C21 Proceed to the Cosmic Quantum Shift

Yesterday, Su Chen grandly bestowed new titles upon the Three Elders. Today, he stealthily made his way to the Bright Summit of the Cult of Enlightenment.

The use of "stealthily" suggests that Su Chen's intentions were less than honorable. He was intent on acquiring the Cult of Enlightenment's divine magic, the Cosmic Quantum Shift. Anyone familiar with the original story would recognize the immense power of the Cosmic Quantum Shift within the world of the Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre. It had the ability to unlock a person's potential and significantly boost their strength in an instant. To Su Chen, the Cosmic Quantum Shift was not merely a mental discipline but a type of forbidden magic—a secret technique that could instantly amplify one's strength, though it would leave the user weakened for a time afterward. But that was a small price to pay for such an increase in power.

Accompanied by the three elders, Su Chen surreptitiously ascended to the Bright Summit, silently infiltrating the Headquarters of Enlightenment. He then stealthily entered a woman's chamber. Hmm, it seems Yang Buhui has yet to make her appearance, and it's uncertain whether she will in the future. Regardless, it's best to inspect the bed first.

Thanks to the vigilance of the three masters, the Cult of Enlightenment's members remained oblivious to Su Chen and his companions. After inspecting the seventh bed, the entrance to the cult's secret passage finally revealed itself.

Navigating the labyrinthine passages of the Cult of Enlightenment was a complex affair. Even Su Chen, who had read the original work, was at a loss and had to divide the search. Yang Guo went one way, Xiaolongnü another, and Su Chen stuck with Zhang Sanfeng—it was much safer than venturing alone.

He couldn't tell how long they searched; to Su Chen, the place was nothing but an indistinguishable maze of stone.

Suddenly, Zhang Sanfeng halted, listening intently before seizing Su Chen and dashing off in a specific direction.

As the scenery whizzed by, they arrived at their destination to find Yang Guo and Xiaolongnü already there, with Yang Guo gripping a monk whose head shone brightly.

"People from Shaolin," Zhang Sanfeng said with a furrowed brow.

Yang Guo nodded, then shook his head. "This person's vital energy leans toward the Yin and cold, not characteristic of Shaolin martial arts. Yet, there are echoes of Shaolin in his techniques."

"Sage Zhang, save me!"

Cheng Kun was utterly bewildered. He had merely come to probe the secret passages of the Cult of Enlightenment, but unexpectedly encountered someone else there. Cheng Kun decided to act immediately, intending to ensure this person would remain here permanently. This place, known only to him, was pivotal to his scheme to annihilate the Cult of Enlightenment; he couldn't afford any slip-ups. But damn it, where did this old freak come from? Just one move, and his vital energy was sealed, leaving him completely immobilized.

Later, a woman appeared swiftly on the scene, her power immeasurable, on par with the old freak. Eventually, a rejuvenated Sage Zhang arrived with a young man. Cheng Kun was relieved to recognize Zhang Sanfeng, despite being astonished by his youthful appearance—a subject of rumors within the martial arts community. At this point, Cheng Kun was too desperate to ponder the whispers and pleaded for help.

"You recognize me; you're from Shaolin."

"Yes, yes. I am Yuan Zhen of the Shaolin Temple, and I have met Sage Zhang before. This is all a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding."

"Why are you here?" Zhang Sanfeng inquired.

"I stumbled upon this place by chance and let curiosity lead me inside," Cheng Kun replied.

No one would take Cheng Kun's words at face value. They were all seasoned veterans, cunning and shrewd. Why would they easily trust Cheng Kun?

"Little monk, you're not being truthful!" Yang Guo said as he placed a hand on Cheng Kun's shoulder, silently channeling a stream of internal energy into his body.

"Senior, every word I've spoken is the truth! Ah!" Cheng Kun let out a sudden scream, his body shaking violently as if in immense pain. "Senior, have mercy! I lied to you. I've known about the Cult of Enlightenment's secret passage for some time. My visit was to survey it for the Shaolin Temple's forthcoming assault on the Demon Cult. Senior, please spare my life."

Upon hearing this, Yang Guo momentarily steadied the vital energy within Cheng Kun's body and asked, "Is that the truth? Your Shaolin intends to attack the Cult of Enlightenment?"

"Yes, elder," Cheng Kun replied with an air of moral superiority. "The Demon Cult has committed innumerable atrocities. They must be punished. As a bastion of righteousness, how could the Shaolin Temple stand by while the Demon Cult perpetrates evil?"

"Enough already," Su Chen interjected, tired of Cheng Kun's charade. The Cosmic Quantum Shift was of greater importance. "Yuan Zhen, or should I say, Cheng Kun, you are the master of the Golden-Maned Lion King, one of the four great kings of the Cult of Enlightenment. You're known as Thunder Palm in the martial arts world, and your signature technique is the Illusionary Yin Finger. Am I correct?"

"What are you speaking of, benefactor? I do not know of any Cheng Kun," Cheng Kun replied, his heart skipping a beat, though he maintained a composed facade.

"You know exactly what I'm referring to. Sage Zhang has already crippled his martial arts. He's the one responsible for the death of your disciple, Zhang Wuji's foster father, the Golden-Maned Lion King," Su Chen said with a smile, having righted another wrong in the world of the Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre.

As Cheng Kun alternated between pleading and hurling insults, Zhang Sanfeng proceeded to disable his martial arts.

"Now, tell me where the bodies of Yang Dingtian and your junior sister are," Su Chen demanded.

Cheng Kun's complexion turned pale, his eyes reflecting utter hopelessness. Stripped of his martial arts, how could he seek vengeance? How could he possibly bring down the Cult of Enlightenment?

A scream of agony pierced the air as Cheng Kun clenched his teeth, refusing to utter a single word. His sole purpose in life had been revenge, and now that it was out of reach, he longed only for death.

"Still stubborn, I see," Su Chen remarked, realizing he was at an impasse. He glanced at the three seasoned warriors, deciding it was best to follow in the footsteps of the more experienced.

"No need for further questions," he concluded.

Yang Guo approached a stone wall, ran his hand over its surface, and with a burst of inner energy, the wall shattered, unveiling a hidden chamber.

Inside lay two skeletons and a scroll of fur. Without a doubt, these were the remains of Yang Dingtian and the Sect Master's wife. Su Chen eagerly grabbed the fur, noting its blankness – all was as it should be. He then turned to Cheng Kun with an ill-intentioned gaze.

Cheng Kun had given up hope and was utterly indifferent to whatever Su Chen might do to him.

Su Chen instructed, "Sage Zhang, bleed him a little."

With a nonchalant air, Su Chen smeared Cheng Kun's blood on the surface, and the script began to reveal itself. Staring at the complex incantation, Su Chen was convinced it was indeed the Cosmic Quantum Shift.

Cheng Kun's previously dull eyes flickered with life as he gazed upon the emerging words. A mix of regret, resentment, and rage washed over him. He was filled with hatred. He had not treasured the Cosmic Quantum Shift when it was within his grasp, and now, in its absence, the regret was unbearable. If only he could turn back time, but that was a wish too far from reality.

"Which member of the Cult of Enlightenment are you, and how do you know so much?" he demanded.

Su Chen replied with a sly grin, "I am not affiliated with the Cult of Enlightenment. As for my knowledge, I'd rather keep that to myself." Cheng Kun was taken aback. The reason he had failed to obtain the Cosmic Quantum Shift was simply because he was the antagonist. If blame was to be assigned, it was his own fault for not aligning with the right team.

Su Chen then passed the Cosmic Quantum Shift to Zhang Sanfeng and the others. Since he was not versed in martial arts and unable to practice it himself, he figured it would be more beneficial to enhance the power of the Omniverse Sect.