C27 Cultivating in the Water!

In a recent confrontation, Chu Yangxiang vanquished Luo Yufei, a Profound Warrior Eight-star martial cultivator. He was immensely pleased with the outcome of the battle.

Tianwu had mentioned that Chu Yangxiang's strength had reached the Profound Warrior Nine-star level. However, strength alone isn't the only factor in combat; the level of one's cultivation techniques, the synergy between various martial skills, and other elements all play crucial roles in determining a Martial Cultivator's combat effectiveness.

Over the last several days, Chu Yangxiang sustained injuries more than ten times daily. While none were bone-deep, he experienced a searing pain across every inch of his skin. Tianwu was somewhat astonished by Chu Yangxiang's remarkable resilience.

Enduring what seemed like hellish torture, Chu Yangxiang's recent sufferings were rewarded when he triumphantly defeated Luo Yufei.

Upon returning to the valley, Chu Yangxiang first inspected the white bag left by Luo Yufei. It contained ten Jade Bottles filled with Profound Qi Pills, a lower-tier Second Rank variety, totaling one hundred pills.

Good or bad, they were valuable Cultivation Resources, so he placed them into the Nine Horns Xuanwu Cauldron. Additionally, he found three hundred Xuanwu Silver Coins and a Crystal Card holding over eighty Xuanwu Silver Coins.

Chu Yangxiang unfolded a robe adorned with lotus patterns and discovered three books: "Catkin Movement Technique," "Chasing Soul Hand," and "Autumn Breeze Sword," all signature techniques of Luo Yufei.

He consulted the Heaven-martial Godly Tortoise about the value of these martial skills. The Godly Tortoise gave him a disdainful look, as if Chu Yangxiang were simple-minded, and said, "Throw that junk away; it's just a waste of time. If you can find a Martial Master or the Purity Blood of a Demonic Beast equivalent to a Martial Master, you'll be able to unlock a martial skill. You already have the South Bear Fist and the Lord-halberd, which are more than enough."

Unperturbed by the Heaven-martial Godly Tortoise's scornful attitude, Chu Yangxiang stored the books in the Nine Horns Xuanwu Cauldron. He might not practice these martial skills himself, but he could offer them to his clan members.

Inside the pouch, there was a dagger that gleamed with an icy light. Engraved on the handle were two large characters: Blood Drinking.

Chu Yangxiang clutched the Blood Drinking Dagger with great excitement. The Swallow Sky Halberd was too long and heavy, unsuitable for close-quarters combat and somewhat burdensome; the Blood Drinking Dagger, on the other hand, seemed like a weapon crafted specifically for him.

Chu Yangxiang toyed with the Blood Drinking Dagger over and over, its blade shining so brightly it was almost blinding, exuding an aura of chilling coldness. It was exactly what he had in mind.

With a swift motion, Chu Yangxiang sliced through the air, the dagger's cold light shimmering like flowing water.

The pouch also contained some medicinal pills and Profound Crystals, rich with impurities.

Apart from the dagger he kept on his person, Chu Yangxiang placed all other items into the Nine Horns Xuanwu Cauldron. These items would be sorted out by the Heavenly Martial, whose primary focus was cultivation.

It's no surprise that so many people on the martial path resort to murder and plunder for profit; the earnings come quickly. Chu Yangxiang wondered if anyone from the Black Panther Profound Warrior Group would still be searching for him. Oddly enough, deep down, he found himself hoping they would.

Bao Lie, Lian Ji, and their group of twenty Profound Warriors had been scouring Hyphosis Mountain for three or four days in pursuit of Chu Yangxiang. Despite the numerous clues left by Luo Yufei, their progress was painfully slow. They were gradually making their way toward the small valley.

"Chu Yangxiang actually has the audacity to venture deep into the mountains. Isn't he afraid of being devoured by Demonic Beasts?" Lian Ji grumbled indignantly.

A grim look filled Bao Lie's eyes. They had encountered numerous wild beasts along their journey, leaving five of the twenty Profound Warriors injured. Clearly, they were in constant peril.

Searching for a single person in this ancient forest was akin to finding a needle in a haystack.

Bao Lie considered Chu Yangxiang, a mere thirteen-year-old boy. It had only been two or three months since he was identified as having a Grade 4 Martial Dao Talent. What was he seeking in these treacherous, enigmatic mountains? Was he unaware of the dangers lurking within Hyphosis Mountain?

Had Luo Yufei not left a mark, they would have turned back long ago. This place was no sanctuary for Profound Warriors. Chu Yangxiang was sure to become prey for the Demonic Beasts.

A dark green Heavenly Blue Phoenix-Eyed Snake lunged at the leading Profound Warrior.

Without a moment's hesitation, he swung his Long Sword at the Heavenly Blue Phoenix-Eyed Snake.

The snake's tail, coiled around a vine, snapped back at the hint of danger.

As it recoiled, venom sprayed onto the Profound Warrior's face.

Black Panther, with swift reflexes, brandished his Long Sword. The Profound Warrior let out a harrowing scream.

Black Panther's blade peeled away a layer of his cheek.

Blood meandered down his face.

They divided the tasks among themselves, proceeding with methodical precision.

"Once we rendezvous with Luo Yufei, we'll make our exit," Bao Lie stated firmly. "Chu Yangxiang's life isn't worth the risk."

Thoughts of retreat crept into Bao Lie and his companions' minds, unaware that the Fifth Elder of the Chu Family had already retreated with his men.

Lingering in the depths of Hyphosis Mountain, a haven for Demonic Beasts, was perilous. One misstep could mean death in the wilderness.

After four days of fruitless searching, the Fifth Elder and his party had no choice but to turn back.

Chu Qingyong, upon receiving the report, gazed towards Hyphosis Mountain and spoke gravely, "In that case, let us pray for Chu Yangxiang. May he return to our clan without a scratch."

It was a hopeful wish from his heart.

Chu Yangxiang was riddled with injuries. Having managed to evade 1200 blows, Tianwu devised a new method: he had Chu Yangxiang train in a pond.

Submerged, Chu Yangxiang lost the freedom to move effortlessly as he did on land, struggling with each step, while Tianwu remained at ease.

The wooden staff in his hand maintained its relentless speed and force.

Once more, the full barrage of 1200 strikes descended upon Chu Yangxiang.

Chu Yangxiang's body bore the marks of a brutal beating from a stick. Wincing with each step, he made his way into the cave and plunged into the Xuanwu Cauldron, settling into the concoction of Demonic Beast blood, inner cores, and medicinal herbs.

As he activated the Martial God Heavenly Technique, Heaven And Earth Profound Qi began to converge slowly towards the Nine Horns Xuanwu Cauldron. Various forms of Energy Purity coalesced around the Tortoise Shell Patterns on Chu Yangxiang's body.

In two hours, the bruises and cuts that had covered Chu Yangxiang were gone. He burst out of the cave and leaped into the water, fixing a cold stare on the Heaven-martial Godly Tortoise. "Let's go again. I refuse to believe I can't evade your staff attacks."

The Heaven-martial Godly Tortoise chuckled. "I'll be very strict with your training."

"When have I ever asked you to go easy on me? Bring it on, and cut the chatter."

The stick came at Chu Yangxiang once more.

Soon, he was again riddled with injuries and stumbled back to the cave, looking worse for wear.

"We go again. I refuse to believe I can't dodge your attacks."

"Heaven-martial, one more time. I dodged a hundred strikes last time; this time, I'm certain I can avoid even more."

"No, we go again."

Watching Chu Yangxiang grow more determined with each bout, the Heaven-martial Godly Tortoise's respect for him deepened. The Nine Horns Xuanwu Cauldron's choice in him was clearly not unfounded.

The young man's resilience was impressive. Enduring over a thousand strikes, the kind of pain he faced was not something the average person could withstand. Such injuries were akin to being slashed a thousand times; anyone who had experienced it once would dread a second encounter.

Yet, Chu Yangxiang, battered and bruised, managed to cultivate a spirit of resilience, growing stronger with each setback.

While Chu Yangxiang honed his skills in the secluded valley, rumors swirled through the Chu Family Courtyard.

"Have you heard? Our clan's prodigy, Chu Yangxiang, has reportedly died."

"He's dead? How could that be? Aren't prodigious families supposed to safeguard their own?"

"You're out of the loop. That kid was willful, hell-bent on climbing Hyphosis Mountain. That place isn't just for anyone. Sure enough, he met his end there."

"Enough talk. Chu Tianwen and the others have arrived."

"Without Chu Yangxiang, what's Chu Tianwen worth? He's just an outsider who'll be expelled before long."

Amidst the rampant speculation, Hu Yewan grew anxious, her tears falling as she said, "Tell me, our child couldn't really be dead, could he?"

As a mother, she couldn't bring herself to believe the rumors that their child had perished on Hyphosis Mountain.

Chu Tianwen tried to reassure her, "Absolutely not. Our child is blessed with good fortune."

Yet, he too harbored doubts, uncertain of his child's fate.

A white carrier pigeon arrived in Chu Yuexing's courtyard with news from Xuanwu County.

"No one has come to Xuanwu County to deposit items in the Pill Hall of the Pill Cauldron Divine Sect."

Chu Yuexing's expression darkened further as he sensed the situation spiraling beyond his control. The Black Panther Profound Warrior Group was untouchable.

If it were revealed that he had stashed away his possessions through secret channels, and should they perish, his evidence would be delivered to the Chu Family, leaving him to face their merciless retribution.

Staring toward Hyphosis Mountain, he murmured, "Ten days have passed. I have no idea if Chu Yangxiang is still alive."

Meanwhile, Chu Yangxiang continued his training in a pool, evading the Big Stick wielded by Tianwu.

Tianwu's speed and power matched his performance in the cave, but in the water, his swings stirred up waves.

Chu Yangxiang, attuned to the movement of the water, adeptly dodged the strikes, though he was occasionally hit.

"You're improving. You avoided five hundred strikes," Tianwu remarked with a sly grin. "Keep training. In half an hour, someone will be on your trail."

A sly smile crept onto the corner of Chu Yangxiang's mouth, his eyes flashing with a hint of murderous intent.

Tianwu was correct; they had company.

After meandering through the Desolate Jungle for nearly a week, Bao Lie and his companions finally reached the outskirts of a small valley.

They paused at the mouth of the valley, taking note of the scattered remnants of clothing strewn across the ground.

The gray, ragged garments, reminiscent of those worn by common farmers, had been shredded by wild beasts or Demonic Beasts and scattered by the wind.

Deep within the mountains, only Martial Cultivators would dare to venture. These tattered clothes undoubtedly belonged to Luo Yufei.

Bao Lie examined the shredded fabric, his expression growing increasingly fierce. He peered into the fog-enshrouded valley and declared with gravity, "Brothers, if that kid is in the valley, we take him down immediately. If he's not, we pull back. We're too close to the Demonic Beast's lair for comfort. Caution is paramount."

The group nodded in agreement. "We'll follow the Young Commander's lead."

Together, the party of over twenty advanced toward the valley.