Chapter 83

Struggle for Supremacy (2)

The glow of Gongli in Zheng Yanxin's eyes quickly faded. He opened his mouth slightly and let out a long breath.

A wave of energy spread out from him and then disappeared. It seemed as if his body had become heavier with the increase in Zhenqi.

"Anyone can see that you are an elite warrior. If it weren't for your youthful face."

"Your body is different, making it even more so. There are few in the sect who have such a well-polished physique."

Several seniors made light-hearted remarks. They said that he now had the demeanor of a martial arts master, regardless of his age.

"Thank you."

Zheng Yanxin bowed to them with a fist salute. They were the seniors who had stood guard while he practiced his breathing techniques in the grand training hall.

He received care from them that he had never experienced at Zheng Family Manor. The sincere concern they showed, especially before such a significant mission, was very precious to him.

"How much stronger have you become? It's possible."

Majin, looking at the boy carefully, said.

"Improvement in Gongli is like that. Just because you can gauge it with one move doesn't mean it's all there. You need to use your body to truly understand it."

Zheng Yanxin smiled slightly and spoke.

"Are you suggesting a sparring match?"

His tone changed, becoming a bit more casual. It was how he addressed his maternal uncle.

Majin seemed pleased to see his nephew opening up over time.

"Sure, but... let's greet each other first and then follow."

Majin turned his back and started walking, heading in the direction of the grand training hall.

Zheng Yanxin, who had been standing there, turned to his companions.

"You're receiving guidance from the Chief just before the mission."

"Even if you hear advice many times, it's never too much."

"Your opponent is Nangong. They are the ones who discuss the first among the secular world."

"Take care, and return safely."

The senior martial artists behind him laughed and greeted him. It sounded as if they were saying they would see him tomorrow, but that was how the warriors of Yihuang City bid farewell.

Missions are heavy. Not a few companions never returned. That's why they sent them off lightly.

'Perhaps it's their way of wishing them well.'

It means they hope you return as naturally as the next day's noon. It was a custom of Yihuang City. Zheng Yanxin calmly bowed and slung his travel bag over his shoulder.

"Zheng Xiaoye!"

"Yes, Xianyuan Xiaoye."

Zheng Yanxin looked at someone who, like himself, was not yet accustomed to the customs of the sect.

Xianyuan Chang was smiling slightly.

The blue hero ribbon tied around his forehead fluttered slightly behind him. Anyone who didn't know him might think he was the one about to set out on the mission.

"Have you become stronger in your martial arts?"

"Perhaps a bit too early."

"I've been hiding about seventy percent of my true martial arts. Zheng Xiaoye, you should return quickly from the sparring match."

They exchanged light-hearted banter and then turned.

Zheng Yanxin started walking silently. The ground of the training hall, marked by the footprints of the experts, was particularly rough.

It was the first time Majin was going on a mission alone. They had their own tasks to perform.

'They said the Huangbao Family's mission was an overreach of manpower.'

He only realized this upon returning. They said the expedition to destroy the Huangbao Family was a difficult decision.

It was a way to show an example and to make up for the lack of manpower.

The martial world was a world layered on top of the secular world, and Yihuang City was a sect that protected the administrative region from all martial artists.

The Seventeenth Generation of the Divine Sword Corps was powerful, but in the context of the entire Central Plains, they were very few in number. It was a matter of numbers.

Those who shared the ideal of stabilizing the people and were trusted by the sect.

High-level experts who could easily match powerful martial artists.

The sect's martial artists had to be both. They were a difficult resource to cultivate.

The external personnel who could pass through Yihuang City's trials were filtered out by the eyes of the Yihuang City Lord. It was a matter of temperament.

'Yihuang City suppresses the freedom of martial artists.'

It is the implicit enemy of all sects in the martial world. In the context of the entire martial world, Yihuang City is a minority.

The sect is not small. The world is vast. The Central Plains, where the Thirteen Thousand and the Nine Sects and Eight Families are in turmoil, is a chaotic place.

"So, Nangong accepted the challenge with confidence."

Zheng Yanxin, who had arrived at the sealed stone chamber in the small training hall, faced Majin.

"Yes, it's very different from the Huangbao Family. It's a one-on-one match, and they are quite large, knowing our situation well. It's uncertain how a match between a few elites will turn out. Nangong is clearly stronger than Huangbao. They are called the first among the secular world in the orthodox sects."

"..."

"I also have to visit Sichuan soon. It's because of the Bileitan you once took. I received information that the Sichuan Tangmen are secretly manufacturing explosive pellets. The Chief of the General Office asked me to confirm it."

"Xianyuan Xiaoye in the blue rank? Isn't it a bit early?"

"I've been hiding about seventy percent of my true martial arts. Zheng Xiaoye, you should return quickly from the sparring match."

They exchanged light-hearted banter and then turned.

Zheng Yanxin started walking silently. The ground of the training hall, marked by the footprints of the experts, was particularly rough.

It was the first time Majin was going on a mission alone. They had their own tasks to perform.

"Let's hurry. There are many connections with the Thirteen Thousand, and we might not meet the deadline."

"That seems wise."

Nangong Huaxin nodded and mounted his horse simultaneously.

Neigh!

Each riding their fine steeds, they spurred them on immediately. There was no need to discuss the route.

For Zheng Yanxin, it was no longer a new path, and for Nangong Huaxin, the destination was his own family estate.

Another wind of a new beginning blew. The strong wind that swept across his face and the vibrations that shook him up and down were invigorating.

They galloped without restraint on the road where the early summer sun shone through the mist.

Nangong Huaxin laughed and said.

"Are you skilled in horseback riding?"

"Nangong Xiaoye seems more so."

For half an hour, they felt refreshed. The terrain was not difficult.

From Yangyang, where Yihuang City was located, to Huizhou in Nanzhili, there was only one road to take if they were to travel via the relay stations.

Perhaps because of this.

Suddenly, Zheng Yanxin felt a certain inevitability.

A red-tinged wind seemed to caress his cheek. It was as if it had been waiting for this moment.

The energy wave spreading from a distance was very familiar. Irregular yet strangely refined.

Had he been waiting there for a long time?

'It's weaker than usual. The energy wave is shallow.'

The boy spoke from atop his horse. Immediately, a brief conversation between the two prodigies began.

"Nangong Xiaoye."

"Strange energy, right? I felt it."

"Yes, it's Blood Cultivation Zhenqi."

"It's not just the Blood Cultivation Sword."

"It's a disciple."

"A disciple of the Blood Cultivation Sect?"

"Yes, one of the Seven Disciples."

"I've heard. They lived with you."

"Can you make jokes too?"

"I'm human too. But the energy wave is strange. It's not strong enough to be a disciple's."

"If it's weakened, it's an opportunity. If it's at its original level, it's already too late. You'll be caught up by their lightness."

"If we assume a combined attack, what are our chances?"

"I don't know. The only way is to fight loudly and hope the sect's top experts notice."

He spoke frankly.

His Gongli had increased after consuming the spirit pill he received as a mission reward.

However, in the world of experts, a small difference could mean a significant gap in power. Zheng Yanxin was cautious.

It was a life pursued under the pressure of time. Without pushing his body to its limits, it was hard to give a definitive answer.

Do we have a chance?

'But if this significantly weakened energy wave is real...'

Thud!

Zheng Yanxin leaped off his horse, gauging the distance. His field of vision suddenly widened.

At the same time, Nangong Huaxin soared up and, as he landed, they saw someone emerging from the forest, now quite close.

He was wearing a flowing red robe.

Jet-black hair and a single red eye.

There was almost no change in his physique. Perhaps his hair was a bit longer.

His appearance was different. It was due to the blood trickling from the corner of his mouth. The dark red blood seemed unfamiliar.

Blood Cultivation has regenerative properties, yet he appeared unable to heal his internal injuries.

Boom!

Since they had decided to confront him, Zheng Yanxin and Nangong Huaxin immediately unleashed a storm of lightness.

The scenery rushed past them, and the face of the Seventh Disciple filled their vision.

Thud.

"The sect must have fallen."

Dust was kicked up by his feet brushing the ground.

In the midst of the wind caused by the lightness, Zheng Yanxin stopped exactly ten steps away and spoke.

"What do you want? To come all the way to Yangyang."

"...I came because you weren't at home."

The Seventh Disciple slowly parted his blood-stained lips.

He had a hazy smile on his face, almost pitiful.

His jet-black hair was swayed by the dust.

"I came to find you."

The Seventh Disciple moved his lips. The red eye on the opposite side of the black eye patch was shining.

"What's with that look?"

Zheng Yanxin, accustomed to such pretentious auras, asked indifferently.

"Are you worried about me?"

Her smile brightened. The deep red smile seemed to have no effect on Nangong Huaxin.

"Your techniques are a bit... dangerous. You blue-ranked experts."

His words trailed off, indicating unstable internal energy.

There were Yihuang City experts who did not show up during the Blood Cultivation Sect's main hall incident. Perhaps he had encountered them.

At that moment,

"Since I found you, it's fine. Come here."

Rustle.

He approached with a smile, his steps faltering. It was clear he was severely injured. He seemed generally abnormal.

Zheng Yanxin raised his hand to stop Nangong Huaxin from intervening.

Fortunately, he stopped. It was a sign of trust.

It was due to his growth, blue rank, completed missions, and the bond they had formed.

'Strange.'

He stood still, observing the Seventh Disciple's expression and energy wave. He waited until her faint breath reached his neck.

Rustle.

With a trembling breath, she embraced Zheng Yanxin. The gentle friction of her clothes was felt clearly.

"Go back and create a new technique for me. My own young Tai Shi. My little Sect Leader."

The Seventh Disciple whispered. It tickled his ear.

'If this works on her, it will work on the Nangong Family's direct line too.'

Zheng Yanxin thought as he was embraced.

"My young Tai Shi."

He spoke calmly. He hadn't expected his new palm technique to be put to the test so soon.

As he recited the incantation, a strange wave of Zhenqi emerged from his right hand.

In an instant, the dust kicked up from his feet began to shimmer gold in the sunlight.

"Now, it's gone."

With the boy's words, an explosion resounded.