Chapter 42

Zhao Feng and Zhao Yufei walked back side by side, drawing many strange looks from the Zhao clan's younger generation. Those looks were filled with envy, jealousy, and some ambiguity.

A faint blush appeared on Zhao Yufei's porcelain-like face, and she secretly glanced at Zhao Feng, only to find him calm and even somewhat distracted.

This couldn't help but make her feel a bit disappointed and frustrated.

Among the Zhao clan's peers, only Zhao Feng consistently outshone her, this talented and beautiful girl, which made Zhao Yufei feel somewhat powerless.

Back at home, Zhao Feng briefly explained his "adventure" in the Hengyun Tianlin to his father, Zhao Tianyang.

Of course, he omitted the part about being hired by Zhao Tianjian to be assassinated and lightly glossed over the danger of encountering a high-level fierce beast.

Even so, Zhao Tianyang was still shocked and broke out in a cold sweat.

Back in his room, Zhao Feng took a deep breath and muttered, "Zhao Tianjian's assassination attempt failed, and he probably won't let it go. I'll hide my strength and wait for the right moment to act."

This was also one of the reasons he didn't challenge Zhao Linlong in the family martial arts competition.

Zhao Feng sat cross-legged and focused his mind on the left eye space, exploring another matter.

In the dark space, a pale green spiral halo stretched about five feet and eight inches, indicating that Zhao Feng's cultivation had almost reached the peak of the fifth level.

But this wasn't the focus for Zhao Feng.

"Show me!"

Zhao Feng concentrated his mind and subconsciously activated his left eye.

Whoosh!

The pale green spiral halo suddenly disappeared, and a scene formed in the dark space.

In the scene, there were two figures: one was a massive high-level fierce beast, the "Green-Eyed Giant Wolf," and the other was a young girl, not much older than Zhao Yufei.

Next, an astonishing scene unfolded: the Green-Eyed Giant Wolf and the young girl leaped up almost simultaneously, their figures quickly crossing.

The young girl moved gracefully, as if blending into an indescribable natural force, appearing both beautiful and natural.

A strange green light emanated from her body, ten times more brilliant than a martial artist's internal energy. As her body and hands moved in a peculiar manner, the light merged with the natural force.

With a light palm strike, the changing green light formed a sharp whirlwind, unleashing an unimaginable and terrifying force that instantly tore apart the Green-Eyed Giant Wolf's head, a power that clearly surpassed human limitations.

"Who is that young girl? In all of Yuyang City, no one could withstand her attack."

Zhao Feng drew a sharp breath.

In the dark space, the scene replayed over and over.

Zhao Feng focused his mind, viewing the details of the young girl's movements from different angles and perspectives.

Gradually, he seemed to gain some insight.

The young girl's seemingly casual strike contained many profound elements, far beyond the level of a martial artist.

Zhao Feng's repeated insights brought him some gains.

At this point, he could basically simulate the young girl's technique, learning the basics.

Even just the basics, Zhao Feng's simulated move could match the power of a high-level martial technique.

This filled him with joy.

If he could learn the essence of that young girl's move, wouldn't he surpass ordinary top-tier martial techniques?

Thinking of this, Zhao Feng became even more excited.

"Perhaps I should name this move 'Mystic Wind Palm.'"

That night, Zhao Feng repeatedly studied the move.

The name "Mystic Wind Palm" was a homophone for "Whirlwind Palm," implying a rotating and sharp force.

Because this move contained profound and mysterious elements that Zhao Feng couldn't fully grasp in the short term, he named it "Mystic Wind Palm."

Late into the night, Zhao Feng suddenly felt a bit tired.

It turned out that the left eye space didn't support unlimited insight.

When he stopped, the pale green spiral halo reappeared, the same length but much dimmer.

"Using this method to gain insight consumes my mental energy."

Zhao Feng concluded.

Deciding to start practicing the "Lingdu Qi Jue," he began his cultivation.

After the competition, Zhao Feng received a "Yunxue Pill," which could enhance and promote a martial artist's cultivation.

Unlike rare treasures, the pill contained fewer impurities and toxins, making its energy more pure and easier to absorb.

"I still have three thousand-year-old herbs, which are even more valuable than the Yunxue Pill."

After a moment's thought, Zhao Feng took the Yunxue Pill.

Soon, the pill's energy began to take effect in his body, generating a medicinal energy that was very compatible with his body's qi and martial internal energy.

Zhao Feng quickly activated the "Lingdu Qi Jue" and worked hard to absorb the energy.

Since his martial internal energy had reached the peak of the fifth level, higher than his actual cultivation, absorbing the energy was quite easy.

The next morning.

Zhao Feng had basically absorbed all the energy from the "Yunxue Pill" and felt his physical strength and martial internal energy improve.

Closing his eyes, the pale green spiral halo in the left eye space extended to five feet and nine inches.

"Peak of the fifth level! The Yunxue Pill's effect is quite good."

Zhao Feng nodded in satisfaction.

At the peak of the fifth level, among the Zhao clan's younger generation, only Zhao Linlong could match him.

It was still early, and Zhao Feng tried the "Mystic Wind Palm" he had learned the night before in the courtyard.

Whoosh!

He suddenly leaped into the air, a pale green aura swirling around his body and rapidly converging in his palm, following a unique trajectory as he slowly slashed.

Pfft!

A branch as thick as an arm in the air instantly turned to fragments.

Zhao Feng's palm strike wasn't very forceful; it didn't rely on brute strength to shatter the branch but contained a rotating and cutting force.

"Indeed unique. The power of this move is close to the mastery level of a high-level martial technique."

Zhao Feng was very pleased.

Just as Zhao Feng was fully studying the "Mystic Wind Palm,"

"Brother Feng, can I come in?"

A familiar, gentle female voice called out.

Huh?

Zhao Feng was first taken aback, then his brows furrowed.

Outside the courtyard, a girl in a white robe, bright and charming, bit her lip and didn't dare to look directly at Zhao Feng.

The visitor was none other than Zhao Xue.

"Come in."

Zhao Feng regained his composure and let Zhao Xue in.

The two looked at each other for a moment.

Zhao Xue wanted to speak but held back, her eyes darting away, looking shy and hesitant.

"What are you here for?"

Zhao Feng's face was expressionless.

For Zhao Xue, he only had some fondness from childhood.

Since entering the Zhao clan, that remaining fondness had vanished.

Zhao Xue's eyes were red and moist, her head bowed and lips bitten: "When I entered the Zhao clan, it was all due to Xue's momentary confusion. I hope Brother Feng can remember our past and not hold it against me..."

Seeing Zhao Xue's pitiful and tearful appearance, Zhao Feng's heart stirred slightly but quickly calmed.

"Why do you say that? Everyone has the freedom to choose... I have never held a grudge against you."

Zhao Feng smiled calmly, with a hint of nonchalance.

Indeed, Zhao Feng had never held a grudge against Zhao Xue; he was just deeply disappointed by her actions at the time.

I have never held a grudge against you!

Zhao Xue's heart trembled, looking at the calm and composed young man, she couldn't help but sob: "Has Brother Feng never... even when we were in Qingye Town?"

Her words made Zhao Feng a bit puzzled.

At the time, Zhao Feng was not yet fourteen.

Half a year ago, he was only thirteen, with a simple and innocent mind, and he had hardly reacted to Zhao Xue's affection.

Even now, at fourteen, Zhao Feng was focused on martial arts and somewhat slow in understanding romantic feelings.

Seeing Zhao Feng's reaction, Zhao Xue immediately understood, her heart turning cold.

The truth was clear: Zhao Feng had never liked her, at most he had a childlike, innocent fondness.

"Brother Zhao Feng!"

Another clear and pleasant female voice called from outside the courtyard.

Zhao Yufei walked into Zhao Feng's courtyard with a smile.

They were neighbors and quite familiar, so Zhao Yufei didn't knock before entering.

She quickly noticed Zhao Xue, and the atmosphere seemed off.

Zhao Feng and Zhao Xue were silent, the latter sobbing softly, her eyes dim...

"What is it, Yufei?"

Zhao Feng asked, turning to look at Zhao Yufei.

In the small courtyard, two exceptionally beautiful girls stood.

Zhao Xue was very pretty, with a delicate and slightly alluring appearance, surpassing most girls.

However, compared to Zhao Yufei's elegant and refined beauty, she seemed dull and unremarkable...

In terms of appearance, temperament, and even talent, Zhao Xue was clearly inferior, like a village girl compared to a noble lady from the city.

"Brother Feng, didn't you go to the 'Xuanwu Pavilion' to claim your martial techniques? You placed in the top three in the martial arts competition and can choose a top-tier martial technique, which is enviable."

Zhao Yufei was somewhat surprised.

It turned out she had just gone to the Xuanwu Pavilion to claim her reward.

The top ten in the inner competition could choose two high-level martial techniques.

The top three in the inner competition could choose one top-tier martial technique and two high-level martial techniques.

"Hehe, I almost forgot about that."

Zhao Feng smiled lightly.

Watching Zhao Feng and Zhao Yufei leave with smiles, Zhao Xue felt as if she were in an ice cellar, her heart filled with disappointment and regret.

She regretted her foolish choice at the time...

After saying goodbye to Zhao Yufei, Zhao Feng walked quickly.

Soon, he arrived at the "Xuanwu Pavilion."

The elder guarding the Xuanwu Pavilion had changed, now a white-bearded old man who looked familiar and kind.

"It's you?"

The white-bearded old man's eyes lit up slightly.

Zhao Feng immediately recognized him and quickly bowed, grateful: "Greetings, Elder."

It turned out this white-bearded old man was the chief referee of the family martial arts competition.

During the outer and inner competitions, he had taken care of Zhao Feng.

"My name is Zhao Yusong. You can call me Uncle Zhao."

The white-bearded chief referee smiled kindly.

"Yes, Uncle Zhao!"

Zhao Feng felt genuine gratitude, and his call of "Uncle Zhao" was sincere.

"Follow me."

Zhao Yusong led Zhao Feng to the second floor of the Xuanwu Pavilion.

On the second floor of the Xuanwu Pavilion, there were only two to three hundred martial arts manuals, mostly high-level techniques, with a few top-tier techniques.

Even for a large clan like the Zhao clan, top-tier techniques were extremely precious.

Zhao Feng's eyes quickly scanned the room, somewhat surprised: "Uncle Zhao, why are there only plaques for the martial arts manuals here?"

On the second floor of the Xuanwu Pavilion, there were no actual martial arts manuals, only jade plaques with the names of the techniques and brief descriptions.

"Hehe, high-level martial arts manuals are incredibly rare. The true copies can't be kept here. Only when you decide which technique to choose will I retrieve the true copy for you to study and memorize."

Zhao Yusong explained.

Zhao Feng understood, feeling a bit disappointed. The clan's strict management of high-level martial arts made it unrealistic to "steal" them as he had before.

However, being able to choose one top-tier technique and two high-level techniques was still a rare opportunity for Zhao Feng.

He walked around the second floor, reading the names and brief descriptions of all the martial arts manuals.

"What's wrong? Haven't you chosen a manual yet?"

Zhao Yusong asked curiously.

Zhao Feng's eyes twinkled, and he chuckled: "Uncle Zhao... As an elder of the Xuanwu Pavilion, you must be very familiar with the manuals. Could you recommend one or two of the most powerful techniques that would suit me?"

"You sly boy! Trying to get me to help you, don't you know that's against the clan rules?"

Zhao Yusong's eyes flashed with a sharp light.

Despite his words, Zhao Yusong didn't hesitate in his actions.

He slowly walked to the bookshelf on the second floor of the Xuanwu Pavilion and leisurely took out a few jade plaques...