C14 Halfway Through the Sword Intent Displayed Its Might
As they traveled, the group's laughter and lively conversations filled the air. They were all peers, mostly in their mid-to-late twenties, which gave them plenty to talk about.
Chen Feng, having crossed over from the modern world, didn't put on any airs of a sect master and would readily join in the conversations with his disciples.
Among the disciples, the least advanced was at Body Refining Level One, with Lau Qi being the most skilled at Body Refining Level Four. Xiao Yan was at Body Refining Level Three, while the rest were at or below Body Refining Level Two. Lu Xueqi, however, was not part of this group.
Chen Feng turned to Lu Xueqi, who was beside him, and encouraged her, "Xueqi, why not mingle with your junior brothers and sisters?"
Lu Xueqi, who practiced a Cold Attribute technique and had a Profound Ice Cold Body, was naturally distant. Chen Feng was concerned that her aloofness could become a barrier, as he wished for all his disciples to grow positively.
At Chen Feng's prompting, everyone paused and turned their attention to Lu Xueqi.
The disciples harbored a sense of awe towards their eldest senior sister. Apart from Chen Feng, who could engage her in conversation, they kept their distance.
Even Su Yu had tried and failed to connect with Lu Xueqi, and if she couldn't succeed, the male disciples like Lau Qi stood even less of a chance.
There was a moment of awkward silence.
Chen Feng felt a twinge of embarrassment. His most senior disciple was ignoring him, the Sect Master. A little respect would be nice.
Chen Feng decided to try another approach. "Back in our hometown, there's a saying: 'A true master always maintains the heart of an apprentice.'"
Lu Xueqi, head bowed in thought, eventually asked, "And the strength of the person who said this?"
Chen Feng, stroking his chin, replied, "He was known as the Sword Saint."
The revelation surprised not only Lu Xueqi but Xiao Yan and the others as well. The title of Sword Saint was not taken lightly on the Holy Profound Continent, where social ranks were strictly observed. To claim such a title, one had to be a true Saint.
Lu Xueqi fell into deep thought. If even a Sword Saint maintained a heart filled with awe, perhaps she was mistaken in her approach.
Chen Feng continued with his grandiose talk: "I've reached the pinnacle of mountains and plunged into the depths of valleys. Both experiences have been immensely beneficial. Xueqi, your life has been fraught with hardship, and relying solely on your abilities, it's uncertain how many years it might take you to overcome them."
Addressing the disciples, Chen Feng said, "In truth, each of your junior brothers is extraordinary. Xiao Yan may have been considered worthless, but he is the possessor of the Myriad Flame Divine Body. His constitution is even slightly superior to yours, only hindered by blocked meridians. Once I clear them, he'll be able to cultivate anew."
Turning to Lau Qi, Chen Feng remarked, "Lau Qi has the Light Spirit Body. Though not quite your equal, he's a prodigy in his own right. With my guidance, he too will shine."
Xiao Yan was overwhelmed with excitement upon hearing Chen Feng's words. He hadn't imagined he was the Myriad Flame Divine Body, and it appeared the Sect Master could truly resolve his cultivation issues.
Lau Qi felt similarly astonished, never expecting to have a unique constitution. The Sect Master's personal recognition confirmed that joining the Profound Heaven Sect was indeed the right decision.
Observing Xiao Yan and Lau Qi, Lu Xueqi realized she had underestimated them. She hadn't foreseen their special constitutions, with Xiao Yan's even surpassing her own. Her Profound Ice Cold Body was already a once-in-ten-thousand-years phenomenon, yet the Myriad Flame Divine Body was even more formidable.
Chen Feng was right. Challenging the formidable Ice Snow Holy Land on her own would take an indeterminate amount of time. With the support of the Profound Heaven Sect, she would undoubtedly receive considerable assistance. With this realization, Lu Xueqi's demeanor softened slightly.
Sensing Lu Xueqi's shift in attitude, Chen Feng knew patience was key in guiding her. Such matters couldn't be hurried.
"Trouble's afoot," Chen Feng declared, halting and fixing his gaze forward.
Lu Xueqi, too, drew her sword, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
Chen Feng grasped Lu Xueqi's arm and instructed, "Protect the junior brothers and sisters. I'll handle them."
Xiao Yan and Lau Qi halted in their tracks, sensing the impending trouble. They escorted Su Yu and the others to Lu Xueqi's side for safety.
"Such keen awareness, Sect Master Chen. You actually detected our ambush," a group emerged from the woods, unabashedly revealing themselves as members of the Blazing Fire Sect.
Chen Feng's expression turned grim. The Blazing Fire Sect was like a bad penny. He scoffed, "Apparently, the lesson I taught you last time wasn't harsh enough. You're back again, seemingly with a death wish."
"Chen Feng, you're on death's doorstep and still you talk tough. Today, I, the great elder of the Blazing Fire Sect, will personally put an end to you," Yanshan emerged, his face twisted with malice.
Name: Wey Feng
Strength: Golden Core Level Four
Sect: Blazing Fire Sect Great Elder
Cultivation Method: Blazing Fire Technique
Physique: None
Talent: Bone Root: 6 (Upper limit: 10)
Insight: 6 (Upper limit: 10)
Predestined Blessing: 7 (Upper limit: 10)
Determination: 7 (Upper limit: 10)
Chen Feng regained his composure. Facing a Golden Core Level Four powerhouse like the great elder of the Blazing Fire Sect, he was uncertain of the outcome.
The great elder's gaze turned towards Lu Xueqi, his intentions clear, "I never imagined such a beauty existed in this world. Once Chen Feng is dead, I'll take you back to our sect for... personal enjoyment."
His disciples snickered lewdly, confident in their great elder's ability to handle the situation.
Lu Xueqi's grip on her sword tightened as she stood protectively in front of the junior disciples, trusting that Chen Feng would dispatch these villains on her behalf.
"The Blazing Fire Sect has gone to the extreme of dispatching their great elder just for our modest Profound Heaven Sect. It seems they're hell-bent on our destruction," Chen Feng said with a sneer, facing the great elder.
"Sect Master Chen, your swordsmanship is unparalleled. Yanshan may be worthless, but you could sever his arm with a single strike of your sword qi. If I didn't step in, who else could ensure your demise and claim the treasures?"
Wey Feng was utterly indifferent to Yanshan's feelings, as if the life or death of such a worthless person was of no consequence. Yanshan, standing to the side, didn't dare utter a word or show any sign of emotion.
Chen Feng chuckled, "So the great elder thinks just showing up will suffice? Quite the confidence."
Upon hearing Chen Feng's taunt, Wey Feng retorted, "It seems you're seeking your own demise."
"Blazing Fire Palm!"
With a thunderous cry from Wey Feng, a fiery red palm print over three meters in length materialized in the air.
The Blazing Fire Palm techniques of Yanshan and Wey Feng were not even in the same league, with a vast gulf between their martial skills.
Chen Feng bellowed,
"Sword!"
Lu Xueqi's sword soared towards Chen Feng, and the long swords wielded by the Blazing Fire Sect disciples resonated in response. Chen Feng, however, still refrained from using the Sect Master's sword, lacking the confidence to defeat Wey Feng and relying instead on the element of surprise.
Chen Feng's move was a spectacle that not only dazzled the onlookers but also elevated his standing in the eyes of the disciples.
Realizing the threat Chen Feng posed, Wey Feng knew he couldn't allow him to live, lest he bring calamity upon the Blazing Fire Sect.
A white sword qi clashed with the fiery palm, the collision unleashing a tremendous explosion.
Wey Feng resolved to unleash his full power, determined to ensure that Chen Feng would not leave today. He drew a long blade from his storage ring and charged at Chen Feng.
Chen Feng, having committed to the fight, was ready to give his all. The Basic Sword Spell in his hands was executed with grace and precision, while Wey Feng's blade technique was fiercely sharp, the large blade exuding an intimidating presence.
Chen Feng's swordsmanship was a balance of offense and defense. Had he possessed a more advanced sword technique, he wouldn't have been so on the defensive. Despite having tempered his body to the Body Refining Extreme Stage, he vowed to seek a superior sword technique once this battle was resolved.
The two were locked in a deadlock. Wey Feng, growing increasingly desperate, bellowed, "Wind Breaking Slash!"
The blade glowed with a cyan light, moving at a speed that nearly outpaced Chen Feng's sight. Startled, Chen Feng instinctively raised his sword in defense, employing the Basic Sword Spell to parry the attack.
Chen Feng was hurled away by an immense force, his sword nearly slipping from his grasp, its blade severed by Wey Feng. Had Chen Feng not honed his physique to the utmost, that strike could have gravely wounded him.
Wey Feng, witnessing his full-force slash effortlessly parried by Chen Feng, was taken aback to see only a sword broken. Doubt crept into his mind, and he contemplated retreat.
At that moment, Wey Feng was not in the best shape; his spiritual energy was significantly depleted. Chen Feng, too, was struggling. Being at the Body Refining Extreme Stage, his spiritual energy consumption was also vast.
Wey Feng, with a smirk, taunted, "Sect Master Chen, without your sword, how will you fend me off?"
Chen Feng remained silent, biding his time for a chance to deliver a fatal blow.
Wey Feng advanced, step by step, clutching his blade, not letting his guard down despite Chen Feng being unarmed.
The disciples of the Profound Heaven Sect watched on, fraught with concern for Chen Feng. Lu Xueqi maintained a composed facade, but inside, she was frantic, knowing her single sword could offer Chen Feng no aid.
Wey Feng, seeing Chen Feng at a loss, breathed a sigh of relief, convinced he had the upper hand in this fight.
Chen Feng muttered under his breath, "Now's my chance."
The Sect Master's long sword materialized in his hand, radiating an intimidating might.
Wey Feng, catching sight of Chen Feng's move and feeling the sword's formidable presence, was taken aback. "This is a magical weapon!"
He turned tail and fled, realizing he stood no chance against Chen Feng armed with such a weapon. To stay would be to court death.
Chen Feng let out a cold laugh, "Running away? I think not."
Sword Intent erupted from him, reaching for the heavens. Disciples from both the Profound Heaven Sect and the Blazing Fire Sect retreated, avoiding the overwhelming Sword Intent. Brilliant light shone from the blade as Chen Feng unleashed his full power. Though he had only recently grasped the Sword Intent and had yet to fully understand it, the sheer force he commanded was beyond the reach of the average warrior.
Wey Feng was in total panic. After such a prolonged battle, his Spiritual Force was depleted. How could he possibly stand against this sword qi?
The sword qi struck in an instant. Wey Feng cried out with all his might, "Wind Breaking Slash!"
It was like an ant shaking a tree, utterly futile. His Essence Steel Level blade was cleaved in two, and Wey Feng's body was severed as well.
The members of the Profound Heaven Sect were shocked, while those from the Blazing Fire Sect were terrified to the point of wetting themselves.
Lu Xueqi observed Chen Feng and realized she was correct; it was Sword Intent. Chen Feng had indeed grasped the Sword Intent.
Yanshan was at a loss for words, dropping to his knees to beg for mercy, his Golden Core Stage presence nowhere to be found.
Chen Feng wasted no time, dispatching the Blazing Fire Sect members with several strokes of his Sword Intent.
Approaching Lu Xueqi, he said, "Your sword is broken. I'll make it up to you with a new one once we're back at the sect."
He then instructed Xiao Yan to collect the valuables from the fallen.
Xiao Yan, awestruck by Chen Feng's might, shared the same gleaming admiration in his eyes as the other disciples, itching to leap into action.
Chen Feng, however, was in dire straits, having expended nearly all his energy. He had to use a Level One Recovery Pill to slowly regain his strength, lest his valiant image crumble before the disciples.
Xiao Yan and Lau Qi set about searching the bodies for loot.
Lau Qi, watching Chen Feng stow his sword in his storage space, remarked coolly, "You have your own sword. Why insist on using mine?"
Chen Feng, while replenishing his Spiritual Force, nearly stumbled at Lu Xueqi's comment. He replied, "One storage ring already incites such greed. If there were two, the Divine Martial Sect would likely come running."
Lu Xueqi gave Chen Feng a sidelong glance that nearly snatched his soul away.
Xiao Yan and Lau Qi came bounding over, laden with loot, and excitedly reported to Chen Feng, "The Blazing Fire Sect folks are loaded. Yanshan alone had fifty thousand silver notes, and the rest of the disciples together had another ten thousand. Plus, there are various long swords, knives, and the like. The great elder even had a storage bag, though we haven't yet seen what's inside."
After Xiao Yan finished speaking, he handed the storage bag to Chen Feng.
Chen Feng channeled a stream of spiritual force and easily opened the storage bag. Unlike the storage ring, which required binding to the owner's spirit sense and even after the owner's death, needed a forceful erasure of the spirit sense to be accessed, the storage bag had no such restrictions and could be opened by anyone.
Inside the storage bag, which measured roughly four square meters, were three secret scriptures, a heap of spirit stones, various miscellaneous items, some silver coins, and banknotes. Among the items, Chen Feng was surprised to find a piece of women's lingerie. It seemed the great elder, despite his age, had quite the peculiar taste.
Chen Feng discarded all the useless items and extracted the three cultivation methods: the Middle Grade Yellow Rank martial skill Blazing Fire Palm, the Top Grade cultivation method Blazing Fire Spell, and the Low Grade Profound Rank martial skill Wind Breaking Slash.
While the levels of these cultivation methods weren't particularly high, there was no need for the disciples to practice the Blazing Fire Spell. However, the Wind Breaking Slash and Blazing Fire Palm could be taught to them.
Chen Feng was puzzled about how the great elder of the Blazing Fire Sect had come into possession of a Profound Rank martial skill. Perhaps it was an unexpected find. Regardless, it was now to Chen Feng's benefit.
Having organized the items, Chen Feng placed them into his own storage space. Since the storage space had been revealed, there was no longer any reason to conceal it by entrusting it to Lu Xueqi.
Aside from Xiao Yan, the newly joined disciples had been concerned about the possibility of being annihilated by the Blazing Fire Sect for joining the Profound Heaven Sect. But witnessing Chen Feng's display of power, their fears were assuaged, and the group of them integrated more seamlessly.
Chen Feng, feeling a surge of pride as he looked at his disciples, gestured grandly and declared, "Follow me back to the sect."