C7 Feel the Power of the Time Jumper

To maintain possession of this treasure, Wudang would surely have to pay a steep price, something he did not wish to see.

"Of course, as this is a birthday celebration, it is only natural to bring a birthday gift," Su Chen agreed with a nod.

Zhang Songxi was momentarily flustered upon hearing this. He realized the gift was exceedingly valuable, so much so that he hesitated to accept it. The Seven Heroes of Wudang were not swayed by material wealth; otherwise, Yu Daiyan would not have refrained from seizing the Dragonbane in the original tale.

"My young friend, your kindness is deeply felt, but this treasure is far too valuable. Please, keep it for yourself," Zhang Sanfeng spoke up.

"Eh." Su Chen hadn't expected that such a "valuable" gift would be declined. Were ancient people not so easily beguiled?

"Sage Zhang, you are too kind. Once a gift has been offered, it would be improper to retract it."

"If Sage Zhang will not accept it, then I shall gladly do so. Haha." A voice echoed among those gathered, seemingly materializing from thin air, its source indiscernible.

"Not good," Su Chen thought to himself, sensing trouble brewing. Without a second thought for the treasure, he swiftly moved to where the second-generation disciples of Wudang were standing.

No sooner had Su Chen moved than a figure darted from the crowd, aiming straight for the boxed treasure.

The figure was quick, but Soong Yuanqiao was quicker. As a current generation first-rate master among the Seven Heroes of Wudang, his response was swift and powerful. He seized the intruder's arm as it reached for the box, neutralizing the force with a deft pull and guiding motion, a testament to the profound skill of Wudang's soft palm technique. With a reverse throw, he sent the intruder crashing to the ground, the impact felt by Su Chen nearby.

"Who are you, daring to strike here at Wudang?" Soong Yuanqiao demanded, his gaze fierce.

"Haha, the Seven Heroes of Wudang truly live up to their name. Since I, Sky Stalker, have been caught by you, I have no excuses," the man admitted readily, appearing resigned to his fate, as if indifferent to whether he lived or died.

"Sky Stalker, it's actually him." There were those among the martial artists who recognized the name. "Legend has it that his footwork is unparalleled, moving without a shadow, earning him the moniker Sky Stalker. Who would have thought he'd show up at Wudang today?"

"Cough, cough." Su Chen adjusted his attire nonchalantly, as if nothing of note had occurred, and stepped forward from behind the Wudang disciples. "Quite the audacious thief, to attempt stealing Sage Zhang's birthday present. Clearly, you have little regard for me, and even less for Wudang."

Sky Stalker just snorted coldly, knowing he had been caught and chose to remain silent.

"Ha! Feeling bold, are we? If you're so capable, stand up!" Su Chen couldn't hide his smugness, looking every bit the triumphant scoundrel.

The crowd in the hall frowned at Su Chen's demeanor, clearly displeased. Even some of the Six Heroes of Wudang shared in the discontent.

"Cough, cough." Su Chen quickly composed himself, realizing that if he continued this way, he might very well end up on the receiving end of a beating. "Sage Zhang, please, accept the birthday gift."

Zhang Sanfeng appeared somewhat displeased, uncertain if Su Chen was genuinely offering a gift or harboring ulterior motives. He was reluctant to accept such an extravagant present, sensing the trouble it could bring.

Su Chen was at a loss for words upon seeing Sage Zhang's reaction. What was wrong with the gift? After all, it was a specially commissioned item that had cost him a significant amount of money.

"Haha, young man, since Sage Zhang declines, perhaps you might consider giving it to me?" He Taichong chuckled, eyeing the treasure box with covetous interest.

"You?" Su Chen gave He Taichong a once-over. The Head of the Kunlun Sect shook his head dismissively. Whether in the original story or now, he had never taken a liking to him. "You're not worthy."

"Boy, you're asking for trouble." As the Head of the Kunlun Sect, He Taichong was not accustomed to such disrespect. Had they not been at Wudang, Su Chen would have already faced dire consequences.

"What a presumptuous youth," a striking middle-aged nun remarked icily. "Your irreverence towards the elders of the martial arts community shows a lack of propriety. You should be punished."

"What the hell, who are you!" Su Chen was livid. It didn't matter if the person was a martial arts master or a revered elder in the martial world; he immediately let loose a tirade.

"I am the Extermination Nun from the Emei Sect," the Destroy Nun stated. Had it not been for the respect due to Wudang, her sword would have already been drawn.

"Me." The name "Destroy" hit him like a bucket of ice water, chilling him to the core. Who else could "Destroy" be but the head of the Emei Sect? She was infamous for her role in 'Heavenly Sword and Dragon Slaying Sabre', where she ruthlessly disrupted lovers' unions. She claimed the top spot for such acts, and no one dared to challenge her for it. She was relentless from start to finish! Even in death, she managed to turn Zhou Zhiuo, an innocent girl, into a dark character. She was truly a formidable figure!

However, formidable or not, she couldn't escape being confronted. "So, it's the Extermination Nun! I never imagined that the Emei Sect, founded by Hero Guo, would be so brazen and lawless, killing at whim."

"You're seeking death." Even the usually composed Destroy Nun couldn't contain her rage when she heard Su Chen insult her Emei Sect. She lashed out, aiming straight for Su Chen's throat.

"Damn it." Su Chen realized he had gone too far this time. He quickly raised his hand to shield himself with the treasure box, intending to escape back to the modern era.

"Master, please lend a hand," Soong Yuanqiao called out as he stepped in front of Su Chen, blocking the Extermination Nun's strike. Today was his master's grand birthday celebration, and casualties were unacceptable. The threat of Sky Stalker had already been neutralized earlier.

The crowd breathed a collective sigh of relief. Those who were about to intervene held back. Their concern wasn't so much for Su Chen as it was for the treasure box he held.

"Master, I implore you to hold back. Today we celebrate my master's birthday; please refrain from drawing weapons."

Upon hearing this, Destroy Nun realized she couldn't execute Su Chen on the spot and held back her attack. "Little thief, today you're spared by the grace of Sage Zhang. But remember, another day..."

"Hey, come at me if you dare!" Su Chen taunted, though he prudently stayed behind Soong Yuanqiao, not daring to step out. He shot a defiant glare at the fierce-looking, beautiful Emei nuns who were staring daggers at him.

"Alright, alright, alright," Destroy Nun repeated, her voice seething with barely contained fury. Even Soong Yuanqiao's face was clouded with displeasure. Destroy Nun was, after all, a venerable figure in the martial arts community, and Su Chen seemed oblivious to the respect she was due.

Su Chen sensed the tide turning against him, realizing that Soong Yuanqiao might not be able to shield him any longer. He blurted out, "Blacksteel Greatsword, when sword meets blade, the secret will be unveiled."

"You... you know?"

Destroy Nun's rage vanished in an instant, replaced by sheer astonishment. How could he not recognize the significance of Su Chen's words? It was a venerable secret of Emei, known only to the Head of Emei.

"Of course, I know. That's why you need to start behaving," Su Chen retorted, his confidence fully restored. As a Time Jumper, he was privy to all secrets.

Destroy Nun glared at Su Chen with icy eyes, her hands clenched in frustration. Yet, she refrained from attacking or even uttering a threat.

The onlookers exchanged glances, taking in the silent Destroy Nun and the enigmatic Su Chen. Clearly, there was more to the situation than met the eye, and this man was far from straightforward.

He Taichong, who had been seething with rage, now held his tongue. Destroy Nun's temper was legendary in the martial arts circles, and he was no fool. Something was definitely amiss.