Chapter 256: Chen Mu's Arrival

Chapter 256: Chen Mu's Arrival

Lang Prefecture.

An'yu County.

Amidst the rugged hills, rows of collapsed earthen houses and buildings could be seen, as if they had just endured a calamity.

Not long ago, the Huanglin Mountain Range to the north experienced a devastating earthquake, affecting hundreds of miles of territory. While the people in this world were not entirely accustomed to various disasters, they each had their own coping strategies, whether it was repairing houses or transporting resources, maintaining a certain level of order.

Looking further into the distance, one could see that between these scattered villages, there were also patrols from the Demon Slayer Bureau and the Inspection Bureau, maintaining order on one hand, and controlling the various monsters that appeared due to the earthquake on the other.

In the distance.

About a hundred miles away, the Huanglin Mountain Range was unusually bustling.

The earthquake was a unique type of disaster, often accompanied by the cracking of the earth and the collapse of mountains. Various resources would appear during these events.

The Huanglin Mountain Range, spanning nearly a hundred miles, was not small. With the eruption of the earthquake, the monsters hidden within and beneath this mountain range were now in disarray. Some roamed chaotically through the mountains, while others rampaged out, attacking the villages.

On the outskirts of the Huanglin Mountain Range.

"Roar!"

A monstrous wolf howled ferociously, revealing itself as a third-rank White Wolf Demon. It seemed frenzied, with bloodstains visible on its body. It pounced forward, accompanied by a gust of wind, attacking the figure ahead.

The figure, dressed in the white robes of the Demon Slayer Bureau, had a slightly curved chest and a slender waist. She was a young woman, but her appearance was rather charming, contrasting with the white robes she wore.

Swish!

Seeing the White Wolf Demon approaching, the girl showed no fear. She stood firmly on the ground, her sword poised to strike.

She resembled a serene mountain peak, connected to the earth, unwavering. Her sword moved like flowing water, containing within it the sword techniques of both the Trigram Water and Mountain Power, intertwining seamlessly.

Swish!!

A flash of light revealed a deep gash on the White Wolf Demon's neck, accompanied by a spray of blood.

The massive body of the White Wolf Demon slammed heavily to the side, unable to get up again after a few struggles.

At this moment.

In the distance, a group of Green Robed Guards rushed over, witnessing the scene and offering compliments to the girl.

"Chen's sword technique is divine, even the White Wolf Demon is no match for Chen."

"Chen's talent is exceptional; even the inner disciples of major sects would likely pale in comparison."

The Green Robed Guards looked at the girl with reverence in their eyes.

However, this reverence stemmed not only from the girl's talent and strength but also from her background and identity. While her name wasn't particularly renowned, in today's Lang Prefecture, she was a well-known figure.

Chen Yue!

The guardian of Spirit Profound Peak in the Seven Mysteries Sect, ranked 27th on the Cold North Hero List, and the only sister of Chen Mu, wielder of the Heaven and Earth Saber.

In Lang Prefecture, it could be said that anyone, except for those from major sects, would show respect and deference to Chen Yue. Even someone like Xue Huai Kong would express goodwill towards her.

"Quickly take care of it."

Chen Yue sheathed her sword and spoke calmly.

Compared to over two years ago when Chen Mu left Lang Prefecture, Chen Yue had grown significantly. Her body tempering technique had reached the Sinew Washing Realm, and she was not far from the Bone Forging Realm. Her appearance remained youthful, but her brows now carried a sense of calm maturity, reminiscent of Xu Hongyu, though not as coldly beautiful.

"Yes."

Several Green Robed Guards quickly assisted Chen Yue in dealing with the White Wolf Demon's corpse.

Earthquakes often caused localized disturbances, leading to the most intense outbreaks of monster rampages. However, in reality, the monster hazards caused by earthquakes were often less severe than other disasters.

The reason was simple; earthquakes typically centered around a mountain range or a specific location. When they occurred, resources would appear, attracting powerful cultivators from all directions, who would effortlessly slaughter the monsters along the way.

Just like now.

The Huanglin Mountain Range already had numerous Bone Forging Realm and Organ Realms cultivators searching for resources. Monsters were suppressed within minutes, and cultivators like Chen Yue, leading a group, only patrolled the outskirts, hunting down monsters.

The White Wolf Demon from earlier was the most formidable monster she had encountered that day, but it was no match for her.

"Chen, there's a ground fissure ahead!"

As Chen Yue dealt with the White Wolf Demon's corpse, a Green Robed Guard who had been observing the surroundings from a tree branch called out to her.

Chen Yue, having just finished the most critical part of the task, responded with a glint in her eyes, "Let's go take a look."

The Huanglin Mountain Range, affected by the earthquake, showed more severe destruction towards the center, with even mountains collapsing. However, in the outer regions, there were also ground fissures caused by the disturbance in the earth's veins, which might contain rare treasures.

Given Chen Yue's status, ordinary treasures rarely caught her eye. Whether it was demon hunting or guarding, she did it not because she had to, but because of the martial guidance and teachings she had received from Chen Mu over the years.

While she had always been overshadowed by Chen Mu's brilliance, she had her own small ambitions.

Having entered the Sinew Washing Realm, she, like the inner disciples of various sects, roamed Lang Prefecture.

She had faced challenges and encountered dangers, and though she was almost twenty-three this year, her Sinew Washing Realm cultivation and sword techniques were not gained solely through sheltered cultivation.

Soon, Chen Yue and several Green Robed Guards arrived at the location of the ground fissure.

The fissure stretched for about ten yards in length and was roughly three feet wide, wide enough to allow a person to enter and explore.

"Sir, the situation below is unclear. Please allow me to go down and investigate," one of the Green Robed Guards said respectfully.

"I can go as well," another offered.

The ground fissure might contain treasures, but it could also be a dangerous place, possibly even collapsing and burying anyone inside. Although exploring it would likely result in rewards if treasures were found, if they were following a regular White Robed Guard, fewer would have volunteered.

However, following Chen Yue was a different matter. Despite her current status as a White Robed Guard, everyone knew her high standing. Even Meng Tianzhang, the head of the Demon Slayer Bureau, treated her with great respect. If they could earn her favor and support, it would be a golden opportunity for rapid advancement. Not to mention, if they could win her affection...

The brother-in-law of a Gale Wind Rankings expert?

That would be an incredible status and identity.

Many young men from the entire Yu Prefecture would love to show off in front of Chen Yue.

However, Chen Yue's style of handling things was similar to Xu Hongyu's in the past—she was aloof and distant, though not as haughty as many sect disciples. She never favored anyone in particular.

"You go," Chen Yue said, her gaze sweeping over the group and selecting one.

Venturing into the world required caution, and she wouldn't recklessly explore such a fissure. It was fortunate that someone had volunteered.

The Green Robed Guard who received Chen Yue's permission took a deep breath, his expression first brightening and then remaining calm and serious as he carefully descended into the dark fissure, quickly disappearing from sight.

Chen Yue and the others waited nearby.

However, as time passed, no one returned.

"..."

Chen Yue's eyes narrowed slightly, her gaze fixed on the fissure. The other Green Robed Guards exchanged worried glances, and no one volunteered to go down again.

It was one thing to show off in front of Chen Yue, but risking their lives for an unknown danger was another matter entirely.

However, just as Chen Yue was considering whether to investigate further or simply record the location and report back to Xu Hongyu for higher authorities to handle, a sound came from the fissure, like someone breathing heavily.

"Wu Yuan?"

Chen Yue, who had first noticed the sound, called out into the fissure.

"..."

"Yes," Wu Yuan's voice replied from the fissure, still heavy with breath but seemingly not in mortal danger.

The nearby Green Robed Guards, seeing this, relaxed their tense expressions.

"Why haven't you come up yet? What are you doing down there?"

"Wu Yuan, hurry up. What's down there?"

The Green Robed Guards began to urge from the edge of the fissure.

Soon, a change occurred in the fissure, but the first thing to emerge was not Wu Yuan but a heavy, roughly one-foot-square block of black stone.

"Quick... help... catch it..."

Wu Yuan's breathless voice called from below.

The Green Robed Guards on the surface quickly reacted, helping to lift the black stone, which they then examined with surprised expressions.

"Is this black obsidian ore?"

"Yes, it's black obsidian ore, and it's of high quality, suitable for forging precious artifacts," someone observed carefully and said solemnly.

Even Chen Yue was slightly surprised. While she wasn't very familiar with various resources, black obsidian ore capable of forging precious artifacts was undoubtedly very valuable.

"Is it all like this down there?"

Chen Yue asked Wu Yuan.

Wu Yuan, smiling and still catching his breath, replied, "Yes, there's a lot. This is the best quality block, so I brought it up first. There are many more of average quality, at least several hundred thousand pounds. We don't have enough people to bring it all up."

Upon hearing this, the other Green Robed Guards all showed signs of excitement.

While average quality black obsidian ore couldn't forge precious artifacts, it could still produce high-quality steel. Several hundred thousand pounds would be a significant find, and they would surely receive substantial rewards upon their return.

However, just then, an unwelcome voice came from behind.

"Hey, several hundred thousand pounds of black obsidian ore? What a lucky find."

A group of people, dressed in yellow hemp robes with white short sleeves and special emblems on their chests, emerged from the bushes behind them, totaling about five or six individuals.

Seeing these people, the Green Robed Guards all changed expression.

"Sky Seal Sect!" someone whispered.

In the current Yu Prefecture, the Seven Mysteries Sect was the most powerful. The Sky Sword Sect, Blood Shadow Sect, and Joyful Union Sect were the other four major sects. However, there were other sects developing, such as the Sky Seal Sect.

The Sky Seal Sect and the Linjiang Pavilion were two major sects in the Cool State, also part of the Northern Cold Province. While they were slightly less powerful than the Seven Mysteries and Sky Sword Sects, the gap wasn't significant.

Upon seeing the newcomers, Chen Yue stood up and turned to look at the Sky Seal Sect disciples, but her expression showed no fear. She said calmly, "This ore vein was discovered by the Demon Slayer Bureau first. According to the rules, it belongs to us. Are you planning to forcibly take it?"

In the 16th book, on page 19, there is an error-free version!

Upon seeing Chen Yue, Nie Yi, the inner disciple of Sky Seal Sect who led the way, was startled and couldn't help but size her up with a smile. "Even in the White Robed Guards of the Demon Slayer Bureau, there are such beauties? This official uniform doesn't suit you; it would be better to change into a skirt that women should wear."

"How dare you!"

"How dare you be so rude!"

Hearing Nie Yi's disrespectful words towards Chen Yue, the Green Robed Guards, led by Wu Yuan, immediately rebuked him.

As an inner disciple of Sky Seal Sect, they would likely not dare to respond if he insulted them. However, when he directed his rudeness towards Chen Yue, they naturally had the courage to retort on her behalf, as Chen Yue was not an ordinary White Robed Guard.

Seeing this situation, Nie Yi glanced at Chen Yue and seemed to guess something, but he wasn't afraid. He smiled and said, "If my guess is correct, you should be the sister of 'Heaven and Earth Saber' from the Seven Mysteries Sect? I've heard of your name, so if that's the case, we can split this obsidian mine equally between us. What do you think?"

Chen Mu had a big reputation, but Nie Yi was no ordinary person either. The Nie family was a prominent family in Sky Seal Sect, and the current head of the family was also the leader of the sect. Although Nie Yi was not a direct descendant of the family and was slightly more distant, it wasn't enough to scare him away with just a reputation.

After all, Chen Yue was just Chen Yue, not Chen Mu herself.

"Hmph, you're just a bunch of bandits. Is this how your Sky Seal Sect, which prides itself on righteousness, behaves?"

Chen Yue responded coldly, looking at Nie Yi.

Nie Yi smiled and said, "What do you mean by banditry? We just arrived here and discovered this obsidian mine. It's a coincidence that you also just arrived. Isn't it fair to split it equally?"

As he spoke, he stroked his beard and continued, "If Miss Yue is willing to marry into our Sky Seal Sect and become my wife, then this half of the obsidian mine could be considered a betrothal gift."

Upon hearing these words, the Green Robed Guards behind Chen Yue all turned red with anger.

However, Chen Yue remained calm and instead sized up Nie Yi. She scoffed, "I thought you were a woman with your long hair and delicate appearance, but you're a man? But you're probably just a weakling. I think you'd have a better chance if you cut your hair and flirt with men."

"You..."

Nie Yi never expected such vulgar and venomous words to come out of Chen Yue's mouth. His face turned ashen with rage, and he said, "You're good with words, but let's see if you have even half the skill of your brother!"

As soon as he finished speaking, he lunged at Chen Yue and struck out with a bare-handed punch, like a charging wolf.

A faint light flashed in Chen Yue's eyes, and she confirmed that Nie Yi was not a Bone Forging Realm practitioner. Without fear, she swung her sword to meet his attack, and the two immediately clashed, with the fierce punches and sword lights intertwining in a deadly dance.

After a brief exchange, Chen Yue realized that Nie Yi's strength was not inferior to hers. After all, he was an inner disciple of a major sect, and she had also heard of Sky Seal Sect's 'Heaven's Nine Seals'. However, Chen Yue was no weakling either, and the two were evenly matched.

At this moment, Chen Yue remained calm, while Nie Yi's attacks carried a hint of anger. This slight difference might not mean much to those above the Organ Realms, but at the Sinew Transformation Realm, even the smallest gap could be crucial.

Chen Mu had taught her never to be easily provoked by her opponents and, instead, to try to provoke them. She had taken Chen Mu's advice to heart, and such words were not enough to anger her.

Swish! Swish!!

Nie Yi's anger affected his techniques, and his rage caused his moves to become slightly chaotic, though it wasn't noticeable at first. But after more than ten moves, Chen Yue gradually gained the upper hand.

Nie Yi realized this and tried to regain his composure to turn the situation around, but at this level, once a martial artist fell behind, it was difficult to recover. Chen Yue would not give him such an opportunity.

In the distance, several outer disciples of Sky Seal Sect saw that Nie Yi was at a disadvantage and their expressions changed.

The situation was not favorable for Nie Yi, as losing was not a good sign. Chen Yue's moves were fierce and decisive, and she was no ordinary person. Her brother was a renowned expert on the Cold North Gale Wind Rankings, so she had no fear of killing with a sword. Moreover, Nie Yi had taken the initiative to attack.

But if Nie Yi made a mistake and died under Chen Yue's sword, Chen Yue, backed by Chen Mu and the Seven Mysteries Sect, would have nothing to fear. However, these outer disciples who followed her would be in deep trouble.

Finally, someone couldn't bear it anymore and stepped forward to interfere.

But the numerous Green Robed Guards accompanying Chen Yue were not idle. They immediately stepped forward to stop them, and soon, both sides were engaged in a chaotic battle, with the situation escalating.

"I underestimated this woman," Nie Yi thought as he found himself at a disadvantage against Chen Yue's sword techniques.

He had heard of Chen Yue, but he didn't truly understand her. This was their first encounter, and now he finally understood Chen Yue's sword techniques—a fusion of the Gen Mountain and Kan Water lineages. He had a countermeasure, but because he had started with anger, he was now at a disadvantage and couldn't find an opportunity to change his moves.

The Gen Mountain's stability and the Kan Water's entanglement meant that the more he struggled, the deeper he sank.

At this moment, a fierce light flashed in Nie Yi's eyes, and he suddenly unleashed a Tiger Seal towards Chen Yue's left shoulder, using a reckless move that could injure both parties. He tried to force Chen Yue to retreat and find an opening.

But Chen Yue's eyes were icy, and she showed no change in the face of his fierce counterattack. She continued to swing her sword, completely ignoring the attack on her left shoulder, determined to deliver a fatal blow!

Damn it! Nie Yi's pupils constricted as he saw Chen Yue's unwavering moves.

I never thought that Chen Yue, this woman, could be so ruthless to this extent. She was so determined that she didn't even hesitate to have her arm crippled by him, and she was ready to use her sword to cut him in half.

But up until this moment, neither of them could change their moves, and even if Nie Yi tried to withdraw his attack, it was too late to dodge.)



Finally, the two of them launched their attacks almost simultaneously, but the effects were vastly different.

First, Nie Yi's Crane Seal claw tore towards Chen Yue's shoulder, almost touching her left shoulder, when suddenly a faint white glow emanated from her body, instantly blocking Nie Yi's Crane Seal. He felt like he was shaking a mountain, unable to advance even an inch.

At the same time, Chen Yue's sword slashed diagonally at his waist with great force, tearing through his clothes and revealing a delicate piece of soft armor. The sword tip couldn't pierce the armor, nor could it cut through its resilience.

However, Chen Yue's sword strike was not merely a slash; it also contained the surging power of flowing water and the towering might of a mountain. These two sword techniques merged, penetrating the soft armor and forcing the power into his body.

Bang! Nie Yi felt a surge of power penetrate the soft armor and enter his body. He didn't know what had shattered in his waist, but a sharp pain spread throughout his body, and he was sent flying horizontally, spitting out a mouthful of fresh blood.

Seeing the outcome of the battle between Nie Yi and Chen Yue, the disciples of the Sky Seal Sect and the Green Robed Guards in the arena were all startled. They quickly retreated, and some of the Green Robed Guards anxiously looked at Chen Yue. But seeing that Chen Yue seemed unharmed, they felt slightly relieved.

On the other side, several Sky Seal Sect disciples gathered around Nie Yi, their faces filled with shock.

Nie Yi lay on the ground, struggling to prop himself up. He looked at his left waist, and through the soft armor, a large area appeared purple and bruised, and the pain was unbearable.

"You..."

Sweat dripped from his forehead due to the pain. His gaze at Chen Yue held a mix of anger, surprise, and regret.

He had anticipated that Chen Yue might have a soft armor like him, but he never expected her to possess something even more advanced. That faint glow was undoubtedly from a Spirit Essence Talisman or something similar, something he wasn't even qualified to obtain. Only his brother had one.

"And you're still not leaving?"

Chen Yue coldly glared at Nie Yi and the others.

Several Sky Seal Sect disciples helped Nie Yi up, and with a pale face, he looked at Chen Yue and said, "You... you're so good..."

Just as the disciples were about to help Nie Yi retreat, a loud commotion suddenly came from the distant forest. An enormous creature, like a mountain, rushed through the trees, uprooting them as it came. Before they could see clearly, the terrifying aura caused everyone's breathing to stop.

When the massive creature broke through and revealed itself as a Fourth Rank giant demon bear, it was clear that the bear was not interested in Chen Yue at all. It was fleeing in terror as if something terrifying was chasing it from behind.

The aura of a Fourth Rank demon was terrifying, freezing everyone in the arena for a moment.

However, almost in the next instant, the demon bear's movements suddenly stopped.

A middle-aged man appeared abruptly in front of the bear, and with a 'Crane' Seal in his hand, he lightly struck downwards, and with that gentle blow, the bear's head shattered and caved in. Its massive body struggled weakly and then collapsed to the side.

The middle-aged man landed calmly and then turned his gaze towards Chen Yue and Nie Yi, who were not far away.

"Hmm?"

Noticing Nie Yi's condition, he frowned slightly and took a step towards him. He reached out and pressed on Nie Yi's waist, and his expression immediately turned grim.

Nie Yu directed his gaze towards Chen Yue and the others, who were not far away. After a brief scan, he fixed his eyes on Chen Yue and said coldly, "White Robed Guard? A disciple of the Seven Profound Sect, and you strike with such ruthlessness. Your heart is too cruel."

As he spoke, the Primordial Power in the vicinity seemed to stir, and a chill seemed to permeate the void, causing Chen Yue and the others to feel their bodies turn cold.

Nie Yi was a junior whom Nie Yu valued highly, and even if he couldn't become a true disciple, there was a good chance he could surpass the Bone Forging Realm and enter the Organ Realms. This severe injury had almost certainly dashed Nie Yi's prospects of ever stepping into the Organ Realms!

Under Nie Yu's pressure, not only were Chen Yue and the others suppressed and unable to move, but even the outer disciples of the Sky Seal Sect trembled.

"Demon Slayer Bureau, Chen Yue, greetings to the senior," Chen Yue said, forcing herself to withstand Nie Yu's pressure and bowing to him.

The newcomer was undoubtedly a senior from the Sky Seal Sect, either an Official or a Guardian. Chen Yue was well aware that the larger the sect, the more they followed the rules of the martial world. By performing the junior's etiquette and revealing her identity, she had essentially blocked any excuse Nie Yu might have had to make things difficult.

She knew when to be proud and when to retreat.

Nie Yu frowned slightly, "Chen Yue?"

He had heard of this name, and although she wasn't a disciple of the Seven Profound Sect, her identity was even more complicated. After all, Chen Mu was a renowned expert on the Gale Wind Rankings and a well-known figure in the Eleven States of Northern Cold Province.

If Chen Yue didn't have any backing, then it would be a simple matter of bullying a junior, and a slap would suffice. If she were an ordinary disciple of the Seven Profound Sect, he wouldn't mind teaching her a lesson or two. But Chen Yue wasn't someone he could casually mess with.

However, after a brief pause, Nie Yu still coldly snorted and said, "With such a cruel heart and ruthless actions, it seems your brother hasn't taught you well. At your young age, you've already strayed onto the path of evil. Come to my Sky Seal Sect and reflect on your actions!"

As the Guardian of the Sky Seal Sect, he wouldn't back down from Chen Mu's sister. If he did, he would lose face. At the very least, he needed Chen Mu to come in person; otherwise, he would detain Chen Yue and let Chen Mu come to the Sky Seal Sect later!

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end