369 Intertwined Fates?
Qin Huai studied the zealous figure of Yang Tianhan before turning his gaze to the stunning bronze realm that stretched out before him.
Indeed, this bronze realm was the epitome of the ancient azure illusion scripture. If he could master this technique, his battle prowess would undoubtedly skyrocket to unfathomable heights. For a martial artist, such a prospect was extraordinarily alluring.
Silently, Qin Huai ascended the transparent staircase.
“Brother Zhou, what are you doing?” Yang Tianhan called from below.
“I want to climb up and take a look,” Qin Huai answered with a smile, continuing his ascent.
Looking downward, he observed the boundless forest and the faint bronze patterns adorning the ground. Bronze runes lit up, and a ferocious beast gradually emerged from the bronze ground before darting into the distance.
“Indeed, magnificent,” Qin Huai murmured, continuing his ascent.
He climbed perhaps hundreds of meters. From this height, Yang Tianhan on the ground was merely a small black dot.
Pausing, Qin Huai observed the undulating waves in the sky. The sheer power behind these waves was palpable. If he stepped into it, he wasn’t certain he could return to Qingzhou City. It was more likely he would perish with his current strength.
Retreating a couple of steps, Qin Huai turned his gaze to the sun not far from him. The golden-red celestial body radiated waves of heat, but it wasn’t as scorching as he’d imagined — it felt more like a comforting furnace.
Surveying the clear sky, he mused, “The sun, the sky, the bronze beasts on the ground, the plants, and the cycle of the sun and moon… All of this must be the bronze realm, crafted by the ancient azure illusion scripture. Its power is indeed terrifying.”
Other than the bronze ground inscribed with cryptic runes, everything else could be an illusion. In the past, such a scene would have been unfathomable.
He thought out loud, “With the temptation of such a cultivation technique, many would choose to remain even without the barrier in the sky. Leaving would mean being forever separated from such a unique scripture.”
Considering the limited number of years one had before reaching thirty, he figured most people didn’t have a choice. The chance of escaping was minimal. Given the inability to communicate with the outside world, the only information they had was based on the few who had managed to leave the bronze realm.
After some time, Qin Huai descended to the ground.
“Let’s go, Brother Qin.”
Qin Huai followed Yang Tianhan back to the mountain wall. By the time they reached it, those who had been cultivating had already opened their eyes, one by one.
“Newcomer, what’s your name?” a middle-aged man with a hawkish nose and icy eyes, seated at the center, inquired. Simultaneously, a subtle wave of murderous intent leaked from his gaze.
“Zhou Cunzhong, a wandering cultivator from Qingzhou,” Qin Huai replied with cupped hands and a respectful bow.
Whoosh!
Without warning, the hawk-nosed middle-aged man launched an attack on Qin Huai. His palm, reminiscent of an eagle’s talon, charged forward, carving through the air with a sharp aura that elicited a piercing sonic boom.
“Boiling blood! Blood dragon form!”
Bang!
The bronze ground beneath their feet vibrated with the impact. An explosive force emanated from their point of contact, sweeping through the surroundings like a razor-sharp blade.
Rustle, rustle, rustle…
The grass was sliced, sent into a wild dance in the air. Leaves rustled down, and branches snapped.
“What an impressive physique!” The bystanders furrowed their brows.
The hawk-nosed middle-aged man withdrew his hand. “Two full patterns? His physical form and blood essence far surpass those of his age… It’s almost the same as four full patterns.”
Qin Huai remained silent, observing the middle-aged man before him. Clearly, he was dealing with an expert who bore five full patterns.
“When did such a talent emerge in Qingzhou? How come I’ve never heard of you?” A young girl surveyed Qin Huai.
“I’ve only been in Qingzhou for two months… and I’ve never set foot in the inner city.”
“Has that demon not been captured yet?” The girl frowned.
“That demon is exceedingly cunning and elusive… A lot of visceral prefecture realm experts dispatched by the city have failed to capture it,” Qin Huai answered honestly.
Their conversation was brief and didn’t extend further.
“I’m Lan Zhengtu, a disciple of the Heavenly Eagle sect in Qingzhou!” the hawk-nosed middle-aged man announced. “My apologies for the offense earlier.”
“Sir, what are you talking about?” Qin Huai offered a cordial smile. He noted that the Heavenly Eagle sect was not among the prominent sects of Qingzhou. However, judging by Lan Zhengtu’s demeanor, he appeared to be the group’s leader.
“We’re all trapped in the bronze realm, so it’s important for us to cooperate and comprehend this technique. Since we share the same plight, our fates are intertwined,” Lan Zhengtu said earnestly.
“Fates intertwined? Could you elaborate on that?” Qin Huai inquired. He could tell Lan Zhengtu had a hidden agenda in mentioning their connected fates.
“Didn’t you explain it to him earlier, Yang Tianhan?” Lan Zhengtu chided.
“Well… I only told him about the heavenly stairway and some minor details of the bronze realm.” Yang Tianhan scratched his head, lowering his voice.
Lan Zhengtu snorted disdainfully. This scenario left Qin Huai puzzled.
Age-wise, Lan Zhengtu and Yang Tianhan seemed to be contemporaries. And in terms of strength, Qin Huai surmised there wouldn’t be much difference between the two. So, as a disciple of the Ghost Ox sect, Yang Tianhan shouldn’t be so deferential to a member of the Heavenly Eagle sect.
