Chapter 80: Starry Night Sword and Shield
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
“Divine Flame Sect? Aren’t they targeting the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect? Why did they suddenly attack us?” The uproar among the group was palpable.
Chen Fei’s brow furrowed upon hearing the name Divine Flame Sect. This sect was notorious in the vicinity of Immortal Cloud City and had a long-standing enmity with the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect, making them bitter enemies.
Known for their elusive nature, the Divine Flame Sect lacked a fixed sect base, appearing and disappearing unpredictably. However, whenever they surfaced, they brought trouble upon the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect. Despite the latter’s attempts to encircle and annihilate them on multiple occasions, the Divine Flame Sect always managed to rise again, seemingly impervious to destruction. It was as if the members of the Divine Flame Sect were indomitable.
“The Divine Flame Sect has always been unpredictable,” Guo Linshan sighed and shook his head.
In the eyes of the Divine Flame Sect, the Primordial Sword Sect could be considered an offshoot of the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect. Killing some of their members was nothing out of the ordinary. If it weren’t for the fact that the Divine Flame Sect feared being surrounded by the other sects, it was likely that no other sect would live in peace either.
A few moments later, the remaining Marrow Tempering realm disciples returned, bringing back the bodies of the two fallen disciples.
“Senior Brother Guo, do you suspect the Long Rainbow Sect’s involvement?” Chen Fei asked, taking a seat next to Guo Linshan. Soon after the attack on their convoy, members of the Long Rainbow Sect had arrived to cause trouble, making the connection easy to establish.
…..
“I cannot say for sure,” Guo Linshan replied, shaking his head. “However, the Long Rainbow Sect has a tendency to exploit us during our missions. They see our Primordial Sword Sect as an easy target.”
Guo Linshan’s voice carried a bitter smile.
While the Primordial Sword Sect was not weak, it still fell short compared to the other three sects. The Immortal Cloud Sword Sect had the privilege of first selection when it came to recruiting talented individuals near Immortal Cloud City. Those not chosen would naturally seek opportunities elsewhere.
The Long Rainbow Sect, in particular, only accepted individuals below the age of thirteen, and they were stronger than the Primordial Sword Sect. Consequently, the remaining candidates often opted for the Long Rainbow Sect.
After multiple rounds of selection, the disciples who ended up in the Primordial Sword Sect were indeed less talented compared to those of other sects.
Although Kuang Dingbo had been arrogant, he had a point. Very few Long Rainbow Sect disciples who were allowed to venture outside the sect due to their age had reached the Bone Tempering realm. They were a minority within a minority.
However, the Primordial Sword Sect boasted a considerable number of Bone Tempering realm inner sect disciples. Chen Fei belonged to the older generation, and there were many other youths like him in the Primordial Sword Sect.
“Senior Brother Guo, I heard you have perfected the fifth stage of the Origin Connection Technique,” Chen Fei changed the topic.
“Yes, luckily I succeeded in doing so recently,” Guo Linshan replied, glancing at Chen Fei and chuckling softly. “I have you to thank for that. Your perfect cultivation of the first stage of the Origin Opening Technique served as my motivation.”
Chen Fei was left speechless. He had only provoked himself.
“After this mission, I will prepare to break through to the Visceral Tempering realm. That will be my chance to compete for the legacy of a true disciple!” Guo Linshan spoke with anticipation evident in his tone. As martial artists, everyone aspired to cultivate profound martial arts techniques to advance their own realms, and Guo Linshan was no exception.
“Martial Uncle Qian!”
“Martial Uncle Qian is here!”
A disciple suddenly exclaimed, catching the attention of Chen Fei and the others. They stood up and saw a middle-aged man standing in the encampment. He bore the appearance of a Confucian scholar, yet his countenance exuded an air of solemnity.
“Martial Uncle Qian!” Guo Linshan hurriedly stepped forward and greeted him.
“Tell me everything that happened, leave nothing out,” Qian Lindu spoke with a grave expression.
“Yes, Martial Uncle Qian!”
Guo Linshan proceeded to recount the events, detailing the attack on the convoy and the findings at the scene, including the presence of Kuang Dingbo from the Long Rainbow Sect.
After finishing his report, Guo Linshan fell silent. Qian Lindu furrowed his brow slightly, his expression serious.
“Continue gathering the medicinal herbs. I will personally escort the herbs several times,” Qian Lindu declared solemnly.
If the Divine Flame Sect had indeed set their sights on them, the current disciples would be incapable of protecting themselves. Should the Divine Flame Sect launch a major offensive, the disciples in this area would likely be in grave danger.
However, the probability of this was relatively low. Unless they were directly confronting the Immortal Cloud Sword Sect, the Divine Flame Sect rarely acted so ruthlessly against other sects.
Agreeing with Qian Lindu’s decision, Guo Linshan nodded. Qian Lindu then left the encampment, intending to visit the other sects and ascertain whether they had also been attacked or if their sect alone was targeted.
Night descended, and the herb gatherers returned. Given the reduced visibility and increased danger, they ceased their herb-picking activities for the night.
Around the rising bonfire, hushed conversations filled the air. Meanwhile, Chen Fei practiced his movement technique in the nearby forest, his long sword flashing incessantly.
Seated on the ground, Guo Linshan observed Chen Fei cultivating in the distance, nodding approvingly.
Such dedication made Guo Linshan feel somewhat inferior.
Previously, Guo Linshan had heard rumors that Chen Fei secluded himself in his room to cultivate and seldom indulged in leisurely activities. Initially, he thought the rumors might be exaggerated, but witnessing it now, he felt they might have actually been an understatement.
“It’s just that his foundation is somewhat lacking. Life can be so unfair,” Guo Linshan muttered to himself.
Some individuals possessed exceptional talent, easily surpassing others without much effort. Meanwhile, some, despite diligent and tireless work, would see little change in their results.
However, there was little one could do about it; that was the nature of the world. Consequently, some people resigned themselves to their fate, living their lives aimlessly.
Others, however, refused to admit defeat and persevered in their efforts, undeterred by minimal progress. They did not entertain thoughts of giving up, leaving the outcome in the hands of fate.
“Fortunately, Junior Brother has a good grasp of the Origin Connection Technique, so his advancement to the Visceral Tempering stage should proceed smoothly. Moreover, his comprehension is not lacking, suggesting potential for further progress in the future,” Guo Linshan murmured softly. He closed his eyes and began circulating the Origin Connection Technique, aiming to reach the fifth level of perfection. Breaking through to the Visceral Tempering realm would then become a matter of course, with no obstacles impeding his progress.
As the night grew deeper, Chen Fei’s figure continued to flash. In a sudden moment, he vanished from his original position, reappearing on a distant treetop.
[Cultivation Method: Soul Chasing Step (Great Completion)]
A smile graced Chen Fei’s face. He had finally perfected this movement technique to its pinnacle. The perfected Soul Chasing Step did not disappoint, significantly augmenting Chen Fei’s speed, living up to its name.
Compared to before, his swiftness had increased several-fold, and he truly embodied the title of Soul Chaser.
Chen Fei gazed at the long sword in his hand. Standing on the treetop, his sword emanated a dazzling light, seemingly forming countless shields enveloping his body.
With agile footwork, Chen Fei’s body traversed the treetops, effortlessly crushing any leaves or branches that approached him.
“Tsk!”
A sword light erupted from the shield of swords, instantly leveling a tree crown several meters away.
[Cultivation Technique: Starry Night Sword (Great Completion)]