C6 Black Wind Mountain Range

The following morning, Hua Hsing rose with the dawn. After checking in on the injured Hsu Feng, he made his way to the Mission Hall. Within the Azure Edge Sword Sect, the Mission Hall served as the hub for distributing missions. Completing these tasks could earn disciples Spirit Stones, medicinal pills, or Contribution Points. Essentially, undertaking missions was a quick path to acquiring superior resources.

The Mission Hall buzzed with activity, frequented by numerous Outer Sect disciples. However, the moment Hua Hsing stepped inside, a hush fell over the hall. Every disciple turned their gaze toward him, murmuring amongst themselves. It was clear that the news of the duel from three days prior had rippled through the entire Outer Sect.

"Is that the so-called trash, Hua Hsing?"

"Quiet! Don't spout nonsense. Hua Hsing is far from trash. Just three days ago, he severed Feng Gan's arm right in front of Re Yunzheng."

"Really? But wasn't Feng Gan at the peak of the Qi Refining Stage Level Two? When did Hua Hsing get so formidable?"

"I'm not sure. Barely half a month ago, Feng Gan nearly killed him. Perhaps Hua Hsing has had a breakthrough."

The whispers continued as disciples who hadn't witnessed the fight between Hua Hsing and Feng Gan eagerly sought details. Meanwhile, many disciples couldn't help but revel in schadenfreude, aware that Hua Hsing had crossed Jiaang Xue and Re Yunzheng. Despite his recent surge in strength, they doubted his ability to maintain a foothold in the Outer Sect.

Overhearing the hushed conversations, Hua Hsing simply shook his head and lamented, "Strength truly is paramount." In the past, he would have been met with scorn and derision, labeled as trash. But now, after proving his might just days ago, no one dared to insult him to his face. Such was the law of a world where power reigned supreme.

With renewed resolve, Hua Hsing's fists clenched. He silently vowed to bolster his strength and ensure that every warrior who had once scorned him would face just retribution.

Dismissing the murmurs of the crowd, Hua Hsing perused the available missions. After some consideration, he selected one that seemed relatively straightforward.

Mission Details: Eliminate a third-level Qi Refining Stage Demon Beast. Reward: 100 Low-Grade Spirit Stones.

Hua Hsing took on this mission because it aligned perfectly with his destination—the Black Wind Mountain Range—home to the required Demon Beasts.

Spirit Stones serve as the universal currency on the Ancient Sword Continent and are also essential for cultivation. These stones contain traces of the world's spiritual energy, which wealthy disciples often use in large quantities for their training.

Unfortunately, less powerful warriors without any significant backing don't enjoy such privileges.

To an Outer Sect disciple, a hundred Low-Grade Spirit Stones is a substantial sum, enough to purchase several medicinal pills.

Mission accepted, Hua Hsing set out at once.

The Black Wind Mountain Range was a mere half-day's journey from the Azure Edge Sword Sect. Hua Hsing swiftly reached the entrance to the mountains.

Standing on the plains, he gazed thoughtfully at the looming Black Wind Mountain Range.

"Is this the Black Wind Mountain Range?" he murmured before propelling himself forward with a light tap of his toes, plunging into the mountain's embrace.

The moment Hua Hsing stepped into the Black Wind Mountain Range, he was met with a suffocating pressure from every direction.

"Rumor has it that the outer areas are teeming with second-level Qi Refining Stage Demon Beasts. Deeper in, third-level creatures lurk, and at the core, one might even encounter the formidable fourth-level beasts," Hua Hsing reflected briefly before continuing.

For Hua Hsing, second-level Demon Beasts posed no threat, and he was confident in his ability to combat those at the third level. But a fourth-level Demon Beast was a different story—on par with an Inner Sect disciple of the Azure Edge Sword Sect, a challenge he wasn't ready to face.

"I should acclimate to the outskirts first."

With that, he vanished into the depths of the mountain range.

In a clearing within the Black Wind Mountain Range, a man strode with agility. But his journey was abruptly interrupted by a roar from behind, heralding the arrival of a massive Demon Beast.

The Demon Beast let out a furious roar at Hua Hsing.

Staring down the beast, Hua Hsing remarked, "An Ironback Bear, no less. Though it's only a Level Two Qi Refining Stage Demon Beast, its defenses are incredibly tough."

Yet, Hua Hsing was undaunted. Gripping his long sword, he unleashed the One-qi Sword technique. The blade danced, its light flickering coldly.

With a swift motion, a frigid beam of sword light shot forth, striking the Ironback Bear's skull with a resounding clash. The beast staggered, managing to withstand the One-qi Sword's assault. Snarling fiercely, it roared, intent on shredding Hua Hsing to pieces.

The Ironback Bear lunged with its massive paws, aiming for Hua Hsing.

"One-qi Sword," Hua Hsing declared, executing the technique once more while nimbly dodging with a quick pivot on his toes.

After a flurry of blows, Hua Hsing finally slew the Ironback Bear. Without delay, he departed from the scene.

"I'll need to purchase a Space Ring when I return. The Ironback Bear's carcass could fetch some Spirit Stones, but it's too large to carry," Hua Hsing mused aloud as he walked.

Eventually, he found a safe spot to settle down and sat cross-legged. "The One-qi Sword is of a lower tier. To defeat a third-level Qi Refining Stage Demon Beast, I must master the Golden Light Sword Arts," he reflected quietly.

Hua Hsing then focused inwardly, reciting the Golden Light Sword Arts mantra in his mind before commencing his cultivation.

As he delved deep into the practice, his Golden Heart throbbed with renewed vigor, sending purifying currents throughout his body. Soon after, he sensed a breakthrough, fully grasping the essence of the Golden Light Sword Arts.

"Just as I thought..." Hua Hsing was no longer astonished by these revelations.

With the Golden Heart's aid, his proficiency in the Golden Light Sword Arts advanced rapidly.

Time ticked by, and after half an hour of intense focus, Hua Hsing's eyes fluttered open, signaling the end of his session.

At that moment, Hua Hsing's face was brimming with joy.

He had mastered the Golden Light Sword Arts.

Springing to his feet, Hua Hsing gripped his long sword and, guided by the mantra in his mind, executed the Golden Light Sword Arts.

The first strike of the Golden Light Sword Arts.

The spiritual energy from the surrounding heavens and earth flowed into Hua Hsing's body, then surged into the sword.

A point of light emerged at the tip of the sword, pulsating with a formidable presence.

With a flick of his wrist, Hua Hsing released the first strike of the Golden Light Sword Arts. A beam of golden light burst forth, piercing a towering ancient tree in the distance.

As Hua Hsing sheathed his sword, the once-majestic tree crumbled from within, shattering to pieces.

His eyes sparkled with excitement; the potency of the Golden Light Sword Arts had exceeded his expectations.

This technique, though common, was significantly more powerful than the One-qi Sword.

Now, Hua Hsing realized why the guardian elder insisted that the One-qi Sword be perfected before attempting the Golden Light Sword Arts.

The golden sword light he had just conjured was a fusion of the One-qi Sword's chant and the Golden Light Sword Arts.

Hua Hsing's rapid mastery of the Golden Light Sword Arts could be attributed to his Golden Heart and the perfected One-qi Sword.

"I've successfully mastered the first strike of the Golden Light Sword Arts. I'm now capable of defeating a disciple who has just reached the third level of the Qi Refining Stage," Hua Hsing declared, his voice filled with laughter.

With his newfound strength, Hua Hsing spent the following days meticulously searching for Black Spirit Grass.

Hsu Feng's internal injuries needed healing to avoid hindering his martial arts journey. As Hsu Feng's loyal friend, Hua Hsing was determined to find the herb.

Yet, after five days, the Black Spirit Grass remained elusive.

In the meantime, Hua Hsing encountered numerous Demon Beasts at the second level of the Qi Refining Stage. None could withstand the might of his Golden Light Sword Arts.

After five days of fruitless searching in the outer perimeter, Hua Hsing had yet to find any trace of the elusive Black Spirit Grass. Undeterred, he resolved to venture into the more perilous inner perimeter.

The inner reaches of the Black Wind Mountain Range teemed with formidable Demon Beasts, all at the third level of the Qi Refining Stage. Hua Hsing was aware of the risks, but he was determined to press on.

In a particularly overgrown area within the inner perimeter, a group of five martial cultivators was locked in combat with a Demon Beast. This creature was a powerful Saber-tooth Tiger, also at the third level of the Qi Refining Stage, and it was proving to be a formidable opponent. Four of the warriors were at the second level of the Qi Refining Stage, and even their combined might struggled against the beast.

"Senior Brother Sunn, the Saber-tooth Tiger's attacks are overwhelming," one of the disciples exclaimed. "At this rate, our squad is sure to be overwhelmed."

Senior Brother Sunn's brow furrowed as he assessed the situation. With a commanding tone, he instructed, "You four, hold off the Saber-tooth Tiger for me."

The four disciples rallied, exerting all their strength to encircle the beast. Yet, their efforts seemed to barely scratch the surface of the Saber-tooth Tiger's defenses.

In response to their attacks, the Saber-tooth Tiger unleashed a thunderous roar and swiped its massive claws, sending the four Qi Refining Stage Level Two disciples tumbling through the air.

It was at this critical juncture that a startling burst of light cut through the chaos. Emerging from the brilliance was Senior Brother Sunn.

"Evil beast, meet your end!" he bellowed.

With a fist infused with a surge of potent energy, Senior Brother Sunn struck the Saber-tooth Tiger with such force that it was hurled away, grievously wounded.

"We must strike together and finish off the Saber-tooth Tiger," Senior Brother Sunn called out, his voice betraying a hint of exhaustion.

Sensing the impending threat, the Saber-tooth Tiger let out a defiant howl and bolted, intent on escape.

"Curse it, don't let it get away!" Senior Brother Sunn cried out in frustration.

Meanwhile, Hua Hsing, newly arrived in the inner sanctum of the Black Wind Mountain Range, was blissfully unaware that a Saber-tooth Tiger, a third-level Qi Refining Stage adversary, was barreling directly towards him.