C124 Nie Fengyu(1)
Nine is the ultimate number, and ten signifies perfection. The Ice Crystal Fire Grass embodies a balance of opposing forces: ice and fire. With five fiery leaves, it contains an equivalent power of five parts ice crystal, achieving a state of perfection.
When Woo Zhengyang produced a single Ice Crystal Fire Grass, everyone was too stunned to speak. Yet, he continued to reveal nine in total, one of which was a perfect specimen. This left the entire martial practicing field in silence for quite some time.
Those who have ventured into the Ice Fire Mystic Realm say that its mystical mountains number around eight or nine, each nurturing a single Ice Crystal Fire Grass. Over the years, many have tried to claim this elusive plant, but most have only managed to secure the most basic one.
Woo Zhengyang, however, proved he had entered the Ice Fire Mystic Realm and scaled more than one of its mystical mountains, showcasing incredible potential. Reflecting on Woo Zhengyang's earlier claim of surpassing Yue Jiuxiao and possibly challenging Zhou Lianshan, no one considered him arrogant anymore. His feat of delving into the Ice Fire Mystic Realm alone justified his confidence.
"Do you all think I would harm my fellow disciples for just one Ice Crystal Fire Grass?" Woo Zhengyang asked softly, bringing everyone back to their senses.
If they continue to make baseless accusations, they could still pin the blame on Woo Zhengyang. However, anyone with a bit of sense would question this logic. Would someone who managed to obtain nine Ice Crystal Fire Grasses really resort to murder over a single Dragon Saliva Herb?
Putting aside whether such a risk is worth it, if Woo Zhengyang truly had ill intentions, he wouldn't have bothered with the Ice Fire Mystic Realm in the first place. He could have just eliminated Lyi Huamei right away. Going through the trouble of the Ice Fire Mystic Realm to get nine Ice Crystal Fire Grasses and then killing Lyi Huamei doesn't add up.
For a moment, Yue Jiuxiao and Zhou Lianshan were speechless. They looked at Woo Zhengyang with newfound caution. Although Woo Zhengyang had killed over twenty people in the Mystic Trace Realm, they weren't overly concerned. They've been through countless battles and encountered numerous prodigies. While not many could achieve what Woo Zhengyang did, it wasn't unheard of.
Many speculated that Woo Zhengyang must have found some ancient treasure in the Mystic Trace Realm, which is why he was so powerful. Given Woo Zhengyang's usual behavior, this theory was widely accepted. People acknowledged his potential, but it wasn't enough to make them wary.
This time, however, Yue Jiuxiao and Zhou Lianshan were indeed wary.
Entering the Mystic Trace Realm and emerging unscathed is a feat only a genius like Zhongli Huo could achieve. To come out with gains is to be a once-in-a-generation prodigy, a force against the odds. It's uncertain if anyone has ever ventured so deep and returned safely before; at least, no one has heard of it.
Today, they witnessed such a person, but this individual has become their mortal enemy, leaving Yue Jiuxiao and Zhou Lianshan deeply concerned. If Woo Zhengyang continues to grow, they might find themselves without a place in the world, especially at the rate he's progressing. It might not take long at all.
The two exchanged glances, their eyes turning to the silent elder of the inner sect. Yet, the elder remained as immovable as a mountain, showing no intention of speaking.
Finally, a cold glint flashed in Zhou Lianshan's eyes as he spoke in a grave tone, "Let's set aside our sect's grudges for now. You shouldn't have slaughtered the disciples of the Heavenly Martial Academy within the Mystic Trace Realm. Do you realize the disaster this could bring upon our sect?"
"What’s this? Shifting the blame now?" Woo Zhengyang smiled slightly and continued, "As for disaster? I don't see it as such."
"Hmph!" Yue Jiuxiao snorted, saying, "The Heavenly Martial Academy is under the Heavenly Martial Sect. Your arrogance has made a formidable enemy for our Profound Heaven Sect. If that's not a disaster, what is?"
"May I ask, are the students of the Heavenly Martial Academy considered human, while those from the Profound Heaven Sect are not? In the Mystic Trace Realm, life and death are left to fate—that's always been the rule. Why is it that they can kill me, but I can't kill them? If that's the case, why should the disciples of the Profound Heaven Sect even bother participating in the trials? They might as well just stay and train within the sect!"
"How dare you!" Yue Jiuxiao shouted.
But this time, the disciples of the Profound Heaven Sect in the martial practicing field were stirred up.
Even though many supported Lyi Huamei and Zhongli Huo, at the end of the day, they were still part of the Profound Heaven Sect. For a long time, the students of the Heavenly Martial Academy have overshadowed the four great sects, and the so-called immunity from death has left many feeling frustrated and helpless.
