C118 Continuous Advancement(1)

The members of the Iron Cloud Sect and the Wind Howl Sect had already left. Shang Qianqiu from the Wind Howl Sect also departed, taking his last three disciples with him. Wang Haiyue from the Heavenly Martial Academy walked away alone, blood still fresh at the corner of his mouth.

Wang Haiyue was indeed domineering, but he overlooked a crucial point: his strength wasn't as overwhelming as he imagined. After choosing to resolve the issue through combat, he unleashed six strikes and then looked utterly defeated.

In his youth, he and Zhou Changtai had participated in the Mystic Trace Realm trial at the same time. He had nearly lost his life to Zhou Changtai back then, a fact that had always bothered him. Over the years, their paths rarely crossed, but as an elder of the Heavenly Martial Academy, he was confident he had surpassed Zhou Changtai.

However, after their recent encounter, Wang Haiyue realized he was gravely mistaken. Zhou Changtai's level had reached the pinnacle of the Reality Condensing Stage, just a step away from the Shape Gathering Stage. Yet, this wasn't the main reason for Wang Haiyue's retreat.

Even though he was only in the later stages of the Reality Condensing Stage, he believed he could hold his own against Zhou Changtai for a while. During that time, he thought it would be easy to take down a young Martial Disciple. Even if Zhou Changtai had the upper hand, he wouldn't dare to kill Wang Haiyue. Despite potential injuries, eliminating a major threat to the Profound Heaven Sect would be worth it, and he would have something to report back.

Woo Zhengyang, along with others from the three major sects, never expected this: a mere Martial Disciple like him would once again showcase his extraordinary abilities. He managed to block Wang Haiyue's strike. Though he was sent flying several yards away, covered in blood, he still stood up, boldly declaring, "An Advanced Martial Master from the Heavenly Martial Academy is nothing special!"

Zhengyang's strength left the other sects in awe, yet none dared to make a move. Unlike the Heavenly Martial Academy, if they acted, the Profound Heaven Sect might retaliate. They couldn't afford to risk their elite disciples being targeted, especially when the Profound Heaven Sect could easily justify their actions.

If Zhengyang had died, it might have been different. But since he survived, any attempt to take him down could backfire spectacularly. Initially, they might not have held Zhengyang in such high regard, but the unfolding events forced them to reconsider. Throughout it all, Zhengyang showed no fear. Standing firm against Wang Haiyue's attack proved his courage was genuine, leaving everyone uncertain of what other tricks he might have up his sleeve.

Wang Haiyue, on the other hand, was unrestrained but had lost his fighting edge. When he struck at Zhengyang, he was also injured by Zhou Changtai. No matter how hard he tried, today wasn't his day, and he had no choice but to leave, unwillingly.

Zhou Changtai was deeply impressed by Woo Zhengyang's performance, though today's events had left him too overwhelmed to fully process it. With no time to dwell on it, he hurried back to the Profound Heaven Sect with Woo Zhengyang and Lee Yunsheng.

The three of them traveled in silence, their expressions serious. This matter was far from over. None of the disciples who participated in the trial survived, all falling at the hands of Woo Zhengyang. Given the domineering nature of the Heavenly Martial Academy, they would not let this go easily.

Zhou Changtai and Lee Yunsheng were worried about the consequences, but Woo Zhengyang's mind was on the Dragon Saliva Pill. Despite the Academy's power, Woo Zhengyang had his own resources. The Ice Crystal Fire Palace alone was enough to see him through this ordeal safely. However, he wouldn't reveal it unless absolutely necessary. While the martial artists of Dongjue Country might not breach the Palace, if the Heavenly Martial Sect coveted it, Woo Zhengyang couldn't predict the outcome.

Everyone must be ready to face the consequences of their decisions. Those who once sought to kill Woo Zhengyang learned this, and so did Woo Zhengyang himself. Even with Wang Haiyue and others pressing him, he remained unflustered. The only regret he had was being deceived by Lyi Huamei, losing the chance for the Dragon Saliva Grass and the Dragon Saliva Pill, leaving Uncle Fu's injuries without progress.

The three anxious individuals hurried back to the Profound Heaven Sect, where Zhou Changtai quickly departed. This situation had surpassed the scope of the outer sect, and he needed to report it promptly to devise a strategy to handle the challenges posed by the Heavenly Martial Academy.

Out of the dozen or so participants in the trial, only two returned, and Lyi Huamei, the second-ranked disciple of the outer sect, was not among them. This caused quite a stir within the outer sect of the Profound Heaven Sect.

As details about the events within the Mystic Trace Realm emerged, the entire Profound Heaven Sect was shaken. Woo Zhengyang, known as the Outer Sect Number One Madman for his audacity, was now recognized not for his wild nature but for his extraordinary combat prowess.

Opinions varied widely—some supported him, others opposed him, and some even suggested handing Woo Zhengyang over to avoid retaliation from the Heavenly Martial Academy. There were even supporters of Lyi Huamei who called for Woo Zhengyang to be eliminated within the Profound Heaven Sect.

Amidst all this, Woo Zhengyang remained indifferent.