The next morning, Fu Shaoping, Nangong Wan, and Lin Yu got up early, left the cave, and headed towards the town. As soon as they entered the town, they heard people talking animatedly.
"I heard that last night a group of mysterious people fought a fierce battle with the Demonic Cult in the woods, and both sides suffered heavy casualties."
"Yes, those mysterious people seem very powerful, they utterly defeated the Demonic Cult members. But who exactly are they?"
Hearing these discussions, Fu Shaoping and his companions had an idea and quickly stepped forward to inquire, "Brothers, do you know who those mysterious people are? Why are they fighting against the Demonic Sect?"
An old man looked at Fu Shaoping and his group and said, "I heard that those mysterious people come from a mysterious sect called 'Shadow Moon Sect.' This sect has always been secretive, and few people know their background. However, it is said that they have an irreconcilable feud with the Demonic Sect, and this battle with the Demonic Sect may be for revenge."
Fu Shaoping nodded: "I see, thank you for informing me, sir."
The three bid farewell to the old man and continued to inquire about news in the town. They came to a teahouse, found a seat, ordered some tea, and listened to the discussions around them while drinking their tea.
"I've heard that the Shadow Moon Sect is currently searching for a treasure called the 'Heavenly Profound Jade.' It's said that this treasure possesses immense power, and whoever obtains it will dominate the martial world."
"Yes, no wonder the Demonic Sect is also searching for the 'Heavenly Profound Jade' everywhere. It seems they are also after this treasure."
Fu Shaoping's heart tightened: "'Heavenly Profound Jade'? Could it be that the Demonic Sect wants us to hand over?"
Nangong Wan frowned: "It seems things are getting more and more complicated. We need to find the 'Heavenly Profound Jade' as soon as possible, otherwise the Demonic Sect will not let this go."
Lin Yu nodded: "Yes, let's find out where the 'Heavenly Profound Jade' is first, and then make a plan."
The three left the teahouse and began searching for the 'Heavenly Profound Jade' throughout the town. They asked many people, but received no useful clues. Just as they were feeling somewhat discouraged, they suddenly heard a child say, "I know where the 'Heavenly Profound Jade' is!"
Fu Shaoping and the others quickly turned to look at the child: "Little friend, you said you know where the 'Heavenly Profound Jade' is, is that true?"
The child nodded: "It's true! I found a package in the woods yesterday, and there was a jade pendant inside. The adults said that the jade pendant is the 'Heavenly Profound Jade'."
Fu Shaoping was overjoyed: "Little friend, can you take us to see that jade pendant?"
The child hesitated for a moment, then nodded: "Okay, but you can't tell anyone that I told you."
Fu Shaoping and the others readily agreed and followed the child to his home. The child took out a package from the room, opened it, and sure enough, there was a jade pendant inside. Fu Shaoping picked up the jade pendant, examined it carefully, and realized that it was the same jade pendant they had received at the inn earlier.
"Little friend, is this jade pendant really 'Heavenly Profound Jade'?" Nangong Wan asked.
The child nodded: "Yes, the adults said this jade pendant is very precious and can be exchanged for a lot of money."
Fu Shaoping's heart skipped a beat: "Little friend, we'll buy this jade pendant. Name your price."
The child thought for a moment and said, "One hundred taels of silver."
Fu Shaoping took out one hundred taels of silver from his pocket and handed it to the child: "Little friend, this is the money for the jade pendant. Keep it safe."
The child took the money and said happily, "Thank you!"
Fu Shaoping and his companions took the jade pendant and left the child's house. They knew that this 'Heavenly Profound Jade' might bring them more trouble, but they also understood that a great secret must be hidden behind this treasure. They decided to continue searching for clues to unravel the secret of the 'Heavenly Profound Jade' and rid the martial world of this scourge of the Demonic Sect.
The three left the small town and embarked on a new journey. They didn't know what awaited them, but they firmly believed that as long as they were united, they would overcome all difficulties and realize their dreams of a life in the martial arts world.
After leaving the town, Fu Shaoping, Nangong Wan, and Lin Yu continued their journey along the winding mountain road. The afterglow of the setting sun cast long shadows across the mountains. Fu Shaoping gripped the 'Heavenly Profound Jade' tightly, his mind filled with countless thoughts.
"Shaoping, what secret do you think the 'Heavenly Profound Jade' holds?" Nangong Wan suddenly asked, her gaze falling on the warm, smooth jade pendant, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes.
Fu Shaoping pondered for a moment, then said in a low voice, "Both the Demonic Sect and the Shadow Moon Sect are vying for it, which means it is no ordinary treasure. Perhaps it is related to the overall situation of the martial world, or even... it may be hiding some kind of powerful force."
Lin Yu, walking behind the two, interjected, "No matter what secrets it holds, we cannot let it fall into the hands of the Demonic Sect. Otherwise, the martial world will likely be plunged into another bloodbath."
The three remained silent for a moment before continuing their journey. Night gradually fell, and the mountain breeze carried a hint of coolness. Fu Shaoping looked up at the sky and saw a bright moon hanging high, its cool light spilling across the forest like a layer of silver frost.
"Let's rest at the inn ahead tonight," Nangong Wan said, pointing to the faint lights in the distance. "We'll inquire about the 'Heavenly Profound Jade' again tomorrow."
The three arrived at the inn, where the innkeeper, a middle-aged man, greeted them warmly upon seeing their travel-worn appearance: "Three gentlemen, would you like to have a meal or stay the night?"
Fu Shaoping cupped his hands and said, "One superior room, and prepare some wine and dishes."
The innkeeper nodded in agreement, and a moment later, the food and wine were served. The three ate and chatted, when suddenly, several wandering swordsmen at the next table began to whisper among themselves.
"Have you heard? The Shadow Moon Sect has been searching for the whereabouts of the 'Heavenly Profound Jade' and has already tracked it down to several nearby towns."
"The demonic sect is also searching, and the two sides will likely clash again soon."
Fu Shaoping and his two companions exchanged glances, their vigilance growing. It seemed the struggle for the 'Heavenly Profound Jade' was intensifying, and they needed to uncover its secrets as soon as possible, or they risked being drawn into an even greater storm.
The next morning, the three left the inn and continued their travels. They visited martial arts figures and inquired about information, gradually discovering that the 'Heavenly Profound Jade' seemed to be related to an ancient legend—the legend said that the 'Heavenly Profound Jade' was a treasure left behind by an unparalleled expert in ancient times, containing the power of heaven and earth, which could help people break through the limits of martial arts, and even... control life and death.
"No wonder the Demonic Sect and Shadow Moon Sect are so crazy," Lin Yu frowned. "If they really have such power, the martial world will probably never be peaceful again."
Fu Shaoping pondered for a moment, then suddenly said, "Perhaps we should go to 'Tianxuan Mountain'."
Nangong Wan was taken aback: "Tianxuan Mountain? The legendary origin of 'Tianxuan Jade'?"
Fu Shaoping nodded: "Since the clues point to it, let's go see for ourselves." The three immediately set off towards Tianxuan Mountain. Along the way, they endured wind and rain, sleeping in the open and facing numerous dangers, but they did not back down. Because they knew that the path of the martial world was inherently like this; only by forging ahead could they uncover the truth.
Meanwhile, the forces of the Demonic Sect and the Shadow Moon Sect are also secretly clashing, and an even greater storm is quietly brewing...
After several days of trekking, Fu Shaoping, Nangong Wan, and Lin Yu finally arrived at the foot of Tianxuan Mountain. Looking up, the mountain was majestic, shrouded in clouds and mist, like a fairyland, yet it also exuded an indescribable aura of solemnity.
"Is this Tianxuan Mountain?" Nangong Wan gently stroked the hilt of his sword, his gaze solemn.
Fu Shaoping nodded: "Legend has it that the 'Heavenly Jade' is hidden deep in this mountain, but the mountain is extremely dangerous, so we must proceed with caution."
Lin Yu looked around and whispered, "There are already quite a few martial arts practitioners at the foot of the mountain. It seems we are not the first group to arrive."
Sure enough, several groups of people were scattered along the mountain path. Some were dressed in black, exuding a chilling aura, clearly members of the Demonic Sect; others wore silver masks and acted stealthily, likely spies from the Shadow Moon Sect. The three groups were wary of each other but did not immediately attack, clearly waiting for an opportunity.
"Let's be careful not to alert them," Fu Shaoping said in a low voice. "Let's go up the mountain and scout the situation first."
The three climbed the winding mountain path, and the higher they went, the colder the air became, and the vegetation thinned out. Suddenly, a cold wind swept through, and a low growl echoed from the forest, as if some ferocious beast was lurking there.
"Watch out!" Nangong Wan suddenly drew his sword. With a flash of cold light, a black shadow pounced out from the bushes—it was a giant wolf with a jet-black body, blood-red eyes, and menacing fangs!
“It’s a Mountain Demon Wolf!” Lin Yu said in a deep voice. “This kind of demonic beast likes to feed on the essence and blood of martial artists and is good at bewitching people!”
The giant wolf roared and pounced. Nangong Wan's sword flashed like lightning as she slashed at the wolf's head. However, the wolf twisted its body strangely in mid-air, dodging the sword's edge, and at the same time, its claws went straight for her throat! Fu Shaoping leaped up and struck the wolf's back with a palm. The palm force exploded, and the wolf howled and fell heavily to the ground, but it still struggled to get up and fight again!
“It’s been hit by my ‘Frost Palm’, it shouldn’t last long!” Fu Shaoping said coldly.
Without further hesitation, Nangong Wan turned his sword, a flash of cold light appeared, and the demon wolf's head rolled off, black blood splattering all over the ground.
"That was close." Lin Yu wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. "It seems that the monsters on the mountain have been corrupted by demonic energy and have become increasingly ferocious."
The three continued on their way, and soon an ancient stone gate came into view. The gate was covered with mysterious runes and emitted a faint light, as if warning any visitors to stop.
"Is this the legendary entrance to the 'Heavenly Mystery Realm'?" Nangong Wan stared at the stone gate.
Fu Shaoping reached out and touched the runes, a sharp pain suddenly shooting through his fingertips, as if an electric current was coursing through his body. He frowned and quickly withdrew his hand: "This stone door is protected by a restriction; forcing our way in might trigger a mechanism."
Just then, a cold laugh came from behind: "Young friends, since you're here, why don't you come in together?"
The three turned around abruptly and saw several black-clad disciples of the Demonic Sect slowly approaching. The leader smiled sinisterly and said, "'Heavenly Profound Jade' is a sacred object of our sect. If you know what's good for you, hand it over!"
Lin Yu snorted coldly: "You members of the Demonic Sect, don't even think about touching me!"
Before the words were even finished, the two sides had already drawn their swords! Nangong Wan's sword flashed like a rainbow, Fu Shaoping's palm strikes were fierce, and Lin Yu moved like lightning. The three cooperated perfectly, instantly repelling several demonic sect disciples. However, the restrictions near the stone gate seemed to be disturbed by the battle, the runes shone brightly, and the entire stone gate shook violently!
"Oh no, the restriction has been activated!" Fu Shaoping shouted.
The stone gate burst open with a deafening roar, releasing an ancient and desolate aura. The three stood at the entrance, where they could see the secret realm shrouded in mist, with towering ancient trees and jagged rocks faintly visible. A deep canyon meandered forward, its destination unknown.
"Watch out!" Nangong Wan suddenly grabbed Fu Shaoping's shoulder. "There's an ambush!"
Before the words were finished, several dark figures burst forth from the mist, and with a flash of cold light, more than ten poisoned throwing knives pierced the air! Fu Shaoping's palms flew, and with several "bangs," he knocked all the throwing knives down. Lin Yu, on the other hand, dodged to the side like a ghost, and threw three silver needles with his backhand. With a few "whooshes," several muffled groans came from the treetops in the distance.
"Demon cultists!" Nangong Wan turned his sword, its cold light cascading down like a waterfall, instantly forcing back the two attackers.
Fu Shaoping looked closely and saw a man in black robes emerge from the mist, his face covered by a silver mask, revealing only a pair of sinister eyes: "Hand over the Heavenly Profound Jade, and I'll spare your lives."
"The Right Envoy of the Demonic Sect!" Lin Yu recognized the man's identity. "I didn't expect the Demonic Sect to send even him."
The man in black robes sneered, "Since you know, why don't you quickly offer up your treasure?" Before he finished speaking, a jet-black chain suddenly flew out from his sleeve, aiming straight for Nangong Wan's throat!
"Clang!" Nangong Wan blocked the chain with her longsword, but felt a chilling aura rushing into her body through the blade. Her expression changed slightly, and she quickly took several steps back.
"Watch out for his Xuan Yin Chains!" Fu Shaoping warned, simultaneously thrusting out with both palms, a scorching palm force striking the black-robed man. The black-robed man groaned, his figure drifting backward, the chains twisting into a snake shape in mid-air, striking again!
The three formed a defensive stance back to back. Lin Yu suddenly whispered, "I have an idea—Brother Shaoping, use your palm strike to force him back, Miss Nangong, seize the opportunity to block his retreat with your sword energy, and I'll handle it."
"Buzz——"
A clear, melodious sword cry suddenly rang out! Nangong Wan drew his longsword, its light cascading like moonlight, condensing into three sword shadows in the air, which pierced the black-robed man's throat, heart, and dantian respectively!
"Clang clang clang!"
The man in black robes hastily parried, but his sleeve was still torn by a sword. His expression changed drastically: "W-what happened to your sword energy?"
"The Heavenly Mystery Pavilion's ultimate technique, the Three Talents Sword Art." Nangong Wan sheathed his sword, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Now, it's our turn to attack."
Seizing the opportunity, Fu Shaoping unleashed a scorching wave of energy from both palms. The man in black hurriedly retreated, but his escape route was blocked by the silver needles that Lin Yu had pre-positioned. The three of them joined forces to attack, and the man in black was forced back step by step until he was finally pinned to the stone wall by a sword. His mask shattered, revealing half of his ferocious face.
"Cough cough." The man in black robes struggled to take out a blood-red token from his robes. "The Demonic Sect will not let you go." Before he could finish speaking, he breathed his last.
The three of them cautiously looked around. The fog gradually dissipated, revealing a deep canyon, from which faint, low roars like dragon's cries could be heard.
“It seems the Heavenly Profound Jade is down there.” Fu Shaoping picked up the blood-red token, on which was engraved an ancient character “Xuan”.
Just as Nangong Wan was about to speak, his expression suddenly changed: "Someone's coming!"
In the distance, the sound of orderly footsteps echoed as a squad of silver-armored warriors, spears in hand, approached in formation. The leader removed his helmet, revealing a cold, stern face: "Shadowmoon Sect is on official business. All bystanders, please evacuate immediately!"
Lin Yu frowned: "The Shadow Moon Sect people are here too? This is troublesome." (End of Chapter)
You'll Also Like
-
Douluo Continent: Transmigrating into Huo Yuhao, My Martial Soul is Too Inferior
Chapter 83 12 hours ago -
Douluo Continent's Healing Sorcerer, Qiu'er Seizes the Future from the Start
Chapter 97 12 hours ago -
Douluo Continent: Poseidon, the foster mother, disrupts Tang San's divine examination.
Chapter 179 12 hours ago -
Douluo Continent, with the martial soul Gan Jiang and Mo Xie, can slay everything.
Chapter 232 12 hours ago -
Douluo Continent: I planted the Tree of Imaginary Numbers in the Peerless Realm
Chapter 189 12 hours ago -
Douluo Continent: A start with many children brings good fortune; he snatches Xiao Wu from the fold.
Chapter 126 12 hours ago -
Exiled to a desolate planet, the plants I grew possess a peculiar magic.
Chapter 352 12 hours ago -
Crossing Back to the 1980s: The Rough Factory Manager Lifts Me High
Chapter 333 12 hours ago -
Reborn as Yang Jian! Fairy, please have some self-respect.
Chapter 102 12 hours ago -
I'm a Title Douluo, and you expect me to guard the gate?
Chapter 151 12 hours ago