The Reversal of Heaven Begins with The Smiling, Proud Wanderer

The invisible sonic sword energy was blocked by the pure yang true energy that flowed naturally around him as soon as it reached three feet in front of him.

Golden true energy enveloped his entire body like a protective shield. When sound waves struck the shield, they melted instantly, like snowflakes thrown into a raging fire.

The Seven-Stringed Invisible Sword had very little effect on him!

"What? Such profound internal strength!"

Huang Zhonggong's fingers froze on the strings as he stared in disbelief at the scene before him.

His prized skills were utterly useless against this man.

Chapter 21: West Lake Dungeon

Just as Huang Zhonggong's mind was shaken and the music of his zither became sluggish, Lin Mu made his move!

He pushed the "Phoenix Dance Six Illusions" movement technique to its limit, his figure flickering like a ghost, appearing in front of Huang Zhonggong almost instantly, the force of the wind he generated causing the long beard on the other's forehead to flutter.

This time, he did not draw his sword, but instead slowly slapped out his left hand in a palm shape.

The palm strike appeared slow, but it was actually carrying a surge of pure Yang energy. The scorching heat distorted the surrounding air, and the candle flame on the table crackled and popped, with the wick bursting out a string of sparks.

Huang Zhonggong's pupils contracted sharply, alarm bells rang in his mind, and he could no longer care about the guqin.

He abruptly abandoned his zither and raised his palms, pouring all the internal energy he had painstakingly cultivated throughout his life into his hands, attempting to block this seemingly ordinary yet deadly palm strike.

"Bang!"

The two palms clasped together, and the dull thud made the beams and pillars of the main hall tremble slightly.

Huang Zhonggong felt an indescribable, scorching force surge in like a volcanic eruption. The force was as blazing as the sun, fierce and domineering. His decades of pure internal energy, which he was so proud of, melted and dissipated instantly in the face of this pure yang energy, like spring snow meeting the scorching sun.

A burning pain shot through my meridians, as if flames were raging inside.

"Crack!"

The crisp sound of his arm bone breaking was clearly audible. Huang Zhonggong could no longer hold on and coughed up a mouthful of blood.

His body flew backward like a kite with a broken string, crashing heavily into the blue brick wall behind him with a dull thud, and several cracks appeared on the wall.

His body slid softly down the wall, his arms hanging limply at his sides, blood constantly spilling from the corners of his mouth, his eyes unfocused, clearly indicating that he had lost his fighting ability.

Lin Mu stood with his palms closed, a faint burning sensation still lingering on his fingertips.

He stepped forward and pressed the pressure points on Huang Zhonggong, Dan Qingsheng, Tu Biweng, and Hei Baizi.

This prevented them from struggling and temporarily stopped the bleeding of Danqingsheng and Tubiweng.

They then searched the four men and found four keys in each of their clothes.

At this moment, Xiang Wentian, having dealt with the servants in the manor, hurriedly returned. As soon as he stepped into the main hall, he saw the mess on the ground and the four friends of Plum Manor lying on the ground. His eyes were first filled with astonishment, and then turned into deep admiration.

He asked himself if he could defeat Huang Zhonggong even in a one-on-one fight.

Lin Mu was able to defeat all four friends of Plum Manor in such a short time, which means his strength must have reached the Innate Realm.

"Brother Lin, you have excellent skills!"

Xiang Wentian stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the four barely alive people. His tone was grave: "The dungeon entrance is extremely well hidden. Only they know its location. We have to find out."

Having said that, he leaned down to look at Huang Zhonggong, his voice carrying a hint of pressure: "Master Huang, if you know what's good for you, tell me where the dungeon entrance is. If you dare to hide it, don't blame me for being impolite!"

"Kill me if you want, no need to ask any more questions!"

Although Huang Zhonggong was seriously injured and on the verge of death, his temperament remained unyielding. He clenched his teeth and his eyes were stubborn, clearly indicating that he would rather die than submit.

Lin Mu remained calm and composed, for he already knew the temperament of the Four Friends of Plum Manor.

Huang Zhonggong valued righteousness, Danqingsheng loved wine, and Tubiweng was obsessed with painting, but only Heibaizi was the most cowardly and cunning.

He raised his hand and patted the back of the neck of Huang Zhonggong, Dan Qingsheng, and Tu Biweng. The three of them groaned and fainted instantly.

Then, the Heaven-Slaying Sword was drawn half an inch from its sheath, flashing with a blue light. The tip of the sword was pointed directly at Hei Baizi's throat. His tone was calm but carried an undeniable killing intent: "I'll only give you one chance. Take us to see Ren Woxing, or this sword will pierce your throat right now."

"Understand?"

The cold blade pressed against his skin, sending a chill down his spine. Hei Baizi, already terrified by Lin Mu's methods, was now ashen-faced, his legs trembling uncontrollably, and cold sweat pouring down his forehead: "I...I understand! I'll take you there! I'll take you there!"

Following Hei Baizi's directions, Lin Mu and Xiang Wentian escorted him through the corridor to Huang Zhonggong's bedroom.

Black and White Piece walked shakily to the bedside and turned the mechanism.

With a soft "click," the bed board slowly moved downwards, revealing a dark hole.

Fresh soil remained around the edge of the cave entrance, indicating that people frequently entered and exited.

The three of them walked down the tunnel one by one. The tunnel was narrow and damp, and the stone steps were covered with moss. If you were not careful, you would slip and fall.

After climbing about a hundred steps, a heavy iron gate appeared ahead. The gate was made of fine iron and was about half a foot thick. Four keyholes were clearly engraved on it, arranged in a square.

Xiang Wentian took out four keys from his pocket and inserted them into the keyholes in the order instructed by Hei Baizi, turning them clockwise.

"Crack...crack...creak—"

The sound of the machinery operating was particularly jarring in the silent tunnel. The heavy iron door slowly rose, revealing a dark passage leading downwards. A stench of mold, decay, and rust assaulted the senses, making one almost vomit.

The three continued on their way and eventually arrived at a dungeon.

The dungeon was built of huge stones, with several transparent crystal stones embedded in the walls. The faint light from the lake bottom shone through the crystal stones, barely enough to make out the interior.

Deep inside the dungeon, a tall old man was chained to the wall by four thick steel chains, each as thick as a child's arm. His limbs were shackled, and the shackles were connected to the chains, firmly fixing him to the stone wall.

His hair and beard were tangled like a lion's mane, hanging messily down to his chest. His clothes were tattered and his face was covered in dirt, clearly indicating that he had suffered greatly in the dungeon.

Even though he looked disheveled, his eyes gleamed with a wild and unruly light in the darkness, like a tiger trapped in a cage, full of resentment and violence.

Hearing footsteps, the old man abruptly raised his head, his cloudy eyes peering through the iron bars at the figure outside the door. A hoarse growl escaped his throat: "Who is it? Left Envoy? Is that you?!"

His voice was as dry as sandpaper, clearly indicating that he had not spoken normally for a long time.

"Master! Your subordinate is too late to save you!"

Upon seeing Ren Woxing in this state, Xiang Wentian's eyes reddened and his voice choked with emotion. He quickly stepped forward, pushed open the cell door, rushed to Ren Woxing, and reached out to unlock the chains: "Your subordinate will release you right away!"

"Hahaha! Good! Good! You've finally come!"

Ren Woxing was taken aback for a moment, then burst into a thunderous laugh that shook the dungeon and rattled the chains.

"Quickly! Let me out! That scoundrel Dongfang Bubai, I will tear him to pieces! I'll skin him alive!"

His gaze then fell on Lin Mu and Hei Baizi, who walked in afterward, and he asked with scrutiny and doubt: "Who is this young man?"

While slashing at the chains with his sword, Xiang Wentian quickly explained, "Master, this is Young Hero Lin Mu, a young hero of the martial world with unparalleled martial arts skills! If it weren't for Brother Lin's help, I wouldn't have been able to break through the obstruction of the Four Friends of Plum Manor, let alone come to the dungeon to rescue you!"

Upon hearing this, Ren Woxing's eyes gleamed even brighter as he sized Lin Mu up and down.

The young man before me was neatly dressed and had a composed demeanor. Although the sword in his hand was not drawn, it exuded a chilling sharpness.

Chapter 22: Ren Woxing

Ren Woxing laughed heartily, his voice still hoarse but now brimming with a touch of heroism: "Good! You truly are a young hero! I, Ren Woxing, thank you for saving my life, young brother! Once I'm out of here, I will surely repay you handsomely!"

Lin Mu nodded slightly, as if to say hello.

He tossed the trembling black and white pieces into a corner, walked over to examine the steel chain, and said to Xiang Wentian, "Let me handle this."

Xiang Wentian did as he was told and stepped aside.

Lin Mu drew the Heaven-Slaying Sword, continuously channeling his pure Yang true energy into the blade. A faint golden light emanated from the sword, and an invincible, sharp aura spread out, making the surrounding air seem to stagnate under its pressure.

"Qiang! Qiang! Qiang! Qiang!"

The four clear, metallic sounds clashed almost in one continuous line, so fast that they were indistinguishable from each other.

Sparks flew in the darkness. The steel chains and shackles that had bound Ren Woxing for twelve years were as fragile as rotten wood before the Heaven-Slaying Sword, snapping instantly.

Ren Woxing felt his limbs relax, and the heavy restraints that had imprisoned him for countless days and nights suddenly disappeared!

He first moved his wrists and ankles in disbelief, his joints making a "click" sound, and then the pent-up joy and violence of twelve years erupted: "Hahaha! Hahaha! I'm free! Free!!"

Amidst his maniacal laughter, he suddenly stood up. Although his body swayed slightly and his legs were weak due to years of imprisonment, he still couldn't hide his domineering aura of looking down on the world and being the only one who mattered.

His gaze swept over the half-dead black and white pieces in the corner, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes.

Hei Baizi has been coveting Ren Woxing's "Star Absorbing Technique" for years, using clever words and flattery to try and get something for nothing, which has annoyed Ren Woxing to no end.

"You bastard, how dare you covet my Star Absorbing Technique?"

Ren Woxing sneered, and in a flash, he appeared in front of Hei Baizi. Before the other party could react, he reached out and grabbed his shoulder.

"Since you want it so badly, then I'll grant your wish!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Ren Woxing activated the "Star Absorbing Technique," and a powerful suction force emanated from his palm.

Hei Baizi felt his internal energy surging outward like a flood bursting its banks. He tried to struggle, but Ren Woxing held him down tightly, preventing him from making a sound. He could only let out a mournful "hoarse" sound. His face turned deathly pale at a visible speed, and he soon slumped down like a dehydrated log, his internal energy completely drained.

Just as Ren Woxing finished absorbing the black and white pieces' internal energy and his spirits lifted slightly, a system notification sounded in Lin Mu's mind:

[Ding! Side quest: 'Rescue Ren Woxing' has been completed!]

[Reward: Invincible Vajra Divine Skill!]

[Invincible Vajra Divine Skill: Originating from the world of "The World's Number One," it is a top-tier defensive technique. Upon mastery, one can condense an 'Invincible Vajra Body,' becoming impervious to blades and spears and indestructible for half an hour. Furthermore, it allows one to refine internal energy to the level of metal and stone, effectively resisting martial arts techniques that absorb or neutralize internal energy.]

【Do you want to receive it? 】

Lin Mu frowned slightly, secretly regretting that although the Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill was powerful, it was notorious for "consuming internal energy." Gu Santong had cultivated it for decades and absorbed the internal energy of countless masters before finally mastering it before his death.

Although he now possesses innate cultivation, it is unknown how much time and resources he would need to cultivate an indestructible body.

In contrast, he would prefer to receive rewards that directly enhance his strength, such as refined internal energy or rare and precious materials.

However, the system reward could not be changed, so he could only silently say in his heart, "Claim."

The next moment, a massive flow of information flooded into his mind—the cultivation method of the Vajra Indestructible Divine Skill, the internal energy circulation route, and the method of condensing the golden body were clearly imprinted in his memory.

This martial art is centered on "condensing internal energy and hardening the body." It requires repeatedly compressing and refining internal energy, integrating it into the bones and flesh, and only when the strength of the body and the purity of the internal energy reach a critical point can a golden body be formed.

Gu Santong once said, "The Vajra is indestructible, and only a body of utmost strength and yang can cultivate it," which perfectly matches his pure yang true qi, thus saving him the trouble of switching to cultivating internal energy.

Although it takes a long time, it's still a top-tier defense... If it can be combined with the "Star Absorbing Technique" to absorb the internal energy of others and accelerate cultivation, perhaps one can quickly achieve the Golden Body.

Lin Mu's heart stirred, and he thought of another purpose for this trip.

At this moment, Ren Woxing had just absorbed all the internal energy from the black and white pieces and was closing his eyes to regulate his breathing, feeling the power gradually recovering within his body.

He noticed Lin Mu's gaze, slowly opened his eyes, stroked his chin beard with his fingers, and a glint of light flashed in his eyes: "Brother Lin has been looking at this old man, is there something you need?"

Lin Mu stepped forward and went straight to the point: "Senior Ren, I am very interested in your 'Star Absorbing Technique.' Would you be so kind as to lend it to me for a look?"

"You want to learn the Star Absorbing Technique?"

Ren Woxing's eyes narrowed suddenly, like a tiger eyeing its prey, and a dangerous aura suddenly emanated from his body.

He hadn't expected Lin Mu to be so bold, daring to ask him for the divine skill after seeing Hei Baizi's miserable state.

It should be noted that the Star Absorbing Technique was the foundation of Ren Woxing's livelihood and the source of his confidence in controlling the Sun Moon Cult, and he never showed it to others easily.

But then she thought again that Lin Mu had saved her life, and it would seem petty to refuse him outright.

More importantly, he had already left a "backup plan" in the inscription of the "Star Absorbing Technique," and the flaws in this technique were the best shackles.

The thought raced through his mind, and Ren Woxing burst into a hearty laugh, patting Lin Mu on the shoulder: "Good! Brother Lin saved my life, so what's wrong with teaching you!"

He pointed to a slightly loose bluestone slab in the corner of the dungeon, his tone carrying a hint of deliberate emotion: "Under that slab is engraved the full text of the 'Star Absorbing Technique' that I left behind back then!"

"When I was imprisoned here, I feared I would die trapped in the dungeon without anyone to inherit my divine skills. So, when the guards weren't looking, I inscribed the techniques on this, hoping it would be passed down to a destined person..."

"Now it seems that Brother Lin is the destined one. Come and see for yourself!"

His words were sincere and earnest, but a cold, calculating glint flashed in his eyes.

For ordinary people to cultivate the "Star Absorbing Technique," they either need to abandon their martial arts or give up cultivation altogether.

Even if Lin Mu masters the "Star Absorbing Technique," he will be devoured by the alien species if he absorbs the internal energy of too many people.

Lin Mu will inevitably come to him for help, and then he can use that to control this young man with amazing potential.

Xiang Wentian stood to the side, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back, his brows furrowing slightly.

He knew the dangers of the Star Absorbing Technique and was well aware of the cult leader's temper, but since Ren Woxing had already agreed, he, as a subordinate, couldn't say anything more.

Lin Mu seemed oblivious, and walked forward as instructed, bending down to sweep away the weeds and dust on the stone slab.

The moment the stone slab was lifted, countless engravings came into view. Although the characters were somewhat blurred, the strokes of each character were still clearly visible, revealing the cultivation method of the "Star Absorbing Technique".