《Ancient Sky Fiend》


 Chapter 1

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    It was late at night, and the mountains were shrouded in the tranquil silence. When most people had fallen asleep, Yun Shu, however, was still wide awake.


    Under the pale moonlight, a faint wisp of Spirit Qi could be seen revolving around him.


    For beginners, it started with splitting a strand of Spirit Qi into sixteen portions of the plume, a gifted beginner could do thirty-two, and sixty-four


    But someone like Yun Shu who could divide a strand into a thousand and twenty-four plumes¡­


    2To put it in the most modest way, he was a monster!


    Yun Shu tried to be extremely careful and prudent with every single movement. However, the irresistible drowsiness suddenly overwhelmed him as his head tilted to one side, and soon, he started snoring.


    He had drifted to the dreamland!


    In the entire Fire Mystic Sect, only Yun Wanli knew that Yun Shu was a prodigy. However, he was merely an old servant, so no one would listen to him.


    The true reason behind his failure was sleep: whenever he started cultivating, he would fall asleep. Even someone banging a drum wouldn¡¯t be able to wake him up.


    In his deep sleep, Yun Shu had the same dream as every time.


    In his dreams, he had seen this large stone gate countless times. It was so magnificent and majestic that the gate almost looked like a pillar connecting heaven and earth.


    It seemed that the stone gate had been standing there for millions of years, back from the times of turmoil.


    The power of destruction coming from the gate. He dared not get any closer.


    However, this time was different. Today, he was extremely angry and frustrated with his repeated failures and the impending doom.


    Yun Shu got carried away by his anger, the fear thrown out of the window. His left hand clenching into a fist, he sprinted for the stone gate and fiercely pounded at it.


    Yun Shu thought it would hurt a lot. To his great surprise, however, the moment his fist touched the hard surface, the huge gate was absorbed by his hand in the twinkling of an eye and became a gate-shaped mark on his palm.


    Yun Shu was shocked by the turn of events. Suddenly, he lost his balance and started falling into the darkness. When his body hit the hard floor, he was jolted awake.


    ¡°Time to get up, Young Master Yun!¡± A man¡¯s smooth voice came into Yun Shu¡¯s ears.


    He turned around and found himself on the floor.


    His quilt and pillow were also on the floor.


    In front of Yun Shu stood three men.


    He turned around and found himself on the floor, his quilt and pillow scattered on the side. Currently, in front of Yun Shu stood three men; they were also outer sect disciples of the Fire Mystic Sect. However, all of them had reached the fifth level of Qi Sky Realm or even above. They were much more accomplished than him.


    ¡°Senior Brother Fan Wen, the sect¡¯s rule doesn¡¯t allow intrusion. Don¡¯t you know it?¡± asked Yun Shu in a deep voice. All of his stuff had been thrown onto the floor.


    ¡°The rule says no intrusion into disciples¡¯ rooms. Are you still a disciple? Or are you suggesting that you¡¯ve reached the fifth level?¡± Fan Wen grinned at Yun Shu.


    The smirk on his face made Yun Shu feel disgusted. Fan Wen was trained by Elder Chen Sheng, who somehow disliked Yun Wanli a lot.


    ¡°My master is responsible for examining the outer disciples this year, and he has assigned you to me because testing you will just be a waste of time. Let me introduce you to my two junior brothers, Zhang Bao and Wang Hu. They joined the sect two years ago, and both of them have reached the fifth level. If you can beat either of them, you pass the test,¡± said Fan Wen while sneering unpleasantly.


    Obviously, Fan Wen had come here today to teach Yun Shu a good lesson.


    ¡°Come on, Young Master Yun!¡± said Wang Hu as he stepped forward and grinned evilly. His eyes looked sharp and cruel, like a wolf¡¯s.


    And while he was speaking, Wang Hu had already reached out his hands like a pair of claws!


    ¡°F*ck off!¡± Yun Shu¡¯s chest was filled with hatred. He threw a punch at Wang Hu as hard as he could.


    But Yun Shu¡¯s hasty and simple move was nothing in Wang Hu¡¯s eyes.


    Bang!


    Wang Hu grabbed Yun Shu¡¯s left arm.


    ¡°Don¡¯t rush now. This is just the beginning of the test. I¡¯ll make this day memorable to you!¡± Wang Hu put on a ferocious smile.


    Grabbing his arm, Wang Hu gathered his Qi and was ready to infuse Yun Shu¡¯s arm with the burning energy.


    Sizzle¡­


    Wang Hu¡¯s Qi churned inside Yun Shu¡¯s arm, and the sharp pain was unbearable.


    Yun Shu hurriedly removed his eyes from his palm, looked up, and saw Wang Hu¡¯s eyes filled with terror.


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ Don¡¯t kill me! Don¡¯t¡­!¡± Wang Hu burst out several bitter cries and passed out on the spot.


    All of them were shocked.


    ¡°What¡­ What did you do?¡± Fan Wen screamed at Yun Shu.


    ¡°How do I know?¡± Yun Shu was the same as others: confused.


    Recalling the feeling of the warm energy flowing in his left palm, Yun Shu slightly frowned.


    Zhang Bao hurriedly responded and checked up Wang Hu. After a short while, he looked up at Fan Wen and stammered, ¡°Senior Brother Fan, Wang Hu¡¯s Qi isn¡¯t flowing properly. He¡­ He¡¯s suffering from a Qi Deviation!¡±


    ¡°What? Send him to Master!¡± Fan Wen frowned.


    After Zhang Bao pulled Wang Hu out of the room, Fan Wen turned around and said to Yun Shu coldly, ¡°Don¡¯t celebrate too soon. The test isn¡¯t done yet.¡±


    Fan Wen drew his sword.


    Yun Shu¡¯s heart immediately sank at this; Fan Wen¡¯s cultivation level was much higher than Wang Hu¡¯s.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡±


    An old voice came from the outside.


    It was Yun Wanli, standing behind the doorsill with a broom in his hand.


    Fan Wen was slightly surprised at first, and then he sneered. ¡°Your responsibility is to sweep the floor, old man. And mine is to test him. You got anything to say?¡±


    Yun Wanli said, ¡°Sir, please go easy on him. Why do you have to do this?¡±


    Fan Wen snorted. ¡°Why? Because that¡¯s my job!¡±


    Yun Wanli sighed. ¡°But my son is afflicted by a disease. Sir, please let him go.¡±


    An insidious idea suddenly flashed in Fan Wen¡¯s mind. His arms on his hips, he said to Yun Wanli, ¡°Well, if you kowtow to me a hundred times and lick my shoe, I¡¯ll not make things hard for him.¡±


    Yun Shu was enraged at the way Fan Wen talked to his father. Just when he was about to put up a desperate struggle to win some honor, he heard his foster father say, ¡°Really?¡±


    A single word shocked Yun Shu senseless. Exhilarated, Fan Wen looked at Yun Wanli and nodded. ¡°Sure!¡±


    Yun Wanli let go of the broom. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll kowtow to you.¡±


    Then the elderly man bent forward. However, Yun Shu hurriedly stepped forward and caught him before his knees could touch the ground.


    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t!¡± Yun Shu helped his father stand up, holding his arms.


    Seeing his moment of joy flying away, Fan Wen was pissed. ¡°Good for you! You had your chance. Now, get out!¡±


    Hearing that, Yun Wanli said in a panic to his son, ¡°Shu, but¡­¡±


    Yun Shu smiled and said, ¡°Dad, I¡¯ve made the decision. Instead of being kicked out by the bastard, I¡¯ll go to the Valley of Crime!¡±


    Both Yun Wanli and Fan Wen were shocked. The Valley of Crime was the place where the sect punished the sinners. With sharp, piercing winds always blowing, staying inside was no better than death.


    Many criminals died in the valley within three to five years, a testament to the harsh conditions. Yun Shu had not succeeded in cultivation yet. Therefore, going there was basically like a death sentence to him.


    1Yun Wanli hurriedly shook his head, almost bursting into tears. ¡°Don¡¯t go there, Shu! You¡¯ll die! Don¡¯t go!¡±


    Yun Shu had made up his mind. He smiled and said to his foster father, ¡°Have some faith in me, Dad. According to the rules, if I can decipher the inscription on one of the three stone steles left by the sect¡¯s founder in the valley, I will be released from the punishment! Besides, I¡¯m probably gonna spend three to five years cultivating in the valley, so perhaps, I can do it.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t agree!¡± said Yun Wanli resolutely.


    Yun Shu looked into his father¡¯s eyes and smiled, ¡°Dad, if you kneel down in front of such a jerk, I¡¯d rather die now.¡±


    Before Yun Wanli could finish his words, Fan Wen interjected coldly, ¡°Young Master Yun, I didn¡¯t know you could make the decision. You¡¯re such a loser that you are not even qualified to be sent to the valley!¡±


    Yun Shu shrugged casually and walked out of the room in several strides. Then he shouted at the top of his lungs, ¡°Elder Chen Sheng, you can¡¯t even beat a stray dog! You¡¯re a sad loser!¡±


    The disciples who heard it were all greatly shocked by such a brutal remark made by Yun Shu!


    =============


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    The selected book will have a mark on the corner of the book cover in 30 days to indicate continuation.


    Thank you for your understanding.

 Chapter 2

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    In this early morning, Yun Shu¡¯s shout was loud and penetrating, which instantly caught the disciples¡¯ attention, and they were all appalled. Elder Chen Sheng had a rather exalted position in the sect, after all.


    Yun Shu just showed such great disrespect to Elder Chen Sheng in public. He would be in big trouble!


    It took Fan Wen a short while to realize what just happened. After coming to his senses, he pointed at Yun Shu and scolded aloud, ¡°Are you out of your goddamn mind?!¡±


    Yun Shu tilted his head to one side and grinned. ¡°You just said I wasn¡¯t qualified for being sent to the valley, but now I think I¡¯ve met the requirement. If you think this is not enough, I have more¡­¡±


    Fan Wen¡¯s face had turned dark with rage. ¡°You can¡¯t wait for your death, right?!¡±


    He was about to smack Yun Shu. However, at this time, Yun Shu hurriedly cried for attention, ¡°See! Fan Wen is going to kill me for Elder Chen Sheng! He¡¯s taking revenge on me!¡±


    Any punishment had to be approved by the sect first according to the rules.


    After staring at Yun Shu for a while, Fan Wen snorted and announced to the crowd, ¡°Disciple Yun Shu humiliated the senior and thus severely violated the sect¡¯s laws. On behalf of Elder Chen Sheng, here I shall exile Yun Shu for eighty years to the Valley of Crime. No remission! No pardon! The sentence will come into effect right away!¡±


    He knew that Yun Shu was not yet a cultivator, so he would soon die in the valley.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back, Dad!¡± Yun Shu looked up at his father and smiled.


    Yun Wanli was surprised by his son¡¯s bright smile. It was so dazzling, it even cheered him up. He now seriously wondered if his son could really decipher the inscription as he had claimed.


    The valley was located to the north of the sect, between the extremely high, steep cliffs. To its north was the notorious Forest of Deadly Wind.


    There was a single way to get in and out: the opening to the valley was also the only exit. In front of the entrance, there were two bearded, elderly men guarding the place: one fat and one skinny, one on the right and the other on the left.


    It was said that more than fifty years ago, a riot took place in the Fire Mystic Sect. A dozen superior cultivators tried to get a serious sinner out of the valley. However, they never even managed to step inside because of the two elderly men. Ever since then, the duo became well-known in the sect.


    The fat elderly man slightly looked up at Yun Shu and asked, ¡°For what? How long?¡±


    Zhang Bao suddenly got nervous, and his face turned pale. He opened his mouth but couldn¡¯t produce an answer. Yun Shu, however, grinned and answered politely, ¡°Humiliating an Elder in public. Eighty years!¡±


    The fat old man was a bit surprised at first, then he laughed out loud. ¡°Bold. But I suppose you already know this place isn¡¯t a playground, right?¡±


    Yun Shu smiled. ¡°I think I do.¡±


    The fat elderly was astonished again, but this time, it was by Yun Shu¡¯s calm smile and composed attitude. He nodded and said, ¡°Then behave yourself in this place. We will not show any mercy if you¡¯re planning on anything bad.¡±


    Yun Shu struggled to free himself from the two disciples and gave the elderly men a palm-hold-fist salute. ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind, and I¡¯ll surely behave myself.¡±


    The fat elderly man burst out laughing. ¡°Interesting. I¡¯ve been guarding this place for years, but you¡¯re the first one to talk to me with a smile. I like you, boy. Here, I¡¯ll give you a gift!¡±


    He rummaged around in his sleeve, found a key, handed it to Yun Shu, and said, ¡°Thirty miles away from here in the valley, there¡¯s a stone shelter. It belongs to you now. Not everyone here can enjoy a place to live in, you know. Well, actually, very few do.¡±


    Not expecting such a big gift, Yun Shu gave the elderly men the same salute once again and said, ¡°Thank you very much, sir. I¡¯ll work hard!¡±


    ¡°Work hard? For what?¡± The fat elderly man didn¡¯t know what the boy was talking about. He shook his head and smiled. ¡°I like this boy.¡±


    The thin elderly man finally made a comment, though only a snort.


    Yun Shu directly headed for the three stone steles.


    Once inside, Yun Shu directly headed for the three stone steles. He did not want to spend his whole life in this godforsaken place. And the steles were his only chance to extricate him from this sentence.


    However, the real situation was totally different.


    The three old stone steles stood tall and upright. But the square was empty.


    After a second glance, Yun Shu finally saw a person with messy hair sitting in front of the stele in the middle.


    However, the person quickly reached out an arm and grabbed the wooden sword in the front. With it, the person drew a line on the ground ahead of Yun Shu.


    ¡°Trespass, and you¡¯re dead!¡± warned the person coldly.


    It was a woman!


    Yun Shu looked down at the wooden sword. It was not sharp at all, but he had no doubt that it could snuff out his life.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± Yun Shu stepped aside.


    After his failed attempt to start a conversation, he sat down in front of the first stele. However, what he saw was totally out of his expectation: the stele was indeed cut with many strokes, and they were well aligned, but they didn¡¯t form characters.


    Having no choice, Yun Shu walked to the stele in the middle where the woman was. He made sure to keep a proper distance from her, though. He then looked up at this stele, on which the strokes appeared to be even messier than the other two. The jumbled strokes were still beyond him, yet somehow, he could feel something just by staring at them.


    His eyes kept tracking the strokes as he read the lines further. Unconsciously, the Qi in his meridians also started getting active and gathered together. Then the warm stream slowly flowed into his dantian.


    What was going on? Was it¡­?!

 Chapter 3

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    An hour later, a beam of light soared into the air out of Yun Shu. He had made his first breakthrough!


    The woman with messy hair by the side was the first one to notice it. She had been sitting in front of the stele for years, yet she hadn¡¯t witnessed anything like this.


    She looked him over as if there was something wrong with Yun Shu. Then she asked, ¡°Boy, what did you get from it?¡±


    Yun Shu hurriedly answered politely, ¡°Master, this is¡­ this should be a set of sword moves!¡±


    The woman was shocked as she slowly turned around, one of her eyes revealing from the cover of her messy hair. After staring at Yun Shu for a while, she finally asked, ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Yun¡­ Yun Shu!¡±


    The woman nodded. ¡°You¡¯re not even a cultivator, but you know how to behave. I just wonder how long your patience can last.¡±


    Yun Shu hurriedly bowed to the woman, ¡°Please, master. Please teach me!¡±


    The woman snorted. ¡°Presently, there are three thousand two hundred people in this valley. Some came here a long time ago, while others are still new. I¡¯m the only one who¡¯s still studying the steles, however, as the rest have all given up. I can see that you¡¯re smart, boy. If you want to study the steles, you¡¯d better stick to it. If you don¡¯t have enough patience, you should leave this place right now.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, master. I will bear this in mind.¡±


    The woman¡¯s face still looked cold as she gazed up at the sky and said, ¡°I¡¯ve got one more warning for you: every day at twelve o¡¯clock noon and midnight, hide yourself well, or you¡¯ll perish for sure!¡±


    Yun Shu knew that she wasn¡¯t kidding, so he hurriedly bowed to her again and left. He had decided to find the stone shelter located in the valley first.


    He decided to find the stone shelter in the valley first.


    The shelter didn¡¯t look appealing at all; it was small and short. Nonetheless, the walls were made of the hardest stone called Steel Stone. It was sturdier than common types of steel. Average blades wouldn¡¯t even be able to leave a mark on it.


    Yun Shu observed his surroundings. Somehow, the trees around were all badly scratched. Feeling curious, he took out his key and walked in.


    Soon it was twelve o¡¯clock, the time he was warned about. A long howl came from the north side of the valley, staying true to the words. Yun Shu hurriedly peered out of the only window and saw a black line in the sky, approaching at a staggering speed from the north.


    That was the killing wind in the valley!


    Yun Shu thanked the master many times in his mind. After all, he would have been killed had she not reminded him.


    Walking around several times in the room, he started staring at his left palm and murmured, ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are, but I think you should help with my cultivation. I¡¯ll do it one more time then!¡±


    Yun Shu sat down with his legs crossed on the cushion. Following the sect¡¯s cultivation method, he started gathering the Spirit Qi from nature.


    One, two¡­ Soon, Yun Shu got a thousand and twenty-four portions of Spirit Qi and slowly pushed them into his meridians, just like in the past.


    ¡°Don¡¯t sleep¡­¡± Yun Shu muttered to himself.


    What was different this time, however, was that the Qi didn¡¯t leave his body after Yun Shu fell asleep. Instead, the mark on his palm absorbed it all.


    After taking in all the Spirit Qi, the mark in the shape of that stone gate suddenly gave out an intense light. Next, Yun Shu disappeared from the shelter.


    When Yun Shu woke up, he realized that he had appeared in the stone gate again. Yet, what came here this time was not only his consciousness but also his body! He was stunned by the realization. Staring at the giant stone gate, for a while, he didn¡¯t know what to do.


    Finally, he nerved himself to walk toward the stone gate. It had been ten years already. This time, he must figure out what barred his path of cultivation. Despite all his determination, to his great surprise, he managed to push open the stone gate!


    2And right at that instant, a sharp wail entered his ears.


    This is¡­


    Yun Shu was taken aback by the sudden scene. Behind the stone gate, the world was entirely different from the outside.


    This world was enveloped in a heavy, blood-red mist.


    In the mist, from time to time, some sad faces would emerge and then disappear like miserable ghosts.


    What the hell is this place?


    In front of him, there was a long stairway built with white jade, its bright luster keeping the encroaching blood-red mist at bay. It was also the only area in this place that was free of the mist.


    At the end of the stairway, he saw a man lying prone, his arms clasping the last step of the stairs, but the lower part of his body was hanging in the mist.


    ¡°Are you okay?!¡± Yun Shu hurriedly ran to him and pulled the man up. However, his lower body had been corroded by the mist, and only bones were left.


    The red mist could erode blood and flesh?! Yun Shu was appalled.


    However, something even more shocking instantly ensued.


    After Yun Shu flipped the body over, what he saw made his blood freeze with terror.


    ¡°This is¡­ How is this Possible?!¡±

 Chapter 4

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    He knew that face. He couldn¡¯t be more familiar with it.


    ¡°This¡­ This is my body¡­¡± Yun Shu murmured to himself.


    The longer he stared at that body, the more terrified he was.


    The dead man looked so much like Yun Shu.


    Yun Shu stared at that face, his head buzzing. Suddenly, he noticed something: between the man¡¯s eyebrows, there was a small, red mole. Yun Shu didn¡¯t have it.


    That guy wasn¡¯t Yun Shu. However, he still felt very insecure. After all, a corpse looking so much like him was found in a world that had been existing in his dreams for ten years. So by no means should this be a coincidence.


    At this time, the dead body suddenly opened his eyes!


    The dead body¡¯s eyes stared into Yun Shu¡¯s, and somehow, he couldn¡¯t look away from it!


    A beam of golden light shot out from the dead body¡¯s eyes and went into Yun Shu¡¯s. He burst out a bitter cry and rolled back and forth on the stairs. However, after a while, Yun Shu realized that, in fact, nothing had happened. His eyes felt a bit sore, but that was it.


    Feeling confused, Yun Shu slowly sat up, but to his surprise, he saw that the body in front of him turn into a skeleton, leaving an old pouch beside it.


    Yun Shu felt the whole ordeal surreal and suspicious. With great hesitation, he reached his hand out. At the same time, he imagined that the man must have been a great and outstanding master before his death, so there should be something unusual about the pouch left behind by him.


    He carefully reached his hand into the pouch, and for the umpteenth time, Yun Shu was shocked again.


    Despite its appearance, it was not an old, common pouch at all! Instead, it was a cosmic bag that a cultivator could use to store lots of precious items!


    The cosmic bag had an amazing capacity. Yun Shu had never seen anything so extraordinary before. Under his rough estimate, it had space no smaller than that of the warehouse of the sect where all the precious items were kept.


    Yun Shu suddenly felt excited, betting that there must be lots of treasures and resources in the bag. However, what he found inside was quite disappointing.


    He only found few things in it:


    He only found a few things in it: an old book, two bronze pieces with rust, a rough, oval stone, a tablet that could be attached to a belt, and three ancient collars.


    First was that tablet; on its front, it said: I¡¯m born with wealth. On the other side, there was a dragon flying above the highest of heavens. Oddly enough, its fifth dragon claw was not gripping a dragon ball, but rather, a big gold ingot called yuanbao.


    ¡°What a money-grubber¡­¡± Yun Shu sighed. Then he picked up the three collars.


    The collars were carved with characters: Dragon Shackle. Yun Shu instantly realized what they were.


    He turned to look at the three collars again. This time he checked the collars really carefully.


    According to the legends, a dragon shackle was priceless as it could capture the most powerful of the beasts! His heart started beating fast with anticipation.


    Many cultivators would have one or more pets since a good one could greatly help its master during a fight. However, finding such a good companion was never an easy thing; it was challenging to capture a powerful pet and make it tame. A majority of cultivators were even killed because of this.


    But a dragon shackle changed the whole scenario.


    It was said that a dragon shackle could even make a legendary beast docile as soon as it was put on its neck. Hence, they were very scarce!


    Yun Shu knew that the shackles would be of great help to him in the future, filling him with expectations. After putting them aside, he picked up the bronze pieces and instantly felt the power residing inside.


    Maybe Yun Shu would figure it out in the future, so he put the bronze pieces back into the bag and turned to check out the old book.


    ¡°The Book of Three Thousand Fiends contains the most ancient fiend power! It reverses heaven and earth, regulates Yin and Yang, and molds the universe!¡±


    Yun Shu read the line out on the front page in a low voice, finding it too hard to believe what he had found!


    Nevertheless, it was a fiend cultivation technique. Yun Shu didn¡¯t think that he would ever learn it. However, driven by great curiosity, he still turned the pages over. Yet, they were all completely blank.


    Yun Shu was a bit annoyed. It turned out that the book was just a joke. Nevertheless, after a second thought, he still decided to keep it.


    He then took a glance at the blood-red mist and decided to head back.


    As Yun Shu had expected, after he stepped out of the gate, he saw the scene change like a flash, and finally, he found himself back in the stone shelter.


    When he was cultivating before, although he didn¡¯t fall asleep this time, his cultivation was again interrupted, making his efforts for naught.


    Out of frustration, he threw the book he had found in the bag onto the stone table.


    Unexpectedly, the ordinary-looking, old book abruptly lit up when it hit the table, and a stroke appeared on the front page out of the blue. Yun Shu was amazed by the sudden development. It seemed that simply throwing the book onto something hard could make it yield more content.


    1Feeling expectant, he picked up the book and kept throwing it onto the floor. After doing this for quite a while, Yun Shu finally managed to know the name of the book: Fire Cloud Fiend Technique.


    He was thoroughly stunned by the name of the book. After all, the basic cultivation technique that Fire Mystic Sect practiced was called Fire Cloud Immortal Technique.


    Yun Shu pondered about it for a while and then arrived on an assumption: the book would only reveal its characters when it was attacked.


    He turned to look at the window as a plan brewed in his mind. Believing that it was worth the risk, Yun Shu gripped a corner of the book and reached his hand out of the opening.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The killing winds were blowing so fiercely that they had turned into sharp blades. Yun Shu almost let the book slip out of his hand!


    He hurriedly pulled the book back. When he turned to the first page again, he was exhilarated to see that it had been filled with characters.


    ¡°It works!¡± Yun Shu cheered.


    1Sitting on the floor, he started reading the book named Fire Cloud Fiend Technique.


    However, after a while, Yun Shu felt confused and perplexed again. The essence of the Fire Cloud Fiend Technique resembled Fire Cloud Immortal Technique a lot. Still, there were also a number of differences between the two.


    Thus, he thought to himself that it would be okay if he practiced the fiend technique since there was really no significant difference between the two versions.


    Nowadays, the fiend power was declining while the heavenly power was thriving. Yun Shu grew up in a heavenly sect. As a result, it was natural for him to show resistance to a fiend technique.


    Shit¡­ What¡¯s wrong with practicing a fiend technique as long as I stick to being myself? This is not gonna stop me!


    From collecting to dividing Spirit Qi, every step went smoothly, and he soon absorbed the one thousand and twenty-four plumes of Spirit Qi into his dantian.


    It worked! This time, Yun Shu didn¡¯t visit the land of Nod!


    Meanwhile, a beam of heavenly light soared out of Yun Shu¡¯s body and lit up the entire shelter, marking his second breakthrough today.


    Half an hour later, another burst of heavenly light shot up: Yun Shu had reached the third level of Qi Sky Realm.


    After an hour, there was the third light beam: the fourth level of Qi Sky Realm.


    Yun Shu totally couldn¡¯t stop it!


    Finally, before midnight, the last brilliant burst of heavenly light happened.


    At last, Yun Shu had reached the fifth level of Qi Sky Realm!

 Chapter 5

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    Yun Shu was exhilarated. After all, he had achieved something that he had been dreaming of for ten years overnight.


    Yun Shu wished that he could have some supreme pills to help him consolidate his base. But it was impossible for him to find any in the Valley of Crime. While thinking about his recent success, he lay down to get some sleep, yet he was too excited and was totally restless in bed. It was not until the early morning that he finally fell into slumber.


    He opened his eyes drowsily; it was still early in the morning.


    Yun Shu didn¡¯t know what had happened. He pushed open the door and exited to check on things. As soon as he stepped out, a beam of bright sunlight shone on his face.


    ¡°He looks so young. Why can he move in?¡± someone asked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t know. An Elder¡¯s son? Or maybe an inner sect disciple?¡± another guessed.


    ¡°It must be someone important. We¡¯d better stay away from this place.¡±


    Someone had recognized Yun Shu. At this moment, Yun Shu¡¯s eyes finally got used to the bright sunlight and saw the mob. There were around thirty people gathered, all in their thirties. However, most of them were strangers to Yun Shu.


    Nonetheless, Yun Shu recognized one of them. The guy¡¯s name was Huang Sheng, and he was put in this valley because he stole the precious pills owned by one of the Elders.


    However, Yun Shu recognized one of them. The man¡¯s name was Huang Sheng. He was put in this valley because he stole the precious pills owned by one of the Elders three years ago.


    3Before he was punished, he was quite close to Fan Wen. He had also given Yun Shu a hard time on several occasions. Yun Shu didn¡¯t expect that the unwanted reunion would come so fast.


    ¡°Loser, do you still recognize me? I¡¯m your Grandpa Huang!¡± Huang Sheng arrogantly walked to Yun Shu with his hands behind his back.


    Yun Shu tried to avoid the conflict, but he knew that Huang Sheng wouldn¡¯t let him go that easily.


    ¡°I do know you; you¡¯re one of the dogs raised by Fan Wen. It¡¯s been three years, and it seems that you¡¯ve lost some hair. I¡¯ve got no bones to feed you here, though. Shoo, go and find your own master!¡± said Yun Shu coldly, who was about to turn around and leave.


    However, Yun Shu¡¯s words instantly provoked Huang Sheng to the tipping point.


    ¡°You loser! I¡¯m gonna tear your tongue into pieces!¡± Huang Sheng reached out his hands.


    Huang Sheng had reached the sixth level, so ripping such a loser¡¯s tongue apart should be as easy as blowing off dust. However, Yun Shu was a totally different person now.


    Bang!


    Yun Shu quickly grabbed Huang Sheng¡¯s hand when it was just inches away from his face.


    Huang Sheng was stunned. He tried to pull his hand back, but he couldn¡¯t even budge it!


    ¡°Let go of me!¡± he yelled at Yun Shu.


    Yun Shu stared at him coldly. ¡°You¡¯ll still bite after I let you go, so I¡¯ll teach you a lesson today. If you dare bark at me next time, you¡¯ll lose your f*cking head!¡±


    Yun Shu¡¯s hand suddenly gripped hard, and the bones in Huang Sheng¡¯s hand instantly fractured into pieces!


    Overwhelmed with agony, Huang Sheng screamed bitterly. Yun Shu calmly released his hand and walked away like the scene before was nothing.


    The crowd was stunned, however. He had just snapped Huang Sheng¡¯s hand without the slightest hesitation. By no means should he be regarded as a loser.


    After walking away from the crowd, Yun Shu looked down at his own hand. His strength had significantly increased after practicing Fire Cloud Fiend Technique. In terms of his physical strength alone, Yun Shu believed that he was not inferior to a man on the seventh level. That book was awesome!


    The square was not far away from Yun Shu¡¯s shelter. As a cultivator, it didn¡¯t take long for him to reach his destination. Before he got closer to the steles, Yun Shu saw the woman still sitting in front of the stele in the middle.


    After settling down, he looked up and started staring at the second stele.


    However, the same inspiration never came to Yun Shu today. Instead, he had totally lost his clues. In his eyes, the strokes were just messy and a bunch of nonsense.


    At this time, the woman decided to take a rest. She slightly lowered her head and let out a sigh.


    She suddenly noticed Yun Shu, who was sitting behind her.


    ¡°Boy, you¡­ Wait?¡± She looked back and was surprised to see Yun Shu¡¯s progress.


    From an ordinary man to the fifth level, the change took place overnight. That was way too fast!

 Chapter 6

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    Yun Shu hurriedly stood up and bowed to that woman. ¡°Maybe¡­ I was lucky¡­¡±


    Of course, the woman wouldn¡¯t believe such an answer, but she didn¡¯t continue on the topic.


    To leave the valley, he had to solve one of the three mysteries. Yesterday, Yun Shu could only have a connection with the stele in the middle, and that was why he decided to start with this one today as well.


    The woman also turned to look at the stele, but she could not help peeking at Yun Shu. She hoped to know why Yun Shu was progressing so rapidly. After a while, she still had no clue at all.


    When she was about to give up, she suddenly noticed that Yun Shu¡¯s eyes had two beams of golden light coming out.


    ¡°Golden pupils?¡± the woman murmured in surprise.


    Yun Shu had no idea about the change happening to his eyes, entirely focused on the stone stele. His eyes had caught something.


    The messy strokes had turned into countless streaks of sword Qi crisscrossing each other as they kept colliding randomly.


    Yun Shu was very sensitive to any messy Qi moving around in the cosmos. Therefore, his eyes had discerned some patterns. They were extraordinarily complex yet incomparably wonderful. Yun Shu raised his arms and started copying the movements.


    That woman was thoroughly shocked. She had spent quite some time on the stele, so she more or less had some understanding of it. She knew that Yun Shu was not just moving his arms randomly. Instead, his movements were strictly following some intricate sword intent.


    The woman believed that she was pretty gifted. Yet, she had spent three years sitting in front of the stele before she realized what was on it. But Yun Shu just sat down beside her a couple of hours ago!


    After a while, Yun Shu started feeling slightly exhausted. So he stopped staring at the stele to take a breather. His pupils also returned back to normal after he removed his eyes from the stele. Meanwhile, Yun Shu noticed the woman gazing at him.


    ¡°Master, what did I do?¡± Yun Shu asked politely.


    The women frowned. ¡°Who are you? Why do you have golden pupils?¡±


    Yun Shu was confused, but he still answered, ¡°My father is Yun Wanli, and he¡¯s my foster dad. He found me on the backside of the mountain. I don¡¯t know who my parents are. And ¡®golden pupils¡¯? I don¡¯t know what they are.¡±


    That woman found the name, Yun Wanli, a bit familiar, but she couldn¡¯t recall anything related to it.


    She then asked Yun Shu, ¡°You don¡¯t know what golden pupils are?¡±


    Yun Shu shook his head.


    The woman took a deep breath and said, ¡°That¡¯s very strange. You didn¡¯t sense any differences when you were staring at the stele?¡±


    Yun Shu remained honest. ¡°There were indeed some differences¡­¡±


    That woman put on a wry smile. ¡°Your pupils turned golden when you were reading the stele, just like the book said!¡±


    2¡°What can I do with golden pupils then?¡± Yun Shu followed hurriedly.


    The women thought for a while and then said, ¡°The book only mentioned it roughly, so I¡¯m not sure. If you want to know, why don¡¯t you use it again?¡±


    Yun Shu nodded, although he was not sure what he should do. He tried to recall the feeling when he was totally focused on that stele, closed his eyes, and then fiercely opened them!


    His pupils turned golden again!


    But this time, he saw something different.


    ¡°Master, you have really nice curves!¡± Yun Shu praised sincerely.


    1Crack!


    The woman picked up her sword and brought the tip upward. Her sword Qi directly threw Yun Shu away.


    The boy appeared to be honest and well-behaved. But he wasn¡¯t!


    ¡°Come here!¡± the woman said to Yun Shu coldly.


    Yun Shu dared not.


    The woman kept gazing at him harshly in a threatening manner. Under her intense stare, Yun Shu sighed and came closer to the woman.


    ¡°Sit down! Look at me!¡± commanded the woman.


    Yun Shu had no choice but to sit down. His eyes then looked at the woman¡¯s face. It was also his first time to gaze at her face directly.


    Yun Shu was astonished after a single look. Based on the woman¡¯s temperament and messy hair, he had assumed that she must be an old, senior master with an unattractive appearance.


    However, now that he was much closer to the woman, Yun Shu found that although her face was mostly covered with dust and mud, the remaining exposed skin was rather fair and smooth. Obviously, she was not old at all, contrary to what she appeared on the surface.


    If she took a bath, she would definitely be a gorgeous beauty!


    The lady snorted. ¡°You experienced something like this before?¡±


    Yun Shu tried to recall but failed, so he shook his head.


    The lady thought about it for a while and murmured, ¡°That¡¯s strange. The power in you just woke up recently?¡±


    ¡°Master, can you elaborate a bit more?¡± Yun Shu hurriedly requested.


    The lady nodded. ¡°People born with golden pupils have a special kind of constitution. Golden Pupils is one of the four ¡®ultimate eyes¡¯ and is the most mysterious one among them. The other three eye techniques are Enlightened Eyes from Buddhism, Sky Eyes from Taoism, and Grey Pupils from Diabolism. Golden Pupils can not only see through everything as Enlightened Eyes and Sky Eyes do, but they can also launch attacks like Grey Pupils.¡±


    1Yun Shu nodded, ¡°So Golden Pupils are very powerful, right?¡±


    The lady snorted again. ¡°Of course! It comes first among the four ¡®ultimate eyes¡¯!¡±


    Yun Shu¡¯s heart was full of wild joy.


    Behind that stone gate, he saw the man who looked almost identical to him. Furthermore, he also had a pair of golden pupils. Before the man¡¯s body disintegrated, from his eyes, a beam of golden light had shot out and went directly into Yun Shu¡¯s.


    Did that man give Yun Shu his golden pupils?


    As he mused, the lady said coldly, ¡°Don¡¯t celebrate too soon. A gifted man who doesn¡¯t practice enough ends up nowhere. There¡¯re plenty of such examples!¡±


    Yun Shu bowed to the lady again. ¡°Thanks for the teaching, Master.¡±


    Then Yun Shu smiled. ¡°We¡¯ve known each other for two days already, but I still don¡¯t know your name, Master.¡±


    It took the lady a while before she answered, ¡°Su Lingwen!¡±


    Yun Shu repeated the name several times in a low voice.


    Su Lingwen looked up at the sky and said, ¡°It¡¯s almost noon now. Find a place and hide yourself.¡±


    Although he had made some progress in his cultivation, the killing winds could still be fatal to him.


    He bowed to Su Lingwen again and walked back to his stone shelter. Soon after he returned, the killing winds started roaring like a tornado. As this would last for quite a while, Yun Shu pulled out the Book of Three Thousand Fiends.


    Even though Yun Shu was already a cultivator now, he, nevertheless, needed to hone his martial skills a lot. While the sword intent he perceived from the stele was quite something, it would still take some time to turn it into his battle prowess. So Yun Shu had decided to stick to the book.


    He flipped to the second page, concentrating his mind. Now with his cultivation technique, Yun Shu no longer needed the killing winds to help him make the book show its content; his hands kept smacking the book violently.

 Chapter 7

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    And as he expected, the second page spat out its text.


    ¡°Fiend Eagle Claw¡­ Rank five Ordinary Level¡­¡± Yun Shu nodded to himself.


    Nowadays, martial art skills were divided into four levels: Ordinary, Spirit, Immortal, and God.


    Each level had nine ranks. Rank one was the beginning, while rank nine was the highest.


    Yun Shu gently patted the book, feeling rather confident. At the same time, he was also slightly curious. Since the book started with a rank five Ordinary Level martial art skill, what could it teach him further?


    Yun Shu couldn¡¯t help wondering whether the book would finally teach him something on Immortal Level.


    Or even¡­ God Level?


    Yun Shu forced himself to put aside his curiosity and started practicing the martial art skill called Fiend Eagle Claw.


    Soon after, he realized that it fit perfectly with his Fire Cloud Fiend Technique, just like the missing piece of a puzzle.


    He was exhilarated. Obviously, the skills taught in the book were well arranged. After two hours, Yun Shu discerned some initial clues on how the skill worked: about thirty percent.


    At this time, the wind stopped.


    At this time, the wind finally stopped. Yun Shu walked out of the shelter and was ready to go back to the steles. But as soon as he opened the door, his stomach started growling. It then dawned on him that he hadn¡¯t eaten anything ever since he stepped into the valley.


    He then decided to ask Master Su where he could get his hands on some food.


    At this time, a man in rough fabric clothes walked to him with a small wooden bucket in his hand and said, ¡°Excuse me, you¡¯re¡­ Senior Brother Yun, right?¡± The man had a big smile on his face.


    Yun Shu wasn¡¯t sure what it was, but he still nodded. ¡°I am, and you¡¯re¡­?¡±


    The man hurriedly explained, ¡°Here, this is your food.¡±


    ¡®That¡¯s not bad.¡¯ Yun Shu thought to himself.


    ¡°Thanks a lot. Please bring it in!¡± said Yun Shu.


    The man hurriedly went inside Yun Shu¡¯s shelter and put the bucket on the stone table. Then he took out all the dishes one by one.


    ¡°Please!¡± the man said politely.


    Yun Shu was starving, so he sat down directly, without saying anything more. However, when he picked up his chopsticks, he felt something amiss: the man was not leaving. Instead, the big smile was still plastered on his face as he stood by on the side.


    Something was wrong!


    Seeing this, Yun Shu rolled his eyes, slightly adjusted the way he sat, and turned his back to the man. Next, he used his golden pupils.


    He saw that the dishes actually had black smoke coming out and lingering around the plates.


    Yun Shu was pissed; someone tried to poison him!


    Yun Shu didn¡¯t take action immediately. Instead, he picked up the bowl of congee and said to the man politely, ¡°I guess you haven¡¯t eaten as well. It must be hard serving here in the valley. Come on, have some congee.¡±


    The look on that man¡¯s face suddenly changed, but a second later, the forced smile had come back again. ¡°Thank you, Senior Brother Yun. However, I¡¯ve had my meal already. Besides, this is your food. No worries, just eat it.¡±


    Yun Shu shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ll feel guilty if you don¡¯t join me. Get some congee. Now!¡±


    Along with his words, he threw the bowl of congee at the man¡¯s face. The guy hurriedly moved aside to avoid the blow. The bowl of congee drew a curve in the air and hit the wall on the far side of the stone shelter. Instantly, the moss on the wall turned black as if it were burnt.


    Yun Shu frowned after seeing that. The poison was for sure extremely potent, but it was so easy to be found out! He was obviously severely underestimated.


    The man also realized the sudden turn of events: Yun Shu had discovered the poison!


    Everyone called Yun Shu a loser, but in reality, he appeared to be much smarter than that. He had tried to kill Yun Shu using the poison to keep everything under wraps. However, the plan was obviously not going to work now.


    Still, it was okay. After all, it was so easy for him to kill Yun Shu.


    The big smile instantly disappeared from his face and was replaced with a vicious look.


    ¡°You bastard Yun, you could¡¯ve died without causing a commotion! But no! If so, don¡¯t blame me for not showing any mercy!¡± the man said and jumped at Yun Shu.

 Chapter 8

    1


    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    Yun Shu¡¯s brows creased; the man was not giving up.


    Yun Shu quickly raised his hand and grabbed the man¡¯s wrist.


    ¡°You¡¯re such a loser! You can¡¯t even reach the first level, and you¡¯re trying to fight me? I can easily twist your arm off!¡± the man yelled at Yun Shu. Meanwhile, he tried to turn his wrist to break Yun Shu¡¯s arm. However, despite his best efforts, he couldn¡¯t budge it at all.


    1¡°You¡­ You¡­ Impossible!¡± For a moment, the man had no idea what to do. He couldn¡¯t even speak a full sentence.


    Yun Shu smiled coldly. ¡°I guess it¡¯s my turn now!¡±


    Then he turned his hand in the opposite direction.


    Crack! Yun Shu easily snapped the man¡¯s arm!


    The man bitterly screamed at the top of his lungs. Holding his broken arm, he hurriedly stepped back and looked at Yun Shu with his terror-filled eyes.


    ¡°Why¡­? How? You¡¯re not even a cultivator¡­¡± The man¡¯s voice trembled as he trailed off.


    ¡°Answer my question, or I¡¯ll kill you,¡± said Yun Shu without mincing his words.


    ¡°What¡­ What question?¡± The man was quaking in fear.


    ¡°Why do you want to kill me?¡± asked Yun Shu.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhang Bao sent me here! He also gave me the food and poison! He said he¡¯d help me get out early as long as I kill you!¡± The man instantly spilled out everything.


    Zhang Bao?


    Fan Wen¡¯s minion?


    Zhang Bao had been bullying Yun Shu for many years, and he once humiliated his father right in front of Yun Shu¡¯s face.


    Now Yun Shu was in the valley, and Zhang Bao still wouldn¡¯t stop!


    ¡°Where¡¯s Zhang Bao?¡± asked Yun Shu.


    ¡°He¡¯s waiting for me in the canyon, ten miles away westward¡­¡± answered the man honestly.


    Yun Shu nodded. He could picture the nasty look on Zhang Bao¡¯s face as he waited for the good news. At this time, the man leaning against the wall thought that Yun Shu had become distracted for a second.


    Sensing the opportunity, his hand secretly went down to reach the dagger hidden in his boot. Then he jumped up and targeted Yun Shu¡¯s chest with that sharp dagger. Yun Shu, however, was always keeping an eye on him, so he responded immediately.


    He only used two fingers, and the dagger was tightly gripped in between.


    That was one of the forms of Fiend Eagle Claw. Of course, it would be powerful.


    Snap!


    The dagger was broken into two halves!


    ¡°I could¡¯ve let you live longer, but you just don¡¯t want to. So¡­ don¡¯t blame me,¡± said Yun Shu.He turned his wrist and shot out the remaining half piece of the dagger violently into the man¡¯s chest.


    Puff!


    Blood spouted from the wound like a fountain. The man still couldn¡¯t believe how powerful Yun Shu was until his death.


    He grabbed the body and came out of the shelter. According to what the man had just said, Yun Shu flew to the canyon in the west. He was now a totally different person. He had been waiting for a chance to take his revenge, and Zhang Bao just gave him one.


    He would not let Zhang Bao go back alive today.


    Soon, Yun Shu arrived at that valley. He looked down from a higher position and saw his prey waiting on a big rock. Without a doubt, he was looking forward to the man coming back and telling him that Yun Shu was dead.


    Thinking of this, a flash of cold light appeared in Yun Shu¡¯s eyes. He picked up the body and hurled it at Zhang Bao, who heard the sound and hurriedly dodged aside.


    Bang!


    The sound was rather dull as the body hit the rock hard and rolled toward Zhang Bao.


    Zhang Bao recognized the man immediately, but he still hadn¡¯t figured out the situation. At this time, Yun Shu jumped at him from above. Zhang Bao hurriedly looked up and saw a guy pouncing at him. His face suddenly turned pale.


    Zhang Bao couldn¡¯t believe that it was Yun Shu who had killed the man. In his mind, Yun Shu was not even a cultivator.


    ¡°How dare¡ª¡±


    Zhang Bao tried to say something after he saw Yun Shu, but Yun Shu didn¡¯t want to waste any time on him. He reached out one of his hands at Zhang Bao¡¯s throat.


    He had no idea what had happened to that loser. What made him so strong overnight?


    As soon as Yun Shu got a hold of Zhang Bao¡¯s arm, he clenched it tightly like a python binding its prey.


    That was also from Fiend Eagle Claw.


    1Slash!


    Yun Shu then immediately pulled back his claw along Zhang Bao¡¯s arm. Five strips of flesh were torn apart from his arm, and the remaining muscles exposed a white bone. Zhang Bao uttered an extremely agonized cry.


    ¡°You¡­ You!¡± Zhang Bao didn¡¯t know what to say to Yun Shu.


    ¡°You bastard Zhang, I guess you never expected today, right? You¡¯re here in the valley to kill me, so you should be prepared to die in return!¡± Yun Shu got rid of the blood by shaking his hand hard, and then he walked up to Zhang Bao again.


    In Zhang Bao¡¯s memory, Yun Shu had always been a loser.


    But what happened to Yun Shu in the recent two days?


    Or was he always hiding and biding his time in the past years?


    He then calmed down, thinking of the fact that Yun Shu had never practiced martial art skills in the sect.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Zhang Bao¡¯s legs moved as fast as the wind, stirring up the dust and sand on the ground. A small tornado was thus formed. Meanwhile, his leg kicked Yun Shu¡¯s three times in quick succession. Yun Shu was thrown backward by the strength of his boot.


    ¡°You bastard, you should now understand what makes a cultivator!¡± said Zhang Bao with a savage look.

 Chapter 9

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    Yun Shu slightly frowned.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Yun Shu asked.


    ¡°Spin Kick! Rank four Ordinary Level! Of course, you¡¯ve never seen it before!¡± Zhang Bao snorted.


    His answer gave Yun Shu some thoughts.


    His martial art skill is only of rank four, but I can¡¯t even get close to him. Speaking of rank, mine is better than his, yet I can¡¯t overwhelm him. It seems that a better understanding of a martial art skill also affects how much power the skill can yield. I have to keep practicing to improve myself!


    1Afterward, Yun Shu had his claw gesture at the ready and quickly ran to Zhang Bao again.


    ¡°You really don¡¯t learn your lesson.¡± Zhang Bao used his legs again.


    However, Yun Shu could still remain calm because he was saving his trump card earlier.


    Golden pupils, open!


    Yun Shu said to himself in his mind. Right on the heels of that, his eyes turned golden!


    Instantly, what he saw with his eyes suddenly changed. Instead of viewing trees and mountains, now Yun Shu could see Spirit Qi gathering. He could also observe Zhang Bao¡¯s Spirit Qi through his body.


    1Besides, Yun Shu was born with the amazing control of Spirit Qi.


    After seeing how Zhang Bao¡¯s Spirit Qi moved in his body, his movements suddenly became full of flaws in Yun Shu¡¯s eyes!


    And Yun Shu could easily take advantage of the flaws.


    The next moment, Yun Shu drew close enough to Zhang Bao. His eagle-style claws fiercely reached out at breakneck speed.


    Zhang Bao thought that he was the winner of the fight.


    But somehow Yun Shu started fighting differently.


    Zhang Bao believed that he was the winner of the fight. But somehow, Yun Shu started fighting differently. Although the movements were still the same as his strength and speed, the angles started becoming very tricky.


    3It almost seemed that Yun Shu could predict his actions and react beforehand.


    Yun Shu wouldn¡¯t stop because the more he used the technique, the more familiar he became with it. In Yun Shu¡¯s eyes, this was not a serious fight anymore but merely a chance for him to grind his skills.


    A while later, he finally realized that Zhang Bao was not fighting back, so he withdrew his golden pupils. When he saw Zhang Bao again, Yun Shu himself was scared.


    Zhang Bao was dying, hanging by a thread. His body was covered all over with cuts and wounds, and not even an inch of skin remained intact.


    Yun Shu showed no mercy to him, however. ¡°You deserve this. You forced me to come to this place and still tried to kill me here! You¡¯re not the first one killed by me and won¡¯t be the last either. After I solve the mysteries behind the three steles, I¡¯ll get out and kill Fan Wen and his dogs one by one!¡±


    Yun Shu raised his forearm straight like a knife and was ready to deliver the final blow. At this time, someone yelled angrily at him from the hill some distance away, ¡°Stop, boy!¡±


    Yun Shu was stunned by the voice. Obviously, it was a master who was shouting at him. By no means could Yun Shu fight him.


    Despite this, Yun Shu still made up his mind and stabbed his hand into Zhang Bao¡¯s heart, who died instantly. And at that moment, the master who had just yelled at Yun Shu also arrived on the scene.


    ¡°Presumptuous!¡± The master was enraged, his wrath blowing the leaves and tree branches up into the air. Then the fury transformed into the intention to kill and instantly turned the leaves and tree branches in the air into specks of dust.


    Of course, Yun Shu also suffered greatly under the overwhelming pressure. He tried his best to keep standing and turned to look at the incomer.


    It was the thin elderly man guarding the entrance of the Valley of Crime!


    Yun Shu¡¯s heart sank to the bottom. He was born in the Fire Mystic Sect, so he was well aware of the old man¡¯s temperament. The first day he had seen him, Yun Shu knew that he didn¡¯t like him much.


    ¡°Elder He, you want to kill him?!¡±


    Yun Shu found the voice familiar. To his surprise, it was that fat elderly man!


    The fat elderly man flapped his long sleeves and interrupted the thin elderly man¡¯s fierce killing intent.


    ¡°Old Du, this evil thing just killed two people in the valley. This is a felony! Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re gonna protect him!¡± coldly said the thin elderly man whose surname was He.


    Old Du slightly frowned. He glanced at the two bodies on the ground and already had a rough idea of what had transpired. Murder in the Valley of Crime was a grave crime. No wonder Old He was so furious.


    If Yun Shu was the true murderer, even Old Du wouldn¡¯t be able to show any mercy to him. So he turned around and stared at Yun Shu, waiting for his response. However, when he saw Yun Shu, his eyes suddenly became as big as saucers out of surprise.


    Yun Shu had left a deep impression on Old Du when he first came to the valley. At that time, he was not even a cultivator.


    However, the boy had already reached the fifth level!


    How could this be possible?!


    ¡°What did you do, boy?¡± asked Old Du.


    Old He didn¡¯t notice Yun Shu¡¯s change until Old Du questioned the boy.


    Reaching the fifth level within a day was something inconceivable!


    Yun Shu also knew what the two elderly men were thinking about.


    Murder is regarded as a felony in the valley. Although Master Du likes me, he wouldn¡¯t just let me go that easily. The best way for me to get rid of the punishment is to make myself more valuable in their eyes!


    What was Yun Shu to do?

 Chapter 10

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    Yun Shu quickly ran his mind, and then he hurriedly answered with respect, ¡°Yesterday, I read the steles on the square and was thus inspired. Afterward, the breakthroughs just happened naturally.¡±


    Yun Shu said those words rather carefully. Growing up in the Fire Mystic Sect, he knew how important those three steles were. Hence, indicating that he might have a special connection to them would make the two elderly men look at Yun Shu with quite different eyes.


    And just as he expected, after hearing his explanation, the two old men instantly exchanged a look of surprise.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you lie, boy!¡± Old He remained suspicious.


    Yun Shu pretended he didn¡¯t understand. ¡°Lie about what?¡±


    Old He snorted. ¡°Let¡¯s see!¡±


    With that, he quickly reached out his hand towards Yun Shu¡¯s wrist, whose heart started thudding. It was the fiend technique that had helped him make such tremendous progress.


    As an immortal sect, Fire Mystic Sect strictly forbade all its disciples from practicing the fiend technique.


    Bang!


    Before Yun Shu could react, his wrist had been gripped by Old He¡¯s hand. Yun Shu¡¯s heart sank to the bottom of the abyss, thinking that it was the end of him. However, to his great surprise, Old He soon let go of his wrist.


    ¡°How was it?¡± asked Old Du.


    ¡°His Spirit Qi is solid. It is indeed the technique of our sect,¡± said Old He, frowning.


    Yun Shu didn¡¯t expect this at all; even Old He couldn¡¯t spot the difference!


    ¡°Although you didn¡¯t lie about the steles, you still have to explain why you killed them,¡± continued Old He coldly. However, Yun Shu could tell that his tone had softened.


    ¡°Seniors, I never wanted to kill them on purpose. The reality is that they tried to kill me first!¡±


    Yun Shu then elaborated everything to them. First, what he had said was entirely true. Second, his narration was descriptive and sincere. As a result, his words sounded persuasive to the two elderly men.


    After hearing Yun Shu¡¯s explanation, even the expression on Old He¡¯s face had eased considerably. Nonetheless, this was still a rather one-sided statement.


    ¡°You have any proof?¡± asked Old He.


    Yun Shu spent a second to ponder about it and then swiftly answered, ¡°I do! The poisoned food is still in my room! Please go with me to take a look!¡±


    Old He and Du immediately agreed.


    In Yun Shu¡¯s shelter, when he showed the two elderly men the food bucket, they quickly came to a conclusion: Yun Shu was right. There was indeed poison in the food.


    Everything made sense now.


    ¡°Bastard! This is brutal! How dare he do such a filthy thing in this valley!¡± Old Du was furious.


    Yun Shu could finally relax a bit, his taut nerves loosening. The two elderly men had found the truth, so he should be safe now.


    However, Old He cast a glance at Yun Shu and said, ¡°It¡¯s true that you were in danger. And killing the man who brought you the food should have been enough to make yourself safe. Therefore, before you killed the other man, you could¡¯ve reported this to us first.¡±


    Yun Shu tried to say something but eventually remained silent.


    Old Du tried to help from the side. ¡°Come on. You can¡¯t be too hard on him. Just forget it.¡±


    ¡°A rule is a rule, and it shall be broken by no one,¡± declared Old He seriously.


    Seeing his adamant attitude, Old Du sighed. ¡°Then what do you want?¡±


    Old He snorted. ¡°Your name¡¯s Yun Shu, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes, senior!¡± Yun Shu gave Old He a hold fist salute.


    ¡°Killing is regarded as a felony in the valley, and thus, a punishment must be given. However, since there is a proper reason for the crime, the punishment you deserve should be less severe. You are grounded for a month!¡± announced Old He.


    Then he turned around and left.


    Yun Shu eventually could put his heart at rest.


    Committing murder in the Valley of Crime was always improper, no matter what kind of reason one had.


    The punishment was rather light, which meant that the two elderly men had already regarded Yun Shu as someone special!


    After Old He left, Old Du grinned and said to Yun Shu, ¡°Don¡¯t be mad, boy. Old He¡¯s also doing this for you!¡±


    Yun Shu didn¡¯t really understand.

 Chapter 11

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    Old Du sighed and explained, ¡°Ask yourself why Zhang Bao had the guts to come? He was merely an outer sect disciple. There must be someone behind him! Before we figure this out, staying here in this shelter is for your own good!¡±


    Yun Shu realized what Old He said was true, so he hurriedly bowed to Old He to thank him for his considerations. Afterward, he turned around and bowed to Old Du, ¡°Thank you very much, Master.¡±


    Old Du laughed and patted his shoulder. ¡°Boy, I knew you were different from others! Work hard, and one day, you¡¯ll have some big achievements!¡±


    Yun Shu nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll bear it in mind, Master!¡±


    Before departing, Old Du cast a spell over the shelter, whose power would automatically disappear after thirty days. Within that timespan, Yun Shu wouldn¡¯t be able to leave this place, and at the same time, no one could come in.


    After the two elderly men left, Yun Shu¡¯s stomach started growling. At this point, he finally realized something: the two seniors never mentioned his meals!


    As a cultivator, Yun Shu was far from being able to practice Inedia. On top of that, he would be trapped in this place for thirty days!


    ¡°Senior! Wait! There¡¯s something we need to talk about¡­¡± Yun Shu tried to stop Old Du from behind the stone door. Yet, his voice was too low since he was starving.


    Yun Shu helplessly searched around for something edible; however, it was fruitless. He had no option but to sit down and try to keep off hunger by practicing the cultivation technique. Regardless, his cultivation was not deep enough, so it didn¡¯t work at all.


    Yun Shu couldn¡¯t imagine how he would survive the upcoming days. While he was feeling extremely frustrated, he suddenly recalled something. Hurriedly, he looked at the mark in the shape of that stone gate on his palm and decided to go back to that place to try his luck.


    With a flash, he had come back to that world behind the stone gate.


    Obviously, there was nothing for him to eat here either. However, at this time, the corner of his eye captured the stone that he had left on the ground the day before.


    1But the stone looked slightly different today: the dirt and granules had partially fallen off from the surface, and the revealed texture within was very smooth.


    This was¡­ an egg?


    He had made a mistake earlier!


    While savoring its taste in his mouth, Yun Shu¡¯s stomach started growling again. The hunger made his mouth water even though he had no idea what kind of egg it was.


    Yun Shu put his hand over the egg and started using the fiend technique. He summoned a cluster of dark red fire, which was flickering below his palm. At this moment, if someone had seen the fire conjured by him, the person would have been totally stunned out of his wits.


    Being able to transform Spirit Qi into a real flame without using any martial art skill pointed to a single fact: the awakening of the Life Flame of the person!


    Even in a place like Fire Mystic Sect, where the fire was worshipped, only a few people had awakened their Life Flame. And all of them were already incredibly old.


    However, Yun Shu was still very young, unlike those guys who had a foot in their graves. Without a doubt, he was a genius that was born every thousand years!


    Nonetheless, Yun Shu himself was totally unaware of it. He rubbed the egg back and forth, hoping that it would be fully cooked as soon as possible.


    At this time, the egg suddenly moved!


    At first, Yun Shu thought that it was just his illusion. Yet, the egg really jumped a few more times.


    Yun Shu¡¯s eyes opened big, and his pupils dilated.


    ¡°Something¡¯s coming out?¡± Yun Shu murmured to himself while feeling apprehension.


    2He then took a glance at the cosmic bag attached to his belt. Since each item he found in there was extremely precious, it should be reasonable for him to assume that the egg was also special.


    He even wondered if a phoenix would pop out of the egg. As his thoughts wandered, he asked himself whether he still wanted to eat a phoenix, which didn¡¯t sound very proper to him.


    Then the top of the egg cracked amidst his musings. The fissure soon went all the way down. Finally, the thing inside broke the eggshell.


    A little fuzzy head popped out.


    Yun Shu stared at the little head and was speechless for a moment. That thing looked just like a little chick in terms of shape and color. By no means did it resemble a phoenix as he had imagined.


    ¡°So, you are just a chicken from ancient times?¡± Yun Shu asked.


    How was that possible? After all, that egg looked quite unusual to Yun Shu.


    The little chick also stared back at Yun Shu.


    After a short while of hesitation, it came closer to Yun Shu, flapping its tiny wings, and gently rubbed its head against his hand with its eyes squinting.


    Yun Shu was about to eat the little thing, but it was just too adorable. No matter how he tried, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to do it.


    ¡°Come on¡­ I thought you were my food¡­¡± Yun Shu gave the little chick¡¯s head a gentle stroke.


    As if the little thing could understand his words, it instantly looked terrified.


    At this time, Yun Shu¡¯s stomach started growling again, worsening his impression on it.


    The little chick hurriedly jumped backward in fear and gave Yun Shu a heartbroken look. Then it turned around and ran into the blood-red mist.


    Yun Shu knew how horrible the mist was. He had been extremely careful not to touch it. So, he tried to stop the little chick, but it was too late.


    ¡°Damn! Damn! Why do you have to run away so quickly? I don¡¯t want to eat you anymore! I changed my mind!¡±


    Yun Shu was concerned about the little chick. Staring at the blood-red mist, he finally released a sigh.


    He was well aware that the mist was extremely corrosive. If he followed the chick inside, without any shred of doubt, he would die instantly. However, he felt awful sorry about the little baby chick.


    Although Yun Shu knew that it probably wasn¡¯t anything ordinary, the red mist was just too horrifying.


    Yun Shu sighed again and again as he thought about the adorable creature. At this time, he heard some noise coming from the middle of the red mist.


    Yun Shu instantly became nervous and anxious.


    Maybe something horrible was going to jump out of the creepy mist. Yun Shu became even tenser when he saw the ghost faces above the red mist, which kept appearing and disappearing from time to time.


    After a while, from the rolling sea of the red mist, the little chick popped out and bounced back toward Yun Shu.


    Its tiny little beak was pulling something on the ground. He took a closer look at it and found that it was a turnip.


    1¡°This is¡­¡± Yun Shu was confused.

 Chapter 12

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    The little chick pushed the turnip to Yun Shu as its watery eyes first looked at him and then the vegetable.


    Its intention was obvious: you eat this, not me, okay?


    Yun Shu laughed in response.


    He picked up the little chick and held it in his palm. Giving its little head gentle strokes, Yun Shu said to it, ¡°I was just joking. I¡¯m not gonna eat you. You¡¯re too adorable to be a dish.¡±


    The little chick flipped its wings with happiness.


    Yun Shu liked the little thing a lot.


    Obviously, the man who looked almost identical to him was a formidable person. Therefore, he must have decided to put the egg in the bag for a reason. All in all, the little chick should be an extraordinary creature since the red mist could not hurt it in the slightest. Also, it was intelligent!


    ¡°Right, I¡¯ll accept this turnip. From now on, you¡¯ll be my minion! You understand?¡± Yun Shu said to the little chick, putting up an act of seriousness.


    The little chick hurriedly widened its eyes and nodded solemnly.


    Done with his show, Yun Shu picked up the turnip and took a big bite. Its taste was truly different, unlike any he had ever before. It was not spicy at all, and it instantly melted on Yun Shu¡¯s tongue.


    What was more remarkable was that Yun Shu instantly felt very refreshed. He was no more hungry and was now in high spirits instead.


    That was pure Spirit Qi!


    Yun Shu stared at the turnip in his hand, feeling amazed and surprised.


    It was so big, so Yun Shu took it for granted that it was just a turnip.


    That was totally his mistake, however!


    It was by no means a turnip. Rather, it was top-quality ginseng!


    Yun Shu had gone out with other outer sect disciples to collect herbs many times before. Yet, he had never seen such big ginseng!


    ¡°Little Chick, you found this in the mist?¡± Yun Shu hurriedly turned around and asked.


    The little chick nodded hard in return.


    ¡°Are there more in the mist?¡± Yun Shu swallowed his saliva.


    The little chick nodded again.


    ¡°Like¡­ lots?¡± Yun Shu¡¯s voice started trembling.


    The little chick nodded without hesitation.


    ¡°Amazing¡­¡± Yun Shu released a long sigh and lay down on the ground, his face up.


    He then laughed and giggled for a while before he jumped to his feet. It was not yet the right time for him to celebrate. After eating the ginseng, he had to cultivate hard for it to bear fruit.


    Yesterday, when he was trying to make another breakthrough, he failed because his body couldn¡¯t keep up with the pace. At that time, how he wished he could have plenty of precious herbs!


    That was just his wild fantasy, though, nothing more.


    However, his wish had come true just the day after.


    It was true that usually, natural herbs wouldn¡¯t work as well as supreme pills since they had been refined.


    But the ginseng was big enough to make up for the difference.


    Now, Yun Shu was wholly confident that he would be able to make the next breakthrough in no time.


    ¡°You need to stay away from me for a short while. I¡¯m going to cultivate.¡± Yun Shu picked up the little chick and put it in a safe place.


    Then he carefully pulled out a stream of Spirit Qi from his body and started refining his hands. Soon, it felt as if they had been remade.


    He had just reached the sixth level of Qi Sky Realm!


    Yun Shu grinned as he sensed his cultivation surge. Seeing that, the little chick also bounced up and down, flapping its tiny wings to share the happiness of its master.


    However, after a couple of jumps, it suddenly lost its balance and hit the ground. Yun Shu hurriedly ran over. After all, the little chick had played a major role in his breakthrough. So, seeing it hurt, he was anxious.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Yun Shu asked.


    The little chick opened its eyes and looked into Yun Shu¡¯s. And then it tapped its stomach with its tiny wings.


    Yun Shu understood immediately.


    The little thing was hungry!


    Yun Shu had already finished the entire ginseng by himself. As a result, he could only find a few leaves left on the ground.


    He picked up the leaves and put them beside the little chick, but it immediately turned its little head.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want this? What do you feed on then?¡± Yun Shu didn¡¯t know what to do.


    The little chick walked to the eggshell and pecked at the burnt part. Then it turned around and stared at Yun Shu with its watery eyes.


    ¡°You mean¡­ You eat fire?¡± Yun Shu suddenly got the message.

 Chapter 13

    The little chick hurriedly nodded.


    Even though Yun Shu was not sure about the strange affair, he still stretched out his hand. Circulating the Spirit Qi in his body, a cluster of flame kindled over his palm.


    The little chick¡¯s eyes suddenly lit up when seeing the flame, as if it was a great delicacy. Flapping its wings, it made a dash for Yun Shu¡¯s palm. With its tiny beak open, it absorbed the flame into its stomach ravenously.


    The chick was absolutely a mythical creature!


    Only a mythical creature could feed on fire!


    Although the little chick didn¡¯t look like a baby phoenix at all, it was undoubtedly an ancient mythical bird!


    Yun Shu was immensely excited as he hurriedly transformed his Qi into another cluster of fire for the little chick. In the end, it cost half of Yun Shu¡¯s Spirit Qi in his dantian to satisfy the fledgling.


    Feeding the chick, Yun Shu was not hungry at all now.


    He had been grounded, so it was impossible for him to study the steles now. Yun Shu had no choice but to practice Fiend Eagle Claw in the shelter. After using the martial art skill twice in real fights, he had gained a better understanding of it.


    After practicing it one more time in the shelter, Yun Shu felt that the power of the skill had been further improved. Pleased, he took out the Book of Three Thousand Fiends again. After taking a deep breath, Yun Shu used Fiend Eagle Claw.


    Buzz!


    As expected, the third page instantly yielded lots of characters.


    ¡°Thunder Move, rank eight Ordinary Level movement technique. When reaching the maximum potential, one would be able to move as fast as thunder and be equipped with the power of thunderbolts¡­¡± Yun Shu read the lines silently and was surprised to find that the movement technique could even be used as a technique for attacking!


    ¡°Good. Now I have Fiend Eagle Claw for attacking and Thunder Move for retreating. If I run into someone in Qi Sky Realm, at least I can always run away,¡± said Yun Shu to himself. 1


    Then he started learning the movement technique, and since Yun Shu had excellent comprehension, it only took him a few hours to finish learning the first level of Thunder Move.


    When he lifted his heel, fine electric arcs flashed about him. Next, he made an amazing sprint.


    Yun Shu didn¡¯t expect it at all that he could move so blisteringly fast. Unable to stop in time, he ran right into the wall.


    Bang!


    Yun Shu uttered a pained cry, raised his hand to touch his forehead, and found a prominent swelling there. That didn¡¯t stop Yun Shu, though, as he kept practicing in the shelter.


    However, he kept colliding into things because he was unable to control the speed. Soon, Yun Shu got more bumps on his head, and he started doubting himself. At first, he believed the movement technique wouldn¡¯t be this difficult, but he still wouldn¡¯t give up.


    What he didn¡¯t know was that Thunder Move featured direct sprints and spurts, and thus, it wasn¡¯t so flexible and easy to control.


    If Thunder Move didn¡¯t have such a weakness, it would be a rank nine Ordinary Level martial art skill! 2


    As a result, trapped in the stone shelter, of course, Yun Shu would keep running into things. However, he kept trying diligently and was indeed gradually getting better. By the third day, he would only run into the walls once every ten times when he used Thunder Move.


    Yun Shu¡¯s improvement would be jaw-dropping to anyone who knew the movement technique well.


    Yet, Yun Shu still believed that he wasn¡¯t fast enough, which would be a huge problem in a real fight. He pondered to himself for a while and suddenly came up with an idea.


    He should use his golden pupils together with Thunder Move! Yun Shu blamed himself for not coming up with the idea much earlier.


    He slightly closed his eyes and suddenly snapped them open again; his pupils had turned golden!


    Giving it a try one more time, he dashed to the wall like a flash of lightning.


    He could see it! Yun Shu was much more encouraged. Applying strength in his ankles, he swiftly changed his direction like a cheetah.


    He never ran into anything again!


    ¡°Yes!¡± Yun Shu¡¯s heart was full of a sense of achievement.


    So far, he still had no idea that he had totally overcome the biggest weakness of Thunder Move using his golden pupils.


    ¡°When I reach the next stage, I should be able to move twice as fast. My eyes should be able to follow as well. I haven¡¯t even obtained the power of thunderbolts yet¡­ It¡¯s indeed challenging to learn a rank eight Ordinary Level skill¡­¡± Yun Shu said to himself.


    He had entirely forgotten that this was only the third day of his practice!


    After the training, Yun Shu suddenly felt exhausted. He had been training for three whole days without resting after all. Therefore, he immediately fell asleep as soon as he lay down on the floor in the middle of the stone shelter.


    When he woke up, it was already the early morning of the next day.


    Yun Shu definitely needed some more turnips. So he used the cultivation technique and went back to the world behind the stone gate.


    It had been more than three days since he last stepped foot in here. The little chick was waiting for him.


    Yun Shu noticed that the little chick had grown slightly bigger.


    Also, on the stairs, there was a pile of supreme-grade ginseng!


    The little chick knew that sooner or later, Yun Shu would need them. Hence, it had been working hard all this time, finding more in the red mist.


    ¡°Good job!¡± Yun Shu patted its head, exhilarated.


    The little chick cheered as if it had accomplished a major feat, gaining praise from its master.


    Next, Yun Shu picked up one of the big ginseng and started chewing.


    He started cultivating as soon as he came back to the stone shelter. But this time, Yun Shu didn¡¯t take out the book. The cultivation technique and two martial art skills were still new to him. Thus, he needed more time to digest this knowledge.


    It was definitely not wise for him to rush things. Also, he still had to review the sword intent that he obtained from the stele. All in all, he already had enough on his plate, and learning any more would be detrimental.


    The entire month passed by very quickly as cultivating and feeding the little chick became his routine. The training he had in this duration and the top quality ginseng greatly nourished his body, laying a solid foundation for his future progress.


    After being grounded for the entire month, today, he finally pushed open the door and stepped outside of his stone shelter.


    It had been thirty days since he last went to the stone steles. Yun Shu felt a bit uneasy thinking of the fact that he would soon see Su Lingwen there.


    However, today¡¯s square seemed to be a lot busier than usual. Apart from Su Lingwen, there were a few more figures present at the venue. Those people were not here to study the steles, though.


    ¡°You crippled woman, come on! Come and kick me, will you?¡± A man whose mouth stuck out and had a chin like an ape¡¯s picked up a rock on the ground and fiercely threw it at Su Lingwen.


    The rest of the guys followed him and also started throwing rocks at Su Lingwen. Meanwhile, they kept humiliating her. ¡°Cripple, come and fight back! You don¡¯t have legs, but you still have hands! Crawl!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think her hands are of any use,¡± said a tanned fatty.


    ¡°You know the best what she¡¯s left with!¡± A man whose face was covered with pockmarks laughed. Then he yelled at Su Lingwen, ¡°We¡¯ll leave you alone if you climb over to us and make us happy!¡±


    ¡°Shut the f*ck up!¡± Yun Shu bawled at them and made a dash toward the square.

 Chapter 14

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    Those men were slightly shocked after hearing Yun Shu¡¯s voice. After all, they had no idea that someone in the valley would still speak for Su Lingwen.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± asked the young man in the group, frowning.


    Yun Shu had noticed him since the very beginning. Although the man never said or did anything to Su Lingwen, he should be the leader of these scumbags.


    ¡°Senior Brother Chang, I know this guy! He¡¯s that loser who wasn¡¯t able to enter Qi Sky Realm in the past ten years! Yet somehow, he broke through that barrier now, and it was also he who broke Huang Sheng¡¯s arm last month!¡± said that man whose chin looked like an ape¡¯s.


    That Senior Brother Chang slightly nodded and said to Yun Shu, ¡°Huang Sheng was severely injured because of you, so I think you¡¯re indeed something. I¡¯ll give you a chance right here and now: throw a rock at that cripple, and I¡¯ll let you join.¡±


    Yun Shu stared at the man coldly.


    ¡°You slap yourself in the face a hundred times and break your own legs, and I¡¯ll let all of you go!¡± said Yun Shu ruthlessly.


    It took those men a few seconds to realize what Yun Shu had just said.


    Snapping back to his senses, the man whose face was covered with pockmarks hurled abuses at him, ¡°Are you fu*cking blind?! You don¡¯t even know who we are! We¡ª¡±


    Before he could finish his words, though, Yun Shu suddenly dashed to him as fast as a flash of lightning.


    Bang!


    Yun Shu grabbed the man¡¯s face with his hand. Using Fiend Eagle Claw, his hand tightened its grip and broke all the teeth in the guy¡¯s mouth. Then, he turned his wrist and smashed his face against the ground. Yun Shu kept pressing his head until it stuck into the earth.


    When the man kept struggling with his legs kicking around, Yun Shu raised the other hand and snapped them in two.


    ¡°You can¡¯t do this, so I¡¯ll do it for you.¡± Yun Shu turned around and said to the rest of them coldly.


    The guy¡¯s companions were totally shocked as they had never expected this.


    ¡°He¡¯s my follower, yet you still hurt him. You know what this means?¡± Senior Brother Chang turned around and asked Yun Shu in a threatening tone.


    ¡°I know. It means I¡¯ll break more legs one by one,¡± answered Yun Shu without any fear.


    That Senior Brother Chang put on a grim smile. ¡°You don¡¯t know who you are messing with, boy! Who do you even think you are?¡±


    ¡°Go! You guys!¡± he commanded his men.


    Yun Shu gave him a disdainful look. That Senior Brother Chang dared not fight Yun Shu on his own, sending his men instead.


    ¡°I know some people are cowards, but you¡¯re definitely the most impressive one.¡± Yun Shu sneered.


    The men had no choice but to obey Senior Brother Chang. They were quite good as cultivators, actually. On average, they were at the sixth level of Qi Sky Realm. However, they still posed no threat to Yun Shu.


    Yun Shu¡¯s feet moved extremely fast and twisted through them like a whirlwind. They couldn¡¯t even discern his movements, failing to understand how he came behind them.


    Suddenly, they sensed a sharp pain rising from their legs. When they looked down, they were astonished to find that their legs had been snapped by Yun Shu!


    Earlier, they were the ones calling Su Lingwen a cripple.


    Now, karma had come to bite them.


    They fell onto the ground, all crying and moaning loudly.


    Yun Shu didn¡¯t want to take a second glance at them. Instead, he turned to that Senior Brother Chang. He discovered that the guy had already started running away from him.


    That Senior Brother Chang looked extremely arrogant on the surface but was, in fact, a coward.


    ¡°You all blind dogs, look at your boss! He doesn¡¯t give a sh*t about you,¡± said Yun Shu to the men on the ground whose legs were broken.


    Then he lifted his feet and started chasing Senior Brother Chang. He would never let the chief criminal run away without any punishment.


    The men on the ground were speechless at the result. Although they weren¡¯t loyal to Senior Brother Chang, no one dared voice it out.


    At this time, Yun Shu had already caught up with that coward.


    ¡°You still owe me your legs.¡± Yun Shu stopped in front of him.

 Chapter 15

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    Senior Brother Chang¡¯s face turned pale in fright. Having no choice, he hacked at Yun Shu with his hand.


    Yun Shu was a bit surprised, though. The guy was no better than his men; to be honest, his cultivation was even inferior.


    Finding it strange, Yun Shu couldn¡¯t help thinking why he was the boss. However, while he was still pondering, he didn¡¯t show any hesitation in the fight. Yun Shu stretched out a hand and gripped Senior Brother Chang¡¯s arm.


    That arm indeed lacked strength.


    At this time, Senior Brother Chang¡¯s face had turned purple either out of pain or fear, his body shaking like a leaf.


    However, his mouth didn¡¯t stop. ¡°Yun, you¡¯d better let go of me! This is for your own good! If you make me lose even one hair, my elder brother will make you regret badly!¡±


    Yun Shu was a bit surprised. ¡°Oh my! And who the hell is your elder brother?¡±


    ¡°My elder brother¡¯s Chang Feng. He¡¯s in the inner sect! If he was here, you wouldn¡¯t be able to handle his one single move!¡± Senior Brother Chang stared at Yun Shu and said.


    ¡°You¡¯re good at bragging, you know? Come on, if your elder brother is really someone important, how come you ended up in this place?¡± Yun Shu didn¡¯t buy his words at all.


    ¡°He¡¯s in seclusion right now. When he comes out, he¡¯ll vouch for me, and I¡¯ll get out right away! Ask them if you don¡¯t believe me!¡±


    Senior Brother Chang turned to look at his men, who were still moaning on the ground.


    Hearing what Senior Brother Chang had just said, they hurriedly nodded. ¡°Senior Brother Chang Yu is not lying. His elder brother Chang Feng truly is from the inner sect!¡±


    Yun Shu believed it to be the truth. There was no other explanation as to why such a coward could be their boss.


    He had someone backing him up!


    At this time, Su Lingwen finally sighed beside the stele. ¡°Boy, let him go. He¡¯s not lying. Don¡¯t make them hate you because of me.¡±


    Hearing that, Chang Yu was greatly encouraged, finding some hope in his despair.


    ¡°You have to be aware that there are some people in the world that you must never piss off,¡± said Chang Yu, who grabbed Yun Shu¡¯s fingers and tried to get rid of the restraint.


    At this time, Yun Shu suddenly pushed down and twisted Chang Yu¡¯s arm further.


    ¡°What are you doing!¡± Chang Yu stared at Yun Shu incredulously. Meanwhile, his face contorted in great pain.


    ¡°You¡¯re right. There are people in the world that I never want to piss off. But you should¡¯ve known better. At this moment, I¡¯m the person who you never want to mess up with!¡± said Yun Shu.


    1At the same time, he violently lifted Chang Yu¡¯s left arm and directly snapped it.


    All of the people present gasped in astonishment at the sudden turn of events. They didn¡¯t understand why Yun Shu still did this to Chang Yu after knowing who was backing him up.


    Even Su Lingwen felt shocked.


    ¡°You¡­!¡± For a second, Chang Yu didn¡¯t know how to respond. This was so out of his expectation that he couldn¡¯t even release a scream.


    That was not the end, however. Yun Shu picked up Chang Yu¡¯s right arm and snapped it again!


    ¡°Ahhh!¡± Chang Yu burst out a bitter, sharp cry.


    After quite a while, Chang Yu finally stopped screaming and turned to glare at Yun Shu in deep hatred. ¡°My elder brother will know¡­ and you¡¯re a dead person!¡±


    Yun Shu sneered. ¡°Is that right? Figure out a way to crawl to your brother first!¡±


    Lowering his body, Yun Shu swept his leg and broke Chang Yu¡¯s legs!


    1Bang!


    Chang Yu collapsed to the ground. His body kept wriggling, but there was no way from him to move as both his arms and legs had been crippled.


    ¡°Boy, aren¡¯t you afraid of his revenge?¡± asked Su Lingwen, frowning because of her concern for him.


    ¡°He won¡¯t make it easy for me, anyways. The moment I stepped out, he had already decided to take revenge on me whether I let him go or not. So it¡¯s better for me to make a move first,¡± said Yun Shu off-handedly, like it was no big deal.


    1¡°This is all because of me; I¡¯m such a burden.¡± Su Lingwen sighed.


    Yun Shu smiled. ¡°Master, don¡¯t say that! I saw mad dogs biting and barking, so I decided to shoo them away. You have nothing to do with this.¡±


    Hearing that, Su Lingwen felt warmth in her heart, something that had been missing for many years now.


    At this time, a strong wind started blowing from the direction of the entrance of the valley, interrupting their conversation.


    Then a booming voice sounded. ¡°Who¡¯s causing so much chaos here?¡±


    The voice arrived first, and the elderly man after.


    All of them present suddenly felt overly nervous, like pigs waiting to be slaughtered.

 Chapter 16

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    All of them, except for Yun Shu.


    Because the elderly man was Old Du.


    ¡°Senior! Please show us your justice!¡± cried Chang Yu first. ¡°We¡¯re all severely injured by him! Please, senior! He deserves the most extreme punishment right on the spot. Our sect needs justice and rules!¡±


    Seeing that, Chang Yu¡¯s men started crying as well, their voices creating a mess. If it had been someone else, Yun Shu wouldn¡¯t have any chance to explain at all.


    But Old Du treated Yun Shu differently!


    He turned to Yun Shu and asked, ¡°Why are you in trouble again? It¡¯s only the first day after your punishment!¡±


    Yun Shu hurriedly bowed to Old Du first to pay his respects and then explained, ¡°Senior Du, it wasn¡¯t me who deliberately sought for trouble. They were just bullying her so badly!¡±


    Yun Shu put on an extremely indignant look and explained the whole affair. He was a rather good story-teller. His words full of distress even made the men forget to wail.


    Old Du twirled his long beard and said, ¡°So, you¡¯re saying you did all these so that justice can be served?¡±


    Yun Shu bowed again. ¡°Senior, the Fire Mystic Sect is a leading heavenly sect, and its disciples are always responsible for enforcing justice on behalf of Heaven and making sure that injustice is always corrected. I¡¯m not a hero at all but just a disciple who remembers what I have been taught and put it into practice. I hope that one day when I become much stronger, I can eliminate all injustice from this world.¡±


    1Old Du turned around and asked Chang Yu coldly, ¡°Is this true?¡±


    ¡°No¡­ No!¡± Chang Yu hurriedly denied.


    Before Chang Yu finished his words, Yun Shu snorted, ¡°You¡¯re so shameless, lying in front of both Senior Du and her!¡±


    Yun Shu turned to look at Su Lingwen.


    Su Lingwen was still sitting beside the stele, witnessing the matter unfold. Seeing that Yun Shu kept winking at her, she nodded and said, ¡°Mostly¡­ Yes!¡±


    Old Du frowned, finding it a bit difficult to pass the verdict.


    ¡°They¡¯re together! Her words don¡¯t count! Women¡¯s words don¡¯t count!¡± Chang Yu hurriedly interrupted, screaming at the top of his lungs.


    Yun Shu snorted again. ¡°Women¡¯s words don¡¯t count? How dare you say so? Then what about your own men¡¯s words?¡±


    Then he asked Chang Yu¡¯s men coldly, ¡°All of you, tell Senior Du the truth. Also, don¡¯t forget that Chang Yu has always been using all of you as his tools and never cared about you. Of course, now he hates me to his very bones, but do you still think he would go easy on all of you?¡±


    1¡°Just now¡ª¡± The slender man was about to say something but was threatened by Chang Yu.


    ¡°Watch your mouth! Or you all know the consequence!¡± Chang Yu said viciously.


    Yun Shu almost burst in laughter after hearing him lash out. It was such an idiot move from Chang Yu, who tried to threaten his men at this moment.


    Yun Shu cleared his throat and said, ¡°Senior Du, I¡¯m sure you can see clearly what kind of person Chang Yu is now!¡±


    Then he turned and said to the slender man, ¡°Don¡¯t pay him any mind. The guy backing him up is only an inner sect disciple, nothing more. But senior Du here is one of the top masters in our sect!¡±


    Old Du also nodded. ¡°You speak the truth, and I¡¯ll take care of your safety. However, if you lie, you¡¯ll need to pay the consequences!¡±


    ¡°Senior, what Yun Shu just said was all true!¡± said the slender man with his head lowered.


    The rest of the men hurriedly followed his lead, admitting to their crimes.


    Yun Shu grinned, while Chang Yu¡¯s face suddenly turned pale, as if someone had extracted his soul.


    ¡°You dare rat on me¡­¡± Chang Yu was thoroughly enraged.


    ¡°Chang Yu, don¡¯t blame us! You forced us to bully a woman, even though we didn¡¯t want it from the very beginning¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true. We¡¯re all cultivators, but you forced us to do such filthy things¡­¡±


    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s clear now. Disciple Chang Yu instigated his fellow disciples to bully a female disciple in the sect. As a result, another ten years will be added to his prior punishment of staying in this valley! The rest of you followed his command but reported on Chang Yu¡¯s guilt honestly, so all of you will be grounded for three months!¡± said Old Du.


    They all released a sigh of relief, except for Chang Yu, who was crestfallen due to the sudden turn of events.


    Old Du measured Yun Shu with his eyes carefully and said, ¡°You¡¯ve made great progress again!¡±


    ¡°All the merits go to the sect!¡± Yun Shu smiled and answered humbly.


    Old Du frowned. ¡°But, can¡¯t you try to maintain a lower profile?¡±


    Yun Shu shrugged. ¡°Senior, I never wanted these troubles. Yet, they keep coming and messing up with me, so I¡¯ve no choice but to fight back, right?¡±


    Old Du had to admit that it was indeed the case.


    ¡°Senior¡­ What happened after Zhang Bao¡¯s death?¡± Yun Shu walked closer to Old Du and asked him in a low voice.


    Old Du shook his head. ¡°Boy, you have to keep in mind that everything can be complicated in the sect. And there are things even too far away for me to know or help.¡±


    Yun Shu immediately understood the meaning behind his words: someone in the sect had stopped this from spreading out.


    And that person must have a high status in the sect for sure.


    ¡°Thank you very much, Senior. I¡¯ll take care of it on my own from now on,¡± said Yun Shu seriously.


    ¡°Boy, don¡¯t overstretch yourself,¡± Old Du patted Yun Shu¡¯s shoulder and said.


    At the same time, he also cast Su Lingwen, who was some distance away, a significant look. Old Du wanted to say something but kept his mouth closed in the end.


    ¡°He needs treatment,¡± said Old Du to Yun Shu and pointed at Chang Yu on the ground. ¡°You really went wild¡­¡±


    Then Old Du picked up Chang Yu and threw him onto his shoulder violently. Chang Yu groaned, but there was no bitter crying anymore. Instead, Chang Yu¡¯s eyes kept staring at Yun Shu, his mouth clenched shut in defiance.


    ¡°You just wait,¡± said Chang Yu coldly.


    Hearing that, a cruel light flashed in Yun Shu¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Senior, be careful; don¡¯t drop him!¡± Yun Shu smiled and reached out his hand. It looked as if he was just trying to help. However, the moment his palm touched Chang Yu¡¯s body, he transferred a trace amount of Spirit Qi inside.


    That stream of Spirit Qi was not harmful by itself, but gradually, it would change the way how Chang Yu¡¯s meridians worked. After recovering, if he were to use his Spirit Qi, he would hurt himself badly again.


    When it came to controlling Spirit Qi, Yun Shu was qualified to be called a master!


    Seeing Old Du walking away, Yun Shu¡¯s mind was full of thoughts. The Fire Mystic Sect was known for its strict rules and regulations. Yet, Zhang Bao came all the way to the Valley of Crime to kill him using poison.


    To add insult to injury, someone in the sect didn¡¯t believe that an insignificant ant like Yun Shu deserved a proper explanation or justice.


    Hence, those so-called laws and rules were only strict for the weak!


    ¡°All in all, power earns respect,¡± Yun Shu murmured to himself.


    Suddenly, a desire for strength started blazing in his heart in full swing, almost consuming his whole.


    Power!


    Gaining power could solve all the problems!


    At this time, Chang Yu¡¯s men had all crawled close to Yun Shu.


    ¡°Boss Yun Shu, please allow us to follow you!¡± said the several men together in a single voice.

 Chapter 17

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    Yun Shu had almost forgotten about them. He cast a glance in their direction and said, ¡°I don¡¯t need your loyalty. Also, I have no idea if she has decided to forgive you all!¡±


    The slender man was the fastest to react. He hurriedly crawled over to Su Lingwen and kept hitting his head against the ground. ¡°Senior Sister Su, please forgive us! I was totally blind for being so rude to you! Please forgive me! Please! If you¡¯re still angry, beat me as hard as you can!¡±


    The rest of the men followed his lead, and they also started to kowtow to apologize. Su Lingwen didn¡¯t even want to look at them, however.


    ¡°Fu*k off!¡± she said simply.


    Seeing her disregard, those men didn¡¯t know what to do.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear what she said? Fu*k off. Right now!¡± Yun Shu walked to their front and said coldly.


    After exchanging some looks with each other, they had no choice but to leave in great pain. Besides, they could only crawl their way back. If they had not been cultivators, they would have all passed out due to the torment.


    After they left, Yun Shu walked to Su Lingwen and asked gently, ¡°Are you hurt?¡±


    Su Lingwen shook her head in response. Yun Shu felt more relaxed as he continued, ¡°They called you Senior Sister?¡±


    She looked at him and retorted, ¡°You have a problem with that?¡±


    Yun Shu scratched his head. ¡°Senior, how old are you, may I ask?¡±


    He was cautious, fearing that he might make her angry.


    ¡°Seventeen,¡± answered Su Lingwen succinctly.


    ¡°What?!¡± Yun Shu almost jumped up in fright.


    He had thought Su Lingwen was a senior in the sect, even believing that she was over a hundred years old!


    However, it turned out that she was only seventeen!


    ¡°But I kept calling you Senior¡­¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask you to,¡± said Su Lingwen.


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t you just correct me?¡± Yun Shu was quite speechless.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like talking to people. Also, it doesn¡¯t really matter.¡± Su Lingwen shook her head.


    Yun Shu opened his eyes wide. ¡°But that¡¯s important to me! I became your junior for no reason!¡±


    Su Lingwen curled her lips and said, ¡°Is it that important to you? I can call you Senior Yun, Uncle Yun, or Elder brother Yun if you want.¡±


    Yun Shu hurriedly waved his hands, ¡°Forget about it. Just call me Yun Shu.¡±


    Su Lingwen snorted and looked away. After a while, she said, ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s nothing.¡± Yun Shu grinned.


    Su Lingwen continued to appreciate his efforts. ¡°You¡¯re the first person who has treated me so well these years. I should say thank you at the very least.¡±


    Feeling sorry for her, Yun Shu¡¯s heart softened. ¡°Senior Sister Su¡ª¡±


    ¡°You can just call me by name,¡± interrupted Su Lingwen.


    Yun Shu murmured her name under his breath and said, ¡°Calling your full name feels a bit awkward, though.¡±


    ¡°Then skip the surname.¡±


    ¡°Lingwen¡­ Right!¡± It took Yun Shu a while to get used to the name as he repeated it a few times.


    ¡°You want to ask me something?¡± asked Su Lingwen in a low voice.


    Yun Shu weighed his words carefully and finally opened his mouth. ¡°I can tell that you know how to fight, and you can even do it better than me. Why didn¡¯t you fight back?¡±


    Su Lingwen remained silent for a while and then finally answered, ¡°I can¡¯t move my legs. They were some distance away from me. I could do nothing.¡±


    ¡°Your legs couldn¡¯t move? Why?¡± Yun Shu was slightly shocked.


    ¡°You have golden pupils. Take a look on your own,¡± said Su Lingwen as if it was not a big deal.


    Yun Shu nodded, used his ability as instructed, and looked at Su Lingwen¡¯s legs.


    The meridians in her calves were extremely thin as though they had suffered from meridian necrosis.


    Then Yun Shu looked up and found that the meridians in her thighs were also relatively weak and partially incomplete.


    Yun Shu moved his gaze up until he sensed a violent killing intent aimed at him.


    ¡°Where are you looking at?!¡± she asked, grinding her teeth.


    Yun Shu was a bit embarrassed. ¡°I was trying to find a solution¡­¡±


    That was undoubtedly true. He never saw her moving. So, this was the reason¡­


    ¡°Lingwen, no wonder you look like this¡­¡± said Yun Shu.


    Su Lingwen didn¡¯t feel offended at all, just nodding. ¡°It¡¯s very time-consuming and exhausting to wash myself, but I¡¯ve got used to it.¡±


    Yun Shu shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s not okay. You¡¯re a young lady and should take good care of yourself.¡±


    Su Lingwen rolled her eyes. ¡°Then what should I do? Are you gonna help me?¡±


    ¡°Sure!¡± Yun Shu nodded earnestly.


    There it came again: the sharp killing intent from Su Lingwen, overwhelming him.


    ¡°I mean, I can take you to the lake.¡± Yun Shu hurriedly clarified himself.


    ¡°The last time you came here was a month ago. You giving up already?¡± Su Lingwen asked.


    ¡°No, that¡¯s not correct. I wasn¡¯t being lazy.¡±


    ¡°Then what¡¯s the reason?¡± Su Lingwen kept pestering him.


    Yun Shu chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ll take you to the lake and explain it to you there. Sounds good?¡±


    Su Lingwen stared at Yun Shu for a while, thinking, and finally nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    1¡°A month ago¡­¡± Yun Shu carried Su Lingwen on his back and headed to the lake, his voice ringing out.


    After they left, the two elderly men walked out from behind an old tree.


    ¡°That boy is truly a genius, you see? It¡¯s just been one month!¡± Old Du grinned at Old He.


    ¡°Surprising, indeed. But what makes me feel more shocked is that Lingwen permitted him to carry her on his back. This has never happened before,¡± said Old He.


    Old Du didn¡¯t realize it until Old He mentioned it.


    ¡°Can¡¯t believe¡­ Lingwen let him carry her on his back¡­¡± Old Du murmured.


    ¡°What should we do? If they¡¯re too close to each other, there¡¯ll be trouble!¡± Old He frowned.


    Old Du thought to himself for a while and eventually shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s that serious. Let¡¯s wait and see first.¡±


    At this time, in a small lake thirty miles away in the west to the square, Yun Shu dropped Su Lingwen on the shore. However, he didn¡¯t want to leave her alone here, not knowing what to do for a moment.


    ¡°You just wait here.¡± Su Lingwen could tell Yun Shu¡¯s awkwardness.


    ¡°Is that okay?¡± Yun Shu quickly asked.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. You have golden pupils. If you want to see, there¡¯s nothing I can do,¡± said Su Lingwen.


    2Yun Shu forced a smile on his face.


    Yun Shu turned his back on her and heard the water splashing. He felt a bit uncomfortable with the silence, so he started talking to her, ¡°Lingwen, how long have you been in this place?¡±


    Su Lingwen didn¡¯t answer immediately. After a while, she said, ¡°Maybe eight or nine years.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s so long¡­ How much longer do you have to stay here, then?¡± Yun Shu asked.


    ¡°Two hundred years,¡± said Su Lingwen.


    Yun Shu was so shocked that he turned around. ¡°Two hundred years?!¡±


    Immediately after, he sensed the raging killing intent.


    Yun Shu hurriedly turned his back to Su Lingwen, following it with a couple of dry coughs. ¡°What¡­ What did you do?¡±


    The splashing sound gradually stopped, and the area turned silent. Su Lingwen hesitated in giving a reply.

 Chapter 18

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    Yun Shu couldn¡¯t turn around, so he could only bear the silence and wait.


    ¡°It is easy to find a stick to beat a dog,¡± said Su Lingwen. ¡°I was too young at that time. What could I even do?¡±


    As Yun Shu expected, she was framed by someone.


    Sending a kid to the Valley of Crime and punishing her by two hundred years in confinement was basically giving her a death sentence.


    However, Su Lingwen still survived.


    ¡°Then your legs¡­¡± asked Yun Shu carefully.


    ¡°The same reason,¡± said Su Lingwen without much emotion in her voice.


    ¡°That¡¯s extremely vicious! Who did it?¡± Yun Shu asked, frowning.


    This time, Su Lingwen didn¡¯t answer his question directly. Instead, she dodged the topic and asked Yun Shu, ¡°How did you make such progress within a month?¡±


    Yun Shu realized that Su Lingwen didn¡¯t want to talk about it, so he respected her privacy. ¡°Although I was grounded for a month, I wasn¡¯t slacking at all! Also, I found some really good things by accident.¡±


    ¡°What things?¡± asked Su Lingwen.


    Yun Shu beamed, pulled out two top ginseng from his cosmic bag, and threw them at Su Lingwen, who was in the water. ¡°See it for yourself!¡±


    Su Lingwen took a quick glance at the vegetables floating in the water. ¡°Just some turnips.¡±


    Yun Shu laughed amusedly at her response that was just like his. ¡°Take a closer look!¡±


    Su Lingwen reached out her hand and grabbed the ¡®turnips¡¯. The next instant, a loud exclamation sounded.


    ¡°This is¡­ supreme-grade ginseng!? Where did you find it?¡± Her voice was even slightly trembling.


    ¡°A friend gave them to me!¡± Yun Shu answered ambiguously. The world behind that stone gate was so strange, he didn¡¯t have a clue himself.


    ¡°Take them back! You¡¯ll be in trouble again if someone sees them!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. You take them.¡±


    Su Lingwen was surprised at his casual remark. She didn¡¯t know much about precious herbs, but she knew how valuable supreme-grade ginseng was.


    The Elders in the sect probably didn¡¯t have one. Even if they did, they would definitely regard it as the most precious item in their collection.


    But now, Yun Shu was giving two to her!


    ¡°I can¡¯t accept it. They¡¯re too valuable.¡± Su Lingwen hurriedly shook her head.


    Yun Shu smiled, his attitude lax. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, and just take them. I¡¯ve got plenty!¡±


    Then he pulled out another two supreme-grade ginseng from his bag and threw them into the air to show Su Lingwen.


    She couldn¡¯t believe her eyes; he had four supreme-grade ginseng! Maybe even more!


    She couldn¡¯t help wondering what kind of powerful friend Yun Shu had!


    ¡°Well¡­ Then I¡¯ll just keep them for you temporarily. Ask me anytime you need them!¡± said Su Lingwen.


    Yun Shu smiled. ¡°No problem!¡±


    Su Lingwen had finished her bath by now, feeling relaxed.


    ¡°I¡¯m done. Take me back.¡±


    ¡°No problem!¡± Yun Shu turned around.


    And then, he was totally stunned by what he saw.


    The young lady was like a lotus flower blossoming beside the water.


    She had bright eyes and pearl-white teeth. She was so gorgeous that Yun Shu almost felt it was a dream.


    ¡°Excuse me, who are you¡­?¡± Yun Shu asked unbelievably.


    ¡°Why are you talking nonsense? I¡¯m Su Lingwen!¡± said the girl, annoyed.


    Yun Shu confirmed her voice, finally finding a piece of evidence to prove it was really her. The astonishment had made him stand still for a while. He snapped back to his senses, walked over to her, and pointed at her reflection in the water. ¡°Take a look at yourself. Can you tell it¡¯s the same person?¡±


    Su Lingwen did as Yun Shu said and also felt amazed. She hadn¡¯t seen herself like this for too long.


    ¡°I almost forgot how I look¡­¡± She said so in a flat tone, but Yun Shu could sense the sorrow hidden within.


    ¡°No worries! From now on, you just doll up. No one can give you a hard time anymore because I¡¯ll beat them for you!¡± Yun Shu declared while smiling.


    Su Lingwen¡¯s face flushed at his ambiguous words. She was not used to this feeling at all, so she pretended to be cold. ¡°Don¡¯t be glib! It¡¯s time for us to go back to the steles. You¡¯ve already wasted a month!¡±


    ¡°As you command.¡± Yun Shu carried her on his back and walked back to the square.


    That feeling of warmth in Su Lingwen¡¯s heart was so unfamiliar, yet nice. She unconsciously leaned her face against Yun Shu¡¯s back, and at last, a proper young lady¡¯s smile appeared on her face.


    When they came back to the steles, it was almost noon.


    Su Lingwen said to Yun Shu, ¡°It¡¯s time for you to go back now.¡±


    Yun Shu knew how terrible the killing wind was. With some hesitation, he asked, ¡°Maybe you should go back with me?¡±


    Su Lingwen shook her head. ¡°There¡¯s no need. I¡¯m not afraid of the wind.¡±


    ¡°Seriously?¡± Yun Shu was shocked.


    The killing wind was extremely powerful. If he was caught up in the currents, it would be impossible for him to survive. Yun Shu wondered how powerful Su Lingwen was to be so uncaring towards the most potent threat here.


    ¡°I have a special technique. After you make further progress, I¡¯ll teach you!¡± said Su Lingwen.


    Yun Shu nodded and left the square. However, this time, he didn¡¯t go back to his stone shelter. Instead, he went deeper into the Valley of Crime.


    There was a relatively large number of disciples who were sent here as punishment, and most of them didn¡¯t have a stone shelter like Yun Shu.


    Those without high enough cultivation level to face the killing wind would gather together and find a natural shelter from the wind. Therefore, small groups were formed in the valley.


    Today, Yun Shu¡¯s destination was one such shelter; it was a cave and was easy to spot.


    Before Yun Shu entered the cave, a young man stopped him. ¡°Stop! Who are you?¡± The young man was still a teenager like Yun Shu. However, the look on his face was rather mean.

 Chapter 19

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    ¡°I¡¯m Yun Shu, here to look for someone,¡± said Yun Shu peacefully.


    Unexpectedly, though, that young man¡¯s eyes suddenly lit up.


    ¡°Yun Shu? You¡¯re that famous loser?¡± The man grinned.


    Yun Shu frowned in displeasure. Obviously, the man was trying to piss him off. But Yun Shu didn¡¯t want to waste his time here.


    So he tried to walk past without indulging him.


    ¡°Damn! Are you ignoring me? I can disable you at any time!¡± The man reached out his arm and stopped Yun Shu again.


    Hearing his repeated insults, Yun Shu started feeling impatient. He turned to stare at the man¡¯s face and said in an icy tone, ¡°Fu*k off!¡±


    Instantly, that young man felt as if he was thrown into freezing cold water in winter and couldn¡¯t speak a word.


    Yun Shu strode past him to go deeper into the cave. After a few seconds, the young man finally came back to his senses. Glancing around to find no one, he was pissed by the fact that the biggest loser in the Fire Mystic Sect just startled him.


    ¡°You really need some good lessons! Damn!¡± The man caught up with Yun Shu and lifted his palm.


    Yun Shu felt the wind behind him stirring. Immediately, he discerned that the man was using the most fatal move he knew.


    Without question, that young man was totally a jerk. He tried to kill Yun Shu, although it was their first encounter, deliberately provoking him.


    Yun Shu didn¡¯t use any movement technique to dodge. Instead, he gained a firm foothold and filled his body with the power of the Fire Cloud Fiend Technique.


    Bang!


    That man¡¯s palm fiercely dropped onto Yun Shu¡¯s back and connected with his firm muscles, a smile appearing on his face. A moment later, however, his widening lips froze as he found that all his strength had been instantly absorbed.


    His full-power attack couldn¡¯t shake Yun Shu¡¯s body, not even a bit!


    ¡°You¡­¡± The man started realizing that he had just messed up with the wrong man. Feeling regret and fear, he tried to take back his hand.


    However, a cold beam of light flashed in Yun Shu¡¯s eyes. He didn¡¯t move, but the Qi in his body was suddenly compressed and then fiercely released, like a viper shooting at its prey.


    Bang!


    Instantly, that released power violently threw the man into the air.


    Puff!


    In the air, a flower of blood spouted out of the men¡¯s chest, painting the background red. Yun Shu didn¡¯t even move, but that man had been severely injured by his released Qi.


    The disciples present in the cave all saw this, and a dozen of them jumped out quickly. Afterward, they enclosed Yun Shu from all directions. Obviously, they thought that Yun Shu was here to challenge them.


    Yun Shu looked around and remained relaxed and carefree. Although there were more than ten of them, none had reached a higher level in cultivation. On top of that, their breaths were shallow and unstable; without doubt, they had a weak foundation.


    Yun Shu was confident that he could beat them all. However, at this time, a kind voice arrived. ¡°Stop! Step aside!¡±


    Then, a man moved toward Yun Shu extremely fast, like a gust of wind. With a single glance at the newcomer, he had realized that the guy was a superior cultivator.


    Instantly, Yun Shu became alert and vigilant, his nerves fully taut.


    ¡°This junior brother, how should I call you?¡± The man smiled, and his attitude was surprisingly nice.


    Seeing that they were not going to have a fight, Yun Shu also felt slightly relaxed.


    ¡°Senior Brother, my name¡¯s Yun Shu,¡± he answered.


    ¡°I¡¯m Jiang Chun!¡± The man nodded at Yun Shu.


    ¡°Senior Brother Jiang, I hope you can forgive my rudeness. I didn¡¯t mean to hurt him, but he went too far.¡± Yun Shu cast a glance at the young man lying on the ground.


    ¡°I know since I saw it with my own eyes. He was being totally rude. It¡¯s not your fault.¡± Jiang Chun smiled and nodded.


    ¡°Thank you, Senior Brother Jiang. You¡¯re a good man.¡± Yun Shu also smiled.


    ¡°You mentioned that you¡¯re here looking for someone. Can I help you?¡± asked Jiang Chun.


    Yun Shu replied honestly, ¡°It¡¯s actually more than one person. I don¡¯t know their names, but I know they¡¯re all Chang Yu¡¯s men.¡±


    Hearing that, the look on Jiang Chun¡¯s face quickly changed for a second, but then, that smile instantly returned.


    ¡°They haven¡¯t returned yet. Why don¡¯t you wait for them here?¡± Jiang Chun offered.


    ¡°They haven¡¯t come back?¡± Yun Shu slightly frowned.


    He had followed the tracks on the ground and found this cave. Furthermore, the tracks were left by those guys who had crawled back.


    So, they should have come back already.


    ¡°I think they¡¯ll be here soon.¡± Jiang Chun still had that smile on his face.


    At this time, the wind started blowing, forcing everyone to remain inside.


    ¡°The killing wind is coming?¡± Yun Shu frowned.


    The time he had spent here was much longer than he expected.


    Jiang Chun¡¯s eyes suddenly lit up, and he said, ¡°Junior Brother Yun, look!¡±


    He pointed at the entrance of the cave. Yun Shu thought that Chang Yu¡¯s men had come back, so he turned around.


    However, at this time, the smile on Jiang Chun¡¯s face suddenly disappeared, and he gave Yun Shu¡¯s back a violent push.


    That push was a testament to Jiang Chun¡¯s vile intention and his evil heart. He pushed Yun Shu hard and directly threw him out of the cave.


    At the same moment, the killing wind also arrived.


    ¡°Go to hell!¡± said Jiang Chun coldly.

 Chapter 20

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    The moment Yun Shu was thrown into the air, the killing wind arrived. It was so violent, it was as if it contained countless sharp blades.


    The wind stirred up clouds of dust on the ground and covered the entire sky. Yun Shu instantly disappeared in the raging currents.


    ¡°Not even a piece of bone is left¡­¡± said the young man who was beaten by Yun Shu earlier, his voice trembling.


    ¡°The killing wind is extremely powerful. No one can withstand it except for those Elders,¡± said Jiang Chun with no mercy.


    That young man didn¡¯t know what to say, so he put on a dry smile on his face. Then he asked cautiously, ¡°But Boss, you killed him here. Will you be in trouble?¡±


    As soon as he finished his words, the young man got a good slap on the face.


    ¡°Which one of your eyes saw that? I pushed him by accident, and it was the wind that killed him. What does this have anything to do with me?¡± Jiang Chun said in a venomous tone.


    The young man hurriedly apologized. ¡°Right, right¡­ He was killed by the wind! This has nothing to do with you, Boss!¡±


    Jiang Chun snorted. ¡°He totally deserved it. When Chang Feng knows how bad his brother was injured by him, for sure, he will take revenge. And he¡¯ll also vent his resentment on us! Now that the boy is dead, however, when he comes out of his seclusion, we should still have some merit.¡±


    ¡°Boss, you¡¯re so right! You¡¯re truly insightful!¡± The young man hurriedly flattered him.


    However, they were all wrong. Yun Shu didn¡¯t die.


    Yun Shu suddenly appeared on the stairs in the world where the stone gate existed. The next instant, he lost his balance and fell to the ground.


    The moment when the killing wind had almost caught him, he used the cultivation technique and entered the world behind the stone gate.


    That was so close, but Yun Shu still survived in the end, barely dodging his death by a hair¡¯s breadth.


    He didn¡¯t expect Jiang Chun to be so nasty and despicable. Gritting his teeth, Yun Shu¡¯s heart was full of anger and fury.


    It was true that Jiang Chun was mean and absolutely had no sense of shame. However, Yun Shu also blamed himself for being too reckless.


    Yun Shu should have known that Jiang Chun was also on Chang Yu¡¯s side, so he couldn¡¯t be a nice guy.


    Yun Shu would make him pay!


    Although Jiang Chun was contemptible, his realm was still rather high. As a result, Yun Shu was uncertain about how the fight would go. However, he still had two hours before the wind stopped.


    And Yun Shu would make the best use of this time to thoroughly prepare himself!


    So, he went upstairs and went through the stone gate. The little chick immediately spotted him from afar. It looked very excited and hurriedly bounced up and down toward Yun Shu.


    Now, it was already twice the size as it was before. However, its shape and the color of its feathers remained the same.


    To his delight, the little chick had collected another pile of supreme-grade ginseng for him.


    ¡°Go and have some fun, little guy. I¡¯m kinda busy here.¡± Yun Shu gently patted little chick¡¯s head.


    That little chick slowly nodded, although it had no idea what Yun Shu was trying to do. Then it stepped aside.


    Yun Shu sat down on the ground with his legs crossed and started circulating his Qi. Despite his enraged mood, he needed to calm down first to let his Qi flow smoothly. Only in this way could he improve his odds of success.


    Soon, two hours went by in a flash, and suddenly, a beam of heavenly light came out of Yun Shu¡¯s body.


    He had made a breakthrough again! He had reached the eighth level of Qi Sky Realm!


    Even Yun Shu himself was quite shocked by this breakthrough. He looked down at his hands, feeling the vigor flowing in his body.


    Although it was not a giant leap in strength, it would still make Yun Shu more confident when facing Jiang Chun.


    ¡°Stay here and wait for me. It won¡¯t be long before I come back and feed you.¡± Yun Shu put the pile of top ginseng in his bag and returned to the Valley of Crime.


    The timing was perfect; the killing wind had just died out.


    The disciples in the cave were about to come out to get some fresh air after being trapped for two hours. The next moment, however, with a flash of lightning, Yun Shu appeared in front of the entrance.


    ¡°Jiang Chun, get your ass out! Your grandpa is here!¡± Yun Shu bawled out at the top of his lungs.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that?! Jerk!¡± Jiang Chun¡¯s wrath made him jump up and walk out of the cave in only a few strides.


    What he saw totally shocked him out of his wits.


    ¡°You¡­ still alive?¡± Jiang Chu couldn¡¯t wrap his mind around the scene before him, failing to even complete a sentence.


    It was Jiang Chun himself who had pushed Yun Shu into the killing wind.


    And he was well-aware about how fatal that wind was.


    All things considered, it was impossible for Yun Shu to escape from that wind!


    ¡°You wanna kill your grandpa?! Wait for another ten thousand years!¡±


    The matters were unfolding too fast for Jiang Chun to respond effectively, and he failed to dodge the incoming strike!


    He hurriedly raised his arms to protect his face in a last-ditch effort.


    ¡°Fiend Eagle Claw!¡± Yun Shu growled, poured his Qi into his fingers, and turned them into sharp hooks.


    Puff!


    Five deep cuts were left in Jiang Chun¡¯s arms, blood spurting out from the wound.


    Meanwhile, Jiang Chun dodged aside. After gaining his balance again, he finally registered the sharp pain.


    ¡°What the hell are you guys waiting for?! Go and get him!¡± Jiang Chun yelled at the rest of the disciples in the cave.


    Under his command, those disciples hurriedly surrounded Yun Shu in the middle.


    Yet, Yun Shu just sneered, not scared by their threatening gestures, and used his golden pupils.


    The color of his pupils quickly changed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll only say it once: If you don¡¯t want to die, stay away from me!¡± warned Yun Shu coldly.

 Chapter 21

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    Hearing Yun Shu¡¯s warning, a couple of smart men took half a step back. But most of them didn¡¯t move at all. In their eyes, they had no reason to be afraid of Yun Shu.


    However, the very next moment, they realized how wrong they were. Tendrils of lightning flying off in all directions, Yun Shu moved back and forth in the cave, like a flash of lightning!


    Meanwhile, his hands turned into the sharpest claws!


    No one could handle even one of his strikes. Cries of pain and agony kept coming out of the narrow cave as the disciples fell onto the ground one by one.


    Yet, none of them managed to touch a single strand of Yun Shu¡¯s hair!


    Seeing that, Jiang Chun couldn¡¯t believe his eyes. He felt he was in a dream since everything currently happening was totally out of his comprehension. He had no idea why Yun Shu could move so fast!


    They were in such a narrow cave!


    With so many people standing around, it was even a bit difficult to walk around.


    So, how was it possible that Yun Shu could still move like a fish in the water and beat his enemies one by one?


    What Jiang Chun didn¡¯t know was how many times Yun Shu had run into the stone walls while practicing. In the past month, he did nothing else but kept throwing himself at the sturdy walls of his shelter.


    Most of the disciples were now on the ground, moaning in pain. The rest of them had hurriedly stepped aside and hidden behind the rocks.


    ¡°You can kill yourself, or you want me to do it?¡± said Yun Shu coldly.


    Fear seized Jiang Chun, his heart lurching in terror. The look on his face kept changing like a chameleon.


    ¡°Yun Shu, don¡¯t be so confident!¡± said Jiang Chun, gnashing the teeth in anger. ¡°I have reached the ninth level, so you can¡¯t beat me! You leave now, and I¡¯ll pretend nothing happened. We will stay in our own lanes and mind our own business. What do you think?¡±.


    As if he had just told him a joke, Yun Shu sneered. ¡°So, you want me to do it?¡±


    Jiang Chun felt humiliated and raised his tone. ¡°Don¡¯t think I¡¯m afraid of you! I just don¡¯t want to kill you in the valley. It¡¯s against the rules!¡±


    Yun Shu almost burst into laughter. ¡°Rules? When you tried to kill me, where were those so-called rules?¡±


    Jiang Chun hurriedly explained, ¡°But you¡¯re still alive!¡±


    Yun Shu snorted. ¡°I was lucky! You could have killed me¡ªno, you wanted to kill me!¡±


    At this time, a sharp voice interrupted Yun Shu. ¡°Nonsense! You fell out of the cave yourself. Senior Brother Jiang had nothing to do with it!¡±


    Yun Shu frowned. ¡°Get out!¡± He flashed past Jiang Chun and pulled a man out from behind the rocks. Then, he hurled him into the air.


    Before the man fell onto the ground, Yun Shu had come back to the spot where he was standing earlier.


    Only now did the disciples finally realize what had happened.


    That was so fast!


    Jiang Chun¡¯s heart also sank to the bottom. Obviously, Yun Shu was much more powerful than he had initially thought, almost inconceivably so.


    The man on the ground tried to get to his feet. It was totally out of his expectation that Yun Shu would spot him from the crowd. Now, his face was written with fear.


    Yun Shu recognized that man¡¯s face. ¡°It¡¯s you again.¡±


    The young disciple was the same person who had tried to stop Yun Shu from getting in the cave earlier.


    ¡°Senior Brother Jiang, help¡­¡± The man was rattled by the supposed loser¡¯s overwhelming pressure.


    He had believed that it was alright to support Jiang Chun as long as he was well-concealed in the shadows. However, standing in front of Yun Shu was a totally different story.


    At this time, Jiang Chun¡¯s eyes abruptly turned vicious. He walked to the disciple and suddenly reached out his right hand. Violently and ferociously, he pushed the young man toward Yun Shu!


    Puff!


    That single push made the young man spout a mouthful of blood. Yun Shu quickly stepped aside, frowning out of suspicion.


    He died!


    Seeing the events unfold, the disciples were all shocked!


    They had no idea why Jiang Chun had decided to kill the man out of the blue.


    Jiang Chun pointed at Yun Shu and said, ¡°Yun Shu! You are such an impenitent, sinful man! The reason you are sent to this valley is to make you regret what you did, but today, you just killed a disciple right in front of our eyes! You should never be forgiven!¡±


    Jiang Chun then yelled at his men, ¡°Go and inform the two Elders!¡±


    They finally understood what Jiang Chun was doing: he was turning black into white! All of his men would support him and accuse Yun Shu of being the murderer.


    Yun Shu could never explain himself!


    Yun Shu didn¡¯t expect this at all. His brows furrowed, he ran his mind at full speed to find a response.


    After a while, Yun Shu sighed. ¡°Jiang Chun, you¡¯re even more ignoble and wicked than I thought. Still, you got one thing wrong.¡±


    ¡°Really? What is it?¡± Jiang Chun laughed at Yun Shu.


    ¡°This is not my first time taking someone¡¯s life in this valley,¡± said Yun Shu coldly. ¡°I¡¯m here to kill. What you did doesn¡¯t matter to me at all!¡±


    Everyone present on the scene was stunned.


    What did he just say? Killing someone in the valley wasn¡¯t a big deal to him?


    Was he an outlaw? Would he kill everyone here?


    The disciples suddenly became nervous and fidgety, fearing for their dear lives.


    Jiang Chun took a step backward, yelling at Yun Shu, ¡°You know nothing else but running around like a rat! If you have the guts, stand where you are and fight me face to face!¡±


    ¡°No problem.¡± Yun Shu took a step forward and smacked his straightened hand on Jiang Chun¡¯s palm.


    Jiang Chun believed that his chance had come. It was true that Yun Shu was much faster than him. But since his level was higher than his, Jiang Chun was confident that he would win when they fought face to face!


    However¡­


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    After a dozen of strikes from Yun Shu, Jiang Chun retreated to the corner of the cave with his back against the wall.


    Yun Shu¡¯s strength was far beyond his wildest imagination. Jiang Chun¡¯s two arms were now totally numb from the force.


    Seeing Jiang Chun falling back onto the ground, Yun Shu felt encouraged. Fire Cloud Fiend Technique was so special, it had made him even stronger than the guy who had reached the ninth level!


    Jiang Chun¡¯s face had turned ashen by now. His eyes opened wide and stared at Yun Shu. ¡°Junior Brother Yun! We can talk! I¡¯ll¡ª¡±

 Chapter 22

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    Yun Shu didn¡¯t want to prolong his life, though.


    ¡°Talk? Go talk in hell!¡±


    Yun Shu¡¯s hand dropped onto the top of Jiang Chun¡¯s head in the shape of a claw.


    Jiang Chun instantly died on the spot!


    Silence seized the cave. After a while, a man slowly stepped out and suddenly went down onto his knees in front of Yun Shu,


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun, we will never tell anyone this, or we¡¯ll be abandoned by both heaven and earth!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. No one is allowed to tell anyone what happened!¡± The other disciples also agreed.


    Yun Shu instantly realized what they were trying to say. Committing murder was a felony in the Valley of Crime. So, they were afraid that he would silence them all to keep this a secret.


    Yun Shu sneered. ¡°It¡¯s no big deal to kill a swine. You go and tell this to Elder Du.¡±


    Yun Shu talked to one of the uninjured disciples.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun, please spare my life! Please!¡± His voice was trembling.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Just go and find Elder Du.¡±


    There were two bodies right in front of him.


    Yet, Yun Shu had no intention to hide what he had done and even asked the man to find Elder Du. In their eyes, he was probably mentally sick.


    The disciples were all a bundle of nerves as they waited, their breaths stuck in their throats. After a while, they heard a loud whirl of wind and then saw a large figure coming into the cave.


    It was Elder Du, the guard of the valley.


    Although Elder Du looked quite easygoing and always had a smile on his face, all the disciples knew that he could be severe when the situation called.


    If anyone broke the rules, the elderly man would certainly show no mercy.


    That was probably the end of Yun Shu. The disciples thought so to themselves.


    However¡­


    ¡°Boy, you killed someone again? It¡¯s been only a few hours since I saw you earlier,¡± said Old Du, shaking his head.


    Yun Shu responded, ¡°Senior Du, I never intended to cause any trouble, and it also bothers me a lot that there are always people trying to take my life. Last time, I almost got poisoned, and this time, Jiang Chun tried to kill me again. I was just protecting myself. How is that my problem?¡±


    Old Du sighed. ¡°Your words make sense, but it¡¯s tough for me to deal with if you keep piling up bodies.¡±


    The other disciples in the cave couldn¡¯t believe what Elder Du just said.


    What was going on here?


    Something was clearly wrong!


    At this time, one of the disciples, who was relatively older than the rest, stepped out and went down on his knees. ¡°Elder Du, this is not Senior Brother Yun¡¯s fault! Jiang Chun tried to kill him, so he had to fight back!¡±


    The rest of the disciples were all in a daze for a moment. But soon, understanding dawned on them; it was apparent that Yun Shu was very close to Elder Du. Otherwise, he would have been severely punished a long time ago.


    ¡°Elder Du, Jiang Chun is beyond wicked. He bullied us every day, especially when he was not in a good mood, and he even killed one of us in the cave! It was Senior Brother Yun who saved us!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true! It was Jiang Chun who killed the disciple to frame Senior Brother Yun. We all saw it with our very own eyes!¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun did it to uphold the sect¡¯s teachings out of his sense of justice! Elder Du, please show him your perspicacity!¡±


    Both Old Du and Yun Shu were surprised.


    Old Du turned to ask Yun Shu, ¡°Since when did you boy start enjoying such great popularity?¡±


    Yun Shu took a glance at the disciples on their knees and shrugged, ¡°No idea.¡±


    The situation had been made much easier for Old Du to deal with now.


    ¡°Basically, I¡¯ve understood everything here. They all say that this isn¡¯t your fault. So I¡¯ll say you¡¯re not guilty,¡± said Old Du to Yun Shu.


    ¡°Thank you very much, Senior!¡± Yun Shu bowed.


    ¡°You take this. If someone gives you a hard time again, send your Spirit Qi into it, and I¡¯ll know. I will teach them how to behave.¡± Old Du took out a piece of jade and handed it to Yun Shu.


    Yun Shu accepted it with both hands and took a quick glance at it. After putting it aside, he bowed to Old Du again.


    Yun Shu reacted quite calmly, but all of the other disciples were all stunned.


    What did this mean?


    Did Elder Du just tell everyone that he would take Yun Shu under his wing?


    They must show respect to Senior Brother Yun!


    Later, Old Du left the cave and took away the two bodies along with him.


    After the elderly man departed, before Yun Shu even said anything, the disciples in the cave quickly exchanged a look among each other and called out to pay their respects. ¡°Senior Brother Yun!¡±


    Yun Shu asked, ¡°What is it?¡±


    The eldest disciple went first. ¡°Senior Brother Yun, we want to follow you and respect you as our boss and the ruler of this cave!¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun, we want to follow you and respect you as our boss!¡± The rest of the disciples repeated together, as if holding a ceremony.


    Although the world was often unpredictable, this was just way too fast and surreal.


    ¡°Really? I just killed Jiang Chun. Don¡¯t you hate me?¡± asked Yun Shu.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun, in fact, we have always had our grievance against that guy. He made us obey him by force and never cared in the slightest what would happen to us! We need to show our greatest gratitude to you! There¡¯s no reason at all for us to hate you!¡± said that eldest disciple.


    1The rest of them all started to denounce Jiang Chun¡¯s many evil deeds.


    From Yun Shu¡¯s perspective, in the Valley of Crime, having some men doing errands for him wasn¡¯t a bad thing. Also, to defeat Fan Wen and Chen Sheng, having underlings was also vital.


    Yun Shu slightly nodded. ¡°Well, I will be the boss then!¡±

 Chapter 23

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    ¡°I¡¯ll make this clear beforehand: if you don¡¯t want to follow me, leave now. But once you decide to stay, if you dare betray me, you¡¯ll pay for it!¡± seriously warned Yun Shu.


    ¡°Our loyalty belongs to Senior Brother Yun! We¡¯ll never betray Senior Brother Yun!¡± chanted the disciples in the cave aloud.


    The vow lifted Yun Shu¡¯s spirit considerably. In the past many years that he spent in the Fire Mystic Sect, he had always been the one bullied by Fan Wen and his men.


    It never occurred to him that one day, he could also be a boss!


    Likewise, the disciples felt the same way. Obviously, their new boss was more powerful than the previous one and had a much stronger background in the sect. More importantly, he was also more upright.


    ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Yun Shu looked down at the oldest disciple on his knees.


    ¡°I¡¯m Feng He!¡± answered that man.


    ¡°Take me to Chang Yu¡¯s men. I need to ask them a few questions,¡± said Yun Shu.


    ¡°No problem!¡± Feng He stood up and led Yun Shu to the deeper part of the cave.


    After they left, the rest of the disciples chatted with each other in great excitement. However, there was one person among them who couldn¡¯t share their joy.


    That person was Huang Sheng.


    He had tried to make things difficult for Yun Shu before, but he had broken his arms in return. After a month, he finally recovered, but Yun Shu¡¯s arrival today was totally out of his expectation.


    At first, it was a great relief to Huang Sheng when he saw Jiang Chun push Yun Shu into the killing wind. However, he somehow escaped from death and came back again!


    There was a fight between Yun Shu and Huang Sheng before, so Huang Sheng was well aware of Yun Shu¡¯s prowess. Therefore, he remained in the shadows earlier to keep himself safe.


    As he expected, in front of so many disciples, Yun Shu killed Jiang Chun and even became the new boss of this cave!


    Like Yun Shu said, they could choose to stay in this cave, but Huang Sheng could not!


    He had to inform the people who lived even deeper in the valley. Meanwhile, guided by Feng He, Yun Shu finally saw Chang Yu¡¯s men in the cave.


    Yun Shu gasped at the scene before him. He had taught them a good lesson earlier by breaking their legs. However, a short while later, they were now even more severely injured!


    ¡°They failed to protect Chang Yu. When they came back, Jiang Chun beat them up,¡± said Feng He.


    From his actions so far, Yun Shu could discern that Feng He disliked Jiang Chun a lot. Groaning with pain, the several men on the ground were now on the brink of death.


    Yun Shu reached his hand into his bag, pulled out a few ginseng roots, handed them to Feng He, and said, ¡°Feed them. Also, I need to ask them a few questions.¡±


    Feng He was struck dumb when he saw the ginseng roots. He was relatively knowledgeable, and thus, he instantly realized how precious these seemingly unassuming vegetables were.


    In the Valley of Crime, there could even be a shortage of food, not to mention precious herbs!


    However, Yun Shu was just carrying the ginseng roots around with him, like they were cabbages! This was totally astonishing to him!


    ¡°You sure?¡± Feng He asked carefully.


    ¡°Don¡¯t waste time. Give the roots to them!¡± Yun Shu frowned.


    ¡°Alright!¡± Feng He did as Yun Shu instructed, putting a ginseng root in each of the disciple¡¯s mouths.


    Meanwhile, he couldn¡¯t help swallowing his saliva. How he wished he could have a couple of these treasures, even if that meant he had to be severely injured as well!


    Although the roots were just the tips of the top ginseng, they were still precious and worked really well.


    Soon, the disciples had come back to their senses. Yet, when they saw Yun Shu standing right in front of them, they suddenly started shaking like a leaf.


    Despite the unbearable pain, they forced themselves to stand up and dropped to their knees. ¡°Please forgive us, Senior Brother Yun! Please don¡¯t kill us!¡±


    The fear was not fake. They thought that Yun Shu had changed his mind and decided to kill them all.


    Seeing their miserable performance, Feng He scolded, ¡°Nonsense! Senior Brother Yun is our new boss now. He just saved you all! He¡¯s not here to take your lives!¡±


    That was a great relief to them, but they still dared not stand up. Kneeling on the ground, their heads remained very low, almost kissing the hard floor.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to ask you some questions,¡± said Yun Shu coldly. ¡°Be honest, and I¡¯ll consider letting things go!¡±


    ¡°We will!¡± they hurriedly said together.


    Yun Shu nodded. ¡°First, why did Chang Yu bully Su Lingwen?¡±


    One of them hurriedly answered, ¡°Chang Yu actually had nothing personal against Senior Sister Su. He did that because of his elder brother.¡±


    ¡°Chang Feng? That inner sect disciple?¡± Yun Shu asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. But I heard that Chang Feng was doing this to please one of his Uncle-Masters.¡±


    Yun Shu slightly squinted his eyes; the answer was just as he expected.


    He had come to the cave to figure out who did these to Su Lingwen and who her real enemy was.


    ¡°One more question: what happened to Su Lingwen? Why does Chang Yu¡¯s Uncle-Master hate her so much?¡±

 Chapter 24

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    The man whose face was covered with pockmarks hurriedly said, ¡°We don¡¯t know this for sure. But there are rumors about her parents¡­ It wasn¡¯t Senior Sister Su¡¯s own fault to be sent to this place.¡±


    ¡°Parents? What did her parents do?¡± Yun Shu continued.


    ¡°This is a taboo in the sect, and the disciples are not allowed to talk about this. There are again rumors saying that her parents betrayed the sect and took away something very important many years ago. Therefore, most Elders don¡¯t like her.¡±


    Yun Shu finally had a basic idea of Su Lingwen¡¯s circumstances. Although he didn¡¯t exactly know what happened to her parents, she herself was innocent.


    Since she was innocent, Yun Shu decided to help her!


    He didn¡¯t care if someone in the sect was going to jump out and stop him!


    ¡°Good.¡± Yun Shu turned around and walked toward the entrance of the cave.


    After Yun Shu left, the disciples suddenly uttered a sigh of relief and collapsed to the ground, gasping hard.


    Feng He walked Yun Shu out. On their way, he said to Yun Shu, ¡°Senior Brother Yun, I still have one more thing to tell you.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Please follow me,¡± said Feng He, leading Yun Shu to the other side of the cave.


    As the cave was, in fact, quite spacious, there were a few forks. Yun Shu followed Feng He and came to a smaller cavern, looking like a secret chamber.


    ¡°Several seniors and other disciples once lived in this cave before. After many years, they left some precious books and items! Since now you¡¯re the owner of the cave, they should also belong to you, Senior Brother Yun!¡± Feng He said to Yun Shu.


    ¡°Really?¡± Yun Shu suddenly became a bit excited.


    Feng He nodded and said, ¡°Totally true! There are thirty-eight different kinds of martial art skills in this cave, and the most powerful one has even reached Rank four Ordinary Level!¡±


    His Thunder Move was Rank Eight Ordinary Level, and his Fiend Eagle Claw was Rank Five Ordinary Level.


    Rank Four Ordinary Level? That was nothing to Yun Shu.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun, we still have some weapons here. They¡¯re not terrific, but I¡¯ll say they¡¯re rather decent in the valley.¡± Feng He was quite excited, introducing everything to Yun Shu.


    The weapons were nothing special, some even broken. However, people in the Valley of Crime still regarded them as treasures. After all, these things were in limited supply here.


    Yun Shu slightly shook his head despite Feng He¡¯s enthusiasm. The so-called treasures were not appealing to him at all.


    However, when Yun Shu was about to look away, he noticed something unusual. He walked back to the pile of weapons. Rummaging around, he pulled out an ugly-looking sword.


    It was not really a sword, per se; it appeared more like a flattened iron bar. It didn¡¯t have sharp ends, looked rather dark, and the surface was uneven.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun, this is not even finished. We use it to light bonfires. You¡¯re interested in it?¡± Feng He didn¡¯t understand why Yun Shu had taken a fancy to it.


    Yun Shu stared at the black sword, scrutinizing it. ¡°No, this is something special.¡±


    ¡°How?¡± Feng He was a bit surprised.


    Yun Shu just kept looking at the sword. Instead of answering Feng He¡¯s question, he used his golden pupils. Instantly, he saw through the black sword, which appeared totally different now.


    ¡°High-quality iron. Made of fine ores. Unfinished¡­¡± Yun Shu murmured in a low voice.


    Feng He asked, ¡°You know weapons?¡±


    Yun Shu shook his head. ¡°I can just¡­ tell. What¡¯s more important is that there is a stream of ominous air hiding in the sword. I guess this is the reason why it is unfinished.¡±


    ¡°Ominous?¡± Feng He was a bit nervous. ¡°We should throw it away then.¡±


    Yun Shu smiled. ¡°Not necessarily. It can still be useful. I¡¯ll take this.¡±


    Yun Shu carried the black sword behind his back.


    Seeing that, Feng He asked worriedly, ¡°Will something bad happen?¡±


    ¡°No worries,¡± Yun Shu said. ¡°It¡¯s nothing to me.¡±


    Feng He had nothing else to say on the matter.


    ¡°Then what about these things?¡± Feng He pointed at the weapons and books.


    ¡°Leave the weapons here. But take the books out.¡±


    Feng He hurriedly carried all the fighting skill books in his arms. Even though they were nothing in Yun Shu¡¯s eyes, they were definitely more than precious in this valley.


    This was also Feng He¡¯s first time touching the books. After all, Jiang Chun never allowed anyone to come close to them in order to make sure he was always the boss in this cave.


    Feng He was exhilarated about having so many martial art skill books in his arms, feeling as if he had gotten his hands on a mother lode.


    However, he dared not even take a quick peek at any of the pages since, at the end of the day, the owner of the cave was still Yun Shu.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Feng He asked carefully.


    ¡°Just follow me.¡±


    Yun Shu walked to the entrance of the cave in large strides, with Feng He hurriedly following him.


    When they returned, the disciples were still here. They bowed to Yun Shu together in a respectful greeting.


    Yun Shu looked around and said, ¡°Gather everyone here.¡±


    Their new boss had just given his first command. The disciples instantly carried it out.


    After a little while, all the disciples living in this cave were standing in front of Yun Shu, waiting for his orders.


    ¡°So¡­ Have you made any progress in your cultivation?¡± Yun Shu asked.


    The disciples remained silent this time as they didn¡¯t know how to answer the question.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun, we have basically stopped cultivating ever since we entered the valley,¡± said Feng He.


    ¡°Why?¡± Yun Shu asked coldly.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have enough resources, and the cultivation technique¡ª¡±


    ¡°Is that the true reason?¡± Yun Shu directly broke in.


    Feng He became speechless, hearing Yun Shu¡¯s words.


    At this time, someone chimed in, ¡°We¡¯re not like you, Senior Brother Yun. We are not talented. Even if we keep cultivating¡ª¡±


    Yun Shu sneered. ¡°Talented? You know what everyone called me before I came here?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡±


    The disciples exchanged looks between each other.


    Yun Shu continued, ¡°People called me the biggest loser ever in the Fire Mystic Sect! I couldn¡¯t reach the first level of Qi Sky Realm in ten years! That was quite something, wasn¡¯t it? But I never got lazy or wanted to give up for even a single day! Never!¡±


    The biggest loser in the sect had just killed Jiang Chun!


    What happened to him? Did he wake up on the wrong side of the bed one day? Did the sun rise from the west? Or maybe, they were the ones who had lost sight of their dreams and ambitions?


    Most of the disciples lowered their heads out of shame.


    Once again, someone geared himself up to say, ¡°But Senior Brother Yun, we don¡¯t have any martial art skills or herbs. A higher-level realm is useless for us¡­¡±


    ¡°You will have martial art skills.¡±


    The disciples couldn¡¯t understand his line of thought, feeling confused and perplexed.


    ¡°Feng He!¡± Yun Shu shouted.


    ¡°Here!¡±


    ¡°From now on, you keep the martial art skill books. There are more than thirty different martial art skills, and we will all have access to these books.¡±


    The cave remained silent for a second. And then suddenly, a buzz of exclamation filled the cave, turning into a cacophony of sounds.


    ¡°We can read the books? All of them?!¡±

 Chapter 25

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    ¡°Jiang Chun kept the books only to himself!¡±


    ¡°Is this real? Martial art skills for free¡­?!¡±


    They were all beyond excited, overwhelmed with euphoria.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun, are you sure about this? Are you really going to allow them¡­ allow us to have access to these books?¡± Feng He confirmed once more. After all, it was a huge matter.


    ¡°Of course. Feel free to learn these martial skills. Also, if any of you need weapons, take one from the pile,¡± said Yun Shu calmly.


    A great cheer arose from the disciples, threatening to tear the cave¡¯s roof. All of a sudden, their lives in the valley had been totally changed, and they had never expected this, even in their dreams!


    ¡°Thank you very much, Senior Brother Yun!¡± the disciples went down on their knees almost together and said aloud. ¡°We are willing to go through storms of fire, oceans of water, and the darkest abyss for you and will never shirk from any sacrifice, if you so command! If we were to ever break this oath, we¡¯ll be destroyed by heaven and earth!¡±


    Hearing their zealous words, Yun Shu also got a bit emotional. He had done nothing but share a few goodies, and they had pledged allegiance to him.


    He reached his hand into the cosmic bag and pulled out more ginseng roots, ¡°Feng He, you give each of them a ginseng root. Give two to those who were injured by me.¡±


    In the Valley of Crime, even the most common herbs were regarded as treasures.


    Not to mention such precious ginseng roots!


    Holding the roots and feeling the medicinal power, Feng He¡¯s heart was beating fast.


    He handed out the ginseng roots to the disciples with a sense of honor, as if it was a privilege to be trusted by Yun Shu. The disciples couldn¡¯t believe their eyes!


    Ginseng roots!


    Real, supreme-grade ginseng roots!


    Yun Shu just smiled and tried to calm them down. ¡°From now on, as long as all of you work hard, there¡¯ll be rewards. One breakthrough for one ginseng root, no limits!¡±


    1The disciples all went wild with joy. Everyone believed that the new boss would completely change their lives, and choosing Yun Shu was the best decision they had ever made in their lives!


    Yun Shu never tried to enslave them. Instead, he shared the books, weapons, and even his own precious herbs!


    They could never find a better boss than Yun Shu!


    ¡°We will not let Senior Brother Yun down! We will work as hard as we can to serve you better, Senior Brother Yun!¡± All the disciples emptied their lungs.


    From their resolute eyes and solemn expressions, Yun Shu knew that they really meant every single word. To them, the martial art skills and ginseng roots were beyond precious, a once-in-a-lifetime chance even.


    However, for Yun Shu¡­


    They were nothing!


    It was such a good deal! Now, Yun Shu had more than a hundred men under his wing.


    ¡°What are you waiting for, then? Go and cultivate!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Soon, the disciples had all left the cave, only Feng He remaining behind.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun¡­¡± Feng He tried to say something very carefully.


    ¡°What?¡± Yun Shu turned around and asked.


    ¡°I was thinking¡­ Umm¡­ Why don¡¯t you beat me up, and I¡¯ll also get two ginseng roots.¡± Feng He grinned.


    Yun Shu was amused, almost breaking out in laughter. ¡°That¡¯s not necessary. I¡¯ll just give you more.¡±


    He pulled out a couple of ginseng roots and handed them to Feng He.


    That was such a big gift! Feng He was so exhilarated.


    ¡°Thank you so much, Senior Brother Yun! Thank you!¡±


    ¡°You know these are not for free, though.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do anything you say!¡± Feng He hurriedly promised.


    ¡°It¡¯s simple. I will not stay in the cave, so you¡¯ll be responsible for their training,¡± said Yun Shu.


    ¡°Of course. I¡¯ll do my best!¡± Feng He proclaimed confidently.


    ¡°Good. If you need to find me, go to the stone shelter.¡± Yun Shu walked out of the cave, his words lingering behind.


    Feng He respectfully bowed to Yun Shu behind his back.


    Yun Shu directly went back to his stone shelter, closed the door, and pulled out the black sword he had found in the cave.


    The next thing to do was to conquer the sword. Yun Shu pressed his hand on the blade¡¯s surface, and the next second, in the cave, he saw the ominous air hiding inside.


    Meanwhile, the ominous air was really aggressive. Therefore, if Yun Shu could conquer it, the ominous air would make the sword even more powerful.


    That was the reason why Yun Shu had decided to take the sword back. The moment his palm touched the sword, the ominous air launched its attack.


    Yun Shu responded with a sneer. Instantly, he manipulated all his Spirit Qi to suppress that ominous air. When it came to controlling Spirit Qi, Yun Shu was no less than a qualified master!


    Even most of the Elders in the sect couldn¡¯t compete with him.


    However, Yun Shu only had a slight edge over that ominous air. It was much more powerful than he had initially thought!

 Chapter 26

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    That ominous air in the sword was like a ferocious ancient monster, and its power kept sweeping back and forth within Yun Shu¡¯s control.


    At first, Yun Shu had a slight edge over it with his aggressive Spirit Qi. However, as time went by, he started feeling tired, his control turning lax.


    His Spirit Qi had been consumed much faster than he thought. Thus, Yun Shu hurriedly pulled out a turnip and stuffed it in his mouth.


    This had turned into a tug of war. And neither side admitted defeat until early morning the next day. Finally, the ominous air settled down under continuous suppression.


    Yun Shu released a long sigh of relief, his taut nerves relaxing.


    ¡°Let me see how powerful you are!¡± Yun Shu said to the sword as he picked it up and wielded it.


    Yun Shu didn¡¯t infuse any Spirit Qi into the sword and not even used his full strength. It was just a casual swing. However, the moment the sword was picked up, violent killing intent surged like a sea.


    Snap!


    A deep cut was left in the stone wall of the shelter, leaving Yun Shu slightly astonished. The wall was made of Steel Stone and was extremely hard!


    Even the killing wind never left it with such a deep cut. But Yun Shu¡¯s one casual swing did!


    That was incredible!


    The sword truly turned out to be a treasure! Yun Shu held the black sword in his hand, and his heart was full of excitement.


    Carrying the sword on his back, Yun Shu first went back to the world behind the stone gate to feed the little chick and then headed for the stele square.


    Su Lingwen had been sitting in front of the steles for the whole night, waiting for Yun Shu. She was slightly pissed now. However, when she saw him again, she instantly noticed the difference.


    ¡°You made a breakthrough again?¡± Su Lingwen asked, her eyes wide like saucers.


    Was Yun Shu a monster obsessed with cultivation?


    ¡°I got some new ideas last night¡­¡± Yun Shu grinned cheekily.


    Su Lingwen was speechless. A moment later, she decided to switch the topic. ¡°Come and sit down to study the steles.¡±


    Yun Shu nodded and did as she instructed. Besides, it really had been a while since he last studied the steles.


    In his plan, the steles were a vital part. After all, according to the sect¡¯s rules, understanding the steles was the only way for Yun Shu to leave this place. He did not want to waste his whole life here, and thus, he had to treat this as seriously as he could.


    After cementing his conviction once again, he used his golden pupils. Instantly, the messy streaks on the steles turned into sword shadows in Yun Shu¡¯s eyes.


    Yun Shu tried his best to identify the pattern hiding in it. Slowly, he started to have some clues. He reached out his hand, trying to copy one of the structures. However, as soon as he decided to study the movement, the streaks of sword shadows started moving around and changing fast.


    Yun Shu dared not move as his eyes kept tracking the transformations. After he identified the new pattern, he wielded his sword again.


    And the streaks of sword shadows changed once more.


    This kept happening as the sword shadows kept changing their patterns. Yun Shu tried to combine the movements he had copied together but discovered that they were not coherent at all.


    Yun Shu believed that his comprehension must be wrong. He closed his eyes and started recalling what he saw.


    At this time, Old Du and He were observing Yun Shu and Su Lingwen from some distance away. Their eyes were extremely sharp, so they could see everything clearly.


    ¡°He¡¯s here. As I expected,¡± Old Du twirled his long beard and said.


    Old He snorted. ¡°So what? You ask me to come here just for this? The steles have been standing there for more than a thousand years. No one can understand them. Even if that boy can figure them out, it will be decades later.¡±


    Old Du nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right. Even if he¡¯s extremely talented, it¡¯s impossible for him to make great progress in a single day. I gotta be patient. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Just as they turned around and were about to leave, they heard a buzzing sound coming from that stele square. The noise wasn¡¯t loud, but the two seniors heard it clearly, as if it was right next to their ears.


    They turned around at the same time and saw a faint beam of pale blue light in the air. Sitting in front of the stele, Yun Shu had entered a special state of meditation.


    ¡°He, did you see?¡± Old Du was excited, almost jumping up and down.


    ¡°I¡¯m not blind!¡± Old He responded, his eyes focusing on Yun Shu.


    ¡°The boy¡­ The boy¡¯s going to¡­¡± Old Du¡¯s voice was slightly trembling.


    ¡°He has found the echo with the stele. And it¡¯s even stronger than the echo that Lingwen had,¡± said Old He, word by word.


    Old Du kept nodding like a chicken. Meanwhile, on the side, Su Lingwen couldn¡¯t believe her own eyes. It was only Yun Shu¡¯s third time reading the steles. Yet, he was making progress so fast!


    If this kept happening, soon, he would catch up with her, or even surpass her record!


    At this time, the blue light disappeared as the echo between Yun Shu and stele finally stopped.


    ¡°It¡¯s so hard to understand the sword intent.¡± Yun Shu opened his eyes and sighed.


    Su Lingwen found this remark a bit offensive.


    Hard?


    Just hard?


    Yet, Yun Shu could easily piss her off further.


    ¡°I thought I could finish reading the stele in one go, but I felt there was something missing, so I decided to stop first.¡± Yun Shu murmured.


    It was Yun Shu himself who had stopped the process!


    Su Lingwen had to try her best not to roll her eyes.


    ¡°You, stand up!¡± said Su Lingwen, grinding her teeth.


    ¡°What?¡± Yun Shu was a bit surprised.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what¡¯s missing,¡± said Su Lingwen with gritted teeth.

 Chapter 27

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    ¡°Try to defend yourself!¡± Su Lingwen picked up her wooden sword.


    Yun Shu nodded, knowing that she was not going to hurt him. Su Lingwen lifted her wooden sword, and a strong gust of wind swept over to Yun Shu. He hurriedly used his black sword to defend himself.


    However, the wind was much more powerful than he thought. Yun Shu felt a violent push and was driven backward.


    ¡°You study sword intent, so ultimately, you have to rely on your sword. You understand the sword intent, but your body can¡¯t keep up with it. Thus, if you want to make further progress, you have to practice your sword harder,¡± advised Su Lingwen.


    Yun Shu knew that Su Lingwen was right in her teachings.


    ¡°I¡¯ll start practicing right away,¡± said Yun Shu.


    Su Lingwen remained silent for a while, and then she said, ¡°Lucky for you, I know of a way that can help you improve faster. You want it?¡±


    Yun Shu nodded and said, ¡°Of course!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll need to cleave the killing wind,¡± said Su Lingwen gently.


    ¡°Cleave¡­ the wind?¡± Yun Shu repeated to himself.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. You use the sword intent to cleave that killing wind. Do you remember when I told you I¡¯m not afraid of the killing wind? It¡¯s because I can cleave it! I know it¡¯s going to be a bit difficult for you in the beginning, so it¡¯s better for you to find a place where the killing wind is less violent. Gradually, you¡¯ll get the hang of it and catch up with me,¡± Su Lingwen explained.


    Yun Shu was impressed by her thought process and boldness. The killing wind was the most dangerous thing in the Valley of Crime, and everyone was afraid of it!


    Yet, Su Lingwen used the killing wind to practice her sword technique!


    She was indeed a genius with boundless courage and bravery.


    Su Lingwen looked up at the sky and said, ¡°Soon, the killing wind will come. You stay with me this time, just in case.¡±


    Yun Shu nodded, touched the ugly sword on his back, and made up his mind.


    A short while later, they could see the black line in the sky approaching. The killing wind was here.


    ¡°Stay close to me!¡± Su Lingwen instructed him loudly.


    Yun Shu nodded and stood beside her. They were going to face the killing wind head-on!


    This wasn¡¯t Yun Shu¡¯s first time facing the killing wind, however. Last time, he was pushed into the raging gusts by Jiang Chun.


    But this time, it was wholly different.


    Last time, he had hidden in the world behind the stone gate immediately. However, now, he would directly challenge it with his sword.


    ¡°The killing wind is as sharp as a blade, but it¡¯s not a real blade. Keep the sword intent in your mind and try your best wielding your sword. I¡¯m here. Don¡¯t be afraid,¡± Su Lingwen said quickly to Yun Shu.


    ¡°Okay!¡± Yun Shu didn¡¯t have the time to say anything more than that. He took a deep breath, grabbed the ugly sword in his hand, and hacked at the wind as hard as he could.


    Su Lingwen was fully prepared to intervene at any moment. She was ready to rip the wind if Yun Shu missed.


    To her surprise, though, violent killing intent surged out of Yun Shu¡¯s ugly sword. Facing the unscrupulous wind, the killing intent, together with the sword intent Yun Shu had learned from the stele, spurted out like a soaring dragon.


    Bang!


    The killing wind that arrived first was instantly cut off by Yun Shu¡¯s sword!


    Su Lingwen should have known better since her sword wasn¡¯t even that powerful. Yun Shu didn¡¯t need her protection, obviously.


    Yun Shu was a bit surprised as well, wondering if he had tried a bit too hard. He thought it would be something difficult, but in fact, this was much easier than he imagined.


    He looked down at the ugly sword, and a realization struck him suddenly. The ominous air in the sword could magnify his power. Therefore, it was not ideal for practicing.


    Yun Shu said to Su Lingwen, ¡°Lend me your wooden sword.¡±


    Su Lingwen did as Yun Shu said. Yun Shu stuck his black sword in the ground and picked up the wooden sword. He then stepped forward to stand in front of Su Lingwen.


    The next gust of killing wind had arrived. Yun Shu bawled out and kept wielding the wooden sword in his hand.


    This time, the power of the sword was much weaker, just as Yun Shu expected. However, he still managed to split the killing wind one by one.


    Sitting behind Yun Shu, Su Lingwen stared at his back. She was genuinely impressed.


    Two hours later.


    Standing in front of Su Lingwen, Yun Shu had cleaved every blast of the killing wind that had come. As a result, both of them remained safe and sound.


    Yun Shu needed to take a breather after the excursion. A while later, he turned around and asked Su Lingwen, ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    Su Lingwen didn¡¯t know what to say. The fact that Yun Shu did such a good job even though this was his first time practicing made her feel a bit inferior.


    ¡°Not bad¡­¡± Su Lingwen didn¡¯t want to pay him a compliment.


    Yun Shu spent some time catching his breath. ¡°True. I do have a better understanding of the sword intent now, but this isn¡¯t enough¡­¡±


    ¡°What do you mean? Not enough?¡± Su Lingwen exclaimed.


    Soon, she realized that she wasn¡¯t responding properly. She feigned a couple of coughs and said, ¡°If you do think so, next time, try it in a deeper part of the valley.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re suggesting to go deeper? Why?¡± asked Yun Shu.


    Su Lingwen explained, ¡°The wind comes from the Forest of Deadly Wind. When you go deeper, the wind is going to be more powerful. But still, be careful!¡±


    Yun Shu was quite surprised. ¡°Really? Then I¡¯ll head there tonight!¡±


    Su Lingwen didn¡¯t know what to say. She was, in fact, very talented as well, a prodigy even. However, since she became familiar with Yun Shu, she kept doubting whether she was too slow.


    And today, her sense of inferiority had grown even stronger!


    She needed to work harder. Su Lingwen promised this to herself.

 Chapter 28

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    In the following days, Yun Shu kept practicing his sword technique using the killing wind. Every time it came, his understanding of the sword technique would improve a step further.


    After more than ten days, his comprehension of the sword intent had reached a whole new level. Facing the violent killing wind, Yun Shu could now confront it with confidence.


    Later, he decided to bring this practice to an even more challenging level. He would use Thunder Move in the killing wind to force himself to face more fierce blows at the same time. Although the exercise was much more difficult, it also had significantly accelerated his cultivation.


    Today, Yun Shu had just finished his practice at noon and was ready to return to his stone shelter and take a rest. In the afternoon, he would go back to the square to keep studying the steles.


    However, when he came closer to his stone shelter, Yun Shu found Feng He crawling in front of the door, covered in blood.


    Seeing Yun Shu drawing near, Feng He instantly burst into tears, ¡°Senior Brother Yun, help us!¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± Yun Shu frowned as he helped Feng He into the stone shelter.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun, this morning, the leader of another cave took our place and beat up our brothers. They¡­ They have more than five hundred people!¡±


    Yun Shu instantly flew in a rage!


    His place had been seized!


    ¡°Did you tell them my name?¡± Yun Shu asked coldly.


    Feng He looked a bit awkward at first, but then, he confessed honestly, ¡°I did. The three of them said they knew you, and that was also the reason why they took your place. They only allowed me to leave to inform you of what happened. They asked you to go and see them¡­ to acknowledge your crimes¡­¡±


    The volume of Feng He¡¯s voice kept going down as he finished his report. But Yun Shu heard every single word clearly. His brutal killing intent spurted out, under which Feng He couldn¡¯t help but tremble out of fear.


    They had taken his place, beat up his men, and asked him to acknowledge his crimes!


    They had gone too far!


    ¡°What are their names?¡± Yun Shu asked word by word.


    Feng He quickly answered, ¡°Zhu Fei, Xie Lei, and Fang Quan! But Senior Brother Yun, please try to stay calm. Their levels are higher than Jiang Chun¡¯s! They have gone beyond Qi Sky Realm and reached the first level of Aqua Sky Realm. Please forgive me for saying this, but you will not be able to fight them, Senior Brother Yun! Maybe we should find Elder Du¡ª¡±


    Before Feng He finished his words, Yun Shu refused him outright, ¡°No. They want to see me, and I¡¯ll make their wish come true. I¡¯ll also go and teach them how to write the word, death!¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun, please calm down! That¡¯ll be too dangerous!¡± Feng He didn¡¯t see this as a good idea at all and advised him against it.


    Yun Shu wouldn¡¯t listen, though. He left Feng He with a couple of ginseng roots and said coldly, ¡°You take a rest here. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    Dropping the words, Yun Shu left the stone shelter and headed for the cave. Watching his receding back, Feng He was anxious and apprehensive.


    It didn¡¯t take Yun Shu long to go back to his cave. Standing in front of the entrance, he saw traces of combat. He stared at the dried blood on the ground and clenched his fists in a fury.


    ¡°Zhu Fei, Xie Lei, Fang Quan, come out and prepare for your death!¡±


    Yun Shu bawled at the people in the cave. His voice was so loud, it kept lingering in the area, each echo conveying his wrath. Instantly, a dozen people dashed out of the cave and enclosed him from all directions.


    ¡°Who¡¯s causing the chaos?¡± a man in his thirties asked, frowning.


    ¡°You¡¯re Zhu Fei, Xie Lei, or Fang Quan?¡± Yun Shu asked coldly.


    ¡°I¡¯m not. I¡¯m¡ª¡±


    Yun Shu directly interrupted him, ¡°Then f*ck off!¡±


    The power of lightning flashed all over his body and fiercely threw the men around Yun Shu away like a pile of garbage.


    After so many days, he had made good progress. The improvement was not only in his understanding of the sword intent but also in his might when using Thunder Move.


    At this time, Yun Shu heard someone clapping hands, the sound coming from the deeper side of the cave.


    Soon, more people walked out of the entrance, about several dozens. Their leaders were two men and a woman. Just from a glance, Yun Shu could tell that their realms were higher than his.


    Yun Shu was sure that they were Zhu Fei, Xie Lei, and Fang Quan, the perpetrators of today¡¯s chaos.


    ¡°That¡¯s really something. If it wasn¡¯t because of Chang Feng, I would like to have you in our group. What a pity!¡± The woman smiled and said to Yun Shu.


    ¡°Fang Quan¡¯s right. The fighting technique he just showed has qualified him to be one of our servants, but he¡¯s just too arrogant. Besides, he injured Chang Feng¡¯s younger brother. We can¡¯t have him!¡± the bald man standing in the middle said.


    ¡°You¡¯re Yun Shu, right? Destroy your cultivation on your own, or you want us to do it?¡± asked the slender man on the left.


    Yun Shu sneered. ¡°You all finished? Then come, present to me your necks. I¡¯ll break them one by one!¡±


    ¡°You¡­!¡± The slender man looked pissed off by his audacious remarks.


    At this time, the woman named Fang Quan waved her hands and said, ¡°Senior Brother Zhu Fei, don¡¯t get mad so easily. It¡¯s kind of boring today, so why don¡¯t we play a game to liven up the mood?¡±


    His interest aroused, Zhu Fei asked, ¡°What game?¡±


    Fang Quan smiled and gently clapped her hands. As if waiting on cue, their underlings brought Yun Shu¡¯s men out of the cave. Yun Shu looked at them some standing distance away. They were all riddled with cuts and bruises.


    As soon as they saw Yun Shu, their eyes lit up, but that was just for a second. The next moment, they all looked embarrassed and ashamed, some even lowering their heads.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun, we¡¯re sorry¡­¡±


    From the wounds on their bodies, Yun Shu could tell that they had all tried their best to fight back. Obviously, they were indeed loyal to him, which made him feel warm in his heart.


    ¡°You all did a good job. Now leave the rest to me,¡± said Yun Shu.


    At this time, Fang Quan giggled. ¡°Yun Shu, you¡¯d better stay where you are. Otherwise, your men will be disabled first!¡±


    Although her voice was sweet and soft, there was no doubt that she was evil-minded and would do what she said.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Yun Shu knew that the lives of his men now depended on him, so he dared not move.


    1There were more than a hundred of his men in this cave, so Yun Shu had to be very cautious.


    ¡°As I said, let¡¯s play a game! Among the three of us, you can pick one to fight. Every time you withstand several moves, we¡¯ll give that many of your men back to you.


    ¡°We have a hundred and twelve men here. If you can take a hundred and twelve moves, you¡¯ll be able to save all of your men. If you can¡¯t, the rest of them will suffer. And since we¡¯re reasonable, you can always pick who you want to save!¡±


    Hearing that, both Zhu Fei and Xie Lei chuckled in delight. In their eyes, there was no way that Yun Shu could take more than a hundred moves from them. Therefore, the game was only meant to toy with him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡± Yun Shu cast a glance at Fang Quan and nodded.


    ¡°Alright, then¡ª¡±


    Before Fang Quan could finish her words, Yun Shu waved his hand and broke in. ¡°Wait. What if the three of you can¡¯t take a hundred and twelve moves?¡±

 Chapter 29

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    Facing Yun Shu¡¯s question, the three of them were first in a daze, and right on the heels of that, they started laughing.


    ¡°Boy, are you out of your mind? It¡¯ll be a miracle if you can take twenty moves!¡± Zhu Fei rocked back and forth with laughter.


    ¡°Answer me. What if you lose?¡± Yun Shu ignored their ridicules and pressed further.


    ¡°If we lose, we¡¯ll let go of all your men. On top of that, you¡¯ll be our boss. Does that sound good enough?¡± Zhu Fei asked.


    ¡°I just want my men back. Having you three in my group makes me feel disgusted,¡± said Yun Shu calmly.


    ¡°Are you tired of living?!¡± Zhu Fei was enraged at his continuous disregard.


    He hadn¡¯t expected that Yun Shu would be arrogant to this degree.


    Who the hell did he think he was?


    ¡°You surely have a big mouth, boy. But soon, you¡¯ll feel beyond regretful. Say it. Who do you want to challenge?¡± said Xie Lei from the middle.


    Yun Shu snorted as he pointed at Zhu Fei. ¡°You! Get yourself here!¡±


    Zhu Fei gnashed his teeth in hatred. ¡°Good pick! I¡¯ll teach you a lesson that you will never forget today!¡±


    Xie Lei said to Zhu Fei, ¡°Senior Brother, don¡¯t show mercy to that bastard!¡±


    Zhu Fei sneered. ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll bring him onto his knees within ten moves!¡±


    ¡°Good!¡± Xie Lei nodded, lifted his hand, and made some space for the fight in front of the cave.


    ¡°Today, you¡¯ll know the difference between Aqua Sky Realm and Qi Sky Realm!¡± Zhu Fei yelled at Yun Shu, and meanwhile, a burst of burning Spirit Qi surged out of his body.


    ¡°Senior Brother Zhu Fei¡¯s Qi is really something. If the sect had chosen to keep him, he would have been selected into the inner sect,¡± commented Xie Lei sincerely.


    ¡°True. Among his peers, his Qi is outstanding. There¡¯s no way that Yun Shu can fight it.¡± Fang Quan also nodded.


    ¡°Take a guess. How many moves will it take for Zhu Fei to bring down that boy?¡± asked Xie Lei.


    ¡°Zhu Fei said ten. I think five.¡±


    ¡°Agreed!¡±


    In front of Zhu Fei, Yun Shu slowly pulled out his ugly sword. Upon seeing it, the spectators burst out laughing.


    ¡°What is that? A stove poker?¡±


    ¡°You own this cave, boy! Is that all you have?¡±


    Yun Shu directly ignored them, though, not minding their words. Lifting his heel, a fine electric arc flashed under his foot.


    The next moment, Yun Shu suddenly disappeared from Zhu Fei¡¯s view!


    That was fast! Zhu Fei was slightly shocked.


    He hurriedly brought his palms together to take the sword with his bare hands. However, Yun Shu was way too quick for him to respond.


    Puff!


    Yun Shu¡¯s sword entered Zhu Fei¡¯s lower abdomen, so smoothly as if it was cutting tofu.


    ¡°You¡­ You¡­¡± Zhu Fei stared at Yun Shu unbelievably. The sharp pain was preventing him from forming a complete curse, but his wide eyes conveyed the meaning.


    ¡°Ten moves? What a pity. There¡¯s only one!¡± said Yun Shu. At the same time, he lifted his foot and kicked Zhu Fei right in his face.


    That was a violent blow, which directly threw Zhu Fei at the rock wall. He instantly passed out from the bitter hit.


    One move!


    One single move!


    Zhu Fei was defeated by Yun Shu in a single move!


    They were all in a daze, too dumbstruck to even blink. For a while, absolute silence reigned the area.


    That was incredible!


    A man who had just reached the eighth level of Qi Sky Realm defeated Zhu Fei, who was in Aqua Sky Realm with one single strike!


    ¡°Impossible¡­¡± Xie Lei couldn¡¯t help murmuring to himself.


    To be honest, Zhu Fei¡¯s level was close to his. And if he was so soundly defeated, he also wouldn¡¯t be much of an opponent. Thinking of this, Xie Lei started to feel a bit nervous.


    ¡°Don¡¯t panic; he¡¯s just fast. And Zhu Fei wasn¡¯t careful enough!¡± Fang Quan hurriedly tried to lift up his spirits.


    Xie Lei nodded in response. He believed Fang Quan was right.


    He recalled Yun Shu¡¯s earlier move. Apart from his incredible speed, it was quite simple and straightforward. Besides, Xie Lei had to convince himself that it was because Zhu Fei had let his guard down.


    Yun Shu got rid of the blood on that ugly sword and said to them, ¡°Let go of my man!¡±


    Of course, Fang Quan and Xie Lei wouldn¡¯t do as Yun Shu said.


    Fang Quan sneered. ¡°For what?¡±


    Yun Shu frowned. ¡°Your words don¡¯t count?¡±


    Fang Quan shook her head. ¡°I never made a promise. Zhu Fei did. You should go and talk to him!¡±


    Shameless!


    Yun Shu was enraged at their audacity. At first, he thought they had reached an agreement. But if one of them didn¡¯t agree on it, they should have told him before the fight.


    Obviously, Fang Quan was acting shamelessly!


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Yun Shu asked coldly.


    ¡°We¡¯ll start from this round,¡± said Fang Quan.


    ¡°This time, you¡¯ll fight me! If you can beat me, I¡¯ll let go of your men!¡± Xie Lei volunteered.


    Yun Shu stared at Xie Lei for a while, and then he finally said, ¡°I¡¯ll give you a warning first: this time, I¡¯ll show no mercy!¡±


    The audience was once again astonished.


    Show no mercy?


    So was he saying that he actually showed mercy to Zhu Fei, although he had stabbed his abdomen in one strike?!


    Then what would happen if he decided not to be lenient?


    ¡°Boy, you¡¯re good at bragging. Let me tell you, I¡¯m different. I admit you¡¯re fast, but your speed can do me no harm!¡± said Xie Lei as his Qi suddenly burst out.


    The next moment, his skin turned red as fire.


    ¡°This is my martial art skill, Flame Armor, Rank four Ordinary Level! A strong defense!¡± Xie Lei laughed.


    Yun Shu was not afraid of the so-called Flame Armor at all, though. ¡°I¡¯ll start then.¡±


    He used the same Thunder Move again. And just like the last time, he disappeared from Xie Lei¡¯s view.


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you, you can¡¯t¡ª¡±


    Puff!


    Before Xie Lei finished his sentence, the ugly sword in Yun Shu¡¯s hand had gone through his body.


    One move! Again!


    There was one difference, however: this time, the sword directly penetrated Xie Lei¡¯s chest!


    Blood spurted out of Xie Lei¡¯s mouth as he gasped hard, trying to support his body. The next second, his eyes rolled back, and his body collapsed to the ground!


    Yun Shu had just killed Xie Lei using one single strike! The audience finally understood what he was talking about.


    Yun Shu was able to kill a cultivator who had reached the first level of Aqua Sky Realm!


    The guy named Yun Shu had horrible, monstrous power!


    ¡°Let go of my men!¡± Yun Shu pulled back his sword and said to Fang Quan coldly.

 Chapter 30

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    Yun Shu¡¯s indifferent tone made everyone terrified. They dared to come here because they knew they could beat up anyone they wanted in this cave. Led by Fang Quan, Zhu Fei, and Xie Lei, they had nothing to be afraid of.


    However, as it turned out, they were terribly wrong; they had pissed off the wrong person.


    ¡°Junior Brother Yun, I think we have a misunderstanding here. I¡¯ll let all of them go. And let¡¯s put an end to this whole thing. What do you think?¡± Fang Quan forced a smile on her face.


    Yun Shu cast a cold glance at her. ¡°What¡¯s done is done. Do you think your words will change my mind?¡±


    Fang Quan¡¯s heart sank to the bottom when she saw Yun Shu¡¯s cold eyes.


    Since Fang Quan was left with no other choice, the look on her face suddenly became malicious. ¡°Don¡¯t make me do this. If the worse comes to worst, we¡¯ll just perish together, and before that, I¡¯ll cripple all your men!¡±


    Yun Shu sneered. ¡°Fang Quan, how come you¡¯re this stupid? Do you think everyone is as dumb as you?¡±


    Fang Quan suddenly realized something. She turned around and saw that her men had released all the hostages. Obviously, they were afraid of Yun Shu, not wishing to stay here anymore.


    1At this time, Yun Shu said to them aloud, ¡°I¡¯ll make this clear: from now on, if you dare hurt my men again, you¡¯re a dead person already!¡±


    Hearing that, they hurriedly took a few steps back, fearing they might hurt the hostages by accident.


    Fang Quan¡¯s face turned pale at the unexpected development. She pointed at her men and exclaimed, ¡°You¡­ All of you¡­!¡±


    However, nobody responded as they avoided her gaze.


    Yun Shu gave her the final ultimatum. ¡°Destroy your cultivation right now, or go to hell!¡±


    His words sent a chill down her spine. She looked down, and her eyes focused on that ugly sword. Recalling the two moves Yun Shu had used earlier, an idea suddenly occurred to her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t consider yourself as high and mighty! You have to rely on that sword! If you¡¯re a man, throw away your weapon and fight me!¡± She looked up at Yun Shu with contempt.


    ¡°You¡¯re no good at goading at all, you know? But I¡¯ll do as you wish, so you¡¯ll be left with no regrets on your way to hell!¡± said Yun Shu as he threw away his ugly sword.


    The sword spun several times in the air and finally stabbed into the ground.


    Fang Quan¡¯s plan worked!


    The next moment, she lifted her foot and sprinted towards Yun Shu!


    Yun Shu was slightly shocked; he didn¡¯t expect the woman to be so fast. Although she was not as swift, that speed was still quite impressive.


    Before Fang Quan came close enough to Yun Shu, she suddenly changed her direction.


    Bang!


    The sword vibrated; Fang Quan had picked up that ugly sword!


    ¡°Yun Shu, you¡¯re way too arrogant! Here, I¡¯ll be benevolent for once and will give you a good lesson: never leave your weapon! See? Now you have nothing to fight me!¡± Fang Quan burst out laughing.


    Her anticipation rose as she imagined Yun Shu¡¯s panicked expression. However, to her disappointment, she discovered that he remained remarkably calm.


    ¡°How do you know I¡¯m not doing this on purpose?¡± said Yun Shu with amusement.


    ¡°You¡¯re still playing your tricks!¡± Fang Quan didn¡¯t believe his words.


    ¡°Whether it¡¯s a trick or not, you can give it a try.¡± Yun Shu smiled.


    That smile made Fang Quan feel very insecure, her hair standing on ends. She was now really doubting herself as she frowned; it didn¡¯t look like a trap at all!


    After a second, she cemented her resolve, lifted the sword, and said to Yun Shu, ¡°No problem. I¡¯ll try and see how powerful the sword is!¡±


    She sprinted for Yun Shu again. Yun Shu had no intention to dodge or defend himself at all, and that sarcastic smile was still on his face.


    At this time, Fang Quan suddenly lost her balance and fell down. She held her head with her hands, crying bitterly at the top of her lungs, as if something was drilling her brain.


    Nobody understood what was going on, except for Yun Shu.


    He was just standing there without moving a limb. But what happened to her? Why did she trip?


    Yun Shu slowly walked to Fang Quan and picked up the ugly sword.


    ¡°This sword belongs to me. If you use it, you¡¯ll be severely hurt in return. You have only reached the Aqua Sky Realm. Who the hell do you think you are?¡± Yun Shu callously said to Fang Quan and walked away.


    He understood the ominous air in the sword well. The injury brought by it to Fang Quan was severe enough to kill her, or at the very least, destroy all the cultivation she had.


    He was not interested in killing a person who could not fight back at all.


    1¡°Let go of them!¡± Yun Shu yelled at those people.


    With no hesitation, Fang Quan¡¯s men hurriedly untied the ropes on the hostages.


    ¡°Thank you so much, Senior Brother Yun!¡± The hostages knelt in front of Yun Shu as tears flowed down their faces.


    Seeing that, after exchanging a look with each other, Fang Quan¡¯s men also dropped to the floor.


    Yun Shu said to his men, ¡°Stand up.¡±


    They did as Yun Shu instructed and hurriedly drew closer to their boss, feeling very excited. They were proud of the fact that their boss was so strong and powerful, capable of jumping realms.


    Yun Shu¡¯s eyebrows kept frowning, seeing how bad his men were tortured.


    ¡°They beat you up, right?¡± Yun Shu asked.


    ¡°Yes. But we¡¯re okay, Senior Brother!¡± the men hurriedly answered.


    ¡°You¡¯re okay? No, this is not gonna be fine.¡± Yun Shu snorted and turned to look at Fang Quan¡¯s men.


    Their faces instantly turned pale, having no idea what Yun Shu would do to them next. In front of him, they didn¡¯t have the courage to fight back.


    ¡°Those of you who received a beating, now it¡¯s your turn to thrash them until you work off your anger!¡± said Yun Shu to his men aloud.


    ¡°We will!¡± The guys felt gratified and elated.


    Yun Shu had given them the green signal himself, so they would show no mercy.


    Fang Quan¡¯s men were then given bitter bashes and kicks. In the following half an hour, wails kept coming out of the cave, causing the birds to fly away in fright.

 Chapter 31

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    Yun Shu had about a hundred men under him. In the past half an hour, they spared no effort in beating up Fang Quan¡¯s guys. There were more than five hundred of them, but no one dared fight back!


    ¡°That¡¯s enough¡­¡± one of Yun Shu¡¯s men said to him, gasping hard.


    Obviously, beating people up could be quite exhausting as well.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Yun Shu smiled and asked.


    ¡°Yeah! We can¡¯t keep doing this. It¡¯s just too tiring!¡± another man chimed in.


    Yun Shu finally felt that they were even. He walked to those men and said, ¡°This is what all of you deserve, but I won¡¯t kill any of you. After all, you were all instigated by Zhu Fei, Fang Quan, and Xie Lei.


    ¡°Of course, if any of you hate me, feel free to come to me at any time! But keep this in mind: I¡¯ll not show my mercy twice. You¡¯ll be at your own risk!¡±


    Those men didn¡¯t even have the guts to look at Yun Shu. They kept their head low to the ground and hurriedly denied any bad feelings.


    Yun Shu turned to his men. ¡°You know where they are from, right?¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± They nodded.


    Yun Shu grinned. ¡°Go there and snatch their treasures!¡±


    Their eyes suddenly lit up. That cave was much bigger than this one!


    And of course, it was filled with treasures.


    That would be a great fortune for them!


    ¡°We¡¯ll do it right away!¡± Yun Shu¡¯s men cheered, their hard feelings vanishing like a puff of smoke. They forgot their pain and ran to that cave as fast as they could, wishing they had four legs.


    The treasures were owned by Fang Quan, Zhu Fei, and Xie Lei. Therefore, those men lying on the ground didn¡¯t really care about them. Instead, they started feeling a bit jealous of Yun Shu¡¯s men.


    Obviously, they had a much better boss than they did.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun?¡± one of them asked very carefully. His face was covered in bruises.


    ¡°What?¡± Yun Shu responded coldly.


    ¡°You know we were forced to come here. Now, we don¡¯t have a leader anymore, so we were thinking¡­ Are you willing to have us under your command?¡± He said in a low voice.


    Yun Shu was a bit surprised. When he looked around, he found many of them looking at him eagerly. Obviously, they agreed with the man who just spoke.


    Yun Shu never expected this at all. Fists and kicks had brought those people to their knees. However, Yun Shu didn¡¯t agree immediately. Instead, he showed no interest at all. ¡°I don¡¯t need it.¡±


    They all looked disappointed, their spirits hitting rock bottom. At this time, the man who spoke first said to Yun Shu in a low voice, ¡°Senior Brother Yun, do you know why Fang Quan brought us here today?¡±


    Yun Shu frowned.


    ¡°Because Chang Feng hates me, and they wanted this cave.¡±


    ¡°This is true. But there¡¯s another important reason: someone stirred the pot!¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Yun Shu was provoked to anger again.


    Someone did this on purpose!


    Who could it be?


    Yun Shu¡¯s men had suffered because of that person!


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun, that person¡¯s name is Huang Sheng, and he lived in this cave before. Several days ago, Huang Sheng found Fang Quan and threw lots of bad words at you. It was also him who told them that Chang Feng hated you a lot, and putting an end to your life will bring them credit in front of Chang Feng in the future,¡± said that man carefully.


    Yun Shu¡¯s eyes opened big in wrath.


    Huang Sheng!


    That jerk!


    Last time, Yun Shu had spared him, but Huang Sheng obviously showed no gratitude at all.


    Yun Shu must take his revenge!


    ¡°Where is he?¡± asked Yun Shu coldly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ Don¡¯t know. But he went deeper into the valley.¡± That man¡¯s voice started trembling under Yun Shu¡¯s raging killing intent.


    After a while, Yun Shu¡¯s anger gradually faded.


    ¡°You did a good job on this one. However, it¡¯s still a matter of fact that you have offended my brothers, so I cannot accept you! If one day, you ever get forgiveness for what you¡¯ve done from them, I¡¯ll let you join!¡± promised Yun Shu.


    ¡°We will try our best!¡± Seeing that Yun Shu was less stringent, those men, including the young man who spoke first, were all encouraged.


    A while later, Yun Shu heard someone calling him from some distance away. ¡°Senior Brother Yun!¡±


    Yun Shu turned around and saw the group of disciples who left earlier had now come back, carrying a large number of things on their shoulders. Their faces were glowing with excitement as they walked toward him.


    ¡°That¡¯s a lot,¡± said Yun Shu, who was surprised to see the haul.


    Obviously, in Fang Quan¡¯s caves, there were many more treasures than they thought.


    ¡°Right! We¡¯ve gone back and forth more than a dozen times and brought back everything valuable from those caves! Those guys are really rich. They have more than 200 books on martial art skills and a variety of other appliances and items. Senior Brother Yun, you pick whatever you like first!¡± One of Yun Shu¡¯s brothers grinned.


    Yun Shu was about to refuse, but he thought of the ugly sword he had discovered in that pile of trash. Maybe, there was also something precious hiding in it. While thinking so, he walked to the heap of items and books and used his golden pupils.


    His golden pupils could see all unique aurae, including Spirit Qi. Thus, they came extremely handy when Yun Shu needed to sort out some real treasures.


    As Yun Shu expected, he noticed something here. Without saying a word, he reached out his hand. It turned out to be a furnace for experimenting and making supreme pills, which was about a meter tall.


    This furnace looked extremely ordinary, both from its material and its shape. However, Yun Shu could see the two opposite air flows of Yin and Yang within it.


    Although he did not know what the air flows were, Yun Shu was sure that there was something special about it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take this. You share the rest of them.¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun¡­ Is this all you want?¡±


    It was true that the furnace looked just like any other furnace and was quite old at that.


    Yun Shu just smiled but gave them no explanation.


    Seeing that Yun Shu had made his decision, his brothers could only give up. However, as there were so many things to divide, it would take them a long time to make it fair.


    Finally, they decided to wait for Feng He. He was the smartest one among them, so he should be able to figure out the best way to allocate the spoils.


    Before Yun Shu¡¯s men started moving the books and items back into the cave, those guys who had just got beaten up by them came closer.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± Yun Shu¡¯s men suddenly became nervous.


    ¡°These things are too heavy. We¡¯ll take care of them! You just sit down and take a break!¡±


    Yun Shu¡¯s men couldn¡¯t believe their ears. They were a bit too nice!


    Yun Shu smiled and explained his arrangement. They were going to be the ones deciding whether these guys could join them or not.


    Learning about the condition, a sly smile appeared on their faces.

 Chapter 32

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    ¡°You! Move these things into the cave. Also, clean up this place!¡±


    ¡°You! Come over here! Give my legs a massage!¡±


    1¡°What are you looking at? I¡¯m extremely bored right now. You do me a belly dance¡­!¡±


    Yun Shu¡¯s men put forward all kinds of strange requirements and demands for these new members. To join Yun Shu¡¯s group, they dared not say a word of protest in order to earn forgiveness.


    Despite the previous conflicts between the two sides, all of the disciples were exiled to the Valley of Crime.


    From this perspective, it could be said that they were, in fact, fellow sufferers. These new members were forced by Fang Quan, Zhu Fei, and Xie Lei to come, and Yun Shu¡¯s men were well aware of it.


    They had lost their leaders, and Yun Shu¡¯s men had taken their revenge. Now, there was little hatred left in their hearts.


    Therefore, the orders weren¡¯t too bad. Yun Shu decided to let them enjoy instead of stopping them.


    But when the new members were carrying the treasures to the cave, the wind started whistling, and a figure darted towards the cave with great speed.


    The new members suddenly felt nervous and fidgety. They knew who that person was! It was Elder Du!


    ¡°That¡¯s not good! Elder Du¡¯s here. We¡¯ll be punished!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be okay. But what about Senior Brother Yun? He killed Xie Lei and disabled the other two¡­¡±


    ¡°What should we do?!¡±


    While the new members were panicking, the old members kept their calm.


    ¡°Relax! Senior Brother Yun will handle this. No sweat!¡± one of the old members curled her lips and said.


    ¡°What? Isn¡¯t this a big deal? Elder Du¡¯s here! Senior Brother Yun might be severely punished!¡± One of the new members said so, his voice trembling.


    The old member rolled his eyes. ¡°Shut up and just watch!¡±


    The new members didn¡¯t know what to say. They didn¡¯t understand why the Yun Shu¡¯s men could appear so composed, as if this wasn¡¯t a big deal at all.


    At this time, Elder Du walked in the cave and came in front of Yun Shu.


    ¡°Boy, you killed someone again?¡± Old Du didn¡¯t look too happy.


    ¡°Yes, I did.¡± Yun Shu didn¡¯t bother explaining himself, just smiling in response.


    ¡°Let me guess; you had to do this? What about the jade I gave you?¡± Old Du frowned.


    ¡°They kept my men as hostages and asked me to come in person. I was afraid I was running late, so I decided to do it myself and not to bother you, Elder Du,¡± Yun Shu said with a smile.


    Old Du stared at Yun Shu for a while, his eyes widening.


    The new members were all sweating for Yun Shu. In their eyes, Senior Brother Yun should at least explain everything in detail and beg for Elder Du¡¯s forgiveness.


    They believed that Elder Du was considering the most severe punishment in his silence¡­


    The new members started having a difficult time breathing as they waited for the final sentence.


    After a while, to their great surprise, Old Du sighed and said, ¡°I see. Forget it, but be careful next time!¡±


    Feeling shocked and dumb, the new members didn¡¯t know what to say.


    Forget it?


    Be careful next time?


    Was Elder Du still the same person who was known for adhering to the rules?


    It wasn¡¯t the old members¡¯ first time seeing this, though.


    ¡°See? Senior Brother Yun is much more reliable than you thought! He¡¯s the best boss you can find!¡± someone said to the new members.


    The new members had just witnessed this with their very own eyes, so they had no choice but to admit it.


    At first, among the new members, some were still concerned about their futures. After all, although Yun Shu could fight well, he was still in the Qi Sky Realm.


    In addition, Yun Shu had offended the inner sect disciple named Chang Feng, who could come out of his seclusion at any time to seek revenge.


    Now, however, all their fears were gone, like a burst bubble.


    Yun Shu was not on his own!


    Yun Shu was excellent at fighting, and he had the backing of Elder Du to boot. In front of Yun Shu, an inner sect disciple was nothing!


    They had made up their mind to follow Yun Shu.


    At this time, Elder Du found a corner and said to Yun Shu seriously, ¡°Boy, I know you¡¯re not into killing, but there are always people getting you into trouble. However, you have to remember that there are people who are much stronger and powerful than you. If you keep being this reckless, one day, you might kill yourself! If you die, I¡¯ll be very disappointed. So next time, make sure that you¡¯ll use that jade. I¡¯ll be on your side!¡±


    Yun Shu felt a surging warmth in the heart. Obviously, Old Du liked him a lot and was being very honest with him.


    ¡°Senior Du, please don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not an idiot. I¡¯ll be careful.¡± Yun Shu smiled.


    Old Du nodded. ¡°Good.¡±


    Then he walked out of the cave without even casting a glance at the dead man on the ground and the two people who had been disabled by Yun Shu.


    ¡°See? Elder Du never gives Senior Brother Yun a hard time!¡± someone said to the new members.


    They hurriedly nodded, and the way they stared at Yun Shu became full of respect. Yun Shu started to feel a bit shy under the gaze.


    ¡°Go back and take some rest!¡± Yun Shu said and left the cave for his stone shelter.


    On his way back, he saw that Feng He was still struggling to go back to the cave.


    ¡°Why are you here? I asked you to take a rest.¡± Yun Shu lightly scolded him.


    Seeing Yun Shu coming back from the cave, Feng He looked surprised and amazed.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun, please! Don¡¯t go! They¡¯re too strong. You¡¯ll be hurt!¡± Feng He hurriedly said to Yun Shu.


    ¡°Strong? I don¡¯t think so.¡± Yun Shu frowned.


    ¡°They have reached the Aqua Sky Realm! You need to calm down!¡± Feng He was extremely worried.


    ¡°The farce is already dealt with; the three of them are over,¡± said Yun Shu.


    ¡°Over? What over?¡± Feng He couldn¡¯t wrap his head around the words.


    Yun Shu smiled and explained to him what just happened. Hearing that, Feng He almost dropped his chin out of surprise.


    ¡°I¡­ I went to the entrance to the valley and informed Elder Du¡­ So this was already over before Elder Du arrived?!¡± Feng He exclaimed.


    Feng He couldn¡¯t swallow that three Aqua Sky Realm cultivators had been defeated by a Qi Sky Realm cultivator.


    ¡°You can go back and check it if you don¡¯t believe me,¡± said Yun Shu.


    No wonder Old Du arrived so fast.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need! Of course, I trust your words!¡± Feng He hurriedly said.


    Yun Shu handed Feng He a handful of ginseng roots. ¡°You keep them to heal our brothers. There are now some new members in the cave; keep a close eye on them. If they¡¯re reliable, let them join us.¡±


    Yun Shu knew that Feng He was smart and loyal, which made him a person trustworthy to Yun Shu.


    ¡°I will.¡± Feng He nodded.


    ¡°Also, there¡¯s another thing that I want you to look into for me,¡± said Yun Shu seriously.

 Chapter 33

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    ¡°I¡¯ll do my best, Senior Brother Yun!¡± Feng He promised solemnly. He could tell it from the look on Yun Shu¡¯s face that the matter was critical.


    ¡°Huang Sheng! Find him! It was Huang Sheng who brought those people here! He must die!¡± Yun Shu said word by word, his eyes clouded with fury.


    ¡°I understand!¡± Feng He nodded. He was one of the victims, so he also hated Huang Sheng a lot.


    ¡°Take care.¡± Yun Shu patted Feng He¡¯s shoulder and went back to his stone shelter.


    In his own place, the first thing he did was take out the furnace for alchemy. Now, he finally had some time to study this thing.


    Yun Shu sized the furnace up with his eyes several times. It just looked like a simple, run-of-the-mill furnace, nothing special. Yet, he knew that there was more to it than what appeared on the surface.


    The best way to figure it out was to use the furnace. Yun Shu took out a top ginseng from his cosmic bag. Before he was exiled to the Valley of Crime, Yun Shu had once read a couple of books on refining supreme pills.


    More or less, Yun Shu had some basic understanding of alchemy, but he never had a chance to give it a try. Finally, the time was ripe, with all the resources at hand.


    Yun Shu put the ginseng into the furnace and turned his Spirit Qi into a flame. Meanwhile, he used his golden pupils to observe the furnace carefully.


    As he expected, infused with his Spirit Qi, the furnace started moving the two airflows of Yin and Yang around that supreme-grade ginseng.


    Did it work?


    Yun Shu was surprised. However, at this time, the two flows suddenly lost the subtle balance between them. The next moment, heavy smoke came out of the furnace as the ginseng had been turned into a pile of ash.


    Yun Shu¡¯s first attempt was unsuccessful as expected.


    This failure would have been a horrible blow to most people. However, it was nothing for Yun Shu. Instead, he focused his mind on that moment when the balance was suddenly lost.


    What was the reason behind it?


    Yun Shu thought to himself hard, his brain running on all cylinders.


    Suddenly, he realized something: the nature of the supreme-grade ginseng was pure Yang. Therefore, when it was being refined, pure Yin herbs were needed to maintain the harmony between the two opposites! But how could Yun Shu find some in the Valley of Crime?


    Yun Shu was left with no other choice but to go to the world behind the stone gates. Without any hesitation, he reversed his cultivation technique and went back.


    As soon as Yun Shu showed up, the little chick popped out and gave him a warm welcome. The size of the little chick had grown quite a bit, but it was still the same close to Yun Shu.


    ¡°Little thing, can you find some more herbs in the mist for me? This time, I don¡¯t want ginseng, but something else.¡± Yun Shu patted its tiny head.


    The little chick hurriedly nodded and dived into the red mist. Yun Shu¡¯s cultivation had been greatly improved in this period. However, the more progress he made, the more acute his senses became. So, he knew how dangerous the red mist could be.


    He was well aware of the fact that even a little bit of the red mist could be fatal to him in his current condition. Yet, the little chick was not affected by it at all, which made Yun Shu convinced that it was a mythical creature!


    After a while, the little chick came back with three spirit herbs in its beak. Yun Shu checked the herbs with his golden pupils and shook his head.


    ¡°They are indeed good, but their nature isn¡¯t pure Yin. Go and find something else for me, will you?¡± Yun Shu said to the little chick.


    The little chick went back without any delay. Soon, it brought back another few spirit herbs. Again, they were not the ones that Yun Shu was looking for.


    The little chick kept going back and forth into the red mist and brought different spirit herbs. But Yun Shu still had not found the right one.


    At the same time, Yun Shu was also shocked. Even though most of the spirit herbs were strange to Yun Shu, he knew how valuable they were.


    Although they were not as precious as the supreme-grade ginseng, they were still valuable herbs!


    Also, it seemed that every time, it wasn¡¯t difficult for the little chick to fetch the herbs, which meant that there was a high number of assorted spirit herbs in the red mist.


    If Yun Shu could use them properly, this place would turn into the best herb garden in this world!


    Yun Shu had made up his mind to properly study supreme pills when there was a chance. At this time, the little chick returned with two spirit herbs in its beak.


    Seeing them, Yun Shu immediately exclaimed, ¡°That¡¯s what I want!¡±


    One of the spirit herbs was pure white, and he instantly felt that pure Yin air emanating from it. Yun Shu took the white spirit herb with both his hands from the little chick¡¯s beak, his heart beating fast.


    ¡°Give me a second. I need to try something!¡± said Yun Shu to the little chick.


    Then he took out the furnace. After putting another supreme-grade ginseng together with that pure white spirit herb into it, Yun Shu started using his Spirit Qi to refine them again.


    This time, the furnace didn¡¯t burn the ingredients. The two airflows of Yin and Yang slowly turned the ginseng and the herb into liquid and blended them together into one whole mix.


    1The process sounded easy, but it was, in fact, quite challenging. Yun Shu had great control over his Spirit Qi, along with a pair of golden pupils. Nevertheless, producing these twelve pills was still very difficult for him.


    That was not yet the end, though. Turning the blended liquid into twelve pills was just one of the steps. During the process, he even destroyed two by accident.


    After another two hours, the work was finally done, and Yun Shu was totally exhausted by then.


    Fortunately, he had successfully made the first set of pills in his life.


    Yun Shu couldn¡¯t wait any longer. He hurriedly opened the lid of the furnace and looked inside. There they were, so round and beautiful, their fragrance wafting into his nose.


    Maybe it was just Yun Shu¡¯s illusion, but the moment Yun Shu inhaled that scent, he felt greatly refreshed.


    Holding the ten pills in his palm, Yun Shu suddenly noticed something.


    ¡°This is¡­ This is the Alchemical Halo?!¡± Yun Shu blurted to himself.


    Among the ten pills in his palm, there were three covered in a soft halo.


    Yes! That was the halo!


    Elixirs were divided into nine grades according to their efficacy. Above the nine grades, there were mysterious pills that only existed in legends.


    The higher the grade of a pill was, the better the efficacy it had.


    Moreover, pills and pills within the same grade could be further divided according to their conditions.


    There were four different conditions: Defective, Ordinary, Fine, and Supreme. These conditions were decided by the materials used and the techniques applied.


    Defective and Ordinary pills were the most common, while Fine pills were rare. An alchemist who could produce Fine pills was highly respected.


    As for supreme pills¡­


    Only top-notch alchemy masters could refine them.


    The Alchemical Halo would only show upon Fine pills and above. So, there were three Fine pills in the first set of pills ever made by Yun Shu.


    Yun Shu couldn¡¯t believe his own eyes!

 Chapter 34

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    Yun Shu carefully picked up one of the Fine pills and sniffed; the fragrance was pure and strong.


    Yun Shu hesitated before putting one of the pills into his mouth. He did not have a specific technique for refining pills, so he had no idea how they would work. He would never know until he tried it.


    After swallowing the pill, Yun Shu felt the soft stream of Spirit Qi spreading out in his body. The Qi moved fast within his body, nurturing his limbs and bones multiple times.


    Meanwhile, the Qi was also nourishing his meridians and stored itself in Yun Shu¡¯s dantian.


    In terms of the total amount of Spirit Qi, to be honest, a single pill could not compete with supreme-grade ginseng. However, more than ninety-percent of the Spirit Qi provided by supreme-grade ginseng would be wasted if it was ingested raw.


    Therefore, although top ginseng were very precious, Yun Shu wasn¡¯t making the most use of them.


    The biggest merit of turning top ginseng into pills was that the process could help turn the Spirit Qi within the precious herb into part of the cultivator¡¯s Qi. Therefore, taking one single pill was dozens of times more helpful compared to eating a top ginseng.


    Yun Shu felt the surges of the Spirit Qi within his body. Then finally, a beam of light soared into the air!


    After being stuck for more than ten days, Yun Shu finally made a breakthrough and reached the ninth level of Qi Sky Realm.


    He was now only a step away from reaching the Aqua Sky Realm!


    When the Spirit Qi settled down, Yun Shu¡¯s power had gone beyond the average ninth level. If he so desired, he could keep charging and try to reach Aqua Sky Realm at one fell swoop.


    However, Yun Shu knew it well that reaching the next realm was a significant matter, and timing was of vital importance. Pushing himself out of greed wasn¡¯t the best course of action.


    He also realized that even the most precious of herbs needed to be appropriately used to reach the best efficacy.


    His desire to learn how to refine supreme pills had become stronger than ever.


    ¡°Little thing, try to collect more top ginseng and that white spirit herb for me, will you?¡± Yun Shu said to the little chick.


    The little chick was more than happy to be of some use for Yun Shu and nodded hurriedly.


    Yun Shu turned his Spirit Qi into a flame and fed the little chick before he returned to his stone shelter. Without wasting any time, he went to the square and found Su Lingwen.


    ¡°Lingwen, take this!¡± Yun Shu held out the pills in his palms.


    ¡°Where did you get these from?¡± Su Lingwen looked quite surprised.


    ¡°I made it myself!¡± Yun Shu said in excitement.


    ¡°You¡¯ve studied alchemy before?¡± Su Lingwen asked.


    ¡°Not really. I only read a couple of books. I just got lucky with the pills.¡± Yun Shu grinned.


    Su Lingwen didn¡¯t know whether she should believe Yun Shu¡¯s words.


    ¡°So let me get it straight; you never really learned about dan-making, yet you refined Fine pills?¡± said Su Lingwen word by word.


    ¡°I failed once,¡± Yun Shu clarified.


    Su Lingwen was at a loss for words. Besides, Yun Shu obviously had no idea how to make her feel better.


    To figure out a dan recipe that actually worked, one had to go through failure hundreds of times. But, Yun Shu had only failed once. In addition, he never really learned anything about refining pills.


    Yet, he produced Fine pills!


    That was pure talent there!


    ¡°Is everything okay?¡± Yun Shu thought Su Lingwen didn¡¯t trust these pills.


    ¡°Nothing. The pills are precious. Are you sure you want to give these to me?¡± asked Su Lingwen in a low voice.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal. I can still make more.¡± Yun Shu smiled.


    Su Lingwen finally nodded, picked one of the pills, and swallowed it. The next instant, her eyes suddenly lit up with surprise; the pill worked much better than she thought. As a talented cultivator, she could benefit a lot from it.


    ¡°You made these yourself? Really?¡± Su Lingwen couldn¡¯t help asking again to confirm.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Yun Shu nodded, but he didn¡¯t look too happy.


    ¡°What?¡± Su Lingwen asked. She found that Yun Shu was using his golden pupils, and his eyes were staring at her legs!


    ¡°Stop looking!¡± She was a bit angry.


    Yun Shu sighed. ¡°Still¡­¡±


    ¡°What now?¡± Su Lingwen asked.


    Yun Shu explained, ¡°The pills can improve meridians, so I thought they could heal your legs. But it seems that it¡¯s not working¡­¡±


    Su Lingwen didn¡¯t expect his words at all. Yun Shu cared about her and her legs so much, which made Lingwen¡¯s face slightly flush. However, she didn¡¯t want him to see her expression.


    She snorted and turned around. Without looking at Yun Shu, she said to him, ¡°You didn¡¯t rush to reach Aqua Sky Realm. Smart move.¡±


    Yun Shu smiled and asked, ¡°What¡¯s your level, Lingwen?¡±


    Su Lingwen paused a second before she answered, ¡°Ninth level of Aqua Sky Realm.¡±


    ¡°Wow! You can compete with those inner sect disciples! In fact, you¡¯re much more talented than them because the resources you have are minimal!¡± Yun Shu was wholly impressed by her potential.


    Su Lingwen couldn¡¯t hold back her smile for a second, but it soon disappeared again.


    ¡°Keep working hard, and you¡¯ll be there sooner or later,¡± advised Su Lingwen calmy, sounding as if she was an experienced master.


    In reality, though, her heart was full of pride. Recently, she was genuinely awed by Yun Shu¡¯s unusual talent. Now, it was finally her turn to slightly shock Yun Shu.


    ¡°I will! I¡¯ll try my best!¡± Yun Shu didn¡¯t know what Lingwen was thinking, so he promised earnestly.


    ¡°Well, actually, just stick to your own pace¡­¡± said Su Lingwen hurriedly.


    If Yun Shu tried his very best, soon, he would catch up to her. Of course, she also shared his joy every time Yun Shu achieved a new breakthrough.


    Meanwhile, she also felt the pressure overwhelming her. It was so hard to explain her complicated feelings.

 Chapter 35

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    Yun Shu didn¡¯t spend too much time on the square. After leaving Su Lingwen, he headed for the inner part of the Valley of Crime.


    It was already getting dark. To face even stronger winds, Yun Shu had to go deeper into the valley before the winds arrived. After all, once they did, it would be too hard for him to move forward.


    The valley was massive. It stretched from north to south for more than a thousand miles. As Yun Shu went further inside, the environment kept getting worse.


    Most young disciples were gathered in the southern area of the valley within the range of a thousand miles, and they rarely left the area.


    In a few stone shelters, some sinful Elders were also confined. However, most of them couldn¡¯t leave their residence. In fact, their shelters should be considered their cells.


    Therefore, Yun Shu had not run into anyone after he left the southern side. This time, he had gone a hundred miles further, so the winds should be challenging enough.


    In the past few days, his understanding of sword intent had improved a notch. Meanwhile, he had also come to a better understanding of how violent and threatening the winds were. He had only decided to challenge himself further because he just made another breakthrough.


    When he stopped walking and got ready to face the killing wind, to Yun Shu¡¯s surprise, he saw a figure walking staggeringly in the front between the big rocks.


    He looked like an old man.


    Yun Shu sensed no special Qi from that old man. Besides, he didn¡¯t look like an Elder to him at all.


    Then why was the old man here?


    The killing wind would be arriving soon. Looking at that old figure from behind, Yun Shu started missing his dad.


    ¡°Hey, what are you doing here? You need help?¡± Yun Shu called out to the old man from behind.


    The old man was obviously startled. He turned around towards the voice, taking a while to find Yun Shu in the darkness.


    ¡°I tried to find some food, but I got lost in the stone forest¡­¡± said that old man.


    ¡°Getting lost here is extremely dangerous,¡± warned Yun Shu, frowning.


    That man hurriedly asked, ¡°What time is it?¡±


    ¡°Almost midnight,¡± answered Yun Shu.


    The old man almost burst into tears. ¡°Then¡­ Then the killing wind¡¯s coming!¡±


    Yun Shu nodded. ¡°Right.¡±


    At this time, the wind started blowing from afar. Both of them could hear the whistling sounds, as if great danger was about to befall them.


    Hearing that, the old man started crying, ¡°I¡¯m gonna die here! I¡¯ll die! My punishment has almost reached the end, but now, I¡¯m dying here!¡±


    Yun Shu felt that was too cruel to the old man. If he did not have the world behind that stone gate, he would have been suffering the same fate as this pitiful man.


    He sighed and said to the old man, ¡°Come and stand behind me. Don¡¯t walk away!¡±


    ¡°What do you want to do, little brother? This wind is merciless; we can¡¯t fight it! Let¡¯s find a place to hide!¡± The old man trilled, his legs barely supporting himself.


    ¡°Do as I say!¡± Yun Shu pulled the old man¡¯s arm and made him stand behind his back. Then he picked up a tree branch from the ground and held it in his hand.


    To practice his sword intent, Yun Shu wouldn¡¯t use his ugly sword, or it would be too easy.


    ¡°Little brother, what¡¯s this for?¡± The old man was stunned.


    ¡°I¡¯m gonna cleave the wind,¡± said Yun Shu calmly.


    ¡°What?¡± The old man couldn¡¯t believe his ears.


    That was crazy!


    At this time, the killing wind made its appearance!


    ¡°We¡¯re gonna die!¡± The old man squatted on the ground, his arms covering his head.


    After a while, he realized that the sharp blows of wind didn¡¯t harm him at all. He carefully opened his eyes, wondering where the menacing wind had gone. Holding a wooden stick in his hand, the young man standing in front of him kept hacking and splitting the crazy, roaring wind.


    The killing wind was known to be fatal, even for cultivators. However, the young man could cut the wind simply with the stick in his hand!


    ¡°Little brother, you¡¯re¡­ you¡¯re quite something!¡± The old man almost dropped his chin to the floor. Then the old man hurriedly asked, ¡°Are you one of the Elders who always look young? Why are you so powerful?¡±


    Yun Shu was working hard on cleaving the crazy wind. ¡°I am not!¡±


    ¡°Then how old are you?¡± The old man continued his barrage of questions.


    ¡°Fifteen!¡± said Yun Shu.


    1¡°Fifteen? Oh my! You¡¯re an inner sect disciple? Who¡¯s your teacher? You must be your teacher¡¯s favorite student!¡± the old man exclaimed.


    ¡°None of the above!¡± Yun Shu started getting a bit impatient.


    ¡°Then, where did this sword technique come from? Who taught you?¡± The old man just couldn¡¯t wrap his head around his incomprehensible battle prowess.


    ¡°Myself!¡± Yun Shu answered.


    ¡°You¡¯re such a genius! What¡¯s your name? What can I do for you to make you my protector?¡± The old man¡¯s eyes lit up with joy, as if he had found a safe harbor.


    ¡°Yun Shu! Also, can you wait till this is over?!¡± Yun Shu was slightly pissed.


    The killing wind was mighty. Despite what appeared on the surface, it was not easy for him to hold a wooden stick and fight the raging currents. Yet, the old man just kept talking and talking. A few times, he almost missed the wind.


    The old man hurriedly covered his mouth with his hands, but his eyes kept staring at Yun Shu. The fight against the killing wind lasted for an entire two hours. Finally, the wind gradually died away, leaving a totally exhausted Yun Shu.


    ¡°Little brother, you tired?¡± the old man started speaking again.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Yun Shu rolled his eyes.


    That old man kept nagging and nagging, which was quite irritating to Yun Shu.


    ¡°Little Brother, I was about to ask you: why are you here so late at night? Are you here to meet your girlfriend? But where¡¯s she? She didn¡¯t show up, right? I gotta tell you this: don¡¯t spoil your woman. If you do, she¡¯ll take more from you. This time, she¡¯s merely late, but next time, she¡¯ll cheat on you. I know cultivators should control their desires, but you still have to make sure that your kids are truly yours, right? You won¡¯t be able to take it¡­¡± The old man babbled on and on.


    1


    Yun Shu had finally caught his breath. He turned to glare at the old man and said, ¡°Stop! The killing wind¡¯s gone, and you¡¯ll have plenty of time to return. Bye then!¡±


    Yun Shu turned around and was ready to leave. He couldn¡¯t bear the nagging anymore. It was more troublesome than fighting the wind!


    ¡°Little brother, wait! I¡¯m old, and it¡¯s really far¡­¡± said the old man.


    However, before the old man finished his words, Yun Shu used Thunder Move and left the place within a couple of seconds.


    The old man didn¡¯t move immediately. Instead, he stared at the place where Yun Shu was standing earlier with a meaningful smile on his face.


    The next moment, the old man suddenly disappeared.

 Chapter 36

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    The chatty old man vanished because his speed was just too fast. He could move so rapidly, his figure had virtually become invisible. Instead of heading south, however, he was moving deeper into the Valley of Crime!


    After about an hour, he finally slowed down, the Forest of Deadly Wind right in front of him. The old man had come to the deepest part of the Valley of Crime.


    This place was narrower compared to the periphery, but it was flat. Facing the Forest of Deadly Wind, there were nine dragon statues made of some unknown metal. It appeared quite strange, seeing the intertwined dragon statues here.


    In the middle of the nine dragon statues, there was a middle-aged man, his hair hanging loose. When the old man came close to him, the middle-aged man slowly opened his eyes.


    Meanwhile, seven light beams lit up around the statues. As if the nine dragons were alive, they started to coil around each other even more tightly.


    ¡°The dragon pillars and the seven-star array formation still don¡¯t make you feel secure?¡± The middle-aged man asked casually, painfully bound to stay where he was by the dragons.


    The old man who wouldn¡¯t stop nagging was on his full alert currently. Although he was still some distance away from the man, he wouldn¡¯t go any closer. ¡°You¡¯re the most powerful culprit in the Fire Mystic Sect ever. I can never be too cautious.¡±


    The middle-aged man grinned. ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a compliment.¡±


    The old man also smiled. ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡±


    After a short moment of silence, the middle-aged man said coldly, ¡°Why are you here today? The last time you came was more than ten years ago.¡±


    The old man nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve something important to ask you.¡±


    ¡°Spill it. Then get out of here,¡± said the middle-aged man in a rather cold tone.


    ¡°Where is it?¡± The old man asked.


    ¡°Fu*k off!¡± responded the middle-aged man.


    The old man sighed. ¡°To be honest, the sect is going through hard times presently. You¡¯re also from the sect. Can¡¯t you just do us a favor, for once?¡±


    The middle-aged man sneered. ¡°Let go of me, and I¡¯ll solve any trouble for the sect. Isn¡¯t this the simplest solution?¡±


    The old man forced a smile on his face. ¡°Then, even more people will die.¡±


    A cold light flashed past in the middle-aged man¡¯s eyes. ¡°If so, leave me the hell alone! Just keep believing those cowards will give you a solution.¡±


    ¡°You sure you don¡¯t want to tell me?¡± the old man insisted.


    ¡°I said, fu*k off!¡± the middle-aged man roared.


    The next moment, the place started trembling, as though responding to the man¡¯s wrath. The tremendous amount of Spirit Qi made the mountain walls shake, and broken-off rocks were thrown into the air.


    The Forest of Deadly Wind also started making a restless noise, as the cacophony of sounds rose to a crescendo. It almost looked like the end of the world.


    The power originated from the deepest part of the Valley of Crime, and it had extended all the way to the entrance of the valley. Both Old He and Du felt quite nervous.


    ¡°Again!¡± said Old Du seriously.


    ¡°Not a surprise. That old man is there,¡± commented Old He in a low voice.


    ¡°Bound to the Nine-dragon Pillar, his Spirit Qi is still this aggressive and overbearing¡­ It¡¯s just hard to imagine how powerful he really is.¡± Old Du felt amazed and said with a sigh.


    ¡°After all, he¡¯s known as the most powerful man in the Fire Mystic Sect in three thousand years.¡± Old He nodded.


    ¡°Had he not¡ª¡± Old He murmured.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say it!¡± Old He abruptly broke in as he glared at Old Du. ¡°We were told not to mention it!¡±


    Old Du put on an embarrassed smile. ¡°Sorry! I forgot.¡±


    Then they stopped talking and turned to look toward the deepest part of the valley again. Although they could see nothing, they couldn¡¯t help frowning and feeling worried.


    That mighty Spirit Qi kept sweeping the valley in the following two hours. When the Qi gradually died away, they finally released a sigh of relief.


    At this time, a gentle breeze came, bringing the chatty old man with it. Covered in dust, clothes in rags, he now looked shabby and unkempt, like a beggar who had not bathed for years.


    ¡°Master!¡± Old Du and He bowed towards the old man at the same time.


    This old, chatty man was their master!


    ¡°Save it,¡± The old man said to them, brushing down the dust on his clothes with his hands.


    ¡°Master, you¡­ you got it?¡± asked Old Du carefully.


    ¡°Of course not! That man¡¯s completely crazy! Bound to the pillar, he¡¯s still extremely dangerous. I was almost hurt! What a monster¡­!¡± The chatty old man looked quite pissed.


    ¡°Try to calm down, Master. It¡¯s been so many years; it¡¯s okay to wait a bit longer,¡± said Old Du, forcing a gentle smile on his face.


    The old man sighed. ¡°I can wait. But someone can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°You mean?¡± asked Old He.


    ¡°Dragon Island is appearing soon. If we still can¡¯t find anything this time¡­ Well, talking doesn¡¯t help at all.¡± The chatty old man shook his head.


    However, Old He and Du quickly exchanged a surprised look between them.


    The chatty old man complained, ¡°Not a single good news recently. Bad days¡­¡±


    At this time, he suddenly came up with something and turned to ask his two students. ¡°In fact, there is one. You two know there¡¯s a young man in the valley whose name¡¯s Yun Shu?¡±


    Old He and Du answered at the same time, ¡°Yes! Why?¡±


    A smile crept up on that chatty old man¡¯s face when he mentioned Yun Shu.


    ¡°Tell me everything you know about him,¡± said the chatty old man.


    ¡°A genius! Besides, he has some connection with the steles left by the founder of the sect. If he can finally read the steles, his future will be unfathomable!¡± said Old Du immediately.


    He had always valued Yun Shu¡¯s talent. In front of his own master, Old Du would obviously not skimp on praise.


    The chatty old man slightly shook his head, though.


    ¡°Did I say anything wrong, Master?¡± asked Old Du.


    ¡°Of course, both of you are wrong. You are incorrect because you have underestimated him,¡± said the old man.


    ¡°Underestimate?¡± Both Du and He exclaimed in amazement and confusion.


    ¡°Yes! Even if he didn¡¯t have a connection with the steles, he¡¯s still a marvelous genius! In terms of talent, he can even compete with that man bound to the Nine-dragon Pillar!¡±


    Old Du and He were taken unawares. They were well-aware of the horrible power of the man bound to the Nine-dragon Pillar. That was also why they had never thought of the possibility that someone in the sect could compete with that man in terms of talent!


    ¡°I know what a genius is like. By the way, which bastard sent him here? For what?¡± asked the old man.


    ¡°He humiliated one of the Elders in public,¡± said Old He.


    ¡°It¡¯s not even a big deal. Listen: no matter whether he can figure out the steles or not, release him after three years, and send him directly to the inner sect. I¡¯ll teach him in person!¡± said the chatty old man excitedly.


    Old Du and He were stunned; their master was ready to take on another student! This would be a real buzz in the entire sect when the news spread. It seemed today was a day full of shocks!


    ¡°Then, Master, why don¡¯t you take him out of this place right away?¡± asked Old He in wonder.


    ¡°The finest diamond must be cut! Talented as he is, that boy still needs to be tempered first to become fine steel. You two, make sure he¡¯s safe.¡± instructed the chatty old man.


    ¡°We will!¡± Old Du and He gave the old man a palm-hold-fist salute at the same time.

 Chapter 37

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    Yun Shu didn¡¯t know the conversation happening between that chatty old man and his students. However, he felt that domineering Spirit Qi sweeping the entire valley in person. And so did Su Lingwen.


    Earlier, Yun Shu had directly gone back to the square to meet Su Lingwen after he left that nagging old man. However, before they could chat, that overwhelming Spirit Qi arrived like a tornado.


    Yun Shu was struck dumb, remaining silent for a while before he could barely overcome his shock to open his mouth. ¡°What¡­ What was that?¡±


    Yun Shu¡¯s voice was slightly trembling.


    ¡°It came from the Forest of Deadly Wind. Perhaps, it was some huge change in nature¡­¡± said Su Lingwen, frowning.


    Yun Shu nodded. After all, it was too hard for them to imagine that the immense power actually belonged to a human being.


    ¡°Where is the Forest of Deadly Wind?¡± Yun Shu suddenly asked.


    ¡°I once read about it in a book. The Forest of Deadly Wind is one of the most treacherous places in this world. Its south end connects to this valley, and the woods are extended all the way into the far north. Nobody knows what it¡¯s like, and nobody wants to know,¡± Su Lingwen explained.


    Yun Shu nodded, although he didn¡¯t quite understand. He gazed into the distance, his interest in the Forest of Deadly Wind rising by the minute.


    That Spirit Qi was extremely unusual. If a chance were to arise, Yun Shu would definitely go into the forest to take a look. At least, he believed that cleaving the killing wind in the forest would make his practice much more efficient.


    After all, he could always use that stone gate to escape.


    ¡°Try not to think about it for now. Why don¡¯t you practice swords with me? I know you gained a better understanding of sword intent recently,¡± said Su Lingwen.


    Although Yun Shu didn¡¯t expect her offer, he still hurriedly nodded. ¡°Sure!¡±


    Su Lingwen picked up her wooden sword, while Yun Shu picked up his stick. They were using the same sword intent indicated on the steles to fight.


    Of course, Su Lingwen would restrain her power to match Yun Shu¡¯s level. Meanwhile, Yun Shu would stay where he was.


    This was purely a fight between their comprehension of the sword intent.


    However, Yun Shu didn¡¯t last more than twenty moves, and the stick in his hand was thrown away by Su Lingwen¡¯s wooden sword.


    ¡°We¡¯ll do it again!¡± Yun Shu wouldn¡¯t give up so easily.


    ¡°It¡¯s not necessary. We¡¯ll try later when you get better,¡± said Su Lingwen.


    Yun Shu had no other option but to agree. However, he was unwilling to yield in his heart.


    He could only last twenty moves¡­


    That was embarrassing.


    ¡°It¡¯s getting late. I¡¯ll come back tomorrow. You sure you don¡¯t want to go back with me?¡± asked Yun Shu.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going!¡± Su Lingwen decisively refused.


    Yun Shu had to leave by himself.


    After making sure that Yun Shu had departed, Su Lingwen dropped the wooden sword and rubbed her wrist. His strength was much greater than she had thought. She definitely had to treat their fight more seriously next time.


    In the following days, Yun Shu flung himself into his sword technique, practicing and honing his art. In his eyes, losing to Su Lingwen within twenty moves was unacceptable and shameful. To win back some of his lost dignity, he pushed himself to the absolute limit.


    Su Lingwen never talked much, but she was also under enormous pressure. She couldn¡¯t let herself fall behind Yun Shu as she hoped that he would always respect her as a senior cultivator. She was also putting her heart and soul into it, just like him.


    Just like that, both of them cultivated day and night to maintain their own self-esteem. And thus, both of them were progressing by leaps and bounds. However, despite all her efforts, Yun Shu was still growing much faster than her.


    When fighting, Su Lingwen had to secretly increase her power to the level of Aqua Sky Realm to defeat Yun Shu in about fifty moves. She was both excited and angry, not knowing how to describe her feelings. She was happy to see him growing so fast. Yet, as a genius, she was also annoyed with herself.


    Today was the twentieth day after their first fight. Yun Shu sat with his legs crossed in his stone shelter and slowly opened his eyes. Maybe it was time for him to take the next step.


    The idea had just occurred to him, like an instinct. He knew that it was finally the right time. But before that, he needed to make thorough preparations first.


    He went to the world behind the stone gate. Recently, he had been busy practicing with Su Lingwen, so very rarely did he have the time to come here.


    After he went upstairs, he saw a pile of more than two hundred top ginseng and a dozen white spirit herbs. It seemed that the white spirit herbs were even rarer than the ginseng. Yun Shu was honestly a bit surprised.


    At this time, the little chick that was dozing off also woke up, staring at Yun Shu sadly.


    ¡°Sorry, my bad! I¡¯m feeding you right away!¡± Yun Shu smiled. Then he turned his Spirit Qi into a flame and fed the little chick.


    Afterward, he took out the furnace and started refining pills. With some prior experience, the process went much smoother this time.


    Among the first batch of eighteen, there were four Fine-grade pills. However, Yun Shu wasn¡¯t too happy with it. In his eyes, the number should have been higher.


    What Yun Shu didn¡¯t know was that it was already a huge success. Many famous dan masters would be happy with producing four Fine pills out of eighteen.


    Soon, the second set of pills was produced. This time, there were six Fine pills out of twenty.


    Then came the third and fourth batches. Within a day, he refined a total of twelve sets of pills. Among them, there were seventy-three Fine pills and two hundred and two Ordinary ones.


    Anyone who knew something about alchemy would call Yun Shu an absolute genius.


    However, Yun Shu was still not satisfied. He thought that at the very least, he should get a couple of Supreme-grade pills.


    The majority of dan-making masters would definitely be pissed off by Yun Shu¡¯s idea. Only the great masters could possibly make Supreme pills, after all.


    Yun Shu was obviously being too greedy. Anyhow, he now had the pills ready for his next breakthrough.


    He saved half of his Fine-grade stash for Su Lingwen and put aside the rest. Finally, he went back to the stone shelter.


    ¡°Aqua Sky Realm! Here I come!¡± Yun Shu laughed.

 Chapter 38

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    For this breakthrough, Yun Shu had been preparing for a long time. He had asked Su Lingwen about all the possible problems that he could encounter when trying to cross the threshold and had the solutions ready.


    With the many Fine pills in stock, Yun Shu was very confident. Sitting with his legs crossed, he closed his eyes and went into meditation.


    The flowing Spirit Qi in his meridians started moving slower and slower; in the end, it completely stopped. His body was now like a stagnant pool.


    If someone was here right now, the person would have noticed that the flow of Yun Shu¡¯s Spirit Qi had utterly disappeared. And if that person closed his eyes, he would not be able to sense Yun Shu¡¯s presence at all.


    At this time, Yun Shu gently released a long breath and put one of the Fine pills in his mouth. It instantly melted in his mouth as pure Spirit Qi nurtured his body.


    However, nothing happened next, so Yun Shu kept taking the pills.


    Two, three¡­


    Finally, when Yun Shu put the twenty-eighth pill in his mouth, the Spirit Qi in his body suddenly started boiling. This was what he wanted!


    This was his first time ever in his life that Yun Shu felt his Spirit Qi so abundant. It was so rich that Yun Shu¡¯s meridians started swelling, threatening to overflow.


    At this time, Yun Shu started to direct the Spirit Qi back into his dantian. And when it came to controlling Spirit Qi, he was qualified to be called a master!


    Therefore, he kept a tight rein on that plentiful Qi. Pulled by Yun Shu, it gushed into Yun Shu¡¯s dantian, gathering there and getting thicker and thicker with each second.


    Bang!


    At last, the anticipated transformation happened!


    Within his dantian, a Qi cluster formed. And it gradually grew bigger and bigger. When the Spirit Qi in Yun Shu¡¯s body ultimately settled, that Qi cluster had grown into the size of a fist.


    At this moment, a beam of light, brighter than ever before, rushed out of Yun Shu¡¯s body and lit up the entire space.


    Finally, Yun Shu had reached the Aqua Sky Realm!


    Yun Shu kept his eyes closed and saw the accumulated Spirit Qi, or to be more specific, the accumulated Qi in liquid form in his dantian. He was a bit surprised.


    According to the book he once read, when Spirit Water first accumulated after the Aqua Sky Realm had been reached, its size should be about a soybean, or up to the size of a fava bean. However, his was way too abnormal. It was as big as a fist!


    Having this question in mind, Yun Shu ignored the rice-grain-sized crystal in the center of his Spirit Water. The crystal also came from the Spirit Qi¡ªto be exact, a small part of the Spirit Qi that had been solidified.


    Yun Shu felt a bit worried, so he decided to go and talk to Su Lingwen.


    Su Lingwen knew that Yun Shu was going to make his breakthrough today, so she had been waiting for him. She didn¡¯t feel worried at all since she had firm faith in him. After all, he was a prodigy, unlike she had ever seen before!


    Seeing Yun Shu walking to her, Su Lingwen simply nodded to him.


    ¡°Lingwen, when someone first reaches the Aqua Sky Realm, how big should the Spirit Water usually be?¡± Yun Shu asked directly, without mincing his words.


    Su Lingwen replied, ¡°It depends. Mostly, it should be about the size of a soybean. If it¡¯s bigger, like the size of a fava bean, that¡¯s quite something.¡±


    Yun Shu nodded. He was indeed correct in his thinking.


    ¡°Then what about yours?¡± Yun Shu asked.


    ¡°Mine? About the size of a haw.¡± Su Lingwen was quite proud of her achievement, unaware that this pride was going to be crushed once again.


    ¡°Yours?¡± She smiled and asked Yun Shu.


    ¡°About¡­ the size of a fist,¡± answered Yun Shu honestly.


    Su Lingwen was made speechless, too dumbstruck to voice any words.


    She shouldn¡¯t have asked.


    Her self-esteem was defeated one more time.


    ¡°Something wrong?¡± Yun Shu was quite concerned.


    Su Lingwen took a deep breath and said, ¡°A fight will tell you the answer.¡±


    And then, she picked up her wooden sword and wielded it.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The powerful Qi stirred up a cloud of dust and dirt from the ground and instantly hid their bodies within. After a while, the dust finally settled down, and their figures were revealed.


    The stick in Yun Shu¡¯s hand had been snapped, but Su Lingwen¡¯s wooden sword remained intact. It seemed that Yun Shu was defeated again!


    ¡°How was it?¡± asked Yun Shu.


    ¡°That was more than two hundred moves. What more do you want?¡± Su Lingwen didn¡¯t look too happy.


    ¡°You restrained yourself,¡± said Yun Shu, slightly frowning.


    Su Lingwen wanted to say something but stopped herself.


    In fact, she hadn¡¯t restrained herself at all. That was her whole strength, the ninth level of Aqua Sky Realm at full display.


    However, she felt embarrassed telling Yun Shu that.


    ¡°I¡¯m smart. Don¡¯t make such a fuss,¡± she said word by word.


    Yun Shu didn¡¯t know the truth, so he didn¡¯t harp on the topic.


    ¡°Then, it¡¯s time to take it further¡­¡± he murmured to himself.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Yun Shu smiled. ¡°I¡¯m going deep into the valley. I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be able to take care of you for a while.¡±


    ¡°You are¡­¡± Su Lingwen was surprised.


    ¡°Right! I¡¯m going there to take a look!¡± Yun Shu was quite excited.


    ¡°But¡­ Do you remember the Qi coming out from that place?! It might be dangerous!¡± Su Lingwen exclaimed.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I know how to stay safe!¡± Yun Shu just gave a smile off-handedly.


    He was so confident because he had that world behind the stone gate.


    Seeing that Yun Shu had made up his mind, Su Lingwen finally nodded. ¡°Okay. But stay cautious. Come back immediately if there¡¯s something wrong.¡±


    ¡°I will.¡± Yun Shu nodded. Then he handed the Fine-grade pills to Su Lingwen.


    ¡°You keep them. After all, you¡¯re going to that dangerous place, so you need them more than I do.¡± Su Lingwen wouldn¡¯t accept them, however.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I can always make more.¡± Yun Shu insisted.


    Su Lingwen finally nodded and accepted the pills.


    =============


    From 15 Feb 2020, Coins spent on books that aren¡¯t selected will be refunded within 30 days. However, Fast Passes will not be refunded.


    The selected book will have a mark on the corner of the book cover in 30 days to indicate continuation.


    Thank you for your understanding.

 Chapter 39

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    Watching Yun Shu leave, the corner of Su Lingwen¡¯s lips curled up.


    ¡°I really have to make some progress now, or I¡¯ll soon fall behind,¡± Su Lingwen said to herself.


    After leaving the square, Yun Shu first went to his cave to meet Feng He and his men. Still some distance away from his destination, he heard many people practicing martial techniques.


    In front of the cave, a few hundred men were exercising really hard, devoted expressions donning their faces. Yun Shu¡¯s men could never imagine this before. After all, most of them had completely given up hope on making any further progress in this valley.


    But now, they were motivated by Yun Shu and had decided to change themselves. With access to all kinds of cultivation techniques and even the ginseng roots, basically, they had most of the resources that those outer sect disciples had outside of the valley.


    Yun Shu slightly nodded in approval. If he wanted to build up his own faction, his men should be like this. They couldn¡¯t choose their talent, but they could determine their attitude!


    At this time, the disciples in front of the cave also saw him. Immediately, they stopped their practice and came over to Yun Shu.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun!¡±


    Together, they called out his name loudly and went down on one knee.


    ¡°Stand up, all of you. Where¡¯s Feng He?¡± asked Yun Shu.


    ¡°He¡¯s in the cave!¡± someone answered.


    ¡°Okay. All of you, keep practicing. Don¡¯t slack off!¡± Yun Shu nodded and headed for the cave.


    ¡°Yes!¡± The disciples hollered together and returned to their training regime.


    As soon as Yun Shu entered the cave, he saw Feng He walking out.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun!¡± Feng He bowed to Yun Shu respectfully.


    Feng He had fully recovered from the injury, looking hale and hearty. On top of that, his breaths were now deeper and slower. Obviously, he had improved from his predicament as well. Now, he had reached the eighth level of the Qi Sky Realm.


    Among the disciples in the valley, he could be regarded as a formidable cultivator.


    ¡°You did a good job, but don¡¯t be satisfied with just this. Keep working hard,¡± advised Yun Shu.


    ¡°Thank you for the reminder, Senior Brother Yun!¡± Feng He gave Yun Shu a palm-hold-fist salute.


    Yun Shu took a quick glance at the disciples practicing outside of the cave and asked Feng He, ¡°Are those new members behaving themselves?¡±


    Feng He nodded. ¡°Yes, they are. I¡¯ve been watching them closely these days, and I can tell that they are wholly loyal to you.¡±


    Yun Shu also nodded. ¡°Good. When you think it¡¯s the right time, accept them, and treat them like everybody else.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± Feng He gave a slight nod and said.


    At this time, Feng He switched the topic and said in an apologetic tone, ¡°Senior Brother Yun, last time, you told me to investigate Huang Sheng. Sorry, I haven¡¯t found anything yet. I don¡¯t know where he is right now¡­ Just can¡¯t find any clue¡­¡±


    Yun Shu gave an understanding reply, ¡°Such a filthy rat he is. He sure knows how to make a mess as well as how to hide like a rat. Keep investigating. If you get any information, wait till I get back.¡±


    ¡°Get back? Where are you heading to, Senior Brother Yun?¡± Feng He asked.


    Yun Shu shook his head. ¡°You don¡¯t have to know. Take care of everyone here.¡±


    Feng He agreed. Then Yun Shu took out the Ordinary pills and handed them to him. There were more than two hundred pills, striking fear in Feng He¡¯s heart. He couldn¡¯t believe his eyes.


    These were¡­


    These were pills!


    True pills!


    ¡°Where did you get these, Senior Brother Yun?¡± Feng He was beyond surprised.


    Even Ordinary pills were rare for all outer sect disciples. They were regarded as something precious in the sect, and Feng He had never seen a single pill in the valley.


    But here Yun Shu was, giving more than two hundred pills away so casually!


    That was shocking to Feng He!


    ¡°I made them myself. They¡¯re about grade two and can be of great help to one¡¯s cultivation. Keep them for the disciples,¡± instructed Yun Shu.


    Feng He was awestruck.


    Yun Shu made the pills himself!


    Where did this Senior Brother Yun come from? How many more skills was he still hiding?


    Only those who specially studied pills in the sect knew how to refine them!


    Yet, Senior Brother Yun also knew how to do just that!


    Obviously, he had underestimated his boss, even after reassessing him. Having such a leader was the most fortunate thing that ever happened to him!


    ¡°Are these pills¡­ for us?¡± Feng He had to confirm.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. You keep them for the disciples as a reward or to help them with their breakthrough. Don¡¯t save them; it¡¯s more important that we¡¯re all making progress together. I¡¯ll give you more when I come back,¡± said Yun Shu.


    Feng He swallowed his saliva. He knew how valuable these pills were, and he had never seen so many in his life. Probably, only inner sect disciples could enjoy them.


    He even started to feel that being sent to the valley wasn¡¯t that bad a thing!


    ¡°Thank you very much, Senior Brother Yun! I promise I¡¯ll make the best use of them and properly distribute them. They¡¯ll achieve greater heights because of the pills you give them!¡± said Feng He seriously.


    ¡°I trust you. I hope that soon, all of you will get better than most disciples in the sect.¡± Yun Shu dropped his parting words to Feng He and then left the cave.


    He trusted Feng He. And he believed that he would be able to help the disciples grow fast.


    While imagining all of his men would be able to fight well one day, a smile also crept up Yun Shu¡¯s face.


    After leaving the cave, without any hesitation, Yun Shu set off for the deepest part of the valley. By noon, he had gone more than two thousand miles inside, the farthest that Yun Shu had ever gone.


    Holding a wooden stick in his hand, Yun Shu was ready to gauge how much he had improved since he reached the Aqua Sky Realm.


    He could see that black line in the sky approaching fast.


    Today¡¯s killing wind was arriving!


    =============


    From 15 Feb 2020, Coins spent on books that aren¡¯t selected will be refunded within 30 days. However, Fast Passes will not be refunded.


    The selected book will have a mark on the corner of the book cover in 30 days to indicate continuation.


    Thank you for your understanding.

 Chapter 40

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    Facing the killing wind, Yun Shu wielded the wooden stick in his hand.


    Bang, bang, bang!


    It sounded as if blades were colliding with each other, nothing like a clash between wind and wood. As Yun Shu had expected, the killing wind here is much more powerful.


    However, that was a good thing for Yun Shu. To practice his sword intent, he needed a greater challenge, and this was just perfect. Holding the wooden stick, he ran toward the killing wind.


    After two hours, when the killing wind died out, Yun Shu had gone deeper into the valley by more than fifty kilometers!


    Yun Shu was totally exhausted by the excursion, though. He took out a Fine pill and put it into his mouth. Soon, his fatigue all disappeared, his muscles moaning in relaxation.


    The killing wind here in this part of the valley had become fierce and intense. If things go on like this, I wouldn¡¯t have enough pills to reach my destination that¡¯s 500 kilometers away. So he quickly went back to the world behind the stone gate.


    Seeing Yun Shu coming back, the little chick cheered and kept bouncing around. He would also be delighted every time he saw the little thing.


    ¡°I¡¯ll feed you before refining pills.¡± Yun Shu sat down on the ground and started feeding the little chick.


    The little chick got excited, seeing the flame. It opened its beak as wide as possible to devour the flame. This time, it soon became full, which was a bit surprising to Yun Shu.


    But he instantly realized the reason. His cultivation had improved from the Qi Sky Realm to the Aqua Sky Realm, and thus, the quality of his Spirit Qi had been boosted as well.


    Now, the flame produced by Yun Shu¡¯s Qi was purer. Therefore, the little chick didn¡¯t have to consume that huge an amount anymore.


    As usual, the little thing became sleepy after the big meal, and Yun Shu started refining his pills. He was getting increasingly skillful in alchemy.


    He made three sets, seventy-five pills in total. Among them, there were eighteen Fine pills, while the rest of them being Ordinary.


    Yun Shu was disappointed one more time; he still wasn¡¯t able to produce Supreme-grade pills. Nonetheless, this batch could last a couple of days, at least.


    Yun Shu cast a glance at the sleeping little chick and noticed some differences. Its eyes closed, the little thing looked like it was in pain.


    ¡°Hey, are you alright?¡± Yun Shu didn¡¯t know what to do except to call the little thing.


    Spending this much time together, Yun Shu had developed a bond with it. Also, the little chick¡¯s contribution to Yun Shu¡¯s achievements was immense. Of course, he would be anxious about it.


    No matter how many times Yun Shu called, though, the little chick wouldn¡¯t wake up. Its small body was writhing in agony as it squirmed here and there.


    Yun Shu hurriedly picked up the little chick in his arms, sensing its high body temperature.


    Was it a fever? Yun Shu had no idea. He didn¡¯t know that a chick could also have a fever. With no other choice, he held the little chick tight in his arms and started sending his Spirit Qi into its body, trying to find the reason.


    However, after a couple of hours, Yun Shu still had no clue at all. He held it in his arms for almost a day when suddenly, the little chick¡¯s body started to change.


    A red feather came out on the top of the little chick¡¯s head like a crown.


    Yet, nothing else happened.


    Nevertheless, seeing that red feather appearing thrilled Yun Shu. He could discern the grand power emanating from that feather. As he expected, the little thing should be some heavenly bird!


    At this time, the little chick slowly woke up, its confused watery eyes surveying the surroundings. Obviously, it had no idea what just happened.


    When it woke up, the red feather on the top of its head started fluttering. Meanwhile, the feather was covered in a cluster of flashing glory.


    ¡°What are you, little thing?¡± Yun Shu asked, looking at that feather.


    Of course, the little thing couldn¡¯t give Yun Shu an answer. Besides, it might be even more perplexed than him. But at least, the little chick was fine now, which was a great relief to Yun Shu.


    He had spent too much time here, so he had to go back at this point.


    ¡°Little thing, take some more rest. Don¡¯t rush to collect the herbs,¡± Yun Shu said to the little thick and then left the world behind the stone gate.


    Coming back to the Valley of Crime, Yun Shu looked up at the sky and realized that he still had some time before the next killing wind arrived.


    He decided to go deeper into the valley, so he could challenge the even stronger wind. When it was noon, Yun Shu had gone several hundred kilometers further.


    At this time, the killing wind appeared again. Holding a wooden stick, Yun Shu kept cleaving and hacking at it for two hours straight. Finally, he survived yet another bout.


    However, as soon as the last blow of wind died out, Yun Shu sprawled to the ground, with cuts and bruises all over his body. Although they weren¡¯t serious, they were evidence of his failure: he had missed multiple times.


    It had never happened in the past. However, after catching his breath, Yun Shu broke out in laughter. This was the challenge he had been seeking for all this time!


    He had never met a real challenge ever since he came to the valley. On the one hand, this was because of his superior talent. However, on the other hand, this was because he had failed to push himself to his real limits.


    And that would restrict him from making further achievements. Therefore, having the bruises and cuts was, in fact, a good thing for Yun Shu.


    After sending another pill into his mouth, Yun Shu took a short break. Soon, he had fully recovered from his injuries.


    Fire Cloud Fiend Technique and the pills greatly helped his recovery, increasing the time he had for his practice. Instead of staying where he was, Yun Shu decided to take it up a notch, so he went deeper for another three hundred miles.


    Soon, the day had come to an end, and the second round of killing wind was nigh.


    ¡°Come on!¡± Yun Shu yelled at the wind. Meanwhile, he tightened his grip on the wooden stick and opened his golden pupils.


    Bang!


    The wind was coming!

 Chapter 41

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    The killing winds kept blowing ruthlessly for two hours. After the final gust, Yun Shu directly dropped to the ground, gasping hard.


    The wooden stick in his hand had been reduced to a small twig by the fierce and vicious winds. Here, the power of the killing wind was worlds apart. However, this time, it failed to leave Yun Shu with any bruises or cuts.


    That was a huge step forward!


    With the help of the pill, it still took Yun Shu more than half an hour to gather his strength.


    Yun Shu looked at the short stick left in his hand and slightly nodded to himself. Using the golden pupils, the power of the sword intent was improved further.


    The training was no doubt a tough grind, yet at the same time, this part of the valley was like holy grounds for practicing sword intent. Although feeling extremely tired, Yun Shu had nothing to complain about. Instead, his heart was filled with pride and joy.


    In the following two weeks, Yun Shu stuck to this harsh training regime. Every time he survived a round of killing wind, he would go into the valley a few hundred kilometers further.


    Even though it was fraught with danger, his comprehension of the sword intent had been greatly enhanced. On top of that, he was getting more and more skillful in the utilization of his golden pupils to support the sword intent and his movement technique.


    He was now approaching the Forest of Deadly Wind, the end of the Valley of Crime.


    Today, after surviving the killing wind at noon, Yun Shu consumed all the pills he had on his hand to slowly recover his strength.


    Going through the tough training, Yun Shu could sense his own improvement after every round. Presently, he was only a step away from the second level of the Aqua Sky Realm.


    However, so far, he still had no clue on how to take that step. The only thing that he could do was to keep going deeper into the valley and polish his skills.


    Using Thunder Move, Yun Shu kept moving northward as fast as he could. His use of Thunder Move was also significantly strengthened, approaching the great success stage of comprehension.


    Yun Shu¡¯s movement speed was as fast as lightning, and he was equipped with the power of thunderbolts for protection to boot. Currently, Yun Shu could go a few hundred miles within less than an hour.


    Suddenly, Yun Shu stopped out of shock. Some distance away in the front, there were nine dragons soaring up from the ground, intertwining with each other. The next moment, to his great relief, he realized that they were merely stone statues.


    But who built the statues here? For what reason?


    Yun Shu was confused. Out of curiosity, Yun Shu quickly approached the dragon statues. However, all of a sudden, his body was seized by overwhelming fear.


    Immediately, Yun Shu felt that he was losing all of his five senses. Even the earth and the sky were being distorted. If it kept up like this, his body would be torn to shreds at any time.


    Yun Shu didn¡¯t know where that fear came from, but he was ready to go back to the Stone Gate World. However, at this moment, the feeling suddenly vanished, and everything returned to normal.


    Collapsing to the ground, Yun Shu breathed hard. That feeling, in fact, had only lasted for barely a second. Yet, it was even more consuming than going through a round of killing wind.


    ¡°Who sent you here?¡± A cold voice arrived above Yun Shu¡¯s head, raising goosebumps all over his body. He had never expected anyone to be here in the deepest part of the valley except himself!


    ¡°Nobody; I was just curious. Sorry for the interruption. I¡¯m leaving right now!¡±


    Yun Shu hurriedly said and stood up. He didn¡¯t know who the voice belonged to, but he was well-aware that the owner was incredibly powerful. Without a doubt, that person could kill Yun Shu as easily as blowing off the dust!


    Yun Shu didn¡¯t want to stay here any longer at all.


    ¡°Stop!¡± That voice came again.


    Yun Shu had no other choice but to obey. Meanwhile, Spirit Qi circulated rapidly in his body. He was ready to escape to Stone Gate World once there was a chance.


    ¡°Come in front of me!¡± said that voice.


    Yun Shu was extremely cautious. ¡°No problem. But¡­ but where are you, Senior?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m between the dragon pillars!¡± came the reply.


    Yun Shu did as the voice ordered and went ahead. Finally, he lay his eyes on that man.


    Of course, that man was the most powerful criminal in the Fire Mystic Sect ever.


    His black hair hanging loose and in a mess, the man¡¯s eyes looked as deep as an abyss, threatening to pull Yun Shu in at any second.


    Yun Shu didn¡¯t know who he was. But obviously, the fact that the man was tied to the Nine-dragon Pillar showed that he was a culprit guilty of a great crime!


    The man was in no way an ordinary criminal!


    Yun Shu was just asked who sent him here, which meant that the man was on his full alert and found his presence fishy.


    How should Yun Shu explain himself? What would happen if that man believed that Yun Shu was up to no good?


    Yun Shu¡¯s mind ran on all cylinders to find an excuse.


    At this time, that man snorted. ¡°A hatchling at the first level of the Aqua Sky Realm¡­ It seemed that I was overreacting. By no means would that old guy decide to send such a boy here to kill me.¡±


    Hearing that, Yun Shu released a sigh of relief and hurriedly bowed to the man. ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right, Senior. I¡¯m here just to hone my sword technique.¡±


    Then, Yun Shu briefly explained how he used the killing wind to improve his understanding of the sword intent.


    The middle-aged man looked a bit surprised.


    ¡°You cleaved the wind and came all the way here¡­ Your talent isn¡¯t half bad. Who¡¯s your master?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have one, Senior. I was sent to the Valley of Crime.¡±


    ¡°So, now they¡¯re even sending talents here. Those old dogs can never do a single thing right!¡± The middle-aged man looked quite pissed.


    Yun Shu was a little stunned. It seemed slightly weird that the man would even care about him.


    ¡°Then¡­ How should I call you, Senior? Why are you here?¡± asked Yun Shu with great caution.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know me. And you don¡¯t know why I¡¯m here.¡± The middle-aged man sighed. Then he said to Yun Shu, ¡°My surname¡¯s Ye.¡±


    ¡°My name is Yun Shu. My respects, Senior Ye!¡± Yun Shu bowed to the man.


    The middle-aged man curled his lips. ¡°I don¡¯t need these formalities. But I need you to do me a favor, will you?¡±

 Chapter 42

    Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations


    That request was something Yun Shu didn¡¯t expect, but he still nodded and said, ¡°As long as it¡¯s within my abilities!¡±


    He dared not refuse Senior Ye. Otherwise, he would definitely be taught a good lesson.


    Yun Shu believed that this man must have committed some dreadful crime, and he would command Yun Shu to do something significant.


    Was he going to ask Yun Shu to help him get out of this place?


    But Yun Shu was totally unable to do so!


    ¡°Since you can come all the way here, you should be good at using the sword. Stab your sword into my three acupoints: Yu Tang, Shen Feng, and Tian Chi. Use your full strength!¡± said Senior Ye.


    For a second, Yun Shu thought he misunderstood something. Was he asking him to attack him?


    ¡°Seriously?¡± Yun Shu was hesitant.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask. Just do as I say!¡± Senior Ye roared at Yun Shu.


    Yun Shu secretly used his golden pupils and cast a quick glance at Senior Ye.


    No wonder!


    In Senior Ye¡¯s chest, there were three clusters of black miasma that were preventing his Spirit Qi from flowing smoothly. Clearly, he needed someone else¡¯s power to remove that obstruction.


    However, if Yun Shu did so, Senior Ye was bound to be hurt.


    ¡°I have an idea, Senior Ye. Will you please listen?¡± said Yun Shu, giving the middle-aged man a palm-hold-fist salute.


    ¡°Spit it out!¡± Senior Ye looked quite impatient.


    ¡°Senior, you¡¯re asking me to stab your acupoints, so I assume that something is blocking your meridians. If I do so, this will do great damage to your body,¡± said Yun Shu.


    Hearing Yun Shu¡¯s analysis, Senior Ye seemed to be a bit amazed. A few days ago, he indeed had a fight with that chatty old man. Although he did win, his meridians were damaged.


    And to his surprise, this young boy could make out the cause and also told him the possible consequence.


    ¡°Then what¡¯s your plan?¡± asked Senior Ye, whose tone had obviously softened.


    ¡°This is just my opinion, Senior Ye. I suggest I infuse some Spirit Qi into your Tian Tu and Xuan Ji first and send the Qi further to Hua Gai. Meanwhile, direct your own Spirit Qi in Zhong Ting to Shan Zhong. Once the two flows join, the blockage in Yu Tang will be broken.


    ¡°Afterward, the combined Qi will do a complete circulation in your body. During the process, the congestion in Shen Feng and Tian Chi will be gradually removed. This will take a bit longer, but it will do no damage to your body,¡± explained Yun Shu.


    Senior Ye¡¯s eyes instantly lit up when he heard Yun Shu¡¯s plan. He had always been a straightforward man who preferred solving problems in the simplest way possible. Rarely would he ever consider the potential consequences.


    However, after hearing Yun Shu¡¯s suggestion, he instantly realized that this young man¡¯s plan was much better than his.


    ¡°Good. Then do what you want!¡± He looked down at Yun Shu and smiled.


    ¡°Please relax, Senior Ye!¡±


    Yun Shu quickly sprang to his feet and came in front of Senior Ye. Straightening his fingers, he poked Senior Ye¡¯s acupoints in his chest.


    ¡°¡­Good job!¡± shouted Senior Ye.


    Although Yun Shu had only reached the Aqua Sky Realm, his mastery of Spirit Qi was impressive indeed.


    Given the acupoint massage, Senior Ye¡¯s blood and Spirit Qi circulation was instantly strengthened, which made him feel much better.


    After a while, Yun Shu stopped his treatment. Senior Ye¡¯s complexion looked healthier than before.


    ¡°You¡¯re young, but you surely know a lot!¡± Senior Ye smiled at Yun Shu. His attitude had become a lot nicer.


    ¡°My pleasure!¡± Yun Shu also smiled.


    ¡°Boy, you really did me a big favor. Want me to teach you something?¡± proposed Senior Ye.


    That was a reasonable offer, but a second later, Yun Shu shook his head. ¡°Thank you very much, Senior Ye. It was nothing, and please don¡¯t worry about it. Taking some rest should be your top priority right now. I have two pills here. I know they¡¯re nothing to you, Senior Ye, but they can help you recover faster.¡±


    Yun Shu took out the pills and showed them to Senior Ye.


    The reasons why Yun Shu would turn down Senior Ye¡¯s offer and provide him with his own pills were, in fact, simple.


    First, Yun Shu had the Book of Three Thousand Fiends and the sword intent he learned from the steles. There was no need for him to learn more from someone else.


    After all, trying to learn too many things at the same time would do Yun Shu no good in his cultivation.


    Second, even though Yun Shu had no idea who Senior Ye was, obviously, he wasn¡¯t a nobody. Despite the fact that this important man was now trapped.


    Instead of learning a couple of martial skills from Senior Ye, Yun Shu deemed it better to save the favor until when there was a more urgent need!


    Thinking like this might appear slightly too realistic, but Yun Shu had no bad intention at all.


    ¡°You have pills here in this valley?¡± Senior Ye felt quite surprised again.


    ¡°Take them!¡± Yun Shu threw the two pills at Senior Ye.


    Senior Ye¡¯s hands were bound to the pillar, so he directly inhaled the pills into his mouth.


    ¡°These are made from grade one ginseng¡­ No! The pills are made from grade two supreme ginseng and grade two Ice Flowers!¡± Senior Ye nodded. ¡°Only two kinds of herbs are used in making the pills, but they still have good efficacy. Admirable!¡±


    Yun Shu didn¡¯t expect Senior Ye to know so much about alchemy!


    Senior Ye could immediately tell the ingredients just by ingesting the two pills.


    ¡°Senior, you know how to refine pills?¡± asked Yun Shu.


    Facing such a question, Senior Ye laughed. ¡°Do I know how to make pills? Boy, I¡¯m not bragging; very few people in this world know how to refine pills better than I do!¡±


    So Senior Ye was a master of alchemy!


    Yun Shu¡¯s heart instantly went wild with joy and excitement. He took a deep breath and gave Senior Ye a palm-hold-fist salute. ¡°Senior, do you know about any pills that can treat dead meridians?¡±


    This was for Su Lingwen, of course.


    ¡°There are a couple of them, but if there are too many dead meridians and the damage is from many years ago, it¡¯ll be tricky.¡± Senior Ye frowned.


    Yun Shu explained Su Lingwen¡¯s situation to Senior Ye.


    Senior Ye remained silent for a while, and finally, he sighed. ¡°According to your description, that girl¡¯s meridians were indeed damaged many years ago. It¡¯ll be complicated to fix them!¡±


    Yun Shu wasn¡¯t discouraged at all by the answer. ¡°Senior Ye, you said it¡¯s difficult, which means it¡¯s not impossible, right?¡±


    Senior Ye nodded. ¡°That¡¯s right. To completely fix her meridians without doing any damage, only a kind of pill called Huitian can do the job. But it¡¯s a grade four pill. Finding the ingredients is hard, but refining it is even more so. As far as I know, in the sect, I¡¯m the only one capable.¡±


    Yun Shu hurriedly bowed to Senior Ye. ¡°Please tell me the recipe and the ingredients!¡±


    Seeing that Yun Shu was so determined, Senior Ye sighed. ¡°If having the recipe was enough for making the pill, the world would be full of alchemists. Still, since I owe you a favor, I¡¯ll teach you the formula. Let¡¯s make this clear beforehand: there¡¯s no guarantee at all that it will work.¡±


    Yun Shu was excited by just the slightest possibility. ¡°Thank you so much, Senior Ye!¡±


    However, Senior Ye quickly waved his hand. ¡°Don¡¯t rush to get so excited. Before learning to refine pills, you have to know how to turn your Spirit Qi into a flame first! To do so, either you have to be a genius who¡¯s born with Life Flame, or you have to learn fire-type martial arts! Now, I¡¯m going to teach you a set of said martial skills. If you can¡¯t grasp it in three days, though, you will need to give up.¡±


    After his instructions, just when Senior Ye was about to tell Yun Shu the cultivation method, Yun Shu slowly reached out his hand.


    Bang!


    A brilliant cluster of fire appeared over Yun Shu¡¯s palm.


    ¡°You¡¯re talking about this, right?¡± Yun Shu asked.

 Chapter 43 - The Awakening of Life Flame

    Seeing the flame flickering over Yun Shu¡¯s palm, Senior Ye¡¯s eyes suddenly lit up out of excitement. He could tell that the flame was from this boy¡¯s Spirit Qi, instead of a fire martial art.


    This meant Yun Shu had the potential to awaken his Life Flame!


    Such extraordinary talent was extremely rare!


    To achieve anything slightly remarkable in refining pills or making weapons, the awakening of Life Flame was indispensable.


    Since time immemorial, the awakening of a Life Flame was crucial for master alchemists and artisans!


    Such talent, however, was like gold dust. In the entire Fire Mystic Sect, few were able to awaken their Life Flame. However, there was one standing right in front of Senior Ye. No wonder he would feel so exhilarated.


    ¡°Boy, try to make the fire bigger. Do your very best!¡± Senior Ye said seriously.


    Yun Shu slightly nodded and started circulating his Spirit Qi.


    Bang!


    The flame over his palm suddenly intensified and reached the height of more than seven to eight feet.


    Watching his performance, Senior Ye¡¯s eyes widened with amazement.


    ¡°Alright, stop!¡± Senior Ye said to Yun Shu.


    Yun Shu did as told, and the flame instantly disappeared.


    Senior Ye remained silent, weighing his words. After a while, he asked Yun Shu, ¡°Boy, did anyone ever tell you that you can awaken your Life Flame?¡±


    Yun Shu didn¡¯t know what Senior Ye was talking about and shook his head.


    Senior Ye bit his teeth angrily and swore right in front of him, ¡°Those bloody blind dogs in the sect! There¡¯s such a treasure in front of them, but they just cannot see!¡±


    Knowing that Senior Ye was speaking highly of him, Yun Shu still felt a little embarrassed.


    At this time, Senior Ye continued to explain, ¡°The so-called awakening of Life Flame is, in fact, a kind of innate talent. A person born with it can not only turn Spirit Qi into flame but also have a much better understanding and greater strength than others when practicing fire-related martial arts!


    ¡°In addition, if one wants to attain some real accomplishments in alchemy or crafting, the Life Flame is vital! Not many have the talent, but you do!¡± said Senior Ye.


    Yun Shu was left in a daze while listening to Senior Ye. For the first time ever in his life, he came to know that he was born with such a gift!


    Senior Ye soon shook his head and warned him, ¡°Boy, don¡¯t get too excited too early. Your talent can only determine your upper limits, but it¡¯s entirely possible for you to never even touch them. After all, it fully depends on how hard you are willing to work!¡±


    ¡°I understand!¡± Yun Shu hurriedly nodded.


    ¡°Now that you have no problem turning Spirit Qi into a flame, the most important thing for you right now is to find a way to awaken your Life Flame!¡± Senior Ye said.


    ¡°What should I do?¡± Yun Shu asked.


    ¡°The key to awakening one¡¯s Life Flame is to try to burn up one¡¯s own Spirit Qi. When all of your Spirit Qi is consumed, your Life Flame will be ignited naturally. But for a large majority, the most difficult part is to light a big enough fire, which requires consistent practice. But your flame before was really huge. Did you ever practice it?¡± asked Senior Ye.


    Yun Shu was also confused when he heard this, but soon, he understood.


    The reason why he was able to kindle such a tall flame was that he had been feeding the little chick for a few months. Every time he fed the little thing, it almost emptied out his Spirit Qi reserves.


    This was, however, the best way for the awakening of Life Flame!


    Before he knew it, he had done the motion of awakening his Life Flame multiple times.


    ¡°Senior, I tried to refine some pills on my own a couple of times before,¡± Yun Shu said.


    He still didn¡¯t want to tell someone else about the little chick, so he made up such an excuse.


    ¡°So the two pills you gave me were¡­¡± murmured Senior Ye.


    Yun Shu nodded and said, ¡°Yes. I kept trying and got really lucky!¡±


    Hearing that, Senior Ye¡¯s eyebrows slightly lifted.


    In Senior Ye¡¯s eyes, not only was this young man¡¯s potential extremely high, but he also had a profound understanding of alchemy. Earlier, Senior Ye was only returning the favor by telling this young man about the pill called Huitian, but now, it seemed that the youngster could possibly take up his mantle! Deep in Ye¡¯s heart, his attitude towards Yun Shu had undergone a considerable change.


    ¡°Very good! Then from now on, focus on burning your Spirit Qi!¡± Senior Ye instructed seriously.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Yun Shu answered. Meanwhile, he put his hands together and started circulating his Spirit Qi.


    In an instant, a cluster of flame lit up over Yun Shu¡¯s palm and grew more and more fierce. Soon, the flame completely enveloped him!


    Almost there! Yun Shu clenched his teeth, trying his best to consume all the Spirit Qi he had.


    Finally.


    Puff!


    A small tongue of black flames lit up between Yun Shu¡¯s eyebrows. Though tiny, it was much hotter than the massive cluster of flame that enshrouded him.


    ¡°Done!¡± Yun Shu exclaimed cheerfully.


    Bound to Nine-dragon Pillar, Senior Ye also shared the joy.


    ¡°It¡¯s black fire, even a bit stronger than mine!¡± he murmured in a low voice to himself.


    At this time, the flame covering Yun Shu faded, and the black Life Flame also disappeared between his brows.


    ¡°Very good! Now that you have awakened your Life Flame, we¡¯ll try to refine some pills. You have a furnace, don¡¯t you?¡± Ye asked.


    Yun Shu quickly nodded and said, ¡°Of course!¡±


    He hurriedly pulled out that ugly-looking furnace out of his cosmic bag. Seeing it, Senior Ye¡¯s eyes opened big. Today was a day full of surprises. ¡°Boy, where did you get this Pill furnace?¡±


    Yun Shu was somewhat stunned at Senior Ye¡¯s reaction.


    ¡°I found it in a cave in this valley. You recognize this furnace, Senior?¡± Yun Shu asked.


    Ye laughed and said, ¡°Do I know it? Of course! This is the very furnace I used when I was young! It¡¯s astonishing that we share such fate between us!¡±


    What a coincidence!


    He never expected that this old furnace actually belonged to Senior Ye.


    ¡°The furnace looks so ugly. Why did you decide to keep it?¡± Ye asked in great interest.


    Indeed, in terms of appearance, it was very likely to be thrown into the trash.


    ¡°Although its appearance leaves much to be desired, I can tell there are two streams of Yin and Yang within it. I was curious, so I decided to keep it,¡± Yun Shu answered honestly.


    ¡°That¡¯s not easy to tell at all. You¡¯ve tried refining pills before, right? Now, show me!¡± said Senior Ye.


    Yun Shu gave Senior Ye a palm-hold-fist salute and then sat on the ground. From his cosmic bag, Yun Shu took out supreme-grade ginseng and an ice grass and put them into the furnace.

 Chapter 44 - The Refining Method of Nine Yin and Yang

    Refining these pills for Yun Shu had been an easy job, not taking him too long. After a click sound, twenty pills were ready. This time, there were nine Fine pills, which had broken his past record.


    ¡°This¡­ Is that what happens when Life Flame is awakened?¡± Yun Shu exclaimed.


    At the same time, Senior Ye also looked shocked when he saw this. As an alchemist master and the most powerful man in the Fire Mystic Sect in three thousand years, he once enjoyed the ultimate fame and glory.


    But for so many years, there had been no one qualified to take on his mantle.


    This, of course, was not because no one wanted to take him as their teacher, but because he had really high standards, and even after so much time passed, no one could qualify as his student.


    But what he had never anticipated was his encounter with Yun Shu here in the Valley of Crime of all places, where he was imprisoned.


    In terms of talent, Yun Shu fully met his criteria. In fact, it had exceeded his expectations by a wide margin!


    However, his years of imprisonment in the Valley of Crime made him extremely vigilant. Although Yun Shu had just helped him, that was still not enough to win his trust.


    After all, it was their first time meeting each other. While Ye recognized the young man¡¯s talent, he still did not know him well enough to accept him as a personal disciple.


    Who knew what kind of person this youngster was? Would he be like that ungrateful man who betrayed him?


    Thinking in this way, he temporarily dismissed the idea of imparting Yun Shu his own refining technique.


    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, Ye said to Yun Shu, ¡°Now, boy, I¡¯ll teach you how to make Huitian pills and the required ingredients. Listen to me carefully.¡±


    The technique that Ye decided to tell Yun Shu was indeed correct, but far more primitive than his own refining method.


    Yun Shu wasn¡¯t aware of Ye¡¯s thoughts. He just paid his full attention to Senior Ye¡¯s lecture, costing him half an hour.


    With his excellent memory, Yun Shu remembered the whole procedure. However, there were still many key steps he didn¡¯t really understand.


    But now that he had the formula, it was just a matter of time for him to figure it out.


    After making sure that he remembered every single step, Yun Shu respectfully stated, ¡°Senior, I have one more question.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± said Senior Ye.


    ¡°Do you know of any pills that can regenerate a broken arm?¡± asked Yun Shu.


    That question was for his father, Yun Wanli.


    ¡°Regenerate a broken arm? Why?¡± Senior Ye questioned, frowning.


    Yun Shu replied honestly, ¡°My father lost an arm many years ago. I wonder if any pill can make him whole.¡±


    ¡°Your father¡¯s also in the Fire Mystic Sect?¡± Senior Ye asked casually.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. My father¡¯s name is Yun Wanli, but he¡¯s only a servant in the sect¡ª¡± Yun Shu explained.


    Before Yun Shu could finish his sentence, Senior Ye reacted violently, as if he had been given the shock of a lifetime. His breath became rapid and heavy, as though he had just run a few hundred miles.


    Responding to his emotional outburst, the Nine-dragon Pillar instantly lit up, and the nine dragons bound Senior Ye even tighter.


    ¡°Senior? What happened?!¡± Yun Shu suddenly got nervous and fidgety.


    After a long time, Senior Ye¡¯s started to calm down, so did the Nine-dragon Pillar.


    ¡°Boy, what did you say your father¡¯s name was again?¡± Senior Ye asked aloud.


    ¡°Yun¡­ Yun Wanli!¡± Yun Shu said with some hesitation.


    ¡°Is there a red mole on the left side of your father¡¯s face, below the temple?¡± Ye asked.


    Astounded, Yun Shu said, ¡°Senior, how do you know that? You¡¯re familiar with my father?¡±


    Senior Ye smiled sadly and said, ¡°Do I know your father? Of course! What a surprise! You are his son!¡±


    Yun Shu was totally in a daze now! He couldn¡¯t follow the turn of events at all.


    Senior Ye was obviously a man of great repute in the sect, while his father was merely a servant!


    How could the two know each other?


    Senior Ye just sighed. ¡°Your father didn¡¯t tell you this, and I suppose he has his own reasons. If you want to know, it¡¯s better to ask him.¡±


    Yun Shu knew that Senior Ye didn¡¯t want to tell him the story. But this was about his father¡¯s past. He had made up his mind that sooner or later, he would figure everything out!


    At this time, Senior Ye looked up at the sky. It took him a long time to settle his resolve, and then, the look on his face became determined. He asked Yun Shu, ¡°Boy, many years ago, I created the Nine Yin-Yang Refining Scripture on my own, and it¡¯s probably the best alchemy technique in this world. Back then, none of those old dogs in the Pill Alliance could hold a candle to me! Many of them tried to offer me great treasures in exchange for the technique, but I refused them all. Now, I am going to teach it to you. Are you willing to learn?¡±


    Yun Shu¡¯s heart burst with excitement!


    Such a master in alchemy was offering to teach him the best pill refining technique in the world. Refusing it would surely make him the biggest fool under the heavens!


    ¡°I¡­ Of course, I want to learn!¡± hurriedly answered Yun Shu, who had already started saluting.


    Looking down at Yun Shu, a cheerful smile appeared on Senior Ye¡¯s face.


    ¡°But before that, you must promise me a few things,¡± said Senior Ye.


    ¡°Please go ahead!¡± Yun Shu nodded gravely.


    ¡°First and foremost, never tell anyone that you know me, even including your father!¡± said Senior Ye.


    Feeling reluctant for a while, Yun Shu ultimately nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll bear that in mind!¡±


    ¡°Second, do not easily teach anyone the Nine Yin-Yang Refining Scripture, especially those in the Pill Alliance. No matter what they offer you!¡±


    Yun Shu nodded again. ¡°Of course!¡±


    ¡°Third, if one day you can leave this place, find a woman named Liu Feiyan in Hao Jing and tell her this: the night has grown late.¡±


    Yun Shu wrote down the three things one by one and then bowed to Senior Ye, ¡°Please be assured, Senior Ye. I¡¯ll always abide by the three instructions!¡±


    Next, Senior Ye began to teach Yun Shu the technique. ¡°There are various pill refining techniques in the world, but all of them are always about Yin and Yang! From the way you made those pills, it seems that you¡¯ve started to realize the importance of keeping the balance between Yin and Yang, which shows that you¡¯re quite smart!¡±


    Yun Shu listened attentively and nodded.


    Indeed, when he first tried to refine the supreme-grade ginseng, he noticed that the slightest imbalance between Yin and Yang would absolutely lead to failure, so he added ice grass as a counterbalance.


    Therefore, Ye¡¯s theory of Yin and Yang was easy for him to understand.


    ¡°But the Yin and Yang that you can see now is only the first level. After that, there are eight more levels. Once you comprehend the rest of them, you can finally grasp the true essence of the Nine Yin-Yang Refining Scripture! When you master the technique, based on your talents and perception, you¡¯ll be able to make incredible achievements in alchemy!¡± Ye said.


    Ye¡¯s words gave Yun Shu a big thrill.


    ¡°Senior, you said there are another eight levels of Yin and Yang. How can I see them?¡± Yun Shu hurriedly asked.


    ¡°You still have more ingredients with you?¡± Ye asked.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Yun Shu quickly took all the precious herbs out.


    ¡°Take out the two ingredients you just used and try to make more pills. I¡¯ll tell you what you should do during the process!¡±


    Yun Shu started the usual process of refinement, starting from putting the ingredients into the furnace.


    Senior Ye kept explaining the key points to Yun Shu and correcting him when he did something wrong.


    It wasn¡¯t until today that Yun Shu finally realized he had ignored so many things during the refining process. Learning while making the pills, this time, the process took him much longer than usual. Producing this batch of pills cost him an entire two hours.


    Buzz!


    The moment Yun Shu opened the lid, his eyes instantly widened.


    Out of the twenty pills, eighteen of them were Fine-grade!


    The method had just doubled the success rate!

 Chapter 45 - Supreme-grade Pills

    Senior Ye was also amazed at the grade of the pills Yun Shu made.


    It was incredible that the young man could grasp the first four levels of Yin and Yang in his first attempt. This boy is indeed extraordinary. Ye thought so to himself.


    However, after the initial joy faded away, Yun Shu started to become unsatisfied with his progress.


    ¡°Earlier, I made a couple of mistakes¡­¡± murmured Yun Shu.


    Meanwhile, he threw more ingredients into the furnace without the slightest hesitation and started his second round of concoction.


    Seeing that, Ye shook his head and smiled. ¡°Boy, you need to remain patient and take one step at a time. You¡¯ve come to understand the fourth level of Yin and Yang, which is already quite good. I¡¯m afraid that it will cost you a year or so to reach the next level.¡±


    Yun Shu didn¡¯t respond to Senior Ye¡¯s words, just silently staring at the furnace in front of him.


    Senior Ye shook his head. ¡°Well, youngsters tend to be reckless, aiming for heavens in a single bound. Let him fall once so that he can understand!¡± Ye murmured to himself.


    On the other side, Yun Shu had totally devoted himself to refining his second set of pills. With the prior experience to learn from, the process turned out to be much smoother this time.


    Within an hour, the second batch of pills was ready.


    After Yun Shu pulled back his Spirit Qi, Senior Ye said with a smile, ¡°My technique is the best pill concoction method in this world. Don¡¯t get too ambitious, young man¡ª¡±


    However, Yun Shu had already opened the lid before Senior Ye finished his comment.


    ¡°Huh?!¡± Staring at the furnace and the twenty pills inside, Senior Ye swallowed back the rest of the words.


    All of the twenty pills were Fine-grade!


    Yun Shu had made another breakthrough in his skill of refining pills!


    Senior Ye became speechless. The success rate proved that Yun Shu had come to understand the fifth level of Yin and Yang. How did he do that?


    However, that still didn¡¯t satisfy Yun Shu.


    That was because Yun Shu knew that there were still mistakes during the process. He believed that he had clearly understood the sixth level of Yin and Yang, but he didn¡¯t do a good enough job. He didn¡¯t want to stop.


    ¡°I¡¯ll attempt once more! And this time¡­ I¡¯ll try this!¡± he muttered to himself. After putting the ingredients into the furnace, Yun Shu used his golden pupils.


    Because of the angle, Ye couldn¡¯t see Yun Shu¡¯s eyes. But the moment Yun Shu opened his golden pupils, he instantly felt the difference in Yun Shu¡¯s Qi.


    Ye wondered if the boy would surprise him again. Yun Shu grasping the fourth level of Yin and Yang at his first attempt was already a satisfying outcome for Senior Ye. But now, he had apparently mastered the fifth level.


    The rapid progress shocked Senior Ye.


    And it seemed that Yun Shu was going to further challenge himself!


    This made him both nervous and excited!


    Many years ago, it took Senior Ye three whole years to grasp the sixth level of Yin and Yang. He wondered if Yun Shu was going to be able to comprehend it in a few hours.


    At this time, Yun Shu¡¯s golden pupils stared at the furnace without blinking as his Spirit Qi kept circulating in the furnace smoothly.


    The Nine Yin-Yang Refining Scripture emphasized the combination of Yin and Yang and the formation of a cycle of chaos.


    At the same time, there were more Yin and Yang revolutions within the bigger cycle, compelling it to continuously flow, just like the gears in a machine.


    The cycles were connected and intertwined with each other, so it was increasingly difficult to decipher the next level.


    For someone who didn¡¯t understand the principles, simply looking at the process of refining pills would be more than confusing. But once the person could get the hang of it, the rules that were seemingly complicated would become so simple and easy.


    Right now, as if Yun Shu was doing a landscape painting, there was no panic at all. Instead, there was a sense of beauty in it.


    Bound to the Nine-dragon Pillar, Ye closed his eyes to feel the Yin and Yang flow in the furnace, and his heart kept feating fast.


    That¡¯s right! It¡¯s indeed the sixth level of Yin and Yang. Senior Ye was amazed at how well Yun Shu could control his Spirit Qi. In fact, the youngster¡¯s mastery of the Spirit Qi was no way inferior to Senior Ye¡¯s. He was deeply impressed once again. Yun Shu was like a box of surprises.


    But Ye didn¡¯t get too excited.


    After all, mastering the sixth level of Yin and Yang didn¡¯t necessarily mean that Supreme-grade pills could be made!


    Half an hour later.


    Buzz!


    The fire below the furnace faded away. Yun Shu released a long sigh of relief and closed his golden pupils.


    ¡°Open it. Let¡¯s see what you accomplished!¡± Senior Ye said to Yun Shu.


    Yun Shu nodded, slightly panting. He believed that this time, he had done it perfectly without any mistakes. That was the best he could do currently.


    But he was still unsure of the result.


    Yun Shu reached out his hand and carefully opened the lid.


    Hum!


    Clang!


    A ray of sunglow surged out of the furnace, like a charging dragon.


    ¡°This¡­¡± Yun Shu suddenly froze. He had never seen this before. However, Senior Ye immediately laughed out loud.


    ¡°Boy, you did it!¡± Senior Ye chuckled. The look on his face was complex, though.


    Within a few hours, Yun Shu reached the level that had taken Senior Ye many long years¡ªa total of three, to be exact.


    It was true that he was a pioneer, and it was more difficult for him to start from scratch. But even Senior Ye himself did not have the confidence to learn the Nine Yin-Yang Refining Scripture in such a short time.


    On the other side, Yun Shu did not have so many considerations. He simply took the pills out of the furnace after the slight daze. This time, there were only fifteen pills produced.


    Among the fifteen, there were twelve Fine-grade pills.


    The rest of the three were covered in a colorful halo.


    These were Supreme-grade pills!


    ¡°There are fewer pills, but they are more effective! One Supreme pill is even better than five Fine ones. There are even more benefits, but you¡¯ll have to find out yourself,¡± Senior Ye said with a smile.


    Staring at the Supreme pills on his palm, Yun Shu was also exuberant. He had been studying alchemy for some time now. But before today, he had never produced any Supreme pills.


    Now, he finally got what he wanted!


    ¡°Thank you so much! This is all because of your great teaching!¡± Yun Shu bowed to Senior Ye.


    Senior Ye knew that it wasn¡¯t because of his teaching method at all. In fact, he only went through the steps for Yun Shu once. He wondered which idiot in the sect decided to send this genius here.

 Chapter 46 - Spirit Fire Blades

    Before Senior Ye could say something more, the leaves started rustling in the trees.


    Yun Shu realized that it was already close to midnight, and a new round of killing wind was about to start.


    ¡°Go back, boy,¡± Ye said.


    Yun Shu hurriedly shook his head. ¡°Senior, I still have so much to learn from you!¡±


    However, Senior Ye said to Yun Shu, ¡°You have mastered the essence of the Nine Yin-Yang Refining Scripture. You¡¯ve already reached the sixth level, and it is only a matter of time for you to fully grasp it! I have nothing more to teach you in this respect!¡±


    He paused a second and then continued, ¡°As for the pills that you mentioned earlier for growing your father¡¯s broken arm, honestly speaking, I don¡¯t know of any that can do it. But don¡¯t give up. There are myriad of pills in the world, and I can¡¯t know them all. Perhaps you¡¯ll be able to find what you seek somewhere else.¡±


    When Yun Shu heard the answer, he was quite disappointed.


    Senior Ye was a master alchemist, and even if he was not aware of the existence of such a formula, the hope would be rather slim.


    But like Senior Ye just said, Yun Shu must keep striving to find a cure. After all, life was full of miracles, and there were all kinds of pills in the world!


    Thinking in this way, Yun Shu slightly comforted himself.


    Senior Ye looked at Yun Shu and sighed.


    If he had met him a few decades earlier, he would have trained the boy himself with all his heart and soul. With the boy¡¯s talent and his power, he would have pushed Yun Shu to an unprecedented height. Then¡­


    Feeling helpless, Senior Ye sighed again.


    ¡°It¡¯s time for you to leave now. If you stay here too long, people will know. And neither of us wants the trouble,¡± Ye said.


    Yun Shu had no other choice but to stand up and bow to Senior Ye solemnly. ¡°Thank you very much, Senior Ye. I will keep the things you told me in my mind. If possible, in the future, I will try to get you out of this place!¡±


    Senior Ye just listened and smiled at him. Closing his eyes, he didn¡¯t say anything.


    Yun Shu turned around and walked away, heading for the south of the valley.


    After a while, Ye opened his eyes. He looked in the direction of the Forest of Deadly Wind, and a faint smile appeared on his face.


    On the other side, a while after Yun Shu left the Nine-dragon Pillar, he went back to the Stone Gate World.


    After spending so much energy and his Spirit Qi on making the pills, Yun Shu was too tired to face the wind. Besides, he had something more important to do.


    Sitting on the stairway, he immediately took out one of the Supreme pills he had just refined. The alchemical halo was absolutely gorgeous, mesmerizing the onlookers.


    Wanting to see the difference between a Fine-grade pill and a Supreme one, he put the pill into his mouth. Instantly, a pure and powerful flow of Spirit Qi rushed into his body.


    ¡°Wow!¡± Yun Shu gasped in wonder. Yet, an even bigger surprise was waiting for him.


    After that pure Spirit Qi took a tour in Yun Shu¡¯s body, he suddenly had that familiar feeling coming back. However, he didn¡¯t instantly realize what it was. But at this moment, a beam of light burst out abruptly.


    He had just made another breakthrough!


    Now he had reached the second level of Aqua Sky Realm!


    He had been stuck in the first level of Aqua Sky Realm for a while, and thus, the breakthrough came as a surprise to him. Yun Shu¡¯s eyes glowed in excitement and glee. He would definitely make more Supreme-grade pills!


    At this time, he was not only thinking about himself but also Su Lingwen, who was sitting in front of the steles, and his men in the caves.


    Yun Shu tried to picture the image in his mind that one day, even his men would become respected cultivators. And he would be their leader. How awe-inspiring would that be!


    But it was just too early to think about that.


    After feeding the little chick, Yun Shu took out the Book of Three Thousand Fiends from his cosmic bag.


    His realm had been greatly improved, and his sword intent had also grown a lot. On top of that, he was merely inches away from having excellent mastery of Fiend Eagle Claw and Thunder Move.


    It was time to learn something new!


    Bang! Bang!


    Yun Shu punched the book, and instantly, two new pages were shown to him.


    As it was for every cultivator, Yun Shu was exhilarated upon seeing his new martial art skills. One was called Spirit Fire Blades and the other Fire Scale Shield. Both of them were rank eight Ordinary Level skills.


    These two skills were exactly what Yun Shu wanted!


    Spirit Fire Blades was a fire-type martial art skill. It enabled the user to turn their Spirit Qi into a few fire blades. They could either be held in the user¡¯s hands or be thrown at enemies in the distance.


    Fire Scale Shield was a shield also made of Spirit Qi, mainly used for defense.


    If Yun Shu could master the two martial skills properly, no one within the same realm would be able to defeat him!


    In addition, Yun Shu specialized in practicing fire-type cultivation techniques, and he had awakened his Life Flame to boot. It would definitely bring the power of the two martial art skills to an even higher level!


    With a big smile plastered on his face, Yun Shu decided to practice Spirit Fire Blades first. As a rank eight martial art skill, he believed that learning it could be a bit challenging. However, despite all odds, the process turned out to be very smooth.


    In less than half an hour, his first fire blade had come into shape.


    This made Yun Shu feel more confident about practicing fire-type cultivation techniques.


    Holding the blade of fire, Yun Shu could feel its power from his hands.


    The fire blade was even sharper and more powerful than the killing wind!


    However, at this time, the little chick on the ground suddenly jumped up and leaped at the blade.


    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Yun Shu exclaimed at its abrupt action.


    The fire blade was beyond sharp. Yun Shu thought that the little chick was going to get hurt without doubt, but it was too late for him to stop the little thing.


    But the next moment, Yun Shu was totally stunned.


    Crack!


    Like chewing a cucumber, the little chick snapped the blade with its beak and devoured the pieces into its stomach. Then it turned to look at Yun Shu.


    Obviously, it was begging for more.


    Yun Shu was struck dumb for a while before he could finally come back to his senses.


    It seemed that the little chick was immune to all fire-type attacks! Yun Shu was deeply impressed.

 Chapter 47 - The Smart Use Of Life Flame

    Seeing that, Yun Shu suddenly came up with an idea. Again, he formed another spirit fire blade using his Spirit Qi.


    ¡°Catch it!¡± Yun Shu threw the blade.


    Yun Shu had hurled it with all his strength, and thus, the speed of the blade was breakneck.


    However, before the blade reached the edge of the stairway, the little chick suddenly jumped up and caught up to it at a fantastic speed. Afterward, the little chick snapped the blade into pieces and swallowed it.


    ¡°Wow! So you¡¯re immune to fire-type martial art skills, and you can also move so fast!¡± Yun Shu was surprised.


    ¡°One more time, little thing!¡± said Yun Shu, throwing out a number of fire blades in different directions.


    The little chick handled it very well as it moved back and forth at a swift pace and devoured all the three blades.


    Its speed was even faster than Yun Shu¡¯s Thunder Move!


    The little chick was still a baby. Yun Shu couldn¡¯t help imagining what kind of mysterious and powerful creature it would grow into.


    At this time, the little chick had come back and continued to beg Yun Shu eagerly.


    Another idea flashed in Yun Shu¡¯s mind. He said to it with a smile, ¡°Little thing, take a look at this.¡±


    Yun Shu raised his index finger, above which was a thin wisp of black flame swirling like a viper.


    That black fire was a tiny portion of Yun Shu¡¯s Life Flame. Although it was small, it was much more dangerous than the previous fire blades.


    Seeing a new type of flame, the little chick suddenly froze, drooling at the mouth. It was a creature that survived on fire. So it immediately recognized the black flame.


    But, just then, Yun Shu withdrew the fire.


    The feast suddenly disappeared right in front of its eyes, and the little chick was more than disappointed. Moaning and groaning, it Immediately collapsed to the ground and played dead in front of Yun Shu to protest.


    Yun Shu looked at the little thing and couldn¡¯t help laughing.


    ¡°If you want it, you must also cultivate hard! From now on, every time you learn a good move, I¡¯ll give you a wisp of black flame as your reward!¡± Yun Shu said to the little chick.


    His words instantly lifted the little chick¡¯s spirits. It hurriedly jumped up and kept nodding cheerfully. Apparently, it had agreed!


    Yun Shu left another two spirit fire blades as its food and then turned to focus on his own cultivation. He didn¡¯t know what kind of moves the little chick was going to show him in the future. Besides, he couldn¡¯t help at all.


    He knew that mythical creatures cultivated themselves in totally different ways. Their moves and cultivation techniques belonged to a completely unique system.


    Generally speaking, the more powerful a mythical creature was, the more powerful skills it would inherit from its memory. Furthermore, human beings could not understand the techniques and skills specific to their race.


    So far, Yun Shu still had no idea what the little chick was, but he was sure that it was absolutely a mighty mythical creature. Therefore, he had full confidence in the little chick.


    Calming himself down, Yun Shu started to pay attention to his new defensive skill, Fire Scale Shield.


    Compared with Spirit Fire Blades, to practice using a shield was much simpler. Within half an hour, Yun Shu had a rough understanding of the skill.


    Buzz!


    After a soft hum, Yun Shu¡¯s hand gripped a half-transparent shield about two feet long and wide. On top of it circulated a great amount of Spirit Qi, and the flame inscribed on it formed the symbol of a qilin.


    Yun Shu wanted to test the shield, so he directly left the Stone Gate World and returned to the Valley of Crime.


    At this time, the killing wind was still blowing in the valley. As soon as Yun Shu came back, he had to face countless wind blades.


    Yun Shu quickly raised the shield in his hand to protect himself.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    The fierce wind blades pushed Yun Shu back, forcing him to land ten feet away from where he stood a second before. Although he almost lost his grip on the shield, it still remained intact under the oppressive pressure.


    That was not bad, but obviously, it was not enough for Yun Shu. For someone else in the valley, such a defensive martial art skill would be a great treasure. But for him, it was inadequate.


    In terms of defense, his sword intent worked better than this fire shield.


    At this moment, Yun Shu suddenly came up with an idea: what if he mixed his own Life Flame in it?


    Yun Shu took immediate action without any hesitation. Circulating his Spirit Qi, he infused a wisp of black flame into the shield. Instantly, he heard a raging howl from his arm.


    And then, the fire shield instantly grew to the size of three meters, big enough to protect Yun Shu from his head to toe facing the killing wind.


    Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Yun Shu could hear the harsh clangs, as if metal was striking metal. However, the fire shield appeared to be much stronger now.


    It worked!


    A tiny touch of Life Flame could significantly increase the strength of this fire shield. Yun Shu was surprised at the seemingly infinite uses of Life Flame.


    Now, the shield had become much more helpful to Yun Shu.


    However, he carried the experiment further. Yun Shu formed a spirit fire blade and again infused a small amount of his Life Flame into it.


    Afterward, he uttered a loud roar. Meanwhile, the spirit fire blade in his hand soared up into the air against the killing wind.


    Bang!


    All the wind blades were instantly snapped into tiny pieces by the powerful fire blade!


    Yun Shu¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement. The power of the blow was already not inferior to when he used his ugly sword with his full strength.


    Also, it was a long-distance attack.


    Currently, Yun Shu¡¯s cultivation was only enough for him to use one spirit fire blade infused with his Life Flame at a time.


    But in the future, Yun Shu was confident that he would be able to form hundreds of spirit fire blades and throw them at his enemies from a hundred feet away.


    Before his enemies could even come any closer to him, the fire blades would finish them all!


    Meanwhile, Yun Shu also had Fire Scale Shield to protect himself from any long-distance attack.


    The two martial art skills matched each other perfectly, synergizing with each other to skyrocket his strength.


    Yun Shu had a triumphant smile on his face. The killing wind gradually died away, and the valley became quite again.


    It was time for Yun Shu to go back now. He was quite satisfied with what he had gained from this trip

 Chapter 48 - Tie Him into a Ball

    A few days later, in the early morning.


    Yun Shu had finally come back to the cave where Feng He and the rest of his men lived. Although it was still early, many of them were already practicing their martial skills hard in front of the cave. He slightly nodded in approval.


    Even though he was not around in the past few days, they had not been lazy.


    The disciples were more than happy because of Yun Shu¡¯s return. They all hurriedly saluted their boss.


    Yun Shu looked around at them. Although he could not recognize everyone, there were a few faces he remembered. Compared to the last time he met them, their breathing appeared to be much calmer and smoother.


    Obviously, they had made a breakthrough.


    Seeing that his men were becoming stronger, Yun Shu was also proud. At this time, knowing that the boss had returned, Feng He also ran out of the cave.


    ¡°You also made a breakthrough?¡± Yun Shu said with a smile.


    Feng He had reached the ninth level of the Qi Sky Realm.


    ¡°It¡¯s all because of the pills you left us, Senior Brother Yun. Almost all of us have made some progress in the past few days. Now we have twelve brothers who have reached the ninth level of the Qi Sky Realm!¡± Feng He said proudly.


    Yun Shu lightly nodded. ¡°Good. Keep up the good work. Don¡¯t save the pills, and just ask me when you need more.¡±


    ¡°I will!¡± Feng He nodded.


    After simply walking around, Yun Shu was about to go to the stele square to find Su Lingwen. But at this time, they heard a sudden noise.


    The look on Feng He¡¯s face quickly changed. ¡°They¡¯re here again.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Yun Shu frowned.


    Feng He gnashed his teeth and said, ¡°It¡¯s Uncle-Master Lu Nong¡¯s men.¡±


    ¡°Uncle-Master Lu Nong? Who¡¯s that?¡± Yun Shu asked.


    ¡°He¡¯s also a disciple here in the Valley of Crime, but he¡¯s our Uncle-Master, and he¡¯s much stronger than us. It is said that he has reached the seventh level of the Aqua Sky Realm. He is the strongest in this valley, except for the elders who are imprisoned in the stone prisons¡­¡± Feng He explained.


    Yun Shu didn¡¯t think so, though.


    The strongest in the valley? No way.


    Su Lingwen had reached the ninth level of Aqua Sky Realm.


    ¡°So, why they¡¯re here?¡±


    Facing the question, Feng He suddenly knelt down on the ground and said, ¡°Senior Brother Yun, forgive me! A few days ago, when I was distributing the pills, somehow, Lu Nong and his men caught wind of the news. Then he sent his men here to ask for the pills. Trying to avoid the trouble, I gave them ten pills and told them that you and Elder Du are close. Thus, they didn¡¯t give us a hard time. But since then, they keep coming back for the pills. This is the seventh time.¡±


    Then, Feng He paused for a second and continued, ¡°Also, I heard that Huang Sheng has also joined them.¡±


    A cold beam of light flashed in Yun Shu¡¯s eyes. Feng He was shocked, and he hurriedly begged, ¡°Please forgive me, Senior Brother Yun!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not blaming you. Facing the enemy stronger than you, what you did was proper. But it¡¯s totally stupid of Lu Nong to mess with me. Also, Huang Sheng again¡­¡± Yun Shu said in a cold voice.


    He knew that this was mainly because of Huang Sheng. Feng He hurriedly said, ¡°Senior Brother Yun, please think twice! Unlike Fang Quan and her men, Lu Nong is much more experienced in fighting, and he has reached a higher realm!¡±


    Yun Shu ignored him and walked out.


    In front of the cave, Yun Shu saw a man standing there in an arrogant manner, yelling, ¡°Am I wrong? Your Senior Brother Yun is just a coward. He never shows up! He must be so afraid of me that he¡¯s hiding his head between his legs!¡±


    Afterward, he and his lackeys burst into laughter together. He had about twenty men with him.


    Yun Shu¡¯s men were all in a rage and were ready for a fight.


    Feeling the hostility, the look on the man¡¯s face suddenly became gloomy. He released his power and created a chilling atmosphere around, giving Yun Shu¡¯s men a hard time breathing.


    The man had reached the first level of the Aqua Sky Realm. No wonder he was so arrogant. But unfortunately, he had pissed off the wrong person!


    Yun Shu squinted his eyes. Next, he immediately used Thunder Move and skillfully landed in front of his men. At the same time, he released his fire-type power, and the atmosphere he created instantly offset that cold air.


    Witnessing this, the man standing opposite from Yun Shu was stunned for a second.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± he asked, squinting.


    ¡°Yun Shu. And who are you?¡± Yun Shu calmly replied.


    That man laughed and replied, ¡°Good, the coward is finally willing to reveal himself. I¡¯m Yang Tang, and I¡¯m not gonna waste my time here. Give us a hundred pills today, and we¡¯ll leave you and your men in peace. Otherwise¡­¡±


    ¡°Otherwise what?¡± Yun Shu asked coldly.


    Yang Tang sneered and released that cold air again.


    ¡°Otherwise, I don¡¯t mind having some exercise here!¡± Yang Tang said, staring at Yun Shu.


    ¡°You asked for this!¡± Yun Shu suddenly leaped in the air.


    Yang Tang did not expect that Yun Shu would initiate the fight. Immediately, he became furious, cursing and raising his hand. His hand was like a claw covered in ice and frost.


    Yun Shu simply used his palm to land the blow.


    Crack!


    The moment their palms pressed against each other, a cold air flow infused into Yun Shu¡¯s arm.


    ¡°My Ice Palm is a rank three Ordinary Level martial skill, and I¡¯ve fully mastered it. Say bye-bye to your arm,¡± said Yang Tang triumphantly.


    But unexpectedly, as soon as he finished his words, Yun Shu used his hand, which was already useless in Yang Tang¡¯s eyes, and directly snapped Yang Tang¡¯s bones.


    ¡°Ah! You!¡± Yang Tang suddenly panicked, having no idea how this was possible.


    ¡°You are in the Fire Mystic Sect, but you practice ice-type martial art skills. You¡¯re such an idiot!¡± said Yun Shu. Then he leaned forward as his hand pressed on Yang Tang¡¯s head.


    ¡°You¡­!¡±


    Yang Tang tried to say something, but Yun Shu wouldn¡¯t give him a chance. Snaking electric arcs flashing under his palm, he instantly made Yang Tang shut up.


    Then Yun Shu¡¯s hand pressed Yang Tang¡¯s head down further and tucked it firmly between his legs.


    Just now, Yang Tang was laughing at Yun Shu and said that he was hiding his head between his legs. But this actually happened to himself!


    Yun Shu stripped Yang Tang¡¯s clothes and tied him into a ball.


    After making the demonstration, Yun Shu said to his men, ¡°What are you guys waiting for? Catch the rest of them and tie them up, just like how I did!¡±

 Chapter 49 - Human Pill Beads

    Following Yang Tang were about twenty people, but they were just his minions. Although Yun Shu had tied their boss into a ball, what could they even do?


    Yun Shu¡¯s men rushed up in a mob and caught them all. Following their leader¡¯s demonstration, they quickly tied all of Yang Tang¡¯s minions into dumplings.


    Yun Shu did a rough count. Including Yang Tang, there were twenty-eight balls.


    Feng He saw this from the cave, cold sweat forming on his forehead due to anxiousness. He hurriedly walked to Yun Shu and asked with worry, ¡°Senior Brother Yun, you have tied all of them up. What are you going to do next?¡±


    ¡°I need guys who¡¯re strong enough to carry these balls! Follow me!¡± Yun Shu said to his men aloud. They instantly responded with a deafening cheer.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun, where are you going?¡± Feng He asked.


    ¡°Lu Nong wants pills, so I¡¯ll give him some! You come with us!¡±


    Led by those who knew where Lu Nong was, Yun Shu and his team set off. Feng He also followed them, feeling confused and perplexed.


    Senior Brother Yun was going to hand Lu Nong pills?


    Did Senior Brother Yun just decide to take some loss in order to avoid the trouble?


    But if that was the case, why had they tied up Lu Nong¡¯s men?


    Feeling bewildered by the turn of events, Feng He tanged along with the group.


    Hundreds of miles away, there was a massive cave at the foot of a mountain. In its deepest section, Lu Nong was sitting straight on a cushion. The grey hair on his temples signified his passing years.


    At the moment, four disciples were standing opposite him in two rows, facing each other, and one of them was Huang Sheng!


    ¡°The pills are truly useful. I think I¡¯m expecting another breakthrough soon. Hope that Yang Tang will bring back more this time,¡± said the only woman among the four.


    ¡°Yang Tang will. He won¡¯t come back until he gets his hand on more pills,¡± the middle-aged man in grey clothes standing opposite her said.


    ¡°I agree. Also, I¡¯m really curious how the guy named Yun Shu got these pills. He¡¯s even willing to give them to his men. Maybe, there¡¯s really someone backing him up¡­¡± said the young man with thin eyes and long eyebrows standing beside the middle-aged man in the grey coat.


    Huang Sheng grinned and said, ¡°All of you can rest assured. I know him very well. He used to be a loser, and his dad is only a handicapped servant in the sect. He absolutely has no one behind him. I think he just somehow got lucky and found the pills by chance. I believe we should just apprehend him so that he¡¯ll confess everything.¡±


    The rest of the three disciples exchanged a look between each other. No one dared make the final decision, though.


    At this time, Lu Nong finally opened his mouth. ¡°That¡¯s not necessary. In the Valley of Crime, we shouldn¡¯t go too far.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, Uncle-Master!¡± Huang Sheng hurriedly stood up and bowed. Pretending to be obedient on the surface, he was, in fact, extremely unwilling to give up just like that. He knew that Lu Nong was still feeling a bit concerned. Otherwise, he would have caught Yun Shu as soon as he got the first ten pills.


    Huang sheng told himself to be patient. Sooner or later, he would make Yun Shu pay for what he had done to him. At this time, someone shouted outside the cave and broke his line of thought. ¡°Lu Nong, don¡¯t you want more pills? I¡¯m Yun Shu! I have more, right here, for you!¡±


    Hearing the name, the five of them in the cave were all stunned.


    Huang Sheng hurriedly said, ¡°Uncle-Master Lu, did you hear that? That boy¡¯s bringing pills to you on his own accord! Obviously, he¡¯s afraid! He has no one to rely on! This is our best chance to take him!¡±


    Hearing Huang Sheng¡¯s words, Lu Nong¡¯s eyes lit up as he had indeed been persuaded.


    ¡°Huang Sheng could be right. I also want to see what kind of person this young man is. At least, he¡¯s quite lucky for sure,¡± said Lu Nong, who stood up as he spoke and walked out of the cave.


    He saw Yun Shu and his men standing some distance away from him. But he didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°So you¡¯re Yun Shu? Good. What kind of pills you have for me?¡± Lu Nong asked Yun Shu coldly, his hands folding behind his back.


    Yun Shu smiled and replied, ¡°It¡¯s called Human Pill Bead! They¡¯re really good! Here, take them!¡±


    Yun Shu grabbed Yang Tang¡¯s belt in his hand and threw him at Lu Nong with all his strength. Even Feng He was shocked senseless, not to mention Lu Nong and his men.


    Feng He reckoned that Yun Shu was here to negotiate, but in fact, that was not the case at all!


    Lu Nong and his four disciples hurriedly dodged aside upon seeing that huge ball coming for them.


    Bang!


    Yang Tang hit the rock bitterly, countless small fragments raining on him. He was finally untied. Lu Nong and the four disciples recognized him immediately.


    ¡°Yang Tang, what happened?!¡± the woman exclaimed.


    Foaming at his mouth and his eyes rolling backward, Yang Tang had passed out.


    ¡°Kid, you messing up with me?¡± Lu Nong turned around and stared at Yun Shu ferociously.


    Yunshu sneered. ¡°You just found it out? Dumbass.¡±


    Then Yun Shu said to his men, ¡°Come on! Let¡¯s give Uncle-Master Lu more pills!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± ¡°No problem!¡±


    Lu Nong¡¯s men had been humiliating Yun Shu¡¯s underlings all this while. They sorely needed this very chance to release their pent up anger. They couldn¡¯t wait any longer!


    Yun Shu¡¯s men hurriedly swung their arms fiercely to toss the guys who were tied up into balls at Lu Nong like throwing bombs.


    Bang! Bang! Bang¡­


    The guys groaned in pain, writhing on the ground. That was extremely humiliating!


    Glaring at Yun Shu, Lu Nong¡¯s killing intent soared to the heavens.


    ¡°You want to be a dead man, boy?¡± Lu Nong gnashed his teeth.


    Yun Shu wasn¡¯t afraid at all. Fearless, he yelled at Lu Nong, ¡°You old bastard! Come here, and let¡¯s see who¡¯s gonna die here today!¡±


    Seeing his confidence, Lu Nong felt a bit hesitant. He wondered whether the boy came here fully prepared. So he commanded the man in grey, ¡°Jia Zi¡¯an, go and try him!¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± The man named Jia Zi¡¯an nodded and walked to Yun Shu.


    ¡°Kid, let me see¡ª¡±


    However, before he could finish the sentence, Yun Shu had run up to him and pressed down his head violently.


    Bang!


    Yun Shu directly stuck that man¡¯s head in the dirt!


    ¡°You stay away from me!¡± Yun Shu said to the man. Then he glared at Lu Nong and shouted, ¡°You, get your ass over here!¡±

 Chapter 50 - Warm-up Exercises

    In front of so many disciples, Lu Nong¡¯s face turned pale with rage.


    ¡°You¡¯re asking for it now, boy!¡± he said coldly and then took a step forward. Instantly, the atmosphere changed.


    Standing behind Yun Shu, those disciples who were mocking Lu Nong were compelled to take a few steps backward upon feeling enormous pressure.


    Lu Nong did nothing else. It was just a step forward.


    They suddenly realized that the man they were mocking was Lu Nong, and this might have been a wrong decision. Soon, their excitement wore off, and they started to worry about Yun Shu.


    There was mounting tension in the air. Yun Shu¡¯s men started to feel nervous and apprehensive. On the other hand, Huang Sheng and the rest of Lu Nong¡¯s men grinned. His imposing manner had greatly encouraged them. They believed that there was no way for Lu Nong to lose.


    Yun Shu was a bit surprised to find out that Lu Nong had indeed reached the seventh level of the Aqua Sky Realm. Yet, he was not afraid at all. To Yun Shu, this was even an excellent opportunity for him to try out the new moves he had just learned.


    ¡°Boy, cultivation is not easy, so right here and now, I¡¯ll give you one last chance. If you promise to respect me as your leader and give all your pills to me, I will let you go. What do you think?¡± Feeling self-assured, Lu Nong¡¯s tone was much calmer now.


    In his eyes, due to the gap between their levels, it was utterly impossible for Yun Shu to defeat him. Although the move Yun Shu had shown when he beat up Jia Zi¡¯an looked extremely violent, it was mostly because Jia was unprepared.


    If they came face to face, Lu Nong was convinced that Yun Shu could by no means rival him. Now, as he had shown his strength, he was also confident that Yun Shu would soon drop to his knees and beg for mercy.


    Lu Nong had even begun to fantasize about owning the precious pills.


    ¡°Give me one last chance? Interesting. But unfortunately, old bastard, I don¡¯t want to give you any chances!¡± replied Yun Shu. At the same time, holding his ugly sword, he lifted his heels and leaped in the air, directly targeting Lu Nong!


    Witnessing his bold and outrageous actions, everyone present was left in a daze for a moment. In their eyes, that was a desperate move to save the last of his face.


    Indeed, it seemed to be extremely unwise for Yun Shu to launch a direct attack. Facing an enemy stronger than him, he should have chosen a smarter way.


    Obviously, Yun Shu didn¡¯t use any elaborate strategies, which was basically seeking for his own death!


    In Lu Nong¡¯s eyes, Yun Shu was such an arrogant and stupid young man.


    ¡°Reverse Wind Palm!¡± Lu Nong yelled.


    Hundreds of wind blades came out from between his fingers, and they savagely flew toward Yun Shu.


    His Reversed Wind Palm was a Rank five Ordinary Level martial art skill. Adding his cultivation, the power was astonishing. In the Valley of Crime, no one but the Elders could handle this move.


    Therefore, Lu Nong believed that Yun Shu would either be killed instantly or be at least seriously injured by his one single strike.


    However, this move was full of flaws in Yun Shu¡¯s eyes. Recently, he had been cleaving the killing wind every day. The wind blades formed between Lu Nong¡¯s fingers were even weaker than the gentlest blast of the killing wind.


    Bang, bang, bang!


    Yun Shu simply swung at the wind blades with his ugly sword casually, and they instantly snapped. The blades couldn¡¯t even slow down Yun Shu¡¯s speed at all!


    Before Lu Nong comprehended the scene, he saw the sole of a shoe.


    ¡°What?¡±


    Bang!


    Yun Shu kicked Lu Nong in the face, and the strength threw him away by almost ten meters. Blood came out of his nostrils and mouth, looking extremely embarrassed and disheveled.


    It happened too fast, and the audience was still in a daze. It was so quiet that it was even possible to hear a needle dropping.


    ¡°Your thick-skinned face hurt my foot.¡± Yun Shu sneered.


    Lu Nong finally realized what had happened. Hearing Yun Shu¡¯s words and under people¡¯s steady gaze, he gnashed his teeth with all his force.


    ¡°Kid, you must die today!¡± Lu Nong roared. His fingers stretched like hooks, he quickly jumped up and fiercely made a mad dash toward Yun Shu.


    Yun Shu lifted the sword in his hand and just stood there calmly. Obviously, he was showing his disdain. Lu Nong felt extremely resentful at the blatant disregard. ¡°I¡¯ll snap that crappy sword into pieces!¡±


    Puff!


    Lu Nong¡¯s hand fell directly on the tip of that ugly sword. Instead of breaking the sword as he had anticipated, that scrap sword penetrated his palm.


    The disciples almost dropped their chins. They could not wrap their heads around what was going on.


    ¡°What did you say, old dog?¡± Yun Shu sneered.


    Lu Nong had withdrawn his hand. Looking down at the bleeding palm, he couldn¡¯t believe his eyes.


    ¡°How¡¯s this possible? Why is the sword so sharp?¡± he murmured to himself.


    Yun Shu grinned coldly. ¡°Now it¡¯s my turn!¡±


    As Yun Shu spoke, he raised the sword and thrust at Lu Nong.


    Lu Nong was now extremely scared of the ugly sword, so he hurriedly retreated. He believed that as long as he could stay away from the reach of the blade, he would be able to defeat the boy.


    Seeing Lu Nong retreating, Yun Shu had a faint smile on his face as this was exactly what he wanted. He swung his arm, and suddenly, five streaks of light rushed at Lu Nong.


    Spirit Fire Blades!


    ¡°So you use fire? It¡¯s not gonna catch me!¡± Lu Nong shouted.


    However¡­


    Boom!


    The five fire blades exploded right next to Lu Nong, the heavy smoke instantly devouring him.


    ¡°Who told you the blade can only be used for a thrust? Exploding is way faster, isn¡¯t it?¡± Yun Shu sneered.


    At this time, Lu Nong had climbed out of the heavy smoke. Every inch of his skin had turned black, and his hair and ass were still on fire. Even his own men couldn¡¯t recognize him.


    What a sharp contrast to his previous confidence!


    The spectators could not believe their eyes.


    ¡°Is this real? Lu Nong looks so shitty right now¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, compared to Senior Brother Yun, Lu Nong is not on the same level at all!¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun won!¡±


    The disciples were totally lost in wonder.


    Lu Nong could hear the exclamations around him, causing his entire body to shake with rage.


    ¡°Go to hell!¡± Lu Nong roared and made a dash toward Yun Shu.


    ¡°You don¡¯t learn your lesson, do you?¡± Yun Shu snorted. Reaching out his hand, a spirit fire blade rushed at Lu Nong.


    ¡°That¡¯s all you have?¡± howled Lu Nong.


    However¡­


    Bang!


    This time, the explosion was even more violent than the last, and a small mushroom cloud rose above the ground.


    ¡°Who told you it¡¯s the same move? Don¡¯t you use your brain?¡± Yun Shu shook his head.


    The last fire blade was totally different. He had blended his Life Flame into this super fire blade. Thus, it had way greater power and speed.


    However, Lu Nong had no idea what it was.


    Puff!


    A mouthful of blood gushed out of Lu Nong¡¯s mouth. Kneeling on his knee, the way he stared at Yun Shu was full of bitter hatred.


    Yun Shu gripped his sword tighter and quickly exercised his shoulders. ¡°This is the end of the warm-up. Now, let¡¯s start.¡±


    ¡°Warm-up?¡± the disciples all exclaimed.

 Chapter 51 - Off with His Head

    So that was just a warm-up. What would happen when Yun Shu got serious?


    Seeing Yun Shu walking toward him, fear emerged in Lu Nong¡¯s eyes. ¡°Wait a second¡­¡±


    Yun Shu snorted and hacked horizontally, the forceful blow fiercely throwing Lu Nong into the air.


    Yun Shu lifted his feet and followed behind the airborne foe. The sword in his hand kept jabbing at Lu Nong at an amazing speed, and sword intent spurted out with Yun Shu¡¯s every move, leaving the opponent no chance at all to fight back.


    Had it not been for Yun Shu¡¯s intention to practice his sword technique on Lu Nong, he would have been killed by now!


    Nevertheless, Lu Nong kept thrashing around miserably on the ground until Yun Shu decided to stop.


    When Yun Shu finished his last move and put aside his sword, Lu Nong violently hit the ground and had completely lost his strength to stand up again.


    Yun Shu had defeated Lu Nong with absolute ease!


    After a moment of silence, a great cheer went up from Yun Shu¡¯s men. In sharp contrast, Lu Nong¡¯s hooligans were all shaking in fear, and their faces looked extremely pale.


    Before the fight, none of them had expected this result. Yun Shu trounced Lu Nong and became the one deciding his life and death.


    It would be fortunate if Lu Nong could survive, but without a doubt, the fight had forever disabled him.


    The boss had lost the fight. What else could the rest of the minions do?


    The ugly sword in his hand, Yun Shu slowly walked toward the frightened herd of sheep. There were more than a hundred of them, yet none dared step forward and fight back. After all, their boss was still lying on the ground.


    When Yun Shu took a step forward, they took a step backward.


    Yun Shu was on his own, but his menacing aura made more than a hundred men tremble. Seeing that, Feng He and the rest of Yun Shu¡¯s men were thrilled to the extreme.


    At this time, Lu Nong¡¯s men had retreated to the corner against the mountain wall. They had no more space to retreat.


    The menacing glow in Yun Shu¡¯s eyes was overwhelming, but he had no intention to stop.


    Bang!


    Finally, some of them could not bear the pressure anymore and went down on their knees, begging for Yun Shu¡¯s mercy.


    Then more of them followed their companions.


    However, Yun Shu directly ignored them. He had a specific target in the crowd.


    In the group of defeated, trembling men, a guy was kneeling on the ground with his head burying low. His body was frozen stiff with immense fear.


    ¡°Anything you want to say?¡± Yun Shu asked coldly.


    Hearing Yun Shu¡¯s voice, a thrill of alarm ran through the man¡¯s body. That man was Huang Sheng!


    ¡°Junior Brother Yun! No, Grandpa Yun! It¡¯s all my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have done those things to put you in trouble. I beg your mercy, Grandpa Yun! Will you spare my life?¡± Huang Sheng burst into tears.


    ¡°Spare your life? You almost killed me multiple times! If you were me, would you forgive me?¡± said Yun Shu indifferently.


    ¡°Please, please!¡± Huang Sheng had nothing else to say but keep begging.


    A flash of cold light appeared in Yun Shu¡¯s eyes as he lifted his ugly sword. The sharp blade cut in Huang Sheng¡¯s neck and directly beheaded him.


    It was impossible for Yun Shu to keep Huang Sheng¡¯s life. Given a chance, such a despicable man would immediately take his revenge on Yun Shu.


    Seeing that, those men almost peed their pants. But none of them dared move.


    ¡°Lu Nong is now disabled; Huang Sheng is dead. I¡¯ll spare everyone today as I don¡¯t have any hatred toward any of you. But I hope all of you have learned the lesson and will stay away from my men and me!¡± Yun Shu declared coldly.


    Hearing that, the people could finally release a sigh of relief, showing even greater respect to Yun Shu.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Yun Shu ignored them and went back to his cave with his men.


    Yun Shu¡¯s men were beyond excited upon seeing their boss defeating Lu Nong. The battle had significantly lifted up their spirits. But the protagonist appeared to be fully calm since Lu Nong was nothing in his eyes.


    Simply leaving his men with some parting words, Yun Shu left the cave for the stele square.


    Killing Huang Sheng had solved Yun Shu¡¯s biggest concern for the moment. Now, all he wanted to do was to thoroughly understand the steles so that he could leave the Valley of Crime.


    Fan Wen owed him, along with many more in the sect. All of them had to pay!


    Pondering to himself, Yun Shu soon arrived at the square and saw the familiar figure. Somehow, though, he felt that Su Lingwen was somewhat different now.


    ¡°It took you so long.¡± Su Lingwen was obviously aware of Yun Shu¡¯s arrival.


    As she turned around, Yun Shu¡¯s eyes looked into hers, and suddenly, his pupils dilated.


    ¡°You made another breakthrough?¡± Yun Shu hurriedly asked.


    ¡°So, you can tell.¡± Su Lingwen had a triumphant smile on her face as she looked at Yun Shu.


    Yun Shu was really impressed.


    ¡°To send my congratulations, I¡¯ve got a present for you.¡± Yun Shu reached his hand into the bag.


    Su Lingwen knew what Yun Shu wanted to give her.


    ¡°Keep the pills. I¡¯ve reached the first level of the Spirit Sky Realm. The pills are not much help to me anymore.¡±


    ¡°These ones are different.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡± Su Lingwen shook her head.


    But the next moment when Yun Shu showed her the pills, she was totally stunned. She immediately recognized the beautiful halo. Those were Supreme-grade pills!


    ¡°Where did you get these?¡± asked Su Lingwen in a trembling voice.


    ¡°I refined them!¡± Yun Shu grinned.


    ¡°You¡­ You refined them?¡± Su Lingwen was speechless for a moment.


    She knew that a person who was able to produce Supreme-grade pills could be regarded as a master alchemist.


    After making the breakthrough, she was about to show off in front of Yun Shu. But the pills in Yun Shu¡¯s hand had completely driven away that small amount of pride in her heart.


    So what if she was a cultivator who had reached the first level of Spirit Sky Realm? Yun Shu was a master alchemist!


    There was no comparison between the two.


    ¡°Well, you win¡­ again.¡± Su Lingwen smiled as she shook her head.


    ¡°What?¡± Yun Shu asked, feeling a bit surprised.


    Su Lingwen did not answer the question. Instead, she grabbed her wooden sword and said, ¡°Come on! Let me see what you have learned from your trip!¡±


    ¡°No problem!¡± Yun Shu agreed without hesitation.


    On the square, their fight raised wild swirls of wind, wreaking havoc in the area. After a long time, the atmosphere finally returned to tranquility.


    Five hundred moves!


    This time, Su Lingwen had used five hundred moves to beat Yun Shu.


    And again, she had used her full strength!


    Wiping off the sweat on her forehead, Su Lingwen was deeply impressed by Yun Shu¡¯s progress. She knew that soon, Yun Shu would be able to defeat her.


    ¡°What are you thinking?¡± Yun Shu asked.


    ¡°Nothing¡­¡± Su Lingwen shook her head, combed her messy hair with her fingers, and spoke, ¡°Well¡­ Can you do me a favor?¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Take me to the lake.¡± Su Lingwen¡¯s face slightly blushed.

 Chapter 52 - The Illusion of the Heavy Sword

    After taking a bath in the lake, Su Lingwen returned to the stele square with Yun Shu.


    Yun Shu had destroyed all the enemies in the valley. So now, his primary purpose was to thoroughly grasp the steles to return to the sect¡¯s grounds.


    Through the previous practice and cultivation, Yun Shu now had an even better comprehension of the sword intent carved in the steles. Therefore, this time, his gain from reading the steles was immense.


    Meanwhile, however, Yun Shu had to consume lots of pills, almost a Supreme-grade pill every day. This kind of expenditure was even unaffordable for inner disciples in the sect.


    But Yun Shu didn¡¯t feel any pressure because he had the little chick to collect the herbs for him, and then he could make the pills on his own.


    The only trouble was that after he became proficient in the Nine Yin-Yang Refining Scripture, all the pills he made were Fine-grade and above.


    So later, when Feng He came to find Yun Shu for more pills, Yun Shu gave him more than a hundred Fine-grade ones covered in holo, and that almost made Feng He pee his pants.


    Yun Shu had to assure Feng He multiple times before he could finally accept them.


    Ten days in a row, Yun Shu took Supreme-grade pills every day and kept cultivating hard. At last, he reached the peak of the third level of the Aqua Sky Realm.


    He was only an inch away from hitting the fourth level of the Aqua Sky Realm.


    However, his understanding of the sword intent had encountered a bottleneck. Although he could see the marks left on the steles, he could not grasp their essence.


    Though, in Su Lingwen¡¯s eyes, Yun Shu¡¯s struggle was basically his way of showing off. Throughout the past dozen days, his understanding of the sword intent had become as good as hers.


    After another day of reading the steles, Yun Shu said goodbye to Su Lingwen and returned to his stone shelter. Although he wanted to accompany her, he needed to spend the night to refine more pills.


    He reversed his cultivation technique and went back to the Stone Gate World. However, he was still contemplating the sword intent.


    ¡°What am I missing¡­?¡± Yun Shu murmured to himself.


    However, as soon as he stepped on the stairs, Yun Shu sensed the approaching danger. He looked up and saw a beam of light coming for him.


    He swiftly dodged aside, and the beam of light hit the stairs in front of him. It was so close that the light almost scratched Yun Shu¡¯s forehead.


    Sizzle¡­


    Light smoke rose above the ground. At this time, Yun Shu heard the little chick¡¯s chirps. Turning around, he saw that the little chick was looking at him proudly.


    Obviously, that attack was launched by the little thing.


    ¡°So, that was your new move?¡± Yun Shu smiled and asked.


    He still remembered what he had promised the little chick previously: whenever it showed him a new move, Yun Shu would feed it a spirit fire blade blended with his Life Flame.


    The little chick hurriedly nodded, causing Yun Shu to grin. ¡°But that was still not impressive enough. Show me your best!¡±


    The little chick heard his provocation and leaned its little head sideways. Evidently, it was thinking.


    The next moment, it suddenly inhaled deep, and out of its beak came hundreds of beams of colorful light.


    ¡°This is much better, but still not enough.¡± Yun Shu said as he effortlessly moved around to avoid the attacks.


    The little chick started getting a bit restless. Whether it could enjoy the cuisine depended on Yun Shu¡¯s attitude.


    The little chick lifted its head and released a long crow. The red feather on top of its head suddenly erected like a javelin.


    Yun Shu sensed the sudden change in the little chick. Even though it still looked the same, he could feel the power of an ancient beast.


    ¡°Golden pupils, open.¡± Yun Shu said it to himself silently.


    To his surprise, with his golden pupils, Yun Shu saw the projection of a huge red heavy sword above the little chick¡¯s head. The danger he had sensed earlier came from the very sword.


    At this time, the little chick had reached its limit. Its little body started wobbling, and its small head lowered. Meanwhile, the red heavy sword also fell.


    It was going to drop on Yun Shu!


    It was too late for him to dodge aside. He hurriedly conjured his Fire Scale Shield and blended his Life Flame into it.


    Bang!


    Instantly, a six meters long massive shield showed up in front of Yun Shu. He had tried this shield before, which turned out to be strong enough to resist the killing wind in the deepest part of the Valley of Crime.


    However, when the red heavy sword fell, the shield didn¡¯t even last for more than a second, and it was directly split into half.


    ¡°Wow!¡± Yun Shu was deeply impressed. But the shield still won him a second to avoid the blade.


    Bang!


    The projection of the red heavy sword fell onto the ground. The entire stairway and the colossal stone gate shook a few times.


    At this moment, the little chick had come back to its sense. Obviously, it had almost killed Yun Shu. The little thing started shaking in fear.


    It carefully approached Yun Shu, looking at him sadly. But Yun Shu was still lost in his thoughts, reflecting about the almighty power of that heavy sword.


    Seeing that Yun Shu was ignoring itself, the little chick was seized in great anxiety and fear. It kept rubbing against Yun Shu¡¯s leg with its little head.


    Finally, Yun Shu reacted.


    ¡°I get it, haha! I get it!¡± Yun Shu laughed.


    The little chick had no idea what was going on.


    Yun Shu lifted the little thing cheerfully and said, ¡°Good for you, my little bro! That was really something! And you also inspired me! I think I can finally crack that stele now!¡±


    The little chick couldn¡¯t fully understand Yun Shu¡¯s words, but seeing his smile, it felt much more relieved.


    Its big eyes kept blinking, though, its little heart full of expectation.


    ¡°I get it. I¡¯ll stick to my words!¡± Yun Shu instantly conjured a spirit fire blade blended with his Life Flame.


    ¡°You can get more later. You just did me a great favor today!¡± Yun Shu gently patted on the little chick¡¯s head and then left the Stone Gate World.


    The little chick didn¡¯t want Yun Shu to leave, but soon, it turned to focus on its food.


    It hugged the blade blended with black flame with its little fuzzy wings with a great sense of achievement.

 Chapter 53 - Cracking the Stele

    On the other side, after Yun Shu went back to the Valley of Crime, he immediately visited the steles. Su Lingwen was a bit surprised when she saw him coming back.


    ¡°I thought you were refining pills,¡± she said. ¡°Why are you here so soon?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll explain to you later,¡± Yun Shu said briefly and stopped in front of one of the steles.


    He opened his golden pupils and saw the messy cuts and strokes again. However, instead of trying to find the hiding patterns this time, Yun Shu lifted his ugly sword and yelled at the stele, ¡°Get out!¡±


    Instantly, those messy cuts and strokes turned into an overwhelming flood of sword intent and enveloped Yun Shu within.


    Su Lingwen was shocked. She had no idea that the stele could work like this.


    At this time, Yun Shu was totally immersed in the abundance of sword intent. He closed his eyes and felt the currents flowing around him.


    Su Lingwen could also sense the change. Even Old Du and He, who were on duty at the entrance of the valley, felt the raging intent!


    ¡°This is¡­¡± Old Du immediately realized what that was.


    ¡°We¡¯ll go and check out the situation!¡± The look on Old He¡¯s face suddenly changed. He quickly darted for the stele square.


    When Old He and Du approached the square, they saw Yun Shu standing in the middle of the raging tornado.


    ¡°It¡¯s him! What did he do?¡± Old Du was amazed.


    ¡°Should we report this?¡± asked Old He in a low voice.


    ¡°Don¡¯t rush. Maybe this isn¡¯t gonna work,¡± said Old Du cautiously.


    Indeed, no one had ever managed to do so in the valley before. Besides, Yun Shu was, nevertheless, new here. Knowing Yun Shu was a genius, Old Du still could not be certain about it.


    After a while, with the ugly sword in his hand, Yun Shu finally opened his eyes. At that instant, the aura exuding from his body suddenly changed, and it started pulling the sword intent closer to him. When it touched his body, it was immediately set alight.


    Yun Shu was burning the sword power! Su Lingwen was totally shocked.


    ¡°Intake!¡± Yun Shu said in a deep roar. The flood of flame was instantly absorbed into his body, and everything quieted down as a result.


    ¡°Out!¡± Yun Shu roared again and lifted his sword into the air.


    Bang!


    The stele made a deafening noise. The next moment, a beam of light covered in fire surged and lit up the sky.


    Yun Shu had just cracked the second stele left by the sect¡¯s founder!


    ¡°You saw it?!¡± Old He could not be more excited.


    ¡°Of course! I¡¯m telling the master!¡± Old Du turned around and made a mad dash for the entrance of the valley.


    Su Lingwen could not believe her eyes. After a while of silence, she finally asked, ¡°How¡­ How did you do this?¡±


    Yun Shu put aside the sword and inhaled deeply. He smiled and answered, ¡°An incident just inspired me. It reminded me of some kind of possibility. That was just an attempt, but it worked!¡±


    The incident Yun Shu was talking about was the projection of the heavy sword above the little chick¡¯s head.


    ¡°What possibility?¡± Su Lingwen hurriedly asked. After all, she had spent so much time reading the steles.


    ¡°We believed that the sword intent was fixed, so we were trying to detect the patterns hiding among the strokes,¡± said Yun Shu.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that correct? We learned how to cleave the killing wind using this method.¡± Su Lingwen frowned.


    ¡°It was correct in the first stage. But the sword intent on the stele is actually divided into two parts,¡± Yun Shu explained.


    ¡°Two parts?¡± Su Lingwen didn¡¯t understand.


    She had never caught the second part of the sword intent despite the fact that she had spent so much time comprehending the steles.


    ¡°The first part of the sword intent is basic, and both of us have learned it. It¡¯s correct that we must stick to it and practice hard.¡± Yun Shu nodded and paused for a second.


    And then he continued, ¡°But we can¡¯t just follow it when we enter stage two. We have to create things on our own based on the first stage.¡±


    ¡°Create things? Like how?¡± Su Lingwen was still confused.


    Yun Shu grinned. ¡°When the founder engraved the stele, every single stroke was left with his sword intent. However, we can still directly utilize it. We have to create our own sword intent by drawing forth the founder¡¯s and make it fit our own attribute.¡±


    Su Lingwen nodded. ¡°I see. Fire is the most powerful attribute in your Spirit Qi. Thus, your sword intent was covered in flame.¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡±


    ¡°You are so smart that you can even think of this¡­¡± Su Lingwen finally admitted Yun Shu¡¯s talent.


    Yun Shu smiled. ¡°A friend reminded me.¡±


    Yun Shu was talking about the little chick.


    To get Yun Shu¡¯s Life Flame, the little chick pushed itself hard to conjure the projection of the heavy sword. However, because of its lack of strength, it couldn¡¯t turn the heavy sword into its own weapon and almost hurt him.


    But this had also inspired Yun Shu.


    He understood that the power of a martial skill or sword intent could never be fully exercised unless it truly belonged to him. Therefore, he had to turn the sword intent hiding in the stele into his own power.


    ¡°I lost to you.¡± Su Lingwen slightly shook her head.


    Saying so, Su Lingwen didn¡¯t feel jealous or resentful at all. In her eyes, Yun Shu was not a stranger anymore. In fact, in the sect, he was her closest friend. His improvements also cheered her up.


    ¡°There is no win or loss between us. You can also use this method to cultivate!¡±


    ¡°Me?¡± Su Lingwen hesitated.


    ¡°If you can learn the sword intent, we¡¯ll leave this place together!¡± Yun Shu said to her seriously.


    ¡°Leave this place? Where will we go?¡± asked Su Lingwen. She had been living in this valley for so many years. When the chance of departure finally arrived, she started feeling helpless and confused, like a lost child.


    Yun Shu smiled. ¡°If you¡¯re worried, stay with me.¡±


    ¡°Then¡­ Deal!¡± Su Lingwen looked at Yun Shu, and finally, a radiant smile bloomed on her face.

 Chapter 54 - Argument

    The loud noise caused by Yun Shu cracking the stele had garnered many people¡¯s attention, including those who were in the sect.


    Several hundred miles away, on top of the highest mountain in the sect, that chatty old man, whom Yun Shu had once encountered, pushed open the heavy, thick gate of the palace. Before crossing the doorstep, though, he looked in the direction of the Valley of Crime, his eyes full of excitement.


    Meanwhile, several gusts of wind arrived from different directions, and four people showed up in front of the palace.


    ¡°Senior Brother, that was¡­?¡± asked the long-bearded old man.


    ¡°Right! According to the record of the sect, someone just cracked a stele left by the founder!¡± answered that chatty old man excitedly.


    ¡°No one has ever done it in the past few thousand years! I even thought it was just a joke!¡± said a short, slender man in a hoarse voice.


    ¡°Senior Brothers, Senior Sister, I¡¯ve never found an ideal student in the past many years. Please don¡¯t snatch this disciple away from me. I want him!¡± said a fat old man with his cheerful face.


    ¡°Hai Wuchang, I can¡¯t agree with you on this. You actually have a number of good students. In fact, I¡¯m the one who¡¯s short on them,¡± said the only female among them.


    ¡°But Senior Sister Cao, I thought you only accepted female students?¡± Hai Wuchang retorted.


    ¡°We don¡¯t know whether the disciple is a male or female yet. If the disciple is a male, I can make an exception for him!¡± The woman slightly lifted her chin.


    The two seniors in the sect started bickering over Yun Shu right off the bat.


    That long-bearded old man lightly coughed. ¡°We don¡¯t even know the kid yet. This might be too early.¡±


    Hearing that, both of them turned to the chatty old man and asked, ¡°Senior Brother, you say something!¡±


    The chatty old man was the one most familiar with the Valley of Crime. He remained silent for a few seconds and then slowly said, ¡°Both of you are so respected in the sect. How come you two still don¡¯t know any manners?¡±


    Scolded by the chatty old man, they both felt ashamed. It was indeed disgraceful for two senior masters in the sect to argue over a young disciple.


    ¡°So I got ignored just now? I should be the one to accept a new disciple if there¡¯s a chance!¡± said the chatty old man aloud.


    Everyone present became speechless. A few moments later, that short old man shook his head. ¡°Senior Brother, calm down. Comprehending a stele isn¡¯t such a big deal.¡±


    The long-bearded old man also nodded and echoed, ¡°Right. The three steles were indeed left by the founder of the sect, but no one knows how powerful they can be. It says little about that kid.¡±


    Hearing that, even Hai Wuchang started getting a bit more hesitant.


    ¡°Right. We know nothing about that disciple. Male? Female? Old? Young?¡± Hai Wuchang fired a few questions in a low voice.


    ¡°Be patient. We¡¯ll know very soon,¡± said the chatty old man with his hands behind his back and a smile on his face.


    He knew that it was Yun Shu who had comprehended the stele. He appreciated his talent, but it never occurred to him that Yun Shu could really do the job.


    After all, no one had achieved the feat in the past few thousand years.


    Yun Shu had just given him a big surprise.


    At this time, a gust of wind approached them at a breakneck speed. Another man showed up on the square in front of the palace.


    ¡°Disciple Du Hailang pays respect to Masters and Uncle-Masters!¡±


    It was Old Du, but in front of the five seniors, he was only a junior.


    ¡°You¡¯re fast, boy. Tell us about the disciple who cracked the stele. All details included!¡± asked Hai Wuchang.


    ¡°Right! The disciple¡¯s name is Yun Shu. He was expelled from the sect and sent to the valley a few months ago. He¡¯s fifteen and has reached the third level of the Aqua Sky Realm¡­¡± introduced Old Du seriously.


    ¡°Fifteen, the third level of the Aqua Sky Realm? Impressive. He¡¯s no inferior to the disciples in the inner sect. Why was he sent to the valley?¡± Hai Wuchang frowned.


    That short, slender old man also copied his expression. ¡°Yun Shu? Where does he come from?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s born in the sect, son of Yun Wanli,¡± replied Old Du. Obviously, he had come prepared.


    Surprisingly, as soon as Old Du explained his origins, the atmosphere on the square suddenly changed.


    ¡°Yun Wanli¡¯s son?¡± That old, slender man¡¯s tone suddenly raised an octave. He suddenly turned around and said, ¡°Senior Brother, for the sake of the entire sect, we cannot let him grow any stronger! He should be kept in the valley until he dies there!¡±


    Old Du¡¯s heart suddenly sank. He realized that he just said something wrong.


    However, Hai Wuchang sighed at this time. ¡°What¡¯s past is in the past; let bygones be bygones. We keep Yun Wanli in the sect, why not his son?¡±


    ¡°Junior Brother Hai, the sect decided to keep Yun Wanli because of his contributions and also because he¡¯s disabled! His son is different! If he grabs too much attention in the sect, who knows whether some people will start acting up again. If a riot happens again in the sect, who¡¯s gonna be responsible for that?¡± warned the long-bearded old man. Obviously, he was throwing a grave accusation at anyone who tried to stand against him.


    ¡°Lin Rulie, Yun Shu wasn¡¯t born at the time when that happened! He¡¯s not responsible for something he didn¡¯t do,¡± said the only woman present coldly.


    ¡°Cao Qingying, it¡¯s always easy to talk. If what I said really happens in the future, are you going to handle it?¡± The long-bearded old man, whose name was Lin Rulie, disputed.


    ¡°I will! What¡¯s the big deal?¡± Cao Qingying wouldn¡¯t yield.


    Lin Rulie snorted and turned to the chatty old man. ¡°Senior Brother, what do you say?¡±


    That chatty old man grinned. ¡°Whoever cracks the steles should be pardoned and released from the Valley of Crime. This is an old rule set by the founder, so there¡¯s no point in discussing it. What we should really focus on right now is to decide how we¡¯re gonna deal with the kid after he gets out.¡±


    Lin Rulie¡¯s face turned pale, but Cao Qingying and Hai Wuchang were greatly encouraged.


    ¡°Senior Brother, it¡¯s best for me to teach the kid,¡± Hai Wuchang hurriedly made himself available.


    ¡°Nonsense. I should be the one!¡± Cao Qingying yelled.


    At this time, that short old man suddenly said, ¡°Senior Brother, if we are going to allow that boy to come out, we have to keep him in the outer sect and watch him closely!¡±


    The chatty old man smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve met the kid before. He¡¯s good, both talented and upright. If he¡¯s taught properly, he will surely be able to make the sect thrive. There¡¯s no way that we are going to leave him in the outer sect.¡±


    However, the other party still insisted, ¡°But don¡¯t forget that the Snow Peak hates Yun Wanli. If they catch wind of this, we might be in trouble!¡±


    That chatty old man suddenly frowned coldly. ¡°Chen Buran, do you still remember that you¡¯re in the Fire Mystic Sect?¡±


    Knowing that he had just pissed off the chatty old man, the short man quickly bowed. ¡°Senior Brother¡­¡±


    The chatty old man said in an extremely unhappy tone, ¡°No matter what, Yun Shu is a disciple of the Fire Mystic Sect. If we crack him down just because the Snow Peak doesn¡¯t like him, we¡¯d better just take the entire sect to them!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, Senior Brother¡­ My, my bad¡­¡± Chen Buran hurriedly apologized and bowed again.


    At this time, another beam of light shot to the sky from the direction of the Valley of Crime.


    ¡°This is¡­¡±


    They were all shocked.


    A second person had just done the impossible?

 Chapter 55 - Turning Out the Contrary

    ¡°I¡¯ll go and check!¡± After a momentary daze, Old Du made a dash for the Valley of Crime.


    A while later, a gust of wind arrived. However, it was Old He this time.


    The Valley of Crime was a rather important place in the sect, so one of them was required to stay there. Old He knew the situation better than Old Du. Therefore, he came here to explain everything.


    ¡°Masters, Uncle-Masters, another disciple named Su Lingwen has just comprehended the second stele as well.¡±


    ¡°Another disciple? Maybe reading that stele is not that difficult. Is it possible that you just overestimated that disciple named Yun Shu, Senior Brother?¡± said Lin Rulie with sarcasm.


    Obviously, he was belittling Yun Shu¡¯s talent.


    ¡°Yun Shu taught Su Lingwen. That¡¯s why she could crack the stele,¡± Old He explained.


    Hearing that, all the senior leaders of the sect present gasped in astonishment.


    Comprehending a stone stele was already an extraordinary achievement in itself.


    But the disciple named Yun Shu could also teach someone else the profound mysteries hidden inside it. He was even smarter than they had initially thought.


    Based on this fact alone, it could be said that Yun Shu¡¯s talent was beyond their imagination!


    ¡°Haha! Good! He¡¯s indeed a good boy! Senior Brother, just leave the kid to me. I promise I¡¯ll turn him into one of the best cultivators in this world!¡± said Hai Wuchang to the chatty old man.


    However, before the chatty old man could respond, Lin Rulie faked a cough and then said, ¡°Senior Brother, since you value Yun Shu¡¯s talent so much, you shouldn¡¯t be his master. And it¡¯s the same for Hai Wuchang and Cao Qingying as well.¡±


    ¡°Oh? Give me a reason.¡± The chatty old man looked a bit pissed.


    ¡°You forgot the Dragon Island?¡± Lin Rulie said briefly.


    However, the chatty old man¡¯s brows instantly twisted into a tight knot.


    ¡°In the last message sent by the Purple Cloud City, the Dragon Island will appear very soon. If Yun Shu becomes your student, Senior Brother, are you confident enough to make sure of his safety under the pressure brought by the Snow Peak, the Purple Cloud City, and the rest of the sects?¡± Lin Rulie asked in a low voice.


    The chatty old man didn¡¯t answer the question immediately.


    Lin Rulie continued, ¡°Based on the previous experiences, once we land on the island, it will already be optimistic to expect a narrow escape. If you really like the kid, the most rational way to treat him is to hide him. Becoming a student of yours, or either Hai Wuchang¡¯s or Cao Qingying¡¯s, will bring that kid more harm than good.¡±


    The chatty old man, Cao Qingying, and Hai Wuchang all remained silent.


    After a while, that chatty old man finally sighed. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    Seeing that, Lin Rulie decided to strike while the iron was hot. ¡°So we can let Yun Shu spend a few more years in the Valley of Crime. After we are done with the Dragon Island, we¡¯ll release him!¡±


    Lin Rulie still wanted to keep Yun Shu in the Valley of Crime.


    ¡°You reminded me just in time. You¡¯re right. The kid should remain as low-key as possible. But keeping him in the valley isn¡¯t a good idea either. We can¡­¡± murmured the chatty old man.


    He walked back and forth several times and then said to them, ¡°We can declare to the public that we saw spirit light descending tonight, which is an auspicious sign by Heaven! To obey Heaven¡¯s will, we¡¯ll grant amnesty to all the disciples in the valley except for the felons. In this case, no one will notice Yun Shu!¡±


    Lin Rulie¡¯s face suddenly turned pale. His words had the opposite effect.


    ¡°Please be cautious, Senior Brother! You¡¯re talking about releasing all the misbehaving and convicted disciples in the valley for the sake of that one kid!¡± Lin Rulie hurriedly exclaimed.


    ¡°Because of his talent, it¡¯s worth it. It¡¯ll still be worth it even if we were to release ten times more people,¡± said the chatty old man with great determination.


    ¡°I agree!¡± Hai Wuchang nodded.


    ¡°Me, too!¡± Cao Qingying agreed.


    There was nothing else Lin Rulie could say to change the situation. He thought he could prevent Yun Shu from coming out of the valley, but obviously, it had turned out otherwise.


    ¡°But whose student he¡¯s gonna be¡­¡± Lin Rulie ground his teeth and said.


    The chatty old man waved his hand. ¡°It¡¯s not a good time for Yun Shu to be our student right now. You¡¯re correct on this. But his talent will be wasted if he stays in the outer sect. Any of you got something to suggest?¡±


    He turned to look at Hai Wuchang and Cao Qingying.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we send him to the Artifact Hall? Under the protection of that old man in the Artifact Alliance, even the Snow Peak has to more or less restrain themselves. Yun Shu will be able to cultivate himself without any disturbance.¡± After giving it some thought, Hai Wuchang proposed.


    However, Chen Buran didn¡¯t agree with her. ¡°This isn¡¯t proper, Senior Brother! The Artifact Hall doesn¡¯t even accept most of the inner sect disciples! That boy isn¡¯t qualified!¡±


    The chatty old man snorted. ¡°Most inner sect disciples don¡¯t match up with Yun Shu in terms of talent.¡±


    Then he nodded at Hai Wuchang. ¡°Good idea. Although the Artifact Hall is in the Fire Mystic Sect, it¡¯s also a member of the three major immortal alliances. The Snow Peak will need to behave themselves facing the Artifact Hall! Alright, with this, the decision¡¯s been made!¡±


    Both Chen Buran and Lin Rulie were pissed, though. What kind of place was the Artifact Hall?


    In the Fire Mystic Sect, the Artifact Hall was almost an independent division. Although it was in the sect, it took direct orders from the Artifact Alliance.


    The three immortal alliances were the Artifact Alliance, the Pill Alliance, and the Hunting Alliance. Their combined power surpassed most of the sects.


    Becoming a member of one of the alliances was a much more noble thing than becoming an inner sect disciple in the Fire Mystic Sect!


    Joining the Artifact Hall would be Yun Shu¡¯s first step toward becoming a member of the three immortal alliances.


    Chen Buran and Lin Rulie had tried everything they could to prevent Yun Shu from coming out of the valley, but their words had pushed him into the noblest division within the sect.


    What an irony! It was too late for them to change anything now.


    ¡°Since the decision has been made, I¡¯ll leave now.¡± Chen Buran directly stated


    ¡°Me, too.¡± Lin Rulie bowed and also left.


    After Lin Rulie left the square, he saw Chen Buran standing by the roadside with his hands behind his back. It seemed that he was waiting for him.


    ¡°Senior Brother Chen, you are¡­?¡± Lin Rulie smiled and asked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fake that smile. You can¡¯t be happy right now, either, Junior Brother Lin,¡± said Chen Buran in his symbolic sarcastic tone.


    ¡°What else can I do? Our Senior Brother is determined to protect that boy.¡± Lin Rulie shook his head.


    ¡°I¡¯m not gonna give up. Yun Shu is Yun Wanli¡¯s son! They can¡¯t get what they want!¡± Chen Buran said with intense hatred. Obviously, there was bitter enmity between him and Yun Wanli.


    ¡°What else do you plan to do? You¡¯ll target that boy?¡± Lin Rulie was a bit surprised.


    ¡°I¡¯m not that silly. Senior Brother looks easygoing, but if he gets provoked, I wouldn¡¯t be able to handle it. Besides, I don¡¯t have to do this on my own. I¡¯ll ask people in the Artifact Hall to take good care of Yun Wanli¡¯s son¡­¡± said Chen Buran viciously.

 Chapter 56 - Getting Out of the Valley

    At this time, in front of the stele in the Valley of Crime.


    Sitting in front of the stele, staring at the wooden sword, Su Lingwen was lost in amazement. Guided by Yun Shu, she had just pulled the sword Qi out of the stele and turned it into her own successfully.


    She had wind-type sword Qi, which was different from Yun Shu¡¯s, but it was still powerful. In fact, it had never occurred to her that her sword Qi could be this mighty.


    The sword Qi had surpassed the power of rank nine Ordinary Level martial art skills!


    And both of them could feel that the sword Qi still had plenty of room to grow. If they could successfully cultivate it, they couldn¡¯t imagine how powerful the sword Qi would be!


    But Yun Shu wasn¡¯t thinking about this. He knew that it was time for him to leave the valley, according to the rules of the sect.


    He had spent several months in this valley. When he first entered, things could not have been worse. At that time, he was not even a cultivator. Being thrown into this place basically meant death to him.


    Yun Shu himself couldn¡¯t believe the series of adventures that he had later encountered in the valley. Now his cultivation had been greatly improved, and he had comprehended the stone stele left by the founder of the sect.


    Right now, the thing that Yun Shu wanted to do the most was to meet his father and share the joy with him.


    The sky was turning gray in the east. From the direction of the entrance of the valley, Old Du and He walked to Yun Shu together.


    Yun Shu immediately grinned. ¡°Seniors, can we leave now?¡±


    ¡°Yes, both of you can leave the valley now. But there are some things that you have to keep in mind,¡± said Old Du seriously.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Old Du and He recounted the discussion they had with the chatty old man. Of course, they skipped the part about Yun Wanli. They only told Yun Shu and Su Lingwen that the sect was also going to release all the convicted disciples for the sake of their safety.


    Old Du and He also mentioned pieces of information about Chen Buran and Lin Rulie.


    Although their words remained quite ambiguous, Yun Shu could tell that Chen Buran and Lin Rulie actually disliked him very much.


    Yun Shu had no idea where these two old dogs popped out from and why they hated him. However, he had decided to fight back no matter when they tried to give him a hard time.


    Currently, Yun Shu was fully confident in himself.


    Given enough time, he was confident to defeat all his enemies!


    ¡°Boy, work even harder after you leave this place. You can be the one to make the Fire Mystic Sect thrive again,¡± Old Du looked at Yun Shu and said sincerely.


    ¡°I will! Thank you, Senior! I¡¯ll push myself hard!¡± Yun Shu hurriedly promised.


    Old Du nodded and then turned to Su Lingwen, sighing emotionally. ¡°Lingwen, it¡¯s been so many years¡­ Today, you can finally leave this place.¡±


    ¡°Seniors, I¡¯ll keep your kindness in mind. Without the care that both of you showed to me in the past many years, I would have died a long time ago,¡± said Su Lingwen in a low voice.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that. Both of us owe your family. When¡ª¡± Old Du recalled their past.


    ¡°I get it.¡± Su Lingwen interrupted him coldly. Apparently, she didn¡¯t want to talk about her family. Therefore, both gatekeepers had to stop.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Su Lingwen said to Yun Shu.


    Yun Shu nodded. Carrying Su Lingwen on his back, he bowed to the two seniors and then left the valley.


    Su Lingwen had spent so many years in the valley that everything she saw on their way back to the sect attracted her attention.


    Seeing that, Yun Shu also slowed his pace and introduced everything to her. Before they could go far from the valley, both of them heard lots of footsteps coming after them.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun!¡± someone shouted Yun Shu¡¯s name at the top of his lungs.


    Yun Shu turned around and saw Feng He and his seven or eight hundred men trotting behind. All of them had regained their freedom.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t wait for us, Senior Brother Yun!¡± Feng He gasped hard to catch his breath like everyone else.


    Yun Shu smiled and shook his head. ¡°All of you are free now. You don¡¯t have to follow me anymore. Go back to the sect, and you will be properly arranged.¡±


    However, a tall and sturdy guy said aloud, ¡°The sect is an ass! They kept me so long in the valley for a minor mistake! I don¡¯t know about others, but from now on, I only know you, Senior Brother Yun, not the Fire Mystic Sect!¡±


    ¡°True! Only Senior Brother Yun, not the Fire Mystic Sect!¡± The rest of them all agreed.


    Yun Shu¡¯s brows slightly lifted. To his surprise, they were all so loyal to him!


    What else could Yun Shu say?


    ¡°I am delighted to hear this. But from now on, please keep the words to your mind to avoid any unnecessary trouble. All of you aren¡¯t criminals in the valley anymore, but ordinary disciples. If you don¡¯t want to be bullied, get strong!¡± said Yun Shu.


    His followers all nodded.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, Senior Brother Yun! From now on, we¡¯ll cultivate even harder, both for ourselves and also for serving you better!¡± shouted one of the disciples.


    ¡°To serve Senior Brother Yun! To serve Senior Brother Yun!¡±


    Yun Shu¡¯s followers shouted at the top of their lungs at the same time!


    Yun Shu smiled. ¡°Very good. Work as hard as you can. When you need more pills, ask Feng He for them!¡±


    ¡°Thank you very much, Senior Brother Yun!¡± They all came down onto their knees and exclaimed excitedly.


    Yun Shu was about to leave. However, the disciples were still following him.


    ¡°Why?¡± Yun Shu asked in surprise.


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun, you¡¯re going back to see your father?¡± Feng He asked with a big smile on his face.


    ¡°Yeah. So?¡±


    ¡°Senior Brother Yun, you¡¯re our savior. We don¡¯t know how to pay you back. So, we all want to stand in front of your father and at least kowtow to him!¡± Feng He explained.


    Yun Shu hadn¡¯t expected this at all. After a moment of hesitation, he smiled and nodded. ¡°Alright. Do what you want.¡±


    Since Yun Shu could remember, his father, Yun Wanli, had always been a servant in the sect. Anyone could be bossy in front of his father.


    But now, Yun Shu¡¯s so many followers were going to kowtow to him. Yun Shu hoped that his father would be able to enjoy this moment of glory and feel proud of his son.


    However, when Yun Shu arrived at the place where his father lived with Su Lingwen and his followers, what he saw instantly made him bristle with fury!

 Chapter 57 - Bullying the Weaker with a Greater Number of People is My Favorite"

    In the middle of the yard, Yun Shu saw Yun Wanli¡¯s slender figure from behind. With his only arm grabbing the long broom, the old man was having a difficult time sweeping the yard.


    This was also because of the heavy set of shackles he was wearing.


    The chains clanged every time Yun Wanli moved. Hearing the loud, piercing sound, Yun Shu¡¯s entire body started trembling in pain and anger.


    At this time, Yun Wanli slowly turned around. The moment he saw Yun Shu, the old man was instantly shocked. After a while, he asked, his voice trembling, ¡°Is that you, Shu?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s me, father! What happened?¡± Yun Shu hurriedly walked to him and asked, pointing at the heavy chains.


    ¡°Not a big deal. I¡¯m so glad you¡¯re back! Go back home with me and tell me what happened!¡± Yun Wanli was beyond excited upon seeing his son standing right in front of him.


    Yun Shu wasn¡¯t satisfied with this answer, though. He reached out his hand and gripped the iron chain.


    Snap!


    The black iron chains, as thick as a baby¡¯s arm, were instantly snapped into pieces by Yun Shu¡¯s Fiend Eagle Claw.


    Clang!


    The iron pieces fell onto the ground, awaking Yun Wanli from his stupor. ¡°Shu¡­ Your cultivation?¡±


    Breaking an iron chain wasn¡¯t supposed to be within the capability of an ordinary man.


    In Yun Wanli¡¯s eyes, Yun Shu was never a cultivator. Yet, several months after they were apart, somehow, his son had become a competitive cultivator. How was this possible?


    ¡°Father, I¡¯m able to cultivate and also free now. I¡¯ll explain it to you later. But before that, I want you to tell me who put this on you.¡± Yun Shu asked coldly.


    His father was so poorly treated and bullied. There was no way for him to ignore this.


    ¡°I made him wear it. He¡¯s just an old servant but showed no respect to the disciples. I gave him the punishment he deserved!¡± From some distance away came a glib voice.


    Five men were walking in their direction. The man who took the lead was Fan Wen, and the rest of them were his followers.


    Yun Shu hated Fan Wen to his very bones. He had been giving Yun Shu a hard time since the past many years. It was also because of him that he was sent to the Valley of Crime.


    Also, it was Fan Wen who even ordered Zhang Bao to poison Yun Shu in the valley!


    Fan Wen¡¯s name had been included in Yun Shu¡¯s kill list a long time ago. He had been planning to take his revenge on the guy. However, Fan Wen found him first.


    A glimmer of cold light flashed in Yun Shu¡¯s eyes. He was ready to finish him for good.


    At this time, Yun Wanli pulled Yun Shu¡¯s arm and said, ¡°Shu, don¡¯t. It¡¯s not a big deal. Let it go.¡±


    Yun Wanli was afraid that Yun Shu would get hurt. Although Yun Shu was now a cultivator, he had just started a few months ago. In the father¡¯s eyes, there was no way that his son could defeat Fan Wen.


    ¡°Father, don¡¯t worry. They¡¯re just a group of maggots,¡± said Yun Shu coldly.


    Yun Wanli hurriedly shook his head. ¡°Don¡¯t act on your impulse, son! They¡¯re¡ª¡±


    Yun Shu stopped his father. ¡°No worries. It¡¯s gonna be fast.¡±


    At this time, Fan Wen and his men burst into laughter. ¡°It¡¯s gonna be fast? Young Master Yun, spending several months in the valley hasn¡¯t made you retarded, right? You just got lucky with the amnesty, but it seems that you can¡¯t just wait to seek your own death, huh?¡±


    All the disciples in the sect knew about the pardon. Fan Wen, therefore, took it for granted that Yun Shu had just gotten lucky.


    What he didn¡¯t know was that Yun Shu was, in fact, the reason for the whole event!


    ¡°Go and teach our Young Master Yun a good lesson. A lesson that he¡¯ll remember for the rest of his life!¡± Fan Wen said in his vile tone.


    ¡°Sure!¡± Fan Wen¡¯s men nodded and walked to Yun Shu in a threatening manner.


    ¡°Young Master Yun, if we break your arm or leg later, don¡¯t cry out to other people. It¡¯s just a spar between disciples, after all. However, don¡¯t blame us for bullying the weak because we have more people,¡± One of them said with a vicious smile.


    Yun Shu responded, ¡°I won¡¯t blame you. Bullying the weaker with a greater number of people is also my favorite.¡±


    Then he turned around and said to Feng He and his followers, who had been hiding themselves around from the very beginning, ¡°Did all of you hear that? The several Senior Brothers just said that this is only a conflict between disciples in the same sect. So all of you make your own decision on whether you want to break their arms or legs.¡±


    ¡°No problem!¡± The eight hundred men suddenly popped out from every direction and exclaimed in a single voice.


    Seeing Yun Shu¡¯s men approaching them in an aggressive posture, the four of them were scared out of their pants. They had indeed noticed them earlier. However, it had never occurred to them that they were, in fact, all Yun Shu¡¯s followers.


    At Yun Shu¡¯s command, his followers¡ªmore than eight hundred of them¡ªmade a mad dash for Fan Wen¡¯s men.


    Four men versus eight hundred. What kind of fight was that?


    ¡°Wait¡­¡±


    ¡°Wait my ass!¡±


    Of course, Yun Shu¡¯s men wouldn¡¯t wait. Fan Wen¡¯s underlings were immediately besieged.


    This was by no means a spar between disciples in the same sect! This was simply a mass brawl!


    Seeing that, Fan Wen was absolutely shocked. He couldn¡¯t understand why so many people would listen to Yun Shu¡¯s command.


    Standing behind Yun Shu, Yun Wanli almost dropped his chin. Just like others, he couldn¡¯t believe his eyes, either. He couldn¡¯t help wondering what had happened to his son in the Valley of Crime.


    The fight had also attracted the attention of other disciples. Many onlookers started gathering at the scene, but they had no idea what was going on.


    At this time, a cold voice arrived and scolded the crowd, ¡°Step aside!¡±


    Hearing that, the spectators hurriedly got out of the way. Three seniors were coming in this direction at a fast pace. Fan Wen¡¯s eyes instantly lit up.


    ¡°Master! Please save them! They¡¯re gonna be killed!¡± Fan Wen cried.


    Among the three Elders, the one in the lead was Fan Wen¡¯s master, Chen Sheng!


    By giving his disciples orders behind the scenes, it was also Chen Sheng who had kept making Yun Shu and his father suffer in the past years. Therefore, seeing him, Yun Shu¡¯s eyes turned even colder.


    ¡°Stop!¡± Chen Sheng yelled at Yun Shu¡¯s followers. However, no one paid any mind to him at all. They kept beating up Fan Wen¡¯s men.


    ¡°Stop! Did you hear me?!¡± Chen Sheng kept hollering. However, he was totally ignored.


    ¡°Stop! Right! Now! Are all of you going against my command?!¡± Chen Sheng tried for the third time but still got the same result.


    Seeing that the four men only had one last breath left, Yun Shu snorted and said, ¡°Stop.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    His men instantly broke off the beating and stepped aside. The audience was all shocked.


    Chen Sheng, an Elder of the outer sect, was completely ignored!


    Yet, Yun Shu¡¯s followers obeyed their leader¡¯s one single word unconditionally!


    What did this mean?


    It meant that in those people¡¯s eyes, compared to Yun Shu, an Elder of the outer sect was of no significance at all!

 Chapter 58 - Fight for Life and Death

    Chen Sheng had barked orders at Yun Shu¡¯s followers multiple times, but he was completely ignored. However, Yun Shu¡¯s single word weighed more than a thousand kilograms in his followers¡¯ eyes.


    This happened right in front of so many people. Chen Sheng felt that he was slapped on his face.


    He stared at Yun Shu coldly and said, ¡°You bunch of sinful, violent offenders! All of you were just released from the Valley of Crime a second ago, but now, you¡¯re already beating up other disciples for no apparent reason! As an Elder of the outer sect¡ª¡±


    Yun Shu directly cut him off, ¡°Seriously, Elder Chen Sheng? For no reason? You didn¡¯t even ask!¡±


    Chen Sheng snorted. ¡°The four of them were besieged by your men. This is obvious.¡±


    Yun Shu smiled. ¡°Elder Chen Sheng, we¡¯re not beating them up. This was a fair fight between disciples of the same sect. The four of them started it first, and they were also fine with the fact that we outnumber them greatly. You can ask them.¡±


    Yun Shu looked back. Feng He and the rest of the disciples hurriedly nodded.


    ¡°True! They asked for it! They wanted the fight!¡±


    ¡°Right! They said they wouldn¡¯t blame us if we broke their legs and arms!¡±


    ¡°They deserve it!¡±


    Chen Sheng¡¯s face turned gloomy.


    ¡°Criminals¡¯ words don¡¯t count,¡± Chen Sheng said indifferently.


    Yun Shu sneered. ¡°Elder Chen Sheng, because of the grand amnesty, we are no more criminals. Instead, we¡¯re just like everyone else in the sect. You keep calling us ¡®criminal¡¯ in front of so many people, which means you show no respect for the decision made by the sect at all! You¡¯re trampling on the dignity of the sect!¡±


    Yun Shu knew that he must make a significant accusation against Chen Sheng first. Otherwise, he would just charge Yun Shu with breaching the sect rules, not leaving him the slightest chance to fight back.


    Indeed. When the audience started to agree with Yun Shu and make comments, the look on Chen Sheng¡¯s face kept changing like a chameleon, but he could not utter a word.


    Seeing that, Fan Wen switched the topic. ¡°Yun Shu, you¡¯re good at nothing other than sophistry! If you didn¡¯t have so many people on your side, I would have crippled you already!¡±


    Yun Shu immediately asked, ¡°Oh? So you can easily defeat me¡­ Is this what you just said?¡±


    ¡°Are you kidding? I can kill you with a single move!¡± Fan Wen sneered.


    He hadn¡¯t seen Yun Shu breaking the heavy chains on Yun Wanli. In his eyes, Yun Shu was still a loser who could not cultivate.


    Defeating such a loser would not waste more than a second of his time.


    Hearing that, a beam of cold light flashed in Yun Shu¡¯s eyes. ¡°Then, Senior Brother Fan Wen, you dare have a life-and-death duel with me?¡±


    Yun Shu¡¯s words shocked Fan Wen and Chen Sheng.


    A fight for life and death?


    Was Yun Shu crazy?


    Private fights were strictly prohibited in the Fire Mystic Sect. However, a public contest was still permitted.


    If both sides agreed, witnessed by three Elders in the sect, an even harsher fight could also happen.


    There were no rules at all in the duel. Both sides chose to fight at their own risk, although it was possible to be killed. The disciple who killed the other would bear no responsibility.


    ¡°I agree!¡± Fan Wen hurriedly said, in fear that Yun Shu would change his mind.


    Then, eyes lighting up, he looked back at his master. In Fan Wen¡¯s eyes, he was absolutely going to win.


    After a second of hesitation, Chen Sheng nodded with a smile. ¡°I see. You asked for it, boy! I give permission to the life-and-death duel!¡±


    Chen Sheng turned around and looked at the other two Elders. They had always been close to Chen Sheng, so both of them nodded. ¡°We agree.¡±


    In their eyes, with no one backing him up, Yun Shu was just a nobody who had no idea what was waiting for him. If so, doing Chen Sheng a favor would do them no harm.


    Thus, witnessed by the three Elders, the decision had been made.


    Yun Wanli¡¯s face had turned ashen by now. He grabbed Yun Shu¡¯s arm and said in a trembling voice, ¡°Shu, are you crazy? I know you¡¯re a cultivator now, but Fan Wen has been studying under Chen Sheng for so many years, and he is Chen Sheng¡¯s personal disciple! Although Fan Wen has not joined the inner sect yet, he¡¯s still very competitive as a cultivator. You¡­¡±


    Yun Wanli spluttered, clearly in a state of panic.


    ¡°Father, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m not gonna lose.¡± Yun Shu comforted his dad with a smile.


    Obviously, Yun Wanli was still beyond concerned. Yun Shu, however, didn¡¯t spend time on explaining to his father. After making sure that Su Lingwen was still sitting on the side safe and sound, he turned around and looked at Fan Wen. ¡°Where do you want to die? Pick a place!¡±


    Fan Wen was so pissed that he broke out into laughter, ¡°Boy, the only thing you learned from the past several months is arrogance! We¡¯ll go to the Wind and Cloud Platform, and I¡¯ll kill you right in front of your father!¡±


    Fan Wen cast a vile and furious glance at Yun Wanli and walked to the designated location. Yun Shu didn¡¯t say anything but followed.


    In the entire Fire Mystic Sect, a fight for life and death was rare. Therefore, all of the disciples on the scene followed the contestants.


    On their way, more people joined them. Soon, under the Wind and Cloud Platform, an audience of almost three thousand gathered.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± asked one of those who had just joined the crowd.


    ¡°Yun Shu is having a fight for life and death with Elder Chen Sheng¡¯s student!¡± explained another disciple.


    ¡°Yun Shu? That loser? He wants to kill himself so bad?¡±


    ¡°True. Fan Wen is Elder Chen Sheng¡¯s personal disciple and probably one of the top ten disciples in the outer sect. Yun Shu is out of his mind!¡±


    ¡°Maybe he was just trying to catch people¡¯s eyes, but it¡¯s gone too far¡­¡±


    They all believed that Fan Wen was definitely going to win, except Feng He and the rest of Yun Shu¡¯s followers.


    ¡°It¡¯s too late to regret it now.¡± Fan Wen grinned at Yun Shu triumphantly.


    ¡°Are those your last words?¡± said Yun Shu coldly.


    ¡°You¡¯re still trying to talk smart. Pull out your sword!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t deserve my sword.¡± Yun Shu grinned.


    ¡°Bastard!¡± Fan Wen flew into a rage, his power immediately bursting out.


    Bang!


    A fierce blow of freezing air swept the Wind and Cloud Platform.


    ¡°This is¡­ Fan Wen has reached the Aqua Sky Realm?!¡± exclaimed someone.


    ¡°He¡¯s indeed the personal disciple of Elder Chen Sheng. Yun Shu is gonna be killed today!¡±


    ¡°He has no idea what he¡¯s doing!¡±


    The discussion spread out over the crowd. Hearing that, the triumphant smile on Fan Wen¡¯s face grew even more prominent.


    ¡°Boy, today, you¡¯ll see my true power!¡± Fan Wen lifted his feet and jumped right at Yun Shu.


    ¡°He¡¯s fast! The fight¡¯ll end very soon¡­¡±


    One of the Elders said to Chen Sheng.


    However¡­


    Crack!


    Fan Wen was just slapped on his face by Yun Shu and was thrown backward by the strength.


    ¡°What?¡±


    Even Chen Sheng was stunned.

 Chapter 59 - Fight the Elder!

    On the Wind and Cloud Platform, Fan Wen was fiercely hurled away. When he was back on his feet again, blood came out from the corner of his mouth.


    ¡°You¡­ What was that martial skill?¡± When Fan Wen spoke, a few broken teeth fell out from his mouth, looking extremely embarrassed.


    ¡°Martial skill? You don¡¯t deserve any of that. It was simply a slap on your face, and you couldn¡¯t even dodge that!¡± said Yun Shu indifferently.


    ¡°How dare you, loser!¡± Fan Wen¡¯s guts were burning with shame and anger.


    ¡°You keep calling me a loser, but I slapped you in your face so easily. Then what are you? An even bigger loser?¡± Yun Shu sneered.


    ¡°It was an accident! I wasn¡¯t paying attention. From now on, you won¡¯t have a chance anymore!¡± Fan Wen stood up and gripped his sword.


    At this time, Elder Chen Sheng suddenly said, ¡°Fan Wen, use that move!¡±


    Hearing that, Fan Wen was surprised. ¡°Master? Is it necessary?¡±


    ¡°Make it quick! No more wasting everyone¡¯s time!¡± said Chen Sheng with a cold face.


    That slap from Yun Shu had humiliated Fan Wen, so he nodded in the end. When he turned to look at Yun Shu again, a cold light flashed in his eyes.


    ¡°Boy, you made me do this. Now you don¡¯t even have the slightest chance!¡± said Fan Wen.


    He swept his sword in front of Yun Shu, which was suddenly covered in electric arcs. The sword started buzzing, emitting the deep sound of wind and thunder.


    ¡°Thunder Sword? It¡¯s a rank seven Ordinary Level sword technique.¡± The Elder on the left was impressed.


    ¡°Most inner sect disciples can¡¯t learn it. Senior Brother Chen Sheng, you¡¯re indeed a good teacher. Yun Shu is going to die for sure.¡± Nodded another Elder.


    Chen Sheng didn¡¯t say anything, but his eyes were smiling. In contrast, Yun Wanli was totally panic-stricken. He didn¡¯t expect that Fan Wen actually knew such a high-ranked martial skill.


    In Yun Wanli¡¯s eyes, Yun Shu was in great danger!


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Nothing¡¯s gonna happen to Yun Shu,¡± said Su Lingwen calmly.


    Yun Wanli turned around and saw that gorgeous, young lady. For a moment, he didn¡¯t know what to say. He wondered if she was Yun Shu¡¯s master.


    Besides Su Lingwen, Yun Shu¡¯s followers were all relaxed as well. Their confidence in Yun Shu was unable to be shaken by such an insignificant matter. They had set their hearts at rest from the very beginning.


    At this time, on the platform, Fan Wen finally started moving.


    ¡°This is the end. Go to hell!¡± Fan Wen yelled at Yun Shu and bolted in his direction.


    He was as fast as an arrow. Together with the low roar of thunder, his aura was definitely overwhelming.


    The crowd believed that Yun Shu was going to be a dead man very soon.


    However¡­


    Snap!


    The movement of Fan Wen¡¯s sword suddenly stopped in midair. Then the fast-moving figure was fiercely thrown away again.


    Another slap!


    Yun Shu had slapped Fan Wen on his face again! The same movement, the same place!


    The crowd was all shocked. At last, they realized the truth: when Yun Shu first slapped Fan Wen, that wasn¡¯t because he got lucky.


    Yun Shu had a target!


    But slapping in the face of someone who had reached the first level of Aqua Sky Realm required incredible reflexes.


    They couldn¡¯t even imagine how powerful Yun Shu was.


    This time, before Fan Wen hit the ground, Yun Shu finally moved from his spot. His fists and feet violently gave Fan Wen bitter bashes and kicks like raindrops falling on him.


    He kept beating Fan Wen so hard that Fan Wen couldn¡¯t even hit the ground!


    This was not a fight!


    This was bullying!


    Fan Wen had bullied Yun Shu for as long as he could remember. He hated the guy to his very bones.


    It was Fan Wen who had sent Zhang Bao to the valley to kill him.


    It was Fan Wen who had made Yun Shu¡¯s father wear that heavy chain.


    Yun Shu¡¯s guts were burning with his boundless hatred toward Fan Wen. He was now giving full vent to his feelings on him!


    The crowd almost dropped their chins. They couldn¡¯t believe their eyes! What seemed to be impossible to them had now turned into reality!


    Was Yun Shu still that famous loser?


    At this time, Chen Sheng had finally realized what was going on.


    ¡°Stop, you vile convict!¡± Chen Sheng bawled at Yun Shu and jumped at him like a violent blow of wind.


    ¡°Stop? Sure!¡± Yun Shu answered and let Fan Wen drop to the ground. But then he clenched his fist and bashed it into Fan Wen¡¯s chest, the great power throwing him directly at Chen Sheng like a kite with its string broken.


    Chen Sheng hurriedly caught Fan Wen. When he looked down, he saw that Fan Wen¡¯s chest had collapsed inward, and blood was coming out of his ears, eyes, and nose. Chen Sheng felt Fan Wen¡¯s pulse and was shocked to find that all his meridians had been broken into pieces.


    ¡°You vile bastard! You killed my student! You will pay!¡± As if Chen Sheng had totally gone crazy, he directly made a mad dash for Yun Shu.


    Suddenly, a whirl of formidable power surged up on the platform. Feeling that pressure, the crowd hurriedly stepped backward.


    Yun Shu knew that he should get more serious now. He was facing one of the Elders in the sect, after all.


    ¡°Fire Scale Shield!¡± Yun Shu directly conjured his most powerful defense skill and blended his Life Flame into it.


    Immediately, a huge shield the size of six meters long showed up in front of Yun Shu. The next moment, Chen Sheng¡¯s straightened palm hacked at it furiously.


    Bang!


    The deafening sound was like the explosion of a thunderbolt.


    Yun Shu¡¯s powerful shield instantly broke into seven to eight fragments under Chen Sheng¡¯s one single strike. The furious aftermath threw Yun Shu into the air, and a mouthful of blood gushed out of his chest.


    The crowd was astonished.


    Chen Sheng was an Elder of the outer sect. Still, Yun Shu survived Chen Sheng¡¯s full-strength strike, which was like a miracle!


    Obviously, Chen Sheng didn¡¯t expect this at all. But instantly, he was ready to launch the second round of attacks.


    ¡°You must die here today!¡± Chen Sheng was coming for Yun Shu like a raging tornado.


    Yun Shu was injured from that strike. But, fortunately, his Fire Scale Shield was indeed durable, so the injury wasn¡¯t too bad.


    Seeing Chen Sheng rushing at him, Yun Shu wasn¡¯t afraid at all. Instead, he felt overwhelmingly excited.


    He wanted to see how powerful an outer sect Elder could be!


    Yun Shu¡¯s hand pressed against the hilt of his sword. When Chen Sheng got close enough, he quickly pulled it out and thrust at him.


    He used the sword Qi that he had acquired from the stele!


    Bang!


    Instantly, a blazing fire raged everywhere on the platform, and the frenetic sword Qi swept over.


    Covered in electric arcs, Yun Shu ran out of the turmoil with his hair and clothes all on fire. In the other direction, Chen Sheng also rushed out.


    ¡°You¡­ You swine!¡± Chen Sheng swore loudly, whose eyes were full of violent killing intent.


    ¡°Look at Elder Chen Sheng¡¯s hand!¡± at this time, someone said aloud.


    The crowd all did as the voice said. They were beyond shocked to find that Elder Chen Sheng¡¯s two fingers were missing, and blood was dropping on the platform!

 Chapter 60 - Three Months

    Yun Shu killed Fan Wen. He took a full-strength strike from Chen Sheng. He cut Chen Sheng¡¯s two fingers.


    The crowd saw everything, as if they were in a dream.


    Who was Chen Sheng?


    He was an Elder of the outer sect!


    He had been in the Fire Mystic Sect for many years and was probably one of the most powerful cultivators in the sect!


    What about Yun Shu?


    He was the most well-known loser in the Fire Mystic Sect!


    The spectators were totally stunned by the outcome of the fight!


    However, Yun Shu had a heavy heart at this moment. It was true that he used the sword intent and hurt Chen Sheng. However, because of the enormous gap between them, he had already consumed most of his Spirit Qi!


    Also, Chen Sheng had already seen his best moves. If the fight went on, Yun Shu knew that he would be defeated very soon.


    At this time, Chen Sheng was ready to pounce on Yun Shu one more time. Obviously, he had gone crazy. Yun Shu also knew that he was in trouble.


    He wasn¡¯t going to win. Should he go back to the Stone Gate World?


    In that case, without a doubt, he could keep himself alive, but that would also reveal his secret in front of so many people. That was the last resort he had.


    When Yun Shu was still having a difficult time deciding, a strong gust of wind arrived at the Wind and Cloud Platform. The aura felt familiar to Yun Shu.


    Finally! Yun Shu released a sigh of relief.


    Bang!


    Chen Sheng was already in front of Yun Shu. However, the fatal blow from Chen Sheng didn¡¯t land as he had imagined.


    In front of Yun Shu stood Old Du, the stout elderly man guarding the Valley of Crime!


    The moment Fan Wen had agreed to the life-and-death duel, Yun Shu knew that Chen Sheng would definitely take his revenge once he killed his personal disciple.


    To handle this situation, Yun Shu had to find someone even more powerful than Chen Sheng since he would by no means be reasonable.


    In the Fire Mystic Sect, there were quite a few seniors who were more powerful than Chen Sheng, but Yun Shu didn¡¯t know them in person. He was only familiar with the two guarding the Valley of Crime.


    Fortunately, when Yun Shu was still in the Valley of Crime, Old Du had given him a piece of jade. Whenever he infused his Spirit Qi into it, Old Du would get the message and know that Yun Shu was in trouble.


    Therefore, Yun Shu sent Old Du a message before the fight started.


    ¡°Chen Sheng! You¡¯re such a shameless old bastard! Are you fighting a junior? Seriously?!¡± said Old Du aloud. The force from his one single palm strike pushed Chen Sheng back fiercely.


    Seeing Old Du, Chen Sheng¡¯s eyebrows slightly lifted. Of course, he recognized him. In terms of both power and status, he was inferior to Old Du.


    However, right now, Chen Sheng had been carried away by the rage burning his guts. The only thing he could think at this moment was to kill the little bastard.


    ¡°Senior Brother Du, the jerk behind you killed my student. I will kill him today, no matter what!¡± Chen Sheng gnashed his teeth.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Old Du turned around and asked Yun Shu.


    ¡°Senior, I indeed killed his student, but it was because we had agreed on a life-and-death duel witnessed by Chen Sheng and the rest of the two Elders! His student lost the fight and was killed by me, but now, Chen Sheng¡¯s breaking the sect rules and trying to execute me!¡± said Yun Shu angrily.


    Old Du realized the proceedings instantly. He snorted and asked, ¡°Chen Sheng, is this true?¡±


    Chen Sheng had lost his mind. Hearing the question, he answered coldly, ¡°So what?¡±


    Old Du sneered. ¡°¡® So what?¡¯ I¡¯m here today. If you dare break the sect rules and hurt the boy, I¡¯ll put an end to your life immediately. If you don¡¯t believe it, just try.¡±


    Hearing Old Du¡¯s words, he finally calmed down slightly. He was well aware of Old Du¡¯s formidable reputation. If there was going to be a fight between them, Chen Sheng knew that it would end badly for him.


    ¡°Right! Then I¡¯ll stick to the rules! Yun Shu, dare you have a life-and-death duel with me?¡± asked Chen Sheng aloud.


    What Chen Sheng had just said was immediately overwhelmed by the loud boos from the audience.


    Chen Sheng was an Elder of the outer sect. In terms of age, cultivation, or status, he and Yun Shu were absolutely not at the same level.


    He wanted a fight for life and death with Yun Shu, a nobody who was just released from the valley? That was such a joke!


    ¡°Chen Sheng! You¡¯re so shameless that your words made me speechless! I think¡ª¡±


    However, before Old Du could finish his words, Yun Shu stepped out and said, ¡°A life-and-death battle? I accept it.¡±


    Bang!


    The audience couldn¡¯t believe their ears.


    Yun Shu had just accepted Chen Sheng¡¯s challenge?


    That was straight up committing suicide!


    Even Su Lingwen was stunned. No one understood more about Yun Shu¡¯s current power than her. It wasn¡¯t a surprise to her that he had easily killed Fan Wen, but to fight Chen Sheng¡­


    Yun Shu had no chance to win the fight at all!


    ¡°Good! Since you¡¯ve agreed, let¡¯s¡ª¡± Chen Sheng looked extremely excited.


    ¡°Wait! I¡¯m not finished yet!¡± Yun Shu cut him off.


    ¡°What?¡± Chen Sheng snorted.


    ¡°I can accept it, but not now. Three months later, on this same platform, if you still have the guts, we¡¯ll fight!¡± Yun Shu looked at Chen Sheng with contempt.


    Chen Sheng was a bit surprised at first, but then he nodded. ¡°Deal! Three months later!¡±


    In Chen Sheng¡¯s eyes, three months were not enough to change anything. He had been cultivating for more than a few decades.


    No matter what kind of a genius Yun Shu was, it was impossible for him to catch up with him within a mere three months.


    He only had to wait for a few more moons, and then he would be able to take revenge for his student without breaking any rules in the sect.


    ¡°Deal! Please be witnesses for us, Senior Du, and the two Elders over there,¡± said Yun Shu.


    ¡°You have no idea what you¡¯re dealing with,¡± said Old Du word by word, looking pissed.


    In his eyes, Yun Shu¡¯s decision was too reckless. Three months was too short for Yun Shu to erase the gap between Chen Sheng and him!


    ¡°Senior, please don¡¯t worry. I know what I am doing. Please be my witness, or I¡¯ll have to find someone else.¡± Yun Shu smiled.


    Old Du took a deep breath and cast a glance at Yun Shu¡¯s smiling face. Still, he knew that this young man was not going to change his mind.


    ¡°Alright¡­ I¡¯ll be your witness.¡± Old Du slowly produced these words with great effort.


    ¡°Thank you very much, Senior!¡± Yun Shu gave him a respectful hold fist salute.


    Then Yun Shu turned around and yelled at Chen Sheng, ¡°Go and pick a coffin you like for yourself! It¡¯ll be useful three months later!¡±


    ¡°You bastard!¡± Chen Sheng hated Yun Shu to his very bones, but right now, he could do nothing to him. So he flicked his sleeves and directly left the platform.


    Watching Chen Sheng leaving, Old Du sighed. ¡°Boy, you¡­¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t worry, senior. I know what to do!¡± Yun Shu grinned.


    Old Du couldn¡¯t believe Yun Shu¡¯s words. However, he could not change anything even if he wanted to. The arrow had already left the bow.


    ¡°You¡¯d better!¡± Old Du shook his head. The corner of his eye caught the presence of Yun Wanli in the crowd, but he said nothing and left.