ã€ŠGreat Sword Masterã€‹


 Chapter 1 - Chen Feng

    Eastern Wilderness, Great Xia Kingdom.

    It was noon and the sun was scorching.

    In the Huntian Taoist Temple, Chen Feng was holding an octagonal ebony box and running quickly along the path leading to Mirror Lake.

    "This birthday gift will definitely surprise Xue Ning. She definitely won''t have expected that it would be a Pei Yuan Pill.

    "In the distance, a sweet and quiet girl in a white dress was standing outside the woods by the lake.

    Seeing this figure, Chen Feng sped up."Xue Ning, today is your birthday, I have prepared something for you..."

    Chen Feng was wearing a washed-out gray cloth shirt and trousers.

    His hair was short and a bit messy, with bruises on his handsome face.

    He was sweating and looked a little disheveled, but his face was filled with joy from the bottom of his heart.

    As he spoke, he handed over the octagonal ebony box.

    "Chen Feng!" The girl interrupted the boy without even looking at the box he handed over. Her cold and unfamiliar tone made Chen Feng stunned.

    "It''s been six years, and you''ve only reached the third level of body forging, while I''ve already reached the peak of the sixth level of body forging and am about to break through to the seventh level.

    In a month, I will definitely pass the assessment and become a disciple of the Huntian Sect, and from then on I''ll spread my wings and fly high.

    And you''re just a reptile, are you worthy of me?"

    "And this rubbish jade pendant, a scrap you picked up from somewhere, but you insisted it was a family heirloom.

    I''m returning it to you. From now on, we have no relationship.

    You and I are destined to be from two different worlds. I''m in heaven, and you''re on earth.

    "The girl became more and more disgusted as she spoke.

    She took out a black crescent-shaped jade pendant and threw it fiercely at Chen Feng.

    Her originally pure and sweet face became cold and distorted like never before.

    The jade pendant hit Chen Feng''s face and bounced into the fallen leaves under the tree.

    The pain on his face woke Chen Feng up from his daze.

    Staring at the still pretty but cold and ruthless face of the girl a few meters away, he felt unprecedentedly strange.

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    For six years, he gave all his body-building pills to her, just to let her practice better, but it became the reason for her to despise him.

    A wave of dizziness hit Chen Feng, and he staggered backward unconsciously, his back hitting the tree trunk.

    The octagonal sandalwood box in his hand fell out of his hand and rolled into the pile of fallen leaves.

    After staring at Yang Xuening for a few moments, Chen Feng came back to his senses.

    "Why? Since you are determined to join the Huntian Sect, I will give you all the body-building pills, and be beaten as a sparring partner for a month, just to earn enough money to buy you a Peiyuan Pill so that you can better break through to the seventh level of body-building.

    I will give you the jade pendant left by my mother without hesitation if you say you like it.

    I am willing to give everything for you. Tell me...

    what else have I done wrong?" Chen Feng stepped closer, his voice low and suppressed.

    His eyes were filled with extreme grief and anger, which Yang Xuening had never seen before.

    She couldn''t help feeling guilty and subconsciously avoided his gaze without answering.

    "Because you are a waste. If you are a waste, how can you be worthy of a beautiful woman like Xue Ning?"

    A frivolous voice was suddenly heard, and a young man wearing a dark green shirt and holding a knife on his back walked from behind a big tree beside Yang Xuening to his side.

    He put his hands skillfully on Yang Xuening''s waist, and caressed her unscrupulously, with a strong sense of ridicule and mockery on his arrogant face.

    "Who are you?"It was so blatant that even if Chen Feng was stupid, he understood what was going on and questioned in a stern voice.

    "Chen Feng, listen carefully.

    He is Ye Yunqi, who is one of the top ten strongest people in the Taoist academy and ranks fourth.

    " Yang Xue Ning leaned on the young man in the dark green tights, her eyebrows flying with joy and her spirits high, as if this honor belonged to her.

    "Yun Qi is only eighteen years old, but he has already reached the peak of the eighth transformation of body forging, and he is also the young master of the first family in Da Xia."

    Yang Xue Ning raised her neck proudly, staring at Chen Feng with increasing disgust:

    "In terms of family background, talent, and wealth, what can you compare with Yun Qi? Your mother who eloped with someone? You are a complete waste, a bastard without a mother."

    "Bitch!"The last bit of Chen Feng''s sanity was destroyed.

    He jumped up and slapped Yang Xuening hard in anger.

    "roll!"Ye Yunqi kicked out, and Chen Feng retreated several meters at a faster speed.

    He fell down under a big tree and glared at Yang Xuening and Ye Yunqi.

    "Okay... okay, things change over time. For today''s shame, I, Chen Feng, will pay you back double in the future.

    "Chen Feng struggled to get up and shouted at the two of them.

    ¡°How ridiculous!¡± Yang Xuening sneered, her face full of disdain:

    ¡°Chen Feng, stop daydreaming. People like you will never achieve anything in your life.

    Just accept your fate.

    Since we both came from Lingshan City, kneel down and kowtow three times, and I will let Brother Yun spare you¡­¡±

    "Kneel down, your mother, bitch...dog..." Chen Feng cursed.

    "court death!" A cold shout was accompanied by a whistling strong wind.

    Chen Feng caught a glimpse of a dark green figure rushing towards him quickly.

    He quickly dodged and stretched out his hand to resist, but he was a step too slow.

    His forehead was hit so hard that it seemed to explode, his eardrum ruptured, and one of his eyeballs seemed to be squeezed out.

    He flew into the air and hit a tree.

    Severe pain shocked his whole body, and he couldn''t help but spurt out a mouthful of blood that splashed on his hands.

    Falling under the tree, Chen Feng lost consciousness in half of his head and his consciousness gradually became blurred.

    "A piece of trash who doesn''t know his own limitations!"

    Ye Yunqi''s extremely contemptuous voice seemed to float from the distant sky.

    "Brother Yun, if this waste dies, will you be punished by the Taoist temple?

    " Yang Xuening''s slightly uneasy voice sounded."It doesn''t matter.

    It''s just an ant.

    It dies, so be it.

    I believe the Dao Academy can tell the difference."

    Ye Yunqi sneered.

    The cold words floated into Chen Feng''s ears and made him feel cold all over.

    "Let''s go.

    Today is your eighteenth birthday.

    I have prepared a Da Pei Yuan Dan unique to my Ye family for you.

    It is enough to allow you to break through to the seventh level of body forging and consolidate your foundation in a short period of time.

    Then, you can follow me to participate in the Huntian Sect assessment."

    "Brother Yun, you are so nice to me.

    " Yang Xuening''s voice was full of surprise.

    "Then how are you going to repay me?" Ye Yunqi raised his eyebrows and smiled meaningfully.

    "You are so bad."

    Yang Xuening said in a low voice with a blushing face and eyes full of love.

    "There are worse ones...hahahaha..."

    Ye Yunqi immediately picked up Yang Xuening''s delicate body by the waist.

    His wild laughter kept floating into Chen Feng''s ears and gradually faded away.

    Chen Feng stared at the two quickly departing figures with blurred vision, and struggled to stretch out his bloodstained hands to grab the black crescent-shaped jade pendant in the fallen leaves.

    Suddenly, a strange change occurred.

    The jade pendant swallowed up all the blood like a dried-up sponge, emitting a strong black light, which instantly flew towards Chen Feng''s brow.

    Ye Yunqi and Yang Xuening, who were moving away quickly, were unaware of it.

    Chen Feng''s forehead seemed to be struck by lightning, his vision went dark, and his consciousness seemed to be dragged into a bottomless abyss.

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 Chapter 2 God of Creation

    The dark void is boundless.

    Chen Feng''s consciousness was floating, and in a trance, he seemed to hear a cry.

    ¡°My child...¡± The gentle and clear voice was full of excitement, and he couldn''t wait to say, ¡°Come and let me see."¡±

    ¡­¡­

    ¡°Feng''er, you are already three years old and sensible. Your mother has to go to a far place to do something, and she doesn''t know when it will be done. This jade will be left to you.¡±

    ¡°This jade pendant contains a lot of secrets. You must put it away and don''t lose it. If one day Feng''er can unlock the secret of jade pendant, you can come to your mother...¡±

    ¡­¡­

    ¡°Xiaofeng, you are already ten years old and know how to take care of yourself. Your father can go to your mother with confidence.¡±

    ¡­¡­

    ¡°Brother Feng, where did your jade admiration come from? I like it so much.¡±

    ¡­¡­

    The black crescent jade pendant was thrown over like garbage, smashed on the face and landed on the ground.

    A blood-stained hand grabbed Yupei from the pile of fallen leaves, and Yupei suddenly turned into a stream of light and penetrated into the center of his eyebrows.

    ¡°Creation.........................¡±

    The divine voice was small, penetrating through the eternal time and space, awakening Chen Feng.

    I saw that a round of black crescent moon broke through the chaos, filled with heavy halos, overwhelming the sky.

    Chen Feng couldn''t help being attracted and stared away. The black crescent was cast like a divine jade, with four ancient and mysterious texts engraved on it, containing endless mystery and reason.

    ¡°The God of Creation...¡±

    Obviously he couldn''t understand the mysterious text, but Chen Feng could understand the meaning.

    Vaguely, pictures flashed, a rugged giant with muscles like a dragon holding an axe to split the chaos and evolve everything in the world; the sleeves of the fairy robe surrounded by the white robe fluttering and dense glow were lightly raised, and one sleeve of the vast sword aura rushed like a river of heaven, destroying thousands of stars; the ancient god, who was extremely tall and wearing strong armor, supported the sun and the moon on his shoulders, chasing the light and electricity, and stepping out, he left the galaxy far behind him.¡­¡­

    Chen Feng was shocked and shocked inexplicably.

    Suddenly a light of enlightenment rose.

    In the face of such a vast and mighty power, everything seems so small.

    ¡°This...is the direction of our men''s hearts!¡±

    The dark void became turbulent, Chen Feng felt repelled, and everything in front of him became distorted and blurred.

    ¡­¡­

    ¡°I... why am I in the hospital?¡±

    Chen Feng opened his eyes and scanned the surroundings in amazement, his face blank.

    ¡°Someone sent me back...who is it?¡±

    His consciousness gradually became clear, but Chen Feng couldn''t think of who would send him back to the hospital. After all, in the past six years, his mind has been on Yang Xuening, and he doesn''t have a friend. He can''t change it back out of thin air.

    ¡°My injury...¡±

    While thinking about it, Chen Feng noticed that his injuries seemed to have healed, and he immediately checked them out. While he was amazed, he put the octagonal ebony box he took out of his arms aside.

    ¡°Isn''t it an illusion just now?¡±

    ¡°It turns out that the secret of jade admiration that Niang said earlier is the god of creation...¡±

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    ¡°I have solved the secret of Yupei, mother, I will get you and your father back soon, and the family will be reunited.¡±

    Chen Feng said secretly, with emotion.

    Usually, I can''t bear to let Yupei be stained with the slightest dust, let alone blood.

    Back then, my mother told me that she was too young to remember, and she regarded Yang Xuening as the most important person in her life, so she sent out the jade pendant as a token of love. Fortunately,...Yang Xuening threw it back, otherwise he would miss an opportunity.

    As his thoughts turned, Chen Feng''s thoughts concentrated in his mind, and he ¡®saw¡¯ a round of black moon, slowly emitting heavy black ripples.

    ¡°The god of creation is unparalleled and mysterious. It exudes the charm of creation all the time. It can protect the soul, meditate and concentrate, imperceptibly enhance understanding and wisdom, and temporarily enhance understanding when thinking about comprehension. At present, the function I can take the initiative to use is refining...¡±

    ¡°Refining, refining, pill, etc., refining the purest essence, without the slightest impurities completely absorbed.¡±

    ¡°In other words... with this refining function, as long as there are enough pills, my cultivation level can be quickly improved.¡±

    Chen Feng''s eyes were shining brightly.

    Fortunately, Pei Yuandan did not successfully enter Yang Xuening''s hands, and the person who sent him back to the hospital did not take it away, otherwise he would be in a daze now.

    ¡°Yang Xuening, Ye Yunqi, you dogs, men and women, wait!¡±

    ¡°Father and mother, from now on, I will live up to your expectations, practice martial arts and practice sword fighting!¡±

    The light in Chen Feng''s eyes gradually condensed, and every word contained unprecedented firmness and determination that could not be shaken by landslides.

    ¡°Martial arts cultivation is based on the physical state of the body. There are nine changes. Every time the body is transformed, the body will be improved. However, the first three changes are mainly based on the transformation of flesh and blood. The power mastered is called flesh and blood power.¡±

    ¡°The third transformation is based on the transformation of muscles and bones, and its strength is called muscle and bone strength.¡±

    ¡°The last three transformations are mainly based on the transformation of the organs, and their power is also called the power of the organs.¡±

    ¡°I am now a three-change trainer for the body, but as long as I take this pill of Peiyuan Pill, I will be able to break through to the four-change trainer in a short time...¡±

    Peiyuan Pill is a high-level pill in the exercise realm. It can solidify the original Peiyuan by taking it, and its effect is far better than that of exercise pill.

    Picking up the octagonal ebony box on one side and opening it, staring at a yellow-white pill the size of a longan inside, a touch of complexity and hope flashed in Chen Feng''s eyes.

    ¡°The God of Creation, let me see what you can do...¡±

    The pill enters the stomach and turns into a stream of heat and spreads rapidly.

    The change is sudden!

    There was a burst of suction from the depths of his mind, and Pei Yuandan''s heat flow soared into the sky against the current, and it didn''t enter his mind for an instant.

    With the next breath, an extremely pure stream of heat spread from the depths of his mind, and quickly rushed to Chen Feng''s body and limbs.

    The body trembled lightly, between the tremors of the muscles and the skin membrane, it quickly became red, and a faint layer of blood filled the body, covering the body.

    The essence of the physical realm is to strengthen the qi and blood, and then use the qi and blood to refine the body and transform it.

    In other words, the higher the level of physical cultivation, the stronger the qi and blood.

    On the contrary, the stronger the qi and blood, the smoother the cultivation of the physical realm.

    With pure power rushing, Chen Feng''s whole body of qi and blood continued to grow, and the blood gradually became rich, penetrating into the bones through the flesh and blood, quenching the muscles and bones.

    The tendons move like strings, the bones seem to be struck by a hammer, and the pain is unbearable.

    After about a quarter of an hour, the blood light gradually became restrained, the severe pain disappeared, and it turned into relief.

    ¡°Tenacity and strength, is this the strength of the bones...¡±

    Feeling the powerful power contained in his body carefully, Chen Feng muttered to himself.

    The feeling of flesh and blood strength is positive and peaceful, while the strength of muscles and bones is as strong and sharp as a sword and spear, and there is a feeling of invincibility.

    Mastering the strength of the muscles and bones means that one''s cultivation base has broken through to the four changes in the body.

    It seems that it is not the first time to enter the four changes of the forging body.

    Chen Feng couldn''t help showing a smile.

    ¡°At this rate of improvement, as long as there are enough pills, before the annual assessment of the Mingtianzong Sect begins, maybe I am expected to improve my cultivation level to the seven changes of the body...¡±

    While pondering, Chen Feng slowly stretched his muscles and bones, and the clatter of fried beans sounded again and again.

    ¡°I am now practicing the four changes of the body, refining the muscles and bones, and cultivating the muscles and bones. As long as I pass the verification of teaching, I can get the exercise pill rewarded by the Taoist academy. Although the effect is far inferior to Peiyuan Pill, it is also useful.And I can now bear the load of entering the martial arts, so I can ask the teacher to teach me the swordsmanship of entering the martial arts.¡±

    ¡°As long as you increase your strength, you can break into the puppet formation of the Taoist temple to get rewards, and you can earn more money to buy more pills. Otherwise, the thirty-two sent by your family every month will not be enough.¡±

    Thinking of this, Chen Feng immediately got up and washed up, and changed into a long shirt that he rarely wears on weekdays. The moire pattern on the blue background set off his slender and vigorous body and personable demeanor.

    He glanced down at himself, as if he were a freshman, Chen Feng nodded in satisfaction, raised his long sword and pushed the door out.

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 Chapter 3 - The power of one blow

    In the afternoon, the sun was not so blazing.

    In the fifth class of the Jianwu Branch, dozens of teenagers lined up in a phalanx with swords, their backs straight, like swords pointing to the sky. In front of the phalanx, a woman about nineteen or twenty years old was standing.

    The woman is carrying a long sword and a long ponytail. Her complexion is like wheat, delicate and smooth. Her face is seven points heroic and three points wild. A gilt silver light-colored shirt sets off her tall figure and makes her stronger. There is a unique temperament of an invincible valkyrie galloping on the battlefield.

    This woman is Li Xinyue, a well-known swordsmanship genius in the Mingtian Taoist Academy. She ranks second in the top ten physical training environments of the Taoist Academy. Because of her superb swordsmanship, she was appointed by the Taoist Academy as a swordsmanship instructor, specializing in swordsmanship teaching in the fifth class of the swordsmanship Branch.

    Chen Feng stepped into the team and saluted Li Xinyue: ¡°Li Jiaoxi.¡±

    Seeing Chen Feng, Li Xinyue''s Liu Ye eyebrows were raised unconsciously, and there was a hint of surprise on her heroic face.

    When dozens of teenagers saw the visitor clearly, they couldn''t help showing surprise and teasing expressions.

    ¡°Chen Feng, the great injustice?¡±

    ¡°Why is this waste here?¡±

    ¡°Haha, let me tell you the latest news. My young Master Ye Jiayunqi had a crush on Yang Xuening, and Yang Xuening kicked this waste away.¡±A haughty young man with a black mole on his left cheek sneered, looking at Chen Feng with disdain in his eyes.

    ¡°It''s really miserable. After six years of being a rich boy, in the end, people and money are empty.¡±

    ¡°If you want to blame, you can only blame this waste for not fighting for yourself...¡±

    The discussion was not loud, but it passed into Chen Feng''s ears very clearly.

    Chen Feng didn''t seem to hear it, and his expression didn''t change at all.

    ¡°Silence!"Li Xinyue''s eyes swept like a sword''s edge, and an indescribable pressure was on her body, which made people feel shocked.

    ¡°It really deserves to be a master of eight changes in body training."The terrible pressure continued to oppress, and Chen Feng suppressed the horror in his heart and secretly marveled.

    With eight changes in the body, the flesh, bones, and internal organs have been tempered repeatedly, and they have reached an astonishing height. It is extremely terrifying to be able to open the monument and crack the stone and tear the tiger and leopard alive. Compared with the four changes in the body, the gap between the cultivation base of one''s own body is surprisingly large.

    ¡°Chen Feng, you haven''t been here for months, what are you doing now?¡±

    Li Xinyue stared at Chen Feng with extremely sharp eyes, which brought bursts of pressure to Chen Feng all the time.

    Especially as the Huantianzong assessment is approaching, Li Xinyue is twenty years old, but she still hasn''t been able to break through to the nine changes in her body. Under the irritability of her heart, the whole person is like a volcano that will erupt at any time, and the power diffused is becoming more and more amazing.

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    The disciples did not dare to offend her at will, for fear of being taught.

    After all, the ultimate goal of any disciple of the Huantian Dao Academy is to worship in the Huantian Sect, but the Huantian Sect is very strict in recruiting disciples. At the age of eighteen, there are seven changes in the body, eight changes in the body at the age of nineteen, and nine changes in the body at the age of twenty. This is the basic requirement, and further assessments need to be passed.

    ¡°Li Jiaoxi, my cultivation base has broken through to the four changes of the body, and I have come to verify and practice Fengying swordsmanship."Chen Feng responded to the heavy pressure brought by Li Xinyue.

    ¡°What did he say?¡±

    ¡°He said that his cultivation base has broken through to the four changes in the body...¡±

    The noise sounded again, full of doubt.

    Li Xinyue also showed a suspicious look on her face.

    ¡°Teaching, if you don''t believe it, you can verify it."Chen Feng said immediately.

    Whether the strength of the muscles and bones is practiced, a pair of punches can be clearly tested.

    ¡°Lin Jiaoxi, let me verify.¡±A haughty-looking young man with a black mole on his left cheek immediately jumped out and looked at Chen Feng triumphantly: ¡°I am sixteen years old this year, and I have just broken through to the four changes in my body. I am really ashamed, but it should be enough to test your cultivation base.¡±

    ¡°Hahahaha, Phineas is too humble. He has four changes in his body at the age of sixteen. Before the assessment of the Mingtianzong at the age of eighteen, he will definitely be able to break through to the seven changes in his body. At that time, he will become a disciple of the Mingtianzong, and he will flourish from then on.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, Brother Phineas, if you feel ashamed of your talent, wouldn''t we be extremely ashamed, and wouldn''t some people be even more ashamed to death.¡±

    Chen Feng stared at each other coldly.

    This person''s name is Ye Fei, and he is a descendant of the Ye family. In the fifth class of the Jianwu Branch, he has always been domineering based on his family background.

    ¡°Chen Feng, come and punch me, and you will know if you have really broken through to the four changes in your body."Ye Fei''s voice fell, he stepped forward, his expression became extremely cold, and a fierce punch broke through the air and bombarded him, his muscles and bones completely exploded, mercilessly.

    The fist wind roared, and the momentum was terrifying.

    If Chen Feng hadn''t broken through to the four changes in his body, under this punch, his arm would be broken lightly, and he would vomit blood and suffer internal injuries.

    Li Xinyue''s brows condensed slightly, her muscles tightened, her strength flowed, and she could erupt at any time, blocking Ye Fei''s full blow.

    ¡°Chen Feng, this waste is going to be miserable.¡±

    ¡°This punch has to recuperate for at least ten days and a half.¡±

    A group of students thought of it one after another.

    Chen Feng''s complexion was indifferent, but a ray of cold light shot out of his eyes.

    His legs squatted slightly, his toes pressed tightly to the ground, and he suddenly kicked. The extremely strong muscles and bones seemed to erupt from his legs. Through his legs and back, he advanced layer by layer. The muscles on his right arm bulged, and his five fingers were tightly clasped into a fist.

    Boom!

    With a muffled sound, a pothole suddenly broke through on the ground, Chen Feng leaped up and bombarded with a punch, powerful, Li Xinyue''s eyes couldn''t help but condense, and a flash of surprise flashed.

    Fu Linxinzhi, the mystery of basic swordsmanship is like instinct, Chen Feng''s arm seems to turn into an epee, going forward and shattering everything.

    Boom!

    The two figures collided in an instant, making a deafening and violent roar, smoke and dust billowed, and a figure flew out upside down, landed heavily and rolled back a few times.

    ¡°My hand...my hand is broken...¡±

    The wailing sounded in bursts, so mournful that the listener was sad and the listener wept.

    The smoke and dust dissipated, and when everyone saw the disgraced people holding their broken arms and wailing and screaming, their expressions changed drastically, and they sucked in the air.

    Then... isn''t it Ye Fei?

    How could Ye Fei be hit?

    Looking at Chen Feng standing proudly in the sun, Li Xinyue''s bright eyes twinkled involuntarily, full of surprise and doubt.

    ¡°Sure enough... my cultivation base is not the first to enter the four changes of the body, but the peak of the four changes!¡±

    The corners of Chen Feng''s mouth curled up slightly, showing a smile, and his body and mind were smooth inside and outside.

    Unexpectedly, Peiyuandan''s effect turned out to be so good, so that his cultivation base not only broke through from the three changes of the body to the four changes, but also rose to the peak of the four changes in one fell swoop, and the foundation was very solid.

    ¡°It shouldn''t just be the relationship between Peiyuan Pill, it may also be related to the first time I took pill and the creation of the gods...¡±

    ¡°However, if there can be more Peiyuandan, it may not be difficult to break through to the seven changes in the body in a short time.¡±

    While Chen Feng was thinking secretly, dozens of teenagers woke up one after another, and the hissing sound of air-conditioning continued.

    ¡°Chen Feng actually won...¡±

    ¡°Unbelievable!¡±

    ¡°Why did he become so powerful all of a sudden?¡±

    ¡°The two of them will take him to treatment."Li Xinyue pointed to Ye Fei, who was wailing, and said, then looked at Chen Feng with a faint smile: "Yes, you have indeed broken through to the four changes in the exercise body. The foundation is solid. I will go to the monastery. After that, I will go to the disciple hall to get a pill of exercise pill."¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your education."Chen Feng responded quickly.

    ¡°You practice by yourself, Chen Feng, follow me."Li Xinyue''s extremely sharp gaze swept past, fell on Chen Feng''s face again, said neatly, and stepped aside.

    ¡°Yes."Chen Feng quickly followed.

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 Chapter 4 - Fate Sealed by the Sunâ€™s Covenant

    Under a big tree more than ten meters high, the wind blows and the fallen leaves are flying.

    ¡°Fengying swordsmanship takes the basic swordsmanship of the piercing technique and the mysterious technique of cutting the character, and focuses on speed. It is also known as the Nine Swords of Fengying. It is good at attacking the weak spots of the enemy. It is stimulated by the strength of the muscles and bones. The sword is like the wind chasing the shadow, and the leaves are separated by a sword in the blink of an eye...¡±

    ¡°Fengying swordsmanship has unique strength, luck and breathing skills. It is powerful and stays one for nine, and it is fast and sharp...¡±

    Standing under the big tree, Chen Feng kept recalling the mystery of Fengying swordsmanship taught by Li Xinyue in his mind.

    ¡°Fallen leaves are boring and fragile. If you want to flatten and separate them with a sword in the blink of an eye, you must have a very high degree of control over your own power...¡±

    The breeze swept by, the shadows of the trees whirled and rustled.

    Chen Feng listened to the sound of the wind and watched the dead leaves blown down by the wind dance, his eyes gradually closed.

    The light flashed in my mind, shining like a group of stars, and between my breaths, the black halo of the god of creation seemed to gush out of the sea of knowledge and spread to all parts of my body.

    Chen Feng''s eyes opened, and suddenly a ray of sharp cold light shot out, reflecting a fallen leaf dancing in the wind, his muscles and bones trembled, and a sharp and strong force burst out in an instant, the sword came out of its sheath, and it pierced everything without moving forward.

    A fallen leaf paused slightly in the air, slowly splitting in half, dancing and falling, the two leaves were the same size.

    Staring at the two fallen dead leaves, Chen Feng smiled sincerely.

    The first sword of Fengying''s Nine Swords was practiced.

    ¡°That sword..." Not far away, Li Xinyue swept by casually, her original careless expression startled, dumbfounded.

    It took a long time before he gradually recovered.

    ¡°Practice...practice is done...¡±

    ¡°How much time?¡±

    ¡°It seems...it''s less than an hour...¡±

    ¡°How long did it take me...it seemed to be a month..." Li Xinyue''s brain buzzed.

    At this moment, her heart was broken. As a well-known swordsmanship genius in the martial arts realm of the Mingtian Taoist Academy, she had defeated the nine changes of the martial arts many times with the weak and the strong. Swordsmanship has always been something she is proud of.

    Now, it has been hit.

    Chen Feng didn''t know that Li Xinyue fell into self-doubt, returned the sword to its sheath, and slowly moved his hands and feet to stretch his muscles and bones. The load on his muscles and bones from entering the martial arts was really not small.

    After taking a break, continue to comprehend and cultivate Fengying Erjian.

    Time passed, it was already evening.

    Under the big tree, two sword shadows overlapped, tearing the red light of the setting sun.

    A piece of fallen leaves paused in the air like solidification, neatly divided into four, falling across different trajectories.

    ¡°Fengying Two Swords... I finally practiced...¡±

    Chen Feng''s slightly pale and sweaty face was full of joy.

    Li Xinyue''s eyes were hollow, and she seemed to be so scared that her soul flew out of the sky.

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    A grunt sounded from his stomach, and Chen Feng suddenly felt hungry.

    ¡°It seems that for the time being, I can only practice the two swords of Fengying."Touching his empty stomach, Chen Feng said to himself.

    Entering the martial arts academy causes a load on the muscles and bones, and the higher the depth, the stronger the load, Chen Feng himself knows it.

    Although he has cultivated the Second Sword of Fengying, although it is not yet the limit of his muscles and bones at this stage, he also has a certain amount of pressure. It is estimated that he has cultivated the third Sword of Fengying to be his limit at this stage.

    ¡°Chen Feng, with the two swords of Fengying, your current strength is enough to sweep all the four changes in the Taoist temple, and the five changes in the Taoist body may not be able to avoid your sword."Li Xinyue came back to her senses and said in a very complicated mood. You know, it took her three months before and after to practice Fengying Erjian.

    After chatting with Li Xinyue for a few words, Chen Feng was really hungry, so he offered to leave.

    ¡°Stop!¡±

    A cold and violent shout suddenly sounded.

    ¡°Ye Fei..." Chen Feng stared at the two people intercepted in front of him, one of whom had a white cloth wrapped around his right arm, with a pungent smell of herbal medicine.

    The other one looks a bit similar to Ye Fei, but looks more mature.

    ¡°Why, do you want to punch again?"Staring at Ye Fei with hatred on his face, Chen Feng smiled without Xu Buji.

    ¡°You..." Ye Fei''s complexion was livid, and he felt pain in his right arm.

    ¡°Yes, I''ll punch you again."The young man next to Ye Fei stared at Chen Feng, said coldly, stepped out, a tyrannical aura filled, and pressed Chen Feng fiercely.

    ¡°Who are you?"Resisting the oppression brought by the other party, Chen Feng asked in a condensed voice, his eyes sharp as if he was about to pierce the other party.

    ¡°He is my brother Ye Zheng."Ye Fei snorted coldly.

    ¡°I am a person who pays attention to fairness. There is a saying that you discounted my brother Ye Fei''s arm with a pair of punches, and I also discounted your arm with a pair of punches."Ye Zheng''s eyes were extremely cold, and his words were extremely cold: "At the same time, my Ye family is the first family in the Great Xia Kingdom, and Ye Fei is my Ye family, and you are just an ant in a small border town. If you hurt Ye Fei, you should kneel down and kowtow three times in public, and the matter will be over.¡±

    ¡°What is your cultivation base?"Chen Feng asked with a smile.

    ¡°Six changes in the forging body!"Ye Zheng didn''t rush to make a move, as if everything was under control.

    ¡°Your so-called attention to fairness is to use the six changes of the body to fight me with the four changes of the body?"Chen Feng said with a smile.

    ¡°Hehe, your own family is poor, your talents are low, and your strength is weak. Do you want my brother to be the same as you?"Ye Fei''s face was full of ridicule.

    Chen Feng was speechless, and he actually felt that the other party''s words were so reasonable.

    ¡°Cut the nonsense."Ye Zheng dropped a sentence, his eyes became dangerous, his whole body was surging with terrible momentum, and his right arm raised five fingers and clenched tightly.

    Boom!

    A punch was thrown out outrageously, and the air current roared against the wind of the fist, blasting at Chen Feng''s arm mercilessly.

    Chen Feng''s complexion changed drastically.

    This punch...will not only discount your arm, but even break it.

    Chen Feng''s eyes became extremely sharp, he clasped the hilt of the sword, and forcibly urged his muscles and bones.

    ¡°Stop it!¡±There was a soft drink, accompanied by a gust of wind blowing past, and a dull voice sounded.

    There was an extra sturdy and tall figure in front of Chen Feng, and Ye Zheng backed away again and again.

    ¡°Li Xinyue, what are you doing?"Ye Zheng shrank his arms and stood still, startled at first, his eyes lit up and he asked sharply.

    ¡°Ye Zheng, I have to ask what are you going to do?"Li Xinyue''s eyes were sharp and her voice was like a sword: ¡°Isn''t it shameful that a dignified body with six changes actually oppresses a body with four changes?"¡±

    ¡°Li Xinyue, this matter has nothing to do with you. I advise you not to intervene so as not to cause trouble."Ye Zheng turned his wrist to relieve the pain, while staring at Li Xinyue, his eyes were cold and his words were full of threats.

    ¡°Chen Feng is the student in charge of me, and it is related to me."Li Xinyue responded without hesitation.

    Ye Zheng''s complexion was livid and extremely ugly.

    Chen Feng breathed a sigh of relief.

    Fortunately, when it was too late to teach, otherwise, either he was abolished by Ye Zheng, or he broke out with the two swords of Fengying and severely injured Ye Zheng or even killed him.

    No matter which one it is, it is not a good result.

    Even if there was a god of creation, Chen Feng did not get carried away, but was very alert.

    After six years of Hunyu, once sober, he knew better than others what he needed.

    ¡°Li Xinyue, are you sure you want to fight against my Ye family?"Ye Zheng narrowed his eyes slightly and said coldly.

    ¡°You are just a side line, and you don''t represent the Ye family."Li Xinyue''s words are as sharp as swords.

    Staring at Li Xinyue fiercely for a few times, Ye Zheng was helpless. Li Xinyue was right. He was just a side child and did not represent the Ye family.

    ¡°Chen Feng, Li Xinyue can protect you for a while, can she still protect you for the rest of your life?""Ye Zheng stared at Chen Feng, took a deep breath to suppress the soaring anger in his heart, and said bitterly, immediately thinking of something, showing a cruel smile: "Besides...your Chen family is in Lingshan City...¡±

    Chen Feng''s complexion suddenly changed, and he immediately stepped out from behind Li Xinyue, his expression was cold and his words were sharp: "Ye Zheng, after the fifteenth day, you and I will fight in the Taoist Temple.¡±

    ¡°Who do you think you are, and why should I fight you again in fifteen days?""Ye Zheng was not stimulated, and asked with a grim smile.

    ¡°Ye Zheng, from now until fifteen days later, I will protect Chen Feng."Li Xinyue said, unquestionably.

    ¡°Three days, I only give you three days."Ye Zheng''s cold and stern gaze swept around Li Xinyue and Chen Feng''s faces, and finally said solemnly: "In three days, the Taoist Temple Doutang, if you dare not come, I will use all means to exterminate your Chen family."¡±

    Under Li Xinyue''s protection, he couldn''t help Chen Feng.

    Staring at Ye Zheng''s back, Chen Feng''s eyes were cold and fierce, killing intent as iron.

    Exhaling a long breath heavily, Chen Feng turned to Li Xinyue: "Thank you for your help.¡±

    ¡°With a little effort."Li Xinyue said with great loyalty, but her brows frowned: "But Chen Feng, the Ye family is the first family in the Great Xia Kingdom, with deep heritage and strong strength. Although Ye Zheng is only a side child, it is not wise to be an enemy of him."¡±

    ¡°Teaching, involuntarily."Chen Feng responded in a condensed voice.

    Just like this time, Ye Fei was used to arrogance and domineering, but he had to deal with himself but broke his bones, so his brother Ye Zheng came to avenge him.

    Did you provoke Ye Fei and Ye Zheng by yourself?

    ¡°Ye Zheng is the sixth transformation of the forged body. The entry-level martial arts he has cultivated is the wave-breaking sword technique, and he has practiced the second wave-breaking sword technique. The sword technique is strong and firm. After three days, even if your cultivation level can break through to the five changes of the forged body, it will be difficult to deal with it."Li Xinyue said solemnly.

    ¡°Teaching, do you believe in miracles?"Chen Feng asked with a smile.

    Li Xinyue showed a touch of astonishment.

    miracle?

    ¡°Let''s go. When I defeat the enemy in three days, the teacher will invite me to a big meal to celebrate."Chen Feng waved his hand and said, his back free and easy.

    ¡°Why did I treat you to a big meal?"Li Xinyue had a lot of thoughts, and finally a question came up.

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 Chapter 5 - The Sound of Kowtowing Rings Loudly

    ¡°At least five grains of exercise pills are needed to break through...¡±

    Following the path to the Disciple Hall, Chen Feng secretly sighed while refining a pill of exercise pill he received from the disciple Hall.

    ¡°Hope...it''s in the puppet Hall!¡±

    If you break into the puppet formation, you can eventually get the reward of the exercise pill. This is also the confidence of Chen Feng to dare to propose a battle with Ye Zhengdoutang.

    However, every Taoist disciple has only one chance to break into the puppet formation.

    ¡°Oh, isn''t this Chen Feng?What, do you plan to break into the puppet formation to obtain a body-building pill to improve your cultivation level?¡±

    ¡°Even if you upgrade your cultivation level to the five changes of the forging body...No...even if you upgrade to the six changes of the forging body, it is impossible to be Zheng Ge''s opponent.¡±

    A slightly gloomy-looking young man appeared in front of Chen Feng, his face full of sarcasm.

    ¡°The Ye family?"Chen Feng, who closed his eyes to refresh his mind and lined up to break into the formation, opened his eyes and frowned.

    ¡°Yes, my name is Ye Wenjie.¡±The gloomy-looking young man showed a look of pride.

    ¡°You guys are really haunted."Chen Feng''s expression became colder, his eyes were extremely sharp, and Ye Wenjie felt pierced by a sharp sword. He couldn''t help but change his expression and take a step back.

    ¡°Chen Feng, do you have the guts to compare?"Realizing that he actually took a step back, Ye Wenjie shouted angrily.

    ¡°How to compare?"There was a sneer at the corner of Chen Feng''s mouth.

    ¡°I am forging the five changes and breaking into the five changes puppet formation. If you forge the four changes and breaking into the four changes puppet formation, we will compare. Whoever gets more puppet keepsakes, the loser must not only give all the keepsakes obtained through the pass to the opponent, but also kowtow three times."Ye Wenjie said with a grim smile: "The elders of the Puppet Hall and everyone present can be witnesses."¡±

    ¡°I am willing to witness.¡±

    ¡°I am willing too.¡±

    More than a dozen people in the puppet hall heckled one after another.

    ¡°The old man can be a witness."The elder of the Puppet Hall pondered.

    ¡°That''s better than."Chen Feng took a deep breath, his voice was cold and sharp, but there was an evil aura in his heart, and he didn''t say anything unpleasant.

    Ye Yunqi, Ye Fei, Ye Zheng, and now there is another Ye Wenjie, the haunting Ye family, do you really feel that you are weak and deceiving?

    ¡°Everyone, give me face, let the two of us come first in the next game."Ye Wenjie smiled Yinyin and said to the others.

    It''s not too much to watch the excitement, and everyone agrees.

    Not long after, Ye Wenjie entered the first puppet formation, and Chen Feng stepped into the second puppet formation.

    A boxy room with an open door on the side, which is used for leaving, and a closed portal directly in front of it. There is a water leak hanging on the portal for timing.A burly body stood quietly in the middle of the room, with only one eye on his bare forehead, his whole body was cast like fine iron, and his joints were wrapped in leather. It was a puppet.

    ¡°The puppet is powerful, invulnerable and powerful, if the vast majority of warriors of the same cultivation level are not their opponents...¡±

    Staring at the fine iron puppet a few meters away, Chen Feng thought secretly.

    If you defeat the puppet within a limited time, you can get a token. It is naturally impossible for the Taoist temple to set it up simply. If it is too simple, wouldn''t everyone be able to pass by at will?

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    If you want to get a reward, you have to go through a challenge to prove that you have that qualification.

    ¡°Every puppet has a weakness mark on its body, and only by hitting it can it be defeated...¡±

    Chen Feng''s eyes were extremely sharp, glancing back and forth on the puppet, but he did not find a sign of weakness.

    The puppet''s one-eyed eyes suddenly lit up with red light, and obscure and harsh voices sounded. The puppet turned from static to dynamic, and his burly body rolled up with a strong wind whistling, and he went on a rampage.

    Chen Feng''s expression condensed, and he immediately avoided while secretly frightened, and quickly walked around behind the puppet.

    From the corner of his eyes, he caught a glimpse of a red dot the size of an egg on the back of the puppet. The light in his eyes condensed, without hesitation, his muscles and bones burst out, and he drew his sword and stabbed it out.

    Fengying a sword!

    In an instant, the sword was like a blast of wind, extremely fast, sharp and precise, hitting the red dot behind the puppet directly.

    There was a click, and the puppet who was about to turn around paused, and the one-eyed red light flickered a few times and then went out.

    I saw the red dot that was hit by the sword cracked, and a round token the size of an egg appeared. Chen Feng took it off, and saw the word Puppet Hall engraved on one side and the word''yi¡® engraved on the other.

    This is a token, proving that you have reached the first few levels to defeat the puppet, and at the same time, it is also needed to redeem the exercise pill.

    A keepsake can be exchanged for a grain of forging pill.

    Put away the keepsake, opened the closed portal, and entered the next secret room.

    Two burly figures stood side by side.

    There are nine levels of puppet formation, the first level has one puppet, the second level has two puppets, and so on. The ninth level is nine puppets.

    Each puppet is invulnerable and powerful, and its strength can reach the peak of each change, and the position of the weakness identification is random, and the size is different, which increases the difficulty of the challenge.

    There was a whistling sound, and the two puppets charged left and right to kill.

    ¡­¡­

    In the first puppet formation, a figure rushed out, it was Ye Wenjie, his complexion was slightly whitish, and his breath was disordered.

    ¡°Brother Wenjie, how many levels have you reached?"The acquaintance immediately asked out loud.

    ¡°With Brother Wenjie''s strength, there is no problem in reaching the third level.¡±

    Ye Wenjie sneered with disdain when he heard this, and when he waved his hand, a row of puppet keepsakes were listed on the table in front of the elders of the puppet Hall.

    ¡°One......two......¡±

    ¡°Seven keepsakes!¡±

    ¡°Brother Wenjie not only passed the first three levels, but also defeated a puppet in the fourth level. It''s amazing.¡±

    ¡°Not bad!"The elder of the Puppet Hall stroked his beard, nodded, and looked at Ye Wenjie''s eyes with a bit of appreciation: "To be able to break into the fourth level, your strength is enough to be included in the top 100 among the five disciples of the Taoist Academy."¡±

    Hearing the evaluation of the elders of the Puppet Hall, Ye Wenjie''s face was full of pride.

    There are more than 10,000 disciples in the entire Taoist monastery, and thousands of people with five changes in body training, ranking in the top 100, which is enough to rank in the upper reaches.

    ¡°What about Chen Feng''s waste?Shouldn''t you have already escaped?"Ye Wenjie glanced over with his toes high and his eyes high, but he didn''t find Chen Feng, and suddenly sneered.

    ¡°Brother Wenjie, he hasn''t come out yet."The person next to him responded: "Wait and see."¡±

    ¡°Hehe, then wait a minute."Ye Wenjie sneered.

    Another moment passed, and Ye Wenjie became impatient.

    ¡°You don''t deliberately delay time in it, do you?¡±

    ¡°The puppet formation has a time limit, no matter how long it is delayed, it can be done.¡±

    While discussing, a figure walked out of the second puppet formation.

    His clothes were broken, his hair was scattered and his complexion was pale, and his walking posture was a bit unnatural.

    ¡°Waste, you finally came out, but you kept me waiting for a long time."Ye Wenjie stared away for an instant, and when he saw Chen Feng''s embarrassed appearance, his face was full of sarcasm: ¡°Have you passed the first level?"¡±

    Chen Feng glanced at Ye Wenjie indifferently, walked to the elder of the Puppet Hall, took out the puppet keepsake unhurriedly, and put it on the table.

    ¡°One, it looks like it has passed the first level...¡±

    ¡°I can''t get through the first level, so what else to practice, it''s better to go home and grow sweet potatoes.¡±

    ¡°Oh, two...three, they actually passed the second level, they are a bit capable.¡±

    When Chen Feng took out the fourth puppet token, Ye Wenjie frowned slightly, but there was still a sneer on his face.

    ¡°Five!¡±

    ¡°Six!¡±

    ¡°Seven!¡±

    The smile on Ye Wenjie''s face disappeared.

    Chen Feng took out the eighth puppet token, and there were bursts of exclamations. The elder of the puppet Hall couldn''t help but raise his eyebrows, showing a look of surprise, and Ye Wenjie''s expression was livid.

    "Hiss......¡±

    ¡°Horror!¡±

    ¡°Unbelievable!¡±

    ¡°Fifteen!¡±

    ¡°It turned out to be fifteen!¡±

    ¡°He actually passed the fifth level!¡±

    More than a dozen teenagers sucked in the air one by one, horrified to the extreme, the elders of the puppet Hall stared at Chen Feng, jaw-dropping.

    ¡°You cheated!"Ye Wenjie''s face was as black as the bottom of a pot, and he yelled hysterically.

    At the same time, he quickly reached out and grabbed the puppet keepsake on the table, the shrill sword sound sounded, and the cold sword light pierced the air.

    Ye Wenjie''s expression changed drastically and he quickly shrank his hands.

    ¡°You lost."Chen Shaojian pointed directly at Ye Wenjie, his eyes sharp and his words indifferent: ¡°According to the bet, your seven puppet keepsakes belong to me, and you have to kneel and kowtow three times."¡±

    ¡°I didn''t lose!"Ye Wenjie yelled, without hesitation, he immediately drew his knife and slashed at Chen Feng.

    Chen Feng burst out with all his muscles and bones, and killed three shadows with one sword.

    At the moment of the sword fight, the elder of the Puppet Hall waved his long stick to repel the two of them.

    ¡°No unauthorized use of force is allowed in the puppet hall."Ye Wenjie''s approach angered the elders of the Puppet Hall, and a pair of eyes with amazing anger fell on Ye Wenjie: ¡°Ye Wenjie, kneel down and kowtow."¡±

    ¡°No..." Ye Wenjie trembled and gritted his teeth.

    ¡°Kneel down!"With an angry shout from the elder of the Puppet Hall, Ye Wenjie bent his legs and knelt heavily on the ground, his head was pressed to the ground by a stick, knocking three times in a row, and his forehead was bruised.

    "It deserves to be the Ye family, the kowtow is so loud."Chen Feng teased.

    Hearing Chen Feng''s words, Ye Wenjie attacked his heart and vomited blood in anger, and fell to one side. The other dozen disciples were extremely horrified one by one, looking at Chen Feng with fear on their faces, killing people and punishing their hearts.

    ¡°Thank you, Elder, for presiding over justice. Please replace all keepsakes with exercise pills."After glancing at Ye Wenjie, who fainted to the ground, Chen Feng only felt refreshed, and said to the elder of the Puppet Hall with respect.

    With twenty-two pills of exercise pills, Chen Feng quickly left Doutang and rushed to the courtyard, preparing to take all these exercise pills to refine and improve his cultivation level to cope with the battle of Doutang soon after.

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 Chapter 6 - Determining Both Victory and Life or Death

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 Chapter 7 - Ye Zhengs Death Shocks the Elder

    The shrill knife sound suddenly sounded.

    The shadow of the knife was like a wave, and in an instant it passed a few meters and killed Chen Feng.

    Chen Feng was horrified and quickly retreated.

    But that blade of light, like a maggot of tarsal bones, did not let go of Chen Feng''s plan at all, and it slashed fiercely and sharply.

    ¡°Dare to intervene in the fight for life and death in front of the old man."The Elder Doutang was shocked that Chen Feng burst out with the Six Swords of Fengying. He reacted slowly, and suddenly became furious. He shook his five fingers and blasted out a punch.

    Elder Doutang is a cultivation base above the physical realm. He blasted out with a punch, his fist was like a dragon out of the abyss, and he never moved forward. His fist was majestic like a mountain pushing horizontally, suppressing everything, and immediately smashing the sword light. Shattered, even the person who cut out the sword light was also bombarded with a punch and flew out upside down.

    The long knife let go and fell to the ground, Ye Huai vomited blood in the air and fell heavily into the distance.

    If it weren''t for the mercy of Elder Doutang, Ye Huai would have been directly blown up.

    Chen Feng returned to his senses, his eyes shot out endless murderous intent, his long sword trembled lightly, and he brought up a series of sword shadows, blinking through a few meters to kill Ye Zheng.

    Ye Zheng''s expression changed drastically in a daze. He wanted to avoid it but slowed down again. His body paused, his eyes widened and he slowly lowered his head, watching the sword pull out of his throat, and the extremely dazzling scarlet blood slowly dripped down.

    "Ye Zheng was killed.¡±

    ¡°Oh my god, Ye Zheng is dead...¡±

    The exclamations continued, and the Doutang seemed to explode.

    Everyone stared at Chen Feng, who had thrown away the blood from the sword, his scalp numb and stunned.

    ¡°You actually killed my brother, Chen Feng, I want you to pay for your life."Ye Fei supported Ye Zheng, who had fallen back, staring at Chen Feng with his face like an evil ghost with red eyes, his words full of extreme hatred and murderous intent.

    ¡°Then you come."Chen Feng stared at Ye Fei and smiled.

    ¡°Chen Feng, don''t be proud, kill my Ye family, my Ye family will never let you go."Ye Wenjie also stared at Chen Feng, murderous.

    ¡°Why, if you want to use your family to retaliate against me, don''t you count the deeds of life and death?"Chen Feng glanced at Ye Fei and Ye Wenjie and looked at Elder Doutang.

    ¡°Make a count."The Elder Doutang said in a deep voice, his eyes shining like cold electricity, passing Ye Fei, Ye Wenjie and others: ¡°Listen to the old man. Doutang has the rules of Doutang. Ye Zheng initiated the deed of life and death. A battle of life and death, regardless of life or death, must not be pursued afterwards, otherwise, don''t blame the old man for being rude.¡±

    Ye Fei and Ye Wenjie did not respond to the elders of Doutang, and stared at Chen Feng fiercely, as if to portray it to the bone.

    Immediately, the two left Doutang with Ye Zheng''s body.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡°You are dead."Ye Huai struggled to get up, wiped off the blood from the corner of his mouth and picked up the long knife. When he walked past Chen Feng''s side, a voice full of endless murderous intent came into Chen Feng''s ears: ¡°Not only are you going to die, your Chen family will bury you."¡±

    Chen Feng''s complexion changed drastically, and his eyes were murderous like a blazing sun.

    ¡°Ye family!¡±

    Staring at Ye Huai''s back, Chen Feng clenched his five fingers, his heart sinking.

    What I am most worried about is the family.

    The Chen family is very strong in Lingshan City, but compared with the Ye family, it is very different.

    However, after killing Ye Zheng, he didn''t regret it, and there was no point in regretting it. What he had to think about now was how to break the game?

    At least, keep the Chen family.

    ¡°It''s all scattered."The Elder Doutang suddenly spoke and said, and immediately his eyes flickered endlessly on Chen Feng: ¡°You stay."¡±

    Chen Feng didn''t know why, but he didn''t leave Doutang like everyone else.

    ¡°You are worried about the revenge of the Ye family, right?¡°Elder Doutang''s extremely bright eyes seemed to be able to see through everything, and he said straightforwardly: "The Ye family is the first family in the Great Xia Kingdom. The family has a deep background in the great cause of the family. There are countless martial artists in the physical training realm, and there are also those who practice orifices and even those who are strong in the realm of casting veins. If they insist on revenge, even the old man will be difficult to resist.¡±

    ¡°However, Ye Zheng is just a side child, and he has signed a life and death contract with you. The Ye family shouldn''t deal with you blatantly.Elder Doutang continued: "But it is difficult to guarantee that they will not target your Chen family."¡±

    Just now, Ye Huai''s words threatening Chen Feng were clearly heard by the elders of Doutang.

    Chen Feng''s heart sank.

    ¡°Also ask the elders to teach me."Chen Feng took a deep breath and said solemnly.

    ¡°You have to prove yourself."Elder Doutang said, ¡°Now I will teach you a technique of entering the body."¡±

    Chen Feng seemed to understand what Elder Doutang meant, but he was still a little vague.

    Elder Doutang did not explain, but displayed an entry technique and explained it at the same time.

    Chen Feng took a deep breath, his distractions exhaled with the long breath, and his heart sank.

    In his mind, the charm of creation trembled slightly, spreading a lot of charm of creation, making Chen Feng more focused than ever before.

    I saw a series of figures transformed out, surrounded by Chen Feng, lifelike.

    ¡°This body technique is called the Nine Shadows phantom body. It is initially practiced. The body is like a phantom. When practiced to the extreme, it can transform into eight more phantoms, which are nine in total with the true body, and the reality is difficult to distinguish."Elder Doutang said in a deep voice.

    Immediately, the Elder Doutang taught Chen Feng all the essentials of the Nine Shadows Phantom body''s formula, strength skills, breathing skills, etc.

    ¡°If you can initially practice into the Nine Shadows phantom body in one day, you are expected to break the game."Elder Doutang said after teaching.

    After Chen Feng was silent for a moment, his figure flashed, and in an instant, it became blurred, as if it had turned into a phantom.

    Elder Doutang was suspected of hallucinations. He couldn''t help but look intently. He saw that Chen Feng''s body seemed to be covered with a layer of phantom. The whole person looked a bit more vague and illusory. Not long after, a phantom appeared behind Chen Feng. It was a bit illusory at first, but as Chen Feng continued to use his footwork, it became more and more solid.

    In the end, there was a feeling that reality and reality were indistinguishable.

    If it weren''t for the Elder Doutang who was a martial artist practicing orifice realm, he would be directly blinded.

    For a while, Elder Doutang''s brain buzzed, and his thoughts were chaotic.

    ¡°Could it be that he has practiced the Nine Shadows Phantom body before?¡±

    ¡°No... impossible, Chen Feng is just a child of a small family from a small border town, and the Nine Shadows phantom body is unique to the monastery, and only a few elders can master it...¡±

    Thinking clearly, Elder Doutang couldn''t help but inhale the air.

    In other words, in just a short period of time, Chen Feng had never touched the nine-shadow phantom body to the point of cultivating the two-shadow phantom, which was simply incredible and appalling.

    This... what a monster it is!

    For a while, Elder Doutang couldn''t help being very excited.

    ¡°Chen Feng, you don''t have to practice anymore."Elder Doutang''s voice was trembling: "Now, I will take you to visit the palm Court. As long as you can get the approval of the palm court, you don''t have to worry about being retaliated by the Ye family."¡±

    Chen Feng''s figure paused, his expression suddenly changed.

    In charge of the courtyard!

    That is the person in charge of the Mixed Heaven Taoist Academy, the lord of the Taoist Academy, with superb cultivation and extremely powerful strength. He has been the dean of the Mixed Heaven Taoist Academy for six years, but he has only heard of the word in charge of the academy, and has never seen it with his own eyes.

    It is rumored that only the ten seats of the Taoist Temple are eligible to be summoned by the head of the court.

    Chen Feng couldn''t help but get excited at the thought that he could meet the head of the courtyard and be expected to break the game.

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 Chapter 8 - Unfathomable

    Chen Feng stared at the quaint courtyard in front of him, only to feel that he had difficulty breathing and his heart was dull, like a behemoth.

    After a while, the courtyard door opened, and the Elder Doutang walked out and beckoned to Chen Feng, and the depression of the behemoth disappeared.

    Chen Feng took a deep breath and strode away, with a bit of tension and expectation.

    The courtyard is not large, the courtyard wall is blue-gray, with a bluestone table and four stone stools, simple and simple.

    Sitting on the stone stool was a burly old man with a ruddy complexion. Between the opening and closing of his tiger eyes, Chen Feng couldn''t help but feel like staring at the scorching sun. It was so dazzling that he seemed to be burned and had to avoid it.

    Under the gaze of those blazing tiger eyes, Chen Feng couldn''t help feeling small.

    ¡°Chen Feng, this is the head of our Daxia Mingtian Dao Academy."Elder Doutang''s voice followed.

    "Chen Feng, a disciple of the Jianwu Branch, paid a visit to the head of the academy."Chen Feng immediately bowed and saluted.

    ¡°I heard that you only took a quarter of an hour to cultivate the Nine Shadows phantom body to the level of the two shadows phantom, and show it to me.¡±The low and thick voice contained an amazing power and power into the ears, and the majestic pressure was on his face.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Chen Feng responded solemnly, and he just wanted to understand that by showing himself, there is hope to break the game. Hiding is self-defeating, and it will only be self-defeating.

    With a slight adjustment, Chen Feng''s muscles and bones trembled, and his muscles and bones rushed to cast a nine-shadow phantom body. His body became blurred and seemed to turn into a phantom. Then, the first phantom outside the body appeared, just like the phantom of the body.

    After a continuous display, the second phantom outside the body condensed, and the illusion was blurred at first.

    ¡°Hiss..." Elder Doutang sucked in the air, his eyes bulging.

    The palm court also condensed slightly, and his eyes were deep and boundless.

    Based on his cultivation base and martial arts attainments, it is naturally clear that Chen Feng has just broken through to the level of the Three Shadows illusion.

    The second phantom outside the body was condensed at an astonishing speed, like the essence, it was the same as the phantom of the body, and it was difficult to distinguish between true and false.

    Although he can''t be blinded, it is estimated that few people can tell at the level of the physical realm.

    Chen Feng continued to display it continuously. Since he intends to show his abilities, he doesn''t need to worry about anything else, just show it to the fullest.

    The charm of the god of creation permeated the sea of knowledge, making Chen Feng more and more focused, and he seemed to enter a state of mystery and mystery, and all the mysteries of the Nine Shadows phantom body continued to emerge.

    There are no difficulties and no bottlenecks, everything is so natural to break through and improve.

    When the second phantom outside the body was condensed to the extreme, the third phantom outside the body also appeared.This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    Elder Doutang Siha was shocked, he bit his tongue.

    The head of the courtyard had a pair of tiger eyes shining brightly, but he didn''t speak, and continued to stare at Chen Feng, as if to see Chen Feng through.

    Time passed slowly.

    Chen Feng continued to cast the phantom body of the Nine Shadows, and phantoms swept across the courtyard one by one.

    The fourth way!

    The fifth way!

    ¡°Six Shadows Phantom!¡±

    Elder Doutang''s whole body was numb.

    The palm court was also shocked to the extreme.

    Chen Feng''s figure paused, and phantoms slowly dissipated in the air.

    ¡°Why don''t you continue to practice?"The head of the hospital asked.

    ¡°Back to the palm Court, the cultivation base of the disciples is limited, and the six Shadows illusion is the current upper limit."Chen Feng responded without Xu Buji.

    ¡°The peak of the five changes in the forging body, able to withstand the illusion of the six shadows, and able to cast the six swords of the wind shadows, the foundation is indeed very solid.¡°The head of the academy has already seen Chen Feng''s cultivation base thoroughly, and nodded slightly when he heard the words: "And your understanding of martial arts is even more amazing. I have never seen it before in the Daxia Mingtian Taoist Academy, and it is unprecedented."¡±

    Hearing such an evaluation from the head of the academy, Elder Doutang was extremely shocked.

    ¡°But... there are hundreds of monasteries under my Mixed Heaven Sect, and there are countless geniuses in the Mixed Heaven Sect. Although there is no need to be arrogant, you can''t be complacent."The head of the academy continued: ¡°I know your intention. Before you complete the assessment of the Mixed Tianzong, the Ye family will not bully the weak with strength, nor will it affect the Chen family where you are."¡±

    ¡°Thank you, the head of the hospital, as long as my Chen family is safe and sound, it will be enough."Chen Feng quickly bowed to thank him.

    ¡°Go ahead."The head of the courtyard said at the end.

    ¡°The disciple retired."Chen Feng responded, and the Elder Doutang bowed and left with Chen Feng.

    ¡°It''s really a good seedling. This foundation and understanding, even if it is placed in hundreds of mixed heaven Taoist temples, can rank among the best, but...¡± The head courtyard whispered to himself.

    Sent from the Mixed Heaven Sect, he has seen and heard of many geniuses, even Tianjiao, and evildoers in the Mixed Heaven Sect.

    Chen Feng''s superb understanding is indeed worthy of Heaven''s talent and even Heaven''s pride, but it is not without superb understanding in the huge Mixed Heaven Sect.

    Some people have superb understanding, but they have an upper limit. They can only quickly comprehend the mysteries of low-end martial arts, but they can''t do anything in the face of truly high-end martial arts.

    Only the comprehension that can ignore the mysteries of all martial arts and comprehend them is the truly extraordinary comprehension of the evil.

    ¡°Whether it''s Fengying swordsmanship or Jiuying Phantom Body, it''s just low-end martial arts. I''ll give you a chance. Whether you can seize it depends on your own ability...¡±

    Chen Feng and Elder Doutang stepped out of the hospital one after another.

    ¡°Thank you, Elder."Chen Feng immediately bowed to Elder Doutang.

    ¡°With a little effort, if you don''t have this ability, even if I recommend it, it''s meaningless."Elder Doutang smiled slightly and said, ¡°Do you understand what the head of the courtyard said?"¡±

    ¡°The disciple understands.¡±

    Chen Feng responded.

    ¡°If that''s the case, then in the next twenty days, do your best to break through to the seven changes in your body."The Elder Doutang said in a solemn voice: "Moreover, we must pay attention to a solid foundation before we can pass the assessment of the Huantian Sect and become a disciple of the Huantian Sect."¡±

    ¡°Elder, the disciples dare to ask, how many people in our Daxia Huantian Monastery can pass the assessment to become disciples of the Huantian Sect every year?""Chen Feng asked after a slight silence.

    ¡°Hard to say.¡±

    Elder Doutang responded after a little pondering.

    ¡°The number of disciples participating in the assessment of the Mixed Heaven Sect varies every year, from less than one hundred to more than three hundred. Therefore, the number of people who have passed the assessment is also different. However, I remember that the best score in the past is one out of ten, and the worst score is one out of twenty.¡±

    Hearing this, Chen Feng sucked in the air.

    Ten to one or even twenty to one, this ratio is surprisingly low.

    ¡°And...the vast majority of those who pass the assessment can only become foreign disciples of the Mixed Heaven Sect.¡±

    Elder Doutang thought for a while and added.

    Chen Feng was startled slightly and wanted to know more.

    ¡°When you pass the Mingtianzong assessment, you will understand. No matter how much you say now, it doesn''t make sense."Elder Doutang exhorted: "Go ahead, so that you can practice. In addition, I must not pass on your Nine Shadows phantom body."¡±

    ¡°The disciple remembers, the disciple bids farewell."Chen Feng saluted the Elder Doutang again, turned around and strode away. The heavy pressure did not overwhelm him, but instead stimulated a strong fighting spirit: ¡°In 20 days, I will definitely break through to the seven changes in my body, pass the assessment, and become a disciple of the Mixed Heaven Sect. Ye family, your threat will be gone, Yang Xuening, Ye Yunqi, you dog men and women just wait...¡±

    Elder Doutang stared at Chen Feng''s back, his eyes shrinking unconsciously, only to feel that the footsteps of the back became firmer and the back became straighter, and vaguely there seemed to be an invisible power condensed on his body, like an indestructible sword that wanted to break through the sky.

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 Chapter 9 - Ways to make quick money

    Wing 8 on the third floor of the Hantian Dao Yuan Shentang.

    Li Xinyue and Chen Feng sat across the table.

    On the long table, there was a jar of golden-colored medicinal food, steaming hot and fragrant.

    ¡°This is dragon tiger ginseng and antler soup, which is of great help to the strengthening of the muscles and bones from the fourth change of the body to the sixth change of the body. You have to eat more meat and drink the soup. It is best to eat all the medicinal materials in it."Li Xinyue said to Chen Feng with a smile on her heroic face.

    ¡°Teaching, how much money does this pot cost?"Chen Feng looked at the medicated meal in front of him and asked curiously.

    Li Xinyue stretched out five fingers, and Chen Feng couldn''t help but inhale the air.

    Fifty taels!

    It is equal to half a grain of Peiyuan Pill, which is really valuable.

    Chen Feng first served Li Xinyue a bowl, and then served himself a bowl.

    ¡°I can have a bowl."Li Xinyue said: ¡°This time it''s mainly to celebrate your defeat of Ye Zheng. What''s more, for me, this medicinal diet can only be used to satisfy my appetite."¡±

    ¡°Thank you for your teaching, I''m welcome.¡±

    Chen Fengfeng ate wildly like a remnant cloud, and soon all the bones and meat and medicine were eaten up, and the soup was drunk bit by bit.

    After a full hiccup, Chen Feng only felt a rush of heat in his body, which was absorbed by the God of Creation. After just a few breaths, an extremely pure breath rushed out of the God of Creation, rushing to every part of his body. Up and down.

    Chen Feng''s body shook slightly, and a layer of blood light suddenly penetrated through his body, covering the surface of his body, gradually becoming stronger.

    As the blood and light filled, Chen Feng only felt that his whole body and bones seemed to be constantly beaten by an invisible hammer, and bouts of severe pain hit his whole body. He gritted his teeth and said nothing, but his whole body trembled again and again, his face turned pale.

    Under the tempering, the muscles and bones become stronger and stronger.

    Vaguely, Chen Feng felt that his muscles and bones had become stronger, and his muscles and bones had doubled in an instant.

    The pain eased until it disappeared, and the blood covering the surface of the body was all restrained.

    Chen Feng''s complexion was pale and sweaty, but his complexion was bright, and his eyes were full of energy.

    ¡°Chen Feng, your cultivation base... has broken through?"Li Xinyue asked suspiciously.

    ¡°Thank you for the dragon tiger ginseng and antler soup you learned."Chen Feng responded with a smile.

    ¡°It really broke through..." Li Xinyue''s face was in a daze.

    In the past few days, Chen Feng has refreshed her cognition again and again, first swordsmanship, and then cultivation.

    Originally, it took six years to practice to the three changes of the forged body, but in just a few days, not only did he practice the six swords of Fengying, but he also raised his cultivation level to the six changes of the forged body. It was incredible.

    ¡°The medicinal diet is a warm supplement, the absorption is slow, and it is not so easy to break through¡±" Li Xinyue is still incomprehensible.

    This broke through her cognition.

    Medicinal diet and pill medicine are different after all.

    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    ¡°It may be that the absorption efficiency of pill and medicinal diet is higher."Chen Feng responded.

    ¡°I didn''t expect that you not only have superb understanding, but also have such a strange physique."Li Xinyue sighed.

    ¡°Teaching, is there anyone like me?"Chen Feng asked deliberately.

    The so-called extraordinary absorption effect of the pill is just an excuse. The real reason is the creation of the gods, but this is a secret that must not be leaked out.

    ¡°The world is vast, and there are no wonders."Li Xinyue smiled slightly: ¡°Between heaven and earth, some people have extraordinary talents. For example, superb understanding is one of them. For example, the absorption effect of pill medicine is also one of them. There are also people who are born strong, born fast, never forget, etc., And even I have heard that some people are born with supernatural powers.¡±

    ¡°Born to be supernatural?"Chen Feng showed a touch of puzzlement.

    What is born with great strength, born with extreme speed, never forgetting, etc., it is easy to understand, what is the supernatural nature of this world?What''s the difference?

    ¡°The supernatural person must be Tianjiao."Li Xinyue''s tone was full of yearning.

    Chen Feng wrote it down, maybe he will be able to know what a natural supernatural is when he has the opportunity in the future.

    ¡°Chen Feng, since you can quickly and effectively refine and absorb the power of the pill, isn''t it expected to participate in this year''s Mixed Tianzong assessment?"Li Xinyue suddenly thought of something, and immediately said: "With your swordsmanship attainments, it shouldn''t be difficult to pass the assessment of the Mingtianzong."¡±

    ¡°Can you talk about the assessment of the Mixed Tianzong in teaching?"Chen Feng asked curiously.

    ¡°I don''t know, I just know that the assessment of the Mixed Tianzong seems to pay attention to talent and strength, as well as the foundation."Li Xinyue smiled slightly and said, ¡°You also know that it is difficult for ordinary people to exercise the seven changes of the body, but it is not difficult for people with a good family background. You just need to keep taking pills."¡±

    ¡°However, people who have broken through to the seven changes of the body with a large number of pills have mixed foundations and strength, and their strength does not match their cultivation level. They are commonly known as medicine cans. The biggest purpose of the Mingtianzong''s assessment is to brush these people off.¡±

    ¡°Since it''s a medicine can, why waste time on assessment?"Chen Feng was puzzled.

    ¡°I don''t know the reason."Li Xinyue shook her head: "In addition, even if the cultivation level matches the strength, it is difficult to pass the assessment if the strength is not strong enough. All in all, only true elites and even geniuses can become disciples of the Mixed Heaven Sect."¡±

    Chen Feng nodded.

    In any case, he must pass the assessment of the Mixed Tianzong and become a disciple of the Mixed Tianzong.

    Otherwise, not only will he die by himself, but the Chen family will also be retaliated and destroyed by the Ye family.

    Even, not only to pass the assessment, but also to become a more advanced disciple.

    ¡°Teaching, is there any way to make money in a short time?"Chen Feng asked for advice: ¡°I am now a beginner in the six changes of the forging body. If I want to break through to the seven changes of the forging body before the assessment, I need at least two or three pills of Peiyuan Pill."¡±

    ¡°I think about it, there is only one way to make a few hundred taels of silver in a short time."After a moment of contemplation, Li Xinyue said in a solemn voice: ¡°The Colosseum!"¡±

    ¡°I have heard of the Colosseum, but I don''t know much about it. If I want to know the details, I can only go there in person."Li Xinyue said solemnly: "In fact, I don''t recommend you to go to the Colosseum. The risk is too great. Once you are injured too much, you may even die if you are hopelessly mixed with the Heavenly sect."¡±

    ¡°Teaching, you also know my current situation. I have been behind for a long time, so I can only fight hard."Chen Feng said in a condensed voice, his eyes flashing: "What''s more, I already understand the path of martial arts. If I don''t fight, I will retreat. If I don''t fight, I will take a slow step. This time, if I can''t participate in and pass the assessment of the Mixed Heaven Sect, there will be no future. Only by fighting can I have hope to step out of the road. Let''s go and go to the Colosseum first.¡±

    ¡°Fight!"Li Xinyue''s eyes condensed, and for an instant, she seemed to realize something, her eyes shining brightly.

    As soon as the two of them opened the door of the wing, a gloomy-looking person came from the side.

    ¡°Chen Feng!"Ye Huai was taken aback slightly. He didn''t expect to meet Chen Feng here. His eyes condensed, and a ray of fierce murderous intent lingered. The terrible aura was as cold as a blade, and the knife came out of its sheath an inch, and the cold light was compelling.

    Chen Feng''s expression condensed, but he didn''t take a step back. Compared with the domineering and boundless power of the palm court, Ye Huai''s aura was too weak.

    ¡°Ye Huai, do you want to violate the order of the Supreme Court?""Li Xinyue stepped out and faced Ye Huai directly.

    Ye Huai ignored Li Xinyue and stared at Chen Feng. The murderous intent in his eyes became stronger and stronger. The five fingers holding the handle of the knife turned white with force, but in the end he still did not pull out the long knife.

    ¡°Chen Feng, do you dare to fight for life and death with me in Doutang?"Ye Huai put the knife back in its sheath and said sharply.

    ¡°Ye Huai, go to the doctor if your brain is broken."Chen Feng sneered: ¡°Isn''t it embarrassing for you to propose a life-and-death fight to me with nine changes in your body?"¡±

    ¡°It doesn''t matter if you lose your face, there won''t be any good fruit to eat if you lose the face of the Ye family."Li Xinyue patched the knife.

    Ye Huai didn''t say a word, but a pair of eyes flickered with an extremely cold light. With the next breath, the gloomy and cruel look in Ye Huai''s eyes dissipated, and he glanced at Chen Feng coldly, as if no one else walked by.

    Chen Feng''s heart was cold.

    ¡°Chen Feng, Ye Zheng is just a side branch of the Ye family. It is not as important as the main family. It is even more important that the head of the court issues an order. The Ye family will not retaliate against you blatantly during this period of time, even if it is in secret, nine out of ten will not."Li Xinyue changed the subject, her eyes sharp: "But Ye Huai can''t underestimate it."¡±

    ¡°Ye Huai is Ye Zheng''s cousin. He has a good relationship with each other. He is actually ranked third in the ten seats of the monastery. He is a cruel person. Remember not to let him seize the opportunity.¡±

    Chen Feng nodded.

    ¡°Teaching, how many of the ten seats in the monastery are Ye''s family?"Chen Feng asked on a whim.

    ¡°Five!"Li Xinyue''s answer shocked Chen Feng.

    ¡°The first, third, fourth, seventh, and ninth are all Ye family members."Li Xinyue responded in a solemn tone: ¡°The first, fourth, and seventh belong to the Ye family''s main family, and the third and ninth belong to the Ye family''s side branch."¡±

    ¡°It deserves to be the first family of Daxia. This heritage and strength are indeed very small."Chen Feng said secretly, but there was no fear in his heart, on the contrary, there was an evil spirit that did not speak out: ¡°But so what, I have a god of creation, and I will be able to rise, and in the future, I will be able to step on the Ye family. underfoot."

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 Chapter 10 - The sword strikes without retreat; life without regrets.

    Chapter 10 - The sword strikes without retreat; life without regrets.

    There are three major forces in Huantian City: Huantian Taoist Temple, Colosseum, and Ye Family!

    The Mixed Heaven Taoist Temple belongs to the top ten Mixed Heaven Sects in Donghuang, while the Ye family is the first family in the Great Xia Kingdom. The origin of the Colosseum is mysterious.

    Chen Feng and Li Xinyue came together to find a deacon through the waiters of the Colosseum.

    ¡°You two are welcome, I don''t know why you are looking for me?¡±The deacon is a middle-aged man with a Chinese face, asking in a gentle tone.

    ¡°I''m here to fight the beast."Chen Feng responded straightforwardly.

    ¡°Oh, does your excellency know the rules of my Colosseum?"The national character-faced deacon asked rhetorically, and when he saw Chen Feng shaking his head, he continued to explain: "We need to pay ten taels of silver for the Colosseum, and then verify the cultivation base. You can choose to hide your identity or not. In addition, you can get ten taels of silver for every victory in the colosseum. If you lose, you can escape, but if you can''t escape, you just...die!"¡±

    ¡°Is it only ten taels?"Chen Feng was a little disappointed.

    To win a game of ten taels, you need three hundred taels of silver, don''t you want to win thirty games?

    ¡°Our Colosseum can also choose special colosseums."The national character-faced deacon understood what Chen Feng meant, and suddenly smiled slightly: "Normal colosseums are one-to-one at the same level. For special colosseums, you can choose one-to-many at the same level, and the winning silver will increase exponentially. In addition, you can also choose a one-to-one leapfrog challenge. If you win, you can get one hundred taels of silver, but if you win each kind of colosseum, you can only do it once.¡±

    ¡°What kind of arena is your excellency going to fight?¡±

    Chen Feng said to Li Xinyue embarrassedly: ¡°Teaching, can you lend me ten taels of silver first?¡±

    Li Xinyue did not hesitate at all, and immediately took out ten taels of silver and handed it to Chen Feng.

    ¡°I want to leapfrog the beast one-on-one."Chen Feng said to the national character-faced deacon.

    ¡°Yes."The deacon with the national character face has no objection.

    ¡°Chen Feng..." Li Xinyue''s expression changed, and she spoke quickly. Chen Feng gave her a reassuring look, all derived from confidence in her swordsmanship and body skills.

    After paying ten taels of silver and inspecting his cultivation base, Chen Feng changed into a gray commoner, put on a dark silver mask to hide his identity, and stayed in a secret room to familiarize himself with the Bailian Sword that Li Xinyue had temporarily borrowed from him, waiting for notice.

    About half an hour later.

    ¡°No return swordsman, it''s your turn to play.¡±The portal of the secret room was opened, and a low voice came in.

    Chen Feng''s closed eyes suddenly opened, and the light pierced the dimness of the secret room.

    No return Swordsman!

    This is the code name Chen Feng gave himself. Since he wears a mask to hide his identity, he naturally cannot use his real name.

    The meaning... the sword has no return, and there are no regrets in life!

    ¡°Now, the newcomer Wuhui Swordsman is invited to play.¡±A high-pitched voice seemed to sound from all sides, suppressing all the noise, and reverberating in the Colosseum: ¡°The swordsman without return is the sixth transformation of the body, and he will leapfrog the arena."¡±

    ¡°Leapfrog Arena!¡±

    ¡°The six changes in the forging body are to challenge the first-level and seventh-level monsters.¡±

    ¡°Leapfrog Arena, there is no strength strong enough, it can only be torn apart by monsters and become blood food for monsters.¡±The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    For a while, thousands of spectators around the Colosseum were excited and excited, and their voices seemed to be surging like a frenzy. The feeling of high-profile attention made Chen Feng''s whole body tense.

    Standing in the open space in the middle of the Colosseum, Chen Feng took a deep breath, his mood gradually calmed down, but his sharp and tyrannical strength was activated and could erupt at any time.

    "Roar......¡±

    A vigorous and violent roar billowed and shook.

    Chen Feng''s scalp was numb, and his eyes trembled slightly under the mask, reflecting a two-meter-high tiger with black lines on a gray background. His eyes were cold and cruel, and his slightly opened tiger''s mouth kept dripping muddy saliva, and dull thunderous sounds billowed from his throat one after another.

    ¡°Iron Bone Tiger!¡±

    ¡°A hungry iron-boned tiger, the unrepentant swordsman is over.¡±

    As we all know, hungry monsters are more aggressive because they want to eat.

    A pair of iron-bone tiger''s cold and fierce eyes reflected Chen Feng''s figure, and then a thunderous roar exploded in all directions again, his extremely strong limbs stepped on the ground, and his huge and burly body was immediately culled.

    With unprecedented billowing evil spirits sweeping across, Chen Feng couldn''t help but feel numb on his scalp and his heart beating wildly.

    The charm of the god of creation in his mind was cleansed, making Chen Feng calm and calm, his eyes condensed, his hands pressed on the hilt of the sword, and the sword could be taken off its sheath at any time.

    The iron-boned tiger rolled up a gust of wind and roared, his burly body leaped several meters, condescendingly and mercilessly pounced on Chen Feng.

    With the weight of one or two thousand catties of the iron-boned tiger falling from a height of a few meters, coupled with its own tyrannical power, it was enough to smash a thousand catties of rock.

    Almost everyone looked excited.

    It seemed that with the next breath, they would see the bloody scene of the thin body of the Wuhui swordsman being torn apart under the claws of the iron-boned tiger.

    Boom!

    There was an extremely dull and harsh sound, the rock floor shattered, and Chen Feng''s figure collapsed in an instant.

    The changes are steep.

    I only heard a piercing sword sound, a ray of sword light suddenly appeared, and in the blink of an eye, it turned into five sword shadows and killed the iron bone tiger outrageously, as fast as the wind, extremely fierce and penetrating everything.

    The iron bone tiger reacted extremely quickly, but it was also pierced by a sharp sword. Under the severe pain, the iron bone tiger''s tail slammed at Chen Feng fiercely, sweeping everything with a thousand catties of power.

    Chen Feng''s complexion remained unchanged, and the Nine Shadows phantom body was cast, leaving a phantom shattered by the iron-boned tiger tail.

    People, but extremely flexible, appeared on the other side and drew their swords again.

    Fengying Five Swords!

    Five more wounds were stabbed out of the iron bone tiger''s body, and blood flowed across his body.

    The monster''s physique is far superior to that of a warrior, and its vitality is extremely vigorous. It has been traumatized repeatedly. Not only did the iron-boned tiger never fall, but it was completely aroused. Fierce, roaring again and again, the tiger''s claws violently tore all around, and the tiger''s tail swept wildly, smashing the rock floor one after another.

    Chen Feng continued to use his body skills, several phantoms surrounded him, cruising freely, constantly avoiding the violent counterattack of the iron-boned tiger, and the audience on the stage couldn''t help but hold their breath, subconsciously clenched their fists tightly, their faces flushed and irritated.

    ¡°Dead!¡±

    Chen Feng seized the opportunity for the phantom to flash, a sword broke through the air, instantly pierced into the eyes of the iron bone tiger tiger, straight through the brain, and immediately drew his sword to avoid the iron bone tiger tiger claw counterattack, and flew back in an instant.

    The brain was pierced by a sharp sword, and the iron-boned tiger was in its death throes and wantonly destroyed more than a dozen breaths before his burly body fell.

    Chen Feng exhaled a long breath.

    Leapfrog the first battle of monsters...win!

    ¡°The monster is really scary!¡°Staring at the burly body of the iron bone tiger, feeling the remaining terrifying and fierce aura, Chen Feng felt awe-inspiring: "In this battle, if there is no chance to practice into the Nine Shadows phantom body and use the hundred-lian sword that he has learned, it is estimated that it will be difficult to hurt the iron bone tiger with the wind shadow swordsmanship alone, let alone win.¡±

    The tyrannical physique of the monster was completely unexpected.

    His sword is only Level Ten refining, and it is difficult to cause effective trauma to a monster like the iron Bone tiger.

    If you change to a seven-transformation martial artist with a forged body and are pierced with more than two dozen blood holes by your own sharp sword, you will already be dead, let alone pierced through the brain, and you can still struggle to fight back for more than a dozen breaths.

    But having said that, the martial artist is actually not bad, compared with the monster, each has its own merits.

    ¡°The higher the martial artist''s cultivation level, the more martial arts he has mastered, and the stronger his strength will be.¡±

    Chen Feng couldn''t help but secretly warned himself that he must not underestimate any opponent, whether it was a human or a monster.

    ¡°Won!¡±

    ¡°The unrepentant swordsman actually leapfrogged to kill the iron bone tiger...¡±

    ¡°Genius, a true genius!¡±

    Bursts of cheers continued, like a frenzy agitating all directions.

    Li Xinyue was deeply shocked.

    Soon, someone came up to move the body of the iron bone tiger away, and one of them walked towards Chen Feng and talked in a low voice.

    ¡°No return Swordsman, congratulations on your victory.¡±The people in the Colosseum laughed.

    ¡°Thank you, I want to leapfrog one and two."Chen Feng said immediately.

    The people in the Colosseum couldn''t help but look shocked when they heard the words.

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 Chapter 11 - The Momentum of a Decisive Strike

    Chapter 11 - The Momentum of a Decisive Strike

    In the Colosseum, cheers followed one after another.

    ¡°Next game!¡±

    ¡°The Swordsman without Return leapfrogged one battle and two!¡±

    When a loud voice rang through the Colosseum, all voices fell silent.

    Deathly quiet.

    After three breaths, the sound sounded again like a tsunami rushing.

    ¡°Leapfrog one and two!¡±

    ¡°Is the Swordsman crazy?¡±

    ¡°He doesn''t think that by killing an iron-boned tiger, he can deal with two first-level and seventh-level monsters, right?¡±

    ¡°Chen Feng!"Li Xinyue''s expression suddenly changed, her face full of anxiety.

    Countless voices sounded from all sides, and the momentum was vast, but it failed to affect Chen Feng in the slightest. Instead, people became more calm, and a trace of high-pitched fighting spirit continued to gather.

    The roar sounded again, different from the previous iron-boned tiger, but equally violent and fierce, containing extremely terrifying power.

    ¡°Iron-backed ape!¡±

    ¡°Fengying Leopard!¡±

    Exclamations continued to ring.

    ¡°The strength of the iron-armed ape is not inferior to that of the iron-boned tiger. A pair of iron-armed apes are extremely powerful and good at frontal attacks. Fengying Leopard is extremely fast, with sharp claws, and is even more known as a killer. The combination of the two is enough to easily kill many seven-transformation martial artists.¡±

    ¡°The Colosseum doesn''t want the unrepentant swordsman to win.¡±

    Under Chen Feng''s dark silver mask, his eyes condensed, the cold light burst out, and two figures appeared in front of him.

    One is a three-meter-tall great ape with a hairy face and Lei Gong''s mouth. His body is burly and majestic like an iron tower, his gray hair stands up like a steel needle, and his arms are unusually thick and thick. He has an adult waist.

    The other monster is a leopard with markings all over his body. He is more than one meter tall and three meters long. When walking, his muscles are pushed like water waves, giving people an elegant feeling.

    ¡°The Colosseum is not going to give me a way to survive.¡±

    Staring at the iron-armed ape and the shadow leopard, Chen Feng felt awe-inspiring.

    The iron-armed ape is powerful and aggressive, and the Wind Shadow Leopard is amazingly fast, wandering and attacking.

    One positive and one strange!

    Extremely difficult to deal with.

    But Chen Feng didn''t mean to resent the Colosseum. To put it bluntly, the Colosseum is for business.

    ¡°The Colosseum... you miscalculated this time.¡±

    Chen Feng said secretly.

    The iron-armed ape''s eyes stared at Chen Feng, gradually turning red and violent, Fengying Leopard''s eyes were dark yellow, and the forest was as cold as ice.

    kill!

    Chen Feng took the lead.

    But at the moment Chen Feng''s figure moved, the iron-armed ape immediately charged, the muscles on a pair of iron arms bulged, and terrible power condensed on the iron arms.

    Boom!

    The iron-armed ape approached, his arms blasted out one after another, making waves of air, the momentum was terrifying, and the amazing fist pressure made Chen Feng feel suffocated.

    At the same time, Fengying Leopard flicked his limbs lightly, and his elegant and sturdy body instantly turned into an afterimage.

    Chen Feng was creepy.

    Without the slightest hesitation, the muscles and bones were stimulated, the physical skills were displayed, five phantoms appeared, and between the flashes of cold light, one by one the phantoms were defeated.Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    The iron-armed ape''s fists failed, blasting two potholes directly out of the ground, and the gravel splattered.

    Chen Feng continued to use his footwork, and the wind shadow leopard chased after him like a shadow, and it was difficult to get rid of it. The iron-armed ape slowly turned around, a pair of red and manic eyes kept sweeping past, capturing Chen Feng''s figure. The muscles on a pair of iron arms swelled and contracted, and their strength was vigorous, and they could erupt into extremely terrifying attacks at any time.

    ¡°You must break the game and kill one of them first."Chen Feng''s eyes were extremely solemn.

    Fengying Leopard''s speed was too fast, making him feel tired of running for his life, and the iron-armed ape was even more eyeing, and he was shocked with a shot.

    The monster has a tyrannical physique and full endurance. It is a strength. Competing with it by yourself is tantamount to a short fight and a long fight.

    Once the muscles and bones are almost exhausted, those who are waiting for themselves are either shredded by the wind Shadow Leopard or killed into scum by the iron-armed ape.

    Sure enough, there is a huge gap between the difficulty of one-to-one and one-to-two.

    But Chen Feng didn''t regret his choice half a bit.

    fight!

    If you don''t fight, you will be inferior, and if you don''t advance, you will retreat.

    What has happened in recent days has made Chen Feng''s understanding of this truth more profound.

    Thinking of this, Chen Feng broke out.

    Six Shadows Phantom!

    Chen Feng immediately got rid of Fengying Leopard''s lock, and even the capture of the iron-armed ape was disrupted in an instant.

    Now or never!

    Chen''s sharp sword burst into flames, and a touch of sword light broke through the sky in an instant, turning into six sword shadows in a series, killing all of them to the wind shadow Leopard.

    Fengying Leopard''s dark yellow, cold and fierce eyes flashed with a hint of humanized surprise, and he reacted extremely quickly. He immediately dodged aside, but he was still a line slower. He was immediately hit by the sword. Chen Feng''s sharp sword broke through several holes, and blood flowed, especially one of his hind legs was injured, which directly affected its actions.

    The phantoms overlapped, and the sword shadow appeared at first glance.

    Chen Feng took advantage of the victory to chase and kill Fengying Leopard again, and suddenly pierced Fengying Leopard''s neck.

    After killing Fengying Leopard, Chen Feng once again used the illusion of six shadows to approach the iron-armed ape, and Fengying used the six swords to kill the iron-armed ape one after another.

    ¡°It''s incredible that the swordsman without Return actually killed Fengying Leopard!¡±

    ¡°Six Shadows Phantom, Six Swords of Wind Shadow... This person actually hid his strength before...¡±

    Exclamations continued to ring out.

    ¡°From this point of view, there is hope that the swordsman without return will win.¡±

    ¡°Not necessarily, the iron-armed ape is not so easy to deal with. What''s more, a forged body has six changes, and the strength of the muscles and bones is always limited. How long can it last?¡±

    The iron-armed ape roared again and again, a pair of extremely stout iron-armed muscles bulged, swung into a windmill, and roared in all directions, making Chen Feng unable to get close.

    Chen Feng wandered around, waiting for the opportunity to move.

    The monster''s physique is tyrannical and his endurance is amazing, but it is not endless.

    When the iron-armed ape paused with both arms, Chen Feng suddenly burst into violence, combining his body skills with swordsmanship, and killed him in the blink of an eye.

    This sword pierced the eyes of the iron-armed ape.

    I have just tried it, and the Bailian sword in my hand also caused effective damage to the iron-armed ape''s arms.

    What''s more, Fengying''s swordsmanship is good at attacking the enemy and weak.

    The sharp sword broke through the air in a flash, and immediately pierced the iron-armed ape''s right eye, and pierced the iron-armed ape''s brain in the blink of an eye. With a turn of Chen Feng''s wrist, the sword body immediately smashed the iron-armed ape''s brain and drew the sword to get out.

    The iron-armed ape staggered like a drunk, swinging his arms indiscriminately, and seemed to do his best with every blow.

    Chen Feng avoided it from a distance.

    After a dozen breaths, the iron-armed ape''s burly and majestic body hit the rocky floor heavily, making a dull sound.

    ¡°One-to-two is really much more difficult than one-to-two.¡±

    Chen Feng stared at the corpse of the iron-armed ape and couldn''t help but say secretly.

    If he didn''t kill Fengying Leopard first by surprise, the one-to-two consequence would be to die of exhaustion.

    ¡°Won!¡±

    ¡°The Swordsman without reply really won.¡±

    ¡°It''s amazing!¡±

    Many people got up and cheered.

    ¡°This strength... even in the face of the eight changes in the body, you can fight in one battle...¡± Li Xinyue was horrified.

    People from the Colosseum came up again to take away the corpses of Fengying Leopard and iron-armed ape.

    ¡°Your Excellency the Swordsman without reply."The people in the Colosseum spoke to Chen Feng respectfully: ¡°Will you continue the challenge or end it?"¡±

    ¡°It''s over."Chen Feng did not hesitate to respond.

    After two battles, he consumed 80% or 90% of his physical and mental strength, and if he fought again, he would kill himself.

    Collecting the sword and returning to its sheath, Chen Feng retired amidst countless cheers.

    "Congratulations on winning."The national character-faced deacon who had received Chen Feng before smiled and handed out three silver tickets: "This is three hundred taels."¡±

    Chen Feng accepted three silver tickets unceremoniously.

    I have to say that the Colosseum is cruel, but it is also fair, and there is no hesitation when giving money.

    ¡°In addition, your excellency, our host is invited."The national character-faced deacon smiled.

    ¡°The owner?Chen Feng frowned slightly under the mask: ¡°What''s the matter?"¡±

    ¡°Your excellency will know when you see it."The national character-faced deacon smiled and said, "Perhaps for your excellency, it is an opportunity."¡±

    Chen Feng''s eyes flowed with divine light, thinking.

    ¡°Lead the way.¡±

    After a few breaths, Chen Feng made a decision.

    ¡°Please."The national-faced deacon led the way deep into the Colosseum. After passing through several portals and a section of road that kept going up, he finally stopped in front of a stone house and knocked on the door rhythmically.

    The door opened, the light was slightly dim, and there was silence.

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 Chapter 12 - Aspiration

    Chapter 12 Aspiration

    Chen Feng stepped into the room, his eyes scanning the surroundings.

    He saw a tall man in a green robe standing with his hands behind his back by the window. Following the man''s line of sight, Chen Feng could see the entire arena below.

    In the next breath, the green-robed man turned around. A young and handsome face appeared before him, his eyes seemingly shimmering with a faint green glow. The man wore nothing but a simple green robe, but his overall demeanor exuded a sense of nobility, resembling that of a wealthy heir from a prominent family.

    ¡°Should I call you the Swordless Swordsman, or should I just call you Chen Feng?¡± The voice was as smooth as flowing spring water, and there was even a hint of a smile in it.

    The words of the young man made Chen Feng frown for a moment before quickly relaxing.

    The arena had always been shrouded in mystery. It wasn¡¯t surprising that someone could investigate his identity in such a short time.

    ¡°As you wish, my lord.¡± Chen Feng replied with calm indifference. ¡°But I am curious, why have you called me here?¡±

    ¡°Nothing much, just a bit curious after seeing such a young talent in this small place,¡± the young man responded casually, smiling. ¡°With your strength, joining the Huan Tian Sect is no challenge at all. Well, enough of that... You may leave now.¡±

    The young man waved his hand disinterestedly and turned away, no longer paying attention to Chen Feng.

    Chen Feng was stunned.

    He had been called here, but now, the young man said nothing of value and simply told him to leave.

    Summon me to come, then dismiss me so easily?

    A surge of anger rose in Chen Feng¡¯s heart, but it was extinguished just as quickly.

    This young man appeared kind and had no aggressive air, but Chen Feng sensed something deeper, a feeling similar to when he had first met the headmaster of the Huan Tian Dao Academy.

    ¡°Farewell,¡± Chen Feng said, his voice firm, as he turned and left.

    ¡°Master, weren¡¯t you interested in this boy? Why the sudden change?¡± A shadowed figure spoke from the corner of the stone house after Chen Feng had departed.

    ¡°Just a fleeting thought. At most, he''s just a small talent. Even if he joins the Huan Tian Sect, he¡¯ll only be an outer disciple at best. Not worth recruiting,¡± the young man replied dismissively.

    ¡°True, he has some talent, but at seventeen or eighteen, he''s only at the sixth stage of Body Refinement. If compared to the thousands of young disciples in the clan, he''s at the bottom. Though his ability to fight above his level is commendable, there¡¯s little value in nurturing him,¡± the shadowed figure remarked.

    ---

    Chen Feng, holding Li Xinyue''s hundred-refined sword, felt an intense anger swirling inside him, though his expression remained indifferent.

    ¡°Low cultivation, weak strength... and no respect,¡± he thought.

    ¡°The Ye family is like this... and so is the Beast Arena¡­¡±

    ¡°But one day, no one will dare to look down on me.¡±

    Outside the arena, Li Xinyue waited. When she saw Chen Feng return, having changed into his regular clothes and removed his mask, her eyes lit up with joy.

    ¡°Teacher, thank you for the sword,¡± Chen Feng said, handing over the hundred-refined sword to her, while she in turn handed him his own ten-refined sword.

    ¡°Chen Feng, I somewhat regret telling you about the Beast Arena,¡± Li Xinyue said with a wry smile as she took the sword. ¡°Fortunately, your strength is enough.¡±This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    ¡°Teacher, there''s no need to feel guilty. On the contrary, I should thank you,¡± Chen Feng smiled. ¡°By the way, the ten taels of silver I borrowed earlier, I¡¯ll repay you once I break the banknote later.¡±

    ¡°No need. The three hundred taels could buy three Peiyuan Pills, which might be enough to help you break through to the seventh stage of Body Refinement,¡± Li Xinyue replied. ¡°If you kept the ten taels, and still couldn¡¯t break through, it would cause you unnecessary trouble.¡±

    ¡°Fair enough.¡± Chen Feng nodded and didn¡¯t press further, but he quietly committed this kindness to memory.

    ¡°Chen Feng, with three Peiyuan Pills, you might be able to break through to the seventh stage before the examination. As for me, I plan to close myself off and fully focus on breaking through to the ninth stage,¡± Li Xinyue said, her bright, sharp eyes filled with anticipation. ¡°By then, I hope both of us can pass the exam and become disciples of the Huan Tian Sect.¡±

    ¡°Definitely!¡± Chen Feng responded earnestly.

    Watching Li Xinyue¡¯s tall and graceful figure leave, Chen Feng returned to his courtyard. After a short rest, he took a Peiyuan Pill.

    Once the power of the Peiyuan Pill was fully absorbed, Chen Feng could feel his muscles and bones becoming even more resilient, the strength in his body growing even more robust.

    ¡°About the late stage of Body Refinement, Sixth Stage.¡±

    He took the second Peiyuan Pill and absorbed its power, refining his muscles and bones.

    ¡°Peak!¡±

    Chen Feng felt a bit disappointed, even though the result was expected.

    Improving cultivation indeed becomes harder with each step. Two Peiyuan Pills had only brought him to the peak of the sixth stage, leaving him uncertain about whether he could break through to the seventh stage.

    Can I break through to the seventh stage?

    If I can¡¯t... then...

    ¡°Let¡¯s refine it first.¡±

    Without hesitation, Chen Feng took the last Peiyuan Pill, refining it with his Divine Rune, and felt a pure force rushing through his body, once again strengthening his muscles and bones.

    A layer of blood light surged over his body, growing more intense.

    The later stages of Body Refinement involve refining the organs, which are more delicate than bones. A slight misstep could cause injury. This made the breakthrough even harder.

    After a while, the blood light receded, and Chen Feng opened his eyes, deeply disappointed.

    ¡°I¡¯m at the critical point between the sixth and seventh stages of Body Refinement,¡± Chen Feng murmured. ¡°Now, I either take another Peiyuan Pill to break through, or rely on my own cultivation, but I can¡¯t be sure if I¡¯ll reach the seventh stage before the Huan Tian Sect¡¯s exam¡­¡±

    He pondered.

    Should I go back to the Beast Arena?

    With my previous performance, the Beast Arena¡¯s challenges will probably involve at least three first-tier, seventh-level beasts.

    ¡°My current cultivation is at the peak of the sixth stage. My bones are stronger than when I first reached the sixth stage, and my strength has doubled. With my swordsmanship and body techniques, I should be able to handle three first-tier, seventh-level beasts¡­¡±

    But the issue is with the sword.

    Earlier, I defeated two first-tier, seventh-level beasts using the hundred-refined sword.

    But the hundred-refined sword belongs to Li Xinyue. My sword is only at the ten-refined level, which won¡¯t deal effective damage to first-tier, seventh-level beasts.

    I could borrow her sword, but she¡¯s in seclusion.

    And the owner of the Beast Arena¡­ something about him feels unsettling. I instinctively feel wary.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll focus on refining my Fengying Swordsmanship and Nine Shadows Phantom Body to the highest level. I¡¯ll also try to break through on my own, while finding ways to make money and improve my strength, and buy a hundred-refined sword.¡±

    Chen Feng muttered to himself, then put on his sword and headed to a small forest by Mirror Lake to train.

    For the next three days, he spent most of his time deep in the small forest, perfecting his Fengying Swordsmanship and Nine Shadows Phantom Body.

    Phantom sword images appeared around him, solidifying like real blades. Nine sword shadows surrounded a thick tree, each one piercing the tree with a perfect circle of holes.

    ¡°The Nine Winds Sword and Nine Shadows Phantom Body are complete, and they complement each other perfectly¡­¡±

    Chen Feng sheathed his sword, a smile appearing on his face.

    ¡°I wonder how I would fare against someone at the eighth stage of Body Refinement.¡±

    He had also discovered another way to make money: searching for precious herbs and hunting beasts.

    Compared to the Beast Arena, hunting beasts and gathering herbs was more unpredictable and dangerous, but the potential rewards were greater.

    After leaving the forest, Chen Feng bought some supplies, filled his water pouch, and set off from the Huan Tian Dao Academy, heading out of the city.

    The Huan Tian City was built at the foot of the Great Ridge Mountains, where countless beasts resided. It was the best place for martial artists to search for rare herbs and hunt beasts.

    As soon as Chen Feng left the city, someone secretly followed him. When he exited the city, the follower quickly returned to the Huan Tian Dao Academy and found Ye Huai.

    ¡°Are you sure Chen Feng has left the city?¡± Ye Huai asked coldly, his eyes sending a chill through the follower.

    ¡°Yes, I followed him all the way and saw with my own eyes. I suspect he¡¯s headed to the Wanmulin to gather herbs and hunt beasts,¡± the follower quickly reported everything he knew.

    ¡°Wanmulin... gathering herbs, hunting beasts...¡± Ye Huai¡¯s eyes gleamed with cold light, a sinister smile forming on his lips. ¡°Chen Feng, you certainly know how to pick your places.¡±

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 Chapter 13 - The Hunter and the Prey

    Chapter 13: The Hunter and the Prey

    The Wanmu Forest lay 180 miles west of Huntian City. Outside the forest, a campsite had been established.

    Within the camp, rows of wooden huts stood firm, banners fluttering in the wind, their inscriptions clearly visible:

    *"Baozheng Trading Firm"*

    *"Qianxing Trading Firm"*

    These were outposts set up by the trading firms of Huntian City.

    In one corner of the camp, a crowd had gathered.

    "Windfire Squad is looking for a Body Refinement Stage Six cultivator skilled in movement techniques..."

    "Dark Cry Squad needs a Body Refinement Stage Seven cultivator proficient in powerful attacks..."

    Wooden plaques were erected, displaying the names of various squads and their recruitment needs.

    Chen Feng scanned the listings before heading toward the Windfire Squad.

    From his inquiries over the past few days, he had learned that newcomers entering Wanmu Forest were better off joining a team. Wandering aimlessly not only lowered the chances of a good harvest but also greatly increased the risk of danger.

    "I¡¯m at the Body Refinement Stage Six and specialize in movement techniques," Chen Feng said to a young man in gray sitting by the squad¡¯s plaque.

    "Follow me," the gray-clad youth replied, standing and leading Chen Feng a short distance away.

    "Captain, we have a Body Refinement Stage Six cultivator skilled in movement techniques looking to join us," the youth said to a man in his thirties clad in black.

    The black-clad man, a woman in red, and a young man in blue all turned their gazes toward Chen Feng.

    "Welcome," the black-clad man said with a slight smile. "We do need a teammate proficient in movement techniques for better coordination in Wanmu Forest. But I hope you understand¡ªplease demonstrate your skills."

    Chen Feng nodded and blurred into four shadowy images. The four members of Windfire Squad narrowed their eyes, carefully observing him.

    "Excellent movement technique! Even I, at Body Refinement Stage Eight, struggle to distinguish between real and fake," the black-clad man praised generously.

    "Allow me to introduce myself. I¡¯m Shi Feng, the captain of Windfire Squad, at Body Refinement Stage Eight, and proficient in defensive martial arts," he said, slinging a massive black shield off his back with a smile.

    "Little brother, my name is Zhu Li. Guess my cultivation level and specialty," the red-clad woman teased, her gaze fixed on Chen Feng.

    Chen Feng glanced at her, and she promptly puffed out her chest. Embarrassed, he averted his gaze.

    "Alright, stop teasing the new guy," Shi Feng said with a chuckle, noting Chen Feng¡¯s awkwardness. "Zhu Li is at Body Refinement Stage Seven and excels in entanglement combat with her whip."

    "I¡¯m Lin Yi, Body Refinement Stage Six, proficient in archery," the blue-clad youth said coolly.If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    "And I¡¯m Chen Yan, Body Refinement Stage Six, skilled in blade techniques," the gray-clad youth added with a hearty laugh, patting Chen Feng on the shoulder.

    "Chen Feng, Body Refinement Stage Six, specialized in movement techniques and adept at swordsmanship," Chen Feng said with a slight smile.

    The squad nodded approvingly at his movement technique but paid little attention to his mention of swordsmanship.

    "Now that we¡¯ve introduced ourselves, let¡¯s go over the team rules," Shi Feng began. "In our squad, we respect and support each other. As for resources in Wanmu Forest: whoever discovers and harvests a treasure herb first keeps 60%, while the rest of the team shares the remaining 40%. For beast hunts, solo kills yield the same 60/40 split. For joint kills, I, as the main tank, take 40%, Zhu Li takes 20% for her role, and the remaining 40% is divided based on contribution."

    Chen Feng agreed without hesitation.

    "Let¡¯s head out. We¡¯ll celebrate our harvest when we return," Shi Feng announced.

    The Windfire Squad set off toward Wanmu Forest. Along the way, Chen Feng asked questions about navigating the forest, finding treasure herbs, and hunting beasts. The team generously shared their knowledge, and Chen Feng committed it all to memory¡ªexperience that would otherwise take significant time to acquire.

    The forest was dense, with towering trees blocking most sunlight, leaving the interior dim and shadowy.

    As they entered, the noise of the outside world faded away, replaced by rustling sounds and occasional beastly roars echoing in the distance.

    "This path is commonly used and has a low chance of encountering beasts," Zhu Li whispered to Chen Feng.

    He nodded and continued following the group. As the beast roars grew louder and more frequent, the squad¡¯s expressions grew increasingly serious.

    While walking, Chen Feng memorized the route and surroundings, etching them into his mind with perfect recall.

    "Chen, what is the name of your movement technique?" Shi Feng suddenly asked, turning to him with a smile.

    "The Nine Shadow Phantom Step," Chen Feng replied casually.

    Shi Feng¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, a thoughtful expression crossing his face as he exchanged a glance with the others.

    "Little brother," Zhu Li said in a pitiable tone, "as a rogue cultivator, I live a life on the edge. If I could learn a movement technique like yours, my survival chances would greatly improve."

    Nearby, Lin Yi said nothing but leveled a piercing gaze at Chen Feng, his bow drawn and ready.

    "What¡¯s the meaning of this?" Chen Feng frowned.

    "Don¡¯t play dumb. Teach us your movement technique, or you¡¯ll learn the true meaning of suffering," Chen Yan growled, his blade aimed menacingly at Chen Feng.

    The friendliness in the squad¡¯s demeanor evaporated, replaced by cold hostility and killing intent.

    "Let¡¯s part ways," Chen Feng said with a disappointed sigh, his eyes flashing briefly.

    "Take his arm," Shi Feng ordered.

    Lin Yi¡¯s arrow shot through the air with a sharp whistle as Chen Yan¡¯s blade swung ruthlessly toward Chen Feng¡¯s right arm.

    Disappointment turned to determination in Chen Feng¡¯s eyes. His figure flickered, evading both attacks, as his sword unsheathed in a flash. The gray-clad youth¡¯s pupils shrank in shock as Chen Feng¡¯s blade pierced his throat.

    "Stop!" Shi Feng roared, throwing a punch while Zhu Li¡¯s whip lashed out like a venomous snake.

    Chen Feng sidestepped their attacks with phantom-like agility. A shadow appeared beside Lin Yi, and his sword drove straight into the archer¡¯s heart.

    Shi Feng and Zhu Li froze in shock, unable to believe that a Body Refinement Stage Six cultivator could display such overwhelming strength.

    "Kill him!" Shi Feng bellowed, flinging his shield like a battering ram as Zhu Li¡¯s whip struck again.

    Chen Feng dodged Shi Feng¡¯s assault and appeared behind Zhu Li, executing a precise sword technique. Despite her attempt to flee, his blade pierced through her back and out her chest.

    "Zhu Li!" Shi Feng howled in rage, hurling his shield at Chen Feng before turning and fleeing deeper into the forest.

    Chen Feng evaded the shield and pursued him, but Shi Feng¡¯s superior cultivation allowed him to widen the distance.

    "The Nine Shadow Phantom Step is excellent for combat but lacks the speed for chasing," Chen Feng thought with a sigh, noting the disparity in their cultivation levels.

    "I¡¯ll need to find a technique better suited for pursuit," he mused, returning to loot the bodies.

    [----------------¡ã-------------]

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 Chapter 14 - Ye Huai Pursues

    Chapter 14: Ye Huai Pursues

    *Outside the Wanmulin Camp, Ye Huai arrived with two collateral disciples of the Ye family, both at the seventh transformation of the Body Tempering Realm.*

    The trio immediately split up to search the camp.

    "Brother Huai, we''ve looked everywhere and asked around. No one knows anything."

    "Brother Huai, even though there are some disciples from our Dao Academy here for training, finding Chen Feng won¡¯t be easy."

    Ye Huai''s face turned grim, his narrow eyes glinting with a cold light.

    "Easy or not, we must find him. Chen Feng must die."

    "Are you looking for a young swordsman, around seventeen or eighteen?" A sudden voice broke in, causing the three to turn around sharply.

    A burly man in his thirties, clad in black, stood before them, staring intently.

    "You¡¯ve seen Chen Feng?" Ye Huai''s blade-like gaze landed on Shi Feng''s face, making him shiver as if cut by a sharp knife, his hairs standing on end.

    "Yes," Shi Feng quickly twisted the truth. "Just now, a young warrior named Chen Feng joined my team. Once we entered Wanmulin, he suddenly drew his sword and killed my teammates. I was lucky to escape when I sensed something was wrong."

    "Lead the way," Ye Huai demanded, ignoring his words.

    "Wait, the kid isn''t just quick on his feet but also skilled with the sword. Even those at the seventh transformation are no match for him. I doubt even someone at the eighth transformation could take him down," Shi Feng added. He was willing to lead them, but only if they could handle Chen Feng.

    "We¡¯re not just any disciples of the Dao Academy; we¡¯re from the Ye family. My brother Ye Huai is at the ninth transformation and ranked third among the academy¡¯s top ten. What Body Tempering warrior could possibly match us?"

    Shi Feng was visibly shocked.

    He knew exactly what it meant to be ranked among the academy''s top ten.

    It wasn¡¯t an exaggeration to say that any one of them could easily sweep through the Wanmulin camp, defeating all rogue warriors at the Body Tempering Realm.

    "So you''re one of the Ye family¡¯s prodigies. My apologies for not recognizing you sooner. I¡¯ll lead the way now." Shi Feng immediately put on a flattering smile, taking the lead while inwardly seething with killing intent: Chen Feng, you killed my three teammates. This time, you''re dead for sure.

    ---

    *A flash of the sword cut through the air, severing a Level 1, Sixth Tier spotted python into several pieces. Blood spattered everywhere, filling the air with a pungent stench.*

    Chen Feng kicked the snake¡¯s head aside, carefully picking a green fruit about the size of a longan. It was the Serpent Saliva Fruit, a valuable herb commonly found in Wanmulin, as Shi Feng and his team had mentioned. One fruit was worth as much as a Body Tempering Pill.

    While the beast¡¯s body was also valuable, it was inconvenient for Chen Feng to carry it alone. He could only take the most valuable parts, like the gall bladder.

    "Snake gall can detoxify and improve eyesight. Let¡¯s give it a try."

    Chen Feng swallowed the gall bladder, allowing his Divine Seal of Creation to refine it. A cooling sensation flowed toward his eyes, making them feel refreshed.

    Moments later, the sensation faded, leaving his eyes sharper and clearer.

    "Not bad," Chen Feng nodded. "One Serpent Saliva Fruit is worth ten taels of silver. Adding the forty taels I took from the Windfire Squad¡¯s loot, that¡¯s half the value of a Qi Refining Pill."

    Motivated, Chen Feng continued searching for treasures.

    Treasured herbs were often highly valuable, and some even directly aided in cultivation or increasing one¡¯s strength. However, such herbs were rare and often came with exorbitant prices.

    ---

    *"These are my teammates, all killed by Chen Feng."*

    Seeing the corpses of Zhu Li and the others, Shi Feng¡¯s face twisted with rage and grief.

    "Enough nonsense. Keep moving," one of the Ye family disciples said impatiently.

    The deaths meant nothing to them, so they remained indifferent.

    "Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll definitely avenge you," Shi Feng muttered under his breath. He quickly moved the corpses to one side and began surveying the surroundings. "He went this way," he said, pointing to a trail.

    "You better not be wrong. If you are, you¡¯ll pay dearly," another Ye family disciple threatened.

    "I guarantee it¡¯s correct," Shi Feng replied with a fawning smile.

    Under Shi Feng¡¯s guidance, Ye Huai and the others advanced quickly, dispatching any beasts they encountered with ease.

    "There he is. That¡¯s Chen Feng!" Following the trail, Shi Feng finally spotted a figure and whispered excitedly.

    "Chase him!" Ye Huai¡¯s eyes narrowed, locking onto the silhouette dozens of meters away. He charged forward with a burst of speed.

    Shi Feng and the other two Ye family disciples also accelerated, hot on his heels.

    ---

    *"Darkblood Grass¡ªanother herb worth as much as a Body Tempering Pill."*

    Chen Feng carefully uprooted a small, dark red plant, brushed off the dirt, and stored it away.

    His luck had been remarkable. Since entering Wanmulin, he¡¯d already found three valuable herbs, worth a total of thirty taels of silver.

    Just as he finished, the sound of hurried footsteps and an icy killing intent reached him from behind.

    Turning around, Chen Feng¡¯s eyes narrowed sharply.

    "Ye Huai!"

    "Chen Feng, this is where you die," Ye Huai declared as he charged forward, his blade half-drawn. The sharp glint of steel pierced through Wanmulin¡¯s dimness, radiating lethal intent.

    Seeing Ye Huai and the others, including the familiar face of Shi Feng, Chen Feng immediately understood what had happened.

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    Without hesitation, he turned and sprinted deeper into Wanmulin.

    ---

    "Struggling is futile," Ye Huai sneered, watching Chen Feng retreat deeper into the forest. A sinister smile spread across his face.

    Ye Huai¡¯s Body Tempering Ninth Transformation far outstripped Chen Feng¡¯s. He surged forward with astonishing speed, closing the distance rapidly. His eyes narrowed as his legs flexed, propelling him forward with a sudden burst of speed. With each step, his pace increased exponentially, covering over two meters in a single stride.

    In mere moments, Ye Huai closed the gap. His blade unsheathed in a flash, slashing horizontally with a sharp, chilling gleam. The blade seemed to cut through the dimness of Wanmulin, emitting a menacing whistle.

    The oppressive force of the blade bore down on Chen Feng, making his scalp tingle.

    Activating his perfected Nine Phantom Movement, Chen Feng¡¯s form split into multiple illusory shadows, weaving through the forest to confuse his pursuer.

    Ye Huai hesitated momentarily but quickly adjusted. His blade quivered, splitting into multiple projections.

    Wave-Splitting Slash!

    The blade projections tore through the phantoms, dissipating six of them instantly. However, three remaining illusions circled to Ye Huai¡¯s flank, accompanied by a swift sword strike.

    Ye Huai froze momentarily before sneering in disdain. His blade emitted a cold gleam as it unleashed another devastating strike, tearing through the illusions.

    When the sword and blade clashed, Chen Feng¡¯s weapon snapped in two. The blade¡¯s superior quality overwhelmed the sword, sending its tip flying into a nearby tree, embedding itself deeply into the trunk.

    "The quality of my sword can¡¯t compare to his blade," Chen Feng thought grimly.

    Realizing he couldn¡¯t win, Chen Feng didn¡¯t linger. His earlier attack had merely been a probing strike to test Ye Huai¡¯s strength. Knowing his opponent was far superior, Chen Feng summoned another set of phantoms to obscure Ye Huai¡¯s vision and darted deeper into the forest.

    Ignoring the earlier warnings from the Windfire Squad about the dangers of Wanmulin¡¯s depths, Chen Feng pressed on. The inner areas were said to harbor Level 1 Ninth Tier beasts and even the occasional Level 2 beast, comparable to human warriors at the Qi Refining Realm.

    "Chen Feng, you can¡¯t escape!" Ye Huai¡¯s chilling voice echoed behind him.

    Chen Feng¡¯s expression darkened as he activated the Nine Phantom Movement repeatedly, using the towering trees as cover to evade pursuit.

    "How much strength do you have left, Chen Feng?" Ye Huai¡¯s voice taunted him, laced with malice.

    Chen Feng¡¯s heart sank. The repeated use of his movement technique had drained more than half of his strength. If this continued, he would eventually exhaust himself completely and be left defenseless.

    How can I turn the tables? Chen Feng thought desperately.

    "If only I could break through to the Body Tempering Seventh Transformation, refining my internal organs to harness organ power. With that, I¡¯d have greater stamina and endurance."

    But such breakthroughs could not be forced, and Chen Feng was still far from reaching the Seventh Transformation.

    Just as Chen Feng dodged another slash from Ye Huai, a chilling sensation gripped him. His instincts screamed danger as a faint whistling sound cut through the air. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a shadow descending from above with lightning speed.

    In a life-or-death moment, Chen Feng pushed his strength to the limit, executing the Nine Phantom Movement to its fullest. Yet even his perfected technique couldn¡¯t avoid the attack entirely. His afterimage was shredded, and his clothing was torn, leaving faint scratches on his skin that burned with an icy sharpness.

    "Shadow Panther!"

    Ye Huai¡¯s voice, filled with surprise and caution, confirmed Chen Feng¡¯s worst fear.

    The Shadow Panther was one of the top predators in Wanmulin, a Level 1 Ninth Tier beast. Its pitch-black body was perfectly suited for stealth, and it moved like a ghost, striking with claws sharper than tempered blades. Even Body Tempering Ninth Transformation warriors struggled to escape once it marked them.

    If not for Chen Feng¡¯s heightened senses, aided by the Divine Seal of Creation, and his mastery of the Nine Phantom Movement, he would have already perished.

    The panther, sensing Ye Huai¡¯s greater strength, shifted its focus to him. Its sleek body moved with deadly grace as it lunged at Ye Huai from the flank.

    "Courting death!" Ye Huai roared, unleashing his Wave-Splitting Blade Technique to counter the beast¡¯s attack.

    Seeing the opportunity, Chen Feng cautiously retreated, making sure not to draw the panther¡¯s attention.

    [----------------¡ã-------------]

    Thank You for Reading!

    Translating these stories is my passion, and every chapter I bring to you is crafted with care and love. If you¡¯ve enjoyed the journey so far, I humbly ask for your support to continue sharing these adventures with you.

    By joining my Patreon, you¡¯re not just supporting me¡ªyou¡¯re helping these amazing tales reach more readers, ensuring faster updates, and unlocking exclusive perks like early access to chapters and bonus content.

    Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. Together, we can keep this journey alive and thriving.

    ??Join me on Patreon: Patreon.com/flokixy

    Thank you for being part of this story. Let¡¯s forge ahead together!

 Chapter 15 - Seven Changes

    Chapter 15: Seven Changes

    The sound from afar gradually faded away.

    Chen Feng no longer used his movement technique. His breathing was slow and deliberate, and he moved with even greater caution. His eyes gleamed with sharpness as his perception reached its peak.

    "Shadow Panther, Iron-scaled Python, Mighty Berserk Bear..."

    These were the three most fearsome first-level, ninth-rank demon beasts in the W¨¤nm¨´ Forest. They could easily kill ordinary body-refinement cultivators at the ninth transformation, and even top-tier practitioners at the ninth transformation would find it difficult to defeat them.

    As Chen Feng¡¯s thoughts turned, his body involuntarily shivered. A chilling coldness spread from deep within, rapidly reaching every part of his body. The hairs on his body stood on end as a series of indescribable heart-pounding sensations assaulted him.

    Carefully, Chen Feng shrank his body behind a large tree, holding his breath. A sharp rustling sound came from the distance, growing nearer and nearer. It sounded as if something cold and slippery was slithering across his body, sending a wave of chill through him.

    Chen Feng cautiously peeked out, and in the distance, around a hundred meters away, the shrubbery shook violently. He could vaguely make out a long, black body with scales that glimmered faintly.

    "Iron-scaled Python!"

    Chen Feng¡¯s heart skipped a beat.

    The form, the terrifying aura¡ªit was definitely the Iron-scaled Python.

    His luck was truly terrible.

    First, he had been ambushed by the Shadow Panther, and now, he had encountered the Iron-scaled Python.

    Thinking about it, Chen Feng couldn¡¯t help but feel a thrill mixed with dread.

    "I wonder if I¡¯ll run into the Mighty Berserk Bear?" Chen Feng mused to himself.

    His heart was torn between unease and anticipation.

    This feeling was exhilarating. The mysterious God¡¯s Seal within his mind quivered, sending out more ripples.

    In a daze, Chen Feng felt as though he were neither fully awake nor asleep, his body and mind in a state of perfect stillness, profound and elusive, as if to be understood only through feeling.

    He didn¡¯t know how much time had passed, but suddenly, he snapped out of his trance, as though he had just woken from a deep sleep. He felt refreshed, and without realizing it, he had gained a deeper understanding of the Wind Shadow Sword Technique and the Nine Shadows Phantom Body. It felt as if he could break through his limitations at any moment and elevate his skills to a higher level.

    However, when he tried to think it through carefully, something was missing. Moreover, the current location was not the right place to dwell on such matters, so he decided to set it aside for the time being.

    "Where did the Iron-scaled Python go?"

    He looked carefully, but it had disappeared without a trace. Cautiously, Chen Feng approached and examined the area where the Iron-scaled Python had slithered through the shrubbery. He found a large trail the size of a human waist and could still feel the lingering cold, which made his body tremble involuntarily.

    "That¡¯s..."

    Chen Feng¡¯s sharp eyes locked onto something.

    Three bright red fruits appeared among the shrubbery, partially hidden.

    After a moment of careful scrutiny, Chen Feng couldn¡¯t help but reveal a smile of joy.

    "The place is dark and damp, the color is a deep crimson, and it smells like blood mixed with a fragrant scent¡ªthis must be the Bloodfruit!"

    Chen Feng¡¯s excitement surged.

    Just like the Snake Venom Fruit he had obtained earlier, the Bloodfruit was even more valuable. More importantly, the Bloodfruit was one of the main ingredients for the Vitality-Enhancing Pill, a precious herb known to boost one¡¯s vitality and aid in cultivation.

    "The Bloodfruit is worth around twenty to thirty taels of silver. If I have three of them, could they be worth as much as a Vitality-Enhancing Pill?"

    Certainly, it would be more efficient to refine the Bloodfruit into the pill, but Chen Feng was well aware of his current situation.

    Without hesitation, he plucked the three Bloodfruits and swallowed them.

    With the help of the God¡¯s Seal, the three Bloodfruits were quickly refined into pure energy.

    Vitality surged within him, a layer of blood-red light enveloping his body, growing more intense by the moment.

    In his ears, it was as though the sound of a stream was growing louder, and the flowing vitality seemed to cleanse his organs, gradually strengthening them.

    Previously, after consuming three Vitality-Enhancing Pills, Chen Feng¡¯s cultivation had already reached the limit of the sixth transformation of body refinement. His organs were being tempered, but the process had stalled due to insufficient energy. Now, as he continued the refinement, his organs quivered lightly, his heart pounding powerfully like a drum, and his intestines rumbled with deep sounds.

    A new force began to emanate from his internal organs¡ªformless and intangible, but stretching far and deep, its lingering power immense, like a stream gradually becoming grander.

    The blood-red light slowly faded.

    Chen Feng exhaled, and a gust of wind howled out, striking the leaves a few meters away, scattering them in all directions.

    "The strength of the internal organs is indeed long-lasting and powerful."

    Chen Feng mused.

    "Skin and flesh strength, bone strength, internal organ strength¡ªall of these are essentially the force forged through vitality. In theory, they should be convertible and interrelated..."

    Suddenly, an idea struck him, and he immediately tried it out, initially sensing some resistance.

    Theory was theory, but the channels through which these forces were refined were different, so there were distinctions.

    Chen Feng tried again and again, and with the help of the God¡¯s Seal, a wave of inspiration struck. He understood.

    The long-lasting, powerful internal organ strength gradually converted into bone strength, slowly restoring the bone power he had previously consumed.You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    Moreover, Chen Feng could feel that his bones had gained a bit of the internal organ strength¡¯s unique power¡ªlong-lasting and mighty.

    "I wonder if I¡¯m now strong enough to fight a ninth-rank, first-level demon beast?"

    Chen Feng thought to himself but then glanced at the broken sword in his hand, and the thought faded away.

    "With my cultivation breakthrough to the seventh transformation of body refinement, I now qualify to participate in the assessment of the Miantian Sect. But there¡¯s still time..."

    At the same age, the higher one¡¯s cultivation, the more solid their foundation, making it easier to pass the Miantian Sect¡¯s assessment.

    Moreover, he still needed to make money to buy a Hundred-Refinement Sword.

    As these thoughts swirled in his mind, Chen Feng carefully scanned his surroundings, using the experience passed down by Stone Peak and the others to determine which direction to go.

    Both directions¡ªinto the deeper parts of W¨¤nm¨´ Forest or back out¡ªleft traces behind. But to a novice, it all looked the same. Only experienced veterans could tell the difference.

    Though Chen Feng was still a beginner, with the aid of the God¡¯s Seal, he had memorized and applied all the experience taught by the Windfire Squad.

    The sound of the attack cut through the air as Chen Feng''s sword sliced through the space with overwhelming speed, aiming straight for the source of the disturbance. His senses, now heightened from the numerous encounters and the refining of his skills, guided his sword strike with uncanny precision.

    The figure before him recoiled, clearly taken aback by the sudden assault. The glow in its eyes flickered in surprise, but it quickly regained its composure, moving with a swiftness that matched Chen Feng''s own. In an instant, the figure''s silhouette blurred, and it vanished from Chen Feng''s line of sight, reappearing several meters away.

    Chen Feng''s sword continued to cut through the air with relentless speed, leaving a trail of shimmering light in its wake. His movements were fluid, almost as if he were one with the wind itself, as he adjusted his stance and prepared for the next exchange.

    ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± Chen Feng¡¯s voice rang out, firm and authoritative, his eyes scanning the area around him with a sharpness that pierced through the darkness.

    A low, chilling laugh echoed from the shadows, the sound almost serpentine in nature. "So, you¡¯ve become quite skilled, haven''t you? But I wonder... can you truly match the likes of me?" The voice was laced with both amusement and a hint of danger.

    A shadow emerged from the darkness, revealing a tall, lean figure cloaked in dark robes. Its face was obscured by a mask, but its aura was unmistakable ¡ª this was no ordinary opponent. The air around them seemed to ripple with a suffocating pressure, one that sent a chill down Chen Feng¡¯s spine.

    Chen Feng¡¯s grip tightened around the hilt of his sword as he instinctively shifted into a defensive stance, his heart racing with anticipation. This wasn¡¯t just any enemy; this was someone whose presence alone could send shivers through the soul.

    The masked figure¡¯s eyes gleamed from behind the mask, and it spoke again, this time with a more sinister edge. "You¡¯re brave, stepping into my territory. But I don¡¯t believe you¡¯re ready for what lies ahead."

    Chen Feng narrowed his eyes. "We''ll see about that," he muttered under his breath, as his body tensed, ready to strike at the slightest movement.

    The masked figure tilted its head slightly, as if sizing Chen Feng up, before suddenly vanishing once more, moving faster than the eye could follow. Chen Feng reacted instantly, his body flowing into motion like a well-oiled machine. His sword slashed through the air in a wide arc, and just as his blade was about to make contact, the figure reappeared behind him.

    With a swift twist of his body, Chen Feng brought the sword around in a rapid counterattack. However, the figure was already gone, fading into the shadows once more.

    "Not bad," the masked figure remarked, its voice now tinged with both respect and malice. "But let¡¯s see how you handle this."

    Before Chen Feng could react, the ground beneath him seemed to crack and split open, and from the fissures, tendrils of dark energy shot up, coiling around his legs, arms, and sword. It was a technique designed to immobilize him, to prevent any further attacks.

    Chen Feng gritted his teeth as he struggled against the restraints, his heart pounding in his chest. His mind raced, searching for a way out. The dark energy constricted around him, its cold, suffocating grip making it harder to breathe.

    In that moment of peril, a surge of energy erupted from deep within him. It was the power he had been cultivating, the strength of his body and mind, all coming together as one. His muscles tensed, and with a mighty roar, Chen Feng shattered the dark tendrils, sending waves of force rippling through the air.

    The masked figure''s eyes widened for a split second, clearly taken aback by Chen Feng''s sudden burst of power. But it quickly recovered, a dark smile creeping across its face.

    "Impressive," the figure mused. "But that won¡¯t be enough to defeat me."

    With a sudden, fluid motion, the figure lunged forward, its hand outstretched. Dark energy surged around its fingers, forming into a blade of pure shadow. It was a weapon forged from the very essence of darkness, and its aura radiated death.

    Chen Feng''s heart skipped a beat as he saw the weapon coming toward him. There was no time to evade. The only option was to meet it head-on. With a swift motion, he raised his sword to block, the two weapons colliding in a flash of dark and light.

    The shockwave from the impact sent a tremor through the air, and for a moment, it seemed as if time itself had frozen. But as the dust settled, both combatants remained standing, their expressions filled with resolve.

    "You''re strong," the masked figure admitted, its voice calm despite the intensity of the battle. "But strength alone won¡¯t win this fight."

    Chen Feng¡¯s eyes gleamed with determination. "We¡¯ll see about that," he said, his grip tightening on his sword once more, ready for whatever came next.

    The masked figure took a step back, analyzing Chen Feng''s unwavering stance. There was a flicker of something behind its eyes ¡ª perhaps recognition, or maybe amusement. It had clearly underestimated the young warrior in front of it. However, that would not stop it from attempting to break Chen Feng''s will.

    With a sudden, sharp motion, the figure vanished once again, this time moving not just through the shadows, but also blending into the very elements around them. The air became thick with a dense fog, and the once-clear path through the forest became obscured by an eerie mist.

    Chen Feng¡¯s senses flared, every instinct screaming at him to remain alert. The temperature dropped, and his breath became visible in the frigid air. He could feel the presence of his opponent ¡ª it was near, but the exact location remained elusive.

    He didn¡¯t hesitate. He activated his Wind Shadow Sword Technique, every part of his body becoming as light and fluid as the wind itself. His movements became a blur, twisting and turning in the fog, sword slashing in rapid succession. Each strike was designed to cleave through the mist, but each time his sword met only emptiness.

    "You''re faster than I thought," came the voice, now echoing from multiple directions. "But speed alone won¡¯t win the battle. It''s all about control."

    The voice taunted him from all sides, and with each word, Chen Feng felt a wave of unease crash over him. He had to stay focused, had to keep his wits sharp. His grip tightened on his sword, the only anchor in this swirling confusion.

    He slowed his movements, forcing himself to concentrate, waiting for the right moment. The Wind Shadow Sword Technique required finesse, not brute force. He needed to feel his opponent¡¯s rhythm, to understand their next move before they made it.

    And then, it came.

    The ground beneath Chen Feng¡¯s feet trembled slightly. The air shifted, and a faint whisper brushed against his ear. He spun, sword raised, just in time to intercept a swift, shadowy blade that came crashing down from above.

    The force of the strike nearly sent him to his knees, but he held his ground, his feet digging into the earth. The clash of the two weapons sent a sharp, ringing sound through the fog, and for a brief moment, Chen Feng could see his opponent¡¯s form ¡ª dark, imposing, with eyes that gleamed like twin embers.

    The figure pulled back quickly, assessing the situation, and this time, it did not strike immediately. Instead, it circled around, vanishing into the mist once more, leaving Chen Feng to ponder its next move.

    Chen Feng''s breathing was heavy, his heart pounding in his chest. His mind raced, analyzing every move the figure had made, every shift in the atmosphere. This battle was far from over.

    "Come out," Chen Feng called, his voice steady but filled with a quiet determination. "I¡¯m not afraid of you."

    A low laugh echoed in the fog, and the figure reappeared before him in a flash, its shadowy blade raised. But this time, Chen Feng was ready. He met the attack head-on, his sword flashing with newfound brilliance as the clash rang out once again.

    Each strike, each counter, was a battle of wills, a dance between light and dark. And with every passing moment, Chen Feng felt himself growing stronger, his understanding of his swordsmanship deepening with each movement, with each strike.

    The fight was far from over, but Chen Feng¡¯s resolve was unwavering. He would push forward, no matter the cost.

    [----------------¡ã-------------]

    ?Thank You for Reading!?

    Translating these stories is my passion, and every chapter I bring to you is crafted with care and love. If you¡¯ve enjoyed the journey so far, I humbly ask for your support to continue sharing these adventures with you.

    By joining my Patreon, you¡¯re not just supporting me¡ªyou¡¯re helping these amazing tales reach more readers, ensuring faster updates, and unlocking exclusive perks like early access to chapters and bonus content.

    Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. Together, we can keep this journey alive and thriving.

    ??Join me on Patreon: patreon*com/flokixy

    Thank you for being part of this story. Let¡¯s forge ahead together!

 Chapter 16 - Fengying Swordsmanship Breaks the Limit

    The sound of the sword¡¯s hum erupted suddenly, its sharp screech cutting through the air.

    The blade of the Hundred Refinements Sword, as if carrying a flicker of fire, tore through the air with deadly force, piercing gold and splitting stone, brimming with killing intent.

    ¡°Captain, save me!¡±

    Shi Feng¡¯s pupils constricted as his body stiffened with fear. His hair stood on end as he cried out in shock and retreated quickly.

    ¡°Bold!¡± A thunderous roar erupted like a storm, accompanied by the whistle of a blade slicing through the air, sending a powerful gust of wind that instantly blocked the sword strike aimed at Shi Feng.

    Figures swiftly moved, and Chen Feng realized that he had been surrounded.

    Seven!

    Including Shi Feng, seven people had surrounded him.

    ¡°Chen Feng, you¡¯re ungrateful, killing my teammates, and daring to go against Young Master Ye Huai. Today will be your end,¡± Shi Feng snarled, gripping his iron shield tightly, glaring fiercely at Chen Feng.

    Chen Feng didn¡¯t try to explain¡ªthere was no need to.

    Because this person... was already dead.

    ¡°Young man, are you going to surrender, or should I break your limbs first and then tie you up?¡± A burly man wielding a large sword grinned maliciously at Chen Feng.

    ¡°Chen Feng, our Dark Ming squad¡¯s captain is a master of the Body Refinement Ninth Change, with two in the Eighth Change and four in the Seventh Change. Even if your movement is exquisite, you can¡¯t escape this time,¡± Shi Feng said through gritted teeth. ¡°We¡¯ll hand you over to Young Master Huai. He will personally take your head.¡±

    Having watched his teammates die, escaped, and failed to capture Chen Feng with Ye Huai¡¯s group, Shi Feng was filled with hatred for Chen Feng.

    But he had never considered that everything started because he coveted Chen Feng¡¯s Nine Shadows Illusory Body.

    ¡°Four in the Seventh Change, two in the Eighth Change, and one in the Ninth Change¡­¡± Chen Feng¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, but a surge of inexplicable excitement swelled from deep within.

    If his cultivation had not broken through, and before obtaining the Hundred Refinements Sword, facing such a situation, he would have definitely used the Nine Shadows Illusory Body to escape.

    ¡°Except for Shi Feng, I¡¯m giving you all a chance. Turn around and leave, and I won¡¯t hold it against you,¡± Chen Feng said, his gaze sweeping over them before finally landing on the burly man with the large sword. He spoke in a firm tone.

    ¡°Seems like you¡¯ve chosen to have your limbs broken.¡± The burly man grinned, swinging his large sword like a howling wind, attacking fiercely.

    The rest of the Dark Ming squad moved to strike as well.

    Chen Feng found that he was surrounded on all sides with no place to escape.

    ¡°A Level 9 Beast trapped in our encirclement would only meet death,¡± the burly man sneered, slashing at Chen Feng with his mighty sword.

    ¡°Pity... I¡¯m not a beast.¡±

    Chen Feng smiled slightly, activating the Nine Shadows Illusory Body. Nine phantom images instantly appeared, indistinguishable from one another, evading attack after attack.

    The sword¡¯s shadow appeared once again, and in the blink of an eye, nine swords shot out like a tempest, cutting through the air.

    Each illusion was accompanied by a sharp sword strike.

    The four in the Body Refinement Seventh Change from the Dark Ming squad froze in place, and blood quickly appeared at their throats, spreading outward.

    The burly man blocked one of Chen Feng¡¯s strikes with his sword, and Shi Feng along with another in the Eighth Change barely managed to block another.

    The phantoms and sword shadows came again.

    Three sword strikes tore through the air, coming from different angles, as fast as wind. Shi Feng swung his iron shield to defend, but could only block two of the strikes. The third pierced his heart.

    Another in the Eighth Change was pierced through by Chen Feng¡¯s sword as well.

    The burly man¡¯s eyes bulged with rage and fear. Without hesitation, he turned and fled.

    The illusions flashed again, blocking his escape.

    ¡°I admit defeat.¡±

    The burly man, experienced in surviving in the Wanmu Forest, knew well how to preserve his life. If he couldn¡¯t win, he would escape; if he couldn¡¯t escape, he would yield.

    Without hesitation, he shouted.

    ¡°I¡¯m willing to pay any price.¡±

    Chen Feng seemed not to hear him. The sword shadow continued to close in, surrounding the burly man.

    ¡°I¡¯ll fight you to the end!¡± the burly man roared, his muscles bulging as he gripped his large sword, swinging it furiously like a mountain breaking apart, aiming to crush Chen Feng.

    The clash of swords and blades rang out.

    Every impact sent a shock of immense power toward Chen Feng.

    That power came from the Body Refinement Ninth Change, clearly far stronger than Chen Feng¡¯s own.

    But Chen Feng combined the Nine Shadows Illusory Body with the Wind Shadow Nine Swords, using them to absorb the force and push forward again.

    At this moment, Chen Feng realized that the Body Refinement Ninth Change, once seen as an insurmountable realm, wasn¡¯t as strong as it had seemed.Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

    He could fight!

    He could... kill!

    The burly man roared, swinging his great sword in all directions, exerting all his strength to block the sword shadows coming from every angle.

    From a distance, a crowd had gathered to watch.

    ¡°The captain of the Dark Ming squad¡­¡±

    ¡°Who is that person? He killed all the members of the Dark Ming squad.¡±

    Seeing the bodies on the ground, the onlookers¡¯ faces changed dramatically, and they gasped in shock.

    The Dark Ming squad was one of the top teams in this camp, having hunted Level 9 beasts several times. They were normally very intimidating, but now they had been wiped out, leaving only the captain.

    For a moment, everyone was curious about Chen Feng.

    As for interfering?

    That was impossible. Conflicts regularly broke out in the camp for various reasons¡ªverbal disputes, treasure hunts, and so on. No one would intervene unless they had close relationships with the people involved.

    The burly man¡¯s strength was overwhelming, but despite his efforts to block the relentless sword strikes, he couldn¡¯t avoid them all.

    The difference in cultivation was evident. Chen Feng couldn¡¯t easily defeat him as he had with the ones in the Seventh and Eighth Change.

    ¡°Who exactly is this guy? To think he can overpower the captain of the Dark Ming squad!¡±

    ¡°He looks to be under twenty, yet possesses such strength. He¡¯s a true genius!¡±

    Chen Feng ignored the murmurs around him. His focus remained solely on his swordplay, as his experiences in the Wanmu Forest and the moments of enlightenment from before slowly merged into a seamless flow, propelling him forward, unstoppable.

    In his mind, countless rays of light converged, forming a figure holding a sword.

    Chen Feng¡¯s body froze for a moment, as if a wooden statue, motionless.

    The burly man, originally intending to flee, suddenly noticed that Chen Feng had inexplicably stopped moving. A surge of courage filled him, and without hesitation, he unleashed his full power, his arms swelling with muscle as he brought his great sword down like a mountain crashing toward Chen Feng.

    Chen Feng¡¯s body seemed to be on the verge of being cleaved in two under the blade.

    A cold gleam flashed in Chen Feng¡¯s eyes, and in an instant, a sword shot out from his hand, slicing through the air like lightning.

    The sword shadow formed a continuous chain¡ªone, two, three¡­ Eight, nine!

    The nine sword shadows merged in an instant, converging into a single, blinding beam of sword light. Its sharpness was unparalleled, exuding a chilling coldness.

    The sword light shot out in less than a tenth of a second, so fast that the burly man¡¯s eyes trembled. He didn¡¯t even have time to blink before the sword pierced his forehead.

    The sword returned to its sheath, and Chen Feng staggered back a step, involuntarily retreating.

    The burly man¡¯s body trembled, blood pouring from his forehead as his stunned eyes filled with confusion. His great sword slipped from his grip, and his massive body fell to the ground with a heavy thud.

    ¡°He¡¯s dead¡­¡±

    ¡°The captain of the Dark Ming squad, a master of the Body Refinement Ninth Change, was actually killed with one sword strike.¡±

    A faint smile appeared on Chen Feng¡¯s slightly pale face.

    The Wind Shadow Nine Swords had broken through. The nine sword shadows had fused into a single, extremely concentrated beam of sword light. Not only did its speed increase drastically, but its power also grew exponentially, cutting through everything in its path.

    However, the energy consumption and strain were immense. With his current cultivation, Chen Feng could only use this technique once in a short period.

    ¡°I wonder if I could kill a Level 9 Beast with this.¡±

    Chen Feng thought to himself.

    The physical strength of human martial artists is clearly inferior to that of beasts of the same rank. Perhaps, he could find an opportunity to test this out.

    Chen Feng¡¯s gaze swept over the area, and through the flames, he could clearly see the looks of curiosity and wariness from the onlookers.

    His internal energy flowed as the strength he had expended gradually began to recover.

    Chen Feng quickly searched the bodies of the Dark Ming squad members, finding some silver¡ªless than a hundred taels.

    ¡°Such poverty.¡±

    He couldn¡¯t help but sigh as he pocketed the small amount of silver. Then, he took the weapons of the Dark Ming squad to a nearby merchant to sell.

    After accounting for depreciation and wear, he managed to sell the weapons for just over two hundred taels.

    ¡°Truly, killing and arson lead to a golden belt.¡± Holding the more than three hundred taels in his hand, Chen Feng couldn¡¯t help but quietly marvel at the difference.

    He had spent most of the day in the Wanmu Forest and earned just over a hundred taels, even with the three Chi Xue Fruit he had consumed. The total amount barely reached two hundred taels. Yet, in just a short moment, he had earned more than three hundred taels¡ªsuch a stark contrast made Chen Feng shake his head in amazement.

    However, the three hundred taels didn¡¯t even get warm in his hands before they were spent. He exchanged it all for three Pei Yuan Dan (Vitality-Boosting Pills).

    Chen Feng swallowed the three pills, feeling his vitality surge once again. His internal organs were refined and strengthened, becoming even more robust. His vitality surged, and his internal strength deepened.

    ¡°At least three more Pei Yuan Dan, maybe four, and then I¡¯ll have a chance to break through to the Body Refinement Eighth Change.¡±

    Chen Feng couldn¡¯t help but shake his head.

    Well, he thought, he would focus on grinding away in the Wanmu Forest for a while, striving to break through to the Eighth Change¡ªor even the Ninth Change¡ªbefore the examination of the Huntian Sect.

    Calming his mind, Chen Feng sat by the campfire, the Hundred Refinements Sword resting on his legs. His eyes gently closed as the flickering firelight danced on his face, casting shadows that shifted with the light.

    The Wind Shadow Nine Swords had broken through its limitations. The nine sword shadows fused into a seemingly indestructible beam of sword light, and Chen Feng sensed that there was still much potential in this technique to explore.

    ¡°This sword¡­ should be a killing blow. It needs a name.¡±

    Chen Feng sat quietly, his thoughts swirling as he contemplated the sword technique he had just executed. The fusion of the nine sword shadows into a single devastating beam of sword light had exceeded his expectations, but he knew there was still more to refine. The technique was still in its infancy, and he could feel the immense potential it held, waiting to be unlocked.

    ¡°A name,¡± Chen Feng muttered to himself, his gaze fixed on the glowing embers of the campfire. ¡°This sword, it needs a name worthy of its power.¡±

    He sat in deep contemplation, the idea of naming his technique stirring in his mind. He could feel the energy in the air around him, as if the very atmosphere was urging him to find the right name¡ªone that would encapsulate the sword¡¯s essence, its deadly precision, and its overwhelming might.

    As he closed his eyes, he recalled the way the sword had sliced through the burly man¡¯s forehead with the speed and sharpness of a lightning strike. The imagery of the sword light piercing the air, like a comet blazing across the sky, flashed in his mind. The power, the speed, the coldness¡ªit was all there, flowing through him.

    Chen Feng¡¯s lips curled into a slight smile. ¡°Celestial Slash,¡± he said, his voice low but firm. The name felt right. It spoke to the speed and finality of the attack, the way it cut through the heavens with unstoppable force.

    ¡°Celestial Slash¡­¡± He repeated the name softly, allowing the words to settle in his heart. Yes, this was the name he would give to his ultimate move, the technique that could cut down any enemy in its path with the force of the heavens themselves.

    With the name settled, Chen Feng stood up, the firelight casting long shadows across his face. He felt a sense of satisfaction, a feeling of growth and progress. But even as he reveled in the moment, his mind shifted back to the task at hand¡ªhis cultivation, the upcoming challenges, and the tests he had yet to face.

    The Pei Yuan Dan had strengthened his internal energy, but there was still much to be done. The Wanmu Forest held many dangers, and he had already sensed that his current strength might not be enough to face the beasts and challenges that awaited him. To break through to the next level of his cultivation, he needed more than just pills and techniques¡ªhe needed experience, endurance, and the will to push beyond his limits.

    ¡°I will not stop here,¡± Chen Feng thought to himself, determination filling his chest. ¡°I will break through. I will become stronger.¡±

    With a deep breath, he adjusted his stance, the Hundred Refinements Sword still in his grasp. The familiar weight of the weapon grounded him, and he could feel the power within it resonating with his own.

    The next phase of his journey had already begun.

    [--------------------------------------------]

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 Chapter 17 - Near-Second-Grade Demon Beast

    The night was deep and heavy, with dark clouds gathering in the sky, and the rumble of distant thunder echoed through the air.

    In one corner of the camp, Chen Feng set up a simple tent and was eating some fruit after his meal.

    It was the tenth day since he arrived in the Wanmu Forest.

    Aside from the significant gains on the first day, the next nine days had yielded only a little over a hundred taels of silver. He also bought a Yuan Cultivating Pill to refine and improve his cultivation, but he was still at the seventh level of Body Tempering.

    It felt as though the breakthrough to the eighth level of Body Tempering was still a distant goal.

    "Tomorrow, I¡¯ll try to go deeper into the Wanmu Forest," Chen Feng muttered, finishing the fruit. His gaze grew deep as he looked toward the direction of the Wanmu Forest.

    For the past ten days, he had mostly been working the outer and middle areas of the forest, with minimal rewards.

    Chen Feng was now considering venturing into the inner area of the Wanmu Forest.

    The inner area of the Wanmu Forest was undoubtedly more dangerous, and it was possible that second-tier monster beasts resided there. Initially, he hadn¡¯t planned to enter, but a few days ago, his Nine Shadow Phantom Body technique had broken through its limits, and his ability to protect himself had significantly improved.

    A figure wandered nearby, circling a few times before stepping forward.

    "Lord Chen Feng," the figure called out, stopping a few meters away from the tent. His voice was low and deep.

    "Is there something?" Chen Feng glanced over, his sharp eyes quickly recognizing the man as a middle-aged man with a large beard.

    "My name is Wang Qi, and I am at the Ninth Level of Body Tempering. I¡¯ve come to invite you to join our team," the bearded man said in a hushed tone. "Please don''t refuse just yet. We¡¯ve discovered a treasure tree in the inner area of the Wanmu Forest. It bears many precious fruits, one of the main ingredients for making the Opening Meridian Pills. It¡¯s preliminarily valued at three thousand taels."

    At these words, Chen Feng''s eyes immediately sharpened.

    Three thousand taels!

    That was an enormous sum, enough to buy thirty Yuan Cultivating Pills. Not to mention the eighth level of Body Tempering; even the ninth level could be within reach.

    "Lord Chen Feng, there are four of us in total, all at the Ninth Level of Body Tempering. With you, it will make five. If you''re willing to join, we¡¯ll meet at the seventh entrance of the Wanmu Forest tomorrow at dawn," Wang Qi continued, giving a slight bow before turning to leave.

    Chen Feng watched him walk away, his mind racing.

    Valued at three thousand taels, this meant that if he joined, he might receive as much as six hundred taels¡ªmore than enough for him to break through to the eighth level of Body Tempering.

    "This is an opportunity that can¡¯t be missed. It¡¯s worth a try. Seize the moment," Chen Feng thought, making up his mind. He then turned his focus back to studying the Wind Shadow Sword Technique.

    Every time he meditated on it, he felt he gained a new, deeper understanding of the technique.

    Chen Feng felt certain that the ultimate move of the Wind Shadow Sword Technique, the Wind Shadow Kill, was far from its limit.

    As the night passed, Chen Feng woke up feeling refreshed. After rinsing his mouth, washing his face, and eating some dry rations, he set off toward the seventh entrance of the Wanmu Forest.

    The Wanmu Forest stretched for hundreds of miles, with countless entry and exit points. However, for convenience, ten main entrances had been established, each with clear signs and routes, making it easier for travelers to navigate the forest.

    At the seventh entrance, four figures were gathered.

    "Lord Chen Feng, it seems you¡¯ve made your decision," the bearded Wang Qi said with a smile as he saw Chen Feng¡¯s tall figure approaching.

    "Everyone, this is Lord Chen Feng, the young genius of the Hongtian Dao Academy," Wang Qi introduced him to the others. He then turned to Chen Feng. "Lord Chen Feng, these three are my friends¡­"

    A short, stocky man with a bronze shield on his back was called Han Hui, a middle-aged man with a burly frame who carried a battle axe was Han Jie, his brother, and the last man, slender and lean, was named Yan Bin, who wielded a pair of short spears.

    Wang Qi¡¯s weapon was a long sword.

    It was typical for wandering martial artists to specialize in one weapon, as hand-to-hand combat was too dangerous and less effective against monster beasts.

    Han Hui nodded at Chen Feng, while Yan Bin smiled faintly.

    "Wang Qi, are you sure he¡¯s at the Ninth Level of Body Tempering?" Han Jie, however, gave Chen Feng a cold look and asked in an interrogative tone.

    "Han Jie, Lord Chen Feng is a genius disciple of the Hongtian Dao Academy. Not long ago, he single-handedly defeated the Anming team with a sword in the camp," Wang Qi quickly responded. Han Jie¡¯s expression froze, and both Han Hui and Yan Bin showed surprise.

    "Lord Chen Feng, now that you¡¯ve joined our team, we should head out. I¡¯ll explain more details on the way," Wang Qi said.

    "The fruits from that treasure tree are known as Red-Fire Fruits. Each one is worth at least two hundred taels," he continued.

    "But, there¡¯s a huge Strength Beast Bear guarding the tree. To pick the fruits, we¡¯ll have to deal with it first."

    The massive bear¡¯s paw smashed towards Chen Feng with terrifying force, causing the air to ripple and crackle with the pressure. The overwhelming force made Chen Feng¡¯s chest tighten as if a mountain was pressing down on him. His body was sent flying back, and he could barely hold onto his sword.

    ¡°Not good!¡± Chen Feng¡¯s eyes widened, and he quickly activated his Nine Shadow Steps, using the movement technique to dodge to the side just in time, narrowly avoiding the bear''s deadly swipe. However, the sheer force of the attack caused the ground to shake violently, and Chen Feng stumbled, barely managing to stay upright.

    The rest of the group wasn¡¯t faring much better. Despite their combined efforts, the giant bear was proving to be far stronger than they had anticipated. The bear¡¯s fur was tough as armor, and their weapons couldn¡¯t penetrate deeply enough to cause any significant harm.

    ¡°Everyone, focus on its legs!¡± King Qi shouted, his voice filled with urgency. ¡°We need to disable it before it can fully unleash its power!¡±

    The group quickly adjusted their tactics. Han Jie swung his battle axe towards the bear¡¯s hind legs with a powerful, cleaving strike. Han Hui raised his shield and charged at the bear¡¯s front legs, aiming to trip it up. Yan Bin moved with agility, attempting to find weak points in the bear¡¯s thick hide with his short spears.

    Chen Feng, using the opening created by the others, dashed forward again. His blade flickered like a gust of wind as he struck at the bear¡¯s eyes, using his wind-shadow sword technique to its fullest potential. This time, his strike was faster and more precise, aiming for the same spot where he had hit earlier.

    The bear roared in pain, its enormous body thrashing violently. It turned its attention toward Chen Feng, clearly enraged, and its massive paws swiped through the air with terrifying speed. The air seemed to bend under the force of its claws.Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    But before the bear could reach Chen Feng, a loud crack rang out as Han Hui''s shield collided with the bear¡¯s front legs, causing the beast to lose its footing momentarily. The bear faltered, its movements becoming less coordinated.

    ¡°Now!¡± Wang Qi yelled, his long knife flashing through the air as he charged forward.

    The group, sensing their opportunity, launched a coordinated assault. Han Jie leaped high into the air, bringing his battle axe down with all his might onto the bear¡¯s exposed back. Yan Bin darted in, his spears flashing like lightning, piercing the bear¡¯s underbelly.

    Chen Feng took a deep breath and readied his sword again. With a single motion, he summoned all his strength and launched another series of swift, precise strikes aimed directly at the giant bear¡¯s eyes.

    The giant bear howled one last time, thrashing in a desperate attempt to shake off its attackers. But with one final thrust from Chen Feng¡¯s sword, he pierced the bear''s eye, driving the blade deep into its skull.

    The massive creature staggered, its body trembling violently before it collapsed to the ground with a deafening thud.

    The group stood still, panting from exhaustion, as they surveyed the fallen beast. It was clear that it had taken everything they had to defeat it, but they had finally managed to bring down the monstrous creature.

    ¡°Good work, everyone,¡± Wang Qi said, breathing heavily. ¡°We did it. We¡¯ll collect the red fruit and head back soon. This will make us rich.¡±

    The excitement in his voice was palpable, but Chen Feng couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling that this was just the beginning of the dangers they would face deeper in the woods. The inner part of the forest was far more perilous, and there were many more challenges ahead.

    As they began to gather the red fruits from the tree, Chen Feng¡¯s thoughts drifted to what lay ahead. The price of success was steep, and the deeper they ventured, the greater the risk. But with the prospect of gaining enough wealth to break through to the next level, it seemed like a risk worth taking.

    As the group finished collecting the red fruits, they started making their way back, their bodies exhausted but spirits high, ready for whatever dangers the next part of the journey would bring.

    The group moved cautiously back towards the entrance of the forest, the weight of their spoils adding an extra layer of tension to the air. The red fruits, though a great prize, were not the only thing they had to worry about. The deeper they ventured into the forest, the more dangerous the environment became. Chen Feng could feel the shift in the atmosphere, the oppressive weight of the forest pressing down on them as they walked.

    "Stay alert," Wang Qi muttered, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "The real dangers begin now. We¡¯ve made it this far, but that doesn''t mean we¡¯re out of the woods yet."

    Han Hui, still carrying his shield, kept his eyes sharp, his posture ready for any sudden movement. Yan Bin, who had been quiet for most of the journey, spoke up, his voice tinged with unease.

    "These woods... they feel different now. Like something''s watching us."

    Chen Feng couldn¡¯t help but agree. The wind had picked up, howling through the trees, and the distant sounds of strange creatures echoed around them. Despite the thrill of their recent victory, a sense of foreboding lingered.

    "I feel it too," Chen Feng replied quietly, his hand never far from the hilt of his sword. "We should move quickly. The longer we stay, the more likely we are to attract unwanted attention."

    The group quickened their pace, each of them constantly looking over their shoulders, knowing that danger could strike at any moment.

    As they neared the edge of the forest, the ground beneath them suddenly trembled. A low, guttural growl vibrated through the trees, sending a chill down their spines.

    "Get ready," Wang Qi ordered, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. "Everyone, stay close and be ready for anything."

    Before anyone could respond, a massive shadow moved through the trees ahead of them, crashing through the foliage with terrifying force. The ground shook as a new threat appeared¡ªan enormous creature, its eyes glowing with a fierce, predatory light.

    It was another beast, larger and more menacing than the giant bear they had just slain.

    "An Abyssal Tiger!" Han Jie hissed, recognizing the creature at once. "We¡¯re in for a tough fight."

    The Abyssal Tiger was known for its incredible speed and strength, its fur as dark as night, and its claws capable of slicing through even the toughest armor. It moved with terrifying precision, its eyes locked onto the group with a hunger that sent a shiver through their bones.

    Wang Qi immediately shouted, "Form up! Protect the rear!"

    The group quickly spread out, trying to surround the creature. Han Hui moved to the front, his shield raised, while Yan Bin prepared his short spears, his body coiled with anticipation. Han Jie gripped his battle axe tightly, ready for the strike.

    Chen Feng¡¯s eyes narrowed. The Abyssal Tiger was dangerous, but it wasn¡¯t invincible. He needed to find an opening, just as he had with the giant bear. The key was in its speed¡ªif they could slow it down, they might have a chance.

    Without warning, the tiger lunged forward, its claws slashing through the air with deadly accuracy. Han Hui¡¯s shield absorbed the first blow, but the force sent him sliding backward, his feet digging into the ground for purchase.

    "Hold firm!" Wang Qi shouted, his voice full of authority. "Don¡¯t let it break through!"

    The Abyssal Tiger circled them, its body low to the ground, eyes gleaming with malice. It was waiting for an opening, watching them like a predator hunting its prey.

    Chen Feng¡¯s hand tightened around his sword. He knew that they needed to act fast, or the tiger would pick them off one by one.

    "Move in!" Wang Qi barked, signaling for the group to attack.

    Han Jie swung his battle axe in a wide arc, aiming for the tiger¡¯s flank. Yan Bin darted forward, his spears flashing as he tried to find a weak spot. The Abyssal Tiger reacted with lightning speed, dodging and counterattacking with ferocity.

    Chen Feng saw his chance. The tiger was momentarily distracted by Han Jie¡¯s attack, its side exposed. Without hesitation, he dashed forward, using his wind-shadow sword technique to enhance his speed. His sword flashed, aimed directly at the tiger¡¯s throat.

    But before his blade could land, the tiger¡¯s massive paw swung around in a blur, slamming into Chen Feng¡¯s side with incredible force. The impact sent him crashing into a nearby tree, the air knocked out of him.

    "Chen Feng!" Wang Qi yelled, turning to help.

    The others were still engaged in battle with the Abyssal Tiger, but it was clear that the creature¡¯s strength and speed were overwhelming them. The group was being pushed to the brink, and Chen Feng knew they needed to finish this fight¡ªfast.

    Summoning every ounce of strength, Chen Feng forced himself to his feet. His body ached, but he couldn¡¯t afford to fall now. He could feel the familiar warmth of his inner energy beginning to rise, his determination fueling him.

    The battle raged on, and Chen Feng knew that only one of them would walk away from this fight. It would either be them¡ªor the Abyssal Tiger.

    And he was determined that it would be them.

    The terrifying force of the giant paw of the Giant Power Bear crashed down, overwhelming Chen Feng with a pressure that made it difficult for him to open his eyes. The crushing force was so intense it felt like he was being suffocated.

    With a roar, the bear''s enormous paw was aimed directly at Chen Feng, and the air seemed to tremble under the impact of its strength. His body was sent flying, crashing hard into the ground a few meters away. The earth shook beneath him as he struggled to push himself up.

    "He''s... he''s injured!" Chen Feng thought as he tasted blood in his mouth. Despite the pain, he managed to stay focused. He couldn''t afford to lose his nerve now. He had to be decisive.

    "Everyone, hold it off! I''ll get another chance!" Chen Feng gritted his teeth and, using his agile footwork, quickly repositioned himself, his sword raised high once more.

    The others were already engaged in fierce combat, with Han Jie and Han Hui focusing on the Giant Power Bear''s massive form, trying to keep it off balance. Yet, despite their combined strength, the beast''s defense was formidable.

    "Chen Feng, now!" Han Hui shouted as he charged forward, the giant bronze shield held high. He managed to divert the bear''s attention for a brief moment.

    Seizing the opening, Chen Feng dashed forward, his sword held in the air, the wind swirling around him. His movements were swift, his eyes locked onto the bear''s unguarded side. With a powerful lunge, he thrust his blade deep into the beast''s flank.

    The Giant Power Bear howled in pain as the sword pierced through its thick skin. However, it retaliated instantly, swinging its other massive paw toward Chen Feng. The impact sent him tumbling across the ground, his vision blurred, but he remained conscious.

    "Dammit!" Chen Feng muttered to himself. He could feel the bone-crushing force of the beast''s attack, but he couldn''t stop now. His allies were depending on him.

    "One more strike," Chen Feng thought, pushing through the pain. He had to finish it before the bear could retaliate.

    Chen Feng''s body flew back, tumbling over the ground, his vision blurred, but he quickly gathered himself. The impact of the bear''s strike was overwhelming, but he couldn''t afford to be distracted.

    "Dammit!" Chen Feng muttered through clenched teeth, tasting the blood in his mouth. He could feel the immense power of the beast''s strike in every fiber of his body, but he pushed through the pain, focusing on the fight. His allies needed him.

    The others were still fighting with all their might. Han Hui''s sturdy shield was holding the bear''s charge at bay, but it was clear that their efforts alone wouldn''t be enough to take the bear down.

    "One more strike," Chen Feng thought, taking a deep breath. His body was battered, but his will remained strong. He couldn''t let this opportunity slip away.

    As the Giant Power Bear roared again, enraged by the injuries Chen Feng had inflicted, its massive form shifted, swinging its paw with terrifying force.

    Han Hui and Han Jie attempted to block and divert the bear''s attention again, but it was clear the bear was determined to finish the fight.

    Chen Feng''s sword gleamed under the dim light of the forest. With a final push, he dashed forward, aiming to strike the beast''s vital points. His sword sliced through the air, landing with a powerful thrust.

    The bear howled in pain, its massive body staggered for a moment as blood poured from its wound. It was not enough to finish it off, but the beast''s strength seemed to be waning.

    "Get back! It''s going for another attack!" Han Jie shouted, sensing the bear''s next move.

    The five of them quickly regrouped, preparing for the final strike. The Giant Power Bear was injured but still a dangerous opponent. They had to end this soon.

    The air was thick with tension as the battle reached its climax. The combined strength of the group had managed to wear down the bear, but the real challenge was about to come: they needed to finish it before the bear could retaliate.

    [--------------------------------------------]

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 Chapter 18 - Falling Out, Pursuit and Counterattack

    A huge palm struck with a deafening roar, and Chen Feng crashed to the ground, illusions swirling around him.

    The roaring force of the palm created fierce winds, shattering the illusions and sending withered leaves rolling across the ground. Leaves several meters away rustled in response.

    ¡°The barbarian bear has been blinded! Everyone, now¡¯s the time¡ªkill it!¡± Chen Feng leapt backward, narrowly dodging the bear¡¯s crushing paw. He shouted lowly.

    Wang Qi and the other three were stunned, but their experience kicked in immediately. They knew the opportunity was fleeting.

    Kill!

    The giant, blind barbarian bear was undoubtedly easier to deal with now.

    The five of them worked together, and the bear, nearly five meters tall and heavy as a mountain, stumbled back before crashing to the ground.

    Boom!

    The ground shook violently, sending shockwaves through the air in a frightening display.

    ¡°It¡¯s finally dead. The strength of a nearly second-tier beast is truly terrifying,¡± Yan Bin wiped the sweat from his forehead, letting out a deep sigh of relief. He then turned to Chen Feng and said, ¡°This is all thanks to Brother Chen Feng. If it weren¡¯t for his extraordinary swordsmanship, piercing the bear¡¯s eyes in one blow, who knows how much longer it would¡¯ve taken to kill it.¡±

    ¡°Brother Chen Feng truly lives up to his reputation as the young genius of the Huitian Dao Academy. He will surely become a disciple of the Huitian Sect one day,¡± Wang Qi praised as well.

    ¡°This time, teaming up with Brother Chen Feng is indeed a stroke of luck for us,¡± Han Hui also chimed in.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be able to brag about this for the rest of our lives.¡± Han Jie, who had previously been dismissive of Chen Feng, now spoke up, his voice laced with flattery.

    Veteran martial artists, after years of experience, usually know how to gauge situations and avoid provoking formidable enemies.

    ¡°Let¡¯s quickly pick the Redfiber Fruits,¡± Chen Feng said, his impatience evident. Otherwise, he feared the four would continue showering him with compliments for too long.

    ¡°You¡¯re right, Brother Chen Feng. Let¡¯s quickly collect the Redfiber Fruits before anything unexpected happens,¡± Wang Qi quickly agreed. The other three inwardly cursed themselves for being slow to speak.

    Fifteen Redfiber Fruits were plucked from the trees, and following the earlier agreement, each person took three.

    Chen Feng studied the fruits carefully before storing them securely.

    As for how to deal with them... he¡¯d consider that later.

    ¡°This second-tier barbarian bear will likely fetch about 800 taels when brought back to the camp. Brother Chen Feng will receive 400 taels, and the remaining 400 will be evenly split among us. What do you all think?¡± Wang Qi spoke again.

    ¡°Sounds reasonable.¡±

    ¡°Killing the barbarian bear was mainly thanks to Brother Chen Feng¡¯s contribution, so it¡¯s only right.¡±

    ¡°Indeed.¡±

    After all, it was only about 100 taels of silver. If this helped leave a good impression on Chen Feng, or even build a relationship with him, it would be a bargain.

    Despite the giant bear weighing several thousand pounds, Chen Feng didn¡¯t need to lift a finger. Wang Qi and the others easily hoisted the beast¡¯s massive form and began carrying it toward the edge of the forest.

    As they neared the exit of the forest, two figures approached them at a brisk pace.

    Seeing them, Chen Feng¡¯s eyes narrowed, a sharp gleam flashing in his gaze.

    ¡°Chen Feng, so you¡¯re still alive,¡± Ye Huai¡¯s eyes locked onto Chen Feng¡¯s face, a murderous aura radiating from him as he growled menacingly, ¡°This time, you¡¯re really dead.¡±

    Without hesitation, Chen Feng immediately retreated deeper into the forest.

    ¡°I am Ye Yao, from the Ye family, ninth seat of the Huitian Dao Academy. This is my older brother, Ye Huai, third seat of the Dao Academy. You four, quickly help us capture this thief, Chen Feng. Once we succeed, each of you will be rewarded with a Qi-clearing Pill,¡± the younger man, Ye Yao, spoke, his eyes scanning Wang Qi and the others, his gaze sharp.

    Wang Qi and the others had originally no intention of intervening. However, upon hearing that the person before them was from the Ye family, and the fact that he was a genius ranked among the top ten of the Huitian Dao Academy, coupled with the enticing reward of a Qi-clearing Pill, they couldn¡¯t help but be swayed.

    ¡°From the very first moment, I knew Chen Feng was no good. How dare he go against the Ye family! I, Han Jie, will certainly assist you two in capturing this thief,¡± Han Jie immediately released the giant barbarian bear, his tone cold.

    ¡°I, Han Hui, am also willing to help capture Chen Feng, this thief,¡± Han Hui added, following suit.

    Soon, Yan Bin and Wang Qi also expressed their support.

    ¡°Go!¡±

    The six of them immediately set off, quickly chasing after Chen Feng¡¯s retreating figure.

    At first, Chen Feng only intended to lure Ye Huai and Ye Yao deeper into the forest, using the terrain to his advantage to dodge them or even defeat them. But when he realized that Wang Qi and the others were also chasing him, he couldn¡¯t help but feel frustrated.

    ¡°Four of you, have you made up your minds? Do you really want to be my enemies?¡± Chen Feng¡¯s eyes flashed coldly, and he spoke in a chilling tone, ¡°If you leave now, I won¡¯t hold this against you.¡±This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡°Stop wasting time, surrender!¡± Han Jie shouted fiercely.

    ¡°Chen Feng, going against the Ye family is the worst decision you¡¯ve made,¡± Yan Bin said, his face serious.

    ¡°Chen Feng, there must be some misunderstanding. If you stop now, we can talk it out,¡± Wang Qi tried to persuade him.

    The six experts, all at the peak of Body Refining Stage Nine, were incredibly fast and closed in on him rapidly.

    Chen Feng had no choice but to rely on the dense trees of the forest to maneuver.

    At the end of the day, his cultivation was only at Body Refining Stage Seven, and his Nine Shadows Illusionary Form wasn¡¯t suited for prolonged running. His speed simply couldn¡¯t match those at Body Refining Stage Nine.

    ¡°Brothers, this thief is skilled with a sword and can kill those at Body Refining Stage Nine. Be careful,¡± Wang Qi warned Ye Huai and Ye Yao.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need for unnecessary words,¡± Ye Huai coldly responded.

    Ye Huai had already received information about Chen Feng¡¯s ability to kill those at Body Refining Stage Nine in the camp.

    His heart was filled with suspicion.

    In just a few days...

    Chen Feng¡¯s cultivation had been rising steadily, and his improvement speed was astonishing.

    ¡°Brother Huai, Chen Feng must be hiding some secret, perhaps a special inheritance. Let¡¯s capture him alive and force him to reveal it,¡± Ye Yao said, his voice low and focused, as he moved closer to Ye Huai.

    Ye Huai¡¯s eyes flickered with a subtle glint, and he nodded imperceptibly.

    ¡°Six Body Refining Nine experts, each with extraordinary strength. If they surround me...¡± Chen Feng thought as he continued fleeing. ¡°I can¡¯t escape for long. I must break through one by one.¡±

    As he neared a large tree, Chen Feng quickly climbed up, then leapt from the top with a swift dive.

    ¡°Kill!¡±

    The others rushed in, their voices rising in unison, as they attacked.

    But in that instant, Chen Feng¡¯s figure trembled, splitting into nine illusions that scattered in all directions, indistinguishable from the real one.

    Nine shadows launched simultaneous attacks on Ye Huai and the others, each sword strike tearing through the air.

    ¡°Be careful!¡±

    ¡°Watch out for his sword!¡±

    Shouts rang out, and Wang Qi and the others showed expressions of shock and fear.

    They had witnessed Chen Feng¡¯s swordplay when they joined forces to slay the second-tier barbarian bear, and the memory was still fresh.

    However, they were all experts at Body Refining Stage Nine, and they were able to fend off the sword strikes, though barely.

    Chen Feng landed gracefully, and once again, his illusions appeared, real and fake blending seamlessly.

    Kill!

    Nine sword shadows connected in a rapid chain, directly targeting Wang Qi.

    The speed of the nine strikes was unimaginable.

    Wang Qi¡¯s expression changed drastically. He swung his long sword in a flurry of strikes, desperately defending himself. However, the speed and precision of Chen Feng¡¯s sword were too overwhelming. His sword was pierced through, and with one deadly blow, Wang Qi was struck down.

    Withdrawing his sword, Chen Feng swiftly retreated, and Wang Qi collapsed, his eyes filled with regret as he fell to the ground.

    Yan Bin, Han Jie, and Han Hui¡¯s expressions shifted dramatically, and they began to have second thoughts.

    ¡°Do you want to offend the Ye family?¡± Ye Yao¡¯s sharp gaze caught their hesitation, his voice cold as ice.

    "That thief actually killed Brother Wang Qi. I will definitely avenge him!" Han Hui trembled with anger and immediately declared his intentions.

    "Right." Han Jie quickly followed with his agreement.

    "This thief is ruthless and his actions demonic. If we don''t eliminate him, I fear it will bring disaster to the Great Xia!" Yan Bin raised his twin guns, speaking with righteous fury.

    "Right, right." Han Jie echoed again.

    "Why aren¡¯t you moving? Quickly pursue him!" Ye Huai barked.

    None of the five paid attention to the fallen Wang Qi as they hastily continued their pursuit.

    Chen Feng ran at full speed, weaving around the large trees to evade capture.

    "I wonder how effective the Chi Xue fruit is?" A thought crossed his mind.

    The Chi Xue fruit was the main ingredient in refining the Chong Qiao Dan, unlike the Chi Xue fruit, which was a normal type of fruit. Chen Feng wasn''t sure if consuming the Chi Xue fruit directly would enhance his cultivation.

    "Let''s try one."

    Without hesitation, Chen Feng pulled out a Chi Xue fruit, crushed it in his mouth, and swallowed. The fruit had a thick, somewhat astringent flesh, but that didn''t matter.

    What mattered was that the Divine Transformation Talisman immediately began to refine the Chi Xue fruit, releasing an extremely pure energy.

    "About equivalent to a Pei Yuan Dan."

    A Chi Xue fruit was worth two hundred taels, equivalent to two Pei Yuan Dans, but the effect of directly consuming it only equaled one Pei Yuan Dan, making it not very cost-effective.

    However, Chen Feng showed no hesitation and immediately consumed the remaining two Chi Xue fruits.

    The pure energy surged through him, filling his blood and strengthening his internal organs, refining them continuously.

    Before long, Chen Feng could feel his internal organs becoming increasingly strong, his overall vitality growing, and even his muscles and bones strengthening.

    "Finally, a breakthrough."

    Feeling the immense, powerful force surging within him, a trace of joy appeared on Chen Feng''s face.

    With his current cultivation at the Eighth Transformation of the Body Refining realm, he should no longer fear them.

    Turning around, Chen Feng charged directly toward Ye Huai and the others, causing them to be filled with shock and suspicion, immediately becoming wary.

    "Kill!"

    Ye Huai grunted, drawing his long knife. He executed the "Breaking Wave Step," each step accelerating his speed as he unleashed seven powerful strikes with his knife, each one filled with all his strength.

    Originally, he had only trained the Breaking Wave Sword to six strikes, but after fighting the Phantom Leopard, he gained some insight. During his recovery, he kept refining his technique, and finally, he broke his limits and achieved the seventh strike of the Breaking Wave Sword.

    Ye Yao also drew his knife, launching the six strikes of the Breaking Wave Sword in a horizontal arc.

    Yan Bin''s twin guns erupted, firing like a torrential storm. Han Jie leapt into the air, high above, wielding his battle axe with immense strength, as if cutting through a mountain. Han Hui charged forward with his copper shield raised, crashing into the fray.

    Nine illusions appeared, and Chen Feng''s sword followed, immediately cutting through Yan Bin''s gunfire with a terrifying force, piercing him.

    Before the nine illusions had even disappeared, a tenth illusion appeared behind Han Hui, and a sword pierced through the air.

    Kill!

    Han Hui fell, following the fates of Wang Qi and Yan Bin.

    "Second brother!" Han Jie roared in fury, his eyes turning blood-red, filled with the rage of a trapped beast. "I will kill you!"

    The battle axe howled as it swung, violent and frenzied.

    Chen Feng¡¯s face grew cold. With a quick movement, he dodged the attack, and the nine illusions reappeared, the sword shadows forming a continuous assault.

    However, Ye Huai and Ye Yao''s long knives came once again, slashing through the illusions one by one.

    The tenth illusion appeared, and a sword strike, as mysterious as a ghost, pierced Han Jie''s chest, shattering his heart in an instant.

    "Chen Feng, I never imagined your strength had grown so formidable." Ye Huai¡¯s gaze grew colder, filled with a chilling light. His voice was filled with extreme frost: "Tell me your secret, hand over your inheritance, and I will make your death easier."

    Ye Yao did not speak, but his face was filled with a sinister grin as he locked his gaze onto Chen Feng.

    "With just you?" Chen Feng sneered.

    Having seen his own strength, Chen Feng was not intimidated by Ye Huai''s words. Could Ye Huai really be that much stronger than him?

    Chen Feng was also curious.

    What was the true difference between the power of the Ten Seats of the Dao Academy and the ordinary Body Refining Ninth Transformation?

    "Since you insist..." Ye Huai¡¯s eyes gleamed with murderous intent, his overwhelming killing aura locking onto Chen Feng. Step by step, the breaking wave sword shadows surrounded him.

    Ye Yao¡¯s figure flickered, appearing beside Chen Feng, and the Breaking Wave Six Strikes violently erupted toward him.

    [--------------------------------------------]

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 Chapter 19 - Two Points, One Line, One Sword Strikes

    Blade and sword clashed, sparks flying, illuminating the dim forest of ten thousand trees.

    Chen Feng repeatedly retreated, his expression grave.

    Compared to the four he had previously killed - Wang Qi and the others - Ye Huai''s power was at least double, if not more.

    Thanks to the support of the Creation Divine Talisman, his foundation was incredibly solid, his power refined and pure without any impurities. Although he was only at the eighth transformation of body refinement, he was not inferior to an ordinary ninth transformation. Yet in the blade and sword exchange, his power was still overwhelmed by Ye Huai''s.

    Chen Feng suddenly gained a clearer understanding of the concept of the Dao Institute''s ten seats.

    No wonder he could kill a shadow leopard with such strength.

    Chen Feng flew back, simultaneously mobilizing and condensing his power, executing the Nine Shadow Illusion Body, crossing his sword to strike.

    Ye Huai and Ye Yao must be killed.

    However, Ye Huai and Ye Yao''s strength was indeed extraordinary. Fighting two against one, Chen Feng was gradually falling into a disadvantage.

    "Use Wind Shadow Absolute Kill technique to strike down one first," Chen Feng thought while maneuvering between them, but then immediately rejected the idea.

    Once the Wind Shadow Absolute Kill technique erupted, his power would inevitably be consumed by eight or nine-tenths, causing his strength to decline sharply in a short time. It would be best to find an opportunity to kill both with one sword strike.

    Unbeknownst to him, Ye Huai and Ye Yao were even more shocked.

    The two working together could battle even the institute''s chief, yet they couldn''t subdue Chen Feng.

    Was this really the same waste who had been a delivery boy for six years?

    "Brother Huai, use the secret technique and end this quickly," Ye Yao''s voice transmitted into Ye Huai''s ear.

    Ye Huai''s thoughts turned, and he immediately made a decision.

    Both suddenly roared, their momentum shaking the surroundings. Sound waves surged in all directions, and a dense blood-red light emerged on their body surfaces, burning like flames. A thunderous roar seemed to resonate from within their bodies.

    Chen Feng keenly sensed that their aura had instantly increased by several times, creating overwhelming pressure.

    "What is this?" Chen Feng frowned, completely puzzled.

    "Being able to make us use our Blood Burning Technique means you can die without regret," Ye Huai sneered.

    "Secret technique... Blood Burning..." Chen Feng suddenly felt he still had much to learn about martial cultivation.

    As Ye Huai''s words fell, his wave-treading steps dramatically increased in speed, now thirty percent faster than before.

    Breaking Waves Seven Blades!

    Each blade struck with faster speed and more domineering posture, covered in a layer of blood-colored flame, shattering the forest''s darkness like a violent crimson meteor.

    Ye Yao attacked from the side with Breaking Waves Six Blades, also covered in blazing crimson, wildly intense.

    Chen Feng was horrified, immediately pushing his Nine Shadow Illusion Body to its limit. Ten phantoms appeared but were consecutively slashed to pieces by their blades.

    With their qi locking onto his body, Ye Huai''s blade came crushing down with an unstoppable momentum, carrying an unprecedented killing intent.

    Chen Feng struck out with a sword, accompanied by nine sword shadows.

    But under Ye Huai''s blade - like a crimson meteor - the sword shadows were systematically shattered. When blade and sword collided, a terrifying force surged through the sword, directly attacking Chen Feng''s arm.

    His pure power was instantly dispersed, and Chen Feng felt as if his flesh, muscles, and bones were being pierced and torn, sending waves of intense pain.

    "This is at least fifty percent stronger than before!"

    Chen Feng retreated using the collision''s force, secretly shocked.

    The power of this Blood Burning Technique was actually so terrifying.

    While retreating, he circulated his internal organ power to soothe and recover the impacted flesh and bones.

    Ye Huai and Ye Yao attacked from left and right, treading waves, explosively striking, frantically pursuing.

    Chen Feng deployed all his body techniques, ten phantoms emerging and being destroyed.

    Simultaneously, he used the surrounding trees to repeatedly dodge and maneuver.Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    The Nine Shadow Illusion Body was a roaming combat technique suitable for various terrains, able to leverage environmental advantages. In contrast, Ye Huai and Ye Yao''s Wave Treading Steps were an explosive combat method best suited for open spaces, direct and straightforward.

    The forest''s dense trees with their intertwining branches naturally restricted the Wave Treading Steps while facilitating the Nine Shadow Illusion Body.

    Long blades struck the trees like crimson meteors, instantly cleaving them in two. Wood fragments flew everywhere, creating piercing sounds as trees toppled to the side.

    With an eighth transformation body refinement and an incredibly solid foundation, Chen Feng''s power remained remarkably enduring, his recovery speed equally impressive.

    Repeatedly executing his body techniques showed no signs of power depletion.

    Chen Feng''s eyes condensed, a trace of cold light circulating.

    Facing the secret technique-empowered Ye Huai and Ye Yao, direct confrontation was impossible. He could only continuously evade while keeping the surrounding terrain clearly in mind, searching for an opportunity.

    The Wind Shadow Absolute Kill technique was a one-line fatal strike that required precise timing.

    In Chen Feng''s perception, Ye Huai and Ye Yao were defined as points.

    Connect the points into a line!

    Chen Feng''s eyes narrowed, and he casually flicked a broken piece of wood with his sword, sending it whistling toward Ye Yao.

    Ye Yao''s eyes condensed, and he cleanly split the wooden fragment with his long blade.

    Simultaneously, Ye Huai''s blade slashed horizontally toward Chen Feng.

    "Two points forming a line, now is the moment!" Chen Feng''s eyes sharpened, with Ye Huai and Ye Yao''s figures reflected in his pupils. The two who had been attacking from left and right had, through his continuous maneuvering, unknowingly converged into an almost straight line - not perfectly straight, but sufficient.

    His entire body''s strength erupted completely. Nine sword shadows interlinked, condensing into a single sword light, brilliant and dazzling, blindingly bright.

    Illuminated by the sword light, Ye Huai''s eyes involuntarily closed. A sharp whistle pierced his eardrums, his forehead trembling as if stabbed by a needle.

    "Brother Huai, be careful!" Ye Yao''s voice seemed to come from the distant sky.

    Ye Huai felt all his reactions had slowed. Raising his blade felt like moving against a heavy current, with resistance at every moment, always a beat too late.

    The sword light pierced through Ye Huai, then continued unstoppably toward Ye Yao.

    Ye Yao''s face turned deathly pale, attempting to flee at high speed.

    The sword light flashed, and a severed arm holding a blade flew up. Ye Yao let out a miserable scream, his body tumbling, immediately staggering and fleeing into the distance.

    "You can''t escape," Chen Feng said.

    Gathering his remaining bodily strength, he launched his sword, which broke through the air and instantly penetrated Ye Yao''s body dozens of meters away. The tremendous force carried Ye Yao''s body forward, pinning him to a large tree.

    "Spare me... don''t kill me..." Ye Yao wailed.

    "Has Ye Yunqi come out of seclusion?" Chen Feng appeared behind Ye Yao, holding the sword handle, his voice calm.

    "He came out yesterday," Ye Yao said frantically to save his life. "His cultivation suddenly advanced to the perfect ninth body refinement stage. He defeated the tenth seat with one move and became the new chief disciple."

    "How strong was the previous chief disciple?" Chen Feng''s eyes narrowed, asking in a cold voice.

    "Very strong. He could defeat Ye Huai in three moves," Ye Yao quickly responded.

    Chen Feng''s heart sank.

    The previous chief could defeat Ye Huai in three moves, while Ye Yunqi defeated the previous chief in one move. Such strength was immeasurable and definitely far beyond his current level.

    But Chen Feng didn''t underestimate himself.

    When his cultivation reached the ninth body refinement stage, he might not be unable to challenge Ye Yunqi.

    Moreover, the body refinement realm was merely the starting point of martial cultivation.

    "How do you cultivate the Wave Treading Steps? How do you practice the Blood Burning Technique?" Chen Feng interrogated.

    "Release me first, give me treatment," Ye Yao set conditions.

    Chen Feng''s eyes narrowed, immediately drawing his sword. Blood sprayed out, and Ye Yao screamed in pain.

    After simply treating Ye Yao''s wounds, he slapped him unconscious, then immediately searched the bodies of those he had killed.

    Twelve crimson-veined fruits were obtained, along with five hundred taels of silver notes, several dozen taels of loose silver, and six hundred-refinement level weapons. If sold, these would fetch over two hundred taels.

    Carrying the weapons and dragging Ye Yao''s body, Chen Feng headed toward the direction where he had previously killed the quasi-second-level giant force bear.

    The corpses of Ye Huai and the others would likely be consumed by wild beasts attracted by the blood scent soon enough.

    Bang!

    Ye Yao''s body was casually thrown to the ground, instantly awakening him.

    "Who else knows about your attempt to kill me?" Chen Feng looked down, his gaze as sharp as a sword''s edge.

    "Ye Huai asked me to help him. I''m not sure if he told anyone else," Ye Yao responded, realizing his precarious situation.

    "Tell me the cultivation methods for Wave Treading Steps and Blood Burning Technique," Chen Feng switched topics, continuing to interrogate.

    "Swear to spare me, and I''ll tell you how to cultivate Wave Treading Steps and Blood Burning Technique," Ye Yao bargained.

    Chen Feng''s eyebrows slightly furrowed, drew his sword, and with a cold flash, severed one of Ye Yao''s fingers. Intense pain made Ye Yao howl.

    "You still have four fingers left, ten toes..."

    Chen Feng''s indifferent words made Ye Yao''s scalp go numb.

    "I''ll talk... I''ll talk..."

    Ye Yao described the Wave Treading Steps'' cultivation method while enduring pain. Chen Feng memorized it immediately but didn''t fully trust him, repeatedly changing his questioning method. Whenever Ye Yao seemed to hide or modify information, Chen Feng would expose the discrepancy.

    Another finger was cut off for his trouble.

    This time, Ye Yao became completely honest, revealing the Blood Burning Technique without any concealment.

    "As thanks, I''ll help you reunite with Ye Huai," Chen Feng''s gaze was sharp, his voice cold.

    "No... you can''t kill me. If you kill me, my Ye family won''t let you go!" Ye Yao retreated in terror, screaming.

    "Whoever wants to kill me, I''ll send them to meet you," Chen Feng''s ruthless words fell, and his sword broke through the air, instantly piercing Ye Yao''s forehead.

    "I''ll stay here for a while and practice Wave Treading Steps and Blood Burning Technique before returning to the Dao Institute," Chen Feng thought to himself.

    He threw Ye Yao''s body far away and casually cleaned up the remaining blood traces.

    "Wave Treading Steps, also known as Wave Treading Nine Steps, is a combat footwork technique. After mastering it, each step increases speed by ten percent. Nine consecutive steps can increase speed by ninety percent..."

    Ye Yao had only mastered five steps, while Ye Huai had reached six steps, giving them extraordinary burst speed.

    According to Ye Yao, Ye Yunqi had mastered all nine steps.

    "If I master the Wave Treading Nine Steps and then execute the Wind Shadow Absolute Kill technique, the speed and power would be..."

    Chen Feng imagined this briefly, feeling incredibly motivated, and immediately began practicing.

    [--------------------------------------------]

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 Chapter 20 - Maybe Played Until Losing Contact

    The sun hung high in the sky, illuminating the earth.

    Outside the Mixed Heaven Dao Institute''s disciple hall, a long dragon-like queue stretched out, surrounded by many observers.

    "So many people."

    "I counted. There are at least two hundred disciples in the later three transformations of body refinement."

    "Ugh... I''m still at the sixth transformation. If you give me half a month, I''ll definitely break through to the seventh transformation."

    "Stop dreaming. Today is the preliminary screening, and tomorrow we''ll head to Mixed Heaven Sect for the formal assessment. Not even an extra day is available, let alone half a month."

    The surrounding crowd looked on with envy.

    Although passing the preliminary screening meant further assessment at Mixed Heaven Sect, it was still an opportunity.

    Even if ultimately eliminated, they would have been to Mixed Heaven Sect - unlike some who might never get such a chance in their entire lives.

    Suddenly, the crowd stirred, people parting like they were making way for royalty.

    "Quick, make way! Young Master Ye Yunqi is coming!"

    "Young Master Ye Yunqi, you''re the most powerful!"

    "Young Master Ye Yunqi, I want to bear your children!"

    Excited cries erupted, with many female disciples screaming frantically.

    A youth in a dark green long robe, carrying a long blade on his back, walked with an arrogant demeanor, looking down on everything. A girl in a white long dress with a sword at her waist hung onto his arm, smiling brilliantly.

    Female disciples stared at Yang Xuening with eyes burning with jealousy, wishing to take her place.

    Ye Yunqi brought Yang Xuening directly into the disciple hall, bypassing the queue and quickly passing the preliminary screening.

    "Let''s go," Ye Yunqi casually said to Yang Xuening.

    "Brother Yun, won''t you take a look?" she asked.

    Ye Yunqi snorted with a laugh, not answering, his gaze disdainful.

    "Indeed, there''s nothing worth seeing. Compared to Brother Yun, they''re all trash," Yang Xuening instantly understood.

    Their unbridled conversation reached others'' ears, causing many to furrow their brows, yet they could only endure in silence.

    Having defeated the previous chief disciple in one move, Ye Yunqi had proven his strength and established himself as invincible in the body refinement realm.

    Time passed slowly, and the long queue gradually diminished.

    "Where are Ye Huai and Ye Yao?"

    A Ye family member frowned and asked.

    "They left the Dao Institute half a month ago. No one knows where they went."

    "We must search. Such an important matter cannot be taken lightly."

    As evening approached and the sunset painted the sky, the long queue outside the disciple hall had long since disappeared, with most of the surrounding disciples dispersed.

    Li Xingyue stood at the disciple hall entrance, her spirited face filled with anxiety, scanning the horizon.

    "Why hasn''t he appeared yet?"

    "Could something have happened..."

    As this thought crossed her mind, Li Xingyue''s heart raced, a sense of unease growing from deep within.

    Anxiously pacing, Li Xingyue''s eyes suddenly fixed on a familiar figure. The figure''s robes were tattered, covered in dust, rushing toward her.

    "Chen Feng, you''ve finally arrived."

    Her anxious expression transformed into joy. She hurried forward, her long ponytail bouncing happily.

    "Instructor, long time no see," Chen Feng said, his face weathered but with a genuine smile.

    Having spent over ten days in the Ten Thousand Trees Forest, walking the line between life and death, it felt like months had passed.If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    "Have you broken through to the seventh body refinement?" Li Xingyue immediately asked. Seeing Chen Feng nod, she urgently said, "Quick, the preliminary screening is about to end. Hurry and register!"

    Chen Feng rushed into the disciple hall.

    "Sword Martial Branch disciple Chen Feng reporting to participate in the Mixed Heaven Sect examination," he announced to the elderly man behind a square table.

    "Chen Feng, how long have you been in the institute?" the elder asked.

    "Disciple has been in the institute for six years," Chen Feng responded quickly.

    "Chen Feng... from the Chen family of Ling Mountain City, entered the Dao Institute at twelve, now in his sixth year, currently eighteen years old..."

    An assistant immediately retrieved the corresponding disciple records, confirming Chen Feng''s age and identity.

    "Activate your visceral power," the elder concentrated, his gaze falling on Chen Feng with a penetrating light, as if trying to see through his body. "Not bad. Your power is robust and enduring, clearly visceral power. You''re qualified. Remember, gather at the disciple hall entrance at the first hour of dawn tomorrow. Late arrivals will be disqualified."

    "Understood," Chen Feng responded solemnly.

    "Chen Feng, well done!" Li Xingyue happily patted his shoulder.

    "Did not disappoint," Chen Feng smiled in response.

    "Where did you go?" Li Xingyue, curious about his tattered and dusty appearance, asked.

    "Ten Thousand Trees Forest," Chen Feng replied.

    Recalling his time in the forest, facing multiple dangers, he privately marveled at how his cultivation and strength had significantly improved.

    "Ten Thousand Trees Forest!" Li Xingyue exclaimed, carefully examining Chen Feng for injuries, then secretly relieved to see none: "Regardless, you''ve broken through to the seventh body refinement. With your sword and body technique skills, you''ll likely pass the Mixed Heaven Sect examination eight or nine times out of ten."

    "Yes," Chen Feng responded without modesty.

    In fact, he was not at the seventh, but the ninth body refinement. He had only revealed the seventh level during the screening, which was sufficient.

    As they walked, several figures suddenly appeared, blocking their path.

    "Chen Feng, where are Ye Huai and Ye Yao?" A youth around twenty years old interrogated sharply, his eyes as keen as a blade, seemingly wanting to slice Chen Feng apart.

    "Why would the Ye family''s people have anything to do with Chen Feng?" Li Xingyue stepped forward, coldly laughing.

    "Li Xingyue, this doesn''t concern you," the Ye family youth said harshly, then turned back to Chen Feng: "Speak. Where are Ye Huai and Ye Yao?"

    "How would I know? Perhaps they played around on some pleasure boat until they lost contact," Chen Feng responded with a half-smile.

    Revealing that he had killed Ye Huai and Ye Yao now would only provoke the Ye family. It was better to avoid complications.

    "Don''t play dumb! Ye Huai and Ye Yao clearly went to the Ten Thousand Trees Forest to kill you..." Another Ye family disciple stepped forward, pointing at Chen Feng angrily.

    Li Xingyue''s expression changed dramatically.

    "What? They went to the Ten Thousand Trees Forest to kill me?" Chen Feng feigned shock, then visibly relaxed, looking terrified: "Thank goodness I didn''t run into them."

    "They might have encountered danger in the Ten Thousand Trees Forest and been eaten by demonic beasts," Chen Feng speculated.

    "You...!"

    The Ye family disciples glared at Chen Feng.

    "You should hurry and search the Ten Thousand Trees Forest. Maybe you''ll find some undigested remains in a demonic beast''s feces," Chen Feng ''kindly'' suggested.

    The Ye family disciples nearly exploded with rage.

    "Capture him and bring him back," one of the Ye family disciples ordered.

    The moment they moved to act, a crisp metallic sound rang out. Li Xingyue''s sword was already unsheathed, the cold blade blocking the Ye family disciples.

    "That''s enough," Li Xingyue''s eyes were razor-sharp, her voice ice-cold.

    "Get out of the way, Li Xingyue. This doesn''t concern you."

    "Do you really think you can do anything to me?"

    The Ye family disciples'' faces turned ashen.

    "Instructor, you don''t need to intervene. I want to see how they''ll capture me," Chen Feng said coldly. His eyes were ruthlessly sharp, filled with killing intent that made the Ye family disciples'' pupils constrict, as if falling into an ice cavern.

    "What are you doing?"

    A thunderous roar erupted from inside the disciple hall, shaking everyone''s ears.

    "Everyone return to your places. Anyone who dares to fight will lose their qualification to attend the Mixed Heaven Sect examination."

    Expressions changed dramatically.

    The Ye family disciples glared hatefully at Chen Feng before reluctantly turning away.

    Li Xingyue secretly breathed a sigh of relief as she sheathed her sword.

    "By the way, Chen Feng, did you really not encounter Ye Huai and Ye Yao?" Li Xingyue, wanting to change the subject, casually asked.

    "What do you think?" Chen Feng responded with a slight smile.

    "How would I know?" Li Xingyue muttered.

    "I''m going back to take a bath," Chen Feng said to Li Xingyue with a smile: "See you tomorrow morning. If we both pass the Mixed Heaven Sect examination, I''ll treat you to a big meal."

    "It''s a deal," Li Xingyue''s eyes narrowed, her smile radiant.

    Chen Feng waved and turned to leave. Only after his figure disappeared did Li Xingyue retract her gaze, sighing softly. Recalling Chen Feng''s previous response, a guess flashed in her mind, but she immediately shook her head: "Impossible..."

    Back in his residence, Chen Feng bathed, the cool water a long-missed comfort. He scrubbed layer after layer of grime from his body, revealing white, tight, and incredibly supple skin.

    "This trip to the Ten Thousand Trees Forest allowed me to break through multiple times, initially advancing to the ninth body refinement. My power is strong enough to surpass most at the ninth body refinement," he thought.

    "Moreover, I''ve improved my Nine Shadow Body to Ten Shadow Illusion Body, learned the Wave Treading Nine Steps, mastered the Blood Burning Technique, developed the Wind Shadow Absolute Kill technique, and enhanced the Wind Shadow Nine Swords to Wind Shadow Ten Swords..."

    As he scrubbed away the grime, Chen Feng mentally cataloged his gains.

    "How does my current strength compare to Ye Yunqi?" he pondered.

    Against opponents like Ye Huai, he was confident he could kill with a single sword strike. But Ye Yunqi''s true strength remained an unknown.

    "I still have twelve crimson-veined fruits. After passing the Mixed Heaven Sect examination, I''ll ask an alchemist to refine them into breakthrough pills."

    When the time came, using breakthrough pills to advance to the qi aperture realm would undoubtedly cause his strength to surge dramatically.

    [--------------------------------------------]

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 Chapter 21 - The Awe of the Sky-Patrolling Colossal Ship

    Before dawn, the sky had already brightened, and the red sun illuminated the world.

    Outside the disciples¡¯ hall of the Huntian Dao Academy, hundreds of people had gathered.

    Chen Feng, dressed in a brand-new white robe adorned with blue cloud patterns, with a refined sword at his waist, walked confidently and purposefully. When he saw Li Xinyue smiling and waving at him, a faint smile appeared on his face as he quickened his pace toward her.

    ¡°Nervous?¡± Li Xinyue asked.

    ¡°A little,¡± Chen Feng replied with a smile.

    ¡°Me too.¡± Li Xinyue took a deep breath, and the two of them laughed, the tension within them easing slightly.

    In the next moment, Chen Feng¡¯s gaze sharpened, a flicker of coldness flashing in his eyes.

    Li Xinyue, noticing his change in expression immediately, followed his gaze and saw a group of people surrounding two figures.

    ¡°Ye Yunqi, Yang Xuening...¡±

    A trace of cold fierceness flashed in Chen Feng¡¯s eyes.

    As if sensing Chen Feng¡¯s stare, Ye Yunqi¡¯s arrogant eyes shifted in his direction. Upon seeing Chen Feng, Ye Yunqi paused slightly, as though recalling something, his gaze becoming sharp and cutting like a blade. Standing next to him, Yang Xuening, who had been watching Ye Yunqi¡¯s movements attentively, also followed his gaze.

    ¡°It¡¯s him!¡±

    Yang Xuening¡¯s face changed dramatically upon seeing Chen Feng.

    Since the last time she had humiliated Chen Feng, she had gone into secluded cultivation with Ye Yunqi and had only come out a few days earlier. She had paid no attention to any news about Chen Feng, considering him an insignificant nobody.

    In Yang Xuening¡¯s mind, Chen Feng was merely a useless weakling. Even if he had started making an effort to cultivate, so what?

    It was already too late.

    She never expected to encounter him here.

    ¡°Could he have already broken through to the seventh stage of the Body Refining Realm?¡± Yang Xuening couldn¡¯t figure it out.

    As for Ye Yunqi, he had also not paid attention to Chen Feng. Like the rest of the Ye family, he completely disregarded him. This disdain meant Ye Yunqi was equally unaware of Chen Feng¡¯s recent progress.

    Chen Feng withdrew his gaze, his expression returning to normal as he walked toward the crowd with Li Xinyue.

    Now was not the time to settle scores with Ye Yunqi and Yang Xuening. Everything could wait¡­ until after the Huntian Sect examination.

    ¡°Time has come! Everyone, follow me!¡±

    A powerful voice echoed across the crowd. Several figures darted through the air and appeared in front of the two or three hundred Dao Academy disciples. Without pause, they immediately began leading the way outside the academy.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Li Xinyue said to Chen Feng, her face filled with indescribable excitement and anticipation.

    The hundreds of disciples, all at the latter stages of the Body Refining Realm, moved like schools of fish crossing a river, heading toward the academy gates. Before long, they spilled out of the gates and ran along the broad streets of Huntian City.

    ¡°Teacher, where are we going?¡± Chen Feng asked curiously as they moved.

    ¡°We¡¯re probably heading outside the city. Someone from the Huntian Sect will be coming to pick us up,¡± Li Xinyue replied.

    Ten miles outside the north gate of Huntian City, there lay a large training ground. It was vast, flat, and so clean that not even a speck of dust could be seen.This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    The two to three hundred disciples arrived and gathered at this location.

    "Form up and keep still. Do not wander around."

    The rarely-seen head of the Dao Academy stood with his hands clasped behind his back, his cold, sharp gaze sweeping through the crowd, instantly instilling a strong sense of pressure on everyone.

    "Teacher, how are we supposed to get to the Huntian Sect?" Chen Feng whispered.

    "From what I¡¯ve gathered over the years, the Huntian Sect is unimaginably far from our Great Xia Kingdom, a distance human effort alone cannot overcome. Thus, the Huntian Sect sends their Sky-Patrolling Colossal Ship to pick us up," Li Xinyue answered quietly.

    "The Sky-Patrolling Colossal Ship¡­"

    Chen Feng instinctively looked toward the azure sky, his eyes narrowing.

    At that moment, a black dot appeared on the horizon, rapidly expanding at an astonishing speed.

    ¡°It¡¯s here¡­¡±

    ¡°The Sky-Patrolling Colossal Ship from the Huntian Sect is coming¡­¡±

    Other disciples also noticed the rapidly approaching black dot, and exclamations of amazement erupted as countless gazes focused on it.

    The black dot grew larger and larger. With his sharper eyesight, Chen Feng was the first to make out the faint outline of a ship. Gradually, the ship became clear.

    It was an entirely black vessel adorned with golden cloud patterns. Its design exuded understated luxury and mystery. Although its size remained unclear, as it drew closer, it blocked out the morning sunlight, casting a massive shadow over the ground.

    It was as though the sky itself had been obscured.

    "So... huge!"

    Whether it was Chen Feng or the other Dao Academy disciples, everyone stared at the gigantic black and gold ship descending from the sky in awe, their hearts and minds shaken to the core. Many couldn¡¯t help but tremble.

    ¡°Over a kilometer¡­¡±

    Chen Feng estimated its length and couldn¡¯t help but gasp.

    The ship, with its black body and golden cloud patterns, was at least a kilometer long. Its width exceeded a hundred meters. As it descended, its enormous frame parted the air to either side like waves splitting before a ship, creating gusts of wind that roared deafeningly.

    The immense pressure from the ship, even at a thousand meters above, caused the Dao Academy disciples to shudder uncontrollably. Many turned pale, struggling to breathe.

    Some disciples, unable to withstand the fierce winds, staggered and swayed on their feet.

    Under everyone¡¯s watchful gaze, the black and gold ship finally descended, stopping about three meters above the ground.

    "Two hundred meters high!" Chen Feng muttered, gasping once more.

    It truly lived up to its name as a colossal ship. Towering before them, it was like a mountain.

    The next moment, a figure flew out of the Sky-Patrolling Colossal Ship, descending slowly in front of the gathered disciples. The man appeared to be around thirty years old, with a calm expression, a tall and slender build, and a flowing blue robe. His aura was otherworldly.

    What caught everyone''s attention, however, was the bronze disc about a meter in diameter beneath his feet, keeping him suspended three meters above the ground.

    Most of the Dao Academy disciples were fixated on the bronze disc, dumbfounded.

    "Humans¡­ can fly?"

    "Incredible!"

    "A bunch of frogs at the bottom of a well. Once one reaches a certain level in martial cultivation, it¡¯s possible to fly using artifacts," Ye Yunqi sneered softly, though a trace of longing flickered in his eyes.

    ¡°The Head of Huntian Dao Academy, Tang Jianlong, greets the Sect Envoy.¡±

    The Academy Head immediately cupped his hands toward the man on the bronze disc and spoke in a deep voice.

    ¡°Brother Tang, there¡¯s no need for formalities. As before, you may simply call me Brother Lin.¡± The man in the blue robe smiled faintly.

    ¡°Brother Lin, as the envoy of the sect, such formalities cannot be skipped.¡± The Academy Head replied respectfully, then added, ¡°It seems that in just a few years, you¡¯ve surpassed us all and broken through to the Divine Wheel Realm. Achieving True Core is surely just around the corner.¡±

    ¡°I believe that one day, you too, Brother Tang, will break through to the Divine Wheel Realm,¡± the blue-robed man replied with a smile.

    ¡°Thank you for your kind words,¡± the Academy Head said, smiling.

    ¡°This year¡¯s Dao Academy has quite a few disciples who passed the preliminary assessment,¡± the blue-robed man observed, his bright gaze sweeping over the two to three hundred disciples like a blazing sun, making everyone feel pressured and tense.

    ¡°I hope some of them will pass the sect¡¯s examination,¡± the Academy Head sighed.

    ¡°Brother Tang, I hope you¡¯ll break through to the Divine Wheel Realm soon and return to the sect. When that day comes, I¡¯ll treat you to a drink,¡± the blue-robed man said with a light smile. ¡°The Sky-Patrolling Colossal Ship still has to visit the next Dao Academy, so I must take my leave.¡±

    As he spoke, the blue-robed man waved his hand, and twenty cloud ladders descended from the Sky-Patrolling Colossal Ship, gently swaying in the wind.

    ¡°You have one quarter of an hour to climb the cloud ladders and board the Sky-Patrolling Colossal Ship. Those who fail will be eliminated,¡± the blue-robed man said coldly, his gaze sweeping across the Dao Academy disciples. His tone was devoid of any warmth.

    The disciples stared at the narrow cloud ladders, each 200 meters long and swaying in the wind, their expressions changing dramatically.

    ¡°Form twenty lines and climb the ladders in order!¡± The Academy Head shouted sternly.

    The disciples quickly regained their composure, forming orderly lines. The leaders of each line immediately burst into a sprint, racing toward the cloud ladders.

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 Chapter 22 - Confronting Ye Yunqi

    The clouds surged.

    A black and gold ship sailed through layers of mist, cutting through the winds and clouds with unstoppable momentum.

    Standing on the ship¡¯s deck, gazing at the endless clouds beyond the invisible protective barrier, Chen Feng was overwhelmed with emotions. He could hardly believe that one day, he would find himself thousands of meters up in the sky, soaring through the clouds and riding across the heavens.

    However, this time, it was aboard the Sky-Patrolling Colossal Ship.

    ¡°One day, I¡¯ll be able to fly on my own,¡± Chen Feng thought as he recalled the sect envoy in the blue robe. He silently made up his mind.

    He then thought about climbing the cloud ladder earlier and couldn¡¯t help but feel a chill in his heart.

    This time, 280 disciples had passed the preliminary screening, but 50 of them were eliminated during the cloud ladder trial. Reflecting on their dejected faces and despondent departures, he felt a complex mix of emotions.

    ¡°Chen Feng, I don¡¯t care what tricks you used to raise your cultivation to the seventh stage of Body Refining, or what kind of dumb luck got you aboard the Sky-Patrolling Colossal Ship,¡± an icy voice came from behind. Turning around, Chen Feng saw a face filled with cold disdain and disgust, staring at him. ¡°In short, get as far away from me as possible. Just seeing you makes me sick.¡±

    ¡°Scram!¡± Chen Feng glanced at Yang Xuening and replied coldly.

    ¡°You¡­¡± Yang Xuening almost choked on her rage. She was furious and humiliated. ¡°You¡¯re just a piece of trash. You were, you are, and you always will be. Compared to Yunqi, or even me¡­¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Chen Feng interrupted coldly, raising his hand and slapping her.

    With a loud smack, Yang Xuening¡¯s face was whipped to the side so hard her pale neck stretched unnaturally, as if about to snap. Staggering, she nearly fell.

    She swayed as she tried to steady herself, feeling a blazing pain on one side of her face that quickly swelled.

    ¡°Chen Feng, how dare you hit me! You¡­¡± Yang Xuening¡¯s face twisted with rage, but when she met Chen Feng¡¯s cold, piercing eyes¡ªlike looking into the eyes of death¡ªshe involuntarily trembled and fell silent. Covering her swollen face, she quickly turned and fled.

    ¡°Well, well, brother, that¡¯s some ruthless flower-crushing,¡± a teasing voice came from the side.

    Chen Feng turned to see a chubby young man in lavish golden attire with narrowed eyes walking over, a look of admiration on his face.

    Chen Feng merely nodded in acknowledgment, saying nothing.

    ¡°My name is Jin Hongdang, from the Huntian Dao Academy in Hongtian City. May I ask, brother, what¡¯s your name and which Dao Academy you¡¯re from?¡± the chubby young man asked again.

    ¡°Chen Feng, from the Huntian Dao Academy in Great Xia,¡± Chen Feng replied calmly.

    ¡°Brother Chen, care to explain why you just crushed that flower so mercilessly?¡± Jin Hongdang leaned closer, winking his small, beady eyes with a curious expression.

    Just as Chen Feng was about to reply, an unimaginably cold aura fell upon him.

    Looking up, Chen Feng saw a pair of icy, hollow eyes staring down at him with an air of superiority, carrying a hint of cruel killing intent.

    ¡°Ye Yunqi!¡±

    Chen Feng¡¯s gaze sharpened, his eyes like sword tips piercing through everything.

    Next to Ye Yunqi stood Yang Xuening, her face full of resentment, but Chen Feng ignored her entirely.

    ¡°I spared your pathetic life that day, yet you don¡¯t know gratitude,¡± Ye Yunqi said, his empty, cold eyes fixed on Chen Feng. His voice was indifferent. ¡°Kneel down and knock your head on the ground three times. Cut off the hand you used to hit Xuening, and I¡¯ll let you live.¡±The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    ¡°What the hell?!¡± Jin Hongdang couldn¡¯t help but exclaim before Chen Feng could respond.

    This was the Sky-Patrolling Colossal Ship, carrying disciples from various Huntian Dao Academies, including elites and geniuses. Being forced to kneel, kowtow, and sever an arm¡ªnews like this would spread quickly, and the humiliation would be irreparable.

    Such a demand¡­ was nothing short of vicious!

    ¡°I used this hand,¡± Chen Feng said with a faint smile, raising his right hand. His sharp eyes locked onto Ye Yunqi. ¡°You can try to cut it off.¡±

    ¡°Kill him, Yunqi!¡± Yang Xuening screamed shrilly, her voice filled with venom, as she clutched the veil covering her swollen face.

    ¡°You won¡¯t take the chance I¡¯ve given you. Fine, I¡¯ll draw my blade and sever both your arms,¡± Ye Yunqi said coldly as he placed his hand on the hilt of his blade. As the blade emerged an inch from its sheath, a crisp, resonant hum echoed in all directions. A sliver of sharp, icy light sliced through the air, making it hard for anyone to look directly at it.

    Chen Feng¡¯s gaze focused, a flicker of battle intent rising involuntarily from deep within him. His right hand moved to the hilt of his sword.

    In an instant, a chilling killing aura spread in all directions.

    Ye Yunqi¡¯s hollow eyes narrowed slightly, a glint of surprise flashing within them. He was taken aback by Chen Feng¡¯s readiness to confront him but quickly dismissed it as the arrogance of someone ignorant of their own limits. After all, Ye Yunqi was renowned for defeating the academy¡¯s top student with a single slash. His strength was considered unmatched in the Body Refining Realm.

    A small, mocking smile tugged at Ye Yunqi¡¯s lips. For the first time, his usually expressionless face showed a hint of disdain. He took a step forward, the sound like a drumbeat, unleashing a terrifying aura that swept through everything around him.

    Chen Feng drew his sword an inch from its sheath, releasing an incredible sharpness that clashed with Ye Yunqi¡¯s crushing aura, holding it at bay.

    Around them, many disciples were drawn to the commotion, their gazes gathering on the scene.

    The Sky-Patrolling Colossal Ship wasn¡¯t only carrying disciples from Great Xia¡¯s Dao Academy but also from other Huntian Dao Academies. One by one, they watched with expressions of curiosity and amusement.

    ¡°This slash¡­ will take your arm!¡± Ye Yunqi said, his voice cold and calm. He took another step forward, his long blade fully unsheathed, releasing a dazzling brilliance. The air seemed to ripple like waves under his blade, splitting apart as the blade¡¯s hum pierced the ears.

    The slash was unstoppable, cutting through everything in its path.

    Chen Feng¡¯s expression remained unchanged, but his eyes sharpened to the extreme. With an explosive burst of energy, his sword left its sheath, unleashing nine consecutive sword shadows as swift as a gale.

    Blade and sword collided!

    A deafening explosion reverberated, causing everyone¡¯s expressions to change. The sound was so intense it felt like it pierced their eardrums. Weaker disciples even felt sharp pain in their foreheads, their faces contorted in discomfort.

    The sword shadows and blade light shattered in the clash.

    Chen Feng staggered slightly but did not retreat. His sword trembled violently, and half of his energy had been dispersed.

    Ye Yunqi also staggered and didn¡¯t retreat. However, the arrogance in his expression vanished, replaced by shock.

    ¡°You¡¯ve surprised me,¡± Ye Yunqi said, his sharp eyes scanning Chen Feng as if trying to see through him. ¡°In just one month, you¡¯ve gone from the third stage of Body Refining to the ninth stage and perfected the Wind Shadow Sword Technique. You must be hiding some grand secret. Hand it over, and I¡¯ll spare your life.¡±

    ¡°What the hell?!¡± Jin Hongdang exclaimed again, staring at Chen Feng in shock.

    The surrounding disciples also looked at Chen Feng, their expressions changing as their eyes flickered with curiosity and speculation.

    ¡°Ye Yunqi, Chen Feng¡¯s talent is extraordinary, and he has a unique constitution that allows him to refine and absorb medicinal pills rapidly. His progress in a single month is not surprising,¡± a sharp voice interjected. Li Xinyue stepped forward.

    Chen Feng gave her a slight nod, his expression calm, as if acknowledging her statement.

    The crowd¡¯s restless thoughts seemed to settle somewhat.

    ¡°In that case, I won¡¯t let you live,¡± Ye Yunqi said coldly. He moved again, his speed increasing as he took three steps forward. His long blade created nine shadows, each one heavier and more oppressive than the last, slicing through the air.

    Chen Feng took a deep breath, gathering his strength once more.

    ¡°Stop!¡± A thunderous voice roared like rolling thunder. Two powerful gusts of wind shot through the air, striking Ye Yunqi¡¯s blade and Chen Feng¡¯s sword. The force was so immense that their weapons nearly flew from their hands.

    ¡°No fighting aboard the Sky-Patrolling Colossal Ship. Violators will be expelled.¡±

    Ye Yunqi and Chen Feng glared at each other, their eyes filled with undisguised killing intent.

    Both sheathed their weapons.

    Ye Yunqi turned and left.

    Yang Xuening cast a venomous glare at Chen Feng before begrudgingly following Ye Yunqi.

    ¡°They didn¡¯t even get to fight it out¡­¡± the onlookers murmured in disappointment as they dispersed.

    ¡°Brother Chen, you¡¯re incredible. A ninth-stage Body Refining cultivator going toe-to-toe with someone at the peak of the same realm without losing. That¡¯s no small feat,¡± Jin Hongdang said, giving Chen Feng a thumbs up.

    Chen Feng raised an eyebrow in surprise.

    ¡°Brother Chen, don¡¯t be fooled by my small eyes. They¡¯re quite perceptive. I can see through people at the same level as me,¡± Jin Hongdang said, pointing to his beady eyes with a grin. ¡°Come, Brother Chen, let me tell you about all the remarkable talents aboard this Sky-Patrolling Colossal Ship.¡±

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 Chapter 23 - Innately Extraordinary

    "Qin Haoyu, from the Heavenly Dao Academy of the Great Qin Dynasty, is born with Scorching Light Eyes. His eyes can emit intense light capable of breaking illusions and temporarily blinding others..."

    "Yan Ling, from the Heavenly Dao Academy of the Great Wind Nation, has a natural Wind Spirit Physique, granting her agility and extraordinary speed when moving with the wind..."

    "Fan Quan, from the Heavenly Dao Academy of Thousand Wood City, is born with Phantom Eyes. When activated, they can trap others in illusions..."

    "Lei Gang, from the Heavenly Dao Academy of Heavenly Battle City, is born with Iron Arms. His arms are as hard as steel, with unparalleled strength, capable of destroying anything in his path..."

    Listening to these descriptions, both Chen Feng and Li Xinyue felt genuine astonishment, as if their horizons had been broadened.

    "So this is what they mean by ''innately extraordinary''..." Chen Feng muttered to himself.

    Scorching Light Eyes, Wind Spirit Physique, Phantom Eyes, Iron Arms¡­ none of these were traits that ordinary people could ever possess.

    Of course, having exceptional comprehension abilities or a physique that allows for high-efficiency absorption of medicinal pills could also barely count as a form of innate extraordinariness.

    "I¡¯d really love to witness it firsthand right now," Chen Feng thought to himself, his eyes filled with anticipation.

    "Brother Chen, those with innate extraordinariness are certainly destined to be unrivaled talents. Their strength and energy are far more refined and powerful than ordinary warriors," Jin Hongdang said with a smile. "The person you clashed with earlier, their energy was shockingly condensed¡ªfar surpassing someone at the ninth transformation of body refinement''s peak. It wouldn¡¯t be surprising if they also had innate extraordinariness."

    Chen Feng¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly.

    He hadn¡¯t considered that Ye Yunqi might be innately extraordinary.

    "However, Brother Chen, with your exceptional comprehension and physique that excels at refining medicinal pills, you¡¯re not inferior to these extraordinary individuals," Jin Hongdang added with a grin. "From that clash earlier, it was clear you weren¡¯t using your full strength, right?"

    Chen Feng nodded without hesitation.

    He had only used the Wind Shadow Nine Swords technique and hadn¡¯t revealed his movement techniques, footwork, the Wind Shadow Ten Swords, or the ultimate Wind Shadow Killing Strike.

    Of course, Chen Feng also knew that Ye Yunqi hadn¡¯t gone all out either.

    But if it came down to a full-fledged battle, Chen Feng wouldn¡¯t shrink back. In fact, he was now more curious¡ªdid Ye Yunqi truly have innate extraordinariness? If so, what exactly was it?

    According to Jin Hongdang, some forms of extraordinariness are outwardly obvious and easy to perceive, while others are more restrained and can remain undetected unless deliberately activated.

    "Brother Jin, do you have an innate extraordinariness as well?" Chen Feng suddenly asked.

    Jin Hongdang chuckled knowingly but didn¡¯t answer. Even so, Chen Feng understood the implication.

    After some lighthearted conversation, the two parted ways.

    "Chen Feng, I¡¯ve already mastered the eighth form of the Wind Shadow Sword Technique, but I can¡¯t seem to grasp the key to the ninth form," Li Xinyue said as they walked together. She had once been Chen Feng¡¯s sword technique instructor, but now she found herself asking him for guidance, feeling slightly embarrassed.

    "The key to the Wind Shadow Sword Technique lies in¡­" Chen Feng began without hesitation, immediately explaining it in detail.

    Having pushed the Wind Shadow Sword Technique to the level of the Wind Shadow Ten Swords and even the ultimate Wind Shadow Killing Strike, Chen Feng''s understanding of the technique had long surpassed that of its creator.If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    Chen Feng dissected the technique¡¯s intricacies with clarity, presenting them to Li Xinyue in a simple and direct manner. His explanation allowed her to gain new and deeper insights into the sword technique.

    He didn¡¯t hold anything back. Not only did he fully explain the secrets of the ninth form, but he also shared the principles behind the tenth form and the Wind Shadow Killing Strike.

    To Chen Feng, Li Xinyue had stood by him and supported him during his most difficult times. Her help was a tremendous kindness.

    No matter how remarkable the Wind Shadow Ten Swords and Killing Strike were, they paled in comparison to her unwavering loyalty and support.

    "Chen Feng, you¡¯ve pushed the Wind Shadow Sword Technique to such an extent..." Li Xinyue was utterly stunned as she absorbed his teachings, gasping in disbelief. She had thought she had already overestimated Chen Feng¡¯s abilities, but now she realized that she had still underestimated him.

    Her emotions were a mix of complexity and joy.

    "If there¡¯s anything else you don¡¯t understand, feel free to ask," Chen Feng said after finishing his explanation.

    "Alright," Li Xinyue replied. Then, after a beat, she added, "But from now on, you can¡¯t call me ¡®Instructor¡¯ anymore."

    "Why?" Chen Feng asked, puzzled.

    "We¡¯re no longer at the Heavenly Dao Academy; now we¡¯re both disciples heading for the selection at the Heavenly Dao Sect," Li Xinyue said playfully. "Besides, even though I taught you the Wind Shadow Sword Technique before, now you¡¯re the one teaching it to me. Should I start calling you ¡®Instructor¡¯ instead?"

    "Uh¡­" Chen Feng was momentarily taken aback before laughing. "In that case, I¡¯ll call you Sister Yue from now on."

    "Alright," Li Xinyue responded with a smile in her eyes.

    Back in their respective cabins aboard the Sky-Patrolling Giant Ship, Chen Feng immersed himself in refining his sword techniques, while Li Xinyue focused on mastering the Wind Shadow Nine Swords, determined to perfect it before reaching the Heavenly Dao Sect.

    As for the tenth form and the ultimate Killing Strike, she didn¡¯t dare dream of mastering them yet.

    Meanwhile, in another cabin, Yang Xuening, her swelling having subsided thanks to medicinal ointment, still wore a face full of venomous resentment.

    "Elder Yun, we can¡¯t let Chen Feng continue to live. Otherwise, he¡¯ll become a serious problem," she said.

    "Don¡¯t worry. Though fighting is forbidden aboard the Sky-Patrolling Giant Ship, once we reach the Heavenly Dao Sect selection, I¡¯ll at least secure a position as a core disciple. Even if Chen Feng gets lucky, he¡¯ll at best become an inner disciple. What could someone like him possibly do to me?" Ye Yunqi replied with an arrogant smile. "Besides, there are plenty of my Ye family members in the Heavenly Dao Sect, many of whom hold prestigious positions."

    "Exactly. Chen Feng is just a nobody from a small frontier town. He won¡¯t have a foothold in the sect," Yang Xuening sneered coldly. "By then, he¡¯ll know what regret and despair feel like. When Chen Feng is cornered, we¡¯ll make sure to eliminate his entire Chen family as well."

    Days passed, and the Sky-Patrolling Giant Ship continued to pick up new disciples from various Heavenly Dao Academies at each stop.

    Among the newcomers was one whose eyes gleamed faintly with golden light, sharp and piercing. Just meeting their gaze felt like being stabbed by a blade, causing a stinging pain in one¡¯s own eyes.

    "A Golden Spirit Body!" Jin Hongdang remarked from afar, narrowing his small eyes before breaking into a smile. "More and more extraordinary individuals are appearing."

    Half a month later, the Sky-Patrolling Giant Ship finally approached its destination.

    "We¡¯re almost there," Li Xinyue said, standing alongside Chen Feng on the deck with the other disciples, all gazing forward.

    Ahead of them stood a towering, ancient mountain, its majestic peak piercing the clouds and seemingly holding up the heavens themselves. Its grandeur suppressed all else around it.

    The mountain was surrounded by endless seas of clouds, illuminated by radiant light, creating a stunning and mystical scene that seemed to contain boundless, indescribable mysteries.

    Floating islands hovered around the ancient mountain like stars encircling the moon.

    Giant, graceful birds soared through the clouds, playing among the floating islands, their sharp cries echoing with joy.

    It was a sight straight out of a celestial realm.

    The disciples from the hundreds of Heavenly Dao Academies aboard the Sky-Patrolling Giant Ship, many of whom had never seen such an awe-inspiring scene, were left utterly dumbfounded.

    Even those with innate extraordinariness were rendered speechless, their jaws slack with disbelief.

    The ship continued to weave through the clouds, passing one floating island after another, heading straight for the ancient mountain that seemed to hold up the heavens.

    The closer they got, the more overwhelming the mountain¡¯s ancient and majestic aura became.

    Before this colossal mountain, the thousand-meter-long ship seemed like a mere speck, and the disciples aboard, insignificant as dust.

    "Chen Feng, we must pass the selections and officially become disciples of the Heavenly Dao Sect so we can train here," Li Xinyue said, taking a deep breath to steady herself. Her tone was firm and resolute.

    Chen Feng¡¯s eyes shone with determination, fully agreeing with her.

    Having seen such grandeur, how could one not yearn to be part of it? Now that they had witnessed it with their own eyes, there was no turning back.

    "Selections¡­"

    At the same time, Chen Feng¡¯s curiosity about the upcoming trials grew stronger and stronger.

    [--------------------------------------------]

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 Chapter 24: Beating the Drum, Taking Positions

    The Huntian Sacred Mountain was home to the mountain gate of the Huntian Sect, one of the ten great powers of the Eastern Wastelands.

    The Sky-Patrolling Giant Ship came to a halt midway up the Huntian Sacred Mountain. Disciples from hundreds of academies, numbering in the tens of thousands, disembarked and gathered in the enormous plaza in front of the Huntian Sect''s Disciple Hall.

    The Disciple Hall was majestic, akin to a small mountain standing tall, exuding an ancient and timeless aura.

    The plaza itself was unimaginably vast. Even the Sky-Patrolling Giant Ship, a thousand meters long, occupied only a small corner. The tens of thousands of academy disciples present barely filled even half of it.

    The academy disciples looked around, their eyes filled with curiosity and amazement.

    Everything they saw here left them feeling awestruck and overwhelmed, like frogs leaping out of a well for the first time, suddenly beholding the vastness of the world.

    Before long, tens of thousands of gazes were collectively drawn to an object standing in front of the Disciple Hall.

    It was a drum!

    A massive war drum, ten meters in diameter, suspended three meters in the air. Its body resembled ancient bronze, with a deep and rustic hue, exuding an aura of timelessness and imperishability.

    The drum''s surface was etched with faint patterns, densely packed and crisscrossing, as if imbued with the infinite mysteries of the Dao itself.

    "Silence!"

    A resounding and majestic voice, like the voice of a god, reverberated across heaven and earth, instantly silencing the buzzing discussions of the tens of thousands of disciples.

    One after another, streaks of light flew into the plaza, revealing individuals hovering in mid-air. Each of them radiated divine light and brilliance, their auras profound and unfathomable.

    "They¡¯re not flying with the help of tools¡­ they¡¯re flying through the air unaided¡­" someone with sharp eyes muttered, noticing that these figures had no flying artifacts beneath their feet.

    "Flying with tools¡­ versus flying unaided¡­" Chen Feng¡¯s eyes narrowed as he pondered in silence.

    Was one superior to the other? If so, which was higher? Lacking sufficient knowledge about cultivation, Chen Feng hesitated to make a judgment but couldn''t help forming a hypothesis in his heart.

    "Welcome, everyone, to the Huntian Sect. This drum is our sect¡¯s treasure, the Huntian Drum." The speaker hovered above the Disciple Hall¡ªa burly elder with a long beard. His face was ruddy, and his body radiated intense divine light, exuding a world-shaking aura that seemed to suppress both heaven and earth. However, this pressure was restrained; otherwise, none of the tens of thousands of academy disciples present would have been able to endure it.

    "I am the Hall Master of the Disciple Hall, and I will be overseeing your assessment."

    "Your assessment is straightforward: you will strike the Huntian Drum with your own strength."

    "The results of striking the drum depend on the foundation of your strength, not your cultivation level. In other words, regardless of your cultivation, the Huntian Drum treats everyone equally."

    "If the drum sounds once within one breath, you will earn the rank of Outer Sect Disciple."

    "If the drum sounds twice within one breath, you will earn the rank of Inner Sect Disciple."

    "If the drum sounds three times within one breath, you will become a Core Disciple."

    "If the drum sounds four times within one breath, you will become a Direct Disciple."

    "If the drum sounds five times within one breath, you will earn the rank of Quasi-Sect Heir."

    "If the drum sounds six times within one breath, you will become the Sect Heir."

    "Before you arrived, the academy disciples from Huntian City¡¯s main academy were already assessed. The highest result was five drumbeats."

    The tens of thousands of academy disciples were instantly filled with awe and surprise.

    During their time aboard the Sky-Patrolling Giant Ship, they had learned much about the Huntian Sect.

    While there were hundreds of Huntian Academies across the land, these were merely branch academies. The main academy was located in Huntian City, at the base of Huntian Sacred Mountain.

    This carried significant implications.

    The disciples of the main academy were closer to the Huntian Sect itself, meaning they had better cultivation environments and resources. The main academy naturally attracted more geniuses.

    And yet, even with all these advantages, no one had managed to strike the drum six times.

    Hearing this, many disciples among the tens of thousands felt their fighting spirit ignite.

    Six drumbeats!

    Achieving this wouldn¡¯t just overshadow the geniuses of the main academy¡ªit would be a chance to ascend to the rank of Sect Heir in one fell swoop.

    And what did it mean to become a Sect Heir?

    They didn¡¯t completely understand.

    But judging by the elder¡¯s words, it was clear that the status of a Sect Heir far surpassed that of any other disciple rank.

    "Now, begin the assessment. Remember, give it your all. What rank you achieve depends entirely on your own ability." The burly elder smiled slightly as he spoke.

    With tens of thousands of disciples to assess, the process was bound to take a long time. Chen Feng was in the middle of the queue, so it would be a while before his turn. He wasn¡¯t anxious and instead continued to focus on refining his Wind Shadow Sword Technique.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    "During the half month aboard the Sky-Patrolling Giant Ship, I managed to comprehend the Eleventh Sword and integrate it into the Wind Shadow Killing Strike, but I still have no clue how to proceed to the Twelfth Sword¡­"

    "Could it be¡­ that the Wind Shadow Eleven Swords is the limit?"

    "Still, through comprehending and mastering the Wind Shadow Eleven Swords and the Treading Waves Ten Steps, my strength and cultivation have become even more condensed, even though my realm hasn¡¯t advanced. It¡¯s an unexpected benefit."

    As he contemplated, the first participant approached the Huntian Drum.

    The disciple was less than two meters tall and appeared tiny next to the massive drum, which floated three meters in the air and had a diameter of ten meters.

    Running like the wind, the disciple suddenly launched himself into the air, his body propelled by the full power of his eighth transformation of body refinement. With his arm drawn back like a fully tensed bow, he unleashed a powerful punch at the drum.

    The punch landed squarely on the ancient, mysterious drumhead, causing a slight vibration and producing a thunderous boom. The sound wave rippled outward, almost tangible, forcing the disciple to stagger backward.

    He landed heavily, retreating several meters before stabilizing himself. His strength had been scattered, and he was unable to muster another strike for some time.

    "One drumbeat. You are ranked as an Outer Sect Disciple. Go wait on the side," the burly elder announced.

    The disciple, visibly dejected, had hoped to strike the drum three times but had only managed one.

    Next, the second participant stepped forward.

    Leaping into the air, this disciple wielded a bronze staff, swinging it like a thunderbolt toward the drum. The resulting sound was deafening, but like the first participant, the force of the drum¡¯s reverberations sent him flying back several meters, his strength dissipated, leaving him unable to strike a second time.

    The third participant stepped forward but failed to make the drum sound at all.

    "Unable to strike the drum, you have two choices: join Huntian City for further training or become a Huntian Sect laborer," the elder stated.

    "I¡­" The participant stood there, bewildered and unsure.

    "Step aside and decide later," the elder instructed.

    The assessment continued.

    One by one, participants took their turns.

    Some failed to make the drum sound, indicating their chaotic energy and shallow foundations, making them unfit to become Huntian Sect disciples.

    Some managed one drumbeat, earning the rank of Outer Sect Disciple.

    After about 100 participants, someone finally managed to strike the drum twice.

    "Two drumbeats. You are ranked as an Inner Sect Disciple. Go wait on the side," the elder said, a faint smile appearing on his face.

    As more participants stepped forward, the number of those who managed two drumbeats gradually increased.

    Qin Haoyu stepped forward, his pace growing faster and faster, the howling of the wind echoing in all directions.

    First Strike!

    The drum face trembled, producing a thunderous sound.

    The sound waves rebounded like a tangible force, throwing Qin Haoyu to the ground. But he immediately leapt back into the air.

    Second Strike!

    The second drumbeat reverberated.

    This time, the rebounding sound waves seemed even stronger. Qin Haoyu, after landing, paused briefly. His eyes suddenly emitted blazing light, like two beams of radiance piercing through the void. Once again, he propelled himself upward.

    With a low shout, he unleashed his third strike.

    "Scorching Light Eyes, not bad. When fully developed, it can do more than just break illusions or blind opponents temporarily. It has the potential to transform into the Divine Scorching Eyes, capable of emitting divine beams of light that can pierce through anything," the burly elder nodded, his smile growing a little wider.

    Qin Haoyu¡ªthree drumbeats! Ranked as a Core Disciple.

    Next up was Lei Zhan. He also struck the drum three times. During the elder''s evaluation, it was noted that his Iron Arms would make it easier for him to break through the limits of body refinement and achieve Copper Skin and Iron Bones.

    Yan Ling, with her Wind Spirit Physique, and another disciple with a Golden Spirit Physique were both praised as having the potential to achieve the Condensed True Essence Realm.

    Fan Quan, with his Phantom Eyes, was said to have the potential to evolve them into Demonic Phantom Eyes, granting mastery over supreme illusions.

    Almost all those with innate extraordinariness managed to strike the drum three times, earning the rank of Core Disciple.

    However, geniuses with solid foundational strength but without innate extraordinariness could only manage two drumbeats. And the elite disciples with decent foundations were limited to one drumbeat.

    As for those who couldn¡¯t strike the drum even once, they were mostly individuals who had relied heavily on medicinal pills to artificially raise their cultivation to the later stages of the Body Refinement realm. Their shallow foundations made it evident why they failed.

    Yang Xuening also participated in the assessment. She struck the drum once, earning the rank of Outer Sect Disciple¡ªrevealing her true abilities.

    "Brother Yun, good luck!" Yang Xuening cheered as Ye Yunqi stepped forward. "You¡¯re sure to surpass everyone!"

    Ye Yunqi¡¯s gaze remained distant and aloof, as though he looked down on everything. But as he turned his attention to the Huntian Drum, an indescribable brilliance flashed in his eyes.

    Step by step, Ye Yunqi advanced, his aura growing stronger and more condensed with each movement.

    The burly elder watched him closely, a hint of surprise flickering in his eyes.

    Ye Yunqi''s aura intensified with each step, his pace quickening gradually. In the faintest moments, one could hear the sound of surging waves. Beneath his steps, the air seemed to transform into powerful tidal waves, and Ye Yunqi appeared to walk upon them.

    Step, step, step...

    Nine steps!

    In an instant, Ye Yunqi''s speed increased by 90%, turning him into a dark green blur as he charged toward the Huntian Drum. With his left arm swinging forward, he unleashed a punch infused with immensely condensed power, striking the ancient and mysterious drum face with a deafening thunder-like sound.

    The sound waves rebounded violently, but Ye Yunqi drew his blade with his right hand. The dazzling blade light split into nine shadows, instantly shattering the rebounding sound waves. With unstoppable momentum, the blade struck the drum again, producing a second drumbeat.

    This scene left many people gasping in disbelief.

    Even those with innate extraordinariness, like Qin Haoyu, had been pushed back by the rebounding sound waves before gathering their strength to strike again.

    The second wave of sound rebounded even more powerfully, sending Ye Yunqi flying backward to the ground. But he quickly rebounded, gripping his long blade with both hands. The air beneath the blade seemed to transform into turbulent waves, which were forcefully parted as he unleashed an overwhelmingly powerful slash.

    Boom!

    The third deafening drumbeat resounded.

    The rebounding sound waves grew even stronger this time, forcing Ye Yunqi back several meters before he landed.

    "Bloodline activation!"

    With a low roar, a flash of azure light appeared in Ye Yunqi¡¯s eyes, and the sound of rushing tides seemed to echo from within his body. His blood surged like vast rivers and mighty streams, enveloping his entire form in a layer of radiant blood-colored light.

    The blood-colored light pulsed like ocean waves, layer upon layer, granting Ye Yunqi an even greater surge of strength.

    "This is unexpected¡ªa Bloodline Physique, and a Water-element Tidal Bloodline at that," the burly elder remarked in astonishment. "Judging by its characteristics, it¡¯s even a King-tier Bloodline. Impressive, he¡¯s worth cultivating."

    Empowered by his bloodline, Ye Yunqi surged forward with his blade, delivering a fierce strike to the Huntian Drum.

    Boom!

    The fourth drumbeat reverberated.

    The rebounding force surged exponentially, slamming into Ye Yunqi. The tidal-like blood-colored light around him wavered and trembled, as if on the brink of shattering.

    Despite this, Ye Yunqi resisted the enormous rebounding force and leapt forward again, swinging his blade for another strike.

    For a moment, everyone present couldn¡¯t help but widen their eyes and hold their breath.

    Could he¡­ could he match the prodigies of the main academy and strike the drum five times?

    [--------------------------------------------]

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 Chapter 25: The Three Palaces, Nine Halls, and Seventy-Two Peaks

    The sound of the long blade slashing forward echoed as it struck powerfully against the drum surface with all its force.

    "Brother Yun, you can do it!" Yang Xuening clenched her fists tightly, her face alight with excitement.

    If Ye Yunqi could strike the drum five times, he would be recognized as a Quasi-Sect Son, a position higher than that of a core disciple or even a true disciple. As an outer sect disciple and Ye Yunqi¡¯s woman, this honor would bring her pride, as well as tangible benefits such as greater cultivation resources.

    It would not only elevate his reputation but also ensure they were never short on resources for cultivation.

    The long blade slashed fiercely against the drum surface, but no sound came from it.

    Ye Yunqi froze.

    "You hesitated for more than a breath of time before your fifth strike," the burly elder stated immediately. "You struck the drum four times, qualifying you as a true disciple. Work hard, cultivate well, and further unlock the potential of your Tidal Bloodline. Perhaps in the future, you may still earn the title of Quasi-Sect Son."

    Ye Yunqi''s face contorted with frustration and unwillingness.

    So close!

    He had been just a fraction of a second away from striking the drum five times and securing his place as a Quasi-Sect Son.

    Yang Xuening¡¯s face also darkened with disappointment.

    But no matter how reluctant they felt, the result was final¡ªYe Yunqi could not try again.

    The assessment continued, and Ye Yunqi remained the only one among the hundreds of Dao Institutes'' candidates to strike the drum four times, making him the center of attention.

    One by one, the candidates took their turns.

    When it was Li Xinyue¡¯s turn, she strode forward, quickly closed the distance, and leaped into the air. Her sword flashed from its scabbard in an instant, creating streaks of sword light that cut through the air.

    Boom!

    The force from the drum rebounded, knocking Li Xinyue to the ground. She quickly got up, her sword flashing again, striking the drum a second time.

    This time, nine streaks of sword light burst forth in succession.

    Boom!

    The second drumbeat echoed, qualifying her as an inner sect disciple.

    Chen Feng smiled faintly, feeling genuinely happy for Li Xinyue.

    Li Xinyue wasn¡¯t someone born with exceptional gifts. For her to strike the drum twice was already an impressive feat.

    Finally, it was Chen Feng''s turn.

    Instantly, all eyes fell on him.

    Many recognized him as the man who had once crossed blades with Ye Yunqi. Since Ye Yunqi had struck the drum four times to become a true disciple, the question now was¡ªhow far could Chen Feng go?

    "Chen Feng, you can definitely rank even higher," Li Xinyue muttered to herself, her heart full of anticipation.

    Standing before the towering Hun Tian Drum, Chen Feng exhaled softly. His breathing was steady and subtle, his refined power surging within him as he picked up speed.

    Nine afterimages materialized as Chen Feng leaped forward.

    Arriving directly in front of the drum, Chen Feng¡¯s sharp sword flew from its scabbard, a streak of dazzling sword light slashing horizontally toward the drum.

    Boom!

    A thunderous crash shook the air, reverberating through the ears and minds of the crowd. At the same time, an immense recoil force from the drum surged toward Chen Feng, threatening to overwhelm him.

    Yet Chen Feng''s refined and condensed energies, tempered through countless training sessions, allowed him to withstand the recoil.

    Using the recoil to his advantage, Chen Feng spun and slashed the drum a second time.

    Boom!

    The second drumbeat resounded.

    Yang Xuening''s expression immediately darkened.If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    She had discarded Chen Feng, viewing him as a worthless failure who could no longer provide her with resources. She had cast him aside for Ye Yunqi, aiming to secure her place in the sect.

    Yet now, Chen Feng had struck the drum twice, achieving a rank higher than her own. She had only managed to strike the drum once, earning the status of an outer sect disciple.

    This outcome was something she couldn¡¯t stomach.

    "The recoil force increased by at least 30%," Chen Feng muttered, his expression shifting slightly.

    Amid the stronger recoil, much of his energy dispersed. He quickly retreated three steps to stabilize himself, gathering his power once more before launching a third strike.

    Nine streaks of sword light burst forth once again.

    Boom!

    "Amazing!" Li Xinyue clenched her fists in excitement.

    Yang Xuening''s face turned pale, while Ye Yunqi¡¯s eyes betrayed a flicker of astonishment.

    Chen Feng had once again exceeded expectations.

    As the third recoil force surged toward him, Chen Feng¡¯s expression finally changed.

    "This recoil is at least 50% stronger than before!"

    Without hesitation, he unleashed his full power. Ten streaks of sword light merged into a single, radiant beam, piercing through the overwhelming recoil and striking the drum head-on.

    Boom!

    The fourth drumbeat rang out, leaving the tens of thousands of Dao Institute disciples utterly stunned.

    Yang Xuening''s face turned ashen with grief, while Ye Yunqi''s expression shifted dramatically, his heart plagued by uncertainty.

    Even Jin Hongdang, with his small beady eyes, stared in disbelief.

    "The recoil has doubled again!"

    Chen Feng¡¯s face turned pale as the terrifying recoil, like a raging flood, obliterated the remaining 20% of his energy. He could no longer muster the strength for a fifth strike.

    "Four drumbeats, qualifying as a true disciple," the burly elder announced, his tiger-like eyes gleaming as he scrutinized Chen Feng. "You¡¯re not innately gifted, but your swordsmanship is extraordinary. I¡¯d wager your understanding is exceptional."

    "Chen Feng, congratulations!" Li Xinyue exclaimed, her joy evident. She appeared even happier for Chen Feng than she had been for her own success.

    "Thank you, Sister Yue. Congratulations to you as well," Chen Feng replied with a smile.

    Yang Xuening, standing nearby, nearly ground her teeth to dust in frustration.

    The better Chen Feng performed, the more it tormented her.

    "You¡¯ve truly surprised me," Ye Yunqi remarked from a few meters away, his tone laced with gravity. "But if you think being a true disciple means you can rest easy, you¡¯re far too naive. I¡¯ll make sure you understand¡ªamong true disciples, there¡¯s a hierarchy.

    "The humiliation you inflicted on me that day¡ªI¡¯ll repay it tenfold. Just wait."

    Chen Feng¡¯s gaze sharpened as he responded calmly, "I look forward to it."

    Ye Yunqi smirked coldly, exuding disdain.

    The assessment continued for a long while. Out of the tens of thousands of disciples gathered from the hundreds of Dao Institutes, every candidate had finally been evaluated.

    Jin Hongdang, who possessed natural talent, struck the drum three times, qualifying as a core disciple.

    "Of the 48,000 participants, 43,000 failed to produce any sound from the drum," the burly elder declared, his gaze sweeping across the crowd. "You may choose to enter Hun Tian City or serve as sect laborers for three years. After three years, you may either leave or attempt the assessment again."

    This announcement left Chen Feng and the others stunned.

    "Forty-eight thousand participants, and only five thousand passed? The success rate is far too low," Chen Feng thought.

    "Four thousand struck the drum once, qualifying as outer sect disciples. Inner sect stewards, escort them to the outer sect."

    "Yes." A group of gray-robed figures stepped forward.

    "Nine hundred thirty struck the drum twice, qualifying as inner sect disciples. Inner sect stewards, lead them to the inner sect."

    "Yes." A group of black-robed figures swiftly moved forward.

    "Sixty-eight struck the drum three times, qualifying as core disciples. Two struck it four times, becoming true disciples."

    The burly elder allowed himself a faint smile.

    "The Three Palaces, Nine Halls, and Seventy-Two Peaks have likely received the assessment results by now. They may each select disciples as they see fit," he announced.

    As his voice fell, radiant streaks of divine light shot up from all directions, illuminating the skies and filling the air with awe-inspiring energy. One by one, 71 figures descended, their overwhelming presence suffusing the surroundings.

    "The Three Palaces and Nine Halls are sending no one? Only 71 Peaks have sent representatives?" The elder¡¯s gaze swept across the scene. "Very well. Each of the 71 Peaks may select one disciple. However, as there are fewer than 72 disciples to choose from, no Peak may select more than one."

    Although the significance of this remained unclear to most, the core disciples and true disciples understood that this was a rare and crucial opportunity.

    "True disciple Ye Yunqi, your Tidal Bloodline is suited for my Han Hai Peak. Join us, and you¡¯ll receive 10,000 contribution points and be taken as a disciple by a Transcendent Realm elder. Your bloodline may even evolve into a Saint-Level Bloodline," one figure declared, their aura surging like ocean tides.

    "Ha! Is my Tianlan Peak not also one of the Twelve Supreme Peaks? Can we not also elevate your Tidal Bloodline to Saint-Level?" another figure retorted. "Moreover, 10,000 contribution points are paltry. Join Tianlan Peak, and we¡¯ll supply half the resources needed for your bloodline evolution."

    One after another, representatives from the Twelve Supreme Peaks vied for Ye Yunqi, offering ever more enticing terms. The other disciples couldn¡¯t help but feel envious.

    "Ye Yunqi, I am your granduncle, representing the Tianchang Peak, also one of the Twelve Supreme Peaks," another figure announced.

    Observing the scene, Chen Feng noticed that only the Twelve Supreme Peaks competed for Ye Yunqi, while the remaining 60 Peaks remained silent.

    "The Twelve Supreme Peaks?" Chen Feng mused. "Does that mean the other 60 Peaks are less prestigious?"

    After considering his options, Ye Yunqi ultimately chose Tianchang Peak.

    Chen Feng, watching intently, couldn¡¯t help but feel both tense and expectant.

    "Which Peak will choose me?" he wondered.

    [--------------------------------------------]

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 Chapter 26: Becoming the Disciple of the Absolute Sword Peak Master

    All eyes fell on Chen Feng.

    Chen Feng took a deep breath, calming his nerves and steadying his emotions.

    Ye Yunqi, as one of the true disciples, had been fiercely sought after by representatives of the Twelve Supreme Peaks. As a true disciple myself, I shouldn¡¯t be too far behind, right?

    "True disciple Chen Feng, do you possess any innate divine ability?" a representative from Tianlan Peak asked.

    "No," Chen Feng replied honestly.

    As for the Heavenly Creation Seal, that was an absolute secret.

    "In that case, Tianlan Peak passes." The representative from Tianlan Peak refused him without hesitation.

    The selection process proceeded from the highest-ranked disciples downward.

    The true disciples were evaluated first, and only after them would the core disciples be considered.

    "Hanhai Peak passes," the representative from Hanhai Peak said.

    One by one, representatives from the Supreme Peaks declared their refusal.

    Chen Feng¡¯s heart shook as if struck by lightning, his body swaying slightly. His face turned pale.

    Meanwhile, Ye Yunqi¡¯s face lit up with schadenfreude, his smile gloating and mocking.

    "Now you understand, don¡¯t you?" Ye Yunqi¡¯s voice pierced Chen Feng¡¯s ears like a dagger.

    "A talentless, ordinary person, even if you managed to strike the drum four times and become a true disciple, what does it matter?"

    "Without divine abilities, your potential is limited. Even if the sect invests in your cultivation, you¡¯ll never compete with the true prodigies. Xuanyuan Peak passes." One previously silent representative sighed softly as they spoke.

    One after another, the mountain representatives refused him.

    Chen Feng¡¯s face grew increasingly pale with every declaration.

    "What a pity. If we could select one more disciple, Qingye Peak might have considered giving you a spot," said a representative from Qingye Peak.

    "True disciple Chen Feng," the representative from Kumao Peak added, "if we can¡¯t secure a suitable disciple, we might consider giving you an opportunity to join our peak."

    The tone was casual, almost dismissive, carrying a faint air of condescension.

    Chen Feng¡¯s heart constricted, and anger began to stir deep within him.

    Condescension?

    I don¡¯t need your pity!

    In the end, none of the Seventy-One Peaks chose Chen Feng.

    "True disciple Chen Feng," the burly elder from the Disciples'' Hall addressed him with a sigh, "it seems you¡¯ll have to remain in the Disciples¡¯ Hall with me."

    He shook his head with regret but offered words of encouragement. "Still, if you have the ability, there¡¯s no reason you cannot become a powerful cultivator in the future."

    Though the elder¡¯s words were kind, it was clear even he didn¡¯t hold out much hope for Chen Feng.

    Without divine abilities, the odds of Chen Feng rising to prominence were slim to none.

    "Thank you, Elder," Chen Feng responded firmly, bowing slightly as he expressed his gratitude.

    The selection then moved on to the sixty-eight core disciples.

    With Tianchang Peak having already selected Ye Yunqi, that peak withdrew from the competition.

    By the end of the process, every core disciple had been assigned to a peak¡ªleaving only Chen Feng.

    Striking the drum four times¡­ so what?

    Being a true disciple¡­ so what?The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    The core disciples looked at Chen Feng with a mixture of pity and scorn.

    The burly elder overseeing the Disciples¡¯ Hall sighed inwardly.

    Fate can be so cruel.

    At that moment, a dazzling beam of silver-white sword light streaked across the sky, cutting through the heavens like a bolt of lightning. It arrived instantly, hovering just in front of Chen Feng.

    "Chen Feng, I am Wang Yuandao. If you are willing to take me as your master, step onto this sword."

    A voice filled with immense pride and dominance echoed from within the sword light.

    The brilliant silver-white sword light floated at Chen Feng¡¯s feet, glowing intensely.

    Chen Feng noticed the faint ripple of divine energy emanating from the representatives of the Seventy-One Peaks. Even the burly elder¡¯s face showed a rare expression of astonishment and surprise.

    Without hesitation, Chen Feng made his decision.

    He stepped forward, firmly planting his foot on the radiant sword light.

    The moment he did, the sword light surged into the sky, carrying him upward at breathtaking speed.

    Chen Feng¡¯s scalp tingled, and for a moment, he nearly screamed in shock.

    Thankfully, the sword light seemed to have a stabilizing force, keeping his body securely in place. Otherwise, he would have plummeted midair.

    "I didn¡¯t expect it to be him¡­" the burly elder murmured to himself, watching as Chen Feng was carried away. "But it¡¯s still better than having him waste away in the Disciples¡¯ Hall."

    "Granduncle, who was that?" Ye Yunqi¡¯s expression shifted dramatically.

    The glee and satisfaction he had felt were now replaced with shock and disbelief.

    "That was Wang Yuandao, the Peak Master of Absolute Sword Peak," replied the representative from Tianchang Peak.

    "The Peak Master?!" Ye Yunqi¡¯s face turned pale.

    Everyone knew what it meant to be accepted by a Peak Master.

    Being chosen by a Peak Master was far superior to being a disciple of a peak elder.

    The realization hit Ye Yunqi hard, leaving his face ashen.

    But then the other disciples began murmuring among themselves.

    "Absolute Sword Peak ranks among the bottom of the Thirty-Six Lower Peaks, doesn¡¯t it?"

    "That¡¯s right. Absolute Sword Peak has long since fallen into decline. It no longer has any disciples¡ªonly the Peak Master and his old servant remain. Even the Peak Master himself is nearing the end of his lifespan."

    "Joining Absolute Sword Peak is no different from cutting off your own future."

    Hearing this, Ye Yunqi let out a sigh of relief, his confidence restored.

    The core disciples, too, seemed to relax, their earlier unease dissipating.

    "What a pity," Jin Hongdang muttered to himself. Having interacted with Chen Feng several times aboard the great airship, he had come to view Chen Feng as a friend.

    The silver-white sword light streaked through the sky, its speed blindingly fast.

    Chen Feng experienced what it truly meant to move like the wind. Compared to this, his own full-speed effort seemed laughable.

    As the sword light carried him forward, the surrounding scenery blurred into streaks of motion.

    Just as nausea began to set in, the sword light pierced through a dense layer of clouds and arrived at a solitary mountain peak.

    The sword light came to a halt, gently lowering Chen Feng to the ground. His head still spinning, it took him a moment to regain his bearings.

    "Old servant Yang Tao greets the Young Master," a calm yet strong voice greeted him.

    Chen Feng snapped back to attention and saw a kindly old man dressed in gray smiling warmly at him from just a few meters away.

    For a moment, Chen Feng didn¡¯t know how to respond, his mind feeling sluggish.

    "Young Master, please follow me," the old man said with a smile before turning to lead the way.

    As Chen Feng followed, he couldn¡¯t help but glance around.

    He saw rows of bamboo buildings in the distance, but they all appeared abandoned, giving the place a desolate and lonely atmosphere.

    "Those used to be the residences of the Peak Master¡¯s followers, as well as the elders and disciples of this peak," the old servant explained casually. "But now, the people are gone, and the buildings are empty."

    "Why did they leave?" Chen Feng asked instinctively.

    "You¡¯ll find out in time," the old man replied with a faint smile.

    Before long, they arrived at a cliff¡¯s edge. The cliff jutted out like a leaf into the sky, overlooking a vast sea of clouds rolling below.

    "Master, Chen Feng is here," the old servant announced, bowing deeply.

    Chen Feng finally noticed a figure standing at the edge of the cliff, facing the sea of clouds with his back to the bamboo buildings.

    Until this moment, Chen Feng hadn¡¯t sensed this person¡¯s presence at all¡ªit was as if they were part of the scenery.

    But now that Chen Feng¡¯s attention was drawn to the figure, his heart trembled uncontrollably.

    The white-robed figure seemed unimaginably tall, like a colossal sword piercing the heavens and splitting the clouds.

    A vast and indescribable sharpness emanated from his presence, as if he could cut through mountains and seas with a single thought.

    The figure turned, and Chen Feng¡¯s breath caught as he locked eyes with a gaze that burned like radiant stars, piercing through everything.

    "I am Wang Yuandao, the Peak Master of Absolute Sword Peak. Will you take me as your master?"

    His voice was like a command from the heavens, vast and unyielding.

    "Disciple Chen Feng greets Master!"

    Chen Feng immediately snapped out of his daze, kneeling and kowtowing three times.

    "Rise," Wang Yuandao said.

    Chen Feng stood, finally getting a clear look at his new master.

    Wang Yuandao had long hair that draped freely, his temples streaked with white. Though he appeared to be in his forties and carried an air of elegance and charm, there was a faint sense of frailty in his presence, as if the passage of time had taken its toll.

    "From this day forward, you are my final disciple," Wang Yuandao said with a faint smile. "You will train here on Absolute Sword Peak."

    "Yes, Master," Chen Feng replied without hesitation.

    "You must have many questions in your heart," Wang Yuandao said with a laugh. "Ask them now, and I will answer. After that, your training will begin."

    [--------------------------------------------]

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 Chapter 27: The Chaotic Heaven Technique â€“ Forging the Supreme Foundation

    Chen Feng never imagined it.

    It turned out that Absolute Sword Peak, among the seventy-two peaks, was ranked at the very bottom. The entire peak only had three people: his master, Wang Yuandao, the old servant Yang Tao, and himself.

    It was utterly desolate.

    On other peaks, it was said, there were at least hundreds of disciples, if not more.

    What made things even more absurd was that Wang Yuandao admitted his lifespan was nearing its end¡ªhe only had about ten years left.

    For a moment, Chen Feng felt like he had boarded a sinking ship.

    ¡°Master, what will happen to Absolute Sword Peak if your lifespan runs out?¡± Chen Feng asked suddenly.

    ¡°If my lifespan ends and you haven¡¯t inherited the position of Peak Lord, Absolute Sword Peak will be removed from the sect,¡± Wang Yuandao replied with a faint smile. ¡°So, I hope you can take over as Peak Lord within the next ten years.¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­ Master, what are the requirements to inherit the position of Peak Lord?¡± Chen Feng asked again, a bit dazed.

    ¡°You must achieve Transcendent Realm cultivation and pass the Peak Lord Trial,¡± Wang Yuandao replied, still smiling. Seeing Chen Feng¡¯s bewildered expression, he continued, ¡°The path of cultivation begins with the foundation of Body Refinement. After that come the stages of Aperture Refinement, Vein Forging, Qi Sea, Divine Wheel, Essence Condensation, Origin Returning, and Rebirth. Only then will you reach the Transcendent Realm.¡±

    Chen Feng felt dizzy.

    Truly dizzy.

    He was just a rookie stuck in Body Refinement, yet now he was being told to aim for the lofty heights of the Transcendent Realm.

    Ten years!

    Could he even reach the Transcendent Realm in ten years?

    Even with the Divine Creation Talisman in his possession, Chen Feng wasn¡¯t confident in the slightest.

    ¡°Disciple, nothing is impossible if you put your heart into it,¡± Wang Yuandao said with a smile. ¡°Do your best with all your might. Even if you fail in the end, you will have no regrets.¡±

    ¡°Well, if you have further questions, ask Yang Tao in detail later. For now, I will explain the path of cultivation to you,¡± Wang Yuandao said. ¡°The Body Refinement Stage is the foundation of martial cultivation. The more solid the foundation, the greater the benefits for advancing to higher realms in the future.¡±

    ¡°The Body Refinement Stage doesn¡¯t just have nine transformations but actually consists of thirteen transformations.¡±

    Chen Feng was stunned.

    Thirteen transformations?

    ¡°After the standard nine transformations, you enter the Greater Circulation of Energy, which involves refining your strength up to nine more times.¡±

    ¡°At the eleventh transformation, refining your strength at least three times will result in a body as tough as steel, granting you defenses comparable to beasts of the same level.¡±

    ¡°At the twelfth transformation, refining your strength at least six times will produce a body akin to tempered steel, resulting in golden skin and jade-like bones, exceeding the durability of beasts of the same level.¡±

    ¡°At the thirteenth transformation, refining your strength nine times will grant you the power of a dragon or flood serpent, potentially unlocking hidden potential within the human body and awakening destiny-defying abilities.¡±

    ¡°Disciple, you¡¯re currently at the early stages of the ninth transformation, but your refined strength is already comparable to the peak of the ninth transformation. Your foundation is decent,¡± Wang Yuandao said as he assessed Chen Feng¡¯s cultivation. ¡°Next, you need to elevate your cultivation to the peak of the ninth transformation. Then, you must master the Greater Circulation of Energy and refine your strength nine times.¡±

    ¡°Master, I think I can already freely convert my strength¡­¡± Chen Feng said cautiously.

    ¡°Oh?¡± Wang Yuandao¡¯s eyes narrowed, a trace of surprise flashing through them. ¡°Show me.¡±

    Chen Feng immediately began converting three different types of strength within his body.

    ¡°Now try merging the three strengths into one and circulating it through your entire body,¡± Wang Yuandao instructed.Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.

    Chen Feng gave it a shot. Although it was a bit difficult at first, he soon managed to circulate the combined strength smoothly. As the energy coursed through his body, he felt a slight tingling sensation in his organs, muscles, bones, and skin. It wasn¡¯t uncomfortable¡ªon the contrary, it was quite soothing.

    ¡°Good.¡± Wang Yuandao¡¯s smile grew wider.

    ¡°Without guidance or exceptional talent, most cultivators in the Body Refinement Stage never achieve the tenth transformation. Even with talent and guidance, it takes significant time to master energy conversion and the Greater Circulation of Energy. How did you manage it?¡± Wang Yuandao inquired.

    ¡°Master, I thought that strength from the skin, muscles, and organs all originates from the same source¡ªblood energy. If they share the same root, why can¡¯t they be converted into one another?¡± Chen Feng answered truthfully. ¡°After countless attempts, I eventually figured it out.¡±

    ¡°Congratulations, my lord, on finding such an exceptional disciple,¡± Yang Tao said with a laugh.

    ¡°Chen Feng, first elevate your cultivation to the peak of the ninth transformation. Then, I will teach you the Chaotic Heaven Technique to refine your strength further,¡± Wang Yuandao instructed. He produced a jade bottle. ¡°Inside are three Primordial Essence Pills, which should suffice to help you reach the peak of the ninth transformation.¡±

    ¡°Master, I absorb pills very quickly,¡± Chen Feng said as he accepted the bottle.

    ¡°Oh? How fast?¡± Wang Yuandao asked, intrigued.

    Chen Feng immediately opened the bottle, taking out a single golden pill. Its translucent appearance made it look more like a work of art than medicine. Without hesitation, he popped it into his mouth, chewed it, and swallowed.

    He was taking a gamble¡ªa gamble that Wang Yuandao wouldn¡¯t be able to detect the presence of the Divine Creation Talisman within him.

    Otherwise, staying on Absolute Sword Peak, constantly under Wang Yuandao¡¯s watchful eye, would eventually lead to exposure. Better to test it now than live in constant fear.

    As Wang Yuandao observed him, his eyes narrowed, a sharp gleam flashing in them as if he were examining Chen Feng¡¯s body inside and out.

    ¡°What astonishing speed of absorption¡­¡±

    Wang Yuandao was genuinely taken aback, but he didn¡¯t detect the Divine Creation Talisman.

    Chen Feng marveled at the effects of the pill. ¡°One Primordial Essence Pill is equivalent to five standard Essence Pills. Incredible!¡±

    He immediately consumed the remaining two pills, refining and absorbing them. His blood energy surged, and his strength reached its peak.

    The ninth transformation, perfected!

    ¡°Excellent. Your ability to refine and absorb pills so quickly, without leaving any impurities behind, is truly miraculous. Your refined strength rivals that of those who achieve it through years of arduous training,¡± Wang Yuandao said with a hearty laugh. ¡°With such talent, I will dedicate all my resources to cultivating you. Someday, you¡¯ll stand above even the most gifted prodigies.¡±

    ¡°Master, I swear, one day I will crush those so-called prodigies beneath my sword,¡± Chen Feng replied confidently.

    ¡°Well said! A true swordsman must aspire to suppress all beneath their blade,¡± Wang Yuandao laughed with satisfaction.

    He hadn¡¯t expected much when he initially chose Chen Feng as his disciple¡ªjust someone with decent swordsmanship to carry on his legacy. But this unexpected talent and determination gave him newfound hope.

    ¡°Disciple, let¡¯s go to the training hall. I will now teach you the Chaotic Heaven Technique,¡± Wang Yuandao said, his eyes blazing with hope as he led Chen Feng to a tower-like pavilion. ¡°The Chaotic Heaven Technique is the foundational chapter of our sect¡¯s most revered scripture, the Chaotic Heaven Dao Canon. Only true disciples may learn it.¡±

    ¡°The Chaotic Heaven Technique refines strength into something vast, pure, and overwhelming¡ªunstoppable, unbreakable.¡±

    ¡°You must first transform your strength into Chaotic Heaven Strength. Then, refine it once to achieve the tenth transformation of Body Refinement.¡±

    Wang Yuandao explained and analyzed the technique in detail. With the Divine Creation Talisman enhancing his comprehension, Chen Feng memorized the content perfectly after hearing it just once. It felt as though the knowledge had been engraved into his mind and transformed into an innate understanding.

    He immediately began circulating his strength throughout his body, using the techniques of the Chaotic Heaven Technique to refine and transform it.

    ¡°Just one explanation, and¡­¡± Wang Yuandao sensed the changes in Chen Feng''s energy¡ªa purer, more overwhelming force¡ªand couldn¡¯t hide his shock. ¡°Such extraordinary comprehension¡­¡±

    ¡°Master, I¡¯ve already converted my strength into Chaotic Heaven Strength and completed the first refinement,¡± Chen Feng said, his voice brimming with joy. His strength had increased several times over, becoming far more potent.

    Wang Yuandao laughed heartily. ¡°Excellent! The other seventy-one peaks have no idea what they missed.¡±

    "Disciple, here are Blood Condensation Pills to restore your energy as you refine your strength further. Aim to complete the eleventh transformation within a year, forging a body of steel and bone. Then, you¡¯ll be ready to enter the Hidden Dragon Secret Realm to seize its opportunities."

    ¡°What is the Hidden Dragon Secret Realm?¡± Chen Feng asked.

    ¡°If you reach the eleventh transformation within a year, I¡¯ll tell you all about it,¡± Wang Yuandao replied with a smile.

    As Chen Feng prepared for the next stage of his cultivation, Wang Yuandao and Yang Tao couldn¡¯t help but exchange meaningful glances.

    The future of Absolute Sword Peak suddenly seemed much brighter.

    [--------------------------------------------]

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 Chapter 28: Forged Through a Thousand Tempers â€“ The Sword Body

    In the Body Refinement Stage, the first nine transformations primarily focus on increasing the quantity of strength.

    However, the tenth transformation shifts its focus to refining the quality of strength¡ªthere is no further increase in raw power.

    Strength originates from blood energy, and refining that strength consumes a tremendous amount of blood energy. If the blood energy cannot be replenished in time, it not only delays the refinement process but also risks damaging the cultivator''s foundational health.

    The Blood Condensation Pill is specifically designed to replenish blood energy.

    For outer disciples and even inner disciples, obtaining a Blood Condensation Pill is exceedingly difficult. Yet, for Chen Feng, these pills were available in unlimited supply.

    After refining just one Blood Condensation Pill, Chen Feng felt his blood energy surging. A concentrated crimson glow emanated from his body, wrapping around his surface and growing progressively stronger.

    As he circulated the Chaotic Heaven Technique, his strength underwent continuous refinement. Impurities were expelled, and the newborn strength, extracted from his blood energy, was repeatedly purified, leaving behind only the essence.

    At that moment, a beam of sword light pierced through the clouds, landing on a cliff edge, where it transformed into two figures.

    One of them was Yang Tao, and the other was Li Xinyue.

    Li Xinyue still looked dazed, struggling to process everything that had happened today¡ªit had left her stunned.

    ¡°Disciple, the Young Master is currently cultivating. I will first teach you the Primal Heaven Technique,¡± Yang Tao said to Li Xinyue.

    ¡°Yes, Master,¡± Li Xinyue replied, gradually regaining her composure.

    ¡°The Primal Heaven Technique is inferior to the Chaotic Heaven Technique but still much stronger than ordinary techniques,¡± Yang Tao explained briefly before diving into a detailed explanation of the method and his personal insights into cultivation.

    Li Xinyue listened intently, but unlike Chen Feng, she lacked the same extraordinary aptitude and had to ask questions repeatedly.

    Yang Tao, however, showed no impatience. He carefully explained the technique over and over until Li Xinyue finally grasped its fundamentals.

    He then handed her Primordial Essence Pills and Blood Condensation Pills.

    ¡°Bring your cultivation up to the peak of the ninth transformation, then convert your strength into the Primal Heaven Strength. After that, circulate your strength through the Greater Circulation of Energy to break through to the tenth transformation of Body Refinement,¡± Yang Tao instructed. ¡°If you wish to grow alongside the Young Master and become his companion and follower, you must at least have the foundation of the tenth transformation.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Li Xinyue solemnly replied.

    The sudden change in her status was overwhelming, but she quickly adapted to her new role.

    By the time Chen Feng completed his cultivation and woke up, it was already evening.

    Inside his body, his purified and incredibly potent strength flowed steadily, circulating throughout him. Wherever it passed, Chen Feng felt his muscles tremble and his skin tighten, as if filled to the brim with overwhelming power. He also experienced an excruciating sensation, as if his body might tear apart under the pressure.

    ¡°Master, I''ve completed the second refinement of my strength, but my body feels like it''s about to burst,¡± Chen Feng said to Wang Yuandao, who stood quietly nearby.

    ¡°I forgot¡ªyou don¡¯t have an innate divine constitution. Yours is a mortal body, and its capacity for handling refined strength is limited,¡± Wang Yuandao said, pausing for a moment before sighing. ¡°A mortal body can only endure one or two refinements. A spiritual-grade divine constitution can handle three to five refinements, whereas a king-grade divine constitution can endure six to eight refinements. A sacred-grade divine constitution can undergo the full nine refinements. While your comprehension and pill absorption rival that of a divine constitution, you are ultimately not a true divine being.¡±You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    ¡°Master, surely you have a solution for this, right?¡± Chen Feng asked.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Wang Yuandao replied without hesitation. He wasn¡¯t one to beat around the bush and nodded. ¡°Originally, I planned to delay your body refinement training, but now it seems I have no choice but to accelerate the process.¡±

    ¡°In our sect¡¯s Chaotic Heaven Dao Canon, there is a body refinement technique called the Chaotic Heaven Battle Body. Over the generations, the ancestors of Absolute Sword Peak modified it by integrating swordsmanship to create the Chaotic Heaven Sword Body,¡± Wang Yuandao explained with calm precision. ¡°Both techniques consist of nine levels and have their unique strengths. Cultivating the Chaotic Heaven Sword Body allows your Chaotic Heaven Strength to transform into Chaotic Heaven Sword Strength, which is more suitable for sword cultivators. However, mastering the Sword Body makes reaching the Dao Integration stage more difficult compared to the Battle Body.¡±

    ¡°Which one do you choose?¡±

    ¡°Chaotic Heaven Sword Body,¡± Chen Feng answered decisively without a hint of hesitation.

    ¡°I respect your decision,¡± Wang Yuandao said before imparting the cultivation method for the Chaotic Heaven Sword Body. Chen Feng memorized it after hearing it just once, fully comprehending its intricate mysteries.

    ¡°The cultivation of the Chaotic Heaven Sword Body requires external assistance,¡± Wang Yuandao said as he waved his hand. A three-meter-tall cauldron appeared before him. He began tossing various precious herbs into the cauldron, each radiating divine light in different colors, exuding a rich medicinal fragrance.

    Wang Yuandao then produced a jade-green bottle and poured its contents into the cauldron. The liquid shimmered like a flowing river of stars.

    With another wave of his hand, flames sprang to life beneath the cauldron. The intense heat was so overwhelming that even from several meters away, Chen Feng felt as if he were being roasted alive.

    Inside the cauldron, the liquid boiled furiously, and the medicinal herbs dissolved, releasing an even stronger aroma.

    ¡°Take off your clothes and enter the cauldron to cultivate the Chaotic Heaven Sword Body,¡± Wang Yuandao commanded.

    Chen Feng¡¯s face turned pale.

    This kind of heat¡ªwas his master planning to cook him into a medicinal stew? Was he the main ingredient?

    ¡°Hurry!¡± Wang Yuandao urged.

    Clenching his teeth, Chen Feng stripped off his clothes and leaped into the cauldron. Instantly, the scorching heat enveloped him entirely. He thought he caught a whiff of roasted meat¡ªhis own flesh¡ªand it reminded him of a medicinal stew he had eaten in the past.

    The searing heat burned not only his skin and muscles but also his bones and internal organs.

    The pain was unbearable, yet under the influence of the Divine Creation Talisman, Chen Feng couldn¡¯t lose consciousness. He remained fully awake, enduring what felt like hell on earth.

    Wang Yuandao flicked his fingers, sending streams of sword energy into the cauldron. These threads of energy merged with the boiling medicinal liquid and seeped into Chen Feng¡¯s pores.

    Pain.

    An excruciating new level of pain, as if countless needles were stabbing into him, carving through his body like blades and tearing him apart from the inside.

    Chen Feng couldn¡¯t help but let out a pained howl.

    ¡°Circulate the Chaotic Heaven Sword Body technique!¡± Wang Yuandao¡¯s cold voice broke through the agony like a thunderclap.

    Fighting through the searing pain and the sensation of being torn apart, Chen Feng began circulating the technique. With the help of the Divine Creation Talisman, his control over his body reached unprecedented levels.

    The chaotic and destructive energies within him, fueled by the medicinal liquid, soon became orderly and refined. They transformed from chaotic mobs into disciplined soldiers, meticulously tempering every part of his body.

    The pain gradually subsided.

    Noticing this, Wang Yuandao relaxed and smiled faintly.

    ¡°He exceeded my expectations,¡± Wang Yuandao thought, his eyes gleaming with renewed hope. ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s possible after all¡ªto cultivate a Transcendent Realm expert within ten years to inherit Absolute Sword Peak.¡±

    Time passed slowly.

    Inside the cauldron, Chen Feng entered a meditative state. A blazing and sharp energy coursed through his body, refining his flesh, muscles, bones, and even his blood. Every part of his being was tempered to perfection.

    He absorbed the medicinal energy without pause.

    Through a thousand temperings, his body became as tough as steel.

    ...

    Meanwhile, on Sky Azure Peak, one of the twelve main peaks of the Chaotic Heaven Sect, the elder Ye Yunqi completed his breakthrough to the tenth transformation.

    As Ye Yunqi marveled at his achievement, he thought of Chen Feng.

    ¡°Though you¡¯ve become a disciple of a Peak Lord, that Peak Lord is a dying man. How can you compare to me?¡±

    With that, Ye Yunqi approached his master, a black-robed elder, with a request:

    ¡°Master, I have a grudge against a fellow sect member who is likely on Absolute Sword Peak. I request your permission to resolve it.¡±

    ¡°Very well,¡± the black-robed elder replied with a sharp glint in his eyes. ¡°Challenge him according to sect rules and settle your grudge.¡±

    [--------------------------------------------]

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