C18 The Edge of Forever(part I)

"How dare you!" As the punch was about to connect with Chu Haoyun's face, a faint, elderly voice suddenly rang out. Everyone present tensed, and the aggressor remained suspended in mid-air, frozen in his punching stance, unable to move an inch.

An aged figure strolled down the cobblestone path, observing the scene below with a detached gaze. His voice, devoid of anger, made Xiaomu's brow furrow. "Xiaomu, you've become increasingly brazen. Attacking my disciple at the foot of my mountain—what is your intention?"

"Mr. Lan!" Despite his reluctance, Xiaomu bowed. Casting a glance at Chu Haoyun, he spoke with respect, "This young man has conspired with outsiders and inflicted harm upon our sect's disciples. Hee Zhanpeng is already dead. Had Lin Beikong not managed to flee, he too would have likely fallen victim to his treachery. I had no choice but to act—how can such grave offenses against the sect be overlooked?"

Xiaomu cleverly omitted the lesser accusations, emphasizing only the most severe. The unspoken message was clear: even Lan Canghai, as an elder, could not shield him from the consequences of such a serious transgression against the sect.

Lan Canghai's expression remained impassive as he watched Xiaomu's display. His gaze swept over Lin Beikong and the others, asking in a calm voice, "Is this true?"

His penetrating stare seemed to lay bare all secrets, making Lin Beikong and the others feel exposed, their expressions turning somewhat uneasy. Noticing this, Lan Canghai let out a soft chuckle, "Hmm! Xiaomu, you may leave. Matters concerning Cloud-Veiled Peak are not for you to meddle in."

"Mr. Lan, please consider the implications carefully," Xiaomu retorted, his eyes flashing with a cold intensity. Internally, he mused, 'In three months' time, will you still be so defiant?' His gaze then settled on an individual.

The man who had struck at Chu Haoyun tensed up. With an inward sigh, he stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Mr. Lan, this youngster killed my brother. As his elder sibling, if I show no response, my family will surely view me with disdain. Therefore, I ask for your permission to challenge him!"

Lan Canghai gave him a fleeting glance and said coolly, "You've reached the second level of the Returning to Origin Stage, while he's only at the eighth level of Body Forging. Is this a challenge?"

The stern-faced youth tensed, but upon feeling Xiaomu's piercing stare from behind, he nodded emphatically. Lan Canghai took note and understood the situation.

"And you? Do you accept?" Lan Canghai's gaze shifted to Chu Haoyun.

He had made the youth's strength clear, hoping Chu Haoyun would wisely back down for now. Yet Chu Haoyun had witnessed everything. Could he really back down now? A retreat today would likely mean losing any standing he had in Xiaomu's domain.

After a brief silence, Chu Haoyun declared resolutely, "In ten days, at the Inner Sect Assessment, I accept your challenge!"

Lan Canghai's brow furrowed, and he gave Chu Haoyun a penetrating look. The words were out; there was no turning back now. With a sweep of his sleeve, a soft force drew Chu Haoyun and the other youth to his side. He then turned to ascend the mountain, leaving a final remark.

"Do not disturb me again before the Inner Sect exam!"

Xiaomu watched the retreating figure, a sly smile playing on his lips. He addressed the youth beside him with a softened tone, "Zhanfeng, I expect you not to pull any punches during the Inner Sect exam."

"For my brother's sake, I'll ensure a blood sacrifice!" the youth replied coolly, casting a sidelong glance at Lin Beikong and smirking. "When Chen Yisheng emerges from his seclusion, tell him I'll be claiming his part as well."

Lin Beikong felt a twinge of displeasure but held his tongue. The group soon departed, led by Xiaomu.

Lan Canghai watched Qin Bing lying on the bed, caught between amusement and exasperation. His face was a portrait of resignation. Another had barely recovered when Chu Haoyun arrived with someone in even worse shape. "My humble abode is turning into your infirmary, I swear!"

"Mr. Lan, how is he doing?" Chu Haoyun asked, his gratitude evident. He was well aware that Xiaomu had shouldered the sect's wrath for the time being. Should an opportunity for retribution arise, Xiaomu would surely not hold back.

Lan Canghai shook his head, sighing with a sense of helplessness. "He's not only lost an arm, but the excessive blood loss has plunged his consciousness into turmoil. Moreover, most of the primary veins in his body have been severed by sharp weapons. Even if I manage to save his life, he's destined to spend the remainder of his days bedridden."

"Is there truly no other solution?" Chu Haoyun asked, his anxiety palpable.

Lan Canghai, deep in thought, occasionally glanced at Chu Haoyun. Moved by his hopeful gaze, he finally spoke, "There might be one possibility."

"What is it?" Chu Haoyun perked up, eager to hear more.

After a moment's contemplation, Lan Canghai spoke gravely, "Deep within the Order of the Celestial Veil lies a towering peak known as the Edge of Forever. Unlike other mountains formed naturally, legend has it that this one was created from the remains of a mighty ancient being. Its silhouette resembles a sword piercing the heavens, a sight so striking it seems to sever the horizon. This place is typically where core disciples face their trials. However, there's also a Hidden Chamber guarded by the Order's experts. If one can overcome the three challenges within, they may select an item to secure their future."

Chu Haoyun listened intently, realizing that Lan Canghai was sharing some of the sect's closely guarded secrets. He hadn't anticipated such candor from the elder.

"The chosen item could be a Profound-grade weapon, a set of Profound skills, or some exceptionally potent medicinal pills," Lan Canghai continued, pausing briefly to glance at Qin Bing before explaining, "With a Rejuvenation Pill, his condition could be fully restored."

Lan Canghai shook his head with a sense of resignation, sighing, "Access to the Hidden Chamber is reserved for core disciples during their assessments, and only the Sect Master has the authority to enter at other times. We elders are generally prohibited from reentering."

Noticing Chu Haoyun's crestfallen look, Lan Canghai hesitated before adding, "However, there might be a slight chance for you."

"Me? I'm merely an Outer Sect disciple," Chu Haoyun said, momentarily taken aback before offering a wry smile. Lan Canghai chuckled and responded, "Young man, don't underestimate the Celestial Key; it also represents an opportunity to become a core disciple. However, if you use the Celestial Key at the Edge of Forever, it will be rendered void. Moreover, attempting to enter the Edge of Forever without having reached the Returning to Origin Stage is virtually impossible."

"The Returning to Origin Stage?" Chu Haoyun murmured to himself, then quickly regained his composure. With a smile, he declared, "If I'm eligible, then there's no time like the present to give it a shot!"

"Have you given this enough thought? You do realize that if you lose the Celestial Key, you forfeit your chance to become a core disciple," Lan Canghai remarked, somewhat astonished by Chu Haoyun's resolve.

Chu Haoyun shook his head and turned to Qin Bing, saying, "The Celestial Key is but an inanimate object, yet he is my friend. Mr. Lan, please instruct me on how to reach the Edge of Forever."

Lan Canghai's aged eyes twinkled with an unreadable thought. Eventually, he smiled, shook his head, and shared the location of the Edge of Forever along with its rules. To ensure Chu Haoyun's safety, he advised him to fully recuperate to his optimal state before setting out.