Chapter 83: Chen Xuanwu

Thunderous as a storm, powerful as the surging sea!

Not far away, the blood energy within that Daoist was vibrant as a rainbow, condensed into a towering pillar of vital force rising from his crown, reaching more than ten feet in height. His gaze swept across, the brilliance in his eyes like two sharp celestial swords, almost piercing through his body, shooting out murderous intent from his pupils and filling the void.

Such terrifying, peerless blood energy—let alone ordinary orthodox Daoist cultivators—even he, a martial artist who specialized in tempering the body, was a step behind, unable to compare or discuss on equal terms.

Yuan Yangsheng took several steps back, feeling a faint numbness at his scalp.

Within the perception granted by his Martial Eye, Chen Heng appeared as a blazing divine furnace. Simply standing there, his vigorous vitality warped and heated the surrounding air, making it indistinct and dizzying, so overwhelming that none dared to look directly, only to retreat.

Compared to such an inhuman body as Chen Heng’s, Yuan felt he hardly seemed a martial cultivator—indeed, Chen Heng fit the title better.

"Too sinister... This Daoist is full of schemes. Had I not luckily awakened the Martial Eye, I would have been truly caught off guard this time..."

Yuan Yangsheng muttered inwardly, his teeth aching.

Originally, he intended to use the great martial art of "Shrinking the Earth into Inches," breaking through the void at extreme speed to approach Chen Heng and relying on his physical prowess to subdue and capture him.

After all, in low-tier combat, martial cultivators could only surpass orthodox Daoists with their repeatedly forged physical bodies.

But Chen Heng’s blood energy was even stronger and more domineering than his own!

If it came to close combat, the outcome would be disastrous—a sheep entering a tiger’s maw.

While Yuan Yangsheng hesitated, uncertain and troubled, Chen Heng himself was somewhat surprised.

"Martial Eye... What divine ability is this in the path of martial arts? It can pierce the concealment of my technique and directly see my blood energy?"

Since acquiring the "Primordial Jade Body" from Tong Gaolu, he had advanced to the fifth layer of the Profound Realm; his blood and essence were deep as the sea, impervious even to most mid-grade talismanic instruments.

Even his skin could not be broken, let alone his muscles and bones.

Such vitality was akin to a young innate beast; even without malice, it suppressed those nearby, disturbing their spirits and leaving them uneasy.

Indeed, this method of sanctifying the body, which mimics the transformations of heaven and earth—

Was meant for a mere human to rival and contend with the innate beasts born of fate through profound tribulations.

He normally concealed his blood energy with the art of dispersing and gathering form, a supreme skill created by the progenitor Immortal of tribulation. Even a master of the Profound Realm could hardly discern him.

Yet today, Yuan Yangsheng only glanced a few times and saw through him...

The scene fell silent.

After calling out, Yuan Yangsheng, wary, did not strike first but retreated further.

Chen Heng, unsure of the depths of Yuan’s Martial Eye, also chose not to act, quietly channeling energy to restore his depleted vital breath.

The Azure Law Sword was, after all, the pinnacle of mid-grade talismanic instruments. After such prolonged use, even his breath was somewhat strained...

With neither side acting further, the battle elsewhere slowed.

The Blood Lotus Sect’s male cultivator, sweating and retreating, was on the verge of defeat; now, suddenly given a chance to breathe, his face lit up in wild joy.

He furtively glanced around, and the blood-patterned robe flickered.

A wisp of black vapor silently escaped, lurking among the weeds, transforming into a small blind-winged moth, burrowing into the earth and vanishing.

This technique was so covert that even the nearby middle-aged man did not notice; in an instant, the moth tunneled dozens of yards underground.

Just as the Blood Lotus Sect cultivator’s lips curled in relief—

Yuan Yangsheng suddenly sneered, crouched, and slammed his palm onto the ground!

The earth surged like tides, as if a subterranean dragon rolled violently; the whole world trembled, stones and soil flying!

Amid the tumult, a blind moth fluttered in panic.

Yuan’s brow rose, fingers formed a fist, and with a roar, he struck at the moth like a mountain crashing down!

BOOM!

This punch carried the force of ten thousand pounds, like a giant swinging a hammer, the wind fierce and chilling!

Not only would it annihilate common flesh—it would shatter even a wall of refined steel.

Yet, unexpectedly, his powerful punch did not turn the moth into blood mist.

Instead,

It merely shattered some of its wings, sending it spiraling toward Chen Heng.

"What trick is this? Am I seeing things?"

Yuan Yangsheng was puzzled.

When his fist struck, the blind moth radiated a strange force, blocking most of his power.

What should have been full strength was diminished by ninety percent, leaving only a trace, barely enough to send the moth flying.

"Orthodox Daoist methods are truly a jumble—full of gods and ghosts! Pity my mentor left in haste, teaching me only a few days before being summoned home. Even with rare martial talent, I only have a handful of skills, unable to make my mark..."

While Yuan Yangsheng pondered, the moth was caught by Chen Heng.

Chen Heng calmly extended two slender, pale fingers and pinched the moth.

Under everyone’s stunned gaze,

He slowly applied pressure...

The moth struggled frantically between his fingers, a torrent of true energy erupting, swirling to break free.

This true energy shone brilliantly, clouds of color swirling, dazzling and gorgeous—clearly of high grade, not mundane, shaking the air with bursts and tremors!

But after two breaths, the true energy and the moth were crushed by Chen Heng’s hand.

A short, sharp scream was all that remained.

Then, nothing.

"Damn! This is bad!"

Seeing Chen Heng raise his eyes calmly, Yuan Yangsheng’s hackles rose, as if stared down by a fierce beast, his pupils contracting.

"This Daoist’s body is even more terrifying than I imagined! This fight, I fear, has run into a steel wall!"

Yuan’s face dropped, eyebrows sagging, sighing inwardly:

"My mentor said to cultivate the martial intent of 'invincible self'—to battle the world for trial.

But I’ve barely ventured out, and already met such a formidable foe—what luck... Is Heaven itself determined to break me?"

Not only was Yuan Yangsheng unsettled—the Blood Lotus Sect cultivator was even more horrified.

To see Chen Heng effortlessly dissipate true energy with two fingers—he lost control, slowing his use of talismanic tools, giving the middle-aged man an opening. The plantain fan struck, bending his back like a shrimp, forcing several mouthfuls of blood.

"Mid-grade fifth-level Crimson Ghost true energy, and this secret method of using moths to send messages—clearly you have fellow disciples here. Is the Blood Lotus Sect planning something big in the Cave of Insight?"

Chen Heng looked at the man and spoke.

Blood Lotus Sect—

A sect said to have originated thousands of years ago, founded by a Blood River Sect immortal who crossed the seas and established the order in the southern region of Eastern Mi before dying.

This demonic sect once flourished, its fame immense. Though their founder died early, later disciples, including several Golden Core immortals, managed to stabilize its decline.

After exterminating a whole world’s living beings and refining a Blood God Child, their power soared, surpassing even the Flower God Mansion and Red Body Sect among the demon sects.

Yet, times have changed. The Blood Lotus Sect now has none of its ancient glory.

The Blood God Child was destroyed, no Golden Core immortals remain, and even their mountain gate was seized by the Flower God Mansion—they had to relocate deep into the southern region, neighboring the Profound Truth Sect and White Crane Cave.

Thirty years ago, when Ai Jian established a sect at Little Gan Mountain, disputes arose among the sects. The Blood Lotus Sect, leading the opposition, was cut down by Ai Jian alone, losing several elders and much of its already scant prestige.

Hence,

Though the Profound Truth Sect was always at odds with others, their enmity with the Blood Lotus Sect was especially deep.

"You too are a southern cultivator—you must know the Blood Lotus Sect’s fame. Leave now, don't risk your life!"

Seeing Chen Heng’s gaze, the Blood Lotus Sect man shuddered, forcing himself to speak:

"I have countless fellow disciples here, don't act rashly! Otherwise—"

"The Cave of Insight is meant to select the worthy, allowing the master to bestow fortune. Even sect members enter alone, avoiding groupings that break this tacit understanding."

Before he could finish, Chen Heng interrupted blandly:

"From your words, it seems the Blood Lotus Sect has brought many disciples, gathering together to fight for the top three? You are bold indeed.

The master of the Cave of Insight is a great refiner of the Profound Realm, widely connected, even friendly with the Five Lights Sect. Are you not afraid your collusion will anger him?"

"Ridiculous! He’s just a Profound Realm refiner—what can he do to the Blood Lotus Sect?! I’ll tell you, we are led by Senior Qin. If you don't want to die, then—"

The Blood Lotus Sect man tried to argue, but Chen Heng was uninterested, pointing with two fingers—the Azure Law Sword slashed down!

"..."

The sword struck fiercely, like blue lightning erupting from the earth!

The Blood Lotus Sect man had no will to resist.

A flash of ferocity in his eyes, the blood-colored python coiled at his waist suddenly opened its mouth, snapping off his head before the sword hit.

Immediately, a cloud of foul blood exploded, destroying both snake and man!

"Escape technique?"

Hundreds of small snakes shot out from the bloody mist—some burrowed, some flew, some swam, filling the scene.

The Azure Law Sword killed only a dozen; the rest fled wildly. As Chen Heng prepared to cast another spell—

Yuan Yangsheng’s voice sounded nearby.

"True body’s in the northwest corner—the yellow-brown one climbing the clouds."

The Azure Law Sword moved as directed.

A wailing shriek followed as the yellow-brown snake in the northwest was cut in two.

All fleeing snakes froze, dissolving into puddles of pus, silent forever.

"Martial Eye... This Yuan’s talent is truly rare!"

In the universe pouch, Ancestral Master Fu Can transmitted to Chen Heng with a sigh:

"Pity he was born in the era of the Immortal Path's glory; if he were of the Tribulation Heaven, who knows what limitless future he’d have! But now, your position is stronger—how will you deal with him?"

Chen Heng turned to Yuan Yangsheng.

This heroic youth was startled, shrinking his neck, hesitated for a few moments, then raised his hands in surrender, showing no malice.

His rotund companion had no intention to help, raising a plantain leaf to sneak away—only to be stopped by a white crane’s cry, freezing him in place.

"Daoist... No, brother, elder! I was wrong, terribly wrong!"

Yuan Yangsheng, unnerved by Chen Heng’s gaze, forced a smile and pleaded:

"As the saying goes, a fight makes friends! You’ve had your fill—may I leave for now and visit you another day?"

"Let you escape, so you can return for revenge?"

Chen Heng smiled.

Yuan Yangsheng’s face changed, denying with frantic gestures, spouting every sweet word he could muster.

Seeing Chen Heng unmoved, Yuan steeled himself, cautiously activating a martial art—a huge serpent’s shadow appeared behind him.

"Be careful—Martial Eye often conceals a heaven-granted ability, and its power is frightening! Don’t let yourself be overturned."

As Chen Heng prepared to act, Ancestral Master Fu Can again transmitted:

"Also, Yuan Yangsheng carries talismanic aura—seems like a Void Escape Talisman. If you intend to kill, it must be a fatal strike; otherwise, a wounded snake brings greater harm."

"A fatal strike?"

Chen Heng frowned, shaking his head slightly.

"But... The snake behind him looks familiar, like it’s asking for a beating."

At this, Ancestral Master Fu Can urged:

"Ask Yuan Yangsheng about his master—perhaps I know him."

"You know him, ancestor?"

"If my guess is right, roughly so. All these Ba Serpents look the same—who bothers counting their scales?"

"Ba Serpent?"

"Stop dithering—ask him! If so, it’ll be a fine spectacle!"

Impatient, Ancestral Master pressed.

Chen Heng thought briefly and asked. Yuan Yangsheng, seeing no intention of harm, relaxed and quietly halted the activation of a talisman.

"Well... I, Yuan Yangsheng, was a beggar from Haoyang in Southern Chan Province. I met my mentor, who said I was a martial prodigy, and taught me a few days of martial arts..."

Yuan scratched his head, honest:

"Then my mentor said he had a great enemy in Southern Chan, might implicate me, so he used a talisman to send me to Eastern Mi... I was unfamiliar here, learned the language for months, then heard the Cave of Insight was a place of fortune, so I came to play."

"What is the giant serpent’s shadow behind you?"

"It’s a martial art—my mentor’s own creation, called 'Eight Strikes of Snake and Dragon.'"

He cautiously watched Chen Heng’s expression:

"My mentor said the great path is hard to practice together; even if I teach you 'Eight Strikes,' you can’t use it—it’s a method unique to this martial path..."

"Ask him! Ask him what the snake and dragon are based on—what’s its name!"

Ancestral Master Fu Can was almost frantic, eager for drama.

"It’s the Ba Serpent, the snake that swallows elephants. My mentor said the Ba Serpent is named Yue You, an innate beast and one of his life’s greatest foes..."

Yuan Yangsheng replied.

"Did your mentor leave a name?"

Chen Heng sensed something odd, but couldn’t quite place it.

"My mentor... is called Chen Xuanwu."

Yuan said.

Ancestral Master Fu Can suddenly sat up, eyes shining.

"Why did he teach you martial arts? Was it just because you’re talented—no price?"

Chen Heng asked.

"Well... It wasn’t without price."

Seeing Chen Heng only questioning, Yuan, though confused, was happy to rest and began regulating his breath.

"My mentor said if I ever achieve the Dao, I must help him deal with someone."

"Who?"

"His family."

Yuan hesitated, then said:

"His father..."

Inside the universe pouch,

Ancestral Master Fu Can was convulsed with laughter, tears streaming down his face.

"Unbelievable! Unbelievable!"

He laughed, face flushed with excitement:

"Fate is truly unfathomable, so marvelous! Hahaha! What a show! What a show! Truly a fine drama!"

...

...

At that moment,

Elsewhere in the Cave of Insight,

On the high platform, a cold snort sounded; a person stood up, expressionless and displeased.

Two-in-one