C42 Heaven Traversing Forest

"Some people owe me a debt from their past lives. It's time for them to settle it in this one," Qiao Mao stated icily, his voice a hushed whisper.

Naturally, Qiao Shen and Zhang Tianbei hadn't caught wind of this remark. Had they, it could have sparked a serious issue. Moreover, he couldn't very well admit that this was a debt from before his own rebirth.

"Given the circumstances, we'll bow out of this one," Zhang Tianbei declared, stroking his chin thoughtfully.

Qiao Guang was well aware of the delicate balance at play. Yet, he remained still. The strengths of both parties were evenly matched. With him and Qiao Shen standing guard, Martial Sun City was secure.

Otherwise, if he were to engage, Martial Sun City would be left unprotected, and Qiao Guang might seize the chance to wreak havoc.

"This time, the major forces of South Sun County have sent only their younger disciples. We'll leave the competition for fortune to you two," Qiao Shen said with a light chuckle. "But make sure to bring back a good haul of treasures. It would be ideal if you could discover the method to reach the Spirit Wheel Stage."

"You really expect them to uncover the method to reach the Spirit Wheel Stage? That's a tall order," Zhang Tianbei retorted, giving Qiao Shen a skeptical look.

The method was exceedingly rare and difficult to come by.

Even so, Zhang Tianbei couldn't help but yearn for it. The Red Moon Blade Lord was a figure of legend, and it was possible he had left behind such a method, though it would be incredibly challenging to find.

"Little brother, you're being naive. The method to reach the Spirit Wheel Stage is extraordinarily valuable. If it exists, it will surely be contested by the prodigies of South Sun County. The two of them will have to focus on self-preservation," Zhen Gui remarked as she entered, having overheard Qiao Shen's words. She couldn't help but express her concern.

Zhen Gui's worry wasn't due to a lack of faith in Qiao Mao; as a mother, her primary concern was for his well-being. Above all, she wished for her son to lead a safe and healthy life.

"Sister-in-law, please, pay no mind to my words. I was merely jesting," Qiao Shen said, scratching his head awkwardly. "Mao, I don't ask for much—just that you return safely from the Red Moon Secret Realm. That's all that matters to me."

"That's exactly what an elder should say," Zhen Gui remarked.

Qiao Mao, overhearing their conversation, couldn't help but wear an awkward smile. Despite the concern from his mother and uncle, he felt they were underestimating him.

"Mom," Qiao Mao began, hesitantly.

Having lived for over two hundred years and standing at the pinnacle of the world, Qiao Mao was well-versed in the methods to ascend not only to the Spirit Wheel Stage but also to the Divine Pill Stage and the True Spirit Stage.

Yet, sharing these methods prematurely could raise suspicions. Thus, Qiao Mao intended to reveal the advancement technique for the Spirit Wheel Stage upon his return.

But now, with Qiao Shen bringing it up unexpectedly, Qiao Mao was torn about whether to disclose this information.

Noticing Qiao Mao's hesitation, they assumed the pressure was getting to him. Zhen Gui was quick to reassure him, "Mao, just do your best. Don't put too much pressure on yourself."

"Exactly, Mao, even if you gain nothing from the Red Moon Secret Realm, I've got your back. If anyone dares to bully you, they'll answer to me," Qiao Shen added.

Warmed by their support, Qiao Mao grew more conflicted. "Mother, Uncle, I'm sorry to have worried you."

"Just speak your mind if there's something on it," Zhen Gui urged, mistaking Qiao Mao's reluctance for an unspoken request.

Deciding to come clean, Qiao Mao resolved, "Then I'll tell them. With Uncle and Zhang Tianbei learning this sooner, they can start their training. Their support will bolster my confidence against the Nether Clan." With determination, he announced, "Uncle, I actually possess the method to reach the Spirit Wheel Stage."

"Qiao Mao, your uncle was only teasing. We don't need the method for the Spirit Wheel Stage. All that matters is your and Binn's safe return," Zhang Tianbei interjected.

"I don't want that thing," Qiao Shen quickly added, inwardly chiding himself for the undue pressure he had placed on Qiao Mao.

Suddenly, Qiao Shen sensed something amiss. A jolt went through him, and his eyes lit up with intense clarity. Shocked, he blurted out, "Mao, what did you just say? You have a method for us to break through to the Spirit Wheel Stage?"

"No way, you must have misunderstood," Zhang Tianbei said with a hint of resignation. He thought Qiao Shen was being overly hasty. It was highly unlikely that they could break through to the Spirit Wheel Stage that easily.

Yet, Zhang Tianbei soon noticed Zhen Gui and Zhang Yu gazing intently at Qiao Mao, as if they were looking at a creature from another world.

"My dear nephew, do you truly possess a method to reach the Spirit Wheel Stage?" Zhang Tianbei inquired, his tone laced with skepticism, though he harbored little hope.

Qiao Mao nodded firmly and spoke deliberately, "Indeed, I have a way for you to break through to the Spirit Wheel Stage."

Zhang Tianbei and Qiao Shen were astounded to hear Qiao Mao's confirmation. He actually had a method for them to achieve the Spirit Wheel Stage.

"Actually, it's quite simple for you to reach the Spirit Wheel Stage," Qiao Mao explained, drawing upon his past life's experience to share the breakthrough method.

Concerned that the original method might be too complex, he had significantly simplified it. This simplification would ensure that Qiao Shen and Zhang Tianbei could progress to the Spirit Wheel Stage at the fastest rate possible through their cultivation.

"Did your master teach you this method?" Zhen Gui inquired after listening.

Qiao Mao was about to clarify, but Zhen Gui's assumption presented an opportunity, which he reluctantly embraced, though a wry smile crossed his mind.

"My dear nephew, you're incredibly fortunate," Zhang Tianbei exclaimed with a hearty laugh.

Both Zhen Gui and Qiao Shen joined in the laughter. They believed that Qiao Mao's master had to be a Super Expert; otherwise, he would not have shared such crucial knowledge.

Feeling a touch awkward and anxious to avoid further questions about his master, Qiao Mao quickly said, "Uncle, Patriarch Zhang, as long as you follow this method in your cultivation, it won't be long before you reach the Spirit Wheel Stage. Zhang Yu and I must make haste to the Red Moon Secret Realm."

After bidding them farewell, Qiao Mao breathed a sigh of relief. He and Zhang Yu then each led a warhorse and galloped off towards Black Blood City.

Black Blood City lay to the south of Martial Sun City, not far from South Sun County. According to the partial map obtained from the Qin family, the Red Moon Secret Realm was situated between Black Blood City and the Heaven Traversing Forest.

"It's been a long time since I last visited the Heaven Traversing Forest," Qiao Mao reflected. He couldn't help but sigh as he remembered the solitary battles he fought against the Nether Clan in the forest after the Qiao family fell in his past life.