C21 Find a Backer!

After reaping a sufficient number of benefits, Hu Nao's air of superiority diminished slightly, making him seem more accessible.

Wan Gengxin couldn't help but feel a surge of quiet elation, believing that his favorable attitude had finally earned him the recognition of a true expert.

It wasn't that he was foolish or oblivious; rather, Hu Nao's combat prowess was exceptionally extraordinary. Despite being at the Seventh Heaven of Body Tempering, he could transcend boundaries and even species to defeat a smilodon at the Eighth Heaven of Body Tempering in an instant. Even Wan Gengxin, who was at the Ninth Heaven of Body Tempering, didn't handle battles with the same ease as Hu Nao. This led him to ponder just how formidable he would become once he reached the Eighth and Ninth Heavens of Body Tempering himself.

Upon learning Hu Nao's identity after a brief introduction, Wan Gengxin's excitement soared, and he nearly leapt for joy. "Hu Nao? Are you the very same Brother Hu who bravely set a death match against Qin Feng, the elite disciple of Northwind Keep?"

"You're aware of me?" Hu Nao expressed his surprise.

The Eternal Treasures Guild, situated on the banks of the Dragon's Breath River in Abyssford, was thousands of miles from Egluarsall. Hu Nao hadn't anticipated that word of his challenge to Qin Feng would have traveled so far.

"In our line of work, we have unique channels for information exchange," Wan Gengxin said with a smile. "Brother Hu must be planning to train at the Dragon's Breath River, taking on formidable spirit animals to push your limits and rapidly advance your realm, right?"

Hu Nao nodded in agreement.

Wan Gengxin's smile stiffened as he appeared to waver, taking a moment before speaking. "Actually, I'm privy to a secret that could significantly aid Brother Hu's cultivation. The only issue is... it's exceedingly perilous."

Hu Nao was his lifesaver, and Wan Gengxin was eager to assist him, yet he was concerned that his help might inadvertently lead Hu Nao into danger.

With a nonchalant shrug, Hu Nao replied, "You're more advanced in cultivation than I am, so you must understand the gap between the Body Tempering Realm and the Spirit Speak Realm better than I do. If I don't reach the Spirit Speak Realm within half a year, I'll stand no chance against Qin Feng. So, what's there to fear about taking a risk?"

Wan Gengxin, realizing the truth in the matter, began to divulge the secret he knew. However, before he could get far into his explanation, Master Silversword interrupted with a gasp of astonishment, "What? Someone has discovered a Dragonfang Rat nest? And now a host of experts are already on their way there?"

With his advanced Spirit Speak cultivation and imposing presence, Master Silversword's outburst was indeed intimidating.

The revelation of the Dragonfang Rat nest was truly startling. Wan Gengxin, without overthinking, confirmed with a decisive nod, "It's absolutely true. My sister and I were en route to Egluarsall on business when we learned of this news. We decided to split up; she went to compete for the nest, while I... well, I didn't expect to be ambushed by a pack of smilodons."

Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Hu Nao could no longer contain his impatience. "In that case, I'm willing to take the risk," he declared. He then retrieved a pen and paper from his storage bracelet, quickly scribbled a note, and handed it to Wan Gengxin. "Gengxin, whatever your business in Egluarsall, my father might be able to lend a hand. If you need assistance, seek him out. He'll recognize my handwriting."

Wan Gengxin, ever magnanimous, was happy to offer his assistance. Moreover, forging an alliance with a formidable entity like the Eternal Treasures Guild could lessen the Hu family's burden when dealing with Northwind Keep.

His eyes brightening, Wan Gengxin expressed his gratitude, "I truly appreciate it, Brother Hu. The task I'm undertaking is somewhat complicated, and I definitely need the backing of Egluarsall's influential families..." Noting Hu Nao's eagerness to set out for the Dragonfang Rat nest, Wan Gengxin refrained from sharing more about his own mission. After accepting the note, he promptly bid farewell.

Once Wan Gengxin and his party of seven had departed, Hu Nao fixed Master Silversword with a penetrating stare. "Master Silversword, it seems too much of a coincidence that you're aware of a Dragonfang Rat nest, and now suddenly another one has surfaced?"

Given the rarity of Dragonfang Rat nests, it was virtually impossible for two to emerge simultaneously.

Master Silversword sensed trouble brewing and reluctantly admitted, "No."

As expected, Hu Nao narrowed his eyes, a hint of murderous intent surfacing. "The only reason I've spared you this long is because you could guide me. Now that I know the location..."

That day, Master Silversword had not been injured, yet he had suffered greatly at the hands of Hu Nao and Nan Xi. Now, with an arm lost and his wounds barely healed, he knew one false move could cost him his life today.

His gaze darting about, Master Silversword weighed his options for escape.

With a cold laugh, Hu Nao pulled a pill from his storage bracelet. "This is the Hu family's Destiny Heart Pill, which only our Patriarch can neutralize. If it's not removed within a year, your heart will shatter, and you'll die. If you wish to live, take this pill. Help me claim the Dragonfang Rat's nest with all your might, and once I succeed, I'll have my father remove the pill's poison immediately."

He hadn't resorted to this measure before because he believed he and Nan Xi could handle Master Silversword. But with so many masters converging on the scene, it was prudent to eliminate any potential threats. Besides, having slain Master Silversword's Fury-Clawed Lion and consumed his Sunroot, how could Master Silversword not harbor hatred and a desire for revenge?

Indeed, Master Silversword had contemplated vengeance, but now, to save his own skin, he had no choice but to accept the Destiny Heart Pill and swallow it.

"Young Master Hu, your ruthlessness is matched by your precision. You know when to loosen your grip and when to tighten it, ensuring nothing is left to chance. I must say, I'm impressed. I once thought you were on a suicide mission challenging Qin Feng, but I no longer hold that belief. After all, strategy is a form of strength, and you far surpass him in that regard," Master Silversword mused, recalling Qin Feng's blind overconfidence and arrogance, and spoke with a wry smile.

Praise always brings pleasure, and Hu Nao, brushing the strands of hair from his face, smiled contentedly. "I'm glad you see it that way. Despite your past misdeeds, as long as you remain single-minded and loyal, I can do more than just cure you. I can secure a position for you within the Hu family, freeing you from a life of hiding in the wilderness, wanted by the law."

Master Silversword had a deep passion for martial arts. His quest for cultivation resources led him down a path of many misdeeds. To evade his adversaries, he had been living a reclusive life for years, and the solitude and melancholy he felt were palpable. Hu Nao's words deeply touched him, prompting a swift bow. "Thank you, Young Master," he said, humbly assuming the role of a subordinate.

Nan Xi watched as Hu Nao skillfully combined threats and promises to influence Master Silversword. She first used the Heaven Ending Heart Pill to endanger his life, then struck at his vulnerabilities with a tempting offer, inspiring his allegiance. She couldn't help but admire the young master's finesse.

Young Master Hu was incredibly adept, effortlessly persuading a master of Spirit Speak to join his cause—a master who once harbored vengeful thoughts...

At this rate, Young Master Hu would surely recruit a host of experts for the Hu family.

As the stars shifted and the days cycled from dawn to dusk, Hu Nao left the Twilvons Peaks the following day. A sprawling grassland unfolded before him, extending for miles on end.

The snow continued to fall, albeit with a slight rise in temperature. The melting snow cascaded down, transforming much of the grassland into a swamp, with some areas resembling treacherous mud pools. Hidden spirit animals growled from within, their roars accompanied by bubbling mud. Pale bones tumbled out, leaving it unclear whether they belonged to humans or beasts—a truly harrowing sight.

Gazing at the turbulent mud, Master Silversword's voice was laden with dread. "Young Master, legend has it that these mud pools conceal deadly spirit beasts—swamp pythons, man-eating fish, nine-headed centipedes, Thousand-Limbed Behemoths... To enter is to face near-certain death. That's why this place is known as the Dead Marshes. I've traveled far and wide, yet never dared to venture into the Dead Marshes."

Hu Nao offered a reassuring smile. "No need to worry. Remember, my father crossed the Dead Marshes and left behind a map. In recent years, he's sent scouts to survey the area. We know exactly which parts are perilous and which are safe. With a bit of caution, we can traverse safely and make it to Abyssford City alive."

After traversing the Dead Marshes, they would reach Abyssford, a city nestled on the banks of Dragon's Breath River.

"That's true." Master Silversword's countenance improved considerably. Hu Bugui's formidable reputation was something he was well aware of.

The lair of the Dragonfang Rat was situated on the border between the Dead Marshes and Twilvons Peaks. Thus, Hu Nao had not ventured into the marshes but had instead headed westward along the base of Twilvons Peaks. The mountain path was rugged, winding through numerous turns. After an arduous trek, they finally reached their destination by evening.

The trio advanced along the mountain's face, and after a sharp bend, the landscape before them transformed dramatically.

A vast swamp stretched out over ten miles, encircled by mountains, creating a secluded environment. Along the slopes, a throng of people had gathered, easily numbering over a thousand. Most possessed at least Seventh Heaven Body Tempering skills, with Spirit Speak adepts among them, their formidable presences ebbing and flowing.

They were all masters, a congregation of the mighty!

Tents were pitched beside the crowd, clearly indicating they hadn't arrived that day.

From a distance, Hu Nao noticed several tents bearing the Eternal Treasures Guild's emblem—a pitch-black cauldron and two crossed swords—distinctive and conspicuous.

"So many people? All of them masters? Looks like we need to find a partner," Hu Nao declared, heading directly for the Eternal Treasures Guild's encampment.

Nan Xi and Master Silversword exchanged a knowing smile and hastened to keep pace.

Hu Nao was not one to repay favors; he was clearly intent on networking with the Eternal Treasures Guild.

Despite the multitude, the various factions were distinct, each wave of people clearly belonging to different powers.

As Hu Nao made a beeline for the Eternal Treasures Guild, bypassing everyone else, onlookers expressed shock and began to murmur among themselves.

"Who is this brazen youth, courting death?"

"Indeed, that Eternal Treasures Guild member is notoriously eccentric, loathes men, and can't even stand the scent of one. This boy is doomed."

"Perhaps not. His cultivation may be modest, but both his companions have attained Spirit Speak. And that young lady—her cultivation is remarkable for her age, truly astounding! I suspect this young man comes from no ordinary background!"

"Look at what, exactly? That individual has taken down numerous unparalleled talents with remarkable origins. The Shepherd of Beastwood... Oops, forget I mentioned it."

Realizing a slip of the tongue, the speaker quickly fell silent.

Hu Nao, listening to these conversations, felt a sense of trepidation.

The "that person" everyone referred to must be Wan Gengxin's sister. She appeared to be incredibly formidable, and she had a disdain for men?

What a terrible attitude!

So, what chance did he have at forging any sort of relationship with her?