


    In the sea region.


    Alone, Chen Mu moved quietly forward, his peripheral vision glancing back inconspicuously, but he didn''t pay it much mind.


    He had sensed people gathering earlier and thought they were after him, but after a quick assessment, they seemed to be only Grandmaster figures, so he knew it had nothing to do with him and naturally didn''t interfere.


    It seemed his guess was correct; this ''Yan Hong''s'' identity was indeed extraordinary. To respond to the Dragonwood Island Master''s invitation, they must have gathered quite a number of Grandmasters to join forces.


    However, these thoughts were quickly dismissed from his mind.


    "Xunmu Spirit Liquid..."


    Chen Mu revealed a contemplative look.


    His trip to the Outer Sea was twofold: to follow up on information about the Sea Calming Pearl mentioned by Hua Nongying and others, and to collect resources from the Outer Sea, especially Spiritual Objects that could enhance the refinement of his Martial Body.


    Xunmu Spirit Liquid was extremely precious and had a wide range of uses. Conveniently, one of its uses happened to be tempering the Martial Body!


    Indeed,


    It was exactly what he needed at the moment.


    If he could acquire a sufficient amount of Xunmu Spirit Liquid, not only could he refine his Qiankun Martial Body to Perfection but also aim for Extreme Tempering!


    Once his Qiankun Martial Body was tempered to its limit, based on past Experience, the Blood Exchange phase would be easily overcome. By then, he would not claim to be unbeatable in the world, but he would certainly need not fear anything and would no longer need to hide any aura or identity.


    "Could this be what''s referred to as destiny at work?"


    Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue were willing to work for him, and they came to the Outer Sea to look for the Sea Calming Pearl. Just as he followed the lead here, he happened upon the opening of Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    Perhaps, there really was something to the notion of Fate and Heaven''s Will in the world.


    But this thought merely flickered through Chen Mu''s mind; after all, he never cared for any notions of Heaven''s Will or destiny. Even if there was something like a Heavenly Mandate, to him, it would be nothing more than icing on the cake.


    He had reached this point relying solely on himself, never on some vague and intangible Heavenly Mandate.

 Chapter 687 - 390 Hehuan Past Events

    Yunmu Island.


    This island is located on the eastern side of the Dragon Wood Sea Region. It produces a kind of spiritual tree called "Yunmu Wood" and is thus named after it.


    What is called an island, in fact, Yunmu Island is also the second-largest island in the Dragon Wood Sea Region, only smaller than Dragon Wood Island itself, with an area of nearly a thousand miles. Naturally, such a vast realm has given birth to a land known as "Izumo Country." S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In the center of the capital city of Izumo Country, among the flower streets to the south, stands a forest of Flower Pavilions. On the platforms above, one can see scantily clad young girls waving their scented handkerchiefs and beckoning guests with flirtatious gestures.


    Among them,


    on a platform on the west side of the flower street, hung the sign "Fragrance Pavilion."


    At first glance, it seems no different from the other Flower Pavilions, but in reality, it serves as a branch of the Hehuan Sect in the Outer Sea. It''s used to gather various intelligence and provide support to members of the Hehuan Sect who come to explore the Outer Sea.


    At this moment, behind the Fragrance Pavilion, in the courtyard where the back door is flung open, a large group of people had gathered. One group was led by a middle-aged scholar with blade-wielding ruffians by his side, while the other group consisted of gracefully postured and flirtatiously behaved women. They stood facing each other, and the atmosphere was fraught with tension.


    "The official asks you once again, are you still refusing to hand over the person?" the middle-aged scholar said sternly, wearing a robe and looking grimly at the women in front of him.


    "Protector Helian is rather aggressive. Isn''t that a bit rude?" a light laugh came from among the numerous women. Two women who were both breathtakingly beautiful yet almost identical in appearance stepped forward. They dressed in similar light gauze, one in light yellow and the other in light green. They were in fact the previous generation''s true successors of the Hehuan Sect, and now the two protectors, Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying.


    Hua Nongyue, with a smile, said to the middle-aged scholar, "Helian Sir has barged in without explanation, demanding we hand over a sister. We haven''t violated any laws of Izumo. Is Sir intending to bully us, to use your power to oppress us weak women?"


    Helian Cheng snorted coldly and said, "This is the Outer Sea, not your Da Xuan. Though your Hehuan Sect has some strength, you can''t act recklessly in my Izumo Country. I know you sisters cultivate Yin Yang separately and can together evolve the Yin Yang Realm. Even so, you''re not necessarily my match. If you disobey the order, don''t blame me for leveling this Fragrance Pavilion to the ground!"


    After hearing this, Hua Nongyue''s stunning face turned slightly cold, as she indifferently replied, "Grandmaster Helian is surely a person of stature, and we wouldn''t dare to be your enemy. However, since Helian Sir has come knocking, forcefully asking for one of our sisters, you should at least provide a reason. Otherwise, how are we to handle this matter in the future?"


    Helian Cheng looked at Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying, and then spoke slowly, "Fine, I will give the Hehuan Sect some face. Sixteen years ago, your sect saved a girl who was only two years old. That child was a family member of the convicted official from the Yu Family, sentenced to be executed along with the whole family. However, due to the guards'' carelessness, a girl was lost and her whereabouts remained unknown."


    Hearing this, Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying exchanged a glance.


    Sixteen years ago.


    At that time, they themselves were still young, and as they cultivated in the main Hehuan Sect, they indeed didn''t know about the matters of the branch in the Outer Sea. But hearing Helian Cheng''s words, they vaguely felt there might be some truth, as it was indeed the Sect''s way of doing things. If they encountered abandoned infants or children, they would rescue and raise them.


    If the child had potential in Martial Arts, they were trained as disciples of the Hehuan Sect. If they lacked potential, they would work in the Flower Pavilions.


    "We really don''t know about this matter. But how can you be sure, Helian Sir, that the girl who was lost then happened to end up with us? As you said yourself, you couldn''t find any trace of her for sixteen years," Hua Nongyue spoke softly.


    Helian Cheng seemed somewhat embarrassed, but ultimately he replied faintly, "Back then, an old acquaintance recently visited the Fragrance Pavilion. Upon seeing a girl there, he recognized her as being strikingly similar to the child of the Yu Family from that time. After inquiring further, her age also matched perfectly. After a detailed investigation, the time when she fell into your hands matched with the incident from that year. With so many clues, it cannot be a coincidence."


    With that, a hint of a profound light flickered in his eyes.


    The truth was that if it was just an abandoned infant from an official''s family, he wouldn''t have cared much about it. Lost was lost, and at the time, he didn''t even bother to search extensively. After all, a two-year-old infant who disappeared might have been devoured by wild dogs, and even if she managed to survive, a child of that age would struggle to remember. And even if she did remember, what could she do?


    Surviving would be tough enough.


    But that abandoned infant fell into the hands of the Hehuan Sect, and that made all the difference. As he knew, she was now a disciple of the Hehuan Sect with a decent aptitude for martial arts. If she climbed her way up and eventually learned of her true identity and uncovered the truth behind that year''s case, that would be extremely troublesome. The difference between a helpless child with no one to depend on and a disciple growing up within the Hehuan Sect with Martial Arts aptitude was night and day.


    As a grandmaster stationed here, he wasn''t afraid of old affairs being dug up, but if many years later he was gone, and the Helian Family no longer had a grandmaster and lost its current glory, who knew whether this girl would become a threat to the Helian Family? Therefore, he must snuff out this potential threat at its source.

 Chapter 688 - 390 Hehuan Past Events_2

    "..."


    Upon hearing Helian Cheng''s words, the nearby sisters of the Hehuan Sect all showed strange expressions.


    In the past, old acquaintances came to Tian Xiang Lou for pleasure...


    It sounded nice, but those who handled matters sixteen years ago were at least in their thirties or forties, and now they must be around fifty years old. Although the saying goes ''old but vigorous'', they found it rather strange, especially since it coincidentally involved the lost enemy''s daughter, and even led to the recognition of her identity. It is undeniable that among the many odd tales they had heard over the years at Tian Xiang Lou, this one was certainly remarkable.


    After hearing Helian Cheng''s words, Hua Nongyue showed a thoughtful expression and then turned her head to exchange a glance with an older steward behind the crowd. Seeing the slight nod from the old steward, she knew that Helian Cheng''s words were mostly true.


    However,


    After clarifying this point, Hua Nongyue instead smiled slightly and said, "Lord Helian has spoken, and we are all aware. Regardless of whether such ethereal matters are true, hasn''t Lord Helian heard that once you enter the Buddhist gate, it''s as deep as the sea, and henceforth the mundane world has no acquaintance... Here at Tian Xiang Lou, once you enter, you leave behind past affairs, and henceforth only Hehuan is our home. Whatever happened in the past has nothing to do with Hehuan."


    The Hehuan Sect seldom admits disciples, but all those who do enter the sect were saved and brought back when they were children. Thus, the entirety of Hehuan is united, whatever may be the past or previous affairs, it is impossible to hand over any disciple of the sect. This is a boundary the Hehuan Sect cannot cross and also represents the will in the cultivation of all disciples of Hehuan.


    However,


    These words, upon reaching Helian Cheng''s ears, turned his expression rapidly somber.


    What depth of Buddhism... In his view, those words were nothing short of mockery. The Hehuan Sect made its living selling flesh; they were merely a group of whores, lacking any true sentiment. He had explained the happenings of the past, and such a response was virtually an outright disregard for his face.


    Even some knife-wielding ruffians behind him struggled to restrain their laughter upon hearing Hua Nongyue''s words, yet dared not let out a sound. They had to forcibly hold it in, creating an eerie atmosphere at that moment.


    "This official did not wish to resort to violence today, but since you all are so ungrateful, do not blame this official for being unsympathetic!"


    Helian Cheng finally spoke in a cold voice.


    Taking a step forward, he waved his hand broadly. Instantaneously, a chilling aura pervaded all around, with the small courtyard, from where he stood as the center, visibly freezing outwards in all directions, as if a summer''s moment had turned into harsh winter!


    The nearby Hehuan Sect disciples, even those knife-wielding ruffians, upon seeing Helian Cheng make a move, all changed their expressions and almost instinctively scattered in all directions, not daring to remain within the range of Helian Cheng''s Cold Heaven True Qi.


    In just a moment,


    Only Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying were left in the courtyard, confronting Helian Cheng from afar.


    "Lord Helian''s Cold Heaven True Qi commands respect in all directions, and we hold it in high esteem, but once entered into Hehuan, we are all sisters. Regardless of the past, how could we possibly sever our own flesh and blood?"


    Hua Nongyue spoke in a calm tone, "If Lord Helian wishes to suppress others with power, then we sisters can only experience it firsthand."


    "Hmph, further talk is pointless!"


    With a cold snort, Helian Cheng did not waste further words and raised his hand to deliver a palm strike.


    As the palm struck, a haze of Cold Heaven Palm Imprints immediately materialized in the void, causing the nearby air to freeze into patches of cold mist, pressing down toward Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying.


    No matter what Hua Nongyue said, at this moment, facing Helian Cheng''s strike, both she and Hua Nongying showed extremely grave expressions, for, after all, the person they were dealing with was a genuine Grandmaster!


    Perhaps among grandmasters, he might not be considered very strong, compared to Feng Hongsheng, Shi Zhenyong who were still somewhat superior, and in terms of real strength, not yet reaching the top three in the Cold North Wind Cloud List or the standard of Xia Yu''r. Yet, ultimately, he was someone who had entered the Marrow Cleansing stage.


    The sisters had come to the Outer Sea to gather intelligence and experience cultivation. Although their cultivation had also progressed individually, even Hua Nongyue was still slightly away from making it onto the Wind Cloud List, and her sister was even slightly less proficient than her.


    "Yin Yang Rotation."


    Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying did not dare to take Helian Cheng''s attack lightly, and almost immediately brought out their ultimate skills. Each raised one hand, their fingers interlocked, and both bodies simultaneously emitted the Artistic Conceptions of Taiyin and Taiyang, merging and transforming into two strands of light, one black and one white.


    The True Qi and Artistic Conception between them fused into one at that moment, transforming from two separate individuals into one and then the other two unclasped hands struck forward with a palm, instantly merging black and white into the Yin Yang Rotation to meet the attack.


    Hum!!


    The Yin Yang Grinding Disc collided with the incoming Cold Heaven True Qi in the void, not with a booming sound, but with an eerie hum, and then Helian Cheng''s Cold Heaven True Qi began to silently dissolve under the entanglement of the Yin Yang Grinding Disc.


    This wasn''t being erased by the Power of Yin Yang, but seemed to be retreating in the rotation, gradually reverting from Cold Heaven True Qi back to the plain Power of Heaven and Earth, and then scattering back between heaven and earth.


    "Indeed somewhat capable, not unworthy of your reputation."


    Seeing this, Helian Cheng''s eyes slightly flickered, his tone carrying a hint of coldness.


    Originally, neither Hua Nongyue nor Hua Nongying alone had the energy close to that of a real Grandmaster, but when linked with a certain special Cultivation Technique, they seemed to become one person; this was entirely different from the connected energy the formations method usually provided, almost a perfect blend, making their combined Artistic Conception and Yuan Gang nearly reach the level of a Grandmaster!


    Currently, Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying, alone, could not aim high enough to be on the Wind Cloud List, but when they combined forces and used their Secret Technique, their strength was enough to rival the top ten on the Wind Cloud List, not much less than Helian Cheng.


    "We mean no offense, and we hope Lord Helian will show magnanimity."


    Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying spoke softly.


    At this moment, their state was quite bizarre, not only speaking in unison synchronously, almost with the same voice overlapped, but even their facial expressions and body movements seemed completely identical.


    "You do possess some skills, but relying merely on these sidestep tactics, you are far from making me retreat!"


    Helian Cheng spoke coldly, his body suddenly moved, transforming into a series of afterimages, quickly covering the wide courtyard. Each step left behind an afterimage, resembling mere frosty reflections, but mysteriously also carrying Solidifying Refinement of Qi and life.


    He took seven steps, revealing seven afterimages, surrounding Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying in the center, then all seven afterimages moved together, simultaneously swinging a palm at the two. In an instant, seven palm imprints erupted, overwhelming from all directions, and when converging in the air, they resembled the seven petals of an ice lotus.


    Seven Steps Shadow!


    Ice Lotus Palm Print!


    These were the two renowned skills that made Helian Cheng feared far and wide.


    As a distinguished Grandmaster, who had endured countless battles, he almost immediately spotted a flaw in the technique used by Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying¡ªit was their limitation in movement techniques!


    Their energies and Inner Breaths were connected, much like that of a Grandmaster, but their physical bodies must remain connected, which restricted their movements, not allowing as much flexibility and variation as a real Grandmaster. Therefore, facing his techniques, they found it difficult to dodge, only able to forcibly counter!


    Just as Helian Cheng had expected.


    When faced with Helian Cheng''s movement techniques and palm print techniques, Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying indeed could not sufficiently dodge; their expressions were synchronized, both frowning slightly, as if their minds communicated without needing words, and each struck simultaneously with a palm.


    One hand moved from left to right, the other from right to left, evolving into the Yin Yang Rotation, instantly creating a halo of black and white light, enveloping their figures and colliding with the Ice Lotus Palm Prints coming from all sides, causing a series of hums.


    From above.


    One could see the seven ice lotus petals and a field of black and white Yin Yang Chart continuously colliding and eroding each other, intensely fierce. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

 Chapter 689 - 391: Is it him, coming to the Outer Sea?

    Hiss!


    The Ice Lotus Petals clashed violently with the Yin Yang Rotation, and for a moment, neither side could gain the upper hand. However, to the discerning eye, it was clear that Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying were struggling more, merely holding on rather than truly being on equal footing.


    This was quite normal since Helian Cheng was a genuine Grandmaster, while Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying relied on secret techniques to emulate Yin Yang Rotation, barely possessing the strength to contend with a Grandmaster.


    "Sister Yue, Sister Ying..."


    Some of the younger female disciples from the Hehuan Sect''s Outer Sect, not yet having left the pavilion and around fifteen or sixteen years old, gazed at the confrontation in the distant courtyard, their eyes filled with worry.


    The Hehuan Sect division where they were situated was one of the more important branches and was originally under the leadership of a Grandmaster. However, not long ago, the Dragonwood Island Master had invited Grandmasters from various factions to Dragon Wood Island, and the Grandmaster of the Hehuan Sect had gone as well, leaving only Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue to defend the place. Otherwise, had the Hehuan Grandmaster been there, Helian Cheng may not have dared to be so presumptuous.


    Clearly, the opposing side had not only investigated the old affairs but had also understood the internal vulnerabilities of the Hehuan Sect''s branch, and so they took this opportunity to come with force, hoping to eliminate a longstanding problem.


    "Helian Cheng''s Cold Heaven True Qi is profound; if they keep up this deadlock, it will be disadvantageous for them."


    A protector of the Hehuan Sect, an old crone, was now watching the situation on the battlefield, her expression changing.


    Besides Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying, this branch was also guarded by several other protectors, but the rest were ordinary protectors, not reaching the level of Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying, and certainly not qualified to confront Helian Cheng.


    But now, judging the situation, Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue could still hold up for the moment, but if it dragged on, they would surely be defeated. Everyone was becoming anxious, and one of the old crones was even struggling to restrain herself, stepping forward a few paces.


    "Old Lady Lu, don''t get too close!"


    One of Helian Cheng''s followers immediately stepped forward, brandishing a knife and speaking sternly to the crone, with a wave of Evil Qi emanating from him, revealing the Yuan Gang Inner Breath of the Six Viscera Realm.


    This action angered the people of the Hehuan Sect, and for a moment, many disciples and protectors glared fiercely at Helian Cheng''s party, who were equally unafraid and returned the glare with a menacing presence.


    For a moment.


    Both sides faced each other at a distance, and the situation immediately became tenser.


    But the forces of the Hehuan Sect and Helian Cheng''s followers did not immediately engage in battle, as everyone understood that the key to the dispute was the outcome of the fight between Helian Cheng and Hua Nongyue, Hua Nongying. The others were not crucial.


    Meanwhile, in the center of the courtyard.


    Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying displayed nearly identical demeanors and movements, both showing extremely grave expressions.


    Their sole limitation in the unity of Yin and Yang was a lack of flexibility, but under normal circumstances, this wasn''t much of an issue. Once they performed this move, they could easily suppress those at the same level in the Six Viscera Realm and forcefully dominate a weaker Grandmaster, compelling them to retreat.


    However, when facing someone like Helian Cheng, who was also somewhat accomplished among Grandmasters, they were even slightly inferior in direct confrontation, and the problem of insufficient flexibility became fully exposed, leaving them unable to dodge each other''s moves and forced to rely on brute force.


    But in terms of brute force, although they were both at the Six Viscera Realm and had trained to the level of Perfection, uniting the Five Viscera and Six Viscera in circulation, they still could not match the endurance of a true Grandmaster who had crossed the Mysterious Pass and achieved Marrow Cleansing!


    A Grandmaster who developed a Martial Body could assimilate The Power of Heaven and Earth much faster than someone in the Five Organ and Viscera Realm. If this stalemate continued, their Inner Breath would decline first, and they would inevitably be headed for defeat.


    But it was difficult to reverse the situation now because of their limited flexibility, which made them only able to react passively. Helian Cheng, as a Grandmaster, could easily spot weaknesses and aimed every move to contest vigorously with his True Qi.


    The Hehuan Grandmaster Liu Qingyan, who was in charge of this division, had now gone to Dragon Wood Island. Communication with the Outer Sea was poor, and even if she was informed at the fastest speed, she couldn''t possibly return in time. Today''s affair seemed likely to be troublesome.


    Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying both felt heavy-hearted. S§×arch* The Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    In fact, the Hehuan Sect was originally not involved in the affairs of Dragon Wood Island because there was no urgent need for Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items. But they had learned that the Dragonwood Island Master had a Superior Grade Sea Calming Pearl, precisely the item that Chen Mu needed.


    With Xunmu Cave Heaven opening and Dragon Wood Island gathering heroes from all over, they could not ignore the matter. They did not know whether any other Grandmaster might fancy the Sea Calming Pearl, and once someone took it, it would become difficult to track down again.


    So they had beseeched Liu Qingyan to accept the invitation to Dragon Wood Island, in hopes of obtaining the Sea Calming Pearl.


    Liu Qingyan initially disagreed.


    But soon before, when the news of Chen Mu''s battle in the Ice State Abyss had reached the Hehuan Sect division, it greatly shocked Liu Qingyan, who then promptly changed her mind.


    If it had been before, even though Chen Mu had shown exceptional talent and ranked in the top three of the Cold North Wind Cloud List, whether he could become a Qiankun Grandmaster was uncertain. Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying were willing to invest in Chen Mu, taking a chance on fate, but that was their own decision. With the Xunmu Cave Heaven being extremely perilous and the Sea Calming Pearl not easy to obtain, she naturally had to weigh her options.


    But when the news from the Ice State Abyss arrived...

 Chapter 690 - 391: Is it him, coming to the Outer Sea?_2

    Chen Mu contested for the title of Qiankun Grandmaster, ascending to become the foremost among all, decisively beating Jiang Changsheng and repelling the Heavenly Demon ancestor Yuwen Hao. Such a display of innate talent and capacity arguably surpassed even that of the Da Xuan Martial Emperor Ji Hao from years past!


    And between their Hehuan Sect and Chen Mu, there was not the same kind of past grievances as with the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion or the Blood Hidden Pavilion. Furthermore, with Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying having made their decision earlier to pledge themselves to Chen Mu, to work for him and follow his lead, the Hehuan Sect had naturally established a close relationship with Chen Mu. Now, having the chance to form a good connection with Chen Mu through the Sea Calming Pearl was an opportunity they couldn''t afford to miss.


    Even...


    Liu Qingyan couldn''t help but sigh that before Chen Mu achieved his current accomplishments, they didn''t have the chance to acquire the Sea Calming Pearl. After all, obtaining the Sea Calming Pearl was no longer as difficult for the current Chen Mu as it was in the past. Indeed, should Chen Mu personally come to the Outer Sea, it''s likely that the possibility of him obtaining the Sea Calming Pearl from the Dragonwood Island Master was much greater than hers.


    Giving charcoal in snowy weather far surpasses adding flowers to brocade.


    If when Chen Mu was still weak, they had found the Eight Phases Spiritual Objects for him, forging a Qiankun Spirit Weapon, then the cause and effect they would have established would far exceed what it was now. But who could have foreseen Chen Mu obtaining such astounding Martial Arts advancement in just a few short years? Only Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue had gambled correctly a bit earlier.


    "This way, we''re bound to lose."


    At this moment, with their hearts united as one, the same thought emerged in the minds of the sisters Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying.


    The sisters exchanged a glance, a trace of seriousness flashing in their eyes.


    As the former orthodox inheritors of the Hehuan Sect, this Yin Yang Unity Technique was not their ultimate method. They naturally still possessed a more fundamental life-saving secret technique, which could burn their own essence blood to further enhance their Vigorous Qi. However, once this secret technique was activated, the side effects were immense; they would need to convalesce for at least a year before they could slowly recover.


    For them, who had already stepped into the Perfection of the Six Viscera Realm, every moment was precious. They were at the threshold of the Mysterious Pass of Marrow Cleansing, and delaying a year or two might mean missing the chance to ascend to Grandmaster status.


    But at this time...


    They had no other options. If they didn''t repel Helian Cheng, they would have to hand over the person, and that was even more impossible. Otherwise, their Martial Arts will would be compromised, and with regret and guilt in their hearts, they would likewise find it difficult to breach the Mysterious Pass.


    Just as Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying''s hearts were in sync, about to activate the secret technique and fiercely boost their Yuan Gang Qi, the situation in the field suddenly changed.


    Hum!!!


    A ripple of The Power of Heaven and Earth fluctuated, creating a wave in the air, immediately disrupting the clash in the field. This caused the Cold Heaven ice lotus released by Helian Cheng to visibly crumble and break apart.


    "...Who?!"


    Helian Cheng''s expression changed slightly, his gaze immediately sweeping around sharply.


    The sisters Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying immediately felt the pressure on them lessen substantially. Both were briefly stunned, not knowing what had happened but seeming to have received assistance. They promptly suppressed the secret technique they were about to initiate.


    It was almost at this time that a hint of surprise emerged once again in their eyes because the Void appeared to fluctuate, and they sensed a surge of Qi penetrating the Void, rushing towards them from nowhere.


    Hum!


    Almost instinctively, Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying attempted to maneuver their Yuan Gang Qi in defense. But their resistance proved entirely futile as the Power of Yin Yang they had summoned was easily penetrated by the Qi emanating from the Void.


    That invisible force effortlessly tore through the exterior of the Power of Yin Yang.


    Yet what astonished Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying even more was that this invisible force, after easily breaching their defense, didn''t harm their physical bodies in the slightest. Instead, it poured into their bodies en masse, and as it infused them, it also divided and transformed into an airflow they were all too familiar with.


    It was unmistakably the Power of Yin Yang!


    "The Power of Yin Yang?"


    "Has Aunt Xia arrived?"


    Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying felt their Inner Breath, which had been dwindling, fill up in an instant. Their bodies were so replete that the Power of Yin Yang they could summon doubled in strength.


    After a brief stupor, their connected consciousness surged with joy. There weren''t many in the world who cultivated the way of Yin Yang, and of those who would help at this time, they could think of no one else but their Aunt Xia Yu''r.


    "Who''s playing tricks like a ghost!"


    Helian Cheng also noticed the sudden surge in the qi of Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying, but he only thought that the two had activated some secret technique. After all, he was a veteran of countless battles and had already spotted some signs earlier. However, at the moment, his attention was more focused on the other directions surrounding them.


    Although he wasn''t sure who had been playing tricks in the shadows, momentarily blocking his move, the person was definitely not ordinary, clearly a master, and logically speaking, should not be someone from the Hehuan Sect. Otherwise, they would have shown themselves directly instead of acting in the shadows. This realization darkened his face as he thought of his enemies.


    As someone who had traversed the four seas, he naturally had made some enemies.


    If the other party took advantage of the moment when Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying activated their secret technique and clashed with him, to then launch a sneak attack from behind, it would indeed be a huge trouble for him. At this moment, Helian Cheng already had the idea of retreating in his mind.


    But just as he was hesitating, not yet deciding whether to retreat or not, he saw Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying, whose qi had risen sharply for a moment, suddenly both turn their eyes sharply towards him.


    The two stunningly beautiful faces could captivate a nation, carrying an enchanting charm, but at this moment they seemed like demons barring the door, instantly bringing a strong chill to Helian Cheng''s heart, making him think to himself that this was not good.


    He intended to retreat, but it was already too late! Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    He saw Hua Nongyue''s left hand and Hua Nongying''s right hand intertwine fingers, their qi mingling. The other hands each pushed out a palm, and from several zhang away, launched an attack towards Helian Cheng through the air.


    Hum!!


    With the void humming, a grand and magnificent Yin Yang Chart suddenly appeared, as if a master of Yin Yang had unleashed an exceptional technique, causing the Power of Heaven and Earth within hundreds of zhang to become sluggish and awkward as if frozen in time!


    Feeling the terrifying might of this attack, Helian Cheng''s face drastically changed, but at this time he was unable to harness the Power of Heaven and Earth. All he could do was mobilize his own Martial Body''s Yuan Gang, gathering the Cold Heaven True Qi to forcefully block.


    Crack! Crack!!


    The Cold Heaven True Qi that Helian Cheng had solidified formed a three-zhang block of profound ice to meet the incoming grand Yin Yang Chart. It managed to hold for merely the duration of a breath before being crushed inch by inch, and eventually, the entire block of ice shattered completely. Helian Cheng himself spat out a mouthful of blood with a ''wa'' sound and went flying backward, slamming into a Flower Pavilion behind him. Amidst a chorus of gasps and screams, he crashed straight through the building.


    This scene left everyone present dumbfounded.


    In their eyes, Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying, who had been completely suppressed by Helian Cheng just a moment ago, had somehow used some secret technique to surge in qi, and in the next moment sent Helian Cheng flying with a single move, his life and death unknown!


    "This..."


    "Lord Helian!"


    "How could this..."


    The crowd was almost unanimously shocked and speechless.


    After snapping out of it, the entourage that had come with Helian Cheng were all panic-stricken and hurriedly rushed towards the direction where Helian Cheng flew. Other people looked at the Hua sisters with shocked eyes, and then quickly scattered like birds and beasts.


    As for the sisters of the Hehuan Sect, after a moment of astonishment, they all showed expressions of joy and cheered together, while the few Protectors amongst them each revealed a look of surprise and uncertainty.


    At this time.


    Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying looked at each other, their initial thought was that Xia Yu''r had arrived at the Outer Sea. But now, they were sobering up to the realization that something was not quite right.


    If it had been Xia Yu''r, she would have just appeared and forced Helian Cheng back directly. There was no need for a covert strike, and besides, the covert strike from just now was more difficult than a frontal assault by more than a fold. This act not only involved the manipulation of Yin Yang but also exerted Yuan Gang through the void, using their hands to overwhelm Helian Cheng. Whoever could execute such a technique was clearly not on the same level as Helian Cheng!


    Therefore.


    In this world today, someone with the power to this extent, who also possessed mastery of Yin Yang techniques, and furthermore had enough reason to assist them... the name of one individual almost burst forth in the minds of the sisters.


    It was also around this time that the familiar and calm voice sounded beside their ears.


    "Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion, Room Four, I have something to ask you."

 Chapter 691 - 392 Understanding the Situation

    Fragrance Pavilion. sea??h th§× N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A faint fragrance pervaded the entire pavilion, a scent that differed from the common rouge and powders sold outside. It was light and mild, and yet it bore an allure that stirred desires, prompting an urge to move.


    Located on the fourth floor of the pavilion, inside the fourth room, hung a sign with the character ''Four.'' The interior was very spacious, with a bed nestled in the inner room, while the outer room was expansive, large enough to accommodate the singing and dancing of courtesans.


    Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying pushed open the door and stepped in with light footsteps, carefully closing the door behind them.


    Inside the room.


    A strange man sat leisurely in an elegant seat, watching them with an impassive expression.


    Although the man was unfamiliar in both appearance and aura, the twin sisters hardly hesitated. Removing their wooden clogs at the door, they stepped onto the pearwood flooring with their delicate, bare feet, almost in perfect unison, approaching the man and curtsying gracefully.


    "We pay our respects to you, sir, and thank you for your intervention, for resolving today''s peril," they said.


    The stranger was naturally Chen Mu.


    Even though he had disguised his appearance and aura, the power of Yin Yang he had employed to assist Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying, and the voice he used to transmit his message at the end, were his true voice. Naturally, the sisters could not fail to recognize him.


    Chen Mu sat in the chair, observing the twin sisters kneeling before him, and lightly sipped from the teacup on the table, saying, "It''s been a while, and your Martial Arts Cultivation has indeed improved considerably. This Yin Yang technique is rather exquisite. If in the future both of you manage to break through the Mysterious Pass and enter Marrow Cleansing, by working together you could hope to rival those peerless Grandmasters."


    As he spoke,


    Chen Mu observed Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying, his expression pensive.


    He was no stranger to the sisters, and although he couldn''t claim to know every inch of their bodies, he had a clear understanding of their techniques. Initially, they had told him about their Yin Yang Methods, but at that time, he hadn''t delved deeply. Now, witnessing their skills, they did seem quite profound.


    Twins conjoined at birth were already rare, and those who survived after being separated were even fewer. To survive and both possess exceptional Martial Arts potential, becoming true inheritors of a sect, was an exceptionally rare occurrence, one in a hundred million.


    Earlier, when Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue had teamed up against Helian Cheng, Chen Mu had already arrived at the Fragrance Pavilion but hadn''t intervened right away. He had been quietly observing, wanting to see for himself the sisters'' current capabilities. He was indeed somewhat surprised afterward.


    It was not uncommon for Martial Artists to form Formations and connect through their vital energies.


    Some protectors and stewards he had once contended with from the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion had used the Four Seasons Rotation to make their vital energies cycle together, allowing them to hold their ground against stronger opponents.


    But such a Formation cycle was, after all, a combination of various different external forces, relying on some aspect of the natural cycle as its core, forcibly cobbled together, and could not truly merge. It was far from matching the power of mastering the Four Seasons single-handedly.


    Like the Four Seasons Formation of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, where four people worked together, merging their vital energies, to actually bring the four parts together and reach the power of two was already quite challenging.


    But Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying were different.


    Their joint techniques were even more exquisite and potent. They might not be able to completely merge all their Vigorous Artistic Conception as one person, but they were at least able to unleash eighty percent of their Fusion Power.


    This was actually quite remarkable.


    If in the future both stepped into the Grandmaster level, each cultivating half of the Yin Yang, their potential would be outstanding among Grandmasters. As long as they perfected their Martial Bodies, they would easily reach the level of someone like Feng Hongsheng, themselves among the strong in the realm of Grandmasters.


    In such a case, the power they exhibited when working together would be no less than that of the top Grandmasters.


    Moreover, if they were able to grasp their Domains, by themselves reaching the level of top Grandmasters, then when they merged into one, the power they could unleash would naturally be of a peerless Grandmaster level, nearly invincible beneath the Blood Exchange Realm.


    "These are but some trivial offshoot techniques, unworthy of such high praise from you, sir," said Hua Nongying in her charming voice, looking up at Chen Mu, her large eyes rippling slightly. She had been shocked for a long time after learning about Chen Mu''s battle in the Earthly Abyss not long before and had only just come to her senses.


    "You both have done very well," Chen Mu said, sparing no praise for the two women.


    When they were first ranked on the list of upcoming talents, Hua Nongyue was within the top ten, while Hua Nongying only entered the tenth spot in the last year. It seemed as though the sisters were not the most prominent figures of their generation in the Cold North, but considering the two as one entity presented an entirely different concept.


    At least in Chen Mu''s current view, the potential of the sisters Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying was hardly inferior to Zuo Qianqiu''s. Still, ultimately, they were not the same person. The difficulty for both to step into Marrow Cleansing in the future was considerably higher.


    "Did you come here for the news of the Sea Calming Pearl, sir?" Hua Nongyue looked up at Chen Mu.


    Chen Mu nodded slightly and said, "Alright, come over and let''s talk. We are old acquaintances; there''s no need to be so formal. Besides the Sea Calming Pearl, I have questions about Dragon Wood Island and the Xunmu Cave Heaven as well. I suppose you know something. Tell me everything you know."


    Although he had learned quite a bit about Dragon Wood Island and Xunmu Cave Heaven from Yan Hong previously, those were solely Yan Hong''s side of the story. Having only a brief and unfamiliar relationship, Chen Mu couldn''t take Yan Hong''s word for everything. He needed to understand more from Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying to accurately deduce the situation.

 Chapter 692 - 392 Understanding the situation_2

    It turned out that the attitudes of the Hehuan sisters towards him had become even more respectful, but this was normal, after all, in this world strength was respected above all. Now, in the eyes of the world, he was not much different from those in the Blood Exchange Realm, and the sisters Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying saw him in the same way. Even among those of the same generation, reaching that level in martial arts meant one was esteemed as a person high above the clouds.


    "Yes."


    Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying answered in unison, before getting up and approaching.


    Hua Nongyue picked up the teapot from the table and poured another cup of clear tea for Chen Mu, and began to talk about Dragon Wood Island and Xunmu Cave Heaven, while Hua Nongying quietly moved behind Chen Mu, her soft, boneless hands deftly resting on his shoulders, gently kneading them.


    Sensing Hua Nongying''s actions, Chen Mu shook his head and smiled wryly in his heart. He had told the two women not to be restrained, but this was a bit too unrestrained. However, since Hua Nongying didn''t take any further liberties, he let her be.


    "...Among the three major factions of the Outer Sea, Tingchao Cliff isn''t the strongest, but it does have a Supreme at the Celestial Human level, and this Dragonwood Island Master is second only to that Supreme of Tingchao Cliff."


    Hua Nongyue paid no mind to her sister''s actions and quietly conveyed the intelligence they had gathered.


    Chen Mu listened to Hua Nongyue''s narrative and occasionally nodded slightly.


    Although the Seven Profound Sect had some information about the Outer Sea, the sect''s past philosophy was to ''remain hidden from the world.'' Therefore, they had no branches in the Outer Sea and knew far less about it than the Hehuan Sect.


    The level of strength of the three major factions in the Outer Sea was within Chen Mu''s expectations. Together, the three factions boasted four individuals at the ''Celestial Human Level,'' and a combined twenty to thirty others at the Blood Exchange Realm, which, although far fewer than the entire Da Xuan Ninety-Nine States, was still quite remarkable for a single faction. Aside from the Imperial Court, no other power in Da Xuan could boast more than ten individuals at the Blood Exchange Realm.


    "...The Spirit People Race exists within Xunmu Cave Heaven, almost like a blend of human and demon, yet as intelligent as ordinary people, numbering at least ten million. There are many Grandmasters among them, at least a dozen, but the strongest of them all is their Spiritual Ancestor. According to past intelligence, this Spiritual Ancestor is more powerful than the Heavenly Demon Ancestor Yuwen Hao of the Sky Demon Sect, and his strength is extraordinary even among those in the Blood Exchange Realm."


    As she reached this point, Hua Nongyue quietly said to Chen Mu, "My lord, if you plan to explore Xunmu Cave Heaven, ordinary members of the Spirit People Race pose no threat to you. However, if you encounter their Spiritual Ancestor, you need to be a little more cautious."


    Although Chen Mu had repelled Yuwen Hao in the Ice State Abyss, the intelligence on the Spiritual Ancestor''s strength suggested that it might be slightly superior to Yuwen Hao''s, and perhaps not far from that of the Dragonwood Island Master, the top of the Blood Exchange Realm just below the Celestial Human level.


    However.


    The warning from Hua Nongyue was due to the fact that news from the Outer Sea was not well circulated.


    The only news about Chen Mu that had reached this side of the Outer Sea was about his battle in the abyss, while the news that he had been attacked by the Master of Xue Yin Tower and had repelled him hadn''t reached Hua Nongyue yet.


    Otherwise, Hua Nongyue probably wouldn''t have given such a reminder, because as powerful as the Spiritual Ancestor could be, he was at most on the level of the Pavilion Master of Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion or Master of Xue Yin Tower, and Chen Mu, who was able to fend off the Master of Xue Yin Tower, wouldn''t be threatened by him.


    "Hmm."


    Chen Mu took a sip of tea and wore a thoughtful expression.


    He was not contemplating the strength of the Spiritual Ancestor, but the Xunmu Cave Heaven itself. According to Hua Nongyue''s description, it was not very large, at most equivalent in size to one of Da Xuan''s states. A place this small could nonetheless give rise to individuals comparable to those in the Blood Exchange Realm.


    In comparison with the vastness of the entire Da Xuan, which was at least a hundred times the size of Xunmu Cave Heaven, even he did not believe that the Blood Exchange Realm was the pinnacle of Da Xuan''s martial arts anymore, although he hadn''t stepped into the Blood Exchange Realm himself and couldn''t yet see the even more distant path ahead.


    Soon.


    Chen Mu asked about some details, and Hua Nongyue answered them one by one.


    Comparing the intelligence provided by Hua Nongyue and Yan Hong, there were basically no contradictions. It seemed Yan Hong had told him the truth. This character from Central Prefecture, whether she was a Commandery Princess or a Princess, might indeed have the intention to recruit him.


    If she knew his real identity, yet he wondered how she would react. Thinking of this, Chen Mu also shook his head and smiled wryly, but didn''t take it too seriously. In his eyes now, there was no essential difference between a Princess and an ordinary civilian girl.


    "So it seems that Xunmu Cave Heaven will open in about ten days."


    With thoughtful intent, Chen Mu said, "It seems my arrival is quite timely."


    For him at the moment, forging a handy Qiankun Spirit Weapon was important, but what was even more crucial was his own Martial Arts Cultivation. Xunmu Spirit Liquid had many uses, and it was extremely effective for Body Refinement. If he was delayed and missed the opening of the Xunmu Cave Heaven, even if he managed to get the Sea Calming Pearl, he would still have to travel and explore in the Outer Sea in search of resources.


    However, his timing was just right.


    "It is said that the Xunmu Cave Heaven repels those of the Blood Exchange Realm from entering, but I wonder if it will also repel me."


    Chen Mu pondered for a moment.


    This was the only issue that he was somewhat concerned about now. He had never experienced this kind of rejection from a Cave Heaven World before and thus did not know the specifics of how it worked or how it produced its effect.


    This question was something neither Hua Nongyue nor Hua Nongying could answer. After all, there had never been anyone like Chen Mu in the past who was in the Marrow Cleansing Realm yet capable of contending with those in the Blood Exchange Realm. Moreover, their own cultivations had not yet reached the Marrow Cleansing Realm, so they knew nothing about it.


    However,


    Chen Mu did not ponder over this issue for too long. Regardless of the situation, he would find out after going there and taking a look for himself. By now, he had some understanding of both the Void and Cave Heavens as he had encountered them before and had even personally forged a Void Spirit Weapon.


    After asking all that there was to ask, Chen Mu finally turned his gaze to Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying, scrutinizing them carefully, and suddenly asked, "Speaking of which, the Secret Technique you used before seems to merge Yuan Gang Inner Breath and Artistic Conception when it''s executed, and even the mind seems to temporarily unite as one, doesn''t it?"


    Mind unity.


    This was actually a very profound level.


    Even at Chen Mu''s current Realm, he still could not manipulate the Power of the Soul on its own, achieving feats like Soul Heart Detection or Heart Sound Transmission. If he forced it, he would have to meld his Soul Heart with Nature, using Nature as a bridge for detection or for transmission across a thousand miles, which, frankly, was still the use of Artistic Conception.


    The Soul Heart could not exist independently of the body nor separate from Nature, requiring Nature as a carrier.


    Therefore, the mind unity between Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying had some mysterious aspects to it. Although Hua Nongying had mentioned this to him before, he had only taken it as some sort of special constitution. He had not expected that they would be able to transform this into a functional benefit, achieving true cohesion between their Inner Breath and even mind unity.


    "My lord has keen insight, when my sister and I operate the Yin Yang Integration Secret Technique, our minds indeed become inseparable," said Hua Nongying, blinking her eyes and speaking coquettishly on the side.


    "Can memories be shared too?"


    Ignoring the hint of charm from Hua Nongying, Chen Mu continued to inquire thoughtfully.


    Looking at each other, this time Hua Nongyue replied, "No, but sometimes I can see some of the scenes that Nongying experiences, and she can also see some of mine."


    "Oh?"


    Chen Mu finally showed a look of interest.


    The idea that memories could be shared to some extent was intriguing because if memories and minds were connected, then saying they were the same person was not far-fetched. So, could the two of them now be considered two separate individuals, or the same individual who, due to some fortunate coincidence, ended up forming two different ''avatars''?


    "Can that Secret Technique still be used?" Chen Mu asked, looking at them. S~ea??h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Yes," Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying responded in unison, with the same light sparkling in their identical big eyes.


    They were very aware of how special their situation was. Their unique constitution and circumstances had attracted attention and curiosity within the Hehuan Sect. Many Elders and the Sect Master had studied their condition for a long time. Chen Mu''s Martial Arts level was extremely high, and it was impossible for him not to be interested in their situation. Now, his enthusiasm had been piqued at last.

 Chapter 693 - 393: Are you satisfied, sir?

    "Hmm, my lord..."


    Hua Nongying''s eyes were seductive as silk, her cheeks flushed with an unnatural rosy tint, as she breathed out warmly in a murmur.


    Chen Mu, however, was rather indifferent to her coquettish behavior. Although the sisters had preserved their virginities for the practice of the Yin Yang Integration Secret Technique, they were, after all, inheritors of the Hehuan True Inheritance. Their charming skills had long been refined to a state of invisible traces.


    "Interesting, interesting."


    Chen Mu withdrew his hand from Hua Nongying''s body and turned his gaze towards Hua Nongyue. He saw Hua Nongyue gripping only one hand with Hua Nongying''s ten fingers, yet her entire state was exactly the same as Hua Nongying''s, cheeks flushed with peach red, nearly looking unsteady, her eyes also curved like willow leaves.


    Chen Mu hadn''t engaged in any lascivious acts; he merely used his Yuan Gang Inner Breath to probe Hua Nongying''s body, scanning from top to bottom, and no matter how he moved on this side, Hua Nongyue reacted in the exact same way.


    In his perception, their Inner Breaths were almost completely connected and flowed extremely smoothly, as if they were one person, and that indistinct consciousness seemed also to be connected, forming a complete Soul Heart will.


    Yet, they were clearly two distinct individuals.


    After a brief moment of contemplation,


    Chen Mu signaled for them to temporarily release the secret technique, then turned to Hua Nongying to inquire about the Yin Yang Integration Secret Technique, learning its general principles and carefully pondering it. Then, he extended his hand towards Hua Nongying and said, "Come, let''s try." Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Hua Nongying''s cheeks still bore a trace of lingering blush. She looked somewhat surprised at Chen Mu''s motion but still passed her hand over, intertwining fingers with Chen Mu''s, and tried to use the secret technique.


    Chen Mu did the same on his part.


    Being capable of controlling the Qiankun, he could easily evolve Yin and Yang, and mastering any secret technique within Nature was trivial for him, not to mention cooperating with Hua Nongying by evolving half of the Power of the Taiyin.


    However, this attempt at the secret technique encountered problems. Although a state of Yin Yang Integration was formed, this union was far from as tight as between Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue, resembling only an ordinary Formation secret technique.


    "Indeed, so it is."


    Chen Mu''s right hand intertwined with Hua Nongying''s left fingers, sensing her Inner Breath state, he revealed a pondering expression.


    This secret technique had initially seemed unremarkable to him, and indeed its execution was the same¡ªit was just a rather ordinary Yin Yang cooperation secret technique. Still, the effects varied with the user; it seemed only the sisters Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying could achieve the most perfect state of Yin Yang Integration.


    While Chen Mu continued studying the secret technique and Hua Nongying''s physical condition, Hua Nongying had begun to struggle with the sensations. Being an inheritor of the Hehuan True Inheritance and possessing a body trained in charming skills, even without activation, mere physical contact with a man inevitably influenced her, causing agitation. Ordinarily, she might contain it somewhat, but merging Yin and Yang with Chen Mu and accepting the evolved Power of the Taiyin from him was like water hitting boiling oil¡ªimmediately sizzling.


    While she and Hua Nongyue evolved Yin and Yang, Hua Nongyue, also versed in the Taiyin Artistic Conception, didn''t influence her because of their shared inner feelings and breaths. But Chen Mu was different.


    Chen Mu, a man of robust Yang energy, evolving the Power of the Taiyin that connected with her Inner Breath, acted like the strongest aphrodisiac for her, once an inheritor of the Hehuan True Inheritance. Had her Realm not been sufficiently high and her Six Viscera not trained to Perfection, she might have lost her reason instantaneously, overwhelmed by her innate charming skills.


    Meanwhile,


    Hua Nongyue, although not connected in breath with her sister at that moment, felt nearly the same influence due to her proximity to Hua Nongying, feeling a heat encompassing her body. All her cultivated charming skills and desires were recoiling against her. However, compared to Hua Nongying, she was slightly better off, not yet involuntarily beginning to disrobe.


    Yet, when she looked at Chen Mu, her eyes also shimmered with ripples of spring, standing there as if her entire body was uncomfortable, wanting to scratch but not knowing where to scratch, her slender legs tightly pressed together, occasionally letting out soft moans.


    If Hua Nongying''s reason remained but a fraction, then she retained but two or three tenths of that fraction. Yet this remaining sliver of rationality quietly fell upon Chen Mu, that difficult-to-bear restlessness also tinged with a trace of curiosity.


    What would Chen Mu do?


    From the moment Chen Mu attempted their practiced Yin Yang Integration Secret Technique, both she and Hua Nongying were well aware¡ªwhomever Chen Mu tried to evolve Yin and Yang with would inevitably leave them in this state.


    Their cultivated charming skills were manageable without male contact, but in situations of not just close physical contact but also connected Inner Breath, not even the Sect Master of Hehuan Sect could suppress the arising desires, for this was the nature of their cultivated technique, solidified from their youth, and their reactions as virgins were even more intense.


    It was like a strand of straw¡ªuntouched by flame, it could be fine, but once it meets Blazing Flames, it ignites instantly.


    And once ignited, it would trigger a major problem, caused by the recoil of the foundation of their charming skills, igniting from the deepest part of their bodies. If not extinguished, consequences could range from minor, like aberrant rampage leading to dispersed Yuan Gang and a state akin to a cripple, to severe, like disordered meridians and combusting Five Viscera, leading to death.


    The sisters Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying were acutely aware of this danger, but their willingness to comply with Chen Mu surpassed these concerns. More than anything, they wanted to see how Chen Mu_EMPLOYEE would react after they turned into this state.

 Chapter 694 - 393 Are You Satisfied, Sir? _2

    "Hmm..."


    At this moment, Hua Nongying leaned involuntarily against Chen Mu, emitting a faint moaning sound. All her Inner Breath was in chaos, but she didn''t care, and the only bit of rationale left only made her lips curl into a slight smile.


    She knew Chen Mu well, she and her sister would never dare to take liberties in front of Chen Mu, especially not using charming skill to influence or tempt him. However, this time it was Chen Mu studying their bodies, they merely complied with all of Chen Mu''s requests. Now with Inner Breath reversing and chaos ensuing, with Chen Mu''s disposition, would he allow her to suffer the backlash and perish beautifully? Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu initially had indeed overlooked this point.


    His attention was wholly on the unique physical constitutions of the sisters Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue, particularly the part where their souls could merge, which concerned him greatly.


    Because soul fusion was extremely crucial, even to the extent that those in the Blood Exchange Realm who wished to practice the third step of Artistic Conception, to reach the Celestial Human Level, actually aim for soul fusion with Nature, achieving Unity of Heaven and Man.


    If he could figure out the essence of soul fusion between Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue, and thereby uncover some of the mysteries of soul will, perhaps the third step of his understanding of Artistic Conception would become much easier. Most obviously, his study into the sisters'' souls directly increased Experience Points, as reflected on the system panel!


    Having realized this, Chen Mu naturally began to research meticulously since even though he had not yet entered the Blood Exchange Realm, nor met the basic conditions for Unity of Heaven and Man, gaining some early Experience was advantageous and would save effort in the future.


    The secret technique for evolving Yin and Yang unity with Hua Nongying was also an attempt to see how soul fusion was actually achieved, whether he could access Hua Nongying''s soul through this technique, but he was not able to. This unique situation seemed to occur only between the sisters Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue.


    And thereafter,


    the situation changed slightly beyond his expectation.


    Because all his attention was on the soul aspect, Chen Mu did not notice Hua Nongying''s bodily condition until he realized that the soul interaction failed, and his attention returned to Hua Nongying''s body, only to find that her entire Yuan Gang Inner Breath had been completely ignited by the Power of the Taiyin he had evolved.


    While their fingers remained interlocked, her petite body had rolled into his arms, fiery and scorching hot, her gaze dazed and confused, overwhelmed with desire, nearly devoid of all reason.


    "Hmm?"


    At Chen Mu''s present Realm, he instantaneously understood what had occurred and grasped the reasons behind it, but was somewhat caught between laughter and tears, looking up towards Hua Nongyue.


    At that moment, Hua Nongyue stood there, her skin flushed with a light red hue, her Inner Breath seemed to be burning too, and though her eyes were seductive as silk, there was still a trace of rationale in her gaze, as she looked at him with a pitiable expression.


    "You two are truly crazy," he said.


    Chen Mu felt both amused and exasperated at the moment.


    Indeed, he had not anticipated the issue of backlash from the sisters'' charming skill, but the sisters themselves were fully aware of the dangers, yet completely disregarded them without a mention.


    What they were doing was extremely perilous, equivalent to entrusting their lives to his whim; if he were to ignore them, the outcome would be either becoming incapacitated or dying on the spot.


    Yet,


    this seemingly mad act, when placed on Hehuan Sect, appeared rather reasonable.


    Has the true transmission of Hehuan Sect ever been normal?


    "We... are just following the lord''s orders..."


    Hua Nongyue, still retaining a shred of rationale, said with a trembling voice, her eyes glistening with a mixture of lust, longing, hope, and curiosity, but distinctly lacking fear.


    "...From the moment we followed the lord, we became possessions of the lord, even if the lord plays with us until our Inner Breath backfires and meridians break, leading to a beautiful demise, we have no regrets."


    As Hua Nongyue spoke, she too began to falter, her gaze gradually becoming lost.


    Chen Mu slightly shook his head.


    Under the Hehuan Sect, perhaps out of ten statements, not even a single word might be trustworthy, but this kind of faith that disregards life and death, this will to act, indeed, many of the disciples from the Great Sects do not possess it.


    Historically, even the Great Sects have had their prosperity and decline, with countless sects rising and falling over hundreds of years, many of which eventually faded away, but Hehuan Sect has never perished. Even when its Blood Exchange Realm lineage was broken and it suffered direct suppression from the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, it still managed to survive and develop in the shadows until it rose again.


    This didn''t only come about because the contemporary world couldn''t eliminate industries like brothels, which ensured the birth of sects like Hehuan, it was also the faith of Hehuan Sect itself that supported it, no matter how it crumbled or split into various branches. As long as a new Blood Exchange Realm emerged, it could reassemble, returning to a whole sect.


    Sects like Seven Profound Sect and Heavenly Sword Sect couldn''t do that.


    Once a Supreme of the sect fell, fracturing into countless small sects, then even if a branch produced a new Blood Exchange Realm in the future, it would already be a completely new sect, no longer having any connection to the past Seven Profound or Heavenly Sword.


    Such a sect philosophy, the disciples'' will, should have been that of the Orthodox Sects, or even the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, but it was ironically possessed by the Demon Sect like Hehuan Sect, which was quite an irony.

 Chapter 695 - 393: Are you satisfied, my lord?_3

    "Come over."


    Chen Mu watched Hua Nongyue, who had almost only a shred of rationality left but still restrained herself as much as possible. Although her eyes were filled with passion, she endured and did not pounce as he waved her over.


    "Thank... Master..."


    With Chen Mu''s permission, Hua Nongyue murmured with the little rationality she had left and then stepped closer.


    In an instant,


    Yin and Yang overlapped, Qiankun revolved, and the mixed Inner Breath gradually settled.


    For Chen Mu, balancing Yin and Yang was not difficult. The only challenge was to manage them simultaneously, but with his current Realm, it was all within his control, especially for Hua Nongyue and her sister, who were only at the Six Viscera Realm.


    The pervasive Power of Heaven and Earth isolated room number four of the Tianxiang Tower inside and out, with no sound or movement leaking out, and no one came to disturb them. Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying did not reveal Chen Mu''s whereabouts, so the disciples of the Hehuan Sect assumed that Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying were conditioning their Inner Breath and healing the injuries caused by using Secret Techniques in their battle with Helian Cheng.


    The guess was right.


    They were indeed conditioning their Inner Breath and healing injuries, but the process was quite different. The one conditioning their Inner Breath was not themselves but Chen Mu, who was aiding them from the side, and the injuries that needed healing were not from Helian Cheng.


    After a day and night passed, on the clean, tidy pear wood floor, Chen Mu slowly withdrew his hand and said:


    "It''s done. This time, the benefits for you are significant. Once you''ve fully assimilated, your strengths should be able to advance individually. Together, if you encounter a Grandmaster like before, you should be basically able to contend."


    Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying each cultivated one aspect of Yin and Yang, while he mastered Qiankun, encompassing both Yin and Yang, and had even achieved the Qiankun Martial Body and Qiankun Domain. No matter who he cultivated with, they could gain great benefit from him. S§×arch* The Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Actually.


    Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying''s Cultivation had long reached the Perfection of the Six Viscera Realm, but because the Mysterious Pass was so unique, no matter how much they advanced, they couldn''t leap over the Mysterious Pass in one step. However, the benefits they received were immense.


    Through true Yin Yang union, both of them had deepened their comprehension of the Yin Yang Artistic Conception, especially Hua Nongyue, who even touched the edge of the Domain. Given a few more years of cultivation, she might be able to reach that level.


    Besides.


    Their Six Viscera Realm was already perfected, and it was basically impossible to temper it further, but through the circling Power of Yin Yang, their cultivation of the Six Viscera Realm advanced another step.


    Although, in Chen Mu''s perception, they were still far from the limit of the Six Viscera Realm, they had taken a significant step from ''Perfection'' towards the ''limit.'' For most Martial Artists in the Six Viscera Realm, without some specific rare Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items, it is virtually impossible to achieve such a foundational improvement in a lifetime. This foundational improvement is undoubtedly a greater benefit.


    At the very least, it increased the possibility of both of them breaking through the Mysterious Pass by another twenty percent.


    Upon considering this,


    Chen Mu felt a slight regret. Xu Hongyu''s foundation was nowhere near that of Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying, the bearers of the Hehuan True Inheritance, and she did not cultivate the Yin Yang Artistic Conception. Otherwise, if she could endure the tempering of Yin Yang union at the Six Viscera Realm, the possibility of her stepping into the Marrow Cleansing Realm in the future would greatly increase.


    "Thank you, Master, for helping us sisters in our Cultivation."


    Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying were facing each other, their fingers interlocked, their bodies bare, both slowly opened their eyes, and without any shame, they gracefully saluted Chen Mu, their eyes gleaming with pleasure, fully aware of the benefits they had received.


    However, once the salute was over, Hua Nongying immediately reverted to her true self, tilting her head up to reveal a mischievous smile to Chen Mu, her voice sweetly asking, "Master, how did my sister and I serve you? Are you satisfied?"

 Chapter 696 - 394: Everything in the World Has Its Flaws and Merits

    "You targeted me this time, and still dare to act innocent after taking advantage?"


    Chen Mu glanced at Hua Nongying.


    The mindset of the women from the Hehuan Sect was indeed somewhat abnormal to various degrees. However, at his current stage, Chen Mu no longer feared being schemed against, nor did he mind anything else. This exploration of Yin and Yang had indeed brought him quite a bit of experience. Undoubtedly though, Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying gained even more, as for thousands of years, he was the only one who had cultivated the Qiankun Martial Body to such a realm.


    Perhaps it couldn''t be said that there would be no one afterwards, but certainly there was no one before him.


    "We were merely going with the flow, what schemes are you talking about? You think too poorly of us, sir. Although it was us sisters who gained, you also benefited somewhat, right?"


    Hua Nongying looked at Chen Mu with a giggle, her eyes pityingly watching him.


    It seemed that after finally breaking through that barrier in their relationship, she had reverted to her former self in front of Chen Mu, no longer so overly cautious, regaining the lively demeanor of a Hehuan beauty.


    As she spoke, Hua Nongying leaned closer delicately, her petite body nestled in Chen Mu''s arms, looking up at him with somewhat misty eyes, "When I first met you in Yu County years ago, I just thought you were quite fascinating. I never imagined that there would come a day when I would serve you, and together with my sister..." S§×arch* The N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "A hero like you might appear once in thousands or tens of thousands of years, perhaps. My sister and I were supposed to be dead, abandoned by this world from birth. We never dreamed of having this day, nor of meeting someone like you."


    Upon hearing Hua Nongying''s words,


    Chen Mu fell briefly silent.


    No matter the natural talents or outstanding qualities of these Hehuan sisters, it did not change the fact that they had been abandoned by the world. No matter how they grew up under the environment of the Hehuan Sect and what sort of mindset they developed, remembering these facts couldn''t be entirely without emotion.


    He could sense from Hua Nongying''s tone that there was no resentment, as being conjoined twins in this era meant being ''freaks''; being abandoned was only too normal. Compared to resentment, it was more of a hint of loneliness.


    "Did you later try to find your family?"


    Chen Mu asked after a short contemplation.


    When he came to this world, he too had only his sister to rely on, but he was ultimately different as he had parents in his previous life and was not abandoned by the world at birth.


    "We did search,"


    Hua Nongyue took over the conversation. She kneeled in front of Chen Mu, looked up at him, and spoke softly, "We also found them. They had other younger brothers and sisters by then, and had long forgotten about us. We didn''t reveal ourselves as they probably did not want to see us again. That''s fine too. We were raised in Hehuan and besides Hehuan, we no longer need to concern ourselves with worldly affairs."


    Chen Mu was silent for a moment before saying, "Having no attachments is good."


    Hua Nongying drew circles on Chen Mu''s chest with her slender, jade-like finger, giggled, and then said, "From now on, our only attachment will be to you, sir. This life belongs only to you. Even the commands of Hehuan, compared to your orders, it''s your will that takes precedence. Can you trust us a little more now?"


    Chen Mu watched Hua Nongying and gently shook his head, saying, "The cultivation techniques of your Hehuan Sect, some are indeed noble and righteous, yet others are completely underhanded, practicing crooked paths and heretical methods..."


    He did not doubt Hua Nongying''s words.


    The Hehuan Sect''s cultivation consisted of two types: one was Indulgence Desire, where lust prevails over emotion, which leads to controlling others by bewitching them with lust, allowing oneself to be willingly harvested. The other, which Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue practiced, involved retraining oneself despite following the path of pleasure¡ªa practice only the truest transmitters over generations and very few outstanding disciples could cultivate.


    Practicing lust yet restraining it would create a build-up over time, until it exploded in a moment of indulgence, and the mindset, due to years of restrained lust, would be released and transformed, permanently marked by another''s influence, with both body and mind under their control.


    Why could the Hehuan Sect maintain intricate connections with many powers without being suspected by them?


    Everyone in the Hehuan Sect knew that truth is scarce in their words, yet why does every generation of the Hehuan Sect have disciples entering the palace, with their presence also in some backyards of the royal family?


    The reason naturally involves disciples like Hua Nongying.


    For those who practice self-restraint in desires, once they indulge in someone, they are controlled for life, unable to defy, because the lust accumulated over years is suddenly released, and the effect is drastically different from initial indulgence. The essence of their will also gets affected.


    This is why such Hehuan Sect disciples could enter various factions, even imperial harems, without suspicion, because from that moment, they no longer belong to Hehuan. Of course, such internal affairs are disdained by many Righteous Sects, as the indulgent sect is already considered heretical, and the latter one even more so as it seems like breeding female disciples to be played with, something a respectable sect should not partake in.


    Chen Mu, by now, understood everything about the Hehuan sisters¡ªfrom Artistic Conception to Cultivation Technique to every detail of the Charming Skill they had cultivated. He knew thoroughly that Hua Nongying''s words were true.


    "What if I want you to be enemies with Hehuan?"


    Chen Mu looked at Hua Nongying and suddenly asked.


    Upon hearing this, Hua Nongying immediately showed a sorrowful expression and said, "We cannot defy your orders, sir, but we also cannot be enemies with Hehuan. If it comes to that, my sister and I would have only death left."

 Chapter 697 - 394: The World Has Its Ups and Downs_2

    Hearing Hua Nongying''s response, Chen Mu couldn''t help but sigh and said, "The Hehuan Sect is far from the strongest among the sects in the world, but if you talk about the heritage and the way of survival, there are few sects that can match yours."


    As he spoke,


    Chen Mu looked down at Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue, only to see the sisters still looking at him with clear eyes.


    "It''s just curiosity, I have no grudges against the Hehuan Sect, and will not oppose Hehuan, let alone force you to your deaths. Haha, in the end, I still fell into your Hehuan Sect''s scheme."


    Chen Mu said this with a light smile.


    Hearing this, Hua Nongying finally smiled joyfully and said, "Who dares to trick you, sir? If you were not willing in your heart, who in this world could force you?"


    Smack.


    A crisp sound was heard, and Hua Nongying couldn''t help making a ''hmm'' sound, her cheeks flushing red.


    "Being too clever is not always a good thing."


    Chen Mu looked at Hua Nongying leisurely, then put her down, and slowly stood up, stretching his body.


    At this, Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue immediately walked over with graceful steps, one on the left and one on the right, gently saying, "We will serve sir during your bath and change of clothes."


    Chen Mu did not refuse, moving towards the large wooden bathtub in the inner room.


    He was never one to indulge in asceticism. His nature was to enjoy life without coveting it, experiencing both hardships and pleasures freely. He used to be wary of the Hehuan Sect''s tactics and kept his distance, but now there was clearly no such apprehension anymore, and he could handle everything with equanimity.


    ...


    On the spacious bed.


    Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue were both neatly dressed, sitting cross-legged, each holding hands, their energies connected, refining their Inner Breath Yuan Gang.


    Their other hands were not idle though, each holding one of Chen Mu''s hands, forming a circle in a trinity formation. Only this time, what emerged from Chen Mu was not the evolving Power of Yin Yang, but the complete Qiankun Power, guiding and controlling the Power of Yin Yang within the two women, causing it to intertwine and coalesce.


    Who knows how much time had passed.


    The Power of Yin Yang within Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying gradually settled.


    Originally, Hua Nongying''s cultivation and Artistic Conception were slightly inferior to Hua Nongyue''s, especially in the past at the Five Viscera Realm. She was a whole level beneath Hua Nongyue. However, after reaching the Six Viscera Realm, Hua Nongyue had stayed at the perfection of the Six Viscera Realm, while Hua Nongying, through regular Dual Cultivation with her sister, had slowly caught up.


    This time, through Chen Mu''s guidance and refinement, coupled with the secret technique of Yin Yang unity, her cultivation of physique was essentially no different from Hua Nongyue, only slightly lacking in Artistic Conception perception, but even that gap was extremely small now.


    This was quite a case of earlier cultivation influencing later cultivation. However, only Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying, sisters with such a unique physique, could achieve this. Others, even Chen Mu and Xu Hongyu, though able to enhance Xu Hongyu''s Body Tempering Cultivation through Dual Cultivation, could not assist her in perceiving the Artistic Conception, unable to merge souls and cultivate with Xu Hongyu.


    "The way of Heaven cycles, where there is fullness, there is lack; where there is lack, there is fullness."


    Chen Mu slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sweeping over Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying, and he spoke with a slight sense of admiration, "Even now, you probably have a forty to fifty percent chance of breaking through the Mysterious Pass, and in the future, entering the Grandmaster Realm will be much easier. Such talents are truly blessed by Heaven."


    For ordinary people, if they wanted to challenge the Mysterious Pass after fully understanding the Yin Yang Artistic Conception, the difficulty would be second only to the Qiankun Path. Although in today''s world, there are a few who enter into the Grandmaster Realm through the Power of Yin Yang every hundred years, they are definitely not many.


    But Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying had found a clever way.


    The sisters cultivated with the secret technique, connected in mind, equivalent to practicing the complete Yin Yang Artistic Conception. However, when not using the secret technique, they were two different people, each able to break through the Mysterious Pass in the future, with the difficulty reduced by more than half.


    Of course, examples like theirs are probably one in a billion, not so much strange as it is fate. Those who were not meant to survive, yet survived, naturally saw the storm pass and new life emerge after tribulations.


    Hua Nongying slowly opened her eyes.


    As the energy within her body gradually stabilized, she looked at Chen Mu with a playful gaze and said with a chuckle, "My lord, such praise, my sister and I truly do not deserve. Even if my sister and I''s talents could merge into one, we would still fall short compared to you."


    "There''s no need to compare yourself to me."


    Chen Mu shook his head slightly. In this world, there was no one whose talents could compare to his, not in the past and likely not in the future either. In his view, the exceptionally unique talents of Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue were, apart from a few top geniuses of this era, unparalleled, and they might even reach the Blood Exchange realm together in the future.


    "Very well."


    "Yin Yang evolves Qiankun, Qiankun encompasses Yin Yang. Now that you both have a deeper understanding of the paths of Yin Yang and Qiankun, you should continue your Cultivation step by step steadily. The Mysterious Pass will not be difficult for you to break through. I hope you can step into the Marrow Cleansing Realm soon. By then, if the sisters join forces, you will carry some weight in this world too."


    Chen Mu slowly withdrew his hand and said to them.


    These past few days, he aided Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue in their Cultivation. Although their Cultivation levels were slightly low, still in the Six Viscera Realm, they practiced the path of Yin Yang, and with their special physiques and interesting secret techniques, he also gained some insights. However, it was almost time for him to head to Dragon Wood Island.


    "Yes."


    Hua Nongyue responded softly.


    Hua Nongying then blinked at Chen Mu, her voice sultry, "My sister and I''s significance in this world, only you are completely clear about, my lord."


    Thump.


    Chen Mu flicked Hua Nongying''s forehead, making her yelp, "Cultivate diligently."


    Once, he and Hua Nongying, Hua Nongyue were together as the young generation''s geniuses, but now their Cultivation strengths were completely lagging behind him. Even if they wanted to work for him, there was not much they could do. Chen Mu indeed hoped that they would step into the Marrow Cleansing Realm soon.


    By that time, although it would still be impossible to keep up with his Cultivation pace, the sisters would truly have some strength in this chaotic world, enough to traverse it with authority, unlike grandmasters like Helian Cheng who would be no match for them.


    After his speech.


    Chen Mu did not say more, his figure quietly flashed, and he disappeared within the room, leaving no trace of movement at the doors or windows.


    On the bed, only Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue remained. The sisters gazed where Chen Mu had vanished, and after a while, they turned back to each other. Hua Nongyue caught a glimpse of Hua Nongying''s cheek, reflecting like a mirror, and gently pinched it, saying, "This time you finally got your wish."


    The sisters understood each other well. Hua Nongying naturally did not fall for it and lightly chuckled, "Sister also desired it, but I''m not quite sure when sister took an interest, perhaps during our ascent of the Yunni Sky Steps?"


    "Perhaps."


    Hua Nongyue softly replied, turning her head to look back at the spot where Chen Mu had sat, saying, "This lord''s journey to Xunmu Cave Heaven seems like a casual opportunity, but if it''s the turn of heavenly mandate, great opportunities will surely come with great dangers."


    Hua Nongying was momentarily taken aback, then said, "Why didn''t you remind him when the lord was here, sister?"


    Hua Nongyue turned her head toward the window and said softly, "What we know, how could the lord not know? And what the lord knows, we do not. By now, there''s nothing much we can help him with. We just hope that the lord can overcome all obstacles, face all trials, and eventually take that step forward. It''s just unclear how long that will take..."


    Hua Nongying also briefly fell silent. The transition from Marrow Cleansing to Blood Exchange was extremely difficult; the stronger the path, the harder it was. Even though Chen Mu''s talents were unmatched, it was hard to say how long it would take to overcome that step. And until then, this world would always be fraught with dangers for Chen Mu. S§×ar?h the Novel?ire(.)ne*t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Their hearts were fully invested in Chen Mu, to flourish or to flounder together. If Chen Mu could ascend smoothly, then their faith in him would also benefit. However, if Chen Mu faced severe trials and misfortunes, their spirits would also be profoundly affected.


    It was uncertain how much their joint evolution of Yin Yang had actually aided Chen Mu''s insights into Cultivation.

 Chapter 698 - 395 Yongning

    Dragon Wood Island.


    A towering ancient tree stood in the center of the island, its branches and roots intertwining like a winding Flood Dragon, hence the name Dragonwood, from which Dragon Wood Island derived its name.


    Under this towering Dragonwood tree, closest to the main trunk, was a wide-open space where scattered groups of people could be vaguely seen, some gathering together, others spread out, some tasting tea, while others appeared to be discussing something.


    Among them,


    on one side, stood about a dozen figures, with Yan Hong at the forefront.


    "Your Highness, this is Liu Qingyan from the Hehuan Sect, and she is also going to enter the Xunmu Cave Heaven for exploration,"


    Yan Zhengyang led a splendid and elegant young woman to Yan Hong, and upon hearing Liu Qingyan was from the Hehuan Sect, Yan Hong''s expression did not show any disdain; he nodded normally and said, "If Master Liu wishes to accompany us, our team''s chances of success will increase considerably."


    Liu Qingyan smiled lightly and said, "I don''t need much, just three pounds of Xunmu Spirit Liquid in exchange."


    The Hehuan Sect wasn''t particularly focused on this expedition to Xunmu Cave Heaven, so only she had come to participate. Naturally, she didn''t have much confidence she would gain much alone and thus needed to join a team.


    "Three pounds?"


    Yan Hong pondered for a moment and then nodded, saying, "Neither too little nor too much. If all goes well, it should be enough for Master Liu''s needs."


    Xunmu Spirit Liquid wasn''t abundant in the Xunmu Cave Heaven either, and three pounds was already a substantial amount. Only if the operation went extremely smoothly could everyone potentially receive three pounds. However, when recruiting people, it was natural to paint the prospects as favorably as possible.


    Liu Qingyan was aware of this fact. It wouldn''t be easy to get three pounds of Xunmu Spirit Liquid, but the Superior Grade Sea Calming Pearl she wanted to exchange required exactly three pounds of Xunmu Spirit Liquid, no more, no less. Yan Hong''s team, which she had decided to join, seemed most suitable, as she was familiar with half of its members, and even had some acquaintance with two of them.


    Even if she did not obtain the three pounds of Xunmu Spirit Liquid by the end, once out of the Xunmu Cave Heaven, many Grandmasters would come here to Dragon Wood Island for trade, and she could also try using some of her resources to exchange for a certain amount of Xunmu Spirit Liquid.


    Of course, sea??h th§× N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    that was provided the expedition in Xunmu Cave Heaven went smoothly.


    Despite the many Grandmasters currently gathered on Dragon Wood Island, nearly a hundred or more, the Spirit Human Race inside Xunmu Cave Heaven was not to be underestimated, mainly the old ancestor of the Spirit Human Race, a being comparable to the Blood Exchange Realm, with extremely daunting power.


    After a brief discussion with Yan Hong, Liu Qingyan also joined Yan Hong''s team. Thus, Yan Hong''s team now numbered fourteen members. Although not the largest among the many teams of Grandmasters present, it was already a considerably eye-catching force.


    Whirr!!


    Suddenly, a humming sound emerged, catching the attention of many people at the site.


    They saw a burly man with bare upper body and dark golden skin approaching from afar. Each step he took seemed to shake the Power of Heaven and Earth nearby, and the overwhelming aura around him was oppressive.


    "Very powerful."


    Many Grandmasters'' eyes flickered upon seeing this man.


    Even Yan Hong took note of him.


    Yan Zhengyang, standing to the side, took a careful look and then whispered : "That must be Master Zonggang from Sea Prison Island, cultivating the secret Gentle and Rigid Body Art, one of the top Grandmasters in the Outer Sea, no weaker than our Da Xuan''s outstanding Grandmasters."


    Outstanding Grandmasters!


    These were figures who stood at the pinnacle of Grandmasters. In the vast Da Xuan Ninety-Nine States, there were only about a dozen, almost the strongest existence beneath the Blood Exchange Realm. They even had the capacity to withstand or even escape from the hands of someone in the Blood Exchange Realm.


    In fact, this was extremely powerful. Most Grandmasters, when facing a real Blood Exchange Realm being, had no power to resist; managing to withstand a move or two or escaping without dying was enough to make one renowned throughout the world. Figures like Chen Mu, who could truly contend with Blood Exchange in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, were once-in-a-millennium phenomena.


    "Master Zonggang..."


    Yan Hong''s eyes slightly narrowed.


    Although it was her first time seeing the man in person, she was not unfamiliar with the name. According to her knowledge, King of Jin, who had once been ranked the first among the Da Xuan Grandmasters, had fought Master Zonggang in the Outer Sea in the past, and the battle had ended in a draw.


    She did not have a good relationship with King of Jin, but that did not prevent her from knowing the strength of King of Jin. Before Chen Mu had emerged, King of Jin, who had entered Dao with Yin and Yang, was the number one Grandmaster in the Da Xuan Ninety-Nine States, unbeaten by anyone in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    "Master Zonggang, you came too."


    Just as Master Zonggang was making his imposing entrance, another calm voice sounded. They saw a slender figure walking leisurely from afar, each step seemingly blossoming with five-colored lotuses, as the person imperceptibly approached.


    This time, the newcomers were not unfamiliar to Yan Hong and the others, as they had seen him before.


    Five Elements Taoism Sect.


    Hong Shida!


    Sixth on the world''s list of Grandmasters!


    Having entered the Dao completely through the Five Elements and mastered the Five Elements Domain, he had cultivated Five Elements Artistic Conception to an extraordinary level. In the path of the Five Elements, aside from those in the Blood Exchange Realm, he was at the pinnacle.


    "Sect Master Hong, hope you are well,"


    Master Zonggang turned his head towards Hong Shida and chuckled.


    Hong Shida stepped closer, nodding slightly to Master Zonggang, and the two then proceeded towards a spot together, not only seeming to be old friends but also, apparently, ready to collaborate for this venture into Xunmu Cave Heaven.

 Chapter 699 - 395 Yongning_2

    Not far away,


    Yan Hong watched the scene with slightly furrowed brows.


    The assembly of numerous grandmasters by Dragonwood Island to jointly explore the Xunmu Cave Heaven, comprising formidable masters from both Da Xuan and the Outer Sea, was indeed a blessing since the Spirit People Race represents a common enemy for everyone.


    Yet, ultimately, the exploration of the Xunmu Cave Heaven was still about competing for resources. It was manageable before dealing with the ancient ancestor of the Spirit People Race. Should everyone join forces to repel or injure the ancient ancestor, it would undoubtedly lead to a scenario of fierce competition among them.


    With Hong Shida and Grandmaster Zonggang joining forces, two unparalleled grandmasters working together in a place like the Xunmu Cave Heaven, which the Blood Exchange Realm could not access, was undoubtedly a significant threat. Ordinary seven or eight top grandmasters might not even be considered by them.


    In her team, only three people were comparable to top grandmasters; the others were slightly inferior.


    If her brother, Prince Yan, were here and another unparalleled grandmaster were leading, they would undoubtedly feel much more confident. Facing the strong alliance of Hong Shida and Grandmaster Zonggang, they inevitably had to give way somewhat.


    "With both of them here, it is a good thing. After all, the ancient ancestor of the Spirit People Race is by no means an ordinary foe,"


    Yan Zhengyang spoke quietly beside her.


    Entering the Xunmu Cave Heaven, being too strong is problematic, as is being too weak; the former leads to infighting due to unchecked power, and the latter results in being pursued by the Spirit People Race, forcing one to hide and seek Spiritual Objects within the cave heaven.


    "Hmm."


    Yan Hong nodded pensively.


    Even though she understood Yan Zhengyang''s point, three top grandmasters seemed slightly insufficient in her view.


    Just then,


    her gaze shifted slightly, and she looked towards a distant direction. There, she saw a young man clad in commoner''s clothes leisurely walking nearby, inspecting his surroundings and the towering Dragonwood tree crowns at the center.


    Upon seeing this newcomer, a flicker of light flashed in Yan Hong''s eyes. She took a few steps forward to greet him, saying, "Brother Mu, it''s been many days; I thought you wouldn''t come."


    The young man who walked leisurely was Chen Mu.


    After departing from Yunmu Island, he had been rushing non-stop to Dragonwood Island, and now it was almost the last two days at the invitation of the island master; he had arrived in anticipation of this timing.


    "A lively event like the Xunmu Cave Heaven is something I can''t resist getting involved in,"


    Upon seeing Yan Hong approaching, Chen Mu also gave a slight bow and greeted her, then cast his gaze towards the center. He quickly surveyed the area, sensing the aura of at least a hundred grandmasters gathered there, and a trace of light flickered in his eyes.


    Although previously the opening of the Ice State Abyss in Cold North had drawn a similar number of grandmasters, the overall quality could not compare to that of those who were here for the opening of the Xunmu Cave Heaven this time. S~ea??h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The grandmasters present, in his perception, almost had no weak auras!


    They were at least on par with masters like Feng Hongsheng and Shi Zhenyong, including no fewer than twenty or thirty grandmasters on par with Jiang Changsheng, and even included unparalleled grandmasters like Grandmaster Zonggang and Hong Shida who were temporarily absent in the Cold North.


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s words, Yan Hong couldn''t help but smile and said, "Given the realm you have reached, Brother Mu, you don''t need much, but the treasures of Dragonwood Island and Tingchao Cliff are still quite extensive. I see Brother Mu seems to have come alone, and you might not know much about the Xunmu Cave Heaven; it is quite perilous, so how about we join hands?"


    With that,


    Yan Hong paused briefly, then said apologetically, "I won''t hide it anymore; Yan Hong was a pseudonym I used in the past. My real surname is Ji, and my name is Hong. I have some reputation in the capital."


    To invite Chen Mu to join in the exploration of the Xunmu Cave Heaven, she naturally couldn''t continue using the pseudonym as before. Although she still didn''t know Chen Mu''s true background, revealing her true identity was undoubtedly necessary to gain his trust.


    "So you are Princess Yongning; my apologies."


    Chen Mu, upon hearing Yan Hong reveal her identity and origins, was not surprised but simply bowed slightly to her.


    Ji Hong.


    He had heard of this name before, and just a few days ago, had casually mentioned Yan Hong to Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying. Both women had simultaneously guessed who she was and relayed to Chen Mu many details about Ji Hong.


    There were many princes and princesses in the current Royal Family, but only eight were titled as ''Prince'' and very few as ''Princess,'' with just nine bearing that title. Ji Hong was one of them, her title being ''Yongning.''


    In the Da Xuan Dynasty, where martial prowess was held in high esteem, princes and princesses, unless highly favored or the legitimate eldest son or daughter, who were appointed by imperial jade decree, generally had to reach the status of Grandmaster and enter the Marrow Cleansing Realm to qualify for the titles of Prince or Princess.


    Ji Hong was not a legitimate eldest daughter and came from a more distant line among the many princesses. Her mother also lacked significant background or influence. Ultimately, however, by virtue of her own talent and martial skills, she attained the status of Grandmaster and was conferred the title ''Yongning.'' She currently also held the position of Vice Chief of the Imperial Court''s Demon Slaying Chief Officer, having suppressed many demonic uprisings and enjoyed a good reputation within and outside the Imperial Court.


    At this moment, Yan Hong smiled gently at Chen Mu and said, "Brother Mu, no need for such formalities. In the Martial World, titles are but mere formalities. This world ultimately respects martial power, so you may simply call me ''Miss Yan''."


    Upon hearing this,


    Chen Mu couldn''t help but smile. He had not planned to join anyone, even after noticing Liu Qingyan, a master of the Hehuan Sect; he had no intention of greeting her. However, Yan Hong''s words quite suited his temperament. Given the lack of maps and detailed information about Xunmu Cave Heaven from Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying, he nodded slightly after pondering briefly.


    "Thank you for your kind words. I would be remiss to decline such an offer."


    "Good, Brother Mu, please."


    Seeing Chen Mu agree, Yan Hong also showed a hint of a smile.


    Although the details of Chen Mu''s background were somewhat unclear, this was not a primary concern. Firstly, only Grandmasters could enter Xunmu Cave Heaven, and within it, the Spirit Human Race was a common enemy to everyone. Additionally, her team already included three top-tier Grandmasters who were completely trustworthy. Even if Chen Mu''s origins were vague, and not entirely trusted, he could not possibly be one of the Spirit Human Race.


    Furthermore, Chen Mu''s own strength was remarkable. Even though he hadn''t shown his full strength during the time they had traveled together, he was undoubtedly among the top tier of Grandmasters. With him, the team now consisted of four top-tier Grandmasters, which allowed for a greater assurance of handling any perilous situations that might arise in Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    Soon,


    Yan Hong led Chen Mu to the front of Yan Zhengyang and the others.


    "This is Grandmaster Yan Zhengyang, like me, a Vice Chief of the Demon-Slaying Bureau. This is Grandmaster Wei Shuxian, from the Orthodox Sects ''Heavenly Guardian Pavilion,'' endorsed by the Imperial Court. This is..."


    Yan Hong briefly introduced Chen Mu to the various Grandmasters, the majority of whom came from Central Prefecture and had intricate connections with the Royal Family or were supporters of her lineage.


    Although Yan Hong was not one of the Eight Princes, as one of the titled Princesses, she indeed had the qualifications to inherit the throne. Throughout the history of over a thousand years of Da Xuan, there had been an Empress. She was the only one among the vast number of royal bloodlines who had entered the Blood Exchange Realm and had the qualification and intent to vie for the throne, eventually ascending to the highest position.


    The Blood Exchange Realm and the Marrow Cleansing Realm represent fundamentally different levels of attainment.


    It could be said that among the current Eight Princes, if any were to advance into the Blood Exchange Realm, it would be challenging for the others to contend against them, making the succession almost a foregone conclusion!


    Similarly, if Yan Hong were able to break through life and death into the Blood Exchange Realm and aspired for the throne, she would certainly qualify and have the confidence to do so, possibly even holding an advantage over the Eight Princes who had not reached the Blood Exchange Realm.


    However,


    attaining the Blood Exchange Realm is exceedingly difficult.


    Typically, among ten or even twenty Grandmasters, it is rare for even one to break through death and enter the ultimate Blood Exchange Realm.


    Through Yan Hong''s introductions, Grandmasters like Yan Zhengyang also greeted Chen Mu one by one. While all were significant figures from Central Prefecture, in a world where strength reigns supreme, Chen Mu had barely revealed a hint of his power. The mere degree of this concealment technique alone was quite extraordinary, and there were few among those present who could achieve this.


    Therefore, whether it was Yan Zhengyang or Wei Shuxian, all were quite courteous.


    After brief introductions, Yan Hong then took out a map she possessed detailing the internal structure of Xunmu Cave Heaven and handed it to Chen Mu to examine.

 Chapter 700 - 396 Dragonwood Island Master

    "Xunmu Cave Heaven..."


    Chen Mu looked at the depiction on the map, revealing a touch of contemplation. sea??h th§× N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Although he had already learned many details about the Xunmu Cave Heaven from Hua Nongyue and Hua Nongying, the information was not as detailed as what was depicted in Yan Hong''s map. The map was very complex, with a towering giant tree at its center, radiating outwards into a vast world that stretched far and wide.


    According to the map, this towering giant tree was the "Xunmu," and the location with the highest concentration of Wood Spirit Liquid was undoubtedly around its main trunk and root system, which was also the very center of the Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    However,


    that area was also marked in deep red on the map, indicating the most dangerous region!


    This danger came not only from it being the homeland of the Spirit Human Race, guarded by the Spiritual Ancestor, but also because it was the core of the entire Xunmu Cave Heaven, where the Earth''s Veins and the Xunmu tree veins were located, including the presence of the "Xunmu Ancestral Formation."


    Chen Mu had learned a bit about this formation from the Hehuan Sect and knew that its might was not at all inferior to the grand sect defenses established by great sects like Da Xuan. It possessed the power to suppress beings in the Blood Exchange Realm and, in some sense, was even more dangerous than the Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit Human Race!


    Therefore,


    no matter when, attacking the Xunmu Cave Heaven, especially the core homeland of the Spirit Human Race, was always forbidden. Even knowing that the very heart of the tree was the source of the Wood Spirit Liquid, holding vast quantities, it was still impossible to capture.


    In the Xunmu Cave Heaven, what they could seize were only the portions of Spiritual Liquid contained in certain special "tree nodes" or the Spiritual Liquid born within the Xunmu root system underground, collecting them bit by bit.


    "The heart of the Xunmu Cave Heaven is a forbidden area. Even true masters of the Blood Exchange Realm wouldn''t gain any advantages there, and it is not our target this time. Our goal is to attempt to attack a few key nodes. Those nodes are generally defended by the Spirit Human Race and their formations, but they are far away from the core ancestral formation, so they can''t exert much power,"


    Yan Hong stood beside them, chatting with the group and occasionally adding some information about the Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    The Xunmu Cave Heaven was vast.


    The Spirit Human Race would not actively engage in large-scale battles with these grandmasters from Da Xuan and the Outer Sea. In past encounters, they mainly relied on advantageous terrain to deal with the invading grandmasters from Da Xuan and the Outer Sea.


    Given their current team''s strength, as long as they did not approach the core of the Xunmu Cave Heaven or directly encounter the attacking Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit Human Race, they could basically move without restraint, facing little risk.


    "The tree heart forbidden area, Spiritual Ancestor..."


    Chen Mu''s eyes displayed a hint of contemplation.


    If the tree heart forbidden area of the Xunmu Cave Heaven had a formation as powerful as the Seven Profound Sect''s Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, it indeed warranted his caution, and he should not approach it lightly.


    Nonetheless, the vast quantities of Wood Spirit Liquid rumored to be brewing within the tree heart forbidden area were indeed one of his goals for this venture. Therefore, he considered exploring and collecting in other regions first, obtaining enough Wood Spirit Liquid to then attempt to refine his Qiankun Martial Body to the level of Perfection!


    Once his Qiankun Martial Body reached Perfection, his strength would climb another notch. Then, there was a possibility he could defeat the Spiritual Ancestor face to face, and perhaps even break through the tree heart formation of the Spirit Human Race!


    However, this matter still required careful planning.


    Mainly because he was well aware that facing a Blood Exchange Realm master like the Spiritual Ancestor leading the formation''s core would be truly terrifying. Even a master at the Celestial Human Level would struggle to harm him in the slightest.


    Just like Supreme Yin Heng of the Seven Profound Sect, who could only flee in distress when facing masters at the Celestial Human Level in the outside world, but if guarding the Forbidden Land of the Seven Profound Sect, wielding the Seven Profound Sect''s Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, he feared no Celestial Human masters.


    Therefore,


    If they wished to break through the Spirit Human Race''s tree heart forbidden area and claim the treasures within the heart of the Xunmu, they might need to find a way to lure out the Spiritual Ancestor. Based on past expeditions into the Xunmu Cave Heaven, the Spiritual Ancestor would not always be stationed in the tree heart forbidden area. Occasionally, they would conceal their aura and venture out to attack multiple grandmasters from the Outer Sea and Da Xuan, causing casualties.


    All in all, every plan would need to be considered once inside. Although he currently did not fear the Spiritual Ancestor, truly defeating them was still going to be difficult. Therefore, teams like Yan Hong''s were still very useful.


    On the one hand, they could help lure the Spiritual Ancestor, while on the other hand, during combat, they might manage to distract him somewhat.


    Just as Chen Mu was pondering,


    Yan Hong approached once more, handing over a small flag twinkling with spiritual light to Chen Mu.


    "This is..."


    Chen Mu took it and gave it a brief inspection and sense, his eyes flashing with a hint of recognition. It felt vaguely familiar, like the Military Formation Command Flags he had seen within the Jade Forest Army.


    "A Military Formation Command Flag?"


    Chen Mu asked directly.


    Yan Hong first shook her head, then nodded and explained, "Not exactly, but somewhat similar. This is a Spirit Weapon called the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends Formation Flag, which you''ve probably heard of. It''s ranked sixty-ninth in the Da Xuan Spirit Weapon Catalogue."


    Hearing Yan Hong''s words, Chen Mu nodded slightly.


    He had not paid much attention to the Da Xuan Grandmasters Catalogue, having only glanced through it briefly, but he had thoroughly reviewed the Spirit Weapon Catalogue. After all, he had been lacking a suitable Spirit Weapon for himself. Although some of the weapons listed in the catalogue might not be a good fit for him, acquiring one would still be worthwhile for use.

 Chapter 701 - 396 Dragonwood Island Master_2

    These Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends Formation Flags, he also understood quite comprehensively. It is said that they were one of the spirit weapons forged by the Imperial Court using resources collected from all over the world not long after the founding of Da Xuan. They do not possess the capability to amplify effects, yet they could very well gather many peoples'' Yuan Gang inner strength into one place!


    It is said.


    If there were seventy-two grandmasters, each holding a formation flag, to activate the complete Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends Grand Formation, they could even trap and possibly suppress a high-level expert of the Celestial Human Level!


    However, up until today, this spirit weapon has suffered numerous damages over a thousand years of history. The current number of formation flags that still exist is far less than ''seventy-two,'' and it is still unknown whether even half remain intact. This is one of the reasons why its ranking has fallen to sixty-ninth now, whereas it was previously ranked within the top ten of Da Xuan.


    Yan Hong, as a member of the Royal Family and one of the very few grandmasters, holds a certain status within the Royal Family. Her participation in the exploration of Xunmu Cave Heaven this time also included bringing this spirit weapon. It is unknown, however, how many formation flags she has brought with her.


    "With these formation flags at our disposal, we can temporarily connect our Yuan Gang and form a combined formation. Even if we truly encounter that old ancestor of the Spirit People Race, we would not be without the power to resist. At the very least, we should be able to hold our ground for a moment. And that Spirit People Race''s old ancestor definitely dares not stray far from the heart of the Forbidden Land for too long. As soon as they find it difficult to defeat us, they would usually retreat quite quickly."


    Yan Hong was on the side, sharing many past exploration experiences and pieces of intelligence regarding Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    At this moment, Chen Mu was observing the formation flag in his hand with great interest and carefully probing and sensing the formation''s structure inside. To his perception, it was indeed quite profound, incorporating several mysteries of the Military Formation while resembling the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation that relied on ''Formation Base''. The only difference was that this formation base was alive, a moving person rather than a purely inanimate object.


    Everyone was quietly gathered in one corner, studying the map and discussing plans for entering Xunmu Cave Heaven. Chen Mu was simply listening on the side, not speaking much. The others took this as an indication of his reluctance to talk and did not think much of it. Only Liu Qingyan occasionally glanced at Chen Mu, revealing a thoughtful expression. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Mu Chen..."


    She muttered this name to herself and a flash of something unusual passed through her eyes as she looked at Chen Mu, but she quickly concealed it.


    From the surface aura, Chen Mu hid his breath very well, at most revealing that he was a strong grandmaster. It was very difficult to judge anything else clearly, let alone perceive the complete Qiankun Power.


    What Yan Hong and the others could not sense or conjecture did not mean she had no conjectures. After all, she was a grandmaster of the Hehuan Sect and had recently received intelligence coming from Yunmu Island!


    Mu Chen...


    Chen Mu?


    Could this strange grandmaster, who appeared out of nowhere, be him?


    Liu Qingyan did not know if others had made any connections regarding Chen Mu''s real identity, but at least for herself, from the short term contact and observation, she was about seventy to eighty percent certain, yet she did not speak out and instead kept her thoughts to herself.


    Her coming to Dragon Wood Island to take part in the opening of Xunmu Cave Heaven was originally to obtain the Sea Calming Pearl, to form a good bond with Chen Mu. Now, if she could travel with Chen Mu in the same team, that would be even better, especially with Chen Mu''s strength. Once in Xunmu Cave Heaven, he would likely be the most powerful existence there aside from the Spirit Human Race''s old ancestor, powerful enough to traverse without fear!


    Chen Mu was aware of Liu Qingyan''s gaze, but he had not made contact with her.


    The situation on Dragon Wood Island was complicated at the moment. It seemed like a gathering of over a hundred grandmasters on the surface, but in truth, there were probably more than one or two from the Blood Exchange Realm hiding in the shadows. Not to mention the Dragonwood Island Master for the moment, there were surely other denizens of the Blood Exchange Realm from Tingchao Cliff in secret.


    As for his intelligence, no matter how isolated the Outer Sea was in terms of information flow, a Great Sect like Tingchao Cliff would by now surely understand it clearly. At this point, he could not even guess Tingchao Cliff''s attitude towards him, whether friend or foe.


    Overall.


    Only after entering Xunmu Cave Heaven and with all the Blood Exchange Realm denizens barred from entry would he truly be unhindered. At present, being in the domain of Dragon Wood Island, he was actually in a quite dangerous situation. Even if Liu Qingyan were trustworthy, he would not speak too much.


    As for what would happen after leaving Xunmu Cave Heaven...


    Chen Mu''s eyes were deep.


    His goal was to refine his Qiankun Martial Body in Xunmu Cave Heaven, to reach Perfection and even its limits. By that time, he would have no fear even facing an encirclement of Celestials. At that point, the attitude of Tingchao Cliff and other perils would naturally become insignificant.


    Goodwill or ill-will, neither was important.


    About half a day passed.


    One after another, more grandmasters arrived, and the many grandmasters gathered beneath the Dragonwood canopy were no longer meeting in small groups, but in larger clusters, with groups of six to seven being small and others having as many as twenty to thirty members.


    It was also around this time that a majestic voice, filled with authority, spread from the heavens above.


    "I am the Dragonwood Island Master. You have come to Dragon Wood Island at my invitation, and I extend my greetings to you here."


    The voice contained the dignity of the Blood Exchange Realm, while causing the Power of Heaven and Earth to tremble as it spread. Yet, the tone was somewhat polite, without much arrogance.


    Although the Dragonwood Island Master was a high-ranking expert of the Blood Exchange Realm, almost the highest tier of existence just below a Celestial, among those present were over a hundred grandmasters from Da Xuan and the Outer Sea, including some renowned young prodigies.

 Chapter 702 - 396: Dragonwood Island Master_3

    One could say,


    among these many grandmasters, even if some are of advanced age with no chance of breaking through to the Blood Exchange Realm, there are always younger generations of grandmasters who, in the future, could definitely birth several contenders for the Blood Exchange Realm. Even the Dragonwood Island Master wouldn''t take them lightly.


    What''s more, the convergence of over a hundred grandmasters is a force extremely formidable in itself; even a high-level expert of the Celestial Human Level wouldn''t underestimate such a vast number of grandmasters.


    As the words fell,


    suddenly a large number of young disciples clad in blue robes arrived in the midst, all of them disciples of Tingchao Cliff, their demeanors respectful as they either held teapots and jade cups, or carried tea tables, arriving in front of each grandmaster and starting to pour the tea.


    The tea was crystal clear, like jade liquid. Each cupful exuded wafts of refreshing spiritual fragrance that permeated in all directions.


    "This is Xunmu Spiritual Tea, which uses the tenderest new leaves from atop Xunmu and is steeped in Wood Spirit Liquid. It is beneficial for cleansing the Soul Heart, although for everyone present it is, admittedly, of modest benefit. Please enjoy,"


    the Dragonwood Island Master''s voice came once again.


    This time, however, it wasn''t through transmission of sound via the heaven and earth but from the person himself, wrapped in a long robe, who had appeared at some point right beneath that towering Dragonwood tree, holding a cup of Spiritual Tea with a smile while looking toward the many grandmasters gathered around.


    "We''ve seen the Island Master."


    "Please, Island Master."


    The grandmasters closest in distance were the first to react, either bowing to the Dragonwood Island Master or lifting their Spiritual Tea in a gesture of respect.


    Chen Mu was also among Yan Hong''s entourage, his gaze quietly taking in the Dragonwood Island Master before withdrawing his eyes, and then he too lifted a cup of Spiritual Tea. His sight lingered on the liquid, sensing the spiritual essence within and nodding inwardly.


    The Spiritual Tea was indeed no mere formal gesture; to his perception, it was truly extraordinary. However, everyone present was a grandmaster, and even the finest Spiritual Tea would only warrant a slight taste, with no significant effect. To truly benefit someone like him, one would need a substantial amount of genuine Xunmu Spirit Liquid.


    At the same moment,


    the Dragonwood Island Master''s gaze also casually swept over the assembly.


    He had already observed the many grandmasters present, and compared to the assembly from over a hundred years ago, there were somewhat more participants this time, though overall the quality was somewhat less. All things considered, the difference was minimal.


    The quantity was just right; together with their own Tingchao Cliff grandmasters, barring any unexpected events, they should be able to handle it without severe losses or returning empty-handed, and each would manage to obtain some amount of Xunmu Spirit Liquid more or less.


    "The representatives of the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, huh..."


    Just at that moment, as if sensing something, the Dragonwood Island Master glanced discreetly in the direction of Yan Hong and the others, but detected no abnormalities, his eyes reflecting a contemplative expression.


    Although Tingchao Cliff has been in possession of the Outer Sea for thousands of years, the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, ruling over the Ninety-Nine State, was unfathomable to him; a bit of peculiarity was perfectly normal. However, he remembered those eight princes, and noted that not one of them had come. Sear?h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    After the thought flashed by, the Dragonwood Island Master withdrew his gaze.


    He had little interest in the conflicts within the Da Xuan Dynasty Court. Whether it was the imperial throne or the rule over the Ninety-Nine State, after all, the Outer Sea was extremely peculiar. Even when the Da Xuan Martial Emperor unified the land long ago, he failed to influence the Outer Sea, and the current Court would struggle even more. And the people of the Outer Sea had never coveted the resources of the Ninety-Nine State; thus, the outcome of the throne''s strife was of little consequence to him.


    His sole concern was the opening of the Xunmu Cave Heaven this time; at his current Cultivation Realm, the effectiveness of the Xunmu Spirit Liquid was indeed limited for him. However, he had many talented youths and juniors who were only a step away from entering the Marrow Cleansing Realm. With enough Xunmu Spirit Liquid, the likelihood of these younger generations stepping into the Marrow Cleansing Realm could increase by at least ten to twenty percent. Given that Xunmu Spirit Liquid could only be obtained once every hundred years or so, it was a resource that both Tingchao Cliff and the present Dragonwood Island needed.

 Chapter 703 - 397: Crossing the Sea

    "We have invited all of you here, and I believe most of you are already aware of the situation at hand. However, to ensure that none of our friends who have traveled from afar are uninformed, I will provide some additional details."


    After everyone had finished their spiritual tea, the Dragonwood Island Master began to speak in an even tone, his voice echoing throughout the space.


    "Xunmu Cave Heaven is a unique place; it isn''t actually located within the Da Xuan World, nor is it within the Outer Sea. It is merely a layer of Void away, extremely close to our world."


    "Usually, the repulsion between this cave heaven and the Outer Sea is incredibly strong. Even if you break through that layer of Void, you cannot forcibly enter it. Anyone who tries will be torn apart by the Void Force between Xunmu Cave Heaven and the Outer Sea."


    "Only during specific periods of turbulence is it possible to penetrate the boundary of Xunmu Cave Heaven and enter it."


    The Dragonwood Island Master laid out the general situation.


    Chen Mu had already learned most of this information from the Hehuan Sect and Yan Hong; for instance, why the exploration of Xunmu Cave Heaven was limited to around three months. This was due to the tides and disturbances in the Void of Xunmu Cave Heaven during this period, which consisted of two separate phases: ''High Tide'' and ''Ebb.''


    During High Tide, those in the Blood Exchange Realm could break through the Void, creating a passage to Xunmu Cave Heaven, and send Grandmasters of the Marrow Cleansing Realm inside. This process did not last long, followed by a stable period of three months.


    About three months later, the Void in Xunmu Cave Heaven would become turbulent again, marking the ''Ebb.'' At this point, those in the Blood Exchange Realm could once again penetrate the Void, guiding everyone back from Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    Aside from these two unique moments, even the highest-ranking masters at the Celestial Human Level could not forcibly break through the barrier and enter Xunmu Cave Heaven. After all, it is a genuinely large-scale Cave Heaven with its own Void boundary forces that are beyond human resistance.


    "... We should not delay. Now that you all are aware of the general situation, those who are unwilling may stay here. Anyone eager to explore Xunmu Cave Heaven may accompany me to the ''Ruins Sea'' now."


    After summarizing the situation, the Dragonwood Island Master then spoke indifferently.


    By this time, Chen Mu had understood; the information provided by the Dragonwood Island Master was already known to those present, essentially being redundant. Its real significance was akin to a ''disclaimer.''


    After all, the hundreds of Grandmasters present came from various sectors of the Da Xuan Dynasty and even beyond, from the Outer Sea. Many of them represented Great Sects, and there were even individuals like Yan Hong from the Imperial Court''s Royal Family, with profound backgrounds. Even with Tingchao Cliff''s exalted status, it could not afford to offend so many influential powers. Therefore, the intent behind his words was to convey that participation was entirely voluntary: he, the Dragonwood Island Master, would only lead the way and guide, taking no further responsibility.


    Of course.


    The Grandmasters who had come here were far from inexperienced young heroes. Decisions had been made long before arriving, and upon hearing the Dragonwood Island Master''s words, most maintained a calm demeanor, and a silent hush fell over the assembly.


    Seeing this, the Dragonwood Island Master finally showed a slight smile and said:


    "Since that is the case, then please follow me."


    As his words fell.


    The Dragonwood Island Master began to walk away from the towering Dragonwood''s trunk, heading towards the distance.


    The many Grandmasters exchanged glances, then all set out in pursuit of the Dragonwood Island Master. The procession of over a hundred Grandmasters was impressive; and although most restrained their auras, having so many Grandmasters moving together still caused the Power of Heaven and Earth to stir continuously, exerting a pressing force that left the island''s inhabitants awestruck and silent.


    As people began to follow the Dragonwood Island Master out of the island, another group joined the ranks without a sound¡ªa group clad in the broad robes of Tingchao Cliff, unmistakably Grandmasters from Tingchao Cliff. They numbered nearly thirty, almost the largest contingent among those present!


    "The force of Tingchao Cliff is indeed extraordinary." sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu''s gaze swept over the many Grandmasters from Tingchao Cliff and he muttered internally.


    Seven Profound Sect had exhausted its resources to send about twenty Grandmasters, many of whom, like Murong Yan, were not Grandmasters but simply had strength comparable to one.


    For this expedition to Xunmu Cave Heaven, Tingchao Cliff had dispatched as many as thirty Grandmasters, none of whom were likely to be weak. Almost all were on par with the likes of Feng Hongsheng, with at least four or five being of top-notch caliber.


    Such manpower was something that two or three major sects from the Cold North could not muster even if they joined forces.


    "Tingchao Cliff''s thousands of years of heritage, even longer than the history of the Da Xuan Dynasty, surely has its foundations," Liu Qingyan remarked nonchalantly, walking not far from Chen Mu. Seemingly perceiving his thoughts, she unintentionally said, "They are much more formidable than any sect in the Da Xuan World. The only force within the Da Xuan World stronger than these three major Outer Sea sects is the Imperial Court itself."


    "Hmm."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly.


    The bottomless depths of sects like Tingchao Cliff and the others from the Outer Sea were profound, but the Da Xuan Dynasty Court was no less so. Even amidst internal strife and a near state of disunion, it remained unfathomable, unmatched by any individual sect.


    At least for Chen Mu at present, facing the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, he was still not in a position to look down upon it.

 Chapter 704 - 397 Crossing the Sea_2

    With the many Grandmasters joining after the trip to Tingchao Cliff, the number of Marrow Cleansing Realm Grandmasters present was nearly two hundred, making it seem as if Grandmasters were as common as the grass... But in fact, for the common man, Grandmasters were still an elusive presence, like a dragon glimpsed only in fleeting moments.


    Such a vast number, coming from all over the Da Xuan Ninety-Nine States and various factions of the Outer Sea, only when Grandmasters with objectives and needs gathered together, could such a large group be assembled.


    Everyone followed the Dragonwood Island Master, who walked at a pace that was neither fast nor slow, maintaining the speed of a normal Grandmaster''s movement technique. Therefore, it didn''t take long before they had left the center of Dragon Wood Island and arrived at the coast.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!!


    At this moment, on the coast of Dragon Wood Island, below the towering cliffs, the endless waves churned tirelessly, and countless waves, tens of feet high, crashed against the steep cliffs, producing a thunderous roar.


    However, whether it was the Dragonwood Island Master or the numerous Grandmasters, they all remained composed in the face of such a spectacle, and the Island Master didn''t pause for a second, striding directly into the air and descending upon the sea''s surface.


    Swoosh, swoosh.


    The many Grandmasters behind him, including Yan Hong and others, kept pace accordingly.


    Although a large number of them did not possess the Sky Flying Technique, walking on water was considered a basic skill. Even amidst the ceaseless tumultuous waves, for the hundreds of Grandmasters, it was as if they were walking on flat ground.


    Boom!


    One person, with a robust and colossal build and an indifferent gaze, relied on brute strength to forcefully tread on the water, creating a vortex under his feet with each step that carried his body forward.


    Buzz!


    Another person, with each step, quietly stirred ripples below his feet, as droplets of water gathered into steps, naturally lifting the soles of his shoes, carrying him forward as if on a small boat.


    Some Grandmasters were simply harnessing the Power of Heaven and Earth to fly through the void, but no one dared to overtake the leading Dragonwood Island Master, nor did anyone deliberately fly too high, all attempting to keep a lower profile than the Island Master.


    For a moment.


    Over a hundred Grandmasters crossed the sea, each displaying their Divine Skills!


    In the team led by Yan Hong, the Grandmasters were also quite composed. Yan Zhengyang stepped down, and a masculine Qi rose naturally under his feet like ink, staining the seawater and turning it into an ink-like color. He stepped on it without sinking, creating only a slight ripple, and proceeded steadily forward.


    Yan Hong herself condensed a wisp of pale golden Yuan Gang under her feet, her gaze indifferent as she walked on the sea. She also swept her eyes lightly over everyone else, even casting a glance towards Chen Mu.


    Crack, crack.


    Chen Mu, too, was strolling on the ocean''s surface, with each step spreading a breath of Yin energy, momentarily freezing the water beneath him into ice, forming a continuous icy path wherever he went.


    "Power of Taiyin..."


    Yan Hong''s eyes flickered for a moment.


    There was no shortage of Yin-based Cultivation Techniques and Artistic Conceptions, some of them, like Yin Sha Artistic Conception, capable of producing similar effects. However, as a member of the Royal Family, her vision was extraordinary. Having encountered Chen Mu at sea before, although she had seen him make a move, his ability to conceal his Inner Breath was so strong that not a single trace escaped, making it hard for her to discern Chen Mu''s skills. She only knew that anyone capable of such deep concealment was undoubtedly a Top Grandmaster.


    Now, seeing Chen Mu''s method, she concluded that, despite his great concealment, the source must be the "Power of Taiyin," indicating Chen Mu was cultivating the Path of Yin and Yang, specifically the Taiyin Path.


    To master the Taiyin Path indeed set one apart from the ordinary, and to reach Grandmaster status through Taiyin certainly placed one among the top tier.


    Aside from Yan Hong.


    Other Grandmasters also cast glances at Chen Mu, each with contemplative looks as they observed his method of crossing the sea. The assembled were no ordinary Grandmasters, and based on slight clues, they could roughly infer Chen Mu''s Martial Arts.


    No one was overly surprised by this, as Yan Hong had from the start judged Chen Mu''s strength to be extraordinary. That he was a Top Grandmaster of the Taiyin lineage was well within reason.


    Only Liu Qingyan''s eyes flashed with a hint of doubt.


    Taiyin...


    The Qiankun Artistic Conception encompasses all things, indeed capable of evolving into Taiyin, but Chen Mu''s approach was a bit too carefree and effortless, almost devoid of any mortal aura, to the extent that even she couldn''t tell whether this was the evolution of Qiankun or truly the pure Power of Taiyin.


    If his identity was indeed that person, it would not only mean that he had comprehended the Qiankun Path to an incredible realm, but also that he must have understood the Path of Taiyin to an extremely deep level.


    However.


    Thinking of Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue, her mind suddenly pondered, and a smile that wasn''t quite a smile flickered in her eyes.


    Had these two junior sisters finally succeeded?


    As sisters united at heart and cultivating the same vein, acquiring them meant gaining deep insight into the Path of Yin and Yang from them, which in itself was a tremendous advantage, but the benefit also depended on who reaped it.


    For it to go to Chen Mu, that was different.


    The higher the realm of a Martial Artist, the more emphasis was placed on the state of mind and will, and the heart of Martial Arts must be clear of shame and regret. For those inherently evil and self-righteous, even if they were opportunistic and ingratitude personified, it wouldn''t affect their Martial Arts, because their true nature was just so. But Chen Mu was different, all the intelligence and experiences about him indicated that he was not such a character, he would care about cause and effect.


    That was also why she had no preparation whatsoever, fully aware that Xunmu Cave Heaven was highly dangerous, yet she ultimately decided to try exploring it. She too wanted to ''invest'' in Chen Mu, to get that Sea Calming Pearl for him.


    If Chen Mu were to fail in the future, it wouldn''t bring any harm to her, and should he succeed, the benefits need not be said. Once he ascended to dominate the world, even just a word or a will from him could have a massive impact.


    Of course.


    Now that Chen Mu had personally come, this trip to Xunmu Cave Heaven probably had little to do with her, but if Hua Nongying and Hua Nongyue truly became Chen Mu''s people, then they too would have justified their years of hard cultivation.


    Liu Qingyan was actually considering whether or not to withdraw, given that the Xunmu Cave Heaven affair most likely no longer required her assistance, but since she was already here and Chen Mu had not expressed any intentions toward her, suddenly withdrawing would seem strange. To avoid causing any situation that might affect Chen Mu, she chose to remain silent, keeping everything as it was.


    Chen Mu was not sure whether Liu Qingyan had already confirmed his identity, but since she kept to herself, he didn''t concern himself with it either, his expression calm as he followed the group, advancing across the boundless ocean.


    Just like that. S§×arch* The n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Over a hundred Grandmasters sailed through the waves with ease, crossing the ocean as if it were flat land, not knowing how far they had traveled before ruins finally appeared on the sea ahead.


    It looked like a submerged island, but in reality, below the surface lay a fragmented ruin, with only a very few broken stone columns and other scattered remnants still standing at various points on the surface.


    Ruins Sea.


    It was said that there used to be a large island here, but an unknown disaster occurred, causing the entire island to sink completely under the sea. As for the details of that disaster, Chen Mu was not privy.


    But now as they gradually approached the Ruins Sea, he surveyed the state of the sea area and slightly narrowed his eyes, because from the look of the ruins, at the heart of those very few broken walls, there seemed to be an enormous pit.


    If.


    This was once an island, then it was as if something had smashed into the center of the island, with a force nearly cataclysmic, destroying the entire island in one strike, leaving behind only a huge pit and some fragmented walls at the very edges!


    For a moment, Chen Mu''s mind was filled with endless speculation.


    Was it a starfall from the sky?


    Did it cause a disturbance in the Void, leading to the creation of Xunmu Cave Heaven in this small world, or was Xunmu Cave Heaven created even before that, and the fall of the star made the barrier of Void between it and the Da Xuan Ninety-Nine States thin enough for humans to break through, or... was the falling star itself the bearer of Xunmu Cave Heaven?


    With the realm Chen Mu had reached, he could make out some clues, but he still didn''t have a deep enough understanding of the Void to come to a conclusion instantly. Right at this moment, the Dragonwood Island Master, who was leading the group, finally came to a halt.


    "We''re here."


    The Dragonwood Island Master stood above the surface of the sea, his gaze fixed on the distant waters.

 Chapter 705 - 398 Awareness

    Xunmu Cave Heaven is located in the Ruins Sea, a fact known to many.


    But gaining entry to Xunmu Cave Heaven is not so easy, the task requires piercing the Void to carve out a passage, and every hundred years during the tidal hour, the spatial weak nodes of Xunmu Cave Heaven will be in different locations.


    Finding this node quickly is the key to accessing Xunmu Cave Heaven, otherwise once the time passes, entering and exiting becomes difficult. Thus, the method has been monopolized by those at Tingchao Cliff, hence the resources of Xunmu Cave Heaven have always been mostly occupied by them.


    "Everyone, please wait here for a moment."


    The Dragonwood Island Master spoke calmly to Chen Mu and many other Grandmasters behind him, then took a step forward, formed a hand seal, and began to rapidly traverse above the Ruins Sea using some unknown secret technique.


    Time passed without knowing how long, when suddenly, his gaze flashed and fell on a spot above the surface of the sea that seemed like nothingness.


    "It''s right here!"


    As his eyes twinkled, the Dragonwood Island Master struck with his right hand, unleashing a torrent of Yuan Gang Inner Breath that clashed with the Power of Heaven and Earth, as if an immense tree swept across, piercing straight through the Void in one stroke.


    Crack!!


    A sound reminiscent of fracturing ice rang out, the Void was struck and shattered instantly, revealing a series of white faults stretching for several yards, streaking across the sea surface!


    Normally, such white Void Rifts would seal themselves swiftly after appearing, but strangely, the Void here seemed to be affected by something. After the Dragonwood Island Master''s strike, the rifts closed very slowly, taking more than a dozen breaths to mend slightly. S§×ar?h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Boom!


    The Dragonwood Island Master did not hesitate further. His eyes deep with resolve, he launched another strike.


    This blow hammered upon the already fragmented Void Rifts, finally widening and deepening them until a vast expanse of several yards of the Void completely collapsed and caved in, forming a pitch-dark hole!


    But strangely,


    unlike the Void Rifts created when the Cave Heaven shattered in Ice State Abyss, which had a terrifying sense of devouring and crushing everything, this hole seemed more like a relatively stable portal, leading to an unknown place.


    After carefully inspecting the newly opened Void portal, the Dragonwood Island Master nodded slightly and then slowly began to speak.


    "Come."


    His voice spread across the sea, ringing in the ears of the many Grandmasters dozens of miles away.


    Yan Hong and the other Grandmasters, after a brief pause, began to move, stepping into the midst of the Ruins Sea and arriving at the side of the Void portal within moments, near where the Dragonwood Island Master stood.


    The Dragonwood Island Master pointed to the portal and spoke with an even tone, "Enter here, and you will reach Xunmu Cave Heaven. Everyone, remember, return to this place after three months. I will open another passage from here to lead you all back. Do not forget the hour, otherwise, if time passes, you will be trapped to death in the land of Xunmu, and not even a Celestial Human can save you."


    "We understand."


    Grandmasters exchanged glances and saluted the Dragonwood Island Master with a cupped fist.


    After nodding in response, the Dragonwood Island Master smiled faintly and stepped aside, "Then I await your good news."


    With his words ending,


    The Grandmasters from Tingchao Cliff, leading the way, stepped into the portal one after another, disappearing quickly as they followed the Void portal into Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    The many Grandmasters behind, such as Hong Shida, Grandmaster Gang, and others, seeing that the masters of Tingchao Cliff had already stepped into Xunmu Cave Heaven, felt less wary and started to proceed forward in turn, saluting the Dragonwood Island Master before stepping into the portal.


    Soon,


    it was Yan Hong and his group''s turn.


    Yan Hong, led by Yan Zhengyang and the others, also made their way towards the Void portal, each saluting the Dragonwood Island Master beside the entrance. The Dragonwood Island Master responded with a slight nod, his gaze sweeping across them all.


    As everyone entered one by one, the Dragonwood Island Master''s gaze narrowed, pausing across Chen Mu, who seemed not to lift his eyes, as if sensing something fleeting.


    However,


    he did not react, and Chen Mu had already stepped into the passage along with Yan Hong and the others.


    The other Grandmasters noticed nothing unusual and continued to approach, saluting the Dragonwood Island Master before moving in succession into the portal, disappearing into the pitch-dark Void passage.


    Only the Dragonwood Island Master gazed intently at the Void portal, slightly narrowing his eyes.


    "That man just now..."


    Chen Mu''s technique of concealing his Qi was extremely potent; he had mastered the Imperial Qi Concealment Technique to an unsurpassed degree. Even when the Dragonwood Island Master had observed the many Grandmasters on Dragon Wood Island before, he had failed to notice anything amiss.


    Just now, the Dragonwood Island Master stood by the portal''s side, and as Chen Mu passed by him, within less than two yards of proximity, this close distance combined with the Dragonwood Island Master''s considerable strength in the Blood Exchange Realm eventually led to a faint detection of something unusual about Chen Mu.


    Powerful!


    Even in that brief moment, he could not clearly sense the level of Chen Mu''s Inner Breath, but that fleeting impression was certainly not something an ordinary Grandmaster could match!


    What lay hidden beneath that body was likely a torrential and powerful Yuan Gang Force. Even if it wasn''t up to his level, it wouldn''t be far off, a feat unattainable by those in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. But the problem is¡­

 Chapter 706 - 398 Awareness_2

    Blood Exchange?


    Those in the Blood Exchange Realm could never enter Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    This was something the Dragonwood Island Master was very certain of. For over a thousand years, the occupants of Tingchao Cliff had occupied Xunmu Cave Heaven, trying various methods, including suppressing one''s realm, concealing one''s aura, and even temporarily sealing one''s Yuan Gang with special means. Yet no matter the method, it was impossible to allow experts in the Blood Exchange Realm entrance to Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    The biggest problem was that after breaking through the Mysterious Pass in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, although the interaction with the Power of Heaven and Earth was also profound, their Martial Bodies had not yet reached the state of Perfection, had not yet achieved the true ''Unity with Heaven and Earth.''


    Only by cultivating Blood Exchange, where one''s body from flesh to bone undergoes a thorough tempering by the forces of this world, achieving a complete transformation to Perfection, can one become unified with Heaven and Earth, reaching the endpoint of Martial Body cultivation. It is precisely because of this that the ''imprint'' belonging to this world within those at the Blood Exchange Realm is too profound.


    It can''t be suppressed nor concealed by any means.


    Conversely,


    Grandmasters in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, although they have begun to solidify their Martial Bodies and bear the imprint of this world, this imprint is ultimately very faint, and the rejection from Xunmu Cave Heaven is not so strong, hence they can just barely enter it.


    However, the problem lies in the fact that during the close bypass just now, if his perception was not wrong, no matter how well Chen Mu concealed himself, the inner breath he constrained was far beyond what the Marrow Cleansing Realm could compare to. Nevertheless, as Chen Mu stepped into the channel, he was not expelled by Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    "Interesting,"


    The Dragonwood Island Master''s eyes revealed a hint of interest.


    Those in the Blood Exchange Realm could not enter Xunmu Cave Heaven, a fact that was ironclad. Chen Mu''s ability to step into it indicated that he indeed was a Grandmaster in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. However, the subtle sensation that he felt while passing by him could not be an illusion, which meant that Chen Mu, the Grandmaster in Marrow Cleansing, was strong, extremely strong!


    So strong that it was almost abnormal!


    Even Yuan Gang elders like Hong Shida, those peerless Grandmasters, couldn''t give him such a sensation. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    So, in today''s world, who could give him a feeling akin to encountering a peer from the Blood Exchange Realm at the level of Marrow Cleansing?


    "If the information from earlier was not mistaken, it could only be that person,"


    The Dragonwood Island Master''s gaze became profound.


    Chen Mu!


    A prodigy hailed as the ''once in a millennium'' of Da Xuan, a Qiankun Grandmaster, opposing Blood Exchange with the capability at the Marrow Cleansing Realm, his strength could not simply be defined as ''the first Grandmaster under the heavens'' but ''the first across all ages''!


    In the entire history of the birth of Martial Arts, there likely is no one who could reach the level of Chen Mu in the Marrow Cleansing Realm; at least he was certain that the founding Martial Emperor of Da Xuan couldn''t truly contend with Blood Exchange while in the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Moreover,


    Yesterday, a new report came in, stating that Chen Mu was attacked by the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion from the Cold North but managed to fend him off.


    The Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion was a figure he was very familiar with; during his explorations in the Great Wilderness, he too had suffered a sneak attack from the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion and took a significant loss. Thus he was wary of this individual''s tactics and aware of his strength.


    Even he would have to seriously deal with an assassination from the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion. Yet Chen Mu managed to survive the attack and even repelled the Master of Blood Hidden Pavilion; the strength demonstrated was undoubtedly authentic!


    At this time,


    The number of Grandmasters gathered at sea had dwindled to a mere few. After the last person entered the Void channel, the Dragonwood Island Master ceased to sustain it, and the pitch-black passage gradually shrank with the passage of time, eventually vanishing without a trace.


    "It seems some unexpected changes are about to occur in this Xunmu Cave Heaven,"


    The Dragonwood Island Master simply stood with his hands behind his back, floating above the sea, gazing at where the Void channel had disappeared. After a brief flicker in his gaze, he suddenly retrieved a blood-colored jade talisman from his bosom, channeling a strand of Yuan Gang into it, causing the talisman to emanate strands of blood light.


    Then he stood in place, quietly waiting for something.


    A few moments later,


    A tranquil voice seemed to travel from a distant thousand miles, spreading and pervading through heaven and earth.


    "What is it?"


    "Reporting to Brother Wuchen, I have just led a group of people into Xunmu Cave Heaven, among which appears to be an unusual person. According to my judgment, it is likely that Qiankun Grandmaster who has attracted the attention of the world from Da Xuan... Chen Mu."


    "..."


    The tranquil voice fell into a brief silence.


    After a short moment, the voice rose again, calmly stating, "There''s no need to intervene. Do not get involved in the affairs of Da Xuan."


    "Yes."


    Upon hearing this, the Dragonwood Island Master immediately responded.


    Without a sound.


    The tranquil voice disappeared, and the disordered and oppressive Power of Heaven and Earth that filled the space gradually dispersed, returning to calm.


    "That''s fine. Let them stir things up."


    After a brief contemplation, the Dragonwood Island Master also smiled freely.


    Indeed, there was no need for those from the Outer Sea to intervene in the strife of Da Xuan, as it had always been this way. Even during the Da Xuan era or even further back during the struggle of a hundred nations, or 3000 years ago in another dynasty called ''Great Zhou,'' they from Tingchao Cliff had never gotten involved but always kept to themselves in the Outer Sea, maintaining neutrality.


    This time would be no different.


    Chen Mu is currently the focal point of Da Xuan, potentially influencing the situation in the entire realm. Yet, those in the Outer Sea still had no need to involve themselves, content to watch from the sidelines.


    Even this time, Chen Mu entering Xunmu Cave Heaven might not necessarily be a bad thing for Tingchao Cliff, because Chen Mu''s strength is undoubted. Although he is only in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, he indeed possesses the power of the Blood Exchange Realm, and he might even be able to contend with the ancestor of the Spirit People Race!

 Chapter 707 - 398 Awareness_3

    With Chen Mu present,


    and the inclusion of so many from the Outer Sea and Da Xuan Grandmasters, there might be a chance to greatly damage, or even encircle and kill the Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race!


    Tingchao Cliff occupied more than one Cave Heaven in the Outer Sea, but the only one completely beyond their control was Xunmu Cave Heaven. This was due to the impenetrability of the Blood Exchange Realm, combined with the presence of the Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race, which always prevented the control of Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    Even once before, when Tingchao Cliff, in alliance with two other major Sects of the Outer Sea and even with the Da Xuan Dynasty Court, sent out double the number of Grandmasters compared to this time to attack Xunmu Cave Heaven, they still were unable to break the Spirit People Race.


    The Blood Exchange Realm, after all, is the Blood Exchange Realm.


    Entities like him, the Dragonwood Island Master, and the Spiritual Ancestor, even when facing an assault from hundreds of Grandmasters, could not be easily suppressed, but as long as they were not trapped, they could always come and go as they pleased; no number of Grandmasters could pose a threat.


    And as long as the Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race did not die, the Spirit People Race could not be broken, and Xunmu Cave Heaven could never be brought under control.


    But this time was different.


    Chen Mu''s strength was extraordinary, capable of contending with the Blood Exchange, and he had the ability to entangle the Spiritual Ancestor. Once Chen Mu tied him down, and the other Grandmasters found an opportunity to encircle him, they could potentially trap and kill him!


    If the Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race were to die, then the future of Xunmu Cave Heaven could easily be manipulated by them, removing the need to exhaust their strength to invite world-renowned Grandmasters each time it opened, turning it into Tingchao Cliff''s backyard, much like some other Cave Heavens.


    At this thought,


    the Dragonwood Island Master no longer spoke further but simply stood quietly above the sea, like a statue, awaiting with his eyes closed.


    ...


    Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    A tree even more majestic and spectacular than the Dragonwood on Dragon Wood Island spanned the heavens and the earth, acting as a bridge connecting heaven and earth, vast and boundless, stretching endlessly.


    The crown of this Xunmu giant tree spanned thousands of miles, as if carrying the entire Xunmu Cave Heaven, supporting this Realm, standing tall within the Void. S§×ar?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    At this moment,


    in the center of Xunmu Cave Heaven, right below the giant tree of Xunmu, at the roots,


    there was a cave opening organized among several roots, a cave that was the Forbidden Land of the Spirit People Race, forbidden for anyone to enter on regular days.


    In the depths of this cave, diffuse pale green specks of luminescence were spread around, and in the center of that luminescent light, two figures were sitting cross-legged, their appearances not very different from those of the Human Race of the Da Xuan, the only difference being their skin which had a tinge of green.


    One appeared somewhat elderly, while the other was considerably younger.


    At that moment,


    the somewhat elderly figure slowly opened his eyes, his gaze passing through the luminescent light and looking into the distance, his voice indifferent:


    "They have come."


    "..."


    The younger figure also opened his eyes, glancing into the distance, a cold glint flashing through his eyes.


    The old Spirit Human turned his head, looking at the young Spirit Human, his voice mild, "Although the timing is not perfect, and your Realm is not yet stable, ultimately, you have reached this level, sufficient to guard the heart of the tree for me."


    "Fear not, Ancestor, leave the Forbidden Land to me."


    The young Spirit Human slowly spoke.


    A thread of oppressive power emanated from him, although not as strong as the old Spirit Human, he had reached that level as well, only slightly unsteady, appearing not fully stabilized yet.


    The old Spirit Human nodded, his eyes coldly fixed into the distance, saying, "This time, we can finally make a move. Those people, repeatedly infringing, should be made to pay a price, and learn their lesson!"

 Chapter 708 - 399 Exploring

    Meanwhile,


    at the edge of the Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    A pitch-black passage suddenly opened in the emptiness of nothingness, and a figure stepped out from the passage, clad in the robe of Tingchao Cliff, indeed one of the Grandmasters of Tingchao Cliff.


    The moment this Grandmaster of Tingchao Cliff appeared, he immediately looked around alertly. Seeing that the surroundings were desolate with no signs of life, he slightly relaxed and turned his attention back to the Void passage. Soon, another person emerged, followed by a third, a fourth, a fifth...


    Soon,


    many Grandmasters from Tingchao Cliff gathered together, all stepping into Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    Once all were assembled, the expressions of the leading few relaxed significantly.


    The location of the Void passage was uncertain; although it would definitely open at the edge of Xunmu Cave Heaven, if they were unlucky enough to encounter the Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race patrolling the Cave Heaven right off the bat, the trouble would be immense, especially with insufficient manpower at hand.


    Now that the manpower of Tingchao Cliff was mostly assembled, the crisis was much alleviated. Even if the Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race appeared suddenly now, they could jointly defend against him, at least protecting this passage while waiting for others to enter gradually.


    Once the number of Grandmasters reached a certain level, even the Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race would need to retreat greatly.


    Not running into the Spiritual Ancestor directly was naturally a good thing.


    Soon,


    other Grandmasters from Da Xuan and various places in the Outer Sea also entered the Xunmu Cave Heaven one after another.


    The Grandmasters of Tingchao Cliff did not leave immediately but waited on the spot until all the Grandmasters had entered Xunmu Cave Heaven and the Void passage gradually closed. Then the leader stepped forward and bowed, saying,


    "Everyone, without further ado, now that we have entered Xunmu Cave Heaven, we can start our operation. If anyone wishes to join us, we welcome them wholeheartedly. Whoever helps us obtain the Xunmu Spirit Liquid will also get a share."


    Elder Pu Hai of Tingchao Cliff declared solemnly.


    In Xunmu Cave Heaven, having a large group had its advantages and disadvantages; the more people gathered, the fewer concerns over actions and the more uninhibited they could be. However, after obtaining the Xunmu Spirit Liquid, the share each person could receive would also be less.


    Moreover, having more people would make more noise, attracting more attention in Xunmu Cave Heaven, and more likely to bring about the Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race. On the other hand, operating with a smaller group would be more hidden and less likely to draw attention, but encountering the Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race would often be overwhelming and could easily result in death.


    Before entering Xunmu Cave Heaven, everyone had already split into groups. Hearing Elder Pu Hai''s words, some exchanged glances, seemingly hesitating momentarily, but others did not care and immediately fled far away.


    For instance, Grandmaster Zong Gang, Hong Shida, leading a handful of people, quickly disappeared into the distance.


    On this side,


    a group under Yan Hong also directed their gaze at Yan Hong, who had already made a decision. At that moment, she said to Yan Zhengyang and the others, "We have about enough people. Adding more would only make us a bigger target. Let''s go."


    Joining forces with the Tingchao Cliff team would certainly be safer, but the gains afterward would be much lesser, and competing with Tingchao Cliff wouldn''t be easy. Yan Hong had gathered so many people externally and naturally didn''t plan to go along with Tingchao Cliff.


    After choosing a direction, Yan Hong then led the way.


    Yan Zhengyang and the others, having no objections, all promptly followed Yan Hong.


    Behind, sea??h th§× ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu was watching a giant Divine Tree supporting the heavens in Xunmu Cave Heaven, revealing a touch of amazement at the marvel of all creations; such a Divine Tree could also exist in the world. His thoughts briefly immersed in the perception of this world.


    He could feel that everything in this world was still encompassed within the Qiankun Eight Phases, although this world itself seemed to have minor issues, making it feel much narrower than the Da Xuan World, giving him a vague sense of an uncomfortable constraint, as if an additional layer of membrane was present. Clearly, this was the oppression from this world.


    Fortunately, this oppression had little impact on him, barely affecting his Martial Body and only slightly restricting his Qiankun Domain, but the actual restriction was not substantial, aligning with what he had heard previously about Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    After a brief contemplation,


    seeing Yan Hong''s group starting to move, Chen Mu, after some deliberation, didn''t immediately break away from the group but discreetly followed along, joining the others heading further into Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    Although he also remembered the content of Yan Hong''s Xunmu Cave Heaven Map, just like the Earthly Abyss could change, Xunmu Cave Heaven might also experience some changes. He was not very familiar with this area, so exploring a bit was harmless.


    Shh, shh.


    All the Grandmasters, concealing their presences, moved extremely fast, covering dozens of miles in a moment.


    By now, they had left the edge of Xunmu Cave Heaven and gradually entered the outer area of Xunmu Cave Heaven. Looking up, they could already see the canopy of the towering Divine Tree of Xunmu extending above their heads.


    "Let''s proceed with the original plan."


    Yan Hong looked up at the canopy of the Divine Tree above and said to the others behind her.


    There are two exploration routes in Xunmu Cave Heaven. One is to travel underground. The subterranean realm of Xunmu Cave Heaven is interconnected in all directions, almost entirely covered by the roots of the Divine Tree, with countless caves crisscrossing where many ''lower class Spirit Humans'' reside.


    Yes.


    The Spirit People Race also divides into upper and lower classes; lower class Spirit Humans only have the right to live underground. Most lower class Spirit Humans never have the chance to ascend to the canopy of the Divine Tree, which is a place only upper class Spirit Humans are qualified to reside.

 Chapter 709 - 399: Exploration_2

    However, whether it was above the crown of the Xunmu tree amidst the dense and overlapping branches, or the underground root system crisscrossing below, both would nurture the Wood Spirit Liquid. Therefore, after stepping into the periphery of Xunmu Cave Heaven, one had to decide on the route to take.


    The plan previously discussed by the group was exactly to explore the underground root system.


    The underground root system was intricate and expansive, hardly inferior to the sky-obscuring canopy above, and movement there was even more concealed, unlikely to provoke turbulence. The only flaw was that movement underground was greatly restricted, and it was unfavorable for escape should any situation arise.


    In comparison, the area above the canopy was much more open, and Grandmasters capable of the Sky Flying Technique were especially free to move as they wished.


    Yan Hong and the others ultimately chose to explore underground after discussion because there were not many among them skilled in the Sky Flying Technique, only two; the rest could barely manage or couldn''t at all, and could only linger briefly. Exploring the canopy would not be much of an advantage.


    Moreover, the path of cultivation of the Grandmasters in the group was generally aligned with the ''Kun Earth Lineage,'' including the Power of Taiyin that Chen Mu displayed, which was also closer to the Kun Earth Lineage.


    Chen Mu had no objections to Yan Hong and the others'' choice of route.


    The group quickly found a passage leading underground and then left the surface to enter the underground of Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    As soon as he entered, S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu saw an underground world starkly different from Da Xuan; wherever his gaze fell, there was almost everywhere the interwoven Xunmu roots, and these roots contained exceedingly rich and vigorous power of Xunmu. Even for Grandmasters like Yan Hong, it was extremely difficult to damage them, and even leaving some scars required full effort.


    "Indeed incomparably tough."


    Chen Mu touched a piece of Xunmu root, sensing its state, slightly pondering.


    The underground of this Xunmu Cave Heaven was somewhat like the Ice State Abyss. Due to the crisscrossing Xunmu roots, one could not move freely. Forcing one''s way through the roots required a huge amount of effort, so one needed to move along parts without roots.


    The group had not walked far when they found a relatively open underground path nearby, which even vaguely showed signs of being manually excavated. Continuing forward a bit further, they finally came upon an underground building complex.


    "Spirit Humans..."


    Chen Mu narrowed his eyes slightly, looking into the distance.


    In his view, he saw that ancient underground building complex, constructed against an extremely thick Xunmu root, which emitted faint luminescence, illuminating the surroundings.


    Among the buildings, one could faintly see several figures, who looked no different from the Human Race, all having facial features and limbs, only their skin was much darker, similar to the color of tree roots.


    The Spirit People Tribe in this building complex all had weak auras and lacked high realms.


    Even though Yan Hong and his team had approached nearby and almost entered some people''s field of vision, since everyone was a Grandmaster and had concealed their auras, the group of Spirit Humans still had no awareness.


    Finally.


    Just as the group almost reached the edge of the building complex, they apparently triggered something akin to a formation, and in a flash, the luminescence of the Xunmu roots deepened significantly!


    And the Spirit Human who was closest to the group, who was chopping a stone tool, suddenly looked up upon sensing the anomaly, and saw Yan Hong and the others who had approached nearby. At the sight of them, his face paled dramatically.


    "Kakgu!"


    He emitted a strange cry from his mouth.


    Despite the language barrier, Chen Mu and the others were formidable beings. Even though they could not understand, they could still discern the general meaning of this strange noise¡ªlikely something like ''enemy attack,'' ''run.''


    Yet, this sound did not spread out; it was almost immediately sealed off by Yan Hong''s swift action.


    Bang!


    Yan Hong''s expression suddenly changed; he slapped his hand down, and with a bang, the body of the dark-brown skinned Spirit Human exploded apart, like a smashed rotten watermelon, with blood spilling profusely.


    From their shattered bodies, it was evident that they too had Five Viscera and Six Viscera, only their flowing blood was a deep brown.


    "Crack! Crack!!"


    Although Yan Hong took immediate action to control the situation, the changing sheen of the Xunmu root system seemed to still send out a danger signal, quickly stirring the entire Spirit Human Tribe into chaos. Hundreds of Spirit Humans surged out, each displaying a look of terror, showing no intention of resistance but instead scrambling to flee deeper into the earth.


    "Take action, don''t let them escape!"


    Yan Zhengyang spoke out sternly, his body burst into action, and in a flash, he was at the forefront, swinging out his palm and immediately leaving seven or eight Spirit Humans frozen in place, and then one by one, they shattered and exploded.


    The others also surged forward, striking out at once, and in an instant, they slaughtered every Spirit Human in the tribe.


    Chen Mu walked at the back of the group, not taking action, but watched as Yan Zhengyang and many Grandmasters made their moves, his gaze gliding over a Spirit Human turned into mush by Vigorouss, who seemed quite young, and he sighed softly in his heart.


    The law of the jungle, the survival of the fittest, moreover, they were not of the same race ¨C he naturally didn''t feel any restraint; after all, if the roles were reversed, and the Spirit Human Race was the stronger party, then it would be the people of the Da Xuan Ninety-Nine States who would be slaughtered so casually.


    "The physique isn''t much different..."


    Chen Mu didn''t participate in the killing but stopped next to a relatively intact body, gingerly reaching out to touch and carefully examine its structure, his expression thoughtful.


    The Spirit Human Race and the Human Race indeed looked quite similar, the difference between their bodies was even less than that between humans and the Demon Race.


    Up to this point, the only completely different type of life Chen Mu had come across was the Ancient Demon Clan, whose physical structure was entirely foreign, lacking organs such as the heart and lungs, seemingly fundamentally different from them at the very root.


    As for others such as the Demon Race or even the Spirit Human Race, there were always similarities.


    After a brief inspection.


    Chen Mu rose again and walked toward the center of the tribe, quickly catching up with Yan Hong and the others.


    Nearby lay the bodies of the Spirit Human Race everywhere, with only a middle-aged looking Spirit Human alive, also kneeled down, unable to move an inch due to the pressure of Yan Zhengyang''s Vigorous.


    "Where is it... speak, and you shall not die..."


    Yan Zhengyang looked indifferently at the Spirit Human, trying to extract some information from him, although he could understand the strange language of the other, the other had difficulty comprehending his words.


    After a brief interrogation, Yan Zhengyang swung his palm, killing that Spirit Human, and then turned to the others, saying, "The Xunmu Spirit Liquid we need is also known as ''Holy Dew'' among the Spirit Human Race; it''s also extremely rare to them. This secluded settlement has no right to it; only a large settlement might possess a little."


    "I have found out that if we continue on from here, after passing through four settlements, there is a large settlement."


    Hearing Yan Zhengyang''s words.


    Yan Hong nodded slightly and said, "Mr. Yan, you have worked hard."


    Then turned his gaze to the gathered people and asked, "What do you all think?"


    "Since there''s no current target, let''s go take a look."


    Someone spoke up.


    Given Yan Zhengyang''s words, a large settlement would still only contain a small amount of the Xunmu Spirit Liquid, which was clearly not enough to satisfy everyone. People were exploring underground, looking for special Xunmu root node locations that produce large amounts of Xunmu Spirit Liquid, which could benefit everyone.


    However, having no immediate target now, pursuing this clue was not a problem ¨C even if the large settlement contained little Xunmu Spirit Liquid, reaching it might allow them further insights into the root node''s location.


    The only problem was making too much noise, which might invite trouble, or might even attract the Spiritual Ancestor. But having already arrived at Xunmu Cave Heaven, conflict with the Spirit Human Race was inevitable.


    Here was still not the core of Xunmu Cave Heaven. As long as they moved quickly, they could still manage to control their noise level.

 Chapter 710 - 400: Spirit Fruit and Spiritual Liquid

    Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    A large settlement somewhere.


    "Welcome the envoy."


    In the periphery of the settlement, a dozen Spirit People of deep brown complexion were bowing respectfully towards a man of turquoise complexion.


    The underground-dwelling Spirit People, belonging to the lower class, always bore dark complexions, while the upper-class Spirit People living atop the tree crown were turquoise. The distinction between them was clear and easily recognizable.


    Typically, the upper-class Spirit People lived above in the tree crown and hardly ever descended to the underground, except to collect tributes from the various underground tribes, which usually occurred only once a year.


    "How has the harvest been this year?"


    The revered turquoise upper-class Spirit Person, standing hands behind his back in the middle of the field, faced the kneeling lower-class Spirit People with a naturally arrogant expression in his eyes.


    His aura was far more potent than that of these lower-class Spirit People, constantly radiating a slight oppression. Between breaths, the Inner Breath he exhaled interacted with the Power of Heaven and Earth. If measured against Da Xuan''s Martial Arts Realm, he was a being of the Five Viscera Realm.


    Five Viscera Realm.


    This was one of the standards for becoming an upper-class Spirit Person.


    Unless one was born in the tree crown as an upper-class Spirit Person, those born in the underground had to cultivate up to the Five Viscera Realm, which was the minimum condition, to leave the underground and ascend to the tree crown.


    "We apologize, envoy, this year''s harvest is slightly less than previous years, with only twenty Earth Spirit Fruits gathered."


    The leader of the settlement, an old Spirit Person, now spoke submissively while kneeling before the upper-class Spirit Person.


    Saying so,


    a female Spirit Person from the settlement approached respectfully with a wooden platter, upon which lay several Spirit Fruits the size of a baby''s fist, each shimmering with hints of turquoise.


    Earth Spirit Fruit, only cultivable underground with the aid of Xunmu''s root power, was a tedious and complex process. Even in a sizable settlement like theirs, they could, at most, harvest twenty to thirty fruits a year, which were usually required as full tribute.


    "Hmm, a bit less."


    The Spirit Person envoy frowned slightly while glancing at the Earth Spirit Fruits piled on the wooden platter, seemingly somewhat dissatisfied.


    As he looked at the many lower-class Spirit People before him, he was about to voice some harsh criticism but then seemed to recall something. He shook his head slightly and then spoke slowly, "Since the harvest is poor, let it be for this year, you have barely passed the muster."


    "However, you all must be cautious. It''s about time for the Evil Demons from beyond the skies to descend. If you encounter any, do whatever it takes to send the message up as quickly as possible!"


    The Spirit Person envoy said with a suppressed gleam in his eyes.


    This statement instantly changed the expressions of the nearby lower-class Spirit People, and the leading old Spirit Person''s gaze faltered as he asked, "Are those Evil Demons coming again?" S§×ar?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "It appears so, likely quite soon."


    The Spirit Person envoy replied indifferently, then reached out to pick up the platter, collecting all the Earth Spirit Fruits.


    Indeed, the life and death of lower-class Spirit People did not concern him much. Even a massacre of such settlements by the external Evil Demons was not a bad thing for the Spirit People Race as it naturally eliminated some of the less useful individuals with inferior talents, saving resources for the use of upper-class Spirit People.


    This was why, every hundred years, when it was time for the invasion, the tree crown regions would fortify their defenses. Some settlements near the edges would even temporarily relocate to larger nodes. However, the underground underwent no changes.


    At most, it would be like this: he would give advanced notice but would not expend great effort to specifically relocate and protect these peripheral Spirit People settlements.


    After collecting all the Earth Spirit Fruits,


    the gaze of the Spirit Person envoy softened, glancing over the people then, without further ado, he walked towards the distance.


    "Farewell, envoy."


    The old Spirit People and several others were anxious but dared not speak more. They respectfully saw him off and then swiftly started discussing how to deal with the impending invasion of the Evil Demons.


    ...


    The turquoise-skinned Spirit Person envoy walked through the extensive network of underground caves.


    In past years, when coming to such remote places to collect tributes, he would stay for two days to enjoy himself. Although he did not hold these lower-class Spirit People in high regard, it was only reasonable to enjoy a few days given the long travel. However, given the current crisis, this peripheral area was fraught with dangers, and he could encounter invaders from outside this realm anytime, so he would not stay any longer.


    However,


    as he passed through a spacious corridor, he abruptly stopped.


    His turquoise eyes stared ahead, his pupils visibly constricted. Suddenly, a figure had appeared in his line of sight, blocking his path with a presence and appearance starkly different from the Spirit People Race. Although he could not sense any aura from the stranger, cold sweat broke out almost instantly.


    Person from beyond the skies!


    Just while collecting the Earth Spirit Fruits, he had inquired about any unusual situations in the tribe, so how could someone from beyond the skies suddenly appear here, blocking his way forward?!


    The Spirit Person envoy barely hesitated, his body instantly shimmered with a turquoise glow, and his Inner Breath surged. He transformed into a fish swimming through the universe, about to dart away.


    But,


    before he could take a step,


    he saw the figure standing with hands behind his back, eyes emitting a faint light. Suddenly, the Power of Heaven and Earth around them stiffened, and a terrifying pressure enveloped the area. In an instant, it forced the Spirit Person envoy to kneel on the ground!

 Chapter 711 - 400 Spirit Fruit and Spiritual Liquid_2

    "This appearance, are you from the Upper Clan of the Spirit People?"


    Chen Mu''s gaze casually swept over the Spirit Envoy before him. He had heard about the division between the Upper and Lower Clans of the Spirit People Race and was not surprised. However, encountering a member of the Upper Clan underground did take him aback a little.


    He was still traveling with Yan Hong and others, having just arrived at the large settlement. But as Yan Hong and the rest were about to make their move, he had detected some unusual traces from the fluctuations between heaven and earth and had followed them here, managing to catch a somewhat different character.


    While speaking,


    Chen Mu didn''t wait for the Spirit Envoy from the Upper Clan to respond, but simply strode forward and with a simple flick of his fingers, he sliced open the sack the envoy was carrying, revealing the emerald fruits inside.


    "Hmm, these are Earth Spirit Fruits, aren''t they?"


    Seeing the pile of green fruits, Chen Mu didn''t show any sign of surprise. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Earth Spirit Fruits were unique to the Xunmu Cave Heaven and were also considered Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items, quite similar to the Earthly Green Lotus Seed. Swallowing them could enhance one''s comprehension of Heaven and Earth.


    Of course.


    That wasn''t the most important point. The key was that Earth Spirit Fruits happened to be one of the Spiritual Objects used in conjunction with the Wood Spirit Liquid to enhance its effects. Though he didn''t have any Wood Spirit Liquid at hand for the time being, acquiring some was only a matter of time. Getting his hands on some Earth Spirit Fruits in advance was naturally a gain for him, making his trip worthwhile.


    After collecting all the Earth Spirit Fruits, Chen Mu looked towards the Spirit Envoy from the Upper Clan, only to see him being subdued and kneeling on the ground, still struggling and with a hint of hatred in his eyes, muttering something difficultly.


    "...Die."


    Although Chen Mu didn''t understand the Spirit People''s language, he could still roughly make out that the other party was cursing.


    "Tell me where I can find Wood Spirit Liquid nearby, and I may spare your life."


    Chen Mu asked the other party indifferently. Although they didn''t speak the same language, his words went straight into the envoy''s ears. Given the envoy''s cultivation and realm, he should be able to understand Chen Mu''s speech.


    However, after hearing Chen Mu''s words, the envoy showed little reaction, still glaring at Chen Mu with hatred and repeating the curse words he had been muttering earlier.


    Bang.


    Seeing this, Chen Mu lost interest in interrogation, casually squeezing his hand, and the Power of Heaven and Earth around squeezed inward. With a bang, he crushed the Spirit Envoy into dust, scattering his remains on the ground without leaving even blood or bones behind.


    After killing the Spirit Envoy, Chen Mu''s expression remained calm as he stepped forward, his figure soon disappearing into the cave. He returned along the same path, and shortly after, he was back at the settlement of the Spirit People Race.


    At this moment,


    The entire settlement was in shambles, with bodies of the Spirit People Race everywhere.


    This large settlement, home to about a thousand individuals, stood no chance against the onslaught from Yan Hong and many Grandmasters; it was annihilated in almost an instant.


    At this time, Yan Hong and Yan Zhengyang, among other Grandmasters, were gathered in the center of the village. Right before them lay an extraordinarily massive Mystic Grove Root System that cut right across the place, piercing the cave from bottom to top.


    This incredibly thick Mystic Grove Root System, thick enough to require several people to encircle it, had many marks of chiseling on its surface, clearly the work of Yan Zhengyang and the others, penetrating several feet deep.


    Yan Hong stood right in front of the crack, reaching a hand into it. With her eyes closed, her Yuan Gang and Inner Breath surged around her as if she were contending with the massive root system for something.


    A moment later,


    Whoosh!


    Yan Hong pulled her hand out of the shattered Mystic Grove Root System.


    In her palm emerged a small cluster of bright green Spiritual Liquid, glowing faintly. Just feeling it roughly, one could sense the rich vitality and the profound Heaven and Earth Spiritual Power it contained.


    Xunmu Spirit Liquid!


    Looking at the small cluster of Xunmu Spirit Liquid in her hand, Yan Hong''s face finally revealed a trace of a smile.


    Only nodes of such extreme robustness, and quite a particular kind, are likely to yield Xunmu Spirit Liquid when tapped. Having finally come to Xunmu Cave Heaven, this is at last our first gain.


    The exceedingly stout root of Xunmu, from which she extracted the Xunmu Spirit Liquid, had notably dulled, becoming lackluster, especially around the carved fissure, showing signs of withering.


    "Not bad, not bad."


    Yan Zhengyang, looking at the small blob of Xunmu Spirit Liquid in Yan Hong''s hand, could not help but show a slight smile and said, "This is almost ''two taels''."


    Although the Xunmu Spirit Liquid is quite precious, it is not calculated by ''drops'' but in weight. Nonetheless, to have two taels of Xunmu Spirit Liquid is considered quite valuable. Most people present need only about two or three jin of it.


    This one batch already meets one-tenth of a person''s requirement.


    However, if it were to be distributed among everyone, it wouldn''t be much¡ªin fact, it might even be slightly insufficient.


    "Your Highness, I think we should change our approach. Moving from settlement to settlement is too slow. We might as well split up for now, acting separately before the Spirit People Race responds, and regroup when we are ready to venture deeper."


    A Grandmaster briefly pondered, then made the proposal to Yan Hong.


    As Xunmu Cave Heaven only opens once every hundred years, most people are setting foot inside for the first time. Naturally, they are quite cautious, but so far they had not encountered any trouble or danger, and collecting Xunmu Spirit Liquid had been relatively easy, prompting dissatisfaction with the efficiency.


    After all, with nearly twenty Grandmasters present, it could take an extremely long time to explore and divide the sufficient amount of Xunmu Spirit Liquid this way. It might be better to temporarily split up, sweeping through different areas as quickly as possible.


    In the end, they were still on the outskirts of Xunmu Cave Heaven, with the only notable threat being the Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race. Taking separate routes for the time being, the chances of running into the Spiritual Ancestor were not high.


    This suggestion was immediately met with agreement from others.


    Yan Hong, holding that blob of Xunmu Spirit Liquid, mulled over it for a moment and then looked towards Yan Zhengyang, asking:


    "What does Elder Yan think?"


    "There is risk, but it is worth a try."


    Yan Zhengyang responded after a brief consideration.


    It''s not just one or two Grandmasters who have entered Xunmu Cave Heaven but a group of over a hundred. By now, others might be attacking the tree canopy, fighting over those superior Spirit Human settlements for the Xunmu Spirit Liquid.


    Although the Spiritual Ancestor is dangerous, he is, after all, only one person and cannot be everywhere at once. They were currently underground, on the periphery, and had been moving with deliberate discretion, greatly reducing the probability of attracting the attention of the Spiritual Ancestor.


    If they were to act above the tree canopy, it would indeed be best not to scatter, but underground, for the time being, there is no need to be overly alert.


    "Very well."


    Convinced by Yan Zhengyang''s words, Yan Hong nodded slightly, then turned to everyone and said, "Those who wish to act on their own may do so temporarily. We shall reconvene here in two days."


    Having entered Xunmu Cave Heaven, even if they were ever so discreet, in two days'' time it would be enough for the Spirit People Race to become aware of them. By then, the situation would become considerably more dangerous, and it would be best to regroup and act together.


    "Agreed."


    Upon hearing Yan Hong''s words, people immediately responded, and without hesitation, they disappeared into the distance.


    Chen Mu, who arrived a bit later, had also heard the earlier discussion. However, he did not react but instead cast his gaze on the blob of Xunmu Spirit Liquid in Yan Hong''s hand. After observing it briefly, he asked Yan Hong for a share.


    Yan Hong did not refuse; with a gentle flick of his fingertip, he parted a small portion and directed it to Chen Mu.


    "Xunmu Spirit Liquid..."


    Chen Mu gazed at the Spiritual Liquid in his hand. After a brief examination, he opened his mouth slightly and ingested a single droplet into his stomach, quickly digesting it. He wasn''t in a rush to use this small amount of Xunmu Spirit Liquid for Body Refining, but rather took the time to assess its effects first.


    While digesting the droplet of Xunmu Spirit Liquid, he summoned the system interface to take a look.


    The results were indeed good. Based on the rate of Experience increase, it seemed that about ten jin of Xunmu Spirit Liquid would be enough to refine his Qiankun Martial Body to the Perfection level. And with several Earth Spirit Fruits in his possession, he would need even less.

 Chapter 712 - 401 The Assault

    Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    An elderly Spirit Human approached, measuring the earth with his steps. He walked upon the ground, yet his aged eyes seemed capable of piercing through nothingness, glimpsing the sceneries of the world in all directions.


    He was the Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race.


    "Everyone has entered, haven''t they..."


    The Spiritual Ancestor''s eyes flickered with a cold light. He was in no hurry to make a move, as a large number of Grandmasters had entered the Xunmu Cave Heaven, forming multiple teams. If he merely stopped one team and engaged them in a great battle, it would be of little significance.


    Since the Forbidden Land now had a successor to guard it, he was no longer worried about the Tree Heart Forbidden Land being attacked. He had plenty of time to slowly observe these Grandmaster teams, looking for an opportunity and a weak spot. Ideally, he could kill multiple people in a row, shattering the entire team to pieces, thus leading to a one-sided pursuit and kill.


    Just like that.


    The Spiritual Ancestor stopped in his tracks, his hand lightly resting on a section of the exposed root system of the Xunmu tree, sensing the situations in various places. After an unknown period, his eyes suddenly sparkled as he directed his gaze toward a certain direction underground.


    After squinting slightly, he stepped forward and completely vanished on the spot.


    ...


    Underground.


    A large settlement.


    Chen Mu gazed ahead, wandering with his hands behind his back. There were no excess movements, but every step he took caused a surge of the Power of Taiyin to spread, leading to frost extending from beneath his feet as far as the eye could see.


    Whether it was the Spirit People Race who charged at him in anger or those who panicked, trying to form a resistance group, they were all frozen in their tracks by the spreading frost, resulting in an endless winter landscape wherever his eyes traveled.


    Chen Mu had no interest in a massacre.


    But neither did he trouble himself.


    All he needed was the Xunmu Spirit Liquid. He was indifferent to killing or not. He couldn''t be bothered to chase after those Spirit People Race who had fled far away, and those who tried to resist were simply crushed along the way.


    Continuing his forceful advance, he arrived at the center of the large settlement, which was also encircled by an extremely thick root system emitting a faint green luminescence. At its base, there was a Spirit Pool filled with clear waters of a Spiritual Spring. The springwater was in itself extraordinary, containing a trace of Spiritual Power. Ordinary people who drank from it over a long period could strengthen their bodies and keep all illnesses at bay.


    However, such things no longer impressed Chen Mu.


    He arrived directly in front of a section of the Xunmu root system.


    This Xunmu root system was actually extremely tough, especially those that were special and very thick. They contained a tumultuous Xunmu force inside. Even if a Grandmaster in the Six Viscera Realm made a full-force blow, they might not leave any mark on it. Even Grandmasters like Yan Zhengyang had to join forces and strike multiple times before they could break it open.


    Chen Mu looked at the Xunmu root system before him, and with just a rough sense, he could feel the surging Spiritual Power within. Yet he didn''t care much, nor did he even draw a weapon. He simply lifted his right hand and thrust it forward.


    Splat!!


    The Xunmu root system, which required full-force repeated strikes from the likes of Yan Zhengyang to cause it to rupture, was pierced directly by Chen Mu''s bare hand as if it were made of paper, his entire right hand sinking into the root system.


    The moment his arm penetrated the root system, Chen Mu immediately sensed the rich Spiritual Power that infused it, spreading up and down the root.


    He had previously seen Yan Hong and others extracting Wood Spirit Liquid, and now trying it himself for the first time, he found it as familiar as an old routine. With just a thought, torrents of Yuan Gang surged into the root system, spreading like a net, gathering the streaming Spiritual Power inside, causing it to clump together in clusters.


    In just a few breaths.


    Pop.


    Chen Mu''s right hand pulled out from the Xunmu root system, carrying a ball of green Spiritual Liquid in his palm.


    Having extracted this ball of Xunmu Spirit Liquid from the root system, the roots that had a faint green glow quickly dimmed, and their entire surface appeared to wither significantly, along with the Spirit Spring below turning dull. S§×ar?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Not bad."


    Chen Mu assessed briefly.


    This ball of Xunmu Spirit Liquid weighed a little over three liang, more than the amount Yan Hong had previously extracted.


    It wasn''t that this section of Xunmu roots was much sturdier; rather, extracting Xunmu Spirit Liquid required contending with the Xunmu force. His techniques were naturally far superior to those of Yan Hong. If Yan Hong could at most extract up to sixty to seventy percent of the Xunmu Spirit Liquid from a section of root, Chen Mu could almost extract ninety-nine percent!


    Casting a glance around, Chen Mu did not linger. He collected the ball of Xunmu Spirit Liquid and continued to explore deeper.


    Following the extensive network of underground caves, he delved dozens of miles deep, passing several small settlements along the way. Suddenly, Chen Mu sensed something, directing his gaze toward a certain spot ahead. There was no pathway; it was a closed dead end.


    Nevertheless, Chen Mu didn''t stop but went straight forward. His entire being, as if dematerializing, passed through the thick layer of soil and continued hundreds of feet, where a robust section of root suddenly appeared, buried deep in the soil layers, glowing with faint luminescence, containing a Xunmu force even more intense than the root system surrounding the previous large settlement.


    "Very good."


    Looking at the luminescent Xunmu root system before him, Chen Mu nodded slightly.


    His senses hadn''t misled him.


    The Xunmu root system stretched throughout the underground, intertwining in a complex network. In theory, all roots could be squeezed for Xunmu Spirit Liquid, but those finer and non-special juncture roots could yield just a few drops even when he extracted them.

 Chapter 713 - 401: Attack_2

    Only unique Xunmu root nodes like this one contain a sufficient amount of Xunmu Spirit Liquid.


    These Spirit Humans who live underground typically have large settlements around special root nodes, but not every root node is surrounded by large settlements, as some are buried deep underground.


    Take this segment, for instance, buried deep, it would have gone nearly undetected if not for his keen perception; and upon closer look, it''s obviously much thicker than those in the previous two large settlements.


    Pu-chi!


    Chen Mu still acted directly, piercing through its surface and then mobilizing Yuan Gang Force to extract Xunmu Spirit Liquid from within.


    About a dozen breaths later, he withdrew his hand.


    This time, he brought out a large ball of emerald-green Xunmu Spirit Liquid, the size of a baby''s head, roughly weighing almost a pound, nearly three times the harvest of before!


    Even Chen Mu showed a trace of a smile at this. Sear?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    With such a harvest, if repeated six or seven more times, he would basically have enough to temper his Qiankun Martial Body to Perfection.


    Continue.


    Chen Mu''s joy did not last long, ended with a smile, he quickly stored that ball of Xunmu Spirit Liquid and continued deeper into Xunmu Cave Heaven, seeking more positions of Xunmu root nodes.


    It didn''t take much longer before he found the third root node, again located within a large settlement. He didn''t pay much attention; these large underground settlements, though home to thousands of Spirit Humans, usually lacked anyone even comparable to the Five Viscera Realm. In his presence, they had virtually no power to obstruct, no different from ants.


    But just as Chen Mu was once again overpowering a settlement and reaching the center to extract another portion of Xunmu Spirit Liquid, the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends Formation Flag he always carried suddenly emitted a faint glow.


    Yan Hong''s slightly urgent voice transmitted from it.


    "Trouble has arisen! Come quickly!"


    Being one of the top ten Spirit Weapons in the Spirit Weapon Catalogue of Da Xuan, the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends Formation Flag was naturally extraordinary, capable of connecting the Yuan Gang Force of a Grandmaster to form a Formation, and naturally capable of transmitting voices to each other within a certain range.


    Yan Hong''s tone was very urgent and even a bit nervous, clearly facing no ordinary trouble.


    Chen Mu remembered that although everyone had acted separately, Yan Hong and Yan Zhengyang, along with her accompanying court personnel, had not dispersed but moved together. In such a situation, encountering something making Yan Hong so tense and anxious, the only thing Chen Mu could think of was one.


    The Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit Human Race!


    "Instead of going after the troops attacking the canopy, they are targeting here instead..."


    A trace of contemplation flashed in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    His exploration so far had given him much insight into Xunmu Cave Heaven and the Spirit Human Race, such as the low status of these underground Spirit Humans, not valued much by the Spirit Human Race as a whole, comparatively less important than those living on the canopy.


    He had also thought Yan Hong and others'' assessment to be not without issue, considering the underground Spirit Humans weren''t highly regarded, and since they were still on the outskirts of Xunmu Cave Heaven, acting a bit more recklessly and splitting up temporarily should not pose a problem.


    In which case,


    either their luck was bad, just happening to encounter the Spiritual Ancestor, or the other party had some means to detect their dispersed troops and took the initiative to strike.


    After a brief consideration, Chen Mu still turned his gaze towards the direction indicated by the Formation Flag, stepped forward, and then disappeared from the spot.


    It wasn''t that he was eager for a fight, wanting to contest with the Spiritual Ancestor, nor did he have such close ties with Yan Hong''s group to make him want to rush to their aid; mainly, the exploration efficiency of Yan Hong''s group, though far less than his, each must have had some gains, which when pooled together, would exceed the nearly two pounds of Xunmu Spirit Liquid he had collected.


    Instead of letting those gains be recaptured by the Spiritual Ancestor, it would be better to keep them in his possession.


    ...


    Somewhere underground.


    Yan Hong, holding the main Formation Flag, was feeling something with closed eyes when she suddenly opened them, her expression looking rather ugly.


    "Another one, there''s trouble at Cheng Lin''s side as well."


    Through the main Formation Flag of the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends, she could detect the situation of each flag-bearer. It had started about half an Hour ago; the first flag-bearer had encountered trouble. She became almost immediately alert, sending out messages to call everyone back before the second flag-bearer encountered trouble, but then came the second and the third!


    Now, it''s the fourth!


    In less than half an Hour, four Grandmasters had lost contact; this certainly wasn''t an accident. Most likely, all four were more dead than alive. The only one in the Xunmu Cave Heaven capable of this was the Spiritual Ancestor!


    At this moment, not only Yan Hong but also Yan Zhengyang and many other Grandmasters nearby had somber expressions, as if facing a formidable enemy. They might have sufficient men and possess the Seventy-Two Earthly Fiends Formation Flags as a Spirit Weapon, but when that terrifying existence descended nearby, it was impossible for their hearts to be at ease!


    This was, after all, a figure as dreadful as one in the Blood Exchange Realm.


    Besides.


    Now that their forces were dispersed, only Liu Qingyan and three other Grandmasters were near Yan Hong, along with the royal troops, totaling eleven people. The rest were scattered.


    And among the dispersed Grandmasters, four had already encountered trouble. Only five, including Chen Mu, were left outside, which was somewhat insufficient in manpower. If these five were to encounter trouble as well, the remaining eleven might not be able to withstand the Spiritual Ancestor!


    "Your Highness..."


    Someone cast a hesitant look towards Yan Hong.


    With the situation so dire, waiting here any longer, in Hou Cheng''s view, might not be wise.


    It was clear the Spiritual Ancestor possessed some ability to lock onto their scattered forces and was currently defeating them one by one, executing the isolated members. Chen Mu and others might not have a chance to regroup with them!


    Even if Chen Mu and a couple others survived and made it here, with so many losses, they still might not be able to withstand the Spiritual Ancestor, even with the Earth Fiend Formation Flags. The situation would remain extremely grave, and if not handled well, all might be buried deep underground!


    "No!"


    Yan Hong spoke sternly.


    She knew what Hou Cheng wanted to say.


    In the current situation, abandoning Chen Mu and others to immediately flee to the surface and regroup with another team was an option, as the Spiritual Ancestor seemed to choose to take them out one by one and likely wouldn''t strike at their larger group.


    But that was merely a presumption. They were far less familiar with the Xunmu Cave Heaven than the Spiritual Ancestor, who also seemed to have a method to accurately determine their location. Even if they abandoned Chen Mu and others to flee to the surface, they might not be able to evade the Spiritual Ancestor''s pursuit, perhaps even being attacked first!


    Despite their severe loss of manpower, she still had the Earth Fiend Formation Flags.


    With top Grandmasters like Yan Zhengyang and Wei Shuxian present, and her own strength close to that of a top Grandmaster, as long as the strongest among the remaining, Chen Mu, survived, or even two or three others made it, they might still stand against the Spiritual Ancestor. They could at least fight and retreat, not completely without resistance.


    Liu Qingyan looked at Hou Cheng, who had spoken, and then at Yan Hong.


    She had already determined that ''Mu Chen'' was indeed Chen Mu; fleeing to the surface and abandoning Chen Mu and the others seemed to her the most foolish choice. Although she was not sure whether Chen Mu''s strength could match the Spiritual Ancestor, Chen Mu undoubtedly possessed power comparable to the Blood Exchange Realm, and even if not a match for the Spiritual Ancestor, he would still have a significant chance of self-preservation.


    It could even be said that Chen Mu''s side was safer than Yan Hong''s!


    When she had acted separately earlier, she hadn''t joined Chen Mu because she knew he likely needed the Wood Spirit Liquid; thus, she had gone to search alone and encountered an attack by the Spiritual Ancestor. Luckily, she was the closest to Yan Hong and others and had managed to regroup first.


    If Yan Hong were to consider Hou Cheng''s suggestion, to abandon Chen Mu and flee to the surface, she would surely speak out against it, but it seemed that Yan Hong was calm enough to stay composed even with the Spiritual Ancestor nearby.


    "I think we can head towards ''Mu Chen'' to meet up,"


    Liu Qingyan whispered.


    Upon hearing Liu Qingyan''s words, Yan Hong''s grave face softened a bit and replied,


    "Let''s go."


    Among the remaining forces, ''Mu Chen'' was indeed more critical; heading towards ''Mu Chen'' to meet up was a good idea.

 Chapter 714 - 402 Spiritual Ancestor!

    Through the intricacies of the underground labyrinth.


    Guided by the Earth Fiend Formation Flag, Yan Hong had determined Chen Mu''s position, but this sense was not clear, merely a vague directional awareness. Only within a certain proximity could it become clear.


    At a rough estimate, Chen Mu was still over a hundred miles away.


    If on the surface, a hundred miles would not be considered far, a moment''s journey for a Grandmaster, but in this complex terrain underground, with the Xunmu roots present, even a Grandmaster could not bulldoze through. Thus, a hundred miles could not be considered a short distance.


    Yan Zhengyang''s group, with Yan Hong at the lead, headed towards Chen Mu''s position. During their journey, they twisted and turned within the caverns. Despite their high speed, unexpected events occurred even faster. Before they could clearly sense Chen Mu''s whereabouts, another two fell!


    Yan Hong''s complexion grew even uglier.


    Looking at the current situation, it was likely that the Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race hadn''t merely ''stumbled upon'' their group and their separation; he might have been premeditated, having noticed them a while back, but held back until they were sufficiently scattered to launch his attack, using the terrain''s advantage and his speed to kill everywhere.


    Fortunately, as the group progressed, Yan Hong finally sensed Chen Mu''s location through the main flag of the Earth Fiend Formation Flag, within a hundred miles.


    But at the next moment.


    "Your Highness, be careful!"


    A low shout from Yan Zhengyang was heard as he parried a white magnificent sword in front of Yan Hong, swinging it vigorously towards the front.


    Accompanied by a boom.


    Chaos reigned in the cavern as it collapsed all around, and before they knew what was happening, Yan Zhengyang and Yan Hong were both swept backwards, slamming into the cavern wall behind them, nearly embedding into it as they each spat out a mouthful of blood.


    Yan Zhengyang was a top Grandmaster, and although Yan Hong''s strength was just shy of that level, as a member of the Royal Family wielding the main flag of the Earth Fiend Formation Flag, she was no less powerful than Yan Zhengyang. And yet, together, they were overwhelmed in an instant, sent flying, unable to contend.


    Even those extraordinary Grandmasters ranked in the top ten could not achieve this.


    The identity of the newcomer was almost beyond question.


    The Spiritual Ancestor,


    Ling Huan!


    "Earth Fiend, form up!"


    With blood still at the corner of her mouth, and her figure in a sorry state embedded in the rock, Yan Hong reacted swiftly, waving the main flag of the Earth Fiend Formation Flag in her hand. In an instant, including Liu Qingyan, many nearby Grandmasters were covered in the light of the Earth Fiend Formation Flag. sea??h th§× Nov§×l?ire.n(e)t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    All present were Grandmasters, and despite the sudden upheaval and the shock to their spirits, their reactions were all extremely quick. Almost everyone raised their Earth Fiend Formation Flag in the first instance. In an instant, powerful Yuan Gang Inner Strength surged through the connected flags, forming an intertwined Earth Fiend array that spread out like a net.


    Whoosh!


    Almost at that very moment, a shadowy silhouette flashed past, targeting Liu Qingyan on the outer edge.


    This move was incredibly fast and even with Liu Qingyan''s strength, she could only catch a glimpse of the residual image, having no time to distinguish the opponent''s moves. She had to mobilize the Vigorous force with the Earth Fiend Formation Flag, sweeping it forward.


    Boom!!!


    A beam of cyan light spread, like a Palm Imprint falling, colliding with the light of the Earth Fiend emanating from Liu Qingyan. The clash of the two forces erupted with a mountain-shattering roar, pulverizing the surrounding cavern.


    Since the Earth Fiend Formation Flag had been fully activated, their Vigorous Inner Strength was almost entirely linked through the formation. Even if they could not fully merge, if they could combine just ten or twenty percent of their strength, that would be far stronger than any top Grandmaster by many times. Hence, Liu Qingyan staggered back several steps, clearly at a disadvantage, but not overwhelmed in a single strike.


    It was through this collision.


    That everyone clearly saw the newcomer, a spirit human with green skin and an aged appearance, whose overwhelming aura filled the air; standing there as if fused with the natural world, every action seeming to wield The Power of Heaven and Earth. It was indeed the Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race, Ling Huan!


    "..."


    Unable to kill Liu Qingyan with a single strike and being resisted instead, a flicker of surprise crossed Ling Huan''s eyes, but he did not hesitate to strike again, his figure shifting as he pointed at another person.


    With hundreds of years of life, he had fought against numerous groups of Grandmasters who had intruded Xunmu Cave Heaven countless times, well aware that these beings from ''Da Xuan'' and ''Outer Sea'' had various methods, many of which he had experienced before.


    Hum!!


    At Ling Huan''s Realm, martial arts and Cultivation Techniques seemed to lose their importance, his simple gestures carrying immense power. A casual flicker of his finger was like turning decay into a miraculous display, with The Power of Heaven and Earth surging madly toward him, Solidifying Refinement into a towering finger, stretching several zhang, aiming to kill another Grandmaster, Hou Cheng.


    Hou Cheng''s complexion changed dramatically, a gravely serious look in his eyes. In this moment, he dared not use his own techniques to resist and simply raised the Earth Fiend Formation Flag, greeting the attack with pure Yuan Gang force.


    In an instant.


    A surge of dull yellow Earth Fiend light burst forth, cascading like a waterfall, colliding with the approaching majestic finger amidst a resounding boom. The nearby earth shattered inch by inch; even a few extremely tough and sturdy Xunmu roots hidden in the mire broke apart under the residual force of the collision, snapping and cracking noise resounded.

 Chapter 715 - 715: 402

    Another head-on clash occurred, and this time Hou Cheng also staggered back several steps. Although, like Liu Qingyan, he managed to block Ling Huan''s attack, everyone''s faces were not looking good.


    "Cough..."


    Yan Hong, holding the main Formation Flag of the Earth Fiend Formation, struggled free from the embedded rock layer. Without any hesitation, she reached out to grab a green pill from somewhere and swallowed it, finally bringing some color back to her somewhat pale face.


    But her expression was just as grave as everyone else''s.


    On the side.


    Yan Zhengyang also coughed up a trace of fresh blood, quickly regulating his disordered Inner Breath. His expression was equally ugly.


    The Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race, a true Blood Exchange Realm powerhouse, struck with ferocity and brute strength. A single hit left him and Yan Hong significantly injured, and had it not been them but rather one of the weaker Grandmasters from their team who was attacked before the Earth Fiend Formation could solidify, it would''ve been possible to suffer instant death on the spot!


    This is the horror of a Blood Exchange Realm master, even top Grandmasters barely have any "margin for error" against them!


    Now that the Earth Fiend Formation was in place and capable of blocking the enemy''s attacks, it was clear from the brief clash that they were at a pure disadvantage, with no chance of equalizing the situation!


    One reason was their current lack of manpower. Even with the support of the Earth Fiend Formation Flags to form a battle array, the formation also had its drawbacks; no one could use their preferred techniques or their Spirit Weapons, they could only rely purely on Yuan Gang True Essence to face the enemy, and by linking everyone''s Yuan Gang, they restricted themselves to some extent.


    Secondly, S§×ar?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Yan Zhengyang and Yan Hong were already injured from the Spiritual Ancestor''s initial assault. Although their injuries were not severe and could be fully healed in a few hours, how could Ling Huan possibly afford them the time to recuperate and rest?


    Ling Huan narrowed his eyes. Without any pause, he vanished and reappeared next to another Grandmaster, pointing a finger directly at them.


    The Grandmaster was shocked and did not dare to hesitate. With a shout, he used the Earth Fiend Formation Flag to conjure Yuan Gang, transformed into the Power of the Earth to meet the attack. He pushed up with a palm, and upon contact, felt a tremendous force wash over him, forcing him to retreat several steps as well.


    This time, Ling Huan did not stop. He stepped forward and pointed his finger again, intent on forcefully killing the Grandmaster.


    "Ha!"


    Wei Shuxian, who was closest, gave a cold shout. His entire body surged forward to intercept, although not as fast as Ling Huan, he managed to arrive in time, taking some pressure off the Grandmaster.


    By now, Ling Huan had clearly understood the structure of the Earth Fiend Formation, attempting to break through from one person. However, Wei Shuxian and the many Grandmasters present were all too aware of this and naturally wouldn''t allow Ling Huan to succeed. Currently, they were barely parrying Ling Huan''s aggressive attacks; if any of them were to be severely injured or killed, the situation would likely collapse immediately!


    "Some skill."


    Ling Huan, seeing Wei Shuxian and the others defending against his offense by relying on the formation and cooperating with each other, spoke with an indifferent tone. The language he used was not that of the Spirit Clan but the language of the Outer Sea, which everyone present could understand.


    Despite receiving Praised by Ling Huan, none of those present showed any happiness. All had solemn expressions, and almost in the next moment, Ling Huan launched another fierce attack, this time targeting Yan Zhengyang, who had been injured first!


    "Sever!"


    Yan Zhengyang''s eyes flickered. With a shout of "sever," he transformed Yuan Gang into the Power of the Earth. Then, he controlled the Earth to condense into a sword blade and slashed horizontally. Clearly, he had wielded the Earth Fiend Formation Flag more than once, with skills and proficiency far surpassing the others.


    Despite his injuries, he still managed to fend off Ling Huan''s attack.


    Ling Huan glanced at Yan Zhengyang and disappeared from the spot. When he attacked again, he went after Yan Hong, who was several yards away. With a sweep of a palm, the overwhelming Power of Heaven and Earth surged forward, condensing into an ancient-looking, blue palm imprint that nearly suffocated everyone with its oppressiveness.


    At that moment, Yan Hong''s gaze hardened. She waved the main flag of the Earth Fiend Formation, and instantly, a light of the Earth''s power rose up and collided with the palm imprint in the Void. After a thunderous explosion, her body shook slightly, but she managed to shatter the palm imprint and block Ling Huan''s attack.


    "..."


    Ling Huan watched this scene, his eyes slightly narrowed.


    His seemingly chaotic attacks were actually probes, testing the potency and techniques of the Earth Fiend Formation assembled by Yan Hong and others. In just a few moves, he had nearly fully figured it out.


    This formation... couldn''t stop him!


    "Good."


    A trace of coldness flashed in Ling Huan''s eyes.


    If he could bury Yan Hong and her group here, then his previous inaction¡ªwatching coldly from the sidelines as more than a dozen large settlements underground were destroyed, and tens of thousands of Spirit People died¡ªwould all have been worth it!


    Boom!!


    Ling Huan struck again.


    His previous moves, although merciless, were more about probing. But now his attacks were even sharper, as if catching the flaws of the Earth Fiend Formation, bypassing the strongest like Yan Zhengyang and Wei Shuxian, relentlessly striking at the slightly less powerful, like Hou Cheng and Liu Qingyan!


    Although connected by the Earth Fiend Formation Flags, making everyone part of the formation and able to command the same Power of the Earth, each person''s mastery over that power was not the same!

 Chapter 716 - 402: Spiritual Ancestor!_3

    With equal amounts, the difference in refinement also results in a great disparity in power.


    It could be said that


    the Earth Fiend Formation conjured by over ten Grandmasters relying on the Earth Fiend Formation Flags, in terms of quantity, possessed even more vast strength than that of Ling Huan, the Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race. However, in terms of refinement and control, they were far from Ling Huan''s level!


    Fortunately, all of them were Grandmasters, battle-hardened veterans. Even if they were not as subtle and refined as Ling Huan, the Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race, their cooperation was still in sync, supporting each other defensively.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!!!


    For a time, continuous explosions rocked the entire cavern, causing collapses everywhere. The location of the cavern was initially not very spacious, but as the fierce clashes between the combatants continued, the surrounding area began to crumble, eventually forming a vast battlefield suitable for their showdown. The intensity of the situation was in no way inferior to a fight between two Blood Exchange Realm experts.


    However, even with Yan Hong and the others coordinating seamlessly, they still couldn''t withstand the full strength of the Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race. They were mostly on the defensive without any power to counterattack!


    More than ten Grandmaster-level experts, including top-tier Grandmasters, linked their Yuan Gang Force through the Earth Fiend Formation, yet even they were pushed back step by step, unable to retaliate against the power of Ling Huan, who fought alone. Dangers lurked at every turn!


    The terrifying strength of this Spiritual Ancestor, comparable to a Blood Exchange Realm master, was fully displayed!


    It was at the height of this intense situation


    that, from the far reaches of the collapsing cavern, through a tunnel, a figure rapidly approached. However, it was not Chen Mu but Zhou Zheng, another Grandmaster from Da Xuan who was closer.


    "This is bad..."


    Zhou Zheng, sensing the enormous turmoil ahead, looked extremely solemn at that moment.


    How could he not realize that it was the Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race attacking, currently engaged in a fierce battle with Yan Hong and the others? Their forces were scattered, and even though he hadn''t yet arrived at the battlefield, he understood that the situation was probably quite dire.


    At this moment, he hesitated, debating whether to abandon Yan Hong and the others and flee alone while they held up the Spiritual Ancestor, or to reach the battlefield as soon as possible and join forces with Yan Hong and the others to oppose the enemy. After a brief moment of contemplation, he decided to plunge into the heat of the battle.


    Alone, even if he escaped, without meeting up with other teams, he would still likely face the relentless pursuit of the Spiritual Ancestor. Moreover, the ferocity of the situation ahead suggested that it wasn''t purely one-sided; Yan Hong and the others were still putting up some resistance. With his addition, the pressure on them was sure to ease somewhat, and they might even be able to repel the Spiritual Ancestor.


    With these thoughts in mind,


    he quickly advanced towards the battlefield, already taking out the Earth Fiend Formation Flag in his hand.


    However,


    just as he burst out from the cavern, catching sight of the situation in the field, a sudden loud shout rang out.


    "Be careful!"


    Zhou Zheng saw only a blur before a figure appeared before him, an awe-inspiring presence with a terror-inducing oppression, something that far exceeded the reach of a Grandmaster.


    A surge of alarm shot through his heart.


    Yet Zhou Zheng remained calm despite the sudden change. He had already entered the battlefield, and the Earth Fiend Formation Flag in his hand was quickly awakened and integrated into the battle scene, merging with the Earth Fiend energies permeating the area.


    Without a second thought, he waved the Earth Fiend Formation Flag, attempting to rally the Earth Fiend power to fend off the Spiritual Ancestor''s assault.


    However,


    what met him were the bone-chillingly cold eyes of Ling Huan.


    Ling Huan, who had until then been locked in a barehanded struggle with Yan Hong and the others, now brandished in his hand an emerald-green tree branch. As soon as this branch materialized, it seemed to contain a potent vitality, but with a single wave from Ling Huan, this vitality turned into a devastating force of destruction, rushing forward.


    Splat!!


    The Earth Fiend power summoned by Zhou Zheng collided with the small branch in Ling Huan''s hand, managing to hold it off for only a moment before being thoroughly eradicated. Zhou Zheng''s body then froze in place.


    His pupils contracted sharply, and his eyes, filled with disbelief, strained to look down, only to see his entire left torso hollowed out, as if erased, with nothing left but blood dripping down.


    Thump.


    Zhou Zheng''s eyes quickly dimmed, and his body, missing half its torso, fell forward as blood gushed out.


    Seeing Zhou Zheng killed in a single encounter by Ling Huan, Yan Zhengyang and the others'' expressions changed drastically.


    Even Yan Hong''s pupils constricted violently, feeling a chill down her spine.


    Zhou Zheng had just entered the battlefield, and even from a distance of dozens of meters, he had managed to deploy the Earth Fiend Formation''s power, not significantly inferior in strength to that of Liu Qingyan and the others. Yet, he was killed instantly by Ling Huan! S§×ar?h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This indicated that the current strength of their Earth Fiend Formation was utterly insufficient to counter Ling Huan. The emerald branch was clearly a Spirit Weapon Ling Huan had solidified, which until then had gone unused. It was only at this moment that he revealed it, striking down Zhou Zheng in one fell swoop.


    This meant that,


    Ling Huan could have defeated each of them one by one at any time, but he had deliberately entangled them in the fight!


    With this realization, an icy dread filled everyone''s hearts. They all understood Ling Huan''s intentions¡ªto use them as bait deliberately to lure out the remaining Zhou Zheng and the others so as to capture all of them in one fell swoop!

 Chapter 717 - 403: Chen Mu, Seeking Guidance

    "This is bad."


    Yan Hong felt a chill in her heart.


    The worst situation had occurred; their people were not able to withstand the full force of the Spiritual Ancestor!


    After all, he was a genuine Blood Exchange Realm powerhouse. Even though they had more than ten Grandmasters, all with substantial strength including some top Grandmasters, and they had the Earth Fiend Formation Flags set up, the difference of one realm was a colossal gap!


    Had they not separated and instead remained as a group of twenty, they mostly could have withstood Ling Huan''s assault. But the strength of those left was simply not enough, not nearly enough!


    It was not until this moment.


    That Yan Hong fully realized all of Ling Huan''s movements.


    The opponent had some method to clearly know they had split up and purposely waited for them to be sufficiently scattered before hunting down those Grandmasters who were acting alone. This forced her to send out a signal to summon everyone to converge. And it was at this point that they attacked this group of people, constraining them to this place, waiting for the rest to return, one by one, to be dealt with.


    The plan and strategy were not complicated; the key was still strength!


    As a Princess of the Royal Family and the most outstanding woman of her generation within the Imperial Bloodline, Yan Hong had naturally encountered many Blood Exchange Realm experts, even touched upon the Celestial Human level, and had some understanding of the strength of Blood Exchange Realm powerhouses.


    According to all the intelligence up to now, the methods and strength of the Spiritual Ancestor were equivalent to the external Blood Exchange Realm experts but did not reach the Celestial Human Level or the pinnacle just below Celestial Human like the Dragonwood Island Master. S§×arch* The N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    However.


    The power that the Spiritual Ancestor now displayed was, arguably, not much inferior to that of the Dragonwood Island Master!


    This kind of strength was absolutely at the limit of what the Xunmu Cave Heaven, this minor world, could support. Or to put it another way, the Spiritual Ancestor''s strength might be even greater, only limited by the capacity of this world, and only able to display the current level!


    "..."


    At this time, Yan Hong''s expression was extremely ugly.


    For herself, it was not yet a situation without hope; she indeed had a final life-saving card up her sleeve. But that could only allow her to escape alone. Yan Zhengyang and the others would all have to die here!


    In such a situation, almost all of the Earth Fiend Formation Flags would be lost, and thereafter with only her left alive in the Xunmu Cave Heaven, it would be difficult to gain any more, only being able to hide as best as she could until the spatial passage reopened, to flee from here.


    The losses were too great!


    If only King Chu were here. With an ultimate master wielding the main flag as the Formation Core, the overall strength they could exhibit would be raised by at least twenty or thirty percent. This rise could mean the difference between life and death, certainly enough to withstand the attacks of the Spiritual Ancestor.


    "Your Highness."


    Yan Zhengyang''s mouth was oozing blood, his gaze turning toward Yan Hong.


    Others did not know, but he did; Yan Hong still had a personal life-saving means. At this moment, he said nothing more, merely giving Yan Hong a suggestive look.


    It was time to leave!


    If they didn''t leave now, it might be too late!


    Yan Family had always been favored by the Emperor. In the current situation, it was nearly a certainty of death. The reversal of fortunes was no longer possible, nor could everyone escape with their lives. He was no longer concerned about his own safety; as long as Yan Hong could escape, his descendants in the Yan Family would be well treated.


    Yan Hong noticed Yan Zhengyang''s gaze and bit her lip slightly, her right hand unknowingly clutching a blood-colored jade ornament.


    But.


    Almost at that moment, there was a sudden turn of events.


    All of them sensed a breath approaching rapidly from another direction, quickly closing in. Within moments, the figure reached near the battlefield and stepped out of the passageway. The person, dressed in simple clothing and holding an Earth Fiend Formation Flag in hand, was unmistakably Chen Mu.


    Almost at the moment he arrived at the battlefield, the Earth Fiend Formation Flag in Chen Mu''s hands connected with the formation in the field, the burgeoning power of the Earth Fiend wrapping around Chen Mu as well.


    "Be careful!"


    In that split second, Yan Zhengyang shouted loudly.


    Yan Hong did not hesitate to wave the main flag, directly and forcefully manipulating the power of the Earth Fiend within the formation, trying to wrap it around Chen Mu in an attempt to protect him.


    ''Mu Chen'' had arrived!


    Another top Grandmaster!


    If they could protect him and add him to the formation, the formation''s power could increase by another ten percent. Perhaps they would then barely manage to withstand the Spiritual Ancestor''s offensive and find a slim chance to escape with their lives!


    But what responded to everyone was the indifferent voice of Ling Huan.


    "Futile struggle."


    Whoosh!


    In an instant, he appeared in front of Chen Mu, sweeping forward with a greenish tree branch in his hand. His movements were without a trace of worldliness, not even a hint of vigorous momentum leaking out. But as the branch swept down, it tore apart the encircling Earth Fiend powers that were attempting to protect Chen Mu as effortlessly as one might tear curtains!


    The branch rolled over unstoppably, its tip pointing directly at Chen Mu''s throat!


    Ling Huan''s eyes were devoid of emotion. He had coldly watched Chen Mu and the others slaughter so many from the Spirit Human Tribe, all to annihilate everyone here, and at this point, all struggles were in vain. Just a bunch of Grandmasters...


    Ding.


    A crisp sound of metal clashing against metal reverberated.


    Ling Huan''s eyes, which had always been as calm as an ancient well, suddenly rippled, and his face changed color. The Xunmu heart branch he was holding trembled violently. He stepped back two paces abruptly, flung his hand to disperse the force, and stopped the shaking of the Xunmu heart branch.

 Chapter 718 - 403: Chen Mu, Asking for Guidance_2

    "Who are you?!"


    Ling Huan glared at Chen Mu, his tone sharp.


    Not only did Ling Huan''s expression change, but so did those of Yan Hong, Yan Zhengyang, Hou Cheng, and many other Grandmasters, all showing shock.


    They had witnessed with their own eyes how Ling Huan, holding that branch-like Spirit Weapon, had swept away the gathered Power of the Earth Fiend as if it were made of paper, crushing and tearing it apart, delivering a strike towards Chen Mu that seemed unstoppable¡ªChen Mu should have been obliterated on the spot just like Zhou Zheng.


    But.


    Chen Mu had blocked it!


    Not only did he block it, but his light flick with two fingers in retaliation even caused the Spirit Branch to tremble violently, forcing Ling Huan to retreat forcefully!


    Although Ling Huan had forcefully torn through the Power of the Earth Fiend, consuming some of his power and reducing the momentum of the strike, the Solidifying Refinement of force within it was still extremely terrifying. Someone like Zhou Zheng who faced it head-on would have been annihilated on the spot without any chance of resistance!


    Even if Chen Mu was a top Grandmaster, far stronger than Zhou Zheng, facing that move, he could at most hope for a slim chance of survival by giving his all. It was simply impossible for him to counter-attack head-on, let alone force Ling Huan to retreat!


    This was simply not something a top Grandmaster could achieve! Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even.


    In the eyes of Yan Hong and Yan Zhengyang and others, even those peerless Grandmasters ranked in the top ten of the Grandmaster list would find it incredible to withstand that move from Ling Huan head-on, let alone make the opponent retreat¡ªit was impossible!


    Among everyone present, the only one who did not show a surprised expression was Liu Qingyan. She looked intently at Chen Mu, her eyes twinkling with amazement. This was the once-in-a-millennium prodigy of the Da Xuan Dynasty, the number one person in the Marrow Cleansing Realm!


    "Chen Mu, I have learned much."


    With one move, Chen Mu had repelled Ling Huan and stood alone in the center of the ring. He calmly addressed Ling Huan.


    Having exchanged blows with Ling Huan, the Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race, he inevitably had to reveal the Qiankun Power. His name was now resounding throughout the Da Xuan Dynasty. Just with the move he just performed, there was no way anyone present could fail to recognize his identity.


    Moreover, being in Xunmu Cave Heaven, there was no longer any need to conceal his identity. He could move unimpeded in this Xunmu Cave Heaven, and only the Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race before him warranted some of his serious attention.


    "So the outsiders who have entered this time are not all useless after all, even I have misjudged," said Ling Huan.


    After his expression changed briefly, Ling Huan''s gaze became indifferent once more. A glimpse of profound cold light flickered in his aged eyes as he once again stepped forward, raising the Xunmu Heart Branch in his hand and sweeping towards Chen Mu''s neck!


    Chen Mu''s expression remained calm as he raised his right hand and made a horizontal block, intercepting the incoming Xunmu Heart Branch. His left hand then extended the index and middle fingers, as he performed the Two Dragons Snatch the Pearl technique, aiming directly at Ling Huan''s eyes.


    Bang!


    Ling Huan raised his right hand to intercept the two fingers pointed by Chen Mu. His left hand''s fingers curled as the Xunmu Heart Branch, which he had been holding between them, slipped out of his grip. It spun around his forearm and, with the tip, stabbed towards Chen Mu''s throat.


    Chen Mu''s expression remained unchanged as he withdrew both hands simultaneously, one sweeping up and the other down, creating an invisible barrier in front of him that blocked the thrust of the Xunmu Heart Branch. Then he pushed both palms forward.


    The more Ling Huan fought, the graver his gaze became, and a hint of incredulity emerged in his eyes. Now facing Chen Mu''s strike, he did not dare to be careless. He also performed a Palm Imprint, with small patterns weaving together in his palm.


    Boom!!!


    A thunderous roar sounded.


    Both men were forced to retreat several steps.


    The exchange between the two was only a few moves, and the techniques did not seem to wield a grand momentum. It was as if they were common fighters in a street brawl, but the collision that seemed so casual and effortless was tearing apart the Void!


    With each collision, the space for several feet around appeared to shatter like a mirror, forming white fissures. Especially with the last strike, it tore open a rift stretching several yards, spreading like a spider web!


    The interior space of Xunmu Cave Heaven was not weaker than the space of the Da Xuan World. Otherwise, it wouldn''t be necessary to wait a hundred years for the Void Tide to create a passageway from the Outer Sea that pierces through the weak point into the Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    Being able to tear a spatial rift in Xunmu Cave Heaven was undoubtedly the power of the Blood Exchange Realm!


    And.


    From the scale of the rifts torn by Chen Mu and Ling Huan''s exchanges, the power they were exerting was most likely among the absolute best within the Blood Exchange Realm¡ªperhaps even reaching the limit beneath the Celestial Human.


    It is not surprising that the Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race possesses such strength, but ''Mu Chen''... no, Chen Mu''s strength has also reached such a realm. His ability to enter the Xunmu Cave Heaven is undoubtedly within the Marrow Cleansing Realm. With the realm of a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster, yet capable of contending with such a terrifying Spiritual Ancestor, such strength is simply inconceivable!


    "It really is him..."


    In addition to her shock, Yan Hong couldn''t help but mutter to herself.


    She had not failed to speculate about ''Mu Chen''s'' identity, in fact, she had always harbored doubts, but mere suspicion did not necessitate investigation, especially since she and Chen Mu had no real conflict. Chen Mu wanted to enter the Xunmu Cave Heaven and he certainly did not need to join her team. Even if Chen Mu wished her ill, whether he joined her or not would not make any difference.


    Furthermore, Chen Mu had previously demonstrated a masterful use of the Power of Taiyin that did not at all resemble an evolution of Qiankun Power. This led her to doubt her suspicions, thinking she might be overthinking it. After all, in the vast Nine States of the Da Xuan Dynasty, it wouldn''t be strange for a top-notch Grandmaster of the Taiyin lineage to appear. However, after going full circle, her earliest suspicions hit the mark precisely!


    In the arena,


    Chen Mu''s brief exchange with Ling Huan was nearly an equal match. He did not look toward Yan Hong and the others nearby nor did he call for their assistance. Instead, he focused his gaze on Ling Huan, betraying a hint of surprise.


    "A Celestial Human?"


    Yan Hong and the others, with their insufficient realms, could not discern the depth of Ling Huan''s abilities. All the grandmasters who had entered the Xunmu Cave Heaven in the past were the same, unable to see due to the limitations of their realms. However, during his brief confrontation, he saw many things.


    For example, Ling Huan''s physique was very weak!


    How weak?


    It was almost inferior to Qin Mengjun, who had just made a breakthrough into the Blood Exchange Realm. It did not resemble that of a genuine expert within the Blood Exchange Realm but instead seemed like a very forced and extremely weak state!


    But why could such a frail physique wield such terrifying power, almost reaching the limits just below that of a Celestial Human?


    That''s because Ling Huan... was a Celestial Human!


    When he acted, it was not the Power of Heaven and Earth he mobilized, but with every move, the Power of Heaven and Earth naturally followed him. The initiative to mobilize the Power of Heaven and Earth and the Power of Heaven and Earth following naturally are two entirely different realms!


    Only by uniting body and mind with Heaven and Earth, achieving Unity of Heaven and Man, could one reach such a level!


    No wonder.


    No wonder this group, despite engaging in activities that were least regarded underground and situated in the periphery, were found directly by the opponent, who precisely seized the time when they were acting separately.


    This Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race was clearly a true Celestial Human, whose senses, harmonized with Heaven and Earth, extended far beyond what common Blood Exchange Realm individuals could perceive, probably catching even the slightest movements of grass and trees within hundreds of miles!


    Such an immense range of perception naturally made his presence here no coincidence.


    It''s just that.


    The opponent seemed to be restricted by the nature of this world as well, with a physique reaching the level comparable to the Blood Exchange Realm but restrained to an extremely weakened tier, greatly limiting their performance!


    Even Chen Mu could vaguely feel that this world of the Xunmu Cave Heaven could not bear the existence of the Blood Exchange Realm. This Spiritual Ancestor reaching this point might have been through some extremely unorthodox methods.


    However.


    This situation was actually favorable for him.


    If the Spiritual Ancestor were a Celestial Human in his prime, then even he would have to retreat and avoid confrontation... or to put it more aptly, it would be more like a scrambling escape.


    But in this world, the opponent''s physique is limited, and the power that can be exerted from their state of Unity of Heaven and Man is also confined, making them almost equal to his current self, although this was also within his expectations.


    After all, if the Spiritual Ancestor were truly a Celestial Human in full power, all those grandmasters previously sent in would have been annihilated by now. Just one step difference in Martial Arts Realm signifies a world of difference!


    "..."


    Ling Huan looked at Chen Mu, his aged face growing much darker.


    His actions might have been unexpected to Yan Hong and the others, but the existence of Chen Mu was equally beyond his expectations!


    In the past thousand years, there were indeed extremely powerful grandmasters who had stepped into the Xunmu Cave Heaven, but no matter how strong those grandmasters were, they were at most only a bit stronger than Yan Zhengyang and the others, nowhere near Chen Mu''s level.


    Displaying strength capable of contending with him while in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, from what origin did this monstrosity emerge!

 Chapter 719 - 404: Repel

    "What a pity,"


    Chen Mu looked at Ling Huan with calm eyes and said, "If this world were a bit larger, with a stronger capacity, the power you manifest would undoubtedly surpass what you are currently capable of. Even I would be no match for you. But now..."


    Whoosh!


    Chen Mu took a sudden step forward, appearing right in front of Ling Huan, unleashing a Palm Imprint that overwhelmed him.


    The Palm Imprint he swung contained the light of the Eight Phases, instantly condensing into a dazzling Cycle Mark, the Seventh Layer Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal that he had mastered to perfection!


    What goes around comes around!


    Now that he had gauged Ling Huan''s strength, and saw that it nearly matched his own, it was only natural for him to decisively strike, to see if he could seriously injure or even slay Ling Huan right there!


    Although Ling Huan''s power was formidable, and his sensory ability far surpassed Chen Mu''s, his weak physique was a flaw, meaning that he couldn''t match Chen Mu in movement and speed. Once caught by Chen Mu at that moment, he might not be able to escape!


    If it had only been him present, restraining Ling Huan might not have turned the tides, but Yan Hong and the others were nearby!


    Although Yan Hong and the others couldn''t even begin to withstand Ling Huan''s power, they only lacked the strength of four or five Grandmasters from blocking Ling Huan. Even if they couldn''t resist, the Earth Fiend power they collectively commanded at the moment was not something Ling Huan could completely ignore. This power might not stop Ling Huan, but under Chen Mu''s constraint, it was enough to tip the scales!


    "Hmph,"


    Ling Huan, sensing the change in Chen Mu''s aura and detecting a trace of murderous intent from Chen Mu''s fierce Palm Imprint, did not panic but only snorted coldly.


    He admitted that Chen Mu was an unprecedented monster, but he was not inferior to him. As the ancestor of the Spirit People Race, he had ruled over Xunmu Cave Heaven for nearly a thousand years, so he feared nothing.


    "Xunmu Heaven-Spanning!"


    Ling Huan swung the Xunmu heart branch in his hand upward, and the surging power between heaven and earth became his to command, gathering on that verdant branch, turning it into a sky-piercing pillar in an instant!


    Hum!!!


    Bursts of light exploded as the Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal collided with the sky-piercing pillar, followed by the sound of cracking ice, with the Void shattering inch by inch, blasting a swath of white fissures that extended for several meters!


    Watching Chen Mu take the initiative to attack and once again engage with Ling Huan, the forces of the Blood Exchange Realm continued to clash, pressing upon the nearby Void. Yan Hong and the others nearby finally began to recover from their shock.


    Yan Zhengyang was the first to come back to his senses, throwing a glance at Yan Hong.


    Yan Hong was looking at Yan Zhengyang at just the right moment; their eyes briefly met, and they immediately knew each other''s thoughts. By this time, Yan Hong had also recovered from the previous panic, her eyes becoming sharply focused.


    Though some in the group might have thought to take advantage of the fight between Chen Mu and the Spiritual Ancestor to escape, she had a clear mind. In a brief moment, she identified her target and then raised the Earth Fiend Formation Flag in her hand.


    "Earth Fiend, assemble!"


    It was clear that the powers of Chen Mu and the Spiritual Ancestor were almost evenly matched, meaning whichever side they were on was not something they could withstand. Retreating now was meaningless because Chen Mu and the Spiritual Ancestor would likely cease fighting soon, and the Spiritual Ancestor could find them again.


    Moreover, fleeing now might also offend Chen Mu. Even though Chen Mu hadn''t signaled anything to her, she was very clear about whom to strike!


    Hum!!!


    As Yan Hong made her move, the energies of over ten Grandmasters connected, transforming into surging Earth Fiend energy, quickly coalescing in mid-air into a massive Fierce Axe, viciously cleaving towards the back of the Spiritual Ancestor!


    Previously, the Spiritual Ancestor had singlehandedly overwhelmed their group, rendering them barely able to defend and unable to deploy any techniques. Now, with Chen Mu directly contending with the Spiritual Ancestor, the situation drastically changed!


    At that moment,


    Yan Hong''s move even made Chen Mu briefly glance her way.


    Compared to the hastily mobilized, merely defensive Earth Fiend power previously, this condensed Earth Fiend power now possessed some potency. Although it could still be forcibly obliterated by him and the Spiritual Ancestor, it wouldn''t be possible to completely withstand such a strike without sustaining any damage.


    This woman really knew how to gauge the situation.


    "..."


    Ling Huan''s face showed a slightly unpleasant expression.


    The direct attacks from Chen Mu put tremendous pressure on him, forcing him to defend with all his might. Facing the back attack launched by Yan Hong and many other Grandmasters, he suddenly found himself in a tight spot and was also somewhat annoyed. S~ea??h the NovelFire.net* website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    To think that such a monster was one thing, but that these ant-like figures, Yan Hong and the others, also dared to defy the natural order and attack him¡ªthey truly knew not whether they were dead or alive. If he hadn''t wanted to capture all of them in one go earlier and had struck with full force, he would have crushed Yan Hong and the others almost completely, leaving them with no strength to resist!


    "Xunmu S§ãan the Heavens!"


    Ling Huan''s eyes flashed with a trace of cold intent. While withstanding Chen Mu''s assault from the front and facing the Earth Fiend power launched by many Grandmasters from behind, he suddenly stomped his foot. Instantly, the entire ground crazily shook as if heaven and earth were reversing.


    In the underground cave, layers of rock and soil suddenly collapsed in sheets. Chunks of Xunmu roots, as if coming alive, surged up like colossal serpents of lore, wildly bursting forth, tangled and twisted.

 Chapter 720 - 404 Repel_2

    Bang!!!


    The surging thick roots directly struck the Earth Fiend Axe controlled by Yan Hong and his people. After the collision, the roots seemed less robust than the Earth Fiend Axe and immediately shattered, but then a second and a third root stretched forth continuously.


    The wildly sweeping Xunmu roots eventually submerged the gigantic Earth Fiend Axe within them, grinding it to pieces.


    Elsewhere.


    The extending Xunmu roots resembled living Flood Dragons, violently assaulting Yan Hong and his party, determined to grind everyone to dust. The ferocity of this scene shocked the crowd, who hadn''t expected the Spiritual Ancestor to have such a means to forcefully utilize the Xunmu roots for his own purposes!


    However, each of them was a Grandmaster, no ordinary figures. After a brief moment of shock, they were nowhere near panicking. Each of them exerted their full strength to mobilize their Vigorous Inner Breath, summoning the power of Earth Fiend to converge at one point to resist the attacking Xunmu roots from all directions. They knew that although the Spiritual Ancestor was terrifying, there still was Chen Mu facing him directly.


    As expected.


    After the surging Xunmu roots collided and writhed against their summoned Earth Fiend forces for several moments, a deafening roar exploded in the center of the arena, accompanied by a surging powerful force. That was Qiankun!


    All the nearby Xunmu roots froze at that moment, then burst into pieces, shattering into chunks that flew in all directions, revealing once again the scene in the center of the battlefield.


    There,


    Chen Mu still stood firm, one hand reaching for the heavens and the other covering the earth, as if he was the sole entity between heaven and earth.


    In front of Chen Mu, the face of Ling Huan had turned notably pale, clearly showing that the technique he had just used was not without its cost. It was a desperate effort that had proved ineffective.


    "If that''s all you have, then stay behind."


    Chen Mu calmly observed Ling Huan.


    Ling Huan''s capabilities were limited to this extent. If he were restrained and unable to break free, with Yan Hong and the others disturbing from the side, this prolonged battle would surely result in his demise!


    Ling Huan''s complexion was slightly pale, but his expression remained mostly unchanged, "You''re the only one who has threatened me since a millennium invasion of this realm, but relying on some ants to hold me down is excessively arrogant."


    Whoosh!


    In the next moment, Ling Huan struck at Chen Mu again.


    Chen Mu''s expression remained unchanged, and with a wave of his hand, the Void once again fractured.


    However, after this strike, Ling Huan made no further moves, but suddenly stepped down, and the shattered Xunmu roots suddenly extended further, emerging directly from under his feet and swallowing him whole!


    "Hmm?"


    A flash of light passed in Chen Mu''s eyes. His figure shifted instantly, arriving in front of the Xunmu roots, and with a palm strike, he shattered the entire extending segment of Xunmu roots into countless wood chips.


    But Ling Huan''s figure was no longer seen among those wood chips.


    Chen Mu looked down at the wood chips on the ground, lost in thought for a moment.


    He hadn''t expected to truly capture this Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race, considering the adversary had survived for thousands of years, was a revered Celestial Human, and even if constrained, his realm was still much higher than Chen Mu''s. His current strength was at best comparable to his opponent''s, and as for the prowess of Yan Hong and the others, it indeed wasn''t notable.


    The only unexpected aspect was Ling Huan''s method of escape. He had assumed that some secret technique or a burst of power would be used to forcefully break out, yet it turned out to be a ability to merged with the Xunmu, allowing him to enter the Xunmu roots and escape through them.


    Such ability was indeed troublesome.


    After all, this was the Xunmu Cave Heaven. The Xunmu that supported the heavens and earth was immense, and its roots and canopy spread over tens of thousands of miles, covering the entire Cave Heaven World.


    If Ling Huan could merge into the Xunmu at any time and escape at will with the help of the Xunmu''s power, then this mobility far exceeded Chen Mu''s at present. The previously thought weakness due to a frail physique leading to reduced mobility also completely vanished.


    But thinking about it, it made sense.


    Ruling over a Cave Heaven World for thousands of years, mastering the Third Step of Artistic Conception, and reaching the Celestial Human Realm, how could he possibly have any weaknesses? Even if there truly were any, he surely had various methods to compensate for them.


    After shaking his head, Chen Mu no longer looked at the wood chips scattered on the ground, but turned his head towards Yan Hong and the others nearby.


    The Grandmasters who had not been killed by Ling Huan numbered three, and another had just arrived, still unclear about the situation, watching the scene with a nervous and perplexed expression.


    "...Thank you, Brother Mu, for the rescue. I did not expect the Spiritual Ancestor to have targeted us so soon; we underestimated the risks, thinking that being on the periphery was safe and that we could take the opportunity to collect more Xunmu Spirit Liquid."


    By now, Yan Hong had regained his composure, his gaze towards Chen Mu was complex and somewhat unusual. S§×arch* The ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "This was also beyond my expectations. I planned to possibly ally with you to see if we could capture the Spiritual Ancestor, but didn''t expect him to make the first move, and it seems many have been lost."


    Chen Mu spoke to Yan Hong.


    He hadn''t anticipated so many people entering the Xunmu Cave Heaven, and the Spiritual Ancestor being so precise in targeting Yan Hong and his group. Indeed, he''d intended to slightly collaborate with Yan Hong and his team against the Spiritual Ancestor.


    However, his consideration wasn''t for now, but to wait until he had gathered enough Xunmu Spirit Liquid to further temper his Martial Body to the Perfection Realm, then unify with Yan Hong''s complete team.

 Chapter 721 - 404: Repel_3

    Even without him, Yan Hong''s team was strong enough to hold off the Spiritual Ancestor, provided the others remained unharmed. If Chen Mu''s Martial Body was refined further, his strength could increase by twenty to thirty percent. Combined efforts could then truly stand a great chance of slaying the Spiritual Ancestor!


    At this level, defeating was easier than slaying.


    This was one of the reasons he decided to join and move with Yan Hong''s team.


    However, he hadn''t made a move yet when the Spiritual Ancestor preemptively struck, severely damaging Yan Hong''s team. The extent of the damage was unclear, but several Grandmasters seemed to have perished.


    "Still not cautious enough..."


    Yan Hong looked around at the chaotic scene, her expression still rather grim.


    Without Chen Mu, the likelihood was that either the entire force would have been wiped out or only she might have had the chance to survive. She had still underestimated the Spiritual Ancestor''s perceptive abilities to pinpoint their exact location.


    After all, the Xunmu Cave Heaven was a vast mini-world, comparable to the area of the whole Da Xuan State, such a massive realm could not possibly be fully mastered even by a Blood Exchange Realm expert, let alone by a Celestial Human.


    Who would have thought,


    the Spiritual Ancestor was indeed a Celestial Human!


    However, his ability to exert his power was limited, and since all who had entered this place in the past were far less capable than Chen Mu, no one could discern his depth, thinking the Spiritual Ancestor was just a stronger Blood Exchange Realm expert.


    Clearly, the Spiritual Ancestor''s ability to wield the Power of Heaven and Earth was constrained, but his perception was mostly unhindered, purely at the Celestial Human Level, and maybe even broader due to the close connection with Xunmu!


    Only under such circumstances would he be able to strike so decisively and nearly bury them all right there.


    "Enough talk. I need the Wood Spirit Liquid. Whatever each of you has collected, bring it all."


    Chen Mu glanced at Yan Hong and took in the faces of Yan Zhengyang and the others.


    Upon hearing Chen Mu''s words, those present exchanged looks but showed little resistance; promptly, each retrieved their collected Wood Spirit Liquid and handed it over to Chen Mu one by one.


    Setting aside the terrifying power Chen Mu had displayed earlier, which was almost on par with the Spiritual Ancestor and far stronger than their combined forces, just the fact that he had managed to fend off and repel the Spiritual Ancestor made it reasonable to ask for their Wood Spirit Liquid. Besides, they had only been in the Xunmu Cave Heaven for a short time, and the liquid everyone had collected was not substantial.


    Soon,


    about two pounds of Wood Spirit Liquid were gathered in Chen Mu''s hands.


    The amount was not substantial. After all, most had moved with Yan Hong, entering the Xunmu Cave Heaven not long ago, making their individual hauls rather meager, and only when combined did they amount to something somewhat respectable.


    "Brother Chen, if you need it, we can follow your directives in the future. If you''re not interested, could we trouble you to lead us once more to merge with the other teams... Everything we collect in this voyage through Xunmu Cave Heaven will belong to you."


    After handing over all the Wood Spirit Liquid to Chen Mu, Yan Hong softly addressed him.


    With Chen Mu''s capabilities, he could easily dominate the Xunmu Cave Heaven and did not need to continue teaming up with them, especially since their team had sustained heavy losses. Although the three survivors eventually regrouped, whether they could withstand the Spiritual Ancestor was still an unknown. It could be said that they had lost their qualification to explore the Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    Had it been before, without knowledge of the Spiritual Ancestor''s capabilities, they might have completely dispersed, transforming the team into individuals. But now, knowing the Spiritual Ancestor was at the Celestial Human level with an unpredictable range of perception, dispersal was almost a sure path to doom. The only viable option was for Chen Mu to continue leading, or to merge with other teams.


    But no matter what, a price had to be paid.


    Yan Hong was aware of this. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The Grandmasters such as Yan Zhengyang and Wei Shuxian behind her remained silent, their eyes carrying a hint of tension because if Chen Mu were to abandon them, the Spiritual Ancestor might attack again before they got far!


    "Not enough."


    Chen Mu spoke plainly, "I can take you to merge with the other teams, but just saying all the spoils go to me is a bit too ambiguous... Let''s say sixty pounds of Xunmu Spirit Liquid. Whether you gather it through exploration or trade with others afterwards, asking each of you for four to five pounds shouldn''t be too much. If there are more gains, I won''t ask for more."


    Given the circumstances where they couldn''t just wander freely and needed to stick together, gathering four to five pounds each in just three months was not easy, mainly because Yan Hong''s team had lost their advantage and needed to pay a price to collaborate and merge with other teams.


    After hearing Chen Mu''s words, Yan Hong turned to glance at the others, exchanged looks with them, and seeing no objections, she turned back to Chen Mu and said, "All right, then please, Brother Chen."

 Chapter 722 - 405: Chen Mus Predicament

    Ruins Sea.


    The shimmering surface of the sea was occasionally struck by surging waves.


    The Dragonwood Island Master stood alone atop the sea, looking out into the vast ocean, when suddenly a huge wave arose from the water, revealing a gigantic fish demon about thirty feet long, which churned upward and snapped its mouth towards him.


    In its abyss-like maw, layered like mountains of knives, his teeth crisscrossed terrifyingly, exuding a heart-pounding horror, and its presence had reached the level of a Seventh Rank, truly a Demon King!


    This Demon King had been eyeing the man on the sea for some time, and although its intelligence, not inferior to that of the human race, warned it that the man was not to be trifled with, its instinct told it that devouring him would bring great benefits, possibly even allowing it to transform into a Flood Dragon on the spot. Therefore, after lurking for many days, it finally couldn''t restrain itself from attacking.


    However,


    in the face of this massive fish demon''s attack, the Dragonwood Island Master didn''t even shift his gaze; he simply lifted his right hand casually and pointed into the air. A blast of invisible Vigor struck down, piercing through the head and body of the fish demon with a splash!


    This Demon King-level fish demon couldn''t even let out a miserable roar before its massive body fell back into the sea with a crash, stirring up a spray of water and blood flowed profusely, staining the nearby sea red.


    With one flick of his finger, he had killed the fish demon.


    The Dragonwood Island Master slowly lowered his hand and cast his eyes toward a direction not far away, speaking in a detached tone, "Since you are here, my friend, why not show yourself?"


    As his words fell, the previously calm sea nearby twisted and a ripple formed, followed by a figure stepping out, cloaked in a mysterious robe. Having appeared, he didn''t bother to conceal his aura, which was solid and robust like a human-shaped mountain pressing down, making the nearby waves seem much calmer.


    "It''s been many years, Ling Wuqi, and you still have your charm."


    The mysterious robe figure bowed from afar to Dragonwood Island Master.


    The Dragonwood Island Master also turned around to face the mysterious robe figure and nodded slightly, saying, "I was wondering who it could be, so it''s Master Cheng. What brings you here, Master Cheng?"


    The visitor was the Pavilion Master,


    Cheng Zu!


    Being a top practitioner of the Martial Arts at the Blood Exchange Realm, the name of the Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion Master was not only well-known in Da Xuan but also had a long-standing reputation in the remote Outer Sea. Although the Outer Sea was secluded, knowledge about the leading figures of Da Xuan was not detailed, but they were quite clear about those at the Blood Exchange Realm from Da Xuan.


    In his early years, Cheng Zu had also explored the Outer Sea several times and had met the Dragonwood Island Master, though they had not been particularly close.


    "I came here for Xunmu Cave Heaven..."


    Cheng Zu spoke up to the Dragonwood Island Master.


    As soon as the words were spoken, the gaze of the Dragonwood Island Master slightly darkened. Xunmu Cave Heaven was controlled by Tingchao Cliff, and to say controlled might be an understatement since the Spirit People Race was always a formidable foe they couldn''t eradicate. Nonetheless, Tingchao Cliff did not allow others to intervene in Xunmu Cave Heaven, especially since the benefits of the Xunmu Spirit Liquid were incredibly high, sought after from the Five Viscera Realm up to the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    They allowed a small portion of Xunmu Spirit Liquid to circulate outside, but they did not permit others to tap into the benefits of the Xunmu Spirit Liquid.


    "Xunmu Cave Heaven is a secret realm under the control of my Tingchao Cliff, Master Cheng, are you intending to break the rules?"


    The Dragonwood Island Master spoke indifferently.


    He then fixed his gaze on the distance, his eyes harboring a hint of unfriendliness.


    As Dragonwood Island Master Ling Wuqi, who had mastered the ''Vast Ocean Ultimate Skill'' to the peak and reached the ultimate point of the Vast Ocean Artistic Conception, he was just a step away from the third step of Artistic Conception. Here in the Outer Sea, he clearly had a tremendous advantage of both time and place.


    Although he was still a step away from being a Celestial Human and was not too fearful of Celestial Human experts within the Outer Sea, he felt confident about moving freely and would not fear the opposition even if Cheng Zu did not come alone.


    Moreover,


    this Outer Sea was undoubtedly the domain of their three Great Sects!


    If he were within the confines of Da Xuan or in the Earthly Abyss or the Wastelands, he would be somewhat apprehensive, but here, he feared no force from Da Xuan. Tingchao Cliff also had Celestial Human experts, occupying a commanding position in the Outer Sea and representing one of the strongest presences in the world.


    Fulfilling the Dragonwood Island Master''s words, the nearby turbulent waves gradually calmed down, seemingly becoming more tranquil, but this tranquility instead carried a profound oppression that could nearly choke any Grandmaster.


    "You misunderstand me, brother Ling," S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Feeling the changes between heaven and earth, Cheng Zu smiled openly and explained, "I have no interest in the benefits of Xunmu Spirit Liquid nor came here to contend for it; if that were the case, I wouldn''t have come at this time."


    The Dragonwood Island Master listened and his expression remained unchanged, but the oppressive atmosphere around them eased slightly, and he spoke, "Then, Master Cheng, if you are here for Xunmu Cave Heaven, what exactly is your purpose?"


    Cheng Zu was right, if he had come to seize the Xunmu Spirit Liquid, he could have waited three months for the Void Tide to rise again, meeting that batch of people on their return and then taking action, which would have allowed him to snatch a large amount of the spirit liquid. His earlier appearance, therefore, might indeed signal different intentions, but the Dragonwood Island Master still maintained his caution.


    Moreover, the nearby area was not devoid of other individuals at the Blood Exchange Realm!


    His cultivation technique and artistic conception, achieving peak performance in the Outer Sea in terms of both prowess and perception, was extraordinarily formidable. Within the range of his perception, apart from Cheng Zu, there were others nearby.

 Chapter 723 - 405: Chen Mus Tribulation_2

    Several Blood Exchange Realm masters of an unknown origin were nearby, and there was no way he could let his guard down.


    "To enter Xunmu Cave Heaven, one must break through a passage during the Void Tide. Elder brother, when you sent those people in a few days ago, did you notice anyone unusual?"


    At this point, Cheng Zu spoke openly and calmly.


    Someone unusual?


    The Dragonwood Island Master''s mind was clear as a mirror, and he immediately understood who Cheng Zu was referring to. He wasn''t well-informed about the intricate powers of Da Xuan, but since this wasn''t a dispute from the Outer Sea, he naturally wouldn''t intervene deliberately.


    After hearing Cheng Zu''s inquiry, the Dragonwood Island Master responded frankly, "Indeed, there was one person who was not ordinary. His Vigorous Inner Breath was incredibly profound, far surpassing that of a typical Marrow Cleansing Realm master."


    Upon hearing this, Cheng Zu chuckled and said, "My lot has some grievances with that individual. When he returns from Xunmu Cave Heaven after the Void Tide in three months'' time, I hope elder brother will refrain from interfering."


    The Dragonwood Island Master indifferently replied, "Tingchao Cliff has always stayed out of Da Xuan''s grievances."


    Long before Chen Mu set foot in Xunmu Cave Heaven, when he sensed Chen Mu''s identity, he speculated that his presence might bring change and conflict to this expedition, and now it seemed his predictions were correct.


    Having only entered Xunmu Cave Heaven for a few days, he had already been sought out, and not just by one Blood Exchange Realm master. Such a lineup against a Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster would have been considered overkill in the past, but it made sense if it was Chen Mu.


    After all, to be capable of contending with a Blood Exchange Realm at the Marrow Cleansing Realm, even within their Tingchao Cliff''s thousand-year lineage through the Great Zhou and hundred nations up to today''s Da Xuan, there was only Chen Mu, and not even the legendary Da Xuan Martial Emperor had such an exaggerated foundation.


    New talents replace the old in every generation.


    Martial Arts is passed down from one generation to the next. Since ancient times, it has been progressing and transforming because the accumulated knowledge of generations of martial artists is continuously passed down. The number of masters in both the Marrow Cleansing and Blood Exchange Realms will grow with time, and it''s even possible that in the future, a path to higher levels of Martial Arts will open. Therefore, it''s not strange that Chen Mu could outperform Ji Hao.


    Both Chen Mu and Ji Hao are exceptional individuals of their respective times. Ji Hao reached Perfection and became unrivaled in the world, while it''s uncertain whether Chen Mu will be able to walk the same path and reach the pinnacle of Martial Arts in this lifetime.


    "Entering Xunmu Cave Heaven might not have been the right decision for you."


    The Dragonwood Island Master mused to himself.


    He was impartial about Chen Mu''s success or failure. If one were to judge neutrally, it seemed that Chen Mu should not have come to Xunmu Cave Heaven or, if he did come, he should have hidden better. Now that he had been approached by Pavilion Master Cheng Zu of Mysterious Mechanism Pavilion, this hurdle would not be easy to overcome.


    After all, when the Void Tide comes in three months, there will still be only one way out of Xunmu Cave Heaven, and Chen Mu will inevitably be unable to avoid the Pavilion Master. Moreover, in his perception, the Blood Exchange Realm masters who had come to this place were by no means limited to Cheng Zu alone!


    At that time,


    Chen Mu might have to face the assault of several Blood Exchange Realm masters!


    In such a situation, even he would face tremendous risk, let alone a Marrow Cleansing Realm master, no matter how rare and extraordinary. This tribulation would definitely not be easy to withstand without external help or other variables; he didn''t believe Chen Mu could survive it!


    Unless Chen Mu hid in Xunmu Cave Heaven and didn''t come out, but then he would have to stay there for a hundred years. Moreover, there were limits of heaven and earth within Xunmu Cave Heaven, preventing one from breaking through to the Blood Exchange Realm. Not only would this waste years, but he would also face the constant pursuit of the Spirit Human Race. S§×ar?h the n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A difficult predicament!


    The Dragonwood Island Master shook his head slightly.


    A thought suddenly arose in his heart¡ªshould Tingchao Cliff assist Chen Mu? If they helped Chen Mu escape from a desperate situation, should he truly reach the zenith of Martial Arts, the cause and effect would bring great benefits in the future.


    However, intervening would go against Tingchao Cliff''s longstanding principle of not meddling in Da Xuan''s conflicts. With the current chaos in Da Xuan, being forcefully involved might not be a good thing for Tingchao Cliff, and such a step would not be easy to take. Everything was still an unknown, and they needed to consider it further.


    ...


    Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    Somewhere.


    About twenty or so silhouettes were advancing non-stop along the branches of Xunmu.


    Though called branches, they were actually so large that the tree canopy spread out for nearly ten thousand miles, resembling mountain peaks. Traveling on them, one couldn''t tell they were at the treetops at all.


    Compared to the complex geography underground, the world above the canopy was even more intricate; it was not a flat plane, as one could move in all four directions. Such an immense tree was practically a world wonder, and it was a mystery how it came into being.


    The entire group was moving swiftly, keeping a close distance to each other and vigilantly observing their surroundings.


    Among them,


    the silhouette at the very front was closing his eyes, surrounded by faint green aura, cultivating what seemed to be the Wood Vein from the Five Elements, with a far stronger sense of perception than the others.


    After traveling roughly dozens of miles like this, he suddenly opened his eyes and looked up.


    "Upward, there is a settlement. However, the Wood Vein''s power brewing there is quite strong; it must be a large settlement,"


    Jiang Han said in a deep voice.


    The other Grandmasters nearby halted, listening to Jiang Han''s words, their expressions uncertain.

 Chapter 724 - 724: 405

    Large settlement!


    The treetop settlements were strikingly different from those beneath the ground. Only the elite of the Spirit People Race, who naturally possessed pure bloodlines, could reside in the treetops, said to naturally have strength on par with Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering once they reached adulthood.


    Moreover, almost all the treetop settlements would utilize Formations to harness the Power of the Wood Vein within Xunmu, and while the small and medium-sized settlements were one matter, the power of the Wood Vein Formations in the large settlements was extraordinary, almost comparable to the strength of the Blood Exchange Realm!


    However.


    These formations were still slightly inferior to the grand formations of the Da Xuan Sects.


    They had recently attacked a large settlement. With their superior numbers and continuous siege over time, they ultimately destroyed it and obtained tremendous loot, leaving almost everyone thoroughly satisfied.


    The problem was that not long before, their team had been ambushed by the evasive Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race. There had been thirty Grandmasters in their group, yet the Spiritual Ancestor had managed to kill three of them!


    Although joining forces, they were not afraid of the Spiritual Ancestor and could even confront him head-on, but with a Blood Exchange Realm expert hidden in the shadows, striking unpredictably, even with many Grandmasters together, absolute safety couldn''t be guaranteed. After all, a brief lapse could mean the difference between life and death, and the others were unable to assist in time when those three Grandmasters fell!


    The presence of the Spiritual Ancestor was undoubtedly a dark cloud looming over them.


    Everyone was very clear that the Spiritual Ancestor probably wouldn''t focus on their team the whole time. After killing three people, they had become much more cautious, even slowing down their pace to avoid any slip-ups, but no one dared to guarantee that the Spiritual Ancestor wasn''t nearby. If they were to attack another large settlement and the Spiritual Ancestor unexpectedly ambushed them midway, the situation would undoubtedly become extremely perilous.


    Their manpower couldn''t afford any further reductions. If a few more of them fell, they might not be able to resist the methods of the Spiritual Ancestor anymore. S~ea??h the novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Just then...


    If they could take down a large settlement of the Spirit People Race, the loot would be substantial. They had already acquired a significant amount, and taking down one more large settlement would leave many satisfied enough to retreat without further risk.


    And just as they hesitated.


    Jiang Han, who was leading the group, suddenly flashed a look and said, "Someone''s coming!"


    Swoosh!


    Everyone reacted promptly, turning their gazes in the direction Jiang Han was looking towards.


    Jiang Han also stared intently, continuing to sense the presence, and soon his expression slightly relaxed as he said in a deep voice:


    "It''s not the Spirit People Race."


    Hearing Jiang Han''s words, the many Grandmasters present looked at each other, their expressions slightly eased.


    This was Xunmu Cave Heaven, and regardless of which side''s forces the newcomers belonged to, it was highly unlikely that they would fight amongst themselves. After all, the Spirit People Race was the common enemy, and this was well understood by everyone. Even if there were personal grievances, each side was grouped in teams, and any significant personal vendetta would be temporarily set aside here.


    Quickly.


    Jiang Han caught sight of the approaching figures, and after a brief pause, he led his people to greet them and said from a distance, "It turns out to be His Highness of Yongning, I hope you''ve been well."


    He too came from the Central Prefecture of Da Xuan and, although not acquainted with Yan Hong, held no enmity against him.


    As he greeted Yan Hong and his team, he also observed the number of people under Yan Hong''s command, quickly noting that the group was much reduced. It seemed they had lost around five or six people since they first entered Xunmu Cave Heaven¡ªa more significant reduction in numbers than his own group.


    Realizing this,


    Jiang Han''s thoughts immediately became active.


    If they could join forces with Yan Hong''s group, the attack on that large settlement would be much more secure, and they wouldn''t fear the Spiritual Ancestor''s ambush. Moreover, with only about a dozen people left, Yan Hong''s forces might not even be able to withstand the Spiritual Ancestor and could be even more eager to find other teams to ally with. Given this, if they negotiated, they could also secure greater benefits.

 Chapter 725 - 406: Joining Forces

    At the forefront of Yan Hong''s group, the two leading figures were Yan Hong himself, and the other was none other than Chen Mu.


    Jiang Han took the initiative to step forward with a greeting. Yan Hong did not immediately respond but instead glanced sideways at Chen Mu. Seeing that Chen Mu''s demeanor was as usual, showing no particular reaction, Yan Hong then turned to greet Jiang Han and the others.


    "Lord Jiang."


    Jiang Han was someone he recognized as the lord of the Jinyun Hall of Central Prefecture, a leading figure of a sect power and one of the top grandmasters. In the entirety of Jingji Road in the Nine State region, he was indeed a person of illustrious reputation.


    As Jiang Han''s gaze swept over Yan Hong and his companions, he noticed that the man walking by Yan Hong''s side was not Yan Zhengyang but Chen Mu, which sparked a flash of confusion in his eyes, though he did not linger on it too much.


    "To speak frankly, our journey here has been quite rough. That Spirit Human ancestor attacked us underhandedly, causing the death of three brothers... I see that your group is short-handed as well. Have you also suffered at the hands of that Spirit Human ancestor?"


    Jiang Han''s thoughts were more on Yan Hong, and for a moment he did not recognize Chen Mu''s status. He then took the initiative to speak to Yan Hong.


    It appeared that Yan Hong''s group had suffered greater losses, so his tone was measured deliberately. He first mentioned the casualties his own group had sustained before tentatively inquiring about theirs.


    "That Spirit People ancestor is indeed unfathomable and troublesome. We did suffer from his hands."


    Yan Hong did not hide the fact but responded straightforwardly, while also sizing up Jiang Han''s group.


    After the Spiritual Ancestor was repelled by Chen Mu, the group had followed Chen Mu and had changed their original route, leaving the underground area to climb onto the canopy. Traveling atop the canopy for several days, they finally encountered another group.


    If Chen Mu were to leave at this time, they would have to try and join forces with Jiang Han''s group. He did not have any conflicts with her, and in the special secret realm of Xunmu Cave Heaven, he could be trusted. However, if they proposed an alliance themselves, they would be placing themselves in a passive position. Jiang Han would surely deduce that their party was not capable of resisting the threat of the Spirit Human ancestor and had to join forces with other teams, which would inevitably affect their potential gains.


    On the other hand, Jiang Han''s group had also suffered losses and seemed to have the intention of forming an alliance. This opened the table for negotiations, after all, they still owed Chen Mu a significant ''debt'' of sixty jin of Xunmu Spirit Liquid, which was not easily fulfilled.


    "This elder is mysterious and possesses exceptional strength within the Blood Exchange Realm, posing a great threat... May I inquire how the journey has been for you and your recoveries thus far?" Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Jiang Han also had his own calculations and took the initiative to ask.


    Yan Hong replied casually, "Our gains have been meager."


    Jiang Han nodded slightly and said, "We haven''t gained much either. Speaking of which, right above us, there''s a large settlement. I wonder if your highness might be interested?"


    Yan Hong, understanding Jiang Han''s intent, said, "Just a large settlement shouldn''t be difficult for Lord Jiang to conquer, right?"


    Jiang Han straightforwardly said, "Indeed, it is not too difficult, but there are still some troubles and it would take some time. The main issue is the Spirit Human ancestor who is now elusive, hiding in an unknown location. If he attacks at a critical moment, it would be extremely dangerous. If it is just us, we have to consider whether it is worth taking the risk. However, if your highness is willing to join forces with us, that would make things much more comfortable."


    Jiang Han''s words hit the mark for Yan Hong. She indeed wished to combine forces with Jiang Han''s team, and the opportunity to attack a large settlement was exactly what she needed. If they could conquer a large Spirit Human settlement on the canopy, the gains would certainly be much more than those found underground.


    "If that''s the case, we are indeed willing to partake. I wonder how you plan to divide the spoils after the conquest, Lord Jiang."


    Yan Hong asked directly.


    Gauging Yan Hong''s remaining strength by looking at her team, Jiang Han cautiously proposed after a brief evaluation, "We will lead the assault; how does a seventy-thirty split sound?"


    "That''s a bit low."


    Yan Hong''s tone was nonchalant as she spoke, "Indeed our team is short-handed, but I have the Earth Fiend Formation Flag, plus some spare flags to temporarily lend for your use."


    At the mention of ''Earth Fiend Formation Flags,'' Jiang Han''s eyes lit up slightly, not surprised, as it was normal for Yan Hong, who came from the Royal Family with deep resources, to bring such a Spirit Weapon into the Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    Although they had a type of formation on their side, it was not as effective as the Earth Fiend Formation Flags. Otherwise, they wouldn''t have suffered losses at the hands of the Spirit Human ancestor and only stabilized the situation after losing three members before finally turning him back.


    "How many Earth Fiend Formation Flags do you still have to spare?"


    Jiang Han asked thoughtfully after a moment.


    If he could get Earth Fiend Formation Flags for his team, their joint strength would increase significantly, not just by a little. Although the spoils would have to be divided among more people, they could navigate the Xunmu Cave Heaven with much less restraint, thus allowing further concessions. But that still depended on how many flags Yan Hong could provide.


    He was aware that the number of these Spirit Weapons had already greatly diminished, and given the losses of Yan Hong''s group, their numbers could have decreased further. If they only had five or six left, the effect would be significantly compromised.


    "We can spare fifteen flags."


    Yan Hong replied succinctly.


    In truth, she had more than twenty Earth Fiend Formation Flags remaining in her hands, but with only about ten people left in her party, and the main flag in her possession, she could only spare a maximum of fifteen to ensure she controlled the entire Earth Fiend formation.

 Chapter 726 - 406: Joint Effort_2

    Jiang Han, upon hearing this, his eyes lit up slightly and, after a brief reflection, said, "If that is the case, Your Highness may take forty percent."


    "Forty-five percent."


    Yan Hong bargained back.


    Being a grandmaster of distinguished status and identity among grandmasters, it looked like an ordinary haggling between commoners. However, everyone present felt nothing inappropriate about it, since what they were negotiating was the spoils from the conquest of a large settlement. Even half a percent or quarter of a percent was worth haggling over.


    After some discussion between the two parties, it was finally agreed that Yan Hong''s side would get forty-two percent, while Jiang Han''s side would take fifty-eight percent.


    Chen Mu, regarding the haggling between the two parties, did not comment. He simply looked up and showed a thoughtful expression until after Yan Hong and Jiang Han had finished their discussions. Then he finally slowly spoke up, "I''ll take one-third, the rest of you can split the remainder."


    As soon as these words were spoken,


    a sudden shock went through the crowd!


    Apart from many individuals from Yan Hong''s side who did not show any change in expression, many grandmasters from Jiang Han''s side were temporarily stunned, and then they looked at Chen Mu with a strange expression.


    One-third?


    Did he mean to take a third of the total for himself and leave the rest to be divided between him and Yan Hong''s parties?


    Who was this person to utter such bold words?


    Originally, he thought Chen Mu was someone following Yan Hong, but upon hearing Chen Mu''s remarks, he suddenly realized it might not be the case, noting that during the discussions Yan Hong had also occasionally looked towards Chen Mu.


    "May I ask who your excellency is..."


    Even though Chen Mu''s words were astonishing, as if in jest, Jiang Han still did not fly into a rage, instead asking in a deep voice.


    "From the Cold North, Chen Mu." S§×ar?h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The simple two-word reply instantaneously stirred up waves of astonishment in the hearts of Jiang Han and many grandmasters¡ªthey who were originally displeased with Chen Mu''s arrogant nonsense, now all had changing expressions revealing shock.


    Chen Mu from the Cold North!


    It could be that in the remote Outer Sea, this name might not be widely known, but almost all of them were grandmaster figures from different parts of the Da Xuan Dynasty, to whom this title was like a clap of thunder!


    A generational talent unheard of in a thousand years, the number one grandmaster in the entire Da Xuan Dynasty, and perhaps even the foremost grandmaster throughout history!


    Eight Realms of Body Tempering.


    Some were capable of striking down the Six Viscera Realm with the Five Viscera Realm, and there were peak figures of the Six Viscera Realm who could defeat Marrow-Cleansing Grandmasters. However, in history, there had never been Marrow-Cleansing Grandmasters able to defeat those in the Blood Exchange Realm, not even the weakest in the Blood Exchange Realm!


    This is because anyone who has cultivated to the Blood Exchange Realm is an exceptional genius, someone who has polished a realm to Perfection, and built fundamentals to an extreme¡ªthere is no such thing as weak in the Blood Exchange Realm!


    Even the weakest of the Blood Exchange Realm cannot be compared to grandmasters; they can easily crush top grandmasters!


    Those absolute grandmasters who rank in the top ten of the grandmasters list claim they can resist those from the Blood Exchange Realm, but in truth, they can only parry one or two moves, with a chance to retreat at best. They truly stand no chance in a real fight.


    Chen Mu alone stood apart!


    Since the establishment of the Da Xuan Dynasty, he is uniquely the only one who could contend with the Blood Exchange Realm while in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. Even more, it has been said that not long ago, Chen Mu was attacked by the Master of Xue Yin Tower but not only remained unharmed, but also repelled the Master of Xue Yin Tower!


    Such a figure, even if still in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, is essentially no different from a master of the Blood Exchange Realm. In this Xunmu Cave Heaven, he is akin to a terrifying figure like the Spiritual Ancestor!


    For a moment,


    Jiang Han and the other grandmasters were almost all visibly tense, as if the very air had become briefly oppressive. Even though Chen Mu was only one person, the pressure he brought was enough to unsettle all of the two or three dozen grandmasters present.


    Especially at this moment, when Chen Mu''s words fell, he did not conceal the Qiankun Power that swirled around him. It was majestic and tumultuous, and just a rough sense of it gave one a feeling of oppression, as if they were not facing a Marrow Cleansing Realm martial artist but a peerless master who had completed Blood Exchange and stood at the pinnacle of this era.


    Silence.


    Utter silence.


    Yan Hong''s side was quiet as death, and Jiang Han''s side was similarly silent.


    "How about it?"


    Chen Mu looked at Jiang Han, his gaze sweeping over the many grandmasters behind him, as he began to speak in a light tone.


    In his eyes now, whether it was a top grandmaster or anyone else, they didn''t amount to much. However, he considered Jiang Han''s group, able to withstand the attack of the Spiritual Ancestor, as worth noticing when seen as a whole.


    "We have no objections."


    Yan Hong spoke softly.


    She knew that this one-third wouldn''t be considered part of the sixty catties of Xunmu Spirit Liquid they needed to present to Chen Mu. However, with Chen Mu''s strength, him taking one-third was naturally nothing significant.


    Seeing Yan Hong speak up, those on Jiang Han''s side fell into a brief silence. After exchanging glances, they quickly made a decision, with Jiang Han taking the initiative to say, "Since Brother Chen is here, we have no objections either."


    Although with their strength combined they could oppose the Spiritual Ancestor and even Chen Mu, Yan Hong obviously aligned with Chen Mu. Just Yan Hong''s group and Chen Mu''s power were enough to break through that large settlement without fearing the Spiritual Ancestor. They didn''t need their combined effort. If they refused, they might not even get a share at all.


    In his view, Chen Mu taking only a third was even a sign of considerable respect to everyone.


    Of course.


    It was also possible that Chen Mu''s relationship with Yan Hong was not entirely aligned... After all, Yan Hong was part of the royal family, and Chen Mu, as a cultivator of the Qiankun Path and an aspirant to reach the pinnacle of the world, would not likely get along peacefully with the royal family. How Yan Hong came to join Chen Mu, he didn''t want to know. It was not his desire to meddle in the affairs between Chen Mu and the Da Xuan Royal Family.


    Although their Jinyun Hall also supported one of The Eight Princes, he was merely one of the Hall Masters of Jinyun Hall, not the true head of the entire Sect, the Supreme. He didn''t have the right to meddle in the affairs between Chen Mu and the Da Xuan Royal Family.


    This was Xunmu Cave Heaven. He had come for the Xunmu Spirit Liquid and the resources of Tingchao Cliff.


    Most of the others in the team felt the same.


    "Since that''s settled, let''s go."


    Chen Mu spoke calmly, looking up above, his gaze reaching for the large settlement tens of miles away.


    Leading Yan Hong''s group on the way here, he had also acquired quite a lot. The Xunmu Spirit Liquid he now possessed totaled nearly nine catties. This amount, together with the many resources he had saved earlier, he estimated was about enough to refine his Qiankun Martial Body to the Perfection level. Just in case, however, it wouldn''t hurt to gather a little more.


    It was unknown how much more Xunmu Spirit Liquid would be needed to reach the limit of the Marrow Cleansing Realm after refining the Qiankun Martial Body to Perfection. Based on past experience, the need would certainly be immense¡ªperhaps not even one or two hundred catties would suffice. But considering the abundance of resources in the entire Xunmu Cave Heaven, as long as they were thoroughly scavenged, it was likely to be enough.


    "Alright."


    As Chen Mu took the lead, Jiang Han and Yan Hong exchanged a look and without any hesitation, followed immediately. The two groups merged, forming a formidable force of over forty grandmasters, setting off in a grand procession.


    Following a nearly vertical path about a hundred zhang wide, they ascended tens of miles, crossing several bifurcations in the branches, until at last, they arrived at the center of an exceptionally vast expanse.


    At first glance,


    it was a flat area nearly ten miles in circumference, the main branch of the Xunmu, from which countless other branches extended in all directions. And at the center, there was a large cluster of unique buildings, teeming with people.


    Chen Mu and the others had just arrived at the main branch when the large settlement seemed to detect their approach. Instant turmoil ensued, followed by a surge of mighty power that shot into the sky, transforming into a swath of verdant radiance encapsulating the entire settlement. It was the immense Xunmu Power contained within this main branch, mobilized through formations!

 Chapter 727 - 407: The Power of a Single Finger

    As the Xunmu power turned into a green aurora and ascended, the large settlement was thrown into chaos.


    Many spirit humans with emerald green skin looked around in panic. As upper-class residents living in the treetops, they were vastly different from the lower-class spirit humans dwelling underground and knew much more, such as the invasion from beyond the heavens. Some even knew that a similar catastrophe happened over a hundred years ago when nearly ten out of more than thirty large settlements were breached¡ªa loss that could not be considered light!


    Now, with the disturbance of the Xunmu power and the protective formation ascending, almost instantly, they associated it with an attack from a formidable enemy from beyond the heavens.


    "Silence!"


    It was then that a voice imbued with authority spread out, quieting the chaotic settlement. Sear?h the N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    An elderly spirit human with a weathered demeanor stepped forward. He was not the Spiritual Ancestor Ling Huan but the chieftain of this settlement, Ling Feng. At this moment, his entire body exuded a formidable pressure, with strands of emerald green spiritual light twinkling around him, a match for a Marrow Cleansing Realm grandmaster.


    "The power of the Sacred Tree will surely protect us, do not lose yourselves to panic!"


    Ling Feng''s gaze swept over the area outside the settlement, toward the direction where Yan Hong, Jiang Han, and others were. He spoke in a deep voice, pounding his wooden staff on the ground, and commands swiftly flowed from his mouth.


    As an old chieftain who had governed this settlement for nearly two hundred years and had led the people to repel the invaders from beyond during the last incursion, maintaining the peace of this region, Ling Feng''s authority was unmatched.


    In an instant.


    Many spirit humans within the settlement sprang into action, escorting the elderly and children towards the central area, while the main force of each unit moved out in formation, arriving at the edge of the Xunmu Formation, standing along the formation''s light screen, confronting Jiang Han and his group from afar.


    Jiang Han and others, including Yan Hong, had already reached the vicinity of the settlement, approaching the expanse of the magnificent Xunmu Formation''s light, maintaining a certain distance while surveying the situation of the large settlement.


    "This settlement is indeed quite formidable."


    A flicker of light passed through Jiang Han''s eyes.


    His group of troops had recently breached a large settlement, but compared to this one, it was considerably inferior, especially in terms of the formation constituted by the Xunmu power. Now, maintaining a distance of nearly twenty zhang, he could still feel some pressure from the surging Xunmu power.


    If they were to attack this place with just their group, even if the Spirit People Race allowed them to take action and the Spiritual Ancestor turned a blind eye, it was not certain that they would be able to breach the settlement!


    Fortunately, they had made early estimates, and now they were joining forces with Yan Hong and others, with even Chen Mu present.


    "This settlement is indeed out of the ordinary; some of the buildings have probably been around for over a hundred years. Perhaps they weren''t breached during the last opening of the Xunmu Cave Heaven."


    Yan Hong, too, stared at the settlement ahead, feeling the power of the formation and the continuous surge of elite troops from the Spirit People Race, evaluating the strength of both sides as he spoke.


    The settlements of the Spirit People Race varied in size and strength, which was common knowledge.


    Moreover.


    The closer one got to the central region, the more formidable the encountered settlements tended to be, this strength primarily reflected in the formations condensed by the Xunmu power.


    There were two reasons for this situation: the closer to the main trunk of Xunmu, the stronger the Xunmu power naturally, and thus, the more formidable the formation. The other reason was that the settlements closer to the center had endured through more years.


    Because once every hundred years or so, the Xunmu Cave Heaven would be accessible, with many grandmasters, led by Tingchao Cliff, embarking on a crusade. Settlements near the outskirts were generally destroyed, while those deeper inside were breached less often, and thus their existence was longer, with a naturally deeper accumulation of heritage.


    According to Yan Hong''s knowledge.


    At the core of the deepest area of Xunmu Cave Heaven, the Xunmu power could even form a complete, wall-like massive formation structure, encompassing all the settlements within a vast range.


    "With our strength, taking down this place will still be as easy as turning one''s hand over. Let''s not waste any time."


    Someone spoke up.


    If it were just Jiang Han''s team, or even with Yan Hong''s group, they would still need to consider the possibility of the Spiritual Ancestor launching an attack. But now with Chen Mu also here, it was as if three contingents had converged. Even if the Spiritual Ancestor himself came, it would not be so easy to defend this settlement.


    As the voice faded, some people couldn''t hold back and took the lead in making a move.


    Humm!!


    A brilliant streak of saber light crossed the air in the strike, spanning over ten zhang, fiercely cleaving onto the Xunmu power''s condensed formation light screen, causing ripples to undulate across the emerald light screen, but beyond that, there were no other significant reactions.


    "I''ll give it a try too!"


    Someone''s eyes flickered, and they suddenly struck out with a palm from mid-air.


    Boom!


    The Power of Heaven and Earth surged tumultuously, converging into a fiery red palm imprint, with the expansive Separating Fire stirring within, swelling to over ten zhang. Then, palm lines filled the imprint, crackling sounds emanating, and even the formidable Thunderbolt power began to brew.


    This Thunder-Fire Palm Imprint was unleashed with a thunderous impact on the emerald formation light screen dozens of zhang away, once again igniting a roar and causing another series of ripples on the screen.


    "Brother Ding''s Thunderbolt Strike has become even purer, truly admirable."


    Someone laughed out loud, similarly extending a palm, from which surged powerful water energy. In an instant, a water-shaped palm imprint congealed, intermixed with vibrant streaks of lightning, the mingling forces of thunder and water converging and storming toward the Spirit People''s settlement.

 Chapter 728 - 407: The Power of a Single Finger_2

    Boom! Boom! Boom!!!


    In just a brief moment, a great number of grandmasters made their move, with countless swords, blades, and palm imprints striking through the air, colliding with the formation of the Spirit Human settlement and emitting a continuous rumble.


    Although the characters present were all inferior to Chen Mu, when scattered across the Da Xuan Dynasty, they were grandmasters who could dominate a region, individuals of extraordinary status. Now, in a joint attack and laughing while they struck, they treated the light screen of the Spirit Human settlement''s formation as if it were a target for measuring and competing in their skills.


    However, the formation of this Spirit Human settlement, which harnessed the power of Xunmu, was indeed formidable. It endured the successive attacks of more than twenty grandmasters, continuously rippling but without showing any sign of cracking, indicating the spiritual power was enduring and far from reaching its limit.


    "Hmph."


    Inside the light screen, the chieftain Ling Feng, leaning on his staff and with a piercing gaze, looked outward and said, "More than forty Spirit Venerables, indeed quite an honor for my tribe..."


    The cultivation system of Xunmu Cave Heaven was similar to the eight realms of Body Refining of Da Xuan, but had its own unique titles, with grandmasters in this place referred to as ''Spirit Venerables'', and above them, only the supreme ''Spirit Ancestors''.


    "But blessed by the power of the Sacred Tree, even if they are Spirit Venerables, it''s time to give them a taste of our might!"


    As Ling Feng''s tone shifted, his aged voice carried a trace of icy chill. He suddenly lifted his wooden staff, and in an instant, a dazzling green light gathered at the top of his staff.


    The surrounding Spirit People Race members also responded in unison, each raising their hands high, with streams of emerald spiritual light converging and flowing towards the staff in Ling Feng''s hands, quickly forming a giant Spirit Blade several tens of zhang long.


    "Go."


    With a wave of Ling Feng''s staff, the spiritual power pooled by him and hundreds of elite warriors of the Spirit Clan pierced through the air. When it passed through the light screen of the formation, it encountered no resistance and fell directly towards Jiang Han and the others.


    This strike was terrifyingly powerful, far beyond what an ordinary grandmaster could achieve!


    However, Jiang Han and others outside the light screen remained calm. Many had anticipated this and swiftly moved to the side, and even Yan Hong, who had not made a move before, now finally took action, lifting the main Formation Flag of the Earth Fiend Formation Flag high.


    Buzz!


    Within an instant, the vital force of nearly thirty grandmasters transformed, turning into surging Earth Fiend power that crazily converged in the sky, forming an Earth Fiend Blade as large as the one attacked by the Spirit Clan, clashing fiercely in mid-air.


    The resulting explosion emitted a thunderous roar that shook heaven and earth, causing the formation light screen to undulate like the sea, making the nearest grandmasters change color and hastily retreat by more than ten zhang.


    Only Chen Mu.


    He was standing not far away, watching the scene unfold without any reaction, simply shaking his head and commenting.


    "Great power, but a scattered focus."


    In terms of force, or the amount of the power of Heaven and Earth, the Earth Fiend power stirred by so many grandmasters under Yan Hong''s command, and the blow pooled by the strong Spirit Humans led by the leader of the settlement, had actually reached the level of the Blood Exchange Realm.


    Even in terms of the ''amount'', neither he nor the elderly Spirit Ancestor of the Spirit People Race could compare to the force gathered at this level, but such methods posed no threat to them.


    Because what they had gathered was merely the ''amount''.


    While the magnitude had reached the level of the Blood Exchange Realm, and even the power of Heaven and Earth mobilized by a Celestial Human exerting full effort might only amount to this much, the degree of Solidifying Refinement was vastly less, appearing grand and mighty but posing little threat to a real Blood Exchange master.


    The most obvious point was.


    Such a magnificent strike and collision, with all the earth-shaking roars and terrifying aftershocks, grand and imposing, yet not even at the center of the collision did the space shatter to create a Void Rift!


    But for the current Chen Mu, a simple pointing gesture could shatter the void. sea??h th§× N?vel?ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    That was the true disparity!


    After the deafening roar subsided, the Earth Fiend Blade condensed by Yan Hong''s formation and the giant Spirit Weapon gathered by the Spirit Clan both shattered and dispersed, causing a disturbance in the power of Heaven and Earth nearby.


    And it was at this moment that Chen Mu suddenly made his move!


    However, with just one step forward, he quietly closed in, coming directly to the front of the light screen that covered the entire large settlement''s formation, and then he stretched out his right hand and pointed towards the light screen.


    This gesture seemed casual, as if it contained no formidable presence, far less impressive than the techniques previously displayed by Jiang Han and the many grandmasters, and even less so than the strike Yan Hong solidified with the power of the Earth. To the many Spirit Humans inside the light screen, it didn''t stir any ripple, and some even wondered why Chen Mu would dare to approach so closely to the formation light screen, alone and fearless.


    Didn''t he know that the rebound of the Sacred Tree Power at such a close distance was also quite terrifying?


    Even for a person at the level of a Spirit Venerable, being shaken by the Sacred Tree Power to sustain severe injuries or even fall on the spot would be no surprise.


    The closest Spirit Humans saw Chen Mu standing just outside the light screen, mere zhang away from them, fearless and even with a trace of a cold smile in his eyes.


    But.


    In the next moment, their expressions changed simultaneously.


    Even chieftain Ling Feng turned to look sharply, his face undergoing a drastic change.


    Crack!!


    Chen Mu''s finger, with an effortless touch, made contact with the light screen, and in place of a ripple, a crisp sound rang out as if something had shattered, seeming to explode in the minds of those listening.

 Chapter 729 - 407: The Might of a Single Finger_3

    But where Chen Mu''s fingertip landed, a one-inch crack abruptly spread.


    This crack glowed a flickering white, a sign of the Void shattering!


    It wasn''t just the Void. S§×arch* The nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even the Formation Light Screen coalesced by the Xunmu power was violently shaking the next moment, like boiling water churning endlessly. The spot where Chen Mu''s finger had touched was especially bursting with a series of emerald cracks!


    Beneath these cracks, Chen Mu''s simple finger forcefully penetrated, as if puncturing a membrane, and then a terrifying amount of Vigorous surged from his fingertip, sweeping forward in a strike.


    Thud! Thud!!


    Many of the Spirit Humans closest to him could hardly react before their faces froze in horror, and then they exploded into a blood mist, their bodies obliterated on the spot.


    The spiritual light spreading from this strike even continued to spread into the distance, piercing through countless buildings before finally dissipating into nothingness, leaving a visible hole!


    "This is impossible!"


    On Ling Feng''s aged face appeared an expression of shock and disbelief.


    The power of the Sacred Tree was immensely strong, so much so that even the top Spirit Venerables of the Sacred Land couldn''t forcefully penetrate it with one strike. Even if twenty or thirty Spirit Venerables joined forces, they wouldn''t be able to destroy it in a short time.


    Even the terrifying strike formed from the power of nearly thirty Grandmasters, transformed into the Earth Fiend''s force by Yan Hong, couldn''t have pierced through the Formation Light Screen solidified by the Sacred Tree Power!


    To achieve this,


    one needed not only to possess extremely formidable strength but also to Solidify that strength to the extreme!


    Even in his brief glimpse just now, he had seen that Chen Mu''s one finger, not only penetrated the Formation Light Screen but even left trails of white cracks in the Void, tearing it apart!


    Hum!!


    The Formation Light Screen that Chen Mu had forcefully penetrated was now rippling with a rich spiritual light, accompanied by a terrifying surge of Spiritual Power like a mountainous roar and tidal wave, rebounding up close to completely overwhelm Chen Mu.


    This grand Spiritual Power was even more torrential and boundless than the forces previously mobilized by Yan Hong and Ling Feng, unstoppable as an avalanche.


    But Chen Mu, facing this power, remained composed with a calm expression, casually withdrawing his hand and stepping back dozens of feet, not confronting the mighty, onrushing Xunmu power head-on.


    Crash!


    The surging Spiritual Power instantly engulfed the hole pierced by Chen Mu''s finger, rapidly healing it while transforming into a vast river, sweeping towards Chen Mu.


    However, as the force spread with distance, it gradually weakened. By the time it had traveled over forty yards to reach Chen Mu, it had already lessened by more than half. With a simple swat of his hand, Chen Mu blasted it away, shattering it into green specks of light that fragmented and disbanded.


    At a distance.


    Jiang Han and the others had all witnessed this scene, exchanging glances, their hearts nearly trembling with shock.


    Although they all knew that Chen Mu could match someone in the Blood Exchange Realm, it was, after all, only hearsay, never having been seen with their own eyes. Now, seeing Chen Mu act, his one finger shattering the Void, tearing through the power of Xunmu, penetrating the Formation Light Screen, it was inevitable for them to feel a surge of shock.


    This strength truly was of the Blood Exchange Realm''s level, far surpassing what could be achieved in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. They were at a loss as to how Chen Mu managed to possess such formidable power while still in the Marrow Cleansing Realm. Even if he cultivated the Qiankun Path, it was still unbelievable.

 Chapter 730 - 408 Breakthrough

    "Earth Fiend Condensing Formation!"


    The many Grandmasters on Jiang Han''s side were shaken, while Yan Hong and others who had already witnessed Chen Mu''s capabilities remained much calmer. At this moment, with a flash in her eyes and a wave of the Earth Fiend Formation Flag in her hand, the Grandmasters moved in unison. A surging force of Earth Fiend Power began to condense once again.


    The grand and majestic Earth Fiend Power, with its deep, desiccated yellow color, spread like boundless land, giving a feeling of extreme solidity. It then crazily converged in the void, quickly forming into a Great Seal over ten zhang in size.


    "Fall!"


    As Yan Hong pointed with her fair hand, the Earth Fiend Seal thunderously descended, smashing mightily against the Formation Light Screen.


    Many of the Spirit People inside the Formation changed color; they had just recovered from the imposing force of Chen Mu''s finger, and faced with Yan Hong''s strike, they had no time to mobilize any defenses and could only rely on the Formation Light Screen condensed by the power of Xunmu to withstand the blow.


    Chen Mu''s finger had just shattered the Light Screen and penetrated it, causing the faith of many Spirit People to waver and their momentum to decline. Yan Hong, directing nearly thirty Grandmasters, unleashed a strike with Earth Fiend Power that felt even more terrifying than Chen Mu''s finger, in terms of sheer presence. The Great Seal descended like a mountain collapsing and the earth shattering.


    Boom!!!


    The massive Earth Fiend Seal ultimately collided with the Light Screen condensed by the power of Xunmu, erupting with an earth-shattering boom, the brute force causing ripples to emanate continuously across the Light Screen, giving off the impression that the entire Formation was on the verge of collapse. S§×ar?h the nov§×lF~ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Can it be broken?"


    Jiang Han and other Grandmasters, watching this scene, were also heartened.


    Chen Mu''s finger had damaged the Formation, and although the power of Xunmu contained within the Formation had immediately repaired the breach and countered Chen Mu with a strong rebound, it had also consumed a considerable amount of power.


    In this situation, if Yan Hong''s strike, with the power of the collective and the Earth Fiend Formation Flag, could directly destroy the Light Screen, they wouldn''t need to waste any more time here and could directly breach through and sweep across!


    If they could break through swiftly, naturally no one would want to waste more time than necessary. After all, the longer they lingered, the more variables could arise, such as reinforcements from the Spirit People Race arriving or the possibility of the Spiritual Ancestor arriving in person.


    The Spiritual Ancestor had not yet appeared, which meant he was either on his way here or delayed by battles elsewhere and unable to make it. There was no way he was afraid of their forces; after all, as long as the Spiritual Ancestor was presiding over a large settlement, with the capability of the Blood Exchange Realm to harness the power of Xunmu and control the Formation, the power exerted would be utterly different!


    Even with two teams of their own, plus the presence of Chen Mu, they might not necessarily be able to break through.


    This was also why the forces that entered Xunmu Cave Heaven, despite facing great threats from the Spiritual Ancestor, still split into multiple teams and acted separately. There always needed to be some people to draw the Spiritual Ancestor''s attention, allowing others to benefit.


    However.


    As the boom subsided.


    The massive Earth Fiend Seal caused incessant ripples on the Light Screen, even forcefully causing an inward bend and flex in the screen, but ultimately it failed to break through the Formation, the condensed Earth Fiend Power quickly ground away to nothing by the surging power of Xunmu within the Formation.


    "This is the difference..."


    Yan Hong stepped back, taking a brief moment to catch her breath, shaking her head slightly in her heart.


    In terms of the power wielded, her strike, guiding nearly thirty Grandmasters with the Earth Fiend Formation Flag, was much stronger than that of any within the Blood Exchange Realm, and even stronger than Chen Mu''s previous finger. But the final result was less effective than Chen Mu''s finger.


    Chen Mu could concentrate the vast Qiankun Power at the tip of his finger, capable of penetrating directly through the Light Screen, while she could not. Forming a ten zhang Great Seal was already the limit she could control, and though the overall force was tremendously terrifying, the inability to focus it to a single point meant her threat to the Formation was much less than Chen Mu''s.


    This comparison further demonstrated the horror of Chen Mu, causing many to look towards him more frequently, their eyes filled with dread.


    "Don''t stop, they can''t hold out much longer!"


    Jiang Han called out, prompting the many Grandmasters under his command to continue their attacks. A tsunami of techniques crashed towards the Light Screen, causing it to tremble continuously.


    Inside the Light Screen, Chieftain Ling Feng and many other elites of the Spirit People Race, who had originally intended to counterattack by relying on the Formation''s power, now appeared extremely serious. Even as the Light Screen shook violently, they dared not attempt to counterattack, instead focusing almost all their attention on Chen Mu, not far away.


    This man is terrifying!


    The Light Screen, formed by the power of the Sacred Tree, couldn''t fully block his attacks, and his threat was far greater than Jiang Han''s many Grandmasters, even greater than Yan Hong, who was controlling the Earth Fiend Formation.


    Chen Mu did not posture after his move. With another flicker of his figure, he immediately acted again, instantaneously pressing close to the Formation and pointing his finger towards the Light Screen!


    Hum.


    The Light Screen trembled violently as the surging power of Xunmu was unable to completely stop Chen Mu''s finger, which still caused the surface to crack open a gap amidst the sound of cracking.


    Then, a burst of Finger Force from Chen Mu penetrated the inside of the Formation Light Screen, spreading out and condensing Qiankun Power into a vast and towering finger, sweeping towards Ling Feng and the many Spirit People Race!

 Chapter 731 - 408: Breach_2

    Qiankun One Finger!


    Even though the Formation Light Screen blocked most of its power, the remaining force was still extremely terrifying. As soon as it was unleashed, it gave off an almost suffocating sense of oppression, as if facing the collapse of Mount Tai, unstoppable.


    "Sacred Tree Supporting the Sky!"


    Chieftain Ling Feng, as the leader of this large settlement, a figure at the Grandmaster level, reacted immediately. With an ancient shout, he lifted his wooden staff high.


    In an instant, over a hundred elite members of the Spirit People Race exerted their strength together, the surging Spiritual Power gathered and transformed into a tree. It resembled a small Xunmu tree, a verdant giant appeared suddenly, advancing towards the Finger Force pressed down by Chen Mu.


    Boom!!!


    In the void, a Qiankun Finger Print descended mightily, colliding with the illusory Xunmu giant tree, unleashing a devastating force like the earth-shattering upheaval of mountains. In the end, Ling Feng and many elite Spirit People managed to withstand this strike with great effort.


    This time, Chen Mu''s attack did not cause casualties, but the expressions of the many elite Spirit People, as well as Chieftain Ling Feng, turned rather ugly.


    The threat of Chen Mu was too great!


    He was not only able to forcefully break through the Formation Light Screen conjured by the power of the Xunmu, but even after penetrating the Formation, the remaining force was still horrifyingly potent, filled with an intense oppression, demanding their full attention to counter.


    Under such circumstances, if it were only Chen Mu alone, they could barely manage, able to hastily defend. But the problem was, aside from Chen Mu, there were a good forty-plus Grandmasters present!


    At this moment.


    The many Grandmasters, led by Jiang Han and Yan Hong, continued to bombard the Formation Light Screen. Even though this Formation Light Screen was rooted in the power of the Xunmu, seemingly endless, the pressure it bore was too great¡ªthe foundations making up the Formation had begun to buckle!


    Even though the power of the Xunmu was inexhaustible, the Formation Base that contained this force was continuously degrading. In the end, it was bound to shatter. By then, the Formation would utterly collapse.


    Full well knowing the crisis was imminent, Ling Feng and many others from the Spirit People Race were utterly helpless, their faces growing increasingly grim.


    Chen Mu, however, remained unfazed from beginning to end. From time to time, he closed in on the front of the Formation, striking with a finger, imposing pressure on Ling Feng and the many Spirit People, forcing them to be unable to divert their attention to contend against Yan Hong and the others, while also observing his surroundings.


    "Still not taking action?"


    In Chen Mu''s perception, within a several-mile radius, there was no anomaly, nor could he sense Ling Huan''s presence.


    This large settlement was under their siege, and the Formation Light Screen likely couldn''t resist even for a quarter of an hour. If Ling Huan, the Spiritual Ancestor, didn''t take action soon, this settlement would basically be unsustainable.


    But as the onslaught from Yan Hong and the others grew fiercer, and the Formation of the Spirit People Race settlement became increasingly strained, Ling Huan''s figure and presence never appeared. It was unclear whether he was being held back by other forces elsewhere or for some other reason.


    Chen Mu had always kept a measure of his strength in reserve to guard against the Spiritual Ancestor, but since the adversary never showed himself, he wouldn''t be deterred. He continued to exert great pressure with each finger strike on the Formation Light Screen and the Spirit People inside it.


    One finger,


    Two fingers,


    Three fingers,


    ...


    Forty-nine fingers!


    As Chen Mu''s forty-ninth finger descended, this momentous Finger Force touched upon the Formation Light Screen, no longer piercing through to create a small gap but instead shattered a several feet long crack that continued to spread in all directions.


    It was as if everyone heard something shattering; it was the sound of the Formation Base, which supported the Formation Light Screen and operated the power of the Xunmu, crumbling under the relentless assault, finally unable to bear the load and completely breaking apart!


    Crack! Crack!!!


    The attacks from Yan Hong and the others successively struck the Formation Light Screen, causing it to fracture like a mirror, with cracks spreading and multiplying until they were interconnected.


    Ultimately, under the horrified and despairing gazes of Chieftain Ling Feng and many Spirit People, the whole Formation Light Screen finally broke apart with a loud crash!


    "Kill."


    Without any excessive excitement, Jiang Han simply gave the cold command.


    The Formation condensed from the power of Xunmu shattered, leaving the remaining Spirit People Race like lambs to the slaughter. Although their Chieftain Ling Feng was a figure at the Grandmaster level, with over a hundred elite warriors comparable to the Six Viscera Realm under his command, together they formed a force not to be underestimated. Yet, compared to Jiang Han and many other Grandmasters, they were still far from sufficient.


    At this moment, there was no longer any need for Chen Mu to take action. Jiang Han and Yan Zhengyang had already taken the lead, penetrating deep into the large settlement and engaging in combat with Chieftain Ling Feng and many of the Spirit People Race''s elite warriors. In a moment, corpses were strewn across the ground.


    Whoosh!


    Blood spilled from the corners of Chieftain Ling Feng''s mouth, and he looked utterly disheveled as he fled into the distance without looking back, even the wooden staff in his hand bearing several cracks. He had abandoned the settlement, hoping to escape alone.


    But before he could get very far, a powerful sword light came roaring towards him, slashing towards his back. Sear?h the N?velFire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Stay."


    Yan Zhengyang spoke indifferently, sword in hand, as he chased after him.


    Facing the Sword Momentum from behind, knowing he could not evade, Ling Feng gritted his teeth, turned around, and swung his staff, striking the sword light. A clear, metallic clash erupted as he forcibly restrained the Sword Momentum.


    "Die!"


    It was then that another rough voice sounded.


    It was a burly, bronze-skinned Grandmaster from Jiang Han''s team who ferociously punched down from above, aiming for Chieftain Ling Feng''s head, the Vigorous energy brewing within his physique exploding like thunder upon impact.


    Struggling under Yan Zhengyang''s sword, Ling Feng was already overwhelmed. Confronted with this new attack, a mixture of fury and panic flashed in his eyes. He let out an ancient roar as he deployed some secret technique. Suddenly, a surge of verdant green spiritual light burst from him, blocking the burly man''s punch.


    Gush.


    After parrying two top-tier Grandmasters, Ling Feng spewed out blood, his energy instantly wilting. Nevertheless, he stubbornly clenched his teeth, rallied his strength, and tried to flee in another direction.


    Hiss!


    A deep crimson blade light struck. The third Grandmaster appeared, his appearance youthful, his face stern. Ling Feng had no strength left to fend off this strike. He could only watch the blade light approach with cracked eyes. Finally, a flash of blood, and a line appeared across his neck.


    A chieftain of a large settlement, a pivotal figure within the entire Spirit People Race, had thus fallen at the hands of three Grandmasters. He didn''t last even three exchanges, and the head that flew into the air still bore traces of disbelief.


    Yan Zhengyang and the robust man, along with the swordsman youth, exchanged glances before swiftly splitting up without delay, quickly moving to other directions to continue purging the Spirit People Race in other areas.


    In just a brief period.


    The entire large settlement was utterly fallen, swept clean by Jiang Han and the many Grandmasters!


    In the center of the settlement, Grandmasters like Jiang Han and Yan Hong had already converged, with Chen Mu also taking strides toward them, turning his gaze to an open area at the center of the settlement.


    There, in the center, or rather on the branches of Xunmu, a spring eye the size of a bowl sat, filled with a bright green liquid¡ªthe Xunmu Spirit Liquid!


    All eyes were fixed on the spring, greed unmistakable in their gazes.


    Those lower-status Spirit People Race settlements underground almost had to pay tribute every year with Xunmu Spirit Liquid and cultivated Spirit Fruits, and such precious items would ultimately accumulate in the large settlements atop the tree crowns.


    The amount of Xunmu Spirit Liquid accumulated in this spring eye seemed copious, easily amounting to several tens of jin.


    Neither Jiang Han nor Yan Hong made any moves at this time.


    Under everyone''s watchful eyes, Chen Mu stepped forward deliberately, extended his hand in a grabbing motion, and the Xunmu Spirit Liquid from the spring eye bubbled and surged out, gathering in his palm and quickly becoming a sizable mass.


    "Seventy-two jin."


    After extracting all the Xunmu Spirit Liquid, Chen Mu weighed it slightly and knew its quantity, a hint of satisfaction flickering in his eyes. He then divided the massive amount of liquid into three with a flick of his finger.


    One part, with a wave of his hand, flew towards Jiang Han and the others.


    Jiang Han hurriedly took out several containers to collect the Xunmu Spirit Liquid and then shared it with the other Grandmasters.


    Chen Mu, holding the remaining two parts in his hands, said nothing as he stored them away, with twenty-four jin counted as Yan Hong and the others'' payment, still owing him thirty-six jin.


    After all, it was a large settlement atop the canopy, far superior to the spirit settlements below. Should Yan Hong and others join forces with Jiang Han''s team to conquer another one of these large settlements, they would likely gather the sixty jin of Xunmu Spirit Liquid he required.

 Chapter 732 - 409 Martial Body Perfection

    After obtaining the Xunmu Spirit Liquid, Chen Mu didn''t linger and left directly.


    In fact, when Yan Hong and her group met with Jiang Han and his men, their agreement was considered concluded. It was only because they happened upon a large settlement that he decided to stay a bit longer, taking the initiative to partake and claim a share of the spoils.


    "Your Highness, in my view, we should prioritize befriending Chen Mu," Yan Zhengyang said to Yan Hong, after watching Chen Mu''s figure disappear.


    Before, his understanding of Chen Mu was limited to the intelligence reports; now, after some time of interaction, he could vaguely discern that even if Chen Mu wasn''t the type to abide by order, he at least maintained a neutral stance. For such characters, if preexisting conflicts exist, it''s best to resolve them unless they are utterly irreconcilable.


    With that said,


    he couldn''t help but sigh softly in his heart.


    The main issue was the current infighting among The Eight Princes, leading to endless chaos that made the whole world a tumultuous place. If Chen Mu were to really grow invincible, he could threaten the foundational rule of the entire Da Xuan.


    However, during a peaceful and prosperous era, if the world were submissive, then even a freak like Chen Mu wouldn''t be considered a threat. After all, no matter how invincible one is in the martial realm, it''s impossible to be an enemy to the entire world. At most, with unparalleled martial prowess, one could gain a degree of respect from the Da Xuan Royal Family sufficient to be recognized and granted a high status.


    Even if Chen Mu wished to disrupt the world, it''s not guaranteed he would succeed. Sear?h the n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    The founding Martial Emperor of the Da Xuan Dynasty managed to establish order during chaotic times when there was endless strife among hundreds of states and the world had long suffered turmoil. It was only during such times that he could rise with his sword and command followers in all directions, eventually bringing peace to the realm.


    In times of prosperity, the Da Xuan Dynasty Court was extremely powerful, with the ability to directly mobilize at least twenty to thirty Blood Exchange Realm masters, not to mention the elite Da Xuan army soldiers, who could even besiege Blood Exchange Realm opponents. With a single decree, various sects would follow suit; history has records of Celestial Masters being executed by the court.


    But now, things are different.


    If Chen Mu could step into the Blood Exchange Realm and gain recognition for his martial prowess, it would be easy for him to rally support from various sects amid this chaotic era, gathering a massive force that could overturn the Da Xuan rule ¨C such a statement is far from empty talk.


    "Let''s focus on collecting more Xunmu Spirit Liquid,"


    Yan Hong said after a brief moment of contemplation.


    When dealing with someone like Chen Mu, if there are no unresolvable feuds and conflicts, then naturally one should try to be as friendly as possible. However, this trip to the Xunmu Cave Heaven was somewhat owed to Chen Mu for his help, so she had a debt of gratitude towards him. Even if Chen Mu didn''t demand the sixty catties of Xunmu Spirit Liquid, she would try to repay him as best she could.


    "For now, Your Highness, it''s best to discuss the alliance with Jiang Han and his group,"


    Yan Zhengyang nodded slightly.


    Currently, being in the Xunmu Cave Heaven, there was no need to overthink. First, fulfill the agreement with Chen Mu, and as for other matters, overthinking is futile, as no one knows how things will change in the future.


    ...


    The discussion about joining forces between Yan Hong and Jiang Han''s group is of no concern here.


    With the collection of two portions, totaling forty-eight catties of Xunmu Spirit Liquid, Chen Mu now had a total of fifty-seven catties, akin to a bountiful harvest!


    Despite his short stay of less than half a month in the Xunmu Cave Heaven, his collection of Xunmu Spirit Liquid was quite substantial. However, its value remained extremely precious, as even trading for a Superior Grade Sea Calming Pearl required only three catties.


    In reality,


    most Grandmasters might not acquire even ten catties of Xunmu Spirit Liquid during their entire journey in the Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    Just like with the large settlement they previously conquered, it would be quite a challenge for Jiang Han and many other Grandmasters ¨C it could be breached only if the Spiritual Ancestor was entangled in other battles and couldn''t arrive in time.


    And even if they took the time to conquer it and obtained over seventy catties of Xunmu Spirit Liquid, the bounty would have to be divided among nearly thirty people, with the Top Grandmasters taking a larger share. Hence, even without him and Yan Hong, if Jiang Han''s group were to divide it all, an ordinary Grandmaster in the team might get at most two catties.


    To gather full ten catties, it would require conquering four or five such large settlements!


    Big settlements in the Xunmu Cave Heaven are not so easily overcome, especially the closer one gets to the central region, where the settlements are older and stronger, with formations drawing upon more powerful Xunmu forces. Additionally, the Spiritual Ancestor keeps a vigilant eye, ready to intervene at any moment, posing a real threat and pressure.


    To go after those medium or small settlements would result in meager gains, not offering much even when split among the group. If they acted separately, encountering the Spiritual Ancestor would mean certain death for a Top Grandmaster, with no chance of retaliation; the risk hardly matched the reward.


    It was only him,


    who alone could claim an entire group''s share, even doubling it by taking the portion from Yan Hong''s team. This enabled him to amass such wealth in a short time, accumulating over fifty catties of Xunmu Spirit Liquid.


    "This should be enough,"


    Chen Mu murmured, gently holding the Qiankun Bottle in his hand.


    Since he had perfected the Qiankun Martial Body to Major Achievement and left the Seven Profound Sect to come to the Outer Sea, only two months had passed. To have cultivated the Qiankun Martial Body from Major Achievement to Perfection in just two months was an unprecedented feat.

 Chapter 733 - 409 Martial Body Perfection_2

    He distanced himself from the Xunmu canopy, concealed his aura, and headed to the outskirts of Xunmu Cave Heaven. Soon, he moved far away, then found a spot and plunged underground, descending deeper until he reached an empty space where no roots of Xunmu were visible nearby and finally stopped.


    The Spiritual Ancestor of the Spirit People Race was still a threat to him.


    After all, the adversary had reached the Unity of Heaven and Man Level and could harness the power of Xunmu with unpredictable and mysterious methods. Chen Mu did not want him to interfere while he was trying to temper his Martial Body.


    However, since he was currently inside the Xunmu Cave Heaven and could not forcibly create a passage to leave due to the absence of a Void Tide that would weaken space, he had to wait for more than two months.


    Chen Mu obviously could not wait to leave the Xunmu Cave Heaven before attempting to further advance his Body Refining, so despite some risks, he went to the edge of Xunmu Cave Heaven, ready to refine his body.


    He was also unsure whether Ling Huan would come looking for him.


    Although he had concealed his aura as much as possible, making it hard for even those in the Blood Exchange Realm to detect him, the Spiritual Ancestor, at the Celestial Human Level, possessed some extraordinary perceptive abilities.


    Fortunately,


    Tempering the Martial Body was not like contemplating the Artistic Conception.


    If he were contemplating Artistic Conception, and his soul merged with the power of heaven and earth only to be suddenly disturbed, not to mention whether he could immediately gather his spirit to resist, just being disrupted could potentially harm his soul, resulting in backlash from heaven and earth.


    But Body Refining was different. Body Refining itself was a gradual process, from Skin Toughening to Body Refinement, up to Marrow Cleansing. The entire process was more or less the same, and some Body Refining processes even required martial techniques to expedite the body''s transformation.


    So even if the Spiritual Ancestor attacked suddenly during Body Refining, it would simply mean a battle!


    After clearing an area about ten yards wide, Chen Mu sat cross-legged in the center of the pit, gathered his thoughts, and with a thought, summoned the system panel.


    [Martial Body: Qiankun (Major Achievement)]


    [Experience: 629 points]


    Tempering the Qiankun Martial Body from Major Achievement to Perfection required a total of twelve thousand points of experience. S§×arch* The novel(F~)ire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Chen Mu''s earlier gains in Ice State Abyss had not been fully depleted, leaving him some remaining portion, so he was not in a hurry to use the Xunmu Spirit Liquid. He took out some of the remaining Body Refining Spiritual Objects and swallowed them one by one to refine the Medicinal Power.


    Very soon,


    the Experience Points steadily climbed.


    [Martial Body: Qiankun (Major Achievement)]


    [Experience: 3917 points]


    After depleting all the remaining Body Refining Spiritual Objects, the accumulated experience on the system panel increased by over three thousand points, which was somewhat less than what Chen Mu had initially anticipated. He had thought he might gain about five thousand points, but it turned out to be much less.


    It seemed that the effectiveness of some Body Refining Spiritual Objects had diminished after his Martial Body reached the Major Achievement stage, clearly reflected on the system panel.


    Chen Mu was not surprised by this point, as Body Refining was inherently like this. It had been the same in the past¡ªrefining becomes increasingly difficult later on, and the effects of lower grade Spiritual Objects gradually decrease.


    Just like the thirteenth extreme tempering in the Five Viscera Realm, if one wishes to rely on ordinary Viscera Refining type Spiritual Objects, thousands might not be enough. It was no longer a matter of quantity but a disparity in quality.


    Only the system panel could forcibly compensate using quantity when ''quality'' was insufficient.


    "It''s time to try this Xunmu Spirit Liquid."


    Chen Mu sensed the changes in his body, the Medicinal Power and the abundant Yuan Qi stored within. After taking a deep breath, he once again took out several items from the Qiankun bottle, including previously acquired Earth Spirit Fruit and precisely the Xunmu Spirit Liquid.


    Without much hesitation, he swallowed the Earth Spirit Fruit and then took a swallow of one or two of the Xunmu Spirit Liquid.


    The Xunmu Spirit Liquid was very rich. One or two was just a small gulp, but upon swallowing, he immediately felt a vigorous vitality brewing, swiftly spreading throughout his limbs and bones, as if roots were growing inside his body, spreading lush branches and leaves.


    Chen Mu had previously tasted the medicinal effects of the Xunmu Spirit Liquid, but that time it was just a drop. This time, he directly consumed one or two, and also ingested the Earth Spirit Fruit, further refining the medicinal power of the Xunmu Spirit Liquid.


    The experience on the system panel quickly increased.


    [Martial Body: Qiankun (Major Achievement)]


    [Experience: 4055 points]


    "Very good."


    Chen Mu looked at the changes on the system panel, revealing a rather satisfied expression. The Xunmu Spiritual Liquid provided nearly 200 Experience Points. Although it was also mixed with an Earth Spirit Fruit, it was still quite good.


    He did not hesitate much and quickly continued to consume the Xunmu Spiritual Liquid.


    Had anyone in the outside world, including the Dragonwood Island Master or the people of Tingchao Cliff, seen Chen Mu consuming the Xunmu Spiritual Liquid in such a manner, they would have been heartbroken and shocked. The various uses of Xunmu Spiritual Liquid made it one of the most luxurious methods for Body Refining and Marrow Cleansing. No Grandmaster could afford or be willing to use it so lavishly.


    On the other hand, although the Xunmu Spiritual Liquid could enhance Body Refining, the Spiritual Power and vitality it contained were extremely substantial. Typically, those at the Six Viscera Realm could at most refine a drop or two at a time; otherwise, their bodies simply could not endure it.


    Even for Grandmaster characters at the Marrow Cleansing Realm, consuming two or three ounces at a time was usually sufficient¡ªthey could not possibly drink it continuously like Chen Mu, swallowing gulp after gulp as if drinking wine, consuming nearly a pound in a moment!


    Even those who had cultivated the powerful Martial Bodies like "Yin Yang" and "Five Elements," those unparalleled Grandmasters, could not handle consuming a pound or two of Xunmu Spiritual Liquid at once without placing a tremendous burden on their Viscera and risking damage.


    However, Chen Mu felt nothing at all.


    Even as he consumed two pounds of Xunmu Spiritual Liquid in a short time, he still felt no pressure.


    The Extreme Tempering of his Five Viscera and Six Viscera had built an exceptionally substantial foundation for him. Even as the Spiritual Power in the Xunmu Spiritual Liquid surged and washed through his Viscera, he easily bore it.


    The Viscera, having undergone Extreme Tempering, had already transcended the category of mere flesh. They themselves were more like crystalline products condensed by the Power of Heaven and Earth, naturally bearing the force of Xunmu born between Heaven and Earth without any stress.


    Two pounds,


    Three pounds,


    Four pounds,


    ...


    Chen Mu kept consuming the Xunmu Spiritual Liquid, and the Experience Points on the system panel continued to accumulate.


    Finally,


    after he had consumed a full fifteen pounds of Xunmu Spiritual Liquid, the experience on the system panel changed.


    [Martial Body: Qiankun (Major Achievement)]


    [Experience: 12109 points]


    He had finally reached twelve thousand points!


    At this moment, even with Chen Mu''s Viscera and Six Viscera, which had undergone Extreme Tempering, bearing fifteen pounds of Xunmu Spiritual Liquid within a short time, he finally felt some burden. After taking a deep breath, he made his decision without hesitation and chose to ascend.


    Buzz!!!


    Accompanied by a flash of light across the system interface.


    Chen Mu felt the originally chaotic, almost uncontrollable vast Spiritual Power within him suddenly being handled by an obscure manipulation, instantly stabilizing everything and penetrating deeply into his body.


    This surging Spiritual Power, like great waves, entered every limb under the control of the system panel, reached the depths of his bones, entwined around the marrow within, and continuously tempered and cleansed it, causing the crystal-clear jade bones'' marrow to gradually transform.


    This process then became prolonged.


    But under the control of the system panel, the entire tempering and Marrow Cleansing process was orderly, with no chaos or any loss of Spiritual Power or Medicinal Power. All the Spiritual Power was evenly distributed throughout his body, tempering and cleansing.


    Time passed unknowingly, and when the last bit of Spiritual Power was exhausted, Chen Mu finally opened his eyes, his eyes vividly spirited, as if a streak of green radiance had broken through the soil, shooting straight into the sky!


    However, this radiance lasted only a moment before it vanished into nothingness, and his eyes quickly returned to their deep appearance.


    "It''s done."


    Chen Mu raised his right hand, hovering in the empty air.


    A shocking scene occurred. As he clenched his five fingers, it seemed as though he had turned the Void into substance, holding it in his palm. With one tap, the Void in the center of his palm shattered, forming continuous white fissures!


    The advancement on the system panel was naturally without error and occurred as expected. Since stepping into the Marrow Cleansing Realm and reaching the Grandmaster level less than a year and a half ago, his Qiankun Martial Body had already entered the state of Perfection!


    Marrow Cleansing Realm Perfection!


    This was the pinnacle that all Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters of the current era could achieve. At this step, there was essentially no further advancement. From here on, one must pursue the threshold between life and death, integrating with Heaven and Earth, bearing the Power of Heaven and Earth to wash away and temper Essence Blood, and reaching the Blood Exchange Realm.

 Chapter 734 - 410: Action

    Having reached the Perfection level of the Qiankun Martial Body, compared to the previous Major Achievement level, both his physique and Gang Power had increased by nearly thirty percent. For such a small step, this was indeed a significant jump.


    Moreover, this increase in strength was purely in physique and Yuan Gang Force. Chen Mu could feel that his power in the Xunmu Cave Heaven was not limited at all!


    Unlike the Spiritual Ancestor!


    Although the opponent had reached the Unity of Heaven and Man realm, his strength relied more on harnessing The Power of Heaven and Earth and controlling the power of Xunmu, which belonged to the forces of the entire world of Xunmu Cave Heaven. Naturally, he faced some restrictions, which prevented him from exerting the true power of a Celestial Human Level master.


    However, Chen Mu was different; his breakthrough was not at the level of Artistic Conception but pure physique. This thirty percent increase might not allow him to easily crush Ling Huan, the Spirit People Ancestor, but defeating him would pose no issue!


    He did not even need the help of others! S~ea??h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Even.


    If he had a group like Yan Hong to control the Earth Fiend Formation Flag, limiting Ling Huan in the process, Chen Mu even had some confidence in killing this nearly thousand-year-old Spirit People Ancestor on the spot!


    Chen Mu, feeling the change in his power, had a flicker of light in his eyes as he pondered deeply.


    In Xunmu Cave Heaven, the only one who could now stop him was Ling Huan, the Spirit People Ancestor. Others, like those large settlements, could no longer block his path. He could even force his way in alone.


    As for teams like Jiang Han''s Grandmasters, they posed no threat to him. Perhaps previously, many teamed up in formation could have held him off; now, even two or three teams combined could hardly stop him.


    However, in Xunmu Cave Heaven, these people would not be his enemies. The main concern was Ling Huan. If he could solve this, then he could basically take whatever he wanted from the accumulated resources of Xunmu Cave Heaven, unknown for how many years.


    But after careful thought, it was still not so easy to kill Ling Huan. After all, the opponent was a Celestial Human expert, with all kinds of profound methods, even capable of escaping by relying on the body of Xunmu, unless ambushed in advance to trap him and prevent his escape.


    "To strike at Ling Huan, I must hit hard in one go, not giving him any chance to retaliate; otherwise, if he escapes deep into Xunmu Cave Heaven, fortifying in the Forbidden Land, he will be as stable as Mount Tai."


    Chen Mu contemplated in his heart.


    The closer to the center of Xunmu Cave Heaven, the stronger the power of Xunmu. Characters like the Spirit People Ancestor, if they felt threatened, could hide in the core area and completely give up most of Xunmu Cave Heaven, making it as difficult as ascending to the skies to deal with them afterward.


    As far as he knew, the strength of the formation in the core area of Xunmu Cave Heaven was no less than the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation of the Seven Profound Sect, perhaps even slightly better. If controlled by an existence like the Spiritual Ancestor, it would make no difference from Yin Heng controlling the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, essentially belonging to the most extreme force of the present age, which even top Celestial Human experts might not be able to contend with.


    Therefore, if striking at the Spiritual Ancestor, do not act unless necessary, but if acting, must kill.


    Without such a Celestial Human expert in control, even if the formation of the core area was as robust as the Qiankun Lock Dragon Formation, it might not be able to withstand him then, a region that had never been breached for a thousand years, nearly all resources of the entire Xunmu Cave Heaven were concentrated there, far beyond comparison with those outer settlements.


    "Defeating is easy, killing is difficult, but if my Qiankun Martial Body could advance further..."


    Currently, if he wanted to slay Ling Huan, he still needed to plot thoroughly, needing to contact people like Yan Hong, and it was hard to be absolutely certain, especially since this place was Xunmu Cave Heaven, the territory of the Spirit People Race.


    But if his Qiankun Martial Body could advance further, cultivating to the limit of the Marrow Cleansing Realm, it might be a completely different story!


    Based on past experience.


    Whether it was the Five Viscera Realm or the Six Viscera Realm, moving from Perfection to the limit was a significant jump, this step far exceeding the previous small steps, qualifying as a qualitative change!


    Even though it was not akin to jumping across a major realm, the strength improvement brought about by this qualitative change was tremendously significant.


    Even.


    If it was not such a great leap, just a further thirty percent increase in physique and Gang Power from the current base, he would at least have a ninety percent confidence in killing Ling Huan even if acting alone!


    Chen Mu was not clear how strong an unrestricted real Celestial Human expert was, but if he could cultivate the Marrow Cleansing Realm to its limit, he might not be unable to reach the heights of the heavens and stand shoulder to shoulder with the sun!


    However, based on past experience, the step from Perfection to the limit was much more difficult than before.


    He thought for a moment and summoned the system panel.


    [Martial Body: Qiankun (Perfection)]


    [Experience: 109 points]


    "Indeed."


    Chen Mu briefly tried and knew the experience needed to advance the Martial Body from Marrow Cleansing Perfection to the limit; the leap was radically different, needing a full hundred thousand points of experience!


    Hundred thousand points of experience, converting to Wood Spirit Liquid, would require at least about two hundred kilograms.


    However, after figuring out the particular conditions, Chen Mu breathed a sigh of relief. Two hundred kilograms of Wood Spirit Liquid seemed a lot, but for him now, it was not much; he could just clean out two large settlements!


    Earlier, breaking through a large settlement alone indeed wasn''t easy, needing both time and effort. Besides, there was also the hidden threat of the Spiritual Ancestor. But now, his Body Tempering Cultivation had advanced further, seemingly only a thirty percent improvement, but in reality, it had surpassed a boundary, the limit that those formation forces could withstand!

 Chapter 735 - 410 Action_2

    Like the formation at the large settlement before, the screen condensed by Xunmu''s power, he only managed to create a gap with his full-fledged attack, using "Qiankun One Finger," which was not his commonly used technique. However, it was the highest refined move he had that could forcibly penetrate the layer of the light screen, piercing only a mere gap.


    But now, it was different.


    This thirty percent increase in physique wasn''t the final straw that broke the camel''s back; it was like adding a whole bundle!


    The earlier formation made by the power of Xunmu could no longer stop him!


    It can be said that in the entire Xunmu Cave Heaven, except for the core areas, everywhere else he could now traverse with ease, and no place could hinder him!


    "Two hundred kilograms of Xunmu Spirit Liquid, that''s not too much."


    Chen Mu closed the system panel, his gaze became tranquil as he looked deeper into the Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    ...


    Chen Mu had advanced his Qiankun Martial Body from Major Achievement to Perfection in just a few days, yet within these days, great changes had taken place in Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    On the canopy above.


    A group was advancing.


    About twenty-six or seven people, clad in two different types of garments, each with a presence as deep as an abyss, came from two of the major forces of the Outer Sea, Pure Sea Palace and Vast Ocean Pavilion.


    Due to the special circumstances of Xunmu Cave Heaven, Tingchao Cliff never prohibited Grandmasters from Pure Sea Palace and Vast Ocean Pavilion from entering, but relationships amongst the three major Great Sects of the Outer Sea were complicated. Since Xunmu Cave Heaven was in the waters overseen by Tingchao Cliff, Pure Sea Palace and Vast Ocean Pavilion always acted in concert during the opening of Xunmu Cave Heaven, each dispatching members to form a team.


    Leading Pure Sea Palace was Shen Borui, one of the top Grandmasters of the Outer Sea, famed throughout the region.


    On Vast Ocean Pavilion''s side, it was led by Long Shaochang, another top Grandmaster comparable to Shen Borui, and the two of them had a rather good relationship. Thus, for this journey into Xunmu Cave Heaven, they each led a group in cooperation.


    At this moment.


    As they walked atop the crown of Xunmu trees, the atmosphere among the group was rather light.


    Since stepping into Xunmu Cave Heaven more than half a month ago, their journey had been smooth sailing without any dangers or attacks from the Spirit Ancestor. Along the way, each had their gains, albeit the only downside being they hadn''t encountered any large settlements, their gains were mainly from several smaller ones.


    "Brother Long, it seems your luck isn''t great these days. Choosing this route, we haven''t encountered even one larger Spirit settlement over half a month; we might have been better off following my route."


    Shen Borui looked at Long Shaochang with a chuckling tone. Although his words carried a hint of blame, it was more in jest.


    Although they hadn''t made significant gains on this route, they also hadn''t encountered any major dangers, not even any slightly troublesome problems. The Spirit settlements they came across either had no power to resist or did not resist at all, simply abandoning their settlements and fleeing.


    Long Shaochang glanced at Shen Borui and said, "If we had followed your route, we might have run into that Spirit Ancestor right from the start and been harassed by it all along, probably ending up with scant harvests. Brother Shen, have you forgotten the last exploration of the sea cave? I followed you, and we were chased by a Ninth Rank sea demon for a good half of the month with nothing to show for it!"


    Hearing Long Shaochang''s words, Shen Borui was not embarrassed but laughed it off and said, "That was an accident, and besides, what goes around comes around, the balance of fate. Last time my luck was poor; this time it must be the best. Moreover, Xunmu Cave Heaven is not the sea cave, what risks could there be? Though the Spirit Ancestor is strong, together we stand unafraid."


    His words were filled with considerable confidence and morale.


    This confidence stemmed from the fact that all Grandmasters present cultivated the ''Vast Ocean'' Artistic Conception!


    Although this was the Outer Sea, not everyone practiced the Vast Ocean lineage; after all, some are naturally not aligned with this path. It''s just that many Grandmasters of the Outer Sea do practice this way. Even so, it was only by the joint forces of Pure Sea Palace and Vast Ocean Pavilion that they could muster up twenty-seven Vast Ocean Grandmasters.


    All cultivating the same lineage and joining forces to activate the ''Vast Ocean Great Formation,'' their actions were smooth and integrated, even more direct than the Earth Fiend Formation Flags carried by Yan Hong, effectively combining offense and defense.


    With their martial cultivation stemming from the same source and their ability to form formations, even a sneak attack by the Spirit Ancestor would not scare them as their strength had already been proven. Even a Blood Exchange Realm expert like the Dragonwood Island Master could not overcome these twenty-seven Grandmasters unified in the Vast Ocean Great Formation; they were a formidable match.


    "Even so, since he is a character from the Blood Exchange Realm, it''s better to be cautious."


    Long Shaochang slowly said.


    The group continued forward, and after a while, Long Shaochang suddenly stopped. A gleam flashed in his eyes as he looked towards a certain direction ahead.


    Shen Borui also stopped in his tracks, his face showing a hint of surprise, then exchanged a glance with Long Shaochang.


    They both detected an anomaly not far away, a place where many Spirit Humans gathered, and by the looks of it, it was much larger than any of the small to medium settlements they had encountered on their way in. It was clearly a large settlement!


    Excitement flashed in the eyes of Shen Borui and Long Shaochang.


    As top Grandmasters from two Great Sects of the Outer Sea, they were all too familiar with the information about Xunmu Cave Heaven. Such large settlements held extremely rich resources; the stored Xunmu Spirit Liquid alone amounted to at least forty to fifty kilograms.


    "What do you think, Brother Shen?"


    A faint smile appeared on Long Shaochang''s face as he looked toward Shen Borui.


    Far from embarrassed, Shen Borui simply chuckled and said, "It seems Brother Long is quite fortunate this time... However, this large settlement won''t be so easy to break through. Let''s be cautious."


    "Let''s go over and see."


    Long Shaochang nodded slightly and then was about to lead his men forward.


    But just then,


    a crisis erupted!


    The branches of Xunmu under their feet suddenly burst forth with a surge of Xunmu power, transforming into a giant azure hand that reached for one of the men at the back and grasped him entirely, about to crush him!


    "Not good!"


    Shen Borui''s expression changed slightly; the man was one of the Grandmasters from his Pure Sea Palace, and his face showed terror.


    Without any hesitation, aura enveloped Shen Borui as he shouted low,


    "Vast Ocean, form up!"


    All the Grandmasters of the Pure Sea Palace acted simultaneously, their auras merging together, instantly causing the sky to darken as if a torrential ocean was born, roaring fiercely.


    Seeing that it was a Grandmaster from Pure Sea Palace who was attacked, a strange light flashed in Long Shaochang''s eyes, but he reacted promptly, joining forces with Shen Borui and others to stimulate the Artistic Conception of Vast Ocean. In an instant, their forces interconnected and merged.


    The other Grandmasters from Vast Ocean Pavilion also responded in kind.


    Even though it was a member of the Pure Sea Palace who was attacked, now that they were united in exploring the Xunmu Cave Heaven, they could not hesitate to save him. Otherwise, any gap between them could lead to greater troubles for both parties moving forward, especially since the attacker could mobilize such powerful Xunmu force, far stronger than common Grandmasters; undoubtedly, it must be a Spiritual Ancestor!


    They had been discussing how smoothly everything had gone so far without an attack from a Spiritual Ancestor, and yet here it was.


    Perhaps it was because they were approaching a large settlement. Sear?h the ¦Çov§×lFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    What was unknown was why this Spiritual Ancestor did not wait until they attacked the large settlement to make a move. Had he struck then, while they were restrained by the settlement''s defenses, they could have been careless and might have suffered casualties!


    "Buzz."


    The very next moment, as the azure hand formed by Xunmu power tightened around the Grandmaster from Pure Sea Palace, the tumultuous power of the Vast Ocean emerged. His aura linked with those around him, forming an immense ocean.


    All were Grandmasters of the Vast Ocean lineage and did not even need their auras linked; their individual Artistic Conceptions were enough to naturally merge into one. This efficiency and speed were even swifter than the Earth Fiend Formation Flags, thus reducing any chances of exploitation.


    After all, with a Blood Exchange Realm expert like a Spiritual Ancestor launching an attack as swift as thunder, they might be caught off-guard and unable to activate their Yuan Gang True Essence in time, but it was impossible to surprise them before they could deploy their Artistic Conception.


    Artistic Conception, reaching up to the level of Domain, unfurls in just a moment of thought!


    Once activated and merged, forming the force of the Vast Ocean Great Formation, they could stand unified, unafraid of the Spiritual Ancestor.


    With a crash!!


    Along with the explosive sweep of the Vast Ocean Tide, the tightly gripping azure hand around the Grandmaster from Pure Sea Palace began to show countless cracks. Accompanied by the sounds of snapping, it was shattered directly by the surging force of the Vast Ocean!

 Chapter 736 - 411: Two Spirit Ancestors

    Seeing the emerald hand getting crushed.


    The Grandmaster of the Pure Sea Palace who was attacked slightly relaxed at heart, and a hint of complacency flashed through his eyes. Although fending off that strike was not his own ability, but the combined effort of everyone, surviving an assault from a Blood Exchange Realm expert was definitely worth talking about extensively.


    The Spiritual Ancestor was nothing more than this.


    Shen Borui thought this, his eyes revealing a trace of composure.


    Long Shaochang also had a flicker of light in his eyes, feeling that the previous strike, although much stronger than the Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters, had indeed reached the level of the Blood Exchange Realm, but compared to the capabilities described in the intelligence about the Spiritual Ancestor, it seemed somewhat lacking. He wondered whether the Spiritual Ancestor was injured or had become too old and was finally decaying.


    However, no matter what, since the other party was a Blood Exchange Realm expert, he should not be underestimated. Now that an ambush had been launched, it was still best to quickly regroup and strengthen their defenses.


    At this moment, everyone''s attention was focused in one direction, where the power of Xunmu surged, possessing an aura distinct from the Marrow Cleansing Realm Grandmasters and stronger than anyone present.


    Just as Long Shaochang was about to issue an order for everyone to consolidate and fortify.


    Another twist occurred!


    Swish! S§×arch* The ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    On a particularly thick extended branch behind everyone, the robust Xunmu suddenly twisted, flowing like mud and rocks, and a figure emerged from the branch, arriving silently in an instant behind another Grandmaster from the Vast Ocean Pavilion who was positioned on the outskirts!


    His face aged, his eyes showing a cold indifference, he swung forward a piece of Xunmu heart branch in his hand, unleashing a surge of emerald Spiritual Power. It was indeed Spiritual Ancestor Ling Huan!


    "Oh no."


    The attacked Vast Ocean Pavilion Grandmaster''s expression drastically changed.


    Everyone''s focus was locked in the direction where a powerful surge of Spiritual Power was felt, undoubtedly belonging to the Spiritual Ancestor. How could another Spiritual Ancestor appear behind him?!


    This sudden event stunned everyone on the field.


    Because everyone''s focus was interconnected, almost all were confronting the powerful surge in front of them, locking onto its location, and the surge in front had never disappeared, the sudden appearance of a second one from behind was completely unexpected!


    "This is bad."


    Long Shaochang''s pupils also constricted intensely.


    As everyone''s attention was concentrated in front, and the consolidated force of Vast Ocean was confronting the aura in front, facing the second ''Spiritual Ancestor'' suddenly emerging from behind, they were unable to react immediately!


    The tide-like force of the Vast Ocean, under everyone''s control, slightly shifted direction in an attempt to defend against the Spiritual Ancestor who had suddenly appeared from behind, but this time they were a step too late!


    Pff.


    The Spiritual Ancestor''s gaze was indifferent, and his Xunmu heart branch had already pierced through, wiping out most of the chest of that Vast Ocean Pavilion Grandmaster, leaving only half a torso.


    "Ah..."


    The Vast Ocean Pavilion Grandmaster, with half his body lost, still had a trace of disbelief in his eyes, and he desperately reached out with his remaining right hand, trying to lift it with difficulty, but eventually, all his strength was quickly drained, and he collapsed into a pool of blood.


    Many Grandmasters who appeared somewhat composed were now incredibly shocked and dared not underestimate the situation, and without even needing Long Shaochang''s command, they had already retreated, gathering together instantly.


    And at that moment.


    Under everyone''s consolidated Vast Ocean Formation, they could sense two distinct auras!


    These two forces, one strong and one weak, but undoubtedly both were much stronger than the Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters, having reached the level of the Blood Exchange Realm!


    "Two?"


    Shen Borui looked horrified.


    Although cultivators of Martial Arts like Kan Water and Blood Fiend could use certain techniques to temporarily congregate a clone, both forces under their Vast Ocean Great Formation''s lock were real beings, not Spirit Power condensed clones.


    And as everyone watched in horror, the aura hidden within Xunmu in front slowly revealed its true form, which was a young Spirit Human, his skin emerald, looking much younger than Ling Huan, but the aura resonating around him was undoubtedly of the Blood Exchange Realm level, surpassing Marrow Cleansing.


    The second Spiritual Ancestor!


    No.


    More accurately, it should be said... the newly emerged ''Spirit Ancestor'' of the Spirit People Race, the second newly birthed Blood Exchange Realm!


    "How could this be?"


    Long Shaochang also felt somewhat incredulous.


    As a character from one of the three great sects of the Outer Sea, their understanding of Xunmu Cave Heaven and even the Spirit People Race was much deeper than others. For example, although Xunmu Cave Heaven was rich in resources, the top Spirit People even had inexhaustible Wood Spirit Liquid, but this Cave Heaven World had certain limitations and it was almost impossible to breakthrough to Blood Exchange within Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    Even for Spiritual Ancestor Ling Huan, in their judgment, he most likely used some special method to step into the Blood Exchange Realm. For a thousand years, no second Spiritual Ancestor had been born in the entire Xunmu Cave Heaven, which led them to believe that the number of Blood Exchange Realm entities that Xunmu Cave Heaven could support was at most one.


    But now, their previous judgment had been completely overturned!


    "Wood Spirit derivation!"


    The young new-era Spirit Ancestor, Ling Ji, now looked at Shen Borui and others with indifferent eyes, even expressing hatred, and with an open hand, he reached forward with a remote press.

 Chapter 737 - 411: Two Spirit Ancestors_2

    Accompanied by a surge of tumultuous spiritual power, the branches of the Xunmu in the area vibrated instantaneously. The overwhelming power of Xunmu surged violently, and in a moment, from the flat surface of the Xunmu beneath everyone''s feet, sections of bright emerald-new branches and leaves extended, continuously growing, transforming into wooden green dragons that twisted towards Shen Borui and the others, threatening to strangle them! S~ea??h the N??eFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "Embrace all rivers!"


    Shen Borui and Long Shaochang exclaimed in unison.


    Both reacted extremely quickly. At this moment, facing two figures from the Blood Exchange Realm¡ªeven though one was newly promoted and not as strong as the Spirit Ancestor Ling Huan¡ªthey undeniably posed a threat greater than the Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters. United in their efforts, the threat was substantial; a single misstep could bury them all right there!


    Clash!!!


    All the grandmasters present, who traversed the Outer Sea, recognized the grave danger of the situation and, without any hesitation, cooperated fully. They connected through Artistic Conception, forming a surging Vast Ocean.


    This ocean water roared and churned, seemingly solidifying into an endless vortex that could swallow everything in the world.


    Boom!


    The vortex continuously collided with the wooden green dragons attacking from all directions, creating sounds like waves crashing against the shore, thunderously rumbling, with never-ending tides.


    Despite the fierce and formidable resilience of these wooden green dragons, they could never breach the whirling ocean tides to break through.


    However,


    Neither Shen Borui, Long Shaochang, nor other grandmasters dared to be careless at this moment; none felt even slightly at ease.


    Because what they were holding off was only Ling Ji, newly promoted to the realm of Blood Exchange. Although the opponent''s maneuvers and aura reached the level of the Blood Exchange Realm, they could still sense Ling Ji''s weaknesses in direct confrontation. In terms of strength, Ling Ji probably ranked among the weakest in the Blood Exchange Realm. Compared to the grandmasters from the Vast Ocean Pavilion and Pure Sea Palace in their realms, there was a clear shortcoming. Thus, everyone working together could almost easily hold off the assault.


    Yet, the issue was the presence of another¡ªLing Huan!


    This individual was the Spirit Ancestor who had ruled over the Spirit People Race for a thousand years, residing in the Blood Exchange Realm with terrifying strength.


    It was indeed Ling Huan who had taken advantage of their distraction and suddenly struck, killing a grandmaster from the Vast Ocean Pavilion on the spot. Now, the corpse was obliterated between their clashing forces.


    Ling Huan seemed intent on sharpening Ling Ji''s techniques and did not strike immediately, merely placing immense mental pressure on Shen Borui and the others from the side. However, he didn''t wait too long; after a brief silence, he casually lifted his right hand, forming a Finger Print.


    "Sacred Tree Blossoming."


    Along with the aged voice of Ling Huan reverberating,


    Those ferociously attacking wooden dragons briefly halted, then abruptly, bright red flowers sprouted lushly along their robust bodies, each petal crystalline and glittering like glass.


    His!


    With a flick of Ling Huan''s fingers, those countless petals instantly dispersed, transforming into a sky filled with floral rain. Each flower contained highly concentrated Xunmu power, like blades whistling as they swept across.


    Initially, Shen Borui and the others had easily blocked the coiling wooden dragons, but now with Ling Huan''s intervention, the sky filled with petals was like relentless knife slices pouring down, instantly intensifying the pressure on the Vast Ocean Great Formation!


    With more than ten massive wooden dragons circling and entwining, bringing with them a sky full of petals, they clashed with the oceanic vortex continuously. After a stalemate, the balance started to break.


    Pop.


    A petal quietly penetrated the oceanic vortex, flying toward the inner side of the Vast Ocean Formation.


    Directly in its path was a grandmaster from the Pure Sea Palace, his expression intensely solemn as he maintained the operation of the Vast Ocean Great Formation, while also slightly struggling to lift his right hand, flicking his finger.


    Pop!


    The petal shattered with his flick, causing no damage.


    But immediately after, the second and third petals began to permeate the tide, attacking from all directions.


    Some were shattered by the flicking fingers of the grandmasters from the Pure Sea Palace and Vast Ocean Pavilion, but others were too numerous to handle, whistling past, slicing through clothing, and leaving trails of blood on the skin, causing droplets of blood to spurt.


    "..."


    Seeing the situation gradually deteriorating, Shen Borui and Long Shaochang exchanged looks, their faces painted with an ugly expression.


    Unable to withstand it!


    When two Blood Exchange Realm beings of the Spirit People Race joined forces, even if the newly promoted one was not particularly strong, the mere pressure of his support allowed Ling Huan to attack more wildly.


    Moreover, they were initially unprepared, and Ling Huan killed one of them at the start, which made the situation even more difficult!


    If it had been just Ling Huan alone, then even if they lost two or three more people, they would still have confidence to withstand him, but the addition of Ling Ji changed everything completely. According to Shen Borui and Long Shaochang''s judgement, at least four or five more people would be needed to fully block them!


    Lacking these four or five people created a fatal imbalance!


    If this continued, their Vast Ocean Great Formation would eventually be completely worn down, and ultimately, everyone would perish here.


    "This won''t do."


    As he watched more petals breach the defense and invade, Long Shaochang''s heart gradually sank.


    Shen Borui took a deep breath at that moment, casting his gaze towards Long Shaochang. Though he didn''t speak, Long Shaochang understood what Shen Borui meant, but hesitation still rose in his heart.


    If they couldn''t hold the front, the only way out was to flee, but that path was almost certainly a desperate gamble!


    Although they had many people and could briefly break free from the situation with the explosion of the Vast Ocean Great Formation, once they scattered to flee, those who were targeted by Ling Huan and Ling Ji were almost certainly doomed, with virtually no chance of escaping from their grasp.


    The only thing they could rely on was the possibility of splitting up into over twenty people, each fleeing in different directions, thereby preventing Ling Huan and Ling Ji from being able to pay attention to everyone, which could allow some of them to escape. They would then try to find other teams to join and pass on intelligence to have a possibility of surviving.


    Otherwise, with two Blood Exchange realm beings jointly attacking and killing, the balance would be completely disrupted, and few teams could survive. If they didn''t react quickly, everyone there could end up dead!


    Escape.


    People would die immediately, but some might have a chance to live.


    If they continued to resist stubbornly, it would be like boiling frogs in warm water. In at most a half Hour, everyone would perish here!


    Unless within this half Hour, another team happened to pass by, noticed the fight here, and came to support, but the likelihood of such a situation was too low.


    After all, Xunmu Cave Heaven was comparable in size to the State of Da Xuan, covering an area of nearly ten thousand miles. Although over a hundred Grandmasters had entered and were split into many teams, they counted for little in such an enormous area.


    After a short moment of gritting teeth,


    Long Shaochang finally made a decision, responding to Shen Borui with a glance.


    Grandmasters from both Pure Sea Palace and Vast Ocean Pavilion reached an agreement. It was a matter of moments before their opinions converged, then Shen Borui and Long Shaochang took a deep breath each, their Yuan Gang transforming into surging Vast Ocean power.


    "Boundless as the Sea and Sky!"


    Whoosh!!


    It was like a towering tsunami surged up, opening up a space of deep blue lofty skies and a silent vast ocean.


    The azure Vast Ocean power momentarily stalled in a vortex shape, then exploded in all directions, instantly grinding nearly all the petals to dust, shattering the ten-odd winding wooden dragons in the process.


    Ling Ji''s expression slightly changed, and he immediately retreated dozens of meters.


    Ling Huan, however, did not retreat but raised the Xunmu Heart Branch in his hand to withstand the aftermath of the explosion.


    Whoosh! Whoosh!!


    As the aftermath spread and ''Boundless as the Sea and Sky'' unfolded, over twenty figures instantly dashed out in all directions, each trying as hard as possible to scatter and flee desperately.


    Ling Huan''s expression remained unchanged, as he had anticipated this situation, or rather, he was waiting for this moment. His figure flashed, and he immediately struck, killing a fleeing Grandmaster from the Pure Sea Palace on the spot amid the latter''s shocked gaze.


    On the other side,


    Ling Ji, the newly promoted ''Spirit Ancestor,'' also had an extremely cold expression, striking fiercely and decisively, chasing after the fleeing Grandmasters.

 Chapter 738 - 412: Chance Encounter

    Many Grandmasters from Vast Ocean Pavilion and Pure Sea Palace, despite not being a match for Spiritual Ancestor Ling Huan or the newly emerged Spirit Ancestor Ling Ji, all had their own life-saving techniques that could postpone their demise for a short while.


    In the chaos of fleeing, some were eventually able to contact and find other teams.


    ...


    "You said two Spirit Ancestors have appeared in Xunmu Cave Heaven?"


    Jiang Han looked at the pale-faced, weak-breathed Grandmaster from Pure Sea Palace in front of him, his expression growing uglier.


    Yan Hong''s gaze also became stern.


    Although they learned that the newly emerged Spirit Ancestor was less powerful, still having crossed the Marrow Cleansing limits and reached the Blood Exchange level of existence, and being in Xunmu Cave Heaven which was their territory, it meant they had an absolute advantage and tremendous leverage to exert their threats.


    Just one Spirit Human was a great enough threat, let alone the addition of another one; it wasn''t as simple as one plus one!


    If one team could face a Blood Exchange Realm expert head-on, then two teams trying to stop two Blood Exchange Realm forces joining hands was significantly more difficult, since the combined power of two Blood Exchange Realm individuals far exceeded that of different Grandmaster teams working together.


    Yan Hong had already agreed upon terms with Jiang Han. Since Jiang Han''s side had lost some personnel and didn''t feel safe enough, after weighing the pros and cons, he was also willing to join forces with Yan Hong''s team. With their joined forces, over forty Grandmasters felt as stable as Mount Tai, capable of moving freely within Xunmu Cave Heaven, unafraid even when encountering a Spirit Human.


    But now.


    Xunmu Cave Heaven had more than one Spirit Ancestor!


    This revelation brought an intense threat felt by Yan Hong and Jiang Han of the merged teams!


    Their team of over forty people was undoubtedly stronger than the Pure Sea Palace and Vast Ocean Pavilion teams of fewer than thirty Grandmasters, but faced with two Spiritual Ancestor Level beings coordinating their attacks, they could not guarantee they would emerge unscathed!


    Once they were slightly careless and a few were struck down, thereby reducing their numbers, things could spiral out of control, and it was quite possible for the entire team to be slowly devoured.


    "If only Chen Mu were here," Yan Hong thought, sighing inwardly.


    Chen Mu could walk freely on his own and certainly had no interest in joining them. Not to mention that they still owed Chen Mu some Xunmu Spirit Liquid. Even without the debt, her relationship with Chen Mu was nothing more than a fleeting connection. If Chen Mu were just a top Grandmaster, she would have been confident in persuading him to join. But Chen Mu was no ordinary Grandmaster. Even being a titled Princess of the Royal Family did not make her believe she could easily persuade Chen Mu to cooperate.


    However, with two Spirit Ancestors emerging in Xunmu Cave Heaven, it might also be a threat to Chen Mu, although it was uncertain if he was aware of it. If not, being able to contact Chen Mu and inform him of this news would be a friendly gesture.


    Jiang Han, unaware of Yan Hong''s thoughts, never considered the idea of persuading Chen Mu to join them, as the pressure brought by Chen Mu was too great. Should they encounter something more valuable than Xunmu Spirit Liquid, nobody would be able to compete with Chen Mu for it.


    "Your Highness, to ensure safety, we should find another team to ally with," Jiang Han said seriously to Yan Hong, suggesting an alliance.


    As he spoke,


    Other thoughts flickered through his mind.


    Xunmu Cave Heaven should not have been able to give birth to a Blood Exchange Realm existence, but how exactly did this newly emerged Spirit Ancestor take that step? Xunmu... could it be that there were more unique Spiritual Objects?


    If Xunmu Cave Heaven possessed Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items that could help one forcefully enter the Blood Exchange Realm, their value would be immeasurable, and countless Grandmasters would fight tooth and nail for them, though the likelihood was not high.


    After all, if such divine items really existed, they would surely be extremely rare within Xunmu Cave Heaven. Otherwise, it wouldn''t be possible that only one new Spirit Ancestor emerged after thousands of years, and there might only be one such item every thousand years.


    "We must set off immediately, without delay," Yan Hong commanded in a deep voice. The situation had changed, and gathering Xunmu Spirit Liquid would have to be put aside. Without a doubt, safety came first. How many had perished from Pure Sea Palace and Vast Ocean Pavilion this time was still unknown. Sear?h the N?vel(F)ire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    ...


    The collapse of the Pure Sea Palace and Vast Ocean Pavilion teams spread quickly in a special manner to various groups, causing a stir and leading many Grandmasters to begin gathering with one another.


    In this process, naturally, more teams suffered the attacks of Ling Huan and Ling Ji, with heavy casualties.


    Elsewhere,


    Chen Mu was completely unaware of these developments, as he explored Xunmu Cave Heaven alone. Being solitary, he did not wish to make a great commotion everywhere he went. Some of the medium and small settlements he passed by didn''t even realize he had been there, but he took all the Xunmu Spirit Liquid they had gathered.


    This process was like a swallow skimming for mud, taking items from a bag; in just a few days, he had scavenged a vast area. Although he had not encountered any large settlements, the accumulation of small gains had yielded over twenty pounds of Xunmu Spirit Liquid.


    If he continued at this pace, in no more than half a month, he would have no less than two hundred pounds of Xunmu Spirit Liquid.

 Chapter 739 - 412: Chance Encounter_2

    However,


    just as Chen Mu continued to delve deeper, his gaze suddenly shifted, casting his attention to a distant spot. He sensed a faint fluctuation of aura. Although the other party tried their best to conceal it, he could still perceive a trace.


    The newcomer was not a Spirit Human, but surely a Grandmaster, and the aura faintly familiar.


    "Hmm?"


    A trace of astonishment flickered in Chen Mu''s eyes.


    The strand of aura did not align with his forward path, but he still quietly pursued it.


    In Xunmu Cave Heaven, it was rare for a Grandmaster to act alone, or rather, almost unheard of. Such a situation meant either an accident had occurred, or some change had arisen. He had already roughly figured out who the person might be. Previously on Dragon Wood Island, among the hundreds of Grandmasters, there were a few he recognized.


    However, it was not appropriate to reveal his identity at the time, so he did not take further action. Among them were some Grandmasters from the Cold North he had encountered in the Ice State Abyss, including a Grandmaster from Seven Profound Sect, who counted as vaguely familiar.


    ...


    Swish! Swish!!


    Among the lush canopy, a figure forcefully contained his aura and swiftly moved.


    He donned a long robe but his appearance was slightly disheveled, not daring to pause for even a second, and his eyes betrayed a hint of terror. It was the Grandmaster from the Seven Profound Sect, Fang Yuan.


    Among the many elders of the Seven Profound Sect, he was often seen exploring the Outer Sea. Since he was not very old and still had a chance to achieve Blood Exchange, he spent most of his time in the Outer Sea seeking opportunities.


    This time, as Xunmu Cave Heaven opened, he too participated. Unlike Chen Mu, he was not in the same team but followed some of his connections with another team. He had not noticed Chen Mu''s presence earlier.


    "Damn, how could two Spirit Ancestors appear!"


    Fang Yuan cursed under his breath.


    He was always cautious in his actions. Participating in Xunmu Cave Heaven was also based on extensive intelligence he had gathered beforehand. The intelligence indicated that the Spirit People Race had longer lifespans than the Human Race but their cultivation seemed more challenging. Moreover, for over a thousand years, there had only ever been one Blood Exchange Realm among them.


    One Blood Exchange Realm Spirit Ancestor was daunting, but with their assembled team and various prepared measures, they had enough confidence to repel it together, hence the risk wasn''t high.


    But,


    he had encountered two Spirit Ancestors!


    Although Fang Yuan knew that since Xunmu Cave Heaven could give birth to one Spirit Ancestor-level being, it was possible for a second to emerge, the likelihood was extremely low as the Spirit People Race hadn''t seen a second Spirit Ancestor born for over a thousand years.


    It had to be known that, even in the outside world, in Da Xuan Ninety-Nine States, it was not easy for any state to give birth to a Blood Exchange Realm, often a state would only see one or two in a hundred years.


    In the constrained world of Xunmu Cave Heaven, it was bound to be even harder.


    Yet, this low-probability event had just happened to occur to him, leading to extraordinarily bad luck.


    His team, though not weak, could not withstand Ling Huan and Ling Ji, two figures at Spirit Ancestor Level. Almost instantly, they were completely routed, everyone scattering in flight.


    Fang Yuan, who had roamed the Martial World for decades and faced life-or-death situations more than once, found this time particularly terrifying. He knew that if he were caught by either Ling Ji or Ling Huan, it would be certain death!


    His techniques simply were not enough to save his life in the face of a Blood Exchange Realm opponent!


    Run!


    The farther, the better!


    Although it had been a quarter of an hour since he began his escape, and he had run at full speed without knowing how far he had fled, his heart could not settle down at all. In Xunmu Cave Heaven, being alone was the most dangerous situation. Only by finding other teams, or even persuading two or three teams to converge, was there a possibility of finding some way to survive.


    Just as Fang Yuan was concealing his qi and desperately fleeing, suddenly, he felt a blur before his eyes, and, in his field of vision, someone appeared out of nowhere, standing right in front of him.


    This shock was no small matter, almost scaring him to death!


    Being able to appear so suddenly on his path, and completely undetected by him, his almost immediate reaction was that it was the two Spirit Ancestors attacking, and his heart even felt as if it had plunged into an ice pit.


    Almost instinctively, he was about to bring out all his life-saving measures and desperately use them.


    But his movements paused immediately afterward.


    "Elder Fang."


    Chen Mu stood in front of Fang Yuan, greeted him, and appeared calm.


    "Chen Mu?!"


    Since Chen Mu had resumed his original appearance, Fang Yuan almost instantly recognized him, his eyes suddenly widening, somewhat astonished, "When did you come to Xunmu Cave Heaven?"


    Chen Mu spoke in a calm tone, "I came in with Elder Fang, but to prevent accidents, I slightly used some methods to hide my presence. By the way, Elder Fang, what kind of situation have you encountered? Why are you in such a sorry state?" Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Once Fang Yuan confirmed that the person in front of him was truly Chen Mu, his whole person slightly relaxed.


    "It''s a long story. Two Spirit Ancestors emerged in this Xunmu Cave Heaven, my previous team was scattered, and now I don''t know how many survived. Elder Chen, could it be that you also..."


    He paused again in his speech.


    After the Ice State Abyss had closed, he had immediately set off for the Outer Sea, earlier than Chen Mu to the Outer Sea, and he was unaware of the subsequent situation with Chen Mu. However, he did know that Chen Mu had repelled the Heavenly Demon Ancestor Yuwen Hao in the Ice State Abyss!


    Being able to fend off Yuwen Hao meant Chen Mu''s strength was already recognized to be on par with the Blood Exchange Realm. With an existence like Chen Mu, if he were with a team, even if he encountered the two Spirit Humans Ancestors, Ling Huan and Ling Ji, he should not be as disheveled as he was.


    "Both?"


    Upon hearing Fang Yuan''s words, Chen Mu''s brow slightly furrowed.


    This was indeed news to him. If there were two Spirit Human Ancestors, that would be quite troublesome. Although he had cultivated a Perfection Martial Body, facing the two Ling Huans alone would not make overcoming them easy.


    Seeing that Chen Mu was unaware, Fang Yuan wasn''t surprised and quickly recounted his earlier encounter. His expression became even more serious, "Elder Chen, this is no place to linger. We need to quickly contact other teams and gather people; otherwise, we will surely be targeted and defeated individually by those two Spirit Ancestors, and then things would get troublesome!"


    "... it might not be as urgent as that."


    After listening to Fang Yuan''s account, Chen Mu''s expression calmed down.


    It wasn''t two Spirit Humans like Ling Huan that had emerged, but a ''newcomer'' Spirit Ancestor had appeared instead. This newcomer''s strength had a certain gap compared to Ling Huan, barely crossing the threshold of Blood Exchange.


    Under these circumstances, the threat to him was much less. Even if the two teamed up, with his current strength, he was confident enough to fight and win and even quite sure he could kill the newcomer Spirit Ancestor on the spot!


    Hearing Chen Mu''s words,


    Fang Yuan was momentarily taken aback, then spoke with gravity, "Elder Chen, I know your strength is immense, and you were even able to repel Yuwen Hao, but those two Spirit Ancestors are no easy opponents either. In this Xunmu Cave Heaven, they have the home advantage. Even the new one is not weaker than Yuwen Hao, and the other one might even be a match for Supreme Yin. If we encounter a pincer attack from these two, it would be extremely perilous for you, Elder Chen. I think it''s better to be cautious."


    Having met Chen Mu, he felt much relieved. After all, having a presence on par with the Blood Exchange Realm by his side made everything seem a bit safer. By searching for other teams together with Chen Mu, their safety would be significantly increased.


    But Chen Mu appeared to underestimate the two Spirit Ancestors and wasn''t planning on contacting other teams or gathering forces. This made Fang Yuan feel uneasy. Whether Chen Mu could face the two Spirit Ancestors unscathed was unclear, but he knew well that if they truly encountered those two Spirit Ancestors, he, Fang Yuan, would most likely meet his demise!

 Chapter 740 - 413: Showing Off Ones Skill With A Small Task

    "The two Spirit Ancestors are indeed somewhat troublesome, but there''s no need to worry too much about it,"


    Chen Mu didn''t delve deeper into this topic, but his tone shifted as he asked Fang Yuan, "Elder Fang, along your journey, have you encountered any large settlements?"


    Fang Yuan and his companions had explored a vast area, and considering Fang Yuan''s escape route, he should have some knowledge about the conditions atop the canopies. It would be ideal if he could guide them.


    In addition,


    since the two Spirit Ancestors were pursuing Fang Yuan and his party, Chen Mu would actually prefer one of them to come knocking, especially if it was the newly promoted Spirit Ancestor, for then he could take the opportunity to eliminate them and avoid further troubles.


    After hearing Chen Mu''s words, Fang Yuan hesitated briefly before responding, "There is indeed a large settlement, but it is located on a branch of Xunmu, and the formation can mobilize the power of Xunmu quite effectively. even a master of the Blood Exchange Realm might not be able to break through it. If we could find another team to join forces, it would be almost certain."


    With Chen Mu''s strength, seeking another team to cooperate seemed much safer to him. Although Chen Mu''s abilities matched those of the Blood Exchange Realm, two teams together might not be able to stop the two Spirit Ancestors. However, if there was a presence akin to the Blood Exchange presiding over a team, that would be a completely different situation, enough to maneuver and withstand.


    "This is too troublesome,"


    Chen Mu slightly shook his head and said, "I wonder what the location of that settlement is."


    He was not certain how the large settlement known by Fang Yuan compared to those he had encountered previously, but at least now, with his own power, he was no less capable than Jiang Han and Yan Hong combined and was even more agile alone. If the Xunmu power mobilized by the formation was not strong enough, he could even force his way in and destroy the formation in an instant.


    Seeing that Chen Mu was adamant about trying, Fang Yuan felt somewhat helpless, but he wasn''t surprised. Given Chen Mu''s mastery of Qiankun Martial Arts and his Marrow Cleansing Physique rivalling the power of Blood Exchange, it would be odd if he didn''t possess a domineering spirit.


    He wasn''t worried about other things, given Chen Mu''s capabilities. Even if he couldn''t take down the large settlement, he could still move freely. The key concern was the two hidden Spirit Ancestors whose threats were immense. Even though Chen Mu had reached that level, where he could move freely, Fang Yuan himself couldn''t. If entangled, he would scarcely have a way out.


    But his acquaintance with Chen Mu was not deep. If he traveled with Chen Mu and encountered trouble, Chen Mu would probably help out of convenience, but expecting Chen Mu to act according to his wishes was clearly impossible.


    "Since Elder Chen wants to test the waters of that large settlement, I will lead the way." S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Fang Yuan quickly made his decision.


    After all, he too was a grandmaster who had traversed the Four Seas, not prone to indecisiveness. Given the situation, encountering Chen Mu was his fortune. He couldn''t possibly desert Chen Mu and escape alone; following Chen Mu was indeed the safer option.


    Moreover, although the two Spirit Ancestors were formidable, the newly promoted one was relatively weaker, probably not much different from the Heavenly Demon, Yuwen Hao. Even if attacked suddenly, they were unlikely to trouble Chen Mu much, unless it was the other who had lived for over a thousand years, the Spiritual Ancestor, who posed a real threat. However, if Chen Mu could resist or entangle with him, Fang Yuan still had a chance to escape.


    "Then I will trouble Elder Fang,"


    Chen Mu slightly bowed to Fang Yuan.


    Although he and Fang Yuan didn''t share much acquaintance, if Fang Yuan wished to accompany him, he didn''t mind bringing him along. Firstly, they were both from the Seven Profound Sect, and secondly, the intelligence brought by Fang Yuan indeed held some value, allowing him to prepare in advance.


    As the sound of his voice fell, Chen Mu''s figure flickered and he vanished quietly from Fang Yuan''s view.


    "Elder Chen''s method of concealing his presence is also unparalleled among his peers, feared across the world. Apart from those at Blood Hidden Pavilion, there are very few who can surpass Elder Chen in this aspect,"


    Fang Yuan watched as Chen Mu disappeared before his eyes, immediately surveying the surroundings. Although he knew Chen Mu was nearby, he could not detect his presence or figure at all, and his heart was somewhat shaken.


    To think that Chen Mu was only two or three yards away from him, visible before one moment and then completely concealed the next. Even the grandmaster assassins of the Blood Hidden Pavilion couldn''t hide from such a close distance, eluding detection right under his watch.


    Obviously,


    Chen Mu was far superior in concealing his aura compared to his peers, even outpacing masters from the Blood Hidden Pavilion who specialized in this field. Perhaps only the masters of the Blood Exchange Realm adept in stealth from the Blood Hidden Pavilion could surpass Chen Mu in this aspect.


    Though Chen Mu cultivated the Qiankun Path, which enabled the study of all Martial Arts in the world, this included techniques of concealment, evasion, attack, and defense without any gaps, the issue was that mastery of these aspects required time spent in cultivation.


    Merely mastering Qiankun Artistic Conception didn''t automatically imply mastery of all Martial Arts in the world.


    Evasion techniques, concealment methods, and methods of attack were all varying techniques that extended from the artistic conception, all demanding time to master thoroughly. Particularly at the master level of Marrow Cleansing, one needed to reach the pinnacle of perfection, and Chen Mu had evidently achieved this.


    This made Fang Yuan feel incomprehensible once again, even though he understood that the gap between people could be vast. He himself had achieved grandmaster status, and in his youth, was also a prominent figure, but now, he felt that the gap between himself and a young Chen Mu was almost greater than between him and the most ordinary members of the Outer Sect!

 Chapter 741 - 413: A Small Test of Skill_2

    Chen Mu was only a little over thirty years old. Even though he was exceptionally talented, able to cultivate the Qiankun Domain and develop the Qiankun Martial Body, he must have devoted all his energy to achieving this. How could he still have spare time to perfect concealment and movement techniques to an unparalleled degree?


    Could the gap really be so vast?


    Fang Yuan sighed in his heart, but these thoughts were quickly dismissed as he still had a chance to cross the Blood Exchange Realm. As the saying goes, fortune and misfortune go hand in hand. If he could survive this great disaster and endure a tribulation to meet a fortunate encounter, he might well succeed!


    Reaching the Marrow Cleansing Realm and achieving Grandmaster status, who wouldn''t desire to cross that barrier and take the step of Blood Exchange?


    However, this step was difficult. It wasn''t just about simply shedding and replacing the martial blood throughout the body. The change in martial blood would further stimulate all parts of the body, causing all acupoints to open. The Power of Heaven and Earth would permeate every limb and every minute detail!


    In this process, the Soul Heart would also be subjected to the scouring and refining by the forces of heaven and earth, posing tremendous challenges. Any slight mistake, and at best the Blood Exchange would fail, damaging the Martial Body and causing regression in the Realm or even a loss of lifespan. At worst, one might even die on the spot.


    This was known as the Life and Death Pass!


    Whether one could succeed in Blood Exchange, those Grandmasters who had reached the perfection of Marrow Cleansing could, even if they couldn''t make an exact judgment, generally understand their own chances of success. Usually, they needed at least a 20-30% certainty before they would dare to attempt to make the breakthrough.


    And the vast majority of Grandmasters did not even have that 20-30% certainty, making it difficult for them to have a resolute belief in success or an unstoppable confidence; thus, the probability of succeeding in Blood Exchange was even lower, and they would not make attempts lightly.


    Like Jiang Changsheng.


    He had been accumulating experience all this time by dueling with top Grandmasters from various factions, honing his Sword Dao, and striving to advance further by solidifying the foundation of his Martial Body until the last step. If it weren''t for Chen Mu, he could have defeated Absolute Blade in the Earthly Abyss and used Absolute Blade to refine his own Sword Dao, potentially already stepping past the Blood Exchange boundary by now!


    Chen Mu was unaware of the complex thoughts in Fang Yuan''s heart. At this moment, he was merely concealing his aura, quietly following behind Fang Yuan.


    This concealment was merely to see if Fang Yuan could lure out Ling Huan and Ling Ji, the two Spirit Ancestors. However, it was unclear whether it was due to Fang Yuan''s luck or Ling Huan and Ling Ji had ceased their efforts, but as Chen Mu followed Fang Yuan through the intricate canopy up and down, traveling hundreds of miles and nearing a large settlement, the other party never appeared. sea??h th§× N?vel(F)ire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    "That''s the place."


    Fang Yuan had been leading the way up front the whole time. Although he couldn''t sense Chen Mu''s presence and did not know where Chen Mu was, he was aware that Chen Mu was nearby. He then stopped behind a clump of broad Xunmu leaves and pointed up ahead.


    Looking ahead,


    the terrain there was a sloping hill, or rather, it was a branch of the Xunmu, approximately several miles wide, growing obliquely upward and winding up to a place where several branches intersected.


    This area was very flat and extremely large, spanning nearly twenty miles in diameter, filled with buildings both large and small ¡ª a substantial settlement of the Spirit People Race, similar to the one Chen Mu and others like Jiang Han and Yan Hong had attacked before.


    "Not bad."


    Chen Mu''s figure appeared silently beside Fang Yuan, his gaze slightly towards the Spirit People settlement ahead.


    Fang Yuan whispered, "Elder Chen, your concealment technique is masterful. Perhaps you could try sneaking into that settlement to destroy a formation node. Doing so could weaken a layer of the formation''s power..."


    Initially, Fang Yuan did not believe Chen Mu could breach a major settlement by himself. After all, teams like theirs, comprising an entire team of twenty or thirty Grandmasters, might not be able to assuredly conquer a large settlement. Moreover, the teams of Grandmasters scattered in Xunmu Cave Heaven, joining hands, were not afraid of facing a single Spirit Ancestor alone or even had the credentials to surround and kill Heavenly Demon elderly ancestor, Yuwen Hao.


    However, after witnessing Chen Mu''s concealment technique, his thoughts began to change.


    The formations set up in these large settlements, though integrated with the entire Xunmu as a whole, had unique mechanisms for sensing and repelling non-Spirit Human presences. However, the formation''s sensing was, in the end, just a type of sensing, not absolute discernment.


    Chen Mu''s concealment techniques, far superior to a typical Grandmaster''s and even surpassing peers of Blood Hidden Pavilion, under such circumstances might not necessarily be detected by the large settlements'' formation structures, possibly sneaking in quietly without triggering them.


    Though risky to sneak in this way, once discovered inside, it was highly possible he could be trapped inside by the formation and unable to escape. Yet, if he could directly destroy a key node of the formation from inside, it would surely weaken the entire formation significantly. Then, even if exposed, the weakened formation might not be able to trap Chen Mu!


    In such a scenario, Chen Mu might indeed be able to take down a large settlement!


    If he could monopolize the resources of a large settlement...


    Fang Yuan even found it hard to contain the excitement in his heart at the thought. Although the person who would monopolize the resources was Chen Mu and not himself, just watching such an event was enough to make waves in his heart.


    Moreover, in such a situation, he could also play some role from the outside, at least distracting some attention from the Spirit People Race, providing Chen Mu with more space to maneuver. This way, he could play a role and thus have the face to claim a share of the benefits, even if just a small part, which would definitely be more than what he would get from dividing the proceeds equally with other teams.

 Chapter 742 - 413 A Preliminary Test of Skill_3

    But.


    Just as he was strategizing in his mind.


    He saw Chen Mu step out from behind the giant spiritual leaves and walk toward the Spirit Human settlement ahead.


    "Elder Chen?"


    Fang Yuan was slightly taken aback, only to see Chen Mu move forward a few steps, and in a matter of hundreds of feet, he was near the Spirit Human settlement.


    And since the settlement''s formation was connected to the Xunmu, almost at the next moment, as if triggered by Chen Mu''s approach, surges of Xunmu power howled and rose, with spiritual light encompassing twenty miles around the settlement climbing towards the heavens, eventually connecting at a high point to form a verdant curtain, which enshrouded the entire settlement within.


    The Xunmu Formation was fully awakened!


    Chen Mu heard Fang Yuan''s words. He also knew that Fang Yuan''s suggestion had some feasibility; indeed, it was possible to try to conceal one''s aura, bypass the formation, and sneak into the settlement early to destroy a node and weaken the Xunmu Grand Formation.


    But he did not intend to do so.


    Sneaking in quietly, if detected before destruction, would still require one to withstand the formation''s power from the inside, and the situation could instead become dangerous. If Ling Huan, the Spiritual Ancestor, suddenly made an appearance, one might become trapped and unable to escape.


    Moreover, he was now more interested in testing the power that his Qiankun Martial Body possessed against the Xunmu Grand Formation. S§×ar?h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Whoosh!


    Almost in the next instant, Chen Mu''s figure turned into an afterimage. In a flash, he spanned a distance and was already up close to the edge of the formation that protected the entire settlement. Then, raising his right hand, he fiercely brought down a Fist Seal.


    This punch, like a falling star, carried the tremendous force of Qiankun, condensing into a Heaven and Earth Wheel Seal, striking the surface of the Formation Light Screen. It seemed as if the whole space was vibrating in that instant, the Void rippling like the surface of water, while the Formation Light Screen covering the settlement flickered violently, as though it had suffered a terrifying blow, emitting an overwhelmed humming noise!


    Crack! Crack!!!


    Under Fang Yuan''s almost incredulous gaze, Chen Mu''s punch cracked open a white rift nearly ten feet long in the Void and brutally crushed the surface of the Formation Light Screen, tearing a huge hole in it!


    After shattering the Formation Light Screen, Chen Mu''s punching momentum did not stop but spread directly to the inside of the Light Screen, over the large settlement, and then, following Chen Mu''s intent, the force gathered from a singular point and spread, instantly forming a ten-foot-wide giant Fist Seal that thundered down.


    "What?"


    "What''s going on!"


    "The formation has been... This is impossible!"


    From the moment the Xunmu Grand Formation awoke to Chen Mu''s fierce action, it all happened in the blink of an eye. Many members of the Spirit People Race hadn''t even reacted yet, and some had just stepped out of the buildings, looking up to the sky.


    And it was precisely this look that allowed them to witness Chen Mu''s punch fall, shattering the Formation Light Screen to pieces, then the punching force breaching the inside of the formation, forming a vast Fist Seal stretching tens of feet, pressing down with catastrophic force like the collapse of the heavens!


    A wave of shock!


    "That''s bad."


    "Run!"


    The Spirit People Race members closest to the impact saw the Fist Seal fall and finally reacted. But by then, the oppressive force of Qiankun had already descended, almost suffocating them. Many struggled to breathe and could barely move; they could only watch helplessly as the Fist Seal came crashing down.


    Boom!!!


    The tens-of-feet-wide Fist Seal finally smashed down, and the buildings at ground level, as well as some of the Spirit People Race, were nearly instantaneously crushed to dust. The shockwave released by the descending Fist Seal reverberated in all directions, spreading hundreds of feet!


    A large number of buildings crumbled and collapsed, countless Spirit People panicked and fled in all directions, and some were so stunned that they didn''t know what to do, engulfed by the spreading waves and reduced to splinters in an instant.


    In a single strike.


    The Formation Light Screen was penetrated, an area spanning tens of feet was obliterated, a huge and obvious Fist Seal was left on the foundation of the Xunmu at the bottom, and the shattering spread in all directions for hundreds of feet, leaving behind a scene of utter devastation and desolation!

 Chapter 743 - 414: Overwhelming Force

    Dumbstruck!


    Fang Yuan stared at the horrific scene within the Formation Light Screen of the Spirit Human settlement, completely stupefied.


    He had previously joined many other Grandmasters in attacking large settlements and was well aware of the trouble posed by large settlements. They occupied vast lands and were often situated at the intersecting branches of the Xunmu, where the power of Xunmu surged, seemingly inexhaustible. Breaking through the defensive formations formed by the power of Xunmu was extremely difficult.


    But Chen Mu!


    With just one move, he pierced through the Formation Light Screen!


    Although this had not completely destroyed the formation, the surging power of Xunmu was still crazily rushing in, attempting to fill the void. But to be able to shatter the Formation Light Screen to this extent with a single move showed that the formation could not withstand Chen Mu at all!


    "How could he be so powerful..."


    Fang Yuan couldn''t help but mutter to himself.


    He knew Chen Mu was extremely powerful, comparable to the Blood Exchange Realm, but he hadn''t expected him to be this strong. He himself was an established Grandmaster; even if he wasn''t top-tier, he had the eye to see that Chen Mu''s power was not just barely reaching the threshold of the Blood Exchange Realm but was dominant within it!


    Even the Supreme Elder Yin Heng, who had dominated the world for over a hundred years, might be inferior to Chen Mu now, and Chen Mu had attacked barehanded without even the enhancement of a Spirit Weapon!


    Yuwen Hao?


    The Heavenly Demon Ancestor?


    If such figures were to encounter Chen Mu now, it wouldn''t just be a matter of them struggling to fight against him¡ªthey might even have difficulty escaping unscathed, as the gap in strength, though not a chasm, had at least crossed over two minor stages.


    Had Chen Mu, after returning from the Earthly Abyss, completely assimilated the gains he obtained there, advancing his strength even further? S~ea??h the n?velFire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    This thought seemed very reasonable.


    Yet Fang Yuan still found it somewhat incredible because no matter what, Chen Mu was still only in the Marrow Cleansing Realm!


    For most Grandmasters like him, reaching his current level was already the limit. Crossing the threshold to top-tier Grandmasters was often insurmountable, predetermined by their foundational past. To cross it, one would need to blaze a new trail like Jiang Changsheng, but that was exceedingly rare and difficult in this era.


    To cultivate the marrow to Perfection and develop the Domain of Artistic Conception was roughly the upper limit for a Grandmaster; even further enhancement of the Martial Body or strengthening of the Domain using various Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items would only offer minor improvements, hardly enough to step up to a new level.


    Chen Mu, then?


    Fang Yuan didn''t know when Chen Mu had entered the Marrow Cleansing Realm, but at the level of a Grandmaster, Chen Mu''s strength seemed limitless, as if he was constantly growing. During the previous assault on the Main Altar of the Sky Demon Sect, he had not yet reached the comparative level of the Blood Exchange Realm, but after the trip to the Earthly Abyss, his strength had crossed that threshold, and now he was even dominant within the Blood Exchange Realm, a rate of growth almost beyond belief.


    "Is Chen Mu''s foundation far superior to most, cultivated through the strongest Qiankun Martial Body of the Qiankun Path, and even after several enhancements of the Five Viscera and the Six Viscera, can it reach this level?"


    A hint of puzzled doubt arose in Fang Yuan''s mind.


    Skin Toughening and Body Refinement, including Tendon Changing and Bone Tempering, all these Four Realms have limits. From the Five Viscera upwards, there''s no limit, but Chen Mu''s foundation is so strong and robust; could it be that the Five Viscera or even the Six Viscera have also been enhanced to the limit?!


    If indeed so, that would truly be unprecedented and unmatched in history since no one since the birth of Martial Arts had truly touched the limit of both the Five Viscera and the Six Viscera, and it was not even clear if these realms have limits.


    Many Martial Artists believe there are limits in the first four Realms of the Body Tempering Martial Arts, but the last four Realms are considered limitless.


    This notion might be refuted in the future.


    Chen Mu today might not reveal the secrets of his cultivation, but if one day he can ascend to the pinnacle of the Martial Arts world and establish a new doctrine, he might redefine ''Martial Canon,'' pushing forward the Body Tempering Martial Arts in this generation.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!!


    While Fang Yuan''s thoughts drifted, Chen Mu on the other side did not cease his actions. He did not forcefully enter the large settlement but merely kept striking from outside.


    With every strike, the azure Formation Light Screen would be pierced, shattering a large area, and then his Fist Seal would press into the settlement below, causing widespread destruction and ruin.


    The power of Xunmu rushed continuously, trying to repair the areas shattered by Chen Mu, but its repair speed was far from keeping up with the speed of Chen Mu''s destruction. In just less than fifteen minutes, a significant area of the azure Formation Light Screen had essentially been turned into a sieve by Chen Mu''s Palm Imprints and Fist Seals!


    The entire settlement was in chaos.


    Normally, even when faced with an assault by a large group of Grandmasters, with the defense of a formation, the interior of a large settlement wouldn''t become so chaotic. They would swiftly gather a group of elites comparable to those in the Five Organ and Viscera Realm and join forces to fight back.


    The Spirit People Race cultivated the same lineage, thus their energies more easily united¡ªa hundred elites of the Five Organ and Viscera Realm was a force not to be underestimated and could create substantial interference. This was a strategy formed over thousands of years of conflicts, also one of the reasons why large settlements were not easily broken.


    But now, this battle-tested strategy completely failed to deploy.

 Chapter 744 - 414: Effortlessly_2

    No one could approach Chen Mu''s direction, nor did anyone dare to try. Almost all who tried were instantly killed by Chen Mu. One must realize that the formation''s light screen had nearly been turned into a sieve. Chen Mu could step into it at any moment, and with no formations to block him, a single full-powered strike could crush a hundred cultivators from the Five Organ and Viscera Realm.


    Creak creak!


    Under Chen Mu''s relentless destruction, the large settlement''s formation light screen finally made sounds like it couldn''t bear the load any longer. The collapsing cracks spread throughout the entire screen until the final rupture resembled a shattering mirror, completely exploding!


    The formation was almost entirely violently destroyed by Chen Mu from beginning to end.


    Fang Yuan could only watch in awe.


    Seeing that Chen Mu had finally stepped forward and entered the interior of the settlement, he also emerged from his hiding place and quickly followed.


    ...


    Somewhere.


    A Grandmaster was fleeing in panic.


    Suddenly, a powerful aura quickly closed in, undisguised, as surging spiritual power rose tumultuously. When it got close enough, the ground beneath the Xunmu shook violently, with numerous verdant branches twisting and coiling towards the Grandmaster.


    "Damn it."


    The Grandmaster struck repeatedly, destroying the obstructive branches, but his speed decreased dramatically because of it.


    With bloodshot eyes, Ling Huan approached without expression, stepping behind him. In his hand, Xunmu''s heart branch mercilessly swept down, accompanied by an unstoppable surge of spiritual power.


    "Ha!"


    The Grandmaster refused to accept his fate, struggling desperately. With a roar, he employed some technique that abruptly increased his aura, trying to continue his escape.


    However, as the Xunmu heart branch in Ling Huan''s hand swept down, a jade medallion appeared on his body, which cracked with a snap, releasing a whistling black and white aura¡ª a surging Power of Yin Yang, which slightly delayed Ling Huan''s strike and allowed him to escape from under the Xunmu heart branch for a moment.


    However,


    Ling Huan''s expression remained unchanged.


    These life-saving measures, effective against equals, were merely futile struggles to him. He continued to sweep his Xunmu heart branch, forcibly extinguishing the black and white Yin Yang aura, then watched the Grandmaster escape several dozen meters, and directly threw the Xunmu heart branch in his hand.


    Whoosh!


    The Xunmu heart branch flew like an arrow piercing through the air.


    The Grandmaster, having used all his means of survival, faced the incoming strike and could no longer resist. With a roar, he exerted all his strength to deploy Yuan Gang, trying to block it, but it was still crushed effortlessly. His entire body was pierced by the green wood branch, flung dozens of meters forward, and ultimately nailed to a standing Xunmu branch trunk!


    Ling Huan stepped forward, took two steps, arrived beside the Grandmaster''s corpse, and gently pulled out the Xunmu heart branch, taking it back in his hand. The green wood branch was still emerald green, like glaze, unstained by any blood.


    Crack! Crack!!


    The Grandmaster''s corpse, however, was now completely stiffened as if all life had been drained from it, leaving behind a gray stonelike figure with surfaces showing signs of shattering, eventually crumbling into a pile of debris.


    After killing the Grandmaster, Ling Huan made no further move, merely turning around as if waiting for something.


    Soon.


    A figure approached rapidly from afar, its surging spiritual power slightly inferior to Ling Huan''s. It was Ling Ji, the Spirit People Race''s newly appointed Spirit Ancestor.


    "Ancestor."


    Ling Ji quickly arrived next to Ling Huan, with a somewhat somber expression, speaking solemnly, "The Jiuhe tribe has been breached, it must have been the individual the ancestor mentioned, who likely gathered a host of scattered forces..."


    Originally, for this outside invasion, the plan was for him to stay guarding the Forbidden Land, not moving out, and only Ling Huan would act fully, even potentially using a suicidal forbidden move when absolutely necessary, to possibly annihilate those attacking from beyond the skies.


    The position of Spirit Ancestor of the Spirit People Race was passed down from generation to generation. Xunmu Cave Heaven could not sustain two Spirit Ancestors, and Ling Huan''s lifespan was also at its end, soon to die to give more heritage, enabling him to bear more Xunmu power.


    However,


    the trespassers from beyond the Xunmu Realm this time were somewhat unexpected, among them was an individual whose strength was formidable, even capable of confronting Ling Huan head-on. Normally, such a figure of Spiritual Ancestor Level should not have been able to enter their Xunmu Realm! S~ea??h the N??elFir§×.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    It was precisely because of the emergence of such a figure that Ling Huan felt threatened. He also sensed something ominous, thus he joined forces with Ling Huan to eradicate the invaders from beyond the sky with all their might.


    Now,


    Chen Mu roamed unchecked in the Xunmu Realm, and without him or Ling Huan present, the large settlements simply could not withstand the opposition, it could be said that, except for the Central Region, almost everywhere else was like lambs waiting to be slaughtered in front of Chen Mu.


    "Ancestor, should we..."


    Ling Ji addressed Ling Huan in a solemn voice.


    Allowing Chen Mu to act so recklessly was naturally hard for him to accept. Although the opponent was strong, able to confront Ling Huan directly, combining his and Ling Huan''s power, there might still be a chance to kill Chen Mu, or even a severe injury would be beneficial, at least making Chen Mu wary and forcing him to flee and recuperate, preventing Chen Mu from acting recklessly in the short term.


    His strength was much weaker than Ling Huan''s, but if Chen Mu attacked a large settlement, and he quietly took control of the settlement''s Formation, then the power he could exert might even surpass Ling Huan''s. Such a sudden move, attacking unexpectedly, still held some opportunities.


    However,


    Ling Huan shook his head at this time.


    "Let''s not touch him for now."


    He understood Ling Ji''s plan, but Chen Mu being able to directly confront him, reaching such a level of strength, defeating him would be easy but killing him would be difficult. Even if they followed Ling Ji''s plan and Chen Mu was totally unprepared, it might still not be possible to inflict serious damage, and a mere minor injury would be meaningless; it would heal in a few days.


    Moreover, finding the right moment to deal with Chen Mu was even more difficult, unlike handling those Grandmaster teams, where they didn''t need to deliberately wait for opportunities and could just deal with them one by one.


    In this situation, entangling too much with Chen Mu held little meaning, it was better to inflict as much damage as possible on other enemies.


    Now,


    Other teams had more or less received some information, all showing signs of converging. In such circumstances, it became even more important to act before that, as for Chen Mu''s side... leaving him be was a reluctant decision.


    Upon hearing Ling Huan''s words, Ling Ji glanced toward the direction of the Jiuhe Tribe, a flash of murderous intent in his eyes, but ultimately it subsided, and he moved swiftly alongside Ling Huan, disappearing from the spot.


    ...


    In the center of a devastated and chaotic settlement,


    one could see a segment of an inverted green branch hanging down, its bottom clear and translucent, as if attached was a drop of green Wood Spirit Liquid, below which was a hollowed-out Spiritual Pool, that, however, was completely empty without a single drop of Spiritual Liquid.


    Following the Central Forbidden Land road forward, one could see chaos everywhere, and even further ahead, traces of Spirit People Race hurriedly fleeing could be seen, among them an old figure, carrying something on his back, from inside of which emanated a dense and unmistakable Power of Xunmu.


    Whoosh!


    Chen Mu''s figure silently appeared behind him, a finger lightly pointing out.


    A burst of formless Vigorous Force spread, ''pfft,'' penetrated the elderly Spirit Human''s skull, leaving a bloody hole, causing his fleeing figure to abruptly stiffen, then stagger and fall to the side.


    Chen Mu waved his hand, and the bundle carried by the man burst open, revealing a wooden bottle inside. The long bottle traced an arc through the air, landing straight in his hand.


    He pulled out the wooden stopper.


    Inside was a dripping green Xunmu Spirit Liquid.


    This large settlement had not confronted him at all; all the Spirit People had already prepared to scatter and escape, but the scent of Xunmu Spirit Liquid was hard to conceal, taking it away from under his watch was almost impossible.


    This bottle contained as much as fifteen pounds, but it was not all from this large settlement.


    Chen Mu waved his hand, collected this bottle of Xunmu Spirit Liquid, then his gaze shifted, and he went off in another direction.

 Chapter 745 - 415: Convergence

    Chen Mu''s perception might not match a Celestial Human''s level, but it was still a flight of fancy to think one could spirit away the Xunmu Spirit Liquid right under his nose. In a short moment, he had nearly wiped out all the fleeing Spirit People who had tried to escape with the liquid.


    In total, he gathered about fifty-three catties of Xunmu Spirit Liquid.


    "Elder Chen."


    At this time, Fang Yuan approached with a smile, holding up a wooden long bottle, and said, "These Spirit People thought they could escape with the Spiritual Liquid, but it wasn''t so easy. I caught one, and in here there''s a full thirteen catties of Xunmu Spirit Liquid..."


    Fang Yuan said this as he handed over the wooden long bottle to Chen Mu without any intention of keeping it for himself.


    It''s not that he had no greed for the bottle of Xunmu Spirit Liquid, but he was a smart man who knew when he could afford to be greedy and when he couldn''t. For now, safely traveling with Chen Mu provided a degree of security, so he couldn''t expect to reap any rewards, especially since Chen Mu had breached this large settlement on his own, having little to do with Fang Yuan.


    The only contribution he could claim was leading the way, which wasn''t enough to justify a share of the Xunmu Spirit Liquid.


    Chen Mu reached out to take the wooden long bottle, weighed it slightly, and indeed there were fully thirteen catties of Xunmu Spirit Liquid inside. He also sensed that Fang Yuan had not held any back; this was the last share.


    That is to say, this large settlement had contained a total of sixty-six catties of Xunmu Spirit Liquid, which was slightly less than the previous large settlement, but still roughly the same, immediately bringing his remaining Xunmu Spirit Liquid to over a hundred catties.


    "I wonder what Grandmaster Fang seeks in Xunmu Cave Heaven?"


    After taking the bottle of Xunmu Spirit Liquid, Chen Mu casually asked Fang Yuan.


    Fang Yuan smiled and replied, "There is a Body Tempering Prescription that requires Xunmu Spirit Liquid as one of the main ingredients. However, the amount needed is not large, just three catties would suffice. I''ve already gathered some previously and am not far short now."


    After hearing this, Chen Mu pondered briefly, then with a wave of his hand, he separated about three catties of Xunmu Spirit Liquid from the long bottle, which flew towards Fang Yuan as he said, "Grandmaster Fang has troubled himself to guide the way; please keep these for your use."


    Fang Yuan repeatedly waved his hands, saying, "Guiding the way is merely a small effort, and I will still rely on Elder Chen for safety."


    He had already collected some Xunmu Spirit Liquid before, lacking only a small amount. As long as he could leave Xunmu Cave Heaven safely, he would be able to acquire more, more or less, which would be sufficient. Therefore, he preferred not to take even a fraction from Chen Mu.


    "As fellow clan members, we should assist each other. If Grandmaster Fang is concerned about safety, then continue to travel with me."


    Upon hearing Fang Yuan''s words, Chen Mu unceremoniously took back the Xunmu Spirit Liquid.


    Having breached a large settlement, neither Ling Huan nor Ling Ji, the old and new Spirit Ancestors, had shown up. That meant that they either weren''t present or didn''t plan to take action against him, or perhaps they found it more assured to attack other teams, which was also good news for him.


    Although he did not fear these two Spirit Ancestors, if they continued to entangle him, it would significantly slow down his collection of Xunmu Spirit Liquid. If they persisted for a month or two, his subsequent gains could be negligible, making it difficult to gather the required amount of Xunmu Spirit Liquid to refine the Qiankun Martial Body to its limit, and he would have to continue searching after leaving Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    "I shall scout the path for Elder Chen."


    Fang Yuan said with earnest, his tone also carrying a hint of respect.


    He didn''t feel out of place at all. Although he was nearly three times Chen Mu''s age, in this world, strength was always what commanded respect. If Chen Mu of Ice State Abyss could barely qualify for a title of ''Supreme'', then the strength Chen Mu now demonstrated was undoubtedly on par with any Blood Exchange Realm, far above any Grandmaster.


    Strength was the measure of status, and though he was much older and senior to Chen Mu, it was perfectly natural to honor Chen Mu''s superiority.


    "Let''s go."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly to Fang Yuan and then stepped forward to continue on.


    ... S~ea??h the ¦ÇovelFire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Elsewhere.


    Dozens of Grandmasters gathered in one place.


    These Grandmasters formed three different teams; one team was led by Jiang Han, another by Yan Hong, and the last was led by Hong Shida and Grandmaster Zong Gang, two peerless Grandmasters.


    Among the three groups, the one led by Hong Shida and Grandmaster Zong Gang had the fewest Grandmasters, only eleven. This was a reflection of their confidence as peerless Grandmasters, trusting in their combined strength to retreat from Ling Huan''s grasp.


    However,


    at this moment, both Hong Shida and Grandmaster Zong Gang furrowed their brows frequently.


    "Facing a newly risen Spirit Ancestor indeed poses some difficulty," one said.


    "With one new Spirit Ancestor already having emerged, who knows if a second will appear," the other pondered.


    With their abilities, joining forces against Ling Huan gave them some assurance of safe withdrawal, but facing two Spirit Ancestors would be overreaching, even with nine other Grandmasters, they would be no match, and a total annihilation wasn''t out of the question!


    Moreover, all intel on the Spirit People Race had suggested that Xunmu Cave Heaven couldn''t sustain someone of Blood Exchange Realm, and Ling Huan had barely stepped into that level. The entire Spirit People Race was only supposed to have one Spirit Ancestor, but now it seemed that estimation was wrong. If two Spirit Ancestors could indeed emerge, then perhaps three or four could as well!


    Of course, a Spirit Ancestor wasn''t as common as cabbage; these beings were on par with the Blood Exchange Realm and didn''t arise casually. But the mere possibility added an invisible pressure, weighing heavily on one''s heart.

 Chapter 746 - 415: Convergence_2

    "The priority is still to join forces and act together, Brother Hong, what do you think?"


    Jiang Han spoke to Hong Shida.


    He didn''t know about the others, but with the addition of Hong Shida and Grandmaster Zong Gang''s group, the merging of three teams gave them some confidence to face the two Spirit Ancestors, Ling Huan and Ling Ji.


    "With such an unexpected event, I naturally have no objections... However, since there has been a change in Xunmu Cave Heaven, we can''t continue with the previous plans. In my opinion, we might as well continue looking for more people to join us and try to gather together first."


    After a brief moment of contemplation, Hong Shida responded to Jiang Han.


    The current situation was changing subtly.


    Three teams joining forces did indeed give some assurance to withstand the two Spirit Ancestors, but the problem was that the Spirit People Race wasn''t limited to these two Ancestors. They could bring out at least a dozen Grandmasters, who were skilled in the same way and whose cooperation with each other would be more harmonious. Even though their individual strength was generally far less, if about a dozen of them gathered together, their combined force could match one of their teams.


    However, these Grandmaster-level Spirit People weren''t as free to come and go as Ling Huan and Ling Ji; they could completely avoid conflict.


    But now, if they were tied down by Ling Huan and Ling Ji, and then attacked by another group of Spirit People, or even worse, if they brought along several hundred elite members of the Spirit People and formed a battle formation to surround them, the situation would become very unfavorable. Even if the three teams joined forces, there was a risk of total annihilation.


    Although the Spirit People Race had never countered so fiercely in the past, now with the two Spirit Ancestors, it was hard to say.


    "Sect Master Hong is right."


    Yan Hong also agreed, "Let''s meet with other teams first, then discuss further actions."


    Jiang Han said, "However, we currently don''t know the location of the other teams."


    "I know where the team from Tingchao Cliff is; I''m in contact with them," said Grandmaster Zong Gang.


    The people nearby all looked at him, including Hong Shida, but there was not much surprise in their eyes; after all, Grandmaster Zong Gang had risen from the Outer Sea and was a peerless grandmaster from there, and it was quite normal for him to have contacts with Tingchao Cliff.


    "I should be able to locate Lord Yan Palace''s team," another person spoke up.


    The people quickly gathered together to strategize and soon each employed their methods, using unique ways of contact or tracking methods, displaying a variety in this endeavor to find and gather the people scattered around Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    At that moment, Hong Shida suddenly looked towards Yan Hong, saying, "I heard that the man from the Cold North also arrived in Xunmu Cave Heaven, and was earlier in the ranks of Lord Yongning? If he is here, we could also fearlessly handle those Spirit People."


    Yan Hong slightly shook his head, "He isn''t here, and I don''t know how to contact him."


    Even if they could contact Chen Mu, Chen Mu might not be willing to join forces with so many people; considering the capabilities Chen Mu had previously demonstrated, he was enough of a match for the old Spirit Ancestor Ling Huan, so having one more Spirit Ancestor Ling Ji threat against Chen Mu would be difficult.


    At least being alone, Chen Mu could be free to come and go, and he probably had no interest in gathering with them; he might even prefer that these people attract the spirit people''s firepower while he freely roamed in Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    "That''s a pity."


    A glimmer flickered in Hong Shida''s eyes. sea??h th§× n??el Fire.n§×t website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    As the saying goes, there''s no first in literature and second in martial arts; being one of the contemporary peerless grandmasters, his gaze naturally always strived for the highest places. Earlier, the top rank in the world''s Grandmasters'' ranking belonged to King of Jin. Due to his special status and venerable position, very few challenged him for martial arts discussions. Now, the first in the Grandmasters'' ranking being Chen Mu seemed even more extraordinary.


    Although he did not have a special position or status, his strength was perhaps the greatest among all the grandmasters in history!


    To repel a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon ancestor, Yuwen Hao, with Marrow Cleansing Realm was one thing, and even to withstand an attack from Master of Xue Yin Tower and repel him was unthinkable. Even among those experts in the Blood Exchange Realm, not many were as confident in their abilities.


    As a peerless Grandmaster, he too harbored the thought of striving for the foremost position among Grandmasters, but when he considered Chen Mu''s abilities, such thoughts were swiftly dispelled. As the most eminent existence among the Marrow Cleansing Grandmasters, he possessed a pride that was unbending, yet he was not a foolhardy vaunter with no self-awareness. The gap between him and Chen Mu was too vast, so vast that there was no possibility of competing in martial prowess or debate.


    Even if he were to truly meet Chen Mu, he would at most request Chen Mu to impart a single move.


    "Brother Hong, are you talking about the one who practices the Qiankun Path? Has he also come to Xunmu Cave Heaven?"


    Upon hearing the conversation between Hong Shida and Yan Hong, Grandmaster Zonggang''s eyes suddenly flashed, casting a sharp look, a trace of interest flickering in his gaze.


    Living in the Outer Sea, he wasn''t as well-informed as Hong Shida and was unaware of the assassination attempt on Chen Mu by the Master of Xue Yin Tower. He had only vaguely heard that Chen Mu had once in the Ice State Abyss, repelled a person comparable to a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon.


    Grandmaster Zonggang, considered one of the most eminent figures among Grandmasters in the Outer Sea, had encountered a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon as well. Though he hadn''t repelled it, he had exchanged several moves with it and managed to retreat with his whole body intact. Hearing the name of Chen Mu naturally sparked a desire in him to measure his own strength against him.


    However.


    Upon hearing Grandmaster Zonggang''s words, Hong Shida immediately looked up and laughed, "Does Brother Zong wish to debate with that person?"


    Grandmaster Zonggang slightly shook his head, "Indeed, I have such intentions, but this is not the right time. At present, in Xunmu Cave Heaven, crises lurk at every corner, and combats are not suitable..."


    Hong Shida looked at Grandmaster Zonggang and said, "I am aware of Brother Zong''s capabilities, yet that person is a rare genius, seen once in a thousand years; he has transcended the ordinary, even the Master of Blood Concealment from Cold North failed to deal with him personally. I too wish to explore the Qiankun Path, but such a disparity can only leave us sighing in despair."


    Upon hearing this, Grandmaster Zonggang''s expression suddenly changed, "The Master of Blood Concealment?"


    The Master of Blood Concealment, a formidable practitioner in the Blood Exchange Realm and the most feared assassin of the present age, his notoriety resonated even in the Outer Sea. Even Grandmaster Zonggang was familiar with his fearsome reputation. Could Chen Mu truly have escaped unscathed from an assassination attempt by the Master of Blood Concealment?!


    This was much more terrifying than battling with a Ninth Rank Heavenly Demon!


    Yan Zhengyang also looked at Grandmaster Zonggang and asked, "Has Brother Zong ever encountered that old Spirit Ancestor?"


    "Not yet,"


    replied Grandmaster Zonggang, shaking his head.


    Yan Zhengyang sighed softly and said, "He recently battled with that old Spirit Ancestor, bare-handedly contending without falling short. Had it not been for the restriction on the Blood Exchange Realm from entering Xunmu Cave Heaven, I might even suspect he had already transcended the Blood Exchange threshold."


    As a top Grandmaster, he too was a figure who towered in his own right, with a renowned presence even in Central Prefecture. From his childhood, he was recognized as a once-in-a-generation genius, steadily rising, but when compared with Chen Mu, even such a peerless figure seemed diminished.


    The other party had simply surpassed the category of a genius.


    "This..."


    Upon hearing Yan Zhengyang''s words, Grandmaster Zonggang also showed an incredulous expression.


    Although he had not encountered Ling Huan, he was well aware of the old Spirit Ancestor Ling Huan''s strength, who was not considered weak among those in the Blood Exchange Realm, almost on par with the Dragonwood Island Master. And yet, Chen Mu was already capable of contending against such existences!


    There are degrees of strength within the Blood Exchange Realm. In front of the weakest, newly advanced practitioners of the Blood Exchange Realm, he was confident of resisting a few, even escaping entirely unharmed, but to escape from beings like Ling Huan or the Dragonwood Island Master was extremely difficult, not even one move could be parried!


    Chen Mu was in the Marrow Cleansing Realm, yet he had achieved such a level of power.


    It was utterly inconceivable!


    Grandmaster Zonggang even doubted the truth of Yan Zhengyang''s words, but as he shifted his gaze to others, he discerned from their expressions that what Yan Zhengyang said was entirely truthful. Moreover, with Hong Shida further mentioning that Chen Mu had survived unscathed from the assassination attempt by the Master of Blood Concealment, it further confirmed this possibility, plunging him into a long silence.

 Chapter 747 - 416 The Final Step of the Marrow Cleansing Realm

    Chen Mu was not aware of the situation with Yan Hong and Jiang Han.


    After breaching a large settlement, Chen Mu, together with Fang Yuan, continued to rampage in search of Spirit Human settlements. Nearly half a month passed this way. Although they hadn''t encountered another large settlement, they had scoured countless medium and small ones, and the amount of Xunmu Spirit Liquid collected had finally reached over two hundred jin!


    In addition,


    they also found many Earth Spirit Fruits and other special spiritual objects from the Xunmu Cave Heaven, resulting in an extremely bountiful harvest.


    Along the way, they hadn''t encountered Elders like Ling Huan and Ling Ji, nor did they run into other Grandmasters'' teams attacking Xunmu Cave Heaven. It seemed that the other Grandmasters'' teams were now converging in one place, not spread out in various parts of Xunmu Cave Heaven.


    At a certain Spirit Human settlement.


    Many Spirit Humans were fleeing in a disheveled fashion.


    Hisss! Sear?h the N?velFire(.)net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    A streak of invisible Finger Force spread out, piercing through the head of a burly Spirit Human with a single strike.


    A clear blood hole appeared in the middle of that Spirit Human''s forehead, eyes showing a mixture of fear and unwillingness. He then thumped down into a pool of blood, a moderately sized wooden bottle tumbling out of his embrace.


    Chen Mu''s figure strolled from behind, extending his hand in a beckoning motion, the wooden bottle flying into his grasp. Without opening it, he weighed it slightly, more or less discerning the quantity of Wood Spirit Liquid inside, nodded faintly, and then tucked it away.


    Fang Yuan followed from one side.


    Watching Chen Mu collect the Xunmu Spirit Liquid, a hint of envy appeared in his eyes. In the half month he had followed Chen Mu, they had at least scavenged nearly a hundred jin of Xunmu Spirit Liquid. This extremely precious spiritual liquid seemed almost worthless in the hands of Chen Mu.


    But in reality, only Chen Mu could so effortlessly harvest such a massive amount of the liquid.


    If it were someone else, they wouldn''t even qualify to act alone in Xunmu Cave Heaven; they would need to move in groups of at least twenty to thirty Grandmasters. Lacking Chen Mu''s agility and freedom of movement, even without interference from the Spirit Human Elders, it would be difficult to gather a hundred jin of Xunmu Spirit Liquid in just half a month. And if they were to distribute it amongst themselves, it would often be hard to receive even two or three jin each.


    Not to mention, should they face interference and attack from the Spirit Human Elders, they could possibly lose their lives. In such a situation requiring constant vigilance and caution, the expected yield would be even lower.


    Chen Mu did not pursue the fleeing Spirit Humans.


    After putting the Xunmu Spirit Liquid into his bag, he pondered for a short moment before taking out his Qiankun bottle. Holding it in his hand, he weighed it slightly. After calculating the accumulated Xunmu Spirit Liquid inside, it was about two hundred and thirteen jin.


    While taking out the Qiankun bottle, Chen Mu did not particularly hide his actions from Fang Yuan. After all, his acquisition of a Void Jade Crystal during the expedition to Ice State Abyss was now common knowledge, and it was widely speculated that he had crafted a Void Treasure.


    Fang Yuan had been a witness to Chen Mu''s casual collection of resources. However, it was his first time seeing the Qiankun bottle, which made a glint of admiration flash in his eyes, though no trace of greed arose.


    Even though a Void Treasure was incredibly valuable, far surpassing a Superior Grade Spirit Weapon and rivaling the top-tier Spirit Weapons listed in the early hundreds, or even top fifty, of the Da Xuan Spirit Weapon Catalogue, such a precious object was beyond his right to possess.


    Regardless of whether the Void Treasure was Chen Mu''s or not, even if Chen Mu offered it to him, Fang Yuan wouldn''t dare to take it. He understood the principle that "the innocent can be guilty if they possess a treasure." Only upon entering the Blood Exchange Realm might one justly claim a Void Treasure.


    "..."


    After determining the amount of Xunmu Spirit Liquid, Chen Mu nodded slightly. After a brief contemplation, he turned to Fang Yuan and asked, "I''ve gathered quite an amount of Xunmu Spirit Liquid, and collecting more has little meaning for the moment. I''m considering finding a place to refine some of it. I wonder what Elder Fang plans to do next¡ªwill you join up with those others, or will you follow me to retreat for a while?"


    He didn''t intend to conceal the act of refining Xunmu Spirit Liquid, or rather, at this stage, there was no real need to hide any intentions. Body Refining cultivation was not like striking for the Blood Exchange Realm, and there was no fear of encountering mishaps mid-course.


    On the other hand, Fang Yuan was slightly surprised by Chen Mu''s words.


    It had been almost a month and a half since everyone had entered the Xunmu Cave Heaven, with at most another month and a half remaining before they would have to leave, or else they would be trapped and unable to return.


    With Chen Mu''s abilities, he could easily continue the rampage and plundering. Even if the accumulations of many Spirit Human settlements were almost entirely pilfered, he could certainly garner another few dozen or hundred jin of Xunmu Spirit Liquid in the next month and a half.


    Yet, Chen Mu intended not to plunder but to cultivate in seclusion, which to him seemed like a waste of opportunity.


    After all, even with over a hundred jin of Xunmu Spirit Liquid aiding his cultivation for a short month and a half, how much could he possibly achieve? Moreover, he presumed Chen Mu''s Martial Body was likely already refined to Perfection, and he had no idea how Chen Mu managed to cultivate his Martial Body to such a state in such a short time, but reaching that level left almost no room for further progress.


    Let alone a hundred jin of Xunmu Spirit Liquid in a month.


    Even with a thousand jin of Xunmu Spirit Liquid and three to five years of slow refinement, it might not significantly strengthen his Martial Body any further, other than some virtually negligible improvements.


    But then again, if he had himself gathered over a hundred jin of Xunmu Spirit Liquid, he might consider ceasing as well, since that amount was basically sufficient. Now that there was no clash with Elders like Ling Huan and Ling Ji, it was a viable option to find a safe place to retreat and wait until a month and a half later to leave Xunmu Cave Heaven safely.

 Chapter 748 - 416 The Final Step of the Marrow Cleansing Realm_2

    "If Elder Chen plans to assimilate his gains, then it is only right for me to act as Elder Chen''s protector for a while,"


    After Fang Yuan had thought it through, he quickly made up his mind.


    He had almost gathered all the Xunmu Spirit Liquid he needed; joining up with other forces within the Xunmu Cave Heaven posed equally great risks. It might be better to continue following Chen Mu all the way. After all, the forces gathering in that area would be embroiled in a big battle with the Spirit People Race, so he and Chen Mu would not face any further threats or disturbances, ensuring a peaceful passage through the coming month.


    "That''s fine."


    Chen Mu nodded slightly to Fang Yuan.


    He was also calculating the time. Advancing the Qiankun Martial Body from Perfection to Extreme Tempering was a bigger change than the previous smaller steps, likely taking not a short amount of time, perhaps around a month. To avoid missing the Void Tide and the chance to leave the Xunmu Cave Heaven, it was better to start sooner rather than later.


    Although being trapped in the Xunmu Cave Heaven wasn''t a dead end for him, as once he had tempered his Martial Body to its limits, no one in the Xunmu Cave Heaven could harm him, even if the entire Spirit People Race came at him, he would not fear. Being trapped for a hundred years until the next Void Tide when the Cave Heaven opens wouldn''t be an issue; after all, his lifespan far exceeded that of ordinary people.


    But the problem was that his lifespan was long, while the others were not.


    Xu Hongyu, Chen Yue...


    Those close to him, even if they could enter the Marrow Cleansing Grandmaster Realm in the future, would approach the limits of their lifespans after a long hundred years, and if they could not reach the Marrow Cleansing Realm, by the time he came out, everything would have changed.


    Therefore, the option of being stuck in the Xunmu Cave Heaven for a hundred years was not on the table for him.


    Having made his decision, Chen Mu didn''t hesitate any longer, quickly disengaging and retreating towards the outskirts of the Xunmu Cave Heaven, and Fang Yuan followed suit, withdrawing together with Chen Mu.


    ...


    Meanwhile.


    Elsewhere.


    On a sprawling and towering branch of Xunmu, in an area roughly twenty or thirty miles in radius, buildings were everywhere.


    This was a large settlement, also one of the largest settlements in the entire Xunmu Cave Heaven, aside from the core area. The blue radiance blocked out the sun and filled the sky, dazzling like a giant umbrella covering the entire settlement.


    Outside the Xunmu Grand Formation, dozens of Grandmasters were assembled into groups, mustering at various locations. Their converging auras intertwined, forming an oppressive, suffocating atmosphere that made the Power of Heaven and Earth nearby seem stagnant.


    Among them,


    Yan Hong, Jiang Han, Hong Shida, and many other prominent figures were all present, along with many other Grandmasters.


    On the other side, within the majestic Xunmu Grand Formation, hundreds of elite Spirit Humans were gathered. Among them, seven or eight had reached the level of Grandmaster. And at the very rear of everyone, stood two figures, an old and a young pair: Ling Huan and Ling Ji, both distinguished Spirit Ancestors.


    At that moment, Ling Huan had his eyes closed, seemingly sensing something. After a while, he suddenly opened his eyes, confusion flickering in his eyes that had seen many years.


    "Strange."


    "Ancestor, what is it?"


    Noticing Ling Huan''s unusual demeanor, Ling Ji immediately looked over and asked.


    Ling Huan pondered and said, "That person has actually retreated, and at such a time..." sea??h th§× n?vel_Fire.¦Çet website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.


    Being at the Celestial Human Level, he could meld his body and mind with Xunmu. Although there was a limit to the power of Xunmu he could control and wield, his range of perception was extremely vast, able to sense events nearly a thousand miles away, including what was happening in the direction where Chen Mu was.


    He sensed that after Chen Mu had plundered another settlement, he did not choose to push deeper but unexpectedly withdrew. This was undoubtedly a peculiar situation.


    Because the other Grandmaster teams had nearly all gathered together, forcing him to also be stationed here to respond, while Chen Mu in the Xunmu Cave Heaven could act unimpeded due to him being restrained. There was no need for Chen Mu to withdraw.


    Even more,


    He had been worried that Chen Mu might launch a sudden attack on the core area, so he always kept part of his attention on Chen Mu''s movements, ready to have Ling Ji return to the core area to activate the core Ancestral Formation to block Chen Mu, to prevent any problems in the core area.


    Yet, not only did Chen Mu not take the opportunity to strike at the core area, but he also chose this moment to suddenly withdraw, allowing them to focus all their energy on dealing with the many Grandmasters gathered at the front. This was undeniably odd.


    Anything unusual is a sign of something amiss.


    But...


    Ling Huan glanced toward the exterior of the formation from afar, his brow slightly furrowed.


    Although he had a feeling that Chen Mu was not up to any good, he truly could not spare the energy to deal with Chen Mu at the moment. Chen Mu''s strength was not something he could handle alone; he would have to bring Ling Ji along. But if he and Ling Ji were to confront Chen Mu together, then the situation here would spiral out of control, and their forces would certainly not be able to withstand the assault of so many grandmasters.


    After a brief contemplation, Ling Huan shook his head.


    Since Chen Mu had retreated, regardless of any schemes, they should be set aside for the time being. It was best to focus all efforts on repelling the frontal assault.


    With him overseeing the situation, even if Chen Mu had any plans to circumvent and strike at the core area, it would be impossible to escape his notice. He could always have Ling Ji return to defend at any moment. In such times, the best strategy was to remain unchanging, ready to respond to countless changes.


    "Since he has withdrawn, let him be for now. We will deal with the situation here first," Ling Huan said slowly.


    With Chen Mu possessing such a level of strength, it was difficult to pose a threat to him. Unless Chen Mu could be killed, it was meaningless, and it was better to concentrate on facing the direct offensive and inflict as much damage as possible on the grandmaster forces.


    Upon hearing Ling Huan''s words, Ling Ji also nodded and redirected his gaze back to the battlefield in front of them.


    ...


    Elsewhere.


    Chen Mu, accompanied by Fang Yuan, retreated all the way to an area close to the edge of the Xunmu Cave Heaven before stopping.


    He did not know how far Ling Huan, a celestial human, could sense, but he was well aware that celestial humans had an extremely vast range of detection, so he needed to move as far away as possible to be safer.


    Hum!


    Chen Mu casually struck out and opened up an oblique passage on the surface of the wilderness, then continued to descend underground, stopping only when he reached nearly four hundred feet deep.


    Fang Yuan, however, did not go down that deep. Four hundred feet was also somewhat pressurizing for him as a grandmaster, and knowing that Chen Mu was likely to enter seclusion for cultivation, it was not suitable to be too close, so he stayed at a depth of around two hundred feet.


    Underground cave.


    Chen Mu created a three-foot area in the cave and then sat cross-legged in the center, placing the Qiankun bottle next to him, thereafter summoning the system panel.


    [Martial Body: Qiankun (Perfection)]


    [Experience: 112 points]


    "Finally, it has come to this step," he composed himself and exhaled slowly.


    Throughout his martial arts journey, by virtue of his willpower and ability that exceeded ordinary people, he had tempered his Skin Toughening, Body Refinement, Tendon Changing, Bone Tempering, and even the Five Viscera and Six Viscera to the limits, the limits of what it means to be human. And now, he had finally reached the threshold of the ultimate limit of the Seventh Realm, the Marrow Cleansing Realm!


    In today''s world, just tempering Five Viscera and Six Viscera to the extreme is extraordinarily difficult.


    Without the extreme tempering of Five Viscera and Six Viscera, it would be absolutely impossible to withstand the load of Marrow Cleansing Realm''s extreme tempering. The extreme tempering of the first six realms is a prerequisite for the impact of the ultimate limit of the Marrow Cleansing Realm.


    Although the Martial Arts continue to develop and progress, it is possible that for thousands or even tens of thousands of years in the future, there might not be another who meets the conditions for extreme Marrow Cleansing, let alone completing this step. This is too difficult, too hard.


    In Chen Mu''s view,


    if the concentration of Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi in the world today were to improve by thirty to fifty percent, and the abundance of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Items doubled, then it could become possible for someone to emerge who has tempered the Five Viscera and Six Viscera to the extreme.


    On this basis, if Heaven and Earth''s Yuan Qi and various resources doubled again, only then could someone possibly achieve Marrow Cleansing to the extreme.


    He had once used the system panel to elevate his cultivation and briefly experienced the Unity of Heaven and Man realm, during which he sensed the Yuan Qi of this world, which was indeed slowly but subtly increasing. However, this increment was minuscule.


    It is likely that even after tens of thousands of years, the strength might not increase by more than ten or twenty percent compared to the present.


    Moreover, this sort of increment probably has a limit; perhaps it will never reach several times its current extent. In other words, if he were to temper his Marrow Cleansing to the extreme, he might not only be the first in this world of Da Xuan, but also the last of his kind.