In the back, a hint of concern flickered in Qin Changkong’s eyes.
Unexpectedly, Duan Jingtian happened to pass by and arrived at Dragon Mountain Peak.
Everyone in the sect knew about the feud between Chen Fan and the outer sect branch of the Heaven’s Alliance.
The leader of the Heaven’s Alliance, Duan Jingtian, was here, and it seemed he had taken notice of Chen Fan, admitting to hearing his name before.
Although Chen Fan had gained renown in the outer sect, it couldn’t have attracted Duan Jingtian’s attention.
The fact that Duan Jingtian was aware of Chen Fan's name suggested that news of the events in the outer sect had reached him. It meant that not only was he genteel but also cunning and ruthless.
Members of the alliance had died during the competition matches, so Qin Changkong pondered Duan Jingtian’s true thoughts.
I hope nothing happens.
Qin Changkong prayed in his heart.
The valley with He Junyang’s group, Dragon Mountain Blessed Land:
The trio guarded a cave’s entrance like sentries.
Inside the cave, Zhong Li sat on the ground, his primeval qi intensifying and casting a milky white luster.
The primeval qi of heaven and earth transformed into wisps of milky white radiance, seeping into Zhong Li and fortifying his inner breath and his flesh and blood.
Zhong Li was currently trying to break through to the Yuanfu realm.
“It’s been three days. I wonder if Boss will succeed in advancing?” He Junyang remarked, looking into the pitch-black cave, sensing the intense ripples emanating from it.
Five days ago, they had entered a land full of treasures under Zhong Li’s lead and obtained a spiritual fruit that could push a Qi Grandmaster into the Yuanfu realm.
The group came across a remote and quiet valley two days later, and Zhong Li went into secluded cultivation to advance to the next level.
With three more days having elapsed, the aura from the cave grew increasingly powerful.
“To achieve the Yuanfu realm is to establish a primeval vessel inside you. It could condense an enormous amount of primeval force. Boss was already a peak Qi Grandmaster when we entered the blessed land, and some of his primeval qi had already transformed into primeval force. The Condensed Primeval Purple Fruit has significantly increased his chances of success. I think he should be out soon,” Yang Feng said.
The rather attractive Bing Ye said, “That’s right. The aura coming from inside the cave is getting stronger and stronger. I feel like the atmosphere is growing heavier. He should be just one step away from breaking through.”
“Mhm. Wang Fuchen wouldn’t be so arrogant once Boss advances successfully. I heard he went to the Black Sea Demon Cave three days ago to seize the Ice Jade Snow Lotus. I wonder if he has succeeded by now,” He Junyang said, switching the topic.
Yang Feng narrowed his eyes slightly, a faint smile appearing at the corners of his lips. “It’s best if he succeeds. After Boss makes his breakthrough, we'll find him and seize it, saving us the trouble of entering Black Sea Demon Cave and facing all those demon beasts.”
“There’s also that little bastard Chen Fan. He dares kill our Heaven’s Alliance members. His sins are unforgivable. He might have survived that disaster, but he won't escape death. Boss regrets that he couldn't kill him personally, but the heavens have given him a chance.”
Bing Ye said, “But whatever happens in Dragon Mountain Blessed Land can be seen from the outside. It'll be challenging to justify our actions to the Sect Master.”
“What are you scared of?!”
He Junyang, wearing a look of disdain, retorted, “After Boss makes his breakthrough, would the Sect Master make things difficult for us just because that little bastard died? Besides, we're members of Heaven’s Alliance. How will he explain himself to Senior Brother Duan!”
Suddenly, a powerful aura surged from within the cave, transforming into a fierce gale that swept out like blades, making He Junyang and the others stagger backward.
“He did it! Boss succeeded in breaking through!”
The three steadied themselves and looked inside the cave with surprise.
They sensed a presence akin to a ferocious beast, making their hearts quiver. The pressure was unmistakably that of a Yuanfu realm powerhouse.
Tap tap, tap tap tap...
Simultaneously, the sounds of light footsteps echoed. Soon, Zhong Li emerged from the depths of the cave.
Seeing Zhong Li, He Junyang and the others hurriedly went up and asked, “How is it, Boss?”
Although they knew Zhong Li had broken through to the Yuanfu realm, they needed his confirmation.
Zhong Li nodded. “I succeeded!”
He extended his hand and pointed. A streak of primeval force shot out, making the ground before him explode and forming a sizable crater as rocks and dirt flew everywhere.
“So, this is the strength of a Yuanfu realm powerhouse? So powerful!” He Junyang and the others’ pupils shrunk slightly. Just a point of his finger made them feel like death was before them.
Had that finger been pointed at them, their protective primeval qi would have shattered instantly, and they would have been skewered.
“It’s mighty, indeed. It’s on a completely different level from the Qigong realm. Not even ten Qi Grandmasters combined can match a Yuanfu realm powerhouse. Tell me, what’s the situation like outside?” Zhong Li asked with a smile.
Yang Feng said, “Boss, Wang Fuchen led his men to the Black Sea Demon Cave three days ago to take the Ice Jade Snow Lotus, but there has been no news yet. It’s unknown if he’s succeeded.
“There's another matter that Boss might find unbelievable: Chen Fan and Qin Yao are both alive!”
“That little bastard is still alive? How is that possible?”
Zhong Li's expression shifted from surprise to a calculated calm. He narrowed his eyes and said, “Tell me in detail.”
Yang Feng recounted what he had gathered. After hearing it, Zhong Li fell silent for a while.
“Hehe, this little bastard is truly tenacious, surviving even after jumping off Scarlet Cliff with no blood. It looks like he obtained some fortuitous encounter below the Scarlet Cliff...” Zhong Li said coldly, his eyes flickering with a cold light.
Such resilience in the face of imminent death suggested Chen Fan had stumbled upon a significant opportunity.
He Junyang laughed coldly and said, “It’s good that he didn’t die, Boss. We’ll just kill him again. There’s no way he can escape, can he? We can also snatch that heavenly opportunity from him, killing two birds with one stone.”
“Mhm. Let’s go. We’ll head over to the Black Sea Demon Cave immediately. It won’t be easy for Wang Fuchen to obtain the Ice Jade Snow Lotus. The Black Flood Dragon species are mighty. He will have to pay a steep price even if he obtains the Ice Jade Snow Lotus. We’ll go there right now and play the oriole behind the mantis.”
An icy cold smile appeared on Zhong Li’s face.
Now, Wang Fuchen wasn’t the only one with Yuanfu realm cultivation.
Black Sea Demon Cave:
The air shook violently as primeval qi and primeval force collided fiercely in mid-air. Explosion sounds rose and fell from the clashes.
Wang Fuchen stood proudly in the void, the sword in his hand shining brightly.
Powerful sword light continuously descended, creating a storm of sword lights that turned gravel into powder.
Chen Fan was reluctant to reveal the Wings of Rain Dragon. He knew that the people on the Dragon Mountain Peak could see this. If exposed, speculation and greed could arise.
“Wang Fuchen, as the number one disciple of Floating Cloud Sword Outer Sect and a Yuanfu realm expert, you’re actually hiding like a turtle. It’s really shameful. Come down and fight me if you’re capable. What kind of prowess is that, hiding in the air!?”
Chen Fan shattered the incoming sword lights with a palm and taunted Wang Fuchen. It would be ideal to defeat Wang Fuchen without revealing the Wings of Rain Dragon.