C41 The Mission of Gathering the Four Great Sects

The "Dragon Countering Nine Steps" and the "Sword Sacrificing Spell" were both crafted by the same master, and Woo Zhengyang had the original copies. The depth and artistry woven into these texts were unmatched by any other manuals. Yet, these techniques proved to be the most challenging for Woo Zhengyang to master.

Like others before him, Woo Zhengyang struggled to grasp the full potential of the "Dragon Countering Nine Steps," a technique that relied heavily on the accumulation of momentum. Practicing alone was manageable; he could consistently reach the ninth step without interruption. However, in battle, facing an equally skilled opponent, even taking three steps was a daunting task.

As for the "Sword Sacrificing Spell," its four-word mantra left Woo Zhengyang even more perplexed.

Thrust, Lift, Spin, Slash.

These words echoed powerfully in Woo Zhengyang's mind.

Thrust, like a thousand swords flying, their gleam cold as stars.

Lift, as if a sword could cleave the earth, dividing sea and mountain.

Spin, like clouds drifting by, elusive and traceless.

Slash, as if a divine weapon descended, altering the very fabric of the world.

The aura was there, so intense it made Woo Zhengyang's heart race. Yet, these four words described the most basic sword techniques. Despite his efforts to capture their essence, he couldn't grasp their true power, rendering his attempts ineffective.

...

A few days later, Woo Zhengyang departed from the Profound Heaven Sect.

Woo Zhengyang knew his martial arts techniques were truly unique. Whether it was the Sword Sacrificing Spell or the Flesh Condensing Technique, he couldn't advance like others just by training within the sect. Woo Zhengyang was destined to walk a different path.

This time, Woo Zhengyang had taken on a mission as he descended the mountain.

Three-Star Mission: Travel to the mayor's residence in Bright Sun City and escort the mayor's daughter, Yuwen Feifei, on her journey to the Blizzard Mountains. Mission reward: 500 contribution points.

Note: The Blizzard Mountains are extremely dangerous. Those taking on this mission must be at least at the Eight-star Martial Disciple level, or they risk their lives.

Woo Zhengyang's current level wasn't sufficient for this mission, but after his battle with Liu Tianli, his strength had been proven, so he faced no obstacles in accepting it.

Bright Sun City and the Profound Heaven Sect were both part of Dongjue Country. However, the reputation of the Profound Heaven Sect far surpassed that of the small city of Bright Sun.

Woo Zhengyang chose this mission not for the 500 contribution points, but because Bright Sun City was where he had grown up.

After a long journey, Woo Zhengyang finally returned to this familiar yet unfamiliar place.

Presenting his Profound Heaven Sect badge at the mayor's residence, Woo Zhengyang was quickly led to a pavilion by a small lake.

In the pavilion, five men and one woman were already engaged in conversation over tea. Before Woo Zhengyang even approached, he heard the woman's bell-like laughter.

"Ah, you must be Brother Woo Zhengyang from the Profound Heaven Sect. You've come a long way for Feifei; thank you for your effort. Please, have a seat!" The woman in the yellow dress, with a charming smile, stood up to greet him. She appeared to be Yuwen Feifei, the beloved daughter of the Bright Sun City's mayor.

"There's no need for formalities," Woo Zhengyang replied politely, taking a seat and glancing at the other four individuals present.

Among them was a gentleman in a purple robe, a sturdy young man with a simple demeanor, and two others who were quite unique. They looked strikingly similar, almost like brothers, yet one was stout while the other was slender—a stark contrast.

Thanks to Yuwen Feifei's introductions, Woo Zhengyang quickly learned who they were. The peculiar pair were indeed brothers: the heavier one was named Qian Yuan, and the slimmer one, Qian Fang. Both were eight-star Martial Disciples from the Wind Howl Sect. The robust young man was Huang Ruoshan from the Iron Cloud Sect, also an eight-star Martial Disciple. The gentleman in the purple robe was Ye Qiufeng from the Blue Moon Sect, a nine-star Martial Disciple.

It was quite surprising to Woo Zhengyang that representatives from all four major sects of the country—Blue Moon Sect, Iron Cloud Sect, Wind Howl Sect, and Profound Heaven Sect—were present. Typically, such a straightforward three-star task wouldn't require involvement from multiple sects. Especially surprising was Ye Qiufeng from the Blue Moon Sect; with his nine-star Martial Disciple status, he shouldn't be spending his time on such a task.

"Woo Zhengyang, I haven't heard of you before. What's your rank in the Profound Heaven Sect, and how far along are you in your cultivation?" After everyone introduced themselves, Ye Qiufeng turned to Woo Zhengyang with a question.

Ye Qiufeng spoke with a friendly smile, but for some reason, Woo Zhengyang felt an underlying hostility. It wasn't just Ye Qiufeng; Qian Fang and Qian Yuan also looked at Woo Zhengyang with clear animosity. Even their glances at Ye Qiufeng held a hint of resentment.

The atmosphere in the pavilion wasn't as harmonious as it seemed. Only Huang Ruoshan, a sturdy young man, seemed detached, lost in his own thoughts.

Despite the tension, Woo Zhengyang replied, "I'm disciple number 9,999, at the first level of Body Tempering..."

"What..." Woo Zhengyang started to explain his status as a Body Tempering cultivator but was interrupted.

The interruption came from none other than Yuwen Feifei. Her smile, ever-present from the start, vanished, replaced by a hint of anger. However, she quickly regained her composure and smiled again, saying to Woo Zhengyang, "I think you might have misunderstood the task, junior brother!"

Demoted from 'senior brother' to 'junior brother,' Woo Zhengyang didn't mind but was puzzled. He asked, "A three-star task: Escorting the mayor's daughter, Yuwen Feifei, from Bright Sun City to the Blizzard Mountains. Isn't that correct?"

Qian Fang started, "This is the task."

Qian Yuan chimed in, "But you really shouldn't be the one taking it!"

"Haha..." Both of them burst into laughter.

The peculiar brothers and their strange behavior left Woo Zhengyang completely puzzled, though the others seemed unfazed.

"To be frank, this task isn't suitable for you, junior brother. I suggest you head back," Yuwen Feifei bluntly suggested.

"Well, then, I'll take my leave!"

Woo Zhengyang, still confused but not wanting to argue, got up and left. He had only taken the task on a whim, and since he wasn't welcome, there was no need to stick around.

Leaving the city lord's mansion, Woo Zhengyang headed straight to the east side of Bright Sun City, stopping at a courtyard nestled by the mountains and water.

...

The Lau mansion, home of the Lau family in Bright Sun City.

The Lau family, the Lee family, and the Yuwen family were the three major families in Bright Sun City. The head of the Yuwen family, Yuwen Feifei's father, was the city lord.

By now, it was late, and the gates of the Lau mansion were tightly shut, with only two bright red lanterns illuminating the entrance.

Woo Zhengyang didn't knock. Instead, he scaled the wall to the backyard and leaped over.

Relying on memory, Woo Zhengyang quickly found his way to a familiar room. The room was dark, but he expertly felt for the key under the doorframe, unlocked the door, and went inside.

From his Hidden Heaven Bag, he took out a luminous pearl, its soft glow lighting up the entire room.

This was a rather simple yet very clean and tidy room. A year had passed, and nothing had changed; everything was just as Woo Zhengyang remembered.

Having lived here for so many years, Woo Zhengyang never really felt anything special about it. But after being away for a year, he realized how much he missed this straightforward room.

After taking a walk around the room, Woo Zhengyang sat cross-legged on the bed and began his meditation...