C41 Two Consecutive Levels Up!
One day later, the Zhang family's estate was rocked by two incredibly powerful auras.
The release of these auras sent a tremor through all members of the Zhang family. The flow of Spiritual Energy within them momentarily stalled, overwhelmed by the suppression.
"This is the aura of Mortality Transcending Level Nine Heaven," Zhang Yu said, astonished.
Though the Zhang family was one of the Three Great Overlords of Martial Sun City, they had never seen a Mortality Transcending Level Nine Heaven warrior among their ranks.
A Level Nine Heaven Martial Artist could nearly dominate the entire Martial Sun City; no one dared to cross such a person!
What truly astounded Zhang Yu was the emergence of not one, but two such formidable auras.
Shortly thereafter, Zhang Tianbei and Qiao Shen emerged from the secret chamber, laughing as they sensed each other's auras.
"I offer my congratulations to father and uncle," Zhang Yu said as he approached them, his eyes brimming with both envy and admiration.
Regrettably, there were only three Extreme Breakthrough Pills. If there had been more, he might have seized the opportunity to advance his own realm.
Noticing Zhang Yu's dejection, Qiao Shen clapped him on the shoulder and offered words of encouragement, "Don't lose heart. Once we return from the Red Moon Secret Realm, we'll bring you plenty of treasures. Besides, with your remarkable talent, I have no doubt that your future accomplishments will surpass both your father's and mine."
Zhang Tianbei, observing his son, nodded in approval. He knew Zhang Yu intimately; despite over a decade confined to a wheelchair, his son had cultivated his way to Mortality Transcending Level Seven Heaven on his own—a feat nothing short of miraculous.
Moreover, Zhang Tianbei was confident that Zhang Yu would not rest on his laurels; his son was destined for even greater achievements.
"Why hasn't Qiao Mao emerged yet?" Qiao Shen's brow furrowed slightly upon realizing Qiao Mao's absence. He turned his gaze toward the secret chamber where Qiao Mao was in seclusion.
Considering Qiao Mao's lower level of cultivation, his breakthrough should have been more straightforward than theirs.
Yet, Qiao Mao had not exited before them, which caused Qiao Shen concern. He feared that Qiao Mao might have encountered some mishap while attempting his breakthrough.
Zhang Tianbei was unfazed and chuckled, "Mr. Qiao, there's no need to worry. Mao's talent far surpasses that of my son Binn. He's surely already made his breakthrough. If he hasn't emerged yet, perhaps he's mastering some advanced technique."
Having spent over twenty days with Qiao Mao, Zhang Tianbei was profoundly impressed by his abilities. Qiao Mao was not only powerful, but his rate of advancement was remarkably swift.
Zhang Tianbei believed Qiao Mao's aptitude to be extraordinarily rare.
At that moment, the door to the secret chamber thunderously opened, and a young man stepped out, his eyes sparkling with sharpness.
"See, I told you nephew Qiao Mao would be fine. He's achieved a breakthrough," Zhang Tianbei exclaimed joyfully, his gaze filled with admiration as he looked at Qiao Mao.
But suddenly, Zhang Tianbei sensed something was off. He turned and inquired, "Qiao Mao, have you really advanced to Martial Dao Great Master?"
Qiao Shen and Zhang Yu were astounded, staring at Qiao Mao in disbelief. "Mao, can it be true?"
"Mr. Qiao, did you actually progress through two ranks to reach the Martial Dao Great Master level?" Zhang Yu pressed, his heart pounding and breath quickening.
Qiao Mao nodded, channeling the power of the Martial Dao Great Master, fully unleashing his aura.
His presence now surpassed even that of a Mortality Transcending Level Eight Heaven warrior. Moreover, Qiao Mao's combat experience was extensive—he could effortlessly vanquish a Mortality Transcending Level Nine Heaven Martial Artist on his own.
Overwhelmed by this aura, Zhang Yu was speechless for a moment before managing a wry smile. "Your talent is truly astonishing."
He had endured ten grueling years of training due to his disability, just to reach the Martial Dao Great Master level. He had thought his talent exceptional, but next to Qiao Mao, it paled in comparison.
His decade of arduous training seemed insignificant beside Qiao Mao's mere twenty-plus days of cultivation, a reality he struggled to accept.
"Your potential is no less than mine; you've simply lacked opportunity. Rest assured, you will grow stronger. At the very least, Fire Crow Country won't hinder your progress," Qiao Mao reassured him.
He had achieved such a breakthrough by drawing on his cultivation experience from over two hundred years ago. Without it, it would have been impossible for him to enhance his strength so rapidly in such a short span of time.
Zhang Yu was aware that Qiao Mao was trying to offer comfort, yet he possessed a resilience uncommon among ordinary people. If not for this tenacity, he wouldn't have managed to cultivate in a wheelchair for a decade, enduring agonies that would be unbearable for most. He smiled and said, "From today on, you're my benchmark. Even if I can't surpass you, I'll make sure the gap between us remains narrow."
Qiao Mao held great admiration for Zhang Yu's resolve. He knew that even if such a person might not become the strongest in the world, they could still rise to the ranks of a Super Expert.
"Our collective strength has grown substantially this time. We could easily take down Qiao Guang," Qiao Shen remarked with a grin.
Qiao Shen's animosity towards Qiao Guang ran deep. He longed for the day he could eliminate him.
Before anyone else could respond, Zhang Yu shook his head and interjected, "I'm afraid that's not feasible. At noon today, several masters arrived unexpectedly in Martial Sun City. They've infiltrated Qiao Guang's residence. Moreover, the Red Moon Secret Realm is set to open in three days."
"The Red Moon Secret Realm is opening?" Qiao Shen and Zhang Tianbei both exclaimed in unison. They had just secured the location of the Red Moon Secret Realm, planning to enter stealthily, only to find that the news had already leaked.
Zhang Yu nodded, clarifying, "We've been caught up in the internal conflicts of Martial Sun City lately, which has left us out of the loop. The information about the Red Moon Secret Realm has been circulating for a while; we were simply unaware of it."
"It looks like we're in for another fierce battle," Zhang Tianbei remarked with a sigh. With the news widespread, a significant number of martial artists would surely be drawn to the scene.
"Mao, what's your take on the Red Moon Secret Realm?" Qiao Shen asked, turning to Qiao Mao for his insight after noticing his silence.
Qiao Mao maintained a composed demeanor. Knowing that the Qin family had a fragment of the Red Moon Secret Realm's map, it was evident that others did as well. Yet, the timing seemed too fortuitous.
He also suspected that Qiao Guang and others had caught wind of the news. Otherwise, there was no explaining Qiao Guang's sudden acquisition of several formidable masters.
These experts must undoubtedly be from the Nether Clan.
"Only three days?" Qiao Mao furrowed his brow. He was still unclear about Qiao Guang's capabilities, so he certainly couldn't eliminate Qiao Guang within three days. "In that case, we'll allow Qiao Guang a few more days of grace."
"Uncle, Patriarch Zhang, please hold down the fort in Martial Sun City to guard against any unforeseen events. Zhang Yu and I will head straight to the Red Moon Secret Realm. Once we return, we'll join forces to take down Qiao Guang," Qiao Mao proposed after some deliberation.
"This time, it's likely that every organization in South Sun County will dispatch representatives. Will you require assistance?" Zhang Tianbei inquired.
"There's a certain level of risk, but it shouldn't escalate into anything major," Qiao Mao replied with a slight smile, which quickly faded into an icy expression. In a chilling tone, he declared, "This time, I intend to settle the score with the people of South Sun County. I will surely seek retribution for the wrongs of my past life."