Chapter 171: The Appearance of a Peak Great Master

Chapter 171: The Appearance of a Peak Great Master

Li Xuan, hidden in the distant castle, listened in on the conversation between Xu Junhe and Kou Ruozhi in the Evergreen Pavilion, his spirit senses tingling with the founding of Dahuang.

The two men discussed strategies to establish a presence in the Inner Domain, specifically in Tieshan County, which was located in Lanping County, Greater Vietnam. They knew that the first obstacle they would face was the mighty Greater Vietnam itself.

Dahuang, in its infancy, was not yet a formidable force, with its martial artists still struggling to break through. Resisting the might of Greater Vietnam seemed like an impossible task. Thus, Xu and Kou agreed to proceed cautiously, biding their time until their strength improved before making their presence known.

"Brother Xu, with the 'Beginning of Heaven and Earth' and 'Dahuan Orthodox', we might be stirring up trouble with the people of the Inner Domain. Are we pushing our luck too far?" Kou Ruozhi expressed his concern.

By declaring themselves as the orthodox lineage of the beginning of heaven and earth, they were essentially challenging the existing powers of the Inner Domain. This would undoubtedly attract unwanted attention and provoke the Inner Domain's forces.

However, Xu Junhe merely smiled and replied, "You're right, but I'm talking about a broader definition of 'Dahuan' that includes the Inner Domain as well. It's all about perspective."

Kou Ruozhi's lips twitched as he countered, "But we need recognition from the Inner Domain!"

"Once more people practice the Dahuan martial arts, recognition will come naturally. It's only a matter of time," Xu Junhe said, his voice full of confidence.

Listening to their conversation, Li Xuan couldn't help but contemplate the impending martial arts storm that Dahuang's entry into the Inner Domain would bring about.

As the conflict unfolded, the discovery that the Dahuan martial arts were superior to those of the Inner Domain would inevitably attract the youth of the Inner Domain seeking martial prowess. After all, the pursuit of martial arts was driven by the desire for strength and longevity. No one would choose to cultivate weaker arts when a more powerful alternative existed.

The intertwining of these two martial arts would undoubtedly create a storm in the Inner Domain, though it was still too early for Li Xuan to witness it firsthand. Such a storm could not be whipped up overnight.

For now, Dahuang was still too weak, with its martial artists yet to break through.

"I wonder what kind of feedback I'll get if the Inner Domain embraces Dahuan and my created martial arts replace the existing ones?" Li Xuan's curiosity grew, and he found himself eagerly anticipating the future.

Xu Junhe, Kou Ruozhi, Guo Rongshan, Qi Huang, and Wu Huang were no fools. They were well aware of their current weakness and would not rush into conflict with the Inner Domain. Instead, they chose a slow infiltration approach, gradually strengthening their position.

Xu Yan and Meng Chong would undoubtedly become the representatives of the Dahuan martial arts, and as their fame grew, so would the number of aspirants drawn to Dahuan.

Unbeknownst to Xu Yan and Meng Chong, who were on their way to the spiritual herb treasure land, the founding of Dahuan and the subtle changes in Tieshan County due to the arrival of the Evergreen Pavilion were already setting the stage for future events.

After a long journey, the trio finally arrived at the treasure land.

Meng Shushu pointed to the mountain ahead and said, "Brother Xu, do you see that mountain? There's a valley there with a deep pool. Spiritual energy converges in the valley, creating a treasure land where spiritual herbs grow.

"The pool water surges forth from underground, imbued with the earth's spiritual energy, providing an even more conducive environment for the herbs. As for the black-robed men, they're hiding within the cliffs of the mountains in the valley.

"One of the cliff walls is believed to house a fifth-grade spiritual herb, and there may be other sites within the cliffs where spiritual herbs grow. It's possible that there's more than one fifth-grade herb."

"If this is indeed the black-robed men's lair, there will undoubtedly be many strong cultivators present. We must be cautious and ensure none of them escape," Xu Yan said, his voice stern. "If this is just one of their branches, we absolutely cannot let them send out a signal."

"By killing the kites, we'll cut off their means of communication," Meng Shushu explained, her brow furrowed. "However, the kites are fast and highly sensitive. They'll fly away at the slightest hint of a stranger's approach. That's one of the warning methods used by the major forces."

Xu Yan and Meng Chong couldn't help but frown at the challenge before them. To prevent the black-robed men from signaling for help, they had to kill the kites, but doing so would surely provoke a response from the black-robed men. There was no guarantee they could eliminate all the kites before being stopped. Moreover, they didn't even know where the kites were hiding.

"Is there anything that can attract the kites?" Xu Yan asked, turning to Meng Shushu.

"Kites usually eat spirit beans, but luring them here is almost impossible. They won't touch spirit beans from strangers," Meng Shushu replied, shaking her head.

Xu Yan fell silent for a moment before taking out a small bottle and pouring out several pills. "What about these pills? Do you think they can attract the kites?"

Meng Shushu's eyes lit up at the sight of the pills in Xu Yan's palm, but she hesitated, unsure if they would work.

"We can only find out by trying," Xu Yan decided. "Sister Meng said that these pills might attract the Swallowing Mountain Toad. If they can attract such a creature, they should be able to lure the kites as well, right?"

The pills in Xu Yan's hand were crafted by Su Lingxiu as a practice, and they had the effect of attracting spirit beasts. Perhaps they could lure the elusive Swallowing Mountain Toad out of hiding. After all, it was a key ingredient for making hidden object pouches.

Xu Yan kept the pills with him, hoping for a chance to capture a Swallowing Mountain Toad.

The three proceeded with caution, and when they were twenty miles from the mountain, Meng Chong and Meng Shushu stayed behind while Xu Yan stealthily approached the mountain alone.

He found a suitable spot outside the valley and crushed one of the pills, releasing a unique scent that blended seamlessly with the aroma of the vegetation. This scent wouldn't raise any alarms for those in the valley, as it wouldn't be perceived as unusual.

Xu Yan concealed himself in the branches of a large tree, quietly waiting for his prey.

Suddenly, a kite appeared out of thin air and landed in front of the pill.

"It works!" Xu Yan was overjoyed.

The kite flew low instead of taking off, which wasn't a warning sign. Those in the valley wouldn't pay any mind to it.

After all, kites didn't stay in one place for long. Only when they flew high into the sky was it a signal that strangers were approaching.

Xu Yan's finger tapped lightly, sending a faint sword intent that instantly killed the kite, turning it into flying ash.

This sword intent was extremely subtle and fleeting, just enough to kill the kite without alerting the powerful cultivators in the valley.

After killing one kite, another soon flew over, followed by another. Xu Yan swiftly dispatched each one, ensuring they couldn't send out any warning signals.

In total, there were five kites, and after they were all killed, no more appeared.

"Five kites seem a bit too few. This might just be one of their branches or one of the treasure sites occupied by the black-robed men," Xu Yan mused as he collected the crushed pills.

He returned to Meng Chong and Meng Shushu, reporting, "I've killed all the kites, so they can't send out any signals. This doesn't seem to be the black-robed men's headquarters, but rather one of their branches."

"In that case, let's get started! I'm going to crush that Great Master!" Meng Chong rubbed his hands together, eager for action. He had been on the run from the black-robed Great Master for some time, and now he finally had a chance for revenge.

"Meng Shushu, be careful yourself and keep an eye out for any stragglers," Xu Yan instructed.

With Xu Yan and Meng Chong's terrifying might, the black-robed men in the valley had no chance of escaping.

The valley was silent, save for the gentle sound of the stream flowing from the pond. Lichen covered some parts of the cliff walls, and one would never notice the hidden dwellings within unless they looked closely.

And even more unimaginable was the presence of spirit herbs growing within those walls.

"Brother Xu, I'll make the first move and test the waters," Meng Chong said.

Although they suspected that this was not the black-robed men's main lair but merely a branch, they still had to proceed with caution.

"Alright!" Xu Yan nodded.

Meng Chong's figure soared into the air and descended towards the valley, his aura unconcealed.

As he approached, there was a loud rumble, and rocks tumbled down the cliff wall. A figure clad in black emerged.

"Someone has intruded!" the black-robed man exclaimed.

He was a Grand Master Warrior, and an accomplished one at that.

"Hand over your spirit crystals and spirit herbs! We're robbing you!" Meng Chong bellowed, his body shimmering with golden light as he brandished his precious blade with a ferocious expression.

The black-robed man's eyes turned cold as he realized that the presence of a stranger had gone unnoticed by their messenger kites. Moreover, the kites had disappeared without a trace, indicating that the intruder had likely dealt with them using some means.

"It's you?!" The black-robed man's gaze fell on Meng Chong's bald head and sturdy build, immediately recognizing him.

This was the man who had rescued Meng Shushu and subsequently slain several Grand Masters who had pursued them. On top of that, he had also plundered all the spirit herbs from their treasure site!

"If you wish to die, I shall grant your wish!" The black-robed man unsheathed his curved blade, and the aura of a Grand Master Warrior at the pinnacle of perfection erupted from him, forming a storm-like force in the valley, akin to the descent of heavenly wrath.

Meng Chong chuckled coldly, his blade at the ready. "Today, you die!"

Boom!

His blade cleaved through the air, releasing a tempest of wind and thunder. With each strike, his aura intensified, as if trying to shatter his opponent's aura.

"Not good!" The black-robed man's expression changed drastically.

He had not expected his opponent to be so powerful.

Boom!

The black-robed man's curved blade slashed out, its light pouring forth like a storm.

Boom!

The cliff wall shattered once more, and two more figures emerged, both Grand Masters. They joined the battle, their curved blades adding to the assault on Meng Chong.

"Perfect timing!" Meng Chong showed no fear. He unleashed the Great Sun Golden Body, and with the Heaven-Defying Blade and the Wind-Thunder Vajra Fist, he not only held his ground against the three Grand Masters but also began to dominate the fight, pushing them back.

After breaking through to the Great Perfection of the Innate Realm, Meng Chong had further strengthened his foundation with the Golden Body Pill, enhancing his innate strength. His current prowess far surpassed what it had been before.

Not only could he easily handle one Grand Master at the pinnacle of perfection and two at the initial stage, but he was confident he could maintain the upper hand even if three Grand Masters at the pinnacle of perfection were to besiege him.

"You sneaky fellow, stop hiding! If you don't show yourself, these three will surely die!" Meng Chong's ferocity knew no bounds. He didn't even bother to defend against the attacks of the two initial-stage Grand Masters, allowing their strikes to land on him without any apparent harm.

The resilience of his Fleshly Body Martial Arts was on full display.

The two initial-stage Grand Masters were stunned, while the pinnacle Grand Master roared and unleashed his full power. His blade glowed like a tempest, carrying a terrifying might as he sought to annihilate Meng Chong.

However, Meng Chong's blade shone with a domineering light, the wind and thunder raging as he cleaved through all the incoming blade lights and shattered their attacks. He intended to slay them with this strike.

The two initial-stage Grand Masters spat out mouthfuls of blood, their faces turning deathly pale as they employed their martial arts secrets to jointly withstand Meng Chong's blow.

As for the pinnacle Grand Master, his curved blade hovered in the air, and he channeled all his aura into it. The storm-like force swirled around the blade, and the might of a pinnacle Grand Master infused the weapon.

In just a moment, the curved blade turned icy cold, its chill piercing to the bone.

The pinnacle Grand Master slashed with his blade, and it shattered into pieces. However, a blade light, cold enough to freeze the marrow, descended from the air.

After executing this move, the pinnacle Grand Master's face turned pale, his aura disordered, and his body staggered.

Evidently, this killing move had come at a cost.

Meng Chong's brows furrowed as he felt as if an icy-cold eye were fixated on him at that moment, a chill permeating his being, leaving him with no room to dodge or retreat.

"Is this his trump card?" Meng Chong lifted his blade, his body shining like the great sun, dispelling the coldness. Before the wind and thunder surged forth, the domineering intent of his blade manifested, carrying with it the fury of wind and thunder.

He slashed downward!

The terrifying blade light, wild with wind and thunder, burst forth, slicing towards the bone-chilling blade light.

Boom!

The violent wind and thunder enveloped everything, their thunderous might shattering the icy-cold blade light. The coldness dissipated, and the thunderous blade light continued its relentless descent towards the black-robed man!

"Impossible!" The black-robed man's eyes widened in disbelief. His all-out attack as a pinnacle Grand Master had been crushed, and now he faced the brunt of his opponent's powerful assault.

The scent of death filled the air!

Boom!

Just then, a blade light slashed out from the stone wall, stirring the surrounding heavenly energy and forming a formidable force akin to the might of heaven itself.

Boom!

Meng Chong's attack was halted.

A white-haired man, with a red leaf embroidered on his black robe, stepped forward. He was a peak Grand Master, and with each step, he seemed to stir the heavenly energy, creating a powerful aura that surrounded him.

"White Dharma Guardian!" The pinnacle Grand Master quickly paid his respects.

"This is the man who rescued Meng Shushu," he said, pointing at Meng Chong.

The White Dharma Guardian's eyes narrowed, fixing a cold stare on Meng Chong. "Surrender now!"

As he spoke, the heavenly energy swirled around him like a storm, causing the valley's clouds to shift and a terrifying pressure to envelop the area.

This was the might of a peak Grand Master!

Upon reaching the peak, one could change the color of the sky and the land. This was the existence known as a peak Grand Master, the pinnacle of power within the Inner Domain.

Meng Chong's expression turned solemn. Peak Grand Masters were formidable opponents, and if not for his solid foundation, he might not have been a match for this foe.

However, defeating a peak Grand Master was no easy task, but Meng Chong was confident that with his resilient physique, he would ultimately emerge victorious in this battle.

He glanced at the broken cliff wall, which revealed several secret chambers carved into the stone. In one of these chambers, a gray herb grew from the cracks, resembling a fifth-grade spirit herb.

What excited him even more was the presence of a package in the chamber, indicating that the black-robed men's valuables were not on their persons. He didn't have to worry about accidentally destroying the spirit tickets during the fight.

Perhaps they hadn't anticipated that someone would dare to attack them here, so when Meng Chong appeared, they had hastily emerged, leaving their money pouches and packages behind in their rush.

Or maybe they were overconfident, relying on the presence of a peak Grand Master to vanquish any intruders, never considering the possibility of defeat or the need to flee.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end