The next day, as the scent of damp soil from the previous day's rain rose in the air,
two rascals were brawling in the mud. They didn't care about dirtying their clothes; all they wanted was to fight.
Suddenly, one of them was lifted into the air and slammed into the ground. That was Su Ming.
With the sound of the impact, Su Ming grabbed his head. "Hey, don't you think you overdid it a bit?"
Zhang Yong chuckled lightly. "Weren't you the one who asked me to be your partner in direct physical combat?"
"Yes, after all, my only area of mastery is the sword, so I figured learning some other combat methods might be useful."
Zhang Yong extended a hand and helped Su Ming up. "You're not wrong, but you rely too much on your spiritual power. Do you know what the other combat fields are? Let me tell you. Let's consider spiritual power as vitality, which leaves you with attack, defense, speed, and mental energy. Vitality helps increase the other fields, so others consider it the core field and their main focus. But no matter how much vitality boosts the other fields, those fields can never surpass vitality. However, if you raise the other fields equally, and then also enhance vitality itself, the effect will be much greater."
It could be described as if at a certain level the increase would be the same every time, and even if you strengthened the weak field it would not increase much, but if the field was strong from the beginning and vitality was added the increase would be greater, and so the level of training is not everything
Su Ming nodded with some understanding. "That's surely why martial arts practice is encouraged at an early age."
Zhang Yong patted Su Ming's shoulder lightly and smiled. "It may not seem to have much effect in the short term, but in the long run, you'll realize how useful it is. Now, let's go wash up."
The two left for the lake area, where they fetched buckets of water and poured them over themselves.
Zhang Yong breathed in blissfully. "Phew, that's refreshing," he said, running his hand through his hair and squeezing out the water.
Su Ming stared at him with a trace of surprise and envy, catching Zhang Yong's attention.
"What's the matter?" Zhang Yong asked in confusion.
"You've got a crazy physique — a pile of muscles and scars on your neck and chest. But now that I think about it, weren't you stabbed by that man in the shrine area? I don't see a single scratch now."
Zhang Yong picked up his clothes hanging on a tree and put them on. "Of course I can heal my body," he said with amusement. "If you'd seen me when I had my spiritual power before , I could've taken down an army on my own."
Su Ming looked at him with mild sarcasm and lightly punched Zhang Yong's shoulder. "That's an exaggeration, man. Let's go get breakfast first, I'm hungry."
Su Ming walked ahead, leaving Zhang Yong behind. Zhang Yong muttered quietly, "But I'm being serious."
As soon as the two made their way to the dining hall, they found a large number of people staring at them.
This was to be expected after the mess they had caused during the sect's test.
While they were eating, the stares became even more intense, but as long as no one made a move, no one else would act.
"So, what are we going to do? Go back to doing higher-risk missions?" Su Ming asked, indifferent to the stares, in a calmer atmosphere.
Zhang Yong looked at Su Ming and thought, 'There's the danger of the Heavenly Demon, the Child of fortune , In my current state, I have a value to her, but once she uses me, she'll probably dispose of me,I can't plot directly against her either — she's an old fox. The bigger problem is if she's the obsessive type… in that case, I'll have to hide until I complete my plans'
He lifted his bowl of leftover broth and drank it. At that moment, from the corner of his eye, someone sat down next to him. This person nearly made him choke, and he felt as if fate itself had just flipped him off.
It was none other than the Heavenly Demon herself — Wu Ruxian.
She placed her food tray down and sat beside Zhang Yong without any warning, leaving him stunned. "Uh, why are you sitting here?"
Wu Ruxian picked up her chopsticks and began eating. "The seat next to you isn't reserved, is it?"
Although she was right, Zhang Yong didn't want her anywhere near him — at least not without a plan. This was the last volatile situation he wanted. He had to escape.
Su Ming looked over with a mischievous smile. "No, the seat's not reserved. You can sit here," his tone dripping with faint sarcasm as he glanced at Zhang Yong.
Immediately, Zhang Yong turned his gaze toward Su Ming, who met it with a wink. In his heart, Zhang Yong cursed, Su Ming 'you bastard, it's not what you think! It's not time for you to play a wingman!'
Su Ming pushed himself up from the table. "Alright, I'll leave you two alone. See you later, Yong." He waved as he walked away.
Zhang Yong dropped his head onto the table, wishing the earth would open up, swallow him, and spit him out somewhere else so he could punch Su Ming in the face.
Wu Ruxian continued eating nonchalantly before finally speaking. "Why are you so tense? It's not like I'm going to devour you."
Zhang Yong sneered inwardly, 'No, I'm pretty sure you would if you got the chance'
He sighed, trying to calm his nerves. "Wu Ruxian, I have many questions I want to ask. Why did you surrender in our fight?"
An unexpected smile appeared on Wu Ruxian's usually indifferent face. "Ruxian."
"What?"looked with an eyebrow
"Call me Ruxian. It's a privilege I grant you."she said with a charming smile
Zhang Yong's jaw nearly hit the floor. Was this some kind of mental manipulation trick? He could only guess
If he had still been the naive, one-life boy from his first life, he might have fallen for it.
Fortunately, he had changed. For now, it was time to act — as long as he didn't make this demoness suspicious of him, he might find an opening to eliminate her. For the moment, he would simply play along.
He swallowed. "R–Ruxian… now can you answer me?"
Wu Ruxian chuckled before replying, "I did it because I wanted to. I find you… interesting."
For a moment, this answer made him almost want to throw up , Zhang Yong immediately stood up before things could escalate. "Then, Sister Wu, if you'll excuse me, I need to go before the master starts looking for me."
He slipped away quickly before anything else could happen. As soon as he exited the dining hall, he let out a sigh of relief.
He knew that if Wu Ruxian decided to chase him, he wouldn't be able to escape.
'From now on, I should avoid going anywhere that gathers a lot of disciples'
On his way back, he passed by the Skills Hall and heard a voice calling out.
When he turned, it was Elder Bai who had spoken.
Zhang Yong approached and bowed slightly. "Greetings, Elder Bai."
To his surprise, Elder Bai smiled. "I didn't expect that old man to accept you. He must be pleased."
Elder Bai seemed to have a good relationship with Elder Gu, and so Zhang Yong naturally had to be respectful. "Yes, I'm very grateful to the master for accepting me."
Elder Bai raised his hand, holding a sealed clay jar. "Since you're heading back to your peak, take this jar to that old man Gu."
Zhang Yong took the jar and placed it in his storage pouch. "Then I'll take my leave, Elder."
Elder Bai stroked his beard and said, "If you're interested, I think I know a technique that would suit you."
Zhang Yong's attention was immediately caught, but he decided not to get his hopes up too much. "I'm listening, Elder."
"Answer me this , Are you a virgin?"
Zhang Yong froze at the question, cursing inwardly, 'What's with everyone today? Ugh, whatever'
"Honestly, yes i am"
"That's good. I have a sect-exclusive technique called the Pure Star Body. Would you accept it?"
Zhang Yong asked before agreeing, "Does it rely on spiritual power?"
The elder nodded. "Of course it uses spiritual power , but a special kind of External materials"
Zhang Yong raised his hands in apology. "Then I'm afraid I'll have to refuse your offer."
A disappointed smile crossed Elder Bai's face, but he said nothing more. "Very well, you should get going now. Ah, youth really is a wonderful thing."
Zhang Yong turned and began walking back toward the peak. His heart had already nearly stopped a few times from the morning's shocks alone. Who would have thought so many problems would appear right after becoming an inner disciple?
His mind was still in turmoil when he looked at the jar Elder Bai had given him. "I wonder what this is… Well, better not open it. Might summon some spirit that strangles me to death, with how awkward this day is"
When he reached the peak, he first went to the disciples' hall, a small meeting room where the peak's disciples gathered, it wasn't very big since the disciples of this peak are Few
Inside, the twin sisters Liu Yan and Liu Yin and Wang Fei were there, sitting around a square wooden table and drinking tea.
Zhang Yong entered and asked, "Where's Su Ming?"
Liu Yan laughed excitedly. "Oh, the little bird is back," she said, giving him a wink.
"What?" Zhang Yong's jaw dropped slightly. Apparently, he wasn't going to survive another shock today.
Wang Fei waved his hand. "Nothing. We just know you're still young, but don't overdo it , i'll give you later back pain ointment" he said with a knowing smile.
Zhang Yong complained immediately, "Am I the only one who doesn't know what's going on?"
Liu Yin sighed. "Su Ming came back and told us he left you alone with a girl."
Zhang Yong covered his face, trying to calm his nerves. "Cut me some slack. First, there's nothing between me and that girl — we don't even know each other. Second, where's that idiot Su Ming? I still have a score to settle with him."
Liu Yan pointed outside. "Don't worry, all relationships start like that. As for Su Ming, you'll find him in his room. Take him with you — the master asked for both of you."
Zhang Yong nodded, hiding his irritation. "Forget what Su Ming told you — it's not true. At least, it won't happen in this lifetime. I'm going."
He left the hall while the three continued to watch his departing back. Wang Fei couldn't help but ask, "What's with him?"
Liu Yin lifted her teacup, took a sip, and said two words: "A wounded heart."
At that moment, Zhang Yong spotted Su Ming outside.
"Su Ming!" he called out as he approached.
Su Ming raised his hands and smiled"Hehe, done talking to that girl?"
Zhang Yong cracked his knuckles and smiled as well. "Yes, and to show my appreciation, allow me to reward you."
Su Ming waved his hand humbly , but secretly he felt that there was a killing intent surging from Zhang Yong "Oh, there's no need for such things between us, right?"
Zhang Yong shook his head. "No, no, I insist."
He walked toward his room and stood inside. "Su Ming, come in and lock the door behind you."
Smiling happily, Su Ming followed Zhang Yong in and closed the door with a swallow "So, how are you going to reward me?"
"No need to rush."
Suddenly, from outside, the sounds of smashing, crashing, clashing weapons, and blades being drawn erupted — like hammers pounding metal, except louder and faster.
"Wait, Zhang Yong, why are you holding that chair?"
"You'll find out soon."
A loud crash echoed through the room.
"Yong, are you crazy? What are you doing?"
"Oh, you dodged the chair? Fine, the second one will hit."
"No, don't hit me with the bed — not the bed!"
Another loud crash of wood breaking resounded.
"Don't worry, I won't leave any parts lying around. I'll feed them to you."
"Yong, you… bastard!"
Another heavy blow rang out.
Then the door opened again, revealing Su Ming lying on the floor, battered from the severe beating, the room now a complete mess.
Zhang Yong crouched beside Su Ming's head. "Alright, Su Ming, I didn't overdo it, so you're almost fine. Come on, we have to go meet the master."
Su Ming lifted his head and glared angrily. "You bastard, you looked like you were getting along with that girl. Anyone seeing your expression back then would think the same thing."
Zhang Yong grabbed Su Ming by the clothes and dragged him toward the master's quarters. "Yes, but you were the one jumping to conclusions. Doesn't matter now, let's go."
After some time, the two arrived at the master's quarters, and Zhang Yong knocked gently on the door.
The door slid open to reveal the master. "You're here… What happened to your face, little Su?"
Su Ming scratched his head and glanced sideways at Zhang Yong. "Nothing, we were just training."
The master sighed. "Alright, just don't overdo it again."
Zhang Yong smiled at the response. "Don't worry, Master. That reminds me, Elder Bai asked me to deliver this jar to you."
Zhang Yong flipped his palm, taking out the jar. The master took it and opened it, and a fragrant aroma immediately filled the air. "Oh, that old Bai really knows his aged wine. This is good."
Zhang Yong asked curiously, "Actually, Master, do you know a technique called the Pure Star Body?"
The master raised his eyebrows slightly. "Yes, it's an ancient sect technique from the founder's era. Only the sect master has ever trained on it."
Su Ming's eyes lit up. "Really? I think I'll go take a look at it and learn it."
The master asked, "Did old Bai offer to teach it to you?"
Zhang Yong nodded. "Yes, he did. He also asked a weird question about whether I was interested a virgin , So, Master, what's the connection?"
The master's face froze, and he turned his head away. "That's because of the technique's requirements. The first is to be handsome — which you obviously are. The second… is to cut it off."
"Cut what?"
"What makes you a man."
Both Zhang Yong and Su Ming's jaws dropped at the same time.
Su Ming continued, "Wait, doesn't that mean the sect master…"
Zhang Yong glanced at Su Ming. From his expression, he could tell his worldview had shattered. Zhang Yong smirked. "Still want to train in it?"
The master coughed quickly. "That's because the technique contains strong yin energy, so this must be done to balance it in the body. You are forbidden to spread this information."
Both immediately nodded. "Understood."
The master walked a bit and gestured for them to follow. "Alright, today I'll explain the Paths to you today"
Zhang Yong's attention was instantly piqued. He had always heard the term "Paths" but thought it was just a name. From what he had learned the day before, it seemed the matter was deeper than it appeared.
The master continued, "At the beginning of the martial arts journey, everyone starts generally the same. But as you advance, you can't continue that way, so you must specialize in a certain area — that specialization is what we call a Path. The number of Paths is unknowable, and there are even ancient forgotten ones. Anyone can choose a Path, but progress depends on talent, and each Path has its own advancement requirements."
Zhang Yong asked directly, "You mean like Su Ming's Sword Path?"
The master nodded. "Correct. Su Ming's primary Path is the sword, and his secondary is alchemy. Paths aren't easy to advance in. For example, for the sword, true progress begins after reaching Sword Intent. After forming Sword Intent, you can enter the Sword River, and the Sword Path grows stronger with each step — this is one of the requirements for the Sword Path. Additionally, you must understand the Law of Metal. Every Law has its own Path, and some Laws help other Paths. Think of it like one great tree — the Laws are the roots, and the Paths are the branches. The Laws are the steps for progressing in a Path. For example, the Alchemy Path requires comprehension of the Laws of Wood and Fire."
Su Ming smiled gently. "Yes, that's why my master sent me to learn from you. He said you're the best when it comes to Paths."
Elder Gu chuckled coldly. "That's only because your master was a fool back then. But Zhang Yong's case is different. I wasn't planning to bring it up, but when I saw the five elements in your body, I decided otherwise. The best Path for you is the Five Elements Path. To progress in it, you must train all five elemental Laws to the highest level. But if it's you, I'm sure you can do it."
Still, Zhang Yong thought for a moment. "Can't I train in the Sword Path like Su Ming?"
The master's eyes widened slightly beneath his brows. "Are you interested in the Sword Path? You're already training in the Arrays and Talismans Path I gave you, plus the Five Elements Path… It's better not to bite off more than you can chew."
Zhang Yong smiled at the master's concern but persisted. "I still want to train in it."
Zhang Yong was no fool and already knew the master's worry. He himself didn't want to spread himself too thin but preferred to focus on greater mastery. Still, he felt capable of handling it.
Since his physique made comprehension easier, perhaps it wouldn't take him long to progress.
The master sighed with a smile. "Alright then, let me ask you — what do you put into your sword?"
Zhang Yong's heart skipped a beat. Wasn't this the same question Su Ming had asked before? Even now, he still didn't have a clear answer.
So he shook his head. "I don't know."
The master replied, "That's fine. The Five Elements Path works well with the Arrays and Talismans Path, so both will grow stronger together."
Suddenly, an image flashed in Zhang Yong's mind — the array he had faced before. "Master, I once encountered a fifth-grade array called the Giant Demon-Slaying Array
I understand there must be Laws in the flags to use it, but what kind of Laws were used?"
The master was slightly shocked to hear the name, confirming to Zhang Yong that he knew of it.
The master sighed.
"That was the Soul Law —but that's only part of it. The other mixed laws were Transformation, Metal, and Light."
When speaking of the Soul Law , the master's tone grew tense, as if he disliked the subject.
Zhang Yong asked anyway,
"I'm curious, Master. You said each Law has its own Path, and to progress in the Path you must understand the Law. So… what is the Soul Path?"
At once, it seemed drops of sweat appeared on the master's face.
"It's something you shouldn't know. It's a dangerous Path. No one can truly understand or use the soul
It's fine if you try to grasp it a little, but don't go too far, or there will be consequences."
Zhang Yong and Su Ming exchanged a glance, realizing the master didn't want to discuss it further.
Naturally, they didn't press the matter.
The master caught his breath, and his breathing began to quicken.
"There's another aspect—mental energy.
It's also essential for paths like formations and talismans. Of course, there are other ways to use it, like this…"
The master turned and raised his fist toward them.
That simple movement made the two of them freeze.
An unbelievable, crushing pressure fell upon them, leaving them unable to move.
It was as if a giant fist had appeared before them, ready to utterly destroy them, with no chance of escape.
Cold sweat froze along their spines.
The moment the master withdrew his hand, the pressure vanished.
The master chuckled calmly.
"Did you lose your composure? I call it the Tyrant's Fist.
If someone sends a strong punch with this skill, their opponent's consciousness will be injured before their body.
It's a fusion of mental energy and pure physical power."
Then the master began coughing.
Su Ming was astonished.
"Master, that was terrifying."
Zhang Yong observed quietly, trying to steady his irregular breathing.
"Incredibly strong."
The master coughed more.
"This… is… a technique… I created—"
Suddenly, as he coughed, blood fell onto his white robe, and he collapsed to the ground.
Both their eyes widened at once, and they rushed to him.
Zhang Yong caught him quickly.
"Master! Master!"
He lifted him in his arms immediately.
"Su Ming, call the senior brothers, now!"