Chapter Sixty-Five: Into Battle (Second Update)

In the grand hall atop Azure Sun Peak, all eyes were fixed on Cheng Feng—his primordial spirit having returned to his body, his expression fierce and cold. The hearts of those present were shaken to the core. Among the masters from the great sects—Clouds High Path, Righteous Vitality Sect, Heavenly Sound Mountain—a fervent gleam flashed in their gazes.

Who could have imagined that within the Xuan Zhen Temple of Cangyun Mountain, such a prodigy would emerge: one who could let his spirit leave his body and yet slay foes with his flesh. If given time, should Cheng Feng master the transformation stage of the Profound Gate, who beneath the level of the Celestial Immortal could hope to be his match?

Daoist Muyun of Cloud High Path’s thoughts whirled. He laughed aloud to Daoist Pinesong, saying, “Master Pinesong, to think your disciple possesses such divine powers! In his hands, the future of Xuan Zhen Temple will surely flourish.”

Before Pinesong could reply, Muyun turned to Cheng Feng. “Our Cloud High Path possesses a divine technique, most efficacious for those who reach the transformation stage of the Profound Gate. If you do not disdain my offer, young friend, you may return with me to Celestial Heights Mountain. Once your cultivation is complete, you can return to serve your sect with glory.”

But Pinesong would not be outmaneuvered so easily. He shook his head at once. “Master Muyun, your kindness is appreciated. But my disciple is already pledged to the Danxia Sect. I fear it would not be proper.”

A trace of unwillingness flashed across Cheng Feng’s face, but he dared not defy his master’s orders. He thanked Daoist Muyun and withdrew to one side.

Though Huo Zhongmou had met a tragic end at Cheng Feng’s hands, Chu Qingyun remained unshaken. He shook his head slowly and sighed, “Take Elder Huo’s body back and give him a proper burial. Today’s events are my fault.”

The warriors of the Marquis’ household did not speak, but stepped forward to collect Huo Zhongmou’s remains in haste.

With the situation settled, a smile finally touched Pinesong’s lips. He called out to Sima Yan, “Now that Elder Huo of Danxia Sect has been defeated by Elder Yang’s disciple, does Sect Master Sima have any further recommendations?”

Sima Yan, though outwardly composed, was inwardly sweating. Who could have foreseen that Xuan Zhen Temple’s disciple, Cheng Feng, would possess such divine abilities? If not for the presence of both the Yin-Yang Path’s Profound Gate expert and the Chu family’s young lady at the martial pinnacle, the Seven Absolutes Sect would surely have suffered a crushing defeat today.

A cold smile played on Sima Yan’s lips as his mind raced. Suddenly, his gaze shifted to a corner of the hall where Qi Fei stood. Qi Fei’s heart skipped a beat. As Zhuo Jin’er had warned him, Sima had grown suspicious.

Seeing this, Pinesong laughed heartily. “Sect Master Sima, do you intend for Elder Mo to compete for the sect master’s seat? In Danxia Sect, those with ability should lead. Any disciple of Danxia Sect may challenge Elder Yang’s line for supremacy.”

A sharp glint flashed in Sima Yan’s eyes. “Master Pinesong, while Cheng Feng’s Profound Gate cultivation is formidable, there are martial prodigies among Danxia Sect’s outer disciples whose talent matches his.”

His composure unshaken, Sima Yan’s words rang with conviction. Murmurs of astonishment rippled through the hall. Could it be that even within the humble outer court of Danxia Sect, there was a martial genius to rival Cheng Feng, the Profound Gate prodigy?

A thread of unease passed through Pinesong’s heart as he closely examined the outer disciples of Danxia Sect.

At that moment, Qi Fei was in turmoil. Sima Yan’s intention was clear: to force him into a duel with Cheng Feng. It made sense. He had infiltrated Moonwatch Peak at night, throwing the Seven Absolutes Sect into chaos, and later, under the guise of the Yin-Yang Path’s master, had seized the peerless elixirs of the Danding Sect. Sima Yan’s hatred for him ran deep. Now, with such an opportunity, how could Sima let him go unscathed?

Qi Fei considered his situation. Though he had broken through to the sixth level of martial cultivation and harmonized his inner energy, he had yet to reach the innate stage. The awe-inspiring might of Cheng Feng’s spirit-leaving-the-body art was no small matter. Against such a Profound Gate expert, his odds of victory were slim.

Seeing Qi Fei unmoved, Sima Yan raised his voice, “Qi Fei, the other day you wounded me gravely in our contest. Since you possess such martial prowess, now that your sect is in peril, won’t you step forward to assist your master?”

“Qi Fei?”

Within the hall, Yang Zheng and the disciples of Azure Sun Peak exchanged incredulous glances. Could it be that the disciple once punished at the Reflection Cliff had wounded Sima Yan, master of the Seven Absolutes Sect and a martial artist at the innate stage? Unbelievable.

Mo Zhanpeng and his disciples were equally stunned. Qi Fei had been reticent about his exploits on Moonwatch Peak, but to think he had not only escaped unharmed from Sima Yan, but even wounded this martial master.

Gradually, all eyes in the hall settled on Qi Fei. Was this unremarkable youth, who had once openly accused Yang Zheng of plotting against the sect leader, truly the martial genius Sima Yan claimed—one who could rival Cheng Feng?

Qi Fei pondered. He could escape with his Bloodshadow Evasion Technique, but doing so would leave his master and Elder Sun in peril. Now that Cheng Feng had slain Huo Zhongmou so brazenly, shocking all the Profound Gate experts, leaving such a threat unchecked would spell disaster for the future. Since Sima Yan had forced his hand, perhaps it was best to take a risk and eliminate this prodigy in the sect’s grand hall.

His mind made up, Qi Fei ignored his master and Elder Sun’s objections. He walked steadily to stand before Sima Yan and sighed, “Sect Master Sima, is this really necessary?”

Sima Yan’s hatred for Qi Fei was bone-deep. If not for Zhuo Jin’er’s sake, he would have long since acted to reclaim the peerless elixir stolen from the Danding Sect.

Thinking of the elixir lost to Qi Fei, Sima Yan’s anger smoldered. He sneered, “Qi Fei, are you afraid?”

Qi Fei’s expression didn’t change. “The gift Sect Master Sima bestowed on me is not in my possession. If you wish to reclaim it, then stand aside and assist me. Afterward, I’ll give you a proper explanation.”

Sima Yan never suspected that Qi Fei had already used up the elixir in a moment of desperation. But the hope of recovering it was enough—he agreed at once, “As Master Pinesong said, in this contest, life and death follow their own fate. You have nothing to fear.”

Before reclaiming the elixir, Sima Yan would not harm him. With a martial master at his side, Qi Fei felt reassured. He called out to Pinesong, “Qi Fei, disciple of Elder Mo, is willing to stand for his master and contend for the seat of Danxia Sect’s leader.”

Suspicion clouded Pinesong’s eyes. How could this youth, supposedly the equal of his own prized disciple, have wounded Sima Yan? Yet the boy faced danger unflinching, as if confident of his abilities. Was he feigning, or hiding his strength with some divine art?

Unwilling to invite further complications, Pinesong hesitated.

Previously, Cheng Feng had slain Huo Zhongmou with an uncanny technique and soared to fame. Surrounded by the fervent eyes of Profound Gate experts, he was already somewhat heady with pride.

Seeing his master’s indecision, Cheng Feng raised his voice, “Boy, did you not see what became of Huo Zhongmou? Yet you still dare challenge me—truly courting death.”

Qi Fei sighed softly. “To be honest, Elder Huo and I had old grievances. Since you slew him, this debt falls to you. Brother Cheng, please.”

At this, Cheng Feng flew into a rage. He sneered, “Since you are so reckless, don’t blame me for being merciless.”

Qi Fei shot Cheng Feng a cold look. “Brother Cheng, do you think you can frighten me with mere words? If it’s posturing you want, I can do that too.”

He took a deep breath, his gaze turning steely. “You think you’re enough?”

The hall erupted with laughter. Was this the martial prodigy Sima Yan had spoken of? He seemed a most amusing youth, yet his cultivation appeared unremarkable. Was there another mystery here?

Mocked before the crowd, Cheng Feng’s fury blazed. He said to Pinesong, “Master, let me deal with this arrogant upstart.”

Qi Fei deliberately provoked the master of Xuan Zhen Temple. “Didn’t Brother Cheng defect to Elder Yang of our Danxia Sect? What now—seeing things go awry, you wish to run back to Xuan Zhen Temple and seek your old master’s protection? That’s hardly fair. I called you ‘Brother’—don’t I deserve something in return?”

Cheng Feng laughed in anger, then regained his composure. “You think to anger me with these petty tricks? Today, I will tear you to pieces.”

Qi Fei was unfazed and shook his head. “Again with the threats? Fine—I’ll say it once more.”

He wiped the smile from his face, and a fierce killing intent kindled in his eyes. “You think you’re enough?”