C74 Can Fight but Not be Deceived(2)

In the end, she still doubted Woo Zhengyang's strength and chose a safer path. However, she feared missing out if Woo Zhengyang actually found the rare herbs. Reluctantly, Zhang Caiyun ran into her fellow disciple and Lee Kaiyuan at Profound Heavy Mountain and casually mentioned her encounter with Woo Zhengyang, aiming to catch Lee Kaiyuan's attention.

As expected, Lee Kaiyuan, a student of the Heavenly Martial Academy, held a deep grudge against Woo Zhengyang, the audacious rogue. Concerned he might not handle Woo Zhengyang alone, he proposed that if Woo Zhengyang emerged, they would join forces to eliminate him and then split the demon cores he collected.

Zhang Caiyun wasn't particularly interested in the demon cores. Her plan with her companion was to swiftly ambush Lee Kaiyuan after dealing with Woo Zhengyang, making it look like they both perished, and then claim the rare herbs Woo Zhengyang had gathered.

Everything seemed meticulously planned, but she underestimated Woo Zhengyang's prowess, leading to the current situation.

"A warrior can fight, but not deceive. From the moment you plotted against me, you should have been ready to pay the price!"

Zhang Caiyun's pitiful appearance might have evoked sympathy, but Woo Zhengyang remained unmoved. Even if she was truly forced into this, he wouldn't show mercy, especially since she was so adept at scheming and repaying kindness with betrayal.

After speaking, Woo Zhengyang executed the "Dragon Countering Nine Steps," launching his fists toward Zhang Caiyun.

Zhang Caiyun wasn't about to surrender easily. As Woo Zhengyang attacked, she fiercely swung her longsword, creating a protective barrier of sword light around her.

Despite the injury on his back, Woo Zhengyang had no intention of getting entangled with Zhang Caiyun. Ignoring the sword light, he used a black iron token to block the body of her sword and continued to press forward.

Zhang Caiyun, already feeling intimidated, was no match for Woo Zhengyang's relentless assault. Within a few exchanges, he found an opening and landed a punch on her face, turning her once beautiful features into a bloody mess.

As Zhang Caiyun cried out in pain, Woo Zhengyang's "Dragon Countering Nine Steps" struck her calf with a force exceeding a thousand pounds. Unable to withstand the blow, her leg bone snapped instantly, and then Woo Zhengyang crushed her throat with another punch.

Having taken down three opponents, Woo Zhengyang couldn't help but feel his energy surging, especially with the wound on his back still bleeding profusely.

This battle made Woo Zhengyang acutely aware of the dangers he faced. Apart from Lyi Huamei, who remained somewhat unpredictable, everyone else participating in the trial could potentially be his enemy.

After taking down the three adversaries, it didn’t necessarily mean Woo Zhengyang could handle three nine-star martial disciples on his own. If they hadn’t underestimated him from the start, and if Woo Zhengyang’s reckless tactics hadn’t thrown Lee Kaiyuan off, the outcome might have been different.

Of course, Woo Zhengyang’s daring was just a chance that allowed him to stand his ground. His real advantage lay in his robust physique. An average martial disciple wouldn’t have withstood Zhang Caiyun’s strike, let alone turned the tables.

This place was a gathering spot for major sects, so Woo Zhengyang didn’t dare linger. After using the Flesh Condensing Technique to stop the bleeding from his back, he began collecting his spoils of battle.

Among the three’s belongings were some common herbs and demon cores. These items, sourced from the Mystic Trace Realm, were naturally more valuable than those found elsewhere. However, for Woo Zhengyang, who was solely focused on the Dragon Saliva Pill, they were of little interest. Fortunately, he had his Hidden Heaven Bag and quickly stashed everything away.

Additionally, Lee Kaiyuan’s sword was a decent find—a mid-grade treasure known as the Frost Sword. Woo Zhengyang had seen similar swords at the exchange hall of the Profound Heaven Sect, so he wasn’t worried about anyone recognizing its origin.

Unfortunately, Woo Zhengyang’s four-word sword technique still hadn’t yielded any results, and he didn’t know any other sword skills, so he decided to store the Frost Sword for now.

With everything in order, Woo Zhengyang stepped onto the stone steps leading up Profound Heavy Mountain...

The entire expanse of Profound Heavy Mountain is composed of a deep, dark stone. When Lyi Huamei pointed out some special locations, Woo Zhengyang took note of this place. He had heard from Zhang Caiyun that the end of the canyon led here, and he was quite intrigued, mainly because of the unique stone.

This stone is a rare material used in crafting, comparable to the iron used in Woo Zhengyang's iron token. Unfortunately, even with Woo Zhengyang's skills, cutting through this stone is nearly impossible. Even wielding a powerful sword would prove challenging. Otherwise, with the Mystic Trace Realm opening so many times, the mountain wouldn't still be standing tall today.

Initially, Woo Zhengyang was interested in Profound Heavy Mountain to use the stone's hardness to train in the Flesh Condensing Technique. Now that his body training has reached a high level, continuing would be of little benefit. Woo Zhengyang decided not to waste time and energy on it. His next target is the Ice Crystal Fire Grass.

The special locations within the Mystic Trace Realm are fixed. According to the map provided by Lyi Huamei, if Woo Zhengyang wants to reach the Ice Fire Mystic Realm, he must cross Profound Heavy Mountain. Of course, it won't be as simple as just crossing it. These special locations are also part of a trial, and the difficulty is much greater than where they initially appeared.

Woo Zhengyang wasn't concerned. Trials are opportunities, and no matter how dangerous the path ahead might be, he wouldn't back down!